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Author: Saratoga TODAY

City of Saratoga Springs Residents Can Obtain Free Permits for Parking Garages, Surface Lots

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —City residents can apply for free permits in the city owned parking garages and surface lots. 

The registration portal will request resident information, vehicle information, and proof of residency, which is considered an official record with resident name and City of Saratoga Springs address. 

Proof of residency can include drivers’ licenses, utility bills, or tax records which clearly demonstrate resident name and address. Any outstanding parking tickets must be paid prior to the permit’s issuance. 

Residents can register for permits via the following website: https://www.tocite.net/saratogaspringspd/portal/permit. 

Parking permits – Other:

Downtown business employee permits will be issued through a different process, which will be announced directly to the downtown business organizations. 

And Saratoga Springs Library Permits will be issued by the library, at the library. 

On-street parking remains status quo free for all, that is: fingers-crossed for luck, first-come, first-served. 

Seasonal paid parking is scheduled to go into effect following the Belmont Stakes weekend, the week of June 10, 2024.

Residents who are unable to or have difficulty registering online can call the Department of Public Works for assistance at 518-587-3550 ext. 2555.

Gideon Putnam Burying Ground Historic Marker Restored

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Matt Veitch, at left, Saratoga Springs City Historian Mary Ann Fitzgerald (front, center) at Gideon Putnam Burying Ground. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Matt Veitch was joined by the Saratoga Springs Historian and representatives from Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, Saratoga Springs DPW, Saratoga Springs History Museum, and TR Signs to unveil the restored Gideon Putnam Burying Ground Historic Marker. 

Veitch, who represents Saratoga Springs at the county level of government, secured funding in the County’s 2023 budget to dedicate to various projects in Saratoga Springs. 

Veitch spearheaded an initiative to restore multiple historic markers and signs throughout the city, including:  Bryan Home (Olde Bryan Inn), NYS County Highway Superintendents Association Founding site, Walworth Estate (Pine Grove), The ‘Gut’ or the ‘Valley’ commemoration of Jewish Contributions to the City, Solomon Northup Memorial, and Dublin Neighborhood marker.

The Gideon Putnam Burying Ground is located on South Franklin Street in Saratoga Springs. Named for the founding father of Saratoga Springs, Gideon Putnam, the cemetery contains more than 150 graves of early and mid-19th century, mostly working-class residents of the city. In 1835, the Putnams gave their family burial land to the village of Saratoga Springs to be used as a public burial plot. In 1812, Gideon Putnam became the first to be buried here.

In 1811, Gideon began construction of Congress Hall just north of Congress Spring but was seriously injured when a section of scaffolding at the hotel collapsed. He died in 1812 at the age of 49 as a result of his injuries.

Tang Teaching Museum a 2024 Blue Star Museum – Free Admission to Currently Serving U.S. Military Personnel & Their Families

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College joins museums nationwide in the Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that provides free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families this summer. 

Blue Star Museums is a partnership between the National Endowment for the Arts and Blue Star Families, in collaboration with the Department of Defense and participating museums across America.

“We are grateful to the Tang Teaching Museum for participating in this summer’s Blue Star Museums program and we hope military families will take this opportunity to create meaningful, lifelong memories,” said Maria Rosario Jackson, PhD, chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, in a statement. “Whether you are traveling this summer, getting to know a new duty location, or exploring what your community has to offer, Blue Star Museums is a wonderful opportunity to create connection and find inspiration.”

The 2024 program began on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, 2024, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2024. 

The free admission program is available for those currently serving in the United States Military—Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force, members of the Reserves, National Guard, U.S. Public Health Commissioned Corps, NOAA Commissioned Corps, and up to five family members. Qualified members must show a Geneva Convention common access card (CAC), DD Form 1173 ID card (dependent ID), DD Form 1173-1 ID card or the Next Generation Uniformed Services (Real) ID card for entrance into a participating Blue Star Museum.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park’s 2024 Annual Earth Day Essay Contest Winners – Event June 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON—Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park announced this year’s Annual Earth Day Essay Contest winners, in a contest that promotes increased environmental consciousness, community participation, and protection of the planet worldwide. 

Over 150 entries were received from schools in the region. There will be a ceremony for the winners at the Annual Wildlife Festival at noon on Sunday, June 2, when contest winners from each of the categories will receive their $50 cash prize. 

