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.
House featured in the 2023 Showcase of Homes by DeGraff Bloom Custom Builders. Photo by Randall Perry Photography
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!
126 West Mixed Use Extension Noticing Prop Post. Image: city of Saratoga Springs.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Zoning Board Of Appeals will host their next meeting at 6:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 12, at Saratoga Springs City Hall.
Among the new agenda items is an Area Variance extension sought by B&D Properties, Inc. to permit construction of a new mixed-use development at 126 West Ave. that would consist of four new townhouses, office space, and a studio apartment.
Other new agenda items:
190 Woodlawn/23 Greenfield: Area variance to permit the construction of a new single-family residence.
28 Warren St.: Area variance to permit a renovation and addition to a single-family residence.
180 Fifth Ave.: Area variance to permit a two-car garage addition to the single-family residence.
131 Middle Ave Extension: Area variance extension to permit the construction of a new single-family home.
29 Newton Ave.: Area variance to permit the construction of a new single-family home.
11 Ritchie Pl.: Area variance to permit a two-lot subdivision.
Mayor John Safford delivered the 2024 State of the City Address, the first of his term as mayor of Saratoga Springs, on Tuesday, Jan. 30. Photo provided
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Mayor John Safford delivered the 2024 State of the City Address, the first of his term as mayor of Saratoga Springs, on Tuesday, Jan. 30.
The mayor riffed on “harmony” as a theme moving forward.
“As we envision the Saratoga of tomorrow, I ponder: What will our city look like in a decade? Not merely in its architectural facets, but in its character—the essence of our Saratogian identity. Who will we be? At the core of this reflection lies the notion of harmony,” Safford said.
“Much like an orchestra or a chorus, we are diverse yet interwoven—individual notes coalescing into a harmonious symphony. In an era marked by division, the concept of harmony beckons us to bridge divides and foster unity. Here, today, in this room, we sow the seeds of a harmonious future—a future where our collective melody transcends discord.”
Safford spoke of both 2023 city accomplishments and 2024 stated goals, offering general remarks related to some overall council topics – “a comprehensive, long-term plan is imperative as we strive towards achieving net-zero homelessness” – and applying more specificity to Mayor’s Department goals.
The Goals of the City Attorney’s Office are: Complete a review of all litigation pending against the city; See if we can find a way to reduce litigation frequency and expense; Help the various law firms employed by the City manage their cases and to keep the City Council informed; Streamline & expedite responses to FOIL requests to avoid legal fees being granted against the City.
In 2023, the city Building Department conducted 2,157 Inspections, and issued 460 Certificates of Occupancy including approximately 70 new dwelling units. The department also issued 871 permits – generating over $500,000 in building department fees, with an estimated construction value of approximately $185 million, the mayor said.
2024 Building Department Goals: reduce permit wait time to the range of 4 – 6 weeks for the majority of permit applications, streamline the process for third party review of commercial building permit applications to facilitate reduced permit times; evaluate and modify the process for intake and review of simple permits so minor projects can be permitted more quickly. A full integration of scanned digital records and improvement of digitization for projects was also stated.
2023 was the first full calendar year since the adoption of the City’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO). Approximately 64 Land Use Board meetings were held and a total of 1,044 project applications were submitted to the Design Review Board, the Zoning Board of Appeals, and the Planning Board.
Mayor Safford specifically pointed to a handful of “notable” projects that had been recently approved, including a pair of housing developments that will provide approximately 232 affordable housing units, a large fitness center at Skidmore College, the redevelopment of Longfellow’s Hotel and Restaurant, Canadian pipe maker Soleno’s warehouse and corporate office expansion into the U.S., and three retail marijuana dispensaries.
In 2024, the Office of Planning and Economic Development will kick-off the Climate Action Plan which will guide the city in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels, Safford said.
SPAC announces the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra, July 31- Aug. 17. Photo: SPAC Gala Fireworks, L. White.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced the return of The Philadelphia Orchestra to its summer home in Saratoga for a three-week residency from July 31- Aug. 17.
