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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Tang Teaching Museum Receives $1.5M Grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College received a $1.5 million grant from the Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund, the museum announced this week. The grant will build the Tang’s endowment and expand K-12 and community educational programming throughout the region and beyond.

The Tang’s educational program usually reaches more than 8,000 people of all ages each year through programs in the museum like the popular Family Saturdays, as well as workshops at schools, libraries, and community centers, especially in underserved urban, rural, and suburban areas across the region. 

These programs often feature interpretive exercises of artwork in exhibitions or from the Tang collection, and art-making projects. Since the pandemic, the program has moved online to offer a wealth of art-making activities at tang.skidmore.edu/tang-at-home. Museum educators also conduct teacher training for K-12 educators from around the region. 

The grant will endow a key Tang position, which will now be called The Laurie M. Tisch Educator for K-12 and Community Programs. The grant will also fund programming to expand the Museum’s reach to new audiences, especially school students and adults in traditionally underserved areas.

The Tang Teaching Museum was founded in 2000 and will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2020 with a series of exhibitions. Details and programs will be announced in the coming months. 

The Laurie M. Tisch Illumination Fund is a New York City-based foundation that strives to improve access and opportunity for all New Yorkers and foster healthy and vibrant communities. 

Saratoga’s Star Radio Launches Marketing Campaign Giveaway for Local Businesses

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga’s Star Radio on 93.3FM, 1160AM, and 900AM, is looking to help three local businesses advertise their company’s reopening through an enter-to-win a $10,000 Marketing Campaign Contest. There will be three prizes awarded, worth $10,000, $5,000 and $2,500. 

To participate in the $10K Marketing Campaign Contest, businesses are asked to hang up a Star Radio Open/Closed sign and take a photo of their storefront with the sign on display. Photos can then be submitted on the Star website at starsaratoga.com. Once a business has registered for the contest, their name will be added to a new business directory on the Star Radio website. The contest entry deadline is 12 a.m. Monday, Aug.  31. Prizes will be awarded on Friday, Sept. 4 on the Star Morning Show with John Meaney in the 8 a.m. hour. 

First Prize includes six months of airtime on Saratoga’s Star Radio, six boosted posts on social media, a Pre-Roll streaming ad on Star’s mobile app for one month and a display ad on starsaratoga.com for one year. Second Prize includes three months of airtime, three boosted posts on social media, a Pre-Roll streaming ad on Star’s mobile app for one month and a display ad on the Star website for six months. Third Prize includes one month of radio airtime, one boosted post on social media and a display ad on starsaratoga.com for three months. A full list of contest rules and eligibility requirements is available on starsaratoga.com. 

Locally owned and operated, Saratoga’s Star Radio offers a mix of music, local news and relevant information to listeners living in the Saratoga region. 

Freihofer’s Run for Women Shows Community Support

ALBANY — Representatives from the Freihofer’s Run for Women recently presented a check for $7,600 to the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region and the United Way of the Greater Capital Region’s The Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund. 

Funds came from event registration and donations made by participants during online registration. The Capital Region Community COVID-19 Response Fund has provided 104 grants to organizations on the frontlines of the pandemic, including Colonie Senior Service Centers, Inc. (CSSC), which has made adjustments to its Senior Dining, Umbrella and Transportation programs and has expanded its capacity to operate seven days a week. 

For the last few months, CSSC has provided 1,200 nutritious take-out and home delivered lunches and more than 325 dinners weekly to seniors in Albany County. 

Property Transactions: July 18 – July 24, 2020

BALLSTON SPA

29 Kasey Pass, Unit 29, $253,821.
Brookview Court Inc./Pigliavento Builders DBA sold property to Joel Patrie and Sarah Hill. 

