Upcoming calendar

FINANCIAL PEACE UNIVERSITY: A nine-week course starts January 17 at 6:30p.m. at Brunswick Public Library, 4118State Highway 2, Troy. Please call 518-279-4023to register. UNDERSTANDING SHAKESPEARE: The next Understanding Shakespeare workshop at the Troy Public Library covers the comedy “Twelfth Night,” starting with a discussion of Act 1 on Thursday, January 10 from 6:30–p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Over the following four weeks you’ll discuss the play one act at a time while workshop leader Tom Bulger helps participants place it in a variety of contexts, including its relationship to Shakespeare’s other works and to the modern existential world. Copies of “Twelfth Night” will be available at the circulation desk. This workshop is free and open to the public, but registration is necessary. To register, or for more information, call 5418-274-7071 or visit www.thetroylibrary. org. The library is located at 100Second Street, downtown Troy. ALBANY-TULA ALLIANCE ESSAY CONTEST: The Albany-Tula Alliance invites Capital Region students from high school to firstyear college to research and write an essay expanding on Nelson Madela’s quote, “If you talk to a man in a language he understands, it goes to his head. If you talk to him in his own language, that goes to his heart.” Students are asked to expand on that quote’s relevance to the U.S. and Russia when it comes to culture, language, travel, jobs etc. Essays must contain at least 1,500 words and a bibliography. The deadline for entries is February 28. The first prize winning essay writer will receive $1,000; second place is $500and third place is $250. For complete rules and more information on the essay contest, visit www. albanytula.org/essay. CLOTHING SHED DONATIONS: The Latham-Colonie Council #3394Knights of Columbus, the Columbiettes and the Columbian Corporation are partnering with St. Pauly Textile to raise needed funds for the Council home and the charitable programs supported by the K of C by collecting textile products that will be sold all over the world instead of going to the landfill. The K of C will earn a percentage per pound of the donated items. You can drop off used clothing, shoes and sneakers, belts and linens as well as pillowcases, blankets, curtains and stuffed animals at 328 Troy-Schenectady Road, Latham. For more information, contact the K of C at 518-783-0572. BACKYARD BIRDS: Fluff up your feathers and come to Mud Creek Environmental Learning Center on Sunday, January 13, to create your own bird feeder from recycled materials. By putting a feeder in your yard you can experience the birds of winter right outside your window. You’ll also learn about common backyard birds, feeding tips and ways to attract birds to your property, and take a stroll along the trail in search of birds. Noon – 1:30 p.m., 1024State Route 66, Ghent. This event is free, but registration is required. Please contact Pamela Price at 518-267-3313by January 10at 1p.m.

CAPITAL DISTRICT CHRISTIAN WOMEN’S CONNECTION: The New York Capital District Christian Women’s Connection sponsors a “Let’s Get Smart with our Money” luncheon,

featuring a Chicken Marsala dinner, on Wednesday, January 9, from 11:25a.m. to approximately 1:30p.m. at the Guilderland Elks Lodge, 3867Rte. 146(Carman Road), Schenectady. Special Feature speaker Pam Hallenbeck from Primerica will offer tips on how to manage money better at any age. Carla Paige provides this month’s musical entertainment while Pat Kelly gives an inspirational talk on her true life story. Cost $16 inclusive. Reservations are necessary by January 4; call Nancy at 518-869-0642to make yours.

CALL FOR SINGERS: Capital Community Voices Inc., an SATB volunteer nonaudition choral group, seeks singers in all voice parts for their May concert, “At the Hop with CCV.” Rehearsals will be held Tuesdays at 7 p.m. starting January 8in East Greenbush. Call 518370-5434for more information.

DINING WITH DIABETES: Learn about diabetes and its relationship to nutrition and physical activity, sample healthy recipes prepared with healthy cooking techniques and talk with others who live with diabetes during a series of three public health and nutrition classes on January 3, 10and 24from 11:30a.m. – 1p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, 24Martin Road, Voorheesville. Cost $10per person. Pre-registration required. To register, contact Karen Roberts Mort, MS at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County at kem18@cornell.edu or 518-765-3552. SHORTCUT TO A MIRACLE: During an 8-week class beginning January 8, students will learn to use Science of Mind principles on a regular and consistent basis to develop a pattern of thinking and living in which demonstrations of good things are regular and normal. Tuesdays, 6:30p.m. – 8:30p.m., Albany-Saratoga Spiritual Adventures at Woodlawn Commons, 156 Lawrence Street, Saratoga Springs. Suggested donation: $20per class session. To sign up, call 518-3669918. For more information visit www.newthoughtnewyork.org.

