Thirteenth Annual SPAC Action Council Fall Lecture Luncheon Has The Reveal
SARATOGA SPRINGS – “All events have to have experiential elements to them to be meaningful. This is what our members collectively have concluded.”
So stated Nicole Sheeler, President of SPAC’s Action Council – a group of 34 volunteer members that act as “Ambassadors” to help spread the good news about, and helps to effectuate the goals of, The Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The Action Council is an auxiliary arm that contributes to the good times you have at the annual Ballet Gala, as well as other events – including the 13th Annual Fall Lecture Luncheon, which this year will take place on Thursday, October 26, again at the Hall of Springs.
The Fall Lecture Luncheon is exactly the immersive experiential experience that Ms. Sheeler spoke of, for it is more than just a lecture with lunch. Here is the day’s event program:
9:30 A.M. | Continental Breakfast, Spa Little Theatre
10:00 A.M. | Featured Presentation, Spa Little Theatre
11:30 A.M. | Boutique Shopping, Hall of Springs
1:00 P.M. | Elegant Fall Luncheon, Hall of Springs
Nicole and her team’s collaboration is prominently evident in the array of boutique vendors assembled for the shopping portion. “We have over 20 businesses presenting,” she said, many of whom were recommendations by Action Council members. Luncheon Co-Chair Marsha Dolinsky said, “SPAC’s Action Council works very hard to plan an entertaining, informative, and delicious event. I am honored to co-chair the Lecture Luncheon, and help with the fund raising that is so important in continuing the support of classical music, dance and children’s programming at SPAC.
Tickets are $85 for the full day of fun, and are available at spac.org. Once purchased, your ticket will entitle you to a “day all about me – feed your brain, feed your body, and feed your need for self-indulgence with a little retail therapy, all for a great cause,” according to the event description.
I can assure you that the Action Council is fully locked and loaded to deliver just that.
Oh, and the good news – I cleared it with your boss. You can take the whole day off and do something for yourself for a change…. Tell me – who do you think deserves this more than you!
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I had the privilege to visit with Nicole and the featured presenter – Betty Spinelli, one afternoon at the SPAC offices. (An important side note is to thank Kristy Goddete of SPAC for setting up everything.) Ms. Spinelli has devoted supreme effort into finding hidden nuggets about a Saratoga Icon: Katrina Trask. As these pictures indicate, I am somewhat familiar with this material:
From the first time I saw it, I wanted to go inside.
The resplendent Mansion. Bucket list item for sure. And it was with jaw-dropping awe that I stood next to Photographer Mark Bolles, as he snapped away in an empty artist residence awaiting turnover of the next guests…
Here are a few more. We covered Yaddo from top to bottom that day…
The point being I learned much about Yaddo, about Spencer, and of course: Katrina. Her life of philanthropy, deep spirituality that enabled her to triumph over physical illness and family tragedy.
But Betty came out throwing fastballs.
“Katrina was no homebody. Her contributions to Lake George were as important as to Saratoga Springs,” she said. “She was an inventor as well as a writer. Philanthropy was actually her second greatest contribution.”
OK, i’ll bite. What’s number one?
“I’ll see you on the 26th and tell you!” Betty said with a grin.
Well, that’s how you hook an audience, folks. Betty, your Vice President of Marketing is pleased.
Lecture luncheon Co-Chair Sandy Ponton said, “SPAC Action Council’s 13th Annual Lecture Luncheon is a fabulous day filled with an informative and entertaining talk in the little theater followed by an elegant fall Luncheon and boutique shopping in the Hall Of Springs. All proceeds go to support our local gem… SPAC.”
So I will see Sandy, Marsha, Betty and Nicole then, and hopefully you – as we learn together about the Katrina Trask you never knew.
Arthur Gonick
October 11, 2017
