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Author: Aidan Clark

Summer Skin Care at Complexations Spa

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Denise Dubois says that everyday lifestyle choices are the biggest factor in skin health. Dubois, a licensed aesthetician since 1984, opened Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness in Saratoga in 2014 to aid people with their skin care journey. 

“At Complexions Spa we believe beauty and wellness go hand in hand,” said Dubois. 

Each month, Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness features seasonal services designed to address the unique skin and wellness challenges clients experience throughout the year. During July, their focus is on helping repair and protect skin from the effects of summer sun exposure while restoring hydration, radiance, and overall skin health.

The Citrus Glow Summer Facial includes a vitamin C infusion to help revitalize sun-stressed skin. This is followed by gentle exfoliation and a hydrating hydro-jelly mask to restore moisture and soothe the skin. While the mask is working, cooling cryo globe therapy is used to help calm inflammation, reduce puffiness, and leave the skin feeling refreshed and radiant.

The Island Radiance Body Polish & Wrap is a full-body renewal ritual designed to smooth, hydrate, and restore the skin’s natural radiance. The treatment begins with a gentle exfoliating body polish to remove surface buildup, followed by a hydrating botanical wrap rich in minerals and antioxidants to replenish moisture and restore softness. While wrapped, guests enjoy a relaxing scalp massage that promotes deep relaxation and helps calm the nervous system.

The Coconut Restorative Massage is a deeply nourishing full-body massage designed to relax tired muscles while restoring hydration and softness to the skin. Warm coconut-infused oils are used throughout the treatment to melt away tension and deeply condition the skin. Rich in natural fatty acids and antioxidants, coconut helps support the skin’s moisture barrier, leaving it visibly smoother, softer, and more radiant.

Complexions Spa is partnering with The Hot Yoga Spot to offer yoga in the park. Offered on select Thursdays and Sundays in July and August. The classes are held on grass on the back terrace at Complexions Spa overlooking Congress Park. Participants will be able to use all the spa amenities including a sauna, deluge cold shower, steam room, and men and women locker rooms. 

For more information or to book a massage, facial, body wrap, or register for hot yoga visit complexions.com.

Where Champions START

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Spa City Bombers Baseball Camp
(Aidan Clark)

A month after Spa Catholic’s triumphant State Championship, Head Coach Alphonse Lambert returns to his summer camp to again build the foundation of a successful baseball program. 

“Probably all of those kids that were on the two state championship teams started at this camp,” said Coach Lambert.

Players from both recent State Championship teams were at West Side Recreational Park at 9 a.m. all week to give back to the program where it all started. 

“It’s a real full circle moment, just imagining me as these kids and having an influence on them is really great,” said Sandy McDonald, who will be going into his senior year this fall. 

Coach Lambert has been running the Spa City Bombers baseball camp for 38 years. Seeing the same faces in the youth camp through to the varsity program is what keeps him going. 

“Hunter’s a great example, here’s a kid that started in our camp. From the first day he moved into town, since sixth grade [he] comes to the camp. Who would have thought that we’d be hugging in the infield after we win a State Championship in Binghamton? It’s just so surreal.”

Coach Dale Long is now in his 20th season working with Coach Lambert and the baseball program. His son graduated from Spa Catholic in 2011 and was a part of the team that won three straight sectional championships. Sometimes when a coach describes the team as family it seems hyperbolic, but for Coach Long the sentiment resonates. 

“You know what, it’s kind of a family situation. We have a very close relationship with our players. We’ve got three or four coaches here who are no longer in high school, and they want to come back and be with the program.”

Coach Lambert and Coach Long will host another week of camp from July 13th through the 17th.

Spa Catholic Celebrates State Championship Win with Parade Down Broadway

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Spa Catholic Baseball team honored on the steps of City Hall

Saratoga Springs— On Wednesday, June 24, the Saratoga Central Catholic Baseball team paraded down Broadway from Congress Park to City Hall to commemorate their historic back-to-back Class C State Championships. 

