Calendar

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

Thursday, Dec. 14

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30 a.m. Knitting group, 1p.m. to 2:30p.m. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518-279-4023 or visit www.brunswicklibrary.org for more information. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Science Explorers: Candy Cane Science, 10:30a.m. In this popular weekly program visitors discover the different ways in which science is all around us. 69Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 for more information. CMOST: Sensory Play, “Snowman Investigations,” 10a.m. to 11:30a.m. Help your child improve motor skills and increase his or her understanding of how the world works with a handson sensory science activity. No pre-registration required; activity included with museum admission. 1p.m. - 2:30 p.m., Homeschool Enrichment Program, “Winter Ecology,” for ages 6-8and 9-12. Preregister before the close of business on December 13. Children’s Museum of Science + Technology, 250Jordan Road, Troy. For more information or to pre-register call 518-235-2120or visit www. cmost.org.

COHOES COLUMBIETTES: The Cohoes Columbietts will have their monthly meeting and Christmas luncheon on Thursday night, December 14, at 255Remsen Street, Cohoes. The covered dish luncheon will be at 6p.m. If you want to be in the grab bag bring a gift that costs around $10. The Christmas raffle and the meeting will follow. GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Art Class, 5 p.m. 2455NY Route 2, Grafton. Call 518-279-0580or visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOLIDAY NETWORKING PLUS LUNCHEON: Attended by more than 100business professionals, you’re sure to make the connections you need. Bring a door prize to spread holiday cheer; more than 60prizes will be given away. Attendees will also have a chance to win a two-night stay at the award-winning Mirror Lake Inn, Lake Placid. Check-in and lunch, 11:30 a.m., Networking noon - 1:15 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street, Troy. $35for Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce Mem- bers; $50Member Walk-ins. Register at www.renscochamber.com/events.

ITALIAN CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS: Prof./Cav. Philip J. DiNovo will present slides and attendees are invited to share their family Christmas traditions. The Italian American Heritage Museum’s Choir will sing several Italian Christmas Carols. A dessert social follows the program. Please bring a dessert to share. Free. 7p.m. to 8:30p.m., 1227Central Avenue, Albany. For more information call 518-4351979or visit www.americanitalianmuseum.org. LANSINGBURGH PUBLIC LIBRARY: The Lansingburgh Public Library’s 45-minute Family Story Time enrichment program includes stories, songs, and movement to support children’s learning and discovery from the very beginning. For children ages 0-5with a caregiver. Every Thursday at 10:30a.m. at 27 114th Street, Troy. MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS: An annual tradition of beautiful music and generosity. The Empire State Youth Orchestra and ESYO Youth Chorale perform a 7p.m. holiday concert at Proctor’s in Schenectady to benefit the pediatric oncology program at Albany Medical Center. Tickets are available for purchase through the Proctors Box Office and at the door. Additional performances on December 15-17. RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Teen Anime Club, 5 p.m. to 7p.m. Computer Help, 5:30p.m. to 7p.m. Drop in and get help with a computer, phone or other device, and get your questions answered. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see http://rensselaerlibrary.org/ or visit the library’s Facebook page. SPEIGLE ELDERS CHRISTMAS PARTY: The Speigle Elders’ annual combination Christmas/Birthday party will take place on Thursday, December 14from noon - 3p.m. at the Parti-Event & Banquet Facility, 107th St. & 3rd Ave. in North Troy, with a buffet luncheon served at 1p.m. To celebrate birthdays throughout the past year, all members will receive a complimentary beverage of their choice, and a birthday cake will be served as dessert. Final payments for this event are due at the December 13meeting.

TEN BROECK HOLIDAY HOUSE: The Ten Broeck Man- sion at 9Ten Broeck Place in Albany, a 219year old Federal style home that was built by Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, is lovingly preserved by the Albany County Historical Association. The Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion continues through December 16. Sinterklaas will visit throughout the month. A candelight tour of the mansion will be held at 7p.m. on Thursday, December 14. Please make reservations. Visit the website www.tenbroeckmansion.org or call 518-4369826for details.

