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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs Hosts 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on Monday

9/11 Ceremony in High Rock Park. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The city of Saratoga Springs will hold a 9/11 ceremony to remember and honor the lives that were lost and those who served. 

The ceremony will begin 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023 at the Tempered by Memory Sculpture at High Rock Park. 

The 25-foot-tall sculpture was commissioned by Saratoga Arts and created by artists Noah Savett and John Van Alstine from five twisted pieces of Trade Center steel. Four pieces came from the North Tower, one came from the South Tower. The sculpture was dedicated at High Rock Park in 2012, following lengthy public and political discourse regarding its location placement.  

Monday’s ceremony will feature speakers Kathleen Shaw, who responded with NYS Urban/Technical Search and Rescue team NYRRT-1, Lt. Tucker Bonow of the Saratoga Springs Naval Support Activity

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Continues Investigation of Greenfield Cold Case Homicide Case

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office noted the 20-year-anniversary of the disappearance of 18-year-old Jennifer Marie “Moonbeam” Hammond, who was reported missing from a mobile home park in the town of Milton. 

Hammond had been working for a magazine company going door-to-door selling subscriptions. Originally from Colorado, she had traveled cross-country with the company and had been staying with co-workers in the Albany area.

On the afternoon of Aug. 30, 2003, Hammond had been dropped off at the entrance to the mobile home park but never showed up at the pick-up location. Her co-workers searched the area but were unable to locate her. She was reported missing after she failed to pick up her belongings at the hotel where she had stayed. She had previously made plans to return to Colorado but never returned there either, police said. 

In 2009, hunters in the area of Lake Desolation in the town of Greenfield located human remains which were confirmed to be Hammond’s after DNA analysis. The case was ruled a homicide.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone who has any information about this case to contact them at: 518-885-6761.

Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center announces Fall Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, in partnership with the Saratoga Springs Public Library, announced the launch of their Fall 2023 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. 

This community lecture series is designed to highlight the rich history, culture, and traditions of our city. 

All Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series programs are free and open to the public. Each program takes place from noon – 1 p.m. at the Dutcher Community Room, Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St. The program can also be accessed virtually. Attendees are encouraged to check the library website for more information and guidelines www.sspl.org.

Thursday, Sept. 14: “First Saratogians: The History and Traditions of the Indigenous Nations of the Saratoga Region”, presented by Dr. Joseph Bruchac, Executive Director of the Ndakinna Education Center, and Saratoga Springs Poet Laureate.

Upcoming – Thursday, Oct. 12: “Kidnapped from Saratoga: The Story of Solomon Northup” presented by Author David Fiske; Thursday, Nov. 9: “Brothers of the 77th:  the 77th Infantry Regiment in the American Civil War” presented by former Associated Press reporter Christopher Carola; Thursday, Dec. 14: “Saratoga’s Great Racing Characters” presented by Brien Bouyea, Hall of Fame and Communications Director at the National Museum of Racing.

For more information visit, www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com or www.discoversaratoga.org.

Saratoga County History Center Hosting Presentation on the “Iron Hearted Regiment”

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center will host David Brooks (Education Director at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site in Fort Hunter, NY) on Wednesday, Sept. 13 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.  

The presentation will be held in the Long Room at Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Brooks will be discussing the “Iron Hearted Regiment” the 115th New York Infantry.

During the Civil War, Colonel Simeon Sammons received authority to recruit a regiment in the counties of Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, and Saratoga, with headquarters at Fonda. On Aug. 26, 1862, it mustered into the service of the United States for three years. 

Registration is not necessary but would be appreciated. brooksidemuseum.networkforgood.com/events /61071-iron-hearted-regiment.  A donation of $5 per registration is suggested, to support the programs of Saratoga County History Center.

Free First Aid Kits, Thermometers, Blood Pressure Cuffs at Community Health Day September 16

QUEENSBURY — Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL) in partnership with Aviation Mall will host a Community Health Day noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 16.

SAIL will offer free medical devices, including first aid kits, thermometers, COVID-19 tests, blood pressure cuffs, and pulse oximeters, while supplies last. 

Community members intending to join the event are advised to use the entrance near Planet Fitness.

For inquiries about the event, contact Cam Cardinale, Director of Community Relations at Southern Adirondack Independent Living, by phone at 518-792-3537 ext. 1411 or via email at CamC@SAILHelps.org.

September 2 – September 8, 2023

Saratoga Springs Police Department

Robert Deschaine, 63, of Gloversville, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal possession of narcotic drug, and two driving violations. 

Ryan Cox, 19, of Ballston Spa, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, and speeding. 

Dustin Quirion, 39, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation, and multiple driving-related violations.

Andrea Smith, 36, of Charlton, was charged with criminal mischief and petit larceny. 

