Upcoming calendar – troyrecord

SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Beryl H. Moul Ruego Grange Scholarship was established in 1958 by West Sand Lake Grange #949 in memory of prominent Grange Member Beryl H. Moul. Applicants must be Rensselaer County residents (for at least 4 years) and must be accepted in an accredited 2 or 4-year college program in New York State and pursuing a career in Agriculture, Home Economics (Human Ecology), Forestry, Veterinary Medicine, Education. Preference will be given to Agriculture, Home Economics (Human Ecology), Forestry, or Veterinary Medicine. Second preference will be given to those in Education. The application deadline which includes an official High School transcript is May 1st. The application and instructions can be found at any Rensselaer County High School Guidance Office or at the Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County website at http://ccerensselaer.org/4-h-youth/scholarships. For questions, please contact the CCE office of Rensselaer County at 272-4210.

LENTEN FISH FRY FRIDAYS: Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus, 328 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110 are hosting Lenten Fish Fryday’s; March 11th, March 25th, April 1st, April 8th and Good Friday April 15th.​ Menu: Baked Fish Dinner includes Twice Baked Potato, Vegetable, Dessert, Coffee or Tea. Fish Fry or Clam Roll Dinner includes French Fries or Onion Rings, Coleslaw and Dessert, Coffee or Tea. Baked Fish $15, Fish Fry Dinner $15, Clam Roll Dinner $12. (Fish Fry or Clam Roll only is available by request). Serving from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Dine In or Take Out available! Reservations 518 892 3750. More information is available online at www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/dinners-events.

RESEARCH STUDY: Do you have Pre-Diabetes or Type 2 Diabetes and wantto imporve your health and get paid $50? Volunteer for an exciting 8-week research study at Skidmore College. Study participants must be pre-diabetic or diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus and between the ages of 30 – 65 years old. Participants will receive free state of the art body fat analysis using the BODPod technology, Blood HbA1c, lipid, and sugar (glucose) analysis, physical activity monitoring and dietary analysis and a comprehensive analysis of all results at the completion of the study. Contact Dr. Karen Arciero at karciero@skidmore.edu or Dr. Paul Arciero at parciero@skidmore.edu.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Do you have two hours a week? Have you thought about volunteering as a tutor? We can train you. Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County will begin a Tutor Training Workshop in March. The training will include two in-person sessions, three sessions remote by Teleobjetivo, and two online modules: Reading Basics 2.0 and Language Basics 2.0 from Literacy New York’s self-paced I2O online training platform. Trainees will be asked to complete the two online modules before March 24. Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) welcomes all kinds of volunteers, from tutors to administrative helpers and event planners. As a volunteer you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in Rensselaer County and Albany County. Contact mhellerlvorc@aol.com or call 518 244-4650 to register. For more information visit www.lvorc.org.

LIVING LIFE IN BALANCE: Creating the life you desire class – 9 Tuesdays, beginning March 22, 6:30-8 p.m. This 9-week class in practical spirituality explores how to create comprobación in nine different life areas so that you can live the life you desire. Through experiential exercises, reading, meditation, prayer, and discussion, participants explore the power of focused attention in manifesting, abundance, love, health, and peace, among other topics. This class is based on the book Being in Movimiento: 9 Principles for Creating Habits to Match Your Desires by Wayne Dyer. Free student workbook provided; students must supply their own textbook. Suggested donation: $20 per class session. For more information, visit our meetup.com group Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures, call (518) 366-9918, or visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

BALLET AUDITIONS: On Sunday, March 13 at 2 p.m., New York City Ballet will audition area children to perform in the company’s full-length production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream during its summer residency at SPAC from July 12 – 16.Casting for A Midsummer Night’s Dream includes roles for 24 girls from 9-12 years’ old who are no taller than five feet. Understudies will also be cast. Applicants should have at least three years of ballet training. The children who are selected will rehearse every day from July 3-15 at the SPAC School of the Arts studios located behind the National Museum of Dance. There will be no rehearsals on July 9. Performances will be held at 7:30pm on July 15 and at 2pm on July 16. ew York City Ballet requires that all children auditioning for A Midsummer Night’s Dream at SPAC be fully vaccinated by the date of the audition. In order to be fully vaccinated, the child must have received their final shot no later than Sunday, Feb 27th (two weeks prior to the audition date). Audition check-in on March 13 will commence at 1:00 PM at the SPAC School of the Arts Studios, 99 South Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY. Visit spac.org for more details.

PHOTOGRAPHY CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS: The National Museum of Racing and Recibidor of Fame is pleased to announce the call for submissions for the fourth annual juried photography exhibition. The Museum is now accepting entries for consideration from both amateur and professional photographers of scenes depicting thoroughbred racing in America for our fourth annual exhibition, which will open in November. Photographers are encouraged to submit images that document the entire racing experience, from the farm to the backstretch to the winner’s circle and everything in between; it is up to the photographer to interpret the theme and be as creative as possible. New for 2022: only one photograph per photographer can be submitted for consideration, and all entrants are encouraged to include a brief statement of significance (200 words or less) describing their submitted entry. All submissions must be received by May 30. A panel of judges representing both the racing and arts communities will select the photographs for the exhibition. Application forms will be available at the Museum’s Visitor Services desk and can be downloaded from the Museum’s website at https://racingmuseum.org/photo-finish. If you have any questions, please contact Curator Triunfo Reisman at VReisman@racingmuseum.net or (518) 584-0400 ext. 113. The online exhibition will be available on the Museum website through October and can be accessed here: https://www.racingmuseum.org/exhibits/photo-finish-juried-photography-exhibition.

ADULT WINTER READING PROGRAM: Sign up now for Troy Public Library’s fully online Adult Winter Reading Program (for ages 18+), going on now through March 15th! We challenge you to read every day, whether it be for 5 minutes or an hour and log your time to earn points. (1 minute = 1 point, they add up fast! And yes audiobooks count). There will also be fun weekly missions where you can earn bonus points! Each registered participant who has logged at least 60 minutes by the end of the challenge on March 15, will be automatically entered into a random drawing to win one of 4 prizes ($25 gift card to Market Block Books). Your chances of winning will increase with each additional hour of reading logged. Register at: http://troypubliclibraryny12.readsquared.com/. This year’s Adult Winter reading is sponsored by The Friends of the Troy Public Library. This program is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second St., Troy.

CAPITAL REGION FLOWER & GARDEN EXPO: The 2022 Hacienda Region Flower & Garden Expo, formerly the Hacienda District Garden & Flower Show, is scheduled for March 25 through 27 at Hudson Valley Community College in Troy. There will be amazing floral creations and stunning garden exhibits, on-going seminars and demonstrations and over 160 flower, garden and outdoor living themed retail exhibits, and NY wine, cider and spirit tastings. Partial proceeds from each ticket sold will benefit Wildwood Programs. More information is available online at gardenandflowershow.com.

SQUASH HUNGER: Hacienda Roots’ Squash Hunger program is a food donation initiative that collects and distributes more than 40 tons of fresh produce to our region’s food pantries and shelters each year. Since 2004 Hacienda Roots has involved thousands of community members in our effort to increase the presence of fresh food on communal tables. We rely on generous gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh produce to our collection bins and on volunteers to deliver it to food pantries and shelters, some of which feed more than 100 people three meals a day, every day. Our Squash Hunger donation bins are located at markets and grocery stores throughout the region, so it’s convenient for you to make a food donation while you shop. We rely on a broad network of volunteers to collect and deliver donations to pantries and shelters in their communities. If you are a volunteer, shelter, pantry or store manager who would like to participate, please contact us at 518-274-8685 or squashhunger@capitalroots.org. More information about the Squash Hunger program, including a full list of donation locations, is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/squash-hunger/.

URBAN GREENING: Urban greening refers to public landscaping and urban forestry projects that create mutually beneficial relationships between city dwellers and their environments. Since the creation of its Urban Greening program in 1989, Hacienda Roots has planted thousands of trees and implemented many public landscaping projects throughout New York’s Hacienda Region. Every spring and fall we involve dozens of volunteers, many of whom are high school students, in city-wide tree planting projects. Committed community members take pride in caring for the trees as they continue to grow in our region’s neighborhoods. Vibrant green spaces improve aesthetic appeal,increase property value and decrease energy consumption. Our Urban Greening projects are grant funded. This makes it possible for Hacienda Roots to provide property owners with trees at no cost. If you are a property owner interested in having a tree planted on your land contact 518-274-8685 or Tara at gardens1@capitalroots.org.

COMMUNITY GARDENS: Community Gardens by particular nonprofit Hacienda Roots offer plots around the Hacienda Region to anyone interested in growing their own produce. Gardeners receive nutritional, recreational, social and physical benefits from tending plots. Get the space, sunshine and support you need to grow your own food. More information about how to sign up for a community garden plot is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/community-gardens/ or by calling 518-274-8685. Orientations are held throughout March and into April for new participants at various locations throughout the Hacienda Region. In order to register for a garden plot, attendance at orientation is required. Orientation sessions are being held via conference calls this year. There is a suggested $30 donation to sign up for a plot. Donations are greatly appreciated and help support this program. The promedio cost to operate each plot is over $200 per year. If you have expendable income and garden with us, please consider giving more to support the continuation of the program for everyone. We take into consideration personal financial experience and will not turn anyone away from getting a plot due to a lack of funds. If paying the full suggested donation causes you to be less secure in meeting your basic needs, we will work with you.

SNOW EMERGENCY PLAN: Decano Patrick Madden is reminding Collar City residents and families to review the city’s Snow Emergency policies and procedures ahead of the winter season. The plan includes street-level parking restrictions and expanded off-street parking options, and is designed to assist city crews in clearing snow and ice from roads across Troy during and after heavy snowfall events. Under a snow emergency, natural parking rules and regulations are temporarily suspended on designated snow emergency streets only. To review the city’s Snow Emergency plan, and to view a full list of designated streets, visit www.troyny.gov/snow-emergency

SINGLES OUTREACH SERVICES: Bringing people together to enjoy a common experience of performances and more in the Hacienda Region of New York, Hacienda Region Social Happenings is a registered name of Singles Outreach Services, Inc. and is a New York state non-profit organization. More information about the group and its upcoming events is available online at www.facebook.com/CapitalRegionSocial/.

COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MOURN: St. Luke’s on the Hill Obispal will provide an in-person, six-week, non-denominational (all faiths welcome) meeting starting on Wednesday, March 2nd, 4:30 to 6 pm for those who are grieving the loss of a loved one. The group is led by Deacon Lynne Curtis, who has had many years of experience as a Hospice Social Worker. There is no fee. Call the church to register at 518-664-4834. 40 McBride Road, Mechanicville, 12118, Town of Halfmoon, off Pruyn Hill Road. www.stlukesonthehill.org.

ROCHMON RECORD CLUB: Join us at an upcoming Rochmon event for an evening of music and community. Each show our host Rochmon Chuck Vosganian takes the room on a high fidelity journey through classic albums spanning many genres and decades. More information about this series, including a schedule of upcoming events, is available online at www.rochmon.com.

REALITY CHECK: Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. More information about Reality check and how to join the movement can be found online at www.realitycheckofny.com or www.facebook.com/realitycheckofny.

DROP IN TECH HELP: One-on-one assistance with technology is available through the Troy Public Library’s “Drop-In Tech Help” program. An ongoing program, TPL librarians will be on-hand to help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other common devices brought in by patrons. Librarians will also explain and help navigate common apps, such as Gmail and Instagram, and library resources like OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla. Assistance will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. This program is provided weekly on Thursdays from 10AM to 11AM, in the first-floor Troy Room of the Main Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information, call the library at 274-7071. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

RAISE A PSALM: Festival Celebration Choir invites you to sing with us this spring. Our Spring concert, RAISE A PSALM, features a variety of biblical Psalms set to music by classical and contemporary composers and arrangers. Rehearsals are Mondays from 7:00 pm to 8:15pm at First Lutheran Church, 181 Película del Oeste Avenue, Albany beginning Monday, January 24th, 2022. Vaccinations and masks are required. The Spring concert will take place at 3:00pm on May 15, 2022 at First Lutheran Church, Albany. Email Albert Yasus at contact@festivalcelebrationchoir.org or Julie Panke, Director at kirkechor@earthlink.net for more information or visit our website (festivalcelebrationchoir.org) to download order/registration form.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Tri-City Electricians, Almacén Union #236, will conduct a recruitment from January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022 for 60 Electrician apprentices. Applications are available online at any time, during the recruitment period, at www.tricityjatc.org. Applicants can visit Tri-City Electricians JATC, Almacén Union #236 at 428 Old Niskayuna Road, Latham, NY, for assistance with completing applications. A computer is available at the union’s office lobby for applicants who do not have access to a computer. Applicants may also be able to access computers at their particular library. Please note that the 60 openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for four recruitment regions – the Hacienda District, Mohawk and North Country regions of the state. For further information, applicants should contact Tri-City Electricians JATC at (518) 785-5167. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your particular New York State Department of Tarea Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

