2015 South End Earth Day

The 5th South End Earth Day took place at The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center on April 25th. It was a great event with nice sunny weather. This year AVillage partnered with the Department of Health and soilShop in running soil lead tests during the event. With help from many people, we successfully collected and tested over hundreds of soil samples. This was a very significant step for the South End neighborhood, since there had never been a definitive study of lead in the soil for the region. We might have a big impact on state policy and possible funding for improving the health of the neighborhood.

During the event, AVillage also provided a tour of vacant lots for those interested in learning more about the South End and the Albany Land Bank properties. Following the tour, our guide George, also our Farmers Market Manager, handed out a South End vacant lots map.  It is our hope the participants will build a closer relationship with the community, and this will turn into future action.

Community Farewell for Chief Krokoff

AVillage represented the South End community to thank Chief Krokoff for his great initiatives in our communities.

"Chief Krokoff was really accessible to the community. Every time we wanted to meet with him, he never said no to us," said Mr. White

"We look forward to working with Brendan, oh I mean our new Police Chief. We know that we will make differences in our community moving forward. I can not state enough that you (Chief Krokoff) have given us the path to work on, a blueprint to move forward. I am excited about where we are going."

Goodbye Chief Krokoff. We know you will miss us just like we do you. AVillage will make every efforts to continue the legacy you brought to our community.

Good luck and stay "warm" in Milton, Georgia!

Mr. White thanked Chief Krokoff for his great works
"We look forward to working with Brendan, oh I mean our new Police Chief. We know that we will make differences in our community moving forward. I can not state enough that you (Chief Krokoff) have given us the path to work on, a blueprint to move forward. I am excited about where we are going."
Posted by AVillage,Inc. on Thursday, 26 March 2015

Family Dollar is comming to the South End

The Historic Resources Commission finally approved the design of a new Family Dollar store in the South End! ( on 418 South Pearl St.) An existing light industrial structure will be demolished to permit construction of the approximately 8300-square-foot building and accompanying parking lot. The construction are estimated to be finished by next Spring.

The store has promised to hire local people with approximately 5 new job opportunities in our community. Hopefully it just a beginning and will attract more investments to the South End.

AVillage 2nd Annual Celebration of Progress

Our 2nd annual Celebration of Progress was hold on Feb 21, 2015 at Holiday Inn Downtown Albany. It was a beautiful night and a huge success for us.

Congratulations to all of the awardees who are dedicated themselves to make differences in our communities: The Coalition Standing Up for the South End against Big Oil and Big Railroads; Michael Jacobson, Chair of the Board of the new Albany County Land Bank; Benita Law-Diao, passionate advocate for the health of our community; The Youth of the South End for their work last summer.

Special thanks to our Honorary Committee Co-Chairs Congressman Paul D. Tonko and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan and to those who contributed to AVillage, especially our Honorary Committee, so that we can move forward to make a better community. We also appreciated all people who came to the event to celebrate the progress at AVillage and in South End communities. Together we can make social changes!

Ps. Congressman Paul Tonko was dancing! Can you believe it!

View event program on our website:http://www.avillageworks.org/celebration-of-progress.html

AVillage Executive Director Willie White does M.L. King & Gospel song.

At AVillage 2nd Annual Celebration of ProgressPlease don't misrecognize our Executive Director, Mr. White with Mr. King, even though their passion and commitment are very much alike. (Video filmed and produced by George Law)

Posted by AVillage,Inc. on Friday, 27 February 2015

Free Zumba & Nutritions Classes in BACK!!

Our free Nutrition & Zumba workshop is back to Capital South Campus Center (CSCC)-Albany starting on every Saturday 10:30 am. Everyone is welcome to join us. Every attendees will receive a box of fresh vegetables!

Presented by AVillage,Inc. and The Radix Ecological Sustainability Center
Special Thanks to Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region and Grand Street Community Arts