GANSEVOORT – Jean Ernst, 94, passed away on September 2, 2024. Calling hours are 11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m., Monday, September 9 at Burke Funeral home, followed by a funeral home service at 1:30 p.m. and burial at 2:30 p.m. in Malta Ridge Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS – Louis J. Miglucci passed away September 2, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital. Calling hours were September 5 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass is at 11 a.m., September 6 at St. Clement’s Church, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Marie G. Landry, 87, passed away on August 31, 2024 at Wesley Health Care Center. Calling hours and a Mass of Christian Burial were held on September 4 at the historic Church of St. Peter. Burial took place in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Beverley M. Smith, 86, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 2, 2024, at her home in Saratoga Springs, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on June 22, 1938, the daughter of the late Herbert Eckstrom and Edythe Tyrell Eckstrom.
Beverley dedicated many years of her career as a Medical Records Clerk at Wilton Developmental Center before retiring. She was a vibrant member of the community, actively participating in the Ladies Bowling League and serving for 40 years as a member of the Maple Avenue Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Beverley had a passion for travel, a love she shared with her husband, Michael. Their adventures began in a fifth wheeler and eventually led to journeys in their motorhome. In her spare time, Beverley was an avid reader, but her greatest joy came from spending cherished moments with her family.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 65 years, Michael J. Smith; her sons, David Smith (Marcy) and Mark Smith (Catherine); her daughter, Lynn Butterfield (David Gardner); her grandchildren, Sheila Smith-Pierone (Matthew), Jhackleen Boychew (Raymond), Desiree LaFountain, Kelly Jutsum (Alfred), and Rebecca Gardner; and her great-grandchildren, McKinley Boychew, Madisyn Boychew, and Fox Strong. Beverley also leaves behind many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends.
Beverley was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Patricia Petel; her brothers-in-law, John (Jack) and Jerry Smith; her sisters-in-law, Shirley Garnsey and Patricia Ryall; and her grandchild, Lorraine.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Tuesday, September 10, at St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
A graveside service will be in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 at a later date.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Delmonte and the staff at 3 Care Lane, Suite 300, Saratoga Springs, for the compassion and care they showed our family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Beverley’s honor to Saratoga Community Hospice, 179 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.
For online condolences, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
SARATOGA — Join Hudson Crossing Park Executive Director Kate Morse and resident local historian Mike Biekiewicz for this easy, one mile walk. Kate and Mike will share the history of the First Nations who called the area home. View the site of British General Burgoyne’s “Bridge of Boats” on the way to England’s historic loss during the Battles of Saratoga, and learn about how the Champlain Canal shaped the community and was instrumental in the Underground Railroad. Tour leaders will also discuss the unique challenges of working as environmental stewards along industrialized waterways.
The event will take place 1-2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11, located 1 mile north of Schuylerville at Champlain Lock 5.
STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical continues its special events season in September with the following offerings:
Where are we? Saturday, September 7 – 10:30 am, Visitor Center. This 60-minute, hands-on session provides participants with a basic-level understanding of compass use, map reading, and the essentials of orienteering. No GPS here, we’re doing this “old school!” Space is limited, email at SARA_reservations@nps.gov to reserve your spot.
Stayin’ alive! Saturday, September 7 – 12:30 pm, Visitor Center. This 60-minute, hands-on program exploring some of the basics of wilderness survival, including: getting water, starting a fire, basic shelter, safety, signaling, personal gear, and why food is the least of your concerns. Space is limited, email at SARA_reservations@nps.gov to reserve your spot.
History Caravan. Sunday, September 8 – 9:30 am, and Saturday, September 14 – 9:30 am Meet in the Visitor Center. Looking for a more in-depth, hands-on experience during your visit? Join a Park Volunteer for a caravan-style tour of the Battlefield! Tours will last 2.5-3 hours. Meet in the Visitor Center and follow along in your own vehicle for as long as you like.
Canal Walk. Tuesday, September 10 – 10 am to 11:30 am, Tour Stop 10. Meet Biological Technician Linda White at Tour Stop 10 for a walk along the Champlain Canal celebrating it’s opening in 1823.
Upcoming: Battle of Freeman’s Farm Walking Tour – Sept. 21; 18th Century Medicine – Sept. 21, 22; The Healing Arts at the time of the Revolutionary War -Sept. 21, 22, and other events.
Saratoga National Historical Park, 648 Route 32, Stillwater. Phone 518-670-2985. visit www.nps.gov/sara.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, has announced the launch of their fall 2024 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city.
All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from noon to 1 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines https://www.sspl.org.
