Calendar

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

Sunday, Sept. 2

PAPSCANEE ISLAND NATURE WALK: Led by David Chinery from Cornell Cooperative Extension, enjoy a one-hour walk through the Paoscanee Island Nature Preserve and discover the various species of plants and animals that make the 156-acre Preserve and Hudson River shoreline their home. Trails are relatively flat with some uneven surface and slight ascents/descents, exposed tree roots and limbs. 9a.m., Staats Island Road, Castleton. Regsiter by August 30by callilng 518-270-2888. SARATOGA SPRINGS SUMMER STROLL: Debbie Studwell will lead a 10:30a.m. tour of the area of Circular Street and Union Avenue formerly home to the Young Women’s Industrial Club of Saratoga, which today is known as Skidmore College. Sponsored by Longfellows. $5 for Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation members, $8for non-members. Reservations are encouraged, but not necessary. For more information, please call SSPF at 518-587-5030, visit www. saratogapreservation.org or email Nicole Babie, Membership & Programs Coordinator, at nbabie@saratogapreservation.org.

WATERFORD HARBOR FARMERS MARKET: The Waterford Harbor Farmers Market is a weekly outdoor farmers market on the Erie Canal. Enjoy beautiful views and live music as you shop for local produce, baked goods, syrup, sauces, meat, art, soap, and more. Every Sunday through October 14from 9 a.m. - 1p.m. at the Waterford Harbor Visitor Center, 1 Tugboat Alley, Waterford. Visit https://www.waterfordharbormarket.com/ for more information.

YADDO GARDEN TOURS: Garden tours share the history of the Trask family, the mansion and history of the Yaddo gardens in Saratoga Springs. Docent-led tours begin at 11 a.m. on Saturdays and Sundays from June 23through Get listed: Submit items for the calendar at CALENDAR@TROYRECORD.COM. September 2.. Meet at the entrance to the gardens. Admission $10per person. For more information contact Yaddo at 518-584-0746or www.yaddo.org.

Monday, Sept. 3

INTRODUCING GNOSTIC PHILOSOPHY: “The Wisdom to Allow Change” is a free Public Talk and Meditation introducing Gnostic Philosophy at Heartspace Yoga on Second Street in Troy. from 7 p.m. - 8p.m. This is offered by NAGA - Troy, a 501(c)3. More information is available at gnosis.troy.ny@gmail.com or https://troy-gnosis.squarespace.com/.

USS SLATER: USS SLATER will be open to the public for guided tours from 10a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, September 3. Typically, the ship is closed on Monday and Tuesday for continuing restoration, but exceptions are made for significant holidays. Take this opportunity to visit the only Destroyer Escort afloat in America and experience first-hand how the “Greatest Generation” fought, lived, and worked. USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street. Admission is $9for adults and $7for children. Call 518-4311943for more information or visit www.ussslater.org.

Tuesday, Sept. 4

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Personal Safety for Kids, 2:30p.m. In this personal safety program for elementary age children, educators from the Albany County Crime Victim and Sexual Violence Center will discuss boundaries in regards to personal space, such as comfortable and uncomfortable touches. Please note: explicit body parts will be mentioned in this program. For grades K-5and families. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar. BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30 a.m. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Call 279-4023or visit www.brunswicklibrary.org for more information. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Tuesday for Tots, “Mini Engineers,” 10:30a.m. for ages 2-5. A special time for younger visitors to gain preschool readiness skils in a fun and social environment including sensory play, crafts and activities with friends. Free with museum admission. 69Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-584-5540 or visit www.cmssny.org for more information. COMMUNITY COFFEE HOUR: Stephentown Memorial Library would like to invite all Stephentown (and surrounding areas) senior citizens to the Senior Coffee Hour every Tuesday at 1p.m. This is a time to gather with friends, enjoy some coffee and baked goods and participate in activities presented by Library staff member Maria Spear. Stephentown Memorial Library is located at 472NY-43 in Stephentown.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tween Art Club, 4p.m. Family Game Night, 5 p.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Card party day, 10:30a.m. Van transportation available. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-6867561for noon dinner reservations and more information. MAR-A-LAGO: The magnificent Mar-a-Lago mansion in Palm Beach FL was built between 1924and 1927for Marjorie Merriweather Post, founder of the General Foods empire. Hoping to turn the estate into the Winter White House for future presidents and foreign dignitaries, Marjorie bequeathed it to the United States Government. Her dream came true in 2017 when Donald Trump became the 45th president. Palm Beach historian Richard René Silvin talks on “Mar-a-Lago from Cereal Heiress to Winter White House” at Ventfort Hall, 104Walker Street in Lenox MA, at 4p.m. on Tuesday, September 4. His talk will be followed by a Victorian tea to conclude Ventfort Hall’s summer Tea and Talk series. Tickets are $26for advance reservations and $32day of the event. For information or reservations call Ventfort Hall at 413-637-3206or visit info@gildedage.org.

