To Friday ...

And now I'm just going to ask a pointed question:

What are you doing this weekend?

As is usual, I'm not sure what's in store for for us this weekend but my hope is it will involve getting running water to actually STAY in the new sink and not SPURT into the old cabinet. I'm also guessing upcoming fun for us will have something to do with laundry ... lots and lots of laundry ... as well as trying to cut back on the number of boxes we are living out of by finding a permanent home for the stuff currently living in cardboard.

But that's just a guess. But one never knows, it might also include visiting one of the many events around the region:

GOING TO POT
Looking for something unique to do this weekend? Why not visit local potter Barbara Reeley as she opens her home studio to the public for a kiln firing and pottery sale. With the weathercasters calling for sun and clouds this weekend, she's decided it's the perfect weather to do Raku, a pottery firing process known for its unpredictability.

The firing and sale begins at 10 on Saturday morning and will end at 6 p.m. Her studio is located at 9346 NY 66. From Troy take route 66 East, go past Emma Willard School and through Wynantskill. At the juncture of routes 66 and 355 take a right on 66 and continue 1.2 miles. Her house (white on the left) is past Pandora Street. Look for a blue flag. If you get to Rosena Street you have gone too far. Call 283-1082 for more information.

DIRTY DUDS FOR A GOOD CAUSE
It's an event that may sound ho-hum, but it really keeps the community buzzing; the 13th Annual Dry Cleaning Day at Commodore Cleaners, 341 Fifth Ave., Troy. The Kiwanis Club of Troy will take over counter duties Saturday between 1 and 4 p.m. and during those hours Commodore will donate all proceeds from prepaid drop offs to the club, which funds community projects including summer camps for kids and other youth-related causes. Innundate them with your dirty laundry why don't you: everything from winter coats to work clothes. The kids will thank you.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT AND ACTION
Stride Family Day Clambake and Concert will take place Sunday from 12:30 to 6 p.m. at Butler Park in Averill Park. Sponsored by the Arlington House Restaurant as a fundraiser for Stride, tickets are $25 and include all food, beverages, and entertainment for the day. Recreational facilities available as well. Rain or Shine. Reservations required. Call the Stride Office at 598-1279 or email: info@stride.org

FUN IN THE SUN
Family Fun Day kicks off at 10 a.m. on Saturday at the Brunswick Baptist Church, 385 Grange Road.
The annual event features pony rides, a petting zoo, climbing wall, games, hot dogs and more. Free.
Call 237-1932 for more information.

SING IT, SISTER!
Tuesday is Open Mic Night at the Nassau Free Library. Kids are invited to sing, dance, read poems or play an instrument all before a receptive audience. A karoake machine will add to your singing pleasure. Participation may also be in the form of cheering on the brave souls getting up to perform. And as an added bonus, anyone who participates will be allowed to choose a song for event facilitator Kristine Moxon to sing.

DINOSAUR, JUNIOR
If you dig on dinosaurs, though, you might want to stop by on Wednesday evening for "Jurassic Jiggle," songs, stories, pussle search and craft all about dinosaurs. The events are free, but registration is required to ensure there are supplies for all who attend. Both events begin at 6 p.m. Call the library at 766-2715 for information and registration.

UPCOMING:

FESTIVALS
Zion's United Church of Christ of Taborton, 741 Taborton Road in Sand Lake, is hosting it's annual Summer Festival and Craft Fair. Saturday, Aug. 1 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. There will be a craft fair, auction, games, live music and more. A picnic is also planned, featuring hot dogs, hamburgers, watermelon, soda and ice cream. The auction will begin at 1 p.m. and there will be three seatings for a chicken barbecue at 4, 5, and 6 p.m. For information, call 674-8204.

The 24th Annual Run for the Roses at Grafton Lakes State Park gets underway at 9 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 9
The 5K race through park roads benefits the Grafton Community Library. A nature walk preceeds the event at 8 a.m. and 1 mile fun run for children is planned for 10 a.m. For more information, contact the Grafton Library at 279-0580 or visit www.nysparks.com