Calendar

Wednesday, Dec. 5

AMERICAN ITALIAN HERITAGE MUSEUM: The feast days of the Immaculate Conception, Santa Nicola and Santa Lucia usher in the Christmas season in Italy. The American Italian Heritage Museum celebrates some of these traditions in support of its mission to keep Italian traditions alive. 11a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 1227Central Avenue, Albany. Free and open to the public. Make your reservation by December 3by calling 518435-1979, and please bring dessert for the reception after the event.

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Hour of Code: Scratch Jr., 3:30p.m. – 4:45 p.m. in the Teen Area. A Computer Science Education Week event. Trivia Night for Adults: Friends vs Seinfeld edition, 7 p.m. – 8:30p.m. Limited to 10 teams. Prizes donated by the Friends of Bethlehem Public Library. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: Melrose United Methodist Church hosts its annual Blue Christmas service On Wednesday, December 5, at 7p.m. at the corner of Route 40and Church Street. The service is especially for people who are mourning, who are experiencing loss, or for people who have other reasons not to feel particularly joyful at Christmas. This ecumenical community service of scripture, prayer and music during advent is open to everyone, regardless of church background.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Senior Bridge Club, 1p.m. – 3p.m. Kids’ STEAM Class, 4p.m. Adult Yoga, 6 p.m. Get your gifts wrapped for a suggested donation from 3p.m. – 5:30p.m. and help the Tamarac French Club get to Martinique. 4118 State Highway 2, Troy. Call 518-279-4023or visit www. brunswicklibrary.org for more information.

CHINESE MUSIC ENSEMBLE: The Chinese Music Ensemble, one of the Williams College Music department’s newest ensembles, performs traditional and contemporary pieces. The ensemble features such instruments as the zheng, erhu, yangqin, and zhongruan, and is usually focused on the Chinese sizhu genre of chamber music. The talented student performers are directed by Artist-in-Residence Wang Guowei. The Ensemble presents a concert titled, “Little Sisters of the Grassland,” featuring soloist Angela Chan ‘19, who plays the the string instrument called the pipa, on Wednesday, December 5, at 7p.m. at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 54Chapin Hall Drive, Bernhard Music Center, Williams College, Williamstown MA. Free and open to the public. For more information visit http:// music.williams.edu or call 413597-3146.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30 a.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Call 518-279-0580or 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. 69 Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-686-7561for more information.

EATING INVASIVE SPECIES: Louisiana-based chef Philippe Parola leads the “Eat the Problem!” campaign promoting Silverfin, also known as Asian carp, as a food source to manage their population and protect our rivers. Silverfin have spread rampantly through the U.S. since they were introduced in the 1960s and 1970s, threatening multi-billion-dollar fishing industries. Parola discusses his efforts to develop a human consumption market for Silverfin on December 5at 7 p.m. in the Paresky Auditorium on the Williams College campus in Williamstown MA. The event is free and open to the public.

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 518-463-4035.

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—4Sherry 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.

SENIOR SCIENCE LECTURE: Explore the Museum of In- novation and Science (miSci) on a quiet afternoon, then join the Dudley Observatory for “What’s Up in Astronomy? Biggest Discoveries of 2018,” presented by Outreach Astronomer Dr. Valerie Rapson. 3 p.m. – 4p.m., 15Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. Cost: Senior admission to miSci ($10for ages 65and older, adults $12), free for miSci members. You don’t have to be a senior citizen to attend. For more information visit www. dudleyobservatory.org or call 518-382-7890.

THRIFT SHOP: Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22Bridge Street, Route 40to Route 67 East (look for the new sign at the corner) is open 9a.m. - noon Wednesdays and the first Saturday of each month with housewares, decorative items, linens, toys, over 1,000 books, shoes, jewelry and lots of clothing. Winter coats and accessories and a large selection of Christmas items are now available.

TOWN OF PITTSTOWN SENIORS: The regular monthly meeting for the Town of Pittstown Seniors will be held on December 5at the Raymertown Volunteer Fire House on Mason Lane. The meeting begins at 11:45a.m. with a covered dish luncheon, followed by a business meeting. This will be the last meeting until March 6, 2019. The TOPS Christmas Party is on December 9at the Pittstown Volunteer Emergency Corp with ham dinner served at noon. Members who wish to attend should contact Sylvia Ward at 518-478-3338by Sunday, December 2.

TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Family Storytime, 10:30a.m. for ages 0-5. Don’t Be Bored Games in the Young People’s Room, 5p.m. for all ages. 100 Second Street, downtown Troy.

Thursday, Dec. 6

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Daybooks discusses “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan, 1:30p.m. Copies are available at the information desk. Hour of Code: Snap Circuits, 3:30p.m. – 4:45p.m. in the Teen Area. A Computer Science Education Week event. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: The Blue Christmas Healing Service offers candelight, hope and comfort for those suffering from loss, hardship of illness, the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss or “blue” feelings for other reasons. Pastor Jennifer Tillman will share words of reassurance. Organist Wayne Miserak and Pam Martin Dodson on the accordion will offer special

music while Healing Touch Certified Practicioners wil be available for you. 7p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 470 Winter Street Extension, Troy (Defreestville). There will be lite refreshments after the service.

BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Tots Class, 10:30a.m. Knitting Group, 1 p.m. – 2:30p.m. Get your gifts wrapped for a suggested donation from 3 p.m. – 5:30p.m. and help the Tamarac French Club get to Martinique. 4118 State Highway 2, Troy. Call 279-4023or visit www. brunswicklibrary.org for more information.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Community Church, 570Third Avenue, North Troy is having special Christmas sales throughout December. On display are wreaths, holiday décor, warm winter clothing, boots and shoes for the entire family, toys, jewelry, books, puzzles and housewares, all at bargain prices. Open every Thursday and Saturday, 9a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/ Cornerstone Church in theburgh for more information or call 518-235-3851.

