Remembering family and friends

A roundup of notices and services. Look for additional obituaries on this newspaper’s website.

YOUTH SNOWMOBILE SAFETY: On Saturday, December 8, the Grafton Trail Blazers Snowmobile Club and the NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation will host a snowmobile safety course for young people ages 10to 18, taught by NYS certified volunteer instructor Jim Blessing. Students must be at least 10years old on the day of the course. The course is free of charge and lunch will be provided. It will be held at the Grafton VFW/ Fire Hall on South Road from 8:15a.m. to approximately 5p.m. To register, call the Grafton Lakes State Park office at 518-279-1155 by November 30, or e-mail Elizabeth.wagner@parks. ny.gov with the parent’s name, student’s name and age, and your phone number. Adults are encouraged to attend as well; be sure to notify the office if a parent is accompanying the child. Space is limited, so no walkins please.

PATRIOT FLIGHT FUNDRAISER: A Christmas Fund Raiser to benefit Capital District Patriot Flight features fun with Santa and Uncle Sam, live entertainment, auctions and raffles, military items, artworks, hams and turkeys, gift baskets and much more. November 25, 1p.m – 3:30 p.m., Zaloga Post American Legion #1520, 4Everett Road Ext., Albany. Make reservations by November 19by calling 518-732-2793 and leaving a message with the number attending. ARTS CENTER HOLIDAY SHOP: Stop by the Arts Center of the Capital Region from November 30– December 23to shop in a newly redesigned and revisioned Holiday Shop featuring art inspired by and for the holidays. Proceeds help fund the Arts Center’s free programs. Noon – 5p.m. on November 30– December 2, Dec. 7-9, 14-16and 21-23, 265River Street, Troy. For more information visit www. artscenteronline.org. ANCESTRY.COM TUTORIALS: North Greenbush Community Library Trustee and Town Historian Jim Greenfield offers free personal tutorials on the use of ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition, available at the library, provides access to 7,000databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283-0303and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141Main Avenue, Wynantskill.

OPERATION THANK YOU: Ocean State Job Lot (OSJL), a privately-held, family-operated discount retail chain with 131stores in New England, New York, and New Jersey, is pleased to offer its “Operation Thank You” savings program at all Ocean State Job Lot locations from November 8 to November 14. All active duty, National Guard and reserve military servicemen and women, all Military Veterans, and their immediate family members and dependents will receive a 25% discount on most products in the store. Those seeking the discount must present proof of service such as a VA ID Card or State issued License with Military or Veteran designation. Some product exclusions apply. For more information, please visit https://www. oceanstatejoblot.com/ operation-thank-you. STEAMER NO. 10: Steamer No.10Theatre’s CAST program (Creative Arts at Steamer Ten) presents “East of the Sun and West of the Moon,” a classic Norwegian tale that turns the story-line of most traditional tales on its head. The show is directed by Steamer No.10’s Education Director - Jacqueline Donnaruma and Eleah Peal. Performances November 2-4, 10-12, 17-18 at Steamer No. 10Theatre, 500Western Avenue, Albany. Showtimes 7p.m. on November 2, 3p.m. on November 3-4,10-11and 17-18, and 10a.m. and 1p.m. on Veterans Day, November 12. General admission $15; $11with a Steamer Ten Pass. For more information call 518-438-5503, email info@steamer10theatre. org, or visit http://www. steamer10theatre.org/eastof-the-sun-and-west-ofthe-moon.

TROY PROM: Tickets are now on sale for the November 24“Troy Prom: A GrownUp Only Themed Dance Party” at the Takk House, 553rd Street, downtown Troy. This year’s theme is “The Great Gatsby.” Limited to 200attendees, ages 21 and up. Tickets $80, $70 apiece for groups of six or more. Ticket price includes Sliding Dirty snack buffet, open bar and three hours of live music. The fun continues with an Afterparty featuring DJ Trumastr at Franklin Alley Social Club from 11p.m. – 2a.m. For more information visit www. troyprom.com or https:// www.facebook.com/events/ 535936236869070/. SPEIGLE ELDERS: Due to Thanksgiving and Christmas, the Speigle Elders will hold only one meeting in November and December, on November 14and December 12, with charity collections designated for the Salvation Army’s local toy campaign and Clothe-A-Child respectively. Table #3members will host an in-house Italian luncheon at the November 14meeting. The annual Christmas/Birthday party will take place on Tuesday, December 11, at Party Events in the former Germania Hall in Lansingburgh. The club will not meet in January 2019due to winter weather concerns. The first meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, February 13.

