Displaying items by tag: saratoga

COURT

Quintan L. Smith, 19, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded May 31 to felony burglary, in connection with an incident in Saratoga Springs. Sentencing scheduled Aug. 2. 

Gabriel C. Hodge, 46, of Schenectady, was sentenced June 1 to 3.5 to 7 years in state prison, after pleading to felony robbery in connection with an incident in Ballston. 

POLICE

Christina M. Plumadore, age 27, Schenectady, was charged June 2 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor, speeding - posted zone. 

James R. Fetters, age 29, Holmes Beach, Florida, was charged June 2 with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th- misdemeanor, driving while intoxicated- misdemeanor, failure to stop at red traffic light, refuse pre-screen test. 

Jose L. Carmona, age 19, Saratoga Springs, was charged June 1 with assault in the third degree/ intent physical inury - misdemeanor, criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th- misdemeanor. 

Tyler J. Lumia, age 19, Ballston Spa, was charged June 1 with attempted assault in the third degree – misdemeanor. 

Joseph A. Romero, age 18, Saratoga Springs, was charged June 1 with criminal trespass third degree/building or property - misdemeanor.

Isaiah M. Robinson, age 22, of Saratoga Springs, was charged June 2 with one count felony burglary second-degree, three felony counts burglary in the third-degree, two felony criminal mischief in the third-degree, felony criminal possession of stolen property and the misdemeanors: petit larceny, resisting arrest, and two counts criminal possession of stolen property.
It is alleged Robinson illegally entered the overnight office of the St. Francis Motel, located at 195 South Broadway. A search warrant was obtained for Robinson’s apartment at the Whitmore Court Apartment Complex. Police said based on the results of the investigation, Robinson is suspected of twice breaking in to the Springs Motel, as well as breaking into the office of the Brentwood Motel, in addition to the St. Francis hotel incident. During their search officers recovered a Dell laptop, which had been reported as being stolen during a rash of car larcenies May 30 – during which, in all, about 20 cars were entered – most of which were parked in the parking lots of the Whitmore Court Apartment complex on Crescent Street.
Additional charges are possible. Robinson was arraigned and sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, or $50,000 bond.

Bradley T. Fuller, age 35, Albany, was charged May 28 with driving while intoxicated- 2nd offense - felony; refuse pre-screen test; failure to signal a turn. 

Robert J. Norgard, age 27, Storrs, Connecticut, was charged May 28 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree- misdemeanor; operation of a motor vehicle with suspended registration; failure to notify DMV change of address.   

Chad E. Reiner, age 23, Ballston Spa, was charged May 2 with aggravated driving while intoxicated- misdemeanor; stopping, standing, and parking - misdemeanor. 

Edward J. Purvee, age 51, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 27 with criminal contempt second degree/disobedience- misdemeanor. 

Keith L. Brown, age 58, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 26 with criminal mischief in the third degree- felony. 

Louisa M. Degarmo, age 37, Salem, was charged May 26 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree- misdemeanor.

Zachary M. Santomassimo, age 22, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 25 with criminal mischief fourth degree/ intent to damage property- misdemeanor; assault in the third degree/ intent physical injury -  misdemeanor. 

Alexander A. Kotsakis, age 28, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 25 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree- misdemeanor; speeding - posted zone. 

Evan M. Lyndaker, age 24, Croghan, was charged May 25 with disorderly conduct; resisting arrest- misdemeanor. 

Khloe M. General, age 24, Albany, was charged May 24 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree- misdemeanor. 

Kyle R. Stratton, age 27, Schenectady, was charged May 24 with grand larceny fourth degree/ exceeds $1,000- felony. 

Zachary B. Fanning, age 27, Ballston Spa, was charged May 24 with felony DWI as a 2nd offense; speeding - posted zone; failure to signal - turn, change lanes, parked; unsafe lane change; unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Christopher J. Cionek, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 23 with criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th- two counts; criminal possession of a weapon fourth degree; endangering the welfare of a child; criminal mischief fourth degree; assault in the third degree; obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. 

POLICE 

John P. Robert, age 29, Troy, was charged May 23 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor; speeding - posted zone; operating unregistered motor vehicle on highway. 

Barbara J. Baldwin, age 27, So. Glens Falls, was charged May 23 with endangering welfare of incompetent/phys. disabled - felony 

Edward J. Purvee, age 51, Saratoga Springs was charged May 22 with aggravated harassment in the second degree - misdemeanor. 

Bailey A. Davis, age 18, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 21 with menacing third degree - misdemeanor. 

Michael E. Leblanc, age 26, Schenectady, was charged May 21 with menacing second degree - misdemeanor; criminal possession of a weapon fourth degree - misdemeanor; criminal possession of a weapon fourth degree - misdemeanor. 

