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Author: Saratoga TODAY

October 28 – November 3, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter, Uncategorized.

Saratoga County Court

Keenan Washburn, 22, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Oct. 30 to felony robbery, charged June 2022 in Moreau. Sentencing Jan. 9, 2024. 

Tammy Mahan, 53, of Hudson Falls, pleaded Oct. 30 to felony burglary, charged February 2023 in Moreau. Sentencing Jan. 8.  

Quazey N. Robinson, 22, of Clifton Park, was sentenced Oct. 20 to time served and 5 years probation, after pleading to felony attempted burglary.

Abigail L. Dawes, 31, of Mechanicville, pleaded Oct. 20 to aggravated DWI with a child, charged May 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Khalee J. Gooden, 30, of Glens Falls, was sentenced Oct. 19 to 3 years incarceration/ 3 years probation, after pleading to strangulation in the second-degree, charged December 2022 in Moreau. 

Justin Keenan, 39, pleaded Oct. 19 to felony criminal contempt, charged December 2022-January 2023 in the town of Saratoga. Sentencing Jan. 4. 

Jamie M. Guerrera, 47, of Schenectady, was sentenced Oct. 23 to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged December 2012 in Clifton Park. 

Saratoga Springs police

Ashley Vanetten, 32, of Saratoga, was charged Oct. 20 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating without stop lamps.

Najee Moore, 30, of Schenectady, was charged Oct. 20 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and inadequate lights.

Tarayl Goss, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 19 with cri8minal mischief, and criminal obstruction of breathing. 

Christopher Freeman, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 19 with petit larceny. 

Michael Stone, 69, of Ballston Spa, was charged Oct. 19 with criminal trespass.  

NY State Police

On Oct. 18, State Police of Wilton responded to a one-car rollover crash in the area of Brownville Road in Northumberland. The vehicle’s driver was identified as John A. Gates, 57, of Northumberland. Gates was transported to Glens Falls Hospital for medical evaluation, where he was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. Further investigation discovered Gates has multiple previous DWI convictions in the last 10 years, according to police. He was issued tickets returnable to the Northumberland on Nov. 14. 

On Oct. 20, State Police of Saratoga stopped a vehicle on Stone Church Road in Milton, for suspected multiple Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. The driver was identified as Christina P. Gross, 38, of Milton.  Gross was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. She was transported to SP Saratoga, where she recorded a 0.22% BAC.  Gross was issued tickets returnable to the Milton Town Court on Nov. 7. 

On Oct. 29, the Sheriff’s Office reported it responded to a call of a personal injury motor vehicle crash at 5:01 a.m. on Route 9 south of Sitterly Road in the town of Halfmoon. 

Investigation of the incident revealed a 2023 Ford Econoline box truck traveling northbound on Route 9 and operated by a 41-year-old Saugerties man struck a pedestrian identified as 41-year-old Michael J. Blackburn of Clifton Park. Blackburn was transported to Samaritan Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The driver of the box truck was not injured, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Sheriff Office’s Collision Reconstruction Unit.  

Cardiac Kids, Stroke Survivors Gather on World Stroke Day 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.


Cardiac Kids and Peter Connolly. Peter Connolly, far right, general manager of The Mercedes-Benz Center at Keeler Motor Car Company, and his colleagues hosted a Trunk or Treat for the Cardiac Kids 518 group of the American Heart Association on Sunday, Oct. 29, at the dealership in Latham. Photo provided.

ALBANY — The statistics are staggering: one in 120 children is born with a congenital heart defect. Stroke is the No. 5 killer of all Americans. 

On World Stroke Day 2023, Capital Region children born with heart defects and two stroke survivors gathered to celebrate the progress the American Heart Association makes in fighting these two conditions. 

About 100 people joined the celebration on Oct. 20, including 13 children born with congenital heart defects. 

Alexandra Paul, M.D., neurosurgeon at Albany Medical Center, a member of the Albany Med Health System, joined the group. 

“The research from the American Stroke Association and American Heart Association is helping to change the statistic that stroke is the leading cause of disability in our nation,” Dr. Paul said. “It’s important to raise awareness, especially about some of the populations that stroke affects. Women under the age of 35, for instance, are 44 % more likely to have a stroke than men of the same age, and Black people have a much higher incidence of stroke than white people. When we can raise awareness about the signs and symptoms, we can help people recognize a stroke and realize the importance of seeking immediate care.”  

