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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Phillip Alexander Frolish

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Phillip Alexander Frolish, a life-long resident of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully on April 30, 2023, at the age of 22 with his parents by his side. 

Phillip is survived by his parents, Alex and Tina Frolish of Saratoga Springs; his brother Peter (PJ) Frolish II; his paternal grandmother, Laura Frolish of Saratoga Springs; his maternal grandparents, Paul Singer and Jan Taylor of Herkimer; his uncle, Nicholas Frolish and aunt Jennifer Frolish of Saratoga Springs; his uncle Peter Frolish and aunt Amy Frolish of Schulyerville; his close cousins Sebastian (Ash), Christian (Chiho), Noah (Gabriella), and Samuel Frolish, along with several extended family and friends. He is predeceased by his paternal grandfather; Peter Frolish, and his great-grandmother Marion Taylor.

Phillip was born in Glens Falls on February 9, 2001. He was a 2019 graduate from Saratoga Springs, a former Double H camper, and a past recipient of the South High Marathon. 

Phillip was funny and caring and really knew how to tell a good joke. His dry sense of humor was one of his most distinctive attributes and was known to do a stand-up act during many Double H talent shows. He not only enjoyed spending summers at Double H, but he enjoyed skiing there during the winter months. For a short period, he was the host of his own YouTube channel, The Goofy Wheelchair Guru, where he would try gadgets and taste test new foods with his family. He was a well-known fan of all sports, especially football and baseball. During his time at Saratoga Springs high school, he could be found, alongside his brother, cheering on the Blue Streaks at football, basketball, and baseball games. He loved to travel and visit new places, especially Boston and Disney World. He had a love for the Boston Red Sox, Saratoga polo, and food. For anyone who knew Phillip, when he entered a room, his presence was always known; there was never anything quiet about his entrances. He always wanted everyone to know he was there. He also had a big heart and would always show concern for others, especially when he saw someone sad, he would try and make them feel better. He will be deeply missed by his friends, family, and all who knew him.

At the request of the family there will not be any services. There will be a celebration of life at the convenience of the family. Donations may be made in Phillip’s name to Double H Ranch or the South High Marathon. 

The family would like to thank the Saratoga County Sheriff’s, Community EMS, Rock City Falls FD, and Saratoga ER for all of their help and efforts. The family would also like to thank Community Care Pediatrics for their years of care, especially Dr. Cirenza. 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Mary Anne (Harrison) Styczynski 

WILTON — Mary Anne (Harrison) Styczynski died April 28. A funeral service was held on May 3 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours were held prior to the service. A graveside service was held the following day, May 4 at Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Mary E. June

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Mary E. June, 94, went to be with the Lord May 6, 2023. Calling hours were 5/11/23 at Burke Funeral Home. Funeral Service is 11 a.m., Friday, 5/12 at Calvary’s Family Life Center, Glens Falls. Burial following at Greenridge Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Laura Mae Macmillan 

BALLSTON SPA — Laura Mae Macmillan (Garant) passed away at home on Thursday, April 27, 2023. A memorial service honoring Laura’s life will take place at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 19, 2023 at the Saratoga State Park, Ferndell Pavilion. Burial is private. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

John T. Jensen 

BALLSTON SPA — John T. Jensen, 62, passed away on Sunday, April 2, 2023. He was born in Schenectady, NY on November 25, 1960 to Troels and Marjorie Jensen.

John was a graduate of Middlebury College, majoring in Art and Philosophy. He earned an MFA from the Weitzman School of Design at the University of Pennsylvania.

He was aware of the beauty of the natural world from a very early age. His first words as a baby were “Pretty sky!” He grew up to be an artist specializing in landscape painting. He also employed his art in landscaping, mainly in Philadelphia.

He enjoyed meeting people around Alaska, where he did archaeological work in many remote villages. John was working in a village that started to flood rather quickly. By the time he got to the airstrip it was taking on water. The pilot of the last plane to leave offered a choice. “I can take your gear or you, pick now.” The plane blew a tire upon landing in Fairbanks and slid off the runway. John was a little rattled and not very reassured when he was given a T-shirt as compensation for the lost gear and the exciting landing.

He was predeceased by his parents Troels and Marjorie Jensen. John is survived by his siblings Anne Jensen (Glenn Sheehan), Peter Jensen, and David Jensen, and his niece Justine Sheehan.

At John’s request there will be no services. Memorial contributions in memory of John may be made to Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. www.saratoga-arts.org

Online remembrances may be made at armerfuneralhome.com

Harry Shinebarger

BALLSTON SPA — Harry Shinebarger, 85, passed peacefully on Tuesday May 2, 2023. Calling hours: 10-11:45 a.m., Monday, 5/15, Burke Funeral Home followed by Mass: 12:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Ballston Spa and burial with military honors: 2 p.m. at Saratoga National. Cemetery. Memorial donations, information and online remembrances at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Dolores Milano 

STILLWATER — Dolores Milano passed away on May 1. Calling hours will be held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, May 18, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs. A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. at Memory Gardens Cemetery. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Gail Flanders  

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Gail Flanders died May 1. A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 9 at Compassionate Funeral Care. Calling hours were held prior to the service followed by a graveside service at Greenridge Cemetery. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com 

History Center to Open New Exhibit that Celebrates Saratoga

Image provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The trustees and staff of the Saratoga County History Center invite residents and tourists alike to celebrate the storied history of their beloved Saratoga County in a new exhibit at Brookside Museum: “Saratoga County: Our Home!”

“Saratoga County: Our Home!,” which opens May 20, 2023, takes guests on an immersive, artifact-rich journey spanning four centuries of Saratoga life, business, and nature. The exhibit fills three large rooms in the historic Brookside Museum, itself a cherished relic of local history from the early years of Saratoga resort life. From the First Nations who lived here before European settlement to the new tech-centered economy, “Saratoga County: Our Home!” offers guests a rich time-travel experience that will instill awe and respect for the county’s evolution.

The exhibit features scores of priceless artifacts from Brookside Museum’s vast collections, including a Bible printed in Amsterdam in 1718, an 1804 tin chandelier from the present Medbery Inn, a windowpane etched by Washington Irving during his Ballston visit, a section of the 1832 railroad track from Schenectady to Saratoga, and a roulette wheel seized in a 1950 police raid. The most recent object is a “wafer,” a Global Foundries disk holding microchips. Over a hundred historic photographs place the objects in context, along with interpretive text that discusses thirteen geographic, economic, and social forces that created the county we know today.

“Saratoga County: Our Home!” is the first comprehensive exhibit to tackle the broad sweep of county history in the 58 years of the museum’s existence. It was made possible with funding from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. Additional support was provided by The Adirondack Trust Company, Munter Enterprises, and Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family.

Reopening after winter closure, Brookside Museum is nearing completion of major restoration and stabilization funded by its members and friends.

The exhibit, which will be ongoing, may be visited during the museum’s open hours, daily except Monday, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. Brookside Museum is located at 21 Fairground Avenue, Ballston Spa, four blocks from NY Route 50 at the west end of Front Street. Admission is free. For information telephone 518-885-4000 or visit brooksidemuseum.org.

The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. In addition to Brookside Museum, the History Center offers a variety of innovative, exciting, and educational programming online. Please visit the website (www.brooksidemuseum.org) and social media accounts (@SaratogaCoHistory) for news and announcements. 

Sustainable Saratoga Volunteers Shine In The Rain 


Tree planters hard at work. Photo: Buck de Wolf.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Even the rain couldn’t keep more than 160 Tree Toga volunteers from gathering at Pitney Meadows Community Farm on Saturday, April 29. 

The morning started out with an enthusiastic crowd getting a lesson on how to properly plant a bare root tree, and of course singing the traditional Planting Song. Planting teams then dispersed to their assigned locations throughout Saratoga Springs to plant trees.

This year’s event added 38 trees to the city’s urban forest, in front of homes and along public streets. Teams of volunteers will serve as caregivers for the young trees, watering them every week throughout the critical first seasons to ensure they have the best possible start in life. 

Sustainable Saratoga is a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable practices and the protection of natural resources, through education, advocacy and action, for the benefit of current and future generations in the Saratoga Springs area. 

To volunteer, sign up at sustainablesaratoga.org/tree-toga.