Lifestyle & Entertainment

POV: Look for the ‘36’ in the dairy aisle

This Point of View column appeared in the March 27, 2013, edition of the Colonie Spotlight.

Colonie music gets national recognition

North and South Colonie districts selected among best communities for music education

Both North and South Colonie school districts have been recognized as two of the best districts at which to receive a music education nationwide.

Stitching together

Costume designer to teach group sewing classes to kids

To costume designer Amelia Dombrowski, cultivating the imagination is an important building block in a child’s life.

Colonie grad lays down voice for school system

Rapper B. Martin’s ‘SUNY Anthem’ racks up views on YouTube

Brendan Martin turned his words into positive messages and not too long after graduating UAlbany 2010, and he showed off his skills to the entire SUNY system by writing “The SUNY Anthem,” released on YouTube on Feb. 27.

Story emerges from cocoon

Guilderland student publishes children’s book on Karner Blue

The Pine Bush Saturday, March 9, will celebrate the release of Natasha Permaul’s book about the life cycle of a Karner Blue butterfly. The children’s book started as a seventh-grade science project.

Crane teachers give hope to music students

SUNY Potsdam faculty visit high school, speak about state of music industry

Several Crane teachers came to Colonie Central High School on Thursday, Feb. 28, and Friday, March 1, where they performed and gave advice to students about where they can go with their musical skills. Performances included concerts by the Crane School of Music Symphony Orchestra and the Potsdam Brass Quintet.

To the beat of his own drum

Bill Frueh remembered as the heartbeat of Civil War reenactment scene

Delmar resident Bill Frueh, a favorite on the local reenactment and Civil War era music scene. died on Saturday, Feb. 9.

Outside the box

Unique chocolate treats offer break from Valentine’s Day tradition

While chocolate is often seen as a can’t-fail Valentines gift, the traditional heart-shaped box of sweets might strike some as clichéd. But for those looking to stray from convention will be met with a sweet surprise at Capital District candy shops.

Sending secrets

Frank Warren discusses years-long PostSecret Project at UAlbany visit

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, PostSecret creator Frank Warren gave a keynote presentation at the University at Albany as part of the college’s recognition of Sexuality Month

Car charge stations powering up

State and federal dollars mean public chargers more common

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, the owners of Tri City Rentals unveiled two new electric vehicle charging stations at their Woodlake Apartments complex in Guilderland on Old School House Road.

Beyond the rose

Local florists say color and variety add a fun twist to Valentine’s Day

Although red roses continue to be a top seller on Valentine’s Day, some florists have noticed more women are looking for something a little less traditional on the annual day of love.

Fervent frustration at firearms forum

State Police answer questions on new gun laws, face charged reactions

Hunters and competitive shooters turned out in numbers at a Wednesday, Jan. 30, forum held by police to field questions about the state’s new gun laws, but the most popular query — why the law was adopted in the first place — went largely unanswered.

Caring for caregivers

Alzheimer’s support groups provide empathy and encouragement

The Alzheimer’s Association of Northeastern New York offers support groups at more than 30 locations across 12 counties to help care-giving partners and individuals with early stage Alzheimer’s or others forms of dementia.

Grants aim to keep history afloat

Erie Canalway grants awarded to three area organizations

The Erie Canalway National Heritage Corridor announced $45,800 in grants awarded to nine organizations throughout the state at Proctors on Friday, Jan. 18. Three Capital District organizations will receive a total of $17,500.

Life in hard places

Film on work of Tom Little needs backing for Afghanistan trips

A film will look at the life of Delmar optometrist Tom Little, who was killed in a Taliban ambush in Afghanistan during one of his philanthropic missions to the war-ravaged country.

Colonie Spotlight