Meet visionary volunteer behind “Ballston Spa BLOOMS!” as well as birdhouses and new First Responders exhibit

INTRODUCTION

Upon discovering that Blech is also the visionary volunteer behind the tribute to First Responders that will officially be presented to the village on September 11 (rain date September 12), Ballston Spa Living dug deeper to learn more about when, why and how he began planting seeds for the community arts initiatives that have transformed streetscapes into backdrops worthy of cultural recognition. Portions of the newest exhibit, which will remain on display until May 2021, will serve the added purpose of enlightening residents and visitors about missing persons whose unsolved cases have links to this dot on the map.

Some Hometown Heroes bloom where they are planted. Others bloom where they are transplanted. Take Mark Blech. Had he not uprooted from Georgia to put down roots in this community, the colorful birdhouses and “Ballston Spa BLOOMS!” banners that lifted spirits during the first six months of the pandemic might never have come to fruition.

Upon discovering that Blech is also the visionary volunteer behind the tribute to First Responders that will officially be presented to the village on September 11 (rain date September 12), Ballston Spa Living dug deeper to learn more about when, why and how he began planting seeds for the community arts initiatives that have transformed streetscapes into backdrops worthy of cultural recognition. Portions of the newest exhibit, which will remain on display until May 2021, will serve the added purpose of enlightening residents and visitors about missing persons whose unsolved cases have links to this dot on the map. (The dedication ceremony will commence at 6 p.m. outside of Village Hall at the corner of Front and Bath Streets. Thanks, in advance, for donning face masks and practicing social distancing etiquette.)

Prior to settling in Ballston Spa several years ago, Blech had forged a career in the film and entertainment industry as a Hollywood set designer and fabricator. He subsequently started his own company in Atlanta where he learned all aspects of running a business specializing in designing sets for productions.

Blech awards credit for his natural artist talents to his mother, who had a love of painting, and his organizational and leadership skills to his father, who ran a small business in New Rochelle, NY in which his son was involved before studying art at Alfred University and the University of California at Irvine. Serving as his Dad’s caregiver during his final years of life taught Blech lessons in compassion and empathy he strives to apply to his community arts initiatives in Ballston Spa.

Working tirelessly behind-the-scenes to ensure the First Responders who keep our village safe and protected through all four seasons receive the added recognition they deserve has been like breathing for Blech. If anything, he wishes there were more hours in a day. Blech also wishes he could find more ways to express his appreciation to all who have aided in his quest to recognize the men and women of the Ballston Fire Department (Eagle Matt Lee Fire Company No. 1, and Union Fire Co, No. 2), the Ballston Spa Police Department, the Community Emergency Corp and The Center for HOPE, a not-for-profit that lights the way for families of missing persons across the USA. (Please see Editor’s Note at the conclusion of this feature.)

The following Q & A between Blech and Ballston Spa Living Editor Ann Hauprich sheds added light on the Hometown Hero about whom Mayor Larry Woolbright recently offered this glowing observation: “Mark has been a remarkable volunteer for the Village, creating fantastic banners, creative holiday decorations and an annual birdhouse festival, all of which get rave reviews from the community. I greatly appreciate his efforts and look forward to the next installment of banners that appropriately highlight and honor our First Responders.”

The community art programs I organize in the village — the painted banners, the annual Ballston Spa Birdhouse Competition & Festival and the Holiday Community Art Program — are all focused on building community spirit and involvement. Having printed banners focused on honoring leaders and caregivers of our community fit perfectly into this mission.

Q: How, when – and why — did the project honoring First Responders in our community who keep our village safe and protected come to be?

A: I’ve been coordinating painted banners with local residents for three years now. We do painted banners for the Birdhouse Festival and Competition in the spring and holiday banners for the winter. The idea of a printed banner was started by CJ Beverly, whose son Tyler was on the Ballston Spa High School lacrosse team prior to his graduation. Because of COVID the sports program couldn’t finish out its season or have its usual ceremonies celebrating the graduating seniors. Mrs. Beverly contacted Mayor Larry Woolbright who then asked me to help coordinate her idea for a printed banner program containing the pictures of the graduating seniors. To be clear, the sports recognition banners project was a team effort by the entire sports booster club at BSHS. The result was an overwhelming success. I realized this was another opportunity to celebrate the village. The community art programs I organize in the village — the painted banners, the annual Ballston Spa Birdhouse Competition & Festival and the Holiday Community Art Program — are all focused on building community spirit and involvement. Having printed banners focused on honoring leaders and caregivers of our community fit perfectly into this mission.

COVID brought out the best of our community and especially the essential workers and first responders. People donated food to the local food banks. Neighbors helped neighbors and people they didn’t even know. Teachers and all of the Ballston Spa Central School District worked tirelessly to create plans and keep the children involved and learning during this difficult time. Our police, firefighters and ambulance corps risk their lives to take care of this community on a daily basis. Now, with COVID, the risk of personal danger has increased. Yet they continue to honor their commitment and dedication of service to our community. The printed banner series was a perfect way of showing appreciation for our First Responders.

Q: What was the reaction of village police, firefighters, community emergency corps and The Center for HOPE upon learning of plans to honor them in this manner?

A: The men and women who are First Responders in our community love this village. They are committed to caring for and protecting everyone in the village and surrounding area. They don’t do this important work for any awards or to be singled out with praise. They were humbled by our plan to honor them in this way.

The community has overwhelmingly embraced and been involved in the whole project. Youngsters have been painting the 50 banners with the logos of the two fire companies, the Ballston Spa Police Department and the Community Emergency Corps (ambulance) as well as decorating the 150 “Thank You” yard signs that they can place in their front yard to show their appreciation for the First Responders.

Q: What kind of response have you had thus far from other members of the community?

A: I first have to say that Mayor Woolbright embraced the idea from the onset. He’s very supportive of the arts and programs that engage the community. I couldn’t accomplish these projects without his help and guidance. The community has overwhelmingly embraced and been involved in the whole project. Youngsters have been painting the 50 banners with the logos of the two fire companies, the Ballston Spa Police Department and the Community Emergency Corps (ambulance) as well as decorating the 150 “Thank You” yard signs that they can place in their front yard to show their appreciation for the First Responders. The printed banners are being designed with images provided by the community, the fire companies and The Center for HOPE. These banners are expensive to print. To raise money, I partnered with Gina Marozzi, treasurer of the MacBoston Truck Boosters Inc. (MacBoston is a non-profit based in Ballston Spa that is dedicated to keeping alive the memory of NYS firefighters who died in the line of duty by promoting firefighter safety through education and raise public awareness). The outpouring of financial support has been amazing. Even during the COVID pandemic, businesses have been so generous. Individual residents have equally been generous and given to this worthwhile cause. It’s a testament to how much this community appreciates the hard work of the First Responders of Ballston Spa.

Q: How long will the signs and banners remain on display?

A: Although the painted banners will come down in November when the holiday banners will go up, the printed banners honoring the First Responders will remain up through May 2021. .

Q: What has been the most challenging part of this endeavor to date?

A: Selecting the best pictures that tell a story to describe each organization’s mission has been a challenge. And working with people during COVID has been difficult but everyone has been so patient.

Q: The most rewarding?

A: I’ve now lived in Ballston Spa for seven years (and) each project I work on gives me the opportunity to learn more about this wonderful village and the people who live here. I’m so impressed by the police department, fire department and ambulance corps. It’s more than a job to them. They truly love the village and call it home. I’m also so impressed by the outpouring of financial support by the community.

Q: The most inspiring — or eye-opening?

A: This project has given me the chance to talk with and get to know a great group of people. I’m amazed at how friendly and welcoming they are. I’ve also had the chance to go into the police department, fire stations and ambulance facility. I’m amazed at how much equipment is required and at how well they keep everything. They take such pride in their equipment and work hard to keep it in excellent condition.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Although the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Department is not part of the new exhibit honoring First Responders in the Village of Ballston Spa, the importance of the law officers who serve and protect the entire county under the leadership of Sheriff Michael Zurlo was recognized during the June 2020 “Ballston Spa BLOOMS!” and birdhouse award ceremony in Wiswall Park. A special tribute to Sheriff Zurlo and his department will also be included in the Ballston Spa Living 2020 Community Yearbook. Meanwhile, expanded coverage of the First Responders’ exhibit as well as a companion piece honoring Mary Lyall, co-founder and director of The Center for HOPE, will be showcased in the Bonus Features section of Ballston Spa Living by September 20.

Ann Hauprich (E)

The literary tapestry Ann has woven over the past five decades includes threads spun from exclusive interviews with such celebrated personalities as Andy Rooney, David Hyde Pierce and Marylou Whitney. In addition, Ann -- who founded Saratoga Living magazine in 1998 and served as its editor and publisher until 2004 -- has drawn readers into the lives of legions of lesser known, but nonetheless fascinating, individuals. “I learned early on in my first job as a general assignment reporter at The Canadian Champion in the 1970s that every person has a story if you just take the time to listen,” says Ann. “I was intrigued to discover that seemingly ordinary people were often doing rather extraordinary things with their lives.”