The season will feature a mix of masterworks from the classical cannon, alongside SPAC premieres and appearances by a diverse and international slate of today’s most exciting artists and conductors.
“SPAC has become a destination stage for many of the greatest artists in the world and our 2024 season is no exception. From Yannick Nézet-Séguin and Yo-Yo Ma to John Legend and Angélique Kidjo, this year’s programming offers something for everyone highlighting SPAC’s unique ability to bring together the world’s best artists and genres on one stage,” said Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC’s President & CEO, in a statement.
Philadelphia Orchestra Music and Artistic Director Yannick Nézet-Séguin (Aug. 8) will return to the podium to lead a program exclusive to SPAC, featuring Strauss’ An Alpine Symphony, the composer’s powerful ode to nature, alongside the SPAC premiere of Robert Schumann’s Konzertstück for horns and orchestra.
Highlighting the season is the SPAC and Philadelphia Orchestra debut of EGOT-winning, critically acclaimed, multiplatinum singer-songwriter John Legend (Aug. 7). An Evening With John Legend – A Night of Songs and Stories with The Philadelphia Orchestra will feature intimate reimagining’s of Legend’s greatest hits (“All of Me,” “Ordinary People,” “Tonight”), unexpected stories from his life and career, and selections from his most recent release LEGEND (“Nervous,” “Wonder Woman”).
Returning by popular demand are appearances by cellist Yo-Yo Ma (Aug. 16) for Dvořák’s Cello Concerto and violinist Gil Shaham (Aug. 14) performing a new violin concerto by contemporary composer Mason Bates, a piece the two workshopped together while at SPAC in 2023.
Making his Philadelphia Orchestra and SPAC debut is young pianist and International Tchaikovsky Competition silver medalist George Li (July 31), who will perform the Piano Concerto No. 1 as part of the opening night “Tchaikovsky Spectacular” celebration, which will close with the 1812 Overture and a fireworks display. Following her 2023 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival debut at SPAC, five-time Grammy Award-winner Angélique Kidjo (Aug. 2) will also join the Orchestra in an all-new program featuring a mix of popular African songs and original works.
Iconic masterworks featured include a 100th anniversary celebration of Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue with the Marcus Roberts Trio (Aug. 1), in addition to Carl Orff’s Carmina burana (Aug. 10), returning to SPAC for the first time in over 15 years with Albany Pro Musica.
The 2024 season also includes a roster of international conductors including the SPAC debuts of Fabio Luisi (Aug. 9 & 10), Dalia Stasevska (Aug. 14 & 15), Anthony Parnther (Aug. 7), and Damon Gupton (Aug. 17), in addition to the return of David Robertson (July 31-Aug. 1) and Xian Zhang (Aug. 16).
The popular film nights will also return to delight audiences of all ages as Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix™ in Concert (Aug. 3) and Disney’s The Lion King in Concert (Aug. 17), are projected on the screens in HD, while the Orchestra performs the scores live.
Tickets will be available beginning on Feb. 9 at 10 a.m. for members (tiered by level) and on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. for the general public. Visit spac.org for details.
Len and Lois Green. Photo courtesy of the Green Group.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —The New York Race Track Chaplaincy will honor Len Green with the Marylou Whitney Award for his ongoing humanitarian support of the New York backstretch community at its 17th Annual Fundraising Brunch to be held on Wednesday, Aug. 14, at Saratoga National Golf Course in Saratoga Springs.
Green is the founder and chairman of the New Jersey CPA firm, The Green Group specializing in tax, accounting and consulting especially in the Thoroughbred industry. They have more than 700 equine-related clients, including many of the top-rated partnerships, syndications, as well as fellow horse owners, breeders, trainers, consignors and jockeys.
Individuals and organizations previously honored by the NY Chaplaincy have included Anne Campbell, Edgar Prado, Michael Dubb, Fay and David Donk, Marylou Whitney and John Hendrickson, Letty and Kiaran McLaughlin, Lisa and Kenny Troutt, Debbie and Terry Finley, The New York Thoroughbred Horsemen’s Association, Irad Ortiz Jr., Andy Serling and, last year, Tracy and Todd Pletcher.
