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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Double M Haunted Hayrides Opens for 2024 Fall Season 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — Double M Haunted Hayrides is open for its 34th season, featuring  its popular tractor-drawn haunted hayride and five haunted houses.

“Our haunted hayride has been improved with several new scenes and we have created a brand new carnival-inspired haunted house called Doom County FEARgrounds,” Leo Martin, owner of Double M Haunted Hayrides said in a statement. 

Those brave enough to embark on the journey can expect an immersive experience featuring the original Haunted Hayride and five uniquely themed haunted houses – Brutality, Blood Moon Farm, The Last Inn, Doom County FEARgrounds, and Slaughter Swamp. The show is a high intensity mix of approximately 75 scare actors, animatronics, special effects, and hand-crafted sets.

Events take place on select Thursday-Sunday nights through the end of October. Reservations can be made online at www.doublemhauntedhayrides.com or by calling 518-884-9122. Double M is located at 678 Route 67 in Ballston Spa.

“Ghosts of Saratoga” Trolley Tourson Thursdays in October

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —A guided “Ghosts of Saratoga” Trolley Tour will take place Thursday nights in October for the 2024 Halloween season.

The guided trolley tour will provide a chance to experience the rich history and paranormal legends of Saratoga Springs, including special access to Canfield Casino.

The 90-minute tour draws on the research of renowned ghost hunter David Pitkin and other paranormal experts and will be led by experienced guides. 

Corinth-born author David Pitkin revealed a series of alleged countywide ghost sightings in his books ‘Haunted Saratoga County,’ ‘Ghosts of the Northeast,’ ‘Saratoga County Ghosts’ and others. The historian and ghost-researcher died in 2013. 

The program is presented by Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs History Museum/Canfield Casino.

The 2024 tours will be held Thursdays  – Oct. 3, 10, 17, and 31, from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person and are available by advance reservation only. To reserve, contact the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center at 518-587-3241 during business hours, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Due to the nature of the content, the tour is recommended for adults only. The trolley will depart from the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway, and conclude at the Canfield Casino.

For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center/services/tours/.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser AT UPH to Benefit RISE

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Last year’s Rocky Horror Picture Show Fundraiser to benefit RISE. Photo provided.  

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The third annual Rocky Horror Picture Show fundraiser to benefit RISE Housing and Support Services will take place Friday, Oct. 25 at Universal Preservation Hall.

The venue will transform into a scene straight out of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s mansion, as attendees enjoy an interactive viewing of the cult classic film.

The event begins with a special VIP cocktail hour at 6 p.m., complete with passed hors d’oeuvres and food stations provided by The Adelphi, an open bar, and live music by Stretch. 

A brief speaking program will precede the screening, where RISE’s leadership will share insights into their ongoing impact in the community. The speaking program is open to anyone who purchases an honorary committee ticket, sponsors, and those holding a Friends of Rocky ticket. 

RISE is seeking sponsors and Honorary Committee members to support the evening. Sponsorships, ranging from $1,250 to $10,000 are still available. 

Individual tickets are available for $30 to those who wish to partake in just the interactive movie screening, which begins at 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the event, and all level of tickets, go to: https://www.riseservices.org/event/rocky-horror-picture-show/. RISE Housing and Support Services is a human service agency that has been serving people in Saratoga and the surrounding counties since 1978. 

Week of September 21 – September 27, 2024 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

County Court 

Kevin Decelle, 35, of Malta, was sentenced to 2 years incarceration, after pleading to strangulation in the second-degree, charged November 2023 in Halfmoon. 

Aaron Godlewski, 32, of Altamont, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony grand larceny in the second-degree, charged August 2022 in Saratoga Springs. 

Anthony P. Allen, 47, of Albany, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to burglary in the second-degree, charged September 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Jeffrey R. Bishop, 33, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to felony grand larceny, charged May 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Sept. 27. 

Luke A. Fletcher, 42, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to two felony counts of possessing a sexual performance by a child, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Oct. 1. 

Alia M. Sullivan, 39, of Hadley, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged July 2023. 

Thomas R. McCall, 35, of Rensselaer, was sentenced to 5 years incarceration/ 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, charged March 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Shawn Flores, 45, of Milton, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal contempt, charged February 2024. 

Lee Horning, Jr., 37, of Gloversville, was sentenced to 7 years incarceration/ 10 years post-release supervision, after pleading to rape in the second-degree, charged September 2023 in Edinburg.

Edward T. Sears, 21, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to burglary in the third-degree, charged January 2022 in Moreau. 

