Skip to main content

Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Senior Center Offers Grocery Store Rides

SARATOGA SPRINGS —With the support of a grant from Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation, the Saratoga Senior Center is offering rides to and from the grocery store from five different senior housing locations / areas in Saratoga Springs. The rides are offered twice a month from each location and go to the Ballston Avenue Market 32. The seniors have about an hour in the store to shop. Interested seniors can call the Saratoga Senior Center for dates and times of rides. 

The Saratoga Senior Center is a non-profit, non-residential community center located in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, open to adults aged 50 and up to participate in programs, trips & social activities tailored to adults and seniors. The Center’s Senior Support Services office offers information, referrals, advocacy, food assistance, aid to help seniors age in place, and intensive support for the chronically ill. The Center’s “Community Connections” volunteers can fill many gaps that other agencies may not be able to meet.

The Center is located at 5 Williams St. in Saratoga Springs. Early in 2023 they will be relocating to a new 14k sq ft home adjacent to the Regional YMCA on West Ave. in Saratoga Springs.

Soroptimists Offering $5,000 “Live Your Dream” Award

SARATOGA COUNTY —  Women who are providing the primary source of financial support for their families while pursuing their education are encouraged to apply for the Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” award. 

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, a volunteer organization for business and professional women, is offering grants up to $5,000 for any costs related to pursuing an education. The first-place award recipient is also eligible for additional awards at the regional and international Soroptimist levels. 

Eligible applicants must: Demonstrate financial need; Be accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate or vocational skills training program; Live in or near Saratoga County.   

Soroptimist International of Saratoga County is part of an international volunteer women’s organization with 72,000 members in 121 countries and territories. The group provides both hands-on and financial support for programs and people in keeping with the Soroptimist mission to empower and improve the lives of women, girls and the community, locally and globally.

Applications must be submitted by Nov. 15, 2022. For more information and a link to the online application go to: www.soroptimist.org/our-work/live-your-dream-awards/apply-for-the-live-your-dream-awards.html. Email liveyourdreamsaratoga@gmail.com with questions or to request a mentor.

For more information: www.soroptimistsaratoga.org.

Conservancy Looking at Regreening Project on South Broadway

SARATOGA SPRINGS — SoBro Conservancy of Saratoga, a newly formed not-for-profit organization, is looking at the regreening of a parcel on South Broadway.  

The property is a triangular, 0.2-acre parcel located where South Broadway, Ballston Avenue, and Circular Street meet. 

SoBro Conservancy – dedicated to conserving vacant urban parcels and transforming them into pollinator-friendly green spaces, has accepted donation of the parcel, which was the site of a former gas station.

Tom Denny, head of SoBro Conservancy, will discuss the donation and plans for the parcel during a gathering at the project site, located at 209 South Broadway, at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 29. 

22nd Annual Artisan’s Market Seeking Vendors

BALLSTON SPA —The Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum is seeking craft vendors for its 22nd Annual Artisan’s Market. This juried market is to be held at the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum from Nov. 26 through Dec. 24.

The Artisan’s Market features only hand-made, hand-crafted products created by the vendor. 

The Juried Artisan Market is held at SCHC @ Brookside Museum, 21 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa. SCHC @ Brookside Museum handles all sales tax and pays vendors 60% of the sale price of their items. Booth fees are $30 for a 4’x4’ area and $45 for a 4’x6’ area. A limited number of booths with electricity are available for an additional $10 per booth. Vendors must provide a typed (preferably digital) inventory list. Vendors are responsible for their booth set up; tables and shelving will not be provided by SCHC @ Brookside Museum.

Applications can be downloaded at brooksidemuseum.org/events/artisans-market/ and can be emailed to bsilvestri@brooksidemuseum.org or mailed to: Brookside Museum, Attn: Beth Silvestri, 21 Fairground Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020.

September 17 – 23, 2022

Saratoga County Court

Justin P. Rock, 37, was sentenced Sept. 16 to 8-to-16 years in state prison, after pleading to four felony counts of robbery, in connection with a series of incidents that occurred in Saratoga Springs in February. Rock admitted he had entered several downtown businesses, claimed (falsely) he had a weapon and demanded cash from the register. He will also pay full restitution to victims, according to a statement released by Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen.  

Robert F. Kennedy, 25, of Princetown, NY was sentenced Sept. 12 to 1 year incarceration, after pleading to attempted reckless endangerment in the first-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident first charged in March in the town of Halfmoon. 

Nicholas Palermo, 43, of Troy, was sentenced to 1 to 3 years’ incarceration, after pleading to felony grand larceny, charged in Wilton June 2021.  

Christopher Sears, 36, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Sept. 14 to attempted sexual abuse in the first-degree, first charged in Milton in July and August, 2018. Sentencing Nov. 4. 

