News
BY STAFF REPORTS
news@theballstonjournal.com
Jillian Ferron, a 2008 Ballston Spa High School graduate currently serving with the USO, recently received the President’s Award for performance above and beyond the call of duty, along with the rest of the staff and volunteers of USO Kandahar. The staff was given the award for quick action during the flooding of their USO facility, saving thousands of dollars worth of equipment. Ferron’s… [More]
BY BARBARA COOK
barbara@theballstonjournal.com
On his first day in office, first-term Milton Supervisor Dan Lewza established an Economic Development Committee to make sure the town joins the rest of Saratoga County in significant economic growth and business development.
The goal of the Economic Development Committee is to develop the town center of Milton and the village of Ballston Spa by nurturing the existing businesses and… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Spa Central School District scored big recently as the recipient of a grant to help support the fine arts department at the High School. The “Connecting Improvisation, Education, and 21st Century Learning Skills Artist-in-Residence” grant is funded in part by the Arts-in-Education and Local Capacity Building Program, a program of the New York State Council on the Arts,… [More]
BY STAFF REPORTS
news@theballstonjournal.com
The Lime Green Extreme soccer team of Ballston Spa successfully competed in a national three-on-three (3v3) championship soccer tournament held at Disney World in Orlando, Fla. over the Martin Luther King Day holiday weekend. Attending the national championship at Disney’s ESPN Wide World of Sports was the culmination of two years of intense training and competition for the girls.
“It’s an… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
On Tuesday, Jan. 10 Ballston Spa Central School District joined other local school districts in hosting a visiting delegation of teachers from China. The visit, part of the Project Chinese program funded by a grant from WSWHE BOCES, brought educators from schools associated with Southwest University in Chongqing, China to Ballston Spa, Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake, Fort Ann, Glens Falls, South… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
State Farm Insurance expects to add hundreds of jobs at their Malta facility between now and Sept. 2013 as they consolidate operations and regional offices, according to company officials who contradicted reports of recent layoffs there. The consolidation will leave Malta as one of the two main operations centers in the company’s Northeast Zone. The other will be in Concordville, Penn.
In… [More]
BY BARBARA COOK
barbara@theballstonjournal.com
Recognizing the need for workers for middle-skills jobs, the Center for Career and Technical Education at the F. Donald Myers Education Center is launching a new program called the Industry First Campaign to train not only high school students but also untrained or unemployed adults.
In a press conference Jan. 12, Congressman Chris Gibson, Senator Roy McDonald and Assemblymen James Tedisco… [More]
BY BARBARA COOK
Barbara@theballstonjournal.com
Supervisor Dan Lewza has big plans for Milton, and he wants the town council and residents to work with him to achieve them.
“Together we can really move this town forward, but we have to do it as a team,” he said at the town’s first agenda meeting Jan. 4. “A lot of people out there might have great ideas and I think it’s good for everyone to hear those ideas.”
The agenda… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Noelle Johnsen, 17, of Ballston Spa died on Saturday, Jan. 7 as a result of injuries sustained as the passenger in a nighttime wreck on Barkersville Rd. in Providence. The driver of the pickup truck she was riding in, Brian A. Vecchio, 18, has been charged with multiple violations, including reckless driving and driving without a license.
Johnsen was to graduate from Ballston Spa High… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Since the baffle installation has not ended an annoying fab noise, the company next plans to muffle roof stacks.
After GLOBALFOUNDRIES completed the installation of sound-attenuation equipment, Luther Forest residents hoped for relief from the aggravating loud buzz they have been hearing night and day for seven months. But although a slight decrease has been reported in some areas, most… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Hero Rush, the obstacle race course designed by firefighters, will come to the Ellms Family Farm on 468 Charlton Rd. on Sept. 8.
Hero Rush is an intense 5k+ race with multiple firefighting-related challenges, including climbing ladders, sliding down poles, crawling through windows and breaking down doors, and scrambling through HAZMAT slime.
Proceeds from the obstacle course event will… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
Based on my walk around downtown on New Year’s Eve, 2011 ended quietly–quite unlike the rest of the year, which saw little quiet. There were some newsworthy arrests, more discussions on Malta’s future, heated political races in the towns, continued stories (not all of them positive) from the GLOBALFOUNDRIES construction project, and ongoing municipal fiscal woes as the year wound down. Let’s take a… [More]
BY BARBARA COOK
barbara@theballstonjournal.com
Dan Lewza wants the public and his town council to be fully involved and aware of what’s going on in the town of Milton. To accomplish that goal, he is instituting three regular monthly meetings in addition to those that were previously on the town calendar.
The new supervisor, who took office on Jan. 1, immediately created two committees–a budget committee and an economic development… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
As the Village of Ballston Spa continues to create a name for itself as a place where filmmakers are appreciated and celebrated, David Veet is just another example of budding talent that began his journey here.
Veet, a 2008 Ballston Spa High School graduate, said while growing up in Ballston Spa he and many of his friends spent much of their time practicing amateur filmmaking.
“We… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Tara Ellsworth does more than watch dancers dance; she teaches dancers how to dance at her new dance studio Sunshine Ballroom.
Sunshine Ballroom, which opened its doors last November at 418 Geyser Rd. in Ballston Spa, is a premier dance studio teaching people how to dance the Waltz, Foxtrot, Samba, and East Coast Swing, and many more dance styles.
Ellsworth is a lifelong lover of dance,… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
There may no greater gift a parent can give than teaching the spirit of giving. Long before she was diagnosed with breast cancer herself, Ann Crouth of Ballston Spa had been donating what her mom Marie Schiller calls “the most beautiful hair.” Now, in the spirit of Christmas, Crouth’s six-year-old daughter Caroline has also cut off her waist length hair to give to those battling… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON – The team representing Dolomite Products Inc. put up a strong defense regarding a proposed asphalt plant despite failing to win over the public during a Town of Ballston Planning Board meeting Wednesday Dec. 14.
Attorney Stephanie Ferradino of Jones Ferradino in Saratoga Springs requested the planning board give the project a green light by granting the site plan a negative… [More]
Malta’s noise ordinance is still under reconstruction, with shorter hours or even a full weekend bar up for debate.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Malta may currently be in a noisy minority by permitting weekend construction as a matter of course. But town officials, the concerned public and business representatives continue to debate the Town Board’s reworked proposed noise ordinance, with some voices growing… [More]
BY BARBARA COOK
barbara@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA – Law enforcement officials in New York State have a powerful new tool that will save lives in the fight against domestic violence.
The Domestic Incident Report Repository makes information available electronically for police even as they are responding to a call for a domestic violence incident. The information will not only preserve the safety of the victim, but of the… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At the Dec. 12 meeting of the village board, Mayor John Romano announced the village has been awarded $568,000 in 2012 home rehabilitation grants.
Romano said the funds could help improve as many as 21 village homes.
“This money allows residents to perform work on their homes that they otherwise couldn’t do on their own,” said Romano.
A maximum of $25,000 per home will be… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON – Many Burnt Hills residents residing in the Long Creek Drive neighborhood placed their concerns about solar panel installation with the town board at a Ballston Town Council meeting Tuesday Dec. 6.
The concern specifically centers around six large solar panels installed at a home at 44 Long Creek Drive by Brian and Christa Haines.
Lisa Doan of 40 Long Creek Drive said it… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF) announced its fall 2011 grant winners at the Dec. 7 meeting of the district Board of Education, which also moved forward with its facilities improvement project and honored several students and staff members.
The meeting, at which no seat was left untaken, began with BSEF board member Laurie Sickles announcing the BSEF grant recipients, which… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
Beginning in Sept. 2012, a program begun this year by Ballston Spa Central School District and Hudson Valley Community College will expand its availability to high school students throughout the Capital District and immediate surrounding region. The initiative, called the Clean Technologies and Sustainable Industries Early College High School Program, allows high school students to earn both… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON – The Ballston Town Council decided to abolish the position of bookkeeper in a 3 – 2 vote Tuesday Dec. 6, thereby permanently defunding the position, an action the town supervisor described as retaliatory.
The bookkeeper acts as the supervisor’s executive assistant and provides a means of checks and balances in managing town finances, according to Supervisor Patti Southworth,… [More]
The Town Board continues to study the scope and cost of the projected $2.3 million highway garage project.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Facing issues from dangerous congestion to rodent infestation, Malta officials have planned for months to renovate and construct new highway department buildings at the Town Complex. But at a cost of $2.3 million, the project is a serious undertaking. At the Monday Dec. 5 Town Board… [More]
This holiday season, a few neighborhood business owners have joined together to support Gateway House, a local charitable hospice, by organizing a memorial tree fundraiser in Ballston Spa. Memorial doves will be placed on the tree, located on the deck, outside of Decadent Diva Chocolate Shop, 241 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, for donations of $10 or more, in an effort to raise money and awareness of the local hospice’s mission to serve the… [More]
A pavilion outside of VFW Post 358 on East North Street in Ballston Spa was dedicated to the memory of the late Maurice “Christopher” Morley on Wednesday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor Day.
“We have chosen to dedicate the building on this date because it is Pearl Harbor Day and Mr. Morley was always proud of the fact that he served in the US Marines aboard the USS Essex in the Pacific and the Philippines during the Second World… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
SARATOGA COUNTY, N.Y. – As a means of saving county taxpayer money, the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors are looking for ways to cut and even eliminate funding from agencies, which does not bode well for many cultural institutions, according to officials at the Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum.
Brookside has been targeted by county supervisors as one of the outside… [More]
Citing housing market changes, developers for 3 Silos and Park Place intend to rent their units instead of trying to sell.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Shifts in the housing market have led several local developers to make corresponding changes in their projects’ scope. In Malta, 3 Silos and Park Place have both decided to lease, rather than sell, their prospective units.
“Building at the height of the… [More]
Plaintive and little-known carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions are the trademark of the “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” slated for Christ Church, Ballston Spa, on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.
The concert is anchored by folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center, and includes Linda Schrade of Greenfield, Field Horne and Kristin Roberts of Saratoga Springs, and… [More]
BY SCOTT CARROLL
scott@theballstonjournal.com
The Burnt Hills-Ballston Spa Hockey team has begun a new era. Former coach Walt Peretti is no longer running the show and there is a new sheriff in town: meet Coach James Buffoline. Coach Buffoline, a Physical Education teacher at Ballston Spa high school, is beginning his first season as head coach of the hockey team.
“Coach Buffoline took over in early summer, and immediately made some… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
Bob Blanchard was in his mid-30′s and working as the IT manager of a large bank when he caught the golf bug. “I didn’t play when I was younger and didn’t have any experience,” he said, “but I fell in love with the game. It envelops me.” Before too long he found himself thinking of ways to use technology to sharpen his game.
“It started out with a bunch of buddies and me working on programs… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Spa Holiday parade has been happening for years, but this is one of the first times a Major General of the New York National Guard will be the Grand Master.
The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s annual Ballston Spa Holiday Parade and Weekend Celebration takes place Friday, Dec. 2 to Sunday, Dec. 4.
Before and after the parade, there will be carolers and… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Town of Milton’s approved spending plan calls for a property tax increase but still maintain some savings in the fund balance, after initial plans proposed to eliminate it entirely.
There is no capital project spending next year.
The budget cuts pay for Town Board members and features a $0.34 per $1,000 of assessed value tax rate in the Village of Ballston Spa, and $0.49 per $1,000… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
After a concerned public responded to the Malta Town Board’s proposal limiting construction activity hours to six days a week, officials returned to the drawing board to craft a fairer weeklong noise ordinance. The newly proposed hours are 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Throughout the Mon., Nov. 21, workshop, the board discussed possible legislation,… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Saratoga County officials are dealing with what Spencer Hellwig, county administrator, said has been the most difficult budget season to date.
Hellwig said since 2007 each year has been progressively more difficult to manage increases in costs and mandates, with revenue not closing the gaps. The most current form of the preliminary budget, set for another discussion session on Thursday, Dec. 1,… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Saratoga Hospital and Albany Medical Center executives met Wed., Nov. 16, at the site of their vision, a state-of-the-art emergent-care center. Golden shovels in hand, they broke ground on the first building of the Saratoga Medical Park at Malta. The $17.5 million project is the result of a healthcare partnership its proponents call exceptional.
“Partnering in healthcare is simply unique,”… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Thirteen-year-old Olivia Roberts said in all her life she never felt the overwhelming sense of belonging as she did the first time she set foot on a dance floor. On a whim, just six months ago, Olivia’s mom Christine Roberts took her to the Arthur Murray dance studio in Saratoga where Olivia said she instantly felt a connection to the art of dance.
Now in just a few months’ time Olivia… [More]
BY SCOTT CARROLL
news@theballstonjournal.com
On Wednesday Nov. 16, students at Wood Road Elementary partnered with their parents and guardians for a basketball shoot-around with the goal of collecting food for the hungry during Thanksgiving season.
“We are all here to have fun, and to participate in something fun. It’s not about winning or losing, it’s about helping families in need and doing something nice for others,” said… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At its Monday, Nov. 14, board meeting, village Mayor John Romano apologized for having to cancel this year’s Falling Leaves Festival, while the board announced winter parking restrictions and approved plans for the annual holiday parade.
Scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 29, the Falling Leaves Festival fell victim to an ominous weather forecast, which, Romano said, called for four to eight… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
In response to homeowners’ continuous complaints about noise, the Malta Town Board is considering limiting construction activity hours to six days a week. No loud work would be permitted on Sundays, giving people one day of peace.
Developers, community leaders, small-business owners, and residents rose to object to this plan at a public hearing held during the Wednesday, Nov. 9, Town Board… [More]
GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
There was a gnashing of teeth as the Ballston Town Board passed its 2012 budget with a close 3-2 vote last Thursday, leaving three angry board members struggling to find out why Supervisor Patti Southworth and Councilman Jeremy Knight voted against it.
