CHOWDERFEST 2023 CHOWDERFEST 2023

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

Save the date for the 24th Annual Saratoga Chowderfest on Saturday, February 11 from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Saratoga’s Annual Chowderfest is one of the area’s most highly anticipated events of the year. Familyfriendly, fun and utterly delicious, Chowderfest features more than 80 vendors—including Saratoga County’s best restaurants and caterers—who open their doors to the public and serve 4 oz. samples of chowder for $2 to event goers. Visit participating vendors and vote for your favorite. For a list of vendors go to www.discoversaratoga.org/ events/chowderfest.

This year’s Chowderfest will also feature live music at various locations, Dog Lover Rescue’s pet adoption across from the Saratoga City Center and free Death Wish Coffee samples on Caroline Street.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —

City Mayor Ron Kim announced this week he will deliver the State of City Address for Saratoga Springs at 6 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 3, from the third floor Music Hall in City Hall.

Congressman Paul Tonko will join Mayor Kim to provide an update on his work in Washington for Saratogians.

The address will also be livestreamed on the city’s website at Saratoga-springs.org.

Highlights of the address will cover accomplishments of the past year and goals for the new year.

Kids’ activities include Balloon Gal Jenny and face painting by Miss Stacey’s Faces at the Saratoga City Center from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. The Saratoga Corinth & Hudson Railway will also be at the Saratoga Springs City Center running a model train and hosting a coloring contest for the kids to win free tickets on the train. Other kids’ activities scheduled are dropin crafts at the Saratoga Springs Public Library, literacy-based programs at The Children’s Museum at Saratoga, and Character Creations by Erin Joyce will be providing face painting at the Saratoga Springs

Heritage Area Visitor Center from 11 a.m.- 2 p.m. Take a picture with Chester the Chowda-Bear at Saratoga Candy Company from 12 -2 p.m.

Avoid parking challenges and jump on the free shuttle running from the Saratoga Casino Hotel (Crescent Ave parking lot) to Congress Park. The 3 shuttles will run from 10:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Also, remember the Saratoga Springs City Center parking garage holds over 600 vehicles!

For more information and event updates visit www.discoversaratoga. org/events/chowderfest.

Waylon Edward “Bucky” Loftis

Sheri (Boucher) Loftis on June 3, 1990, at Grossmont Hospital in La Mesa, California. He was the baby brother to Cody, Jacob, Candace, Rhiannon, and Keith James. He was a very passionate and devoted husband to Kandace Loftis and the most amazing and loving father to both Wyatt and Wesson Loftis.

SAN DIEGO, CA — Waylon

Edward “Bucky” Loftis, longtime Saratoga Springs, NY resident, passed away on December 21, 2023 in San Diego, California where he lived with his cherished wife and children. Waylon, 33, was a loving and devoted husband, father, son and brother. He is much loved and adored and will be forever missed by his family and friends.

Waylon was born to Keith and

Michael Paul Ripchk

LAKE BOMOSEEN, VT —

God welcomed home one of His angels. Michael Paul Ripchik passed away at his home in Lake Bomoseen on January 17, 2023 at the age of 59. For those who had the chance to meet Mike, they know how truly special he was. He brought smiles and a warmth of unconditional love to everyone he touched. Michael was born on June 11, 1963, in Saratoga Springs.

Mike was always around sports and loved his professional wrestling. He was a lifelong “Blue Streak” fan. There wouldn’t be a week that passed that Mike wasn’t seen wearing either a WWE shirt or the Riddell practice jersey that he got from the HS football coach. He

After graduation from Saratoga Springs High School, Waylon moved back to his hometown of El Cajon, California. He loved working with his brother Keith James at Loftis Motorsports. There he met his best friend and the LOVE of his life, Kandace Guevara, on June 8, 2008. They both were 18 years old, and it was love at first sight! They married on September 1, 2016. From this beautiful union they were blessed with two beautiful miniWaylon’s, Wyatt Jameson Loftis (9 yrs. old) and Wesson Kash Loftis (6 yrs. old). Waylon was the most patient, compassionate, and warmhearted father his sons could ask for. His family was his “heart,” his world and followed his favorite athlete Tom Brady, rooting on the Patriots and then Buccaneers. Mike participated and supported the Special Olympics and especially enjoyed watching his nieces and nephews play in all of their games and matches either in person or online. everything he looked forward to. He took every opportunity to teach his boys all that he knew. His sons will forever cherish memories and lessons learned from spending time with their beloved father fishing, hunting, skateboarding, BMX riding, and working on automobiles. Above all, he taught them to be proud respectful young men.