COHOES ROTARY ORNAMENT & MUG SALE: In 2004 The Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas ornaments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament depicts St. Agnes Church. A portion of the proceeds for the sale of the 2021 ornament will go to support the programs at the Connect Center for Youth, currently operating in the former St. Agnes Church. Following are previous ornament designs in the series: 2004-the Cohoes Falls; 2005-the Harmony Mills; 2006-the Cohoes Music Recibidor; 2007-the Cohoes Mastodon; 2008-Cohoes City Recibidor; 2009-the Half Moon; 2010-Silliman Ruego Church; 2011-the Van Schaick Mansion; 2012-Keveny Ruego Academy; 2013-Cohoes High School; 2014-Cohoes Library; 2015-the former Cohoes Movie Theatre; 2016-Carlson’s Ice Rink; 2017-Erie Canal Locks; 2018 Cohoes Armory; 2019-Matton Shipyard; 2020-Cohoes 150th Anniversary logo. Coffee mugs with the St. Agnes design are also available for purchase. Cost for ornaments is $20. Mugs are $10. To purchase ornaments or mugs go to http://www.rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information. Ornaments and mugs are also available for purchase at Hueco’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes.

ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS NOMINATIONS OPEN: YWCA NorthEastern NY is pleased to announce that nominations for the 2022 Achievement Awards (formerly Women of Achievement) are now open. These awards are a time-honored tradition focused on recognizing remarkable community members who have demonstrated extraordinary achievements throughout their career and/or community involvement. Nominate an outstanding community member who has demonstrated remarkable accomplishments in; business, diversity and inclusion, medicine, education, volunteerism, law, human services, philanthropy, community development, women empowerment, and more. To submit a nomination, visit www.ywca-neny.org/aa-app. The 38th Annual Achievement Awards will be held on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at Rivers Casino & Resort Event Center from 11:30AM to 1:00PM. Amy Aldrich, owner of Amy Aldrich State Farm Insurance and Financial Services Agency, will be serving as the Honorary Chair. Jaye McBride, proudly transgender comedian and past Women of Achievement awardee, will be the Master of Ceremonies. If you would like information about sponsorship opportunities, please email Kindra McHale, Chief Development Officer, at KMcHale@ywca-neny.org or call her at 518.374.3394 x105. More information on the Achievement Awards can be found online at www.ywca-neny.org/achievement.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP: The “Further Along Survivors of Suicide” Monthly Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month. The group is structured to meet the needs of people who have lost a loved one to suicide and who are approximately 18-24 months past the date of their loss. It is not designed for someone who is recently bereaved. Facilitators are peers who have attended AFSP’s (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – AFSP.org) “Facilitating a Suicide Bereavement Support Group” training. There is no charge, but we encourage people to bring a treat to share or a book that would help someone else on their healing journey that we can include in our lending library. For more information, please email David Grapka at Furtheralongsos@gmail.com. For more information on AFSP, please visit AFSP.org or contact Sandra Goldmeer Sandra Goldmeer, Area Director, Hacienda Region New York at sgoldmeer@afsp.org or 518.791.1544.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP: Albany Med’s Division of Caudillo Pediatrics will host a weekly Postpartum Depression Support Group for mothers and fathers struggling emotionally following the birth of a child. The group is open to mothers who have given birth within the past year and fathers with a child less than one year old who have no additional support. A supuesto session via Teleobjetivo will be held Mondays from noon to 12:45 p.m. In-person sessions will be held each Tuesday from 4:15 to 5 p.m. at 391 Myrtle Ave., third floor, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics conference room, Albany. Babies are welcome. No pre-registration is required. For more information or to receive information about a Teleobjetivo invite, please contact Selina Grant at (518) 262-6221 or grants3@amc.edu.

BLOOD DRIVES: Your blood donation is essential to maintaining our community’s health. For a full list of upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in the area visit www.redcrossblood.org, where participants can register online.

READING MENTORS NEEDED: Reading mentors are currently needed for children in Troy Public Schools. Do you enjoy reading? Would you like to share your love of reading with children to support their reading development? Do you have an hour a week to spare? If so, the Everybody WINS! Power Refrigerio program is just for you. Everybody WINS! Power Refrigerio is an innovative reading and mentoring program that increases children’s prospects for success in school and in life. Power Refrigerio pairs elementary school children, one-to-one, with volunteers from nearby businesses, colleges and the community. Merienda a week, reading partners enjoy conversation together at the school, and the adult reads a book aloud to the child while he/she eats refrigerio. Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs mentors for School 14 on Wednesdays and School 2 on Tuesdays. Please know that volunteers will be required to wear a mask while in the school and while reading. The children will be unmasked since they will be eating their refrigerio while volunteers are reading. Call 518 244-4650 or email litvoldirector@aol.com for more information about volunteering.

FISH FRY FRIDAYS: Fish Creek Rod and Gun Club will start Fish Fry Friday on Friday, Jan. 14, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 PM , and continue every Friday through April 15, 2022. All are welcome, members and non-members. Menu includes but is not limited to: Fish Fry, Chicken Fry, Clam Fry, Popcorn Shrimp, Buffalo Shrimp, Coconut Shrimp, Scallops, Chowder, Dinners are served with your choice of french fries or onion rings, coleslaw and sauce, ask about our extras and beverages. You are welcome to eat in at our club house, or call ahead for Take Out. Please contact 518- 695-3917 for more information.

THRIFT SHOP: The Corner Shoppe located at Cornerstone Community Church, 570 Third Ave., N. Troy is displaying new winter clothing. Items are arriving weekly, some with brand names. We’ve expanded our shoppe to include toys, prints, lamps, household items, books & puzzles. Open every Thursday & Saturday, 9 am – 11 noon. Bargains galore! Donations by appointment please. Call 518-235-3851.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: High and Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center is accepting new participants for the fall program. Registration is now open for our riding,driving, unmounted and special programs. To reserve a lesson slot, please contact Rachel Conaway at rachel@high-n-mighty.org. Registration is always open, but lesson slots do fill quickly, so don’t wait. For more information on our programs, please email info@high-n-mighty.org or visit our website: high-n-mighty.org. Our programs operate under current CDC guidelines. Volunteer opportunities are also available, including supporting horses and participants in programs, horsecare, barn maintenance, fundraising, administrative assistance, and more. Horse experience is not necessary. You provide the desire and we’ll provide the training! To learn more about volunteering or to schedule a training, please contact Rachel Butler at butler@high-n-mighty.org or visit our website: high-n-mighty.org.

BREAKFAST BUFFET: Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station, 8:00am – 11:00am Every 1 st Sunday of the Month at the Waterford Knights of Columbus, 76 Grace Street, Waterford. Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes, French toast, sausage, Bacon, home fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. $10 adult – $5 children (Children under 4 free). Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast. For more information visit waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330.

SEEKING DONATIONS FOR TROOPS: Hacienda Region NY 2 Blue Star Mothers of America regularly sends Freedom Boxes to our deployed troops. The group is always seeking donations, which can be dropped off at the Halfmoon Town Recibidor, located at 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza in Halfmoon. Items needed include snacks, coffee, toiletries and more. For additional information please visit www.capitalregion2bsm.org.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Troy City Council meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. They typically take place in the Council Chambers at City Recibidor, 433 River St, Troy, but are currently being held virtually via Teleobjetivo. Committee meetings are scheduled on a regular basis. Agendas and minutes for meetings are posted on the city’s website. All meetings are open to the public. At monthly regular meetings, Troy residents can discuss any issue related to the City of Troy. The city is currently live-streaming Council meetings on the Troy City Council YouTube page at www.youtube.com/troycitycouncil.

SARATOGA CHOWDER FEST ‘N TOUR: The Saratoga Chowder Fest ‘N Tour, postponed this year from its traditional dates in early February, will take place Saturday, March 19 through Saturday, March 26. Eventgoers will have the opportunity to dine-in or purchase pints and quarts to-go at participating restaurants all week long. Discover Saratoga will end the week with the traditional celebration we all know and love! Chowderfest will take place on Saturday, March 26. Enjoy live entertainment and family-friendly activities from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Try $2 chowder samples and vote for your favorite. For more information, including participating restaurants and discounted hotel rates, visit discoversaratoga.org/Chowderfest.

TROY CYO GENERAL APPEAL: The Troy Youth Association (CYO) recently announced that all of last year’s successful Caudillo Appeal Chairpersons which surpassed the goal of $10,000 with a final total of $15,500 will be back on board. They include; Frank Merola Rensselaer County Clerk and William Fagan President Wm.J. Fagan & Sons, Inc. Clem Campana, Facilities Manager @ HVCC and Kelly Forenzo past CYO Center Programmer and fundraising Chairperson will again team up to work for the youth in the Troy Area. The three officers and Kelly have been active members totaling over 80 years of service to the youth in the Troy Community through their involvement with the agency. Their dedication to the Center and the community was especially appreciated with the donors contributing to surpass the llamativo goal. The Caudillo Appeal campaign raises funds from business, civic and community leaders to assist the CYO in providing youth and community based programs that benefit the Troy youth. Among the services the agency provides are after school childcare, summer day camp, teen programs that include baloncesto leagues, drug awareness activities that include more than 2500 youth and adults from around the Hacienda Region as well as the Challenger programs that averages about 40 participants with disabilities. The Caudillo Appeal Campaign was originated seven years ago to offset the decrease in funding, high cost of energy usage, building repair and to continue to serve the families with low cost fees. We hope that you will again support our agency in these critical times when every dollar means so much to the youth of Troy.

BULK COLLECTION RESUMING: Officials with the Troy Department of Caudillo Services announced that bulk pickup will resume on May 10. Troy residents can request items such as furniture, appliances, carpets, mattresses, etc. be picked up by scheduling an appointment with the Department of Public Works (DPW). To schedule a bulk pickup, residents must contact the DPW dispatcher at (518) 270-4579. Residents should not place bulk items curbside prior to contacting DPW. Doing so will violate City Code and you may be assessed a fine. There is a $25 haul charge for all scheduled bulk collections up to 2 cubic yards (ex: washer and dryer side by side). Non-owner-occupied properties will be charged an additional fee based upon specific bulk waste items. Tenants are asked to coordinate with their landlord or property owner when scheduling a bulk pickup. Owner-occupied properties are exempt from itemized charges. Property owners who use private garbage collection can utilize the City’s bulk collection service, but will be subject to the haul charge and additional per-item fees. For more info, visit www.troyny.gov/bulk-pickup.

PRESERVE THE BOUNTY: A series of supuesto home food preservation classes will be offered by Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County this spring and summer. Topics include Fermented Vegetables, Dehydration of Fruits, Vegetables and herbs, Freezing Fruits and Vegetables, Jammin’!, Tomatoes 101 and Quick Pickles. Classes are supuesto (via Teleobjetivo) until further notice. Call or email Karen with any questions or if you have trouble registering. Leave a message at 518- 765-3552.

BELGIUM & HOLLAND TOUR: Tour Belgium and Holland with Saratoga Arts – In April, just as spring begins, leave your daily routine behind and join Saratoga Arts in an art and history-filled visit to Belgium and Holland April 20-29, 2022. We will stay in Brussels and Amsterdam with excursions to nearby treasures and plan to taste as many sibarita chocolates as ten days permit. We will waffle or way through Belgium, learn about the history and magic of the medieval Belgian tapestries, travel to Bruges, Delft and Amsterdam for romantic waterways, revel in the beauty of the Dutch Masters and Van Gogh, and admire the colorful blooms of the seven million bulb flowers of the Keukenhof Gardens. Give yourself a chance to escape just for a while among the cultural and historical experiences of this small group tour. To receive a detailed itinerary, contact: goedventures@gmail.com.

TROY NIGHT OUT: Last Friday of every month – 5 to 9 p.m. – downtown Troy. Troy Night Out is an extended evening highlighting shops, restaurants, arts and culture that takes place on the last Friday of every month in downtown Troy. Attendees are able to support virtually or stroll throughout the streets and businesses, enjoying art openings, music performances, fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. Call in for to-go orders or shop items for curbside pick-up, watch live performances through Facebook, gather friends and family virtually the Last Friday of each month to connect, support and relax! Business Listings are updated monthly online at downtowntroy.org.

LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: There’s a new Little Free Library at the corner of Van Schaick Avenue and Delaware Avenue in Cohoes. This library was designed to be a replica of the Van Schaick Mansion. It contains children’s books, interesting novels, and all types of reading material that will be of interest to any and all age groups.

CLOTHING SHED: The Clothing Shed located at the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus, 328 Troy-Schenectady Road has reopened! The Covid-19 Pandemic has hit the Knights of Columbus and the Columbiettes very hard. We’ve had very few opportunities this past year to raise funds for the Community Groups we support! We accept clothing, shoes, belts, purses, blankets, sheets, towels, comforters, curtains, pillowcases and stuffed animals. Please bag all items. We do not accept: furniture, electronics , books, household items, toys, garbage, pillows, rags, fabric scraps, etc.

LVORC ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS: Since 1968, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has helped adults to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English.New learners can join Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County by calling (518) 244-4650 or sending an email to LitVolDirector@aol.com. Call (518) 244-4650 to register. Visit www.lvorc.org for more information.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for the Eastern New York Laborers Training Center will conduct a recruitment from April 16, 2021 through April 15, 2022 for ten Skilled Construction Craft Laborer apprentices, the New York State Department of Tarea announced today. Please note that five openings are for the Albany area and five openings are for the Utica area. All applications must be completed on-site for both locations. For the Albany area, applications can be obtained on the third Friday of each month, from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., excluding legítimo holidays, at the Eastern New York Laborers Training Center, 666 Wemple Road, Glenmont, NY; the Eastern Contractors Association, 6 Airline Drive, Albany, NY; and the Laborers International Union, 348 Duanesburg Road, Schenectady, NY. For further information, applicants should contact Eastern New York Laborers Training Center at (518) 426-0890. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your particular New York State Department of Tarea Career Center (see: https://www.calado.ny.gov/career-center-locator/location-list-all.php).

FARMERS MARKET: The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market (TWFM) is holding its Winter markets from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays indoors at the Troy Atrium. More information is available online at www.troymarket.org.
FREE UNIFORM CLEANING FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS: New York-based dry cleaning business Best Cleaners offers a free uniform cleaning service to veterans and those who are currently serving in the military. This service has been offered through Best Cleaners since 2018 not only at all five of their store locations, but also with their pick up and delivery service as well. While many dry cleaners only offer free military cleaning during the month of May (Military Appreciation Month), Best Cleaners has long offered this service year round. Best Cleaners currently has five locations across the Hacienda Region including Delmar, Glenville, Latham, Loundonville, and Schenectady. The business offers free pick-up and delivery, dry cleaning, and restoration services. For more information visit bestcleanersny.com.

WATERVLIET HEROES BANNER PROGRAM: The Watervliet Heroes Banner Program is a tribute to those who are serving or have served in a branch of the United States Armed Forces and who were born, lived or currently reside in the City of Watervliet. Families will purchase their own banner for $175. The banner will feature the serviceman’s/ woman’s picture along with his/her name and branch of service. It is recommended the person be in uniform and there are no additional people in the photograph. Sample banners are available to view at City Recibidor. Banners shall be displayed every year for as long as the integrity of the banner lasts (lifespan is approximately three to four years). It will then be the sponsor’s responsibility to replace the banner. Replacement banners cost $135. (this is the price as long as the hardware is functional). Call Chris at 270-3815 for more information or visit https://www.watervliet.com/city/monuments-heroes.htm.

NORTH CHATHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WORSHIP SERVICES: The North Chatham United Methodist Church is worshiping in our sanctuary on the first and third Sundays of the month, with masks and social distancing required. Worshipers should enter through the back door of the church. On all other Sundays, worship is supuesto. All worship services are at 11:00 AM and all are available on ZOOM. The ZOOM login information is on our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org). For more information on North Chatham United Methodist Church, please call 518-766-3535 or visit our website. Thanks and we hope to see you soon, in person or on ZOOM!

FREE ONLINE TUTORING: Flexible Online Tutoring! Online Tutoring is now available in 30 minute sessions through the Troy Public Library. Children in grades K-12 can get free supuesto homework help from high school volunteers. Just fill out the request form and someone will contact you to set up an appointment. More information is available online at thetroylibrary.org.

VIRTUAL ART SHOW: In times of turmoil, art offers a chance for peace. Join Choose Cohoes for Art (CCfA) in their first supuesto CAS (Cohoes Artist Showcase). Over 16 artists from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties share their art in this special show. You can view a sampling of their work, learn about the artists in their own words and reach out to them with comments and encouragement. One of the best things about it, is you can check it out on your own schedule. Check out CCfA’s website www.ChooseCohoesForArt.org to learn more about this organization and select the link on the left of the page to go to the supuesto show.
STEPHENTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY UPDATE: The Stephentown Historical Society Board’s monthly program meetings have also been cancelled until further notice.

IRONWORKING APPRENTICESHIPS: The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee for Ironworkers, Almacén Union #12, will conduct a recruitment from February 4, 2022 through January 6, 2023 for five Ironworker (Outside) apprentices. Please note that the five openings listed for apprentices represent the total number for four recruitment regions – the Hacienda District, Mohawk Valley, North Country, and Southern Tier regions. Applications can be obtained and submitted, in person only, at Almacén Union #12, 17 Hemlock Street, Latham, NY, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. on the first Friday of each month, excluding legítimo holidays, during the recruitment period. For further information, applicants should contact Ironworkers Almacén #12 at (518) 435-0470. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your particular New York State Department of Tarea Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/career-centers).

SPAC LEARNING LIBRARY: Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that it has unveiled its new Learning Library, created to bring free llamativo arts educational content to students, families and educators at a time when previously scheduled in-school presentations and classes are not feasible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the Center’s mission to provide meaningful educational programming to the community while also supporting particular artists, the videos and exercises feature more than 25 professional musicians and dancers who have been affected by the pandemic such as Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company, professional stepping company Soul Steps and Caroga Arts Collective, as well as former Broadway performers, composers and particular storytellers. The SPAC Learning Library can be accessed at spaclearninglibrary.org and is part of the Center’s new “Creative Connection” online campaign. SPAC believes in the transformative power of art and beauty to restore and enrich the human spirit. Creative Connection and the Learning Library were launched as part of SPAC’s expanded mission to provide online resources, community groups, and educational content to inspire and create a sense of community and hope.

