Upcoming and ongoing events calendar

Area codes are 518unless noted. See more calendar listings at www.troyrecord. com/community. Submit items two weeks in advance to calendar@troyrecord.com.

Upcoming

RUSSELL SAGE POSTER EXHIBIT: ”Humanize, Not Militarize” is a traveling exhibit from the American Friends Service Committee, a Quaker group. The artists’ posters examine the impact of militarism at home and around the world. The exhibit is scheduled in the Capital District by Women Against War. It is on display at Russell Sage College in the Hart/ Vanderhyden Hall at the corner of 1st and Ferry Streets from April 17 through May 4, 9a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays. For more information, see www.womenagainstwar.org or info@ womenagainstwar.org. ALBANY, A WALKING TOUR: A guided walking tour highlighting downtown Albany’s historic places and magnificent architecture. Tours depart the Albany Visitors Center at Quackenbush Square at 11a.m. on the second Thursday and fourth Thursday of every month from May to October, beginning Friday, April 28. $3per person. WATERFORD HISTORICAL MUSEUM: The Erie Canal celebrates its 200th Anniversary beginning this year across New York State. The Waterford Historical Museum and Cultural Center presents “Always Know Your Pal”, an exhibit that shares with visitors the history and heritage of canal culture using the lyrics of the popular “Erie Canal Song” as a guide. You’re invited to come learn more about canal life and the impact it has had on daily life for those who have lived along the canal. Bring your own stories you’d like to share, which you can post to a “Canal Conversation” board. Opening weekend events Friday, May 5, 5p.m. to 8p.m.; Saturday, May 6, 10a.m. to 3p.m.; Sunday, May 7, 12:30p.m. to 3p.m. 2Museum Lane, Waterford. Call 238-0809for more information.

4H YOUTH DOG OBEDIENCE CLASS: Join Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County for a 6 week dog obedience class designed for youth participants ages 8and over. Are you a youth who is a new dog trainer or have some past training experience? Enroll and help your family pet become better behaved and learn basic obedience exercises. Classes will be held Tuesdays from May 2through June 13. Two classes will be offered. The beginner class focuses on new handlers and training the family companion, while the advanced class highlights higher level skills and exercises needed to show your dog. The cost of the class is $40for 4-H members and $50for non-members. For more information, please contact Ashley at arp253@cornell. edu or 765-3500. Please RSVP early as space is limited.

FORT PLAIN/FONDA DAY TRIP: The Waterford Museum is hosting a trip to the Ft. Plain Museum and the Kateri Takakwitha Shrine and Native American Museum on May 10from 8:15a.m. to 4p.m. The Fort Plain Museum features the history of the middle Mohawk Valley during the 18th and 19th century. The Kateri Museum has a Native American exhibit and is housed in a converted Dutch barn built in 1782. Lunch will be at Jim’s Irish Harbor Pub and Restaurant, providing a hot and cold buffet meal with coffee, tea and dessert. Cost: $85 nonmembers/$80members and includes parking, motor coach transportation, museum admission fees and the noon meal. Contact Emily Wilson 237-7122for more information and to reserve a seat.

SARATOGA COMIC CON: Due to ever-rising pop culture and comic book fan demand, Saratoga Springs will host its 5th popculture comic-con platform on May 6-7. May 6, 10a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10a.m. - 5 p.m. Tickets: Saturday $20 and Sunday $15, Weekend $30. VIP’s $55and $75. Online specials $11and up. All children 6and under are free. Tickets are for presale available now online at http://www.saratogacomiccon.com and will be available at the door on the days of the event. LITERACY 5K: Runners and walkers of all ages and abilities are invited to participate in a day of fun on May 7from 8a.m. to noon to benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County. Enjoy new events and activities, including a guided nature walk, a story walk, and a 5K trail run/ walk. All entry fees include the park entrance fee, so participants can stay all day and play at Schodack Island State Park, a beautiful location for hiking, bicycling, canoeing and kayaking. A chicken barbecue hosted by the Schodack Landing Fire Department will be available from 11a.m. to 1 p.m. Register early to take advantage of discounts: www.zippyreg.com. Price: $25adults, $10youth. All proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County and enable LVORC to provide free programs and services to adults and learners in Rensselaer County.

CALL TO ARTISTS: In Honor of its 200th anniversary, Hyde Hall, along with the Cooperstown Art Association and the Smithy welcomes artists to submit art that represents, interprets, or reveals their favorite view or concept of Historic Hyde Hall. One work will be selected for display at Hyde Hall throughout the year and awarded a prize of $500. There will be an opening reception will on Sunday July 23from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30p.m. The show will be up until Friday, October 6. Artists are welcome visit this landmark and work on site. Artists may submit one piece, in any medium, ready to hang or display upon delivery. Deadline for RSVP - July 1. For more detailed information please visit www.HydeHall.org, contact John Bower at (607) 547-5098ext. 6or download the Call to Artists and prospectus from http:// hydehall.org/calltoartists/. WORLD WAR I EXHIBIT: The New York State Museum opens “A Spirit of Sacrifice: New York State in the First World War” on April 15. On display through June 3, 2018, the exhibition explores New York’s pivotal role in World War I and features artifacts, images, posters, and documents from the collections of the State Museum, State Archives, State Library, and cultural institutions from across the state. The exhibition is organized into six distinct areas covering New York’s participation in the war both at home and on the warfront, and features a life-size recreation of a trench on the Western Front. The Museum also offers an online exhibition featuring an interactive World War I timeline and a teacher’s guide (launched later this spring) and an exhibition catalogue (to be published by SUNY Press in December 2017). Located at 222Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling 474-5877or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov. BENEFIT FOR FRENCHLANGUAGE STUDENTS: Fêter, Dîner, Boire et Bavarder (Eat, drink, and be merry). Enjoy a wonderful dinner for a worthy cause at Amorici Farm Winery, 637 Colonel Birch Road, Valley Falls, on Saturday April 29, at 6:30p.m. Proceeds will help support awards to area students studying French, given annually by La Fédération franco-américaine du NY (FeFANY). $60per person. Make check payable to FeFANY and send it today to FeFANY, PO Box 354, Cohoes, NY, 12047, to arrive no later than Tues., April 25. Call Yvette with questions at 272-5061. For the menu, visit the Federation’s FB page or website. ROMANCE FICTION CONFERENCE: Williams College will host a conference devoted to the literary genre of popular romance titled “Reading for Pleasure: Romance Fiction in the International Marketplace,” April 21-23, with major authors, publishers, bloggers, and scholars featured in panel discussions on the world of romance novels. The conference will kick off on Friday, April 21, with a 4p.m. screening of the documentary “Love Between the Covers” at Images Cinema, 50Spring St. in Williamstown MA, followed immediately by a panel discussion. The conference continues Saturday and Sunday with panel discussions that are free and open to the public at the Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall on the Williams College campus. In addition, from 5:30to 7p.m. on April 22, authors Patience Bloom, Alison Case, Sonali Dev, Eloisa James, Radclyffe, Katy Regnery, and Sarah Wendell will be at Water Street Books, 26Water St. in Williamstown, signing their books.

AUDABON SUMMER CAMP: Delaware-Otsego Audubon Society is now accepting registrations for the 2017Summer Camp Program that will take place at the DOAS Sanctuary on Grange Hall Road Spur in Oneonta. The camp is a special nature-focused day camp program that runs Monday through Thursday from 9:30a.m. to 3p.m. during each of the following sessions: Session 1: July 10, 11, 12, 13(For children entering grades 3 and 4); Session 2: July 31, August 1, 2, 3(For children entering grades 5and 6). Space is limited and spots will be filled in the order of receipt of registration. If all spots are filled, DOAS will maintain a waiting list in case last minute opportunities become available. Full and partial scholarships to offset the per-child registration fee are distributed

each year on a needs basis. For more information about the camp program, please visit the DOAS website at http://doas.us/2017-doassummer-camp-registration/ or contact Susan O’Handley, DOAS Education Chair at (607) 643-5680.

