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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Local Students Awarded $100,000 in Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Rotary Education Foundation awarded $100,000 in scholarships to fifteen local students at their 24th annual Scholarship Awards Banquet on June 20.

The winner of the $20,000 Presidential Scholarship was Elaina Jacob from Saratoga Springs High School, who will attend the University at Buffalo to major in Biomedical Sciences. Jacob, who was born in Syria, told banquet attendees that she was grateful to be in the United States pursuing her dream of going to college.

The other fourteen scholarship winners were Bianca Babcock, Rosemeen Bhattal, Andre Culpepper-Wehr, Sandra Fierros-Garcia, McKenna Malloy, Reilly McCormack, Naomi Molina-Roman, Taylor Morgan, Madelyn Nolan, Jalen Pearsall, Gabriel Sherwin, Noelle Slye, 

Bin Traeger, and Talia Winters.

Jewish Community Center To Host Special Sneak Preview of Las Dos Mariette Documentary

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Congregation Shaara Tfille and The Jewish Community Center of Saratoga Springs host a special sneak preview showing of the documentary Las Dos Mariette at 7 pm on Wednesday, July 17, at Congregation Shaara Tfille, 84 Weibel Ave., as part of the 2024 Saratoga Jewish Cultural Festival. 

The presentation will be followed with a Zoom Q & A with the director, Poli Martinez Kaplun from Buenos Aires, Argentina.  There is a $5 admission charge that also includes light refreshments. Advance reservations are required. RSVP by phoning Congregation Shaara Tfille at 518-584- 2370  or emailing barbaraopitz47@gmail.com by Friday, July 12.

 The documentary tells the story that shows how the secrets we keep can impact different generations. Las Dos Mariette is directed by Poli Martinez Kaplun whose previous documentaries include Lea and Mira (2016) and The House on Wannsee Street (2019).

Amateur Photographers Invited to Submit Photos

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE —Amateur Photographers are invited to submit images to the Photography Exhibit at the Schuylerville Garden Club’s Annual Standard Flower Show. The show entitled “A Little Bit Country” will be held on July 20 and July 21 at the Saratoga Town Hall in Schuylerville. 

The photography section is entitled “Country Roads.” The classes are as follows:

Class 1 “Old MacDonald” – A Photo Featuring Farm Animals

Class 2 “Farmer in the Dell” – A Farm Landscape

Class 3 “All Critters Great and Small” – A Close Up of a Pollinator

All photos should be the work of the exhibitor. Photos should be 8 x 10 inches with a white 11×14 inch mat. Photos must be pre-registered by July 15. For details and an entry form, visit www.schuylervillegardenclub.org or call Nancy Derway, Photography Consultant at 518-796-4797 campderway @yahoo.com. 

Farmers’ Market Coupon Books Available for 60+ Who Qualify

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services announced Elderly Nutrition Farmers Market Coupons are available to qualifying seniors. Coupons can be picked up at the Department of Aging and Youth Services at 152 West High St. in Ballston Spa from 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday through Friday. 

Coupon booklets include five $5 coupons ($25 value) that are good for fresh fruits and vegetables at local participating Farmers Market vendors. 

Qualified individuals are those who are aged 60 or older and earn a monthly income of no more than $2,322 per month for a one-person household or no more than $3,152 per month for a two-person household. One coupon booklet is available per eligible individual. 

The Department will also distribute its Elderly Nutrition Farmers Market Coupons to those who qualify at a variety of locations across the country. A Department of Aging and Youth Services representative will be present at distribution sites to discuss services and resources available for seniors.

Upcoming: 

July 9th: 12pm-1pm Malta Town Hall, 2540 US-9, Malta

July 10th: 12pm-1pm Moreau Community Center, 144 Main Street, South Glens Falls 

July 11th: 12pm-1pm Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Rd, Galway

July 11th: 12pm-1pm Greenfield Community Center, 7 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center

July 12th: 12pm-1pm Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd, Clifton Park

For more information, contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100.

Week of June 29 – July 5, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Court 

Daniel H. Gudar, 47, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to criminal mischief in the third-degree, a felony, charged December 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Aug. 13. 

Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to robbery in the third-degree, charged March 2023 in Moreau. 

Dean J. Atwell, 35, of Middle Grove, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the third-degree, charged Jan. 1, 2024 in Galway. 

Bo J. Effner, 41, of Rotterdam, was sentenced to 5 days incarceration/ 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Alicia L. Marcotte, 35, of Hadley, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to DWAI, charged July 2023 in Corinth. 

Christopher DiLallo, 40, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 364 days incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged March 2023 in Wilton. 

John A. Donaldson, 69, of Lackawanna, N.Y., pleaded to sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony, charged in Milton. Sentencing Aug. 12. 

