Lifestyle & Entertainment

Roots of knowledge

Delmar resident launches project to cultivate awareness of native plant species

Loretta Fontaine Castagna has held an interest in native plant life since she was a young girl.

A brief history of the natural world [photo gallery]

Environmental Fair at Five Rivers explores the present and past

Five Rivers Environmental Education Center hosted more than 600 students from around 10 Capital District elementary schools during the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation’s three-day Environmental Fair.

Fighting insect hinges on knowledge

Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week focuses on invasive insect’s threat, precautions

New York is recognizing Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week this year from Sunday, May 19, to Saturday, May 25. Residents and visitors are being encouraged to become more aware about the invasive insect and its destructive potential towards ash trees.

Meet the new Colonial Acres at open house event

New golf course operator connects with Big Brothers Big Sisters

Business has been steady at Colonial Acres Golf Course during its first month open under a private operator.

Park lovers give back

Volunteers pitch in to help Thacher Park for 'I Love My Park Day'

More than 50 people turned out to lend Mother Nature a helping hand at John Boyd Thacher State Park for New York state's second "I Love My Park Day" on Saturday, May 4.

[Photo Gallery] Taking a peek at farm life

Indian Ladder Farms showcases baby animals and activities

Baby animals returned to Indian Ladder Farms in Altamont on Saturday, May 4, with children clamoring to chicks, ducklings, bunnies, lambs, pigs and goats.

Chalk it up to Albany

Central Avenue BID, Equinox hold sidewalk art contest to coincide with Tulip Fest

Each spring, thousands of tulips take over downtown Albany. The appearance of the flowers mark the beginning of spring in the city and have a way of bringing a feeling of renewal to Albany each year.

Forest Walk stops in Normanskill

Forest Owners Association looks to promote knowledge of responsible festry

Members of the Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy are looking to educate landowners about forest management with a woods walk through the Normanskill Preserve.

Walkers step up in heart disease fight

Annual Capital Region Heart Walk this Saturday at Crossings

The 2013 Capital Region Heart Walk at The Crossings of Colonie will begin with breakfast and last-minute registration at 9 a.m. on Saturday, May 4 and walkers will take either a 1- or 3-mile stroll. Participants raise money for the American Heart Association, and the donations go directly to funding research and education to fight heart disease and stroke. This year, the goal is set for $570,000.

Remembrance effort still strong

Delmar man continues event commemorating D-Day veterans

As what has been called the Greatest Generation ages, finding World War II veterans is getting harder. Tougher still is locating survivors of a single action, even one as momentous and enormous as D-Day.

Let's get ready to read

Albany Children’s Book Festival connects young readers with authors

The fifth annual Albany Children’s Book Festival, hosted by The Albany Academies, allows people of all ages to meet some of their favorite authors and illustrators. There will also be magicians, a children’s concert, clowns and other activities around the theme of reading.

Growing green habits

Family-friendly Go Green Day to feature recycling, demos, good eats

Go Green Day 2013 will be held Saturday, April 27, at Farnsworth Middle School in Guilderland. Several area groups worked together to create the educational event and recycling drop off, along with opportunities to donate a variety of items to local causes and organizations.

A festival for the senses

Cathedral of All Saints to present 'Vin de Choir: A Night of Song and Wine'

On Friday, April 19, from 6 to 8 p.m., The Friends of the Choir will hold a wine tasting event at the The Cathedral of All Saints

A common thread

For area quilting group, tradition, service and fellowship are a seamless combination

Q.U.I.L.T. Inc. has met at the Delmar Reformed Church once a month for the past 36 years. They meet to showcase their work, learn new skills and listen to guest speakers.

Quarter-century for Delmar Dash

Race that turns 25 this year started as weekly running group

The Delmar Dash will run for the 25th time on Sunday, April 14, at 9 a.m., kicking off at Bethlehem Central Middle School. Event organizers are planning to recognize the founders of the Delmar Dash.

Bethlehem Spotlight