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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Skate Jam Saturday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A community of skateboarders from Saratoga Springs and surrounding areas will celebrate the newly opened cemented skatepark on Lake Avenue. 

The “Skate Jam” event, organized by ON DECK, will take place 3 p.m. to sunset on Saturday, Oct. 28.  

Saratoga Skatepark exercise facility – the oldest municipal skatepark in New York State – is located at East Side recreation field, is open to all human powered wheeled micro transport, organizers say. 

Costumes are encouraged. 

As Halloween Approaches, American Humane Reminds Pet Owners to Keep Pet Safety in Mind

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WASHINGTON, D.C. — As Americans prepare for Halloween this year, American Humane—the country’s first national animal welfare organization—is reminding pet owners to think about their four-legged friends. 

Below is a checklist of things you can do to prioritize pet safety this Halloween:

• Choose comfortable and non-restrictive costumes for your pets.

• Keep chocolates and candies out of their reach, opting for pet-friendly treats instead.

• Move lit candles, jack-o-lanterns, and other potentially hazardous Halloween decorations away from walking paths.

• Have a quiet and secure space for your pets if they get overwhelmed. It should be indoors and away from visitors and parties.

• Close doors when possible and keep a watchful eye on pets so they don’t escape when trick-or-treaters come to the door.

• Ensure your dog or cat has a microchip, collar, or ID tag in case they escape.

“By choosing costumes that don’t interfere with your pet’s breathing, walking, vision and hearing, your furry friend can safely join in on the fun. When trick-or-treaters come to the door, keep your guard up so pets don’t escape, and make sure they have a quiet, secure space that’s away from visitors and parties,” said Dr. Thomas Edling, the Chief Veterinary Officer of American Humane, in a statement. 

“As children bring home their sweet stash, remember to keep all candy away from animals— especially products with artificial sweetener. Halloween doesn’t need to be tricky this year. By taking just a few precautions, the festivities can be a treat for all members of the family.”

American Humane – founded in 1877 – is the United States’ first national humane organization and the world’s largest certifier of animal welfare, overseeing the humane treatment of more than one billion animals across the globe each year. 

October 21 – October 27, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Springs Police

Shawn Davis, 30, of Beacon, was charged Oct. 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Michael Belcher, 24, of Middle Grove, was charged Oct. 11 with obstruction governmental administration, circumvent interlock, two counts aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and several vehicle related violations. 

Ricardo Gauna, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 11 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and several vehicle related violations. 

Jose Vasquez Martinez, 27, was charged Oct. 11 with assault.

Shawn Carr, 36, of Ballston Spa, was charged Oct. 11 with aggravated unlicensed operation, and vehicle registration violation. 

William Bonacci, 67, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 11 with criminal trespass. 

Steven Shedd, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 10 with criminal trespass and harassment. 

Casey Francis, 41, of Selkirk, was charged Oct. 10 with petit larceny. 

Daniel McKay, 40, of Amsterdam, was charged Oct. 10 with theft of services.

Sherman Chambers, 49, of Albany, was charged Oct. 10 with grand larceny, and criminal mischief.   

Thomas C. Bayer, 58, of Ghent, was charged Oct. 6 with criminal sale, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both charges are felonies. Bayer was arraigned in City Court and released without bail with a court appearance date of Dec. 14. 

Saratoga County Court

Timothy J. Feldman, 22, pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, a felony, in connection with his July 2023 arrest for possessing a loaded “ghost gun” in Saratoga Springs, according to a statement released by the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office. A Caroline Street bouncer located the firearm on Feldman’s person as he attempted to enter the bar. Sentencing is Jan. 8, 2024 when a sentence of 2 to 6 years is anticipated to be made.  

Jose A. Colon, 53, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Oct. 16 to 10 years in state prison and 2-1/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading guilty to robbery in the second-degree in connection with a May 2023 incident on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said, in a statement. Colon had admitted in court that he had punched a man and forcibly stole the man’s wallet. The victim was treated at Saratoga Hospital for a concussion and lacerations to the face.  

Eric J. McIntosh, 33, pleaded Oct. 16 to felony robbery, charged June 2021 in Wilton. Sentencing Dec. 18. 

