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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Wellspring Welcomes Cerri Banks and Margaret Smith Cassier to Board of Directors

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA COUNTY — Wellspring, the domestic violence and sexual assault services resource for Saratoga County residents, welcomes Cerri Banks and Margaret Smith Cassier to their board of directors. 

Cerri Banks is the dean of students and vice president for student affairs at Skidmore College. She received her Ph.D. in cultural foundations of education and a certificate of advanced women’s studies from Syracuse University. She specializes in sociology of education, cultural studies, multicultural education, and qualitative research. 

Banks has an extensive background in higher education and has won an array of honors, awards and scholarships over the course of her career. Her book, Black Women Undergraduates Cultural Capital and College Success, documents the academic and social success of black women undergraduates as they negotiate dominant education and social discourses about their schooling lives. 

Margaret Smith Cassier is the president and owner of Airosmith Development, Inc., a certified woman-owned-business founded in 2004 that specializes in site acquisition and engineering for commercial wireless providers, broadband companies, utility and government entities. In 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020, Airosmith Development was awarded the designation as one of Inc 5000’s fastest growing companies in the United States. 

Smith Cassier is a strong supporter of organizations that advocate for the advancement of women and children. She began her career as an adult educator, which included the development and facilitation of GED and workforce development educational programs. She experienced firsthand the incredible benefits organizations such as Wellspring offer the local community. 

Wellspring’s executive board of directors consists of President Erica Fuller, Vice President Karen Sosler, Treasurer John Pecora and Secretary David Cumming. Additional board members include Jake Behuniak, Stephanie Collins, Andi Dolinsky, Giovanna D’Orazio, Dean Kolligian, Tom Meaney, Kevin Ronayne, Margaret Roohan and Linda Toohey. 

Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage the community to end relationship and sexual abuse. Each year, Wellspring’s crisis intervention and survivor services support more than 1,000 clients—providing safe housing to adults and children either fleeing or homeless because of domestic violence, as well as comprehensive support in the form of counseling, legal advocacy, and case management. Wellspring staff provides prevention and education programs to school-aged youth, as well as training and education programs for parents, faith-based congregations and professional organizations. 

For more information, visit www.wellspringcares.org, call 518-583-0280, or reach their hotline at 518-584-8188. 

Scott Clark Named CEO of SRYMCA

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors has announced Scott Clark will be the organization’s Chief Executive Officer.  Clark, who joined SRYMCA as Vice President of Operations in March 2019, has served as Interim CEO since June 2020. 

“During a time when this YMCA and organizations and businesses across the country faced unprecedented challenges, Scott’s excellent leadership and deep experience made a huge difference,” said Rick Schumaker, President of the Board of Directors. “We are very pleased with the remarkable job that Scott and his team have done in recent months, and the Board’s unanimous support for this decision made that clear.”

With more than 33 years of experience in YMCA operations, facilities, membership and health and wellness, Clark previously served as Vice President of Operations at the YMCA of Greater Kansas City, where he oversaw seven full-service YMCA facilities with an annual budget of more than $15 million. At SRYMCA, Clark initially oversaw the operations of the organization’s five branches, including all aspects of membership, programs and childcare. 

The Saratoga Regional YMCA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization that strives to nurture youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. The Saratoga Regional YMCA has branches in Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Corinth, Battenkill and Malta. The Saratoga Regional YMCA relies on people of caring and commitment who realize that a vibrant, mission-focused YMCA in their community ensures that everyone has the opportunity to live, grow and thrive.

Property Transactions: December 24, 2020 – January 8, 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Diane Kavanaugh sold property at 602 Cindy Lane to Jacob Dagirmanjian for $277,750.

Richard Wilk sold property at 3 Woods Edge to Noelle Frederick for $400,000.

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 123 Tamarack St to Robert Nicholas for $408,997.

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 20 Timber Creek Dr to Jennifer Brennan for $501,780.

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 14 Tamarack St to Jason Natale for $498,498.

Stephen Christian sold property at 30 Lancaster Ct to Casey Schoonmaker for $375,000.

Scott Sambrook sold property at 9 Staulters Farm Rd to Elizabeth Jenkins for $440,000.

J and J Upstate Construction LLC sold property at 3 Hollins Lane to Peter Ollari for $110,000.

