April 2009 Issue
“April is a promise that May is bound to keep”, a quote by Hal Borland. I like this. Doesn’t it truly define a period of change that we don’t always celebrate to the same degree as New Year’s Day?
Think about it: the weather changes, our wardrobe changes, we smile a little more….even the dreaded April 15th tax day defines how we will try to change going forward. The Titanic tragedy on April 14th changed us and changed an entire industry. For those who celebrate Easter, the belief is in one moment of discovery, that changed the course of history as we may know it. Earth Day and Arbor Day are celebrated this month, as a recognized national movement, to encourage the masses, to change the physical world we live in. Its a pretty impactful month when all the little pieces are sewn together.
So, the older I get, and the more change that is tossed my way, I simply smile and don’t question. I don’t think its an accident that my son was born, in April, as an Asberger’s kid, and that National Autism Awareness month is in April. I don’t think its a wild coincidence, that my position allows me to help facilitate information and knowledge about Autism and related spectrum disorders. His teacher forwarded me an invite, to a school assembly, presented by a 3rd grade student, happening when? Yup, right on his birthday.
An absolute favorite of THIS April, almost a passion, is in watching new small businesses open their doors and observing how big business is bending to meet the demands of a world changing before our very eyes. Its better than any reality TV show and I’m excited that these folks are looking past the dust and debris of a shattered economy. I hope that these same new neighbors can look back at April, 2009 and say “I remember when“.
Embrace the month and celebrate! Take stock of the “little things” in April that ultimately are the “big things” that continue to shape, define and drive us into May and the months that become years.
Champagne anyone?
Angela McFarland
Owner and Publisher
Our Towne Saratoga
angela@ourtownesaratoga.com
The D-Line Pub
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
The D-Line Pub is one of many places in the VillageBallston Spa with interesting local history. The D-Line was known formerly as the Blue Mill Pub & Ralph’s Tavern. In the 1940’s and 1950’s, local factory workers came in for a cold beer and could even cash their paychecks!
We bought the place with our son, Saratoga graduate and NFL player, Anthony Weaver in April, 2006 and completely renovated it.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
Our Food! We spend a good amount of time ensuring our customers get their money’s worth! We only buy the best deli meats and make our own soups and salads from scratch. Our Mastroianni Bros. Bakery products are always fresh, our burgers are 8 oz., we have huge turkey club’s and we use 7 oz. of meat on our deli sandwiches leaving plenty for our customers to take home with them. Philly Cheesesteaks and Friday night pizzas.
The “$5.00 a Day Meal” is a great special! You can come in, Tuesday thru Saturday and get a complete, homemade meal for only $5.00.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
We can service a wide variety of customers. Of course, we have our sports fan regulars, football enthusiasts who love to watch Anthony play as much as we do and we have dedicated NASCAR fans on Sundays. Because we have 8 flat screen TV’s between 3 separate rooms, we can accommodate these fans and our golf, baseball and basketball fans easily while still offering our neighborhood seniors a quiet place for lunch or light supper.
The bar is separated from our other two dining rooms so eating with a friend or bringing the kids is comfortable for our patrons.
Q. What do you feel is your biggest challenge with your business?
Like many restaurant owners, keeping our food and drinks affordable can be tricky when facing rising food costs.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Our badge of pride is our charity work. We involve ourselves as much as possible and hold events that support our local firemen, police officers, kids sports programs and Veterans causes.
Our policy on foul language is strictly enforced. Its important to us that EVERYONE can come here to eat and relax without being exposed to unnecessary or inappropriate behavior.
Q. Anything else?
We like to have fun with our customers and offer Friday nights to the Ladies who want to be “Guest DJ’s”. We provide all the equipment and they are the star choosing music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, Rock n Roll, Country Western or “bring your own CD’s”. Our Beach Party Charity Event is coming soon with music, a pig roast and more with proceeds to benefit a local charity.
The D-Line Pub is just a nice friendly place and we want folks to come on down! “The Owners Made It That Way”
Business Owner Name: Ralph, Melanie & Anthony Weaver
Business Name: The D-Line Pub
Address: 15 Prospect Street, Ballston Spa
Phone: 885-6861
Fax Order: 885-2041
The D-Line Pub
Furniture Theatre
Q. Describe your business and how you got started.
Brothers, Tom and Ed Caro, recently celebrated their 23rd anniversary of selling furniture in Malta. First as Furniture Plus, for 15 years, and the last 8 years as Furniture Theatre, on the site they share with the Malta Drive-In Theatre.
While the drive-in theatre is celebrating its 60th anniversary, the last 21 years operated by the brothers, Furniture Theatre represents an increasingly rare institution: an independent and locally owned furniture store.
Q. Are you known for anything special?
If you aren’t helped by one of the owners, then you will be helped by Gina, Bryan or Sarah. The talented sales and delivery staff have almost all been there since the store’s beginning. In-home design consultations are offered. The delivery crew of Dan, Bryan Jr. and Bill are often complimented on their service.
Q. What do you like most about your business?
Furniture Theatre’s home furnishings selection reflects the tastes of the local area. People are always commenting that the showroom floor looks so different than the other furniture stores around: more interesting, less generic. There are a lot of Adirondack and rustic furniture and accessories throughout the store. Upholstered pieces with bear or moose prints are always popular. They have a number of cottage style room settings, some of which have collage fabric treatments or removable slipcovers or down-blend seat cushions.
Q. What do you want the community to know about you?
Any sofa can be special-ordered in hundreds of fabrics. There are dining sets and occasional tables that can be ordered in many stains and paint treatments. Furniture Theatre has the rest of the house covered with their selection of accent pieces, bedroom sets, casual dining sets, home office, wall decor and mattresses.
Q. Anything else?
Our passion for unique products can be seen from the moment you walk through the doors. We stand alone as a unique buying experience. Tom and Ed invite you to stop in and explore. You won’t be disappointed!
Owners: Brothers, Tom and Ed Caro
Business Name: Furniture Theatre
Address: 2785 Route 9, Malta NY (Exit 13S off I-87)
Phone: 518-587-9420
Website: www.FurnitureTheatre.com
Furniture Theatre
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