What with all the pandemic pandemonium ping-ponging about, some of you might be thinking this weekend would be a swine fine time to stay indoors and away from crowds. ... Maybe even help the pork industry reclaim its former glory by vegging PORKING out in front of the TV and watching the lovely and talented Charlotte save the bacon of her sweet little friend, Wilber?

That sounds nice, doesn't it?

On the otherhand, if you're feeling a touch more adventurous, you might find getting outside this weekend will give your spring a healthy kick-start.


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BARNS ARE FOR PAINTING
Olana will host First Niagara’s Art in The Barn workshops every Saturday in May. Geared toward preschoolers and their caregivers, the classes are held in the Wagon House Education Center and use the grounds of the historic home overlooking the Hudson River as inspiration. Music, Story-telling and Movement class from 12 to 1; open art studio time from 1 to 4. Free. Visit Olana.org for more information.


HEALTH KICKS
On Sunday, May 3, let your kids lace up their running shoes and join in the Healthy Kids, Healthy Rensselaer 5k Run/Walk at Riverfront Park in Rensselaer. The day-long event (8 a.m. to 2 p.m.) will feature food, activities and entertainment as well as two foot races. Registration is from 8:30 to 9:45 a.m. in the park, located off Broadway between Third and Fifth. The race starts at 10 a.m. (walkers follow runners) and an award ceremony will follow at 11 a.m. Children from the Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer will participate in a one mile run after the award ceremony. This event is free and open to anyone under the age of 13.

Sponsored by the University at Albany School of Public Health Leaders of Tomorrow. All proceeds will benefit Boys and Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer to promote nutrition, physical activity and healthy lifestyles.


TO MARKET, TO MARKET
Also on Sunday, The Brunswick Grange will host a Tailgate Sale at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds, Route 67 and 40, from 8 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. There will be 50 vendors selling several varieties of chickens, ducks, geese, plants and other related agricultural items. Come rain or shine. For additional information, call 279-9113.


UPCOMING
The Village Stage’s Little Stage presents “Little Red Ridinghood” at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. May 9 at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River St., Troy. Tickets are $5. Reservations are not necessary. Call 273-0552 for more information or visit ACCR online at artscenteronline.org

The Valley Falls Library will present a colonial re-enactment at 10 a.m. May 16 on the library grounds. Displays include weapons of the 1600-1700s, blacksmith with tools, a surgeon and his instruments and more.

DON’T FORGET MOM *POINTS TO SELF*
Celebrate Mother’s Day with a picnic and plant sale at Olana on Sunday, May 10 from noon to 2 p.m. Bring your favorite lunch and picnic blanket and spend the afternoon at the former home of Hudson River School painter Frederick Edwin Church. The best part is the site will kick in free art supplies so the kidlets can make their own landscape painting for mom.
Bob Hyland, co-owner of Loomis Creek Nursery, will also be on hand to chat about horticulture and the art of designing garden borders for sun and shade. Call 828-1872 for information.

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Now. ...

Please go wash your hands.

... and use SOAP.