2024 Fall Season:
Thursday, September 12, 2024: “LifeWorks Community Action. Help Starts Here.“ Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez, Executive Director of LifeWorks Community Action (formerly Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council or EOC), will discuss the history, growth and current activities of LifeWorks’ Immigrant Services & Latino Community Advocacy Program. LifeWorks’ Immigrant Services helps immigrants navigate life in a new community by offering immigration legal services, interpreting, referrals and resource navigation, English classes and more. Bilingual, professional staff serve our immigrant neighbors in the Northern Capital region and seasonally at the Saratoga Race Course Backstretch.
Upcoming: Thursday, October 10: “A Heritage in Poetry & Song,” Thursday, November 14: “Saratoga County’s Revolutionary War Patriot Burials,” and Thursday, December 12: “The Kayaderosseras Patent.”
For more information about the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center visit: www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Following an effort initiated in 2016, the first of six new collection boxes encouraging the public to contribute to local agencies who help those who are homeless, was installed Aug. 23.
“Originally we had 12, but after they were installed in 2016, they got broken into because there was a slot for cash,” said city Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll, who alongside city Finance Commissioner Minita Sanghvi jointly unveiled the new box located in front of Roohan Realty, at 519 Broadway. “We have six (of the 12) left that got refurbished. If it’s successful, it’s a pilot program, we’re going to add more.”
The difference in the boxes this time around is the collection boxes will not accept cash. Instead, they sport QR codes – one directed to Shelters of Saratoga and the other to RISE Housing & Support Services – so the public can decide which local agency they want to support. The funds go directly to the non-profit agencies.
The purpose of the boxes is to encourage the public to contribute directly to local agencies to help people get off the street and into safe housing.
Each box sports a message that reads: “There’s a Better Way to Give…Don’t Encourage Panhandling,” a message developed with input and agreement from both local nonprofit agencies.
The Saratoga Springs City Council on Aug. 6 unanimously approved an agreement with the Downtown Special Assessment District to install the six collection boxes.
The location of the six boxes are in front of: Roohan Realty, Compton’s Restaurant, Bluebird Spa City Motor Lodge, Uncommon Grounds, Saratoga Springs City Hall, and Impressions of Saratoga.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joseph Alexander, 84, found eternal peace surrounded by loved ones on Sunday, August 25, 2024.
Joseph was born on April 15, 1940 in Ticonderoga, NY, the fifth son of Guy and Blanche Alexander. He grew up in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains in North Creek, NY. He attended Johnsburgh Central School District and later attended SUNY Potsdam where he played collegiate basketball and received his BA in Elementary Education in 1962. He then went on to earn two Master’s Degrees from SUNY Plattsburgh; MA in elementary education and MA in education administration. He taught the lion’s share of his 37-year teaching career at Greenfield Elementary School in the Saratoga Springs School District. The students that had the pleasure of sitting in his classroom remember his warmth, kindness, and charismatic personality. His students remember him reading to the class; the bobsled run in the winter and the annual backyard pool gathering in the summer.
In June of 1964 he married Donna Taberski, and they would be by each other’s sides for another 60 years. He is survived by his daughter Christine Alexander-Decker, MD (Edward) and his two grandchildren Hannah and Sarah. He adored watching his granddaughters grow into the women they are today.
He is also survived by his older brother Jack Alexander (Hilda) of North Creek, NY and his younger sister, Nancy Choppa of Virginia Beach, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Mary Ann Johnson of Scotia, NY, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was known as the Adirondack Guide to his family and friends due to his love of the outdoors and specifically the Adirondack Mountains. He was known to weave a tall tale or two in his time. He was a member emeritus of the Moose Pond Club of Minerva, NY where he spent many of his childhood summers exploring the pond and leading his friends through adventures in the woods.
In his free time, he most enjoyed skiing the trails of Gore Mountain, where he learned to ski as a young boy. His favorite trail, hands down, was Showcase. He had the most beautiful form and natural flow on skis. He and Donna loved to travel and visited many sites in the US and abroad in retirement. They were active parishioners of St. Joseph’s R. C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY.
Joseph was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was a dependable, honest and an upstanding member of the Saratoga Springs community. He was a true family man, and he exuded a loving personality that stayed with him until his passing.
Joseph fought a long hard battle with Colon Cancer for ten years. He quietly endured his situation without complaint. His family would like to thank his team of incredible doctors who fought alongside him and kept him comfortable during his time of need. Special thanks to Dr. John Pezzulo and Dr. John Mongan along with the dedicated and compassionate staff of Community Hospice of Saratoga.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours from 5-8 p.m. on Friday August 30 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 St. Joseph’s R.C. Church in Greenfield Center, NY on Saturday, August 31 at 12 noon, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in honor of Joseph to Community Hospice of Saratoga.
Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com
GANSEVOORT — Philip Theodore Sisson, 78, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at Saratoga Hospital, with his beloved family by his side. In accordance with Philip’s wishes, a private service will be held at a later date. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.
