Recent Activities – Earth Month:
Skidmore Sustainability Fair: https://sustainablesaratoga.org/saratoga-
sustainability-fair/
o Doubled (+/-) in size and attendance over last year
o Innovative orgs & vendors promoted creative alternatives to lower
carbon footprints & advocate systemic shifts from fossil fuels to
renewables
Treetoga at Pitney Meadows
o link:[ https://sustainablesaratoga.org/projects/urban-forestry-
project/tree-toga/ ]
o several members participated and planted two of the trees provided
Upcoming Events
What’s Happening? https://www.ourlodgefoundation.org/quick-clicks
Community Conversation on Proposed Zoning &UDO Changes
Monday, May 11 | 6:30–7:30 pm | Saratoga Springs Public Library
Glasby Room (Click here for the email description)
UUA Common Read: Social Change Now: A Guide for Reflection and Connection by
Deepa Iyer:
o https://www.uua.org/lifespan/curricula/read/social-change-now
o The book and signup sheet have been available in the sanctuary the past
few weeks – so far, 5 people have signed up
o This Sunday, May 10, we’ll revisit who’s willing to commit to the read,
and, if warranted by interest level, decide when to start reading &
discussion
“Saturday Vigils,” Noon to 1:00 p.m. (Post Office @ Broadway, Lake, &
Church). Despite city construction barricades at all four corners (?!?), join
activist neigbors, friends, and furballs, supportive drivers, and passersby
New York Health Act flyers: https://www.pnhpnymetro.org/action4nyha
Flag Day parade – Saturday, June 13, 2026, sponsored by Saratoga Wilton
Elks Lodge [ https://www.saratogaracetrack.com/event/elks-flag-day-parade-
93440/ ]
o SSNY Social Justice contingent usually forms up at the end of the
parade, crowd response always has been enthusiastic
Social Justice Team Notes – May 8, 2026
o This year, MLK-S, Saratoga Immigration Coalition, Saratoga Pride,
Frederick Allen Lodge, and others plan to march
Juneteenth (Friday, June 19, 2026, 11:00 – 4:00) organized by Our Lodge
Foundation: [ https://www.ourlodgefoundation.org/juneteenth ]
o Held at Saratoga Springs YMCA, supported by Y staff and leadership
o Children’s activities 11:00 – 12:30)
o Main performances (1:00 – 3:00)
o Ice Cream social (3:00 – 4:00)
o Vendor and community organization tabling is available in the lobby
between Y and the Senior Center – requested $25 donation to cover
delivery, setup, and removal of tables & chairs – sign up online (above)
o This inspiring and popular event draws professional entertainers,
vendors, social justice groups, and attendees from throughout the Capital
region, ADK and North Country
Art in the Park
o Congress Park, Saturday, May 16, 10:00 – 4:00
o Link: https://www.saratoga.com/hotspots/congress-park/art-in-the-
park/
Sing in the Streets Sunday, May 17, all afternoon
o free admission, all over downtown
o 23 bands and performers,
o sponsored by Caffe Lena: https://www.caffelena.org/singinthestreets/
Kindred Spirits Song Festival Series – Our Lodge Foundation was funded by
the NY State Council on the Arts to conduct monthly social justice-themed
events involving recorded music, live performers, and audience sing-alongs:
o Saratoga Arts will host an award celebration on May 31
o The free concerts begin in June, continuing monthly, through 2026
o A dress rehearsal (TBD)will test the concept and seek audience feedback
o Specifics will be shared next week
Peace,
The Social Justice Gang
A message from UU Saratoga Social Justice Chair, Mark Long: