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NYRA Completes Saratoga Meet; All-Sources Handle Tops $702 Million

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Winner's Circle.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) successfully concluded its 2020 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course without interruption and with all-sources handle topping $700 million for the second consecutive year. 

Highlighted by Tiz the Law’s dominant performance in winning the 151st running of the Grade 1, $1 million Runhappy Travers, the meet was conducted without spectators and with only a limited number of essential personnel, horsemen and owners on-site due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

All-sources handle for the 2020 summer meet totaled $702,535,468 compared to $705,343,949 wagered from all sources on Saratoga in 2019.

Average daily handle for the 40-day meet was $17,563,387. The 2019 meet, which was run across 39 days due to the cancellation of a full card due to weather, generated average daily handle of $18,085,742.

Pari-mutuel wagering funds the majority of the NYRA purse account, which is awarded to horsemen and, in turn, benefits hundreds of small businesses operating at NYRA tracks and others dependent on the thoroughbred racing industry.

While the 2020 Saratoga meet was a success in many ways, it will most be remembered for the absence of our passionate fans and the irreplaceable energy that they bring to Saratoga each summer. Despite not being able to attend in person, horseplayers watched and wagered with tremendous enthusiasm, and we thank them for their continued support,” said NYRA President & CEO Dave O’Rourke. “We would also like to thank city and county leaders for their efforts in working with us to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants, and the Saratoga community for welcoming us without reservation.” 

A total of 409 races were run this summer including 226 on dirt and 183 on the turf. 32 races were taken off the turf due to weather. Average field size over the 409 races was 7.4. This compares to 403 total races run in 2019, including 225 on dirt and 178 on turf. 38 were taken off the turf due to weather. Average field size in 2019 was 7.9.

New York state currently requires all racetracks to operate without spectators in attendance to combat the spread of COVID-19. 

Property Transactions: September 5 – September 11, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON SPA

43 Westside Dr., $90,000.
Borys Wolosenko (by Atty) and Joan Wolosenko (by Atty) sold property to D and T Property Group LLC. 

11 America Way, $427,327.
Briarwood Brooks Development LLC sold property to Frederick and Immaculata Lieber.

5 Horseshoe Bend, $540,000.
Scot and Guna Rukmane sold property to Tara and Rebecca Clark.

4 Pine Grove Ave., $218,900.
Robert Richter sold property to Shauna Agneta.

CLIFTON PARK

2 Torrey Pines, $345,000.
Elizabeth Longo and David Edelson (Co-Trustees) sold property to John Hunt and Erica Zappia.

422 Vischer Ferry Rd., $977,000.
Angela Jukonski sold property to Todd Slingerland and Joella Vicusi.

531 Macelroy Rd., $365,000.
Thomas Putzel sold property to Jason and Renee Gagnon.

6 Cypress Point, $320,000.
Rebecca and Samuel Rivera, Jr. sold property to Tony and Tamarah Riley.

132 – 134 Lapp Rd., $125,000.
Thomas Farone sold property to Anthony Massaron.

8 Sweet Brier Dr., $275,000.
Olaolu Adewunmi sold property to John Thomas.

14 Bittersweet Lane, $427,500.
Susan and Michael Papa, Sr., sold property to Virginia Jackson and James Malanowski. 

26 Addison Way, $549,900.
Vicki Piluso sold property to Tram Nguyen.

341 Miller Rd., $241,000.
Kenneth Swart and Miriam Dugan sold property to Karl Burghart and Mariah Peterson.

CORINTH

36 Heath St., $137,800.
Donna Galvani sold property to Brandon Degener.

331 Angel Rd., $249,900.
Brian and Laura Hutcherson sold property to Gregory Hutchinson and Desiree Clark.

GREENFIELD

6 Country Squire Court, $585,000.
Brian and Margaret Wagner sold property to Robert and Marikate Carter.

HALFMOON

1 Placid Place, $392,710.
United Residential Group LLC sold property to Michele and William Germain, Jr. 

194 Brookwood Rd., $575,000.
CGM Construction Incorporated sold property to Richard Hughes, II. 

MALTA

11 Woodshire Court, $394,000.
Domenico Fuda sold property to Felipe Suarez Jr. and Rachel Tierney.

101 5th St., $135,000.
Robert and Georgianna Pennacchia sold property to Scott Morrissey and Meaghan Leary.

