Schenectady County sales tax collections grew by 7.9% in 2011, the second largest growth in the region and fourteenth largest in Upstate New York. Schenectady County collected $88,981,046 in 2011, up from $82,471,367 in 2010 for an increase of $6,509,679.

“The sales tax numbers reflect positively on our efforts to continue to grow the Schenectady County economy,” said Judy Dagostino, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “With the addition of Shop Rite in Niskayuna, the new Target store in Glenville opening in 2012, the continued revitalization of downtown and the successful redevelopment of Capitol Plaza in Rotterdam, we are hopeful that we will continue to see increased sales tax activity in 2012.”

The sales tax receipts surpassed the amount budgeted for 2011 by $4,780,046. If the trend continues as expected, receipts will surpass the 2012 budget amount of $88,830,247.

For more information, see www.schenectadycounty.com or www.schenectadymetroplex.org.

United Way Offers Free Tax Preparation

Do you still need your taxes done? Well there is a FREE Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Preparation with locations near you, just call United Way 2-1-1 (a FREE call!) No cost, no hidden fees....no catches!

• FREE preparation and filing for state AND federal taxes
• Refund in as little as 10-14 days with direct deposit
• 40+ locations in the greater Capital Region
• 200+ local IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers
• All you need to qualify is an annual individual or household income below $50,000!

Last year, 13,165 Capital Region residents used VITA and received a combined $18 million in tax credits and savings. Why wait? Call 2-1-1 today for locations!

Please bring:

• Photo identification for the person filing the tax return
• W-2, 1099 and other IRS forms as appropriate
• Bank account and routing numbers for direct deposit
• Social Security card for each person listed on your tax form (yourself, spouse and any dependents)
• Childcare documentation
• Unemployment forms
• 2008 & 2010 tax returns if you received the 2008 first-time homebuyer credit
• 2010 tax return (if available)

For FREE tax preparation sites in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Schoharie and Saratoga counties, just dial 2-1-1!

Schenectady County Flood Recovery Update

With the help of volunteers, more than 40 homes in Schenectady County are in the process of rebuilding following the devastating floods. There is still much work to be done and your help is needed to get families back home!

Your help is needed to help families return home.  Current needs include lunch providers, office help, painters, sheet rockers, trim carpenters, picking up and sorting donated items, and more. Regular volunteer days are Wednesdays and Saturdays starting at 9 AM. Please come to our satellite office at St. Margaret’s Church Rectory at 1228 Main Street in Rotterdam Junction for work assignments. The rectory is the white building located behind the church. Volunteers work on other days as well, but it is best to double check with me about work projects before coming to the office.

Habitat for Humanity is accepting donations for flood recovery – please send any donations to my attention at the address below – with the check marked “FLOOD RECOVERY”. In addition, The Schenectady Foundation has also set up a fund to help families affected by the flood. Please click here to donate.

Please consider how you can help.  Perhaps your church, business or organization can “adopt” a family. Maybe you can provide lunch, hold a bake sale, or organize a work day at one of the build sites throughout the county. Your help is needed to finish the work, we can’t do this alone.

Home Show Volunteers Needed.  Habitat will have a booth at the Times Union Great American Home Show from Friday, February 10 through Sunday, February 12. Volunteers are needed to staff the booth, and you get a free pass to the show.

For more information, please contact Darlyne Hayes or email hayes_darlyne@yahoo.com.

Recycling with Habitat
Green Fiber containers are located at Union Presbyterian Church in Schenectady and at St. Margaret’s Church in Rotterdam – please save your CLEAN paper and cardboard (no pizza boxes). There is a key lockbox on the Union Presbyterian Church box – code is 3412, the St. Margaret’s box is unlocked. Funds collected are being used towards flood recovery projects. This is an example of a closed loop for recycling – we provide the recyclable materials and Green Fiber provides Habitat with insulation for our houses. In addition, we are recycling ink cartridges and cell phones. This has helped provide office supplies at a significant discount.

For more information about flood recovery efforts, please click here.

Your Professional Presence; The New Rules of Personal Branding

Please join GenNEXT on Wednesday, February 8 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn located at Albany Medical Center, 62 New Scotland Avenue, Albany for Your Professional Presence; The New Rules of Personal Branding.

Whether it's a meeting or an interview, you should be thinking ahead of time about how you can demonstrate your expertise beyond just your resume. Professionals need to use positive PR just as much as companies do.

Nicole Messier, Managing Director - PR, Social Media, Content and SEO, Overit Media, will present tactics for maintaining a positive professional image, demonstrate ways to articulate your skillset using social media tactics and discuss ways to use content to create a solid profile online.

Cost is $15 per person and to register please click here.

Training Series: Strategies to Help Your Child Succeed

Please join Crossroads on Tuesday, February 7 from 9 - 10:30 a.m. at 1136 North Westcott Road, Suite 100, Schenectady for a training series on "Strategies to Help Your Child Succeed," presented by Carolyn Sniezyk, MS BCBA & Kathy Heiner, MS Ed.

There are numerous strategies that can be implemented to help students succeed, both at home and in the classroom. Some examples that will be reviewed in this session include the use of visual schedules, activity books, prompting procedures, and task analysis procedures.

Cost is $20 per person. For more information and to register, please email info@crossroadcenter.org.

Alliance Worldwide Partners with Business Council of NYS

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Inc. (AWIG), headquartered in Clifton Park, has entered into a strategic marketing partnership with The Business Council of New York State. Business Council members will receive special benefits on a variety of services including background investigations, drug screenings, and surveillance packages.

According to AWIG CEO Mario Pecoraro, “We take great pride in our quality investigative work and are excited to have this opportunity to offer our services directly to potential Business Council clients. We strive to offer the highest level of risk mitigation/due-diligence investigations available in the industry and this forum allows us to spread this message to members through strategic marketing announcements. We are looking forward to providing special benefits to the membership and forging new business relationships.”

Richard Cutting-Miller, Vice President of Membership for The Business Council said, “Our members know that the services Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group provide are critical in protecting their business interests. We welcome the partnership with AWIG and look forward to working with Mario and his team to make it happen.”

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group is a fully licensed, bonded and insured corporate investigative service firm with offices located in Clifton Park and New York City. The company provides background and insurance fraud investigative services throughout the US and globally. In addition, their legal support division provides services of process on a local, state, national and international level. Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group is dedicated to providing the highest quality risk mitigation/due-diligence investigative services available. For more information, contact Denise Lewis, Marketing Specialist, 518.514.2944, ext. 105 or visit our web site at www.allianceinvestigative.com/BCNYS/.

KeyBank Partners to Offer FreeTax Service THIS Saturday!

KeyBank is once again offering its free Super Refund Saturday tax preparation service on February 4, in partnership with Albany Public Library, CASH and the United Way. The day will take place at the Albany Public Library located at 161 Washington Avenue, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Super Refund Saturday includes free one-on-one confidential help in filing personal income tax returns and helps qualifying individuals and families obtain the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), an income-preserving measure for low- and moderate-income workers.

"Filing an income tax return can be challenging and intimidating," says Jeffrey Stone, president, Capital Region, KeyBank, pointing out that the IRS estimated the average taxpayer spent 23 hours on last year's tax return, more for businesses and those owning rental property. "Super Refund Saturday is KeyBank's way to help taxpayers file their returns for free and qualify for the Earned Income Tax Credit, rather than leaving this money on the table. It's part of KeyBank's commitment to local communities."

KeyBank is offering Super Refund Saturday services for the seventh year, in partnership with community non-profits to ensure these activities are convenient and accessible. In addition to Albany, Super Refund Saturday takes place in 15 other cities across the U.S. where KeyBank has a presence.

The EITC was originally enacted in 1975 and has been enhanced several times, most recently through the 2010 Tax Relief and Job Creation Act. Getting the EITC does not reduce any other government assistance, but people must file an income tax return to get it, even if they don't earn enough to pay taxes. The IRS calculates the EITC by comparing the number of qualifying children a taxpayer has to "earned income" - earnings from work and some disability payments. Qualifying children must be under 18 (24 for dependent college students, regardless of age; or if disabled) and must be related by blood, marriage or official decree such as adoption. Children must live with the taxpayer claiming the EITC, within the U.S., for at least half the year.

To qualify, earned income must be less than:

• $43,998 with three or more qualifying children ($49,078, married, filing jointly)
• $40,954 with two qualifying children ($46,044, married, filing jointly)
• $36,052 with one qualifying child ($41,132, married, filing jointly)
• $13,660 with no qualifying children ($18,740, married, filing jointly)

The maximum Earned Income Tax Credit correlates with the above parameters:

• $5,751 with three or more qualifying children
• $5,112 with two qualifying children
• $3,094 with one qualifying child
• $464 with no qualifying child,

To take advantage of Super Refund Saturday, income tax return filers should bring these documents:

• W-2 Forms (reporting full-time wages)
• 1099 Forms (reporting part-time work and interest income)
• Unemployment forms
• Proof of child care payments
• Social Security card for themselves and each dependent
• Other IRS forms as appropriate
• Bank account information and bank routing number
• Valid photo ID
• Previous year's tax return

"We look forward to Super Refund Saturday every year because we know it creates savings for local residents," says Stone. "This community has so many hard-working families, and we are proud to help them."

To take advantage of KeyBank's Super Refund Saturday please come to 161 Washington Avenue from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. KeyBank is offering tax help on a first-come-first-served basis.

About KeyCorp
KeyCorp was organized more than 160 years ago and is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. One of the nation's largest bank-based financial services companies, Key has assets of approximately $89 billion. The 10-county Capital Region NY district, one of 21 KeyCorp districts, has assets of approximately $3.3 billion, 52 branches, approximately 77 ATMs and 1,100 employees.

Key provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to individuals and small businesses in 14 states under the name of KeyBank N.A. Key also provides a broad range of sophisticated corporate and investment banking products, such as merger and acquisition advice, public and private debt and equity, syndications and derivatives to middle market companies in selected industries throughout the United States under the KeyBanc Capital Markets trade name.

For more information, visit https://www.key.com/. KeyBank is Member FDIC.

SCCC Offers Non-Credit Culinary Classes

Schenectady County Community College is committed to lifelong learning! Whether you are an individual looking for a personal development course or a business looking to target a specific training need, SCCC has what you’re looking for.

This spring semester SCCC is proud to offer a variety of non-credit culinary courses for students and businesses alike. Whether you want to learn to bake bread, pizza or pastries; learn what it takes to work in or manage a bar in our creative mixology program; provide your employees with our TIPS (Training for Intervention Procedures) program, which satisfies the requirement in NYS that regulates server training; or ensure your employees acquire top level customer service skills in our Server and Wait Staff Boot Camp – we have the program for you!

Visit our website and check out our culinary courses on page 16: http://issuu.com/sunysccc/docs/noncredit_fall_2011/1.

Natural Gas Price Alert: Lock In Low Rates Now

The Chamber's Energy Alliance program consultants at EnergyNext, Inc. believe that natural gas prices have reached rock bottom!

This is the perfect time to request fixed pricing for your natural gas accounts if you have not already done so. Contact the Chamber at 518.372.5656 or call Gordon or Gene at EnergyNext, Inc., 518.580.9244, or e-mail info@energynext.com to learn how you can $AVE!

Be an Entrepreneur and Work from Home

Are you entrepreneurial? Learn how to become a marketing executive promoting a United States green manufacturer while working from home. Flexible hours, tax benefits, no ceiling on the income.

A presentation will be shown on Wednesday, February 8 at 7 p.m. in Room B7 at Scotia-Glenville Senior High School, One Tartan Way, Scotia. Cost: Free. Please call 518.386.4377.

M/E Engineering Promotes Cambria and Cordell

Congratulations to Mark Cambria who began at M/E Engineering as a Senior Engineer and has recently been promoted to Manager of the HVAC Group in the company's Capital District Office. Mark has designed various HVAC systems for academic buildings, offices, laboratories, data centers, hospitals, nursing homes, call centers, lecture halls, trading floors and retail stores. Mark is a Licensed Professional Engineer in six states, LEED accredited (LEED AP BD+C), a Certified Commissioning Professional (CCP), and is experienced in control systems design, evaluating existing facilities and building systems commissioning.

More congrats go to Jeffrey L. Cordell, III, who began at M/E Engineering as a project designer and has recently been promoted to a Senior Designer in the Plumbing/Fire Protection Group of the Capital District Office located at 433 State Street, Suite 410, Schenectady. Jeffrey has more than 13 years of experience designing systems for plumbing/fire protection. Jeffrey will continue to be responsible for the design of educational, institutional and municipal projects.

M/E Engineering presently employs over 180 people across New York State. Please visit our website at www.meengineering.com for more information.

Schenectady Colonial Festival Dinner

Please join Schenectady Heritage Area for its Colonial Festival Dinner on Saturday, February 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the Mabee Farm Historic Site in the George E. Franchere Education Center at Route 5S, Rotterdam Junction.

There will be 18t- century music, first plate (hors d'oeuvres), cash bar, second plate (dinner). Be in the company of the 18th century guests as they recreate Jacob Mabee's Inn. Hear stories of their lives and travels along the Mohawk River and sit at the Captain's Table, Native American Trader Table or the Bateauman Table.

Seating is limited so call 518.374.0263, ext. 5 to order your tickets now! There will be special seating for sponsors and patrons and there will be a guided exhibit tour with Dr. Charles Gehring light on New Netherland.

Businesses Invited to Union College Career Fair

The Union College Career Fair is a terrific way for organizations to increase their brand recognition on campus and connect with students who are looking for full-time and internship opportunities, interested in pursuing graduate school, or in the beginning stages of exploring different career fields and opportunities. For the strategic employer and graduate school recruiter, this is a great way to connect with very bright students who can become a valuable source of future talent or a strong addition to your academic program.

Registration fees for the event are $100 for employers and $50 for graduate schools. The fee covers the cost of participation for two representatives from your organization including a table, chairs, publicity, and a dinner buffet. Additional representatives are welcome at a charge of $25 per person.  The career fair will take place on Tuesday, February 21 from 4-7 p.m. at College Park Hall on the Union College Campus.

Given the current state of the economy, we have decided to waive the registration fee for non-profit organizations this year. Registration includes participation for one representative from your organization including a table, chair, publicity, and a dinner buffet. Additional representatives are welcome at a charge of $25 per person.

To view the registration instructions, click here!

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

If you are unable to attend the career fair but would like to access Union students for full-time jobs and/or internship opportunities, you are welcome to participate in our other recruiting programs including:

• On-Campus recruiting
• Off-Campus recruiting
• Alumni Jobs Bulletin (for experienced hires)

For more information please call Rochelle Caruso at 518.388.6726 or email at carusor@union.edu.

CDPHP Honored For Best Disease Management Program in NY

For the sixth consecutive year, CDPHP^® has been recognized for offering the best disease management (DM) program in New York in the 10^th Annual Report on the Disease Management and Wellness Industries. CDPHP was the only health plan in New York State to receive this prestigious award. In addition, CDPHP has been awarded the distinction of “Best-In-Region” performance in Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) for 2011 by the Disease Management Purchasing Consortium Inc., as CDPHP member cardiac events fell by almost 40 percent between 2004 and 2010.

“As a member-centric organization, CDPHP continually strives to improve the health and well-being of its members while enhancing their experience of care, a critical component of this made possible by our constantly evolving disease management programs and services,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. “We are honored that these efforts are being recognized yet again for their best practices and as a model for assisting our members in managing their medical conditions.”

The 10^th Annual Report on the Disease Management and Wellness Industries profiles the leading disease management organizations (DMOs), assesses their growth trends, indicates their current partnerships, provides recommendations for future opportunities, and recognizes best current programs among health plans, employers, and vendors. This report is now published by the Institute for Health and Productivity Management, a global non-profit enterprise created in 1997 to establish the full value of employee health as an investment in workplace productivity and business performance.

Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com or on Facebook, Twitter, or LinkedIn.

Indian Meadows Ice Rinks Are Open

The Town of Glenville skating rinks at Indian Meadows Park, 155 Droms Road, are now open. Hours are sunrise to sunset, and when rink conditions allow, evening skating under the lights until 9 p.m. The rinks will be open until further notice as weather permits. There is no charge for public skating. One rink is reserved for recreational skating only; the other rink for pick-up hockey.

 Updates on rink conditions are on the town's website at www.townofglenville.org.

Breakfast Buffet to Rasie Funds for Jack's Place

Please join The Jack Falvo III Foundation, Inc. for a breakfast buffet fundraiser on Sunday, February 5 from 8 a.m. - 12 noon at the Fort Hunter Firehouse located at 3525 Carmen Road, Guilderland right across from St. Madeleine Sophie Church.

The all-you-can-eat buffet is $8 for adults and $4 for children under age eight.

"Jack's Place" is a prospective Hospitality House for families of children and adult patients at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, Ellis Hospital and other local health care facilities.

Yellow Book Offers Free Marketing Seminar

Please join Yellow Book for aFree Online Marketing Seminar on Tuesday, February 7 with registration and seating at 3:30 p.m. and the seminar from 4-7 p.m. with light refreshments, beer and wine being served. This seminar will take place at the Hilton Garden Inn Clifton Park located at 30 Clifton Country Road, Clifton Park.

Every day, consumers are searching online. Will your business be found? The topics you will learn at this seminar include:

• Your Local Inline Visibility - why it's important
• Websites - design tips & best practices
• Search Engine Optimization
• Social Media - Facebook & Twitter
• Local Listings & Maps - inclusion
• Pay-per-Click Advertising - strategies & solutions
• Mobile Search
• Reputation Management
• Internet Video, Virtual Tours & more!

By the end of the seminar you will have the knowledge you need to promote your business using these websites and more:

• Google
• Yahoo
• Bing
• Facebook
• Twitter
• YouTube

For more information or to reserve your seat, please call 518.862.000 or email antoinette.vleming@yellowbook.com.

Want to win and IPAD? In addition to receiving a free profile page on yellowbook.com and a personalized website and visibility analysis, each guest will be entered into a drawing for a chance to WIN AN IPAD - no purchase required. Also each guest who purchases a SEM/SEO campaign during the seminar will also receive a FREE, ONE YEAR BONUS ADVERTISING PACKAGE!

Chaplain to Embark on Mission in Dominican Republic

Chaplain Mark Chaffin of Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is embarking on a medical mission to the La Romano province in the Dominican Republic from February 11-18, 2012 as part of the Emmanuel Baptist Church in Albany. The primary goal of the mission is to provide direct medical assistance and health education to the Haitian settlements or bateys in the Dominican Republic. Bateys are crude company towns established in the outskirts of the sugarcane plantations which isolate Haitian laborers and families.

About 400 bateys contain most of the Haitian population in the Dominican Republic (approximately 7-10% of the DR total population). These spaces are enclosed; usually have no electricity, no running water, no cooking facilities, no bathrooms, no schools for children, and no medical facilities. Haitian families and children in the Dominican Republic are denied access to medical, social and educational facilities. What medical services they do receive come as a direct result of outside humanitarian efforts such as Chaplain Mark Chaffin’s group.

The need is great. Sugarcane cutters will harvest 2-3 tons of cane per day and many live on less than $50.00 per month. The Emmanuel Baptist Church Mission Group is a mixture of medical practitioners, educators, clergy and volunteers who are all raising funds for medical supplies and medicines which will be distributed during the mission trip. Alan Cunningham, Director of Purchasing at Baptist Health has generously contributed with medical supplies such as sterile bandages, hand sanitizer, surgical gloves and more.

Please consider giving a donation in support of the mission. We have access to low cost pharmaceuticals and your donation will further in purchasing medications such as oral antibiotics, antihypertensive, pregnancy tests, treatment of diabetes, children’s vitamins and more.

For example:

• $120.00 will provide pre-natal vitamins for 30 pregnant Haitian women during pregnancy.

• $100 will provide 30,000 doses of heart medication.

If you would like to contribute please make checks payable to: Emmanuel Baptist Mission for Dominican Republic.  Contributions are tax deductible to the extent allowed by law and can be mailed to:  Dominican Republic Mission Trip, Emmanuel Baptist Church, 275 State Street, Albany, NY 12210.

Gifts in kind are also accepted: Eye glasses, infant clothes (up to 12 months) and children’s sneakers in good condition can be left at the chapel.

Thank you for helping those less fortunate in this world.

CDTA to Hold Public Meetings

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) announced today that it will hold five public meetings to gather additional input on desired service improvements for Phase 2 of the Albany County Route Restructuring. CDTA is restructuring its Albany route network to better align services where people live, work and shop. Phase one of the plan was implemented in November 2011 and focused on the city of Albany and surrounding areas. Phase two of the plan will focus on service provided in the remaining municipalities in the north and west area of Albany County. It is scheduled for implementation in the fall of this year. The Albany County Route Restructuring phase two public meeting schedule is as follows:

• Wednesday, February 8, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  Latham Fire House
  226 Loudon Road
  Discussion to focus on Routes #29, 70, 90

• Monday, February 13, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  Watervliet Senior Center
  1541 Broadway
  Discussion to focus on Routes #22, 35X, 70, 82, 90

• Tuesday, February 21 , 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  Guilderland Public Library
  2228 Western Avenue
  Discussion to focus on Routes #19, 21, 63, 611

• Thursday, February 23, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  Cohoes Senior Center
  10 Cayuga Plaza
  Discussion to focus on Routes #29, 82, 432

• Thursday, February 14, 6:00-7:30 p.m.
  Colonie Town Library
  629 Albany Shaker Road
  Discussion to focus on Routes #90, 610, 612, 737

Comments may also be sent to cdta@cdta.org or to CDTA – Marketing, 110 Watervliet Avenue, Albany, NY 12206. Call 518.437.6866 for more information regarding the meetings. For other CDTA information, they can contact CDTA’s Customer Information Center at 518.482.8822 or visit our website at www.cdta.org. Customer service agents are on duty 6 a.m. - 7p.m. weekdays and 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. weekends and holidays.

Seminar on Business Loans 101

Please join Bill Chow, Commercial Business Development Officer for First New York Federal Credit Union for a free seminar on business loans 101 on Wednesday, February 15 from 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. located at First New York Federal Credit Union, Two Wall Street, Colonie.

Come learn about the terms, reports and formulas you'll encounter during the business loan process from the ground up.  Whether it's expanding your business or purchasing investment property, we'll help you understand the process and requirements needed to get your loan approved. 

For more information please call Bill at 518.393.1326 ext. 1008.  To reserve your spot, please call 518.393.1326 ext. 1803.  Please make all reservations by Monday, February 13.

FREE Tax Prep for Economically-Challenged Families

CA$H of the Greater Capital Region and the Internal Revenue Service will kick off the 2012 Tax Season with information and services to help economically challenged families. The CA$H Coalition, led by United Way, is a partnership of the IRS, local human service agencies, financial institutions and community volunteers and on Friday, January 27 at 10 a.m. at The Italian Community Center located at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy the partnership kicks off.

The goal is to spread the message that every penny counts in today’s economy, yet many working people overlook the Earned Income Tax Credit, which could put up to $5,751 in their pocket. January 27 is IRS “EITC Awareness Day,” with events and public awareness campaigns taking place across the country.

January 27 also kicks off the CA$H Coalition of the Greater Capital Region’s annual VITA program. VITA stands for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. The initiative provides FREE TAX PREPARATION for income-eligible individuals and families. The short term goal is to help economically-challenged tax filers get the all the credits and savings they are entitled to under law. The long term goal is to help tax filers develop money management skills and sound fiscal practices so more local families can achieve financial stability.

Last year, through the CA$H Coalition’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, 200 IRS-certified volunteers helped return more than $18 million in tax savings and credits to 13,000 Capital Region families. Nearly $5 million of this total was a result of people taking advantage of the Earned Income Tax Credit. The CA$H Coalition’s VITA tax preparation program returned $6.2 million in tax savings and credits to Albany County residents, $2.4 million to Rensselaer County residents, $4.2 million to Saratoga County residents, $3.4 million to Schenectady County residents, and $1.3 million to Schoharie County residents.

It is expected that this year, many more individuals will be eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit and other savings because of changes to their income or personal situations.

FOR A LIST OF FREE TAX PREPARATION SITES IN EACH COUNTY, go to http://www.cashgreatercapitalregion.org/.

Governor Cuomo Launches NY Youth Works Program

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of "NY Youth Works," a statewide program to combat the unacceptably high unemployment rates among inner city youth in communities across New York. The new program, passed last month in an extraordinary session of the state legislature, includes $25 million in tax credits for businesses that hire unemployed and disadvantaged youth and $62 million to support job training programs.

"With unemployment at over 40 percent among youth in our inner cities, New York must stand up and make sure our young people are a central part of our state's economic recovery," Governor Cuomo said. "To rebuild New York, we must invest in the next generation of New Yorkers and give our young people opportunities to grow and succeed. This program will bring together government and the private sector to join forces and make a lasting impact on families, communities, and our state’s economy."

The Governor and legislative leaders designed the NY Youth Works program to provide permanent, unsubsidized employment for youth across New York State. Under the program, thousands of young people can receive work readiness, occupational training and digital literacy training to build a foundation for future success. Businesses will also be offered up to a $3,000 wage subsidy in the form of tax credits to immediately put inner-city youth to work for six months. An additional tax credit of up to $1,000 will be available to employers who retain the participating youths for an additional six months. The program is a central part of Governor Cuomo's urban agenda which is designed to revitalize underserved communities across the state and address the chronic needs of those living in poverty.

Businesses interested in participating in the NY Youth Works program should visit http://www.jobs.ny.gov/youthworks. Youth interested in participating in the program can visit their local One-Stop Career Center, a listing of which can be found at http://labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/osview.asp, or call the New York State Department of Labor at 877.226.5724. Eligible participants for “NY Youth Works” include unemployed, low-income youth aged 16 through 24 who are located in one of the following areas: Albany, Brookhaven, Buffalo, Hempstead, Mount Vernon, New Rochelle, New York City, Rochester, Schenectady, Syracuse, Utica, and Yonkers.

Senate Minority Leader John Sampson said, "We can no longer ignore the unemployment crisis among high-risk youth in inner city communities. By putting in place the NY Youth Works program, Governor Cuomo is leading the way at confronting this major issue and providing a real solution to create jobs and incentivize businesses to give opportunities to our young people. Our first priority must be getting our state's economy back on track, and I commend the Governor for his leadership in ensuring the youth in our cities have the tools they need to put their careers in the right direction."

Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson said, "There is an unemployment crisis in our urban communities that must be addressed, and I commend Governor Cuomo for his leadership in launching the NY Youth Works program to incentivize businesses to hire inner city youth. For these young people to contribute to our state and economy throughout their careers, we must make investments in their future now, and this program does just that. I thank the Governor for his efforts to make sure urban youth are not left out of the state's economic recovery."

Senator José Peralta said, "I am proud to stand with Governor Cuomo today at the launch of the important NY Youth Works program. It is high time that government step up to address the need for jobs in inner city areas, and this program will help businesses hire at-risk youth and jumpstart their careers and future. I thank the Governor for making sure creating opportunities for our inner city youth is a major part of our state's economic recovery."

Deputy Speaker Earlene Hooper said, "I thank Governor Cuomo for taking the lead on this important issue of youth unemployment in our communities. We cannot stand by as our communities suffer, and creating jobs for our young people must be a top priority to rebuilding our neighborhoods. Governor Cuomo has been a strong voice in advocating for the need for new jobs and opportunities in our communities, and I praise him for launching the NY Youth Works program that will be a major step toward revitalizing our cities and neighborhoods."

Assemblywoman Crystal Peoples-Stokes said, "This program launched by Governor Cuomo will be a big step toward putting young people in our urban communities to work. For too long, unemployment has been too high among our youth, and the NY Youth Works program will bring together businesses and government to invest in these young New Yorkers. I thank the Governor for his leadership and work to put in place this program that will be a big support for our communities."

Assemblyman David Gantt said, "We cannot afford to stand by idly as young people in our cities are unable to find work. Governor Cuomo has taken the lead in making sure our youth have employment opportunities so they can begin their careers on the right foot. The NY Youth Works program is an innovative and resourceful way of bringing together the public and private sector to create jobs and support businesses and young people. I commend the Governor for his leadership."

Assemblyman Sam Roberts said, "Governor Cuomo is right for emphasizing the importance of putting young people in urban communities to work. Creating jobs must be the centerpiece of any plan to get the economy running again. And nowhere is unemployment worse than in our cities and among inner city youth. I praise the Governor for launching this important program that will help to rebuild our neighborhoods and give our young people new hope and opportunities."

Assemblyman Phil Ramos said, "To get our state's economy running again, we must create jobs in every corner of the state. Nowhere is the jobs crisis worse than among inner city youth, and that is why the NY Youth Works program is such a critically needed program to address this need. I support and thank Governor Cuomo for leading the way on this initiative and for his efforts to create opportunities for young people in urban communities."

Assemblyman Felix Ortiz said, "I praise Governor Cuomo for putting the NY Youth Works program front and center of his agenda to revitalize inner city communities. The first step to rebuilding our communities starts with addressing the unacceptably high unemployment rates among our young people. This program will give local employers incentives to put at risk youth to work- giving them new opportunities and hope for the future. I thank the Governor for leading this effort."

Assemblyman Carl Heastie said, "After years of ever increasing unemployment rates and abysmal job growth, finally something is being done to combat the jobs crisis in inner city communities across New York State. Governor Cuomo should be commended for launching the NY Youth Works program which holds the potential to launch an economic recovery in the hardest hit parts of our cities and give our young people much needed jobs. I look forward to continuing to work together with the Governor to create jobs and make sure our inner cities are not forgotten as we get our state's economy back on track."

The new inner city youth employment and tax credit program is part of Governor Cuomo's comprehensive New York Works Agenda. The New York Works Agenda will create thousands of jobs and grow the state's economy through investments in New York's infrastructure, a new fair tax reform plan that achieves the first major restructuring of the tax code in decades, a tax cut for 4.4 million middle class New Yorkers, additional relief for areas devastated by recent floods, and a reduction of the MTA payroll tax to provide relief for small businesses.

For more information, please visit www.labor.ny.gov.

CDPHP Appoints Senior VP of Finance & CFO

CDPHP^® is pleased to announce the appointment of Bethany R. Smith, CPA, to senior vice president of finance and chief financial officer (CFO). In this position, Smith will provide oversight for all financial operations, including analysis, reporting, regulatory filings, actuarial services, and underwriting.

“We are pleased to have Bethany join our senior management team as she has played an integral role in the efficiency and effectiveness of our finance division and has contributed greatly to the successful leadership at CDPHP,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. “Bethany has extensive experience in accounting, financial reporting, and management, which will allow us to continue our commitment to competitive pricing and low-cost administrative services."

Smith joined CDPHP in 2007 as corporate controller. She brings more than 17 years of accounting experience with clients in industries including insurance, financial services, and state and local government. Prior to joining CDPHP, Smith was senior manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, formerly Coopers & Lybrand LLP, a division of PricewaterhouseCoopers International.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and is a certified public accountant in New York. She and her husband, Shawne, live in Duanesburg with their two children.

Radical Schenectady: The Industrial Workers of the World at GE

Please join the Schenectady County Historical Society for guest speaker Dr. Gerald Zahavi, for The Industrial Workers of the World at GE. Dr. Zahavi is a professor of History and Director of the Documentary Studies Program at the University at Albany. Dr. Zahavi is also the Director of the Schenectady General Electric in the 20th Century Oral History and the Documentation Project.

This event will take place on Thursday, February 2 at 6 p.m. at the Schenectady County Historical Society, 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. Cost is $5 per person and is free for Schenectady County Historical Society members.

For more information, please call Librarian Melissa Tacke at 518.374.0263, option 3, or by email at librarian@schist.org.

The Schenectady County Historical Society is wheelchair accessible with off-street parking behind the building and overflow parking next door at the YWCA.

Key4Women Lunchbox Lesson

Please join KeyBank for a special Key4Women Lunchbox Lesson on Want to Improve Your Bottom Line? Learn The New Rules of Customer Service with Lisbeth Calandrino, Improving Human Performance.

Customer service is defined as a provision of service to your customers, before, during and after a purchase. Customer service use to simply mean being nice to your customers. Today, it means looking at your customers as a business partner. Treating customers as business partners with high levels of value and support offers the customer input into the partnership and betters the relationship for both parties. In order to provide the highest level of customer service and to improve your bottom line you must first truly understand your customer's needs.

In this session you'll learn:

• Why business must change their definition of customer service
• Why the changing model is so important
• The new customer service definition
• What you can do to understand your customer and provide the services they really need to stay in business

This lesson will take place on Tuesday, February 7 with networking from 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. and the lesson from 12 - 1 p.m. at the Key4Women Resource Center, Wolf Road at One Metro Drive, Albany. Please bring your lunch as drinks and dessert with be provided by Key4Women.

To reserve your place, kindly respond by Monday, February 6 to Mikki Brassard at 518.257.8599 or email mikki_brassard@keybank.com.

CAP COM Federal Credit Union to Award Scholarships

CAP COM Federal Credit Union will award more than $4,800 in scholarships and awards in March and many local teens and college students are now eligible to apply before the February 1 deadlines.

The deadline for entries for CAP COM’s Making a Difference Awards and Art Goedeke Scholarship is Wednesday, February 1. CAP COM members who wish to apply or discover more can visit www.capcomfcu.org/scholarships. These programs are just two of several annual CAP COM awards and scholarships that add up to more than $50,000.

The Making A Difference Awards and Goedeke Scholarship will be awarded at the Credit Union’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, March 14.

Making A Difference Award

The Credit Union’s Making A Difference Awards are given each year to local middle and high school students who show outstanding commitment to community service and volunteering. The awards celebrate teen members who embody the credit union philosophy of “people helping people.”

Awards

• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $ 500
• Third Place: $ 300

Also, winners will receive $100 to donate to the charity of their choice. Award money will be deposited into an 18-month CertifiKID in the winner’s name and penalties may be issued for early withdrawals. CCFCU and subsidiary employees, volunteers and their families are not eligible.

The Art Goedeke Scholarship

Students can make their computer technology skills pay off. Apply for the Art Goedeke Memorial Scholarship for a chance to earn a $2,000 scholarship.

If you are a young CAP COM member who plans to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science or information technology, you can apply for the Art Goedeke Memorial Scholarship. High school seniors and college students up to age 25 who are CAP COM members and plan to pursue an undergraduate degree in computer science or information technology are eligible to apply.

For more information please call Danielle Sprague, Youth Program Coordinator at 518.458.2195, ext. 3032 or email at dsprague@capcomfcu.org.

Everything You Need to Know About Employee Handbooks

Please join Schenectady JSEC & The Chamber of Schenectady County as they present Everything You Need to Know About Employee Handbooks on Tuesday, February 7 from 8 - 10 a.m. at Turf Tavern, 40 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia.

This presentation will ensure that workforce planning and employment activities are compliant with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations as well as many others concerning employee handbooks – a document vital to avoiding liability for employment decisions. You will also learn why all employers should have an employee handbook, how to avoid creating an employment contract when issuing an employee handbook, what topics should be addressed in handbooks, and what recent legal developments may require you to update your existing employee handbook.

Guest speaker is John Bagyi, Esq., SPHR, Bond Schoeneck & King.

Please note: An application to the Human Resource Certification Institute's Approved Provider Program will be submitted in advance of this presentation for recertification credit consideration. For more information about certification or recertification, please visit the HRCI homepage at www.hrci.org.

Cost for this presentation is $20 per person with pre registration; $25 per person for walk-ins.

To make your reservation, please call Cathy Bucci at 518.457.0217 or email cathy.bucci@labor.ny.gov.

Hill & Markes Now Offers ORBIO®5000-Sc with Split Stream Technology

Hill & Markes, a family-based wholesale distributor of food service disposables, industrial packaging, janitorial products, and office supplies with deliverables to Upstate New York and Vermont, is proud to announce availability of a revolutionary new technology for cleaning. Orbio® Split Stream Technology, available exclusively on the Orbio 5000-Sc, uses only tap water, salt, and a small amount of electricity to generate an effective, ready-to-use cleaning solution right on site.

"We chose this product line because it is state of the art, and our goal is always to stay ahead and current in our industry. There are fewer than one hundred distributors for the Orbio® 5000-Sc in the United States and Canada. We are proud to be a supplier," stated Andrea Packer, VP Marketing, Hill & Markes.

Using solution created by the 5000-Sc provides benefits in performance and cost savings. The solution can be used in place of all-purpose cleaning chemicals, glass cleaners, stainless steel cleaners, and in automatic scrubbers and carpet extractors, simplifying training and streamlining work processes.

"The Orbio 5000-Sc cleaning solution effectively cleans most soils, including fats, proteins and organic oils. It matches or exceeds the performance of many conventional cleaners so customers can replace multiple chemicals from their cleaning programs with just one cleaning solution," said Karla Leis, Vice President of Orbio Technologies Group.

In addition to cleaning effectively and simplifying processes, solution generated by the 5000-Sc has been found to offer environmental benefits as well. Ecoform, an independent environmental consulting company, measured the environmental footprint of the 5000-Sc and found that it provides significant reduction in seven different environmental categories when compared with conventional chemical concentrates.

Solution from the 5000-Sc has been registered by NSF as being safe for use around food preparation surfaces, and is certified high-traction by the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI). It has also been tested and approved to WoolSafe standard WS 1001 for use on wool and advanced-generation synthetic carpets and rugs.

Hill & Markes distributes janitorial, industrial packaging, food service, ice cream products, farm and office products to various market segments throughout the country. The company is owned and operated by Neal Packer, C.E.O. For more information, visit www.hillnmarkes.com. 

FAM Funds Listed on Money Magazine's Money 70

Money’s January 2012 issue named the FAM Value Fund to the “Money 70” as one of the mutual funds an investor should consider when assembling “a high-quality, long-term portfolio using low-cost investments.” The Money 70 criteria includes: fees lower than their category average, a strong record for putting shareholders first, a consistent strategy, experienced and trustworthy managers, and admirable long-term performance. It focuses on funds with characteristics of “lasting value.”

The FAM Value Fund has been on Money’s list of recommended mutual funds for seven consecutive years. “Some of the other funds on this list are from great companies. It’s an honor to be on the Money 70,” said John Fox Co-Manager of the FAM Value Fund.

Fenimore Asset Management, Inc. (Fenimore) is the investment advisor to FAM Funds - the FAM Value Fund and the FAM Equity-Income Fund. Fenimore is an independent investment advisory firm located in Cobleskill, New York and has been hand-selecting investments for almost four decades. Our goal is to maximize long-term total return on capital. We also realize that prudent investors want to minimize risk and protect their assets; consequently, we employ a value approach to investing. For more information or a prospectus call 1.800.932.3271, or visit www.famfunds.com.  

Anytime Fitness Rotterdam: January Special

Take advantage of Anytime Fitness Rotterdam's January special! $48 per month for two to join for 12 months. Free one-year hydro massage or tanning with membership! Come on down and check us out. Offer good until January 31. Don't miss out!

MEMBERSHIP ADVANTAGES: Anytime Fitness - Rotterdam is Open 24/7, access to over 1,700 clubs, Personal trainers & Nutritionists, Areas only hydro massage bed, free group classes, Tanning bed, Access to Anytime Health and Massage Therapist on site. Anytime Fitness - Rotterdam is located at 90 West Campbell Road, Rotterdam.

For more information, please call Sharon at 518.346.4344.

Webinar to Focus on Board Member Ethics

From London’s Baring’s Bank to Enron and WorldCom, lack of attention to ethics can be a corporation’s Achilles’ heel, with the potential for one employee to single-handedly destruct even the most established of companies.

On Wednesday, January 25 from 12 - 1 p.m., Marvin and Company will host a free Webinar for executive directors and non-profit volunteer board members addressing the ethical responsibilities of board members.

“The appearance of impropriety and illegality can be detrimental to non-profit organizations,” said Marvin and Company Managing Director Kevin McCoy, CPA. “Board members must be involved in the governance of an organization to a level that assures improper and illegal acts don’t occur.”

McCoy, who will lead the one-hour presentation, stressed that all board members must understand the mission and culture of the organization and be sure that a code of ethics is enforced throughout the organization.

“The dealings board members have with their organizations should be addressed and conflicts identified,” he said. “This Webinar will focus on all of the above issues, as well as provide tips on addressing ethical issues and dilemmas.”

McCoy, who has more than 25 years experience in tax and financial planning and litigation support, handles clients that represent a variety of businesses and industries. A past president of the Northeast Chapter of the New York State Society of CPAs, he has expertise servicing non-profits, privately held small businesses, professional practices and governments.

PC-based attendees are required to have Windows® 7, Vista, XP or a 2003 Server, while Macintosh®-based attendees need Mac OS X 10.5 or newer.

Space is limited. Reserve your seat now by going to: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/876347842.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the session.

For more information, call 518.785.0134 or email kpo@marvincpa.com.

Sunnyview Viewpoint Gallery to Host Student Artwork Exhibition

The Viewpoint Gallery at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital, a member of Troy-based not-for-profit network Northeast Health, will display the artwork of students of its Studio Art Program, beginning Tuesday, January 17 through Friday, March 23, at 1270 Belmont Avenue, Schenectady. A public reception will be held Wednesday, January 18, 4 - 5:30 p.m. 

Sunnyview’s Studio Art Program provides art programming for patients and members of the community who have physical disabilities, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord injury. The program helps disabled adults overcome physical, cognitive and communication barriers while promoting and encouraging creativity, independence and community integration.

The exhibition is open to the public, free of charge. The Viewpoint Gallery is open Mondays through Fridays, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., and weekends and holidays from 1-8 p.m. For more information, please contact Sarah Martinez at Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital Foundation, 518.386.3520.

The mission of Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital is to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and their families. Sunnyview is home to the Viewpoint Gallery -- one of Schenectady County’s largest art collections -- which serves to inspire and enhance the benefits of creative expression in the community it serves through exposure and participation in the arts.

Northeast Health -- a regional, comprehensive, not-for-profit network of health care, supportive housing and community services comprised of The Eddy, Albany Memorial Hospital, Samaritan Hospital and Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital -- have joined Seton Health, a comprehensive, not-for-profit, integrated health care system anchored by St. Mary's Hospital in Troy, and St. Peter's Health Care Services to form St. Peter's Health Partners. To learn more, please visit www.SPHP.com.

United Way Receives $50,000 Grant to Aid Local Flood Victims

United Way of the Greater Capital Region received a $50,000 grant from the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund (HIRF) administered by United Way of New York State. The funds will be used to meet the immediate needs of flood-affected homeowners -- including replacement of water-damaged sheetrock and insulation, installation of new furnaces, debris removal and mold abatement –- and to advance long-term recovery efforts through case management and coordination of services.

Susan Hager, President of United Way of New York State notes that, “Although these storms were over four months ago, many families in hard-hit communities still need our help with those things that many of us take for granted. We will continue to raise money, and work with our charitable and governmental partners to make grants, for as long as that help is needed."

HIRF was set up by United Way of New York State at the request of Governor Cuomo to provide recovery assistance to individuals and families affected by Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee. Grants are allocated to local United Ways or other charitable partners as their designees. The fund is intended to address unmet immediate and longer term needs that are either not covered by insurance or other government programs or where there is an emergency need that cannot wait for those funds to become available.

To date the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund has received donations totaling $200,000 and awarded $131,000 in grants to United Ways of Delaware and Otsego Counties, Dutchess and Orange Counties, the Greater Capital Region and Ulster County. This funding will assist more than 160 families with such things as temporary housing, rental and mortgage assistance, furnace replacement, mold eradiation, housing remediation, building supplies, transportation and the purchase of beds, bedding, clothing, school supplies and household cleaners. Three Orange County school districts were also assisted with flood-related clean-up.

The grant awarded to United Way of the Greater Capital Region will support:

                           * The purchase of cleaning supplies, sump pumps, generators, fans and dehumidifiers, three                
                             furnaces, sheet rock, insulation, and professional debris removal services for approximately a dozen 
                             families in Waterford.
                           * Hiring of debris removal services and professional laborers to bring flood-ravaged homes up to building 
                             codes for 35 families in Schoharie County.
                           * Hiring a part-time Disaster Case Management Supervisor who will work through the Schoharie Area Long 
                             Term Recovery Team (SALT) to oversee volunteer case managers and help coordinate the efforts of 
                             community agencies.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region applied for the grant after helping to convene an Unmet Needs Committee to identify gaps in recovery to date and ensure that families who did not qualify for federal assistance get the help they need.

“Thanks to our community’s generosity, United Way continues to respond to those affected by last season’s historic floods,” said Brian T. Hassett, President and CEO of United Way of the Greater Capital Region. “Many people still face severe challenges on the path to recovery. United Way’s role is to identify needs and focus resources on issues that are larger than any one agency can handle alone. While there is still much work to be done, the help we offered after the floodwaters receded and the additional assistance we can now provide, thanks to this grant, are powerful examples of the difference we make when individuals and organizations step up and give.”

The need for additional resources remains critical. The Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund has outstanding requests for $91,000 (exceeding the funding that is currently available) with additional applications expected from other hard-hit communities that are just now developing a clearer understanding of their longer term recovery needs. To make a contribution to the Hurricane Irene Recovery Fund go to www.uwnys.org.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region identifies critical community issues and brings people, resources, volunteers and partner organizations together to improve lives and community conditions across Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties. Learn more at www.unitedwaygcr.org.

United Way of New York State strengthens the capacity of local community-based United Ways to be leaders in achieving results that improve the lives of all New Yorkers. Learn more at www.uwnys.org.

Schenectady Greenmarket Announces New Passport Contest

Pastries, pasta and now  - passports! Schenectady Greenmarket has launched a fun, two-month contest encouraging visitors to Schenectady Greenmarket to meet and greet vendors at the market for a chance to win a vacation package.

Those wishing to enter can simply pick up a passport on market days at the Schenectady Greenmarket table, as well as at Schenectady City Hall and Ambition Cafe (154 Jay St.) through Sunday, February 26, 2012. Those entering the contest will then collect a minimum number of passport stamps from participating vendors. The winner will be drawn from all completed entries on Monday, February 27, 2012.

The prize is a three-day, two-night vacation package provided by The Daily Gazette and Capitol Marketing.

“We look forward to introducing new customers to our market and old customers to our new vendors,” said Betsy Henry, Chair of the Schenectady Greenmarket Board of Directors. “Much of the charm of Schenectady Greenmarket is the relationship established between vendors and customers, and taking a trip around the market with our passport promotion will be a lot of fun for both.”

Schenectady Greenmarket is held year-round, every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The market opened in November 2008 and has been an overwhelming success in the city ever since. The Indoor Market takes place indoors through April in Robb Alley and the Education Center, Proctors (432 State St., Schenectady). The Outdoor Market takes place around City Hall from May through October. Vendors produce all that they sell. In addition to vendors of local foods and artisanal goods, the market features live music, cooking and gardening demonstrations from community experts and children’s activities and a community table.

Visit www.schenectadygreenmarket.org for an updated calendar, parking and vendor information.

What's New for 2012 with Community Loan Fund

Community Loan Fund has a lot to celebrate! With special thanks to each of its donors, investors and volunteers, the Community Loan Fund financed 57 high-impact loans in 2011 - including 22 nonprofit & social enterprise projects, 23 micro-enterprises owned by minorities, women and/or people with low-income, eight small businesses and four residential mortgages to people with low-income.

In addition, the organization provided training and technical assistance to more than 500 social and micro-entrepreneurs.

For a complete list of loans and commitments made in 2011, click here.

So here's what's new for 2012....

eduRced nonprofit interest rates!

This economic climate is very challenging for nonprofits. Community Loan Fund has always worked to keep its rates low and fees minimal. To further assist its nonprofit partners, the Fund has reduced nonprofit interest rates even further.

So if your nonprofit needs financing for a new building or to renovate an existing one, to start or expand a program, for new equipment or for cash flow, give Dorian a call at 518.436.8586. She may be able to help.

"Real World" Business Planning Course begins Saturday, January 28

Learn what you need to know to start or expand a successful small business (or nonprofit) with this intensive eight-session training course offered in partnership with the Huether School of Business of the College of Saint Rose.

Topics include developing a business plan, strategic planning, marketing, sales forecasting, financial management and analysis, and legal, insurance and tax issues. Click here for more information or call Paul or Tonya at 518.427.7804.

Training and Technical Assistance
All workshops are free and open to the public unless otherwise noted.

Tuesday, January 24 - Big Answers for Small Businesses, a free business forum for small business owners and managers, sponsored by the Lark Street Business Improvement District. Trinity United Methodist Church, 235 Lark Street in Albany at 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, February 9 - Start Up Strategies for anyone thinking of starting a business. Our training and technical assistance department will discuss the basic elements to get a business started and will answer your questions. Saratoga Public Library in the Glasby Room from 7-9 p.m.

Wednesday, March 21- Estimating and Bidding for Contractors. This workshop will focus on estimating and bidding practices for small construction companies. 255 Orange Street, 2nd floor conference room, Albany from 7-9 p.m.

For more information about any of these workshops, please contact Paul or Tonya at 518.427.7804.

BST Hires Thomas D. Hensel as a Financial Analyst

BST is pleased to announce that Thomas D. Hensel has joined the Firm’s Albany office as a Financial Analyst on the Valuation, Forensic and Litigation Support Team. He previously worked for three years as a Staff Accountant for a Syracuse based firm.

Tom graduated from Canisius College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He resides in Albany.

Peaceful Acres Receives Support from Wright Family Foundation

Peaceful Horses Acres has received support from The Wright Family Foundation to help with building it snew Equine Rehabilitation and Equine Assisted Learning Center.

The James and Susan Towne Donor Advised Fund and Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries have provided support for Peaceful Acres Horses to build a hay barn, keeping all hay from being stored in the horse stable area.

Peaceful Acres is extremely grateful for this generous contribution.

For additional information on the organization, please visit www.peacefulacreshorses.com.

Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo Duo at Proctors

Branford Marsalis /Duo and Quartet: NEA Jazz Master, renowned Grammy Award®-winning saxophonist and Tony Award® nominee Branford Marsalis is one of the most revered instrumentalists of his time. Leader of one of the finest jazz Quartets today, and a frequent soloist with classical ensembles, Branford recently recorded and released Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, spectacular duo collaboration with his Quartet’s longtime pianist, Joey Calderazzo.

While their paired evolution has been a brightness at the core of an adventurous band that itself has added light and heat to the music of its time, on Songs of Mirth and Melancholy, Marsalis and Calderazzo reveal an ever deepening musical relationship. In this unique presentation of duo and quartet, Marsalis offers the audience a chance to experience both!

Ticket Prices for Branford Marsalis & Joey Calderazzo Duo and the Branford Marsalis Quartet are $20, $30, $35, $45 & $55 and available at Proctors Box Office, 518.346.6204 or online at www.proctors.org.

Significant discounts on tickets are available for groups of 20 or more. A listing of shows and pricing may be found at www.proctors.org/group_sales or by contacting Proctors Group Sales at 518.382.3884 ext. 139.

BOCES Career & Tech School Offers Part-Time, Evening Study

The Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School is offering a new Metal Fabrication and Machining program that will teach adult students basic knowledge of the metal lathe, milling machines, sheet metal layout and fabrication, and knowledge of welding and cutting processes. The course prepares adults for entry-level employment in fields requiring such skills.

The 100-hour, 12-week program combines technical shop work with supporting classroom lessons in theory. Classes will meet Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 5 - 8:30 p.m. at Career & Tech's campus at 1015 Watervliet-Shaker Rd., Career Path, in Colonie. The part-time, evening study schedule accommodates the schedules and needs of adults.

Classes begin on February 13 and run through May 2, 2012. Class will not be held on May 3, nor during the weeks of Feb. 20 and April 9. Tuition is $1,700. A high school diploma or entrance into a GED program is required for enrollment in the program. To enroll or for further information, contact the Adult Education office at 518.862.4707.

Metal Fabrication and Machining is one of a number of career education programs offered for adult learners at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School. Others include Welder Certification, HVAC Certification, Practical Nursing and Nurse Assistant, as well as free adult education programs in GED and English for Speakers of Other Languages. Overall, Career & Tech offers more than 40 programs of study for adult and high school students at its campuses in Colonie and Schoharie. For more information, visit www.capitalregionboces.org/CareerTech.

Brown School to Host Open House

Brown School is having an open house for prospective families on Saturday, February 4 from 1-3 p.m. The school would love for you to attend and learn more about its programs. Brown is an independent school, nursery through grade eight located at 150 Corlaer Avenue in Schenectady. Its mission is to inspire each student to love learning while striving for academic excellence.

For more information, please call Susan Bardack at 518.867.7940.

Author Bob Cudmore to Speak at Mabee Farm

Local author, radio personality and newspaper columnist Bob Cudmore will speak Saturday, January 21 at 2 p.m. at the Mabee Farm, 1100 Main Street, Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction.

Cudmore will tell tales from his recent book Stories from the Mohawk Valley: the Painted Rocks, the Good Benedict Arnold and More. The talk at the George E. Franchere Educational Center is sponsored by the Schenectady County Historical Society. Admission is $5 for the public but free for Schenectady County Historical Society members.

Cudmore writes the weekly "Focus on History" column in the Daily Gazette, focusing on Montgomery, Fulton and Schoharie counties. He is conducting an essay contest for stories from that three-county region and will have information on the contest available at the Saturday talk.

Cudmore hosts the morning show on LITE 104.7 FM / 1570AM WVTL radio in Amsterdam. He will discuss his book and contest at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, January 26 during a meeting of the Amsterdam Rotary Club at the Raindancer Restaurant on Route 30.

For further exhibit and program information, call 518.374.0263 or visit www.schenectadyhistory.net for details.

CDTA and CDTC Enter Third Year Supporting Businesses and Community Organizations

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) and the Capital District Transportation Committee are partnering for the third consecutive year to offer free bike racks to public, and non-profit businesses and organizations from across the Capital Region. The program offers up to a $1,000 subsidy through Travel Demand Management grants for approved applicants. The private sector is also eligible for a 50% cost-share of bike racks. Applications are available at www.cdta.org and must be completed and received by Thursday, February 17, 2012, by 5 p.m. for eligibility review.

The provision of appropriate bicycling amenities, such as safe parking, encourages residents to bike and adds convenience for the entire cycling community: businesses, commuters, shoppers, and students.

“The success of this program and dramatic increase in usage of bike racks on buses demonstrates the growing support of environmentally-friendly modes of transportation,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “All of CDTA’s 200+ regular route fleet are equipped with double bicycle racks to promote intermodal travel. Bike rack usage is up nearly 60% since the program launched in 2008 and is on pace to increase more than 10% from last year with 55,000 + uses.”

“We are pleased to collaborate with CDTA on this very important effort that will greatly benefit the cycling travel environment by providing safe bicycle parking options throughout the region,” said Capital District Transportation Committee (CDTC) Staff Director John Poorman. “The Program is consistent with the Region’s Long Range Transportation Plan—New Visions and its principles, strategies and actions.”

A total of 54 organizations and businesses applied to the 2011 Capital Region Bike Rack Program, which added 241 bike racks and 529 secure bike parking spaces in the Capital Region, totaling more than 1,400 Bike rack installations since the program began two years ago.

Applicants can choose from over 70 designs, ranging from traditional hoop or hitch racks to animals, sports or food-related designs. Bicycle rack installations can earn a business LEED credits to be used toward LEED certification by the Green Building Council.

Program applications are due by Thursday, February 17, 2012 by 5 p.m. and must be approved using the criteria based on travel demand management goals underscored by the Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality program offered through the Federal Transit Administration. Bike racks will be made available to successful applicants in the spring. Recipients will be responsible for installation, obtaining all necessary permits and any additional costs beyond the cost limit.

Travel demand management programs are designed to improve quality of life by encouraging travel options other than single occupancy vehicle commutes, including buses, carpooling, walking and biking, all of which improve personal health reduce single occupant vehicle (SOV) travel, fuel consumption, air pollution and parking demand.

To learn more about CDTA’s bike rack program, obtain a program application, visit www.cdta.org or www.cdtcmpo.org. Applicants can also email: bikerackprogram@cdta.org, call CDTA at 518.437.6865 or CDTC at 518.458.2161.

H & R Block Reopens in Glenville

From left: Schenectady County Legislator James Buhrmaster; H & R Block representatives Heather Thompson and Penna Smith; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Glenville Town Supervisor Chris Koetzle; Glenville Business Association representative Amy Aldrich

H & R Block celebrated its grand re-opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on January 4, 2012. H & R Block is located at 123 Saratoga Road (Socha Plaza), Glenville. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

H & R Block remodeled the inside of its office to modernize it after 25 years of wear and tear. District Manager Dorothea Weisinger said, “I inherited this location as an incoming district manager, and it has been in Schenectady County for more than years. The office staff just loves the community as well as the people in Schenectady County.”

H & R Block focuses on personalized help regardless of whether you prefer to work face-to-face, online, with a tax professional or on your own. Weisinger added, “We are here to serve the community in which we reside and work.” H & R Block also does a variety of preparation from free taxes to all the way up to a business or corporation tax preparation.

H & R Block is one of the world’s largest tax services providers, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals and having prepared more than 550 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In addition, H & R Block has prepared one in every seven U.S. tax returns and more than 24 million tax returns worldwide since 2010. The company has a retail office within five miles of most Americans.

H & R Block is open during tax season with many offices open year-round.

Share Your Business Experience: Complete 26th Business Climate Survey

In the past few days, the 26th Business Climate Survey, conducted by Marvin and Company, the local Chambers and the University at Albany School of Business has been mailed to over 13,000 members representing 10 Chambers. This year, an online survey is available for your responses if you choose not to return the mailed survey.

Now in its 26th year, the survey was developed to respond to the Chambers and prospective clients seeking to assess the regional business marketplace and how it will affect their contracting, expanding and hiring. In order to offer the best barometer, Marvin and Company and the UAlbany School of Business compile a business climate survey in conjunction with the local Chambers of Commerce to discern what concerns and projections area businesses have for the year ahead. With an approximately ten percent return rate, the survey offers valuable insights that can be used by Marvin and Company, the Chambers, economic developers, government leaders and businesses.

To reply to the survey online, please click here.

H & R Block Reopens in Rotterdam

From left: Chamber President Charles Steiner; Assemblyman James Tedisco; H & R Block Representative Penna Smith; Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell, Holiday Inn Schenectady

H & R Block celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on January 3, 2012. H & R Block is located at 1148 Altamont Avenue (Hannaford Plaza), Rotterdam. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

H & R Block remodeled the inside of its office and rebuilt the roof, which blew off during Hurricane Irene this past year. District Manager Dorothea Weisinger said, “I inherited this location as an incoming district manager, and it has been in Schenectady County for more than years. The office staff just loves the community as well as the people in Schenectady County.”

H & R Block focuses on personalized help regardless of whether you prefer to work face-to-face, online, with a tax professional or on your own. Weisinger added, “We are here to serve the community in which we reside and work.” H & R Block also does a variety of preparation from free taxes to all the way up to a business or corporation tax preparation.

H & R Block is one of the world’s largest tax services providers, utilizing more than 100,000 highly trained tax professionals and having prepared more than 550 million tax returns worldwide since 1955. In addition, H & R Block has prepared one in every seven U.S. tax returns and more than 24 million tax returns worldwide since 2010. The company has a retail office within five miles of most Americans.

H & R Block is open during tax season with many offices open year-round.

The Schenectady Centennial Business Awards Program

The Chamber of Schenectady County is interested in any business that has operated in Schenectady continuously for 100 years or more. They will be awarded the Schenectady Centennial Business Award, established to acknowledge Schenectady’s oldest businesses for enriching our economic heritage, at the Chamber’s Annual Good News Luncheon on April 26. The award will acknowledge Schenectady’s businesses: Schenectady Day Nursery (110 Years), Merriam Insurance (117 years) and GE (125 years) that have enhanced our community life during the last hundred plus years. The Chamber will also acknowledge other businesses celebrating significant anniversaries.

Please e-mail Gail Kehn at gkehn@schenectadychamber.org if you know of a business that the Chamber should acknowledge.

Our Town: Schenectady Preview Screening

Please join WMHT, with sponsors MVP and Price Chopper, for a preview screening of Our Town: Schenectady on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7 p.m. in GE Theatre at Proctors. To reserve your spot, please call 518.880.3400 or email rsvp@wmht.org. Space is limited, so register today!

ShaunMahoney Consulting Announces Spring 2012 Classes

ShaunMahoney consulting is very excited to announce our Spring 2012 dates for our Management Training Programs at Siena College.

• The Executive Manager Training Program begins on Thursday, February 9 and runs for six weeks: February 16, March 1, 15, 22 and 29. This program focuses on organizational management and is for seasoned managers that are in or are being groomed for senior management positions. This class will be limited to 20 participants. The application deadline is January 26, 2012 for this class.

• The New Manager Training Program begins on Monday, March 5 and runs for four weeks: March 12, 19 and 26. This program focuses on team management and is for relatively new managers or individuals being groomed their first management positions. This class will be limited to 25 participants. The application deadline is February 23, 2012 for this class.
• WE NOW HAVE AN EARLY REGISTRATION RATE AVAILABLE. Here is the direct link to the management programs www.shaunmahoney.com/training-programs

Post Your Community Events on Our Community Calendar

Share your community events! Please put your community event on the Chamber of Schenectady County’s community calendar. All events entered into the calendar will be shared and displayed on the Say Schenectady tourism site and Schenectady County website calendar. If the event takes place in downtown Schenectady, it will appear on the Downtown Schenectady site as well. Submitting an event is easy, just go to www.schenectadychamber.org and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click on “submit an event”, complete the form and hit submit on the bottom of the page. The event will appear on the calendar within 1 – 3 days. Please enter your events as soon as you schedule them!! Many organizations use the calendar as a planning tool to avoid conflicts.

If you have questions, please call Dawn Bell at the Chamber office 518.372.5656 ext. 3012.

Capital Region BOCES and Schenectady County Community College Team Up to Meet the Region's Rising Demand for Skilled Manufacturing Workers

A course offered by the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School and endorsed by Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) will help meet the region’s growing demand for a skilled, high-tech workforce by training local adults to become Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technicians.

Enrollment is currently underway in the class, which begins on February 6 at BOCES, and includes a group of adult learners funded through a grant secured by SCCC and supported by local employers with positions to fill in the area of advanced manufacturing.

"At Schenectady County Community College (SCCC), we consistently hear from manufacturing employers looking for ways to increase the talent pool of skilled technicians. In response to those needs, we are looking for ways to partner with existing training providers and develop new programming. This joint partnership with Capital Region BOCES is an excellent example of two dedicated groups working together to address a critical regional need," said Quintin B. Bullock, President of SCCC.

Added Matthew Grattan, Executive Director of Workforce Development at SCCC: "As we looked for curriculum that would provide these skills for a grant proposal we were submitting, we reached out to the Capital Region BOCES to utilize the Manufacturing Skills Standard Council (MSSC) Certified Production Technician (CPT) course. We verified with our three business partners in the grant that this training was what they needed to establish these foundational skills in safety, quality, process and maintenance. The fact that this certification is endorsed by the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) lends credibility to the training and provides an opportunity for students to gain a competitive edge in pursuing and advancing their career in the manufacturing industry."

Capital Region BOCES District Superintendent Dr. Charles S. Dedrick said, “Our BOCES’ goal is to provide high-quality educational and support services that not only meet the current needs of the students and school districts we serve, but which also are an investment in our region's economy and its future. Our regional effort is also emblematic
of our mission to support lifelong learning while addressing our region’s demand for a technologically skilled, 21st century workforce.”

The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council’s MSSC Certified Production Technician certification is a nationally portable and industry-recognized credential that prepares individuals for jobs in manufacturing production. The course includes 140 hours of integrated classroom instruction divided into four modules, which teach core technical skills, applied academics and employability skills:

• Safety
• Quality Practices and Measurement
• Manufacturing Processes and Production
• Maintenance Awareness

The MSSC Certified Production Technician course will be offered beginning on February 6 at the Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School on Career Path, 1015 Watervliet-Shaker Road, in Colonie. Class will meet
Monday through Thursday from 5:30-8:30 p.m. through May 10 (except for the weeks of February 20 and April 9).

Tuition is $2000. Unemployed adult learners may be eligible for financial assistance via their local New York State Department of Labor One Stop Center. A list of One Stop Centers can be found at: http://www.labor.ny.gov/workforcenypartners/osview.asp.

To register, contact Sharon Hornbach at Capital Region BOCES Adult Education, via email at shornbac@gw.neric.org
or phone, 518.862.4707.

The nationwide MSSC System, based upon industry-defined and federally-endorsed national standards, offers both entry-level and experienced workers the opportunity to demonstrate that they have acquired the skills increasingly needed in the technology-intensive jobs of the 21st century. A wide variety of U.S. manufacturers endorse the MSSC program and employ Certified Production Technicians, including Cummins, Ford, Harley-Davidson, Kawasaki, Lockheed Martin, Master Lock and Tropicana.

The Capital Region BOCES provides a wide range of educational and support services and programs to residents of 55 school districts throughout a nine-county region, including adult & continuing education, career and technical education, special education, alternative education, regional information services, school support and business and administrative services. For more information, visit www.capitalregionboces.org .

Cross Pointe Innovatons Celebrates 3 Year Anniversary

Cross Pointe Innovations celebrated its third anniversary on January 2. Since their doors opened in 2009 Cross Pointe has reached $1.5 million in total savings. This achievement was reached by finding on average 25.3% savings for their customers including the current 112 clients nationwide. Cross Pointe specializes in helping businesses save money on its existing cellular services.

Cross Pointe Innovations is a communication consulting firm which provides businesses with a “one stop shop” for maximizing their communication spends. The Communication Savings Program offered to businesses of all sizes the opportunity to save money on their wireless and land line services without charge. “If we can’t save you money with your existing services – we don’t get paid!”

Devils & GE Host 'GE Kids-in-Free Night' at Times Union Center

For the second consecutive year, the Albany Devils have partnered with GE for “GE Kids-In-Free Night” at the Times Union Center on Saturday, January 14 when the Devils host the Syracuse Crunch. All children 12-and-under will receive a free game ticket when accompanied by an adult with a ticket. Additionally, the first 1,000 kids to arrive for the 7 p.m. game will receive a GE sponsored Albany Devils t-shirt.

“This event was one of the highlights of our season last year,” said Devils CEO Chris Ciceri. “There was an overwhelming sense of youth and vibrancy in the arena and we hope we can recapture that experience for the thousands in attendance.”

"We're excited to team with the Devils for the second year in a row to offer a ‘GE Kids-In-Free Night’ for local families,” said Communications and Public Affairs Manager for GE Energy Christine Horne. “GE is proud to support a variety of family-friendly activities encompassing a range of interests and to offer Kids in Free opportunities at several Capital Region venues."

The first ever Albany Devils “GE Kids-In-Free Night” was held on February 18, 2011 and the event drew the third-largest crowd of the season.

Other GE Kids-In-Free events have been held at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, at Tri-City ValleyCats contests and Siena and UAlbany basketball games.

Children will be the focus of the night with a wide array of activities targeted at kids during breaks in the action.

Schenectady County Announces Grant Program

Schenectady County has announced the continuation of the County Initiative Arts Grant Program (CIP) for 2012-2013. Dedicated funds from Schenectady County's Hotel/Motel Bed Tax will be distributed to local organizations in support of activities in historic preservation and the performing, visual, and literary arts.

Organizations serving the Schenectady County community may apply. Potential applicants should be aware of the following guidelines:

• Proposed projects must take place between April 1, 2012 and March 31, 2013, allowing the County to offer year-round support to worthy organizations.
• The application deadline is February 20, 2011.
• Additional consideration will be given to those organizations who demonstrate collaboration with other Schenectady County nonprofit organizations to complete the project.
• Additional consideration will be given to projects that are proposed as part of an existing or proposed Schenectady County Special Event.

Complete guidelines, the application process, and grant eligibility requirements are outlined in the 2012-2013 Schenectady County CIP Grant Application, which can be downloaded from the official Schenectady County website, www.schenectadycounty.com/CIP (application can be downloaded either in Adobe PDF or MS Word format). Any organization unable to download the application from the website may obtain an official application form by contacting Wendy Voelker, Schenectady County’s Special Events Coordinator at 518.388.4603 or wendy.voelker@schenectadycounty.com. Copies of the application are also available in the County Manager’s Office, 6^th Floor of the County Office Building, located at 620 State Street in Schenectady.

American Red Cross & Dunkin' Donuts Launch Annual 'Give A Print, Get A Pound' Campaign

For the fifth year in a row, Dunkin' Donuts and the American Red Cross are teaming up for the "Give a Pint, Get a Pound" campaign, which provides a coupon for a free pound of Dunkin' Donuts coffee* to all presenting donors at Red Cross blood drives during the month of January in the greater Capital Region.

The campaign is in celebration of National Blood Donor Month and helps increase awareness about the need for blood. The campaign has achieved great success during the past four years as Dunkin' Donuts has provided more than 350,000 pounds of coffee to presenting donors, and if one donation may help save three lives, Dunkin Donuts has potentially helped more than one million patients. Donated blood is used to help accident victims, trauma patients, transplant recipients, and those receiving treatment for life-threatening illnesses.

Capital Region residents joined local Dunkin' Donuts franchisees and representatives from the Red Cross to launch this year's program on Friday with a blood drive at Dunkin' Donuts on Troy-Schenectady Road in Latham, NY. During the blood drive, Capital Region resident Christopher Carnes, a longtime Apheresis donor, spoke about his experience and the overall importance of donating blood and the American Red Cross. Instead of giving one pint of whole blood, an Apheresis donation involves using a machine to separate needed blood components - an efficient way to directly help patients in hospitals.

"We have lived through an unprecedented economic downturn in the past five years, but the support of Dunkin' Donuts has remained steadfast in their desire to help patients in the communities they serve," said Donna M. Morrissey, Director of Communications for the American Red Cross Blood Services - Northeast Division. "We are very appreciative of Dunkin' Donuts for its ongoing dedication to our lifesaving mission through the 'Give a Pint, Get a Pound' campaign which helps the Red Cross increase blood collections so that we can meet the daily needs of patients in area hospitals during the winter months."

"Dunkin' Donuts is proud to partner with the American Red Cross once again to provide our coffee as a gift to those who give blood," said Eric Stensland, Field Marketing Manager for Dunkin' Donuts. "We encourage all eligible blood donors to give blood and help those in need in our communities."

Dunkin' Donuts and the Red Cross are thanking donors who support the community blood supply by rolling up their sleeves to give the gift of life. Because winter is often a challenging time for blood collections due to severe weather and flu season, the "Give a Pint, Get a Pound" campaign helps boost blood collections when patients need it most. In addition, participating local Dunkin' Donuts restaurants are hosting blood drives throughout the month to collect blood for patients in need.

During the blood drive, the American Red Cross announced that one Capital Region resident who donates blood during the month of January will receive $100 Dunkin' Donuts card.

To donate blood during the month of January, call 1.800.RED CROSS 1.800.733.2767 or visit redcrossblood.org.

*Coupons are redeemable at participating Dunkin' Donuts locations. Coupons are non-transferrable and not redeemable for cash.

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna Partner Elected President of Albany County Bar Association

Robert T. Schofield, a partner with Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, will be sworn in as president of the Albany County Bar Association on Tuesday, January 10, 2012 at the Albany County Courthouse. He has served on the Association’s Board in various capacities since 2004.

Mr. Schofield has been with Whiteman Osterman & Hanna since 2000. Mr. Schofield’s areas of expertise include public sector labor and employment law, collective bargaining, education law, and general litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Schofield was the confidential law clerk to the Hon. Justices Bernard J. Malone, Jr. and Joseph Harris of the New York State Supreme Court and had previously served as an Appellate Court Attorney with the New York State Supreme Court, Appellate Division, Third Department.

Mr. Schofield will devote his term to the Association’s continued efforts to support and improve the profession and judicial system. The Albany County Bar Association has over 1,300 members.

Innogen Business Accelerator Lunch & Learn

Please join Innogen on Thursday, January 19 at Union Graduate College, located at 80 Nott Terrace, Schenectady in Room 002 for a "Risk Management For Start-ups and Small Business" lunch and learn with Steven Lobel, Vice President of Sales and Marketing with Anchor Agency, Inc.

If the future could be predicted with 100% accuracy, individuals and organizations could plan precisely how to avoid or address their exposures to loss. The fact is that unknown events can thwart predictions of performance, preventing individuals and organizations from accomplishing expected results.

Risk management is an all-encompassing approach to handling risk by identifying, analyzing, controlling and financing risk.

For more information or to register, please call 518.631.0473 or email execdir@ustartincubator.org.

Introducing Mobile Edition Websites From Newkey Media Solutions

This is the next evolution since the Internet: Mobile edition websites for business. It's time to get your game on with Newkey Media Solutions as they introduce mobile edition websites. It's time to become mobile as smart phones have evolved. More and more business today isn't done just on the computer at work or home anymore. That's where your next potiential sale is! People are now searching for a product or service that you provide...on a mobile device.

Ask Newkey Media Solutions how to get yours before your competition does. For more information, please call 518.899.4103 or visit www.newkeymedia.com.

Students Learn Calm and Focus at Peaceful Acres

"There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man."
—Winston Churchill

It was cold, sometimes “smelly” and definitely outside of their comfort-zones. But after spending time at Peaceful Acres Horses, students at the Special Education division’s Rotterdam Academy 1 know a lot more about trust, act more kindly and patiently with fellow students, and can work more successfully as a team.

Credit and thanks for inspiring this growth goes to the gentle and patient four-legged teachers the students befriended at the farm.

Peaceful Acres Horses is a unique farm located in Pattersonville, N.Y. where rescued and retired horses are rehabilitated and guide children and adults in healing emotionally, psychologically and physically. During the six weekly sessions the RA1 students spent at the picturesque Peaceful Acres, they were introduced to the sights, sounds and sensations of the rural outdoors— a novelty for some who live in more urban settings. They also learned important lessons — basic caretaking and grooming, how to remain calm and still in the presence of a frightened horse —through a series of activities designed to build trust and familiarity between horses and humans.

“It has been interesting to see how far the children have come in terms of their confidence and ability to be calm and attentive after being with the horses,” said fifth grade special education teacher Brian Kenney, whose students along with those in teacher Jen Yamin’s class were the first from RAI to spend time at the farm. “Seeing the looks of determination on the students’ faces and watching them confront their fears, find ways to solve problems and stay focused has been great to witness.”

Next spring, the two primary elementary grade classes at RAI will learn at the farm. The school’s youngest students will also attend a “farm day” to introduce them to Peaceful Acres. This, along with other activities, is part of the Special Education division’s move to incorporate social and emotional learning experiences into all aspects of its students’ education.

Don't Miss the Event of the Year: The Love & Hope Ball

Please come on out for this black-tie Mardi Gras Masquerade Ball to benefit Hannah's Hope Fund for GAN. This special event will take place on Saturday, February 4 from 6:30 - 11:30 p.m. at The Historic Desmond Hotel in Albany.

There will be live music by The Refrigerators along with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres, carving stations and dessert stations.

Doors will open at 6 p.m. with a silent auction (open to the public) and will feature:

• Vacation getaways
• Gift Certificates
• Gift Baskets
• Sporting event packages
• Memorabilia
• and More...

You can purchase your tickets online at www.hannahshopefund.org or by mail at PO Box 130 Clifton Park, NY 12148.

Cost is $150 per person and only 400 tickets will be sold. All proceeds benefit Hannah's Hope Fund, a registered 501c3 public charity dedicated to funding research for a treatment and/or a cure for Giant Axonal Neurophay (GAN), a rare genetic disorder that takes away one's ability to walk, use one's hands, speak, swallow and is terminal. To learn more, please visit www.hannahshopefund.org.

Take AdvantEdge with Price Chopper on Events

Sports AdvantEdge:
Attention Ice Hockey Fans! With Price Chopper’s Sports AdvantEdge, Save $2 off admission to all Union College men’s and women’s home ice hockey games simply by showing your AdvantEdge card at the box office! Some restrictions apply. See venue for details. For more information, visit www.pricechopper.com.

Schenectady Symphony Orchestra:
Price Chopper is pleased to support the 2012 Season of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra – Music & Inspiration. Performances are at 3 p.m. on Sundays – January 22, and April 15 at Proctor’s Theatre. And, on March 11, don’t miss a special Serenade Concert – The SSO’s Sensational Strings in the GE Theatre at Proctor’s at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.schenectadysymphony.org.

Music, Tarot Card Reading & Cooking Classes at Cafe NOLA

Please join Cafe NOLA at 617 Union Street, Schenectady for these programs on the following evenings:

• Wednesday, January 11 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. - Sandy Menzer, Spiritual Intuitive. Sandy will provide Tarot card readings for your friends and family! Space is limited, so please call Sandy at 518.265.4872 or Cafe NOLA at 518.357.8628 as soon as possible.
• Saturday, January 14 at 7 p.m. - Big Creek, a three-piece Americana band with musical and writing influences from the great American melting pot combining elements of country, country swing, bluegrass, roackabilly, blues and pop.
• Saturday, January 21 at 7 p.m. - Jazz Connection, playing a variety of mainstream jazz.
• Wednesday, January 25 at 7 p.m. - Tom Benson and The Dyer Switch Band, playing hard-driving traditional and original bluegrass and acoustic music.
• Friday, January 27 at 7 p.m. - Holly & Evan, showcasing a wide range of original and cover material in the styles of Blues, Jazz, and Soul.
• Saturday, January 28 at 7 p.m. - A3, an acoustic string trio consisting of Bill Alston on steel string acoustic, Judd Staley on Nylon string, and Mike Dimin on various basses.

Cooking classes with Chef Brown will be starting on Tuesdays beginning January 24! Please call Cafe NOLA at 518.357.8628 to reserve your spot and click here for the class listing.

VNS Designated as One of the State's First Community Health Homes

The Visiting Nurse Service of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties (VNS) was recently designated as one of the State’s first Health Homes. The VNS, in partnership with Ellis Medicine and Hometown Health Center, and supported by insurers and community organizations, will begin bringing this innovative model of care to Schenectady County in February, 2012. It will be called “Care Central.”

The goal of the Health Home is to keep the community healthy by providing a virtual “home” where people receive personalized care through improved access to and coordination of the medical and support services they need. Connectivity will be supported by a secure, shared electronic patient record.

Starting with Medicaid patients with complex chronic health needs or mental health issues, Health Home services will eventually be available to everyone in Schenectady who has been hospitalized and then discharged from a hospital.

“It’s no secret that health care is costly, with systems of care that are often difficult to navigate. In the Capital District, 80% of the healthcare spending is spent on 20% of the patients. While much of this spending is the right care, there are significant shortcomings in the coordination of the right care at the right time. Through Care Central, we’ll be able to take even better care of our community, by connecting people with needed services when they need them,” explained VNS President & CEO Joseph Twardy. “By working together, we’re treating and supporting the whole patient while improving quality of life and reducing unnecessary health care costs,” he added.

Care Central will include:

• Doctors who emphasize primary and preventive care
• Mental health providers; case managers for people with complex needs
• Community support organizations
•  Improved hospital discharge process
• A “Field Team” sees patients in their homes
• A “Central Team” of clinicians available 24/7 to answer questions by phone
• “Navigators” to help people figure it all out.

Ellis Medicine President & CEO James W. Connolly is pleased to see the concept come together. “We’re excited that Schenectady is on the leading edge of such an innovative program. Through Care Central, we’ll provide the right care in the right place – reducing hospital readmissions and resulting in more effective use of the emergency department, “ he remarked. “By improving access to care and providing better coordination of care, this model has the potential to improve the health and well being of our entire community in years to come,” Connolly added.

Joe Gambino, CEO of Hometown Health Center said, “The community linkages are broad and deep from clinical services to assistance with food, clothing, housing, employment and other life needs. Never before have so many resources in our community come together on such a scale to treat the whole person.”

Good News Nominations Being Accepted

The Chamber is looking forward to sharing some “Good News” stories at its annual Good News Luncheon, set for Thursday, April 26.

Do you have “Good News” to celebrate or know of a business or organization that does? If so, please nominate them today. Click here to review the nomination form. Winners will be acknowledged at our annual luncheon. An expected sell-out crowd will be on hand for the event and we will honor several individuals, businesses and organizations that have been successful in their endeavors while having a positive effect on the economic development in our community and the quality of life of its residents.

Last year’s winners included: Rotary Clubs of Schenectady County, Phillips Hardware, Scotia Cinema, Hamburg Street Merchants Association, Schenectady Ambassadors Program, NBT Bank and the Rose Garden Restoration Committee. Their success is a testament to our community’s revitalization and strength and the commitment we all share to Schenectady County.

Union College to Host Career Fair

Please join Union College on Tuesday, February 21 at 807 Union Street in College Park Hall from 4-7 p.m. for its 2012 Union College Career Fair. The Career Fair is a terrific way for organizations to increase their brand recognition on campus and connect with students who are looking for full-time and internship opportunities, interested in pursuing graduate school, or in the beginning stages of exploring different career fields and opportunities. For the strategic employer and graduate school recruiter, this is a great way to connect with very bright students who can become a valuable source of future talent or a strong addition to your academic program.

Registration fees for the event are $100 for employers and $50 for graduate schools. The fee covers the cost of participation for two representatives from your organization including a table, chairs, publicity and a dinner buffet. Additional representatives are welcome at a charge of $25 per person.

Given the current state of the economy, Union will waive the registration fee for nonprofit organizations this year. Registration includes participation for one representative from your organization including a table, chair, publicity and a dinner buffet. Additional representatives are welcome at a charge of $25 per person.

To view the registration instructions, click here!

Registration Deadline: Tuesday, January 31, 2012

If you are unable to attend the career fair but would like to access Union students for full-time jobs and/or internship opportunities, you are welcome to participate in our other recruiting programs including:

• On-Campus recruiting
• Off-Campus recruiting
• Alumni Jobs Bulletin (for experienced hires).

Second Annual Valentine's Dinner at River Stone Manor

Please join River Stone Manor at 1437 Amsterdam Road, Glenville, for its second annual Valentine’s Dinner on Saturday, February 11, 2012. Enjoy hors d’oeuvres and a delectable three-course meal and live entertainment throughout the evening featuring The Accents! Reservations are required. Please call 518.382.8233 or visit www.riverstonemanor.com for details.

New Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center Headed for Proctors

Schenectady will locate a new Heritage Area Visitors Center at its biggest attraction, Proctors, in downtown Schenectady, local officials announced. Proctors hosted 1,728 events last year, attracting more than 600,000 people to downtown Schenectady.

Mayor Gary McCarthy said, “The City is pleased to cooperate fully with this effort to create a Visitors Center that will showcase Schenectady and offer residents and guests information about our heritage and our future as a technology leader.”

“Placing the Visitors Center at Proctors makes perfect sense. Working together we’ve created a new and exciting environment in Schenectady County with Proctors as our centerpiece. This new Center will show all that we have to offer including thriving businesses, restaurants, and theaters that our residents and visitors can enjoy,” said Judy Dagostino, Chair of the Schenectady County Legislature.

“This is an exciting initiative for Proctors,” said CEO Philip Morris. “The Heritage Area Visitors Center is yet another step toward achieving our goal of making Proctors an important gathering place for the community – and for those visiting Schenectady. We’re pleased to move this project forward with the strong support of the City, County and Metroplex.”

The project will be funded by a $180,000 Federal Highway Administration National Scenic Byways Grant administered by the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT). A $40,000 local match will be provided by the Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority.

Eric Hamilton, Chair of the Scenic Byway Program said, “The Mohawk Towpath Byway is excited about this project and the opportunity that it provides. The visitor center is located at the western gateway to the Mohawk Towpath Byway in an area that will capture the interests of large numbers of residents and visitors alike. The materials presented here will spark further interest in our area's heritage and encourage further exploration as a visitor leaves the center.

Mark Woods, Coordinator of the Scenic Byways Program at NYSDOT, said, "The new visitors center will celebrate the local, regional and nationally significant story of this historic area at the crossroads of two designated scenic byways in the heart of Schenectady."

ADIRONDACK Studios, an Argyle, NY firm that has been the fabricator of sets for Disney’s The Lion King as well as sets for the Boston, Los Angeles and New York Opera companies was commissioned along with Stracher Roth Gilmore Architects of Schenectady to design the new facility that will be located across from the Proctor’s box office. The 1,200 square foot exhibit area will be easily accessible from the State Street entrance of Proctors entertainment complex.

The project will feature five areas that highlight the legacy of Schenectady area and alert visitors to the role that Schenectady plays in green energy and other emerging technologies. The five exhibit areas include History, Landmarks, Industry, Culture and Visionaries.

The Visitors Center exhibit has state of the art digital print and TV technologies. The area includes enhanced lighting to highlight the area – and a new ceiling over and adjacent to the exhibits will create an intimate space to view and participate in the exhibits. The exhibit space will also include display racks to showcase marketing materials on various historic points and places of interest within Schenectady County and the Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway.

A unique feature of the Visitors Center is that it is designed to be a revolving exhibit, enabling Proctors to introduce new subject matter throughout the year. The exhibit panels are designed to be easily and cost effectively updated.

Representatives from numerous organizations came together to develop the content of the exhibit including the Schenectady County Historical Society, Schenectady Museum, Mabee Farm, local historians, Proctors History Committee, Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway, Revolutionary Byway and the City of Schenectady.

The Mohawk Towpath Scenic Byway is a national and state designated byway from Waterford to Schenectady. It connects to the Revolutionary Byway that runs to Port Ontario.

Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair and Commissioner of Economic Development for Schenectady County said, “By working together we were able to utilize this grant funding to take a high visibility space within the Proctors complex that was not being utilized and turn it into a resource that will help theater goers and other visitors to downtown learn about everything that Schenectady County has to offer.”

Keep Your New Year's Resolution: Clean Up Your Home and Office

Please join United Way and Colt recycling for a recycling event on Monday and Tuesday, January 9 and 10 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. at the United Way Offices, One United Way (just off Washington Avenue Extension), Albany. With this partnership you can turn your electronic waste into help for your community! It's simple:

• Bring your electronic waste to United Way's Colt Recycling event for destruction and recycling. These services are FREE. You will NOT be charged in any way.
• Colt Recycling will recycle your electronic waste in a secure environmentally friendly manner. Colt Recycling keeps more than 99% of all materials out of landfills!
• Colt Recycling will donate 20% of all proceeds from the value of recycled material waste to United Way of the Greater Capital Region!

You can also host - at NO COST to you or your organization - a Colt Recycling Day. It's a great way to help your community, get rid of end-of-life, outdated or broken electronics AND protect our environment!

For more Colt Recycling events, to schedule an event for your organization or to learn more, please call 518.377.9900. For information on recycling and material destruction services, visit www.coltrecycling.com.

Below are the following items will be accepted at NO CHARGE:

• Computers/laptops and monitors
• Cell phones and handheld devices
• Printers and scanners
• Stereo systems, radios and MP3 players
• Telephones/systems
• Back-up power supplies
• Microwave ovens
• ...and more!

For more information please contact Brian Meers at 518.377.9900

Televisions will NOT be accepted at this event.

GlobalFoundries to Host Career Fair

Please join GlobalFoundries for a career fair on Thursday, January 12 from 4 - 7 p.m. at the Saratoga County Administration Building located at 4 McMaster Street, Ballston Spa.

GlobalFoundries is the world's first semiconductor foundry with a truly global manufacturing and technology footprint. Join us to speak with a company representative regarding current open positions as well to learn about how to successfully prepare for a future career in the semiconductor industry. Sample of current career opportunities include:

• Failure Analysis Technician
• Wafer Fab Operator
• Logistics Technician
• Facilities Technician
• Administrative Assistant
• Finance Analyst
• Process Technician
• Fab Engineering

This career fair is hosted by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors. For more information, contact Supervisor Anita Daly, adaly@saratogacountyny.gov or call 518.885.2240.

Capital Region SUNY Showcase

Chancellor Nancy L. Zimpher invites you to participate in a Capital Region SUNY Showcase with Schenectady County Community College, the University at Albany, Empire State College, Columbia Green Community College, Hudson Valley Community College, SUNY Cobleskill and SUNY Adirondack on Friday, February 24 from 11 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. at Schenectady County Community College in Elston Hall at 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady.

Join us in the third year of The Power of SUNY to celebrate the best of the State University and our most innovative and exciting programs.  We invite you to explore the 10 regions and 10 showcase days.  Join us in your Region, or follow us all year!

To make your reservation, please call 518.320.1158 or e-mail capitaldistrict.showcase@suny.edu, or for more information please visit www.suny.edu.

BPW Presents 'Network to Connect' Dinner Forum

Your organization is invited to join the Schenectady Business & Professional Women (BPW) for Network to Connect Dinner and Discussion Forum on Tuesday, January 24.

Network to Connect brings together members of local women’s organizations to provide ideas, tools and partnerships in fulfilling the missions of participating organizations during these difficult economic times. The results can include planning collaboration and creation of new programs among our organizations as well as sustaining current successful programs. Dinner discussion groups will tackle issues which affect all of our organizations such as:

• Program funding in the current economic climate
• Use of technology and social media to enhance effectiveness of local organizations
• Maintaining active membership levels.

The forum will take place at The Stockade Inn, located at One North Church, Schenectady on Tuesday, January 24 from
5 - 9 p.m.

Included in cost of $48: Exhibit table, dinner for one representative, forum and grant writing workshops for your organization’s members to be held in February/March 2012.

Included in cost or $28: Dinner per representative, forum $20 community table for organization literature or materials

For questions regarding this event or to make your reservation, please contact Elena Alvarez at 518.377.3632 or e-mail ealv111@aol.com or contact Stephanie Schechter at 518.393.5847 or e-mail schechter.stephanie@gmail.com. Dinner choices will be emailed upon receipt of dinner reservations.

Learn About the IdeaSpec Venture Fund

Please join Innogen Business Accelerator on Tuesday, January 10 at Union Graduate College 80 Nott Terrace, Schenectady (Corner of Liberty Street) Room 002 from 4 - 5:30 p.m. for IdeaSpec Venture Fund (Innogen's Financing Entity) with David Dussault, President and CEO, DHA Holdings, Inc.

The IdeaSpec Venture Fund is the financing entity for companies that successfully complete Innogen's Entrepreneur Boot Camp.  IdeaSpec will be making $10K seed investments into two companies, Chefkey and dkorr.  IdeaSpec is looking to raise $1MM USD to invest in technology based startups in NY's Capital Region.  IdeaSpec is open for additional investors who wish to engage in a fund that will generate significant returns and have an impact on their surrounding communities.

To make your reservation, please call 518.522.0112.

Issues Update from The Business Council

The Chamber of Schenectady County is an active member of The Business Council of New York State (BCNYS), which represents the interests of large and small firms throughout the state. Its membership is made up of thousands of member companies, as well as local chambers of commerce and professional and trade associations.

The primary function of the BCNYS is to serve as an advocate for employers in the state political and policy-making arena, working for a healthier business climate, economic growth and jobs.

Each month, The Business Council publishes The State Report to update employers on the latest pertinent legislative issues in the state. Click here to download the latest version.

KeyBank, Schenectady Celebrate Success of 'Key To The City' Program

KeyBank and the City of Schenectady this week gave an update on their successful 'Key to the City' program, which offers affordable financing and additional financial education support to Schenectady homebuyers.

Closed sales jumped 81.8 percent from November 2010 to November 2011 according to the Greater Capital Association of Realtors. Sales prices rose 8 percent, from $98,000 to $106,000, in that same period; and the number of days on the market before sale fell from 120 to 96, showing rising demand for homes in Schenectady.

“Housing sales improved considerably, thanks in part to Key to the City,” reported Mayor Gary McCarthy. “That’s very good news for Schenectady,” McCarthy added. “The goal of Key to the City was to bring new middle class residents into Schenectady and provide new energy to the ongoing work of revitalizing our neighborhoods. It has done just that. And we’ve only just begun.”

The City also will be holding several open houses on President’s Day weekend in February, offering potential home buyers the opportunity to see up close the houses available through the program. Visitors to the open houses will also have the opportunity to speak with city officials from the police and fire departments and the city school district that will be attending the open houses.

“We are pleased and proud of the progress brought to Schenectady by the Key to the City partnership,” said Jeff Stone, president, Capital Region, KeyBank. “Since September, KeyBank has closed on seven home loans in Schenectady. We have eight loans in progress and 19 preapproved applicants, and we have received more than 189 inquiries from potential homebuyers.”

