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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti

June 12, 1932 – March 2, 2026

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Helen (Janes) Patti, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on March 2, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Though dementia touched her later years, her warmth, gratitude, and gentle spirit never faded.

Born June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, she was the daughter of David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes. She graduated from Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft and taught in England before continuing her career in Montreal and Vancouver, where she also studied computer programming.

While visiting Lake George, Helen met her husband, Jerry Patti, and they married in 1968. Helen worked in the Registrar’s office at Skidmore College for almost 30 years and earned her bachelor’s degree there in 1977.

Forever the athlete, she continued hiking, biking, dancing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and brisk daily walks. Helen was also a magician: “Magic Patti,” delighting audiences with humor and charm and teaching the art of magic to children for decades. She was devoted to English Country Dance and continued dancing into her 90s.

In her final years, Helen was cared for by a devoted group known as “Team Helen.” She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers, and is remembered by dear friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Burke’s Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Helen’s magician family will honor her with a traditional “Broken Wand Ceremony” beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Helen’s wishes were to be cremated, with a portion of her ashes scattered among the islands of Lake George, reuniting with her husband, while the remainder will be interred with her parents in England.

Please read the full obituary: www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

All people die, but not all people live. Helen lived!

Week of April 17 – April 23, 2026 

April 8, 2026. 10:25 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove resident in the Town of Providence on charges of felony 3rd degree grand larceny: property value exceeds $3000 and felony 2nd degree burglary: illegal entry of a dwelling. Original incident occurred in the Town of Galway on March 25.

April 8, 2026. 10:39 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Village of Waterford on two counts of felony 4th degree grand larceny: credit card, two counts of misdemeanor 3rd degree identity theft: assume another’s identity to obtain goods/cause loss, two counts of misdemeanor 3rd degree unlawful possession of a personal ID: further the commission of a crime and two counts of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred on Oct. 23, 2024 in the Town of Halfmoon. 

April 9, 2026. 3:28 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 10, 2026. 8:34 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Niskayuna resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor motor vehicle violation: registration suspended. Appearance ticket issued.

April 10, 2026. 4:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: commit aggravated unlicensed operation 3/ mandatory suspension. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 11, 2026 2:48 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

 April 11, 2026. 1:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

April 11, 2026. 2:26 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ravena resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of felony 5th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: cocaine 500 milligrams, misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Released on own recognizance.

April 11, 2026. 10:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle: three or more open suspensions, 3 or more separate dates. Appearance ticket issued.

April 11, 2026. 11:34 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Glens Falls resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

April 12, 2026. 6:13 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Wynantskill resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 13, 2026. 10:17 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a two-vehicle traffic accident on Route 9. 

April 14, 2026. 10:17 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rosedale resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

April 14, 2026. 9:34 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and misdemeanor 3rd degree unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

April 14, 2026. 9:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Hadley on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Appearance ticket issued.

April 15, 2026. 2:57 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Hudson Falls resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher-first offense, and misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

Tedisco Honors Galway High School Student with New York State’s Highest Award for Young People


Senator Jim Tedisco, Andrew Miller and his parents, Galway School Superintendent Michael Miller and wife Meghan Miller. (Courtesy of Senator Jim Tedisco)

Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake) recently honored Andrew Miller, a junior at Galway High School with the New York State Senate Youth Leadership Award.

 The NYS Senate Youth Leadership Award is given to students from across the state who have shown academic excellence, leadership and community outreach in going above and beyond in their school activities. Miller was nominated for the award by Galway High School Business Teacher Kathryn Pellett.

 Miller is the treasurer of Galway High School’s Business Club, a role typically reserved for high school seniors. As club treasurer, Miller has increased sales through the club’s school store with innovative ideas that have made the school store the most successful it has been in years. 

Andrew also is completing a business pathway for an additional certification on his high school diploma. This includes taking four college level business courses, an independent study, and a 54-hour internship program.

 â€śAndrew Miller is clearly an exceptional young person who excels in his studies and extracurricular activities as a true leader among his peers at Galway High School by going above and beyond in all he does. As a former educator, I am proud to recognize outstanding young people like Andrew Miller and present him with the New York State Senate’s Youth Leadership Award, our highest award for young people,” said Senator Jim Tedisco, a former special education teacher and current Ranking Member of the NYS Senate Education Committee.

NYRA Announces Saratoga Purse Increases

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced purse increases to overnight races at Saratoga Race Course, where purse levels will be raised by nearly 14 percent blended across all categories during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and throughout the 2026 summer meet.

NYRA has increased purses for open maiden special weights by a full 15 percent, from $100,000 to $115,000. In addition, first-level allowance events will be offered for $120,000 and second-level allowance races will be offered for $125,000. NYRA will also increase purses for the maiden allowance auction category to $90,000, a 12.5 percent increase. 