Leon G. Nadeau, age 33, Mechanicville, was charged May 21 with criminal mischief fourth degree/reckless damages - misdemeanor.

Chelsea T. Buckley, 28, of Vermont, was charged May 17 for promoting prison contraband first degree – felony, and criminal possession of a controlled substance seventh degree - misdemeanor. Buckley, an inmate at the Saratoga County Jail, is suspected of possessing heroin inside the Saratoga County Correctional Facility. 

Melissa S. Goodhue, 33, of Ballston Spa, was charged May 21 with grand larceny, forgery, and falsifying business records – all felonies.  It is alleged Goodhue, while employed with Ash Management, located in the Town of Milton, had taken money orders between February 2017 and January 2018 intended for the payment of rent and taxes to its subsidiary companies. Goodhue is accused of taking those money orders, adding her name to the payee line, and either cashing and or depositing them to the sum of $23,701.80.  She is also alleged to have altered the official business records in an attempt to conceal her actions. Goodhue is scheduled to reappear in the Milton Town Court on June 19.

Billie Joe E. Ryle, 41, of Schenectady, was charged May 21 with identity theft in the first degree (two counts); attempted identity theft in the first degree (one count); forgery in the second degree (two counts); grand larceny in the fourth degree (one count); petit larceny (one count); and attempted petit larceny (one count). Ryle is accused of using the identity and business account of another person to make purchases at the Allerdice ACE Hardware in the Town of Milton. He allegedly took the items and pawned them at XChange Cash and Trade in Colonie.  Ryle was sent to Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $25,000 cash, or $50,000 bond.

Matthew J. Sitton, age 38, Greenville, was charged May 14 with driving while intoxicated - misdemeanor; failure to stop at stop sign; safety belts. 

Javier A. Dalmasi, age 23, Gansevoort, was charged May 13 with criminal contempt second degree/ disobedience - misdemeanor/ two counts; attempted assault in the third degree - misdemeanor; aggravated family offense - felony. 

William A. Hathaway, age 37, Schenectady, was charged May 13 with criminal trespass third degree -  misdemeanor. 

Jaimie L. Myers, age 31, Stillwater, was charged May 13 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle second/refused chemical test - misdemeanor; operation of motor vehicle by unlicensed driver; speeding in posted zone. 

Barclay M. Chantel, age 39, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 13 with unreasonable speed; driving while intoxicated - misdemeanor; failure to keep right; improper right turn. 

Connor Romanzo-Bertoldo, age 22, Greenfield Center, was charged May 12 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor. 

Edward J. Ody, age 51, Ballston Spa, was charged May 12 with driving while intoxicated - misdemeanor; unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Noah J. Harpe, age 22, Melrose, was charged May 12 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehcile second/three or more suspensions - misdemeanor; following motor vehicle too closely. 

Zanasia K. Wicks, age 25, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 12 with endangering the welfare of a child- misdemeanor. 

Dennis M. Wadsworth, age 30, Gansevoort, was charged May 12 with assault third degree - misdemeanor; obstruction of breathing - misdemeanor; criminal mischief  fourth degree/ prevent assistance - misdemeanor. 

Moniece I. Campbell, age 21, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 12 with criminal mischief fourth degree - misdemeanor. 

Corey A. Saxton, age 31, Greenwich, was charged May 11 with robbery in the second degree/cause physical injury - felony; assault in the third degree - misdemeanor. 

Cameron S. Barker, age 20, Watervliet, was charged May 11 with coercion first degree - felony; coercion second degree - misdemeanor.

Paul Schrade stood atop the platform in the ballroom of the Ambassador Hotel. A few feet away, Bobby Kennedy delivered his speech.

A few hours earlier, the polls closed on the California Democratic presidential primary and the feeling of victory hung in the air. As Kennedy made his way off the stage to meet with the press, the ballroom filled with the exuberant chanting of his joy-filled supporters: RFK. RFK. RFK.

“As he walked off into the pantry area, heading for a press conference, Bobby said: ‘I want you with me,’” Schrade recalls. Once inside the hotel kitchen pantry area, he watched Kennedy extend his hand to greet workers. “Then I got hit,” Schrade says. “I started shaking violently. I didn’t even know that I’d been shot.”

Schrade was shot in the head and taken to Los Angeles’ Kaiser Hospital. Just over 24 hours later, at 1:44 a.m. on June 6, 1968, Kennedy was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan Hospital. After recovering from his injuries Shrade moved out of Los Angeles and into the desert. He set aside the memories of that tragic night for a long time.

Paul Schrade grew up in Saratoga Springs where as a young man he worked nights and weekends at the family floral business, the descendant of which maintains the Schrade name and today stands on West Avenue as the Posie Peddler. “Slave labor,” he says with a laugh. He had a busy scholastic career that included writing for the school newspaper, Oratoga, and being involved in the speech club and photo club, among other organizations. He graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1942 and studied at Yale College, later becoming a union organizer and getting involved in the nation’s political scene.

