The Ballston Spa Rotary Exchange Student, Kania Alisjahbana, stars in the Ballston Spa High School performance, In The Heights.   This is Kania’s first ever acting performance and an absolute marvelous job she did.  A large group of Ballston Spa Rotarians and friends cheered her opening night performance and presented her with a beautiful bouquet of flowers at intermission to show how proud the Club is of her accomplishments.  What a star in so many ways!! Congrats Kania.     

Rotarians Tony Mariani and Jere Blackwelder proudly display a Rotary gift from the Club’s good friend Marcio Melo from the Rotary Club in Brazil.

Over 100 prospective volunteers came out to view 26 non profit organizations on February 24 at the first Community Expo event.  This event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa, was a unique opportunity.  It brought many of the local non profit organizations together in one afternoon to share common goals and ideas.

Rebuiding Together Saratoga County

The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa makes a donation to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County on behalf of DA Collins to pay it forward.  Every year, DA Collins generously assists the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa by lending a generator with four powerful lights, so the Club can brighten the parking lot of Curtis Lumber for the annual Christmas tree sales Thanksgiving to Christmas.   Rebuilding Together Saratoga County is a volunteer driven, registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization that brings communities and volunteers together to make free repairs to the homes of low income property owners, particularly the elderly, disabled and veteran, allowing them to live in warmth, safety and independence while respecting their dignity.

 On Tuesday, November 20, 800 fresh cut balsam trees arrived to the Curtis Lumber Parking Lot.  Ballston Spa Rotarians, Ballston Spa Interact (Rotary sponsored Ballston Spa High School Club) and volunteers from Saratoga Bridges all lending a hand to unload the trees and prepare for the sale.  The tree sale is the major fundraiser for the Ballston Spa Rotary Club to support local community organizations and nonprofit donations.  Most trees are $40 and on sale now until Christmas.  Thanks to all who helped unload and who purchase a tree from Ballston Spa Rotary.

Trees Arrive

Ballston Spa Rotarians get involved in the community serving a variety of items at the summer Curtis Lumber Car Shows and the Village Way We Were Car Show in October.  It is a great way to fundraise and fun raise, at the same time!  Thanks to all who come out to enjoy the day.  Rotarian pictured from left to right : Derik Roy, Harry Armer, Pete Champagne, Jere Blackwelder and Tony Mariani

Car Shows

.

The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa annually installs its new officers, however this year was a celebration to remember.  Maplewood Manor was the chosen site in honor and memory of our longtime Secretary Patty Rutland.  Patty gave her heart and soul to the residents of Maplewood as well as Rotary.  Ballston Spa Rotary dedicated a beautiful bench for the garden area for everyone to enjoy time together.  President John Cromie was awarded the Rotarian of the Year for his diligent efforts to develop the club with new members and initiate the two meetings-a-week pilot program.  Scott Farron, Student of the Year and Steve Springer, Citizen of the Year were awarded for their long list of accolades and service to the school and community.   Residents joined in to listen to the music of NiteHawk and danced the evening away!

Becky Rutland, Robert Rutland, President John Cromie and Maplewood Manor's Administrator Diane Brown

The Rotary Club of Ballston Spa celebrated its 90th Anniversary.   Members and friends joined together to relay stories of today and yesteryear. 

Firecracker Stories and more!

The Ballston Spa Rotary Club along with Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and a grant from Sears, build a gazebo for the mens Veteran’s home on Church Ave in Ballston Spa.  Interior painting was also completed.  We are proud to have an opportunity to give back to those who gave so much for us.

Jason Armer (left) is inducted into the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa by Vice President Jere Blackwelder (right).  Jason works at Armer Funeral Home and continues the Armer tradition of serving as a Rotarian.  Jason’s grandfather, Bob Armer served as a Ballston Spa Rotarian as well as his father, Harry Armer, who is a current active member of the club.

On March 14, 2012, District Governor Bill Nathan inducted five new or returning members to the Rotary Club of Ballston Spa.  Pictured left to right : Tom Schroeder, Harry Armer, Peter Champagne, Chris Spangler, Ray Otten and current Rotary President John Cromie.  Welcome all.