Calendar

Tuesday, Feb. 18 EAT SMART DEMO & SENIOR FEUD: The Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69 Church 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, February 18th at 11:00. There will be free recipes and samples for everyone who attends. Plan to stay for a nutritious lunch (Baked Ziti) followed by a fun game of Senior Feud. Call 518-6867561to sign up for lunch.

PRE-K STORYTIME: Tuesdays at 11am. Ages 2-6, no sign-up needed. Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. www. rensselaerlibrary.org.

AARP DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE: Tuesday-Wednesday Feb. 18-19, 9-12. AARP Defensive Driving course. $20for AARP members. 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. 518273-4422for more information.

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.

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.

Wednesday, Feb. 19 CRAFT TIME: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2Roxborough Rd, Grafton, will its monthly Craft Time with Caroline on Wednesday, February 19th at 10:30am. Plan to stay for lunch (Pollock) at noon followed by games. Call to sign up for lunch and crafts at 518-279-3413.

NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION MEETING: District 2 Neighborhood Assn. Next meeting, Feb. 19, 2020. Guest Speaker will be Deputy Mayor Monica Kurzejeski. Meeting starts 6p.m., going to 8PM if needed at the Rainbow Center 847River St., just South of Glen Ave on the West side. Please bring a friend, your questions and concerns.

HISTORY TALK: Edmonia Lewis: Wednesday, February 19at 6:30PM. Historian Bobbie Reno will talk about the famous African American sculptor who was born in Rensselaer. Please call to sign up. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. www. rensselaerlibrary.org.

BOOK CLUB: Do You Know “The Bitter Truth”? Join the Mystery Book Club on February 19at 10:30am at the Cohoes Public Library when they explore “The Bitter Truth” by Charles Todd. Set during WW I, Bess Crawford is a nurse serving in France. While on leave, she discovers a murdered soldier. Staying at a home that is cloaked in secrets, she tries to unravel the mysteries of the family even after she is called back to her duties in France. Come and share your thoughts about this Todd classic. More info at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org under “book club.”

AARP DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE: Tuesday-Wednesday Feb. 18-19, 9-12. AARP Defensive Driving course. $20for AARP members. 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. 518273-4422for more information.

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.

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.

Thursday, Feb. 20 SENIOR MEETING: The Hoosick Falls Senior Center, 69Church Street, will hold its monthly membership meeting and the February birthday celebration for members on Thursday, February 20th. Following the meetings, plan to stay for a nutritious lunch (Chicken Breast with Gravy) followed by a fun game of Senior Trivia and Bingo. Call 518-686-7561 to sign up for lunch.

TEEN ANIME CLUB: Thursdays 5-7PM. Ages 13-18. Watch anime, discuss manga and pop culture, and hang out with your friends. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. www.rensselaerlibrary.org.

Friday, Feb. 21 SPECIAL DOLLAR BINGO:

Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2Roxborough Rd, Grafton, will hold a $1Special Bingo on Friday, February 21, 2020at 12:45. Please bring a $1wrapped item for the game. Items can be purchased at the senior center for your convenience. Plan to come for a nutritious lunch (Chili) at noon. Call to 518-279-3413to be added to the list. CIDER NIGHT: Saratoga Beer Week is proud to announce the fifth annual Cider Night on Friday, February 21st at the Saratoga Springs City Center from 6pm-9pm! Enjoy 3hours of hard cider sampling from more than 30cideries from all over the country! For more information and tickets visit americaontap.com/ event/saratoga-cider-night. HORSEMEN’S SOCIAL: The Annual Horsemen’s Social will be held on Friday, February 21, 2020from 6:30- 9:30 PM, at The Saratoga Winery, 462NY-29, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. This social network was originated by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Equine Leadership Committee to encourage horse people of all disciplines to gather and discuss the state of the industry, as well as to foster relationships within the equine community. Participants will enjoy a wonderful BBQ meal and drink ticket, along with great conversation, guest speakers and a silent auction to benefit the Cornell Cooperative Extension 4-H Training Center. The Training Center supports year-round educational programming, as well as many 4- H Horse Clubs and their events. Please call 518-885-8995to register for the Horsemen’s Social by February 8th. Cost of tickets are $35. For more information, please contact Brieanna Hughes at bh548@cornell.edu, 518-885-8995, visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cceequine/ at www.cceequine.com.

