The tulips are in bloom

Recently, my friend Leesa Perazzo sent out a note that there is a campaign of no negativity toward Schenectady and I couldn't agree more that we need to leave negativity behind and promote the positive things in Schenectady #noverbalgraffiti. I have been very bad about keeping this blog up but not because I don't love Schenectady but because I ABSOLUTELY do and am constantly out and about enjoying all it has to offer. So it is with renewed vigor that I write today.

One of the reasons I like posting to the blog is that I get to say a few things that I love about Schenectady and this area. It is Spring time and with all the good things in Schenectady, I thought I would share my weekend thus far.

Last night, I stopped by my favorite chicken wing locale to have the best wings in Schenectady (at least in my book) at 20 North Broadway Tavern. If you haven't been there, it is a must stop locale, good food, great friendly atmosphere. It can be a little noisy but a home town pub without a little noise just doesn't have the same warm feeling. Since I love chicken wings, feel free to voice a little competition if you think there is somewhere better, I will try them and get back to you.

Today, my morning started with breakfast with the family at Scotia Diner, my son is a big fan, especially of their ultimate hobo breakfast and if it satisfies him, the rest of you will love it. If you try the ultimate hobo, let me know if it meets your expectations also :)

Then off for a walk with my dear friend Carmel and our constant walk companion Louis, he is such a good boy. Anyway, pictured below is just one of the stops on are walk through Schenectady. We do always try to remember to take a moment to see the best things and it is important to stop and smell the tulips until the roses bloom!



Continued on our walk and here is one of the Central Park Rose Garden, all clean and ready for the roses to start their journey, I for one can't wait!



Stay tuned because tonight I am off to Saratoga so will highlight my adventures there also.

Central Park Rose Garden

So I have been very bad in posting and it isn't because I haven't been finding fun and great things to do in Schenectady, it is because I have been out doing them! Recently had a friend ask me why I stopped writing because they would often view my posts and make plans to follow in my footsteps so to speak, so here I am and hopefully I will be more diligent in posting so that you may also make plans and enjoy where you live as much as I do. One of the things that I enjoy doing every week (and sometimes several times a week) is to take a walk around Schenectady. Today I will highlight one of the places that I walk and that is Central Park. Central Park, is so peaceful, has a beautiful pond and a lot of wildlife. A few weeks ago, a goose decided to join my friend Carmel and me on our walk. It is always fun to have a new friend along.

As Carmel and I continued on our walk, and certainly no walk through Central Park is complete without a stop at the Central Park Rose Garden. If you have never been, then please in the next week or two make it a priority. I promise you, it is worth the trip and don't forget to bring along your camera because there are some lovely photo opportunity locations. I have seen several wedding parties there this summer! Let me know how your visit was and please share a photo also.

After the snow - February 9, 2013

Sometimes time has a way of just passing by so fast. I haven't written on this blog for quite some time and I am unsure why since the reason I started it was to highlight all that is good here in Schenectady and I still love this area and all that is has to offer. So have decided to jump back in. Today, was just another wonderful day in the City of Schenectady. Between Friday night and Saturday morning, we received almost a foot of snow, making everything look clean and new. My morning began by shoveling the driveway and walk, after that I took a walk over to More Perreca's for a lovely breakfast of eggs, sausage, and slices of their fresh bread toasted to perfection with Elaine Kemner (my son's girlfriend).  After that, a quick walk over the Schenectady County Public Library for a new book. This year's One County One Book is The Art of Racing in the Rain, and if you are looking for a good book, I highly recommend this one. We are blessed with so many good things here in the City of Schenectady and today was just another great day. I love to read and if you do too, I suggest a stop at the Schenectady Library for something new and if you decide to have breakfast before going, I say stop by More Perreca's on your way and enjoy your day!

May 28, 2012 Memorial Day - A day in the air!

Wow, what a fabulous weekend.  The weather was fantastic and today I crossed another item off my bucket list.  A couple of years ago, during a live auction at a charity event benefitting Family & Child Service of Schenectady, I purchased a half hour scenic helicoptor tour and today, I made good use of it and went up in a helicoptor for a tour of Lake George. 

