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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Turning Point Parade & Festival Canceled

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

SCHYLERVIILE ­­— The popular annual two-day Turning Point Festival will not be staged this year in light of the spread of COVID-19, based upon recommendations of state and local health authorities as they pertain to large event gatherings, festival organizers announced this week. 

The parade and festival – which celebrates the battles of Saratoga as the “turning point” of the American Revolution, was slated to take place Aug. 1-2. 

Festival organizers said they plan to hold the parade and Fort Hardy Park festival in 2021. 

Saratoga Lions Club Awards 2020 Scholarships

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs Lions Club Scholarship Committee proudly presents $32,500 in academic awards to seven Saratoga Springs High School Seniors. All seven seniors are pursuing four-years + in academic programs with diverse fields of study. 

It is disappointing that the annual Lions awards luncheon was unable to be held this June, however, we are anxious to share these students and the honor they receive for their hard work and perseverance during this difficult senior year.

FIRST ANNUAL LIONS FOUNDATION – JACK BERKOWITZ MEMORIAL $10,000 SCHOLARSHIP

Elizabeth Siebeneck 
Duke University/Chemistry – Pre-Med.
First in the class of 2020, she has received multiple awards and honors for her excellence in scholarship, high character, music (violin) and athletic (tennis) competition. Elizabeth’s community service was at home in Saratoga’s food pantries programs, in class leadership and government roles and abroad in Ghana and Peru as a Globe Aware volunteer. Elizabeth received the highest ranking score of all twenty-seven applicants to receive this scholarship award. 

$5000 FOUR -YEAR ACADEMIC PROGRAM AWARDS: THREE AWARDEES

Trinity Hogben
Siena College/Business – Advanced Regents Diploma.
Volunteer work for Special Olympics, Lions Stars Skating, Best Buddies (5 yrs) provided Trinity with leadership skills to be selected for International conferences for Special Olympics both state and national. Channel 13 recognized her as a Kid who Cares for her outstanding community achievement.

Megan Bissonette 
College of William and Mary Williamsburg – International Relations.
Leadership as the Leos Club Vice President for 2 years with organization and participation in the club activities as well as community work with her church, the Saratoga Library Book Buddies program, her work ethic and varsity sports provided Megan with this award.

Claire Kelly
Siena College/ Biology – Pre-Med Track with the goal of ER Doctor.
As Leo Club President with dedication to the growth and development of the Leos Club through leading by example, as well as her work ethic, giving to her community through her favorite ,The Skating Stars- A Lions Club Program, Claire clearly demonstrated her Lionism. 

$2500 FOUR-YEAR ACADEMIC PROGRAM AWARDS: TWO AWARDEES

Christian Mercado 
Roberts Wesleyan College/ Engineering
3+2 dual degree program with RIT Christian is praised in his references for his leadership, positivity, respect and as a team player. He is an avid cross country, track and field athlete and will be running for RWC. As a young entrepreneur, he developed and managed a lawn business and his volunteer work in the community with Food pantries, Adopt a Soldier, Best Buddies and the Marine Biology Club speak to Lionism.

Renee Maslak
University of Notre Dame/ Physics.
NHS Blood Drive Coordinator, Franklin Community Center,Turkey Trot speak to community as well as Honduras on a medical mission. Exceptional work ethic, communication and organizational skills and her determination to discover medical techniques through shadowing experiences are just a taste of her success. 

$2500 LEOS CLUB SCHOLARSHIP – AWARDED TO A SENIOR CLUB MEMBER 

McClaren Heck
University of South Carolina / Public Health.
Participation in all of the club activities and helping to bring awareness of the club and its mission to the underclassman was McClaren’s strength. Leadership, organization and involvement: what all Lions strive to accomplish.

New Principal for Gordon Creek Elementary

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

EDU DBrandtDonald Brandt. Photo provided.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Central School District has selected Donald Brandt as its new Gordon Creek Elementary School Principal. Brandt was appointed by the Board of Education at the June 3, 2020 meeting with a July 1, 2020 start date. He currently serves as the assistant principal at the Ballston Spa High School.

