UPCOMING CALENDAR

WEDNESDAY LENTEN MEDITATIONS: First United Presbyterian Church of Troy will open its sanctuary Wednesdays during Lent (March 1-April 29) for drop-in meditation and prayer. Lunchtime and evening meditation will be held at 11:30am — 1:30pm and 7-8pm. Prayers stations including guided prayer mediation, sand labyrinth, art supplies, Taize music, and a special Kid Zone with intergenerational activities from Illustrated Ministries will be available. All are welcome. The church is located at 1917 Fifth Avenue in downtown Troy between Grand and Fulton Streets. For more information call 518-272-2771.

KNIT & CROCHET GROUP: Join the Troy Public Library for a bi-weekly stitching group from 10 to 11 a.m. every first and third Friday of the month. Whether you have experience knitting or crocheting or you want to start learning a new skill, this group is for you! Participants will work together to stitch blankets and other needed items to donate to local homeless shelters and outreach groups. Participants are also welcome to work on their own personal projects. Bring your own knitting needles and crochet hooks or use what we have available. This in-person event is free and open to the public. No registration required. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

COMFORT FOR THOSE WHO MOURN: A six-week non-denominational Christian grief support group for all those grieving the death of a loved one. Wednesdays, Feb. 22- March 29 from 4:30 — 6:00 p.m. at St. Luke’s on the Hill, 40 McBride Rd. (located off Pruyn Hill Rd in the Town of Halfmoon), Mechanicville. To register email dcnlynne@gmail.com or call 518-664-4834.

TUTORS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County helps more than 160 adults each year to gain the skills they need to be employed, participate in community life, and become U.S. citizens. LVORC needs volunteer tutors to do this work, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. Would you like to help someone to read and write, or to speak English as a new language? We can train you. Contact mhellerlvorc@aol.com to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc. org.

READING MENTORS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteer reading mentors for the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program at School 14 in Troy. Power Lunch increases children’s chances for success in school and in life through positive reading experiences with caring adults. Elementary school children are paired one-to-one with volunteer mentors from local businesses, colleges and the community. Volunteers read aloud to their reading partner once a week during lunchtime. Everybody WINS! mentors meet with students at School 14 and School 2 in Troy, and at Van Rensselaer Elementary in Rensselaer. For more information about EW Power Lunch! and LVORC’s other programs and services, visit www.lvorc.org or call (518) 244-4650.

CHILDREN’S BALLET AUDITIONS: New York City Ballet will virtually audition area children to perform in the company’s production of Firebird by George Balanchine and Jerome Robbins during its summer residency at Saratoga Perfoming Arts Center from July 18 to 22. Casting for Firebird includes roles for 14 girls from 9-12 years old who are between 4 feet 7 inches and 5 feet tall. Understudies will also be cast. Applicants should have some ballet training; however, there is no dancing involved in these roles. The children who are selected will rehearse on Wednesday, July 19 and Thursday, July 20 from 4-6pm at the SPAC School of the Arts studios located behind the National Museum of Dance. The final rehearsal will take place on the afternoon of Friday, July 21 in the SPAC Amphitheater. Performances will be held at 7:30pm on July 21 and at 2pm on July 22. Selected children and accompanying adults must adhere to protocols imposed by Saratoga Performing Arts Center and New York City Ballet related to COVID-19. Scheduled for two performances on July 21 at 7:30 p.m. and July 22 at 2 p.m., Firebird will be featured as part of a program that also includes Balanchine’s Swan Lake and Robbins’ Fancy Free. Firebird illustrates an enchanting Russian fairytale and the fantastical creatures of its strange world with stunning sets and costumes designed by Marc Chagall. The children appear in the last wedding tableau. Video submissions must be included as part of the virtual audition form found online at https://spaceducation.wufoo.com/forms/ z12gui1x0ytvhxs/. All audition submissions are due by March 31. Visit spac.org for more details.

THE CIRCLE OF MOTHERS: Do you have a teen who is struggling? Come find peace and support with other mothers. What is said in the circle stays in the circle. Email us for details: TheCircleOfMothers@gmail.com.