The first 2026 Saratoga condition book will be released in June.

For additional information on overnight purse increases, visit www.nyra.com/saratoga/horsemen/.

Saratoga County Native Competing in Charity Boxing Event at Fenway

Photo of Logan Ryan provided.

BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS — Clifton Park native Logan Ryan will be fighting for a cure, literally, in the annual Haymakers for Hope charity boxing event on Thursday, May 7 at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway. 

Ryan and 29 other fighters will step into the ring to combat cancer and raise money for their main beneficiary, The Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

In preparation for fight night, each participating fighter was paired with a boxing gym and coach to guide them through the vigorous, four-month training cycle. All participants trained individually and within small groups, learning the fundamentals of the sport. The fights are sanctioned by USA Boxing and are scheduled to last for three two-minute rounds. 

Ryan, a 27-year-old financial advisor, will face a to-be-determined opponent. 

“Cancer has deeply impacted my family and so many people I love,” Ryan said on his fighter profile page. “Almost nine years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, she has been cancer-free for eight years — a victory made possible by the incredible strides in cancer research. Her strength and resilience are a constant reminder of why this fight matters so much to me… This fight is about more than boxing. It’s about standing up, fighting back, and supporting those who need it most. Every punch thrown represents hope — for cures, for families, and for a future where fewer people have to bear the devastating effects of cancer.”

Haymakers for Hope is a nonprofit dedicated to raising money and awareness for cancer research, care, and survivorship through organized charitable boxing events. Founded in 2010, Haymakers for Hope has helped raise nearly $42 million in its efforts to knock out cancer.

Saratoga Indoor Golf Facility Closing After 18 Years

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tark’s Indoor Golf will close its Saratoga location after 18 years of business.

Owner Kent Tarkleson will be relocating the business to Michigan to be closer to family and help care for his aging mother.

Tarkleson had hoped to transfer the lease to a new owner so that Tark’s could continue operating in New York, but Tarkleson said that request was “unexpectedly denied,” resulting in the closure of the Saratoga location.

“For 18 years, Tark’s has been far more than a business,” Tarkleson said. “It has been a community built on conversations, shared moments, and the simple joy of spending time together around the game we all love. I’ve watched golfers grow, improve, and return season after season, but what has meant the most to me are the relationships that formed along the way.”

Customers with outstanding lesson packages or gift cards are asked to redeem them by April 20. Because the closing timeline moved quickly, customers are encouraged to schedule as soon as possible, as availability will become more limited during the final weeks.

Saratoga Rowing Regattas Set for Spring

Photo via the Saratoga Rowing Association.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Rowing Association is gearing up to host some regattas this spring. The races will take place on Fish Creek at the head of Saratoga Lake.

April 11: Cornell and Boston University – Men’s Race

April 18: New York State Collegiate Championships

April 25–26: Saratoga Invitational

May 1: Liberty League Collegiate Championships

May 9–10: New York State High School Scholastic Championships

Also scheduled for later this year is the annual Head of the Fish regatta on Oct. 24 and 25.

Volunteer signups are currently open for those interested in assisting with the regattas. Visit the new Saratoga Regattas Instagram account for additional info: www.instagram.com/sraregattas.

Local Judo Athletes Shine in Senegal

Melissa Myers and Ramon Hernandez Jr. pose with their Senegal hardware. Photo provided.

DAKAR, SENEGAL — Melissa Myers (30) and Ramon Hernandez Jr. (25), both from the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville, recently won medals at the Senegal Open, earning valuable points on the world ranking list.

Hernandez won a silver medal, making it all the way to the finals of 81kg, losing a thriller in overtime. Hernandez jumped 10 slots in the rankings, up to a career-high #85. 

Myers won a bronze medal at 70kg to move up 5 spots in the rankings to a career-high #55.

Locals Nominated for High School Musical Theatre Awards

SCHENECTADY — The Collaborative School of the Arts (CSOA) recently announced the first group of nominations and callbacks for this year’s High School Musical Theatre Awards at Proctors. This year’s celebration at 7 p.m. on Saturday, May 16 marks a decade of spotlighting the talent and artistry of local high school theatre.

This year’s High School Musical Theatre Awards will feature a host for the first time, welcoming multi-hyphenate Apollo Levine to the stage. A Broadway performer, actor, musician, choreographer, and producer, Levine brings a range of experience across stage and screen, including his work in “MJ The Musical,” where he originated roles and now portrays Joe Jackson.

On April 1, CSOA announced the first group of students nominated for awards this year, as well as the top 20 students in the running for Outstanding Lead Performer. Those 20 students will participate in callbacks in the coming weeks, and the final 10 will be announced on April 20. The two winners of that category will join students from across the country to participate in the 17th Annual National High School Musical Theatre Awards (The Jimmys) on Monday, June 22 in New York City.

Backstage Excellence

 Colonie Central High School — “Mamma Mia!”

