Tuesday, November 8, 2011 (AJLI Presidential Visit, Day 1)

I have just had a remarkable experience that I feel I must share.

As some of you may know, I am passionate about my volunteer activities and more specifically my love for the Junior League of Schenectady and Saratoga Counties (JLSS) and its commitment to this region. Well, last evening I had the distinct pleasure of attending an event featuring the Association of Junior Leagues International (AJLI) President Delly Beekman.  Ms. Beekman was visiting Schenectady at the request of the JLSS members and spoke at our annual Tri-League (with sister leagues from Albany and Troy) event to discuss the strategic roadmap for the Association which consists of 155,000 women in 292 Leagues located in 4 countries all sharing a common mission, to promote voluntarism, develop the potential of women and improve communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.   One of my biggest takeaways from the discussion was that we all need to keep an eye on the emerging trends and how those trends affect our membership. 

But the real highlight of the evening was when I was given the opportunity to spend one-on-one time with Delly as we drove home that evening and although we discussed many things including children, families, and travel, I also took a moment to speak with her about Schenectady and its rich history.  We drove down Erie Boulevard (or as I told Delly, an old portion of the Erie Canal), I took a little detour and drove through the Stockade section past The Stockade Inn, with its vibrant history and then up to visit Lawrence the Indian, we then drove past the Van Curler Hotel or currently known as Schenectady County Community College  to her final destination of the Glen Sanders Mansion. 

It was a great evening and this was just day one of her 2-day visit.

November 2, 2011 (Casola Dining Room)

I have to tell you all about another fabulous location in Schenectady.   This location not only serves the best food but it also offers up an educational experience.  Of course, I am speaking of none other than the Casola Dining Room, located on the campus of Schenectady County Community College (SCCC).   Upon entering the Casola Dining Room you are met with lovely linens and perfectly set tables.  The staff in the dining room, the cooks in the kitchen and the host/hostesses are all students enrolled in the Culinary Arts Program at SCCC.  The Fall Semester began on October 3 and runs through December 9, click here for the current schedule and features a fabulous array of menu’s featured throughout this semester that I suggest you check out.  

I was there for lunch during the first week and the menu featured was a fabulous Southern/Creole menu complete with Crawfish Etouffee, one of my favorites.   Last week’s featured menu was the Mid-Atlantic and my choice for lunch was the Maryland Style Crab Cake, Pan-Fried Soft-Shell Crabs and Jersey Peach Cobbler.   The service was fantastic, the food delicious and being part of the experience as the students learn about culinary service is just wonderful.  A special thank you to my lunch dates Denise and Paula, nothing is better than a girls lunch at such a great venue.   

Of course, I am looking forward to lunch this week and the Pacific Northwest menu, yum!!