“Schenectady Day Nursery Fall Chicken BBQ Fundraiser” on Friday, Sept. 14, from 4 – 6:30 pm with drive thru, takeout at Zion Lutheran Church, 153 Nott Terrace in Downtown Schenectady. The fundraiser will benefit Schenectady Day Nursery’s Nutrition Program. “Little John’s BBQ,” will prepare a menu that includes a half chicken, baked potato, coleslaw, and corn bread. Pre-sale tickets are $12 each through www.schenectadydaynursery.org. Tickets available at the Open Door Bookstore, 128 Jay Street, Schenectady.

First United Methodist Church of Voorheesville's Free Community Lunch Program resumes on Tuesday, Sept. 11 from 12-1:00 pm and will run on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month through December 11. Eat in only.

Join renowned culinary historian Peter G. Rose at Ten Broeck Mansion in a conversation about the 18th century Dutch kitchen in America at 1:30 pm. Then at 3:00 pm, head over to Crailo State Historic Site, a fortified 18th century home, for live historic cooking demos and exploration of Dutch life in early Albany. Pre-registration is strongly encouraged; tickets may be purchased at tenbroeckmansion.org, by phone at (518) 436-9826.

The Annual Commemorative Service of the Huntersland Christian Church will be at 1:00 pm. The church is located on Huntersland Road at the Schoharie (Co. Rte 21) Albany County (Co. Rte 10) line. Open house with refreshments will follow. Church documents will be available to look at, along with local history items.

On Sunday, Sept. 9, at 10 am:  Learn to Kayak at Thompson’s Lake. Join us for a beginner’s kayak course at Thompson’s Lake! Learn the basics of kayaking with emphasis on effective paddling strokes and safe practices. This introductory course is ideal for first time and beginner kayakers. Sturdy shoes/sandals are preferred. Program is appropriate for adults and children age 12 years and older. Space is very limited, pre-register by calling 518-872-0800. Parking fee is $7, kayaks are provided for participants.  

“Old Fashioned Sunday” at the Pruyn House, 207 Old Niskayuna Rd., Latham NY, on Sunday, Sept. 9 from Noon to 4 pm. The public is invited to this FREE event, which will be held rain or shine.

On Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 am – 2 pm: Hawk Migration Watch at Thacher Park Overlook.  Thacher Park Overlook is a great place to watch for hawks flying south during their fall migration. Hawk Watch leader Will Aubrey will be on hand to answer questions, provide background material, compile statistics, and assist with hawk identification. Come see live raptors and learn about wildlife rehabilitation with Richele Ford. On Sunday, September 9, raptor viewing and counting continues with Will Aubrey. Call 518-872-0800 for additional information.

Ruth Mahoney, market president for KeyBank’s Capital Region market, to speak about ‘placemaking’ in the Capital Region. 8 a.m. Friday, Sept. 7 in the Thelma P. Lally School of Education, 1009 Madison, Ave., Albany. It’s free and open to the public.

Albany County Historical Association on Friday, Sept. 7 from 5 - 7:30 pm for the First Friday special presentation of our exhibit, "Taste of Albany." Explore Albany's culinary past and present in this journey through food, from the earliest Dutch settlers to modern-day food culture. Guest Curator Sara Evenson will share the smells and tastes of the period during an interactive lecture on Friday, Sept. 7 at 6 pm.

County Executive McCoy to Hold Public Hearings on Updated Shared Services Plan on Friday, Sept. 7, from 2 – 3 pm at Guilderland Town Hall, 5209 Western Turnpike, Guilderland, NY 12084