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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Patricia M. Zwack 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Ms. Patricia M. Zwack passed away January 31, 2020 as a result of cancer. She was 72 years old. A funeral home service will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 10,  2020 at Burke Funeral Home with burial at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery in Colonie. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Madelyn B. Mega

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Madelyn B. Mega, 88, beloved wife of the late Christopher J. Mega, entered into eternal rest on February 1, 2020. No calling hours. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 7, 2020 at St. Clement’s Church. Burial will be private. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Isabel Baker 

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On Thursday, January 30, 2020 Isabel Baker left this world to join her husband Robertson. Services were private. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org or the Community Hospice of Saratoga. Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

February 1 – February 7, 2020

COURT

Dominick Monge, 24, of Amsterdam City, pleaded Jan. 24 to unlawful surveillance in the second-degree, a felony, in connection with an incident in Wilton. Sentencing scheduled Feb. 11.   

POLICE

Christopher Hansen, 31, of Buffalo, was charged Feb. 2 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor criminal trespass. 

Joseph Jacobs, 28, of Inwood, West Virginia, was charged Feb. 2 with misdemeanor DWI  and operating a vehicle without signal devices. 

Nicholas Petro, 21, of Granville, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and failing to use headlights. 

Maurice Magee, 29, of Glens Falls, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor assault, obstructing governmental administration, and unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Anne Kenkel, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 1 with criminal mischief, and criminal trespass. 

Thomas Butterfield, 52, of Gansevoort, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with assault.

Tammy Clark, 52, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Feb. 1 with assault. 

Darian Duell, 26, of Greenfield, was charged Feb. 1 in Saratoga Springs with obstruct governmental administration. 

Theresa Skaine, 51, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with misdemeanor DWI, and failure to keep right. 

Augustus Balsamo, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with petit larceny. 

Doris Mendez, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with welfare fraud – a misdemeanor, and offering a false instrument to file – a felony. 

Shane Singh, 22, of Schenectady, was charged Jan. 24 in Saratoga Springs with criminal mischief in the third-degree, a felony. 

Alyssa Bridge, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 24 with petit larceny. 

Kristi Carlson, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a speeding violation.

Christine Sterling, 32, of Chesapeake, VA, was charged Jan. 25 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated DWI, and speeding. 

Heather Thompson, 33, of Queensbury, was charged Jan. 25 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and two violations.

Spencer Hawkins, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with misdemeanor DWI, and a driving violation. 

James Gurney, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with aggravated harassment  – misdemeanor. 

Travis Bopp, 35, of Liverpool, was charged Jan. 26 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Cole Hayes, 29, of Albany, was charged Jan. 28 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Shawn Farrell, 20, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 28 with criminal possession of a controlled substance. 

Annette Cammarere, 59, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 28 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and a vehicle equipment violation. 

Christine Soucie, 43, of Bennington, Vermont, was charged Jan. 28 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of marijuana, and operating a motor vehicle without stop lamps. 

Debra Morelli, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 29 with welfare fraud – a misdemeanor, and offering a false instrument to file – a felony. 

Cynthia Cooper, 56, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 29 with petit larceny, and criminal contempt. 

Gregory Wasserbach, 54, of Gansevoort, was charged Jan. 31 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and three driving/vehicle violations. 

Marc Giosi, 36, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 31 with misdemeanor DWI, and making an illegal signal. 

Hudson River Community Credit Union’s Give4Kids Matching Campaign Raises $25,500 for Local Youth Centers

CAPITAL REGION —In 2019, the Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) conducted its annual year-end Give4Kids Matching Campaign in its continued effort to support local youth centers in the communities it serves. 

This year’s campaign raised an impressive $25,500 to support local youth centers in the Capital Region. Recipients included the Saratoga Regional YMCA Corinth Branch’s After School Enrichment Program, Glens Falls Area Youth Center and the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Capital Area. Each location received a total of $8,500 to help support their efforts in the community.

Over the past seven years, HRCCU has raised more than $150,000 for local youth centers within the communities it serves. Donations have been used to purchase new equipment, supplies and provide student scholarships.

In 2020, HRCCU will again support local youth centers through its new fundraising event: The Great Inflatable Race. The fundraiser, which will take place on September 19, 2020 at the Washington County Fairgrounds in Greenwich, is designed to provide fun for the whole family while supporting a great cause. Registration for the event is now open to the public at https://newenglandruns.com/event/great-inflatable-race-saratoga-springs/ or https://www.hrccu.org/thegreatinflatablerace/.

Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is a not-for-profit financial cooperative whose mission is to make life better for its members. Anyone who lives, works, worships, or attends school located within Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Rensselaer counties or the Towns of Cohoes, Watervliet or Green Island and their immediate families are eligible to join.

Lena Spencer, Blotto to Be Honored at UPH in March

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Caffe Lena founder and owner Lena Spencer and legendary 1980’s Capital Region band Blotto are among the 2020 inductees in the recently created Capital Region Thomas Edison Music Hall of Fame.