Saturday, Feb. 22 HAROLD FORD & THE SPIRIT OF JOHNNY CASH IN CONCERT: 7p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 22at the Watervliet Elks, 5014th Ave., Watervliet. Tickets: $20. thespiritofjohnnycash.com. For Tickets or info call Ed (518) 810-9961. BEER SUMMIT: It wouldn’t be Saratoga Beer Week without the Saratoga Beer Summit! Help us bring the 2020 Saratoga Beer Week to summation with the ninth annual Saratoga Beer Summit on Saturday, February 22nd. Sip the day away and try 160+ craft beer samples from more than 80breweries in the Spa City area and beyond while enjoying live music entertainment and snacks available for purchase! Session 1- 1-4pm or go VIP for an extra hour starting at 12pm! Or go to our later session 2from 5-8pm. Also enjoy live music and food available for purchase! For more information and tickets visit americaontap.com/ event/saratoga-beer-summit.

MALTA FLEA MARKET:

After two successful outdoor seasons at the Malta Drivein, the Malta Flea Market will move indoors for the winter. Monthly shows are planned for January through April at the Malta Community Center at 1Bayberry Dr. in Malta. Indoor flea markets will be held on the following Saturdays: January 25, February 22, March 28and April 25. Hours will be 9a.m. to 3:30p.m. Features of the Malta Indoor Flea Market: Up to 65vendors selling antiques, collectibles, crafts, artwork, new items and more; plenty of parking, no entry fee, new and interesting items each show. For additional information, visit maltaflea.com or call (518) 256-4409.

Sunday, Feb. 23 MINDFUL NATURE WALK: Sunday, February 23, 10 am - 12:30pm, Rensselaer Plateau Alliance’s Poestenkill Community Forest, 200Legenbauer Rd, Averill Park (in East Poestenkill) — February Mindful Nature Walk. Join Kripalu-certified Mindful Outdoor Guides Molly Freiberg and Moriah Cutro-Kelly for our February Mindful Walk. We will be walking slowly, sometimes sitting, to take in the forest atmosphere, so we will not be building much heat. Bundle up in your warm winter layers and bring a few extra. Wear extra socks and boots with good tread or microspikes. We’ll warm up with tea and a fire at the end of the walk. Contact molly@rensselaerplateau.org or 978-2398105to register (drop-ins also welcome.). Ages 12and up. $5- $10suggested donation goes directly to support conservation on the Rensselaer Plateau.

RECORD RIOT: Get ready for another wild edition of the Saratoga Record Riot! Over 50tables of amazing LPs, CDs, 45s & more. A wide array of dealers from all over New York State and beyond. Regular admission starts at 10AM ($3) and early birds can get in at 8AM ($10). Great music and family fun too. Meet you in the dollar bins! 10a.m. to 5p.m. on Sunday, Feb. 23at the Saratoga Springs City Center, located at 522Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Monday, Feb. 24

HISTORY TALK: The Underground Railroad of Troy, NY: A Secret History of Ordinary Lives and Everyday Heroes - Join us at the Troy Public Library on Monday, February 24th at 6:00pm for an eyeopening night of local history. Special guest speakers Paul & Mary Stewart of the Underground Railroad History Project will be sharing their exhaustive wealth of knowledge with us, and telling the stories of those who were important to the success of the Underground Railroad, right here in the capital district we call home. They will also be debunking common misconceptions many may assume are historical facts, such as houses with secret rooms being an indicator that they were a part of the Underground Railroad. This

program is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, call the library at 518-2747071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

Tuesday, Feb. 25

PANCAKE SUPPER: Trinity Church Lansingburgh invites all to the Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper at the Parish Hall, 585Fourth Avenue, Troy (Lansingburgh,) on Tuesday, February 25th from 5:00P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Pancakes, syrup, sausage, and applesauce will be served. Reservations are required: Call 518-279-1215. Ticket prices: Adults - $6 Children 5-12- $3Children under 5- Free.

YOGA: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Yoga classes on Tuesdays, February 25th – March 31st at 6PM. This is an all-level yoga class that will invigorate your body and reduce stress. You will experience traditional yoga poses, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques which will improve your flexibility, balance, strength and overall wellness. Please bring your own mat. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the library at 235-5310or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th Street , Troy.