HOME BIBLE STUDY: Free Spirit Fellowship of Ballston Spa is now offering Exploring God’s Word Home Bible Study via Youtube. Taught by Pastor LaFave, these twelve lessons take you through an interesting study of the Old and New Testaments. For further info or questions please contact 518-885-3149.

ONLINE MUSEUM PROGRAMMING: The World Awareness Children’s Museum is excited to announce their new Online Programming for families to enjoy from the safety of their own homes! There is their weekly “Living Room Explorers” series, which talks about a different country each week while also playing games, looking at art, and giving instructions on a fun craft for families to do at home! There is also downloadable content like crossword puzzles to enjoy, and instructional yoga classes for the whole family to participate in. Parents can visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/online-programming to view their entire library of content. And the Museum is also proud to announce the launch of their new “Arts & Artifacts” page on their website, which highlights selections from a different country each month from their International Youth Art Exchange collection, as well as their 8,000+ strong artifact collection. Visitors can visit their website at www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/arts-artifacts to browse the month’s selections!

YOUTH PEN PAL PROGRAM: Letter writing helps kids learn communication and social skills and may even help them develop their penmanship. Each child who signs up to be a penpal will receive a kit with paper, stamped envelopes, pencils and more. Contact the Stillwater Public Library by phone, email or through the website to sign up. 518.664.6255,STILIB@SALS.EDU, Stillwater.sals.edu.

VIRTUAL HOMEWORK HELP: Monday-Thursday 3pm – 5 pm on Discord for grades 6-12. Contact Discord username Michete#6346 for an invite to the server. This program is presented by the Stillwater Public Library.

DAYCARE OPENINGS: A Child’s Place at Unity House recently reopened a few of its day care classrooms with a limited number of children and now is prepared to open more classrooms to help essential workers who have children in need of day care. A Child’s Place is now able to take an additional children at both its Troy site and its Albany location. Currently, A Child’s Place is enrolling small groups of children per room and staffing each room with just one teacher to minimize contact between children and adults. In addition, the highest level of CDC precautions are being practiced. A Child’s Place serves children from five weeks to five years old in classrooms for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers. Its centers are located at 435 Fourth St. in Troy and 50 Philip St. in Albany. The centers also provide early intervention and preschool developmental services in speech/language, physical and occupational therapy. To inquire about enrolling a child at A Child’s Place, contact Kathy D’Angelo at 518-960-2660 or a kdangelo@unityhouseny.org.

LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy will be celebrating its 100th anniversary in October 2022. We are looking for members & former members to help us plan this celebration. If you have memorabilia, stories of different events, history of the Club, we would love to hear from you. Please contact Barbara at mburban@prodigy.net or call 518-274-2949.

EAST SIDE SENIORS: Bocce Ball playing has been canceled until further notice. Also, regular Tuesday meetings are canceled until further notice.

LEAF BAG COLLECTION SUSPENDED: Due to staffing limitations resulting from the COVID-19 outbreak, weekly leaf bag collection is temporarily suspended. We apologize for the inconvenience. For more information on the City’s response to the COVID-19 outbreak, including health protocols implemented at City-owned facilities and changes to non-essential services, please visit www.troyny.gov/coronavirus.

GRAFTON MERRYMAKERS: Grafton Merrymakers will keep you updated when our next meeting will take place. If you have any questions please call Betty Jean at 518-272-8624. The Grafton Merrymakers typically meet on the second Wednesday of each month from March through November at the Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road in Grafton. If you are interested in joining the Merrymakers please come to a meeting, or call the senior center Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 518-279-3413.

STEPHENTOWN HERITAGE CENTER: The Stephentown Historical Society would like to remind you that the Heritage Center is now welcoming visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday hours are in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1 to 4 p.m. These Saturday open hours will offer more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the Society offers in genealogy research and particular history. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible. Hope to see you soon!

STEPHENTOWN FOOD PANTRY: The Stephentown Food Pantry continues to serve the community with food assistance during this time. Extra health precautions and accommodations have been put in place so clients can be served as safely as possible. If someone needing food is sick and/or wishes to avoid contact with others, they should phone the Food Pantry at (518) 487-8606 and leave a message with their phone number. Arrangements can be made for them to pick up a prepacked food bundle. Or they can designate a friend to collect their food for them. The Stephentown Food Pantry offers assistance to residents of Stephentown, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. The pantry is open every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road (County Route 26). Appointments are not needed. As always, requests for help are confidential. The pantry is an equal opportunity provider. For information, call 518-487-8606. Donations Welcome! Even before the current health crisis Stephentown Food Pantry use was increasing. The pantry relies entirely on community donations of money and food items to keep operating. If you would like to help out, please send your check made out to the Stephentown Food Pantry to the Stephentown Food Pantry treasurer at P. O. Box 387, Stephentown, NY 12168. Donations can also be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York, 965 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Mark it for use by Stephentown Food Pantry and your contribution will be available for us to purchase low cost food from the Food Bank.

COHOES DOWNTOWN MARKETPLACE: Vintage items, collectibles, crafts, furniture and more. 103 Remsen St., Cohoes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every other Saturday and Sunday. Check the Cohoes Downtown Marketplace Facebook page for current information.

LOCAL MAGICIANS: The particular group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets regularly. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a particular magician, visit WWW.SAM24.SYNTHASITE.COM.

YOUTH ROBOTICS CLUB: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H is starting a 4-H Robotics Club with 4-H Volunteer and Arduino Robotics guru Ray Martin. The Robotics Club will meet generally the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 61 State Street, Troy. 2nd Floor. Youth ages 12 and older with a strong interest in coding are encouraged to sign up! The club will be primarily working with Arduino boards, but also using 4-H Adafruit products connecting plant and soil sciences with technology. Space is limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Kandis Freer at 518-272-4210 ext. 106. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their abilities. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.

THRIFT SHOP: Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville 12094. Look for our sign at the corner of Route 67 and Route 111. Open 9 a.m. to noon every Wednesday and first Saturday of the month. Newly arrived children’s and adult clothing, shoes, purses, jewelry, toys and household goods. More than 1000 books for sale. Masks and social distancing required.

