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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Presents the 2026 Historic Homes Tour

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Chair Julie Furey, will welcome spring with the 2026 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 9. This highly anticipated annual event held between 10AM and 4PM offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes and buildings. This year the tour will be of the East Side of Saratoga Springs. 

Private residences on Circular Street, Lincoln Avenue, Spring Street, and Caroline Street, among others, will be featured.

“I’m excited to return to the East Side of Saratoga Springs!” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation. “This year’s tour will feature a grand Italianate that was our Rehabilitation in Progress in 2022 that was lovingly restored, an early Greek Revival residence on Caroline Street, two buildings that have been adaptively reused into beautiful living spaces, and much more. The tour shows the varied architecture and history of our beautiful community that is worthy of preservation. I’m grateful each year for the owners who generously open their spaces to benefit our mission.” 

 For the sixth year, Green River Pictures, LLC will produce the virtual tour. The virtual tour will highlight three houses included on the in-person tour, sharing even more research on the residences and their residents than can be provided in the event program.

 In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs at the Saratoga Joinery at 69 Caroline Street on Saturday, May 9. The 9AM Breakfast & Buildings program is “An Early History of Women’s Education in Saratoga Springs.” Enjoy breakfast as City Historian Matthew Veitch shares the story of the Temple Grove Seminary and the Young Women’s Industrial Club, today, Skidmore College. Centered around Spring Street, Union Avenue, and Circular Street, this program will explore the establishment of the educational programs and facilities, and their evolution into a women’s college.

 At 12PM, Carol Godette will present the Lunch & Learn program, “On This Spot: 69 Caroline Street.” Over lunch, Carol will cover the many incarnations of this 1880s brick duplex. From apartment building to French restaurant to museum, the space is now operating as the Saratoga Joinery.

 The Historic Homes Tour is the Foundation’s largest annual fundraiser of the year and underwrites the Foundation’s mission to promote the preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs through educational programs, advocacy efforts, technical assistance, and restoration projects.

Historic Homes Tour tickets purchased in advance for the in-person and virtual tours are $40 for SSPF members and $50 for non-members. Tickets purchased on the day of the event are $55. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $35 each and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these programs, and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 6. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org to become a member to receive event ticket discounts and support preserving Saratoga Springs.

 The annual Porch Party, scheduled for Thursday, June 11, celebrates a successful tour and welcomes the summer season in Saratoga Springs. The Foundation looks forward to gathering at the 1872 Mary R. Shepherd House at 42 Circular Street, while enjoying live music from Rich Ortiz, delicious food from The Adelphi Hotel, and beverages from DeCrescente Distributing Company. Due to the overwhelming support from the Honorary Committee and Corporate Sponsors, the Porch Party is currently sold out.

For more information, to purchase tickets, or to join to receive discounted prices, please call (518) 587-5030 or visit www.saratogapreservation.org. For updates, please visit the Foundation’s social media.

Corinth man arrested for Threatening to throw a Knife at Deputies.

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

A Corinth man has been arrested after he allegedly threatened to throw a kitchen knife at Saratoga County Sheriff’s Deputies back in February. 

Roy Cheyenne, 49 was arrested April 7, 2026, on charges of felony menacing a police officer, felony 3rd degree criminal possession of a weapon, felony first degree unlawful imprisonment and misdemeanor 4th degree criminal possession of a weapon. 

According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office, Cheyenne allegedly threatened deputies with kitchen knives and acted as if he was going to throw them at the officers. In addition, Cheyenne is accused of unlawfully restraining someone by not providing them with a key to open a padlock while he was armed with the knives. 

The incident occurred Feb. 24 on Main Street in the Village of Corinth. Cheyenne was arraigned in the Corinth Town Court and remanded into custody pending proceedings. 

State Police Arrest Moreau Man Following Stabbing Investigation

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

On March 29, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Clinton J. Breault, 55, of Moreau, NY, for:

o Assault, 2nd, a class “D” felony

o Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, a class “D” felony

o Criminal Possession of a Weapon 4th, a class “A” misdemeanor

On March 29, 2026, at about 2:51 p.m., troopers responded to a residence on Bluebird Road in Moreau for the report of an individual suffering from a stab wound. The investigation determined that during a dispute Breault allegedly stabbed the victim, who was known to him, in the hand. The injury was determined to be non-life-threatening, and the victim was transported to Glens Falls Hospital for treatment.

