And, we're off

Since I announced I was leaving the Ballston Journal a few months ago, many of you have asked if I would still do any writing. Well, be careful of what you wish for, because this is the first of what may become many future blog posts.

While I absolutely loved writing the column for the Journal, the pressures of the deadlines were there every week, and at times it showed in the quality (or lack thereof) of some of my columns. And, while my writing clearly showed my love of the 12020 (that's the Ballston Spa ZIP code for the uninformed) there were limits there as well. While I somehow managed to opine on happenings going on there 52 times a year, at times it was a stretch.

This blog will hopefully ease both of these issues. There will be no deadlines, and I can write about anything I want. As for the title, it looks back at my days as a columnist while at Providence College, and had a column by the same name for the school's newspaper, The Cowl. Back then I was young, immature, opinionated and didn't quite know how to write. All of which is of course still true today, except for the young part.

So, here we go. I would love to hear from you; without question the two things I miss the most about my previous column is seeing a news item and banging out a column on it, and discussing contents of said column with my readers.

Item: Tough week for two at the Spa

There are two kinds of celebrities at the Saratoga Race Course.  Those who are famous because of the Saratoga Scene, and those who are already famous, but love spending time at the track in August. For the former, Sam Grossman, more commonly known as Sam The Bugler, is a classic example. The man in the red blazer, who blasts the Call To Post before each race, is so beloved at Saratoga NYRA actually had a bobblehead made of him a few years ago.

Of the latter celeb-type at the Track, David Cassidy certainly qualifies. The former teen heartthrob is a frequent patron in Saratoga.

Cassidy and Grossman would appear to having nothing else in common, except they both got popped for DWI this week by local cops. And during Travers week no less.

Speaking of the Travers, Arnold Palmer, he of the Type Two Celebrity Status, was present for the race yesterday. And, yes, he is the man who is credited for inventing perhaps the most famous non-alcoholic beverage around these days. Insert ironic comment here.

Item: Augies to reopen in "Manna's"

Ever since the tragic fire which wiped out Augie's Family Style Italian Restaurant a few weeks ago, fans of the place (which definitely include this blogger) have been wondering to know when and how they will return. Well, last night they announced a daily double of good news.

Not only will they be moving very soon (temporary or permanent remains to be seen apparently) but they will also be at 17 Low Street in Ballston Spa. Readers of my column know my thoughts on this location, namely as the most prime business spot in town. It is big, and has parking for 50. Since Manna's closed down, the place has been vastly underused, or misused, to put it mildly.

It was stunning to many of us to see the potential of Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council almost move there (although, alas they are at least for now nearby in Hayner House), and along the way there have been a few businesses in there which did not reflect well on themselves, much less B/Spa.

With Augies coming in, well it solves this problem, doesn't it? My Sunday nights have not been the same without Mama's Gravy. Now, the checkered table cloths (and I hope the baseball memorabilia on the walls as well) will be back for all of us. And, of course, the leftovers, which are typically large enough to feed a small army.

Item: B/Spa CVS robbed

Friday night I stopped into the CVS on Ballston Avenue to pick up a script, and then headed over to JJ's for some ice cream. I apparently just missed all the action. Within minutes, a man dressed in black, wearing a ski mask and carrying a satchel entered the pharmacy. He was also packing, and robbed the place at gun point.

He stole some cash of course, but not surprisingly grabbed a bunch of meds as well. Allegedly this included a bunch of Ritalin. Prescription drug abuse is becoming quite prevalent all over, and its presence in the 12020 is very real, not to mention vastly non-publicized. I have seen first hand the consequences it generates to those addicted, and it is not pretty. Not even a little.

'Til next time, keep on smiling.