By Liz Witbeck

Saratoga Springs has many iconic establishments, from the race course to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The restaurants downtown are also well known by locals and tourists alike. Perhaps one of the most beloved is Gaffney’s, a restaurant and bar at 16 Caroline Street.

The establishment is now under new ownership, with a new menu after longtime owner John Baker sold the business recently.

The business was purchased by Saratoga Hospitality. The company also owns Max London’s Restaurant, Mrs. London’s Bakery and Café, and the Saratoga Stadium, all in Saratoga Springs.

Saratoga Hospitality officially took over in late January 2017.

Zach Cutler is corporate executive chef, working with each of the Saratoga Hospitality locations. He is excited for the transition of ownership and has been hard at work crafting a new vision for the dining experience at Gaffney’s. Cutler is confident his team will continue to make the Gaffney’s brand proud, and build on what has already been established.

“He wanted to make sure it went into the right hands,” Cutler said of Baker. “It’s a Saratoga staple. It’s a place that resonates around the country and around the world. It’s a brand that John built and that we want to build upon.”

By R.J. DeLuke

Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s executive budget proposal includes a provision that would return New York Racing Association (NYRA) to private control. While those in the racing industry, including the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and the Concerned Citizens For Saratoga Racing, are not satisfied with its content.

Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said the governor’s proposal is “a step forward … It’s better than what the governor submitted in 2016, but not something, as written, that we would support.”

In 2012, Cuomo took control NYRA when it was $25 million in debt and had no systematic plan for investing in its facilities and improving customer amenities. A reorganization board was formed and was to serve through October 2015. But in June 2016, after being unable to agree to a legislative deal that would end NYRA’s state-mandated oversight, Cuomo extended state control for an additional year.

There was mounting criticism for failing to return to the private sector control of the organization that operates Aqueduct, Belmont Park and Saratoga.

The Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show, the Saratoga Springs Rotary Club’s largest annual fundraiser since 1973, will take place Friday through Sunday, March 3-5, at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

Again this year, admission to the show is free of charge, courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, the Adirondack Trust Co.

The event features 120 regional exhibitors showcasing a wide range of home improvement services, décor and furnishings, energy-saving products, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation, and lifestyle products and services, as well as great prizes.

The Rotary Club has organized an arts and fine crafts show on the second floor of the City Center, with artisans such painters, photographers, wood crafters, sculptors, jewelers, botanical artists, and wine and spirits makers selling their work. Also on display will be artwork from Saratoga Springs High School students.

Other event sponsors include Allerdice ACE Building Supply (door prizes), The Saratogian (advertising), Saratoga Today (magazine), and Mannix Marketing (media).

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County (CSSC) traces its roots to a local business organization founded in 1967 to support the twin towns of Clifton Park and Halfmoon, once considered rural “flyover country” to people headed to more popular destinations. 

Some 50 years later, the 1,070-member organization is the Capital Region’s third largest chamber, serving 18 communities.  It is a leader in the marine, manufacturing, agriculture and transportation sectors, and its Saratoga County Community Development Program has provided a new perspective on “bottom-up” economic development, according to its president and CEO, Pete Bardunias.

He said to better direct the organization’s programs, the Chamber 2017 strategic plan is based on the “3Cs”—Connections, Commerce and Community.  This approach looks at things from the voice of the “customer” (member), concentrating chamber efforts in areas that provide the most value for the membership investment, based on input from focus groups and workshops. 

To facilitate these changes, staff roles and responsibilities have changed also, he said.  Working alongside Bardunias are Vice President of Marketing and Membership Connections Nigar Hale, Vice President of Community and Professional Development Liz Roggenbuck, Operations Manager Sheila Whinnery, Membership Consultant Sandy McAlonie and several part-time staff for the Information Center at the Northway Exit 9 rest area.

Leading the board this year is Chairwoman Jenifer Lynne Marten, an AVP/commercial relationship manager at Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB).

RE/MAX has expanded its real estate operation and longtime presence in the Capital Region with the opening of a new office at 1795 Route 9, Clifton Park.

Broker/owner Theo D’Amico, a veteran real estate broker, said it was opened to meet the growing demand for quality real estate services for savvy home buyers and sellers. 

“Clifton Park is a vibrant community where we see great potential,” said D’Amico. “This office is centrally located and ideal for our professionals who serve the entire Capital Region.”

She said the group has “five experienced sales associates and with the RE/MAX brand behind us, we expect to grow this number significantly over the next few months. This expansion is a win-win for both real estate professionals in the region who are looking to be part of the top brand in the industry as well as homebuyers and sellers who want the most experienced professionals with access to the latest technology.” 

RE/MAX Capital, which has been part of the RE/MAX System in New York for over five years, is located in Albany at 1704 Western Ave.

New Ballston Spa resident and business owner Suzanne Golub wants to help people achieve  the healthiest and best version of themselves.

She has integrated both of her specialties to provide a holistic approach to health and healing. She is a reiki master and certified holistic health coach and offers services through both of her businesses, Shaanti Energy Healing and Life in Balance.

Shaanti Energy Healing offers reiki healing sessions, a way to manage stress, re-energize and re-align the body. Reiki is an ancient Japanese art of energy healing, where the practitioner uses their hands to channel the recipient’s energy flow and open any blockages.

Golub said blockages can occur from physical illness, stress, emotional upset and other factors. Reiki is used widely to complement traditional medical and alternative treatments, including pre and post-surgery and during chemotherapy. The recipient lays on a massage table fully clothed and the practitioner moves around the body holding their hands above the energy centers to release any blockages.

“I’ve had many first time clients who were not familiar with Reiki try it and be amazed at how deeply relaxed and revitalized they felt after a treatment. I’ve had a lot of people fall asleep during a session, and finally let go of the stress and tension they were carrying around,” she said. “Reiki is very powerful and heals on a deep level. It is an amazing aid to everything from minor aches to major illness, as it helps stimulate the body’s immune system and ability to heal.”