Each player was individually honored on the steps of City Hall by Mayor John Stadford, State Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Senator James Tedisco. 

Only six high school programs have two State Championships to their name. Now, four teams in New York State high school baseball history have won back-to-back State Championships.

Last year, in Coach Lambert’s 37th season as the head coach of Spa Catholic baseball, his program reached the pinnacle of high school sports, and just one year later they repeated the feat.  

“These were not easy games. These kids struggled; they went through adversity, but at the end of the day, they answered the bell. They stepped forward and became champions” said coach Lambert. “Every one of these young men, I’d be proud to have as a son. That’s my greatest compliment to them.”

Yaddo’s Centennial Summer Benefit

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Saratoga Springs— Over 500 guests packed into the esteemed halls of the Yaddo estate for the nonprofit’s annual summer benefit last Thursday. This was the last summer benefit for the program’s long-term president, Elaina Richardson, who is set to step down after 26 years with Yaddo. 

Yaddo is a 400-acre estate off Union Ave in Saratoga Springs. It welcomes artists from around the world to stay on site for the sole purpose of creating art. Artists from all disciplines are invited and all their expenses are paid by the nonprofit for the duration of their stay.

Local philanthropists were treated to drinks and appetizers as they bid on a silent auction which included items like tickets to the NY Giants and Kentucky Derby, a trip to Cannes, France, and even a church pew. Then guests filed into the cover of a large tent on the front lawn as intermittent rain refused to ruin the occasion. 

Mike Aldo hosted the culmination of the night along with performances by Yaddo artists. Sylver Wallace was the first act of the night, instantly captivating the audience with her velvety vocals. Audery Corsa and Max Roll followed with a playful theatrical skit. Joseph Keckler ended the night with a unique storytelling-musical performance of Yaddo. 

Richardson reflected on her tenure at Yaddo and the importance of its mission for society. 

“Now, after a quarter century of living here, unpeeling the onion of history, I have a more nuanced answer that maybe taps into the original psychology behind the Trask’s vision. Along with great wealth and privilege, they faced unimaginable sorrows. I think their belief in individual artists is tied to this knowledge of suffering, and the comfort that came to them, from books and painting, music and new ideas.”

Spencer and Katrina Trask bought the estate in Saratoga after the death of their first-born child in 1881 as a retreat for their mourning. This would be a tragically recurring event, as all four of the Trask’s children would not live beyond childhood. The original structure on the property burned down in 1891, and the mansion that stands today was constructed in 1893. In 1900, the childless Trasks co-authored a joint testimony agreement which outlined their vision for Yaddo.

“We desire to found here a permanent home to which may come from time to time for rest and refreshment authors, painters, sculptures, musicians, and other artists both men and women few in number and chosen for creative gifts and besides and not less for the power and the [will] and purpose to make these gifts useful to the world.” Neither Trask would live to see their dream come to fruition. 

On Thursday, the summer benefit raised over 200,000 dollars in support of the continuation of Yaddo’s ambitions.

“Yaddo, never indifferent, always at the heart of important issues and conversations of the day, remains just that, doubling down decade after decade, on the belief that a world without art is a world without hope,” said Richardson. 

Bike Saratoga Offers E-Bike Tours of the Historic Saratoga Battlefield

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Bike Saratoga, a new local e-bike rental and tour business, is launching at the historic Saratoga Battlefield this July fourth weekend. Bikers will have the opportunity to ride the park’s scenic battlefield road, a roughly 10-mile route featuring historic stops, sweeping views, monuments, interpretive markers, and some of the most consequential ground in American history.

Founder David Catalfamo decided to start this business after a near-fatal heart attack late last year.

“I mean I was flatlined. The folks at the Saratoga Y brought me back to life,” Said Catalfamo. “It gave me some new urgency to try some new things; this is a great opportunity to do something fun in the community.”

