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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Kevin Cummings

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – Well known native son Kevin Cummings’ love of life did not come to an end with his untimely death in the early morning hours of October 28, 2021 at his Saratoga home. To the contrary, Kevin’s lifelong passion for living, his indefatigable and inspirational spirit, whether battling cancer or on the football field, and his irrepressible joie de vivre, will live on eternally through all those who loved him and will honor him, as his legacy is well cemented in his Saratoga roots.

Born on October 18, 1956 to the late John E. and Ruth (Smith) Cummings, Kevin was a fixture on the playgrounds of the East Side Rec with his towering presence and dominating skills in football, basketball and baseball, together with his twin brother Keith. From Little League to Pop Warner, and from the gritty pick-up games on the East Side courts, to “Friday Night Lights” in front of a packed house in the iconic old stands of the Rec football field, Kev’s star always shone brightly.

Who could ever forget the amazing run Kev and Keith’s Little League All Star team, along with teammates Chip Williams, Jack Meinhardt, and TK Veitch made in the Summer of ’69?! With a couple of breaks, they were on their way to Williamsport, as they captivated the city. 

As legendary Saratoga High Football Coach Blase Iuliano remarked, “In 1971 we brought up Kevin as a young Sophomore to the Varsity, and it did not take long to see how very special he was. He was not only a gifted athlete, but also extremely competitive, and commanded respect because of his work ethic.” Coach Iuliano went on to talk about Kev and Keith being 3 sport stars throughout high school, and of how that led to their induction into the Saratoga High Hall of Fame. He continued by saying “I was so very proud of Kevin when he became an All American at U Mass, and also when he became a key administrator with Disney in Florida after he graduated.” He spoke proudly about Kevin’s role as the Development Manager for Disney Imagineering of the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa on the massive grounds of Disney World, which was certainly a pinnacle moment in Kevin’s exemplary career. Coach Iuliano closed his remarks by saying “It was a pleasure and honor to know some of Kevin’s siblings, and my heart and prayers go out to them and to all of his many friends who lost one of Saratoga’s finest athletes and best people.”

With Kevin’s larger than life personality, and his impact on so many over the years, it is no wonder that there’s been a tremendous outpouring of love and sadness from people near and far in the days since he was taken from us way too soon. Stories of his kindness and generosity with younger athletes, and of his dry sense of humor and quick wit, which gave him the ability to lift everyone’s spirits and fill a room with laughter, have been oft repeated sentiments. To know Kevin is to love Kevin, and to be his friend is to cherish his friendship. 

Kevin was fortunate to play for Dick MacPherson at UMass, and Coach MacPherson also felt very fortunate to have Kevin as a player. MacPherson had stints as an NFL Assistant, including a stop with the Patriots, and also was later at the helm of the Syracuse Orange, but once when asked how he felt about Kevin, without hesitation he said, “Kevin was the biggest, big play man I ever coached.” That alone speaks to the size of Kevin’s heart and helps to explain why he continued to achieve such success in life.

During his 26-year career with Disney, Kevin logged more frequent flyer miles than anyone else in the large business, per his longtime Executive Assistant and close friend, Diana Hall. He was a Project Manager working with Bill Hanus, whom he greatly respected. Kevin worked on all 4 Disney ships in Italy and Germany, and also worked on the development of the Tokyo Disneyland Resort and the Disney Polynesian Resort, one of their DVC/Disney Vacation Club properties. He also worked on domestic projects at the Disney Vero Beach Resort, California Adventure, Copper Creek @ Wilderness Lodge, a DVC property on the grounds of Disney World in Florida, and he was naturally chosen to lead the development of the Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa, also a DVC property on the Disney World grounds, with a ringing endorsement from CEO Michael Eisner. As Diana shared, “It is impossible to put into words what Kevin’s career and reputation at Disney were, and the people who loved and admired him.”

In conversations with Keith and several of his and Kevin’s closest friends, one theme about Kev always rose to the top, and that was his love for Saratoga. Kevin and his brother were always traveling to UNH football games, coached by fellow Saratogian and close friend Sean McDonnell. Those were epic road trips organized with Rod Sutton, Tom Roohan and a host of other native Saratogians. If it was the UNH-UMass game, Kevin made the difficult decision to stand alongside his dear Saratoga teammate and friend, despite his love for his alma mater. When it came time to retire, it was a no brainer for Kevin to return to his hometown and purchase a house on Lincoln Avenue. His warm and cozy home was only one block from his beloved racetrack. Shortly after, he soon renovated and utilized all of the designs he honed during his tenure at Disney. 

