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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Caffe Lena Names New Board President

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Caffè Lena recently announced that Eric Gordon has stepped into the role of president of its board of directors, helping guide the next chapter for the historic listening room and nonprofit arts organization.

Gordon has been part of the Caffè Lena board since 2020, offering guidance and leadership during a period of growth. He brings more than 30 years of experience from a career in finance and nonprofit service.

Gordon steps into the role following the leadership of Kira Karbocus, former CFO/COO of Newport Festivals Foundation, who served as board president from 2021 through 2025. Karbocus has been part of the Lena board for more than 10 years and will continue in a key role as vice chair, working closely with Gordon

As board president, Gordon will work with staff and board leadership to support Caffè Lena’s long-term vision, deepen community engagement, and help support one of America’s longest-running folk music venues.

Meet Valentino!!

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

Are you looking for a companion that wants to sit on your lap and watch tv with you? A cat who will be your best friend, your reading companion, your movie buddy? We have the cat for you. Valentino came to us this month from a man who was caring for him in his heated garage. He would curl up next to the wood fireplace and sit on this man’s lap for as long as he could. Unfortunately, they have 6 cats and realized they could not take on another kitty at this time. He started out shy for the first 12 hours and after that has been a favorite at the adoption center. He is roughly 3 years old, newly neutered so has the big male cat face and has tested negative for Feline Leukemia but positive for FIV. This means that he is immunocompromised and will need prompt veterinary care if he has signs of an infection. Other than that, he can live a long, healthy life. FIV can be transmitted between cats from deep bite wounds. We are not sure how he would do with other cats or dogs. He prefers adults or older children because they have bigger laps to sit on. 

The HOPE Pet Adoption Center is open to the public Tuesday, Friday and Saturday from 11-4 and by appointment. Online adoption applications can be found at our website www.hopeanimalrescue.org.

Sheriff’s Office Announces New Website

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The Sheriff’s Office launched a new website on February 25

Saratoga County Sheriff Jeffrey R. Brown announced the launch of the newly designed Sheriff’s Office website Wednesday. 

The website has been completely revamped and allows citizens the opportunity to learn about all five of the Sheriff’s Office’s divisions and the units that make them. Additionally, it provides information regarding pistol licensing, how to obtain reports, submitting tips and requesting a house check, among other things. 

“I am incredibly proud of the men and women who make up this agency and am excited to bring the public behind the scenes to see what our capabilities really are,” Brown said. “The newly designed website is the culmination of a lot of hard work, and I am hopeful the public will find it to be as interesting and helpful as we intended.” 

The Sheriff’s Office wishes to extend its sincerest thanks to the Saratoga County Information Technology Department for its assistance in constructing the website. 

The new website can be located at www.saratogacountysheriff.gov.

2026 Annual Saratoga Showcase of Homes Dates Announced: October 3-4 & October 10-11! 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee has already begun planning for this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. 

Celebrating its 30 YEAR ANNIVERSARY, this annual community tradition has contributed nearly $1.7 million dollars to our local charities. 

We are excited to announce this year’s dates and look forward to presenting an outstanding line-up of magnificent homes on display this fall. The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on 4 days over two spectacular weekends this fall on October 3-4 & October 10-11 featuring the regions’ finest, award-winning builders showcasing their new construction. 

The Showcase of Homes Committee will have an extensive marketing and promotional campaign, which will include official media sponsors in newspapers, magazines, television, online, social media and more! If you are interested in entering a new home in the event or becoming a showcase sponsor, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. 

The 2026 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event proceeds will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Last year, $66,000 was raised for these two important organizations. Through this event, the Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed nearly $1.7 million to our local charities. 

For more information, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. 

Week of February 27 – March 5, 2026        

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Blotter, Police Blotter.

Blotter Report

February 18, 2026. 2:20 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Stony Creek resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of controlled substance and equipment violations. Arrest occurred on Congress Street. 

February 18, 2026. 6:00 a.m.- New York State Police arrests a Clifton Park resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony criminal contempt: violate order of protection and felony aggravated family offense. Held, no bail.

February 18, 2026. 8:17 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Ballston Spa resident on charges of felony 3rd degree criminal mischief: damage to another person’s property amount over $250. Held, no bail. Original incident occurred in the Town of Milton in June, 2025. 

February 18, 2026. 8:20 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Schuylerville resident on charges of unauthorized use of a motor vehicle: without owner consent and identity theft 3: assume another person’s identity to obtain goods or cause loss. Arrest occurred on Country Farm Rd. 

February 19, 2026. 4:50 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of misdemeanor act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Appearance ticket issued. Original incident occurred in the Town of Wilton on Feb. 10, 2026. 

February 19, 2026. 5:40 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury and criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation- apply pressure. Arrest occurred on Seward Street.

February 20, 2026. 4:43 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Brooklyn resident on charges of 3rd degree assault with intent to cause physical injury and act in a manner to injure a child less than 17. Arrest occurred on Tait Lane. 

February 20, 2026. 9:35 a.m.- New York State Police arrested a Greenfield Center resident in the Town of Malta on charges of felony aggravated unlicensed operation: permanent revocation. Appearance ticket issued. 

February 20, 2026. 1:03 p.m.- New York State Police arrested a Gansevoort resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of felony 1st degree offering a false instrument for filing- intent to defraud. Appearance ticket issued.

February 20, 2026. 8:15 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Albany resident in the City of Saratoga Springs on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08- first offense. Released on own recognizance. 

February 21, 2026. 2:27 a.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Gansevoort resident on charges of DWI-first offense, operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Marrion Avenue and Route 50. 

February 21, 2026. 3:45 a.m.- New York State Police arrested South Glens Falls resident in the Town of Moreau on charges of 3rd degree assault: with intent to cause physical injury. Family court appearance ticket issued. 

February 21, 2026. 3:26 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of criminal mischief: intent to damage property. Arrest occurred on Governor Lane.

February 21, 2026. 11:36 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested a Saratoga Springs resident on charges of 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, refusal to take a breath test and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Union Avenue and the Southbound Lane of Interstate 87.

February 22, 2026. 7:53 p.m.- New York State Police arrested an Alplaus resident in the Town of Clifton Park on charges of misdemeanor DWI- first offense and misdemeanor operating a motor vehicle with a BAC of .08 or higher- first offense. Released to third party. 

February 22, 2026. 10:25 p.m.- Saratoga Springs Police arrested an Amsterdam resident on charges of 7th degree criminal possession of a controlled substance and other traffic offenses. Arrest occurred at the intersection of Crescent Street and South Broadway. 

Sharon Ann Pratt

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

LAKE LUZERNE – Sharon Ann Pratt, age 70, passed away February 4,2026 at Albany Med. Sharon was born December 4,1955 in Saratoga Springs NY. The daughter of the late Esther (Vandenburgh)and Walter Decker. Sharon is survived by her previous husband Gordon Pratt and four children, John Decker (Cindy) of Lake Luzerne, Sheryl Gault (Mike) of Connecticut, Tammy Pratt (Terry) of West Chazy and Justin Pratt (Miranda) of West Chazy. Several  grandkids and great grandkids. She is also survived by three sisters Edna, Dawn, and Janice and two brothers Walt and Chuckie. She was predeceased by her sisters Sandy and Joyce, brothers Billy, Bobby and Paul and her parents Walter and Esther Decker. Sharon loved butterflies, unicorns, and dolphins. She loved to play cards, dance, cook, and bowl. She was famously known for her buckeye balls and Milky Way pie. Services for Sharon will be Friday, February 27, 2026, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs NY from 1 – 3 p.m.

Daniel Joseph Van Buskirk

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY- Daniel Joseph Van Buskirk, 56, passed away Tuesday, February 17, 2026, surrounded by loved ones. He was born February 8, 1970, in Troy, NY, to Raymond E. and Eileen Van Buskirk.  Daniel was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend who will be remembered for his quick wit, generous heart, and strong work ethic. He had a natural way of making people laugh, lighting up a room with his humor and storytelling. Those who knew him will carry forward his perseverance and the faith that guided his life.

Daniel was a true master of his craft. A skilled carpenter, electrician, and handyman, he built a career defined by precision, creativity, and pride in every detail. From early work running communication lines through local businesses to completing custom cabinetry in extraordinary homes, Daniel left his mark through the things he built with his hands. He finished his career at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, where he took great pride in maintaining and improving a place dedicated to excellence. He was known as the person family called when something needed to be fixed and he was always willing to help.

Outside of work, Daniel embraced life fully. He cherished time with friends and family, loved a good laugh, and rarely missed a chance to celebrate the moment. He was a passionate fan of the San Francisco 49ers, proudly cheering them on with his signature “Bang Bang.” He was also a man of strong convictions and spoke openly about what he believed in.

Above all, Daniel’s faith was central to who he was. He openly shared his belief that Jesus was his Savior, and he found comfort, strength, and hope in that faith throughout his life. Those who loved him take peace in knowing that faith carried him home.

Daniel is survived by his daughters Amanda (Jason) McMillen, Mariah (Zachary) Fanning, Emily (James) Braun, and their mother Carmen Emerich-Dennison; his father Raymond E. (Celia) Van Buskirk; his grandchildren Jason McMillen, and Olivia and Emily Fanning; his sister Lori (Daniel) Meguin; and his nieces and nephew. He was preceded in death by his mother, Eileen Van Buskirk, and his brother, Raymond C. Van Buskirk.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, February 28 from 1 to 4 pm at Mama Mia’s in Saratoga. All friends and family are welcome.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com. 

Alene Mericle-Cobb

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GLENVILLE, NY- Alene Mericle-Cobb, 84, went to be with her Lord and Savior on February 21, 2026.  She was born on September 14, 1941, to the late Mildred “Millie” and LeRoy Mericle.  A private family memorial will be held at a later time to honor Alene’s life. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Helen Butler

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

PORT ST. LUCIE, FL- Helen Butler, 98, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, February 17, 2026.

Calling hour 11 am – 12 pm, Friday February 27, at St. Clements Church. Mass at 12 pm. Burial following at Saratoga National Cemetery. Celebration of life 4 – 6 pm, Holiday Inn Saratoga. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com. “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

Nickolas “Nick” Daniel Capone

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – Nickolas “Nick” Daniel Capone, 86, passed away peacefully on the morning of Friday, February 20, 2026. Calling hours were 2/25/2026 at Burke funeral home, followed by burial in St. Peter’s Cemetery. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com