SOUTHERN SARATOGA ART SOCIETY: Artists and members of the Southern Saratoga Art Society will be exhibiting during January –February 2019at venues throughout the area. The works of watercolorist Jean Skanes will be featured at the Mechanicville Public Library, 190N. Main Street. The Halfmoon branch of Catskill-Hudson Bank hosts works by Jane Morrison, while the Malta branch hosts works by Allison Croote. Clifton Park artist Frank Coletta will be featured at two venues: Clifton Park Senior Community Center, 6Clifton Common Court in January and Zion Lutheran Church, 153Nott Terrace Schenectady, in January and February. Enjoy the work of local artists and support art in Southern Saratoga County.

SPEIGLE ELDERS 2019: Due to winter weather conditions, the Speigle Elders seniors group will not hold meetings in January . The first meeting of the new year will be held on Wednesday, February 13. The Speigle Elders bowling league welcomes new members; attend a meeting or contact members for more information. WILLIAMS COLLEGE I/O FEST: The Williams College Department of Music presents I/O Fest ‘19, a fourday festival of new music on January 10-13in various venues in Williamstown MA. I/O Fest 2019offers an immersive tour through a world of new sounds and adventurous music, with a focus on cutting edge composition and unconventional modes of performance. All events are free and open to the public; no tickets or reservations are required. For more information visit http://music.williams.edu.

WINTER GREEN-UP: Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Capital Area Ag & Hort Program and Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County announce the 11th Annual Winter Green up on Saturday, January 26, 2019, from 8a.m. – 4p.m. at The Century House, 997 New Loudon Road, Latham. Featured speakers include Ridge Shinn, CEO of Big Picture Beef; Marc Cesario of Meeting Place Pastures; and Greg Brann or Resource Regeeration Services. The $75registration fee includes alle vents and lunch. Register online at https://tinyurl.com/ WGUregistration. For more information, contact Tove Ford at 518-765-3518or cce-caahp@cornell.edu. To reserve a room at The Century House on January 25 and 26, call 518-785-0931. EMPOWERING WOMEN IN AGRICULTURE: Annie’s Project is a national program dedicated to ‘empowering farm women to be better business partners through networks and by managing and organizing critical information.” A six-session Annie’s Project course offered by the Cornell Cooperative Extension Capital Area Agricultural and Horticultural Program and CCE-Albany County is scheduled to begin on Tuesday, January 8. The $100fee includes a workbook with fact sheets, hands-on activities, presentations and a discussion on resources available to farm businesses. Each Tuesday evening session starts at 6 p.m. following a light dinner at 5:30p.m. at Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County, 24Martin Road, Voorheesville. Course size is limited, so register soon at https://tinyurl.com/ AnniesProj, or by contacting Tove Ford at 518-765-3518 or cce-caahp@cornell.edu. POLISH FEST: Authentic Polish food (perogies, kielbasa, sauerkraut, galumpki, apple cake) and live music. Sunday, January 13, 2p.m. – 6p.m., Colonie Elks Lodge #2192, 11Elks Lane, Latham. $20per person. Advance tickets required by January 9. For more information call 518-785-3557.

GROWING INDUSTRIAL HEMP: Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County and the Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program present “Growing Industrial Hemp – An Update and Growers’ Experiences” on Thursday, January 17, from 6:30p.m. – 9p.m. at the CCE Albany office, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville. The meeting is open to anyone interested in industrial hemp. Pre-registration is required at $10per person by January 15. Register online at https://tinyurl. com/GrowIndustrialHemp, or call 518-765-3518or email caahp-cce@cornell.edu for assistance.

LABEFANA VISIT: During the Annual LaBefana visit to the American Italian Heritage Museum on Sunday, January 6, children will learn about the LaBefana tradition and participate in crafts, while LaBefana makes a small gift to each child. 3p.m. – 4:30 p.m., 1227Central Avenue, Albany. A social follows the event. Children must be accompanied by an adult. This free event will only take place if there is sufficient interest. Please make reservations by January 4by calling 518-435-1979. For more information email info@ americanitalianmuseum.org or visit www.americanitalianmuseum.org. WATERFOWL COUNT: The New York State Ornithological Association’s annual statewide waterfowl count is scheduled for Sunday, January 20, 2019. The Delaware-Otsego Audabon Society is covering Otsego Lake and the Susquehanna River above the Unadilla, the Undailla River, and Cannonsville Reservoir and the W. Branch of the Delaware River. Anyone interested in helping with the census may contact Andy Mason at 607652-2162or AndyMason@ earhling.net.

BALD EAGLE TRIP: Join the Delaware-Otsego Audabon Society on Saturday, January 12, for their annual trip to view wintering bald eagles around Delaware County rivers and reservoirs. The trip leaves the Dietz Street parking lot across from the YMCA in Oneonta at 7:30 a.m. Carpooling is strongly encourages; participants can be picked up en route in Delhi and Walton. This DOAS members-only trip is free of charge.Pre-registration is required by January 10. Register online at http://doas. us. For more information, contact Andy Mason at 607652-2162or AndyMason@ earthling.net.

OPEN ENROLLMENT ASSISTANCE: During the Open Enrollment period for New York State of Health, join the Troy Public Library at 100 Second Street, downtown Troy, from 2p.m. – 5p.m. on Wednesdays from December 19through January 30to explore your options. Health Insurance Navigators will be on hand to help you apply while looking at the tax credits you may be eligible for to lower the cost of health insurance. This program is free and open to the public, but registration is necessary. To make an appointment, or for more information, call 518416-6463or email jdavis@ ppefny.org.

CAPITAL REGION CUT FLOWER CONFERENCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County and the Capital Area Agricultural & Horticulture Program present the 3rd Annual Capital Region Cut Flower Conference on January 7, 2019, from 8a.m. – 4p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235Hoosick Street, Troy. Presentations will include an update on the lavender project,pest management in high tunnels, perennial and bulb production for cut flowers, climate change and marketing a cut flower business. A Vendors’ Reception from 4:30p.m. – 5:30p.m. is held jointly with the Capital Region Bedding Plant Conference, held the next day. Admission to the Cut Flower Conference is $45in advance, or $65at the door. The fee covers lunch and admission to the Vendors’ Reception. Preregistration is required by January 4and can be done online at https://tinyurl.com/ CutFlowerConf, or call Tove Ford at 518-765-3518or email cce-caahp@cornell. edu for assistance. CAPITAL DISTRICT BEDDING PLANTS CONFERENCE: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County and the Capital Area Agriculture & Horticulture Program present the Capital Region Bedding Plants Conference on January 8, 2019, from 8a.m. – 4p.. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 235Hoosick Street, Troy. Presentations include discussions on pest management in greenhouses, worker protection regulation updates, invasive species and discussion of 2018Trial Gardens and Trends. Admission is $45 in advance, $65at the door. The fee includes lunch on January 8and admission to the Vendors’ Reception on January 7at 4:30p.m. Preregistration is required by January 4and can be done online at https://tinyurl.com/ BeddingPlant2019, or call Tove Ford at 518-765-3518 or email cce-caahp@cornell. edu for assistance.

INTRO TO FLY FISHING: Capital District Fly Fishers’ Intro to Fly Tying classes begin January 9, 2019. There will be eight sessions, held Wednesdays from 7p.m. – 9 p.m. (except on January 16 and February 20) at the His- toric Grooms Tavern in Clifton Park. The $75class cost includes all fly tying material. Students must provide their own vice. Register at https:// parksrec.egov.basgov.com/ cliftonpark/Search?TagId=5. EAST SIDE SENIORS: The next meeting of the East Side Seniors will be held on January 8, 2019, at the American Legion Post in Wynantskill, beginning at 1 p.m. There will be nominations for new officers, an election will be held, and there will be a discussion of upcoming events, including the Wildwood NJ trip on June 9. If Wynantskill schools are closed due to weather, the meeting will be canceled. If Troy schools are on a 2hour delay due to weather, bocce ball will be cancelled. Come January 1, 2019, membership dues are due. New members are always welcome. ANCESTRY.COM TUTORIALS: North Greenbush Community Library Trustee and Town Historian Jim Greenfield offers free personal tutorials on the use of ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition, available at the library, provides access to 7,000databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283-0303 and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue, Wynantskill. NEW SCOTLAND HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION: The New Scotland Historical Association Museum has reopened with a new exhibit. “History Lost, History Preserved” features four aspects of Town of New Scotland history: dairy farms, hotels,the Helderberg Ski Club and vintage post cards (or “Early Tweets”). The museum is located in the Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7the Old Road, Voorheesville. Hours are Sundays 2p.m. – 4 p.m. and by appointment. For more information visit newscotlandhistoricalassociation.org.