Cedric D. Sanchez, 28, of Yonkers, was sentenced to 3.5 years incarceration / 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted burglary in the second-degree, charged August 2023 in Moreau. 

Justin Franz, 44, of Cohoes, was sentenced to 8 years incarceration/ 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to robbery in the second-degree, charged July 2023 in Mechanicville. 

Thomas A. Belisario, 41, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to attempted criminal sexual act in the second-degree, charged October 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing Oct. 15. 

Theodore B. Pamper, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 60 days incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to aggravated DWI. 

Jesus Antonio Menendez-Flores, 27, of Albany, was sentenced to 8 years incarceration/ 3 years post-release supervision, after pleading to robbery in the first-degree, charged November 2023 in Halfmoon. 

Dakota A. Smith, 29, of Malta, pleaded to grand larceny, charged November 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Nov. 7. 

Justin A. Grabowski, 36, of Fraser, Colorado, pleaded to felony DWI, charged July 2024 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Nov. 4.  

Dale T. Sousie, 43, of Troy, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to burglary in Malta, and 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to grand larceny in Halfmoon. Sentences to run concurrently.  

Jeffrey T. Hampshire, 44, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the first-degree, a felony, charged November 2023. 

Saratoga County

Sheriff’s Office

Tyler J. Marley (age 31) of Schenectady, was charged with burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree (class A misdemeanor. Marley is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully within the Home Depot with the intent to commit a crime therein. He had allegedly been previously informed that he was not authorized to be on premises. In addition, he was charged with knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance. He was arraigned on the aforementioned charges as well as a warrant for bail jumping in the 2nd degree (class E felony) in the Halfmoon Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further action in the matter.

Scott Poirier

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


PORTER CORNERS— Scott Poirier passed away September 13, 2024. Born in Corinth, NY, on August 24, 1959, son of the late Rameo and Mildred (Kanar) Poirier. In accordance with the family’s wishes, there will be no calling hours or services at this time. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Richard L. Marks

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.


WILTON — Richard L. Marks passed away September 18, 2024. A celebration of life will be 3:00 p.m. on October 6 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours are 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. prior to the celebration service at the funeral home. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Christel Santana

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Christel Santana, 91, peacefully passed away on September 19, 2024, at Glens Falls Hospital, with her husband Martin at her side.

Born on August 10, 1933, in Solingen, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Otto and Elfreda Dreistadt. Christel emigrated to the United States in 1958. She later moved to New York, living for many years in Broadalbin, before finally retiring in Wilton. She loved to travel the world with her husband.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Martin Santana, with whom she shared 57 years.

She is also survived by her son, Peter Beran, Daughter in-law Theresa D. Beran and two grandsons, Peter William Beran and Paul Mathew Beran.

Christel was preceded in death by her sister, Hannelore Heinz.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, services will be held at a later date.

Arrangements are entrusted to Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc., 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Condolences can be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Mary Helen Guarnieri

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

REXFORD — Mary Helen Guarnieri, 55, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 19, 2024, surrounded by her loving family. After a long and courageous battle with bile duct cancer, Mary reluctantly left her beloved husband and daughter, Dennis Blaine and Thalia Guarnieri; her dog Stella; cats Jett, Ouzo, and Jasper; and the physical world behind.

Mary was born in Buffalo, NY to Paul Guarnieri, Sr. and Patricia Guarnieri (Centore) on November 2, 1968, as their eldest child. Growing up, Mary attended Arongen, Greenfield, and St. Peter’s elementary schools. She graduated from Saratoga Central Catholic High School in 1986. She received a BS in Biology from the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and continued her studies in the molecular genetics Ph.D. program at the State University of New York at Albany. 

Mary’s lifelong love of science reached into many impactful discoveries. Her tenure as a research technician with Dr. Lorraine Flaherty led to important discoveries in genetics including the characterization of the mouse model of Reelin, a protein critical to regulation of synaptic plasticity, and LamB3, a gene responsible for epidermal development. Her passion and expertise led to the pursuit of a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences at the University at Albany where she characterized a complex animal model that carried a reciprocal translocation affecting multiple developmental processes. Despite the sheer magnitude of the dissection of a model of this complexity, Mary met this challenge as she approached everything in her life, with intelligence, diligence, and the confidence that framed her personality.