Although Kevin did not have children of his own, he treated his closest friends’ children like family. These kids loved him in return, including the Rossi children, Sean McDonnell’s and Dave Croasdale’s sons. Kevin’s love and genuine interest in his friends’ children was a nurturing trait which came from Kev’s beloved mom, Ruthie. 

Finally, it must be stated that Kevin brought the same discipline and purpose that he exhibited in business and in sports to his winning battle against cancer. Kevin’s former wife and good friend Darla Ergen Cummings was instrumental in supporting Kevin through all of his treatments in her hometown of Pittsburgh. Kevin was an inspiration to all who were around him at that time, including all of Darla’s family and friends, as well as his family and friends back home. 

Kevin was preceded in death by his older sister and brother, Shelley Ann Cummings and John P. “Jackie ” Cummings, and by his younger brother, David “Satch” Cummings. He is survived by his oldest sister, Diane C. Strong of Bradenton, Florida, twin brother, Keith Cummings of Saratoga, and youngest brother, Christopher M. Cummings of Austin, Texas, as well as his former wife and good friend, Darla Ergen Cummings. Lifelong Saratoga friends Dick Mullaney and Joey Leone were always by his side and will miss their buddy dearly. 

Calling hours for Kevin will be held Wednesday, November 3, 2021 at the Wm. J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, November 4, 2021 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. 

Burial will be private.

At the family’s request, donations may be made in Kevin’s memory to UPMC/Hillman Cancer Center, 5115 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15232. 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Sustainable Saratoga Releases Restaurant Sustainability Guide To Help Local Restaurants Go Green

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Over the last year, a small group of Sustainable Saratoga volunteers, led by Marlaina Murphy, have been putting together a sustainability guide for local restaurants. The goal of the project was to create a comprehensive but easy-to-follow guidebook filled with options for restaurants to consider adopting to make their business more sustainable. 

The guide includes information on how to power your business with renewable energy; strategies for reducing energy use; easy ways to reduce food waste; tips to increase recycling and reduce plastic waste production; and much more. The guide also contains specific links for restaurant owners to explore options that are the best fit for their business. 

Becoming more sustainable can be good for business too. Surveys show that many consumers care about the sustainability practices of the places they frequent and are willing to pay more for goods and services when the business is environmentally friendly. Another reason for going green – there are often government incentives available for businesses that undergo energy efficiency improvements. 

 You can find a link to the Restaurant Sustainability Guide at: www.sustainablesaratoga.org 

Saratoga County Office for The Aging Makes Urgent Request For Volunteers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Office for the Aging is in urgent need of volunteers to deliver meals to homebound seniors throughout Saratoga County. 

This important program helps many seniors, age 60 and older, remain independent in their homes by providing them with a nutritious ready-to-eat lunch each weekday. Seniors also have the option to receive a frozen meal they may enjoy later for dinner. 

The Saratoga County Office for the Aging needs delivery volunteers so the agency may return to delivering fresh, hot meals each weekday. Throughout the pandemic, the program provided frozen meals once a week. 

Volunteers are especially needed in the Saratoga, Schuylerville, Hadley, Edinburg, Galway, Greenfield, Malta, Mechanicville, Moreau, and Wilton areas. 

Meals are prepared, packed, and ready for transport at 11 a.m., Monday through Friday. Volunteers simply pick up meals at one of nine sites throughout the county and deliver them to a pre-determined list of participating seniors. Delivery typically takes about an hour. Volunteers’ schedules are flexible to meet their availability. 

To become a volunteer, individuals must submit paperwork, including references, to the Saratoga County Office for the Aging. Volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and their own vehicle. Training and orientation are provided to all volunteers. Those interested in becoming a volunteer may contact Billie Jo McConkey at the Saratoga County Office for the Aging at 518-363-4020 for details.

History Center Launches Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Initiative

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County History Center has launched a diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative. An ad-hoc committee consisting of area professionals and community organizers will meet through 2021 and 2022 to assess SCHC programming, identify under-represented demographics, and conceive of a plan to reach and serve those communities.

