Keeping up with local news

In case you missed the notice, this site offers you a 24-hour-a-day link to the top news stories for Troy and Rensselaer County.

Just click on the links in the right-side "rail" to connect with online sites from local newspapers, magazines and TV stations from throughout the Capital Region. Plus, updated weather reports and statewide news headlines.

'Winter Toyland,' the 2009 holiday party

Our third straight year at The Epicurean at Sterup Square was another success in a string of Terrace holiday parties.

The December 14 event drew 33 people, and literally dozens of toys were donated to our Toys For Tots outreach.

Here are some images captured at the event by Bill Dowd, who co-chaired the event with April Dowd.

Ice storm damage being cleaned up

We lost a number of trees to the recent ice storm -- one on each side of the Terrace entrance and one in the common area -- and are having their remains carted away this week, weather permitting. As always, thanks to Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester for jumping on the situation.

If you have broken limbs, branches, etc., from the storm, please put them on the road in front of your house Wednesday and Thursday. They will be picked up and fed into a chipper as part of the cleanup service for which the Terrace is paying.

However, if you do not put the debris out this week and a service call is required in the future, you will be individually charged for the service.

Questions about the process should be directed to Harvey, our Grounds Committee chairman. If you can't reach him, call Tom.

Terrace ducks major ice damage

The overnight ice storm of December 11-12 that left tens of thousands of Capital Region homes and businesses without power did a bit of damage at the Terrace, but it apparently was confined to trees and shrubs.

We lost several trees near the entrance up from Oakwood Avenue (thanks to Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester for cleaning up tree debris). Mary McKeever found a downed tree on her deck. Nadeen Thompson lost a tree, Shirley Fischer reported some water damage. And, a quick trip around the Terrace showed that we have split branches and limbs here and there.

Speaking of Nadeen, she shot these photos for us of National Grid crews working in the trees behind the first "block" of Hyland Circle where sagging crossarms on several telephone poles needed bracing.

Beware those gift certificates

Paula Fox contributes this holiday tip:

I wanted to give everyone a heads-up that if you intend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored after the holidays.

Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as "bankruptcy planning."

Here is a partial list of stores you need to be cautious about.

• Circuit City: filed for Chapter 11
• Ann Taylor: 117 stores nationwide closing
• Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine's: to close 150 stores nationwide
• Eddie Bauer: to close stores 27 stores and more after January
• Cache: will close all stores
• Talbot's: closing specialty stores
• J. Jill: (owned by Talbot's) closing all stores
• Pacific Sunwear: (owned by Talbots) closing
• GAP: closing 85 stores
• Footlocker: closing 140 stores, more to close after January
• Wickes Furniture: closing
• Levitz: closing remaining stores
• Bombay: closing remaining stores
• Zale's: closing 82 stores, 105 after January
• Whitehall: closing all stores
• Piercing Pagoda: closing all stores
• Disney: closing 98 stores, more after January.
• Home Depot: closing 15 stores
• Macy's: to close 9 stores after January
• Linens and Things: closing all stores
• Movie Galley: closing all stores
• Pep Boys: closing 33 stores
• Sprint/Nextel: closing 133 stores
• JC Penney: closing a number of stores after January
• Ethan Allen: closing stores
• Wilson Leather: closing all stores
• Sharper Image: closing all stores
• KB Toys: closing 356 stores
• Loew's: to close down some stores
• Dillard's: to close some stores

Going downtown? Wear galoshes

In case you haven't heard, our fair city's antiquated underground water system has sprung another major leak.

This one is in the Monument Square area opposite City Hall. A major water main break flooded the area, and a number of stores' basements, yesterday and crews still are working on repairing the damage.

About that single vote ...

If you haven't voted yet, the polls are open until 9 o'clock tonight.

If you don't think your little vote can make a difference, read this.

Winter Toyland Holiday Dinner

Remember the joy of childhood when you eagerly unwrapped that special holiday toy you'd been hoping for?

Or, perhaps there was a year when your holiday -- be it Christmas or Hanukkah or any other special day -- wasn't as rich because times were leaner.

This year we'll have the opportunity to make sure the first sort of memory is the kind local underprivileged or unfortunate kids have.

Each of us attending the annual Terrace Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 14, is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. We'll collect them and make sure they are delivered to local charities serving families in time for that special morning.

As for our traditional gift exchange, everyone who brings a present will get a present.

By the way, it's not too early to e-mail or call event chairperson April Dowd (238-1950 or april_dowd@yahoo.com) with your reservation for the party. Here are the details and the menu. Please pick one entree and let April know when you make your reservation.

