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Author: Saratoga TODAY

City GOP Announces Slate of Candidates

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Republican Chairman Chris Obstarczyk announced March 16 the committee’s endorsed slate of candidates for the fall 2021 city and county elections. 

The City of Saratoga Springs Republican Committee has endorsed first-time candidates Heidi Owen West, Mayor; Tracey LaBelle, Public Safety; JoAnne Kiernan, Finance; Samantha Guerra, Accounts, and incumbent Public Works Commissioner Anthony “Skip” Scirocco. 

In a prepared statement, Obstarczyk called the GOP slate “the most diverse and dynamic group of Saratogians that have been fielded to run for office in decades.” All four first-time candidates are women.

“It’s unprecedented. We’re going to make history. We have a unified, qualified and experienced ticket that is going to impress all Saratogians,” said Obstarczyk. “To have four talented, dynamic and impressive women, who have been leaders in our city for years, is inspiring. They’re going to do great things for our city.” 

West, a political independent, said her motivation to run for mayor is centered on improving the economic, social and community health of the city.

“We have to bring life back to downtown. The tourism destination that our city is requires it. It’s a significant factor in keeping taxes low while providing quality, reliable services to our residents,” West said, in a statement. She has been a resident of Saratoga Springs for 53 years. 

“Like so many Saratogians, I’ve invested a great deal of my own sweat equity into our city. What we’re facing and experiencing right now is testing our city’s strength. The only way we’re going to meet the daunting challenges ahead of us is having leadership in city hall that knows what it’s like to pour your heart and soul into the community that you love. I’ve been doing that as a business owner and community leader for over 30 years,” West said.

Regarding representation of the city at the county level, the Committee endorsed incumbent Supervisor Matthew Veitch, and John Safford for the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. 

Sarah Burger, chair of the Saratoga Springs Democratic Committee, said city Democrats anticipate announcing their slate of candidates in the next few weeks. 

Church Hill Historic District Nominated for State and National Register for Historic Places

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA ­— The Church Hill Historic District, in the hamlet of Crescent in the Town of Halfmoon, has received nomination to be added to the State and National Register for Historic Places, the Saratoga County History Center announced this week. 

The Church Hill Historic District is in the hamlet of Crescent, just to the east of NYS Route 9, in Halfmoon. The district includes 13 residential structures, examples of how the Erie Canal and the Mohawk River shaped communities along the southern border of Saratoga County. A burst of prosperity in the second quarter of the 19th century related to the location of the Crescent Aqueduct was responsible for many of the architectural examples of high-style homes and businesses in this hamlet. Subsequently, the demise of the original canal and changing forms of transportation forced this community to evolve, first as a result of the Barge Canal and then as a result of increasing automobile traffic. Throughout these changes, stellar examples of both high-style buildings and vernacular structures remain to tell the story of the bygone canal era. They deserve the measures of protection that a listing on the register affords them.

Over 75 Saratoga County districts, sites, buildings, and structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the United States of America’s official list of historic properties worthy of preservation. Buildings that are listed on the State and National Registers are eligible for various public preservation programs and services — such as matching state grants, or state and federal historic rehabilitation tax credits — to assist property owners in maintaining and revitalizing the buildings.

The Saratoga County History Center is dedicated to preserving and sharing the diverse histories of Saratoga County. Previously focused on the Brookside Museum in Ballston Spa, the SCHC offers a wide variety of education programming online. When Brookside Museum re-opens this summer, the SCHC will debut new exhibits and family-friendly events. Visit: brooksidemuseum.org. 

Saratoga County Participates in Statewide STOP-DWI Effort Through Weekend

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and other police agencies will participate in a special enforcement effort to crack down on impaired driving. The statewide STOP-DWI Crackdown efforts continue through Sunday, March 21. 

St. Patrick’s Day Weekend is a notoriously deadly period for impaired driving due to the number of celebrations and drivers on the road. New York State Police, County Sheriff and municipal law enforcement agencies across the state will be out in force in this across-the-board effort to reduce the number of alcohol-related injuries and deaths.

The STOP-DWI St. Patrick’s Day Weekend Crackdown is one of many statewide enforcement initiatives promoted by STOP-DWI NY and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee. The campaign also targets Memorial Day, 4th of July, Labor Day Weekend, Halloween and the national Holiday Season in December.

While STOP-DWI efforts across New York have made great strides in reducing the numbers of alcohol and drug-related fatalities, still too many lives are being lost because of crashes caused by drunk or impaired drivers. 

