SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 22nd annual Saratoga Hospital Golf Invitational raised more than $191,000 in support of nursing education and professional development at Saratoga Hospital.
“These funds play a crucial role in helping us attract and retain highly skilled nurses,” Toni Bishop-McWain, DNP, RN, Vice President of Patient Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer said in a statement.
“Through this event, we aim to cultivate valuable relationships and provide lifelong professional development opportunities for our nurses. Investment in education directly enhances the quality of patient care and ensures a brighter future for the Saratoga region.”
The event was held at Saratoga National Golf Club. The funds raised directly support Saratoga Hospital nurses seeking to further their education and advance their careers, fostering a culture of lifelong learning and professional growth that leads to enhanced patient care.
BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
Each year Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen and her office call attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October, reminding residents the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office remains committed to being an advocate for victims of domestic violence and to prosecuting domestic violence offenders.
During October, the District Attorney’s Office is sponsoring a collection of personal care items in recognition of the on-going need for support of domestic violence victims and those who serve them.
Suggested items include: unopened bottles of shampoo and conditioner, body soap, lotion, sanitary products, hair accessories, and nail products.
All items collected will be donated to domestic violence programs in Saratoga County to help survivors of domestic violence. Those wishing to contribute to the collection drive, may bring items to the District Attorney’s Office Monday through Friday 9 A.M. to 5 P.M. at 25 West High St. Building 4, Ballston Spa, until Oct. 28.
“The prevalence of domestic violence is such that everyone knows someone impacted by domestic violence. If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, please don’t hesitate to seek help,” Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement. “The Assistant District Attorneys assigned to the Special Victims’ Unit in our office work daily to navigate the challenging and unique aspects of criminal cases that involve family members who are victims and defendants. Their training, experience and relationships with other agencies and programs focused on domestic violence issues come together to achieve a fair and just result for all involved parties.”
Prosecutors and victim specialists may also refer victims to support and advocacy agencies for counseling, shelter, and assistance. Victim specialists are available at the District Attorney’s office at 518-885-2263, Monday through Friday, 9 A.M. to 5 P.M.
For more information call the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office at 518- 885-2263.
Saratoga Springs Comprehensive Budget presentation by Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi on Oct. 1.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi presented the city’s 2025 Comprehensive Budget on Oct. 1. The proposed $62.6 million budget for 2025 is up $1.3 million compared to the budget adopted for the current year.
The highest percentage of revenue in 2025 is anticipated to come via Sales Tax (31% – or nearly $20 million) and Property Tax (29% – or just over $18 million).
“I am pleased to announce that we’re not increasing our tax rates,” Sanghvi said.
Sanghvi noted increases in retirement ($1.2 million), hospitalization ($1.2 million), and liability insurance ($300,000) as challenges in 2025, and tax income resulting from the pending state Short Term Rental legislation, as well as a full roll-out of the local seasonal parking program and retail cannabis sales as potential opportunities.
The Public Safety department (which includes police and fire) accounts for the largest percentage of departmental budget costs (58%), with the Department of Public Works – at 20% – as second highest. It is notable that 2025 represents the final year of full funding for 16 firefighters through a Federal SAFER grant.
Overtime costs of all departments have combined for more than $1 million in each of the past three years. In 2025, $600,000 has been budgeted for overtime.
The $62.6 million budget proposal depicts a $3.6 million reduction of the total amount all departments requested.
The city was eyeing property it owns at 5 Williams St. or the lot behind City Hall for a new $25 million police station, with the first $1.5 million set aside in 2025 as part of a long-range capital plan (see: https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/city-eyes-new-25-million-police-station/), but that initial set-aside of funds won’t happen in 2025.
“Preliminary work on planning a new police station: We support the idea but we need a full plan with a proposed site and a timeline before we can start allocating money,” Sanghvi said. “While I’m concerned about the current police department facility – and we have just given monies for improvements to the facility – as the city’s chief financial officer I have to also consider the debt limit and the city’s debt service budget.”
Budget Workshops, open to the public at City Hall, are slated to take place 4 p.m. on Tuesdays – Oct. 8 (Public Safety, Finance), Oct. 22 (Public Works, Capital), Oct. 29 (Mayor, Recreation, Accounts). Public Hearings regarding the budget will take place during regular City Council meetings Oct. 15 and Nov. 6. The City Council is charged with adopting the 2025 budget by Nov. 30. If potential changes cannot be agreed upon by that point, the $62.6 million budget stands as is.
BALLSTON SPA— Fisher and Associates will conduct a Rezoning Workshop for the Village of Ballston Spa Zoning Advisory Committee (ZAC) and the public is invited.
The Rezoning Workshop builds on the 2023 Comprehensive Plan and the discussions of the ZAC, an advisory group appointed in 2023 by the Mayor and Village Trustees to identify updates needed for the Village Zoning Code.
The public is requested to attend this first workshop to provide feedback to the consultant on the changes proposed to the zoning code. All Village residents, business owners and interested parties are encouraged to attend. Attendees unable to meet in person can participate for part of the meeting through a Zoom link posted to the Village of Ballston Spa website ballstonspa.gov.
The public meeting will be held 7-9 p.m. on Oct. 15, at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Auditorium, 50 West High Street, Ballston Spa.
The meeting space is accessible and there is ample parking on site.
This first workshop will provide the vital public input that will shape the next round of changes to the draft zoning code.