15 Damascus Way, $395,000.
Randy and Jaime Simmons sold property to Kiersten Marsicano.

6 Featherfoil Way, $321,000.
Joseph Gritser sold property to Kathleen Tiano.

27 Vettura Court, $342,000.
Cheong Sik Yu (by Agent) and Hye Sung An (by Agent) sold property to Karen Hores. 

MILTON

64 South St., $195,000.
Donna Kane and Patricia Fitzgerald (Co-Trustees) sold property to High Rock Property Management LLC. 

Science St., $5,000.
Spencer Tacy and Christi Kerls Tacy sold property to El Mondo Properties LLC. 

35 Bath St., $520,000.
El Mondo Properties LLC sold property to Skratch Property Services LLC. 

MOREAU

104 – 106 Saratoga Ave., $1,633,829.
South Glens Falls DNYP LLC sold property to DG South Glens Falls LLC. 

TOWN OF SARATOGA

209 Patriot Hill Dr., $85,000.
Northeast Green Tech LLC sold property to Cerrone Construction LLC. 

209 Patriot Hill Dr., $774,950.
Cerrone Construction LLC sold property to Sean and Lucy Crotty.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

6 Gateway Dr., $660,000.
PHJ LLC sold property to Daniel Reilly and Drayton Patriota.

42 Schuyler Dr., $425,000.
James Burns (as Trustee) sold property to Jacob Burby.

1 Maria Lane, $549,900.
Edwin and Agnes Knott sold property to Alexis Blair and Nadim Hraibi.

27 Cliffside Dr., $770,000.
Lisa Thomson sold property to Marilyn Kacica Dudeck.

66 Hathorn Blvd., $300,000.
Sheryl Jackson sold property to Tasha and Israel Coelho.

55 Fifth Ave., $1,500,000.
Mathew and Jaime McPadden sold property to John Towers and Joanne Thorburn.

38 High Rock Ave., Unit 5L, $755,000.
Kathleen and Andy Hauser sold property to James Smitka and Alexandra Morgan.

STILLWATER

996 Hudson Ave., $105,000.
Tory Bevins sold property to Jonathan Harbeson and Meghan Bevins.

WILTON

271 Dimmick Rd., $345,000.
Stephen and Deborah Kohanek sold property to Bethel Brake.

60 Smith Bridge Rd., $999,000.
Robert and Michelle Fonda sold property to Brendan and Kerry Ohara.

After Two Years, City Hall Set to Reopen for Sept. 15 Council Meeting

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — City Hall will re-open to the public, albeit in a limited capacity, for a council meeting at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15. 

The building has been closed since being rendered incapable for use following an Aug. 17, 2018 lightning strike and subsequent water damage, after a drainage pipe in the roof was struck and melted, causing heavy rains to pour into the building. The Sept. 15 meeting, which is preceded by a public hearing segment at 6:55 p.m., will be open to the public on a first-come, first-served basis. 

Due to COVID-19 protocols and social distancing, seating and entrance into the meeting will be limited. Those attending will be required to sign in and attest that during the past 14 days they have not traveled internationally or to any state on the NYS DOH Advisory Watch list, and that during that same period they have not had close contact with anyone known to have been diagnosed with COVID-19. Masks must be worn at all times and temperatures will be taken at the door. 

Those not attending but wishing to make public comments may do so via email at: public.comment@saratoga-springs.org. Name and address must be included. 

Based upon Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Order 205, issued June 25, the following states and territories meet the criteria for required quarantine: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Virgin Islands, Wisconsin.

CITY MEETINGS

Monday, Sept. 14
City Council Pre-Agenda Meeting
9:30 a.m. | Slated to take place at City Hall. 

Zoning Board of Appeals
6:30 p.m. | Virtually via Zoom.

Tuesday, Sept. 15 
City Council Meeting
7 p.m. | Slated to take place at City Hall.

Wednesday, Sept. 16
Design Review Commission
6:30 p.m. | Virtually via Zoom 

Thursday, Sept. 17
Planning Board Workshop
 5 p.m. | Virtually via Zoom 

Distinguished Young Women of New York Announces Sakthi Muthukrishnan as DYW of Saratoga Springs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

DYW SakthiMuthukrishnanSakthi Muthukrishnan. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS/Mobile, AL — On August 15, Sakthi Muthukrishnan was named the Distinguished Young Woman (DYW) of Saratoga Springs after participating in the DYW of New York at-large program, a statewide scholarship program for high school girls. 

