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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Geyser Crest Well System Upgrade Design Underway

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced last week that the Geyser Crest well system will be upgraded to increase water draw from well #7. DPW contracted with CT Male Engineers of Latham to study and design the rehabilitation of Geyser Crest Well #7. 

The Geyser Crest well system represents a critical water supply source for the City’s southwest neighborhoods, and along with the Bog Meadow wells, supplements the City’s main water source at Loughberry Lake. 

“This is an investment into an important part of our water infrastructure to ensure the continued delivery of great quality water to the southwest neighborhoods of our city, ” said Scirocco, in a statement. “The growing infrastructure needs of Saratoga Springs continue to expand and it’s important to plan for today with a vision toward what will be needed in the future.”

Well #7 had originally yielded 500 gallons per minute (GPM) when it was installed in 1988 but is currently averaging around 180 GPM. CT Male Engineers will investigate the current well issues and determine how to increase the GPM flow. Their services include investigation, design, and construction administration services. The actual construction of well #7 improvements will be handled by a well drilling contractor through a separate request for proposal. DPW hosted a kick-off meeting with CT Male Engineer Jonathon Dippert, P.G. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 to start the project.

DPW anticipates the engineering analysis, design and construction bid documents by CT Male Engineers will be completed during the Fall of 2021 with the construction phase to follow shortly thereafter.

Geyser Crest Well System Upgrade Design Underway

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Department of Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco announced last week that the Geyser Crest well system will be upgraded to increase water draw from well #7. DPW contracted with CT Male Engineers of Latham to study and design the rehabilitation of Geyser Crest Well #7. 

The Geyser Crest well system represents a critical water supply source for the City’s southwest neighborhoods, and along with the Bog Meadow wells, supplements the City’s main water source at Loughberry Lake. 

“This is an investment into an important part of our water infrastructure to ensure the continued delivery of great quality water to the southwest neighborhoods of our city, ” said Scirocco, in a statement. “The growing infrastructure needs of Saratoga Springs continue to expand and it’s important to plan for today with a vision toward what will be needed in the future.”

Well #7 had originally yielded 500 gallons per minute (GPM) when it was installed in 1988 but is currently averaging around 180 GPM. CT Male Engineers will investigate the current well issues and determine how to increase the GPM flow. Their services include investigation, design, and construction administration services. The actual construction of well #7 improvements will be handled by a well drilling contractor through a separate request for proposal. DPW hosted a kick-off meeting with CT Male Engineer Jonathon Dippert, P.G. on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 to start the project.

DPW anticipates the engineering analysis, design and construction bid documents by CT Male Engineers will be completed during the Fall of 2021 with the construction phase to follow shortly thereafter.

Digitizing History: Saratoga County Oral History Project Online at Saratoga Springs Public Library

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A digital exhibit, featuring more than one dozen local voices and images, has been made available via the Saratoga Springs Public Library website. 

The Saratoga County Oral History Project — a collaboration between the Library, the city and county historians, and the Saratoga County History Center at Brookside Museum — includes several interviews that are part of the West Side Oral Narrative Collection. 

The interactive exhibit highlights several interviews with community members whose voices and stories were initially captured on what was the technology of the time – cassette tapes. The taped interviews, which have been languishing on shelves for many years before recently being digitized, offer poignant insights into how people came to live in the area and what their families’ experiences were like. The stories offer glimpses into life on the Brookside Dairy Farm in Greenfield, the early days of Mt. McGregor as a tuberculosis hospital, reminiscences of the early Pitney Farm, and a description of the development of the Saratoga Spa as a medical facility.

Also featured are – interviews from that collection commemorating the Feast of St Michael, an annual celebration for many years on the City’s West Side, were previously included in the Library of Congress’ Local Legacies Collection. 

The Project Committee included Lauren Roberts, MaryAnn Fitzgerald, Trevor Oakley, Anne Clothier, Jim Richmond and Lorie Wies. Members of the Saratoga County History Roundtable also contributed to the exhibit.