During John F. Kennedy’s election campaign in 1960, Schrade struck up a friendship with J.F.K.’s younger brother, Bobby. “We had a lot of great experiences together,” he says.

The year 1968 was one of conflict in America. “Bob was facing a lot of crises,” explains Schrade. “The anti-war movement, rebellion on campuses, rebellion in the black community; Dr. King had been shot and killed. The country was in horrible shape at the point and Bob provided some hope during this terrible time.”

Vice President Hubert Humphrey would later emerge from a turbulent Democratic National Convention in Chicago to represent his party. Republican candidate Richard Nixon would win the presidency in the general election.

Asked whether he can imagine how the world might be different had Kennedy survived and been elected president, Schrade says, “well he was against the war in Vietnam. He would have ended the war.” One person’s life making such a big difference. “One small bullet made a difference,” he replied.  

Sirhan Sirhan was convicted in 1969 of the assassination of Kennedy and sentenced to death in the gas chamber. The sentence was commuted three years later, when California abolished the death penalty. Sirhan became eligible for parole in 1986 but has been repeatedly rejected.

During the past several years, Schrade has re-focused his attentions on the assassination. Convinced there was a second gunman, he has been pushing for a thorough investigation. “There never was an investigation. They just grabbed Sirhan without evidence or witnesses and refused to go after the second gunman.

“I’m not going to get into conspiracy theories – whether he was programmed or not. Sirhan was there and fired (the first) two shots, missing Kennedy and shooting me. The gun was two to three feet in front of Robert Kennedy according to the prosecution’s own witnesses,” Schrade says. As he was being subdued, Sirhan wildly fired off a number of more shots. In all, six people were shot. The Los Angeles County coroner determined that three bullets struck Kennedy's body and a fourth passed harmlessly through his clothing, CNN reported in a 2012 story sub-titled, “There Was A Second Shooter,” following a 2012 interview with Nina Rhodes-Hughes, a witness to the murder. Rhodes-Hughes said she heard two guns firing during the shooting and that authorities altered her account of the crime.

“It was an eight-shot revolver and Kennedy got shot four times in the back. Sirhan didn’t have the bullets,” Schrade says. ”He was captured out of position. The gun was two to three feet in front of Kennedy and Kennedy got hit at point-blank range in the back. It couldn’t be Sirhan. It had to be a second gunman.

“The prosecution knew this, knew there was a second gunman and didn’t do anything to investigate it. They just did a quickie on Sirhan and sent him to the gas chamber. They were going to murder this guy,” Schrade says. “It was a well-planned investigation in order to convict Sirhan. They falsified the evidence right from the beginning.”

Asked for his thoughts on motivations behind the assassination, Schrade says, “we can only guess at the motivations because we never investigated the second gunman. And I don’t guess at things anymore, only facts and truth. They decided to go after Sirhan. I don’t know why. It could have been for political reasons, but ‘why’ has not been answered.

“I’m 93. The only thing I can do at this point is make a public declaration and try to get the people that have some influence involved,” Schrade says. “Hopefully it will move these organizations to do the right thing, by Kennedy, and by Sirhan.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Several dozen David Cassidy fans – some of whom embarked on their journey from a few thousand miles away – descended on the Spa City last weekend to celebrate the life of the late singer who had inspired them with song and for some helped navigate a clear and hope-filled path through a troubled time of adolescence.

Robin Smith, who first watched Cassidy perform onstage in 1972 in Houston when she was a young teenager, came in from Texas. Michael Oliver and Denise Kirth made the trip to the Spa City from Ohio. Marlene Habib brought along copies of her recently penned a 42-page tribute booklet, “David Cassidy: Crazy Over You in Saratoga,” and Annette Trotta-Flynn arrived with an active social media campaign to get Cassidy inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. “It’s a labor of love,” she said. “David cared about his fans. We’re continuing his legacy.”

One woman made the cross-Atlantic trip to Saratoga Springs from her home in Belgium. “I saw him in Antwerp in 1973 and it was an extreme experience for me,” related the woman, whose name is Veerle. “I was always a fan, but (as time went on) he wasn’t coming to my country anymore. I wanted to come to the U.S. to see him play, but then the bad news came that he was sick, and then he passed,” she lamented. “I made contact with some of his American fans and learned about this event, so that’s why I wanted to come.”

The event, billed as “A Celebration of David Cassidy’s Life,” was initiated by Samantha Cox from her home in Indiana. After the singer died in November 2017 at the age of 67, Cox said she took on as her New Year’s Resolution a mission to do something to honor Cassidy’s life.

