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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Stewart’s Shops Expands: Fuel Distribution with Red-Kap Asset Purchase; Stewart’s Express Shops

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Stewart’s Shops have acquired the assets of Red-Kap, which include eight convenience stores, four car washes and their fuel distribution to more than 75 dealers.

Stewart’s Shops will maintain the branding of the Mobil, Citgo, and Sunoco stations and will convert two of the Red-Kap locations into traditional Stewart’s Shops. The remaining six locations will become ‘Stewart’s Express’ shops. These smaller shops will have limited product offerings and will not serve hand-scooped ice cream. 

 “Stewart’s Shops has always respected and admired the integrity of the family-owned Red-Kap organization. This is primarily a fuel distribution transaction, and we look forward to extending our support to the distributor and dealer network,” Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake said in a statement.

The eight convenience stores are located in Albany, Baldwinsville, Berne, Hudson, Rensselaer, Saratoga Springs, Castleton, and Loudonville and are already undergoing conversions into Stewart’s Shops and ‘Stewart’s Express’ locations and will be completed in 2021. 

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, with over 345 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont. 

The Downtowner Closed for Winter and Undergo Renovations

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS ­­— The Downtowner, a reimagined mid-century motor lodge located on Broadway is closed for the winter to undergo extensive exterior renovations and an interior refresh. 

Saratoga-based architecture and design company, Phinney Design Group, will lead the $1.5 million exterior renovation project while Massachusetts-based creative studio Elder & Ash enhances the interiors. 

Since reopening after a redesign in 2018, The Downtowner has been operated by Lark Hotels, a hotel brand and operating company with properties on both the East and West Coasts. The Downtowner anticipates reopening in 2021.

 “In our view, there’s no better location, from which to experience all that Saratoga Springs has to offer than the corner of Broadway and Division streets, which is essentially the 50-yard line of Broadway,” said Lark Hotels CEO, Peter Twachtman, in a statement.  “We look forward to revealing the hotel’s new look, and reopening our doors to locals and visitors in the spring.”

Dr. Zachary Criswell Joins Saratoga Hospital’s Surgical Podiatry Practice

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. Zachary Criswell, a fellowship-trained foot and ankle surgeon, has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Surgical Podiatry.

 Criswell comes to Saratoga Hospital from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, where he was a clinical instructor in the Department of Medicine. He also was an attending physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, a Rutgers clinical affiliate in Paramus, NJ.

Criswell earned his Doctor of Podiatric Medicine degree from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine in Pennsylvania and completed an internship and residency at University Hospital in New Jersey. He went on to complete a surgical fellowship, with an emphasis on lower extremity sports medicine and arthroscopy, at Palo Alto Medical Foundation in California. Criswell is board certified by the American Board of Podiatric Medicine. He sees patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Offices – Wilton Mall. 

Last week, Saratoga Hospital was designated a Center of Excellence for Antimicrobial Stewardship, in recognition of its best practices in prescribing antimicrobials and fighting drug resistance. It is the first in the region—and one of 109 organizations nationwide—to earn this designation from the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 

Saratoga Hospital Saratoga Hospital recently completed a $5 million expansion of its central sterile processing department to accommodate significant growth in complex surgical procedures at the hospital and its Saratoga Surgery Center in Wilton.

The renovations increased the central sterile processing space by about 80% and added the latest disinfection and sterilization equipment.

Assemblywoman Woerner: Priorities For 2021 Legislative Session

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, D-Round Lake, announced priorities for this year’s legislative session, continuing her efforts to support upstate families, businesses and communities. 

“While it’s a relief to finally put 2020 behind us, we certainly have our work cut out for us in 2021,” Woerner said, in a statement.  “As we enter a new year and new legislative session, I’m ready to hit the ground running to help our families rebuild from the unprecedented challenges we’ve faced in the last year and move toward a brighter future. From investing in small businesses to strengthening upstate broadband access, I’ll continue fighting for policies that help our region and state move forward.” 

 Measures in the 2021 legislative session specified by Woerner include: require that insurance coverage payment for telehealth services are reimbursed at the same rate as in-person appointments to help expand access to health care in underserved, and especially rural, communities across the state (A.9667 of 2020); provide equitable and sufficient school funding, as well as help districts control costs by permanently granting the waiver for small group insurance plans at schools; invest in broadband infrastructure and improve broadband access statewide (A.8823 of 2020); strengthen the state’s food supply chain, especially meat production, to reduce our dependence on national and international sources; establish the Clean Fuels Program to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the state’s transportation sector (A.5262-A of 2020); ensure family members of individuals with developmental disabilities have the assistance they need to continue supporting and caring for the individual throughout adulthood (A.6658 of 2020); authorize mobile sports betting and support the state’s equine industry to ensure its breeding and racing remains an industry leader; and stand with our military service members by allowing them to digitally request and complete an absentee ballot (A.8780 of 2020) and enhancing veterans’ STAR exemption for career military members.

Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Photography Show Winners

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

WILTON — Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park announced the winners of its ninth annual Photography Show. 

