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Monday, 05 May 2014 13:40

Robert A. Borowski

GREENFIELD CENTER — Robert A. Borowski, 63, passed away on Sunday, April 27 at Albany Medical Center from a brief illness, with his loving family at his side.

He was born on November 29, 1950 the son of the late Stephen F. and Mary E. Fitzgibbon Borowski.

Robert was a graduate of Niskayuna High School and then attended St. Rose, getting a degree in Drug and Alcohol Awareness. He worked for Conifer Park in Glenville as a Drug and Alcohol Coordinator.

Robert married Katherine Wemitt on June 27, 1985 and they spent 28 wonderful years together. Robert enjoyed fishing, hunting and playing his beloved guitar. In his spare time, he enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren.

Robert is survived by his wife, Katherine; son, Anthony P Weiler (Michelle) of Rexford; daughter, Elizabeth A. Jones (Jon) of Greenfield Center; nephew, Michael E. Borowski of Schenectady; six grandchildren, Courtney Weiler, Tiffany Weiler, Brendan Weiler, Izabella Lashway, Nicholas Weiler and Holliann Jones.

He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Stephen A. Bowoski.

Monday, 05 May 2014 13:33

Jack Edward Haley

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Jack Edward Haley, 66, a lifelong resident of Saratoga Springs, passed away in his home on April 24.

Born in Saratoga Springs on May 24, 1947, he was the son of the late Silas A. Haley and Shirley Streeter Haley. Jack was a graduate of Saratoga Springs High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College.

He managed the Rip Van Dam Bar in Saratoga Springs for many years and sponsored the Rip Baseball Team. He was a member of the Church of St. Peter on Broadway.

Jack was a U.S. Navy Vietnam War veteran and was loved by his family and friends. In his earlier years he was an avid baseball player and loved his New York Mets. He loved anything to do with baseball.

Survivors include his sister, Candyce Haley Robenstein (Richard ); his nephews, Richard E. Robenstein II, Christopher E. Robenstein (Lindsey); his great nephews, Richard E. Robenstein III, Tyler Jacob Robenstein all of Saratoga Springs; his aunts, Patricia Haley Morency of Schuylerville and Mary Haley Drew (Thomas) of Victory Mills; as well as several cousins.

Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Saratoga County Veterans Trust Fund, c/o of Saratoga County Treasurer, 40 McMaster St. Ballston Spa, NY 12020.  www.SaratogaCounty.gov

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff  Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, 29 April 2014 13:49

V. Beth Liebich

SARATOGA SPRINGS — V. Beth Liebich, 58, of Saratoga Springs, recently of Stillwater and previously of Clifton Park, passed away on Thursday, April 24 at her home.

Beth was born in DeKalb, Illinois on July 17, 1955 as the third child of Virginia VanSenus and Hugh A. Earley. She spent her first seven years in DeKalb, before moving to Chazy with her parents and brother, Michael, in 1962. The family subsequently lived in Glens Falls and then settled in Saratoga Springs.

Beth married and had a son, Adam, in 1979, who has always been the brightest light in her life. In 1992, she married Richard C. Liebich of Clifton Park, and together they spent the next 20 years involved deeply in philanthropic undertakings, particularly focused on education and medical foundations.

Beth was actively involved in the palliative care field.  She was past Chairman of the Clifton Park Republican Committee, an active member of the Saratoga County Planning Commission, and she participated in various local civic committees.

Her special interests have been her family and their dogs: Parker, Ranger, Willie and Nellie. 

She was a voracious reader who loved to golf with her sister-in-law Susan, go to the theatre and films, and to have lunches with Susan and their girlfriends.  She also loved to ski in the winter.

Beth had a keen intelligence and sharp wit. She was a most generous, selfless, compassionate person who would go to any length to give assistance to anyone she could with a gentle assurance, a loving affirmation or a listening and attentive ear.

