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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Bridges Announces New Chief Executive Officer and Chief Operation Officer

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Bridges announced Jane Mastaitis to be their Chief Executive Officer effective October 1, 2021. In her role, Jane will provide leadership for all aspects of Saratoga Bridges’ operations and is responsible for implementing policies and programs to carry out the work of the organization with an emphasis on long-term goals, growth and sustainability in the alignment of their strategic plan. Jane is replacing Valerie Muratori who will be retiring after 38 years of service to the agency. 

Saratoga Bridges also welcomed Dorothy Broekhuizen as their new Chief Operating Officer replacing Greg Cuda who retired after 30 years with the agency. Dorothy is responsible for assisting the CEO in leading, developing and overseeing the day-to-day administration of services to ensure they remain at a consistent high level and with a person-centered focus while maintaining the programmatic structure and regulatory requirements.

Saratoga Bridges has been providing the highest level of programs to people with developmental disabilities and their families for more than 60 years by promoting their abilities and achievements in every aspect of community life.  As one of the largest private non-profit organizations in Saratoga County, they have been committed to ensuring that the individuals they support are able to empower their hopes and dreams as they work, volunteer, socialize and recreate while leading full, productive and contributing lives.                       

August 27 – September 3, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Eric J. Buell, 36, of Gansevoort, was sentenced Aug. 18 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Wilton. 

Jeffrey M. Rubertone, 59, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Aug. 20 to felony DWI. Sentencing Oct. 28. 

Henry J. Desnoyers, 50, of Troy, was sentenced Aug. 20 to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a felony, in Malta. 

Isaiah M. Macuilt, 25, of Albany, was sentenced Aug. 20 to 5-1/2 years in prison, after pleading to felony robbery, in Moreau. 

Antonio Dean, 34, of Hudson Falls, was sentenced Aug. 20 to 4 years in prison, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, in Wilton. 

Kimberly J. Bertrand, 23, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Aug. 20 to felony DWI in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Oct. 22. 

Ryan K. Score, 32, of Wilton, pleaded Aug. 20 to felony DWI. Sentencing Oct. 29. 

Joshua A. Ferrucci, 29, of Ballston Spa, pleaded Aug. 20 to felony burglary. Sentencing Oct. 29. S 

Jared S. Ellis, 30, of Corinth, pleaded Aug. 24 to aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle and DWAI. Sentencing Oct. 8. 

Lance E. Abare, 23, of Corinth, was sentenced Aug. 25 to ½ to 3 years prison, after pleading to felony grand larceny. 

POLICE

Chasuan Pearson, 28, of Albany, was charged Aug. 21 in Saratoga Springs with harassment, false impersonation, and obstructing governmental official. 

Guy Torsilieri, 65, of White House Station, was charged Aug. 22 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and making an unsafe turn. 

Julie Stewart, 53, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 22 with possession of a forged instrument in the first-degree, a felony. 

Kevin Cuva, 48, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 22 in Saratoga Springs with criminal contempt as a felony, and aggravated family offense – also a felony. 

Shayne Richardson, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 23 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, speed not prudent, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Arad Waris, 24, of Albany,
was charged Aug. 22 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI.

David Walsh, 61, of Ballston Lake, was charged Aug. 17 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, refusal to take breath test, and driving wrong direction on a one-way street. 

John Kearney, 42, of Stillwater, was charged Aug. 18 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, obstructing governmental official, refusal to take a breath test, disorderly conduct, and a vehicle violation. 

Anthony Ippoliti, 52, of Galway, was charged Aug. 18 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating vehicle while using mobile phone. 

Andrew Miller, 35, of Schenectady, was charged Aug. 18 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Marcus Fogle, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 19 with harassment, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental official. 

Yisel Martinez, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 19 with harassment in the second-degree. 

Chad Lang, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 13 with criminal trespass misdemeanor. 

Christopher Zabel, 35, of Ballston Spa, was charged Aug. 13 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Patricia Hunter, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 13 with menacing in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Logan Dunn, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Aug. 13 with menacing in the second-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Dariel Soriano-Taveras, 30, of Schenectady, was charged Aug. 14 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, and failure to keep right. 

Neil Otero, 24, of Amsterdam, was charged Aug. 14 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and two motor vehicle violations. 

Craig Harris, 48, of Porter Corners, was charged Aug. 14 in Saratoga Springs with harassment in the second-degree. 

Shaeim Johnson, 19, of Troy, was charged Aug. 15 in Saratoga Springs with obstructing governmental official. 

Richard Kelleher, 30, of Waterford, was charged Aug. 15 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault. 

Zaire Stevens, 25, of Troy, was charged Aug. 15 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

David Hardesty, 25, of Hoosick Falls, was charged Aug. 15 in Saratoga Springs with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor. 

Kyree N. Graham, 24, was charged with 3 counts felony assault while incarcerated at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility in the Town of Milton. Graham is accused of being involved in a physical altercation with several members of the Corrections staff. Two Corrections Officers and a Corrections Sergeant were sent to the Malta Medical Center for treatment of their injuries. 

Reminder for Drivers of the Dangers of Passing a Stopped School Bus as Schools Reopen

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

LATHAM — The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is reminding drivers to be extra careful this year as school districts begin to reopen across the state. 

The Association is also alerting parents and caregivers that there could be disruptions to school transportation this year as school districts face an unprecedented shortage in school bus drivers driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, extension of extra unemployment benefits and demand for drivers in the package handling industry.

According to a statewide survey conducted by NYAPT of school bus drivers across the state, an estimated 50,000 motorists in New York illegally pass stopped school buses every day school is in session, endangering students and putting their lives at risk. 

“Providing New York’s school-age children a safe school bus ride to and from school each day is our top priority, and we urge all drivers to do their part and be extra cautious as schools reopen,” NYAPT President Ted Nugent who is the school transportation director at the Coxsackie-Athens CSD, said in a statement.  “We are asking drivers to avoid distractions while driving, be aware that school buses are back on the roads, and to always stop when they see those red lights flashing on a school bus because students’ lives depend on it.” 

New York State Vehicle and Traffic law requires all vehicles to come to a full stop when approaching a school bus stopped with red lights flashing. Red flashing lights indicate that a child is either boarding or disembarking a school bus. New York state law prohibits the passing of a school bus that is stopped with red lights flashing regardless of your direction of travel, even if there is a multi-lane or divided highway. 

Penalties for a first-time offense include a fine from $250 to $400, five points on your license and the possibility of 30 days in jail. A second conviction within three years will result in a $600 to $750 fine and up to 180 days in jail; while three or more convictions will result in a fine from $750 to $1,000, mandatory revocation of your driver’s license and up to 180 days in jail. 

The New York Association for Pupil Transportation (NYAPT) is a statewide organization dedicated to the support, development, and representation of school transportation professionals who are responsible for the safe and efficient transportation of more than 2.3 million school children across New York State. www.nyapt.org

Jason Drolet

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Jason Drolet, 42, passed away August 28, 2021 following courageous battle with brain cancer. Friends and family are invited to gather for a celebration of life on Tuesday, September 7 from 2-6 p.m. at the Saratoga Spa State Park: Hathorne pavilion. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com  

Educators Rally Pledge to ‘Teach Truth’

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Educators and families from Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa, and throughout the Capital District gathered on Saturday at Congress Park pledging to seek and “teach truth” about United States history and inclusive pedagogy. 

The action comes as state lawmakers across the country are introducing bills to ban school curricula that include information about the role of racism, sexism, heterosexism, and other oppression in U.S. history. 

The program began with a teach-in at the Solomon Northup historical marker on the southwest corner of Broadway and Congress Street with Rachel Seligman, then moved to Congress Park for art-making activities with C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios and the Tang Museum. Conversations with families and educators took place through noon, and spread throughout the community with MLK Saratoga’s walking tour, and free admission to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. 

Several states, including MO, TX, ID, AR, IA, LA, NH, OK, RI, WV, AZ, and NC have targeted such curricula offered by the New York Times 1619 Project, Southern Poverty Law Center, Black Lives Matter at School, and the Zinn Education Project. Meanwhile, the New York State Board of Regents passed a framework this past spring to support diversity, equity, and inclusion in the curriculum. 

Saratoga Educational Equity Network is organized around the belief that each and every student, family, and faculty member in the Saratoga Springs City School District should be seen. SEEN is committed to dismantling systemic racism, promoting intersectional justice, and confronting bias in the Saratoga Springs City School District. 

