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Wednesday, 31 December 2014 11:41

A New Record!

Stewart’s Holiday Match Raises Over $1.5M for Children’s Charities

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Donations to the Stewart’s Holiday Match program set a new record in its 28th season; raising funds which will help support hundreds of local children’s charities year round. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated over $770,000 to the program, which is then doubled to more than $1.5 million with the Stewart’s match. 

 

This impressive number was made possible by the generosity of Stewart’s customers, many regularly giving their spare change and others who contributed larger gifts, as well as the hard work of Stewart’s partners and support from media partners.

 

“Each year our customers meet the challenge of raising more funds for children’s charities,” said Stewart’s Foundation President Susan Dake.  “We are so grateful to our customers for their generosity and loyalty to Stewart’s Shops.”

 

This was a 15 percent increase in customer donations compared to the past two years, where $1.34 million was raised. The previous Holiday Match record, set in 2011, was $1.39 million. After this year’s funds have been distributed, the Stewart’s Holiday Match program will have allocated more than $20 million since the program’s inception in 1986.

 

Donations were collected from Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day at all 331 Stewart’s Shops in upstate New York and western Vermont. Stewart’s then matched all individual customer donations. There are no administrative costs and 100 percent of the funds collected and matched benefit children’s organizations directly within the communities where Stewart’s Shops are located. Those funds will be allocated in March. 

 

Children’s charities can still apply for funding from the Holiday Match program. Applications are available at all Stewart’s Shops or online at stewartsshops.com. 

 

Applications must be submitted or postmarked by January 31, 2015 to be considered for funding. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization.  

 

For more information visit stewartsshops.com.

Where Your Contributions Go

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Stewart’s Shops uses the tag line of “We are closer to you,” and nowhere is that more true then with its Holiday Match. When you drop your change into the Stewart’s Holiday Match containers at any of their shops, you are making a direct impact upon a staggering number of organizations right in your own community. All of these organizations are not for profit and benefit children under 18 years of age. The following are a list of Saratoga County groups – touching every aspect of society – that received funds from last year’s Holiday Match:

- Arthur Gonick

 

4-H Fillies & Colts

After the Fire

AIM Services, Inc. 

Angel Names Association

Arthritis Foundation of NENY

Ballard Elementary H S A 

Ballston Area Community Center

Ballston Spa Education Foundation

Ballston Spa High School PTSA

Ballston Spa HS Robotics Team 3044

Ballston Spa Jr Baseball

Bemis Heights CAR

BH-BL Education Foundation 

BH-BL Junior Baseball

Birthright

Boy Scout Troop 18, Middle Grove

Boy Scout Troop 24, Wilton

Brave Will Foundation 

Bridging People and Places

Capital District Young Life

CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services

Catholic Charities of Saratoga County

Catie Hoch Foundation

Charlton Historical Society

Charlton School

Children’s Museum of Saratoga

Christopher Dailey Foundation

Civil Air Patrol, Wullenwaber

Clifton Park Chabad/Chabad Center

Clifton Park Nursery School

Corinth Cub Scout Pack 22

Corinth Youth Comm. Summer Theatre

Corinth Youth Hockey

Cub Scouts Pack #18

Cub Scouts Pack #25

Division Street PTA (12-082)

Domestic Violence/Saratoga Rape Crisis

DonovanHouse/Catholic Charities 

Dramahawks Corinth School Drama Club

Faith Baptist Church Food Pantry

First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa

floydwarriors.com

Franklin Community Center

Friends and Neighbors of Ballston Spa

Friends of Shendehowa Crew

Friends of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library

Friends of the NYS Military Museum

Friends of the Stillwater Glen Hollow Park

Gabby Rocco Let It Shine Foundation

Galway Ambulance Corps, Inc. 

Galway Food Panty

Galway High School Drama Club

Galway Players Youth Theatre

Galway PTSA, After Prom Party

Galway Public Library

Girl Scout Service Unit 165

Girl Scout Troop 3228

Girl Scouts of NENY – Troop 3126

Gordon Creek Elementary PTA

Greater Schuylerville Youth Program

Halfmoon Baseball League 

Halfmoon Girls Softball, Inc. 

Harrison Avenue Elementary HAS

Harvest Church

Hawley Foundation for Children

Helping Hands School

Historical Society of Moreau

Hudson Crossing Park, Inc. 

I Am I Can

Iroquois Reading Council

Jake’s Help From Heaven

Junior Achievement of NENY

KIDS Reaching Out Club, Inc. 

Koda Mentor Program

Lake Ave. Elementary School Drama Club

Little Ones Child Care Center Inc.

Malta Avenue Elementary PTA

Mechanicville Area Community Services Center

Mechanicville District Public Library

Mechanicville-Stillwater Youth Soccer

Miss Scotties Softball

Miss Shen Softball

Moreau Elementary School

National Bottle Museum

National Museum of Dance

Newmeadow, Inc. 

Nick’s Fight to be Healed Foundation

Northeast Mobile Search & Rescue

Northeast String Orchestra

NorthStar Church

Not So Common Players

Odyssey School of Fine Arrts

Okte PTA 

Old Saratoga Athletic Association

Opera Saratoga

Race Track Chaplaincy of America

Round Lake/Malta Youth Baseball League

Rugrunners  Robotics Inc.

Saratoga American Little League

Saratoga ArtsFest

Saratoga Bridges

Saratoga Center for the Family

Saratoga Challengers Inc.

Saratoga Children’s Theatre, Inc.

Saratoga Co. Children’s Committee

Saratoga County 4-H

Saratoga County E.O.C.

Saratoga County Historical Society

Saratoga Hospital – Community Health Center

Saratoga Mentoring ProGram

Saratoga PLAN

Saratoga Reads!

Saratoga Regional YMCA

Saratoga Rowing Association, Inc. 

Saratoga Sponsor A Scholar

Saratoga Springs Recreation

Saratoga Synchronized Skating

Schuylerville Community Theater

Schuylerville High School After Prom Party

Schuylerville Robotics

Search Team 5-1

Second Chance Sports

Shelters of Saratoga

Shenendehowa Dollars for Scholars

Skribblers Magazine Inc. 

Southern Saratoga County YMCA

Spa Christian School

Stillwater Area Community Center

Stillwater Battle Youth Football

Stillwater Education Foundation

Stillwater Free Library

Streaks Running Club

Tesago Elementary School PTA

The Beagle School

The Fisherman’s Net Youth Program

The Karen & Gary Dake Foundation for Children

The King’s School

The Moreau Community Center 

The Prevention Council

The Salvation Army

The Saratoga Automobile Museum

The TEARS Foundation

The Wildlife Institute 

Transitional Services, Inc. 

Troy USBC Youth Association

Venturing Crew 936, BSA

Village of Round Lake

Waterford Little League

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Wilton Youth Baseball

Youth2-Youth Helping Youth

 

Source: Stewart’s Shops.

 

Published in News
Friday, 19 September 2014 11:17

Murphy’s Law: “I Owe It To the Community”

By Arthur Gonick

Saratoga TODAY

 

BALLSTON SPA – Stating that: “he couldn’t leave anything to chance” James A. Murphy, who will be unopposed in November’s election for Saratoga County Judge, announced that he was resigndising his position early as Saratoga County District Attorney – a position he has held for over fourteen years. 

 

The resignation, by letter to Governor Cuomo, took effect on Thursday, September 18, at 5 p.m. 

 

Because he has resigned before September 20, by statute Murphy forfeits the remainder of his salary, benefits and health coverage immediately. But the nearly 30 “at will” employees of the DA’s Office would retain their positions and the cases would continue without turnover in prosecutors assigned. Murphy cited these as the two main factors in reaching his decision. “I have worked for 27 years with these people,” Murphy said. “They have built strong relationships with the people involved with their cases, with the victims, the police, the community.”

 

Murphy’s DA term runs through November of 2015. So, had he stayed on until the end of this year, it would fall to the Governor to appoint a DA after Murphy takes the bench (which is a certainty as Murphy is unopposed for the County Court seat being vacated by Judge Jerry J. Scarano in this November's election).  

