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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.

TRF Board Member Michelle Keating Establishes $25,000 Matching Gift Challenge

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Michelle Keating (Meredith Woolford)

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation (TRF) announced that Board Member Michelle Keating has established a $25,000 matching gift challenge to support the organization’s Annual Appeal.

A respected business leader and philanthropist, Keating previously served as President and CEO of Alder Foods Inc. and as Chairwoman of Fisher House Boston. After decades of leadership and service, she was searching for a cause that aligned with her passion for creating meaningful change. She found that opportunity through the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s mission of caring for retired racehorses and transforming lives through its Second Chances Program.

Her introduction to the organization came during the TRF’s annual BBQ fundraiser in Saratoga Springs, where she heard firsthand from a graduate of the TRF’s Second Chances Program, a vocational training initiative that pairs incarcerated individuals with retired Thoroughbred racehorses.

Inspired by what she heard, Keating traveled to Ocala, Florida, to visit the TRF’s Second Chances Program at Lowell Correctional Facility. Seeing the program in action solidified her commitment.

“I knew I had so much more to give, and this path chose me,” said Keating.

As a longtime horse owner, Keating was already familiar with the responsibility of caring for Thoroughbreds after their racing careers end. What she discovered through the TRF was a mission that extends beyond equine welfare.

“The TRF demonstrates what is possible when compassion meets opportunity,” she said. “These horses receive the dignified care they deserve, while the people who care for them gain confidence, skills, and a renewed sense of purpose.”

To encourage additional support for the organization’s mission, Keating has pledged a $25,000 matching gift challenge. Beginning June 22, every dollar donated to the TRF Annual Appeal will be matched dollar-for-dollar until the full $25,000 challenge is met.

“Michelle’s passion for our mission was immediate and inspiring,” said Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “She understands that our work is about both horses and people. Her leadership, vision, and generosity will help us continue providing lifetime care for retired Thoroughbreds while creating opportunities for transformation through our Second Chances Program.”

Phillip Vacchio Appointed to the Board of Directors of the Wesley Community

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Saratoga Springs— The Wesley Community announced Phillip Vacchio has been appointed to the Board of Directors of The Wesley Community.

Vacchio is an elder law attorney and partner at the Herzog Law Firm, with offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, and Kingston, where he leads a team focused on estate planning and administration, long-term care Medicaid strategy and asset protection planning, guardianship, and special needs advocacy.

“I am honored to join the Board of Directors of The Wesley Community and to share my legal expertise and passion for elder care. Navigating the legal complexities of aging is not an easy undertaking for seniors and their families. I look forward to contributing to Wesley – an organization that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of its senior residents every day,” said Vacchio.

Vacchio built his career around protecting the assets, rights, dignity and autonomy of aging individuals. Prior to joining the Herzog Law Firm, he founded a Capital Region office of the Long Island law firm where he was previously a partner, dedicated to estate planning with a focus on elder law services. He has been a frequent speaker at senior centers, care facilities and nonprofit organizations – underscoring his belief in the power of public education and community partnerships to improve the quality of life for older adults.

“We are pleased to welcome Phillip to The Wesley Community Board of Directors,” said J. Brian Nealon, CEO of The Wesley Community. “His expansive legal expertise with long-term care, Medicaid strategy, guardianship and special needs advocacy, and his background guiding thousands of families through emotionally and financially complex long-term care decisions, will be great assets to our community.”

Saratoga Bridges Raises Over $190,000

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Jane Mastaitis (left) presents McConchies with plaque

Saratoga Bridges’ annual White Party presents Petals & Prosecco Gala raised over $190,000 to support their programs and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Saratoga County. This year’s theme, Petals and Prosecco invited beautiful floral inspired dresses, suits, and accessories. Over 300 people came dressed in their best and ready to party for a cause at the 1863 Club at the Saratoga Race Course.

To begin the night, guests were greeted at the door with a flute of prosecco, generously donated by over 90 Cellars.  Following cocktail hour, guests made their way downstairs for dinner, auctions, and dancing. 

During dinner, Saratoga Bridges CEO, Jane Mastaitis, thanked the many sponsors, donors, and guests who support the organization’s mission year after year. Mastaitis highlighted the importance of their generosity in the face of uncertainty with cuts in state and federal funding. Mastaitis also recognized and awarded Kim & Leigh McConchie, longtime supporters of Saratoga Bridges and philanthropists, with the Community Builder Recognition Award for their impact on the greater community of Saratoga County. 

At the event, special guest Emcee & Auctioneer Chris Onorato, Anchor for News Channel 13, led a live auction. Featured in the auction were JetBlue round-trip flights and a Key West stay, box seats for the Alabama Stakes at the Saratoga Race Course, a curated private dining experience from PDT Maison, a 3-night stay at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, and a beautiful Creative Endeavors original collage, “Cosmos in a Crystal Cradle.”

Free Summer Meals Available Through the District Food Truck

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business, Education.

The Saratoga Springs City School District will offer free summer meals for all students throughout the summer. From June 29 through August 28, students can enjoy meals at no cost. 

The Food Truck will make the following stops each weekday:

• Saratoga Springs Rec Center from 10:45 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.

• West Side Rec Park from 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

The Summer Meals Program is free for all youth and teens. We encourage families to take advantage of this opportunity and visit the Food Truck this summer.

The United States Postal Service Announces Capital Region Job Fairs

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The United States Postal Servies (USPS) is currently holding job fairs around Saratoga County. The organization is looking to hire city carrier PTF employees at $26.28 per hour, rural carrier associates at $21.89 per hour and city carrier assistants at $21.21 per hour.

The upcoming events are as follows;

June 23 at Albany General Mail Facility located at 30 Karner Road from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Applicants should use the employee entrance.

June 25 at the Halfmoon Post Office located at 2 Progress Drive, Clifton Park from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

June 27 at Saratoga Post Office located at 245 Washington Street from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

To assist potential applicants, Postal Service personnel will be on site at the job fairs to provide detailed information about the positions and to answer questions. No interviews will be provided at the job fairs. Applications are accepted online only at www.usps.com/careers.

National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame to Celebrate 50 Years of the Museum Ball 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will celebrate its 50th annual Museum Ball this summer on Friday, Aug. 7. This esteemed black-tie gala has been held continuously since 1977 and remains the Museum’s largest fundraising event and one of the most prestigious social affairs of the Saratoga racing season.

The Museum Ball is attended by Hall of Fame members, thoroughbred racing and community leaders, and Museum trustees. More than 400 attendees are expected for this distinctive event, which maintains its attire standards as the only back-tie event of the Saratoga summer season. 

The Museum Ball provides important funding for exhibits, educational initiatives, and the Hall of Fame, all of which are vital to the Museum’s mission of preserving and promoting the history of thoroughbred racing in America and honoring the sport’s most accomplished participants.

“Saratoga tradition, which brings together so many thoroughbred racing people and their guests in one of the loveliest settings in this historic city, epitomizes what thoroughbred racing is all about,” former Museum chair Whitney Tower said of the Museum Ball in 1985. “For here, in a setting unequaled in its grace and beauty, is gathered a wonderful cross-section of American and international racing figures dedicated to true sportsmanship.”

“For 50 years, the Museum Ball has been the marquee event of the Saratoga summer social calendar,” Cate Masterson, the Museum’s director said. “The custom of hosting an elegant soiree that benefits the Museum is something we take great pride in. Thoroughbred racing, particularly at Saratoga, is rooted in wonderful history. We look forward to adding new chapters to that history and honoring our great traditions at this special anniversary Museum Ball.”

The 50th Museum Ball will feature music by the Bob Hardwick Sound and catering from Mazzone Hospitality. The Ball begins at 7 p.m., and valet parking is available for attendees. In honor of the golden anniversary, for the first time there will be an afterparty in the Hall of Fame.

Individual tickets are on sale now at the Museum website here: https://1049a.blackbaudhosting.com/1049a/50th-Annual-Museum-Ball

OFF Menu: A Seasonal Chef-led Tasting Dinner

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Standard Fare is introducing OFF MENU, a new chef-led tasting experience hosted by Chef Joseph Michaud. The intimate dining series will take place on select Sunday evenings and feature a seasonal five-course tasting menu personally crafted and presented by Chef Michaud.

Guests will enjoy an up-close look into the creative process behind the cuisine, as Chef Michaud guides diners through each course, discussing ingredients, techniques, and the inspiration behind the menu.

The inaugural OFF MENU dates are June 28, July 12, and July 26; all dinners begin at 6:30 p.m.

“Some of my favorite moments as a chef happen when I get the opportunity to share not just what I’m cooking, but why I’m cooking it,” said Chef Joseph Michaud. “OFF MENU gives me the freedom to explore ingredients, ideas, and flavors that inspire and excite me personally. It allows me to tell those stories through food, but also to pull up a chair with our guests and connect in a way that is as much personal as it is creative.”

Each OFF MENU dinner will feature a completely unique menu, focus, and point of view. No two evenings will be the same. 

The OFF MENU experience is priced at $95 per person, excluding tax, gratuity, and beverages. Reservations are limited, and advance booking is strongly encouraged. Guests may reserve their seats online at: standardfaresaratoga.com/store/events/. 

Goodwill Store & Donation Center Coming Soon to Clifton Park

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

A new full-service Goodwill Store & Donation Center is opening at 19 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park, with a projected opening date of mid-July 2026. 

The new 6,000 sq.-ft. store will offer a large selection of pre-loved and new women’s, men’s, and kids’ clothing. This is the first Goodwill coming to Saratoga County, bringing shoppers access to quality goods at affordable prices while keeping usable items out of local landfills. 

“Clifton Park is exactly the kind of vibrant, community-minded place where Goodwill thrives, and we couldn’t be more excited to open our doors here. Shoppers will find incredible value and treasure hunt every time they visit, and every purchase and donation directly fuels job training and employment opportunities right here in the region,” said Katy Gaul-Stigge, President & CEO of GoodwillNYNJ. 

Once open, the Clifton Park location will be open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A formal grand opening celebration, including a ribbon-cutting ceremony with elected officials and community leaders, is planned for opening day. 

Local Author Releases “The Summer Place to Be,” Proceeds Benefiting Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Local author, Melissa Trombetta, released a romance novel titled “The Summer Place to Be” inspired by Saratoga Springs. A portion of proceeds from each book sold will benefit Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS).

“Experiencing equine therapy firsthand deepened my understanding of what healing can really look like and transformed the way I wrote the protagonist’s journey, while also teaching me things about myself that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. I’m incredibly grateful for the work THS does in this community, and it’s an honor to support them,” said Trombetta.

“We are so grateful to Melissa and Impressions of Saratoga for turning a personal experience into something that gives back in such a meaningful way,” said Kim Weir, Director of Strategic Growth at Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga. “It is a powerful example of how community connections can come full circle.”

Trombetta will be at Impressions of Saratoga, Saturday June 20 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. for a book signing event.