“I chose Saratoga because he was into horse racing and he mentioned it as his favorite place in the world,” says Cox, who previously had never been to the Spa City. Her inquiries led her to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame opposite Saratoga Race Course which Cassidy frequented during the summer meet, and subsequently coordinated a successful social media effort that raised in excess of the $2,500 goal required to permanently place a memorial bench in Cassidy’s honor in the museum courtyard.

Cassidy, who appeared on several TV shows in a non-musical role, gained international stardom after he was cast as “Keith Partridge” on “Partridge Family” sitcom, which was broadcast from 1970 to 1974. He simultaneously launched a solo music career that saw him perform on some of the world’s biggest stages. His passion for equines dates back to the 1970s and frequent visits to Saratoga, where he bought his first yearling and where he eventually purchased a home.

At the same time Cox was mounting her Cassidy campaign, Columbia County based horse owner, breeder and veterinarian Dr. Jerry Bilinski and horse trainer Gary Contessa were also partnering on placing a bench in Cassidy’s honor in the newly named Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard. Last week, both benches were publicly unveiled, and many Cassidy fans made a long weekend of their visit to Saratoga Springs - visiting the museum and then staging a gathering at Spa City Tap and Barrel on Caroline Street Sunday night.    

“On November 21, God called David home, but I like to believe he is looking down today on us and smiling,” Cox told the group of fans who gathered at the Celebration of Life event Sunday night.  

Fans shared reminiscences of long ago concerts punctuated by deafening screams and blinding flashbulbs, as Cassidy jumped and gyrated in a white jumpsuit across the stage. Members of his band offered pre-recorded commentary via an overhead screen and Cassidy’s music was piped into the venue at varied intervals.

An announcement was also made that a special David Cassidy Tribute Concert – featuring members of Cassidy’s band - will be staged at the Horseshoe Inn on Aug. 14. The concert will act as fundraiser for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s David Cassidy Sanctuary Fund. Cassidy was a supporter of the Saratoga Springs based organization, which was founded in 1983 with a mission to save Thoroughbred horses no longer able to compete on the racetrack from possible neglect, abuse and slaughter.

Dr. Bilinski, who first met Cassidy when the performer brought his horses to Bilinski’s farm, addressed the crowd and spoke of their longtime friendship.

“When David first visited with us, we went out on the veranda and had a cigar – which we did for many years after that. The next morning, I noticed that the cigar as well as the ashtray were confiscated by (my wife) Darlene. That happened to be among a long list of memorabilia that we collected,” he told the attentive crowd.

Bilinski would go on to purchase Cassidy’s Jaguar for his wife Darlene, swap his snowmobile for Cassidy’s jet boat, take up the singer’s invitation to travel overseas and watch him perform in London, as well as end up with a bounty of signed record albums.

“He came to our farm many times. We sat on the porch discussing life and discussing entertainers: The Stones, The Beatles – some of these were heroes of mine back in the day, and he knew most of these people,” Bilinski said. “We would watch the horses, coming in and out from the fields. It became an important friendship for Darlene and I.”

Darlene Bilinski shared her own memories, which spanned from her childhood to the present day. “When I was a little girl, my girlfriend and I had tea parties. One of us would be Mrs. Cassidy and one of us would be Mrs. Osmond. There was a Bobby Sherman in there once as well, I think, but we would usually fight over David,” she said, with a laugh. “He was a great friend, a great guy. I loved him and miss him. I talked to him just before he died. I asked him: Do you want me to come down? He said, ‘No, I’ll be there next summer.’ We know that didn’t happen, but I feel he is with us, this evening.”

“David just loved it here and I can see now why this was his favorite place,” Cox said. “He was an entertainer and performer, but he was so much more to us, like a friend, there at down moments of our lives with a caring heart…I had an extremely difficult childhood. David’s music lifted my spirits. It inspired me to not give up.”

It would be inaccurate to hear a fan’s appreciation for Cassidy and categorize it simply a walk down memory lane. Many who attended the weekend events in Cassidy’s honor spoke of the music as an inspiration that helped transcend awkward and often difficult times: an escape, perhaps, or a technique more likely to carve of their own a new reality. And it was to the person who had provided this hope, to whom they were paying tribute.

The May 20 event was initially intended to be a one-time gathering, but in its aftermath, Cox expressed the desire to turn May 20 in Saratoga Springs David Cassidy Day into an annual event.

The David Cassidy Tribute Concert concert, featuring members of Cassidy’s band, will be staged Aug. 14 at the Horseshoe Inn. Tickets are $50 and are being made available via the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s web site. 

POLICE

Jerold C Kelleher, age 48, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 18 with criminal sale of a controlled substance 3rd degree - “b” felony/ two counts; criminal possession of a controlled substance 3rd- “b” felony/ three counts; criminal possession of controlled substance 5th - “d” felony; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd/three or more suspensions - misdemeanor.    

