They’re giving tours of the NEW Schenectady YMCA at Center City on Thursday January 14th at 12pm and 5:30pm.  The main entrance will be off of the Franklin Street parking area, so that’s where you’re supposed to go.

My big girl just arrived home completely freaked out because the teacher forgot to give her any homework.   She insisted that I email her teacher immediately, and I complied to get her to come down off the ledge, all the while reminding her that many would consider the situation a cause for celebration.  ”Many” includes little sister & me:  we’re both thrilled because now the girls are playing together happily.  So, here’s some of what’s happening this week:

There’s a free classical guitar concert at noon on Tuesday 1/12 at the Troy Music Hall.

At 4 pm on Tuesday, Woodlawn library has a “Playful Penguins” stories & craft program for elementary-school-aged children.   Call to register: 386-2248.  I just spoke with a librarian and as of 1:50 pm on Monday there were still 4 spots left.

On Tuesday at 6:30 pm, the Saratoga Barnes & Noble is hosting a Geronimo Stilton reading and activity.  Then, on Wednesday, they’ll host their weekly story hour at 11 am: this week it’s about dinosaurs.

Remember how I was talking about the free drop-in arts activities at the Hyde?  There’s one on Wednesday, 1/13, from 2-4:30 pm for kids 6-12.

Also on Wednesday, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at St. Helen’s Church on Union Street in Schenectady, there’s an interfaith storytelling program led by teenagers from Children at the Well.   This is a little sophisticated and considered to be appropriate for children over 10.

The Barnes & Noble at Colonie Center is hosting a “Celebrating Differences” storytime & craft at 11 am on Friday, 1/15.

If you’re near Niskayuna, don’t forget that there are plenty of classes to sign up for right now. Non-residents can enroll, too, but they pay an extra $10.