Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Jennifer Wilcox

BALLSTON SPA, NY- Jennifer Wilcox, 53, passed peacefully March 8, 2026. Jennifer’s spirit, kindness, and the love she poured into her family will endure in the hearts of all who were blessed to share in her life. Calling hours are on March 16, 3:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Shirley A. Coonradt

GANSEVOORT – Shirley A. Coonradt passed away February 28, 2026.  A graveside service will be held at 11 am on Friday July 24, 2026, at Maplewood Cemetery, corner of Weibel and Louden Road, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online condolences, www.compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

Sherri Lipton

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Sherri Lipton, 71, passed away on Friday, March 6, 2026. Sherri has been with Saratoga Bridges since 2013. Calling hours are 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m., on Saturday, March 21, at Burke Funeral Home followed by a funeral home service at 2:00 p.m. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Paula C. Murray

MIDDLE GROVE – Paula C. Murray, 68, passed away peacefully at her home on March 6, 2026, with her loving husband by her side.

Born on December 28, 1957, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the daughter of the late John and Marion Zwijacz.

Paula dedicated many years of compassionate service as a Registered Nurse at Saratoga Hospital before retiring. Through her work, she touched countless lives with her kindness, professionalism, and caring spirit.

Outside of her career, Paula lived life with a sense of adventure. She was an avid motorcyclist who loved exploring new places, traveling with her husband, and spending time outdoors. The beauty of the Adirondacks held a special place in her heart, and she had a deep affection for animals and nature.

Paula is survived by her beloved husband, Brian K. Murray; her brother, Andy Zwijacz (Ellen); brother-in-law David W. Murray Jr. (Linda K.); sisters-in-law, Donna Emory and Sandy Donovan; niece Kathryn Mangini; and nephew Zandon Zwijacz.

In addition to her parents, Paula was predeceased by her brother, Gary Zwijacz.

In keeping with Paula’s wishes, no services will be held at this time.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

BLOTTER

March 4, 2026. 9:35 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Buskirk resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 4, 2026. 10:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rensselaer resident in the Town of Colonie on charges of felony 3rd degree grand larceny: property value exceeds $3000 and felony 1st degree identity theft: assuming another’s identity to obtain goods over $2000. Held- no bail. Original incident occurred in the Town of Wilton on Jan. 23, 2026. 

March 4, 2026. 12:45 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 2nd degree harassment- physical contact, resisting arrest, and illegal use/sale of nitrous oxide. Arrest occurred on Circular Street.

March 4, 2026. 2:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville juvenile on charges of misdemeanor forcible touching- touch sexual/intimate parts of another person. Original incident occurred Feb. 28, 2026.

March 4, 2026. 2:23 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Voorheesville resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from accident on Exit 14 of Interstate 87. 

March 4, 2026. 6:58 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 4, 2026. 11:45 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.

March 5, 2026. 11:27 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other violations. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Franklin and Washington Streets.

March 5, 2026. 12:56 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park juvenile in the City of Albany on charges of misdemeanor reckless driving. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a traffic accident on Route 87 in the Town of Halfmoon which injured two people.

March 5, 2026. 2:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Middle Grove resident in the Town of Providence on charges of misdemeanor 2nd menacing- weapon and misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon: intent to use. Appearance ticket issued.

March 5, 2026. 3:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Watervliet resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation 2nd. Appearance ticket issued.

March 5, 2026. 3:20 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of general violation of local law. Arrest occurred on Broadway. 

March 5, 2026. 4:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony grand larceny 4th: credit card. Released on own recognizance. Original incident occurred on Dec. 9, 2026. 

March 5, 2026. 5:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.

March 5, 2026. 7:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schaghticoke resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree bail jumping. Central arraignment. 

March 5, 2026. 11:21 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of criminal trespass: property fenced in or enclosed. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.

March 6, 2026. 1:13 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony 2nd degree assault: intent to cause physical injury with a weapon, felony criminal possession of a weapon 3rd: previous conviction and misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Central arraignment. 

March 6, 2026. 3:30 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of felony criminal contempt: violate order of protection- physical contact and two counts of criminal contempt: disobey court. Central arraignment. 

March 6, 2026. 11:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Stuyvesant resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued.

March 6, 2026. 2:20 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of DWI- first offense, 3rd degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Congress Place.

March 6, 2026. 4:13 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Ballston on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation. Released to third party.

March 6, 2026. 5:20 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance, operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- 1st offense and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred on Trottingham Road.

March 6, 2026. 6:28 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an individual on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Arrest occurred on West Avenue.