Krystyna Gajewski, age 29, Norwalk, Connecticut, was charged May 20 with misdemeanor DWI; speeding - posted zone; failure to keep right; criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th - 2 counts/ misdemeanor. 

Clayton C. Ruggles, age 21, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 19 with misdemeanor DWI; equipment (rear lights) manufactured after Jan. 1952; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd/three or more suspensions - misdemeanor. 

Raquel M. Rozdolski, age 34, New York City, was charged May 19 with assault in the third degree/intent physical injury - misdemeanor. 

Jeremy S. O’Brien, age 46, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 18 with fugitive from justice – felony. O’Brien was wanted on a felony warrant out of Tarrant County, Texas for a charge of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

Joseph A. Versaggi, age 49, Galway, was charged May 18 with failure to stop at stop sign; failure to signal a turn; operation of unregistered motor vehicle on highway; refuse pre-screen test; misdemeanor DWI. 

Susan E. Steenburgh, age 33, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 18 with misdemeanor DWI, failure to keep right, aggravated misdemeanor DWI. 

Jason M. Rector, age 36, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 17 with harassment second degree - physical contact; unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Christian E. Encarnacionfalcn, age 33, Schenectady, was charged May 17 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor. 

Ryan A. Kaufman, age 25, Glenville, was charged May 17 with unlawful possession of marijuana; criminal possession of controlled substance 5th - felony; criminal possession of a controlled substance 7th - misdemeanor. 

Roberto M. Ciavarella, age 41, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 17 with equipment; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor. 

Sanjulo B. Taylor, age 46, Comstock, was charged May 17 with following motor vehicle too closely; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd/three or more suspensions - misdemeanor. 

Brandy L. Mclaughlin, age 33, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 17 with criminal mischief fourth degree/intent to damage property - misdemeanor. 

Humberto Michel, age 57, Schuylerville, was charged May 17 with criminal mischief in the third degree - felony. 

Katherine M. Tennant, age 24, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 15 with resisting arrest - misdemeanor. 

Jennifer M. Allen, age 27, Greenfield Center, was charged May 15 with petit larceny - misdemeanor. 

Joseph O. Wilcox, age 18, Wilton, was charged May 15 with computer tampering in the fourth degree - a misdemeanor. 

Dominick A. Monge, age 22, Amsterdam, was charged May 15 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle 2nd/three or more suspensions - misdemeanor. 

Susan Cox remembers those magical nights, eyes fixed on the television set in her grandparents living room in Indiana, waiting to see what kind of musical mayhem would ensue. On the screen, a single mother of five alternated sitting behind the wheel of the family’s multicolored school bus and “playing” the piano to lead her musically imbued children in song.

It was the eldest sibling, played David Cassidy, who most captured the attention of Cox, as well as millions of others across America.

“I had watched him on TV dramas like “The Mod Squad,” and “Marcus Welby, M.D.” and he was a dramatic actor of course, but from the first time I heard David Cassidy sing, I thought he was phenomenal. And ‘The Partridge Family’ I watched religiously, every Friday night, with my grandparents. My grandmother used to say: ‘He’s so nice-looking, but he needs a haircut,’” she says with a laugh.

“I was a fan since I was 11 years old. I had an extremely difficult childhood, and my grandparents raised me. David’s music lifted my spirits. It inspired me to not give up,” Cox says. “I’d sit in my room and listen to his music like every other teenage girl at the time. We were all David crazy.”

Cassidy launched a solo music career and following the “Partridge Family” sitcom TV show run, which concluded in 1974, Cassidy also resumed his acting career as well as following his love of horses. His passion for equines frequently brought him to Saratoga, where he bought his first yearling and where in 2001 he purchased a home.  

“When David passed away in 2017, I felt the need to do something,” says the 60-year-old Cox, who worked at Notre Dame for 12 years, a handful of them in a fundraising capacity. “He gave so much of his life to his fans. He talked about how he loved us, and he knew we loved him. I chose Saratoga because he was into horse racing and he mentioned it as his favorite place in the world, so I started calling places in Saratoga Springs looking for a place to put a (memorial) bench.”

Her inquiries led her to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, which sits on Union Avenue directly across Saratoga Race Course which Cassidy frequented during the summer meet. Honoring Cassidy with a bench – the singer died in November 2017 at the age of 67 - would require Cox raising $2,500.

“It was my New Year’s resolution to do something for David. I opened a public Facebook page on Jan. 15 – the David Cassidy Memorial Bench at The National Museum of Racing. I think the first day it had 300 people liking the page. And it just kept going. Donations have come in I had People from Germany, from Malta, South America – Mexico, Columbia and Brazil – I’ve made so many new friends,” Cox says. “By January 30, all the funds were raised. Donations were still coming as of late April and all the excess goes directly into the annual fund in memory of David. I’m hoping I raised a lot of money for the museum because they were so gracious.” Following Cassidy’s lead, Cox says she has also embraced the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, which provides sanctuary to hundreds of horses across the country.

