SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Elizabeth M. “Betty” Azotea passed July 19, 2026 at the age of 92, just two days shy of her 93rd birthday. Celebration of life is August 1, 10am-12pm at Burke Funeral Home, followed by Catholic ceremony. Memorial donations to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society or charity of your choice. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.
BEDFORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – Mercedes “Mercy” Carroll, 81, passed away peacefully on July 24, 2026.
A longtime resident of Saratoga Springs, New York, Mercy was a devoted communicant of St. Peter’s Parish. She was a graduate of Adirondack Community College and earned a Masters Degree in Psychology from The New School of Social Research, reflecting her lifelong dedication to learning and her desire to support others. Over the years, she worked for AT&T and later for New York State, retiring in 2007, offering many years of committed service.
Born in New York City, Mercy was the daughter of the late James and Margaret Sass. She was also predeceased by her sister, Margaret, and her brothers, John and James. She is survived by her brother, William and her sister, Carolyn, both of Florida; her children, Brian Carroll and his wife, Dana, of Saratoga Springs, Kelly Carroll of North Carolina, Ed Carroll of New Hampshire and Patrick Carroll and his wife, Maria Luisa, of Arizona. Mercy also leaves behind six cherished grandchildren, one great grandchild and many nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends who will hold her memory close.
Mercy found joy in the simple beauty of everyday life. She loved spending time in the Saratoga Spa State Park, where she delighted in watching the many birds that visited its trees and fields. She also treasured the holidays, making each one special with her warmth, creativity and the care she put into bringing family together. Mercy will be remembered for her deep love of family, her gentle spirit and the kindness she shared so freely. Her warmth, strength and compassion touched countless lives and she will be deeply missed by all who knew her. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date.
The Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services today unveiled a new mural created by local youth artists. The mural is located in the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services’ office in Saratoga Springs, reinforcing the County’s ongoing commitment to providing high-quality mental health care in modern, welcoming, and well-maintained spaces.
The mural was designed and painted by Stella Kibler, Emme Fischer, and Emily Cheely, rising seniors at Burnt Hills–Ballston Lake High School, under the guidance of art teacher Christine Layden. The design incorporates calming colors, symbolic imagery, and an uplifting message intended to serve as a reminder to every young person who enters the space that they are valued. The students also incorporated the quote “Our world needs your voice, your heart, your story” to empathize that young people’s experiences, emotions, and identities are worthy of being heard.
“We believe that providing modern, well-maintained spaces is an outward expression of our commitment to high-quality mental health care,” said Megan Johnson, Commissioner. “A supportive environment can help reinforce the message that every young person who enters our doors is valued and deserving of care.”
Since 1978, the Saratoga County Mental Health Center’s Youth and Family Services team has delivered specialized, intensive mental health interventions for youth up to 18 and their families. The program pairs community-based treatment with consultative outreach, providing comprehensive local support to young people and families across Saratoga County.
To help bring this vision to life, the Center invited local student artists to contribute to the creation of a new mural—an effort that celebrates student creativity while supporting youth’s voice, connection, and community pride.
The mission of the Saratoga County Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services is to provide outpatient mental health and alcohol/substance use treatment services that are accessible and responsive to the needs of individuals experiencing mental illness and/or alcohol/substance use challenges, their families, and the community. The Department provides outpatient treatment designed to reduce symptoms of mental illness and emotional disturbance, improve daily functioning, and provide ongoing support through its Mental Health Clinic. Services include emergency and crisis intervention, screening and referral, outpatient therapy, and psychiatric treatment.
Between July 22 and July 29, New York State Police reported 239 incidents that didn’t result in arrest in their daily blotter reports. The most common incident reported by State Police was a property damage accident with 44 incidents. The top three municipalities for incidents are:
1. 57 in Clifton Park
2. 45 in Halfmoon
3. 33 in Wilton
Saratoga Springs Police did not issue a blotter since previous issue.
July 22, 2026. 11:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Danbury, CT resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher- first offense, and 3rd degree unlicensed operation and 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
July 23, 2026. 3:25 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Mechanicville resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
July 23, 2026. 4:43 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Village of Schuylerville on charges of misdemeanor criminal mischief: intent to damage property and 3rd degree menacing. Central arraignment.
July 23, 2026. 6:13 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree criminal contempt: violate order of protection and misdemeanor 4th degree stalking: cause material harm to mental or emotional health. Central arraignment.
July 23, 2026. 7:02 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
July 24, 2026. 4:07 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Galway resident in the Town of Milton on charges of felony grand larceny: property value exceeds $50,000. Cash bail. Arrest stemmed from incident that occurred on Oct. 2, 2025 in the Town of Charlton.
July 24, 2026. 4:59 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Pittstown resident in the Town of Stillwater on charges of misdemeanor operation of a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and DWI- first offense. Appearance ticket issued. Arrest occurred after an accident on Lake RD.