WOMEN’S DAY EVENT: All women are invited to attend an all day “Step by Step” springtime event, sponsored by Hope For A Woman’s Heart, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Lake George from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 29th. Participating activities will include: Dance numbers with husband and wife team Aaron & Christy Coulson; the Glorious Praise Dancers group; music by singer Tomi Jo Ball and a floral arrangement demonstration by Gina Whalen. Raffles and vendor shopping will also be available. Featured speakers Jillian Pelkey and Christy Coulson will give inspirational messages of Hope. Ticket cost is $60.00 per person ($50 with group of 10 or more). A Continental breakfast and Buffet lunch is inclusive. Registration and shopping begins at 8:30 a.m. For more information, visit the website at www.h4awh.com or call Debbie Geer, President of HFAWH, at 518-796-2895. * Reservation deadline is Friday, April 21. Hope For A Woman’s Heart is a nonprofit organization.

STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Thursdays at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Troy Public Library, located at 100 Second St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary.

STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Fridays at 9 a.m. at the Lansingburgh Branch of the Troy Public Library, located at 27 114th St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary. Please note: this program occurs before the library opens for the day. Please enter through the side door on 4th Avenue.

COMMUNITY MEAL: YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., located at 21 First St. in Troy, serves a weekly community meal from 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday. It is a free-of-charge, to-go dinner provided for YWCA residents as well as anyone in the community. All are welcome to join us each week for a free, nutritious cooked meal. Meals are prepared by a variety of volunteers including but not limited to YWCA-GCR staff, residents, community members and students. Residents are encouraged to participate in preparation of the meals and will be assisted by staff in menu planning, shopping and time management. We serve an average of 75 people per week. The YWCA-GCR also partners with community organizations to set up booths at weekly Community Meal to advertise, promote and engage guests in services. Residents and community members can call the YWCA-GCR at (518) 274-7100 to find out Tuesday’s menu. More information about this program is available online at www. ywca-gcr.org.

SYCAWAY SENIORS: Need a diversion in your life? Food, fun and friends await you. Bring a friend or neighbor to the Sycaway Seniors group. Members live all over Rensselaer County not just Sycaway. We meet the first and third Mondays each month at 18 Keyes Lane, at the Brunswick Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your own lunch. We supply dessert and drinks. Nancy McCloskey of Brunswick is our new President. She can be reached at 518 279-0847. Dues are $10 yearly. Stop in for a visit, all are welcome. Bingo and 50/50 are held at each meeting. Cards are only three for $2. Hope to see you there.

INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market heads indoors to the Troy Atrium for the winter after a successful summer season on the streets of downtown Troy. The winter market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features most of the 100 vendors from its popular outdoor market. The Troy Atrium is located in downtown Troy with entrances on Fulton Street, 3rd Street, Broadway and 4th Street. Free parking is available in the City’s 5th Street Parking Garage, Riverfront Park, the Green Island Bridge lots and on city streets. No dogs are allowed in the Atrium, with exceptions made for service animals. The indoor market will be expanding to the second floor to include an indoor dining area where customers will be able to eat prepared food from vendors. For updates follow the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on social media or visit www.troymarket.org.

ADULT BIBLE STUDY: The Boys and Girls Club of Albany is hosting an Adult Bible Study each Thursday at 6:00 P.M. The address is 21 Delaware Avenue. For further info please call 518885-3149.

BALLSTON SPA BIRDHOUSE PROGRAM: More than 1,000 birdhouses are ready to be decorated before adorning the streets of Ballston Spa this spring for the village’s fifth annual Birdhouse Program. Along with a large sculptural display in Wiswall Park and newly-created street banners, the overall display is a celebration of community spirit. Locals can request a free birdhouse by filling out a form online at www.askbspa.com. The birdhouses are picked up in a safe, nocontact procedure and must be returned by April 1 to be hung in time for spring. The Birdhouse Program is the centerpiece of the yearly arts initiative for the Village of Ballston Spa and is a favorite of children, families, seniors and the /intellectually-diverse community living in and around the area. Participants come from all over Saratoga County and the Capital Region to engage in this free community art project.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Community Church, located at 570 Third Ave. in Troy has a large selection of warm winter coats and apparel for the entire family. Other items include jewelry, books, DVDs, housewares and furniture all at affordable prices. Open Thursdays and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. Annual Holiday items available.

GRETA THE READING DOG: Practice your reading skills on Greta, our special story-loving dog! Every Saturday at 11:00 am at Troy Public Library’s main branch, located at 100 Second St. in Troy. Free and all ages. More information is available online at www. thetroylibrary.org or by calling 518-274-7071.

STUDENT DISCOUNT PROGRAM: The Downtown Troy Business Improvement District and members of our business community have joined together to offer discounts to students when they visit Downtown Troy! Simply show your valid college / school ID anywhere you see the Student Incentive Program decal and receive a discount on your purchases. It’s as easy as that. More information is available online at www. downtowntroy.org/for-students.

RAISE PLANT GROW: Each year the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District plant approximately 10 trees in downtown Troy. With the assistance of Constable Tree Service, the organization removes old tree stumps, prep the ground for planting, plant, water and maintain these trees. Did you know that each new tree costs about $500? That’s where you come in! As we grow our urban tree canopy, you can help us plant even more! For more information, or to make a donation to the Raise Plant Grow initiative, visit www.downtowntroy.org/trees.

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. Inperson 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 firstcome, 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 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for Boilermakers Northeast, Local Union #5, Zone #197, will conduct a recruitment from August 2, 2022 through July 6, 2023 for five Boilermaker (Construction) apprentices. Applications can be obtained from Boilermakers Northeast JATC, Local Union #5, Zone #197, 75 South Dove Street, Albany, NY, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the first Tuesday

of each month, excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. Detailed information is available on the Boilermakers Northeast JATC website at www.neaac.net. For further information, applicants should contact Boilermakers Northeast JATC, Local Union #5, Zone #197 at (518) 438-0718. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center (see: dol.ny.gov/careercenters).

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. 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 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 in-person 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.

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.

SIDEWALK WARRIORS: Each Thursday evening in the parking lot at 27-28 State St. in downtown Troy, dozens of volunteers set up a large number of tables for Sidewalk Warriors’ weekly distribution. At these tables, visitors can find hot foods, sandwiches, produce, pantry items and essentials. The group often provides special distributions such as towels, linens, pillows, winter boots, underwear, socks or laundry detergent. The folks who attend the distribution may be experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, or they may simply be running short on resources at the end of the month. Set up for the weekly Sidewalk Warriors distribution events begins at 5 p.m. each Thursday, and volunteers begin serving at 6 p.m., no matter what the weather. More information about Sidewalk Warriors Troy is available online at www.sidewalkwarriorstroy.com and www.facebook.com/sidewalkwarriorstroy. APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Roofers JAC of the Capital District, Local Union #241, will conduct a recruitment from Jan. 3, 2023 through Dec. 26, 2023 for 10 Roofer apprentices. Applications can be obtained and submitted at Local Union #241, 890 Third Street, Albany, NY, every Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. For further information, applicants should contact Roofers JAC of the Capital District, Local Union #241 at (518) 489-3919. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center at dol. ny.gov/career-centers.

BINGO: Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073, located at 683 Columbia 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. $1,300 in prizes. Food and refreshments sold.

LIVING LIFE IN BALANCE: Creating the life you desire class — 9 Tuesdays, 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: $20 per 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 518-274-8685 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 citywide 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 518-2748685 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 518-274-8685. 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 non-profit organization. More information about the group and its upcoming events is available online at www.facebook. com/CapitalRegionSocial/.

ROCHMON RECORD CLUB: Join us at an upcoming Rochmon event for an evening of music and community. Each show our host Rochmon Chuck Vosganian takes the room on a high fidelity journey through classic albums spanning many genres and decades. More information about this series, including a schedule of upcoming events, is available online at www.rochmon.com.

REALITY CHECK: Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. More information about Reality check and how to join the movement can be found online at www. realitycheckofny.com or www.facebook.com/realitycheckofny.