Breault was arrested and transported to SP Wilton for processing. He was then arraigned at the Moreau Town Court, where he was released on his own recognizance.

State Police Arrest Two Following Moreau Stabbing Investigation

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

On April 6, 2026, State Police of Wilton arrested Tiffany L. Cary, 39, of Queensbury and Stanley L. Whitted,63, of Lake George, each for Assault 2nd, a class “D” felony. 

 On March 6, 2026, at approximately 2:48 p.m., State Police responded to the report of an individual with a stab wound at a residence on Bluebird Road in Moreau. On arrival, a man was located with stab wounds to the chest and facial area and was transported by EMS to Albany Medical Center for evaluation and treatment. 

The investigation determined the stabbing occurred at the boat launch parking lot located on Nolan Road in Moreau, and the injured individual fled the location to the residence on Bluebird. Further investigation determined that Cary and Whitted met with the injured individual at Nolan Road when a physical altercation occurred, during which the individual was stabbed and struck by a vehicle. All individuals involved in this incident were known to each other. 

 Cary and Whitted were located at a residence on Cherry Street in Hudson Falls, NY a short time later, taken into custody, and transported to SP Wilton. Cary and Whitted were then arraigned at the Moreau Town Court, where Whitted was remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility without bail. Cary was also remanded to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $1,000 cash, $2,000 bond, or a $10,000 partially secured bond. 

 The injured individual was treated and was released from the hospital. The investigation is ongoing.

NYRA Announces Opening Date for Oklahoma Track & Whitney Viewing Stand

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced Tuesday that the Saratoga Race Course’s Oklahoma barn area will open to licensed trainers and staff beginning Wednesday, April 15, with training on the Oklahoma track scheduled to begin Monday, April 20.

Beginning April 20 and continuing until the start of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on June 3, the Whitney Viewing Stand will be open to fans Wednesday through Sunday, 7 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Pedestrians may access the viewing stand by entering the Oklahoma track through Gate 21 off East Avenue. Vehicular traffic is not allowed.

In advance of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, the main track at the Spa is scheduled to open May 11, with timed workouts permitted beginning May 15.

Meet Rosie!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Rosie was found wandering around a neighborhood with her 12 week old kitten close behind. Concerned neighbors were able to determine that they were not feral and brought them inside and out of the cold March weather. The kitten was able to find a loving home and mom came to us where she was promptly brought to the veterinarian’s office and received her rabies and first distemper vaccination. She is extremely sweet and absolutely gorgeous and was able to spend some time in a foster home. She is back at the center and loves chatting with us and getting as many pets as possible. She will be spayed, microchipped and reassessed by the veterinarian soon and will be available for adoption once she is fully healed.

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 or by appointment. Online adoption applications can be at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org. For any questions give us a call at 518-450-7013.

New York State Police Announce “Put the Phone Away or Pay” Distracted Driving Enforcement Campaign

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The New York State Police will participate in a national distracted driving enforcement campaign as part of April’s National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. The enforcement effort, known as “Put the Phone Away or Pay,” will run from Monday, April 6, 2026, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

During this campaign, Troopers will conduct targeted enforcement details focused on drivers using electronic devices while operating a motor vehicle.

Troopers will utilize both marked State Police vehicles and Concealed Identity Traffic Enforcement (CITE) vehicles. These specialized vehicles allow Troopers to better observe violations from an elevated vantage point. While CITE vehicles blend into everyday traffic, they are clearly identifiable as emergency vehicles when emergency lighting is activated.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), over 3,200 people were killed in distraction-affected crashes in the United States in 2024.

During the April 2025 “Put the Phone Away or Pay” campaign, New York State Troopers issued 22,867 tickets, including 4,607 for distracted driving violations.

To help prevent crashes and save lives, NHTSA recommends the following safety tips for motorists:

• If you must send or receive a text, pull over to a safe location and park your vehicle first

• If you have passengers, appoint a “designated texter” to handle communications

• If you are prone to distraction, keep your phone out of reach

New York State law includes the following penalties for distracted driving:

• First offense: fine ranging from $50 to $200

• Second offense within 18 months: fine up to $250

• Third or subsequent offense within 18 months: fine up to $450

• Probationary and junior drivers face a 120-day license suspension for a first offense, and a one-year revocation if a second offense is committed within six months

Distracted driving remains a leading cause of preventable crashes on New York’s roadways. The New York State Police urge all motorists to remain focused behind the wheel and make responsible decisions to protect themselves and others.