NORTH GREENBUSH LIBRARY STORY TIME: Throughout September, Story Time with Mrs. Greene will focus on seasonal topics, including “Visit a Farm,” “Changing Leaves,” “Fall Is Coming” and “Apple Time.” Story Time is at the library at 141Main Avenue in Wynantskill on Tuesdays at 11a.m., with a one-week hiatus on September 18. Visit northgreenbushlibrary.org, for the latest topics. POESTENKILL SENIORS: Weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1p.m. at the Sullivan-Jones post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, following by Bingo and cards. The hall is handicapped accessible with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors have catered lunches, pizza, clamsteams, fish fries and luncheons at various restaurants, informational talks on senior safety and bus trips to casinos, theaters and other points of interest. Dues are $15a year. RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Pre-school Storytime for ages 2-6, 11a.m. Siblings welcome. Computer Help, 1p.m. to 3p.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. SPIRITUAL CINEMA: Bring a dish to share and enjoy a few Spiritual Cinema Circle short films. Donations welcome. 6:30p.m., Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures at Woodlawn Commons, 156Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. For more information, visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org or call 518-366-9918. TROY SENIOR CENTER: 9 a.m., Knitting and Crocheting. 10:30a.m., Health & Wellness activities. Arts 4 Vets meets every Tuesday at 10:30a.m. Call 2705349to make a noon lunch reservation, or 270-5348 for more information.

Wednesday, Sept. 5

BACK TO SCHOOL CLOSET: The Back to School Closet located at Bethany Church, 21N. Lyons Avenue, Menands, is open Wednesday evenings from 6p.m. - 7:30p.m. through September 12and Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m. - 10:30a.m. The Closet accepts all school items but especially needs two pocket folders, composition books, highlighters, Kleenex, dry erase markers, loose leaf paper binders and Ziploc bags in quart and gallon size. Contact Carol Darmetko at 518-396-7580 or Jean Parker at 518-5279928if you want to drop off donations, or for further information. BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Senior Bridge Club, 1p.m. Kids STEAM Class for ages 4+, 3:30p.m. Adult Yoga, 6p.m. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518-279-4023or visit www.brunswicklibrary.org for more information. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: The Story Corner, 11a.m. for ages 3and up. Explore new stories on the front patio and develop early-literacy skills through multi-sensory activities, projects and crafts. Indoors during inclement weather. Free with museum admission. 69Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Phone 518-584-5540or visit www.cmssny.org for more information.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30 a.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information.

HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Bone Builders, 10:30a.m.; Exercise class 1 p.m. Motor vehicle available 10a.m. - 2p.m. Cards. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-686-7561for more information. MENANDS PUBLIC LIBRARY: Every Wednesday from 5:30p.m. - 6:30p.m. is Tech Advice Night at the Menands Public Library. Can’t figure out how to set up your new phone? Want to know what’s up with your data plan? Don’t know how to get pictures onto your computer? The library’s resident digital native, Ted, can help. Appointments aren’t necessary, but they are recommended. The Menands Public Library is located at 4N. Lyons Avenue, Menands. For more information, call 518-4634035.

