SARATOGA SPRINGS — Diane Famiano passed away Sunday, January 12, 2020. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, January 18 at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Springs. Calling hours will be from 10 to 11 a.m. prior to the service. Interment will follow. For online condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com
COURT
Keith C. Owen, 42, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 8 to 1 year in jail, after pleading to criminal contempt in the first-degree.
Andrew M. Acabbo, 79, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded Jan. 8 to felony DWI.
Sentencing March 11.
Jaredd M. Elston, 26, homeless, pleaded Jan. 3 to assault in the second-degree, a felony. Sentencing March 6.
Anthony Orologio, Jr., 67, of Round Lake, was sentenced Jan. 7 to one year jail, after pleading to felony DWI, in Ballston.
Joseph P. Koren, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 8 to five years in prison and 2-1/2 years of post-release supervision, after pleading to criminal possession of a loaded weapon in the second-degree. Koren admitted he possessed a loaded .38-cal. revolver in his neighbor’s yard on June 19, 2019, as he attempted to flee from police, and “repeatedly refused commands by city police officers to drop the revolver and keep his hands in sight,” according to Saratoga County District Attorney Karen Heggen.
Nicholas Q. Furnia, 25, of Gansevoort, was sentenced Jan. 6 to five years of probation, after pleading to felony DWI, in Wilton.
Elliott Q. Ruggles, 27, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced Jan. 6 to 1-1/3 to 4 years in state prison, after pleading to felony DWI.
Christian D. Roldan, 36, of Northumberland, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years in state prison after pleading to attempted assault in the second-degree, and one year in jail after pleading to criminal obstruction of breathing. Sentences to run concurrently.
POLICE
Matthew T. Washburn, 30, of Hudson Falls, was charged Jan. 5 with strangulation, a felony, after allegedly choking another person to the point of unconsciousness, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. The incident occurred in the town of Saratoga. He was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of bail or bond.
Justin A. Peters, 29, of Milton, was charged Jan. 5 with strangulation in the second-degree, and criminal contempt in the first-degree – both felonies, and the misdemeanors: endangering the welfare of a child, and criminal mischief. Peters is accused of applying pressure to the neck/throat of another person, resulting in that person suffering a physical impairment, according to the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office. He is also accused of violating an order of protection and preventing a person from calling 911. A minor was also present during the alleged incident. He was arraigned in Milton Town Court and released on his own recognizance.
Alena Demarco, 21, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 3 with misdemeanor petit larceny.
Marcus Elston, 28, of Saratoga Springs, and Neil Lescault, 45, of Mechanicville, were each charged Jan. 3 with one count criminal trespass, in Saratoga Springs.
Aaron Edwards, 38, of Corinth, was charged Jan. 4 in Saratoga Springs with assault in the third-degree.
Joshua Imler, 40, of Cohoes, was charged Jan. 5 in Saratoga Springs with misdemeanor DWI, and the unsafe backing of a vehicle.
Mark Galluci, 46, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 2 with harassment, and criminal tampering.
Robin Colon, 33, of Troy, was charged Jan. 2 in Saratoga Springs with assault, and criminal mischief.
Shawn Johnson, 37, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal trespass on Jan. 1 and on Jan. 2.
Marie Elise-Bechard, 24, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 1 with criminal trespass.
Meghan McCabe, 40, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Dec. 31 with misdemeanor petit larceny.
Mickenzie Miner-Papke, 25, of Ballston Spa, was charged Dec. 30 in Saratoga Springs with unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and operating an unregistered vehicle.
Audrey Hill, 51, of Glens Falls, was charged Dec. 30 in Saratoga Springs with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.
When I finished my term on the BOE last summer I hoped that the divisive rhetoric around school safety would abate.We are so fortunate that our kids can walk to and from school safely, there are rarely physical fights in schools, homicides in our community are exceedingly rare, and our kids, for the most part, have teachers and staff who care about them.But I still worry for our children’s safety. Not from an extremely rare mass school shooting but from things like student anxiety, depression, and substance abuse that can be exacerbated by bullying, nastiness, feelings of isolation, and/or intolerance.We need to do better as a community.We all want safe schools.But, how can we expect students to try to understand different perspectives, think critically, and agree to disagree with civility if adults in our community do not?Let’s focus on making sure all of our students feel connected to school, are not experiencing bullying, and have the support to succeed academically and socially.That means assessing the climate of the district and developing an action plan to address areas of concern.
