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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Paw Prints: H.O.P.E. Homed 170 Dogs and Cats in 2019; Plans to Expand in 2020

SARATOGA — Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist (H.O.P.E.) found loving homes for 170 dogs and cats in 2019, and their new goal is to help 220 pets and people find each other in 2020. 

Wendy Mongillo, H.O.P.E. Founder, expresses the foundation’s appreciation for the community’s compassion and generous support which enables them to continue their mission to find homes for orphaned pets: 

“We recently held our Annual Gala celebrating over 17 years of helping people and pets find each other.  Our special guest speaker and M.C. for the event, Steve Caporizzo, and our volunteer speakers Kristina Kline and Karyn O’Byrne shared from their hearts, and Melissa Sgambelluri brought the house to tears with her song “Rescue Me.”  Steve, Melissa and her band, our wonderful speakers, our generous supporters, the photographers, and the gala committee together made it a truly magical evening.

2019 has been a fantastic year for H.O.P.E. thanks to the kindness and generosity of all of you.”

2020 has big plans for H.O.P.E, as well. “We are so excited to announce the opening of the new H.O.P.E. Pet Adoption and Education Center in Wilton Mall in 2020. We will be housing and adopting out cats there, with adoptable dogs visiting on special weekends. We will be having many animal-related educational workshops and fun events like Cat Yoga and Cat Café days, as well as a pet food pantry, so stay tuned to our website.The increased visibility at Wilton Mall will be sure to increase adoptions, and that’s what it is all about! We thank you in advance from the animals, the volunteers and the H.O.P.E. Board of Directors for your tax-deductible year-end gifts which can be made on our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org, or by check.”

Kelly’s Angels: Festive Gala at Canfield Casino Jan. 18 to Raise Money for Fun Grants, Angel Hugs, Angel Aid and Scholarships

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Local charity Kelly’s Angels will celebrate 10 years of helping local children and families with a community gala on Saturday, Jan. 18 at Canfield Casino. 

“This gala will pay tribute to all of our contributors and friends whose generosity has made possible all of the help we’ve given local kids and families so far,” said NewsChannel 13 reporter/anchor Mark Mulholland, founder of Kelly’s Angels, in a statement. “We promise it will be the party of the decade.” 

Made up entirely of volunteers, Kelly’s Angels helps Capital Region families and kids whose lives have been forever changed by cancer or other life-threatening illness. Mulholland established the charitable organization in 2009 to honor his late wife, Kelly. 

Kelly Mulholland was a wife, mother and local schoolteacher who lost her battle with breast cancer in 2007 at the age of 37. 

In her memory, Kelly’s Angels provides “Fun Grants” to children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer as well as college scholarships to local high school seniors who’ve overcome significant adversity. The group also provides “Angel Aid” to help families currently struggling with a life-threatening illness and “Angel Hugs” to surviving spouses. All proceeds from the gala will support the continued work of Kelly’s Angels.

For more information and for tickets to the Kelly’s Angels: 10 Years of Love Gala, go to: www.kellysangelsinc.org. 

December 27, 2019 – January 3, 2020

 

COURT 

Tanner M. Hatch, 35, of Greenfield, pleaded Dec. 19 to aggravated DWI with child, a felony. Sentencing Feb. 11. 

Anthony T. Moore, 42, of Rensselaer, pleaded Dec. 19 to grand larceny in the third-degree, a felony, in Wilton. Sentencing March 2. 

Ronnie L. Gardner, 27, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Dec. 18 to grand larceny in the third-degree, a felony, and criminal tax fraud in the fifth-degree, a misdemeanor. Sentencing March 4.

Gregory K. Apkarian, 58, of Arlington, Vermont, pleaded Dec. 18 to felony criminal possession of a firearm in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing March 4. 

Jason E. Horn, 47, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Dec. 18 to criminal sale of a controlled substance, a felony, in Milton. Sentencing March 16. 

Tammy L. Clark, 32, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Dec. 17 to felony DWI. Sentencing Feb. 20. 

Frederick Stimpson, 44, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Dec. 17 to felony burglary in Moreau. Sentencing Feb. 20. 

Dylan M. Capone, 21, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Dec. 16 to burglary in the third-degree, in Greenfield. Sentencing Feb. 18. 

Peter D, Riesel, 45, of Milton, pleaded Dec. 16 to felony DWI in Saratoga Springs June 12, and felony DWI in Milton July 7. Sentencing Feb. 18. 

Earl J. Pittman, 39, of Schenectady, was sentenced Dec. 16 to 1 to 3 years state prison, after pleading to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs. 

Gerald J. Rogers, 50, of Porter Corners, was sentenced Dec. 16 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Milton.   

POLICE 

Lillian Owens, 30, of Ballston Spa, was charged Dec. 17 in Saratoga Springs, with misdemeanor DWI and a speeding violation. 

Kieran Donohoe, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 17 with misdemeanor DWI. 

Michael Sage, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 15 with misdemeanor DWI, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Christopher Barry, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 15 with grand larceny, a felony, and reckless endangerment, a misdemeanor. 

Anthony Cardona, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 17 with arson, a misdemeanor. 

Marie-Elise Bechard, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 17 with felony burglary. 

Denise Bullard, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 16 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and an equipment violation. 