JKM Builders LLC sold property at 56 Lancaster Ct to David Ivey for $353,889.

Dustin Hagstrom sold property at 838 State Rt 50 to Samuel Carter for $253,000.

Joseph Greco sold property at 211 Sunset Ave to Erin Woodfield for $250,000.

Richard Gribben sold property at 16 Buell Ave to Be For Realty for $230,000.

CORINTH

Michael Buehler sold property at 34 Hamilton to Joan Palumbo for $125,000.

Deborah Tyrrell sold property at 515 County Rt 24 to LInda Roe for $272,500.

Floyd Butler sold property at 27 Heath St to Daniel Dugo for $154,000.

Daniel Maloney sold property at 54 Lincoln Mountain Rd to Taylor Ellis for $125,000.

GREENFIELD

James Salmon sold property at 1146 State Rt 9N to SmithToga LLC for $145,000.

William Asay sold property at 147 Braim Rd to Nicholas Mcpartland for $610,000.

David Evans sold property at Plank Rd to William Miller for $180,000.

Maggie Miller sold property at 437 Middlegrove Rd to Dennis Lebeau for $248,000.

Michael Arpey sold property at 1 Wilshire Blvd to Justin Karrel for $410,000.

MALTA

Emily Carpenter sold property at 5 Thimbleberry Rd to Sara Grisham for $230,000.

Tatiana Hart sold property at 139 Van Aernem Rd to Daniel Roberts for $428,000

SARATOGA

Jason Young sold property at 57 Church St to Gregory Lockwood for $164,300

Peter Pinto sold property at 1176 Rt 9P to Patrick Dunne for $670,000.

Robert Young sold property at 101 Trask Lane to Daniel Grey for $624,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Kevin McNamara sold property at 4 Regatta View Dr to Terrance Pickett for $561,000

Joan McDonough sold property at 3 Concord Dr to Kathleen Carroll for $215,000.

Paul Soye sold property at 18 Division St Unit 603 to Matthew Gatsas for $838,750.

Jo Ann Clements sold property at 10 Underwood Dr to Justin Seymour for $440,000.

Joshua Ellithorpe sold property at 71 Regent St to Alison Hurysz for $476,175.

James Costello sold property at 109 Elm St to Kurt Bremerl for $810,000.

Ronald Murphy sold property at 193 Lake Ave to 193 Lake Ave LLC for $545,000.

Elizabeth Conklin sold property at 23 Bog Meadow Run to Roy Syevens for $439,000

Kyle Manny sold property at 27 Spa Dr to Robert Leiponis for $510,000

DMN Realty Properties LLC sold property at 54 Walnut St to Thomas Grant for $473,000.

Thomas Burke sold property at 5 Jenee Way to Kyle Klopstock for $568,000.

Jennifer Rose sold property at 30 Central Ave to Kyle Manny for $515,000.

Robert Stern sold property at 44 Wagon Wheel Trail to Jerry Gibson for $309,000.

WILTON

Richard Speidel sold property at 18 Putnam Lane to Forest Grove LLC for $140,000.

Gerald Bacher sold property at 19 Palmer Terrace to Peter Witt for $340,000.

Wilton Property Associates LLC sold property at Bullard Ln Jones Rd to Forest Grove LLC for $3,500,000

David Bennett sold property at 12 Jessica Trace to Casey Irving for $530,000.

Nicholas McPartland sold property at 9 Carefree Lane to Micah Woodworth for $388,000.

David Thomas sold property at 18 Hearthstone Dr to Thomas Kryzak for $535,000.

Karen Zanni sold property at 23 Dandelion Dr to Sean Winters for $343,500

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 7 Conklin Ct to Michael Chevalier for $378,642.

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 2 Conklin Ct to Kathleen Casey for $416,898.

Frederick Pieper sold property at 15 Taylor Rd to Bayly Rittmiller for $442,000.

Overcoming Homelessness in Saratoga: There is Hope

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

Can you imagine rebuilding your life from the bottom, with no job, money in your pocket, secure place to live or support system? Digging out of that hole can be seemingly impossible. Add on health complications, staying sober, few affordable housing options, and a pandemic. For David “Dewey” and Nancy, not only was it possible but self-determination got them where they are today – thriving and giving back to the community that helped support them.