SOUL REBEL PERFORMANCE TROUPE: Soul Rebel Performance Troupe will perform a staged reading of “The Exonerated,” written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, with a “talk back” following each performance that will include the cast and special guests. May 19-21at the First Congregational Church, 405 Quail St., Albany. Friday and Saturday at 7p.m.; Sunday at 4p.m. Tickets will be available at the door. Suggested donation is $10. For more information call 8332621or visit www.soulrebelperformancetroupe.org and facebook.com/soul-rebelperformance-troupe. UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: “Understanding Shakespeare” is a fivesession program at the Troy Public Library on how to understand Shakespeare’s plays. Week one will delve right into Shakespeare’s great history play “Henry V,” discussing Act I. Over the following four weeks, particpants will discuss the play one act at a time. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Siena College will lead this workshop. Sessions wil be held Thursdays from April 20to May 18from 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. This program is free and open to the public. Copies of “Henry V” are available at the circulation desk of the Main Library, 100Second Street. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or visit www. thetroylibrary.org.

ST. MICHAEL’S WOMEN’S GUILD BUS TRIP: St. Michael’s Women’s Guild of St. Michael the Archangel Church, 175Williams Road, Troy is sponsoring a bus trip to Boston on April 22. The bus leaves St. Michaels at 8 a.m. It will depart Boston at 6:30p.m. and return to St. Michael’s at 8:30p.m. Cost $15. Please call 273-2726 for more information. CASTLETON LIBRARY BOTTLE DRIVE: Save your returnable bottles and cans for the Friends of the Castleton Public Library and help support our community’s award-winning library. Drop off your contributions at the Library, located at 85 S. Main Street in Castleton, or at 6-Cent Redemption Center, 594Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush, from Thursday, April 20through Monday, April 24. Make sure you tell 6-Cent that your depositables are earmarked for the library. All proceeds will benefit the library’s programs and services. Visit castletonpubliclibrary.org for more information. HEALTH & HAPPINESS CONFERENCE: Practical Tools For Healthy Living, presented by a faculty of mind/body medical practitioners, the program is designed to introduce you to tools that will help you in your daily life with family, at work, and managing emotions. No matter how challenging your circumstances may feel today, you will come away with practical ideas that you can immediately apply to enhance your health, creativity, well-being, happiness and success. 10a.m. to 4p.m., Hindu Temple Society of the Capital District, 450Albany Shaker Road. $45includes all programs and a gourmet vegetarian lunch. Call Elaineat 674-8714or email ami@americanmeditation.org for more information. DOG CARE CLASSES: Wednesday night dog care classes will be offered starting on April 26at 6:30 p.m. at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds. The emphasis of the 7-week class will be obedience; agility and general dog care education. Classes are open to all community residents from youth to adults. Classes to the public will cost $50for the 7-week course with dis- counted rates for Rensselaer County 4-H members. Register in advance by calling the Cornell Cooperative Extension office of Rensselaer County at 272-4210. All dogs must be currently vaccinated against Rabies, Parvovirus, Distemper and Adenovirus (Kennel Cough is strongly suggested). Participants should not bring their dogs the first night, which will be an overview and orientation class for checking paperwork of proof of vaccinations, registration and collecting fees.

