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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Impressions of Saratoga 9th AnnualPups’ Birthday Pawty, Dogs Invited

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Impressions of Saratoga Pups’ Annual Birthday March 4. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Join Impressions of Saratoga in celebrating the Impressions Pups’ Annual Birthday Pawty on Saturday, March 4 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. This year marks the ninth annual year of the Impressions Pups’ Pawty

Celebrate Smalls, Cookie, Smitty, Pupa and Thatcher’s birthdays with treats and fun for all. This year marks the ninth year of the Impressions Pups’ Pawty. 

The day is filled with celebrations and is a dog friendly event. Dogs must be well behaved, good with other dogs and must be leashed at all times. If your dog would rather stay home, you are welcome to stop in and grab a Pawty Pick Up Pack and bring the fun home to celebrate where your dog is more comfortable.

There will be Pup Scout activities, treat tastings, special deals on Dog products, coloring contests and a raffle for a great prize basket for one lucky pup and their person. 

Donations will be collected for local shelters; accepting new or gently used toys, collars, leashes, beds, blankets, or towels. They can also use dried and canned dog and cat food and treats. 

Impressions of Saratoga is located at 368 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. For more information contact the store at 518-587-0666 or go to www.impressionssaratoga.com.

The Excite-Mint Continues: The  Shenanigan Shake Makes a Return at Stewart’s Shops!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz, News.

Image provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops has released its beloved Shenanigan Shake once again just in time for the Saint Patrick’s Day season.

This 16 oz refreshing, minty flavored dairy shake is bottled fresh in their plant using the milk in New York State that they pick up daily from local farms. Now available in all Stewart’s Shops for a limited time.

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Stewart’s is known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, Easy Food, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today there are over 355 Stewart’s Shops located in 32 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.

February 18 – February 24, 2023

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter.

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

On Feb. 7, members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Andrew Kenyon, Hannah L. Shattuck, Angela C. Burke and Jason M. Hartman after the Narcotics Unit, Criminal Investigations Unit, Special Operations Team and the US Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Agency (ATF) executed a search warrant on Fayville Road, Providence. As a result of the investigation and search warrant, scales, packaging material, crack cocaine, heroin, multiple cell phones, pills, steroids and firearms were seized. Two of the firearms were recently reported stolen within Saratoga County and reported to the Sheriff’s Office. Hartman, Burke, Kenyon, and Shattuck were each charged with one count criminally using drug paraphernalia in the second-degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree. Kenyon and Shattuck were additionally charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, a felony. 

Albert J. Hall, 43, of Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 10 with two felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance, four felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two misdemeanor counts criminal use of drug paraphernalia, following the execution of a search warrant in the town of Moreau.  Hall is accused of selling and possessing quantities of crack/ cocaine on numerous occasions within Saratoga County, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.

Casey R. Mohan, 35, of Halfmoon, was charged Feb. 7 following a lengthy investigation of several reported incidents spanning back to September 2022. Mohan is accused of stealing two motor vehicles, one motorcycle and two long guns between September 2022 and February, 2023. In one case he also allegedly entered a camp to steal the items. Mohan was charged with: (Greenfield) two counts grand larceny (motor vehicles), one count grand larceny (firearm), criminal possession of stolen property, and endangering the welfare of a child; (Milton) criminal possession of stolen property, and petit larceny; (Providence) burglary, grand larceny (firearm), and grand larceny (motor vehicle).  Mohan was sent to the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $25,000 Cash Bail / $50,000 Bond / $250,000 Partially Secured. 

Saratoga County Court

Tyler S. Moon, 37, of Greenfield, was sentenced Feb. 14 to 2 to 4 years in state prison, after pleading to felony grand larceny, first charged June 2022 in Corinth. 

Tracy P. Whipple, 41, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Feb. 14 to felony criminal possession of a controlled substance, first charged June 2022 in Wilton. 

Allison L. Bechtold, 46, of Albany, pleaded Feb. 14 to felony DWI, first charged in Clifton Park October 2022. Sentencing April 11. 

Penny L. Richards, 47, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Feb. 14 to felony grand larceny, first charged in Saratoga Springs October 2022. Sentencing April 11. 

Jonni A. Koller, 48, of Hudson Falls, pleaded Feb. 14 to felony DWI, first charged in Northumberland April 2022. Sentencing April 11. 

Robert A. Mancucci, III, 40, of Stillwater, was sentenced Feb. 10 to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny first charged in Mechanicville May 2022. 

