Upcoming calendar

PHOTO CONTEST: The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor is holding its 18th annual photo contest, and is calling for entries. Images submitted for the Erie Canalway Photo Contest should convey people enjoying activities on the waterway and Canalway Trail, or show the unique character of New York’s canals and canal communities. Winning photos will be featured in the 2024 Erie Canalway calendar. Entries must be postmarked by Aug. 25. Submitted images must be in horizontal format and taken within the Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor, which spans 524 miles across the full expanse of upstate New York. Images will be judged in four contest categories: On the Water, Along the Trail, Canal Communities, and Classic Canal. Judges will select first, second, and third place winning images in each category, as well as twelve honorable mentions. Download official contest rules and an entry form at https://eriecanalway.org/get-involved/photo-contest.

MUSEUM DISPLAY: The Orton Collection is now on display at the Bennington Museum through Nov. 5. More than 200 works of art that capture Vermont’s unique character, people, traditions and landscape prior to the 1970’s from the collection of Lyman Orton, proprietor of the Vermont Country Store. The Orton Collection focuses primarily on work from 1920 to 1960 including over 65 artists such as Rockwell Kent, John Clymer, Churchill Ettinger, Paul Sample, Mead Schaeffer, John Atherton, Marion Huse, Luigi Lucioni, Milton Avery, Kyra Markham, Bernadine Custer, and others. 75 Main Street, Bennington, VT.

MOVIE SCREENINGS: The Palace Theatre’s Summer in the City Movie Series, presented by Broadview Federal Credit Union, offers eight free, family-friendly movies to children and families from neighborhoods around the Palace in downtown Albany, with targeted outreach to low-income and underserved families in the City. For each show, doors open at Noon with educational activities provided by Whitney Young Health Center, Ten Broeck Mansion, and other local partnering organizations. Movies begin at 1 pm. Free popcorn is provided to all children 12 and under. Free tickets are available in advance at the Palace Theatre Box Office at 19 Clinton Ave. during regular business hours or reserved online at https://bit.ly/SITCPal. Individual Groups, Day Care, and Summer Camps looking to reserve a block of tickets can call 518.465.3335, ext. 121 or email [email protected]. For more information, call 518.465.4663 or visit www.palacealbany.org. Movie Schedule: July 11 - Turning Red, July 18 - Coco, July 25 - DC League of Superpets, Aug. 2 – Finding Nemo, Aug. 8 - Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, Aug. 15 - Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Aug. 22 - Spy Kids, Aug. 29 - Minions: The Rise of Gru. For the Summer in the City finale on August 29 – immediately following the screening of Minions: The Rise of Gru – the Palace will host a special Ice Cream Social, with activities, giveaways and free ice cream courtesy of Stewart’s Shops. The Ice Cream Social is open to the public.

SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE: To help Troy children and families, Troy Public Library along with our community partners are hosting a School Supply Drive this summer. Continuing through Aug 1 we will be accepting donations of new school supplies for students in grades K-12 For a list of needed items please see our website or visit the library or any of the following Troy locations where donations may be left: Hannaford Supermarkets at 9 126th St.; Polish American Club 507 1st St ; Troy Fire Department Station #1 115th St. & 5th Ave., Troy Fire Department Station #5 6th Ave. & Jacob St., Troy Fire Department Station #6 Canal St. & 3rd St.; and Afrikan Queens Boutique 96 5th Ave. All items collected will be distributed at a giveaway event on August 22.

SCULPTURE SHOW: 26th Annual North Bennington Outdoor Sculpture Show, June 17 – November 12, at Bennington Museum – 75 Main Street, Bennington, VT. In addition to sculptures by over 40 artists scattered throughout the village of North Bennington, an additional 20+ artists will display their work on Bennington Museum’s beautiful 10-acre property in Old Bennington for the fourth consecutive year. The exhibition is free to the public and will be on view throughout the summer and fall.

