Former race horse Forest Spirit in the care of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. Photo provided by Megan Koloskie.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — Forest Spirit was a race horse with some impressive showings at Saratoga, Belmont Park, and Finger Lakes before his career met an abrupt end. A vet noticed bowing in one of his ankles, and his owners decided to take him out of competition rather than risk a catastrophic injury. Now in the care of Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, Forest Spirit needs surgery.
“Unfortunately, the day he got here he coliced,” said Megan Koloskie, Development Manager of Therapeutic Horses, “so we caught it before it got bad enough to where he needed surgery.” Forest Spirit was then okay for a while, but “the poor guy has undergone a lot of trials since then,” Koloskie said. Those trials included a wry nose, a condition that resulted in a tooth fragment that is affecting his sinuses. “He will remain here as a therapy horse, he won’t be able to be ridden,” Koloskie said. “Hopefully this surgery will give him the relief that he needs to be happy.”
To raise funds for that surgery, Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga is hosting an event as part of “Leap of Kindness Day” on February 29 at the Horseshoe Inn Bar and Grill. All proceeds from the ticket sales, raffles, and donations will go toward Spirit’s operation.
BALLSTON SPA — Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services has sponsorships available for residents ages 15 to 17 years old who would like to become lifeguards. The sponsorships will provide eligible residents with the opportunity to take the American Red Cross Lifeguard Training this spring.
Applications are due March 1, 2024 and are available on the Saratoga County website at www.saratogacountyny.gov/youth.
Those interested must participate in a pre-requisite swim at the Saratoga Springs YMCA (290 West Ave. Saratoga Springs) at noon on March 9. This requirement will take approximately two hours. Participants will take part in swimming 300 to 500 yards continuously (depending on pool or waterfront certification), treading water hands-free, and retrieving a weight, both under time limits. Participants will be eligible to apply for sponsorship upon completion of these components.
Classes for the water skills portion of the Lifeguard Training will take place April 1-3.
Students will be certified in American Red Cross CPR, First Aid, AED and Water Rescue Skills. These classes will provide pool certification. Waterfront certification is available upon request and requires additional skills. The program is provided through funding from the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
For more information, contact the Saratoga County Office of Aging and Youth Services at 518-884-4101 or visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/DAYS.
Senator Jim Tedisco, pictured at Saratoga Spa State Park, has been appointed to serve as Ranking Member of the NYS Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation. Photo: nysenate.gov
SARATOGA COUNTY — Senator Jim Tedisco (R,C-Ballston Lake), announced his appointment by Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt to serve as Ranking Member of the NYS Senate Committee on Cultural Affairs, Tourism, Parks and Recreation.
Tourism is a major economic driver of the 44th Senate District, which includes all of Saratoga County, City of Schenectady, and Niskayuna.
This is an important leadership assignment for Senator Tedisco for the Capital Region, given the 44th Senate District includes Saratoga Spa State Park, Moreau Lake State Park, historic Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, Saratoga National Historical Park, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Peebles Island State Park in Waterford, MiSci, Saratoga Auto Museum, and is home to Rivers Casino in Schenectady, Saratoga Casino Hotel and Saratoga Racecourse.
“Saratoga County, Schenectady and Niskayuna have many world-class tourist destinations, several incredible state and national parks, and wonderful recreational facilities that bring scores of visitors to the 44th Senate District each year and serve as major economic drivers and job creators for our area. I believe my job as the Ranking Member on the Senate’s Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Parks and Recreation Committee is to continue to be a strong voice for my constituents and fight for the best interests of all the locations in the 44th Senate District that make our area so special and such a draw for visitors,” Tedisco said, in a statement.
Tedisco said his new leadership role on the Senate Cultural Affairs, Tourism and Parks and Recreation Committee will provide a new platform to continue to champion his bi-partisan legislation to install security cameras at the entrances and exits of all state parks and recreational facilities.
A ceremony at the Saratoga Music Hall will take place Feb. 29 when the 153-year-old hall will be re-dedicated as the Skip Scirocco Music Hall. Photo by Thomas Dimopoulos.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —A ceremony at the Saratoga Music Hall will take place Feb. 29 when the 153-year-old hall will be re-dedicated as the Skip Scirocco Music Hall.
The hall will be named after Anthony “Skip” Scirocco, a lifelong Saratogian who served the city professionally – first as the animal control officer, then as elected Saratoga County Supervisor – from 1998 to 2005, and as a standing Commissioner of Public Works, starting in 2008. Scirocco died in April 2022 at the age of 74 following a brief battle with cancer.
Scirocco was born on Feb. 29, 1948, and Feb. 29 is why the date for dedication was selected, said current DPW Commissioner Jason Golub.
Saratoga Music Hall has been around since construction of City Hall was completed, at a cost of $110,000, in 1871. The building was first known as Town Hall – Saratoga Springs was not yet a city – and the third-floor hall was used as a courtroom in 1872 for the sensational murder trial of Edward Stokes. The trial, in connection with the shooting death of the New York City financier James “Diamond Jim” Fisk, attracted large crowds and newspapermen from across the Northeast. Stokes ultimately was convicted of manslaughter in the case.
Over the years the theater hosted conventions, minstrel shows, early movies, events associated with Saratoga Lake rowing competitions, and performances by actors such as Sarah Bernhardt, Raymond Hitchcock, and Irish tenor Chauncey Olcott. The theater also was the site of the founding meetings of the American Bar Association and the American Banking Association in the late 1800s.
The original Town Hall Theatre was home to the Town Hall Players, one of whose members was George Hyde Pierce, the father of actor David Hyde Pierce, who grew up in Saratoga Springs and is perhaps best known for his portrayal of Niles Crane on the television sitcom “Frasier.”
In 2016, fear grew that the 300-seat hall was in its last days as a community gathering space, with the venue targeted by the city – in accordance with a state mandate – for conversion into a courtroom. At a public hearing hosted by the city, dozens of people spoke in protest of the council’s suggestion to turn the hall into a courtroom space, and an online petition titled “Save the Music Hall!” garnered more than 370 signatures in the three weeks in advance of the hearing.
Saratoga Springs City Hall – which houses the music hall on its uppermost floor – sustained extensive damage following an August 2018 lightning strike, and the council subsequently determined a building-wide multi-million-dollar renovation and restoration project was appropriate.
“The emergency following the lightning strike along with the mandates from the courts and legislature were circumstances outside of our control, but this Council has worked collaboratively to keep this project moving,” then-DPW Commissioner Scirocco said at the time. “It’s the largest and possibly the most important project the city will undertake in our lifetime… and I think the public will be pleased with all the improvements in their City Hall.”
The newly restored Saratoga Music Hall opened to the public in late 2020.
Rendering of Marriott AC Hotel, to be located at 176 South Broadway. Rendering: Balzer & Tuck Architecture.
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.
The 2024 officers for the Saratoga Springs chapter of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick: President Mike D’Arcy, Vice President Ryan Dennis, Treasurer Patrick Fleming, Secretary Steven Rowland, and Past President and Keeper of the Shillelagh Mark Phillips. Photo provided by Don Cunningham.
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.
2024 Ballston Spa Chocolate Fest. Photo provided by BSBPA.
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.