APRIL BLOOD DONATION OPPORTUNITIES: Eligible blood donors of all blood types are encouraged to give blood through the American Red Cross this spring to help ensure a sufficient supply for hospital patients. In Troy: April 19, 9:30a.m. - 3p.m., Hudson Valley CMNTY College Siek Campus Center, 80Vandenburgh Avenue; April 21, 10:30a.m. - 2:30p.m., St Marys Hospital, 1300Massachusetts Avenue; April 22, 9a.m. - 2p.m., Brunswick Presbyterian Church, 42 White Church Lane; April 24, noon - 6p.m., Troy Masonic Temple, 39Brunswick Road; April 25, 7:30a.m. - 1:30p.m., Samaritan Hospital, 2215Burdett Avenue, 9 a.m. - 2p.m., Capital District Educational Opportunity Center, 431River Street; April 26, 10a.m. - 2p.m., Rensselaer Technology Park, 100Defreest Drive; April 28, 7:30a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Tamarac High School Key Club, 3992Route 2; April 29, 8a.m. - 1p.m., Our Lady of Victory Church, 55North Lake Avenue. In Watervliet: April 22from 8a.m. - 1p.m. at St Peter Armenian Apostolic Church, 100Troy-Schenectady Road. In Waterford: April 22 from 8a.m. - noon at F.B. Peck Hose Co., 85Saratoga Avenue. In Averill Park: April 20from 1p.m. - 6p.m. at Averill Park Church of the Covenant, 3055Route 43. Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS to make an appointment or for more information.

HVCC DIGITAL MEDIA EXHIBITION: Hudson Valley Community College’s Department of Fine Arts, Theatre Arts and Digital Media announces the opening of “Pulse 2,” the year-end exhibition for students enrolled in Digital Media programs. The exhibition is on view in the college’s Teaching Gallery from April 28– May 6. “Pulse 2” features class work in drawing, photography, two-dimensional design, video art, digital imaging, animation, and web-based and interactive media completed during the summer 2016, fall 2016 and spring 2017semesters. The exhibition is celebrated with an opening reception and awards ceremony from 5p.m. to 7p.m. on Friday, April 28in the Teaching Gallery, located on the ground floor of the Administration Building on the Troy campus.

FIRST IMPRESSIONS, SECOND CHANCES:

First Impressions, Second Chances is an exceptional evening of shopping, food, drinks, and networking to benefit the women of the Capital District Women’s Employment & Resource Center (WERC). This is the 9th year the event will be held to raise money for the programs and services of WERC to advance women’s success in the workplace. Tuesday, June 6, 5p.m. to 7p.m. at the Crossings of Colonie, 580Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville The ticket price of $40. includes a fabulous networking opportunity, fantastic buffet and vendors selling handbags, jewelry, clothing, and accessories. Participating vendors and other local businesses will be raffling off incredible prizes to raise additional funds. Call 2253131for more information. GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons will celebrate Palm Sunday Services at 7:30a.m. and 9:30a.m. on April 9. Dan Clayton will perform as organist. Deacon Denise Moore will assist. During Holy Week Monday, April 10through Good Friday, April 14Morning Prayer will begin at 8a.m. A Maundy Thursday Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, featuring a Seder, will begin at 6 p.m. April 13. Good Friday Service will be held at noon April 14. Walking the Way of Cross will begin at 1p.m. and go through Waterford to the Wesleyan Church. A Tenebrea service will begin at 7p.m. April 14. An Easter Vigil Service will begin at 6:30p.m. Saturday, April 15. Easter Holy Eucharist will begin at 7:30and 9:30a.m. Sunday, April 16. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 237-7370or visit gracewaterford.com. ELKS SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are now available for the 2017Jack Stewart/ Ann Collins Memorial Scholarships. The Rensselaer Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2073 will present the scholarships to one male and one female high school senior from Averill Park, Columbia, Maple Hill and Rensselaer High Schools. A total of eight $500scholarships will be awarded. Students in these schools may obtain a scholarship application in their schools’ guidancecounseling centers. Completed applications must be returned to the counseling centers by Wednesday, May 24. Scholarship winners will be notified by mail during the last week of May. Scholarship winners will be presented with their awards at the Flag Day ceremony at the Rensselaer Elks Lodge in early June.