MILLS ON THE KILL: From the early 1800s through the mid-20th century, hundreds of mills operated along the banks of the Battenkill. “Mills on the Kill,” an exhibit curated by Salem deputy historian Judy Flagg and Elizabeth Cockey, author of “Untold Stories of the Battenkill,” will be on display at The Georgi on the Battenkill, located at 28Adams Lane in Shushan on November 3-4, November 6and November 10-11. An opening exhibit with light refreshment is planned for Saturday, November 3, from 2p.m – 5 p.m.

WRITING & SELLING YOUR BOOK: A course for aspiring authors interested in writing and selling books will be held on Saturday, November 10, from 1p.m. to 5 p.m. at Hudson Valley Community College. Presented by award-winning author Pauline Bartel, “No Excuses: Writing and Selling Your Book” is offered through the Office of Community and Professional Education. The $65course fee includes a coursebook. To register, call 518-629-7339. CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION LUNCHEON: The New York Capital District Christian Women’s Connection sponsors a “Follow the Yellow Brick Road” luncheon on Wednesday, November 14, at the Guilderland Elks Lodge, 3867 Rte. 146(Carman Road) in Schenectady, beginning at 11:25a.m. and ending at approximately 1:30p.m. On the menu this month is a Turkey Dinner. There will be special music with Judi Merriam, Linda Scheuer will display her beautiful homemade crafts and Jean Steber will explain how she sought the yellow brick road until she found something greater. Reservations are necessary no later than November 9; cancellations are a must. The cost is $16inclusive (cash only please). Please call Nancy at 518869-0642 to reserve.

GRIEVING PARENTS SPIRITUAL RETREAT:

The Emmaus Ministry for Grieving Parents Spiritual Retreat for parents who’ve experienced the death of a child of any age, will be held on Saturday, November 17, from 9:30a.m. – 7p.m. at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Parish, 1803Union Street, Schenectady. Donation: Individuals $25, Couples $40. Scholarships are available. Pre-registration is required; go to www.emfgp. org. For more information, call Kristine Rooney at 518- 370-3136ext. 239.

MELT N’ TOAST: Melt N’ Toast, the Capital Region’s grilled cheese festival, returns on Saturday, November 18, for two sessions from 11a.m. to 2p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6p.m. at Takk House at 553rd Street in Troy. The festival showcases the Capital Region’s culinary and craft beverage landscape, featuring the creativity of local food vendors paired with regional craft beverage producers. Tickets start at $30for early bird general admission ($35after Nov. 2). General admission includes admission to the event, commemorate Melt N’ Toast 2018glass, ten samples of any grilled cheese sandwich, and one beverage ticket. VIP tickets will be $60per person ($70 after Nov. 2). Additional festival information, including tickets, can be found online at meltntoastny.com, on Facebook (fb.com/MeltNToastNY), on Twitter (@ MeltNToastNY), and on Instagram (@MeltNToastNY). INTRODUCTION TO QIGONG: QiGong is an ancient Chinese art that empowers you to help yourself by activating your inner resources for self-healing and reducing stress through breathing techniques, postures and mindful focus. The Troy Public Library will present Diana Wells, certified QiGong teacher, in a series of four introductory classes on Monday evenings, November 26, December 3, December 10& December 23, at 6p.m. Classes are free but space is limited so registration is required. For more information and to register, call the library at 518-274-7071or online atwww.thetroylibrary. org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

HUDSON MOHAWK WEAVERS’ GUILD: The Hudson-Mohawk Weavers’ Guild’s 40th annual show and sale features handwoven fashions, furnishings and holiday gifts made by local artisans, fashion shows and weaving and spinning demos. November 15, 2 p.m. – 9p.m.; November 16, 11a.m. – 7p.m.; November 17, 10a.m. – 5p.m.; November 18, noon – 4p.m. at the Pruyn House, 207Old Niskayuna Road, Latham. Free admission and parking. For more information visit https://www.hmwg.org/ show.

