Telling the Truth in a Post-truth World. A multi-event symposium of topics crucial to an open democratic society.  Oct. 13 (4:00 p.m.) and 14 (9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.). Page Hall, 135 Western Avenue, UAlbany Downtown Campus, free parking on the street and in the UAlbany Thurlow Terrace parking lot.

Bats! at Thacher Nature Center at 2:00 p.m. Did you know that bats are the only flying mammals in the world? Come and learn about these mysterious creatures and the important ecological benefits they provide for humans. Find out about our local bats, where they live, and how they deal with winter. Please call 518-872-0800 to register.

‘Becoming a Fossil’ at Thacher Visitor Center at 2:00 p.m. Celebrate Earth Science Week at Thacher Visitor Center! Why do some creatures get preserved as fossils while others do not? What makes a good fossil anyway? Join us to learn about taphonomy, the science of fossilization, and the conditions that make a good impression in the fossil record. Stick around after the presentation to make your own fossil replica! Call 518-872-0800 to register. Parking fee is $6 per vehicle.

Fall Foliage Walk at Thacher Park at 10:00 a.m. Autumn colors bathe the escarpment during this peak time for leaf peeping. Walk along the Escarpment Trail and marvel at the beautiful colors of fall as we peer out over the cliffs. Along the way learn how to identify some of New York’s native trees, such as maple, beech, birch, and pine. Meet at the Pear Orchard picnic area. Please call 518-872-0800 to register. Parking fee is $6 per vehicle.

A writing workshop: Polishing the Pearls, is planned by the Albany Jewish Community Center on 6 Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2 p.m: October 18, November 1, 8, 15, 29 and December 6 in the Albany JCC’s Massry Senior Center, 340 Whitehall Road.  Marea Gordett leads this series, which is open to those who want to tell a personal story in a unique way.  In this safe and supportive setting, participants will transform moments and experiences almost forgotten, bringing insight and form to them.

Birds Take Flight at 7:30 a.m. –9:00 a.m. It’s that time of year when birds are on the move. Come along on an early morning adventure to observe some of the amazing birds here and see our science team in action as they capture and band birds! They are working together to learn more about birds migrating through the Pine Bush. There will be a short inside presentation followed by an outside observation period, and then back indoors for hands-on activities. Indoor portion will occur rain or shine. All ages.

Albany County Executive Announces HEAP Presentation at ACCESS Hilltowns Office (Berne Community and Senior Services Center , Route 443). 12:30 to 2 p.m. for a presentation about the Home Heating Assistance Program (HEAP).  The Cornell Cooperative Extension CHOICES Program will give an overview of the HEAP program, which opens on November 13.  

Smokey Bear Day. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Drop in and meet Smokey Bear and friends at the Albany Pine Bush Discovery Center! Learn from Smokey how the Albany Pine Bush Preserve Commission uses prescribed fire to keep this habitat healthy. There will be prescribed fire equipment on hand for visitors to see and try out, a relay race for kids and Smokey goody bags for visitors to take home. All ages. 195 New Karner Road, Albany. Free. Register 518-456-0655 or visit www.AlbanyPineBush.org/events

Memorial Walk from noon to 4 p.m. Saratoga Spa State Park. This free family event, held in observance of National Pregnancy Loss and Infant Death Awareness month, aims to increase awareness of stillbirth and pregnancy loss and to provide support to families affected by child loss. Hosted by Angel Names Association (ANA).

Conkling Hall is calling all cooks and bakers for its annual Cook Off. Pork 'n Pie, from noon to 3 p.m., will offer tasty samples of pulled pork and dessert pies from cooks and bakers vying for cash prizes. The entry fee for each category is $15. Entry form online at www.forpr.net/cookoff.html. Entrants must arrive with a slow cooker of pork or two pies between 11:00 and 11:30 a.m.