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Stewart’s/Dake Family Supports Academy for Lifelong Learning with COVID-19 Relief Donation

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The Academy for Lifelong Learning is the recipient of a $3,500 grant from the Stewart’s/Dake Family. The funds will be used to convert in-person educational classes and social activities to virtual offerings through Zoom.

“In March, we were forced to cancel our spring term eliminating 32 classes for retired seniors in our community. We took a hit financially and fundraising came to a halt,” Executive Director, Jeff Shinaman, said in a statement. “Thankfully, this grant is allowing us to purchase Zoom licenses and training for our volunteer study group leaders as we continue to inform and educate our 500 members.”

Twenty classes, most by Zoom, are currently offered during the Academy’s fall semester and continue through early November. A first-ever winter term is also being planned to start Jan. 11 with registration in November. A spring term will begin in early April. Annual membership through June 30, 2021 is $65. Eight-week classes are offered at $50 and four-week classes are $25.

Founded in 1992, the Academy is a nonprofit, membership organization whose members share a love of learning. For more information, contact the Academy office at 518-587-2100 ext. 2390 or go to www.esc.edu/all.

ESD: Previously Ineligible Small Businesses Can Receive Low-Interest Working Capital Loans

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Empire State Development announced last week that Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) recipients are now eligible to receive low-interest loans from the New York Forward Loan Fund (NYFLF). 

This conditional change will provide the Fund’s network of lenders and financial institutions with greater flexibility and enable them to provide more small businesses with working capital to cover expenses associated with reopening. 

“The coronavirus pandemic was an unprecedented challenge to the state’s business community, of which 98% are small businesses,” ESD Acting Commissioner, and President and CEO-delegate Eric Gertler said in a statement. “Providing assistance and opportunity – particularly to our state’s minority- and women-owned businesses – to help them reopen is essential toward revitalizing our economy and building New York back better.” 

When the NYFLF launched in May, the goal was to help small businesses that did not receive PPP funding with flexible working capital to reopen and adapt to post-COVID needs. Companies with 20 employees or less make up 90% of New York’s business community, and it was critical to provide a funding lifeline to those businesses shut out of federal assistance.   

However, some NYFLF applicants who needed assistance were deemed ineligible because they had already received PPP funds. 

NYFLF Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) have begun contacting previously ineligible applicants to determine if they are still interested in funding and begin the underwriting process. This is limited to small businesses who received $50,000 or less in PPP assistance. The fund is prepared to process the new applications from this change while also working with existing applicants. Small business who did not receive any federal assistance are still eligible and encouraged to apply. Additionally, the program goal of providing at least 60% of loans to Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) remains, and that goal will not change due to the newly expanded eligibility. 

Eligible small businesses and small residential landlords can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan with a 3% fixed interest rate; while eligible non-profits can apply for a 60-month, no-fee loan at 2% fixed interest. The maximum loan amount is $100,000. Loan funds can be used for working capital including payroll, operating and emergency maintenance, property taxes, utilities and costs associated with refitting physical space to follow social distancing guidelines. More information is available online at nyloanfund.com. 

For more information on Regional Councils and Empire State Development, go to: www.regionalcouncils.ny.gov and www.esd.ny.gov. 

Property Transactions: September 26 – October 2, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Edward Bushey sold property at 31 Buell Ave to Edward Dwworakowski for $166,000.

Brewster LLC sold property at 104-105 Seeley Dr to Anthony Torres for $340,000.

Rosetti Acquisitions sold property at 8 Pasture Pl to Olivia Fedigan for $319,497.

James Baggetta sold property at Manning Rd to Frank Volpe for $190,000.

Mark Schewe sold property at 1321 West High St to Anthony Ruscio for $150,000.

GALWAY

CMH Homes Inc sold property at 6108 Green Corners Rd to Mark Fuller for $412,500.

Clara Shnaidman sold property at 2254 Galway Rd to Kent  for $460,000.

GREENFIELD

John Travis sold property at 100 Kilmer Ave to Michael Kringle for $577,500.

John Foster sold property at 37 Russell Rd to Stefanie Richards for $237,500.

MALTA

Phillip Keigley sold property at12 Little Dr to Eric Warren for $465,000.

Anthony Orlando sold property at 1168 Laurel Lane to Brendon Brogan for $256,000

Carolyn Fallon sold property at 43 Washington Ave to Robert Stout for $250,000.

Barbara Homes Malta Springs sold property at 3 Weston Way to Frank Barbera for $295,000.

Ashley Boye sold property at 57 Glade Mallow Rd to National Transfer Services LLC for $305,000

National Transfer Services LLC sold property at 57 Glade Mallow Rd to Andrea Caietta for $305,000

Thomas Brown sold property at 1184 Laural Lane to Amber Sanzone for $242,000.

Bradley Martin sold property at 54 Arrowwood Pl to Marcus Pritchard for $185,000

Margaret Nestuk sold property at 4 Gates Rd to Brian Johnson for $285,000

Pamela Spataro sold property at 1 May Apple Way to Lawrence Lieberman for $310,000.

Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property at 33 Essex St to James Nuttall for $311,539.

SARATOGA

Robert Macaioni sold property at 9 Sweet Rd to Emanuel Aydin for $579,000

Cerrone Construction Inc sold property at 107 Schuyler Hills Dr to Victoria Dicesare for $493,000.

ANW Holdings Inc sold property at Chapman Hill Rd to Chapman Hill LLC for $500,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Jane Quinn sold property at 15 Tompion Lane to Mark Krusik for $257,000

David Moen sold property at 136 Hathorn Blvd to Jeffrey Hayes for $284,500

Marion Skowronek sold property at 30 Jaipur to Patrick Sofarelli for $274,900.

77 Van Dam LLC sold property at 77 Van Dam #304 to Ivan Edelson for $380,300.

Downton Walk LLC sold property at 6 Downton Walk  to David Bradley for $2,158,410.

Karen Dancho sold property at 19 Walter Dr to Lesa Farrell for $230,500.

Lorraine Torgesen sold property at 258 Caroline St to Sandra Chase for $381,000.

Andrianna Walraven sold property at 289 Jefferson St #20 to Mark Lentini for $250,000.

Mary Beth Flaherty sold property at 9 Saddle Brook Dr to Kona LLC for $1,440,000

Gina Toner sold property at 27 Jenee Way to Chen Xiaoxiao for $397,500.

John Grady sold property at 25 Joseph St to Jeffrey Levi for $326,700.

Schmidt Management LLC sold property at 107 Meadowbrook Rd to Brian Larrabee for $288,000

Abbie Archibald sold property at 43 Second St to Frederick Ostrander for $415,000.

Mathew Giffin sold property at 12 Wampum Dr to Alissa Cottrel for $236,000.

Geraldine Eberlein sold property at 42 Ruggles Rd to Joshua Ellithorpe for $815,000

STILLWATER

Donald Gronczniak sold property at 66 Gronczniak Rd to Craig Perkins for $127,805.

Janice Trey sold property at 54 Lakepointe Way to Tobias Lemerande for $435,000.

WILTON

Steven Perue sold property at 22 Parkhurst Rd to Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc
for $190,000.

Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc sold property at 22 Parkhurst Rd to Richard St Amand for $190,000.

Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corp sold property at 17 Christina Ct to South Bronx Developers LLC for $166,000.

Mark Smitkin sold property at 47 Fairway Blvd to Kyle Marsciano for $314,900

James Yarter property at 51 Claire Pass to Mark Griswold for $394,000.

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 2 Easton Ct to Bonnie Grolley for $529,871

Raymond Apy sold property at 25 Kendrick Hill to Bradley Bridge for $1,390,000.

Sonoma Grove LLC sold property at 8 Monterey Ct to Michael Bleznyk for $669,913

Christopher Marcotte property at 706 Wilton Gansevoort Rd to GLenn Allen for $197,900.

Sonoma Grove LLC sold property at 14 Berkley Ct to Kyle Willmott for $554,900

Tillman Nechtman sold property at 177 Parkhurst Rdl to Andrew Spano as trustee for $435,000.

James Delaney sold property at 81 Ingersoll Rd to Ronald Delaney for $180,000.

Horseracing Safety Bill Passes in House

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WASHINGTON D.C. — Congressman Paul Tonko’s bipartisan national horse racing reform bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives Sept. 29. 

