jackie abukhalaf

Albany Tennis Club in full swing

May 5, 2011—ALBANY, N.Y.—The Albany Tennis Club opened its season this morning to the general public at Ridgefield Park after nearly a week-long delay. The season was slated to open last Saturday but recent heavy rain pushed back the opening because courts’ resurfacing wasn’t yet completed.

The club offers the only clay court facility in the area and has more than 300 members. Its season lasts April through October and has been in operation for more than 130 years—making it one of the oldest tennis clubs in the nation.

The Albany Tennis Club’s clay courts are a unique surface that typically helps beginners learn the game rather than grass or hard courts which are more difficult playing surfaces. The clay surface slows down the ball which gives players more time to react and also provides less impact on joints. Clay court tennis also requires an acquired skill set that many members are excited to fine-tune.

“Playing on the clay courts is entirely different than playing on a hard court,” said Kathy McNessor, club member and chief financial officer of PIA Management Services. “It adds a new challenge to the game for those of us who spend the majority of the year playing indoors.  A player can’t always count on their winning shots on the clay surface and it requires more patience and endurance.”

Club manager Ed Mashmann coordinates facility operations and makes sure the courts are in top condition—which can be a daunting task at times.

“There’s lot of maintenance involved to keep these courts up and running,” said club president Mike DeRossi. “There’s no other red clay court surface like ours in the northeast. Every year it needs to be resurfaced, which is paid for by the member dues of the club and is executed by an outside company. Our club maintenance committee helps with putting up the nets and the windscreens and serve to help make sure everything is in proper working order.”

Many club members enjoy the clay courts and appreciate the efforts of volunteers and board members to keep them in good shape.

“I really like that the courts are so well-maintained,” said Bill Collins, club member and New York State Assembly employee. “The staff and members are so friendly and I like that you can always find someone to play with. The clay is also such a wonderful surface to play on.”

Membership has increased 50 percent since Mashmann took over in 2007.

“Every morning and evening of the week there’s a program going on—there’s always someone there,” said Mashmann. “We’ve got beginners to advanced players, there are many opportunities for people to get out and play. That’s what’s most important, people getting the opportunity to play as much as possible.”

In addition to accommodating the busy tennis schedules of its members, the Albany Tennis Club also emphasizes its membership value compared to other tennis facilities in the area.

“Our main goal of the club is to make sure our members are happy and the condition of the courts are in good shape,” said DeRossi. “Our fee is half the cost of other clubs in the area and you can play as much as you want with no additional charges.” 

Many club members are excited to dust off their rackets for the upcoming season, including Pine Hills residents.

“My favorite part of being a member of the club is the wonderful people who play tennis there,” said resident Diana Westbrook, an art teacher at the Albany Academies and past-president of the club. “They come from all walks of life and enjoy playing on red clay even if it means their socks and sneakers turn pink.”

Mashmann makes sure that a variety of programs are available at the club for members to enjoy including: “Hitting with Ed,” for beginners, Wynn Sorkin Memorial Tournament, Jim Conley Tournament, Tri-County Open Tennis Tournament and special programs for juniors that want to learn the game. Mashamann also holds six-week junior lessons for $50 each weekday afternoon at 4:30 for those interested.

“After a long winter season I am looking forward to playing outdoors,” said Westbrook. “I’m also looking forward to the camaraderie of the club and being able to find a game almost anytime I want to play.”

Albany Tennis Club membership fees, which accommodate junior players to entire families for the whole season, range from $40 to $390 and cover all expenses from opening to closing day.

For a listing of events and to see highlights from the club, log onto www.albanytennisclub.com or call (518) 438-8846 for more information. The club is located at 316 Partridge St. in the Pine Hills.

“We love new members and every single member gets guest passes to bring out people who may be interested,” said DeRossi. “We like to invite anyone in the Capital Region to come and join and try it out for free at least once.” -30-

All Good Bakers opens its doors in the Pine Hills

By: Jackie Abukhalaf

ALBANY, N.Y.-April 1, 2011-All Good Bakers, a bakery that uses local and organic ingredients is expected to open its doors next week on Quail St., one block north of Mary Jane Books. All Good Bakers has made a name for itself as a community supported bakery which delivers baked goods such as breads and cinnamon buns to customers in the area.

The owners take pride in using mostly New York State organic ingredients such as white and whole wheat flour and fresh eggs from local farmers. Owners Nick and Britin Foster said the use of New York state ingredients is the focus of their business and the foundation of the idea behind All Good Bakers—an idea that is eight years in the making.

“We want people’s health to be benefited,” said Britin. “The ingredients are local and it’s not going to make them sick. That’s really the biggest thing we want people to know, that the food is healthy. It may be indulgent at times but the food is good for you.  There really aren’t any other bakeries in Albany that are currently doing this.”

New York State suppliers for the bakery include: Champlain Valley Milling in Westport, Meadowbrook Farms in Clarksville, Adirondack Farm in Fonda, Once Again Nut Butters in Nunda and eggs from a variety of local farmers in the greater Albany area.  