This year’s Best In Show was awarded to Valerie Roof for her image “Incredible Indigo.” Scott Stoner won Best featuring the endangered Karner blue butterfly for his photograph, “Karner Blue on Flower.” This year’s winner for Best Animal Shot was Wayne Jones for his delightful “Male Hooded Merganser on Delegan Pond.” Best Nature in Autumn was won by Laura Sterling for her photograph “Into the Forest at Opdahl Farm.” Best featuring Conservation was “Meadow,” taken by Sarice Olson, and Ronald Harrower won Best Wildflower shot for “Daisies Galore.”

Best Nature in Winter was awarded to longtime volunteer Richard Pine for “After the Ice Storm” and Hannah Ashdown was the winner of the Best featuring under-13 category for the beautiful “Pileated Woodpecker Party.” Judge’s Choice was won by Michael Winnek for his photograph “Fiddleheads.”

Eric Avery, a previous year’s Best in Show winner helped to judge the entries. There were 67 photographs selected taken by 27 photographers. All photographs were taken at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and highlight the amazing beauty and diversity of the natural world that is right in our own community.

For more information, contact the Preserve & Park Office at 518-450-0321 or via email at info@wiltonpreserve.org. 

Donors Needed for Saratoga Casino Hotel Blood Drive Jan. 18

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga community is invited to be the lifeline patients need this winter by donating blood with the American Red Cross at Saratoga Casino Hotel on Monday, Jan. 18, Noon-6 p.m. at 342 Jefferson St.

The Red Cross and the NFL are partnering this January, during National Blood Donor Month, to urge individuals – especially those who have recovered from COVID-19 – to give blood and to help tackle the national convalescent plasma shortage. Those who come to give blood, platelets or plasma in January 2021 will automatically be entered for a chance to win a getaway to the 2022 Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles as well as a chance to win a Big Game at Home package, which includes a 65-inch television and $500 gift card toward food and fun so their household can enjoy an awesome viewing experience safely at home. Terms apply; visit RedCrossBlood.org/SuperBowl for more information.

Over the past decade, Saratoga Casino Hotel blood drives have collected 1,100 pints of blood.

“We are extremely proud to continue our commitment to the American Red Cross with our annual blood drive,” said Alex Tucker, General Manager at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “Our team members and community always respond with tremendous support, and that is needed now more than ever during such a critical time.”

To protect the health and safety of Red Cross staff and donors, individuals who do not feel well or who believe they may be ill with COVID-19 should postpone their donation. 

Each Red Cross blood drive and donation center follows the highest standards of safety and infection control including temperature checks, social distancing and face coverings for donors and staff. Donors are asked to schedule an appointment prior to arriving at the drive and are required to wear a face covering or mask while at the drive, in alignment with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention public guidance.

To schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code SARATOGACASINO or call 1-800-REDCROSS.

If you have questions please contact American Red Cross: Abigail Adams, 914-649-5606, abigail.adams@redcross.org or Saratoga Casino Hotel: Amy Brannigan, 518-581-5721, abrannigan@saratogacasino.com

Teen Animal Ambassadors Program Offered by Saratoga County 4-H

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County 4-H announces a new teen program to provide youth with skills in sciences, language arts, and creative thinking, all aligning with different aspects of animal industries and sciences.

The organization seeks dedicated teens looking to advance in the animal science field.

Meetings will be held once a month with opportunities to learn from professionals in the field and work on projects. Animal Ambassadors will complete one project in the course of a year, individually, as well as work as a team to prepare and run animal shows at the Saratoga County Fair. 

This program is designed to prepare teens for higher education and careers in the animal industries.  Applications are due by February 1, and are available on our website: ccesaratoga.org/4-h/animal-ambassadors. 

This spring, Saratoga County 4-H will be offering other Animal Science programs in addition to Animal Ambassadors. For more information on programs such as: Incubation and Embryology, Canine Training, Agriculture in the Classroom, and other animal science clubs call 518-885-8995 or email the Animal Science Educator at bh548@cornell.edu

Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge Helps Veterans in Our Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Over the past six weeks Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 Veterans Committee has been busy shopping and delivering winter coats, hats, gloves, boots, and other personal clothing items for 25 Veterans in our community under the Chairmanship of John Safford.

Due to COVID-19, the Lodge was not able to hold the “STAND DOWN” for the Veterans as originally planned with the Elks National Foundation Freedom Grant. Instead, the Lodge had the Veterans fill out a “Wish List Form” to better accommodate their needs. During the deliveries, the Volunteers found five children of the Veteran’s families that were also in need of winter outerwear. They all received jackets, boots, hats and mittens as well.

With the $2,500 from the Freedom Grant, and the donation of hygiene kits, long underwear, socks, and sweatshirts from the American Red Cross, the Lodge was able to fulfill all the Veteran’s needs.

Special thanks to the ten volunteer members of Saratoga-Wilton Lodge #161 and John Safford who helped to make a difference in the lives of these Veterans and their families.

To learn more about the Elks National Foundation and what we do as Elks, please visit www.elks.org

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.