Just a quick 50 minute ride to the Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Warren County (about 10 minutes from Exit 19 off I87) in the Town of Queensbury is where we met our pilot Bruce Mowrey from North Country HeliFlite.   Of course, I had to ask Bruce how long he had been flying (just trying to do my due diligence) and he has been flying for over 15 years and has taken more than 2500 visitors on scenic flights in the region.  We started by going to south end of Lake George and working our way back.  We flew up to the top of Black Mountain, which looms 2300 feet above Lake George and where we waved to all the hikers down below.  I have added this hike to my bucket list.  Will be good to get it the view from the perspective of the hiker :) 

All in all, this was a fabulous experience and while it may be a little on the pricey side, remember that the helicopter can hold up to 3 individuals (besides the pilot) so you could share this with friends and cross it off your list as well. 

I will definitely do this again!!!  Let me know if you try it. 

P.S. - We will be auctioning another ride this year so why not come to FCSS 7th Annual Golf Ball Drop on September 14 and bid on this fabulous experience.
   

May 26, 2012 - A day of high ropes adventure

I love to explore the region and find new things to experience.  Today my friend Patty and I decided to tackle a new adventure so we headed to the new Howe Caverns High Adventure Park complete with a high ropes course and zip lining.  Howe Caverns is less than 30 miles away from Schenectady with just a quick hop on I-88 you will be there in under 1/2 hour.  Upon arrival we purchased our combination ticket that included both the high ropes course and ziplining for a cost of under $25 a person.  We decided to begin our day with the ropes course, so after getting all harnassed up in a protective backpack with a locked in rope that clips to the course as a safety measure.  The course is a multi-level course with many various levels of difficulty.  I decided to take the most difficult course and the one thing I would recommend is bringing a pair of gloves because after doing the course the 4th time, I was beginning to get blisters on my pinkies from the ropes.  We spent about 1.5 hours on the course and had a blast.

Once we finished our playtime on the course, we changed out of our protective backpacks and into a harness and it was off to our next adventure and on to the zipline.  The zipline consists of 4 separate lines encircling the course with the length of the line increasing at each level.  This doesn't take long to complete but you are able to do the entire course twice for the price of admission and the staff was very helpful and extremely friendly.  There is a lovely park complete with picnic tables so you could bring along a picnic and have a full day out with the family for the typical price of dinner and a movie.  I also think this would be a great team building exercise for a group.  With each turn around the course, our confidence level increased and at the end,we were barely using the safety teather for balance. 

If you decide to do this, I would love to hear how your day went. 


  

Sunday morning walk

Are you looking for that perfect Sunday morning walk that just refreshes and reenergizes you for the wonderful day ahead?  Then I have just the spot.  It starts at Blatnik Park, which is located in the Town of Niskayuna.  You drive to the back of the park, lots of parking to be had and then begin your walk on the wonderfully kept bike path.  Here is a view from the top of the path.  No matter what lies ahead for your day, this is the perfect view to start the day with.

You walk approximately 1.5 miles (it might be less, takes under a 1/2 hour) and then you run into Niskayuna Lock 7.  Now there are picnic tables set up and you can bring the family for a day of fishing and it is also just fun in the summer to watch boats go through the locks but if you happen to be there and it is not yet quite the picnic season, it is just the perfect place to sit and relax.  Below is a photo taken from the Lock.

Now I don't know about you but I know this was the perfect start to my Sunday morning last week and tomorrow is looking like another gorgeous day.  Give it a try, it is a nice walk and if you really want to get that heart racing, my friend Scott and I on the return walk, powerwalked up the hill back to the parking lot, that will surely get your heart up.  Enjoy the day!

Empire State Youth Orchestra at Troy Music Hall

On Saturday I had the pleasure of attending the Empire State Youth Orchestra’s (ESYO) Gala which began with lunch at Franklin Plaza and then continued to a show featuring the ESYO at Troy Music Hall.   The Troy Music Hall is one of those other wonderful gems that so many don’t seem to know about.  While the seating is not the most comfortable, the acoustics are amazing and you can tell how much work went into creating this venue.  Find out more about its history by clicking the link above.

