By Maureen Werther

Hoffman’s Car Wash opened the company’s 22nd location this year on Route 50, just north of Northline Road.

The car wash at 2214 Ballston Ave. is the company’s third location in Saratoga County.

Prior to the new opening, the closest Hoffman car wash facility for residents in Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa and Malta was the Wilton location at Northway Exit 15.

Hoffman’s Car Wash invested between $2.5 and $3 million into the Route 50 location. According to Tom Hoffman Jr., CEO of Hoffman’s Car Wash, the company had hoped to have the facility open in December. But extensive designing, engineering and traffic studies had to be completed before the project was given the green light by the city of Saratoga Springs.

City officials wanted to make sure that installing a car wash along the Route 50 corridor would not cause adverse traffic conditions, said Hoffman.

By Liz Witbeck

Weddings are among the most celebrated events in people’s lives. Some people spend thousands of dollars to create a lifelong memory.

One way to make the celebration memorable is to incorporate horse-drawn carriage rides, adding to the level of romance and drama.

Beth and Steve Podhajecki, owners of Loon Meadow Farm, have been working in the horse and carriage industry for 35 years. People contact them to add their services to special occasions.

The Podhajeckis previously owned and operated the business in Norfolk, Conn. In 2016, the couple decided to move back to Greenfield Center, where Steve is originally from.

“We both wanted to move here,” said Steve. “We were looking at combining our passion of horses with our plans for the future.”

“People don’t do these horse and carriage rides just to get from point A to point B,” said Beth. “They are doing it to make a dramatic effect. You are trying to create a special effect that will enhance the event.”

The Podhajeckis currently own five horses, which have been specially trained for carriage work. Some of the most common events that the horse and carriage rides are used for include weddings, funerals, parades, proms and other festivities.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Valentino’s Hair Salon, in its new Fresh Market Plaza location, is not just a place to get a quick cut and color.

Shop owner Fawn Williams said after being in Wilton Mall for 12 years, she knew it was time to make a change. She said the move is reflective of the soul of the business, and being outside of the mall has been a positive change.

The new location provides Williams and her staff a place to flourish. Their passion for people is part of their success.

“We knew it was time to leave. I have been in this industry my whole life, so I can sense when an opportunity seems right. When the opportunity arose to move into the new space, I thought to myself, ‘You can do this,’” said Williams.

The new space is about 2,000 square feet, which is actually smaller than the previous space. But Williams said it is more intimate. She said she and her staff like to get to know their customers and the new space allows for that connection.

She said a grand opening held late last month brought in a lot of familiar friends, as well as many new faces.

Valentino’s is known for the $10 Tuesday haircut, which Williams said is something they are continuing.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Fantastic Sams has opened a location in Malta.

The full-service hair salon is a national chain. The new shop is located at 1105 Ellsworth Ave., in the Ellsworth Commons building.

Like the other salons across the area, owner Jeff McNamara said they offer quality service and style, all at a “fantastic price.”

“We have four talented and very eager stylists eager to provide service at our upbeat Malta salon,” he added.

The Malta Fantastic Sams is a higher-end “budget” salon offering everything from hair coloring services and highlights, to straightening and texturizing, facial waxing and perms, he said.

They also provide up-dos for special events. In addition to female clients, McNamara said they are a preferred men’s haircut salon. Services for men include haircuts and beard or mustache trims. He said many of their customers are children as well.

People can make an appointment for a consultation before committing to any sort of style or color.