UPCOMING CALENDAR

YOUTH ROBOTICS CLUB: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H is starting a 4-H Robotics Club with 4-H Volunteer and Arduino Robotics guru Ray Martin. The Robotics Club will meet generally the third Thursday of the month at 6pm at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 61 State Street, Troy. 2nd Floor. Youth ages 12 and older with a strong interest in coding are encouraged to sign up! The club will be primarily working with Arduino boards, but also using 4-H Adafruit products connecting plant and soil sciences with technology. Space is limited. Our first meeting will be Thursday, October 17th at 6pm. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Kandis Freer at 518-2724210 ext. 106. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their abilities. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.

PIXEL & PLATE: Board game cafe Bard & Baker, located at 501 Broadway in Troy, will kick off its new ‘Pixel to Plate’ video game food dinner series featuring Stardew Valley; $50.00 per ticket, includes food and game play. Limited to 20 seats. Call to reserve. 6:30 - 9:30 PM. This is Season 1 of a 3 part dinner series called ‘ Pixel to Plate’ where Chef Bryan selects a video game and cooks food from the video game; will run bi-monthly on the second Monday of every other month: October 14th (Stardew Valley menu), December 9th ( World of Warcraft menu), and February 10th ( Final Fantasy XIV menu).

COMMUNITY BALLROOM DANCE: Oct. 27, 7:15- 10 p.m. at the Joseph E. Zaloga American Legion Post #1520, 4 Everett Rd., Albany. For Info: 518- 4526883. Next Dances: Nov. 24 & Dec. 22, 2019 and Jan. 26, 2020 at the Polish Community Center.

THRIFT SHOP: Johnsonville Methodist Church, 22 Bridge St., Johnsonville 12094. Route 40 to Route 67 East. Look for our new sign at the corner of Route 111 & Route 67. Open 9-12 on Wednesdays and the first Saturday of each month. October 16, 23, 30. Newly arrived Fall and Winter clothing and household goods every week, career clothing, special occasion dresses and gowns, jewelry, purses, shoes, toys and over 1000 books.

SHORT STORY READI NG & DISCUSSION GROUP: On Mondays, October 7th – November 11th at 6: 30PM, Short Story writer David Sylvester will lead a reading and discussion group at the Troy Public Library. Local shortstory writer Dave Sylvester discusses the short story form, looking at how writers handle plot, character and theme in their writing. Each week we will read and discuss two stories by wellknown masters of the form: Lori Moore, John Cheever, Sherman Alexi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Richard Wright, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood and more. Copies of the stories will be available in advance and should be read before the discussions. The first set of stories are available at the information desk of the main library. For more information and to register call the library at 518274-7071 or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

I LIUM LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY is in its 97th year. The Club will meet in November and December 2019, as well as April, May and June 2020. Meetings are generally held on the First Friday of those months at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39 Brunswick Road, Troy. After a short business meeting, we have a guest speaker or entertainment. Our speakers this year are: November 1 – Phyllis Chapman, Presenter of Vintage Visitors – Notorious Shady Ladies of the 19th Century; December 6 – Thomas A. Kernan, Presenter of the Colorful Story of Christmas Celebrations Throughout History; April 3, 2020 – Linda Styles Berkery, Author “Reflections: A Wardrobe of Life Lessons” Personal stories through dresses, with memories & meanings, growing up in Troy; May 1, 2020 – Joseph Dalton, Author “Washington’s Golden Age: Hope Ridings Miller, The society beat & the rise of women journalists.” and June 5, 2020 - Lisa Bohannon, Coordinator & Instructor for Sundancers Community Belly Dance will perform at our 97th Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Troy Country Club.

THE WAY WE WERE CAR SHOW: The 17th Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show is Coming in October! The Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association (BSBPA) is pleased to announce plans for the 17th Annual “The Way We Were” Car Show to be held Sunday, October 13, 2019 from 9 am- 4 pm on Front Street in Ballston Spa. The rain date will be October 20. Front Street will be blocked off from Milton Avenue past the Old Iron Springs to accommodate car exhibits and vendors. In addition to food and merchandise vendors, the show will again feature a “Kids Zone”, located by the Old Iron Springs, which will feature free children’s activities. The car show is a judged show and several trophies will be awarded, including Best of Show, Mayor’s Choice, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best Stock, Oldest Vehicle plus the top 3 in specified categories. Judging begins at 9 amwith trophies awarded at 3:30 pm. The event is free to spectators. Exhibitors can register $20 the day of show. All proceeds will benefit BSBPA community activities. Dash plaques will be given to the first 400 cars registered and the first 200 cars registered will receive car show souvenirs. Pre-registration can be completed online at www. ballston.org. A printable, mail in registration form will also be available on the website. Sponsorship and vendor opportunities for the event are also available at ballston.org. For more information, contact the Car Show committee at bspacarshow@ballston.org or the BSBPA at 518 885-2772, info@ballston.org.

SINGERS WANTED: Capital Community Voices Inc., an SATB volunteer, non-audition choral group, is seeking singers in all voice parts for its December concert, “Lighting the Season with Song”. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7 pmin East Greenbush beginning September 10, 2019. Call 3705434 for more information.

GUIDED MEDITATION CLASSES: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, September 3rd - October 29th from 5PM – 6PM. 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. Led by Michael Fuselli, with over 30 years of meditation teaching and practice experience. Beginners always welcome. Registration is encouraged, but not necessary! This program is free and open to the public. To register call 518274-7071 or online at www. thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Sullivan Jones VFW Post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The hall is handicap accessible, with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clamsteams and fish fries at the hall and also at various restaurants. Best of all they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest.

NORTHEAST FILMMAKERS LAB: Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, Inc. (CCCE), a nonprofit filmmaking resource based in Albany,will host the 6th Northeast Filmmakers Lab ( NEFL6) November 1 - 3, 2019 at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206.

GRAVEL GOBBLER: Saturday, November 2, S& S Farm Brewery in Nassau. Are you looking for a fun, relaxed end-of-season event where it’s all about the ride, some gourmet food, craft beer and conversation with friends afterward? Sounds pretty good, right? What if we said your registration fee goes to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to help people in our community. Sounds even better. Fantastic bike riding on quiet country roads, followed by food, drink and laughs afterward plus helping others in the community. An unbeatable combo! Join the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club for its second annual Gravel Gobbler ride on Saturday, November 2, to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. With two gravel rides of 23 and 38 miles, plus a road route of 31 miles, you’re sure to find the perfect loop. Pedal through the rolling countryside around Nassau, New York, and cruise quiet roads past farms, scenic vistas and country estates. This year’s event features a new 23-mile route and onsite mechanical support offered by Karl Miller and his Velofix mobile repair shop. Start and finish your ride at S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau. After you finish, enjoy a craft beer and great food selections from Gourmeli’s Taste food truck. Remember to bring some extra cash for your beer and food. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the relaxed vibe at S&S after your bike ride. Relaxing with friends and a S&S beverage after your ride is the perfect way to celebrate your late season achievement. Registration is $25 per rider and is tax deductible. Register on www.bikereg.com/gravelgobbler.

YARN DONATIONS NEEDED: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Grafton, is happy to accept any donation of yarn. Many of our center members enjoy knitting and crocheting. They make afghans and lap covers for other seniors, as well as some home bound senior residents and to use as raffle items to help support the activities of the center. We also have members that make hats and mittens to be given at the schools when a child is in need. If you would like to make a donation of yarn, please drop it off at the senior center M-F from 9:00 to 3:00, or call to make arrangements for pickup. Any donation, large or small is appreciated.

THE CORNER SHOPPE: 570 3rd Ave., N Troy is celebrating spring & summer. Many new clothes for spring and summer are available for the entire family. A large selection of linens, toys, baby items, books and home décor are available. We have something for everyone. Shop any Thursday or Saturday 9 am – 1 pmand enjoy some refreshments. Visit us on facebook: www. facebook. com/ TheCornerShoppeintheBurgh. More info: 518-235-7251.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP: Meeting Format: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; all are welcome –meditation instruction available. Schedule: Wednesday evenings — 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Location: RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House—4 Sherry Rd. in Troy— a white 2-story residential building about 30 yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Cost: Free. Contact: (518) 271- 6949 or (518) 273-1851 for more information.

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE DOCENTS: The National Museum of Dance is seeking volunteer docents to lead Museum tours in the upcoming exhibition season. The Museum offers free tours each Tuesday at 11 a.m. with paid admission as well as private group tours throughout the year. Volunteer docent training will be led by Mary Anne Fantauzzi, the Museum’s Docent Coordinator, beginning Tuesday, April 23. Fantauzzi will offer docent training by appointment during flexible dates and times to accommodate potential tour guides’ schedules. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer docent, please email tours@dancemuseum.org or call 518-584-2225 x3004.

USS SLATER: USS SLATER, the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for its 22nd season on the Hudson River in Albany. Public hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Call 518- 431-1943 for more information or visit www. ussslater.org.

HIGH& MIGHTY THERAPEUTIC RIDING & DRIVING CENTER: Become part of the extraordinary group of volunteers and learn to assist people with special needs through equine assisted activities. Only one training is needed. Horse experience is great but not a requirement. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to be outdoors. For ages 14 and up. High & Mighty is located at 71 CR 21C Ghent. Contact the center at info@high-n-mighty. org and volunteer trainers will set up a session at your convenience.

SPEIGLE ELDERS: The Speigle Elders’ Planning Committee has announced the following tentative agenda for 2019. A business meeting will take place on the second Wednesday of each month with the fourth Wednesday designated as an in-house or outside social event. Proposed social activities include two bus trips (MacHaydn Theater and the Amish Marketplace); Christmas party in December and local restaurant outings on other social Wednesdays. Leaders are needed for this busy agenda; please contact a Committee member and offer to chair one of these events.

WATERFORD HARBOR FARMERS MARKET: Waterford Harbor Farmers Market is located at One Tugboat Alley and operates each Sunday from the first Sunday in June until Columbus Day weekend from 9:00 to 1:00. Fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, maple syrup, sandwich cart, music and lots more! Check it out on Facebook.

MAKERS MARKET: A celebration of crafters, makers, artists & taste makers from around the Capital Region The Troy Makers Market is held in conjunction with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which takes place Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm ( Monument Square May- October and Uncle Sam Atrium November-April).

CLOTHING SHED DONATIONS: The LathamColonie Council # 3394 Knights of Columbus, the Columbiettes and the Columbian Corporation are partnering with St. Pauly Textile to raise needed funds for the Council home and the charitable programs supported by the K of C by collecting textile products that will be sold all over the world instead of going to the landfill. The K of C will earn a percentage per pound of the donated items. You can drop off used clothing, shoes and sneakers, belts and linens as well as pillowcases, blankets, curtains and stuffed animals at 328 Troy- Schenectady Road, Latham. For more information, contact the K of C at 518-783- 0572.

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 7,000 databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283- 0303 and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue, Wynantskill.

FREE YOGA: Join for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information, visit presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com.

BACKPACKS WANTED: Catholic Charities TriCounty 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 50 Herrick Street in Rensselaer, or call Justine Carroll at 518- 512-3577 x115 to arrange a pickup of larger quantity donations. You, your business, church or group can arrange a collection 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- county- services.

FREE E NGL I S H 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 518244- 4650 or 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 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.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 518- 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.

WATERVLIET SENIOR CENTER GROUP LUNCHES: Enjoy a nutritious, social, and fun lunch with the Watervliet Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. The $3 suggested donation is anonymous and everyone is welcome. Call for the daily menu and sign up by 2 p.m. for the following day. The Senior Center is located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. Call 518-273- 4422 for more information.

ICC BINGO: The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation hosts Bingo night on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p. m. at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy. Food and beverages will be sold.