Yellow Ribbon Day Donation Drive to Benefit Blue Star Mothers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County has launched its annual Yellow Ribbon Day donation collection drive to benefit Blue Star Mothers of America – NY 2, Saratoga County Clerk Craig Hayner announced March 12. 

Donation collection boxes are at participating Hannaford stores throughout Saratoga County now through April 8.  The collection will culminate on Yellow Ribbon Day, Friday, April 9 with a drive-thru donation drive from 9 to 11 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Halfmoon. The public is encouraged to visit their local participating Hannaford store or attend the drive-thru event to donate goods.

The Blue Star Mothers – NY2 will use the donations to make “Freedom Boxes” to ship to deployed troops who call the Capital Region home.

Snack and personal care donations requested include individual and travel size packages of crackers, microwavable cup of soup, fruit snacks, granola bars, and beef jerky, as well as personal care items such as insect repellent wipes, toothbrushes, body wash, deodorant, lip balm, puzzle books, and more. A full list of donation requests is on the Saratoga County Clerk webpage on the County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov and its Facebook page,
@saratogacountyclerk.

Monetary donations are also accepted to help ship and fill “Freedom Boxes.” Those interested can donate to “Blue Star Mothers of America – NY2” through the PayPal Giving Fund (www.paypal.com/fundraiser/hub). Alternatively, checks can be made payable to Blue Star Mothers of America – NY2 and sent to PO Box 243, Delmar, NY 12054. Suggested donations include $13 to ship a box; $30 to fill a box; $43 to ship and fill a box; any donation amount is welcome. More information is available on the Blue Star Mothers of America – NY2 Facebook page, @NY2BlueStarMoms. 

For more information, go to: saratogacountyny.gov/saratoga-county-clerk. 

CCE Saratoga and Saratoga PLAN Farmland Access Workshops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga County (CCE) and Saratoga PLAN have collaborated to bring a series of three Farmland Access Workshops. Designed for farmland owners and those looking to purchase farmland or diversify their farming operation, the virtual classes will be held 6:30–8:30 p.m. on March 22, March 29, and April 7. 

The series will kick off with Farmland Leasing presented by Nicole Tommell, Agricultural Business Management Specialist of CCE. Learn how to craft agricultural leases that work for both landowners and tenants. 

The second class is Welcoming the Public with Sarah Miller, Attorney at Hodgeson & Russ LLP. This hour and a half will focus on legal considerations to explore when welcoming the public onto your farm. To close the series Dustin Lewis of Saratoga County Soil and Water Conservation District along with Jessica Holmes and Nicolina Foti of CCE present Farmland Evaluation. In this workshop, participants will learn how to find the best fit between agricultural land and farm operation.

The workshops are free and open to the public. To register, contact Nicolina Foti at nvf5@cornell.edu or call the office 518-885-8995. To learn more about other events offered by CCE go to: ccesaratoga.org, and for more information on Saratoga PLAN, visit: saratogaplan.org.

Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match Checks: 1,715 Checks Totaling Over $1.88 Million Donated to Local Charities

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — After a tough year for many, Stewart’s Shops is delivering some good news to nonprofits in need. Holiday Match had another successful season, and checks are now in the mail to local children’s charities. Funding has now been allocated to 1,715 organizations across the communities where Stewart’s Shops are located. 

From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, customers donated over $940,000 to the program, which was doubled to over $1.88 million with the Stewart’s Shops match. There are no administrative costs with this program, meaning 100% of the funds collected and matched benefit these organizations.

The Stewart’s Shops Holiday Match program has now allocated more than $32 million since the program’s inception in 1986. 

Stewart’s Shops is committed to giving back to the communities in which they are located, donating approximately $2.5 million a year to local non-profits with The Dake Family Foundation contributing an additional $5 million. 

Youth2’s First Community Care Pop Up Event

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Youth2: Youth Helping Youth is partnering with SNACpack for their first “Pop-UP” to light a beacon of hope in Saratoga Springs. 

The Pop-UP will provide warm socks and toothbrushes for children and teens ages 6-18. The drop off location is St. Clement’s Church Parking Lot, 231 Lake Ave, Saratoga Springs – look for the sign. The Pop-UP will continue, rain or shine, and will take place on Thursday, March 25, from 3-5 p.m. The drop off is completely COVID-safe – you don’t need to leave your car. 

In response to the necessities of the changing times, Youth2 hopes to create pop-ups that will provide the community in need with warm socks, toothbrushes, bus passes and more. Youth2 is reaching out to community organizations in and around Saratoga Springs who might want a Community Care Pop UP for their own. 

Youth2 is an organization based in Saratoga Springs (under the care of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region) that consists of youth and adults coming together to work towards a brighter future in their community and beyond. 