SUMMER CAMP: The World Awareness Children’s Museum (WACM) will be hosting summer camps this year. Pirate Adventure Camp, will run August 14-18, 9am-5pm daily. During this program, children will follow a treasure map and learn about different countries with the museum’s art, exhibits, and wherever ‘x’ marks the spot! This camp session is appropriate for children going into Pre-K through 2nd grade. Both programs are $225 per child per week for museum members and $250 per child per week for not-yet-members. Children must bring their own snacks, lunch, and beverages to camp each day. Parents interested in signing their child(ren) up can call the museum at 518-793-2773, email [email protected] or visit wacm.ticketleap.com to register today!

ART SHOW CALL FOR ENTRIES: Albany Center Gallery (ACG) is requesting entries for the 45th Annual Photography Regional Show. The exhibition will begin as salon-style, which will include all submissions and will hang from Sept. 19 through Oct. 7. The submitted work will then be juried, and ACG will re-install the Photography Regional Select Show, which will be on display from Oct. 17 through Nov. 4. All submissions must be registered with ACG by midnight on Sept. 1. For full submission guidelines and further information, go to https://albanycentergallery.submittable.com/submit/263498/45th-annual-photography-regional-early-registration

USS SLATER: USS SLATER, the last Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for her 26th season in Albany! No reservations are required, and guided tours start every 30 minutes. Admission is charged. Adults: $10, Seniors & Veterans: $9, Children under 18: $8.00, and children under 5 years old are admitted for free. We are currently booking Group Tours, for 10 or more people, for Spring and Summer, call the Ship’s Store to schedule your visit! USS SLATER is open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., through 26 November 2023. The ship is located in Downtown Albany on the Hudson River at the intersection of Broadway and Quay Street. USS SLATER is owned, maintained, and operated by the Destroyer Escort Historical Museum, a private, non-profit, charitable organization that receives no regular government support.

ITALIAN COOKING SCHOOL: Travel with the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) to an Italian Cooking School. ALL is sponsoring a gourmet retreat and cooking school November 11-18, 2023. We will tour a historic or culinary attraction each day and begin cooking late afternoons under the guidance of a professional chef before enjoying a four-course dinner with local wines each evening. This small group experience includes all meals and six nights in a beautifully restored historic palazzo. For more details contact [email protected].

OUTDOOR FARMERS MARKET: The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market heads outdoors to the streets of downtown Troy. The summer market is held every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and features over 100 vendors. Free parking is available in the City’s 5th Street Parking Garage, Riverfront Park, the Green Island Bridge lots and on city streets. For updates follow the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market on social media or visit www.troymarket.org.

APPRENTICESHIP OPPORTUNITY: The Roofers JAC of the Capital District, Local Union #241, will conduct a recruitment from Jan. 3, 2023 through Dec. 26, 2023 for 10 Roofer apprentices. Applications can be obtained and submitted at Local Union #241, 890 Third Street, Albany, NY, every Tuesday, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., excluding legal holidays, during the recruitment period. For further information, applicants should contact Roofers JAC of the Capital District, Local Union #241 at (518) 489-3919. Additional job search assistance can be obtained at your local New York State Department of Labor Career Center at dol.ny.gov/career-centers.

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.

BINGO: Rensselaer Elks Lodge #2073, located at 683 Columbia Turnpike, hosts Bingo every Thursday evening and the general public is welcome to attend. Doors open at 5 PM for players age 18+. Play starts at 7 PM. $1,300 in prizes. Food and refreshments sold.

GRETA THE READING DOG: Practice your reading skills on Greta, our special story-loving dog! Every Saturday at 11:00 am at Troy Public Library’s main branch, located at 100 Second St. in Troy. Free and all ages. More information is available online at www.thetroylibrary.org or by calling 518-274-7071.

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 to find out Tuesday’s menu. More information about this program is available online at www.ywca-gcr.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.

SIDEWALK WARRIORS: Each Thursday evening at 35 State St. in Troy, dozens of volunteers set up a large number of tables for Sidewalk Warriors’ weekly distribution. At these tables, visitors can find hot foods, sandwiches, produce, pantry items and essentials. The group often provides special distributions such as towels, linens, pillows, winter boots, underwear, socks or laundry detergent. The folks who attend the distribution may be experiencing homelessness or food insecurity, or they may simply be running short on resources at the end of the month. Set up for the weekly Sidewalk Warriors distribution events begins at 5 p.m. each Thursday, and volunteers begin serving at 6 p.m., no matter what the weather. More information about Sidewalk Warriors Troy is available online at www.sidewalkwarriorstroy.com and www.facebook.com/sidewalkwarriorstroy.

