Author: Saratoga TODAY

Saratoga Springs — On Friday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation will host a virtual Holiday Homes Tour.  Since this year people will not be able to gather together for holiday parties, the Foundation is providing a unique way for people to get into the holiday spirit.  The inspiration for the event is the Candlelight House Tour, a tour of private houses decorated for the holidays that the Foundation hosted for 25 years until 2015. 

The virtual Holiday Homes Tour will feature the architecture and history of two private homes on Union Avenue, the George U. Gates House built in 1868 and the Ashabel & Elizabeth Moody House built in 1873.  The tour will offer a rare peek into the traditional and mid-century inspired interiors of these two historic homes while enjoying holiday music from local musicians the McKrells courtesy of Caffe Lena and singer/songwriter Cassandra Kubinski. 

“We are thrilled to offer cheer during this holiday season by offering an exclusive opportunity to learn about the architecture and history of two beautiful houses while enjoying holiday songs of local musicians.  We encourage people to support their favorite local restaurant by ordering take-out while having a festive cocktail in the comfort and warmth of their homes,” said Samantha Bosshart, Executive Director of the Foundation. 

The program will feature holiday music by The McKrells who are one of the Capital District’s most well-known Irish and bluegrass acts. Lead singer Kevin McKrell has performed in theaters, clubs and on festival stages across the United States, Canada, Ireland and the U.K. and has been the recipient of songwriter and entertainer of the year awards multiple times by publications throughout the northeast. Saratogian Cassandra Kubinski is a singer/songwriter who has performed internationally and collaborated with artists like Goo Goo Dolls, Chris Botti, and 10,000 Maniacs, among others. Her songs have been highlighted on numerous television shows. The Foundation is honored to be joined by these impressive artists during the Holiday Homes Tour.

This virtual program will be presented through Zoom. Tickets are $20 for Foundation members and $25 for non-members. Tickets must be purchased by 5 p.m. on Dec. 11 to receive a link to the live stream program. Visit www.saratogapreservation.org or call 518-587-5050 to purchase your ticket. 

This virtual program is supported, in part, by generous sponsors including Presenting Sponsors: Allerdice Building Supply, Andersen Windows & Doors, Burns Management, Mangino Buick GMC, and Minich MacGregor Wealth Management; and Supporting Sponsor Best Dressed Windows in Town.

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural, and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.

BALLSTON SPA — The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, in partnership with Curtis Lumber, honored business owners and residents whose renovation, restoration, and beautification efforts have enhanced the Ballston Spa community over the past year. 

The winners were chosen from nominations submitted by others in the community. In lieu of the awards ceremony this year, the presentations were made by members of the Beautification Awards Committee and members of the BSBPA Board of Directors. 

WINNERS: 

Best Residential New Build:
24 Galleon Drive, Malta Development Co – Patrick Rowan and Christopher Cavanaugh.

Best Residential Redevelopment:
54 Grove Street – High Rock Realty – Ron Murphy.

Best Residential Renovation: 
28 Chapman Street – Carrie McNeil and Scott Von Duhn.

Residential – Honorable Mention New Build:
7 Oakwood Court – Travis Fitzgerald.

Best Commercial Interior Renovation:
The Front Street Social Club, 52 Front Street – Jamie Fronk.

Best Commercial Exterior Renovation:
Amazing Finds Boutique, 53 Milton Avenue – Christine Jamison.

Best Commercial Complete Renovation:
Rilassare at 18 Front, 18 Front Street – Alicia TenEyck.

Commercial Renovation Honorable Mention (4):
dbTrends Boutique, 32 Front Street – Dayanis Bowie ; Inspire Hair Salon, 207 Milton Avenue – Dana Flinton ; Seraphina Devine Beauty, 437 Geyser Road – Autumn Wright; The Real McCoy Beer Co Ballston Spa, 28 Washington Street – Michael and Bona Schaffer. 

Best Community Renovation: 
St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 167 Milton Avenue.

#518RainbowHunt Winner:
Saratoga County Historical Society at Brookside Museum, 6 Charlton Street.

The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, founded in 1983, is a non-profit organization committed to making the Village of Ballston Spa a better place to live, work and visit. To learn more, visit at www.ballston.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — For decades, the Flower and Fruit Mission has hosted a winter fundraiser called the Snow Ball, an annual event to kick off the holiday season and raise funds for Saratoga Hospital.  In years past, members would sell boxes of homemade cookies to raise additional funds for the hospital.  This year’s Snow Ball is cancelled due to the pandemic, but to keep the cookie tradition and continue to raise funds, the Mission is selling beautiful boxes of cookies baked by the Putnam Market. 

All orders must be placed by Dec. 4 and picked up Dec. 17-18. Supporters can buy cookies for themselves, as presents or donate them to local non-profits. To order cookies, go to:  the-flower-and-fruit-mission-of-saratoga-hospital-108936.square.site/s/shop.

The Flower and Fruit Mission was established in 1904 to raise funds for the William J. Hickey Woman’s Health Services of Saratoga Hospital.  Today, the Mission supports the hospital’s maternity unit and the general well-being of its staff and patients. 

Some recent contributions from the F&F Mission include a $30,000 donation to the Community Health Center to support the uninsured and underinsured of our community, the purchase of Noelle, a simulation program used to train doctors and nurses in crisis care of mothers and newborns, the purchase of new Billibeds, which allow treatment of jaundice babies. 

The Mission also supports nursing education through scholarships; The Philly Dake Memorial Award, given to a SSHS graduating senior pursuing a career in healthcare and The Mildred Rockwell Fund, $10,000 to pay for advanced educational opportunities for labor and delivery nurses at Saratoga Hospital.