Author: Saratoga TODAY

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Traditionally, on the Saturday of Mother’s Day Weekend the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation hosts its Historic Homes Tour, their largest fundraiser of the year, as a way to celebrate the history and architecture of Saratoga Springs.  The event always kicks-off with a Porch Party. 

However, since the Foundation cannot gather together because of social distancing guidelines, it invites you to join their Virtual Porch Party.  The event will feature live music by popular local musician Rich Ortiz 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 9. People are encouraged to gather on your porch or in the comfort of your own home, order food out to support your favorite local restaurant or make your own, and share photos to win giveaways and contest prizes. 

Post a picture/video of you toasting preservation during the Virtual Porch Party on Saturday, May 9 to have the opportunity to win gift cards to great local restaurants and stores that were purchased by the Board of Directors of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as their way to support locally-owned businesses that over the years have given so much to the Foundation. 

The Foundation wants to see your best Saratoga-themed porch decorations and decorations that reflect this moment in history.  If you participate, you have the opportunity to win great porch packages from TOGA HERITAGE and Impressions of Saratoga.  The Porch Decorating Contests are open to everyone, near and far. The person who participates from the farthest distance will win a prize.

Preserve your moment in history with a “Porch-trait” by Brian V Photography.  This local professional photographer will take a family photo of you on your porch to capture this moment and preserve it for the future.   For a $50 donation you can reserve one of the limited times available on Friday, May 8 or Saturday, May 9 in Saratoga Springs.  Reservations must be secured by Thursday, May 7 at 5 p.m.

To donate, buy a ticket, participate in the porch decorating contest, reserve your “Porch-trait,” and to learn more about the various ways to be eligible for giveaways, please visit www.saratogapreservation.org or follow the event on Facebook. 

Founded in 1977, the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is a private, not-for-profit organization that promotes preservation and enhancement of the architectural, cultural and landscaped heritage of Saratoga Springs.  To learn more or to join please visit www.saratogapreservation.org.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The pandemic brought the cancelation of many events, but one front line worker won a Wedding Relief Package from Saratoga Event Planner Fine Affairs. 

Healthcare worker Amanda Kondrat was announced as the winner this past weekend. The contest was hosted on Instagram, and users were encouraged to nominate and vote for their “Health Care Hero.” 

Fine Affairs partnered with other local businesses to offer the package, and received over 5,000 nominations. 

The package includes:

• Decor & Rental items by Fine Affairs, Geriann Eddy
• A Floral credit fromSurroundings Floral Studio
• Ceremony and Cocktail Hourlive acoustic music by Jay Yager
• Wedding Coordination Services from Wendy Lawrence Weddings & Events
• Bridal Day-Of Hair & Makeup by Blush518
• Barber Services for the Groomby Matthew Shufelt from Vinny’s Barbershop of Saratoga
• Penthouse Suite Planning Retreat at Pavilion Grand Hotelincluding a full pamper day by Make Me Fab Salon, Spa & Bridal
• Custom Hand Painted Wedding Glasses & Christmas Ornament by Custom Creations by Cyndie Wade
• Bridal Shop credit for in house gown and designer tux by Ferri Formals & Bridals
• A Credit towards The New YorkPlayers Mike Emery

SARATOGA SPRINGS — On May 4 construction began on the pedestrian bridge which will connect the Saratoga Springs City Center to the new Flat Rock parking structure. Designed for maximum transparency, the glass walls, which will be installed over the next month, will allow guests a view of the city.  Once completed the Flat Rock parking structure, which will have six hundred parking spaces, will allow Saratoga Springs to compete for new events that had not considered Saratoga Springs in the past.

Rendering of finished skywalk & parking garage. Image provided.

The dairy industry has been struggling for many years and recently COVID-19 has added additional pressure, forcing many producers to dump milk. Stewart’s dairy producers aren’t dumping milk; in fact, they’re receiving increased premiums and decreased hauling costs from Stewart’s that goes beyond what they receive above the Federal Market Administrator cost. In addition, Stewart’s has again decreased retail milk pricing. Effective May 4th, all gallons and half gallons were decreased by .10 cents for customers.

Stewart’s relief to dairy producers comes with increased competitive premiums, by .50 cents from .10/cwt to .60/cwt for the month of May and could be extended into June. In addition, the company is extending their fuel savings with a decreased hauling charge for the month of May.

With schools and restaurants closed, the dairy industry is producing 15% more milk than the American public can consume, leading many dairy producers to have no choice but to dump excess milk.

According to Stewart’s Shops president, Gary Dake, “We happened to be in the right position at the right time with our packaged dairy products and our nearly 100 years of experience in the dairy industry. Our fresh and local dairy products continue to experience more demand and we are pleased that we are in a position to offer savings to our customers and relief to our dairy producers during these uncertain times.”

The company relies on 25 local dairy farms, while many other retailers purchase their milk from co-ops. Stewart’s is in a unique position sourcing their raw milk from local dairies, picking up the milk with their own haulers, and processing and bottling it themselves at their manufacturing plant in Greenfield. This allows them to have more control and efficiency and pass on savings to both the customer and the dairy producer.