“When I was 14, I learned what transgender meant and cried of happiness.”
– Leelah Alcorn, 17 years
Trevor Project: a resource for LGBTQ youth
How can we support teens who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or are questioning their gender identities? Where can LGBTQ teens turn when they have “No friends, no support, no love,” as Ohio transgender teen Leelah Alcorn expressed in her suicide note before taking her life last month? The Trevor Project has programs for LGBTQ young people ages 13 to 24 and a 24/7 confidential hotline for LGBT youth. Call (866) 488-7386.
Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Craft Fair offers scholarships for crafty youth
The earrings I’m wearing right now were made by a talented teen friend, and I would love to see more work by local teen artists. How can young people just starting out get experience selling their work at craft events? Teen crafters are invited to apply for free booth scholarships offered by Quail Hollow Events for the spring and fall shows of the Woodstock-New Paltz Art & Craft Fair. Scholarships include booth display materials as well. For more information or to apply, visit www.quailhollow.com.
Contestants sought for Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists
Organists under the age of 24 have until Thursday, January 15 to apply for the Quimby Regional Competition for Young Organists. The competition is scheduled for March 28 in Glens Falls. Applicants must perform Wadsworth’s Variations on an Old American Tune, a piece by J. S. Bach, an additional work composed after 1750 and one of three listed hymns.
First prize is $1,000 and $500 is awarded for second place. The application fee is $50. To apply or for more information, visit www.agohq.org/performance-competitions/rcyo/rcyo-rules-locations.
FRIDAY, JANUARY 16
Storyteller Janet Carter at Inquiring Mind in Saugerties
Before books, the world relied on storytellers, and this weekend, you can get the best of both! On Friday, January 16 at 7 p.m., storyteller Janet Carter appears at Inquiring Mind. Inquiring Mind is located at the corner of Main and Partition Streets in Saugerties. For more information, call (845) 246-5775 or visit www.inquiringbooks.com/inquiring-minds-bookstore-saugerties.
SATURDAY, JANUARY 17
FASNY Museum in Hudson hosts Firefighter Fran & Domino the Dalmatian
Firefighter Fran and her Dalmatian friend appear at the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York (FASNY) Museum of Firefighting on Saturday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. In addition to the interactive fire safety show, everyone can meet Domino the Dalmatian afterwards; and do stay for the variety of fire exhibits and activities at the museum.
Admission on this date is free for residents of Columbia County; for all others, tickets for adults cost $7; for children, $5; for families of two adults and their two children, $20; and children under 3 get in free. The FASNY Museum of Firefighting is located at 117 Harry Howard Avenue in Hudson. For more information, call (518) 822-1875 or visit www.fasnyfiremuseum.com.
Join the family! 