 

In that scenario, Murphy stated that he felt the strong possibility existed that the appointed DA would then remove the 21 Assistant DAs, the 5 investigators and 2 secretaries, since they are all “at will” employees and serve “at the pleasure of the DA.” The more than 500 felony indictments pending would then see a turnover in the prosecutor assigned to the case and victims would then be introduced to new prosecutors. Further, A second turnover could occur depending upon the results of the November 2015 election, which would result in more difficulty in the prosecution of cases going forward. 

 

With the resignation, First Assistant DA Karen Heggen would become Acting DA until the election this November, when there would be an election for DA for a full four-year term. Murphy has recommended Heggen to be endorsed by all political parties, praising her work ethic and acumen. 

 

 

Given the short time frame between now and election day, a strong possibility exists that Heggen will be endorsed by all parties, or at the very least run unopposed, continuing a tradition established of non-partisanship by James A. Murphy III since taking the Saratoga County DA office reins.

Published in News

BALLSTON SPA - Saratoga County Clerk, Craig A. Hayner, announced today that the new Saratoga County DMV office location in the Wilton Mall is scheduled to open on Tuesday, August 12th, 2014. The new DMV office will be located next to the Bon-Ton Store and will replace the current location next to Dick’s Sporting Goods. “We anticipate to be closed only one day as we move locations on Monday, August 11th” said Hayner. “We have worked closely with the Mall Management to make this happen in a timely and cost effective manner. We are very excited about the new look and the layout of this new location. The new site is right next to the mall entrance by the Bon-Ton and will provide easy access with convenient parking that sits along the CDTA bus route” Hayner added. Office hours for the Wilton Branch are Tuesdays 8am to 6pm and Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 8am to 4:45pm. 

 

 

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors and County Clerk Hayner are responsible for providing these services to residents with three convenient Department of Motor Vehicle locations (Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Wilton) and services all types of New York State Motor Vehicle transactions. The Ballston Spa branch is located at the Saratoga County Municipal Complex on 40 McMaster Street. The Clifton Park branch is located at the Clifton Park Center Mall on Clifton Country Road, and the Wilton branch (new location) is next to the Bon-Ton Store.

 

Published in News
Friday, 06 June 2014 12:16

StopAirport.com - with Update

Area Residents Mobilize to Oppose Expansion

By Megan Irene Kretz

For Saratoga TODAY

 

Editor's Update: June 9, 2014 - By a unanimous vote (one abstention), the Saratoga County Buildings and Grounds Committee, chaired by Milton Supervisor Dan Lewza, rejected any expansion to the Saratoga County Airport. As such, there cannot be any other proposed expansion by the airport for 10 years.

 

MILTON— The fight to preserve their homes and neighborhood brought over 100 residents to the Milton Community Center on Monday night. The meeting was organized in response to recent proposals for expansion at the nearby Saratoga County airport. After learning about potential home acquisitions and land easements, Rowland’s Hollow West resident David Burton spearheaded the effort to relay information. 

 

On the recently created website (www.stopairport.com), residents can view the airport master plan proposals, contact their local elected officials, sign a petition, and find meeting information. “After the May 20meeting at the firehouse, everyone was surprised and devastated, so we also created a Facebook page and website to spread the word,” Burton said.  

 

During Monday’s meeting, Burton urged on attendees to take a stand. “Our mission tonight is to band together and contact our supervisors to prevent even the ‘no build’ option from happening. That no build option would still require 14 partial property acquisitions,” Burton explained. 

 

Former Town of Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth offered suggestions for talking to county supervisors. She asked the crowd to question if the county may be pursuing expansion in order to eventually sell the airport. She also urged residents to consider if the airport should even remain open. “Is it benefitting the community at all?” Southworth asked. 

 

Town of Milton Supervisor Dan Lewza updated the crowd on the next steps in the expansion approval process and urged them to make their voices heard. “Two weeks ago, when everyone showed up to the firehouse meeting, it showed that we’re in unison. It showed the county that we care about this issue,” Lewza said. 

 

While speaking to the crowd, the Supervisor expressed his frustration over some recent county decisions. He cited an incident in which a plane clipped a tree near the airport a few years ago. The FAA reportedly looked into removing 16 trees, but Lewza claims the county eventually clear-cut 70 acres, which he says was much more than necessary. “If I was your supervisor four years ago, I wouldn’t have let this happen,” Lewza remarked. 

