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Friday Through Monday: MLK Saratoga Presents 2024 Dr. King Celebration Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — MLK Saratoga’s Annual Dr. King Celebration Weekend, to celebrate and reflect on the work of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., features a series of events from Friday, Jan. 12 through Monday, Jan. 15. 

Friday, Jan. 12

Dr. King Challenge – 5:30 p.m. at Holiday Inn, 232 Broadway. Hosted by MLK Saratoga and curated by the Capital Region’s DJ Hollyw8d, featuring several performing artists. Reception, food, cash bar, fun art projects for kids, face painting, Photo Booth, dancing. Family Friendly.

Saturday, Jan. 13

Sing A Song Of Gladness – 11 a.m.–Noon at Unitarian Universalist House 624 N. Broadway. A sing-along for all ages; join folksinger Dan Berggren, the Division Street School Song Writers Club, and the Rev. Joe Cleveland from the Unitarian Congregation for a sing-along of songs about love, peace, justice and community. 

Yaddo Presents: Vision Portraits, with Filmmaker Rodney Evans – 5-7:30 p.m. Nancy DiCresce Room, The Pines, Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Yaddo presents a celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy with a film screening of Vision Portraits by Yaddo artist and filmmaker Rodney Evans. The event offers audience members an opportunity to shift their perspective by participating in a film experience with augmented glasses and open-audio description. Reservations Required. Enter SPAC Through The Hall of Springs Gate.  

Beloved Community Party – 7-11 p.m. at Frederick Allen Lodge, 69 Beekman St. Join friends and neighbors for a rocking and joyful night of community and dancing. Food, cash bar, and live music from Out of the Box. 

Sunday, Jan. 14 

Introduction To Restorative Practices for Youth and Adults – 1-3:30 p.m. at Dutcher Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. An interactive program to learn about and experience restorative practices – what they are, how they are used, and local efforts to integrate restorative values and practices in our community. Panel discussion, interactive exhibits with adults and youth who use restorative practices in various settings, community building games, talking circles and snacks. Youth and adults are encouraged to attend and participate.

Monday, Jan. 15

MLK Day Of Service – 9:30-11:30 a.m. at Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St.

All events are free & open to the public. For more details and information, go to: www.mlksaratoga.org/2024-dr-king-celebration-weekend. 

Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College Seek Sustainability Fair Exhibitors For April Fair

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Saratoga Sustainability Fair in 2023. Photo: Scott Bergmann Photography.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Sustainable Saratoga and Skidmore College invite sustainability-minded for-profit businesses and non-profit community organizations to apply to be exhibitors at the third annual Saratoga Sustainability Fair.

The Saratoga Sustainability Fair will take place 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

 “The Saratoga Sustainability Fair is an exciting opportunity for community members to discuss sustainability, connect with local sustainable businesses and organizations, and learn about innovative climate solutions and ways to get involved,” said Kelsey Trudell, Sustainable Saratoga’s Executive Director, in a statement. “Planning is underway for the 2024 Sustainability Fair, and we have now opened the call for vendors to table in the exhibit hall.”

To apply for your non-profit organization or for-profit sustainable business to participate in the exhibit hall visit sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/saratoga-sustainability-fair/. Interested sponsors should contact: kelsey@sustainablesaratoga.org

Saratoga County Gather and Dine Program Announces Winterfest Menu For Seniors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County seniors are encouraged to celebrate Winterfest at the Department of Aging and Youth Services’ Gather and Dine locations throughout Saratoga County.  

Winterfest will be celebrated during the month of January and will feature a hot cocoa bar with fixings, Belgian waffles with toppings and sausage prepared by Mazzone Hospitality. 

Saratoga County residents ages 60 and older are invited to celebrate at their local Dine and Gather location. Reservations are required and must be made at least one day in advance by noon. Those interested must contact their preferred location to make a reservation. 

Winterfest Locations & Dates:

•Jan. 16 – Moreau Community Center 518-792-6007

•Jan. 18 – Corinth Senior Center 518-654-2040

•Jan. 23 – Galway Town Hall 518-921-8799

•Jan. 25 – Saratoga Senior Center 518-884-4100

Lunch is served on site at 12 p.m. “To Go” meals are not available. Seniors with questions may contact Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4100. For more information about the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services, visit SaratogaCountyNY.gov.