Mayor McCarthy also awarded Stone the prestigious Schenectady Patroon Award at a press conference Tuesday morning in recognition for his role in making Key to the City such a success.

“Jeff has been very supportive of this program and our city, and we wanted to repay his commitment to Schenectady’s revitalization efforts by giving him this award that represents the city’s highest honor,” said Mayor McCarthy.

Past Schenectady Patroon Award winners include Proctors CEO Philip Morris; industrialist and civic leader Harry Apkarian; NYS Senator Hugh Farley; actor, governor and President Ronald Reagan; heavyweight boxing champion Rocky Marciano and local labor activist Helen Quirini.

“I am honored to receive the Patroon Award from the city,” said Stone. “Key is pleased to partner with the city on this program and help in its revitalization, and I personally am humbled by this award. We look forward to a long and fruitful partnership with the city and with Mayor McCarthy.”

Key to the City offers very attractive features to encourage people to purchase owner-occupied properties in Schenectady. For example, income caps have traditionally limited access to special homeownership programs for middle- and upper-income homebuyers; but the Key to the City program does not include such caps, and this will attract buyers of diverse income levels.

“Working with the City of Schenectady, we developed Key to the City to foster sustainable neighborhood growth and community improvement by packaging financial education with low-cost financing to promote the purchase and rehabilitation of homes in Schenectady,” said Jeff Stone. “We are committed to supporting ongoing efforts to rebuild this great city and proud to invest in those efforts.”

“This program has already generated significant interest, and we are thrilled about that,” said Mayor McCarthy. “But to help this partnership and this achievement grow even more, I am asking police, fire, and school district officials to send representatives to all of these open houses so they may assist prospective buyers, answer any questions they may have, and share information about neighborhood programs and schools.”

The Key to the City program offers:

• Up to 100 percent first mortgage financing on purchase transactions for 1-2 unit, owner-occupied properties at affordable interest rates, with no private mortgage insurance (PMI) required
• No upfront costs or application fees, unless the loan request is cancelled or denied
• A discount on closing fees with a qualified KeyBank checking account
• Buyers must contribute $500 of own funds
• Sellers may contribute up to 6 percent toward closing costs or prepaid items on homes with a purchase price of $60,000 and under
• A special Renew-a-Home provision allows financing up to 150 percent of the appraised value, including up to $50,000 for rehab costs when certain criteria is met
• Pre purchase homebuyer education on home-buying for first-time homebuyers
• Voluntary quarterly post purchase follow-up financial education
• No maximum income cap on the purchase of properties in low-income and moderate-income (LMI) tracts. Income for borrowers in middle- and upper-income tracts must be less than 80 percent of the HUD median income which is not adjusted for family size
• All credit products are subject to credit approval and product parameters.

KeyBank chose to link affordable financing with financial education under the Key to the City banner due to its extensive experience in offering financial education as part of its commitment to providing financial services in low- and moderate-income (LMI) neighborhoods.

“We recognize that true growth and prosperity mean more than just providing easier access to money,” explained Jeff Stone. “We have therefore created a program that adds financial education to help ensure successful and sustainable home ownership.”

“We look to Key to the City to open the door for many families into home ownership in a growing city that will be proud to welcome them as neighbors,” said Mayor Gary McCarthy.

January JazzFest to Benefit Free Clinic

Come and enjoy a fun-filled evening of great music, sumptuous hors d'oeuvres and an exciting array of silent auction items on Saturday, January 7 from 7 - 10 p.m. at The Stockade Inn, One North Church Street, Schenectady.

The JazzFest will feature Doc Spring & the Rehabilitated, Dixieland Jazz Band with a special guest appearance by Colleen Pratt.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Schenectady Free Clinic and its patients. Tickets are $60 each and seating is limited so please reserve your seats today by calling 518.344.7067.

Valentine's Day Dinner From Foods & Frosting

Please join Foods & Frosting located at Glenridge Plaza, Glenville for the only thing missing is you...Valentine. Take home an extraordinary full-course meal for two for just $55 plus tax.

Choose from filet mignon (cooked to order), shrimp scampi or chicken marsala. Served with grilled vegetables over polenta, roasted scallion risotto and garden salad. Includes two Belgium chocolate-dipped strawberries and French silk.

Please place your order by February 10 for pick-up only by calling 518.384.2696 for the bakery or 518.384.2697 for the kitchen. Please also check out www.foodsandfrostings.com.

Volunteers Needed at Joan Nicole Prince Home

Compassionate and caring individuals are needed to assist with resident care giving in a beautiful homelike environment at the Joan Nicole Prince Home located at 22 Glenview Drive in Scotia.

The Joan Nicole Prince Home, a community home for the terminally ill, is looking for individuals wishing to "make a difference' by caring for people who lack the support and options to remain at home during their final days. Volunteers are needed to help provide care to two residents in their last months of life. Training and ongoing support is provided.

An eight-hour training is being offered on Tuesday, January 24 and Thursday, January 26 from 5-9 p.m. with light dinner included. If interested, please attend an information meeting on Tuesday, January 10 at 6:30 p.m.

For more information or to register, please call 518.346.5471 or e-mail volcoorjnp@nycap.rr.com for a brief appointment prior to training.

Join Ellis Medicine for a 'Staying Well' Event

Please join The Foundation for Ellis Medicine for a "Staying Well" event on Thursday, January 12 from 12- 1:30 p.m. at Ellis Health Center (formerly St. Clare’s Hospital), 600 McClellan Street, Schenectady in the Robb Auditorium.

Make no bones about It! Learn about the care of bones, joints, muscles and nerves that allow your body to move; an important topic for all ages. Hear how to keep your bones healthy to prevent falls and enjoy an active life from leading orthopedist Dr. Robert Cooley, and our staff will show you how stretching exercises improve muscles, tendons and joints.

Seating is limited, and reservations are required. Please contact Karen Mantas at 518.243.4600 or email mantask@ellismedicine.org.

SEFCU Donates $205,000 to Rescue Missions and Food Pantries

SEFCU, one of the largest credit unions in upstate New York, will again answer the call of many struggling city/rescue missions throughout the Capital Region, Binghamton, Buffalo, and Syracuse by providing $205,000 to organizations in SEFCU’s service areas. In December 2010, SEFCU had a similar program for area city/rescue missions.

As a result of a down economy, more and more people are forced to turn to community organizations for food, clothing, and shelter, putting an additional strain on the budgets of these non-profit groups. In an effort to alleviate some of the financial burden, SEFCU is providing immediate donations to the following Capital Region organizations:

Capital Region

"The holidays are a time to remember how fortunate we are. At SEFCU, we remind ourselves, especially at this time of year, that there are men, women, and children in our communities who are in desperate need. The above organizations play an important role in helping our neighbors get back on their feet," said Michael J. Castellana, SEFCU president and CEO. “With people suffering, and the organizations that support them facing their own financial difficulties, SEFCU wanted to step up once again this year to help ease some of the burden.”

What Do Pets Wish For?

Even if you can't give him or her a forever home, you can still make a pet's wishes come true. Pet's wishes are simple: Freedom from hunger and fear...a soft bed...and most of all, to be loved. But even is your home is full, you can still help to ensure that our homeless pets will find their way to loving families.

Your support will provide shelter, food, medical care, spay or neuter surgery, and compassionate care until their magical day comes...the day when they go home!

Please make your year-end tax-deductible contribution today. No matter the amount, your gift will make a difference for wonderful pets who deserve to have their wishes fulfilled.

Thank you for caring the Animal Protective Foundation. To donate, please click here.

Schenectady County Historical Society Hosts Exhibit on New Netherland

The Schenectady County Historical Society is proud to announce that now on exhibit at the George E. Franchere Education Center at the Mabee Farm Historic Site is Light on New Netherland. This traveling exhibit, produced by the New Netherland Institute, consists of 26 two-dimensional panels, and introduces adults and children to important, but not well-known aspects of this part of the American history and culture.

Light on New Netherland provides insight into the role the Dutch played in the settlement and development of colonial America. Subjects discussed include exploration, the fur trade, the establishment of government, the practice of religion, the interactions between settlers and native peoples, and many other topics. This information provided in this exhibit is based on original Dutch documents in the collections of the New York State Library and State Archives.

Light on New Netherland was produced by the New Netherland Institute. The Institute works to enhance awareness of the Dutch history of colonial America by supporting the translation and publication of early Dutch documents through the New Netherland Project.

Many of the illustrations in the exhibition are the work of Len Tantillo, the foremost artist in recreating historical images of New Netherland. His work was just recently on display in the exhibit A Journey Through History: The Artistic Works of Len Tantillo, which was held at the George E. Franchere Education Center

“Illuminating New York’s Dutch Past,” a seventeen minute video about the New Netherland Project, accompanies the exhibit. This video, containing interviews with Dr. Charles Gehring and Dr. Janny Venema, provides some historical background about New Netherland. It also explains the importance of using documentary evidence, makes clear why the New Netherland documents are unique and important, relates the journey the documents took from 1674 to the present, and gives examples of the fascinating information found in these early records.

The exhibit will run through February 29. The George E. Franchere Education Center at the Mabee Farm Historic Site is located at 1100 Main Street Rotterdam Junction. For more information, go to www.schenectadyhistory.net, or contact Curator Ryan Mahoney at 518.374.0263. The George Franchere Education Center does have a full parking lot and is completely handicap accessible.

Ronald L. Guzior Named BST's Partner-in-Charge

BST, an Albany-based financial and management consulting firm with offices in New York City, is pleased to announce that Ronald L. Guzior has been appointed Partner-in-Charge of the firm’s Financial Services department, as well as Partner-in-Charge of the Tax department in the Albany Office.

"Ron has played an instrumental role in the growth and management of the Firm’s Financial Services department," said Steve Ferraro, BST's Managing Partner. "His extensive experience in both audit and tax makes him an excellent fit for this position.”

Ron joined BST in 1988, and held several positions before being named a Partner in 1998. He has extensive expertise in several specialty service areas, including not-for-profit organizations, construction contractors and closely held businesses. He is a member of the Firm’s Quality Control Committee and Board of Directors, and is a past recipient of the Certificate of Educational Achievement in Non-Profit Accounting and Auditing.

A licensed CPA in the State of New York, Ron is a member of the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Siena College. Ron currently serves as a Board member of St. Peter’s Health Partners, is a member of its Finance Committee and is Chairman of its Compliance and Audit Committee. Ron is also Past President of the Northeast Chapter of New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants. 

Schenectady Museum Receives $3,000 Education Grant

The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium has received a $3,000 Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) grant. The funds will be used to help cover the cost of integrating real-world examples of nanotechnology into the Museum’s existing exhibits through a “Nanotrail” of nanotechnology-related items and information.

“This project will excite visitors with information about careers in nanotechnology, and create linkages with existing nanotechnology programming at the Museum, such as school break activities, school field trips, educational curriculum, and teacher training workshops,” Grants & Annual Fund Coordinator Susanne Dorr said. “While a permanent exhibit is devoted to nanotechnology within the Museum’s 3,500 square-foot primary long-term exhibit Power House, the goal of this project is to expand the presence of nanotechnology information and create a “Nanotrail” through Power House that highlights the impact of nanotechnology on the other technologies featured within Power House.”

The Nanoscale Informal Science Education Network (NISE Net) is a national community of researchers and informal science educators dedicated to fostering public awareness, engagement, and understanding of nanoscale science, engineering, and technology. The NISE Network community in the United States is led by 14 organizations, and includes hundreds of museums and universities nationwide. NISE Net was launched in 2005 with funding from the National Science Foundation, and received a five-year renewal in 2010.

Founded in 1934, the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is the only science center in Tech Valley offering a multimedia experience for visitors of all ages. In addition to the Suits-Bueche Planetarium, which has the only GOTO Star Projector in the Northeast, the Museum houses the GE Photograph collection, with more than 1.6 million prints and negatives; an archival collection with more than 3,500 cubic feet of historic materials; and more than 25,000 objects relating to the history of science and technology. The Museum also offers FETCH! Lab, with hands-on activities patterned after the popular PBS show FETCH!, in collaboration with WHMT. During 2010, the Museum welcomed nearly 40,000 visitors, including students, researchers, business leaders, tourists, and many others.

Empire State Youth Orchestra to Play Concerts

Please join the Empire State Youth Orchestra (ESYO) at Niskayuna High School located at 1626 Balltown Road, Niskayuna on Saturday, January 21 at 3 p.m. for a classical music concert by ESYO's Repertory Orchestra.  Cost is $10 for adults and $6 for seniors & students. 

On Saturday, February 4 from 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. there will be a playathon, a day-long musical extravaganza featuring musicians of the Empire State Youth Orchestra.  There will be auctions to win the conductor's baton and lead on of the ESYO's orchestras in a familiar tune, as well as musical instrument petting zoo, by John Keal Music Company.  This event will take place at Crossgrates Mall,, Albany.  This fundraiser is to raise money for ESYO programs and scholarships. 

Then on Sunday, February 12 the Albany Pro Musica's High School Choral Festival with special guest ESYO's Repertory Orchestra will take place at 4 p.m. at Troy Savings Band Music Hall located at 30 Second Street, Troy.  All seats are $10. 

For more information, please call 518.382.7581 or visit www.esyo.org.

The Vision of The Region's Nonprofits

Join TechValley Nonprofit Business Council, a shared initiative of The Chamber of Schenectady County and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, for its "The Vision of the Regions Nonprofits" luncheon on Thursday, January 19 from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Shaker Ridge Country Club, 802 Shaker Road, Loudonville with guest speaker Karen Bilowith.

From her perspective as both President of the Community Foundation of the Greater Capital Region and member of the Capital Region Economic Development Council, Karen Bilowith will speak on the current state of nonprofits in Tech Valley, provide practical suggestions to help nonprofit leaders and managers position their organizations to gain access to funding, and offer insights into making peer connections, finding professional support and developing key relationships for future opportunities.

Cost is $20 per person. To register for this event, please call 518.431.1400 or visit www.acchamber.org/events.aspx.

Music and Specials This Week at Cafe NOLA

Please join Cafe NOLA at 617 Union Street, Schenectady for a special full-course meal on Saturday, December 31, New Year's Eve. The menu includes a glass of wine, prime rib or stuffed shrimp with Cajun stuffing and beignets with three dipping sauces for only $24.99.

Entertainment starts at 6:30 p.m. with the Jazz Connection's special New Year's Eve show. The Jazz Connection plays a variety of mainstream jazz.

To make your reservation, please call 518.357.8628.

Soup & Sammy in 30 Minutes or Less or It's on Us!

Get lunch in 30 minutes at Cafe NOLA or it's on us! We know you're busy, so stop in for lunch on Friday, December 23 and get any delicious sandwich or burger regularly priced at $8.99 for just $6.99 with a FREE cup of soup too! And get it within 30 minutes of placing your order or it's on us.

Click here to see the scrumptious sandwich menu.

Stop in for lunch or dinner and enjoy our tasty menu items including the Christmas Gumbo. Chef Brown adds alligator, crawfish and shrimp. Don't have time to sit down for a meal? We deliver to residences and businesses for orders over $20, or call or stop in for takeout.

Just us for a special full course menu on Christmas Eve. Includes a glass of wine, prime rib or stuffed shrimp with Cajun stuffing and beignets with 3 dipping sauces for dessert all for $24.99.

Call to make reservations today for Christmas Eve or New Year's Eve. We now offer delicious began and gluten-free items.

New Hours: Wednesday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Thursday thru Sunday's 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. We are closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

The restaurant will be closed from January 1 thru January 5, reopening Friday, January 6. Cooking classes with Chef Brown are coming on Tuesdays beginning January 24. Call Cafe Nola at 518.357.8628 to reserve your spot. Cafe NOLA is located at 617 Union Street, Schenectady.

Crossroads Offers Training

Join Crossroads on Tuesday, January 10 from 8:45 - 10:30 a.m. located at 1136 North Westcott Road Suite 100, Schenectady for "Reinforcement: It's not all stickers and M&Ms" presented by Carolyn Sniezyk, MS BCBA & Stormi Halpin, MS CAS. This session will reinforce negative behaviors even when we don't know it. Other times, we forge to reward appropriate behavior. This session will address types or reinforcement, how to determine what will be effective, as well as schedules or reinforcement and practical strategies to use at school or home.

Then on Monday, February 7 from 8:45 - 10:30 a.m.located at 1136NorthWestcottRoad Suite 100, Schenectady for "Strategies to Help Your Child Succeed" presented by Carolyn Sniezyk, MS BCBA & Kathy Heiner, MS Ed. This session there are numerous strategies that can be implemented to help students succeed, both at home and in the classroom. Some examples that will be revived in this session include the use ofvisual schedules, activity books, prompting procedures and task analysis procedures.

Also on Tuesday, March 6 from 8:45 - 10:30 a.m. located at 1136 North Westcott Road Suite 100, Schenectady for "Monitoring Student Progress" presented by Carolyn Sniezyk, MS BCBA & Vicki Ramotar, MS Ed. This session is one of the most important parts of programming for children is in evaluating and monitoring progress. This starts with goal writing, but also includes various types of data collection and charting. Through objective review and analysis, we will be able to easily and effectively monitor progress and document success.

Also sessions are $20 per session. To make your reservations, please call 518.280.0083 ext. 108.

27th Annual Capital Kwanzaa Celebration

This year's Capital Region Kwanzaa celebration will take place on Tuesday, December 27 from 4 - 9 p.m. at the New York State Museum on Madison Avenue, 4th Floor.

Kwanzaa includes an African Marketplace, workshops for adults and activities for children, teen workshop, drumming circle, candle-lighting ceremony, and entertainment. The program is free, but we ask each person to bring a fruit for the community fruit basket. We also welcome donations to help cover the costs of this event.

This year's Kwanzaa celebration occurs on the second day of Kwanzaa and the theme is kujichagulia (Koo gi cha goo lee a) or self-determination. We will honor three individuals from the community whose life work represents the theme of Kujichagulia. This year's honorees are Philip Fields from Schenectady, Willie White from Albany and Davia Gaddy from Troy.

Seven local community leaders will discuss the Nguzo Saba (7 Principles) in the candle lighting ceremony and we

will enjoy entertainment by community groups. There will be Zawadi (gifts) for all and sharing of the fruit.

There is still room for vendors. Call the Hamilton Hill Arts Center at 518.346.1262 or visit www.hamiltonhillartscenter.org for vending information.

KWANZAA SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES

4–7 p.m. African Marketplace, including food, jewelry, books and clothing

4:45-6:45 p.m. Workshops including Children’s Kwanzaa Crafts

5:00-5:30 p.m. Drumming workshop led by Zorkie Nelson

5–5:30 p.m. Nutrition workshop

5-5:45 p.m. Learn to be a producer: Youth workshop, by Ira McKinley

5:30-6 p.m. Kujichagulia: To define ourselves, name ourselves, create for ourselves and speak forourselves. Willie White

6-6:45 p.m. Youth Roundtable, Too Deep Entertainment

6-6:45 p.m. Adult Roundtable discussion “The New Jim Crow”, Richard Jackson

7-9 p.m. KWANZAA CANDLE LIGHTING CEREMONY AND ENTERTAINMENT

• Drum Welcome: Umoja Drummers
• Welcome: Karim Adeen Hassam (HHAC Board President)
• Libation, Neal Muata Currie
• Candlelighting Ceremony
• Kujichagulia Awards presented by Karim Adeen Hassam
• Harambee, Aaron Carter
• Performances include:
  Umoja Dancers and Drummers
  Solo by Don Hyman
  Gospel solo by Betty Harper
  Poetry by Marva Wray
  Kings and Queens Drill Team directed Andrew Malik Wray
  Katera Edwards
  Poetry by Jean Remy Monnay
  Vision Fulfilled
  Macedonia Men’s Choir

The Annual Capital Kwanzaa is brought to you by the Hamilton Hill Arts Center in collaboration with the New York State Museum, Ujima Journey, Price Chopper and partially funded by the New York State Council on the Arts.

Volunteers are needed to help with decorations, set up, and clean up, help with the children’s activities, help pass out fruit and gifts.

To get involved or for more information, visit our website www.hamiltonhillartscenter.org or call us at 518.346.1262.

CDPHP Announces Newest Medical Director

CDPHP^® is pleased to announce the addition of Dr. Nancy A. Schuster as its newest medical director. In this position, Dr. Schuster will provide leadership to and serve as a liaison between the physician community and CDPHP^®, while assisting with the implementation of the medical management, quality improvement and resource management initiatives. Dr. Schuster brings to CDPHP^® her expertise in leading a hospitalist program which will enhance our abilities to work collaboratively with area hospitals as we jointly pursue quality care for our members.

“I’m thrilled to welcome someone of Dr. Schuster’s caliber, passion and diverse background to our team,” said John D. Bennett, MD, president and CEO, CDPHP. “The addition of Dr. Schuster will help CDPHP provide even more assistance to our provider community, as we work together on initiatives to improve care for our members,” added Dr. Bennett.

Prior to joining CDPHP^®, Dr. Schuster was the medical director of the hospitalist and health resource management programs at Southwestern Vermont Medical Center. During this time, Dr. Schuster earned the designation of Fellow in Hospital Medicine (FHM) through the Society of Hospital Medicine. Dr. Schuster also served as the medical director for Southwestern Vermont Healthcare VNA and Hospice and is certified by the American Board of Hospice and Palliative Medicine.

Dr. Schuster earned her medical degree from Wright State University in Dayton, Ohio; a Master of Business Administration from the University of Tennessee; and a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and chemistry from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. She completed her residency in internal medicine at the University of Vermont, Fletcher Allen Health Care.

Dr. Schuster lives in Bennington, Vermont with her husband and three children.

Scotia-Glenville Dental Center Welcomes Eckstein and Berenshteyn

Scotia-Glenville Dental Center is pleased to welcome Dr. Charles Eckstein and Dr. Sergey Berenshteyn to its team. As an experienced practitioner, Dr. Eckstein looks forward to providing quality care in the area of general dentistry. Dr. Berenshteyn, a specialist in orthodontics and orthopedics, will provide patients with the highest level of care utilizing the latest technological advances in the industry.

Scotia-Glenville Dental Center is located at 214 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia. Make your appointment by calling 518.377.4431.

Paul Mitchell the School Hosts 'Secret Santa' for City Mission

The future professionals of Paul Mitchell the School had a Secret Santa with a special twist! Students picked the name of a classmate from a hat and bought that person a small gift that reminded them of that person. In turn, all of the gifts were donated to the City Mission of Schenectady! Donated gifts included Dora the Explorer dolls, Hot Wheels, Princess Slumber Party Totes, and Play-Doh.

Paul Mitchell the School gathered all the toys from their day and night clases and delivered them to City Mission at 425 Hamilton Street on December 22.

City Mission exists to meet the needs of the hungry and homeless in our community. They help people who are in poverty, they help people get out of poverty and they help people stay out of poverty.

The City Mission does this through their three branches of service:

• Community Outreach & Emergency Shelter Services (meals served to the community on a daily basis and emergency shelters for both men and women, as well as women and children)
• Freedom Academy (both long and short-term Discipleship & Recovery Programs)
• Transitional Housing and ASPIRE program which sees people through their transition (after graduating from Freedom Academy) and into sustainability

City Mission does not receive any government funds. They depend entirely on the contributions of concerned individuals, churches and businesses. All contributions are tax-deductible as permitted by law.

Click here to donate now!

2012 Energy Markets Outlook

From the consumers’ point of view, the last three years in the energy business have been unexpectedly benign. Electricity and natural gas prices have retreated from their high point in 2008. Some would say they have collapsed.

The causes for this are several, but generally obvious.

1. In mid-2008, the global financial crisis resulted in deep worldwide economic downturn second only to the Great Depression of the 1930s. The downturn eliminated a lot of demand from the energy markets. As businesses closed or curtailed, less energy was consumed, so prices came down. The combination of a slack U.S. economy with more than 8% unemployment, looming European recession and a slowdown of growth in Asia have given energy commodities no fundamental price support.

An additional impact of this financial crisis was an exodus of the non-commercial (i.e. speculative) traders from the natural gas commodities market. This has put downward pressure on natural gas and reduced price volatility. Natural prices are now closely following market fundamentals, i.e. supply and demand.

2. Electricity prices still closely track natural gas prices. Due to the nature of how electricity is priced in the wholesale market, both current and future prices closely correspond to where current and future natural gas prices are currently trading.

3. Dramatic increases in domestic supply of natural gas. The development of new drilling techniques to recover natural gas in deep land-based shale formations in the U.S. has dramatically boosted proven reserve and available supplies. Prior to 2008 natural gas prices closely tracked oil prices, both being set by the marginal price of imports. Now natural gas no longer does so and is trading at less than 40% of oil’s current price. Whatever the final results of New York State’s environmental rulemaking, market conditions will reflect drilling activity occurring in many states, such as nearby Pennsylvania, Ohio and West Virginia.

Outlook 2012

Looking into 2012, technical data for natural gas suggest that prices will remain soft. And again, because natural gas tends to control electricity markets, at least in New York, we expect electricity prices here to remain soft into mid-2012 at least.

Factors that could dramatically change this outlook include a significant improvement in the economy, increased use of natural gas to replace coal plants closed due to environmental regulations and an exogenous foreign event.

Consumers should bear in mind that energy markets today are awash in supplies and the economy is not running on all cylinders yet. As long as these conditions obtain, the fundamentals will tend to reduce volatility and keep prices low.

Beyond mid 2012, there is an increased chance that the U.S. economy’s recovery will gain momentum and increase demand for energy supplies. In addition, if the Europeans avoid a calamity between now and March, they may be considered to have muddled through the worst, and stability, if not growth, may resume. And if Europe stabilizes, the Asian economies may resume healthy growth. It should be borne in mind that Japan increasingly will be fueled with natural gas, as it decommissions its nuclear fleet, with the product delivered in liquid (LNG) form from North America. These forces could provide support to natural gas and electricity prices starting in late 2012.

Conclusion

Consumers in the coming weeks should consider their options carefully and look at securing fixed pricing for as long a term as they feel comfortable with. Today’s prices of natural gas and electricity are at historic lows. Of course they could retreat further, but historically they have been much higher. So the outlook here is for prices by the end of 2012 to justify a move today to fixed or hedged pricing that could provide long term price stability at very reasonable prices.

Companies Team with United Way to Brighten Holiday for Schoharie Flood Victims

United Way of the Greater Capital Region is helping local businesses and donors channel their holiday spirit into support for families affected by last season’s floods.

Companies including Hannaford Supermarkets and Dunkin Donuts have offered corporate support, in the form of gift cards, and employees of GE Global Research collected gift cards to brighten the holiday for families whose property and lives were devastated in the wake of tropical storms Irene and Lee.

United Way is working with agencies that are part of the Schoharie Long Term Recovery Team (SALT) and the Rural Area Revitalization Effort (RARE) to identify families who would benefit most from a financial boost during the holidays.

“We are a generous community that responds to friends and neighbors in need,” said United Way of the Greater Capital Region President and CEO Brian T. Hassett. “This initiative was prompted by the generosity of companies and individuals who turned to us to translate their caring into direct support for families who could use some encouragement in the form of financial help this holiday.”

SALT’s Nancy Dingee, who also serves as director of the Schoharie County Office for the Aging, expressed her gratitude for the widespread community support. “During this holiday season, we give a heartfelt thank you to those companies and employees who reached out to us through United Way and have embraced the true spirit of giving,” she said.

“Dunkin Donuts is proud to support the efforts of United Way in assisting Schoharie County residents who continue to feel the impact of the storms this holiday season,” said the company’s Field Marketing Manager Eric Stensland. “While the flood waters have long since receded, the damage left in the storm’s wake is far from over. We know that the work of rebuilding is often slow and challenging, but we hope that the holidays bring a measure of joy and optimism to the dedicated recovery efforts.”

“As we look toward a new year, it is clear that last fall’s storms and flooding are still impacting thousands of individuals throughout Schoharie County and the greater Capital Region,” said Hannaford Supermarkets’ Community Relations Specialist Molly Tarleton. “Hannaford is proud to partner with United Way of the Greater Capital Region to ensure that our neighbors continue to receive long-term relief as they continue to rebuild their lives. We hope our efforts will brighten the spirits of these families and their community this holiday season.”

In addition, New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) is contributing gifts to families at the Heery Center for Young Families in Albany and the Farano Center in Albany. United Way helped NYSUT employees after NYSUT volunteers completed a summer painting and renovation project at the Farano Center (also run by Community Maternity Services of Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Albany) last summer.

All told, contributions of gifts, cash and gift cards for families in need totaled over $6,000.

United Way of the Greater Capital Region brings people and resources together to improve lives and community conditions in Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady and Schoharie counties. To learn more about United Way of the Greater Capital Region, visit www.unitedwaygcr.org.

Make Your Money Work For You and Your Nonprofit; Receive a Free Android Phone

Good deeds do have their rewards! This is the season of giving, and Berkshire Bank wants to help you give back to your favorite nonprofit! When you open a free checking account and set up direct deposit, Berkshire Bank will donate $50 to the nonprofit of your choice. And as a special thank-you, YOU get $50 as well. Now that's exciting!

Berkshire will make It easy to move your account. Stop by any branch or call 1.800.773.5601.

Limited Time Offer! Come on in to a Berkshire Bank for a Free Android Smartphone with a new two-year plan plus data features required.

Good News For National Grid Customers

The New York Public Service Commission (NYPSC) has approved National Grid’s request to remove certain charges from existing upstate electric rates and recover deferred costs. As a result, electric delivery bills will be going down (assuming equal usage) for most residential and commercial customers in upstate New York beginning January 1, 2012.

Approval of lower delivery charges improves affordability and regional competitiveness:

• Eliminates $573 million in Competitive Transitions Charges (CTC) from customer bills. The CTC was a surcharge allowed by the NYPSC in 2001 to collect expenses related to the company’s transition to competitive deregulated supply markets
• Recovers about $236 million of outstanding deferral account balances over a 15-month period, beginning January 1, 2012 to minimize the impact on customer bills.
• Allows National Grid to pursue additional investments to improve system reliability – more information to come in April 2012 on these plans.

Because the elimination of the CTCs surcharge is greater than the collection of deferred expenses, customers will experience lower delivery bills.

The examples below illustrate the positive impact this proposal will have on the average customer bill.

• Residential the Delivery Bill will go down 11% and Total Bill by 6%
• Small Commercial/Industrial Delivery Bill will go down 9 to 21% and Total Bill by 4 to 14%
• Large Commercial/Industrial Delivery Bill will go down 39 to 44% and Total Bill by 13 to 23%

Impact on the total electric bill (delivery charges + supply charges)
A typical residential customer using 600 kWh per month will see a decrease on their total electric bill of about 6 percent, small commercial/industrial customers 4 to 14 percent while most large commercial/industrial customers will experience a total bill decrease in the range of 13 to 23 percent.

Impact on the delivery portion of the electric bill
On the delivery portion of their bill only, residential customers will see an 11 percent decrease. Small commercial/industrial customer will experience decreases of 9 to 21 percent while most large commercial/industrial customers will experience decreases in the range of 39 to 44 percent.

More Opportunities to save on your bill: Explore National Grid’s Energy Efficiency and Economic Development Programs

Business Customers should contact National Grid at 1.800.787.1706 to explore programs and incentives available to upgrade lighting, energy management systems and many other improvements that can lower your electric or gas bills and improve your customers’ experience. You may also be eligible for Economic Development Incentives on www.shovelready.com.

For more information please visit https://www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk/business/rates/rates.asp

Peaceful Acres Secures GFAS Verification

Peaceful Acres Horses has offically been “verified” by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS).

This means that Peaceful Acres has reached a standard of excellence that meets rigorous standards as an equine rescue sanctuary. Please view http://www.sanctuaryfederation.org/gfas/home/ for more information and to learn more about what Peaceful Acres' members, donors and volunteers have helped to create.

GFAS aids sanctuaries in striving for continuous improvement in attracting more support from funders and in providing the best care possible for rescued animals. GFAS helps facilities coordinate regarding the placement of animals and seeks to provide sanctuaries more opportunities for participation and recognition in the larger animal protection community.

To reach its final GFAS accreditation, Peaceful Acres needs to have a hay barn built. For information on making a charitable donation to Peaceful Acres Horses to meet this goal, please visit www.peacefulacres.horses.com.

Keep Your Business Safe Online

Many small businesses lack cyber security policies and leave their business accessible to someone stealing their sensitive information (i.e. customer data financial records, intellectual property). The US Chamber has developed a Small Biz Cyber Planner – a cyber security guide for small businesses. It, along with other resources are available for free at www.uschamber.com/cybersecurity.

Top Tips for Internet Safety at Work

1. Defend your computer. Keep all software current (including your Web browser) with automatic updates and install all security updates that your IT department recommends. Use antivirus, antispam, and antispyware software and activate your firewall.

2. Think before you share sensitive information. Look for signs that a Web page is safe, before you enter sensitive personal or business data–a Web address with https (“s” for secure) and a closed padlock ( ) beside it. Never give sensitive info in response to an e-mail or instant message (IM) request.

3. Think before you click. Pause before you open attachments or click links in e-mail or IM even if you know the sender; they could be phony. Confirm with the sender that the message is real or visit the official Web site by typing the address yourself. Be wary of clicking links or buttons in pop-up windows.

4. Use strong passwords. Lock your online accounts, computer, phone, and other devices with passwords at least eight characters (longer is better), and include upper and lower case letters, numbers, and symbols. Keep passwords and PINs secret. Don’t disclose them to coworkers or businesses (like an Internet café operator), or be tricked into giving them away. Don’t use the same password everywhere.

5. Protect yourself from e-mail scams. Look out for alarmist messages, misspellings and grammatical errors, deals that sound too good to be true, requests for sensitive info like account numbers, and other signs of a scam. Turn on a filter that warns you of suspicious Web sites.

6. Protect your data on the go. When you use public Wi-Fi, choose the most secure option, even if you have to pay for it. It could include password-protection and encryption. Confirm the exact spelling of the wireless network you’re connecting to. Beware of clever (slightly misspelled) fakes. Encrypt the data on your laptop (or USB flash drive) in case you lose it or it’s stolen. Guard your laptop, smartphone, and PDA as carefully as your wallet.

http://www.microsoft.com/security/pc-security/default.aspx#Safety-products-and-scans

EYP Receives Top Honor From Industry Magazine

The Business Review reported last week that EYP Architecture & Engineering in Albany was named one of the nation’s best firms to work for by Building Design + Construction magazine. The firm is featured on the magazine’s cover and is profiled in a seven-page article.

EYP is the largest architecture firm in Albany, with $62.2 million in billings last year. More than 300 people work out of six East Coast offices, including 150 in Albany.

“This recognition is a true testament to all of our employees, and speaks to the vision of the firm,” EYP President and CEO Tom Birdsey said. “We are deeply committed to providing our staff with unparalleled growth opportunities, so that we in turn can continue providing our clients with the highest levels of expertise-based design and client service. We are extremely proud to receive this award that showcases our core values.”

The firm moved this year from its longtime headquarters in downtown Albany to the Albany NanoTech campus as part of its growth strategy.

The firm specializes in education, government, and historic preservation projects.

Rollarama Skating Center Opens for School Break

Rollarama Skating Center, located at 2710 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, will be open from Monday, December 26 through Friday, December 30 from 1 - 5 p.m. during the school break.

On Friday, December 30, Rollarama will be giving away a pair of skates. Customers can enter as many times as they like during any of the five school break sessions, and they do not have to be present to win.

Rollarama Skating Center will also be open Saturday, December 31 from 1 - 4 p.m. and from 6:30 - 10 p.m. for its New Year's Eve Party. Everyone gets party hat and a horn to blow when they celebrate the New Year at 10 p.m.!

Miller Recognized as Associate Member of the Year

Kudos to Curtis Lumber's Margie Miller, who was recently recognized as the Associate Member of the Year by the Capital Region Builders & Remodelers Association (CRBRA). 

Margie is a past president of CRBRA and the current National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) Professional Women in Building Council Trustee for Area 2, which includes New York and New Jersey. She is also the NAHB PAC Trustee for New York State and recently attended the NAHB Fall Meeting. Margie is a Gold Key Member and an active member of both the Professional Women in Building NENY and Remodelers Council.

Margie also proudly serves as an Ambassador for The Chamber of Schenectady County.

Chamber and Colonial Voluntary Partner to Offer Supplemental Employee Benefits

Two of the major challenges facing businesses today are attracting and retaining quality employees and the rising cost of health care. The Chamber of Schenectady County now offers supplemental employee benefits to assist with these challenges. Our brand-new Medical Bridge helps cover out-of-pocket costs associated with high-deductible health insurance plans with a very low-cost supplemental insurance plan.

Colonial Voluntary Benefits staff are experts in worksite marketing, benefits communication and enrollments. They are committed to helping Chamber members reduce the overall financial burden associated with increasing health care costs while providing outstanding benefits communication, flexible enrollments and ongoing customer service.

Colonial differentiates itself through a combination of the following:

• Benefits counseling to help each employee understand and appreciate benefits available
• Time- and money-saving enrollment options which can be tailored to fit your company’s needs
• Broad portfolios of personal insurance products that help protect the financial security of your employees and their families
• Responsive and courteous service at both the employer and employee level.

As health premiums continue to increase, many employers are forced to transfer additional costs to their employees or slim down their overall benefits package. The Chamber goal is to help employers reduce their overall costs, simplify their current benefits administration and communication issues – yet create a well-rounded, healthier benefits program.

Please contact Sabrina Heilmann to find out how we can make benefits count for your business. The programs are obligation-free and at no direct cost to you. Please call 518.527.8647 or e-mail sheilma1@nycap.rr.com.

New Residential Project Will Start Construction Downtown

The Schenectady County Metroplex Development Authority this week announced that work will begin this month on a new $3.1 million upscale residential development in downtown Schenectady.

Chris Maddalone and his partner, Charles Rosenstein, are developing the new project at the corner of Union and Barrett Streets in downtown Schenectady. A vacant boarded up building and a vacant lot will be replaced by eight new upscale townhome apartments each with their own garage. Each townhome will have approximately 1,350 square feet of space.

The total investment for the first phase of the project is over $1.5 million and financing will be provided by Kinderhook Bank. The developers have hired J. Luk Construction Company of Rotterdam to build the new complex.

The two developers have recently built seven new homes in Schenectady. They also recently completed renovations to a nine unit apartment building in Albany’s Park South Neighborhood and a 12 unit building on Lafayette Street in downtown Schenectady. Chris Maddalone owns a company that builds, renovates and manages residential and commercial real estate in the Capital Region. Charles Rosenstein is an attorney based in Albany.

Chris Maddalone said, "Having lived in Schenectady all of my life, I am very excited to play a role in the City's renaissance. We've been very pleased with the feedback from the community about this project and have already begun receiving inquiries about a waiting list."

Charles Rosenstein said, "We are proud to be a part of a successful revitalization of this great City and we look forward to providing the City and its residents with a brand new residential living option that we believe will benefit Schenectady for years to come."

The two partners plan a second phase of the project which includes construction of a new building facing Union Street that will contain 14 apartments on three floors and ground floor retail space. They hope to break ground on this second project next year. The second project represents an additional $1.6 million investment in downtown Schenectady for a total new investment of $3.1 million.

Metroplex is providing a $150,000 grant toward the cost of site preparation. Metroplex is also providing a $200,000 loan toward construction costs at 5% interest.

Lower Union Street is just a short walk from Proctors, Union College and the Stockade neighborhood.

Ray Gillen, Metroplex Chair and Commissioner of Economic Development and Planning for Schenectady County said, "As downtown develops, we are seeing more interest in renovating and building upscale residential units. We thank Chris Maddalone and Charles Rosenstein for their commitment and new investment in Schenectady County."

Middle Class Tax Cut Enacted

Last week in Albany, Governor Andrew Cuomo called the Legislature back into Extraordinary Session to deal with the impact on New York of the slow national economy and the political gridlock in Washington.

Working with the legislative leaders he put forth a comprehensive economic plan that includes tax cuts for middle class New Yorkers who earn up to $300,000 a year. The changes will reduce middle class tax rates to the lowest level since 1953.

The plan brings fairness to our tax code and will provide an economic stimulus to our state.

The plan also eliminated the MTA payroll tax for over 700,000 taxpayers who own small businesses or make less than $50,000 a year in self-employed income.

This will save New Yorkers an additional $250 million a year.

Combined, these tax cuts mean $900 million in savings for middle class New Yorkers and small businesses.

Click here to learn more about the innovative economic plan.

By providing tax relief to the middle class and small businesses, we are boosting the economic engine of our state.

The passage of this bipartisan economic plan shows that by working together, we will continue to deliver results for all New Yorkers -- and continue to make the government work for you.

Kyrish Iyer Named to Upper Union Street BID Board

Kyrish Iyer, Director of Operations, at Northeastern Fine Jewelry, has been elected to the Upper Union Street, Schenectady BID (Business Improvement District) Board of Directors.

Iyer received his undergraduate degree from SUNY Albany in Business Administration, Management & Marketing and his MBA in Business Management from Union College. His most recent professional position was as a Business Analyst / Project Manager at GE.

“Kyrish’s management and marketing background make him an ideal addition to the Upper Union Street BID Board,” said Chris DiCocco, Chair of the BID. “His experience and reputation as a very hard worker make him an incredibly valuable resource for our board.”

The BID, which recently celebrated its 10^th anniversary, works to develop, sustain, and further enhance the unique and prosperous commerce and residential community for the residents, businesses, clients, customers, and visitors of Upper Union Street, Schenectady. The district encompasses Union Street from Garner Avenue to Van Antwerp Road in the City of Schenectady, NY.

Schenectady Locomotive History Presented by Harry Steven

Schenectady was known as the “City that Lights and Hauls the World” for good reason. In the mid-nineteenth century, Schenectady was one of the nation’s top manufacturers of steam locomotives, a business that kept the city thriving for close to one hundred years. Join SCHS Board Member Harry Steven as he discusses Schenectady Locomotive, ALCO, GE, and other aspects of locomotive history in Schenectady from 1848-1958.

This program will be held on Saturday, December 17 at 2 p.m. at the Schenectady County Historical Society located at 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady.  The Historical Society is wheelchair accessible and does have off-street parking.

For further exhibit and program information, call 518.374.0263 or visit www.schenectadyhistory.net for details.

Kenny Rogers and Special Guest Billy Dean Coming to Proctors

The Bank of America /American Tradition Series at Proctors brings the sweetly raspy vocals of a true American classic, the iconic Kenny Rogers, to the Mainstage at Proctors on Thursday, December 22. Special guest BILLY DEAN will accompany Mr. Rogers.

American country music singer-songwriter, photographer, record producer, actor and entrepreneur, Rogers sounds like nobody else. More importantly, he inhabits each song, making it vivid and tangible. For five decades, Rogers has delivered memorable songs like Lady, Islands in the Stream, and The Gambler, drawing fans from many different backgrounds. When one singer makes such an indelible mark, that's not mere luck or even simple talent.

“STILL A CONSUMMATE ENTERTAINER AND STORYTELLER

AFTER 40-PLUS YEARS IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS,

KENNY ROGERS MAKES LISTENERS FEEL

LIKE THEY’RE RIGHT IN HIS LIVING ROOM.” –U-Entertainment

“I really, really love what I’m doing,” Rogers says. “People survive longer if they love what they’re doing. Because you just don’t quit.”

Earlier this year, Rogers celebrated another new chapter in the remarkable career of music legend and American icon with the release of his first inspirational gospel album, The Love Of God. Rogers, one of music's legendary voices, has put his indelible stamp on classics like "Will The Circle Be Unbroken," "I'll Fly Away," "Amazing Grace" and "In The Sweet By And By."

William Harold "Billy" Dean, Jr. first gained national attention after appearing on the television talent competition Star Search. Active as a recording artist since 1990, he has recorded a total of eight studio albums (of which the first three have been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America and a greatest hits package that also is certified gold). His studio albums have accounted for more than twenty hit singles on the Billboard country charts, including eleven Top Ten hits. Dean reached Number One in 2000 as one of two guest vocalists on Kenny Rogers' "Buy Me a Rose", and had two Number Ones on the RPM (magazine) country charts in Canada.

Dean’s latest album "Earning Our Place On Earth,” sponsored by Naturipe Farms, is a project dedicated to America’s produce farmers… the men and women who keep the country’s agricultural industry rolling at full steam ahead.

Running time for KENNY ROGERS CHRISTMAS & HITS is 80 minutes with no intermission. Tickets are available at Proctors Box Office, 518.346.6204 or online at www.proctors.org.

Schenectady Holiday Tour of Lights

Attention Schenectadians: You are invited to Schenectady's 13th Annual Holiday Tour of Lights!

Many of Schenectady's best holiday decorated homes will be on display on Wednesday, December 21 from 6 - 9 p.m. Suggested arrival time is 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn located at 100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady.

Bus tours begin promptly at 6 p.m. followed by holiday music and refreshments.

Reservations are suggested by calling Catholic Charities at 518.372.5667 Monday - Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. or after 4 p.m. by calling 518.857.4000.  You can also e-mail your reservation to touroflights@gmail.com.

This FREE event is sponsored by Tour of Lights Committee.

Zumba in the New Year

Come join your favorite Best Fitness instructors and Zumba in the New Year! It's going to be the biggest BEST fitness party. Zumba will take place on Thursday, December 29 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. at Proctors Theater, 432 State Street, Schenectady. There will be:

• Zumba
• Cash Bar
• Door Prizes

Cost is $5 per person and tickets can be purchased at Albany or Schenectady Best Fitness or Proctors Theater. We're expecting a sellout. Don't miss the Zumba event of the year. For more information please call 1.877.695.8671.

Bring a friend...or two...and Zumba the night awayW

Six Chambers Join Forces to Cut Ribbon at T.M. Byxbee Company

The Bethlehem Chamber, along with representatives from the Albany-Colonie, Guilderland, Schenectady, Southern Saratoga and Saratoga County Chambers, celebrated the Ribbon Cutting for the merging of the accounting firm of Anthony M. Gordon, CPA, P.C., into T.M. Byxbee Company, CPAs, NY, P.C. Congratulations to Anthony Gordon and welcome, T. M. Byxbee Company!

Parker Inn Offers Holiday Specials

Please join The Parker Inn for its Holiday and New Year's Eve Specials!  If you are looking for an inexpensive place to stay this holiday season, then The Parker Inn has your answer.

The Inn has standard rooms starting at $79 per night and Executive Suites for $99 per night.  The available dates are Thursday, December 15 - Sunday, January 1.

This offer is valid only on dates above.  To make reservations, or for more information please contact The Parker Inn at 518.688.1001.  Not valid with any group rates, corporate rates, wedding blocks or other special offer or special events.  Reservations may not be made online.

New Year's Eve Discounted Rates

• Ring in 2012 with a rate of $20.12 per person
• Upgrade to an Executive Suite for $20.12
• Add a Bottle of Champagne and Chocolate for $20.12

Available New Year's Eve or New Year's Night.  Rate is based on double occupancy only, therefore the Standard rate is $40.24.  Guests are responsible for any applicable taxes and gratuity.  Limited number of rooms only.  Reservations must be made in advance and cannot be made online.  Not valid on any existing reservations.

The Parker Inn also has gift certificates available.  The Parker Inn is located at 434 State Street, Schenectady.

Chamber Collecting Toys for Tots

This holiday season, The Chamber of Schenectady County is an official collection site for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots Program. From now through December 15, we encourage our business members and the community to bring in new, unwrapped toys to deposit in our official Toys for Tots box.

Over the 62 years of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program, Marines have distributed more than 400 million toys to more than 188 million needy children. This charitable endeavor has made U. S. Marines the unchallenged leader in looking after less fortunate children at Christmas. Over its 18 year life span, the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation has supplemented local toy collections with more than 81.3 million toys valued at more than $487 million; plus has provided promotion and support materials valued at over $6.3 million.

Thank you in advance for your support!

Chamber Insurance Plans Offer Choices and Flexibility

The Chamber of Schenectady County is currently accepting new applications and changes for its health and dental insurance programs.When you choose a health insurance plan from The Chamber of Schenectady County, you have the flexibility to choose coverage that's right for your needs and your budget.

We offer a variety of deductibles to fit your budget needs. Typically, the higher the deductible, the lower your monthly premium will be.

We're ready to answer all your questions! Please contact Linda Staroba at 518.372.5656, ext. 3003 or lstaroba@schenectadychamber.org.

Capital Region Awarded $62.7 Million for 88 Projects

The Capital Region was awarded $62.7 million at the Regional Council Awards Ceremony ceremony last week, the result of a competition in which New York’s ten regions created five-year Strategic Plans for economic growth. The event featured special guest Maria Bartiromo, anchor of CNBC's Closing Bell. She's also anchor and managing editor of the station's Wall Street Journal Report. View Press Release from Governor's Press Office.

The Capital Region Economic Development Council will use its award to fund transformative projects identified in the Strategic Plan.

The Capital Region is also home to many projects with successful Consolidated Funding Applications, the new single point of access for state economic development aid across multiple agencies. For further updates as the Council begins to implement the Strategic Plan, please visit the Capital Region Economic Development Council websiteand the New York Works website.

Strategy for Local Collaboration and Growing Infrastructure
The Capital Region Economic Development Council Strategic Plan presented a vision to collaborate locally and make the region globally competitive and economically vibrant.

The region's core strengths in education, research, technology and advanced manufacturing, along with its natural resources, served as the basis from which to build the Capital Region into a world-class destination.
In support of the region's vision, the plan identified broad goals for growing its strategic industries, creating access to capital, strengthening education systems, and supporting infrastructure. It sought to revitalize urban centers, attract visitors and new residents and businesses using natural environment, history, arts and culture as beacons for the region.

Significant projects funded in some of the strategic sectors are:

Investing in Strategic Industries to Grow and Attract New Businesses
$1.5 million will establish a new Amkor manufacturing operation in Saratoga. Amkor is a leading provider of outsourced semiconductor assembly and test services.

$950,000 will create the New York Capital Research Alliance, which is aimed at leveraging the region's expertise in biotechnology, nano-biomedicine and biomedical science. The project is designed to attract private sector and federal funding to the Capital Region.

$3 million will be provided to enhance the region's leadership role in biotechnology through investments in biomedical translational research and a biotech corridor affiliated with SUNY Albany and other research partners.

Investing in Transportation Infrastructure to Increase Accessibility
$2.2 million will support the development of a rail transloading facility in Columbia County, which will serve businesses in the Capital Region that do not have rail access. The project will allow businesses to transfer products from trucks to rail cars for outgoing purposes and to move incoming products.

$3.8 million will update and expand Albany International Airport's maintenance facility to allow it to accommodate larger aircraft.

$11.5 million will reconstruct the Rensselaer wharf to double the capacity of the Port of Albany.

Tourism Enhancements to Grow the Regional Economy
$1.5 million will support the Destination Windham project, attracting new tourists to the area. The project includes a state-of-the art indoor ice skating facility, enhanced base lodge facility, new day care center, expanded ski trails, and improved parking, traffic management and storm water management systems.

Community Revitalization and Redevelopment
$2.5 million will revitalize downtown Troy and improve linkages with Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute at City Station.

$2.2 million will revitalize the Troy waterfront at Monument Square, including the construction of public amenities along the riverside, adjacent to the site of the planned Troy City Center residential/retail development.

$480,000 will support the creation of a multi-use trail along the Mohawk River as a component of a major private-public canal side redevelopment of the Schenectady ALCO brownfield site.

BST hires New Associate in the Financial Services Unit

BST is pleased to announce that Ann D. DeLucco has joined the Firm’s Albany office as an Associate in the Financial Services unit. Ann previously served as an intern in the Firm’s New York City Office.

Ann recently graduated from Fordham University and resides in Delmar.

About BST
BST is a multi-disciplinary financial and management consulting firm headquartered in Albany and anchored by the accounting firm Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. LLP, CPAs. Other services of the firm include business valuation, forensic accounting and litigation support services, tax and management consulting, employee benefit plan consulting, human resource management and development, healthcare operations consulting, governmental auditing and consulting, merger and acquisition assistance, and wealth management.

Smith Named CUES 2011 Director of the Year

The Credit Union Executives Society has named Charles R. Smith, Chairman of the Board of First New York Federal Credit Union, and the 2011 CUES Director of the year. Smith was honored during an awards celebration at CUES’ Directors Conference, held from December 5-8 at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Nevada.

Smith has been the driving force behind the success of First New York Federal Credit Union for the past 33 years. He began his credit union career in 1978 as a member of the Supervisory Committee, and was elected to the Board of Directors two years later. In 1993, Smith was elected to his current role as Chairman of the Board. Under Smith’s leadership, First New York has grown from only one office location, to seven full service branches plus four high school branches.

Smith’s leadership extends well beyond First New York as he has also served in leadership positions throughout the credit union community. He has been an active member of the National Association of Credit Union Chairmen (NACUC) for 21 years and previously served as Chairman of the Association. He also served as President of the Mohawk Valley Association of Independent Credit Unions for eight years.

Throughout his tenure, Smith has been a strong promoter of succession planning and was instrumental in creating an Associate Director Program that has been extremely successful in filling vacancies on the credit union’s board of directors.

For over 30 years, Smith has been a leader in the education community and continues to be at the forefront of education outreach. He continues to serve as a Regional Coordinator and one of the founding fathers of a state-wide association that represents 3,500 school administrators across NY State. He is also a strong supporter of arts in our local community.

The CUES Director of the Year award recognizes board members for excellence in credit union volunteerism. Judging is based on achievements of the credit union, contributions to other credit unions, credit union organizations and the community, and professional development and education. In recognition of the award, CUES will make a donation on his behalf to the Schenectady City School District Educational Foundation, Inc.

Employers Can Deduct Fixed Amount of Employees' Bonuses

The Internal Revenue Service has issued Revenue Ruling 2011-29 which reverses the Services 25 year stance on prohibiting the deduction of a liability which is fixed and certain with respect to a group as a whole, but for which the ultimate recipient or the amount payable to each recipient is unknown.

In the Revenue Ruling, an employer that uses an accrual method of accounting is able to take a deduction in the current year for a fixed amount of bonuses payable to a pool of eligible employees, even though the employer does not know which of the employees will receive a bonus or the amount of any particular bonus until after the end of the taxable year. Under the bonus plan, the total amount of the bonuses payable were determined either a) by a formula that is fixed prior to the end of the year, taking into account financial data reflecting results as of the end of the taxable year, or b) by a corporate action such as a resolution of the board of directors or compensation committee, made before the end of the taxable year, that fixes the amount to be paid to the pool of employees. In addition, any bonus allocable to an employee who is not employed on the date the bonus is paid is reallocated among the other eligible employees and not reduced.

Keep in mind that to be deductible on the current year tax return, bonuses to non-owners and those related to the owners must be paid before the fifteenth day of the third calendar month after the close of that taxable year.

For more information or questions on this topic, please contact your professional at UHY LLP in Albany 518.449.3166 or New York City 212.38104700 or visit us on the Web at http://uhy-us.com.

BST Elects New Managing Partner

BST, an Albany-based financial and management consulting firm with offices in New York City, is pleased to announce the election of Stephen L. Ferraro as the Firm’s new Managing Partner. Steve will begin his new role effective January 1, 2012.

"The Partner group is looking forward to working with Steve in continuing the culture and traditions of BST into the next generation," said Joe Torani, who has served as BST's Managing Partner since the Firm's founding in 1976. "Steve's personality, leadership style and diverse background are a perfect fit for the Managing Partner role, and will allow him to seamlessly integrate with our clients and business partners."

Joe will take on the position of Senior Partner in the Firm and Advisor to the Board of Directors. In addition to servicing his clients, Joe will continue to head up BST’s merger and acquisition services, assist in the growth and development of the Firm’s New York City office and also work on Firm-wide new business development.

Since joining BST in October 2005 through a merger of his Firm, Ferraro-Andrie CPAs, Steve has served as a Partner on the Firm's Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Services team, and is a member of BST's Board of Directors.

Steve has over 30 years of diversified public accounting experience, with specialization in the areas of economic damage analysis, insurance loss accounting, litigation support and financial investigations. In addition to being a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Steve is also a Certified Forensic Financial Analyst (CFFA), Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF), a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) and is Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV). He is affiliated with numerous professional organizations, including the New York State Society and American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Valuation Analysts, the American College of Forensic Examiners, the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, the New York State Chapter of Special Investigation Units and the Property Loss Research Bureau.

Steve, a 1980 graduate of Siena College in Albany, NY, lives in Saratoga Springs, New York, with his wife Barbara, and their two children, Nicole and Brian.

Schenectady Museum Announces December School Break Activities

Visit the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium during December School Break for Hands-on Science Activities, Planetarium Shows, and Model Trains. The Museum will be open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30 to accommodate area families whose children are enjoying school break.

Visit the Museum during school break for educator-led drop-in science activities, 12:30 - 2 p.m. and 2 - 3:30 p.m. for challenges in the Museum’s FETCH! Lab, a place where kids can try activities like the ones they see on the PBS television show, FETCH! with Ruff Ruffman. Explore science, technology, engineering and math with Museum educators in these fun bonus hands-on activities.

The Suits-Bueche Planetarium will offer four shows each day during Break Week:

• 12 noon: ‘Tis the Season
• 1 p.m.: The Sky Above Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood
• 2 p.m.: ‘Tis the Season
• 3 p.m.: Seasonal Sky Tour

Shows at the Suits-Bueche Planetarium are powered by the only GOTO Chronos Star Projector in the northeast. Visitors see 8,500 stars on the Planetarium dome, close to the actual number of visible stars in the night sky. All shows are educator-led and include a look at the current night sky and the latest astronomy news.

The Model Trains will be running 12 - 3 p.m. See a 19 x 27-foot display of running O Gauge (Lionel) Model trains. Special thanks to the Upstate Train Associates for donating their model trains and their time. Don’t miss this holiday favorite!

Hands-on Science Activities and Model Trains are FREE with Museum admission; add $4 for a Planetarium Show. The Museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday, December 27 through Friday, December 30. The Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium is located at 15 Nott Terrace Heights in Schenectady. For more information, please call 518.382.7890 or visit www.SchenectadyMuseum.org.

Music and Tarot Card Reading at Cafe NOLA This Week

Come to Cafe NOLA, located at 617 Union Street, Schenectady for a fun-filled week of music and tarot card reading.

On Wednesday, December 14 from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Sandy Menzer, Spiritual Intuitive will be providing Tarot card readings (gift certificates available if you are looking for a "unique" holiday gift) for your friends and family! Space is limited, so please call Sandy at 518.265.4872 as soon as possible, or call Cafe NOLA at 518.357.8628 to reserve your time.

Then on Friday, December 16 at 7 p.m., join Cafe NOLA for a very special Christmas show by Frank Jaklitsch. On Saturday, December 7, enjoy The Jazz connection which plays a variety of mainstream jazz.

For more information or to buy your gift certificates, please call Cafe NOLA at 518.357.8628.

Mohawk Valley Railroad Rolls into Rotterdam

Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Ruth Schulman, First New York Federal Credit Union; Chamber Ambassador Margie Miller, Curtis Lumber; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Mohawk Valley Railroad Owners Bob and Sue Smith; Hamburg Street Merchants' Association President Skip Renaud; Chamber Ambassador Melissa Kelly, AAA Northway; Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell, Holiday Inn Schenectady.

Mohawk Valley Railroad, LLC celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on December 6, 2011. Located at 2037 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam, the store is owned by Robert Smith. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

Robert had a lifelong love for trains and actually worked for the previous owner of Mohawk Valley Railroad years ago. When the opportunity arose, he jumped at the opportunity to take over the well-established business with so many community ties. Robert previously worked in a large hobby industry business, and between he and his manager Matt, they have more than 20 years combined experience in the field.

Model trains are loved by all ages in part due to the creativity and fun of the hobby. Mohawk Valley Railroad carries models from Lionel, Bachmann, Atlas and more at various scales. The store also sells used trains so collectors have an outlet for resale. If you’re looking for a special part, they will customer-order if they don’t have in stock.

Train enthusiasts can also find books, videos, and scratch building supplies at Mohawk Valley Railroad. They will service and repair model trains and their parts while also providing exceptional customer service, and soon they will offer clinics.

Mohawk Valley Railroad, LLC is open Monday – Thursday from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Cross Pointe Innovations Adds New Consultant

Cross Pointe Innovations has hired Chris D’Agostino to its sales staff.

D’Agostino joined the Cross Pointe Innovations sales team in November as a Wireless Mobility Specialist. D’Agostino brings over 10 years of telecommunications and sales experience with Sprint, AT&T, and other communications firms to the sales team.

Cross Pointe Innovations is a Communication Consulting Firm who specializes in helping businesses maximize their wireless spend within their business. Putting customer’s needs first and following through with the delivery – Cross Pointe Innovations continues to help business’ save money with this expense, surpassing $1 million in realized savings this past summer. Cross Pointe Innovations manages more than 140 business clients in Nebraska, Iowa, New York, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

Celebrate the Season with The Merriam Agency

Please join The Merriam Agency for its Holiday Open House on Thursday, December 15 from 4 - 7 p.m. at 376 Broadway, Schenectady.

There will be appetizers, drinks, local entertainment and the warmth of good friends!

Please make your reservations by calling 518.393.2109 ext. 225 or e-mailing insurance@merriaminsurance.com. Please provide your name and the number of guests.

Sonny & Perley at Wynwood of Niskayuna

Wynwood Niskayuna is pleased to present a musical evening with Sonny & Perley in concert on Wednesday, December 14 from 5 - 7 p.m. at 1786 Union Street, Niskayuna.

Complimentary hors d’oevres and beverages will be served.

Celebrate the holidays with a blend of Jazz, International, Great American Songbook and Holiday songs performed by Sonny & Perley with special guest bassist Lou Pappas. For more information or to make your reservation, please call 518.346.6935. This is an open house evening.

Critical acclaim for Sonny & Perley;

“Harbingers of aesthetic jazz...and romanticism."
- Chronogram Magazine

"Sonny and Perley brightly meld lyricism, passion, and rhythm in a way that is both rich and exotic...The nexus of art and emotion are joined in an exceptional way."
- All About Jazz

Innogen Business Accelerator Lunch & Learn

Please join Innogen Business Accelerator for a lunch & learn on Thursday, December 15 at Union Graduate College, Room 002 80 Nott Terrace at the corner of Liberty Street. Please park at the rear of parking lot.

Come learn about the valuation of a business - including start-ups with Cory Martin and Eari Archibold Jr., Managing Directors of Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc.

Their presentation will focus on the reasons a business owner would want to value their business. We will discuss the professional member organizations that govern the valuation community as well as best practices and processes in preparing a valuation for a business. You will spend some time reviewing the valuation techniques associated with start-up companies.

Come get a free lunch and learn something. To make your reservation, please call 518.631.0473 or e-mail execdir@ustartincubator.org.

Rockin' Holiday Bash for Kids at Rotterdam Square Mall

Not quite in the holiday mood yet with all the warm weather? Rotterdam Square has just the thing for you and your family!

Join us on Sunday, December 11 from 1-3 p.m. for a Rockin' Holiday Bash with Radio Disney! Be sure to wear your most comfy PJs while you enjoy holiday music, trivia, giveaways and crafts!

For more information, visit www.rotterdammall.com or call 518.374.3713.

GenNEXT Seeking Mentorship Program Participants

GenNEXT is a young professional organization and is is a joint workforce development initative of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber and the Chamber of Schenectady County that focuses on professional development and networking.  

GenNEXT is currently accepting mentee and mentor applications for participation in its Executive Mentorship Program.  Click here for more information and application.  We highly recommend that you participate; it does not require a significant time commitment, and both mentors and mentees gain valuable insight through the experience.

The Executive Mentorship Program pairs young professionals with established leaders from the business, public, and non-profit sectors. Mentees are matched with a mentor selected to help achieve the mentees' goals. Mentees often participate in order to help build a professional network, seek advice on professional and/or business development, or learn about an issue, business, etc. that is professionally or personally important to them.

Mentors typically are accomplished professionals eager to help their mentees and also benefit from the relationship.

Most importantly, if you have participated before, you can participate again! The deadline for applications has been extended to Wednesday, December 14. Please call Keith Vanveghten at 518.372.5656 with questions or e-mail kvanveghten@schenectadychamber.org. We hope that you will consider participating in the program!

Uno Chicago Grill Supports Umbrella of the Capital District

All day long on Thursday, December 15 the Uno Chicago Grill at Crossgates Mall in Guilderland will donate up to 20% of your check to Umbrella if you present the coupon (Click here to print) to your server at the restaurant or when you pick up a carry-out order.

The Uno Chicago Grill is open from 11:30 - 12:00 a.m. Stop by anytime you like! If you don't feel like eating out, carry out orders can be phoned in by calling 518.869.3100, or faxed to 518.861.1331 or placed online by clicking here.

No matter how you do it, please plan a meal on next Thursday, December 15, at the Uno Chicago Grill and help Umbrella at the same time!

Let's eat!

Rising Demand for Smoke-Free Housing in Capital Region

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, together with 34 community partners of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, launched the newly enhanced SmokeFreeHousingNY.org. First created in August 2008, this website has now been expanded in response to the growing need to provide accurate and current information to New York property owners and tenants on handling the issue of drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing. Among the new additions are a toolkit for landlords, guides for condo owners and tenants and a section dedicated to affordable and public housing.

“Most landlords understand the cost savings and health benefits of having a no-smoking policy but are often hesitant to go smoke-free because they think the process will be just too difficult,” said Judy Rightmyer, Director of The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition. “The resources on this website were created to give landlords the step-by-step tools to successfully adopt and enforce a no-smoking policy. We encourage all property owners considering smoke-free housing policies to visit the website and contact us for additional support.”

Through the re-launched website, visitors will be able to:

• Learn the benefits of a no-smoking policy
• Download a step-by-step landlord toolkit to implement a no-smoking policy, including tenant surveys, sample letters and lease language
• Download a tenant guide for those seeking relief from SHS
• Download a Condo guide and Co-op guide (to be posted in the near future)
• Access documents to address legal concerns
• Get updated news on smoke-free housing
• Advertise and smoke-free properties for free through Rentlinx
• Contact a local community coalition for assistance

Increasingly aware of the dangers of secondhand smoke, New Yorkers are choosing to live in smoke-free homes. This is true of smokers as well as non-smokers. According to a recent report released by the New York State Tobacco Control Program, 64.2% of smokers with children state that their homes are 100% smoke-free.[1] Unfortunately, for those living in multi-unit housing, exposure to secondhand smoke is dependent not only on what they do but what they neighbor chooses to do. The same report also shows that over 43% of adults living in multi-unit housing with a home smoking ban still experience secondhand smoke exposure in their home.

“I came here because I wanted a safe, comfortable place where I could enjoy my life. I certainly didn’t want to come home to the smell of cigarette smoke,” said Glenna McClamrock, resident of Beechwood. “A no-smoking policy really does make a difference.” Beechwood, an independent retirement community in Troy went smoke-free in 2008.

In response to this desire for smoke-free living, a growing number of market-rate, public and affordable housing property owners have chosen to adopt smoke-free housing policies. The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, has worked with property management companies, including Rosetti Properties, Albany Management and Tri City Rentals , and with individual landlords to adopt smoke-free policies throughout Albany, Schenectady and Rensselaer counties. The Coalition assists property owners by conducting surveys to assess tenant support for policy change, providing sample policy language, meeting with tenant groups, supplying signage, and promoting smoke-free buildings.

“The success of our first completely smoke-free community, The Glen at Sugar Hill, has encouraged us to continue offering smoke-free options for our residents, including just recently, The Woods in Brunswick,” said Julie Massry Knox, VP of Marketing at Tri City Rentals. “Our prospects and residents have shown an increased interest in smoke free living and we are happy to provide them with a healthy and clean place to live.”

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition is a community partnership of organizations and individuals working to decrease the impact of tobacco on our community, by promoting smoking cessation, preventing youth initiation and promoting smoke-free environments. Information on the Coalition can be obtained by going to www.SmokwFreeCapital.org.

See the Light...A Season of Hope

Storm Aid invites you to an evening of holiday sharing for the victims of Hurricane Irene and its aftermath.

This evening of sharing will take place at Schenectady County Community College in the VanCurler Room on Tuesday, December 13 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The College is located at 78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady. Cost is $50 per person

Honorary chairman is New York State Assemblyman James Tedisco, and music is provided by Al Santoro & Friends.

There will be a silent auction & cash bar. Food is provided by SCCC Culinary Department and includes: Passed Hot & Cold Hors d'oeuvres, Salad, Pasta & Carving Stations and a Make our Own Sundae Bar.

Proceeds to benefit victims of Hurricane Irene in the four counties affected: Schoharie, Schenectady, Greene & Montgomery.

Please RSVP for reservations to Storm Aid: Janice Thompson - Founder/President 518.372.0035, Diane DeMeo -Vice President 518.372.0642 or Cheryl James - Treasurer 518.895.2468.

Memories of World War II: Veterans Share Their Stories

On Wednesday, December 7, in recognition of the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor and the United States entry into World War II, the Schenectady historical Society located at 32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady invites local World War II Veterans to share memories of their wartime experiences with the public from 10 a.m. until noon.

This event will be structured as a roundtable, with veterans sharing their stories and audience members having an opportunity to ask questions. Of the 16,112,566 Americans who served in the armed forces during WWII, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated in November 2011 that only 1,711,000 nationwide are still living. This event provides us, as a community, with a valuable opportunity to honor and appreciate the WWII veterans that we are privileged to still have living among us.

In addition to the event on Wednesday, December 7, participating veterans are encouraged to schedule an appointment with Librarian Melissa Tacke for an individual oral history interview. One-on-one interviews allow time for veterans to tell their stories in greater detail and preserve veterans’ recollections for generations to come. Veterans may choose to come to the Schenectady County Historical Society for an interview, or an interviewer can arrange to interview the veteran at his or her home. An audio recording of the interview will become part of the Schenectady County Historical Society’s Grems-Doolittle Library collection of oral history interviews. Recordings of the interview will also be provided to the veteran and his or her family.

This event is free and open to the public; WWII veterans who would like to attend are encouraged to RSVP for this event. Veterans who cannot attend the December 7 event, but who are interested in participating in an oral history interview, are welcome to contact the Schenectady County Historical Society to schedule an oral history interview.

For more information or to RSVP, please contact Melissa Tacke at 518.374.0263, option 3, or librarian@schist.org. The Historical Society is wheelchair accessible, with off-street parking behind the building and overflow parking next door at the YWCA.

Alliance Worldwide Hires Account Executive

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group, Inc. has recently welcomed David Sanders as an Account Executive. In this position, he will be responsible for working with organizations to help in their risk mitigation strategies, specifically pre-employment background screening services.

Mr. Sanders received a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Sienna College and has over 20 years of sales and business development experience.

Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group is a fully licensed, bonded and insured corporate investigative service firm with offices located in Clifton Park and New York City. The company provides background and insurance fraud investigative services throughout the US and globally. In addition, their legal support division provides services of process on a local, state, national and international level. Alliance Worldwide Investigative Group is dedicated to providing the highest quality risk mitigation/due-diligence investigative services available. For more information, contact Denise Lewis, Marketing Specialist, 518.514.2944, ext. 105 or visit our web site at www.AllianceInvestigative.com.  

Musical Tools Needed for Schenectady Schools

Efforts are well underway by the MUSICAL TOOLS FOR THE SCHENECTADY SCHOOLS coalition to increase the number of musical instruments available to children in Schenectady’s schools.

The Musical Tools for Schenectady Schools program originated two years ago to help encourage donations of pre-owned instruments for use by local music students. Last year’s campaign resulted in more than 150 donated instruments.

“There are so many children in Schenectady with musical dreams,” says Steve Weisse, president of Schenectady Friends of Music, “and the need for instruments continues to grow each year. We know there are good quality instruments tucked away in attics and storerooms that are just collecting dust, and we’re hoping to put them to good use.”

“We’ve got kids on waiting lists who can’t afford to rent or own their own instruments.” Weisse continues. “Give us an instrument today and someone will be playing it tomorrow.”

According to Mark Anthony, President of Schenectady Musical Union 85-133, any instrument is welcomed.

“Of particular need,” says Mr. Anthony, “are wind and brass instruments including clarinets, flutes, trumpets, trombones and French horns, violins, violas, cellos and upright basses -- but instruments of almost every type are welcomed – as well as cases and music stands.”

Donated instruments, which are tax deductible, can be dropped off at Proctors Box Office or Hermies Music Store, 727 State Street, Schenectady. Arrangements to have instruments picked up can be made by contacting Weisse at 518.346.4266.

A special collection location will be in Robb Alley at Proctors on December 16, in conjunction with Schenectady Art Night from 5 - 9 p.m.

Playing as part of the Art Night event at Proctors in December are members of the Central Park International Magnet School Grade Chorus, the Oneida Middle School and Central Park International Magnet School Orchestras, the Oneida Middle School and Central Park International Magnet School Jazz Bands along with a professional jazz combo of Schenectady Music teachers Keith Pray, Rob Aronstein, and Mike Lawrence, and Greg Cortelyou.

Norman Frederich of Hermies Music Store, also will be featured at the December 16 ART NIGHT at Proctors; he has served the goals of the Musical Tools initiative by providing repairs to instruments secured through the initiative.

Friends of Music is a volunteer organization of parents, teachers and community members who want to support the music programs in the Schenectady City School District. “We want every child who desires it to have an instrument or take part in our award winning music programs,” said Steve Weisse, President.

Musical Tools for the Schenectady Schools is a coalition of community members including Schenectady Friends of Music, Schenectady Musical Union 85-133, Empire State Youth Orchestras, Hermies Music Store, Proctors, Schenectady VanCurler Music and Success Recording Studios & Production.

The Beat Goes On at 2012 Jazz Institute

July 16 – 20 and July 23 – 27, 2012

A spiring Capital Region musicians look to the JAZZ INSTITUTE at Proctors.

This perennially favorite camp offers people of all ages and levels of experience the opportunity to learn jazz in a fun, hands-on, and all-inclusive way. The program includes master classes taught by special guest artists and will culminate in a spectacular final performance in which students will perform with renowned jazz great Wycliffe Gordon!

Last year, Wycliffe Gordon was a special guest with JAZZ INSTITUTE instructors and veteran musicians Keith Pray and Arthur Falbush who have won the hearts and nourished the talents of participants since 2006 by instilling a passion for learning the music in their students.

Pray is a professional jazz saxophonist who teaches music in the Schenectady City School District. Falbush is a veteran trumpet player who has performed with Billy Taylor and Mercer Ellington, and currently directs the Jazz Orchestra and New Orleans Brass Band at SUNY Oneonta. Both instructors knew they wanted JAZZ INSTITUTE to be different from the countless other music camps being offered over the summer.

According to Jessica Gelarden who oversees the SUMMER ADVENTURE series at Proctors, the JAZZ INSTITUTE — now in its 7^th year -- is part of this increasingly popular program at Proctors.

She says that although the JAZZ INSTITUTE at Proctors and SUMMER ADVENTURES camps at Proctors are made possible with public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts, which celebrates more than 50 years of building strong, creative communities in New York State's 62 counties, the tuition cost may fall outside the budget of some who may have a budding musician in the family.

“It seemed only fitting,” said Ms. Gelarden, “that we support these families and support the goals of the Musical Tools initiative. We will have a drawing at the December 16 ART NIGHT at Proctors to award two scholarships to this summer’s JAZZ INSTITUTE.

CONTACTS

For more information about the JAZZ INSTITUTE and SUMMER ADVENTURES at Proctors, contact: Jessica Gelarden, Education Program Manager jgelarden@proctors.org, 518.383.3884 ext. 150.

For more information on the important MUSICAL TOOLS FOR SCHENECTADY SCHOOLS initiative, contact: Karen Johnson, Proctors, 518.382.3884 ext. 114. kjohnson@proctors.org or Steve Weisse, 518.346.4266, Schenectadyfriendsofmusic@gmail.com.

Learn to Make a Holiday Votive Arrangement

Please join Experience and Creative Design on Sunday, December 11 as they host a complimentary demonstration to learn to decorate your staircase for the holidays at 1 p.m. Then at 2:30 p.m. learn how to make a Permanent Holiday Votive Arrangement.

Cost for the Permanent Holiday Votive Arrangement is $35 and includes supplies.

To make your reservation, please call 518.374.6885. Experience & Creative Design is located at 510 Union Street, Schenectady.

Orenda Yoga Offers Wellness Package

Orenda Yoga is offering a comprehensive wellness package this holiday season to get you motivated for the new year! The package is $99 per person and includes:

• Ten yoga flex classes ($130 value)
• One 45-minute one one one wellness consultation with their in house health coach ($50 value)
• One wellness workshop, offered monthly ($15 value)

Terms & Conditions:

One deal per person, you may purchase two as additional gifts. All offers expire March 31, 2012. Flex classes are available for Schenectady (609 Union Street) or Guilderland Center (461 Route 146) but cannot be used at both studios.

Package redemption details will be sent to you after your purchase.

For more information or to make a purchase please call 518.861.5714 or visit. www.orendayoga.org or email andrea@orendayoga.org.

Water's Edge Lighthouse to Host Televised 'Holiday Show'

Please join The Terrace at Waters Edge Lighthouse located at Two Freeman's Bridge Road, Glenville for a party...the more, the merrier...on Thursday, December 8 from 5 - 7 p.m. Cost is $75 per person and partialproceeds benefit area flood victims. Be There, Be Seen, Be an Angel!

This "Help for the Holidays" television episode features exceptional companies and individuals coming together for a very special show to help families affected by the recent floods of Hurricane Irene. This benefit is pre-taped to air on December 18, and all those contributing will be mentioned in the show for their generosity.

Enjoy hors d'oeuvres, buffet dinner, desserts and television exposure!

Company Owners: email your logo & contact information to destinyshows@aol.com. Individuals please include a business card or contact information with your payment.

For more information or to make your reservation, please call Donna Pennell, Executive Producer at 518.312.6909.

Ener-G-Rotors Wins $746,000 Project Award

The Department of Defense’s Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP) has announced a $746,000 grant to Ener-G-Rotors, Inc., a renewable energy company in Rotterdam, NY. The funds will support a project to demonstrate the waste heat to electricity conversion potential of the company’s GEN4 unit.

The GEN4, which has the capacity to generate 40 to 60 kilowatts, converts waste heat (150F-350F) from industrial processes to electricity. Following assembly at the company’s facility in Rotterdam, the device will be installed at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point; deployment is expected to take place late next year.

The Ener-G-Rotors proposal was one of only 27 selected by the ESTCP from a national pool of 575 entries submitted by private firms, universities and federal organizations. According to the Department of Defense, the ESTCP initiative is designed to support new projects to demonstrate emerging energy technologies on military installations through its Installation Energy Test Bed initiative. The initiative plays a key role in testing, evaluating, and scaling up innovative new energy technologies to improve the department’s energy security and reduce its facility energy costs.

“We’re extremely pleased to receive the ESTCP grant, and we’re looking forward to demonstrating how the GEN4 can support the Department of Defenses’ efforts to reduce energy costs,” Michael Newell, CEO, Ener-G-Rotors said. “The installation at West Point is another important milestone as we move to full commercialization.”

The ESTCP funding follows awards totaling nearly $2.4 million by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) over the past five years. The NYSERDA awards are supporting Ener-G-Rotors’ on-going research and development efforts as well as demonstration projects to deploy individual GEN4 units at three to-be-identified industrial sites in New York State. Additionally, in October, the Eastern New York Angels, LLC, which provides seed funding and mentorship to early stage companies, announced an investment of $150,000 in Ener-G-Rotors; this marked the group’s first investment since its founding earlier this year.

“NYSERDA congratulates Ener-G-Rotors on receiving the Department of Defense grant,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “With Ener-G-Rotors being awarded this nationally-competitive grant, it highlights how New York State’s commitment to innovation in the cleantech industry is getting results and continues to be a leader in this industry.”

The public and private funding, according to Newell, will help enable Ener-G-Rotors to meet or exceed its job creation benchmarks and commercialization timeline. “These investments and demonstration projects are vital as we seek to grow from our base of six employees to 12 by the end of next year. Based on our projections, we have the potential to create 120 jobs by the end of 2015,” Newell said.

“I want to congratulate Ener-G-Rotors for being chosen to participate in the Department of Defense’s Energy Technology Demonstration program,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “The fact that Ener-G-Rotors was chosen for this very competitive program is further proof that its innovative clean energy technology holds great promise, and brings it a step closer to the commercial market.”

The company’s flagship product, the GEN4, can be used in industrial processes, commercial buildings, solar thermal collectors, geothermal sources, biomass boilers and combustion engines. A modular system, the GEN4 is installed close to the heat source and generates power based on a breakthrough heat engine technology. The device creates no waste and uses heat waste that otherwise would be exhausted into the atmosphere. The equipment pays for itself in as little as two years by generating carbon-free electricity, thus reducing the amount of power drawn from the electric grid.

According to department officials, the Department of Defense has 300,000 buildings on its installations and spends nearly $4 billion a year on the energy needed to operate them. Demonstrations generate the cost and performance data needed to validate promising technologies, allowing them to be fielded and commercialized more rapidly. These technologies will enable DoD’s installations to operate using less energy, and they will improve energy security by allowing installations to maintain critical activities even if the commercial electric grid is disrupted. The West Point Military Academy has been designated by the Army as “Net Zero Installation “by 2020. Net Zero is a major sustainability program at the US Army, in which a Net Zero installation effectively produces as much energy as it consumes over the course of a year.

For more information on the ESTCP Installation Energy Test Bed Initiative and its associated technology demonstration projects, visit http://www.serdp-estcp.org/Featured-Initiatives/Installation-Energy.

Taj Mahal Restaurant Announces 'Operation Thank-You'

The Taj Mahal Restaurant, located at 118 Jay Street, Schenectady, is pleased to announce "Operation Thank-You" as a way to honor and serve our men and women in uniform.

The Taj Mahal features the finest Authentic Indian Cuisine,and is located across from City Hall in downtown Schenectady on Jay Street.

The restaurant is offering a special five-star all-you-can-eat lunch buffet for only $5 to all men and women in uniform. This buffet is offered Monday-Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. For more information visit www.tajmahalindianfood.com.

Key4Women Lunchbox Lesson

Please join KeyBank for a special Key4Women Lunchbox Lesson as Rumors Salon & Spa and Rumors IV Men present "A Work to Evening Makeover."

"Your hair is the gown your never take off," according to Leslie Spears, Joy4u.com and Joy Limited. Learn how you can make subtle changes and still feel comfortable with your own style. Experience two before-and-after makeovers. Learn firs-thand what to do to make the transformation!

This lesson is presented by Marri Aviza and Lisa Norgrove, Owners of Rumors Salon & Day spa and Rumors IV Men in Latham, NY.

Marri and Lisa are internationally trained businesswomen, award-winning hair designers and business owners who will teach you:

• How to change from work to evening looks with simple alterations
• The right makeup to suit you and the hair color to complement your skin
• Essential hair and makeup tips
• The must-haves in your makeup bag

Remember - major changes may not be easily reversible; a subtle change is always good!

This session will take place on Tuesday, December 6 from 4 - 6 p.m. at Key4Women Resource Center, 66 South Pearl Street, first Floor in Albany.

Parking is available in the lot behind 66 South Pearl Street on Hudson Avenue.

To register, please respond by Monday, December 5 to Mikki Brassard at 518.257.8599 or email mikki_brassard@keybank.com.

Holiday Day Open House at Northeastern Fine Jewelry

Please join Northeastern Fine Jewelry on Saturday, December 3 at 6 p.m. for its Holiday Open House at 1607 Union Street in Schenectady.

Come view the extensive new collections from LeVian. One-of-a-kind pieces will be on hand. Refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served.

Please RSVP to Dominick Lemme by calling 518.372.3604 ext. 125 or email dominickl@nefj.com.

Devils Host Teddy Bear Toss Sunday

The Albany Devils will host a “Teddy Bear Toss” during their Sunday, December 4 game against the Rochester Americans at the Times Union Center. Donations from the event will go to the Albany Boys and Girls Club and the Albany Police Athletic League.

Fans are encouraged to bring new or slightly used Teddy Bears or stuffed animals to the game. During the first intermission an announcement will be made and fans can throw the stuffed animals onto the ice. They will be collected and distributed to the two organizations.

Tickets for the 4 p.m. contest can be purchased at the Times Union Center box office or at any Ticketmaster outlet. Fans can also buy tickets via charge-by-phone at 1.800.745.3000 or by visiting www.ticketmaster.com.

Schenectady Museum Receives $3,470

• Left: Schenectady Museum Curator Chris Hunter demonstrates the new searchable digital database of GE Schenectady Works News as a visitor searches bound paper copies of the newsletter at Preserving and Digitizing Schenectady Works News, the second event held November 15 in a three-year campaign to preserve a collection of the employee newsletters printed from 1917 to 1985, held November 15 at the Schenectady Museum

The Schenectady Museum received $3,470 at Preserving and Digitizing Schenectady Works News, its second event held November 15 in a three-year campaign to preserve a collection of General Electric employee newsletters, the Schenectady Works News, printed from 1917 to 1985. The evening also included a demonstration of the first microfilmed and digitized editions of the Works News, from 1934 to 1952.

The funds raised include $1,745 from individuals and $1,725 in matching funds from General Electric. The three-year campaign aims to secure a total of $36,000 to preserve the entire collection of newsletters. In 2010, a total of $18,145 was raised: an $8,245 New York State Library grant, a $5,000 gift from General Electric, and $2,450 from individuals with another $2,450 in matching funds from General Electric.

One of the most valuable and popular collections in the Museum’s Archives, the Schenectady Works News newsletters are a rich source of information about the life of everyday employees and the relationships of one of the United States’ largest and most enduring corporations with its employees and its community. The GE employee newsletters attract researchers from around the world, who are often frustrated by the physical condition of the newsletters and the absence of indexing. The preservation campaign will include microfilming and digitizing the entire collection and ensuring that the newsletter text will be searchable on the computer.

To date, funds raised have allowed the Museum to microfilm and digitize issues of the Schenectady GE Works News from 1934 to 1952, which covers much of the Great Depression, World War II, and the post-war boom. There are currently about 12,000 pages searchable in the database. The database is currently available by appointment in the Museum Archives. By early next year, the database will be available online.

Museum Trustees Dr. Howard R. Hart, Jr. and Dr. James M. Lommel served as guest chairmen of the initial fundraising event. Museum Executive Director Kerry M. Orlyk welcomed an enthusiastic gathering of current and retired GE employees, Museum members, and Museum Trustees with a keen interest in the history of GE. Museum Curator of Collections and Exhibitions Chris Hunter delivered a special presentation, Digitizing Films, Photos, Records, and the GE Works News at the Schenectady Museum.

Baptist Health Promotes Community Involvement for the Holidays

The holidays are upon us and Baptist Health is turning up the fun with its 8^th Annual Community Holiday Celebration on Saturday December 10. The event will be held at Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, at 297 North Ballston Ave, Scotia. The Holiday Celebration is FREE and open to the public. Join us for a day of fun including:

• Entertainment from local youth groups
• Shop from an array of crafters and vendors
• Enjoy a yummy bake sale
• Visit with Santa, Frosty and Rudolph
• Have lunch with us, we’ll have pizza, hot dogs, popcorn, ice cream and beverages for sale!

This year Baptist Health has teamed up with three local nonprofit organizations to help spread holiday cheer to its residents. Joining us are Schenectady Boys and Girls Club’s Teen Empowerment Mentoring Program, I AM I CAN and Northeast Parent & Child Society’s YouthBuild Schenectady program. They will be participating in activities such as holiday bingo, arts and crafts, reading holiday stories and more. On behalf of Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center and the Foundation, we’d like to express our sincere gratitude to our Community Partners for their support!

Community Partners

• Boys and Girls Club of Schenectady’s mission is to help youth of all backgrounds with special concern for those from disadvantaged circumstances, develop the qualities needed to become responsible citizens and leaders. The Teen Empowerment and Mentoring Program is for students from Schenectady High School who are teamed up with a positive adult role model. Their role models help teens build confidence, set and achieve goals, provide academic assistance and college preparation and so much more. If you are interested in learning how to become a Mentor and how you can positively impact the life of a teen contact Jerrine Corallo at 518.374.4714 ext. 29 coralloj@bgcschenectady.org.

• I Am I Can is committed to encouraging personal growth and forming lasting, beneficial relationships with high school girls in grades 9 – 12, many of whom come from underserved backgrounds. Our advocates or mentors will spend time and get to know each participant on a one-on-one basis. Mentors provide encouragement, guidance and advocacy to students as they navigate their high school years and move toward post graduation goals. If you are passionate about making a difference in the life of a teenage girl or would like to volunteer please contact Avon Scherff at 518. 688.3010 ext. 102 or visit us at www.iamicanachieve.org.

• Northeast Parent & Child Society provides a full array of residential, special education, family foster care, children’s mental health and family preservation programs. In addition, Northeast provides career services to young adults through its Pathways 2 Success (P2S) division. YouthBuild Schenectady, administered by P2S, helps motivated young adults transform from social service recipients to employed taxpayers. At-risk individuals ages 18 to 24 from Schenectady County, New York earn a GED, learn trades including green construction and emergency medical services, pursue secondary education, and get placed in internships and jobs. They also receive parenting education, financial literacy, leadership training and ongoing. For information, please contact Jennifer Lawrence, Director of Career Services at 518.372.4100.

EP&M International Hires Mike Burrows

EP&M International, an exhibit design and project management firm, announced today it has hired Mike Burrows as a project manager focused on portable and modular exhibit sales, rentals, and support services. Mike joins EP&M with more than 20 years’ experience in the industry, most recently with AM&J Digital and Zone 5.

“Mike’s extensive background in graphic print production and delivery will be a tremendous asset to our team,” said Gene Lindman, president of EP&M International. “We’ve seen demand for exhibit rentals increase and expect Mike to contribute to making our local showroom a vital tool for Capital Region businesses exhibiting in the US or abroad.”

Burrows is active with the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, Empire State Society of Association Executives, and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. He can be reached via email at mike.burrows@epmexhibits.com.

Visit Downtown Schenectady's Holiday Open House

Come celebrate the holiday season in downtown Schenectady with shopping, culture and entertainment during a Holiday Open House on Saturday, December 3 from 12 - 5 p.m.

• 5 p.m. Tree Lighting at Jay and State Streets
• Activities and events inside downtown businesses
• FREE horse-drawn carriage rides
• Kids' activities inside Schenectady City Hall
• FREE gift wrapping station at Proctors inside the Junior League's Holiday Boutique
• Artisan displays and demonstrations
• Musicians, dancers, strolling carolers along Jay and State Streets
• Holiday shopping and dining in downtown Schenectady!

This event is presented by the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and made possible with support by the City of Schenectady, Schenectady County, KeyBank and the Times Union. Visit www.downtownschenectady.com for more information!

Help Schenectady County Families Return Home

Many local families are still dealing with the aftermath of Hurrican Irene's devastation and are not yet able to return home.

Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County is currently in need of electricians, HVAC installers, plumbers, insulators, sheetrockers, tapers, masons, carpenters, painters and more to assist in reconstruction of homes. This week they are especially seeking painters, sheetrockers and electricians as well as help in transporting donated items such as kitchen cabinets.

Both skilled and unskilled labor is needed along with donations of materials, supplies and cash. Habitat for Humanity is accepting donations for flood recovery – please send any donations to thee address below – with the check marked “FLOOD RECOVERY”.

In addition, The Schenectady Foundation has also set up a fund to help families affected by the flood. For information, please click here.

A satellite office has nrrn established in the St. Margaret’s Church Rectory, located behind the church at 1228 Main Street in Rotterdam Junction in an effort to better organize recovery efforts in Schenectady County. The office is staffed by Habitat for Humanity, City Mission and volunteers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Volunteers are needed to help staff the office as well as help with rebuilding homes.

Music at Cafe Nola for the Month of December

Please join Cafe NOLA in December for the following performances. All shows begin at 7 p.m. at 510 Union Street, Schenectady.

Saturday, December 3 - Frank Jaklitsch

Friday, December 9 - Big Creek, a three-piece Americana band whose musical and writing influences stem from the great American melting pot combining elements of country, country swing, bluegrass, rockability, blues and pop into a satisfying musical stew.

Saturday, December 10 - A3, an acoustic string trio consisting of Bill Alston on steel string acoustic, Judd Staley on Nylonstring, and Mike Dimin on various basses. A3 performs fine acoustic jazz from the great American songbook to their own interpretation of contemporary classics.

Friday, December 16 - Frank Jaklitsch Christmas show.

Saturday, December 17 - Jazz Connection, a variety of mainstream jazz.

Wednesday, December 28 - Tom Benson and The Dyer Switch Band, hard-driving traditional and original bluegrass and acoustic music.

Saturday, December 31 - Jazz Connection New Year's Eve show.

SCCC Foundation Gala to Celebrate A Regional Future

300 Capital Region business and community leaders will gather on Friday evening, December 2, at Glen Sanders Mansion, located at One Glen Avenue, Scotia to celebrate the major advancements of Schenectady County Community College (SCCC). The event will kick off at 6 p.m. with cocktails, hors d’oeuvres and networking, followed by a gourmet dinner, evening program, and dancing to the sounds of Colleen Pratt and Friends.

According to Dr. Quintin Bullock, president of SCCC, “We have experienced tremendous growth in tandem with a substantial investment in new capital projects, and the College’s infrastructure, all designed to support the delivery of a quality education, increase access and to diversify program offerings for our students.” Bullock explained, “The quality of SCCC programs is regionally recognized, as evidenced by the College’s plans to expand its service area into Albany County to provide post-secondary educational opportunities to Albany residents.

David Buicko, Chief Operating Officer of the Galesi Group, is serving as the honorary chairman of the SCCC Foundation Annual Gala. Jan Smith, a principal with Castle Rock Ranch Group, LLC, will emcee the event. Guests will gather to celebrate the growth of the College as well as support the SCCC Foundation’s mission to raise funds that advance and support the College’s mission to ensure student success.

Tickets are available by contacting SCCC Foundation at 518.381.1324 or emailing events@sunysccc.edu. Primary support from the Gala has been provided by the Galesi Group, Glen Sanders Mansion and Times Union.

Premier colleges like Schenectady County Community College provide cutting edge academic and workforce development programs that enrich the intellectual fabric of the Tech Valley Capital Region. The College provides an affordable opportunity to receive quality education, training and life skills necessary to be competitive graduate in the emerging workforce. Proceeds from the Gala provide financial support for all SCCC students whose goal is to obtain a quality education, which will enrich our community with a well-prepared citizenry and workforce throughout the Capital Region. More information about SCCC can be found on the web at www.sunysccc.edu. Additional information on the Annual Gala can be obtained by contacting the Development Office at 518.381.1324 or via email at events@sunysccc.edu.

Book Signing with Bob Cudmore

Come join the staff at The Ritz for Cocktails with Cudmore as RJ'S Ritz Terrace located at 1725 Van Vranken Avenue in Schenectady hosts Bob Cudmore as he signs his new book "Stories from the Mohawk Valley" on Thursday December 1 during the Happy Hours of 5 to 7 p.m.

A portion of each book sale will benefit the work of the City Mission in Schenectady. Also, buy Bob’s book, get it signed and get a free glass of house wine, a well drink, domestic beer or soft drink.

Bob writes the weekly column Focus on Mohawk Valley History for Daily Gazette and hosts Coffee with Cudmore, the morning radio show at Lite 104.7 FM / 1570AM WVTL in Amsterdam.

So come down and join us for this special Christmas book signing at RJ's Ritz Terrace, Thursday December 1 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The Bob Cudmore Morning Show, 6-10 a.m. weekdays

Lite 104.7 / 1570AM WVTL, Amsterdam, N.Y. www.wvtlfm.com

Focus on Mohawk Valley History http://www.dailygazette.com/weblogs/bcudmore/

Pet Pictures with Santa and Holiday Bake Sale at APF and PetSmart Photo Event

The Animal Protective Foundation (APF) celebrates the holiday season with Pet Photos with Santa on Saturday, December 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the shelter, located at 53 Maple Avenue in Scotia.

Digital prints in holiday folders will be just $6 each. Pet owners may also bring their cameras and have their pets pose with Santa for just $3, with the option to purchase folders at $1 each.

The event also features a huge holiday bake sale.

Santa will also be at PetSmart in the Mohawk Commons, at 406 Balltown Road, Schenectady on Saturday and Sunday, December 10 and 11, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Photo packages are $9.95 and $5 from each package will go to the APF. Package includes a 4x6” digital photo and holiday frame. Please bring pets on leashes or in carriers. Proceeds will benefit the APF’s spay/neuter and adoption programs.

For more details, visit www.animalprotective.org.

BST Announces New Hire

BST is pleased to announce that Lauren A. Ziemann, CPA has joined the Firm as an Associate in the Firm’s Financial Services unit.

Lauren previously worked for a CPA firm in Syracuse, New York. Her experience includes conducting audits for companies covering a wide range of industries, along with individual, partnership, and corporate tax return preparation. She is a graduate of LeMoyne College.

About BST
BST is a multi-disciplinary financial and management consulting firm headquartered in Albany and anchored by the accounting firm Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. LLP, CPAs. Other services of the firm include business valuation, forensic accounting and litigation support services, tax and management consulting, employee benefit plan consulting, human resource management and development, healthcare operations consulting, governmental auditing and consulting, merger and acquisition assistance, and wealth management.

Husband-Wife Team Bring 'Art for the Home' to Their Home

Artist David Arsenault and Hospice Chaplain Sue Koehler-Arsenault will open their Glenville home and David's art studio at 173 Maple Avenue - a 165 year-old farmhouse - to present "Art for the Home 3" on Sunday, December 4, from 12 noon to 4 pm. Light seasonal refreshments will be served.

The Arsenaults have twice held fundraisers in support of the Joan Nicole Prince Home, Schenectady's home for the dying. The inaugural event was held in 2009 at the Mohawk Golf Club in Niskayuna — the scene of the couple's wedding the previous summer. Last year, they made a road trip up the Northway to Saratoga Springs and held the fundraiser during Saratoga ArtsFest. This year, they decided to stay home — literally.

Admission is a $10 donation. Those making a $25 donation will receive a free signed, limited-edition art reproduction. An extensive selection of Arsenault's light-filled original oil paintings, giclée prints, and reproductions will be offered for sale. And this year, there's an added attraction: beautiful handmade jewelry, hats and scarves, candles and much more courtesy of Lumelia’s Jewelry & More. The event comes perfectly timed for the holiday gift-giving season, with items priced right for all budgets.

The Joan Nicole Prince Home is a comfort care home, which provides free care to the terminally ill in the last three months of life. Dedicated to serving those with the most need and the fewest options, the Home is celebrating its fifth Anniversary in service to the community. It is funded exclusively through donations and fundraising events, and in the current economic climate, non-profit organizations cannot look only to customary channels of support for fulfilling their many needs. Please join us in helping to continue providing safe end-of-life care to Schenectady residents, and in sharing the spirit of the season with people facing their most vulnerable moment in life.

Please visit www.artofdavid.com or www.joannicoleprincehome.org and the Facebook event page for more information.

Holiday Shopping Pass Encourages Local Shopping & Dining in Downtown Schenectady

The Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation (DSIC) and downtown businesses have launched the 2011 Holiday Shopping Pass program to encourage people to patronize the district’s local, independent shops and restaurants this holiday season. The promotion kicked off on Saturday, November 19 and will run through Saturday, December 24. Support for the program is provided by the Jay Street Business Association.

Holiday Shopping Pass cards may be picked up at any of 18 participating businesses, as well as at the DSIC office at 143 State Street. Each card includes fifteen (15) $10 boxes; each time a customer makes a purchase at a participating location, the value will be stamped on the card in $10 increments. Once $150 has been spent and the card is completed, the customer may fill it out with their contact information and drop it at any participating location to:

• Receive a coupon book good for return visits to downtown Schenectady businesses after January 1, and
• Enter a drawing to win a $250 downtown shopping spree OR a pair of tickets to see Shrek the Musical at Proctors in January 2012.

Participating locations are:

Ambition Café- 154 Jay Street

Anthology Studio - 469 State Street

Bliss Gifts & Home Décor - 160 Jay Street

Café NOLA - 617 Union Street

Clinton’s Ditch - 112 S. College Street

Downtown Designs - 179 Jay Street

Gallery of New York Folk Art - New York Folklore Society - 129 Jay Street

Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County’s ReStore - 115 N. Broadway

The Happy Cappuccino - 185 Jay Street

Katz Kafe - 160 Jay Street

Lennon’s Irish Shop - 164 Jay Street

Manhattan Exchange - 607 Union Street

The Open Door Bookstore & Gift Gallery - 128 Jay Street

Orion Boutique, Ltd. - 169 Jay Street

Patricia’s Room - 162 Jay Street

Paul Mitchell: The School - 411 State Street

Sweet Temptations - 432 State Street

Taj Mahal Restaurant- 118 Jay Street

Said Dale May, owner of Lennon’s Irish Shop, “We received five completed Holiday Shopping Pass cards this past Saturday on the very first day of the promotion. In addition, we had numerous customers in our shop that had already picked up cards from other venues, which we stamped for them with their purchases.” May added, “This is a very strong start to the program. I can definitely see this growing from year to year.”

“The Holiday Shopping Pass is a fun way to create buzz and drive customers to our wide selection of quality business,” said Jim Salengo, executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. He added, “A particularly good time to come out is this Saturday, November 26 for the 2^nd Annual Small Business Saturday.” Small Business Saturday was launched last year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – between mega-retail holidays Black Friday and Cyber Monday – to encourage people to patronize their local, independently-owned businesses. This coming Saturday, customers who register an eligible American Express card and spend at least $25 at a small business that accepts American Express will receive a one-time credit of $25 on their statements.

Said Salengo, “We invite people to shop and dine in downtown Schenectady and fill up as many cards as possible by December 24, because multiple Holiday Shopping Pass entries will be accepted…in fact, they are highly encouraged!”

Tree to Light Upper Union Street's Holiday Spirit

Old Saint Nick himself will press the button to light a more than 30-foot evergreen tree at Trustco, 1620 Union Street (corner of Upper Union Street and Woodland Avenue), Schenectady on Tuesday, November 29 at 6 p.m.

The event, which includes light refreshments and carols by the Calvary Tabernacle Choir, is free and open to the public.

Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras, as Santa will meet individually with children following the tree lighting.

The public is invited to bring a new toy to Sondra's Fine Jewelry for the USMC Toys for Tots Drive.

For further information, please visit www.upperunionbid.org or call 518.370.0662.

Music at Cafe NOLA This Week

Cafe NOLA, located at 617 Union Street, Schenectady, will offer the following music this week:

• Wednesday, November 23 at 6:30 p.m.: Tom Benson and The Dyer Switch Band will play hard-driving traditional and original bluegrass and acoustic music.Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Hudson Valley Community College girls’ softball team!
• Friday, November 25 at 6:30 p.m.: Holly & Evan will showcase a wide range of original and cover material in the styles of blues, jazz and soul.
• Saturday, November 26 at 6:30 p.m.: A3, an acoustic string trio consisting of Bill Alston on steel string acoustic, Judd Staley on Nylon string, and Mike Dimin on various basses will perform fine acoustic jazz from the great American songbook to their own interpretation of contemporary classics.

Canadian Pacific Holiday Train to Visit the ALCO Heritage Museum

The ALCO Heritage Museum is pleased to announce that the Canadian Pacific Holiday Train will stop at the ALCO Heritage Museum on Sunday, November 27 at 7 p.m. The Museum will be open to visitors at 5:30 p.m.

This will be the first visit of the CP Holiday Train to the ALCO Heritage Museum. The Museum is happy to be part of this event and help support local food banks. The Museum will be open to take a peek at the M-47 tank and other displays and artifacts. Restrooms will be available to the public inside the Museum. The Museum is also planning a bonfire.

The goal of the Holiday Train is to collect food and money for local food banks and to raise awareness in the fight against hunger. At each event, the CP Holiday Train provides a boxcar stage, a lineup of great musical talents and a corporate contribution to local food banks. Members of local Rotary clubs will be on hand to collect food pantry donations and to sell hot chocolate, with proceeds to benefit local food banks. The train will be a sight to see - fully decorated in holiday lights.

The ALCO Heritage Museum is a registered 501(c)(3) charitable organization, and it seeks grants and donations to support this ambitious project. For further information, please visit www.alcoheritagemuseum.org.

Kiwanis to Host Speaker from Northeast Parent & Child

Please join the Kiwanis Club of Schenectady on Wednesday, November 30 at 12 noon at The Stockade Inn, One North Church Street, Schenectady for its last meeting in November. Jennifer Lawrence, Program Director of Northeast Parent & Child Society, will speak about Career Services for young people, ages 18-24 who live in Schenectady County.

There will be piano music for the meeting provided by June Russell.  To make your reservation, please call 518.355.9770.

ShopRite of Niskayuna Brings Health and Wellness Center to Schenectady County

The Health and Wellness Center at the brand-new ShopRite of Niskayuna is a complete wellness destination for local families. The Wellness Center provides a full service pharmacy department, as well as completely free nutrition advice offered by their in-store Registered Dietitian.

The Pharmacy Department accepts most insurance plans, and Pharmacists Randy Rosette and Sarah Crana offer personal prescription counseling, educational information on disease state management and prevention, over-the-counter product recommendations as well as periodic health screenings and seasonal flu shots. Plus, you can enjoy the convenience of having your prescriptions filled while you shop or delivered FREE of charge right to your home (some restrictions may apply).

The ShopRite Pharmacy also offers FREE 30-day supplies of seven generic diabetes medications, as well as FREE 14-day supplies of several common antibiotics. In addition, ShopRite offers many common generic drugs at only $3.99 (30-day supply) or $9.99 (90-day supply). See the pharmacy or visit shoprite.com for more information on these programs and for a complete list of qualifying drugs.

The Pharmacy Department is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. You can contact the ShopRite of Niskayuna Pharmacy Department by calling 518.243.4568 or by fax at 518.243.4570.

Whether you need some advice regarding special dietary restrictions or just want to learn more about eating healthy, ShopRite’s Registered Dietitian, Elicia McMullen, is on hand to help you make sensible choices that fit your lifestyle. Elicia is available in-store or by phone at 518.491.0050 for individual and family nutritional counseling. She also offers shopping tours, community education programs, product information and demonstrations as well as periodic health and wellness events held right in the store.

To learn more about ShopRite’s Health and Wellness programs, visit www.shoprite.com or stop by the store at 2333 Nott Street East in Niskayuna.

International Trade: Identifying Marketing Opportunities

The Tech Valley Global Network invites you to join them on Thursday, December 1 for a roundtable discussion to identify marketing opportunities, consider the right business model (representative/distributor/agent/employee) that works for your business and how to line up the right partners in the target country.

The event is sponsored by Momentive Performance Materials and will be held at the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber, 5 Computer Drive South, Albany.

7:30-8 a.m. Check-in and networking
8 a.m. Program 
Cost: $20

Register today at www.schenectadychamber.org.

Schenectady's Fifth Annual Festival of Trees

The Schenectady County Historical Society and YWCA NorthEastern NY are pleased to host the Fifth Annual Festival of Trees! Last year more than 1,000 people visited this unique holiday event. Christmas trees prepared by community groups and businesses fill both the YWCA and SCHS for two weeks of holiday splendor! The event opens Friday, November 25.

• Enjoy holiday music, festive trees and community spirit in the heart of Schenectady’s Historic Stockade!
• Finish your Christmas shopping with beautiful delft ornaments, SCHS memorabilia, historic prints or books on regional history from our gift shop!
• Try your luck at our winning an amazing tree with our raffle! Beautifully decorated trees are up for raffle with plenty of time to use in this year’s holiday decorations! Tickets are 3 for $5.

The Festival of Trees will be on display at Schenectady County Historical Society Headquarters, 32 Washington Avenue, and the YWCA’s main campus, 44 Washington Avenue, from November 25 to December 11.

Display hours will be held:
Monday-Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Sunday – 12 - 5 p.m.

Admission fee for viewing the Festival of Trees is $5 for adults and $2 for children 6-12 years old; 5 and under are free.

The Schenectady County Historical Society is a private not-for-profit organization whose mission focuses on preserving, conserving, and interpreting Schenectady County’s history for both visitors to Schenectady County as well as local residents of Schenectady County. The Schenectady County Historical Society maintains the Schenectady County History Museum, Mabee Farm Historic Site, George E. Franchere Education Center and the Grems-Doolittle Research Library, as well as managing the Efner History Center. Follow us on Facebook or visit us at www.schenectadyhistory.net.

For more information, please call 518.374.0263.

Drome Sound Makes Music in Schenectady

Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Donna Pravel, Capital District YMCA; Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell, Holiday Inn Schenectady; Beverly Popolizio; Chamber Ambassador Sabrina Heilmann, Colonial Voluntary Benefits; Drome Sound employees Rachel Popolizio and Rhiannon Kenfield; Mark Smith (back); Drome Sound Owner Tony Popolizio; Merriam Insurance Agency President Brian Merriam; Joe Severino; Assemblyman James Tedisco

Drome Sound celebrated its grand reopening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on November 16, 2011. Located at 1875 State Street, Schenectady, the store is owned by Tony Popolizio. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

Drome Sound was a family business, and Tony began working there immediately after college. When the original owners decided to retire and asked Tony if he would like to take over, he was thrilled. After 30 year of being a manager, he is now the owner.

Drome Sound offers a wide variety of musical instruments and sound equipment at very competitive prices. The new store offers new brand lines and continues to offers repairs, equipment rental equipment and music lessons.

“I have been in Schenectady County for over 40 years, and Drome Sound is known for the hub and being in Schenectady,” said Tony. “This is where Drome Sound belongs, and everyone know’s where we are located.”

Drome Sound is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m., Saturday from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Sunday from
1 – 5 p.m.

Drome Sound
1875 State Street, Schenectady | 518.370.3701
www.dromesound.com

Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc. Builds Yurt in Pattersonville

From left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Senator Hugh Farley’s representative Mike Mansion; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Peaceful Acres Horses member Dave Cummings; Peaceful Acres Horses Founder and Executive Director Nancy Beyerl; Tippy Beyerl; Peaceful Acres Horses Secretary Carol McArdle; Peaceful Acres Horses, President Fred Alber

Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its Yurt with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on November 12, 2011. Located at 3740 Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville, Peaceful Acres is operated by Executive Director and Founder Nanci Beyerl. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

After working as a full-time mom to three young children, then as a co-owner of a commercial construction company and later a safety company, Nanci decided she was in need of a life-changing job. She decided to start Peaceful Acres Horses to give back to the community.

Nanci became interested in Equine Assisted Psychotherapy and Learning in 2003. As a lifelong horse lover, she knew the animals had a natural way of being friendly companions and empowering people to be focused, calm and goal-oriented. Nanci decided to train with The Equine Assisted Growth and Learning Association to become certified to use its treatment modality. She then returned to graduate school and earned her Master’s degree in Social Work from Adelphi University in 2007.

Nanci is a native of Schenectady County. Once she found the land on which Peaceful Acres Horses is located, she believed it was fate and pursued the journey to develop a healing sanctuary for horses and people. Nixon Peabody, a national law firm, took her under its wing and helped establish Peaceful Acres Horses as a 501 (c) 3 not-for-profit organization in 2009. The farm is located on 156 acres and hopes to acquire more land to maintain as undeveloped.

Peaceful Acres Horses offers therapeutic services to youth and adults through a program partnership with several local organizations that serve youth and families. Its Equine Guided Experiential Learn Program partners rescued horses with people who are surpassing grief, loss and trauma.

Peaceful Acres Horses also offers a unique experience in teambuilding and is host to corporate retreats and workshops. It serves families, adults, military veterans and people surpassing life-altering illnesses. The ranch now has the only yurt – a tent-like structure – in the Capital Region, which may be utilized by the public for healing workshops and wellness retreats.

Peaceful Acres horses is supported entirely by private funds obtain via members and grants. The Equine Rescue is 80 percent funded by individuals and businesses that support the care of the 40 horses in its sanctuary. In 2010, Peaceful Acres named The Small Nonprofit of the Year by The Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council, a shared initiative of The Chamber of Schenectady County and the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc. is open by appointment only Monday through Saturday. It serves groups during the day and individual youth and family members after school Tuesday through Friday.

Peaceful Acres Horses, Inc.
3740 Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville | 518.887.3178

Downtown Schenectady Welcomes The Happy Cappuccino

Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell, Holiday Inn Schenectady; Chamber Ambassador Kito Delgado, GTM Payroll Services; Michelle Robbins; Happy Cappuccino employees Bill Miles and Heather Froeschle; Toni Robbins; Happy Cappuccino owner Matt Robbins; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Acting Mayor Gary McCarthy; Bob Hoffman and Vicki Robbins (back); Dylan Friello; County Legislator Karen Johnson; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation staffer Becky Jarczynski; Chamber Ambassador Margie Miller, Curtis Lumber; Chamber Ambassador Jeff Desnoyers, Pioneer Bank

The Happy Cappuccino celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on November 15, 2011. Located at 181-185 Jay Street, Schenectady, the store is owned by Matt Robbins. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

Matt is retired after 20 years if service in the National Guard. He was stationed at the Albany Airport as a helicopter mechanic and served in Bosnia. He subsequently worked for Schindler elevator for 10 years. Matt has always enjoyed the coffee house atmosphere and had a dream of working for himself, so he combined two passions to open The Happy Cappuccino, a coffee house where high-quality espresso-based drinks are the focus. The venue also supports local musicians and artists, so the eclectic environment of Jay Street – which has a little bit for everyone – is the perfect location.

The Happy Cappuccino is open Monday through Wednesday from 6:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday from 6:30 a.m. until 9 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m.

Capital Region Economic Development Council Unveils Strategic Plan

The Capital Region Economic Development Council (CREDC) today unveiled its five year strategic economic development plan for the Capital Region, at a press conference at the Albany International Airport. The plan includes proposals for transformative projects that would sustain and grow jobs by leveraging $11 in private sector investment for every $1 invested by the State and create jobs.

“We are focused on building a Capital Region economic ecosystem that is locally collaborative, globally competitive, and economically vibrant.” CREDC Co-chair and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Ann Jackson said. “Council members worked diligently to finalize the five year strategic plan by reviewing the input we received from across the eight county region, assessing transformative project proposals, and compiling the data to support our initiatives. Given the extraordinary assets, resources, and potential in the region, we are confident of success.”

“This has been a fascinating process as leaders from higher education, government and the private sector have come together to develop a five-year strategic plan for our region, said Michael J. Castellana, Co-Chair and President and CEO of SEFCU. “Collaboration has been key to the process, and it is the foundation of our strategic plan as stakeholders have come together to redefine the economic development process in our region. The process does not end today, we have only just begun to develop our eco-system that will make the Capital Region the first destination in New York” Castellana added.

The key goals of the strategic plan, encompassing Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Albany, Greene and Columbia counties, are to: leverage and collaborate, open new doors, prepare for tomorrow, build a superhighway, bring cities to life, celebrate and optimize our surroundings, showcase our beauty, and spotlight our strengths.

The Council is recommending six broadly transformative projects and initiatives that would leverage $487 million in economic growth from an investment of $45 million in State resources ($11/$1 leverage ratio). These transformative projects, designed to position the region for sustained economic growth and long-term job creation, include:

• New York Capital Research Alliance
• High Performance Computation
• Capital Region Access to Solutions Program Center/Foundation for Success Loan Fund
• Capital Region Collaborative Procurement Portal
• Capital Region Access to the World
• Enhancing Tourism

The Council also has identified a set of locally and economically significant projects, in each of the eight counties, that have impact for specific regions and sectors, important for the overall ecosystem in the region.

The Council structured a plan to foster a strong economic ecosystem, one that offers groundbreaking ideas and appropriate multi-sector support at every step, from scientific discovery/technological innovation to new industry. The four elements necessary for a vibrant economic ecosystem are: strategic focus; transformative ideas; translational pathways that bring those ideas into the marketplace; and, the capital to make the system run; including financial, infrastructural, and human capital.

Council co-chairs noted that the strategic plan was created through a collaborative process with broad-based input. Members of the Council and working groups included a broad cross-section of the region. They engaged thousands of people, from all eight counties, in the effort. The process has fostered expanded collaboration across regions and sectors that will continue, and have long-term benefits to the region.

A copy of the plan is available at www.capitalregionopenforbusiness.com.

Created by Governor Cuomo, the Regional Economic Development Councils represent a fundamental shift in the state's approach to economic development—from a top-down development model to a community-based approach that emphasizes regions' unique assets, harnesses local expertise, and empowers each region to set plans and priorities.

The Capital Region Economic Development Council is one of ten regional councils across New York that will serve as a single point of contact for economic activity in the region. Through their strategic planning process, the councils are identifying and expediting priority projects that demonstrate the greatest potential for job growth. As part of the initiative, up to $1 billion in state resources will be accessible to eligible economic development projects through existing program grants and tax credits.

Each regional council was tasked with submitting a five year strategic plan by today. The plan is to provide a regional vision for economic development, address critical issues and opportunities, and lay out an implementation roadmap for future growth. The state will work with the regional councils to align state resources and policies, eliminate unnecessary barriers to growth and prosperity, and streamline the delivery of government services and programs to help the regional councils carry out their plans for development.

To learn more about each region and their economic development plans, visit www.nyworks.ny.gov.

Eastern New York Angels to Invest $150,000 in Ener-G-Rotors

Eastern New York Angels, LLC, an Upstate, NY-based investment group that provides seed funding and mentorship to early-stage companies in New York’s Tech Valley, announced today a $150,000 investment in Ener-G-Rotors, Inc., a renewable energy company in Rotterdam, NY.

Following a thorough review and evaluation of dozens of business plans submitted by local start-ups, ENYA leadership identified Ener-G-Rotors as its first investment. The investment group, comprised of regional business leaders and accredited investors, performed a comprehensive due-diligence examination of Ener-G-Rotors to inform its decision to invest in the company, which is widely considered a pioneer in converting low-temperature waste heat to electricity.

Richard Frederick, a founding member of ENYA and proven serial entrepreneur, believes in Ener-G-Rotors and the process that awarded them funding.“ENYA is made up of business leaders and entrepreneurs who carefully review early-stage companies like Ener-G-Rotors," he said. "Our members, who are investors, have a wide variety of business successes and life experiences that enable them to evaluate and provide guidance to early-stage companies. We’re looking forward to future investment opportunities as we near our $1MM goal.”

"I am pleased that Ener-G-Rotors represents the first company in ENYA’s portfolio of investments," Michael Newell, Ener-G-Rotors CEO said. "Having an active, knowledgeable and organized seed investment group in Tech Valley encourages local early stage entrepreneurs, stimulates job growth in the area, and helps drive companies like ours forward. This investment will have a direct impact on our development efforts; it will provide for the addition of a state-of-the-art work-station crane system, and the funds will also enable us to fill a critical position to support our commercialization goals.”

In addition to the ENYA investment, Ener-G-Rotors has received more than $2.5 million in grants from the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA). Those funds are supporting the company’s efforts to field test its GEN 4 unit in three factories in New York State. The GEN 4 is the company’s state-of-the-art device that economically generates electricity from low-temperature waste heat emitted during industrial processes. A large potential market exists for a device that can generate power from low-temperature waste heat sources. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 20 to 50 percent of industrial energy is lost as waste heat. And 60 percent of that waste heat is defined as low-temperature heat. New York has almost 4,000 potential sites that could make use of this product, representing an opportunity to generate 200 megawatts of electricity.

The Eastern New York Angels traces its roots to 2001 when four local entrepreneurs formed the Tech Valley Angel Network (TVAN). An affiliation of high net-worth individuals who met monthly to review potential investments in early stage companies in the Tech Valley, TVAN eventually collaborated with the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) to formalize and manage the organization. In August 2010, founding partners Richard Frederick and Joseph Richardson, coupled with the support of CEG, created the ENYA seed fund to enhance and expand the TVAN effort. CEG continues to play a vital role providing stewardship and administrative support.

Richardson, an operating director at DeltaPoint Capital Management, believes the organization delivers to both entrepreneurs and the region. “One of the most critical elements of all we provide entrepreneurs is mentorship. Funding is of course necessary, but guidance from those who have ‘been there done that’ is invaluable. Our investors come from all walks of life and can provide expertise in many defined areas.” Richardson also says he believes in the future of the region. “I would like to see the investments and mentorship we provide result in additional jobs and economic prosperity.”

Companies interested in ENYA (http://www.easternnyangels.com) assistance participate in a selection process in which they “pitch” their business models and products to investors. These presentations - combined with ENYA’s due-diligence reviews of the companies - ultimately determine funding decisions. The ENYA group estimates an average investment of $150,000 per company. In addition to the Ener-G-Rotors funding, ENYA is currently reviewing and evaluating a number of start-ups; the firm is also seeking investors to add to its list of angel members.

“We are in the process of identifying additional accredited investors who have the interest in and resources to invest in one or more units each in the amount of $25,000 to the fund,” Frederick said. “Equally important, these investors must share our commitment to provide support and mentorship to the region’s emerging entrepreneurs. Fundamentally, ENYA is all about opportunity - for our investors, our entrepreneurs and our region.”

About Ener-G-Rotors:
Ener-G-Rotors (www.ener-g-rotors.com)is commercializing devices based on a near frictionless expander that converts low-temperature heat into electricity, opening up new markets in waste heat and changing the technology landscape for solar thermal and geothermal installations. Based in Rotterdam, NY, the company is a recognized leader in the conversion of low-temperature waste heat to electricity. The company has received awards at six clean-energy forums around the country in the last two years alone; recently, Ener-G-Rotors was named a “Top 10 Defense Energy Technology Solutions” company, chosen from a field of 220 applicants, by the U.S. Military, which describes itself as the nation’s largest consumer of fossil fuels. Earlier this month, the company was recognized at a special ceremony at the White House entitled "Make it in America: Champions of Change Roundtable," a discussion sponsored by U.S. Congressman Paul Tonko designed to highlight local success stories, discover new opportunities for collaboration and to connect local leaders with resources and expertise to help create jobs.

About Eastern New York Angels:
ENYA’s primary goal is to provide seed funding and mentorship to early stage companies while creating jobs and stimulating entrepreneurial activity in the region while delivering a reasonable return on investment for its investors. For more information, contact Richard Frederick or Joseph Richardson at 518.690.0620 or visit http://www.easternnyangels.com.

Black Friday & Saturday Spectacular at Northeastern Fine Jewelry

Please join Northeastern Fine Jewelry on Friday, November 25 and Saturday, November 26 for its Black Friday & Saturday Spectacular. Stores are open at 9 a.m. and are located at 1607 Union Street, Schenectady; 1575 Western Avenue, Albany and 4620 Main Street, Manchester, VT.

If you spend $1,499 on a gift for your special someone or someones, you'll receive a FREE 16GB Apple IPad2! Or spend $749 and receive a FREE 8GB Amazon Kindle Fire.

This offer excludes previous purchases, layaways and extreme-value merchandise. Cash and carry only. One giveaway per person. Apple is a registered trademark and is not a sponsor of this promotion. Amazon's Kindle Fire is a registered trademark and is not a sponsor of this promotion.

For more details, please visit www.nefj.com.

Give Blood and Save A Life!

Please join Baptist Health for its blood drive on Wednesday, November 23 from 11:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. at Baptist Health Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, 297 North Ballston Avenue, Scotia.

To schedule an appointment, please call Ruth Tietz at 518.370.4700, ext. 123. All presenting donors will be eligible to win a $50 grocery store gift card.

Second Annual Shop Small Business Saturday

The Second Annual Shop Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 26. National ads are currently running on TV and Radio promoting this even,t which is sponsored by American Express. Shop at your local small businesses on the Saturday after Thanksgiving as a way to help our local economy! Learn more at: www.smallbusinesssaturday.com.

Now more than ever we’re encouraging you to Think Local. Buy Local. Buy Chamber. We understand the challenges in this economy, and your Chamber is working hard to raise awareness that the support of business in our own neighborhoods is the only way for us to be successful as a community during this recession! Right now it’s crucial that we continue to support our businesses right here! Purchasing goods and services on the internet or from companies outside our area does nothing to support our local economy. Every dollar you spend locally – whether for business or personal – keeps area companies strong, keeping more of them in business and keeping people employed – including you! In addition, when shopping locally, a percentage of the total sales tax is allocated for local funding. This money is vital to our communities to keep property taxes manageable and helps pay for your local health clinics, neighborhood patrols, parks, emergency services, our children’s education and much more.

Remember – Think Local. Buy Local. Buy Chamber.

Give Back Tuesday

It's week three of "Give Back Tuesday" at Chili's Restaurant on Wolf Road in Colonie! Come out to support Family & Child Services of Schenectady by enjoying some great food and drink - and they will receive 10% of your total bill! It's so easy, just bring their flyer with you or show it from your IPhone, Android or other mobile device to your waitperson and you've supported the many programs that Family & Child Services administers. For more information and to print the flyer, please visit www.familyandchildservice.com. We hope to see you there!

Shoe Parties Take Stride in the Capital Region and Beyond

Capital Region Women can now slip into some new “soles” in the comforts of their own home! Local Direct Selling Company, Shush Shoes, launched earlier this year by owner Melissa O’Reilly is increasing in popularity.

The concept is similar to home jewelry parties where shoe lovers are invited by a hostess to try on shoe samples and then place orders with a Shush Shoes representative. Two weeks later, the shoes are delivered to the party hostess. In turn, the hostess earns FREE shoes.

With six years experience in the direct sales industry and a previous position held as VP of Sales with a handbag company, Shush Shoes owner Melissa O'Reilly was ready to step out on her own. “What better way to bring women together, strut around in some fabulous shoes and meet new people?” said O’Reilly. “Besides, who doesn’t love shoes?”

There are a variety of colors and styles to appeal to everyone: heels, flats, wedges, sandals, boots and more! The wide varieties of beautiful shoes that Shush offers are stored right in our "shoe vault" in Schenectady.

The buzz is spreading quickly. Shush Shoes has already expanded outside of New York State with representatives in Connecticut and Florida. Be sure to like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/shushshoes.

With carefully thought-out plans in place, Shush Shoes will continue to grow and help to feed the “sole” for all SHOE LOVERS out there!

Regional Collaboration...Link Your Website to the Tech Valley Portal

As a founding member of the Tech Valley Chamber coalition, the Chamber of Schenectady County is proud to promote the Tech Valley Portal, located at www.techvalley.org.

This outstanding online resource connects businesses from across the nation and around the world with our exciting region. Updated with new information and links, news and events, and area specific details about Tech Valley’s communities, the portal is an effective marketing tool in attracting economic development. The website serves to promote Tech Valley as an outstanding region for business, career opportunities, education, research and development, housing, recreation, and overall quality of life.

Now you can link your business website to the Tech Valley Portal and join with us in promoting the success of our region. Increase your exposure; connect with potential business, recruit skilled employees, and network with members from other chambers from the Canadian border to just north of New York City. The portal is a great resource for your HR department, staff members, and potential employees looking for relocation details.

The Tech Valley Chamber Coalition is a collaborative effort among chambers in a 19-county area. The Coalition has steadily grown to represent more than 20,000 businesses, academic institutions, and organizations employing more than half a million people. Since its founding in 2002, the Coalition has successfully positioned the Tech Valley region as a diverse and robust business hub for economic growth and development. In addition to facilitating economic development and managing the Tech Valley Portal, the Coalition sponsors the Love SAM (Science and Math) educational imitative and the Tech Valley Teacher Externship Program. Both programs bring real-life business experience into the classroom and promote the importance of science and math education.

Link your business with the Tech Valley Portal by visiting www.techvalley.org or by contacting Robin Granger at 518.372.5656 ext. 3007 or rgranger@schenectadychamber.org.

CDTA Introduces High-Tech Amenities for Premium BusPlus Service

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) today announced the introduction of new amenities on BusPlus service to help expedite travel time, improve customer communications and ease congestion on Route 5. The introduction of Real Time Passenger Information (RTPI), coupled with queue jumper and traffic signal priority systems, and complimentary wireless internet service (WiFi) offer a host of conveniences to customers.

“CDTA is embracing modern technology to improve service reliability and communications, increase satisfaction for existing riders, and attract new riders,” said CDTA Chairwoman Denise Figueroa. “Adding these amenities is what makes BusPlus the premium way to travel.” According to CDTA surveys, receiving real time information was the number one amenity requested by customers, and over 50% of BusPlus customers have mobile devices, making this technology a natural fit.

“I want to commend CDTA for their work to use cutting edge technology for the benefit of its customers,” said Congressman Paul Tonko. “Employing these innovative technologies represents a continued investment in public transportation that makes the service more reliable and attractive to riders, and reduces congestion and pollution by taking cars off our roadways.”

BusPlus customers now have the ability to receive up-to-the-minute arrival information, and to access free Internet services while riding. Real time passenger information (RTPS) takes the guesswork out of waiting for the next bus ride by using Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites to determine bus location and speed.

Key features of BusTime Passenger Information System include:

• Arrival predictions for the next 2-3 buses
• Live bus tracking to show vehicle location and route progress using Google Maps
• Dynamic LED message signs
• Accessibility through any device with Internet access, such as smart phones, traditional cell phones, personal computers, and electronic signs at CDTA stops
• Email and text message service alerts

Electronic signs are installed in 8 different locations: East bound and West bound stations at West

Mall, Manning, Village Center, and Division with more to be installed at the remaining 15 BusPlus stations along Route 5 next year.

Customers can access BusPlus RTPI through the digital signage located at select stations, traditional computers, web-enabled smart phones, text messaging, and e-mail. Live predictions and the ability to sign up for alerts are available at bustime.cdta.org. To use on-demand text messaging, customers need to identify the 5 digit number on the nearest bus stop sign, and text cdtabus [stop id #] to 41411. When accessing free WiFi on the BusPlus line, customers only need to open their web browser and accept the terms and conditions.

Queue jumper and traffic signal priority systems, considered key characteristics of bus rapid transit services, give buses priority at intersections, helping to improve traffic flow and enhance safety. Queue jumpers are short sections of “bus only” lanes that allow transit vehicles to “jump the queue” of waiting cars at congested intersections. The queue jumpers are installed and fully operational along Route 5 at three locations: Wolf Road Westbound, New Karner Road (West Bound) and Nott Terrace (Eastbound.) CDTA’s first queue jumpers were introduced to the Capital Region in June 2003, and installed at the CDTA Fulton and 3^rd and Fulton and 4^th bus stops in Troy, New York.

Traffic Signal Priority employs technology that gives buses an extra 6 second lead-time ahead of other vehicles when running behind schedule. Traffic Signal Priority systems are installed at 44 intersections along the 17-mile corridor between downtown Albany and downtown Schenectady.

Benefits of Queue Jumper and Traffic Signal Priority systems include:

• Fewer stops and reduced travel times and more consistent service
• Improved schedule reliability
• Lower fuel consumption and emissions
• Increased air quality and environmental sustainability

Studies show that Bus Rapid Transit service leads to increased ridership and economic development and BusPlus has earned double digit increases in ridership since being unveiled in April 2011.

“We are very pleased to see the double-digit increase in ridership on the Route 5 BusPlus

service. Introducing new technologies to provide “real-time” travel information to customers will make public transportation more convenient, and will enable riders to better plan their commute,” stated Niskayuna Town Supervisor Joe Landry.

“Route 5 is the Capital Region’s busiest travel corridor, and BusPlus is helping insure it remains a vital connector,” said Town Supervisor Paula Mahan. “With its streamlined service and environmentally friendly buses, BusPlus means that traffic moves more smoothly through the corridor. It also expands affordable and convenient travel options for area residents. BusPlus is really a big plus for everyone, and I thank CDTA for its leadership in developing it.”

With $5.5 million in federal funds awarded to CDTA last month, an additional 22 real time arrival signs, new shelters, security cameras and 911 blue light phones will be added along the route in 2012. Future plans may include extending real time information applications to other high volume routes following a successful launch on Route 5.

The RTPI system was implemented in partnership with Clever Devices of Plainview, New York. Clever Devices’ transit technology solutions provide Intelligent Transportation Systems for all modes of public transportation including fixed and flex route, Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), light rail, paratransit, and commuter rail systems. Additional equipment and technology was provided by Hewlett-Packard, In Motion Technology, and Sprint.

The Queue Jump Lanes and Stations were constructed by Callanan Industries, Inc., while Traffic Signal Priority equipment was installed by Innovations in Transportation Inc. (INIT) of Chesapeake, Virginia.

Customers who wish to learn more about bus arrival predictions or create an account to set up alerts can visit www.cdta.org or bustime.cdta.org. To learn how the queue jumper and traffic signal priority system work, visit www.cdta.org and click on the BusPlus simulation video.

APOSTROPHE CAFÉ at Proctors Brings Fun, Food to Downtown Schenectady

Photo from left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Schenectady County Community College President Dr. Quintin Bullock; APOSTROPHE Co-Managers Phil DuBois and Jackie Davis; Proctors Art Director Richard Lovrich; Schenectady City Councilwoman Peggy King; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Schenectady County Legislator and Proctors staffer Karen Johnson; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo.

APOSTROPHE CAFÉ at Proctors celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on November 11, 2011. APOSTROPHE is located at 432 State Street in downtown Schenectady. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

The APOSTROPHE CAFÉ at Proctors has been in operation since the the former Muddy Cup at Proctors closed earlier this year. Leesa Perazzo, Proctors Group Sales Manager, spearheaded improvements in the eatery in concert with Dan Sheehan, Proctors Director of Operations and new Co-Managers of the café, Jackie Davis and Phil DuBois.

“Proctors CEO Philip Morris wanted the APOSTROPHE to complement the arts and entertainment complex and serve as a real gathering place,” said Perazzo. “My background in the hospitality business led him to ask me to put my experience to the test to create a more welcoming spot for visitors to Proctors. We quickly set out to improve service, offer a wider array of food options and enhanced the ambiance to attract more people and encourage them to stay – and return.”

The stakes became even higher when Schenectady County Community College became the primary tenant of the former City Center building across from Proctors. “Students there have no campus center to speak of,” added Perazzo. “It seemed only natural to work with the college to establish the APOSTROPHE as the unofficial gathering place for students.”

She noted that the APOSTROPHE team even created a special nook within the café in which students could meet, discuss assignments or work on projects in a relaxed environment. Dr. Quintin B. Bullock, President of Schenectady County Community College, is pleased about the proximity to the APOSTROPHE CAFÉ at Proctors.

"We are thrilled to have SCCC at Center City and more than 1600 students, along with faculty and staff in downtown Schenectady,” said Bullock. “The APOSTROPHE Café and Lounge at Proctors is an excellent off-site location for SCCC students, faculty and staff to engage in a myriad of campus life activities off the SCCC campus, enjoy delicious beverages and refreshments, as well as a friendly conversation with a colleague or friend. Proctors and SCCC's collective efforts affirm a true community partnership."

“Proctors is so much more than an entertainment venue. It is the community’s gathering place for events, education, conferences and good old-fashioned socializing,” said Jim Salengo, Executive Director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. “Apostrophe Café has become an important part of that mix. By offering it as a home base for the many new SCCC@Center City students, Proctors has adapted once again to meet an important community need.”

According to Proctors CEO Philip Morris, the arts and entertainment complex hosts more than 600,000 visitors each year. “The refurbished APOSTROPHE CAFÉ is a great fit for us, for the college and for anyone working in or visiting Schenectady reenergized downtown area,” Morris said.

APOSTROPHE Co-Manager Jackie Davis, who hails from Schenectady, will be recognizable to many café patrons from her prior position as an Education Coordinator at the Honest Weight Food Co-op and as a manager/buyer for an area museum. Co-Manager Phil Dubois previously worked at the popular Café Dolce on Lark Street in Albany. Both are excited by the challenge of overseeing Proctors’ latest addition. “We have a new menu, a better streamlined operation, bar service on show nights, the decor has been cleaned, brightened and upgraded with additional improvements in progress,” said Davis.

Dubois points out that the new menu includes creative breakfast and luncheon sandwiches, fresh salads, gourmet desserts, bagels, muffins, pastries and a wide variety of hot and cold specialty beverages.

“Proctors welcomes everyone that frequents downtown be it related to business, shopping, a trip to the movies or a performance,” said Perazzo. “We encourage students and faculty from the new SCCC downtown campus to use APOSTROPHE as a gathering place and take advantage of its amenities such as free WI-FI.”

According to Dan Sheehan, customers often inquire about the name of the new café. He tells them that when Proctors assumed the lease of Muddy Cup, finding a suitable name was a challenge; Proctors employees were invited to make suggestions.

He reminds them that the original theatre was called Proctor’s -- with an apostrophe “s” -- since “Dean of Vaudeville” F.F. Proctor built the State Street palace in 1926. As the theatre expanded in new directions, Sheehan adds, “We reexamined our brand and decided that Proctors – no apostrophe – and without the word ‘theatre’ -- best reflected all that Proctors was becoming. The missing apostrophe from the original brand became an inspiration. For those who missed it, the APOSTROPHE is back!”

The APOSTROPHE CAFÉ is located within the arcade at Proctors, 432 State Street, Schenectady. Hours of operation: 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., later on show nights.

Join Ellis for Its Cardiac Classic 5K

Please join The Foundation for Ellis Medicine's for its 30th Anniversary of the Cardiac Classic 5K Road Race, Wellness Walk, and Fun Run on Thursday, November 24 starting at 8 a.m. in Schenectady's Central Park. This event draws more than 1,200 runners and walkers.

Two of the founders of the race and their wives are the honorary chairs; Dr. Bill and Holly Vacca and Tom and Nancy Kiernan. Dr. Vacca will be wearing #1 and Mr. Kiernan #2.

Join the tradition and the fun while supporting Ellis Medicine's Wright Heart Center! For more information, please call The Foundation for Ellis Medicine at 518.243.4600.

First New York FCU Opens New In-School Branch

First New York Federal Credit Union and Duanesburg High School held a joint ribbon cutting Grand Opening ceremony on Tuesday, November 8 to open the fourth in-school branch office of First New York Federal Credit Union. Representatives of the school district and credit union will be there to launch this joint initiative. The branch, named the “Eagle Branch” is located adjacent to the school’s cafeteria. The Duanesburg Branch is being run by student volunteers in conjunction with Rotterdam based First New York Federal Credit Union.

The branch is a joint initiative between the credit union and Duanesburg High School. Students in the future Business Leaders of America club are involved in working at the branch as well as promoting the branch, which will give the students a better understanding of the financial and marketing world. This working branch will be serving as an introduction to the business world for the students.

During the course of the school year, the students and the credit union will work together in a variety of ways including training, operations of a branch and marketing. In addition, the students will create, execute and report on various marketing campaigns to be used at the branch.

The Duanesburg Branch is open one day a week on Tuesdays from 1 to 1:30 p.m., and will be available for use by students and staff members. The branch will be available for opening new accounts and conducting financial transactions.

This is the fourth in-school branch for First New York FCU. The other student run braches are: the Patriot Branch at Schenectady High School, Warrior Branch at Mohonasen High School and the Schoharie Valley Branch at Schoharie High School.

First New York FCU is a not for profit financial cooperative which currently has more than 28,000 members and total assets of approximately $230 million. The credit union was originally founded in 1937 as Schenectady Teachers Federal Credit Union. The credit union’s seven full service branch locations are as follows:

1776 Union Street 795 East Main Street

Schenectady NY 12309 Cobleskill NY 12043

19 Glenridge Road 818 Central Avenue

Glenville NY 12302 Albany NY 12206

1879 Altamont Avenue 424 Maple Avenue

Schenectady NY 12303 Saratoga Springs NY 12866

2 Wall Street Colonie, NY 12205

Make Your Own Fresh Thanksgiving Centerpiece

Please join Experience & Creative Design on Sunday, November 20 at 2:30 p.m. to learn how to make a fresh Thanksgiving Centerpiece for $45. Prior to the class, don't miss a complimentary wine tasting / pairing with Thanksgiving Dinner at 1 p.m.

The arrangement will include:

• Roses
• Fuji mums
• Crysanthemums
• Wheat and fall leaves

All supplies included in class fee. Experience & Creative Design is located at 510 Union Street, Schenectady.

Habitat for Humanity Flood Recovery Update

The first flood affecting families in Schenectady County occurred on August 29. Since that time, families have struggled to recover and rebuild their homes and lives. Over 200 families were impacted by the flooding in some way. Some families have lost their homes and all of their possessions.

Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady along with several other community service groups including the City Mission, Catholic Charities, SCAP, Cooperative Extension, St. Clare’s Catholic Church and others are working to bridge the gap between the actual costs to rebuild and the funds they have received through FEMA or flood insurance.

On October 31, a satellite office was established in the St. Margaret’s Church Rectory (located behind the church at 1228 Main Street) in Rotterdam Junction in an effort to better organize recovery efforts in Schenectady County. The office is staffed by Habitat for Humanity, City Mission and volunteers from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Volunteers can contact me through e-mail, call my cell, or come to the church rectory for work assignments.

Your help is needed to help families return home.

At the present time, needs include electricians, HVAC installers, plumbers, insulators, sheetrockers, masons, carpenters, and more. Both skilled and unskilled labor is needed, along with donations of materials, supplies and cash. Habitat for Humanity is accepting donations for flood recovery – please send any donations to my attention at the address below – with the check marked “FLOOD RECOVERY”.

In addition, The Schenectady Foundation has also set up a fund to help families affected by the flood.

http://www.schenectadyfoundation.org/index/grants-2/grant-stories-6/-rebuilding-families-fund-addresses-long-term-needs-of-flood-victims-8.html

Please consider how you can help.

Perhaps your church, business or organization can “adopt” a family. Maybe you can hold a bake sale, or organize a work day at one of the build sites throughout the county. We are working to get the houses heated and insulated for the winter, and help is needed to do so, we can’t do this alone.

Thank you for thinking about it, and for all that you do to help families in Schenectady County.

Sometimes doing your best is not good enough. Sometimes you must do what is required. - Winston Churchill.

For more information or to donate please contact Anne at 518.881.5001.

Two Ornament Classes at Mabee Farm Historic Site

Applications are now being accepted for two ornament classes to be held on Saturday, November 19 at the Mabee Farm Historic Site on Route 5S in Rotterdam Junction. The classes are from 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join instructor Jessica VanDenburgh for a Quilted Ornament Class. These no-sew folded fabric ornaments are easy and fun to make. With so many fabrics available, you can really personalize them. Fee: $35 plus $10 for materials.

In the afternoon, from 1– 4 p.m., instructor Beverly Cornelius teaches a Wheat Ornament Class working with both ash and wheat. Each student will make four ornaments: a reindeer, French knot, wheat heart and a star which is large enough for a tree topper. Fee: $35 plus $15 for materials.

For more information, please call 518.887.5073.

Celebrate Brayton Graphics' Five-Year Anniversary

Come join Brayton Graphics on Thursday, November 17 from 5-8 p.m. at 30 Jay Street as they host a party to celebrate their past five years of business and look forward to the many more years to come. Also, get a chance to check out their newly expanded digs. Enjoy a silent auction to benefit those effected by Hurricane Irene, an iPod Nano giveaway, photo booth, cupcakes from Coccadotts Bakery and sample some of Schenectady's very own Mad Jack Beer!

: PHOTO BOOTH:
Act like a kid again with a Brayton-themed photo booth by Dino Petrocelli

: HURRICANE IRENE SILENT AUCTION:
At the end of the day, there are still so many who lost everything from Hurricane Irene. They will be holding a silent auction to benefit those affected by Irene. Place your bid on goodies from:::

Anthology Studio :: Floral Arrangement
Clinton's Ditch :: $50 Gift Certificate
Coccadotts :: $50 Gift Certificate
Drue Sanders Custom Jewelers :: Sterling silver key pendant with chain
Stiletto Salon :: Manicure & Pedicure
The Van Dyck/Stockade Inn/Pinheads :: Gift Certificate Bundle & Mad Jack Growler
Proctors Theatre :: 2 tickets to Intergalactic Nemesis - 2 tickets to The Acting Company
Holiday Inn at Schenectady :: Complimentary overnight stay
Cypress Pools :: $100 gift certificate, and 2 pool floats

To RSVP and get all the details, visit their Facebook event page at http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=279531352078337

Price Chopper Supports Local Events

Schenectady Symphony Orchestra:

Price Chopper is pleased to support the 2011/2012 Season of the Schenectady Symphony Orchestra – Music & Inspiration. Performances are at 3 p.m. on Sundays – November 20, January 22, and April 15 at Proctor’s Theatre. And, on March 11, don’t miss a special Serenade Concert – The SSO’s Sensational Strings in the GE Theatre at Proctor’s at 3 p.m. For more information, visit www.schenectadysymphony.org.

Union College Ice Hockey:

Hey Ice Hockey Fans! Show your Price Chopper AdvantEdge card at the box office and Save $2 off admission to all Union College regular season men’s home hockey games! Some restrictions apply. For more information and a game schedule, visit www.unionathletics.com.

Ski Any 3:

Are you a skier? Do you have a skier on your holiday gift list? Well, head 'em off at the pass, with Price Chopper's two great ski pass offers. For just $109, get the Family Mountain passbook - 3 passes, each good for a full day lift ticket that can be used in any combination at your choice of Bolton Valley, Granite Gorge, Jiminy Peak, Pico, Ski Plattekill, Song Mountain, Toggenburg Mountain, Wachussett, West Mountain or Windham Mountain! Or the Big Mountain passbook - 3 passes for your choice of Bromley, Gore, Mount Snow, Mount Sunapee, Smugglers’ Notch or Whiteface - only $139. Some restrictions apply. Ski passbooks make great gifts and they're available only at Price Chopper – plus, you can earn 20 cents off per gallon on each passbook with Fuel AdvantEdge! Supplies are limited. For more information, visit www.pricechopper.com.

Give to Northeast's Holiday Hope Fund

Tis the season...to spread the warmth and joy of the holiday's at Northeast Parent & Child Society. They’re kicking off the Holiday Hope Fund to help hundreds of our children and families enjoy a brighter holiday season, and they need your help!

Holiday Hope Helpers are hard at work collecting gifts and donations throughout the Capital Region and beyond. You'll probably see a Holiday Hope Fund drop box while you're doing your holiday shopping, but if not; just visit www.holidayhopefund.com for a list of locations.

What's the best part of the Holiday Hope Fund?

It brings families closer together. Northeast takes all donations and purchases food and gift cards. Clinicians, caseworkers and other trained staff take parents on supervised shopping trips. Parents get help with budgeting and planning while picking out the gifts that mean the most to their children. And we all know that nothing's better than that special gift from Mom and Dad!

But lots of Moms and Dads need your help. How can you help? Let us show you! Visit www.holidayhopefund.com for tons of fun ways to get involved. Together, our community can brighten the holidays for hundreds of kids and families this holiday season.

Benefit Concert for Schoharie County Flood Relief

Please join Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce for a benefit concert for Schoharie County flood relief on Sunday, November 20 from 3 - 7 p.m. This great event will take place at Maple Inn located on Main Street in East Berne.

The event will feature:

• 3 J's Band - Bluegrass Rock
• Playin' With Fire - Rock and Roll
• Gail Sparlin - Folk and Blues

Admission is $10, which includes food provide by the Maple Inn. All proceed to SCCAP: Schoharie County Community Action Program, and 100% of the funds collected are distributed to families in need. For more information or to purchase your tickets, please call 518.872.2687.

SMAC Hosts Third Annual Veterans' Day Breakfast; Receives $2500 Donation from ShopRite

The Schenectady Military Affairs Council (SMAC), a program of The Chamber of Schenectady County, hosted its Third Annual "To Honor and Serve" Veterans' Day Breakfast on Tuesday, November 15 at Stratton Air National Buard Base in Glenville.

Left, Community Leaders poise to serve troops at the Third Annual To Honor and Serve Breakfast presented by the Schenectady Military Affairs Council (SMAC), a program of The Chamber of Schenectady County. From left: Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber President Mark Eagan; Yates Magnet School teacher Barbara Bachus; Mohawk Honda co-owner Steve Haraden; Huff’n’Puff owner Eric Minkiewicz; Ellis Hospital CEO Jim Connolly; Galesi Group COO Dave Buicko; Assemblyman George Amedore; Miranda Real Estate owner Willie Miranda; Schenectady County Community College President Dr. Quintin Bullock; Northeastern Fine Jewelry owner Ray Bleser. The breakfast served more than 200 soldiers, veterans and community members and was sponsored by Fenimore Asset Management, First Niagara Bank, Hannay Reels and ShopRite Supermarkets.

Shannon DeFreese (left) and Tom Urtz (right) of ShopRite Supermarkets present Schenectady Military Affairs Council Chairman David Apkarian (center) with a check for $2500 to support SMAC programs. In commitment to its support of local veterans organizations, ShopRite of Niskayuna collected donations at check-out from November 6 – 12 with all proceeds going to the Schenectady Military Affairs Council, which supports military units throughout the Capital Region.

“We take great pride in supporting these brave service men and women when they return home,” said Tom Urtz, Vice President of Human Resources and Community Affairs, for ShopRite. “With the help of our generous customers, associates and vendors, the money raised will aid our local veterans and their families as they transition back to their civilian lives.”

CAP COM Join Forces With Stewart's to Offer Low-fee ATMs

CAP COM Federal Credit Union has joined forces with Stewart’s Shops to give CAP COM members access to a convenient network of ATMs for just $1 per withdrawal.

CAP COM members can now withdraw cash with CAP COM’s VISA^® Debit Cards for a $1 fee at ATMs in more than 300 shops in upstate New York and Vermont. The unique partnership brings together two of the Capital Region’s best-known and deeply rooted local businesses.

CAP COM’s roots date back to 1953, when the Capital District Telephone Employees Federal Credit Union began accepting deposits at a downtown Albany office. Stewart’s Shops began in 1945 as an ice cream stand in Ballston Spa, N.Y. and later expanded into a network of local stores.

CAP COM’s Capital Region network of 11 ATMs at our branches and Clifton Park Center mall, along with ATMs within the CO-OP and SUM Network, will remain fee-free for members. The expanded Stewart’s network helps CAP COM improve convenience for its members.

“CAP COM and Stewart’s Shops are two great customer-driven local organizations. I am pleased with the new partnership and I am happy to give our members access to such a convenient network of free and low-fee ATMs,” said CAP COM President/CEO Paula A. Stopera.

The agreement between CAP COM and Stewart’s Shops was finalized in late October and went into effect at all Stewart’s Shops in New York and Vermont on November 1.

CAP COM’s VISA Debit Card can be used to pay at checkout with no monthly fee. And at select retailers, cash back is free when paying with CAP COM’s Debit Card.

The Stewart’s Shops ATM fee is $2. CAP COM will reimburse members $1 for each withdrawal within 24 hours. The fee does not originate with CAP COM or produce additional revenue for the Credit Union.

This Week at Cafe NOLA

On Wednesday, November 16, Cafe NOLA, located at 615 Union Street, will have from 5 - 8 p.m. great food, drinks, ambiance and mini tarot card readings.

Then on Saturday, November 19 from 6:30 - 9:30 p.m. The Dependents, a musical group of teenagers from Fort Plain that specializes in acoustic versions of classic pop and jazz favorites, will play. Their sound is characterized by highly technical instrumentals, classic rhythms and powerful, sweeping vocals.

Come on out and feel the Mardi Gras spirit! Parking is available behind Cafe NOLA and on the street.

Personal Wine Cellar Tests Glenville’s Palate

From left: Chamber Ambassador Donna Pravel, Capital District YMCA; Chamber Ambassador Melissa Kelly, AAA Northway’ Chamber Ambassador Margie Miller, Curtis Lumber; Personal Wine Cellar employee Juria Craig; Personal Wine Cellar Manager Ernie Darrah; Personal Wine Cellar Owner Brian Craig; Assemblyman James Tedisco; Ribbon Cutting Sponsor Bruce Sowalski, McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams; Chamber Ambassador Tonia Brownell, Holiday Inn Schenectady; Personal Wine Cellar employees Eileen and John Stegemann; James Craig, Brown, Craig & Hunt; Representative of Senator Hugh Farley Mike Mansion.

Personal Wine Cellar celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on November 11, 2011. Located at 300 Saratoga Road, Glenville, the store is owned by Brian Craig. The ribbon cutting was sponsored by McNamee, Titus, Lochner & Williams, PC.

Brian worked in the liquor industry part-time for almost a decade, then began to seriously look at opening a store of his own. Many fits and starts later, Brian was able to open Personal Wine Cellar and bring on friend and former co-worker Ernie Darrah as manager while he himself maintains his work as a a full-time bus driver for the Guilderland School District. Ernie, who is also a musician, and his wife Alyssa, joined the team to help make Personal Wine Cellar a success. Brian, Ernie and their families have a combined two decades of services to the wine and liquor industry.

Personal Wine Cellar offers wine tastings as often as possible with multiple products available to sample on Friday or a Saturday afternoons and evenings. The store almost always has one or two items open and available for customers to sample.

The grand opening of Personal Wine Cellar marks the end of more than a two-year journey to find the perfect location as well as the start of a longer journey to take a simple store and turn it into something wonderful.

Brian’s mission is not to stock the store with his team’s favorite wines and spirits, but to fill it to the brim with customer favorites – to truly make it YOUR Personal Wine Cellar.

Personal Wine Cellar is open Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m.–9 p.m. and Sunday from Noon–6 p.m.

Personal Wine Cellar
300 Saratoga Road, Glenville | 518.399.WINE (518.399.9463)
www.pwcglenville.com or find us on Facebook