Scrolling local FB, Wing Off winners, and DBA's Fall Fest details.
PLUS: Growing our regional workforce.
What got ‘What’s Going on Saratoga’ all riled up this weekend? And some only-in-Saratoga levity.
A self-described “fairly new” resident of Saratoga offered a somewhat sobering, almost-outsider’s take on local politics in the What’s Going on Saratoga Facebook group on Saturday. The perhaps guileless, perhaps pointed question read: “For a small little town as wonderful as Saratoga, I don’t understand why the politics here are so extremely vicious. Can someone explain that to me?”
Of course the comments — well over 100 so far — escalated into the usual national political debate, especially being that this was going down the same day as the No Kings rallies. But there were also some messages that at least tried to touch on the poster’s original question. “How I miss the old Saratoga,” lamented one.
Others members of the group mentioned our “paralyzing” commission form of government and Saratoga’s income disparity.
Still others said that our small slice of Upstate New York is simply a reflection of the U.S. as a whole. “It’s like that everywhere,” wrote one. “Society at this point is virtually incapable of nuance.” Agreed a second commenter, “We are a politically divided nation. So, Saratoga is no different.”
The decidedly global issue of social media was also blamed. “Algorithms feed you posts that push hate,” wrote one member. “Hate sells. Love doesn’t.” Added another, “It’s not about ‘politics,’ but rather people having a platform and entitlement to say their quiet parts out loud now.”
Only one added some only-in-Saratoga levity: “[Saratoga] is the turning point of the revolution. Has been a hot spot for 250 years.”
Time travel: Saratoga in the Gilded Age
Travel back in time to the Gilded Age, when Saratoga Springs was known as the “Queen of America’s Spas” with author Hollis Palmer and the Saratoga County History Center. The Thursday, Nov. 13 event begins at 7 p.m. at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa — and includes “special pricing” on all six of Hollis’ books about Saratoga.
For more info and to register, visit brooksidemuseum.org.
Did you vote…on your favorite wings?
Saratoga came out in force on Saturday to chow down on $2 wing samples during the 8th annual Saratoga Wing Off. They also got to vote for their faves. The results?
People’s Choice: “Backyard BBQ” wings at Bentley’s Tavern
Wildest Wing: Rhea’s “Char Siu Sticky Wings” made with shishito pepper ranch, Aleppo chili flakes and scallions
The popular event raised $4,426 for the American Cancer Society.
DBA’s Fall Fest Promises All-Ages Fun
From early trick-or-treating to the famous pumpkin roll down Caroline Street, what’s not to love?
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SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY — Fall is in full swing, and that means the return of the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association’s annual Fall Festival.
Trick-or-treating, a celeb appearance by Upset the mini horse (at Dark Horse Mercantile), live entertainment, and the famous pumpkin rolling down Caroline Street are all part of this year’s festivities — happening from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25 in downtown Saratoga Springs.
The family-friendly event will take place primarily on Caroline Street, with various activities spread out along Broadway (including Menges and Curtis, G. Willikers, Spa City Motor Lodge and Crafter’s Gallery).
This year’s fest will also feature a Saratoga-themed Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt, face painting at G. Willikers and Spa City Motor Lodge, balloon twisting by Mr. Twist, juggling by Sparkles, and more.
Starting at noon, participating businesses will be candy-ready for trick-or-treaters as kids and parents are invited to dress up in costume and explore downtown Saratoga Springs.
At the same time, volunteers from The Dance Lab and Saratoga Rotary will help orchestrate the Pumpkin Roll on Caroline Street. Pumpkins, generously donated by Sunnyside Gardens, will be handed out at the top of Caroline Street, with hay bales donated by Vincek Farm set up to guide the pumpkins down the hill. At the bottom of the block, participants can pick up their gift certificates from Ben & Jerry’s and Strike Zone.
Families can pick up maps of downtown for trick-or-treating at the DBA table located on Caroline Street and Broadway intersection.
A list of riddles and clues for the storefront Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt will also be available for pick up at the Visitors Center and the DBA table. Those who return the completed riddles back to the DBA table or Visitors Center by 3 p.m. on Saturday or to Impressions of Saratoga by 6 p.m. on Sunday evening will be entered into a raffle for a DBA gift card.
For more information including a list of trick or treat stops visit saratogaspringsdowntown.com.
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On site: No Kings rallies in Saratoga Springs and Glens Falls
SEDC redoubles partnership with local university to grow regional workforce
On-going SUNY work gets Governor-approval.
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After being appointed to the SUNY Empire University Council, SEDC president and CEO J. Gregory Connors will help Empire State University more closely integrate the university into the local economic development ecosystem and grow our regional workforce.
Since the appointment was announced Oct. 7, Connors has promised to promote “high-quality, affordable and flexible education.” “More specifically, we are helping with the transition and development of their West Avenue Campus facility into an in-person, university wide event center supporting community events and military affiliated partnerships,” says the former longtime senior government relations executive for GlobalFoundries U.S. in Malta.
Under Connors’ leadership, SEDC plans to grow in size and community presence.
Empire State University became an SEDC member last year. The university owns seven buildings in Saratoga and is in the process of repurposing the one on West Ave to better suit the institution’s needs.
Connors and the other members of the 4-member council for SUNY Empire will be working closely with President Lisa Vollendorf. Connors provided a litany of items on the council’s agenda, which will be to assist and support her and her team with recruiting, retaining and upskilling students, as well as building AI capacity across the university and expanding the university’s workforce development programs and enrollment driven partnerships.
Each SUNY school has a designated council, which the governor appoints to work with the university president and their administration on things such as university programs, budgets, enrollments, facilities and student housing.
ICYMI…
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