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Author: Saratoga TODAY

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Skidmore College Walk to Prevent Suicide April 27

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


Photo from the Saratoga County Chamber Facebook page

SARATOGA SPRINGS — April marks the start of the Campus Out of the Darkness Walks season in the Capital Region, and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention invites you to support Skidmore College as they walk to help prevent suicide on April 27th.

These walks provide a meaningful way to not only raise funds but also connect with others and remind everyone they’re not alone—whether walking in memory of a loved one, to support others, or to honor their own mental health journey.

Check-in time for the event is 12:30 pm and the start time is 1:30 pm. To participate as a walker or make a donation, visit http://www.afsp.org/skidmore.

$500 Francis Ostrander Scholarship Available

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Schuylerville— The Old Saratoga Historical Association will award the Francis Ostrander Scholarship of $500 to a member of the senior class at Schuylerville Central High School who will be attending a two or four year college in the fall. A $350 scholarship will be awarded to the runner-up. Applicants must complete a 600-word essay.

Submit applications by May 15 to Patricia Peck, 178 Wagman’s Ridge, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. A short statement, on a separate piece of paper, with the name, address, and career plans of the applicant and the college that the applicant will attend should accompany the essay. Announcement of the scholarship recipients will be made at commencement.

For further information call 518-584-4129.

Stephen Erickson  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


SARATOGA SPRINGS —Stephen Erickson, 80, passed away peacefully 3/31/2025. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Pines for providing Steve with warm and loving care for the past three years. A celebration of life will be later this spring. Memorial donations to The Pines in Glens Falls. www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

Patrick Topetro

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


MECHANICVILLE — Patrick Topetro, 82 passed 4/1/2025. Calling hours are 10:30-12:30, Monday 4/7/2025 at All Saints on the Hudson South Church 121 N. Main Street, Mechanicville, NY. Mass to follow. Burial with Military Honors following at 2pm at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

“Hold Me, Heal Me” Presented Live on Zoom April 6 & 10

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Jewish Community Arts and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York present, live on Zoom, The Braid’s performance of “Hold Me, Heal Me,” at 2 p.m. April 6, and 7 p.m. April 10. 

“Hold Me, Heal Me” offers stories of the power of kindness to heal. Like other plays in The Braid’s repertoire, “Hold Me, Heal Me” will be performed live on Zoom, followed by a Q&A session with the performers.

Now in its 15th season, The Braid is the go-to Jewish story company and leading non-profit organization creating, curating, producing and preserving stories grounded in Jewish culture and experience. Formerly known as Jewish Women’s Theater, the Braid bases performances on real life experiences, brought to life by professional actors.

To register for “Hold Me, Heal Me” and other upcoming SJCA programs, go to the SJCA Home Page at https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/cu/9HjgRFz/SJCAHomePage

Break Week Programs for Children and Teens at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK – The following events are slated to take place at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, located at 475 Moe Road. Details and registration information for each program can be found at www.cphlibrary.org or by calling 518-371-8622. 

  • Teen Paint & Sip – Monday, April 14 at 4 p.m. (grades 6-12); registration required.
  • Mushrooms & Me – Tuesday, April 15 at 2 p.m. (grades 2-5); registration required.
  • Teen LEGO Mastery Competition! – Tuesday, April 15 at 3:30 p.m. (grades 6-12); registration required.
  • Pajamarama Story Time – Wednesday, April 16 at 10 a.m.
  • “Saturday Morning” Cartoons – Wednesday, April 16 at 2 p.m. (grades 1-4).
  • Game Playtests: Be the First to Play! – Wednesday, April 16 at 7 p.m. (grades 6-12); registration required.
  • Wicked Sing-Along – Thursday, April 17 at 1 p.m.
  • Middle School Book Club – Thursday, April 17 at 6:30 p.m. (grades 6-9); registration required.
  • VolunTEEN: Advisory Program (VTAP) – Friday, April 18 at 1 p.m. (grades 6-12); registration required.
  • TTOB: Habitat Hunters – Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. (grades 2-5); registration required.

April 5 – April 11, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Ann Marie Balzano, 55, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/ 5 years probation after pleading to felony DWI – charged September 2023 in Malta, and 6 months incarceration/ 5 years probation after pleading to felony DWI June 2023 in Malta. Sentences to run concurrently. 

Cody A. Farr, 23, of Schuylerville, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years incarceration after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, charged December 2024 in the town of Saratoga.  

Benjamin T. Vandusen, 32, of Clifton Park, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2024 in Clifton Park. 

Clinton V. Byers, 48, of Gansevoort, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, charged June 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Kylee K. Towers, 34, of Lake Luzerne, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration and 1-1/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, charged July 2024 in Corinth. 

Karl Lurs, 29, of Clifton Park, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to possessing a sexual performance by a child, charged May 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Meaghan M. Kohls, 46, of Ballston Lake, was sentenced to 30 hours community service/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged July 2024 in Clifton Park. 

Kenneth D. Cameron, 65, of Northville, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to criminal possession of an assault weapon in the third-degree, charged April 2024 in Edinburg. 

Teresa L. Jackson, 46, of Malta, was sentenced to 1 year incarceration after pleading to felony DWI, charged July 2024 in Clifton Park. 

Adam P. Foster, 19, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to assault in the second-degree, and unlawfully fleeing a police officer, charged October 2024 in Mechanicville.

Shana M. Firenze, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 30 days community service/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged July 2024 in Wilton.  

Joseph A. Nowhitney, 34, of Greenfield, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2024 in Malta. 

Jennifer L. Duncan Wright, 31, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration/ 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance, charged August 2024 in Saratoga Springs.  

Kaitlin E. Clavin, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged May 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Daniel S. McNeil, 44, was sentenced to 4 months incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged January 2025 in Stillwater. 

Christine A. Mrzyglod, 59, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged August 2024 in Wilton. 

Free Healthcare Clinic Providing Dental, Vision and Medical Services Coming to Hudson Falls April 12-13

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

HUDSON FALLS — With access to basic healthcare a challenge for some Americans who are uninsured or underinsured, Remote Area Medical (RAM) will be offering a free, comprehensive healthcare clinic at Hudson Falls High School, located at E Labarge Street, Hudson Falls, on April 12-13. 

Th clinic will provide dental, vision, and medical care to those who might otherwise go without these essential services.

RAM Clinics offer free healthcare services that include general medical exams, women’s health exams, dental cleanings, extractions, eye exams, and prescription glasses made on-site. HIV testing, and hepatitis C testing will also be available at this clinic. 

The upcoming clinic in Hudson Falls is open to anyone in need, with no insurance and no ID required. RAM encourages anyone who could benefit from these services to attend and receive the care they deserve. 

The parking lot will open no later than 11:59 p.m. (Midnight) on Friday night, April 11, and remain open for the duration of the clinic. Once in the parking lot, additional information regarding clinic-opening processes and next steps will be provided. Clinic doors open at 6 a.m., services are offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Saturday’s clinic operations will be an abbreviated day, patients are advised to arrive as early as possible. Due to time constraints, patients should be prepared to choose between DENTAL and VISION services.

For more information on the upcoming RAM Clinic, including how to volunteer or donate, visit www.ramusa.org or call 865-579-1530. Patients may also visit the Facebook Event for this clinic at https://www.facebook.com/events/585023354212688/

Nina Wisniewski

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nina Wisniewski fell asleep in the Lord on March 31, 2025 at home, in the loving embrace of her family. She recently celebrated her 89th birthday.

Nina was born on March 16, 1936 in Eastern Europe, to George and Nina Worobey, at a time when national boundaries were in flux, so her country of origin remains unclear. Being an American citizen, her father was able to return to Brooklyn to prepare for the arrival of his wife and infant daughter, who sailed in 1938 on the SS Washington out of England to reunite the family. Being a very patriotic woman, Nina was always proud of the fact that she was the only America citizen listed on the ship’s manifest, and thankful that her parents brought her to this land of freedom.