 Glens Falls High School — “Once Upon a Mattress”

 Mohonasen High School — “Newsies”

 Shenendehowa High School — “Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”

 South Glens Falls High School — “Mamma Mia!”

Outstanding Student Orchestra

 Albany High School — “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Ballston Spa High School — “The Addams Family”

 Columbia High School — “Pippin”

 Mechanicville Jr./Sr. High School — “Legally Blonde the Musical”

 Saratoga Springs High School — “Newsies”

Outstanding Choreography Execution

 Albany High School — “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Mohonasen High School — “Newsies”

 Queensbury High School – “The Addams Family”

 Shenendehowa High School — “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

 Voorheesville High School — “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

Outstanding Ensemble

 Albany High School — “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Mohonasen High School — “Newsies”

 Queensbury High School – “The Addams Family”

 Saratoga Springs High School – “Newsies”

 Shenendehowa High School — “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

Outstanding Musical Tier A

 Mohonasen High School — “Newsies”

 Queensbury High School – “The Addams Family”

 Shenendehowa High School — “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

Outstanding Musical Tier B

 Saratoga Springs High School — “Newsies”

 South Glens Falls High School – “Mamma Mia!”

 Voorheesville High School – “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

Outstanding Supporting Performer

 Angel Rodriguez as Race in Mohonasen High School’s “Newsies”

 Ainsley Stone as Fate #2 in Voorheesville High School’s “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

 Allison Ott as Race in Saratoga Springs High School’s “Newsies”

 Everett Mercier as Aaron Samuels in Albany High School’s “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Henry Mack as Orin Scrivello (The Dentist) in Ticonderoga High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors”

Outstanding Supporting Performer

 Haley Hammer as Les in Saratoga Springs High School’s “Newsies”

 Natalie Riccio as Fate #1 in Voorheesville High School’s “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

 Rodney MacNaughton as King Sextimus in Glens Falls High School’s “Once Upon a Matress”

 Sophie Cottrell as Balaga in Shenendehowa High School’s “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

 Treyce Elethrop as Audrey II in Ticonderoga High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors”

Callbacks for Outstanding Lead Performers

 Adam Spero as Gomez Addams in Queensbury High School’s “The Addams Family”

 Ameilia Sapienza as Donna in Colonie Central High School’s “Mamma Mia!”

 Annon Breault as Dorothy Brock in Whitehall High School’s “42nd Street”

 Carmen Tarlo as Edward Bloom in Cohoes High School’s “Big Fish”

 Carter Mack as Seymour in Ticonderoga High School’s “Little Shop of Horrors”

 Delaney Sano as Wednesday Addams in Queensbury High School’s “The Addams Family”

 Giovanni Gallione as Jack Kelly in Mohonasen High School’s “Newsies”

 Ian Roach as Damian in Albany High School’s “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Isla Platek as Persephone in Voorheesville High School’s “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

 Jameson Rivet as Anatole in Shenendehowa High School’s “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

 Karissa Beam as Princess Winnifred in Schenectady High School’s “Once Upon a Mattress”

 Lily Sinnott as Natasha in Shenendehowa High School’s “Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812”

 Macklin McGrath as Prince Dauntless in Glens Falls High School’s “Once Upon a Mattress”

 Maeve Stein as Gretchen in Albany High School’s “Mean Girls: High School Edition”

 Max Mittler as Jack Kelly in Saratoga Springs High School’s “Newsies”

 Nicolas Merzig as Fester Addams in Queensbury High School’s “The Addams Family”

 Olivia Bradt as Donna in South Glens Falls High School’s “Mamma Mia!”

 Paige Rivers as Eurydice in Voorheesville High School’s “Hadestown: Teen Edition”

 Roman Mangino as Gomez Addams in Ballston Spa High School’s “The Addams Family”

 Rosalyn Annely as Sandra Bloom in Cohoes High School’s “Big Fish”

Upcoming Poetic Events: Readings and Workshops

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga area residents will share poems they love at Favorite Poem Night on Thursday, April 9 at 6:30 pm in the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Dutcher Community Room. The reading is free and open to the public. City poet laureate Jay Rogoff will host as part of the Laureate Poetry Series.

In partnership with Ballston Spa’s Random Acts of Poetry celebration, the Laureate Poetry Series will also present a poetry reading by Hajar Husseini, Rogoff, and Barbara Ungar on Sunday, April 12 at 6 p.m at the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa. The reading is free and open to the public, but reservations are required at brooksidemuseum.org.

For National Poetry Month, Rogoff will lead a free poetry workshop for high school students in grades nine through twelve. They’ll meet on four consecutive Thursdays, from 4 to 5:30 pm, in the Saratoga Springs Public Library’s Glasby Room. Sessions begin April 16 and continue through May 7. Participants must register with the library at https://sspl.libcal.com/event/15756927.