Author: Saratoga TODAY

The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) proudly announced the launch of Healing Haven for Military Spouses, a first-of-its-kind statewide peer-to-peer initiative designed specifically to support the spouses of Service Members and all who served. 

Healing Haven provides a confidential, accessible, and supportive environment for Military Spouses to gather, learn, share, and strengthen their personal well-being.

The DVS program began its rollout on December 1, 2025, with a successful first session, reflecting the deep need for a safe community space geared toward Military Spouses who shoulder unique emotional and psychological burdens. 

Many experience high levels of stress, transition pressures, and caregiving responsibilities, yet often lack a dedicated setting where they can connect with others who understand their experiences. Healing Haven is designed to fill that gap.

Healing Haven is offered free of charge, supported in part through Suicide Prevention funding secured in the 2025–26 New York State Budget.

Sessions are led by Brett Cotter, a nationally respected stress-relief expert, author, and founder of the Stress Is Gone method. Mr. Cotter will facilitate two virtual sessions each month, combining evidence-based stress-reduction strategies with supportive, community-building discussion. Participation is confidential and open to Military Spouses from every region of the state.

Mr. Cotter is the author of The Stress Is Gone Method, The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook, and 3 Keys to Managing PTSD, and has worked with Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, military bases, and retreat centers like Omega and Kripalu. 

As trauma expert for Meditation University, he certifies professionals and trains Vet-to-Vet Peer Specialists. His compassionate, humor-filled approach combines Eastern and Western philosophies, making him a captivating and highly sought after speaker.

To maintain regular access for Military Spouses and ensure continuity of care, Healing Haven follows a clear, dependable monthly rhythm:

• First Monday of each month: Guided Stress Is Gone session focusing on stress relief and practical emotional wellness strategies; and

• Third Monday of each month: Peer-to-peer gathering centered on connection, shared experiences, and community-building. 

The routinized structure and frequent cadence of Healing Haven sessions allows Military Spouses to participate at whatever pace best supports their needs, while also creating a recognizable statewide cadence for ongoing engagement. 

Because the program operates virtually, participation is open to Military Spouses from every county, including those who may face obstacles to in-person meetings such as work schedules, childcare demands, or transportation limitations.

Military Spouses may join at any time, regardless of whether they attended the kickoff session. Information and registration for upcoming Healing Haven sessions are available at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2F2lsRRhSKKGREwofkz7RQ#/registration. 

On December 6, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Norman Gifford, 61 of Mechanicville, NY for Menacing 2nd, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, and vehicle and traffic law violations.

On December 6, 2025, at about 11:06 p.m. troopers responded to the report of an altercation involving a weapon at a home in Halfmoon. The investigation determined Gifford was in a verbal altercation with the victim when he reportedly brandished a kitchen knife and threatened the victim with it.

Gifford fled in a vehicle after the altercation and was located by troopers in the area of Cemetery Road in Halfmoon where he was stopped and arrested. He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing where he was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Halfmoon Town Court on January 14, 2026, and released. 

The Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that speed limit signage throughout the City of Saratoga Springs has been fully updated to reflect a new citywide speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

The change is intended to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and follows a comprehensive traffic safety review.

The review found that lower vehicle speeds significantly reduce the severity of crashes and greatly increase survival rates for pedestrians. Research shows that a person struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is far more likely to survive than at higher speeds.

 “This change moves us toward a safer, more walkable community and reflects our commitment to protecting all residents, especially children, seniors, and those who walk or bike,” Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said.

Full enforcement of the 25-mph speed limit will begin in January 2026.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active domestic incident call Sunday at 12:37 p.m. on Reynolds Road in the town of Moreau. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest of Mark N. Sabo, 60, and Tamera H. Sillero, 59, both of Moreau, N.Y. 

Sabo was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony), two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies), four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies), criminal possession of a firearm (class E felony), menacing in the 2nd degree and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanors). 

He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Sabo is also charged with possessing a firearm having previously been convicted of a crime, possessing armor piercing ammunition with intent to use it unlawfully against another and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices. He allegedly pointed a so-called ghost gun at the victim and threatened to shoot them during the incident and intentionally caused physical injury to them by striking them to their face with a closed fist. 

Sillero was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony) and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). 

She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Both were arraigned before the Honorable Jeffrey B. McCabe in the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings.