A panel of top state journalists will assess the stories that made news in New York in 2017 and look ahead to 2018 during a luncheon sponsored by the Women’s Press Club of New York State, from 12:30 to 2 p.m. at Il Faro Restaurant in Albany. The event is open to the public and costs $25 for members and $30 for non-members. Reservations are required and include a choice of chicken or vegetarian lunch. Online ticket sales are available through noon on Monday, Jan. 8.

The Westmere Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary will hold a Brooks BBQ on Sunday, January 7 from noon to 5 p.m. (or until sold out) at the firehouse 1741 Western Avenue, Guilderland. Cost $11.00 for a full dinner which includes half chicken, two sides, cornbread, drink and dessert.  Eat-in or take out.

Monday, January 1, at 11:00 a.m.: “First Day” Snowshoe Walk at Thacher Park. Ring in the New Year with a winter walk in the park. We’ll leave from the Visitor Center and walk for about an hour, taking in views from the escarpment along the way. Dress in layers and wear warm winter boots. Bring your own snowshoes or rent a pair at the park. Register and reserve snowshoes by calling 518-872-0800. In case of extreme weather, call the park office at 518-872-1237 to confirm conditions.

The Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) invites New Yorkers to celebrate the New Year exploring the outdoors at one of the 75 hikes being held at state parks, historic sites, wildlife areas and trails across the Empire State.  The guided hikes are being hosted by New York State Parks and the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) as part of the seventh annual First Day Hikes program taking place throughout the nation on January 1, 2018. Five Rivers Environmental Education Center, Delmar; 9-11 am; 518.475.0291.

First Monday Spaghetti Dinner, Altamont Reformed Church, 129 Lincoln Avenue, 5 to 7 p.m. (Last seating at 6:30 p.m.). Ring in the New Year!  Join ARC in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the first Monday of the month dinners.  Everyone in the Altamont community is welcome to join us for dinner in the ARC Fellowship Hall on Monday, January 1.

Celebrate the service of departing Berne supervisor Kevin Crosier, town board members Joe Golden and Jim Cooke, and past board member Wayne Emory. Berne Town Hall, 1656 Helderberg Trail from 9 a.m. until noon.  

Music: Guilderland Public Library, 2228 Western Ave. Guilderland. Experience the awakened gift of sound healing master practitioner, Qigong/Taiji teacher, musician and writer Rich Goodhart. 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

Schoharie Valley Hayshakers will hold a mainstream level western square dance at the Middleburgh High School cafeteria from 7:30 until 10 p.m. (518)827-4894.

Glimmerglass Festival will present Rachel Portman’s opera, The Little Prince, on December 19 and 20 at 7 p.m. in the Cooperstown High School auditorium.

Suburban sounds Community Chorus holiday concert. 2 p.m. Guilderland Public Library 2228 Western Ave. Guilderland. Free. (518)861-8000.