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Medbery Spa Under New Ownership

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business.

BALLSTON SPA — Local resident, Jennifer Comstock, is the new owner of Medbery Spa located on Front Street in Ballston Spa. She will celebrate its grand reopening on Friday, June 26, with a ribbon cutting.

After two decades in sales and manufacturing jobs with General Electrics and Regeneron, Comstock experienced burnout in her corporate roles. “I put my all into everything, I was looking for something more fulfilling,” said Comstock. 

Comstock will take over the administrative tasks of the business and is looking to revitalize and offer new amenities at Medbery Spa.

New to the Spa is a new line of skin care products, Onda – meaning wave in multiple languages. The line was created in collaboration with skincare professionals and estheticians to focus on hydration, nourishment, skin barrier support, and healthy aging.

 Also, the Spa will offer Tub Club, a monthly subscription where customers can enjoy a weekly mineral soak. 

The water for the mineral soak comes from the San Souci Springs in Ballston Spa, only available at the Medbery Spa and Wiswall Park across the street. 

“I would love for people to see a spa day as wellness and self-care rather than a treat,” said Comstock. “Taking care of yourself is not something to feel guilty about.”

Dollar-for-Dollar Match: Lavin Family Foundation Pledges $10,000 to Support Retired Racehorses

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

SARATOGA SPRINGS —The Lavin Family Foundation Launches $10,000 Matching Challenge for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation’s annual appeal. Through June 30, every donation made to the annual appeal will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $10,000. 

The matching challenge comes at a critical time as the TRF continues its mission of caring for retired racehorses while operating its nationally recognized Second Chances Program. Through this initiative, incarcerated individuals work with and care for retired Thoroughbreds, developing valuable vocational skills, responsibility, empathy, and a renewed sense of purpose.

“The horses and people we serve are living proof that second chances work,” said Maggie Sweet, Executive Director of the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. “We are deeply grateful to the Lavin Family Foundation for creating this opportunity to amplify the generosity of our supporters and help us extend our impact even further.”

For more information or to make a donation, visit www.trfinc.org.

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga Dedicate Round Pen to Honor Dana Panetta

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Dana Panetta. Photo provided

SARATOGA SPRINGS —Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga (THS) will dedicate its round pen structure in honor of longtime supporter Dana Panetta. Panetta has been around since the beginning of THS in 2018 and played a foundational role in the development of its Freedom Rein Program (FRP) serving Veterans and Service Members.

The FRP provides equine-assisted psychotherapy for the military community. “[Panetta’s] work with the FRP has helped create a space where Veterans and Service Members can find connection, support, and a sense of belonging. This dedication is a reflection of the lasting role she has played in building that foundation,” said Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, Founder and Executive Director.

The round pen, a central space for groundwork and connection at the farm and the primary location where Freedom Rein groups take place, serves as a fitting tribute to Panetta’s legacy. It represents not only the physical space where meaningful work happens every day, but also the relationships, trust, and progress that define the program.

For more information about all the programs Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga has to offer, visit: thsaratoga.org.

Jamie Brown Named Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Jamie Brown (Photo by Anna Gomez Domenech)

Saratoga PLAN (Preserving Land and Nature) announced on May 28 its new executive director, Jamie Brown. “I am excited and humbled to be Saratoga PLAN’s new executive director,” said Brown. “The organization is working hard to ensure that Saratoga region residents and visitors continue to enjoy the amazing quality of life found here.

Brown most recently served as New York senior program manager for the Land Trust Alliance. In that role, he managed major state conservation grant programs and helped strengthen organizational capacity, fundraising and accreditation efforts for land trusts throughout New York. Prior to joining the Land Trust Alliance, Brown served as executive director of the Lake George Land Conservancy for more than six years. During his tenure, the organization completed more than 25 conservation projects and raised roughly $8 million to support land protection efforts.

