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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Janelle M. Lisney

BURNT HILLS — Janelle M. Lisney, 44, passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, in Burnt Hills, where she resided with her loving partner, Steve Hoffman, and their cherished dogs, Quincy and Lacey.

Born in Madison, Wisconsin, Janelle was the beloved daughter of Paul Lisney and Angela Hether.

Janelle had a creative spirit and found joy in painting, coloring, and spending time with her dogs. Her greatest happiness came from being with her family, especially her beloved children, whom she held so close to her heart.

She is survived by her parents, Paul Lisney and Angela Hether; her children, Joshua Warland, Taylor Warland, and Heidi Warland; her sister, Shelby Lisney; her nieces, Madyson Lisney and Giuliana Gaggi; her nephew, Joseph Gaggi; and her grandmother, Annette Burns. Janelle is also survived by many extended family members across New York, Maryland, and Wisconsin.

A spring burial will be held to honor her memory.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Janelle’s name to Friends of Saratoga County Animal Shelter at www.friendsofscas.org.

Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Joseph J Prock  


Niskayuna, NY — Joseph J. Prock passed away peacefully on December 11, 2024, he was 79. Calling hours were December 19 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is December 20, at 11 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church, followed by burial with Military Honors at Gerald B.H. Saratoga National Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com

Joseph “Joey” Burns  


SOUTH GLENS FALLS —Joseph “Joey” Burns, 27, of South Glens Falls, passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024. A visitation was held on December 18 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs. Mass was held on December 19 at St. Clements Church. For condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Shirley Bishop

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Shirley Bishop (nee Cassard), age 93, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 15, 2024, at Wesley Health Care as her family kept a vigil. 

Born on August 13, 1931, in Rochester, NY, Shirley was the daughter of the late Earl Cassard and Evelyn Harrod Cassard.

Shirley dedicated her career to education, beginning as an elementary teacher and later serving on the administrative staff of Empire State College from 1973 to 1991. Known for her kindness and compassion, she formed lasting bonds with students and colleagues. She was also a Licensed Real Estate Agent. An avid reader, she belonged to several book groups over the years. When she retired, she and her husband Clay moved to their summer cottage on Lake Ontario and made it their home. The “Cottage” on Sodus Bay had been passed down through several generations. Shirley spent many summers there as a child and the Bay had a special place in her heart. Both on Sodus Bay, and Saratoga, Shirley was often seen walking miles with remarkable energy, never relying on a walker or cane throughout her life. She was a member of Presbyterian New England Congregational Church in Saratoga Springs. 

She is survived by her sons, John Bishop (Anne) and Todd Bishop (Linda); daughters, Kathleen Bishop (James Jones) and Barbara Bishop (Mareky Onyewu); sisters, Elizabeth Davis (Michael) and Catherine Weber (Herbert); grandchildren, Elizabeth Sharts (Eric Lyday), Graham Sharts, Jack Bishop (Kristin), Ben Bishop (Megan), Patrick Bishop (Krystina), Will Bishop (Hunter Salem), Danielle Benedict (Michael), and Jillian Bishop (Kevin Winchester), eight great-grandchildren and many dear friends who will miss her greatly.

Shirley is predeceased by her loving husband, Howard Clay Bishop, and her sister, Gayle Schmitz.

All are welcome to a memorial service to celebrate her life which will be held sometime in the Spring, date to be determined. 

Condolences may be shared online at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Melody L. (Holiday) Jaenisch 

Pensacola, FL. — Melody L. (Holiday) Jaenisch passed away Sunday, December 15, 2024 surrounded by her loving family at home after a long fought battle with cancer.

Melody was born in Saratoga Springs in 1959 and joined the US NAVY after graduating high school. She later resided in Pensacola, Florida, and reunited with her loving classmate turned husband John R. Jaenisch. She was an avid Pool player and was a devoted member to Cue and Brew of Fort Edward where she would often escape the chaos of “vacation” life. If anybody knew Melody, she often kept herself very occupied while visiting her hometown and family for summers by holding numerous jobs at SPAC, and The Cool Insuring Arena during hockey season. 

Melody was predeceased by her mother Dawn McMahon, her father John Delmage and her sister Michelle Meisburger. She is survived by her two absolute rays of sunshine daughters, Miranda (Frank) Luman of South Glens Falls, Ariana (Bolt) Scheidt also of South Glens Falls, her two precious grandchildren Brandin and Raygen Luman, her brothers Michael (Robin) Nichols of Wilton, and Mark Holiday of Saratoga Springs, as well as many nephews and nieces and some very cherished friends. 