SOUTHERN SARATOGA ART SOCIETY: Members of Southern Saratoga Art Society will exhibit their works throughout the area during November and December. “Winter” will be displayed in November in the Center Gallery of the Clifton Park Senior Community center. The works of Joan VanAlphen will be featured at the Mechanicville District Public Library during November and December. The Burnt Hills Library will feature the work of Jack Morgan, Richard Kitchen, Joan VanAlphen, Jean Skanes, Mary Fekete and Frank Fucci. CatskillHudson Bank features the work of Eva Marie Loucks at its Clifton Park branch and Virginia Harrison at its Malta branch. Rebecca Jenkins and Patricia Wade will be featured at Mocha Lisa’s Café in Clifton Park. SARATOGA COMIC CON: Due to ever-rising popculture and comic book fan demand, Saratoga Springs will host its 8th pop-culture comic con platform on November 17-18. Saturday 10a.m. – 6p.m. and Sunday 10a.m. – 5p.m. VIP’s get early access at 9:30a.m. each day. For ticket prices and more information visit http://www.saratogacomiccon.com or e-mail at chaseconexpo@hotmail.com or call Samuel J. Chase at 518-260-1755.

NEW SCOTLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: The New Scotland Historical Association Museum has reopened with a new exhibit. “History Lost, History Preserved” features four aspects of Town of New Scotland history: dairy farms, hotels,the Helderberg Ski Club and vintage post cards (or “Early Tweets”). The museum is located in the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7the Old Road, Voorheesville. Hours are Sundays 2p.m. – 4p.m. and by appointment, as well as all day Election Day, November 6. For more information visit newscotlandhistoricalassociation.org. SCHENECTADY CIVIC PLAYERS AUDITIONS: Open auditions for “The Babylon Line” by Richard Greenberg, directed by Chris Foster, will be held at the Schenectady Civic Players Playhouse, 12S. Church Street, Schenectady, on Tuesday, November 6and Thursday, November 8at 7:30p.m. Sign-ups begin at 7:15p.m. There are roles for four men and three women playing ages 25to 65. All ethnicities are welcome. Performances will take place January 25– February 3, 2019. For more information visit www.civicplayers. org.

