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Author: Aidan Clark

Saratoga Hidden Horseshoe 

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


(Courtesy of Saratoga Hidden Horseshoe Facebook)

Jennifer Claeson has spent the last four summers hiding 300 used horseshoes around Saratoga Springs as a scavenger hunt. Claeson is an outdoor enthusiast; she founded Saratoga Hidden Horseshoe in 2023 to give people an excuse to get off their phones and around different areas of the town.

Saratoga Hidden Horseshoes is modeled after the Glass Float Project in Block Island, Rhode Island. Eben Horton is a local glass blower in Block Island, since 2011 he has been hiding glass bulbs resembling Japanese fish net floats around Block Island.  

Claeson was visiting a friend on Block Island in 2021 where she discovered the project and was inspired to start a similar project in Saratoga Springs.

Claeson’s husband, Andy Claeson, is a racing syndicate which gives Claeson access to the back stretch to acquire the horseshoes. 

Claeson hides the horseshoes around Congress Park, Waterfront Park, Beekman Avenue, Spring Run Trail, and Railroad Run. She hides the horseshoes from May through September, but not all the horseshoes are found every summer. There are still horseshoes scattered across the spa city from their first year in 2023. 

“What I love about the project is it’s getting people out in nature. It’s getting people off their phones; walking, exploring parts of the city that they have never seen,’ said Claeson. 

The scavenger hunt has an air of competitiveness within the community.

“It’s the thrill of the hunt, and you may never find one, and you may just go for your first hunt and find one,” Claeson said. 

One local wrote on Facebook, “I was so excited to find one tonight! Since moving to Saratoga finding a hidden horseshoe has been a dream of mine. I have been searching a lot lately as I’m moving away in just a few days and thought I’d never get a chance again! – Olivia”

Each horseshoe has a QR code that allows the person who found it to send in a picture and a comment about their adventure. Follow Saratoga Hidden Horseshoes on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with the latest finds. 

Each year, 30 of the 300 horseshoes are decorated by local artists. For two out of the four years so far, the artists have been paid through a grant provided by Saratoga Arts. Claeson hopes that the grant will continue to support local artists. 

Claeson is looking for help from the community to aid in cleaning the horseshoes, the most time-consuming part about the project. The National Honor’s Society of Saratoga Springs High School previously helped her with cleaning the horseshoes, but since that partnership fell through last year, Claeson has been cleaning all 300 horseshoes by herself.

Claeson is also perpetually looking for sponsorship opportunities with local Saratoga Brands. Previously Roohan Realty, Crossford Chase, and Pannell’s Resturant have previously sponsored the project, which helps Claeson pay for expensed required to keep the project going.

Anyone interested helping Claeson clean the horseshoes or for sponsorship opportunities, email saratogahiddenhorseshoes@gmail.com. 

Saratoga Senior Center Partners with West Point Thoroughbreds for Racehorse Ownership Raffle

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Decorated Belle
(West Point Thoroughbreds)

The Saratoga Senior Center (SSC) and West Point Thoroughbreds are teaming up to provide a unique opportunity for people to support their local seniors, while getting a chance to win a percent ownership of a racehorse. 

Raffle tickets are $100; SSC members will receive 2 entries for every $100 ticket purchased. The winning ticket will be drawn on July 30, at the Horseshoe Inn Bar & Grill following the horse races. 

The winner of the raffle will gain a 2.5% ownership of “Decorated Belle,” a promising 2-year-old New York-bred filly trained by Miguel Clement. The winner will not be liable for the cost of raising and training the racehorse. The winner will receive ownership distribution of any purse money, barn and backstretch access, and race day ownership experiences. 

“West Point Thoroughbreds has always been deeply connected to the Saratoga community, making this partnership with the Saratoga Senior Center a natural fit,” said Tom Bellhouse, Executive Vice President of West Point Thoroughbreds. “One of the things we love most about this raffle is that it gives anyone the opportunity to experience the excitement of racehorse ownership while supporting an amazing cause right here in Saratoga.”

To buy a raffle ticket to win a share of “Decorated Belle,” go to https://saratogaseniorcenter.org/West-Point-Thoroughbreds-Ownership-Experience-Raffle/ 

All proceeds from the raffle will support the SCC’s efforts to provide local seniors with social events, transportation, wellness programs, educational opportunities, caregiver support, Alzheimer’s and memory support, food assistance, palliative care support, and other services that help older adults throughout Saratoga County remain active, independent, and connected.

Volunteers play an incredibly important role in expanding and strengthening programs like transportation, friendly visiting, grocery shopping, and technology assistance. Email Danielle at DanielleL@saratogaseniorcenter.org to donate your time. 

Plaza Wine & Spirits Celebrates 30 Years in Business 

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

Raffle Basket Giveaway in Celebration of 30 Years in Business
(Thomas Beaury)

Andrea Green and her husband Tom opened Plaza Wine & Spirits in 1996, after returning home from serving in the Navy. This year, they are celebrating 30 years of their family-owned business in Milton.

Andrea and Tom both graduated from Saratoga Springs High School and joined the Navy after graduation. They served for 5 years and were deployed together in Spain. Following their return home, they opened Plaza Wine & Spirits originally located off Geyser Road.

Next weekend on July 25, in celebration of 30 years of business, Plaza Wine & Spirits are sponsoring a raffle giveaway and wine and spirit tasting. Raffel items include a cooler bag, and assorted wines and spirits.

Participants can sign up for the raffle by stopping into the store at 404 Rowland Street, Ballston Spa. There is no required purchase to sign up for the giveaway, simply provide a name and phone number, and Andrea will call to let you know if you are a winner.

The Greens moved into their current location in 2003; at the time there were three other businesses in their store. There was a hair salon, a women’s fitness location, and a guitar store. As the other businesses moved on, Plaza Wine & Spirits expanded into extra retail space. 

Jamie Fitzpatrick purchased the family business in 2021, keeping the business in the family. 

“The Greens put a lot of hard work into this place to grow it where it is today, and I just want to continue their legacy,” Fitzpatrick said. “I have had somebody inquire about buying this place, but I said absolutely not. We’re going to keep it going, and then maybe someday my kids will want to take it over.”

“A lot of times when people have a family business, the children don’t want it. We’re really grateful that we were able to keep it in the family,” said Ms. Green.

World Cup Watch Party in Wiswall Park

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Sports.

Locals Dressed Up for the USMNT Round of 16 Game (Aidan Clark)
Mayor Frank Rossi Addressing the Community (Aidan Clark)

Ballston Spa— On Monday, July 6, the Ballston Spa community came together in support of the United States Men’s National Team (USMNT) in their round of 16 tie against Belgium in Wiswall Park.

Mayor Frank Rossi gauged interest for a watch party following the USMNT’s win against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32 on Facebook. 

“Who wants a Village of Ballston Spa watch party Monday night in Wiswall Park for Belgium/USA?” the mayor wrote on Facebook. 

The post reached over 200 likes and 60 comments and the next day, Mayor Rossi announced a watch party at Wiswall Park Monday night.

The mayor worked diligently over the weekend to get local vendors to set up shop at the game. JJ’s Snack Bar and Mike’s Hot Dogs turned up at the event despite the short notice.

“I actually went there (Mike’s Hot Dogs) on Thursday, I go there whenever I’m in Schenectady, it’s one of my guilty pleasures,” said Mayor Rossi. “And I saw their owner who I’ve known for years. I’m like, “John, you still have that food truck? We’ve got an event.” And he said, “I’ll be there.”

Despite losing 4-1 and being knocked out of the World Cup, enthusiasm for the game was high. After Malik Tillman scored his second free kick goal of his tournament, USA chants erupted in the park. 

“I think that the community coming together like this for a World Cup is something that I’ve been hoping for a long time with this sport,” said Raffaele Rispo, owner of Ballston Spa Barber Club. “You don’t see people coming to the park for the Olympics, or the NBA finals, or the Super Bowl, but you see this because this really is the world’s game and it’s catching on here big time.”

60th Annual New York City Ballet Residency at SPAC

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

SARATOGA SPRINGS— The New York City Ballet (NYCB) returns to Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on July 8–11 for its landmark 60th anniversary season in Saratoga. The residency features six performances, artist conversations, workshops, family programming, special anniversary events and community activities honoring six decades of one of the nation’s most celebrated artistic partnerships.

The anniversary season includes the return of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the first ballet ever performed on the SPAC stage, on July 9, 1966. The “Innovators & Icons” program features Jerome Robbins’ “Opus 19/The Dreamer,” George Balanchine’s “Serenade,” and the SPAC premiere of Tiler Peck’s “Symphonie Espagnole.”

Joining the Ballet for the four performances of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” are 26 children from the Capital Region, who have been rehearsing with the NYCB in preparation for the show. 

Thursday, July 9 is SPAC’s Anniversary Night. At 5:30 p.m. celebrate SPAC’s 60th birthday before the performance with complimentary beer, wine and sparkling beverage tastings, sweet treats, commemorative photo opportunities, and “The I Love You Kiosk,” a 10-foot interactive multimedia installation exploring human connection through sound, video and community-created art. The first 400 guests through the gates will receive a complimentary 2005 NYCB “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” poster from the SPAC archives. Guests can also visit the 99.5 The River tent to enter to win a seat upgrade. 

Friday, July 10 is SPAC’s Family Night. At 5:30 p.m. families are invited to arrive early for lawn games, arts and crafts, face painting, complimentary Stewart’s ice cream (including SPAC’s Fireworks on the Lawn flavor) and other family-friendly activities. Guests can also experience “The I Love You Kiosk” interactive installation.

All events before the show are free for all ticket holders. For more information on the NYCB’s performances go to www.spac.org for more information. 

Awesome Elijah Book Reading

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Cover of Awesome Elijah (Martha Raleigh Winsten)
Elijah (Steer) running with Reggie (Horse) (Martha Raleigh Winsten)

Local author, illustrator, and art teacher, Martha Raleigh Winsten, is hosting a reading of her book Awesome Elijah along with an illustration demonstration at Greenwich Library on July 13, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Ballston Spa Library on July 29, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Awesome Elijah is a true story about Jackie Pierce, a teacher’s aide at Division Street who along with her daughter, Andrea, adopted a three-day-old calf who was set to be sold to slaughter. The story follows Elijah growing up alongside various farm animals and eventually becoming the only steer to ride at the Horse Expo at Saratoga Race Course.

The book was originally published in 2007, but through a grant provided by Saratoga Arts, Awesome Elijah was republished as a hardcover. Also included in the book is a QR code for three songs recorded by Winsten that go along with the story. 

Winsten comes from a storied family in the illustration landscape; her grandfather was Henry Raleigh, who is in the Illustrators Hall of Fame. He was F. Scott Fitzgerald’s favorite illustrator, and one of his WWI war posters can be seen at the Saratoga Military Museum on Lake Ave.

Her mother and father, Sheila Raleigh and movie critic, Archer Winsten, were part of the Harlem Renaissance. They would go with John Hammond to listen to singers Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald and others at the Savoy in Harlem. 

Frances Day at the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Entertainment.

Skidmore Students Testing the Frances Day Activities (Aidan Clark)

Saratoga Springs— On Saturday, June 18, the Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery will host its annual Frances Day, open to the public from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Located on Skidmore’s campus, there will be family friendly activities, museum tours, and live music. 

From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. activities will include pinch pots with Saratoga Clay, mosaics, glass decorating, bandana stamping, felt vases and flowers, and a photo booth. Scheduled tours will be held at 2:15, 3:15, and 4:15 exploring exhibits “All These Growing Things” with Rachel Seligman, Assistant Director for Curatorial Affairs, and Malloy Curator; “Kathy Butterly: Assume Yes” with Dayton Director Ian Berry; and Collections Tour with Collections Registrar Nora Riccio and Exhibitions Registrar Katrina Dumas respectively. 

At 5 p.m. there will be a community barbeque and a concert by Great Mutations, a local band based in Troy. 

Frances Tang graduated from Skidmore College in 1961, after having immigrated from China. In 1992, the same year her daughter Kristen graduated from Skidmore College, Tang passed away from cancer. To honor his late wife, Oscar Tang made a substantial contribution to help the museum come to fruition in 2000. The inaugural Frances Day was in 2014 which honors her legacy of creativity and philanthropy with a day of free activities for the whole community.

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.”