James E. Reinhart, Jr., 49, of Halfmoon, pleaded Sept. 14 to attempted burglary in the third-degree. Sentencing Nov. 10. 

Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office 

Joseph N. Flynn, 25, of Greenwich, was charged Sept. 15 with three counts of sexual abuse in the first-degree, in connection with a 2015 incident in the town of Wilton. Flynn is accused of having sexual contact with a victim under the age of 11. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, or $10,000 bond. 

Tyler J. Lumia, 23, was sentenced Sept. 15 to 10 years in state prison, after pleading to first-degree assault in connection with a stabbing incident that took place Oct. 31, 2021 in downtown Saratoga Springs. 

Joseph T. Colaccino, 18, of Clifton Park, was charged Sept. 15 with felony assault in the first-degree. He is suspected of stabbing a family member several times with a knife during a domestic dispute. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, or $20,000 bond. 

On September 12, 2022, Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit charged 18-year-old Kaden A. Williams, of Castleton, with felony robbery and felony assault, in connection with an incident at the intersection of Allen Road and North Greenfield Road in the Town of Greenfield. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, the first responding Deputy on scene observed a vehicle fleeing from a neighboring driveway. The Deputy stopped the vehicle on Allen Road, and with assistance from a NYS Trooper the occupants of the vehicle were detained without incident. It is alleged that Williams was accompanied by a juvenile male as he used what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol to steal property from 3 subjects standing at that intersection. A physical dispute ensued and one of the victims was struck in the face with the BB gun, which caused physical injury to that individual. The investigation revealed the victims were specifically targeted by Williams, authorities said.Williams was arraigned at the Town of Greenfield Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $500 cash and $1000 bond/$2500 secured bond. The Juvenile involved was charged with Robbery 2nd and referred to Saratoga County Family Court. He was released to his guardians.

NY State Police

On September 12, State Police of Wilton arrested Siatar K. Creech, 36 of, Northumberland, on a warrant for Use of a Child in a Sexual Performance, Rape in the Third-Degree, and Criminal Sexual Act in the Third-Degree. All three charges are felonies. Creech is accused of engaging in sexual intercourse with a child under the age of 17 since the beginning of 2022 while in the town of Moreau.

On September 13, State Police
of Wilton charged the following individuals: 

Jacqueline A. Rock, 32, of Hudson Falls, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Leland T. Smith, 43, of Hudson Falls, criminal possession of a weapon, two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance, and violations of the vehicle and traffic law.

Daniel L. Larock, 48, of Kingsbury, criminal possession of a weapon, and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Saratoga Police

Kevin Cavanagh, 55, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 11 with criminal trespass. 

Zachary Christie, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal possession of a controlled substance and obstruct governmental administration. 

Jonathan Trow, 40, of Milton, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal possession of stolen property, second degree grand larceny, and burglary. 

Ernest F. Amodeo

MALTA — The family of Ernest F. Amodeo, with profound sadness, announces his passing on September 14 — three weeks before his 93rd birthday — peacefully at his home.

“Ernie” was born in 1929 in Mechanicville to Carmella Lombardo Amodeo and Giovanni (John) Amodeo. He was the last survivor among their nine children. Ernie was a 1946 graduate of Mechanicville High School, where he played both basketball and football.

He served in the Korean Conflict (1950-52) as an Army PFC stationed with the 2nd Armored Division in Baumholder, Germany, before being honorably discharged. In 1954, he married Marguerite ‘Maggi’ Nolen. The couple established their first home in Malta, NY, where they reared two children, Michele and Matthew.

Ernie worked for 25 years in quality control for the West Virginia Pulp & Paper Company (Westvaco) in Mechanicville, where he was responsible for overseeing quality in the fine papers division. He also worked part-time in sporting goods at The Boston Store in Latham. When Westvaco moved its local operations plant to Kentucky, Ernie began a new career with Interstate Supply in Albany. Beginning in 1979, he launched “Homes By Amodeo” new construction and property management, becoming one of three builders who constructed homes in The Luther Forest in Malta throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Ernie was blessed with a wonderful crew of talented tradesmen and a fine realtor in the late Claire Canavan. 

Ernie became an avid boater and fisherman on Lake George where he and his family enjoyed many wonderful days at The Mooring Post on Cleverdale, and later as a member of the Harris Bay Yacht Club.

He and Maggi loved their new home in Naples, FL, where they often hosted family and friends. Ernie was a member of St. William’s Roman Catholic Church, and he enjoyed walking the beach and seeing his friends at the Naples Pier.

Ernie was a student of history and he loved reading. He also enjoyed solving crossword puzzles. He was an avid fan of the Green Bay Packers, and once was the guest of Hall of Famer James Lofton for a game at Lambeau Field. He also was the beloved “Uncle Ernie” to his many nieces and nephews in several generations in both the Amodeo and Nolen families.

In addition to his parents, he was pre-deceased by his daughter, Michele, who passed in April of this year; brothers Vincent, Anthony, John, and Alfred; sisters Carmella, Anne, Bridget, and Adeline; and infant twin daughters Marilyn and Marie.

Ernie is survived by Maggi, his wife of 67 years; son Matthew; loving daughter-in-law Tina; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Interment with full military honors will take place Friday, Sept. 23 (12:30 p.m.) at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. Those planning to attend are asked to be at the cemetery Visitor’s Center by 12:15 p.m.

The family wishes to recognize Louis Morocco, who has been like a brother to Ernie; dear friend Tony Edwards, who has helped rekindle the wonderful memories we all shared as “boat people” on Lake George via his beautiful custom cards and videos; and Rich Meyer, who has been a dear friend of the family for many years.

Donations are encouraged to the outstanding organization which is Saratoga County Hospice. The family gives heartfelt thanks to the following care-givers who were wonderful to Ernie: Annah Bravata and Colleen Licata of Saratoga County Hospice; Rebecca Coleman; Tina Passino; Darlene Gendron; Tonia Havens; Jessica Gonzalez; Jenee Monell; Tracey Ambesi; and Laura Dodge.

Bernard F. Moran, III

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bernard F. Moran, III, longtime resident of Natick, MA died, quietly in his sleep – as was his wont – on September 9, 2022. 

He was born April 23, 1951 in Upper Darby, PA to the late Bernard F. Jr. and Louise (Callahan) Moran. 

Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 40 years, Jean (Hannigan) as well as his three beautiful daughters: Erin J. Moran of Westfield, MA, Casey M. Koenig and her husband Chris of Gansevoort, and Molly R. Moran and her fiancé Jake Chagnon of Manchester, NH; his two granddaughters, Rowan and June Koenig; and his siblings, Michael J Moran and his wife Kathleen Farrell, Mary Louise Snyder and her husband William, Timothy Moran and his wife Paula, Nancy Hovanic, (her late husband Chuck), and Patrick Moran; in-laws Rosemary Camps Lunney and her husband Dan; Anna Howley, and Robert Hannigan. He was predeceased by his brother in-law Raymond Hannigan. Bernie also leaves behind his loving aunt and uncle, Carol and Paul O’Connell, numerous nieces and nephews, and a veritable horde of cousins and their offspring. Bern’s cousin, Cindy (Sucher) Dorst and her husband Steve shared a particularly close relationship with Bernie and Jean. 

Bern worked in the commercial banking industry in Boston his entire career. He started at U.S.Trust – where he met his lovely bride – worked at the ill-fated Boston Trade Bank, and closed his career at South Shore Savings Bank. 

Bernie was a Renaissance man: he painted, both in oil and watercolor, with his most prolific subject being scenes of Wildwood, NJ; he was a carpenter (of-sorts) carrying on a tradition, started by his father, making much cherished family name signs for newlyweds and friends as well as Christmas vignettes of the North Pole and Santa’s helpers. Bern was also a prolific poet, his Christmas Cards, with their mélange of Holiday poetry and photos of Christmas’ past were cherished by their recipients. He enjoyed hats, pocket squares and wailing on the harmonica. He had an uncanny ability to call up the perfect song for whatever the occasion may be. 

You could calculate the number of Bernie’s friends by adding up the number of people he had met for more than five minutes. It was impossible to spend any time with Bernie without coming to like him. His friends and his friendships radiated out from him like sunbeams. That sun has set, and all of our lives are darkened in the resulting twilight. 

Bern was not one to hide his tears or repress his love or humor. He would want his loved ones to do both and do them often. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Alexander Deihl, 3815 Cottage Lane Newtown Square, PA 19073. 

The family will be holding a private celebration of Bernie’s life at a later date.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

Matthew Hopkins 

COHOES — Matthew Hopkins passed away from glioblastoma multiforme. He was 57. A funeral service was held on September 10 at First Presbyterian Church in Schenectady, followed by a celebration of life at Stillwater Riverfront Park. www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Elizabeth Rowland

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Elizabeth Rowland, died August 30. Family and friends called at 4 p.m. on September 9 at Compassionate Funeral Care. A service was held at 11 a.m. on September 10 at St. Clement’s Church. Visit: www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Wallace E. Sonntag

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Wallace E. Sonntag, 101, passed away Monday, September 12, 2022. At the family’s request there will be no services at this time. Visit: www.compassionatefuneralcare.com