TROY GROTTO; The Troy Grotto #13will meet on Thursday, December 14, at 7: 30p.m. at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road, to elect officers for 2018and hear annual reports. Dinner will be served preceding the meeting at 6:30p.m. TROY SENIOR CENTER: 9 a.m., Arts and Crafts. 9a.m. to 11a.m., Sewing Class. 10a.m., Osteo Aerobics. 10:30a.m., Health & Wellness activities. Ugly Christmas Sweater Party; prizes awarded. 19Third Street, Troy. To make reservations for noon lunch call 2705349. For more information call 270-5348.

Friday, Dec. 15

BROADS WHO BELT: A fundraising musical revue featuring TV Channel 13’s Benita Zahn. Includes 7p.m. wine and hors d’oeuvres party, and show at 8p.m. Schenectady Civic Players, 12S. Church St., Schenectady. Tickets $35. Order in advance by calling 518-382-2081(extension 6), or purchase tickets at the door.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Teen Cafe, 2:30 p.m. to 3:30p.m., for teens in 9th grade and up. Family holiday movie, 4p.m.4118 State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518-279-4023or visit www. brunswicklibrary.org for more information.

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: 10a.m., Busy Bees drop-in for ages birth-24 months. This open playgroup for the youngest visitors and their caregivers provides the space and activities for you to create an environment fostering early childhood development in a social setting. 11a.m., Wiggles & Giggles, drop-in for ages 2-5. In this play program oung children can exploore the world around them through guided free play. Kids’ Night Out Holiday Fun Bash for ages 4and up, 6 p.m. to 9p.m. Pre-registration required: $20per child; $15

for each additional child. 69 Caroline Street, Sarartoga Springs. Call 518-5845540for more information. CHRISTMAS CONCERT: The annual Christmas Concert at the Petersburgh Baptist Church has become a lively local tradition, and is sure to impart the spirit of the season. This year, the community is invited to “Behold Our God,” celebrating a humble birth that would change the world. Under the inspired direction of Karen Webster, the multi-faith choir will perform a program of Christmas songs representing many traditions and genres. Delicious desserts and refreshments will be served after the concert. The program is free of charge, and all are welcome. 7p.m., 19240Route 22, Petersburgh. This concert will be presented again at 4p.m. on Sunday, December 17. For more information, call 518658-3834.

CMOST: 11a.m., Investigate the A in STEAM. Designed for younger visitors, this program gives children an opportunity to explore a diffrent creative art activity each week. 2p.m., Engineering Fun and Learning Series. This series explores fun engineering challenges and experiments. Children’s Museum of Science + Technology, 250Jordan Road, Troy. For more information call 518-235-2120or visit www.cmost.org. MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS: An annual tradition of beautiful music and generosity. The Empire State Youth Orchestra and ESYO Youth Chorale perform a 7p.m. holiday concert at Proctor’s in Schenectady to benefit the pediatric oncology program at Albany Medical Center. Tickets are available for purchase through the Proctors Box Office and at the door. Additional performances on December 16-17.

MASONIC HOLIDAY PARTY: The annual Christmas and Holiday Party of the Old 17th Masonic District takes place on Friday, December 15, with a social hour at 5:30 p.m. and dinner at 6:30p.m., followed by a D.J. and music to dance to. Open to Masons, family and guests. For reservations call Frank Burek or visit masonsonline.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTS: An art party for North Country Arts’ December art exhibit, “Light Play ADK” will be held on Friday, December 15from 5p.m. - 7p.m. at the 2nd Floor Gallery in Glens Falls City Hall, 42Ridge Street. The exhibition will open on December 4and run through January 5, 2018 and will feature the work of Queensbury-based photographer Stephanie Gabris. All are invited to stop by chat with the photographer about her work and enjoy light food/ refreshments. 2nd Floor Gallery is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4p.m.

SQUARE DANCE: The Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance at the Middleburgh High School cafeteria on Friday, December 15, from 7:30p.m. until 10 p.m. The caller is Ray Taylor. Note that the High School is next to Stewart’s. Phone 518-827-4894for more information.

TEN BROECK HOLIDAY HOUSE: The Ten Broeck Mansion at 9Ten Broeck Place in Albany, a 219year old Federal style home that was built by Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, is lovingly preserved by the Albany County Historical Association. The Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion continues through December 16. Sinterklaas will visit throughout the month. Candelight tours of the mansion will be held at 6:30p.m. and 7:30p.m. on Friday, December 15. Please make reservations. Visit the website www.tenbroeckmansion.org or call 518436-9826for details.

