Check out event listings for the region
Area codes are 518unless noted. See more calendar listings at www.troyrecord.com/ community. Submit items two weeks in advance to calendar@troyrecord.com. Tuesday, May 16
ARTIST’S RECEPTION: Reception for “TOTEM” by Abby Golodik. 5p.m., Wikoff Student Gallery, 3rd floor of the Nott Memorial, Union College, Schenectady. The exhibit runs through August 21. For more information visit https://muse.union.edu/mandeville/project/totem-abby-golodik/.
BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Craft, Color and Create: get creative at one of several crafting stations (zentangle, puzzles, etc.) with some supplies provided, or bring your own knitting project, 7p.m. - 8:30p.m. Snacks served. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar. The Library budget vote takes place at Bethlehem Central High School from 7 a.m. - 9p.m. The budget and one seat on the library board, with a five-year term, will be on the ballot.
MATINEE THEATER PLAYERS: It’s all fun and games on May 16as Sand Lake Center for the Arts - Matinee Theater Players presents the “Hoe Down Homicide”. Be a part of the guest audience listening to the clues and figuring out who the murderer is. Not only do you get to solve a murder, but you also get to hear some of your favorite cowboy tunes, have a drink and eat some homemade sweets. The show begins at 2p.m. All included for $10per person. Prepaid reservations can be made at www.slca-ctp.org or call6742007. SLCA is located at 2880NY 43, Averill Park, and is fully handicapped accessible with free parking.
NIGHT SKY ADVENTURE: Educators from the Dudley Observatory, in conjunction with volunteers from the Albany Area Amateur Astronomers group, present astronomy lessons, planetarium shows and night sky viewing (weather depending). Amateur astronomers and families are invited to bring binoculars or telescopes. One or more telescopes will be provided for public use. This month’s lesson is “Space weather and solar flares.” 8p.m., miSci - Museum of Innovation and Science, 15Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady. Cost: Admission to miSci ($10.50 adult, $7.50child age 3-12, $9senior 65+), Free for miSci members. For more information, visit www.DudleyObservatory.org.
POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the SullivanJones VFW post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The hall is handicapped accessible with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clam steams and fish frys at various restaruants. Best of all, they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest. Dues are $10a year.
RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Computer Help. Every Tuesday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Rensselaer Public Library, drop in to ask a question about your computer, tablet or smartphone, or learn tips and tricks. No sign-up needed. 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.
SCHOOL OF ROCK OPEN HOUSE: Join School of Rock on Tuesday, May 16, for an open house from 4p.m. to 8 p.m. at Newton Plaza, 592 New Loudon Rd, Latham. Visitors will get to tour the school, learn about its programs for students of all ages, and schedule a free lesson with a School of Rock teacher. At School of Rock, performers learn from real life experiences in the world of music and a trial lesson is the first step to rockin’ out. To learn more about School of Rock or this event, please visit Facebook.com/SchoolOfRockAlbany/ or call 783-7625. Wednesday, May 17
BERLIN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT: May regular board meeting, 7:15p.m., Berlin Middle School/High School. BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Celebrate the end of spring storytime with an interactive bubble extravaganza with Jeff Boyer, whose shows combine comedy, science and fun, 10a.m. and 7p.m. For kids and families. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar. BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY: 3:30p.m., Kids’ Art Class. 6p.m., Adult Yoga. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. COHOES-WATERFORD ELKS: Ham Dinner, Mashed Potatoes and Vegetable. 4 p.m. – 7p.m., 45N. Mohawk Street, Cohoes. Call 2353222for Take-Out Orders. Price $8.
EVERETT WAGAR SENIOR CENTER: Rensselaer County’s Cooperative Extension will be on hand at the Everett Wagar Senior Center on Wednesday, May 17, at 11a.m., for the monthly Eat Smart – Live Strong cooking demonstration. There will be free recipes and samples for everyone who attends. Please stay for the Nutrition Department’s monthly special dinner at noon. This month’s theme will be “Mother’s Day,” with entertainment by Santa Lucia and a 50⁄50 drawing. Suggested donation of $3. Reservation required for lunch, please call 279-3413.