MATINEE THEATER PLAYERS: “Shorts & Sweets” is two performances of one-act plays and monologues by local playwrights, combined with desserts, snacks, coffee and tea during the show. November 10 at 8p.m. and November 13 at 1p.m. at Sand Lake Center for the Arts, 2880NY 43, Averill Park. Tickets $10 at the door, first come first served. For more information call 518-674-2007or visit www.slca-ctp.org. HOPKINS FOREST DEER HUNTING: Hopkins Memorial Forest in Williamstown MA will be open to deer hunting by special permit during the 12-day shotgun season this fall. The 2018Massachusetts deer shotgun season runs from November 26to December 18, excluding Sunday, December 2. A limited number of complimentary permits will be issued to hunters from local communities. Applications can be submitted on line (https:// hmf.williams.edu/public/ deer-hunting/) or obtained from the Center for Environmental Studies. Regardless of how they are submitted, applications are due back to the Center by October 27. They will be evaluated on a first-come, first served basis and permits will be issued to selected hunters by mid-November. Hunters may obtain a no-fee permit application by contacting the Center for Environmental Studies, 55Mission Park Drive, Williamstown, MA 01267, calling 413-5972346, or e-mailing dlewis@ williams.edu. LANSINGBURGH HISTORICAL SOCIETY: The Lansingburgh Historical Society hosts Vernon Benjamin, Siena College alumnus and author of a two volume history of the Hudson Valley, at their holiday buffet on Thursday, November. 8at 5:30p.m. at Van Schaick Country Club, 201Continental Ave, Cohoes. Enjoy the talk, buffet and a raffle ticket for the carving “Moby Dark” for $38per person. Please mail payment to Lansingburgh Historical Society, P.O. Box 219Troy, NY 12182- 0219. Payment for reservations must be received by October 30. For more information, please call John and Mary Ellen Ward at 518-885- 4295. SUNNY SUNDAYS: Sunny Sundays are your opportunity to take a safe glimpse at the sun. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their 14inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to safely look at the sun and search for sunspots. Other objects such as the moon and planets may also be visible. In the event of poor weather, we will have hands-on activities indoors instead. The observatory will be open from 1p.m. - 2:30p.m. every Sunday through December 30. miSci galleries will be open continuously from noon – 5p.m. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12Adult, $10Senior, $8Child) at miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, 15Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: The Troy Public Library’s next Understanding Shakespeare workshop, meeting on Thursdays from October 25– November 29(excepting Thanksgiving) covers the history play “Richard III,” one act at a time. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare scholar and retired Siena College professor, will help participants put the play in a variety of contexts, including its relationship to the playwright’s other works and to the modern existential world. Copies of the play will be available at the circulation desk. This free program meets from 6:30 p.m. – 7:30p.m. at the Main branch, 100Second Street, Troy. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register, call 518274-7071or go online to www.thetroylibrary.org. HAND ILLUSTRATED MAP MAKING: The Troy Public Library is offering a Hand Illustrated Map Making workshop with artist Sarah Gabler of Sarah Jane Art on Sundays from October 28 through November 11from 1 p.m. – 2:30p.m. at the Main branch, 100Second Street. Participants will create their own personal maps of New York State. No experience is required, but participants must be 16years of age or older. To register for this free workshop, call the library at 518-274-7071or go to www.thetroylibrary.org. HIICAP: Do you have questions on Medicare, EPIC or your prescription drug coverage? Not happy with your present coverage? Open enrollment runs from October 15– December 7 and the Health Insurance Information Council Assistance Program (HIICAP) can help. If you can’t afford your Medicare Part B premium you may be eligible for assistance. The Medicare Savings Program is available to qualifying seniors. You can make an appointment to speak to a HIICAP representative privately at the Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2Roxborough Road, Grafton. All Rensselaer County seniors 60years of age and older are welcome. To make an appointment contact the senior center at 518-279-3413or the Rensselaer County Department of Aging at 518-270-2730. BIBLICAL HISTORY OF ISRAEL: Through a series of video lectures from The Great Courses by Professor Jodi Magness and Professor Cynthia R. Chapman, followed by discussion, this series of classes will add new dimensions to your understanding of the millennia-long narrative of the birthplace of Judaism and Christianity. All classes will take place from 7p.m. – 8:30p.m. at Congregation Gates of Heaven, 852 Ashmore Avenue, Schenectady on every other Thursday starting October 11. The series is free and open to the public. For more information, contact temple director of congregational Jewish living Arnold Rotenberg at 518-374-8173, or email arotenberg@cgoh.org. ALL AROUND ABRAHAM: Congregation Gates of Heaven’s new Wednesday adult education course, “All Around Abraham,” begins October 17from 7p.m– 8 p.m. with Brian Haak. Classes will be held on October 17 and 31, November 7and 14, and December 5and 19at 852Ashmore Avenue, Schenectady. The course is free and open to the public. For more information, contact temple director of congregational Jewish living Arnold Rotenberg at 518-3748173, or email arotenberg@

cgoh.org.

CALL FOR ARTISTS: The Valley Falls United Methodist Church is seeking artists to exhibit their work in the 3rd Annual Fine Art Show on Saturday, November 10. Visit www.valleyfallsunitedmethodist.comor email the show committee at vfumfinearts@gmail.com, or contact Jocelyn Cole at 518-753-2035, for an application form, show rules and information. The application deadline is October 20.. GUIDED MEDITATION CLASSES: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes led by Michael Fuselli on Tuesdays, September 25– November 27from 5p.m. – 6p.m. Learn a surprisingly simple yet powerful practice that can help your reduce stress, get recharged, experience overall improved physical health and possibly get you “blissed-out” all while sitting comfortably in a chair. Beginners always welcome. Registration is encouraged, but not necessary. his program is free and open to the public. To register call 518274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy. FOR FREEDOMS: A selection of signs created for “For Freedoms: 50State Initiative” highlighting participating artists’ definitions of freedoms is on exhibit in the Learning Commons of Schaffer Library on the Union College campus through March 21, 2019. For more information about For Freedoms please visit https://www.forfreedoms. org/.

WOMEN’S HOCKEY: Frozen Assets, a women’s ice hockey team based in Troy, is looking for new players and a goalie. The team has players that are novice hockey players (some skating experience is required) and others who played competitive hockey. The team practices Sunday evenings and competes regularly with other local teams at the Recreational and D-Levels. If you are looking to play a fun sport and meet some great people, contact Cath-

leenBU@gmail.com. Practices begin September 30at Hudson Valley Community College ice arena.

