Calendar

NY 12180.

SPEIGLE ELDERS AMISH TRIP: The Speigle Elders are sponsoring a return 3 day-2night trip to the Amish country, scheduled for September 19-21. The package includes two nights lodging; two breakfasts; two dinners, including Bird-in-Hand and Hershey Farm Restaurants; two theater offerings (“Jesus” at the Sight and Sound Millennium Theater and a musical performance at the American Music Theater); a guided tour of the Amish countryside; Strasburg Railroad Ride; souvenir gift; luggage handling; taxes and meal gratuities, and White Star Tour motor coach transportation. The price for this trip is $386per person, double occupancy, or $475, single. An additional cost of $15per person covers bus driver and maid service gratuities. For information, reservations and mailing address, contact event chairperson, Bertha Lattimore at 518-235-1325.

PERSPECTIVES ON UNDERGROUND RAILROAD: In our increasingly polarized society, the symbol of the 19th century Underground Railroad movement challenges us to reflect and act upon the legacy of the institution of slavery in contemporary times. Capital Region artists offer their reflections and responses to this legacy in a variety of artistic forms that compel the viewer to reflection and response. Their work will be on display at the Albany Heritage Area Visitors Center, 25Quackenbush Square, from March 3- April 28. A sneak preview and reception will be held on March 2from 5:30p.m. - 7:30p.m. For more information visit www. UndergroundRailroadHistory. org or call 518-434-0405.

AVERILL PARK COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA: Do you play a musical instrument? The Averill Park Community Orchestra is starting rehearsals again soon and eagerly seeks new members. APCO rehearses at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park on Wednesday evenings from 7p.m. - 8:30p.m., and performs two concerts a year, one in December and one in June. Rehearsals for the spring season begin March 7. New members through late March in preparation for the June 3performance. If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please contact Christina Desmond at 518-948-0565.

FLORAL WATERCOLOR WORKSHOP: On Tuesdays, from March 13– April 3at 5:30p.m., Artist Joy Ting Charde will lead a Floral Watercolor Workshop at the Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch, located at 27114th Street in Troy. Participants will learn basic floral painting techniques with a loose painting style. Topics will cover floral sketching and painting using watercolors and inks. No experience is necessary. This program is free and open to the public. For more information and to register call the library at 235-5310 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org.

MUSLIM JOURNEYS: In a unique collaboration, Humanities New York has joined forces with the The Troy Public Library to offer “Muslim Journeys,” a reading and discussion series that runs on Wednesdays, March 7, 14& 28, April 11 & 25, and May 2& 9at 6 p.m. Participants will come together over the course of seven sessions to discuss a variety of thematically linked texts with Djafer Sebkhaoui, Imam of the Masjid Al-Hidaya Muslim community in Troy and Latham and the Muslim Chaplain at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The four books included in this reading and discussion group tell provocative and gripping stories about the experiences of Muslims. This program is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. For more information please contact The Troy Public Library at 518-274-7071or at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Library is located at 100 Second Street in downtown Troy.

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: Join the Troy Public Library at 100 Second Street on Thursdays from March 1– 2from 6:30p.m. – 7:30p.m. for an Understanding Shakespeare workshop. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Siena College will lead this workshop, starting with a discussion of Act 1of Shakespeare’s tragedy “Julius Caesar.” Over the next four weeks the workshop will discuss the play one act at a time, putting it in a variety of contexts, such as its relationship to Shakespeare’s other works and the modern existential world. This program is free and open to the public. Copies of “Julius Caesar” will be available at the circulation desk. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org.

SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER: Boy Scout Troop 45is hosting an all-you-can-eat spaghetti and meatball dinner from 5-7:30PM on Saturday, March 10, at the Shenendehowa United Methodist Church on Route 146(two miles west of I87-Northway- Exit 9) in Clifton Park. No reservations are required. Take out is available. Cost is $9for adults, $7for children ages 4-10, children under 3 are free. There is a maximum family cost of $25. Proceeds benefit the Boy Scout Troop in the procurement of equipment and providing financial assistance to Scouts for summer camp and trips. For more information, please email cquail76@ gmail.com.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: North Country Arts will be holding an open call for artists for their annual juried art show “Expressions” from January 1through April 1, 2018. The exhibition will be held at the Shirt Factory Gallery, Glens Falls, from May 5to May 26, with awards presented at a May 5reception. 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.

