SchenectadyCountyLife in Upstate New York

A guide to living and

working in Schenectady;

birthplace of technology, home

of innovation, and destination for those

who seek a quality of life unique

to upstate New York.

Presented by

Welcome to Schenectady County—a great place to work, live and

raise a family. Born in the spirit of discovery, Schenectady blazed

new trails in electricity, transportation and technology. Here,

the Erie Canal provided a way west, Thomas Edison founded the

General Electric Company, Schenectady’s American Locomotive

Works moved our nation forward. And it is here that Schenectady

is creating new opportunities in research, technology and

innovation for future trailblazers.

This guide is the product of a unique partnership between The

Chamber of Schenectady, Schenectady County and GE. In its

pages we welcome you to discover our county, its neighborhoods

and schools, its qualities of life, and its vision.

wel

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Published in partnership by the

Chamber of Schenectady County,

Schenectady County and GE.

Tech Valley ............................................. 6

Business & Employment ...................12

Communities ........................................14

Education...............................................22

Arts & Culture ......................................34

Sports & Recreation ............................42

Health & Family ...................................48

Birth of Broadcasting .........................56

Quick Guide ..........................................58

insid

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there’s only one

Schenectady

Union College’s Nott Memorial

Few areas of the country offer better lifestyles

than Schenectady County. Our architecture and

landmarks highlight three centuries of commu-

nity. Scenic farmsteads, manicured suburban

communities and bustling urban streets are just

minutes from work and play. Along our streets,

you’ll find homes of every type in diverse neigh-

borhoods served by top-ranked schools, scenic

parks and recreation areas.

Our region enjoys a true four-season New Eng-

land climate with scenery to match. Rolling hills,

woods and farmlands paint the landscapes sur-

rounding our towns and villages. Minutes away

are majestic mountains and lakes, skiing and

horse racing, museums and outlet shopping.

A center for the arts, Schenectady is home to

legendary Proctors Theatre and the ElectriCity

Arts District, celebrating the best live theatre,

dance, music and comedy, history and art. Sur-

rounding our downtown are the distinct com-

munities which reflect our rich diversity of

cultures and lifestyles.

And we are a growing county. The newest

Schenectadians comprise a skilled and edu-

cated workforce from all walks of business and

technology who are discovering for themselves

all that Schenectady County has to offer.

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Welcome to Tech Valley,

birthplace of new technology

and scientific innovation for

more than a century. Our history

is overshadowed only by our future

prospects as forward-thinking firms

continue to find a home here. Tech

Valley stretches from the Canadian

border near Montreal to just north of New

York City, with Schenectady County at its

heart. The region offers globally recognized

educational and research facilities and is drawing

the finest minds and most innovative firms to its

landscape. Here, ambitious careers are fueled and

technology-driven industries break new ground.

techvalley

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Home of international companies

including GE and IBM, Tech Valley also

boasts thousands of small- to mid-size

companies. At the core of its growth

are six industries: nanotechnology,

biotechnology, advanced materials,

alternative energy, homeland security and

information technology.

Tech Valley is a hub of IT activity. Five business incuba-

tors are focused on technology including the region’s

largest, the Rensselaer Incubator Center at RPI, which helped

launch MapInfo (now Pitney Bowes Software), a software company

that employs more than 900 employees worldwide and had sales

of more than $165 million in 2006.

New York scored well with the number of biotech incubators (in-

cluding East Campus at SUNY in Rensselaer) and research parks,

life sciences research and development expenditures, and number

of biological scientists in the workforce. Tech Valley companies,

including Starfire Systems and Crystal IS, are pioneering new prod-

ucts and material systems for industries such as semiconductor,

aerospace, electronics and transportation.

The energy industry in Tech Valley is heating up and will only

get hotter. Innovative technologies that will significantly impact

the energy markets are emerging from companies such as Super-

Power, Plug Power and GE Energy.

GE Global Research is developing an advanced hydrogen electro-

lyzer that could make it possible to economically produce hydro-

gen from water. The project won Popular Mechanics’ 2006 Break-

through Award. GE Global Research is also involved in a multi-year

program that will focus on utilizing renewable energy technologies

such as solar power as well as advanced electrical distribution to

develop energy efficient residential and commercial communities.

The buildings and homes used in the program will produce energy

to meet their own power needs and send excess power to the grid.

The Center for Future Energy Systems recently opened at Rensse-

laer as one of the newest Centers for Advanced Technology. CFES

will focus on fuel cells and the

hydrogen economy; energy

efficiency through smart

lighting and smart dis-

plays, and renewable

energy systems

such as solar, wind

and biomass.

The Tech Valley

Chamber Coali-

tion is a group of

24 Chambers of

Commerce located

throughout the 19

counties that make up

Tech Valley. Formed in

June 2002, the TVCC is the

major economic development group

for the region. The Chambers represent more than 21,000 busi-

nesses, schools and organizations that employ more than 531,000

workers.

tech v

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Schenectady County is roughly 20 min-

utes from Albany, our state capital,

which sits at the crossroads of the

Northeast. It is easily accessible by

car, train and plane and less than

a three-hour drive from New York

City, Boston and Montreal. Albany

International Airport is serviced

by most major carriers and provides

daily nonstop flights to and from loca-

tions on the East Coast. Amtrak provides daily

trains to and from New York City, Montreal, Buffalo and Boston.

All of these destinations are easy day trips from the region:

Albany to: Mileage: Drive Time:

Boston 165 3 hours

Buffalo 294 5 hours

Lake George 60 1 hour

Lake Placid 162 2.5 hours

Montreal 235 4 hours

New York City 151 3 hours

Niagara Falls 312 5.5 hours

Philadelphia 228 4 hours

Regional Sports and Recreation

Albany has been home to the Superbowl XLII Champion New York

Giants Summer Training Camp since 1996. The preseason camp

has averaged more than 30,000 fans per summer every year.

The Tri-City ValleyCats, a Single-A farm team for the Houston As-

tros, plays its home games at Joe Bruno Stadium on the campus of

Hudson Valley Community College in Troy.

The Times Union Center in downtown Albany plays host to the

Albany Conquest Arena Football Team and the Albany River Rats,

an American Hockey League farm team for the Carolina Hurricanes

and the Colorado Avalanche.

The Siena Saints basketball team reached the second round of the

NCAA finals in 2008, and the UAlbany Great Danes were winners

of the America East Tournament Championship in both 2006 and

2007 and participated in the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Local ECAC hockey teams such as Union and RPI are highly talented

and share a fierce rivalry.

Saratoga Springs has been famous for its thoroughbred horse racing

since 1863, and is the oldest organized sporting venue of any kind

in the United States. For six weeks each summer Saratoga explodes

with activity surrounding events such as the Travers Stakes.

Our region is also home to some of the most scenic golf courses in

the country, and is within an hour’s drive of world-class ski resorts

in four surrounding mountain ranges. There are bike trails, hiking,

fishing and recreational facilities for people of all ages.

The Original Tech Valley

As a research and testing home for our greatest technology

pioneers—Edison, Marconi, Tesla, Steinmetz and Westing-

house—Schenectady might be called the original Tech Valley.

Here, the first practical radio transmission system was devel-

oped. In our laboratories, cloud seeding, man-made lightning

and artificial diamonds were born.

Schenectady is the birthplace of General Electric, Westinghouse

and American Locomotive, and is home to the first television

station, WRGB.

Schenectady pioneered talking motion pictures, laser diodes

and locomotive manufacturing, and launched the nation’s first

scheduled train service; between Schenectady and Albany. We

are the birthplace of streetcars, the electric subway car and

the modern elevator. In 1908 we developed the first motor for

ship propulsion.

It’s no surprise, then, that Schenectady still has the most pat-

ent holders per capita of any city in the world. We are a county

of innovators.

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1Arts and Entertainment

The Times Union Center in downtown Albany is a popular arts and

entertainment venue. It is host to world-renowned performing art-

ists, regional and national sporting events, trade shows, and special

events of all kinds. Other venues within the Capital Region include

community theaters, art galleries and the prestigious Saratoga Per-

forming Arts Center. Each summer, SPAC hosts the New York City

Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra, and superior chamber, jazz, rock

and pop music, along with the Saratoga Wine & Food Festival.

The region is also home to cultural institutions including the New

York State Museum, Schenectady Museum and Suits-Bueche Plan-

etarium, National Museums of Racing and Dance, the Hyde Collec-

tion, the National Baseball Hall of Fame in nearby Cooperstown,

and the Albany Institute of History and Art.

Tech Valley Demos at a glanceTotal population (2006 estimate): 2,292,293

Population growth 2000-2006: 3.9%

High school graduates or higher: 82.9%

Enrolled in college or graduate school (2000): 133,566

Median household income (2006): $52,725

Per capita personal income (2005): $29,580

Total personal income (2005): $65,022,452

Civilian labor force (May 2008): 1,153,300

Unemployment rate (May 2008): 5.2%

Ethnicity

Caucasian: 88.5%

Black or African American: 6.2%

Hispanic or Latino (of any race): 4.9%

Asian: 1.5%

American Indian: 0.4%

Population, median household income and demographic data are

based on U.S. Census Bureau reports. Personal income figures are

from the Bureau of Economic Analysis. Labor information provided

by the NYS Department of Labor.

Top 10 Employers in the Region: 1. The State of New York

2. General Electric

3. United States Government

4. Golub Corporation (Price Chopper)

5. Albany Medical Center

6. St. Peter’s Health Care Services

7. Verizon Communications

8. Albany County

9. Northeast Health

10. Stewart’s Ice Cream

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Top Employers in The County

General Electric (Energy and Research)

SI Group (Chemical Development & Research)

Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory (Atomic Power Research)

Golub Corporation (Supermarket Chain and Distribution)

Ellis Hospital (Medical Facility)

Stratton Air National Guard Base (Military Installation)

MVP Health Care (Health care Insurance Provider)

Union College (Higher Education Institution)

Schenectady County (Local Government)

City of Schenectady (Local Government)

Top Employment CategoriesRanked by number of employees

10,787 Health Care and Social Assistance

8,174 Local Government

7,840 Retail Trade

6,160 Professional and Technical Services

5,641 Manufacturing

3,903 Hospitals

3,457 Accommodation and Food Services

3,321 Food Services and Drinking Places

2,654 Construction

2,503 Nursing and Residential Care Facilities

Employment Resources

Capital Area Help Wantedwww.capitalareahelpwanted.com

The Employment Guidewww.albany.employmentguide.com

New York State Job Exchangewww.americasjobexchange.com/NY

The Daily Gazettewww.dailygazette.com

Times Unionwww.timesunion.com/jobs

The Saratogianjobs.saratogian.com

Tech Valleywww.techvalleycareers.org

Craig’s Listwww.albany.craigslist.org

Chamber of Schenectady Countywww.schenectadychamber.org

Small businesses and corporate

giants stand shoulder to shoulder

in Schenectady County, where you

can pursue career choices in health

care and education, defense and

security, communications, advanced

manufacturing or alternative energy.

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Schenectady County Community Business Center

The Schenectady County Community

Business Center (SCCBC) is Schenectady

County’s one-stop small business resource

center. The programs of the SCCBC are in-

tended to serve the broad range of needs

for both new and existing businesses, their

owners and managers.

SCCBC programs and services are tailored

to offer assistance to potential business

owners who may just be learning about how

to start a business, as well as to those grow-

ing existing businesses or to those who may

be struggling with challenges in their busi-

nesses.

Most services are provided free-of-charge

to the business people and residents of

Schenectady County. SCCBC also maintains

a mixed-use and small business resource fa-

cility offering both office space and space

for light manufacturing.

www.sccbc.org

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Communities

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Communities

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munities

From cozy cottages and capes to historic

brownstones, lazy farmhouses to suburban

streetscapes, Schenectady County offers

attractive, livable communities for every

taste with an almost endless variety of

housing styles.

You’ll find almost every style of architecture here, quiet neigh-

borhoods, good schools and places of worship, and the finest

health care in the upstate region. Our communities offer privacy

and security, short transits with easy access to major thorough-

fares, and a quality of life seldom offered in actively expanding

regions.

City Of Schenectady

At the hub of our county lies the City of Schenectady, a patch-

work of historic neighborhoods and shopping districts, each with

its own unique personality. From the Historic Realty Plot’s stately

mansions to colonial-era Stockade homes, the cityscape provides

almost every type of urban architecture you can imagine. Bunga-

lows, cottages and railroad flats are reminiscent of the working

class that grew our city in the first half of the last century, while

more eclectic architecture points to the innovation and creativity

that followed. In recent years a dynamic, revitalized downtown

has seen $15 million in improvements, historical façade renova-

tions and new construction, hotels, restaurants and quaint shops.

www.cityofschenectady.com

Town Of Niskayuna

A largely residential community consisting of single-family homes,

interspersed with a smaller number of apartments, town homes

and condos, Niskayuna–Iroquois for “land of tall corn”– was settled

in 1640. It sits in the northeast corner of the County, bounded on

the west by the City, on the south by the Town of Colonie and,

across the Mohawk River, by Clifton Park on the north and east. Al-

though it is one of the region’s most densely populated townships,

much green space has been preserved in this popular upscale com-

munity’s 14 square miles.

Niskayuna is home to the GE Global Research Center, the Knolls

Atomic Power Laboratory, Environment One, the SI Group Headquar-

ters, and the world’s first TV station, WRGB, now CBS 6.

www.niskayuna.org

Sponsored by

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munities

New york’s first historic district

One of the oldest and best preserved neighborhoods in the

U.S. with roots dating back to a 17th century Dutch colonial

trading settlement, New York state’s first historic district is

one of the few places in this country where a thriving residen-

tial community has occupied the same site for more than 300

years. See homes from the early 1700s, the Schenectady Coun-

ty Historical Society Museum, Riverside Park and The Stock-

ade Inn. Free walking tour maps are available at the Heritage

Area Visitor Center located at the Schenectady Museum.

www.historicstockade.com To find out more, contact:Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center15 Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady518.382.7890

Town Of Rotterdam

Toward the southern border of the city proper lies the Town of

Rotterdam and hamlets of Rotterdam Junction, South Schenectady,

and Pattersonville. A thriving community, it is home to agricul-

tural, industrial, and commercial businesses, with quiet residential

pockets throughout the township served by eight neighborhood

parks, Rotterdam and Carman Little League baseball, Rotterdam

Babe Ruth and Girls’ Softball.

The oldest house in the Mo-

hawk Valley, the Jan Mabee

homestead in Rotterdam

Junction, is more than 300

years old. A working farm,

it is a living museum, host-

ing hundreds of school

groups annually as well as

historical reenactments.

www.rotterdamny.org

Town Of Glenville

Across the Mohawk River from the City of Schenectady to the north

and west lies the Town of Glenville, a quiet community of subur-

ban and rural homes, minutes from the

city’s hub. East Glenville is a cluster

of denser development along Route

50 in the northeastern section of

town. Commonly referred to as

the Town Center, Stoodley Cor-

ners marks Glenville’s commer-

cial center at the intersection of

Route 50 and Glenridge Road.

West Glenville, a small hamlet in

the northwestern portion of town,

was settled in the early 1800s.

www.townofglenville.org

Village Of Scotia

In the 1650s, Alexander Lindsey Glen bought from the Iroquois

Indians a plot of land along the shore of the Mohawk River. He

named his estate Scotia in memory

of the Scottish hills of his native

country. Located within the

town of Glenville, the Village

of Scotia was not incorpo-

rated until 1904.

Today, a short hop across

the river from downtown

Schenectady via the West-

ern Gateway Bridge will

bring you to Mohawk Avenue,

the village’s main thoroughfare,

featuring a neighborhood cinema,

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9restaurants, shopping, and a quaint village library, all surrounded

by tidy cottages, homes and apartments. Local landmark Jumpin’

Jack’s drive-in diner hugs the river’s edge alongside spacious Col-

lins Park, a popular destination. Freedom Park offers free con-

certs in the summer.

www.villageofscotia.org

Town Of Duanesburg

The Town of Duanesburg was settled in the early 1700s and re-

mains a centrally located rural community for the tri-city region of

Schenectady, Albany and Troy, with nearby shopping on Routes 7

and 20. Farmsteads, hamlets and villages dot

the landscape, and include the Village

of Delanson, the larger hamlets of

Quaker Street and Mariaville and

the small hamlet of Eatons Cor-

ners. Here you’ll find architec-

tural styles including pre-Fed-

eral, Federal, Greek Revival,

Italianate, Queen Anne and

Colonial Revival. The Town is

home to 643 buildings identi-

fied as historic by New York state

and 15 natural sites of interest.

www.duanesburg.net

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Town of Princetown

Neighbor to Duanesburg, the Town of Princetown lies west of the

City of Schenectady and borders Montgomery County to the north

and Albany County to the south. Colorfully named hamlets such as

Braman’s Corners, Rynex Corners and Kelly’s Station populate this

hilltown with homes in many architectural styles and extraordinarily

beautiful farmlands and countryside.

www.princetown.net

Village Of Delanson

In the southeast corner of the Town of Duanesburg lies the Village of

Delanson, a rural patch of rolling hills and farmland between Routes

7 and 20. Once called Toad Hollow, it served as a territorial business

center before becoming a stop for the Delaware and Hudson Rail-

road and attracting a working blend of German, Irish, English, Ital-

ian, Dutch, Polish, French, Russian, Scottish and native Iroquois. The

name itself comes from the Delaware and Hudson Railroads. Now a

bedroom community, it offers a pastoral existence minutes from the

city of Schenectady.

www.delanson.net

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The Realty Plot

Historic District

Created in 1899 when General Electric purchased

a plot of land in the middle of Schenectady from

Union College to build homes for its employees, the Re-

alty Plot contains historic homes among 10 tree-lined

streets, in a wonderful variety of architectural styles

from the turn of the century.

Georgian and Colonial Revival are predominant designs,

and there are good examples of Queen Anne, Shingle

and Mission styles. A ravine, 30 feet deep and 100 feet

across with a stream, cuts through the center of the

area. Four arched bridges, constructed of Duanesburg

blue stone, span the ravine.

The Realty Plot was listed on the National Register of

Historic Places in 1980. Pick up a free walking tour map

at the Schenectady Heritage Area Visitors Center in the

Schenectady Museum.

www.realtyplot.org

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tech valley

educationForbes has ranked Tech Valley as one of the top three

education regions in the nation. More than 40 colleges and

universities dot our region with fields of study including

high-tech, engineering, business, medicine and law.

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Schenectady County’s public schools offer

unparalleled opportunity for students and

families. Interscholastic sports, the arts,

technology, college prep and vocations are

all supported with our children’s personal

growth at the center of the process.

Duanesburg Central School Districtdcs.neric.org

One elementary school, one high school.

Duanesburg schools serve a close-knit community of 5000 people

and about 60 square miles. A four-year high school with a current

enrollment of 340 students in grades 9-12 offers about 100 dif-

ferent courses. Ranked in the top ten percent of Capital District

Schools by the Business Review, Duanesburg is also rated a School

of Distinction for academic achievement and cost effectiveness

by Standard & Poors, and a Capital Region School of Character by

SAGE Academy of Character Education.

Schenectady City School Districtwww.schenectady.k12.ny.us

15 elementary schools, three middle schools and one high school.

The Schenectady City School District is a national award-winning

urban school system serving 10,000 students in grades Pre-K to

12. The district includes 15 elementary schools, an early child-

hood education center, three middle schools, one high school, a

career center and an adult education center. The student body

enjoys rich diversity, sharing more than 30 different languages

including Spanish, Pashto and Farsi. Hundreds of extra-curricular

options serve most every student interest, including 70 competi-

tive team sports for grades 7-12.

Schenectady High School’s 2,700 students can choose from five

Smaller Learning Communities or “schools within schools,” which

offer a more personalized and friendly atmosphere

with focus on academic interests. Smaller Learning

Communities include the Thomas

Edison School of Math Science

and Technology, the John Say-

les School of Fine Arts, the

School of Global Commerce,

the GE Scholars School of

Humanities and Culture

and the Career Center at

Steinmetz.

Schenectady is the only

school in the area to offer

the International Baccalau-

reate program, a rigorous

pre-university academic

program designed for very

motivated students. The

IB Diploma commands

international recognition

and is acknowledged course

credit at many colleges and

universities.

Schenectady High School also

offers eight Advanced Place-

ment (AP) courses and an

array of University in the High

School courses which are conduct-

Sponsored by

edu

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educ

ation ed under the auspices of Schenectady County Community College

and UAlbany. Students who successfully complete UHS courses

receive a college transcript showing completion of the semester

hours of college credit.

Niskayuna Central School Districtwww.niskyschools.org

One high school, two middle schools and four elementary schools.

Niskayuna High offers a comprehensive program rich with advanced

placement courses as well as “Project Lead The Way,” a pre-engineer-

ing program. A digital television and media production facility is be-

ing built at the high school, and the Writers in Residence program

brings professional authors and poets to work side by side with stu-

dents and teachers.

At the middle school level, students can participate in TV produc-

tion at WIRO, Iroquois Middle School’s TV station, and in a pod-

casting studio at Van Antwerp Middle School. Many students con-

tribute art, stories and poems to the award-winning middle school

literary magazine, Middle Ground. In 2008, students won the New

York State Middle School Science Bowl for the fourth year.

The music program brings professional conductors and performers

to share the stage with student musicians. The visual arts program

is recognized statewide, and the high school’s Nisk-Art gallery is

among the nation’s largest.

Niskayuna’s percentage of nationally board certified educators is

one of the highest in the nation, and many of the faculty serve as

adjunct college professors at area universities.

Rotterdam-Mohonasen Independent Central School Districtwww.mohonasen.org

Two elementary schools, one middle school, one high school.

Mohonasen schools are among the top-performers in the region.

This Suburban Council school district serves 3,200 students in K-12

from the towns of Rotterdam, Colonie and Guilderland. Bradt and

Pinewood Schools are K-5, Draper Middle School is grades 6-8, and

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Exceptional master’s level education in business, healthcare management,

engineering, secondary education, and bioethics

Part-time programs designed to meet the needs of working professionals

www.uniongraduatecollege.edu

Erin Callahancallahae@uniongraduatecollege.edu

518.388.8754

Conveniently located

on the Union College Campus

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Mohonasen High School serves students in grades 9-12. A staff of

250 are supported by six academic administrators and eight princi-

pals. Underway is a $21.9 million capital project for upgrades to the

district’s four schools.

Students are actively involved in many music and theater

performance groups, including the Mohon Masque Theatre

Group, and about 40 percent of students are involved in at

least one interscholastic sport.

Schalmont Independent Central School Districtwww.schalmont.org

Three elementary schools, one middle school and one high

school.

Schalmont serves 2,075 students from the towns of Rotter-

dam, Princetown, Guilderland, and Duanesburg. Grades 9-12

attend Schalmont High School, grades 6-8 attend Schalmont

Middle School, and K-5 students attend one of three elementary

schools: Jefferson, Mariaville, and Woestina.

Academics are at the heart of the curriculum, but Schalmont

students also pursue a variety of extracurricular pro-

grams, including the Schalmont Math and Science

Summer Academy. Schalmont has produced many

Section II Class B championship athletic teams,

award-winning musicians, accomplished art-

ists, and community volunteers.

Scotia-Glenville Independent Central School Districtwww.scotiaglenvilleschools.org

Four elementary schools, one middle school

and one high school.

District boundaries encompass the village of Sco-

tia and town of Glenville, offering a variety of vil-

lage, suburban and rural living.

Over the past 60 years as a school district, teachers and staff at

Scotia-Glenville have stressed a solid, traditional education that

emphasizes reading, writing and

mathematics while nurturing cre-

ative thought, critical thinking and

expression through art, music,

technology, and physical educa-

tion.

The district also offers excellent

second language, business educa-

tion, home economics, industrial

arts, vocational and special educa-

tion programs. Students are able to

reach beyond the school walls through

Distance Learning, just one example of Sco-

tia-Glenville’s commitment to technology.

Nearly 90 percent of each graduating class attends college. In ad-

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dition to a wide offering of local honors courses, hundreds of stu-

dents take college-level courses through Advanced Placement and

Schenectady County Community College, graduating from high

school with college credits.

Scotia-Glenville students do well in regional and national competi-

tions, ranging from the GE Global Research Science Bowl and the re-

nowned Music Festivals to the creative Odyssey of the Mind program

and National NewsCurrents Political Cartoon Contest.

The Capital District Business Review recently ranked Scotia-Glen-

ville as the 19th top area district out of 85 local school districts.

The district also ranked 11th in a separate ranking of mathematics

scores at grades 4, 8 and Regents.

Scotia-Glenville was also named as a “high performing/gap closing

school district” by the state Education Department in June 2007.

Locally, only three other school districts received the same recogni-

tion. The recognition means that Scotia-Glenville met all applicable

state standards on English language arts and mathematics stan-

dardized tests.

Community service has long been a tradition at Scotia-Glenville.

Hundreds of Scotia-Glenville’s nearly 3,000 students, from elemen-

tary to high school, are routinely involved in giving back to the

community through a myriad of programs at school.

Burnt Hills/Ballston Lake Central School Districtwww.bhbl.org

Three elementary schools, one middle school and one high school.

The Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake Central School District serves about

3,500 pupils in northern Schenectady County and southern Sara-

toga County, including large portions of the towns of Glenville and

Ballston, plus smaller portions of Charlton and Clifton Park. BH-BL

is consistently one of the highest performing school districts in

New York’s Capital Region, with 90% of seniors attending college,

93% earning a state Regents or Advanced Regents diploma, and an

annual dropout rate of only 1% to 1.5%.

Our five schools have achieved an enviable record of pupil perfor-

mance, staff accountability, and program efficiency. These accom-

plishments are a reflection of students who are intelligent and willing

to work hard, parents who value education and urge their children to

excel, and a community that demands outstanding schools.

A comprehensive curriculum covers life skills, technology, busi-

ness, the arts, and career internships, in addition to traditional aca-

demics. The high school offers 32 college-credit-bearing courses

and, thanks to a special three-year Science Research course, more

BH-BL pupils have been named National Intel Science Competition

semi-finalists (four in the past seven years) than in any other Capi-

tal Region high school.

Active Parent-Teacher Associations serve the district’s high school,

middle school, and three elementary schools. Bus transportation is of-

fered to all pupils, and before- and after-school day care is available for

elementary pupils through a cooperative arrangement with the YMCA.

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Schenectady County

Public Library System

www.scpl.org

Central Branch

99 Clinton Street

518.388.4500

Duane Branch

1331 State Street

518.386.2242

Hamilton Hill Branch

700 Craig Street

518.386.2244

Mont Pleasant Branch

1026 Crane Street

518.386.2245

Rotterdam Branch

1100 N. Westcott Road

518.356.3440

Woodlawn Branch

2 Sanford Street

518.386.2248

Glenville Branch

20 Glenridge Road

518.386.2243

Scotia Branch

14 Mohawk Avenue

518.386.2247

Niskayuna Branch

2400 Nott Street East

518.386.2249

Quaker Street Branch

Bull Street & Route 7

518.895.2719

Regional Libraries And Research Centers

Our region is also home to many research and specialty libraries.

The Capital District Library Council boasts many members, includ-

ing public, college, medical and specialty libraries.

The Grems-Doolittle Library

Known for its genealogical research, is housed at the Schenectady

County Historical Society.

32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady

518.374.0263 www.schist.org

Capital District Library Council

28 Essex Street, Albany

518.438.2500 www.cdlc.org

New York State Library

Cultural Education Center, Albany, New York 12230.

The State Research Library

Established in 1818, the State Research Library collects, pre-

serves and makes available materials that support state govern-

ment work. The Library’s collections, now numbering over 20

million items, may also be used by other researchers on-site,

online and via interlibrary loan.

The Talking Book and Braille Library

Lends Braille and recorded books and magazines and related

equipment to residents of 55 upstate counties of New York

State who are unable to read printed materials because of a

visual or physical disability.

518.474.5355 www.nysl.nysed.gov

Schenectady County Public Libraries

The Schenectady County Public Library is the Central Library

of the Mohawk Valley Library System and provides services

to residents of Schenectady County. Its mission is to satisfy our

community’s educational informational, cultural and recreational

needs by providing free and open access to a comprehensive range

of materials, services and programs.

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Private SchoolsSchenectady Christian School

www.schenectadychristian.org

Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons High

School

www.nd-bg.org

St. Helen’s School

www.sainthelens.net

St. John the Evangelist

www.rcdaschools.org

St. Madeleine Sophie School

www.st-madeleine-sophie.org

Montessori School of Schenectady

www.montessorischoolofschenectady.org

Brown School

www.brownschool.org

River Run Community Montessori

www.riverrunmontessori.org

Schenectady County Colleges And UniversitiesEllis Hospital School of Nursing

1101 Nott Street, Schenectady

The Ellis Hospital School of Nursing prepares men and women for li-

censure as a registered professional nurse. The program is registered

by the New York State Education Department jointly with Schenectady

County Community College. This hospital-based school awards an as-

sociate in science degree in nursing conferred by the Ellis Hospital

Board of Trustees.

www.ehson.org

Schenectady County Community College

78 Washington Avenue, Schenectady

As part of the State University of New York (SUNY),

Schenectady County Community College offers

high-quality academic programs, broad ac-

cess for students and responsiveness to

community needs. It offers 41 transfer

degree, career degree and certificate

programs.

www.sunysccc.edu

Union College

807 Union Street, Schenectady

Founded in 1795, the first college

chartered by the Board of Regents

of the State of New York, Union is

an independent, liberal arts college.

Union offers nearly 1,000 courses in

the humanities, the social sciences, the

sciences, and engineering. The College’s

100-acre campus includes eight acres of

formal gardens and woodland known as Jack-

son’s Garden. The first buildings were complet-

ed in 1814 following the design of French architect

Joseph Jacques Rame; Union is the first American college

with a unified campus plan. The distinctive campus centerpiece, the

16-sided Nott Memorial (1875), is a National Historic Landmark and a

center for lectures, conferences, exhibits and study.

www.union.edu

Union Graduate College

807 Union Street, Schenectady

Union Graduate College is a graduate-only institution, dedicated

to providing exceptional master’s level education in

business, health care management, secondary edu-

cation, engineering, and clinical leadership and

bioethics.

www.uniongraduatecollege.edu

Regional Colleges And UniversitiesAlbany College of Pharmacy

www.acp.edu

Albany Law School

www.albanylaw.edu

Albany Medical College

www.amc.edu

Bryant & Stratton College

www.bryantstratton.edu

The College of St. Rose

www.strose.edu

Empire State College

www.esc.edu

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Excelsior College

www.excelsior.edu

Hudson Valley Community College

www.hvcc.edu

ITT Technical Institute

www.itt-tech.edu

Maria College

www.mariacollege.edu

Memorial Hospital School of Nursing

www.nehealth.com

Mildred Elley College

www.mildred-elley.edu

New School of Radio & Television

www.nsrt.org

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

www.rpi.edu

The Sage Colleges

www.sage.edu

Skidmore College

www.skidmore.edu

Siena College

www.siena.edu

University at Albany

www.albany.edu

100% SatisfactionOr Your Money Back!Worry-Free GUARANTEE

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Schenectady • 518-372-8415Next to Family Dollar

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First Niagara welcomes you to Schenectady with branches in Bellevue, Rotterdam, Glenville, State Street and Union Street.

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With a population of over 28,000, located in the southwestern part of Schenectady County, and bordered by the Mohawk River to the north, 

Rotterdam was incorporated in 1820.  Our town was founded by Dutch Settlers who named it after their home port of Rotterdam, the Netherlands. 

Major state and federal highways run through Rotterdam, including I‐88, I‐90, I‐890, and State Routes 5S and 7.  Travel along Route 5S and you’ll 

appreciate wonderful views of the historicErie Canal,  Mohawk River and the charming 

hamlets of Pattersonville & Rotterdam Junction.  

Served by Mohonasen & Schalmont Central Schools,  y ,Rotterdam is comprised of some of the most 

desirable neighborhoods in the Capital District.  Our town has much to offer through our numerous town civic associations and youth leagues.   Also, the Senior Center hosts many classes, events, 

concerts, & trips throughout the  year.  

Just minutes from General Electric, hundreds of small businesses and corporations are located here 

offering excellent job opportunities and an outstanding  quality of life.

Go shopping at Rotterdam Square Mall, or patronize businesses & restaurants along Altamont Avenue, Hamburg Street, & 5 Corners and you’llTown of Rotterdam Avenue, Hamburg Street, & 5 Corners and you ll 

find our town motto says it all.

“Rotterdam is a Nice Place to Live”

1100 Sunrise Blvd.Rotterdam, NY  12306

518‐355‐7575

www.rotterdamny.org

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For more information 518-688-1001 or

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with the Department of Law of the State of New York. Renderings are artist concepts.

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Schenectady is known throughout the region for its unique

cultural venues and offerings. The County is home to

historic Proctors Theatre, a resident ballet and symphony

orchestra, two community theaters, 15 movie screens, art

galleries, museums and numerous historic sites including

the Stockade, New York state’s oldest historic district.

When people seek entertainment, they look first to

Schenectady.

arts culture

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art

s & culture

Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady

Features exhibits that emphasize the history of Schenectady and

its importance to the electrical and railway industries.

518.382.7890 www.cityofschenectady.com

Mabee Farm Historic Site1080 Main Street, Rotterdam Junction

The oldest house in the Mohawk Valley (built in the last quarter of

the 17th Century). The main farm house,

the adjacent inn and the brick

house have retained many

original characteristics of

early Dutch and French

Huguenot settlers, with

few design alterations.

Also on the site are

the Mabee Ceme-

teryJ40

Be entertained. See an endless array of performances through-

out our arts district, including shows direct from Broadway,

international ballet and opera, and nationally known performers.

Catch a play at the Schenectady Civic Players, or just up the street

at the Schenectady Light Opera Company. Our numerous movie

screens, art galleries, special events, museums and historic sites

will keep your calendar filled.

Edison Exploratorium112 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady

Celebrating and promoting the historic and physical development

of engineering technology—much of which was originated, devel-

oped and produced in Schenectady.

518.372.8425 www.edisonexploratorium.org

Empire State Aerosciences Museum250 Rudy Chase Drive, Glenville

New York state’s aviation history soars here! ESAM presents avia-

tion history from the pioneer era to the jet age, with a focus on New

York state. The Museum features two galleries, a hall of fame, an

art gallery, research library, airpark and flight simulator.

518.377.2191 www.esam.org

Hamilton Hill Arts Center409 Schenectady Street, Schenectady

This Cultural Arts Center is the only one of its kind in the region,

with changing exhibits of works by talented minority artists.

518.346.1262

www.hamiltonhillartscenter.org

Heritage Area Visitor CenterLocated at the Schenectady Museum

Schenectady is home to its own resident

ballet and symphony orchestra, film and

live theater venues, the new GE Theatre

featuring giant Extreme Screen Iwerks

motion pictures, and the glorious Proctors

main stage, a restored 1926 Vaudeville

theatre.

“Stock

ade So

irée” Orig

inal artw

ork by Frank Gilm

ore

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7house on the second floor, built in 1834 by Joseph Yates, once Gov-

ernor of New York, for Susan Watkins. The museum houses three

floors of original 18th century furniture, paintings, costumes, toys,

household and military items. Also home to the Grems Doolittle

Library for genealogy.

518.374.0263 www.schist.org

Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium

Nott Terrace Heights, Schenectady

The region’s Science and Technology Museum

offers the area’s only interactive planetarium,

and provides hands-on education programs

for children and adults. It includes exhibits

that showcase technology and science his-

tory, and maintains an internationally re-

garded archive of electrical history which

contains one of the largest photograph col-

lections in the United States. The museum

also maintains a nature preserve and is home

to one of the city’s finest gift shops

518.382.7890 www.schenectadymuseum.org

THEATER

Proctors 432 State Street, Schenectady

See feature on page 39

518.382.3884 www.proctors.org

Schenectady Civic Players

with graves dating back to the 1700s, a blacksmith shop, English

style barn, carpenters workshop and a carriage shed.

518.887.5073

www.mabeefarm.org

Mandeville GalleryUnion College, Union Street, Schenectady

The Mandeville Gallery on the second floor

of the Nott Memorial presents art, science,

and history exhibitions throughout the

year. The gallery is dedicated to exhibit-

ing contemporary artists; addressing col-

lege, regional, national and international

history; and exploring links between

the arts and sciences. Past exhibitions

include Norman Rockwell at the Nott;

Lessons for Humanity Holocaust Exhi-

bition; Into Focus; Arts on Science; Sep-

arate and Together Wolf Kahn and Emily

Mason; and A Monument of Progress—

The 175th Anniversary of the Erie Canal.

The gallery is free and open to the public.

518.388.8394 www.union.edu/gallery

Schenectady County Historical Society Museum32 Washington Avenue, Schenectady

The museum is housed in the Dora Jackson House, which was built

in 1895. The three-storied building is in the Federal and Greek Re-

vival style and is filled with an impressive collection of lovely an-

tique furniture, paintings, china and glass. Be sure to see the doll

We’ll get you there.

Welcome to Schenectady! While we’re proud of our roots, established over 70 years ago as

the credit union for New York State employees, today there are over 1,000 ways to join SEFCU. If you’re reading this, you can probably join! Visit www.sefcu.com, stop by any branch, or call 518-452-8183 to find out.

• Really Free Checking with no minimum balance required

• No more per-check charges• No monthly service charges

• Free online banking• Free SEFCU Visa® Check Card• Great loan rates• Convenient neighborhood

branches

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• Real friendly people!

Albany (Arbor Hill, Empire State Plaza, One Commerce, Patroon Creek, S. Pearl Street, State Street, University at Albany Campus Center, Wolf Road) • Clifton Park • East Greenbush • Glenmont • Glenville • Guilderland • Latham • Schenectady (Albany Street, Broadway) • Schodack • Slingerlands • Troy (Hoosick Road,Vandenburgh Ave.) • Wilton

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The oldest continually performing theater group in the Capital Re-

gion captures hearts and minds as they perform a well-balanced

mix of professional-quality theater.

518.382.2081 www.civicplayers.org

Schenectady Light Opera Company826 State Street, Schenectady

The Schenectady Light Opera Company is a nonprof-

it community theater organization dedicated to the

presentation of amateur theater productions. They

have presented more than 200 quality theatrical

productions. Visit them now in their 260-seat

theatre.

518.393.5732 www.sloctheater.org

Cinema

Movieland400 State Street, Schenectady

Six screens, stadium seating, Dolby digital sound.

518.372.7500

www.bowtiecinemas.com

Loews Rotterdam SquareRotterdam Square Mall, Rotterdam

Six screens, access through Rotterdam Square

518.374.2403

www.enjoytheshow.com

Scotia Cinema117 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia

Single screen, Independent sub-run films

518.346.5055

www.scotiacinema.net

arts & cu

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9Proctors TheatreState Street, Downtown Schenectady

The undisputed jewel of Schenectady’s Arts District is Proctors,

a magnificent example of the golden era of theatre architec-

ture. This 1926 vaudeville palace, once threatened by the wrecker’s

ball, was saved by concerned citizens in 1979 and restored to its

original glory as a national treasure.

Located at the heart of downtown Schenectady, the palatial 2700-

seat venue presents a year-round program of world-class singers,

comedians, electrifying dance programs, opera and symphony or-

chestras and Broadway Shows.

Built for vaudeville impresario F. F. Proctor and designed by famed

theater architect Thomas W. Lamb, the theater cost $1.5 million

to build and opened on December 27, 1926, with a screening of

“Stranded in Paris,” a silent film starring Bebe Daniels.

Today, in addition to theatrical productions, Proctors is home to

the Schenectady Symphony and the Northeast Ballet, and features

performances by the Empire State Youth Orchestra and Chorus. It

also boasts one of the largest movie screens in the state for screen-

ings of classic and new film.

In 2003, Proctors embarked on an ex-

citing new $30 million expansion, com-

pleted in 2007. A new stage house now accommodates the largest

touring Broadway shows including Phantom of the Opera, which

recently drew 77,000 visitors to the theatre. A new comedy series,

small plays and musical events were also added to create a more

diverse facility with cultural offerings for every audience.

Under the same roof, the new GE The-

atre houses an Iwerks Extreme Screen

system. The Iwerks system projects 2D and 3D films of unsur-

passed size, clarity, and impact onto a giant 50- by 37-foot screen.

The visual experience is supported by a powerful surround-sound

system which also serves the GE Theatre’s use as a performance

space for music, comedy and drama. The Theatre is also the center-

piece of conferencing at Proctors, where companies and organiza-

tions are inspired by the creative environment.

Schenectady’s arts district radiates many

blocks from the Proctors marquee. Adja-

cent to the theatre is 440 State, a former Odd Fellows hall, now re-

stored as a mixed use arts facility housing Myers Studio, Northeast

Ballet, a working gallery and arts classes for nearby Schenectady

County Community College, and Upstairs at 440, a 100-seat vintage

theater space recently rediscovered and revitalized as an intimate

live theatre for dance recitals, cabaret performances and a new se-

ries of intimate, regionally-exclusive theatre performances.

The third Friday of every month, local business open their doors to

host and display the works of area artists at Art Night, a popular

year-round event.

photo by Randell Perry

photo by Randell Perry

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Art Night SchenectadyThird Friday of every month 5-9 p.m.

Downtown Schenectady

Area artists, performers, sculptors, jewelers and potters display

their work in downtown galleries and businesses. Free Trolley.

518.372.5656

www.artnightschenectady.com

Colonial ReenactmentMay, Mabee Farm

A reenactment of a Revolutionary War

battle by more than 100 reenactors,

costumed colonial settlers and dem-

onstrations of colonial crafts.

518.877.5073

www.mabeefarm.org

US Water Ski Show TeamTuesday evenings in July and August,

Jumpin’ Jack’s, Schonowee Avenue &

Route 5, Scotia

If you’re looking for a unique way to

spend a summer’s evening, then come visit

Schenectady’s best-kept secret, performing

professional level water ski shows on the Mo-

hawk River in beautiful Scotia. Conveniently located at

Jumpin’ Jack’s Drive In, shows are held every Tuesday with practice

sessions held most weekday evenings. Experience beauty, grace,

thrills and raw power as the team performs one amazing act after

another. Pyramids, barefoot skiing, ballet, ski jumping and more.

www.uswaterskishowteam.com

Farmers’ MarketsHeld year-round in various locations throughout the county. Purchase

locally-grown fresh produce, flowers and products.

www.schenectadycounty.com

Freedom Park Concert SeriesJune-August

Schonowee Avenue, Scotia

Enjoy free summer concerts and children’s pro-

grams along the banks of the Mohawk River.

518.372.5656

www.freedomparkscotia.org

Cruisin’ on the AvenueFather’s Day, Mohawk Avenue, Scotia

A day-long celebration of classic cars and

family fun.

www.visitscotia.com

Kids’ Arts FestJune, Jay Street, Schenectady

Continuous family entertainment. Toddler and

children’s arts activities, refreshments.

www.sayschenectady.org

Jazz on JayJune-August, Noon-1:30 p.m.

Enjoy free lunchtime concerts on Jay Street at State.

518.372.5656

annu

al events

Whatever the weekend, there’s something

special happening in Schenectady;

special history, sports, music and film.

Turn a corner, any corner, and discover

the events that make Schenectady’s

neighborhoods special.

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1Little Italy Street FestSeptember

Little Italy, North Jay Street, Schenectady

An authentic festival celebrating Italian culture and heritage with

sumptuous food, vendors, and entertainment.

518.382.5147

Stockade Villagers Art ShowSeptember – Stockade Historic District

This annual juried art show displays fine paintings and sculpture

by more than 125 participating artists from Northeast.

www.historicstockade.com

St. George Greek FestivalSeptember – Liberty Street, Schenectady

You don’t have to be Greek to enjoy live entertainment, delicious

homemade Greek specialties, dancing and crafts.

518.382.5147

www.stgeorge.ny.goarch.org

Stockade Walkabout and Waterfront FaireSeptember – Stockade Historic District

Explore the oldest historic district in New York State, with tours of

private homes and historic places, children’s activities, crafts, car-

riage rides, entertainment and, of course, food.

518.372.5656

www.stockadewalkabout.com

Stockade-a-thonNovember

This classic 15K race

has been held annu-

ally for more than

25 years. The course

winds through the

Stockade Historic dis-

trict in all its late au-

tumn glory. More than

1,000 participants from

throughout New York

State and Western New Eng-

land compete.

www.hmrrc.com

Summer NightThird Friday in July

State Street & Jay Street, Schenectady

A downtown festival with three stages of entertainment options,

refreshments, vendors, crafts and fireworks!

518.388.4379

www.schenectadycounty.com

Keepers of the CircleMain Street, Rotterdam Junction

Enjoy this Native American Cultural Center, situated on two acres

along the Mohawk River. Small museum, gift shop, nature trails,

education center.

518.887.2590

we celebrate the Holidays HereHoliday on the AvenueDecember, Mohawk Avenue, Scotia

The entire village turns out to celebrate the holiday season

with this event, including shopping, entertainment, games,

food and family fun.

www.visitscotia.com

Magic and MelodiesDecember

State & Jay Streets, Schenectady

Holiday carolers, woodcarvings, crafts, carriage rides and

tree lighting are highlights of this holiday offering.

518.377.9430

www.downtownschenectady.com

The Gazette Holiday ParadeSaturday before Thanksgiving, Downtown Schenectady

Long regarded as the biggest night-time parade in the north-

east, this family tradition has been bringing Schenectady

families out to greet the holiday season since 1969. Nearly

40,000 people turn out each year to enjoy marching bands,

lighted floats, and a personal appearance by Santa Claus!

518.372.5656

Melodies of ChristmasDecember

This musical extravaganza, featuring the Empire State

Youth Orchestra, has raised more than $5 million for char-

itable causes in its 28-year history.

518.346.6204

www.proctors.org

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sports recreation

Schenectady County is just minutes

from worlds of recreation, adventure

and exercise among the mountains,

waterways and woodlands of upstate

New York, and our robust four-season

climate offers almost every activity

under the sun. World-class ski resorts,

crystal lakes and rivers, breathtaking

mountain trails and scenic bike paths

are all within easy reach.

&

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recreation

Winter brings ice fishing, snowmobiling

and endless ski trails within a short drive.

Spring offers nearby hunting and fishing,

picnicking and spacious parks. Summer

sun worshipers will find endless fun at

our region’s lakes and amusement parks,

and nostalgic family fun is a sure bet at

our neighboring county fairs.

BoatingThe waterways of New York state were once our major transpor-

tation routes, so it’s no wonder boating has endured as a popu-

lar pastime. Boaters enjoy access to the New York Canal System,

the Mohawk and Hudson Rivers, and hundreds of lakes within a

short drive of Schenectady. Sportsmen can challenge themselves

with kayaking, canoeing and competitive rowing, while recreational

boaters can choose to spend their hours enjoying everything from

dinner cruises to motor boating. Springtime brings white water

rafting in the Adirondack and Catskill mountain streams, followed

by the calmer waters of summer—just right for a lazy day of fish-

ing and picnicking in the mountains.

Bicycling The Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail provides a unique

recreational resource—a long, off-road paved bicycle path—

unavailable in most parts of the country. All non-motorized

uses such as walking/running, bicycling, and in-line skating are

permitted. The trail begins within the hamlet of Pattersonville

in the Town of Rotterdam and travels eastward to the Erastus

Corning Riverfront Preserve in downtown Albany. Built during

the late 1970s and early 1980s, the trail was constructed directly

upon the old Erie Canal towpath and former railroad grades of the

area’s first transportation routes. At approximately 35 miles in

length, the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail is one of the longest

paved rail-trails in the United States.

www.cdtcmpo.com

GolfSchenectady is home to six (five public) golf courses, and the Capi-

tal Region boasts 89 in all within an hour’s drive of Schenectady.

Briar Creek Golf Course

Pangburn Road, Rotterdam

18-hole golf course, putting green, golf carts.

518.355.6145

sports &

recreation

45

Hillcrest Golf Course

Giffords Church Road, Schenectady

Par 37, 9-hole golf course.

518.355.9817

Mohawk Golf Club

1849 Union Street, Schenectady

Par 71, 18-hole golf course, driving range,

putting green, golf carts. Spikeless.

518.374.9124

www.mohawkgolfclub.com

Schenectady Municipal Golf

Course

400 Oregon Avenue,

Schenectady

Par 72, 18-hole golf course.

Driving range, putting green,

golf carts, spikeless. Restau-

rant.

518.382.5153

www.schenectadygolf.com

Stadium Golf Club

333 Jackson Avenue,

Schenectady

Par 71, 18-hole facility, complete

with driving range, putting greens, res-

taurant and pro shop.

518.374.9104

www.stadiumgolfclub.com

Whispering Pines

2200 Helderberg Avenue, Rotterdam

518.355.2724

www.whisperingpinesgolfclub.info

Indoor Sports FacilitiesElectric City Rock Gym

433 State Street, Schenectady

Rock Climbing Wall.

518.388.2704

www.ecrockgym.com

Frank Messa Rink at Achilles Center

Union College, Schenectady

The Messa Rink is the home of men’s and

women’s ice hockey. The men’s team com-

petes at the Division 1 level with such in-

stitutions as Harvard, Yale and Cornell and

the women’s team recently moved to varsity

status.

518.388.6000

www.union.edu

Schenectady County Recreational Facility

Schenectady County Airport

Offers a great location for local ice hockey leagues to

practice, in addition to skating for the general public.

www.schenectadycounty.com

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Parks & Nature PreservesCentral Park

Central Parkway & Wright Avenue, Schenectady

Music Haven stage, basketball, bocce, Casino restaurant, green-

house, baseball fields, pedal boats, picnic pavilion, public tennis

courts, rose garden, swimming pool.

Rose Garden at Central Park

The rose garden’s beauty and uniqueness have made it a favor-

ite destination of city residents and visitors alike.

It was named an All-America Rose Selec-

tion display test garden, a designation

held by only 125 gardens nationally.

Thousands of roses of all varieties

and colors bloom each year from

the middle of June throughout

the fall.

www.schenectadyrose.com

Collins Park & Freedom Park

Route 5 & Schonowee Avenue,

Scotia

Picnic area, playground,

tennis and basketball

courts, ball fields,

and swimming. Free

summer concerts

and family entertain-

ment.

www.villageofscotia.org

518.374.8611

Erie Canal Lock Parks

The Erie Canal flows through

Schenectady County with several parks, boating facilities and res-

taurants located along its banks. Whether touring by land

or by water, the New York State Canal System offers vis-

itors an exciting variety of vacationing options. If you

plan on driving to your destination, most canals

can be reached easily by road. If coming by boat,

the NYS Canal System is linked to most major

waterways in the northeast, including the Great

Lakes and the Intracoastal Waterway.

800.4CANAL4

www.canals.state.ny.us

Nature PreservesSchenectady County maintains numerous na-

ture preserves in which the public is welcome

to hike, hunt (Nov. 15-Dec. 15), fish, cross-

country ski and snowshoe.

www.schenectadycounty.com

Skiing and SnowboardingSchenectady has two small ski facilities,

and is situated in proximity to four moun-

tain ranges—the Adirondacks, the Catskills,

the Green Mountains of Vermont and the Berk-

shires of Massachusetts. We are within two to three hours of doz-

ens of ski resorts, including White Face Mountain in Lake Placid,

Smuggler’s Notch in Vermont and Jiminy Peak Mountain Resort in

Massachusetts.

Maple Ski Ridge

2725 Mariaville Road, Rotterdam

518.381.4700

www.mapleskiridge.com

Oak Hill Farms Cross Country Ski Center

1206 Oak Hill Road, Esperance

518.875.6700

www.oakhillxc.com

Snowmobile TrailsSnowmobiling is available in Schenectady County and the sur-

rounding areas. Maps available.

www.frontiersno.com

FishingThe lower Mohawk River supports a popular high qual-

ity warm water fishery. Shore fishing is most popular

and there are several parks where parking is easily avail-

able and the shore accessible. The River is noted for is

small mouth bass fishing (the typical bass is 11 to 13”).

Largemouth Bass, Walleye, Tiger Muskies and occasionally

Northern Pike and Chain Pickerel are commonly found in

the River between Lock 7 and Lock 8. Rock bass, Yellow Perch,

Bullhead, Bluegill and Pumkinseed are common to abundant in

pools along this lovely stretch of the river in Schenectady County.

Nearby Sacandaga Lake, Saratoga Lake, Kaydeross Creek, and the

Hudson River also offer a multitude of fishing opportunities.

RunningOpportunities for runners are boundless. Choose from the open

road or enclosed high school and college tracks, or enjoy mountain

trails and marathons. You’ll find runner’s clubs and casual neig-

borhood cliques.

Stockade-a-thon

The Stockade-a-thon is popularly recognized

as the oldest major 15K road race in the

USA. Starting in 1976, this classic 9.3 miler

has become the highlight event on the fall

racing season in upstate New York. New

England Runner recently selected the

Stockade-a-thon as its Race of the Year.

More than 1,000 participants compete

from throughout New York state and

Western New England.

www.hmrrc.com

Freihofer’s Run for Women

The Freihofer’s Run for Women 5k combines

some of the top International and American wom-

en distance runners, including more than 3,500 women

from the Capital Region and across the nation. From Olympians

to recreational runners, it’s a wonderful blend of competition,

participation and camaraderie.

www.freihofersrun.com

The Mohawk Hudson River Marathon

Race along the historic Mohawk and Hudson Rivers utilizing 18

miles of paved bikeways. The USATF-certified course generally fol-

lows the Mohawk River, on paved bicycle trails, then proceeds to

the Hudson river via the historic city of Watervliet. The course is

certified and is a favorite among Boston Marathon qualifiers.

www.hmrrc.com

sports &

recreation

47

Less than an hour’s drive from Schenectady County, The Adiron-

dack Mountains lie within the 6.1 million acres of the Adiron-

dack Park, which includes a constitutionally protected Forest Pre-

serve of 2.3 million acres.

The Adirondack Park boasts more than 2,000 miles of trails open for

biking, hiking, horseback riding and snowmobiling. More than 240

lakes and ponds and hundreds of miles of rivers and streams provide

for endless outdoor activities during the summer months. There is

no place more

popular for a

family week

of swimming,

sailing and

waterskiing,

or a leisurely

canoe trip into

the scenic heart

of Adirondack Lake

Country. Golf is a ma-

jor pastime in the North

Country with over a dozen beau-

tiful courses including some designed by Donald Ross. Hunting

and fishing are allowed in the Adirondack Park, although in many

places there are strict regulations. Because of these regulations, the

large tourist population has not overfished the area and, as such,

the brooks, rivers, ponds and lakes are well stocked with trout and

black bass. Approximately 260 species of birds have been record-

ed, of which more than 170 breed here.

State and local public parks for picnicing and camping are scat-

tered throughout the region as are many private campgrounds.

Cabins, hunting lodges, villas and hotels are numerous.

www.visitadirondacks.com

Our Amazing Adirondacks

48

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Hospitals and Health Care FacilitiesEllis Hospital

www.ellishospital.org

Ellis Hospital is a not-for-profit teaching

hospital which was founded in 1885. Ellis

provides medical/surgical, emergency,

psychiatric and obstetric/gynecological

care, primary care, long term care and

outpatient services. Ellis’ specialty

services include a stroke center, a bar-

iatric care center, and a heart center,

which provides cardiac catheteriza-

tion, angioplasty and cardiac surgery.

Currently, more than 600 area physi-

cians and dentists enjoy hospital privi-

leges at Ellis campuses. With more than

3,400 employees, it is one of the largest

employers in the Capital Region. Ellis Hospi-

tal is comprised of three campuses:

Nott Street Campus

1101 Nott Street, Schenectady

Ellis Hospital is the centralized location for medical/surgical

inpatient care, critical care and inpatient pediatric care. Ellis’

emergency department is open and fully staffed 24/7.

518.243.4000

McClellan Campus

600 McClellan Street, Schenectady

The McClellan Campus (formerly St. Clare’s Hospital)

houses outpatient services, including day surgery, medi-

cal imaging, primary and dental care, laboratory

services, wound care and a sleep disorder cen-

ter, among other outpatient programs. The

McClellan Campus emergency depart-

ment is open and fully staffed 24/7.

518.382.2000

Bellevue Campus

2210 Troy Road, Niskayuna

Bellevue Woman’s Care Center is

the centralized location for OB/

GYN services. Bellevue also offers

breast care, imaging, pelvic health,

surgical, laboratory and nutritional

services.

518.346.9400

The Bridge Center

The Bridge Center of Schenectady is a resi-

dential treatment program for individuals with

drug-related problems. The program environment

is designed to help each resident establish appropriate living

skills as an alternative to abuse and dependence on drugs.

518.346.1277

www.bridgectr.org

Sponsored by

Our region is home to first-class health care

facilities and providers. In Schenectady

County, you are never more than a few

minutes away from nationally-recognized

care at Ellis Hospital’s three campuses

– Nott Street, McClellan and Bellevue.

At Ellis, you’ll find a full range of quality

inpatient and outpatient services.

health

& fam

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1

heal

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& family Conifer Park

Conifer Park is a private residential chemical dependency treat-

ment facility situated on 32 wooded acres in Glenville. The facility

offers comprehensive services for the treatment of alcoholism and

substance abuse in a serene, tranquil setting.

800.989.6446

www.coniferpark.com

Sunnyview Hospital and Rehabilitation Center

Founded in 1928, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hos-

pital is northeastern New York’s only free-

standing rehabilitation-only facility that

serves patients of all ages.

518.382.4500

www.sunnyview.org

Hospice CareThe Community Hospice of

Schenectady

518.377.8846

www.communityhospice.org

Senior and Long-Term CareGeneral information about services for seniors is available by

calling the Schenectady County Department of Senior & Long-Term Care

Services.

518.382.8481

www.schenectadycounty.com

ElderNetworkNY

ElderNetworkNY is an internet-based service which informs se-

niors, families, caregivers and care managers about the vast array

of community services, providers and resources throughout New

York’s Capital Region.

www.eldernetworkny.org

NY Connects

NY Connects is a statewide program to establish consumer-cen-

tered access to information and assistance for all individu-

als in need of long term care services, regardless of age,

income, or payment source. Consumers may access

local long term care options in Schenectady County

by visiting the NY Connects website, or by calling

the Schenectady County Department of Senior &

Long Term Care Services.

518.382.8481

www.nyconnects.org

Senior HousingA comprehensive directory of Senior Housing op-

tions is available for download here.

www.schenectadycounty.com/325.link

Nursing Homes in Schenectady CountyBaptist Health Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Scotia

518.370.4700

www.bapthealth.com

* HealthGrades® 2008** American Stroke Association

The Best Place To Get BetterNott Street Campus | Bellevue Campus | McClellan Campus

Top 5% in the Nation for Patient Safety*

Best in the Region, Top 10% in the Nation for Cardiac Care*

Gold Award for Stroke Care**

You Can Count On EllisA Leader in Acute Hospital Care, Women’s Health and Outpatient Services

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Ellis Residential & Rehabilitation Center

Schenectady

518.243.4320

www.ellishospital.org

Glendale Home

Schenectady County Department of Social Services

Scotia

518.384.3601

www.schenectadycounty.com

Kingsway Arms Nursing Center

Schenectady

518.393.4117

www.kingswaycommunity.com

Northwoods Rehabilitation And Extended Care Facility-Hilltop

Niskayuna

518.374.2212

www.northwoodshealth.net

The Avenue Nursing And Rehabilitation Centre

Schenectady

518.346.6121

www.clrchealth.com

The Dutch Manor Nursing And Rehabilitation Centre

Schenectady

518.370.5051

www.clrchealth.com

Senior Services Glenville Senior Citizens Center

Scotia

518.374.0734

www.townofglenville.org

Rotterdam Senior Citizens Inc

Schenectady

518.356.1561

www.rotterdamny.org

Schenectady Senior Meals-Meals on Wheels

Schenectady

518.372.5667

Scotia Senior Meal Center

Scotia

518.374.0734

Ten Eyck Senior Meal Site

Schenectady

518.374.5511

Mont Pleasant Senior Meal

Center

Schenectady

518.393.5254

health

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3Child Care Resource and Referral Agencies

The Capital District Child Care

Coordinating Council is a non-

profit organization serving par-

ents, employers and child care

providers in Albany, Fulton,

Montgomery, Rensselaer, Sarato-

ga and Schenectady counties. It is

a resource and referral agency, pro-

viding resources to the community by

improving the availability and quality of child

care, and a referral service counseling parents seeking child care.

If you are looking for child care, the CCRR is a great place to start. They

will ask you about the kind of care you are seeking, the ages of your chil-

dren, the hours of care you need and other specifics such as any special

needs your child might have. Based on that information, they will be able

to give you a list of providers that most closely meet your needs.

Referrals to Child Care Programs are not intended to serve as a recom-

mendation. You are encouraged to visit several facilities before choosing

your child care arrangement. It may also be a good idea to ask the child

care facility for references and to check them. Only you can determine

whether the quality of care is right for your child. Information is kept

confidential and will not be shared with any third party without your

written permission.

www.cdcccc.org

Eddy SeniorCare provides:•In-homepersonalcare&support

•Primary&specialtymedicalcare

•Nursingservices

•Physical&occupationaltherapies

•Adultdaycenter

•Hospital&emergencyservices

•Meals

•Prescriptions

•Transportation

•Socialworkservices

•Nursinghomecare,ifneeded

ParticipantsmustresideinselectzipcodeswithinAlbanyCountyorSchenectadyCounty.

Tolearnmore,pleasecall(518) 382-3290.

EddySeniorCare...anursinghomealternative.

www.NortheastHealth.com

612745/se0424/baptisthealth/bss - Composite

A Member of the Baptist Health System

Excellence in Nursingand Rehabilitation CareLong and Short Term

5 1 8 - 3 7 0 - 4 7 0 0

297 North Ballston Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302

www.bapthealth.com

7 Culligan Drive • Scotia, NY 12302PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE FOR

THE ENTIRE FAMILY518-377-9444

Pediatrics • Women’s Health Care

7 Culligan Drive • Scotia, NY 12302PRIMARY MEDICAL CARE FOR

THE ENTIRE FAMILY518-377-9444

Pediatrics • Women’s Health Care

Make the Schenectady JCC your destination for

Full-time year round child care for infants through

middle school youngsters

• Infant child care

• Toddler day are with part-time hours

• Pre-school and Kindergarten Enrichment

• Summer day camp

• Traveling Tween camp

• After school care available to 6 PM

Family recreation for everyone

• Indoor and outdoor pools

• Swim team

• Gymnasium & Basketball

• Fitness Center

• Kids Fitness

• Senior programs

Visit us soon and see why we deserve our reputation

Jewish Community Center of Schenectady

2565 Balltown Rd., Niskayuna, NY 12309

www.schenectadyjcc.org 377-8803

Membership open to everyone

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Looking for a company health planwith a variety of options?

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. • Capital District Physicians’ Healthcare Network, Inc. • CDPHPUniversal Benefits,® Inc.

www.cdphp.com

All the health plan options your company needs. All in one place.It’s as easy as CDPHP.® We have a wide range of products that fityour employees’ needs—and your company’s budget.

Get a price quote.Call your CDPHP broker or contact us at 1-800-507-6033.

CDPHP®has a healthy choice.

Not only is New York’s Capital Region blessed with outstanding

community hospitals, it also has one of America’s 128 aca-

demic health sciences centers.

The Albany Medical Center traces its heritage back to

1839, when the Albany Medical College was founded,

and 1849, when the old Albany Hospital was founded.

In 1892, the hospital and college joined forces and be-

came the Albany Medical Center.

With nearly 7,000 staff members and an estimated

annual economic impact of more than $1 billion, Al-

bany Medical Center offers a wide range of patient

care services found nowhere else in the region.

These include organ transplantation,

the only Level 1 trauma center, the

only hospital-based air ambulance

program, and the region’s only Chil-

dren’s Hospital. In addition, the institu-

tion performs cutting-edge research with

more than $14 million in externally funded

grants each year—most of them from the

prestigious National Institutes of Health. It

also educates and trains the next generation

of physicians, allied health care professionals and

biomedical research scientists.

The Albany Medical Center continues to be in a growth mode as

more and more residents of its 24-county service region seek care

there. In the past several years, admissions to the Albany Medical

Center Hospital have risen by more than 27 percent, from 24,300

in 2001 to more than 31,000 admissions last year. In 2008, the

institution announced plans for a $360 million expansion that

will expand its bed count from 631 to 747 and will include a

brand new neonatal intensive care unit as well as new operat-

ing rooms and recovery room suites.

Albany Medical Center attracts physicians, residents, nurses

and medical students from throughout the nation and it is es-

timated that more than two-third of the physicians practic-

ing in the Capital Region either graduated from the Al-

bany Medical College or did advanced medical or surgical

training at the Albany Medical Center Hospital.

Residents of the Capital Region are fortunate to have

this outstanding institution right here in the Capital

Region. Between the range of outstanding communi-

ty hospitals, the large number of excellent community-

based physicians and the nationally recognized Albany

Medical Center, there are very few instances any longer

when residents of the Capital Region need to travel to large

metropolitan regions like Boston or New York City for any

type of quality care.

THE ALBANY MEDICAL CENTER: A REGIONAL GEM

health

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5

FaithFor centuries, Schenectady has been a welcoming place

to various religions. Much of our history can be con-

nected to the neighborhood churches that helped im-

migrant families thrive in a place of great opportunity.

Our oldest congregation is well over 300 years old and

is still actively involved in the community. In recent

years, new congregations have joined us from the far

reaches of the globe.

For information on specific houses of worship, go to the

concierge service at www.discoverschenectady.com

434 State Street Schenectady, NY 12305

518-688-1001 www.parkerinn.com

WELCOME TO SCHENECTADY!

The Parker Inn, a boutique hotel is one of General Electric’s preferred hotels.

The Parker Inn is the perfect choice for a temporary residence as you relocate.

Luxurious guestrooms Breakfast included

High speed wireless internet Relocation rates for GE Minutes from the GE plant

There’s never been a better time to visit

Schenectady County!

Are you looking for a Faith Community

that will:

�Encourage an open mind �Nurture your spiritual life �Connect you with others committed to justice?

If so, we invite you to

worship with usSundays at 10 a.m.

Emmanuel-Friedens Church218 Nott Terrace

Schenectady

A Welcoming, Open and Affirming Congregation

11

Sending pictures

through the air

“The Queen’s Messenger” is broadcast to a live audience over the amazing new technology of television.

birth

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Science fiction becomes science fact

1928 was quite a year. Herbert Hoover be-

came President, Amelia Earhart flew the Atlan-

tic, and television was about to be invented in

Schenectady, New York.

On Christmas Eve, 1906, General Electric inven-

tor Ernst Alexanderson turned science fiction to

science fact when he broadcast the world’s first

radio program via his new creation, a high fre-

quency alternator. Impressed, President Wood-

row Wilson asked General Electric to organize an

American company to exploit the new technol-

ogy. The company was named RCA.

WRGB’s birthdate was January 13, 1928, when the

first experimental television program was broad-

cast to Dr. Alexanderson’s Schenectady home.

Viewers saw a large, mechanical device with a tiny

screen and a perforated rotating scanning disc—

the state of the art. Witness Willard Purcell recalled that “The face

of a man smoking a cigarette on the little screen looks like it had

been made with x’s on the typewriter. It was very crude and wa-

vered from side to side.”

The press was kinder. “Radio with pictures for the first time!”

trumpeted the Boston Post. By spring, the federal government is-

sued call letters to W2XB, popularly known as WGY’s Television.

In September, those lucky enough to own those three-inch screens

could witness the world’s first dramatic TV program, “The Queen’s

Messenger,” a blood and thunder play with guns, daggers and poi-

son. Given the small screens, only the actors’ individual hands or

faces could be seen at one time. Three cameras were used, two for

the characters and a third for obtaining im-

ages of gestures and appropriate stage props.

Alexanderson remembered the presentation

as “a little drama, a playlet, that was not a

great work of art by any means,” thus distin-

guishing him as the first TV critic.

Through the 1930s and ’40s, WRGB pioneered

variety shows, dramas and sporting events.

WRGB developed children’s programs, the

earliest TV commercials, game shows and

religious programming.

In 1942, W2XB was renamed WRGB when

the station received its commercial license.

The new call letters paid tribute to broadcast

pioneer Walter R. G. Baker. Ronald Reagan,

honoring the station with a Presidential Cita-

tion, said, “As the first television station in

the United States, WRGB was a pioneer in the

truest sense of the word…the history of this

station is truly the history of television.”

Left: Ernst Alexanderson, inventor of television, pio-neered new technologies as Schenectady became the world’s research lab.

Below: Note the three-inch viewing screen, only close-up shots were used.

Bottom: A magician shows his sleight of hand to first-generation couch potatoes on WGY TV, later WRGB.

Sending pictures

through the air

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©2008 National Grid

There is one source of energy that can help us make a positive impact on our environment.

That can help us harness the wind and the sun. That can reduce our dependence on foreign oil.

A source of energy that can increase reliability and actually unite us in the effort to reduce global warming.

At National Grid, we’re committed to discovering it, delivering it, demanding it from ourselves.

It’s called action. And it’s there for all of us to tap into.

Making our world a better place.

Find out how you can take action. Visit nationalgrid.com/floe

Qui

ck Guide

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•Area Code: 518•Time Zone: Eastern •Latitude/Longitude: 42.8/-73.9

Our Climate

Schenectady enjoys four distinct seasons, and each brings its own

unique beauty. Our county gets 38 inches of rain per year, about

the U.S. average, and 125 days with measurable precipitation. Av-

erage snowfall is 47 inches. A typical year sees 177 sunny days

with July highs of around 83 degrees and January lows of about

14 degrees. Our comfort index, based on humidity during the hot

months, is 51 compared to a national average of just 44.

International Arrivals

If you are arriving from outside of the United States, the most con-

venient airports to fly into are Newark Liberty In-

ternational Airport in Newark, NJ, or John

F. Kennedy International Airport in New

York City.

From either of these two airports,

you may travel to Schenectady

by car, via a connecting flight

to Albany International Airport,

or Amtrak train to downtown

Schenectady.