March 6, 2026. 7:46 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from a single vehicle traffic accident on Middle Grove Rd.

March 6, 2026. 9:05 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Queensbury on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction within the last 10 years, felony operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- previous conviction within the last 10 years, felony aggravated unlicensed operation, felony aggravated DWI: with a child passenger less than 16- 1st offense and misdemeanor act to injure a child less than 17. Appearance ticket issued.

March 7, 2026. 12:44 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Northville resident in the Town of Hadley 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.

March 7, 2026. 2:59 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Troy resident on charges of 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Ballston Avenue and South Street.

March 7, 2026. 5:55 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminal use of drug paraphernalia- package. Arrest occurred on South Broadway.

March 7, 2026. 11:12 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor aggravated harassment- threatened by telephone/ no legitimate purpose. Central Arraignment.

March 7, 2026. 1:31 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort juvenile on charges of misdemeanor criminal trespass: railroad right of way or yard, and misdemeanor making graffiti. Investigation pending. 

March 7, 2026. 3:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Milton on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued. 

March 7, 2026. 8:26 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of criminal trespass: property fenced in or enclosed property, assault 2 with intent to cause injury to first responder and resisting arrest. Arrest occurred at four Adelphi Street.

March 7, 2026. 11:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident on two counts of misdemeanor criminal contempt: disobey court. Cash bail. 

March 8, 2026. 1:23 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an individual on charges of disorderly conduct: fight/ violent behavior. Arrest occurred on Caroline Street.

March 8, 2026. 3:29 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in charges of DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Union Ave and Ludlow Street.

March 8, 2026. 4:51 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rexford 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. 

March 8, 2026. 2:20 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated unlicensed operation and criminal weapon possession: previous conviction. Released on own recognizance. 

March 8, 2026. 10:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Corinth on charges of felony criminal possession of a controlled substance: narcotic drug intent to sell, felony criminal possession of a controlled substance and two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree possession of a controlled substance. Central arraignment. 

March 8, 2026. 10:12 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Stony Creek resident in the Town of Corinth on two counts of misdemeanor 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. Appearance ticket issued.

March 9, 2026. 10:06 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure and menacing- weapon. Released on own recognizance.

March 10, 2026. 6:01 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony DWAI by drugs: prior conviction within 10 years and felony aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued.

March 10, 2026. 8:29 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation. Appearance ticket issued.

Music and Storytelling Event to Raise Funds for Homeless Veterans

Photo of Margo Macero provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — RallySound, a nonprofit working to empower community through music, will host “Songwriters in the Round – An Evening of Music and Storytelling” on Thursday, April 16 at The Anthony “Skip” Scirocco Music Hall in Saratoga Springs.

A pay-what-you-can event, the evening will feature Adam Ezra, Margo Macero, and Melanie Krahmer & Rich Libutti of Sirsy performing some of their favorite songs and sharing the stories behind them. All are donating their time and talent to the event to raise funds for veterans. Money raised will benefit The Ramble music festival—another pay-what-you-can event held annually on the last Saturday of August.

The Ramble, run by the all-volunteer Ramble Army, is funded through donations from attendees, generous supporters, and sponsors. For every $1,000 raised, The Ramble—working in partnership with The New England Center and Home for Veterans—provides the resources needed for one veteran to transition off the streets and into safe, dignified housing. RallySound donated $161,000 to the mission last year and has donated more than $750,000 over the past 13 years.

“Songwriters in the Round” will be held in the music hall at Saratoga Springs City Hall (third floor) from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. (doors at 6 p.m.).

For more information, to reserve tickets, and to donate, visit Rallysound.org/songwriters-in-the-round.

SPAC Announces “Groundbreaking,” One-Night-Only BalletX Performance

Dancer Itzkan Barbosa. Photo by Gabriel Bienczycki, provided by SPAC.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) announced Wednesday that BalletX, Philadelphia’s premier contemporary ballet company, will present the SPAC premiere of “The Four Seasons Reimagined” in a special one-night, pavilion-only performance on Thursday, June 11. 

The immersive, evening-length work marks BalletX’s first full-company, headlining engagement on the SPAC Amphitheater stage and arrives just days after its world premiere. The company previously performed in the Spa Little Theater and appeared as a guest with The Philadelphia Orchestra on the main stage.

“This season at SPAC, we are reflecting on The Four Seasons—an idea that resonates deeply with our home in Saratoga Spa State Park and with SPAC’s evolution as a vibrant, year-round organization,” said Elizabeth Sobol, CEO of SPAC. “We are proud to have supported the creation of this bold and ambitious work, which beautifully reflects our commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability, inspiring audiences to consider both the majesty and fragility of the natural world that surrounds us. We are also thrilled to welcome regional organizations dedicated to conservation and sustainability, offering them the opportunity to share their work with our audiences and join us for this shared artistic experience.”

“The Four Seasons Reimagined” is a new production that ushers audiences into an immersive landscape shaped by sound, movement, light, and design. Composer and electronic musician Dan Deacon creates and performs an original score live on stage with his nine-member band. Four choreographers—Morgann Runacre-Temple (Summer), Penny Saunders (Fall), Jamar Roberts (Winter), and Trey McIntyre (Spring)—each bring a distinct season to life, revealing nature as the driving force at the heart of the story: fragile, fierce, and magnificently alive.

“We are so grateful to work on this larger-than-life project with Saratoga Performing Arts Center,” said BalletX Artistic and Executive Director Christine Cox. “The Four Seasons Reimagined” is a celebration two years in the making and we’re honored to premiere it as part of America250. Creating alongside Dan Deacon, Penny Saunders, Jamar Roberts, Trey McIntyre, Morgann Runacre-Temple, Emma Kingsbury, Christopher Ash and our company of dancers has been the experience of a lifetime and the result is truly unique – four world premieres, one epic score, one beautiful love letter to Mother Nature.”

 At the heart of the project is a newly commissioned score by Deacon. Known for his genre-defying sound and epic-scale live performances, Deacon will reinterpret Vivaldi’s iconic work with an avant-garde, modern edge. Performed live alongside his nine-piece ensemble of musicians, several taking on multiple instruments, the score reflects the shifting seasons and our relationship with the natural world.

Scenic and costume design is by designer Emma Kingsbury, whose work spans theater, dance, opera, and film, including collaborations with Opera Australia and La Scala. Lighting is brought to life by Christopher Ash, whose work has been seen at The Met, Lyric Opera of Chicago, Canadian Opera, Houston Grand Opera, and across numerous Broadway productions.

Extending this commitment beyond the stage, SPAC has invited regional organizations dedicated to conservation and sustainability to attend and engage with audiences prior to the performance. Participating partners include the Agricultural Stewardship Association, Albany Pine Bush Preserve, Mohawk Hudson Land Conservation District, New York State Parks & Historic Preservation, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, Saratoga PLAN, SoBro Conservancy, Southern Adirondack Audubon Society, Spa City Farmers’ Market, Sustainable Saratoga, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, and Capital Region PRISM.

Tickets will be available beginning March 6 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on March 12 at 10 a.m. for the general public. All tickets for this performance are pavilion only and start at $29. Visit spac.org for details.

Two High School Students Awarded Full Tuition Scholarships to ACPHS

Full tuition scholarship winner, Lyla Charbonneau and family ( Courtesy of ACPHS).

Two deserving high school seniors were recently notified that they were chosen to receive full-tuition scholarships beginning in Fall 2026 at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. 

Ballston Spa High School student, Lyla Charlebois, received quite the surprise when ACPHS Senior Associate Director of Admissions, Sarah Ohnsman, visited the school to share the exciting news with her.

Lyla is seeking to pursue a bachelor’s degree in health sciences with the goal of becoming a physician assistant.  She is a student-athlete, National Honors Society honoree, and community-service committed student. BSHS Counselor Mara Gallagher and Lyla’s parents, Frank and Megan, were onsite to witness the surprise announcement at the school.  

The second student, Ella Foote, is a senior at Norwich High School in Norwich, New York, and a community volunteer. Ella is considering a career in pharmacy because of her past work and shadowing experiences.

Both students were chosen for their impressive participation and engagement during Scholarship Day led by ACPHS faculty including Margaret Doll, Public Health; Michelle Parent, Clinical Laboratory & Health Sciences; Stephen Maher, Forensic Psychology, Psychology, & Forensic Science; Eric Yager, Biomedical Sciences; and Tom Lodise, Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.

The professors laid out the groundwork for an anthrax attack threat discovered by the CIA. By working through the case study, the students learned the roles and responsibilities of various personnel involved in averting or minimizing the effects of a bioterrorism attack.

They also gained an appreciation for the importance of a team approach in identifying and responding to health threats.

Comfort Food Community Expands Farm 2 Library Program with Southern Adirondack Library System, Increasing Access to Fresh Food in Saratoga County

Comfort Food Community (CFC), a nonprofit fighting rural hunger with innovative programming, is expanding its Farm 2 Library program to Saratoga Springs Public Library, Ballston Spa Public Library, and Round Lake Library – Malta Branch, in partnership with Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS). Fresh, nutritious, and local food will be accessible to anyone who needs it starting Wednesday, March 4, 2026. To celebrate this expansion, ribbon cuttings will be held at each new location. 

