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Author: Saratoga TODAY

A Convoy for Tots

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – More than 150 vehicles took part in the 7th Annual Convoy for Tots charity drive on Nov. 8. Vehicles from area businesses, civic organizations and Emergency Services agencies traveled from the Ballston Spa school campus to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center as part of a convoy to help generate new, unwrapped toys for immediate distribution by Capital Region Toys for Tots this holiday season.    

Coordinated by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and iHeart Media – Albany, largely supported by area First Responders, Convoy for Tots is held annually to support the mission of Capital Region Toys for Tots who serves over 160,000 children annually in the Capital Region. 

Reimaged School Traditions at SIS

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) recently held two reimagined annual school events to keep traditions strong despite it being an unusual school year. 

“In a year with so much uncertainty, we want our students to continue to feel the strong sense of community that defines life at S.I.S.  Reimagining our annual school events is a powerful way to accomplish this,” said Lisa Brown, Head of School. 

Two of the annual school events recently held at S.I.S. were Field Day and the Vocabulary Parade.    

This year’s Field Day, for students in Kindergarten through 5th grade, was held on Friday, October 23 and consisted of socially-distant and safe activities such as hula hoop rolling, mini hurdles, potato sack races, and more.   

At their October 30 Vocabulary Parade, the students dressed up as a vocabulary word and paraded the halls of S.I.S. to show off their costumes.  Since they could not visit The Home of the Good Shepherd (as they normally would), this year they collected candy to donate to the Schenectady Street Soldiers. 

Other annual school events being reimagined this year are the Kite & Flight Festival, Thanksgiving Feast, Grandparent’s Day, Big Night Out Annual Gala, and more.

Seedlings Baby Food: Locally Sourced, Farm-Fresh Food for Babies Open for Business

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Seedlings Baby Food – the brainchild of Saratoga Hospital’s Chief of Newborn Medicine and Chair of Pediatrics, Dr. Jennifer Lefner, has come to life in the form of locally sourced, farm-fresh, responsibly grown and prepared baby food. 

In conjunction with 9 Miles East Farm, Seedlings endeavors to provide families with nutritious and delicious baby food. Dr. Lefner, double board certified pediatrician and neonatologist, launched the company with her husband, non-profit executive John Lefner. The family effort started in the Lefner’s kitchen when their two daughters, Sasha and Olivia, were infants. 

Seedlings is currently on sale at 9 Miles East Farm’s storefront at 64 Excelsior Ave. and available via Text-to-Order and Home Delivery Subscription Services.  To learn more about Seedlings, visit www.seedlingsbabyfood.com 

Man Killed in Clifton Park Crash

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

CLIFTON PARK — A 27-year-old Mechanicville man was killed after the garbage truck he was driving was involved in a crash. 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call of a garbage truck rollover crash on Hubbs Road in Clifton Park Nov. 6. The truck went off onto the shoulder, struck a utility pole, a tree and a wood-chipper truck before rolling over. 

The garbage truck involved was owned by County Waste. The driver of the garbage truck was identified as Tyrek J. Brace. He was pronounced dead at the scene.   

Matthew B. Freihofer, age 41, of Ballston Spa, was clearing brush in the area of the crash suffered minor injuries. 

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Saratoga County Office of Emergency Services, State Police, Jonesville Fire, Round Lake Fire, Malta Fire and Clifton Park Halfmoon EMS.  The cause of the crash is still under investigation. Drugs or alcohol are not suspected at this time. 

Carmella B. Mangona 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Carmella B. Mangona passed away Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital. 

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, November 13, 2020 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (518-584-5373). Face coverings and social distancing will be required.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, November 14, 2020 in St. Mary’s Church, 167 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, by the Rev. Francis R. Vivacqua, pastor.

Burial will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Avenue, Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com

City Finance Commissioner Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2021

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Five-term city Finance Commissioner Michele Madigan announced this week she will not seek a sixth term when Saratoga Springs elect their next City Council in November 2021.

“In the past nine years, the Finance Department has accomplished much for the city we all love, and we have much to be proud of,” Madigan said, in a prepared statement. “It is time for me to move on to the next chapter of my life.”   

The finance commissioner is charged with presenting the annual city budget, which this year is seeking to adjust to a near $7 million shortfall, due to what councilmembers have referred to as “this COVID economy.”

After 21-Year-Run, Popular Spa City Creperie to Close at Month’s End

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ravenous, a locally owned, chef-run creperie on Phila Street will be closing its doors at month’s end. 

“The outpouring of wishes, pain and sadness has been overwhelming. Let’s go out with a bang!” Ravenous owner David Zuka said in a post on the company’s Facebook page. “Let’s celebrate the past 21 years and renewed beginnings.” 

The decision to close was a difficult one, Zuka added, and the outpouring of love he’s received since the announcement, “overwhelming.”   

Ravenous will continue to operate through November with varying times of operation. Hours of operation and reservation information may best be found on the Ravenous’ Facebook page, Zuka said.    

Property Transactions: November 7 – November 13, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON

Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 2 Tamarack St to Sheila Bell for $485,000.

Charles Whitney sold property at 15 Lawmar Lane to Charrise Evers for $360,000.

Angelina Palnije sold property at 17 Ironwood St to Jwala Parajuli for $378,500.

Joshua Cottreli sold property at 218 West Side Dr to Ma Lan De for $270,000.

Robert Lewis sold property at 42 Sycamore St to Pinlei Chu for $437,000.

GREENFIELD

Bradley Widing sold property at 20 Hyspot Rd to Trevor Crapo for $280,000.

Dairusz Chorzempa sold property at 499 Maple Ave to Oxmooor Associates LLC for $462,000.

Kurt Jaeger sold property at 16 Ericson Dr to Stephen Zeek for $455,000.

MALTA

Jessica Shultz sold property at 240 Thimbleberry Rd to Miranda Downs for $175,154.

Michael Ray sold property at 7 Larkspur Dr to Jamie Cox for $283,000

Ann Cooper sold property at 132 Knapp Rd to Meghan Doebler for $349,000.

Marvin Bjornson sold property at 11 Ames Ave to Capital District Ventures LLC for $425,000.

DC Marco Properties LLC sold property at 36 Snowberry Rd to Karyn Skrlj for $210,000

Wei Zhang sold property at 71 Blue Spruce Lane to Nicole Crannell for $307,000

Harry Zepf sold property at 5 Kennedy Dr to Kennedy Dr LLC for $504,000.

John Longo sold property at 112 Riley Cove to Mark Carota for $380,000

Thomas Pfrang sold property at 36 Collamer Dr to Weichert Workforce Mobility for $240,000

Weichert Workforce Mobility Inc sold property at 36 Collamer Dr to Michael Torrisi for $240,000

MILTON

William Heeney sold property at 208 Oak Lane  to Jason Tusch for $440,000

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 49 Huntington Way to Jacob Rockwood for $339,486.

Brookview Court Inc sold property at 47 Huntington Way to Zachary Nasters for $387,949.

Evelyn Marshall sold property at 14 Greybirch Trail to Robert Jones for $196,808

Mark Mafilios sold property at 113 Kayaderosseras Dr to Ashley Sclicht for $322,000.

Brian Bliek sold property at 4 Red Coach Trail to Katherine Krasnicki for $250,000.

SARATOGA

Logan Carr sold property at 223 Hayes Rd to Margaret Sinnott for $369,000

Robert Stokes sold property at 173 Burke Rd to Christopher Bast for $695,000.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

Jacqueline Decunzo sold property at 17 Morton Place to Nancy Lazar for $499,000

James Symon sold property at 33 Newton Ave to Benjamin Papa for $245,000.

Beau Stallard sold property at 145 Meadowbrook and Julian Stallard for $300,000.

Philip Zenowich sold property at 106 Van Dam St to Morgan Esperti for $289,000.

Paul Balasco sold property at 17 Orenda Spring Dr to Christopher Smith for $229,690.

Bluestar Enterprises LLC sold property at 289 Jefferson St Unit 16 to Frances Ryan for $179,900.

Andrew West sold property at 29 Carriage House Lane to Salinawave LLC for $2,825,000.

Brian Cuneo sold property at 14 America Way to Andrea Marone for $995,000

Augusta Martin sold property at 55 Jenna Jo Ave to Michael Kocan for $1,455,000

Thomas Burke sold property at 10 Royal Henley Ct to Erica Dingman for $765,000.

Mark Harrison sold property at 12 Holly Dr to John Hudak for $245,000.

Cynthia Kansky sold property at 160 Lake Ave to Samantha Bossart for $342,500

John Stephens sold property at 5 Wampum Dr to James West for $300,150

Richard Bennice sold property at 4 Arrowhead Rd to Jonathan Kayser for $560,000.

Thomas McTygue sold property at 142 Henry St to Bonacio Construction for $345,000.

WILTON

James Markwica sold property at 200 Parkhurst Rd to Alun Griffiths for $712,500.

Stewart Porter sold property at 15 Old Rt 9 to Joshua Porter for $143,000.

Dennis Lion sold property at 61 Cobble Hill Dr to James Morahan for $400,000

McPadden Builders LLC sold property at 6 Conklin Ct to Ronald Nelson for $429,386.

John Bryfonski sold property at 50 Cobble Hill Dr to Michael Casey for $435,000.

Deborah Curcio sold property at 21 Fairmount Dr to Courtney Barker for $320,000

Ryan Haig as trustee sold property at 21 Knollwood Dr to Richard Spierling for $340,000

Maureen Parker sold property at 31Cobble Hill Dr to Daniel Carberry for $525,000

November 7 – November 13, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

COURT

Joseph T. Sims, 52, of Middle Grove, pleaded Nov. 2 to felony DWI, in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Jan. 14, 2021. 

Todd A. Buchas, 41, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Nov. 2 to rape in the first-degree. Sentencing Jan. 11. 

Tyler S. Moon, 42, of South Glens Falls, pleaded Nov. 2 to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing Jan. 11. 

Todd D. Derush, 40, of Moreau, was sentenced Nov. 4 to 6 years in state prison after pleading to felony burglary in the second-degree, and 1-3 years in state prison after pleading to felony attempted assault. Sentences to run consecutively. 

POLICE

Nay-Quaree Robinson, 19, of Watervliet, was charged Oct. 30 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of marijuana.

Candace Stefanik, 54, of Malta, was charged Oct. 31 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and two driving violations. 

Allison Murray, 23, of Troy, was charged Oct. 31 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and two driving violations. 

Jodi Tamburrino, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Oct. 31 with misdemeanor DWI, misdemeanor aggravated DWI, refusal to take a breath test, and operating a motor vehicle without stop lamps. 

Kristie Tracy, 39, of Gansevoort, was charged Nov. 1 in Saratoga Springs with criminal trespass, a misdemeanor.

Alisa Reale, 30, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 1 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor. 

Jordan Duncan, 24, of Troy, was charged Nov. 2 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and speeding. 

Randall Alger, 47, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 2 with burglary in the third-degree – a felony, harassment in the second-degree, and resisting arrest. 

Afton King, 35, and Nathan Surprenant, 33, both of Saratoga Springs, were each charged Nov. 2 with burglary in the third-degree, a felony. 

Felix Omoruyi, 33, of Desoto, Texas, was charged Nov. 3 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle in the third-degree. 

Michael Faggiano, 62, of Schuylerville, was charged Nov. 4 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and speeding. 

Clinton Waddell, 38, of Middle Grove, was charged Nov. 4 in Saratoga Springs with disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior. 

Kaitlynn Boyd, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 4 with misdemeanor DWI, criminal mischief: reckless property damage, reckless driving, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Cheryl Taylor, 59, of Schenectady, was charged Nov. 4 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and failure to yield right-of-way. 

Kimberly Bertrand, 23, of Ballston Spa, was charged Nov. 5 in Saratoga Springs with felony burglary, criminal mischief, and harassment in the second-degree. 

Crystal Hebert, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 5 with 12 misdemeanor counts of forgery, criminal impersonation, and possession forged instrument, and identity theft in the first-degree – a felony. 

Anthony Brockway, 49, of Argyle, was charged Nov. 6 in Saratoga Springs with criminal contempt, a misdemeanor. 

Stephen Budesa, 63, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 6 with two counts criminal trespass, a misdemeanor. 

Jake Hodsdon, 27, of Hoosick Falls, was charged Nov. 7 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and unsafe backing of vehicle. 

Treshawn Felder, 20, of New York, was charged Nov. 7 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated misdemeanor DWI, failure to keep right, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident. 

Serita Malloy, 38, of Troy, was charged Nov. 7 in Saratoga Springs, with misdemeanor DWI. 

Thomas Barron, 28, of Kingsbury, was charged Nov. 8 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, failure to obey police officer, reckless driving, and three driving related violations.

Nicole Bonomo, 34, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 8 with criminal mischief, a misdemeanor.

Christopher Nichols, 28, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Nov. 8 with petit larceny, and harassment. 

Cheryl Wilson, 43, of Clifton Park, was charged Nov. 8 in Saratoga Springs with felony assault, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruct governmental administration. 

Molly Corcoran: Athlete of the Week

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Sports.

Saratoga Springs — Athlete of the Week: Molly Corcoran, Senior, Saratoga Springs High School. Molly has been a shining example of perseverance during the last few years. Joining the Varsity Girls Tennis team as a sophomore, a shoulder injury kept her from playing in the matches but she still came to help out and cheer on her teammates. Now, as a senior, she’s earned a spot as the #5 player in the singles lineup. Nominated by Rich Johns, Act with Respect Always.