Upcoming and ongoing events

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

POLAR PLUNGE: Registrations are now being accepted for participants in the Polar Plunge at Grafton Lakes State Park on Saturday, January 27, 2018. The Plunge will once again this year raise funds for the food pantry at Our Lady of the Snow Church. Participants will take turns jumping into the frigid water while the New York State Police Ice Dive team provides safety. The Friends of Grafton Lakes State Park will provide a fun prize for Silliest Costume, but come in whatever “swim attire” you like. This event is open to the first 50people who pre-register. The fee is $20and includes a t-shirt. Heated changing areas are available nearby but bring warm clothes for before and immediately after. For more information and an application for the Polar Plunge contact Ray Dozois at 518663-5648.

DOG OBEDIENCE CLASS: Join Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County for a Winter Dog Obedience Class and learn how to teach basic obedience while having fun bonding with your dog. There will also be an optional Canine Good Citizen test with an evaluator from the American Kennel Club. This class will be offered Mondays, January 22through March 5, with March 12as an optional day for the Canine Good Citizen evaluation. Classes will be held from 6p.m. - 6:45p.m. at the CCE Albany County Office, located at 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville. This program is open to both 4-H and non-4H youth, as well as adults. The cost for 4-H youth members is $40, youth non-members-$50, and adults $80. All funds will go towards furthering Albany County 4-H youth education and development. For more information or to sign up, please contact Ashley at arp253@cornell.edu or 518-765-3500. The sign-up deadline is January 17.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTS: North Country Arts will host an art exhibition featuring the graphic design work and photography of the students of SUNY Adirondack from January 8February 9at their 2nd Floor Gallery at City Hall in Glens Falls. An art party honoring the students will be held on Friday, January 26, from 5p.m. - 7p.m. The public will have an opportu- nity to chat with the artists and enjoy delicious creations by SUNY Adirondack Culinary Arts students. 2nd Floor Gallery is open weekdays from 9a.m. – 4p.m.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: North Country Arts invites artists working in all media to submit work for their “$99” exhibition which will open on January 12. Drop off and registration will be held at the NCA at the Shirt Factory Gallery, 71Lawrence Street, Glens Falls on Saturday, January 6from 1 p.m. - 5p.m. Hanging fees are $15for North Country Arts members, $25for nonmembers (non-members can become members at registration for as little as $25) for up to two pieces of art. All artwork must be ready to hang or display. 2D artwork must have wire on the back. All work must be priced at under $100. The exhibit continues through February 9.

ST. JOSEPH’S: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 600 State Street, (corner of State and Lafayette Streets), Schenectady, is announcing its Christmas and New Year’s Day Mass Schedules. Christmas Vigil will be on Christmas Eve, Sunday, December 24, at 4p.m. On Christmas Day, Monday, December 25, the Mass will be at 9:30a.m. On New Year’s Eve, Sunday, December 31, the regular Sunday Mass will be at 9:30 a.m., and New Year’s Day, Monday, January 1, 2018, the Mass will be held at 9:30a.m. The Church and Parish offices will be closed on Tuesdays, December 26th and January 2nd in observance of the holidays. The Public is cordially invited to attend these Masses. St. Joseph’s Church is handicapped accessible and parking is available in the rear of the Church. More information is available by calling 374-4466, Ext. 13. ‘CHRIST REVEALS HIMSELF IN TEARS’: Yervant

Kutchukian, chaplain at Albany Medical Center, explores how we see Christ through the lens of tears— both of those we serve and our own—and how these can be a source of healing and hope for the receiver and giver of care. January 27, 2018, Pastoral Center, 40N. Main Ave., Albany. Register for free at http:// www.rcda.org/Offices/pastoral_ care_ ministry/events. asp before January 12. This event can also be viewed via video-conferencing at Our Lady of Annunciation in Queensbury; St. Edward’s in Clifton Park; St. Francis de Sales in Herkimer; St. Patrick’s in Catskill and St. Mary’s in Oneonta. For more information email Maria. Schollenberger@rcda.org or call 518-641-6818. 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 5:30p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.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. ST. JOHN’S DAY CELEBRATION: The Old 17th Masonic District’s annual St. John’s Day celebration takes place on Wednesday, December 27. A social hour at 5:30p.m. is followed by the ceremony at 6:30 p.m. and dinner at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road. Hosted by Apollo-King Solomon’s Masonic Lodge #13F.& A.M. For reservations call Frank Burek or email masonsonline.