Nina was raised in Greenpoint Brooklyn with her younger brother George but sadly, they lost their mother in 1941. Stepmother Mary Sabol joined the family, bringing many Sabol aunts, uncles and cousins, who Nina adored. The family circle was completed with the birth of Nina’s sister Maryann.

Nina attended the High School of Fashion Industries in Manhattan and had a career as a seamstress with an interior decorating firm in Brooklyn. She met her husband, Richard, at a picnic.  They married on September 6, 1964 and moved to Flushing, Queens, where they raised their three daughters, Caroline, Suzanne and Samantha. Nina and Richard moved in 1991 to Saratoga Springs to enjoy their semi-retirement near Nina’s sister, Maryann, and brother-in-law David. Having lived longer in Saratoga than anywhere else, Nina was happy to call herself a Saratogian.

Nina was friendly, sympathetic, forthright, and funny. She loved the peaceful, quiet location of her little house near the end of a cul-de-sac, and her wonderful and caring neighbors.  She was an avid gardener of sorts, her real passion being the propagation of plants and nurturing little sprouts to grow. This was a skill she applied to her relationship with her three grandchildren, Andrew, Peter and Frances, who called her “Nani.” According to family lore the name is a conflation of “Nana” and “Nina,” given to her by Andrew when he was learning to speak. The grandchildren always felt their Nani’s love and support and knew how delighted she was spending time with them.

Nina is survived by her loving husband of 60 years, Richard J. Wisniewski, daughter Caroline Wisniewski, daughter Suzanne Nolan and her husband Christopher, daughter Samantha Carter and her husband Nick, grandchildren Andrew, Peter and Frances Nolan, sister Maryann Bogner and brother-in-law David, sister-in-law Barbara (George Worobey, d. 2021), and brother-in-law Henry Szachacz (Evelyn Wisniewski Szachacz, d. 2000).

A mass of Christian Burial will be held on April 8 at 10 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church, Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY.  In lieu of flowers please make donations to Communityhospice.org, whose compassionate and supportive staff were the unexpected bright spot and source of comfort to Nina and her family in her final weeks.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

James Michael Keane

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

TRUMBULL, CT — James Keane, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 25th, 2025, after a long illness. 

Born on September 29, 1938, he was the son of the late Thomas Francis Keane and Mary Flynn Keane.

He is survived by his wife, June Keane; his three sons, Michael Keane of King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, Brian Keane and his wife Becky of Trumbull, CT, and Daniel Keane of Conifer, Colorado; and his five beloved grandchildren, who brought him so much joy: Macarthy, Timothy, Waylon, Maureen (MJ), and Harkin. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was predeceased by his first wife and the mother of his children, Maureen (McCarthy) Keane; his brothers, Thomas Francis Keane, Jr., Charles R. Keane; and his sister Mary Katherine Ryan.

James graduated from Fairfield Prep and Fairfield University, where he played on the basketball team. After college, he served in the US Army as a commanding officer in the 13th Psychological Warfare Battalion.  Jim worked in the relocation industry for many years and was recognized numerous times by The Employee Relocation Council for his contributions and strong leadership. He was revered and respected by those who were fortunate to work with him. His leadership, life experience, simple honesty, and wry, often self-deprecating humor were ingrained in his style of management. He made a positive and memorable difference in the lives of those he worked with and mentored.

Jim enjoyed spending time with a close-knit group of friends (also known as “The Sows”) in both Connecticut and later in Saratoga, New York. Most important to him was the time he spent with his three boys, watching them grow up, skiing together at Okemo, and making sure they and he survived their teenage years.

His family would like to thank the staff at the memory care facility for their compassionate care of James during his final six months. They would especially like to extend their sincerest gratitude to James’ aide and friend, Donya Mattis, whom Jim called “The Girl,” who provided loving companionship and dedicated care for many months.

There are no calling hours and burial will be private.  A celebration of Jim’s life will be held in the summer (June / July).  In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity of your choice in his honor.

Arrangements in care of the Cyril F. Mullins Funeral Home, Trumbull, CT. For more information or to leave an online condolence, please visit mullinsfh.com.