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Author: Saratoga TODAY

April 29 – May 5, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga Springs Police Dept

Jessica Lucas, 41, of Ballston Spa, was charged April 16 with DWI and driving in the wrong direction. 

Shawn Smith, 49, of Gloversville, was charged April 15 with DWI, and unsafe backing of vehicle. 

Brad Coles, 43, of Albany, was charged April 14 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Graham Bodwell, 63, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 14 with DWAI, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Kevin Kelly, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 13 with criminal trespass. 

Randy Jones, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 13 with criminal mischief. 

Anthony Mack, 45, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 12 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Kelsi Harrington, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 12 with petit larceny. 

Carlos Teran, 52, of Windermere, Florida, was charged April 12 with DWI, making an illegal signal, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Edward Purvee, 56, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 12 with aggravated family offense, and criminal contempt. 

Zachary Rose, 18 of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 11 with two counts criminal mischief. 

Joshua Usher, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 11 with aggravated family offense, and criminal contempt. 

Evan Evans, 18, of Wilton, was charged April 11 with aggravated harassment. 

Paul Sims, 31, of Schenectady, was charged April 11 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and equipment violation. 

Scott Morelli, 52, of Troy, was charged April 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and operating a motor vehicle without stop lamps.   

Saratoga County Court

Brett F. Dittmar, 27, of Rensselaer, was sentenced April 25 to 1.5 years’ incarceration and 10-years post-release supervision on a felony charge of attempted criminal sex act in the second-degree, and 1.5 years’ incarceration and 10 years post-release supervision on a felony charged of patronizing a person for prostitution, charged April 2021 in Clifton Park. Sentences to run concurrently.  

Allen L. Titus, 32, of Mechanicville, was sentenced to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to criminal contempt. 

Timothy P. Murdick, 31, of West Sand Lake, pleaded April 21 to felony DWI, charged November 2022 in Clifton Park. Sentencing June 23. 

Tamela L. Sangster, 60, of Gansevoort, pleaded April 21 to felony DWI, charged December 2022 in Northumberland. Sentencing June 23. 

Nathan J. Massengale, 22, of Clifton Park, was sentenced April 21 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony aggravated criminal contempt. 

Daniel R. Eddy, 34, of Troy, was sentenced April 21 to 5 days local incarceration and 5 years’ probation, after pleading to felony DWI, charged August 2022 in Waterford. 

Sara M. Seymour, 41, of Lake George, pleaded April 21 to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, charged December 2022 in Wilton. Sentencing May 19.  

Leroy F. Buttles, 48, of Gansevoort, was sentenced April 17 to 1-1/3 to 4 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, first charged November 2020-February 2021 in Wilton.

Allison L. Bechtold, 47, of Albany, was sentenced April 11 to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to felony DWI, charged October 2022 in Clifton Park. 

Dean E. Harrington, 54, of Corinth, pleaded to attempted strangulation, and criminal mischief. Sentencing June 15. 

Ryan A. Melchionda, 31, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded to misdemeanor DWI, and attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Sentencing May 31. 

Virgilio D. Smith, 27, of Schenectady, pleaded to felony assault, first charged May 2022 in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing June 15. 

Nathan A. Lynn, 29, of Middle Grove, pleaded to felony DWI, first charged in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing June 16. 

Nicholas C. Hendricks, 29, of Brooklyn, pleaded to criminal possession of a forged instrument, first charged October 2022 in Wilton. Sentencing June 29. 

Charles W. Semzock, 37, of Greenfield, pleaded to attempted criminal sexual act in the first-degree. Sentencing June 22. 

NY State Police

On April 22, State Police of Saratoga arrested Kile W. West, 28, of Greenfield, on the charges of criminal possession of a weapon in the third-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, menacing in the second-degree, and four counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree.   

On April 26, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Peter D. Duffy, 56, of Galway, on the charge of grand larceny in the third degree, a felony, in connection with the alleged theft of a U-Haul vehicle.

Patricia A. DeMento

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

REXFORD — Patricia (Pat) A. DeMento of Coburg Village, Rexford, NY (and formerly of Saratoga Springs) was peacefully called to the Lord on April 26, 2023, surrounded by her adoring family.

 Born in Albany, NY on December 11, 1941, to Florence & Raul Bastiani, Pat was lovingly raised by her paternal grandparents Evangeline and Bruno Bastiani. She was pre-deceased by her dear Aunt Virginia Bastiani.

