The city's Recreation & Community Services Department is offering free press to local businesess who come up with a discount, event or promotion to celebrate Albany's first "Albany Local Week."

The event is scheduled for Sept. 19-25 to encourage people to do all their shopping in Albany, said Chelle Putzer, community services manager for the city.

"We are challenging residents to do everything in Albany for an entire week: go bowling, get a massage, tune up your car, fix your watch, eat at a new restaurant, listen to live music…all in Albany!" the city told businesses in a recent email notification.

The city will list all discounts in the Fall Activity Guide, which will be sent to every household and business in Albany, in addition to 1,200 non-residents in the surrounding area.

It's also available online on the city's website (and on Albany Patch). 

There is no cost to participate. 

"Our sole purpose for coordinating Albany Local Week is to encourage the community discover the wonderful restaurants, services, shops, events, activities that are right in their backyard!" wrote Putzer.

The deadline is July 1. For more information, call 510-524-9283 or e-mail Chelle Putzer at cputzer@albanyca.org.

The city is also organizing a number of free events throughout the week. (Note: The links below go to prior event coverage and photo galleries to let readers know what to expect in September.)

Monday, Sept. 19: Dinner Swap

Tuesday, Sept. 20: Garden Swap & Clothing Swap

Wednesday, Sept. 21: Music in the Park & Farmers Market (hosted by the Ecology Center)

Thursday, Sept. 22: TBA

Friday, Sept. 23: Bike About Town

Saturday, Sept. 24: Albany Streets

Sunday, Sept. 25: Skill Share Workshop 

Everybody makes mistakes ... even us! If there's something in this article you think should be corrected, or if something else is amiss, call editor Emilie Raguso at 510-459-8325 or email her at emilier@patch.com.