Upper Elementary School winner Owen Rogan, of Lake Avenue Elementary School, Grade 5, wrote, in part: “Every year, eight million metric tons of plastic waste enters our oceans. We, as a group, need to put a stop to this. Animals are dying because of all the waste entering the oceans and getting dumped or lost in the wilderness. By 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Even though plastic has been particularly useful to humankind, we need to find a better alternative for plastic, fast…” 

Additional winning essays were submitted by: Rory Boggan, Ballard Rd Elementary School, Grade 2; Prateek Chinni, Menands UFSD, Grade 7, and Cameron Stockwell, Homeschool, Grade 10. 

The mission of Wilton Wildlife includes environmental education as a priority, and Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to engage youth in important environmental conversations. The Earth Day Essay Contest was initiated to give school-aged children a chance to research and engage in climate issues and actively seek out solutions to protect the future resources of this planet and to bring their thoughts and solutions to the climate crisis. 

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

Earl R. Bean

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – Earl R. Bean, aged 87, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 25, 2024 at Saratoga Hospital, surrounded by his beloved family. Born on November 15, 1936 in Hanover, NH, he was the son of the late Richard Bean and Beatrice Huntington Bean.

Earl proudly served his country in the US Navy from 1955 to 1957. He enjoyed a long and successful career as a Horse Trainer at Saratoga Race Track, where he became a well-known and respected figure in the racing community. A passionate outdoorsman, Earl loved golfing, betting on horses, and participating in harness racing as an owner, trainer, and driver since 1964. His unwavering dedication to the sport earned him induction into the Horseman Hall of Fame in 2010. Earl was also an enthusiastic Red Sox fan and cherished the time spent with his family pet, Winston.

Earl is survived by his devoted wife of 66 years, Nancy Bean; his son, Timothy Earl Bean (Deborah Crawford); daughters, Karen Forbes, Linda Rose Bean, and Julie Brasser (Kevin); brothers, Caroll Bean and John Bean (Pam); sisters, Shirley Stever and Eva Lou Hodge; grandchildren, Shannon Van Hall (Eric), Nicole Forbes (Jose Corporan), Lauren Fredmonski (Matthew), Kellie Bean, Micayla LaFave (Dylan), Lindsey Brasser (Jordan Nolan), and Keri Pehl. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, great-grandchildren, and friends who will miss him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Merton Bean; his sister, Charlotte Bishop; and his son-in-law, Jeffrey Forbes.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, June 4, from 12 noon to 1:45 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, located at Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave., Saratoga Springs. 

A graveside service with military honors will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

May 25 – 31, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Michael J. Arnold, 64, of Schuylerville, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged June and July 2023 in the town of Saratoga. Sentencing Aug. 6. 

Gary A. Lucas, 38, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1-1/3 to 4 years’ incarceration in a state correctional facility, after pleading to leaving the scene of an incident without reporting death, charged November 2023 in Ballston. 

Matthew J. Hayes, Sr., was sentenced to 1-1/2 years’ incarceration in a state correctional facility and 1 year post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree, charged December 2022 in Corinth.

Margo A. Mead, 36, of West Sand Lake, was sentenced to 364 days in the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, after pleading to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, charged September 2023 in Malta. 

Meagan E. McGuire, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged September 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Cristina M. Cassidy, 31, of Albany, was sentenced to 364 days in the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, after pleading to grand larceny in the fourth degree, charged October 2022 in Clifton Park. 

John D. Chaname, 43, of East Elmhurst, N.Y., was sentenced to 364 days in the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, after pleading to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, charged November 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Xavier O. Williams, 21, of Watervliet, pleaded to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged October 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing July 22. 

Gloria Rhodes, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 5 years of probation and 60 days community service, after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Thomas J. Lucey, 39, of Troy, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged March 2023 in Waterford. 

Edward T. Sears, 20, of Schenectady, pleaded to attempted burglary in the third-degree, charged January 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing July 22. 

Kevin S. Cuva, 51, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree, charged February 2024 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing July 23. 

James M. McFarland, 55, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years in a state correctional facility, after pleading to felony DWI, charged February 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Haley A. Czwakiel, 27, of Ballston Spa, was charged with aggravated DWI (class E felony), DWI, and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08% or greater (unclassified misdemeanors), following a suspected crash on Saratoga Road in the town of Ballston earlier this month. She was released on appearance tickets returnable to the Ballston Town Court on a later date, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.

Ryan A. Madigan, 36, of Burnt Hills, was charged with Assault in the third degree (Misdemeanor), and Aggravated Criminal Contempt (Felony). It is alleged Madigan struck a female known to him in the face causing physical injury. The alleged assault was committed against a party who had an order of protection against Madigan, resulting in the charge of Aggravated Criminal Contempt. He was arraigned by Malta Town Judge Sloat and remanded with bail of $5,000 cash, $10,000 bond or $50,000 partially secured bond. He is scheduled to appear in Ballston Town Court at a later date.

