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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Hawley Foundation Annual Award Ceremony

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by The Hawley Foundation.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Hawley Foundation recently held their annual awards ceremony at the Embassy Suites.

More than 60 community nonprofit organizations, high school graduates, board and community members were in attendance. The Hawley Foundation awarded a total of $150,000 in high school scholarships, community and camp grants.

The Hawley Foundation provides camp awards to Saratoga County organizations that provide summer camp opportunities, designed to offset camp fees for children in need. Community grant awards provide funding to not-for-profit organizations that have Saratoga County’s children’s welfare or well-being as their main objective. College grants are provided to high school seniors who will be entering college or vocational schools.

The 2023 camp and community grant recipients were: AIM Services, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Catholic Charities, City of Saratoga Springs Recreation Department, Franklin Community Center, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, LifeWorks Community Action, Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Saratoga Bridges, Saratoga Center for the Family, Saratoga Hospital, Saratoga Regional YMCA, The Salvation Army, Town of Wilton – Wilton Recreation, and YMCA of the Capital District.  

The college recipients of these grants were: Brady McGrath, Brooke Devizzio, Colton Vavasour, Gianna Fiordimondo, Eliana Sage, Ella McGrath, Jonah O’Connor and Samantha Maurer.  

HRCCU Awards College Scholarships to Three Graduating Seniors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Saratoga Central Catholic’s Ethan Schwaner was one of three Capital Region students to be awarded with a college scholarship from Hudson River Community Credit Union. Photo provided.

CORINTH — Hudson River Community Credit Union has awarded three local high school seniors with $1,000 college scholarships. These scholarships will allow the recipients to offset the cost of studying at a 2- or 4-year college or university this fall.

The recipients of HRCCU’s 2023 College Scholarships are Ethan Schwaner, Saratoga Central Catholic School; Tess Gleason, Waterford-Halfmoon Junior/Senior High School, and Emma Moore, Rensselaer Junior/Senior High School.

“We congratulate our 2023 scholarship winners for continued excellence in their schools and communities,” said CEO Sue Commanda in a press release. “This year’s winners not only excelled academically, but also supported their communities by volunteering their time to local charitable groups. They exemplified the ‘people helping people’ philosophy that drives credit unions every day. We’re proud to help these talented and hard-working young members to attain their educational goals.”

Applicants were asked to submit references, list school and community activities, and write an essay about how they plan to give back to their communities following college graduation. Finalists were selected based on a 100-point scoring system.

WSWHE BOCES ‘Summer with Cosmetology’

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — In an effort to provide a career & technical education cosmetology program, students with more real-world practice and to excite younger aged students to learn a trade, WSWHE BOCES will be hosting several free Braid & Glam Style sessions for ages 5 to 12:

• Saratoga Springs Public Library: July 24, 10-11:30 a.m.

• Glens Falls Family YMCA: July 19 & 26, 10-11:30 a.m.

During the sessions, participants will be doing simple braided hair styles with accessories, as well as basic face painting. CTE students will assist participants with styling mannequins. Adult supervision is required.

An additional event will be held at the Southern Adirondack Education Center, 1051 Dix Ave. in Hudson Falls. 

On July 17, 12-2 p.m., cosmetology students will host Basic Eye Makeup for Tweens & Teens, also at the Southern Adirondack Education Center. The fee for this session is $3 to cover supplies. Cosmetology students will demonstrate how to creatively apply basic makeup, such as mascara, eyeliner and eyeshadow.

The Cosmetology program is a two-year, 1,000-hour program dedicated to preparing students for current and emerging careers in the professions of natural hair styling, esthetics, nail specialty and cosmetology. It combines crucial elements of art, science, technical skills, interpersonal skills, and entrepreneurship and adheres to all ethical and professional standards of the cosmetology industry.

Saratoga County CCE Accepting Applications for Wrisley Scholarship Award

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA COUNTY —Applications will be received from now until September 15, 2023 for the Melvin D. Wrisley Scholarship Award. Selection will be made by a committee appointed by the President of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County Board of Directors.

