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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Trolley Tours of Saratoga Springs Launches Aug. 1

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center will launch their 2023 guided trolley tours on Aug. 1. 

The 90-minute guided tour of Saratoga Springs which starts at 10 a.m. will run through Aug. 31. Tickets are $25 per person.

The tour includes historic sights and points of interest along Broadway, North Broadway, Skidmore campus, High Rock Park for a mineral water tasting, the Saratoga Race Course, and more.

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center has partnered with Upstate Transit of Saratoga – who have designed trolleys with authentic wooden seating, decorative etched glass windows and air-conditioning. The 28-passenger trolleys also feature a wheelchair lift. 

For advance reservations, call 518-587-3241. Day Of tickets, based on availability, can be purchased at the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center, located at 297 Broadway. No refunds for reservations cancelled less than 48 hours prior to start of tour. Cancellations can be made by phone or email at karen@discoversaratoga.org.

Bringing The Middle East Home: Jesuit To Speak On Life And Work In Beirut

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Father Dan Corrou, SJ, will speak on his life and work in Lebanon where he has served for 8 years in a discussion 8:45-10 a.m. Friday, Aug. 11 at St. Clement’s Church, on Lake Avenue. 

Corrou, 50, born in Saratoga Springs, is currently director of the Middle East and North Africa region for Jesuit Refuge Service (JRS). Since 1980, JRS has provided a range of services, including child and adult education, emergency assistance, and advocacy for refugees. 

For more information, contact Barbara Naple, Program Manager, IVC Albany, at bnaple@ivcusa.org.

Saratoga County Seeks Volunteers to Deliver Meals to Homebound Seniors in Schuylerville

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SCHUYLERVILLE — The Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services is seeking volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors in Schuylerville.

This important program helps many seniors, age 60 and older, remain independent in their homes by providing them with a nutritious ready-to-eat lunch each weekday. 

Meals are picked up at 11 a.m. and delivered until 1 p.m. Volunteers’ schedules are flexible to meet their availability. 

To become a volunteer, individuals must submit paperwork, including references, to the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. Volunteers must have a valid driver license and their own vehicle. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers. Being a volunteer for this program is a gratifying experience as seniors look forward to seeing a friendly face with their meals. 

Those interested in becoming a volunteer may call the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services at 518-363-4020 for details. 

July 22 – July 28, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Police

Antonio Trujillo Mena, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 17 with criminal mischief, criminal obstruction of breathing, and assault. 

Kevin Cavanagh, 56, was charged July 16 with criminal trespass. 

Paul Gunya, 33, of Northum-berland, was charged July 16 with criminal mischief. 

Theresa Sheffer, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 16 with DWI, and operating a motor vehicle without inspection certificate. 

Ann Matrazzo, 62, of Lynn, Massachusetts, was charged July 15 with criminal possession of stolen property. 

Robert Seward, 54, of Utica, was charged July 15 with DWI, and two driving violations. 

Lauren Baran, 36, of Ballston Spa, was charged July 15 with DWI. 

Brandon Camaj, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 14 with assault. 

Christopher Cormier, 52, was charged July 13 with petit larceny. 

Aaron Godlewski, 31, of Altamont, was charged July 13 with grand larceny. 

Jordan Jones, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 13 with aggravated unlicensed operation, circumvent interlock, and three driving-related violations. 

Stephen Gullotti, 39, of Malta, was charged July 12 with petit larceny. 

Michael West, 37, of Greenfield, was charged July 12 with four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and one count criminal sale of a controlled substance. 

James Yawn, 42, of Schenectady, was charged July 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Amanda Ashline, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 12 with aggravated unlicensed operation, and failure to stop at a stop sign.   

On July 6, members the Saratoga Springs Police Department Special Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, executed a search warrant on a residence located on the east side of the city. The several-months-long investigation began with complaints from concerned neighbors about possible illegal drug activity involving a resident of the home. Tiffany M. Salak, 35, was charged with three felonies – criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal nuisance, and the misdemeanor – criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

Korey J. West, Jason O. Allen, Bradley L. Allen, and Diane E. Allen were arrested following a lengthy investigation of drug trafficking in Saratoga County. Members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit / Special Operations Team and the Saratoga Springs Police Department SIU executed a search warrant at 223 Bockes Road in the Town of Greenfield. As a result of the investigation and search warrant, scales, packaging material, quantities of fentanyl, crack/cocaine, and suboxone were seized. Korey J. West, 25, was charged with four counts each of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two counts criminal sale of a controlled substance. All charges are felonies.  Bradley L. Allen, 67, Diane E. Allen, 62, and Jason O. Allen, 43, were each charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree. Jason Allen was additionally charged with criminal nuisance in the first-degree.  

