Shen grad filmmaker, leaves LA moves to Spa City
A Shenendehowa High School grad has moved back to the area from L.A. and is starting a film production company, Modernist Film, and shooting a feature “Orientation” in the area next summer, the Albany Business Journal reported earlier in the week. Steve Soucy is scouting locations for an office in Saratoga Springs. He plans to hire a local crew and tell local stories with local talent, the story says.
Don’t hire like it’s twen-ty-zero-nineteen
Miriam Dushane, of Alaant Workforce Solutions, told the Albany Business Journal that the hiring environment is tough now, but employers are bringing some of it on themselves by ignoring the changes brought on by the pandemic. Among her suggestions: Offer flexible schedules and give people raises if you hope to win them, the story says. [OK, the headline only makes sense if you sing it, like Prince. Sorry.]
Commissioner burying the hatchet
Saratoga Springs Commissioner of Public Safety Robin Dalton, in a Daily Gazette story that’s really about incoming commissioner Jim Montagnino and his plans for the department, said she will let Montagnino into her office before she leaves it. It’s a courtesy she was not given in 2019 when she won the race, she said. Montagnino also praised Tracy LaBelle, the Republican whom he beat, for running a clean, fair campaign. [For more on Montagnino’s plans, read our coverage here.]
Albany Skyway to open next month
The Albany Skyway will open next month, the Times Union is reporting. The elevated park is made from the former Clinton Avenue Interstate 787 ramp. Officials said they hoped nearby businesses would feel the economic boost. The skyway should revitalize the Clinton Square neighborhood and connect downtown with the Warehouse District, the story says.
Many in Adirondacks vote yes on Clean Air/Water Amendment
New Yorkers even in the North Country on Tuesday approved a constitutional right to “clean air and water, and a healthful environment,” though voters in Fulton, Lewis and Hamilton counties said no, a story in the Adirondack Explorer says. The lack of definition and clarity is the main concern of opponents of the measure, the story says. [This story was written by Zachary Matson who covered Saratoga Springs for the Daily Gazette until a few weeks ago. Good luck Zach! –Steve Thurston, Editor]