Left to Right– Withlacoochee Chapter of the Florida Sons of the American Revolution SAR President Stephen Hohman, Dick and Joan Rowland. Photo provided.
Weeki Wachee, FL – Richard “Dick” Rowland, formerly of Greenfield Center, was recently inducted into the Withlacoochee Chapter of the Florida Sons of the American Revolution (SAR).
Rowland served as the long-time general manager of the Saratoga County Fair and was a former Supervisor for the Town of Greenfield. He and his wife, Joan, now reside in Weeki Wachee, Florida.
Following an extensive review of. Rowland’s maternal family tree and supporting documentation, it was determined that he is a direct descendant of Isaiah Whitman, a soldier who served in the New Hampshire Militia during the American Revolutionary War and fought at Ft. Ticonderoga.
Rowland served in the US Army from 1970 to 1972 at Ft. Benning, Georgia.
The Sons of the American Revolution honors the patriots of the Revolutionary War by promoting patriotism, serving communities, educating and inspiring future generations about the founding principles of our nation.
Founded in 1889 and headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution (NSSAR or SAR) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to preserving American history, promoting patriotism and educating future generations.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Discover Saratoga announced the nomination of Saratoga County for “Best Small Town Arts Scene” in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Voting takes place until noon on Feb. 17.
This nomination is an opportunity for the county to be recognized nationwide for its lively arts scene, creative spirit, and dedication to fostering cultural experiences.
The contest names 20 small towns — each with a population of fewer than 30,000 people (as of the last census) — nominated by a panel for offering the best arts and culture in the country.
Readers can visit https://10best.usatoday.com/awards/travel/best-small-town-arts-scene-2025/ to cast their vote. Voting will be open until noon. on Feb. 17, and votes can be cast once per day until polls close. The top 10 winners will be announced on Feb. 26.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — At this week’s Planning Board meeting at City Hall, the board announced the following applications are under consideration:
110-114 Nelson Ave. PUD Consideration of SEQRA review and advisory opinion to the City Council on a proposed Planned Unit Development.
31-33 Marion Ave. Area Variance, coordinated SEQRA review and advisory opinion for demolition of existing Mobil station and car wash and construction of a new convenience store, gas canopy, and commercial tenant space.
3-11 Maple Dell Stewart’s Subdivision. Preliminary plat review of a two-lot subdivision in the Gateway Commercial.
For more information about meetings,, potential projects, agendas and other materials related to the three Land Boards in Saratoga Springs, go to: saratoga-springs.org.
The site of Morcon Tissue’s future corporate headquarters: 18 Division Street in downtown Saratoga Springs. Photo via Bonacio Construction.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Morcon Tissue, a manufacturer of napkins, towels, tissues, and other paper products, is moving its corporate headquarters to downtown Saratoga Springs.
The Albany Business Review first reported the news last month.
Morcon, which recently added restaurant chains Applebee’s and IHOP to its client list, will relocate to a 5,000-square-foot office at 18 Division Street. The company is currently hiring for several positions that will be based in Saratoga.
Frameology Optical celebrates its expansion to Saratoga County during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held at its new 426 Maple Avenue location in Saratoga Springs. Photo provided by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
CLIFTON PARK — Blo Blow Dry Bar, which bills itself as the world’s largest blow dry bar franchise, opened a location in Clifton Park at the end of January.
Located at 22 Clifton Country Road, the new bar will offer guests five signature styles on its hair menu, a la carte options, a variety of hair treatments, plus five signature makeup looks and a brand-new section of customized looks.
The new bar is owned and operated by local entrepreneur Carrie Faden. Faden is a former stay-at-home mom who dedicated years to raising her three daughters before diving back into the business world.
“From the moment I experienced Blo myself, I knew it was the perfect fit,” Faden said in a statement. “It combines my love for beauty with my desire to create a welcoming space where everyone feels pampered and uplifted. I can’t wait to share this experience with our guests and make Blo a beloved part of our community.”
Blo Blow Dry Bar is open Monday through Saturday (9 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and Sunday (10 a.m. to 5 p.m.)
Photo of Lou Marino via the Saratoga Catholic Central School.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Central Catholic School announced on Monday that it has hired Lou Marino as their next chemistry teacher, starting in September 2025.
Marino is a certified chemistry and biology teacher who has dedicated 26 years exclusively to teaching chemistry. He’s a veteran of Guilderland High School, where he taught science classes and coached a variety of sports, including football, bowling, baseball, and softball. Marino holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from SUNY Plattsburgh and a Master of Arts in teaching from Union College.
Members of the Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad team pose with their medals after competing in the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament. Photo provided.
BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa High School Science Olympiad squad recently placed 3rd out of 19 teams at the Capital Region Science Olympiad Tournament. The successful finish qualifies them for the New York State competition at LeMoyne College on March 21 and 22.
Ballston Spa students won medals in 18 out of 22 events and finished first twice. The first-place medal winners and their respective events include Lucas Guest and Tina Marie Mullins in “Anatomy & Physiology,” and Kayleigh Cassels and Molly Kaatz in “Bungee Drop”.
The Science Olympiad tournament is a rigorous, academic, interscholastic competition that consists of a series of individual and team events. The events are balanced between the various science disciplines of biology, earth science, chemistry, physics, computers, and technology.