Knight said he voted no because he felt there were not enough budget cuts to account for the shortfall in town revenue due to shrinking… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
After a long fall sports season, featuring a roller-coaster football season and a young girls soccer team playing with enough heart to make up for the shorthanded roster, it’s time to start prepping for the cold-weather sports.
On Tuesday, Nov. 15, the district hosted the Winter Sports Parents Night in the high school auditorium, where coaches and administrators had a chance to provide parents… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Sometimes veterans come back to the states after a long-stint in the service to find readjusting to civilian life a challenge. Some have difficulty finding work, and others struggle with a number of other issues. And some open up a lasting small business dedicated to keeping pets clean and cut.
Pampered Pooch and Pals, located at 2134 Doubleday Ave in Ballston Spa, is the fruition of one… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
At its Wednesday, Nov. 2, business meeting, the district school board heard plans and priorities from Building Leadership Team members representing the Middle School and two elementary schools, Malta Avenue and Wood Road.
Middle School Co-Principals Rich Ruberti and Pam Motler began the evening with a presentation outlining a school-year plan grounded in academic achievement and community… [More]
BY GREH HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Patti Southworth narrowly earned a second two-year term as supervisor from Ballston voters, 1,220 votes to Peter Connors 1,134 votes, as the rest of the Ballston First team went down in defeat in this heavily Republican town, according to unofficial polling numbers.
Running as an Independent, Southworth said she is proud and honored to serve another term, although she was disappointed that… [More]
BY PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
With a heated primary behind them, Republicans managed to keep their stronghold in Milton, easily taking or retaining their positions in Tuesday’s elections, according to unofficial numbers, while one Democratic hopeful showed a surprising second, garnering strong support in the largely-Republican town and pulling in nearly 43 percent of the vote.
Meg Stevens, who was challenging long-time… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Unofficial polls show a 61-vote, win by incumbent Paul Sausville, with an apparent election to a fourth two-year term as Town of Malta supervisor, defeating Democratic challenger Cynthia Young by a narrow margin. His running mates Peter Klotz and Tara Thomas were also reelected to the Town Board, the numbers indicate.
Proposal number one, the library proposition number one, passed: “Shall… [More]
BY SCOTT CARROLL
news@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa freshman girls’ soccer coach Brian Retersdorf, gave more credit to his young squad than the world is giving Peyton Manning in light of the disastrous Indianapolis Colts 0-9 start without him- a lot.
Despite being a freshman team with only three freshman and playing many of their games with a shorthanded roster, the Ballston Spa girls’ soccer team showed a lot of guts, winning… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
With incumbent Patti Southworth running against Republican challenger Peter Connors for supervisor and with two hotly contested seats on the Town Board and one for town clerk on the line, Ballston voters will have plenty of choices to make this Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.
The town is developing at a pace many town residents are anxious about, with a potential grocery store moving in to… [More]
Staff Reports
news@theballstonjournal.com
A member of the Ballston Spa School Board was arrested on grand larceny charges last week for allegedly filing paperwork claiming to be a licensed child care provider.
Nancy Fodera, a 14-year member of the school board was arrested on Tuesday, Oct. 25, and charged with felony grand larceny, third degree and first degree offering a false instrument for filing, also a felony.
Fodera was charged… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Village native Katie Birbilis can remember when she first got the bug to travel a few years ago as a college student at Nazareth. After a trip abroad, the 2002 Ballston Spa graduate said she knew she needed to find a way to combine her love of travel with her love for education. Today, Birbilis is residing in Indonesia, teaching first grade at a private, English speaking international school… [More]
Saratoga County Clerk Kathleen Marchione announced the 2,000th “Return the Favor” card has been issued.
The applicant, William Mahoney, from Wilton, is an Air Force veteran and a volunteer at New York State Military Museum and Veterans Research Center.
“This is a great idea and a great opportunity for veterans,” he said. “I appreciate the efforts of the county and also thank the businesses that are participating.”
The… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Two years before the 225th anniversary of the founding of Ballston, the town has lost a piece of their history to the bulldozer – the Hubbell House.
The late-Federal style Hubbell House at 6 Brookline Road, was erected in 1831 near the Mourning Kill Creek, and was once the home of Edmond and Mary Hubbell, early Ballston woolen cloth manufacturers.
Once sitting on the corner of… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON – Ballston Lake may be haunted, said Ballston Historian Rick Reynolds.
In one particular story, Reynolds said the Jones family lived on Long Lake, now known as Ballston Lake, in the 1700’s living in virtual seclusion.
During the American Revolution, a reward was placed on Mr. Jones’ head for treason; he attempted to deliver Rebel secrets to British Gen. John… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
For the second straight year, and in conjunction with the celebration of Veteran’s Day, the village board formally honored the men and women from this area who have served, or are presently serving, in the armed services.
At its Monday, Oct. 24, business meeting, held at the Henry Cornell American Legion Post No. 234 on Pleasant Street, village Mayor John Romano issued a special… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Dr. Steven Esposito said one of the many things he learned on his recent trip to Honduras as part of a team effort to bring health care to those in need, is no matter what gaps we may have in the American health care system, it pales in comparison to many third world countries.
He said no matter what someone’s financial situation is here, when someone is in pain, they can find somewhere to… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
There is chocolate, and then there is chocolate, according to Fair Traders.
At the Third annual Fair Trade conference at Ballston Spa High School held Saturday, Oct. 22, Fair Traders were on hand to show just what chocolate is meant to be.
Fair Trade advocates said chocolate is mainly made off the backs of children in the developing world and is the worst kind of slavery.
Children… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Officials, educators and business people gathered for a multi-purpose event at the TEC-SMART facility Tuesday, Oct. 18, where a discussion of green jobs opportunities available in the region was followed by a dedication ceremony of the new General Electric Wind Technology Lab also at Hudson Valley Community College’s Malta facility.
Ballston Spa Central School District representative Stuart… [More]
BY PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
After months of controversy, criminal investigations, and accusations, Milton supervisor Frank Thompson can take a breath – another investigation, the one into his annual financial disclosure forms and the validity of the information on them – has concluded.
Thompson dodged having criminal charges filed against him by amending the forms and submitting them prior to an imposed… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa resident Chris Bowcutt took the next step in organizing multi-sport races in January – he is now running a business focused on it.
Bowcutt, who launched Green Leaf Racing earlier this year along with his business partner Patrick Lynskey, said multi-sport racing is a growing pastime, especially among high-school and college aged athletes.
Bowcutt works on promoting triathlons,… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
There are many types of book clubs – online, discussion, sales and reading. They all have one thing in common, though, the love of reading books.
Judy Kaplan, the founder of the Town of Ballston Community Library’s Book Club, has facilitated the club for about eight years. She said the club started small with only four interested readers, but soon grew to more than 20 avid club… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Spa football team’s regular season end was bitter-sweet.
The Homecoming game loss to the Christian Brothers Academy left many fans in a somber disappointment on a rainy fall evening. Despite the loss, the team will still be in the playoffs, facing off against LaSalle on Friday, Oct. 19, although the game will be on the road.
The game was postponed due to lightning but… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
A bid has placed to purchase the house at 48 Ralph St., a residence again, this year, cleaned up by the Village of Ballston Spa due to non-compliance with a number of village safety codes.
According to information from a representative at the Real Property Tax Service Agency in Saratoga County, a bid has been placed through the county, now the sovereign entity regarding the property, although… [More]
BY PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
According to the just-released tentative Town of Milton budget, expenses and taxes will be kept down, but, if passed as it stands, it could cost residents in other ways, such as loss of services, unrepaired roads and fewer programs, officials said.
“In the past, when times were good, we could depend on sales tax revenue, mortgage tax revenues, to pay for services,” said Councilman Joseph… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Three years ago, after the birth of her daughter, Katie Igoe said she made decision to pick herself up and become an advocate.
Five days after her premature birth, Maeve, Igoe’s daughter, was diagnosed with CMV, or the Congenital Cytomegalovirus. Igoe said she struggled with being angry and confused.
She said it was an “epiphany” she had to be her daughter’s voice, and her… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
Over the past few years, anyone going to a Ballston Spa vs. Saratoga Springs football game knows they will be entertained. The Battle Of Route 50 has become one of the best rivalries in Section II, and last week’s thriller at Saratoga was no exception as the Scotties held on for a 34-29 win, which was not settled until the game’s final play.
A see-saw final quarter, which saw three lead changes,… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
On Tuesday, Oct. 11, The Town of Ballston heard a presentation given by Community Human Resources as the council continued working on the tentative 2012 town budget.
Community Human Resources has run a wellness van in the town three days a week. It has increased service while also increasing its costs of operating the van for five days a week.
The Wellness Express Transportation… [More]
For many years, Capital Region radio stations have used giveaways, sweepstakes and contests to create fun and excitement, as well as engage and expand their listener base.
Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 4, WeeklyTap.com plans to take those ideas one step further, while adapting the strategy to the new media landscape.
Founded by Ballston Spa resident Michael Mills, a producer of live entertainment, WeeklyTap.com aims to become an “innovative… [More]
It’s time again, to go back to the way we were.
The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association is holding its ninth annual “The Way We Were” classic car show this Sunday, Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Front Street in downtown Ballston Spa.
Classic car enthusiasts will be treated to a cross section of vehicles from luxury, sport, stock cars and trucks as they compete for several judged awards.
“I’m thrilled to see… [More]
The Ballston Spa Central School District and the Village of Ballston Spa are combining efforts to celebrate school and community pride during the district’s annual Homecoming Week. Activities will be held throughout the schools, the businesses and the communities the week of Tuesday, Oct. 11 to Saturday, Oct. 15.
The schools will be celebrating different themes each day, including the high school’s purple and gold day on Tuesday, a… [More]
Editor’s note: This is the last installment of a three-part series dealing with the challenges facing Ballston area farmers.
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
John Arnold, president of the Saratoga County Farm Bureau, said the county is not putting a full effort in maintaining farmland in its jurisdiction.
“ development projects a housing boom which will take away valuable farmland since housing is developed near… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa football handed the Shenendehowa Plainsmen their first points of the season. The Plainsmen, in turn, handed Ballston Spa its first loss.
Coach John Bowen said the “moral victory,” attached to the scoring on last week’s opponent is not enough, and winning games is the ultimate goal.
“We fully anticipated scoring on them. That wasn’t a question. It was just a matter of… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa Fair Trade Coalition Organizer Kim Andersen of Mango Tree Imports likens Fair Trade to a mission to alleviate world-wide poverty.
Fair Trade is a global effort; consumers can relieve exploitation and promote environmental sustainability by purchasing Fair Trade-labeled tea, cocoa, fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar, honey, wine, flowers, grains and rubber products from… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
Dan@theballstonjournal.com
Dan Paolucci is doing his very best to experience the silver lining over the cloud he experienced for almost two years. So far, he said he has been successful.
Paolucci, 26, a Ballston Spa resident his entire life, is helping take care of his family, raise money for cancer research deal with family issues and the passing of his mother, Jill, who died from cancer earlier this month.
As a… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Preserving farmland and keeping open-space open is a task a growing number of
New York state localities are faced with. Ballston is no exception.
“This town is committed to a Farm First community,” said Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth.
Southworth said she feels the need not only to protect existing farmland, but to create new farms in the town’s rural district primarily… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
This week is a two-sided coin for the Ballston Spa Scotties football team is they remain undefeated this season, now 4-0, after a 35-21 win over the Bethlehem Central Eagles. But, the team can ill-afford to rest on its laurels, as it prepares to face the also undefeated Shenendehowa Plainsmen.
Shenendehowa has yet to give up a point in any of its first four match-ups, and scored 48 points last… [More]
BY GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
An asphalt plant site application appearing before the Town of Ballston Planning Board has stirred a public outcry, while defenders claim those fears are based on misinterpreted information.
A Dolomite Products company project, the proposed plant, which would be built on a ten acre lot in the Curtis Industrial Park, is seen by some in town as a potential hazard in terms of environmental… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
With one of the most watched, and possibly heated, primary election in the county now a thing of the past, Milton continues to be plagued with growing controversy as the town’s supervisor is still under investigation regarding his financial disclosure forms and the newly selected ethics board finds itself with only three of the original five members.
In April, the wife of the Supervisor,… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
This November, Town of Malta voters will have to read between the lines when deciding on the Round Lake Library’s funding request. The library is asking the town for $291,000 in annual support, and the town has determined the money would have to come from a property tax increase for residents.
The Women’s Round Lake Improvement Society, which administers the library, recently circulated a… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa football won its third straight game with a convincing 35 to 0 shutout over Albany High School.
After two nail-biting wins to open the season, Ballston Spa came out firing putting up scores in every quarter with two touchdowns in the second quarter.
Ballston Spa Coach John Bowen said going into the game he was concerned with defending against Albany’s power running game, and… [More]
BY PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
In a sweeping landslide, yet still unofficial, victory, newcomer Dan Lewza beat incumbent Frank Thompson for the Republican line in Milton’s supervisor election coming this November.
Thompson, who failed to garner the endorsement of the Republican committee, in the midst of criminal charges filed against his estranged wife, Deborah, will not appear on the November ballot, as a result of the… [More]
By GREGORY HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Residents of Kaleen Drive and Oak Street are fed up- fed up with the noise, smell and unsafe practices of idling trains left unattended on a rail siding in their neighborhood, they said.
Michael Daly said when he first bought his home on Kaleen Drive, passing trains were never a problem, but he never realized the volume of traffic that would later arrive so close to his… [More]
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
“Dazzling, don’t you think?”
That was how Dave Meager, former Malta supervisor, described the late Heather Mallozzi at her interview for town planning director. Mallozzi, then 32, impressed the Town Board with her dedication and warmth.
