SARATOGA SPRINGS — Work is underway at the former site of the Turf & Spa Motel on South Broadway where a new Marriott AC Hotel is under development.
Bonacio Construction announced last week that it had broken ground on the project.
The hotel will stand four stories tall and include more than 100,000 square feet featuring 120 rooms, underground parking, and amenities such as a pool, fitness center, bar and lounge, and meeting areas.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — City police are warning residents that they have been alerted of a frequency of reported scams in Saratoga Springs, some of which have been successful.
Tips: Scammers will use urgency to lure victims to act right away. Slow the conversation. If they claim a loved one is in trouble or injured, try making contact with the loved one directly. Be wary of suspicious e-mails or computer pop-ups, or people showing up unannounced at your home regarding home repairs.
Also, ask a friend or family member who you trust if the situation seems suspicious. You can also call your bank or the local police department who are aware of popular scams.
Common scams include: The Grandparent Scam, Tech Support Scam, Government Official Scam, Home Repair Scams.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Saratoga Senior Center, located at 290 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs will present the following programs this month:
Speed-Friending – Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2 p.m. ($10). Modeled like speed-dating, speed-friending is its more innocent cousin highlighting quick, short conversations toward the goal of meeting new people and making meaningful conversations. Enjoy pasta with marinara sauce, ice cream and a complimentary tasting too. RSVP required.
Sipping for Seniors on Leap Day – Thursday, Feb. 29, 6-10 p.m. 2024 gifts an extra day. Leap on over to Baileys for a special Sipping for Seniors. 20% of food and drink sales and 100% of bartender tips are donated to the Center.
Free Presentations: The Art of Feng Shui Living presented by Rene Nielson – Friday, Feb. 23, 1:30 pm. Learn the basics of Feng Shui and interior design, and how to incorporate these principles into everyday living.
Special Event Schedule includes Watercolor Workshop, Soul Line Dancing, Writing Class, Tarot Cards and more. For events and programs, go to: saratogaseniorcenter.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga Springs chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with their 72nd annual dinner on March 17 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga.
The group is a fraternal organization that meets once each year on St. Patrick’s Day to honor the patron saint of Ireland, and to raise money for local Catholic charitable organizations.
BALLSTON SPA —The smell of chocolate was in the air the evening of Friday, Feb. 2, as Ballston Spa hosted the 2024 Chocolate Fest.
Chocolate Festival-goers were encouraged to vote online for their favorites in three categories: Sweet, Savory and Beverage. We are pleased to announce the winners of the 2024 Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest:
The event was presented by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association.
Sweet Category Winner: Isla’s Divine Desserts with their Toffee Carmel Flourless Chocolate Cake served at Ballston Spa National Bank. Isla Davis is an 11-year-old entrepreneur. Her treats can be purchased at her Bake Shed at 301 Hop City Road, Ballston Spa
Savory Category Winner: The Sweetish Chef with their Bangin’ Stout Chili served at Boho Chic Boutique. The Sweetish Chef is a grain-free, sugar-free, low carb bakery located at 76 Front St. in Ballston Spa.
Beverage Category Winner: Miscellania Elena with their Mexican Hot Chocolate served at their restaurant. Miscellania Elena is a Mexican Grocery Store and Restaurant where fresh meals are made daily. It is located at 80 Front St. in Ballston Spa.
For details on the participating sweet spots and the treats that were available, go to: www.ballston.org
SARATOGA SPRINGS —A city woman is dead and a 31- year-old Saratoga Springs man is charged with murder, in connection with an alleged incident that occurred Feb. 6 at Vanderbilt Terrace.
The suspect, Sebastian P. Mabb, was known to the victim and had a prior relationship with her, according to police.
Mabb was charged with murder in the second-degree. He is accused of “intentionally (and) knowingly” causing the death of 25-year-old Brianna Craig, after engaging in a physical altercation with the victim, during the course of a domestic incident, according to court documents. The incident is believed to have occurred between 5 and 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 6 at Vanderbilt Terrace on the city’s east side.
