Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is pleased to announce results for the second quarter of 2011 for the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI) by the firm’s Cleantech Group. The CEPGI tracks the granting of patents in the Clean Energy sector and monitors important technological breakthroughs in this field.  Victor Cardona, Co-chair of the firm’s Cleantech Group stated, “we are pleased to announce that the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index was at its highest quarterly total ever in the 3d quarter topping the previous record set in 4Q 2010.  Wind, solar and hybrid/electric patents reached new highs and GE repeated as the winner of the quarterly Clean Energy patent Crown.  Japan led New York which passed California to move into second place.”

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, together with 34 community partners of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, launched the newly enhanced SmokeFreeHousingNY.org.  First created in August 2008, this website has now been expanded in response to the growing need to provide accurate and current information to New York property owners and tenants on handling the issue of drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing.  Among the new additions are a toolkit for landlords, guides for condo owners and tenants and a section dedicated to affordable and public housing. 

Seton Health is proud to announce the hiring of Susan MackNair, NP, to its OB/GYN primary care offices in Clifton Park, Cohoes, Latham and Troy.  MackNair has over 20 years of women’s health experience. Previously, MackNair worked as a nurse practitioner at Jacobs, Lee and Burack in Troy (2002-11) and Schenectady Womens Health Care Associates (1991-02).  She also instructed at Russell Sage College and served as a director of nursing at Elizabeth Community Hospital and Americana Healthcare Corporation.

Couch White, LLP today announced that John R. Vero, partner with Couch White, LLP in the Firm’s banking, commercial, corporate and real estate practice groups, was appointed by the Albany Common Council to the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Capital Resource Corporation

Tech Valley High School will serve on the inaugural panel launching a national STEM school leadership network. Principal Dan Liebert told the school's Operating Board on Thursday that Tech Valley High will serve on the advisory panel to the National STEM School Leadership Network. STEM stands for Science, Technology and Math and STEM has become a key focus of education reformers across the country as educators looks to boost student performance in the U.S. TVHS is one of seven schools that will serve on the panel, he said 

BST is pleased to announce that Ann D. DeLucco has joined the Firm’s Albany office as an Associate in the Financial Services unit.  Ann previously served as an intern in the Firm’s New York City Office. Ann recently graduated from Fordham University and resides in Delmar.  

Five Middle School students from La Salle Institute are members of the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys at the Cathedral of All Saitns in the City and Diocese of Albany

The Albany Devils hosted  a “Teddy Bear Toss” during their Sunday, Dec. 4 game against the Rochester Americans at the Times Union Center. Donations from the event go to the Albany Boys and Girls Club and the Albany Police Athletic League (P.A.L.).

The Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is excited to announce a $16,200 donation from MicroKnowledge, Inc. during their 25th Anniversary celebration on November 15, 2011. This donation will assist in providing women with career readiness training, certification in Microsoft Word and Excel, resume preparation and ongoing training for business skills development.

The Northeast Kidney Foundation wants consumers to understand the difference and benefits before they donate their old car, truck or boat to the Kidney Wheels program here in the Capital Region and now through-out the Northeast. By supporting Kidney Wheels with the donation of an unwanted vehicle, 100 percent of the proceeds go to support community-based and patient assistance program. Without the support and awareness, local patient based programs threaten to exist such as, providing emergency funding and transportation subsidies to patients facing financial crises.

Gallivan Companies, a family-owned company in Troy, NY, is proudly co-hosting a free health fair with Oakwood Christian School on Thursday, December 1, from 3:30-6:00 p.m. The health fair will be held at the school located at 260 Oakwood Avenue in Troy. Gallivan Companies is the parent company of Gallivan Corporation, an award-winning landscape design construction and management firm, and S.M. Gallivan, a diversified company with interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities. Oakwood Christian School provides children with quality academics founded on Biblical principles as they serve the children, their families, and the local community.

Effective January 1, 2012, United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Brown’s Brewing Company hosted the Northeast Hop Alliance’s (NeHA) Annual Meeting & Fall Conference on Saturday, November 5 from 8am until 5pm in Revolution Hall. The conference is for current and prospective hop growers and will focus on re-establishing commercial specialty hops production in New York and the Northeast. Topics will include planting, growing and harvesting as well as financial and scientific resources to support growers and local craft brewers like Brown’s who grow some of their own hops. NeHA’s overall mission is to enhance the cultural heritage of hop production through education, agri-tourism, and architectural preservation.