The American Heart Association passed the Pulse Ox Law in 2012, requiring that all newborns have their blood oxygen level measured before leaving the hospital. Lack of oxygen could indicate a critical heart defect. The Association urges everyone to know the signs of stroke: FAST – Face Drooping, Arm Weakness, Slurred Speech and Time to Call 911. Many professionals add “Be” to the FAST acronym, to include balance and eyes, or vision. 

For information about stroke, visit stroke.org. For information about the Cardiac Kids 518 group, contact Kim.Sheedy@heart.org.

“Compost Conversation” November 8 in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — LOVE COMPOST Saratoga Collaborative photographer Terri-Lynn Pellegri will be joined by community composters for a lively hour of conversation at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 8 in the Dining Room “Gallery” at the Saratoga Senior Center, 290 West Ave. 

The informal “Compost Conversation” will include Mark Miller, Director of Dining Services at Skidmore College, Jennifer Armstrong, Sustainable Saratoga’s Compost Committee Chairperson, Kim Klopstock from Lily and the Rose, and Hope LaBontey, of Loving Earth Compost.  

Terri-Lynn Pellegri is a 2023 Saratoga Arts Grant Recipient. As a special community program, in conjunction with her Grant this event is Free and Open to the Public. Her artwork is currently on exhibit at the Saratoga Senior Center. For more information about the exhibition, go to: https://saratogatodaynewspaper.com/today-in-saratoga/pulse/item/20184-once-living-matter-repurposed-in-art-show.

Clarence Dart and the Tuskegee Airmen: Presentation at Saratoga Springs History Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga Springs History Museum presents a talk on “Clarence Dart and the Tuskegee Airmen” by Warren Dart, taking place Thursday, Nov. 9, at 7 p.m. in the Canfield Casino parlor.

During World War II, Lt. Col. Clarence Dart served in the Tuskegee Airmen, a special group trained at the airfield near the famed Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. He was shot down twice, earning two Purple Hearts, and he received the Distinguished Flying Cross award. He passed away in 2012 and is buried in Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs.

His son, Warren Dart, will present a history of the introduction of African Americans into the Army Air Corps, and the inspiring personal story of his father. Join us in the Canfield Casino for this enlightening talk on a unique piece of American history.

Free admission for History Museum Members, $10 for non-Members – reserve at saratogahistory.org/events. The Saratoga Springs History Museum is located in the Canfield Casino in Congress Park. 

Annual Saratoga Restaurant Week Launches Nov. 6

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.


Discover Saratoga: Saratoga Restaurant Week returns Nov. 6-12

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Restaurant Week returns Monday, Nov. 6 and continues through Sunday, Nov. 12, Discover Saratoga announced. 

The event marks the 18th anniversary of Saratoga County’s original restaurant week, and many local restaurants will serve up a variety of prix fixe menu options ranging from $25 and $35 three-course dinners to $15 lunch specials, plus tax & tip. 

“Saratoga Restaurant Week is a significant annual event designed to promote and generate business for Saratoga County restaurants,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “We encourage you to support our local restaurants and their staff by trying a new place to eat or revisiting a favorite. Enjoy a meal and explore our area’s unique local businesses, attractions, shopping, and more.”

For participating restaurants and menus, discounted hotel rates, and more information about Saratoga Restaurant Week, visit www.discoversaratoga.org/restaurantweek or call 518-584-1531. Restaurant and hotel reservations are highly recommended.

Saratoga Restaurant Week is sponsored by Saratoga Today, Saratoga.com, IronGlass Productions, Black Dog Designs, The Saratogian, The Daily Gazette, Saratoga’s Star Radio, Townsquare Media, iHeartRadio, and Albany Broadcasting.

In conjunction with Saratoga Restaurant Week, the 11th Annual Toys for Toga campaign runs through Dec. 10. Members of the local community can donate new, unwrapped toys at participating locations, which may be found at: www.toysfortoga.com. 

“With the holiday season fast approaching, it’s so important to give back,” said Leggieri. “We are honored to be part of Toys for Toga again this year, and we hope to see the local community participate in collecting toys for the children of Saratoga County.”

For those who would like to participate by making a monetary donation, there is a GoFundMe page online at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/toys-for-toga-2023. 

All toys and monetary donations will be equally distributed to Franklin Community Center, CAPTAIN Community Human Services and Mechanicville Area Community Services Center in time for the holidays. 

Fall Lecture Series at Saratoga National Historical Park 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

STILLWATER — Saratoga National Historical Park, in partnership with the Friends of Saratoga Battlefield, will host a series of five lectures this fall. The talks are free, but reservations are required as space is limited. 

The schedule is:

A Tale of Two Generals: The Later History of the Benedict Arnold Monument at Saratoga Battlefield. Thursday, November 9, 6:30 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater. Benedict Arnold is a figure well-known to Americans and aficionados of the Battles of Saratoga. Less well known is General John Watts de Peyster, a resident of Dutchess County, New York, who paid for a special inscription to be added to the Arnold Monument on the battlefield. Hear the colorful tale of this eccentric and scandalous 19th-century New York personality, who, like Arnold, found himself at the receiving end of nearly everyone’s ire.

Hessians: German Soldiers in the American Revolutionary War. Thursday, November 16, 6:30 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater. 

“Perticulars that I have Been eye & ear witness to”: How Nathaniel Bacheller Changed History. Thursday, November 30, 6:30 p.m. Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater.

Retracing Our Steps: the French-American Joint Reconnaissance Tour in the Winter of 1780-1781. Thursday, December 7, 6:30 pm. Saratoga National Historical Park Visitor Center Theater. 

Saratoga National Historical Park is located at 648 Route 32 in Stillwater. More information on each program and links to make reservations are available at go.nps.gov/saraevents or email: SARA_info@nps.gov. 

History Center Presents World War I Program Nov. 8

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Soldiers boarding train. Photo provided. 

BALLSTON SPA — In recognition of the 105th anniversary of the armistice that ended what has come to be called the first world war, Saratoga County History Center will host Paul Perreault, Malta Town Historian, for a program entitled “Men and Women of Saratoga County Who Answered the Call in World War One” at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov.  8 in the Long Room at Brookside Museum.

Perreault has served as town historian since 2009 and has conducted extensive research about local volunteers who fought in the war.  

“Ten percent of the men and women who joined the American Expeditionary Force were from New York State including many who lived in Saratoga County” said Perreault, in a statement.  “Seventy-two from the county died from either combat wounds or disease contracted while serving.” 

The presentation will include stories of those who served during and after the war.  Pre-registration for the Nov. 8 program is available at: https://brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events/63454-call-in-world-war-1. 

Saratoga County Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program:  $11K In Fresh, Local Produce to County Seniors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA —Saratoga County officials announced this week 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. 

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 domestic consumption of agricultural commodities through farmers’ markets.

Assemblywoman Woerner: Cell Phone Donation Drive Collects over 20 Cell Phones for Domestic Violence Survivors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, announced that her cellphone collection drive had collected 23 cellphones for domestic violence survivors. 

Working with the Stillwater Police Department, the domestic violence services resource, Wellspring, and the Domestic Violence Advocacy Program of the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC), these cellphones will be reprogramed for emergency 911 calls and will be distributed to domestic violence survivors. 

The phones will allow them to contact authorities in the event and help prevent future acts of violence. 

On a typical day, local domestic violence hotlines receive more than 19,000 calls statewide, which is 13 calls every minute.

“Silence hides violence. Domestic violence crimes happen behind closed doors. If we want to end abuse, we need to break the silence, to speak up and to talk about how prevalent these issues are,” said Maggie Fronk, Executive Director of Wellspring. 

Saratoga County Career Center Announces November Virtual Workshops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center, in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers, has announced it will hold free virtual career workshops in November. See below for upcoming virtual career workshops:

Nov. 8 at 11 a.m.: Goal Setting. This workshop explores how goal setting works, why goals are important, and provides helpful resources. Facilitated by Washington and Albany.  

Nov. 14 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation. Learn how to articulate strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. Facilitated by Schenectady. 

Nov. 16 at 11 a.m.: Completing Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. Facilitated by Warren and Washington. 

Nov. 20 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media. Social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job. Facilitated by Schenectady. 

Nov. 28 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide resources and strategies to help you meet your goals. Facilitated by Saratoga and Fulton-Montgomery-Schoharie. 

Registration is required for all workshops. 

Visit https://thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. The workshops are offered as part of the Saratoga County Career Center’s WorkPays! workforce education campaign.