Her husband and family would like to extend the deepest gratitude to her cousin, Karen Williams of Colorado, and her best friend of 45 years, Denise Kleber of Pensacola, who took the time to be here for her final days and assist in her care, as well as the Community Hospice. 

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, December 21 from 12 – 3 p.m. at the ITAM (Italian America War Veterans), 247 Grand Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A memorial service with military honors will be scheduled in late spring or early summer at the Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville NY. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Local Judoka Wins Gold in Senegal


Melissa Myers throws her opponent during the Senegal Open in November. Photo provided by Jason Morris. 


DAKAR, SENEGAL — Melissa Myers from the Jason Morris Judo Center in Glenville, New York captured the Senegal Open title at 70kg in November, gaining valuable points on the world ranking list. Myers, who also won the title in 2022, moved to a career-high #59 while also extending her lead as USA #1 in 70kg.

Skidmore Riding Team Has Strong Showing in Holiday Tournament of Champions

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Skidmore College riding team recently traveled to Virginia Tech to compete in the Holiday Tournament of Champions, finishing sixth overall.

Kenya Sanders started the day for the Thoroughbreds with a third in the Open Fences, followed by Carolyn Albright taking fourth in the Intermediate Fences. The Open and Intermediate riders returned directly for their rides on the flat. Charlotte Lyon took fifth place in the Intermediate Flat.  Harper Sanford had a strong showing in the flat phase of the High Medal on a difficult horse, and Sanders returned in the Open Flat to finish just out the ribbons.

Ani McIntyre kept busy at the competition, placing fifth in Limit Flat, fourth in Limit Fences, and returning for the jumping phase of the Low Medal, riding to Reserve Champion. Stella Allen took second in the Novice Equitation, and Alice Wrede was second in Introductory Equitation.

The team will next travel to Savannah, Georgia to compete in the Tournament of Champions Winter Classic on January 25.  Regular season competition resumes at Van Lennep Riding Center on February 15.

Racers Win Again, Mayor Shows Support


Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford poses with the Saratoga Racers basketball team. Photo by Treyvon Robinson.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Racers of the American Basketball Association (ABA) won their fourth game in a row on Saturday night, defeating the Albany-based 518 Ballers 126 to 89 at Saratoga Central Catholic.

Two-time ABA All-Star Tobias Holmes had another stellar game, recording 26 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. He was one of four Racers who had double-doubles. John Ryals and Shaheem Sanders each contributed 23 points, with Ryals pulling down 9 boards and Sanders grabbing 12.

In attendance was Saratoga Springs Mayor John Safford. “I would like to welcome the Saratoga Racers basketball team to the city,” Safford said after the game. “I invite fans from Saratoga County and the Upstate region to come out to Saratoga Central Catholic and enjoy their exciting brand of professional basketball.”

Saratoga is now 7-2 on the season and moved up in the ABA Power Rankings this week to #20, their highest ranking yet. The team will be on a holiday break until December 28, when they travel to Buffalo to take on the Extreme, who are ranked #3 in the country.

Saratoga returns home on January 5 to face the rival Bennington Martens (several Saratoga players and personnel are ex-Martens). The game will be the second half of a double-header. At 1 p.m., Saratoga police and fire will face off in a friendly game before the Racers take the floor at 3 p.m. Ballston Spa Youth Basketball will also be hosted by the Racers.

Coming in January: Old Friends Beckoned,New Sounds Reckoned at Caffe Lena

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Drawing upon collective inspiration with their project Old Friends Beckoned, Matt Steckler, Yayoi Ikawa, Lonnie Plaxico & Tony Lewis present an evening of original jazz 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 11 at Caffe Lena. 

Using original scores as a canvas, the quartet strives has been described as “delightfully eclectic” by Downbeat and “inspired by greater artistic depth,” in Jazz Times.

2025 Limited Date Tour Brings Shania Twain to Saratoga In July  


Shania Twain will stage a show at SPAC July 20.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Top-selling female country pop artist Shania Twain announced a final series of summer 2025 tour dates across the U.S. 

Produced by Live Nation, the limited run will kick off on Saturday, July 19, in Buffalo, at Darien Lake Amphitheater, with a next-night staging in Saratoga Springs at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center on July 20.  

Tickets: livenation.com.