Social Justice Team Notes – September 25, 2025
September continues to be a whirlwind of activity, continuing into October, so here we go…
Franklin Community Center Volunteer Opportunity – Sign up on Sunday
Julianna Luciano, of the Franklin Community Center, contacted us about community service opportunities, summarized below:
Hi!
So great chatting with you and I look forward to working with your group! Here’s a brief overview of each potential project:
Gardening at Vanderbilt/Jefferson Terraces:
FCC has been working with the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority to revitalize the communal gardening spaces at the Vanderbilt and Jefferson Terrace apartments. We are in need of a group of 10+ volunteers (which will be split in 2) to assist with establishing the garden beds at the terraces. One group will be laying out pea gravel around existing garden beds, while the other will be adding mulch to the large metal garden beds at the other section
Landscaping at the Free Store:
Our Free Store (the clothing and household goods donation center where clients can shop for free!) is in need of some fall clean-up. We need a group of 5-10 volunteers who would remove overgrowth along the building, and weed the flower beds that surround it
Staining the Fence at 95 Washington Street:
Earlier the summer, a different volunteer group did a first coat of stain on the fence that goes along FCC’s 95 Washington Street administrative building. We are in need of a group of 5-10 volunteers who would complete a second coat on the fence
Thank you!!
Julianna Luciano
Volunteer and Events Coordinator
518.587.9826 x232
95 Washington Street | Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
MLK-Saratoga: Invitation to Help Plan MLK 2026 Celebration
We are excited to begin the planning for the 2026 MLK Celebration Weekend here in Saratoga Springs. Our theme this year is “Love is the greatest force in the universe; it is the heartbeat of the moral cosmos.” We would really like to expand our connection with local organizations and invite people to show love to our community not just during the weekend but year round. We would love your input!
Please fill out this short interest form, and if possible please plan on attending our next planning meeting on Thursday October 16 at 6:30 pm in the parlor at Nolan House at the Pres-UCC Church at 24 Circular Street!.
Full link for the survey: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1Zjpe_gER5uuLGxQ-o2sXLALfS2eRJiQMtSrbFQCoNQY/viewform?edit_requested=true
Thank you so much!
~The Board of MLK Saratoga
Saratoga Peace Week, Sept. 21 – 27, 2025 (continuing)
- Saturday, 9/27, 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Spring Run Trail 98 East Ave. (Excelsior and East Ave. intersection), – Kites & Lites for Peace. In case of inclement weather, it will be cancelled, there is no rain date. (flyer attached)
- Saturday, 9/27, 6:45 – 8:30 p.m., United Methodist Church – Film: Peace by Chocolate (Syrian-Canadian chocolate will be served)
- Saratogian Article Highlighting Civility Puppets (subscription required)
Frederick Allen Lodge – Upcoming Events:
9/27/25 + Walking Tour: African American History in Saratoga Springs w/ Daughter Nichola Dutre > 10:00 a.m.
9/27/25 ~ Saturday Karaoke
9/28/25 ~ Monthly Community Potluck > 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
10/03/25 + Beekman St. Pool Tournament
10/05/25 + Annual Jazz BBQ Fundraiser > 2:00 p.m. -6:00 p.m.
Saratoga Book Festival October 2 – 5, 2025
Link: Bookfest
Indivisible ADK/Saratoga:
NO KINGS 2: America Has No Kings!
We Need Your Help to Plan a Historic Day of Protest!
On October 18th, Indivisibles across the country are taking to the streets again for NO KINGS 2! This is our chance to build on the momentum of June’s protests and send an undeniable message to those in power: America has no kings.
- Our ADK/Saratoga chapter, partnering with the League of Women Voters – Saratoga County, are planning the event
- an Indivisible rep usually attends our monthly Social Justice Social Hour, more details will be forthcoming, so stay tuned
- The announcement says that teams can be formed. It’s been suggested that UUs could join wearing our yellow “Side with Love” T-shirts.
- Please tell SJT members you’re interested, and sign the sheet on Sunday
Ongoing opportunity to Stand for Justice – Faye Mihuta:
Here’s a question–has Social Justice advertised in JW about the ongoing Saturday morning vigils in front of the Saratoga Post Office, organized by Indivisible/ADK? I haven’t seen any info about this in JW but perhaps I’ve missed it. We have been gathering there every Saturday from 12-1 since the big protest in April. I’ve not seen any UUs there on the many Saturdays I’ve attended, so I thought I’d mention it. I know we are ramping up for the No Kings 2 march on the 18th. Last Saturday Joe Seeman said the current plan is that we will meet at the Post Office corner at 4:30 (There will be earlier protests in Albany and Glens Falls, as well as other area places, probably) and march on the sidewalks to Congress Park where there will be speakers and music. There is also the idea floating that the march might begin at Skidmore. So I’ll be checking my Indivisible emails. I would hope this day of protest across the country will be the largest we have ever seen…the times demand it!
May truth and justice prevail – Faye
Happy News from our Saratoga Area Welcome Circle – Lucy Manning: It’s been such an honor and privilege to work directly with this wonderful family!
It’s so hard to believe that just six months ago, the Mohsini family arrived in Saratoga! In that short time, they have acclimated incredibly well and are truly beginning to feel at home here. They’ve embraced every opportunity and are so grateful for the warmth, support and generosity of the Welcome Circle and the Saratoga Springs community. Watching them find their footing has been a joy for all of us.
The most recent exciting news is that on October 4th they will be moving into permanent affordable housing after an unexpectedly short wait on the housing list. Their new 3-bedroom apartment, built in 2021, is on the east side of town, right by the Rec Center. It’s bright, welcoming, and has space outside for the children to ride bikes and play on the nearby playground. This will be such a milestone in their journey. We will be assisting them with the move and need some strong capable furniture movers. And perhaps a few others for less strenuous tasks. Please let us know by responding to this email if you or someone you know can help on Oct. 4.
>>>Shamim is thrilled that there is a hookup for a stackable washer/dryer, so if anyone has any connections or can help find a good used one, please let us know.
There have been many other wonderful steps forward:
- The entire Mohsini family has received their Green Cards, giving them the stability and security of legal permanent residency in the U.S.
- Thanks to our contributions, the family was able to purchase a Toyota minivan. Having reliable transportation has given them greater independence and opened up new opportunities—they even took a family day trip to NYC!
- Ihsanullahwill be starting a new job this Tuesday at the Target warehouse. His first job at Home Depot was an important beginning, but this new position offers a higher pay rate, steadier hours, and the possibility of overtime.
- The children are thriving: Maihanis loving 3rd grade, Azin Sama has joyfully started kindergarten at Division Street School, and Shahryar is attending Waldorf Forest School three days a week. All three older kids are playing Rec soccer, making friends, and learning so much.
- Baby Hasti, now over six months old, is growing quickly—on the verge of crawling, curious, and in the sweet stage of separation anxiety that reminds us just how much she has bonded with her family.
- Both parents have also taken an important step by enrolling in a structured English language course, in addition to in-person tutoring, that meets twice a week on Zoom, helping them continue to build confidence and connections.
Each of these milestones marks the family’s steady progress toward building a new life here. Their gratitude is heartfelt, and it’s clear that with each passing week, they are planting roots in Saratoga.
Thank you to EVERYONE, from donors to the numerous volunteers who have given their time, expertise, generosity, encouragement, and support to have made all of this possible. You are helping this family not only to start over in a safe place, but to truly thrive.
Cheers,
Mark Long
Joy doesn’t betray but sustains activism. And when you face a politics that aspires to make you fearful, alienated and isolated, joy is a fine act of insurrection. – Rebecca Solnit, “Hope in the Dark”