MONDAY MUSICAL CLUB COMPETITION: The Monday Musical Club of Albany is sponsoring a music competition leading to a $500 Scholarship to a graduating high school senior who plans to study music primarily in college, music school and/ or music conservatory. The winner also has the opportunity to give a brief performance on May 20in Albany. Instrumentalists, vocalists, composers etc. are welcome to apply. All materials re this Scholarship are available at http://www.mondaymusicalclubofalbany.com. The deadline to receive applications is postmark March 31.

SAVION GLOVER MASTER CLASS: The National Museum of Dance and School of the Arts in Saratoga Springs will welcome tap dance legend and Tony award winner Savion Glover to the Lewis A. Swyer Studios on Friday, March 2and Saturday, March 3, for a series of three master classes. Glover will reach beyond aesthetics to address the heart, spirit, and passion of tap dance. In doing so, he will incorporate the rich history and theory of the art form. The workshop schedule is Friday, March 2, from 6p.m. to 7:30p,m, and Saturday, March 3, from 1p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3p.m. to 4:30p.m. The cost is $150per dancer for the three-part workshop, open to all ages and abilities. Advance registration is required as class size will be limited. Applicants are asked to submit a brief statement of purpose with their registration. For more information about the National Museum of Dance and School of the Arts and to register for the three-part workshop, please visit www. dancemuseum.org or call 518-584-2225ext. 3008.

PUBLIC SKATING AT HVCC: Open recreational skating for all ages is offered at the 18,000-squarefoot Conway Ice Rink in the McDonough Sports Complex at Hudson Valley Community College through Sunday, March 11. noon to 2p.m. Monday through Friday and 4p.m. to 6:15p.m. Saturday and Sunday Admission rates: $2for children 2to 17years old; $2for seniors (60+); and $3for adults. Skate rentals: $3each, toddlers through adults.

ACRYLIC STILL LIFE CLASS: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is offering a still life acrylic painting workshop with artist Sarah Nenno Bowen on Saturdays, February 24, March 3and 17from 10:30a.m. - noon. Bowen will guide participants in learning how to begin and complete their own stilllife painting while sharing techniques for color mixing, paint application, and personal expression. No experience required. Participants must be 18years of age or older, and must commit to all three sessions for this workshop. All materials will be supplied. Registration is free and open to the public. To register call the library at 518-235-5310or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Lansingburgh Branch of the Troy Public Library is located at 27114th Street, Troy.

ALBANY COUNTY AGRICULTURAL DISTRICT ENROLLMENT: The open period for enrolling your land in Albany County Agricultural District 1, 2, or 3began on February 1and will continue for 30days. If your land is used for any type of agricultural production by you or rented by someone else it is eligible to be enrolled in an agricultural district. This open period is for land that is not already enrolled in any agricultural district. If you are interested in finding out more about the benefit of having your farmland in an agricultural district and to receive a one page application form, contact Tom Gallagher at Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, tjg3@cornell.edu or 518-577-0958.

ST.JOSEPH’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 600State Street (corner of State and Lafayette Streets), Schenectady, announces its Lenten schedule. Daily Mass will be offered Monday thru Friday at 12:15p.m., with confessions following. The rosary is recited daily at 11:55a.m. Weekend masses are Saturday at 5:30p.m. and Sunday at 9:30a.m. Also as part of the Lenten celebration, Stations of the Cross will be conducted every Friday afternoon immediately following the 12:15p.m. Mass, beginning February 16. A Novena to St. Jude is conducted every Wednesday afternoon immediately following the 12:15p.m. Mass. The public is cordially invited to these Lenten observances, beginning with Ash Wednesday services on February 14. St. Joseph’s Church is handicapped accessible and parking is available in the parking lot behind the Church. More information is available by calling 518-374-4466, Ext. 13.

LOWER CANADA REBELLION: La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY, will give a presentation on “The Rebellion of 18371838in Lower Canada” on Wednesday, February 28. Bernard Ouimet, President of La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY and a native of Quebec, will speak about Lower Canada against the British. Come and learn about the reasons for the rebellion, the taking of arms, the outcome, and the legal repercussions. The presentation is free and open to the public. 7p.m., Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library, Clifton Park. Register online at www.cphlibrary.org (go to Calendar of Events to register), in person, or by calling 518-371-8622.