MINDFUL PRACTICES GROUP: All (including Beginners) are welcome; meditation instruction is available. The meeting format includes walking and sitting meditation, dharma presentation, and sharing dharma-related experiences. 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. TOWN OF PITTSTOWN SENIORS: The regular monthly meeting for the Town of Pittstown Seniors well be September 5at the Raymertown Volunteer Fire Department located on Mason Lane in Raymertown. The meeting will begin with a covered dish lunch at 11:45a.m. with business meeting to follow. There are many exciting events coming for the fall, including the lunch cruise on Lake George on September 11. October events will be discussed at the September meeting. TROY SENIOR CENTER: Captain JP cruise; call 518-270-5348for details. Aerobics 9:30a.m. Health & Wellness activities 10:30 a.m. Bingo 12:45p.m. Work out with Gym Guru “Ellio,” 1p.m. - 2:45p.m.19Third Street, Troy. To make reservations for noon lunch call 518-270-5349. For more information call 518-2705348.

VOLKSWALK JOHNSTOWN: A volkswalk is a recreationally-paced, premapped walk in a culturally or historically interesting area. They are planned with safety in mind, and are great opportunities for exercise and sociability. On September 5, a guided walk through Johnstown starts at 10a.m. from Johnstown City Hall, 41E. Main Street. Registration for each event starts ½ hour prior to the walk and the cost is $2. Further information is available at www. walkescv.org. WATERFORD LIONS CLUB: The Waterford Lions Club will hold their next dinner meeting at McGreivey’s Restaurant, Waterford on Wednesday, September 5 at 5:30pm.. The Lions Club assists those in need of hearing and vision assistance and also supports many community outreach programs such as Waterford-Halfmoon BackPack program, scholarships, food pantry. The Lions Club invites anyone interested in being part of this community-oriented program to attend the dinner meeting to find out more about the organization. To make a reservation for the dinner meeting, contact Florence at 518-209-8073.

Thursday, Sept. 6

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30a.m. Knitting group, 1 p.m. to 2:30p.m. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518279-4023or visit www. brunswicklibrary.org for more information. CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Science Explorers, 10:30a.m. for all ages. A popular weekly program where kids discover the different ways in which science is all around us. Free with museum admission. 69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-5845540or visit www.cmssny.org for more information. COMMUNITY BIBLE STUDY VISITORS’ DAY: Tri-State Northeast Community Bible Study will have a Visitor’s Day on the first class day of the year, Thursday, September 6, from 10 a.m. - 12:15p.m. at Hoosick Falls Community Alliance Church, 484Hill Road. Classes meet weekly during the school year. There are small discussion groups and a large group teaching each Thursday. Open to all ages and denominations. Visit southernvermont.cbsclass.org or the national website, communitybiblestudy.org, for more information. For further questions, contact Mary Batcheller at 518686-3166or mary.batcheller@gmail.com, or Linda Lennox at lennox.linda@gmail.com.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe, 570Third Avenue, North Troy is displaying new Fall clothing, purses, and shoes. Throughout September, many new household items will be available, as well as toys, games, puzzles, books, jewelry, lamps and linens. Check it out any Thursday or Saturday, 9a,m, – 1p,m. Call 518-235-3851or visit www.facebook.com/CornerstoneChurchintheburgh for more information. COUNTDOWN TO ROSH HASHANAH: Rosh Hashanah begins at sunset on Sunday, September 9. On September 6, an “Are We Ready?” service ties everything together on the final Shabbat of the year. 6p.m., B’nai Sholom Reform Congregation, 420Whitehall Road, Albany. Free and open to all. For more information, visit www.bnaisholomalbany.org or contact the B’nai Sholom office at 518-4825283or office@bnaisholom.albany.ny.us.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Yoga Hour, 5p.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org or call 518-279-0580for more information.

HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Bingo, 12:45p.m. Cards. Van Transportation available. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-6867561to reserve noon dinner or for more information. INTERFAITH STORY HOUR: According to this month’s guest teller, Ashok Ramasubramanian, true seekers are few, the path is instantly hard, but the rewards are infinite. Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Union College, Ashok’s stories have been featured on the Moth Radio Hour carried locally on WAMC-FM. 7p.m. - 9 p.m., Unitarian Universalist Society of Schenectady, 1221Wendell Avenue, Schenectady. Come share your stories related to the theme of “Seeking Truth,” or just come to listen. Free and open to the public. For more information contact Audrey Seidman at 518-459-0661 or seidmanaudrey@yahoo.com or visit www.withourvoice.org/ifs.

MASONS: The ApolloKing Solomon’s Lodge #13F.& A.M. will meet on Thursday, September 6, at 7:30p.m. at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39 Brunswick Road. The theme for the evening is “Welcome Back.” There will be a social hour at 5:30p.m. and a dinner at 6:30p.m. Make reservations to the Junior Warden, Francis P. Burek, at 518-322-7966, or email bluetick7175@gmail.com, or visit masonsonline. RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Teen Anime Club for ages 13-18, 4p.m. - 6 p.m. Computer Help, 5:30 p.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, http://www. facebook.com/RensselaerLibrary.

STEPHENTOWN MEMORIAL LIBRARY: Join Maria and all your Playgroup friends to read stories, listen to music, move around, make some crafts and, most of all, play! Kids 5and under, along with parents and/or caregivers, are invited to join in playtime at the library. Siblings are welcome as well! Thursdays at 10a.m., 472NY-43, Stephentown. Call 518-733-5750or email director@stephentownlibrary.org for more information.

TROY CENTER: Everyone is welcome to sing along with entertainer Bob Marcello as he performs the greatest songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s at Troy Center. All families and friends are welcome to this free monthly engagement. Bob will perform the first Thursday of every month from 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-2736646or by email at bsass@ troycenter.net for more information.

TROY SENIOR CENTER: Crafts, 9a.m. Sewing class, 9a.m. Osteo Aerobics, 10 a.m. Health & Wellness activies, 10:30a.m. Line dancing, 1p.m. Movie and Munch: contact the center for more information. 19 Third Street, Troy. To make reservations for noon lunch call 518-270-5349. For more information call 518270-5348.

Friday, Sept. 7

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Farmers’ Market, Fridays 3p.m. – 6 p.m. Apple Cider social 3 p.m. - 6p.m. Paint Your Mug, 6p.m. Adults, please call 518-279-4023to register. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Visit www.brunswicklibrary.org for more information.

CASTLETON FARMERS MARKET: The Castletonon-Hudson Farmers & Artisans Market (COHFAM) will be held every Friday from June 1to September 28, from 4:30p.m. -7:30p.m. at the corner of Main Street (9J) and Scott Avenue (150).

