Author: Saratoga TODAY

The United States Mint (Mint) hosted a ceremonial strike event Nov. 12 at its Philadelphia facility where Treasurer of the United States Brandon Beach struck the final, circulating one-cent coin (penny). The event marks the official end of the penny’s 232-year production run as a circulating coin.

“Today the Mint celebrates 232 years of penny manufacturing,” said Kristie McNally, Acting Mint Director. “While general production concludes today, the penny’s legacy lives on. As its usage in commerce continues to evolve, its significance in America’s story will endure.”  

The penny, first authorized by the Coinage Act of 1792, has long played a role in daily American life—from the earliest days of the U.S. economy to the present. However, economic and production factors, combined with evolving consumer behavior, have made its continued production unsustainable. Over the past decade, the cost of producing each penny has risen from 1.42 cents to 3.69 cents per penny.

While circulating production has ceased, the penny remains legal tender. There are an estimated 300 billion pennies in circulation—far exceeding the amount needed for commerce. Retailers and other businesses can continue to price goods and services in one-cent increments. 

The Mint will continue to produce numismatic versions of the penny in limited quantities for historical and collector purposes.

The Village of Ballston Spa invites all residents, business owners, and stakeholders to participate in a public workshop on Thursday, November 20 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at 50 West High Street in Ballston Spa as part of the ongoing Revitalize Ballston Spa planning initiative. The workshop will be a chance for the public to review and provide feedback on the plan’s draft recommendations.

 During the November 20 workshop, there will be:

• Brief presentation – Hear from the project team about progress on the Revitalize Ballston Spa plan to-date and learn more about the process and timeline;

• Open House and Interactive Activities – Review and provide feedback on draft recommendations, ask questions, and connect with fellow community members.

 Pizza will be provided and activities will be available for children. No prior registration is required to participate.

 The Revitalize Ballston Spa plan is a comprehensive, community-driven effort designed to attract investment and funding opportunities by establishing a clear and actionable vision for the Village’s future. For more information, visit revitalizebspa.com.

Two military-affiliated SUNY Empire students, Roy Belvett and Matthew Newsome ‘23, received scholarships from the Veterans Business Council (VBC) this past week. The scholarships support veterans or service members (active duty, national guard, or reserves) who live in, attend college in, or work in Saratoga County, NY. 

Belvett, a staff sergeant who currently serves in the New York Air National Guard, works as a fleet management analyst and material control section lead at Stratton Air National Guard Base. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Professional Studies in business, management, and economics with a concentration in information systems. 

Newsome, who serves as a section commander at the 83d Network Operations Squadron in Virginia, is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. Newsome graduated with a Bachelor of Science from SUNY Empire in 2023.  

“It was an honor to celebrate Roy and Matthew as two of the Veterans Business Council scholarship recipients at their annual breakfast this year,” said Director of Veteran and Military Education Desiree Drindak. “The VBC is an amazing partner that continues to empower and support veterans in our community.”