John A. Rathbun, 26, of Verona, was charged with burglary in the second-degree (felony), two counts of criminal mischief in the fourth-degree, petit larceny, resisting arrest, and menacing in the second-degree (misdemeanors). Rathbun is accused of unlawfully entering and remaining in a dwelling in Halfmoon with the intent to commit a crime therein. He was reportedly found hiding in a closet in the residence by the homeowner when she arrived home at which time he allegedly threatened her with a liquor bottle. He is further accused of preventing the homeowner from calling 911 by slapping the phone from her hand and of stealing liquor from the residence. There was no prior relationship between Rathbun and the homeowner. He was arraigned in the Halfmoon Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail, bond, or partially secured bond pending further action in the matter.

Patrick Francis Graham

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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Patrick Francis Graham passed away on May 16, 2024, at his home in Houston, Texas, at the age of 55. He was born on December 19, 1968 and grew up in Saratoga Springs. Patrick is survived by his wife, Geralyn Graham, his mother Charlene Graham, his sister Heidi Faulkner, and his nephew and niece, William and Sadie Weatherwax.

Patrick was a successful entrepreneur, owning the restaurant GRAHAMS in Saratoga Springs and later venturing into a residential home building business in Houston, where he dedicated 16 years of his life.

In accordance with his wishes, no services will be held.

May Patrick Francis Graham rest in peace, and may his memory be cherished by those who knew and loved him.

John E. Armstrong Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —John E. Armstrong Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 28, 2024 with his family by his side. Mass will be at  St. Clements Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 at Noon on June 4 and burial with military honors following in St. Peter’s Cemetery.  Remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Mikayla Tao “Kai” Roy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

 

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STILLWATER — Mikayla Tao “Kai” Roy, age 21, lost her fight on Tuesday, May 21, 2024. She was a beautiful young woman who was full of life, determination, and strength.  Mikayla was born on September 15, 2002, in China and was the daughter of David and Michele (Kovarovic) Roy. 

Mikayla was incredibly kind, gifted, always putting her entire being into everything she did and cared deeply for her friends and family. She graduated from the Stillwater Central School District with the Class of 2020, where she was chosen as a recipient of the Saratoga County School Boards of Association Community Service Award. Mikayla was active in various athletics and organizations including National Honor Society, Varsity Club, French Club, Spectrum and Friends of Rachael.   Her notable intelligence led her to becoming a tutor for others, and her outgoing personality landed her a captain of the cheerleading team. Mikayla enjoyed music and was a talented guitar and piano player.  She also had a beautiful voice which she shared with the school chorus and Chamber Singers. Mikayla always put others first and spent many hours volunteering at the Regional Food Bank and local community center. She loved eating Chinese food, baking cookies and snuggling with her pets, Korra and Winnie, who miss her dearly, and her stuffed pets, Steven the Bear and Boppi the Dog. 

Mikayla went on to study biology at Hudson Valley Community College and was currently attending Binghamton University pursuing a math degree all the while working as a campus tour guide and she was Baxter, the Bearcats mascot. 

She was the daughter of David and Michele ( Kovarovic) Roy;  sister of Nicholas Roy; special love of Cole Roberts; maternal granddaughter of Frank and the late Sandra Kovarovic; paternal granddaughter of the late Gordon and Irene Roy; niece of Gordon and Laura Roy, (Jessica, Melissa and Donny), Laurie Schieb-Wyanski, (Matt and Jess), Denise and Mark Suchsland, (Erin), Julie and Joe Urbanski (Jenna and Mei Lei) 

Think of Mikayla when you see a sunflower, as that was her favorite.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Friday, June 7, 2024, from 2 – 4 p.m. at Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.  A celebration of Mikayla’s life will conclude the visitation at 4 p.m. and be led by Chaplain Claudia Meyer. 

The family wishes to send special thanks to Dr. Nancy Olsen and all the mental health workers who have worked with Mikayla to uplift and support her throughout the years. 

Memorial donations may be made to the National Suicide Prevention https://afsp.org/ or to the Animal Protective Foundation of your choice. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Townley & Wheeler Funeral Home, 21 Midline Road, Ballston Lake, and they encourage you to view and leave messages on Mikayla’s Book of Memories at www.TownleyWheelerFH.com.

Cody P. Reinhart

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Cody P. Reinhart passed away Tuesday, May 21, 2024. Calling hours were Wednesday, May 29 at Compassionate Funeral Care.  A funeral service was held on Thursday, May 30 at The Church of the Messiah, 296 Glen St, Glens Falls 12801. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com