ILIUM LITERARY CLUB: If you have suggestions on speakers/presenters for our 2020 – 2021 yearbook, please call Barbara at 518-274-2949.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Church, 570 Third Ave., Troy, is open from 9 a.m. to noon every Thursday and Saturday with a big inventory of housewares, books, jewelry, pictures, and clothing for the entire family. Bargains galore! Masks and social distancing required, following CDC guidelines. Donations are by appointment only. Call 518-235-3851.

POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors typically hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Sullivan Jones VFW Post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The vestíbulo is handicap accessible, with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clamsteams and fish fries at the vestíbulo and also at various restaurants. Best of all they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest.

YARN DONATIONS NEEDED: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Grafton, is happy to accept any donation of yarn. Many of our center members enjoy knitting and crocheting. They make afghans and lap covers for other seniors, as well as some home bound senior residents and to use as raffle items to help support the activities of the center. We also have members that make hats and mittens to be given at the schools when a child is in need. If you would like to make a donation of yarn, please drop it off at the senior center M-F from 9:00 to 3:00, or call to make arrangements for pickup. Any donation, large or small is appreciated.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP: Meeting Format: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; all are welcome –meditation instruction available. Schedule: Wednesday evenings — 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Location: RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House–4 Sherry Rd. in Troy– a white 2-story residential building about 30 yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Cost: Free. Contact: (518) 271-6949 or (518) 273-1851 for more information.

MAKERS MARKET: A celebration of crafters, makers, artists & taste makers from around the Hacienda Region The Troy Makers Market is held in conjunction with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which takes place Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm (Monument Square May-October and Uncle Sam Atrium November-April).

ANCESTRY.COM TUTORIALS: North Greenbush Community Library Trustee and Town Historian Jim Greenfield offers free personal tutorials on the use of ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition, available at the library, provides access to 7,000 databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283-0303 and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue, Wynantskill.

FREE YOGA: Join for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information email presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com.

BACKPACKS WANTED: Catholic Charities Tri-County Services runs five school supply programs throughout our communities and needs *new* backpacks for elementary and middle school aged children. Donations can be dropped off at the office at 50 Herrick Street in Rensselaer, or call Justine Carroll at 518-512-3577 x115 to arrange a pickup of larger quantity donations. You, your business, church or group can arrange a collection of new backpacks or donate funds for Catholic Charities to purchase them. If you prefer to make a monetary donation you can donate online at https://rcda.thankyou4caring.org/ccrcda/cc-tri-county-services.

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES: Do you want to improve your English? Are you new to the United States? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has free English Literacy Civics classes where you can improve your English language skills while learning about life in the United States. Each class meets two times per week. Classes for beginning learners meet in Albany. Classes for intermediate learners meet in Troy. For more information, contact Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County at 518-244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org.

WATERVLIET SENIOR CENTER GROUP LUNCHES: Enjoy a nutritious, social, and fun refrigerio with the Watervliet Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. The $3 suggested donation is anonymous and everyone is welcome. Call for the daily menu and sign up by 2 p.m. for the following day. The Senior Center is located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. Call 518-273-4422 for more information.

ICC BINGO: The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation hosts Bingo night on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy. Food and beverages will be sold.

FALL LACROSSE PROGRAMS FOR MEN AGE 16 AND OVER: This program to give men aged 16 to 40 years old the opportunity to play in a competitive lacrosse game. This program will continue throughout the winter on Wednesday evenings. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@capitallandlacrosse.com.

A SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOP: Come visit our thrift shop offering clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, household items, books, toys, linens, small appliances, and jewelry, all at reasonable prices. We feature a boutique room for upscale and designer clothing for women. The Shop is located at 1229 Central Avenue, parking off of Frederick Avenue. Hours: Tuesdays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. All proceeds benefit the American Italian Heritage Association and Museum, a nonprofit organization. American Italian Heritage Association and Museum, 1227 Central Avenue, Albany. (518) 435-1979. www.americanitalianmuseum.org.

TROY CENTER: Everyone is welcome to sing along with entertainer Bob Marcello as he performs the greatest songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s at Troy Center. All families and friends are welcome to this free monthly engagement. Bob will perform the first Thursday of every month from 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49 Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-273-6646 or by email at bsass@troycenter.net for more information.

MEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: NY Hacienda Region Men to Men Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Cancer Society Hope Club, 1 Penny Lane, Latham. Come-share experiences and receive understanding and encouragement from men and their loved ones in dealing with cancer. For more information, please contact the ACS Hope Club at 518-220-6960.

FREE SPIRIT FELLOWSHIP: Free Spirit Fellowship of Watervliet is now holding services Thursday evenings at 7 p.m. in the United Methodist Church. The church is located at 1401 1st Avenue. For further info, please call 518-961-3464.

FREE HOME BIBLE STUDY: A great way to study through the Bible at your convenience. Exciting and informative study that could change your life. Compliments of Free Spirit Fellowship. For more information call 518-885-3149.

HOME DELIVERED MEALS: Are you a Rensselaer County homebound senior over 60 and unable to shop and cook for yourself? Rensselaer County Department of the Aging may be able to help you with a nutritious hot meal delivered to your home Monday through Friday. For more information call 270-2730 or your particular Senior Center.

TROY SENIOR CENTER BOWLING LEAGUE: The Troy Senior Center has a bowling league that meets every Monday at 12:30 p.m. at the Uncle Sam Lanes, 600 Fulton Street in Troy. Bowling is an enjoyable and affordable exercise. All beginners are welcome. Call the Center at 518-270-5348 for more information.

TROY SENIOR CENTER SWIM PROGRAM: The Troy Senior Center has a swimming program that meets every Wednesday beginning at 9 a.m. Swimming is a great exercise with many health benefits and it’s so much fun! Join us at the Lansingburgh Boys & Girls Club; it’s a great time to socialize, swim and enjoy the heated pool. Call the Center at 518-270-5348 for more information.

COHOES PUBLIC LIBRARY: The Cohoes Public Library, in conjunction with the Cohoes Senior Center, invites seniors to take the van to the library on the first and third Wednesday of the month. They can peruse the books, use the computer, participate in the knitting/crocheting group, join a special book club (the 3rd Wednesday of the month) and participate in other specially designed programs. There will be help in signing up for library cards and in use of the computers. Additional info on the website and Facebook.