“After the interview was through, it was as though a spell had been cast over us,” Meager said. “We were silent for long minutes. Heather’s… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
All across the country people will be stopping to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001- for the Canty family and many others in the village, that day changed their lives forever, what it didn’t change, though, is the love they have for thier family and for thier country.
Bill Canty of Ballston Spa lost his brother Michael in the World Trade Center. Since then he and his family… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa’s Guardian House has a one in twenty-five chance of receiving funding through a national event sponsored by Sears to help conduct “Operation Rebuild for Heroes at Home.”
Sears has teamed with Rebuilding Together to conduct the contests and all voting will take place on Facebook. If The Guardian House nabs the funding, it can help give displaced veterans an opportunity to get the… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
The first day of school for Ballston Spa students went smoothly with an estimated 4,100 kids settling into their classes, meeting new friends, greeting old friends and getting down to the business of learning.
“We had orientation last week for new students and parents, the teachers came in to prepare their classrooms, and everything on the first day went very smoothly,” said Stuart… [More]
By The Ballston Journal Staff
news@theballstonjournal.com
In the wake of Hurricane Irene, a storm leaving millions without power and flooding regions all along the eastern seaboard, Saratoga County municipalities are left to deal with the cleanup and costs of the weather event.
For the Town of Milton, though, officials said things could have been a lot worse. Some other areas were not quite as lucky, though, and amidst reports of… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
For Ballston Spa locals, Friday night will be a night to remember.
Brookside Museum is presenting an exhibition in memory of the people who lost their lives 10 years ago in the terrorist attacks changing the way we view the world. The exhibit, which features a local perspective of the 9/11 attacks, will have a grand opening this Friday, Sept. 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m
The exhibit, said… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
After a 10-6-4 season last year, boys’ varsity soccer Coach Garry Preece said this year he expects more of the same, touting his goalie and returning runner up for Section II player of the year Connor Preece.
Now in his third year as varsity head coach, Precce said if his team can stay healthy, they expect a successful season.
“I think well have a strong team. I think we have the best… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
For two months, Luther Forest residents have complained about a loud, incessant buzz coming from the GLOBALFOUNDRIES fab. Now, homeowners expect more than answers about the problem—they expect action. On Tuesday, August 30, the Luther Forest Technology Campus Community Response Board arranged a public meeting with GLOBALFOUNDRIES and M&W to learn about the companies’ solutions to the… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
Deborah Thompson, the estranged wife of Milton supervisor Frank Thompson, pleaded guilty to a class E felony, attempted grand larceny in the third degree and will pay back nearly $30,000 in restitution.
After signing a waiver of indictment on Wednesday, Aug. 24, she will pay $29,259.42 and $2,152 to the New York State Department of Tax and Finance. The waiver prohibits her from appealing and… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
The Village of Ballston Spa will, once again, be in charge of a clean-up a 48 Ralph Street.
The Village Board held a Monday, Aug. 22 special public hearing intended to afford Susan Solkowski of 48 Ralph St. the opportunity to argue her case as to why the cleanup of her debris-strewn property need not involve village public works crews.
But, after asking for and receiving postponement of… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Coach John Bowen said the Ballston Spa varsity football team is going to use its overall speed to outmatch opponents, and so far the conditioning and training for the 2011 team has been successful.
Bowen, a physical education teacher at the Ballston Spa High School, said he considers every game to be a “48-minute track meet” and his team is up to snuff.
“All of our expectation as… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
Kevin Grupe, Milton ethics board chair, stepped down temporarily from the position citing personal reasons, and board member, Jim Regan, assistant chair, was chosen to lead the investigation. Grupe’s girlfriend is Thompson’s secretary and she was the notary for some of his annual financial disclosure forms.
With mounting demands that the Milton Board of Ethics show progress in its… [More]
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
After Malta code enforcement officers discovered deviations from Ellsworth Commons’ approved site plan, the developer faced the planning board once again. Albany Partners defended its compliance with the downtown design standards, taking the board step by step through the project’s architectural details at the Tuesday, August 16, meeting.
Before the developer’s presentation, Tony Tozzi,… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Some of the best literature in town will adorn a new table in the Ballston Community Library, thanks to an $1,850 grant from the Saratoga Program for Arts Fund.
The grant was offered in January to design a tabletop for the library’s reading room and work began on the project in the spring.
The funds have been used to hire a carpenter, an artist, a computer expert, and for supplies of… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Michelle Taylor said the expansion to include an in-house screen shop at Ralph’s Sporting Goods has kept her and her staff busy. Taylor’s staff happens to feature three all-American lacrosse players, a sport the shop specializes in, and one of them recently won gold at the World Cup in Germany.
Kayla Treanor, still overseas, plays for the under-19, or 19-U division and is going in to her… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
Even though he has been cleared by the New York State Police of any wrongdoing following his wife’s arrest for grand larceny, legal woes continue to follow Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson.
A second, and separate investigation, is examining whether or not Thompson violated the town’s ethic codes in relation to his mandatory annual financial disclosure forms. He is also being investigated… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
Charles Curtiss has a plan to build a creamery on his 132-acre farm in order to streamline his dairy business and expand his operations.
Willow Marsh Farm produces 150 gallons of raw milk from a herd of 25 Guernsey and Holstein cows which goes into producing milk, cheese and yogurt for customers in the retail and wholesale industry.
“To have yogurt and cheese you need a creamery,”… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Janelle Rothacker started running track just two years ago and has already competed at the national level in the Junior Olympic National in Wichita, Kansas.
A three-sport varsity athlete in eight grade, Rothacker said she is excited to continue her athletic career at Ballston Spa High School. Rothacker’s journey to Kansas stated with competition at Ichabod Crane High School in June and then a… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At its final outdoor meeting of the summer, hosted by Lorraine Barabasz of 12 Limerick Lane, the Ballston Spa Village Board issued a second notice to Susan Solkowski of 48 Ralph Steet to clean up her property by Sunday, Aug. 14.
If village inspectors believe the property remains in violation of village’s Unsafe Building Code after the new deadline, Mayor John Romano said village… [More]
By JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
What started out as movie night in the park, has evolved into the region’s own Cannes Film Festival. Looking at this year’s submissions to the Ballston Spa International Film Festival is a good indication of how founder of the festival, Dan DeFabio, has evolved the event over the past three years into something to help put the village on the map in the world in of film-making.
“When I returned… [More]
By PATRICIA OLDER
patty@theballstonjournal.com
Moments before she was set to enter a plea in the grand larceny cased filed against her for allegedly stealing more than $35,000 from an elderly woman she was guardian of, Deborah Thompson learned Judge Jerry Scarano had removed himself from her case after realizing he had been the judge who had originally appointed her as guardian.
Scarano named Thompson as the woman’s guardian in October… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
gregh@theballstonjournal.com
On Tuesday, the Ballston Town Council unanimously decided to make a private road into a public town road provided certain stipulations were carried out.
The current property owners of the private road, White Beach Road, will give title to the town to allow for maintenance; White Beach Road residents provide easements to all property owners east of the railroad tracks on Saunders Lane; funding… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Alexandra Gary said she learned it doesn’t take fancy technology and gadgets to be happy. It just takes being together.
really do love working with people.
Gary said she never dreamed her passion for reaching out would take her all the way to Peru as a missionary, but while working toward her degree in music education Gary had a chance to do just that. She returned from the trip… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
For at least one game leading up to the near-PONY World Series-title, the Adirondack Heat were perfect.
The fledgling Adirondack Heat 11U baseball team, part of the Easter New York Travel Baseball League, made it all the way the PONY World Series, representing Ballston Spa and surrounding communities against international competitors from Mexico, the Dominican Republic and the US.
The… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
Campaigning, petitions, and speeches are in the air as Ballston candidates are in full swing for election season.
Supervisor Patti Southworth and Pete Connors are running for supervisor and current Town Board councilman Tim Szczepaniak and Bill Goslin, both Republicans, are running for town councilman position.
Southworth moved to the Town of Ballston in 1985 and is married with three… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At its Monday, July 25, regular meeting, the Ballston Spa Village Board found the property at 48 Ralph Street to be in violation of the village’s Unsafe Building Code, and it resolved to clean up, if necessary, the debris and overgrown vegetation that has made the site, located across from the village swimming pool, a public health and safety hazard.
“It is the responsibility of the… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Despite speculation among community members there would be no Pop Warner football season, secretary of the league Christina Garland said the kids will be in pads come game time.
The league has seen at least two board members step down since March, one as recent as this month and some have expressed concerns over management of Ballston Spa Pop Warner football.
The season begins Monday, Aug…. [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston native Kevin Kimball has been named vice president of global corporate communications for chip manufacturer GLOBALFOUNDRIES and said despite all his traveling around the world, he has always kept his roots in the Capital District.
“I’ve been in Northern California for some 16 years, but I keep strong ties to the Capital District through relatives and friends with whom I grew up,” he… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Tim Walz spent his first day as an employee for chip manufacturer GLOBALFOUNDRIES in another country. That was in January of 2010.
After an 18 month stay in Dresden, Germany, ending on Saturday, July 2, Walz and his wife, two children and dog, returned home to the Capital District. Dresden’s facility is similar to the one being constructed in Malta.
A section manager responsible for… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
Village History Consultant Maurice “Christopher” Morley passed away early Wednesday at the age of 89. Morley was a great friend and well respected man who enjoyed his love of history and gave back to his community.
Morley took his first job delivering telegrams at the age of 10. He worked a series of various jobs from an usher to working for the D&H Railroad. He attended Malta… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The Town of Milton planning board meeting was filled on July 13 for an agenda of public hearings. The cell tower hearing has drawn the most attention in the past few months and this was the final stage, until the Chairman of the Board made an unexpected announcement.
“I think at this time that we have to table the application,” said Keith Leal, Planning Board Chairman. … [More]
A major motion picture under the direction of Emmy award-winning
filmmaker Arthur Allan Seidelman will bring star power that includes
Chris Cooper and Julie Kavner to the Capital Region later this year,
according to Laurina Film Partners.
Based on the true story of a young Italian immigrant girl who was at
the center of a controversial trial in Upstate New York in the early
1900s, Chickadee will be shown in theatres and at major film… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
A special meeting for the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors’ law and finance committee on Tuesday, July 5, brought up numerous options as the board tackles a $9 million budget shortfall, and starts planning ahead for the budget next year.
The committee came up with five possible options to save some money next year, including a budget freeze. The options are long term, and are still… [More]
With the village board seated at tables on the Cavanaugh’s front lawn and a giant fan whirring in the background, the board also appointed the eighth member of the village’s Junior Firefighter’s Program, 16-year-old Daniel Crozier.
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
Kaleen Manor residents said an idling train behind their homes still occasionally causes a disturbance, despite measures taken to resolve the… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
Keith Stewart, a member since 2000 and owner of the State Farm Insurance Agency in the Town of Ballston, was elected the new Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education president, taking over the helm from Kathy Jarvis, who helped guide the board for the past seven years.
The Ballston school board took care of its annual reorganization duties at its Wednesday, July 6, approving… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The inaugural Abner Doubleday Classic softball fundraiser might have yielded a lopsided score- with the Ballston Spa beating Saratoga Springs by 20 runs, but the good times were more evenly distributed, spectators said.
“I think that it was a great time. We did raise some money, which of course is the goal. I definitely want to do it again,” said Joy Houle, executive director of the… [More]
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
“The kids are so funny,” said Camp Malta head counselor Jill Patterson. She cast a watchful yet amused look around her. “I like working with them.”
The children Patterson was supervising sat in a Malta Community Center room playing board games. As it was Patriotic Day, most of the kids wore red, white, and blue. Six-year-old Saratoga Springs twins Archie and Riley Fowler had gone… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
While the farmland protection committee is on hiatus until August, the discussion of farmland still made its way onto the agenda at the Tuesday, July 6 Town Board meeting.
The Town Board tackled an agenda with items ranging from the water department to open space preservation, but information gathering about the status of area farmland and pending Farmland Protection Plan headlined the… [More]
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Eight years of planning will soon be over, and construction of the long-awaited Zim Smith Trail connection is set to begin.
At the Tuesday, July 5, Malta Town Board meeting, members of the Creighton Manning Engineering team held an eminent domain procedure law public hearing. They explained the objectives for the project and how land for it was acquired. The public was then given the… [More]
Ballston Spa native Benjamin Carey authored his first book, “Barefoot in November,” a memoir taking experiences from his hometown, New York City and beyond, and giving them to the reader.
His book is now available on Amazon.com and is in bookstores, and it introduces the reader to Benjamin J. Carey in a “candid reflection of how courage and determination prevail,” according to information from promoters.
“I was working on my… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa native Robert (Bobby) Pickard finished in third place during a golf competition at this year’s Special Olympics and returned home this week after his arduous journey taking him to the other side of the world, and back.
Pickard was one of nine New York athletes to compete in Athens, Greece during the games and competed in the nine-hole individual stroke event. His division… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Cindy Swadba said she is going to help Roy McDonald get reelected. First, though, she is going to get married to Joyce Elliott somewhere in Milton.
Landmark legislation will allow same-sex couples to legally marry in New York state, making it the most populated state to permit the unions. Amidst protests and rallies leading up to the Friday, June 24, passing of the law, wedding officiates have… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
Milton residents came out en masse to voice concerns over the most recent balloon test for a proposed cell tower on Greenfield Avenue, and as a result of the meeting residents began an online petition to prevent it from being constructed.
The Milton Zoning Board of Appeals Thursday, June 23, meeting was relatively calm until the last agenda item, the proposed cell tower at Ed Loy’s Auto… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
After the Monday, June 27, Ballston Spa Village Board meeting, Mayor John Romano told The Ballston Journal a noise and air pollution nuisance Kaleen Manor residents had been complaining about has been moved.
At its Tuesday, June 14, meeting, the board heard complaints from a handful of Kaleen Manor residents who said trains idling overnight on railroad tracks behind their homes were… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ryan Allen, 18, of Ballston Spa, will represent the US in England this August in a worldwide rowing competition. Allen rows with the Saratoga Rowing Association, and won events both as a representative of Ballston Spa High School and the rowing club during the course of his season.
Allen said he has been into rowing since seventh grade, when his father signed him up for it. Despite his early… [More]
By SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
What are your overall thoughts as you enter the end of the school year?
As an organization, I am most proud that we have kept the focus on our mission despite the economic and policy challenges. Public education is clearly at a critical point from a variety of perspectives; the economic realities have never been more challenging, but the changes at the State Education Department are as demanding… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston parks and Recreation committee met on Wednesday, June 15, to talk about The Guardian House, park programs for the summer and an upcoming farmer’s market.
The Guardian House is the first approved veterans affairs house for homeless female veterans and it will be located at 1214 Route 50, Ballston Spa. It is expected to be able to house up to 11 women, who may stay for as long… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
Dan@theballstonjournal.com
Area business man and military veteran Ray Patterson announced his candidacy for Malta supervisor on Wednesday, June 22, and is circulating petitions for a Republican primary bid against incumbent Paul Sausville.
Patterson, 58, is founding principal and president of Capital Consulting Group, LLC located in Ballston Spa. He said he has been considering a run for quite some time, and for the last… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
School district Human Resource Director Denise Jones called it “the saddest day of the year.”
Mixed emotions—tears, laughter and plenty of heartfelt applause—filled the room at the Wednesday, June 15, meeting of the Ballston Spa Cental School, where Jones, Superintendent Joseph Dragone and the entire board expressed their appreciation and best wishes to the district’s 2011 roll… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
More than 100 beers from 40-plus breweries were served up during the second annual Saratoga Brewfest held at the Ellms Family Farm from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Ballston Spa.
The event was held on Saturday, June 18, and was presented by Saratoga.com and put on by Saratogafestivals.com.
The event featured a number of unique attractions including a Belgian Style beer tent, food from local… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
When the fire truck pulled up in front of 59 Chapman Street, curious neighbors walked outside to see what brought the firefighters to their quiet little side street.
There was no fire or apparent accident, just a gathering of volunteers on hand to attend the Monday, June 13, Village Board meeting hosted by Thomas Schroeder and Roberta Tozier, where the two newest members of the village’s… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
It was an unseasonably cool evening on Monday, June 13, when the village board began its first outdoor meeting at the home of Thomas Schroeder and Roberta Tozier on 59 Chapman Street.
But when the business portion of the meeting came to a close and Mayor John Romano opened the floor for public comment, things heated up in a hurry.
That’s when Crystal Brownell, accompanied by her… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
As the political implications regarding the allegations and investigation of Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson’s wife unfolds, GOP candidate Dan Lewza formally announced his candidacy for the position Monday, June 13.
Lewza, alongside Councilman Joe Miranda, candidate Barbara Kerr and unopposed Highway Superintendent David Forbes, said he wants to run a “grassroots” campaign focusing on… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The Milton Planning Board met Wednesday, June 8, to review two projects and set hearings for site plan and special permits for extra office space and a potential expansion of the freezer space at Hannaford on Trieble Avenue.
Hannaford on Trieble Avenue across the street from Milton Town Hall was up for a site plan review. J.M. Lord, senior site engineering project manager for Hannaford… [More]
By JEN FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Summer is not only the season of fun and sun, but also of benefits and fundraisers to help support local families. The Good Times Restaurant is no exception and will holding it’s First Annual Deck Jam and will donate all of it’s proceeds to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society and Johns Hopkins Medical School. The cause is in honor of the owner Desiree’ Kelleigh’s husband, Hugh B. Kelleigh… [More]
By JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The water tower in Ballston may be getting a new, long overdue, makeover. After getting a bid from the Classic Protective Coatings Company the Town Board is considered contracting them to go to work on improving the tower. A meeting to discuss the issues was held on Tuesday, June 7, although a final decision has not been made.
The Classic Protective Coatings from Menomonie, Wisconsin, won… [More]
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The Upstate-Downstate Football classic for senior New York state all-stars represented more than a win or loss for the four representatives from Section II. Ballston Spa’s own Chris Ohnsman joined a class which included Class A Co-Player of the Year Evan Nusbaum (Burnt Hills), Section II Co-Player of the Year Bronson Greene (Shenendehowa), and Section II Offensive Player of the Year Ryan… [More]
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Public officials and area residents alike seem to favor creating a shared fire station in the Town of Malta, although the challenge ahead is to find and approve a site for the building. At its Monday, June 6, meeting, local fire company presidents updated the Malta Town Board on the issue.
Fred Sievers, president of the Round Lake Hose Company, gave the background of the shared fire… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Kevin Borowsky said he was as nervous about introducing The Whistling Kettle’s renovations as he was when the restaurant first opened seven years ago, but when the doors opened and the crowd came in, the relief was substantial.
“It was like reopening the store. We were very nervous,” Borowsky said. “Customer response has been very positive. Were definitely very pleased … We pretty much… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Representatives from GLOBALFOUNDRIES said between 70 and 80 percent of hires at is Malta facility are expected to be locals, with some international workers supplementing the lot.
Jessica Shahda, a representative from the fab manufacturer, said workers from other facilities around the country and the world will be brought in over the next few years, but a majority of the slate of new hires will… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Milton Supervisor Frank Thompson said he is unsure if he will run for supervisor in the upcoming election, and will be weighing all of his option over the next few days, he told The Ballston Journal in a Wednesday, June 1 interview.
“I haven’t made my mind up yet. I’m not too sure,” he said. The political field is “dirty.”
Milton supervisor Frank Thompson has been cited as part of… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
Wiswall Park on Front Street once again will host two popular summertime events—feature length movies and the shorter films of the village film festival.
At its Monday, May 23, meeting, the Village Board granted requests by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association to use the park as an outdoor movie theater.
Free full-length family films—including “Mega Mind” and… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
For the Thomas family, marching in the Ballston Memorial Day Parade is a tradition spanning almost 80 years. For Christopher Thomas, who might be too young to realize it now, the coat he wore during the parade has history dating back just as long.
Ronald Thomas was born and raised in Ballston in the 1930s. He served as mascot for the Union Fire Company Marching Band and wore a replica… [More]
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The Scotties loss to Shaker on Monday, May 23, turned the team’s playoff hopes over to an appeals process as below .500 squads are not granted automatic entry. The 7-9 Scotties crossed their fingers awaiting the verdict from Coach Jim Buffoline. When 2:30 p.m. rolled around on Tuesday and the girls on the Ballston Spa softball team headed home from school, they were still without a… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
The newest addition to Veteran’s Park on Low Street—“The Lost Submariner’s Memorial Monument,” a combination of a black commemorative wall and 25-foot long replica submarine, will be the feature of a groundbreaking ceremony coinciding with Memorial Day, according to officials.
Representatives from the Albany-Saratoga Sub Vets Memorial Foundation visited the Village Board at its… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
As the investigation into Frank Thompson’s wife Deborah continues, newly anointed Milton GOP supervisor candidate Dan Lewza said he is planning to bring open government, transparency and more grant money to Milton if elected as supervisor.
First, though, he said taking each day one step at a time is his strategy.
“I’m going to work hard, make sure the committee people are proud of the… [More]
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The girl’s softball club will wait through a tense couple of days as they await decision on an appeal which could possibly land them a spot in the Sectional playoffs. A .500 record would have granted the Scotties automatic entry, but some tough opponents in the late going dropped them to a 7-9 final record.
A 4-1 loss to Shaker on Monday, May 23, ended the Scotties best regular season in… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Gateway House of Peace officials signed on the dotted line and will begin to lease the former Red Cross Building in Milton for $1 per year, said Joni Hanchette founder and president of the organization.
The deal will run for five year’s at a time, she said, giving the hospice group the permanent home it has been seeking. The building is on Rowland Street and the organization is moving… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
In the wake of a GOP committee vote indicating incumbent Supervisor Frank Thompson is not the endorsed candidate for November’s elections, Deborah Thompson’s attorney said he will not be representing Frank Thompson if charges are levied against him, due to a potential conflict of interest in representing both husband and wife.
Fred Ackerman, an Albany based lawyer, clarified some of the… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Malta Planning Board members expressed concerns about a proposed development’s architectural renderings and took measures to ensure the drawings would translate literally to the construction.
At its Tuesday, May 17, meeting, the Planning Board worked with Albany Partners and its team to finalize the site plan approval process for Blacksmith Square, a mixed-use development slated for downtown… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Herb gardens have become increasingly more popular over the past few years. At home, in the garden or in your kitchen, kits keep popping up in local garden centers, even in the grocery stores. People are interested in growing everyday herbs such as parsley and basil. For more than twenty years, the Thymly Herb Group, based out of Ballston Spa, is a group of herb connoisseurs who meet once a month…. [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Spa Central School District was awarded $167,394 to help fund a new program designed to support a clean energy education program in collaboration with Hudson Valley Community College.
The grant was provided by the Smart Scholars Early College High School program and is offered by the New York State Education Department, according to information from the district. It will support… [More]
BY JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Town Board met Wednesday, May 11, and planned to vote on the Rossi PUDD, but ultimately decided to table the project while the details are “smoothed” out, after the attorney representing the Rossi family beckoned them not to deny the application.
When the topic was opened the public many expressed concerns with traffic.
After a long discussion about the square footage… [More]
BY JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
While the community is spending the week of May 15 to May 21, EMS Week, thanking workers for saving lives, the members of the EMS community are focused on what the week is really about: Public awareness.
Community Emergency Corps, located in Ballston Spa was created October 14, 1966 for the sole purpose of providing ambulance service to the Village of Ballston Spa, Town of Milton, and part… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
Dan@theballstonjournal.com
The property once housing Manna’s catering hall and restaurant has been sold by Ballston Spa National Bank for approximately $425,000 to Tara Stone. The transaction took place on Wednesday, May 4, according to information from the Albany County Clerk’s Office.
The property was a source of controversy earlier this year when the bank had considered selling the lot to the Saratoga County Economic… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
New York state’s first and only designated fair trade municipality will be celebrating along with the rest of the world on Saturday, May 14, at Mango Tree Imports with a visit from Bernard Domingo, a Zimbabwean artist who recently moved to the state.
Ballston Spa is the only village, town or city in the state with the distinction and the ninth in the US, said Kim Anderson, proprietor of Mango… [More]
BY JESSICA BENNETT
jessica@theballstonjournal.com
The Busy Bone 500 held at the Saratoga County Fair grounds on Saturday wasn’t just for fun and games as the proceeds would bring new equipment into the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, too.
The Busy Bone 500 is a dog walk to benefit the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. Throughout the day a silent auction was held, refreshments were served, vendors sold items and contests for the dogs and… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
With an eye to addressing flooding issues in Silver Beach and Riley Cove, Malta Town Board members watched a slideshow by John Zepko, senior town planner at its Monday, May 2, meeting.
“I’m glad to come before the board,” Zepko told the members. “It’s been a while since I’ve had the chance to talk about storm water and wetlands and other green subjects.”
He then showed a… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
According to information from GOP Chairman John Romano, the committee will wait until May 17 to decide on who to endorse for Milton supervisor, after a Tuesday, May 3 meeting.
Frank Thompson, who is chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors law and finance committee, a position traditionally leading to a chairmanship of the entire Board of Supervisor’s, is up for election as… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
Three candidates vying for two available seats on the Ballston Spa school board answered questions and spoke on issues ranging from the budget process to the anticipated impact of GLOBALFOUNDRIES at “Meet the Candidates Night” held Tuesday, May 2, at the high school library.
The forum, which was presented by the high school’s Advanced Placement government class and moderated by… [More]
There’s going to a be a riot in Ballston Spa this summer. Radio station WEQX 102.7 FM is slated to present recording artists Ra Ra Riot, who will perform Thursday, June 23, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. in Wiswall Park as the season opening band in the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association’s free Concerts in the Park series.
Ra Ra Riot mixes alternative rock with cello and violin, according to organizers. Their song “Boy” was… [More]
At a town meeting in Malta, Congressman Chris Gibson reports on the economy and federal spending.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
A Town Hall meeting hosted by Congressman Chris Gibson brought out competing sets of protestors and competing sets of ideas about Medicare, Medicaid, foreign policy and Gibson himself.
“These are emotional times,” Gibson, R-Kinderhook, said to the audience crowding the Malta Community… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Due to a provision designed to keep government workers from potential ethical dilemma’s, GOP candidate Dr. Michael Prezioso has decided to withdraw his candidacy for Town Board, according to information from the Republican committee.
Prezioso, who works for the Capital District Psychiatric Center, is partially compensated by Medicare and Medicaid, said Mike Groves, GOP chairman for the Town… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
Renovations have begun at Malta Mall in preparation for the addition of a 35,000-square foot Hannaford supermarket, slated to open in the summer of 2012. The new store should result in approximately 100 new jobs, around one-third of them full-time according to Mitch Feeney, real estate development manager for Hannaford.
” We’re in kind of a holding pattern right now,” Feeney said,… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Town of Malta was asked to address a number of information technology deficiencies by the New York State Comptroller’s Office, including making its wireless network more secure, according to a recently released report.
Town officials said the problems have since been resolved, and the network was never compromised.
Among some of the deficiencies cited were the failure to perform a… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
At its Wednesday, April 13 meeting, BSCSD adopted the superintendent’s recommended 2011-12 budget, a $72.87 million spending plan, lowered by concessions from teaching assistants who switched to a cheaper health care plan.
Ballston Spa Central School District Superintendent Joseph Dragone said the switch saves the district almost $100,000.
“On behalf of the board, I would like to… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Friends of the Kayaderosseras are looking to bring fun and science together in a fish filled event on Saturday, April 14.