Christopher L. Crispell, 42, of Waterford, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged July 2023 in Stillwater. 

New York  State Police

New York State Police, with the assistance of the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office (South Carolina) and the United State Marshal Service, took custody of Siatar K Creech, 36.  Creech was arrested by State Police on Sept. 12, 2022, on a warrant for Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, a class “C” felony, Rape in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony and Criminal Sexual Act in the Third Degree, a class “E” felony.  He was arraigned the same day at the Ballston Spa Village Court, where he was released on his own recognizance. 

Creech failed to appear in court for the necessary proceedings, and on Oct. 11, 2023, the Saratoga County Court issued a bench warrant for his arrest.  The investigation determined Creech had allegedly fled New York and was residing in South Carolina.   In a joint agency effort, Creech was located in North Augusta, SC and on May 28, 2024, the Aiken County Sheriff’s Office took him into custody.

Creech was extradited and returned to New York by New York State Police Investigators on June 11, 2024, and turned over to the custody of the Saratoga County Correctional Facility to await arraignment.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a sexual assault call that reportedly occurred on Lilith Fair in the town of Milton. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest of Anthony J. Collins, 42, of Ballston Spa. Collins was charged with rape in the 1st degree (class B felony) and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanor). Collins was arraigned in the Milton Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail without bail pending further action in the matter.

The Sheriff’s Office arrested Damian B. Ball, 27, of Corinth on an arrest warrant issued by the Wilton Town Court for burglary in the 3rd degree (class D felony) and petit larceny (class A misdemeanor. Ball is accused of stealing from Walmart in the town of Wilton on Sept. 28, 2023 after previously being banned from the business’ property. He was arraigned in the Wilton Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter.

Rosemary Munter (Lane)

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

 

MIDDLE GROVE —Rosemary Munter (Lane), 83, passed peacefully June 30, 2024 surrounded by her caring husband and loving family. Celebration of Life at The Saratoga Winery (462 Rt 29, Saratoga Springs) on July 5, 12 – 4 p.m. Memorial donations to the Franklin Community Center, the Saratoga Hospital Foundation or The Wesley Community.  www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

Donna Anne Lindheimer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

 

ALBANY, NY — Donna Anne Lindheimer peacefully passed on June 26, 2024.  Family celebrated Donna’s life on Sunday, June 30.  Viewing commenced from 12:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. with a service immediately thereafter, at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway.  Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Joan Dancker

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Joan Dancker, 95, of Saratoga Springs, and formerly of New Jersey, passed away peacefully on June 20, 2024 in Saratoga Springs.

The daughter of the late John and Elizabeth Mason, Joan was born on August 2, 1928 in Englewood, New Jersey. She lived her entire life in New Jersey before relocating to Saratoga Springs in 2017 to be close to her family. As a young adult, Joan was a secretary at the Bible Society and then Wedgewood in NYC. She enjoyed tennis and loved to travel. Joan was active in her church and was always willing to lend a helping hand to those in need. 

Joan was the devoted wife of 59 years to the late Paul Dancker, he passed away in 2009.

Loving mother to one surviving daughter, Nancy (Steve) Hovey of Saratoga Springs, cherished grandmother to Courtney (Chris) Keller and Megan (Ben) Morrow, and great-grandmother to Rylan, Hadley and Beckett Keller, Annie and Emilia Morrow. Dearest sister to one surviving younger sister Anne Colburn.

In addition to her parents and husband, Joan was predeceased by two siblings, her brother William Mason and her sister Elizabeth Buechli.

Cremation has taken place through the care of Simple Choices, Inc. Joan’s family will honor her memory in private.

The Family extends their gratitude to the Staff of Wesley Health Center and Community Hospice for their compassion and care for Joan during her final days. Special thanks to Joan’s granddaughters and their families for loving and caring for her to the end.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family, online at: SimpleChoicesCremation.com

Karner Blue Butterfly Sensory Friendly Walk July 10 at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — In addition to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s free walks on Wednesdays through the end of July, Wilton Wildlife is offering a one-time Karner Blue Butterfly Sensory Friendly Walk. 

The walk will take place on Wednesday, July 10 at 3 pm. Through hands-on tactile learning, participants will enhance their senses, while being introduced to the habitat and wildlife around the trails. Wilton Wildlife educators will lead the walk that will focus on the butterflies and wildlife that live in the Saratoga Sand Plains. Registration is required at least one business day in advance and may be canceled if there is rain. 

To register, visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.

Saratoga Jazz Fest 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Crowd enjoys the music of Terence Blanchard Sextet on a sun-filled Sunday afternoon on June 30, 2024 during Day 2 of the Saratoga Jazz Festival at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.