What: Winter Toyland Holiday Dinner
When: Sunday, December 14, 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Epicurean, Route 7, Raymertown
How Much: $35 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
Reservation Deadline: December 2

THE MENU

For the cocktail hour: European Sideboard

• Cash wine bar

• Feuilletés d’Escargots
Warm, light puffed pastries filled with escargots

• Fromages Artisanaux & Pâté du Chef
Assortment of farmstead cheeses & chef’s artisanal pâté served with French bread & crackers

• Spécialités du Chef ~ Senteurs de Provence
Four Provençal sauces -- aïoli, tapenade, pistou & tartare -- served with fresh seasonal vegetables & toasted French bread

• Calamar à la Provençale
Sautéed calamari with tomatoes & garlic in a white wine reduction

Dinner

• Veal Oscar
Pan-seared veal scaloppini served over rice with crab meat, asparagus and a zesty lemon Hollandaise sauce

• Suprême de Volaille en Roulade
Roasted chicken breast stuffed with tomatoes and basil, served with white wine sauce, sautéed cabbage, carrot and onion

Salade de mesclun

Delicate field green salad served with 12-year-old balsamic vinaigrette

Dessert

• Gâteau au Chocolat
Chocolate flourless cake served with fruit coulis, Epicurean coffee or Harney teas

Minutes of October 6, 2008, meeting

The Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association
General Membership Meeting
October 6, 2008
Minutes

I. Roll Call:

20 units were represented. Absent: 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 31, and 33.

II. Introductions & Announcements:

• A moment of silence was observed in memory of Leona Lohnes.
• 5 Hyland Circle has been sold and the Drs. Hong are now in Louisville, KY.

III. Minutes of May 2008 Meeting

The minutes as submitted were approved without dissent.

IV. Report of the Treasurer

Kathy Wade distributed the 2008 Asset Summary and the 2008 Budget/Expenditure Report. A motion to accept the report was made by Joe Jasiewicz, seconded by Bill Wade and approved without dissent. Several 4th quarter dues are still outstanding and members are reminded that a late fee is applied when payments are more than 10 days in arrears.

V. Reports of Committees

• Grounds: Harvey Bailey reported that (1) the new contract for Vintage Landscaping includes an increase of $700 and an amendment that allows for surcharges if the cost of diesel and/or mulch increases; (2) the contract for snow removal was increased $25 for each time for 3-12” of snow and each salt application was increased from $90 to $110.

• Beautification: no report. Thanks from all to Betty Looney, Harvey & Lorraine Bailey and Kathy Wade for another great job.

• Architectural: Request, for an all-season room at 12 Hyland Circle, was reviewed and approved.

• Rules: No report.

VI. Old Business

• Summer picnic 2008: A good time was had by all. Thanks to Nadeen Thompson, Polly & Bob Hayward and Terry Page.
• Summer picnic 2009 committee: Amy Willard (Chair), Joe Claeys, Claire Steiner, Maryanne Gordon and Nadeen Thompson.
• Road repairs: Bill Dowd spoke with Troy DPW Commissioner Bob Mirch and was told that this is a low priority for the City of Troy.
• Exterior Paint colors: Members are reminded that paint must be chosen according to the information that has been distributed. Additional copies are available from the Board Secretary.
• Neighborhood garage sale in 2009: Motion by Paula Fox-Murphy, seconded by Nadeen Thompson received three votes in favor. Motion did not pass.

VII. New Business

• 2009 Budget: Unchanged from 2008. A motion to accept the report was made by Trent Cox, seconded by Bill Wade and approved without dissent.

• Holiday Party 2008: This will be held at the Epicurean. Bill & April Dowd and Joe Claeys will organize.

• Continued thanks to Polly Hayward for arranging for the meeting room for membership meetings.

• The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday May 4, 2009, at Faith Lutheran Church.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

-- Submitted by Patricia E. Whitman, Secretary of the Board, October 6, 2008.

4th quarter dues are (over)due

Have you paid up?

The fourth and final installment of your 2008 Homeowners Association dues was due on October 1.

Dues are $355 per household. If you haven't yet paid, please get your checks to Treasurer Kathy Wade ASAP.

Thank you.

EMPAC ready to make an impact

The Troy community and the Capital Region will see a great expansion of its arts and media scene when the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI opens on Oct.3.

As its directors say, "We invite you to enjoy three weekends of world-class artistic performances and workshops, premieres of EMPAC-commissioned artworks, presentations of research at the frontiers of science, and social events ranging from black-tie elegant to come-as-you-are eclectic."