The Friends of the Kayaderosseras, a non-profit environmental group, will be sponsoring a stocking of the creek at Kelley Park in Ballston Spa with rainbow trout at noon on Saturday to help benefit the local ecosystem.
Ballston Spa families are invited to the event to… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At its Monday, April 11, meeting, the Ballston Spa Village Board learned it was being sued by the owners of Cunningham’s Ice & Coin Laundry for failure to address a recurring sewage back-up problem at the intersection of Routes 50 and 67.
When the meeting opened for public comment, Dave Avenarius, who owns Cunningham’s and an apartment house adjacent to the laundromat on 10 E. High… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
New and renovated highway department buildings are at the top of Malta’s master facilities plan, at an estimated cost of $2.2 million.
Town comptroller Kevin King assured officials the funds were available; however, Town Board members continued to look at cost-saving options.
At its Monday, April 12, workshop, the Town Board met with the design firm Clark Patterson Lee, the company… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Town of Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth said she will be running for reelection come November, while GOP chair Mike Groves announced Pete Connors has the Republican endorsement to challenge her.
While candidates are not required to get their formal petitions signed until the summer, the early stages of preparing for November’s elections are already underway.
The Ballston Republican… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Area fire companies are joining a state-wide push to get volunteers excited about community service and finding new members to give something back to their neighbors.
The Ballston Spa Fire Department, comprised of the Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company as well as the Union Fire Company and the Rock City Falls Fire Department are hosting events Saturday April 9, and Sunday, April 10, to show off their… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At the Monday, April 4, board of education meeting, Ballston Spa Central School District Superintendent Joseph Dragone announced the district’s recommended budget for 2011-12, calling for $72.87 million in spending and a reduction of 33 employees, including 28 teachers.
Of the 33 reductions, Dragone said 10 are retirements and 23 are layoffs and resignations.
Dragone said he expects a… [More]
Mayor John Romano shares a moment with long-time friend and village Trustee Donna Thomas who, after 19 years of service, announced her resignation from the board at Monday night’s village board meeting.
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
At the Monday, March 28, meeting of the village board, Mayor John Romano bid farewell to a village trustee who served on the board for 19 years.
When Romano asked the trustees for new… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
For the 10th year in a row, Assemblyman Jim Tedisco is sponsoring and hosting Missing Person’s Day, on Saturday, April 9, in honor of Suzanne Lyall of Ballston Spa.
Lyall was s student at Ualbany when she went missing in the late 1990s, said Tedisco R-Schenectady, representative Adam Kramer. Her birthday is Wednesday, April 6.
She was last seen getting on a bus going coming Crossgates Mall… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The bold words “this is our year” from senior Danielle Groat summarized the burgeoning swagger developing throughout the Ballston Spa Scotties softball team. The program has suffered through consecutive down years, but Groat alongside her two senior teammates Emily LaBarron and Audrey Avery said they are ready to lead the team of young talent into the sectional playoffs.
Coach Jim Buffoline… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
In the early 1890′s former Saratoga County Judge Jesse L’Amoreaux, a highly successful attorney and director of the First National Bank of Ballston Spa, decided to build a new home at 199 Milton Ave, and the building’s history makes it one of the most unique venues to do business in the village.
“Back then Ballston Spa was the money town,” said current owner Rory O’Connor of Saratoga Real… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
Ballston board of education members discussed the good, the bad and the ugly at it third presentation of the 2011-2012 budget, held Wednesday, March 16.
On the upside, proposed expenditures have been cut $2.8 million since the board’s first presentation a month ago—from $76.23 million down to $73.43 million. The bad news is the possibility of staff layoffs—34 in all, including 31… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
When Chris Fignar and Matt Hall heard Kathleen Hudson might be interested in selling her Front St. Deli, they jumped at the opportunity.
“We’re both from Saratoga,” Fignar said, “but we always thought we’d just disappear if we opened up there. Here we’re part of the community.” Now, five and a half years later, they have just completed a major interior renovation.
“We did the back… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Students from Ballston are heading to a statewide life-skills competition and will be afforded a chance to showcase talents ranging from cooking to carpentry, according to information form the F. Donald Myers Education Center.
A total of 39 students from the education center, part of the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES, will be heading to Syracuse on Thursday, April 14, as part… [More]
The Saratoga County Maplewood Manor nursing home hosted its 2010 Employee Recognition Luncheon on Wednesday, March 16.
During this event, Diane Brown, Maplewood Manor administrator, offered recognition to some of it employee with including the 2010 Employee of the Year and the recipient of the Direct Caregiver Award, according to information from the organization.
Activities aide Kelly Taylor was selected as the 2010 Employee of the… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Republican trio of Mayor John Romano, Trustee Stuart Hodsoll and Trustee Robert Cavanaugh each won their respective seats back after a Tuesday, March 15, count of the votes.
All three candidates ran unopposed.
Romano netted 168 votes, leading the pack, while Hodsoll nabbed 159 and Cavanaugh 158. All three will remain for another four-year term.
Romano told The Ballston Journal there… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
A record setting earthquake, subsequent Tsunami and a potential nuclear meltdown are just some of the problems Japan faces as the entire country is coping with thousands dead and even more left homeless.
In response, rotary clubs around the world, including Ballston Spa, are working on helping to mitigate some of the damage the natural disasters caused.
In the early 2000s a United Kingdom… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The commonly used cliche “you have to walk before you can run” applies to most average Americans. Megan Hogan’s adjusted version might be something like “you have to run in the US championships before you compete in the Olympics.
Megan Hogan will begin her quest for a spot in the 2012 summer games by competing as a member of Team USA Minnesota, a professional track and field organization geared… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
In the wake of criticism for planning to purchase a downtown business property, EOC officials called off the deal with the hopes of finding a location suitable for all parties involved while keeping legal expenses down, according to a statement dated Tuesday, March 8.
“The expense necessary to fight such a large mounting opposition did not seem like a responsible move for a strong but… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
It is certainly no secret that the United States Post Office does not do a postal cancellation for every fallen hero. The 150th anniversary of the death of Colonel Elmer E. Ellsworth will be marked throughout the spring, with various events, and the postal cancellations at the Malta Post Office will be one of them.
Malta Town Historian Paul Perreault said on Sunday, May 15, the Malta Post… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
At the Monday, March 7, town board meeting, Malta held a public hearing regarding the long-discussed downtown master plan, ultimately approving a plan with a 4-1 vote.
Town Supervisor Paul Sausville was the only dissenting vote.
The room was packed full, with some standing along the back wall, waiting for their chance to speak at the lectern. The Malta Town Board had formed the Downtown… [More]
BY JESSICA BENNETT
news@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston parks and recreation committee presented its final report to the Town Board regarding the location of a new park to be established using funds donated by the late Frank Shidzick.
The top three choices were presented along with information regarding the selection process of choosing the right parcel of land.
Shidzick was a town local who had an affinity for nature, and he left the… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Although Village of Ballston Mayor John Romano is running unopposed in the Tuesday, March 15 election, the future of the village, and reflections on his 16 years as mayor, are just as important now as they were when he first took office, he said.
A life long resident of Ballston Spa, business owner for more than 37 years and former trustee in the village, Romano, 65, said serving his community… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
The Malta Drive-in has expansion plans, but not for its theaters. At the Monday, Feb. 28, Town of Malta agenda meeting, Mike Thompson presented for the Malta Drive-In, showing the Town Board a vision of summer.
The drive-in wants to amend its planned development district to allow for a marketplace on summer weekends.
“We would have a farmer’s market with booths, local artisans, and… [More]
BY JESSICA BENNETT
news@theballstonjournal.com
After 34 years of service to the people of the Town of Ballston, Town Clerk Muriel Swatling announced her decision to file her away her last license at the end of the year.
Born and raised in Ballston, Swatling resides in the house she grew up in. Being the clerk has a history for Swatling. She gained her experience in the Town of Ballston office while serving as Deputy Town Clerk from 1959… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
The Wednesday, Feb., 16 meeting of the Ballston Spa Central School District could have stacked up against any this year, with a demonstration of an entertaining new sport as well as the routine item of budget talks.
Malta Avenue Elementary student and speed-stacker extraordinaire Ethan Thomas wowed the crowd with his cup-stacking skills, a dazzling routine in which he stacked plastic drink… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa native Trevor Marsicano is back on top of the podium as of Friday Feb. 17, after pulling out a neck-and-neck victory in the men’s 1500, at the Speed Skating World Cup in Utah. The win pushes Marsicano’s to number one in the World Cup rankings for the men’s 1500, just a hair ahead of US teammate Shani Davis.
Davis was Marsicano’s stiffest competition on Friday and has been among his… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Places like the Ballston Town Library took time to remind school children that winter break’s time off is not only a chance to take a break from math homework, but a time to celebrate two of our greatest presidents.
Families, library staff and town officials gathered Tuesday for “The Legend of the Freedom Quilt, “a presentation is based on the book “Hidden in Plain View,” that tells… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
Bluenote Jazz Club in New York City. Bergen Performing Arts Center in New Jersey. The Open Air Festival of Gaia, Portugal. These are just some of the places Blood, Sweat & Tears will be playing during their 2011 tour season. On Tuesday night, they added the Ballston Spa High School Auditorium to the list.
The band, which originated in the late 1960′s, and played at the Woodstock music festival,… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
Dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa National Bank is under contract to sell the property formerly known as Manna’s Restaurant to the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, according to Susan Slovic, vice-president and marketing director for the bank.
“Based on initial conversations, we anticipate that the potential sale will bring approximately 45 additional jobs to the Village of Ballston Spa,” she said… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
Dan@theballstonjournal.com
Citing new personal circumstances and a ‘divisive’ political environment, Ballston Councilwoman Kim Ireland announced she is not seeking re-election in November.
Ireland said she discussed the decision with her husband and with personal and professional changes in her life, namely a new career and the birth of her second daughter, she has decided not to seek another term.
“Seeking… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
GLENS FALLS — Ballston Spa’s Toby Barnes, Chris Ohnsman, James Ronca and Bill Cook each advanced to the semi-finals the two-day Section II Wrestling championships. Only Cook and Barnes advanced to the final round of competition, but would ultimately fall to their opponents via decisions. The Scotties grapplers didn’t go down easy, as the four elimination losses came by a combined seven… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
Stone Soup Antiques Gallery on Low St. is nearing completion of a 2nd floor renovation which will double their size from 6500 to 13000 square feet. The new space will be opened by March 1st.
“It will have the same footprint as the 1st floor,” said manager Lesley Ann Lewis. “Same layout, same details.”
But she emphasized doubling the capacity of the gallery will allow them to both increase… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa National Bank officially announced the construction of its new 33,000 square-foot sales and operation center near Route 50 and Route 67, according to information provided by Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc., the bank’s parent company.
The new facility will be located in the Town of Ballston, and will house a full service bank-branch, loan sales and operational functions.
Susan Slovic,… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
A perfect match,” that is how local artist and history buff Nancy McGrath describes her relationship with the Brookside Museum. A native of the Averill Park area, Nancy said after moving to Rock City Falls she just couldn’t believe the amount of natural beauty that surrounds this part of Saratoga County. Her tribute to that beauty fits right in with Brookside’s collection of the rich history of… [More]
Eighth-grade students in Ballston Spa Middle School are gearing up to be role models for the underclassmen at the school, thankst to a collaborative effort between the guidance counselros and the Prevention Council.
According to school officials, the Working Against Violence Everywhere program, also know as WAVE, is focused on “team building and problem solving activities that are done on an interactive level.”
Older students are shown… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
The Ramsey family said even though a fire took their home and all their belongings late last month, what they have gained is a sense of community support that is helping them through these very difficult times. Firefighters from the Eagle Matt Lee fire company as well as three other fire departments battled the house fire on 558 Sherman Road in the Ballston Spa Fire District.
Joshua and… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
Fourth grader Ethan Thomas is at an age where children begin to carve out their interests and develop skills that help them stand out from their competitive crowd of piers. Thomas is not just distinguishing himself at a young age, he is knocking on the door of competitive world records.
Thomas has deviated from the common path of spelling bees and pop-warner football and taken an unusual… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
At the Wednesday, Jan. 26, workshop, Malta’s Downtown Planning Team presented its final recommendations to the Town Board, and while the majority of board members and town officials approved of the proposal, some raised concerns about overdevelopment and high costs.
“There is an oversupply of housing nationally, regionally, and here in Malta,” said Town Supervisor Paul Sausville. “I… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa National Bank representatives are discussing the possibility of selling the building formerly housing Manna’s Restaurant to a number of potential buyers, including the Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, according to the bank’s chief executive officer.
At least one bidder for the property is hoping to keep the location a restaurant, according to a local… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Rana Hughes said without a doubt, the love of the Village of Ballston Spa has been instrumental in coping with her daughter’s fight with childhood cancer.
This latest chapter in their family’s struggle involved both of the Hughes girls, and once again they can feel the love not only from within their own home, from the community and the entire Capitol District.
Hannah Hughes, 7, was… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
For district high school students, the road to the future leads to Malta.
Take a 10-minute drive from the high school parking lot down Route 67 east and you’ll reach Luther Forest where, nestled among a sprawl of towering trees, sits TEC-SMART, a new high-tech learning center where district high school students soon will embark on a new-age education adventure, studying subjects such as… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
For many village natives, the name Ecobelli brings fine Italian fare to mind. The long-standing family restaurant served many meals to Ballston Spa residents for close to 40 years. Grandchildren of the Ecobelli family, Tom and Lora Lee Ecobelli, are now teaming up to write a screenplay that pays tribute to their grandmother Laurina Ecobelli. The daunting tale of their grandmothers story is… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
Local optimism for the summer racing season rose from a simmer to full boil following the blockbuster announcement regarding NASCAR sanctioning by race promoter Bruce Richards at the Saratoga Automobile Museum on Saturday, Jan. 22.