The committee includes Dr. Michael Landis (chair), trustee, Saratoga County History Center; Dr. Jordana Dym, Professor of History, Skidmore College; Ron Agostinoni, Principal, Shenendahowa High School; Dora Lee Stanley, Glen Falls Branch NAACP and MLK Saratoga; Jeremy Baird, Saratoga Pride; James Bruchac, Ndakinna Education Center; TJ Sangaré, BLM Saratoga; Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez, LifeWorks Community Action; Dr. Joanne Zangrando, trustee, Saratoga County History Center; and Donna Dardaris, trustee, Saratoga County History Center. In addition, Florencia Feleder, Capital Region Director, Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, will serve as a guest participant.

For more information about the organization, visit www.brooksidemuseum.org 

The Gold Star Mother Pilgrimage

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in History.

On May 13, 1930, two Saratoga County women set out on an all-expense paid dream trip. Sailing from New York City harbor on the S.S. Republic, they would be welcomed in Paris by French and American officials and put up in one of the most expensive hotels in the city. After visiting the sites in and around Paris, they would stop in London on the way home where they received the same first-class treatment.

It should have been one of the finest times of their lives, but it wasn’t. They were going to visit the graves of their sons who had died during the Great War. In 1921, the government had offered to bring home all of the fallen and the families of about 40,000 agreed. But about 30,000 families choose to let their loved ones rest where they fell with their comrades. 

In 1929 Congress enacted legislation that authorized the secretary of war to arrange for pilgrimages to the European cemeteries “by mothers and widows of members of military and naval forces of the United States who died in the service at any time between April 5, 1917, and July 1, 1921, and whose remains are now interred in such cemeteries.” By October 31, 1933, when the project ended, 6,693 women had made the pilgrimage. Almost all of the participants were mothers, rather than widows, so the trips came to be known at the Gold Star Mother  Pilgrimage, the gold star being the symbol hung in the windows of those families who had lost a family member in the service of their country. 

The Saratoga mothers were Mrs. George Gurtler from Saratoga and Mrs. Caroline Cady from Greenfield, both of whom lost their sons in October 1918 as the war was ending. Mrs. Gurtler was the mother of Corporal William and Private George Gurtler Jr., both of whom served with the National Guard on the Mexican border prior to World War I and with the 105th Infantry, 27th Division during the War. On October 20, 1918, as the Division was attacking the Hindenburg Line, both were killed in action and are buried together in the Somme American Cemetery. The Saratoga Veterans of Foreign Wars Post is named in their memory.   

Mrs. Cady’s son was Private Melville Cady who served with the 1st. Division. In July, 1918, the 22-year-old soldier was wounded by shrapnel but returned to action in August and was killed on Oct. 14, 1918. He is buried in the Meuse-Argonne American Cemetery. 

There were nine American Cemeteries in France and Belgium, so the women were divided into groups and bused to the appropriate site.  They visited the cemeteries for several days in a row, for approximately an hour each day for a grave site visit. 

Three other mothers from the county – Mrs. Alice Perkins, Mrs. Clarence Walton and Mrs. Clancy Record were too ill to travel. 

From 1930 until 1933, 6,500 mothers and widows were reunited with their loved ones for the last time but in 1933 the government was forced to end the program due to the Depression. 

Paul Perreault has been the Malta Town Historian since 2009. He served as principal in the Ballston Spa School District from 1978 until 1998 and as a history teacher at Shenendehowa High School from 1967 until 1975. He is a member of the Association of Public Historians of New York State, the Saratoga County History Roundtable and the Ballston Spa Rotary Club. Paul can be reached at historian@malta-town.org.

William Douglas Lindsay Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Some 28 driving miles east of Montpelier, Vermont, on the west shore of Groton Pond, sits a century-old camp that will never be the same. This is because Astenrogen (place among the rocks), lost on October 23, 2021, its patriarch and proudest occupant, William Douglas Lindsay Jr. Doug, as he was known throughout his 81 years, passed away peacefully in his Saratoga Springs home while surrounded by family. 