Sybil Newell Named Citizen of the Year by Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs, News.

The Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health will honor Sybil Newell, Chief Executive Officer of RISE Housing and Support Services, as its 2026 Citizen of the Year at the Annual Mental Health Matters Benefit on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge.

Newell is being recognized for her decades-long commitment to strengthening mental health services and expanding access to supportive housing across Saratoga County. A respected leader in the human services field, she has dedicated her career to supporting individuals facing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use challenges.

Since stepping into executive leadership at RISE in 2016, Newell has guided the organization through significant growth, expanding programs, deepening community partnerships, and advancing innovative housing solutions that serve hundreds of individuals each year. Her work reflects a strong belief in client-centered care and the critical role stable housing plays in long-term recovery.

Newell began her career providing direct mental health support and has held roles across frontline services and state government before returning to lead RISE. She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Skidmore College and a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Sage Graduate School.

“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health,” said Newell. “This work has always been about the people we serve and the belief that everyone deserves stability, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild. I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to come together to support mental health and housing solutions.”

The Annual Mental Health Matters Benefit brings together community members, advocates, and service providers to raise awareness and support for local mental health initiatives.

For more information or to register for the event, visit:

2026 Mental Health Matters Benefit

For more information about RISE Housing & Support Services, visit https://www.riseservices.org/

Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Cassidy

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Elizabeth Ann “Betty” Cassidy of Woodlawn Commons, Saratoga Springs, NY, passed away on April 4, 2026. Betty was born in Ogdensburg, NY on April 18, 1933, the daughter of Howard and Mary Patterson. She earned a B.S. in Speech/English at Ithaca College and a master’s in education from SUNY Albany. She was an English teacher at SUNY Adirondack for more than 20 years and was known for her wisdom, warmth and dedication.

In retirement, Betty became a professional storyteller, performing at schools, community groups, and local theaters, and offering storytelling and memoir-writing workshops at senior centers and libraries.

She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Mark Cassidy; four children: Steve (Prudence) of Viroqua, WI; Sue of Sunderland, MA; Jeff (Ginny) of Chalfont, PA; and Lynn (Remo) of Saratoga Springs, NY; nine grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and her brother Tom Patterson of Ogdensburg, NY.

Betty often said, “Everyone has a story waiting to be told”. In her honor, we are all encouraged to share our stories freely and listen closely to the stories of others.

A memorial service in her honor will take place at the Tunison Funeral Home at 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, April 18 (Betty’s 93rd birthday) from 2-4 pm.

Online remembrances can be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

Helen Elizabeth (Janes) Patti

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

June 12, 1932 – March 2, 2026

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Helen (Janes) Patti, age 93, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on March 2, 2026, in Saratoga Springs, NY. Though dementia touched her later years, her warmth, gratitude, and gentle spirit never faded.

Born June 12, 1932, in Woburn Sands, England, she was the daughter of David and Muriel (Gilby) Janes. She graduated from Totley Hall Training College of Housecraft and taught in England before continuing her career in Montreal and Vancouver, where she also studied computer programming.

While visiting Lake George, Helen met her husband, Jerry Patti, and they married in 1968. Helen worked in the Registrar’s office at Skidmore College for almost 30 years and earned her bachelor’s degree there in 1977.

Forever the athlete, she continued hiking, biking, dancing, skiing, sailing, kayaking, tennis, and brisk daily walks. Helen was also a magician: “Magic Patti,” delighting audiences with humor and charm and teaching the art of magic to children for decades. She was devoted to English Country Dance and continued dancing into her 90s.

In her final years, Helen was cared for by a devoted group known as “Team Helen.” She was predeceased by her husband, parents, and brothers, and is remembered by dear friends and family.

A Celebration of Life will be held Sunday, April 19 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at Burke’s Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Helen’s magician family will honor her with a traditional “Broken Wand Ceremony” beginning at 1:00 p.m.

Helen’s wishes were to be cremated, with a portion of her ashes scattered among the islands of Lake George, reuniting her with husband, while the remainder will be interred with her parents in England.

Please read the full obituary: www.burkefuneralhome.com.

All people die, but not all people live. Helen lived!