FOOD FOR FINES: During the week of December 10 – 16the Troy Public Library will accept one non-perishable item per $2in fines. If you have $5.20in fines, bring in 3items to eliminate your fine. Items cannot be past their expiration date. The maximum amount that can be cleared is $25. All food items will be donated to Unity House and the St. Augustine’s Food Pantry. This will reduce late fines for both branches of the Troy Public Library. Charges from other libraries or for lost, damaged, missing items will not be reduced. Please see a staff member if you have any questions. If you don’t have any fines, the Library will gladly accept donations. For more information call the library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. COLLEGE CONNECTIONS WORKSHOP: Interested in going to college? Community members are invited to join the Capital District Educational Opportunity Center’s College Connections team at the Troy Public Library, 100Second Street, on Wednesday, December 13, at 5p.m. for a workshop that helps explore ways to fund your education with Financial Aid. Space is limited to twelve spots, so please register by December 11. This program is free and open to the public. For more information and to register, call the library at 518-2747071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. CAPITAL DISTRICT FLY FISHERS: The Capital District Fly Fishers will hold eight Intro to Fly Tying classes beginning January 10, 2018. Classes will held on the 1st, 2nd, and 4th Wednesday of each month from 7p.m. to 9p.m. at Saratoga Spa State Park, Geyser Creek Road Loop, Saratoga Springs. Students must have their own tying tools, which will be covered at the first class. There will be two weeks between first and second class to obtain any needed tools. Cost: $75 Non CDFF members,$65 CDFF members. Class size is limited. For more information, contact John Prokorym at jppflytyer@yahoo.com or 518-869-7563.

WE BAND TOGETHER: Saratoga Casino Hotel will host a country benefit concert in Vapor on Thursday, December 21. ‘We Band Together: A Tribute to Sue,’ will feature some of the most prominent country artists in the Capital Region for a concert to benefit an avid local country music fan, Sue Bogucki. Named North Country Music Awards ‘Fan of the Year,’ in 2016 and 2017, Sue passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 14. The benefit concert in Vapor will raise proceeds for her family to offset funeral expenses. Tickets for ‘We Band Together: A Tribute to Sue,” are $20. Tickets are on sale on SaratogaCasino.com, and can also be purchased at the Saratoga Club inside Saratoga Casino Hotel. WINTER GREEN-UP: Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Capital Area Ag & Hort Program announces the Tenth Annual Winter Green-Up, coming up on Saturday, January 27, 2018, at The Century House, 997 New Loudon Road, Latham. By popular demand, Winter Green-Up 2018will be a one-day event with great speakers, vendors and the traditional Winter Green-Up lunch at the great price of $75per person. To register online: https://reg.cce. cornell.edu/ WGU2018_ 201. For questions regarding registration, please contact Tove Ford, cce-caahp@cornell.edu or 518-765-3518. For questions about Winter Green-Up 2018, or if you wish to be a vendor at this event, please contact Hank Bignell, hdb48@cornell.edu or 518-649-0267, or Tom Gallagher at tjg3@cornell. edu or 518-577-0958. NORTH COUNTRY ARTS: North Country Arts will host their annual fine art juried show at the Friends Gallery of the Crandall Public Library, 251Glen St., 2nd Floor, Glens Falls, from December 3-29during regular library hours.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: North Country Arts will be holding an open call for artists for their annual juried art show from December 1, 2017 to April 1, 2018. Artists are invited to submit two photographs of their work to www.onlinejuriedshows.com . Full details on how to enter, jurying fees and how to upload photographs of your work can be found by going to www.onlinejuriedshows. com and scrolling down to the North Country Arts icon any time after December 5. UMPIRE CANDIDATES WANTED: Schenectady Baseball Umpires Organization (Schenectady-based) and Eastern New York Umpires Association (Clifton Park-based) are seeking candidates to umpire for the 2018High School, Summer, and Fall Baseball Seasons. Candidates will be trained in classroom and on field. The organization services High Schools at all levels, Little League, Travel Baseball, ages 8-22, Collegiate and Semi-Pro Leagues. For more information contact jamesbdalton@yahoo.com or 518-221-9499.

