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Thursday, 01 May 2014 13:04

Showcase of Homes Announces Builders Lineup

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2014 Saratoga Showcase of Homes will include a lineup of 15 award-winning builders and 16 new homes exhibiting some of the newest features available.

 

The 2014 Builders list includes Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, BCI Construction, Bonacio Construction, Classic Homes, Heritage Custom Builders (entering two homes), Kodiak Construction, Malta Development, Polito Homes, Richbell Capital, Saratoga Builders, Traditional Builders, Trojanski Custom Builders, VanVeghten Construction and Witt Construction.

 

In its 19th year,the Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is in full swing planning the upcoming fall’s exciting edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. To qualify, homes must be built within the past year and be in Saratoga County.

 

This year’s event will take place over three fall weekends on September 20-21, 27-28 and October 4-5, featuring the finest builders in the area with their new construction. Last year, 3,500 people visited a display of 14 homes from 11 builders.

 

The annual community event has contributed over $825,000 to local charities in its 19 years.Proceeds from the Showcase of Homes continue to benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.

 

Barry Potoker is in his fifth year as Executive Director of the Saratoga Builders Association. Taking over after the only year the event was cancelled (2009 when the real estate market went sour), Potoker and the 160 members of the Builders Association have bounced back strong and carried on the tradition, raising between $60,000-$75,000 each year.

 

“It’s certainly grown over the years,” Potoker said. “People love going to the show and seeing what styles and trends are new—meet the landscapers and interior designers…The philosophy of the Saratoga Builders Association is to give it all back to the community.”

In 2013, the showcase raised $63,000.

 

“It’s a testament to the kinds of builders we have in this area,” Potoker said. “We have some really fantastic builders and they have been supportive of doing the show, because it takes a lot of work to put on a showcase home. All the homes have interior designers and they’re all furnished and they’re all decked out to the nines, so it takes a lot for the builder to do that. It’s also a testament to the community who buys tickets to go to the show. It has really become a fall tradition over the three weekends.”

 

In addition to building the homes, the builders have to pay a fee to be in the showcase.

 

Introduced last year, the Showcase Chef’s “Comforts of Home” will kick off the showcase festivities on Friday, September 19. Potoker anticipates eight to 10 homes participating in the chef’s event.

“It’s a terrific event,” Potoker said. “We only sell 500 tickets to that because you can only fit so many people in a house. You will know what the food is when you’re going. It has to be some sort of comfort food, whether it’s macaroni and cheese or tomato soup and grilled cheese sandwiches, lasagna or chili. Last year we had music too.”

 

Before that, the Realtor Bus Tour will kick off on the Tuesday before the show (September 16). Not open to the public, the Judges Tour is an all-day affair. Three luxury buses will be filled with realtors, judges and sponsors and leave from the Saratoga Performing Arts Center at 8 a.m. to preview all the homes.

 

Of the 150-175 participants, a select number of judges will go through and judge on a variety of categories—bathrooms, architectural design, interior design, etc. The judges decisions will be revealed at an awards ceremony the following Thursday at the Vapor Night Club, filled with music, dinner and cocktails.

 

The public can tour the homes over the three fall weekends for $20 a ticket.

 

For more details on the 2014 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event, or to view virtual tours of last year’s homes, visitwww.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. All details and updates can also be found on the “Saratoga Showcase of Homes” Facebook page.

 

Corporate sponsorships are now available and showcase home reservations are currently in progress. For a sponsorship opportunities packet or for information about entering a new home in the event, contact Potoker at (518) 366-0946 orThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Published in News

You Are Now Encouraged To Play With Your Pints

 

SARATOGA SPRINGS – So, it was getting towards the end of the Saratoga Beer Summit, when I stumbled (not literally; well, maybe) into the smiling face of Kerri Tanner at a booth in the back. I took one look at her products, and had to tell her:

 

“I hate you. This was my idea.” 

 

The shocked look on her face was quickly replaced by another smile and a knowing nod. Apparently, this was not the first time she heard something similar. 

 

Well, it says here that Kerri and Robin Morgan better get used to similar reactions and also a lot of delight. They took a simple idea and took it out four new flavor doors— with more to come. 