(www.p12.nysed.gov/sss/ssae/schoolsafety/school-climate.html). Let student voices, not a few adult voices, drive our safety related policies, procedures and programming.
– Heather Reynolds, Saratoga Springs
On January 3rd, 18-year-old Michael Ross of Malta threatened to shoot students at Maple Avenue Middle School. Thanks to the new bail reform law, Mr. Ross was released upon his own recognizance to be arraigned at a later date. The response of the Saratoga Springs School district was to increase the presence of armed Security on Monday January 6th. Which naturally begs the question, what about every day after that?
Despite the recent threat, the change to NYS law and the expert recommendations around the necessity of armed school guards, the Saratoga Springs Board of Education continues to sit idle. The debate about whether or not active and retired police officers are qualified to carry a firearm on campus is over. That question was settled by Andrew Cuomo and the Democrat Party controlled majority of the legislature last year.
Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools continues to hear from outraged parents, students and educators throughout the district, concerned that the recommendations from law enforcement and experts continue to be ignored by the school board. This spring we will again take on the task of electing new members to the SSCD board of education. Leaders that put the safety of the students and staff ahead of their own political agenda. Please join us in this fight.
– Kara Rosettie, Saratoga Parents for Safer Schools
My name is Jennifer Zhang and I am a college student and recent graduate of Potsdam High School, running to represent the 21st Congressional District at the 2020 Democratic National Convention (DNC) as a delegate pledged to Elizabeth Warren.
Elizabeth Warren is running on a platform of policies that will revitalize our community. Medicare for All will lower net health care costs, while her plan to establish a $25 billion rural health care access fund will improve lives for North Country residents. She has committed $2 trillion to green energy research and manufacturing, focusing on creating jobs in rural areas while also fighting the climate crisis. She has pledged $100 billion over ten years to end the opioid crisis and $7 billion to a nationwide fund to support small businesses. She will review and reverse mergers between large agribusinesses that made food markets less competitive and include representatives from rural areas in all future trade negotiations.
I firmly believe that Elizabeth Warren is the best candidate running and would be a phenomenal president. Come April, I would be honored to have your support as a delegate in the New York State Democratic primary, and Elizabeth Warren would be proud to have your vote.
– Jennifer Zhang
GANSEVOORT — William U. Winters, 85, a resident of Shelly Park, passed away Tuesday, January 14, 2020 at Saratoga Hospital.
Born May 28, 1934 in Elmira, NY, he was the son of the late Ulmont and Pauline Kuryla Winters.
Mr. Winters was a graduate of Elmira Free Academy in 1952 and was a US Army Veteran serving 1954-56. He had worked for NYS Corrections and then retired from NYS Department of Transportation in Saratoga Springs in 1989. He was a member of Old Saratoga Post #278 American Legion in Schuylerville and the Harley Davidson Owners Group. He enjoyed the outdoors, snowmobiling, motorcycling, boating and traveling the East Coast with his wife on his Harley Davidson.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Lorraine Yole.
Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Jeanne Haskell Winters of Gansevoort; his son, Daniel (Lynn) Winters of Middle Granville; sister, Suzanne (James) Haskell of Hudson, NH; 3 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, several cousins, nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, January 17, 2020 at Flynn Bros. Inc. Funeral Home, 13 Gates Ave., Schuylerville, NY with Rev. Janet Vincent officiating. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. in the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
Friends may call on Friday from 11-12:30 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
Memorials can be made in his memory to the Gansevoort Fire Dept., the Moreau Emergency Squad or the charity of one’s choice.
Online remembrances can be made at www.flynnbrosinc.com
Friday, January 10
Fish Fry Fri
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 through April 10.
Saturday, January 11
Defensive Driving Class
Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church 175 Fifth Ave., Saratoga Springs | 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
New York State approved. Save 10% on your base auto insurance for the next three years and receive up to 4 points off your driving record according to New York State Department of Motor Vehicle guidelines. Fee $35. Bring a friend and fee is $30 each. A portion of the fee goes to Saratoga Springs United Methodist Church. Registration is required and can be made by calling Ray Frankoski at
518-286-3788.