Richards announced both the Albany-Saratoga Speedway in Malta and Devil’s Bowl Speedway in West Haven, Vermont, will both be sanctioned by NASCAR for the upcoming… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The Good Times Restaurant will play host to the Electric City Riders when they come rolling into Ballston Lake this Sunday, Jan. 23. The 69-year old racing organization will be showcasing their second ice racing event of a four-part season series. The first race of the season took place at Skidmore Lake on Sunday, Jan. 9, and drew a record opening day crowd. The influx of traffic to local… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Area kids should start getting their snow gear and sleds ready as the 16th annual Winter Festival is fast approaching.
As usual, the Bath St. hill will be covered in snow, from East High St. to Washington St. from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, so kids can take their yearly sleigh-rides down the slope. Indoor activities are slated to follow at the Town Milton Community Center on… [More]
BY JEN FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Being chosen as the recipient of a successful fund raising event is not only welcome news event for Saratoga Bridges but for the entire Village of Ballston Spa as well. The non-profit organization has been chosen by Hattie’s Restaurant for their annual Mardi Gras celebration to be held at the Saratoga Canfield Casino on Saturday, Feb. 5, and it’s a win for not only those who receive services from… [More]
BY KEVIN J. ROGERS
kevin@theballstonjournal.com
When Mark Bolles decided in the spring of 2008 to leave the catering business behind and devote himself to photography full-time, he knew just what to do.
He set about finding a suitable space to open up shop, finally settling on a storefront in Country Club Plaza on Geyser Road. But what he couldn’t anticipate was the crisis he would face from the outset.
The grand opening of his shop,… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
A non-profit organization geared toward hospice-care is looking to set up shop in on old Red Cross building in Milton, according to county officials.
The Gateway House of Peace is planning on using an old American Red Cross building on Rowland Street to provide a place big enough for a family to stay with someone in their last days.
Dick Rowland, chairman of the county’s building and… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
Hello digital tablets- goodbye chunky textbooks.
At its Wednesday, Jan. 5, meeting, the Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education viewed a 10-minute, student-narrated Web-cast illustrating the evolution of American education, from the agrarian and industrial ages to the present day.
An update on another program geared at a 100 percent graduation rate was also given later… [More]
BY MIKE NOLAN
jinternnolan@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa resident Beth Gordon shares cooking recipes with 100,000 people everyday- and she doesn’t have leave her house to do it.
A member of the online community Just A Pinch Recipe Club, Gordon is sharing her home recipes with cooking enthusiasts all over the country.
The club, which was founded in April of last year, mimics a social network, with club members swapping and… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
Soon, no child will be denied the opportunity to play ball in Malta. At a joint meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 11, the Malta Town Board and the field development committee examined plans for sports fields intended to reach that goal.
After a series of planning meetings, Malta’s field development committee hired the LA Group to create concepts for Pod 18 and the Dominick F. Pasquarell Recreation… [More]
BY ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Supervisor Patti Southworth surprised some council members, Tuesday, Dec. 27 when she announced the appointment of Melisa Bentley to the position of deputy supervisor.
“It’s just very surprising to me to learn tonight,” said Councilman Timothy Szczepaniak.
Bentley, 37, who grew up in the town, and has lived here for 23 years, will replace George Seymour.
Her term began… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Being a small business able to withstand 50 years in any economy is an accomplishment worth celebrating. Cunningham’s Coin Laundry has been a landmark in the village for half a century and the history behind it, the fact that it is called “Cunningham’s Corners,” shows that it is not your average laundromat. Current owners Dave and Karen Avenarius said the community is really the “fibers” that… [More]
Area boys and girls will have the opportunity to “explore” firefighting as a career thanks to a new partnership between Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company No. 1 and the Saratoga County Boy Scouts, according to information from both organizations.
Bill Lewis, a member of the fire company, said he has been planning the partnership as part of the Boy Scout’s Explorer program for almost two years, a program allowing youths to get a chance to learn… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa High School graduate Alleigh Marré will be driven by factors greater than the spirit of competition when she participates in the 115th running of the Boston Marathon on April 18th. The final two years of Marré’s collegiate track career was cut short after she was diagnosed with several health conditions. On top of her health struggles, Marré lost close friend and Emerson… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
After almost a decade, the Town of Milton released a new, improved Web site geared toward transparency and accessibility.
After putting out a request for proposal, Hound Dog Graphics were selected to work on the project. Hound Dog Graphics, whose base of operations is just a shot down Geyser Road, has experience with municipal Web site design and recently did the City of Saratoga Springs site… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
As 2010 draws to a close, it is once again time to do one of those obligatory Year In Review stories.
For those unfamiliar with my rules, I am again mostly going to keep to within the confines of the 12020 ZIP code, and/or stories I covered or commented on this year. I started the 2009 version of this review off on a sad note, noting the Charlton Tavern building, which dates back to 1787, caught… [More]
BY ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
Saratoga County swore in six new officials Tuesday, Dec. 28 including the top ranking member of the Board of Supervisors.
Spencer Hellwig III, 48, who has worked for the county since 1988, was sworn in as the county administrator during the ceremony at the Saratoga County Administration Building. Hellwig will replace David Wickerham, who served as administrator for 26 years before officially… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Besides the faint Southern accent you would never know that Rev. Charles Roberts is a native of Sumter, South Carolina. The reverend, pastor and teacher of the Ballston Center Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church moved to the village in August 1996 and said he immediately felt at home. Now the longest serving pastor in the church’s 235 year history, Roberts said the Ballston Spa community… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
A downtown business is calling all quilters to help them in an effort to provide blankets of hope and goodwill to female veterans.
Almost One Of A Kind is a pair of one-of-a-kind women looking to make female veterans feel at home with the opening of the Guardian House in the Town of Ballston, a transitional home for women scheduled to open in March of the coming year.
Shop owner Barbara… [More]
Ben and Adam Wallin practice for the Round Lake United Methodist Church live Nativity set for Christmas Eve. Photo by Jennie Grey.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
On Christmas Eve, the Round Lake United Methodist Church and the Sievers family will once more present their live Nativity services at Creekside Farm. Church members will take the parts of Mary, Joseph, and Baby Jesus; shepherds; kings; and even Roman soldiers. The… [More]
By MIKE NOLAN
news@theballstonjournal.com
The Milton Town Board announced the appointment of Ballston Spa village judge Tom Schroeder to Milton town justice, according to Milton Town Clerk Mary Ann Mevec.
The appointment took place at a special meeting on Monday, Dec. 20 at 8 a.m. Schroeder, 59, will be taking over for 20-year Milton town judge Timothy Thomas who recently decided to retire.
Schroeder has been a judge for the Village of… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The Brookside Museum will close its doors during its slowest month as an ad-hoc cost saving measure, according to the museum’s executive director.
Brookside Museum houses the Saratoga County Historical Society, and in addition to hosting exhibits, the museum and historical society provide a number of educational programs over the course of the year. Closing the building will help cut costs to… [More]
BY ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Lake fire officials said closing Canadian Pacific railroad crossings will be dangerous for residents in the Town of Ballston, and have penned a letter stating as much.
Several residents have reached out to the town since receiving a letter from Canadian Pacific about the proposed closures last month.
Canadian Pacific operates the tracks along Whites Beach Road, Connolly Road and… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO and MIKE NOLAN
news@theballstonjournal.com
The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency granted GLOBALFOUNDRIES close to $111 million in tax abatements on Monday, Dec. 20, according to information provided by the IDA. The decision came in the wake of discussions about the technology campus GLOBALFOUNDRIES is housed changing ownership.
Lawrence Benton, chief executive officer for the IDA said GLOBALFOUNDRIES will… [More]
Recording artists “moe” helped organize a raffle at Ballston Spa Middle
School, where drummer Vinnie Amico’s daughter goes to school, according to information from the band.
Amico, a resident of Ballston Spa, and his daughter Marley helped organize a raffle to support Launching Pad Productions, the school’s drama club.
“oe gave away compact discs, stickers, autographed drumsticks from Vinnie, and a show poster autographed by the… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
Village Mayor John Romano had just adjourned the Monday Dec. 13, regular board meeting when in walked a surprise visitor who, in the spirit of the season, arrived with visions of doing good deeds.
After apologizing for his tardiness and thanking the board for extending the meeting, the Rev. Alan Rudnick, senior pastor of the First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa, informed the board of his… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Village residents Charlie and Lynn Escher have found a way to teach, learn, be happy and be rewarded all using a piece of wood.
The couple has tapped into their creative side and found a passion for the little known craft of Woodturning. Now experts of the art, the two are working together with the local 4-H group, creating masterpieces while teaching young children a way to use their… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Come meet The Greatest Man Alive at the Saratoga First Night celebration this New Year’s Eve.
As part of the festivities, the best of the Ballston Spa Film Festival, held every August, will be shown at the Saratoga Arts Center Theater. First Night’s theme this year is creativity and the arts, so it is no surprise a best-of short-film festival aimed at family-friendly fun is included in the… [More]
Ballston schools and the Children’s Museum of Science and Technology are bonding on the molecular level this year.
In an effort to enhance the second grade science curriculum focusing on molecules, the two entities are working together to give students a chance to hear from educators at the museum and to enjoy the traveling Molecularium, “a computer generated animation show for digital dome theaters that makes molecular science fun,”… [More]
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
After hearing several developers speak on Tuesday Dec. 14, the Town Board agreed an eight-inch forced sewer main would be most efficient for Malta’s northern district, although no plan is underway yet.
Two developments are going up in that area of the town and could be affected by the sewers.
The first is a cluster subdivision proposed for 2656 Route 9. Applicant Tom Deveno has planned a… [More]
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
In the world of competitive sports, the spirit of the games we follow is often lost. The desire to win and be the best is a longstanding value, but often forgotten is the fact that a game should be about having fun. The Challenger Sports program provides a unique opportunity for children of who face regularly face difficult obstacles to come to together and defy the odds.
Ballston Spa Pop… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Although funding for the Saratoga County Youth Court is not included in the upcoming federal budget, the district attorney’s office is hoping for someone to come to bat to keep the program going.
The Saratoga Gaming and Raceway Harness Track, or Racino, has already offered $5,000, Murphy said.
Saratoga County District Attorney Jim Murphy said the program, traditionally funded at higher… [More]
By ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
Saratoga Hospital will likely obtain water from another source after the Town of Ballston failed to offer the hospital, which is proposing to build medical facilities in Malta, a competitive rate.
Councilwoman Marybeth Hynes said that the town has missed an opportunity, and she is frustrated by the town’s “lack of leadership.”
“The water customers and the town have missed an… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Sometimes it takes putting a name and a face together with a cause for people to be inspired to give.
With so many people who work to help others during the holiday season, finding one close to home can sometimes be the most meaningful. The friends and Cody Weiss’s family are coming together to celebrate the life of the 4-year-old village boy who lost his battle with cancer last… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
For 20 year-old Emily Stewart finding her love of music allowed her to find a voice. This once shy girls said singing has always been an outlet for her and has given her the confidence to not only be able to perform as a solo artist, but to pursue a career in music.
“Singing allows me to really put myself out there,” said Stewart.
A graduate of Ballston Spa High School, Stewart is… [More]
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
“It” has been described in many ways. The “x-factor,” grit, heart, and countless other sports cliches have been tossed around in an attempt to define a player like Chris Ohnsman. These terms are consistently used in the professional sports world with marquee players like Derek Jeter and Tom Brady. These are players who make the most of every ounce of talent they were given and turn it into… [More]
By DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
The coming of the new year will usher in more changes in Milton than just a new date on top of the meeting agendas. The town is expecting changes in personnel and an upgrade in technology for calendar year 2011.
One such highlight is the expected appointment of a new ethics board, one coming after months of debate over the town’s ethics code.
At the board’s early January organizational… [More]
Divers, musicians and a special group of young scientists took their bows at the Dec. 1 meeting of the district board of education, an occasion where 14 students were honored for their outstanding and, for one small group, historic achievements.
During a ceremony that recognized students for being among the very best at what they do, three fifth-graders from Milton Terrace South Elementary School—Dana Betti, Jordyn… [More]
The Zoning Board of Appeals agrees with the need for strong corporate identity and branding.
By JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA—The right sign in the right location is key to good business. At its Tuesday, Dec. 2, meeting, the Malta Zoning Board of Appeals took a look at some signs planned by GLOBALFOUNDRIES, ultimately granting variances for all of the proposals before them.
Ed Garrigan of C.T. Male Associates… [More]
With hopes of benefiting from the growing technology scene in Malta, a Clifton-Park based company is moving some if its staff to the Saratoga Technology and Energy Park.
Nfrastructure, founded in 1992, is planning to move into a 6,600 square-foot facility designed for research and development and workforce education and training.
It is planning to move approximately 25 employees to the new facility.
The technology park is owned and… [More]
Final match pinfall boosts Spartans over Scotties
By JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
Ballston Spa entered the final three matches of the evening with an imposing 32-18 lead. When Ballston Spa Coach Harvey Staulters was asked after the match whether he thought the lead would hold up, he smiled and replied, “No.” Neither did Burnt Hills Coach Steve Jones and neither did 103-pound Burnt Hills freshman Phil Corney who would… [More]
Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, announced on Thursday, Dec. 2, Mary Jane Vautrin, 36, will serve nine years in a state correctional facility for stabbing her husband.
Vautrin, of 192 Remsen St., Cohoes and formerly of 44 Sherman Way, Ballston Spa will also be subject to five years post-release supervision, according to information from the district attorney’s office.
She was sentenced before judger Jerry J. Scarano and… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Holiday decorations are sprouting up around the village, holiday advertisements are everywhere you turn and Christmas carols have been playing for weeks, but what really makes it official is this weekend’s local holiday events.
