Busy Beavers at Thacher Park, Saturday, December 9, at 3:30 p.m.  Late fall is when beavers really get busy! They are building up their lodge and storing food for the long winter ahead. Learn about these industrious animals and their adaptations for life in icy waters. A short indoor presentation will be followed by an easy walk to a small, well-established beaver pond. There, we will quietly observe for about 20 minutes in hopes of viewing a beaver in action. This program is appropriate for adults and school-aged children.

On Dec. 7 - Introductory workshop at 1:30 p.m. and Dance from 2 - 5 p.m at Christ Church Methodist, 35 State St., Troy, NY 12180 with the Capital English Country Dancers (They are located at 20 Middlesex Road East Greenbush, NY 12061 518-477-5684 and are a non-profit affiliate of the Country Song and Dance Society). Called and taught by Don Bell and live music by HeartsEase. Free.

The regular meeting of the Knox Historical Society will be held at 7:00 pm at Knox Town Hall. Come be a part of preserving and presenting the history of Knox! For more information, call 518-860-7861. Refreshments will be served.

Great Train Extravaganza. Empire State Convention Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. $7 adults, children under 12 free. Operating layouts most scales including Legos for kids. Gtealbany.com, (518)668-9892.

On Thursday, Nov. 30, The College of Saint Rose will host a forum that includes area faith communities and national anti-gun violence organizations that looks to move beyond thoughts and prayers following the wave of mass shootings. NYS Assembly member Pat Fahy is expected to speak. The forum will be held at 7 p.m. in the Hubbard Interfaith Sanctuary on the Saint Rose campus, 959 Madison Ave., Albany.

“…To Serve You in a Free Country” Program presented by the New Scotland Historical Association. Slavery in New York began with Dutch Settlement in the 1600s and continued until 1827. It became vital to New York’s colonial agriculture and commerce. Sam Huntington, Fort Crailo’s Asst. Director, will discuss the history of slavery in colonial New York and the enslaved African’s lives, culture, and traditions. Wyman Osterhout Community Center, 7 Old New Salem Rd., Voorheesville (New Salem) 12186.  Museum opens at 7:00. Free and open to the public.

Italian Christmas Cooking Class. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Instructor Dolores Scalise will make an Italian Christmas stew and almond paste cookies. $10 for ingredients. Payment and reservation by Dec. 1. American Italian Heritage Association and Museum. 1227 Central Ave. Albany (518)435-1979.

Young, Beginning and Aspiring Farmers Workshop:  For those interested in a career in agriculture or in starting a farm or an agriculture-based business in the Town of Knox, this meeting will provide information on federal, state and local resources to help you get started.  At The Octagon Barn, 588 Middle Rd., Delanson from 1 pm to 5:30 pm. All are welcome. Free admission. Refreshments. (518) 362-6576.

Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Capital Area Agriculture and Horticulture Program, announces their upcoming Second Annual Cut Flower Conference. This event is of interest to cut flower growers in the Capital Area. The initial Cut Flower Conference, held in 2016, was very popular with established and beginning cut flower growers and growers considering adding cut flowers to their diversified farms. This year’s Cut Flower Conference will be held at The Carey Institute Guggenheim Pavilion, 100 Pond Hill Road, Rensselaerville, NY, beginning at 8:00 am and ending at 4:00 pm.

Phillip Caruso, one of the most sought-after still photographers in the motion picture industry, will present "The Art of Still Photography on the Movie Set" on Friday, December 1, at 7:30 p.m. at Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, on the University at Albany's Downtown Campus. Free and open to the public, the event is sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute at the University at Albany.