BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church will be holding a free clothing giveaway on Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. – noon.
Families needing clothing can come to the Fellowship Hall at the church and take what they need. There will be clothing and shoes for men, women’s and children. All are welcome.
Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church is located at 58 Charlton Road, Ballston Spa. Phone: 518-885-7312
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Senior Center is sponsoring a guided tour of the Museum at Bethel Woods. This guided tour of the museum is an “Explore the 60’s” program, which will include discussions with teaching artists, art activations and will be focused on the Woodstock Music and Art Fair.
Boxed lunch will be provided. After the tour and lunch, a stop will be made in Woodstock, where the festival was originally slated to be held.
Must sign up by Oct. 23. Call 518-584-1621. Trip Cost: $82 per person. (Meals are not included)
Additional events at the Saratoga Senior Center this month:
Fall Reduction: What We Can Do to Stay Healthy as We Age – Tuesday, Oct. 22, 10 am. Presented by Cheryl Caimano, PT, Saratoga Hospital Regional Therapy Center.
MVP Medicare Presentation – Monday, Oct. 21, 10 am. Presented by Sheila Rivera from MVP. Informative presentation to discuss 2025 MVP Medicare Advantage options for those who are Medicare Eligible in Saratoga County.
Vision Zero Discussion – Friday, Oct. 25, 10 am. Discussion about transportation safety in the Saratoga Region.
Traveling Safely – An informative session presented by Travel Medicine, a service of Saratoga Hospital – Tuesday, Oct. 29, 10 am. Presented by Trudy Kelly, RN, Travel Medicine Service/ Occupational Medicine, Saratoga Hospital.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during October:
Oct. 17 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington.
Oct. 22 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Facilitated by Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie.
Oct. 22 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted. Facilitated by Schenectady.
Oct. 25 at 10:30AM: Networking – Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. Facilitated by Warren and Albany.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.
NEW YORK — New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the takedown of a major cocaine trafficking operation in the Capital Region responsible for selling large quantities of powder and crack cocaine, as well as fentanyl and heroin.
An investigation led by the Office of the Attorney General charged 21 individuals with 222 crimes for their roles in the operation, which sourced the narcotics from New York City and sold them in Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. The investigation led to the recovery of more than 4.5 kilograms of cocaine with a street value of approximately $450,000.
The multi-agency investigation brought together the resources of state and local law enforcement agencies led by the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF), including the New York State Police, Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, and the Saratoga Springs Police Department.
The year-long investigation included covert surveillance and hundreds of hours of wiretaps over ten separate target phones, aimed at rooting out narcotics traffickers operating throughout the Capital Region and elsewhere in New York state.
“These individuals operated a wide network of buyers and distributors who moved deadly narcotics across our state and sold them in vast quantities. Thanks to the hard work and collaboration of our partners in this investigation, we took nearly half a million dollars’ worth of drugs off the streets and are putting this operation out of business. I will continue to take down drug trafficking rings that threaten New Yorkers’ safety.” said Attorney General James in a statement.
The investigation centered on the activities of Heather Thompson, of Troy, who allegedly purchased cocaine by the kilo to distribute to her network of dealers throughout Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties. The investigation revealed Thompson primarily conducted business in Saratoga County, making sales at a local pub and bowling alley, police said, and revealed that the defendants used codewords to communicate about the narcotics they were buying and selling, referring to crack cocaine as “hard” or “done,” powder cocaine as “soft” or “undone,” and heroin as “dog food.”
Thompson’s primary clients included Alexander Bayne, who is suspected of selling powder and crack cocaine out of his home in South Glens Falls, and later out of his home in Hudson Falls. Others also sold powder and crack cocaine at public locations like gas stations and restaurants in the Glens Falls and South Glens Falls areas, according to authorities.
“This case is a fantastic example of law enforcement agencies working together to root out criminals in our communities,” said Saratoga County Undersheriff Jeff Brown in a statement. “I’m proud of the work of our Narcotics Unit and the Criminal Investigation Unit members and the other law enforcement professionals to bring these individuals to justice. Working with Attorney General James and our local, state, and federal partners, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office will continue to invest in combatting illegal narcotics trafficking in Saratoga County.”
The indictment, which was unsealed Oct. 1 in Saratoga County Court, contains 222 counts, charging the defendants with crimes related to their involvement in the narcotics trafficking operation, including various counts of Criminal Sale and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (class A, B, C, D felonies) as well as Conspiracy in the Second Degree (class B felony).
Those charged in today’s indictment include: Alexander Bayne, South Glens Falls/Hudson Falls, NY – 35 years old; Conrad Bayne, South Glens Falls, NY – 59 years old; Zachary Bessette, North Creek, NY – 33 years old; Kevin Cooper, Glens Falls, NY – 38 years old; Trevor Harris, South Glens Falls, NY – 35 years old; Ronnie Luna, Glens Falls, NY – 42 years old; Lindsey Mattison, West Rupert, VT – 34 years old; Ryan Megna, Glens Falls, NY – 42 years old; Jermaine Moreno, Brooklyn, NY – 48 years old; Jack Moulton, South Glens Falls, NY – 35 years old; Cassidy O’Connell, Glens Falls, NY – 30 years old; Wesley Reed, Jr., Troy, NY – 59 years old; Wesley Reed, III, Troy, NY – 38 years old; Christine Sondermeyer, Glens Falls, NY – 53 years old; Melissa Stearns, Hudson Falls, NY – 38 years old; Lonsdale Stuffle, Glens Falls, NY – 30 years old; Mackenzie Sumner, Glens Falls, NY – 37 years old; Heather Thompson, Troy, NY – 38 years old; Jackson Tucker, Troy, NY – 43 years old; Christopher Wern, Glens Falls, NY – 41 years old; Walter Winchell, Glens Falls, NY – 49 years old.
In addition to the partners in the investigation, Attorney General James would like to thank Saratoga County District Attorney Karen A. Heggen and Town of Wilton Supervisor John Lant for their assistance in the investigation and prosecution. The case is being prosecuted by OCTF Assistant Deputy Attorney General and Senior Counsel Michael Sharpe.
MECHANICVILLE — Jacob Schultz, 35, passed away at his home on September 30, 2024. A funeral service was held at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024, at Compassionate Funeral Care, located at 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
WILTON — Linda M. Harsha, 60, passed away peacefully at her home in Wilton on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. In accordance with the family’s wishes, no calling hours or services will be held at this time. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
GLENS FALLS — Timothy Enger went home to be with the Lord on Monday, September 30, 2024 surrounded by his loved ones. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, October 19 at Bay Road Church, 1167 Bay Rd., Lake George, NY 12845, followed by a church service. Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Robert Gale Skinner, age 94, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 4, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on November 15, 1929, in Dracut, Massachusetts, to the late Frederick Skinner and Zelma Richardson Skinner.
Robert was a graduate of Milford Central School District in New Hampshire. He furthered his education at the University of New Hampshire, where he earned his bachelor’s degree, followed by Michigan State University for his master’s degree, and ultimately Ohio University, where he completed his Ph.D. Amidst his educational pursuits, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955.
Robert had an extraordinary career in the arts, beginning as a set designer for the Charles Playhouse in Boston and continuing as an art professor at the University of Rhode Island, Ohio University, and Southampton College of Long Island University. He retired in 1996 as a Professor Emeritus. Beyond teaching, Robert was a talented creator of three-dimensional sculptures, a designer, a fine art appraiser, an art collector, and an antique dealer. His works are featured in private collections across Pennsylvania, New York City, Long Island, and Upstate New York. A collector of antique tools, he often integrated them into his art, and he also had a passion for Native American art and artifacts.
Robert will be remembered as a true gentleman who viewed the world through the eyes of an artist. He was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He and his wife of 50 years, Elizabeth, traveled extensively across the United States and Western Europe, sharing a life filled with adventure and creativity.
Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Elizabeth Skinner; daughters, Rebecca Skinner of San Francisco, CA, Tracy Stowell of Saratoga Springs, NY, and Katherine Skinner (Paul Clapp) of Beaufort, SC; niece, Michele Ainsworth; grandchildren, Zachary and Kaley Kerr, Uddhava and Celena Stowell, Abigale and Katherine Skinner; and many friends who will miss his humble spirit. He was predeceased by his parents, Frederick and Zelma Skinner, and his sister, Joanne Ainsworth.
A celebration of Robert’s life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert’s memory can be made to Fort Salem Theater, Salem, NY at www.fortsalem.com or the Kennedy Willis Center for Down Syndrome, www.pathfindervillage.org.
Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
Online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
Saratoga National Historical Park Special Events
STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in September with the following offerings:
Soldier Encampment at Saratoga Battlefield: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13
10 am to 4 pm, Battlefield Tour Road. Activities include soldiers drilling, posting guard, cooking, and sewing clothing. Experience the life of a Revolutionary War soldier!
Homefront at the Schuyler Estate: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Schuyler House. Renowned blacksmith Jymm Hoffman will demonstrate 18th century techniques at the forge. Living Historian Anne Clothier will share the stories of Women in Healing from the time of the Battles of Saratoga. Living Historian Sara Evenson will discuss and demonstrate 18th Century cooking techniques. The Saratoga County 250th Commission will be there with their tent full of fun activities for the whole family. And you can visit General Philip Schuyler’s home.
18th Century Medicine: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Visitor Center Lawn. Volunteer Joe Craig explains the Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War.
Whitcomb’s Rangers Encampment: Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Monument. Whitcomb’s Rangers, an independent company of Continental Army rangers who hailed from NH and VT, will be encamped at the Saratoga Monument. Meet some of the men whose unit helped trap the British here in Saratoga, leading to the first surrender of a British army in history.
Siege of Saratoga Walking Tour: Monday, Oct. 14, 2:00 pm, Meet at the Saratoga Monument. Discover the Siege of Saratoga. Following their defeat in the Battle of Bemus Heights, Burgoyne’s army struggled to retreat. They made it this far before being surrounded by superior American forces, beginning the short but unpleasant siege. Park Ranger Eric Schnitzer will lead a walking tour from the Saratoga Monument through part of Burgoyne’s camp. Bug spray is highly recommended.
Saratoga Surrender Day: Thursday, Oct. 17, 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Saratoga Surrender Site. Visit with a park ranger to learn more about the surrender of General Burgoyne and his forces.
Visit go.nps.gov/saraevents for a complete and updated list.
Are Eggs Benedict Named After Benedict Arnold? Revolutionary Trivia Night in Milton
BALLSTON SPA — In commemoration of the October 16, 1780, British raid along Middleline Road, The Milton 250th Revolutionary War Committee will sponsor a trivia night at Milton Tavern, 430 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, at 7 p.m. on Oct. 17.
Organizers say: arrive early, enjoy a dinner, and chat with the Town of Milton Historian about The Raid. Share your knowledge of local history, win Prizes, and take a photo with living historians in period attire. For more information contact Michael Golden at mgolden1775@gmail.com.
Victory Season at Saratoga Oct. 17
BALLSTON SPA — “Victory Season at Saratoga,” presented by America’s Turning Point, features a series of events commemorating the 247th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga culminating in the surrender of the British on Oct. 17, 1777.
Highlights of the 2024 “Victory Season at Saratoga” include:
-The “American Revolution Experience,” a national traveling exhibit produced by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the American Battlefield Trust. It showcases diverse perspectives of common people on the lead up to, and during, the War for Independence. It will be on display at the Champlain Canal Region Gateway Visitor Center, 30 Ferry Street, Schuylerville, NY from October 13 – October 27, 2024.
-”Surrender Day,” October 17 celebrating the surrender of a British Army for the first time in world history, marking the Turning Point of the American Revolution, features multiple events.
– Surrender Day Ceremony at Fort Hardy Park, Schuylerville, 10 a.m. This free, family event features a reenactment of the surrender by British General Burgoyne to American General Gates by the banks of the Hudson River, interactive music, and cannon firing. This annual event is a favorite of families with young children and elementary school classes. (weather permitting)
– Siege and Surrender Tour – Join licensed battlefield guide Pat Niles for a tour of key sites tied to the siege and surrender at Saratoga. The tour departs from America’s Turning Point Heritage Center at 30 Ferry St. Schuylerville. This is a ticketed event from 1PM – 3:30PM with limited seats on private coach. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
– An inaugural Surrender Day Benefit co-presented with SPAC and Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library/Saratoga Book Festival at Spa Little Theater from 6:30PM to 8PM featuring Dr. Kevin J. Weddle, US Army Colonel (Ret.), author of the award-winning recent book, “The Compleat Victory: Saratoga and the American Revolution” and County Historian, Saratoga 250 Chair and NYS 250 Commissioner, Lauren Roberts. Local students will also be featured in the program. All proceeds benefit Campaign for Saratoga 250 & Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Visit www.saratoga250.com to purchase tickets.
