Marisa Scirocco

Marisa Scirocco

Friday, 07 August 2020 09:12

Big Snake Rattles Vacationers

A family vacationing in Hague (Warren County) had a surprise awaiting them when they got home.

On August 2, ECO LaPoint responded to a residence in the town of Hague, for a report of a trapped timber rattlesnake at a residence. Upon arriving at the home, ECO LaPoint located the snake outside trapped under a tote. Using snake tongs issued by DEC, along with a cloth bag and bucket lid, he safely secured the rattlesnake in the bucket and removed it from the premises. ECO LaPoint transported the rattlesnake to DEC's Green Island maintenance facility where it was temporarily held until it could be released to a suitable location. Timber rattlesnakes are a threatened species in New York. For more information visit DEC's website.

BALLSTON SPA – The Ballston Spa Central School District’s Scotties BackPack Program has once again received a donation from the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa. 

They received a check for $3,000 that was presented to Kelly Delaney-Elliott, Coordinator of Development for the district, during a virtual presentation with Rotary members. Current President Pete Champagne said that the club members had selected the program as one of their main focus areas to support. The funds were raised during the Rotary’s annual Christmas tree sales in December 2019.

“The work and generosity of the Ballston Spa Rotarians continues to amaze and humble me,” indicated Superintendent Ken Slentz. “On behalf of the Board of Education and BSCSD, we extend our sincere
appreciation to them for their support of our students and district programs.” 

Last fall the Brookside Museum, the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa, and the Malta Sunrise Rotary joined together and sponsored a Chicken BBQ to benefit the Scotties BackPack Program. Through their efforts and contributions from many local businesses, they raised over $3,000 to donate to the program. They also placed collection containers in businesses throughout the district. Please contact Ray Otten at 518-852-2642 for additional information on the Rotary’s community support efforts.

In collaboration with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, the district launched the Scotties BackPack Program in 2017 at Milton Terrace Elementary School and has now expanded to all four elementary schools. The program provides a bag of easy-to-prepare food to selected students each week to eat throughout the weekend.  The program started with providing weekend meals to 30 students and the goal is to provide food for 175 students in the district. The cost to provide weekend meals for one student for the school year is $183. Revenue to support the program is raised by individual and corporate donations as well as through any available grant sources.

Other major contributors to the program have been The Saratoga Hospital, Ballston Spa Elks Lodge #2619, and the Global Foundries/Town of Malta Foundation.

Individual and corporate sponsorships are always welcome!  For a link to donate online visit www.bscsd.org/domain/28.  Donations by check should be made payable to the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region or CFGCR and may be sent to: Kelly Delaney-Elliott, BSCSD, 70 Malta Ave., Ballston Spa, NY  12020

Anyone interested in volunteering to support the BackPack program, please contact 518-884-7195 x1369.

Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, NY-21, is a cosponsor of the Local Journalism Sustainability Act, legislation that proposes a series of tax credits aimed at bolstering
local newspapers and media in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Local newspapers were facing challenges before the COVID-19 pandemic, and now their challenges are especially unique.  The bill is supported by the News Media Alliance, National Newspaper Association, and many other groups. 

“Our local news outlets are so important to the North Country, especially in our more rural or isolated areas,” said Stefanik, in a statement. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, our news outlets, newspapers, and TV and radio stations have gone above and beyond to deliver up-to-date information to our North Country residents in a timely fashion. I am proud to be cosponsoring this bill to
support readers, advertisers, and publishers and keep local news media sustained. I look forward to advancing this legislation along with my House colleagues and supporting initiatives like this to keep local journalism thriving.”

Thursday, 06 August 2020 14:03

Local Girl Scouts Earn Highest Award

BALLSTON LAKE – Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) congratulates Raia James, Sara Casale and Tiffany Cospito for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout.

James earned the designation by creating a school supply closet at Paige Elementary School to address an ongoing need for school supplies throughout the school year. Casale started a self-confidence program for select eight grade students in the Shenendehowa Central School District to earn the designation. Cospito earned the award by starting a children’s music program at Hospicio San Jose, an orphanage in Guatemala.

Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better but they change it for good. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades ninth through twelfth who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national, and global challenges. Since 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change.

The Gold Award is earned by a Girl Scout who works to address an issue they’re passionate about in a way that produces meaningful and lasting change. Whether it’s on a local, national, or global level, Gold Award Girl Scouts provide innovative solutions to significant challenges.

“Gold Award Girl Scouts don’t just change the world for the better, they change it for good—and [each girl] embodies everything this achievement stands for,” said Mary Buszuwski, GSNENY CEO. “[They all] addressed an issue that’s important to them—educational equity—for her Gold Award, and we congratulate [these girls] on this momentous accomplishment.”

Girl Scouts is 2.5 million strong—more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. Girl Scouts’ extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. 

First in Northern New York, Third in Albany region and Twenty-second statewide

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Saratoga Hospital has once again been named a Best Regional Hospital by U.S. News & World Report, taking the top spot in Northern New York and ranking third in the Albany region for 2020-2021.

Saratoga Hospital is ranked twenty-second in New York state and was rated “high performing” in four specialties, procedures and conditions: chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, hip replacement, and knee replacement.

“This ‘best’ designation is a tribute to every member of our organization—their skills, their overriding commitment to quality, and their passion for serving this community,” said Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “During these uncertain and challenging times, the U.S. News recognition is yet another reminder that, in Saratoga Hospital, our community has a safe place to turn for exceptional care.”

For the 2020-2021 rankings and ratings, U.S. News evaluated more than 4,500 hospitals and medical centers nationwide in 16 specialties, 10 procedures and conditions. Of those facilities, 560—less than 14%—earned the “best” designation. Saratoga Hospital also received the designation in 2018-2019.

Thursday, 06 August 2020 14:01

Whitman Brewing Releases First Canned Beer

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Whitman Brewing is excited to announce their first can release, New World Water. 

Four-packs of this Hard Seltzer went on sale this past July 30 at the brewery, located at 20 Lake Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The new canning line was scheduled for setup by the manufacturer, Cask Global Canning Solutions, based out of Alberta, Canada, just days before the border was shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This delayed the first canning run, but after many calls and video meetings with Cask, Head Brewer Nick Meyer had the machine up and running.

The first release is New World Water, a 5.14% ABV Hard Seltzer conditioned with over 200lbs of puréed strawberries, giving it a subtle pink hue and a slightly tart fruit flavor. 

“We are thrilled to finally be able to offer our loyal customers a packaged product. Hard Seltzer seemed like the perfect choice for summer, since it pairs well with outdoor cookouts and boating.” said Brewery Director, Keegan Dombrosky. 

Whitman Brewing is a craft brewery located in downtown Saratoga Springs, NY. Serving approachable, yet sophisticated beers since 2019. Check out their website at waltandwhitmanbrewing.com

SARATOGA SPRINGS – Native Saratogian and local author Elizabeth Macy is excited to announce the release of her third children’s picture book in the Lucky’s Adventures Series. 

The Lucky’s Adventures Series was inspired by the true story of Elizabeth’s rescue dog Lucky, who was lost in Saratoga for 4 days. Lucky was safely found thanks to the support of the community. The first 2 books are Lucky’s Adventure in Saratoga and Lucky’s Adventure in Winter Wonderland.

In Lucky’s Adventure in the Great Outdoors, Lucky and her sister Hershey the cat go on a family camping trip. They are worried about making new friends with the forest animals. In this action packed adventure they realize that kindness and teamwork helps them get out of some unlucky situations and also helps to build new friendships. 

A launch event will be held on August 9 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Spa City Farmers’ Market, Saratoga State Park, 65 S. Broadway, in Saratoga Springs. Elizabeth and Lucky will be signing books along with local illustrator Arien Smith. A portion of sales will be donated to H.O.P.E. Animal Rescue.

The event is family and dog- friendly and will include kids’ activities and giveaways. 

Follow Elizabeth and Lucky at Lucky’s Adventures Books on Facebook and Instagram for upcoming events or contact at www.luckysadventures.net

Lucky’s Adventure in the Great Outdoors is currently available for pre-sale purchase online and will be at numerous stores locally. 

Thursday, 06 August 2020 13:55

Roy Richard Farrell

Roy Richard Farrell

Saratoga Springs - Roy Richard Farrell, 83 passed away July 29, 2020 surrounded by his family. Private services were held 8/5/20 at Burke Funeral Home followed by burial with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery. Memorial donations to either the Alzheimer’s Association or to cancer research. Visit www.burkefuneralhome.com 

Thursday, 06 August 2020 13:54

Michael J. Reardon

Michael J. Reardon

Ballston Spa – We are truly saddened by the untimely death of Michael J. Reardon, 52, on July 29, 2020. A graveside service will be at the St. Peter’s Cemetery on West Ave, Saratoga Friday, August 7, 2020 at 11 a.m. Please visit www.burkefuneralhome.com. Fly with the Angels “Mister.”

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  • Saratoga County Court  Kathleen M. Callanan, 62, of Saratoga Springs, was sentenced to 1 year in local jail, after pleading to felony grand larceny.  Cassandra R. Barden, 38, homeless, was sentenced to 1-1/2 to 3 years incarceration after pleading to felony attempted assault, charged in Milton.  Ashley Vetrano, 35, of Glens Falls, pleaded to felony robbery, charged in Moreau. Sentencing May 23.  Gabrielle Montanye, 63, of Stillwater, was sentenced to 5 years probation, after pleading to felony attempted identity theft, charged in Ballston Spa.  Daniel J. Koenig, III, 53, of Round Lake, was sentenced to 2 to 4 years incarceration, after…

Property Transactions

  • BALLSTON Eastline Holdings LLC sold property at 12 Aspen Dr to Shaun Scott for $596,673 Sunmark Credit Union sold property at 15 17 & 19 Main St to Landmark Holdings 2023 LLC for $240,000 CORINTH Gary ONeil sold property at 115 Hollister Dr to Aaron Schips for $345,000 GREENFIELD Jeffrey Fuller sold property at 4 Lanie Dr to Jacob Brooks for $221,700 Bernice Moeller sold property at 395 North Creek Rd to Devin Vernon for $270,000 MALTA  Maureen Weise sold property at 13 Pepperbush Pl to Robert ONeill for $245,000 MECHANICVILLE Robert Murphy sold property at 406 Park Ave to…
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