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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Schuylerville Library Receives National Grant: Will Work with Residents To Address Digital Inequity

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SCHUYLERVILLE — Schuylerville Public Library has been selected as one of 200 libraries to participate in Libraries Transforming Communities: Focus on Small and Rural Libraries, an American Library Association (ALA) initiative that helps library workers better serve their small and rural communities. 

The competitive award comes with a $3,000 grant that will help the Library start a conversation about digital inequity, lack of broadband access in rural areas, and ways that the Library and community can begin to alleviate some of these issues.  The Library plans to involve local and state officials in the conversation and hopefully in the solutions.

“We are so proud to be chosen for this amazing opportunity,” said Library Director Caitlin Johnson in a statement. “This grant will allow our library to begin bridging some of the digital divide that our rural area is facing, which has been especially apparent during COVID-19 as we have all had to pivot to remote learning and teleworking.”

As part of the grant, Library staff will take an online course in how to lead conversations, a skill vital to library work today. Staff will then host a hybrid online conversation/survey with residents about digital inequity and local needs and use the grant funds to supply the community with additional wireless hotspots to borrow and an additional Library-sponsored wireless network in
the community.

Those interested in getting involved or taking part in the conversation later in the spring/summer of 2021, may contact Caitlin Johnson at cjohnson@sals.edu  or 518-695-6641.

Since 2014, ALA’s Libraries Transforming Communities initiative has re-imagined the role libraries play in supporting communities. Libraries of all types have utilized free dialogue and deliberation training and resources to lead community and campus forums; take part in anti-violence activities; provide a space for residents to come together and discuss challenging topics; and have productive conversations with civic leaders, library trustees and staff.

January 9 – January 15, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT 

Todd A. Buchas, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 12 years in prison, after pleading to rape in the first-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident that occurred in Saratoga Springs. The date of the original charge was April 10, 2020. 

Brittany A. Matthey, 35, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Jan. 12 to felony DWI, in connection with an alleged incident in Wilton. Sentencing March 16. 

D’Jontay Bennifield, 21, of Greenfield Center, pleaded Jan. 12 to two felony charges: criminal contempt in the first-degree, and aggravated family offense. Sentencing Jan. 12. 

Alexander P. Jones, 33, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced Jan. 6 to 1.5 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth-degree, a felony, in Malta. 

Abigayle M. DePalo, 27, of Hudson Falls, was sentenced Jan. 8 to 1 to 3 years in state prison after pleading to felony robbery, in Clifton Park. 

Terrence M. Patterson, 62, of Fairfax, Vermont, was sentenced Jan. 8 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Moreau. 

POLICE

Tony J. Prichard, 32, of Ballston Spa, was charged Dec. 29 with promoting prison contraband in the first- degree, a felony. Prichard is suspected of possessing a quantity of suboxone, a controlled substance, while incarcerated at the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. 

Kim Baylis, 55, of Ballston Spa, and Jessika L. Baylis, 32, of Providence, were each charged with felony burglary, petit larceny, and endangering the welfare of a child, in connection with an alleged incident at the Wilton Walmart on Jan. 1. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department, both parties, who are mother-and-daughter, are suspected of stealing merchandise from the store, after being formally advised on a separate occasion that they were not allowed to be on premises. 

Leroy L. Ramsey, 50, of Gansevoort, was charged Jan. 5 with criminal possession of a forged instrument in the second-degree, a felony, and criminal possession of stolen property, a misdemeanor, in connection with incidents that allegedly occurred in the Town of Corinth between July 2020 and December 2020.  Ramsey is accused of being in possession of numerous stolen NYS Vehicle Inspection stickers. The felony charge stems from one of the stickers being forged.  The investigation is continuing, and more arrests are expected. 

Travis C. Maderic, 31, of Schenectady, was charged Jan. 7 with felony robbery, after an investigation into a report of a robbery in the parking lot of the Walmart in the Town of Halfmoon. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, Maderic is accused of displaying what appeared to be a weapon and forcibly stealing $530 from a male victim after purporting to sell him sneakers. Maderic then allegedly fled the scene, and was apprehended in the city of Schenectady a short time later.  He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $1,000 cash and
$2,000 bond. 

On the Verge of Closure, the Parting Glass Will Live On

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s long-standing popular Parting Glass pub will live to fight another day, after receiving a much-needed financial boost from Dave Portnoy’s Barstool Sports. Portnoy launched an online fundraising drive to assist small business owners in need of help due to the impacts of COVID. The fund has thus far raised more than $23 million and has supported more than 120 businesses. 