374 Goode St., $551,000.
Patrick and Sarina Ciraulo sold property to Danny Rubin II. 

507 Randall Rd., $340,000.
Sophia and Gabriele Marruso, Jr. sold property to Daniel Cavanagh.

94 Lancaster Court, $408,348.
Bordeau Builders Inc. sold property to John and Eileen Schneider.

CLIFTON PARK

4 Jordan Court, $249,900.
James Young sold property to Ramesh and Vendeanand Brijmohan.

23 Wheeler Dr., $267,500.
Mathew Cantore sold property to Jaclyn Banfield. 

23 Fairhill Rd., $422,000.
Jonathan Montag sold property to Jon and Alexis Keller.

89 Balsam Way, $677,000.
Matthew and Meghan Cross sold property to David and Heidi Decker.

24 Berkshire Dr., $287,500.
Jordi Aladro (as Successor Trustee) sold property to Amparo and Jeremiah Healey. 

5204 Forest Pointe Dr. S, $178,765.
Theresa Benway sold property to Katie Rose.

23 Montgomery Way, $286,898.
Jessica Bailey sold property to Kevin Pignatelli and Kristin Shanahan.

394 Vischer Ferry Rd., $399,000.
John and Denise Zumbo sold property to Andrew and Victoria Gorman.

3 South Barney Rd., $300,000.
Alan Brownell sold property to Michelle Hutchins and Eric Weinhold. 

13 Blueberry Lane, $468,000.
Feng Wang and Xue Dong sold property to Jessica Difazio and Susan Roggenkamp.

Route 146, $190,000.
Frank Parisi (by Co Execs) and Janet Evans sold property to Woodhaven Land Partners.

9 Canterbury Rd., $317,500.
Patricia Russell sold property to David Neff. 

1 Mill Creek Rd., $297,000.
Gaardsman Properties LLC sold property to Brendon and Sara Emery.

37 Mesacosa Rd., $157,400.
Eleanor Morreale (as Trustee) sold property to Paul and Katherine Litterer.

GALWAY

Lake Rd., $30,000.
Steven and Barbara Beck sold property to Lakeview Lodge LLC.

2690 May Rd., $260,000.
Carolyn Tranter sold property to Karen Schmieder.

GREENFIELD

137 Medbury Rd., $480,000.
Harris and Diane Unger sold property to Jesse and Humeyra Older.

551 Middle Grove Rd., $274,000.
David and Michele Lhommedieu sold property to Jason Rhude and Nicole Breen. 

HALFMOON

72 Smith Rd., $298,000.
William and Maryann Yarosz sold property to Jimmie and Leslie Daniels.

135 Monmouth Way, $156,000.
Carlos Rodriguez and Stacy Flores sold property to Michael Nicastro.

122 Monmouth Way, $149,484.
Jennifer Brown (as Trustee) and Jason Sableski (as Trustee) sold property to Christopher Offermann.

8 Wilden Way, $230,000.
Donna Neary (as Trustee) sold property to David Duval, Jr. and Sydney Foley.

5A Macoun Dr., $303,570.
Malta Land Company LLC sold property to Cynthia and Richard Roginski.

50 Dormie Ave., $277,895.
Fairways of Halfmoon LLC sold property to Deborah Ritz.

85 Pruyn Hill Rd., $265,000.
Joseph Urbanski (Ind and as Agent) and Cheryl Squirrell sold property to Thomas Richardson.

24C Idared Lane, $367,170.
Malta Land Company LLC sold property to Ruth Kelleher.

38 Linden Park Dr., $406,335.
United Residential Group LLC sold property to Andrew and Stacia Wilcox. 

MALTA

3 Parkway Circle, $371,000.
John and Frances Barbara sold property to James and Laurie Salmon. 

775 Malta Ave. Ext, $287,000.
Daniel Johnson sold property to Amy Decoteau.

15 Arrowwood Place, $179,900.
Katrina Howey sold property to Ryan Arno.

Barn Alley Rear, $32,000.
Edward Rich sold property to Terry Conrad. 

65 Blue Spruce Lane, $315,000.
Richard and Beverly Desrochers sold property to Angela Doe and Jennifer Waite.

MOREAU

11 John St., $225,000.
Christopher Reagan sold property to Nicole and Chrystal Ryle.

Hatchery Rd., $75,000.
Gardner and Gay Congdon sold property to Craig Brown and Alicia Collier.