EAST SIDE SENIORS: Our next meeting will be on Feb.25, at 1:00, at the American Legion Post, in Wynantskill. Team 3will be our hosts for lunch, followed by Bingo or you game of choice. We still have openings for the Wildwood trip, June 7th thru 12th, reservations must be paid in full by Aprilm28. We are planning a trip to the Amish country, Sept. 22nd thru 24th. June we can sign up for this trip. New members are always welcome, join in to play bingo or games of your choice after the meeting.

PANCAKE SUPPER: Who said pancakes are just for breakfast? At Gilead we serve them for dinner, especially when it is Shrove Tuesday. Our great team of men will be in the kitchen and ready to complete your order. Our menu consists of pancakes and sausage with apple sauce or maple syrup. Of course, no meal is complete without dessert which will be homemade cookies. Stop by and have a meal with us. We always look forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Serving times will be 4-6pm. A free will offering would be appreciated. Gilead Lutheran Church is located at the junction of Routes 7and 278in Center Brunswick, NY. Gilead is handicapped accessible.

GUIDED MEDITATION: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, January 14th – February 25th from 5to 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.

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, clam-

steams 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.

PRE-K STORYTIME: Tuesdays at 11am. Ages 2-6, no sign-up needed. Siblings welcome. Rensselaer Public Library, 676East St., Rensselaer. (518) 462-1193. www.rensselaerlibrary.org.

TRAVEL PRESENTATION:

La Fédération Franco-Américaine du NY presents their 2021trip, “Hawaiian Adventure”, April 22-May 1, 2021, with an optional 2 night Big Island Post Tour extension, May 1-May 3, 2021. Trip includes three islands, Oahu, Kauai, and Maui. Highlights include Waikiki Beach, Pearl Harbor, Oahu’s North Shore, Waimea Canyon, Kauai Coffee Estate, Fern Grotto, Iao Valley, Lahaina, and Polynesian Luau. A free travel presentation will take place on Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at 6pm at Plaza Travel Center, 623New Loudon Road, Latham, New York. RSVP to Lisa, 518-785-3338or lisa@plazatravel.net.

PANCAKE SUPPER: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church 510Albany Shaker Road Loudonville will be holding a Pancake Supper on Tuesday February 25th from 4:30 PM - 6:30PM. Pancakes, sausage, bacon, apple sauce, orange juice, coffee, tea, and milk will be served. Gluten free pancakes will be available as well as take out dinners. Adult $8, children 6-12$5, and under 6free. The proceeds of the dinner will be given to an Adopt a Family in the community in the way of food and nonfood items to meet their specific needs. Contact 458-1562for more information.

Wednesday, Feb. 26 SHORT STORY READING & DISCUSSION GROUP:

On Wednesdays, February 26th – April 1st at 6:30PM, Short Story writer David Sylvester will lead a reading and discussion group at the Troy Public Library. Local short-story writer Dave Sylvester hosts The Short Story Café, an informal discussion of the short story form that examines how writers handle structural elements such as plot, character and theme in their writing. Each week we will read and discuss two stories by well-known (and some lesser-known!) masters of the form. 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 518-2747071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

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.

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 518-235-2173for 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.

Thursday, Feb. 27 UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: Join us at the Troy Public Library on Thursdays, February 27th – March 26th from 6:30PM – 7:30PM for our Understanding Shakespeare workshop with Tom Bulger. This will be a fivesession program on how to understand Shakespeare’s plays. We will start our discussion with Act 1of Shakespeare’s comedy “Pericles.” Then in the following four weeks we will discuss the play one act at a time. This program will allow the participants to put the play in a variety of contexts, such as its relationship to his other works and to the modern existential world. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Siena College will lead this workshop. Please have Act One read for the February 27th discussion. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

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. www.rensselaerlibrary.org.

ARTIST LECTURE: The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College welcomes acclaimed artist Wangechi Mutu to deliver the third annual Winter/ Miller Lecture at 6p.m. Thursday, February 27. The event is free and open to the public. For more information, call the Tang Visitor Services Desk at 518-5808080or visit tang.skdimore.edu.

