The New York State Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) proudly announced the launch of Healing Haven for Military Spouses, a first-of-its-kind statewide peer-to-peer initiative designed specifically to support the spouses of Service Members and all who served. 

Healing Haven provides a confidential, accessible, and supportive environment for Military Spouses to gather, learn, share, and strengthen their personal well-being.

The DVS program began its rollout on December 1, 2025, with a successful first session, reflecting the deep need for a safe community space geared toward Military Spouses who shoulder unique emotional and psychological burdens. 

Many experience high levels of stress, transition pressures, and caregiving responsibilities, yet often lack a dedicated setting where they can connect with others who understand their experiences. Healing Haven is designed to fill that gap.

Healing Haven is offered free of charge, supported in part through Suicide Prevention funding secured in the 2025–26 New York State Budget.

Sessions are led by Brett Cotter, a nationally respected stress-relief expert, author, and founder of the Stress Is Gone method. Mr. Cotter will facilitate two virtual sessions each month, combining evidence-based stress-reduction strategies with supportive, community-building discussion. Participation is confidential and open to Military Spouses from every region of the state.

Mr. Cotter is the author of The Stress Is Gone Method, The Suicide Prevention Family Handbook, and 3 Keys to Managing PTSD, and has worked with Fortune 500 companies, hospitals, schools, military bases, and retreat centers like Omega and Kripalu. 

As trauma expert for Meditation University, he certifies professionals and trains Vet-to-Vet Peer Specialists. His compassionate, humor-filled approach combines Eastern and Western philosophies, making him a captivating and highly sought after speaker.

To maintain regular access for Military Spouses and ensure continuity of care, Healing Haven follows a clear, dependable monthly rhythm:

• First Monday of each month: Guided Stress Is Gone session focusing on stress relief and practical emotional wellness strategies; and

• Third Monday of each month: Peer-to-peer gathering centered on connection, shared experiences, and community-building. 

The routinized structure and frequent cadence of Healing Haven sessions allows Military Spouses to participate at whatever pace best supports their needs, while also creating a recognizable statewide cadence for ongoing engagement. 

Because the program operates virtually, participation is open to Military Spouses from every county, including those who may face obstacles to in-person meetings such as work schedules, childcare demands, or transportation limitations.

Military Spouses may join at any time, regardless of whether they attended the kickoff session. Information and registration for upcoming Healing Haven sessions are available at: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/2F2lsRRhSKKGREwofkz7RQ#/registration. 

On December 6, 2025, State Police of Clifton Park arrested Norman Gifford, 61 of Mechanicville, NY for Menacing 2nd, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 3rd, and vehicle and traffic law violations.

On December 6, 2025, at about 11:06 p.m. troopers responded to the report of an altercation involving a weapon at a home in Halfmoon. The investigation determined Gifford was in a verbal altercation with the victim when he reportedly brandished a kitchen knife and threatened the victim with it.

Gifford fled in a vehicle after the altercation and was located by troopers in the area of Cemetery Road in Halfmoon where he was stopped and arrested. He was transported to SP Clifton Park for processing where he was issued an appearance ticket returnable to the Halfmoon Town Court on January 14, 2026, and released. 

The Saratoga Springs Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced that speed limit signage throughout the City of Saratoga Springs has been fully updated to reflect a new citywide speed limit of 25 miles per hour.

The change is intended to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists and follows a comprehensive traffic safety review.

The review found that lower vehicle speeds significantly reduce the severity of crashes and greatly increase survival rates for pedestrians. Research shows that a person struck by a vehicle traveling at 25 mph is far more likely to survive than at higher speeds.

 “This change moves us toward a safer, more walkable community and reflects our commitment to protecting all residents, especially children, seniors, and those who walk or bike,” Public Safety Commissioner Tim Coll said.

Full enforcement of the 25-mph speed limit will begin in January 2026.

The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office responded to an active domestic incident call Sunday at 12:37 p.m. on Reynolds Road in the town of Moreau. Investigation into the complaint led to the arrest of Mark N. Sabo, 60, and Tamera H. Sillero, 59, both of Moreau, N.Y. 

Sabo was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony), two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies), four counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the 3rd degree (class D felonies), criminal possession of a firearm (class E felony), menacing in the 2nd degree and assault in the 3rd degree (class A misdemeanors). 

He is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Sabo is also charged with possessing a firearm having previously been convicted of a crime, possessing armor piercing ammunition with intent to use it unlawfully against another and possessing large capacity ammunition feeding devices. He allegedly pointed a so-called ghost gun at the victim and threatened to shoot them during the incident and intentionally caused physical injury to them by striking them to their face with a closed fist. 