TEN BROECK HOLIDAY HOUSE: The Ten Broeck Mansion at 9Ten Broeck Place in Albany is a 219 year old Federal style home that was built by Abraham Ten Broeck and his wife Elizabeth Van Rensselaer, and is lovingly preserved by the Albany County Historical Association. During the holiday season volunteer decorators from around the Capital region transform the home into a holiday wonderland. The decorating theme this year is “The Gift of Christmas.” The Holiday House at the Ten Broeck Mansion continues through December 16. Many activities are planned including an open house, a tea, children’s story hour, two musical performances, two lectures, and the popular Candlelight Tour. Sinterklaas will visit throughout the month. Please visit the website www.tenbroeckmansion.org or call 518-436-9826for details.

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 518-948-0565or cdmusic600@gmail.com.

EAST SIDE SENIORS CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON: The East Side Seniors’ Christmas luncheon will be on December 19at Paolo Lombardi’s, Wynantskill. Members must make reservations and payment on or before December 12. The Seniors are also making plans for the annual trip to Wildwood,N.J. in June 2018. This always a fun trip, and well attended. The Bocce is in need of subs; call Barb at 518-6748325for more information. ANNIE: The Sand Lake Center for the Arts is proud to bring to the stage, the wonderful family classic “Annie”, presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). Performance dates are Dec 8, 9, 14,15,16at 8p.m. and Dec 10and 17 at 2:30p.m. Tickets $20. Adults and $10. Under 18. Prepaid reservations can be made at www.slca-ctp. org or call 518-674-2007. SLCA, located at 2880 NY 43, Averill Park, is fully handicapped accessible, with free parking. COHOES ROTARY CHRISTMAS ORNAMENT: In 2004The Rotary Club of Cohoes started a collectible series of Christmas ornaments featuring historic landmarks in the City of Cohoes. This year’s ornament design is Erie Canal Locks 13and 14in Cohoes. The 2017ornament is the third in the slim design series. Cost for the ornaments is $15. Coffee mugs with the Erie Canal Locks design are also available for $8. To purchase ornaments or mugs go to http://www.rotaryclubofcohoes.org for further information. Ornaments are also available for purchase at Marra’s Pharmacy, 217 Remsen Street, Cohoes. FESTIVAL OF TREES: Local businesses, organizations and individual community members are invited to participate in the Everett Wagar Senior Center’s Festival of Trees, Decorate a 2 to 5foot, Christmas Tree, to be displayed at the Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, from Monday, November 13, through Friday, January 5, 2018. Trees may be traditional or completely original, no taller than five feet and should be in place by November 30. Prizes will be awarded, categories for prizes will be; Best of Festival, People’s Choice and Best Kid’s and Best Business. Best of Festival prize will be 1year subscription to The Eastwood Press donated by Doug LaRocque. An Open House will be held on Saturday, December 2, from noon – 3p.m., with entertainment and refreshments. Judging will take place before the open house; prizes will be $25for the remaining three categories. If you are interested in displaying a tree please call Betsy Colvin at 518-2799807, Donna 518-279-3275 or the Senior Center at 518279-3413.