Saratoga Springs Area Preschool Fair
Saratoga Springs Public Library, H. Dutcher Community Room | 10 a.m. – Noon
Sponsored by the Waldorf School and Saratoga Springs Public Library, a free community event. Many preschools will be participating to answer all your questions! For more information, contact: 518-587-2224.
Country Line Dance Party Fundraiser
New Life Fellowship Church, Old Gick Rd., Saratoga Springs | 7 – 10 p.m.
Join us for Country Line Dancing with Kevin Richards. This is a fundraiser for our church’s youth group that are going on a mission trip the end of July. The admission is $10/person, $8/seniors and students. We will have refreshments available for purchase as well. For more information contact Jen Veitch, Director of Family Ministries at 518-932-5399.
Sunday, January 12
Dine for a Cause
Brook Tavern, 139 Union Ave., Saratoga Springs | 4 – 10 p.m.
50% of dining room food sales will be donated to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame. Call 518-871-1473 to make your reservation today.
Monday, January 13
Dining with Diabetes
Clifton Park/Halfmoon Library, 475 Moe Rd., Clifton Park | 1 – 2:30 p.m.
A program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Program continues for two more Mondays, January 20 and 27, 1 – 2:30 p.m. Register at the library website: cphlibrary.org. These free programs are sponsored by the CPH Library and the Saratoga Springs Lions Club respectively. Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe demonstration and samples provided. For program details call Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518-885-8995.
Tuesday, January 14
“Fun Fitness” Luncheon
Longfellows Restaurant, Route 9P, Saratoga Springs | Noon – 2 p.m.
Special Feature: Kathy Scherer from “Go for Fitness” will share ideas on how to stay healthy and fit in the New Year. Speaker: Mary Elsasser from Schenectady talks about “My Picture Isn’t Finished Yet”. Menu: Lemon Chicken or Pasta Primavera. $19 Inclusive. Reservations necessary by calling Ellie at 518-584-3779 or Anita at 518-583-4043. Presented by Saratoga Christian Women’s Connection.
Wednesday, January 15
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 Kate Dudding with “Acts of Kindness.” 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.
Lunchtime Meditation
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St, Saratoga Springs | 12:30 p.m.
1st & 3rd Wednesday each month. Drop-ins welcome. Free and open to all.
Caring for Aging Parents
Saratoga Senior Center, 5 Williams St., Saratoga Springs | 5 – 6:30 p.m.
The average American is living longer than ever before, and as a result, adult children are transitioning into the role of primary caregiver for their aging parents. It can be a difficult time for both the caregiver and the care receiver, but Saratoga Hospital has the tools to help. Join Kevin Dooley, M.D., medical director of the Saratoga Hospital Inpatient Transition Program, for a community seminar on how to care for your aging parents. Dr. Dooley will address some of the social, financial, and personal challenges of being a caregiver, as well as the community resources available to you. He will also discuss Saratoga Hospital’s new Inpatient Transition Program, which is designed to ensure a successful transition back home after a stay in the hospital. Free admission but registration is required. Please call 518-580-2450 or register online at saratogahospital.org/classes.
Thursday, January 16
Dining with Diabetes
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Henry St., Saratoga Springs | Noon – 1:30 p.m.
A program for people with diabetes or prediabetes and their family members is being offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension. Program continues for two more Thursdays, January 23 and 30. Register at the library website sspl.org. These free programs are sponsored by the CPH Library and the Saratoga Springs Lions Club respectively. Participants will learn how to fit carbohydrates into a healthy menu, effectively use food labels, choose meals at a restaurant and adopt other healthy habits to help manage diabetes through healthy eating. Recipe demonstration and samples provided. For program details call Diane Whitten at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 518-885-8995.
SCHR Show & Tell Sharing Event
Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa | 7 p.m.
The Saratoga County History Roundtable will present a Show and Tell Sharing Event. Several members will tell the story of artifacts and manuscripts from family heirlooms or other items of local historical interest. For more information on this and other upcoming 2020 SCHR programs visit saratogacountyhistoryroundtable.com or contact Jim Richmond at SaratogaCoHistoryRoundtable@gmail.com.
Three Alaska National Parks
Saratoga Springs Public Library, 49 Phila St., Saratoga Springs | 7 p.m.
