Calendar

See more Calendar listings at www.saratogian.com/community. Submit items at least two weeks in advance to calendar@ saratogian.com.

Wednesday, July 4

GRANT COTTAGE: Grant Cottage will be open for tours on July 4 with free admission for veterans. Tour the final home of Ulysses S. Grant on Mt. McGregor and hear the compelling story of what brought him to this beautiful mountain-top retreat, his family, the struggles he endured, and how he won his final battle. Tours run every 30 minutes, with the last tour of the day at 3:30 p.m. Admission $6 adults; $5 seniors and children 6-17; free for active duty military, veterans (on Independence Day only), and children 5 and under, 1000 Mount McGregor Road, Wilton. MILTON FIRE DISTRICT: A Special meeting of the Milton Fire District No. 1 is scheduled on July 4 at 10 a.m. 1119 Rock City Road, Rock City Falls, to review monthly accounts payables. NYS SUMMER WRITERS INSTITUTE: Reading by Phillip Lopate and Campbell McGrath. 8 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Skidmore College.For more information call 518580-5593. PATRIOTIC POOCH PARADE: Sloppy Kisses dog boutique is seeking dogs and their owners to march in this year’s Patriotic Pooch Parade during Saratoga’s All-American celebration on Wednesday, July 4. Check-in (on North Broadway between Greenfield Ave and N. Circular Street) begins at 10:30 a.m. with the parade stepping off at 11 a.m. There is a $5 per dog donation to participate. Each pre-registered dog marching in the parade will receive a doggie goodie bag. Pre-register for this event at Sloppy Kisses (425 Broadway, Saratoga Springs) by Monday, July 2. After July 2, the registration fee is $10 per dog. POETRY READING: On Wednesday, July 4 , Caffè Lena will present a poetry reading by Elaine Handley. An open reading will follow. Doors open for sign-ups at 7 p.m. and the readings will start at 7:30 p.m. The host for the event will be Carol Graser and the cost is $5 general, free for students. Caffè Lena is located at 47 Phila Street, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-583-0022 or visit www.caffelena.org for more information.

USS SLATER: A National Historic Landmark, the only restored World War II destroyer escort afloat in America will be open to the public for guided tours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Independence Day, Wednesday, July 4. USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge. Regular public hours for the ship are Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Call 518-431-1943 for more information or visit www.ussslater.org. VOLKSWALK GREENWICH: A volkswalk is a recreationally paced, pre-mapped walk in a culturally or historically interesting area. They are planned with safety in mind, and are great opportunities for exercise and sociability. On July 4, a guided walk through Greenwich starts at 9:30 a.m. from the K Mart Plaza, 1251 Route 29. Registration for each event starts ½ hour prior to the walk and the cost is $2. Further information is available at www.walkescv.org.

Thursday, July 5

BALLSTON AREA SENIOR CITIZENS: Thursday activities: 9:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.,Craft, Cards, Billiards; 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.,Lunch/ bring a dish to share, meeting; 1:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.., Bingo. Milton Community Center, 310 Northline Road, Ballston Spa. Call 518-885-6740 or visit www.ballstonareaseniors.com for more information. BALLSTON SPA FARMERS’

MARKET: The Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA), runs Thursdays from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through September 29 in Wiswall Park, at the corner of Front Street and Low Street. The market features 100% locally grown produce, farm fresh agricultural products, flowers, herbs, baked goods, custom blended spices, dressings, marinades, handcrafted jewelry, and more. Updates on what is new at the market throughout the season and details about vendors, musicians and activities can be found on the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market Facebook page. CONCERT IN THE PARK: The Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA) once again presents its free Concerts in the Park series at Wiswall Park, Front Street in the village of Ballston Spa. On July 5 the Band Ballston performs Spa from Community 6p.m. to 8 ballston.org. p.m. Learn more at www. CREEKSIDE Nature Stories CLASSROOM: for ages 3-7, 10 a.m. all ages, Creatures 8 p.m. of Learn the about Night for the nocturnal animals that live in the park. Call 518584-2000 Ext. 111 to register for either event. Creekside Classroom, 50 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs. MECHANICVILLE DISTRICT PUBLIC LIBRARY: Chair Yoga, 9 a.m. $5 fee. Kids’ Library Challenge for ages 5 and up, 1:30 p.m. Registration required. 190 N. Main St. Mechanicville.For more information, call 518-664-4646; fax 518-664-8641 or visit http:// mechanicville.sals.edu. NYS SUMMER WRITERS INSTITUTE: Reading by Nicholas Belbanco and James Longenbach.8 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Skidmore College. For more information call 518580-5593. SCHUYLERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Rocks Rock Geology Club, 2 p.m. for ages 5-12. Table Top Gaming, 4 p.m. Escape the Library! 6:30 p.m. First round of breakout rooms. Sign up on the calendar at schuylervillelibrary.sals.edu. 52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville. Call 518-695-6641 for more information. TOWN OF SARATOGA: An agenda meeting of the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga will be held on Thursday,July 5, at the Saratoga Town Hall, 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville. THURSDAY NIGHT PATIO

