Albany 2030

If you haven't heard Albany wants to know where you would like to see the city in 2030.

Albany is in the process of putting together a comprehensive plan for the future called Albany 2030: Your City, Your Future and they are asking for residents to be a part of the process. What makes it even better is that they are making it really easy for everyone to be involved.

Like going to meetings? There are 3 coming up with childcare available.
Like small house gatherings? They are setting up those too.
Social Media? They have that too!

So what are you waiting for? Get involved it's your city!

Benefit for Haiti

Wine & Dine for the Arts and Albany Area Chefs have announced that they will host "A Taste of Haiti" on Thursday, January 28 at the Crowne Plaza in downtown Albany to benefit Haitian earthquake relief efforts through the American Red Cross.

"A Taste of Haiti" will begin with a cocktail reception from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m., featuring Haitian cocktails, wine, soft drinks and hors d'ouevres. From 6:30 p.m. 'til 9:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a menu of sumptuous traditional Haitian dishes created by top chefs Michael St. John of The Desmond, Brian Molino of Marché at 74 State, Jaime Ortiz of Angelo's 677 Prime, Yono Purnomo of Yono's, Kevin Roberts of the Crowne Plaza, Chef Luc Pasquier of Jack's Oyster House, John Marizilli of Salty's Pub & Bistro, and Rachel Mabb of the Hilton Garden Inn Troy. Desserts will be provided by Gio Culinary Studio. Please note: list of chefs is current as of 11:00 a.m. on January 21. More chefs may be added before the event--check http://tinyurl.com/ATasteofHaiti for updated listings.

100% of proceeds will benefit American Red Cross disaster relief efforts in Haiti. Advance registrations are strongly encouraged, although walk-in registrations will be available. Reservations for the cocktail reception are $25 per person; reservations for the cocktail reception and dinner are $50 per person. Free parking will be available at the Crowne Plaza Albany Hotel(on State and Lodge Streets in Albany), with valet parking services available for an additional $10 donation to the American Red Cross.

Guests can make reservations by calling the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York at (518) 458-8111 or online at http://tinyurl.com/ATasteOfHaiti. For multiple or group reservations, guests must call (518) 458-8111.

In addition to delicious food and drink, "A Taste of Haiti" will feature live music, a 50-50 raffle to benefit the American Red Cross, and remarks by American Red Cross leaders and local dignitaries.

2010 Event Dates!!!!!!

We have gotten so many requests about our 2010 events dates so here they are! The dates aren't yet updated on the website but don't worry we are getting to it :)

Champagne on the Park- Thursday, May 6, 2010

Art On Lark- Saturday, June 26, 2010

LarkFEST- Saturday, September 25, 2010

We've Joined Local First!

Well we did it. We have joined Local First! Here at the BID we know the importance of supporting locally owned businesses- its what we do. By joining Local First we are now supporting the greater community. And how do you know when you are supporting a local business? Check for the window decal!

Local businesses are essential for building a strong community. To check out all the reasons to buy local check out Local First, a non-profit organization serving the Capital District with the mission of promoting and improving the conditions of the locally owned and independent business community.


To see who else is a member of Local First or to become a member yourself visit them at capitaldistrictlocalfirst.org!