C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to providing a space where the benefits of artmaking impact both the individual and the community as a whole. They offer low-cost art workshops and groups, community wellness activities, and open studios to promote artmaking and the creative process as a vehicle for personal growth, communication, and social change. 

MLK Saratoga shares Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s vision of peace and justice for all, building civil and human rights awareness by promoting inclusivity, diversity, and social justice through community events and offerings by utilizing performance, dialogue, and the arts as a collective launching point. MLK Saratoga is a registered 501(c)(3). 

Saratoga Springs Public Library and Pitney Meadows Farm Partner for Storywalk Project

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — StoryWalks are popping up all over the United States, especially after social distancing practices went into effect due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. The Story Walk Project was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, VT and developed in collaboration with the Kellogg Hubbard Library. They can be found in all 50 states and 13 countries. A StoryWalk gives children and families the opportunity to participate in active movement, education, and literacy while exploring a special place in the community. Saratoga Springs Public Library and Pitney Meadows Community Farm have partnered to bring a new StoryWalk to the city. This particular walk features the children’s book “Cat’s Colors” by Airlie Anderson.

“The Pitney Meadows Community Farm is thrilled to partner with the Library to incorporate the StoryWalk onto the recreation trails of the Farm,” said Pitney Meadows Education Director, Sarah Miles. “The program is a great new way to welcome children and families to explore the trails and experience the benefits of time spent outdoors together. We hope it will increase community engagement with the land and encourage future activity at Pitney Meadows, which is open to the public daily from dawn to dusk.” 

This particular StoryWalk opened on Sept. 1 at Pitney Meadows (223 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs), and the public can continue to enjoy it until Oct. 31. 

SSCSD Board of Education Meeting: Updates as of August 26

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Springs City School District held a Board of Education meeting on Aug. 26 to discuss updates to the 2021-2022 school year reopening plan. 

The BOE is working to finalize the school district’s “Stay Open Plan” – the primary objective is to plan for full, in-person learning five days a week for K-12 including specials and electives. Superintendent of Schools Michael Patton thanked school staff for the successful in-person summer school programs and said that the school district will continue to monitor COVID-19 locally, using that local data and feedback to adjust the plan. 

Guidance received from Saratoga County Public Health Services, CDC, the school physician, and the Department of Education was used to frame the “layer approach” which combines multiple health and safety measures to reduce the spread of COVID on school grounds. Face coverings will be required for everyone indoors and on school transportation, regardless of vaccination status; face coverings are not required outdoors. Social distancing will be maintained at a distance of three feet, and students will be in cohorts or assigned seating to minimize transmission and reduce exposure. Classrooms will be disinfected twice a week and busses will be disinfected after each run. SSCSD will maintain an appropriate supply of PPE. 

SSCSD will also continue to hold vaccination clinics, as current guidance from the CDC recommends that everyone who is eligible get vaccinated as soon as possible; the next clinic will be held on Sept. 9. As of the Aug. 26 meeting, the transmission rate in Saratoga County is high with a current 7-day positivity rating of 4.9%. According to the school district, there has been a 2-3% increase each week in vaccination rate for students in the district ages 12-18.

Lisa Cutting, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Assessment, explained the key takeaways from last school year that helped the district prepare the “Stay Open Plan”. Cutting noted that engagement and attendance were the two biggest issues with hybrid learning. There will be no hybrid learning this coming school year, but classes can pivot to Zoom temporally if there is an outbreak. Teachers will continue to use Seesaw and Canvas to post assignments. 

“In-person allows us to support them [the students] so much better, and we have learned a lot about instructional practices,” said Cutting. “The primary goal is to be back in-person where they have support services.” 

All students enrolled will continue to have access to free breakfast and lunch throughout the school year. Options are still being discussed for parents who prefer to keep their children home or for medical reasons; home schooling is the only option currently. 

Additionally, SSCSD is exploring a potential virtual partnership with the Capital Region BOCES for the 21-22 school year. 

Regarding school sports, the only mention was that unvaccinated athletes participating in high-risk sports will be tested for COVID weekly.

Stories for Success: Local Students Give Back

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five local high school students are hard at work providing literary resources to new families in our community. 