The Fosters have been running a Community Supported Bakery  serving the Albany area since last November. Similar to a Community Supported Agriculture model, All Good Bakers brings shareholders sustainable bread, baked goods and ingredients each week at various pick-up locations and farmer’s markets.

“My boyfriend and I decided to join the community supported bakery after we sampled some of their goods at a harvest festival in Washington Park,” said Christine Hmiel who joined All Good Bakers last fall. “We loved their creative spin on the community supported agriculture model and that they use local, organic and top-quality ingredients. We love supporting independent businesses and we had never heard of anything quite like Nick and Britin’s CSB. The price was fair and the breads were delicious— so we signed up!” 

“We have about 50 weekly customers who pay in advance at the beginning of the season and pick out which bread and baked good they want each week,” said Britin. “It’s been going great and has helped us develop relationships with the community that’s made it possible to open this store front.”

Several customers of the Foster’s community supported bakery are excited about the opening of the retail store and hope their philosophy of fresh and local ingredients spreads throughout the Pine Hills.

“The storefront bakery is incredible. Their customers from the farmers markets and the CSB already know how valuable Nick and Britin are to the community and now more people will get a chance to try out their baked goods and support the business,” said Hmiel. “It will be a perfect place to grab a cup of coffee and a slice of foccacia or to pick up loaves of fresh bread for a dinner party. I can’t wait until it’s open.”

The bakery is also serving as a shared or co-op kitchen for other bakers in the area who don’t have a space to call their own. Currently, the maker of Gatherers Granola shares the kitchen with All Good Bakers and is an important element to the success of the business.

“Our initial aim for the bakery was to make it a co-op kitchen,” said Britin. “The difficulty that we had finding a kitchen to rent is what prompted this idea. There are a lot of small producers around here that need a place they can rent out affordably a couple of times a month; we wanted to offer those services.”

Representatives from the Pine Hills are particularly excited about several new businesses that have opened their doors in the neighborhood recently.

“We are fortunate that a number of such businesses have sprung up over the last few years. These help keep the neighborhood pedestrian friendly and vibrant,” said Pine Hills Neighborhood Association president Todd Hunsinger. “One of the things that make Albany and the Pine Hills neighborhood special is the presence of unique small businesses.”

Much like businesses of the past, the bakery’s execution of a co-op kitchen and bartering tactics mimic life in the 19^th century. In an ad from 1879 December issue of the Albany Mirror featured below, confections and baked goods were an important staple in Albany then as they are today. All Good Bakers channels this early American baking philosophy by using wholesome, local ingredients that were executed in 1879. The Fosters also understand this philosophy goes hand-in-hand with environmental awareness—something that is more of a concern in 2011.

 Sustainability is extremely important to the Fosters, from the recycled furnishings in the store to the plans of eliminating excess waste; the proprietors of All Good Bakers plan to promote environmental consciousness and hopes their customers will also embrace this school of thought.

“We’re environmentally and socially conscious. We plan to have customers bring their own cups for coffee which will only cost $1,” said Britin. “We donate loaves to Catholic Charities and hope to get involved with the social justice and environmental student groups. We like to be involved in the community and hope to engage the student population.”

“It’s so important for businesses to follow down the path of sustainability the way Nick and Britin have,” said Hmiel. “From the quality local products that they use, to their packaging choice and their sourcing of second-hand furniture for their bakery, they really live their beliefs. I think this philosophy is becoming more popular and Nick and Britin are definitely leading the way in Albany.”

To enjoy locally harvested scones, cinnamon buns, breads and more, visit All Good Bakers located at 160A Quail St. It will be open weekends throughout the summer and plans to be involved in various community events in the Pine Hills and the greater Albany area.

All Good Bakers is open Friday from 11-6pm, Saturday 11-4pm and Sunday from 10-2pm. For more information about All Good Bakers please visit allgoodbakers.weebly.com or visit their fan page on Facebook.

 “I think our community would benefit if more businesses operated with the philosophy,” said Niki Suto, a customer of All Good Baker’s community supported bakery for two years. “They are dedicated to creating quality products and their dedication to finding ingredients that are locally sourced is important in sustaining local economy.” -30-

Local employers give advice to job-seekers and the unemployed

Feb. 27, 2011-ALBANY, N.Y.- The current economic climate has stifled many job seekers, including those in the Pine Hills but local employers and career councilors have some words of wisdom to help residents looking for work.

Albany has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the state at seven percent but there are many residents actively looking for work that have not been successful. Employers and career counselors in the Pine Hills neighborhood say that there are jobs out there but important skills must be harnessed and utilized to land an interview.

The Albany Adult Learning Center on Western Avenue assists students in writing resumes, complete job applications and assists with writing cover letters and thank you notes. For the past 21 years, Luvenia Cleavland has worked at the center in professional development and specializes in assisting students with their job search.

“Our students are usually looking for entry level positions and they are having difficulties because they typically do not have good employment history,” said Cleavland. “There are not a lot of job openings at this time; therefore our students are finding it difficult to find employment. I talk to students about reaching out to friends and relatives regarding their search for employment, making contacts and follow-up being important.”

