Ballston Spa’s response to pandemic is further proof that “Village of Friends” is more than just a slogan; it’s a way of life, says BSBPA’s Ellen Mottola
INTRODUCTION
The following Q & A between Mottola and Ballston Spa Living Editor Ann Hauprich highlights some of the innovative ways in which the BSBPA has chosen to respond to the current crisis facing our community. It is abundantly clear that neither protective face masks (and, in some cases, facial shields) nor social distancing nor mandatory closures can triumph over the indomitable spirit of Ballston Spa: The Village of Friends helping Friends … and Neighbors! As the sun rose on 2020, Ellen Mottola had every reason to exude optimism that the first year of the new decade would be a highly productive and prosperous one for the members of the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association and the community they serve.
Despite the snow that blanketed the village in January, the BSBPA’s Executive Administrator was already steeped in promotional plans for crowd-pleasing spring and summer activities and events.
Nothing short of an invasion by hostile aliens could rain on her parade — much less on the concerts, contests, fairs, festivals, shows and sales that filled her calendar. Multi-generational First Friday attractions alone would be sufficient to keep her hopping in the historic village she helped to transform from a drive-thru dot on the map to a drive-to destination.
If she and the BSBPA had any concerns, they revolved around ensuring there would be sufficient parking spaces to accommodate those who increasingly flock to the village that was glowingly featured in a 2015 New York Times travel article (https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2015/07/27/travel/Where-to-Go-in-Ballston-Spa-New-York.html).
Then came COVID-19. While no space ships or armed aliens were involved, lethal health threats linked to the invisible enemy known as the coronavirus nevertheless transformed parts of the village’s vibrant downtown into what by mid-April had come to resemble a sci-fi movie set.
The following Q & A between Mottola and Ballston Spa Living Editor Ann Hauprich highlights some of the innovative ways in which the BSBPA has chosen to respond to the current crisis facing our community. It is abundantly clear that neither protective face masks (and, in some cases, facial shields) nor social distancing nor mandatory closures can triumph over the indomitable spirit of Ballston Spa: The Village of Friends helping Friends … and Neighbors!
Q: When did it first register with you and BSBPA President Stacy Simmons that 2020 would be like no other in the history of our village in terms of business as usual? What were some of the first things you did as “First Responders” to protect BSBPA members from COVID-19 risks, both physical and fiscal?
A: In the beginning, say early March, we were still in a “wait and see” stage as far as how businesses, public gatherings and the like were going to be affected. Then the restaurants had to be takeout/delivery only. Then salon and services had to close, non-essential businesses had to close. Some had to start letting employees go. At that point we realized that the livelihoods of so many were going to be severely tested. That cascaded down to the non-profit members, who depend very much on community support, seeing a pronounced downtick in that support. And for those whose mission is to provide for the underserved among us, there was the double whammy of seeing the needs for their services increase as people suddenly were without paychecks. So, the first response to this was obviously to cancel or postpone any short-term upcoming events we had– networking breakfasts, our Annual Meeting & Community Mixer (which we are planning to hold at a later date). The next was to distill back down to what we, at our very essence, are supposed to do as a BPA and that is support the local small businesses and community organizations that make up our membership. That meant marshaling all the resources we could gather.
There was, and continues to be, so much information coming in on a daily basis, from government and business entities–financial, medical, logistical. Early in the crisis, I likened it to trying to drink from a firehose. One of the most helpful things we could do straight away was compile it in one easily accessible location for our members. I thought about the questions and concerns I was hearing from them and then searched for the sources that could address them.
A: There was, and continues to be, so much information coming in on a daily basis, from government and business entities–financial, medical, logistical. Early in the crisis, I likened it to trying to drink from a firehose. One of the most helpful things we could do straight away was compile it in one easily accessible location for our members. I thought about the questions and concerns I was hearing from them and then searched for the sources that could address them. We’ve been really fortunate to have partnerships with the Saratoga County Chamber, Capital Region Chamber and Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership and they have been great about sharing with us the resources that come their way—and helping to get our information out to an even larger audience.
With this new paradigm for doing business in the age of COVID-19, it was important to figure out a way to assist our members by amplifying how they are mitigating the challenges of not doing “business as usual”. That means compiling and continually updating restaurant options and offerings, directing shoppers to online sales and gift certificates. It also entails encouraging non-profit groups to solicit the support they need.
Our social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram and Twitter) also share our member business and organization posts. In addition to our main Facebook page, we have a dedicated Facebook Group, Ballston Spa BSBPA Member News and Deals, expressly for the use of our members to post directly. We are in the process of gathering videos from members to play on the group page each day. We currently have “Restaurant Bingo” happening. We ran a radio ad last week on six Albany Broadcasting stations, telling people in the Capital Region that Ballston Spa has some of the best restaurants for takeout and delivery.
Q: What have been the most difficult decisions the BSBPA Board has had to make to date in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19?
A: By necessity, all social interaction has been strictly curtailed, which means we can’t do the kinds of things that encourage networking and in person collaboration. We can’t do breakfasts and mixers, ribbon cuttings to mark milestones and welcome new businesses. First Fridays have been more of a “virtual” affair. We were supposed to host the Art in Our Schools exhibit for May’s First Friday and sadly that had to be cancelled. The hard decisions are whether to go forward with some of the public events.
Q: What has been the most rewarding – or inspiring – part of helping to navigate the BSBPA and those it serves through these unchartered waters?
A: It has absolutely been seeing the response of the Ballston Spa community — and beyond — really, in supporting local businesses. We always talk about Ballston Spa being a “close knit” place, but a situation like this really brings that home. Restaurants are partnering to help feed first responders. Even the closed shops have rainbows in their windows. People here love their village. There is a pride in taking care to keep it vital and connected. Everyone is so responsive to the information we are putting out and it’s good to know that we can serve in that way.
Q: Given the ever-changing and sometimes conflicting reports about how long New Yorkers will need to don protective facial coverings and practice social distancing, the following questions may be nigh on impossible to answer. But since folks are asking Ballston Spa Living, we must ask you.
As of today’s date (May 3, 2020), are plans for such popular annual events as The Village-Wide Garage Sale, Summer Concert Series and Farmers’ Markets in Wiswall Park, The Saratoga County Fair, The Falling Leaves Festival, The Way We Were Auto Show and the Holiday Parade still on the calendar?
May and June is the time when we start the planning for The Way We Were Car Show in October. This is such a huge event, and it is several months away. I don’t think we are ready to say definitively one way or the other but will start preliminary plans and keep our fingers crossed. Likewise with the Holiday Parade—just too early to tell.
I think it is likely that, except for the Farmers’ Market, we will not be presenting any outdoor events in June at all (First Friday, the outdoor movie or the concert on June 25). July is still up in the air. We will likely end up shortening the concert season. It really depends on the state guidelines at that time and what the village will allow. We have to abide by that. Disappointing, if understandable. If we are able to present any concerts, they will still be Thursdays, 6-8 pm, but will be held in the beautifully restored Iron Spring Park, now known as Lions Club Music Park, thanks to the efforts of that civic organization. Any remaining scheduled outdoor movies will be in Wiswall Park, hopefully on August and September First Fridays. However, all events are contingent on any remaining restrictions in place and we will work closely with the village, adjusting as necessary.
The Village-Wide Garage Sale Weekend, I suppose I should clarify, is not run or organized by the BSBPA. It has just become an annual tradition, held on the second weekend in June (because that was when the old downtown event used to be years and years ago). Whether or not people will hold sales I suppose is still unknown.
I have heard that the 179th Saratoga County Fair has officially been cancelled which is really a shame. It’s the first time it has been cancelled since the Civil War!
May and June is the time when we start the planning for The Way We Were Car Show in October. This is such a huge event, and it is several months away. I don’t think we are ready to say definitively one way or the other but will start preliminary plans and keep our fingers crossed. Likewise with the Holiday Parade—just too early to tell.
Q: In celebration of the village’s Bicentennial in 2007, I co-authored a book titled Ballston Spa: The Way We Were, The Way We Are. That volume was followed by one titled Ballston Spa: The Way We Were, The Way We Are, The Way We Hope To Be. Would it be appropriate for the Ballston Spa Living 2020 Community Yearbook to include the phrase The Way We Hope to Be . . .AGAIN? Or is it more realistic to believe that life in our village will never again be exactly as it was prior to COVID-19?
A: The Way We Endure. Because we always do.
Q: If the BSBPA needs to “re-imagine” future multi-generational activities and events, might they unfold along the lines of the 2008 Ballston Rocks endeavor that made it possible for families and friends to enjoy strolling through history while socializing in smaller groups?
A: Ballston Rocks was such a great event. It was a huge undertaking. And as you may know, the BSBPA board members, then as now, are all volunteers. A lot of work went into pulling that off. I’m not sure, going forward, if that man (and woman) power is available today. And by that, I don’t mean the current board isn’t up to it, but that they are already fully engaged in so many other things—the curse of a successful organization. Luckily, the village has an Arts Committee that has been coordinating projects. One just has to look at the Birdhouse and Banner community art projects which have taken up the mantle, continuing to foster creative participation by residents and others. It’s good to have other entities in the village to take on roles like this rather than having them fall on just one organization. I like that collaborative spirit.
Q: What are some of the best ways villagers and visitors can support members of the business and professional community for the remainder of the COVID-19 crisis?
A: As I noted above, I think they are doing a marvelous job right now of supporting them. Those restaurant takeouts are bustling (Restaurant Bingo card on our website!). There are many businesses that are really seeing loyalty from their customer base. I would add that I hope people keep in mind those businesses that can’t open, can’t do online sales (salons, spa services, etc.) and be sure to patronize them as soon as they are able to open again.
Q: Why – after the coronavirus is finally history — should folks who have the option of shopping at malls and big box stores in neighboring communities continue to patronize the small businesses in our village?
In the age of Amazon, small downtowns like Ballston Spa have still thrived because they offer something neither the mall or online retailer can—the social connection of entering a shop or a business and talking to the owner, the person who has a vested interest in giving you great service because this is their livelihood, this business is their passion and vision.
Q: Are there any other insights or reflections you would care to share with our readers?
A: Something that perhaps people aren’t aware of—residents can be members of the BSBPA. For just $25 a year, they can help support the efforts of the association to promote this wonderful village and the small businesses and community organizations that make it hum with life. I always tell people what a wonderful feeling it is to walk around town, seeing people out and about, shopping, eating, at the Farmers’ Market, listening to musicians on a soft summer evening, watching movies under the stars, enjoying a classic car show or a jolly holiday parade and know that their support makes it happen. (Volunteering to help with these events makes the heart swell even more!) Plus, they get a member benefit card, good for discounts at participating member businesses. They can join right on our website, www.ballston.org. That’s my shameless plug! 😊