Sillero was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 2nd degree (class A felony) and two counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance in the 3rd degree (class B felonies). 

She is accused of knowingly and unlawfully possessing four or more ounces of a narcotic drug with intent to sell it and a narcotic drug weighing one-half ounce or more. 

Both were arraigned before the Honorable Jeffrey B. McCabe in the Moreau Town Court and remanded to the Saratoga County Jail pending further proceedings.

A Schenectady teen has been arrested after an online transaction ended in an attempted robbery in the City of Mechanicville. 

Mechanicville Police say Natalia Adair, 18, was arrested Dec. 15 in Schenectady in connection with a robbery that occurred the day prior. 

The robbery occurred on South Central Avenue on Dec. 14. Police say a 21-year-old man was assaulted by three people as they attempted to rob him. The man told police that two of the individuals wore ski masks and at least one struck him in the head with a handgun. 

The robbery occurred after the victim arranged a meeting online with someone he thought was a customer looking to purchase a watch. 

The next day, police located the vehicle and arrested Adair. She is charged with 1st degree attempted robbery, 4th degree attempted grand larceny,4th degree conspiracy, and 2nd degree assault.

Police say more arrests are expected as they continue to try to identify others involved in the attempted robbery. 

“This incident highlights the very real dangers associated with meeting unknown individuals through online marketplaces,” said Chief William Rabbitt. “We strongly encourage residents to take precautions when conducting in-person transactions. Meeting in public, well-lit locations and avoiding private residences can significantly reduce risk.” 

Hudson Crossing Park is thrilled to announce that a brand-new accessible kayak launch will be installed in spring of 2026, representing a major step forward in making outdoor recreation available to visitors of all ages and abilities. The launch will be professionally installed by BoardSafe, a national leader in adaptive waterfront access, ensuring that paddlers with mobility challenges can enter and exit the water with comfort, stability, and confidence.

Hudson Crossing Park is also excited to share that it has received four adaptive kayaks–two tandem and two single–from Rochester Accessible Adventures. These kayaks, designed specifically for individuals who need additional support, will allow more members of the community to the recreational opportunities available while paddling on the Champlain Canal. Announcements will be made in the spring about opportunities to use these new kayaks.

This project was made possible through generous grant support, including a $7,500 Trail Grant from Saratoga County, $24,999 Quality of Life Grant from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation, and $15,000 from AARP. Hudson Crossing Park extends its deepest appreciation to these partners for their commitment to expanding inclusive recreation opportunities in our region.

The addition of the accessible kayak launch will have a meaningful and lasting impact on the community. It opens the door for individuals with mobility disabilities, older adults, and anyone who benefits from extra stability to enjoy independent or assisted kayaking. Families, adaptive athletes, and visitors of all abilities will now be able to share the water together, strengthening social connections and improving access to healthy, outdoor experiences. The launch also enhances local tourism by providing a unique adaptive amenity that will attract paddlers seeking inclusive adventures along the Champlain Canal. Most importantly, this project reinforces Hudson Crossing Park’s ongoing commitment to ensure that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can explore, learn, and recreate in a welcoming environment.

The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation’s Quality of Life Grants Program supports nonprofit organizations that empower individuals living with paralysis. Since the Quality of Life Grants Program’s inception, more than 4,000 grants totaling $48 million have been awarded. Funding for this program was made possible through a cooperative agreement with the Administration for Community Living (ACL grant #90PRRC0006-04).

AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for all as we age. Through advocacy, information, and service at both the national and state levels, AARP champions positive social change. Guided by a vision of a society where every person can live with dignity, purpose, and the opportunity to fulfill their goals and dreams, AARP works to create a more inclusive and livable future for all generations.

Hudson Crossing Park is centered on Champlain Canal Lock C5 Island just north of the Village of Schuylerville along Historic Route 4. A 501C3 not-for-profit organization, Hudson Crossing Park’s mission is to tie environmental responsibility to economic revitalization, and to engage people of all ages in making informed choices for a sustainable future. Learn more about this and other upcoming events at www.HudsonCrossingPark.org. 

Saratoga County Board of Supervisors approved the County’s 2026 budget during its special Board Meeting on December 10, 2025. The budget passed unanimously and preserves investments in public safety, services for seniors, and other essential community programs.   

The Board made no adjustments to the $434 million budget proposed in November.  The 2026 property tax rate will be $1.77 per $1,000 of assessed value, maintaining Saratoga County’s ranking as the only County in New York State under $2 per $1,000. 

In 2026, unfunded state and federal mandates are projected to cost Saratoga County more than $86 million – an amount that exceeds the County’s entire property tax collections by more than $8 million.