MEMORIAL CONCERT BAND: For the annual POPS Concert, Music Director and Principal Conductor Doug Dougherty has selected pieces based on film and the Broadway stage, marches, and some light classical faire. Well known names such as Frank Sinatra, Harold Arlen, Louis “Satchmo” Armstrong, and Glenn Miller are represented. The soloist will be Beth Gurzler from the Band’s flute section playing “Gypsy Song and Finale” from Carmen Fantaisie, based on the opera by Georges Bizet. 7:30p.m., Mark Cornell Auditorium, Colonie Central High School, 1Raider Blvd. (off Sand Creek Road) in Colonie. More information is available at http://www.memorialbandcolonie.org.
MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: Join the Mystery Book Club on May 17, at 10:30am at the Cohoes Public Library and explore Botswana through the eyes of Precious Ramotswe in Alexander McCall Smith’s “The No. 1Ladies’ Detective Agency.” Unconventional and witty, Precious tackles several cases including a missing husband, a con man and a missing child. A different mystery in a different world, it is sure to make you want to read more in the series. Books are available at the library. Additional info at www. CohoesPublicLibrary.org .
RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: In Praise of Poison Ivy, 6:30p.m. Author Anita Sanchez’s book, “In Praise of Poison Ivy”, discusses the history behind the hated plant, its ecological significance, and using native plants in your gardening. Rensselaer Public Library is located across the street from the Amtrak parking lot. To learn more, see http://rensselaerlibrary.org/ or visit http://www.facebook.com/
RensselaerLibrary.
SETON AUXILIARY SALES: Seton Auxiliary presents two great sales for one day only: Audrey’s Art ladies’ fashion sale and J& M Stern Sports Memorabilia. 7a.m. to 4p.m., St. Mary’s Hospital Conference Rooms A& B, Troy.
TROY SENIOR CENTER: Swimming 9a.m., Aerobics 9:30a.m. Mother’s Day special dinner with entertainment by Mike DeAngelis. Attendees must have a lunch reservation; call 270-5348. 19Third Street, Troy.
Thursday, May 18
BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: 3:45p.m., Paws to Read. Bring a book and read to a gentle dog who loves stories. For grades 1-5. 7p.m., Listening Party. Listen to and discuss Brad Mehldau, an innovative and lyrical jazz pianist and composer. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar.
CONSCIOUSNESS RAISING BOOK DISCUSSION: This month’s book is “The Shadow Effect” by Debbie Ford. All are welcome whether or not they’ve read. Hosted by Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures. 6p.m., Woodlawn Commons, 156Lawrence St., Saratoga Springs. For more information, visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org or call 366-9918. CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Church will have its annual red, white & blue – buy one-get one sale starting immediately through end of May. There are lots of new summer clothes available for the entire family, and shoes, books, jewelry, toys, strollers and home décor. Shop any Thursday or Saturday from 9 a.m. – 1p.m. 570Third Ave., N Troy. For more information call 235-3851.
MASONS: The Apollo-King Solomon’s Masonic Lodge #13F.& A.M. meets on Thursday, May 18, at 7:30 p.m. at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39 Brunswick Road, to install their elected and appointed officers for 2017-18: Worshipful Master Francis P. Burek; Senior Warden Rajesh Aialavajjala; Junior Warden Douglas Hill; Secretary Timothy A. Smith; Treasurer John Goodbred; and 3-year Trustee Jeffrey Stannard. A dinner will be served at 6:30p.m. preceeding the meeting, and refreshments will be served following the ceremony.
PITTSTOWN HISTORICAL SOCIETY: “Pinkster Festival: Its Roots (1780 – 1811)” is the title of a talk to be given by historian Walter Auclair on May 18at 7:30PM at the Pittstown Town Hall in Tomhannock. Pinksterfests, which date from the late 1700s, were annual events held in the spring organized by free and enslaved African-Americans. Auclair will share the latest research on these festivals, including information derived from sources in Pittstown. The lecture is free and open to the public. For further information, email: pittstownhs@gmail.com.
RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Computer Help. Every Thursday from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30p.m. at the Rensselaer Public Library, drop in to ask a question about your computer, tablet or smartphone, or learn tips and tricks. No sign-up needed. 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.
RUSTIC BARN: Kelly Maguire, 8p.m., 150Speigletown Road, Troy.
TROY SENIOR CENTER: Crafts 9a.m. Tai Chi 9:15 a.m. Call 270-5438to sign up for Tai Chi. Osteo Aerobics 10:30a.m. Membership meeting 10:30a.m. Line Dancing with Uncle Sam Sparklers, 1p.m. 19 Third Street, Troy.
WATERVLIET PUBLIC LIBRARY: Third Thursday Science Café: “Wave Hello to Gravitational Waves.” The search for gravitational waves has recently proven to be incredibly fruitful, confirming a century-old prediction of Einstein’s theory of general relativity! Join Prof. Szydagis to discuss the consequences of this discovery for the future of astronomy. 6:30p.m., 1501 Broadway, Watervliet.
Friday, May 19
BLITHE SPIRIT: Theater Voices will present a staged reading of Noël Coward’s comic classic, “Blithe Spirit,” directed by Krysta Dennis, at Steamer No. 10Theater, 500 Western Ave., Albany, on Friday, May 19at 8p.m.; Saturday, May 20at 3p.m. and 8p.m.; and Sunday, May 21at 3p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please contact info@ theatervoices.org or 4385503.
GIFFY’S BBQ: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 510Albany Shaker Road, Loudonville, will sponsor a Giffy’s BBQ on Friday, May 19, from 4p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Chicken dinner $11, 1⁄2 chicken a la Carte only $8, Pulled Pork Sandwich dinner $11. Stay in your car -- drive through -- take out service only -- no advance reservations. For more information please call the Church Office at 458-1562.
LARAC MEMBERS’ SHOW: LARAC, The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council’s Lapham Gallery, located at 7Lapham Place in Glens Falls invites you to attend the gallery opening for the Members’ Show, showcasing the regional talent of our members and the thriving creative economy, on Friday, May 19, from 5p.m. - 8p.m. For more info on
LARAC, please visit www.larac.org or call 798-1144. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE: The National Museum of Dance is pleased to announce the opening of its newest exhibition “Art in the Foyer.” The Museum’s annually rotating exhibition highlights dance-inspired fine art. This season presents costume sketches from dancer and designer, Malcolm McCormick. You’re invited to a reception after the official opening of this exhibition on Friday, May 19, at 6:30p.m. Light refreshments will be served. This event is free and open to the public. The National Museum of Dance is located at 99South Broadway in Saratoga Springs.
NORTH CHATHAM UNITED METHODIST CHURCH: On Friday, May 19, North Chatham United Methodist Church, located at 4274 Route 302, holds its 60th annual Filet Mignon Steak Supper. The menu includes an 8oz. Prime filet cooked to order, baked potato, mixed vegetables, coleslaw, rolls, relish tray, and homemade desserts. Tickets are $17in advance or $19at the door. Back this year is a vegetarian Lasagna option for $13, which must be ordered in advance. Continuous seating is available from 5p.m. to 7p.m., with takeouts available starting at 5:30p.m. Tickets can be purchased at Mario’s Home Center in Valatie, or from church members. Please call 766-4097or 4239061 for additional ticket information.
RPI COMMENCEMENT COLLOQUY: Held each year on the eve of Commencement, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President’s Commencement Colloquy serves as a forum for discussion between leaders and influencers with diverse perspectives on global challenges. This year’s speakers are: The Honorable Ernest J. Moniz, Ph.D, United States Secretary of Energy from 2013to January 2017; the Honorable Roger W. Ferguson Jr., J.D., Ph.D, president and chief executive officer of TIAA, the leading provider of retirement services in the academic, research, medical, and cultural fields; and the Honorable Shirley Ann Jackson, Ph.D., president of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the oldest technological research university in the United States. 3:30p.m., The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center Concert Hall on the Rensselaer campus. The event is free. Please rsvp at http://president.rpi.edu/colloquy.
RUSTIC BARN: Dr. Jah and the Love Prophets with special guest Knot Dead Duo, 8p.m., 150Speigletown Road, Troy.
ST. PETER’S ARMENIAN CHURCH: Come explore the many facets of prayer and how this spiritual discipline not only enriches our lives but changes things on earth. This prayer group is led by Rhonda Boyajian and Winnie Kutchukian and is held every other Friday morning. The Prayer Group will next meet in the conference room on Friday, May 19at 10:30 a.m. St. Peter’s Armenian Apostolic Church is located at 100Troy-Schenectady Road, Watervliet.
Saturday, May 20
ANNUAL GARDEN FAIR: Trinity Episcopal Church, 5854th Avenue in Lansingburgh, holds its annual garden fair from 9a.m. to 2 p.m. Plants, basket raffle, bake sale, spring crafts and more. Stop by for breakfast or lunch. Call 237-7831for more information.
ANNUAL PLANT SALE: The Greenbush Garden Club will hold its annual plant sale on Saturday, May 20, at the Elks Club Pavilion, 683Columbia Turnpike, East Greenbush from 9a.m. to 11a.m., or until all the plants have been sold out. The proceeds of the sale are used to fund the children’s gardening grant program, garden therapy with residents of Van Rensselaer Manor, and community beautification projects at Fort Crailo and the American Legion Memorial Garden. Our plants have proven to be well adapted to this area, have already established symbiotic relationships with the bacteria and fungi in our soil, and have not been treated with systemic insecticides that harm bees, butterflies and beneficial insects. If you would like to donate some plants or need information, email greenbushgardener@gmail.com.
BAKE, BLOOM& BOOK SALE: For 20years, people have been looking forward to the Bake, Bloom and Book Sale sponsored by the Friends of the Cohoes Public Library. This year, it will be held on May 20, from 9a.m. - 2p.m. at the Cohoes Public Library at 169Mohawk Street. This popular event sells beautiful locally grown plants and delicious homemade baked goods, and features a popular book sale. It will be held rain or shine. Plants may be pre-ordered by calling the library at 235-2570or email Carol.Edwards@gmail.com. Additional info at www.CohoesPublicLibrary.org.
BLITHE SPIRIT: Theater Voices will present a staged reading of Noël Coward’s comic classic, “Blithe Spirit,” directed by Krysta Dennis, at Steamer No. 10Theater, 500Western Ave., Albany, on Friday, May 19at 8p.m.; Saturday, May 20at 3p.m. and 8p.m.; and Sunday, May 21at 3p.m. Admission is free. For more information, please contact info@theatervoices.org or 438-5503.
CAPITAL DISTRICT GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY: Sylvia Hasenkopf, noted Hudson and Mohawk Valley historian and genealogist, will share the story of the founding and growth of Catskill, often seen as the gateway to western New York before the construction of the Erie Canal. 1 p.m., Colonie Town Library, 629Albany-Shaker Road, Loudonville. Meetings are free and open to the public. For more information visit www.capitaldistrictgenealogicalsociety.org.
CHICKEN BBQ: Petersburg Methodist will hold their spring Chicken BBQ on May 20from 4p.m. to 7p.m. Eat in or take out. Baked beans, Mac salad, coleslaw, rolls, 1⁄2 chicken, dessert, drink. For more info call 283-5397.
CHURCH DINNER: Ham & Strawberry Shortcake Dinner at the Pittstown United Methodist Church Hall, Rt. 7, Pittstown, NY on Saturday, May 20from 4:00pm to 6:00pm. Eat in or take out. Menu: ham, mashed potatoes, gravy, vegetables, applesauce, rolls, strawberry shortcake. Adults $12.00, children 5-12$5.00, under 5Free. For reservations call 518-663-5607.
CHURCH BREAKFAST: Home-made all-you-caneat breakfast, cooked to order and served at your table. 8a.m. to 11a.m., Eagle Mills Christian Church, 1Maple Avenue, Troy. This month’s special is Omelets with choice of toppings. Adults $8, children under 10$4.
COHOES CANAL TOUR: On May 20, at 1:30p.m., revisit Cohoes’ past as a canal town and join the Spindle City Historic Society on a walking tour of history. Meet at the Cohoes Visitor Center to travel old canal towpaths, visit 160year old handmade limestone locks and learn the history of this technological achievement. Celebrate the heritage of a town brought into international prominence with stories of life in a canal town. This event is free and open to the public. Questions may be directed to info@SpindleCity.net. Updated info at Facebook.com/SCHS1.