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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs: City Police Partnering with FBI to Face Fentanyl Threat 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — To address the threat of increased fentanyl trafficking, the Saratoga Springs Police Department is partnering with the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force and will be “operational in Saratoga Springs in the near future,” according to a statement released by city Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll this week. 

The Task Force is a collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies and will provide additional resources and tools for the SSPD to eliminate this threat. The Task Force’s goal is to investigate and prosecute major interstate theft, drug conspiracy and firearm offenses in Saratoga Springs. 

News & Notes: Week 4 Events at Saratoga Race Course

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

*Mondays and Tuesdays = Dark Days. No racing.

Friday, August 2 

GII National Museum of Racing Hall Of Fame:
3YO, 1 Mile – Turf, Purse $500,000

GII Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Oaks Invitational:
F3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $400,000

Saturday, August 3

Fasig-Tipton Lure (R): 4&UP, 1 1/16 – Turf, Purse $135,000

GI Test: F3YO, 7 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $500,000

GII Troy Stakes: 4&UP, 5 1/2- Turf, Purse $300,000

GI Whitney (BC): 4&UP, 1 1/8- Dirt, Purse $1,000,000

GI Saratoga Derby Invitational: 3YO, 1 3/16- Turf, Purse $600,000

Sunday, AUGUST 4

GIII Adirondack: F2YO, 6 1/2 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $200,000
Birdstone: F&M 3&UP, 1 Mile – Dirt, Purse $150,000

Wednesday, August 7

Johnstone Mile (NYB): F&M 3&UP, 1 Mile – Dirt, Purse $125,000
Jonathan Kiser Novice Stakes: 2 3/8 – Turf,
Purse $75, 000

Thursday, August 8

John Morrissey Handicap (NYB):

3&UP, 6 Furlongs – Dirt, Purse $125,000

Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage
The Purdy’s Summer Concert Stage will host live musical performances each afternoon of the season from popular local and regional bands.
Friday, August 2: Tonight’s the Night – Neil Young Tribute
Saturday, August 3: Soul Session
Sunday, August 4: North and South Dakotas
Wednesday, August 7: Doc Scanlon
Thursday, August 8: Captain Squeeze & The Zydeco Moshers

TASTE NY PAVILION:

Every Thursday-Sunday beginning July 11
New York-made food and beverages will be available for sample and purchase at the Taste NY Pavilion, located inside Gate A at the Top of the Stretch, where fans can enjoy New York craft beers, wines, spirits, cheese and chocolate (must be 21 and over to sample and purchase alcoholic beverages). Featured products hail from Montauk to the Finger Lakes and the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks as a showcase of the state’s robust food and beverage industry.

SARATOGA BREAKFAST AND BREEDING FARM TOUR:
Every Wednesday-Saturday and select Sundays, Beginning July 12
The popular Saratoga Breakfast and Breeding Farm tours, which were first introduced in 2022, will be expanded this summer to meet growing demand. The program will be offered Wednesday through Saturday (excludes July 13, Aug. 24), plus select Sundays, beginning Friday, July 12 through Saturday, August 31. This yearwill feature newcomer Sugar Plum Farm to supplement incumbents Song Hill Thoroughbreds and Old Tavern Farm. Fans will enjoy a buffet breakfast during morning training at Saratoga Race Course before boarding a CDTA trolley to that day’s breeding farm before returning to the Spa for the afternoon’s races.
Tickets must be reserved in advance at NYRA.com. Each tour accommodates up to 52 guests. Admission to Saratoga Race Course is included in the package.

BERKSHIRE BANK HORSE SENSE
Every Friday-Sunday beginning July 12
Fans of all ages can pet a retired thoroughbred every Friday through Sunday from noon to 2 p.m. at Berkshire Bank Horse Sense. The educational exhibit also includes fun facts about the life and career of a thoroughbred. The family-friendly attraction is located inside Gate A and is presented by Berkshire Bank.