SNACpack started six years ago to provide children living in food-insecure homes with meals to sustain them over weekends and throughout the summer. The program is currently helping 260 K-12 students in the Saratoga Springs School District, weekly. 

These Pop-UP events are hands-on ways to help our community. By caring for our community and having a sense of responsibility towards one another, we can all put our hands together and make an impact.

For more information on Youth2 or to donate visit www.cfgcr.org/secure-donations/youth2. 

For more on SNACpack or to donate visit snacpackprogram.com

March 13 – March 19, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Antonio Dean, 34, of Hudson Falls, pleaded March 12 to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, in Wilton. Sentencing May 21. 

Raymond M. Barnett, 39, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced March 11 to 1 year in jail for criminal mischief and 15 days for menacing. Sentences to run concurrently. 

Todd A. Weinberg, 56, of Halfmoon, pleaded March 11 to promoting a sexual performance by a child, a felony. Sentencing May 28. 

Ramzi Kori, 19, of Burlington Vermont, was sentenced March 11 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to criminal possession of a firearm, a felony, in Moreau. 

Donald R. Martin, III, was sentenced March 11 to 1 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to sex offender failure to register, a felony. 

David F. Lafaver, 44, of Porters Corners, pleaded March 10 to sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony, related to an incident that occurred in Corinth. Sentencing scheduled May 14. 

John M. Stenzel, 49, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded March 10 to felony DWI. Sentencing May 14. 

Eileen M. Wesley, 62, of Scotia, was sentenced March 10 to 5 years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Ballston. 

Peter J. Rupp, 41, of Ballston Spa, pleaded March 9 to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, regarding charges made from July to November 2020, in Milton. 

Keith A. Meader, 49, of Ballston Spa, pleaded March 8 to criminal possession of a controlled substance, a felony, in Clifton Park. Sentencing May 14.  

POLICE

On March 10, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit charged Bryan E. Gailor, 42, of Ballston Spa, and Jesse R. Coleman, 37, of Ballston Spa, after a lengthy investigation into drug trafficking within Saratoga County. Gailor and Coleman are accused of distributing cocaine and crack cocaine throughout the county. A search warrant was executed by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Special Operations Team with the assistance from the Ballston Spa Police Department. Quantities of crack cocaine and heroin as well as packaging materials and scales were allegedly located in the residence. All charges are felonies: criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree; criminal possession of a controlled substance third-degree; five counts criminal possession of a controlled substance fifth-degree. 

Jennifer L. Youngs, 50, was charged March 10 with rape in the second-degree, and criminal sexual act in the second-degree. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Youngs was charged following a lengthy investigation after it was determined that between September 2015 and April 2016, she is suspected of having sexual intercourse, and other sexual contact with a 14-year-old male in the Town of Milton.   

State Police in Wilton charged James J. Harris of Brooklyn, N.Y., on March 5 with criminal possession of a controlled substance second-degree, criminal possession of a controlled substance third-degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance fourth-degree – all felonies.  State Police stopped Harris for a series of traffic infractions as he traveled on I-87 in the Town of Moreau. Following a consented search of the vehicle, approximately 14 grams of heroin and 176 grams of crack cocaine were allegedly found. Harris was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $10,000 cash, or $25,000 bond. 

Paul Calo, 46, of Ballston Spa, was charged March 5 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

David D’Aiello, 60, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 5 with assault in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Jeffrey Timmons, 53, of Latham, was charged March 5 in Saratoga Springs with the following: misdemeanor DWI, refusal to take a breath test, aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, passed red light; unsafe turn or failure to give appropriate signal; motor vehicle license violation: no license; failure to notify DMV of address change, and operating unregistered vehicle. 

Kenneth Hughes, 36, of Buffalo, was charged March 6 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Phillip Stanfield, 53, of Albany, was charged March 6 in Saratoga Springs with the following: misdemeanor DWI; misdemeanor aggravated DWI; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle; obstruct governmental administration-second degree; resisting arrest.

Jacklyn Parker, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 6 with petit larceny. 

Jose Madera, 38, of Saratoga Springs, was charged March 7 with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Karah Carpenter, 29, of Gansevoort, was charged March 7 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, tampering with physical evidence, criminal use drug paraphernalia, speeding, and moving from lane unsafely. 

Scott James DeCelle

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

DeCelleScott

MECHANICVILLE  — Scott James DeCelle, better known to some as “Diesel,” passed away on the evening of March 10, 2021 surrounded by his family. Scott fought a long and difficult battle with cancer and was always grateful for the overpowering amount of love, support, and generosity he received from his family and friends. He was 57.

