Now approaching our 15th season, one thing has remained a constant, and that’s our commitment to the Capital Region community. Each year we attend numerous local schools, libraries, camps, walks, fundraising events, and more, lending a hand in any way possible. This past year alone, we’ve made over 160 appearances.
Our efforts were recognized by the New York-Penn League, as we are the league nominee for Minor League Baseball’s John Henry Moss Community Service Award. The award is presented to one Minor League club for their ongoing commitment to charitable service and their support and leadership within the community and the baseball industry.
Over the last month, SouthPaw, Michelle, and other members of the ‘Cats front office have been volunteering their services at a wide array of events.
On October 28th, SouthPaw visited Wood Road Elementary School in Ballston Spa for Family Fun Night, where he read books to the children as part of their fall book fair.
The following evening, SouthPaw attended School 14 in Troy with Michelle and Elyse for their annual Red Ribbon Night. The night featured many fun and educational activities to reward students for taking the pledge to live a drug free life.
On November 5, SouthPaw ran in the annual Troy Turkey Trot mascot race to kick off the formal announcement of Troy’s annual turkey trot road race. Many of the areas notable mascots took part in the 0.05 mile race, with Trotter the turkey coming out victorious after SouthPaw sustained a hamstring injury.
The 68th Annual Troy Turkey Trot takes place on Thanksgiving morning, and is one of the largest and oldest turkey trots in the United States. For more details, or to register for the race, visit http://www.troyturkeytrot.com.
SouthPaw recovered just in time to join Pappy SouthPaw at Crossgates Mall for the launch of Macy’s Believe campaign benefiting Make-A-Wish Foundation. From November 6 through December 24, Macy’s will donate $1 to Make-A-Wish, up to $1 million, for every stamped letter addressed to Santa at The North Pole, delivered to the red letterbox at each local Macy’s.
On November 10, the Troy Boys & Girls Club held their 8th Annual Pizzapalooza at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom. We cooked up our wood fired pizza at “The Joe,” then transported them to Franklin Terrace to be served. The event raised money to support the programs and services offered by the club.
On the menu…hot dog pizza!
This year, we partnered with Hannaford Supermarkets and BlueShield of Northeastern New York on the Community Grounds Crew initiative, in order to revamp many youth fields over the course of the spring, summer, and fall. Members of our staff including GM Matt Callahan, Stadium Ops Manager Keith Sweeney, Senior Account Executive Chris Dawson, and others took care of two more fields in the past few weeks. Here are some photos!
Halfmoon Little League:
Watervliet Little League:
Does your field need a makeover prior to the 2016 season? We are currently accepting applications for Community Grounds Crew projects in the spring, and now is the perfect time to apply. You could be one of four fields to receive a COMPLETE overhaul, including brand new sod in the infield, a new pitcher’s mound and home plate, bases, and much more! Or you could be selected for other field maintenance.
Photos along with your submission are highly recommended, so be sure to take them now before the snow falls. Visit tcvalleycats.com for more details.
UPCOMING COMMUNITY EVENTS
Crossgates Mall and B95.5 Kids Club
Saturday, November 14, 9:00am – 11:00am
Crossgates Mall, lower level Lord & Taylor Court.
Come to this FREE event where your kids can sing, dance, take pictures with mascots, make crafts, play games and win amazing prizes. Shhh….don’t tell the kiddies, but we are expecting a very special guest come all the way from the North Pole! Also, enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, and a special gift from our guest!
Scout Sleepover Extravaganza
Saturday, November 14, 10:30pm – Sunday morning
Flight Trampoline Park, 30a Post Road Colonie, NY
Jump around with your scout friends and family members all night long, enjoy pizza and a movie showing before sleeping on the trampolines. SouthPaw will be there at the start to jump along! To reserve your spot, log on to trcscouting.org/sleepoverextravaganza2016
Salvation Army Kettle Kick Off
Friday, November 20, 10:30am – 11:30am
Pfeil Hardware, 63 3rd Street, Troy
SouthPaw helps the Salvation Army kick off their red kettle campaign for the 2015 holiday season!
2015 Schenectady Daily Gazette Holiday Parade
Saturday, November 21, 5:00pm – 8:00pm
State Street, Schenectady
The Chamber of Schenectady County will present the 48th Annual Daily Gazette Holiday Parade, slated to step off at 5 p.m. Saturday, November 21 in downtown Schenectady. The parade, a Capital Region tradition, attracts 20,000-40,000 spectators who will line State Street in downtown Schenectady for what is widely known as the largest nighttime parade in the Northeast. Spectators will enjoy more than 100 magical characters, floats, bands, marchers, dance troupes and decorated vehicles. Each participant is vying for our top awards!
Capital Holiday Lights Chili, Chowder and SoupFest
Sunday, November 22, 4:00pm – 8:00pm
Washington Park, Albany
Join us at the second annual Capital Holiday Lights Chili, Chowder and SoupFest, featuring many of the Capital Region’s favorite restaurants and delis. We’ll be serving up our wood fired pizza! Sample $1.00 portions as you enjoy the music of The Reverberators (“Christmas in Albany”) at the Washington Park Lakehouse. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the Lights on the Lake, all while supporting three important charities: The Albany Damien House, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region and the Alzheimer’s Association. Suggested donations are $5.00 per person or $10.00 per family. The LakeHouse will be open with Vendors and Santa.