Criteria will include a demonstrated interest in agriculture, satisfactory completion of at least one year of an accredited New York State College, character, leadership, and service.

Preference may be given to but not limited to applicants from Saratoga County and those with special interest in farming and pursuing an agricultural degree. To receive an application, email Wendy McConkey at wlm8@cornell.edu.

John F. “Jack” Fleming III 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

WILTON – John F. “Jack” Fleming III, age 73, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 30, 2023 with loved ones at his side.

Born on August 18, 1949, the son of the late Alice (Wilson) Fleming and John “Jack” Francis Fleming Jr.

Jack is survived by his loving wife, Nancy A. Fleming; children, Carrie L. Pecor (Donald) and Patrick M. Fleming (Suzann); grandchildren, Lillian, Nia, J. Sullivan, Ava and Grant; sisters, Gretta Clements, Sandy Oginsky, Mary Samascott and many friends and relations with whom he remained very close over the years. Jack was predeceased by his sister Betsy Tessier.

A life-long resident of the area, Jack grew up on Maple Avenue across from the Triangle Diner. One of five children, he was the only boy and bore the responsibility of keeping the Fleming name alive in Saratoga County – a name brought here in 1849 by his Great-Great Grandfather. 

A Catholic school attendee in his elementary years, he credited the nuns for his incredible penmanship and his distaste for rules. 

At Saratoga High, he met the love of his life, Nancy, daughter of Evelyn and Edwin Izzo of McAllister Drive. Jack and Nancy would become Prom King and Queen in 1967. A few muscle cars and years later, they married on September 5, 1970. Jack became as much a part of the Izzo family as he was his own, considering many of them amongst his closest relationships. The couple settled in the Town of Wilton and so began Jack’s love not only of Saratoga Springs, but of the blossoming community to the north to which he would devote many years. 

Jack worked for The Adirondack Glass Company until he joined Ball Metal Container Corporation at the start of the 1980’s, holding various leadership capacities until his retirement in 2004. Among his many professional accomplishments is the fact that he became a Certified Beer Taster and worked with brewers across the country to improve and maintain their products. In this realm he consistently overachieved. 

For over four decades, Jack was an active contributor in the Town of Wilton. Beginning in 1974, Jack was a Charter Member of the Zoning Board of Appeals. Subsequent positions of leadership followed on the Parks and Recreation and Town Ethics Advisory Boards before his election as Town Councilman, a position he would hold for over two decades. Jack’s contributions helped facilitate the creation of many neighborhoods and a strong tax base of business to keep the community thriving. Jack finished his volunteerism serving as the Chairman of the Wilton Historical Preservation Board and as a member of the Board of Directors and in the capacity of Treasurer for AIM Services, an organization dedicated to partnering with people of diverse abilities for growth and independence in their lives. 

Jack was also a Past President of the Saratoga Springs Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, an organization he found through his dearest friend, Michael Dennis. The two were also members of a group known as the Unfriendly Sons of St. Patrick, affectionately named for their day-long revelry prior to and following their annual dinner on March 17th. Jack and Mike made numerous trips to Ireland with friends and family, enjoying the golf, people, wit and landscape of their homeland.

His greatest love was his family. His devotion was evident in the way he found genuine connection with each individual. His wit and wisdom were a constant source of entertainment and counsel. He loved music, classic cars, riddles, trivia, debates, a cold beer, and his many dogs, though none more than his buddy, Ashford. Frequently quoted as saying, “You can’t kid a kidder,” Jack was a humble, loyal friend and a Father for the Ages.

The family would like to thank the many medical professionals and caregivers that helped Jack on his journey, especially Dr. John Mongan, Dr. Roland Phillips, Dr. Daniel Eldredge, Dr. John Pezzulo, Dr. Ben Frazier Taylor, R.N. Ardelle McGrane, R.N. Amy, Dr. Patrick Lynch, Dr. Christine Alexander-Decker, Dr. Seth Capello, Dr. Jeffrey Paul, life-long friend Kathy Peterson for Spiritual support, and Jack’s brother-in-law Dr. Brian Izzo who helped Jack thrive in so many ways before his passing five years ago.

