Upcoming and ongoing events calendar

Area codes are 518unless noted. See more calendar listings at www.troyrecord.com/community. Submit items two weeks in advance to calendar@troyrecord.com.

Upcoming

GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons will celebrate Palm Sunday Services at 7:30a.m. and 9:30a.m. on April 9. Dan Clayton will perform as organist. Deacon Denise Moore will assist. During Holy Week Monday, April 10through Good Friday, April 14Morning Prayer will begin at 8a.m. A Maundy Thursday Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, featuring a Seder, will begin at 6 p.m. April 13. Good Friday Service will be held at noon April 14. Walking the Way of Cross will begin at 1p.m. and go through Waterford to the Wesleyan Church. A Tenebrea service will begin at 7p.m. April 14. An Easter Vigil Service will begin at 6:30p.m. Saturday, April 15. Easter Holy Eucharist will begin at 7:30and 9:30a.m. Sunday, April 16. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 237-7370or visit gracewaterford.com. ELKS SCHOLARSHIP: Applications are now available for the 2017Jack Stewart/ Ann Collins Memorial Scholarships. The Rensselaer Elks Lodge B.P.O.E. 2073 will present the scholarships to one male and one female high school senior from Averill Park, Columbia, Maple Hill and Rensselaer High Schools. A total of eight $500scholarships will be awarded. Students in these schools may obtain a scholarship application in their schools’ guidance-counseling centers. Completed applications must be returned to the counseling centers by Wednesday, May 24. Scholarship winners will be notified by mail during the last week of May. Scholarship winners will be presented with their awards at the Flag Day ceremony at the Rensselaer Elks Lodge in early June.

ALBANY WORD FEST:

In celebration of National Poetry Month, Albany Poets is proud to present the 2017 Albany Word Fest featuring the poetry and spoken word of upstate New York, from Monday, April 17- Saturday, April 22. The annual Word Fest Open Mic will be making a big change this year as Albany Poets and the English Department at UAlbany are reviving the 24-four hour reading event, “Readings Against the End of the World,” starting at 7 p.m. on April 21, to benefit the South End Children’s Café. Online sign up for the “Readings Against the End of the World” event for individuals and groups is now available at http://bit. ly/RAETW-SignUp. Organizations interested in having a table can contact Albany Poets at albanypoets@gmail.com for information. Be sure to check www.albanywordfest.com often for more details and information on 2017Albany Word Fest.

FREE YOGA CLASSES: Four weeks of free yoga classes for the community: April 5,12,19, 26from 6 p.m. to 7p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital, Conference rooms A and B. Beginners are encouraged to participate. Wear loose comfortable clothes and dress in layers. Bring a yoga mat, blanket and bottled water. Reservations requested by April 3: call 268-5727or email Event.SMH@SPHP.com. WEST CENTRAL RENSS. CO. LUTHERAN PARISH: The West Central Rensselaer County Lutheran Parish invites the community to the following Easter events: Lenten Bible Study, Wednesdays at 6:30p.m.; Palm Sunday, Worship at 10a.m.; Maundy Thursday 7p.m.; Good Friday, 7 p.m.; Easter Sunday 10 a.m., followed by an Easter Egg Hunt at 11:30a.m. The WCRCLP is located at 470 Winter Street Extension, North Greenbush. Phone 283-1372for more information.

ELMER A. GROGAN SCHOLARSHIP: Applicationsare being accepted for the scholarship award of

$250for the best essay on “What Freedom Means To Me” by a graduating senior from Brunswick Central School District or Berlin Central School District who is continuing on with his or her education. The essay should not beless than 250 words or not more than 500 words. The scholarship is being given by the Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340in memory of a former member Elmer A. Grogan. The deadline for applications is April 29. Applications are available at the guidance counselor offices of both high schools and should be mailed to Carner, Etman, Smith V.F.W. Post 6340, PO Box 361, Grafton, NY 12082, attn: Commander Len Claus, Jr.