When you first meet Dewey and Nancy, it’s apparent how special they are and if you’re invited to their home you’ll quickly see how grateful they are to be living in one again. Not only did they find housing in Saratoga but they also found support and love. Their lives went down similar paths for years without ever knowing one another, then in May their lives converged. 

His birthname is David but it never suited him. From an early age David earned the nickname “Dewey” because he always had to be doing something. Today he’s often found helping a friend, fixing a foundation, or raking the yard – no job is too big or small. His motivation to stay busy is one of the reasons he was able to quickly overcome homelessness in Saratoga. Just last winter Dewey found himself on the doorstep of Shelters of Saratoga’s Code Blue emergency winter shelter. With five years of sobriety under his belt, Dewey realized the shelter wasn’t the ideal environment for him to stay in. In February, a bed at the year-round shelter opened and Dewey moved in. He considered returning to the construction career he held for nearly four decades but feared it would compromise his sobriety. He began working on a housing plan with the staff at SOS and looking for jobs. Dewey worked hard to maintain his sobriety and when recovery resources all but ceased, he became a valuable resource to others at the shelter also trying to maintain their sobriety. He was a great friend and support system for people when regular support groups were scarce. That’s how Dewey and Nancy met.

When Nancy reflects back on her adult years, she beams with pride. She raised three children and ran a candy business for 17 years. Amidst these accomplishments she was struggling with addiction to alcohol a problem that escalated quickly. By her mid-30’s “the bottle took a firm grip on me,” Nancy recently reflected. Her relationship with her children was at stake if she didn’t get sober. It’s been six years since Nancy took her last drink and rebuilding her life has been challenging. She lives on a limited income due to a disability. She spent a few years with a roommate, then living with family but those living situations compromised her sobriety. When she came to SOS in May 2020, she knew she would only get out of the program what she was willing to put in. She immediately began volunteering to cook meals for the street outreach team and continued working on her sobriety alongside Dewey and others at the shelter. She was patient and trusted that if she kept moving forward her situation would improve. 

Today, Nancy and Dewey live in a house owned by Shelters of Saratoga. The house is adjacent to nine motel units in the city which will undergo renovations later this year. When renovations are complete the units will become permanent supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals. Dewey is now employed by SOS as caretaker of the property and Nancy volunteers her time washing blankets for the Code Blue shelter. “Being able to give back has helped me maintain my sobriety. I have a sense of purpose and I’m so grateful to be able to help others in my situation,” Nancy said. 

Nancy and Dewey are two of many who with self-determination and the support of caring providers have overcome homelessness in our community. 

To learn more about Shelters of Saratoga work please visit www.sheltersofsaratoga.org

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko Unveils New Constituent Portal Ahead of 117th Congress

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Paul Tonko unveiled a newly redesigned constituent portal, providing the people of New York’s 20th Congressional District with a simpler and easier-to-use interface making it easier to contact the Congressman to share ideas, request help with a federal agency or keep up with the latest news and information impacting our Capital Region communities.

“One of my highest priorities as your voice in Congress is to be as accessible as possible to the people of New York’s 20th Congressional District,” Congressman Tonko said, in a statement. “This redesigned constituent portal makes it easier than ever to connect with me, get help with federal agencies and services, and keep up-to-date on our work in Washington and throughout our Capital Region. I am excited to announce this new design that will work to facilitate that vital communication and community engagement with me and my team. I continue to search for new ways to use technology and new communication tools to empower our constituents in their federal outreach and improve the services my office provides for our constituents and communities.”

Tonko’s updated constituent portal can be viewed online at Tonko.house.gov

Wilton Rotary Club Donations Encourages Others to Buy Local

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

WILTON — During the Holiday week, Wilton Rotary Club President Robert Lounsbury presented Krystle Nowhitney Hernandez, Deputy Director of the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (SCEOC), Peter Maynard, Director of The Wilton Food Pantry and Dee Whitten, Member of the Board of Directors of the Schuylerville Area Food and Emergency Relief (S.A.F.E.R.) with assorted gift cards with a combined value of $3,000 for their organizations.  Each gift card has a value of $50 and will be utilized for those of need in our local communities.   

 In an effort to help save our local businesses and encourage others to buy local, the Wilton Rotary Club purchased gift cards from the following local businesses: Hewitt’s Garden Center, KIng’s Dairy, Quality Hardware, Primal – Your Local Butcher, and Benson’s Pet Center.  The Club then donated these gift cards to SCEOC, The Wilton Food Pantry and S.A.F.E.R. to share with our neighbors in need during this holiday season.