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM AT SARATOGA: Growing Up Green garden club for ages 2and up, 11a.m. This program introduces the art and science of gardening and increases children’s awareness of botany, outdoor recreation and nutrition. Free with museum admission.69 Caroline Street, Saratoga Springs. Call 518-5845540or visit www.cmssny.org for more information. EVERETT WAGAR SENIOR CENTER: On Friday, September 7, at 11a.m. there will be a Membership Meeting at the Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2Roxborough Road, Grafton. All members are welcome and encouraged to attend and be a part of the decisions that affect your senior center. Stay for a noon meal (entrée: Grilled Chicken Salad Cold Plate after the meeting for a suggested donation of $3. To make reservations for lunch, call the center at 518-2793413.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL SERVICES: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 600State Street, (corner of State and Lafayette Streets), Schenectady, holds its special First Friday Devotional Services on September 7. Following the 12:15p.m. Mass, there will be Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The public is cordially invited. 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.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Art Journaling, 5p.m. 2455 NY-2, Grafton. Visit www. graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Yoga at 10:30 a.m. Bingo at 12:30p.m. Cards. Sign up for Legal Aid appointments. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-686-7561to reserve noon dinner or for more information. OPALKAGALLERY: Opening reception for “Sharon Bates:Exhibit B,” 6p.m. - 8p.m., Sage College of Albany, 140New Scotland Avenue, Albany. The exhibit runs from August 28- October 13. Visit Sage.edu/ Opalka for more details. RUMMAGE SALE: Pine Grove United Methodist Church, 1580Central Ave., Colonie, will hold a Rummage Sale on Friday, September 7, from 9a.m. to 4p.m., and Saturday, September 8, from 9a.m. to 3p.m. Items for sale include clothing, shoes, household items, books, CDs and DVDs, baby items, toys, furniture, linens, towels, collectibles, holiday items and more. Lunch will be available for sale both days from 11a.m. – 1p.m.

TROY SENIOR CENTER: Aerobics 9:45a.m. NY Connects Resource Fair, 11a.m. - 1p.m. Bingo 12:45p.m. Work out with Gym Guru “Ellio,” 1p.m. - 2:45p.m. 19 Third Street, Troy. To make reservations for noon lunch call 518-270-5349. For more information call 518270-5348.

TUGBOAT ROUNDUP: The Tugboat Roundup in Waterford on September 7-9is a gathering of tugboats and other vessels and a celebration of New York’s maritime industry. Friday’s features include a tug parade, live music and vendors. For each day’s event schedule visit https://www.tugboatroundup.com/.

WARWITH IRAN?: “Is War With Iran Inevitable?” will be presented by Dr. Bahman Azad, retired professor of economics and sociology and former acting director of the Center for Middle Eastern Studies at Rutgers University. Dr. Azad served as a lieutenant in the Iranian Air Force and is organizational secretary of the U.S. Peace Council, co-chair of Iran Pledge of Resistance, NGO representative of the World Peace Council at the U.N., and coordinator of the Coalition Against U.S. Foreign Military Bases. 7:30p.m., Mountain View Studio, 20Mountainview Ave., Woodstock. Suggested donation $10. Sponsored by: Middle East Crisis Response mideastcrisis.org, Hudson Valley BDS hudsonvalleybds.org, Jewish Voice for Peace-HV jvphudsonvalley. org, and Veterans for Peace. Contact: mecr@mideastcrisis.org or 845-876-7906. WILLIAMS CHAMBER PLAYERS: The Williams College Department of Music presents the Williams Chamber Players in their first concert of the season, featuring works by Debussy, Bernstein and Beethoven. 8 p.m., Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall. This free event is open to the public. Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall is located at 54 Chapin Hall Drive in Bernhard Music Center on the Williams College campus; see www.williams.edu/ home/campusmap/.

Saturday, Sept. 8

AARP DRIVERS’ SAFETY COURSE: 11a.m., Brunswick Community Library. Please call the library at 518-2794023for more details. ARMENIAN FESTIVAL: Live music, children’s rides, shish kebob dinners, Armenian pastries and Lahmajoun for sale. Noon - 8p.m., Holy Cross Armenian Church, 255Spring Avenue, Troy. For Lahmajoun orders, call Betty at 518-421-9309. For more information call Sonia at 518-951-9700, Antranig at 518-331-8559, or email HCArmenianpicnic@gmail.com.

BACK TO SCHOOL CLOSET: The Back to School Closet located at Bethany Church, 21N. Lyons Avenue, Menands, is open Wednesday evenings from 6p.m. - 7:30p.m. through September 12and Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m. - 10:30a.m. The Closet accepts all school items but especially needs two pocket folders, composition books, highlighters, Kleenex, dry erase markers, loose leaf paper binders and Ziploc bags in quart and gallon size. Contact Carol Darmetko at 518-396-7580 or Jean Parker at 518-5279928if you want to drop off donations, or for further information.

BIRD WALK & TALK: Jim de Waal Malefyt has been doing a bird census for over one year at the Poestenkill Community Forest in anticipation of plans for sustainable logging. Join him on an early morning bird walk, starting at 8:30 a.m., to see and hear the forest birds and migrating warblers. Hear about how a bird census is done and Jim’s concerns for health of the birds and bird habitat. To register contact Jim de Waal Malefyt at dewaalmalefyt@gmail.com Donation is $5. CHICKEN BBQ: Gilead Lutheran Church serves ½ chicken, baked potato, corn, coleslaw, roll, homemade pie from 4p.m. - 6p.m. for $10. Eat in, take out, walk-ins welcome. Call Jen at 518248-1295for reservations. Gilead Lutheran Church is located at the corner of NY 7and route 278(Brick Church Road) in the Town of Brunswick.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe, 570Third Avenue, North Troy is displaying new Fall clothing, purses, and shoes. Throughout September, many new household items will be available, as well as toys, games, puzzles, books, jewelry, lamps and linens. Check it out any Thursday or Saturday, 9a,m, – 1p,m. Call 518-235-3851or visit www.facebook.com/CornerstoneChurchintheburgh for more information.

FAMILY STORY TIME: The Albany Institute of History & Art is partnering with the Albany Public Library to present special story time at the museum on select Saturday mornings. Inspired by the museum’s current exhibitions “A Menagerie of Whimsey: The Art of William B. Schade” and “Birds & Beasts: The Scary, Magical, and Adorable Animals of the Albany Institute,” the story time program will feature stories about animals. The first story time is Saturday, September 8, at 10:30a.m. The event is free, but registration is requested. Email waldronv@albanyinstitute. org or call 518-463-4478 ext. 404for registration. The Albany Institute of History & Art is located at 125Washington Avenue in Albany.

HIGH AND MIGHTY HORSE SHOW: Come and cheer for the participants, volunteers, families, staff and the wonderful horses at High And Mighty’s annual horse show. 10a.m. - 2p.m., High and Mighty Therapeutic Riding and Driving Center, 71County Route 21C, Ghent. Email info@ High-n-Mighty.org for more information, or visit High-nMighty.org.

KAYAKING 4MESO: The 4th annual Kayaking 4Meso event is a paddle to raise awareness and donations for Mesothelioma research. Launch at 9:30a.m. from the Flight Lock Road launch in Waterford for an approx. 7.5mile paddle through six locks, with a NYS Police escort. Participants will need a kayak, paddle and PFD. $40registration fee; register at www.kayaking4meso.org or emial markwells@kayaking4meso.org. All proceeds will be donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Festivities will continue at Halfmoon Lighthouse Park, 589Hudson River Road, from 1p.m. - 4p.m. MELVILLE HOUSE: The Lansingburgh Historical Society opens the Herman Melville House and garden for tours and a tag sale on September 8from 10a.m. to 2p.m. The second in a series of Christmas ornaments depicting well known historical sites in the Burgh will be available, along with a new “Burgh” cap. The Melville House is located at 2114th Street, Troy. MENANDS PUBLIC LIBRARY: Story time is 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Be there when the library closes to enjoy a story, read, sing and play for about 30minutes. For ages 2-4, but all are welcome. The Menands Public Library is located at 4 N. Lyons Avenue, Menands. For more information, call 518-463-4035. PEEBLES ISLAND STATE PARK: Join an environmental educator on Saturday, September 8, at 11a.m. at Peebles Island State Park for an animal-themed walk to learn about the different species in the park. This program will meet at the Visitor Center and enjoy an hour-long, two-mile walk around the park. This program is open to all ages, but has been designed for families with children ages 5 and up. The hike will be cancelled in the event of heavy rain. Registration is required for this program; please call Kim Hill at 518-584-2000, ext. 111, or email Kim.Hill@ parks.ny.gov.