Relatives and friends were invited to call on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Thursday, July 6, 2023 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. Saratoga Springs, NY. 

A scholarship fund will be set up in the coming week. Details will be available on the William J. Burke & Sons website. 

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com 

July 1 – July 7, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Springs Police Department

Kyle Branagan, 24, of Ballston Spa, was charged with DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to keep right on a two-lane road. 

John Thomas, 49, of Sand Lake, was charged with petit larceny. 

Karen Mott, 53, of Gloversville, was charged with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs and passing a red light.  

Daniel Perodeau, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal contempt, aggravated family offense, and unlawful imprisonment. 

Grant Worthington, 22, of Greenwich, was charged with burglary in the second-degree. 

Tammy Clark, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with petit larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property. 

Shane Curran, 52, of Milton, was charged with failure to pay service based on stealth. 

Ursula Mangir, 34, of Argyle, was charged with criminal contempt in the second-degree. 

Saratoga County Court

Tabitha R. Calise, 34, of Rexford, pleaded to felony DWI, charged July 2022 in Waterford. Sentencing Aug. 24. 

Jonah T. Figueras, 27, of Wilton, pleaded to felony vehicular assault, charged May 2022. Sentencing Oct. 20. 

John J. Nead, 64, of Malta, pleaded to endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person in the first-degree. Sentencing Aug. 25. 

John J. Wolcott, 52, of Waterford, plead to criminal contempt in the first-degree. Sentencing Aug. 24. 

Isaac R. Harris, 19, of Stillwater, pleaded to assault in the second-degree. Sentencing Aug. 24. 

Ashley R. Schober, 24, of Ballston Spa, pleaded to felony DWI, charged April 2023 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Sept. 14. 

Tamela L. Sangster, 60, of Gansevoort, was sentenced to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged Dec. 2022 in Northumberland. 

Cody J. Letourneau, 26, of Clifton Park, was sentenced June 27 to 1 to 3 years incarceration, after pleading to failure to register as a sex offender, charged December 2022 in Malta. 

Charles W. Semzock, 28, of Greenfield, was sentenced June 27 to 6-1/2 years incarceration and 12 years post-release supervision, after pleading to attempted criminal sexual act in the first-degree, charged February 2023 in Greenfield. 

Alexander G. Knapp, 32, of Altamont, was sentenced June 27 to 2 years’ probation, after pleading to DWI, charged June 2021 in Clifton Park.

Michael R. Andrews, 40, of Brooklyn, was sentenced June 29 to 15 years’ probation, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, charged Feb. 2022 in Wilton. 

Emonie S. Rosado, 29, of Newburgh, was sentenced June 29 to 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony identity theft, charged June 22 in Corinth. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

On June 25 the Sheriff’s Office received a call of a female who reported she had been sexually assaulted by a male she met on a dating app at a residence on Selfridge Road in the town of Moreau. Investigation into the complaint resulted in the arrest of 35-year-old Michael C. Pelletier of Moreau. Pelletier is accused of engaging in oral sexual conduct with the victim without her consent. He was charged with criminal sexual act in the third-degree, a felony, and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond, pending further proceedings in the matter.

On June 21, the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit charged Benjamin J. Sloan, 44, of Burnt Hills with two felony counts of grand larceny in the fourth-degree, in connection with a September 2022 larceny complaint from a business in Gansevoort. Sloan is accused of having used his assigned company credit card to make unauthorized purchases for his personal use. Sloan was released on appearance tickets and is due to appear in the Town of Wilton and Halfmoon Courts, at a later date. 

NY State Police

On June 27, at about 11:55 p.m., State Police of Saratoga stopped a vehicle in the area of Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The driver was identified as Jacob M. Dagirmanjian, 37, of Ballston. Dagirmanjian was arrested and charged with DWI and other Vehicle and Traffic Law violations. He was transported to SP Saratoga for processing, where he recorded a 0.22% BAC, according to police.  Dagirmanjian was issued tickets returnable to the Saratoga Springs City court July 17 and was released to a sober third party.