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. announced that Seton Health has been awarded one of nine New York State grants aimed to reduce child and adolescent obesity.  The nine grants total up to $4.5 million over five years with each recipient receiving initial awards of $150,000 for an 18-month period, and an opportunity to qualify for additional awards to a maximum of $500,000 over the five-year period.

Though technology is often at the center of everything students learn at Tech Valley High School, the fundamentals of painting and the basics of art are still on every student's palette of learning. From ninth grade through their senior year, TVHS students learn and practice a variety of artistic skills - from painting to sculpting. Though students also learn technology-based artistic skills, such as videoography and animation - the basics of art are encapsulated in lessons throughout the educational offerings at TVHS.

The Tri-City ValleyCats have unveiled the schedule for their 2012 season that will include 38 home games against ten different New York-Penn League opponents. Schedule available online at www.tcvalleycats.com

The Urgent Care Association of America has designated Clifton Park Urgent Care as a Certified Urgent Care Center. The recognition distinguishes Clifton Park Urgent Care as a true urgent care center, providing patients with walk-in, extended-hour medical attention with licensed providers for a large scope of medical conditions. Seton Health is a comprehensive, not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system anchored by St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. It provides health care services from more than 20 sites in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Albany counties.

Alice LeBlanc, formerly senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund and director of the Office of Environment and Climate Change at AIG and now an independent consultant, will speak at the annual meeting of the Rensselaer Land Trust, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Brown’s Brewing Company’s Revolution Hall, 425 River Street in Troy. A breakfast buffet will be served for a $15 fee. RSVP necessary for breakfast; call (518) 659-5263.

Juniors at Tech Valley High School had a full plate on their school agenda this week. The juniors in Sophia Hsia's Mandarin Chinese class visited the Buffalo Wagon restaurant in Colonie to practice their language skills in ordering Chinese food. Hsia said the students took part in a "Mission Impossible" project, in which they were allowed to order their food only using the Mandarin Chinese language.

The Chazen Companies, a leading provider of engineering, land surveying, environmental, planning, and landscape architecture services, has been named one of 2011’s “Best Places to Work” by The Business Review in Albany.

The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) and the Van Rensselaer Garden Club will present the 55^th Annual Greens Show this December 1^st to 4^th.  This year’s theme is My Favorite Things. The Annual Greens Show, is a Troy holiday tradition that transforms twelve rooms of the 1827 Federal-style Hart-Cluett House into a unique showcase.  Members of the Van Rensselaer Garden Club incorporate fresh trees, greens and flowers to create beautiful history-inspired displays.  This year’s inspiration draws from the beloved classic song My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music.

The president of Green Renewable, Inc., Sean M. Gallivan, also is the owner of S.M. Gallivan, LLC, of Troy, NY, an established, successful business in the wood product industry. The diversified company has interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities.

December 1st 2011 is Flower's by Pesha's 1 year anniversary. Pesha's is grateful for the warm welcome and continuous support we have received from our new neighbors, friends and family. Stop by during the Victorian Stroll for a cup of hot apple cider and fresh homemade pasteries.

Gavant Software, Inc., a Capital Region software firm, hired Brendan Reuss as Senior Sales Executive. Brendan is charged with leading our new Sales, Business Development, and Marketing efforts for Gavant Software. He brings over 15 years of high tech sales experience from the Boston, MA area.  Gavant Software has also hire Craig Nolin as Business Project Manager. Nolin is responsible for operational oversight which includes project portfolio management and continuous process improvement. Craig has over 15 years of leadership, management and service experience.

The Albany Devils had their eight-game point streak halted with a 4-2 loss against the Rochester Americans Friday at the Blue Cross Arena. The Devils (9-7-1-1) entered the contest with a 6-0-1-1 record during the stretch. Rochester’s Colin Stuart was the spoiler with the game-winning goal at 10:26 of the third period. The Americans were playing with six skaters thanks to a delayed penalty. The goal was the first and only Amerks (9-7-2-1) lead as The Devils held two leads in the first and two periods, but never led during an intermission.

The Arc of Rensselaer County recognized its community partners on October 26^th at the Franklin Terrace with a breakfast celebration. This is the fifth year that The Arc recognized individuals and companies that have gone beyond the typical scope of providing employment and community membership opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

Tech Valley High School students are raising money to compete next spring in an event that seeks to determine the which students are the most ingenious and creative with their designs and problem solving. The students are selling hot chocolate each morning on the school campus to raise funds to compete in the annual Odyssey of the Minds Competition.