ALBANY WORD FEST:

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Albany Poets is proud to present the 2017 Albany Word Fest featuring the poetry and spoken word of upstate New York, from Monday, April 17- Saturday, April 22. The annual Word Fest Open Mic will be making a big change this year as Albany Poets and the English Department at UAlbany are reviving the 24-four hour reading event, “Readings Against the End of the World,” starting at 7 p.m. on April 21, to benefit the South End Children’s Café. Online sign up for the “Readings Against the End of the World” event for individuals and groups is now available at http://bit. ly/RAETW-SignUp. Organizations interested in having a table can contact Albany Poets at albanypoets@ gmail.com for information. Be sure to check www.albanywordfest.com often for more details and information on 2017Albany Word Fest.

FREE YOGA CLASSES: Four weeks of free yoga classes for the community: April 5,12,19, 26from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference rooms A and B. Beginners are encouraged to participate. Wear loose comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and bottled water. Reservations requested by April 3: call 268-5727or email Event.SMH@SPHP.com. WEST CENTRAL RENSS. CO. LUTHERAN PARISH: The West Central Rensselaer County Lutheran Parish invites the community to the following Easter events: Lenten Bible Study, Wednesdays at 6:30p.m.; Palm Sunday, Worship at 10a.m.; Maundy Thursday 7p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday 10 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30a.m. The WCRCLP is located at 470 Winter Street Extension, North Greenbush. Phone 283-1372for more information.

ELMER A. GROGAN SCHOLARSHIP: Applicationsare being accepted for the scholarship award of $250for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from BrunswickCentral School District or Berlin Central School District who is continuing on with his or her education. The essay should not beless than 250 words or not more than 500 words. The scholarship is being given by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340in memory of a former memberElmer A. Grogan. The deadline for applications is April 29. Applications are available at the guidancec ounselor offices of both high schools and should be mailed to Carner, Etman,Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY 12082, attn: Commander Len Claus, Jr.

CALL FOR SCULPTURE: Cherry Valley Artworks has announced a Call for Entries for the sixth Cherry Valley Summer Sculpture Trail. The biennial event is a juried exhibit that runs from July 1 through October 7. Sculptures will be displayed along the main street of beautiful and historic Cherry Valley. For the first time a prize of $1,500will be awarded by a panel of judges including curator Ted Lott. Both established and emerging artists are invited to submit proposals. Artists interested in participating should go to Artworks website: www. cvartworks.org for a full prospectus.

CLEMENT ART GALLERY: “Living with Nature” by Shelly Valachovic, March 31- April 26. Shelly and Pete built a cabin in the Adirondacks where they live completely off the grid. Shelly paints watercolors of the wildflowers and other intimate glimpses of subjects surrounding her. She also fashions beautiful Baskets from pine needles and Hemlock bark. Don’t miss this unique Show. Reception March 31,6p.m. to 9p.m. Clement Art Gallery, 201Broadway, Troy.

