SPAC’s 13th Annual Lecture Luncheon

Saratoga Springs, NY (September 20, 2017) – Celebrated literary dramatist Betty Spinelli will bring “The Fascinating Life of Katrina Trask” to Saratoga Performing Arts Center as the centerpiece of the annual Fall Lecture Luncheon on Thursday, October 26, 2017. The engaging discussion will highlight the fundraiser, which also includes a continental breakfast, gourmet luncheon and boutique shopping at the Hall of Springs. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased online at spac.org. “We are excited to welcome Betty Spinelli to share her insights about the fascinating Katrina Trask, a real trailblazer for Saratoga Springs after the turn of the 20th century,” said Elizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of SPAC. “As we celebrate her life and many contributions to this region, Ms. Spinelli’s presentation will also offer audiences an extraordinary inside look into Katrina’s personal life beyond the public eye. A special thank you to the SPAC Action Council for making this highly anticipated talk possible.” Best known as the founder of Yaddo, the famed artist retreat in Saratoga Springs, Katrina Trask led an accomplished and intriguing life. Betty Spinelli will explore the profound impact that the Trask’s had on the region and convey the “true essence” of a woman whose life was filled with tragedy, romance and creativity. Betty Spinelli’s passion for storytelling has engaged and enlightened audiences for years. Her in-depth narrative of local historical figures makes her a sought-after speaker for local non-profit groups and civic organizations. Ms. Spinelli holds two Master’s degrees and has taught high-school mathematics in Albany and Computer Science at the University of Albany. She retired in 2004 from Xerox Corporation where she was Director of International Data. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for The Marcella Sembrich Opera Museum and resides with her husband in Saratoga Springs. For Release 10/1/15 The SPAC Fall Lecture Luncheon is presented by the SPAC Action Council. The Action Council raises more than $250,000 annually for SPAC’s world-class classical music, dance and children’s programming. Past speakers for the event have included New York Times bestselling author Andrew Gross, award-winning NPR host and correspondent Jacki Lyden, acclaimed novelist Elizabeth Brundage and historian David Garrard Lowe. The schedule of events for the Luncheon is as follows: 9:30 A.M. | Continental Breakfast 10:00 A.M. | Presentation at the Spa Little Theatre 11:30 A.M. | Boutique Shopping Hall of Springs 1:00 P.M. | Elegant Fall Luncheon, Hall of Springs Cost to attend the fundraiser is $85 and includes admission to the breakfast, lecture, Hall of Springs luncheon and mini-boutique shopping event. Nearly 20 local shops and boutiques will be onsite with an assortment of fine accessories, gifts, apparel, and specialty foods for sale. Tickets may be purchased at spac.org or by contacting Christy Pronto at 518.584.9330, ext. 136 or cpronto@spac.org