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Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids, Ribbon Cafe Hold Fundraiser for Local Seven-year-old

from Saratoga TODAY August 4 - 10, 2023

by Saratoga TODAY

from Saratoga TODAY August 4 - 10, 2023, page 35

Article from: Saratoga TODAY August 4 - 10, 2023

BALLSTON BEATDOWN: LOCAL WREST...

by Dylan McGlynn Saratoga TODAY

BALLSTON SPA —

The Ballston Spa Sunshine Kids and the Ribbon Café held their third annual fundraiser on July 29, raising money for local seven-year-old Aiden Rodriguez of Queensbury.

In September 2022, Rodriguez was diagnosed with Grade 3 Choroid Plexus Carcinoma, a rare form of brain cancer, and Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which causes an increased risk for several types of cancer. Patricia Rodriguez, Aiden’s mother, said the community support shown on Saturday was “very overwhelming.”

“We are humbled, we are surprised, thankful,” said Patricia Rodriguez. “I mean, beyond grateful.”

“We didn’t ask for any of this, it just came around,” added Jason Rodriguez, Aiden’s father. “We’re very appreciative of how the community has put this together.”

The fundraiser was initially started by local parents Kate DuBois-Huskie and Tricia Stevenson, who said they have worked with Ribbon Café owner Kevin Myers and his sister Christine Pyle to hold the event each of the past three years.

“It’s just amazing to see people in the community that want to help,” said DuBois-Huskie. “I feel lucky to have the connections and the people that want to help. Hopefully every year we get a little bigger, and help more kids.”

The lemonade stand itself was run by DuBois-Huskie and Stevenson’s children; fouryear-olds Dax Huskie and Sophia Stevenson, six-year-old Addison Huskie, and sevenyear-old Scarlett Stevenson.

“I think any time the community can come together to support somebody, it’s just a really feel-good environment for everybody,” Tricia Stevenson said.

The portion of Prospect Street directly in front of the Ribbon Café was closed to traffic on Saturday, instead filled with the stands of numerous local businesses and organizations. The fundraiser featured a DJ, children’s games, miniature donkeys from Maple Rock Farm, and many local vendors.

The event also featured performances by dancers from the Carol Lawrence School of Dance, where DuBois-Huskie and Stevenson’s daughters participate. The two parents said they initially met after enrolling their daughters at Carol Lawrence.

“Again, it’s just great to see the community show up,” said DuBois-Huskie.

Aiden has undergone numerous procedures, and recently was the first person to be enrolled in a clinical trial in New York, where he underwent intra-arterial fusion of chemotherapy, his mother said.

Following the clinical trial, the tumor was removed on June 13, Patricia Rodriguez said. The family recently traveled to Rochester, where Aiden received what was described as “high doses of chemotherapy.” Aiden will return for another round of chemotherapy this month, his parents said.

The Rodriguez family offered thanks to several hospitals and medical centers that have assisted in Aiden’s treatment. Patricia Rodriguez emphasized she believes that everyone should be tested for Li-Fraumeni Syndrome at birth, and again mentioned the strong community support the family has received.

Saturday’s event raised over $4,300 as of Aug. 2, DuBoisHuskie said via email, while a GoFundMe page for Aiden (https://gofund.me/687adc9d) has received over $12,000 in donations.

“The community has been great for us everywhere,” said Patricia Rodriguez. “So much support. … There’s no words to describe it.”

Alice Joan Bull Rickett Feulner

GREENFIELD CENTER —

Alice Joan Bull Rickett Feulner died on July 25, 2023. Services for Alice will be held in the fall in Bolton Landing, NY. A brief graveside service will be held in the fall at Hutchings Cemetery in Greenfield Center. Condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

Carol McDonnell

BOYNTON BEACH, FL — Carol McDonnell of Boynton Beach, FL, died July 30, 2023. A memorial service was held August 2, 2023 at Compassionate Funeral Care located at 402 Maple Ave. Calling hours were held prior to the service. Condolences may be shared at www. compassionatefuneralcare.com

James C. Spiak

GREENFIELD CENTER — James C. Spiak, age 78, peacefully passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family. He was born on December 6,

Roberta Joan Ruhle

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Roberta Joan Ruhle, 80, died on July 29, 2023 after a brief illness. Funeral services will be private. Arrangements are under the direction of the Willliam J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs, 12866. Online remembrances may be made at www. burkefuneralhome.com.

John William Laraway

SARATOGA SPRINGS — John William Laraway, 82, passed away Saturday, July 29, 2023, at Wesley Health Care Center. Memorial donations: The Wesley Foundation, 131 Lawrence St, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Calling hours 10-12 p.m., Saturday, 8/5/2023 Burke Funeral Home, service to follow at 12 p.m. Burial private. Visit burkefuneralhome.com.

Mary Tallman

1944 in Cohoes, NY, the son of the late Joseph Spiak and Genevieve Marco Spiak.

In 1962 James graduated from Shaker High School and went on to serve in the Air National Guard in which he was assigned to the 109th Airlift Wing at Stratton Air National Guard base where he served 6 years.

James was a Plant Manager for Wrisco Inc for many years and later was the CEO of A1-Air Conditioning in Florida up until his retirement in 2001 and moved back to New York. Following retirement, he drove a school bus for children with special needs. James enjoyed woodworking, fishing, and boating, but his greatest joy was spending time with family and friends.