KEVENY MEMORIAL CLASS OF ‘68: The Keveny Memorial Academy Class of 1968is planning its 50Year Class Reunion for Saturday evening, September 22, at the Van Schaick Country Club, Cohoes. The event will start at 5p.m. with Cocktails and Hors D’oeuvres, followed by a buffet dinner at 6:30p.m.. A “Meet & Greet” informal gathering is also planned for the Cohoes Knights of Columbus the night before on Friday, September 21, starting at 7p.m. A Facebook page – Keveny Academy Class of ‘68-- has been created for providing additional information. The planning committee is in the process of gathering contact information so that invitations can be sent. If you would like to participate in future planning meetings, or would like to share any ideas or suggestions, please comment on the Facebook page or send an email to KMAclassof68@gmail.com.

QIGONG CLASSES: QiGong is an ancient Chinese art that empowers you help yourself by activating your inner resources for self-healing and reducing stress through breathing techniques, postures and meditation. The Cohoes Public Library will present Diana Wells, certified QiGong teacher, in a series of 3introductory classes – February 21at 6p.m.; March 2at 10:30a.m. & March 9at 1:30p.m. Since the classes are limited to 15people each, registration is required by contacting the library at 518-235-2570. Additional information may be found at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org.

FOOD DRIVE: From January 29– March 2, Troy Center at 49Marvin Avenue will be accepting canned foods from 8a.m. to 6p.m. This food pantry drive will help resupply local food pantries after the holidays. For more information, please contact Will Wohltjen at Troy Center at 802-430-8096or via email at wwohltjen@centershealthcare.org.

WILLIAMS FRENCH FILM FESTIVAL: The 2018Williams College French Film Festival will take place over three consecutive Mondays at 7p.m. on February 12, 19, and 26, at Images Cinema, 50Spring Street in Williamstown MA. This year’s theme, “La Grande Guerre: Remembering the First World War,” marks the centenary of the Great War with three contemporary films from France. Monday, Feb. 12: Christian Carion’s “Joyeux Noël: (Merry Christmas) (2005). Monday, Feb. 19: Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s “A Very Long Engagement” (2004). Monday, Feb. 26: François Ozon’s “Frantz” (2016). All films are in French with English subtitles. The screenings are free and open to the public. 120˚ INTERCOLLEGIATE REGIONAL: The Arts Center of the Capital Region, Saratoga Arts and the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council present the 120° Intercollegiate Regional, a juried fine art exhibition for students attending an accredited College or University located within 120miles of Saratoga Springs, Troy, or Glens Falls. The exhibition travels to a different host site each year highlighting the best of collegiate art students in the region. For more information about submitting art, go to http:// www.artscenteronline. org/ 120-intercollegiateregional/. Apply at https:// goo.gl/forms/zmFLLsEPM---

The Arts Center of the Capital Region announces its Annual Call for Entries. Submissions will be considered for opportunities including solo exhibitions, small and large group exhibitions, installation possibilities, and more. All mediums welcome. Apply at https://artscenterofthecapitalregion.submittable. com/submit. For questions please email callforart@artscenteronline.org. No phone calls please.

FARM FILMS WANTED: Farm Film Fest 10seeks entries for its annual film festival on March 25at the Crandell Theatre in Chatham. Deadline for submission is March 2. Films should be submitted in DVD format and may run from 5 to 20minutes in length. Apply through Vimeo or send DVDs to: Farm Film Fest 10, The Chatham Film Club, P.O. Box 305, Chatham, NY, 12037. Submission forms available at http:// chathamkeepfarming.org/ FarmFilmFest.html. For more information, call 518929-4692.

MY FAVORITE TEACHER: The Barnes & Noble My Favorite Teacher Contest provides middle and high school students the opportunity to tell their communities how much they appreciate their teachers. For the 2018contest Students can nominate their teacher by writing essays, poems or thank-you letters that share how their teacher has influenced them and why they appreciate and admire them. Entries are judged on the compelling nature of the teacher’s inspiring qualities, the sincerity of the student’s appreciation and the quality of expression and writing. The local winning teacher will be recognized in spring 2018at an event held at Barnes & Noble Colonie Center; each regional winner will receive a $500Barnes & Noble gift card and be eligible for B&N’s National Teacher of the Year award. Students must submit their essay or poem to Barnes & Noble Colonie Center by March 2. Customers should visit Barnes & Noble Colonie Center or www.bn.com/myfavorite teacher for complete details and official My Favorite Teacher Contest rules.

MILHAM PLANETARIUM: Williams College invites you to experience the wonders of our universe at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College. Astronomy students will host free shows for the public on Friday evenings at 8p.m. beginning February 2and running through May 11, with the exception of Spring Break on March 16, 23, and 30. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/B optomechanical planetarium projector. Shows will last about 50minutes. For reservations (required) contact Michele Rech at 413-5972188or email at mcr4@ williams.edu. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

SBA DISASTER RELIEF: New York businesses and residents affected by the multi-alarm fire in the city of Cohoes on Nov. 302017, can apply for low-interest disaster loans from the U.S. Small Business Administration. The SBA disaster declaration covers Albany County and the adjacent counties of Columbia, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie. The filing deadline to return applications for physical property damage is March 5. The deadline to return economic injury applications is October 4.

Businesses and individuals may obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339for the deaf and hard-of-hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba. gov/disaster.

CLAY SCULPTING CLASSES: HAYC3in Hoosick Falls will offer an in-depth six-week Clay Sculpting Class on Tuesdays, beginning February 27,from 6 p.m. - 8p.m. Open to adult community members of all experience, the class will introduce the creative joy of working with clay without a wheel. The cost of this class is $240plus a $50fee for the clay and sculpting materials which you will be able to take home. All spots must be reserved in advance. To register or learn more call 518-686-9050or visit HAYC3.org.

FOREIGN POLICY ASSOCIATION: The Foreign Policy Association - Schenectady Great Decisions Discussions Group 2018 (www.fpa.org) is a discussion group of current topics on U.S. involvement with the rest of the world. The program is sponsored nationally by the Foreign Policy Association. An eight-week series of meetings begins Tuesday, February 6, from 9:30a.m. to 11a.m. in the McChesney Room of the Schenectady Public Library, 99Clinton Street. Meetings are free of charge. A limited quantity of FPA 2018topic books are available at the library’s information desk at a reduced cost of $26. Copies may also be purchased at www. fpa.org.

HVCC ART EXHIBIT: “Juan Maldonado: Da Vinci’s Disciple,” January 22– March 2in the Troy Savings bank Charitable Foundation Atrium in the Marvin Library Learning Commons. An exhibit of works by Juan Maldonado, a native of Puerto Rico who studied in Europe and was greatly influenced by the works of Leonardo DaVinci. Maldonado reportedly completed 400-plus portrait commissions. He was artist-in-residence at the Bronx Museum and an advocate for Latino artists, helping create the Nuyorican movement in the 1960s. The serigraphs on display are courtesy of the Juan Maldonado Estate and the Martinez Gallery in Troy.

MANDEVILLE GALLERY: The latest exhibition at the Mandeville Gallery, “Probability & Uncertainty,” features over thirty historic scientific instruments from the Union College Permanent Collection, juxtaposed with six contemporary female artists working with scientific themes. By presenting connections between historic fields of inquiry and the themes used by the contemporary artists, this exhibition seeks to emphasize shared impulses found in the humanities and sciences, then and now. The exhibition runs from January 13through June 24. For more information visit https://muse.union.edu/mandeville/project/probability-and-uncertainty/.

DANCE THROUGH PARKINSON’S: The National Museum of Dance an- nounces the inception of Dance Through Parkinson’s, an innovative weekly class for people living with Parkinson’s disease and their care partners. This class, taught by Board-Certified Dance Movement Therapist Rachelle Smith-Stallman, explores movement through different types of rhythmic music in ways that are joyful, safe, and stimulating. Dance Through Parkinson’s has been proven to enhance strength, balance, flexibility, awareness, and confidence in its participants. Beginning on January 11, classes will be held on Thursdays from 1:30p.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Swyer Studios located directly behind the National Museum of Dance, 99S. Broadway, Saratoga Springs. Classes are free of charge and no experience is necessary for participation. For more information please contact the Museum at 518-584-2225ext. 3001.

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 518-244-4650or visit www.lvorc.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.

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.