Friday, Feb. 28 TROY NIGHT OUT: Last Friday of every month from 5 to 9p.m. in downtown Troy. Troy Night Out is a monthly late evening that regularly draws thousands of people onto the streets of downtown Troy to shop, dine and explore. Attendees are able to enjoy countless art openings, music performances, fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. For more information visit www.downtowntroy.org.

LENTEN FISH FRY DINNERS: Lenten Fish Fry beginning Friday February 28th, 2020and continuing every Friday during Lent including Good Friday April 10th, 2020, the Latham-Colonie Knights of Columbus at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, will host their Fish Fry Dinners, serving from 5pm to 7pm.. Menu includes; Baked Fish $12.00 with Twice Baked Potato, coleslaw, vegetable, roll and butter. Fish Fry or Clam Roll Dinner $10.00is served with French Fries or Onion Rings and coleslaw. *All above Dinners served with Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate and Dessert. Fish Fry or Clam Roll Only is available for $8.00. Children’s Menu (Choice of two items ) Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese, French Fries or Onion Rings .*Includes Applesauce, Juice or Milk and Dessert. Children 5-10$4.00Children under 5 are Free. For further information visit www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/events or call (518) 783-0572. ELVIS BENEFIT: An Evening with Elvis starring Donny “Elvis” Romines, Friday, February 28, 2020at the Holiday Inn Express and Suites located 400Old Loudon Road, Latham. Benefit for The American Cancer Society Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. Tickets $15.00at the door which open at 6PM. Raffles, 50⁄50, food available and cash bar. Showtime 7PM. Call Helen for information at 518-745-7821.

Saturday, Feb. 29 COMMUNITY MEAL: 1-3pm at Bethel Baptist Church, 2165Fifth Avenue, Troy. For more information call 518-274-4303.

WINTER TRACKING SERIES: Tracking with Patricia Liddle, Saturday, February 29, 9am- 1pm at the Albert Family Community Forest. We will explore the Albert Family Forest for animal tracks and sign that reveal the stories happening all around us. We will not be sticking to a foot trail, but going where the wildlife leads us. Part of the 2020 Winter Tracking Series, sponsored by Rensselaer Land Trust, Dyken Pond Environmental Center, and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance. $20, $15for members. Advance registration required. Details and registration link at www.rensselaerplateau.org/wintertracking.

TRAINING FOR EARLY RESPONSE TEAMS: We have all heard of various natural disasters which have occurred across the country such as floods, tornados, and other severe storms. What we often don’t hear about is how survivors struggle to recover during the following days, weeks and often months after the disaster. We don’t think of people who have no power, no heat, no water, even though it is during winter months. We don’t think of those who can’t live in their home due to mold, or because the house is off its foundation. The United Methodist Church has a program to send people almost immediately into disaster areas to quickly, effectively, and appropriately provide a caring, Christian presence to assist survivors in recovery. It is called ERT, which stands for Early Response Team. What do Early Responders do? They listen to survivors, hold trembling hands, hand out bottles of water, and listen some more. They give hugs, assure survivors that people care; and then wash walls, remove wet carpet and wet wallboard, shovel mud, carry out ruined appliances, cover holes in roofs, and make homes secure again. On February 29th The North Chatham United Methodist Church will host an ERT training session from 8:30-5:00. The church is located at 4274 Route 203in the hamlet of North Chatham. To register, please go to http://bit.ly/20ERTNChatham and register by 2⁄22. The cost is $25with coffee and lunch included. The ERT program is open to all who feel called to do God’s work when disaster strikes, regardless of what faith community you are a part of. For more information on North Chatham United Methodist Church, please call 518-766-3535or visit our website (northchathammethodistchurch.org).

HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW: The Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show runs February 29- March 1, 2020 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, featuring 120 regional exhibitors showcasing home improvement services, décor and furnishings, energy-saving products, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation, and lifestyle products and services. The show offers great prizes. Free Admission for all ages, courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, Adirondack Trust Company. Saturday, February 29, 10a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 1, 10a.m. to 4p.m. www. rotaryhomeshow.com.

