Shared by Barb Thomas
In 1965 Betty Gallagher, who The Saratogian referred to as Mrs. Orville Roger Gallagher, held an organizational meeting to form a League of Women Voters to serve the area of the Saratoga Springs School District. She had invited 57 friends and acquaintances. Like Betty, most of the attendees were wives of Skidmore faculty. The meeting was cut short because there were so many sirens blaring. It was a fire that burned down the hospital and other buildings. But following that memorable meeting a Saratoga Springs League was formed. Betty served as the first president (1965-69) and again from 1981-84 and also was a co-president from 1986-1988. Betty was (and is to this day) a staunch defender of voting rights and all reproductive rights including abortion. And she almost single-handedly led the successful fight to get Saratoga County to provide Expanded In home Services (EISEP) to its elderly residents.
Betty’s 100th Birthday was March 15, 2025. During League’s gathering at the Parting Glass for International Women’s Day, members sang Happy Birthday.