22 Maplewood Parkway, $70,000.
Patten Property Development LLC sold property to Tyrone and Victoria Hall. 

15 Catherine St., $87,750.
Wilmington Savings Fund Society (as Trustee, by Atty) sold property to Mary and William Hayes.

268 Clark Rd., $185,000.
Wells Fargo USA Holdings Inc (by Atty) sold property to William Pistocco and Michael Davis. 

176 Ferry Blvd.,
Jennifer and Edward Sharrow, Jr. sold property to Travis Wylie.

33 Iris Ave., $205,000.
Shod LLC sold property to Chad Jorgensen.

8 Maple Ave., $135,000.
Kathleen Collins sold property to David Nichols.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

237 Broad St., $100,000.
Lakeview Servicing LLC (by Atty) sold property to Ellen Leszczynski. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS

180 Old Schuylerville Rd., $760,000.
Kristian and Courtney Rhein sold property to Brian Carkner and Dirk Manhin.

268 Broadway, Unit 406, $1,575,000.
Steven and Joy Heyman sold property to Deborah Reynolds and Carol Kautzman.

13 Orenda Spring Dr., $172,500.
Jerry Huffman sold property to Daniel Robero.

26 Cleveland Ave., $305,000.
Stephen Musci sold property to Heidi Whitman Desposito.

16 Wagon Wheel Trail, $143,850.
Wells Fargo Bank sold property to AJS Masonry Inc.

5 Iris Dr., $905,000.
Nicholas Kondo (as Trustee and Life Tenant) sold property to Bryan and Jacquelyn Wallin. 

PO 27 Jumel Place, $1,387,489.
Downton Walk LLC sold property to Debra and Peter Rosecrans, Sr.

55 Vichy Dr., $305,000.
Patricia Hatfield and Robert Carlin sold property to Steven Rosenblum and Eric Rudy. 

179 Church St., $460,000.
Terry and Anita Martin sold property to Jeffrey Gritsavage and Michele Ambrosino.

STILLWATER

22 Secretariat Lane, $300,000.
Cynthia Bourne sold property to Bruno Hofmann (as Trustee). 

6 Cedar Bluff Court, $642,500.
Evan Tublitz sold property to Scott and Kathleen Shepherd.

WILTON

1 New Kent Dr., $20,000.
John Hughes and Jennifer Hughes sold property to John Hughes.

2 Knollwood Dr., $332,000.
Robert and Mariah Mosley sold property to Bradley and Alyssa Casacci.

4 Daffodil Dr., $780,000.
Kevin and Linda Breen sold property to Craig and Molly Cook. 

11 Tawny Terrace, $325,000.
Richard Bryan sold property to Ashley Reda. 

48 Burnham Rd., $389,400. Nathan and Kelly Gagnon sold property to David Haley.

85 Jones Rd., $309,000. Lars and Maureen Mallach sold property to Patrick Baker.

Family Detention Facilities

Although it isn’t on the news, nearly a hundred families seeking safety in the U.S. from violence and persecution have been locked up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in the Berks family detention center in Pennsylvania and two detention facilities in Dilley and Karnes City, Texas.

Held in indefinite detention, they feel they are sitting ducks for COVID‐19, which runs rampant in the family detention centers. Declaring these detention facilities are “on fire,” a federal judge ordered ICE to release all children by July 17. Judge Gee doesn’t have the power to order the release of the parents, too, but we do. ICE will only release families together if they feel the cost of sustained outrage and pressure from people across the country. 

Right now, we have a choice: family unity or family separation. Our community must tell ICE: refugees are welcome here.

– Katherine Donnelly, Saratoga Springs

Reopening of Saratoga Natural Springs

The historic Roosevelt II Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park. Photos provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced the grand reopening of the historic Roosevelt II Bathhouse at Saratoga Spa State Park. 

