Alert: Nighttime thieves are on the prowl

A reminder to all Terrace residents whose cars are not garaged overnight: 

Be sure to lock your vehicles and don't leave anything of value visible inside. 

While we haven't had a car theft or break-in on the Terrace in several years, our neighbors in Highpointe aren't as fortunate. 

Steven Sanders reports he was told by a Highpointe resident that "there were several incidents there earlier this month, both caught on camera. One was a break-in of an unattached garage and the other was a person checking for unlocked cars on the road or driveways. Both occurred after midnight by different individuals." 

Just another reason to maintain all exterior lights so we don't have unnecessary darkened areas in the neighborhood.

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Former Terrace resident Dave Sampson passes away

Dave Sampson, who with his wife Arlene rented No. 2 Hyland Circle for a time, passed away last week.

Tom Wade says the Sampsons moved to Connecticut several years ago to be near family. Dave suffered from Parkinson’s disease for many years.

Fred Fowler notes that "Dave had been a lawyer in Troy for many years and his father was Steve Sampson from Pattison, Sampson, Ginsburg and Griffin. ... Dave was a good guy, but didn’t get out much when they lived here due to his illness."

Steven Sanders added, "David and Arlene were wonderful neighbors. Arlene was very personable and so was Dave although, as Fred said, he could not get out and about because of his advanced Parkinson’s disease. Dave fought without a complaint and courageously to the very end. May God hold him in peace and joy."

Dave's official obituary is available online.

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Memorial Day Parade returning -- in Lansingburgh

Parade route from park to park.

If you want to see Troy's revived Memorial Day Parade, just head down the hill to Lansingburgh on Monday, May 27.

The parade, halted during the COVID-19 pandemic era, is set to step off at 1 p.m. from Knickerbacker Park and wind up a bit north with a 3 p.m. memorial celebration in Powers Park with a 4 to 8 p.m. cookout and celebration at Forty-One Sports Grille where there will be live music by Brian Kane and the Beginnings.

The event will feature recruiting tables, youth activities (such as balloon animals, face painting, etc.), a cookout with the Troy fire and police departments, and other activities. 

In addition, the parade will feature the Lincoln and Welland Regiment, a Canadian infantry reserve regiment based in the Niagara Region of Ontario. The regiment traces its history back 230 years to Butler’s Rangers from Upstate New York and Pennsylvania. The Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the regiment have a long-standing relationship with the Veterans of Lansingburgh and attended the Memorial Day parade for over 20 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We are so excited to be able to bring the Memorial Day Parade back to Troy to honor our local veterans who have dedicated their lives to protect our freedoms,” said Mayor Carmella Mantello. “These events unite our community and build pride in our city.” 

PJ Higgit, a local veteran and advocate, said, “From a community standpoint, the parade is an important event that will help remind people to pause and remember the men and women who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in defending our great nation. Their sacrifice is the reason we are able to live in the most free and democratic country in the world.” 

Andrea Fairhurst, president of the Lansingburgh Central School District Board of Education, said, “Reviving the Memorial Day parade in Troy is a testament to our community's deep respect for those who made the ultimate sacrifice. It's a chance for us to come together, not just as neighbors, but as a community bound by shared values and gratitude. This parade is our way of saying 'thank you' to every hero, past and present, and ensuring their memory lives on in the heart of our community for generations to come." 

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Troy PD gets $362K technology upgrade grant

The Troy Police Department will be upgrading some of its technological anti-crime efforts, thanks to receipt of a $362,000 grant from the state.

Police Chief Dan DeWolf said, "Policing in the 21st Century has become increasingly technological and police departments find themselves struggling to keep up with emerging products and tools. This funding will improve our existing capabilities and enhance our ability to investigate and deter criminal activity in the city. The Troy Police Department is thankful for this necessary financial award."

DeWolf said the department intends to improve and expand the city's camera system, including network improvements. It also will fund the enhancement of license plate readers and the purchase of a new drone.

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