On June 8, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office charged 19-year-old Riley A. MacLeod, of Wilton, with felony assault, and criminal possession of a weapon – a misdemeanors. MacLeod is accused of attacking a family member with a knife while at their home in the town of Wilton. The family member suffered a non-life-threatening, stab wound to the arm, was treated at Saratoga Hospital and released after treatment. 

On July 17, the Sheriff’s Office charged Michael D. Hepp, 34, of Troy, with felony robbery, in connection with a suspected robbery at Hayner’s Ice Cream and Country Store. It is alleged Hepp forcibly stole money and threatened the use of a firearm. The victim was not injured during the incident and the investigation is ongoing. Hepp was arraigned and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $30,000 cash bail, $60,000 bond, and a $300,000 partially secured bond.

Saratoga County Court

George R. Licata, 55, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to DWAI, charged May 28 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Aug. 25. 

William S. Davis, 41, of Fultonville, pleaded to failure to register as a sex offender, charged April 18 in Malta. Sentencing Sept. 29. 

Jesus A. Perez, 22, of Schuylerville, pleaded to rape in the third-degree, charged March 2022 in Saratoga. Sentencing Sept. 22. 

Douglas J. Murray, 29, of Waterford, pleaded to felony DWI, charged May 14. Sentencing Sept. 19. 

Dixie D. White 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON — Dixie D. White passed away July 12, 2023 at her home in Ballston Spa. At the family’s request there will be no calling hours or service at this time. There will be a celebration of life at a later date. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com 

Leona C. Signor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Leona Casey Signor, 90, peacefully passed away July 21, 2023. Calling hours Friday, 7/28/23, 4-5:30 at Burke Funeral home, service following 5:30. Burial 11am, 7/29 at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave. Memorial donations to Community Hospice of Saratoga Springs and/or Saratoga Central Catholic School. burkefuneralhome.com

James P. Weinman

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

QUEENSBURY — James P. Weinman, 80, passed away peacefully on July 13, 2023 after a long journey with Alzheimer’s. Memorial donations to High Peaks Hospice (highpeakshospice.org/donate/) and Double H Ranch (doublehranch.org/donate/). Mass 10 a.m. Monday, 7/31/2023 St. Edward the Confessor, 569 Clifton Park Center Rd, Clifton Park. Visit burkefuneralhome.com 

Nataleno“Ned” J. Reo

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Nataleno “Ned” J. Reo, 92, passed away on July 18, 2023. Visitation was held on Mon., July 24 at Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway. Mass was held Tues., 7/25 at St. Clements Church with burial following in GBH Saratoga National Cemetery. Remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

Reisa Gould-Donath

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Reisa Gould-Donath, 78, died Saturday, July 22 in the early morning hours at home, surrounded by her loving family. Reisa was born in New York City on March 15, 1945 to Jeanette and Robert Silverstein, and grew up with older brother Eric, who predeceased her. 

A true child of New York City, she left home to attend college at Antioch in Ohio, where she met future husband Peter Gould, also of New York City. They married in the late 1960s and had two children, Rachel, born in 1971, and Gabriel, born in 1974. The family moved to Saratoga Springs in 1974, which would remain Reisa’s home for the rest of her life. Reisa and Peter divorced in 1977, and soon thereafter she met Charles Donath of Burlington, Vermont. Reisa and Charles were married in 1982 in Madison, Connecticut. 

Reisa’s career as a nurse started with nursing school for her RN at Adirondack Community College. Later she did her Nurse Practitioner certification and began a long and fulfilling career with Planned Parenthood, culminating in her position as Clinic Coordinator at the Saratoga Springs branch. She continued her education in the mid-1990s, completing her MS in Nursing at Russell Sage College. She strongly believed in women’s health care and was an important part of the health and well-being of many Saratoga-area women. 