The interactive exhibit can be found at www.sspl.org/research/local_history or by visiting the Library’s Home Page under the Local History tab.

Reptile Expo 2021: Sept. 11

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2021 Reptile Expo will take place Saturday, September 11 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, 522 Broadway, Saratoga Springs  from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Learn about and buy exotic pets (reptiles, amphibians, exotic small mammals, invertebrates), enclosures, and supplies at the Saratoga Reptile Expo.  There will be over 130 vendor tables, a hands-on education area with zoologists and other experts, and great ice cream from Ben & Jerry’s. Admission will be $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-13, and under 6 are free. For more information visit www.facebook.com/events/489320132409853 

The Great Saratoga Museum Treasure Hunt

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — Grab your car keys, smart phones, and sense of adventure because Saratoga County is about to embark on a family-friendly treasure hunt from Lake Luzerne to Waterford.

During the weekend of Sept. 25-26, the Saratoga County History Center is hosting a wide-ranging scavenger quest that includes a dozen of the county’s charming local museums and historical societies. Participants will receive “passports” which list locations and unique historical items. They will then hunt for each object and record its location in their passport, learning about local and regional history along the way. The first three completed passports received by the History Center will win prizes. Participants are also encouraged to post their sleuthing adventures on social media, tagging the History Center as appropriate.

Historians and volunteers at each location will be eagerly awaiting arrivals and ready to answer any questions.

Participating organizations, open 12-5 p.m. on both days: Charlton Historical Society, Grooms Tavern, Corinth Museum, Day Museum, Chatfield Museum of Local History, Frances Kinnear Museum of Local History, Halfmoon Historical Society, Parks-Bentley Place, Brookside Museum, Waterford Historical Museum, Grant Cottage State Historic Site and the Wilton Heritage Museum.

To participate in the scavenger hunt, pick up a “passport” (at a cost of $5 – perfect for a family or a carload of people) at either Brookside Museum (6 Charlton St, Ballston Spa), Parks-Bentley Place (53 Ferry Blvd, South Glens Falls), the Waterford Historical Museum & Cultural Center (2 Museum Lane, Waterford), or the Kinnear Museum (52 Main St, Lake Luzerne). Any inquiries should be directed to Field Horne: field.horne@gmail.com or 518-885-4000.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Autumn Series Events

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — As the summer season comes to an end, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation looks forward to their Autumn Series events offered this Sunday through October 24.

Join the Foundation for the first of the strolls on Sunday, Sept. 12 at 10:30 a.m. for Historic Fifth & Madison with Debbie Studwell. Learn about these grand residential streets adjacent to the Saratoga Race Course which are lined with elegant Queen Anne and Craftsman houses. Tour meets at NE Corner of Fifth and Nelson Ave.

On Sept. 19, Charlie Kuenzel will explore the historic landscape architecture of Congress Park, share about the history of Saratoga and its springs, and highlight the Canfield Casino. Historic Congress Park tour meets in Congress Park in front of the Canfield Casino at 10:30 a.m. Additional Autumn Strolls include tours of mail-order houses of the east side on Oct. 3, the return of Pups for Preservation on Oct. 17 where dogs and their humans stroll North Broadway, and the Gut neighborhood on Oct. 24.

All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Tours will be limited to 30 people and tickets must be purchased in advance.  The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members.  Members who have received complimentary Stroll passes should contact the Foundation directly to reserve their ticket.

In addition to the Autumn Strolls, the Foundation will be offering bike tours of the Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday, September 26 and Saturday, October 9.  Bike tours last approximately three hours, attendees must bring or rent their bike, and space is limited. 

The Foundation is also hosting its popular Twilight Cemetery Tour “Madness, Murder, Untimely Deaths, and Strange Coincidences,” on Thursday, Oct. 21 at 5 p.m. which provides a rare opportunity to explore Greenridge Cemetery at dusk with tour leader Gloria May. Tickets for the Bike Tours and the Twilight Cemetery Tour are $20 for SSPF Members and $25 for non-members.

