Local COVID Rates Drop, Hospital Capacity Increases,
County to Decide on Potential Return of High-Risk Sports

BALLSTON SPA — Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced on Jan. 22 that as of February 1, high-risk school sports had been given the green light to return as long as certain conditions were met and that the decision would be left up to individual county health departments. 

Among those sports believed to fall under the high-risk category in New York State are football, wrestling, ice hockey, rugby, basketball, contact lacrosse, volleyball, martial arts, competitive cheer. There are one dozen school districts in Saratoga County with 1,100 school winter athletes.

Among the conditions was a community COVID-19 positivity rate of 4% or under. At the time of the governor’s announcement, the seven-day rolling average infection rate in Saratoga County was 7.4%. 

On Jan. 29 – when the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors announced it was approving higher-risk K-12 sponsored school sports to resume on Feb. 1 in conjunction with similar conditions, that average rate of infection had fallen to 4.7%. and on Feb. 3 had fallen to 4% – the first time it had done so in Saratoga County since Dec. 2, when the post-Thanksgiving Day infection surge was on its rise. The infection rate had previously been at or near, and often below 1% from Memorial Day weekend through Halloween. 

Hospital capacity is another condition, with a low of 15% availability being a particular danger sign. The Capital Region – the eight-county region which includes Saratoga – is the worst of the state’s 10 designated regions for percent of hospital beds available. However, its 27% availability rate has trended in a good way, climbing in positivity in recent days, and nearing the statewide average of 34% bed availability.   

“While the seven-day positivity rate has dropped substantially in just the last two weeks, it is imperative that we do not lower our guard and leave our communities and hospitals vulnerable to another surge in cases,” said Dr. Daniel Kuhles, Commissioner of Saratoga County Public Health Services, adding that he had been directed by Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore Kusnierz to study NCAA protocols to determine if they can be adapted to high school athletics.

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The Board of Supervisors called for a special meeting to take place Feb. 4 to consider the recommendations of Dr. Kuhles on high school high-risk sports. 

Pending updates which may emerge from the special meeting Feb. 4, Saratoga County had recently put additional guidelines in place for schools to proceed. 

• If the school is closed for in-person education due to an increase in COVID-19 cases, school-sponsored sports must be suspended until in-person education is resumed; however, this restriction does not apply to schools that are conducting only remote instruction. 
• Sports-related travel outside the Capital Region, North Country and Mohawk Valley is strongly discouraged and travel to, or from, any area that has been designated by NYSDOH as a red or orange zone is not permitted. Participation in multiteam events or tournaments is not recommended. To minimize contact, pod/bubble mini-leagues could be created.
• Weekly COVID-19 testing for each student-athlete, coach, manager, referee/official, or other individual associated with the higher-risk sport, unless the individual has documentation of a positive COVID-19 test within the previous 90 days.
• It is also suggested that coaches and student-athletes sign pledges acknowledging that what they do outside of practice and games can affect their teammates, opponents, and their community, as well as directly impact the future of the sports season.

Cuomo’s announcement came a few days after the New York State Athletic Administrators Association – representatives of the over 780 Athletic Administrators in the state – sent a letter to the governor, imploring his reconsideration of a decision to forego ‘high-risk’ sports for the winter and potentially the remainder of the school year, and to permit play to return immediately. The letter cited surrounding states keeping school sports programs operating while identifying mental health and increasing the socio-economic gaps as potential factors in cases of student depression and lower grades while engaged in some form of virtual learning.

Saratoga Springs — Everyone knows that Saratoga Springs is a horseracing town and one of the hardest bets to win at the track is the trifecta where the bettor has to pick the first, second and third place finishers in a race.  Dating back to last year’s Section II championships, the Saratoga Springs High School gymnastics team has hit the trifecta in four consecutive competitions. 

In each of those contests, Saratoga gymnasts Sophia Damiano, Ava Dallas and Carly Ruschak have finished 1-2-3 in the all-around. On Friday night at the Wilton YMCA, the trio led Saratoga to a win over Guilderland 169.9 – 156.0 to move to 3-0 on the season. Damiano was first in the all-around with a score of 36.825 followed by Dallas in second (36.45) and Ruschak in third (33.25). Guilderland’s top finisher in the all-around was Carli Rem who finished 4th (32.65).

Damiano scored highest on the vault (9.525) and the balance beam (9.05).  She finished second on the uneven bars and the floor.  Dallas won the uneven bars (8.9) and the floor (9.5). She placed second on the vault and the balance beam. Ruschak took third on the uneven bars, the balance beam and the floor. 

“I’m really happy with the consistency of the top three. They are scoring really well while adding more difficult skills to their routines. Really the whole team has come together nicely.  We shoot for a team score of 170 in each meet and we only missed it by 0.1 points tonight. We had an injury on the vault and another contributor did not compete.  I really like where we are at midway through the season,” commented Head Coach Deb Smarro.

