Absentee ballot portal is launched by state
New York’s absentee ballot portal, where voters can directly request an absentee ballot for the Nov. 3 election, has been launched.
Gov. Andrew Cuomo acted by executive order to allow any voter concerned about risk or exposure to COVID during the ongoing pandemic to request an absentee ballot.
The portal on the state Board of Elections website is: https://www.elections.ny.gov/ Votingabsentee.html#_blank.
Canalway Challenge offered to New Yorkers
WATERFORD — Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor invites New Yorkers to take part in the Canalway Challenge this fall.
The event is free. Registration is open to people of all ages and abilities. Participants set their own mileage goal and walk, run, cycle or paddle to achieve it. Nearly 1,000 have signed up for the challenge in 2020, pledging to walk, run, cycle, and paddle 126,000 miles to date.
For information and sign up, visit Canalwaychallenge.org.
2 Albany firefighters promoted to lieutenant
Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and Fire Chief Joseph Gregory on Friday conducted a brief promotion ceremony for two Albany Fire Department firefighters.
Firefighters Glenn Eggelhoefer and James Gaudet were promoted to lieutenant. A formal promotion ceremony will be conducted at a future date.
Statewide PTA remembers president
The New York State Parent Teachers Association is remembering its state president, Lorey A. Zaman of the Utica area, who died Tuesday in a car crash in Alabama.
The association, in a letter, said “she gracefully led PTA during times of great advocacy — fighting to ban flavored e-cigarettes while opposing the legalization of recreational marijuana, and times of great uncertainty as NYS PTA supported children, families, and educators through the COVID-19 pandemic.”
According to the association, Zaman was beginning a new life in Albertville, Ala., alongside her fiancé, Michael Gentry, whom she met at a PTA convention.
Sembrich adjusts operating hours
BOLTON LANDING — The Sembrich has announced an adjustment to its operating hours for the fall season.
The nature trails and lakeside grounds will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday through Columbus Day weekend. Updated hours and additional information about The Sembrich can be found at Thesembrich.org/visit.
Voting advocates slate virtual meet-up
The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County will hold a virtual meet-up from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday Sept. 16.
Jennifer Wilson, deputy director of the League of Women Voters of New York State, will provide updates on national and state levels and how the League can be most effective in the COVID-19 environment. Nancy Martinez and Susan Van Raalte, co-chairs of the membership committee will lead the discussion.
Register in advance for this Zoom meetup: http://bit.ly/ lwv9-16-20