Each year, at the Brunch, the honoree is presented with a print by equine artist Tom Chapman. In August 2023, approximately 350 supporters of the NY Race Track Chaplaincy were in attendance.
The NY Race Track Chaplaincy serves the NY backstretch and farming communities of Belmont Park, Aqueduct Racetrack, and Saratoga Race Course providing enrichment programs for children, teens and women, social services, recreational and educational programming, and non-denominational religious services.
Additional information, including tickets and sponsorships for the event, may be found at www.rtcany.org.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A bomb threat was made to the Saratoga Casino Hotel at approximately 10 p.m. Sunday, causing the evacuation of the premises.
A check of the building, and a sweep using explosive detection canines was conducted with no bombs located, according to a statement released by the Saratoga Springs Police Department this morning.
Law enforcement was immediately notified after receiving the threatening phone call and the Saratoga County Sheriff’s Office and Saratoga City Police Departments responded.
No arrests have been made, and the investigation is still ongoing, according to authorities.
SOUP-ER Bowl Friday Friday, February 9 | 11 a.m. $4 per cup (while supplies last)
Come by the Center and warm up with some delicious homemade tortellini soup
Valentine’s Party Wednesday, February 14 | 2 p.m. $10. Spread the love at the Center! Join us for live music by Jeff Brisbin, macaroni and cheese, ice cream, & more! Please sign up.
Valentine’s Day Breakfast Friday, February 16 | 9:30 a.m. $10. Breakfast will be provided by Omelette King Catering. Enjoy omelettes, homefries, coffee, and a complimentary mimosa tasting. Please sign up.
Speed Friending Wednesday, February 28, 2 p.m. $10. We’re all fimiliar with the concept of speed dating. Speed friending is its more innocent cousin; quick, short converstions where the goal is to meet new people. Pasta with marinara sauce, ice cream, complimentary tasting and more will be provided. Please sign up.
NEW FREE EVENTS/CLASSES
The following programs and classes are free and open to Saratoga County residents ages 60+. You do not need to be a member of the Saratoga Senior Center to participate in these programs and classes. These programs and classes were made possible by the New York State Office for the Aging and Saratoga County Department of Aging and Youth Services.
Daytime Trivia Friday, February 16 | 2 p.m. Daytime Trivia is coming to the Center! Trivia questions range from easy questions on famous events from the 50s and 60s to topics on pop culture and movies from the 70s and is a great way to boost brain power while socializing and having fun. Please sign up.
Opera Saratoga Monday, February 12 & February 26 | 1:30 p.m. Join us for a performance by Opera Saratoga Songs by Heart Artists Angelina Valente and John Benware. Sing-along, dance and reminisce with music at this fun-filled performance. Please sign up.
Country Line Dancing Thursday, February 22 & February 29 | 2:30 p.m. Get ready to boot, scoot and boogie! Come by the Center and join CMA Winner Kevin Richards for basic beginner country line dance lessons. No experience needed. Please sign up.
Soul Line Dancing Tuesday, February 13, February 20 & February 27 | 2:30 p.m. Soul Line Dancing can be done by all. It is no pressure, fun dancing and you don’t need a partner. Mary & Frank will have you dancing some familiar dances but they also add their personal touch and bring in oldies, Latin, and more! Please sign up.
You May Be Eligible for Free Classes And Programs at The Center!
Do you carry United Healthcare & are 65+ years old? You maybe eligible for RENEW ACTIVE.
Do you carry any of the following Medicare Advantage Programs? CDPHP, EMBLEM HEALTH, EMPIRE BLUECROSS, EMPIRE BLUECROSS BLUESHEILD, HEALTHFIRST, HUMANA, INDEPENDENT HEALTH, MVP, AND WELLCARE. You maybe eligible for SILVERSNEAKERS.
Did you know that your SilverSneakers and Renew Active membership allows you to attend all programming at the Center free, some exceptions may apply. It is not just for your exercise classes, it includes presentations, art classes, ZOOM classes, produce and food programs.
If you are taking a class in person, please register by calling the front desk at 518-584-1621