AVERILL PARK COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA: If you play a musical instrument, the Averill Park Community Orchestra is looking for new members. The orchestra is especially in need of string players (violin, viola, cello, string bass). 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 start September 12, New members will be accepted through early October in preparation for a December 16performance.If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, brass, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please contact Christina Desmond at 518-948-0565. UPPER HUDSON LIBRARY EXPEDITION: Did you know that your Upper Hudson Library card lets you borrow virtually anything from any library in Albany and Rensselaer counties? Become a

“36-er” by going on the Upper Hudson Library Expedition, which opens the doors of every UHLS public library and gives you the chance to win prizes by visiting as many Upper Hudson libraries as possible. Open to explorers of all ages, this self-paced journey takes place from September 1 through November 30, with a “soft launch” from August 27-31. With each visit to a different library, you get a stamp on your map. Prizes are earned for visiting 5, 15, 25, or all 36public libraries and branches in the two counties. Anyone interested in joining the Expedition can start their journey at Cheney Library in Hoosick Falls, or any public library in Albany or Rensselaer County. For more details visit www.uhls. org/expedition.

SCI FI-FANTASY BOOK CLUB: The Troy Public Library will run a three-month series starting showcasing several much loved books from the genres of science fiction and fantasy, starting on September 25with Pierce Brown’s “Red Rising.” Book club meetings will be held at the Main branch, 100Second Street, on the fourth Tuesday in each month at convenient

day and evening times, once from 11:30a.m. - 12:30p.m. and again at 6p.m. - 7p.m. Readers needn’t commit to a particular time slot, or to reading all three books, but are encouraged to attend meetings that suit their interests and their schedule. Copies of each book will be available for interested participants at the checkout desk four weeks prior to each scheduled meeting. This program is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is recommended. For more information or to register, call the library at

518-274-7071or visit www. thetroylibrary.org. BACKPACKS WANTED: Catholic Charities Tri-County Services runs five school supply programs throughout our communities and needs *new* backpacks for elementary and middle school aged children. Donations can be dropped off at the office at 50Herrick Street in Rensselaer, or call Justine Carroll at 518-512-3577 x115to arrange a pickup of larger quantity donations. You, your business, church or group can arrange a col-

lection of new backpacks or donate funds for Catholic Charities to purchase them. If you prefer to make a monetary donation you can donate online at https:// rcda.thankyou4caring. org/ccrcda/cc-tri-countyservices.

THEATER VOICES: Theater Voices has announced its program for 2018-19, the 31st anniversary season of free professional staged readings Directed by Jacqueline Donnaruma, “Circle Mirror Transformation” by Annie

Baker runs from February 1517, 2019. “The Subject Was Roses” by Frank D. Gilroy, directed by Brian Sheldon, runs from April 12-14. The season will close out with “Chapatti” by Christian O’Reilly, directed by Patricia Bunce, on May 17-19. All shows will be presented at Steamer No. 10Theater, 500Western Avenue, Albany, with performance times of Fridays at 8p.m.; Saturdays at 3p.m. and 8p.m.; and Sundays at 3p.m. For more information, visit www.theatervoices.org or look up Theater Voices on Facebook.

VENDORS WANTED: All Saints on the Hudson, 52 William St, Mechanicville, will hold their annual Craft Fair in the parish hall from 9a.m. - 3p.m. on Saturday November 17, Vendor applications are available. For information or a vendor application contact Carmella Hein at chein@nycap.r.com or 518-664-5950. SPEIGLE ELDERS UPCOMING EVENTS: The Speigle Elders are planning a presentation on “Russell Sage - The Man” in the fall: and the annual Christmas/ Birthday party in December. Members are invited to chair any of these events as well as suggesting additional trips, in-house or outside events to round out this year’s social calendar. HISTORIC STEPHENTOWN PHOTOS: Photographs of Stephentown from 1907and 1908are now on display at the Stephentown Post Office. These scenes have been printed from glass plate negatives that were donated to the Stephentown Historical Society by the Lebanon Valley Historical Society. The views include the Kinderhook Creek and Atwater Village section of Garfield. These historic images will also be part of a Spring 2019exhibit of local photography at the Stephentown Heritage Center. Photographers should plan to take their own interesting views and visions of Stephentown throughout the coming year with this exhibit in mind. 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.

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.