Good morning, Schenectady.

Market 32 and Price Chopper kicked off their annual Pet Food & Supply Drive to help local animal welfare groups as shoppers drop off key pet food and supplies in designated carts.

Donations at Clifton Park will support the Capital District Humane Association—items from other stores will go to local animal protection organizations.

On Sunday, families attended a free, sensory-friendly Autism Acceptance Day event at Via Aquarium in Rotterdam, hosted by State Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara (District 111) who said the adjustments in lights and sounds helped many enjoy the attraction for the first time.

Santabarbara will hold more similar events throughout April.

On Sunday the Mayfield Fire Department responded to a report at 177 Knott Road and found the house fully on fire while a man, his dog, and two cats escaped safely and the New York State Fire Investigation Team investigates the cause with help from the American Red Cross.

A child was hit by a car in Ravena on Sunday around 3 p.m. near 20 Main Street—emergency responders took the child to a local hospital and officials continue investigating the crash.

Vermont-based Butternut Mountain Farm is tapping trees and bottling maple syrup that will soon appear at Market 32 and Price Chopper—boosting a surge in local year-round demand for the sweet product.

Demetrius Howard, a 52-year-old Schenectady man, was sentenced to 10 years in prison for weapon charges stemming from a 2022 incident near 901 Crane Street.

On Wednesday night, Schenectady police and New York State Police raided a location and seized a large haul of illegal cannabis, leading to felony drug charges against two suspects.

Fred Astaire Dance Studios dancers will leave next week for a national ballroom competition in New York; they will perform under a Studio 54 theme (Studio 54: The Legend Lives On) in the event's first New York appearance.

Scotia lawmakers plan to launch a strategic planning effort to gather public input on village services and rising maintenance costs.

Officials say the measure (long-discussed by lawmakers) aims to guide future budget decisions (addressing ongoing fiscal challenges).

2025 Education Celebration Gala

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Proctors Theatre — Admission supports local education — Celebrate and recognize achievements in Schenectady's education sector.

Game Night

10 PM — Woodlawn Preserve — Free entry — Connect with locals over games and make new friends in a welcoming environment.