James is survived by his loving wife, Elaine; sons, Christopher (Chrissy), Michael (Kelly); daughter, Laurie (Gerald) VanValkenburg; brothers, Paul (Kathy), Tony (Donna); sister, Melodee (Ken) Perry; grandchildren, Alexis, Jessica, Samantha, Benjamin, Camryn, Morgan, Bailey; great-grandchildren, Averi, Parker; many nieces, nephews and friends.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Pezzulo and his staff for all their kindness, professionalism, and support.

A Celebration of Life was held at Compassionate Funeral Care on August 4, 2023.

Bubby and Matt Muzikar, Michael, Edward and Robert Burns and several great nieces and nephews.

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA SPRINGS ∙ 584-5373

WILTON — Mary Tallman, 87, passed away on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at Saratoga Hospital surrounded by her family. She was born on November 7, 1935 in Glendale, California to Reginald and Delia (Henley) Burns.

Mary Burns Tallman graduated from Saratoga Springs High School in 1955. In 1956 she married her high school sweetheart Daniel Tallman Sr. and had four children.

Mary worked as a waitress at many places through the years. She worked as a monitor/teacher’s aide at Saratoga Springs High School for 32 years. She loved to help others. She coached many kids in Saratoga through the years whether it was swimming or any other sporting event. Her greatest joy was watching her kids play sports anytime anywhere. If it wasn’t her kids, she went anyway to watch. She was a great Saratoga fan. Family vacations to Maine were her fondest memories. In her later years playing cards and trivia were her favorite activities. She was always ready to play a game or have a party.

Mary is survived by her sons, Daniel Tallman Jr. (Linda), Michael Tallman (Debbie), daughter, Kelly Regels (David), brother, Richard Burns (Wynette), grandchildren, Brandon Tallman (Ashley), Bryan Tallman, Erik Tallman, Taylor Regels, Zachary Regels, Hunter Regels, niece, Jackie Graham (Stephen), greatgrandchildren, McKinnley Goss, Jaxon Tallman, nephews,

She is predeceased by her parents, her loving husband, Daniel Tallman Sr., son, Nicholas, grandson, DJ III, and sister, Patricia Muzikar. Calling hours will be held on Saturday, August 5, 2023 from 1 to 5 p.m. at Compassionate Funeral Care, 402 Maple Ave. (Rte 9 and/or Marion Ave.), Saratoga Springs, NY. A funeral service will follow at 5 p.m. A celebration of life will be Sunday, August 6, 2023 at Maple Ave. Fire Department, 615 Maple Ave., Saratoga Springs from 12 noon to 4 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Mary can be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be shared at compassionatefuneralcare.com

Death Notice: $35 up to 50 words, includes posting on our website Standard Obit: $60 up to 300 words, includes photo, sameday posting on website and Facebook.

Extended Obit: Call for Price 301+ words, includes photo, website, and samedayposting on Facebook. Every additional 100 words is $50.

Saratoga Springs Police

Kapone Brown, 26, of Woodbury, NJ, was charged with DWI, speeding, criminal possession of a firearm, and aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Bridgete Parisi, 53, of Hudson Falls, was charged with criminal trespass.

Craig Brown, 48, of Westerlo, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and unsafe backing.

Ian Osgood, 25, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with criminal mischief, and obstructing governmental administration.

Jacob Hayner, 37, of Mechanicville, was charged with petit larceny.

Deborah Hart, 67, of the Bronx, was charged with grand larceny, and identity theft.

Tasean Booth, 31, of Schenectady, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle.

Patricia Wheeler, 69, of Milton, was charged with DWI, and failure to keep right.

Lucas Henderson, 18, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with arson, criminal mischief, and criminal trespass.

Cassandra Felice, 31, of Greenfield, was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and three drivingrelated violations.

Ursula Mangir, 34, of Argyle, was charged with criminal contempt.

Ronald Harris, 65, of Saratoga Springs, was charged with operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs, moving from lane unsafely, and drinking alcohol or using cannabis in a motor vehicle on highway.

Michael West, 37, of Greenfield, was charged with four felony counts and two misdemeanor counts of criminal possession of a controlled substance.

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Unit charged John A. Donaldson, 68, of Lackawanna, NY with sexual abuse in the first-degree, a felony. Donaldson is accused of having sexual contact with a child less than 11 years old. He was sent to Saratoga County Correctional Facility in lieu of $2,500 cash bail, $5,000 secure bond, or $25,000 partially secure bond. The Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Lackawanna Police Department with the arrest.

Caylee M. Ringer, 26, of Salem, was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance, and promoting prison contraband – both felonies. Wyatt Carpenter, 28, of Moreau, was also arrested, following an investigation, and charged with attempted promoting prison contraband, a felony. Carpenter is accused of attempting to have contraband brought into the Saratoga County Correctional Facility.

On July 20, members of the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit and Special Operations Team executed a search warrant at Woodcrest Mobile Home Park, 377 Angel Road Lot 26 in the Town of Corinth following a lengthy investigation of drug trafficking within Saratoga County. As a result of the investigation and search warrant execution, Derrick J. Compton, 52, Jessica L. Westervelt, 38, and Jennifer L. Westervelt, 38, were each charged with multiple criminal possession and criminal sale of a controlled substance charges. As a result of the investigation and search warrant, scales, packaging material, quantities of crack/cocaine, suboxone, and hydrocodone were seized, according to police.

Saratoga County Court

Jamal Young, 32, of Albany, pleaded to grand larceny in the third-degree, charged November 2021 in Mechanicville. Sentencing Sept. 26.

Casey Mohan, 36, of Clifton Park, pleaded to grand larceny in the fourth-degree, charged February 2023 in Greenfield, and burglary in the second-degree, charged in Providence. Sentencing Sept. 20.