CDTA unveils new high-tech website

CDTA has launched a new website that brings their riders up to the minute service information.

The new website combines Twitter and RSS feeds, and a new iPhone application and text messaging that promises to deliver route and schedule information directly to riders cell phones and PDA’s.

“Communicating effectively with our customers, stakeholders and potential riders is critical to providing efficient service in the way they want it and a top priority for CDTA,” said CDTA Chairman Dave Stackrow. “Integrating the latest technology tools into our new website helps us to provide the most current information on service changes and improvement plans and also encourages our customers to become engaged in transit planning decisions.”

The new website www.cdta.org, went live January 27. The website receives nearly 1.2 million hits annually.

New store offers on bargain prices on designer fashion

Clothes Mentor, a nationwide chain of resale stores, has opened a franchise in Albany, offering designer labels to locals at a fraction of what you'd pay at retail stores. The store opened February 27, and owner Kellie Robertson says it's been full of customers ever since.

"People are very excited that we're here, both to buy and to sell," Robertson says.

Robertson and her husband Neil Robertson opened the resale store after the success of their sister store, Plato's Closet, which is just next door. Plato's Closet, also a resale store, focuses on teen clothing, while Clothes Mentor focuses on clothing for adults, including 0-plus size 24, maternity wear, and accessories, she says.

The store offers cash on the spot for recent fashions in good condition, and buys all seasons--and customers reap the benefits, getting pieces for 80% less than they would spend at the mall, says Robertson. "In this economy, it's the best thing around," she says.

The store also has a wide selection of accessories, including designer purses from Coach and Dooney & Bourke. Robertson invites customers to come in and check out their selection. The clothes are organized by size and item, and displayed neatly on racks, so that you can find exactly what you're looking for, she says.

Clothes Mentor is located at 818 Central Avenue. The store hours are 10am-8pm. For more information, call the store at 689-1019.