Although students are having a difficult time finding full-time work, temporary employment has flourished recently. “A lot of our students have been successful in finding work with a temporary agency. About two-thirds of those hired become permanent employees of the company—temporary to permanent positions. There are also some companies who will call us when they have job openings or send job announcements.”

Ryan Livingston, who has worked as a barista at Tierra Coffee Roasters on Madison Avenue for the past six months, said that there are several factors that go into being a successful employee. “For this job in particular… reliability, promptness and friendliness. You really need to be a people person with good social skills. If you’re quiet, kept and don’t smile, you probably wouldn’t be the best person for the job.”

A bank teller at Trustco Bank in the Pine Hills also had some helpful advice for people seeking employment.  “Past experience is very important but I think that job-seekers should come across as professional,” said Shanise Williams. “When I came to apply here, I took it very seriously. I made sure I was dressed right, my body was covered and nothing was showing that shouldn’t have been.”

Williams also pointed out that even the most obvious steps to landing a job aren’t always apparent to some. “I saw someone who applied right next to me and his hygiene wasn’t the best,” said Williams. “I think that’s one of the reasons why he didn’t get a call back. You just have to be professional and try and sell yourself.”

Williams also noted that she sees her fair share of applicants come into Trustco Bank since she has taken the position. “Probably about 20 people come into the bank per week looking for work. I know about 15 people personally who have applied to the bank but they haven’t gotten a position or a call back.”

Owner of Hudson River Coffee House, Anton Pasquill, said that he’s received several daily inquiries about employment since he opened his doors three months ago. “It’s gone down slightly since I first opened…at least one person a day comes in looking for work, both part time and full time positions.”

Interestingly, Pasquill uses less traditional forms of hiring practices when he’s looking to fill a position. “I hire based on intelligence. For example, how quickly they are able to talk and put together an answer for me. You can kind of tell by vocabulary level and people’s responses if they’re intelligent enough. I don’t really care about background in terms of experience. Are they going to be able to understand concepts and understand the nuance of what I am explaining?”

Pasquill also emphasizes that flexibility is a very important element when choosing an employee. “Scheduling is really important, the more flexible the schedule, the better—especially if you are available on weekends.”

Pasquill also explained that initiative is imperative. “Follow up is some of the best advice you can have. I had over 50 people come in and talk to me when I first opened, only a dozen actually emailed me back and I based that on who I hired. Most managers and owners are really busy they don’t necessarily have time to call you up and schedule an interview, if you come back and follow up a couple of times, you usually get it. It shows you actually want the job.”

There are many helpful tactics to utilize in the process but Pasquill has one more word of advice that may help job-seekers find their perfect professional fit. “Think outside the box,” said Pasquill. “Just because you have a certain degree doesn’t mean you have to stick to it. There are tons of jobs out there, you just have to think outside the box and be creative.”

Sept. 20, 2010–ALBANY, N.Y.–The Albany Common Council met Monday night to discuss a resolution that could possibly give tax relief to home owners compliments of the Race to the Top competition.

The Council voted unanimously to pursue a resolution that would reduce school taxes using money allotted from the Race to the Top program.  This resolution is meant to put pressure on legislators and to notify them about the continuing financial burdens of property owners in Albany.

In late August, N.Y. along with eleven other states, was awarded $700 million from the federally funded competition run by the U.S. Education Department.  Race to the Top is intended to reform four specific educational areas including: designing and implementing rigorous standards and high-quality assessments, attracting and keeping great teachers, supporting data systems that inform decisions and improve instruction and turning around lowest-achieving schools. Among these four areas, increasing the number of charter schools is also a priority.

“If you got your school tax bill and you’re a homeowner, you’re obviously feeling the pain right now,” said Lester Freeman second ward councilman. “This is something that is needed to get the conversation going. We are the people that are closest to the public and one homeowner losing a home is one too many. If we don’t have homeowners in the city, who is going to support the school system?”

Councilwoman Barbara Smith from the fourth ward added, “Members of the Council feel strongly about property taxes being reduced because our constituents make us aware that their increasing tax burden is becoming overwhelming.  The country’s current economic crisis makes governments and school systems even more cash strapped than usual and these entities then turn to individual taxpayers to get help by raising taxes.  But taxpayers are also suffering from the economic crisis.  It is a very difficult situation.”

Some residents however, don’t think that reducing property taxes is the best way to use part of the $700 million.

“Although relieving some of the burden on citizens who pay school taxes is a noble idea, we are still sacrificing the education of our children by cutting well-qualified teachers and increasing classroom sizes,” said Albany resident and out of work English teacher Susan. “Even though $700 million may be a short-term quick-fix it is still some money that can be rolled back into hiring new teachers, providing better incentive packages to retirees, increasing classroom supplies, and special programming.”

The resolution itself will not be put into action, but it will alert the officials who receive it that property tax relief is an important issue to legislators who represent the people of Albany. 

Interview with 2000 Olympic medalist swimmer Tom Wilkens on Blog Talk Radio.

NJYIP gears up for the 2010 Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics of NJ

       TRENTON, NJ—The New Jersey Young Insurance Professionals will host its 26^th annual Fun Run to benefit Special Olympics of New Jersey Tuesday, June 15 at 7 a.m. at the boardwalk at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, N.J. The NJYIP Fun Run event is in collaboration with the Professionals Insurance Agents of New Jersey and New York Joint Annual Conference which will be held June 13-15 at the Trump Taj Mahal. 

       Since 1984, NJYIP, along with its parent organization, PIANJ, has raised more than $2.6 million for SONJ through its Annual Fun Run event and the PIANJ Annual Golf Classic.  Last year, Fun Run collected over $128,000 for SONJ.

       “The NJYIP Fun Run is a perfect opportunity for our members to take part in an inspirational event for charity while becoming more active in the organization,” said NJYIP president Danielle Priori.  “NJYIP is very happy with the positive response and support that we have received throughout the years from members and sponsors and we plan on supporting SONJ for many years to come.”

       SONJ provides year-round training in 24 sports and offers over 160 competitions to more than 18,000 individuals with intellectual disabilities at no charge.  In existence for 40 years, Special Olympics New Jersey is part of a worldwide program of sports training and athletic competition open to individuals with intellectual disabilities consisting of more than 20,000 volunteers, 20,000 family members and more than 18,000 athletes.

       For more information about the Fun Run, contact NJYIP at (800) 424-4244, email tvierschilling@pia.org or visit http://younginsuranceprofessionals.org/nj/events/20100615-funrun.php.

       NJYIP is an organization dedicated to the professional and personal growth of newcomers to the insurance industry and is affiliated with PIANJ.  PIANJ is a trade association representing professional, independent agencies, brokerages and their employees throughout the state.

-30-

John O’Connell class of ‘79 thrives in radiology, cancer research

Oct. 25, 2010–ALBANY, N.Y.–Science has always been a staple in John O’Connell’s life—you can even say it’s his passion. Since graduating from The College of Saint Rose in 1979 with a degree in chemistry, O’Connell has been active in the field ever since.

John currently works as an Associate Radiologic Technology Specialist for the Department of Health where he inspects radiation oncology facilities and reviews patient records.  “I have always been interested in science and the medical field,” said O’Connell, “especially in health care and hospital programs.”

O’Connell’s love for science and his work at the Department of Health is obvious to his co-workers including Bob Dansereau, who has been friends with John for many years and is a Saint Rose alumnus himself.  “Whenever you need something he is always willing, able and prepared to assist, or take the lead,” said Dansereau.  “He has a wide range of knowledge and you can always count on him.”

In addition to his work as a Radiologic Specialist, John conducts breast and cervical cancer research.  He examines progress of cervical cancer screenings and mammography’s as well as makes recommendations for health care facilities that he visits across the state.  Through his studies, O’Connell believes that recent developments in cancer research have made positive strides, particularly in breast cancer.

“In the past 20 years, we’ve seen a significant growth in the ability of the medical community to detect cancer at its earliest stages,” said O’Connell.  “The ability of medical imaging to detect breast [cancer] has changed the care of women in a significant way.” 

O’Connell also credits programs like “Stand up to Cancer” and many nonprofit organizations for creating public awareness for cancer prevention— particularly for colon and skin cancer, which have become increasingly widespread in recent decades. 

As a government employee at the Department of Health, O’Connell is also familiar with the trials and tribulations surrounding health care reform.  John has served as an incident reviewer for the Department of Health and has seen firsthand how inadequate health care can be problematic for many families.  He believes that the current state of health care will continue to be an unwelcome burden, especially for the middle class.   

“I’ve seen many cases where people struggled with costs and my reviews and findings were impacted by insufficient HMO’s and the current state of health care,” said O’Connell. “As the cost for health care steadily increases, universal health care will be the answer.  I think that universal health care is currently politically intolerable… but I would like to see universal health care in the future.”

Before John accepted a position at the Department of Health in 1984, he worked at St. Peter’s Hospital for 16 years as a radiation tech where he took x-rays, assisted in research and eventually took a managerial position where he was responsible for overseeing 60 employees. 

According to O’Connell, the change in working environments from a private hospital to government agency was profound.  “At first it was a real shock to not be responsible for 60 or so full time employee equivalents. That took getting used to,” said O’Connell.  “Supervising people is always a challenge for you never know what somebody will do next. Government is much more rigid, and in many ways understandably so.”

St. Peter’s Hospital wasn’t only John’s workplace for 16 years; it was the place that he had to help his nephew, Jason, fight childhood cancer.

“As a childhood cancer survivor, I had many of my treatments and procedures done at St. Peter’s Hospital,” said Jason.  “While my uncle worked there, he always made sure I was well tended to. He is one of the kindest, caring, and generous people I know. He’s a real classy gentleman.”

Before starting his career in health care, John’s time at Saint Rose was especially important to him because it set the foundation for his strong work ethic that he has been utilizing for the past 31 years.  Aside from his strenuous coursework as an undergraduate, O’Connell worked full time at his future full-time employer, St. Peter’s, to make ends meet. 

“I worked as the evening supervisor in radiology and went to school in the mornings. It was a challenge and today I don’t know how I did it,” said O’Connell.  “The faculty at Saint Rose was so helpful, it made me a better student and made the Saint Rose experience that much more enjoyable.”

When John isn’t working, traveling or spending time with his family and friends in Albany, you can catch him watching his favorite teams—the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Boston Celtics from his home in Latham.    

The Women’s Club of Albany stresses sustainability, green living in public workshop

Oct. 22, 2010–ALBANY, N.Y.–The Women’s Club of Albany will be conducting a sustainability workshop emphasizing the importance of green living featuring sustainability expert M.L. Healey, otherwise known as the “Green Martha.”  The remaining three workshops will focus on strategies to reduce consumption and conserve energy at home, the exploration and importance of buying local foods and strategies for time management.

The workshop titled “Bringing Sustainability Home: Incorporating Sustainability Thinking into Our Lives” is a five-part series that introduces key concepts of sustainability thinking in effort to develop a more balanced and satisfying life.  The workshop is intended to inspire participants to embrace a green lifestyle and eliminate overwhelming excess clutter.  The workshops will take place at The Women’s Club of Albany located at 723 Madison Ave. and run from 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Workshop facilitator M.L. Healey of Green Martha & Company is a sustainability expert that specializes in organization and also works as a consultant, coach and hands-on laborer.  Healey is extending her expertise to area residents who are interested in her mission during this month-long workshop. 

“Sustainability thinking is about order and balance. It creates more space for our lives,” said Healey.  “There’s a natural tipping point that our society seems to be approaching.  We need to understand what’s really important and not be a part of the rat race.”

Workshop participant Mary Bryan, resident of the Westview Center retirement community on Central Ave. in Albany, hopes to bring her knowledge back home to share.  “I want our community to embrace sustainability.  Our current recycling procedures aren’t adequate enough,” said Bryan.  “The Albany Housing Authority is trying to implement a new recycling program in retirement communities and I hope to have Westview be a part of it.”

Albany retirement communities aren’t the only ones who find sustainable living important.  Pat McDonald, the workshop’s event chair thinks this is a universal topic that all members of the community should embrace.  “If we teach the community how to live [sustainable], it will help the people make their choices in favor of having a healthy community which will ultimately ripple out…it will hopefully be good for the community from an economic perspective, from a mental health perspective, from a social perspective.”

Remaining “Bringing Sustainability Home: Incorporating Sustainability Thinking into Our Lives” workshop sessions will be held on Oct. 28, Nov. 4 and Nov. 18 at The Women’s Club of Albany for $22 per session.  For more information about the workshop, contact The Women’s Club of Albany at (518) 465-3626 or visit womansclubofalbany.org.  

Graffiti plagues neighborhood businesses and homes

November 19, 2010—Albany, N.Y.—Frustrated business owners, landlords and residents continue to be victimized by graffiti in the Pine Hills neighborhood. 

The latest targets include: CVS Pharmacy, Dirty Harry’s Uptown Laundromat and The College of Saint Rose on Madison Avenue and Paesan’s Pizza on Ontario Street.  A significant number of street signs as well as several homes have also been vandalized.

Local citizens are not happy with the ongoing graffiti problem and believe that its presence is not only unsightly but triggers other criminal behavior detrimental to the neighborhood. 

”It is really affronting to see this on buildings, fire hydrants and street posts,” said Todd Hunsinger, president of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association.  “There are so many people who take pride in their property and the community…when you walk down the street and see fresh ‘markings’ it hits a nerve. It serves as a reminder of larger issues of sporadic crime and violence.”

The current procedure in place for graffiti victims is to call the Albany Department of General Services to file a claim. The department then contacts the Albany Police Department. which sends out an officer to take a photo of the graffiti, to verify if it is gang-related or attached to other criminal activity.

Once a victim reports the crime to DGS, an officer takes the report along with a detective from the Forensics Unit to see if the graffiti matches any other reported crimes, all of this according to Detective Jim Miller of the Albany Police Department.  After police have checked out the scene, DGS sends an employee to clean up the markings which in some cases can take up to several weeks. 

It is up to the property owner to choose who they would like to clean up the graffiti.  If they choose to clean it up on their own, they are not reimbursed from the city but if they leave it up to the department, there is not cost and can take several weeks, according to the Department of General Services.  Most property owners choose to clean up the graffiti on their own because of the wait from the city.   Costs consist of paint and supplies and vary according to the size of the markings.

Ed Pratt, a maintenance worker for The College of Saint Rose sees vandalism weekly, primarily on a campus maintenance facility in the Center for Communications and Interactive Media parking lot facing east towards Yates Street.  “We clean it up, they tag it. They love to see a fresh wall.  They do it in the middle of the night and early morning.  They tag it and we clean it up, that’s all we can do.”

Business owners aren’t the only ones distressed from the string of markings; local landlords suffer a large portion too.  Absar Bhatti, a local landlord who has properties on Quail Street and New Scotland Avenue, has spent more than $40,000 making repairs and claims to be victimized at least four to six times each year on one multi-family building alone—which he has only owned since 2006. 

“In my opinion, it is not worth calling the cops or the Department of General Services since I don’t have the time to wait for the cops, and DGS takes forever to come and paint over it,” Bhatti said.  “Graffiti should be taken care of even without a call from the property owner.  The police are nice enough, but it takes forever to file the complaint.  People who do graffiti are criminals and if they want to ‘enhance’ a building with their tags, they should buy them first.”

On a positive note, at least one local citizen has taken this misfortune and made it into an opportunity.  Dom Colafati, who lives on Woodlawn Avenue off of S. Main Avenue, paints over neighborhood graffiti and attributes his actions to the Broken Windows Theory.  The Broken Windows Theory’s premise is that if people see a neighborhood mistreated and vandalized, the desire to make improvements fades or loses momentum. 

According to Ann Erling, Colafati’s wife, “If people see broken windows it will give a perception that people don’t care about their neighborhood and the vandalism will continue.”   Erling said her husband, on his own time, buys matching paint to cover graffiti on city street lamps, residential homes and various businesses.  “DGS does a fine job but the problem is the response isn’t immediate,” said Erling.  “It could take up to two weeks to a month, which is why Dom feel compelled to fix it.”

The Department of General Services deal with ongoing urban decay caused by graffiti and responds and cleans more than 2,000 locations per year.  If you have been victimized by graffiti, please call the Albany Department of General Services at 434-2489.

These women have raised millions in funding, have millions of users and are making money. Their companies range from one that creates a soccer ball that doubles as an Eco-friendly generator, to a 16 year old with a fashion accessory line backed by investors like Lori Greiner, Mark Cuban and Robert Herjavec. Check out the full list of these women and the great companies they are building.

via-Under 30 CEO

The following answers are provided by the Young Entrepreneur Council (YEC), an invite-only nonprofit organization comprised of the world’s most promising young entrepreneurs. The YEC promotes entrepreneurship as a solution to unemployment and underemployment and provides entrepreneurs with access to tools, mentorship, and resources that support each stage of their business’s development and growth.

via-Under 30 CEO

Planning on taking a vacation this summer? Don’t forget to pack your sunscreen, beach towels, and these money-saving tips.

via-MSN Money

good:

According to a new Pew study, increasing your earning potential may require literally moving on up: If you aim to climb the income ladder in the United States, your best bet might be to move north and east—and definitely stay out of the south.

No one doubts that women spend more on certain things than men when they have different needs.

Makeup. Hair products. Waxing. Gyno appointments.

But then there are the charges you don’t see coming. Imagine $2 tacked onto every errand you run. Two bucks is pretty inoffensive on its own, but as anyone who has ever stuck to a budget knows, dollars add up quickly.

via-LearnVest

If you’re anything like me, on any given week you are bombarded with coupons or “savings passes” from you favorite and not-so-favorite stores. Now, I’m not going to lie, I do get excited to see those suckers in my mailbox (or inbox) but within the last few months I’ve realized that they are usually bad news if used on a consistent basis.

Deep down I knew I didn’t really need any of the items I was buying with my coupons but I still felt like I should use them because I was “saving” money. It’s all a really romantic and brilliant scheme by marketers. It’s just so darn enticing to feel that you’ve actually saved some money on that pair of shoes you’ll probably wear twice a year.

You know what will save you more money? Not using your coupons at all and leaving your money in your wallet where it belongs.

Of course, if you really do need an item, definitely use those passes (duh). For instance, I really need a new blender due to my new Abs Diet (shameless plug, it’s really good though, check it out!). I’m going to use my 20% off Macy’s pass this weekend to get it, and I think there’s another sale on top of my 20% off. Now that’s saving money. Also, using coupons for gifts really does wonders for your budget seeing that gifts are viewed as “extras” so to speak. It’s wedding season and those 20% Bed, Bath, & Beyond coupons will be put to good use.

The moral of the story is, don’t use your coupons and passes just because they are about to expire. Really hold off using them for something you actually need and throw the rest in the trash…because we all know you’re going to get another one in 3 days.

Tell us about your coupon experiences!

-Jackie

Here are three things that women often apologize for and what we can do to stop, today. via-Fast Company

1-800 Flowers

Offer can be used site-wide.

Women make up 46.9% of the United States workforce.

Having a hard time picturing what that looks like?

The Kenan-Flager Business School at UNC Chapel Hill can help you out. Their infographic illustrates the presence of women in the workforce, in the tech industry, in large corporations, as business owners and even in regards to how many patents we own.

Get ready for some facts—good, bad and surprising.

via-LearnVest.com

Live your richest life — no matter what you earn — with these no-fail tips from LearnVest’s money guru Alexa von Tobel. -via MSN.com

Summer is rapidly approaching which means many of you will be making vacation travel plans. And since a lot of you will be traveling by plane, this seemed like a fitting time to discuss the best times to purchase an airline ticket.

I’ve personally researched this matter for quite sometime and it turns out most of my strategies and observations have proved correct. That being said, here are some bullet points to use when searching for the best fare:

• Fares are usually lower in the middle of the week, towards the end of the day. This means Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday late afternoons and evenings. I’m not entirely sure why but my hunch is the airlines are playing some kind of game and now we’re onto them!
• Increasing plane fares are a direct result of fuel prices. So, if you’re feeling the pain at the pump filling up your car, chances are that trip to Vegas just jumped at least $50-$100. It’s best to buy when fuel prices are reasonable or on the decline.
• Be aware: some discount airlines aren’t on your favorite travel sites! Airlines like Southwest and Jet Blue don’t appear in your searches on Orbitz or Kayak. If you’re near an airport where these companies fly out of, definitely check their prices. Speaking as a loyal Southwest patron, almost always the cheapest fare is directly through their website. 
• Sometimes that $50 you’re saving isn’t worth a long layover. If you’re trip is extended by a 3-plus hour layover that could be avoided by paying an extra $50, just spring for it, will ya? Time is money people.
• And to add to the previous point, a non-stop flight is key (if you’re not being robbed blind). This holds especially true for international flights. That extra 5 hours in Mexico will be totally worth it.
• Skip the travel agent. Unless you are traveling in a large group or have some complex plans, there is absolutely no need for an agent. The internet has made this occupation pretty much obsolete for the casual traveler.

What are some of your money-saving tips or strategies for air travel?

-Jackie

themoneyjourneyandshit:

Always use cash!

I love dining out at different restaurants. I most certainly consider “wining and dining” an activity. Hey, I’m not into sports, I gotta have something to say in response to what do you do for fun?. But I’m sure you’re aware, it’s a pricey habit. It’s also easy to get into the rut of sticking with your favorite spot instead of trying out a new place with an unfamiliar menu.

The answer to trying a new spot (or enjoying your favorite) while conserving cash? Restaurant Week! Next week is Downtown Albany’s restaurant week. For only $20.12 you can enjoy a three course meal at any one of 17 participating restaurants. 17 restaurants and only 5 days…choose wisely!

Another reason I love Restaurant Week — I’m a very indecisive diner. That being said, I’m a fan of prix fixe menus because they make my dining decisions nice and easy. 

A couple tips when participating in Restaurant Week:

1. Some restaurants require reservations. Some only accept walk-ins. Here, I broke it down for you:

Reservations preferred: Katrinella’s Bistro, Hudson Harbor Steak and Seafood,

Walk-Ins preferred: The Victory Cafe, Marché, Franklin’s Tower, The Bayou Cafe,

Either way: V&R Italian Ristorante, Taste, The Merry Monk, La Serre, Kelsey’s Irish Pub, Jack’s Oyster House, Cafe Capriccio, The Brown Derby, Albany Pump Station, and Wolf’s 1-11 (but first check to see if there’s an event going on, since Wolf’s is connected to the Times Union Center).

2. Even though you’re scoring a deal for only $20.12, be sure to tip your server on the full value of the meal. Although some tipping topics are debatable, like last week’s discussion, this rule is common etiquette. Hint: The meals have a minimum value of $35.00, so to be safe, tip based on that amount.

3. I have a big soft spot for market research. I actually feel really guilty when hanging up on survey callers. They’re just trying to make things better. If you find a satisfaction survey at your seat, take a moment to fill it out. Your feedback will help the Downtown Albany Business Improvement District continue to make this a great event.

Not in Albany? Most cities have a restaurant week. Check with your local business improvement district or convention and visitors bureau to see if they do a similar event.

So, did you check out the menus yet? I know I’m excited about the artichoke and goat cheese ravioli at Taste.

Where are you planning to go during Restaurant Week?

- Jolene

About 6 months ago, I purchased an awesome Groupon for my local laser hair removal establishment for $99. It covered 3 sessions but also served as a coupon for severely discounted sessions after my initial 3 were up. Although I declined the additional sessions for my own personal and financial reasons, this got me thinking: how much am I really saving over time once I do go through the entire laser hair removal process?

Now, before you get all judgmental and think, “why does she even need laser hair removal, is she that lazy/vain?” the answer is no. I’ve been looking into laser hair removal for quite some time because I get really bad razor burn under my arms, and it’s been going on for years. No matter what I try, it’s still there and I can’t seem to get a handle on it. I’ve even gotten some cream from my dermatologist which only made it worse. So, I figure laser hair removal is the best option…so I never have to worry about it again. And did I mention that razor burn is quite painful at times? Well…now you know. 

So back to the laser vs. shaving financial argument. Here’s some research I came across:

• Shaving, over the course of time, gets expensive due to the amount of products that are constantly purchased. Say you buy a razor for about $10, then need to purchase replacement blades for about $20…every few weeks. And if you struggle with razor burn, don’t even think about using the same blade more than twice. The costs are quite high over a lifetime.
• After you finish you laser treatments, a lot of time will be saved not only in the shower but shopping for razors, wax, creams, etc.
• Laser hair removal does not guarantee permanent hair loss for all patients but is effective in most. You must make sure you have a proper consultation where they suggest how many sessions you need based on your hair color and skin type.
• Laser hair removal is quite pricey, which is why I suggest getting a Groupon or online deal. Without these deals, you’re looking at thousands of dollars. With the Groupon I purchased, it would have cost $1,500 for 2 areas—for permanent results (about 8 sessions for each).