The bench was unveiled Thursday night in the revitalized museum courtyard, which has undergone a winterlong renovation. And in recognition of a $250,000 gift from prominent racehorse owner, philanthropist and Saratoga icon Marylou Whitney, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame named its courtyard in honor of Marylou’s late husband, Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney – who was among the museum’s founders in 1950 and served as the institution’s first president. The Cornelius Vanderbilt Whitney Courtyard will feature two benches honoring Cassidy. One is the result of a partnering between horse trainer Gary Contessa – who has more than 2,200 winning races under his belt - and Columbia County based horse owner, breeder and veterinarian Dr. Jerry Bilinski. The other Cassidy bench has been dedicated by singer’s fans, who will be flocking to the Spa City during the weekend.

David Cassidy Fans’ Day at Museum on Sunday

“Sunday, May 20 will be our day to see the bench and reflect on his life,” Cox says. The museum has set a 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. window on Sunday specifically to welcome Cassidy’s fans. The courtyard will be open to the public and admission is free.

“David has got fans worldwide and there are people from Germany, from Great Britain and from Canada who are coming to the event,” says Cox, who will be making the 730-mile trek from her home in Indiana. A private Celebration of Life Event, featuring guest speakers and fan reminiscences will take place later Sunday night.

“When I started the campaign, I hoped and prayed that we could get this for David, this permanent memorial tribute to him. He was more than an entertainer, he was a good person with a good heart,” Cox says. “From the moment I reached out to the museum, they have been so gracious. I know that we’ll have an awesome time in Saratoga Springs. Your people up there are really phenomenal.”

COURT

Anthony J. Paradise, 39, of Ballston Spa, was sentenced May 9 to one to four years in state prison, after pleading to felony robbery, related to an incident that took place in Saratoga Springs. 

Richard A. Faria, 40, of Mechanicville, was sentenced May 9 to one to three years in state prison, after pleading to felony grand larceny, related to an incident that took place in Ballston.

Barkim H. Tomer, 24, of Schenectady, was sentenced to 1.5 in state prison, after pleading to criminal possession of a controlled substance – a felony, related to an incident that took place in Saratoga Springs. 

Ryan Freebern, 20, of Saratoga Springs, pleaded May 8 to attempted rape in the first-degree – a felony, related to an incident that took place in Wilton. Sentencing scheduled for July 16. 

Robert K. Allen, 49, of Malta, was sentenced May 8 to 2.5 years in state prison, after pleading to attempted criminal possession of a controlled substance – a felony. 

Kimberly M. Nacy, 48, of Victory Mills, pleaded May 7 to attempted burglary – a felony, related to an incident that took place in the village of Victory. Sentencing scheduled for Aug. 6. 

Sharon E. Doring, 53, of Mastic,  pleaded May 11 to felony DWI, related to an incident that took place in Malta. Sentencing scheduled for June 28. 

POLICE

Marshall R. Gehring, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 10 with equipment (vehicle manufactured after 1952) and misdemeanor DWI.

Manuel Diaz, age 43, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree – misdemeanor, passed a red traffic signal light. 

Evan F. Schettini, age 22, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 10 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree – a misdemeanor, speeding – posted zone. 

Maureen Grissom, age 51, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 9 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree – a misdemeanor.

Michael D. Rosebrook, age 32, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 6 with burglary second degree/building is a dwelling – felony; stalking in the fourth degree – misdemeanor; stalking in the fourth degree – a misdemeanor. 

Moses Z. Ostreicher, age 37, Brooklyn, was charged May 6 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree – a misdemeanor; speeding – posted zone. 

Michael J. Lewis, age 38, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 6 with assault in the second degree/deadly weapon – a felony; criminal possession of a weapon third degree – a felony. 

Sindi M. Saita, age 56, Voorheesville, was charged May 6 with improper left turn; refuse pre-screen test; misdemeanor DWI; failure to stop at stop sign. 

Diego R. Ortego, age 28, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 5 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree – a misdemeanor; operation of motor vehicle by unlicensed driver; unsafe backing. 

William H. Creech, age 56, Fort Edward, was charged May 5 with equipment (obstructed view front/rear by object); failure to signal turn, change lanes, parked; operating unregistered motor vehicle on highway; aggravated unlicensed operation of motor vehicle third degree – a misdemeanor; unlawful possession of marijuana. 

Alipi Emilov, age 32, Albany, was charged May 5 with failure to signal turn, change lanes, parked; misdemeanor DWI.   