CALL FOR SCULPTURE: Cherry Valley Artworks has announced a Call for Entries for the sixth Cherry Valley Summer Sculpture Trail. The biennial event is a juried exhibit that runs from July 1 through October 7. Sculptures will be displayed along the main street of beautiful and historic Cherry Valley. For the first time a prize of $1,500will be awarded by a panel of judges including curator Ted Lott. Both established and emerging artists are invited to submit proposals. Artists interested in participating should go to Artworks website: www. cvartworks.org for a full prospectus.

CLEMENT ART GALLERY: “Living with Nature” by Shelly Valachovic, March 31- April 26. Shelly and Pete built a cabin in the Adirondacks where they live completely off the grid. Shelly paints watercolors of the wildflowers and other intimate glimpses of subjects surrounding her. She also fashions beautiful Baskets from pine needles and Hemlock bark. Don’t miss this unique Show. Reception March 31,6p.m. to 9p.m. Clement Art Gallery, 201Broadway, Troy. USS SLATER: USS SLATER is scheduled to open to the public on Wednesday, April 5. This year will mark the ship’s 20th season in Albany. A National Historic Landmark, USS SLATER is the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America. USS SLATER is located on the Hudson River in Downtown Albany just south of the Dunn Memorial Bridge. Once open, public hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. The ship will be closed Easter Sunday, April 16. Admission is $9for adults and $7for children. Call 431-1943for more information or visit the website at www.ussslater.org.

NATIONAL LIBRARY WEEK: The Friends of the Cohoes Public Library are celebrating National Library Week April 10– 15and Children’s Library Week April 17– 21with several events that are free and open to the public. A complete list of the events and time is available on their website at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org. Highlights include talks by guest authors Herb Hyde and Jack Reber, guest readers for children’s story hour and a junior paint n’ sip. In celebration of the Erie Canal’s bicentennial, the Spindle City Historic Society will have a display of memorabilia. GREENBUSH GARDEN CLUB GRANTS: The Greenbush Garden Club is once again offering grants in the amount of $250to support school gardening programs and non- profit community youth organizations that are developing or currently maintaining a garden with the goal of developing children’s interest in horticulture. The application must be received by April 30. The grant program, garden therapy sessions with residents of Van Rensselaer Manor, and community beautification projects at Fort Crailo and the American Legion Memorial Garden are funded with the proceeds of the club’s annual plant sale. The sale will take place on Saturday May 20at the Elks Club in East Greenbush, so please save the date. For information on tgrants, and plant sale contact greenbushgardener@gmail.com . GUIDED MEDITATION CLASSES: The Troy Public Library Main Branch, 100 Second Street, will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Wednesdays, April 5May 31(no class April 19) from 5:30p.m. – 6:30p.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. This program is free and open to the public. This is a drop-in class and no registration is needed. LIBRARY YOGA PROGRAM: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch, 27114th Street, in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Yoga classes on Wednesdays, April 5 – May 10at 5:30p.m. 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. You may register for one class or all six. Please make reservations by calling the library at 235-5310.

MOUNTAIN ROAD SCHOOL SPRING PLAY: Mountain Road School announces its Spring Theater Production, “Midnight Forest,” debuting Friday, April 7, at 6p.m. at Darrow School’s Dairy Barn Theater, with an encore matinee Saturday, April 8, at noon. The script is written collaboratively by the middle school class and their teacher, Lauren Liberati-Conant. These students, known as the Gray Wolves, are responsible for seeing the production through from beginning to end. Tickets for admission are $10for adults and $5for children. For more information, contact the school at 794-8520, info@mountainroadschool.org, and at www. mountainroadschool.org. CLEAN OUT CLOSETS FOR CHARITY: St. Paul’s Center, an emergency homeless shelter for mothers and children, located in Rensselaer, is accepting donations of gently- and never-used handbags, scarves and jewelry to be used in their July 25event, “For the Love of Bags & Bling.” The event will take place the Zaloga American Legion Post on Everett Road from 5:30p.m. - 8:30p.m. This event is a great girls’ night out and offers the opportunity to buy great items for between $1and $75. Raffles and silent auctions include bags and accessories along with items donated by local businesses including movie tickets, spa treatments, and family activities. All proceeds benefit St Paul’s Center and the families who rely on them for shelter, services and support. To donate, contact 434.2910or tpitcher@stpaulscenter.com or jpremo@stpaulscenter.com. For further information, visit www.stpaulscenter.com or the Center’s Facebook page.