Winter Nature on the Move Walks at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WILTON — On Mondays, Jan. 15 and 29, and Feb. 12 and 26 at 10:30 a.m., Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be holding its bi-weekly Nature on the Move walks. 

The walks are led by one of Wilton Wildlife’s Environmental Educators and will take place on the NYS DEC Camp Saratoga Trails. 

These walks give participants an opportunity to get out on the trails with like-minded people and observe the beauty of nature in the winter. They are geared towards gentle exercise and are appropriate for adults at basic fitness levels. 

Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register, go to: www.wiltonpreserve.org. For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Highlighted Events at the Saratoga Senior Center This Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The NYS Office for the Aging Lunch Program – The Saratoga County Department of Aging & Youth Services lunch program – has returned to the Center. Lunch is served daily (Monday-Friday) at noon. The lunch program is available to any Saratoga County resident ages 60+. 

To register for lunch, and/or learn more about transportation options, contact the Saratoga County Department of Aging & Youth Services at 518-363-4020. 

Poetry/Story-Telling Open Mic – Friday, Jan. 12, 1 p.m. ($5 suggested donation). This program will begin with a reading by local poet David Graham, followed by open mic time. Each participant has five minutes to read two short poems or one long one. Storytellers have five minutes to tell, narrate or perform their piece. Light refreshments will be served. 

An Afternoon with Charlie Kuenzel – Thursday, Jan. 18, 2 p.m. ($10). President of the Saratoga History Museum, Charlie Kuenzel will share history about the “Famed Mineral Springs of Saratoga” while guests enjoy food and a complimentary tasting. RSVP required. 

Chef Showcase – Tuesday, Jan. 23, 5:30 p.m. ($12). Dine-in dinner provided at the Center by the Olde Bryan Inn. Enjoy delicious roasted pork with orange balsamic apple chutney, baked potato and side vegetables. Early registration is encouraged.  

Silver Sneakers & Renew Active Luncheon – Friday, Jan. 26, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Join the Saratoga Senior Center and Saratoga YMCA for a Friday Funday. Lunch will be provided by Mama Mia’s while attendees play generational Trivial Pursuit, The Game of Life and Scrabble. Guests can also try out the YMCA’s SMARTfit device, designed to improve cognitive and physical well-being. 

Free Presentations 

Medical Aid in Dying – Tuesday, Jan. 30, 1:30 pm. Medical Aid in Dying (MAID) is a viable option for terminally ill people at the end stages of their illness, presently available in 10 states and the District of Columbia. Dr. David Pratt will present on the status of a potential Medical Aid in Dying option for New York State. RSVP required.  

Healthy Life, Happy Life – Wednesday, Jan. 31, 1:30 p.m. Well-being (happiness) is a three-legged stool – mental health, physical health and emotional health. All three will be explored, including “use it or lose it,” managing risks, socialization, purpose and gratitude. RSVP required. 

 Saratoga Senior Center is located at 290 West Ave. Go to: saratogaseniorcenter.org. 

January 6 – January 12, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Saratoga Springs Police 

Thomas Sims, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance. 

Carmen Cammuso, 40, of Mechanicville, was charged with criminal contempt. 

Jah-sier Roberts, 21, of Troy, was charged with harassment, disorderly conduct, and resisting arrest. 

Brendan Ives, 24, of South Glens Falls, was charged with DWI. 

Jillian Underhill, 20, of Bradford, was charged with criminal tampering, criminal mischief, and criminal impersonation. 

Kiara Cage, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief. 

Steven Shedd, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with resisting arrest, and harassment.

George Chillis, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with assault, criminal mischief, and aggravated criminal contempt. 

Delfino Gomez, 67, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, and moved from lane unsafely. 

Giselle Nadeau, 55, of Corinth, was charged with unauthorized use of vehicle. 

Hasson Harris Wilcher, 28, of Clifton Park, was charged with DWI, speed not reasonable, and speeding. 

Darrick Conners, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal trespass. 

Chyeanne Jennison, 27, no address, was charged with criminal mischief, criminal tampering, and harassment. 

Taylor Ruddy, 22, of Greenfield, was charged with criminal impersonation. 

Roy Hawn, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with assault, and act in manner to injure child. 

Bryan Browne, 58, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with grand larceny. 

Heather Smith, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with failure to pay service based on stealth. 

Mickey Grande, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with burglary. 