Passports

For nationals included in the Visa Waiver Program, pass-

ports must be valid for at least 90 days from date

of entry. All travelers entering the United States under the Visa

Waiver Program now require individual machine-readable pass-

ports. Children included on a parent’s passport also now require

their own machine-readable passport. Travelers not in possession

of machine-readable passports will require a valid US entry visa.

For most countries, the passport must be valid for at least six

months from the date on which the holder enters the US. If not, the

Qui

ck Guide

Sponsored by

Welcome to Schenectady County. Whether you’re

coming to stay or just coming for a visit, you’ll

need to know your way around. Schenectady is

travel friendly and easy to navigate. Here are

some quick facts to help you get oriented.

The creation of this publication was assisted with a grant from National Grid, through the NYS Public service Commission approved Economic Development Plan.

60

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eholder will be admitted until the expiration date on the passport.

Check with your embassy for details.

Visas

Any citizen of a foreign country wishing to enter the US

must first obtain a non-immigrant visa for temporary stay,

or an immigrant visa for permanent residence. Having a

US visa allows you to travel to a port-of-entry (airport,

for example) and request per-

mission to enter the US.

A visa does not guarantee entry

into the United States.

The Visa Waiver Program

(VWP) enables nationals of

certain countries to travel

to the United States for tour-

ism or business for stays of 90

days or less without obtaining

a visa.

Visas are generally valid for 10 years and are

for a six-month stay in the country. The application fee is approxi-

mately $130.

www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/obtainingvisa

County Clerk

518.388.4220

www.schenectadycounty.com

Where to Stay

Hotels/Motels/Inns

Belvedere Hotel

1926 Curry Road, Schenectady

518.630.4020

www.albanynyhotels.com

Glen Sanders Mansion Inn

One Glen Avenue, Scotia

518.374.7262

www.glensandersmansion.com

Hampton Inn

450 State Street, Schenectady

518.377.4500

www.hamptoninn.com

Holiday Inn

100 Nott Terrace, Schenectady

518.393.4141

www.hischenectady.com

Parker Inn

434 State Street, Schenectady

518.688.1001

www.parkerinn.com

The Stockade Inn

One North Church Street, Schenectady

518.346.3400

www.stockadeinn.com

Apartments with Short- or No-Lease Options

Glen Sanders Mansion Inn

One Glen Avenue, Scotia

518.374.7262

www.glensandersmansion.com

Wade Lupe Towers & Garden Apartments

Queens Drive, Schenectady

518.346.5536

Barney Square Apartments

225 State Street, Schenectady

518.370.3043

Apartment Guides

Renter’s Guide Magazine

www.rentersguidealbany.com.

Tri City Rentals

www.tricityrentals.com

Capital Area Apartments

www.capitalareaapartments.com

Buying a Home

Real Estate AgentsFor a current list of real estate professionals active in Schenectady

County, visit the Chamber of Schenectady County’s web site at

www.schenectadychamber.org and search the member directory.

MortgagesCurrent mortgage rates and com-

panies can be found on the

Times Union Web site at www.

timesunion.com/home

Getting Connected

Telephone & Cable

Time Warner Cable

1021 Highbridge Road

518.869.5500

www.timewarnercable.com/albany

Princetown Cable

Ennis Road, Schenectady

518.887.5500

www.princetowncable.com

Verizon

518.890.7100

www.verizon.com

Pattersonville Telephone Company

518.887.2121

www.ptcconnect.net

Gas and Electric

National Grid

800.642.4272

www.nationalgridus.com/niagaramohawk

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Drivers License and Registration

Schenectady County Dept of Motor Vehicles

267 State Street, Schenectady

Hours: Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

518.381.9181

www.nysdmv.com

NYS Dept of Motor Vehicles

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

800.225.5368

www.nysdmv.com

Voter RegistrationVoter registration forms are available

at the Department of Motor Vehicles,

or by contacting your local or state

Board of Elections, listed below. To

register, you must:

•Be a U.S. Citizen

•�Be 18 years old by the date of the

general, primary or other election

in which you want to vote

•�Not be in prison or on parole for a felony conviction

•Not claim the right to vote elsewhere

Schenectady County Board of Elections

388 Broadway, Suite E, Schenectady

518.377.2469

www.schenectadycounty.com

New York State Board of Elections

www.elections.state.ny.us/Voting.html

Getting Around

Commuter Bus

CDTA

The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) operates regu-

lar route bus service, shuttle systems and paratransit in the Capital

Region. CDTA owns and operates the Rensselaer Rail and Saratoga

Springs Train Stations. CDTA also operates the Northway Commuter

Service between Saratoga County and downtown Albany.

518.482.8822

www.CDTA.org

Rail Travel

Amtrak

Schenectady (SDY)

332 Erie Boulevard,

Schenectady.

Located in the heart of

downtown, the station

connects to destinations

throughout the region in-

cluding the Rensselaer sta-

tion, from which Penn Station,

NYC, is an average 2.5 hour com-

mute. There are frequent departures

New York city and Montreal. Ample open parking is adjacent.

Hours: Daily 8:30 a.m. -10:30 p.m.

Amtrak 518.346.8651 800.872.7245

www.amtrak.com

Rensselaer (ALB)

East Street, Rensselaer

The ninth busiest rail station in the country serving more than

650,000 people each year, this multi-level facility features adjacent

open and covered parking, and retail, commercial and meeting

space. This station is a 30-minute drive from Schenectady.

518.462.5763

www.amtrak.com

Passenger Bus

Greyhound Lines, Inc.

22 State Street, Schenectady

Continuous service daily to points throughout the continental U.S.

and Canada.

518.346.6113

www.greyhound.com

Adirondack Trailways

22 State Street, Schenectady, NY 12305

Scheduled buses leave throughout the day for Syracuse and New

York City.

518.346.3415

www.trailwaysny.com

Taxi Services

Capitaland Taxi

518.372.7777

Central Taxi Company

518.346.2344

Checker Cab

518.456.8867

Handi Van Incorporated

518.346.1232

Blue & White Taxi of Schenectady

518.370.0300

Air Travel

Albany International Airport (ALB)

737 Albany-Shaker Road, Albany

As the major air center for the Capital Region, northeastern New

York and western New England, Albany International Airport re-

cently completed an ambitious multi-million dollar capital rede-

velopment project including a new 230,000 square foot terminal,

a parking garage, air traffic control tower and cargo facility. The

airport has embarked on a five-year $232 million capital plan to

improve and maintain safety and to meet the needs of air travel-

ers and air carriers.

518.242.2200

www.albanyairport.com

Schenectady County Airport

21 Airport Road, Glenville

Private aircraft are served by the Schenectady County Airport, a

public facility operated by the County, located three miles north

of the city in Glenville. Founded in 1927, the 750 acre, three-run-

way airport is home to Richmor Aviation, Fortune Air, the 109th

Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard, the Empire State

Aerosciences Museum, and numerous private aircraft. Three as-

phalt runways include a 7000 -foot-by-150-foot strip.

518.399.0111

www.schenectadycounty.com

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eElected Officials

Federal Schenectady County is located in the 21st Congressional District of

New York state.

www.house.gov

www.senate.gov

StateSchenectady County is located in New York’s 44th Senate District

and 105th and 110th Assembly districts.

www.senate.state.ny.us

www.assembly.state.ny.us

County and Localwww.schenectadycounty.com

NewspapersThe Daily GazetteSchenectady County’s leading daily newspaper, founded in 1894,

is independently owned with a strong focus on local news for

Schenectady county and its neighborhoods. It features an online

edition of the newspaper as well as a recently retooled website.

518.374.4141

www.dailygazette.com

The Times UnionThe region’s leading daily newspaper offers broad, comprehensive

coverage of the Capital Region including Troy, Schenectady and

Saratoga Springs, with a focus on the capital. A Hearst paper, it was

founded in 1857.

518.454.5694

www.timesunion.com

The Spotlight NewspapersA group of 12 suburban

weeklies founded in

1955, the Spotlights

provide a source of local

news, opinion and com-

merce. The free, mailed

and drop-distributed

publications are each

edited for their local

readerships and offer

a street-level profile

of the communities

they serve throughout

Schenectady, Saratoga and

Albany counties.

518.439.4949

www.spotlightnews.com

Metroland

Billing itself as The Capital Region’s Alternative Newsweekly, Metro-

land is drop-distributed free of charge throughout the region and

covers the local arts and music scene, news and opinion, and politi-

cal columns. Special issues feature The Best of the Capital Region,

readers polls, fashion and dining guides. Founded in 1978, Metro-

land is a member of the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies.

518.463.2500

www.metroland.net

Tv Stations

WRGB�(6)�•�CBS affiliatewww.wrgb.com

WTEN�(10)�•�ABC affiliatewww.wten.com

WNYT�(13)�•�NBC affliatewww.wnyt.com

WXXA�(23)�•�FOX affiliatewww.fox23news.com

WMHT�(17)�•�PBS affiliatewww.wmht.org

CAPITAL�NEWS�9�•�Local cable news stationwww.capitalnews9.com

Radio Stations

WMHT 89.1 Classical

WRUC 89.7 FM Union College

WFLY 92.3 FM Top-40

WRCZ 94.5 FM Classic Rock

WYJB 95.5 FM Adult Contemporary

WPTR 96.7 FM Nostalgia

WBKK 97.7 FM Classical

WTRY 98.3 FM Oldies

WRVE 99.5 FM Rock

WKLI 100.9 FM Easy Listening

WEQX 102.7 FM Alternative

WHRL 103.1 FM Alternative

WQBK 103.9 FM Rock

WABT 104.5 FM Hot AC

WZMR 104.9 FM Smooth Jazz

WPYX 106.5 FM Classic Rock

WGNA 107.7 FM Country

WROW 590 AM Sports/Talk

WGY 810 AM News/Talk

WOFX 980 AM Fox Sports

WABY 1160 AM Nostalgia

WVKZ 1240 AM Talk

WTMM 1300 AM ESPN Sports

WHAZ 1330 AM Religious

WAMC 90.3 FM/1400 AM NE Public Radio

WDDY 1460 AM Radio Disney Children’s

WDCD 1540 AM Christian Contemporary

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