Dave Pisaneschi and Don Berens recently traveled to three national parks in Alaska: Wrangell-St Elias, Kobuk Valley, and Gates of the Arctic. One is the biggest, another is the least visited, and the third has the northernmost sand dunes of any US national park. Don and David have both held offices in ADK and its chapters. David is currently the vice chair of ADK’s Conservation Committee and an ADK adventure travel leader. Both Don and David are ADK winter 46ers, have climbed the Catskill 3500 ft peaks, and completed the Northeast 115. Don has visited the highpoint of each US state and is an avid cyclist as well. David is a paddler. Both have hiked in mountain ranges of other continents and have visited Alaska multiple times. Come see pictures of their often roadless, often arctic, always spectacular hiking and camping adventure. This event is free.
Upcoming Meetings
Wednesday, January 15
The Olde Saratoga Seniors Meeting
Town Hall, 12 Spring St, Schuylerville | Noon
It will be a sandwich luncheon. Trips will be discussed. New members always welcome. For information contact Pat, 518-338-2329.
Genealogy & Local History
Heritage Hunters of Saratoga County will meet on Saturday, January 18, at 1 p.m. at the Town of Saratoga Town Hall, corner of Rt. 4 and Rt. 29 in Schuylerville. Program speaker will be Don Rittner, author and historian. Don is writing a book on the daily life of children at the Troy Orphan Asylum. The orphanage, a respite for desperate families, started in 1833 and functioned for well over a century. In 1942, it was renamed Vanderheyden and the focus evolved into supporting and educating young people who are faced with various life challenges. Public is welcome. For information call Ginny at 518-885-9309.
2020 Winter Storytellers Series
The Academy for Lifelong Learning presents the twelfth annual storytellers series every Wednesday through February 26. Join us on Wednesday, January 22 at SUNY Empire State College, located at 2 Union Ave., Room 126, Saratoga Springs, from Noon – 1 p.m. featuring storyteller Dan Berggren with “Songs & Stories of the Adirondacks.” 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
9th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser
Saratoga Clay Arts Center is pleased to announce its 9th Annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser, to be held at the Center on Saturday, January 25 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. Osteria Danny will be returning this year to defend their title of “Best Chili” for the 3rd time. In addition, SCAC welcomes local restaurants Sweet Mimi’s, Solevo, Morrissey’s, and Urban Roots to the competition. Guests purchase tickets to enter, choose a handmade bowl, enjoy live music and participate in the chili taste testing. A portion of the proceeds benefit the local cancer non-profit organization To Life. More information is available on our website saratogaclayarts.org.
2020 Cabin Fever Luncheon
The year 2020 marks the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment, guaranteeing and protecting women’s constitutional right to vote. The amendment states that the right of citizens to vote “shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” Join Cabin Fever at Saratoga National Golf Club on January 25 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a celebration and dynamic discussion of the largest expansion of democracy in the history of our country. This year’s event will feature the meaningful turning points and key women shaping the suffrage movement – and what it means for key issues facing women today. Taking the form of a fireside chat, the discussion features four distinguished speakers in a forum moderated by the president of SISC, Tammy Arquette. Cost is $75. For tickets, visit soroptimistsaratoga.org/cabinfeverattend.
Indoor Craft & Garage Sale
On Sunday, January 26, from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. the popular Elks Ladies Auxiliary Indoor Craft and Garage Sale at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Club will be held at 1 Elks Lane in Saratoga Springs. Admission is free with over 40 vendors; great parking, bargains galore, and lunch. We offer household items, sports equipment, hand-made items, clothing, jewelry, party vendors, pet supplies, food treats, and just about anything you can imagine may be found here. New vendors are signing up every month. Snow or rain, the sales go on and it is a fun activity the entire family enjoys. Come browse, visit, eat, or just get out of the house with a friend. All proceeds go to our local charities. All markets are held the fourth of each month: except December, May, June, July, and August. Next sale dates are February 23, March 22, and April 26. An 8’ table and chairs are just $15; call Linda at 518-289-5470 for more information or to sign up for a table(s).
AARP/TaxAide Services
The AARP TaxAide program will begin providing free tax preparation services for low-and-moderate income residents in Saratoga, Washington and Warren Counties. The TaxAide program is sponsored by the AARP Foundation in cooperation with the IRS. TaxAide preparers are trained in federal and state tax regulations and are certified by the IRS. Free tax preparation services will be available from February 1 through April 15. To find the location nearest you, go to www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-227-7669 for assistance.
