Upcoming schedule

FREE CAR WASH WITH FOOD DONATION: For the first time in 2022, the staff at Hoffman Car Wash will be collecting non-perishable food items to support local area food pantries. On Saturday, June 4, and Sunday, June 5, Hoffman Car Wash will provide a free Ultimate car wash with a food donation. Hoffman Car Wash has partnered with 14different food pantries to provide much-needed assistance for families and individuals in need. Each Hoffman location will donate the collected items to a food pantry in its neighborhood. Suggestions of non-perishable food items to donate include canned meat or fish, canned entrees (stew, ravioli, etc.), canned fruit in juice, canned spaghetti sauce, canned soup, hot or cold cereal, canned 100% juice, and peanut butter and jelly. To participate, individuals only need to donate one non-perishable food item at any exterior or full service location. Individuals wishing to participate can find a complete list of locations at HoffmanCarWash.com.

CLASS: 10 Tuesdays, beginning June 7, 6:30-8 p.m. In this class in practical spirituality through reading, discussion, and experiential exercises, students will explore how spiritual laws create abundance and uncover what blocks they have to experience an abundant and prosperous life. This class is based on the book The Game of Life and How to Play It by Florence Scovell Shinn. Additional required text: The Game of Life and How to Play It Workbook by Kate Large. For more information, visit our meetup. com group Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures, call (518) 366-9918, or visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

SARATOGA SECRET GARDENS TOUR TICKETS ON SALE: Tickets are on sale now for the 27th annual Saratoga Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour set for Sunday, July 10, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s gardens include sprawling suburban oases with terraced perennials and pathways, jampacked havens for backyard pollinators, and tiny hillside hideaways tucked behind a stretch of in-city townhomes. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 on the day of the tour. Garden descriptions, a map and suggested driving directions are provided with the ticket. Visit www.soroptimistsaratoga.org to purchase tickets online, find locations for retail ticket sales and learn more about Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, a professional women’s service organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women, girls and their communities.

SECRET GARDENS REVEALED: Join a live Zoom program, “Secret Gardens Revealed,” on Thursday, June 9, hosted by the Saratoga Springs Public Library as the owners of three diverse gardens on the upcoming annual Saratoga Soroptimist Secret Gardens Tour share their photos, philosophies, and how they plan and care for their outdoor sanctuaries. Listen to and chat with Leslie Brennan, Carol Godette and Johanna Garrison, three of the garden owners on this year’s July 10 tour. Their gardens include strategically planned and terraced perennials, a jam-packed haven for pollinators, splashy annuals, and distinctive use of water, lights and pathways. The program will take place Thursday, June 9, from 7 to 8p.m. Participation is free, but registration is required to obtain the Zoom link. Visit the library’s events calendar at www.sspl.org to register. The event is cosponsored by Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, a public service organization whose mission is to improve the lives of women and girls locally and globally. Tickets for the July 10 Secret Gardens Tour are available at www.soroptimistsaratoga.org.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (formerly known as New England Carpenters Apprenticeship Fund and Northeast Carpenters Apprenticeship Fund) will conduct a recruitment from June 7, 2022 through June 6, 2023 for two Carpenter (Pile Driver/ Dockbuilder) apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Applications are available online at https:// www.nectf.org/ during the recruitment period. Applicants who do not have internet access may visit their local library or nearest New York State Department of Labor Career Center (dol. ny.gov/career-centers) when open. Interested candidates must attend an in-person information session prior to submitting an electronic application. In-person information sessions are given the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period at NASCTF, 16 Corporate Circle, Albany NY 12203. If the first Monday falls on a holiday, the information session will occur at the second Monday of that month at 6:00 p.m. Please note, spaces are limited, and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. At the conclusion of the information session, a passcode will be given which is required to complete an online application. If any assistance is needed for completing the online application, please contact the NASCTF at (518) 438-0901 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the application process, each applicant must wear an appropriate face covering, and respect and maintain a proper social distance while standing in line, both inside and outside the building, as well as while completing the actual application for apprenticeship. For further information, applicants should contact North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund at (518) 438-0901. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (formerly known as New England Carpenters Apprenticeship Fund and Northeast Carpenters Apprenticeship Fund) will conduct a recruitment from June 6, 2022 through June 5, 2023 for five Linoleum, Resilient Tile and Carpet Layer apprentices, the New York State Department of Labor announced today. Applications are available online at the North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund (NASCTF) website (https:// www.nasctf.org/) during the recruitment period. Applicants who do not have internet access may visit their local library or nearest New York State Department of Labor Career Center (dol. ny.gov/career-centers) when open. Interested candidates must attend an in-person information session prior to submitting an electronic application. Applications are also available at the information sessions. Inperson information sessions are given the first Monday of each month at 6:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period at Albany — 16 Corporate Cir, Albany, NY 12203. If the first Monday falls on a holiday, the information session will occur at the second Monday of that month at 6:00 p.m. (4:00 p.m. in Jamestown). Please note, spaces are limited, and filled on a first-come, first-served basis. At the conclusion of the information session, a passcode will be given which is required to complete an online application. If any assistance is needed for completing the online application, please visit the NASCTF listed above between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3:00 p.m., Monday thru Friday. Please contact the NASCTF at (585) 436-1110 for information session in additional locations and obtaining applications inperson if needed. In order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 during the application process each applicant must wear an appropriate face covering, and respect and maintain a proper social distance while standing in line, both inside and outside the building, as well as while completing the actual application for apprenticeship. All applications must be received by no later than 12 a.m. (Midnight) on June 5, 2023. For further information, applicants should contact North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund at (585) 437-1110.

TROY CYO WILLIAM PASCARELL PERSON OF THE YEAR EVENT: Troy Youth Association Inc. (Troy CYO) will be honoring Hon. Patrick Madden Mayor, Michael Kennedy Member of the Year, Joesph Pasinella, Past CYO Member and devoted volunteer, ICC Soup Kitchen Volunteers, Community Involvement and CRAB Club Garrison 1954 for their Community Involvement. The awards will be presented at the William J. Pascarell 16th Annual Person (s) Year celebration on Thursday, June 9th from 6:00-8:00PM at the Italian Community Center. The public is invited to attend the function which benefits the Agency’s youth programs. Tickets for the reception can be purchased at the door and also from the Troy CYO Office, (2742630) 237 4 th Street, or email rpisci2426@aol.com for $60 per person or $90 a couple and table of eight for $285.

UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: Join us at the Troy Public Library on Thursdays, May 19-June 16, from 6:30PM — 7:30PM for our Understanding Shakespeare workshop. This will be a five-session program on how to understand Shakespeare’s play, Timon of Athens. In each of the five weeks we will discuss this 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 world. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and former professor at Siena College will lead this workshop. Copies of Timon of Athens will be available at the circulation desk. This program is free and open to the public. Registration is necessary. This is a hybrid program, with the option of zoom or in-person attendance. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

THERAPY DOGS READY FOR DUTY: Alliance of Therapy Dogs teams are ready for duty in the Capital Region. The certified therapy dogs are available to serve at schools, colleges, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, airports and special events. The ATD teams can also help first responders, police officers, military personnel and veterans deal with trauma. All ATD canines meet health and vaccination standards. For information on making arrangements for visit, contact Chris Bourgeois of Ballston Lake, at (518) 331-5781 or chrisbee4154@gmail.com. Bourgeois also is a coordinator for the Red Cross’ Paws for a Cause, which specializes in providing therapy dogs for military deployments and redeployments, therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder combat veterans, military family support groups, military events and disasters. HAIKU HIGHWAY: Join us for this series, Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm (May 3, 17, & 31, June 14, July 12, & August 9), and learn the art of Haiku! This is a workshop in the practice and history of Haiku poetry. Local Haiku poet, John Stevenson will mentor participants in their journey into learning this unique art form. Please bring a notepad and pencil to the first session. John Stevenson is a former president of the Haiku Society of America and former editor of their literary journal, Frogpond. Since 2008, he has been managing editor of The Heron’s Nest, a leading journal of English-language Haiku. Since 2007, he has judged the English sections of a student haiku contest sponsored by the Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations. This in-person event is free and open to the public. Registration is required. To register call the library at 518-274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy. BINGO: Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073, located at 683Columbia Turnpike,

hosts Bingo every Thursday evening and the general public is welcome to attend. Doors open at 5 PM for players age 18+. Play starts at 7 PM. $1,300in prizes. Food and refreshments sold.

