SEED Program announces first round of recipients!

The University at Albany's Small Enterprise Economic Development program announced first round of program graduates and loans.

Rolled out one year ago in June, the program has seeded 16 businesses and 52 new jobs. The program has provided 52 new jobs.

The program helps "grow small businesses with the confidence and support they need," says University President George Phillip. The program illustrates the vital role that universities "can play and should play," says Phillip.

Michael Castellana, CEO and President of SEFCU, and also a UAlbany alumi, says the program demonstrates that "character matters." It's small engines like these that are going to propel the local economy, says Castellana.

Small Business Development Center Regional Director Bill Brigham agrees. He worked with each of the participants, helping train them and make their dreams a reality. The program combines training with funding, providing "job creation, self-employment and self-esteem" for "denied entrepreneurs," says Brigham.

Among the recipients were Patricia Greenwood, who runs an antique business in Schenectady, Bruce Evans, who owns a pest control business in Rensselaer, and John Robinson, whose Our Ability program will connect disable persons with educational and employment opportunities.

Central Avenue business-owner Kerry Ann Wilson was also recognized at the ceremony. She will open her new location of Heaven on Earth on Feb. 6, at 1pm. Check out her interviews tonight on Fox 23, YNN, and WNYT13!

Music delivers meals to area seniors

Last week, music delivered. Meals that is.

Local musicians Palatypus, Harry Strole, Don Ferber and Marc Clayton played a benefit concert Thursday night at the Barrel Saloon in Albany to raise funds for Senior Services of Albany—and the results, well, it’s music to our ears.

$1,000 was raised to help fill gaps in the Meals on Wheels program, says Donna Vancavage, Director of Development for Senior Services of Albany. Meals on Wheels is funded primarily through donations, grants, and government funds. Recently, higher demand and increasing food prices have driven up the cost to deliver this important service to the area’s seniors, she says.

“The Meals on Wheels program is at the backbone of the many aging services to which frail seniors must have access in order to remain at home and part of their life-long community,” says Vancavage. “For many seniors in our community, having this service allows them to remain in their home as opposed to having to live in a nursing home.”

Thursday night’s benefit will feed hungry seniors and make it possible for them to stay on in their homes. The Music Delivers program was so successful that SSA is considering making it an annual event.

Rock on, guys!

To find out more about how you can help this program or to make a donation, contact:

Senior Services of Albany Administrative Offices

32 Essex Street

Albany NY 12206

Phone: 518.465.3322
Fax: 518.465.6188

District restaurants ring in "Year of the Dragon"

Oranges hang from a cherry blossom branch along with envelopes full of money. The small tree is flanked by towers of pumpkin seeds, baskets of cookies, and a big golden dragon. Happy New Year from Shining Rainbow.

The restaurant, located at 209 Central, celebrated with dinner specials of lobster and fresh fish, says Xinging Zhang. Behind him Asian television station's broadcast fireworks from celebrations that took place thousands of miles away. He points to the tree, explaining that guests hung the envelopes to bring prosperity in the coming year. The oranges, held to the branches with scotch tape, are a wish for safety and wealth. The pumpkin seeds represent a wish for many male children, which was important in old China.

Further down the street at Van's Vietnamese at 307 Central, they rang in the lunar new year with similar excitement. In Vietnam the celebration is called "Têt" and offers a chance to honor family and wish one another luck for the entire year, says Tho Tran, wife of the restaurant owner. "We are Americans, but we don't forget the traditional celebration. We are Vietnamese, too," says Tran. Friends and family brought traditional dishes to share, including rice cakes and cookies. "We had flowers and we wished each other good luck for the whole year," says Tran.

A couple of doors down, at Anita Hui's CCK Chinese Restaurant at 299 Central, close friends and family gathered outside the restaurant to watch the traditional dragon dance. The costumed dancers threaded their way up and down the sidewalk, and even lunged into the road a couple times, all to the spirited accompaniment of drums and gong. Hui also put out roast young pig, pineapples and oranges on the small offering table at the front of the restaurant, and the air was thick with the fragrance of incense.

At the recently opened Taiwan Noodle at 218 Central, Vince Yu took a relaxed approach to New Year's. The restaurant specializes in Taiwan traditional noodle soup. It's simple food, at affordable prices (nothing on the menu costs more than $5.95), and Yu hopes students will take advantage. Yu came to the area from New York City, following his son, a first year University at Albany student. He has spent the last 30 years in the restaurant business, but it took the encouragement of friend, Lanny Lau, owner of the Ala Shanghai restaurant in Latham, to convince him to open his own, he said. Yu spent his New Year's watching martial arts demonstrations at his partner's martial arts school and enjoying a good meal, he says. Business has been slow since opening on January 4, but Yu is certain that the location, which housed Saso's for years, and Kitsu after that, will be good for him.

Be blue this March-Join the fight against colon cancer by decorating your business blue

Every year, about this time, we get a little blue.

No, it's not because the holidays are over, and it's also not because it's cold.

No, instead, Central Avenue turns blue in March to try to raise awareness about colon cancer, one of the most common and most treatable cancers.

The Central Avenue Business Improvement District is working with the NYSDOH Cancer Services Program again this year to spread the word about colon cancer, by encouraging all of our businesses to "Go Blue." Blue windows, posters, and handouts will remind people that a simple screening can head off cancer before it even gets started, and that can save millions of lives.

Here's how you can get involved:

· Decorate your business blue for the month of March (starting March 1)

· Put up a poster in your window, string blue lights around your door, affix a Go Blue decal to your place of business (all materials are available free of charge through will be available through the Cancer Services Program: Email: Christie.ray-marchetti@cancer.org)

· Participate in National Dress In Blue Day on Friday, March 2, 2012

· Display colon cancer awareness materials in your business (also available through Christie)

The Cancer Services Program will provide materials to help you ‘Go Blue,' including:

• Posters and flyers
• Main Streets Go Blue decal
• Blue string lights
• Pins
• Buttons for staff to wear
• Drop boxes and referral forms for interested customers and staff

You could also offer a "blue-plate special" or a "blue signature cocktail"--Be creative! Last year,

• Choppa and Sons displayed a powder blue tux in their window (talk about cool!).
• Armory Car dealership displayed event information on their digital sign (way to go guys!).

Now, it's your turn! Let's turn the Avenue BLUE.

Decorate your building's exterior, and then take it one step further, and reach out to your neighbor to ask them to do the same. PLUS--All businesses that participate will be promoted on posters, flyers, and press releases.

Remember, early detection and prompt treatment save lives. All men and women ages 50 and older should be screened for colon cancer. By participating in this project and getting people to talk about this disease, you will help the people of our community to take notice of the need for lifesaving colon cancer screening.

ShopRite hiring center opens

ShopRite has just opened a hiring center right in the middle of our community!

The 65,000 square foot Central Avenue store will bring around 400 part-time jobs to the district. To fill these positions, they have opened a brand new hiring center in the shopping plaza next to Berkshire Bank at 979 Central Avenue.

The waiting room at the hiring center was full today, with applicants looking to fill cashier, overnight, and management positions. Black-and-white flyers decorate the plate glass windows now, but soon ShopRite window treatments will greet applicants, says Alina Paukovits, ShopRite Trainer. She says most of the candidates today heard about the openings via word of mouth, and that turnout has been steady. Paukovits travels from hiring center to hiring center helping ShopRite staff its growing league of stores. The center will remain open for the forseeable future, she says, and the staff hope to fill as many positions as possible by the store’s opening in the spring. “Spring is right around the corner,” Paukovits says.

Applicants can apply at the center or online at http://shoprite.mywebgrocer.com. Applicants are asked to submit social security number info, address history for the past two years, and details about educational and employment history. They are also asked to complete a short assessment section that helps match skills with open positions. ShopRite is a drug-free workplace and equal opportunity employer. Once hired, employees can participate in online training to help prepare them for their post.

Shop Rite will also be holding a meeting on January 25 from 6:30-8:30pm at the Albany High School Auditorium. Company representatives will discuss store services including free Wi-Fi and home delivery, and the public will have an opportunity to meet one of the in-store dieticians who will offer free health advice to customers. The store will also discuss the job opportunities this new location will bring to Albany.

Heaven moves to new heights--Small business owner gets loan to expand business

When Kerry Ann Wilson dropped out of school at sixteen, she never dreamed that one day she’d own her own business, and yet here she is the proud owner of Heaven on Earth, a thriving business on Albany’s Central Avenue.

Now, after eight years in business, she’s making plans to move into a larger salon at a prime location down the street. Wilson was featured in http://blog.timesunion.com/womenatwork/on-your-own-next-level/757/“There’s room to grow,” she says. “Where I am right now, if I grow, we’re going to bust,” she says, adding that she will hire two new employees, and be able to provide a more relaxed, spa-like experience for her clients. “A larger location will give our customers more in the way of ambience," she says.

“Kerry Ann is a great example of a visionary business woman, who has the desire and work ethic to create a successful business,” says Anthony Capece, Executive Director for the Central BID.”

The new Heaven on Earth Beauty Salon will host a grand opening celebration on February 6, at 1pm at their new location at 330 Central Avenue in Albany.

Delaware Avenue NA Calendar of Events

Huddle for peace and warmth with your neighbors at the next association meeting on Thursday, January 12 at 7 pm at the Delaware Branch Library, 331 Delaware. Parking. Handicap accessible. Snow date will be February 9. Did we mention homemade cookies?

2. Tonight is the First Friday of the New Year. Starts at 5 pm. Enjoy art galleries and music after at Emack & Bolio’s. http://1stfridayalbany.org

3. Start the New Year right at Sheehy Palmer Post #6776, 525 Delaware Avenue. This Sunday, January 8, from 8:30 to noon, you can enjoy a hearty breakfast buffet. Only $7 gets you pancakes, French toast, eggs, bacon, sausage, tea, coffee or juice. 465-9349 (sorry for date mistake on facebook)

4. This year’s Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Interfaith Memorial Service will be held on Sunday,January 15 at 7 pm in our neighborhood at St Francis of Assisi Church (formerly St. James), 391 Delaware Ave. All are welcome to this annual celebration of the life and work of Dr. King. The evening includes interfaith readings and prayers as well as music by several local groups. The offering received at the event is the primary source of funding for the Council of Churches Martin Luther King, Jr. Scholarship Fund for graduating high school seniors. Applications for the 2012 awards will be available at the service and are due to the Capital Area Council of Churches by March 31. If you are unable to attend the service and wish to make a gift to the scholarship fund, please send your check made out to “CACC-MLK Fund” to 646 State St., Albany, NY 12203. 462-5450

5. There is still time to write to the USPS about the proposed closure of the Academy Station Branch Post Office. Even though the closing is temporarily suspended they are still accepting comments from the public and compiling information about the need for this branch.

Post Office Review Coordinator
ALBANY PFC
30 Karner Rd
Albany NY, 12288-9992

6. The contact information for our new County Legislator Noelle Kinsch is 928-1373 (cell) or atnkinsch@yahoo.com

7. You are cordially invited to a Valentines Dinner-Dance on Saturday, February 11 at the Sheehy Palmer Post, 525 Delaware Ave. Doors open at 5 pm for an Italian Dinner with draft beer. Followed by music & dancing from 7 to 11 pm. $15 per person. RSVP by Feb 4 appreciated. 465-9349. Limited tix at door.

8. Celebrate the 2nd Anniversary of the new branch library on Delaware Avenue by attending an activity there!
* Pilates for Beginners- Wednesdays 2/1, 2/8, 2/15 & 2/22 from 6:30 - 7:30pm. The series, led by instructor Megan, will strengthen your core, and improve balance and overall wellness. Beginners welcome. FREE! Limited Space, Registration Required.

* Facebook for Adults - Monday 2/6, 6:30 - 7:30pm. Have you ever wanted to stay in touch with family and friends and DANA on Facebook, but you weren't sure where to start? This hands-on workshop will cover many Facebook basics including account setup, privacy issues and more.

* After-School Storytime - Thursdays 2/9 & 2/23, 4:00 - 5:00pm. Now, in addition to the weekly pre-school storytime, there is a twice-monthly storytime for children grades K - 3.

* Ongoing activities include Delaware Dogs on Tuesdays at 4 pm, Pre-school story time on Wednesdays at 10:30, Purl Jam knitting on Wednesdays and boys book club, ESL, crafts and more. 463-0254 http://evanced.albanypubliclibrary.org/eventcalendar.asp?ln=2

8. Fantastic neighborhood artist Kevin Kuhne will have an art show at the Spectrum Movie Theater (290 Delaware) January 25 through March 2. You may recognize some of the subject matter.

9. Our food pantry needs nonperishable items – soup, cereal, juice, peanut butter. Drop food off at the pantry during open hours – Tuesday & Thursday from 11 to 2 pm. Financial donations to the pantry are always needed, and can be sent or dropped off at St. Francis Rectory, 391 Delaware Ave. Thank you!

10. Perhaps it will be snow season soon. If so, don't get towed. Call 476-SNOW (7669) After a snow emergency, 1st 24 hours - all vehicles on even side. 2nd 24 hours - all vehicles to odd side.

11. Our Albany Police Neighborhood Engagement Unit reports:
“The winter months are upon us and neighbors along with visitors of the neighborhood are starting to slow down and hibernate. Please note that there have been a small series of burglaries within the area. Over the last two months we have experienced five break-ins. Access was gained mostly through the back door or unlocked windows. We urge all residents to make sure your windows and doors are locked and secured. At night, keep your porch light on. Keeping your lights on is a good deterrent for crime. Last year during the winter, there were several properties where the owners failed to properly shovel their sidewalks and remove ice from the pavement. This is inconvenient and dangerous for residents who walk the neighborhood, as well as for Officer Singh and Officer Fiorino, who walk all winter. The rules regarding removal of snow pertain to the walkway in front of a house and the sidewalks. Snow/ice must be removed and cleared within 24 hours of a snow fall. We will be working with the Department of General Services to ensure that this code is enforced."

