“W_ _ ter” we just had….I think its against some rule to say the season out loud when the sun is a ’shinin.

“A staycation (also spelled stay-cation, stacation, or staykation) is a neologism for a period of time in which an individual or family stays at home and relaxes at home or takes day trips from their home to area attractions”, according to our friends at Wikipedia, the online free encyclopedia.  They also state “Staycations have achieved high popularity in the US during the financial crisis of 2007–2010 in which unemployment levels and gas prices were high. Staycations also became a popular phenomenon in the UK in 2009 as a weak pound made overseas holidays significantly more expensive. The term was added to the 2009 version of the Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary.”

Personally, I think we mastered the art of a good staycation here in town looong ago and I for one enjoy the traditions we share year after year like Family Fun Day, the Annual Ice Cream Social and in recent years our Concerts in the Park, Friday Night Films in Wiswall Park and the ever growing and entertaining Farmers Market.

Between the park, the creek, the Village Pool and museums within walking distance, not much of a reason to venture too far from home to have a little fun, is there?

So, while the economy trudges along and uncertainty looms around us, I do hope we can all share in the little things and the neighborly moments that make our little corner of the world so pleasurable.  Shop local and stay home!  It’s really not so bad. 

See you in September,
Angela McFarland
Publisher

I (Tim Sanders) am a second generation meat cutter and I learned my craft from my father, Harvey Sanders, who worked for 40 years as a butcher. I perfected my skills in little meat shops as young man, learning from my father and old school fingerless butchers who knew what the meat was and how to lovingly carve the unrecognizable hunk of beef into an incredible eating experience.

 I worked for major chains, most notably for 22 years with Shaw’s as Meat Manager in several locations, including flagship of the chain.  I was the #1 sales dept in whole company, best gross margin results, lowest preventable loss (shrink), customer service award winner, as well as earning a number of sales and display contests.

 My wife, Heidi Sanders has over 20 years experience in the retail food industry. She started her experience learning the art of scratch baking from men who were “up with the moon and napping by noon”. She used her skills in various small bakeries and deli’s learning her breads and sweets while gaining knowledge in deli meats and customer service. Heidi joined the supermarket industry in 1990 to work for Shaw’s and held many positions during her 17 years there.

She too received many accolades for her achievements—best overall performing Seafood dept, lowest preventable loss(shrink), best cake design, many customer service awards including Employee of the Year, Human Resource(Director of Fun), as well as several sales and display awards

 We both retired after lengthy supermarket careers, vacationed in this area, loved it, moved here (leaving our adult children and parents in New Hampshire) and decided to use our experience and skills to open up a market.

 Are you known for anything special?  Well, we have only been open a few months, hard to put an exact answer to that question. I will say the many returning customers have made comments like:  “Oh my goodness, your meatballs are soooo good I stopped making my own!”  or “those steaks you cut for my father’s birthday…..he said he hasn’t had meat that good in 30 years….he ate the whole porterhouse and he’s 82!”

To those folks the meal was special…it was good enough to share there delight and appreciation with us on there return visits. That validates our efforts in providing quality products at a reasonable price.

 What do you want the community to know about you?  There’s so much to share but I think one of our favorite things is to tell people about our son, Eric Gibbons.  He is a VEGAN but enjoys working with us.  Although he doesn’t eat the meat he is very knowledgeable about it. Eric enjoys cooking and creating his own Marinades, Salads and Salsa’s and has worked in the retail business and in the kitchen for 5 years.

 Eric is the youngest of our 4 children, he is 24 and moved here to Ballston Spa to help us with the business. He has a lot of interest in grass fed beef and free range chicken, has a green thumb and enjoys planting and growing his garden.

What do you like the most about your business?  We are both passionate about the things we enjoy doing. I really enjoy the quality of a well marbled piece of beef, the color and texture of a fine piece of pork and the smell/feel of fresh chicken.

Heidi enjoys the kitchen area, creating the homemade salads from heirloom recipes and preparing side dishes and entrée for the folks on the go.

We enjoy the challenges of a small business, the ownership of the results, the risks and rewards.

What would you say is your biggest challenge?  Marketing would have to be the biggest challenge…so many mediums to use..radio, cable, magazines, bulk mailers, newsprint, brochures, flyers, etc. etc. etc.  You can chew up several thousand dollars with little effect or hit the right combination right away and watch the business grow.  It can be hard to figure out which combination to choose.

Anything else?  Above all, we really have enjoyed meeting the people of this community and thoroughly enjoy talking and sharing with our patrons (my wife says I enjoy it way too much, always reminding me of the time—)

We are friendly, engaging people and like meeting the people who appreciate our market. ”Word of mouth” has been a priceless unsolicited form of trust and acceptance that we appreciate our customers sharing with their family and friends.

Becoming a mom to a young boy, an almost mom to four others, an aunt to two nephews and remaining the ever devoted big sister to my kid brother (now in his 30’s) has given me a whole new appreciation of the phrase “boys to men”. I’ve seen my dad’s health fail, my aging father-in-law embrace a new caretaker role and a favorite uncle face challenges, yet maintain a goal of character and duty when many would have thrown in the towel.

Its almost like watching a science experiment develop, watching from the sidelines, how each man in my life has evolved and continues to change into the expected strong, sensitive, fearless leader type without any type of instruction manual or guide.

Yet, despite the outer shells…..I still see a boy in each and every one of them in the sort of reliable, secure and consistent way that I think men have a way of just being. They don’t seem to mind a little dirt under their nails, melt a little when the youngest says something unexpected, stand a little taller when they are in the lead position – for ANYTHING — and between each other, find things seriously funny when the ladies are left scratching their heads.

I’m slowly discovering that the boys, especially my wild child youngest nephew, has a way of helping each male figure become a better man, too. I smirk a little watching my husband feign an interest in cub scouts and out-of-the-blue, random conversations, become something a little better than he was. I’d like to think most men have followed the same course in life.

A very happy Father’s Day to all of the men in our lives, here and far, past and present. The rules have changed for you, I know, however, I hope you are recognized and appreciated, in a special way, that defines what makes a good father, by those whose lives you have touched as a Dad or father-figure.

Warm Regards,
Angela McFarland
Publisher

We proudly offer faith based education and care services to children 6 weeks to 12 years of age, and with 15+ years of experience, you can be assured that your child will be left in experienced and caring hands.

Our emphasis is meeting the needs of the whole family, as well as businesses in the community.

Q: Are you known for anything special?Yes! Flex scheduling, part-time, full-time, drop-off care….even valet drop-off and pick-up. Also, we are the daycare of choice for the new Global Fitness facility and offer a faith based preschool curriculum. To meet the needs of any busy family, we provide extended hours on Friday until 11:30 p.m. and we are open Saturdays.

All together, we offer child care, preschool education, after school programs Summer Camps and extended programs including overnight and late night care.

Q: What do you like most about your business?
The fulfillment of meeting the needs of families and the fun and excitement of looking at life through the excited eyes of a child.

Q: What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Getting the word out there that we are open and we’re different. We are helping children and families get back to the basics while offering the little extras that can truly make a difference for busy families.

Q: What do you want the community to know about you?That we are a welcomed “different.” Families will find us very friendly and extremely family-oriented.

Our building is very warm and inviting awash in fun colors and rooms. It is homie – not institutional at all! We hope it feels like your child’s second home.

Q: Anything else?We offer discounts for multiple children and business to business discounts and also accept county subsidies. We are a member of the Capital District Child Care Council, the Malta Business and Professional Association and the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce.

Owners: Melissa Brennan and Rochelle Dinallo
Business name: The Children’s Academy of Malta
Address: 2381 Route 9 – Next door to TreePaad – Malta
Phone: (518) 289-5485
Website: www.childrensacademyofmalta.com

Okay, I’m being a little silly.  I’m just so pleased to be able to draw comparisons between all the diverse and interesting things the month of May has to offer with the fresh features and business partners in this month’s edition.

Taking center stage is the 2nd Annual “I Love My Mom” Contest brought to you by Our Towne and Reisa Mehlman, Director of Living Well Healing Arts and Spa, who has generously donated a luxurious pamper package for one lucky winner.  Nominations are welcome from the young or the young-at-heart, short or long, telling us why YOUR mom deserves to be this year’s winner.  To make the entry process fast and easy, we will take email, a note on our Facebook page, even a faxed submission….

Last year’s contest entries were a hoot!  We truly look forward to bolder and brighter submissions this year but you have to act fast!  The winner will be chosen and notified on Mother’s Day by noon.  Cost of an entry:  zero dollars, having the special lady in your life chosen because of your entry:  priceless.

Finally, Happy Anniversary to us all…..Our Towne Ballston Spa is 3 years old this month and what an exciting journey it has been.  We’ve had some fun, weathered some storms, played and poked.  It has been incredibly satisfying to watch hyper-local media follow the Our Towne path into serving this community and I am grateful for the loyal and dedicated support from so many.  It is with humble gratitude that I look forward to serving all of you for another dynamic year.

Warm regards,
Angela McFarland
Publisher

Q. Are you known for anything special? We have a wide variety of collectables with something for everyone from the beginner collector to the hardcore collector. We fill wish lists and help alot of collectors complete sets and find them rare cards.

Q. What do you like most about your business? THE PEOPLE. We have met so many great people our first month in business. It has been great seeing kids faces light up when they walk in the shop and see a picture of their favorite player or a card in one of the display cases that they like.

Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business? Our biggest challenge was getting the store set with with display cases and inventory…just getting organized. Once we opened the door for the first day of business, everything has been great.

Q. What do you want the community to know about you? Mostly that we are a local, family run business. We work very hard to keep a safe, family atmosphere. Anyone is welcome to stop in and look around at anytime.

Q. Anything Else? Yes, we are excited to offer monthly give-aways and look forward to getting involved with a variety of community events.

Owner Name: John & Tracie Fitzgerald
Business Name: Out Of the Park Sports Cards
Address 53 Milton Ave., Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone 518-857-0311 or 518-885-1122
Website www.outoftheparkcards.com Find us on (use logo FACEBOOK) Keyword: outoftheparksportscards

We are embarking on our 3-year anniversary and the time has simply flown by. Businesses and events have come and gone, neighbors have left and new friends have emerged. It is with fresh excitement, each edition, that we look to serve this community and weave together the businesses, with their neighbors, with the events, that make our community rich with spirit.

Trout fishing season started and the Kids’ Creekside Village is now open for play! Sure signs that we’re not too far away from concerts and films outside in Wiswall Park…

What a great time to get out and walk the Tedisco Fitness Trail, carefully maintained by volunteer groups such as After the Fire and of course, the Ballston Spa House and Garden Club whose founding members, Jean Puckhaber and Mary Ortoleva will be honored this month.

Green is the theme! Be sure to keep your papers recycling into the special dumpsters located at each BSCSD school, the bus garage and behind St. Mary’s School, too! Watch for news about the upcoming creek clean-up by Friends of the Kayderosseras and I haven’t heard yet, but I’m sure there will be another Arbor Day Tree Planting ceremony this month.

Lots of fresh air to enjoy and a great Spring and Summer season to look forward to…see you around town, Our Towne!

Warm Regards,
Angela McFarland
Publisher

Becoming a consigner is easy. Sign a 60 day contract, the retail sales split is 50/50. 50% of the sale goes to the consigner. “Its All About You” at New 2 You where it’s all about Fashion, Quality, Variety and all at affordable prices. We believe “Recycle Before Retail”. Why buy a Coach Purse for $229.00 retail when you can spend $49.00 on a like new one in my store?

Q. Are you known for anything special?
I would have to say I am known for consistent brand name and new quality and value on women & juniors apparel. Brands include, American Eagle, Abercrombie & Fitch. 7 For all Mankind, True Religion, Rock & Republic, BeBe, Guess, BCBG, Coach, Ralph Lauren, Chico’s, Talbot, Sigrid Olsen, The Loft and more.

I also have one of the largest selections of prom,mother of the bride/groom gowns and I offer sizes from 1-20 in so many gorgeous colors.

Right now, I have over 100 pair of gently used shoes, sandals and sneakers.

Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
The best part about my business are my customers and consignors. I also love when a customer comes looking for an outfit or item and by the time they leave, they are dressed from head to toe at an amazing price. I truly do my best to be a fashion consultant to support every customers needs and have so much fun doing it!

I truly love what I do! I strive to obtain the best quality items, at competitive prices.

Q. Anything else?
We are continually working on our web-site and will be offering items for sale on the web soon. Fund Raising for local schools and sport teams are in the works as well.

We’ve just moved to a brand new location. Our new store in Carousel Village at 2100 Doubleday Ave, Ballston Spa (Rt. 50) offers the customer a well lit brand new location, easy access and ample parking. It makes for a truly easy shoppers’ experience.

Terry Bailo
New 2 You Fine Consignment Boutique
2100 Doubleday Ave.
Ballston Spa, NY 12020
(518) 885-4040
www.new2youfineconsignment.com

You see, the featured speaker this year was Karen Totino, long time resident and newer business owner of Green Conscience Home and Garden, who provided a darn interesting presentation about “Goin’ Green”, some of the items from her retail store and ways (and why) we should remember why becoming a sustainable community really matters.

What really impressed me, as always does with people of strong convictions that are homegrown, was how she started in her business when out for a walk with her children. I’m certain all in attendance would agree that her eyes sparkled with what I bet was the same enthusiasm, as that first moment, when she had her “light bulb moment” (I imagined an energy saving one floating above her head).

Karen spoke of flooring and clay wall treatments that absorb the floating dust we see in our homes on bright, sunny days and even contributed door prizes: plant potters that appear to be plastic however, are compostable in your garden once you tire of using them. She reminded us all of the receptacles, at all of our school locations, at no cost to the schools and free for us to use, that are placed for our newspapers, magazines, phone books, etc. that actually provide funds back to our school district.

In a few short moments, Karen provided inspiration and a proactive presentation that was a fun and fitting kick-off to the Spring renewal time in our community, that we all tend to look forward to, after a grey, snowy winter.

And she exemplified another shining example of a resident, a volunteer and a small business owner wrapped into one package that makes up the fabric of Our Towne.

C’mon Spring!
Angela McFarland
Publisher

But officially, after my son Cameron was born in 1997, I decided to leave my full time job as a sales rep for TRW, now Experian, to be a full time mom and follow my dreams of being a makeup and hair artist.

Since then, I have grown into a wedding day, special event and commercial makeup, hair, and wardrobe stylist now for more than 18 years. I now work with politicians, newscasters, celebrities, models, actors and brides from clean and classic…to hi fashion…to blood, sweat and tears…I’ve done it all!

I now divide most of my time between print and video projects, the Boutique and off-site wedding requests.

Q. Are you known for anything special?

When I was with Clinique, many called me “the eye queen.” I still really love to bring out my clients eyes.

I’m also very excited to have been just recently rated one of the HOT 100 Salons in the Country by Beauty Entertainment Magazine.

Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Recent projects include styling for guests of the Rachel Ray and Larry King Live Shows, a national ad appearing in Martha Stewart Weddings, NY Giants Training Camp, national print for retailer AJ Wright as well as three editorial features in WellWed and Vermont Vows Magazines. I am also the ongoing makeup artist and consultant to NBC News affiliate WNYT.

Frequently, I am asked the question “What are you doing in Ballston Spa?” I have had opportunities to work in other areas but I thought about it alot and really wanted to work where I was close to my roots, my home and my children.

Q. Anything else?

Owning our own business has been is one of the hardest endeavors my husband and I have ever taken on . You make mistakes. It takes passion and belief in yourself and your product to overcome and move on. You are always learning, improving, making it better. That is also one of the biggest rewards as well. I always want to please my customers and give them the best I have to offer. Instilling my staff with this philosophy has become our focus in the past year and will continue in 2010.

Oh yeah, and anyone who leaves the boutique, has a wedding or a photoshoot must feel “fabulous” We have to… its in our name.

Business Name: Make Me Fabulous
Address: 102 Milton Ave. Ballston Spa, NY 12020
Phone: 885-2929
Website: www.makemefabulous.com