Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Born to a Farming Family in Wilton: December 13 Program at the Chapman

GLENS FALLS — “Capturing Forever Wild: The Life of S.R. Stoddard,” featuring Maureen Folk, Curator at the Chapman Museum, will take place 7 p.m., Dec. 13 at The Chapman Museum. 

Born to a farming family in Wilton, Seneca Ray Stoddard had a simple life that shifted when he relocated to Glens Falls. His life and work as a photographer took him across the Adirondacks, the United States, and the world as he created a historical record of life at the turn of the 20th century. This program is free but requires a reservation. To register, call 518-793-2826.

Note, additionally, the Chapman will host a Holiday Open House 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, and a screening of “It’s A Wonderful Life,” at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10. Both these programs are free. The latter requires a reservation. Call 518-793-2826. 

The Chapman Museum is located at 348 Glen St., Glens Falls. 

December 2 – 8, 2023

Saratoga County Court

David T. Henderson, 47, of Fort Edward, was sentenced on Nov. 28 to 8 years’ incarceration and 3 years’ post-release supervision, following his conviction of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree. Henderson was arrested in connection with drug-dealing activities that took place March 2023 in Halfmoon, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said, in a statement. A search warrant executed on Henderson’s vehicle revealed nearly one-half kilo cocaine and numerous fentanyl pills in his possession. Henderson had at least five prior felony drug convictions, Heggen added. 

Bowie T. Bouchard, 36, was sentenced Nov. 27 to one year incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged March 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Tristan J. Mason, 20, of Halfmoon, pleaded Nov. 27 to felony burglary, charged January 2023 in Halfmoon. 

Jeffrey W. Fish, 38, of Queensbury, pleaded Nov. 28 to felony criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth-degree, charged August 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing Feb. 6. 

Stashu I. Roberts, 27, of Gloversville, pleaded Nov. 28 to felony burglary in the third-degree, charged Aug. 25 in Wilton, and felony grand larceny in the fourth-degree charged in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Feb. 6. 

Brittany J. Kennedy, 31, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 6 months’ incarceration, after pleading to felony DWI, charged March 2023 in Waterford. 

Michael T. May, 27, pleaded Nov. 28 to rape in the third-degree, charged January 2021 in Malta, and promoting an obscene sexual performance by a child, charged December 2022 in Moreau. Sentencing Feb. 6. 

Daniel E. Hammon, 37, of Troy, pleaded Nov. 29 to attempted burglary in the third-degree, a felony. Charged July 2023 in Halfmoon. Sentencing Jan. 17. 

Ross M. Armer, 42, of Schuylerville, was sentenced Nov. 29 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged February 2023 in Wilton. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

A 15-year-old Shenendehowa High School student was arrested Nov. 27 and charged with misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon, after being allegedly found in possession of a bb pistol, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office. The arrest was the result of an investigation after the Sheriff’s Office’s school resource officer (SRO) was alerted to a student at East who was reportedly in possession of a pistol. The 15-year-old was released to the custody of a parent pending further action in the matter. County Sheriff Michael H. Zurlo commended the quick reaction of both the school and SRO. “I am happy that we were able to get to the bottom of this without anyone getting hurt,” Zurlo said in a statement.

The Sheriff’s Office responded to a residence in the town of Ballston on Nov. 22, regarding a hidden camera that had been installed in the bedroom of a female without her knowledge or permission. As a result of the investigation of the incident, Ojay O. Smith, 29, of Burnt Hills, was arrested and charged with felony Unlawful Surveillance in the second-degree. Smith was arraigned in the Malta Town Court and released on his own recognizance pending further action in the matter. An order of protection was also issued to the victim, who is known to Smith. The investigation is ongoing and additional charges are pending.

Saratoga

Springs Police

David Varnum, 30, of Corinth, was charged Nov. 24 with motor vehicle registration suspended violation, and operating motor vehicle without insurance. 

Anthony Allen, 46, of Albany, was charged Nov. 23 with robbery in the third-degree. 

Katherine Evanico, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 23 with DWI, and failure to obey traffic control device. 

Anthony Treffiletti, 70, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 21 with criminal trespass in the third-degree. 

John Jarvis, 60, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 21 with burglary in the third-degree, grand larceny in the fourth-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. 

Zachary Michaels, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 20 with criminal tampering, criminal mischief, and acting in manner injure child less than 17. 

Sounds in Winter Concert Series

BALLSTON SPA — As part of the Sounds in Winter concert series, the Lark Strings will be performing in the Long Room of Brookside Museum on Saturday, Dec. 30 at 3 p.m. The concert is free and open to the public. Register at brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/64889-sounds-in-winter-concert-lark-strings . 

The Lark Strings, composed of three local, professional musicians, Jessica Belflower and Heather Chan (violins) and Brian Axford (piano and guitar), will present an energetic program mixing classical music heavy-hitters with American fiddle icons.

Special Mass Service Monday Night in Ballston Spa 

St. Helen of The Cross Old Catholic Church will hold a special mass in Spanish and English related to Our Lady of Guadalupe at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Dec. 11. 

The church is located at 20 Prospect St., (in the Chocolate Factory) in Ballston Spa. 

Diane McQuigge

GREENFIELD CENTER —Diane McQuigge, aged 68, passed away on November 24 at Saratoga Hospital, with her close friend Skip by her side. A graveside service with military honors will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, December 11th at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For condolences, please visit compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Gerald Von Stetina

MALTA — Gerald Von Stetina, 79, died 12/4/2023. Calling hours are 4-7, 12/8/2023 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass, 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Ballston Spa, burial with military honors following in St. Peter’s, West Ave. Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga County and The American Lung Association. www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Dr. Valentino Fioravandi Tebbano

ALBANY — Dr. Valentino Fioravandi Tebbano, 96, passed 11/30/2023. Calling hours and Mass to honor Val’s life were 12/7 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial with military honors took place at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to the Teresian House Foundation, 200 Washington Avenue Extension, Albany, NY, 12203. burkefuneralhome.com.

Roger E. Calkins

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roger E. Calkins, 93, passed peacefully 11/30/2023. Calling hours and Mass were 12/6/2023 at St. Clement’s. Burial with military honors took place at Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations: https://easternusa.salvationarmy.org/empire/saratoga-springs/) Roger was a proud bell ringer during this time of year for the Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign. www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Eileen Q. Wise 

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 29th at 11:00 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

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center Kicks-off Annual Mitten Tree Program

The 2023 Mitten Tree. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The annual Mitten Tree Program is up and running and will continue through Jan. 3, the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center announced during its Nov. 28 program launch.

Members of the local community are invited to contribute warm winter wear to the Visitor Center Mitten Tree – located at 297 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. All donations will benefit CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Franklin Community Center, and Shelters of Saratoga.

Instead of ornaments or lights, the tree is decorated with warm winter items such as hats, scarves, gloves, and of course, mittens. Those wishing to donate are encouraged to hang new or handmade items upon the tree. 

The Visitor Center is open 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesdays–Saturdays.  Special hours will apply during the week of Christmas. For more information, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitor-center.