 

The sentiment amongst those in attendance was unanimous. 

 

As Rowland’s Hollow East resident Anita Harris explained, “Our neighbors don’t want any more property to be seized.” Molly Rosenthal of Ichabod Lane, expressed concern for all of the time and money neighbors have poured in to their homes. “Young couples have recently bought homes in the area and have put a lot of work in to their properties. They may be offered “Fair Market Value”, but what is that exactly?” she asked. “I’m all for expansion, but not when it’s going to displace families,” Rosenthal remarked. 

 

One of the meeting’s organizers, Dave Morris, remembers when Geyser Road was just a dirt thoroughfare. “People bought homes under the assumption that the airport would remain small,” he said. “The reason I became involved is simple – you don’t throw people out of their homes,” Morris continued.

 

Supervisor Lewza is a member of the county’s building and grounds committee that will vote on the proposals next week. Lewza urged all concerned residents to make every effort to attend the meeting at 3 p.m. on June 9 at the McMaster Street County Building. 

 

 

“I am tired of the county dictating to residents of the municipalities that make up the county how to live their lives,” Lewza told the crowd. On June 9, the committee will hear a presentation by McFarland Johnson, the engineering firm that conducted the study for the new master plan. If the committee approves any of the proposals put forth by McFarland Johnson, they must then be endorsed by the full Board of County Supervisors before becoming eligible for FAA funding.

Published in News
Friday, 30 May 2014 10:29

Trouble On The Tarmac

Tensions Rise as Saratoga County Airport Eyes Expansion

 

By Megan Irene Kretz

For Saratoga TODAY 

 

MILTON – At a May 20 public hearing, proposed expansions to the Saratoga County airport were met with heavy opposition. County officials held the meeting to discuss changes to the airport’s master plan. 

 

At the heart of the controversy is the keyword: uncertainty. Even after the meeting, attendees still had no idea about exactly what form the proposed expansion would take; the timetable for expansion; or even if it would occur at all. 

 

The airport is a public space that is managed by North American Flight Services. The company leases space from the County and provides aviation services such as aircraft maintenance, fueling and hangar rentals. 

 

According to Jon Zilka, the business manager for North American Flight Services, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that airports put together a new master plan every ten years. This mandatory process began about a year ago when the County hired the engineering firm, McFarland Johnson, to conduct a top to bottom survey of the airport. McFarland Johnson, which has an office in Saratoga Springs, presented the survey along with data from the past ten tears to the FAA for review. The federal agency then came back with three tiers of recommendations. 

 

The first recommendation would be to do nothing and leave the airport as-is, the second included a 300-foot runway expansion, and the third recommendation detailed an 800-foot runway expansion. In addition to the expansion of the runway, the recommendations include grass runways for gliders, a parallel taxiway and additional storage hangars. Zilka, who is also a member of the County’s Transportation Technical Advisory Committee (TAC), said that the 300-foot expansion is the option most likely to be accepted. “The 800-foot runway lengthening can’t be done, there’s too much of an impact. If you look at the 300-foot lengthening, there’s a minimal impact. We [the TAC] voted on that option because it’s feasible,” he remarked. 

 

Regardless of whether the 300-foot or 800-foot expansion is chosen, the non-profit Gateway House of Peace hospice will be affected. The privately-owned non-profit is housed in the former Red Cross building and began leasing the space from the County in 2011. After three years of renovations, the two-bedroom facility officially opened in April of this year. 

 

President and Founder, Joni Hanchett is concerned about the lack of information she’s received about the potential impact on the facility. “I know that for ourselves and our surrounding neighbors, no one was informed of these plans. The only reason that anyone knew anything is because Milton Town Supervisor, Dan Lewza sent out notices,” Hanchett said. During the public hearing, a consultant reportedly told the non-profit that they’d be relocated, but Hanchett said she has not received any official communication from the County. Hanchett expressed dismay over the timing of the proposed expansion. She remarked that over the past three-years, $150,000 in material donations and countless man-hours had been poured in to the renovation of the Gateway House. Presumably, volunteers were remodeling the facility at the same time the engineering firm was making recommendations to raze it.