Muthukrishnan will join high school senior girls from across the state of New York to compete to represent the state as the DYW of New York for 2021 on Oct. 17, 2020. At all levels of the program, participants are evaluated in the categories of scholastics which scores 25%, interview scores 25%, talent scores 20%, fitness 15% and self-expression scoring 15%. 

Throughout the next year, Muthukrishnan will represent the community at various public events and serve as a role model to young people by spreading the program’s national outreach message of “Be Your Best Self.” The outreach program is designed to encourage self-esteem and excellence in all young people through its five principles: be healthy, involved, studious, ambitious and responsible. 

Muthukrishnan is the daughter of Muthukrishnan Narasimhan and Selvarani Sangaran and is a rising senior at Saratoga Springs High School. 

The 64th national finals will take place June 24-26, 2021 in Mobile, AL. All 50 state representatives will travel to Mobile to participate in personal development activities and community service projects before competing for the opportunity to become the DYW of America for 2021. 

Founded in 1958, DYW’s mission is to empower young women by providing over $1 billion in scholarship opportunities, developing their self-confidence and participating in Life Skills Workshops that prepare them for success after high school. For more information about DYW, contact Tara Principe, National Headquarters Marketing and Communications Director, at 251-438-3621 or Tara@DistinguishedYW.org or visit www.DistinguishedYW.org. 

Saratoga Springs Recreation Department Happenings

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

• Form a New Skate of Mind with Intro to Ice Skating:
Learn ice skating basics or improve your skills. Ages 3-Adult welcome. Fees for the Early Fall session through Sept. 29 are city $60, non-city $80. Early Fall fees after Sept. 29 are city $85, non-city $105. Fees for the Fall session through Oct. 31 are city $60, non-city $80. Early Fall fees after Oct. 31 are city $85, non-city $105

• Go for the Goal – Kickers Program & Soccer League:
Program runs Sept. 26 – Oct. 31. Ages 3-Grade 12 welcome. Kickers programs introduce basic soccer skills through games and activities and guides you into team play. League is separated into grade appropriate divisions to expose players to skills based upon level of play. Kickers registration fees through Aug. 31 are city $40, non-city $60. Kickers registration fees after Aug. 31 are city $65, non-city $85. League registration fees through Aug. 31 are city $55, non-city $75. League registration fees after Aug. 31 are city $80, non-city $75.

• It’s Batter Up with Fall Baseball:
Program runs Sept. 16-Oct. 21. Ages 3-5 and Grades K-3 welcome. Participants in parent/child Tiny T-Ball program for ages 3-5 learn basic hitting, throwing, and base running. Participants in Jr. Slugger Grades K-3 program are introduced to the skills necessary to move into team play. Registration fees through Sept. 9 are city $50, non-city $60. Registration fees after Sept. 9 are city $75, non-city $85.

• Drive Up Your Skills with the Field Hockey League:
Program runs Sept. 15-Oct. 24. Ages 8-14 welcome. Skill development for team play is taught through practice and scrimmages. Registration fees through Sept. 4 are city $50, non-city $60. Registration fees after Sept. 4 are city $75, non-city $85.

• Serve Up Your Best with the Volleyball Program:
Program runs Sept. 30-Nov. 4. Ages 8-14 welcome. Develop your skills and learn the rules and strategy to be a successful volleyball player. Registration fees through Sept. 16 are: city $50, non-city $60. Registration fees after Sept. 16 are: city $75, non-city $85.

• Ace the Court in the Pickleball League:
Program runs Sept. 28-Nov. 19. Ages 18+ welcome. Pickleball League follows a ladder style system. Players will play a double round-robin with others of similar skill level in a recreational setting. Registration fees through Sept. 14 are city $35, non-city $45. Registration fees after Sept. 14 are city $60, non-city $70.

Visit SaratogaRec.com for more information and to register. Contact 518-587-3550, ext. 2300 or recreservations@saratoga-springs.org with questions.

September 11 – September 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Local Briefs.

Canning Tomatoes & Salsa
Diane Whitten, Nutrition & Food Resource Educator, Cornell Cooperative Extension Saratoga County will be doing a presentation on Zoom about Canning Tomatoes and Salsa on Friday, September 11, at 11 a.m. For more information, visit ccesaratoga.org/nutrition-food

Perennial Plant & Craft Sale 
Sale takes place Friday, Sept. 18 and Saturday, Sept. 19 at 11 Whitney Pl., Saratoga Springs from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Sponsored by the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Saratoga Springs to help support social justice activities in the community. Selling Rose of Sharon, Spirea, ferns, hostas, black-eyed susans. iris, lilies of the valley and more. Some craft items from the August craft fair including pillowcases, pottery, gift bags and more. Please wear a mask and social distance. Cash and checks accepted, no credit cards. Event will be held on Saturday also. For questions, call 518 587-0403. 

Farmers’ Market Coupons
Due to COVID-19, the Office for the Aging will be making an exception in 2020 to mail Farmers’ Market Coupons to those who were unable to attend the drive thru events. Please call 518-884-4100 to request we mail the attestation form. When you receive the attestation form in the mail, please fill it out and mail it back in the self-addressed stamped envelope provided.  We will then mail the coupon book to you. Qualifications for Farmer Market Coupons – one booklet per individual:  Age 60 and over and Income Eligibility: $1968/month for one-person household or $2658/month for two-person household. 

Pressure Canner Gauge Testing
If you plan to do any pressure canning, it is time to get your pressure gauge tested. The USDA National Center for Home Food Preservation recommends testing gauges each year before use to ensure its accuracy. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Saratoga and Albany County offer this free service. Using a Presto Dial Gauge Testing Unit our educators test your gauge against our annually calibrated gauge. Having proper pressure is essential to safe pressure canning and prevention of botulism food poisoning. A gauge that is off by up to two pounds can still be used with the proper adjustment, a gauge that is off by more than two pounds should be replaced. Call to make an appointment for pressure gauge testing: CCE Saratoga County – 518-885-8995.

September 5 – September 11, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT 

Juan A. Vazquez, 46, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Sept. 8 to murder in the second-degree, after admitting he intentionally caused the death of Kenny J. Shipski in April, according to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen. The incident occurred in connection with an argument regarding drugs and resulted in Vazquez stabbing the victim multiple times inside a room at the Clearview Motel in the village of South Glens Falls. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 18 when Vazquez is expected to receive a sentence of 20 years to life in prison, Heggen said. 

John A. Butler, 41, of Gansevoort, pleaded Sept. 4 to felony DWI in Northumberland. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18. 

William M. Biette, 44, of Latham, pleaded Sept. 4 to felony DWI in Malta. Sentencing scheduled Nov. 20.   

James V. Primarolo, 30, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Aug. 31 to attempted criminal possession of a weapon. Sentencing Nov. 4. 

Neil L. Fullington, 65, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Sept. 1 to failure to register as a sex offender. Sentencing Nov. 18. 

POLICE

Jennifer Ravert, 36, of South Glens Falls, was charged Sept. 3 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and having a suspended registration. 

Benjamin Cavert, 22, of Waterford, was charged Sept. 4 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, criminal possession of a controlled substance, failing to signal appropriately, and speeding. 

Khalil Hankins, 25, of Albany, was charged Sept. 4 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Brendan Benequisto, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 4 with petit larceny. 

Rocco Semeraro, 45, of Albany, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and operating a vehicle without signal devices/reflectors. 

Brianna Reed, 27, of Mechanicville, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and moving from lane unsafely.

Jordan Garafalo, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 5 with second degree harassment, and act in a manner injure child less than 17. 

Glenn LaFountain, 60, of Springfield, Massachusetts, was charged Sept. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and failure to keep right. 

Jacob Koren, 42, of Schenectady, was charged Sept. 6 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, failure to stop at a stop sign, and moving from lane unsafely

Anthony Sawyer, 31, of Milton, was charged Sept. 6 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Lucas Scavone, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 2 with two felony counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Gavin Jarosz, 27, of Albany, was charged Sept. 2 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, speeding, and failure to keep to the right. 

Tristan Whitehead, 21, of Schuylerville, was charged Sept. 3 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Randall Alger, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Sept. 3 with criminal mischief in the third-degree/ damage to another person’s property, a felony. 

On Sept. 2, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a domestic dispute at a residence on Route 32 North in the Town of Northumberland. As a result of an investigation, Tristan J. Anderson, 22, of Northumberland, was charged with two felonies: criminal mischief, and reckless endangerment, and four misdemeanors: criminal obstruction of breathing, reckless endangerment, unlawful imprisonment and resisting arrest. Anderson is alleged to have been involved in a domestic dispute, damaging property in excess of $1,500. He was arraigned in Halfmoon Court and released on his own recognizance.    

