APD vs. The E: Basketball takes center court

Albany, NY – Members of the Albany Police Department will square off against teens from the Equinox Youth Center tonight--on the basketball court, that is. 

Dubbed “APD vs. The E”, the game is the culmination of an ongoing friendly competition between the two teams, and will take place on the center court of the Arbor Hill Community Center. 

“Building strong connections with caring adults, and engaging in positive activities help young people successfully weather adversity,” said Jill Rafferty-Weinisch, Director of Youth Services. “We’re so grateful for the relationship our young people have built with the officers and we’re looking forward to a lively game.”

The relationship between the teens and the APD is the outgrowth of ongoing involvement of officers from the Community Engagement Unit in Equinox’s Youth Outreach Center. The officers regularly participate in activities and socialize with youth at the Center, establishing a trust that carries into the broader community. 

Chief Krokoff says “I would like to commend Equinox for being such a vital part of our community.  As we continuously strive to build community partnerships and engage our City’s youth, Equinox has been instrumental in offering countless programs and support to our children. Working together we will encourage our youth to expand their horizons and realize their full individual potential as members of our community. Through a collaborative effort we will continue to provide the tools and resources necessary to guide our children into mature, well rounded, and successful adults.  I am proud of the strong community partnership that has been established with Equinox over the years and look forward to participating with them in all their future endeavors.”

Rodger Wyland, Sports Director at WNYT-NewsChannel 13, will be on hand to introduce both line-ups. The game will follow official tournament rules (two 20-minute halves) with the oversight of professional officials who are volunteering their time. Coaching “The E” will be D.J. TGIF from Jamz 96.3, a former Equinox teen. The National Anthem will be performed by Equinox youth.

The half-time show will feature two Equinox dance teams and the Arbor Hill Community Center’s “Nanny’s Double Dutch League.” Team jerseys have been donated by the Albany Police & Fire Foundation and the winner will lay claim to a trophy donated by an anonymous fan.

The game will take place at the Arbor Hill Community Center, located at 47 Lark Street, Albany, on Wednesday, May 8. The game is free and open to the public. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. The game will start at 7:00 p.m.

Sidewalk chalk art contests draws artists to Central Avenue

Carimar Soto, 16, Charmane Billingsley, 19 and Devaney Jimenez, 19 each work on their murals as part of Equinox's practice session for the upcoming "Drawing Up Central" sidewalk chalk art contest, to be held Saturday, May 11, 10-2p. 

"What is that supposed to be?" asks Kid Dash, pausing in his own chalk mural to stare at his neighbor's. 

"It's a work in progress," answers Charmane Billingsley patiently. 

"Drawing Up Central," the first annual sidewalk chalk art contest, which is part of this year's 65th Annual Tulip Fest, is already drawing artists to the Avenue. 

Contest judges will award a grand prize of $500 to one lucky adult artist, and an iPod Nano and gift certificates from area businesses to the winner in the youth category. Judges include Michele Vennard, CEO and President of the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Donna Garramone, Owner of Arlene's Artist Materials, and Alana Akacki, Director of Exhibits for the Arts Center of the Capital Region. 

“Events like this happen around the country and go a long way toward providing youth and families with a sense of ownership and a connection to local businesses,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director of the Central Avenue Business Improvement District in Albany. “They also build a sense of place, and contribute to Central Avenue’s reputation as a destination for visitors.”

“Drawing Up Central” will be staffed by young people, from Equinox’s Youth Outreach Center, providing youth at risk with opportunities to perform community service within their community and support local businesses, which is one of the positive youth development objectives of the center. 

“We're so excited about this event, and its potential to give the youth we serve a positive outlet for creativity, leadership and service to their community,” says Dorothy Cucinelli, Ph.D., Chief Executive Officer for Equinox, Inc.

Recently, youth from the Equinox Outreach Center also practiced their sidewalk chalk skills on the pavement in front of the center, competing for a shot at three free squares in the contest. The youth worked on murals inspired by the contest theme: Renewal. 

"I'm doing this because I was never allowed to do this as a child. So I'm a child again today," explains Billingsley, 19, a senior at Shenendehowa High School East, who was hard at work on a giant red rose. 
Next to her, Devaney Jimenez, 19, put the finishing touches on a pink coy fish swimming in a blue pool. 

"I was told about the contest, so I googled it up," Jimenez says. "I'm making a water droplet where the ripples turn into flowers." 


Presented by the Central Avenue Business Improvement District, Equinox, Inc. and the City of Albany, "Drawing Up Central" on May 11, will feature artists from all over the region competing for cash and prizes. Families, students, and organizations are invited to watch these talented individuals create their masterpieces right on Central Avenue’s sidewalks, and then cast a vote for their favorite in the Central’s Choice cat­egory.

"Drawing Up Central," is still recruiting artists in the adult and youth category until May 9. Register now at:  http://www.centralbid.com/sidewalk-art-2013 $10 fee gets you sidewalk square, chalk, and complementary T-shirt! 

Drawing Up Central is sponsored by a new hospitality grant from the Albany County Convention and Visitors Bureau Fund of the Community Foundationfor the Greater Capital Region. The contest is also sponsored by Arlene’s Artist Materials, All Over Albany, CDTA and St. John's Lutheran Church. 

"Drawing Up Central" will take place on Saturday, May 11, 2013 on Lower Central Avenue between Henry Johnson Blvd and Lexington Avenue from 10am - 2pm. (Artists should arrive by 9am and check in at 95 Central Avenue, Albany.) Free parking next to Elena's Italian Caffe at 112 Central Avenue. First come, first serve. Contest results will be announced at 2:30pm. For more information, please visit our event page or contact the CBID offices at (518) 462-4300. 

Neighborhood Resource Center presents Orlo School with Outstanding Local Retail Business Award

The Orlo School has always given back--and now they're being recognized for it. On April 30, the Neighborhood Resource Center will present its 2013 Outstanding Neighborhood Service awards at the Albany Housing Authority Atrium. Recipients include Rick and Alice Caputo, owners of The Orlo School of Hair Design and Cosmetology. 

The Orlo School will receive the Outstanding Local Retail Business Award for their tireless support of neighbors in their Beverwyck Neighborhood. 

"The Orlo School of Hair Design 232 N Allen St is a 40 year-old community-minded family-owned business," says Gene Solan, president of the Neighborhood Resource Center. 


"Rick and Alice Caputo, the co-owners and city residents, have trained hundreds of successful beauty professionals. The Caputo's daughter, Angela and son, Andrew also trained and now work in the business. The Caputos generously provide meeting space for their Beverwyck Neighborhood Assn. The Caputos are also caring fundraisers for several community education, afterschool programs, and developmentally-disabled programs," says Solan. 


Other recipients include: 

JoAnn Morton - South End Neighborhood Assn (SENA) 
Outstanding Neighborhood Service Award

Leif Engstrom - Albany Chief City Auditor
Outstanding Public Official Award 

Deb Schramek - Helderberg Neighborhood Assn 
Outstanding Neighborhood Communications Award

Rick and Alice Caputo - The Orlo School of Hair Design 
Outstanding Local Retail Business Award

Michael J. Castellana - SEFCU President and CEO
Outstanding Civic Leadership Award 

The awards ceremony will take place on April 30, from 6-8pm at the Albany Housing Authority Atrium, located at 200 S. Pearl Street in Albany. The event is free and open to the public. Parking is available in the front and rear parking lots. The location of the front parking lots are: A (221-25) and B 229-35 S. Pearl St. at Ferry St. The rear parking lot is entered off S. Ferry St. 

H&R Block hosts Child Safety Fair Saturday April 6

1^st ANNUAL

CHILD

SAFETY

DAY

SATURDAY, 4/6/2013

H&R Block

165 Central Ave.

Albany, NY

THE DAYS FESTIVITIES INCLUDE:

NYS Safe Childs Id's w/Fingerprinting        Girl Scout Cookie Sale

PIZZA Courtesy of Pietro's Cucina                     Emergency vehicle tours     

Face Painting/tattoos                                      It Takes A Community

Coloring /Safety Activities                              (Family) Organization

Statefarm Insurance

Door prizes/Giveaways                            Wellcare Ins Aide/Advice

H&R Block DOLLARS & SENSE                         CAP COM Banking/reading

       (Education Programs)                                        (Program)      

We are offering to all Parents/Adults FREE SECOND LOOK

reviews on all tax returns that were not prepared by H&R Block.  We are also available for Tax Advice & Tax Preparation to All that are welcome!

PLEASE JOIN US!

Technology Show wows business community

Scott Mueller and Bryan Mueller, heads of National Business Equipment & Supply welcome Mayor Jerry Jennings to last week's Technology Show at the business equipment supplier. 

Last Thursday, business managers and heads from across the region gathered at National Business Equipment & Supply for the much-anticipated open house to introduce the latest in business technology.

Guests included school districts, college faculty, and heads of state offices who watched product demonstrations, and took in presentations on office automation and touch screen technology, designed to smooth workflow and maximize efficiency.

"Our Technology Show was a big success as most of the colleges, school districts and many business owners got to see the latest in office technology," says Scott Mueller, CEO and President of National Business Equipment.

Mueller and his brother Bryan Mueller purchased National Business Equipment in 2008 because of its strong tradition of quality and talented staff. National Business Equipment has been serving the Capital Region since 1927. The business focuses on multi-functional processors that copy, scan, fax and print, and is the only local supplier in the City of Albany.

National Business Equipment and Supply is located at 505 Bradford Street in Albany. For more information, call 724-6455 or visit their website at www.national1927.com

Madison going on a road diet?

Madison Avenue could be slimming down this year. 

Traffic incidents in the Pine Hills section of Albany have lead public safety officials to study the possibility of narrowing two traffic corridors in this neighborhood, one along Western Avenue, and the other along Madison Avenue. Changes on Western Avenue were ruled out almost immediately due to the sheer traffic volume and delays it would cause. 

Narrowing roads, also known as a road diet, is when the road is reduced in the number of travel lanes and/or the effective width. After study of two potential corridors, they have settled on the section of Madison Avenue between Lark Street and South Allen. They are currently studying three different scenarios on Madison, none of which satisfy all stakeholder goals, but do go a long way towards calming traffic, reducing speeds, improving bicycle safety, and reducing crashes. The public is invited to comment on these plans at the upcoming meetings. 

The meetings will take place on April 16, 2013 meeting in the Touhey Forum in the Lally School of Education at the College of St. Rose, 1009 Madison Avenue, Albany. The first meeting will take place at 11am and the second at 6:30pm; the content is the same for both meetings, so please attend only one. 

If you have any questions, please contact Bill Trudeau, Coordinator of Traffic Engineering, at (518) 434-5791 orMadisonAveStudy@albany-ny.org

The Parade Starts Here: Central Avenue St. Patrick's Day Weekend Festivities

Acoustic musician John Eisenhart kicks off the St. Patrick's Day weekend with great set at Bobby T's Sports Grill on  Friday night. 

When it comes to the St. Patrick's Day Parade, Central Avenue is Parade Central. The St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off from Quail Street and Central Avenue at 2pm on Saturday, March 16, heading east on Central to Washington Avenue to State Street and ending at Pearl Street.

The parade line-up for this year includes the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, North Albany Limericks, Menands St. Patrick's Club, the Capital District Celtic Cultural Association, and the South End Irish. The parade will also welcome school bands and other local service organizations.

While the parade is sure to get you in the spirit of the Irish, be sure to check out these other special events throughout the district!

The parade begins outside the doors of Pauly's Hotel, where the doors will open at 8am. Bar owner John Mancini said the party will go all day, no cover. "The parade starts here," says Mancini. Pauly's Hotel is located at 337 Central Avenue.

Mass will be celebrated at Blessed Sacrament Church at 9am, and a reception will follow in the school hall--All are welcome. The church is located at 407 Central Avenue.

When it comes to food and drink specials, you can't beat the $11.99 corned beef and cabbage dinners at Bobby T's Sports Grill. The bar and grill will be serving dinners all day Saturday and Sunday. Friday night, crowd favorite, John Eisenhart will take the stage to sham-rock out. Bobby T's Sports Grill is located at 221 N. Allen Street.

The Clubhouse Race Book will also celebrate St. Patrick's Day Saturday and Sunday with "Bet $50, Get $50"--That's $50 when you open a new Capital Bets account. The Clubhouse Race Book is located at 711 Central Avenue.

Dining Out for Life welcomes four Central Avenue restaurants

Dining Out for Life, an annual fundraiser for the AIDS Council of Northeastern NY, will include four Central Avenue restaurants this year.

On Thursday, April 25, LaZeez Restaurant, Salsa Latina, Bob and Ron's Fish Fry and Waterworks Pub will donate 20 percent of their food and beverage sales to support AIDS research and prevention. Please visit a participating restaurant to support them and this cause.

This dining fundraiser is celebrated in cities across the nation, from Asheville to Silicon Valley. Last year more than 25,000 people in Northeastern NY dined out for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The event was covered by local and regional media, including Metroland, Times Union, Plattsburgh Press-Republican, Hudson Register-Star, Catskill Daily Mail, FLY 92.3 FM, WNYT News Channel 13, YNN, WTEN AND CBS6.

This year is the 10th anniversary of the event, and buzz is bigger than ever. Participating restaurants will have access to a range of great promotional opportunities, including being mentioned in 10,000 dining guides and listing on the event website. The event itself will be marketed through media, posters, as well as two major electronic billboards. 

The event also features volunteer ambassadors. Ambassadors work to promote their assigned restaurant through their respective social networks and drum up traffic at the restaurant on the night of the event. They are also on-hand to greet guests and provide information about the event. 


For a complete list of participating restaurants, please visit the Dining Out for Life website. 

I'm so blue! Central Avenue goes blue to promote cancer awareness

To help raise awareness about colon cancer, blue dresses will decorate the windows of the GreatFinds Thrift Boutique on Washington Avenue during the month of March. GreatFinds and several other Central Avenue district businesses are participating in Main Streets Go Blue, a program of the Cancer Services Program of Albany and Rensselaer.

If you're seeing blue this March, we're glad. March is colon cancer awareness month, and to raise awareness, streets across the country are turning blue. Blue is the universally recognized color for colon cancer and businesses up and down Central are stringing blue lights, putting up blue posters, and distributing referral forms for interested customers. 

"Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related death in the US, but it doesn’t have to be. Colon cancer is preventable, treatable and beatable when caught early through screening," says Christie Ray-Marchetti, Outreach and Education Manager for the Albany and Rensselaer County Cancer Services Program. The Cancer Services Program provides information and support as well as free screening for colon cancer to the uninsured. 

During the month of March, the program will hold three screening events on Central Avenue:

• Albany Career Central, 175 Central Avenue in Albany, 3/11 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
• Armory Bus Plus Station, at 194 Washington Avenue in Albany, 3/22 4-5:30 p.m
• West Mall Bus Plus Station, at 855 Central Avenue in Albany, 3/25 4-5:30 p.m

During these screening events, staff from the Cancer Services Program will be distributing information and free take-home screening kits to those who qualify. 

This year, DePaula Chevrolet, A. Phillips Hardware, Danker Florist, and GreatFinds Thrift Boutique will be participating in Main Streets Go Blue by decorating their businesses, wearing pins, putting up posters, and distributing information. The Cancer Services Program will also install banners at the Hannaford Plaza and ShopRite Plaza. 

The Central Avenue Business Improvement District has purchased posters that will be installed on Big Belly trashcans up and down the Avenue. 

Please also look for stories on cancer screenings in the Times Union and on WAMC Northeast Public Radio. 

Who's at risk for colon cancer? Everyone age 50 years of age and older is encouraged to get screened.

For more information about how your business can participate or to learn about the free screenings for colon, pelvic, ovarian and breast cancers, please contact Ray-Marchetti at (518) 220-6928.or via email at Christie.ray-marchetti@cancer.org 

Give Central love: Show your support for local biz in the Capital Region Living Magazine's annual "Best of" poll

It's that time of year again! The Capital Region Living Magazine's "Best of the Capital Region 2013" Annual Readers Poll. 

This the Capital Region "Best of 2013" edition will be sent to thousands of their magazine to people all over our community and it is a great way to get the word out about your local businesses.

Love A. Phillips Hardware? Can't get enough of Earthworld Comics? Stop at Honest Weight once a week? Travel great distances to buy shoes from StreetGame? Love the Dominican Food at Casa Dominicana? Please consider supporting these and other Central Avenue businesses on the "Best of" ballot. 

Your support of Central Avenue businesses is important. Please take a moment to complete the ballot, and vote for all your favorite Central Avenue businesses. 

For a complete listing, please check the attached Directory of Central Avenue businesses! You have until 2/25/13 to cast your vote.

In order to vote simply go to www.crlmag.com.  With that being said I am asking all of you to take a few minutes to vote for businesses in our community that you feel deserve to win for "BEST of 2013".