As always if you have any issues you can contact Officer Fiorino at: mfiorino@albany-ny.org. The South Station number is (518) 462-8050 Cell Phone (not for police calls, for service) is 542-1614. For Police Emergency Calls Dial: 9-1-1 or 438-4000

12. Welcome! Stop in and say ‘hello’ to a great new neighborhood restaurant at 544 Delaware – Mingle. Chef Un-Hui Filomeno is offering delicious “food for thought.” Being good neighbors is high on their mission statement. 915-1468

For your and community health, please shop, dine, and stroll on Delaware Avenue in the New Year. And remember, you don't need to move to live in a better neighborhood.

-Louise for Delaware Area Neighborhood Association
432-0516

p.s. Join us on facebook!

Tsehaya Smith is ecstatic. This winter her dance company headquartered on Ontario Street, has expanded to a new location, bringing Smith's pioneering vision for Albany's youth to both sides of town.

The new location on North Swan, in the old St. Joseph's Academy building, will service "a brand new community," Smith says. But she says she hopes students from both sides of town--North and South--will mix, "once we get our comfort zone going." The location is called Stage 1, and will be part of the Albany Barn Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to developing the building into an artists performance and workspace.

This marks the fifth year Smith has been running her alternatives to probation program at the dance company. Called Alternatives for Youth, the probation alternative program provides opportunities for students to do community service at the company, as well as participate in dance classes, journaling, and Supplemental Educational Support (SES) tutoring.

The new location on N. Swan will host the same Alternatives for Youth program as well as classes in African dance, hip-hop, salsa, and zumba.

The program was started as a pilot project last year because Smith was concerned that students from other parts of Albany were not comfortable visiting her studio on the South side, for fear that they'd be hassled. The new location will allow all students to participate in their own neighborhoods, and Smith is hopeful that at some point they will work together on performances. "I think it has to happen naturally, rather than being force-fed," says Smith.

The Alternatives for Youth program takes place every Saturday from 10am-2pm and hosts students from Albany School of Humanities, Delaware Community School, Giffen Memorial Elementary, Hackett Middle School, Myers Middle School, North Albany Academy, Philip Schuyler Achievement Academy and TOAST.

Beginning, January 7 Artpartners/Tsehaya & Company will present the 2012 Winter Wonderland Dance Workshop every Saturday at Stage I, located at 46-48 N. Swan St.

11:15-12:15 ages 5+ -teens

12:15pm-1:15pm Young adults/Adults

Registrations is $15 for kids/$20 for adults, and scholarships are available.

For more information about the program call (518) 432-9968.

City to property owners: Remember, keep your sidewalks ice-free

It is the responsibility of all property owners in the

City of Albany to remove snow and ice from the

sidewalks adjacent to your property within 24 hours

of the completion of a snowfall. If removal does not

occur, the Department of General Services can post

the property; you then have 24 hours to clean the

sidewalk.

If you fail to do so, the Department of General

Services will then perform the removal of snow &

ice from the sidewalk. The cost of the city removal

will then be billed to the property owner. As well as

a $100 fine for each occurrence.

If the bill is not paid the charge is added to the tax ?bill and becomes a lien on the property per City Code #323

These measures are necessary to protect the public

health and welfare, and to provide safe passage for

the many city residents who rely on the sidewalks as

pedestrians, to reach basic services, jobs and schools.

In the City of Albany, it is illegal to shovel, plow,

snow blow or otherwise deposit snow into the city

streets for removal. Violators of this Code (section

#323-21B, 323-23) can be subject up to a $125 fine

per violation plus cost of removal.

Music mogul gives away Central store

Just before Christmas, music manager Sidney McDonald gave away the store! The CEO of Everi Exposure Entertainment gave his Albany location at 64 Central to single mother Nagia Gardener, after signing a groundbreaking deal that merges the world of music, boxing and mixed martial arts.

McDonald spent time "in the 518" and says he wanted to open a location there to motivate the youngsters. In September, he shot Ballston Spa artist Austin's "Champion" video right on Central Avenue and other parts of Albany. The video features Lil Wayne protege Lil Chuckee, and attracted huge crowds. "I just wanted to give the whole area the chance to see that anything is possible...that even big names can walk on Central Avenue," McDonald says.

The song and video "Champion" went on to premiere at a broadcast of a fight that propelled Jimy "The Kid" Hettes into UFC stardom, giving fans a taste of what was to come.

The merger with MMA Melee was announced in August. Another deal with Evander Holyfield and Ray J was announced in December.

McDonald says his latest deal with icons like Holyfield and Ray J will "change the face of entertainment." He's going places and the storefront in Albany was his Christmas gift to Albany. "I just wanted to give something back to the 518," he says.