Donald A. Watrobski – 63

MECHANICVILLE – Donald A. Watrobski, 63, of Pawling Ave., died suddenly at his home, Saturday, March 22nd, after being stricken. Born in Troy, November 8, 1950, his is the son of Stanley and Clara Ceremuga Watrobski of Halfmoon.  A 1968 graduate of Shenendehowa School, Don was still working for Momentive Performance Products of Waterford.  Previously he worked for General Electric’s Silicone Prod Div. of Waterford, stating in 1969.

A 35 year active member of the Mechanicville Fire Dept.(MFD), Don was Fire Chief from 1996-97, former President of MFD, former Captain of W.B. Neilson Hose Co. # 4 of MFD, and a very involved supporter and trainer of young fireman of MFD for years.

An avid New York Yankee and New York Giants fan, Don enjoyed golfing in the Mechanicville Golf Club’s Senior league, and looked forward to retiring this summer and playing golf on a more frequent basis.

Though a big man all his life, Don had a soft heart and friendly way, and enjoyed working with the community youth. 

Years ago, Don was a member 7 year member of the NY Army National Guard.

Survivors in addition to his parents include his wife of 43 years Loreen Roy Watrobski, his three children: Cindy (Marjorie) Watrobski of Long Island City, Jeremy Watrobski and Karey Watrobski both of Mechanicville.  Don was looking forward to the birth of his first grandchild (boy) in August of 2014.  Also survived by sisters: Carol (Tom) Haigh of California, Cathy Watrobski of Latham and Christine (Steve) Bemis of Clifton Park along with his brother Douglas (Darcy) Watrobski of Waterford, along with nieces, nephews and his in-laws and families.

Don was predeceased by brothers David and Daniel Watrobski.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday at Noon at All Saints on the Hudson South Church, 121 No. Main St., Mechanicville.  Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

Calling hours at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville on Tuesday from 4-7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the Mechanicville Fire Dept., PO Box 484, Mechanicville, 12118.

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

 

Come See “Your A Good Man, Charlie Brown”-by Sandy McBride

Late winter doldrums got you down? Need a fun night out? Treat yourself to an evening of music and laughter as the Mechanicville Junior/Senior High School Drama Club presents “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown!” at the Paul N. Luther Auditorium at Mechanicville High School this weekend.  Performances will be held on Friday, March 21 and Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m. with a Sunday matinee at 2:30 p.m.

From a story based on the timeless “Peanuts”, written by Charles M. Schulz and beloved by all, these talented thespians and singers will regale you with the antics, the ponderings and the always amusing philosophies of Charlie, Linus, Snoopy, Schroder, Lucy, Peppermint Patty, Sally and Woodstock.

The entire article can be read in the March 20th issue of the Express.

 

Rotary Recognizes “Service Above Self”

Mechanicville Rotary Recognizes Community Volunteers.

MECHANICVILLE MARCH 5- The Mechanicville Rotary Club recognized the officers and committee volunteers of the Mechanicville-Stillwater Breast Cancer Walk during their 3rd Outstanding Volunteer Service Award ceremony held at the Arts Center on the Hudson.  Matthew Hosek, Rotary Club President, said the award is presented to non- Rotarians to recognize their efforts to improve the quality of life in our community.

MSBCW officers, Catherine Lynch - President, Amy Pickett - Vice President, Joyce DiVirgilio Treasurer, and Sharon Clements – Secretary, organize several fund raising activities, including the walk in October, to raise awareness of the disease and the importance of regular checkups.  Over the past 5 years, they have raised more than $200,000 for cancer research and assisting families battling the disease.

Hosek praised the entire committee for their hard work and willingness to jump in and do whatever was necessary to make the Walk an annual success. The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self”, is clearly demonstrated by the actions of these extraordinary individuals and we all hope to see the day when their goal, “when the big C stands for cure, not cancer,” becomes a reality! 

Full article in the March 13 issue of the Express.

 

Mechanicville School Bomb Threats – by Harold Wessell

HALFMOON – Feb.26 and 27 – Investigation continues of  two incidents at the Mechanicville Junior-Senior High School facility, on two consecutive days.
As follows later in this article,  Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael McCarthy in a conversation with this writer offered a look into how school authorities deal with such incidents.
In one case, according to statements from school authorities and the Saratoga County Sheriff's Department,  on Wednesday afternoon the 26th an apparent written bomb threat was found in a   girls'  bathroom at the high school. After the 12:45 PM discovery and immediate notification of the  Sheriff's Office, the "shelter in place" procedure was put in force – with students remaining in their rooms.

Full article in the March 13th issue of the Express.

Marie Michele Falco – 75

MECHANICVILLE – Marie Michele Falco, 75, of Ellsworth Ave., died Monday, March 10th, at St. Mary’s Hospital,Troy, after an extended illness.

A native and lifelong resident of Mechanicville, born August 13th, 1938, daughter of the late Angelo and Margaret Ricci Michele, Marie worked for most of her life at her family’s former business, Michele’s Grocery and Deli on No.Main and Saratoga Ave, in the city.

In recent years, Marie assisted her son’s business, Faldoni’s Delicatessen of Mechanicville, making their popular rice pies during Easter season.

She loved traveling, making stops at casinos and the local racino, but her most treasured time was spent with her family, especially her grand and great grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 44 years, Philip “Buzz” Falco, who died in 2002, her son Wayne M. Falco in 1982 and her brother Pasquale “Pat” Michele in 1995.

Survivors include her four children: Michele and Mike Holmes, Robert and Meg Falco, Diane ( Michael Scavuzzo) Alderman and John and Tressy Falco.  Grandchildren: Margaret and John Wortz, Marie (Brandon Coreno) Holmes, Robbie, Nicky and Jenna Falco, Derek (Kristen) and Ian (Jessica) Thomas, Rev. Thomas Pettigrew and Katherine (Howard Moyer) Pettigrew, along with great grandchildren: Mackenzie, Hailey, Liliana, Sofia, Eva, Cameron and Jack.

A Funeral Service will be held  Wednesday evening at 7 PM at the DeVito-Salvadore Funeral Home, 39 So. Main St., Mechanicville.  Calling hours at the Funeral Home on Wednesday from 4-7 PM.

Burial in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to a charity of one’s choice in loving memory of Marie Michele Falco.

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

 

James A. Gilchrist – 65

MALTA - James A. Gilchrist, more commonly known as “Jimmy”, passed away March 7, 2014 at Saratoga Hospital. He was 65.

Relatives and friends may call from 4 to 7pm Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373).

Graveside services with military honors will be 1pm Thursday, March 13, 2014 at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road.  Online remembrances may be made at www.burkefuneralhome.com.

Full Obituary will be in the March 13th issue of the Express

Mechanicville Area Community Services Center, Capital District YMCA establish Saturday Night Middle School Basketball League

or many youngsters, March is all about high school sections, the college championships, and the weather getting warm enough to play hoops (along with lacrosse and baseball) outside.  This March is different, however, because it’s going to get hotter inside, too.

The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC) has teamed up with the CDYMCA to host a four-on-four Saturday Night Middle School Basketball League beginning March 8, with the league season running five weeks, until April 5.  There will be a one-week playoff, with prizes to the winners, on April 15.  All games will be played at MACSC (6 South Main Street, Mechanicville) between 7:00-10:00p.m.

The YMCA will be having an open enrollment on Saturday March 1st from 6-8 p.m. for all interested players in grades 6-8 at the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center.

Players accepting membership in the league will pay $50.00 each.

To register in advance online, please go to  HYPERLINK "http://www.cdymca.com" www.cdymca.com.  If you have any questions, please contact Mike Scidmore at 371-2139.