DUDLEY OBSERVATORY: Every Thursday, rain or shine, join miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, for “Evenings at the Dudley Observatory”. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their14-inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to see stars, planets, galaxies, and more each night. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands- on activities indoors. The observatory at 15Nott Terrace, Schenectady, will be open from 6:30p.m. – 8p.m. through March 7, 2019. miSci galleries will be open continuously from 9a.m. until the observatory closes. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12Adult, $10Senior, $8Child, free for miSci members).

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

HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Bingo, 12:45p.m. Cards. Van Transportation available for local errands. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-686-7561to reserve noon dinner or for more information.

JAZZ AT WILLIAMS: The Williams Jazz Repertory Ensemble takes on works by giants of jazz, featuring outstanding arrangements of compositions by the great. The music of Oliver Nelson will be featured on Thursday, December 6, at 7p.m. at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 54Chapin Hall Drive, Bernhard Music Center, Williams College campus, Williamstown MA. Free and open to the public. For more information see http://music.williams.edu or call the concert hotline at 413-597-3146.

MASONS: The ApolloKing Solomon’s Masonic Lodge #13F.& A.M. meets on Thursday, December 6, at 7:30p.m. at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road. Re- freshments will be served following the meeting.

RENSSELAER EAGLES: The Rensselaer Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4446meets on Thursday, December 6, at 6:30 p.m. at their rooms, located at 851Broadway, Rensselaer.

RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Teen Anime Club for ages 13-18, 4 p.m. - 6p.m. Computer Help: drop in and get help with a computer, phone or other device, and get your questions answered. Call ahead for times. 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.

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 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-273-6646 or by email at bsass@troycenter.net for more information.

TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Family Craft Night: December Decorations, 6 p.m. Children with the help of their caregiver(s) can create holiday and winter-themed decorations using a variety of craft supplies. For ages 4-12, accompanied by an adult. Dress for mess. Registration required. For more information and to register, call 518-274-7071 or visit www.thetroylibrary.org. The Library is located at 100Second Street, downtown Troy.

Friday, Dec. 7

CHENEY LIBRARY: Lego Club for grades 1 – 3, 4p.m – 5p.m.. 73Classic Street, Hoosick Falls. Visit www. cheneylibrary.org for more information.

EMPIRE STATE YOUTH ORCHESTRA JAZZ CONCERT: Hear the ESYO Youth Jazz Orchestra and the ESYO Repertory Jazz Orchestra in concert on Friday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Guilderland High School, 8School Road, Guilderland Center. Adults $10, students/seniors $5. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://esyo.org/programs/concerts- events.

FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL SERVICES: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 600State Street, Schenectady, announces its special First Friday Devotional Services for December. On Friday, December 7, following the 12:15 p.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 is handicapped-accessible and parking is available in the lot behind the church at the corner of State and Lafayette streets. For more information call 518-374- 4466Ext. 13.

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Open Art Jounal/Color, 5p.m. 2455 NY-2, Grafton. Call 518279-0580or visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Yoga at 10:30 a.m. Bingo at 12:30p.m. Cards. 69Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518686-7561 to reserve noon dinner or for more information.

ILIUM LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy will hold its monthly meeting and annual Christmas Tea at 1:30p.m. on Friday, December 7, at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road. Guest speaker Margaret Story will present the Story of Christmas Pins. Members and guests are invited to wear your favorite Christmas Pin.

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 in Williamstown MA. Astronomy students at the college will host free shows for the public on Friday evenings at 8p.m. through December 7. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/ B optomechanical planetarium projector. For reservations (required) contact Michele Rech at 413-597-2188or email at mcr4@williams.edu. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTS: Join North Country Arts at their 2nd Floor Gallery location at Glens Falls City Hall, 42Ridge Street, for a reception for local artist Julia Cutshall-King and guest artists currently on exhibit. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition continues through January 5.

PICTURE MY PARK: The Friends of Peebles Island State Park and Choose Cohoes for Art present “Picture My Park” an exhibit of photography highlighting the many attractions of Peebles Island State Park running from December 5 through January 1 at the Peebles Island Visitors Center. A reception will be held on Friday December 7, from 6p.m. to 8p.m. at the Visitors Center. The show is free and open to the public. Prizes for the three best works will be awarded during the reception. Questions about the show can be sent to FriendsOfPeebles@GMail.com

. WESTERN SQUARE DANCE: The Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance called by Ray Taylor, on Friday, December 7, from 7:30p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Middleburgh Elementary School cafeteria, 245Main Street. Please wear soft sole shoes. Call 518-827-4894for more information.

WILLIAMS WIND ENSEMBLE: In a concert titled “British Masters,” the Williams College Wind Ensemble, directed by Prof. Brian Messier offers music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, and Gordon Jacob on Friday, December 7, at 8p.m. at Chapin Hall, 54Chapin Hall Drive, Williams College campus, Williamstown MA. Free and open to the public. For more information visit http://music.williams.edu or call the concert hotline at 413-597-3146.

ZITI DINNER FUNDRAISER: Support the Watervliet Historical Society Museum at a Ziti, Sausage & Meaball dinner with salad, bread & butter, dessert, coffe, tea and iced tea. 3p.m. – 7 p.m., Watervliet Senior Center, 1501Broadway. $12.50per person, eat-in or take- out. Call 518-4282605to make reservations. Walk-ins accepted. Sponsored by Albany County Legislator Bob Beston.