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Author: Saratoga TODAY

January 5 – 11, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Friday, January 5

First Friday Film: Asteroid City (2023)

Clifton Park Halfmoon
Public Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 10:30 a.m.

In a 1950s American desert town, a stargazing convention attracts all ages. What follows is an unexpected exchange of ideas and experiences that lead to eye-opening revelations. Rated PG-13; 105 minutes. 518-371-8622. www.cphlibrary.org

Prevention Council Program

Ballston Spa High School Library, 220 Ballston Ave., Ballston Spa | 5:30 – 6:45 p.m.

Ballston Spa CSD, in partnership with The Prevention Council, presents “Right Under Your Nose”, an interactive program for parents, grandparents, guardians, and other concerned adults that will build understanding about the current substance use culture. The program begins with an opportunity to walk-through what a typical bedroom looks like, with numerous references to drug culture, containers, stashes, clothing, etc.  Can you see what’s right under your nose? Patty Kilgore, LMSW, from The Prevention Council, will explain to parents/adults just what is in the room and how to have discussions with students about drug culture. For more information contact Patty Kilgore at 518-581-1230 ext. 3628 or patty@preventioncouncil.org.

Saturday, January 6

Little Folks Show ?

Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 3 – 4:30 p.m.
A fun way to introduce the young people in your life to the joy of live music. Dance, clap and sing along with Molly & Eben – an Americana/folk guitar and vocal duo and a musical marriage in all senses. The two combine the evocative voice and songwriting of Molly Venter, known for her sublime singing in the prominent female-vocal-group Red Molly, with Eben Pariser – who cut his teeth as a street performer in New York City, playing music of New Orleans with his band Roosevelt Dime. The result is folk music with a depth of improvisation and tonal subtlety usually reserved for jazz. This family-friendly show is guaranteed to delight kids and caregivers of all ages! Free admission.

Sunday, January 7

Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station ?

Waterford Knights of Columbus Hall, 76 Grace Street, Waterford | 8 – 11 a.m. 

Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, eggs cooked to order, pancakes (plain or blueberry), French toast, sausage, bacon, seasoned home fries, toast, coffee, tea, orange, and apple juices.  Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast! Irish Coffee and Mimosa’s now available! Adults $12, Children $6, Children under 4 free.
www.waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330. 

Monday, January 8

Galway Preservation Society Program

Galway Town Hall,
5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway

7 p.m. | Doors will open at 6:45. The January program will be a video presentation of historian David Brooks speaking on the formation and history of the “Iron-Hearted Regiment”.  The Iron-Hearted Regiment was the nickname of the 115th New York Infantry Regiment from the Counties of Saratoga, Fulton, Montgomery, and Hamiliton, formed after President Lincoln called for additional troops to assist in the Civil War.  Our programs are always open to the public, free of charge.  If you choose, annual family or household membership is available for $10 per year. Please join us to learn more about the Iron-Hearted Regiment.

Song Swap with Jeff Walton

Saratoga Springs
Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 9 p.m. Grab your favorite acoustic (or electric!) instrument, bring your love of music, and join us for an informal song swap led by local musician, Jeff Walton. Feel free to bring your own tunes to play and share. No registration required.

Tuesday, January 9

Apple Enthusiasts: Email

Saratoga Springs
Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | 9:30 – 11 a.m. 

Apple Enthusiasts is a hybrid all-things-Apple chat group, where you can bring your device, app, or software questions to get some answers. Topics covered may include: iOS software updates, apps, and general use. Users of all experience levels are encouraged to attend. Please register for this Zoom-based program online at www.sspl.org, or by contacting the library at 518-584-7860.

Wednesday, January 10

Academy for Lifelong Learning Winter Storyteller Series

Prestwick Chase at Saratoga, 100 Saratoga Boulevard, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m. 

