Hello Albany! Hope your coffee tastes especially good this morning. In today’s bring-the-kiddos edition: Fish lab tour, kids fishing derby, and Barry Manilow + excuses to get the fam out and about this week.
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Support for every stage: During Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month, a free conference will be held June 30 at The Desmond in Albany, offering guidance for caregivers, families, and professionals navigating dementia -- get the full event details.
Hands-on nature learning: New York State Museum scientists will lead hands-on In the Field programs at the Albany Pine Bush this summer, exploring moths, migratory birds, and fungi for families and nature enthusiasts -- learn what each session offers.
A sweet new expansion: Emack and Bolio’s opened a second Capital Region shop in Latham with a ribbon cutting at Fresh Market Plaza on New Loudon Road, joining the Albany location on Delaware Avenue -- get the full details.
Nothing prepares you for a pet emergency: I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. As soon as we got home, I signed up for Spot. It’s super affordable – and reimburses up to 90% of the bill.*
The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half -- this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
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02 — From our sponsor Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC billIf your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest. This one's 50% off right now.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Greens for your sanity: River Garden Studio is a peaceful downtown Albany oasis with a lush lineup of houseplants that make sad corners and weary desks perk up. Swing by this week, let your light and mood guide the pick, then go home to a space that quietly says you’ve got it together.
Beat the heat nearby: Low-key and leafy, Rosemont Park is perfect for a quick reset between errands, with a solid playground for the kids and a spray pad when the humidity shows up early. Grab a coffee, stroll a lap, let them run it out... you’ll be back home before the ice melts.
Escape the routine: If group chats are begging for something different, Zone 518 wraps your crew in holographic theater magic and private VR escape rooms that actually get your heart rate up. Choose your world, slay a dragon or ride a runaway train, then argue about who did the real puzzle solving.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Need cash but can't take on another monthly payment? This gets you a lump sum from your home's equity with no monthly bill and no interest, because it isn't a loan. Use the funds for anything, whether that's home improvements, paying off debt, or a large purchase, and pay it back by the end of your 30-year term. Checking your offer is easy, fully online, and won't affect your credit score. *See your cash offer →
Buy one window treatment this summer, get the second 50% off: “My fourth order over 8 years. Product reliability, consistency to values & warranty kept me returning!” See what keeps customers coming back to 3 Day Blinds. Book your free consultation and enjoy summer savings on blinds, shades, and drapery. *Claim your summer savings →
Carrying $5,000 or more on your cards? Stop the interest charges: A balance that size racks up interest fast, and at today's rates it barely budges no matter how much you pay. This card gives you 0% intro APR until 2028 on balance transfers (made in the first 60 days), with a $0 annual fee. That means almost two years to pay down what you owe with no interest charges. *See if it's a fit →
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Fun for the famOur favorite upcoming kid and family-friendly events. All events are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🚶 Walk in Schenectady and Central Park's Rose Garden @ Central Park A Diamond Parking Lot | Wednesday (6/24) at 8:30 AM – If you’ve been waiting for a sign to actually stop and smell the roses, here it is. Join America’s Walking Club for a 5k or 10k stroll through Schenectady’s Central Park, the award-winning Rose Garden, Iroquois Lake, and the shiny new pool, dogs included.
🐟 From Stream to Science @ New York State Museum | Friday (6/26) at 12:00 PM – Nothing beats snooping in the Fish Lab you’re not usually allowed into, beyond the dioramas and plaques. With NYSM’s Dr. Jeremy Wright, see how genetics, field surveys, and collections uncover hidden species, chart pollution and invasives, and make fish gossip sound downright riveting.
🌿 Afterschool Outdoors @ Fehr Avenue Urban Farm (Schenectady) | Friday (6/26) at 4:30 PM – Swap homework meltdowns for fresh dirt under the nails at the Afterschool Outdoors finale at Fehr Avenue Urban Farm, off State, across from the cemetery. One hour of plant sleuthing, chicken meet-and-greets, and bee talk, with adults tagging along, because screens can wait.
🎣 Kids Fishing Derby @ Six Mile Waterworks | Saturday (6/27) at 9:00 AM – Set the kids loose at Six Mile Waterworks in Albany for the Knights’ kids fishing derby. It’s Free Fishing Day, so no licenses, free registration, poles, worms, parental supervision. Ages 4 to 15 reel in prizes, bring canned goods for St. Ambrose, and gear.
🎨 Modern Art Academy's 2026 End of the Year Showcase @ Schenectady High School | Saturday (6/27) at 12:00 PM – School's-out energy meets sparkle as Modern Art Theater and Dance Academy fills Schenectady High School's auditorium with dancers from babies to adults, proof of a season's hard work. Expect tiny tutus, confident leaps, and the kind of joy that makes you forget the parking lot.
🃏 Capital Region Card Show @ Albany Capital Center | Sunday (6/28) at 9:00 AM – Dig out that old shoebox and swing by the Capital Region’s biggest sports card and collectibles show, where cardboard heroes still spark serious trades. It’s five bucks cash to get in, kids under 15 are free, and nostalgia practically pays for itself.
🌀 518 Beyblade X Youth Blader Battle @ The Lost Gnome | Sunday (6/28) at 2:00 PM – Bring the under-13 crew to The Lost Gnome for a Beyblade X youth battle, a 3v3 Swiss throwdown with prizes, $10 entry, and loaner gear, new and seasoned spinners welcome. Parents must stick around, sip something tasty, and nod like you understand the meta.
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — From our sponsor Heads up for pet parentsTogether with our sponsor Lemonade. Nothing prepares you for a late-night emergency at the vet. I learned that the hard way after charging $10k to a credit card for life-saving surgery on my cat, Miss Stache. From the initial exam fee just to be seen, to x-rays, surgery, medication, and follow-up visits… the bill racks up fast (to say the least). And at that moment? You’re not thinking about your savings, you’re just saying yes to whatever keeps them thriving. As soon as we got home, I dug around online and ultimately signed up for Pet Insurance. It was too late for me, but you could save thousands on your next vet bill with *Lemonade. |
07 — The Albany report Weather forecastToday — High: 80°F — Low: 57°F — Precip: 0%
Patchy fog before 7am. Sunny, with a high near 80. Northwest wind 3 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 24 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 57. West wind 0 to 10 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 83°F — Low: 62°F — Precip: 48%
A chance of rain showers between 2pm and 5pm, then a chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 83. South wind 0 to 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New rainfall amounts less than a tenth of an inch possible. Later: Showers and thunderstorms. Cloudy, with a low around 62. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. This house is wildThis 2,780-sf brick townhouse blends bright, open living with everyday ease. Soaring ceilings anchor the airy great room, while the sunlit kitchen, breakfast nook, and formal dining area keep things stylish and functional. The spacious primary suite, finished basement with built-ins, landscaped yard, and major updates, including dual furnaces and new A/C, add even more appeal.
Take a peek inside → |
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