First opened in 1935 by former New York governor and President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the iconic Georgian Revival-style bathhouse has been closed since falling into disuse in the 1980s. The bathhouse’s reopening is part of a $2.3 million transformational project that is restoring and improving upon the grandeur of the Roosevelt Baths.

“The Roosevelt II Bathhouse is a living piece of New York history that once provided a natural luxury experience to everyday New Yorkers, and by breathing new life into the facility, visitors will once again find themselves enjoying the peace and beauty of Saratoga’s natural springs,” Cuomo said. “New York’s parks are a national treasure and we will continue our hard work across the state to not only maintain them, but make them better than ever and true must-see destinations.”

Under the NY Parks 2020 initiative, the bathhouse’s historic lobby has been restored, new restrooms installed, new heating, ventilation and plumbing systems added, toxic asbestos removed, and programming space added for a planned artistic and wellness center.

Future plans include use of a portion of the 18,000 sq-ft facility by the not-for-profit group COESA. They will use 2,700 square feet to offer retreat experiences and classes in personal well-being, leadership, meditation, professional wellness training, and work-life balance. The facility will open once state regulations aimed at preventing spread of COVID-19 allow.

“This bathhouse will be returning to its original purpose – the enjoyment, well-being and relaxation of those who visit,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “I commend Governor Cuomo for bringing this historic facility back to life.”

The new coffee shop will be operated by Saratoga County-based Wired Coffee, which currently operates cafes in Malta and the city of Albany.

The COESA facility is across from the Roosevelt Baths and Spa, and is part of the Roosevelt Campus, which includes Parks administrative offices and the Spa Little Theater, as well as two mirror-image mineral water public bathing facilities, and the Hall of Springs.

After the baths were dedicated by President Roosevelt, who was a proponent of curative mineral baths, the facility offered baths until early 1943, when it was converted into a military hospital for disabled veterans. After construction of the Veterans Administration hospital in Albany, the facility was used by State Parks as office space, a restoration shop and storage until the building was closed in the late 1980s.

There is 12,000 feet remaining in the renovated bathhouse to be redeveloped in the future. In 2019, the Saratoga Performing Arts Center received $2 million in Regional Economic Development Council funding to offer substantial new opportunities for public use of the space.

H.O.P.E Adoption Center Reopens Doors by Appointment Only

WILTON — The H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center, located in the Wilton Mall, is open by appointment only and operating under all mandated COVID-19 safety measures and protocols per NYS Department of Health. The center originally opened on Jan. 26, 2020, and occupies almost 3,000 sq. ft. next to the former Sears store, which is soon to be Saratoga Hospital offices.

Adoptable cats, in high demand during this time of social isolation, are once again available at the H.O.P.E. Adoption and Education Center. With COVID restrictions resulting in many people having more time at home and fewer social activities, people have realized that this a perfect time to adopt. Unfortunately, their access to adoptable animals has also been limited. Most shelters and rescues were closed at some point, though H.O.P.E. kept the purpose of the center alive through dog and cat adoptions, handled with limited contact and without the benefit of public adoption events or access to the center. The re-opening of the center, by appointment, gets them a step closer to easy, open access for want-to-be adopters. Even this limited re-opening, will allow H.O.P.E. to better serve those looking to adopt. H.O.P.E. will also continue to produce virtual events.

Wendy Mongillo, founder and executive director of H.O.P.E. said, “having the center open by appointment is progress and we are so excited to have cats back at the center. Even though we only opened less than two months before COVID concerns closed the Mall, we were already having a significant impact on the community. We adopted-out hundreds of cats and dogs as well as beginning to establish the center as a go-to event space, with programs like dog adoption events, training workshops, cat yoga, and pet-related art exhibits. We will work toward a return to full operations as conditions safely permit.”

Programs are currently being redesigned and offered via Zoom. More educational and social programs are also being created for virtual participation until the center can open safely once again. 

“It’s important for people to know that cat and dog Fosters are still crucial to our mission. Donor support is also critical whether it comes through fundraising events or direct donations,” reminded H.O.P.E. President, Kristina Kline.

For appointments to meet adoptable pets, adoption information, volunteer and donation opportunities, call 518-450-7013 or visit
hopeanimalrescue.org or Facebook.com/PetsHope.

Organization Provides Support for People with Eating Disorders

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A new nonprofit organization in Saratoga Springs aims to educate, support, advocate and fundraise for people affected by Eating Disorders.

Saratoga Springs residents Annalise and Cheryl Marron founded Flutters of Hope Inc. in Sept. 2019 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Annalise was diagnosed with this disease at 11-years-old and came to realize, she wanted to support others like herself and not let others suffer alone. 

Annalise Marron creates baskets of soothing supplies she calls “ButerflyWish Baskets,” along with a personal note with words of encouragement. Annalise has recently delivered four “ButterflyWish Baskets” to Albany Medical Center’s Comprehensive Care Center for Eating Disorders of Northeastern New York. Aware of the overwhelming costs associated with treating eating disorders, Annalise hopes to help offset the cost of treatment, travel, and counseling by creating a “ButterflyWish” Grant when more funds are raised.

Eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of any mental health disorder, yet many people never receive treatment, Cheryl Marron says. Residential treatment can cost around $30,000 or more a month. Counseling sessions cost roughly $250 per session.

Education, awareness, prevention and support are the key elements to fighting this disease. Recent studies have identified eating disorders as a genetic, neurological, and a biological disease intensified by social influences that increase the chances of suffering with an eating disorder. This disease can have a multitude of additional diagnoses, such as anxiety disorders, OCD, depression and bipolar disorder. 

Flutters of Hope Inc. seeks the community’s support to help Annalise Marron fulfill her wish to help others fight Eating Disorders. All donations will go to recipients of “ButterflyWish Baskets” and “ButterflyWish” Grants in the Capital Region. 

For more information on how to support, please visit fluttersofhopeinc.org or contact Cheryl Marron at hello@fluttersofhopeinc.org or 716-818-0170. Maggie Callesano can be reached at fundraising@fluttersofhopeinc.org.

July 18 – July 24, 2020

POLICE

Alexander Nikola, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 17 with criminal mischief. 

George Coleman, 32, of Amsterdam, was charged July 18 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Matthew Matrazzo, 23, of Ballston Spa, was charged July 18 in Saratoga Springs with disorderly conduct: obscene language/gestures. 

Donald Principe, 31, of Queensbury, was charged July 18 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass  — misdemeanor. 

Aturo Cruz-Agustin, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 19 with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident, after being involved in an accident on South Broadway. 

Randall Alger, 47, of New York, was charged July 19 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor petit larceny. 

Robert McCall, 59, of Ballston Spa, was charged July 18 in Saratoga Springs with two counts aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a violation for speeding.

Brendan Benequisto, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged July 20 with criminal mischief: intent to damage property, a misdemanor. 

Yhashin White, 33, of Brooklyn, was charged July 11 in Saratoga Springs with felony DWI, refusal to take a breath test, drinking alcohol in motor vehicle on a highway, and two driving/ equipment violations. 

Richard McKeel, 25, of Newport, Virginia, was charged July 11 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and passing a red light. 

Daniel Brzywczy, 38, of Highland Falls, was charged July 13 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault, and criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

 William M. Biette, 44, of Latham, was charged July 15 with felony DWI, felony aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, assault in the third-degree, circumvention of an ignition interlock device, criminal contempt in the second-degree, reckless driving, and several vehicle and traffic infractions. According to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s office, Biette was driving eastbound on Route 67 when he crossed the center line and struck two vehicles traveling westbound.  One of those drivers were trapped in their vehicle and needed to be extricated by emergency personnel. They were subsequently treated at Saratoga Hospital with a chest injury.  The incident occurred July 15 in the town of Malta. Biette was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond.

New York State Police STOP DWI Campaign

The New York State Police announced July 21 that Troopers issued a total of 9,214 tickets statewide during the 4th of July STOP-DWI enforcement campaign. The special enforcement period began on Friday, July 3, and ended at 6 a.m. on Sunday, July 5.

During the 36-hour campaign, which was funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and ticketed distracted drivers who used handheld electronic devices.

Troopers arrested 180 people for DWI and investigated 456 crashes, including 99 personal injury crashes and one fatality, according to authorities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also targeted speeding and aggressive drivers across the state. In the Capital Region specifically there were 20 DWI charges and 26 distracted driving charges. 

During last year’s 4th of July enforcement campaign, State Police issued 16,388 total tickets and arrested 255 people for DWI.

Additionally, State Police announced 85 tickets were issued for a host of violations, including speeding, use of a cell phone while driving, and failure to obey a flagger during two days of “Operation Hardhat” initiatives that took place on the Northway this month.

Motorists are urged to drive responsibly in work zones. They are reminded to move over a lane when safely possible, or slow down significantly, whenever encountering roadside vehicles displaying red, white, blue, amber or green lights, including maintenance and construction vehicles in work zones.

Emory Joseph “Joe” Boucher

EmoryJosephBoucher

HOBE SOUND, FL — Emory Joseph “Joe” Boucher, 78, of Hobe Sound, Florida, passed away Tuesday, July 7, 2020.  He was born May 27, 1942 in Troy, New York to Emory and Doris (nee Fuller) Boucher. He attended Stillwater High School and St. Peter’s Academy in Saratoga Springs, where he graduated in 1960.

After high school Joe joined the United States Air Force. He served eight years as an Aircraft Engineer, including during the Vietnam War. He spoke little about his experience as a Veteran, but in later years he wrote that his job was to fix airplanes while in flight—often with bullets whizzing past—at least once dangling from a wing as he fixed the landing gear.

During his military career Joe was stationed in Texas, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and briefly, Japan and Germany (he returned to Germany several times in later years). After the military he moved with his former wife, Rose Marie (nee Natale) Boucher and their three daughters, Michelle, Sheri and Renee, to San Diego. The family spent many wonderful years in California where Joe worked as a contractor leading projects large and small, from award-winning condos in La Jolla to a ski resort atop Heavenly in Lake Tahoe. 

On the weekends Joe could be found with his daughters at the park or the beach, riding motorcycles, horses, picnicking, having fun. He was a wonderful father—loving, gentle and generous—dearly loved by his daughters and their friends, most who called him Dad.

Joe was great company, with a marvelous dry wit. He loved music, was an avid reader and a terrific storyteller. He was an incredible cook and enjoyed creating new dishes—bouillabaisse was a favorite—for friends and family. 

Joe spent the past 18 years in Hobe Sound, Florida, where he owned and operated a property management business.

Joe was predeceased by his father, Emory Boucher, Mother, Doris Boucher, his brothers Edward (Ann Marie) and Michael (Flo) Boucher and his former wife, Rose Marie Boucher.

He is survived by his daughters Michelle Hill, Sheri Loftis and Renee (Richard) Boucher Ferguson, of Saratoga Springs, his second wife, Sharon Weslowski of El Cajon, CA, and his partner of 20 years, Karin Ryan, also of Hobe Sound. He is survived by siblings Tim (Joanne) Boucher of Bradenton, FL, Patricia Boucher Flike of Bemis Heights, and Tom (Joanne) Boucher of Stillwater. He leaves behind  seven grandchildren, Nicole and Adam Hill of Queensbury, Cody Loftis of Hayden, ID, Waylon (Kandice) Loftis of El Cajon, CA, Liza Boucher Ferguson of Oxford, UK and Saratoga Springs and Cormac and Cole Ferguson also of Saratoga Springs, and seven great-grandchildren.

Emory Joe Boucher will be interred at the Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Earl J. Manning American Legion, Post 490, Stillwater, NY.