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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Betteann Rice 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Betteann Rice died on September 20. A funeral service was held on October 5 at Compassionate Funeral Care. An interment with military honors was held following the service. Visit: compassionatefuneralcare.com

Jason Ellnor 

WILTON — Jason Ellnor died on Wednesday, September 28, 2022, at Saratoga Hospital. A funeral service was held Tuesday, October 4, 2022, at Compassionate Funeral Care. Visit www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

John F. Dolansky

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John F. Dolansky, age 70, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, at the Granville Center. A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022, in Greenfield Cemetery, 78 Wilton Rd, Greenfield Center. Visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

100 Years Of Grace: A Musical Celebration of Parish Centennial


Logo by Kelly Schoonbeck

BALLSTON LAKE — On Sunday, Oct. 16, parishioners from four area churches will gather for a musical celebration of the centennial of Our Lady of Grace.  

The event takes pace 2 p.m. Sunday at Our Lady of Grace, a Catholic Community, 73 Midline Road, Ballston Lake and includes parishioners from Our Lady of Grace, St. Joseph’s Church, Scotia; Immaculate Conception, Glenville; and St. Augustine’s Church, Lansingburgh. 

The event includes 37 voices and 15 instrumentalists presenting an inspiring collection of music and readings to celebrate the seasons of the church year, directed by Patty Neumann, Director of Musical Ministries at Our Lady of Grace and St. Joseph’s Church. 

All are welcome and there will be a free will donation. Gourmet desserts will be offered for $5 a slice. Finger desserts will also be offered. The fundraiser will support Centennial activities and the archiving of historical photos and documents. 

Saratoga County Sheriff Zurlo Presented with Seven Seals Award


Saratoga County Under Sheriff Rick Castle, Hy Taylor, Tom Mitchell of the New York State Sheriff’s Association, Sheriff Zurlo, Emil Baker, Chief Glen Sheehy and Captain Kevin Herrick of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department. Photo provided.

ALBANY — Saratoga County Sheriff Michael Zurlo was presented with the ‘Seven Seals Award’ Oct. 4 in the Assembly Chamber. 

The “Seven Seals Award” recognizes a significant individual or organizational achievement and initiatives that promote the ESGR mission including the efforts of more than 3,600 volunteers across the country.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for Service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws.  It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between the Service members and their employers.

Girls on the Green: Section II Championships Conclude at Edison Club

Albany Academy for Girls take the win for the Section II team championships. Photos provided.

REXFORD — On Sunday, October 9, the Edison Club hosted the Section II team championships for the Suburban Council’s varsity girls golf season. It was a sunny fall day and the teams were in full swing. 

Taking home first place was the powerhouse of the 2022 season, Albany Academy for Girls. Academy shot a remarkable gross score of 298, just 10 over par combined. In second was Saratoga High School. The Bluestreaks came into the clubhouse with a combined score of 402 (+114) to solidify their place on the podium with a silver medal. In third was Guilderland. The Guilderland girls scored a 412 (+124) to take home third place. Fourth, fifth and sixth were Shaker, Shenendehowa and Bethlehem, respectively.

The individual championship, which was hosted a week prior, was won by Albany Academy’s Samantha Von Rohr.

Saratoga Bridges’ 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge

Shannon Fernett (left) and Heather Williams (right). Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges, one of the largest non-profit organizations in Saratoga County devoted to providing services and programs to people with developmental disabilities, is inviting the Saratoga community to join them in a walk, run or roll at their 22nd Annual Great Pumpkin Challenge held on Saturday, October 15 at 9:30 a.m. After two years of being virtual due to the pandemic, the popular 5K & 10K and Kids Fun Run will start and finish at the Columbia Pavilion in the Saratoga Spa State Park and is NET Chip timed. The fundraiser benefits Saratoga Bridges’ essential non-funded or underfunded services like art programs and covers the cost of materials for the unanticipated expenses incurred by COVID 19. 