Farm 2 Library is designed to be low-barrier and open access for people who may not have access to other sources of fresh, nutritious food. This food is provided free of charge to anyone who needs it with no registration or proof of need required. “Farm 2 Library is built on the belief that everyone deserves easy, stigma free access to fresh, healthy food. By partnering with the Southern Adirondack Library System and local public libraries—trusted, welcoming spaces—we’re removing barriers and making it simple for anyone to pick up what they need, no questions asked,” said Laura Marx, Executive Director of Comfort Food Community. 

What began as a pilot program in 2017, starting with one library, has grown significantly, distributing over 42,000 pounds of food in 2025. CFC now serves 14 libraries across Washington, Warren, and Saratoga counties, providing fresh produce from our local New York State farm partners. 

Each week, libraries display a list of farms where the produce was grown to let people know where their food is coming from. Because this program depends on local farms and seasonal availability, there are often more uncommon items that are distributed like kohlrabi or celeriac, especially during the winter. 

“In New York State, our growing season is shortened during the winter due to colder temperatures and reduced daylight,” said Em Ambrose, CFC’s Food Access Coordinator. “We are able to access lots of high-quality storage roots, like carrots or sweet potatoes, during these months and get excited when April comes, when we start to see new availability from our producers for vegetables like fresh spinach.” 

CFC also shares weekly recipes featuring the produce distributed, helping people feel confident trying new foods and learning more about what is available when. 

“Expanding Farm 2 Library to three additional locations means more families across our region can access fresh, healthy food alongside the educational opportunities that empower them to thrive,” said Kim Bolan, Executive Director of the Southern Adirondack Library System.  “Today’s libraries are more than places for books — they are trusted community anchors that connect people to vital resources, lifelong learning, and one another. This initiative reflects exactly what libraries are here to do.”

To learn more about Comfort Food Community’s programs and how to get involved, please visit www.comfortfoodcommunity.org 

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Announces Spring Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, is pleased to announce the Spring 2026 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This popular community lecture series highlights the rich history, culture, and traditions of Saratoga Springs through engaging presentations led by local historians, authors, and subject matter experts. 

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Dutcher Community Room at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, located at 49 Henry Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Due to the series’ popularity, advance registration is now required. Attendees are encouraged to visit the library website at https://www.sspl.org to register online or in person and to learn more about each presentation. Programs begin promptly at noon, and early arrival is encouraged. 

Spring 2026 Lecture Schedule: 

March 12, 2026: “Enter the Woman Politician” 

Join Dr. Lauren Kozakiewicz in celebration of National Women’s History Month as she explores the experiences of women in New York State politics during the 20th century. Using archival materials and interviews, Dr. Kozakiewicz examines the stories of eighty-eight women elected to the New York State Legislature between 1919 and 1992. Her presentation highlights both the challenges these women faced and the progress they achieved as they pursued political leadership roles. 

April 9, 2026: “The Universality of Katrina Trask” 

Join Rumara Jewett and Lezlie Dana, portraying Katrina Trask, for a compelling look at Trask’s vision for her home, Yaddo, as an artist’s residency. During this special program marking the 100th anniversary of the first artists arriving at Yaddo in 1926, attendees will gain insight into Trask’s personal interests, spiritual journey, and dedication to supporting the arts. Through her words and legacy, this presentation highlights the lasting impact of one of Saratoga Springs’ most influential cultural figures. 

May 14, 2026: “Finding Military Service Records and Unit Histories” 

Librarians Jim Gandy and Dan Salage of the New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center will share effective strategies for researching military service records of New York veterans. This session will cover both New York National Guard records and those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces, as well as provide guidance on how to proceed when records cannot be located. 

June 11, 2026: “Dressing the Revolutionary Lady” 

As Saratoga County prepares to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, join Caitlin Sheldon, Librarian and Historical Costumer, for a demonstration of fashionable women’s dress from the Revolutionary War era. Using historical images and handmade garments, Sheldon will illustrate the many layers and elements involved in 18th-century dress, offering a fascinating look at fashion during this pivotal period in American history. 

“We are very excited about this spring’s lineup of speakers and programs,” said Karen Verrigni, Director of the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center. “This series offers a wonderful opportunity for the community to explore Saratoga Springs’ rich history and the individuals and stories that have shaped our city. We invite everyone to join us for an engaging and inspiring season.”