Gateway House of Peace Announces Ribbon Cutting for Official Opening

BALLSTON SPA, NY – The time has finally come for the ribbon cutting ceremonies which will recognize the official opening of Gateway House of Peace, a local charitable hospice dedicated to serving terminally ill residents of Saratoga County who are diagnosed with three months or less to live and can no longer safely remain in their homes.  The home will provide around the clock care in a home-like setting to individuals who need a safe and comfortable place to spend their final days.

There will be two separate ribbon cutting ceremonies: the first will take place with the Ballston Spa Business Association on April 1 at 1 p.m. The second ceremony will be with the Southern Saratoga Chamber on April 8 at 11 a.m. Both cutting ceremonies will take place at the Gateway House of Peace, located at 479 Rowland Street in Ballston Spa. Members of the media are welcome to cover either or both of the ceremonies.

The Gateway House’s first resident will be moving into the home on April 16th.

Though the home is finally open, Gateway House is still operating an appeal campaign in an attempt to raise awareness and funds to staff the home, which has been completely renovated through generous donations and volunteer work.  Funding to continue operating the home will rely heavily upon community donations, with opportunities ranging from sponsoring a resident or a room, to having the house named after the donor.

For more information on the ribbon cutting ceremony or to make a donation to Gateway House of Peace, please visit  HYPERLINK "http://www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org" www.gatewayhouseofpeace.org.

 

H.O.P.E. Pets for Adoption

1700Rocco

Rocco is a sweet boxer/bulldog mix (DNA test) who weighs ~ 50 pounds. He’s 8 years old, neutered, completely vetted, and micro-chipped. Rocco loves to curl up on the couch and enjoys when his human is nearby. He is generally low key; in fact, he can seem a bit aloof at first, but only because he needs time to trust that you will not give up on him. Rocco is housebroken and will let you know when he needs a potty break. When necessary he can easily be crated, although he has not been left alone for extended amounts of time. A fenced-in yard is a must because Rocco deserves to run and play outside. Rocco should be an only pet - he needs to be with a family that focuses solely on him. In fact a one-on-one situation or an older couple might be best for him. He is smart and affectionate and will be devoted to you if you give him a chance.

To learn more about Rocco, please call his foster mom at 518.681.1700

1767Lucy

Lucy is an affectionate 5-year old declawed cat. She prefers a quiet home as an only pet or with mellow kitty companion.

Lucy is spayed and up to date on her shots.

For more information, please contact H.O.P.E. at 518.428.2994

 

1543Marcy

Marcy is a 3-year old, gray long-haired spayed female who is up to date on her shots. Marcy is small for her age, causing many to consider her a kitten. She gets along with everybody and can fit in, in any environment. Marcy has a very small tail that seems to be only half as long as it should be. She loves attention and will just curl up in your lap and hang out with you. For the last few years, Marcy had been living outside in an abandoned barn with a colony of other cats. She welcomed the chance to come inside and be fed and cared for by her foster family. Please give Miss Marcy the great life she deserves.

 

Visit H.O.P.E. online at www.hopeanimalrescue.org for more adoptable pets, low cost spay/neuter info. and volunteer/career opportunities!

“Let Them Know There Is H.O.P.E.'”

Saratoga Gets 1st County-Wide Ec. Development Plan – by Harold Wessell

BALLSTON SPA, March 18: The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to adopt its first truly whole-County-embracing Economic Development Strategic Plan.?   The unanimously adopted 127-page proposal prepared by consultant TIP Strategies of Austin, TX, calls for creation of a Local Development Corporation, a quasi-autonomous body with board of directors, an executive committee and three-person staff of executive director, program coordinator and administrative assistant, to carry out the organization's mission to oversee business development across the County.

Full story in the March 27th issue of the Express.

Charlies Brown Performed at Mechanicville HS – by Sandy McBride

Exploring the timeless trials of being a kid, as those trials were depicted for many years in the comic strips of the late, great Charles M. Schulz, the Mechanicville Junior/Senior High School Drama Club entertained their audiences last weekend at four performances of “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!”

With snappy dialogue, song and dance in the format of a fast-paced series of vignettes, these students brought to life the beloved Schulz characters Charlie Brown, Linus, Snoopy, Lucy, Schroeder, Sally, Woodstock and Peppermint Patty.

Full Story in the March 27th issue of the Express.

Troy Church Raffles AR-15 Rifle- by Christine Barton

Troy- A 10am service on Sunday March 23rd drew a large crowd to the Grace Baptist Church on Fourth Avenue in Troy. A flyer sent out titled  “Win a Free AR-15” has caused controversy and national attention over the past few weeks.

Those attending the service were welcome to register to win a NY-legally modified AR-15 at a drawing-taking place at the Sunday service. Pastor Koletas informed the crowd that “instead of giving away one modified rifle, we will be giving away two.” This comment by Koletas received an “Amen” from the crowd.  “I feel just as strongly about taking care of people as I do about the Second Amendment says Koletas.

Full story in the March 27th issue of the Express.

GE Agrees to Settle with Stillwater – Mayor Martin

GE Agrees to Settle with Stillwater
GE’s press statement was that: “Over the past two weeks GE, The Town of Waterford and the Village of Stillwater have reached an agreement in principle to resolve their disputes to the satisfaction of all parties. The necessary agreements are being finalized.”

As your mayor, I am proud to announce that the lawsuit brought against General Electric by the Village of Stillwater has been settled. The Village will receive compensation for damages received by General Electric to the Village’s water system.
This has been a long battle for the Village and myself since 1998. I want to thank the Village’s law firm Dreyer Boyajian LLP, and Mr. James Peluso, the Village’s Attorney. I also want to thank the Village Board of Trustees for sticking with me during all these years.
Last, but most of all, the Village taxpayers, for having the trust in me, to bring this case to an end. Thank and God Bless the Village of Stillwater.
Sincerely,
Ernest W. Martin
Mayor / Village of Stillwater

Sister Antonia Lanzone, MSC

DOBBS FERRY - Sister Antonia Lanzone MSC (Elizabeth) died on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at the St. Cabrini Nursing Home located in Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.
Sister Antonia was the daughter of the late Vincenzo Lanzone and Lucia Ferrara Lanzone. She was born in Mechanicville on July 24, 1926 and graduated from Mechanicville High School. Shortly thereafter, she entered the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on September 8, 1947. This began a life of service and devotion to our Lord that spanned sixty-six plus years.

Services will be private for the family and held at the Cabrini Nursing Home. For those wishing to express a remembrance of Sister Antonia donations can be made to the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Donations should be sent to St. Cabrini Nursing Home, 115 Broadway, Dobbs Ferry, NY 10522.

Local arrangements by the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, Mechanicville.

Full obituary will be in the 03-27 issue of the Express.

 

Donald A. Watrobski – 63

MECHANICVILLE – Donald A. Watrobski, 63, of Pawling Ave., died suddenly at his home, Saturday, March 22nd, after being stricken. Born in Troy, November 8, 1950, his is the son of Stanley and Clara Ceremuga Watrobski of Halfmoon.  A 1968 graduate of Shenendehowa School, Don was still working for Momentive Performance Products of Waterford.  Previously he worked for General Electric’s Silicone Prod Div. of Waterford, stating in 1969.

A 35 year active member of the Mechanicville Fire Dept.(MFD), Don was Fire Chief from 1996-97, former President of MFD, former Captain of W.B. Neilson Hose Co. # 4 of MFD, and a very involved supporter and trainer of young fireman of MFD for years.

An avid New York Yankee and New York Giants fan, Don enjoyed golfing in the Mechanicville Golf Club’s Senior league, and looked forward to retiring this summer and playing golf on a more frequent basis.

Though a big man all his life, Don had a soft heart and friendly way, and enjoyed working with the community youth. 

Years ago, Don was a member 7 year member of the NY Army National Guard.

Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife of 43 years Loreen Roy Watrobski, his three children: Cindy (Marjorie) Watrobski of Long Island City, Jeremy Watrobski and Karey Watrobski both of Mechanicville.  Don was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild (boy) in August of 2014.  Also survived by sisters: Carol (Tom) Haigh of California, Cathy Watrobski of Latham and Christine (Steve) Bemis of Clifton Park along with his brother Douglas (Darcy) Watrobski of Waterford, along with nieces, nephews and his in-laws and families.

Don was predeceased by brothers David and Daniel Watrobski.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at Noon at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville.  Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Tuesday from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Mechanicville Fire Dept., PO Box 484, Mechanicville, 12118.

To leave condolences and for directions visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com