Students from La Salle Institute in 10^th and 11^th grade will have the opportunity to listen to Holocaust survivor Murry Jaros, of Niskayuna, speak and entertain questions on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in McCormick Hall at La Salle.

David Alan Miller, Albany Symphony Music Director, Conductor, and Capital Region icon for nearly twenty years, has extended his contract with the organization through 2015. Since 1992, he has reaffirmed the Albany Symphony’s reputation as the nation’s leading champion of American symphonic music and one of the country’s most groundbreaking orchestras.

In celebration of its 20^th anniversary season as the resident company of The Egg, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC) is pleased to announce its annual home base performance on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8 PM. We are excited to present two premieres, which are in development and will be completed during the company’s week-long residency at the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, Tivoli NY, this December. This concert will take place at The Egg’s Hart Theater and is part of The Egg’s Dance New York series. Artistic Director Ellen Sinopoli will introduce the evening’s concert in a Prelude Talk at 7:15 PM.

Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, P.C. (TBC) was recently named as one of the 2011 Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The annual list of "Best Accounting Firms" was created by Accounting Today magazine and the Best Companies Group.

The 2012 Empire State Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 2-5 in and around Lake Placid, offer opportunities to achieve excellent brand exposure and awareness at a variety of Olympic venues. Reach nearly 1,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors with your message. Visit www.empirestatewintergames.com and click on “Sponsorship” at the top of the page, or contact Brooke Manrique or Bill Callen of Chamber member Behan Communications, Inc., at (518) 792-3856 to learn more.

Seton Health Foundation presented five associates with scholarships ranging from $250-$3,000 to assist with education costs.  The scholarship funds were made possible by generous donations in memory of Margaret Holohan, Mary Ann Phelan and Tina Yaksta, associates who worked at Seton Health.  The Pauline Fink Fellowship was established through a bequest made to St. Mary’s Hospital.

Schenectady Museum Receives $400 Grant from Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation for Little Wonders of Science Preschool Program Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation Inc. has awarded a grant for $400 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for its Little Wonders of Science preschool program. The funds will be used to purchase books that are distributed to program participants.

Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., a consulting firm specializing in structural engineering in Clifton Park, NY, recently announced that Jack Healy, P.E., Principal, has been named President of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Cements (SHPC).

Green Renewable, Inc., a company focused on producing products for the heat and energy industries derived from renewable resources for a more sustainable future, has acquired Hoosick River Hardwoods, LLC, in Berlin, NY. Terms of the agreement are undisclosed. All Hoosick River Hardwoods staff members have been retained by Green Renewable. The company plans to hire at least five additional staff immediately, and approximately another dozen workers in 2012. The president of Green Renewable, Inc., Sean M. Gallivan, also is the owner of S.M. Gallivan, LLC, of Troy, NY, an established, successful business in the wood product industry. The diversified company has interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities.

Doane Stuart students raised over $500 for relief efforts for the victims of the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. The entire school community joined together to support those whose lives have been radically changed by the devastating flood. The monies raised for the flood victims will be donated to the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, who will direct it locally to those most in need.

Area educators from three institutions signed agreements to pursue educational partnerships with Chinese schools while meeting with educators in China on Friday.The agreements allow the Capital Region BOCES, Questar III BOCES and Catskill Central School Districts to pursue formalized partnership pacts that would involve the potential exchange of teachers and even students, as well as professional development opportunities. The agreements are modeled after the groundbreaking pact reached in February between Tech Valley High School and Tianjin High School No. 41 that has so far resulted in an exchange of a teacher that is now at Tech Valley High and the hosting of students from Tianjin at the regional public high school in East Greenbush.     

The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is proud to announce it is partnering with GE to present GE Kids in Free Fridays at the Museum from 10 AM to 5 PM.  Kids 12 and under get free admission every Friday at CMOST beginning Friday, November 11, 2011 through December 30, 2011.

ALFA International, the Global Legal Network, is pleased to announce that Michael J. Murphy has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Murphy, a Partner at ALFA International member firm Carter Conboy in Albany, NY (www.carterconboy.com), recently completed a two-year term as Vice Chair of the organization and has previously served on ALFA International’s Board of Directors, as well as the Labor & Employment and Insurance Practice Group Steering Committees. The announcement was recently made at ALFA International’s annual meeting in Chicago, IL.

Christopher J. Rosetti, CPA, CFE, CFF, a Partner with BST’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Support unit, recently conducted two separate fraud detection and prevention training seminars.  The first was conducted in Switzerland for some of the country’s largest companies; the second in Arkansas, for companies that included WalMart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt. 

WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady HS Junior ROTC Volunteers Wowed a Crowd of 700 during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE November 5 at the Schenectady Museum. WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady High School Junior ROTC volunteers wowed a crowd of 700 children and families during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE. The volunteers, along with Museum educators and staff, presented an afternoon of science stations and activity zones inspired by popular PBS kids’ television programs November 5 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium.

Sales professional Jonathan Root has joined advertising and brand strategy agency Smith & Jones, the firm announced today. He will be responsible for marketing and new business development; presenting the agency’s results-oriented advertising and branding approach and directing projects into the agency pipeline. He will be based in the agency’s headquarters in Troy, New York.

The Doane Stuart School Board of Trustees welcomed new trustee, Ms. Mona Golub (Ira ’15). In her role as Vice President of Public Relations and Consumer Services for Price Chopper Supermarkets, Ms. Golub oversees public relations and social media, marketing, community relations, customer communications, market research, branding initiatives and the philanthropic endeavors of Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation for the progressive 128-store chain.

The Country Club of Troy has appointed Greg Mardigian as general manager. He has held management positions at The Brown Derby, Angelo’s 677 Prime, the former Tosca, Milano’s, and as a project leader for Wolfgang Puck. His first focus will be on the dining and events.

Amtrak has greatly expanded its free on-board Connect Wi-Fi service to passengers on a dozen East Coast routes including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Keystone Service, Carolinian, Downeaster, Ethan Allen Express, New Haven − Springfield Shuttle, and Vermonter. Four other routes, the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Palmetto and Pennsylvanian, will also offer wi-fi in select hot spot cars. Nearly 60% of Amtrak passengers now have access to wi-fi while on board.

Tri City Rentals will complete its newest luxury apartment community, The Woods, in January 2012. The Brunswick location is attracting executives who are relocating for positions with area technology firms and are looking for luxury amenities such as high-end finishes, a fitness complex, and a pool. For information, visit www.preleasingthewoods.com.

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services has honored two individuals as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. Wes Holloway, director of diversity at Price Chopper, has received the 2011 Living the Legacy Award, and Martha Hobbs, a long- time board member, active since the organization’s inception, has been recognized with the Community Partner Award.

The Rensselaer County Historical Society announces the appointment of two new board members. Pegeen Jensen is a first grade teacher in the South Colonie District and a lifelong resident of Melrose. Troy resident Frank Sarratori is the senior vice president, general counsel, and chief compliance officer for Pioneer Bank, where he has worked since 2004.

Capital District Community Gardens has launched its second mobile produce market. Through a New York State Health Department grant, the Veggie Mobile Sprout is delivering to six Troy locations: Blooming Grove Senior Housing, Taylor Apartments, Martin Luther King Apartments, Lansingburgh Apartments; O’Neil Apartments, and Griswold Heights.

Thomas K. Judd and Associates’ President Tom Judd is celebrating 25 years in the financial services industry.  Mr. Judd began his career with the Prudential Co. in 1986 after a successful career with Montgomery Ward Co. in Menands, New York and Catonsville, MD.  He joined New York Life in 1992, where he formed Thomas K. Judd and Associates, a financial services firm.

Eastwyck Village, independent retirement living in North Greenbush, held its grand opening in October. Eastwyck features 144 apartments, a library, fitness center, salons, movie theatre, and more.

Seton Health’s Joyce Boardman, PT, Cert. MDT, and Maureen Clancy, MSPT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, have been certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, which is a comprehensive approach to back and neck pain that emphasizes evaluation, treatment, and prevention.

The Eddy’s Beechwood Retirement Community on Burdett Avenue in Troy has broken ground for a $1.7 million dollar expansion project that includes the addition of three two-bedroom apartments, a new fitness center and lounge, a spacious new lobby, and a multi-purpose events room.

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. has held its annual Resourceful Women’s Luncheon, honoring Joyce Quaranta Chupka as the 2011 “Resourceful Woman of the Year,’ as well as nine other women from the community who have contributed to the empowerment of women.

White Sands Massage on Broadway in Troy now offers Corporate Gift Packages for employees and colleagues as part of a full menu of spa services. Gift package details, pricing, and ordering are all available online for quick and easy gift-giving. White Sands has been providing high quality, effective massage therapy since 2008. For information or to schedule an appointment online, visit www.thewhitesandsmassage.com.