ESYO is a group of more than 300 very talented students between grades 4-12 from more than 75 schools in the Capital Region.  The performances given by these amazing children are so memorable and it is such a treat to listen to them create their own special magic.  Perhaps you have heard these children if you have ever attending Melodies of Christmas at Proctors.  If you cannot catch one of their performances at Troy Music Hall, I encourage your attendance at Melodies.

Below is a photo of my fabulous dates for this event, my little sister Emily and friend Thomas.  Thomas plays the trumpet so was very interested in the music and Emily has now indicated an interest in the violin, perhaps inspired by today’s experience.  Thomas was also very excited to be the happy winner of a nook from the silent auction held to benefit ESYO and their many musical programs.

Cafe Madison (Albany)

With Albany being just a hop, skip and a jump away (my grandmother's words), I met my friends Norman and Peter for breakfast at this amazing little cafe.  Cafe Madison is located at 1108 Madison Avenue, Albany.  So we arrive at 9:15 for breakfast and were told that we had a 20 minute wait for a table (they don't accept reservations).  While waiting I ran into my friend Amanda who frequents the restaurant and she gave me the best tip of the day when I asked what she believes the best breakfast is, she, without hesitation, said "you must try the oatmeal raspberry pancakes".  The wait was exactly 20 minutes and we were seated at a front table and the staff and the service was fabulous.  Taking my friend Amanda's suggestion, I ordered the oatmeal rasperry pancakes and if you decide to try this little cafe, I suggest you try them as well, absolutely delicious.  I am sure I will run into there as I definitely will be adding this locale to my list of favorites. 

Their website says they are a culinary gem in the heart of Albany and I certainly agree.  Take a trip to Cafe Madison and share your experience with me, I would love to hear what you think.

Jersey Boys at Proctors

I often talk about how much I love Schenectady and this region and this weekend was another one of those great weekends filled with friends and fun.  Friday night was spent with my friends Amy, Scott, and Sue.  First we started with dinner at Bangkok Thai and instead of ordering entrees we decided to try an assortment of appetizers for our dinner.  My personal favorites were the crab angels and the curry balls, so if you decide to stop over, I suggest an order of those.  Next we were off to see Jersey Boys at Proctors. 

If you haven't gotten your tickets yet to the show then I suggest you run not walk to the box office at Proctors'.  The show is about the life and times of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons and their trials and tribulations on the road to fame.  I am one of those people that see a show once and am happy but don't really ever feel the need to see it a second time but I must say that Jersey Boys is one of the shows that I would see again.  The music and actors, the social environment, all of it, is worth a second go around.  I did purchase the sound track just to hear that wonderful music over and over again!

Getting excited for Jersey Boys

In less than 24 hours I will be sitting in the third row watching Jersey Boys at Proctors.  I have heard so many positive reviews, I am sure I will enjoy the show.  Additionally, I was at the preview party several months ago, so I have been very patient in waiting for my night to arrive.  Will give a full review after the event but in the meantime, I just have to say how wonderfully lucky we are to have such an amazing venue in Schenectady where we can see Broadway shows just minutes from our homes. 

Just a little bit of history about Proctors Theater:

Proctors began as a vaudeville theatre in the early 20th century is now the Capital Region’s destination for major Broadway shows, cutting-edge film festivals, exciting special events, and everything in between.

Built in 1926 by F. F. Proctor, the “Dean of Vaudeville,” Proctors on State Street in Schenectady was a popular theatre that used a method of continuous performance to draw huge crowds and numerous famous vaudevillians of that era. In 1930, Proctors hosted the first public demonstration of television with the help of General Electric. Learn more about the history here. 

Van Curler Room at SCCC

If you love trying new things as much as I do then I suggest trying out the buffet at the Van Curler Room at Schenectady County Community College.  On Tuesday, February 21, 2012, my friends Amy and Scott joined me for dinner as we headed to SCCC for the Mardi Gras buffet.  The culinary arts students put together a wonderful assortment of foods in this themed buffet dinner.  The cost to attend is $20 per person inclusive of tax.  Since the program is put on by the students, gratuity is not required nor suggested.  I have been told that gratuities may be made and that the money is used for special programs for students, so I suggest making a small donation.  The children learn how to prepare, organize, serve and create this event. 

If you have ever been on a cruise where you enter a dining room and are seated with others (the tables are set for 8), that is the atmosphere you will enter.  We were seated with 2 older couples and the evening was such a success, they were knowledgeable and entertaining and we had some wonderful conversations.     

It is so wonderful to have this culinary institute in our backyard where you can enjoy a wonderful meal while students are working toward a degree.  Next week, it’s off to try their Italian Buffet.  Another reason I love where I live!

Brandon's Steak & Seafood Restaurant

Schenectady is always serving something up and last week was Restaurant Week.  On Monday, February 20, as part of Restaurant Week in Schenectady (a week in which area restaurants serve a $20.12 menu including appetizer, entrée and dessert) my friend Denise and I decided to try the new Brandon’s Steak & Seafood Restaurant on 1702 Chrisler Avenue in Schenectady.  The restaurant is a bit smaller than I had expected but the food was delicious and the service well above par.   I had the fried calamari as an appetizer, and the Chicken Angelina (sautéed egg battered chicken medallions topped with shrimp and finished with a lemon Chardonnay cream sauce and served over fresh sautéed spinach) and to complete the meal, a delicious rice pudding.  While the meal was delicious, one of the best things about Schenectady Restaurant week is the ability to spend an evening with a good friend, enjoying a great meal while checking out a new restaurant, all for $20.12, wow, I love Schenectady. 

GE's Big Game Video from Schenectady just released

Hey All - You know I love Schenectady and I also love my job working with Internal Communications at GE right here in town.  Yesterday, they released a copy of their Big Game video (filmed right here in Schenectady) with local employees and I thought you all might like to check it out.  Gives a whole new meaning to "this Bud's on me"...  Check it out here:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DgNStjaxOCM

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!!   

October 15, 2011

Today, I accomplished one of those little things on my bucket list. 

As we all know, Salem, Massachusetts is the historical location for witchcraft and the Town of Salem comes alive during October for its annual haunting and visiting this town during October has been on my list for quite some time. 

So this Saturday morning, I boarded a Wade tour bus with my friend Megan at 6:00am to travel the 200 miles needed to reach our destination.  Upon arrival in town we first visited Pickering Wharf where we had a wonderful lunch at Finz, the oh-so-hip seafood restaurant where I dined on a great fish and chip lunch. 

Then we were off to visit the Salem Witch History Museum to see the presentation of Salem Witch Trials of 1692, one of the most important cases of mass hysteria in our history.  In 1692, 29 people were convicted of the felony charge of witchcraft, 19 of whom were hanged (14 women and 5 men) and one man, Giles Cory, was pressed to death (by placing large boulders on his body) for refusing to enter a plea. 

One of the things that I found most interesting was the fact that although they began reversing the judgments in 1711, it wasn’t until 2001 that all of those convicted were proclaimed innocent.  Almost 300 hundred years later.  Wow! 

Next stop was the House of Seven Gables, the Turner/Ingersoll Mansion, built in 1668 and the inspiration for Nathanial Hawthorn’s legendary novel.  This mansion is also filled with family history and drama, since it had been in the Turner family until the youngest Turner lost everything the family owned including the home.  I am not certain I knew exactly what a gable was but I do now!

I also took a trip to the cemetery where the hangings took place and also the cemetery in which it has been rumored as the location of the pressing of Giles Cory.    

Next stop the Haunted Happening carnival, complete with monsters and ghouls.

A fabulous day and totally enjoyable.  I highly recommend a visit, especially during October. 

October 13, 2011

Today is my friend Scott’s birthday and we decided to celebrate his birthday by heading to Sam’s Italian American Restaurant, located at 125 Southern Boulevard in Albany, just 19 miles from my house.   Besides being a wonderful restaurant, this place comes with a beautiful love story.  The story begins over 60 years ago in Montemurro (a province of Potenza), where Salvatore Rappoccio fell in love with Angela Santalucia, the sister of his good friend Michael.  Angela refused to marry Salvatore until he was released from the army, so 10 years she waited and after his release, they were wed. 

