SARATOGA SPORINGS — Billed as “the ultimate social distancing concert – in motion,” local musician Garland Nelson and the Soul Session band will perform live music atop of a slow-moving flatbed truck Saturday. The event takes place noon to 1 p.m., and again 1:30-2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19, down Broadway, onto Lake Ave., then onto Circular, and back again.
WILTON — The two local Scout Troops for Wilton, 4024B (Boys) and 4024G (Girls) built a new trail bridge at Moreau Lake State Park on Mud Pond Trail. The project was Jackson Ellnor’s Eagle project, and was supported by the park, both BSA Troops, members of Friends of Moreau Lake State Park, and members of the community.
Over the course of two weekends in November the bridge went from a plan to a fully functional completed bridge. This is the second Eagle Project completed in conjunction with Moreau Lake State Park in the past two years. The other was Evan Schmid’s project of rebuilding a lean-to within the park that was completed last year.
Additionally, both the Boys and Girls Troops did a fall clean-up at Dorothy Nolan Elementary school, and also helped a few seniors in the area with their clean-up earlier this fall. The Boys Troop also collected items from the community for the Adopt-a-Soldier program and helped package the items for soldiers deployed around the world.
COURT
Robert W. Rivers, 37, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Dec. 8 to aggravated family offense, a felony. Sentencing scheduled March 8, 2021.
Adam J. Ross, 39, of Greenfield Center, was sentenced Dec. 10 to 1 year in jail, after pleading to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs.
Eileen M. Wesley, 62, of Scotia, pleaded Dec. 10 to felony DWI, in Ballston. Sentencing scheduled Feb. 16.
Melissa R. LaPoint, 41, of Moreau, pleaded Dec. 9 to felony DWI, felony aggravated DWI, and endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor, in Wilton. Sentencing Feb. 16, 2021.
Messiah J. Pompey, 25, of Halfmoon, pleaded Dec. 4 to promoting a sexual performance by a child, a felony. Sentencing Feb. 18, 2021.
Patrick Colon, Jr., 34, of Hagaman, was sentenced Dec. 3 to 1.5 to 3 years in state prison, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, in Mechanicville.
Bruce Stanley, 76, of Halfmoon, was sentenced to 90 days in jail, after pleading to sexual abuse in the first-degree, in Halfmoon.
Todd M. Baker, 37, of Mechanicville, pleaded Dec. 7 to criminal contempt in the first-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident in Stillwater. Sentencing Feb. 28.
POLICE
Chad M. Cruger, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 11 with two felony counts burglary and two felony counts criminal mischief, in addition to the following misdemeanors: petit larceny, criminal tampering, criminal possession stolen property, possession of burglar tools, and three misdemeanor counts criminal mischief. City police said in the early morning hours on Friday, Dec. 11, officers on patrol discovered a burglary at Roma Foods, on Washington Street. An investigation showed there had been forced entry and items taken from inside the business. Shortly afterwards, a burglary in progress was called in from a residence on Newton Avenue, which is in close proximity to the Roma’s burglary. Officers who responded to the Newton Avenue call, which was a burglary to a locked shed, allegedly located Cruger at that scene. Cruger is accused of being involved in both incidents and was additionally found to have an outstanding arrest warrant for criminal mischief in an unrelated incident. Cruger was arraigned on all offenses and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash bail, or $50,000 bond.
Jamar Wilson, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 4 with the felonies: criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense, and the misdemeanors: criminal contempt, acting in manner injure child, and criminal obstruction of breathing.
Hector Martinez, 22, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 5 in Saratoga Springs with assault in the third-degree, and aggravated harassment, a misdemeanor.
Emeline Weir, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary.
Victor Maffetone, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary.
Kenneth Hughes, 35, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with criminal trespass misdemeanor.
Devan Hildebrandt, 29, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 2 with felony burglary, and misdemeanor assault.
Karen Pagano, 50, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 3 with misdemeanor petit larceny.
Devin Hayes, 24, of Gansevoort, was charged Dec. 3 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, and speed not reasonable and prudent.
Yaw Acheampong, 27, of Schenectady, was charged Dec. 3 with rape in the first-degree, in Clifton Park. Acheampong is accused of having sexual intercourse with a female who was physically helpless, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $5,000 cash, or $10,000 bond.
James L. Salvo, 49, and Amie L. Sorey, 44 – both of Schenectady, were arrested Dec. 7 following a lengthy investigation into an alleged grand larceny that occurred on Sept. 13 at the Singlecut Brewery located at Fairchild Square in the town of Clifton Park. Salvo and Sorey are accused of having entered a construction trailer located at the business and stealing over $3,000 worth of numerous construction tools. They were each charged with one count grand larceny in the third-degree.
STILLWATER — Catherine Mildred “Mooie” (DeCelle) Schell, 95, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 11, 2020. No calling hours. A memorial mass will be held on a future date. Burial will be private at the National Cemetery. Memorial contributions to Stillwater Public Library, PO Box 485, Stillwater, NY 12170. burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Sally A. Evans, 79, entered into eternal life December 8, 2020. Burial will be at 9 a.m. on Friday, December 18, 2020 at the Gerald B. H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Please visit burkefuneralhome.com.
NORTHUMBERLAND — Ellen R. Bongard, member of the New York Thoroughbred Racing and Breeding Industry, passed away on Dec. 7, 2020 at her home. She was 77. Services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home in Saratoga Springs. Remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Eugene Wade, 73, passed away at his home in Largo, FL, on December 10, 2020.
He was born on April 8, 1947 in Saratoga Springs. Gene lived there all his life but he and his wife enjoyed spending their winters in Florida.
Gene was a Vietnam veteran and proudly served in the United States Army. He served proudly from 1966-1968. Following his honorable discharge from the Army he was employed by General Electric for over 40 years in Schenectady, retiring in 2009. He married Madeline Wardell in 1968 and they recently celebrated 52 years together.
Gene was predeceased by his parents Richard (Downing) Wade and Corabell (Kimball) Wade. He is survived by his wife Madeline; daughters Marisa and Sheila (Wade) and husband Richard Hall of Maryland; two brothers William (wife Diane) of Saratoga and Charles Wade of California; his nieces Tammy Tidwell, Wendy Paige and Stacy Adams; and nephew William Wade Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in memory of Gene to any local animal rescue organization.
Relatives and friends are invited to call from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at William J. Burke & Sons funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373). A funeral home service will begin at 11 a.m. (due to NYS Executive Orders and Covid-19 protocols, the funeral service will be limited attendance).
Burial with military honors will take place at 12 p.m. Wednesday, December 23 at the Gerald BH Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd., Schuylerville.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
SARATOGA SPRINGS
• Saratoga Springs EOC Soup Kitchen Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church: 24 Circular St. 518-584-2597. Mon–Sat 11:45 a.m.–1 p.m., Sun 3– 4 p.m. Serves to anyone who needs food in any county.
• Franklin Community Center: 10 Franklin St. Mon-Fri 9 a.m.-4 p.m., by appointment only. 518-587-9826. Serves to anyone who needs food in any county.
• Salvation Army 27: Woodlawn Ave. 518-584-1640. Sign up online on Facebook or call ahead to set up order and they will deliver. Facebook: search salvation army of Saratoga Springs. Serves all Saratoga County residents.
• St. Clement’s Food Pantry: 231 Lake Ave. Procedure: building is closed to the public, pre-packed bags. Clients are asked to drive around the church to the side pantry door. Their protein/meat request and family size will be taken, clients will remain in their vehicle and bags will be brought out to them. Hours: Tuesday and Wednesday 9–12 p.m., Contact: Marianne McGhan, office: 518-581-9805. Available to all Saratoga County residents.
• Perry Road Food Pantry: 150 Perry Road, Saratoga Springs. Open the 1st and 3rd Tuesday evening of each month from 5-7 p.m. Patrons are required to register with the food pantry online (one time only). Orders will be delivered to your car in the church parking lot. When you arrive, sign in at the rear entrance. Please send questions or concerns to: Dave Worcester at office@prbcny.org
BALLSTON SPA
• Christ Episcopal Church: 15 West High St. 518-602-0004. No appointment necessary, pull up wait by door: Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri 10 a.m. – Noon, Wed 5–6 p.m. Available to Ballston Spa School District Residents.
• EOC Food Pantry: 39 Bath St. 518-288-3206. Call for appointment. Delivery only. Available to all Saratoga County residents.
• First Baptist Church: 202 Milton Ave. 518-885-8361. No appointment; show up during business hours: 1st and 3rd Tues. 9–11 a.m., Thurs. 4:30– 6:30 p.m.; 1st Sat 8–10 a.m. Available to all Saratoga County residents.
• United Methodist Church: 101 Milton Ave. 518-885-6886. No appointment necessary, just wait in parking lot: Wed. 10 a.m. – 12 p.m.
CLIFTON PARK
• Harvest Church Food Pantry: 303 Grooms Rd. 518-628-3663. Call ahead to schedule time. Available to Southern Saratoga Residents (exit 10 and south) with a call from social services representative.
• Karyl’s Kupboard CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services: 5 Municipal Plaza, Suite 3. 518-371-1185. Call ahead to schedule time. Mon, Tues, Thurs: 10 a.m.–3 p.m. Available to all Saratoga County residents.
CORINTH
• Corinth Community Cupboard: 6 Fourth St. 518-615-9564. No appointment. Park on street in front and go to door. Tues. 2-5 p.m., Wed 6-8 p.m., Thurs. 9 a.m.-12 p.m. and Fri. 2-5 p.m. Available to all counties.
GALWAY
• Greater Galway Food Pantry: 2167 Galway Rd. 518-882-1316. Thurs 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Just show up and honk. Available to all Saratoga County residents. Available once a month.
GREENFIELD
• Greenfield Community Center Food Pantry: 25 Wilton Rd., Greenfield Center (next to town hall). Wed 1:30–3:30 p.m. Just show up. Available to all Saratoga County Residents.
ROCK CITY FALLS
• ECHO Food Pantry St. Paul’s Church: 771 Route 29. Tues 9–11:30 a.m. Just show up. Serves Rock City Falls residents.
SCHUYLERVILLE
•Schuylerville Area Food Emergency Relief (S.A.F.E.R.): 12 Spring St. 518-507-6043 (Emergency: 518-932-2219). Mon. and Fri. 9 a.m.–12 p.m. Call ahead to order. Wait in parking area. Available to Schuylerville School District residents only.
SOUTH GLENS FALLS
• South Glens Falls Moreau Community Center: 144 Main St. 518-792-6007. No appointment necessary. Mon–Fri 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Just show up, bring ID and piece of mail from the month SGF school district. If need delivery, call 518-792-6007, ext. 12 or 19. South Glens Falls School District only.
• Pine Knolls Food Pantry, Pine Knolls Alliance Church: 641 Gansevoort Rd. Pantry is in ranch style home on property of church. Pull in parking lot. 518-793-7101. No appointment necessary. Just show up with ID & food is brought out to cars. Sat 9-10:30 a.m. Open to all counties.
STILLWATER
• United Church: 747 Hudson Ave. 518-664-1231. Mon & Wed 10 a.m.–12 p.m., Thurs 5–7 p.m. Just wait in car in parking lot on Palmer Avenue which is behind church. Available to residents in any county.
WILTON
• Wilton Food Pantry Trinity United Methodist Church (Annex): 155 Ballard Rd. 518-350-4456. Existing customers go on website and order online. New customers show up and you will get application. Wed 6–8 p.m., Sat 10:30 a.m.–12 p.m. Available to Town of Wilton and surrounding areas.
The Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York works to alleviate hunger and prevent food waste by accepting large donations of food from the food industry and distributing those donations to charitable agencies that feed hungry people. The Regional Food Bank serves Food pantries, Soup kitchens, Emergency shelters and other venues in 23 counties, including Saratoga. For more information about the Regional Food Bank, or to donate, go to: regionalfoodbank.net. For more Saratoga County food pantries and resources, go to: saratogacounty.gov.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Andrea Holcomb Gardner, aged 71, passed away at home in Saratoga Springs on Dec. 8, 2020, after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer, which she faced with the dignity, courage, intelligence, ferocity, pragmatism, and grace that were hallmarks of her too-short life.
The daughter of Roberta Cole and Albert Holcomb, Andrea was a Michigan native and attended Seaholm High School and Western Michigan University. In the 1970s, she lived with her former husband Thomas Gardner in the Adirondacks, where she was a social worker. The Gardners moved to Saratoga Springs in 1977, where Andrea embraced the community and raised her daughters Ashley and Rachel. She dedicated her life to serving on numerous boards and committees, exploring the natural environment, enhancing her own historic property, and appreciating the cultural breadth of the city. Andrea showcased her love of people through her work at the Saratoga Springs City Center, ultimately as Director of Sales, helping to draw droves of visitors to the downtown she loved.
Gracious and gregarious, Andrea fostered friendships across a wide and diverse spectrum of people, whether at a PTA meeting, playing pickleball, at a party, or in the pool. She treated all people with respect, always affirming their value, and her friends share that being around Andrea’s “calm, curiosity, and light” both improved their lives and propelled them to live up to the best self she saw in them. One friend described Andrea as “devoted” to her passions, especially her children and grandchildren, as well as to the beauty and well-being of Saratoga Springs. Another quoted her as emphasizing that she wanted to “leave the world a better place for her grandchildren.”
Andrea was also known for her ingenuity, was a wiz with a toolbox, had a green thumb, and loved a good dirty martini. She loved to dance, spend time on horseback, and float down the river in a canoe. She had an innate gift for interior design and had overseen the renovations of several historic properties, including her own home.
In her younger years she sailed from Hawaii to California, windsurfed choppy waters, ski-bummed in Vail and the Alps, and cycled through Europe, ultimately burning her luggage on the tarmac favoring the weight of her new bicycle. One friend recalls that in 1991, Andrea began joining a group of women participating in fitness weekends at Camp Chingachgook, in Lake George. “Andi made sure we all survived the itinerary of hiking, ropes courses, tennis, and camp activities, reveling in the sheer joy of our freedom.”
Andrea knew how to play. She joined friends in tennis, pickleball, and mahjong, and excelled at jigsaw puzzles, Scrabble, and crosswords. She loved pre-performance picnics at SPAC, where she was a life member, weekend getaways, and breakfast at the farmers’ market. She rarely declined an invitation and was a witty and animated partner in discussions of politics, gardening, the arts (especially dance), travel, and relationships. Andrea was a second mother to many and gave sage advice. She was sought after as a loyal companion for both her mystery and her openness. She was known to say she did not take the blessings in her life for granted.
She was president of her investment club (The Divas) for nearly 25 years, a generous Christmas host, and frequently the driver to the club’s winter retreat at Big Wolf in the Adirondacks. In sub-zero temps, her trusty Subaru was the only one to start.
Andrea traveled the world, joyfully undertaking adventures in the Yucatán, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Portugal, Paris, Italy, Peru, Belize, Roatan, and the Alps. Despite her pursuit of adventure, she was never happier than at her own hearth in Saratoga Springs, into which she welcomed all comers with a grace and openness that made her the centerpiece of her family and tribe of friends. One said, “She was the archetypical hostess, but most of all, she was our rock.”
Andrea possessed a notion for how life should be. For her, every stranger was a potential friend, every person had an important story, and every problem had a solution she could navigate with clarity and calm. She took pride in the process of life. She found joy in the mundane and comedy in crisis. She valued experiences over outcomes and lived her life with simple abundance. One close friend said, “There are two kinds of people: those who knew and loved her, and those who wish they knew her.”
Andrea is survived by her daughters, Ashley Gardner (Kevin Wood) and Rachel Gardner (Alejandra Bernal); grandchildren Devon and Riley Gardner-Wood; sister-in-law Jeanette Holcomb, nephews Scott (Melissa) Holcomb and Chad Holcomb, her companion of several decades, Tim Shoen; her platonic life partner Deborah Koransky, and her former husband, Thomas Gardner, along with an infinite collection friends and loved ones. She was predeceased by her parents and her brother, Gary Holcomb.
While no gathering is currently planned to memorialize Andrea due to COVID-19, the family plans to meet with friends to joyously celebrate her life sometime in 2021. In lieu of flowers, please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com for memorial donation information, to sign the guest book and share photos and memories.