SURVIVORS OF SUICIDE SUPPORT GROUP: The “Further Along Survivors of Suicide” Monthly Support Group meets the second Tuesday of each month. The group is structured to meet the needs of people who have lost a loved one to suicide and who are approximately 18-24 months past the date of their loss. It is not designed for someone who is recently bereaved. Facilitators are peers who have attended AFSP’s (American Foundation for Suicide Prevention – AFSP.org) “Facilitating a Suicide Bereavement Support Group” training. There is no charge, but we encourage people to bring a treat to share or a book that would help someone else on their healing journey that we can include in our lending library. For more information, please email David Grapka at [email protected]. For more information on AFSP, please visit AFSP.org or contact Sandra Goldmeer Sandra Goldmeer, Area Director, Capital Region New York at [email protected] or 518.791.1544.

POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION SUPPORT GROUP: Albany Med’s Division of General Pediatrics will host a weekly Postpartum Depression Support Group for mothers and fathers struggling emotionally following the birth of a child. The group is open to mothers who have given birth within the past year and fathers with a child less than one year old who have no additional support. A virtual session via Zoom will be held Mondays from noon to 12:45 p.m. In-person sessions will be held each Tuesday from 4:15 to 5 p.m. at 391 Myrtle Ave., third floor, Developmental-Behavioral Pediatrics conference room, Albany. Babies are welcome. No pre-registration is required. For more information or to receive information about a Zoom invite, please contact Selina Grant at (518) 262-6221 or [email protected].

BREAKFAST BUFFET: Breakfast Buffet and Omelet Station, 8:00am – 11:00am Every 1 st Sunday of the Month at the Waterford Knights of Columbus, 76 Grace Street, Waterford. Buffet featuring our famous Omelet Station, Eggs cooked to order, Pancakes, French toast, sausage, Bacon, home fries, Toast, coffee, tea, orange and apple juices. Take a chance to win the 50/50 drawing. $10 adult – $5 children (Children under 4 free). Each paid breakfast enters you to win a free breakfast. For more information visit waterfordkofc.org or call 518-237-9330.

TROY NIGHT OUT: Last Friday of every month, 5 to 9 p.m. in downtown Troy. Troy Night Out is an extended evening highlighting shops, restaurants, arts and culture that takes place on the last Friday of every month in downtown Troy. Attendees are able to support virtually or stroll throughout the streets and businesses, enjoying art openings, music performances, fine restaurants as well as unique boutiques of all varieties. Call in for to-go orders or shop items for curbside pick-up, watch live performances through Facebook, gather friends and family virtually the Last Friday of each month to connect, support and relax! Business Listings are updated monthly online at downtowntroy.org.

KNIT & CROCHET GROUP: Join the Troy Public Library for a bi-weekly stitching group from 10 to 11 a.m. every first and third Friday of the month. Whether you have experience knitting or crocheting or you want to start learning a new skill, this group is for you! Participants will work together to stitch blankets and other needed items to donate to local homeless shelters and outreach groups. Participants are also welcome to work on their own personal projects. Bring your own knitting needles and crochet hooks or use what we have available. This in-person event is free and open to the public. No registration required. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Thursdays at 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. at the Troy Public Library, located at 100 Second St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary.

STORYTIME LEARN & PLAY: Fridays at 9 a.m. at the Lansingburgh Branch of the Troy Public Library, located at 27 114th St., Troy. We will share stories, songs, movements and more! Masks are optional but are not required. For children ages 0-5 with a caregiver. Registration is not necessary. Please note: this program occurs before the library opens for the day. Please enter through the side door on 4th Avenue.

GRAFTON MERRYMAKERS: Grafton Merrymakers will keep you updated when our next meeting will take place. If you have any questions please call Betty Jean at 518-272-8624. The Grafton Merrymakers typically meet on the second Wednesday of each month from March through November at the Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Road in Grafton. If you are interested in joining the Merrymakers please come to a meeting, or call the senior center Monday – Friday from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at 518-279-3413.

STEPHENTOWN HERITAGE CENTER: The Stephentown Historical Society would like to remind you that the Heritage Center is now welcoming visitors on the first Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday hours are in addition to the regular weekly Friday hours of 1 to 4 p.m. These Saturday open hours will offer more Stephentown residents and visitors the opportunity to explore what the Society offers in genealogy research and local history. The Heritage Center is the former Stephentown Methodist Church at 4 Staples Road at the corner of Garfield Road. It is free and handicapped accessible. Hope to see you soon!

LOCAL MAGICIANS MEETING: The local group of The Society of American Magicians, Assembly #24, meets regularly at 7 p.m. on the second Tuesday of the month at the S. W. Pitts Hose Co. of Latham, 226 Old Loudon Road, Latham. We welcome all persons, age 16 and older, with any interest in the art of magic whether it be: performance, history, collecting or purely entertainment to join us for a fun evening. For more information about our organization, or for a link to a local magician, visit www.sam24.synthasite.com.

YOUTH ROBOTICS CLUB: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Rensselaer County 4-H is starting a 4-H Robotics Club with 4-H Volunteer and Arduino Robotics guru Ray Martin. The Robotics Club will meet generally the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 61 State Street, Troy. 2nd Floor. Youth ages 12 and older with a strong interest in coding are encouraged to sign up! The club will be primarily working with Arduino boards, but also using 4-H Adafruit products connecting plant and soil sciences with technology. Space is limited. To register a youth, or for more information, please contact Kandis Freer at 518-272-4210 ext. 106. No one shall be denied the opportunity to participate or receive information based on their abilities. If you need any accommodations please let us know at the time of registration.

POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors typically hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Sullivan Jones VFW Post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The hall is handicap accessible, with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clamsteams and fish fries at the hall and also at various restaurants. Best of all they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest.

MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP: Meeting Format: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; all are welcome –meditation instruction available. Schedule: Wednesday evenings — 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Location: RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House–4 Sherry Rd. in Troy– a white 2-story residential building about 30 yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Cost: Free. Contact: (518) 271-6949 or (518) 273-1851 for more information.

MAKERS MARKET: A celebration of crafters, makers, artists & taste makers from around the Capital Region The Troy Makers Market is held in conjunction with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which takes place Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm (Monument Square May-October and Uncle Sam Atrium November-April).

FREE YOGA: Join for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information email [email protected].

WATERVLIET SENIOR CENTER GROUP LUNCHES: Enjoy a nutritious, social, and fun lunch with the Watervliet Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. The $3 suggested donation is anonymous and everyone is welcome. Call for the daily menu and sign up by 2 p.m. for the following day. The Senior Center is located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. Call 518-273-4422 for more information.

ICC BINGO: The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation hosts Bingo night on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy. Food and beverages will be sold.

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 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Troy Center is located at 49 Marvin Avenue in Troy. Please contact Billejo Sass at 518-273-6646 or by email at [email protected] for more information.

MEN’S CANCER SUPPORT GROUP: NY Capital Region Men to Men Cancer Support Group meets the third Wednesday of every month from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the American Cancer Society Hope Club, 1 Penny Lane, Latham. Come-share experiences and receive understanding and encouragement from men and their loved ones in dealing with cancer. For more information, please contact the ACS Hope Club at 518-220-6960.

PITTSTOWN SENIORS: The town of Pittstown Seniors hold their monthly meetings on the first Wednesday of the month starting with a covered dish luncheon at noon. T.O.P.S meetings are held at the Raymertown Fire House on Mason Lane. All seniors 55 or over are invited to attend.

CAPITAL VIEW TOASTMASTERS CLUB: It is more than just public speaking, Learn a variety of communication and leadership skills. Capital View Toastmasters Club meets the first and third Wednesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. at the East Greenbush Library. Contact capitalview.toastmastersclubs.org.

FREE COMMUNITY DINNERS: The second Thursday of every month a free community dinner is served in the city of Rensselaer from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. In an ecumenical partnership, Hope Lutheran Church of North Greenbush, and Rensselaer Presbyterian Church, 34 Broadway have combined and created Hopes Kitchen.

FOOD PANTRY: Faith’s Pantry at Grace Church, 34 Third St. is open by appointment. The emergency food pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon each Friday. The pantry is also open 7 to 8 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month and from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on the fourth Thursday of each month. To make an appointment, call 518-237-7370.

DANCE LESSONS: Capital Region Social Happenings & Singles Outreach Services Events. 435 New Karner Road (Hanover Square Building) at “Hill” door entrance. Wednesdays, 7 pm. $10 for all. Public welcome. Call 518-452-6883 for information.

YEAR-ROUND RECYCLING: Zion’s United Church of Christ of Taborton receives the following items for recycling in the Blue Box next to the front door of the Church Hall: clothing, belts, blankets, drapery, hats, hand bags, paired shoes, sheets, sneakers, towels and stuffed animals. In the Greenfiber green recycling container, in the church parking lot, the church receives newspapers, phone books, office paper, cardboard, cereal boxes, magazines, brown paper bags and construction paper. Donate all used items to Doors of Hope in West Sand Lake. Donate used furniture to the furniture program of Troy Area United Ministries. Call TAUM at 274-5920, ext. 204, Tiara Burnett, to arrange for a pick up.

AMERICAN ITALIAN MUSEUM AND CULTURAL CENTER: The American Italian Museum and Cultural Center is located at 1227 Central Avenue in Albany. Since 1979 the museum has fulfilled its mission – to record and preserve Italian heritage for present and future generations – with the help of its dedicated, all volunteer staff. Ours is the largest American Italian museum in the eastern U.S. maintaining 10 exhibit rooms, a Hall of History and a library including research materials. Our gift shop offers many one-of-a-kind and “Made in Italy” items. There is a small admission fee. Please call ahead to confirm we are open. (518) 435-1979.

TUTORS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County helps more than 160 adults each year to gain the skills they need to be employed, participate in community life, and become U.S. citizens. LVORC needs volunteer tutors to do this work, and you can help! As a tutor you can develop new skills, make friends, and see how your efforts make a difference in your community. Would you like to help someone to read and write, or to speak English as a new language? We can train you. Contact [email protected] to register. Visit the website for more information: www.lvorc.org.

READING MENTORS NEEDED: Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County needs volunteer reading mentors for the Everybody WINS! Power Lunch program at School 14 in Troy. Power Lunch increases children’s chances for success in school and in life through positive reading experiences with caring adults. Elementary school children are paired one-to-one with volunteer mentors from local businesses, colleges and the community. Volunteers read aloud to their reading partner once a week during lunchtime. Everybody WINS! mentors meet with students at School 14 and School 2 in Troy, and at Van Rensselaer Elementary in Rensselaer. For more information about EW Power Lunch! and LVORC’s other programs and services, visit www.lvorc.org or call (518) 244-4650.

FREE ENGLISH CLASSES: Do you want to improve your English? Are you new to the United States? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has free English Literacy Civics classes where you can improve your English language skills while learning about life in the United States. Each class meets two times per week. Classes for beginning learners meet in Albany. Classes for intermediate learners meet in Troy. For more information, contact Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County at 518-244-4650 or visit www.lvorc.org.

LVORC ACCEPTING NEW STUDENTS: Since 1968, Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has helped adults to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand English.New learners can join Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County by calling (518) 244-4650 or sending an email to [email protected]. Call (518) 244-4650 to register. Visit www.lvorc.org for more information.

THE CIRCLE OF MOTHERS: Do you have a teen who is struggling? Come find peace and support with other mothers. What is said in the circle stays in the circle. Email us for details: [email protected].

HOME DELIVERED MEALS: Are you a Rensselaer County homebound senior over 60 and unable to shop and cook for yourself? Rensselaer County Department of the Aging may be able to help you with a nutritious hot meal delivered to your home Monday through Friday. For more information call 270-2730 or your local Senior Center.

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 7,000 databases, 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.