Saratoga returns to action on Thursday, January 28 against Shaker at the Wilton YMCA. 

TOP THREE FINISHERS IN EACH EVENT
Vault: 1st-Sophia Damiano(SS) 9.525; 2nd-Ava Dallas(SS) 9.15; 3rd- Addie Seebode (G) 8.25
Bars: 1st-Ava Dallas(SS) 8.9; 2nd-Sophia Damiano(SS) 8.8; 3rd-Carly Ruschak(SS) 7.3
Beam: 1st-Sophia Damiano(SS) 9.05; 2nd-Ava Dallas(SS) 8.9; 3rd-Carly Ruschak(SS) 8.6
Floor: 1st-Ava Dallas(SS) 9.5; 2nd-Sophia Damiano(SS) 9.45; 3rd-Carly Ruschak(SS) 9.25
AA: 1st-Sophia Damiano(SS) 36.825; 2nd-Ava Dallas(SS) 36.45; 3rd-Carly Ruschak(SS) 33.25

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Alternative Baseball Organization, a 501c3, provides an authentic baseball experience for teens 15+ and adults with autism and other disabilities.

They are looking for a volunteer coach/manager, volunteers, and players to help us start new programs serving those in Saratoga County and the surrounding area, in addition to their other Atlantic programs that are tentatively set to start in late Spring-summer 2021. 

The teams travel to other areas, play on traditional high school size fields, and follow Major League rules (wood bats, base stealing, dropped third strike, etc.), Alternative Baseball has clubs in 30+ states. In 2019, the organization was commemorated as a Community Hero at an Atlanta Braves game and has been featured on ESPN’s BASEBALL TONIGHT and NBC’s Weekday TODAY Show.

For more information, go to  www.alternativebaseball.org            

Ice fishing is for everyone, not just the heartiest of anglers. 

This year’s social distancing requirements are causing so many more people to take up ice fishing that shops in the area have been running out of live bait, said Tim Blodgett, owner of Saratoga Tackle & Archery in Schuylerville.

“I’ve definitely had some people come in who have never been ice fishing but finally have the time to do it. Fishing, archery, and hunting have all increased since lockdown began in the spring. People have found they have more time on their hands and want to do the activities that keep them away from the crowds indoors,” he said. 

Tim’s been placing much larger orders to keep up with the burgeoning demand. He has bubbling tanks of live fathead minnows, pike shiners, suckers, and Rosie red,; as well as a stocked fridge, and shelves of supplies to fully equip your ice-fishing adventures.

Here are some of Tim’s tips on how to make ice-fishing an enjoyable activity for the whole family.

1. PLAN AHEAD.
Overdress and stay dry. Bring extra gloves, a towel, and a stool/bucket to sit on. Saratoga Tackle sells auger drills, items like skimmers to scoop ice chips out of the holes, and strap-on treads. Don’t forget toys for the kids. Food, drinks, and entertainment are all essential gear when kids come along.

Before you go: Check online for areas open to ice-fishing and what you might expect to catch. Different fish like different bait. Useful websites for fishing in Saratoga County include the Department of Environmental Conservation www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/32366.html, the Saratoga Lake Association’s Live Cam www.saratogalakecam.com, and the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District slpid.org 

Tim had a customer come in with pictures of a 35” pike he pulled out of Lake Lauderdale this season. He’s heard reports that Pickerel are biting all day in Moreau Lake, as well as some good perch and trout. At sun-up on Lake Lonely you can pull in some panfish or bluegills. Evenings on Saratoga Lake is when the Walleye bite. 

2. TREAT THE LAKE BETTER THAN YOUR OWN PROPERTY.
Be aware that most of the property around lakes is private property. Don’t park in people’s yards or obstruct traffic. Be considerate and don’t leave a mess behind.

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3. MAKE SPACE.
If it was open water and casting a line would hit your neighbor, your ice-fishing home base is too close.  Keeping a 50-100’ radius around your camp is a good rule of thumb.

4. DON’T BE GREEDY.
Look for clues that a spot has seen some success. Tracks, holes, and weeds strewn about are all indications that someone has spent time at that spot. You might have luck there, too. Don’t worry, no one “owns” a spot out on the ice. Be mindful of the amount of real estate you take up however, and don’t take more fish than your limit. 

5. BE CAUTIOUS.
If you’ve never gone ice fishing, start with a lake that you’re familiar with. Ice thickness varies, especially at current areas, known spring spots, around the shoreline, etc. Unless you know what you’re doing, don’t venture too far away from where other people have been. 