Cited for trespassing on Woodlawn Avenue Sept. 2 in Saratoga Springs: Shawn Johnson, 38; Terrance Rudes, 29; Christine Tougas, 68; Steven Palmer, 62; Jose Madera, 38; Yisel Martinez, 41. Martinez was additionally cited with harassment in the second-degree.   

Joseph Connors, 28, of Buffalo, was charged Aug. 31 in Saratoga Springs with assault in the third-degree, a misdemeanor. 

Amelia Ives 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

IvesAmelia

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Amelia Ives, 72, known to friends as “Amy,” passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2020 at Wesley Health Care Center.

Amy was employed by the Wesley as a housekeeper for 31 years where she made lifelong friends. Colleagues lovingly remembered how Amy would make everyone laugh, adding amusement to the daily responsibilities that were oftentimes overwhelming. Showing all with whom she came in contact the lighter side of life by always offering her great sense of humor, she was a warm, kind, and loving person. When Amy became a resident of Wesley, the staff felt it was as if Amy was returning home. 

As a lifetime communicant of St. Clement’s Church in Saratoga, Amy was very much involved with the Outreach Program. Even through personal hardships, Amy continued to be that fun loving, optimistic person to brighten everyone’s day. She helped bring humor to those in need and was much beloved to all.

The Outreach members visited her daily and helped keep her spirits up. The members became her lifeline and Amy’s family were very grateful. She was sociable and would share hilarious stories of her life. She will be remembered for her boundless energy, hard work, love and zest for life, and her compassionate fun-loving nature.

Survivors include her daughter, April Ives; granddaughter, Julie Schrom; sister’s Jean Humiston and her husband Gerard; Lucy Sapp and her husband John; and her twin, Angela Ovitt and her husband Oscar.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m., Friday, Sept.18, 2020 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave. Following required health regulations, appropriate face coverings must be worn, and social distancing practices will be followed. Donations may be made in Amelia’s name to St. Clement’s Outreach Program or to Community Hospice.

Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Susan Edith Walsh Mara 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SusanEdithWalshMara

MIDDLEBURG, FL — The family of Kenneth Mara sadly announces the sudden death of Susan Edith Walsh Mara on Thursday, September 3, 2020. She was born on May 3, 1953 in Glens Falls, the daughter of the late Edward S. and Leone (Smith) Walsh. 

Sue graduated from Caroline Street Elementary School in Saratoga Springs in 1966, Waterloo Middle School in Laurel, Maryland in 1968, Queensbury High School in 1971, Adirondack College in Queensbury in 1973 with a degree in accounting. Her love of the Saratoga Springs area included her wonderful “Gram,” Violet Walsh.

Sue was employed by the First Union Bank in Naples, FL for thirty years as a mortgage loan officer retiring in 2005. After her retirement she volunteered her time, talents and enterprise helping her husband Ken teach at Walker Elementary School in Crestview, FL.

Sue met her husband and best friend Ken on a connecting flight from Florida to New York and Rhode Island. The rest was history. She is best known as being an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She was devoted to her pets’ care, which included cooking their meals. Her love for the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots knew no bounds, with sincere admiration for Tom Brady. She also admired Tigger because he bounced.

Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Kenneth Mara, one Daughter, Amanda Sconiersof DeFuniak Springs, FL, one son, Michael Patrick Mara of Santa Rosa Beach, FL, two grandchildren, Kennedy and Glen Edward Sconiers, one brother, Robert E. Walsh of Brandon, VT, several nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Victor Rayfiel 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

RayfielVictor

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Victor Rayfiel passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 after a long illness. He was 63.

Born on December 25, 1956 in Brooklyn, he was the loving son of Howard and Eileen Rayfiel.

Victor was raised in Los Angeles, where he worked in the television and film industry. He later returned to Upstate New York where he was a Microsoft Certified Professional. He attended UCLA and Skidmore College.

Victor is survived by his devoted parents, Howard and Eileen Rayfiel of Sarasota, FL, his loyal sister, Amy Lavin, of Saratoga Springs, and his amazing and wonderful friend, Felicia Fendentz, of Gansevoort, as well as other family members and friends.

Funeral services will be private. Donations in Victor’s name may be made to the National Diabetes Foundation or to the charity of your choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373).

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.