Calendar

EDITOR’S NOTE: This calendar is being regularly updated to reflect all event cancellations and postponements. However, it is recommended that readers contact event organizers before they attend. For the most updated version of the calendar, please visit saratogian.com.

Sunday, Aug. 16

VIRTUAL FILM DISCUSSION: Saratoga Jewish Community Arts, with Temple Sinai and the Jewish Federation of Northeastern NY, presents an online panel discussion on American Son, an adaptation of a Broadway play of the same name, Sunday, August 16, at 7p.m. Participants should view the film ahead of time before logging in to the discussion. Written by Christopher Demos-Brown and directed by Kenny Leon, while not based on one specific real-life story, American Son explores the truth of the real issues that exist among law enforcement. Kendra Ellis-Connor and her husband, Scott Connor, learn that their biracial 18 year old son, Jamal, a student about to enter West Point, was not actually arrested, but was shot by a Black police officer who had pulled over the teen and his friends after the officer had witnessed the driver – not Jamal – buying drugs. The boys exited the car without the officer’s instructions to do so, and he fired. The film received negative reviews, citing its social commentary on the subject of race as too heavy-handed. However, if you walk through the 90minutes of this film, if you let yourself be in this nightmare, you cannot say that communities that are disenfranchised and that are in hostile relationships with police are overreacting. You must understand what the experience is when you allow yourself to spend an evening with this film. This is another in our SJCA summer series in which you view the film, American Son, ahead of time on Netflix or another outlet. The group event, a panel discussion of the film and the issues raised, will be held on Sunday, August 16, at 7p.m. You must register in advance at: Zoom Meeting https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85060070196?pwd=NlEvcEpxaHhyUnRZdlNzbnA4dGNiZz09.

ANTIQUE SALE: Seeds for Peace is holding an antique sale to benefit their seeds distribution program for orphanages and community gardens in Africa. Linens and smalls, some furniture. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday August 14, 15 & 16, 9 am to 3 pm. 34 Greenfield Ave., Saratoga Springs. Masks required. No one admitted without one. Social distancing in effect.

DHARMA MEDITATION:

Meditation Classes Led by Pierre Zimmerman of One Roof Saratoga. July 12-August 30, Sundays at 9 am on the SPAC grounds in the Saratoga Spa State Park. Dharma Meditation includes inspirational topics that support emotional, cognitive, and ethical wishes for wellbeing. This is a sitting meditation for 25 minutes with a silent break allowing people to stretch, followed by a second sitting, introduced by a brief talk. A discussion on the topic and some insights and reflections about the nature and commonality of our basic humanity is shared by attendees. This meditation is open to beginners and/or those who have been meditating for awhile. There is no cost to attend, but a $10 donation per class is suggested. Pre-registration is required by Saturday at midnight in advance of the class. Register via email to pzimmie2@icloud.com.

SUNDAY STROLL: Sunday, August 16 - The Spa Complex. The Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation is thrilled to present their summer series of historic walking tours while remaining safe and socially distanced. Summer Sunday Strolls will be offered every Sunday through Sept. 6 at 10:30 a.m. in various neighborhoods throughout the city. Tour topics this season highlight prominent women of Greenridge Cemetery, the celebrated area surrounding the Saratoga Race Course, and the historic Spa State Park, among many others. All Sunday morning tours last approximately 90 minutes and require walking and standing on varied terrain. Due to current restrictions in New York State, Summer Strolls will be limited to 20 guests, which currently is less than the maximum of 25 that is currently allowed, and tickets must be purchased in advance until otherwise noted. Everyone will be required to wear a mask and social distancing will be encouraged when possible. The cost per tour is $15 for SSPF members and $20 for non-members. For additional information, to purchase tickets to any educational programs, and to review the Summer Sunday Stroll Safety Plan please visit www.saratogapreservation.org, call the foundation at (518) 587-5030, or email nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.

FITNESS IN THE PARK: 9to 10 a.m. Sundays in Riverfront Park, July 19 through Sept. 6- The perfect way to start your Sundays in Troy. Weekend workout, brunch with friends, browse the shops, enjoy Troy! Exercise among the downtown Troy community at Free Fitness in The Park. Class will be held at Riverfront Park with Circles for Easy Distancing. Check in when you arrive with Troy BID Staff. Attendees must wear a mask until you are seated in your circle. Bring your own mat and water. Do not attend if you have any of the symptoms of COVID-19. Space is limited, please register only if you know you can attend. More information and registration is available online at www.downtowntroy.org/fitness-in-the-park.

