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Author: Saratoga TODAY

May 8 – May 14, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT 

Justin D. Allen, 32, of Schenectady, pleaded April 30 to criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fourth-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident in Wilton. Sentencing June 22. 

POLICE

Joshua John, 25, of Latham was charged May 7 in Saratoga Springs with felony burglary, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, and operating an unregistered vehicle, after the Saratoga Springs Police Department responded to a reported burglary in-progress call on Broadway near Caroline Street. The caller reported that an unknown man began climbing into her apartment through an open living room window just prior to her 911 call, according to police. The male subsequently exited the window and fled on foot. After receiving a description provided by the victim, officers located John, who was allegedly behind the wheel of a 2010 Toyota Camry at the intersection of Broadway and Division. Based on further investigation, police said John was charged with the burglary offense as well as the listed DWI/traffic charges. 

Scott R. Solomon, age 35, of Cohoes, was charged May 7 in Saratoga Springs with two felony counts each Offering a False Instrument for Filing, and Possession of a Forged Instrument, in addition to two felony counts of forgery. The charges relate to an August 2020 investigation regarding concerns with paperwork Solomon filed with the city of Saratoga Springs on behalf of Siro’s Restaurant that consisted of insurance paperwork and a NYS Liquor License, according to police. It is alleged both documents were fraudulent, and Solomon is suspected of being aware of that fact when he filed them with the city.

Heather Gonzalez, 23, of Cohoes, was charged May 22 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and failure to keep to the right. 

Derek Disanto, 19, of Albany, was charged May 2 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, failure to keep to the right, and driving a vehicle with unsafe tires. 

Christopher Barnes, 41, of Wilton, was charged April 27 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, refusal to take a breath test, aggravated unlicensed operation, leaving the scene of a property damage accident, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Code Design, 26, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 27 with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, speeding, and operating motor vehicle without signal devices/reflectors. 

Theodore Korenowski, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 28 with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Patrick McGowin, 36, of Ballston Spa, was charged April 30 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI.

Anthony Argento, 30, of New York, was charged April 28 in Saratoga Springs with operating a motor vehicle while impaired by drugs, and failure to keep right. 

Dominic Poggoli, 22, of Rensselaer, was charged April 24 in Saratoga Springs with criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. 

Shayne Richardson, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 25 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Patrick Crandall, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged April 26 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, registration suspended, and operating a motor vehicle without insurance. 

Christopher M. Greklek, 53, of Halfmoon, was charged May 4 with grand larceny in the third- degree, a felony, after allegedly stealing merchandise and receiving unauthorized product mark-downs in the amount of $24,303.68 between January and March 2021 at the Home Depot Store on Crossings Boulevard in Halfmoon. 

Khalil Hankins, 26, of Colonie, and Ava Maddalla, 20, of Schenectady, were each charged April 15 with one count burglary, attempted grand larceny, and criminal possession of stolen property after the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received a complaint from a hotel located in the town of Malta regarding activity of two guests of the facility. The investigation revealed that Hankins and Maddalla allegedly disregarded signage and barriers that closed a section of the hotel for renovations, entered the area and proceeded to steal construction equipment and supplies. They are also accused of attempting to steal a pickup truck belonging to an employee of the hotel. 

Renea E. Savona, 54, of Ballston Lake, was charged April 26 with grand larceny, and two counts forgery. She is accused of stealing approximately $27,437 and forged numerous checks between October 2020 and January 2021, while employed as the bank manager of KeyBank located at 525 Vischer Ferry Rd in the Town of Clifton Park. 

Patrick Disbrow, 38, of Schuylerville, Tony Prichard, 32, of Hudson Falls, Joshua Ferrucci, 28, of Ballston Spa, William Robison, 23, of Greenwich, and Nicholas Warner, 21, of Clifton Park were all charged with 3 counts each of burglary in the third-degree. They are accused of acting together to take property from storage units in the Town of Wilton. A car was allegedly among the stolen items from inside one of the units and was subsequently driven from the scene, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department.

Dean Deuel, Sr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dean Deuel, Sr., died on Saturday, April 24. Calling hours were held Tuesday, April 27 at Compassionate Funeral Care in Saratoga Springs. An Elks service was held at the funeral home. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Joan McLean

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Our superhero was human after all. On April 25, Joan McLean (Snide), our beloved mom and Nanny, joined the love of her life in heaven. Calling was held Thursday, April 29 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sidney Allen

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GANSEVOORT — Sidney Allen died April 30, 2021 at Saratoga Hospital. A funeral service was held on May 6 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs. Family and friends gathered to remember him prior to the service. 

