School Vote Coming Up

 

Dr. Gianleo Duca, superintendent of the Ballston Spa School District, made a pitch at our meeting Thursday for a $61.8 million capital project that will go to voters next week, on Tuesday Dec. 9. Malta residents who live in the school district can vote at Town Hall from 7 am to 9 pm.

While $26 million of the cost would be borne by local taxpayers, Duca said, the district has saved almost $8 million to partly offset that burden. The last capital project, he said, was focused on "academic spaces," but this one is more about infrastructure, including roofs, drainage, HVAC, parking and traffic, along with athletics, arts and music. It includes renovation of the high school auditorium and middle school cafeteria, library improvements, laying down artificial turf, and expansion of air conditioning. The projects should take about five years to complete, if approved by voters.

Also present were students and staff associated with the Rotary Interact club at the high school, which is connected with the Ballston Spa Rotary Club. The school club has about 40 members involved in activities such as helping with blood drives and holiday season projects.

Revolutionary Malta

 Malta Town Historian Tom Williams, our speaker last Thursday,  has been researching who from the town was enrolled in the Patriot forces of the American Revolution. It is a timely inquiry, as the nation prepares for the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, and the county prepares for the anniversary of the crucial Battles of Saratoga, which were fought in 1777.

One complication is that the town of Malta did not yet exist at the time, being part of Stillwater. Nor did Saratoga County, being part of Albany County. Hence most of the men who served were in the Albany County Militia. And the Saratoga battles were fought primarily by the regular Continental Army, with militia troops held in reserve.

Tom estimated the population of the area now defined as Malta was about 700 in 1775, about 200 of them "fighting-age men." Some fled south to avoid the British army advancing under Gen. John Burgoyne. Others, loyalists, fled north to Canada before or after the British invasion.

Prominent among the local militia members were Captain Michael Dunning and his sons, whose property was on what is now Dunning Street east of Northway Exit 12. Captain Dunning is among those buried at the cemetery on the north side of the road, where he used to live. The militia trained nearby at what is now Parade Ground Village.

Quilt and Food at Harvest Craft Fair

 

We'll be raffling this at the Harvest Craft Fair tomorrow (Saturday) from 9 to 3 at the David Meager Community Center in Malta. Thanks to Susan Kipp for making and contributing it. We'll also be providing food there, so stop by, say hello and get a bite to eat.

At Thursday's business meeting, we decided to restructure our scholarship program to focus on students attending Hudson Valley Community College, which has a campus in Malta at the Luther Forest Tech Park.

The speaker at our meeting next Thursday will be Town Historian Tom Williams, who will tell us about Malta's role in the Revolutionary War. All are welcome.

Food Security

 

Bobbie Kenney, our speaker last week, holds up the book she uses to keep track of Meals on Wheels volunteers as part of her job for the Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services. She is a Malta resident, and volunteers with the Malta Ridge Fire Department and the Ballston Spa Elks.

The Meals on Wheels go out from eight sites across the county from Monday to Friday, with most of Malta's deliveries coming from Milton. There is always a need for volunteer drivers, she said, especially as there is an annual loss of about 15 at this time of year, as snowbirds move south. 

Her talk led to discussion about the growing needs of poor people in our area, especially because of the political deadlock in Washington which led to temporary suspension of SNAP benefits from Nov. 1. Town Supervisor Cynthia Young said demand is rising at the food pantry in the Community Center, and members pledged to support it with immediate donations of gift cards and in a food drive starting Nov. 6.

Saratoga Bridges

 

Brian Dwyer (at top right of photo), chief financial officer of Saratoga Bridges, was our speaker last Thursday. He said the goal of Saratoga Bridges is to have the developmentally disabled in the community, not institutions. This involves job training, housing, and various levels of support. Most of its funding comes from Medicaid, and rates are set by New York state. Volunteers can help with fund-raising projects, as listed on its website.

Rick's Life

 

Our member Rick Handley was the speaker this morning, interviewed by Bob Bonney. Rick is chairman of the Malta Democratic Committee, but he didn't talk about politics. He told us about his past life in Oneida County, his wife and family in Malta, working for the state energy office, his interests in baking and harness racing. He has an idea for a "porchlight project" to check up on seniors living alone, and mentioned the upcoming food concession we'll be operating at the Nov. 8 Malta Harvest Craft Fair. 

He also spoke about some recent health issues, when he had trouble breathing, was referred to a cardiologist's office, and after testing was told "You can't go home". 

A heart bypass operation at St. Peter's Hospital in Albany was successful, and now "I can breathe again."

Asked whom he would invite, living or dead, to a dinner party, he said Kurt Vonnegut, Albert Einstein, and his father's father who "was born on a canal boat on the Black River Canal."

Also joining us this morning were new members Donna Gizzi and Melanie Delaney.

On the left of photo (and mirrored on right) you can barely make out Brian Farrell, who will be playing in a benefit concert tomorrow (Friday) evening in Rensselaer County. See Upcoming Events or here for more details.

From Army to Pub; and Local Events

 

 Jim Cahill, left, was last week's speaker, seen here with our member Brian Farrell. They are friends from Power's Pub, the historic tavern and restaurant on Route 9 and Farm-to-Market Road a few miles south of Malta. Cahill is manager of operations there.

But he spoke mostly about his 36-year career in the US Army, which he joined as an enlisted man in 1985 and retired from as a National Guard colonel in 2021. His service included tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. He and his wife have a 12-year-old daughter who is a student in the Shenendehowa School District.

Brian, a contractor, is also a drummer, sometime singer and songwriter in the band Enjoyous, which is putting on another concert to benefit St. Paul's Center in Rensselaer, which shelters homeless mothers and children and provides supportive housing for seniors. It will be held on Friday Oct. 10 from 7 to 9 pm at Hope Lutheran Church, 470 Winter Street Extension, North Greenbush, with light refreshments, raffles and a silent auction.

The event is connected to the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary, and tickets can be purchased for $15 at the door.

Speaking of gatherings, some Malta Rotarians were at the forefront of this regional event last week at The Parting Glass in Saratoga Springs.

Solar and presidential power

 

Dan Havens, a systems administrator at UAlbany, was our speaker on Thursday, talking about solar power.  He powers his own house that way, in Guilderland on the border with Albany, and says "Solar just works."

Havens says he saves money on solar, but noted "There are a lot of shady salesmen out there." He recommended checking out NYSERDA's ratings of installers.

Also speaking was Robert "Bob" Balk, president of Central New York Rotary (which includes our club).

"We're here to help you," he said, focusing on three areas: service, fellowship, and public image (ie increasing awareness of Rotary). He said Rotary clubs can "drive membership by delivering services," getting people involved in projects and (quoting the Rotary International president's theme this year) "United for Good".

A Quilt, a Geologist, Two Celebrations and Community Day

 

This handmade quilt by Susan Kipp is her second such gift to Malta Sunrise Rotary. We plan to raffle it off, maybe at the Harvest Craft Fair on Nov. 8 at the Community Center. Thanks, Susan.

Our speaker on Thursday was Malta resident Chris Mack, who is a geologist at the Albany office of Continental Placer Inc. Before he, his wife and their young son settled in Malta, Chris said, he "bounced around a lot," working on mine and quarry operations in the western United States, Africa and Saudi Arabia. Now he deals with many clients in the southeastern US.

There is no morning meeting next Thursday, Sept. 4. Instead, Larry Levine will host a party for Rotarians and prospective members from about 2 pm into the evening.

On Sept. 9 from 3 to 6, Miles Cornthwaite and his wife Nancy will host a 25th wedding anniversary celebration to which club members are invited. RSVP requested to 518-587-7388. 

On Malta Community Day, Saturday Sept. 6 from 10 to 3 at Shenantaha Park, we'll be running a cornhole game with various prizes. Stop by and say hello.

From Bobsleds to Baseball

                                            Last week's speaker, Norman Miller, is a 33-year US Air Force veteran, a former Olympic bobsled coach, and a participant in end-of-the-Cold War adventures involving the Soviet Union, its soldiers and the KGB, the CIA, alloy composites, Latvian athletes and an Estonian escape route to Finland. Miller has fictionalized those experiences in two novels, IceSpy and Inside the Cold War, and is working on a third with a Mafia element. 

Shaun Francis, this week's speaker, is a Malta resident who grew up in Colonie, and became a professional baseball umpire. He also became a labor activist, leading the Association of Minor League Umpires, and supporting its affiliation with the Office and Professional Employees International Union. He now works for the New York State Public Employees Federation, and attends law school.

In other business, we're sponsoring the AOET booth at the Glenville Oktoberfest on Sept. 27.

Banner Project Update

 

At a reception on July 24 at the Malta Community Center, the following 10 paintings were announced for the ongoing banner project in Malta.

They are:

Cyclist on Iron Truss Bridge by Tammy Handley

First Rose of the Season by Kristina Guernsey

Trail Traipsing by Maggie Dinneen

Winters Past in Luther Forest by Sean Campanie

Whimsical Faces- Zee Zee by Lisa Santy

Whimsical Faces-Buzz by Lisa Shanty

Helping Hands and a Monarch by Annika Nerf

The Malta Drive-in by Kristen Hardy Allen

After the Rain, Luther Forest by Ottavia Huang

Geese on Pond by Maggie Dinneen

Town Supervisor (and Rotary Treasurer) Cynthia Young said at the reception, "You can't have a community without art."

Chris Havens has led the project for Rotary.

Innovation Center

 

Our speaker Thursday was Beth Moeller, president of the Innovation Center at Saratoga, a seven-day-a-week nonprofit which is located in Malta at 16 Old Stonebreak Road. (Beth is also the owner of Interactive Media Consulting.)

The Innovation Center describes itself as a collaborative makerspace for all creatives and entrepreneurs. "It's a place to bring people together," said Beth, with resources including 3D printers, a computer lab, a wood shop and a sewing room.

It also has big plans, she said, including working with Tec-Smart (the Malta HVCC campus) on creating certificates for programs such as electric vehicle maintenance. 

Deadline Reminder, and Confirmation Clarification

 The July 1 deadline for our Make Your Mark on Malta project is quickly approaching, and if you have submitted something you should have gotten a confirmation email. If you haven't gotten a confirmation within a day or two of submission, it's possible you used the wrong email address -- as we're now aware at least one person did. So please submit again. We've had 24 submissions received so far.

New board sworn in

 

The new Rotary year starts July 1, and incoming officials, elected earlier this year, will include from left: Immediate Past President Chris Havens, Treasurer Cynthia Young, Vice President Paul Phillips, Secretary Brian Farrell, Finance Chair Steve Ames (in wheelchair), Sergeant-at-Arms Bob Bonney, Foundation Chair Barbara Conner, President Dwight Havens, and Membership Chair Steve Haydon. They were sworn in by District Area Representative Jim Frey, on right, at the house of Miles and Nancy Cornthwaite, who hosted our change-over dinner. Missing was Murray Eitzmann, who will be president-elect. 

Scholarship Winners

 Malta Sunrise Rotary scholarships this year went to two Shenendehowa High School graduates. Haylie Doxtater, on right in white dress, won $1,000 and Grace Green, on left, won $500. Cate Miller, at center, represented our club at the awards ceremony in the Shenendehowa auditorium.

Our speaker on Thursday was Fred Bahr from the Mechanicville chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace, which makes and delivers wooden beds for children in need.

The organization was founded in 2012, Fred said, and now has 327 chapters in four countries.

See here for details about upcoming events and how to volunteer or contribute locally.

 

Banker's Anti-Fraud Tips

 Molly Dugmore, branch manager of the Adirondack Trust northeast of the roundabout in downtown Malta, talked about the rising tide of attempted fraud, giving tips on avoidance while noting there should be "no shame" for the victims. 

These often online frauds include the "unexpected windfall scam", the "sweetheart scam", the "IRS scam", "overpayment fraud", and the "friend or family in need scam". The latter can be particularly effective when AI is used to imitate a loved one's voice.

In general, she advised, "Don't click on the link."

Regarding a more benign form of links, we heard about the Impactful Education Golf Tournament coming up June 14 at the Airway Meadows Golf Club. It benefits a Rotary-connected worthy cause, and if you just go to the dinner it's only $25. (See below.)

Our president Chris Havens went to the Malta Town Board meeting to publicize the Avenue Banners project.

See more at that link and below.

We Give $1,000 to Gift of Life

 

We inducted our newest member, Lisa Elam, at Thursday's meeting, seen on left with President Chris Havens. Lisa is from Westchester County and a relative newcomer to Malta. She works as a caseworker for Tri-County Care.

Chris can also be seen in the photo above, following the banner being carried by her husband Dwight Havens (on left) and Murray Eitzmann. They were at the Military, Veterans and First Responders parade last Saturday in Malta.

It was announced at Thursday's meeting that we are donating $1,000 -- mostly raised from individual member contributions -- to Gift of Life International -- an organization long associated with Rotary which performs life-saving heart surgeries on children around the world.

Strengthening the Core

 

Malta resident Ivy White was our speaker last Thursday, talking about physical fitness. "The key is moving," she said. "The best time to exercise is anytime you can fit it in."

She runs Ivy White Studios at 81 Washington St., Saratoga Springs, focusing on pilates, barre, and core-strengthening exercises. She also does home visits and runs classes in places such as Prestwick Chase. She can be reached at ivytrends@aol.com, or 518-580-2308, or 518-879-9302. 

Gift of Life Marks 50 Years

 

Dr. Harm Velvis (seated at center) was our speaker last Thursday, interviewed by Bob Bonney (standing).

Velvis, a pediatric cardiologist, has been active for 30 years in Gift of Life International, which provides life-saving heart surgery to children around the world. Since his retirement he has stepped up his involvement, serving on the board and making several service trips a year to countries such as Bolivia, Guyana and Jordan.

Gift of Life, he said, has helped more than 60,000 children since its founding, and now serves more than 5,000 a year. It will celebrate its 50th anniversary in September with a gala and golf tournament on Long Island. 

In other business, Phil Kellerman from the Southern Rensselaer Rotary Club said the recent concert by the band Enjoyous, co-sponsored by our club, raised $600 for the St. Paul's Center shelter for women and children in Rensselaer.

We got a thank-you card from Qholaqhoe Mountain Connections for our $500 contribution to a food distribution program in the area served by QMC in Lesotho. QMC, which is phasing out operations, also sent a photo of a student there sponsored by our club.

Katherine Anne Porter and Malta

Town Historian Tom Williams spoke Thursday morning about the life and Malta connections of the writer Katherine Anne Porter (Tom also wrote the linked article). Porter, a Texas native, was staying at 

the Yaddo artists' community in Saratoga Springs in 1941 when she came upon a house on Cramer Road, Malta, south of Saratoga Lake. She bought it, called it South Hill, and worked on her novel Ship of Fools there, although that book would not be done and published until 1962, and she sold South Hill in 1946. There is now a historical marker there mentioning her and other owners of the house, which was built in about 1830.

Porter is perhaps best known for her long story or short novel Pale Horse, Pale Rider, first published in 1938 and in book form the next year. Its subject is the devastating Spanish Flu pandemic of 1918-19.

In other business, the passing of Joe Legnard, a former president of Malta Sunrise Rotary, was noted and he was remembered.

We wrapped up a food and hygiene products drive for the Malta Community Center Food Pantry.

And our upcoming benefit concert for a Rensselaer women and children's shelter is coming up this Saturday, April 26, from 7 to 8:30 in Fellowship Hall at First United Methodist Church in East Greenbush. Suggested donation $15. Some refreshments will be available. It's all co-sponsored by the Rotary club in that area; one of our members, Brian Farrell, is in the band (at right in photo on poster below).

 Be there or be square.

Assisting Displaced Ellsworth Residents

 

Angela McFarland, former publisher of the online Ballston Journal, spoke this morning about efforts by the town of Malta and volunteers to help displaced residents of Ellsworth Commons whose apartments sustained water damage resulting from a stray bullet in a fatal shooting last week.

There will be a party from 10 am to 1 pm this Saturday in the community room of Building 2 -- use the middle entrance of Ellsworth's northern building. Angela encouraged people to attend with donations such as personal hygiene products, cleaning and laundry supplies, gift cards, and/or those with expertise in areas such as insurance and construction who are willing to offer advice.

In other business, Jim Hale interviewed Paul Phillips, who was honored with his wife Jean in April as residents of the month by the Malta Town Board. Paul spoke about his upbringing, values, Naval service and volunteer work in Africa.

Posters and Pics

 Shelter benefit concert coming April 26. Our member Brian Farrell is the tall bearded Irish guy at bottom right.

We're doing a donation drive for the food pantry at Malta Community Center. If you encounter a Rotarian, please fill up their bag.

We're promoting the arts in these parts.
 

And we (these four and three others) were picking up trash on Dunning Street on a wet Saturday morning.