Nicholas J. Basher, age 22, South Glens Falls, was charged May 5 with obstructing government administration second – misdemeanor. resisting arrest – a misdemeanor. 

Michael J. Scoville, age 23, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 4 with criminal contempt second degree/disobedience – two counts/misdemeanor.

Steven W. Harris, age 47, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 4 with criminal trespass third degree/building or property – a misdemeanor. 

Sean W. Simmons, age 24, Pompano Beach, Florida was charged May 4 with misdemeanor DWI; speeding – posted zone.

Alexander M. Fisher, age 23, Clifton Park, was charged May 4 with circumvent interlock - court order - operation without device - misdemeanor; operation of a  motor vehicle by unlicensed driver; consumption of alcoholic beverages; felony DWI as second offense; aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle first degree – a felony. 

COURT

Brandon C. Willis, 24, of Hurley, was sentenced May 7 to six months in jail, after pleading to attempting to disseminate materials to minors in Milton - a felony. 

William H. Thompson, 35, of Ballston Lake, pleaded May 7 to second degree strangulation, a felony, in connection with an incident that occurred in Ballston. Sentencing Scheduled July 2. 

POLICE

Richard V. Balk, 50, of Middle Grove, was charged May 3 with being a fugitive from justice – a felony, based on an alleged outstanding probation violation arrest warrant from Maricopa, Arizona. Balk was arraigned at Greenfield Town Court and sent to the Saratoga County Jail to return to court at a later date. 

Henry J. Hester, age 42, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 3 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle third degree - misdemeanor; operation of a motor vehicle  by unlicensed driver. 

Philip D. Harrington, age 56, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 2 with harassment second degree - physical contact. 

Jayvon D. Zachery, age 23, Waterford, was charged May 2 with misdemeanor DWI; equipment (tires do not meet DMV standards); vehicle entering stop or yield intersection; aggravated DWI - misdemeanor. 

Victor A. Maffetone, age 31, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 2 with assault in the third degree/intent physical injury.   

James R. Florian, age 18, Saratoga Springs was charged May 2 - in connection with the alleged theft of a vehicle on Hyde Street - with offering a false instrument for filing second – misdemeanor; grand larceny third degree- felony; unlawful possession of marijuana, and criminal possession of stolen property third – felony. 

Henry A. Jenkins, age 30, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 2 with assault in the third degree/intent physical injury - misdemeanor; endangering the welfare of a child - misdemeanor. 

Tyler J. Lumia, age 18, Ballston Spa, was charged May 1 with endangering the welfare of a child - misdemeanor. 

Devone M. Derverger, age 34, Watervliet, was charged May 1 with burglary in the third degree- felony; attempt petit larceny - misdemeanor. 

David A. Lowers, age 25, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 1 with petit larceny. 

Gerson R. Valverde, age 35, Scotia, was charged May 1 with criminal contempt first degree - felony; menacing third - misdemeanor. 

Kelli J. Washington, age 55, Saratoga Springs, was charged May 1 with petit larceny- misdemeanor; criminal possession stolen property fifth degree - misdemeanor. 

Nikolas G. Martino, age 29, Albany, was charged May 1 with grand larceny fourth degree/exceeds $1,000.00 - felony. 

Jason M. Rector, age 36, Saratoga Springs, was charged April 30 with possession of a controlled substance 7th - misdemeanor. 

FIRE

Malta — A fire of unknown origin claimed the life of one person and resulted in four others suffering injuries which required medical attention. 

At approximately 9:12 p.m. on May 2, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office received a 911 call reporting a structure fire at a residence at 11 Woodshire Court, in the town of Malta, Round Lake Fire District. Emergency units responding to the call found the garage area of the home fully engulfed in flames upon their arrival, and occupants attempting to evacuate the building, according to the county Sheriff’s Office. 

Glenn Broadbent Sr., 60, was flown to Westchester Medical Center in critical condition, due to burn injuries; Janette Broadbent - age 64, Marcus Broadbent - age 12, and Lucas Broadbent - age 5, were transported to Albany Medical Center, due to smoke inhalation. Marcus also suffered burn injuries and has since been transferred to Shriners Hospital for Children in Boston, Massachusetts. Janette has since been discharged from the hospital, and Lucas is listed in stable condition. Eric Edwards, 32, was declared dead on scene by county Coroner Susan Hayes Masa. An autopsy will be scheduled to determine his cause of death. 

The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Saratoga County Cause and Origin Team with the assistance of the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Unit.  At this point the fire does not show any signs of being suspicious in nature, according to authorities.   

The Round Lake Fire Department was assisted at the scene by the Malta Ridge, Jonesville, City of Saratoga Springs and the Ballston Spa Fire Departments.  EMS agencies on scene included the Malta Stillwater, Clifton Park Halfmoon, Wilton and Life Net 72.   