You can browse EMPAC's Web site by clicking here, but here's a quikck rundown on the opening events:

October 3-5: Gala Weekend

... offers audiences an introduction to the EMPAC program and mission with performances ranging from 15th-century choral music performed in a 21st Century concert hall to late-night DJ-VJ parties. Beauty, delight and audacity populate the weekend’s events, in work that challenges expectations as it engages and privileges the senses. A Presidential Colloquy and the official Ribbon Cutting begin the weekend — and the festivities.

October 9-12: Symposium Weekend

... brings together an internationally diverse group of directors from leading research institutions to share their work in the arts, design and media-based research, spanning augmented reality to the visualization and auralization of scientific data. Arts events, performances, installations and exhibitions continue throughout the long weekend.

October 17-19: Homecoming & Family Weekend

... focuses on the greater Rensselaer community. Events and performances ranging in media and style — including many student groups — will reflect the diversity of interest on, and beyond, the Rensselaer campus.

(Thanks to Nadeen Thompson for the heads-up.)

The news is not so good

Remember that "good news only" newspaper I mentioned recently?

Forget about it. It went belly-up before it ever published.

Fall meeting Oct. 6

Please be sure to reserve that date on your calendars for the Terrace Homeowners Association general meeting.

As always, we'll be meeting at Faith Lutheran Church opposite the city water treatment plant, beginning at 7 p.m.

I'll try to make the meeting as effective and brief as possible. Your cooperation will be appreciated by one and all.

See you then.


Bill Dowd

In memory of Leona Lohnes

Our dear friend and neighbor Leona Lohnes passed away today, Sept. 6.

She will be remembered by the Terrace community as a gracious and kind woman, and her loss will be felt by all who came in contact with her.

Here is her obituary, as placed by her family in the Troy Record:

---

LEONA LOHNES

TROY - Leona Connally Lohnes, 94, of Hyland Circle, Troy, formerly of the Valley Falls and Johnsonville area, beloved wife of the late James T. Lohnes Jr. MD, peacefully entered into eternal life, surrounded by her loving family on Saturday, September 6, at St. Mary's Hospital.

Born in Lansingburgh, November 29, 1913, she was the daughter of the late John J. and Ouida (St. Peter) Connally.

Leona was a graduate of Catholic Central High and Russell Sage College. For 52 years, she managed the family practice of her late husband.

She was a longtime communicant of St. Monica's Parish in Johnsonville. A member of the Battenkill Country Club, she was an avid golfer and also enjoyed reading, knitting, crossword puzzles and card games. Her greatest passion in life was spending time with her family.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy L. Paulo, and son-in-law Anthony, both of Johnsonville; granddaughter Susan P. Rowland of Valley Falls; grandson James A. Paulo of Vernon; great-granddaughters Chelsea Rowland and Brittany Paulo; great-grandsons Kenyon Rowland and Colton Paulo; and several nieces, nephews and greatnieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brothers Eugene, John, Leo, Thomas, William Boyd, Gerald and Howard and her sister Agnes Kinney.
A private service was officiated by Rev. George Fleming on September 9 at the Howard B. Tate & Son Funeral Home in Raymertown followed by burial in Elmwood Cemetery in Schaghticoke.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Leona C. Lohnes to Community Hospice of Rensselaer County: Attn. Foundation, 295 Valley View Blvd.; Rensselaer, NY 12144.

Photo title, 4 words:'Views from a picnic'

Yep. We played charades. Well, at least some of us did.

While some stared goggle-eyed at the speed with which a certain small group guessed the puzzlers, others continued chowing down on Popeye chicken, hamburgers, salads, sweets, drinks -- and leftover pizza from the previous night's traditional pizza party -- after a rollicking afternoon of boccie, Frisbee target throwing and other fun things dreamed up by the planning committee.

It was the XXth annual (does anyone remember when we had the first one?) Terrace Summer Picnic, held today in the common space behind the mailbox gazebo, with the usual good time had by all. And, we have the pictures to prove it. Here they are, courtesy of Bill Dowd who forgot to take any of himself:

Farewell Troy City Hall, finally

The long simmering approach to fixing or replacing the decrepit, ugly and poorly thought-out Troy City Hall may have come to some sort of solution.

As part of his final flinging of millions of your tax dollars to projects he personally favored before stepping down from his lofty State Senate perch at the close of business today, former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, R-Brunswick, says he has solved the politically contentious topic.

As reported in the Times Union:

"TROY -- The city will receive $6 million in state funds to transform its Hudson River shoreline by replacing the decaying City Hall with a park and retooling the waterfront with recreation and development opportunities.