While writing her dissertation, she and Dennis were blessed with the birth of their daughter, Thalia. Mary discontinued her studies and became a devoted caregiver. As Thalia progressed through school, Mary was a tireless volunteer at Mother Teresa Academy, St. Mary’s School, and Saratoga Central Catholic School. She was then hired as Director of Advancement at Saratoga Central Catholic School where she worked for 6 years, before retiring in February 2021. 

In addition to her obvious intelligence and physical beauty, Mary was imbued with a radiant beauty from within. Unusually kind and generous, she had an extraordinary ability to understand and empathize, particularly for those experiencing suffering or feeling disenfranchised. She eagerly and effortlessly gave comfort to alleviate fear and suffering in others, even if it was simply to hug you tightly and offer her shoulder for your tears. 

Mary was always fully present and engaged, whether in her academic pursuits, time spent with family and friends, or when caring for the smallest of creatures; she loved and appreciated it all. Mary met her health challenges as she did with any of life’s challenges, with grace and equanimity. She has left an indelible mark on our hearts and will remain there forever, never forgotten and forever alive within us all.

Mary was very fortunate to be close with her relatives and friends. Mary and Dennis enjoyed hiking and camping and would take an annual trip with a group of as many as a dozen close friends. She, Dennis, and eventually Thalia traveled often to Italy with their family. While going for cancer treatments downstate, she was regularly joined by cherished friends and family members and turned these trips into “chemo parties.” Her husband made sure to always have fresh flowers in the house for her upon her return. 

In addition to many cousins and friends, Mary is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, Dennis Blaine, and their incredibly talented daughter, Thalia; her sister Christine (Darryll Daum), niece Isabella, and brothers Paul (Pamela Nagengast) and Mark (Alicia Groff); and aunts and uncles, Jeanne and Dick Cody, Gloria and John Weyand, Donald Amodeo, and Helene and Bob Mehnert. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4-7 p.m., Friday, September 27, at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m., Saturday, September 28 at St. Peter’s Church, 241 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

Reception to follow. 

As many of you know, Mary always liked to tell people what to do and she has requested the following of all who read this: In loving memory of Mary, she asks you to consider performing some acts of kindness, that you respect others’ opinions without judgement, and share a smile or a compliment or a helping hand to someone in need whenever the opportunity presents itself.  When you buy flowers, take in and marvel at their beauty as she loved to do and “let the light in.”

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

“The Way We Were” 22nd Annual Car Show in Ballston Spa

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Ballston Spa’s 2023 “The Way We Were” Car Show. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — Downtown Ballston Spa hosts its 22nd Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show 9 a.m. -4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 13 

Organized by the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, this event turns Front Street into a hub for classic car enthusiasts, typically attracting more than 400 show cars.

In addition to the display of cars and trucks, the event will feature food and merchandise vendors, a kids’ zone with a bounce house and fun activities, live music, and a trophy presentation to close out the day.

Car show enthusiasts can now pre-register their vehicles for the event at www.ballston.org. The car show is free for spectators. For registration and more information, go to:  www.ballston.org. 

Tom McTygue Has Passed.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Saratoga Springs Politics.

My wife Jane Weihe and I knew Tom McTygue for more than fifty years and in spite of our differences over the years were always quite fond of him and admired and respected his many accomplishments that contributed so much to Saratoga Springs.

In the mid 1980s, Jane and Tom ran competing slates for the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee’s seats. Jane’s slate prevailed.

Their campaigns were prompted by differences over a proposed development at Exit 14. Tom supported it, and Jane opposed it.

Jane and Tom went on to run together on the Democratic slate in the city elections the following year. Tom’s response to the committee defeat was emblematic of the man and stands in sharp contrast to the toxic divisive world of politics on today’s Council.

“Our differences were over issues and never personal ,” Jane observes. “In contrast to the current Democratic Committee, there was room for our disagreements over the years. As long as I was direct with Tom about our differences, I felt there was never any acrimony.”

Tom was a doer who dedicated his life to improving the city through the many projects that are the foundation of Saratoga’s prosperity today. One of his crowning achievements was the restoration of the Canfield Casino. This was an enormously difficult and challenging project, but Tom loved the challenge. He immersed himself in the historical details and worked with the craftsmen who created today’s gem.

This was just one of many other projects, which included everything from organizing a team of young people who used an old fire truck called “Flower Power” in the summer to move throughout the city to water and maintain the many flower beds that McTygue added to the city landscape, to the more technical problems of resolving the city’s many drainage issues.

Tom did not have time for prolonged feuds because he always needed his opponents’ support for the next enterprise to improve the city that he loved.

Jane and I send our deepest condolences to his wife, Sandy, and family.

Jane and I will miss him.