THE LITTLE MERMAID: Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories and the classic animated film, Disney’s The Little Mermaid is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Come and enjoy such irresistible songs, including “Under the Sea,” “Kiss the Girl” and “Part of Your World.” March 30, 31, April 1at 7p.m. April 2, at 2 p.m. Tickets: $9. Performances held at: Rensselaer High School Auditorium 25 Van Rensselaer Drive, Rensselaer.

MAC-HAYDN THEATRE AUDITIONS: Looking for adults for 2017summer season company, also roles and ensemble in one or more shows. Children will be cast in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”, rehearsals begin May 15 and performances are May 25through June 4; others may be used in MacHaydn Children’s Theatre shows. Prepare one song, bring music in your key, an accompanist is provided; there will also be a short, simple dance/movement call, please wear appropriate clothing and footwear. April 1: ages 15and under. April 8: ages 16and older, 10a.m. to 3p.m.; Mary E. Dardess Elementary School, Woodbridge Ave., Chatham. See www.machaydntheatre.org for more Mac-Haydn season information.

VICTORIAN TEA IN TROY: Join YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. for a tea party with a twist! This unique, entertaining and historical event will include a presentation of Victorian Dance; a plated English style lunch with all the fixings; a guided historical trolley tour of downtown Troy; a hat fashion contest with prizes courtesy of Truly Rhe; a special menu and arts and crafts activities for children; auction items and a chance to win amazing raffle prizes. Saturday, April 29, 1p.m. to 3p.m., Bush Memorial Hall, Russell Sage College campus, 65First Street, Troy. Honorary Committee, Sponsorship, and General Tickets are now on sale. Register at https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/ register/eventReg?oeidk=a0 7edwspx9r0086ab0d&oseq=&c=&ch=.

PITTSTOWN SENIORS TRIPS: Still looking for a few more people to fill the bus for the April 26-28Lancaster PA trip to see the “Jonah and the Whale” production. Cost of trip includes transportation, lodging, show tickets, breakfast at hotel, some dinners, taxes and gratuities. Plenty of room to accommodate fold up walkers and wheelchairs. Now open to non seniors. An August 2017trip to the Ark Encounter & Creation Museum in the works. This will be a little bit longer than most of our trips, and the approximate cost is $630 per person DBL occupancy. Call Sylvia Ward at 4783338to reserve your spot and check out Facebook Pittstown Senior Travellers for additional information. SPRING DOG CLASSES: Rensselaer County 4-H is offering a full series of classes at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds starting Wednesday, April 26. The first night will be dedicated to paperwork; dogs will join in the following Wednesday night, May 3. Classes will be split with a beginner group starting at 6:30p.m. followed by dogs and handlers who’ve mastered basic leash commands and are ready to take on agility and/or RallyO. If you are not sure what group you should be in, that can be determined on the first night of class. The cost of this 7week session is $25for Rensselaer County 4-H members and $50for non-members and adults. To register please call the Cornell Cooperative Extension office by April 13. All dogs will need to have proof of vaccinations the first night of class. Rabies, Parvo, Adenovirus, Distemper, and Lepto are required however it is highly recommended but not required that you have your dog vaccinated against Bordatella (Kennel Cough). Please Contact Alana at 272-4210x105. CALL FOR SHORT FILMS:

- Ballston Spa International Film Festival (BSFF) is now accepting short film entries for the 10th annual festival on August 4-5. Works from many genres will be accepted including drama, comedy, animation, documentary. Films must range 5-15minutes and be family friendly in nature. Film entries may be submitted online at https:// filmfreeway.com/festival/ BallstonSpaFilmFestival or by DVD which must play in a standard DVD player. DVDs must be mailed in with a completed application and

entry fee. Final submission deadline is May 5. To download the application, go to http://bspafilm.org/enter. html. Questions may be directed to Pam@BSpaFilm. org. Visit bspafilm.org for more information on the film festival, the organization, volunteering, sponsoring the event.