SPEIGLE ELDERS CHRISTMAS EVENT: The Speigle Elders will hold its annual Christmas/Birthday party at noon on Thursday, December 14. This year’s event, chaired by Carol Vozzy and Bert Lattimore, will take place in the Rathskeller of the new Party Event facility at 107th St. & 3rd Ave. in North Troy. The buffet menu features beef tenderloin tips, stuffed chicken breasts, shrimp scampi, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, rolls, butter, tea and coffee. To recognize birthdays throughout the year, a decorated cake will be served for dessert and members will receive a complimentary bar beverage of their choice. Contact Carol Smolen for reservations and payments. SOUTHERN SARATOGA ARTISTS’ SOCIETY: The Clifton Park-Halfmoon Library will be exhibiting the work of members of the Southern Saratoga Artists’ Society from December 1 through December 29during regular library hours. For more information, visit southernsaratogaartist.com. SKATING LESSONS: Since 1951the Hudson-Mohawk Figure Skating Club has offered Saturday morning skating lessons at the RPI Field House. The next season starts on November 4 with both children and adult figure skating lessons, plus children’s beginning hockey from 9:45a.m. - 10:45a.m. Saturday mornings through March 17. Each session includes a half-hour lesson, plus half-hour practice with US Figure Skating Qualified Instructors. The fee includes a USFSA and Hudson-Mohawk membership, lessons and practice, plus participation in the December Holiday Happiness show, costumes included. Skaters must provide their own skates. For more information, visit hmfsc.org or contact Tommie at 518-783-1275. CANADIAN ROCK

IES TRIP: La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY is sponsoring a trip to The Canadian Rockies and Glacier National Park from August 25to September 2, 2018. Rates includes round trip airfare from Albany, 8nights hotel and 11meals. Exciting highlights include unforgettable Icefields Parkway and Glacier National Park. Ride aboard an open air Jammer touring car, visit “HeadSmashed-in Buffalo Jump”, choose your dinner location from one of Banff’s great restaurants. Enjoy a true western BBQ with live entertainment at a dude ranch and more! For details call Lisa at Plaza Travel, (518) 785-3338or email lisa@ plazatravel.net.

ERIE CANAL EXHIBIT: “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal” will be on display through October 20, 2019. The exhibition honors the bicentennial anniversary of the Erie Canal’s construction 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 first phase of the exhibition explores the circumstances leading up to building the canal, the construction, and the famous “wedding of the waters” that marked the opening of the completed canal in 1825. Located at 222Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30a.m. to 5p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling 518474-5877or visiting the Museum website at www. nysm.nysed.gov.

ENGLISH COUNTRY DANCE: Third Sunday of each month, 2p.m. - 5p.m., October through April at Christ Church United Methodist, 35State St.,Troy. Escape the frenzy of the 21st century and experience the beauty of 18th century dancing, moving slowly and gracefully in sync with beautiful classical music. If you’ve seen a Jane Austen film, you’ve had a glimpse of this elegant dance form in many of her novels, including “Pride and Prejudice”. Dances taught and called by professional callers. Enjoy live music by the Heartsease band. Beginners welcome, no partners needed. Please wear clean, flat, soft-soled shoes. More info: danceflurry.org/recd.

SPEIGLE ELDERS BOWLING LEAGUE: The bowling league sponsored by the Speigle Elders is a nonsanctioned league and is open to Speigle Elders and non-members as well. The league meets at noon on Mondays with practice bowling on Fridays and a buffet luncheon banquet at mid-term in January and closing in the spring. The league is seeking new and substitute bowlers, so if you are interested in joining this league for exercise and fun, contact Lois Kewley at 235-3788or sign up any Monday at Alpha Lanes, 326 5th Avenue, Troy.

FREE MUSEUM PASSES: Did you know that you can get free passes to some of your favorite museums at the Cohoes Public Library? Courtesy of the Friends of the Cohoes Public Library, just show your library card and borrow a pass to The Children’s Museum of Saratoga, MASS MOCA, The Albany Institute of History and Art, The Hyde Collection, Schenectady MiSci, the Clark Institute, USS Slater or the Adirondack Experience. Check with the Library at 235-2570for availability.

BASEBALL HALL OF FAME: The 2017Inductees Exhibit is open at the Hall of Fame and will remain on display through May of 2018, when a new class of inductees is celebrated in Cooperstown. The exhibit, featuring one display each for Jeff Bagwell, Tim Raines, Iván Rodríguez, John Schuerholz and Bud Selig, is located on the first floor of the Museum as visitors approach the Plaque Gallery. Visitors will also be able to visualize the Class of 2017’s achievements via a highlight video display as part of this year’s exhibit. Admission to the Museum’s Inductees Exhibit is included with regular Museum admission. For more information, visit baseballhall.org or call 888-HALL-OF-FAME (888425-5633) or 607-5477200.

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.

Ongoing

MINDFUL PRACTICES GROUP: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh. All are welcome; meditation instruction available. Wednesdays 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m., RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House--4 Sherry Road, Troy, about 30yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Call 518271-6949or 518-273-1851 for more information. MEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: NY Capital Region Men to Men Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every month (except August) from 6p.m. to 8p.m. at the American Cancer Society Hope Club, 1Penny 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. HEALING SERVICE: William M. Champine will conduct a Healing Service every Sunday, from 3p.m. - 5p.m. at New Russia Cultural Center,1550Broadway, Rensselaer, starting Sunday, September 10. Free admission; free will donation. For more information, visit www.williaminthelightofjesus.com or call 518-237-6378.

FREE SPIRIT FELLOWSHIP: Free Spirit Fellowship of Watervliet is now holding services Thursday evenings at 7p.m. in the United Methodist Church. The church is located at 14011st Avenue. For further info, please call 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 885-3149. HOME DELIVERED MEALS: Are you a Rensselaer County homebound senior over 60and 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 270-2730or your local Senior Center.

TROY MAKERS MARKET: Join the Makers Market every Saturday morning from 9a.m. to 2p.m. inside the Troy Atrium, a market composed of artisans from across the region selling unique handmade goods. Come see what they have to offer while exploring downtown Troy and all of its restaurants and retailers. For more information visit https://www.facebook. com/ TroyMakersMarket/. BRUNSWICK ELKS BINGO: Brunswick Elks Lodge has Bingo every Wednesday. Doors and Kitchen open at 6p.m., and games start at 7 pm. $1,000in prizes. Early bird 50⁄50 game and half time 50⁄50 game. Proceeds benefit local charity programs. 665Brunswick Road, Troy, on Rt. 2in Eagle Mills. COHOES PUBLIC LIBRARY: In conjunction with the Upper Hudson Library Federation, the Cohoes Public Library is offering new software and databases. Ancestry, available only at the Library itself, allows you to do online research of your family’s history. On the website, Flipster allows you to read your favorite magazines on your personal devices and Mango allows you to learn or review languages such as French, Spanish or Chinese –all for free. All you need is your library card. Don’t have a card? It’s free at the Library. Check them all out at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org.

CHENEY LIBRARY: Cheney Library announces new UHLS (Upper Hudson Library System) Resources. Patrons in our service area will be able to use Ancestry Library Edition in the library. Ancestry allows you to look at birth, marriage, and death certificates, various census records, draft and war records. Another addition to the digital age is Mango; with this resource you can learn a number of languages. You will practice with a person who uses that language so you will get the inflections. Mango can be accessed from your home so that you can talk along with the teacher. Flipster is a resource to look at digital magazines. In order to use Mango and Flipster all you need is your library card and the 4digit pin that you receive when you register. Cheney Library is located in Hoosick Falls on Classic Street; hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 1 - 8p.m.; Tuesday 10a.m. - 5 p.m.; Friday 11a.m. - 5p.m.; and Saturday 9a.m. -1p.m. TRANSPORTATION TO SENIOR CENTER: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road, Grafton, offers transportation to the center every other Monday, and every Wednesday and Friday for a suggested donation of $1. We will pick up in Cropseyville, Grafton, Petersburg, Berlin and Stephentown. Come join the fun and a nutritious lunch, (suggested donation of $3) Monday thru Friday 9a.m. – 3p.m. Programs offered at the center include but are not limited to; Wii games, cards, dominoes, informational presentations, crafts, scrapbooking classes, yoga and many special events. All programs are free and include materials, bring a friend or come make new ones we look forward to seeing you. For more information or to reserve a van ride, call Penny at 2793413.

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