Remembering family and friends

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

SPEIGLE ELDERS BOWLING: The Speigle Elders’ sponsor a non- sanctioned bowling league which meets at the Green Island Lanes at noon on Mondays. This league is open to club members and non-members as well. The cost is $6.00 weekly for three games plus a $3.00 fee towards a season’s end banquet. The league is seeking both new and substitute bowlers. If you are interested in joining this league for exercise and fun, stop in at the lanes any Monday or contact Mary Riley @ 518469-7782 or Lois Kewley @ 518-235-3788.

MUSICIANS NEEDED: Do you play a musical instrument? The Averill Park Community Orchestra is starting rehearsals again soon and we are eagerly seeking new members. If you or someone you know plays an orchestral instrument (strings, woodwinds, or percussion) and may be interested in joining, please contact Christina Desmond at 518-948- 0565. The APCO rehearses at Algonquin Middle School in Averill Park on Wednesday evenings from 7:00 - 8:30, and generally performs two concerts per year, one in December and one in late May. Rehearsals for the spring season begin March 4th, and we will accept new members throughout March (¾ , 3/11, 3/18, 3/25) in preparation for our May 31st performance. We have a great season planned and would love to have you join us! You can also find us on Facebook at https:// www. facebook.com/AverillParkCO/ or our website at www.apcorchestra.org.

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 alllevel 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 27 114th Street , Troy.

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 1 of 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 274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

SHERIFF’S SUMMER CAMP: The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office is accepting applications for the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute Summer Camp. The Summer Camp is for boys and girls between the ages of 9 and 12 who, because of economic reasons, would not have an opportunity to attend a summer camp or enjoy a summer vacation. The camp is for economically challenged children. Campers must be upto- date on immunizations and have received a medical physical after May 1, 2019. This year’s camp session runs from Sunday, July 26 through Saturday, August 1, 2020. Detailed information about the camp may be found on the New York State Sheriffs’ Institute website at www.sheriffsinstitute.org. Applications may be obtained by contacting the Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office at (518) 266-1903. Qualified campers will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Deadline for submission is March 30, 2020.

SHORT STORY READI NG & 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.

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.

THREE-DAY TRIP TO U. S. NAVAL ACADEMY & U.S. CAPITAL: The Hoosick Township Historical Society will host a three- day trip to Annapolis, MD and Washington D.C. on May 1-3, 2020. The trip includes a guided half- day tour of historic Annapolis and an exclusive tour of the United States Naval Academy. Also included in the trip will be a Friday night tour of Washington D.C., taking in several historic sites. Saturday evening will offer the choice of dinner at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament, an evening at the LIVE! Casino, or shopping and dining at Arundel Mills. The price for the trip is $380 per person, which includes transportation, hotel accommodations at the Hilton Garden Inn in Annapolis, the tours, and some meals. Please contact the Historical Society for more information and a detailed itinerary. Seating is limited, so book early! Call 518- 6864682 or email staff@hoosickhistory.com.

STEPHENTOWN HERITAGE CENTER: The Stephentown Historical Society would like to remind you that the Heritage Center is now welcoming visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday hours are in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. These Saturday open hours will offer more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the Society offers in genealogy research and local history. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible. Hope to see you soon!

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 27 114th Street, Troy, New York.

GUIDED MEDITATION: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, January 14th – February 25th from 5 to 6 p.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 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 St., Troy.

BREAKFAST: All you Can Eat Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station, 8 to 11 a.m. on every 1st Sunday of the month, at the Waterford Knights of Columbus Hall, 76 Grace 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. $8.00 adult - $4.00 children – (Children under 4 free). For more information call 518-237-9330.

SINGERS WANTED: Capital Community Voices Inc., an SATB volunteer, non-audition choral group, is seeking singers in all voice parts for its May concert, “Note-worthy Celebrations”. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7 pm in East Greenbush beginning January 14, 2020. Call 518-370-5434 for more information.

2020 ALBANY TULIP QUEEN NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN: The City of Albany seeks nominations for the 2020 Tulip Queen & Court. Nominations for young women interested in continuing Albany’s longstanding legacy of community service may be submitted through Monday, April 6 via www.albanytulipqueen. com. Part of an Albany tradition that stretches back to the late 1940s, the Tulip Queen and her four Tulip Court members are chosen by a committee of local leaders through an extensive interview process. After the Queen is crowned at the annual Tulip Festival, the five young women will spend a full year working together on Albany community outreach programs and educational initiatives. Nominees must have a strong sense of community, be knowledgeable of the Albany area and its history, and possess leadership skills. Eligible nominees are women between the ages of 18 and 24 residing in Albany County for their entire year of reign ( May 2020 - May 2021). The Tulip Queen will be awarded a $5000 scholarship, and each Court member will receive a $1500 scholarship award upon completion of the program. To nominate an extraordinary young woman for this prestigious program, visit ww.albanytulipqueen.com. Nominations may also be placed by submitting a letter detailing the candidate’s qualifications to: Albany Tulip Queen Selection Committee, City Hall, Room 402, 24 Eagle St., Albany, New York 12207. All written nominations should include the candidate’s name, address and phone number, as well as the name and phone number of the nominator. The 72nd Annual Albany Tulip Festival will be held May 9 & 10, 2020. For information on the Tulip Queen Coronation or the Albany Tulip Festival, call 518.434.2032 or visit www. albanyevents.org.

STEPHENTOWN FOOD PANTRY: The Stephentown Food Pantry relies entirely on community donations of money and food items to keep operating. The pantry’s team of hard-working volunteers sorts, shops, shelves, and shows up every Saturday to help our neighbors who need food assistance. If you, your business, church, club or organization can pitch in with a contribution, it would help a lot. The Stephentown Food Pantry has been serving the community since 1983. If you would like to donate money to the pantry, you may send checks to the Stephentown Food Pantry treasurer at P. O. Box 387, Stephentown, NY 12168. There also is a collection basket for nonperishable food donations (no glass containers, please) at the Stephentown Memorial Library. The Stephentown Food Pantry offers assistance to residents of Stephentown, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. The pantry is open every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road (County Route 26). Each January all clients must bring identification (such as a current utility bill, not a drivers license) showing their current street address in Stephentown or Hancock. New clients must bring identification showing that they live in Stephentown or Hancock before being served. Appointments are not needed. As always, requests for help are confidential. The pantry is an equal opportunity provider. For information, call 518- 4878606.

COHOES DOWNTOWN MARKETPLACE: Vintage items, collectibles, crafts, furniture and more. 103 Remsen St., Cohoes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every other Saturday and Sunday. Check the Cohoes Downtown Marketplace Facebook page for current information.

LOCAL MAGICIANS MEETING: The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets at 7:30 PMon the second Tuesday of the month at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit our website: WWW. SAM24. SYNTHASITE.COM.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Church, 570 3rd Ave., N Troy is displaying many Christmas items including Dept 56 collectibles at bargain prices. Please browse our many rooms showing clothing for the entire family, jewelry, furniture, toys and linens. You’ll be surprised. Hours are 9 am - 1 pm on Saturday & Thursday.

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 6 p.m. 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. 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.

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

I LIUM LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY is in its 97th year. The Club will meet in 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: 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 Latham-Colonie 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: