UPCOMING CALENDAR

DINOS ALIVE IMMERSIVE EXPERIENCE: Following highly successful runs of Van Gogh and Claude Monet immersive experiences at Schenectady’s Armory Studios, Exhibition Hub in partnership with Fever presents its next exhibit, “Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience.” “Dinos Alive: An Immersive Experience” uses more than 80 highly accurate animatronic dinosaur models, immersive projection technology, virtual reality, theatrical lighting, elaborate scenery, and hands-on activities to create an unforgettable journey back to the days of the dinosaurs that will thrill all ages. Highly educational, immersive, and interactive, “Dinos Alive” showcases some of the largest dinosaurs to ever walk the planet, including the iconic Tyrannosaurus rex, Apatosaurus, and the fierce Spinosaurus. Visitors can mix it up with the dinosaurs as well, coloring them every shade of the rainbow, racing a Velociraptor to see who’s fastest, engaging in multiple selfie opportunities, and even riding a dinosaur. Along with its vast installation of animatronic dinosaurs that chronicle all three periods in the Mesozoic era, “Dinos Alive” also boasts a 2,500-squarefoot virtual aquarium where guests can dive into the deep sea and interact with Jurassic sea giants in their natural habitat. The 60-75-minute experience also offers educators an opportunity to enrich their classes through K-12 educational materials aligned to state standards. “Dinos Alive” is designed to cater to visitors of all ages. Children can enjoy an interactive space where they play the role of a paleontologist and engage with iconic dinosaurs. Group discounts make it an ideal family activity, providing an immersive and educational experience for everyone. Those interested in booking school groups or corporate events can contact groups1@exhibitionhub.com for more details. To ensure easy access to “Dinos Alive,” Schenectady County has reserved over 200 FREE parking spaces located at the rear entrance to the Armory, providing direct access to the experience. Plenty of designated ADA parking is also available. For ticket sales and additional information, visit https://dinosaliveexhibit. com/schenectady/?cp_landing_term=city_selector&cp_ landing=city_selector

STATE PARKS CENTENNIAL CHALLENGE: 2024 marks the centennial of the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation. To celebrate, we invite you to take on the Centennial Challenge! We’ve come up with a list of 100 activities to give you a chance to get outdoors and discover our state parks, to learn more about our New York State history at our historic sites, and to give back to preserve all our properties for the next generation. Not sure you can complete all 100 activities in a year? That’s okay! The goal is to complete 24, after which you’ll earn a commemorative Centennial prize, as well as an entry into a random drawing for one of 24 three-year Empire Passes and a Centennial swag bag! Earn more than 24 points? You’ll receive one (1) extra entry into our promotional giveaway for every extra ten (10) points you earn! Keep track of your Centennial Challenge with either the Goosechase app, available on your iPhone or Android app store, or our handy checklist that you can download or pick up at any local state park or historic site. Challenge submissions will be accepted from January 1, 2024 to January 10, 2025. Winners of the promotional giveaway will be announced the week of January 13, 2025. For more information visit our website at https://www. parks.ny.gov/100/challenge/

ART EXHIBITION: Hudson Hall announces a solo art exhibition by artist and acclaimed director, Michael Lindsay-Hogg. The exhibition will be at Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, 327 Warren Street, Hudson, on display from April 20 to June 2. Special events during this exhibition include an opening reception on April 20 from 5-7pm, and a screening of “The Rolling Stones Rock and Roll Circus” on May 4 at 7pm preceded by a Q&A with Lindsay-Hogg and musician Melissa Auf der Maur.

FARMERS’ SURVEY: Cornell Cooperative Extension invites all local farmers to participate in the 2024 Farmland Rental Rate Survey. The survey is conducted by Cornell Cooperative Extension and funded by New York Farm Viability Institute. It covers land rental rates, custom harvest fees, and more. Your anonymity is guaranteed. Why Participate? 1. Informed Decision-Making: By sharing your experiences, you contribute to a comprehensive understanding of land rental rates and custom harvest fees. This knowledge empowers you to make informed decisions for your farm or business. 2. Market Insights: The survey results will serve as a benchmark for rental rates and custom services. Stay ahead of the curve by knowing the prevailing trends in your region. 3. Support Sustainable Agriculture: Your input directly impacts the viability of New York’s farms. Fair rental rates and transparent custom harvest fees benefit everyone involved. The survey is available at https://farmbusiness.cornell.edu/cashrates/.

YOUTH DOG TRAINING CLASSES: Do you have a dog and would like to improve its behavior? We will be offering basic dog obedience sessions to be held at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds on consecutive Mondays from April 22nd — May 20th, at 6pm. This is open to youth ages 8-19. The cost of this will be $25 for 4-H members and $50 for non-members. The sessions will build the foundation of reliable commands like sit, down, leave it, come when called, and leash walking. All dogs will need to bring their proof of vaccinations the first night of class. What to bring to Class: Training collar (no harnesses), Your groomed dog, Some of your dog’s favorite treats/toy, 6-foot leash (cotton or leather preferred), and Cleanup supplies (in case of accident) — Participants will need to pooper scoop. The fairgrounds are a take-in takeout facility, including natural biological wastes. For more information about Spring dog classes, reach out or send completed registration to Mamnenge at mbg242@ cornell.edu or 518-272-4210 by April 15th. https://s3.amazonaws.com/assets.cce.cornell.edu/attachments/56580/ Fillable_Dog_Policy_and_ Registration.pdf?1650032599

ESSAY CONTEST: Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park is seeking submissions for their Annual Earth Day Essay Contest in celebration of Earth Day and the environmental movement. Earth Day, celebrated on April 22, brings environmental awareness to the forefront. This day promotes increased environmental consciousness, community participation, and protection of the planet worldwide. The mission of Wilton Wildlife includes environmental education as a priority, and Earth Day is the perfect opportunity to engage youth in important environmental conversations. The Earth Day Essay Contest was initiated to give schoolaged children a chance to research and engage in climate issues and actively seek out solutions to protect the future resources of this planet and to bring their thoughts and solutions to the climate crisis. The theme for 2024 from EarthDay.org is “Planet vs. Plastics.” The theme encourages the consideration of health concerns of plastics and to help raise public awareness of the harm it brings to human and animal life. Together, we can help form a plastic-free world for future generations by rapidly eliminating all single-use plastics, enforcing rules to prevent fast fashion, and investing in new innovative technologies. A panel of judges from Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will review the essays and select winners in lower elementary, upper elementary, middle school, and high school levels to receive a cash prize and recognition for their innovative ideas. Other essays are recognized by runner up and judges’ choice categories. High School entries must be no longer than 650 words; Middle School entries must be no longer than 500 words; Elementary School entries must be at least 10 sentences. Accompanying illustrations are also encouraged. The contest winner from each of the categories will receive a $50 cash prize! The deadline for entries is Friday, April 19. Winners will be announced in May and prizes will be awarded at the Annual Wildlife Festival on Sunday, June 2nd. Submissions may be mailed to Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park at 80 Scout Road, Wilton, NY 12831 or emailed to allyson@wiltonpreserve.org by the deadline. Please include the student’s name, the name of the school, the student’s grade, and the teacher’s name. Make sure that there is an email and a phone number with each student’s entry.

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE GALA REGISTRATION OPEN: The World Awareness Children’s Museum will be celebrating their biggest event of the year — the International Cuisine Dinner & Auction — on May 19, 4:30 — 8:30pm at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. This annual event features some of the area’s best restaurants, allowing guests to experience a variety of international foods and flavors while also benefiting a family-centric institution in the community. This program, now in its 34th year, will also feature a raffle, live auction, and silent auction with dozens of items available donated from charitable local businesses, individuals, and organizations. Over 200 guests join the museum each year to celebrate this momentous occasion. Guests are encouraged to dress in black tie attire this year. Those interested in attending can visit wacm.ticketleap.com/ gala2024/ to pick up their tickets. Early bird special pricing is available through April 1 ($120 for Young Professionals up to 35 Years and $135 for Individuals). Restaurants interested in participating in this year’s event have until March 29 to contact the museum regarding their desired support. There is no fee to participate and spots are limited. Options include donating appetizers and dessert for the night’s festivities. All participating restaurants/culinary artists will also have the opportunity to display brochures and menus for guests to take home with them. All inquiries can contact megan@worldchildrensmuseum.org or call 518-7932773 with any questions.

CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS: Regular Troy City Council meetings are held on the first Thursday of every month at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 433 River Street. Committee meetings are scheduled on a regular basis. Agendas and minutes for meetings are posted online. All meetings are open to the public. Committee meetings begins with a public forum where residents of Troy can comment on any item on the agenda. At monthly Regular meetings, Troy residents can discuss any issue related to the City of Troy. More information is available online at www.troyny.gov.

INDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market heads indoors to the Atrium in downtown Troy. The winter market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. from November through April and features most of the 100 vendors from its popular outdoor market. The Troy Atrium is located in downtown Troy with entrances on Fulton Street, 3rd Street, Broadway and 4th Street. Free parking is available in the City’s 5th Street Parking Garage, Riverfront Park, the Green Island Bridge lots and on city streets. No dogs are allowed in the Atrium, with exceptions made for service animals. The indoor market will be expanding to the second floor to include an indoor dining area where customers will be able to eat prepared food from vendors. For updates follow the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on social media or visit www.troymarket.org.

SYCAWAY SENIORS: Need a diversion in your life? Food, fun and friends await you. Bring a friend or neighbor to the Sycaway Seniors group. Members live all over Rensselaer County, not just Sycaway. We meet the first and third Mondays each month at 18 Keyes Lane, at the Brunswick Community Center from noon to 3 p.m. Bring your own lunch. We supply dessert and drinks. Nancy McCloskey of Brunswick is our President. She can be reached at 518 279-0847. Dues are $10 yearly. Stop in for a visit, all are welcome. Bingo and 50/50 are held at each meeting. Cards are only three for $2. Hope to see you there.

SINGERS WANTED: Capital Community Voices, a non-auditioning mixed chorus, is seeking new members in all voice parts. Rehearsals are Tuesday nights from 7 pm to 9 pm at Green Meadow Elementary School, Castleton-on-Hudson. Singers will be preparing for a May 4th concert: Dream a World. For more information call 518370-5434.

COMMUNITY MEAL: YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc., located at 21 First St. in Troy, serves a weekly community meal from 5 to 6 p.m. each Tuesday. It is a free-of-charge, to-go dinner provided for YWCA residents as well as anyone in the community. All are welcome to join us each week for a free, nutritious cooked meal. Meals are prepared by a variety of volunteers including but not limited to YWCA-GCR staff, residents, community members and students. Residents are encouraged to participate in preparation of the meals and will be assisted by staff in menu planning, shopping and time management. We serve an average of 75 people per week. The YWCA-GCR also partners with community organizations to set up booths at weekly Community Meal to advertise, promote and engage guests in services. Residents and community members can call the YWCA-GCR at (518) 274-7100