SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Helen (Janes) Patti, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on March 2, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Though dementia touched her later years, her warmth, gratitude, and gentle spirit never faded.
Born June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, she was the daughter of David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes. She graduated from Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft and taught in England before continuing her career in Montreal and Vancouver, where she also studied computer programming.
While visiting Lake George, Helen met her husband, Jerry Patti, and they married in 1968. Helen worked in the Registrar’s office at Skidmore College for almost 30 years and earned her bachelor’s degree there in 1977.
Forever the athlete, she continued hiking, biking, dancing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and brisk daily walks. Helen was also a magician: “Magic Patti,” delighting audiences with humor and charm and teaching the art of magic to children for decades. She was devoted to English Country Dance and continued dancing into her 90s.
In her final years, Helen was cared for by a devoted group known as “Team Helen.” She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers, and is remembered by dear friends and family.
A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Burke’s Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Helen’s magician family will honor her with a traditional “Broken Wand Ceremony” beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Helen’s wishes were to be cremated, with a portion of her ashes scattered among the islands of Lake George, reuniting her with husband, while the remainder will be interred with her parents in England.
PORTER CORNERS, NY – Keith Harris, 60, passed away on January 31, 2026. He was born on May 12, 1965, in Ballston Spa, New York.
Keith was a man who found joy in making and mending, a true craftsman who could build just about anything with his hands. He had a passion for reclaiming old buildings and barns, seeing potential where others could not, and bringing new life to what had been forgotten. He loved being outdoors and spent his time hiking, running, and even practicing yoga whenever he could. He also had a deep appreciation for history, books, good beer and whiskey, music, and, most of all, the people he loved.
Keith sang and danced loudly, never minding that he wasn’t particularly good at either, and his quick wit and humor brought laughter to everyone around him. He loved his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews deeply and made sure they always knew it. He supported his people fiercely and was always ready to lend a hand. He left us far too soon, and his absence will be felt forever.
Keith is survived by his wife, Jaqueline; his children, Nicole Best (Tyler), Emily August (Brandon), and Christian Harris (Lauren); and his grandchildren, Ruby and Penelope Best. He is also survived by his sisters, Linda Corlew, Kelly Harris, Bonnie Murtlow (Daren), and Betty Scott (Jerry); as well as many nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Ethel Harris; his sister, Beverly Rabideau; and his sister-in-law, Susan Gemmett.
Services will be held on April 17, 2026, at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church on Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs, New York. A celebration of life will follow at 2:00 PM at The Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature), a nonprofit organization based in Saratoga County that works to protect land, farms, forests, and natural habitats so they remain undeveloped and accessible for future generations.
TROY, NY- Louis Joseph Gilmore, age 90, passed away peacefully, on Monday, March 9, 2026.
Burial with Military Honors will be held at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd Schuylerville, NY on April 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
GREENFIELD, NY – Mervyn Milks passed away on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Glens Falls Hospital after a long illness. He was 57 years old.
Our beloved brother will be missed dearly.
He grew up tough in a fatherless home. Had to fend for himself from a juvenile age. Despite many hardships, he rose up and conquered. He had true grit and determination. By way of incarceration, he earned his way into some of the most notorious, invitation only, clubs in America.
Those who knew how to read his prison tattoos understood and usually kept their distance. Although very quiet on the outside, you wouldn’t want to find yourself on the fighting side of Mervyn. Many guys had to find that out the hard way.
Forced to survive and conquer amongst the worst of society’s criminals, he showed zero tolerance for anyone who tried to take advantage of him.
Harley Davidson motorcycles were his hobby and way of life.
Mervyn is survived by his ex-wife Mellisa, whom I’m sure pulled him back from the brink of death more times than she would like to admit, his brothers Francis and Mark, his children Kyle and wife Meghan, Joe and Ivan, his niece Marchelle, his nephew Mike Kolakovic, grandchildren Ellianna, Dylan Blamble and Lorelai.
A special thank you to his health care team. Dr. John Pezzulo, Dr. Mitchell Forshey – Albany Med Palliative care and staff. Dr. Sidharth Jogani – Saratoga Hospital pulmonology. Dr. John Mougan – Glens Falls Oncology group and staff. Dr. Ben Fraizer Taylor, MD PHD Saratoga Hospital Radiation Oncology and staff. Dr. Jordan Thiem – Glens Falls med group. Natalia Losi P.A. Dr. Amandeep Kaur MD. Care Lane cancer staff. P.A. Hakeem – Glens Falls Oncology. Staff at Wilton Medical Arts.
CORINTH, NY- Sonya Gail Isolda passed away quietly on March 22, 2026 at Washington Ctr. Argyle, NY. Born June 23, 1935, in Saratoga Springs NY, Sonya graduated from Saratoga Springs High School class of 1953. She worked for the Schenectady library system before retiring.
