UPCOMING CALENDAR

Upcoming FESTIVAL OF TREES: From November 28 - December 2, the Saratoga City Center will transform into a wonderland of over 250 delightfully decorated trees, wreaths, and centerpieces. The Festival of Trees is the premier annual fundraiser benefitting Catholic Charities of Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. For a schedule of events and more information, visit www. saratogafestivaloftrees.com.

FRANCO-AMERICAN CHRISTMAS BRUNCH: Enjoy delicious food, lively music and holiday camaraderie at La Fédération FrancoAméricaine du NY’s annual Christmas Brunch on Sunday, December 9 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at The Venue, locate at the former St. Joseph’s Church at 65 Congress Street, Cohoes. Buffet by Joe Forget, FrenchCanadian music by John Guay, Vonnie Estes, Nancy Bakemeier and Maurice Mercier, and 50/50 raffle at the door. Adults $29, children 6-12 $14. Reservations are required; make checks payable to FeFany and send to FeFany, PO Box 354, Cohoes NY 12047. For more information, call Yvette at 518272-5061 or visit albanyareafrenchclub.com.

INTRO TO BASKETBALL: This parent-child class for ages 3-5 introduces participants to basketball through a variety of engaging games and activities. The program runs from January 5 – February 9. Visit SaratogaRec.com and click Programs for additional information and to download forms. For more information call the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department at 518-587-3550x2300 or email recreservations@ saratoga-springs.org.

RECREATION VOLLEYBALL: Learn the rules and skills necessary to become a successful volleyball player and move into tem play during this January 9 – February 13 program for ages 8-14. Visit SaratogaRec.com and click Programs for additional information and to download forms. For more information call the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department at 518587-3550x2300 or email recreservations@saratogasprings.org.

BOXING CLINIC: Meet at the ring for the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department’s Boxing Clinic for ages 8-15 from January 8 – February 12. This clinic introduces participants to proper boxing technique. Visit SaratogaRec.com and click Programs for additional information and to download forms. For more information call the Saratoga Springs Recreation Department at 518-587-3550x2300 or email recreservations@saratogasprings.org.

GLASS BLOWING COMPETITION: Downtown Glens Falls retailer 42 Degrees presents a glass pipe blowing competition called ADK Throwdown on December 3 -7. Each day, two glass artists will create new work in the 42 Degrees studio at 23 Park Street. Visitors are invited to watch the artists in action during the day at no charge. The $2,500 Grand Prize will be chosen based on a combination of factors: votes via 42 Degrees’ Instagram (www.instagram.com/42degrees.gf), votes cast in person during 42 Degrees’ December 8 Holiday Party, and votes cast by event organizers.The tournament ends with an awards ceremony and presentation of the grand prize during the Holiday Party from 7 p.m. to midnight. The Holiday Party will also feature live glass blowing, live music by Hasty Page, and refreshments. Admission is free. Find more information online at www.adkthrowdown.com.

MUSIC FROM SALEM FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN: Music From Salem invites you to join in their 2018 fundraising campaign. Gifts of any size are welcome and contribute toward the success of the 2019 music season. You may make a one-time donation at www. musicfromsalem.org, or send your gift directly to 25 E. Main Street, Cambridge NY, 12186.

SARATOGA WOMEN IN BUSINESS: The next Saratoga Women in Business gathering , co-hosted by Homebridge Financial Services and The Shannon McCarthy Real Estate Team, takes place on December 6 from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. at The Mill (Van Raalte Building), 125 High Rock Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The December spotlight is on Sustainable Saratoga, which uses education, advocacy and action to advance sustainable practices and protect natural resources. SWIB gatherings offer free networking and fellowship opportunities for female business leaders in the greater Saratoga Springs area, with wine, light snacks and door prizes. Please consider making a voluntary cash contribution at the door. RSVP at www.eventbrite.com by November 30.

COME TOGETHER INITIATIVE: “Come Together” is a 17’ high site-specific interactive sculpture made for the historic Salem Courthouse by Vivien Abrams-Collens to celebrate its transformation from a jail and courthouse to a vibrant community center. Visitors can show their support for the community and the sculpture by purchasing painted locks from the Community Center for $10, signing their names and placing the locks on the gridded bars of the sculpture. The Courthouse is located at 58 East Broadway, Salem. For more information on the Come Together Initiative, call the Courthouse at 518-854-7053.

JEWISH/IRAQI ART EXHIBIT: New York-based artist Oded Halahmy, a Jewish native of Baghdad, brings together a group of contemporary Iraqi artists in “Text/ ures of Iraq,” on exhibit at the SUNY Adirondack Visual Arts Gallery from November 15 – February 7. Modern Arabic and Hebrew calligraphy, abstract collages made from the remains of destroyed books, and Middle Eastern landscapes infused with palm trees and pomegranates comment on the tumultuous history of Iraq, but also look toward peace in the artists’ homeland. Gallery hours are Mon-Thurs, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Tues-Wed 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. at 640 Bay Road, Queensbury. The gallery will be closed during the winter break from December 21 – January 14. For more information or to schedule a group visit, contact Rebecca Pelchar at 518-832-7738 or at pelcharr@sunyacc.edu.