Free and open to the public. No reservations required. Sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Storyteller Linda McKenney presents You’re Going to be Surprised. Different storytellers will offer their tales every Wednesday through February 7. If Saratoga Springs City Schools are closed due to weather, that date will be postponed to February 14. For more information on the Academy for Lifelong Learning, visit www.allsaratoga.org or contact Academy Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman at
jeff@allsaratoga.org or call
518-290-6988.

Chicken Parmigiana Dinner Take Out

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club,
1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs

4:30 – 6 p.m. | Take out only. Call Monday or Tuesday between 10 a.m. – Noon to place an order. 518-584-2585. Menu: Chicken Parmigiana, penne pasta, tossed salad, garlic toast. Cost: $15 per dinner. (Cash only).  

Green Drinks 

The Parting Glass,
40-42 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs | 5 – 7 p.m. 

A “green gathering” for those who work, volunteer, or have a passion for promoting the environment, conservation, and sustainability. Food, alcoholic, and non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase. Held monthly.

Thursday, January 11

Bog Meadow Brook Nature Trail

Meadowbrook Rd. Entrance, Saratoga Springs | 10 – 11 a.m. Take a hike with our educators to learn new information about the sights and sounds of your favorite Saratoga PLAN trails. Learn about the amazing ecology of a wetland and a forest habitat in the deep winter. You are bound to discover amazing things! Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is strongly encouraged at least one business day in advance due to winter parking limitations. To sign-up please email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

American Architectural Style Talk

Ballston Spa Public Library, Community Room, 21 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa | 7 p.m.

John Cromie will take us through Ballston Spa’s Historic District on an exploration of American Architectural styles through each period’s politics, educational and social assumptions, technology, and decorative arts. Join us if you have an older home, love history or are passionate about community character. Free admission & light refreshments provided. 

Schuylerville Library Hosts Holocaust Survivor Jan. 29 & Messages From Survivors Travelling Exhibit

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE — To commemorate the International Holocaust Remembrance Day, the Schuylerville Public Library will display the powerful travelling history exhibit, called Messages From Survivors: One Family’s Holocaust Legacy, for the month of January.  

The exhibit includes six panels of survivor stories, each one unique but linked, as well as take-home cards featuring some of the stories and links to more resources.  This opportunity to view the material is via a partnership between the Southern Adirondack Library System, Assemblymember Carrie Woerner and the creators at the Memory Project Productions.  

Schuylerville Public Library will also host a holocaust survivor, Ivan Vamos, who will speak of his early childhood memories in war-torn Hungary with his family and his later emigration from home.  Vamos will display photos and documents from his early years, display some drawings he has made of his time in Hungary, and offer a brief Q & A after his presentation, from 4:30-6 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29.  

Those interested in attending, may come in person to the Library at 52 Ferry St., Schuylerville, or view the discussion via Zoom.  The link to join via Zoom is found on the Library’s event calendar at svl.libcal.com. 

January 5 – 11, 2024

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Beginner Cross-Country Ski and Snowshoe Introduction

Come join our educators as they give you tips and tricks on how to cross-country ski, so you feel comfortable on the trails on your own! January 13, 14, 27 and 28 at Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park, 80 Scout Rd., Wilton from 9 – 10 a.m. This program will be on cross-country skis and snowshoes, weather permitting. Snowshoe rentals are made available for public programs courtesy of the Common Roots Foundation grant. Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To sign-up please email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org to fill out the registration form, or call the office at 518-450-0321.

Lantern Making Workshop

Join us this Saturday, January 13 at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, 65 South Broadway Saratoga Springs from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. for an enchanting Lantern Making Workshop with the incredibly talented Frank Lombardo! Bring your little ones and get ready to embark on a creative journey as Frank guides them through the magical world of lantern making. Ignite their imagination and watch as they bring their very own lanterns to life! Cost is $12. 

Medicare Education for Seniors

Join us for an informational seminar to educate seniors about Medicare, Part A, B, and D, to review Medicare Supplemental plans, and to review Medicare Advantage plans, Part C. Held at Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs on Saturday, January 13 from 2 – 3 p.m. Free admission. Please register online www.sspl.org. 