“I am continuously grateful for the opportunity to serve the Ballston Spa community and am very excited to do so in the role of Principal at Gordon Creek Elementary,” indicated Brandt. Further, “I am humbled to have been selected for this position and am eager to get started.  I look forward to working with the Gordon Creek students, staff, and families.”

Brandt was previously an administrator at the Queensbury Union Free School District, serving as the Middle School Assistant Principal. He also served as the Principal of the Albany Academy at the Elementary and Middle Schools. His teaching experience includes nine years at the middle and high school, teaching Science.

His past educational experience includes department oversight, curriculum mapping and improvement, implementing restorative practices to build community, and developing social and emotional learning.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Rochester, a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Union Graduate College, and a Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Leadership from SUNY Plattsburgh.

After the culmination of a multi-level search process, he was selected as the next principal for Gordon Creek Elementary School. The process involved the review of 49 applications, four rounds of interviews including a presentation to the Board of Education, and finally a discussion with the building Advisory Committee which unanimously chose Brandt. 

“We are thrilled with Brandt’s appointment after a rigorous process. Having a finalist in such a process be one of our current teammates is a great thing for the students, staff, and the District. We are grateful to all of our faculty, staff, and administrators who participated in the interviews and to our parents who participated in the survey process,” said Superintendent Ken Slentz.

Sheila Sperling Joins Julie & Co. Realty

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SperlingSheila Sperling. Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Julie & Co. Realty, LLC is pleased to announce that Sheila Sperling has joined the growing brokerage. 

Sheila Sperling, Licensed Real Estate Salesperson, born and raised in Saratoga Springs, is proponent of promoting positive community and economic growth throughout the Capital Region. Passionate about her hometown, she feels lucky to be able to raise her children and work in the best place in the country. Sheila not only works and invests in real estate, she also invests her time in the community. She has served on the Heritage Board and currently serves on the Board of Assessment for Saratoga Springs and serves on the COESA Board. In 2014, Sheila graduated from Leadership Saratoga. She proudly represents buyers and sellers in Saratoga and Warren Counties.

It is the mission of Julie & Co Realty LLC to provide our clients with an exemplary experience, by the utmost attention to detail.  Our agents will provide accurate, up to date market conditions, skilled analysis, and sound real estate advice.  We will continue to provide our agents with innovative new ideas and tools that will benefit both the agent’s and client’s expectations.

For more information, call 518-350-SOLD (7653), email info@juliecorealty.com or visit www.JulieCoRealty.com

Roohan Realty Welcomes New Commercial Services Realtor

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Alan OppenheimAlan Oppenheim. Photo provided. 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Roohan Realty is thrilled to announce that Alan Oppenheim has joined the team as a Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker.

Alan has been involved in commercial real estate for the past 37 years working primarily throughout the Eastern United States on behalf of clients and investors in the acquisition, disposition, leasing, development, and management of real property assets. Prior to starting ACO Property Advisors 27 years ago in Saratoga Springs, Alan worked for two large regional developers in Boston and Albany in property acquisitions and land development.

Alan has been extremely active in the local community and currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Saratoga Hospital and is an instructor at the Double H Ranch for Adaptive Skiing. He was also past President of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga YMCA.  His local professional affiliations include the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Brokers (CIREB).

Property Transactions: June 6 – June 12, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Property Transactions.

BALLSTON SPA

9 Matchwood Lane, $307,500.
Sophia Reynolds sold property to Christopher and Krista McMahon.

2 North St., $108,150.
Bank of New York Mellon (as Trustee, by Atty) sold property to REO Home Services LLC. 

CHARLTON

2 Meadow Lane, $232,500.
Richard Solosky and Shawn Van sold property to Megan Allen.

10 Pine Hollow Dr., $125,000.
Garry Heflin sold property to Heflin Builders Inc. 

10 Pine Hollow Dr., $407,400.
Heflin Builders Inc. sold property to Conor Maloney and Chelsea Craig.

1581 Division St., $231,000.
Donald and Deborah Baldwin sold property to Brandon Bell.

0 Division St., $18,750.
Gerald Arey sold property to J and J Upstate Construction LLC. 

256 Lapp Rd., $334,000.
Kenneth and Susan Kimball sold property to David and Valerie Wilson.

CLIFTON PARK

256 Lapp Rd., $334,000.
Kenneth and Susan Kimball sold property to David and Valerie Wilson.

396 Vischer Ferry Rd., $122,000.
James and Irene Easton sold property to Kenneth Buniak and Susan Johnson Buniak.

4 Dhara Court, $499,900.
Michael and Elina Wolf sold property to Christopher and Kate Schleede.

39 Heritage Pointe Dr., $590,000.
GJA and S LLC sold property to Jainendra and Deepthi Devabhaktuni.

17 Via da Vinci, $295,100.
Sandra Pafundi sold property to Sara Cuervo and Rebecca Marrone.

995 Hatlee Rd., $471,000.
GJA and S LLC sold property to Frank and Karie Garrow.

10 Willowbrook Lane, $334,000.
Edward and Denise Doin sold property to Priscilla and Jeffrey Picerno, Jr.

4 Tamarack Lane, $243,800.
Joseph Galluppi and Monica Pedioletto sold property to Timothy Lake and Kathryn McLelland Lake.

8 Lincoln Ave., $21,500.
Keith and Therese Jordan sold property to Tristan and Jacquelyn Blickfeld.

48 Spruce St., $335,000.
Vladimir and Emira Shirokov sold property to Nicholas and Irina Polsinelli.

17 Denhelder Dr., $429,000.
ER Land Development LLC sold property to Thomas and Melissa Tiberio.

18 Denhelder Dr., $527,886.
ER Land Development LLC sold property to Joseph and Christina Natuzzi.

CORINTH

38 Locust Ridge Dr., $200,000.
Secretary of Veterans Affairs sold property to Rae Rounds and Cory Graska.

4914 Route 9N, $138,000.
Catherine Lozier and William Walsh sold property to Kaiah All. 

43 Hamilton Ave., $182,000.
KJT Real Estate LLC sold property to Joan Scholl. 

9 Wamego Lane, $10,000.
Elizabeth Vogel sold property to John and Kiersten DeLisle. 

2 Heather Lane, $30,000.
Terre Holdings LLC sold property to Foothills Builders LLC.

2 Healther Lane, $263,600.
Foothills Builders LLC sold property to Kelsey Miller. 

GALWAY

2992 Birchton Rd., $298,969.
Billi Wilson sold property to Kenneth and Sarah Newkirk.

5278 North St., $80,084.
Jerry Maikels sold property to Capital Communications Federal Credit Union. 

5227 South St., $40,000.
David Dejnozka sold property to Saratoga Home Team LLC.

0 and 5013 Bliss Rd., $510,000.
Kristen Barry George (Co-Trustee) and John Barry (Co-Trustee) sold property to James and Amy Snyder.

35 Southwest Pass, $272,400.
David and Omega Moya sold property to Nicholas and Serena Schepps.

287 Locust Grove Rd., $346,800.
LFC Properties LLC sold property to Saratoga Locust LLC.

HALFMOON

68 Cemetery Rd., $140,000.
John Rucinski sold property to Bruce Tanski.

9 Domenica Dr., $285,000.
Gerald and Naomi Crola sold property to Isak and Melanie Kallman.

10 Highway Way, $328,000.
Thomas Hamilton (as Trustee) sold property to Gregory and Deborah McCann. 

23C Macoun Dr., $333,430.
Malta Land Company LLC sold property to Alexandra Valle Wagner.