Jonathan E. Volland, 39, of Waterford, was sentenced Feb. 10 to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after pleading to felony criminal possession of a weapon, first charged June 2022, and 2 to 4 years incarceration (to run concurrently) after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, first charged August 2022 in Milton. 

Nathan J. Massengale, 22, of Clifton Park, pleaded Feb. 10 to felony aggravated criminal contempt. Sentencing March 24. 

Joseph D. Michaud, 35, of Waterford, was sentenced Feb. 10 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, first charged October 2022 in Malta. 

Shawn A. Smith, 29, of Mechanicville, was sentenced Feb. 10 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to DWAI by drugs, a felony, first charged November 2021 in Saratoga Springs. 

Daniel R. Eddy, 34, of Troy, pleaded Feb. 10 to felony DWI, first charged August 2022 in Waterford. Sentencing April 21. 

Sherrie Lee Criscio, 51, of Greenwich, pleaded Feb. 10 to felony DWI, first charged October 2022 in Northumberland. Sentencing April 7.

Brandon M. Wade, 25, of Fort Ann, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years incarceration state prison and 1 year local incarceration, after pleading to aggravated family offense – a felony, and criminal contempt – a misdemeanor, first charged July 2021 in Saratoga Springs.  

Town of Halfmoon Assessor Provides Important Update On Partial Tax Exemptions For Senior Citizens

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Halfmoon — On Feb. 15, the Town of Halfmoon Assessor Anne Marie Zarelli, SCA, provided an informational update on partial tax exemptions for senior citizens, as well as the deadline for application submission.  

The informational update is regarding RP 467 (Real Property Tax Law, section 467), which gives local governments and school districts the option of granting a reduction in the amount of property taxes paid by qualifying senior citizens. Applications for the exemption are due by 4 p.m. on Wednesday, March 1, 2023, at the Town of Halfmoon Assessor’s Office. 

Zarelli noted that the County of Saratoga and each school district set the maximum income limit they will allow, with equalization rates applied to the maximum gross limit amount. The respective age, residency, and income qualifications are listed below. 

Owner Eligibility Requirements: 

• The property must be the “legal residence” of, and must be occupied by, all of the owners of the property; 

• At least one owner must be 65 by March 1, 2023; 

• An individual must own the property for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the date of filing for the exemption; 

• There can be no school-age children residing in the home to receive the benefit off of the school tax bill; 

• The life tenant is entitled to possession and use of the property for the duration of his or her life and is deemed the owner for all purposes, including taxation. The exemption also may be allowed if the property is in trust and all the trustees, or all the beneficiaries qualify; and 

• Homes in mobile home parks are not eligible as they do not receive their own tax bill. 

If an individual believes they qualify for this exemption, they should either visit the Town of Halfmoon Tax Assessor’s office or call 518-371-7410 ext. 2244.  

On November 15, 2022, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors passed a resolution adopting a higher income limit for seniors.  

Please note: this new scale is only applicable to the January tax bill beginning in 2024. Under the sliding scale option, a qualifying senior can have a yearly gross income as high as each taxing jurisdiction sets as shown on the chart below: 

Taxing Jurisdiction                                                         Maximum Gross Income Limit 

Saratoga County                                                               $35,700 

Mechanicville School District                         $14,700 

Shenendehowa School District                        $37,400 

Waterford-Halfmoon School District             $34,700 

Gross income for 2021 will be utilized to determine eligibility. Income includes: 

All Social Security payments; 

Salary and wages (including bonuses); 

Interest (including nontaxable interest on state or local bonds), total dividends; 

Net earnings from farming, rentals, business, or profession (if any amounts have been claimed as depreciation for income tax purposes, they must be added back in); 

Income from estates or trusts; 

Gains from sales and exchanges; 

The total amount received from governmental or private retirement or pension plans; 

Annuity payments (excluding amounts representing a return of capital); 

Alimony or support money; and 

Unemployment insurance payments, disability payments, workers’ compensation, etc. 

None of the taxing jurisdictions allow for medical expenses to be deducted from income. 

Assessor Zarelli noted that renewal applications were sent out in December for anyone already on this program. All renewal applications and tax returns require signatures from all owners and their spouses. If an individual believes they qualify for this exemption, they should either visit the Town of Halfmoon Tax Assessor’s office or call 518-371-7410 ext. 2244.  

Philip “Skip” Colucci

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Philip “Skip” Colucci, age 80, passed away on February 17, 2023 after a courageous battle with health issues.

Skip was born on February 17, 1943 in Saratoga Springs and was a graduate of St. Peter’s Academy. Skip had a storied career at St. Peter’s Academy as an athlete, and later as Basketball Coach, that coached and led his teams Into several championship seasons. He devoted his time to assisting and developing any child who wanted to learn the game of Basketball.

Skip’s life spanned 2 careers, one at General Foods Inc., and most recently with the City of Saratoga Springs Water Department.

Skip married Joanne Lynch on July 3, 1963 and they were approaching their 60th wedding anniversary.

He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather. He is survived by his wife Joanne of 60 years, his son Carl and daughter-in-law Marlene Colucci, and son Michael Colucci. His two favorite “pals” were his grandsons, Chaz and Jaxson.

“We love you Dad, you will be missed by all that you came across in your life.”

At the request of the family a private burial service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Marilyn Evans Schweiker

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Marilyn Evans Schweiker, 85, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 18, 2023, surrounded by her loving daughters. Calling hour and Mass took place 2/23/203 at St. Clement’s Church followed by burial in St. Peter’s cemetery. Online remembrances may be made to burkefuneralhome.com.

Myron J. Woodbeck, Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GREENFIELD — Myron J. Woodbeck, Jr., age 65, peacefully passed away on February 20, 2023, at home with loved ones by his side. Services were held on February 23 at Compassionate Funeral Care following the calling hours. compassionatecare.com

Kathleen A. McGee

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Kathleen A. McGee, age 73, passed away on February 19, 2023, at the Home of the Good Shepherd. At the family’s request there will be no services at this time. compassionatecare.com

Micheal J. Dyer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Micheal J. Dyer, age 78, passed away on February 18, 2023, at home. At the family’s request there will be no services at this time. compassionatecare.com

Bell Ringing to Commemorate 25th Anniversary of the March 2, 1998 Disappearance of Ballston Spa Teen

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Suzanne Gloria Lyall. Photo provided.

As a poignant hometown tribute on the 25th anniversary of the date when a Ballston Spa teen vanished without a trace, the hefty antique bell inside the tower of an historic village landmark will toll 25 times commencing at 5 p.m. on Thursday, March 2.

In respectful remembrance of BSHS Class of 1996 honors graduate Suzanne Gloria Lyall, who was 19 at the time of her March 2, 1998 abduction from her SUNY/Albany campus, Mayor Frank S. Rossi II has issued a proclamation encouraging residents to observe a moment of silence as the bell is rung 25 times from atop the historic red brick factory at the corner of Prospect St. and Milton Ave. 

The Center for HOPE (Healing Our Painful Emotions), a not-for-profit that was co-founded by Suzanne’s parents, Mary and Douglas Lyall in the aftermath of her abduction, is situated within the Civil War era complex where the commemorative bell ringing will transpire. Advocacy, education and prevention are cornerstones of the organization which has earned a reputation across the nation as a life raft for those struggling to cope with the unexplained disappearance of a loved one.

The Center for HOPE established the annual New York State Missing Persons Day and the Missing Persons Remembrance, a monument with an eternal flame on the grounds of the NYS Museum in Albany, that combine to provide families and friends of missing persons with support and opportunities for remembrance. The 2023 NYS Missing Persons Day will take place Saturday, April 15. 

Suzanne’s parents and Center for HOPE volunteers additionally helped to lay the groundwork for the NYS Campus Safety Act (now federal legislation called Suzanne Lyall’s Campus Safety Law) and a second piece of federal legislation titled Suzanne’s Law which boosted the age for those protected by The Center for Missing and Exploited Children from 18 to 21 and spearheaded efforts to introduce the Missing Persons Alert System through the NYS Thruway as well as having decks of Cold Case playing cards produced for circulation among inmates in county jails and Coasters for HOPE distributed for use in restaurants and bars.

Mrs. Lyall, who was widowed in 2015, is “grateful and honored” that Mayor Rossi has also proclaimed March 2 Suzanne Gloria Lyall Remembrance Day. Suzanne’s mother also expressed “heartfelt appreciation” to Michael DeFilippo and Bob Clous who have valiantly volunteered to venture up to the tower as dusk nears on March 2 so that the sound of the bell symbolically marking each of the 25 years that have passed since Suzanne vanished might resonate far and wide. 

To learn more, visit www.hope4themissing.org, email hope4themissing@yahoo.com or call 518-884-8761.