TROY SENIOR CENTER: Aerobics 9:30a.m. Entertainment by BOCES, 11a..m. Bingo 12:45p..m 19Third Street, Troy.

Saturday, Dec. 16

ADVENT SERVICES: An Advent Quiet Morning of Prayer will be held between 9a,m, and noon on Saturday, December 16, at Grace Church, 34Third Street, Waterford. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 518-2377370or visit gracewaterford.com.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Make & Take Holiday Art, Saturdays in December.4118 State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518-279-4023 or visit www.brunswicklibrary.org for more information.

CAPITAL COMMUNITY VOICES: Capital Community Voices, directed by Julie Panke, will present “What Sweeter Music,” a program of classical and popular holiday songs on Saturday, December 16at 7:30p.m. at Genet Elementary School, Route 4, East Greenbush. The concert will offer music of John Rutter, Franz Schubert and Alfred Burt. Poplular selections will include two songs recorded by Pentatonix, “That’s Christmas to Me” and “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” Ticket prices for the concert are $10for general admission and $8for seniors and students. A reception will follow the performance. CHRISTMAS FAIR: Jermain Memorial Presbyterian Church, 6015th Ave., Watervliet, will host a Christmas Fair from 1to 4p.m., featuring raffles, a visit from Santa, crafts and a bake sale. The fair will be followed from 4to 5:30p.m. by a turkey dinner. Dinner is $6per person or $20per family.

CMOST: Sweet Structures: Building with Sugar Cubes, 1p.m. Join CMOST for an extravaganza of sweet building. Use the design process to plan and build a sugar cube structure. Pre-registration required. On Saturdays through December 30all kids 12and under receive free general admission to the Childrens’ Museum of Science + Technology courtesy of the GE Kids in Free Days. Children’s Museum of Science + Technology, 250 Jordan Road, Troy. For more information or to pre-register, call 518-235-2120or visit www.cmost.org.

FRIENDS OF WATERFORD LIBRARY: The Friends of the Waterford Public Library will meet discuss and plan 2018-2019events and fundraising activities on Saturday, December 16, at 10:30a.m. in the Community Room at Van Schoonhoven Square, Waterford. Members of the community interested in participating and joining the Friends are invited to attend. KWANZAA: Presented in partnership with Operation Unite NY, Kwanzaa celebrates African-American culture and unity between friends and family. Head to Hudson Hall for an afternoon of arts and crafts for children, dancing, drumming, a candlelighting ceremony, and a performance by the Harambee Dance Company, acclaimed for their blending of the traditional and contemporary to create a new style of African Dance. Participants are invited to stay for a light Karamu supper, the sharing of Nguzo Saba (the seven principles of Kwanzaa), and the giving of Zawadi (gifts for children). 3:30p.m. at the historic Hudson Opera House, 327Warren Street, Hudson. Free and open to the public. GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots’ Class, 10:30 a.m. 2455NY Route 2, Grafton. Call 518-279-0580 or visit graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: “A Great and Mighty Wonder,” a concert celebrating the Christmas season at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany, directed and accompanied by Michael Clement, featuring An Advent/ Christmas Cantata by Tom Fettke and seasonal choral and solo selections by Emmanuel Baptist Choir and Soloists. 5p.m., Emmanuel Baptist Church; 275State Street in Albany. Admission Free/Donations Appreciated; For more information email mclement14@nycap.rr.com. MELODIES OF CHRISTMAS: An annual tradition of beautiful music and generosity. The Empire State Youth Orchestra and ESYO Youth Chorale perform a 7p.m. holiday concert at Proctor’s in Schenectady to benefit the pediatric oncology program at Albany Medical Center. Tickets are available for purchase through the Proctors Box Office and at the door. Additional matinee performance at 3p.m. on December 17. PRE-HOLIDAY BAKE SALE: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 600State Street in Schenectady, is sponsoring its 12th Annual Pre-Holiday Bake Sale on Saturday, December 16from 4:30p.m. to 6:30p.m. and Sunday, December 17, from 8:30a.m. to 10:30a.m. All kinds of baked goods suitable for the Christmas holidays will be available, including cookies, nut breads, cakes, pies, etc., for a nominal fee. The Church is handicapped accessible and parking is available behind the Church. More information may be obtained by calling 518-374-4466, Ext. 13. SHRINERS: The Oriental Shriners of Troy will meet at 1p.m. on December 16at the Oriental Shrine Center, 75 Water Plant Road. Fellowship from noon to 1p.m., followed by the election of officers for 2018and the annual Christmas/Holiday party with food and music to dance to.