Walking this weekend will be step-sisters Shannon Fernett and Heather Williams. Shannon and Heather are a part of the Saratoga Bridges’ “Bridges Buddies” program. The “Buddies” program helps those with disabilities to better enjoy life through help with transportation, programs and activities like arts and crafts, karaoke, bingo, and of course- as the case with Shannon and Heather – walking! Shannon has been Heather’s personal assistant for over three years now and has been with Saratoga Bridges for 15 years, starting her career in 2007. Their connection through Saratoga Bridges has only strengthened their bond, “Buddies ‘til the end. We are always together,” said Shannon, the younger of the sisters. When asked about their relationship with one another and the “Buddies” program, Shannon said, “Just the term ‘buddies’ really describes what we do, we help them just as much as they help us. It’s a teamwork thing.” 

This weekend, their team work will be on full display as Shannon will push Heather along the 5k course and eventually to the finish line at the Columbia Pavillion. In the past two years, the Pumpkin Challenge has been virtual due to the pandemic, so the two sisters are excited to finally partake in the in-person event on Saturday. “As long as the weather is on our side – we are out walking” said Shannon.  

Individuals, friends, families, coworkers and corporate teams can register at saratogabridges.org. The $25 entrance fee for the 5K & 10K is $25 and Kids Fun (12 and under) is $10. The first 1,500 registered will receive a long-sleeve moisture wicking shirt. Prizes will be awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd placed males and females in each age group. There will be give-a-ways, homemade refreshments, donated food and beverages from Hixny, Uncommon Grounds, Bimbo Bakeries USA, Hannaford, DeVoe’s Rainbow Orchard and Healthy Living as well as favorite pumpkin and costume contests. For more information about the event, contact Kelly Armer at karmer@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1266 or Laura Kenny at lkenny@saratogabridges.org or 518-587-0723 ext. 1242. 

Adirondack Thunder Gears Up for New Season


Image provided.

GLENS FALLS —The Adirondack Thunder, proud ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, has recently announced their 2022-23 promotional schedule.

In addition to theme nights, Friday home games will feature $3 Labatt Blue and Saturday home games will be $4 Bud Light courtesy of Saratoga Eagle.

“We are excited to announce our 2022-23 Promotional Schedule and have been preparing for our home opener on October 29th for some time now,” said team president Jeff Mead.  “Youth jersey giveaway, red glow sticks, and a ‘red out’ of the arena will kick off our season and we are thrilled to have Peter MacArthur lead us into a new era of Thunder hockey.”

Other popular nights returning to the Cool Insuring Arena include Military Appreciation Night, Teddy Bear Toss, New Year’s Eve Celebration, Nickelodeon Double Dare Night, Law Enforcement Night, Kid’s Day Game, Stick it to Cancer Weekend, and Fan Appreciation Night.

“Many of our biggest games of the season also allow us to give back to our community that supports us so well,” added Mead. “Military Appreciation Night, Law Enforcement Night, and Stick it to Cancer Weekend are always great events to help numerous local organizations.”

Specialty jerseys return this season for Military Appreciation Night, Nickelodeon Double Dare Night, Law Enforcement Night, Stick it to Cancer Weekend, and Fan Appreciation Night. New this season, the Thunder will introduce Miracle on Ice Night with special 1980 USA Hockey-themed jerseys.

The Thunder host the Worcester Railers in the home opener at Cool Insuring Arena on Saturday, October 29 at 7 p.m. Fans can cash in on the opening night 4-pack. Get four tickets, a Thunder hat, and an additional flex ticket for just $75 by visiting the Thunder front office or by calling 518-480-3355.

 Season tickets for the 2022-23 season are also on sale now. For more information on ticket packages, call the front office at 518-480-3355 or visit www.ECHLThunder.com/tickets. For all the latest Adirondack Thunder news, follow the team on all social media @ECHLThunder.

Benjamin G. Straus

BOWIE, MD – Benjamin G. Straus, 86 formerly of Saratoga Springs, passed September 27, 2022. Calling hours are Monday, October 17, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Burke Funeral Home followed by 1 p.m. funeral home service. Burial to follow at 2:30 p.m. at the GBH Saratoga National Cemetery. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com 

Barbara Haner

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara Haner, 90, died peacefully 10/6/2022. Visitation and Mass of Christian Burial was 10/11/2022 at The Church of St. Peter followed by burial at the Chatham Center Rural Cemetery. Memorial donations to “Saratoga Community Garden c/o The Wesley Foundation,” 131 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. www.burkefuneralhome.com.