The Skidmore College Class of 2028 gathers at Wachenheim Field on Tuesday. Photo via Skidmore College.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Skidmore College welcomed its Class of 2028 to campus on Tuesday during New Student Convocation.
The freshmen students, drawn from the most selective applicant pool in Skidmore history (with a 21% admit rate), hail from 34 states and the District of Columbia. They are citizens of 22 countries in addition to the United States. 30% are domestic students of color, 15% are the first in their family to go to college, and more than a fifth are from homes where a language other than English is spoken.
Frank Leavenworth Connard IV graduation photo provided by the United States Merchant Marine Academy Alumni Association & Foundation, Inc.
KINGS POINT — Frank Leavenworth Connard IV of Saratoga Springs recently graduated from the United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) at Kings Point, New York. Connard earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a commission in the U.S. armed forces. He also earned a Merchant Marine officer license, qualifying him to serve as an officer on any ship in the U.S. flag merchant marine.
The USMMA is one of five U.S. federal service academies. It educates and graduates licensed Merchant Marine officers to serve the nation during peace and war. In addition to the rigorous academic and physical requirements for admission, applicants must be nominated by their Congressman or Senator. Connard was nominated by Senator Kirsten Gillibrand.
The majority of “Kings Pointers” serve for eight years as Navy reservists in the Strategic Sealift Officer Program while working aboard U.S. flag vessels; others will serve on active duty in the armed forces.
BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County has been reaffirmed with an AA+ credit rating by Standard and Poors (S & P), Saratoga County Acting Treasurer JoAnn Kupferman announced last week.
This is the fourth year the County has maintained this high credit rating. Saratoga County is one of only three New York State counties to achieve the prestigious rating.
“This AA+ credit rating is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our administration to maintain fiscal discipline while fostering an environment conducive to growth and prosperity,” Kupferman said in a statement. “We are committed to ensuring that Saratoga County remains a beacon of financial stability and economic opportunity.”
The AA+ rating is expected to have positive implications for Saratoga County, including lower borrowing costs, which helps to keep taxes low; increased investor confidence, which attracts business growth; and greater capacity for funding public projects and services that benefit the community, which contributes to the County’s high quality of life, according to a statement released by the county.
For more information and to read the full report, go to: www.saratogacountyny.gov/treasurer
System-wide visitor spending by spending group. In 2023, NPS visitors spent an estimated total of $26.4 billion dollars in local gateway economies. Source: nps.gov – 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, published August 2024.
STILLWATER — A new National Park Service report shows that 102,000 visitors to Saratoga National Historical Park in 2023 spent $6.8 million in communities near the park. That spending supported 85 jobs in the local area and had a cumulative benefit to the local economy of $9 million, according to a new 68-page report published by NPS.
“People come to Saratoga National Historical Park to discover and remember the stories and people from the creation of the United States at the site of one of the Revolutionary War’s most important battles and to enjoy a beautiful landscape for recreation and reflection,” said Leslie Morlock, Superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park, in a statement. “They end up supporting the US and local economies along the way.”
Saratoga National Historical Park preserves, protects and interprets the sites associated with the battles, siege and surrender of the British forces at Saratoga. The park encompasses five sites including the Saratoga Battlefield, General Philip Schuyler’s House, Victory Woods, the Saratoga Monument and Sword Surrender Site totaling 3,579 acres.
The National Park Service report, 2023 National Park Visitor Spending Effects, finds that 325.5 million visitors spent $26.4 billion in communities near national parks.
This spending supported 415,400 jobs, provided $19.4 billion in labor income and $55.6 in economic output to the U.S. economy. The lodging sector had the highest direct contributions with $9.9 billion in economic output and 89,200 jobs. The restaurants received the next greatest direct contributions with $5.2 billion in economic output and 68,600 jobs.
For more information about the National Park Service, go to www.nps.gov/newyork. For more information about Saratoga National Historical Park, call the Visitor Center at 518-670-2985, or visit www.nps.gov/sara.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation announced this year’s Autumn strolls begin the weekend after Labor Day and run through the end of October.
Unless otherwise noted, these historic walking tours will be offered every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Tours highlight the Gut neighborhood, mail-order houses on the East Side, the diverse history of the historic West Side, mansions of North Broadway, and much more.
This tour is in partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Spa State Park, a non-profit organization that supports and enhances the parks’ historic, natural, and recreational resources. To learn more about the Friends group, please visit https://friendsofsaratogaspastatepark.org/.
Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024 – NEW Lincoln Park. Join Linda Harvey for a stroll through Lincoln Park in Saratoga Spa State Park, a National Historic Landmark. Discover the park’s history from its early carbonic acid plants to the creation of the State Reservation in 1909 and the construction of the Lincoln and Washington Bathhouses in the 1920s. Meet in front of the Washington Bathhouse (National Museum of Dance).
Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 – Down in the Valley: Exploring the Gut. Stroll leader Alexandra Morgan will explore the area behind Broadway known as “The Gut,” which was home to many working class and Jewish families who provided important contributions to the community. Meet at: Hathorn Spring at the NW corner of Putnam and Spring Streets.
Upcoming Programs:
Sunday, Sept. 15 – Historic Fifth & Madison Avenues; Sunday, Sept. 22 – Mail-Order Houses of Saratoga; Sunday, Sept. 29 – Post Time; Sunday, Oct. 6 – Wealth & Wellness: Franklin Square; Sunday, Oct. 13 – Historic Congress Park; Sunday, Oct. 20 – Historic West Side; Sunday, Oct. 27 – Summer Cottages of North Broadway; Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 5 p.m. – Twilight Cemetery Tour.
SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival presents a panel discussion on Zoom of the 1974 film The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman as part of its social justice series at 7 p.m. on Sept. 8.
The made-for-television film was groundbreaking in the early 1970s for its humane and respectful treatment of African Americans and their culture before, during and after slavery. It includes struggles and triumphs, including significant events and themes of the Civil War, slavery, reconstruction, sharecropping, unequal education, abuse of power and the civil rights movement.
“This is actually a film (and book) ahead of its time,” says Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCF. “History up to this period was primarily told through men, mainly white men, while this sweeping history of black Americans is told through and by a woman.”
Registration for the panel discussion is required at: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/sY2viih/MissJanePittman
SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, Sept. 12, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host their Annual Meeting of Membership & Board of Directors, which includes board of director & officer elections, and Preservation Recognition Award Ceremony.
The Preservation Recognition Awards recognize those who have preserved the architectural heritage of Saratoga Springs.
The public is invited to the Anthony “Skip” Scirocco Music Hall at City Hall, 474 Broadway, to attend a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the Annual Meeting and Preservation Recognition Awards. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5030 to register for the event. Registration is recommended, but not required.
Edward M. Carroll, 26, of Clifton Park, pleaded to felony DWI, charged March 2024. Sentencing Oct. 3.
Christopher Barnes, 44, of Wilton, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged March 2024 in Wilton.
Ronald Nellis, 37, of Moreau, pleaded to sexual abuse in the first-degree, charged summer 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing Oct. 2.
Earl T. Walsh, 31, of Greenwich, pleaded to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first-degree, a felony, charged April 2024 in Stillwater. Sentencing Oct. 29.
Branden Bakerian, 41, of Whitehall, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged November 2023 in Wilton.
Jeanelle F. Eberts, 50, of Schuylerville, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to DWAI, charged October 2023 in Saratoga Springs.
Saratoga CountySheriff’s Office
Edward J. Fish, Jr. 42, of Schuylerville, and Colleen M. Stewart, 38, of Malta, were each charged with for burglary in the 2nd degree (class C felony) and petit larceny (class A misdemeanor). Both are charged with entering and remaining unlawfully within a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime therein. Fish was also charged with criminal contempt in the 2nd degree and resisting arrest (class A misdemeanors) for allegedly violating an order of protection by being in Ms. Stewart’s presence and for fleeing from police after being advised he was under arrest. Fish and Stewart were arraigned in the Saratoga Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail pending further action in the matters.
Resulting from a warrant check for a separate person on Centerline Road in the town of Providence Jason O. Allen (age 44) and Courtney E. Gilboy (age 27) – both of Greenfield, were charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree (class C felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (class D felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanors). They are accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with the intent to sell it, of knowingly and unlawfully possessing 500 mg or more of cocaine, and of knowingly possessing a scale used to weigh controlled substances with the intent to use it for unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance. Both were arraigned in the Milton Town Court. Mr. Allen was remanded to the Saratoga County Jail and Ms. Gilboy was released to pretrial services pending further action in the matters.
The Sheriff’s Office responded to an active burglary call at Lamplighter Acres in the town of Moreau. As a result of the investigation Steven M. Fitzgerald (age 42), of Lake Luzerne, and Melanie L. Chaney (age 51), of Castleton on Hudson, were each charged with 2 counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies), and criminal use of drug paraphernalia in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanor). Each is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a narcotic drug with intent to sell it, of knowingly and unlawfully possessing cocaine in an aggregate weight of ½ ounce or more, and of knowingly possessing a scale used to weigh controlled substances with the intent to use it for unlawfully dispensing a controlled substance. Ms. Chaney was also charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree (class A misdemeanor). Both were arraigned in the Moreau Town Court and released on their own recognizances pending further action in the matters.
Following a personal injury motor vehicle crash on Pettis Road in the town of Wilton, Matthew J. Murry, Jr., (age 40) of Wilton was charged with vehicular assault in the 1st degree (class D felony), 2 counts of aggravated DWI (class E felonies), operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or greater (unclassified misdemeanor), 2 counts of endangering the welfare of a child (class A misdemeanors), moving from lane unsafely, and operating a motor vehicle without an inspection (infractions). The Sheriff’s Office alleges a 2014 Dodge pickup truck operated by Murry on Pettis Road swerved to avoid a deer, left the roadway, struck a utility pole, and overturned. Two passengers, aged 10 and 7, were treated at Albany Medical Center. Murry was arraigned in the Wilton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail pending further action in the matter.
BALLSTON SPA – Gerilyn Kancyr went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on July 25, 2024, joining her beloved daughter Merideth, her mother Shirley, and her various “fur babies.”Those that knew her knew she was as tough as nails, but the most giving and loving person underneath.
She leaves behind her sister Priscilla Malloy, affectionately known as “Poochie;” her sons and daughters-in-law, Patrick Pipino (Rebecca), John Lopiano (Jennifer); her four precious grandkids Merideth, Isabelle, JJ, and Sarah; her nieces (particularly Kara); nephews; her best friend Denise; and her faithful companion, Rosie the dog.
Geri was a cook at The Purple Pub in Maplewood for over 25 years.
Never one to sit down, she worked as hard in retirement as in her working years, volunteering at the LifeWorks Soup Kitchen in Saratoga most days; helping out with the Backstretch workers at Saratoga Racecourse; and delivering meals to those who needed them.
The family is eternally grateful to the nurses and medical staff of Albany Medical Center who were so kind to her in her last weeks.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that interested parties consider a donation to LifeWorks Saratoga.
A celebration of her life will take place on Sunday, October 6, 2024 from 1 – 5 p.m. at the Polaris Pavilion in the Saratoga Springs State Park for family, friends, and interested parties.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