Get Paid to Play: The 1st Annual Saratoga Springs Ducks Unlimited Ice Fishing Tournament will be held on Saratoga Lake on February 20. For more information, go to ducksunlimited.myeventscenter.com/event/1st-Annual-Saratoga-Springs-Du-Ice-Fishing-46554

It finally feels like winter is here in Upstate NY, as we now start our cars from our windows and continue to get up every morning to scrape off that thick layer of frost. For most people, the sub-freezing temperatures are an unwanted part of living here and begin to limit them to indoor activities, but for winter enthusiasts like myself, the cold presents some incredible opportunities. Community guidelines suggest social distancing this winter and what better way to do that then to try a new hobby; my suggestion is the sport of Ice Fishing.

Just in the last few weeks, our local ponds and lakes have finally become safe enough that we are able to begin ice fishing them. Ice fishing can be a dangerous activity if one does not follow the guidelines in place to ensure one’s safety. I recommend visiting the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website, where they list out guidelines and regulations on the bodies of water in New York. Although finding fish while on the ice is most people’s main concern, I have to stress that your first priority should be weather conditions and safety.

To begin ice fishing and walking on the ice, it has been determined that you need at least 4” of ice. Regardless of how much ice there is, there is never a guarantee that it is completely safe.

Depending on various weather conditions, the strength of the ice can be affected dramatically. So before you go out, always make sure that the weather conditions leading up to your trip have been stable to ensure the ice hasn’t changed or become unsafe. Rain and snow cover are the two conditions I always watch for before I head out.

Rain usually doesn’t impact the main ice layers as much, but it can weaken the shorelines leading to softspots while getting onto the ice.

Snow cover tends to be the most dangerous as it can hide open spots, cracks, and the weaker ice. Not to mention the fact that the snow tends to insulate the ice, so despite having seemingly good ice making conditions at night, it doesn’t mean that the lakes are gaining much ice. Luckily for us this year, the massive snow storm that buried us, melted before the lakes really began to freeze. But as a general rule, try not to walk on any of the sparse snow pockets on the ice.

Keeping up with weather conditions and temperatures are good steps you can take while preparing for your ice trip, however nature and the actual conditions can be unpredictable. 

With that being said, local sporting goods stores and bait stores have the tools you need to make sure you are being safe while on the ice. 

The first tool I bring with me on every trip is called a Spud Bar. A Spud Bar is generally a long 4-5’ piece of steel with a chisel on the end. It is used to test the integrity of the ice you are walking on. Basically, you use the spud bar to strike the ice in front of you and the number of times it takes to get through determines if the ice is safe to walk on. 

For experienced ice anglers, three strikes tends to deem the ice safe to walk on, but I like to advise people to try and be on ice that can withstand four to five strikes. Before I walk to a spot I will always spud my way out there just to make sure I am walking on safe ice, then I drill a hole to ensure the ice is over 4”. Most spud bars have a loop in the top where you can tie a rope to in case it slips out of your hands. I usually tie around ten feet of rope to my spud bar just in case someone ever did fall through.

The two other must-have ice tools are retractable ice picks and ice cleats. 

The retractable ice picks are worn around your neck so if you do fall in, you can stab the ice to pull yourself out. If you do fall through the ice, try and make yourself as horizontal as possible when climbing back up to spread your weight out. If you try and immediately go vertical, you will be putting all your weight on the already weakened ice. Ice picks give you that extra grip that makes it easier to pull yourself out. 

Although snow covered ice is inevitable, right now most of our lakes have bare/glare ice. Trying to maintain balance while running and carrying heavy objects on the ice without cleats is just asking for you to fall and get hurt. By simply wearing ice spikes/cleats you can have traction on the ice and feel stable while walking. You will also have the advantage when racing your buddy to the tip ups that go off.

For all current ice conditions I recommend calling Gary Ingles, owner of Wiggly Worm Bait Supply located at 885 Saratoga Rd, Ballston Lake. All the gear I have listed can be found at his shop. Not only does Ingles have the best bait prices in the area, he will also never hesitate to help anyone with fishing spots and tactics. Wiggly Worm Bait Supply is open seven days a week 6 a.m.-6 p.m. and may even stay open later if you call him ahead. There is nothing he won’t do to put you on fish. For more store details visit wigglywormbaitsupply.com

If you have never been out before and want to experience ice fishing for the first time, I am also currently booking trips for the rest of winter at Ziehnertguideservice.com. For more information contact 518-390-0282 or email Ziehnertguideservice@gmail.com. 

Enjoy cross-country skiing, hiking, snowshoeing and sledding at the Brookhaven Golf Course in the town of Greenfield. 

A snow report, photos and more information about the groomed Nordic ski trails can be found online at steveschriber.com.

Sledding is ONLY allowed on hole 12 across from the entrance to the pavilion on the right toward the tree line (signage will be up soon). Sledders are asked to stay off the groomed Nordic ski trails.

