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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Community Mural and Print Shop Open House

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Saratoga Arts Hosts New Printshop, community mural.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Arts hosts a celebration of the opening of its brand new printshop 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 26. 

The event is free and open to the public.

Additionally, a community mural – the painting of a giant paint-by-numbers mural is taking place at the center through Sept. 1. Interested participants may reserve a time slot to paint a section of the mural.

Saratoga Arts is located at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-584-4132, or go to: saratoga-arts.org. 

Pletchers Honored with Marylou Whitney Award for Commitment to The Backstretch Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Todd & Tracey Pletcher (fourth and fifth from the left) received the Marylou Whitney Award from the
New York Race Track Chaplaincy on Aug. 16. Photo courtesy of NYRA.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Todd Pletcher, along with his wife Tracy, received the Marylou Whitney Award from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy for their continuing devotion and support of the backstretch community, at the organization’s 16th annual fund-raising brunch at the Saratoga National Golf Club on Aug. 16.

Pletcher has won more than 5,500 and a record eight Eclipse Awards during his Hall of Fame training career. 

The Pletchers were presented with a framed racing scene created by equine artist Tom Chapman from the New York Race Track Chaplaincy. In a surprise appearance, Todd Pletcher’s mentor, the 87-year-old Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas, made the presentation.

The brunch attracted a record crowd of approximately 350 people. Trainer Jena Antonucci  – the first woman to win a Triple Crown race – and Hall of Famers Javier Castellano, Angel Cordero Jr., Edgar Prado, and Johnny Velazquez were among those in attendance.

The New York Race Track Chaplaincy serves the New York backstretch and farming community with children’s enrichment, teen mentoring, women’s programming, social service, recreational, and educational programming as well as non-denominational religious services. Additional information about the New York Race Track Chaplaincy is available at rtcany.org.

Motorcyclist Killed in Crash

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — A 53-year-old Halfmoon man was killed following an Aug. 16 crash in Clifton Park. The car/motorcycle accident occurred on State Route 146 east of the intersection of State Route 146A. 

According to a statement released by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the preliminary investigation indicates the operator of a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle, 53-year-old Geoffrey Gabel of Halfmoon, was travelling eastbound on State Route 146 and struck a 2017 Nissan SUV that was making a left turn. 

Gabel was transported by Clifton Park–Halfmoon EMS to Ellis Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased. The Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Unit is investigating the accident. 

Tai Chi Master Workshop in Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Tai Chi Center of Saratoga Springs is sponsoring a Tai Chi workshop with Grandmaster William C.C. Chen on Oct. 15.

At 92, Master Chen has decades of teaching experience and level of understanding of Tai Chi Chuan that few people have achieved. 

The workshop is presented as a series of 50-minute classes. There are three form classes and one Martial Applications class. Each class is open to all levels of skill. 

The workshops will be held at SPAC School of the Arts, Lewis A. Swyer Studios, 99 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Class size is limited. Preregistration is required. Tuition is $200 full day or $110 half day. More information, register at: the-taichi-center.com/wmchenworkshop, or email Mark Tolstrup at: mark@the-taichi-center.com. 

August 19 – August 25, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Springs Police Department

Donald Errichetto, 45, of New Rochelle, was charged Aug. 11 with criminal possession of a weapon, and menacing. 

Jordan Jones, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 10 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Jennica Nash, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 10 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Andrea Smith, 36, of Wilton, was charged Aug. 8 with criminal mischief. 

Rebekah Scott, 20, of Wilton, was charged Aug. 8 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal sale of a controlled substance. 

Nicholas Ture, 34, was charged Sug. 8 with assault. 

Netasha Carleton, 29, of Milton, was charged Aug. 7 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Joseph Freshwater, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 7 with sexual abuse in the first-degree: sexual contact with individual less than 11 years old. 

Bobby Spearman, 57, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 7 with assault, and strangulation. 

Joseph Castro-Serrano, 36, of Amsterdam, was charged Aug. 6 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, operating without insurance, and failure to yield right of way. 

Agnes Nolan, 71, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 5 with DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Austin Foley, 24, of Wilton, was charged Aug. 5 with robbery. 

Jennifer Moore, 42, of Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 5 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Glenn Corbett, 61, of Lowell, Massachusetts, was charged Aug. 4 with petit larceny. 

Craig Kindel, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 3 with criminal contempt. 

Dana Amazon, 71, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 2 with assault. 

Chad Lang, 49, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 2 with harassment.

Noah Bamberry, 22, of Greenfield, was charged Aug. 2 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a number of vehicle equipment and registration violations. 

Marisa Gomes, 28, of Schenectady, was charged Aug. 1 with criminal mischief. 

Kristianna Olson, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 1 with identity theft, and criminal possession of stolen property. 

Through July and August, members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit had made numerous arrests stemming from investigations into the sale of illegal narcotics. Those arrested are:

Shayne M. Richardson, age 30, of Saratoga Springs, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (fentanyl) – Class B Felony.

Katie F. Hayden, age 23, of Saratoga Springs, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (fentanyl) – Class A Misdemeanor.

John T.R. Patterson, age 39, of Galway, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (fentanyl) – Class B Felony and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd (fentanyl) – a Class B Felony.

Vasilea Vazanellis, age 48, of Saratoga Springs, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (crack cocaine) – Class B Felony and Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance 3rd (crack cocaine) – a Class B Felony.

Jordan A. Jones, age 32, of Saratoga Spring, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th (crack cocaine) – a Class D Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (fentanyl) – a Class A Misdemeanor.