SEEKING LOCAL ARTISTS: Saratoga-based nonprofit Beyond My Battle is seeking local artists with medical conditions or serving as caregivers for its upcoming “Art with Heart & Hope” show, which aims to provides a voice and venue for those using art to cope with medical challenges. If you are an artist living with or caring for someone living with a rare disease, illness, or disability, this is a great opportunity to share your art. Beyond My Battle is holding its fourth annual “Art with Heart & Hope” showcasing the ways art can help manage the many stressors of living as a patient or caregiver. The deadline to submit artwork is July 1, 2022. All art must be able to be displayed on a wall or easel. Artists must have lived with, or cared for someone living with, a physical illness, disease, or disability; be at least 18 years old; and live in the Capital Region. Artists should submit their information and work at beyondmybattle.org/art-show-2022 by July 1st. Artists have the option to price their artwork and donate a portion of the sale to Beyond My Battle or not price their artwork at all. “Art with Heart & Hope” is an annual pop-up exhibition celebrating the healing power of art for those living with life-altering medical conditions and their caregivers. Works are displayed alongside written statements from the artists who share the many ways art helps them cope. It is an evening full of inspiration, awareness, and community partnered with refreshments and live music. This year’s show will take place on September 8, 2022 at Universal Preservation Hall from 5:30 — 8:30 PM. Tickets will be available to purchase starting July 15, 2022 at beyondmybattle. org. Sponsorship opportunities are available. To become a sponsor of this year’s show, please email art@beyondmybattle.org. To learn more about BMB, visit beyondmybattle.org.

ART EXHIBITS: Artists and members of Southern Saratoga Art Society are exhibiting throughout the area. The Mechanicville Library, 190N. Main Street, Tel.#:518-664-4646, will feature 6artists during May and June, Karen Zimmers, Cheryl Birmingham, Carol Winterton, Anup Sood, Cheryl Jenks and Frank Coletta. During May and June, Cupola Coffee, 227 Kingsley Rd., Tel.#: 518-280-0079 will be showing the works of nine artists, William Daisak, Barbara Hurley, Cheryl Jenks, Carol Winterton, Frank Coletta, Karen Zimmers, Jack Morgan, Rita Helie and Anup Sood. Stop in, visit these venues and view some of the fabulous artists in Southern Saratoga County. For more information visit our website southernsaratogaartist.com.

USS SLATER: USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America is open to the public for her 25th season in Albany! No reservations are required, and guided tours start every 30minutes. Admission is charged. Adults: $10, Seniors & Veterans: $9, Children under 18: $8, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free. We are currently booking Group Tours, for 10 or more people, for Spring and Summer, call the Ship’s Store to schedule your visit! The ship will be closed for Easter Sunday. USS SLATER will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through Nov. 27, 2022. The ship is located in Downtown Albany on the Hudson River at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street.

USS SLATER is owned, maintained, and operated by the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, a private, nonprofit, charitable organization that receives no regular government support. More information is available online at ussslater.org.

RESEARCH STUDY: Do you have Pre-Diabetes or Type 2Diabetes and wantto imporve your health and get paid $50? Volunteer for an exciting 8-week research study at Skidmore College. Study participants must be pre-diabetic or diagnosed with type 2diabetes mellitus and between the ages of 30— 65years old. Participants will receive free state of the art body fat analysis using the BODPod technology, Blood HbA1c, lipid, and sugar (glucose) analysis, physical activity monitoring and dietary analysis and a comprehensive analysis of all results at the completion of the study. Contact Dr. Karen Arciero at karciero@ skidmore.edu or Dr. Paul Arciero at parciero@skidmore.edu.

LITERACY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County (LVORC) welcomes all kinds of volunteers, from tutors to administrative helpers and event planners. As a volunteer you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in Rensselaer County and Albany County. Would you like to help someone to read, write, or speak and understand

English? We can train you. For more information, visit https://www.lvorc.org.

LIVING LIFE IN BALANCE: Creating the life you desire class — 9Tuesdays, beginning March 22, 6:30-8 p.m. This 9-week class in practical spirituality explores how to create balance in nine different life areas so that you can live the life you desire. Through experiential exercises, reading, meditation, prayer, and discussion, participants explore the power of focused attention in manifesting, abundance, love, health, and peace, among other topics. This class is based on the book Being in Balance: 9 Principles for Creating Habits to Match Your Desires by Wayne Dyer. Free student workbook provided; students must supply their own textbook. Suggested donation: $20per class session. For more information, visit our meetup.com group Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures, call (518) 366-9918, or visit www. newthoughtnewyork.org.

SQUASH HUNGER: Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger program is a food donation initiative that collects and distributes more than 40 tons of fresh produce to our region’s food pantries and shelters each year. Since 2004 Capital Roots has involved thousands of community members in our effort to increase the presence of fresh food on communal tables. We rely on generous gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh produce to our collection bins and on volunteers to deliver it to food pantries and shelters, some of which feed more than 100 people three meals a day, every day. Our Squash Hunger donation bins are located at markets and grocery stores throughout the region, so it’s convenient for you to make a food donation while you shop. We rely on a broad network of volunteers to collect and deliver donations to pantries and shelters in their communities. If you are a volunteer, shelter, pantry or store manager who would like to participate, please contact us at 518-2748685 or squashhunger@capitalroots.org. More information about the Squash Hunger program, including a full list of donation locations, is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/squash-hunger/.

URBAN GREENING: Urban greening refers to public landscaping and urban forestry projects that create mutually beneficial relationships between city dwellers and their environments. Since the creation of its Urban Greening program in 1989, Capital Roots has planted thousands of trees and implemented many public landscaping projects throughout New York’s Capital Region. Every spring and fall we involve dozens of volunteers, many of whom are high school students, in city-wide tree planting projects. Committed community members take pride in caring for the trees as they continue to grow in our region’s neighborhoods. Vibrant green spaces improve aesthetic appeal, increase property value and decrease energy consumption. Our Urban Greening projects are grant funded. This makes it possible for Capital Roots to provide property owners with trees at no cost. If you are a property owner interested in having a tree planted on your land contact 518-274-8685 or Tara at gardens1@capitalroots.org.

COMMUNITY GARDENS: Community Gardens by local nonprofit Capital Roots offer plots around the Capital Region to anyone interested in growing their own produce. Gardeners receive nutritional, recreational, social and physical benefits from tending plots. Get the space, sunshine and support you need to grow your own food. More information about how to sign up for a community garden plot is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/community-gardens/ or by calling 518-2748685. Orientations are held throughout March and into April for new participants at various locations throughout the Capital Region. In order to register for a garden plot, attendance at orientation is required. Orientation sessions are being held via conference calls this year. There is a suggested $30 donation to sign up for a plot. Donations are greatly appreciated and help support this program. The average cost to operate each plot is over $200 per year. If you have expendable income and garden with us, please consider giving more to support the continuation of the program for everyone. We take into consideration personal financial experience and will not turn anyone away from getting a plot due to a lack of funds. If paying the full suggested donation causes you to be less secure in meeting your basic needs, we will work with you.

SINGLES OUTREACH SERVICES: Bringing people together to enjoy a common experience of performances and more in the Capital Region of New York, Capital Region Social Happenings is a registered name of Singles Outreach Services, Inc. and is a New York state nonprofit organization. More information about the group and its upcoming events is available online at www. facebook.com/CapitalRegionSocial/.