Beth was preceded in death by her parents, Hugh and Virginia Earley, her grandparents and her beloved husband, Richard. She is survived by her adored son, Adam Scavone (Tiffany), her sister, Kathy Earley (Vickie Mayo) and her brother, Michael Earley (Susan).

Left also to mourn her absence are her niece, Cindy Sroka (Bruce); and nephews, David Budinger (Ann), Erik Earley (Julia) and Brian Earley (Alicia). She’s also survived by her brother-in-law Donald Liebich (Marcia) and sister-in-law Betsy Alte (Chuck), numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.  She will be especially missed by her very close friends, Dottie Lapis and Elaine Kelly.

Services to celebrate Beth’s life will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, May 1 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes at 628 North Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society at www.lls.org.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, 29 April 2014 13:46

Reverend Robert Raymond Daggs Sr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Reverend Robert (Bob) Daggs, 88, of Ballston Avenue in Saratoga Springs, went home to be with the Lord on April 28 at Albany Stratton Veteran Administration (VA) Medical Center in Albany.Born on August 4, 1925 in Saratoga Springs, he was the son of the late Emory Daggs Sr. and Maude Wicks Daggs.

He is predeceased by his loving wife, Alice Daggs, of Savannah, Georgia’ his four brothers, Donald, Joseph, Richard and Emory Daggs Jr.; and sisters, Ethel Falby and Margaret Daggs Caron.

Rev. Daggs worked with his father and brothers at E. Daggs Trucking Company in Saratoga Springs. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during World War II from 1943-46. He met and married Alice E. Grayson of Savannah, Georgia in 1964.

Rev. Daggs was a heavy equipment operator and worked for several black top, construction, and road repair companies. He was a volunteer Deputy Sheriff for the Schenectady County Sheriff’s Department from 1974-82. Rev. Daggs was a member of the Tuscan Lodge 85, Free & Accepted Masons, Prince Hall Affiliated. He was also a member of the Sacandaga Elks Lodge No. 1462, in Gloversville. He was a former member of Duryee Memorial African Methodist Episcopal Zion (AME) Church in Schenectady.

In 1982, Rev. Daggs served as Pastor to People’s African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church of Gloversville, starting in June 1987 and retired as an Elder Pastor in June 1999.  He also served as Pastor to Johnstown AME Zion Church in Johnstown from 1993-98. He retired from active ministry in April 2013 due to illness.

Family and friends may call from 6-9 p.m. on Friday, May 2 at Duryee Memorial AME Zion Church, 311 Hulett St. in Schenectady.  

A Going Home Service will be held on Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. at People’s AME Zion Church, 135 E. Fulton St. in Gloversville. Burial services will be held at Greenridge Cemetery, Lincoln Avenue in Saratoga Springs, immediately following church services. The repast will follow at Frederick Allen Lodge, located at69 Beekman St. in Saratoga Springs. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made in his memory to: Fisher House, 113 Holland Ave. Albany, NY12208

Online remembrances may be made at www.tunisonfuneralhome.com.

Tuesday, 29 April 2014 09:48

Viola Bartoszek

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Viola Bartoszek, 92, passed away quietly in her sleep on Saturday, April 26 at Wesley Health Care Center. She now joins all her friends on Rainbow Bridge at the end of her long journey through life.

Viola was born on March 23, 1922 in New York City. She loved Saratoga Springs and cherished her friends and time she lived in the community.

She is predeceased by her sister, Stephanie, and her dearest nephew, Sergeant Edward Barton.

The family would like to express their sincere thank you to all the staff and volunteers at Wesley who helped Viola in her final days.

There will be no services at her request and burial will be private at the convenience of the family.

Donation may be made in her memory to a charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Monday, 28 April 2014 11:13

Martha A. Dunn

MECHANICVILLE — Heaven earned a feisty angel on Monday, April 21. Martha lost her battle to cancer that she fought so quietly.

Martha was a 1960 graduate of Mechanicville High School. She worked for the NYS Deptartment of Tax and Finance and Saratoga State Park.