“Jamie Brown understands both the immense value of the landscapes we protect and the urgency of protecting them now,” said Jessica Schwartzman, board chair of Saratoga PLAN. PLAN has helped conserve over 14,000 acres of land in Saratoga County and connects people to nature through an extensive trail network. For more information about the trail network in Saratoga County go to saratogaplan.org.

Franklin Free Store Gets a Makeover

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

Franklin Free Store (Franklin Community Center)

The Franklin Free Store, a program provided by the Franklin Community Center, recently received a renovation. The store connects community members looking to donate their no longer needed items with those in need.

According to Operations and Free Store Coordinator Ally Dennison, “The Free Store plays a critical role in our community by providing free essential items to people in need. At the same time, it helps donors clear their homes of gently used belongings and diverts a large quantity of items from landfills by creating a reuse pathway.” Each year, the Free Store serves over 8,000 people.

Due to the generosity of local businesses, volunteers, and supporters, the Free Store at 101 Washington Street underwent a “Makeover Project” between Sunday, May 17 and Friday, May 22.

Interested in donating your gently used items? Visit franklincommunitycenter.org/programs/free-store/ to book an appointment.

The Golden Boy

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

This summer at Siro’s guests will find a new addition to the menu, the “Golden Boy” burger for a mere 325 dollars. A Saratoga staple known for its upscale dining experience. The golden boy will be sure to attract patrons looking for an extravagant dining experience to commemorate their time at Saratoga Race Course.

The Golden Boy features a 16 oz A5 wagyu patty, topped with king crab mornay, and a gold flaked milk bread bun. New York State’s most expensive burger also comes with a side of truffle bacon jam tater tots.

Executive Chef, Noah Frese may be looking to make a splash with the Saratoga elites in his third season with Siros. Siros has built a reputation as the option for a luxury dining experience in Saratoga Spring throughout their 75-year history.

 “Some days are meant to have an air of refinement and sophistication. Siro’s is here for you during those days” the website said.

It is not the most expensive burger sold in history, however, that record goes to Juicy Foods from Corvallis, Oregon. The burger weighed in at 777 lbs. and sold for 5,000 dollars back in 2011 according to Guiness World Records. 

Parking Restrictions and Road Closures for Belmont on Broadway

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Saratoga Springs Police Department, in preparation for next week’s Belmont on Broadway concert, has issued parking restrictions and road closures for Wednesday, June 3. Broadway from Vandam St to Lake Ave, Walton St from Woodlawn Ave to Broadway, and Ellsworth Jones from Broadway to Maple Ave will be closed from 5 a.m. until June 4 at 2 a.m. The arterial will be reduced to one lane at 4 a.m. until the end of event. Broadway from Washington St. to Lake Ave, Lake Ave from Broadway to Maple Ave, Church St. from Broadway to Woodlawn Ave, Division St. from Connolly Way to Broadway, Caroline St. and Phila St. from Broadway to Putnam will be closed from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. 

Parking restrictions will be in effect on Broadway between Vandam and Lake Ave starting at 4 a.m. Walton St. from Broadway to Woodlawn starting at 8 a.m. Lake Ave between Maple Ave and Broadway starting at 3 p.m. Church St. between Broadway and Woodlawn starting at 3 p.m. Broadway between Lake Ave and Spring St starting at 3 p.m. The Walton St parking garage, top level all day and the 2-hour parking lot on High Rock Ave starting at 5 a.m.

For the safety and enjoyment of all, the police department asks for no coolers, backpacks, strollers or pets. No alcohol, no smoking, or weapons of any kind. There will be a medical tent on Walton St. Porta potties will be in front of city hall and the post office. There will be a temporary flight restriction in place as there will be drones in place for the event.

Boho Chic Boutique Closed

Written by Aidan Clark on . Posted in Business, Uncategorized.

Saturday May 23— After eight years in the community, Boho Chic Boutique is forced to close their doors. The building it operates under, which has been for sale for nine months, sold to new ownership earlier this month. The new owners had no intention of renewing Boho Chic’s lease and gave owner Carrie VanDerhoof a fifteen-day eviction notice on Saturday, May 16. “Of course we are disappointed, we have been here for eight years, and no one communicated with us” said VanDerhoof.