18 Fairview Lane, $489,900.
Andrew and Francesca McCann sold property to National Transfer Services LLC. 

18 Fairview Lane, $489,900.
National Transfer Services LLC sold property to Disha and Joshua Spath. 

12 Hearthstone Dr., $105,000.
Abele Builders Inc. sold property to Abele Homes LLC.

12 Hearthstone Dr., $410,011.
Abele Homes LLC sold property to Raymond and Debra Parafinczuk.

542 Hudson River Rd., $126,000.
Eric Vandenburgh sold property to Daniel and Leann Cook.

17 Stuart Dr., $480,000.
Weihong Gao and Yian Liu sold property to Ryan and Amanda Keleher.

71 Willowbrook Terrace, $375,000.
Zhiguo Sun and Xiaohuan Zhou sold property to James Moran.

MALTA

143 Arrow Wood Pl., $194,900.
Angelo Orlando, Jr. sold property to Kyle Patterson.

5 Weston Way, $355,655.
Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Devin Kennedy and Kellee Farrigan. 

10 Magnolia Way, $445,000.
Kyle and Kristen Huss sold property to Christopher and Lesley Kelder.

24 Burlington Ave., $75,000.
Real Estate Asset Directors Inc. sold property to Durkin Works LLC.

18 Cedarwood Dr., $250,000.
Linda Balenski sold property to Kursad Tosun.

11 Woodmint Pl., $285,000.
Rachel Baum sold property to Kerry Reilly. 

35 Essex St., $302,804.
Barbera Homes Malta Springs LLC sold property to Jeffrey Weaver.

MILTON

11-13 Washington St., $180,000.
George and Carolyn Hannah sold property to Randy Elliot, Kelly Delaney Elliott and Randy Elliot, Jr. 

155 Bath St., $206,000.
Gina Kowalski sold property to Kathryn Kreski.

MOREAU

11 Oakwood Dr., $264,500.
Bruce and Michele Ostrander sold property to Joseph and Ashley Pulsoni.

303 Old West Rd., $139,000.
Ashley and Joseph Pulsoni sold property to Christopher Hayes.

8 Markwood Parkway, $194,000.
Karen Tomasovic sold property to Shelby Gauthier. 

130 Hudson Ave., $152,500.
Deborah Dana (as Successor, Co-Trustee and Agent) and Rena Powhida (as Successor, Co-Trustee and Agent) sold property to Seth Johnson.

NORTHUMBERLAND

4746 Route 50, $205,000.
James and Lorri Zarro sold property to Colin and Heather Hannon.

TOWN OF SARATOGA

179 Swamp Rd., $355,000.
Christian and Bridget Babcock sold property to Ryan and Jami Walker.

SARATOGA SPRINGS

77 Van Dam St., Unit 305. $378,000.
Seventy Seven Van Dam LLC sold property to Mark and Kelly Klafter (as Trustees). 

Cobb Alley, $93,000.
Moto Holdings Inc. sold property to Patrick and Emilia Schmidt. 

97 Quevic Dr., $202,000.
Daniel Morley sold property to Carly and Eli Bickley.

55 Phila St., Unit 301, $855,000.
George Stafford sold property to Beviamo Ventures LLC. 

55 Tamarak Trail, $283,000.
Dennis and Suzette Amrock (by Atty) sold property to Justin and Erin King.

9 Daggs Lane, $544,900.
Donald Mowbray (Ind and as Atty) and Magdalena Mowbray (by Atty) sold property to Michelle Daigle.

11 Conver Dr., $329,000.
Ruth Susat (by Exec) sold property to Helen Walker (as Trustee). 

28 Van Dorn, $150,000.
Stephen McCarthy, Jr. sold property to Schworm Enterprises Inc. / Signature Home Buyers DBA.

226 Nelson Ave., $580,000.
Melissa Waghorn sold property to Jennifer Kish.

STILLWATER

46 Dick Lynch Rd., $135,000.
Helen Crammond (by Admin) sold property to Paul Pinkans.

WILTON

16 Nicklaus Dr., $358,000.
Saratoga Maple LLC sold property to Jonathan and Tracie Roe.

51 Brackett Lane, $355,000.
Joseph Caron and Sara Salzer King sold property to Robert Murphy.

56 Timbira Dr. $340,000.
Alexander and Joy Stanko sold property to Holly Fluri.

29 Jones Rd., $229,000.
Mary Tagliento sold property to Cheri Blondin.

32 Edie Rd., $302,000.
Daniel Crosbie and Megan Flint sold property to Rachel Gantt.

27 Fairmount Dr., $325,000.
Kevin and Lisa Rucinski sold property to Ryan and Patricia Gettings.

769 Saratoga Rd., $190,500.
Paul Varley sold property to Dean Rocchio.

Congressman Tonko Cosponsors Major New Police Reform Bill

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

AMSTERDAM – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko, who represents the 20th Congressional District, joined with more than 200 of his Congressional colleagues this week to introduce the Justice in Policing Act of 2020. 