Jennica S. Nash, age 26, of Saratoga Springs, charged with Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 5th (crack cocaine) – a Class D Felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 3rd (fentanyl) – a Class B Felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance 7th (fentanyl) – a Class A Misdemeanor.

Saratoga County Court

Jose A. Colon, 53, pleaded to robbery in the second-degree, in connection with a May 2023 robbery on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. Colon admitted to punching a man and forcibly stealing his wallet following the late-night attack, according to a statement released by the Saratoga County District Attorney’s Office. The victim was treated for a concussion and several facial lacerations at Saratoga Hospital. Colon is scheduled to be sentenced to 10 years in state prison, followed by 2-1/2 years of post-release supervision when he is sentenced Oct. 16, according to the statement issued by the county. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office

Alicia L. Marcotte, 34, of Hadley was charged Aug. 16 with DWAI, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. Both charges are felonies. Marcotte is accused of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of a drug on Hack Road in the town of Corinth on July 18, 2023

Royce Douglas Ball

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

QUAKER SPRINGS — Royce Douglas Ball, (81), of Quaker Springs, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023. 

Royce, or Mr. Ball as he was known to thousands of former students, was born March 16, 1942. He was born to Ruth and Chauncey Ball as one of 16 children in Copenhagen, NY. Royce attended Potsdam College and became a high school math teacher at Schuylerville Central School, where he taught for his entire 32-year career. It was here he met and married his beloved wife Mary Jo (Endres) almost 54 years ago. 

Royce always gave above and beyond to those around him. He faithfully served the Quaker Springs Fire Department for 47 years as Fire Police and various other roles. As teacher, he also served as a coach, class advisor, Honor Society advisor, union leadership and anything else that needed doing, including riding a donkey! He would gladly do whatever he could to help those in need whether it was at school, at the horse barn, at the fire house, or on the side of the road. He loved to be puttering something and swore anything could be fixed with electrical tape, duct tape and a hole punch. One of his favorite spots was to sit on the fronch porch with Mary Jo and enjoy the spring weather. 

The role Royce cherished above all else was that of Dad and Grandpa. He would tell you he was constantly “running the roads” to take his girls to a horse show, a practice or a 4-H activity. Then he would crack a joke to let you know he really didn’t mind a bit. In later years, he and Mary Jo would travel the roads to see their grandchildren in sporting events or concerts across town or across the state. 

Royce was predeceased by his parents and several siblings. 

He is survived by his wife Mary Jo (Endres); his daughters Robin (Edward) of Cambridge, NY, Laurie (Eric) of Weedsport, NY, and Sarah (James) of Granville, NY; also by his grandchildren Egan, Steven and Sydney; sisters Beverly (Peck) and Sharon (Cushman); and sister-in-law, Helen Anne (Endres), along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Friends and family gathered to remember him at Flynn Brothers Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville on Sunday, August 20, 2023. 

A funeral mass was held Monday, August 21, 2023 at Notre Dame-Visitation Church, followed by a burial at Prospect Hill Cemetary in Schuylerville. 

A reception followed at the Quaker Springs Fire Hall. 

Donations made in Royce’s honor can be made to the Quaker Springs Fire Department. 

Online remembrances can be made at flynnbrosinc.com

Luraine A. Burnett

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Luraine A. Burnett, age 79, passed away on August 15, 2023 at St. Peter’s Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born on September 25, 1943 in Bennington, VT to the late Frank Ruggles and Mabel (Brimmer) Ruggles.

Luraine worked at Wesley Health Care Center as a CNA for many years. She enjoyed playing Texas Holdem and spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren and great- granddaughters.

Luraine is survived by her sons, Russell Burnett (Catherine) and Timothy Burnett (Lisa Gaudette); step-daughter, Michelle Lewis (Meriwether); grandchildren, Ashley (Dan) Eckert, Christopher Burnett (Emily Moses), Sarah Burnett; great-granddaughters, Mackenzie Marvin and Chloe Eckert; her brothers, Sam Ruggles of Hebron and John (Shirley) Ruggles of Cambridge; her sister, Frannie (Butch) Ormsbee of St. Bernards Bay; step-sister, Cathy O’Neil of Pennsylvania as well as several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Norman Burnett; granddaughter, Jean “Beaner” Burnett, and her longtime companion, John “Jack” Matuszewski; her parents, Hamilton and Emily DeYoe as well as several brothers and sisters.

At the request of the family, there will be no calling hours or service at this time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to The Greenfield Center Food Pantry, PO Box 10, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

Arrangements are under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Kenneth E. Woolley Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kenneth E. Woolley Jr., 56, passed away at home 8/22/2023 with his family by his side. Calling hours are 3-7 p.m., 8/27 at Burke Funeral Home. Funeral Home service, 8/28, 9:30 a.m. followed by burial with military honors, 12 p.m. at Saratoga National Cemetery. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Marie J. Pompay

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  Marie J. Pompay, 87, passed Sunday, 8/20/2023. Calling hours are 10-11, 8/29/23 at Church of St. Peter, mass at 11am. Burial to follow, St. Peter’s Cemetery. Memorial donations to: The Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs, Saratoga Central Catholic High, or Alzheimer’s Association Northeastern New York Chapter. burkefuneralhome.com.

Yakov Dadashev

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —  Yakov Dadashev, 101, passed away on Monday August 21, 2023 at his home. A service was held 8/23/2023 at Burke Funeral Home, Shiva Minyan took place at Temple Sinai. Burial took place at Beth El Cemetery, Moreau

Memorial donations to Temple Sinai. Please visit burkefuneralhome.com