July 24, 2026. 5:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Cambridge resident in the Village of Schuylerville on charges of felony criminal mischief: damage another person’s property- amount over $250. Central arraignment. Original incident occurred on June 13 in the Town of Salem.
July 24, 2026. 11:55 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Troy resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher, and aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher- no priors. Appearance ticket issued.
July 25, 2026. 7:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, 4th degree criminal possession of a narcotic drug, 3rd degree criminal possession of a controlled substance: narcotic drug intent to sell , misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance and 2nd degree criminal use of drug paraphernalia: scales. Held, no bail.
July 26, 2026. 12:17 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense, and aggravated DWI- BAC of .18 or higher- first offense. Appearance ticket issued.
July 26, 2026. 10:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident in the Village of Ballston Spa on charges of misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17 and 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Appearance ticket issued.
July 27, 2026. 12:38 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Brooklyn resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of felony DWI: previous conviction within 10 years, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- previous conviction within the last 10 years, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. Appearance ticket issued.
July 27, 2026. 9:24 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schuylerville resident in the Village of Schuylerville on charges of felony aggravated family offense- more than one offense within five years, misdemeanor menacing: weapon, and attempted misdemeanor criminal possession of a weapon: intent to use. Central arraignment.
July 27, 2026. 1:14 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Waterford resident in the Town of Halfmoon on charges of misdemeanor 2nd degree menacing and criminal possession of a weapon: intent to use. Appearance ticket issued.
July 27, 2026. 7:00 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Schenectady resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of misdemeanor petit larceny. Appearance ticket issued original incident occurred July 1.
July 28, 2026. 12:04 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Fort Edward resident and a Ballston Spa resident in the Town of Malta on charges of misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Central arraignment.
July 28, 2026. 8:39 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Broadalbin resident in the Town of Wilton on charges of felony 2nd degree assault with attempt to cause serious physical injury and attempted misdemeanor 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury. Released on own recognizance.
Your feet are the foundation of nearly everything you do. From walking around the neighborhood and spending a day at work to playing golf or simply keeping up with your family, the support beneath your feet can make a difference in how you feel throughout the day.
At The Good Feet Store, the focus is on helping people find personalized support for their individual needs and lifestyle.
Unlike a one-size-fits-all approach, the Good Feet Arch Support System is designed around three different types of arch supports that can be used throughout the day depending on your activity and needs. Whether you’re spending hours on your feet, exercising, traveling, or simply looking for more support in your everyday routine, the goal is to help you stay active and keep doing the things you enjoy.
The process starts with a free, personalized fitting and consultation. A Good Feet Arch Support Specialist takes the time to learn about your lifestyle, daily activities, and goals before helping you explore options that may work for you.
You don’t have to wait until foot discomfort is keeping you from doing the things you love to start thinking about proper support. Taking care of your foundation today can be an important part of staying active for years to come.
With locations in Clifton Park and Colonie, The Good Feet Store is here to help Capital Region residents take the next step toward better support.
Ready to see what personalized arch support could mean for you? Visit The Good Feet Store for a free fitting and consultation:
Clifton Park: 309 Clifton Park Center Road, Suite 10, Clifton Park, NY 12065
Colonie: 3 Wolf Road, Colonie, NY 12205
The Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs is offering local families a different kind of summer this year, with fully screen-free themed camps designed to give children the space to play, create, and connect with nature and one another. The camp, now in full swing, is open to the wider community, with programs for children ages 3 through rising 5th grade.
Held at the school’s Forest Kindergarten and York Avenue campuses, the camp offers a hands-on, intentional alternative to typical summer programming. At many camps, a planned activity is often followed by stretches of unstructured time filled with phones or other screens. At the Waldorf school, that time is spent outdoors, working with their hands, and engaging in imaginative play—activities designed to support children’s creativity, focus, and well-being throughout the entire day.
The Early Childhood camp at the Forest Kindergarten campus, for children ages 3 to 6, moves through a rotation of themed weeks that invite young children into a season of wonder, blending outdoor exploration with gentle, age-appropriate activities.
For rising 1st through 5th graders at the Lower School camp, each week is crafted to give children a meaningful, hands-on experience rooted in creativity and craft. A few spaces remain in the Lower School camp for families who would still like to join.
“Screen-free” is more than a policy at the camp—it reflects the Waldorf approach to childhood, which emphasizes imaginative play, real-world skills, and unhurried time outdoors as essential to healthy development. The school’s Waldorf teachers guide children through activities that build confidence, curiosity, and community, offering families a summer option that feels different by design.
Families interested in the remaining Lower School camp spots do not need to be enrolled at the Waldorf School of Saratoga Springs to attend and may visit https://www.waldorfsaratoga.org/summer-camp to register.
For more information, visit www.waldorfsaratoga.org or call 518-587-2224.
“Soccer is my passion,” professed Austin Okoye, or Augustine Okoye by his birth name.
Okoye was born in Nigeria and grew up playing soccer. When he was young, he was selected out of thousands of other athletes to play on a premier team that traveled around Nigeria. While on this team, Skidmore men’s soccer coach, Jeremiah Keeland came across his highlight reel. He traveled to Nigeria to watch Okoye play, and upon seeing him in person, offered him a full scholarship to play for Skidmore.
Okoye has been coaching youth soccer since he came to the U.S. in 2014 with Rush Soccer Club, Global Premier Soccer, and Saratoga-Wilton Soccer Club.
Okoye graduated from Skidmore in 2018, and in 2020 he started Sabicoach to help young soccer players develop their technical skills.
“Soccer is a really unique sport, you are using your feet. Basketball and most sports are different, you are using your hands, which tends to be easier. If you are not training right and you are not consistent, you can lose it quick,” Okoye said.
Four years ago, Okoye started summer soccer camps at Gavin Park through Sabicoach for ages U8 through U18. The camp is designed for kids at all points of their development.
“Every kid is coming in to have fun, but they are being challenged and getting better,” he said.
Okoye brings in coaches from across the country and the world to his camp. The camp next week will feature coaches from England, Jamacia, and Ukraine.
Sabicoach has two camps coming up, the first is from July 27th through the 31st, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gavin Park. The second camp is from August 3rd through the 7th, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Gavin Park. Both camps offer full days and half days either in the morning or afternoon.
To register for the soccer camps, go to sabicoach.com.
The 11th annual Churney Gurney 5 Mile Trail Race will take place on Saturday, August 1st at 9 a.m. presented by iRun Local. This course will showcase many of the Gurney Lane Trails. There will be lots of single track and ups and downs.
The race will start and finish just below the pavilion at Gurney Lane and will be a chip-timed race.
Online registration will remain open until Friday, August 1st at 5 p.m. Race day registration and late registration will be open at 7:00 a.m. until 8:45 a.m. at the Pavilion. T-Shirts will be provided to the first 75 registered.
All proceeds from the race will go to Under the Woods Foundation supporting children with Autism. There will be music and awards for top finishers and 10-year age group winners. Come out and enjoy the Gurney Lane Park and all it has to offer.
Free admission to the pool is available for all racers; bring the family and the kids can swim and play in the playground while you race.
To register for the race go to, https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Queensbury/ChurneyGurney5MileTrailRace.
Back by popular demand is The Philadelphia Orchestra “PlayIN” on SPAC’s iconic amphitheater stage Thursday, August 20. Trumpet, horn, trombone, euphonium, and tuba players of all ages, levels, and abilities are invited onstage to join Philadelphia Orchestra musicians for a shared music making event.
Participant check in begins at 12:45 p.m. at the Route 50 Gate entrance to SPAC before the program starts at 1:30 p.m.
PlayINs are signature events for The Philadelphia Orchestra and part of the ensemble’s HEAR initiative, a portfolio of programs promoting the role of music in Health, Education, Access and Research. The PlayINs have taken place regularly in Philadelphia since 2012 and are part of a full array of programs designed to promote access for people of all ages to experience orchestral music either as listeners or performers. The August 20 PlayIN is designed specifically for brass players and is the ninth annual event at SPAC.
Registration for the PlayIN is open to all musicians who register at spac.org. Once the list is full, interested individuals will have the opportunity to add their name to a wait list in the event of cancellations. Music is available to download through the event listing online at spac.org. Participants are not required to play all pieces and may listen in their seats while more difficult pieces are being played. Participants should remember to bring their own copy of the printed music, along with their instrument. The event is free and open to the public, with audiences encouraged to attend.
The afternoon PlayIN on August 20 precedes The Philadelphia Orchestra’s 7:30 p.m. performance: “Gershwin’s an American in Paris”, conducted by New Zealand conductor Gemma New.
For additional information on the PlayIN, as well as the schedule for The Philadelphia Orchestra’s SPAC season residency from August 5 – August 22, visit spac.org.
The Tang Teaching Museum at Skidmore College’s Upbeat on the Roof concert series continues Thursday, July 30, with Carolyn Shapiro.
Music begins at 6 pm on the Tang lawn, with free family-friendly art-making kits starting at 5:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, food, and drink, and the Tang galleries will be open before and after the concert.
Carolyn Shapiro is an old-time banjo player and songwriter from the Southern Adirondacks blending a soulful, contemporary edge with deep-rooted traditional style. As a performer, Carolyn uses her music as a tool for connection, education, and inspiration. She brings a joyous vulnerability to the stage, leaving audiences feeling genuinely restored.
Though originally on the path to law school, Carolyn’s trajectory changed the moment she picked up a banjo at Skidmore College. She found her voice while working at Caffè Lena, honing her craft at their weekly open mics before emerging as a standout in the folk scene. Since then, she has released two EPs and was named Folk Artist of the Year for the New York Capital Region in both 2022 and 2026. Her highly anticipated first full-length studio album is set for release this fall.