The village community comes together to celebrate the season of family and friends during the annual lighting of the Christmas tree holiday parade, where there is… [More]
BY ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Town Board is split on the decision of whether to offer Saratoga Hospital a discounted water rate to connect to the county water system.
The hospital would connect to the water system through the town.
“We keep circling around,” said Councilwoman Marybeth Hynes at the board’s Tuesday, Dec. 30, meeting. “When what we’re really stuck on is the rate.” She said the Town… [More]
A recent $3 million infrastructure improvement project was green-lit by the New York State Department of Transportation with construction expected to begin in the spring, according to DOT officials.
Jim Boni, assistant to the director for NYSDOT Region 1, said two intersections, one the Route 9 and Stonebreak Road juncture, and one where Route 67 and Luther Forest Boulevard meet, will help make the Luther Forest Technology Campus, future home… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jen@theballstonjournal.com
Village resident and mom Jeanine Dubiac said when her five-year-old, Justin, would not stop talking about making a quilt to give to veterans, she knew this was something beyond a simple lesson in giving back. Dubiac said Justin’s classroom project really seemed to resonate in him, something she said she owes to Milton Terrace Elementary School Kindergarten teacher Arlene Parks.
“To listen… [More]
Justin Taylor, charged with a felony count of cruelty to animals and two other assault charges, will have to wait until Monday, Dec. 13, before appearing in a Ballston Spa court, according to information from the Saratoga County District Attorney’s office.
According to reports, police investigated domestic incidents at 15 Crestline Drive in the Village of Ballston Spa, on October 10 and 11, spawning the charges.
It is unclear if Taylor… [More]
BY DAN SABBATINO
dan@theballstonjournal.com
Walter Theim, at 17-years-old, is going to get a chance to do something some musicians might never have- he’s going to play at world famous Carnegie Hall in February.
Theim, a student at Ballston Spa High School, and lifelong resident of the town, has been selected through an extensive nomination and audition process to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Theim will play as part of… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Although helping people in need is nothing new for village resident Bev Davis, a combined effort of five village parishes is. The lifelong parishioner at the First Presbyterian Church of Ballston Spa said with the growing number of families who are in need, a concerted effort has been needed this year. Davis took part in a community wide plan to put food on the table this Thanksgiving… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
To say that Legos are more than just building blocks would be a gross understatement. The combined worlds of Legos and technology came together at the Wood Road Elementary School on the evening of Monday, Nov. 22, showcasing the minds of many young students in the district. The exhibition for the Ballston Spa Central School district’s FIRST Lego Robotics League, a robotics program for… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
Village of Ballston Spa Mayor John Romano announced the retirement of Justice Timothy Thomas, effective Saturday, Jan. 1, at the board‘s Monday, Nov. 22 meeting. Thomas also sits as a town justice in Milton, a position he will be retiring from as well.
Prior to the Monday, Nov. 22 meeting, the Village of Ballston Spa moved shop to V.F.W. Post No. 358 on East High Street. where, as part… [More]
BY ASHLEY LUCAS
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
After receiving a letter from Canadian Pacific Railway, the Town of Ballston decided to reach out to residents in areas near three proposed rail closures.Town Supervisor Patti Southworth said the closure of the tracks may have been prompted by an accident in Gansevoort in December of 2009, when a Northumberland town worker was killed by a train traveling on tracks owned by Canadian Pacific…. [More]
The Malta town board interviews four architectural design teams for its master facilities plan.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA— With the likelihood of expansion in the horizon, improved town facilities and a new highway garage are in the master facilities plan for Malta. At its Monday, Nov. 22, workshop, the town board met with the four design firms that responded to its request for proposals, although there was no… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
With November comes falling leaves, Thanksgiving Day and, for district school officials, the beginning of another long, arduous budget season.
At its Nov. 17 meeting, the Ballston Spa Central School District Board of Education got a first look at the many challenges that loom large as it prepares to build its fiscal year 2010-11 school budget.
And right out of the blocks, the picture,… [More]
Plaintive and little-known carols drawn from Celtic, African American, and Early American traditions are the trademark of the “Festival of Lessons and Carols,” slated for Christ Church, Ballston Spa, on Monday and Tuesday, Dec. 13 and 14.
The concert is anchored by folk music legends John Kirk and Trish Miller of Greenfield Center, and includes Field Horne and Kristin Roberts of Saratoga Springs and Danielle Bailey and Theresa Bruno of… [More]
By ARIANA COHN
Hank Stanislowksy has been through more in his life than most of us can imagine. The 56-year-old Ballston Spa native not only survived a fire in 1998, which left half of his body burned, but now, after struggling for ten years to avoid becoming dependant on insulin as a result of his injuries, he has been fighting for a full year against liver cancer.
While luck has not been on Stanislowsky’s side, his family and friends… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Twelve-year-old Zachary Pinto has known that he wanted to be in front of the camera since he was five. While not many of us can say knew our calling at age five, Pinto said acting is something that just comes naturally to him. The Ballston Spa Middle School student has not only showcased his talents to the community stage, but has also expanded to television and movies, including his… [More]
By Ashley Lucas
Ashley@theballstonjournal.com
The Ballston Town Board will hold a public hearing Tuesday, Nov. 30, to discuss changes to the town’s dog control law.
Specifically the Board is looking for input from residents about the proposed changes in licensing fees, and changes to penalties for residents in violation of the laws.
The Town Board has proposed raising the fees to license dogs in the town, as the result of an unfunded… [More]
The history of the county clerk’s office is captured in a framed exhibition.
BY JENNIE GREY
Jennie@theballstonjournal.com
History can be fragile. Documents and photographs can be lost, whether to misfiling or to time. The Saratoga County Clerk’s Office has found and preserved a part of local history, now permanently displayed.
Every year, the Clerk’s Office undertakes a research project in conjunction with October’s… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
The village board has never been averse to taking its show on the road.
Every summer, the board conducts three meetings at the homes of different residents’ families, a good will gesture that not only affords the mayor and his trustees a change of scenery, but serves also as an opportunity to reach out to the community in a unique and neighborly way.
On Monday, Nov. 8, the board moved… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
For Erin Conklin, 26, of Ballston Spa, having her husband deployed to Iraq means having to look within to find the strength she, and her husband, Kevin, have based their lives on. Conklin said while she knows having Kevin, 32, so far away for the first time may be difficult, she is looking at it as a blessing in disguise, grateful that her husband has been given the opportunity to… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
The district’s elementary-school report card is getting a makeover, and at its Nov. 3 meeting, members of the school board got a first peek of what it might look like.
School principals Jeffrey Palmer (Milton Terrace South) and David Blanchard (Wood Road) unveiled the new card during a visual demonstration that featured pull-down menus and a backside used to evaluate student behavior and… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA— The Ballston Spa soccer team has provided the community with a pleasant surprise this season, competing for their first ever Section II championship. David Gardiner, a former Ballston Spa soccer player, carried on the Scotties’ legacy in his own way, putting together an excellent season for SUNY New Paltz.
Gardiner earned his first ever All-Conference mention this season,… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal
When we were in middle school, most of us had very simple goals. Most of us were content just to make it through those adolescent years. Career goals, aspirations, and achievements were reserved for adulthood, if we wound up lucky. Austin Wagar, a Ballston Spa Middle School student figures: why wait?
Wagar recently completed the qualifying competition for the “Grom O Rama” skateboarding series…. [More]
By Ashley Lucas
ashley@theballstonjournal.com
Republican candidate John Fantauzzi, was elected Tuesday, Nov. 2 to serve as the Ballston Town Justice over Democratic challenger James Breen.
Fantauzzi, 41, who obtained 2,119 votes, according to the Saratoga County Board of Elections, will begin serving his four-year term in January.
Tuesday night marked the end of a contentious election between the two candidates, which began when they… [More]
A Milton woman was arrested after police said she solicited and accepted donation money from several local organizations and individuals, claiming the donation money would be used to cover extensive medical bills of her four-year-old son. Police said Casandra L. Hanlon, 27, had asked the individuals and organizations to make the donations in the name of her son, who, she claimed, was dying of a life threatening disease.
Police said they… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Jan Rutland’s flair for seeing the beauty in something as simple as a glass bottle was just one of her amazing qualities. Ballston Spa residents are saying that is what Jan may be remembered for most, her energetic giving spirit that made her one of the village’s most beloved figures. Rutland, 75, passed away suddenly Tuesday morning, leaving a void in the community.
Rutland… [More]
By Ashley Lucas
Ashley@theballstonjournal.com
With less than a week to the general election, Nov. 2, Ballston Town Justice candidates are focused on securing final votes, and reluctant to talk about prior contentions.
Despite early struggles for the Republican endorsement, candidates Jim Breen, 50,and John Fantauzzi,41are ready to work hard for the people.
After returning from campaigning near Goode Street, Fantauzzi, a graduate of the… [More]
The Planning Board supported the store’s attractive design and attention to detail.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA—Allerdice Building Supply attended Tuesday night’s Planning Board meeting with a whole team of presenters. Using stacks of detail drawings as well as samples of their proposed building elements, the speakers submitted their plan.
The company would convert an existing 12,000-square-foot showroom… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
In the end, it came down to dollars and cents and what the board believed was best for a village that’s feeling the financial pinch of today’s tough economy.
At Monday’s village board meeting, a standing-room only crowd of about 30 residents gathered to hear first-hand which way the board would lean on developer Frank Rossi’s plan to add six new buildings to his Mohican Hill… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
The first proposed Ballston Spa Central School District Facilities Improvement Referendum was passed by voters on Tuesday night. The final tally was 1,272 yes votes, and 1,159 who voted against it. While the vote was not official at press time, there were less than a dozen absentee votes remaining.
The $49.3 Million bond will address the the most urgent and critical renovations and repairs for the… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Now, more than ever, bullying is at the forefront of our daily lives. Whether it’s on the news or happening to our own children, a friend, the neighborhood kid, it’s something the affects us all and is something some experts feel is an epidemic. The Ballston Spa Middle School Community is stopping and taking bullying seriously and they invite all parents to take part in their… [More]
BY JESSE JACOBS
jesse@theballstonjournal.com
The ironman competition is tailor-made for those hardcore athletic junkies who think running a marathon is a walk in the park. Logan Franks has never made this claim about marathon events of course. In fact, in high school, Franks ran short distances exclusively including the 100 and 400-meter dash.
“The first time I ever ran long distance was when I joined the cross-country team for Suny… [More]
MALTA – A life-long resident of New York, Jim Nolan will be taking his chances at the polls in the upcoming elections after recently deciding to run as a write-in candidate for New York State Governor.
Nolan’s name will not appear on the ballot, however he is campaigning to send a message to Albany and the state legislature.
“I want to show New York voters that there’s other options besides your typical candidates,” Nolan said. “I… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI
John@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA – Becoming a “Fair Trade Town” has been good for business, according to some Ballston Spa merchants who participate. But they say that it is not the only reason they carry fair-trade goods.
“I think it has been a good business thing for the village,” Mango Tree Imports owner Kim Andersen said. “But I don’t know if that’s the reason people got onboard.”
The… [More]
Funds Will Help District Reduce Environmental Emissions
The Ballston Spa Central School District has received $63,165 from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) to help the district reduce emissions in its bus fleet, the district announced today. The funding will allow the district to purchase three propane school buses and to install a propane fueling station at the district’s transportation facility on… [More]
The Ballston Spa Central School District and the Village of Ballston Spa are combining efforts to celebrate school and community pride during the district’s annual Homecoming Week. Various activities will be held throughout the schools, the businesses and the communities in the Ballston Spa Central School District the week of October 12 – 16, 2010.
The schools will be celebrating various themes each day, including a United States day on… [More]
After a divided discussion, the fate of the troublesome building is decided.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA—At the Monday night town board meeting, most of the slate of business posed no difficulty. Resolutions passed quickly on such issues as a PDD extension for the Three Silos development and a grant extension for the Small Cities Grant.
However, when the board reached item g) under Old Business, forward motion… [More]
Rebecca Bedard takes her nursing skills and charitable spirit, as well as one massive suitcase full of medical supplies, on her trip to Uganda.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA—On October 3, Ballston Spa’s Rebecca Bedard set out for Africa. Her destination was Sitabaale, Uganda, a village 30 miles south of the nation’s capital, Kampala. She will be away for six weeks, working with the Ugandan health… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
Simpson United Methodist Church member Laura Miller feels Minister George Richards sums it up best when he calls this parish a “community.” It’s this sense of family and partnership that has made the church a place for people to gather in faith for 200 years. This Sunday the congregation will gather to celebrate its bicentennial following the 11 a.m. mass.
“It’s really a… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI
John@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA – Lights, camera … Malta.
The town stars in a new video posted on the GlobalFoundries website. But Ballston Spa and Saratoga Springs steal the show.
The video features GlobalFoundries employees who have been relocated to the area as part of the company’s Fab 8 project. It aims to show “how wonderful it is to live and work in Saratoga County,” human resources director Emily… [More]
Ballston Spa School Partners with Higher Education to Enhance 21st Century Teaching and Learning
Students in this semester’s Sustainable Design course at Ballston Spa High School are spending class time at the HVCC TEC-SMART building in Malta. The building is a “living laboratory” that provides a hands-on opportunity for students to learn from a variety of building systems and design elements. The students are analyzing data from the… [More]
Proceeds to benefit Mitochondrial Disease Foundation
MILTON – A team comprised of several area runners is joining forces with the national Ragnar Relay Series to raise money for the United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation (UMDF) in honor of Sheldon Fleming, an eight-year-old Milton boy who lives with the disease. The event will take place September 24-25, 2010 – coinciding with Mitochondrial Disease Awareness Week (September 19-25). The… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
Greg.Hitchcock@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON – The Ballston Town Board considered giving the town’s employees a two percent pay increase while freezing their own salaries at a 2011 budget workshop on salaries on Monday Sept. 13. The board has not given raises to themselves in order to save taxpayer money, especially in a gloomy recession. This has also prevented the board from giving town employees raises last year… [More]
BALLSTON SPA – Members of the Ballston Spa House and Garden Club will hold a dedication of its “Plant It Pink” garden on Saturday, Sept. 25 at 11 a.m. on the front grounds of the Ballston Spa Public Library. “Plant It Pink” is an initiative sponsored by National Garden Clubs, Inc. that supports the mission of “Susan G. Komen for the Cure” to save lives and end breast cancer forever.