 

In response to these concerns, Zilka remarked that any changes to the airport and surrounding land are not foregone conclusions. “Just because it’s added to the master plan, doesn’t mean it will be done. The FAA will pick and choose over the next decade which projects it will fund. That’s a huge point that people are missing.” Before changes can be eligible for FAA funding, the County Building and Grounds committee and then the County Board of Supervisors must authorize them. If the FAA decides to fund expansion, they will pay for 90 percent of the cost, with the State and County splitting the remaining 10 percent.

 

Milton Town resident Leann Driscoll attended the public hearing and is concerned about the vagueness of the information provided. She remarked that the maps on display weren’t labeled clearly and it was uncertain which neighborhoods and houses would be affected by runway expansions. She also added that the noise from planes is already very loud and is concerned about the potential for increased airport traffic and lower property values. 

 

However, Zilka alleged that an extra 300 feet would not increase the amount of traffic or plane size. “A 300-foot runway lengthening is not big enough to increase the size of planes that are landing here. All it does is increase safety,” he said. However, a longer runway will allow planes to carry more fuel under current aviation regulations. North American Flight Services, which sells the fuel and the County, which collects the tax, would both stand to benefit from increased sales. It is unclear what the County will do with any additional tax revenue. 

 

As the fruits of her hard labor face an uncertain future, the President and Founder of Gateway House hopes to retain the non-profit’s current location. ‘There’s a lot of love here, a lot of love was put in to this building,” she says. The Saratoga County Building and Grounds Committee is scheduled to discuss the airport at 3 p.m. on Monday, June 9. The meeting will be open to the public.

Published in News
Friday, 09 May 2014 08:19

Saratoga Mama’s A Winner!

Creative Team Receives Design Award

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Publishing announces that Saratoga Mama Magazine’s creative team – Editor-in- Chief Colleen Pierre and Creative Director Jessica Kane – have been awarded a “Best In-house Design” award from Graphic Design USA for it’s spring 2014 issue. 

 

The issue, which featured an extended focus on local summer camp options for parents and their children, was selected from over 14,000 entries.

 

“I am really excited for Saratoga Mama Magazine and for the individuals who work on it,” said Chad Beatty, owner and publisher of Saratoga Publishing. “This is great recognition for both Jessica and Colleen. Their hard work and creativity is paying off.”

 

Editor-in-Chief Colleen Pierre began SaratogaMama.com as an online resource for parents in 2011. She had a background in corporate communications and as a parent (she and her husband of seven years, Jude, have two children – Robby, age 5 and Angie, age 3). She began partnering with Saratoga Publishing to bring a quarterly print edition to the Saratoga market in 2012. The next issue will be published on May 23.

 

“It’s a pleasure to work with this team,” Ms. Pierre said. “We have a great creative synergy here.”

 

“Jessica, in particular, is a very gifted designer.” She continued. “She takes my ideas and not only makes them come alive – she takes them to the next level.”

 

Creative Director Jessica Kane is responsible for all the creative content of Saratoga Publishing’s magazines and specialty publications. 

 

“Of all of the magazines, Saratoga Mama is easily my favorite to work on.” She said. “Working with Colleen is the biggest reason for that. Her ideas are fun to work with and she lets me develop my creative spirit.”

 

In addition, Ms. Kane acknowledged the hard work of teammate Colleen Sweeney in developing compelling ad contact that speaks to Saratoga Mama’s target demographic. She is also grateful to Simply Saratoga Editor Chris Bushee for pushing her to apply for the Graphic Design USA award. “If she hadn’t pushed me to do this, I would have never even thought to apply.” She said. 

 

Saratoga Publishing publishes Saratoga TODAY Newspaper, Saratoga Mama, Simply Saratoga Magazine, The Enchanted Wedding, Welcome Home Community Guide and Equicurean Magazine in addition to other specialty publications such as the annual guides to the Saratoga County Fair and Saratoga Home and Lifestyle Show.

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Center for the Family is a major community asset, yet many county residents are not fully aware of the incredible array of services they provide. This is the second part of a series about the Center and its activities. The first part appeared in Saratoga TODAY’s April 4 issue and is available at saratogatodayonline.com/index.php/publications/saratoga-today

 

The Saratoga Center For The Family (SCFF) has grown and diversified its program offerings in its 37 years of existence since it’s origins as a task force on child abuse and neglect. Under its umbrella motto of “Help. Hope. Healing.” are a variety of programs that certainly work to strengthen children and families, but also society in general via a multi-disciplinary model that could touch any life in Saratoga County. 

 

Simply put, there is no one, with or without children, even a solitary individual with no family, who could not partake in and benefit from SCFF’s programs activities. 

 

And yet, because of the often necessary confidential nature of some of what this facility has to deal with, for instance child abuse or criminal behavior, there is a certain mystery about their facility, which in turn leads to misimpressions, or myths, about SCFF and the work they do. 

 

While we may not be able to clear up all these myths, we can certainly illuminate several with the help of the staff, which is led by Executive Director Deb Tomaso, along with Clinical Director Kelly Barry and Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center (CAC) Coordinator Jennifer Wormley. 

 

The first one is how warm, inviting and bright the entire environment is, as these pictures show. Everything, including the examination room (which we saw but did not photograph) expressed the concept of “healing.” Regardless of age, class or status “It’s never too late for healing.” Jennifer Wormley notes. 

 

One other surprise is the way people come to SCFF. In the case of the CAC, the overwhelming majority comes as referrals from Child and Family Services or a law enforcement unit. Yet, according to Kelly Barry, about half of the people who come for counseling are self-referred. Which give rise to another myth, according to Deborah Tomaso.

 

“People tend to think that the Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center (CAC) and Saratoga Center for the Family are two separate agencies under the same roof,” she said, “but in fact we are all one. The Harriet M. West CAC is one of the programs that Saratoga Center for the Family offers to further its mission to build stronger families throughout Saratoga County.”  

 

She described a three-program focus that operates in concert with each other:

1) Child Advocacy (via Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center)

2) Mental Health Counseling

3) Prevention and Educational Programming

 

I asked Ms. Tomaso to detail some of the other myths or misconceptions she encounters when she interacts with the public. “Number one by far is: ‘All children who come to this facility for counseling have been abused.’”

 

“This is absolutely false.” She said “While we do help many children heal from trauma or abuse, children come here for other counseling needs such as; a family divorcing, coping through the loss of a loved one, anxiety, or behavior and attentional disorders. Our therapists are trained in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the most effective treatment for children healing from a trauma.”

 

A second major myth, Ms. Tomaso notes, is that ‘Saratoga Center for the Family only has services for children and families.’  

 

“Actually,” she said, “one-third of our counseling clients are adults who are looking for someone to talk to about a variety of needs such as: anxiety, trauma, life transitions and depression.” A glance at SCFF’s group and program calendar confirms this. See saratogacff.org for detailed information.

 

“People are also under the impression that we use a monolithic approach, in that all children who come through the CAC see a therapist for counseling.” Ms. Tomaso said, “But while this often happens, it’s not universal. If a child comes through CAC for an investigation of alleged abuse or neglect, we always offer counseling resources. But not all victimized children seek out our counseling or a healing group service.”

 

The biggest service that SCFF offers is hope and it is done through a multi-pronged approach that is tailored to the individual and their needs at any age or life stage. It bears repeating that ‘it’s never too late for healing.’

 

 

“Prevention and education are the major keys to stopping child abuse and family dysfunction.” Ms. Tomaso concludes. “When we are able to raise awareness, we really can make a difference.” 

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS – With every milestone reached comes the opportunity to not only plan for the future, but also reflect on the past. That is exactly what the Saratoga Springs City Center is doing in honor of its 30th anniversary. 

 

Over the years the City Center has experienced continued growth and success in the convention industry, establishing itself as a highly desirable meeting and event venue in the Northeast. This celebration of achievement calls for a look back at the rich history of conventions in Saratoga Springs as well as the road to the City Center’s establishment.

City Center President Mark E. Baker has invited Supervisor Matthew Veitch to give an extensive on-site historical presentation on this topic. 

 

The presentation, which will be at the City Center on Wednesday, April 30 from 7 to 8:30 p.m., will showcase numerous visuals and begins with the development and construction of Convention Hall in 1893, as well as the fire that destroyed it. The public’s reaction to the loss of this community treasure and the rallying to build a new Convention Hall during the 1960s and 1970s will also be included.

 

Following will be the age of Urban Renewal, the process of founding the City Center and its recent expansion. 

 

The Veitch family has a long-standing history in Saratoga with multiple generations working in public service. Supervisor Veitch’s grandfather, Donald Veitch, was the Executive Director of the Urban Renewal Agency from 1964-1986. He played a large role in the Spring Valley Project which allowed the land the City Center was built on to be for public and hotel use. Supervisor Veitch is passionate about this subject and has conducted extensive research, which he called ‘enlightening.’

Published in News
Friday, 18 April 2014 08:19

Cole Broderick: A Man For More ‘Seasons’

SARATOGA SPRINGS – When you get a chance to visit with Cole Broderick you are always impressed with his confidence and enthusiasm. Qualities you often see in people who have achieved major accomplishments in mid-life. 

 

But for some people, relatively early success in life brings that big question: “Now what?”  For Cole, it led to a “What’s next?” attitude. 

 

By the mid-1990s, his music had provided a jazz soundtrack for Saratoga itself. 

 

Those around at that time would see and Cole at every major venue and festival in town – cranking out iconic, original music, discs that were released one at a time (and is still available as a 4-CD Box Set known as the Seasons of Saratoga) that was a tribute to what Saratoga had become: A thoroughbred in its prime. 

 

Laced with titles like “Gaffney’s Courtyard,” “Skating in Congress Park” and “August in Saratoga (The Starting Gate)” the music celebrated Saratoga’s charms and it’s status as the “year-round place to be” before it became a marketing slogan. 

 

Along the way, the accolades accumulate and Cole himself had been woven into the fabric of Saratoga itself. It could be opined with scarce argument that had Saratoga constructed a Mount Rushmore replica in tribute to its musical heritage, it would be hard to keep Cole off the mountain. 

 

Consider this one native son’s thought in support of his credentials: 

 

“The jazz is as cool as it is hot obviously Saratoga has a good influence on all aspects of the arts, from dance to theater, from Balanchine to Broderick.”

- David Hyde Pierce

 

And so, having reached that rarified air of “exemplar,” Cole looked for new worlds to explore. 

 

Those new worlds still involved music, although in different forms. Cole explains “I had a great time with my band mates (during the “Seasons” albums he was billed as the Cole Broderick Quartet), “but I had a strong desire to depend less on others. To achieve this, I went deeper into the piano, as I did when I was in college, actually, to further refine and improve my technique.” 

 

Not that the listener had anything but praise for his phrasing before, mind you. But he was answering to a higher authority – the greats of all time. 

 

“I’d always use my idols in classical and jazz as measuring sticks… guys like Oscar (Peterson), Art Tatum and Vladimir Horowitz.” Cole noted. The result of this measuring led first to the release of In a Dream in 2004, a solo album with 11 new original songs. 

 

The deeper exploration also led to a rekindling of his love for the songs of what is termed the “Great American Songbook”: those timeless classics penned by George Gershwin, Cole Porter et.al. 

 

Which led to regular and ongoing appearances at local “Boomerang” hangouts like Woodlawn at Wesley and the Home of the Good Shepherd; and a rekindling of a teenage love – The Beatles. That led to a release of a solo piano tribute CD in 2009. “I paid the royalties for the music – ouch! But it was worth it,” Cole said. 

 

The recent 50th anniversary of the Fab Four’s arrival in New York coincided with Cole’s latest coming out party, if you will. He recently teamed up with Skidmore Professor and Beatles expert Gordon Thompson on a multi-media tour of seven libraries in the region to deliver a commemorative program about the event and then topped it off with a solo Beatles set within an all-star tribute evening to a capacity crowd at The Egg on Valentines Day.  

 

“It was great to hear the reaction,” Cole said “and makes me feel good about my choices. I believe I’ve gotten the new repertoires down to the point where I can start putting it out live to the public on a regular basis.”

 

So don’t be surprised if you start seeing Cole Broderick in the music listings more, or even at your friend’s private party. He didn’t go away, he went down a different road to keep his talent stimulated and us entertained. Based on recent results, it was the right move. 

 

But that’s no surprise here. The man who wrote a classic tune as part of “Summer in Saratoga” called On the Horizon has always had the gift of seeing beyond it.