TEN BROECK HOLIDAY HOUSE: The Ten Broeck Mansion at 9Ten Broeck Place in Albany, a 219year old Federal style home that was built by Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, is lovingly preserved by the Albany County Historical Association. The Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion continues through December 16. Closing day activities include a free story hour and cookie decorating with Sinterklaas from 10a.m. to noon and a musical performance by the Helderberg Madrigals at 1 p.m. Visit the website www. tenbroeckmansion.org or call 518-436-9826for details. THACHER NATURE CENTER: Hike to High Point, 10 a.m. Join Thacher Nature Center for a hike to the escarpment on the Fred Schroeder Memorial Trail. Walk through forests and fields and stop at the cliff to take in the views. The 3-mile loop trail is mostly level with a couple of moderately steep slopes. Call 518-872-0800 to register.

THACHER PARK OPEN HOUSE: The Thacher Park Visitor Center will be hosting a Holiday Open House on Saturday December 16, from 11a.m. – 3p.m. Come and enjoy the beautiful views, listen to live holiday music from noon – 2p.m., and relax by a cozy fire. Shop for holiday gifts in the Visitor Center Gift Nook. Enjoy free hot beverages, cookies and other holiday treats. Kids are welcomed to make a holiday craft. In case of inclement weather conditions, please call the Visitor Center at 518-872-1237to confirm the event.

TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Teen Art Night: Zentangle Drawing Workshop, 6p.m. Using a variety of structured patterns teens will design images to form a unique work of art. No experience is necessary for this free event. Please call 518-274-7071to register or sign up online at www. thetroylibrary.org. For ages 12-17. The Main Library is lo- cated at 100Second Street, downtown Troy.

Sunday, Dec. 17 AVERILL PARK COMMUNITY

ORCHESTRA: Join the Averill Park Community Orchestra for a December concert filled with a fun variety of traditional holiday

and classical music, along with selections from “Les Miserables” The performance is on Sunday, December 17at 4p.m. at Algonquin Middle School, 333NY-351. There is no admission fee, but any donations to help offset costs is greatly appreciated. Any questions can be directed to Christina Desmond at 518-9480565or cdmusic600@gmail.com.

BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE:

For some people Christmas is a difficult time. The joy of the season is overshadowed by the grief over the loss of a loved one, the loss of a job, or the end of a marriage. If this is true for you this year or if you know someone for whom it is true, come to a community Blue Christmas Service on December 17at 7p.m.

at St. John’s Episcopal Church, 405Vliet Blvd in Cohoes.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The Cohoes Knights of Columbus will have their All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast Buffet with Santa, including an omelet station and hash, on Sunday, December 17, at 255Remsen Street, Cohoes from 8:30a.m. to 11:30a.m. Adults are $8. and children under five are free.

CAROLING TO THE HORSES: Ring in the Christmas cheer by enjoying holiday goodies and serenading High & Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center’s herd of horses. Dress warmly and bring horsey treats to stuff the horses’ stockings and to share with neighboring rescue farms. 5p.m., 71CR 21C, Ghent. For more information email info@high-n-mighty.org.

CELEBRATION OF LES

SONS & CAROLS: At 4p.m. on Sunday, December 17, the eighth annual Celebration of Lessons & Carols will be held at the Kinderhook Reformed Church, 21 Broad Street. Nine readers from throughout the larger community will be joined by a choir of nearly forty experienced singers under the musical direction of David Smith. Assisting will be Justan Foster, organist of the Old Dutch Church in Kingston. Pastor Rudy Visser will preside. The church is handicapped accessible and parking is available. For further information please visit www.kinderhookreformedchurch.com or www. concertsinthevillage.org, or call 518-758-6401.