SARATOGA SPRINGS – A new free monthly music series kicks off May 15 with a performance by The Dylan Perrillo Orchestra at Saratoga Senior Center. The series schedule showcases performances through October.

The concept behind the new series is to provide cultural offerings during midday and mid-week, says series organizer Jonathan Greene.

The series, largely funded by a grant from Saratoga Arts, is free and open to the public. Concerts will start at 12:30 p.m. and are scheduled on the third Tuesday of each month.

May 15 - Dylan Perrillo Orchestra. Ten-piece band that celebrates the beginnings of jazz performing arrangements of tunes from the 1920s to the 1940s. Saratoga Senior Center.

June 19 - Orchard Project. A preeminent engine of new work in the theater world, helping over 200 shows develop and go on to stages as big as Broadway and as small as a basement in Sweden. Orchard Project has made Saratoga Springs their summer home. Ben and Jerry’s (rain location: Saratoga Senior Center).

July 17 - Girl Blue. Girl Blue is the pseudonym of singer and songwriter Arielle O'Keefe. Her first single "Fire Under Water" placed 7th on Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist, with over 1 million hits the first month. Ben and Jerry’s (rain location: Saratoga Senior Center).

August 21 - Tame Pacific. Featuring members of internationally-noted but locally-based Wild Adriatic. Ben and Jerry’s (rain location: Saratoga Senior Center).

September 18 - Rodeo Barons. Roots rock band with modern alternative influences. Saratoga Senior Center.

October 16 - Heard. Original world music with jazz roots, influences from West Africa, Brazil, places in between and points beyond. Saratoga Senior Center.

For more information on the series, see the Lunchtime Concerts Facebook page: fb.com/lunchtimeconcerts.

SARATOGA SPRINGS – The city officially counts 59 “zombie” properties throughout Saratoga Springs but acknowledges there could be dozens more abandoned structures across the Spa City landscape.

The vacant and deteriorating homes, often abandoned by owners behind on their mortgage, pose safety risks and can negatively affect property values of entire neighborhoods.

“There are some in almost every neighborhood in the city,” says Public Safety Commissioner Peter Martin. “On our vacant property registry list we have 59, but we believe from neighbor reports and our own officers driving around the city that there are probably closer to 80.”

Abandoned properties can attract animals, pose potential structure fire issues, result in injuries to children seeking an unmonitored play space and create all kinds of concerns for the neighborhoods they inhabit, Martin says. “An eyesore that looks dangerous can lower property values, despite how well the neighboring properties are maintained.”

In 2013, the city adopted an ordinance to identify and registering vacant buildings, while imposing reasonable responsibilities for the property owners. Assisted by the awarding of a $150,000 state grant, the city more recently has begun to make a concerted effort to come up with solutions to the zombie properties.

“In part, the grant went to help us staff our code enforcers and in part it helped us to participate in the State Registry (of Vacant Properties),” Martin says. “We were also able hire an attorney on a part-time basis.”

In January, the city issued a call to hire a Special Prosecutor to work 15 to 20 hours per week at a rate of $40 per hour and assist the city attorney in enforcing local law relating to vacant structures. That position was recently filled and is already making a positive impact, Martin says. “The reasons were doing this comes down to safety and security,” he says, explaining that once identified, there are a variety of outcomes that can occur with the properties.

Last week, the city posted a form on its website that enables residents to notify the Public Safety Department of a vacant structure. That form may be accessed at: http://www.saratoga-springs.org/formcenter/vacant-structures-17/report-a-vacant-zombie-property-69

“You hope that you can catch it early enough so that there’s not too much damage to the building, so it can be brought back and made useful again – and in many cases it can be brought back. In some cases, it’s going to take the owner selling it to someone who has more ability to bring the property back, and, in very few cases it will result in the demolition of the property if it’s gone too far,” Martin says. “That’s really not the result we’re looking for - particularly if it’s a historic property - but in some cases it’s deteriorated to the point where that’s the only possible answer. We actually have a couple of those in (the demolition) process right now. “

In 2016, Gov. Andrew Cuomo first announced that New Yorkers can report vacant and abandoned properties in their communities through a hotline at the New York State Department of Financial Services, and signed legislation to prevent foreclosures and curb the threat posed to communities by “zombie properties” across the state.

“For each zombie home that we cure and for each that we prevent with this legislation, we are saving entire neighborhoods from the corrosive effect of blight and neglect,” Cuomo said.

City Offers Help for Homeowners

“Sometimes homeowners, through just bad luck, run into financial straits and are not able to make mortgage payments on a timely basis,” Martin says. “We have sessions where people can come and talk to homeowners about ways to restructure debt so that if they want to maintain the home, sometimes it can be done.”

To that effort, homeowners can contact reach out to the department of Public Safety, which maintains an office on the second floor of City Hall.