ART EXHIBIT: Hudson Hall is proud to reopen its doors on June 27, 2020with Rodney Alan Greenblat’s aptly-titled, Something to Look Forward to, an enjoyable, whimsical and engaging collection of new and archival works bursting with color and underpinned with wit and charm. The exhibition, which runs until August 23in Hudson Hall’s Center Hall Gallery and Common Council Room, is free and open to the public on a limited, timed entry, reservation-only basis (maximum 10 entries per hour). Socially-distanced guided tours ($10, free for members, maximum of 6 per tour) take place on Saturdays and Sundays at 4pm. Exhibition reservations and tour tickets are now on sale to Hudson Hall members and open to the public on June 18. Tickets can be purchased and time entry reservations can be made at hudsonhall.org. Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, NY 12534. Tel: (518) 822-1438.

SARATOGA BALLOON & BBQ FESTIVAL: CANCELED - We are sad to announce that we officially have to cancel the Saratoga Balloon & BBQ Festival on August 14 – 16, 2020 at the Saratoga County Fairgrounds, due to coronavirus. This was a difficult decision to make but the safety of our customers, vendors, and staff is of the utmost importance. If you purchased any event tickets or Hot Air Balloon Ride tickets, you will have the option of a refund or a credit for the 2021 event. Any questions please email info@balloonandbbq.com.

Monday, Aug. 17 BARRE CLASS FOR OLDER

ADULTS: The National Museum of Dance is pleased to announce that Mary Anne Fantauzzi will be offering The Ageless Dancer Ballet Barre class for older adults again beginning August 17. This popular class was offered via Zoom to over one hundred participants in spring 2020. It will return for two more Zoom sessions on Mondays 2:00–3:00 pm from galleries within the National Museum of Dance. The class teaches classical ballet technique designed for participants ages 50+. The class will use a chair or ballet barre for support. Participants will remain standing throughout the class to promote core stabilization and balance. Ballet slippers or split sole sneakers and fitness attire are recommended. Session 1: August 17 – October 5 (no class September 7 or 28) | 6 classes via Zoom. Session 2: October 19 – November 30 (no class November 23) | 6 classes via Zoom. Reduced class fees are made possible by a grant from Soroptimist International of Saratoga County (SISC). Payment can be made via PayPal at www.nationalmuseumofdance.org/calendar, or by mailing a check to the National Museum of Dance at 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. Session 1: 6 classes for $30. Session 2: 6 classes for $30. Flexible class card: 10 classes for $60. All class cards expire December 31, 2020 and can only be used for The Ageless Dancer class. For questions and to register, please contact Mary Anne Fantauzzi at tours@dancemuseum.org.

FREE BBQ CHICKEN DINNER: 4 to 7 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 at the Waterford Knights of Columbus, 76 Grace St., Waterford. Barbecue Chicken, corn on the cob and baked potato. Curbside only. Take and go. Social distancing and masks will be used. 518-801-2506.

BLOOD DRIVE: An American Red Cross Blood Drive will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17 at the Ballston Spa Elks, located at 10 Hamilton Place, Ballston Spa. More information is available online at www. redcrossblood.org.

FREE FILM FESTIVAL:

CANCELED - Monday, August 17 7:30 pm. Brasslands (2013) Brooklyn-based Balkan brass band Zlatne Uste sets out to compete in the world’s largest trumpet festival in Serbia. Features a live introduction by the band’s founder Michael Ginsburg. Free Admission. This event is part of The Sembrich 2020 Summer Festival and will take place at The Sembrich, 4800 Lake Shore Dr. in Bolton Landing.

Tuesday, Aug. 18 CITY COUNCIL MEETING:

The City Council will meet in person at the Canfield Casino on August 18at 7:00p.m. One Public Hearing is scheduled for the 2021-2026Capital Program and will begin at 6:55p.m. The meeting is open to the public, and admission will be on a first-come, firstserved basis when the doors open at 6:45p.m. Masks must be worn at all times. Due to COVID protocols and social distancing, entrance into the meeting is limited. At this time, the maximum number of people for a gathering is 50 and is determined by available space for seating. The doors and ramp on the west side of the Canfield Casino will be open. If you cannot attend, you can submit a public comment via regular mail to the city clerk at 474Broadway or email to the entire Council at public.comment@saratogasprings.org. Written and email comments must include your name and address to be placed into the record. The meeting will not be livestreamed, but will be video recorded and uploaded to the city’s website the next day.

LUNCHTIME CONCERTS:

Dylan Perrillo Orchestra (11-piece early jazz big band) - All events are free, open to all, and start at noon in a new location at The Downtowner parking lot, 413 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. We will take plenty of precautions to keep people safe: it will be outside, we will ensure social distance and will limit show capacity to 50. No mask, no entry (once you sit down, you can take your mask off). We cannot guarantee protection from the sun so please come prepared. Seating is offered. Bring a lunch if you wish! If there is a chance of rain, the show will be canceled and rescheduled.