CALENDAR

Thursday, Dec. 6

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Daybooks discusses “Manhattan Beach” by Jennifer Egan, 1:30p.m. Copies are available at the information desk. Hour of Code: Snap Circuits, 3:30 p.m. – 4:45p.m. in the Teen Area. A Computer Science Education Week event. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

BLUE CHRISTMAS: The Blue Christmas Healing Service offers candelight, hope and comfort for those suffering from loss, hardship of illness, the death of a loved one, divorce, job loss or “blue” feelings for other reasons. Pastor Jennifer Tillman will share words of reassurance. Organist Wayne Miserak and Pam Martin Dodson on the accordion will offer special music while Healing Touch Certified Practicioners wil be available for you. 7p.m., Hope Lutheran Church, 470 Winter Street Extension, Troy (Defreestville). There will be lite refreshments after the service. BRUNSWICK COMMUNITY LIBRARY:

Tots Class, 10:30a.m. Knitting Group, 1p.m. – 2:30p.m. Get your gifts wrapped for a suggested donation from 3p.m. – 5:30p.m. and help the Tamarac French Club get to Martinique. 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Call 279-4023or visit www. brunswicklibrary.org for more information. CORNER SHOPPE:

The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Community Church, 570Third Avenue, North Troy is having special Christmas sales throughout December. On display are wreaths, holiday décor, warm winter clothing, boots and shoes for the entire family, toys, jewelry, books, puzzles and housewares, all at bargain prices. Open every Thursday and Saturday, 9a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/CornerstoneChurchintheburghfor more information or call 518-235-3851. DUDLEY OBSERVATORY: Every Thursday, rain or shine, join miSci, the Museum of Innovation and Science, for “Evenings at the Dudley Observatory”. Educators from the Dudley Observatory at miSci will operate their14-inch telescope inside the roll-top roof observatory, allowing visitors to see stars, planets, galaxies, and more each night. In the event of poor weather, there will be hands- on activities indoors. The observatory at 15Nott Terrace, Schenectady, will be open from 6:30p.m. – 8 p.m. through March 7, 2019. miSci galleries will be open continuously from 9a.m. until the observatory closes. Access to the observatory or activities is free with museum admission ($12Adult, $10Senior, $8Child, free for miSci members).

GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Yoga, 5p.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Call 518-2790580or visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Bingo, 12:45p.m. Cards. Van Transportation available for local errands. 69 Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-6867561 to reserve noon dinner or for more information.

JAZZ AT WILLIAMS: The Williams Jazz Repertory Ensemble takes on works by giants of jazz, featuring outstanding arrangements of compositions by the great. The music of Oliver Nelson will be featured on Thursday, December 6, at 7p.m. at Brooks-Rogers Recital Hall, 54Chapin Hall Drive, Bernhard Music Center, Williams College campus, Williamstown MA. Free and open to the public. For more information see http:// music.williams.edu or call the concert hotline at 413-597-3146. MASONS: The ApolloKing Solomon’s Masonic Lodge #13F.& A.M. meets on Thursday, December 6, at 7:30 p.m. at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road. Refreshments will be served following the meeting. RENSSELAER EAGLES: The Rensselaer Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie #4446meets on Thursday, December 6, at 6:30p.m. at their rooms, located at 851 Broadway, Rensselaer. RENSSELAER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Teen Anime Club for ages 13-18, 4 p.m. - 6p.m. Computer Help: drop in and get help with a computer, phone or other device, and get your questions answered. Call ahead for times. 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. TROY CENTER: Everyone is welcome to sing along with entertainer Bob Marcello as he performs the greatest songs of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s at Troy Center. All families and friends are welcome to this free monthly engagement. Bob will perform the first Thursday of every month from 2:30p.m. to 3:30p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49 Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-273-6646 or by email at bsass@ troycenter.net for more information.

TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Family Craft Night: December Decorations, 6p.m. Children with the help of their caregiver(s) can create holiday and winter-themed decorations using a variety of craft supplies. For ages 4-12, accompanied by an adult. Dress for mess. Registration required. For more information and to register, call 518274-7071 or visit www. thetroylibrary.org. The Library is located at 100 Second Street, downtown Troy.

Friday, Dec. 7

CHENEY LIBRARY: Lego Club for grades

1 – 3, 4p.m – 5p.m.. 73 Classic Street, Hoosick Falls. Visit www.cheneylibrary.org for more information.

EMPIRE STATE YOUTH ORCHESTRA JAZZ CONCERT: Hear the ESYO Youth Jazz Orchestra and the ESYO Repertory Jazz Orchestra in concert on Friday, December 7, at 7:30 p.m. at Guilderland High School, 8School Road, Guilderland Center. Adults $10, students/ seniors $5. To purchase tickets, please visit: https://esyo.org/programs/concerts- events. FIRST FRIDAY DEVOTIONAL SERVICES: St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 600State Street, Schenectady, announces its special First Friday Devotional Services for December. On Friday, December 7, following the 12:15 p.m. Mass, there will be Devotions to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, including exposition of the Blessed Sacrament. The public is cordially invited. St. Joseph’s is handicapped-accessible and parking is available in the lot behind the church at the corner of State and Lafayette streets. For more information call 518-374-4466Ext. 13. GRAFTON COMMUNITY LIBRARY: Adult Open Art Jounal/Color, 5 p.m. 2455NY-2, Grafton. Call 518-279-0580or visit www.graftoncommunitylibrary.org for more information. HOOSICK FALLS SENIOR CENTER: Yoga at 10:30a.m. Bingo at 12:30p.m. Cards. 69 Church Street, Hoosick Falls. Call 518-686-7561 to reserve noon dinner or for more information. ILIUM LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy will hold its monthly meeting and annual Christmas Tea at 1:30p.m. on Friday, December 7, at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39Brunswick Road. Guest speaker Margaret Story will present the Story of Christmas Pins. Members and guests are invited to wear your favorite Christmas Pin. MILHAM PLANETARIUM: Williams College invites you to experience the wonders of our universe at the Milham Planetarium, located inside the Old Hopkins Observatory at Williams College in Williamstown MA. Astronomy students at the college will host free shows for the public on Friday evenings at 8 p.m. through December 7. Audiences will be treated to shows from the high-precision Zeiss Skymaster ZKP3/ B opto-mechanical planetarium projector. For reservations (required)

contact Michele Rech at 413-597-2188or email at mcr4@williams.edu. Others will be admitted as space permits. Large groups should call for special appointments.

NORTH COUNTRY ARTS: Join North Country Arts at their 2nd Floor Gallery location at Glens Falls City Hall, 42Ridge Street, for a reception for local artist Julia Cutshall-King and guest artists currently on exhibit. The reception is free and open to the public. The exhibition continues through January 5. PICTURE MY PARK: The Friends of Peebles Island State Park and Choose Cohoes for Art present “Picture My Park” an exhibit of photography highlighting the many attractions of Peebles Island State Park running from December 5 through January 1 at the Peebles Island Visitors Center. A reception will be held on Friday December 7, from 6p.m. to 8p.m. at the Visitors Center. The show is free and open to the public. Prizes for the three best works will be awarded during the reception. Questions about the show can be sent to FriendsOfPeebles@GMail.com . WESTERN SQUARE DANCE: The Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance called by Ray Taylor, on Friday, December 7, from 7:30p.m. – 10 p.m. at the Middleburgh Elementary School cafeteria, 245Main Street. Please wear soft sole shoes. Call 518-827-4894for more information.

WILLIAMS WIND ENSEMBLE: In a concert titled “British Masters,” the Williams College Wind Ensemble, directed by Prof. Brian Messier offers music by Ralph Vaughan Williams, Gustav Holst, and Gordon Jacob on Friday, December 7, at 8p.m. at Chapin Hall, 54Chapin Hall Drive, Williams College campus, Williamstown MA. Free and open to the public. For more information visit http://music.williams.edu or call the concert hotline at 413-597-3146.

ZITI DINNER FUNDRAISER: Support the Watervliet Historical Society Museum at a Ziti, Sausage & Meaball dinner with salad, bread & butter, dessert, coffe, tea and iced tea. 3p.m. – 7 p.m., Watervliet Senior Center, 1501Broadway. $12.50per person, eat-in or take- out. Call 518-4282605to make reservations. Walk-ins accepted. Sponsored by Albany County Legislator Bob Beston.

Saturday, Dec. 8

BABES IN TROYLAND: Troy Flea returns for the holiday season for a special two- day indoor winter ‘clubhouse” market with more than 25antique, vintage and craft vendors. All four stories of the Takk House building, a former Knights of Columbus clubhouse at 55Third Street in downtown Troy, will be open for guests to explore. The bazaar also features cocktails in the barroom and a “beer garden” in the main hall with food catered by The Ruck, a remote version of Bard & Baker Board Game Café on the second floor, an escape room by Enigmatic Escapes and a “Christmas in July in December” party in the Franklin Alley Social Club. Saturday, December 8, 1 p.m. – 7p.m.; Sunday, December 9, 11 a.m. – 4p.m. Admission $5for the whole weekend.

CHATHAM BOOKSTORE: Kathryn J. Schneider’s “Birding the Hudson Valley” is a guide to birds and birdwatching, published by University Press of New England. Schneider brings her book to the Chatham Bookstore in conversation with Thomas Chulak. Book signing at 4p.m., reading at 5p.m. followed by conversation and Q& A at 27Main Street, Chatham. The event is free; refreshments will be served. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Columbia Land Conser- vancy. For more information call 518-392-3005or visit https://chathambookstore. com.

CHRISTMAS AT THE FORT: The Fort Plain Museum’s annual Christmas at the Fort will be held on Saturday, December 8, from 10a.m. – 4p.m. Events include the debut of museum chairman Norm Bollen’s new book, “George Washington and the Mohawk Frontier,” a local author book fair, colonial Christmas music by the Liaisons Plaisantes, from 1 p.m. – 2p.m. and much more. The museum is located at 389Canal Street, Fort Plain.

CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Community Church, 570Third Avenue, North Troy is having special Christmas sales throughout December. On display are wreaths, holiday décor, warm winter clothing, boots and shoes for the entire family, toys, jewelry, books, puzzles and housewares, all at bargain prices. Open every Thursday and Saturday, 9a.m. – 1 p.m. Visit www.facebook.com/ CornerstoneChurchintheburghfor more information or call 518-235-3851. ESYO HOLIDAY BOOK FAIR: Small ensembles from the Empire State Youth Orchestra will perform at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble for the holiday spirit from 10a.m. – 6p.m. on Saturday, December 8, while members gift-wrap your presents and raise awareness for their organization. A percentage of purchases made at the Colonie Center Barnes & Noble will benefit ESYO at no additional cost to you. Simply tell your cashier that you wish to support ESYO.

FESTIVAL OF TREES: Come to Hoosick Falls and enjoy the village’s first Festival of Trees on Saturday, December 8, starting at 4 p.m. More than 30decorated and lit trees will line the streets and sidewalks along Main, John and Church streets. The official tree lighting at the Wood Memorial Park gazebo will take place at 6p.m., with caroling led by Shari Hand with the Hoosick Falls Central School Choir and Hoosac School Choir. Shops and eateries will be open for exploration; patrons will receive a ticket from each establishment they visit for a special “Hoosick Rising Basket” drawing at Unihog, 2Center Street. The event is free.

HYDE HALL POP-UP STORE: Featuring books and gift items from the Museum Bookstore, quilts, pottery, candles and more, with hot mulled cider donated by Fly Creek Cider Mill. 10a.m. – 2:20p.m., Kent Center, Hyde Hall, 267 Glimmerglass State Park Road, Cooperstown. Please enter via Glimmerglass State Park. For more information call 607-547-5098 or visit HydeHall.org.

MENANDS PUBLIC LIBRARY: Story time is 1 p.m. on Saturdays. Be there when the library closes to enjoy a story, read, sing and play for about 30 minutes. For ages 2-4, but all are welcome. The Menands Public Library is located at 4N. Lyons Avenue, Menands. For more information, call 518-4634035.

MOUNTAIN ROAD HOLIDAY FAIR: Mountain Road School’s annual Holiday Fair takes place on Saturday, December 8, from 11 a.m. – 4p.m. at the school, located at 4565County Route 9, New Lebanon/ East Nassau. This charming school tradition features local vendors and artisans, arts and crafts for all ages, and food and drink. Admission is free. For more information, contact Development Coordinator Betsy Feathers at 518-794-8520 or betsy@mountainroadschool.org, or visit www. mountainroadschool.org. PICTURES WITH SANTA: Meet and take pictures with Santa at two locations. 9a.m. – 11 a.m., Wynantskill Fire Department, 511Church Street; noon – 3p.m., Defreestville Fire Department, 350North Greenbush Road, Troy. Light refreshments will be served. Well-behaved and leashed pets welcome at Defreestville only. For more information, visit https:// www.facebook.com/defreestvillefd/.

SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS: Williams College’s annual “Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols,” featuring choral music by the Williams Concert and Chamber Chorus as well as congregational singing of carols and a reading of the biblical Christmas story, will be held at 4p.m., preceded by a prelude at 3:40p.m., on December 8and 9in Thompson Memorial Chapel on Hopkins Hill Drive, Williamstown MA. Brad Wells directs the Concert and Chamber Choirs. Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer, Chaplain to the College, delivers the meditation, while Fr. Gary Caster, Catholic Chaplain, serves as liturgist. There is no admission charge, but all are encouraged to donate an item of non-perishable canned or packed food for emergency food pantries, and a free-will offering will support the work of the Berkshire Immigrant Center and the Al Nelson Friendship Center Food Pantry. TEN BROECK MANSION: Bring your children to hear holiday stories read by Sinterklaas, decorate cookies and take a photo with Sinterklaas. Recommended for ages 3-10. 10:30a.m. – noon, Ten Broeck Mansion, 9Ten Broeck Place, Albany. Free and open to the public. The Holiday Open House follows from noon – 2p.m. Adults $5, children under 12$1. For more information visit www.tenbroeckmansion.org.

TROY PUBLIC LIBRARY: Visit with or read to Greta the Reading Dog at noon to boost your reading skills. For all ages. Following the “Great American Read” TV series, join the Troy Public Library for an in- depth exploration of books from the show’s top 100list. December’s focus is on Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” continuing with a screening of the 2018BBC adaptation (176minutes) at 1 p.m. on Saturday, December 8at the main branch, 100Second Street. Copies of “Little Women” will be available at the checkout desk. Advance registration for this free program is recommended; call 518274-7071 or visit www. thetroylibrary.org.

WALK WITH A DOC: The Walk With A Doc program is geared toward helping people improve their health and get active. Proceed at your own pace while walking with doctors from Capital Cardiology Associates, Troy Associates of Cardiology, Samaritan Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital in a fun, free walking program. Upon conclusion of the walk, nurses will take blood pressure and physicians will take your questions. The walk takes place on the second Saturday of each month. Registration starts at 7:30a.m. Walk starts at 8a..m at Riverfront Park, River and Fulton streets, Troy.

Sunday, Dec. 9

ALL YOU CAN EAT BREAKFAST: The LathamColonie Knights of Columbus Council at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham, hosts its December “All You Can Eat Breakfast” on Sunday, December 9, from 8:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. Adults $9, children 5-10$4, under 5free. Free Christmas Favor will be distributed, one per family while supplies last. BABES IN TROYLAND: Troy Flea returns for the holiday season for a special two- day indoor winter ‘clubhouse” market with more than 25antique, vintage and craft vendors. All four stories of the Takk House building, a former Knights of Columbus clubhouse at 55Third Street in downtown Troy, will be open for guests to explore. The bazaar also features cocktails in the barroom and a “beer garden” in the main hall with food catered by The Ruck, a remote version of Bard & Baker Board Game Café on the second floor, an escape room by Enigmatic Escapes and a “Christmas in July in December” party in the Franklin Alley Social Club. Saturday, December 8, 1 p.m. – 7p.m.; Sunday, December 9, 11 a.m. – 4p.m. Admission $5for the whole weekend.

BETHLEHEM PUBLIC LIBRARY: Enjoy a program of primarily 19th century guitar music performed on a period instrument by Eric Roth, along with historical commentary from 2p.m. – 3p.m. This performance is sponsored by the Friends of the Bethlehem Public Library. Knit One Purl One, 2p.m. – 3p.m. Bring your current project if you’re an experienced knitter; if you’re a beginner, bring size 8knitting needles and the library will provide yarn to get you started. For ages 9and up. 451Delaware Avenue, Delmar.

CAPITAL DISTRICT HUMANIST SOCIETY:

In “Why Theatre?” Maggie Mancinelli- Cahill, the Producing Artistic Director at Capital Rep, discusses different thoughts on the place of theatre in modern times and takes you on a journey from script to stage to explore the creative process for some of Capital Rep’s celebrated productions. The 1:15p.m. program is preceded by a 12:30p.m. meet and mingle at Room 224of the Albany Sage Colleges Campus, New Scotland Avenue and Academy Road, Albany. Free and open to the public. Presented by the Capital District Humanist Society. For details and directions call 518-533-2666or visit www.humanistsociety.org. CHRISTMAS CONCERT: Singer/guitarist/songwriter Nate Fiorino of Waterford presents a Christmas music concert featuring a sing-a-long of classic Christmas songs at 6p.m. on Sunday, December 9, at Oneida Community Church, 197Sunnyside Road, Queensbury. There is no door charge for this concert sponsored by WNGN. A free will offering will be taken. For more information call the church phone at 518-745-8611 or 518-7932276, or email mbailey90@ gmail.com.

CHRISTMAS IN OZ: Join the Spendwood School of Dance for their 16th annual Holiday Benefit Performance. “Christmas in Oz” benefits the Cohoes Community Center. Performances at 2p.m. on Sunday, December 9, and Sunday, December 16 at the Cohoes Music Hall, 58Remsen Street. Tickets $10, $12, $15. Tickets are available at Cohoes City Hall or at Spendwood School of Dance, 50Johnston Avenue, Cohoes. For more information call 518235-1614or email info@ spendwood.com. FESTIVAL CELEBRATION CHOIR: Festival Celebration Choir, directed by Julie Panke with accompanist Justan Foster presents its 2018Christmas concert, “Rejoice and Be Merry!” with carols and anthems for choir and brass featuring the Route 50Brass Quintet, on Sunday, December 9, at 3p.m. at First Lutheran Church of Albany, 181Western Avenue. General admission $18, $13for seniors and students.

HANDBELL CONCERT: The United Church Bell Ringers present “Merrily We Ring,” a Holiday Handbell Concert on Sunday, December 9, at 1 p.m. at the United Church (Presbyterian), 37Salem Street, Greenwich. There is no charge for the event, but free-will donations will be collected for the Greenwich Central School Elementary Health Offices. Stay in Greenwich after the concert for the Greenwich Holiday House Tour at 2 p.m. and a free community dinner from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.For more information on the concert, please call director Debi Craig at 518854-3102.

HOLIDAY CONCERT: The Music Company Orchestra is a 70-piece all volunteer community orchestra, conducted by Dr. Gerald Lanoue, bringing live orchestral music to audienc- es throughout the Capital District, with light classical & pops repertoire. Join the orchestra for a program of holiday favorites, including Handel and Tchaikovsky, and a new sing-along. Sunday, December 9, 3 p.m., Niskayuna Reformed Church, 3041Troy-Schenectady Road. Free and open to the public. MADONNA AND CHILD CHRISTMAS CONCERT: This fundraising concert features classical, traditional and contemporary Christmas music with a special dedication to the Madonna and Christ Child, featuring Rosanne Graziano Hargrave, soprano, and Michael Clemente, pianist. 3p.m., American Italian Heritage Museum, 1227 Central Avenue, Albany. A dessert reception follows the concert. $10per person. Make your reservation by sending a check payable to AIHAM to American Italian Heritage Association and Museum, 1227Central Avenue, Albany NY 12205 by December 6. MONTHLY BREAKFAST: The VFW Post 1938 monthly breakfast will be served on Sunday, December 9, from 8a.m. – 11 a.m. at the post, located at Poplar Avenue in Valley Falls. Ages 13and up $8, children 5-12$4, children under 5free.

SERVICE OF LESSONS & CAROLS: Williams College’s annual “Christmas Service of Lessons and Carols,” featuring choral music by the Williams Concert and Chamber Chorus as well as congregational singing of carols and a reading of the biblical Christmas story, will be held at 4p.m., preceded by a prelude at 3:40p.m., on December 8and 9in Thompson Memorial Chapel on Hopkins Hill Drive, Williamstown MA. Brad Wells directs the Concert and Chamber Choirs. Rev. Valerie Bailey Fischer, Chaplain to the College, delivers the meditation, while Fr. Gary Caster, Catholic Chaplain, serves as liturgist. There is no admission charge, but all are encouraged to donate an item of non-perishable canned or packed food for emergency food pantries, and a free-will offering