In her later years she enjoyed embroidery and scrapbooking.
She is survived by her daughter Nikki Zwijacz of Henderson, CO and her Son Marc Zwijacz of Wilton, NY. Sonya had a total of three granddaughters and one grandson, plus a younger brother Kelly Isolda. She also had a good amount of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life is planned for the family in the summer.
Arrangements are under the direction of William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Mae Elizabeth (Bump) Gailor, 82, passed away on March 31, 2026, peacefully at home.
Mae was born on July 1, 1943, in Ballston Spa, NY. She was the daughter of the late Clinton and Lura Severie Bump.
Mae was born and raised in Ballston Spa with her sister Jean Llewellyn. She graduated from Ballston Spa High School in 1960. She married her husband, Daniel J. Gailor, Sr. on October 14, 1961. She devoted her life to taking care of others and her family.
Mae was a loving and caring daughter, sister, wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, sitting on the porch and watching “her” Mets play.
In addition to her parents, Mae was predeceased by her sister Jean Llewellyn, husband Daniel J. Gailor, Sr. and son Daniel J. Gailor, Jr.
She is survived by her sons; Dennis (Cherie) Gailor and Charles Gailor (Gina Young), eight grandchildren; Danielle (Shawn) Willard, Courtnianne Gailor, Brittany Clark, Amber Gailor (Billy Hull), Abbi Gailor (Jesus Morales Torres), Justin (Lauren) Staigar, Erika (Duke) Bussing and RJ Furey, ten great-grandchildren; Matthew Gailor, Camdyn Hull, Taylor Bussing, Kaitlyn Willard, Tori Bussing, Hailee Hull, Lilliana Hull, Jaxson Hull, Blake Bussing and Joseph Clark along with many cousins, nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St. Jude’s Children Hospital @ www.stjude.org or Saratoga County Animal Shelter, 6010 County Farm Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020.
SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- James Edward “Jimmer” Ruhle, born January 3, 1938, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, March 30, 2026. Funeral services were held on April 6.
Please consider donations may be made to the Easton Greenwich Rescue Squad, 441 New York 29, Greenwich, NY 12834.
The Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety has announced a Parking Violation Late Fee Amnesty Program that will run from April 13, 2026, through April 25, 2026.
During this period, individuals with outstanding parking tickets will have the opportunity to resolve their violations and have all associated late fees waived. This program provides a final opportunity for residents and visitors to bring their accounts into compliance without incurring additional penalties.
To better serve the public, the Parking Violations Office will offer extended hours on the
following dates:
• Saturday, April 18, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
• Saturday, April 25, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Inquiries can be made by contacting the Parking Violations Office at 518-587-3550 ext. 2513.
City officials emphasize that this amnesty program is the last opportunity to resolve outstanding parking violations before further enforcement actions are taken. In the coming months, the City will begin referring unpaid parking violations to a collections agency.
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this limited-time program.
April 1, 2026. 12:14 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor obstructing governmental administration. Released on own recognizance. Arrest resulted from accident on Interstate 87.
April 1, 2026. 10:35 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Milton on charges of felony possessing a sexual performance by a child and felony promoting a sexual performance by a child. Incident first reported Jan. 5, 2026, in the Town of Glenville. Cash bail — $1000.
April 1, 2026. 11:28 a.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor issuing a bad check with knowledge of insufficient funds. Appearance ticket issued.
April 1, 2026. 4:04 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident in the Town of Greenfield on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest stemmed from two vehicle accident on Middle Grove Road with one injury.
April 1, 2026. 11:19 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
April 2, 2026. 2:31 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
April 2, 2026. 4:19 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
April 3, 2026. 2:10 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Rowland Hights, CA resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
April 3, 2026. 2:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 2nd degree misdemeanor criminal contempt: disobey court. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred on March 31 in the Town of Halfmoon.
April 3, 2026. 11:57 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Selkirk resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with .08 or higher—first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
April 4, 2026. 2:31 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Town of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
April 5, 2026. 12:55 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Corinth resident in the Village of Corinth on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after a single vehicle accident on County Route 10 in Corinth.
April 6, 2026. 2:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Montreal, Quebec, Canada resident on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
April 7, 2026. 12:58 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the Village of Round Lake on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree reckless endangerment and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs- first offense.
April 7, 2026. 3:48 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on five counts of felony 1st degree possession of a of a forged instrument and attempted felony 3rd degree grand larceny. Released on own recognizance. Original incident occurred in the Town of Clifton Park on March 4.
April 7, 2026. 4:01 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Halfmoon resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
April 7, 2026. 6:44 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville Juvenile in the city of Mechanicville on 2 counts of misdemeanor 2nd degree aggravated harassment: communicate threat remotely. Appearance ticket issued.