SESSION: From 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., the saxophonist Blue Hand Luke will perform live music on the patio at The Restaurant at the Pointe, 3 Carondelet Drive, Watervliet. Guests can enjoy the full drink and dinner menu during the performance. To learn more or to make a reservation, please call The Restaurant at 518250-4525. UPBEAT ON THE ROOF: Girl Blue in concert. 7 p.m., Tang Museum rooftop patio; rain location inside museum. For more information, call 518580-8080.

Friday, July 6

CREEKSIDE CLASSROOM: Senior Walk, 9 a.m. Paper Wings for all ages, 1 p.m. Learn about pollinators and practice origami. Call 518584-2000 Ext. 111 to register for either event. Creekside Classroom, 50 Geyser Road, Saratoga Springs. NYS SUMMER WRITERS INSTITUTE: Reading by Charles Simic and Elizabeth

Benedict.8 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Skidmore College. For more information call 518-580-5593. PAPER WINGS: People of all ages and experience levels are invited to Saratoga Spa State Park’s Creekside Classroom at 1 p.m. each Friday in July to learn about pollinators and to try their hands at origami, the Japanese art of paper-folding. Each Friday will feature a lesson and two-part, step-by-step origami craft focused on a different type of pollinator. Origami paper will be provided and coloring pages will be available for younger children. Registration is preferred but not required for this free event. Please contact Katie at 518-584-2000 ext. 111 to register. SARATOGA SENIOR CENTER: Movie, “I Can Only Imagine,” 1 p.m. $3/Members, $5/Non-Members, Popcorn included. 5 Williams Street, Saratoga Springs. SCHUYLERVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY: Lego Club, 2 p.m. Summer Reading Ice Cream Kickoff, 6 p.m. 52 Ferry Street, Schuylerville. Call 518-695-6641 for more information. SKIDMORE JAZZ CONCERT: Skidmore Summer Jaz Institute student concert. 1 p.m., Zankel Music Center. Free and open to the public. For more information call 518-580-5321. WISWALL PARK FREE MOVIES: Free movies in Wiswall Park are back for the eleventh summer in a row, presented by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association, as part of its monthly First Friday activities. The series continues on July 6 (rain date July 7) with “Paddington 2,” projected onto the wall of the Front Street Deli building on Front Street at approximately dusk. All screenings are free. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Movie snacks will be available, courtesy of North Star Church. Before the movies, families are encouraged to stroll to downtown shops, restaurants, museums and other venues participating in First Friday from 6 p.m - 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 7

