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:

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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.