Matthew Ragotskie, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Bruce Bidwell, 52, of Moreau, was charged with petit larceny. 

John Jarvis, 60, no address provided, was charged with burglary and petit larceny. 

Pamela Stevens, 41, of Greenwich, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Michael Fitzpatrick, 29, of Fort Plain, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Jose Camejo, 45, of Folsom, Louisianna, was charged with DWI, driving in the wrong direction, and no or single license plate. 

Saratoga County Court

Shanita R. Flores, 20, of Milton, pleaded to criminal contempt in the first-degree. Sentencing Oct. 24. 

Danielle N. Pereira, 33, of Newburgh, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged September 2022 in Clifton Park. Sentencing Oct. 24. 

Maurice Trichilo, 34, of Albany, was sentenced Aug. 22 to serve 4-1/2 years incarceration and 2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree. Trichilo was arrested as part of a drug investigation of activities taking place across multiple counties, resulting in his arrest for having nearly a quarter-kilo of cocaine – with a street value of more than $20,000, Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen said in a statement. 

Richard S. Simmons, 49, of Greenfield, was sentenced Aug. 23 to 4 years incarceration/2 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sale of a controlled substance, charged December 2022 in Corinth. 

John J. Wolcott, 52, of Waterford, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree. 

Isaac R. Harris, 19, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 3.5 years incarceration/3 years post-release supervision after pleading to felony assault.

Tabitha R. Calise, 34, of Rexford, was sentenced to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to felony DWAI. 

Timothy D. Fabroskay, 34, of Providence, N.Y., was sentenced to 1 year incarceration after pleading to felony criminal mischief, charged in 2020 in Ballston and Charlton. 

Jeremy J. Scoville, 52, of Stillwater, pleaded to criminal contempt and strangulation – both felonies. Sentencing Oct. 27. 

Nancy J. McCowan, 42, of Lexington, Kentucky, was sentenced to 5 years’ probation/60 hours of Community Work service, after pleading to felony DWI, charged April 2023 in Clifton Park. 

Virgilio D. Smith, 27, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 4 years incarceration/5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony assault, charged May 2022 in Saratoga Springs. 

George Licata, 55, of Lake Luzerne, was sentenced to 6 months incarceration/5 years post-release supervision, after pleading to felony DWAI, charged May 2023 in Saratoga Springs. 

Stephen D. Gizzi, 39, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced to 1.5 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal contempt, charged September 2016 in Ballston Spa. 

Dominick J. Salustri, 56, of Mechanicville, pleaded to criminal contempt, and assault – both misdemeanors – charged March 2023 in Stillwater. Sentencing Nov. 6. 

NY State Police

On Aug. 29, State Police of Saratoga arrested David A. Fink, 27, of Ballston. Fink was charged with arson in the second degree, and reckless endangerment in the first-degree. Both charges are felonies. 

Troopers responded to an apartment complex on Dominic Drive in Ballston at approximately 2:20 a.m., following a report of a structure fire. The Ballston Spa Fire Department isolated and extinguished the fire, which they determined to be suspicious. The State Police Saratoga Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Fire Investigators from the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Management and New York State Fire Investigators responded to the scene to investigate. The joint investigation determined that the fire was intentionally started in Fink’s apartment. Additionally, it was determined that the fire suppression system and fire alarms in Fink’s apartment were disabled prior to the fire being ignited. Fink was located later in the day outside the apartment complex and arrested. 

Saratoga Senior Center Calendar – September Events

Music at the Center

Garland Nelson, Return Engagement!

Thursday, September 14 • 1-2 p.m. 

$10. Includes lite fare. Garland Nelson is an all-star talent whom the Saratoga community is fortunate to have. He can be found performing at various locations in the area. Every artist is driven by a burning passion. For Garland Nelson, that passion is service towards others. Sponsored by MVP.

Love Compost Art Reception

facilitated by Terri-Lynn Pellegri

Sunday, September 24 • 2 -4 p.m.

Please join us to celebrate LOVE COMPOST Saratoga Collaborative, an art installation by photographer Terri-Lynn Pellegri. There will be live music and light refreshments. Come and meet the artist! Saratoga Arts made this program possible through the Community Arts Regrant Program, funded by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature. 

Drum in Joy! 

presented by Saratoga Peace Week

Sunday, September 24 • 6 -7:15 p.m. 

$5 Please sign up, limited seating. Chelsie of Rural Soul Music Studio invites you to learn about an exuberant and thunderous path toward lifelong happiness… DRUMMING! West African hand drums will be provided and you will be shown how to get into a groove from the moment your hands meet the drums.

Art, Art & More Art! 