If you are interested in learning more about the Wilton Rotary Club, please contact Don Wildermuth at 518-430-8670. Also, if you are interested in volunteering for the SCEOC or learning more about it, please contact Krystle at 518-288-3206, ext 112. If you are interested in volunteering for The Wilton Food Pantry or learning more about it, please contact Peter at 518-350-4456. If you are interested in volunteering for S.A.F.E.R. or learning more about it, please contact Dee Whitten at 518-507-6043.

Mangino Buick GMC: Making a Difference

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA — Mangino Buick GMC participated in the official presentation of Sergeant Eddie Ryan’s smart home presented by the Tunnels to Towers Foundation on Dec. 23. 

 For those that don’t know the Tunnels to Towers Foundation provides wounded and disabled veterans opportunities to be awarded smart homes that help them live day to day after injuries that occurred during service. Mangino GMC is part of the upstate GMC dealer group that donated a check for $25,000 in partnership with GMC to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.  There is no more deserving than the men and women who are severely wounded risking the ultimate sacrifice to serve for our Armed Forces. #tunnelstotowers #tunnelstotowersfoundation 

Village of Ballston Spa Receives $26,555 Urban & Community Forestry Program Grant

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

BALLSTON SPA — The Village of Ballston Spa received a $26,555 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Urban and Community Forestry grant. The grant will fund a Tree Inventory and Management Plan for the street and park trees in the village. 

The grant is part of DEC’s efforts to increase public awareness of the importance of trees and to help communities develop and implement comprehensive tree management plans to create healthy forests while enhancing quality of life for residents. 

The award was one of 38 projects statewide selected to receive funding from a total of 154 applications. The Village formed an advisory Park and Tree Board last year to make recommendations on trees and other plantings in the parks and along streets. 

For more information: www.dec.ny.gov/lands/4957.html  and www.VillageofBallstonSpa.org 

Ann B. Whippen Argentine

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS – In the overnight hours of December 29, 2020, Ann B. Whippen Argentine, age 70, of Saratoga Springs, passed away peacefully, after a hard fought and valiant year-long battle with lung cancer. She is survived by her adoring husband of 49 years, William and their daughter, Kimberly (Michael) Montelone; her grandchildren, Trinity and Cameron. Ann will also be fondly remembered by her brothers, George and Robert Whippen; her sister, Kathy (Whippen) Luisi and their families, as well as countless other family members, friends, and loved ones.

Born on July 2, 1950 in Quincy, Massachusetts, Ann met the love of her life, Bill, at the Neponset Drive-In Theater in Dorchester, and the rest is history. Together they spent time in Ocala, Florida, Quincy and Holbrook, Massachusetts, Clay, New York, and ultimately retired to Saratoga Springs. Always together, Bill doted on his beloved “Bunkie,” often coming home with treats to surprise her or taking her “calooping” on drives to nowhere, just to see what they could find together.

Ann adored her daughter Kim and her entire family, especially her two grandchildren. This love led Ann and Bill to move from the Syracuse area to Saratoga Springs upon her retirement in order to be close, even buying a home in the same neighborhood. For the past seven years she took virtually every opportunity she could to attend school functions, sporting events, and family gatherings in order to spend as much time with them as she could.

Since settling in Saratoga, Ann became very involved with the historic Church of St. Peter, serving as a Eucharistic Minister, as well as being a member and Regent of Court McLaughlin 422 Catholic Daughters of the Americas. She enjoyed being able to provide comfort and faith to those who needed it and found camaraderie and friendship in this Faith.

In recent years Ann and Bill discovered their love for the Adirondacks and camping, spending as many days as they could each summer in the “Estates” at the Loon Lake RV Park where they always found laughter, relaxation, and great friendship. Even as Ann’s strength waned this summer, Bill made sure she had opportunities to get to camp and enjoy a golf cart happy hour with their friends or a float on the lake.

The family would like to thank all the caregivers, friends, and loved ones that were there for Ann and the family while she was on her journey. A private funeral Mass will be held, with a memorial service celebrating her life to be held this summer. Kim and Bill ask that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Ann’s honor to the Mother Theresa Cancer Awareness Fund (mtcaf.org). 

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

James A. Murphy, Jr.

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

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SARATOGA SPRINGS — James A. Murphy, Jr., of Middle Grove and Lake Desolation died on January 5, 2021. He was 84 years of age.

Born January 2, 1937 in Flatbush, Brooklyn, NY, he was the son of James A. Murphy of Brooklyn, and Agnes Dunn Murphy of Great Barrington, MA.

Mr. Murphy was a 1954 honors graduate of Midwood High School, Brooklyn, where he was an accomplished athlete on the track, swim and cross-country teams. He received his B.A. in 1958 from Williams College and his Juris Doctor degree in 1961 from Albany Law School. While at Williams College he was on the track and cross-country teams. In addition, he had the franchise for the delivery of the New York Herald Tribune on the entire Williams College campus. At Albany Law School he was a member of Law Review as an Associate Editor and also worked at the NYS Legislature for Senator Greenberg from Brooklyn.

Upon graduation he moved to Saratoga Springs where he practiced law with Joseph P. Duval and U.S. Congressman Carleton J. King. The firm of King & Duval later became King, Duval & Murphy. Mr. Murphy was instrumental in rejuvenating the Saratoga Springs Jaycees of which he became President. During his tenure he was the prime mover in bringing the Bog Meadow Winter Supply Pipeline to fruition. He was also a member in 1965 of the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board of Appeals. Mr. Murphy ran for and was elected Mayor of Saratoga Springs in 1965. At that time, he held the record for being the youngest Mayor ever to be elected in the State of New York. He was re-elected in 1967. It was through his efforts that one of the first McDonald’s in the U.S. without the “golden arches” was built in Saratoga Springs. He continued to practice law with his father-in-law, Carleton J. King, until Mr. King’s death in 1977. During Mr. King’s 14 years in Congress, Mr. Murphy was the Congressman’s District Representative. Mr. Murphy sold his law practice in 1982 and then continued a limited selective solo law practice. 

During that time, he was a part-time law clerk for the Essex County Court and also was Town Attorney for the Town of Greenfield until December of 1993. He continued with the Town of Greenfield as Attorney for the two-million-dollar Urban Development Action Grant Fund until December of 2005. During this same period, he obtained approval for the 185-lot subdivision in Wilton known as Estates at Northern Pines of which he was part owner. In addition, he was instrumental in bringing to fruition the Excelsior Park Development at Exit 15 in which he was a part owner which encompasses a Marriot Residence Hotel and two buildings of condominiums.

Mr. Murphy was very active in the Saratoga County YMCA serving on numerous committees from 1975 to 1977. He was also the Saratoga County Coordinator for the 1976 Governor’s campaign of Senator James Buckley and a Republican Committeeman for ten years. In 1999 he was appointed as a member of the initial Client Advisory Council of the Fam Value Mutual Fund of Cobleskill, NY and served for two years.

He was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, the NYS Bar, the NYS Trial Lawyer’s Association, the NYS Defender’s Association, the Saratoga County Bar and Massachusetts Bar Association. He was also active in and a communicant of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in Rock City Falls and in the winters at St. Patrick’s in the Overseas Territory of Montserrat in the West Indies. While on Montserrat he led hikes into the interior mountains on a weekly basis.

Surviving are his wife Constance King Murphy and three children, Saratoga County Court Judge James A. Murphy III (Laurie), Colleen M. Columbo (Richard) of Greenwich, CT and Constance M. Maddry (Tyler) of Great Falls, VA. In addition, he has five wonderful grandchildren, Caroline Kip Murphy, Conor James Maddry, Claire Montgomery Murphy, Richard James Columbo, and Ryan Murphy Columbo. Also surviving is his sister Jean Murphy McLeod of Fanny Bay, Vancouver Island, Canada.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic there will be no calling hours. A private ceremony will be held at William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Interment will be in the Middle Grove Cemetery near his home at Lake Desolation.

Following his graduation from Williams, as he felt strongly about the quality of education and financial assistance he had received, he established and funded the Murphy Family Scholarship Fund. The Fund provides financial assistance to worthy, qualified students from Brooklyn who would like to attend Williams College. In lieu of flowers, contributions, which are tax-exempt, may be sent to the Murphy Family Scholarship Fund, Williams College, Williamstown, MA 01267.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.