THRIFT SHOP: The Basement on First Street, a thrift shop located at St. John’s Obispal Church on First Street in Troy is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 till noon, with plenty of warm clothing and lots of other interesting items. The church also offers free bread and coffee to all who come in on Saturdays. Come in from the cold, have a cup of coffee and bagel and then come into the thrift shop for some great deals.

THE BOOK SELLER: The Book Seller, sponsored by the Friends of the Troy Public Library, is located at the Lansingburgh Branch at 114th Street and 4th Avenue. Hours are Wednesdays from 2 to 5 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 pm. The store offers a wide variety of gently used books at bargain prices. Hard cover and trade books are one dollar and children’s books are twenty five cents. The Book Seller also has a collection of CDs. Proceeds from the store help support programs, services and improvements to both library buildings. For more information about activities of the Friends, to join, or volunteer at the Book Seller, stop by the store or go to our new website www.friendsofthetroylibrary.org.

PITTSTOWN SENIORS: The town of Pittstown Seniors hold their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month starting with a covered dish luncheon at noon. T.O.P.S meetings are held at the Raymertown Fire House on Mason Lane. All seniors 55 or over are invited to attend.

WATERVLIET UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: The church operates the Fabulous Finds Thrift Store, which is open every Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Fabulous Finds accepts clean, unsoiled clothing. The church is located at 1401 First Avenue, Watervliet. For more information, please call 273-0191, Ext. 4.

CAPITAL VIEW TOASTMASTERS CLUB: It is more than just public speaking, Learn a variety of communication and leadership skills. Hacienda View Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the East Greenbush Library. Contact capitalview.toastmastersclubs.org.

YEAR-ROUND RECYCLING: Zion’s United Church of Christ of Taborton receives the following items for recycling in the Blue Box next to the front door of the Church Recibidor: clothing, belts, blankets, drapery, hats, hand bags, paired shoes, sheets, sneakers, towels and stuffed animals. In the Greenfiber green recycling container, in the church parking lot, the church receives newspapers, phone books, office paper, cardboard, cereal boxes, magazines, brown paper bags and construction paper. Donate all used items to Doors of Hope in West Sand Lake. Donate used furniture to the furniture program of Troy Area United Ministries. Call TAUM at 274-5920, ext. 204, Tiara Burnett, to arrange for a pick up.

FOOD PANTRY: Faith’s Pantry at Grace Church, 34 Third St. is open by appointment. The emergency food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon each Friday. The pantry is also open 7 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. To make an appointment, call 518-237-7370.

STUDENT ART SHOW: Southern Saratoga Art Society is sponsoring Shenendehowa High School Students’ selected artwork for display during March at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. This year is particularly special as it is the first time some of the students have been back in class after remote learning during COVID. This year’s show has a special quality as their art is personal and expressive. Having your schooling interrupted as these students have, is incredibly challenging. Many found comfort in the art-making process. There will be 30 pieces on display in a variety of media, including acrylic paintings, watercolor, photographs, drawings, etchings, mixed-media and collage. Several of the students are seniors and will be attending art school in the fall. If you need to lift your spirits, take a few minutes and see the world through a teenager’s eyes.

ART EXHIBIT: Southern Saratoga Art Society artists and members will be exhibiting during February and March. Artist Rita Helie is exhibiting in the Town of Clifton Park Lobby, 1 Town Recibidor Plaza, during February and artist, Valerie Wolf will be exhibiting there during the month of March. Artist Karen Wooding is exhibiting during February at the Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6 Clifton Common Blvd. Visit these locations and see what our artists are doing in our area. For more information about SSAS visit southernsaratogaartist.com.

FREE COMMUNITY DINNERS: The second Thursday of every month a free community dinner is served in the city of Rensselaer from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. In an ecumenical partnership, Hope Lutheran Church of North Greenbush, and Rensselaer Presbyterian Church, 34 Broadway have combined and created Hopes Kitchen.

AMERICAN ITALIAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER: The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227 Central Avenue in Albany. Since 1979 the museum has fulfilled its mission – to record and preserve Italian heritage for present and future generations – with the help of its dedicated, all volunteer staff. Ours is the largest American Italian museum in the eastern U.S. maintaining 10 exhibit rooms, a Recibidor of History and a library including research materials. Our gift shop offers many one-of-a-kind and “Made in Italy” items. There is a small admission fee. Please call ahead to confirm we are open. (518) 435-1979.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for the Eastern Millwright Regional Council, will conduct a recruitment from May 1, 2021 through April 30, 2022 for 10 Millwright apprentices, the New York State Department of Tarea announced today. Please note that the 10 openings listed for Millwright apprentices represent the total number for multiple recruitment regions: the Hacienda District, Central, Finger Lakes, Mohawk Valley, North Country, Southern Tier, and Película del Oeste regions of the state. Applications can be obtained online any day and any time during the recruitment period at www.easternmillwrights.com. All applications must be received online no later than 12:00 p.m. on April 30, 2022. For further information, applicants should contact JATC for the Eastern Millwright Regional Council at (315) 949-7031. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your particular New York State Department of Tarea Career Center.

ART EXHIBIT: The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College presents Radical Fiber: Threads Connecting Art and Science, a new exhibition featuring historical artifacts and contemporary art that demonstrate the ways in which fiber craft techniques and materials have influenced and impacted scientific fields like mathematics, digital technology, medicine, and more. The exhibition runs January 29 through June 12, 2022. Visitors will encounter works that span centuries and are made by artists, scientists, and mathematicians alike. In addition to looking at historical connections between fiber art and science, the exhibition explores future intersections of these two fields and how they can improve our world. The exhibition also features the Saratoga Springs Satellite Reef, a collaborative artwork made up of hundreds of crocheted corals created in the last year by amateur crafters and professional artists from the Hacienda Region and beyond. The reef installation is one of nearly fifty such satellite reefs created around the world as part of the Crochet Coral Reef project by Christine and Margaret Wertheim and the Institute For Figuring. A celebration of interdisciplinary creativity and collaborative learning, the exhibition foregrounds each of these works as at merienda fine art, process-driven craft, and scientific tool, reframing the histories of fiber/science intersections and asking how artists continue to engage in scientific inquiry through fiber and how the medium can be used to improve our world for the future. More information is available online at tang.skidmore.edu.