Today is the first day of Hanukkah.
The eight-day Jewish celebration commemorates the rededication during the 2nd Century B.C. of the Second Temple in Jerusalem where, according to legend and belief, Jews rose up against their Greek-Syrian oppressors in what became known as the Maccabean Revolt.
A friendly nudge:
If you haven't yet submitted a check for your Terrace at Highpointe Community Association 2023 dues, please do so ASAP.
The deadline is January 1, 2023. (See details of payment possibilities here.)
That said, a Happy Hanukkah and a Merry Christmas to all.
A steady overnight snowfall tapered off in the wee hours of Saturday morning. Our snow removal crew made short work of the cleanup, although hampered at first by the lack of adequate City street plowing.
As we head closer to Christmas week, the National Weather Service tells us there will be no precipitation until Friday, when it predicts a 70% chance of rain.
What we will be having is daytime temperatures in the mid-30s before they dip into the 20s on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
From the late-1990s to the early 2010s or so, a December holiday social event was a regular part of life on the Terrace. However, as the residential mix changed over time, and then the COVID-19 pandemic put the clamps on all group activities, that evaporated.
Today, we were able to revive the tradition with a holiday luncheon in the banquet room of McGreivey's Restaurant in Waterford attended by 20 neighbors.
Many thanks to Janice Dessingue, who coordinated the event with the able assistance of Anne Hunter, Ellie DeBonis, and Maryanne Gordon and who, as a group, developed the menu with the McGreivey's staff, provided festive evergreen centerpieces, and led holiday-memory activities.
Along the way, we also collected a large box of new socks to be donated to homeless shelters, one of the most in-demand items at such facilities.
Here are a few photos from the event, taken by Bill Dowd -- which explains why he does not appear in any of them.
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| Terrace snow cleaning. / Bill Dowd photos |
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| Anne Hunter steadies Ellen Gordon's perch. / Bill Dowd photos |
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| Jim Cotter hangs a wreath. |
UPDATE: Due to concern over potential high winds on Thursday, the outdoor holiday decorating project was moved up to Tuesday.
The National Weather Service is forecasting that this Thursday will be crisp and clear, sandwiched between a couple of rainy days.
Why not celebrate that by showing up at the mailbox gazebo at 10 a.m. Thursday where Ellie DeBonis will be assembling a crew of Terrace neighbors to put up some holiday decorations.
It won't take a lot of your time, and the more hands that participate the quicker it will go to make our neighborhood a festive one.
Thanks in advance to all!
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| De-leafing nooks and crannies. |
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| That's all, folks! |
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| The city's official pickup schedule. |
A friendly reminder:
Anyone contemplating permanent work on their homes that involves, but is not limited to, such things as replacing windows, roofs, and decks; changing shutter-and-door colors, fencing, or permanent outdoor lighting fixtures; adding sunrooms, access ramps, storm doors, and so forth is required to apply for prior approval.
The approval process, which needs to be completed before any such work begins, is a simple one and has worked well for more than 27 years.
1. Download a copy of the application form from this website, fill it out, and submit it to a member of the Architectural Review Committee (chairman Tom Savchik, Dick Harte, Bill Dowd).
2. The Committee will review the application and make a "yes" or "no" recommendation to the THCA Board for a final decision. (In some instances the Committee may request additional information from the applicant, and/or inform neighbors of the proposed project before making its finding.)
3. Under our rules, the Committee and Board have a total of 30 days to act on the application, even though traditionally they have moved swiftly to accommodate applicants.
These are the main points, but there are other aspects to the process you can read in your "owner's manual."
Whether or not you're going to be involved in the 75th Troy Turkey Trot, if you plan to be downtown on Thanksgiving Day you may be impacted by it.
City officials have issued a traffic advisory for road closures and parking restrictions associated with the running event that annually draws thousands of participants.
The following streets will be closed beginning at 5 a.m. until approximately 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving:
All eastbound and westbound streets entering those roads will be closed one block east and west. Towing will be in effect for violators.
The schedule:
• Beginning at 6 a.m., Thursday, November 17, through Saturday, November 19, excavation and paving work will be taking place on 3rd Street between Division and Liberty streets. The road will be closed days and evenings while that work is being completed.
• Beginning 6 a.m., Thursday, November 17, crews will be paving Ahern Avenue/Bolivar Avenue between Orchard and Tibbits avenues;Cheryl and Eldridge courts between Tibbits and Euclid avenues (Trubel Place between Tibbits and Euclid avenues).