YARN DONATIONS NEEDED: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Grafton, is happy to accept any donation of yarn. Many of our center members enjoy knitting and crocheting. They make afghans and lap covers for other seniors, as well as some home bound senior residents and to use as raffle items to help support the activities of the center. We also have members that make hats and mittens to be given at the schools when a child is in need. If you would like to make a donation of yarn, please drop it off at the senior center M-F from 9:00 to 3:00, or call to make arrangements for pickup. Any donation, large or small is appreciated.

COHOES DOWNTOWN MARKETPLACE: Vintage items, collectibles, crafts, furniture and more. 103 Remsen St., Cohoes. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. every other Saturday and Sunday. Check the Cohoes Downtown Marketplace Facebook page for current information.

STEPHENTOWN FOOD PANTRY: The Stephentown Food Pantry continues to serve the community with food assistance during this time. Extra health precautions and accommodations have been put in place so clients can be served as safely as possible. If someone needing food is sick and/or wishes to avoid contact with others, they should phone the Food Pantry at (518) 487-8606 and leave a message with their phone number. Arrangements can be made for them to pick up a prepacked food bundle. Or they can designate a friend to collect their food for them. The Stephentown Food Pantry offers assistance to residents of Stephentown, New York, and Hancock, Massachusetts. The pantry is open every Saturday morning, weather permitting, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the Stephentown Federated Church, 1513 Garfield Road (County Route 26). Appointments are not needed. As always, requests for help are confidential. The pantry is an equal opportunity provider. For information, call 518-487-8606. Donations Welcome! Even before the current health crisis Stephentown Food Pantry use was increasing. The pantry relies entirely on community donations of money and food items to keep operating. If you would like to help out, please send your check made out to the Stephentown Food Pantry to the Stephentown Food Pantry treasurer at P. O. Box 387, Stephentown, NY 12168. Donations can also be made to the Regional Food Bank of Northeast New York, 965 Albany Shaker Road, Latham, NY 12110. Mark it for use by Stephentown Food Pantry and your contribution will be available for us to purchase low cost food from the Food Bank.

VIRTUAL ART SHOW: In times of turmoil, art offers a chance for peace. Join Choose Cohoes for Art (CCfA) in their first virtual CAS (Cohoes Artist Showcase). Over 16 artists from Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady Counties share their art in this special show. You can view a sampling of their work, learn about the artists in their own words and reach out to them with comments and encouragement. One of the best things about it is you can check it out on your own schedule. Check out CCfA’s website www.ChooseCohoesForArt.org to learn more about this organization and select the link on the left of the page to go to the virtual show.

ONLINE MUSEUM PROGRAMMING: The World Awareness Children’s Museum is excited to announce their new Online Programming for families to enjoy from the safety of their own homes! There is their weekly “Living Room Explorers” series, which talks about a different country each week while also playing games, looking at art, and giving instructions on a fun craft for families to do at home! There is also downloadable content like crossword puzzles to enjoy, and instructional yoga classes for the whole family to participate in. Parents can visit www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/online-programming to view their entire library of content. And the Museum is also proud to announce the launch of their new “Arts & Artifacts” page on their website, which highlights selections from a different country each month from their International Youth Art Exchange collection, as well as their 8,000+ strong artifact collection. Visitors can visit their website at www.worldchildrensmuseum.org/arts-artifacts to browse the month’s selections!

BLOOD DRIVES: Your blood donation is essential to maintaining our community’s health. For a full list of upcoming American Red Cross Blood Drives in the area visit www.redcrossblood.org, where participants can register online.

SEEKING DONATIONS FOR TROOPS: Capital Region NY 2 Blue Star Mothers of America regularly sends Freedom Boxes to our deployed troops. The group is always seeking donations, which can be dropped off at the Halfmoon Town Hall, located at 2 Halfmoon Town Plaza in Halfmoon. Items needed include snacks, coffee, toiletries and more. For additional information please visit www.capitalregion2bsm.org.