An autopsy was conducted Feb. 9 and a preliminary report shows the cause of death to be by asphyxiation, police said, adding that the investigation is ongoing and evidence is still being collected. A final autopsy will be issued at the completion of the toxicology report.
Mabb is scheduled to appear in Saratoga Springs City Court March 5.
WILTON — A 60-year-old Gansevoort man was killed following a personal injury motor vehicle crash on Waller Road in the town of Wilton on Feb. 11.
The Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office said an investigation into the collision indicated that a 2014 Dodge Ram operated by Keith B. Hedge, of Gansevoort, had been traveling south on Waller Road when he failed to negotiate a curve in the roadway. As a result, the vehicle exited the roadway and struck a tree.
Hedge was pronounced dead on the scene, and the cause of the crash is still under investigation. Assistance was provided on scene by Wilton EMS and the Greenfield Center Fire companies.
WILTON — Looking for something to do during February Vacation? Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park offers a full week of free outdoor programs at Camp Saratoga.
In addition to the daily programs, snowshoe and cross-country skis will be available to rent all week at Camp Saratoga North Winter Lodge by the restrooms at Parking Lot #1. Rentals are available from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the last call to rent is 2 p.m. Rentals may be used only at Camp Saratoga. Rentals are $10/adults and $5/children and students. No registration required.
For nature walks, free snowshoe rentals will be available 15 minutes prior to the program provided by a grant from the Common Roots Foundation. If there is no snow, the program will be a trail walk. The February Vacation Schedule of free events is listed below.
Winter Tree Identification – Friday, February 23, 10 to 11 a.m. How do we identify trees in the winter without all the leaves? How do you know which tree is which? Join Wilton Wildlife to learn simple ways to determine tree species found here at the preserve.
Family Owl Prowl with the Saratoga Springs Public Library – Friday, February 23, 5 to 6 p.m. Go for a nighttime hike to look and listen for owls. Learn about their amazing adaptations that make them fantastic nighttime predators. Following the program, take home an owl pellet to dissect and discover the diet of an owl and identify bones of its prey. This program is suitable for ages 5 and up. To register for this program, call the Saratoga Springs Public Library at 518-584-7860 ext. 303.
Capital Region PRISM Winter Pest In-Person Training (Part 2) – Saturday, February 24, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Interested in learning more about the forest and winter pests that might be found? Join this 2-part program with PRISM to learn more and explore the Neilmann Parcel firsthand for winter pests! Registration is separate for each day, so please indicate in your registration if you would like to attend the zoom, walk, or both. Please note: Zoom participants will get priority in attending the in-person training. To register email info@wiltonpreserve.org, visit the website at wiltonpreserve.org, or call the office at 518-450-0321.
Moonlight Hike – Saturday, February 24, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Interested in seeing the preserve at night? View nature in the full moon light as you walk the trails and learn about wildlife adaptations and nature of the night.
Registration is required at least one business day in advance. To register please visit the website at www.wiltonpreserve.org For more information, call the Wilton Wildlife office at 518-450-0321 or email info@wiltonpreserve.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee has begun planning this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. Celebrating its 28th year, this annual community tradition has contributed over $1.5 million dollars to our local charities.
The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will be held on four days over two weekends this fall on Oct. 5-6 and Oct. 12-13 featuring some of the region’s award-winning builders showcasing their new construction.
Be a part of the area’s premiere new home tour! If you are interested in entering a new home in the event or becoming a showcase sponsor, please contact Barry Potoker, Executive Director at 518-366-0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org.
The 2024 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Last year $70,000 was raised for these two organizations. For more information, please visit saratogashowcaseofhomes.com. Follow the event on Facebook for all the details and updates.
About Saratoga Builders Association
The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. (SBA) is a specialized professional trade association representing an industry basic to the wellbeing and economy of the people of Saratoga County. Its membership includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals. SBA is committed to the continued growth, prosperity and quality of life in Saratoga County.
Fran, Congratulations on your book. What is it like to be a published author?
Fran: It’s an extremely amazing feeling to be a “published author”! Looking back upon the thousands of hours it took to finally have the privilege of showcasing a finished project is something I still find incredible to reflect upon. I took tremendous care to make sure my book will forever be something I can be very proud of, and I truly am.
Tell us about the process of writing your book.
Fran: Concept: First I came up with the concept: The Animal Menagerie is an A to Z picture book for children ages 4-7. There is an animal character for every letter of the alphabet, and the name of that animal is coupled with a rhyming descriptive vocabulary word such as “The Chuckling Duckling,” and “The Contrary Canary,” etc.
Choosing Animals and Vocabulary Words: After I came up with the concept for the book, I started choosing each animal based on whether there was a colorful vocabulary word that I could rhyme with it. The word would need to describe the animal in a way that lent itself to a contextual story that would accompany it.
Writing Stories: Next the stories for each animal were written in a way that brought the meaning of each descriptive vocabulary word to light. This had to be accomplished in a limited number of paragraphs, due to the 4-7 age group I was writing for.
Deciding upon Illustrations: Once the A to Z characters and stories were established, I sketched or described my vision to my illustrator. She then presented me with an image, which I typically worked with her to tweak 3-5 times, until it perfectly represented my visual interpretation of the story. This was an extremely interesting process, mainly because my illustrator lives in Poland, and so all of this was accomplished online. This overseas exchange took place over the pandemic years. When we were all feeling so isolated and disconnected, I was sharing explosions of creativity with a person over 4 thousand miles away who I have never met or even spoken to.
Layout and design: Finally, I worked with a dear friend collaborating for hours of time syncing the illustrations with the stories, and laying it all out to look perfectly pleasing to the eyes of parents of my target audience. Then the text needed to be proofread and edited before going to print.
Publishing/Printing: This process included vetting several printers to find out who would offer the best quality for the least cost. In general, quality self-publishing is a costly endeavor. It’s a true commitment to passion for what you’re doing.
Where did you do most writing?
Fran: Most of my inspiration came while working at my home office on evenings and weekends, when I could focus full attention on the project.
What, if any, were the unexpected challenges you encountered.
Fran: I was surprised by the incredible amount of time it took to bring the text and the illustrations together into an artistic layout style that reflected my vision. This is definitely the step in the process that took the most time. I was intent on having the book look as good as traditionally published books typically do so it would garner just as much attention when sitting beside a traditionally published book on a retailer’s shelf. There are so many aspects of a book’s design to consider and make decisions on from choices on hardback vs paperback, the size of the book, the number of pages, paper weight and color, printed endsheets, font, font size, colors, just to name a few. .
From start to finish, what was the timeframe?
Fran: I started the project in November of 2021 and the book was sent to the printer in October of 2023. I received 500 printed copies in mid-November of 2023, just in time for the holiday season. Although there were unexpected delays, and this wasn’t the timing I was hoping for, it worked out perfectly!
Was this a one-time project or are there more books on your horizon?
Fran: Yes, after spending so much time learning about the process of authorship and the tenets of book-writing, I feel that I know so much more now that would allow me to work more expediently on a second book. I have the concept already. I hope to get started on it over the next year.
Any advice for aspiring authors?
Fran: Follow your dream. Anything is possible! Ask questions to many individuals and the answers you receive in common are what you should move forward with as true. A concept can be inspired in so many ways – leave yourself open to hearing, seeing, feeling, tasting, and touching so you can recognize the thought concept when it comes to you, and then run with it. If you, like me, are one who has been saying or thinking that they will write a book for years, don’t just talk about it – do it! Live in the moment and make it happen, now! For me, in the words of Victor Hugo, It was ‘an idea whose time had come’! Now is your time!