• Beginning 6 a.m., Friday, November 18, crews will be paving Cheryl Court (backup paving date) and Maple Avenue between Pawling and Spring venues; Winter Street between Pawling Avenue and the Troy city line.
• Beginning 6 a.m., Monday, November 21, crews will be paving Burdett Court and Detroit Avenue between Burdett Avenue and Georgian Court.
Motorists are asked to reduce speeds and watch for flaggers to keep crews safe on the listed streets.
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| Installing a reflector pole. / Susan McCabe photo |
Jerry and Maryanne Gordon, members of the Albany & Troy Lions Club, share this information from the service organization:
"The Lions are looking to spread awareness about diabetes, based on the idea that 'Prevention is better than cure.' What better time to start than November, as it is National Diabetes Awareness Month.
In an effort to address the problem of homelessness in the area, the cities of Troy and Schenectady and the Town of Colonie have been allocated $3.8 million through the HOME-American Rescue Plan (ARP).
CARES of NY Inc. is working with those communities to create an allocation plan to determine how best to spend these funds to reduce homelessness in the area. You can participate in a 90-minute virtual public forum on one of two dates: Tuesday, November 15, noon to 1:30 p.m., and Wednesday, November 16, 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Advance registration is required. It can be done online. Details of CARES of NY's work are available on its website.
Thanks to all who sent in their RSVPs for the "Terrace Holiday Luncheon," scheduled for 12:30 p.m. Thursday, December 15.
Based on that headcount, event coordinator Janice Dessingue and Anne Hunter have arranged the details with our host, McGreivey's Restaurant, located at 91 Broad Street, the village's main thoroughfare, in Waterford.
The menu for the three-course, full-service luncheon will include a salad, a variety of entrees from which you can choose upon arrival, dessert, plus coffee, tea, soda, or water. A cash bar also will be available.
Our coordinators acquired a very favorable rate, just $27 per person. And, that includes tax and gratuity for the servers!
Attendees are asked to make payment by personal check no later than Thursday, December 8. Checks should be mailed to Janice at 6 Hyland Circle in time to arrive by that date, or you can drop off your checks at her residence. Questions? Call her at 518-701-4878.
Important Note: Believe it or not, one of the most-requested items by various organizations helping people in need is socks. Luncheon attendees are asked to each bring at least one pair of new socks -- for men, women, and/or children -- to the party. They will be distributed to appropriate agencies.
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| Recent leaf removal work on the Terrace. |
Several people have inquired in recent days if Elite Landscape Services plans to return this season for more leaf removal. The simple answer is, yes.
Elite was last here on Friday, October 28 (see report here), which was just two weeks ago. As shared several times, our contract calls for lawn care through Thanksgiving. (Last year, work was done even as late as the first week of December because of a combination of weather factors.)
This autumn, persistently unseasonable warm temperatures are causing a slower rate of abscission (the leaf dropping process), so even though we have piles of leaves in some areas, many still are stubbornly clinging to the trees. If we are fortunate, more will fall by the time Elite returns -- which should be sometime next week, as company owner Jeff Mauro told us today.
President Bill Dowd plus Ned Alaskey and Bill Shover of the Grounds Committee had an in-person discussion today with the owner of Bay Contracting who handles our snow removal services.
Tim Robertson Jr., who purchased the company mid-winter last year, tells us he has added equipment since then, re-planned the removal schedule, and has arranged to subcontract a backup service in case of an emergency storm or equipment situation.
We reiterated that while Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle are dedicated city streets, Hyland Court and the mailbox gazebo parking area are not and need thorough snow removal. And, we shared with him the concerns several homeowners expressed at our recent Association meeting -- the timing of snow removal, the necessity to clear ice from walkways, where snow will be deposited, any "salting" services, clearance for emergency vehicles, etc.
Tim told us his basic plan is to plow early, then again in late afternoon/early evening, depending on the rate of snowfall, wind conditions, etc., to facilitate movement for people who need to leave their homes for work or errands. He also said as much snow as possible will be moved to the dead-end adjacent to the Savchik residence to keep it from clogging the width of Hyland Circle as sometimes has happened in the past. "Salt" will not be applied to driveways and walkways since so many people opt out of it, but Tim said he would do it upon individual request.