The legislation would, among other things, ban police chokeholds, restrict “qualified immunity” that prevents police officers from being sued for misconduct, create a national registry to track officers with a history of misconduct, end no-knock warrant use for drug cases and make lynching a federal hate crime. 

“The murder of George Floyd has shocked the conscience of millions of Americans and once again exposed the virulent racism that has long festered at the heart of so many of our nation’s institutions, including the manner in which we enforce the law,” Tonko said in a statement. “Our bill takes several urgent steps forward in addressing the most dangerous and deadly policing practices that have been widely and disproportionately used against Black Americans and other people of color.” 

Ballston Lake Pharmacist Killed During Colorado Rafting Trip

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in News.

BALLSTON LAKE — Patrick Southworth, 61, a retired pharmacist from Ballston Lake who was working on the Navajo Nation in Arizona, died June 6 during a rafting trip in Colorado.

Southworth’s wife, Patti, also a pharmacist as well as a former Ballston town supervisor, were on a guided rafting trip on the Animas River when the raft flipped over, throwing the Southworths, the guide and another couple overboard, according to a report in The Journal, based in Colorado. Pat Southworth was killed as a result of the event. All other parties survived.

Patti Southworth remained in Arizona, where her daughters, Krista Malinoski and Colleen Southworth, traveled to be with her, according to the Jones Funeral Home, in Schenectady. 

The Southworths joined Indian Health Services two years ago and traveled across the western United States where they had also served the Chippewa Nation in North Dakota and Minnesota as well as the Navajo and Zuni in New Mexico.

Pat Southworth grew up in Mechanicville. He and Patti met in pharmacy school and were married nearly 39 years. They had three children and three grandchildren.

“He was a loving husband, father and papa,” Malinoski said. “He taught us to be strong and independent people and to form independent opinions and beliefs and stand up for what we believe in and take active roles in our communities. Those who knew him know he had a big heart and would do anything to support his friends and family.”

Southworth spent his career in retail pharmacies. He was a past member of the Ballston and Greenfield Lions Clubs. Southworth will be laid to rest in Mechanicville.

Saratoga Against Brutality

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A peaceful protest march attended by more than 1,000 people took place June 7, 2020. The protest, sponsored by the group #saratogaagainstbrutality began at High Rock Park, proceeded down Broadway and concluded in Congress Park where speakers addressed the large crowd.

Saratoga Hospital Expands Palliative Care Services

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

DrJohnPezzuloJohn Pezzulo. Photo provided.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Dr. John Pezzulo has been tapped to lead Saratoga Hospital’s community-based palliative care program to meet increased outpatient demand for these services. A longtime primary care provider, Pezzulo also is certified as a hospice medical director.

“More and more patients are living with one or more serious illnesses,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “Palliative care can have a dramatic, positive impact on their quality of life and that of their families.

“Dr. Pezzulo has invaluable experience in this medical specialty, including many years as the cancer liaison physician on our Cancer Control Committee,” Falivena added. “Our community will benefit enormously from his expertise and compassion.”

Palliative care specialists focus on helping patients and their families meet the challenges of serious illness. Providers work with patients to prevent and manage pain, other symptoms, and treatment side effects, as well as to address patients’ emotional, social, practical and spiritual concerns.

Saratoga Hospital has long offered palliative care to patients during their hospital stay. Adding Pezzulo to the palliative care team enables the hospital to expand these services to outpatients.

A graduate of New York College of Osteopathic Medicine, Pezzulo completed an internship at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn and a residency at the former St. Clare’s Hospital in Schenectady. He is certified by the Hospice Medical Director Certification Board and the American Board of Family Medicine, with subspecialty certification in hospice and palliative medicine. Pezzulo also is a fellow of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

He sees patients at Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Outpatient Palliative Care at Saratoga Hospital Medical Offices – Wesley, 119 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. To make an appointment, call 518-886-5060. For more information go to SaratogaHospital.org.