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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Resources for Veterans of Afghanistan

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency announced it has multiple resources and programs available for Afghanistan Veterans. 

The Saratoga County Veterans Peer Connection Program offers mentoring, informal meet-ups, structured assistance, and one-on-one peer matching to help veterans manage the unique stress and challenges they may feel. The program also helps to foster relationships within the veteran community that will build resiliency through encouragement, personal connections, and access to support and crisis intervention measures. All Veterans are welcome regardless of military discharge. 

Veterans looking for a way to meet other veterans in a stress free, no obligations environment, are invited to gather at Saratoga Coffee Traders (447 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) on Tuesday evenings from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Participants will receive a free coffee and sandwich along with encouraging and supportive conversation with other veterans. No agenda, just veterans spending time together. 

Veterans seeking structured assistance are encouraged to up at 1 p.m. on Sept. 17 for a Mental Health Summit. The Summit is open to all veterans and family members. Representatives from VA programs and community organizations will provide information and resources to those who attend. That takes place at the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency Office, 2144 Doubleday Ave., Ballston Spa.

The Agency’s mentoring program pairs established, local veterans with returning veterans who are experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other re-acclimation challenges. Personalized and informal, these pairings yield relationships intended to ease the transition from combat to civilian life. 

The Agency also offers a one-on-one peer matching program for those who prefer individual interaction. 

Additional resources that may be helpful to veterans:

• Veterans Crisis Line – 800-273-8255
• Saratoga County Mental Health – 518-584-9030
• Albany Vet Center – 518-626-5130
• VA Rapid Access Clinic  – 518-626-5339
• Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency  – 518-884-4115
• VA Caregiver Support  – 1-855-260-3274
•Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes Hotline  – 202-249-7170

For more information about the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency and its Veterans Peer Connection Program, please call 518-884-4999 or visit www.veteranspeerconnection.org.

Players Wanted for Annual Golf Tournament – Benefits Pediatric Heart Patients

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

GUILDERLAND — Rotary Clubs throughout the Capital Region are sponsoring the 23rd annual “Gift of Life International Golf Tournament on Monday, Sept. 20 at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland.  The fee is $130 for individuals or $500 for a foursome. 

The tournament will follow a handicap scramble format with a 10 a.m. shot gun start. Players may pick up a box lunch on the patio. Happy Hour begins when each player finishes golfing. Prizes for low and net scores, putting, longest ball, and closest to the pin. Awards and raffle winners will be awarded after Happy Hour. 

The golf tournament raises money to benefits pediatric heart patients.  Fundraising categories include being a Lunch Sponsor, golf cart sponsor, purchasing a tee sign, and/or by golfing.  You may sign up as a single or a foursome. To register to play or to support the event through sponsorships or program advertising go to events at www.giftoflife7190.org 

Rotary District 7190 includes 41 local clubs and stretches from Albany to Warren Counties to the north and east and west from Rensselaer to Montgomery and Fulton Counties.

Saratoga County History Roundtable Sept. 16

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County History Roundtable will offer a presentation by Russ VanDervoort, Waterford Town Historian, at Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa at 7 p.m. on Thursday Sept. 16. 

VanDervoort will tell the story of a 150-year-old murder for hire plot that a newspaper called “The Most Damnable Murder Plot ever Ventilated!” – an event that unfolded in 1870-1871 that involved participants from throughout Saratoga County. 

Preregistration required for the presentation at the Museum by email to Jim Richmond at saratogacohisotryroundtable@gmail.com. The program will also be available LIVE at 7:15 p.m. on the Saratoga County History Center Facebook page   www.facebook.com/brooksidemuseum 

Sustainable Saratoga to Host 5th Annual Saratoga Recycles Day on October 2

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sustainable Saratoga will hold their 5th annual Saratoga Recycles Day from 9 a.m.  – noon, on Saturday, Oct. 2 in the SPAC overflow parking lot on the west side of Route 50. 

There are COVID-related safety protocols in place again this year – masks are required; exact change is requested to minimize the handling of money; donation items should be organized by drop-off station to reduce physical contact; and participants should remain in their vehicles at all times.

Sustainable Saratoga will accept clothing & textiles (any condition), small appliances & electronics (including TVs), scrap metal, eyeglasses, hearing aids, adult bikes, 20 & 24-inch mountain bikes, musical instruments, backpacks, cell phones with chargers, garden tools and more. Anyone can participate. There are no residency requirements for this event. Cost is $5 per vehicle fee, plus $30 per TV or monitor (limit of 4 TVs per vehicle). 

This year, as always, Sustainable Saratoga is collecting items for a wide range of local nonprofits, including Bikeatoga, Pitney Meadows Community Farm, We Are Instrumental, Wellspring, Backstretch Employees Service Team (B.E.S.T.), Domestic Violence Project of Warren & Washington Counties, and the Saratoga Springs Lions Club. 

For specific details about what is being collected, a map of the collection stations, COVID-related safety protocols, and an extensive list of FAQs, visit www.sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/zero-waste/recycles-day. Still have questions? Email zerowaste@sustainablesaratoga.org.

The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Tickets Now On Sale

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Tickets for the areas premiere new home tour, the 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes, are now on sale! This event is now celebrating 25 Years of exception homes! Tickets are available at all Adirondack Trust branch locations, Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa, Saratoga National Bank on South Broadway in Saratoga Springs and Roohan Realty on Broadway in  Saratoga Springs. Tickets are always conveniently available at any showcase home during tour hours of 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. or can be purchased online at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Once again this year, each showcase ticket holder will receive a free shoe/tote bag at the first home visited!

The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes is being proudly presented over two fall weekends this year beginning October 9-10-11 (open Columbus Day) and October 16-17. Tickets are $25 in celebration of the event’s Silver Anniversary. This year’s edition has 13 locations from 12 of our area’s finest builders on display in Saratoga County. 

Participating award-winning builders in this year’s event are; The BDC Group, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, Bonacio Construction, Caruso Builders, Kodiak Construction, Kohler Homes, McPadden Builders, R & M Homes, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction. To view an interactive map of the home locations, directions and much more, please visit the mobile friendly website.

Now celebrating its 25th year, this annual community event has contributed over $1.3 MILLION DOLLARS to our local charities. Proceeds from the Saratoga Showcase of Homes benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County (www.rebuildingtogethersaratoga.org) and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties (www.glensfallshabitat.org). 

For more details on the Saratoga Showcase of Homes, please visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Check us out on Facebook and follow all the updates on this year’s event.

About Saratoga Builders Association

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. For more information, please visit www.saratogabuilders.org or contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org

Saratoga Giant Pumpkinfest Returns This Month

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the Saratoga Farmers Market will host their Annual Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest September 25 from 10-4 p.m. at the Saratoga Springs City Center Parking Garage.

Giant pumpkin growers from the Northeast will again compete at this Festival to find the biggest pumpkin of the year. 

In 2019, the festival had over 40 giant pumpkins and a crowd of 10,000 people in attendance. Last year, pumpkins were safely weighed and transported to locations for families around the county to view for the month of October.

The Saratoga Giant PumpkinFest is a free family-friendly event. Giant pumpkins begin arriving in the early morning with the weigh-off starting at 11 a.m. The Saratoga Farmer’s Market will be next door on High Rock Ave. open from 10-3 p.m. with vendors and special exhibits. There will also be opportunities to take selfies with the giant pumpkins to share with friends and family. Contest Winners will be announced at the end of the festival.

For a schedule of activities, to become a vendor or to register your giant produce visit www.saratoga.org/tourism/giant-pumpkin-fest

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