In 1960, Salvatore (now known as same) came to the United States at the request of his sister.  He and Angela saved enough money to open up a grocery store in 1965 and a few years later, they began selling pizza’s and Italian specialties out of the back of store.  In 1971 the store was completely renovated and Sam’s Italian American Restaurant was established.  The restaurant has remained in the family since that time and is currently managed by Sam’s children Paul and Carmela and they are still maintaining the high standards set by their parents. 

I enjoyed the eggplant rollatini for dinner, while others in my party had chicken marsala and chicken parm.  Everyone said their meal was delicious, so  I encourage you to stop by for a wonderful Italian dinner and homey atmosphere. 

Also, I had a chance to speak with Carmela while we were there and learn more about this amazing family while viewing the photos all along the wall, a sort of picture history throughout the years.  It is truly a wonderful restaurant filled with history and family. 

October 8, 2011 (Italian food all day!)

Wow what a fabulous fall day.  My day started out with a final motorcycle ride before putting the bike away for the season.  It was really a perfect riding day.  This year I decided to store my bike at my parents in Meco, so my friend Megan offered to pick me up there and bring me home.  For payment, I took her to lunch at one of my favorite establishments in Johnstown, Romana's Italian Kitchen on Comrie Avenue.  They came to the region in 1974 when I was a child, however, since I grew up in that area, I must say that I have probably tried everything on the menu.  That being said, when I visit now, the only thing I seem to order is a ham grinder and honestly if you visit, it is one of the things I most recommend.  Between the toasted grinder roll and the heated ham, it is just as delicious as it sounds.  I challenge you to find a better ham grinder and if you do, please be sure to let me know.

How does one top such a fabulous lunch?  I will tell you but be careful who you share the knowledge with because it is one of the best kept secrets in Schenectady.  I met some girlfriends (Carmel, Terri and Kathy) for a girls night out and our choice this evening?  Why it was none other than John Riccitello's Restaurant on Foster Avenue in Schenectady. 

John Riccitello's is an Italian family run restaurant that has been open since 1963.  One of my favorite things about the restaurant is its history.  From the panelled walls, its linens, its atmosphere complete with a room to house their pay phone (probably one of the last ones in Schenectady, except for the one in my house), it says history is here. 

I have had dinner here several times and one of my favorite dishes at this restaurant is the eggplant rollatini and since it is not on the menu always, I was certainly excited to see it as tonight's special.  Please don't be persuaded by its understated exterior, this is a true treasure and one you should experience while in town.  Please tell me about your favorite dinner selection. 

October 2, 2011 (Welcome ShopRite)

Goodness, I was so excited on Friday night (September 30) as I attended the preview celebration for the new ShopRite store in Niskayuna.  ShopRite is located in the former St. James Square which has now been renamed the ShopRite Square.  This New Jersey based grocery chain has come into our region and I for one (among many others I'm sure) am welcoming them with open arms. 

This organization and the team of individuals that they have brought into our area are wonderful.  They have brought us a new shopping experience, complete with a registered dietician and shopper advocates.  This company wants to be involved in our region and is putting their commitment right here in town.  I have personally had the opportunity to discuss this region with their senior management and the team that has been brought to this area and I am so thrilled that they are here and that they are here to improve our region with healthy living.  

Coupling my Friday night experience with my Sunday morning (opening day) shopping experience, made me even more excited than before, which is hard to believe.  There was not a parking spot left when I arrived at 7:30 this morning and that is a sign that we were all waiting for this new experience. 

Not to mention that my dinner this evening was fabulous.

Welcome to the neighborhood ShopRite!!!  

September 24, 2011 (Proctors' Gala)

When I think about all the great things that we have access to right here in Schenectady, Proctors' Theater is one of the things that pops into my mind. Not only because it is a great place to see Broadway shows but because of their continued commitment to this region.  Tonight I had the opportunity to attend their Season Opening Gala, and "Oh What a Night" it was.  One of the inductee's to the Capital Region Hall of Fame at Proctors' tonight was The Costumer.  When Kathe Sheehan spoke about the company and how she and her husband Jack (who passed away last year) came to own it, their's is such a loving story and most importantly, you could tell that they love this region and are also very committed to its growth.

There is no better way to spend the evening than with a group of people that love this area as much I as do so I was extremely grateful to my friend Denise for including me tonight.