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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Performing Arts Center Announces Promotion of Christopher Shiley to President of SPAC 


Christopher Shiley, president of SPAC. Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that Christopher Shiley, SPAC’s former Senior Vice President of Artistic Planning, has been promoted to president. 

Shiley will oversee SPAC’s programming and day-to-day operations in alignment with the organization’s ambitious goals for the future.

Working collaboratively with Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s Chief Executive Officer and the Board of Directors, the president will play an essential role in supporting SPAC’s continued growth and the long-term sustainability of the organization.

“Chris has become an invaluable asset to SPAC and to our leadership team over the past seven years,” Sobol said in a statement. “Elevating his role to become SPAC’s President is an important step as we plan for the organization’s future and will allow me, for the first time in my tenure, to focus almost exclusively on strategic matters. In his new position, Chris will oversee SPAC’s programming and operations while I continue my work to guide SPAC’s long-term strategic vision, growth, and financial sustainability.” 

 Shiley joined SPAC in 2018 and is credited with helping to shape the creative vision and direction of SPAC’s programming, in collaboration with Elizabeth Sobol. Prior to joining SPAC, Shiley worked for the international concert-touring company, Classical Movements, where he served as the Festival Director of the Prague Summer Nights Young Artist Music Festival. As a professional musician, Shiley served multiple seasons as the Principal Trumpet of the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and has a Master of Music from Temple University and a Bachelor of Music from The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University both in Music Performance.

County Sheriff’s Office Conducts Undercover Operation 

SARATOGA COUNTY — In response to tips and reports of unlawful sales of nicotine and THC vapes to persons under 21 years old, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office conducted an undercover operation Tuesday across the county to check for compliance with New York state laws.

Twelve establishments were visited where attempts to purchase restricted items were made by an undercover operative. 

No violations were observed, and no arrests were made, authorities said. 

“I am glad to see that the shops we visited are following the rules,” Sheriff Michael Zurlo said in a statement. “We take citizen complaints seriously and will continue to monitor the overall situation.”

April 25 – May 1, 2025               

Saratoga County Court

Joseph Bertrand, 45, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 10 months incarceration after pleading to attempted burglary, and 10 months incarceration after pleading to criminal mischief, charged March 2024 in Halfmoon. Sentences to run consecutively. 

Matthew Farchione, 49, of Gansevoort, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/5 years probation after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Robert Tufano, 37, of Poestenkill, was sentenced to 9 months incarceration after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2024 in Waterford. 

Jason E. Horn, 52, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, charged August 2024 in Milton. 

Joellyn Bedford, 51, of Norwich, N.Y., was sentenced to 5 years probation after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged October 2023 in Wilton. 

Alexa C. Dalberto, 35, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Harold J. Thomas III, 33, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 10 months incarceration and a three-year conditional discharge for purposes of installation of the ignition interlock device after pleading to felony DWI, charged September 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Kyle W. Talmadge, 29, of Amsterdam, was sentenced to 5 years probation after pleading to criminal possession of stolen property, charged October 2023 in Providence. 

April M. Fernet, 43, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 5 years probation after pleading to DWAI, charged September 2024 in Halfmoon. 

Thomas N. Shemelia, 27, of Albany, was sentenced to 4 years incarceration/10 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal sexual act in the third-degree, charged July 2022 in Saratoga Springs. 

Steven L. Devlin, 43, of Cohoes, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to misdemeanor DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle – a felony, charged June 2024 in Halfmoon.  

James D. Euber, 33, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 5 years probation after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged August-October 2024. 

Elihah E. Gholson, 34, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged September 2024 in Wilton. 

Patricia McAvoy Dwyer 

FT. EDWARD — Patricia McAvoy Dwyer, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt, and friend to all who knew her, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025. Private services will be held at the convenience of the family. For online condolences, please visit: www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

Brianne Elizabeth Cogan

GANSEVOORT — Brianne Elizabeth Cogan, 40, passed April 18, 2025. May Brianne’s memory bring comfort to all who mourn her loss. Calling hours were April 23 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to the National Down Syndrome Society or Friends of Saratoga County Animal Shelter. For online condolences, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

Dale F. Sherman 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dale F. Sherman, peacefully passed away on April 17, 2025 with loved ones at his side.

He was born in Saratoga Springs on November 23, 1952 the son of the late Ken and Beverly Sherman.  

Dale was a kind and selfless man who would do anything for anyone and everyone. He was an amazing husband, father, brother, son and papa. Dale loved his family more than life itself and was a proud papa to his only grandchild Mya J. and he was a friend to all.  

He enjoyed spending a lot of time outside doing yard work and at his family camp on Stewarts Pond. He was also a gun enthusiast.  

Dale retired in 2023 from H&V after 23+ years as a boilerman and with perfect attendance.   

Dale leaves behind his beloved wife, Tammy of 39 years; children, Ken H. Sherman and Kimberly D. Alger (Josh); granddaughter, Mya J. Alger; siblings, Deborah Estey (Mike), Dawn Baker (Bill), Denise Baker, Doug Sherman (Geri) and Darlene Singer (Stephen); many nephews, nieces and friends.  

Services will be private at the convenience of the family.

Online condolences can be made by visiting www.burkefuneralhome.com

Nature Photography Course Series Offered at Schuylerville Public Library

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Schuylerville Public Library will offer a Beginning Nature Photography course with instructor Susan Meyer, beginning May 3. 

The series features 8 classes, both in person instruction at the library and hands-on photography practice at nearby Hudson Crossing Park.  The class will run from May 3 through June 28 on Saturday mornings and culminate in an Art Show on July 19 at the library.  

Those age 16 & up may register online (svl.libcal.com) or by phone 518-695-6641.  Participants must have their own camera or device, and the focus of the instruction will be on DSLR (digital) cameras, with some information on iPhone cameras provided.  

Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Ballston Spa Celebrates a Month of Poetry

BALLSTON SPA — As part of the Village of Ballston Spa Committee on the Arts second annual “Random Acts of Poetry,” an evening “Poetry Performance” will be held 7 p.m. April 26 in the Long Room at the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa. 

Three local published poets – Steven Guilfoyle, Andy Fogel and Carol Graser – will be reading from their works at the event. 

The performance is free, but pre-registration is requested at: brooksidemuseum.org. 

The event continues the month-long celebration of National Poetry month. Ongoing events are the locally written Haiku on lawn signs around the Village and “Poem in Your Pocket” for free at local businesses and Cinquains written about local participating businesses on display.

Ballston Spa Girls Flag Football Team Launches Fundraiser


Photo of the Ballston Spa High School girls flag football team via GoFundMe.

BALLSTON SPA — The new Ballston Spa High School girls flag football program is seeking funds for team jackets, warm-up jerseys, a senior night, senior scholarships, and an end-of-season banquet.

“As a brand new program, we’re starting with zero funding,” the team’s booster club said on its GoFundMe page. “Your donation—big or small—makes a meaningful impact. Every dollar brings us one step closer to supporting the incredible athletes and coaches who are working so hard to build this program.”

For more information or to support the program, visit www.gofundme.com/f/yj8r5-support-ballston-spa-girls-flag-football.