 

 

For a listen to some clips or more information, visit colebroderick.com

 

Published in News

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Center for the Family is a major community asset, yet many county residents are not fully aware of the incredible array of services they provide. This is the first of a multi-part series about the Center and its activities.

 

Simply put, there is no better time to explore The Saratoga Center for the Family (SCFF) than the month of April.

 

“April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month.” noted Jennifer Wormley, who is the coordinator for SCFF’s Harriet M. West Child Advocacy Center (CAC). Ms. Wormley oversees both the CAC and SCFF’s counseling divisions, bringing a multi-disciplinary team into one cohesive unit.   

“This month, SCFF encourages all individuals and organizations to play a role in making Saratoga County a better place for children and families.” Ms. Wormley continued.

 

As such, they have developed and coordinated a series of activities throughout this month. The schedule appears at the end of this story. 

 

But the larger point is that SCCF makes Saratoga County a better place for children and families year-round. The actual statistics of people whose lives are stronger because of SCFF are nothing short of staggering.

 

Consider these numbers for 2013, provided by SCFF’s Community Outreach Administrator Leah Ferrone:

 

  • 522 intakes for individuals requesting mental health counseling services
  • 587 counseling clients served
  • 3,630 counseling appointments
  •         19 prevention or coping groups
  • 208 participants served in Prevention or Healing Programs
  • 126 children came through the Child Advocacy Center for investigations of abuse and neglect

 

“Also, SCFF went into seven Saratoga County classrooms last year and taught 136 children the Educating and Empowering curriculum.” Leah Ferrone noted. 

 

But the numbers tell only part of the story. In our next segment, we’ll take a look inside SCCF and their activities that for 37 years have been geared to one goal: building stronger families. 

 

April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. The following activities and events have been created to promote Child Abuse prevention and awareness throughout Saratoga County communities:

 

Throughout the month of April 

- Prevent Child Abuse flags will line Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

- Each day SCCF will post Family Strengthening and Abuse Prevention tips. See facebook.com/SaratogaCenter and twitter.com/SaratogaCenter.

 

Sunday April 6 – Uno’s Dough Rai$er­ The Saratoga Uno will donate up to 20 percent of your lunch or dinner check to Saratoga Center for the Family. Diners need to present a ‘dough ticket’, which can be downloaded at: http://bit.ly/1eZAZtN

 

Crime Victims Candle Light Vigil ­ The Crime Victims Vigil is an opportunity for crime victims, their families and friends to come together to share their stories and experiences with the community. The vigil starts at 4p.m. at the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. District Attorney James A. Murphy III’s Crime Victims Unit brings this to the community.

 

Monday, April 7 - Split: Divorce Through Kids’ Eyes ­ Told from the perspective of children ages 6-12, this 30 minute documentary explores the impact divorce has on a child's mind and heart as their families change. This film and discussion is for parents who are divorced along with their children. SCFF Clinical Director, Kelly Barry, will lead a discussion following the viewing. 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Saratoga Springs Public Library.

 

Thursday, April 10 - Parent University: Online Safety for Kids - The Internet has drastically changed the way that children interact with the world. The Internet also offers new risks. FBI Special Agent David Fallon and NCMEC Education Specialist, John Kelly will present topics about Internet safety. Brought to you by Parent University and Saratoga Center for the Family. 7-8:30 p.m. at Maple Avenue Middle School Auditorium. 

 

Saturday 4/12 - Bacon Hill Bonanza 5k/10k ­ The 2nd Annual Bacon Hill Bonanza Road Race, Walk and Fun Run will be donating a portion of proceeds to Saratoga Center for the Family. For more information, visit http://baconhillbonanza.com

 

- The Donny Elvis Show ­ Enjoy a night with ‘The King’ impersonator, Donny Elvis, at the Knights of Columbus Hall, in Saratoga Springs at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15 and proceeds benefit SCFF. Presented by Ct. McLaughlin #422, Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

 

 

Tuesday 4/22 - Alex and Ani: Charity By Design ­ Between 7-9 p.m., the Saratoga Alex and Ani store will donate 15 percent of all proceeds to Saratoga Center for the Family. 

Published in News
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