Catalfamo was and still is working as a communications consultant, but being part of the Saratoga community had always been a goal of his. With his newfound outlook on life, and a background that included a history degree from SUNY Albany, Catalfamo decided to go all in on Bike Saratoga.

“My work has taken me around the state and even the world, and I just want to be here. I love it here, I love the history; I love the nature,” said Catalfamo.

Catalfamo sees this as an opportunity for people to experience the historic battlefield while getting some exercise. 

“That’s the great thing about e-bikes, you don’t have to be in great shape. Maybe you haven’t biked in a while. You can get on them and experience it, and maybe it gets you back into biking, or back into healthier stuff,” said Catalfamo. 

While operations are just starting for Bike Saratoga, Catalfamo keeps an eye on the future, looking towards downtown Saratoga tours as a possibility. 

For the time being, e-bike rentals are available daily during the operating hours of the Saratoga Battlefield. Visit bikesaratoga.com to schedule a rental. 

Born Trackside

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Born Trackside Apparel (Sean Llewellyn)

Since before he could walk, Sean Llewellyn has been coming to the Saratoga Race Course every summer with his family. It was a part of their family heritage, a Saratoga summer. Last year, Llewellyn and his wife started an apparel brand, Born Trackside, which celebrates the traditions that make Saratoga Race Course so special.

“We fell in love with the traditions of parking in the same spot, bringing our chairs, bringing our cooler, sitting in the same spot. Then I realized we’re not the only ones. I thought our story was so unique, and I started looking around being like, I think there are other people here that had that same kind of tradition,” said Llewellyn. 

After realizing there was a whole community of people who’ve had similar experiences at Saratoga, Llewellyn wanted to find a way to build a connection. Last year, to gauge interest in his brand, Llewellyn wore a sample shirt to the track. 

“I had a few people run me down, and they were like, “Hey, where’d you buy that? I’d love to get one,” Llewelyn recalled. 

Immediately after Llewelyn went home and set up a website.

“It just exploded and we got so much feedback just being like, this is my kind of shirt, my kind of brand,” said Llewelyn. 

In their first full season in business, Born Trackside is looking to cultivate a community of Saratoga Race Course regulars. 

“What we’re hoping to plan this year is a meet up at the track, pick a day, and say hey, this is where we’re going to be. We want you guys to come by, set up your chairs with us, share stories, and just hang out,” said Llewellyn. 

To check out Born Trackside apparel or to sign up for their newsletter, go to borntrackside.com to keep up to date with the prospective meet up. 

The Fastest Sophomore in NYS

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Featured, Sports.

Peterson on the Starting Blocks (Ben Geurin)
Paul Peterson with Coach Ben Geurin (Ben Geurin)

Ballston Spa— Sophomore Paul Peterson established himself as one of New York States’ premier track and field athletes this season. Peterson is the fastest Sophomore in New York State in the 110-meter hurdles.

Peterson started running track last year during the indoor season. Ben Geurin, the head coach of Ballston Spa track and field, drove Peterson to New York City last year where he placed 14th in the hurdles. 

This year Peterson took a leap ahead of his peers. In the Niskayuna Spring Classic on April 18th, Peterson placed second in the 400-meter hurdles with a time of 55.54 seconds. This set a school record, beating out Peter Hanson’s 2019 record of 55.93 seconds. 

Then Peterson announced himself in section 2, winning the class A 110-meter hurdles on Thursday, June 4.  In a heat full of seniors, Peterson eked out the victory by 0.004 seconds, running the race in 14.984 seconds. This earned him a spot in the state finals the following weekend. 

On Saturday, June 13th Peterson competed in the outdoor track and field New York State championships at Webster Schroeder High School. In the preliminary 110-meter hurdles Peterson finished in 15.48 seconds, just fast enough to qualify for the finals on Sunday. Peterson improved on his time on Saturday, running the finals in 15.26 seconds, achieving eighth place in New York State. 