 These mandated costs continue to escalate each year, placing pressure on local resources and requiring the use of reserve funds to meet these obligations. Further, county officials warn potential reductions in federal and state funding could impact essential programs and operations. 

“The 2026 budget reflects Saratoga County’s long-standing fiscally conservative principles, protects essential services, including public safety and vital supports for families and seniors, and prudently manages the strain of escalating unfunded mandates,” Saratoga County Board of Supervisors Chairman Phil Barrett (Clifton Park) said, “2025 was another successful year as the County solidified plans and completed initiatives that will benefit our economy, increase services for all County residents, protect our animals, and further enhance recreational opportunities through new trail and park projects.”  

For 2026, the County projects $170 million in sales tax revenue, reflecting a prudent and conservative estimate considering ongoing inflation, a tightening labor market, and uncertainty in consumer spending. Debt service remains below 1% of total operating expenditures, supporting the County’s continued AA+ (S&P) and Aa1 (Moody’s) credit ratings, which are among the highest in New York State. 

The budget adoption today brings us to the end of 2025.  In 2025, the Board of Supervisors completed and initiated a number of new programs and services including:

1. Build-out of the Environmental Health segment of the County Department of Health working with the NYS DOH

2. Redevelopment of the County Airport working in partnership with state and federal funding partners

3. Planning for a new homeless shelter to provide a long-term, economical solution to fulfill NYS mandates 

4. Approved the creation of an Animal Abuse Registry

5. Moved a plan forward to provide a permanent solution for the disposal of Biosolids

6. New Trails and park resources

The economy in Saratoga County continues to expand due to the positive environment attracting private sector investment.  The recent announcement of Regeneron redeveloping an empty building in Saratoga Springs, Bass Pro’s arrival in Clifton Park and new medical services in multiple communities are examples of significant investment that will provide more jobs and create sales tax revenue shared by the County and local municipalities.  

Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with a generous grant from the Jewish Federation of Northeastern New York and the sponsorship of Temple Sinai of Saratoga Springs, is pleased to present a panel discussion of the critically acclaimed film Casablanca, on Zoom, Tuesday, January 6 at 7 pm.

A 1940s classic that would come to be hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, Casablanca featured what in retrospect would be viewed as an all-star cast: Humphrey Bogart, Ingrid Bergman, Paul Henreid, Claude Rains, Peter Lorre, and Sydney Greenstreet. 

While Casablanca has no battle scenes and a small body count, it remains one of the most powerful war films of all time – driven by the values needed to confront totalitarianism. Its impact is deepened by a supporting cast of real-life European refugees who didn’t have to act to show their hatred of the Nazis.

Based on an unproduced play, Everybody Comes to Rick’s, by Murray Burnett and Joan Allison, the rights were acquired by Hal B. Wallis for $20,000, a record at the time. The writers, Julius J. Epstein, Philip G. Epstein and Howard Koch were still scribbling last-minute dialogue on set, just a few lines ahead of the actors. Memorable lines such as, “Here’s looking at you, kid,” were improvised.

The film is set in the early days of World War II in Casablanca, a city in French Morocco. It is portrayed as a place of transit, filled with refugees desperate to escape the Nazi regime. At the heart of the story is Rick Blaine, an American expatriate who owns a popular nightclub, Rick’s Café American. He is depicted as cynical and nonpolitical, but his past harbors a deep hurt from a failed romance in Paris with Ilsa Lund. 

Ilsa re-enters Rick’s life when she arrives in Casablanca with her husband, Victor Laszlo, a Czech resistance leader. They seek hard-to-get transit papers to escape to America, a quest that leads them to Rick’s Café, the center of various intrigues. The climax occurs when Rick must decide whether to use the letters of transit he has obtained to escape with Ilsa, or to help her and Victor escape, thus aiding the resistance against the Nazis.

“Casablanca,” says Phyllis Wang, Coordinator of SJCA, “explores themes like love, sacrifice, and moral ambiguity in a time of war. It combines personal drama with broader political issues, making it a compelling narrative.”

Made with a wartime audience in mind, it’s impossible not to relate Casablanca’s messaging to the world we live in today. Authoritarianism is on the rise, and war again threatens to embroil Europe as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nears its fourth year. While the final message of Casablanca is hopeful that America’s involvement will turn the tide against Nazi Germany, this, of course, was far from assured when the film was released in November 1942.

Even without knowing the outcome, Casablanca ends on a promising note. Rick makes a noble sacrifice, one that denies him true love, as the Lazslos escape while he and others resolve to take up the fight against the Nazis. It’s a message that has withstood the test of time and is as pertinent today as it was when first released.