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Author: Saratoga TODAY

Experienced Equine-Veteran Team Launches New Program for Veterans and First Responders

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Neighborhood Buzz.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For more than a decade, Bob Nevins, Melody Squier and Janelle Huggard have been working together to successfully reveal the power of a horse-to-human interaction by providing transformative equine experiences for veterans living with the effects of trauma. Now, the crew has launched a new program called Alliance180, and they’re expanding their support to reach first responders and frontline workers while incorporating science-based research.

For years there have been increasing studies that demonstrate the negative effect that trauma can have on the autonomic nervous system. Because of a new collaboration with Alliance180, Dr. Stephen Porges, a Behavioral Neuroscientist, and his colleagues from Indiana University, the team will be able to successfully document and validate the effectiveness of their equine experience by incorporating and applying evidence of the Polyvagal Theory.   

Squier, Alliance180’s Co-Founder, has understood the positive effects horses have on humans, especially those experiencing trauma, for more than 30 years. When she joined forces with Nevins, the two were able to combine their relevant experience and passion for helping others, impacting more than 800 veterans through their past efforts. 

The purpose-driven programming of Alliance180 (A180) provides an effective three-day experience through peer-to-peer interaction, private accommodations and classroom training to learn the language of the horse, and a round-pen interaction with the horse as the culminating event. Through the lens of the horse, participants learn to communicate with another powerful but very different species, most often resulting in the emotional response being reawakened, leading to a heightened awareness and offering a renewed perspective and brighter outlook. 

Alliance180 plans to launch its first class by the end of August. Activities and classes will take place at the farm belonging to Song Hill Thoroughbreds LLC, and James and Tina Bond and Family. The Bonds said they are happy to be “teaming up” with A180’s experienced staff and are glad to offer access to their horses and facility for the organization’s crucial programming. 

For more information on Alliance180, its programming or to become a benefactor, please visit Alliance180.org or call 518-415-0206. 

July 11 – July 17, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Police Blotter.

Dameon Myrick, 37, of Saratoga, was charged July 10 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

Theodore Eichler, 33, of Schuylerville, was charged July 10 in Saratoga Springs with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful possession of marijuana.

Mosley Trashaun, 40, of Kingston, was charged July 8 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, aggravated unlicensed operation, and two driving violations. 

Jade Graves, 25, of Ballston Spa, was charged July 8 in Saratoga Springs with identity theft – a felony; criminal use drug paraphernalia – a misdemeanor, criminal possession of a controlled substance – one felony count, one misdemeanor count, and unlawful possession of marijuana.   

Jamaine Myers, 42, of Troy, was charged July 9 in Saratoga Springs with false impersonation, a misdemeanor. 

Debra Berry, 38, of Saratoga, was charged July 10 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle. 

John Larkins, 32, of Troy was charged July 6 in Saratoga Springs with resisting arrest, obstruct governmental administration, harassment, criminal tampering, unlawful possession of marijuana and disorderly conduct: fight/violent behavior, in connection with an alleged incident on Phila Street. 

Eric E. Sadlon, 48, of Schenectady, was charged July 11 with two felony counts unlawful surveillance in the second-degree. Sadlon is accused of surreptitiously placing a recording device in an employee bathroom at a state-run residential home for people with disabilities where he was employed. The hidden camera captured images and video of unknowing employees while they were using the restroom.  The recording device was discovered by a female employee concealed within a USB wall charger. Sadlon was arraigned and released in Milton Town Court. The investigation is ongoing at this time. The Sheriff’s Office is working on the case along with investigators with the NYS Justice Center for the Protection of People with Special Needs.    

Todd D. Derush, 39, of Gansevoort was charged July 2 with felony assault, following an altercation at the Saratoga County Jail where he is currently incarcerated. The victim was treated at Saratoga Hospital for minor injuries. 

Angela M. Duross, 37, of Corinth, was charged June 29 with two felony counts criminal sale of a controlled substance in the fourth-degree and two felony counts criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree. She is accused of actively selling controlled substances in the Village of Corinth. She was arraigned at Corinth Town Court and released to pre-trial services. 

Shirley M. Henstenberg

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA — Shirley M. Henstenberg, 83, passed away July 12, 2020. Calling hours were July 16 at Burke Funeral Home. Funeral home service Friday, July 17 at 10:30 a.m. (30 people in the facility at a time, masks/face coverings must be worn). Burial in St. Mary’s Cemetery, South Glens Falls. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Danay DiVirgilio

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

GREENFIELD CENTER — Danay DiVirgilio, 47, passed July 6, 2020 at her home. Calling hours were July 15 at Burke Funeral Home. Danay’s wishes were that she be remembered with a donation to her daughter Ananda’s school; Waldorf School Saratoga Springs, 122 Regent St., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Visit burkefuneralhome.com

Jesse Ray Holmes

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

BALLSTON SPA ­— Jesse Ray Holmes, 66, passed quickly on July 6, 2020, in Ballston Spa. Funeral services will be held on Friday, July 17, 2020 at Tunison Funeral Home, 105 Lake Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Calling hours are from 3- 4 p.m. with a service promptly at 4 p.m. Online condolences may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com

George Downing 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Obituaries.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — George Downing passed away Saturday, June 20, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital after a battle with cancer. George leaves behind the love of his life, his daughter Sara Downing. He was a devoted and loving father. He was born March 30, 1957. He is the son of the late George and Mildred Downing of Saratoga Springs. He has 3 sisters: Linda Norris of Redding, CA; Colleen Downing of Saratoga Springs and Sherri Cerny of Galway.

He lived most of his life in the Saratoga Springs area. George worked at local nursing homes as a certified nursing assistant for many years. He loved working with the residents. He attended Saratoga Springs High School and loved sports. He played football for Saratoga High School and for the local semi-pro team the Green Jackets. 

George will be remembered most of all for his loving devotion to his daughter Sara and his kindness to others. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Fantastic Food Truck Corral at the Washington County Fairgrounds

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

GREENWICH — All month long the Fantastic Food Truck Corral will be on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Washington County fairgrounds. 

Each Friday and Saturday, the fairgrounds will welcome food vendors from around the area for an evening of fair food. The community can enjoy the fair food at one of the fairgrounds socially distanced picnic tables. They are allowed to bring their own chair or blanket, or they can take their food to go. 

To ensure everyone’s safety, masks are required to visit the food truck event as well as maintaining six-feet of social distancing from fellow food patrons and vendors. Hand washing stations with water and soap and hand sanitizer dispensers will be available throughout the corral for all to use throughout the event. 

This Friday will feature musical guest Swamp Foot along with vendors Miller’s Backyard BBQ, Angela’s Pizza, Scott’s Charbroil, Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake, Bound by Fate Brewery, Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts, The Mac Factor and Reggies Veggies. 

The fairground is open this Saturday for lunch and dinner with “Cruise In.” Bring your favorite antique and classic cars, trucks, and tractors. The evening will feature musical guest Northern Borne. Vendors for Saturday include The Clever Cleaver, Anglea’s Pizza, Scott’s Charbroil, Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake, Bound by Fate Brewery, Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts, The Mac Factor and Reggies Veggies. 

Vendor features this weekend:

• The Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts will have the famous “Jobbie” gravy and cheese fries, and hot turkey sandwiches. 
• Angela’s Pizza will have their giant mozzarella sticks and pizza. 
• The Mac Factor will have their gourmet Mac & Cheese. 
• Bound by Fate will have their craft beverages that are not be missed. 
• The Clever Cleaver will have lobster rolls hush puppies and crab rangoons.
• Scott’s Charbroil will have gyros and chicken pitas. 
• Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake will have their famous funnel cake with all the toppings and fresh-squeezed lemonade. 
• Miller’s Backyard BBQ will be featuring their award-winning BBQ including brisket and pork. 
• Reggies Veggies will be featuring your favorite fair food of hot or sweet sausage with peppers and onions and their famous cider doughnuts.

Fantastic Food Truck Corral at the Washington County Fairgrounds

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Entertainment.

GREENWICH — All month long the Fantastic Food Truck Corral will be on Fridays from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Washington County fairgrounds. 

Each Friday and Saturday, the fairgrounds will welcome food vendors from around the area for an evening of fair food. The community can enjoy the fair food at one of the fairgrounds socially distanced picnic tables. They are allowed to bring their own chair or blanket, or they can take their food to go. 

To ensure everyone’s safety, masks are required to visit the food truck event as well as maintaining six-feet of social distancing from fellow food patrons and vendors. Hand washing stations with water and soap and hand sanitizer dispensers will be available throughout the corral for all to use throughout the event. 

This Friday will feature musical guest Swamp Foot along with vendors Miller’s Backyard BBQ, Angela’s Pizza, Scott’s Charbroil, Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake, Bound by Fate Brewery, Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts, The Mac Factor and Reggies Veggies. 

The fairground is open this Saturday for lunch and dinner with “Cruise In.” Bring your favorite antique and classic cars, trucks, and tractors. The evening will feature musical guest Northern Borne. Vendors for Saturday include The Clever Cleaver, Anglea’s Pizza, Scott’s Charbroil, Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake, Bound by Fate Brewery, Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts, The Mac Factor and Reggies Veggies. 

Vendor features this weekend:

• The Eagle’s Nest – Boy Scouts will have the famous “Jobbie” gravy and cheese fries, and hot turkey sandwiches. 
• Angela’s Pizza will have their giant mozzarella sticks and pizza. 
• The Mac Factor will have their gourmet Mac & Cheese. 
• Bound by Fate will have their craft beverages that are not be missed. 
• The Clever Cleaver will have lobster rolls hush puppies and crab rangoons.
• Scott’s Charbroil will have gyros and chicken pitas. 
• Pennsylvania Dutch Oven Funnel Cake will have their famous funnel cake with all the toppings and fresh-squeezed lemonade. 
• Miller’s Backyard BBQ will be featuring their award-winning BBQ including brisket and pork. 
• Reggies Veggies will be featuring your favorite fair food of hot or sweet sausage with peppers and onions and their famous cider doughnuts.

Saratoga Independent School Welcomes First Graduating Eighth Grade Class

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Education.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) welcomes their first Eighth Grade class this fall. 

This marks the last phase in the school’s plan to add a Middle School, taking S.I.S. from Pre-Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.  The first group of Middle Schoolers started Sixth Grade at S.I.S. in the Fall of 2018 and they are thrilled to be the first graduating class this coming Spring. 

Head of School, Lisa Brown said: “this is a remarkable time for S.I.S. Since the school’s founding almost thirty years ago, visionary parents have imagined carrying S.I.S.’s values of leadership, respect, creativity, active engagement, and meaningful learning through the Middle School years.”

The Middle School expansion was part of the schools $1.7 million Capital Campaign, which concluded in October 2019. 

“Many members of the S.I.S. community – parents, trustees, faculty, students – were joined by extraordinarily committed donors to bring the Middle School at Saratoga Independent School to life in 2018. Special thanks go to our Capital Campaign leaders, Catherine LoMonico and Steve Greenblatt, and Julie and Marcus Fuller,” Brown said.

Brown notes the contribution of Jeny Randall, Middle School Director, whose talent and spirit have brought out the best in an amazing group of Middle School students over the last two years. The students took on many school leadership roles, worked with their Pre-K buddies, helped to plan school events, participated in advisory, modeled positive character traits, and worked hard to help maintain the school’s strong sense of community during remote learning this past Spring.

Brown expects that S.I.S. will be open for in-person education in the Fall. The school has already begun planning and implementing new health and safety measures.

The enrollment and financial aid process is currently underway for families interested in enrolling for the 2020-2021 school year. Virtual tours are available and will provide prospective students and families the opportunity to see the campus, meet faculty and staff, and learn more about the school’s strong academics and caring culture. Families interested in scheduling a private virtual tour may visit www.siskids.org/admissions/campus-tour or contact Colleen Fortune, Admissions Liaison, at 518-583-0841 or cfortune@siskids.org.

July 17 – July 23, 2020

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Calendar.

