By Margaret MacDonald

Ground was broken in May for a new office for Salvatore Dental in Malta.

The business has been in Malta for 25 years. Six years ago, Richard Salvatore’s father sold it to Salvatore and his wife, Dr. Vera Popova Salvatore, who also works in the business.

Encompassing 93,000 square feet, the building is designed to be two stories with 11 treatment rooms and an all-glass waiting room. It will be located on Dunning Street.

“Everything is 3D, state-of-the-art technology, including a 3D milling machine, 3D printer and high-tech computer,” Salvatore said.

The existing building is part of a Methodist Church from the 1800s. Salvatore said he plans to preserve part of the foundation for history’s sake.

Salvatore is a third-generation dentist, coming from a long line that includes his father, grandfather, and an aunt and uncle. He and his wife, also a dentist, engage in continuing education related to their field—traveling often.

Local freelance writer Maureen Werther recently celebrated the launch of her new book, “Them That Has – the Story of a 1790’s Adirondack House and the People Who Made It Famous.”

Werther co-hosted an open house at the Silver Spruce Inn Bed & Breakfast, 2005 Route 9, Schroon Lake, with Phyllis Rogers, owner of the inn.

Rogers gave guided tours of the home she has turned into a successful Adirondack bed and breakfast.

“I took the expression, ‘I could write a book,’ quite literally when I learned about the house and its owners,” said Werther, adding that the Silver Spruce Inn has a fascinating and entertaining history. “It just had to be turned into a book.”

Silver Spruce Inn was originally built in the late 1700s and had a series of owners before a wealthy and eccentric heiress from Waterbury, Conn., named Sallie Miller Smith decided to buy it at the onset of Prohibition and turn it into the nearly 10,000-square-foot Adirondack retreat it is today.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

As much as Saratoga is famous for its horse racing, it’s equally known for its appreciation of the arts.

The transformation underway at the Universal Preservation Hall is testament to that. According to Teddy Foster,  campaign manager for the renovation project, the entire Capital Region will be able to see, hear and feel that appreciation at what is promising to be a unique entertainment venue. It is expected to have a profound effect on downtown Saratoga.

“This hall, that already serves so many through so many events, will be turning into a spectacular theater that will seat 700,” said Foster.

The building will close in June and will most likely not reopen until the fall of 2018, she said, while construction continues

Foster said they have reached 90 percent of their  $5.5 million fundraising goal. Four years ago, Foster formed a partnership with Philip Morris, CEO of Proctors Theater in Schenectady to move the project forward.  Morris said as renovation happens, Foster will become the director at UPH, with programming, finance, marketing and other administration done by Proctors staff.

The construction project “will create a beautiful performance and community space,” said Morris.

Foster said the space will become a perfect spot for music events and cabaret-type shows. She said adding this element of entertainment to downtown will provide a piece that many are looking for.

“This allows a  chance for many to grab a drink or dinner and then be able to walk to a concert or show–all downtown,” said Foster.

Foster said they anticipate the hall to bring in over 65,000 visitors in the first year alone. She said people can expect the same high-quality entertainment they enjoy at Proctors.