Elijah Maxwell, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, moved from lane unsafely, and speed not reasonable. 

Jeffrey Salerno, 22, of Mechanicville, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

William Durfee, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal trespass. 

Paul Venice, 36, of Mechanicville, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, refusal to take breath test, and act in manner injure child. 

George Mette, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief. 

Courtney Clotworthy, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief. 

Sean Wells, 42, of Latham, was charged with grand larceny. 

Samuel Fowler, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief. 

Stephen Parker, 45, of Milton, was charged with obstruct governmental administration. 

Saratoga County Court

Brandin M. Marble, 33, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Jan. 5 to felony burglary, charged August 2023 in Corinth. Sentencing March 7.

Kevin D. Johnson, 38, of Cohoes, was sentenced Jan. 4 to 2 years in state prison/10 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony sexual abuse, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Eugene R. Lavelle, 37, of Mechanicville, pleaded Jan. 2 to failure to register as a sex offender, charged November 2023. Sentencing March 5. 

Steven T. Stangle, 41, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Jan. 2 to felony driving while ability impaired by drugs, charged February 2023 in Clifton Park. Sentencing March 5. 

Joseph P. Howard, 48, of Albany, was sentenced Jan. 2 to time served, after pleading to felony DWI, charged February 2023 in Mechanicville. 

New York State Police

Konrad D. Odhiambo, 29, of Troy, was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations, after State Police of Saratoga stopped a vehicle on Excelsior Avenue in Saratoga Springs. Further investigation discovered Odhiambo has had a previous DWI conviction in the last 10 years, according to state police. He refused to provide a sample to determine the alcohol content of his blood.  

Michael D. Robyck Jr., 22, of Ballston Lake, was charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations after State Police of Saratoga responded to the report of a vehicle off the roadway on Malta Avenue in Malta. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded a 0.18% BAC, police said. 

Paul F. Carmel

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

FORT EDWARD — Paul F. Carmel, aged 78, from Moreau, peacefully transitioned from this world on Sunday, January 7, 2024, demonstrating remarkable courage throughout his eight-year battle with cancer.

Born and raised in Cohoes, Paul was the son of the late Harvey N. and Eleanor Farrell Carmel. He cherished a profound and enduring companionship with the late Karen Quintana. Paul earned his degree from LaSalle University and subsequently served with honor as an infantryman in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War as a member of the Americal Division. His outstanding marksmanship earned him well-deserved medals. Following his Vietnam service, he was stationed at Ft. Holabird, MD, where he contributed to Army Intelligence and attained the rank of Specialist (E-4).

After his military tenure, Paul actively participated as a member of The VFW Post in Saratoga. His professional journey primarily involved various aspects of sales, including serving as an agent with Combined Life Insurance Company for many years. During his leisure time, Paul cherished the company of friends and engaged in spirited conversations on professional sports and global politics. He had a particular fondness for deer hunting in Vermont with his companions but held a genuine passion for witnessing the excitement and competition at Saratoga’s flat track. In his younger years, Paul was renowned for his slalom skiing skills on Lake George.

Paul is survived by his sister, Nancy (Eric) Holm, and brothers Stephen (Bobbi), James (Sandy), Thomas (Mary), and Mark (late Karen). Additionally, he is fondly remembered by several cousins, 2 nephews, and a grandnephew.

Family and friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, January 14, 2024 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. 

A mass of Christian burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 15, 2024 at St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, N.Y.

Interment with military honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, January 16, 2024 in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871. 

The family expresses deep appreciation for the exceptional care provided by the doctors and staff at Albany VA Medical Center during Paul’s journey.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations in memory of Paul be made to any veteran’s charity, a meaningful gesture that would be greatly cherished.

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Ramona Swenor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Ramona Swenor, age 90 passed away on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 at the Home of the Good Shepherd with her family by her side. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. Condolences may be shared at www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sue Ellen Moore Walker 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sue Ellen Moore Walker of Indianapolis, IN, passed away on December 26, 2023, at The Home of the Good Shepherd in Saratoga Springs. If anyone wishes to remember her with a memorial, please choose a philanthropy of your choice. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Gregory Mark Brown

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gregory Mark Brown, 73, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 1, 2024 with his wife by his side. Calling hour 10-1, Saturday 1/13/2024 at Burke Funeral Home. Memorial donations to Mary’s Haven at 35 New Street, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com