The course is located at 333 Alpine Meadows Road in Porter Corners. Maps are available on-site. For questions, call Rebecca Sewell,  Town of Greenfield Recreation Director, at 518-428-2267.

The 4-H Adirondack Guides program is a chance to go camping, learn fire starting, map and compass skills, outdoor cooking, wildlife identification, hiking, and more! 

Youth between the ages of 12 and 19 will have the opportunity to go on two or three camping trips (if allowed by COVID guidelines) per year and attend environmental education programs once a month between the months of April-October. 

Enrollment for the year is $10 per youth, or $15-30 per family. Some events require a program fee to cover the cost of food, or canoe and campsite rentals. 

A free online New Guide orientation program will be held the evening of Thursday, January 28, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. All interested youths and their families are welcome to attend. Pre-registration is required. 

For more information, call the 4-H Office at 518-885-8995, or email Greg Stevens at grs9@cornell.edu.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Megan Wishart is a Senior at Saratoga Springs High School. On the varsity gymnastics team for six years (longer than anyone else currently on the team), her extensive experience has proven to be a valuable asset.

“Because I’ve been on the team since seventh grade, I do have experience with the schools, coaches, and the gyms, and I try to pass that knowledge on to the team,” said Wishart.

Megan has achieved some of the Blue Streaks’ top scores in numerous events and qualified for State competition during both her freshman and sophomore year, even after undergoing wrist surgery.

A reliable friend and leader, she was named the team’s off-season captain for three years and served as co-captain for the last two. 

“She’s a hard worker whose main goal is to assist and support her team in the best way that she can,” said teammate Sophia Damiano about why she nominated Megan to be Saratoga TODAY’s Athlete of the Week.

“Anyone on the team knows I’m someone they can talk to and that they can always come see me if they need anything. If they are having any issues or trying to improve certain skills, I try to pass on tips, tricks and motivation that I think might help,” she said.

Megan balances her responsibilities to the team with a high level of academic achievement and a part-time job.

With her family residing in Scotland, Megan is, above all, grateful for the opportunity to have spent the last six years growing up with the support of her friends around her and is thankful for the time she’s spent out there on the mats with them. 

The Suburban Council has released the names of their 2020 Girls Varsity Tennis All Stars. These students played in a minimum of seven matches and had a winning record overall. 

1st Singles: Katrina Setchenkov (Guilderland) 11-1, Taylor Crain (Shaker) 10-1, Katya Kelly (Saratoga) 10-2

2nd Singles: Juliette Ceas (Shaker) 11-0, Christine Lee (Niskayuna) 10-0, Keely Legnard (Shenendehowa) 6-1

3rd Singles: Eujeong Choi (Niskayuna) 10-0, May Lee (Shaker) 10-0, Izzie Pecora (Saratoga) 9-2

4th Singles: Isabella Kaldy (Ballston Spa) 10-1, Aleesha Choudry (Niskayuna) 8-1, Anna Peles (Bethlehem) 7-1

5th Singles: Zara Pattison (Bethlehem) 9-1, Molly Corcoran (Saratoga) 8-2, Gabby Gise (Ballston Spa) 9-3

6th Singles: Purvayi Patil (Bethlehem) 9-0,  Karina Morey (Saratoga) 8-1, Gianna Leggieri (Burnt Hills) 10-2

1st Doubles: Ava Herzog & Kate Lindley (Saratoga) 10-1, Mikayla Brunell & Yolanda Mendonca (Shaker) 8-2, Singda Arige & Sree Manga (Guilderland) 10-3

2nd Doubles: Harini Karnati & Jessica Andrews (Shaker) 9-2, MeiLi Hoffman-Smith & Lily Schumann (Saratoga) 7-2, Jeanine Cao & Anushree Sripathy (Guilderland) 7-2

3rd Doubles: Regan Doherty & Lily Phelps (Shaker) 7-2, Lauren Paris & Sarah Wallace (Averill Park) 7-4, Raquel Cohen & Lexi D’Iorio (Saratoga) 6-3

2020 Blue Division Champion: Saratoga (10-0)

2020 Grey Division Champion: Ballston Spa (7-4)

2020 Suburban Council Tournament Team Champion: Shaker (12-1)

Saratoga Springs — The Saratoga Springs High School gymnastics team scored a victory over Shaker 171.025 – 146.83 at the Wilton YMCA during their first dual meet of the season.  Saratoga took the top three places in the all-around competition led by seniors Sophia Damiano (36.05), and Ava Dallas, (35.175), and rounded out by Junior Carly Ruschak (33.175).  In addition, senior Megan Wishart (Saratoga) and Alyssa Kearns (Shaker) put in strong performances, tying with beam scores of 8.55.

Saratoga also defeated Guilderland 169.675 – 154.95 this week.