2026 Belmont Stakes logo via the New York Racing Association (NYRA).
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) and the Chester Racecourse in England recently announced a new partnership connecting the Boodles May Festival at Chester with the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga Race Course.
Chester Racecourse, established in 1539 during the reign of King Henry VIII, is the oldest operational racing venue in the world. Home to the Boodles May Festival along with the Ladbrokes Chester Cup, Boodles Chester Vase and Weatherbys Cheshire Oaks, Chester Racecourse welcomes more than 330,000 racegoers annually across 15 days of live racing.
Saratoga Race Course, named one of the world’s great sporting venues by Sports Illustrated, held its first summer meet in 1863 just one month after the Battle of Gettysburg. Since that first four-day gathering, the annual summer meet has grown to become the most prestigious and important race meet in North America.
To allow for the uninterrupted construction of a new and re-imagined Belmont Park, Saratoga will host the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival for the third and final time from Wednesday, June 3, through Sunday, June 7.
“This is an exciting partnership connecting two of the sport’s most revered and historic venues, which can only expand interest in these important races,” said Andrew Offerman, NYRA SVP of Racing & Operations. “We thank our friends at Chester Racecourse and look forward to a fantastic summer at Saratoga.”
The agreement provides the winner of the 13-furlong [2,692 meters] Group 3, £140,000 Ormonde on Thursday, 7 May at Chester Racecourse with an automatic berth, including entry and starting fees, into the 2-mile [3,219 meters] Grade 2, $250,000 Belmont Gold Cup on June 4 at Saratoga.
The Belmont Gold Cup, which has been won by European shippers in six of the last eight runnings, has served as a ‘Golden Ticket’ qualifier for the Group 1, AUD$8.4 million Lexus Melbourne Cup in each of the last two years.
In addition, the about 10-furlong [2,076 meters] Group 2, £130,000 Huxley on Friday, May 8 at Chester Racecourse will provide a fees-paid automatic berth into the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan at 1 3/16-miles [1,911 meters] on Belmont Stakes Day June 6 at Saratoga.
“We’re delighted to be partnering with the New York Racing Association on this exciting new initiative,” said Patrick Chesters, racing director for Chester Racecourse. “Bringing together two of the most historic venues in racing creates a fantastic opportunity to strengthen international connections within racing and showcase the quality of our racing programme at Chester.”
“The Ladbrokes Ormonde Stakes and the Huxley Stakes have long been important middle-distance contests in the early part of the season, and this partnership enhances their international significance,” Chesters continued. “To offer guaranteed entry into races of the calibre of the Belmont Gold Cup and the Manhattan Stakes, with the added incentive of travel support, gives owners and trainers a very real and attractive opportunity to campaign horses on the global stage. The potential pathway from the Ormonde through to Belmont is particularly exciting. We will certainly be hoping to tempt some great horses to the Roodee that might have a future trip to America on their radars.”
Connections abound between horses that have raced at both Chester and on the NYRA circuit.
Champion trainer Aidan O’Brien has won the Ormonde a record seven times, including the last two editions with Point Lonsdale [2024] and Illinois [2025]. O’Brien is also a four-time winner of the Huxley, taking the 2017 edition with Deauville, who captured the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational the previous year at Belmont Park.
Last year’s Huxley victor was the Andrew Balding-conditioned The Foxes, who closed to finish second in the 2023 Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational.
The three-day Boodles May Festival at Chester will start with Trials Day, on Wednesday, May 6, followed by the glitz and glamour of Ladies Day on Thursday, May 7, and Ladbrokes Chester Cup Day on Friday, May 8.
The five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at Saratoga, which spans Wednesday, June 3 through Sunday, June 7, will offer 25 stakes races worth $11.075 million in purses and is headlined by the Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 6.
The Boodles May Festival takes place at Chester 6–8 May, attracting leading owners, trainers and jockeys. The meeting regularly serves as a springboard for horses targeting major domestic and international summer targets. Tickets and hospitality are available to purchase from the Chester Racecourse website, and its three days can be viewed live on ITV.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) recently announced the return of a special Belmont Stakes Racing Festival three-day admission pass, now available at approximately 175 Stewart’s Shops throughout the greater Capital Region.
The $99 pass includes general admission for three days of the final Belmont Stakes Racing Festival at historic Saratoga Race Course: Thursday, June 4; Friday, June 5; and Belmont Stakes Day on Saturday, June 6.
Available exclusively at Stewart’s Shops, the pass provides access to most areas of the track, including the hundreds of free picnic tables located in the backyard.
Fans who purchase the 2026 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival General Admission Pass at Stewart’s Shops can also take advantage of a special add-on opportunity to include admission to the July 4th Racing Festival for just $15 when redeeming their voucher online.