COHOES PUBLIC LIBRARY TAX HELP: The Cohoes Public Library has partnered with the NYS Dept. of Taxation & Finance to help you file both your state & federal taxes for free. If your income was below $62,000 last year, you are qualified to take advantage of this free program. Call 235-2570to schedule an appointment. Dates available are 4⁄3, 4⁄5, 4⁄10 and 4⁄12. Appointment times are 11a.m., 12:30p.m., 2:30p.m., 4p.m. & 5:30 p.m. More info at www. CohoesPublicLibrary.org. CHENEY LIBRARY TAX HELP: Cheney Library at the foot of High Street in Hoosick Falls is hosting tax help again this year. On Wednesdays, March 29and April 5, from 1p.m. - 6:30p.m. a representative from New York State Department of Taxation and Finance will guide you through the process of doing your state and federal taxes online. This is a free service. You will need a copy of last year’s tax return, if available; photo ID (such as a driver’s license);birth dates and Social Security numbers for you, your spouse, and dependents; proof of income (wages, interest and dividend statements); Forms W-2, 1098, 1099; Forms 1095- A, B, or C affordable healthcare statement; health insurance exemption certificate if received; information related to any credits that you’re claiming; bank account and routing numbers; your prior year AGI or self-select pin. Please take advantage of this service by calling 686-9401and setting up a date and time; you can also confirm in person or e-mail director@cheneylibrary.org for the date and time when you would like to come.

BASTILLE DAY NYC TRIP: Explore New York City on your own from Friday, July 7 to Monday, July 10. Cap off the weekend on Sunday July 9, during a festive afternoon of food, wine, culture, and entertainment at NYC’s liveliest French Street Fête: “Bastille Day on 60th St.” Trip price for a double room is $569per person (triples & quads are lower.), including round-trip deluxe motor coach (with lavatory) from Latham to NYC (driver gratuity is extra), 3nights at the 4-star Omni Berkshire Place hotel on 52nd St., hotel tax, and baggage handling. (Note: No meals or sightseeing tours are included.) This bus trip and 3-night stay in NYC are sponsored by La Fédération franco-américaine du New York. Reserve by May 5; call Lisa at Plaza Travel at 785-3338or email lisa@plazatravel.net. Follow La Fédération on Facebook and the Web.

SECTIONAL BRIDGE TOURNAMENT: The Capital District Bridge Association will sponsor their Spring Sectional Bridge Tournament Friday March 31through Sunday, April 2. All games will be held at the Shelly Studio of Bridge, 6British American Blvd, Latham. Friday’s session will start with an open pair game and a 0-750game at 10a.m. and 3p.m. Saturday’s session include the open pair game and a 0-750game at 10a.m. and 3p.m. Both events each day are two one-session games. Sunday’s 2-session 42board play-thru Swiss Teams starts at 11a.m. All duplicate bridge players are welcome. It is not necessary to be affiliated with any bridge group. For more information please call Bob Valenti at 326-3829. SWINGING ON A STAR GALA: The Community Hospice, Eddy Visiting Nurse Association (Eddy VNA), and Palliative Care Partners will host their inaugural fundraiser, “Swinging on a Star Gala,” Saturday, April 1, from 5:30p.m. – 11p.m., at the new Rivers Casino & Resort, 1Rush St, Schenectady. Liz Bishop, WRGB CBS 6 News anchor, will serve as mistress of ceremonies. The evening will feature cocktails and gaming at the casino, a mission auction, followed by a scrumptious cuisine dinner, with musical entertainment from The Refrigerators, and dancing. Tickets for the gala are $150 each. Black tie optional. For more information or to attend, please contact 4824433, or register securely online at www.SwingingOnAStarGala.org.