Located on Front Street in Ballston Spa, Boho Chic gave local artists a platform to share their art with the community. The boutique gave residents and visitors a chance to support small artists while purchasing sustainable, locally made art instead of mass-produced products.

It was a celebration of the local community Boho Chic had garnered over their eight years of business on Saturday. VanDerhoof wrote on Facebook, “There are not enough words to summarize my feelings, my gratitude, my sadness, my joy, my love for this beautiful family we have cultivated.” 

The short notice barely gave VanDerhoof time to process that her time at the Ballston Spa storefront has come to an end. Left with plenty of inventory on the final day of operation, be on the lookout for pop-up shops around the Ballston Spa community. 

When asked about what’s next for Boho Chic Boutique, VanDerhoof is not going to rush into a new brick-and-mortar storefront. “I need to walk into the space and feel right, Boho Chic is an expression of art, and the space needs to represent that.” Be sure to follow Boho Chic Boutique on Facebook for future developments. 

Saratoga County Career Center Announces June Virtual Workshops Schedule 

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during June:

June 3 at 10AM and June 4 at 10:30AM: Resume Development – This workshop presents the basics of a powerful and effective cover letter including formatting, tailoring to the job, and getting through the online application process to land an interview. Please have a rough draft of your resume with you. 

June 4 at 11AM and June 18 at 1:30PM: Transferable Skills – Transferable skills are qualities you have already acquired which can be used in a different job. Make it easy for employers to see the connection between your qualities and the skillset needed to do the job and market yourself as the solution to an employer’s problem. Learn ways to research the employer’s needs, then identify and show them that you have these skills.

June 8 at 12PM: Broadview Financial Well-Being – Your budget is a key that opens doors, guiding you to your money goals. Get ready to take control of your finances and your future! Find out how to organize what you make, spend, and save; set goals to save up, spend down, look ahead; harness the power of mindful spending; and identify budget tactics that work best for you. 

June 9 at 10:30AM: Interview Preparation – Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process. 

June 10 at 10AM and June 23 at 1:30PM: Goal Setting – Goals are what take us forward in life. They are the first step in every journey we take. In this workshop we will explain how goal setting works, why goals are important, and take home more helpful resources to get you started. Remember: “If you aim for nothing, you’ll hit it every time.” Find out how to reach your dreams. 

June 11 at 11AM: Essential Skills for Success in Any Workplace – Join this engaging workshop to learn about the skills that are most valued by business leaders yet are underdeveloped in employees. Learn why these skills are critically important, how to develop them, and the influence of AI. 

June 12 at 10:30AM and June 24 at 10:30AM: Networking – Networking is your strategic tool for cultivating lasting relationships, fostering professional growth, and unlocking opportunities. Join us for an approachable journey to understanding networking. 

June 16 at 10:30AM and June 18 at 11AM: Completing Job Applications – Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers. 

June 23 at 11AM: Overcoming Barriers – Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals.

June 25 at 1:30PM: Social Media – Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted.

Registration is required for all workshops. Visit www.saratogacountyny.gov/workforce to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at (518) 884-4170 for more information. 

Additional Trainers Join the Belmont Pledge to Support Thoroughbred Aftercare

Written by Saratoga TODAY on . Posted in Business.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation announces that trainers Cherie DeVaux, Tom Morley, and Graham Motion have joined the Belmont Pledge, committing a portion of their Belmont Festival earnings to benefit the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation and the hundreds of retired Thoroughbreds in its care.

Their participation builds upon the commitment already made by Michael McCarthy, George Weaver, Whit Beckman, and Amelia Green, reflecting a growing movement within the racing industry to support horses beyond their racing careers.

The Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, the nation’s oldest and largest Thoroughbred retirement organization, currently provides dignified lifetime care for hundreds of retired racehorses, many of whom live two decades or more beyond their racing careers.