"State Sen. Joseph L. Bruno unveiled the funding package Thursday, making it his last economic development announcement before he retires today. He also urged the city's feuding Republican administration and Democratic City Council to work together and pledge $2 million in city funds to get the entire $8 million riverfront overhaul completed.

" 'City Hall is going to come down. In its place will be a 200-space underground parking garage. On top, it will be all grass,' said Bruno.

"The $6 million from the state Environmental Protection Fund revives the push to demolish City Hall and relocate city government. The City Council must still decide how it wants to raise the city's $2 million share of the funding package. One option officials have discussed includes borrowing the money."

There are at least two schools of thought about this move:

• Since major players from both major political parties attended the announcement, their bickering over what to do about City Hall will stop and cooperative efforts will begin.

• A total of $8 million will come nowhere close to complete funding of such a project -- demolition of the structure, hauling off the rubble, moving city government operations elsewhere, preparing the site for new uses, fighting the ever-escalating costs of fuel and materials ... and on and on and on.

(A prime example of such rose-colored viewing is the estimate to build the largely unnecessary Rensselaer Rail Station running millions over budget and required hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs within the first couple years of its existence.)

Keep watch and make up your minds which school of thought is worthy of a diploma.

Meanwhile, here is Mayor Harry Tutunjian's message about the project, taken from the city's official Web site:

"July 17, 2008

"With just two days separating us from the inaugural Troy Pig Out, today would be a wonderful day to talk about all the exciting events taking place this weekend. Unfortunately, I’m going to make you click here to do that, and get a run down of what is happening.

"That’s because earlier today the City held a press conference with Senator Joe Bruno to announce significant funding for the redevelopment of the Hudson River waterfront and the City Hall site. The announcement of this funding from the Senator came at a time when he was just hours from retiring from the job he has held for 32 years. I do not believe we will ever be able to thank him appropriately.

"Among the projects that Troy received funding for today are:

• $4.7 million to redevelop the City Hall site to include park space and a 200-car underground parking garage. The roof of this facility will be a park, with grass, fountains, and play areas. Use your imagination. Best of all, it will improve access to the Hudson River.

• $500,000 to construct a Troy Maritime Welcome Center to provide amenities that will include showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, and an information kiosk to encourage boaters to spend time in Troy.

• $750,000 to construct a fifteen-foot wide waterfront esplanade to reinforce the existing sea wall and promote usage of the waterfront. Docks and boating facilities will be extended as part of this project.

• $500,000 to improve the existing band shell in Riverfront Park and build a new amphitheater.

• $1.05 million to improve the Ingalls Avenue boat launch, including repairs to the launch, retaining wall, sidewalks, dock and fishing pier, and the construction of a new boaters facility with restrooms and amenities.

• $500,000 for the American Rock Salt pile to move to a more industrial site in southern Troy.

"The total cost of these projects is $8 million, of which Senator Bruno has earmarked $6 million to accomplish all of the above.

"Last year, we made an announcement that we would attempt to move City Hall to the Verizon Building on Sixth Avenue. As everyone knows, the issue became a political football and the project has stalled. At the time of the announcement, we spoke quite often that our original intent was to move out of this building without any direct effect on the taxpayers.

"Today’s announcement changes much of that original plan. We now have the ability to solve many different issues, and fulfill the wishes of many different people. I was extremely happy that City Council President Clem Campana stood by my side today and pledged the support to the City Council in moving these projects forward. Hard work and creative thinking can now be teamed up with this funding to create a new legacy in downtown Troy that generations of Trojans will be able to enjoy. It is time to roll up our sleeves, work together, and get this done.

"Stay tuned over the next few months, there will be much more to come.

"Have a great weekend, and please stop by the Troy Pig Out on Saturday or Sunday.

"If you have any questions, comments, concerns, or complaints, please do not hesitate to call me (518) 270-4401 or e-mail the Mayor’s Office.

In the interest of precision, please note that the figures Tutunjian supplied add up to $8 million, not the $6 million Bruno diverted to the city, and thus $2 million less than Tutunjian referred to as "among the projects that Troy received funding for ... ." So, the city still has to come up with $2 million.

Party, party (well, picnic) weekend!

It's time once again for our ??th annual Terrace Summer Picnic.

It's part of a double-barreled schedule:

• Sunday is the day, 2 p.m. registration is the time, and even if the weather turns on us the big tent will keep us dry and the good company and good food will keep us in good spirits. Last year was the first time we'd been rained on, and we still had a great turnout.

• The traditional 5 p.m. night-before pizza event will be held under the same red-striped tent in the common area behind the mailbox gazebo. This will be a good time for new residents of the Terrace to get to meet neighbors they don't yet know.

All the last-second details are on the bulletin boards at the gazebo. Hope to see as many Terrace residents as possible.

If you've forgotten what went on last year, just click here to see some scenes from last year's event.

Summer in the city: Everything from pigs to plays

Troy is a lively place these days, so you may want to get out of the house and take advantage of all the goings on.

The inaugural "Troy Pig Out" is the biggie of the summer, another brainchild of chef/entrepreneur Larry Schepici (Tosca, Illium Cafe, La Marche Vert) who founded last year's hugely successful Troy Chowder Fest.

It's scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, July 19-20, at Riverfront Park behind City Hall. There are several free parking garages nearby.

The event will draw professional barbecue teams from around the nation, competing in the People’s Choice Beef Rib Eye competition on Saturday and the New York State BBQ Championship on Sunday. The main event is sanctioned by the Kansas City BBQ Association and the Office of the Governor. The winner of the state title will qualify for the National BBQ Championship competition.

Live music and plenty of food will be available for this free public event. If you want to download the full schedule, just click here. If you just want to know the basics, here they are: The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, July 19, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 20, with a variety of live musical acts.

Here are just a few other examples of what's going on. You can find a lot more by clicking here.

• "Collar City Live presents Storm Front -- A Billy Joel Tribute"

This free concert is set for 6 p.m. Sunday, July 13, at the Riverfront Park behind Troy City Hall. The music of Billy Joel will be presented by a six-musician band called Storm Front. Bring your own lawn chair and enjoy the sounds. (In case of rain, the performance will be held at The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street.)

• William Shakespeare's "The Tempest"

The Bakerloo Theatre Project will present the play at 2 p.m. July 17, 18, 19, 24 and August 1 in Academy Hall, corner of 15th Street and College Avenue on the RPI campus. This is the troupe's ninth repertory season in the Capital Region. Tickets are $16 (a season pass costs $25).

• First Columbia Presents: "Rockin’ On The River" Concert Series

The free outdoor concert will take place along the Hedley District Riverfront on River Street just north of the Collar City Bridge, from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 16.

• Collar City Live presents "Peter, Paul & George"

This free noontime concert for the family on Wednesday, July 16, will include rhythmic movement, music, history, social skills, international culture and customs, one in which everyone can participate. It will be held in Riverfront Park behind Troy City Hall. (Rain site: The Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River Street.)

What was Troy like?

If you like historic photos, such as this 1949 one of Monument Square in downtown Troy, click here, then scroll down on the left side to "Historic Photos" and select "Troy."

You'll get a fascinating album of photos from the Times Union showing what the community once looked like.

New weekly paper to focus on 'good' news

This certainly is not an area lacking in newspapers of the daily, Sunday and weekly variety, but some former Record newspaper employees are hoping there's room for one more.

They're starting a free weekly called The Trojaneer. You can read all about the new venture by clicking here.

About those 3rd quarter dues ...

I confess. I set a poor example as president of the Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association by paying my third quarter dues a few days late.

Now, doesn't that make those of you who were -- or still are -- late less guilty?

It tends to happen during the summer when other things, such as vacations, dozing in a lawn chair, gardening or whatever, tend to occupy our thoughts to the exclusion of most other things.

But, let's all ante up -- $388 per household -- and we'll keep our accounts straight and not have to worry about writing another check until October 1.

Now, isn't that better?

Strange things are going on

• A crocus plant.

• A new spray nozzle.

• My strawberries.

Anything else missing in the neighborhood?

Those first two items either grew legs and walked off or were purloined from a couple of Terrace residences.

We suggest everyone keep their eyes peeled for any intruders, yard sale fans or anyone else who might be of the light-fingered persuasion.

Meanwhile, we're negotiating with a specialist in the field of security to see what we should do.

Oh, the strawberries? No, I'm not Captain Queeg of "The Caine Mutiny," railing about kitchen help gobbling up the strawberries in the refrigerator. These were from what should be a bumper crop in my herb-and-veggie garden. And, I know who took them. Let's just say it's a relation of Peter Cottontail.

Mark your calendars

The next Homeowners Association meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 12.

As always, the good folks at Faith Lutheran Church, located just off Northern Drive opposite the water plant, are providing the meeting space.

With several new residents in the Terrace, this will be a good opportunity to extend a welcome as well as renew acquaintances with your neighbors who you may not have seen over the winter months in which some of us hibernate.

'Childhood Memories' holiday party