She cared for so many throughout her life. Martha was a great friend and never hesitated to help someone. She was a crazy, fun loving lady. We were all so blessed to have her in our lives.  She was her grandchildren’s favorite cheerleader. Martha loved a fire in her backyard while enjoying a Manhattan and sneaking alcoholic beverages to her grandchildren. She was affectionately known as Ba to her grandchildren. She loved telling everyone she was a witch.

Survivors include her loving husband of 51 years, James Dunn; her sons Michael (Paula) Dunn and Patrick Dunn of Mechanicville; daughter, Meg (Tom) Badali of Schuylerville; daughter-in-law, Cathy Dunn; grandchildren; Joshua, Ryan and James Dunn, Heath and Seth Dunn, Anthony, Matthew, Sam Badali and Jessica (Michael) Hipwell; one great-granddaughter, Jayden Dunn; and close family friend, JamesMcCaffrey, who was like a son to her. She is also survived by her sisters Joanne (Larry) Catallo and Noreen (Edward) Parissi of Waterford; sisters-in law Ann (Vernon) Perkins and Rosemary Garland; and brother-in-law, Marty (Sue) Dunn.

Martha was predeceased by her son, James Dunn Jr. in 1995.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

BALLSTON SPA — Hot air balloons will take flight the weekend of June 20th and highlight the first ever Saratoga Balloon and Craft Festival.

The colorful and artistic event, run by Craftproducers, will be at the Saratoga Fair Grounds, starting Friday, June 20 and running through Sunday night, June 22.

In addition to the 20-plus hot air balloons with four liftoffs, there will also be a night of the Balloon Glow, or “Moon Glow.”

“At sunset, balloons will be lit so you can see the colors of the balloons against the darkness of the night sky,” said Saratoga County Fairgrounds General Manager Jeff Townsend.

The gathering of 15 hot air balloons inflating and coming to life at night amidst the Saratoga Fair Ground’s landscape will kick off the first night. If weather doesn’t allow for the Balloon Glow on Friday night, it will be moved to Saturday.

“It’s just one night this year for the first year event, so we hope for one night that will be busy,” said Craftproducers owner Tim Cianciola. “If it works well, then next year we will go two nights.”

Admission to the Balloon Glow is $5 for adults on top of the $10 general admission fee. Kids get in free.

On the other end of the spectrum, there will also be early morning balloon launches that rise with the sun on Sunday and Saturday, starting at 6 a.m.

The inaugural festival will also include a variety artists and artisans displaying their original works throughout the day, as well as live entertainment and music.

“They’ll have some morning launches on Saturday and Sunday, so it should be a spectacular event—also a lot of artisans,” Townsend said. “It’s not a typical buy-and- sell kind of event. It’s a lot of handmade and handcrafted items and they’re also going to be featuring New York State beers, wines and foods, so it should be a great weekend all the way around.”

From hand-thrown pottery to gold jewelry to contemporary furniture, there is scheduled to be over 100 artists and artisans expected to be at the event, according to the  Saratoga Balloon and Craft Festival website (balloonandcraft.com).

Specialty foods like chocolate, wines, spirits, dressings and maple syrup will also be on hand, as well as demonstrations and project opportunities for craft and food building.

Both the artists and artisans works as well as a hand crafted food and beverage tent will be open from noon until 7 p.m. on Friday and throughout the weekend.

The family event will also include a wide array of activities for the kids. Whether it’s face painting, walking inside a half-inflated balloon, going to the petting zoo, or coloring a picture before it takes to the sky attached to a hot air balloon, the younger age group has plenty to do.

“We did a similar event last year in Shelbourne (Vermont) at the Shelbourne Museum and we overloaded the museum with the capacity the first year and they wouldn’t let us come back,” Cianciola said. “So we began looking around for other areas and we knew Saratoga is a great market, a lot more people. We’re going to have a lot of great food, entertainment, and the kids have a lot of activities.”

The balloon ride tent is open from noon to 7 p.m.  on Friday, 5:30 a.m.-8 p.m. on Saturday, and 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. on Sunday for anyone who wants to book a flight or buy a festival souvenir. Tethered balloon rides are also available for a fuller flight.

Rides can also be booked by going to the event website at balloonandcraft.com and clicking on “Launches & Rides” or calling (518) 798-0858.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 17th annual Saratoga Invitational will feature the first ever 10-lane regatta course in the United States and the highest number of boats ever hosted at the event.

Saratoga Rowing Association Regatta Director Chris Chase anticipates 1,350 men’s and women’s boats to compete at the mouth of Fish Creek this weekend in the three-day event from Friday to Sunday.

“Normally there’s six lanes, so 10 lanes of racing coming down with twice as much action—it’s one of those things, in a six-boat race, the top two boats that are fast can leave everybody behind,” said Chase, who noted that the exciting change allows more boats on the water without using another day. “In a 10 boat race, you’re going to have multiple races going on in the same race. You might have the race of your life in seventh place because the eighth place boat has the same speed as you and you’re fighting.  I think that’s cool for the athletes to sink their teeth to you.”

In 2012, the Invitational went from a two-day event to three days. But Chase doesn’t see the event ever adding a fourth. Part of the reason is so kids don’t have to miss school. Friday’s races are already set up just for athletes who row singles or doubles, so teams don’t have to leave school.

“I’m pretty sure we’re about at capacity,” Chase said. “When I figured out how many we could conceivably take it was around 1,500.”

Three years ago, the Invitational had 900 boats on the water. Last year it was about 1,200. As the event continues to grow, there are numerous reasons why teams from the Northeast (Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Jersey) continue to make the trip to Saratoga Springs against “the other monsters of the Northeast.”

This year there is also a team from Cleveland that made the journey, in addition to the Canadian National team (E.L. Crossley, Ontario) that has won that title for 14 years straight. The Essex Rowing Club (Massachusetts) is bringing 234 athletes alone.

That’s not to forget the local teams that help make up the over 1,000 rowers in the 30-mile stretch from Albany to Saratoga who will be representing upstate New York. Shenendehowa, Stillwater, Burnt Hills, Shaker, Albany, Albany Academy, Ballston Spa, Niskayuna and Ballston Spa are amongst the schools that will be represented this weekend.

“The biggest benefit that this regatta gives to people is that it’s early in the season and it’s unlimited entries,” Chase said. “You can do anything you want. It’s not like a championship regatta when you’re going to run one boat, you’re hoping to win that event and that’s what you do. With this event you can enter anything you can come up with just because it’s early and you want to know what you’ve got. You risk nothing against the best competition on the east coast. It’s just extra racing.  I think this year, more than any other year in the past, the fact that we’re getting on the water so late, people are just cabin fever crazy and nobody really knows what they’ve got on their team right now. Rowing is a sport of rhythm and working together, and without being on the water, nobody really knows what they have. They’re going to be able to put it the test this weekend.”

With the extended winter and ice on the water, the SRA had only been able to practice six times this year heading into Thursday. Usually at this time that number is in the 30s.

In the midst of the high school competition of the Invitational, the Liberty League Championships will also take place on the water Sunday morning with the winner earning an automatic bid to the NCAA DIII tournament. The Invitational will then pick up again at 10:30 a.m.

The excitement of the kick-off to the spring regatta season starts at 2 p.m. Friday. The last scheduled race is set for 4 p.m. Sunday. After this weekend’s Invitational, Saratoga Lake will again host the Section II and New York State meets in the respective following weekends.

“If you want to measure the number of boats racing at the starting line, Saratoga is one of the single biggest regatta LOC’s, Local Organized Committees, in the country, bar none,” Chase said. “If you factor in that Saratoga is built for tourism—lot of hotel rooms, dead flat water out on fish creek and a culture that knows part of our identity is that we host regattas—all things considered, we are blessed to have the things that we have to put on regattas.”