Assemblywoman Woerner Hosts Suicide Prevention Listening Session

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, gathered area thought leaders from schools, churches, higher education, hospitals, veterans’ organizations and non-profits as well as state and county offices last week during a two-hour listening session to share information about suicide prevention. 

“After learning that the rate of suicide in rural communities is rising significantly and knowing my district is primarily made up of rural communities, I decided to hold a meeting with local mental health experts to begin a dialogue around this growing problem,” Woerner said in a statement. “In order to gain a better understanding of any situation, I think it’s best to listen to a variety of perspectives. Suicide prevention is very complicated and multi-faceted. One big take away from this meeting- we need to meet again…at our next meeting, we’ll take the conversation to the next level.”

Statistics shared: 54% of firearm deaths are from suicide; Suicide is the third leading cause of death in ages 10-24; More females attempt suicide than males, but males use more lethal means. 

In Saratoga County, 3 out of 4 suicides are male and the male dominated industries, such as constructions, corrections, etc., many with access to guns, see a much higher rate of suicide. And rural communities have the highest rate of death per 100,000 people, according to statistics shared by Woerner.

Brooks BBQ Fundraiser at Saratoga Senior Center July 11

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, July 11, the Saratoga Senior Center will be hosting a Brooks BBQ fundraiser from 3:30 to 6 p.m. The BBQ will be at the Center at 5 Williams St. in Saratoga Springs.

Patrons may order Rib and Chicken Dinners in advance and pick them up at the Center on July 11 at a drive-through in the front of the building. Pre-ordering is the best option, as day-of event ordering will be very limited. The dinners are $15 for Chicken and $20 for Ribs. Each dinner comes with a baked potato, cole slaw and a dinner roll. Purchase dinners by calling 518-584-1621.

NOTE: The Senior Center will deliver orders of 15 or more to a home or business. Just let them know you would like delivery when pre-ordering.

Brooks’ House of Bar-B-Q based in Oneonta, NY is an award-winning, world-famous BBQ. 

The Saratoga Senior Center is a non-profit, non-residential community center located in downtown Saratoga Springs, open to adults aged 50 and up to participate in programs, trips & social activities tailored to adults and seniors. 

A Saratoga Battlefield Tour & BBQ For Veterans

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA COUNTY — The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency hosts a Saratoga Battlefield Tour & BBQ event for veterans on Saturday, July 22. This event aims to honor and support local veterans while providing them with a day of camaraderie and entertainment.

The Saratoga Battlefield Bus Tour will kick off the day’s activities from 10 a.m. to noon. Participants will embark on a guided tour of the historic Saratoga Battlefield, a renowned site that witnessed crucial battles during the American Revolutionary War. Veterans and their families will have the opportunity to explore the grounds where the nation’s history was shaped.

Following the battlefield tour, the festivities will continue at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, where the BBQ event will take place from 1 – 4 p.m. Once the event is over, Veterans and their families will be bussed back to original parking location to retrieve their vehicles and head home.

For more information or to RSVP for the Saratoga Battlefield Tour & BBQ event, click veteranspeertopeer.org/events/ for the link to sign up. RSVP deadline is July 14. 

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Inaugural Fundraising Gala

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA — Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, a leading organization dedicated to supporting retired racehorses through retraining for therapeutic programs, will host its inaugural fundraising gala 7- 11 p.m. on Saturday, July 15 at Sugar Plum Farm, 96 Gilbert Road. 

The Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Fundraising Gala aims to raise essential funds to further their mission of providing retired racehorses with second chances. These magnificent animals, once highly competitive on the racetrack, are now given the opportunity to shine in therapeutic programs that benefit individuals with cognitive and emotional challenges.

The event will be hosted by philanthropists Robin and Tony Malatino. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception followed by a gourmet dinner and open bar, live entertainment and casino games.

Funds raised during the evening will directly support Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga’s vital initiatives, including the retraining and care of retired racehorses, as well as the expansion of therapeutic programs across the region. 

For more information about Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga and the inaugural fundraising gala, visit thsaratoga.org/events/.