ADULT COLORING WORKSHOP: On Saturdays, March 18, March 25& April 1from 10a.m. - 12:30p.m., Joy Ting Charde will lead an Adult Coloring Book Creation Workshop at the Troy Public Library, 100Second Street. Topics covered will include; Color Theory, Coloring Tools, Doodling Basics, Drawing Icons, Basic Lettering, Creating a Coloring Book Page and a Final Class Project. Joy Ting Charde is an illustrator and surface designer, and the author/illustrator of three coloring books including “Joyful Designs” and “Joyful Inspirations.” This program is free and open to the public. For more information and to register call the library at 274-7071 or online at www.thetroylibrary.org.

CIRCLE THEATRE PLAYERS: Circle Theatre Players presents the classic thriller “Wait Until Dark,” written by Frederick Knott, presented by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc., New York. In a basement apartment in Greenwich Village, Suzy, a recently blinded woman, is terrorized by a trio of thugs looking for a drug-stuffed doll they think is in the apartment. Will she see through the conmen’s bizarre charade? Directed by Val Gray and produced by Shirley Neiss, the play opens March 24and continues March 25, 30, 31, and April 1at 8p.m., March 26and April 2at 2:30p.m. Tickets $18. Adults, $10. Under 18. Prepaid reservations can be made at www. slca-ctp.org or call 6742007. SLCA is located at 2880NY 43, Averill Park and is fully handicapped accessible, with free parking. UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: “Understanding Shakespeare” is a fivesession program at the Troy Public Library on how to understand Shakespeare’s plays. Week one will delve right into Shakespeare’s great history play “Henry IV Part 2,” discussing the Introduction and Act I. Over the following four weeks, particpants will discuss the play one act at a time. This program will allow the participants to put “Henry IV” in a variety of contexts, such as its relationship to his other history plays and to the modern existential world. Tom Bulger, Shakespeare Scholar and retired professor from Siena College will lead this workshop. Sessions wil be held Thursdays from March 9to April 6from 6:30p.m. to 7:30p.m. 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.

GRACE CHURCH (WATERFORD): The Rev. Kathy Alonge-Coons will celebrate Palm Sunday Services at 7:30a.m. and 9:30a.m. on April 9. Dan Clayton will perform as organist. Deacon Denise Moore will assist. During Holy Week Monday, April 10through Good Friday, April 14Morning Prayer will begin at 8a.m. A Maundy Thursday Liturgy of the Holy Eucharist, featuring a Seder, will begin at 6p.m. April 13. Good Friday Service will be held at noon April 14. Walking the Way of Cross will begin at 1p.m. and go through Waterford to the Wesleyan Church. A Tenebrea service will begin at 7p.m. April 14. An Easter Vigil Service will begin at 6:30p.m. Saturday, April 15. Easter Holy Eucharist will begin at 7:30 and 9:30a.m. Sunday, April 16. For more information, call the Episcopal parish at 237-7370or visit gracewaterford.com.

FESTIVAL FOR CHANGE:

A free outdoor festival promoting natural health, wellness, mindfulness, fitness and the outdoors on April 29-30, 10a.m. to 6 p.m. Yoga and meditation (bring mat), guided walking tours of mineral springs, hikes, presentations, demonstrations by world record winners, television celebrities, best-selling authors, and wellness leaders. Bring your gear and apparel to free gear swap area. Location: Saratoga Spa State Park near Victoria Pool area (A Retreat at Gideon Putnam Resort, begins Friday, April 28). Official website: www. festivalforchange.com. Produced in cooperation with Saratoga County Chamber, Convention & Tourism Bureau, Gideon Putnam and Carson Worldwide. Exhibitor and Sponsor space available. Seeking performing artists and activity leaders. Community space grants available for individual healers and wellness practitioners. For more information call (347) 974-1312VM, email Carson at support@festivalforchange.com or visit https://festivalforchangepass.eventbrite.com. RENSSELAER ALUMNI HALL OF FAME DINNER: The Rensselaer City School Alumni Association will hold its Fifth Hall of Fame Dinner and Induction Ceremony on Saturday, April 22, at Troy Elks Club on Route 4, North Greenbush, from 5p.m. - 9 p.m. Tickets are $45per person; please make checks out to Rensselaer Alumni Association, 25Van Rensselaer Dr. Rensselaer, NY 12144. Cocktail Hour 5 p.m. - 6p.m. Dinner at 6p.m. Induction Ceremony 7p.m. - 9p.m. Children under 12: $15 per person for Chicken Nuggets & Fries. Reservations required by March 10. No refunds. Reservation forms available at rensselaernyalumni.org, Facebook page Rensselaer Grade Schools & HS Alumni or Renss. City School Dist. Page –Alumni. TRADESPEOPLE WANTED: The Hudson Valley Community College’s Workforce Development Institute, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation and Historic Albany Foundation (HAF) are offering a series of hands-on courses aimed at increasing the number of tradespeople skilled in the historic building trades. Those who successfully complete the program will earn a certificate. The first in the series of courses is Historic Wood Window Rehabilitation. Classes will take place from 6p.m. to 8p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, from March 7 through May 16at Historic Albany Foundation’s Part Warehouse at 89Lexington Avenue, Albany. Students who are interested in taking the Historic Wood Window Rehabilitation course must complete an 8-hour EPA Lea Safe Class before attending the course, which will be offered for free to those who are enrolled in the course. Students are encouraged to register at www.hvcc.edu/ wdi, call 629-4111or email workforce@hvcc.edu. NEWYORK FOLKLORE SOCIETY: “Farm and Field: The Rural Folk Arts of the Catskill Region,” a photographic study in black and white, will be on display at the New York Folklore Society, 129Jay Street, Schenectady beginning March 3. The photographs of local farms and related subjects by photojournalist Benjamin Halpern is a collaborative initiative among the New York Folklore Society, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Delaware County, and Catskill Folk Connection, to document and showcase the rural folk arts rooted in the agricultural heritage of New York State. The photographs highlight a variety of interactions between people and their landscape that reflect the ongoing nature of agriculture in rural Upstate New York, and will be on display at the New York Folklore Society through Memorial Day weekend. New York Folklore Society is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10a.m. to 3:30p.m., and from 10a.m. to 2p.m. on Sunday. Scheduling, and other information pertaining to the exhibit are available on the NYFS website, www.nyfolklore.org. WOMEN’S SUFFRAGE READING PROGRAM: In a unique collaboration, the New York Council for the Humanities has joined forces with the The Troy Public Library to offer Votes for Women a biweekly reading and discussion series with Dr. Jennifer J. Thompson Burns that runs on Tuesdays, March 14& 28, April 11 & 25, and May 9and 23at 5:30p.m. at the main library, 100Second Street. As the centennial of Women’s Suffrage begins, participants will delve into the history of the movement through readings of biographies, historical documents and fiction. This program is free and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. For more information about the series dates and acquiring books, please contact The Troy Public Library at 274-7071or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. For more information about Votes for Women, visit http://humanitiesny.org/our-work/programs/reading-discussion/. EQUESTRICON: Equestricon, LLC., announced today that tickets for its first-ever international horse racing convention, fan festival and trade show will go on sale Friday, February 24. Equestricon™ 2017, which will be held at the Saratoga Springs City Center from August 13-15, includes more than 45panels, seminars, workshops and events. It is the largest-ever fan event in the history of the racing industry and will include programming geared toward those interested in everything from racing photography and betting to breeding and ownership. Tickets for the historic event will go live and be available for purchase exclusively on the event website, Equestricon. com.

CLOWN CLASS: “Introduction to the Art of Clowining” is a 36hour course at Hudson Valley Community College that will introduce you to the ancient and honorable profession of clowning. This hands-on course covers many aspects of clowning, some magic tricks and a new balloon sculpture each week. You can decide to become a volunteer clown or become a working clown. Hospital clowning will be introduced as well as putting on clown shows. This non-credit course runs for 12sessions on Wednesday evenings from March 1to May 31, from 6p.m. - 9p.m., with no class on March 22. The clown graduation will be held on May 31, when all class members are required to perform at the Maureen Stapleton Theater. All family and friends will be invited to this event. Students are expected to purchase or create their own costumes and makeup kits. The course fee of $265includes an $86 materials fee. The materials fee covers text book materials and a one-year membership to Clowns of America International (COAI). Any further information regarding this course can be obtained by calling instructor Marie Beck at 785-3046. GREENBUSH GARDEN CLUB GRANTS: Greenbush Garden Club is offering grants in the amount of $250to support school gardening programs and nonprofit community youth organizations that are developing or currently maintaining a garden with the goal of developing children’s interest in horticulture. The grant program, garden therapy sessions with the residents of Van Rensselaer Manor, and community beautification projects at Fort Crailo and the American Legion Memorial Garden in Ben Piersall Park are all funded with the proceeds of the club’s annual plant sale on Saturday May 20at the Elks Club on Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush. For more information on the grants and an application, please contact greenbushgardener@gmail.com or pick up the application at the garden club meeting on March 7or April 4at the East Greenbush Community Library. ZUMBA FITNESS PROGRAM: The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch in conjunction with the Troy YMCA, will offer Zumba Fitness classes on Mondays from February 27– April 3at 5:45p.m. Come for one hour of fun, aerobic dancing. Burn calories and sculpt your body to exciting international rhythms. This class will be taught by a certified Zumba instructor. This program is free and open to the public. You may register for one class or all six. Please make reservations by calling the library at 235-5310. The Troy Public Library’s Lansingburgh Branch is located at 27114th Street , Troy. TROY LIBRARY SUNDAY FILM SERIES: Join the Troy Public Library for our Sunday Feature Film series. The Main Branch at 100Second Street will be showing classic films from the 40s and 50s. The films start at 2pm on the following Sundays: March 19, “Dark Passage;” March 26, “Double Indemnity;” April 2, “Pillow Talk;” April 9, “How to Marry a Millionaire.” This program is free and open to the public. Advanced registration is required. For more information and to register, call the library at 274-7071or online at www.thetroylibrary.org. LENTEN SERVICES: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 600 State Street (corner of State and Lafayette Streets), Schenectady, is announcing its Lenten Schedule. Ashes will be blessed and distributed during the 12:15p.m. Mass on Ash Wednesday, March 1, and will also be distributed at 7p.m. during a special Ecumenical Prayer Service with EmmanuelFriedens and First United Methodist Churches. Daily Mass will be offered Monday thru Friday at 12:15p.m., with confessions following. The rosary is recited daily at 11:55a.m. Weekend masses are Saturday at 5:30p.m. and Sunday at 9:30a.m. Also as part of the Lenten celebration, Stations of the Cross will be conducted every Friday afternoon immediately following the 12:15 p.m. Mass, beginning March 3. A Novena to St. Jude is conducted every Wednesday afternoon immediately following the 12:15p.m. Mass, beginning March 8. The public is cordially invited to the Lenten observances. St. Joseph’s Church is handicapped accessible and parking is available in the parking lot behind the Church. More information is available by calling 374-4466, Ext. 13. PRESCHOOL STORY TIME: Preschool Story-time will begin on February 28 at 10a.m. in the Children’s room of Cheney Library. This Spring session will include stories, songs, crafts, and snacks on the theme of “Build a Better World,” the New York State theme for the summer. February 28, All About You; March 7, Over in the Forest; March 14, guessing program about Who Lives Here; March 21, How Animals take Baths; March 28, Construction; April 4, All Around Town; April 11, try to discover who the worker is by the tools used; April 18, Planting. Please consider coming Tuesdays, starting February 28at 10a.m. in the Children’s Room of Cheney Library, 73Classic Street in Hoosick Falls. PEEPALOOZA: Get yourself a whole heap of Peeps! Cheney Library in Hoosick Falls is having a Peep Diorama Contest running through the month of March. Create a depiction of a favorite scene or character from a book in a shoe size box. The one rule will be that all the characters in the diorama must be played by Peeps. The scene must be G rated appropriate for all eyes. Registration forms are available at the library, located at 73Classic Street in Hoosick Falls, and must be returned by March 15. Students (ages 5- 10) or Groups (parent and child) may enter. Judging will take place April 1. Cheney Library is open Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 1p.m. - 8p.m.; Tuesdays from 10 a.m. - 5p.m.; Fridays 11a.m. - 5p.m.; and Saturday 9a.m. - 1p.m.

BENEFIT BUFFET DINNER: “Du vin et du pain en campagne!” Dine with wine in the countryside! Enjoy a wonderful dinner for a worthy cause at Amorici Farm Winery, 637Colonel Birch Road, Valley Falls, on Saturday, April 29, at 6:30p.m. $60per person. Proceeds will help support the awards to area students studying French, given annually by La Fédération francoaméricaine du New York. The buffet dinner includes one glass of wine, French bread, salad, Coq au vin, Beef Bourguignon, Quiche with seasonal vegetables, Haricots verts (green beans), Scalloped potatoes, Fresh fruit for dessert, Coffee & tea. (Additional wine available for purchase.) Reserve now; only 34tickets are available. Make check payable to FeFANY and send to FeFANY, PO Box 354, Cohoes, NY, 12047. Call Yvette with questions at 272-5061, and follow La Fédération’s activities on Facebook and the Web.

LENTEN DINNERS: The Poestenkill Christian Church, 721Snyder’s Corners Rd., Poestenkill, will be serving fish fry or clam roll dinners from 11 a.m. – 7p.m. on Ash Wednesday, March 1, and every Friday during Lent including Good Friday. Dinners include French fries, cole slaw and beverage. Cost is $9.50. Also served are hot dog dinners, including French fries and beverage for $4.50. Individual food items can be purchased separately. Dine in or take-out. Call 286-2773for reservations or take-outs. For more information, call Barbara at 279-9458.

TAX ASSISTANCE: Experts from the NY State Tax Department will walk you through filing your taxes at the Rensselaer Public Library, starting February 1. Call or stop in to sign up soon, spaces are limited. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see http:// rensselaerlibrary.org/ or visit the library’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/ RensselaerLibrary. NORTHERN CALIFORNIA TRIP: This 9-day tour from Sept. 24to Oct. 2includes San Francisco, Tuolumne & Yosemite National Park, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Santa Rosa & Sonoma, the Napa Valley Wine Train, and more. Price per person includes round-trip airfare and air taxes, hotel accommodations, airport-to-hotel transfers, motor coach, wine train, and 12meals. Rates vary by number of people per room. Capital Region residents are encouraged to reserve before March 17; after that, this tour will be advertised nationwide. It sold out fast last year. For details, call Lisa at Plaza Travel 785-3338or email lisa@plazatravel.net. Sponsored by La Fédération franco-américaine du New York.

RADICAL KINGDOMS: During the 18th and 19th centuries, the European and American fascination with the collection and cultivation of uncatalogued flora and fauna species reached an apex. Books published during this time were accompanied by abundant illustrations, drawn by both men and women, that aesthetically enhanced prose about flowers, birds and animals. In the exhibition, “Radical Kingdoms,” contemporary works are juxtaposed with early practitioners’ works, such as John James Audubon’s “The Viviparous Quadrapeds of North America,” to highlight artistic similarities and formal shifts away from traditional modes of presentation. January 21 to June 18, Mandeville Gallery, 2nd floor of the Nott Memorial, Union College, Schenectady. Visit : https:// muse.union.edu/mandeville/ project/mandeville-galleryradical-kingdoms/ for more information. PITTSTOWN SENIORS 2017TRIPS: April 26-28: Lancaster, Pennsylvania-”Jonah” at the Millennium theatre, “Vegas Legends” at the American Music Theatre, plus tour of the Amish Countryside. $380. per person. Includes luggage handling, taxes, meal gratuities, transportation. $20. holds your seat. The rest is due after reservations are made. June 8-16: 9- day trip to Branson, Missouri. Shows, meals, bus driver, and maid gratuities are included for $925. per person. For more information, all Sylvia at 478-3338. Please leave a message.