Let’s Finish What They Started

The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County is launching its 2024 campaign for women’s equality on January 18 at 7 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs Public Library. Titled “Let’s Finish What They Started,” the event will showcase famous feminists from American history as well as feminist writer Jen Deaderick, author of She the People: A Graphic History…of The Unfinished Road to Women’s Equality. The Saratoga Springs Public Library is a co-sponsor of the evening. For more information, visit www.lwvsaratoga.org; to register, visit www.sspl.org/events.

Hattie’s Mardi Gras

Saturday, January 27, Hattie’s Mardi Gras will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center. This year’s beneficiary is The SEAT Center Culinary Lab, an organization dedicated to training young people for careers in the culinary and hospitality industries.  Business for Good’s co-Founders Ed and Lisa Mitzen will host the event. Acclaimed actress, producer, singer, dancer, and advocate Vanessa Williams will be the event’s special guest. DJ Fernando Bustamente will provide entertainment during the cocktail hour, and live music will be performed by Soul Session and Garland Nelson. Hattie’s Executive Chefs Jasper Alexander, Mark Graham, and Phil Fitzpatrick and their team will bring the flavors of New Orleans to Saratoga Springs. Tickets available at www.eventbrite.com/e/mardi-gras-2024-tickets-770572401797? aff=oddtdtcreator.

The Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Run/Walk 

Held on Sunday, February 4 at 11 a.m. in the Saratoga Spa State Park.  There will be no indoor facilities and we will meet in the quadrangle near the Wired restrooms. The Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race will be held on Saturday, February 19 at 10:30 a.m. at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.  Registration for both events can be done online through www.runsignup.com with day-of onsite. A limited supply of Dion snowshoes available to rent for $5 on a first come/first serve basis.  For more information about the NE Snowshoe Series visit dionwmacsnowshoe.com.  Questions? Call Laura at 518-581-1278 or laura@saratogastryders.org.

December 16 – 22, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Springs Police

Chelsey Costanza, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 11 with falsely reporting a fire or explosion, and resisting arrest.

Albert Woods, 51, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 11 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal trespass. 

Jamal Adams, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 10 with assault in the third-degree, and criminal trespass, and on Dec. 9 with petit larceny, and criminal trespass. 

Jim Vega, 42, of Grand Prairie, Texas, was charged Dec. 10 with DWI, unsafe turn, and failure to keep to the right. 

Isiah Cooper, 36, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 10 with criminal mischief, and acting in manner to injure child.

Cowaner Sykes, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 7 with welfare fraud, and offering a false instrument for filing in the first-degree. 

George Baczkowski, 48, of Galway, was charged Dec. 6 with criminal tampering, and criminal mischief.

Zachary Michaels, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 5 with criminal mischief, criminal contempt, obstruct governmental administration, and harassment. 

Tyquan Simon, 31, of Troy, was charged Dec. 4 with petit larceny. 

Susan Home, 54, of Wilton, was charged Dec. 3 with petit larceny. 

George Chillis, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with criminal mischief, menacing, and criminal possession of a weapon. 

Patrick Caprood, 29, of Northumberland, was charged Dec. 1 with criminal mischief. 

Saratoga County Court

Cassandra R. Barden, 38, pleaded Dec. 6 to attempted assault in the second-degree, charged July 2023 in Milton. Sentencing Feb. 7. 

David C. Fuller, 60, of Gansevoort, was sentenced Dec. 5 to 5 years probation after pleading to felony criminal possession of a weapon, charged March 2023 in Moreau. 

Bruce B. Bidwell, 52, of Buffalo, pleaded Dec. 4 to felony grand larceny, charged June 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing Feb. 5. 

Jean J. Munguia, 34, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 4 to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony robbery, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, pleaded Dec. 4 to felony attempted identity theft, charged June 2023 in Ballston Spa. Sentencing Feb. 8. 

