The Express Newspaper August 22, 2019

Town of  Milton approves electronic records,hears presentation on active shooter preparednes

by Harold Wessell

Ballston Spa July 31- The Town of Milton approved use of electronic public records as official, in vote at its monthly business meeting.

According to the resolution adopted, the Town states that public records can be retained either on paper or electronically, as already provided for in provisions of New York State Arts and Cultural Law, Article 57A.

Town of  Milton now retains a very large number of paper records from various departments of the Town; and now  it has the ability and reliability to create and maintain electronic records.

Electronic will be the form of record keeping as of July 31, 2019. As of that date,  the Town Clerk has the ability to deem any electronic record of the town as an official copy.

Active Shooter Training Class

Bill Lewis, Disaster Coordinator for the Town and Deputy Building Inspector, announced the offering of an an active shooter training class on August 12 at 6 PM at 310 Northline Rd.

He explained that the program, sponsored by the Milton Disaster Preparedness Team, was to  highlight, and provide for  basic knowledge, in how to act when a situation ever happens. He explained to the board and audience, “It is presented by the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office, so it will be a good presentation. It is something that I think will benefit everybody in here; because we're going to shopping malls, schools, work every day ...  and municipalities. It's a training course, about an hour long, that I think will be very informative for the general public.”

He noted that it is posted on the town's Facebook page, and in its webpage,

www.townofmiltonny.org; and one can go online to RSVP. There will be  light refreshments.

Mr. Lewis pointed out as well that the team meets once a month; and by the end of September, or early October,  will be putting out an announcement for CPR and AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) training for the public, as well as for first responders. “So look forward to that and it  will be on our Facebook page and website.”

He noted that there is already a resident alert system in the Town of Milton that one  can sign up for in case of a disaster or emergency. “We send out emails and texts. Everybody's welcome; and again you can go to our  webpage, and find it  under Codes and Emergency Alert System.

In addition, he said in late fall the team will  be offering  a defensive driving course, for the general public.

See next week’s issue for a comprehensive report on activities and services, including new directions coming in their services, of the Community Emergency Corps, given by  Executive Director Ray Otten in an address to the Town Board.

Ballston Spa Softball Team Honored

The team according to the  proclamation  scored its way through  the New York State Girls’ Softball Semifinals, making it all the way to the championship round. Also noteworthy, in one game they played 20 innings, breaking the New York State record for the number of innings played a single game.

This year’s Ballston Spa Girls’ Varsity Softball team is the New York State Class A Championship Runner-up for the year 2019, finishing the season with an exemplary 22 to 4 records. It was noted that this is the second consecutive year they made it to the State Championship game.

“Third time is a charm,” Supervisor Ostrander predicted.

 

 

 

Lost Purple Heart returned to family of WWII recipient – by way of a garage sale

by Harold Wessell

BALLSTON SPA, August 14: The  Purple Heart Medal was issued posthumously for Floyd M. Mabb, who served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army from 1943 until he was killed in action on January  3,  1945, at age 19.

Had Tammie Mohan not gone to a garage sale two years ago  and bought a purse the medal may never have been found.  About three weeks ago she closely checked a purse she had gotten then, and found in a pocket the medal with his name on the back. Purple Heart medal awarded for his  service that led to injury and death was given to his mother and then disappeared.

She then reached out to the Saratoga County Clerk's Craig Hayner, in hopes of finding Mr. Mabb's family, who as it happens are numerous in the Town of Milton. His name is on the back of the medal but written in cursive. So the Clerk’s office got out magnifying glasses to discover his name.

County Clerk Hayner and his staff were able to locate records in County files regarding  Private First Class Mabb's service. He was also successful in coordinating with other agencies to locate Mr. Mabb's records, notably through the Saratoga County Veterans Service Agency, whose staff ironically had been working with nephew and veteran  Lloyd Helman,  to try to gain further records on Floyd through the National Personnel Records Center.

That center, unfortunately explained  agency Director Frank McClement, suffered a massive fire in 1973, that destroyed approximately 80 percent of the records of Army and Air Force veterans who served from World War I, all the way up to 1960s.

The Clerk's office was soon  able to reach out to the family and inform them: Their search had come to an end.

One discovery led swiftly to another, during only about two weeks. Last week the  family of the World War II hero was reunited with his Purple Heart during  an intimate and  moving ceremony on August 14 at  Ballston Spa American Legion Post No. 234.

And so on Tuesday, August 13, Floyd Mabb's nephews Lloyd and William “Bub” Helman were presented with the Purple Heart by Hayner, accompanied by great-niece Wendy Brust, and other close relatives.

Floyd was born in Round Lake on April 12, 1925 to Frederick and Elizabeth Mabb, and had 6 brothers and sisters.  He entered into service in September, 1943, and  served with

the 507th  Parachute Infantry Regiment, 101st Airborne Division, as a Private First Class.

He was killed in action in Longchamps, Belgium, on January 3, 1945 and lies in the American Cemetery in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

During the ceremony, reflected Mr. Hayner "Private First Class Floyd Mabb gave his life for our country during his WWII service. I'm honored that we could reunite his family with his Purple Heart Medal and provide additional information about his military service. Today is the culmination of a heartwarming story of community, and exemplifies the importance of honoring the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women who've served our Country. "

In remarks by other officials  at the special ceremony:

"Floyd Mabb selflessly gave his life for our Country and I'm happy our community came together to give this symbol of his sacrifice back to his family,"  said Town of Milton Supervisor Scott Ostrander, who presented the County's proclamation on behalf of Chairman Kevin Tollisen of Halfmoon, who could not attend. A proclamation from the Milton Town Board  was read by Councilman John Frolish,

Supervisor Ostrander acknowledged the participation of Councilwoman Barbara Kerr as well; and announced that  the November ceremony in the County's series memorializing a different deceased vet each month since 1999 will be conducted in honor of Floyd Mabb.

"Floyd Mabb of Ballston Spa represented that Greatest Generation," proclaimed state Senator James Tedisco. "I'm proud to honor Private Mabb posthumously for his service to our country and to present his family with the New York State Senate Liberty Medal, the Senate's highest honor for courage and heroic service to our state and a grateful nation."

The Senator announced the issuance in honor of Floyd Madd of the highest award that members of the New York State Senate can provide for someone: The Liberty Medal. "It's for those individuals who sacrifice at unbelievable levels, for their community, for their state, for their nation, in this case also for their world... On behalf of myself and the New York State Senate, I would like to present this posthumously to the Mabb family in  commemoration of his service and the Purple Heart he was given... Although we could never thank you enough for Pfc. Floyd Mabb, this is the highest I can put forth, the highest award given by the New York State Senate. He will be long remembered, and we appreciate his sacrifice."

After presenting the commemorative plaque from the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Ostrander added: “Lloyd and Bub, I've known you two  all my  life. I'm totally honored to be part of this ceremony."

Two special guests were Purple Heart recipients David Wallingford, and Edward Jordan.

The gathering ended as Hayner presented the Purple Heart to the family.

 

 

The Express Newspaper August 15,2019

Paul O. Girard – 81

STILLWATER – Paul O. Girard, 81, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 8, 2019 at Albany Medical Center after a short illness surrounded by his loving family.

A Memorial Mass will be held at All Saints on the Hudson (St. Peters), 895 Hudson Ave, Stillwater, NY at 11AM.  Calling hours prior to the mass will be held at the church from 9 - 11AM.  Interment with military honors at the Saratoga National Cemetery will be held at the convenience of his family.

The family requests that you please consider donations to the American Legion Post 490 Building Fund or the American Lung Association.

Visit www.devito-salvadorefh.com to leave condolences and for directions.

 

Georgia Gallas – 80

PITTSTOWN – Georgia Gallas, 80, of Valley Falls, NY, and formerly of Mechanicville, NY, died peacefully August 6, 2019.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Saturday from 3-5 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville.  Burial will be in Methuen, Mass at a later date.

In Lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society, 3 Oakland Ave, Menands, NY 12204

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

Angela M. Cavotta – 72

Angela M. Cavotta - 72

MECHANICVILLE - Angela M. Cavotta, 72, of Johnson Road, died peacefully on August 5th at Mary’s Haven with her faithful and loving husband at her side, after a long and hard fought battle with cancer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday at 11AM at Corpus Christi Church, 2001 U.S. 9, Round Lake, NY 12151 with burial to follow in St. Paul's Cemetery. Calling hours for friends and family at the CHURCH prior to the Mass will be held from 9 to 10:45AM.

The Cavotta family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, remembrances in Angela’s memory be made to the Angela M. Cavotta Memorial Scholarship, C/O DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 S Main St, Mechanicville, NY 12118.

Miss Lynn A. Bullard – 70

MALTA – Miss Lynn A. Bullard, 70 of the former Round Lake Airport, died Saturday, Aug 3rd at The Grand at Guilderland Nursing Ctr, after a brief illness.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday from 4-6 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances would be encouraged to the Saratoga County Animal Shelter, County Farm Rd, Ballston Spa, 12020.

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

Warren Becker “Buddy” Schell – 92

STILLWATER – Warren Becker “Buddy” Schell passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the age of 92 with his loving family by his side.

There will be no calling hours.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Mass 10am Saturday, August 10, 2019 at All Saints on the Hudson North Church, 895 Hudson Ave, Stillwater by the Rev. Patrick Rice, pastor.

Burial with military honors will be private at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Arvin Hart Fire Company, PO Box 288, Stillwater, NY 12170, Earl J. Manning American Legion Post 490, 1 American Legion Road, Stillwater, NY 12170 or The Community Hospice, 310 S. Manning Blvd. Albany, NY 12208.

Arrangements are under the direction of the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes of 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs (518-584-5373).

On line remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

 

 

Irene Mary Koper Schweder – 93

STILLWATER – Irene Mary Koper Schweder, 93, longtime resident of County Route 75, died peacefully on Sunday, August 4th at the Glendale Home following a long illness.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday at 10:30 AM at DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville, NY 12118 with burial to follow at Saratoga National Cemetery.  Calling hours at the Funeral Home on Thursday from 4-7 PM.

 

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested to be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of NENY, 4 Pine West Plaza. Suite 405,Albany, NY 12205 in loving memory of Irene M. Schweder.

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