BALLSTON SPA FARMERS’ MARKET: The Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market, sponsored by the Ballston Spa Business and Professional Association (BSBPA), runs Thursdays from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon through September 29 in Wiswall Park, at the corner of Front Street and Low Street. The market features 100% locally grown produce, farm fresh agricultural products, flowers, herbs, baked goods, custom blended spices, dressings, marinades, handcrafted jewelry, and more. Updates on what is new at the market throughout the season and details about vendors, musicians and activities can be found on the Ballston Spa Farmers’ Market Facebook page. BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING: Upset the mini Dark Horse mascot will be joined by author Maddy Zanetti and illustrator Gretchen Tisch with their new book “Upset, The Original Dark Horse,” about the thoroughbred who defeated the legendary Man o’War at Saratoga in 1919. On Saturday, July 7 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the new The Dark Horse Mercantile store, located at 445 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. The Dark Horse will host a book signing with a chance to meet Upset and enter a drawing to win a “Dark Horse Junior Jockey Goodie Bag.” FRIENDS OF WILTON 5K: The Friends of Wilton Recreation 5K/1K Run/Walk is scheduled for July 7. The 5K begins at 8 a.m. and the 1K begins at 8:45 a.m. Runners can register at www. friendsofwilton.com or at www.finishright.com. GARDENING 101: Every Saturday morning, beginning on June 30 and running through the end of July, Garden Director Natalie Walsh will lead participants through the Pitney Meadows Community Gardens to discuss plants, pests, or problems. These informal workshops will begin at 9:30 a.m. each Saturday at 223 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs. For more information, please contact Natalie. Walsh@pitneymeadows.org. GRANT COTTAGE: Civil War veteran Oscar Kemp (portrayed by descendant Ben Kemp) will recount his war experiences with the 115th NY and discusses the experience of veterans after the war. The suggested donation for this program is $5 per person. 1 p.m., 1000 Mount McGregor Road, Wilton. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF RACING: The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame will present a special program geared toward families and children called “Get Ready for the Track!” on Saturday, July 7 from 10 a.m. to noon. “Get Ready for the Track!” will celebrate the upcoming Saratoga Race Course meeting and Foal Patrol, the Museum’s interactive website that provides fans unprecedented access to the daily lives of several thoroughbred mares and their foals via web cameras. The event is free to attend. For more information, please call 518-584-0400 or visit www.racingmuseum.org. NYS 5-HOUR PRE-LICENSING CLASS: The next NYS 5-Hour Pre-Licensing class will be offered Saturday, July 7, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 195 Fifth Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The cost for the class is $40. To register, call John Rinko at 518-584-2221 or email RinkoDrivingSchool.com. A portion from the class cost is donated to the United Methodist Church. NYS SUMMER WRITERS INSTITUE: Panel discussion, “Can Art or Literature Be Offensive” with April Bernard, Tom Healy and Elizabeth Benedict. 7 p.m., Davis Auditorium, Skidmore College. For more information call 518-580-5593. SARATOGA ARTS: The annual 10x10 show (June 30 - September 8) exhibits the artwork of new artists, veteran artists, young and old artists, artists who are showing their work for the first time and artists who have been exhibiting their work for years. This exhibition also features the 10x10 artworks created by hundreds of young artists participating in Saratoga Arts’ Visual Arts Summer Camp program. The opening reception will be held on Saturday, July 7 from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. at 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs. SATURDAY MORNING STORY TIME: On Saturday mornings through August 4, Pitney Meadows Community Gardens,223 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, will host an old-fashioned story time for children, followed by a hands-on, garden-related activity. Children of all ages are welcome, but the stories will be geared for kids 10 and under. These events are free and open to the public. Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend. SARATOGA SPRINGS FARMERS’ MARKET: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m., High Rock Park Pavilions, Saratoga Springs. Featuring live music by Running the River, a free facepainting activity for children presented by the Developing Minds Center, and the League of Women Voters and Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners at the Community Table. Approximately 70 vendors will be attending the Saturday market from May through October.See http://www. saratogafarmersmarket.org/ saratoga-farmers-marketvendors/ for a complete list. SATURDAY MORNING STORY TIME: On Saturday mornings through August 4, Pitney Meadows Community Gardens,223 West Avenue, Saratoga Springs, will host an old-fashioned story time for children, followed by a hands-on, garden-related activity. Children of all ages are welcome, but the stories will be geared for kids 10 and under. These events are free and open to the public. Anyone interested is welcome and encouraged to attend. TANG FAMILY SATURDAYS: The Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College’s Family Saturday programs that include a brief tour of one of the exhibitions followed by a hands-on art-making activity, with all materials provided. The theme for July 7 is “Magical Maps.” Look at the exhibition “Dona Nelson: Stand Alone Paintings” and how the abstract work can look like a map, with straight and curling lines suggesting roads and built up areas of paint and cheesecloth looking like topographical features. Then create your own magical maps with stencils, yarn, plastic paper, and a variety of pencils and watercolors. The 2 p.m. program is suitable for ages 5 and older and is free and open to the public. Reservations are required and may be made one week in advance of the program. For more information and reservations, please call the Tang’s Visitor Service Desk at 518-580-8080. YADDO GARDEN TOURS: Garden tours share the history of the Trask family, the mansion and history of the Yaddo gardens in Saratoga Springs. Docent-led tours begin at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from June 23 through September 2.. Meet at the entrance to the gardens. Admission $10 per person. For more information contact Yaddo at 518-584-0746 or www. yaddo.org.