New! Advanced/Intermediate Handbuilding Clay Arts

facilitated by Randi Kish

Mondays • 9-12 p.m., beginning Sept. 11

$10 material fee. Please sign up. Must have advanced/intermediate clay experience – advanced level. This session’s project is a sake set. A sake set consists of the flask and cups used to serve sake.

Watercolor Workshop

facilitated by Susan Peters

Tuesday, September, 19 • 10:30 a.m. 

$5 material fee. Why watercolor? It is versatile, unpredictable, wonderful, light-filled, colorful. Perfect for beginners and experienced alike. Please sign up, seating is limited.

Stamping Workshop

facilitated by Helen Mastrion 

Thursday, September 21 • 2-4 p.m. 

Please sign up, seating is limited. Make an assortment of greeting cards: birthday, thank you, congratulations, etc.You may choose Helen’s design or create your own! Be creative. No experience necessary.

Zentangle Art Workshop 

facilitated by Katie Long

Thursday, September 28 • 1 p.m. 

$5 material fee. Please sign up, seating is limited. Katie will lead you in making nametags and bookmarks. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn and fun way to cre- ate beautiful images by drawing structured patterns.

Beading Workshop 

facilitated by Jerry Matthews

Wednesday, September 20 • 1 p.m.

Whether you are just beginning or an experienced beader, join Jerry to create beautiful and one of a kind jewelry. Supplies provided. Please sign up, seating is limited.

September Events

Trivia Night!

Monday, September 11 • 5 p.m. 

New Time this month! $5. Please sign up, seating is limited. Pizza bites served. Bring your own beverage. Join us for fun, friendly competition! Prizes! “Where all those useless facts you’ve been collecting can finally come in handy!”

Herzog Law Firm presents: Wills vs. Trusts

Monday, September 18 • 11 a.m.-12 p.m. 

Free and open to the public. Learn about Revocable & Irrevocable Trusts, Advance Directives, types of Wills and how to use them to benefit yourself and loved ones. Learn about protecting your home and assets and avoiding court & spend downs

Citizens Emergency Preparedness 

presented by the MSGT. Lydia Gerardi, Air National Guard.

Tuesday September 19 • 12:30 p.m. 

Free and open to the public This training teaches residents to have the tools and resources to prepare for any type of disaster, respond accordingly and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including developing an emergency plan and stocking up on emergency supplies.

Tarot Card Reading

facilitated by Mary Shimp

Thursday, September 28 • 11-1 p.m. 

$5 donation. Do you have some unanswered questions about your life? A tarot card reading provides insight into what the future holds. Call for a 15 minute appointment.

Saratoga Bridges’ 23rd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge

Snapshot from last year’s Saratoga Bridges Great Pumpkin Challenge, 2022. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges will host its 23rd annual Great Pumpkin Challenge on Saturday, Sept. 30, beginning at 9:30 a.m.

The event includes a 5K, 10K, and Kid’s Fun Run, starting and finishing at the Columbia Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park, according to a press release. The races are NET Chip-timed.

The fundraiser benefits Saratoga Bridges’ essential non-funded or underfunded programs, services and activities, as well as assists with rewarding their staff.

Individuals, friends, families, coworkers and corporate teams can register at saratogabridges.org. The registration fee is $25 through Friday, Sept. 15. The registration fee increases to $30 beginning Saturday, Sept. 16. 

Online registration will end on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at 5 p.m. After Tuesday, September 26, registration will only be available in person at 16 Saratoga Bridges Blvd. in Ballston Spa on Wednesday and Thursday, Sept. 27 and 28, from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday, Sept. 29 from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. No registration will be available after this time.

Saratoga Bridges will also be holding a virtual option for $30. T-shirts will be mailed to virtual participants. Times for virtual can be submitted to the timing company. The first 1,500 registered will receive a long-sleeve moisture wicking shirt. 

Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd males and females in each age group. There will be giveaways, refreshments, donated food and beverages, favorite pumpkin and costume contests.

For more information on volunteering or about the event, contact Pamela Polacsek at ppolacsek@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1255.

Michael A. McLaughlin

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Michael A. McLaughlin, 63, passed away on Sept. 5, 2023. Visitation is on Sept. 10, 2023 from 2-5 p.m. at  Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway with a service at 5 p.m. Burial on Sept. 11, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at G. B. H. Solomon Saratoga Nat. Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd. Schuylerville. For condolences, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.  

Deacon Arthur William Turcotte

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Deacon Arthur William Turcotte, 86, died peacefully, August 29, 2023. Reception of the Body, 10 a.m. 9/8/2023 at St. Clement’s followed by visitation (11 a.m.) and Mass (12 p.m.). Burial St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to St. Clement’s Church or the Community Hospice of Saratoga (communityhospice.org/donate). Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.