“Looking at his résumé, it’s easy to forget that Paul is only a sophomore. As his experience catches up to his work ethic, I have no doubt you’ll be hearing his name again,” said Coach Geurin.

Upstate Retro Clothing

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Upstate Retro Clothing (Jon Schwartz)

Jon Schwartz has been thrifting clothes since his mom would drop him off at Goodwill with ten dollars in his pocket as a child. “It started out of necessity. Over the years it became a hobby,” Schwartz recalls. 

Last month, Schwartz’s lifetime of collecting vintage clothing culminated in a brick-and-mortar shop on 49 Front Street in Ballston Spa. Upstate Retro Clothing specializes in curating 80s and 90s streetwear and accessories. 

Shwartz’s reselling journey started around 15 years ago when he found a box of band t-shirts at a garage sale. “For my 4-dollar investment, I ended up selling one for 25, another for 40. It kind of evolved from there.”

Over time, Shwartz’s eBay store began to generate more and more revenue, but not enough to sway him from his full-time Job. 

After graduating from Oneonta in 2009, Schwartz moved to Milton and got a job at a local logistics company. He worked there for 13 years, but over time, competing viewpoints over the direction of the company resulted in Schwartz leaving. He started a new position in Voorheesville but grew increasingly dissatisfied with the long commute taking time away from his family. 

This was right around the time Schwartz linked up with Noah Chani, the owner of Grateful Threads, a similar vintage clothing store in Saratoga. 

Three years ago, Chani and Mariah, owner of Mariahfield – a local upstylist, started the Second Sunday Market. From May through October, on the second Sunday of every month, local vendors set up shop in Congress Park. 

This introduced Schwartz to the value of a physical place to sell his pieces. “When someone touches a garment, they create a connection. It’s not the same as when you’re looking through a listing on eBay. There’s a connection that’s made; there’s a conversation that’s had,” Shwartz said. 

In the three years of attending the Second Sunday Market, Shwartz’s collection ballooned from around 500 pieces to over 7,000 pieces and quickly engulfed his basement.

In a search for storage space, Schwartz stumbled upon his now business location at 49 Front Street. The space was very segmented before Schwartz moved in, but the owner allowed Schwartz to remodel the space. Within three months, Schwartz knocked down some walls, resurfaced the floor, and moved his clothes to shelves.  

He now works full-time for his business since its opening on May 21st.  

Upstate Retro Clothing is open Wednesday through Saturday 11 a.m. through 6 p.m.

Local Softball Teams Go Far in State Championships

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

 Galway soft ball made it to the New York State High  School Athletic Association(NYSHSAA) championshipgame on Saturday, June 13. The team ultimately fell short in the penultimate game. Take nothing away from this historic season; this was Galway’s first appearance in a state fi nal ever. The Golden Eagles were one run short of securing the state title, losing 4-3 to Deposit-Hancock. Saratoga Springs Soft ball won their second section 2 class AAA title in three years this year. They beat Cicero-North Syracuse in the regional round but fell short to Lancaster 4-3 in the semifinal game.

American Outlaw and Bailys Saratoga Hosting USMNT Watch Party

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

American Outlaws and Bailey’s Saratoga are hosting a watch party for all United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) games during the world cup. The USMNT plays Australia Friday, June 19 at 3 p.m. and Türkiye Thursday, June 25 at 10 p.m. Bailey’s Saratoga is located on 37 Phila Street. 

American Outlaws is the largest supporter group for the U.S. national soccer teams, fans who pack the bars for every match and travel together to back the USMNT and USWNT. 

Available to patrons are binho boards, a finger soccer board game. There will be a giveaway of USMNT gear and Sloop Brewing Co merchandise. 

If the USMNT makes it out of the group stage, more watch parties will be announced. Follow American Outlaws: Saratoga Springs on Facebook for the most up to date information.