SUNDAY BRUNCH AT THE RAIL OF THE 1863 CLUB
Every Sunday beginning July 14
Fans are invited to enjoy a brunch buffet while experiencing The Rail at the 1863 Club, the first-floor banquet space at the 1863 Club. Tickets start at $105 and include admission, a table seat for the day, brunch buffet, soft drinks, Post Parade program book, tax and gratuity. Reservations are available by calling the NYRA Box Office at 844-NYRA-TIX or online at Ticketmaster.com

HANDICAPPING SEMINAR AND MEET-AND-GREET
Every Sunday beginning July 14Enjoy your Sunday at the races in the Paddock Suite, learning betting strategies and tips from expert handicappers. Tickets start at $75 and include admission, Post Parade program book and a table seat for the day within the climate-controlled, shared suite overlooking the historic saddling area. Fans will also be treated to a meet-and-greet with Saratoga Race Course’s track announcer Frank Mirahmadi. Tickets can be purchased online through Fevo.

Premium Giveaways
Friday, August 2
Fans can step up to the plate for the start of Whitney weekend by claiming the second giveaway of the season: a Saratoga baseball jersey! This stylish jersey is white with red piping and a red Saratoga logo emblazoned across the front. Presented by Rivers Casino, the jersey will be available in two adult sizes: medium and extra-large.

Whitney Day
Saturday, August 3
One of Saratoga’s most celebrated days will culminate in the 97th renewal of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney, which offers an automatic berth in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Classic. Whitney Day will also feature the Grade 1, $500,000 Test presented by Ticketmaster, and the Grade 1, $600,000 Saratoga Derby Invitational.

Saratoga Race Course will host a Best in Pink fashion photo contest from 1:00-3:00pm at the Jockey Silks Porch and will honor local breast cancer survivors in partnership with To Life! The nonprofit organization provides personalized breast cancer education and support services to survivors in Saratoga and across the Capital Region.

Family Sundays
Every Sunday
Family Sundays feature a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday inside the backyard Family Zone, located near Gate A.

Heritage Area Visitor Center Launches 2024 Guided Trolley Tours of Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center has launched their 2024 guided trolley tours. 

The 90-minute guided tour of historic Saratoga Springs will run through Thursday, Aug. 29, Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting at 10 a.m. Tickets are $25 per person.

“This informative and entertaining riding tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore campus, High Rock Park for a mineral water tasting, Saratoga Race Course, and more,” said Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Director Karen Verrigni in a statement.

The 28-passenger trolleys feature authentic wooden seating, decorative etched glass windows, air-conditioning and a wheelchair lift. 

For advanced reservations, call 518- 587-3241. Day of tickets, based on availability, can be purchased at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway. No refunds for reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to start of tour. Cancellations can be made by phone or email at karen@discoversaratoga.org. For more information, visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com.

Schuylerville Turning Point Parade This Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Featured, News.


Turning Point Parade, Schuylerville. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The annual Turning Point Parade – commemorating the American victory at the Battle of Saratoga – will be held this weekend in the village of Schuylerville.  

The 90-minute parade features 15 musical groups and over 100 other units, kicks off 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 4 with a vibrant procession through the heart of the village. 

Spectators can look forward to a display of enchanting floats, lively marching bands, classic cars, and community groups. The parade theme is Cultivating Community.

The Turning Point Festival at Fort Hardy Park – featuring live music, food trucks, beverages and a fireworks show will take place the following weekend, on Saturday, Aug. 10 with a lively festival featuring local food vendors and live musical performances. 

The day will begin Hudson Crossing Park’s Cardboard boat race in the early afternoon, and the Friends of Fort Hardy Park Dog Days of summer festivals held at the park earlier in the day. The festival will wrap up with a fireworks display after dusk. 

For more information about the 2024 Turning Point Parade and Festival visit https://turningpointparade.com. 

LibraryTrustee Candidates Sought for 2025

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — The Board of Trustees of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library seek candidates for two library trustee positions to begin Jan. 1, 2025, due to the expiring terms of two incumbents, both representing the Town of Clifton Park.

The annual Library Budget and Trustee Election is scheduled for Thursday, Sept.12. It will take place at the Library from 7 am-9 pm.

In order to qualify for trustee, candidates are required to be registered voters residing in Clifton Park, within the boundaries of the Library Tax District. The trustee positions are five-year terms. Employees of the Library, contractors, and vendors to the Library are ineligible. Residents will vote for the trustee candidates from their respective town of residence. 

Interested candidates may pick up a packet in-person or download one from the Library website: www.cphlibrary.org. 

The Library Board consists of 11 trustees; seven representing Clifton Park and four representing Halfmoon. Trustees attend monthly board meetings, serve on assigned committees, and contribute their expertise to benefit the Library and the served community. 

The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library is located at 475 Moe Road in Clifton Park, is open seven days a week and can be reached by phone at 518-371-8622 and online at www.cphlibrary.org.

Kelly’s Angels Awards $36,000 in Scholarships to Local High School Graduates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — Kelly’s Angels, the Capital Region charity devoted to helping local children and families who are facing loss and grief, has awarded $36,000 in scholarships this spring to 24 local high school graduates who have overcome significant adversity and shown a commitment to helping others. 

A teacher, wife and mom, Kelly Mulholland died in 2007 at age 37 after a long struggle with breast cancer. She left her husband Mark and two children, Connor and McKenna, who were just 7 and 5 at the time.

The Mulhollands formed Kelly’s Angels to honor her memory and commitment to helping children and to help other families suffering through similar tragedies. 

Now in its 14th year, Kelly’s Angels provides grants to children who have lost a parent or sibling to cancer or other illness and families who are battling a life-threatening condition. Last year, Kelly’s Angels presented more than $100,000 in grants to local children and families, all of it made possible through the generosity of its donors and supporters.

“These 25 young people remind us why our future is bright,” said Kelly’s Angels Founder and President Mark Mulholland. “All of them have overcome adversity and are committed to helping others.”

Week of July 27 – August 2, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court

Nicholas F. Bonfante, 44, of Halfmoon, was sentenced to 9 years incarceration and 5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony criminal sale of a controlled substance, charged in 2022. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Sheriff’s Office’s Narcotics Unit, in conjunction with the Sheriff’s Office’s Special Operations Team, Saratoga Springs Police Department, and U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, conducted a search warrant at the Roosevelt Motel in the town of Malta. The warrant was the culmination of a lengthy investigation into narcotics and illegal firearms sales within Saratoga County. 

As a result of the search warrant and investigation: 

Jason D. Brundige (age 50) of Saratoga Springs was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies), criminal possession of a weapon in the 2nd degree (class C felony), criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felony), and criminal possession of a firearm (class E felony); 

Keella M. Weaver (age 39) of Malta was charged with two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). 

Both were arraigned in the Malta Town Court. Brundige was sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail and Weaver was released to pretrial services pending further action in the matter.  

Resulting from a traffic stop for allegedly failing to use designated lane and moving from lane unsafely in the town of Clifton Park, Teresa L. Jackson (age 45) of Malta was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 4th degree (class C felony), DWAI – drugs, AUO in the 1st degree (class E felonies), failed to use designated lane, moved from lane unsafely, and unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle (infractions). She is also charged with operating a motor vehicle with a revoked driver’s license, and of possessing a narcotic drug of an aggregate weight of 1/8 ounce or more. Jackson was arraigned in the Halfmoon Town Court and released to pretrial services pending further action in the matter.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a trespassing call on Oak Street in the village of Corinth. As a result of the investigation into the complaint, Anthony J. Rodriguez (age 26) of Corinth was arrested and charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 5th degree (class D felony), criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 7th degree, and obstructing governmental administration in the 2nd degree (class A misdemeanors). Rodriguez is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing a controlled substance with the intent to sell it. He is also charged with intentionally attempting to prevent a deputy from performing an official function. He was arraigned in the Corinth Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter.

Resulting from an incident on Centerline Road in the town of Providence, Ethan J. Chase (age 34) Homeless, was charged with burglary in the 2nd degree (class C felony), criminal contempt in the 1st degree, and criminal mischief in the 3rd degree (class E felonies). Chase is accused of entering and remaining unlawfully in a dwelling with the intent to commit a crime therein. He is also charged with damaging property belonging to another person in an amount exceeding $250 and of violating an order of protection. Chase was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail pending further action in the matter.

Linda Mary Hickey

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

JONESVILLE  — Linda Mary Hickey was born on December 1, 1955 to the late Carol D. and James E. Hickey of Saratoga Springs and sadly passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital.