Tyler J. Nash, 27, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Oct. 16 to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal possession of stolen property, charged in Waterford March 2023. Nash was additionally sentenced to 1 year after pleading to criminal possession of stolen property in Wilton. The sentences will run concurrently. 

Kevin D. Johnson, 38, of Cohoes, pleaded Oct. 16 to sexual abuse in the first-degree, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Jan. 4, 2024.  

Steven Longden, 42, of Ravena, pleaded Oct. 18 to felony DWI, charged July 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Jan. 8. 

Kyle W. Chambers, 36, of Schenectady, was sentenced Oct. 18 to 1-1/2–3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged July 2022 in Halfmoon. 

Douglas J. Murray, 29, of Waterford, was sentenced Oct. 16 to 1 – 3 years’ incarceration after pleading to felony DWI regarding a May 2023 charge, to run consecutively with 1 – 3 year sentence felony charge in August 2023.     

NY State Police

On Oct. 15, at about 11:42 p.m., State Police of Wilton stopped a vehicle on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver was identified as Dylan M. Reed, 27, of Broadalbin. Reed was arrested for DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations and is returnable to the Saratoga Springs City Court on Nov. 15.  

On Oct. 17, at about 2:24 a.m., State Police of Saratoga stopped a vehicle on Circular Street in Saratoga Springs, for a Vehicle and Traffic Law violation. The driver was identified as Christopher M. Limoli, 38, of Malta.  Limoli was arrested for DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded a 0.22% BAC, and is returnable to the Saratoga Springs City Court on Nov. 15. 

Virginia Peters

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Virginia Peters, 73, passed away on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.

Relatives and friends may call from 1 – 4 p.m., Saturday October 28, 2023 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 North Broadway. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Theresa L. Morris 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Theresa L. Morris died October 15. A graveside service was held Wednesday, October 25, 2023, at St. Peter’s Cemetery. To offer online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.

Deborah Mangini-Fuller

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Deborah “Debbie” Mangini-Fuller, 79, passed 10/18/2023, surrounded by her loving family. Calling hours were 10/23/23 at Burke Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10/24 at St. Clement’s followed by burial in Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations: Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas, 66675-8516. burkefuneralhome.com 

Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

ALBANY — Rev. Dominic S. Ingemie, 82, a priest in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany, passed 10/19/2023. Reception of the Body at St. Pius X Church, 9-11 a.m. 10/27/2023. Mass of Christian Burial 11 a.m., entombment following at St. Agnes Cemetery. Memorial donations to Catholic Charities of Albany or of Saratoga.

Philomena Hall  

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GRANVILLE — Philomena Hall died October 18. A service will be held at 12:00 noon October 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours: 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. prior to the service followed by a graveside service at 1 p.m. at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com. 

Thomas Burkhouse, Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

MALTA — Thomas Burkhouse, Jr., age 83, died October 17. A funeral service was held on October 26 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Family and friends gathered to remember him prior to the service. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com 

Saratoga County Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program Provides Seniors with $11,095 in Fresh, Local Produce

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County officials announced on Oct. 24 its Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program, administered by the Department of Aging and Youth Services, provided $11,095 in fresh, local produce to Saratoga County seniors during the recently ended 2022 season.

Each year, the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services distributes coupon booklets to qualifying seniors through its Elderly Nutrition Program. Qualified individuals are those age 60 or older who earn a monthly income of no more than $2,096 a month for a one-person household or no more than $2,823 a month for a two-person household. The coupons can be redeemed at participating farmers market locations throughout Saratoga County.

Last year, the Department distributed 3,325 coupons valued at $16,625. Saratoga County seniors redeemed 2,219 of these coupons, which provided them with a total of $11,095 in fresh, local produce to support their health and nutrition. 2022 is the most recently completed season for which statistics are available.

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Theodore T. Kusnierz, Jr. (Moreau) said, “The Seniors Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program not only helps our low-income seniors access fresh, locally grown produce, but it also supports our local farmers, which are a vital part of the Saratoga County economy. ”

The Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) is designed to provide low-income seniors with access to locally grown fruits, vegetables, and cut herbs; increase the consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets.