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From Scotia to Ballston Spa, covering the Route 50 Corridor
A message from The theme this month is about “returning home”. On our cover is a male Indigo Bunting; this little bird, nicknamed the 'Blue Canary” sings with cheerful gusto through late spring and early summer throughout North America. It often migrates by night, using the stars to navigate. Its habitat is farmland, brush areas, and open woodland. Like all other blue birds, Indigo Buntings lack blue pigment. Their jewel-like color comes instead from microscopic structures in the feathers that refract and reflect blue light, much like the airborne particles that cause the sky to look blue. Another favorite in our area is the Hummingbird; Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arrived along the gulf coast at the end of February. Our hummingbirds will return in early May, but you can put out a feeder in late April that might help early returnees or those birds migrating further north. If you do, you still have to change the nectar regularly (every 4-6 days) even if no hummingbird visits it. You can find all your birding needs at Country Acres on Rt 50. The largest migratory bird in upstate New York is known as The Snowbird. This clever bird travels in a number of ways. They can be spotted regularly in large RV's along the I-95 corridor or in beautiful boats slowly traveling up through the inter-coastal waterways from Florida to our region and beyond. Many of them expect to be fed and watered upon arrival so be sure your refrigerator is stocked with New York delicacies such as grain fed beef and beer. During their stay in Florida they have been deprived of real pizza, maple syrup and Greek Diners. Be prepared to indulge your snowbird visitor with some outings to our locally owned eateries. Be warned, they have been known to seek shelter in their friends and relatives homes so be sure you have a fresh set of sheets in the guest room! Don't forget May 12th is Mother's Day. This issue is filled with ideas and places to bring your Mom to celebrate her special day. If a backyard picnic is her style it is also National Barbeque month, so be sure to load up at Garofalo's with the best in fresh hand cut selections and celebrate it right! That said and in the spirit of fair play and equal time it is also National Salad Month, so eat healthy my friend, I'm not making this up. While you are enjoying the much deserved warm weather remember to watch for motorcycles, keep your swimming pool gate locked, teach your children to swim and practice safe fun! Love your family and remember Real Family does not come from your blood. It is the people standing beside you when no one else is.
BOB BOICE, A HOMETOWNE LEGACY
Bob Boice born July 8th 1933 --- died March 21st 2013 is remembered as a patient easy going farmer with a love for his community. He grew up on Goode St and spent the next 77 years farming the land and raising his family. Bob married his lifelong love, Joyce B. MimMack, almost 60 years ago on October 4, 1953. They carved their life out milking cows, growing apples, peaches, plums, cherries and babies all while they rebuilt the beautiful saltbox colonial that had stood on the land since 1780. During his “free time” (farmers don't have free time) Bob was a volunteer firefighter for the BH-BL Fire Department. He served as a Burnt Hills volunteer fireman for 58 years, acting as Lieutenant, Assistant Chief (15 years), Chief (three years) and Commissioner (10 years). Ironically the last call he made as Chief was to his own home in 1975. The home they spent so many years raising their family in burned to the ground that spring. With the help and generosity of good neighbors and friends the Boice family was back in their home before the winter of 1975. Bob drove bus for 20 years for Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake schools, devoting a great deal of time transporting athletes to events. Bob also dedicated 16 years to the Town of Ballston as councilman and played an important role in the construction of the highway garage, Community Library and Town Hall. Bob was truly dedicated to the Town of Ballston and the Burnt Hills community. He left a behind wonderful legacy of purpose by serving his community and love of his family. Bob left the world a better place than it was when he entered it. Not by accident but because of his dedication and commitment to his neighbors, family and friends. He is survived by his wife, Joyce and siblings, William Boice (Ellen) and Edith Older. Bob had five children, Shirley Kane of Ithaca, NY, Debra Hodgson (Robert) Ballston Spa, Bonny Boice (Gary Bojarski) Lake Pleasant, NY, Robert C. Boice Jr. (Sharron) of Morrisonville, NY, and Kathleen Boice DeSocio (Chris) Genoa, NV. Bob was Pa to his seven grandchildren, Dennis Hodgson (Stephanie), Saratoga, Nathan Hodgson (Kate), Middlegrove, Lauren Seward, Scotia, Derek Seward, Rochester, NY, Bobbi Boice III, Burlingame, CA, and Tyler and MaKenzie Boice of Morrisonville. Bob enjoyed watching his two great-granddaughters, Molly and Tess Hodgson. He was Uncle Bob to more than 50 nieces and nephews across the country. We thank him and his family for their commitment to making Your Hometowne a better place to live in.
ABOUT THE COVER... Comments and Input – Paul and Cheryll 280.5260 Advertising – yourhometowne@gmail.com or 265.1105 Photography – hometownephoto@gmail.com Design – kgarriso@nycap.rr.com or 883.3872
Scotia native Bill Pytlovany captured this beautiful shot of an Indigo Bunting. Bill’s has a keen eye for outdoor photography; if you look at his work on http://visitscotia.com you will see some beautiful pictures of our larger native birds; Eagles and Great Blue Herons visiting the river and Collins Park. You can contact him by going to www.billp.com