Deborah M. Willson, age 41, Saratoga Springs; and Bernard Adams Jr, age 42, Aaron M. Wright, age 26 – both of Schenectady, were charged Dec. 16 with a series of offenses, including: Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance-3rd/ Intent To Sell- “B” felony; Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance- 4th- “C” felony; Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd/ Loaded Firearm- “C” felony; Criminal Possession of Stolen Property 4th/ Firearms- “E” felony; Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th/Felon Has Shotgun- “A” misdemeanor.Police say at 5 a.m. on Dec. 16, a search warrant was executed at 38 Vanderbilt Ave. in Saratoga Springs. The warrant was the result of an investigation into the occupants of an apartment. Allegedly seized during the warrant execution was a loaded 9mm Glock 17 handgun, a Cimarron 12-gauge shotgun, over $2,000 US currency, about 8 grams of crack cocaine, and other drug paraphernalia consistent with the illegal sale of narcotics. The Glock was discovered to have been stolen during the course of a burglary elsewhere is Saratoga County several months ago, according to police. Willson was sent to jail in lieu of $25,000 cash/ $50,000 bond, while both Adams and Wright were held without bail. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team assisted Saratoga Springs Police at the scene with the warrant execution. 

Brandon Carlock, 27, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 19 in Saratoga Springs with petit larceny. 

Jasmin Saffold, 37, of Malta, was charged Dec. 19 in Saratoga Springs with welfare fraud, a felony. 

Katie Timoney, 32, of Greenwich, was charged Dec. 20 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and a speeding violation. 

Emily McCarthy, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 20 with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and failure to keep right. 

Breck Breen, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 20 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and drinking alcohol in a motor vehicle on highway. 

Thomas Joseph Dillon   

DillonThomas

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Thomas Joseph Dillon died peacefully at home on December 26, 2019, surrounded by his family and loved ones after a long battle with cancer. Born January 9, 1946 in Boston, MA to parents Mathew and Harvena Dillon, brother of the late Joan & Mathew Dillon and Dorothy Marshall all of Massachusetts.

Loving husband of Francelia Roberts-Dillon, proud father of Brendan K. Dillon, wife Jillian and Brady Patrick Dillon (Angela Villanova), and grandfather to Jack and Grayson Dillon. Also survived by his sister Mary Frances Devine, and many nieces and nephews. 

Widely known as “Chef,” Tom was a mentor in the culinary and hospitality industry to hundreds of our area chefs, many going on to work around the country. He is fondly remembered as one of their greatest teachers, father figure to many and friend to all. An owner of Siros Restaurant for over thirty years, Tom delighted thousands with his innovative, exciting cuisine, filling its legendary dining room with celebrities, horse owners, jockeys, trainers and luminaries of Saratoga society. But it was his twinkling blue eyes and charming demeanor that kept them coming back season after season. 

Tom Dillon went on to become an MEC executive vice-president for magnate Frank Stronach, owner of Magna Entertainment. Tom oversaw all the catering operations at his many racetracks, including overseeing the addition of the FrontRunner Clubhouse at Santa Anita Racetrack and the renovation and rebuilding of Gulfstream Racetrack.

Relatives and friends will be received Monday, January 6, 2020 from 4–7 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Tuesday, January 7 at the historic Church of St. Peter in Saratoga Springs by Reverend John D. Kirwin.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Howard Clay Bishop

Bishop

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Howard Clay Bishop, age 89, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2019 at Wesley Healthcare Center.

He was born on February 18, 1930 in Port Jefferson, NY, the son of the late William Haven Bishop and Harriett Kemble Bishop.

Clay retired from Warren and Washington County BOCES in 1982. He previously was the Assistant Superintendent of Schools for The Saratoga Springs School district. As a graduate of Brockport State and Syracuse University (Ph.D.) Clay started teaching and later went into Administration. Working for Florida State University, Albany State University, and The New York State Dept. of Education were some of the highlights of his career in Higher Education. Playing golf, tennis, hunting and fishing were among his favorite pastimes.

Clay is survived by his wife, Shirley Bishop; daughters, Kathleen Bishop (Jim Jones), Barbara Bishop (Mareky Onyewu); sons, John Bishop (Anne Bishop), Todd Bishop (Linda Bishop); grandchildren, Elizabeth Sharts (Eric Lyday), Graham Sharts (Sarah Sharts), Jack Bishop (Kristin Bishop), Ben Bishop (Megan Bishop), Patrick Bishop (Krystina Bishop), Will Bishop (Hunter Salem), Danielle Bishop (Michael Benedict), Jillian Bishop; great-grandchildren, Boe Bishop, Cole Bishop, and Sullivan Bishop.

His brother William Haven Bishop Jr. precedes him in death.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs. Family and friends may call from 11 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.

For online condolences visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Virginia Rae Morrison Fox 

ALBANY — Virginia Rae Morrison Fox of Ballston Spa was called to eternal rest on December 23, 2019. A mass was held at The Church of St. Peter on December 30, 2019. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Jane Carol Potter 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jane Carol Potter passed away on Sunday, December 29, 2019. Calling hours 1-2 p.m. Tuesday, January 7, 2020 at the Burke Funeral Home, North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Funeral home service at 2 p.m. Future internment will be at the convenience of the family. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Helen I. Gillson 

BALLSTON SPA — Helen I. Gillson, age 80, died December 21, 2019. Funeral service will be 7 p.m., January 4 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Father Adam Wiegand officiating. Calling hours were held 5 – 6:45 p.m. prior to the service. A spring burial will be at Rock City Falls Cemetery. Online guestbook at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

George H. Amedore 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — George H. Amedore, age 72, passed away December 26. A memorial service was held at 10 a.m. on January 2 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. Saratoga Springs. Calling hours were held prior to the service. Online guestbook at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Robert P. Rivers-Vanauken 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Robert P. Rivers-Vanauken passed away on December 19, 2019. Calling hours were December 22, 2019 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was on December 23, 2019 at St. Clement’s followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery.  Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.