To see a full schedule of the Saratoga Invitational, or to live stream the last 100 meters of the races this weekend, visit www.saratogarowing.com. There are also a limited number of free passes for fisherman to launch at the south shore available at the Bait Shop.

Monday, 21 April 2014 10:07

Peter G. Goutos

SCOTIA — Peter G. Goutos, 90, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on April 17 in Saratoga Springs.

Born in 1923 in Lynn, Massachusetts, Peter was four days shy of his 91st birthday and passed on the day of his own father’s death.

Peter’s parents, Theodore and Zogrufia Thesalonikcos Goutos, emigrated from Mytilene, Greece and relocated to Schenectady to raise Peter and his brother Christopher. A lifelong resident of Scotia, Peter proudly lived in the home he had bought with his wife of 30 years, Joan Cornelia Burns, who passed unexpectedly in 1983. Joan was an exceptionally loving wife and mother and her memory was ever-present in Peter’s life.

Peter was a World War II veteran serving in the Asian-Pacific Theater on board slow moving troop and beach assault vehicle transport ships such as the Tank Landing Ship LST 681. He was an enginemen and gunner who engaged hostile forces in the Lingayen Gulf and Okinawa in 1945. Peter kept the ship running and defended it in times of action. Sustaining battle damages, his ship survived and earned two battle stars. Following his honorable discharge, Peter reentered the U.S. Navy as a reservist, attaining the rank of Senior Master Chief Petty Officer. Through his 20 years of reserve service, Peter was deployed to various national military locations. He fondly recalled innumerable stories, the most memorable being his flight off the deck of the aircraft carrier Intrepid. 

Professionally, his work history was a tribute to his dedication to maintaining the strength of his beloved country’s defense. A past employee of ALCO Locomotive, Peter trained veteran steam locomotive engineers in the operation of new diesel powered locomotives. After a brief stint at General Electric’s Schenectady operations, Peter joined the Voorheesville Army Depot, inspecting and maintaining military vehicles. Upon closure of the Depot, Peter was proud to have been selected to join the Watervliet Arsenal as a Mechanical Engineering Technician where he earned the grade of GS-11. Peter was a recognized expert in large and small-bore artillery and cannon. He proudly worked in the Quality Assurance Directorate where he contributed and often personally solved problems identified with systems under his responsibility. Peter retired after a combined service accrual of over 45 years.

Educationally, Peter’s resume is an inspiration to all who are lifelong learners. He was a graduate of Mount Pleasant High School in Schenectady. Following his service obligation, he attended the University of Missouri, Union College, RPI, and the University of Connecticut. His list of post-college military courses took him to educational venues throughout the country. If he did not know it, he researched it and learned it. 

Peter was an active member of the Capital Area Chief Petty Officers Association, Guan Ho Ha Fish and Game Club, and the New York Penn Military Vehicle Collectors Association. He contributed to the restoration of the USS Slater and the construction and maintenance of the Half Moon replica ship. He volunteered as an auxiliary police officer in the Village of Scotia for over 15 years.

Peter was a passionate outdoorsman. His hunting and fishing stories were repeated often and all were true.  He shared this passion with his grandchildren and friends. Countless children learned the sport of fishing from him, and with it the responsibly to sustain our environment. Peter was dedicated to the conservation practice, ensuring the enjoyment of nature for generations to come.

In addition to his wife Joan, Peter was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Zogrufia Goutos. A lover of animals, he cherished his motorcycle-riding cocker spaniel Princess. 

His loving family, who miss him oh so much, survives Peter. Left to cherish his memory are his son, Peter Christopher Goutos; daughter-in-law, Cheryl A. Smith; and four exceptional grandchildren, Christine Joan, Nicholas Edward, Demetri Peter, and Cassandra Zoë, who were the love of his life.