Friday, July 17

Fantastic Food Truck Corral
Washington County Fairgrounds, 392 Old Schuylerville Rd., Greenwich
4 – 8 p.m. and Saturday, July 18 at 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. | Enjoy fair food from the comfort of your own home! Get some of your fair food favorites for takeout or curbside pickup. Visit the Facebook page for more information on what trucks will be here and their menu: www.facebook.com/WashingtonCountyFairNewYork

Sunday, July 19

Dharma Meditation Classes
SPAC Grounds, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m.
Instructed by Pierre Zimmerman of One Roof Saratoga. Dharma meditation includes inspirational topics that support emotional, cognitive, and ethical wishes for wellbeing. This meditation is open to beginners and/or those who have been meditating for a while. There is no cost to attend, but a $10 donation per class is suggested. Preregistration is required by Saturday at midnight in advance of the class. Register via email to pzimmie2@cloud.com.

Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Summer Stroll
Nelson and Fifth Avenues, Saratoga Springs | 10:30 a.m.
Join the Foundation for twelve exciting walking tours of historic Saratoga Springs, which will be offered each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. through September 6.  Tickets must be purchased in advance and space is limited. Meet at the northeast corner of Nelson & Fifth Avenues. Learn about these grand residential streets lined with elegant Victorian and Craftsman houses with Debbie Studwell. Due to the Covid-19 all summer stroll guests are required to wear face masks for the duration of the tour and practice social distancing when possible. 

Monday, July 20

Drama Camps
Malta Community Center, 1 Bayberry Dr., Malta 
Each camp will be limited to 10 students and will follow New York State’s Department of Health Covid-19 guidelines. The first camp, Fairytales and Fantasies Drama Camp, is for ages 6-9 and will run from 1:30- 3 p.m., Monday, July 20 through Friday, July 24. Students will play theater games, learn acting skills, rehearse, and perform on the last day! Additional camps include Acting and Performance Drama Camp (2 weeks) for ages 10-15 from 1:30-4:30 p.m., August 3-14 and Broadway Stars Drama Camp for ages 6-10 from 1 -3 p.m., August 24-28. For guidelines and registration information www.maltparksrec.com or contact Elyse Young, Artistic Director at theater@malta-town.org or 518-899-4411, ext. 305.

Wednesday, July 22

Farmers’ Market Coupons Pickup
Saratoga County Fair Grounds. 162 Prospect St., Ballston Spa | 1 – 4 p.m.
The Saratoga County Office for the Aging has two dates set for drive-thru events to distribute the Farmer Market Coupons to those who qualify. Wednesday, July 22 1-4 p.m. and Wednesday, August 19 1-4 p.m. One booklet per individual.  Qualifications: must be age 60 and over and Income Eligibility: $1968/month for one-person household, $2658/month for two-person household. For questions call 518- 884-4996.

An Unbridaled Affair
Prime at Saratoga National, 458 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 11:30 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Join Honorary Chairs Gary and Aimee Dake and Co-Chairs Patricia Novo and Ron Olinsky for a new twist on the annual gala! Experience a delicious lunch, a small auction, and a short entertaining program at Prime at Saratoga National Golf Club. Stay after to watch the races “trackside” on large-screen live streams of Saratoga Race Course. Prepare with a surprise professional handicapper and take your photo with the historic starting gate to commemorate the track’s 150th anniversary! Cost is $150. For tickets and info, visit: captaincares.org/news-events/events/an-unbridled-affair-gala.html

Baked Ham Dinner
Saratoga-Wilton Elks, 1 Elks Lane, Saratoga Springs | 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.
For curbside pick up only. Call Monday and Tuesday between 10 a.m. – noon to place your order 518-584-2584. Menu: baked ham, au gratin potatoes, vegetable, applesauce, roll, tossed salad. Dinner for 2 cost $25 (cash only). 

Thursday, July 23

The Spoonman
Virtual Show by Mechanicville Library
The Mechanicville Library presents the Spoon Man’s virtual musical show. The Spoonman is an interactive comedian, American street performer and musician from Seattle, Washington, who uses spoons as a musical instrument. Audiences of all ages are invited to enjoy this virtual show. Registration is available on both the library’s facebook page as well as the website: Mechanicville.sals.edu