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| Hornets nest exposed. |
See that hive in the upper part of the photo? It is home to a colony of "bald faced hornets" that had taken up residence in an ash tree next to our deck. Or, should we say "was home"?
We had it removed today by a professional pest control technician, and are quite glad we did after learning about the dangers of this particular insect.
According to Thomas Pest Control, this is a particularly dangerous hornet because it literally spits venom at the eyes of intruders. In other words, you, if you try to remove or otherwise destroy the hive without using the proper tools and protective gear.
We share this adventure with the rest of the Terrace neighborhood because now that the majority of leaves has fallen from our trees such invasive insects' hives can be spotted. The best advice, if you need such things removed, is DO NOT DO IT YOURSELF. It's a dangerous proposition to do so. Our professional who handled the chore was suited up like an astronaut to face the task.
Bald faced hornets' nests can get to be as large as a basketball and hold up to 400 insects. In addition to being sprayed in the eyes, humans are in danger of swelling and severe itching from their stings.
-- Bill & April
Tomorrow -- Tuesday, November 8 -- is Election Day. The polling places in New York State will be open from 6 a.m. until 9 p.m.
Tuesday is Election Day. Friday is Veteran's Day.
Although Troy City Hall will be closed on both days, that will not affect pickup of garbage and recycling items.
So, please plan to put your garbage cans and recycling bins out on Thursday night for Friday morning pickup.
Some of us on the Terrace can vouch for the pleasure of having such a historic treasure just two miles south of us. And, they and everyone else may want to consider taking advantage of "Thanksgiving Pop Up Chapel Tours" at Oakwood.
On Friday November 25, there will be tours, at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., and 3 p.m., each limited to 25 people (including children). Admission: $10 per person, children under 12 free.
As the tour organizers at Oakwood say, "Do you have out-of-town guests coming for Thanksgiving? Are you wondering how you’ll entertain them after you’ve completed the turkey dinner? Here’s your chance to impress them with something completely different."
Registration is not required, but is preferred. Call 518-328-0090 to provide your desired tour time, name, phone, email, and number of people. The non-denominational chapel is handicapped-accessible.
Not familiar with Oakwood Cemetery except seeing it from the road as you drive past? The castle-like Gardner Earl Chapel is a National Historic Landmark with a Victorian interior that includes spectacular stained-glass windows, oak carvings, and marble mosaics.
The tour guides will give you the story of the young man who inspired the gorgeous building, and you’ll see why it is a popular venue for intimate weddings as well as social events, memorials, and funerals. You'll even have the option to peek into one of the old cremation retorts.
• This letter was emailed to all Terrace residents today.
Good afternoon, Terrace neighbors. A troubling topic has arisen -- unsafe driving on the streets of the Terrace. |
| The Arts Center in downtown Troy. |
• Donna's Italian Restaurant, Broadway and Franklin Alley• In the upper windows of the Arts Center at 265 River Street• St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 58 3rd Street• Troy Savings Bank Music Hall at State Street and Franklin Alley• Back of the Key Bank Building at 33 3rd Street• River Street stairwell off Monument Square
The website also has details on the partnering sites.
We're in that annual "twilight zone" of daylight when we gradually close in on the winter solstice (officially fully arriving on December 21) and, this coming weekend, setting our clocks back an hour. (*)
All that means that we all should exercise caution when driving through the Terrace because of the tricky lighting at various times of the day. Janet Fowler has a particular request for other residents and their visitors.
"Dear Terrace neighbors," she says. "Please use extra care when driving around our circle when it is dark out. I was almost hit by one of you this morning in front of the mail kiosk when walking my dog at 6:30 a.m. It is getting dark so early at night and staying dark longer in the morning, but dogs still need walking. Between people and deer one never knows what could be around the corner."
(*) Standard Time begins at 2 a.m. Sunday, so set your clocks back an hour when you go to bed Saturday night and enjoy the extra 60 minutes of snoozing.
If you're planning on voting in the current election cycle -- and we urge everyone to exercise that precious right -- you can avoid the Election Day (November 8) crush.
Early voting for anyone already registered in Rensselaer County is available at the Town of Brunswick office building, just off Route 7; at 500 Federal Street in downtown Troy near the Green Island Bridge, and in the Schodack Town Hall at 265 Schuurman Road.
The hours, available through Sunday (no early voting the day before Election Day):
The first major leaf roundup of the fall season took place on the Terrace today.
There's more to come, but now you can see the grass again!
Here are some images of the work detail in action.