“Safe to say that 2021 has not gotten off to the best start. That’s why a phone call today from Joan Desadora, owner of the Parting Glass Pub, made my day and my year so far,” Saratoga County Chamber President Todd Shimkus reported in a social media posting. “Thanks to David Portnoy – El Presidente with Barstool Sports this local business will be saved. I smiled during our phone conversation. Joan was so excited. She wants everyone to be hopeful. There are people out there who want to help. I’m still smiling now. She was so happy. We are so happy. The Parting Glass is an institution in Saratoga Springs.”

The Parting Glass, which is located on Lake Avenue,  was formerly known as the “Royal Spring Tavern,” and first opened a century ago as a full bar that served Italian food and thin crust pizza – a local favorite. In 1981, the property was purchased by Joan Desadora and family and established as The Parting Glass — Saratoga’s Original Irish Pub and Restaurant, expanding its space into the back room where live music takes the stage. 

According to NewsChannel 13, the Parting Glass’ 81-year-old owner Joan Desadora was designing “we’re closing” signs when she got the call from Barstool founder Dave Portnoy that they’ve committed about $200,000 to help the restaurant stay in business through the pandemic.

Sharon McAllister

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sharon McAllister, 70, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 21, 2020 at her home in Saratoga Springs.

She was born on March 4, 1950 in Saratoga Springs, the daughter of the late James McAllister and Corolyn Hall McAllister. 

Sharon graduated from Saratoga Springs High School, class of 1968.

Sharon loved her friends and neighbors at the Raymond Watkins Senior Center. She was known for her humble spirit, helping those in need and she was always kind, loving and generous to those around her. 

Sharon is survived by her sisters, Linda Walczak-Ford (William) and Deborah McAllister-Martin (Isadora) and many friends who will miss her dearly.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Ted Snyder. 

At the family’s request there will be a memorial service at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Sharon can be made to the Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866.

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

If you wish to express your online condolences visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com

Donald A. Phillips

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

FORT EDWARD — Donald A. Phillips, 75 passed away on January 7, 2021 with his loving family by his side. Calling hours 4:30 to 7 p.m. on January 15, 2021 at Burke Funeral Home. Funeral services and burial with military honors will be private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Sarah Jane Fisher

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Tuesday, December 22, 2020, Sarah Jane Fisher, 72, passed away. Her life will be celebrated by her family forever and we will stop for a moment sometime next summer for a Memorial Service for Sarah. Memorial contributions to the Lutheran World Relief (donate.lwr.org). Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

John Joseph Carey

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John Joseph “Jack” Carey, 92, passed away peacefully December 28, 2020. Calling hours were January 4, 2021. Mass of Christian Burial took place January 5, 2021 at Church of St. Peter followed by burial in family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery. Celebration of life to take place sometime in 2021. www.burkefuneralhome.com

Rose Mary Brownell

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rose Mary Brownell, 87, passed away at the Wesley Health Care Center on December 24, 2020. Services will be held at the convenience of the family in the spring. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Saratoga County Updates Vaccination Rollout: City Center Named Vaccine Location

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON SPA — Approximately 9,600 Saratoga County residents, or 4.5% of the county’s population, have received either the first or both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, county leaders announced Jan. 12. 

“We are ready and able to begin a large-scale vaccination program as soon as we begin receiving more doses from the State,” said Theodore Kusnierz, recently elected Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman.

There are 18 PODs, or points of dispensing, identified across the county to help distribute the vaccine once it becomes more widely available to the general public. The City Center of Saratoga Springs will serve as the largest location for distributing vaccines and is appealing because of its size, proximity to a population center and ability to be secured 24/7. The other locations will be named as the county is supplied adequate amounts of vaccine. 

“We have been in the process of preparing mass vaccination facilities that will be available for use on a 24/7 basis. We must work quickly, efficiently and equitably to get all residents vaccinated, and I believe we are more than prepared to do so,” said County Supervisor Tara Gaston, chair of the Health Committee.

“Demand far outpaces our current supply, but once the supply begins to increase, we have the infrastructure in place to rapidly begin vaccinating our residents on a large scale,” said Dr. Daniel Kuhles, Commissioner of Saratoga County Public Health Services.

Vaccine eligibility regulations and guidelines are being updated on a near-daily basis. For the most recent information, go to: covid19vaccine.health.ny.gov. 

Copy of Virtual Fitness at the SRYMCA

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —You can join the Y for just $1. Now through January 31, the Saratoga Regional YMCA is waiving the join fee and only charging a $1 membership fee for the entire month of January. 

All Saratoga Regional YMCA memberships now include virtual fitness options including live stream classes, and a variety of On-Demand workouts taught by Y instructors.

The Virtual Y features a variety of workouts including Pilates, Total Strength, Cycling, Yoga, and workouts specifically for active older adults. 

Some restrictions apply. Regular membership fees begin in February 2021. For more information, call 518-583-9622 or visit srymca.org.