Pat is survived by her three children, Kirsten (James Holmes) DeMento, Michele (Timothy) Haynam, and Michael (Amanda) DeMento; and five grandchildren, Tabor, Hunter, Michael III, Jake, and John. Collectively, they will miss her unconditional love, laughter, courage, and encouragement. Pat will be greatly missed by Sharon Fischer (Mike DeSorbo), Patrick Fischer, Tiffany (Robert) Krawiecki, and great-grandchildren Reese and Harper Krawiecki. She is pre-deceased by Roger Fischer. 

Pat graduated from Cardinal McCloskey Memorial High School of Albany, and from St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Troy, becoming an RN. She later earned her B.S. degree in Health & Community Service from the State University of New York. 

While raising her three children, Pat successfully maintained a full-time career initially as an RN and nurse educator (sixteen years), and then led a remarkable 40-year career in Interior Design. She began at Mayfair Home Furnishings, then Stickley Audi & Company. Pat then established Moose Creek Ltd., with her business partner and friend Stephen Momrow. Together they designed award-winning interiors for over 17 years. She also served on the board of the Interior Design Society and as a steward for Great Camp Sagamore (Raquette Lake).

In the 1990s, Pat began ballroom dancing, which is where she met and fell in love with her best friend, devoted companion, and soulmate, Robert (Bob) Fisher. She and Bob spent 24 years combining their love of dance and travel. Pat and Bob were able to visit Australia, Croatia, Columbia, Denmark, Estonia, Fiji, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Russia, and the many islands of the Caribbean. Bob was her unfailing primary caregiver during her illness, for which she was blessed. Together they served on the board of the United States American Ballroom Dance Association (Capital District Chapter) and The Cotillion (a ballroom dinner dance club).

Pat was devoted to her Catholic faith, using prayer to fortify her strength. She believed in helping others and was a volunteer for the Homeless Action Committee in Albany, where she also served on the board (now Joseph’s House and Shelter).

Pat will be remembered for her kindness, a heart full of love, humor, thoughtfulness, strength, compassion, wisdom, and storytelling. She possessed innovative design skills that created beauty in many homes. Her friends and family will smile when reminiscing about her ability to sing little silly ditties on the spur of the moment, her signature call of “wooohooo” to greet others and her overall generosity.

Pat and her family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Women’s Cancer Center of Albany, especially Dr. Patrick Timmons and Saratoga Hospice who went above and beyond to comfort her.

The funeral Mass was held on Monday, May 1 at St. Edward the Confessor, 569 Clifton Park Center Road, Clifton Park, NY. Public interment was at Calvary Cemetery, 481 Route 9W, Glenmont, NY, 12077. Those who wish to remember Pat in a special way may do so by donating to Joseph’s House and Shelter, 74 Ferry Street, Troy, NY, 12180. To leave a special message for the family online visit NewComerAlbany.com

William (Bill) Carhart

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — William (Bill) Carhart, died April 28.  Calling hours are 2 – 4 p.m. May 7 at Compassionate Funeral Care. A funeral service will be 11 a.m., May 8 at Compassionate Funeral Care followed by a graveside service at 12:30 p.m. in Gerald B.H. Solomon National Cemetery.  For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Ralph P. Dodd

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — DODD, Ralph P., age 91, of Saratoga Springs and Belmar, NJ (formerly of Hackensack) died April 26, 2023.

Ralph was born and raised in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Answering the call for his country, he interrupted his studies at Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA., to enlist in the Marine Corp. during the Korean War. He was quietly very proud of his combat service in Korea. In 1951, he married the love of his life, Barbara (Strauss). He was discharged in 1954, where they took up residence in Hackensack, NJ. He completed his education at night on the GI bill at Seton Hall University obtaining a BS in Business Administration and earning his MBA in Finance at Fairleigh Dickinson University. During the days he was co-founder of International Controls Corp. (ICC), originally designers and manufacturers of valves and pressure switches. By 1972, ICC had grown to more than 7,200 employees, 17 operating divisions, and its stock traded on the American Stock Exchange. He resigned from the company in 1973 and purchased a seat and retail firm on the NY Stock Exchange. Although successful, he yearned for “getting his hands dirty and making something,” as he would say. In 1979, he left the financial world to purchase Cartridge Actuated Devices (CAD), a designer and manufacturer of electro-mechanical devices containing explosives for both power and speed. The products he manufactured became mainstays for the US Military on missiles, rockets, ships, aircraft and torpedoes.