A graduate of Mechanicville High School, Scott was a member of the varsity wrestling team. He later went on to graduate from Hudson Valley Community College before beginning a career in performance materials with Bruno Machinery in Troy and later G.E. and Momentive Performance Materials in Waterford. 

Scott was a very easy-going person. He was always in a good mood and always smiling. He put others before himself and loved making everyone smile and laugh. Scott looked forward to dressing up like Santa Claus for his family and friends’ kids each holiday season. Actually, he loved Christmas so much he would keep his house decorated all year. He liked the Miami Dolphins, but loved baseball, and cherished his trips to Shea Stadium and then Citi Field to watch the Mets. He was a diehard fan. Scott also loved to golf and liked to brag to his nephews about his two holes-in-one. For some reason he collected Longaberger baskets. He loved a good puzzle. Scott was also famous from when he “told his story” to Steve Carell in 2001 when Comedy Central visited Mechanicville (video available at burkefuneralhome.com). He loved to cook, especially grilling and he made a delicious pasta salad. 

He is predeceased by his father, Frederick R. DeCelle, Sr. and many aunts and uncles.

Scott is survived by his mother, Madeline Volpe Marinello, siblings; Daniel J. (Debra) DeCelle, Frederick R. (Renee) DeCelle, Jr., Trisha Ann (John) Izzo, David John DeCelle (Trina Carlton), Nicholas J. (Nicole) DeCelle, and step-mother Anne DeCelle. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews; Allison (Eric) Connors, Stephanie (Eric) Nelson, Maria (Cecil) Lane, Amelia and Nicole Izzo, Avery and Addison DeCelle, Nicholas D. (Meredith) DeCelle, and Samuel (Liana) DeCelle, 7 great-nieces and nephews, and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and extended family all of whom were important to Scott.

Calling hours were 3/15/2021 at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 3/16/2021 at All Saints on the Hudson South Church (St. Paul’s), 121 N. Main St, Mechanicville by the Rev. Thomas Morrette. The Mass is available to view: burkefuneralhome.com. 

Burial followed at the family plot in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Mechanicville-Stillwater Wrestling Booster Club, 56 Brickyard Road, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

Scott’s family would like to thank Dr. Edward Liebers and the staff at Saratoga Oncology/Hematology, Dr. Alex Frank, Dr. Jonathan Canete, the Community Hospice of Saratoga, and the many friends that have cared so much for him.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

William Gaylord Crawshaw 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

William Crawshaw

SARATOGA SPRINGS — William (Bill) Gaylord Crawshaw died peacefully in his sleep March 14, 2021. A “May-basket baby,” he was born May 1, 1935, in Syracuse, and adopted six months later by Thomas Hill and Mary Gaylord Crawshaw in Glens Falls. He attended Glens Falls schools and Bates College. During service in the United States Army, with Russian language training at the Army Language School in Monterrey, California, he was based in Alaska on St. Lawrence Island. He loved Alaska and came back with many stories. He finished college courses at the University of Maine and worked for a time near Boston in the printing field. 

He married Helen Bogle, a children’s librarian in 1966. After the birth of their first daughter, Catherine, Bill decided to become a librarian. A master’s degree at the State University of New York at Albany led him to twenty-four years as a reference librarian at the Crandall Library in Glens Falls, where he became Head of Reference. When he retired, he and his wife sold secondhand books under the name Book in Hand.

Bill was a family man, proud of his daughters. He enjoyed many family activities, including photography, Halloween costume creation, listening to Prairie Home Companion on Saturday nights, shared meals, landscaping an extensive yard and garden, and bringing in the winter wood supply each year. Bill loved experimenting in the kitchen and was renowned for his creative sandwiches and delicious scones. An avid reader, he especially loved mysteries. He loved to travel and had many memorable adventures. Once his grandchildren were born, California trips were added to the shared memories. Bill belonged to the Glens Falls Lions Club for about forty years. Friends and family will always remember with love his gentle but irreverent “punny” sense of humor and his tremendous kindness and willingness to help others. 

Bill is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughter Catherine (Cricket) Crawshaw and her children, Faye and William Johnson of Berkeley, California, and by his daughter, Abigail Crawshaw, and her husband, Frank Fletcher, of Philadelphia. At age 84, he was able to reunite with his birth family, which provided him with great happiness. He is also survived by four members of that family. 

A memorial will be held this summer when gathering becomes safer.

In lieu of flowers, well-wishers may make a donation to Crandall Library or to SAIL (Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center) in his memory. 

Arrangements are under the direction of Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville.