Calendar

Monday, Jan. 20 BLOOD DRIVE: Saratoga Casino Hotel is teaming up with the American Red Cross to host a Blood Drive on Monday, January 20. Members of the local community are urged to join dozens of Saratoga Casino Hotel team members to give blood on Monday, January 20from noon to 6pm inside the hotel ballroom. January is National Blood Donor Month, and right now, the Red Cross has a critical shortage of type O blood and urges donors of all types to make an appointment now to give and help replenish the blood supply after the holiday weeks. In an effort to help more patients, Power Red donations will also be accepted at this year’s drive. A Power Red donation allows donors to safely donate a concentrated dose of red blood cells, which are the most commonly transfused blood component. All presenting donors at this year’s Blood Drive will receive a $10voucher to Perks Café, located in the hotel lobby. Donors are encouraged to make an appointment prior to the January 20 Blood Drive. To schedule a time, call 518-581-5774or visit RedCrossBlood.org. In an effort to receive as many donations as possible, donors are asked to complete their RapidPass® online on the day of the drive. Donors can complete their RapidPass® in 10to 15minutes by following the four steps. Donors will start by providing some initial information, before reading through the pre-donation materials and answering health history questions. After completion, donors are asked to print, download or email their RapidPass® to themselves, and bring it with them to the drive. MLK BIRTHDAY: Monday, January 20, 2020- Where do we go from here? (Labor/ Community Discussion) 11:00 am to 3:00pm at The Sanctuary for Independent Media, 33616th Avenue, Troy, NY. Sponsored by MLK Organizing Committee. 518-3694978. 518-272-2390

ANNUAL MARTIN LUTHER KING COMMUNITY BREAKFAST: 8am at Franklin Terrace, Troy. All welcome. Call 518-274-4303for tickets.

Tuesday, Jan. 21

EAT SMART DEMONSTRATION: The Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69Church Street, will host will host Jillian Ludwig, Community Nutrition Educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension for our monthly Eat Smart – Live Strong cooking demonstration on Tuesday, January 21st at 11:00. There will be free recipes and samples for everyone who attends. Plan to stay for a nutritious lunch followed by a fun game of Senior Feud. Call 518-6867561to sign up for lunch.

GUIDED MEDITATION: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, January 14th – February 25th from 5 to 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. Led by Michael Fuselli, with over 30years 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 518-274-7071or online at www.thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second St., Troy.

PAINTING & POETRY: If you love the imagery in literature - and think it would be fun to recreate some of it - this class is for you! Local artist Muse en Lystrala will be teaching a literature-rooted art class in which the imagery of a piece of literature will be discussed, and then brought to life using Renaissance and Impressionist methods with acrylic paint as a medium. The class will be held on Tuesday, January 21st, 4:30-6:30at the Lansingburgh Branch, and again on Saturday, January 25th, 1:30-3:30at the Main Library. Muse en Lystrala is a musician, artist, game developer, and literature enthusiast. She previously instructed a community art class called Dark Arts Paint, and among many other tasks creates music and art assets at her company, Queenship Game Studio. She lives and works in Troy. This program is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, call the library at 518-274-7071or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second St., Troy. The Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th St., Troy.

BUDGETING BASICS:

How to Grow Your Dough with a Personal Spending Plan - Tuesday, January 21st, 6:00pm-7:30pm, MicroKnowledge, Inc., 15Cornell Road, Latham, NY 12110. Recommended for ages 18+. Specific steps for developing

your own spending plan will be reviewed. The 50/30/20 rule for determining fixed expenses, flexible spending and financial goals will be applied in this session. The benefits of developing a personal spending plan, how to track income and expenses and strategies for record keeping will be covered through a case study approach. Registration is required. Please visit www.sefcu.com/financialeducation to reserve your spot today!

PRACTICE YOUR ITALIAN:

Jan. 7and 21, 1p.m. Use it or lose it! Free and open to the public. The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227Central Avenue in Albany, NY. (518) 435-1979. www.americanitalianmuseum.org.

TWEEN CRAFT NIGHT: NoSew Fleece Scarves – Tuesday 1⁄21: 6:00pm. Tweens and teens ages 10-13will create unique fringed scarves using fleece and yarn. Registration is required, supplies are limited. Program begins at 6pm; this is not a drop in program. Troy Public Library, 100Second St. Troy. thetroylibrary.org. (518) 274-7071.

POESTENKILL SENIORS:

The Poestenkill Seniors hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1p.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.

TOTS TIME: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30a.m. at the Brunswick Community Library, located at 4118NY-2 in Brunswick. Join us for books, singing, & movement, followed by open play time. Geared towards kids ages 0-5. www.brunswicklibrary. org. (518) 279-4023.

PART-TIME FARMER TAX SCHOOL: January

21, 2020, 5:30– 9:00PM, CCE Rensselaer County, 61 State Street, Troy, NY 12180. CAAHP’s Part-Time Farmer Tax School is being offered in Troy. When it comes to taxes, do you have any of these questions? How much farm income do I need to make in order to be able to deduct it on my taxes? What tax related form(s) do I need to complete? What, if any, tax management strategy should I have for my farm business? Should I form an LLC or other form of business, and what

tax documentation do lenders require? CAAHP Educators, Steve Hadcock and Dayton Maxwell, will answer these and other tax related questions during this meeting. In addition to discussing income tax concepts, they will explore Agricultural Value Assessment, Building Exemptions, Sales Tax Regulations and Farmers’ School Tax Credit. The cost for attending this workshop is $20 per person, which includes a light dinner and printed materials. Register and pay online at https://tinyurl.com/ PTFarmerTaxSchoolTroyReg to attend the Troy session. Register by phone by calling 518-765-3518. Please email cce-caahp@cornell.edu with questions.

PRE-K STORYTIME: Pre-K Storytime- Tuesdays at 11 am. Ages 2-6, no sign-up needed. Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see rensselaerlibrary. org or visit the library’s Facebook page www.facebook. com/RensselaerLibrary.

Wednesday, Jan. 22

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

PUBLIC MEETING: City officials have announced two public meetings to present information on potential waterfront access and gateway improvements in the Collar City included in the City’s Comprehensive Plan. Preliminary concepts will be presented during the meetings for public feedback and recommendations. The four (4) study areas include: Riverfront Park, the Green Island Bridge Gateway, the Riverfront Trail (from Hutton to Vanderheyden) and the Lansingburgh Waterfront between 123rd to 126th streets. The meeting schedule is as follows: Wednesday, January 22, at 6:00p.m. – Revolution Hall, 425River Street and Tuesday, January 28, at 6:00p.m. – Standard Manufacturing Building, 7502nd Avenue. All initial concepts will be available for public review with a specific focus on downtown (January 22) and Lansingburgh (January 28) during respective meetings. Troy residents are encouraged to attend and participate.

MEDITATION GROUP: The Troy Public Library will offer Meditation Classes on Wednesdays, January 15th – February 26th at 2PM. Are you interested in learning how to relax your mind and body? Come to a safe place to let go of your cares and worries. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, all are welcome. Bring your ideas and suggestions to the group! Contact Ray Reuter at the Empowerment Exchange at 518-235-2173 for more information. This program is free and open to the public. The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th Street, Troy, New York.

STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Wednesdays at 10:30am. Join us Wednesday mornings as we engage in stories, music, movement, and play. Ages 0-5with caregiver. Troy Public Library, 100Second St. Troy. thetroylibrary.org. (518) 274-7071.

DON’T BE BORED GAMES:

Wednesdays 5:30pm -7:30 p.m. Drop by & play board games in the Young People’s Room! All ages. Troy Public Library, 100Second St. Troy. thetroylibrary.org. (518) 2747071.

BULLET JOURNAL PLANNERS: Wednesday January 22at 1PM. Learn to get organized by designing a planning system. Please call to sign up. For adults and teens. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see rensselaerlibrary. org or visit the library’s Facebook page www.facebook. com/RensselaerLibrary.

FARM TO FORK LOCAL FOOD EXPO: Capital District Region Farm to Fork Local Food Expo, Wednesday, January 22, 202012:00

4:00pm (Snow date: Thursday, January 23, 2020) at Guilderland High School Gym, 8School Rd., Guilderland Center. Local vendors, growers and buyers are invited to attend the Capital District Region Farm to Fork Local Food Expo. If you are a vendor/grower looking to increase your visibility and sales with local regional businesses like schools, institutions, restaurants, wholesalers and supermarkets, then you should plan on attending this free event. We anticipate over forty buyers to be on hand to taste local products and build relationships with local growers and producers. If you are a buyer, you will have the opportunity to meet regional growers, small scale food processors, bakers and many more. You will be able to sample high quality products and increase your procurement of locally grown and produced products. There is no cost to attend this event, but we ask that you register by contacting Sydney Joy at Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, sij23@ cornell.edu or 518-7653579.

AUDUBON PRESENTA

TION: Biologist Timothy Watson will present “Fisher and Marten in New York State - Lesser Known Weasels” at the January monthly program of the Southern Adirondack Audu

bon Society. This program will be presented Wednesday, January 22, at 7p.m. in the Saratoga Springs Public Library. The program is free and open to the public.

SARATOGA INDEPENDENT SCHOOL OPEN

HOUSE: Come see one of Saratoga’s top-rated independent schools. Saratoga Independent School (S.I.S.) is hosting an Admissions Open House on Wednesday, January 22, 2020at 9:00 am. During the open house, prospective families will have an opportunity to meet Lisa Brown, Head of School, as well as other faculty and staff. Ms. Brown will welcome families and provide a brief history and overview of S.I.S. Members of our faculty will take families on tours of our campus, allow them to observe classes, and answer questions about the school. This is an excellent opportunity to see what S.I.S. has to offer.Saratoga Independent School’s small class sizes, flexible teaching styles, thematic learning, team building, and respectful community provide students an academic and social education unmatched by other regional schools. The middle school expansion— currently serving its second class of sixth graders, first class of seventh graders, and adding eighth grade for 2020⁄21 —offers students a rigorous academic program preparing them for enrollment in advanced programs and selective high schools. Founded in 1991, Saratoga Independent School is fully accredited by the New York State Independent Schools Association and chartered by the New York State Board of Regents. This year, the school serves 150 students in grades prekindergarten through eighth, residing in 13different school districts. Enrollment for the 2020⁄21 school year has begun and prospective families may contact the school at 518-583-0841or info@siskids.org.

Thursday, Jan. 23 HEARING TEST FOR SENIORS: Rensselaer County’s Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69Church Street, will host Pat Bergman, from Capital Region Hearing, on Thursday January 23rd from 10to 1. Approximately one third of Americans age 65and over experience some hearing loss. Seniors living with hearing loss miss many of life’s most enjoyable moments. Age related hearing loss in seniors is progressive. As the person ages, lower frequencies are affected and eventually higher frequencies. If you are over the age of 60, please come to the center for this free hearing test. Mr. Bergman will have information on services available if you are experiencing hearing loss. Plan to stay for a nutritious lunch (Hot Dogs/Beans) at a suggested price of $3for seniors with Bingo to follow. Please call to be added to the lunch list at 518-6867561.

HOOSICK SENIOR MEMBERSHIP MEETING: The Hoosick Falls Senior Mem

bership will hold its monthly meeting on Thursday, January 23rd at 11:00at the Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69Church Street. Upcoming activities, events and trips will be planned. All residents 60and older from the Town of Hoosick, Petersburgh, and Pittstown are encouraged to attend and give input as to what you want to see at the center. Stay for lunch (Hot Dogs/Beans) at noon followed by a fun time of bingo. Sign up for lunch by calling (518) 686-7561.

PINE HOLLOW ARBORETUM WINTER GATHER

ING: Join us for our second annual Winter Gathering for an evening of celebrating trees, green space and collaborative community building! Proceeds from the event will go towards helping to maintain the Pine Hollow Arboretum’s horticultural collection, trails and grounds and funding the Arboretum’s environmental education program, which provides children in underserved areas opportunities to connect with nature in meaningful ways. Come hungry as there will be hors d’oeurves, seasonal food stations and delectable desserts to enjoy! Each ticket includes two drink tickets and a special Pine Hollow memento. Doors open at 6pm and the program will commence at 7:30pm with the presentation of awards and a special live auction. We will also be offering a wonderful opportunity to sponsor a student to come and connect with nature through the Pine Hollow

Environmental Education Program.The event will be held on Thursday, January 23, 2020at Pat’s Barn, Rennselaer Technology Park, 110Defreetsville Drive, Troy NY. Suggested attire is semiformal. www.pinehollowarboretum.org.

BRICK BUILDERS: Thursday 1⁄23: 6:00pm. You provide the imagination, we provide the LEGOs! All creations will be displayed in the library. No outside pieces please. Children ages 7& younger must have an adult present with them at all times. Ages 4+. Registration is not required. Troy Public Library, 100Second St. Troy. thetroylibrary.org. (518) 274-7071.

TOTS TIME: Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30a.m. at the Brunswick Community Library, located at 4118 NY-2in Brunswick. Join us for books, singing, & movement, followed by open play time. Geared towards kids ages 0-5. www.brunswicklibrary.org. (518) 279-4023.

TEEN ANIME CLUB: Thursdays 5-7PM. Ages 1318. Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see rensselaerlibrary.org or visit the library’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/RensselaerLibrary.

STEAM: Thursdays at 4:00 pm at the Brunswick Com--

munity Library, located at 4118NY-2in Brunswick. Stop in for crafts, science projects & more! Activities are geared towards elementary aged children. www. brunswicklibrary.org. (518) 279-4023.

Friday, Jan. 24

ICE CREAM BINGO SO

CIAL: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2Roxborough Rd, Grafton, will host Jennifer Hill of Brookdale Senior Living at Fillmore Pond on Friday, January 24th immediately following lunch (Chili). Brookdale offers three levels of senior living, including assisted living, independent living, and memory care. Jennifer Hill will speak breifly about the facility and its services, and will sponsor Bingo prizes and an ice cream social. Lunch is served daily at 12:00for a suggested cost of $3. Call to be added to the lunch list at 518-279-3413. Saturday, Jan. 25 RECORD RIOT/POP

WINTERFEST: Join us for a special WINTERFEST POP editon of the Albany Record Riot! Over 60tables of LPs, CDs & 45s PLUS other great pop culture vendors, including tie-dye shirts and scarves, record label coasters, vintage clothing and who knows what else. We’ll also have live DJs curated by Selector Ed, great food and drink as well. Don’t miss this great event! 10a.m. to 6p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25 at the Washington Avenue Armory, located at 195