Twenty years later, having grown CAD six-fold, he sold his company to a major US firm based in Missouri. He remained President of the company until moving with his wife to Saratoga Springs in 2008. He remained very active as CAD’s Chairman of the Board of Directors until finally retiring in 2017 at the age of 86. Concurrently, he was President and co-owner of Encasa International, a precious metal recoverer based in Costa Rica and active throughout Central America. He was an inventor, having a patent on an explosive bolt used in military and commercial applications. Ralph was a proud and popular member of the NJ Football Officials Association officiating two games every season weekend of his 10-year membership, and often lectured on his specialty position, Head Linesman. He had been a member of the Englewood, Rockaway and Hackensack Golf Clubs. He was head usher at Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack for many years. He is pre-deceased by his wife of 65 years, Barbara (2017) and his daughter, Diane (2013). He is survived by his sons, Robert (Bobby) and wife, Terri, of Bradley Beach, NJ; and Dr. Gregory and wife, Vicki of Saratoga Springs; five Grandchildren; Melissa, Emily and husband Mark, Erika, Zach and fiancé Michele and Kelsey. Great-Grandchildren Ceara, Josephine, Vincent and one more on the way in May.

Semper Fi.

Relatives and Friends gathered to remember him on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs, and on May 1, 2023 at the G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Home, 397 Union St., Hackensack, NJ. A Funeral Home Service will be conducted at the Gentile Funeral Home followed by burial in George Washington Memorial Cemetery. A Repass will follow for all callers.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Claire M. Styczynski

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Claire M. Styczynski, died May 1st. Calling hours are 5 – 7 p.m. May 5 at Compassionate Funeral Care, Saratoga Springs, NY. A graveside service will be at 10:15 a.m., on May 6 Memory Gardens Cemetery, 983 Watervliet Shaker Rd, Albany, NY 12205. For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation 2023 Historic Homes Tour May 13

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

153 Circular St. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation homes tour takes place May 13. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation, along with Honorary Co-Chairs Zane and Brady Carruth, will welcome spring with the 2023 Historic Homes Tour on Saturday, May 13. 

The event will be held 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and offers the rare opportunity to see the interiors of private historic homes of the East Side neighborhood of Saratoga Springs.

Three private residences on Circular Street will be featured as well as a condominium in the Stone Abbey, 125 Circular Street, and Circular Manor Bed & Breakfast at 120 Circular Street. The tour will also include two private residences on Union Avenue and a “Rehabilitation-in-Progress.”  

“I’m excited that this year’s tour will feature a variety of different homes and buildings that showcase Saratoga Springs’ architecture and history of the people who lived in them. I’m particularly thrilled that the ‘Rehabilitation-in-Progress’ will be the 1851 Alexander A. Patterson House at 65 Phila Street, our current project,” said Samantha Bosshart, executive director of SSPF.    

In addition, 153 Regent Street will be open.  This was the first building to be constructed for the Young Women’s Industrial Club, the predecessor institution of Skidmore College.  Lucy Skidmore Scribner built the building in 1904 to serve as an auditorium, gymnasium, and dining room.  

The virtual tour features three buildings, two of which are on the in-person tour and Union Gables, 55 Union Avenue, that is only featured on the virtual tour.  

In addition to the tour, the Foundation is hosting two educational programs on Saturday, May 13. At 260 Broadway, Carol Godette will discuss the visionary Franklin Smith who constructed “The House of Pansa” in 1889, a replica of a home in the ancient city of Pompeii. Program starts at 9 a.m. at Death Wish Coffee Company, 260 Broadway.  Light breakfast will be provided by Spring Street Deli.  

Join Charlie Kuenzel for the Lunch & Learn program “Eliza Jumel: The Story of a Successful Woman.” The Lunch & Learn begins at 12:00 p.m. at Caffe Lena, 47 Phila St. Lunch will be provided by Neighborhood Kitchen.   

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 for the in-person and virtual tours are $35 for SSPF members and $45 for non-members. Virtual tour tickets are $20 for SSPF members and $25 for non-members. Tickets for the Buildings & Breakfast and Lunch & Learn programs are $30 for SSPF members and $35 for non-members and must be purchased in advance. Space is limited for these educational programs and tickets must be purchased by Wednesday, May 10. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org to become a member to receive event ticket discounts and support preserving Saratoga Springs.

Malta Ave Odyssey of the Mind Team to Head to World Finals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided by Ballston Spa Central School District.

SYRACUSE — The Malta Ave Odyssey of the Mind Team came in 2nd place for Problem #4, “Where’s the Structure,” Division 1 at the NYS Finals, which qualified them to move on to the OM World Finals.

 The Malta Ave team consists of: Maxwell DeMeritt, 5th grade; Arlo Harrison, 2nd grade; Roebling Harrison, 4th grade; Daniel Heggen, 5th grade; Adam Loomis, 5th grade; Ava Sorbero, 3rd grade and Anthony Sorbero, 5th grade.

 The World Finals will take place May 24-27, 2023 at Michigan State University. The team has put together a GoFundMe page to help raise money for the trip, with a goal of raising $10,000.

“Our presentation is full of magic and fun, and we hope you will help us get to our second World Finals competition at Michigan State University,” the GoFundMe page’s description says.

Galway Sending Two Teams to World Finals

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

Photo provided

GALWAY —  For the first time in the history of Galway Central School District, two teams will be competing in the Odyssey of the Mind (OOTM) World Finals during the same year. 

Galway’s Junior/Senior High School team has been working to get to World Finals for 12 years, while the Joseph Henry Elementary School team will be attending World Finals for the second year in a row. Both teams took third place at the New York State Tournament in Syracuse on April 15, advancing them to the World Finals, which will take place at Michigan State University in East Lansing, MI from May 24-27.

The Junior/Senior High School team consists of: Shamus and Simon Evans, Taylor Germain, Noah Montague, Eben and Peregrine Perkins, and Aidan Reekie-Mel. The problem they chose is “#5 The Most Dramatic Problem Ever!!!”

The Joseph Henry Elementary School team consists of: Henry and Avery Paseika, Avery Menge, Theo Friedman, Edmund Perkins, Mari Smith, and Emma DiPasquale. They chose “Problem #1 Pirates and the Treasure.” 

To help cover the cost of travel to the World Finals, OOTM Team Coaches Nichole Evans and Julie Pasieka have organized several fundraising events, including a bake sale at Galway Central School District and a BBQ at the Cock ‘n Bull Restaurant in Galway on Sunday, April 30. Tickets for the BBQ are $20 per person and $10 for kids 12 and under. Visit galwaycsd.org to purchase tickets. The coaches also created a GoFundMe page where supporters can donate directly: gofund.me/8b2a5962

Tri-County United Way Announces Laura Jensen as Community Engagement Coordinator

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Photo provided by Tri-County United Way.

QUEENSBURY — Tri-County United Way is pleased to announce Laura Jensen as the Community Engagement Coordinator. Ms. Jensen comes to Tri-County United Way with several years of marketing and communications leadership experience across the public health, private, and nonprofit sectors.

Ms. Jensen began her career working at NBCUniversal, The Economist, and The Monday Campaigns (TMC) in New York, NY where she collaborated on numerous international marketing campaigns, media relations and facilitated high-impact communication campaigns.

Most recently, Ms. Jensen worked in Glens Falls as the Marketing & Communications Specialist at Flomatic Valves, a leading private company that is helping to solve the global water crisis and promote the importance of bringing access to safe water and improving sanitation internationally.

“We are thrilled to have Laura onboard at the Tri-County United Way. Her education, experience and consideration for the people of this region make her a fantastic fit. I am excited to see how she will help our organization grow.” said Kristin Chlopecki, Executive Director of the Tri-County United Way. 

“Growing up in the lower Adirondack region, I am honored and excited to begin this new chapter furthering the United Way’s mission,” said Ms. Jensen. “I have a deep sense of love and compassion for the families and people of Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. I am thrilled to help foster and build partnerships that will support our local communities and inspire growth. This is a wonderful community, and I am honored to give back to my hometown region.”

A resident of Queensbury, Jensen holds a master’s degree from Marist College and a Bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz. Ms. Jensen is a published author with her public health work appearing in the award-winning book ‘Pandemic: Tracking Contagions from Cholera and Beyond’ among other publications including the American Water Works Association (AWWA) and Water Environment Federation (WEF).