USS SLATER: USS SLATER is scheduled to open to the public on Wednesday, April 5. This year will mark the ship’s 20th season in Albany. A National Historic Landmark, USS SLATER is the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge. Once open, public hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. The ship will be closed Easter Sunday, April 16. Admission is $9for adults and $7for children. Call 431-1943for more information or visit the website at www.ussslater. org. NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: The Friends of the Cohoes Public Library are celebrating National Library Week April 10– 15and Children’s Library Week April 17– 21with several events that are free and open to the public. A complete list of the events and time is available on their website at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org. Highlights include talks by guest authors Herb Hyde and Jack Reber, guest readers for children’s story hour and a junior paint n’ sip. In celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, the Spindle City Historic Society will have a display of memorabilia. GREENBUSH GARDEN CLUB GRANTS: The Greenbush Garden Club is once again offering grants in the amount of $250to support school gardening programs and non- profit community youth organizations that are developing or currently maintaining a garden with the goal of developing children’s interest in horticulture. The application must be received by April 30. The grant program, garden therapy sessions with residents of Van Rensselaer Manor, and community beautification projects at Fort Crailo and the American Legion Memorial Garden are funded with the proceeds of the club’s annual plant sale. The sale will take place on Saturday May 20at the Elks Club in East Greenbush, so please save the date. For information on tgrants, and plant sale contact greenbushgardener@gmail.com . GUIDED MEDITATION CLASSES: The Troy Public Library Main Branch, 100 Second Street, will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Wednesdays, April 5May 31(no class April 19) from 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.m. Learn a surprisingly simple yet powerful practice that can help your reduce stress, get recharged, experience overall improved physical health and possibly get you “blissed-out” all while sitting comfortably in a chair. Led by Michael Fuselli, with over 30years of meditation teaching and practice experience. Beginners always welcome. This program is free and open to the public. This is a drop-in class and no registration is needed. LIBRARY YOGA PROGRAM: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch, 27114th Street, in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Yoga classes on Wednesdays, April 5 – May 10at 5:30p.m. This is an all-level yoga class that will invigorate your body and reduce stress. You will experience traditional yoga poses, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques which will improve your flexibility, balance, strength and overall wellness. Please bring your own mat. This program is free and open to the public. You may register for one class or all six. Please make reservations by calling the library at 235-5310.

MOUNTAIN ROAD SCHOOL SPRING PLAY: Mountain Road School announces its Spring Theater Production, “Midnight For- est,” debuting Friday, April 7, at 6p.m. at Darrow School’s Dairy Barn Theater, with an encore matinee Saturday, April 8, at noon. The script is written collaboratively by the middle school class and their teacher, Lauren Liberati-Conant. These students, known as the Gray Wolves, are responsible for seeing the production through from beginning to end. Tickets for admission are $10for adults and $5for children. For more information, contact the school at 794-8520, info@mountainroadschool.org, and at www. mountainroadschool.org. CLEAN OUT CLOSETS FOR CHARITY: St. Paul’s Center, an emergency homeless shelter for mothers and children, located in Rensselaer, is accepting donations of gently- and never-used handbags, scarves and jewelry to be used in their July 25event, “For the Love of Bags & Bling.” The event will take place the Zaloga American Legion Post on Everett Road from 5:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. This event is a great girls’ night out and offers the opportunity to buy great items for between $1and $75. Raffles and silent auctions include bags and accessories along with items donated by local businesses including movie tickets, spa treatments, and family activities. All proceeds benefit St Paul’s Center and the families who rely on them for shelter, services and support. To donate, contact 434.2910or tpitcher@stpaulscenter.com or jpremo@stpaulscenter. com. For further information, visit www.stpaulscenter.com or the Center’s Facebook page. MAC-HAYDN THEATRE AUDITIONS: Looking for adults for 2017summer season company, also roles and ensemble in one or more shows. Children will be cast in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, rehearsals begin May 15 and performances are May 25through June 4; others may be used in MacHaydn Children’s Theatre shows. Prepare one song, bring music in your key, an accompanist is provided; there will also be a short, simple dance/movement call, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. April 1: ages 15and under. April 8: ages 16and older, 10a.m. to 3p.m.; Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, Woodbridge Ave., Chatham. See www.machaydntheatre.org for more Mac-Haydn season information.

VICTORIAN TEA IN TROY: Join YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. for a tea party with a twist! This unique, entertaining and historical event will include a presentation of Victorian Dance; a plated English style lunch with all the fixings; a guided historical trolley tour of downtown Troy; a hat fashion contest with prizes courtesy of Truly Rhe; a special menu and arts and crafts activities for children; auction items and a chance to win amazing raffle prizes. Saturday, April 29, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Bush Memorial Hall, Russell Sage