Mike was one of the first students to be part of the Saratoga ARC program who would also learn a skill as part of Saratoga BOCES. Prior to his retirement he would use what he learned at school in several jobs. He worked as a kitchen helper at the O’Bryan Inn, and Saint Clement’s Parish, and also as a volunteer worker at Lee Community Health Care Nursing Home. However, the jobs he enjoyed the most were as an usher and greeter at St Columbkille Church, and the “Mayor” of Cinnamon Cove. Mike could be seen every weekend when he was in Florida smiling and saying hello to the parishioners as they entered. In the neighborhood he could often be seen laying in the sun, swimming at the pool, or playing a game of billiards at the clubhouse in his Fort Myers, FL community. Mike was bigger than life, and he couldn’t be missed riding around the neighborhood on his bike wearing his official title hat for everyone to see.

Waylon felt honored to be part of a brotherhood with the Local 229 as an Ironworker. Waylon never failed to pass up an opportunity to show his wittiness or play a good joke while working with his fellow Rod Buster brothers.

Waylon was fun-loving—he loved to surf and snowboard. He was kind-spirited, giving, and there is nothing he wouldn’t do for someone in need. Waylon had an immense impact on everyone he came across during his lifetime and will be forever missed by us all.

Rest in peace, Bucky. I love you, Momma

Michael is survived by his mother and father, Suzanne and Paul Ripchik, his brother and sister Paul Ripchik Jr (Amy) and Ann Laros (Adrian), and his five nieces and nephews loved him dearly; Spencer and Ellie Ripchik, Aidan, Adam and Allison Laros. He was predeceased by his Nana and Poppi, Dorothy and Arthur Boddette, and Mamere and Papere, Theresa and Peter Ripchik. His family meant the world to him, and their lives have been enriched by his love.

A memorial service will be held on June 10, 2023 at St. Peter’s Church in Vergennes, VT. This was the church that Michael grew up going to as a young boy. A reception will be held following at his home in Bomoseen, Vermont. His final resting place will be at St. Columbkille Catholic Church, Fort Myers, FL.

Michael could often be seen watching commercials for St Jude’s Research Hospital. Mike was always giving away the dollars he had in his wallet. You could know that Mike would sneak a couple in your card or a letter that he might send. His family would ask that in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in Mike’s name to St. Jude’s www. stjude.org/give/memorials-anddedications.html

Robert G. Young

FAIRPORT — Robert (Bob)

G. Young of Fairport, died January 24 at Fairport Baptist home after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. There will be no calling hours. A private ceremony will be held at Saratoga National Cemetery at the convenience of the family. For condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Sandra M. Ganzevoort

GANSEVOORT — Sandra M. Ganzevoort (Pelzer), age 58, passed away unexpectedly January 24 at her home in Providence. Calling hours was held 6-8 p.m., February 1 Compassionate Funeral Care. A private burial was held at St. Peter’s Cemetery, 150 West Ave, Saratoga Springs. For condolences, visit compassionatefuneralcare.com

Martin “Marty” Hartmann Jr.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Martin “Marty” Hartmann Jr., 85, passed away on January 24, 2023. Calling hours were held on January 31, 2023, Burke Funeral Home, Saratoga Springs. Funeral home service was also held on January 31, 2023 by Pastor Adam Wiegand. Burial will be private. Please visit burkefuneralhome.com

Judith A. Callahan

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Judith A. Callahan, 80, passed away peacefully on January 24, 2023. Services will be private and held at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are under the direction of the Burke Funeral Home, 628 N. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Joseph N. Comiskey

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Joseph N. Comiskey, 102, passed away peacefully on Monday, January 23, 2023. Calling hours were held on Tuesday, 1/31/2023 at Burke Funeral Home followed by Mass of Christian Burial at Church of St. Peter and burial with military honors following at Saratoga National Cemetery. Please visit www. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Rita Marie Bell