For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Diane M. DiMiceli

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Diane M. DiMiceli of Saratoga Springs died peacefully on May 9, 2021 at the age of 81. She was the first child of the late William and Catherine Slivinsky, born on August 2, 1939 in Hackensack, NJ. 

Diane met the love of her life A. Edward DiMiceli Jr. (Eddie) in high school. They married in 1963 and enjoyed 44 years together before Ed passed in 2007. They loved traveling, going to the beach, golfing, gardening, and bike riding. Anyone who knew Diane knows that she was always busy with a project and was not one to sit still. Diane had a special gift of seeing and using color and design, whether it be in her fabulous gardens, a room in your house, or even an outfit. She believed it was best to be up and going and to accomplish something each and every day.

Diane worked for AT&T in NYC until she started her family. She was a wonderful mother and care giver to her four children, dedicating much of her focus on them as well as her whole family’s well-being. Diane and Ed moved from NJ to Stamford, NY where they lived for 15 years before moving to Aurora, NY in 1985. They moved to Saratoga Springs in 2001 and made this community a part of their life. Diane was active in the St Clement’s parish as a Eucharistic Minister and visiting those who were hospitalized. She enjoyed meeting new people and playing Mahjong and other games with friends. She wintered in The Villages, FL where she was very active and social with many friends.

Diane is survived by her four children Cathy (Elliott) Masie, AnneMarie (Mike) Hotaling and Eric DiMiceli, all from Saratoga Springs, Brian (Lisa) DiMiceli of Manlius, NY; her grandchildren Thomas and Alison DiMiceli; step-grandsons Jared and Eric Hotaling; and her brother Bob (Barbara) Slivinsky of Livingston, NJ; brother-in-law Jack Celentano as well as several cousins, nieces and nephews. Diane will be sorely missed by her family and friends.

Her family would like to thank The Wesley Community and the staff of 5 Springs and Hospice for caring for her and keeping her safe over the last year. 

Relatives and friends may call from 9:30-11a.m. on Wednesday June 2, 2021 at William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes at 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). Immediately following, a Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. at St. Clement’s Church at 231 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. A private burial will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery. 

www.burkefuneralhome.com

Donald P. Carter

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — Donald P. Carter, age 83, peacefully passed away, due to recently discovered cancer, on Friday, April 2, 2021, at home with his family and cat at his side. 

He was born on August 7, 1937 in Wilton, the son of the late Thomas Carter and Ruth Hammond Carter. 

 Donald was a plumber for the Steamfitter Local 1000 and worked at the Saratoga Spa State Park for 36 years. He also served in the US Army during the Cold War. He was an avid outdoorsman and jack of all trades, enjoying fishing, hunting, and hanging out with his friends at the local coffee shop. 

 Donald is survived by his daughters, Donna Mills (Richard), Deanna Meyer (John), grandchildren, Adam Meyer, Elaina Meyer, and large extended family. Also, many friends who will miss him dearly as well. 

 He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Elaine Lynch Carter; brothers, Richard, Gerald, James; sisters, Linda Dahlman and Nancy Austro. 

 A private graveside service was held on Monday, April 5, 2021 at North Milton Cemetery, Saratoga Springs. 

 Arrangements were under the direction of Compassionate Funeral Care, Inc, 402 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs.

 For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Henry Johnson, Sr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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Saratoga Springs — Henry Johnson, Sr. passed away peacefully at his home in Saratoga Springs, NY at the age of 92 with his family by his side.  He was born to parents Vaner (Nuppa) and Ina Johnson, on 17 December 1928 in Barnstable, MA. He lived a very rich and full life. The son of immigrant Finnish cranberry farmers from Cape Cod; Henry worked his way through Engineering school at Northeastern University in Boston and became the first in his family to attend and complete college. He was also one of the first graduates of the prestigious Co-op Engineering Program at NU and landed a position with General Electric upon graduation. He had a very successful 35 year career with GE; ending with positions as Manager of Manufacturing in Schenectady, NY and Plant Manager in Portland, Maine. His greatest success with GE; however, came when he met the love of his life Alexandra who worked with him at the GE plant in Philadelphia, PA. 

After retirement, he was on loan from GE to the State of NY Corrections as a manufacturing consultant where he was instrumental in having the department turn a profit for the first time. Later he was appointed Commissioner of Corrections. 

Henry was an excellent athlete and enjoyed sports throughout his life. He was a prolific “knuckleball” pitcher as a youth in the Cape Cod baseball league. At GE; he was a cagey paddleball opponent for anyone willing to take him on. Henry became involved in the harness horse racing business starting in the 1960’s. He and wife Sandy enjoyed this together for over 40 years and travelled throughout the northeast following their “stable.” He and Sandy were active in all aspects of the sport they loved. Over the years Henry owned, bred, trained, and drove Standardbred horses. Henry thoroughly enjoyed the characters and camaraderie of the horse business and made many friends; most importantly his long-time trainer Sean Campbell and wife Carolyn.   

Henry had many interests which included boating, gardening, travel, and his family. He and Sandy were also diehard Boston Red Sox fans. They often stayed up together to the wee hours watching the game and rooting for the desired outcome. The tone of the next day sometime hinged on how the Sox fared the night before! 

Henry is survived by his wife of 52 years and true soulmate Alexandra who supported him through difficult times until his passing. He is also survived by his daughter Cheryl and three sons; Robley, Henry, Jr., (wife Patricia), and Peter (wife Becky). He also leaves two grandsons Jacob and Kyle (wife Tuanny), a granddaughter Stephanie (partner Jose) and a great grandson Dylan. In addition, Henry leaves numerous nieces and nephews and their families. 

Funeral services were held for Henry on Monday, May 3, 2021at Christ The Savior Orthodox Church, Ballston Lake, NY. Visitation took place the following day at Wareham Village Funeral Home, Wareham, MA. Burial took place in Agawam Cemetery.

Memorial donation can me bade in honor of Henry to Christ The Savior Church, PO Box 1393, Ballston Lake, NY 12019.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

The 1921 Trial of District Attorney Charles Andrus

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in History.

On May 11, 1921, Saratoga County District Attorney Charles Andrus stood before Justice Henry Borst at the courthouse in Ballston Spa for the start of a criminal trial. It must have been a strange feeling that day for Andrus because unlike countless other times before the court, this time the District Attorney was seated at the defendant’s table. He had been indicted on charges of neglect of duty, bribery, and corruption. His trial would be extraordinary on many levels.

To begin with, Andrus was being prosecuted by Special Deputy Attorney General Wyman Bascom, appointed by Governor Alfred Smith. Bascom was assisted by former New York State Senator and longtime republican power broker in Saratoga, Edgar T. Brackett. Brackett had once been the attorney for the “Prince of the Gamblers,” Richard Canfield. He was now firmly in the anti- gambling camp and a bitter political enemy of Andrus.

Andrus was defended by attorney William Fallon. Known as “The Great Mouthpiece,” Fallon specialized in obtaining acquittals for his clients (usually through bribing jurors) and was the attorney for the notorious gangster Arnold Rothstein.

Among the witnesses against Andrus were low-level gamblers and associates of Arnold Rothstein, Cornelius Fellows and Benny Russell who both were partners of Rothstein in the gambling at the Arrowhead Inn near Saratoga Lake.

Fellows and Russell, along with a local man named Jules Formel and a New York City gambler named John Ward were partners in a gambling venture with Rachel Brown at 210 South Broadway in Saratoga Springs in July 1919. After spending the summer of 1919 gambling in Saratoga Springs, Rachel Brown headed over to Chicago and got mixed up in the notorious “Black Sox” Scandal in which several Rothstein associates, including Brown, were indicted for trying to fix the World Series.

On July 27, 1919, the game at 210 South Broadway had been raided by police. The following afternoon, Rachel Brown and his friends made a trip to the police station and stole the evidence from one of the jail cells with the help of police sergeant Edward Carroll. Three weeks later, police raided another game on Circular Street and seized back some of the evidence that had been stolen from them. Within six months, Sergeant Carroll was promoted to Chief of Police. All this prompted Governor Smith to appoint Bascom and his investigation led to the charges against Andrus who was apparently mixed up with the gamblers at 210 South Broadway.

During the trial of District Attorney Andrus, John Ward testified that he, Formel, and Russell had met with Andrus in the spring of 1919 and had received approval from the District Attorney to open up. He further stated that Andrus had been paid over $2500 in protection money for the gambling at 210 South Broadway during the summer of 1919 before the raids put an end to the operation.

Wyman Bascom attempted to introduce a ledger into evidence that showed the payoff for one night’s gambling at 210 South Broadway. Ward did not need the paper to explain the payoff system. The top line showed that twenty-five percent of the night’s take was to be given to “The Boss.” The remaining split of the profits was; thirty-three percent each to himself and Formel, fifteen percent to Rachel Brown, twelve percent to Russell and seven percent to Fellows.

Other witnesses testified that Andrus was upset that Formel had made $3800 in payoffs but still owed $4000 and therefore had orchestrated the raids in 1919 and that Brown once held up $4300 and yelled “This is for the District Attorney!” in a crowded gambling den. Andrus had negotiated a settlement between Russell and Formel when Russell backed out of the plan, and open gambling had been allowed by the District Attorney in no less than fifteen places throughout the city, including one practically next door to Andrus’ office on Broadway.

Andrus never took the stand to deny the specific allegations and his lawyers never bothered to deny them either. Rather, the defense merely claimed that it was the job of the police to make arrests, not the District Attorney, and that the whole investigation was politically motivated.

Despite all the evidence to the contrary, the jury returned the verdict on May 17, 1921. By a vote of 11-1, NOT GUILTY!

In response to the good news, some of Andrus’ supporters rioted in celebration. Racing up and down Broadway, pulling fire alarms, vandalizing the porches of citizens who supported the prosecution, and lighting a fire on the front lawn of Senator Brackett while breaking out the windows of his home. In true Saratoga fashion, seven months after his acquittal, Charles Andrus was re-elected to the office of District Attorney for Saratoga County.

Memoir of A Music Shop Owner: Saratoga Shop Owner Pens Story-Filled Memoir of the Shape of the Sounds Heard Around The World

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Walk past the shop on Phila Street that stands nestled alongside Hattie’s Restaurant and just beneath the legendary performance stage that is Caffe Lena. Here, standing behind the stenciled glass front windows of the woodwind shop that bears his name, there’s a good chance you will find Billy Cole, continuing to do the work just as he has over the past several decades. 

What Cole does is he restores wind instruments. Over the past 40-plus years, he figures he has worked on more than 50,000 of them, from the repair of the instruments of teenagers learning their craft in school orchestras, to the sonic sculpting of the musical tools heard atop some of the world’s grandest stages. Many of the stories are shared in his new book, “With The Band: Memoir of a music shop owner.” 

Cole opened his first shop in 1977. Today, he writes, “I could never comprehend what a wonderful life I would lead when I started out so many years ago.” 

The stories of his tune-filled life date to his earliest days – forging a long-lasting relationship with musician Nick Brignola that was initiated with the repair of a baritone sax, to an insider’s detail of friendships and alliances that includes a community of legendary Woodstock musicians, orchestra members playing with the New York City Ballet and the Philadelphia Orchestra, to Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson and an assortment of traveling luminaries who have graced the Saratoga Performing Arts stage.     

He recognized the importance of the work early on. “Pitch, resonance, and sometimes intentional resistance could be shaped within an instrument to enable the artists to express the emotion in their music,” he writes in a 423-page memoir, accompanied by images and poignant glimpses of his family life, “with the help of my lifelong love and confidant Mary Alice, we have raised our family along with our little shop.” 

After decades in the business, Cole eventually set-up shop in Saratoga Springs in 2004 to, first in a space overlooking Broadway then on to Phila Street, where Cole’s Woodwind Shop is presently located, and regional readers of his memoir will recognize many local names among the stories that shaped the life of this music shop owner.

Billy Cole, “With The Band: Memoir of a Music Shop Owner,” published by Shires Press, available at Northshire Bookstore Saratoga on Broadway, and online via northshire.com. 

New Home for Children’s Museum

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After a 20-year-run on Caroline Street, the Children’s Museum at Saratoga will relocate to the Lincoln Bathhouse. 

“We moved here 20 years ago and have invested a lot of time and effort into maintaining the structure, so it’s a really well-taken-care-of building. We’re hoping to be able to use whatever monies comes from the proceeds of the sale to be re-invested in this next project,” said Sarah Smith, executive director at the Children’s Museum at Saratoga. 

The current building is located at 69 Caroline Street. Roohan Realty lists the 8,615 square-foot building and 25-vehicle adjacent parking lot as for sale at $2.25 million. 

The new location will be situated on two floors in the rear of the Lincoln Bathhouse. 

“We estimate construction will begin in August. We signed on with Bonacio Construction to do the work and right now our architect is finalizing the drawings,” Smith said. “It should take about one year so we’re hoping to open in May 2022.” 

The current museum location will remain open. Should the building be sold prior to the construction of the museum’s new location, programs may temporarily be held at local venues where partnerships have already been arranged, she said.