Sunday, March 1 BREAKFAST: All you Can Eat Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station, 8to 11a.m. on every 1st Sunday of the month, at the Waterford Knights of Columbus Hall, 76Grace Street, Waterford. Our buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes, (plain and blueberry) French toast, sausage, bacon, home fries, toast, bagels, pastries, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices, hot chocolate. Take a chance to win the 50⁄50 drawing. Each paid breakfast ticket also enters you in a chance to win a free breakfast at a later date. $8.00adult - $4.00children – (Children under 4free). For more information call 518237-9330.

HOME & LIFESTYLE SHOW: The Saratoga Home & Lifestyle Show runs February 29- March 1, 2020 at the Saratoga Springs City Center, featuring 120 regional exhibitors showcasing home improvement services, décor and furnishings, energy-saving products, outdoor living and landscaping, family recreation, and lifestyle products and services. The show offers great prizes. Free Admission for all ages, courtesy of the show’s major sponsor, Adirondack Trust Company. Saturday, February 29, 10a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, March 1, 10a.m. to 4p.m. www. rotaryhomeshow.com.

Tuesday, March 3 YOGA: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Yoga classes on Tuesdays, February 25th – March 31st at 6PM. This is an all-level yoga class that will invigorate your body and reduce stress. You will experience traditional yoga poses, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques which will improve your flexibility, balance, strength and overall wellness. Please bring your own mat. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the library at 235-5310or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th Street , Troy.

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.

Wednesday, March 4 SHORT STORY READING & DISCUSSION GROUP:

On Wednesdays, February 26th – April 1st at 6:30PM, Short Story writer David Sylvester will lead a reading and discussion group at the Troy Public Library. Local short-story writer Dave Sylvester hosts The Short Story Café, an informal discussion of the short story form that examines how writers handle structural elements such as plot, character and theme in their writing. Each week we will read and discuss two stories by well-known (and some lesser-known!) masters of the form. 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 518-2747071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

Thursday, March 5 UNDERSTANDING SHAKE

SPEARE: Join us at the Troy Public Library on Thursdays, February 27th – March 26th from 6:30PM – 7:30PM for our Understanding Shakespeare workshop with Tom Bulger. This will be a fivesession program on how to understand Shakespeare’s plays. We will start our discussion with Act 1of Shakespeare’s comedy “Pericles.” Then in the following four weeks we will discuss the play one act at a time. This program will allow the participants to put the play in a variety of contexts, such as its relationship to his other works and to the modern existential world. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Siena College will lead this workshop. Please have Act One read for the February 27th discussion. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is necessary. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100Second Street, Troy.

Friday, March 6 LENTEN FISH FRY DINNERS: Lenten Fish Fry beginning Friday February 28th, 2020 and continuing every Friday during Lent including Good Friday April 10th, 2020, the LathamColonie Knights of Columbus at 328Troy- Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110, will host their Fish Fry Dinners, serving from 5pm to 7 pm. Menu includes; Baked Fish $12.00 with Twice Baked Potato, coleslaw, vegetable, roll and butter. Fish Fry or Clam Roll Dinner $10.00 is served with French Fries or Onion Rings and coleslaw. *All above Dinners served with Coffee, Tea or Hot Chocolate and Dessert. Fish Fry or Clam Roll Only is available for $8.00. Children’s Menu (Choice of two items ) Fish Sticks, Mac & Cheese, French Fries or Onion Rings .* Includes Applesauce, Juice or Milk and Dessert. Children 5-10 $ 4.00 Children under 5 are Free. For further information visit www.lathamcoloniekofc.com/events or call (518) 783- 0572.

Saturday, March 7 STEAM POWERED SATURDAY: Every first Saturday of the month children ages 4-12 and their families are invited to visit the Tech Valley Center of Gravity at 30 3rd St. in Troy for a free fun, creative hands- on project. Brought to you through the generous support of the Albany Society of Engineers Foundations, these mind- expanding projects help children discover creative play through science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics.