September 4 – September 10, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Krista S. Jenkins, 26, of Corinth, pleaded Aug. 26 to felony grand larceny, in connection with an incident in Greenfield in 2020. Sentencing Sept. 22. 

Brittaney L. Tatsey, 28, of Troy, pleaded Aug. 26 to criminal possession of a controlled substance, in Moreau. Sentencing Oct. 28. 

Ashley Sweeney, 38, of Mechanicville, pleaded Aug. 27 to felony burglary, and misdemeanor DWI, in Halfmoon. Sentencing Oct. 29. 

POLICE

Kellyann Biggs, 41, of Rotterdam, was charged Aug. 30 in Saratoga Springs with criminal contempt, a misdemeanor. 

Kasey O’Herron, 35, of Greenfield Center, was charged Sept. 1 in Saratoga Springs with felony DWI, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, two driving violations, and circumventing interlock, a misdemeanor. 

Marian McCaskill, 48, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 1 with misdemeanor assault. 

Kristen Jenks, 33, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 1 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. 

John Sgorrano, 27, of Fort Edward, was charged Sept. 2 in Saratoga Springs with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. 

Matthew Woelfersheim, 44, of Schaghticoke, was charged Sept. 2 in Saratoga Springs with felony grand larceny. 

David Morris, 21, of Troy, was charged Aug. 29 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a weapon, and criminal possession of a firearm – both felonies, criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful fleeing a police officer in a motor vehicle, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.  Narrative: At approximately 12:30 a.m. on Aug. 29, while on patrol, a Sheriff’s Deputy observed a 2005 Ford Freestyle SUV commit several traffic infractions. The deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver did not pull over. A short pursuit led to the vehicle crashing into a fence near the intersection of Rock Street and Maple Street. Morris, alleged to be the driver of the vehicle, was placed into custody. Two occupants of the vehicle fled on foot and were not apprehended. Cocaine is suspected to be in the car, and Morris is accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm pistol. The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was assisted at the scene by the Saratoga Springs Police Department. 

Chad Lang, 47, of Corinth, was charged Aug. 24 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass misdemeanor. 

Habiba Ibrahim, 19, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 25 with felony criminal mischief. 

Scott Michalkiewicz, 45, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 25 with criminal contempt, a misdemeanor. 

Glenn Massoth, 33, of Latham, was charged Aug. 25 in Saratoga Springs with two felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance. 

Julie Stewart, 53, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 26 with making a terroristic threat, a felony.   

Lloyd Kelone, 36, of Mechanicville, was charged Aug. 26 in Saratoga Springs with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs. 

Frank Kennedy, 32, of Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 26 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, moving from lane unsafely, and circumventing interlock system. 

Karl Ramnaresh, 43, of Rexford, was charged Aug. 26 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and making an unsafe turn. 

Jordan Martinez-Lanza, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 27 with criminal mischief, felony burglary, and assault in the third-degree. 

Lee Stout, 72, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 27 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and two vehicle equipment violations. 

Caleb Johnson, 29, of Queensbury, was charged Aug. 28 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and speeding. 

Gabriel Valentin, 19, of Albany, was charged Aug. 29 in Saratoga Springs with resisting arrest, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and obstructing a governmental official. 

Elisabeth Lapierre, 22, of Gansevoort, was charged Aug. 29 in Saratoga Springs with criminal tampering, a misdemeanor. 

Richard Watlet, 34, of Newport News, Virginia, was charged Aug. 29 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Yisel Martinez, 42, of Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 30 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault. 

Gary Green, 40, of Halfmoon, was charged Aug. 30 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault. 

Richard C. Bauer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Richard (Dick) C. Bauer, 91, passed away Saturday, September 4, 2021, at Saratoga Hospital. Born in Batavia, NY to the late Gertrude and Orville Bauer, he was a 1948 graduate of John Marshall High School in Rochester, NY. 

Dick attended Union College in Schenectady. He then enlisted in the Air Force as an Electronics Instructor and served in Keesler, Miss. AFB and Freising, Germany. He graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1958 and was elected to the Eta Kappa Nu and Tau Betta Pi engineers’ honor societies. 