Reisa loved animals, and she and Charles founded a local animal rights organization which was active throughout the early 1990s. She was devoted to many beloved pets, most recently her dog Cody, and filled her home with pictures and sculptures of animals. Reisa and Charles enjoyed seeing live music at Caffe Lena, walking in Spa Park, taking drives around Saratoga Lake, and listening to music together.

Reisa is survived by her husband Charles, 70, daughter Rachel, 52, of Ithaca, NY, son Gabriel, 49, of Huntingdon, PA, and grandchildren Elliot, 15, and Silas, 14. She is also survived by her father- and mother-in-law, Frank and Joan “Ducky” Donath, sisters-in-law Amy Carretto and Emilie Donath-Crawford, and Emilie’s husband Robert Crawford, all of Burlington, VT. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Saratoga Regional YMCA, where Reisa was a longtime member, or the Humane Society of the United States, which she supported for many years.

A private Celebration of Life will take place at a later date.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

Application Filed for Spa City’s First Cannabis Dispensary

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Featured.

Photo by Dylan McGlynn.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Planning Board has received plans for what could become the city’s first licensed cannabis dispensary.

A special use permit application has been filed for Reverie Dispensary, which would be located at 95 West Ave, occupying approximately 2,200 square feet in the West Hill Plaza.

According to the New York State Office of Cannabis Management’s website, the Capital Region currently has recreational dispensaries in Albany, Schenectady, and Rensselaer.

Reverie is set to be run by Jody Cracco, her daughter, Brittany Cracco, and Marcy Leventhal, who brings significant experience in the regulated cannabis industry.

The Cracco family also runs Dairy Haus and Doggy Playcare, two businesses located next door to each other on Maple Ave. Brittany Cracco said she has been long-time friends with Leventhal, and initially reached out to her for advice on infusing cannabis into ice cream.

“When I called Marcy to kind of poke at her vast wealth of knowledge, she told us about the application process and what the qualifications were,” Brittany Cracco said. “Between my mom, Marcy, and I, we qualified, and we went for it.”

Leventhal said she has 20 years of industry experience and has worked in 22 states, having operated a dispensary in the Bay Area of California, and also having worked as a consultant and for a cannabis advisory firm.

“So I’m very familiar with the licensing and application process, which we’re going through right now,” said Leventhal. “We’re really excited to curate a shop with my knowledge of the industry and their knowledge of Saratoga to make, hopefully, one of the premier shops in the state.”

Brittany Cracco said Reverie will look to highlight local farms and manufacturers, saying, “There are a lot of farms really close.”

“That’s what I would love to bring to the community, is the community’s product,” said Brittany Cracco. “That is going to be a really big part of it for me, is bringing in our local farmers and manufacturers.”

“To be able to sort of close the loop, so that we’ve got local people buying from local farmers at a local dispensary, is a really exciting prospect to us,” added Leventhal, who noted that Reverie will also carry additional outside brands that “appeal to the masses.”

The application describes the location as a “conditional adult use retail dispensary,” and states that it has been approved by the New York Office of Cannabis Management, but must receive special use designation from the City. The Saratoga Springs Planning Board is set to discuss the application at its meeting on Aug. 3, according to a posted agenda.

The group said they are aiming to open by the end of August if their application is approved.

“Obviously, being compliant and following their processes is really important to us,” said Leventhal. “… Not rushing it just to get open, but rather, getting open in a responsible way is important. But with that said, we’d love to capture some of the seasonal travelers in Saratoga. We’re going to hustle as hard as we possibly can to get open by the end of August, provided we get the approval at the Planning Board on August 3.”

Jody Cracco emphasized the importance of supporting local, and said she hopes Reverie will feel “comfortable” to its customers.

“We want them to come in and feel so comfortable in our place,” said Jody Cracco. “We want it to be a great experience.”

“Walking into a dispensary, it can be overwhelming,” said Brittney Cracco. “You don’t really know the product, and you may want to ask questions, but you may feel like it’s not your place to ask questions, or a little silly. We don’t want that. We want it to be a comfortable environment, and we want people to know the same people that are serving you your ice cream cones are the same people that are serving you over at the dispensary.”

Jody Cracco said the three partners are “really excited.”

“It’s been great,” said Jody Cracco. “And to be the first to open, we are so honored to be able to, hopefully, say that.”

“I’m really excited at what we’re going to be able to do,” added Leventhal, citing her background in the cannabis industry and the Cracco family’s background in operating businesses. “I would encourage everyone in the state to come check us out when we open.”