Sunday, July 8

ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST: Ballston Spa Elks’ Lodge’s All You Can Eat Breakfast Buffet will be served on July 8 from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 10 Hamilton Street, Ballston Spa. Adults $7, Seniors $6 and children 10 $5. This is open to the public, with profits going to Elks charities. For more information please contact the Ballston Spa Elks Lodge at 518-885-1149. CAPITAL DISTRICT HUMANIST SOCIETY: Michelle Kelley has over 30 years’ experience preparing tax returns and providing tax planning advice. Kelley will give an overview of what can be expected from the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, passed in December of 2017. Topics will include changes in tax brackets, itemized deductions vs. the new standard deduction, and loss of miscellaneous itemized deductions and unreimbursed business expenses. Refreshments at 12:30 p.m.; program at 1:15 p.m. at Room 224, Campus Center, Sage Colleges Albany Campus, New Scotland Ave. at Academy Road, Albany. Free admission. For more information call 518533-2666 or visit www. humanistsociety.org. GRANT COTTAGE: During the Civil War, Corinth sent two out of every seven men of its population to fight for the Union. Many did not return, and those who did came back with stories of tragedy, heroism and tales that stir the imagination. Join Corinth Historian Rachel Clothier at the Cottage as she shares some of their stories and photos, collected by the Corinth Museum. The suggested donation for this program is $5 per person. 1 p.m., 1000 Mount McGregor Road, Wilton. MILK BOTTLE PICNIC: The 15th Annual New York – New England Milk Bottle Collectors Show & Picnic will be held Sunday, July 8, from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Burton Hall in North Easton. The public is welcome to bring bottles to buy, sell, swap or just enjoy browsing. Tables will be provided as will food and drinks. For more information call Joe Archambeault at 518-6927803, Jim Wilcox at 518692-9854, or Burton Hall (Show Day Only) at 518692-2678. MONTHLY BREAKFAST: The Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club located on route 32 south of the village of Victory ( look for the sign ) will serve breakfast on Sunday, July 8, from 8 a.m. - 11 a.m. Adults $8, Child $4. Everyone is welcome. POTTERS GROVE TABERNACLE: Sherry Anne is a gifted musician born with a bi-lateral hearing impairment who has performed with the Gaithers and the Booth Brothers. 6 p.m., 143 Bluebird Road, South Glens Falls. All events are by a Love Offering Gift. SARATOGA JEWISH CULTURAL FESTIVAL: “Golda’s Balcony” spotlights the tumultuous life of Golda Meir, Ukrainian born, Wisconsin raised, and fourth prime minister of Israel. 7 p.m., Temple Sinai. Panel discussion and dessert reception. $5 donation requested. SARATOGA SUMMER CONCERT SERIES: The Saratoga Summer Concert Series returns to Congress Park for the 2018 season, kicking off on July 8 with the Hot Club of Saratoga. Saratoga/Capital Region’s premier gypsy swing ensemble plays a repertoire that reflects the spirit and style originated by Django Reinhardt and Stephanie Grappelli. The show begins at 7 p.m. at the War Memorial in Congress Park. The Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at 297 Broadway is the concert rain location. For more information, contact the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitor Center at 518-587-3241 or visit www.saratogaspringsvisitorcenter.com. SUMMER STROLL: Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation Executive Director Samantha Bosshart will lead a tour of the grand Queen Annes along the famed corridor of North Broadway. Meet at 10:30 a.m. at the NW Corner of North Broadway & Van Dam Street (Witt Construction). $5 for SSPF members, $8 for non-members. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary. For more information, please call the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation at 518-587-5030, visit www. saratogapreservation.org or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Coordinator, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org. SUNDAY EVENING CONCERT SERIES: The Town of Clifton Park’s Sunday Evening Concert Series continues on July 8 with Hellcat Maggie on the Clifton Common Stage adjacent to the basketball courts. The performance begins at 7 p.m., rain or shine, unless otherwise noted. Lawn chairs are welcome, however alcoholic beverages are not permitted on Town property. For more information on the Summer 2018 Performing Arts on the Common series, see http://cliftonpark.org/ document-center/parksrecreation/2164-performingarts-flyer-2018/file.html. SUNDAY MEDITATION: Cultivating compassion & wisdom. Sunday morning meditation 9 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. at One Big Roof, 538 Maple Avenue, Saratoga Health & Wellness Building (across from the Maple Avenue Middle School, just off Route 50). By donation. No experience necessary. All are welcome. TACONIC MUSIC: On Sunday July 8 at 3 p.m. Taconic Music’s NextGen musicians will perform at Dionondehowa Wildlife Sanctuary & School near Shushan. Everyone is invited to The Muse Room performance space of the renovated barn at 148 Stanton Road to enjoy the program of Claude Debussy Piano Trio in G major and Pyotr Ilyitch Tchaikovsky String Quartet no.1 in D major, op. 11. A reception following the one-hour concert offers the chance for audience and musicians to meet. As a benefit concert for Taconic Music and Dionondehowa there is a $15 donation at the door. Reservations are suggested; please call 518-854-7764. To learn more about these nonprofit organizations visit TaconicMusic.org and dionondehowa.org. YADDO GARDEN TOURS: Garden tours share the history of the Trask family, the mansion and history of the Yaddo gardens in Saratoga Springs. Docent-led tours begin at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from June 23 through September 2.. Meet at the entrance to the gardens. Admission $10 per person. For more information contact Yaddo at 518-5840746 or www.yaddo.org.

Monday, July 9

BALLSTON SPA TRUSTEES: The Board of Trustees of the Village of Ballston Spa will hold a regular meeting on Monday, July 9, at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building, 66 Front Street, Ballston Spa.