NY State Police

On Dec. 4, State Police of Granville arrested Christian A. Nichols, 23, of Putnam, NY. Nichols was charged with two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the fourth-degree and Aggravated Cruelty to Animals (Agriculture & Markets Law). On Nov. 24, Troopers received a complaint that a cat was missing, and the owner believed it had been intentionally injured. The investigation determined Nichols, who is known to the victim, reportedly fatally injured the animal, according to State Police. The cat was located deceased with an apparent gunshot wound and other injuries in the area near its home. A long gun and illegally possessed expandable Billy Club was located in Nichols’s home and seized as part of the investigation. Nichols was arrested in Glens Falls, and transported to SP Granville for processing. He was arraigned at the Granville Town Court and released on his own recognizance.  

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Two Maryland residents – Russell C. Hedger, 57, of Salisbury, and Dominique J. Barnes, 27, of Princess Anne, were arrested following a surveillance detail in the town of Wilton. They are accused of possessing drug paraphernalia and a large quantity of crack cocaine with intent to sell within Saratoga County. Each was charged with two felony counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and one count of Criminally using Drug Paraphernalia. The latter is a felony charge related to Hedger, a misdemeanor charge related to Barnes. Hedger, who had an active felony warrant for drug sales from a previous incident, was sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash/ $50,000 bond/ $100,000 partially secured. Barnes was released on her own recognizance, pending further action.

On Dec. 11, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office arrested and charged Godfrey A. Waldron, 44, Saratoga Springs, with one count of felony assault. It is alleged that on Dec. 4, while Mr. Waldron was incarcerated in the Saratoga County Correctional Facility, he assaulted a corrections officer causing physical injury to the officer’s face. The officer was treated on scene by the nursing staff before being transported to Malta Med Emergent Care for further medical treatment. 

Frank Wallar

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Frank Wallar, 75, passed away on December 13, 2023. 

Frank was born on December 8, 1948 to the late Frank and Helen (Kocur) Wallar in Passaic, NJ. He resided in Wallington, NJ until 1979 when he moved to Wilton, NY. Frank attended St. Michael’s Grammer School in Passaic, NJ then graduated from Bergan County Technical Vocational School in Hackensack, NJ in 1967.

He dedicated his early years to St. Michael’s Church as an altar boy as well as being active with the Boys Club in Passaic, NJ where he was a camper, counselor, and volunteer.

Frank enjoyed traveling throughout his life. As a young man going cross country, fishing, boating and camping, with his best friend, the late Vic Varchola. He had a winter residence in Islamorada, FL with second wife Beth where he had a lifetime membership to the Islamorada Fishing Club. Frank also was a member of the Principessa Elena Society in Saratoga Springs, NY for almost twenty years. 

Frank married Alice M. Green of Clifton, NJ in 1977. They had two daughters Sandra A. Wallar in 1984 and Christine M. (Wallar) Brackett in 1986. Alice passed away in 1994.

He married Beth D. Williams of Ballston Lake, NY in spring of 2005, a few months before her passing that August. They had been together just shy of 10 years prior to their marriage.

Frank has spent just over 15 years with his life companion Mary Lou Durham of Clifton Park, NY, whom he leaves behind. He will also be missed by his daughters Sandra (her partner since 2008 Juan Becerril and their children Jackson F. Becerril, Julieanne C. Becerril) and Christine (her husband since 2012 Eric Brackett and their children are Olivia A. Brackett, Riley C. Brackett, and Anna H. Brackett); a brother Andrew Wallar of Palm Coast, FL; and sister Valerie Gibbons of Fort Myers, FL and Mary Ellen Panzano of Palm Coast, FL.

Calling hours were December 19, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Wednesday, December 20th at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made in Frank’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital (www.stjude.org) or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation (www.t2t.org)

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

John Bagnoli 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SAVANNAH, GA — John Bagnoli passed away on December 5, 2023, with his sisters by his side, after a brave battle with cancer.

John was a native Saratogian and moved to Savannah over 30 years ago. He returned to Saratoga to help take care of his parents alongside his sisters in 2009. In 2020, he returned to Savannah’s warmer weather. He enjoyed playing his guitar while singing at local venues, crafting jewelry, photography, nature’s wildlife, and a great cup of espresso. 