 

Behold Brew Salt. A homegrown product (manufactured in small batches) with unlimited potential. Available in lime, habanero, chocolate and bacon flavors. An idea refined from your Uncle Vito at the Elks Lodge putting table salt in his Genny Cream Ale, combined with the growing love of all things craft brewing, Brew Salt stands poised to add zingy exclamation points to pints from coast to coast. 

 

The difference between Brew Salt and the shaker at your local sports bar or pub starts with the base ingredients “We use high-quality grey Celtic sea salt,” Robin notes, “which is mineral-rich. From there, the flavors are added, which is Kerri’s department- she’s the chef.” It’s all vegan (yes, even the bacon), high quality and gluten-free.

 

Indeed, the skillsets of these two local entrepreneurs are perfectly balanced. Robin is a free-lance marketer; Kerri is the foodie/recipe specialist. They met three years ago by happenstance when Robin moved to the area and made a random hair appointment. By the time the rinse and blow-dry was done, a partnership was born. Their respective partners supplement them handily: Patrick McGowin and James Morgan provide beer acumen and financial expertise. Or vice versa, and perhaps on occasion, both.

 

“We went e-commerce (see: www.brewsalt.com) and vending at big events like the beer summit, but now in a relatively short period of time (the site was launched just this year) we are looking around at a larger kitchen just to meet current demand.” Robin said. 

 

In the meantime, the team is making PR visits to taverns and retail establishments locally. A major perk of the job – every day is TGIF in their world

 

So it should be no surprise to soon see the Brew Salt shakers, with their distinctive bowler and handlebar moustaches on the shelves of discerning specialty stores, or adjacent to the Bloody Mary condiments on the finest bars. 

 

The effervescence of Kerri and Robin matches the effervescence of their product in your glass. So, a tout to those in a position to say yes to such things from your friendly food editor: Get Shakin’!

 

Recommended Brew Salt Beer Parings:

IPA's:  Bacon, Habanero or Lime

Porters / Stouts:  Chocolate or Bacon

Lagers / Pilsners:  Bacon, Habanero or Lime

Nut Brown: Chocolate

Or: Mix it up!

 

- Brewsalt.com

 

Published in News
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Adirondack Trust Company today announced an increase in its dividend of 50 cents per share, from $25.00 per share to $25.50, due to overall business performance, including record levels of deposits (excluding assets held in trust), commercial loans, consumer loans and residential mortgages in 2013. As of December 31, 2013, The Adirondack Trust Company’s total loan balances increased 12.7% to a record $568 million due to record levels of new mortgages, consumer loans and commercial loans. Credit quality improved as measured by both net charge-offs and delinquent loans. Deposits, excluding assets held in trust, grew 1.34% to a record of $785 million. Net income for the year was $7.4 million. The Adirondack Trust Company is an independent, employee and locally owned and operated community bank offering a wide variety of business and personal services. The bank has $1 billion in assets and twelve branches. The Adirondack Trust Company is rated by Bauer Financial as a 5-Star bank for the period ending December 31, 2013. The bank offers trust, insurance and investment services and originates real estate mortgages, both residential and commercial, and commercial business loans throughout its market area. The bank’s website is www.adirondacktrust.com.
Published in News
Friday, 24 January 2014 11:56

2014 Saratoga Winterfest Week Events

• Friday, January 24: Labatt Blue Pub Crawl. Peabody’s (7–8 p.m.), Trotter’s (8–9 p.m.), City Tavern (9–10 p.m.), Caroline Street Pub (10–11 p.m.). Bars will have specials on Labatt Blue and will be giving away Labatt jerseys, hoodies, etc. Free Shuttle from the Gideon to Saratoga Downtown. • Friday, January 24: Stadium Café Warming Tent. Hang out with the Stadium Cafés inside the Warming Tent all weekend and pick up Burger and Blue Special coupons. Locations: 389 Broadway and 112 Congress. Plus, hang out at the West Side location on Friday at 7 p.m. for Hockey Trivia Night and at 7 p.m. on Saturday at the Broadway locations. Chances to win hockey tickets and memorabilia • Friday, January 24: Funk Evolution at Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, No Cover, 9 p.m. • Saturday, January 25: 2014 Cabin Fever Luncheon at Saratoga National Golf Club, Cost: $65, 11 a.m. The annual Cabin Fever Luncheon put on by the Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC) is the winter event not to miss. The money raised from these events helps fund awards programs, service projects and grants to the community. •Friday, January 24–Sunday, January 26: Saratoga Frozen Springs Classic Pond Hockey Tournament. Visit the website to register and book a room, www.saratogafrozenspringsclassic.com • Saturday, January 25–Sunday, January 26: Winter Antique Show at National Museum of Dance, 11a.m. to 4 p.m. The National Museum of Dance is happy to announce their Fifth Annual Winter Antique Show. Last year, the show welcomed over 1,400 guests. Over 50 vendors will be displaying their vast variety of wares. • Wednesday, January 29: Paint STARRY STARRY NIGHT at Saratoga Paint and Sip Studio, 7–9 p.m. at 80 Henry St. in Saratoga Springs. Cost: $38. Register on our website to reserve your seats and with the help of artist instructors (and wine), you will take home your version of this classic masterpiece. • Thursday, January 30: Cross Country Ski Lessons 2014, 6:30–8 p.m. The Town of Clifton Park, in cooperation with the Shenendehowa Nordic Club, announces its Beginner Cross Country Ski Lessons program. Classes are offered as snow conditions allow from 6:30–8 p.m. on the above dates at the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center. All ages and families are welcome. • Friday, January 31: AudioStars at Vapor Night Club at Saratoga Casino and Raceway, No Cover, 9 p.m. • Friday, January 31: Candlelight Ski and Snowshoe from 6–8:30 p.m. at Saratoga Spa State Park. Families are invited to enjoy an evening at Saratoga Spa State Park’s free candlelight ski and snowshoe event. In addition to a one-mile candlelit loop, the park will be offering ice skating and hot food and drinks. Snowshoes will be available to rent. This event will take place at the Warming Hut. This is a weather dependent event. Call Alli Schweizer at (518) 584-2000, ext. 116 for more information. • Friday, January 31: Winterfest Wine Tasting from 6–9 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs/Ballroom. Sample a selection of delicious affordable wines, paired with savory Hors D’ Oeuvers. Live music and raffles. Admission is $20 a person at the door and $30 per couple.
Published in News
Friday, 10 January 2014 11:09

DA Murphy Begins Fifth Term

BALLSTON SPA— Saratoga County District Attorney James A. Murphy, III was sworn in as District Attorney on Monday, January 6 by County Clerk Craig Hayner. Murphy begins his 5th term as DA, marking his 17th year as top prosecutor and his 26th year in the DA’s Office. Murphy has significantly expanded the role of the DA by focusing on victim’s rights and been a longtime supporter of strengthening the laws that allow victims the right to speak at sentencing, receive restitution and compensation from the Crime Victims Board and have an active role in the outcome of their criminal case. As the chief law enforcement officer for 14 police agencies in a county of 215,000 people, Murphy runs an office of 21 assistant district attorneys, 5 investigators, a crime victims unit and as well as a number of support staff functions. He and his assistants prosecuted nearly 10,000 criminal cases last year along with a staggering 96,000 vehicle and traffic offenses in the 44 justice courts in Saratoga County as well as Saratoga County Court and grand jury. Upon being sworn in Murphy said “I am honored to serve Saratoga County as DA and to continue to bring justice to victims of crime in this county. By joining with law enforcement, not for profits, community agencies, schools, parents and government officials we can work together to make our community safer.” Saratoga County is unique in that people want to live here because our quality of life is high, the scenery is beautiful and our towns and cities are thriving,” Murphy continued. “In part, this is because our crime rate is low and we live in a very safe place. I attribute that to the hard work of the men and women in my office and their close relationship with the police officers and their extraordinary work. I proudly stand with my partners in law enforcement who dedicate themselves to doing the right thing to make sure the correct person is charged, that criminal cases are thoroughly investigated and that the interests of justice are served in each and every case.” A significant step that Murphy recently accomplished was the installation of digital recording rooms in nearly every law enforcement office across the county allowing police officers to digitally record defendant›s statements from beginning to end. As a result, claims by defendants of «coerced confessions» by police have vanished. Hearings on voluntary confessions have been reduced to the defense attorney and the judge watching the recording, with very few witnesses, significantly reducing court time. The DA said he hopes soon to implement new technology by allowing for televised/ remote arraignments. The idea is that defendants would not be required to be transported from jail to justice courts throughout the county, ultimately saving on manpower, overtime, court time, fuel and enhancing safety and security of the inmate. A two-way teleconferencing feature would allow the defendant and all parties including the judge to see and talk to one another remotely. “If private business can do it and save money, why can›t the public sector as well?” Murphy said. “The most important thing is to safeguard the defendant›s constitutional rights. If those are protected and we can save taxpayer dollars, then I think it›s a good idea.” Murphy further said, “Mostly it›s an honor to work in the trenches alongside them.”
Published in News
Friday, 10 January 2014 10:55

The People’s Wall: On Expanded Gaming

Note to Readers: We invite your thoughts and emails. Please keep your comments brief (150 words or less) and email them (no snail mail please) with a phone number to confirm to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Saratoga TODAY reserves the right to edit or reject any offensive or other language as needed. What a dilemma Saratoga Springs is faced with. If Saratoga Casino and Raceway is chosen to get a Vegas-style casino – Downtown Saratoga will be destroyed along with SPAC and other businesses! If Rensselaer is chosen for a casino, then Saratoga Casino and Raceway will be destroyed! If Saratoga Casino is gone – what will replace it? Saratoga will not get the revenue it has bee accustomed to receiving. It would be interesting to know how the Saratoga hotels and restaurants do during the winter months. SPAC, of course, is idle. Other than the Victorian Streetwalk, First Night, Chowderfest and the Flurry there is not much going on downtown in the winter. A casino with entertainment could help fill the gaps and even help downtown if there was a designated area (like a visitors center) that promoted downtown Saratoga. The City Center’s concern about the size of the event space at the casino could be resolved if the casino agrees to have only entertainment (dancers, singers, bands, etc.) and not conventions! John J. Totten Saratoga Springs Why I’m against the proposed casino complex: It’ll bring more crime, pull people from downtown, undermine the city convention center and other venues, increase congestion, put a strain on infrastructure, lead to more devastation to families due to gambling and other addictions, bring the guys in shiny suits back to town, make this a less attractive place to live (which will affect property values), and be spiritually deadening. Look at the places near casinos that are dark and struggling. We don’t need any more development. We’re a small city. The Chamber’s “fact finding forum” on the proposed Vegas-style, full-scale casino, hotel, restaurants and convention center, was short on facts, long on vague promises, and almost all about business and money, not community effects on people, city, crime, etc. 450 casino “supporters” we’re bussed in under threats of fines to pack the house, just like a stacked deck. The Chamber event was an infomercial for the first hour! Skip Carlson and Rita Cox were sweetly promising to live in harmony with Saratoga, but a casino, convention center, hotel, and restaurants would try to keep their patrons there and would be in competition. Mark Baker, John Baker and Harvey Fox raised concerns about dangers about a “mini-Vegas” on downtown, but SAVE, a citizens group, was not allowed to speak. 58% of Saratogians voted against allowing casinos, and in electoral terms that’s a landslide, but that doesn’t matter unless people pressure the politicians. Robert W. Davis Saratoga Springs Add me to EXTREMELY opposed list. Ask people if they remember horse racing in Atlantic City? Some will recall the Matchmaker, the United Nations Handicap and world-class racing and then the casinos came to make everything better... Marilyn Lane Saratoga Springs A pragmatic approach is to establish a point that both parties can agree upon. Without a doubt, gambling brings risk: property value, crime, quality of life, infrastructure and tax risks to name a few. There are also benefits: jobs, economic growth & tax revenue. In similar cases where risks of adverse conditions potentially harming tax payers, their land values and quality of life for residents are absorbed by property owners’ (AK, PA oil & gas) ongoing compensation in the form of royalties is paid to the land owners. Let’s share the risk and reward with the residents and taxpayers by sharing profits based on property tax participation- pro-rated proportionately. In this model, true entrepreneurship prevails. If the pro casino faction balks, their self-serving greed will surface. If they accept, their points gain validity. With great decision-making power comes immense responsibility. I hope Saratoga’s leaders raise the bar for accountability and social responsibility. Stephen D. Berg Resident and Business Owner The nightmare of Saratoga’s historic flat track forsaken for the air-conditioned “Destination Saratoga Casino” is too threatening to be ignored. Yet, to date, it seems NYRA is sitting this one out. At the casino forum, two thoroughbred breeders and one for the standardbreds represented horse interests. Collectively they tried to convey concerns of being left behind and told chilly stories of failed racetracks when a casino comes to town. But where was NYRA? Could it be in collusion with the Governor’s office (where it seems SPAC has gone), or are there conflicts of interest? What say you NYRA? Robert M. Toole Saratoga Springs So my take on the meeting at the city center is that we still know very little about what the potential development of the 160 acres really is. I think this meeting was nothing more than fluff from the development side. We have to “wait and see” how much they cram into their RFA’s, and then it’s too late. I would like to see their proposal BEFORE it is filed! Why can’t we have a meeting to discuss the proposal that has the very real possibility of altering what we have worked for, for so long? Why have we never embraced harness racing like we have thoroughbred racing? As a life-long resident do not recall any development of that part of racing to improve attendance. Is it really “failing” to the point we could lose if casino development is blocked? What other options have been explored? I think it was abundantly clear the opposition to Casino expansion has made their presence known and as someone said; the large turnout for, against, and undecided does represent we are a concerned community; and hopefully we can all stay on this issue like flies on rice! We should we have a voice at the next meeting! Just saying... Kim Fonda My family spans five generations in Saratoga Springs, including my daughter who, if we stay, will attend the same school as her mom, uncle, great grand-uncle and great grandmother. I can work anywhere in the U.S., but chose to come home – a rarity based on the AP story of January 4, noting the mass exodus of young professionals from upstate NY. I have many concerns about the siting of a casino in Saratoga Springs - principal among them is the recent talk of ‘promises,’ and ‘assurances’ being made in the name of getting this deal done. I’m equally concerned about so-called ‘partnerships’ to exist between private interest groups and our city, and its residents and businesses. While I’m sure some of our public officials have benefitted from their own personal partnerships with these private interest groups, let’s ask ourselves honestly: How real are these promises? How binding are these assurances? How strong are these partnerships? Private casino interests are just that: private. These same people promising public partnerships have a single objective: maximizing private interests. There is nothing inherently wrong with maximizing private interests. There is something disingenuous about doing so under the pretenses of acting in the public’s best interest. I submit to you the same group promising you partnerships and thoughtful expansion will act in the public’s interest only if doing so furthers their own agenda. That is something less than a true partnership. We’ve now heard the following: “We’ll build a “Saratoga-style” casino.” “We will close at 1 a.m. if the Saratoga Springs bars have to” “We don’t plan to offer subsidies on drinks / meals / entertainment” “We will work with the local businesses” “Development will be in line with Saratoga’s culture and history” What precisely are the legally binding mechanisms requiring private casino interests to adhere to these promises? Moreover, when it suits these same interests to sell to new owners in order to maximize their own bottom line, what can this city point to in order to bind successors and assigns as to these same promises? Private casino interests are the first to speak of their neighborhood pride. Can you say the same for Genting, Ceasar’s, MGM and other corporations buying up casinos nationwide? What kind of partnership should we expect then? Casinos are in the business of making you feel as if you have a chance to win, when you otherwise know the odds are stacked decidedly against you. It’s smoke and mirrors. This entire bid for a “Saratoga-style” casino in partnership with the city and its businesses and residents is just more of the same. I respectfully ask our elected officials to please stop buying the talking points of the racino – your citizens are smarter than that. Uphold the vote of your citizens and pass a resolution against the siting of a casino in Saratoga Springs. Brooke McConnell Saratoga Springs I am urging each member of the City Council to protect the precious resources of our City and pass a resolution against full gaming in Saratoga Springs.Powerful forces, fueled by greed alone, are determined to force this facility down our throats if we stand idly by. No community in history has withstood the crushing social impacts of casino gambling within their city limits. Increased problem gambling, embezzlement, drunk driving, burglaries are all proven to increase when a casino comes to town. Detroit needs a casino. Monticello would benefit from a casino. Placing a casino in Saratoga would be like encouraging a dingo farm to be next to a child care center. As a former local business owner, 34 year resident and Grandfather, I treasure what Saratoga has to offer. As a property owner, much of our personal wealth lies in the local residential and commercial properties we have worked so hard to acquire, renovate and maintain over the decades. A casino threatens property values. This is a proven fact, not merely an opinion. I wouldn’t choose to send my granddaughter to college in a casino town, and suspect many other families wouldn’t either. Please just say ‘no way’ to the casino...they only care about themselves. Russell Pittenger Saratoga Springs
Published in News
Friday, 10 January 2014 10:46

Code Blue Diary

Note: Andrea Barry has been Saratoga TODAY’s intern for this past semester. She is currently a senior at Saratoga Springs High School. To complete her internship she was asked to choose an assignment based on current events and write about her experiences. She elected to become a volunteer at Saratoga Springs’ new Code Blue shelter, which is located on the campus of St. Peters Church and became active on December 24. She visited on what could be one of the coldest nights of the new year. SARATOGA SPRINGS - Going into Code Blue on Friday, January 3, I wasn’t sure of what to expect. I knew it would be eye opening and awakening to say the least. But what I didn’t realize was the power that strangers had to touch me in such a way. My experience there was undoubtedly life changing. In Saratoga Springs, the Code Blue facility at St. Peters Church becomes active when the temperature outside drops below 10 degrees (with wind chill factored in) or a foot of snow falls. On this night the forecast was severe: potentially falling to 20 degrees below zero or even lower. In circumstances so extreme, this facility could mean the difference between life and death for several in our community. Upon arriving, my first task was to help organize the donations table. Clients then would come and pick out the items they needed most. From something as simple as of pair of socks, or every day as jeans, the appreciation was tremendous. Later, I helped serve food. I don’t think there was a single person who didn’t say thank you. When I wasn’t involved with a task, I was speaking with the clients. I was touched by our differences, but even more was amazed about our similarities. Each person there had a story, a past and a purpose. Sadly, something went awry for them along the way. I got to know some wonderful, giving volunteers as well. Listening to what most endure on a daily basis was incredible to me. It was then that I realized just how fortunate I was. Although only for a night, the facility takes people off of the streets and provides them with a hot meal and a bed to sleep in. These simple things are so commonly taken for granted yet are capable of meaning the world to some. Thanks to Code Blue, I was able to engage in a life altering experience and encounter some of the strongest individuals I have ever met. If you wish to volunteer or donate, visit codebluesaratoga.org.
Published in News
Friday, 06 December 2013 10:41

The Big Picture - Ballston Avenue Improvement

SARATOGA SPRINGS – On Tuesday, December 3 the Saratoga Springs City Council approved plans and transferred funds to effectuate the beginning of an important project to widen, beautify and generally improve Ballston Avenue (Route 50) from the area around the Price Chopper Plaza to the intersection of Broadway. The $2.29 million dollar project was primarily funded from State and Federal sources, with Saratoga Springs needing to pledge about $120,000 of that total. In addition to high daily vehicular, pedestrian and other traffic, this segment of Route 50 is currently among the most dangerous, with 42 accidents recorded in a 42 month period in a traffic study from 2008 to 2011. Among the most notable features of the improvement project are medians, left-turn lanes and a reconfigured (and possibly relocated) bus stop at Price Chopper Plaza for pedestrian safety. The intersections of Perry Street and the south side of Union Street with Ballston Avenue will have access closed, which, with a traffic light at Lincoln and Ballston Avenues, will help to improve traffic flow. The city is currently in the property and right-of-way procurement phase, after which the project will be bid in the Spring of 2014. If all goes well, construction will proceed in earnest around September, 2014 with a 6-9 month timetable, with completion in time for track season of 2015. Thanks to Tim Wales and Kate Maynard of the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Department for providing graphics and annotations.
Published in News
Friday, 06 December 2013 10:35

Pearl Harbor Remembered

MECHANICVILLE – Note: This is a transcript of a speech Eugene Corsale made at the Pearl Harbor Day Remembrance Program at Mechanicville American Legion Post # 91. Its message remains as powerful today. December 7th at 7:55 a.m. A Sunday morning in 1941 – 59 years ago – in an unheard place at the time to many Americans – Pearl Harbor, Hawaii – 353 planes of the Japanese Imperial Navy struck, the US Navy Pacific Fleet ships anchored at the Pearl Harbor Base – without a warning or declaration of war – a sneak attack – a cowardly attack – a premeditated attack. And to this day – the attack is still known in world history as a day of infamy. Five hours later, the holocaust was over. 2,335 valiant American Servicemen, Soldiers, Sailors and Marines made the supreme sacrifice and became our nation’s first causalities of war since the great war of 1918. Our Country was at war, the world was now at war. Our main Naval fighting force, the Pacific fleet battleship row, was decimated in the savage attack. Three battleships were sunk and 14 other naval combat ships were damaged and rendered useless in the air raid. The destruction was so devastating that the country’s west coast was now defenseless against a foreign invasion. To state the situation was grim would be an understatement. Ironically enough that day, while the Japanese military celebrated their surprise naval victory, Admiral Yamamato, their fleet commander and architect of the raid, remarked to his fellow officers, “Today I am afraid that we have awakened a sleeping giant.” How true his prediction was. From that day forward a United America - the arsenal of democracy - their fighting spirit, courage and perseverance, carried our country to victory. In that victory, American ships damaged in the Pearl Harbor sneak attack had been repaired and participated in naval battles leading to the eventual destruction of the Japanese Navy. In that victory, every Japanese aircraft carrier who participated in that dastardly Sunday morning attack was sunk by American combat action. Retribution was complete. –unconditional surrender of the enemy was the order of the day. On that day and to that final victory four years later, began the saga in American History of the heroic efforts of American servicemen who fought and were victorious in the preservation of ours and the world’s freedom and who later became known as the our nation’s “Greatest Generation.” We pray not only for all of our World War II servicemen and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our Country and freedom, we especially pray for those 1,100 Naval and Marine personnel forever entombed aboard the sunken battleship, USS Arizona, now a naval shrine at Pearl Harbor Hawaii.. On September 11, 2001, we suffered a second Pearl Harbor of sorts. Regretfully those entrusted with our nation’s security and well-being failed their fellow Americans. Again, we survived another infamous attack, and live to fight another day. This War on Terror continues to this day. We pray to God that a sustained mission of eternal vigilance will prevail against the cowardly, barbaric enemies we face today. Our very survival depends on it. God bless all of our dedicated military people, those who preserve and protect our way of life, and God bless the United States of America-- Our nation that we love.
Published in News
Friday, 15 November 2013 14:16

Wilton Wildlife Named 50 States for Good Winner

WILTON — The Wilton Wildlife Preserve and Park was one of 15 charities in the nation this week to be named a winner of the fifth annual Tom’s of Maine 50 States for Good program. The organization will receive $10,000, which it will use to fund the start of its accessible trail project. During the public vote, volunteer and nonprofit nominators were showcased as part of an interactive voting hub that highlighted inspiring stories across the country. From a pool of more than 1,000 nominations, 51 finalists were chosen by a judging panel of leaders in the nonprofit community. With over 58,000 votes cast online, Wilton Wildlife was chosen as one of only 15 charities to receive a share of $150,000 in funding from the program. “The ingenuity of this year’s winners to help their neighbors and the environment is incredibly inspiring,” said Susan Dewhirst, goodness programs manager at Tom’s of Maine. “These community projects are an important reminder that we can accomplish so much more when we work together. Community support, passionate volunteers and creative thinking can bring lasting goodness to our communities in a way that matters every day.” To date, the 50 States for Good community giving program has benefited 5.5 million people and dozens of communities. To learn more about this year’s winners, visit www.50StatesforGood.com.
Published in News
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Blotter

  • 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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