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Author: Saratoga TODAY

July 13 – 19, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court 

Sara N. Babinski, 35, of Schuylerville, was sentenced to 3 months incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWAI, charged January 2024 in Saratoga Springs. 

Thomas R. McCall, 35, of Rensselaer, pleaded to criminal possession of a weapon in the second-degree, in connection with a March 2024 incident in Saratoga Springs, when city police initiated a traffic stop on a vehicle on South Broadway and located a Magnum .357 revolver with ammunition underneath the driver’s seat, according to a statement by Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. Further investigation determined that the firearm belonged to the defendant, who also possessed heroin, fentanyl and crack cocaine on his person, Heggen said. McCall is slated to be sentenced July 30.    

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a shots fired call at a residence on Centerline Road in the town of Providence. It is alleged that Ethan J. Chase, 34, who is reportedly homeless, forced entry into the residence of his father Earl W. Chase, III, 66,  who resides at the Centerline Road address. Ethan Chase had allegedly made threats to kill his father both prior to forcing entry to the residence and while inside the residence. There is an order of protection in effect protecting Earl Chase from Ethan Chase. Earl Chase had armed himself with a shotgun while his son was attempting to make entry to the residence. He discharged a round containing bird shot at his son inside the residence after the latter refused to leave and began approaching Earl Chase and his wife while making threats to kill them, police said. The round struck Ethan Chase to his left shoulder. Ethan Chase was taken into custody and was transported to Albany Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. 

The Sheriff’s Office responded to Blue Spruce Lane in the town of Malta for a report of a possible order of protection violation. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest and charges against Donovan R. Grose, 54, of Malta of criminal contempt in the 1st degree (class E felony). Grose is accused of violating an order of protection by failing to stay away from the protected party. He was reportedly observed outside of the protected party’s residence at the time of call. The charge was upgraded to a felony due to a previous conviction for criminal contempt in the 2nd degree within the preceding 5 years. Grose was processed and released on an appearance ticket returnable to the Malta Town Court on a later date. 

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a burglary to the Stewart’s shop on Longkill Road in the town of Clifton Park. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest and charged against Shaun A. Sheriff, 32, of Ballston Lake for burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and petit larceny (class A misdemeanor). Sheriff is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully within a building with the intent to commit a crime therein. He is also charged with stealing cigarettes from the business. Sheriff was already incarcerated in the Saratoga County Jail on a separate burglary charge at the time of arrest. He is scheduled to appear in the Clifton Park Town Court on a later date for both cases.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of an active domestic incident on Moe Road in the town of Clifton Park. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest and charges of Rebecca A. Wheland-Kruger, 51, of Clifton Park for criminal contempt in the 1st degree and aggravated family offense (class E felonies. Wheland-Krugar is accused of violating an order of protection by being present in the residence of the protected party. The charge was upgraded to a felony due to a previous conviction for criminal contempt in the 2nd degree within the preceding 5 years. She is also charged with committing a “specified offense” under the statute having been convicted of a specified offense within the preceding 5 years. Wheland-Kruger was sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond pending further action in the matter.

Frederick Douglass Interpreter Speaks on Democracy July 28

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —Frederick Douglass interpreter Nathan M. Richardson will speak about the meaning of American Democracy in the words of the former slave turned writer, orator and abolitionist. 

The program will be held at the Frederick Allen Elks Lodge No 609, 69 Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs on Sunday, July 28 at 2 pm and is jointly sponsored by the Lodge and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum.

Richardson is a published author, performance poet and Frederick Douglass Historian. He has been conducting living history performances on Douglass for the last 10 years after 22 years of service in the United States Army. In his talk Richardson will discuss Douglass’ relationships with abolitionists William Lloyd Garrison and Harriet Tubman, and several United States Presidents including Abraham Lincoln and Ulysses Grant. Discussion with the audience will follow his presentation.

“Frederick Douglass spoke at least twice in Saratoga County during his long career as a public speaker, first as a young man in 1849 in Schuylerville and Quaker Springs, and then as a renowned statesman in Saratoga Springs in 1870 celebrating the 15th Amendment to the Constitution that granted African American men the right to vote” said Jim Richmond, of the History Center’s Program Committee. 

Frederick Allen Lodge No. 609 was chartered in 1925 and was named in honor of Frederick Joseph Allen who worked as a Redcap at Union Station in Albany and later become Custodian of Saratoga Springs City Hall. The Saratoga County History Center, formerly known as the County’s Historical Society, has operated Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa since 1972.

Registration is available at the History Center’s website https://brooksidemuseum.org/   Donations received during registration will be shared between the Museum and the Lodge.

Lunch & Learn: Standards & Guidelines for Design Review – Free Live Virtual Presentation July 22

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —On Monday, July 22, at noon the City of Saratoga Springs, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, will present a free virtual program, “Lunch & Learn: Standards & Guidelines for Design Review” with Barbara A.M. Howard via Zoom.

Howard is the Managing Partner and Director of Heritage Preservation for Stonebridge Learning, where she develops mobile applications, digital publications, and online courses to help people recognize, preserve, and integrate historic resources into everyday life. In addition, she is a Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program (CAMP) trainer through the National Alliance of Preservation Commissions (NACP).

Howard will present the differences between preservation, rehabilitation, reconstruction, and restoration. She will review the Secretary of Interior’s Standards for Rehabilitation, which serves as the basis of many historic review ordinances and design guidelines. She will also discuss the significance, integrity, and historic character of resources. This program counts towards the annual training required for Certified Local Government members throughout New York State. It will also count toward AIA and AICP continuing education credits.

To learn more and register visit saratogapreservation.org, call 518-587-5030, or email Sydney Hedge, Preservation & Programs Coordinator, at shedge@saratogapreservation.org. Space is limited and advanced registration is required.

Saratoga Springs History Museum Invites Thrill-Seekers to Embark on Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs History Museum will host “Ghost Tours of the Canfield Casino” every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 11 a.m. to noon through Sept. 2. 

Located in the heart of Saratoga Springs, the Canfield Casino has garnered attention for its eerie atmosphere and ghostly tales, featured prominently on Ghost Hunters and recognized as one of America’s Most Terrifying Places by the Travel Channel.

Participants will step back in time as they traverse the shadowy corridors of this iconic landmark, uncovering the mysteries and legends that have intrigued visitors for generations. 

Led by knowledgeable guides, attendees will hear firsthand accounts of spectral sightings and unearthly occurrences that promise intrigue and excitement.

Guests can either reserve tickets in advance or purchase them at the front desk. For ticket reservations and additional information, go to: https://www.saratogahistory.org/ghost-tours

Saratoga County Announces Contract with CSEA

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett announced on July 10 that the County’s CSEA membership has voted to approve a five-year contract. The County’s negotiating team and CSEA leadership reached the agreement on June 18 following two mediation sessions. 

The contract covers Jan. 1, 2024, through Dec. 31, 2028. 

Highlights of the CSEA collective bargaining agreement include:

•Wage Increases: A $4,000 increase at signing, which equates to a 7.3% pay increase based on the average CSEA salary, and a 2.95% annual wage increase in each year from 2025 to 2028. Retroactive payments will be made to employees on payroll from January 1, 2024.

•Compensatory Time: New language allows for automatic rollover of 40 hours of comp time to be used the next year, with the County retaining the right to buy out comp time in excess of 40 hours with notice by November 1st each year. 

•Health Insurance Premium Contributions: Gradual increase in employee contributions toward health and dental premiums based on hire date beginning in 2026 for those who currently contribute less than 20%. Fifteen-percent contributors increase to 16% in 2026, 18% in 2027 and 20% in 2028. Five-percent contributors increase to 6% in 2026, 8% in 2027, and 10% in 2028. 

•Health Insurance Co-pays: Co-pays will remain the same for the remainder of 2024 with nominal increases beginning in 2025 for office visits, specialist visits, emergency room visits, and prescriptions. 

•Additional Holiday: The addition of Juneteeth as a paid holiday, providing employees with a total of 12 paid holidays each year.

•Vacation: An updated vacation schedule based on years of service to extend additional day per year of service for years four through 11.

The agreement also includes other adjustments and administrative changes. The full contract will be made available on the human resources page at www.saratogacountyny.gov once it is ratified. This is the fourth contract the County has negotiated in the past two years: twice with CSEA and once each with UPSEU, and PBA.

July 19 – 25, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

This beautiful home at 124 Hayes Rd in Schuylerville was listed by Gary Squires and sold by Sam Fowler from Roohan Realty for $315,000

BALLSTON 

Frederick Wright sold property at 78 Beacon St to Jacqueline Zielinski for $361,000

Barbera Homes Kelley Farms sold property at 30 Paddock Pl to Erik Weiskopf for $716,959

Harold Tomlinson sold property at 429 Devils Lane to Amy Hotaling for $575,000

CORINTH

Khalil Grant sold property at 5049 Rt 9N to Colin Murray for $239,500

Angela Wingle sold property at 83 Clothier Dr to Brittany Dunston for $249,900

Foothills Builders sold property at 49 Black Bear Path to Zachary Yetter for $455,605

Gwendoyln Matson sold property at 116 County Route 10 to Victoria Bourque for $169,000

MALTA 

David Hayes sold property at 1074 Laural Lane to Nicholas Crozzoli for $450,000

Team 12 Inc sold property at 1038 Laural Lane to Brian Thayer for $425,000

Jason Guerin sold property at 11 Pinewood Dr to Hemawaite Rampersad for $450,000

Ryan Jenkins sold property at 7 Lake Ave to Jonathan Coleman for $517,000

MILTON

Ryan Triller sold property at 80 Rowland St to 80 Rowland LLC for $429,000

Nancy Potter sold property at 26 Red Coach Trail to Bern Budd for $250,000

Michael Curran sold property at 118-120 Maple Ave to William Deinnger for $360,000

Daniel Hehir sold property at 3334 Galway Rd to Bitt Sims for $330,000

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Charles Menzel sold property at 40 Dyer Switch Rd to Christopher Howe for $800,000

Linda Davis sold property at 78 White St to Matthew Lucas for $699,500

Shawn Nash sold property at 66 White Farms Rd to Jeremy Vanwormer  for $675,000

Douglas Woodley sold property at 34 Jackson St to Timothy Donohoe for $550,000

Richard Devall sold property at 59 Franklin St to Kaari Stannard for $325,000

Jeffrey Bartkowski sold property at 5 Loughberry Rd to Nicholas Crowe for $387,500

WILTON

Bradley Casacci sold property at 2 Knollwood Dr to James Bernard for $557,000.

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 8 Ocala Ct to David Lampman for $1,067,773

Edward Bennett sold property at 246 Ruggles Rd to Edward Nelson for $361,500

Forest Grove LLC sold property at 5 Daintree Dr to Gail Kyler for $795,002

Design Group Awarded for The Coat Room

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo of The Coat Room interior via the restaurant’s website.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Phinney Design Group received the Citation award from the American Institute of Architects of Eastern New York (AIAENY) for its work on The Coat Room, a speakeasy in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

The Citation Award recognizes projects that demonstrate exceptional design, sustainability, and social impact. Phinney Design Group was selected from a competitive field of nominees and judged by a panel of industry professionals from AIAENY. 

“This recognition is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our talented team, and it inspires us to continue pushing the boundaries of architectural design and sustainability,” said Michael Phinney, Founding Principal at Phinney Design Group, in a statement. 

Roohan Realty Adds Real Estate Salesperson 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo of Peggy King provided by Roohan Realty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty announced last week that Peggy King has joined the team as a licensed real estate salesperson. 

After a long career in the insurance industry, King is transitioning into the world of real estate. While spending 24 years working for State Farm, King garnered experience in customer relations, negotiation, and financial analysis. 

Since becoming a Saratoga County resident 28 years ago, she has become very active in the local theater community.  

Leadership Saratoga Completes Nonprofit Projects, Seeks New Ideas

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Members of the Leadership Saratoga Class of 2024 pose with representatives from Saratoga Pride. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  The award-winning Leadership Saratoga program recently completed four impactful projects for local nonprofits, and is currently seeking project ideas for the upcoming 2024-2025 class.

Sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future. As part of the program, the class assists up to four local nonprofits to help enhance or re-envision programs, operations, and strategies key to their future success.

The class of 2024 completed the following projects:

Saratoga Pride

Saratoga Pride is an all-volunteer organization that has served the LGBTQ+ community and allies for more than 15 years. Leadership Saratoga class members helped to create a strategy to expand county-wide programs and opportunities for effective partnerships with businesses and non-profit organizations aligned with Saratoga Pride’s mission. Additionally, Leadership Saratoga helped Saratoga Pride expand its public library partnership program in Saratoga County.

Our Lodge Foundation

Our Lodge Foundation’s primary purpose is to support Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609, a black international fraternal organization, in their philanthropic efforts, as well as the sustainment and upgrade of their building located on Beekman Street. Leadership Saratoga helped Our Lodge Foundation with a communications, outreach, and development strategy.

Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar

Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar assists students from Saratoga Springs High School in graduating from high school and attending and graduating from college or other technical higher learning programs. Leadership Saratoga helped Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar to re-envision and update its mentor handbook and provided additional consulting on mentor recruitment.

Lifeworks

Since 2005, LifeWorks (formerly Saratoga County EOC) has conducted an annual photography workshop and exhibit titled “Estamos Aquí” (We Are Here) and hosted an annual celebration of the photographers and new photos with the goal of providing the resources and platform for self-representation for Latinos in Saratoga. Leadership Saratoga provided research, planning, and strategy for LifeWorks for a potential expanded community showcase of Latino art and culture coinciding with the annual reception for “Estamos Aqui.”

For the upcoming 24-25 school year, nonprofits serving Saratoga County are encouraged to submit a project proposal detailing their organization’s needs. Proposals are reviewed by a subcommittee of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board, which selects up to four projects for groups within the incoming class to complete as part of the nine-month-long program.

Project proposal applications should be submitted to Leadership Saratoga by Friday, August 23. Organizations will be notified in early September of their status. More information about Leadership Saratoga and how to submit a project proposal is available at www.leadershipsaratoga.org.

Charlton School Announces New Hire

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Bo Goliber has joined The Charlton School as its new Chief Strategy and Impact Officer. Photo provided. 

BURNT HILLS — About a month after breaking ground on a $13.8 million construction project, the Charlton School’s upgrades continue with the addition of Bo Goliber as Chief Strategy and Impact Officer. 

The newly-created role was designed for Goliber’s unique expertise and skill set, and will complement her background in marketing, communications, fundraising, and development.

“Bo joining our team comes at a crucial time in our continued growth,” said Alex Capo, executive director of Charlton, in a statement. “I am confident Bo’s talents and previous experience will significantly elevate The Charlton School’s brand and story, bolster fundraising efforts, and create community connections that will lead to enhanced opportunities for the students and families we support.”

Goliber spent ten years with the Franklin Community Center, followed by eight years as Head of Philanthropy at the healthcare marketing firm Fingerpaint. Most recently, she was Chief Development and Communications Officer at AIM Services for nearly four years.

“The mission of The Charlton School has always resonated with me, and I’m humbled to now be placed in a leadership role where I can help make a difference and bring people into the mission,” Goliber said. “The need to support the mental health of young women is more prevalent than ever, and I’m excited to help educate our community about the impactful and innovative work being done here.”

The Charlton School, located in Saratoga County, supports young women aged 12-18 who are struggling with their mental health. In June, the school broke ground on its largest redesign since 1955, which will see four new dormitories added to the campus.