Since this is a large chunk of discretionary cash, I suggest doing your own in-depth research if this is something you’re interested in. Most laser hair removal places offer free consultations where they lay out a plan along with a detailed estimate. But by all means, definitely wait for that Groupon. Trust me.

Have you thought about laser hair removal? Do you think it’s a wise investment? Have you gone through the process? Let us know!

-Jackie

Check out this financially helpful and motivational article featuring Gilt Groupe co-founder Alexandra Wilkis Wilson whose start-up company is now valued at $1 billion!

via-LearnVest

I never once thought about tipping when I picked up food from a restaurant. Sure, I noticed the “tip” line on the restaurant’s receipt copy, but I just assumed it’s the same receipt tape used for diners and the space isn’t meant to imply I should leave a tip. So, without remorse, I’d draw a straight line through the tip box and circle the total to be charged to my card.

But then a friend of mine who is a server told me that you really should leave something since the server took time away from his/her tables in order to equip your to-go bag with napkins, salt packs, pepper packs, condiments, sporks, wet naps…you get the idea. From then on, I started feeling very self-conscious whenever I would draw that line.  

The other week I conducted a highly scientific poll (re: asked all my friends via my Facebook status) about whether or not it’s expected to tip when ordering food to go.

The results were mixed…just like my own thoughts. Most people said no, but even people in the industry shared different thoughts. Some restaurant workers said you should leave a little something for the very same reasons my original server friend above claimed. But then, other servers said the hostess packs your order and it’s a shock when someone leaves a to-go tip.

I did a google search on the subject which resulted in the same varying opinions I received from polling my friends. Most people assume it’s not an obligation, but those who do tip on pickup say 10% is just fine. And most restaurant employees who speak out claim that you should leave something since there’s more work involved in packing your order than you think. Check out this post on www.chow.com.

My verdict? The point one of my friends made that sways me is this: you usually don’t know if the person who actually packed your order is working for tips or not, so it’s nice to leave a buck or two just in case.

I’ll likely leave a small tip (10%) from now on, especially if (1) I call my order in during a busy time, (2) my order is complicated or (3) it’s a restaurant I go to often.

I say, go with your gut on this one. If a tip feels right, I’m sure it will be appreciated. If not, you won’t receive the same shame for not tipping when you sit down to eat.

Do you tip when picking up food to go? Or do you think it’s unnecessary since the point of tipping is to ensure good service?

Share your thoughts!

- Jolene

It’s about to get personal up in here.

Over the past month or so, I’ve been exploring the option of buying a condo for a few of reasons:

1. I’m sick of renting an apartment and handing over money to a landlord
2. I can’t stand looking at my hideous kitchen
3. I want to have the freedom to make cosmetic changes
4. I feel like I’m getting to the age where I should own real estate

All of these factors in my case do not equal a substantial reason to purchase a home. They very well could have been a huge mistake on my part. Here are the reasons why it could have been a decision I would have undoubtedly regretted :

1. I would have blown a substantial part of my savings on a down payment which I need to travel and visit friends across the country—something that is very important to me
2. My living situation is fickle. I have no idea where I will be living in 2-5 years for both work and personal reasons
3. My rent is cheap, I have a comfortable amount of discretionary spending that would vaporize if I owned my own home. When a property is yours, you can’t call the landlord to fix the plumbing or water heater
4. I would have blown over $2,000 per year on HOA fees alone
5. Mortgage payments would have cut into my retirement and savings accounts—something I can focus on now in order to have more flexibility when I’m actually ready to buy my first home

I’m sure I can think of more reasons to add to this con list but I digress. The point is this: it’s important to thoroughly contemplate a huge financial decision like buying a home before making any rash decisions because you have a creepy landlord and horrific 1970s style laminate flooring. You must inspect your finances with a fine-toothed comb and ask yourself what’s really important to you: Do you look forward to visiting your friends 1,000 miles away a few times a year? Or do you relish the art of yard work and Saturdays spent at Lowe’s? Both are respectable activities but it’s important to analyze your finances, do some soul-searching, and make sure you come to the right decision for yourself.

Let us know if you’ve been in a similar situation. Do you prefer to rent or own? What are some of your tips and advice?

-Jackie 

It’s still early days in the battle for the future of television. The cable guys are just rolling out their services, and the Silicon Valley upstarts have a lot of digital expertise and venture capital fueling them. If you want a digital alternative to cable, here are ten to consider.

-via Bloomberg Businessweek

While you may think a million dollars will give you financial security, it will not. Given the volatility in economies, governments and financial markets around the world, it’s no longer safe to assume a million dollars will provide you and your family with true security. In fact, a Fidelity Investments’ study of millionaires last year found that 42 percent of them don’t feel wealthy and they would need $7.5 million of investable assets to start feeling rich.

This isn’t a how-to on the accumulation of wealth from a lifetime of saving and pinching pennies. This is about generating multimillion-dollar wealth and enjoying it during the creation process. To get started, consider these seven secrets of multimillionaires.

via-Entrepreneur