In addition, Peter is survived by his older brother Christopher Goutos and his wife, Anita, as well as their four children who fondly remember their Uncle Dyke.

Peter touched the lives of so many friends in Scotia, who laughed, supported and cared for him as a friend, adopted father, and grandfather.

Peter’s actions and expressions instilled a sense of commitment to his family, friends and country. His organizational skills and attention to detail were inspirational. His character built character in others. He was dedicated to his country and was a crusader for peace through leadership with a strong defense. Peter was an example of what made the United States what it is; let us never forget our Veterans of WWII.

Peter’s family extends their deepest admiration and thanks to the Stratton Veterans Hospital physician and nursing staff. Always a Veterans advocate, Peter felt the most confidence in the presence of his colleagues at the VA. In the last chapter of his life, Peter was extended the loving comfort of the professional team at the Wesley Community in Saratoga Springs. The thoughtfulness and attention of the Hathorn Building team was repaid in small measure through Peter’s whimsical anecdotes, meant to convey a smile to his group of angels.

Friends may call Monday, April 21 from 6-8 p.m. at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, (518) 584-5373.

A funeral service will be conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 22 at the funeral home with Father Paul J. Borowski, C.Ss.R., officiating.  Burial with military honors will follow in Maplewood Cemetery, South Corinth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Peter’s memory to the Camp Colby program of the Guan Ho Ha Fish and Game Club 1451 Rector Road, Scotia, NY 12302.

Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com.

Friday, 18 April 2014 12:34

Catherine (Betty) Brower

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Catherine (Betty) Brower, 97, passed into a better world on February 4 at The Springs of Wesley Health Care Center.

Betty was the wife of the late G. Wesley Brower, whom she married in 1947. They lived in Port Washington until his passing in 2002. She then moved to Saratoga Springs 12 years ago to be closer to family.

Betty, as she was known, was the youngest of six daughters born to the late August and Marie (Klob) Faulhaber. She worked in the insurance industry for a number of years but because of a long commute into Manhattan, she decided to work closer to home. She worked at Lord & Taylor in Manhasset and became head of Quality Control.

Retired after 35 years, she became interested and active in charitable projects. Betty loved animals and cared for many abandoned animals during her lifetime.

In addition to her husband and parents, Betty was predeceased by all of her sisters.

Survivors include her nephews, Frank Funk, Richard Miles, Lawrence Funk, Bill Outler and George Outler; nieces, Loretta Smith, Dorothea Salerno and Marie Algozini; 12 great-nephews, 10 great-nieces and many great-great nephews and nieces.

Interment will be private at the convenience of the family.

Arrangements were under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway (518) 584-5373.

Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

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  • New York State Police The New York State Police announced that it issued 5,576 tickets during this year’s St. Patrick’s Day enforcement initiative. The campaign began on Friday, March 15, and continued until Sunday, March 17. During the campaign, funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, State Police utilized sobriety checkpoints, additional DWI patrols, and underage drinking and sales to minors detail. State Police also ticketed distracted drivers who use handheld electronic devices. State Troopers arrested 132 people for DWI and investigated 199 crashes, which resulted in 25 people being injured and no fatalities. As part of the enforcement, Troopers also…

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  • BALLSTON Heather DiCaprio sold property at 473 Garrett Rd to Justine Levine for $288,000 Sharon Willman sold property at 99 Jenkins Rd to Charles Lemley for $165,000 CORINTH George Montena sold property at 422 Oak St to Stephen James for $142,250 Mark Makler sold property at 313 Oak St to Sabrina Sinagra for $195,000 GREENFIELD Landlord Services of Upstate New York sold property at 1935 NYS Rt 9N to Cochise Properties LLC for $210,000 MALTA  Linda LaBarge sold property at 35 Snowberry Rd to Qu Haozheng for $270,000 Dennis Mitchell sold property at 60 Village Circle North to BGRS Relocation…
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