Doug was born on March 9, 1940, to Dr. William Douglas Lindsay and Helena Lindsay (Pembroke) in Montpelier, VT. Along with his four sisters, the precocious boy spent his formative years between his two favorite places, home and the family camp on Vermont’s Groton Pond. He attended public school locally before venturing to Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, NY, where in 1962 he earned a Bachelor of Science in Political Science accompanied by a minor in American History.

It was immediately upon graduation that Lindsay began his life of service. He enlisted in the Army National Guard during the tumultuous Vietnam War epoch, serving six years, before volunteering for and earning membership in the Peace Corps. After, Lindsay began his working life with Dunn and Bradstreet and then the National Institute of Health. During an afternoon hike in 1969, Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas suggested Lindsay apply to work for the National Park Service. He did and spent the remainder of his career serving that organization.

His first stop was in 1971 as the National Park Service’s inaugural Site Manager for the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington D.C. Following a successful tour, his responsibilities increased when National Park Service leadership saw fit to place Washington’s most famous monuments and memorials under his tutelage where he oversaw the city’s bicentennial celebrations; a street was named in his honor for his contributions. Next—in a desire to find his way closer to his beloved Vermont—came the superintendent position at Massachusetts’ historic Springfield Armory before capping off a triumphant career as Superintendent of the Saratoga National Historical Park, better known as the Saratoga Battlefield. Here he was responsible for leading the 220th and 225th anniversary celebrations of what most believe was the turning point of the Revolutionary War while simultaneously managing an extensive effort to return to its original state the battlefield‘s vegetation and landscape.

Although Lindsay’s life was filled with numerous professional accomplishments, to him, they were near meaningless when compared to his roles as father, friend, brother, and husband. His wife Sheila Conway of Wilton; daughters Noreen O’Dea (Frank Lyons) of Wilton, Catherine Lindsay of Binghamton, and Meghan Lindsay (Jonathon Molik), also of Wilton; sisters Susan Lindsay (Robert Youker) of Bethesda, MD, Joan Lindsay (William Johnson) of Oxbo, ME, Anne Lindsay of Washington D.C., and Jane Lindsay (predeceased); grandchildren Timothy O’Dea, Chelsea O’Dea, Nicholas Lyons, Madigan Lyons, Ethan Molik, and Kendall Molik; and two great-grandchildren will forever remember him as the most humble, compassionate, empathic, and jovial person they had the pleasure of loving. Whether spitting out dates from esoteric foreign wars amid a dinner of Maryland hard-shell crab, opining on which family of lilac grows best in Vermont during halftime of a Washington Football Team game, to taking his toddler-aged daughters on special camp trips to give Mommy a well-deserved break, or directing family members helping maintain Astenrogen, the incomparable Doug Lindsay left a positive imprint on everyone he touched. His class and character were such that all who met him were better for having done so. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 6 p.m., Thursday, November 4 at the William J Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

Augustine Brickhouse

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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BALLSTON SPA — Augustine Brickhouse, age 89, passed away peacefully on Monday, October 25, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital with her family by her side.

She was born on March 28, 1932, in Ossining, NY, the daughter of the late James Smith and Sarah “Belle” Collins Smith. 

Augustine worked at Wesley Health Care in Saratoga Springs as a CNA for many years. 

Augustine enjoyed going to church every Sunday and did daily prayers for hours for her family and friends. She loved playing bingo with her friends every week and loved doing word search puzzles. Augustine had a passion for praying and helping others. To know her was to love her. 

Augustine is survived by her son, Alburn Brickhouse; daughter, Cherrie VanDerburg (William); sister, Sarah Timms; grandchildren, Rahshida Jean, Jose VanDerburg, Connor VanDerburg, Jerome Smith; great-grandchild, Marquis Johnson; extended family and many friends. 

She is preceded in death by her husband, Seth Brickhouse; son, Albert Smith; sister, Vivian Smith; brothers, James Thomas, Arthur Smith, and William Smith. 

A funeral service will be held at 12 noon on Monday, November 1, 2021, at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs, New York, with Pastor Steve Harness officiating. 

Family and friends may call from 10:00 to 11:45 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral home. 

A graveside service will follow at Greenridge Cemetery, 17 Green Ridge Pl, Saratoga Springs.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Augustine can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, www.stjude.org or a charity of your choice. 

Due to the ongoing public health concerns of COVID-19, social distancing as well as wearing of a face mask is recommended.

For online condolences, visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com