SQUASH HUNGER: Capital Roots’ Squash Hunger program is a food donation initiative that collects and distributes more than 40 tons of fresh produce to our region’s food pantries and shelters each year. We rely on generous gardeners, farmers and grocery shoppers to donate fresh produce to our collection bins and on volunteers to deliver it to food pantries and shelters, some of which feed more than 100 people three meals a day, every day. Our Squash Hunger donation bins are located at markets and grocery stores throughout the region, so it’s convenient for you to make a food donation while you shop. We rely on a broad network of volunteers to collect and deliver donations to pantries and shelters in their communities. If you are a volunteer, shelter, pantry or store manager who would like to participate, please contact us at 518-274-8685 or [email protected]. More information about the Squash Hunger program, including a full list of donation locations, is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/squash-hunger/.

URBAN GREENING: Urban greening refers to public landscaping and urban forestry projects that create mutually beneficial relationships between city dwellers and their environments. Vibrant green spaces improve aesthetic appeal,increase property value and decrease energy consumption. Our Urban Greening projects are grant funded. This makes it possible for Capital Roots to provide property owners with trees at no cost. If you are a property owner interested in having a tree planted on your land contact 518-274-8685 or Tara at [email protected].

COMMUNITY GARDENS: Community Gardens by local nonprofit Capital Roots offer plots around the Capital Region to anyone interested in growing their own produce. Gardeners receive nutritional, recreational, social and physical benefits from tending plots. Get the space, sunshine, and support you need to grow your own food. More information about how to sign up for a community garden plot is available online at https://www.capitalroots.org/community-gardens/ or by calling 518-274-8685.

SINGLES OUTREACH SERVICES: Bringing people together to enjoy a common experience of performances and more in the Capital Region of New York, Capital Region Social Happenings is a registered name of Singles Outreach Services, Inc. and is a New York state non-profit organization. More information about the group and its upcoming events is available online at www.facebook.com/CapitalRegionSocial/.

ROCHMON RECORD CLUB: Join us at an upcoming Rochmon event for an evening of music and community. Each show our host Rochmon Chuck Vosganian takes the room on a high fidelity journey through classic albums spanning many genres and decades. More information about this series, including a schedule of upcoming events, is available online at www.rochmon.com.

REALITY CHECK: Reality Check is a youth-led movement in New York State that empowers youth to become leaders in their communities in exposing what they see as the manipulative and deceptive marketing tactics of the tobacco industry. The organization’s members produce change in their communities through grassroots mobilization and education. More information about Reality check and how to join the movement can be found online at www.realitycheckofny.com or www.facebook.com/realitycheckofny.

DROP IN TECH HELP: One-on-one assistance with technology is available through the Troy Public Library’s “Drop-In Tech Help” program. An ongoing program, TPL librarians will be on-hand to help with laptops, smartphones, tablets, and other common devices brought in by patrons. Librarians will also explain and help navigate common apps, such as Gmail and Instagram, and library resources like OverDrive/Libby and Hoopla. Assistance will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis. This program is provided weekly on Thursdays from 10AM to 11AM, in the first-floor Troy Room of the Main Library. This program is free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. For more information, call the library at 274-7071. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.

RAISE PLANT GROW: Each year the Downtown Troy Business Improvement District plants approximately 10 trees in downtown Troy. With the assistance of Constable Tree Service, the organization removes old tree stumps, prep the ground for planting, plant, water and maintain these trees. Did you know that each new tree costs about $500? That’s where you come in! As we grow our urban tree canopy, you can help us plant even more! For more information, or to make a donation to the Raise Plant Grow initiative, visit www.downtowntroy.org/trees.

THERAPY DOGS READY FOR DUTY: Alliance of Therapy Dogs teams are ready for duty in the Capital Region. The certified therapy dogs are available to serve at schools, colleges, libraries, nursing homes, hospitals, airports and special events. The ATD teams can also help first responders, police officers, military personnel and veterans deal with trauma. All ATD canines meet health and vaccination standards. For information on making arrangements for visit, contact Chris Bourgeois of Ballston Lake, at (518) 331-5781 or [email protected]. Bourgeois also is a coordinator for the Red Cross’ Paws for a Cause, which specializes in providing therapy dogs for military deployments and redeployments, therapy for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder combat veterans, military family support groups, military events and disasters.

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