TROUT UNLIMITED

BANQUET: Banquet Chair Scott Parker announced that The Century House, Latham, will be the site of the Clearwater Chapter’s 48th annual Conservation Banquet on Saturday, March 7, 2020. The Trout Unlimited Conservation Banquet is open to everyone. Tickets for the Conservation Banquet are on sale now on the Clearwater Chapter’s website www.clearwatertu.org. Reservations can be made up to March 1st by contacting TU members Chris and Erika Cook, 565 Grand Ave., Saratoga Springs, NY 12866, or emailing Chris at communications@clearwatertu.org. Dinner, cash bar, hors d’oeuvres and award recognition are planned for the Conservation Banquet, along with a live auction, silent auction, bucket raffles, card raffles and door prizes. A Grand Prize Drawing of a 12 ft. Kevlar Hybrid Canoe by Hornbeck Boats will be drawn at the Conservation Banquet. All proceeds from this event benefit local “on the ground” conservation projects that support coldwater fisheries resources. TU is actively seeking donations of goods and services, as well as fishing gear and fly tying materials from their members and the public for their Conservation Banquet. If you are interested in donating, please contact Chair Scott Parker at 518- 894- 4661 or sgparker149@gmail.com.

SARATOGA REPTILE EXPO: The Saratoga Reptile Expo will be returning to the Saratoga City Center from 1 a. m. to 4 p. m. on March 7th, 2020. This show’s mission is about offering attendees the opportunity to: - Buy high quality animals and a great selection of supplies from local breeders and industry leaders! For more information visit www. dragonsrefuge.com/saratogareptileexpo.

SPAC WINTER BALL: The Saratoga Performing Arts Center Junior Committee invites you to celebrate our 10th Annual SPAC Winter Ball: The Future is Now, as the Hall of Springs teleports you into a futuristic utopia. Join us on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 7pm for an experiential new realm complete with live music and dancing, celestial-themed cocktails, gourmet food, a futuristic photo booth and more. For this time warped affair, we welcome guests to dress to impress in formal or cocktail attire, drawing inspiration from innovative and modern designs and styles. Tickets: $125-$200. Hall of Springs, 108 Avenue of the Pines, Saratoga Springs NY 12866. Must be 21+ to attend. For questions, please contact Liz Ellis at eellis@spac.org or 518584- 9330.

Sunday, March 8 BREAKFAST: On Sunday, March 8th, 2020, Latham- Colonie Council Columbiettes and Knights of Columbus will host their “All You Can Eat Breakfast”! Serving from 8:30 to 11:30a. m. Menu includes; Variety of Juices, Rolls, Sweet Breads, an Omelet Station, Pancakes, French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Hash Browns, Corned Beef Hash, Bacon, Sausage, Cereals, Bananas and Fruit Cup. Adults $9, Children 5-10 $ 4 and Children Under 5 are Free! Latham- Colonie Knights of Columbus is located at 328 Troy, Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110. For information call 518 7830572or visit www.lathamcolonie.com/ events.

FAMOUS LADIES TEA: 1 p. m. on Sunday, March 8 at Hilton Garden Inn, 235Hoosick St., Troy. Celebrate women’s history month and support literacy programs in Rensselaer County at the annual Famous Ladies’ Tea. Tickets are $ 45 (or $315 for a reserved table of eight). Advanced payment is required and tickets can be purchased from Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County, 65 First Street, Troy, N.Y., 518-244- 4650.. All proceeds from this event will benefit Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County’s programs.

BREAKFAST BUFFET:

The Valley Falls VFW Post 1938 will hold its monthly Breakfast Buffet from 8 am until 11 am. The cost is $8 for adults; $ 4 for children ages 5 to 12, and under the age of 5 eat for free. The post is located on Poplar Avenue in Valley Falls.

Tuesday, March 10 YOGA: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Yoga classes on Tuesdays, February 25th – March 31st at 6PM. This is an all- level yoga class that will invigorate your body and reduce stress. You will experience traditional yoga poses, stretching, breathing and relaxation techniques which will improve your flexibility, balance, strength and overall wellness. Please bring your own mat. This program is free and open to the public. Please register by calling the library at 235-5310 or online at www.thetroylibrary. org. The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th 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.

Wednesday, March 11 SHORT STORY READING & DISCUSSION

GROUP: On Wednesdays, February 26th – April 1st at 6:30PM, Short Story writer David Sylvester will lead a reading and discussion group at the Troy Public Library. Local short- story writer Dave Sylvester hosts The Short Story Café, an informal discussion of the short story form that examines how writers handle structural elements such as plot, character and theme in their writing. Each week we will read and discuss two stories by well- known (and some lesser- known!) masters of the form. 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 518-274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary. org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.