February Break Drama Camp
February Break Drama Camp at the Malta Community Center is now open to students ages 7-15. All campers will be involved in character selection, costuming, acting and performing our work for invited guests the last day of class. Older actors will also have the opportunity to learn backstage and stage management skills (if interested). Camp also includes theater games, crafts, acting skills and fun. This camp, headed by Malta’s Artistic Director Elyse Young, runs Tuesday – Friday, February 18 – 21 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Call the Malta Community Center at 518-899-4411 for additional information or register online at www.MaltaParksRec.com.
Southern Saratoga Art Society Exhibits
Artists and members of the Southern Saratoga Art Society will be exhibiting throughout the area during 2020. Please try to visit these venues and support the arts in Southern Saratoga County. For the month of January, Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. is hosting 6 artists in the Center Gallery. David Mayack, Mary Mochrie, Neil Sergott, Jean Skanes, Tess Stoklosa and Grace Rogan will be exhibiting in an eclectic mix of artwork. For the months of January and February: Mechanicville Library, 190 N. Main St., will host artist Faith Weldon. Catskill-Hudson Bank, 2452 Route 9, Malta is hosting artist William Daisak, and Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Library, 2 Lawmar Lane, will host a variety of artists and members of SSAS. For further information about SSAS visit our webite: southernsaratogaartist.com.
Ballston Area Seniors Chorus
We are looking for new members who enjoy singing. We are a fun group who rehearse a program which we then take out to local nursing and rehabilitation homes, who are always delighted to sing with us. We rehearse on Mondays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Milton Community Center. Come and join us.
Social Activities for Seniors
If you’re over 55, a long-time or new resident in the area and looking to meet active seniors, check out the Ballston Area Senior Citizens (BASC). BASC sponsors many activities at the Milton Community Center located at 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Residents from surrounding communities are welcome to join. Programs and activities include Festive Dinners, dances with live bands, “pickin’ sessions,” bus trips, weekly luncheons, exercise classes, chorus, crafts, etc. Stop in any Thursday at 11 a.m. and join us for lunch. Yearly membership fee is $10. Call Barb Broderson, Membership Secretary at 518-885-4229 or visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com for additional information.
Transportation Drivers Needed
RSVP- Retired Senior Volunteer Program, helps recruit volunteers age 55 and older for many opportunities throughout Saratoga County. We are currently looking for Transportation Drivers to take seniors to and from medical appointments. We provide the vehicle, gas, and trip details with directions. If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity or hearing about the many other volunteer opportunities, please call Billie Jo 518-884-4110.
Those who frequent the Saratoga Farmers’ Market know it’s a special space. For four hours, shoppers, farmers, other vendors, and volunteers come together to talk food, shop and sell, and bop to the music of the week. The energy is electric, and the food is beautiful. We go home a bit tired but with our taste buds alive, eager to cook and eat.
And sometimes you arrive and discover your favorite vendor has sold out of eggs. Beef stew meat or pork chops are unavailable on that particular day. Vendors have onions but not scallions. Fresh greens, particularly in the winter months, are scarce.
In some ways, this unpredictability makes the market what it is. When farmers and other vendors bring to market foods that they themselves grow, raise or make, availability will vary from week-to-week, and certainly by season. The market cannot offer everything, but it can assure customers that our food has not traveled 1,500 miles to reach its destination – which is an average computed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for produce offered at grocery stores. Our foods are locally grown, raised, or made, and it is fresh.
How does one learn to navigate the unpredictability to take advantage of foods that are local and fresh?
One answer is to throw away the shopping list. Come to the Saratoga Farmers’ Market instead with a blank sheet. Browse what’s available, talk with farmers – the ultimate foodies—and make your meals plans for the week. Set a goal perhaps of trying a new item every week, knowing that full meals can be built with what we offer.
Sound ambitious? We’ll help. Starting tomorrow, we will be in a more open space in the Wilton Mall, moving from the walkway between the Department of Motor Vehicles and Bath & Body Works to the food court. Find us and look then for a white board near the market information table. On it will be a recipe based on ingredients one of our vendors or volunteers found a few minutes before the market’s opening. Take a look, snap a photo with your cell phone, and shop. Give the recipe a try and share your results.
The Saratoga Farmers Market is 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Saturdays in the food court of the Wilton Mall. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for previews of what’s fresh.