The “Eddies” were created in 2019 by Jim Murphy and Salvatore Prizio of Schenectady-based Proctors Collaborative to celebrate professionals working in the area’s music scene. “Eddies” is named for Thomas Edison, who conceived the phonograph and relocated his Edison Machine Works to Schenectady. 

Lena Spencer was founder and owner of Caffe Lena from 1960 until her death in 1989.

AE Blotto

Blotto was active 1978-1984, in addition to subsequent reunions. They sported pseudonyms on recordings and on stage; their songs were played on radio’s “Dr. Demento Show” and the video for “I Wanna Be A Lifeguard” was played on MTV’s first day on the air in 1981. 

The induction ceremonies will take place at Universal Preservation Hall, on Washington Street in Saratoga Springs on March 9. The venue is slated to have its grand reopening 10 days earlier. UPH will also site the Eddies Hall of Fame and will feature a plaque with the likeness of each inductee, as well as videos about all who are enshrined. Future plans include exhibits of local music memorabilia.

The induction ceremony includes a dinner and live music. The event is open to the public; tickets are $50 and are available at universalpreservationhall.org

Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival 2020

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Twenty-four musical groups – 16 of whom will be staging Saratoga Jazz Festival debut performances – will appear at SPAC in June. 

The two-day lineup includes: Nile Rodgers & CHIC, Kool & The Gang, Ranky Tanky and Tiempo Libre, Taj Mahal, Drummer Omar Hakim’s “supergroup” Ozmosys, and “centennial celebrations” of the music of Charlie Parker and Dave Brubeck – the latter featuring performances by the Brubeck Brothers with Mike DeMicco and Chuck Lamb. 

The 43rd annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival takes place Saturday, June 27 and Sunday, June 28 at SPAC. 

 Nile Rodgers & CHIC, who headline Saturday night’s event pioneered a musical language that generated chart-topping hits like “Le Freak,” and sparked the advent of hip-hop with “Good Times.” A typical CHIC set includes mega-hits written, co-written and/or produced by Nile Rodgers, including “Get Lucky” (Daft Punk), “Like A Virgin” (Madonna),
“We Are Family” (Sister Sledge), “Let’s Dance” (David Bowie), “Upside Down” (Diana Ross) and many others. 

Sunday’s amphitheater headliner Kool & The Gang are best known for their hit singles “Celebration,” “Cherish,” “Joanna,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Too Hot,” “Hollywood Swinging,” “Ladies Night” and “Fresh.” 

Acts will be staged during the daylong shows both inside the amphitheater, and atop a second outdoor performance space, known as the Charles R. Wood “Jazz Discovery” Stage. 

Founded in 1978 by jazz impresario George Wein, Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is the fifth longest-consecutive-running jazz festival in North America. 

 Tickets are currently on sale to SPAC members. Tickets of the general public will be available online at www.spac.org beginning Feb. 11. Prices vary. For ticket information, and a full lineup of artists, go to: www.spac.org.

January 31 – February 6, 2020

Friday, January 31

Fish Fry Friday
Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club, Route 32 South of the Village of Victory | 4:30 – 7 p.m.
All are welcome, members and non-members.  Menu: fish fry, chicken fry, clam fry, popcorn shrimp fry, buffalo shrimp, chowder, ask about our extra’s and beverages. You are welcome to eat in at our club house or call ahead for take-out. 518-695-3917. Continuing every Friday thru April 10.

Frostbite Friday
Beekman Street Arts District: Grand Ave. to Oak St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m.
Visiting artists, refreshments, art/craft demonstrations. Visit the Arts District on this mid-winter night as participating shops, galleries, and restaurants host our second Frostbite Friday event.  Taking place the night before Chowderfest, our event will serve as a fun kickoff for your weekend in Saratoga. Visiting artists and music will fill the galleries, and merchants will be offering warm beverages and treats. Warm yourself at the firepits in various locations and roast marshmallows. This will be a fun way to celebrate the start of a festive winter weekend in Saratoga. Weather permitting.

Fish Fry Friday
Knights of Columbus, 50 Pine St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 8 p.m.

Same great menu as in the past: Fried or Baked Haddock or Fried Clamstrips with French Fries, Cole Slaw, Tartar Sauce, and Cocktail Sauce. $12 ($1 extra for take-out). Help the Knights continue their charitable work in the community. As always throughout the year, Joe Fredette and Frank Bunch cook and deliver a delicious meal every Thursday for the men and women’s veteran’s homes in Ballston Spa. Additionally, on Thursdays during the cold months, they cook for Code Blue. And, if you are one of the many who attend the ChowderFest each year, don’t forget to visit Joe and Frank outside the City Center on Ellsworth Jones Place on February 1st. For questions, please call 518-584-8547.

Saturday, February 1

Tag Sale
Former Galway Public Library Building, 5264 Sacandaga Rd., Galway | 10 a.m. – Noon
Some of the larger items currently available are: CD holder; children’s book spinner; paperback book spinner; desk chairs; 3 desks, including 1 large wooden one; 8 cubicle dividers with computer table attachments; brochure rack; children’s chairs; 2 folding tables; 2 wooden tables, along with other miscellaneous smaller items. This is a fundraiser for the Galway Public Library. For further information call 518-882-6385.