How to check: go to https://voterlookup.elections.ny.gov/ where you will be prompted to enter your name, county, zip code, and birthdate. A new screen will open showing where you can vote in Early Voting, as well as an address and map depicting your designated Election Day poll site.
If you need to register to vote, go to: https://www.ny.gov/services/register-vote where instructions will tell you what you need and how to go about it.
Locally, the Saratoga County Board of Elections is located in Ballston Spa. Their website may be found here: https://www.saratogacountyny.gov/departments/board-of-elections/.
The Northern Lights made a dramatic appearance in the skies above the Saratoga area late Monday night. Pictured here, via long-exposure photography, are the lights as seen from Brown’s Beach over Saratoga Lake at around 1 a.m. Photo by Stefanie Waldek.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church will be holding a free clothing giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Families needing clothing can come to the Fellowship Hall at the church and take what they need. There will be clothing and shoes for men, women’s and children. All are welcome.
Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is located at 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa. Phone: 518-885-7312
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Senior Center is sponsoring a guided tour of the Museum at Bethel Woods. This guided tour of the museum is an “Explore the 60’s” program, which will include discussions with teaching artists, art activations and will be focused on the Woodstock Music and Art Fair.
Boxed lunch will be provided. After the tour and lunch, a stop will be made in Woodstock, where the festival was originally slated to be held.
Must sign up by Oct. 23. Call 518-584-1621. Trip Cost: $82 per person. (Meals are not included)
Additional events at the Saratoga Senior Center this month:
Fall Reduction: What We Can Do to Stay Healthy as We Age – Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 am. Presented by Cheryl Caimano, PT, Saratoga Hospital Regional Therapy Center.
MVP Medicare Presentation – Monday, Oct. 21, 10 am. Presented by Sheila Rivera from MVP. Informative presentation to discuss 2025 MVP Medicare Advantage options for those who are Medicare Eligible in Saratoga County.
Vision Zero Discussion – Friday, Oct. 25, 10 am. Discussion about transportation safety in the Saratoga Region.
Traveling Safely – An informative session presented by Travel Medicine, a service of Saratoga Hospital – Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10 am. Presented by Trudy Kelly, RN, Travel Medicine Service/ Occupational Medicine, Saratoga Hospital.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during October:
Oct. 17 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.
Oct. 22 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.
Oct. 22 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.
Oct. 25 at 10:30AM: Networking – Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.
STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in September with the following offerings:
Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13
10 am to 4 pm, Battlefield Tour Road. Activities include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sewing clothing. Experience the life of a Revolutionary War soldier!
Homefront at the Schuyler Estate: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Schuyler House. Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th Century cooking techniques. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family. And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.
18th Century Medicine: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Whitcomb’s Rangers Encampment: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Monument. Whitcomb’s Rangers, an independent company of Continental Army rangers who hailed from NH and VT, will be encamped at the Saratoga Monument. Meet some of the men whose unit helped trap the British here in Saratoga, leading to the first surrender of a British army in history.
Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour: Monday, Oct. 14, 2:00 pm, Meet at the Saratoga Monument. Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Saratoga Surrender Day: Thursday, Oct. 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Surrender Site. Visit with a park ranger to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces.
Visit go.nps.gov/saraevents for a complete and updated list.
View from recently developed “Sword Surrender” site observation plaza that overlooks the Hudson River. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
Are Eggs Benedict Named After Benedict Arnold? Revolutionary Trivia Night in Milton
BALLSTON SPA — In commemoration of the October 16, 1780, British raid along Middleline Road, The Milton 250th Revolutionary War Committee will sponsor a trivia night at Milton Tavern, 430 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Organizers say: arrive early, enjoy a dinner, and chat with the Town of Milton Historian about The Raid. Share your knowledge of local history, win Prizes, and take a photo with living historians in period attire. For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com.
Victory Season at Saratoga Oct. 17
BALLSTON SPA — “Victory Season at Saratoga,” presented by America’s Turning Point, features a series of events commemorating the 247th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga culminating in the surrender of the British on Oct. 17, 1777.
Highlights of the 2024 “Victory Season at Saratoga” include:
-The “American Revolution Experience,” a national traveling exhibit produced by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust. It showcases diverse perspectives of common people on the lead up to, and during, the War for Independence. It will be on display at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY from October 13 – October 27, 2024.
-”Surrender Day,” October 17 celebrating the surrender of a British Army for the first time in world history, marking the Turning Point of the American Revolution, features multiple events.
– Surrender Day Ceremony at Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, 10 a.m. This free, family event features a reenactment of the surrender by British General Burgoyne to American General Gates by the banks of the Hudson River, interactive music, and cannon firing. This annual event is a favorite of families with young children and elementary school classes. (weather permitting)
– Siege and Surrender Tour – Join licensed battlefield guide Pat Niles for a tour of key sites tied to the siege and surrender at Saratoga. The tour departs from America’s Turning Point Heritage Center at 30 Ferry St. Schuylerville. This is a ticketed event from 1PM – 3:30PM with limited seats on private coach. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
– An inaugural Surrender Day Benefit co-presented with SPAC and Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library/Saratoga Book Festival at Spa Little Theater from 6:30PM to 8PM featuring Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.), author of the award-winning recent book, “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution” and County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and NYS 250 Commissioner, Lauren Roberts. Local students will also be featured in the program. All proceeds benefit Campaign for Saratoga 250 & Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
“Sword Surrender” marker off Route 4 in the town of Saratoga, a half-mile south of the village of Schuylerville, where British General John Burgoyne surrendered his army to American General Horatio Gates. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