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Rita Marie Bell, 92, passed away peacefully at Wesley Nursing Home on January 27, 2023. Calling hours 10-11:45 a.m., Tuesday, 2/7/2023 at Burke Funeral Home followed by funeral home service and burial at Saratoga National Cemetery at 1 p.m. Memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital. www. burkefuneralhome.com

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

Burke & Bussing Funeral Homes

SARATOGA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE

On January 19, the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office Narcotics Unit arrested Bryan S. Pallone, following an investigation into the sales of cocaine within Saratoga County. Pallone is currently incarcerated at the Schenectady County Jail, pending 29 open cases, 19 of them being felonies. This does not include additional multiple warrants that have yet to be executed throughout the Capital Region, involving mostly larceny related offenses, according to the sheriff’s office.

William C. Maguire, 27, of Voorheesville, was charged Jan. 23 with two felony counts of rape, and one felony count criminal sexual act in the first-degree. Maguire is accused of engaging in sexual contact with a girl under the age of 15 by forcible compulsion in the Town of Providence. He was sent to the Saratoga County Jail in lieu of $75,000 cash bail, $150,000 bond and $750,000 partially secured bond.

Saratoga Police

Vasilea Vazanellis, 48, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 25 with criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth-degree, and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell –both felonies, and the misdemeanor criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh-degree.

Kenneth Hunter, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 26 with criminal contempt, and aggravated family offense.

Daniel Johnston, 25, of Clifton Park, was charged Jan. 26 with criminal possession of a controlled substance.

Robert Hummel, 34, of Glenmont, was charged Jan. 26 with stalking.

James Bernardoni, 52, of Grand Island, NY, was charged Jan.

26 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, circumvent interlock, equipment violation – no/inadequate lights, and criminal impersonation in the second-degree.

Trenton Hall, 35, of Gansevoort, was charged Jan. 24 with criminal contempt.

Jacklyn Parker, 22, of Watervliet, was charged Jan. 24 with grand larceny, and burglary.

Spencer Cornell, 21, of Greenfield Center, was charged Jan. 24 with criminal possession of cannabis – more than two pounds concentrated, and criminal possession of a firearm.

Clifton Cage, 43, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 23 with robbery in the thirddegree, aggravated family offense, and two counts of criminal mischief.

Joseph Sokol, 33, of Scotia, was charged Jan. 22 with DWI, aggravated DWI, and leaving the scene of a property damage accident.

Brittany Cashion, 32, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 22 with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, and passing a red light.

William Rolon-Ocasio, was charged Jan. 22 with criminal possession of a weapon, coercion, menacing, and stalking.

Robert Lambert, 33, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 22 with criminal tampering, and criminal mischief.

Ulises Rivas Flores, 29, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 22 with DWI, aggravated

DWI, and driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

Carissa Hudman, 34, of Broadalbin, was charged Jan. 21 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Celestino Williams, 44, of Saratoga Springs, was charged Jan. 21 with criminal trespass, resisting arrest, harassment, and obstruction of governmental official.

Kimberly Herrick, 37, of Ballston Spa, was charged Jan. 21 with DWI, and aggravated DWI.

Savannah Smith, 32, of Troy, was charged Jan. 20 with aggravated unlicensed operation.

Locally Owned & Operated

PUBLISHER/EDITOR

Chad Beatty 518-581-2480 x212 cbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

MARKETING DIRECTOR

Chris Bushee 518-581-2480 x201 cbushee@saratogapublishing.com

ADVERTISING

Jim Daley, Advertising Director 518-581-2480 x209 jdaley@saratogapublishing.com

Cindy Durfey 518-581-2480 x204 cdurfey@saratogapublishing.com

DISTRIBUTION

Kim Beatty 518-581-2480 x205 kbeatty@saratogapublishing.com

DESIGN

Kacie Cotter-Harrigan

Creative Director, Graphic Designer

Kelly Schoonbeck

Ad Designer, Web & Social Media

EDITORIAL

Thomas Dimopoulos City, Crime, Arts/Entertainment

518-581-2480 x214 thomas@saratogapublishing.com

Dylan McGlynn Business, Education, Sports 518-581-2480 x219 dylan@saratogapublishing.com

Anne Proulx Obituaries, Proofreader 518-581-2480 x211 aproulx@saratogapublishing.com