Employed by General Electric Co. 37 years, retiring in 1992, Dick was a Sonar Electronics Design manager. Starting in 1993 he worked as an Adjunct Professor for Onondaga Community College for a few years. 

He was active in many civic activities and fraternal affiliations: GE Syracuse Elfun Society, chairman 1986; Syracuse YMCA Board of Directors, Lake Shore Yacht and Country Club, and Saratoga and Liverpool United Methodist Church. He was especially active in Optimist International. He originally joined the Optimist Club of North Syracuse, NY and was a secretary-treasurer, president, and director. On the NYS District level he served as lieutenant governor, oratorical contest chairman, membership and attendance chairman, governor-elect, governor, and is a golden circle member. And he was a charter member of the Optimist Club of Liverpool, NY.

Dick’s hobbies were golf, bowling, and photography. He was a huge fan of Syracuse University football and basketball. 

Along with his parents, Dick was predeceased by his sister Beverly Kittrell and his brother Robert (Bobby) Bauer. Surviving is his beloved wife Irmgard (Irmi) Bauer; a son Richard J. (Kim) and a daughter Donna B. Peck (Jack); three grandsons, Gregory R. Bauer (Emily), Christian J. Bauer and Garrit J. Peck; one step-grandson Joshua P. Peck and two great-granddaughters Renée S. Bauer and Cecilia (Cece) G. Bauer. 

A private memorial service with military honors will be held at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871 on Friday, September 10, 2021, at 9 a.m. Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/ Bussing& Cunniff Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

Contributions may be made in Dick’s name to the Optimist International Foundation www.oifoundation.org 

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com 

Sandra Donaldson

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA — In living memory of Sandra Donaldson (87) who passed away on August 27, 2021. 

Sandra is survived by her daughter, Sandra Fitch and predeceased by her husband, Alfred Donaldson and her son Royal Donaldson. She is also survived by her granddaughter, Olivia Mills (Steve), great-grandsons, Douglas Sorem and Daniel Sorem, grand-daughter, Sara Donaldson and great-granddaughter Mya Darrah, her grandsons, Benjamin Thomas and Royal Donaldson. She is also survived by her brother, John Straight (Maryann), multiple brothers and sisters and other relatives.

A memorial service will be held at the North Milton Cemetery. 

Pia Marie D’Aiello

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

MIDDLETOWN, CT — Pia Marie D’Aiello, formerly Deborah Ann Wall Wilcox, passed away on August 7, 2021 at 71 years old. Pia was born in Saratoga Springs on February 27, 1950. She was a resident of Connecticut Valley Hospital when she passed, where she had been a patient since June 1990.

Pia graduated from St. Luke’s Episcopal Day School in Greenwich Village followed by graduating from The High School of Music and Arts also in New York City. She then went to and graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a BFA in Fine Arts in 1975. Pia was a prolific artist who worked in multiple mediums but is best known for her tremendous oil painting and her sensitive and delicate watercolors. 

While growing up in NYC she resided with her mother, Gloria, also an artist and art teacher, and her two brothers Edward and Peter in Westbeth Artist Housing, the first federally funded artist housing of its kind. While living in Manhattan she created a successful Papier-mâché hat doll business that resulted in her having a whole window display in Bonwit Teller on 5th Avenue. The most recent showing of her art was in a tri-generational art show at Madison Art Cinemas with her mother, Gloria and daughter, Abigail, also an artist. During her life Pia had the opportunity to travel to Haiti, Paris, Southern France and Spain. She was married to Robert C. Wilcox for a time. 

Pia is pre-deceased by her brother Peter J. Wall and is survived by her mother, Gloria D’Aiello Wehle, her brother Edward J. Wall and her daughter, Abigail Deborah Wilcox as well as her extended family in Saratoga Springs and the tri-state area. There will be a memorial service at Connecticut Valley Hospital in September. One of Pia’s paintings is being gifted to the hospital. To share memories or express condolences online please visit www.biegafuneralhome.com