Good News: Holiday decoration winners, Cohoes fire captain retires

Schenectady honors best light displays from holiday season

The holidays are behind us, but Schenectady is celebrating the businesses that went all out with light displays this past season. It was the city’s second annual “Illuminocity,” where businesses partnered with not-for-profits for a friendly but competitive decorating contest. First place for most creative was Habitat for Humanity of Schenectady County. People’s Choice was Bear And Bird Boutique + Gallery paired with Schenectady ARC.

Troy investing $500k in art

Troy is investing $500,000 in the “Public Art For All” program. The project uses money from the American Rescue Plan. It works to enhance art in public spaces.

Pet adoption event at Wilton Mall

If you’re looking to adopt a pet, HOPE in the Wilton Mall is holding adoption events this weekend. HOPE stands for Homes for Orphaned Pets Exist. There’s a dog and cat adoption event Saturday starting at 11 a.m, and a cat cafe Sunday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

‘Taste of Elegance’ to benefit area Boys & Girls Club

Enjoy a “Taste of Elegance” this Friday, at the Hilton Garden Inn in Troy. The Boys & Girls Club of Southern Rensselaer County is hosting the event with an Arabian Nights theme. All proceeds directly support the organization and its programs to help young people in Rensselaer County become our future leaders.

Cohoes fire captain retires

Congratulations to Cohoes Fire Capitain Otto Madsen. Thursday was his final day on the job after 28 years of service. He started back in 1994 and was promoted to lieutenant in 2011, and then to captain in 2014. His walk out ceremony is Friday morning.