What would Dickens have thought?

We may have been left with nothing but a Ghost of Holiday Party Present after cancelling this year's event due to dwindling interest, but we can share a Ghost of Holiday Party Past.

Those of you who attended the 2000 party may remember this clever party favor created by event chairperson Polly Hayward and her crew.

April came across it when we were decorating our Christmas trees (yes, we have two) this weekend.

Wonder what will become of Holiday Party Future? Another ghost?

It's completely up to Terrace residents to write that chapter next year.

Holiday Party called off

The planned December 13 Terrace Holiday Party has been cancelled.

Poor response to numerous requests for reservations (by e-mail, by Web site postings, by bulletin board notices, by word of mouth) led to the decision.

This follows weak response to the annual Summer Picnic which, luckily, went on as scheduled despite perhaps the lowest attendance ever.

Apartment complex prompts residential reaction

More than 100 people attended Thursday night's Troy City Council meeting, the majority of them to listen to, and comment on, plans for a proposed apartment complex at Oakwood Avenue and Farrell Road.

The site, which would be built on land recently purchased from the Oakwood Cemetery, would be opposite the south entrance to Highpointe. Many Highpointe residents objected to potential traffic problems that could be caused by such a residential complex, and asked that an impact study be conducted before the project received any city approvals.

You can read The Record's report on the meeting by clicking here. The Times Union also reported on the meeting in today's editions, but relegated news on that project to a passing mention.

Holiday Party nears; sign up now

Inside the dining area at The Epicurean
By popular demand, we again will hold the annual Terrace Holiday Party at The Epicurean at Sterup Square, this year on Sunday, December 13, beginning at 4:30 p.m.

For those of you new to The Terrace, you'll surely enjoy the warm French country atmosphere of this café, located just 10 minutes east of the Troy city line on Route 7 in Raymertown.

Hosts Claire Lussier-Pogue and Sandy Pogue and award-winning Chef Dominique Brialy have again designed a sumptious spread of hors d'ouevres, entrees, salad and dessert for us, as you'll see below.

The price per person this year is $45, plus whatever you care to spend at the wine cash bar. (Note: One of the three entree choices carries an additional $5 charge.)

Please let us know no later than Saturday, November 21, whether you are attending. There is no need to submit payment until a week before the dinner.

A dozen Terrace residents already have responded to our earlier e-mail announcement asking for reservations, so we're off to a great start.

We hope to see everyone at The Epicurean to share the holidays.

Best wishes,

Bill & April Dowd
Your Holiday Dinner Committee, as usual

THE MENU

PRE-DINNER HOUR EUROPEAN SIDEBOARD

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

• Fromages Artisanaux & Paté du Chef
Assortment of farmstead cheeses and chef's artisanal paté, served with French bread and crackers

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

DINNER ENTREES (Choose one)

• Basa Meuniére
A mild white fish filet reminiscent of sole, with a lemon butter sauce, served with brown basmati rice and market fresh vegetables

• Vol au Vent au Polet
Chicken and mushrooms in a white wine béchamel sauce, served over a puff pastry with vegetables

• Filet Mignon Australien (additional $5)
Australian filet mignon with shallot zinfandel sauce, gratin dauphinois and market fresh vegetables

SALAD COURSE

• Salade de Mesclun
Delicate field green salad served with 12-year-old balsamic vinaigrette

DESSERT

• Pudding Charmeur
Warm cake with caramel-maple sauce, served with vanilla ice cream

• Beverage
Epicurean coffee or Harney teas

Council seeks comment on project

If you have any questions or comments about a multi-residential complex to be built at Oakwood Avenue and Farrell Road opposite the southernmost entrance to Highpointe, your time has come.

The Troy City Council has scheduled a public hearing for 6:30 p.m. this Thursday, November 5th, on the second floor of City Hall, to amend the zoning ordinance to allow for the 50-acre development.

The Highpointe Political Awareness Commitee, according to co-chair Lin Delaney, says the Highpointe community -- which does not include the Terrace -- wants an environmental impact study completed before any rezoning is approved.

If you have questions prior to the meeting, you can contact Lin Delaney at 233-7776.