Linda was a gift from God and spent her entire 68 years of life bringing love and laughter to all that met her. Linda was within the Developmental Disabilities Service Office (DDSO) since

1963, living the last 32 years as The Princess of Jonesville IRA. Linda was loved dearly by her staff, family and peers. She had a wicked sense of humor and an infectious laugh with a smile that lit the room. While she enjoyed many activities, especially flirting with the boys, Linda was happiest with her hazelnut coffee and a piece of chocolate pie.

In addition to her parents, Linda was preceded in death by her aunts and uncles, Father Daniel Hickey CSsR, Catherine (Bill) Zabala, Janice (Phil) Waring, Judith Hickey, Paul C. Fitzgerald, Patricia Noel MacMasters; and cousins, Michael Waring, David Waring and William (Billy) Zabala.

Linda is survived by her eight siblings, Kathy A. Izzo (Paul) of Jacksonville, FL, Jane M. Siano (Harry Madara) of Saratoga Springs, Diane R. Hickey (Jamie Veitch) of Saratoga Springs, James G. “Jimbo” Hickey of Gansevoort, Anne T. Tapio (Roger) of Schuylerville, Paul G. Hickey (Suesen) of Colchester, CT, Carol M. Hathaway (Gerard) of Schuylerville, and Patrick G. Hickey of Saratoga Springs. She is also survived by her aunts and uncles, Walter “Butch” (Betsy) Delay of Saratoga Springs, Nancy (Bob) Schaffer of Seneca SC, Thomas Hickey of Saugerties, Joanne Fitzgerald of Montclair, NJ, David (Sue) Hickey Waterdown, ON and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

The Hickey family would like to extend our appreciation and thanks to the following for their care, support and love for our sister, The DDSO staff especially all of Linda’s Jonesville family, Dr. Paul Byron MD, Kathryn O’Dell RN and the CareDesign NY’s care managers (Jennifer Van Slyke and Jenna Foster). We would also like to extend our thanks and gratitude to the Saratoga Hospital medical staff including Palliative Care (Dr. Ayesha Sooriabalan MD, Jennifer Herrington LMSW, Deanna Veet ANP), Spiritual Care and to all the nurses and doctors of ICCU, D1 and D3 that cared for Linda in her final days.

Relatives and friends may call from 10 a.m.-12 noon on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will take place at 12 noon and burial will follow in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave., Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Linda’s memory to Saratoga Bridges, 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd., Ballston Spa NY 12020 or a charity of your choice.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

RobertF. DeCelle

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Robert F. DeCelle, beloved husband of Joan, passed away on July 19, 2024 in Saratoga Springs.

Robert was born on May 6, 1941 in Troy, NY to Oliver and Mary DeCelle. After graduating from Catholic High School, he served in the Army. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Japan where he had many adventures which he loved to recount. His time there made a lasting impression on him. He went on to work at Behr-Manning and Niagara Mohawk.

Robert is survived by his wife of 59 years, Joan (Michalski), daughter Debra Covell (Sean), son Robert (Renee), his grandchildren Ian, Declan, Damon, Lucie, and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his brothers Joseph and Thomas.

Robert was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, and a loyal friend. He had a gift for being able to talk to anyone. He loved meeting people, hearing their stories, and sharing reminiscences of his youth in Troy. It wasn’t uncommon for him to run into people he knew wherever he went, even hundreds of miles from home. Robert was also a lifelong baseball fan, particularly of the Boston Red Sox, and one of his greatest joys was coaching and watching his son play. His sense of humor and loving spirit will be sorely missed.

Calling hours were July 31 followed by a funeral home service at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.  Burial with military honors were bestowed in Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville, NY.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Wesley Community for the kindness and care they gave to Robert.

in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in memory of Robert to support cancer research and patient care at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284 or via jimmyfund.org/gift.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Saratoga Springs Hiring Assistant Coaches

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs City School District is looking to hire a handful of assistant coaches for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year. 

Vacant assistant positions include girl’s soccer at Maple Ave Middle School, girl’s cross-country at Maple Ave, modified 9 boy’s soccer, and junior varsity girl’s volleyball.

The positions are all for the Fall 2024 season and come with a stipend per the Saratoga Springs Teachers Association contract.

For more information, visit saratogaschools.recruitfront.com/JobOpportunities.