Ciara Meyer, Mia Hayes, Annabelle Brueggemann, Maddie Cook, and Ava Kuruzovich were only in eighth grade when they started thinking of ways they could give back to the community. After meeting with their principal at Lake Avenue, “Stories for Success” was born. These inspiring students are now juniors at Saratoga Springs High School and are looking to expand their organization. 

The goal of Stories for Success is to encourage reading and provide reading resources to new parents. The next step for Stories for Success is to become a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Becoming a registered nonprofit would allow them to host more events and expand to other areas in the Capital Region, like Glens Falls or Albany. 

Stories for Success has been working towards their goal of providing widespread access to early literary resources by holding community events and COVID-safe book drop-offs to put together “book bags” that contain two children’s books, library card information, and a reading list courtesy of Northshire for babies born at Saratoga Hospital. Every baby born at Saratoga Hospital so far this year has received one. 

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“It is important for kids to start reading at a young age. Promoting reading as they grow helps them learn to read and read faster,” said Maddie Cook. “Giving them these resources, even if it’s just two books to read to them when they are newborns to a couple of years old will help them.”

The young founders of Stories for Success say that the staff at Saratoga Hospital has been kind and grateful, and they have been surprised how far their reach is when people approach them at fundraisers to say that their neighbor, friend, or someone they know has received a book bag. 

“We want to give a big thank you to the community. Over the past year with everyone’s financial struggles due to COVID, we have still been able to manage around $4,000 in donations, which is incredible and more than we expected people to be able to give,” said Ciara Meyer. “We are just so thankful for everyone who has helped us, whether its organizations or businesses like Northshire, Saratoga Publishing, Saratoga Children’s Theatre, or the generosity of individuals.”

To learn more about Stories for Success and what they do, visit their website at storiesforsuccess.carrd.co. There you will a find a link to their GoFundMe. If you are looking to donate used books or volunteer your time, contact Ciara at ciarameyer28@gmail.com. Also, check out their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/stories4success and Instagram page @Stories4Success. 

Coming Soon: Two Chick-fil-A Drive-Thrus in the Capital Region

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

CAPITAL REGION — Atlanta-based fast-food chain Chick-fil-A has been popping up all over Western and Upstate New York in recent years. By next year, the Capital Region could have two new locations. 

Chick-fil-A has submitted plans to the Town of Colonie and the Town of Clifton Park to open 5,000 sq. ft. drive-thru locations. The chain wants to redevelop the sites of a former Pier 1 Imports at 304 Clifton Park Center and the former Brick House Tavern + Tap at 579 Troy Schenectady Road in Latham. They plan to lease the 1.5-acre property in Clifton Park from CCM Pad Partner LLC, an affiliate of Myron M. Hunt, and the 2.5-acre property in Colonie with the Latham Farms retail plaza. All according to plans filed with the respective towns.

“The Town of Clifton Park is pleased to welcome Chick-fil-A, another national brand to our Exit 9 Commerce Area,” said Clifton Park Town Supervisor, Phil Barrett. “We expect the planning process to proceed over the next 60-90 days and the restaurant being open for business in 2022. The time and hard work we have invested to revitalize Exit 9, since I began my tenure as Town Supervisor, has been a successful initiative with very important fiscal implications for Clifton Park residents and businesses.”

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Bohler Engineering out of Albany is representing the company with both planning board applications. The Colonie project will be reviewed by the town’s planning board on Sept. 7, and the Clifton Park project will be reviewed by the town’s planning board on Sept. 14. 

Sean M. Maguire, Director of Planning and Economic Development for the Town of Colonie, provided a more detailed look at what their planning process will look like. The first step is to review the sketch plan submission from Chick-fil-A and provide the chain with feedback and technical comments from various town departments expected to be involved in the project should it advance. Chick-fil-A would then submit an application for a concept plan to be accepted, and then a final plan as well. 

“The Town of Colonie is always glad to know that businesses choose to locate here. We have an excellent location in the Capital Region – truly located at the center of everything,” said Maguire. “We’re especially happy to see existing sites reused and redeveloped – it is a smart thing to do.” 

If the projects are approved, construction of the restaurants are expected to take six months. Chick-fil-A has more than 2,600 locations across the country, with close to 30 locations across New York State. The only Chick-fil-A location in the Capital Region as of now is beyond the security checkpoint at the Albany International Airport.