Chowderfest 
Downtown Saratoga Springs | 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Join us for a day of live music, family-friendly activities and, of course, a wide variety of chowders. Come enjoy samples of chowder from local restaurants. Once you taste them all, you can vote for your favorite. Part of Winterfest, Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year and the perfect activity for a cold winter’s day. Stroll through downtown Saratoga and purchase a $1 cup (3 oz. serving) of chowder from as many participating establishments as you’d like. Some restaurants will be offering classic varieties, while some may be serving original, unique concoctions. Traditionally, over 80 vendors participate, including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers. Chowderfest is organized by the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau. For more information visit www.discoversaratoga.org/chowderfest

Sunday, February 2

Breakfast Buffet
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Rt. 9, Saratoga Springs | 8:30 – 11 a.m.

Now featuring eggs to order, fruit cocktail, French toast, pancakes, potatoes, breakfast sausage and ham, corned beef hash, sausage gravy and biscuits, scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, juice, coffee and tea. Donation Requested: Adults $9, Seniors and Military (active/retired with ID card) $8, children 5-12 $7, under 5 free. Take-outs $9. Call 518-584-2585 for more information.

Dharma Meditation 
Saratoga Health and Wellness Building, 538 Maple Ave, Saratoga Springs | 9 – 10:15 a.m.

Weekly meditation followed by short discussion. All contemplative traditions honored. By donation. Drop-ins welcome. Please visit www.oneroofsaratoga.com for more information.

Sobor Bowl 
United Methodist Church, 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.

Join us to watch the Big Game on the Big Screen in a sobor environment. Potluck: bring a dish to share. Free and all are welcome. For more information call Healing Springs at 518-306-3048. 

Monday, February 3

Wool Appliqué with Judy Donovan
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room | 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Join Judy Donovan of the Wings Falls Quilters Guild for a two-session wool appliqué class. Learn basic wool appliqué techniques as you create a floral appliqué that can be turned into a wall hanging or pillow. All supplies provided. Please register only if you can attend both sessions. Register online or by calling 518-584-7860, ext. 248. Ages 18 and up. Scissors are available to share. Please bring your own scissors if you have them. Next session Monday, February 10, 10 – 11:30 a.m.

Tuesday, February 4

Blood Drive
Shenendehowa United Methodist Church, 971 Route 146, Clifton Park | 1 – 6 p.m.

Sponsored by Nick’s Fight to be Healed. To schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-RED-CROSS or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor code NICKSFIGHT. 

Wednesday, February 5

2020 Winter Storytellers Series
SUNY Empire State College, 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1 p.m.

The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the twelfth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through February 26. This week features storyteller Kent Busman with “Stories from the Adirondacks & Beyond.” Sponsored by Prestwick Chase at Saratoga. Free and open to the public. Postponed if Saratoga Springs city schools are closed or delayed. For more information, call the Academy at 518-587-2100, ext. 2415. www.esc.edu/all

Guided Mindful Meditation
Saratoga Springs Public Library, Susman Room | 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Take a break from the daily grind and clear your mind with guided Mindful Meditation led by professionals from One Roof Holistic Health Center. Sessions are free and open to the public and will be held on the first and third Wednesday of each month. Everyone is welcome. For more information, call 518-584-7860, ext. 205.

Poetry Reading
Caffè Lena, 47 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.

A poetry reading by Susan Oringel. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7pm and the readings will start at 7:30. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students for more information, call 518-583-0022, www.caffelena.org.

Thursday, February 6

All Caregivers’ Support Group
Saratoga Hospital, 211 Church St., Saratoga Springs | 6 p.m.

First Thursday of each month, free and open to all. Pre-registration required. Call Pierre for info/directions to meeting space 413-992-7012.

Upcoming Meetings

Monday, February 3

Saratoga Retired Teachers
Longfellows Restaurant, 500 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | Noon

For membership information and luncheon reservations, call 518-587-5356.

Galway Preservation Society
Galway Town Hall, 5910 Sacandaga Road, Galway | 7 p.m.

Featured program, Chickens: Their Economic and Agricultural Impact through the Years in Saratoga County. Meetings start with refreshments and social time at 7 p.m. and a brief business meeting at 7:30 p.m., with the presentation beginning at approximately 7:45. The public is invited to attend. For more information, visit our website at www.galwaypreservationsociety.org

Wednesday, February 5

Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting
Town Hall, Spring St., Schuylerville | Noon 

It will be a casserole luncheon.  Please bring a dish to pass.  New members are always welcome. For information contact Pat Temple, 518-338-2329. 

Thursday, February 6

Ch.60 Korean War Vet. Association
VFW Home, 190 Excelsior Aven, Saratoga Springs | 1:30 p.m.

All veterans who served anywhere during the Korean War, in Korea at any time, spouses, widows, friends and relatives are all invited to attend. New members are always welcome. Annual dues for veterans are $10, all others $5. For further information or an application to join the organization, contact Comm. Bob Garland at 518-280-0075.