Dr. Nicoleta Daraban, who has served as director of Saratoga Hospital’s diagnostic center for nine years, has been named medical director and chief of cardiology at Saratoga Hospital.

 Daraban will oversee all inpatient and outpatient cardiology services, in collaboration with other members of hospital leadership. She will continue to lead the diagnostic center.

 “Throughout her tenure here, Dr. Daraban has earned the respect of her patients and her colleagues across the organization,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “She has the administrative and medical experience to lead our cardiology team in addressing heart disease and other cardiac challenges for patients in our community.”

Amtrak, in conjunction with VIA Rail Canada (VIA Rail),  the state Department of Transportation and other federal agencies, resumed train service between New York City and Montreal via the Adirondack train on Monday, April 3. 

It includes a stop in Saratoga Springs.

This milestone marks the return of all Amtrak and VIA Rail cross border service between the United States and Canada for the first time since 2020 and aligns with the growing demand of train travel in both countries.

Northbound Adirondack trains will depart Moynihan Train Hall at New York Penn Station at 8:41 a.m. and arrive in Canada’s Gare Centrale/Central Station in Montreal at 8:16 p.m., with southbound Adirondack trains departing Montreal at 11:10 a.m. and arriving at NYP at 10:15 p.m. Additional popular destinations on the Adirondack besides Saratoga Springs and Schenectady.

“The return of the Adirondack promotes one of many rail initiatives benefiting and connecting American and Canadian travelers and residents,” said Amtrak President Roger Harris. “We are proud to partner with NYSDOT and VIA Rail and thank Senators Schumer and Gillibrand, and Congresswoman Stefanik for championing the Adirondack’s return, as well as their shared commitment with Amtrak to bring more trains to more places and more people as we enter a new era of rail.”

By Paul Post

Scott Johnson and partners have welcomed guests to Sperry’s Restaurant since 2010 when they reopened the iconic Spa City landmark, which had been closed for about a year.

The popular eatery entertains a “Who’s Who” list of horse racing industry celebrities each summer.

“Anybody who’s anybody has eventually ended up at Sperry’s,” said Johnson, an attorney and former three-term (2008-13) Saratoga Springs mayor. “It would be easier to tell you who hasn’t come here than who has.”

But after 13 years, his group is handing stewardship of the establishment to new undisclosed owners. He declined to identify the party’s identity pending completion of the sale, but said they’re experienced restaurant owners. 

The sale is under contract with a closing date on or before April 15.

“It’s time for me to start downsizing what I deal with on a regular basis,” Johnson said. “The restaurant was one of those things. I decided it was time to sell. We’ve been approached before by people who showed interest. The timing wasn’t’ right. This time around was different.”

By Christine Graf

Bass Pro Shops, a national retailer for outdoor gear that  bills itself as “North America’s premier outdoor and conservation company,” has plans to come to Clifton Park.

In February, Bass Pro Shops submitted an application to build a 70,000-square-foot “destination retail store” in Clifton Park at 400 Clifton Park Center Road, the former home of Northstar/Mohawk Chevrolet.

If approved, the Bass Pro Shops Outpost store will employ approximately 100 full-time and part-time workers.

The Clifton Park location—its fourth in New York state—will feature a custom design that will pay tribute to the great sporting heritage of the local region as well as to the sportsmen and women of New York, a company statement said. 

Within the store will be a large aquarium and water features stocked with native fish species, thousands of local antiques and artifacts, hundreds of trophy fish and wildlife mounts, and murals depicting local scenes. 

A Hudson Valley-based company is in the process of converting the Pavilion Grand Hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs to a boutique apartment community called Perennial.

The property, at 30 Lake Avenue, previously a hotel before transitioning to extended stay residences, was purchased in December 2021 by Aker from Prime Companies.

Comprised of 48 residences, Perennial offers pet-friendly, comfortable living spaces including spacious studios, one- and two-bedroom residences and expansive penthouses. Its duplex penthouse apartments are designed for gathering, featuring open layouts with large private terraces, generous kitchens and separate wet bars.

Officials said the “Perennial” name is inspired by the year-round resident, an active participant in the community and a frequent consumer of local businesses and culture.  

“Delivering this transition has been an exciting undertaking for us,” said Tina Ladd, Aker senior vice president. “The unique history of Saratoga Springs and the 19th century Pavilion Hotel, this property’s namesake, were inspiring elements to work with. It is our goal with all of our projects to engender a sense of community and encourage resident engagement.”