The bill – the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act – would designate the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority to design and implement uniform national horse racing medication and racetrack safety standards.

“After nearly six years working to advance this bipartisan legislation to modernize horseracing in the United States, we are at long last rounding the final turn,” Tonko, a Democrat who represents the 20th District,  said in a statement. 

“(The) Act puts the health and well-being of our equine athletes and jockeys firmly at the center of the sport, and delivers commonsense medication and track safety standards that will lift this noble sport to higher standards of integrity and safety. These long overdue reforms will help restore public trust in the sport and put it on a path to a long and vital future, supporting countless jobs and driving economic activity in communities across our nation,” Tonko said.

The Act was co-sponsored by Republican Congressman Andy Barr of Kentucky, and the bi-partisan vote garnered the support of 21st District Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-Schuylerville). 

“The passage of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act in the U.S. House of Representatives paves the way for a uniform, national approach to medication control and anti-doping across the sport. Thanks to Rep. Paul Tonko and Rep. Andy Barr today’s bi-partisan vote leaves no doubt as to the importance of this legislation in securing the future of horse racing in the United States,” said New York Racing Association President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “NYRA urges the U.S. Senate to quickly consider and pass the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.” 

The bill approved by the House also has companion Senate legislation introduced recently by U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) and U.S. Senators Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Martha McSally (R-AZ), and Dianne Feinstein (D-CA). 

Saratoga By The Numbers

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA — According to the NYS Department of Labor, the rate of unemployment in Saratoga County – by county of residence – was 7.8% for the month of August.  In comparison, neighboring counties were: 8.5% Warren County; 7.9% Washington County, 8.4% Rensselaer County; 10.3% Schenectady County; 9.0% Albany County.  The August figures were released this week and September figures are anticipated for release Oct. 20, according to the state. 

This week, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce reported:

• January through August 2020, Saratoga County has collected $78.2 million dollars in sales taxes, down 5.4% from the same period in 2019. 
• Sales tax collections in the City of Saratoga Springs are down 14.3% or $1.2 million for this 8-month period in 2020 versus 2019.
• Saratoga County, year to date through August 2020, hotel occupancy is down 31% vs the same time in 2019. 
• Saratoga Springs hotel occupancy is down 26.5% percent for the same time frame. While demand for hotels in the City and the County was up in January and February, it was down every month since, according to the Chamber of Commerce. 

Voter Registration Drive-Thru at SPAC on Sunday

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The League of Women Voters of Saratoga County and Saratoga Spa State Park will be holding a Drive-Thru Voter Registration in the SPAC main parking lot on Route 50 in Saratoga Springs from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 4.

Residents can learn where to find information about polling places, information about registration, answers to general voting questions and pick up voter registration forms to fill out and return to the volunteers or take home. Forms taken home will need to be filled out and mailed to the County Board of Elections. Requests for Absentee Ballot forms will also be available.

The League will conduct one last Voter Registration event before the deadline for voter registration, which will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 7 at the Saratoga Springs Farmers Market.

Photo of the Week: Fall 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

PhotoOfTheWeekBanner FallClosed

Week One October 2-8:
Photo by Claire Marcino

Week Two October 9-15:
The Great Sacandaga
Photo by Sue Clark | Sue Photography

Week Three October 16-22:
Family Outing
Photo by Craig Horneck

Week Four October 23-29:
“Hello”
Photo by Sue Clark | Sue Photography

Week Five October 30- November 5:
“Nellie at Saratoga State Park”
Photo by Claire Murphy

Saratoga PLAN: Two New Trails to Open Soon

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

GALWAY — Two new Saratoga PLAN trails in the Town of Galway are being readied to open to the public. They are: Barkersville Trails, in the hamlet of Barkersville, and Glowegee Creek North and South Trails.

The winding Barkersville trail system was previously grounds for sled-dog training and is a now-conserved 168 acre area. After a season of trail development, from scouting to clearing to trail marking, Barkersville Trails awaits a bridge installation and
kiosk information.

Glowegee Creek Trails, meanwhile, will connect a northern entrance on Old Mill Road to a southern entrance on Route 45. The trail crosses three parcels of conserved land thick with hemlocks, ferns, and wildflowers and winds alongside Glowegee Creek for a portion of the way. The South entrance parking lot awaits a final trash haul, kiosk, and parking lot access. Both Barkersville and Glowegee Creek locations are awaiting entryway signage.

September 26 – October 2, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Kelly A. Leonardi, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Sept. 25 to 1.5 to 4.5 years in state prison, after pleading to vehicular manslaughter in the second-degree, and two misdemeanor counts of assault in the third-degree, in connection with charges initiated July 14, 2019 in Malta. 

Edwyn M. Snyder, of Cohoes, pleaded Sept. 23 to attempted rape in the second-degree, in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Nov. 18. 

Matthew T. Washburn, 31, of Hudson Falls, pleaded Sept. 23 to attempted strangulation in the second-degree, in Saratoga. Sentencing Oct. 26. 

POLICE 

David D. Everetts, age 33, of Canaan, NY, was charged Sept. 28 with two felony counts of burglary in the third-degree, and the misdemeanors: criminal mischief, intent to damage property, petit larceny, and possession of burglar tools. According to Saratoga Springs Police, Everetts is accused of having committed two separate commercial burglaries on Aug. 11, 2019 in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs. One burglary was on Broadway and the other was on Lake Avenue.

A 26-year-old Clifton Park man has been charged with sexual abuse in the first-degree and assault in the second-degree in connection with an incident that allegedly occurred on the Zim Smith Trail in Malta on Sept. 25. Tyler J. Gaston is accused of attacking a female jogger and “subjecting her to sexual contact by forcible compulsion,” according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office.  The victim suffered facial injuries and was treated on scene by Malta EMS.  Gaston was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond, “to await further proceedings on the matter,” according to authorities.

Anthony E. Deschaine, 27, was charged Sept. 27 with second degree assault in connection with an alleged incident that occurred inside the Saratoga County Jail on Sept. 14. 

Phillip C. Ramsey, 46, of Ballston Spa, was charged Sept. 25 in Saratoga Springs with 2 felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance in the third-degree; 3 felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance in the third-degree, and one misdemeanor count criminal possession of marijuana.  Ramsey is suspected of selling cocaine in and around the city of Saratoga Springs on more than one occasion during the earlier part of 2020, according to police. The investigation was conducted by members of the Saratoga Springs Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit.

Daijon Griffin, 23, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 18 with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and criminal possession of marijuana – both misdemeanors. 

Amanda Preece, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to stop at a stop sign. 

John Moran, 60, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

David Lolik, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with criminal trespass misdemeanor.

Kara Montville, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with harassment in the second-degree, and resisting arrest – both misdemeanors. 

Michael Gilliard, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 19 with criminal mischief, and obstruct governmental administration – both misdemeanors. 

Leana Jarratt, 32, of Middle Grove, was charged Sept. 20 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI and aggravated DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, and three driving/vehicle related violations. 

Kathryn Cartini, 41, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 20 with misdemeanor DWI, unlawful possession of marijuana, and two driving violations. 

Shane Dingman, 19, was charged Sept. 10 with criminal contempt in the second-degree. 

Terrance Rudes, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 21 with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Roy “Jim” St John

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

JimStJohn

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roy “Jim” St John, age 75, passed away on Friday, September 25, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital with his family at his side.

He was born on August 20, 1945 in Brodhead, Wisconsin, the son of the late Roy St John and Mary St John.

Jim was a supervisor in the Food Service Department at Skidmore College for many years prior to retiring. Jim was an avid Golfer; he was a Charter Member of the Old Firehouse Golf League that was started in 1985. He was League Champion Golfer in 1986. He loved going to the racetrack, but his 15 years living in Key West were the most fun and memorable times he cherished. Jim will be forever remembered for his caring heart and unconditional strength for 34 years while dealing with health issues. 

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Nanci St John, brother, Bill St John (Carol), sister Jane St John, many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss him dearly.

At the family’s request there will be a private Celebration of Life for Jim at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Estherville Animal Shelter, 100 Russell Rd, Greenfield Center, NY 12833.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jim St John, please visit www.compassionatefuneralcare.com.