Good morning, Albany.

The Rev. Francis Kelley Military Honor Society will honor Vietnam War veterans David Dedrick and Joseph Pollicino with the Rev.

Francis Kelley Liberty Medal at a recognition banquet on Oct. 24 in East Greenbush—both men are being celebrated for their military and community service.

Albany County hosted its second visioning workshop last Thursday to shape the future of the former Saint Rose campus on a 26.5-acre site as over 200 residents shared ideas for housing, community services and green space — county officials plan a final workshop on October 29 to complete a strategic plan by November.

Stuyvesant Plaza will host its third annual Autumn Fest on Saturday, Oct 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. — the event will feature fall-themed treats, face painting, caricatures and sidewalk sales, and locals can RSVP online for the free celebration.

A devastating fire at 23 Twiller Street in Albany on Monday morning around 10:40 a.m. claimed the lives of five people, including three children—neighbors have erected a memorial as authorities continue investigating the cause.

Carol Webel Waitkus Hausen, a lifelong Albany native who married Philadelphia Phillies first baseman Eddie Waitkus in a celebrated 1951 wedding, passed away in August at 96—her life spanned from a youthful romance to a later career at SUNY and active community advocacy.

Her story remains a vivid reminder of Albany’s rich local history and enduring spirit.

New York announced that nearly 130 colleges will waive application fees to help high school students get ready for college.

Financial aid applications for the 2026/2027 school year are open until June 30—fee waivers save about $50 to $90, but students must still pay tuition.

Hattie's Culinary Lab, powered by the Social Enterprise and Training (SEAT) Center, opened today in a reimagined Hattie’s restaurant to train underserved youth in cooking and restaurant skills.

The lab offers hands-on work with dinner seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays and Fridays while a new cohort begins at the end of the month.

Residents and conservation groups criticized a proposal to build a solar array on a 75-acre parcel near the Albany Pine Bush Preserve on Curry Road—citing threats to endangered species—and raised concerns about water safety.

Developers scaled the project from two arrays to one and will address public comments in a final environmental impact statement before a zoning board hearing.

The National Weather Service in Albany has suspended weather balloon launches amid staffing and budget concerns—DEC has asked the public for ideas on phosphorus guidelines to fight harmful algal blooms.

Bethlehem has reopened the Clapper Road Water Treatment Plant after health checks, while drinking water issues persist in Bethlehem and New Scotland and New York has lifted its statewide drought watch.

Bethlehem Town Board reviewed a $55.1M tentative budget for 2026 on Sept.

24—this plan raises spending by $2.7M from 2025 and includes a 2.54% tax levy increase that adds about $28.92 for a home valued at $250K. The board noted rising retirement and health costs and will discuss the plan further at a public hearing on Oct. 22 with final adoption on Nov. 12.

Providence Senior Living in Menands will offer independent, assisted and memory care at its new community on 96 Menand Rd and is expected to open in late 2027 or early 2028.

A ribbon cutting for its Welcome Center was held yesterday—highlighting plans for a community where residents can age in place.

TV Doctors Live at Lark Hall

6-9 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry — Experience a psychedelic jazz trio blending funk, reggae, and contemporary jazz with improvisational flair.

Albany Midnight Mile Vampire Run

10 PM – 3 AM — Albany, NY — Tickets on sale now — Experience a thrilling vampire-themed fun run under the moonlight.

Psychedelic Furs Concert

8:00 – 9:30 PM — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Catch the iconic Psychedelic Furs live in a great local venue.

The EBlock Featuring Glass Pony and Victory Soul Orchestra

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Ticket info not provided — Experience an electrifying night of soul, funk, and rock with some of Albany's best local bands.

Drake White Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $39 — Experience the energetic performance of Drake White at a local favorite venue.

Nate's Playlist Live Performance

6-8 p.m. — The Eleven — Free entry — Experience the debut performance of Nate's Playlist in an inviting local venue.

Stardew Valley - Symphony of Seasons

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Cost not specified — Experience a musical journey through the beloved world of Stardew Valley with a live orchestra performance.

Hilltop Halloween Bash

8-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Free entry for early show — Enjoy a night of funk rock with Hilltop and Red Meat Conspiracy at Lark Hall's festive Halloween event.

Day of the Deadbeats Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Lark Hall — Tickets available — Relive the Grateful Dead vibes with an award-winning tribute band delivering a unique musical experience.

From Ashes To New Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — Tickets from $46 — Experience the high-energy performance of From Ashes To New in Albany, NY.