Featured speakers at the dedication include… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
It seems only fitting that a girl named Hope, would offer just that , some hope to young inspiring musicians. Hope Danison, a fourteen year-old from Ballston Spa, has been collecting used and slightly damaged musical instruments throughout the summer to distribute to other teens interested in playing a musical instrument, but who may not have the means to purchase them. A freshman at… [More]
The Town of Malta and Hannaford Bros. Co. continue to hammer out the details in the supermarket’s Round Lake store plans.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA—An endless list of concerns surrounds a proposed Hannaford store, slated for the west end of the Malta Mall at the southeast corner of Round Lake Road and Chango Drive. At the Sept. 9 workshop, speakers for the grocery store chain faced off against the town board,… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
A proposal by local developer Frank Rossi to build six new buildings on the site of the current Mohican Hill Apartments on Fairground Avenue ran into some strong opposition at Monday night’s village board meeting, where a third public hearing on the plan was held.
Mohican Hill, a 10-building, eight-unit each complex which presently houses 80 residents, was built eight years ago as an… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
Greg.Hitchcock@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON – Two men have been running a growingly heated campaign for town justice which will be decided on primary day Sept. 14.
James Breen and John Fantauzzi are distinguished in their law practices and both have served as local judges, Breen for eight years as Ballston Spa Village Justice and Fantauzzi as Ballston Town Justice in 2006.
Fantauzzi said his experience as former… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI
John@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA – Vendors at the Ballston Spa Farmers Market say it has been a good summer for them. Now in its eighth year, the market continues to grow. Increased awareness of the market and the importance of buying local were cited as reasons why.
“The Farmers Market is doing very well,” said Karen MacDougall of MacDougall Family Farm in Stillwater. “It grows every year. I think… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
Greg.Hitchcock@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA – Kim Andersen of Mango Tree Imports and her Fair Trade associates are planning an awareness campaign during Halloween called Reverse Trick or Treating.
Reverse Trick or Treating is a Fair Trade program in which Fair Trade chocolate is given back to adults from trick- or-treaters along with an informational card to help raise awareness of social and economic injustices… [More]
By GREG HITCHCOCK
Greg.Hitchcock@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON – The Ballston Town Board scheduled a presentation on Saratoga Hospital’s proposed Exit 12 facility with a possible request for a water extension next Tuesday Sept. 7 at 7 pm.
Saratoga Hospital has plans to move its Urgent Care clinic from Route 9 to Exit 12 in Malta and it needs water.
Malta Town Supervisor Paul Sausville approached Ballston Town Supervisor Patti… [More]
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Jennifer@ballstonjournalnews.com
Twenty three of our 114 Southern Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce members are building design and construction companies, making them a large part of the local economy. The Chamber recently took note of that deciding to reach out to this business sector, asking how they have been fairing through the recession.
President and CEO of the Chamber, Peter Aust said one of the goals of… [More]
The Ballston Journal and Times Union partner for a 2nd year in schools
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
As Karen VanAlstine, a 4th Grade Milton Terrace Elementary School Teacher, prepares for another school year, newspapers will again be on her wish list of classroom supplies. VanAlstine is a participant in the Newspapers and Classroom Enrichment Program, a program which she is able to incorporate in all areas of her… [More]
By SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
A few years ago, I was assigned to write a story about Brookside Museum’s annual Christmas ornament design. Brookside Executive Director Joy Houle told me the person behind the design was a young high schooler named Ashlie Busone. Her photograph of the Medbery Inn graced the ornament that year.
When I met Busone, it soon became apparent photography was far from her only activity. At that first… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI
John@TheBallstonJournal.com
MALTA – You don’t have to be a large corporation to become a GlobalFoundries supplier. Plenty of small businesses are needed to provide goods and services for the semiconductor industry.
But you need to know what you’re doing.
To help, the New York Manufacturing Extension Partnership is holding two seminars next month on supply-chain opportunities in the semiconductor industry. While… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
Come fly with me, let’s fly let’s fly away!
-Frank Sinatra
For the past 14 years I have lived just a few miles from the Saratoga County Airport in Milton. As such, there has been many a summer weekend day in which I have looked up and seen sailplanes being towed in the air by another plane, then eventually soaring on their own. I have often wondered what it’s like to be up there, as it has always… [More]
By Erika Tebbens
Erika@TheBallstonJournal.com
Shortly after Milton’s August town board meeting commenced, Boy Scout Phil Piombino spoke to the members about his upcoming Eagle Scout project. His plan is to clear a trail at Boice Family Park.
The park is off Rock City Falls Road, and Piombino wants to clear a trail from the parking lot to the Kayaderosseras Creek. The trail will be covered in wood chips and will have two benches; plus,… [More]
Offering a feast for the senses, the Malta League of Arts (MLA) holds its first fundraiser at the Round Lake Auditorium.
BY JENNIE GREY
jennie@theballstonjournal.com
MALTA—Vivid oil paintings of musicians caught the eye, while a live band brought jazz images to the ear. The MLA even served delectable food, with a showpiece of a cake. The August 5 Art Attitudes fundraiser presented art in every sense of the word.
The nonprofit MLA… [More]
By Mike Nolan
Mike@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — For a few hours last Saturday, Bath Street had a different type of vehicle coming down its hill.
Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the Rolling Roadsters event kicked off on top of the Bath Street hill in Ballston Spa. Similar to a soapbox derby, the event consisted of cars or “roadsters” solely powered by gravity, which raced down the haystack bordered course.
This year,… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI and GREG HITCHCOCK
John@TheBallstonJournal.com
Greg.Hitchcock@TheBallstonJournal.com
CLIFTON PARK – Two World War II veterans from Ballston Spa were among 18 Saratoga County veterans honored by state Sen. Roy McDonald during a ceremony Saturday at the Clifton Park Elks Lodge.
Robert Lawrence and Maurice “Chris” Morley were among those presented with Liberty medals as Saratoga County’s veterans of the… [More]
WEQX DJ Jeff Morad warms up the Wiswall Park crowd Friday night, prior to Ballston Spa Film Festival. Photo by Sam Capuano.
See more in this week’s paper!… [More]
J.C. Carey and Ellie Dillon sell Ballston Spa Film Festival merchandise at Wiswall Park Friday night. Photo by Sam Capuano
See more in this week’s paper!… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Film Festival is back and better than even for 2010. The event, now in its third year, will take place the evenings of Aug. 6 and 7, with the first screening each night kicking off at 7pm. The movies will be shown at Wiswall Park and Ballston Spa High School. There is no cost to see the films.
The Festival was conceived three years ago as a Ballston Spa Business &… [More]
By ANN MARIE FRENCH
AnnMarie@TheBallstonJournal.com
BALLSTON — Ballston Spa National Bank’s second appearance before the town’s planning board did not go much better than the first. While the concept design of the proposed building had been completely overhauled, and garnered several compliments from board members, it still proved to be a building no one wanted in the town of Ballston.
Scott Lansing of Lansing Engineering presented… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — While most high schools students are working summer jobs and sunning with friends, there are some extraordinary teens who are working hard to make a difference in the lives of those that are less fortunate. Recent Ballston Spa High graduate Carrie Sheeran traveled all the way to Nicaragua to lend a hand to strangers that she said was not only life changing to the people… [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — School’s out for summer, but the school board chugs along, doing what it always does—conducting regular business meetings on alternate Wednesdays, without interruption, all year long.
Its July 21 meeting was another two-part session, a common format in recent weeks.
Opening the evening was a facilities planning team update. The district, with the help of… [More]
By JOHN PIEKARSKI
John@TheBallstonJournal.com
MALTA – Buy local and hire local are themes on the GlobalFoundries construction site.
About 70 percent of the 670 tradesmen building the semiconductor manufacturing facility are from the area, said officials from both the company and from M+W U.S., the contractor overseeing construction.
Not only are the firms hiring local workers, but they are also hiring local suppliers.
“We’ve… [More]
By Jennie Grey
Jennie@TheBallstonJournal.com
MALTA—A delicious evening was had by all at Tuesday night’s Taste of Malta. Diners circulated throughout a large room at Hyatt Place, choosing among the offerings of 10 local restaurants. Balancing dishes, forks and napkins, the participants gathered around high tables to test each entrée and comment on the flavor.
“The bruschetta from the Ripe Tomato was really good,” said Lori… [More]
By ERIKA TEBBENS
Erika@TheBallstonJournal.com
Ethics Review Committee member Rose Nelson presented the new revision of the Code of Ethics draft at Milton’s July meeting. The changes reflect comments made by community member during a May public hearing based on the initial draft of the document.
There were several changes between drafts. Current town officers and employees who serve as committeepersons or who hold office in a political… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — The village board held it’s second of three outdoor summer meetings Monday night at the home of Annie and James Jurcsak at 196 Malta Ave.
Village Mayor John Romano, mindful of the recent heat wave and not wanting to subject attendees to the discomfort of being outside for an extended period of time, chose to keep the evening’s agenda brief.
As it turned out, it was… [More]
BY SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — The grand reopening of Mango Tree Imports last week was the highlight of a busy First Friday in downtown Ballston Spa last week.
The store, which sells unique Fair Trade products, (they only buy products from people who are FTF members, from 50 developing countries throughout the world) recently relocated from their former location on the north end of town, to 12 Washington St…. [More]
By RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonJournal.com
BALLSTON SPA —Malta Ave. Elementary stays put and gets an extensive makeover, inside and out.
Milton Terrace South gets demolished, with a new building planned to take its place.
Wood Road and Milton Terrace North get major renovations, including new additions.
The District Office Building, now part of Malta Avenue Elementary, gets moved—most likely to the north end of the Wood… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — When you’re a father and your child looks you straight in the eye and says, “Dad, I want to be like you,” you can’t help but get goose bumps and feel good all over.
You just might get a lump in your throat, too.
So when young Colby Krogh let it be known he wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps, Kevin Krogh, a volunteer firefighter, did want any good dad… [More]
BY RICHARD HALLETT
richard@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — At its meeting two weeks ago, the village board assembled beneath a row of pine trees behind Michael Morrissey’s house on 20 Chester St. It was the first of three outdoor meetings scheduled for the summer, a tradition the board has enjoyed for many years.
On Monday they conducted business back at their usual meeting place, inside the Village Office Building, where the… [More]
BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
Jennifer@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — It was not only devastating news, but it also came as a complete surprise to Angelica Textile employees when the closing of the Ballston Spa plant was announced on June 18. For the company’s 113 employees, it is unwelcome news in a shaky economy where the job market is filled with uncertainty.
Nationwide, Angelica Textile produces textile rental products and offers… [More]
By SAM CAPUANO
sam@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — When cars have lined the streets at the confluence of Charlton Road, Fairground Avenue and Front Street it can only mean another happening at Brookside Museum. Last Friday night’s event was a concert by the local band Gravity. It was the 16th annual fundraising concert for the museum.
As is the case with Brookside’s other fundraisers, including a 5k race and auction, proceeds from… [More]
By ERIKA TEBBENS
Erika@theballstonjournal.com
MILTON — On Monday, the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge, along with Boy Scout Troop 1, held a Flag Day ritual at the newly created Veterans’ Park near the Woods Hollow Preserve. Exalted Ruler of the Lodge Joseph Shaver led the ritual.
Flag Day is very sacred to the Benevolent and Protective Order of the Elks because they are responsible for creating the holiday. In 1907, the BPO Elks Grand… [More]
By JENNIFER FARNSWORTH
jennnifer@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON SPA — Sean O’Brien said he always knew he wanted to follow in his dad’s footsteps. At the age of eight he can remember sweeping the floors and stalking the shelves at the family’s pharmacy in the heart of the village. O’Brien Pharmacy is now celebrating 50 years of service to the residents of Ballston Spa, an accomplishment O’Brien tributes to staying true to … [More]
By ANN MARIE FRENCH
AnnMarie@theballstonjournal.com
BALLSTON — Funding has not allowed the government classes of Ballston Spa High School to travel to the capital is much as they might have in years past but it did result in getting Congressman Scott Murphy to show up Monday for a special question and answer session for the school’s seniors.
“We’ve been talking about these issues all year,” said teacher Dan Hornick. … [More]
By: COLLEEN PIERRE
The Ballston Journal
BALLSTON SPA – It was a beautiful Saturday morning and the streets of Milton Avenue were lined with families eagerly awaiting the start of the annual Memorial Day parade.
Marchers included various veteran organizations, firefighters, four marching bands, and a host of other community groups including Saratoga County 4-H, Boy Scouts, Church Mouse Nursery School and The Fresh Air Fund. Congressman… [More]
MALTA — Elliot Masie, an internationally recognized technology expert based out of Saratoga Springs, was one of several speakers at the May 19 Saratoga Technology 2012 event. He took the opportunity to encourage fluency in technology, transformation as a community, and appreciation for experimentation.
“There is nothing new about GlobalFoundries,” he said. “We have a history of being an early doctor of technology in this region.”… [More]
The Ballston Journal is YOUR weekly news source serving the Village of Ballston Spa, Town of Milton, Town of Malta, Town of Ballston and the surrounding communities of Rock City Falls, Round Lake, Galway and Ballston Lake.
Rich in history and heritage, the Ballston Journal was first published June 14, 1798 and was family owned and operated for four generations until April, 2009. New publisher, Angela McFarland, has an extensive background in… [More]
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