His long-time friend, Deni Butler was always there for him, celebrating the good times and providing love and support when life threw out curveballs. He often visited John in Savannah. John also had very close friends in Savannah, Tommy, Sylvia, Jay, Russell, and Allen, who helped carry him throughout his illness.

John is predeceased by his mother and father, Daisy and Henry Bagnoli. He leaves behind his son Giovanni Bagnoli, his sisters, Jo-Ann Cummings (Michael), Rosemarie Eisler (Rick), his nieces Kristen Cummings and Kimberly Sanchez, his nephews Matthew Cummings and Michael Domingues (Eric), as well as many relatives and friends.

A private graveside farewell will be held in the spring. If you feel inclined, donations in John’s honor can be made to Little Star Foundation of Savannah, PO Box 22652, Savannah, GA, 31403. This foundation puts musical instruments in the hands of deserving children in the Savannah area. 

Eileen Q. Wise 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eileen Q. Wise of Saratoga Springs, a devoted wife, loving mother, cherished grandmother and caring nurse passed away peacefully at the age of 84. She departed this world on November 22, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of compassion, care, and unwavering love.

Born on March 11, 1939 in Amsterdam, NY to parents Thomas Quinn and Henrietta Quinn (Bruck), she was a graduate of St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam and went on to Albany Medical Center School of Nursing where she became a Registered Nurse, later working as such for Albany Medical Center, The Saratoga Springs City School District, and The Saint John Neumann Residence for elderly priests. A devout Catholic, Eileen was involved with St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga Springs as a Eucharistic Minister and Religious Education Teacher, and later in life continued her ministry at St. John The Evangelist Catholic Church in Naples, FL. Her commitment to the well-being of others was her calling, approaching each day she lived with a genuine desire to make a positive impact on those she served.

As a mother, Eileen was the epitome of love and selflessness, creating a home filled with love, laughter, and a sense of security. She is survived by husband of 59 years John A. Wise, son Andrew Wise (Cheryl), daughters Alison Meagher (Douglas), Mary Beth Wallis (Gregory), Joleen Rabuano (David), and son Gerard Wise (Heather). Also surviving Eileen is her brother Thomas Quinn, Jr. (Kathryn), and several nieces and nephews. Eileen’s joy of life extended to the role of grandmother, where she delighted in the company of her 16 grandchildren, often hosting the entire family for holiday and family gatherings.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY on Friday, December 29 at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs NY. 

The family would like to thank all the caregivers at The Wesley Community for care given to Eileen late in life. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Eileen’s memory to Building on Love at www.buildingonlove.org. 

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Three Join Racing Museum’s Media Roll of Honor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Three writers have joined the National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor: Dick Jerardi, Paul Moran, and John L. Hervey.

Jerardi has written about horse racing for Baltimore News American, Sports First, Daily Racing Forum, and the Philadelphia Daily News. At the Daily News, Jerardi covered every Triple Crown race from 1987 to 2017. He was also an ESPN Kentucky Derby panelist from 2005 to 2007. He’s a five-time winner of the Red Smith Award for Kentucky Derby coverage.

Moran was a long-time sports writer for Newsday on Long Island, where he covered Triple Crown races for decades. He won two Eclipse Awards, including one in 1985 for a Daily Racing Forum profile of Joe Hirsch. He also won the Red Smith Award for Kentucky Derby coverage, as well as the Associated Press Sports Editors Award. After battling cancer, Moran died in 2013. His ashes were scattered at the Saratoga Race Course, per his wishes.

Hervey, who died in 1947, was best known for his work as a Thoroughbred Record editor. He also wrote for the Chicago Tribune and Daily Racing Forum. He authored three volumes of the “Racing in America” series, as well as “The American Trotter.”  

The National Museum of Racing’s Joe Hirsch Media Roll of Honor recognizes distinguished journalists who specialize in thoroughbred racing.