Good morning, Albany.

The twelfth Works Cafe hosted a community day offering free breakfast and lunch plus encouraging donations to Capital Roots, with Wednesday’s donations matched up to $2,500; the cafe will hold its grand opening next Tuesday, November 18.

Founder Richard French emphasized the event’s role in supporting local fresh food programs.

ALBANY, N.Y. — Albany’s Tulip Queen and her Court partnered with the Department of General Services on Saturday to plant more than 10,000 tulip bulbs in Washington Park; the work is part of a citywide project to plant 250,000 bulbs—including tulips, hyacinths, daffodils, allium, fritillaria, and muscari—that will bloom in spring.

In Guilderland, The Works Café hosted its Community Day on November 12 by offering free breakfast and lunch to guests who donated to Capital Roots (a nonprofit that promotes access to healthy food and green spaces).

Owner Richard French also matched donations up to $2,500 to reinforce the café’s mission of combining good food with community support.

Indian Ladder Farms, located on Altamont Road — known for serving local customers for decades — unveiled its new state-of-the-art cider press on November 12.

The machine, funded by an Empire State Development grant, replaced the old wooden system and increased apple processing from 840 to more than 2,600 pounds per hour while cutting the time to fill new cider tanks from five days to two.

Crossgates announced extended holiday shopping hours as it will close on Thanksgiving Day, Nov.

27 and reopen on Black Friday, Nov. 28 from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.—Santa Claus is set to appear on Nov. 15 at 10 a.m. for an event with music, crafts, and giveaways.

Therapy dog Nessie works daily at Blue Creek Elementary to help students manage classroom transitions and stress—her handler Amber Cost and Principal Turcio say her friendly nature brightens the school day.

She visits classrooms, greets students on the playground, and takes breaks in the main office.

The City School District of Albany delayed the rollout of new security systems at Albany High School after students and families raised concerns over the planned RONIN walk-through scanners and LINEV bag scanners.

The district scheduled public meetings for today at 6 p.m. in the school library, November 17 at noon, and November 18 at 5:30 p.m. to gather community input before a final decision is made.

Arbor Hill Elementary School closed yesterday due to a water main break that left several bathrooms out of service — officials said repairs were finished so the school will reopen today.

UAlbany and Albany Med Health System will launch a four-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Spring that gives students hands-on learning at UAlbany with clinical rotations at local hospitals — the program aims to build a stronger nursing workforce in the Capital Region.

Troy Fire Department's newest recruits trained in vacant buildings—set for demolition or rehabilitation—to handle structural navigation, ventilation, and search and rescue exercises, and city officials announced their use after last night's drills with guidance from Mayor Carmella Mantello and Fire Chief Rich Cellucci.

Albany County and United Way are distributing grocery cards to SNAP beneficiaries to help ease food insecurity caused by a lapse in funding — distributions will continue all week across the county.

More than 1.6 million New Yorkers relying on the Affordable Care Act may face higher premiums when federal subsidies expire on January 1—patients with serious illnesses like cancer worry about rising treatment costs.

The NYOH Community Cancer Foundation is already seeing more applications as locals struggle to cover extra expenses.

Albany All Stars Roller Derby Game

6-9 p.m. — Washington Avenue Armory — Ticket information not provided — Experience the thrill of live roller derby action with the Albany All Stars.

Creed Fisher Concert

8-9:30 p.m. — Empire Underground — Ticket info available — Experience an evening of live music with Creed Fisher in Albany.

Self-Care Masterclass with Cecily Braden: Facial Care Routine

6-9 p.m. — Complexions Spa for Beauty & Wellness — Check website for pricing — Discover the transformative benefits of manual lymphatic drainage in skin and body care with an expert demonstration.

Albany Great Danes vs. Siena Saints Men's Basketball

7-8:30 p.m. — MVP Arena — Tickets starting at $25 — Catch the local college basketball rivalry unfold at this exciting matchup.

Cornhole Tournament for Youth Fundraiser

12:30-6 p.m. — Fort Orange Brewing — Entry fee to benefit a Cooperstown trip — Join in for fun and competition at this indoor cornhole tournament.

CHIODOS: 20 Years of All's Well That Ends Well

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Empire Live — $71+ — Celebrate 20 years of Chiodos with a vibrant live concert experience.

Nutcracker Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Varies — Experience a magical Christmas ballet featuring world-class talent and stunning visuals.

NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Palace Theatre — Ticket prices vary — Experience the cherished holiday classic in a magical ballet performance.

AMA Coffee and Connections – Albany

8:30-9:30 a.m. — Motor Oil Coffee Albany State Street — Free entry — Engage in meaningful conversations while sipping on delicious coffee with local professionals.

Adoption Clinic at Pet Supplies Plus

11 AM - 12:30 PM — Pet Supplies Plus East Greenbush — Free entry — Find your new furry friend and support local dog rescue efforts.