Annual Meeting to vote on officers, rules update

From THCA President Steven Sanders:

The Terrace at Highpointe Community Association (THCA) will convene its Annual Meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, October 30, at Faith Lutheran Church, 50 Leversee Road.

Our agenda will feature two major topics. One is the election of five members to the Board of Directors. Our Nominations Committee, chaired by Lorraine Bailey has nominated the following persons for election to two-year terms that began on January 1, 2018:

• Bill Dowd

• Ellen Gordon

• Jerry Gordon

• Sid Legg

• Steven Sanders

Many thanks to our three outgoing Board members Colleen Walsh, Joan Richardson, and Ned Alaskey. Each put in much time and effort ,and their service to our community is very much appreciated.

We also will consider changes to THCA operating rules contained in the Declaration and Bylaws. By clicking here you will find the updated product of our Rules Committee's efforts, chaired by Bill Dowd. The draft is presented in a pretty easy to read format indicating where the changes appear. If between now and our meeting you wish to suggest further changes or just make comments, don’t hesitate to forward those suggestions to me, and I will see to it that our Rules Committee receives your suggestions. If you wish to copy all our Terrace neighbors certainly feel free to do that as well. During the Annual Meeting there will be yet another opportunity to make whatever changes may be deemed appropriate.

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4th quarter dues deadline is October 1

A gentle reminder: Fourth-quarter 2017 dues must be paid no later than Sunday, October 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

If you are making financial plans for 2018, please remember Treasurer Jerry Gordon will accept dues payments on various schedules -- quarterly, semiannually, annually.  If you have any questions about that schedule, please contact Jerry directly.

Thank you.

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'Soft wash' roof service signup deadline is Tuesday

If you have an unsightly roof and want to improve its appearance -- as well as lengthen its lifespan by mitigating damage to shingles from black algae and green lichen growths -- you may want to check the signup sheet on the the Terrace mailbox gazebo bulletin board.

Ellie DeBonis has posted the sheet for those of us who would like to have the service. Usually, when we contract for services, the more of us who sign up, the better a price can be negotiated. The deadline for signup is this Tuesday, the day after Labor Day.

We're told that "soft washing," as it is called, works well without damage to the roof and is guaranteed for three years.

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The origins of Labor Day

From the U.S. Department of Labor:

"Through the years the nation gave increasing emphasis to Labor Day. The first governmental recognition came through municipal ordinances passed during 1885 and 1886. From these, a movement developed to secure state legislation.

"The first state bill was introduced into the New York State Legislature, but the first to become law was passed by Oregon on February 21, 1887. During the year four more states -- New York, Colorado, Massachusetts, and New Jersey — created the Labor Day holiday by legislative enactment.

"By the end of the decade, Connecticut, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania had followed suit. By 1894, 23 other states had adopted the holiday in honor of workers, and on June 28 of that year, Congress passed an act making the first Monday in September of each year a legal holiday in the District of Columbia and the territories."

For a more complete look at the history of Labor Day, as well as links to related stories and information, just click here

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A note from our president

Dear Terrace Neighbors:

It’s hard to believe the Labor Day weekend is upon us and summer is coming to a close. But, autumn in Upstate New York is spectacular, so let’s look forward to that!

And, with the onset of Fall comes our Terrace Annual Meeting. We will be gathering on Monday, October 30, at 7 p.m. in the Faith Lutheran Church located at 50 Leversee Road, so please hold that date.

Our agenda will be a busy one for that evening. We must elect our Board of Directors for the 2018-19 term. In addition, I expect we will be considering amendments to our Bylaws and Declaration. Those documents, with the full agenda, will be distributed to you in advance of our meeting in about two weeks. Of course, comments or suggested changes are always welcome.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy this holiday weekend. If you are traveling, be safe!

Steven Sanders

THCA President

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Why you're living on legendary land

An undated Times Union article tells the tale of Diamond Rock.

Did you know you live near a very historic piece of land, filled with legends arising from the time before Europeans arrived on the scene?

Thanks to Janice Dessingue who shared a yellowed newspaper clipping with The Terrace Times, here's an opportunity to revisit a story published in the Times Union about the tales of Diamond Rock, the granite outcropping overlooking the Mohawk Valley and, in the distance, the Helderbergs. The clipping, while not dated, probably was published just before construction began on the Terrace in 1995. It refers to the Highponte development's opening in 1990. It also provides a clue to the namesake of the Moneta Overlook group of homes abutting the Terrace and built well after the Terrace community was created.

Here is the full text of the story.

By TIM O'BRIEN
Staff writer

TROY -- High on a hill above Lansingburgh, hidden away behind the Highpointe housng development, is a large rock where a Mohawk legend says an Indian chief's wife once mourned and waited for her sons. And if you take a good look at its face, they say it's easy to trace the tracks of her tears.

Diamond Rock is the name of this natural feature, once a popular romantic spot for couples to park and now part of the walking path behind the Highpointe town houses.

The legend is recounted in the book "Body, Boots & Britches," by Harold W. Thompson, published in 1940, and in the 1971 history of Lansingburgh, according to information provided by the Rensselaer County Historical Society.

Moneta was the most beautiful woman in tribe and the wife of the old sachem Hohadora, the legend says. Her son Onasqua was captured by a band of Adirondack warriors and taken to the north as a prisoner.

Brokenhearted, Hohadora died and was buried by the riverside overlooking the Hudson River in Lansingburgh. According to custom, Moneta then lit a fire over his grave for four days to guide his spirit home.

Taendra, Moneta's other son, swore vengeance and set out to recover his brother.

At the end of the four days, Moneta moved from the spot where she had buried her husband, traveling through a swamp and up a hill to a large rock that overlooked the whole valley. As her second child left, Moneta kindled a fire on this rock and vowed to keep the fire burning as long as her son was away to guide him back to the camp.

She kept the vigil throughout her life, at the end being helped each day to the spot by younger Mohawks. One night, when she was very old, Taendra reappeared at last, carrying the remains of his brother as he had vowed. As mother and son tearfully greeted each other, their god Manitou sent a bolt of lightning to strike the rock. At dawn, the Mohawks followed the trail to the rock and found only the bones of Onasqua. Mother and son had had their spirits carried away in the lightning and the rock remained, glistening like a diamond.

"Look," cried one woman. "See Moneta's tears!"

Today, Moneta's tears are more difficult to see. They are located on private property, inside the Highpointe development, where one of the streets is named Diamond Rock Circle.

The way to the rock is just off the development's walking path, where a small dirt trail leads to the rocky surface. It looks more like granite than diamond, although a few chipped spots still shine in the afternoon sun. Where once Moneta cried, graffiti that announce "Bill + Caryl 5/23/89 4 Ever in Love" now dots the rocks.

Joseph Manupella, Lansingburgh native and a longtime public official, said the spot was once next to the Dawes Mansion, where gangster Legs Diamond allegedly once stayed.

"We'd go up there when we were kids," Manupella said. "You'd look over the city. Kids would go up in high school, to smoke a cigarette or have a Coke. Diamond Rock was kind of sparkly, nothing that would make you go up there with a pick and shovel."

When building the housing development in 1990, site coordinator Steve Coccetti said, the Michaels Group deliberately made certain that the rock was not only untouched, but that the path to it was reachable. "We brought the path around it," he said.

When the first homes opened in 1990, he said, Troy residents regularly stopped by to share their memories of Diamond Rock.

"I think a ton of them used to come up here and park," he said. "Most people don't even know there is a story behind why it's called that."

Though graffiti-spattered, Diamond Rock still boasts a magnificent, 180-degree view of the Mohaw Valley.

"You can see all the way to the Helderbergs and the Adirondacks," Coccetti said. "It is amazing how beautiful it is up here."

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Spruce-up and fix-up efforts around the Terrace

A  note from Lorraine Bailey:

I saw two elves working very hard to spruce up the "Terrace at Highpointe" sign today. It's great to see residents working around the Terrace to help keep our association dues down.

I'm sure everyone appreciates all the hard work keeping the Terrace looking as beautiful as it is.

P.S. Thanks Bob Malphrus and Paula Fox-Murphy for all your hard work.

A note from Bill Dowd:

Thanks to Ned Alaskey for his tireless work operating our Grounds Committee. His latest efforts include getting National Grid to paint the worn electrical box at theTerrace entrance and shepherding workers around to repair driveway damage incurred by winter snow plowing.

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Effective Aug. 19, you'll have to make your local phone calls differently

Effective Saturday, August 19, if you try calling a phone number in the 518 area code the way you always have, it won't work.

That is the start date for full implementation of the new "Area Code Overlay" for the 518 area code. That means in addition to our current 518, the same geographic area will include a new code -- 838. That is because they have virtually run out of new phone numbers for the 518 area.

You do not have to change your 518 area code. But, any new numbers issued on or after September 19 may be assigned an 838. However, to call anyone else with that code or with the new 838 code, you will have to use a 10-digit calling sequence just as you do now for long distance calls. For example, if you normally call your cousin Mary locally at 555-5555 you will have to dial 518-555-5555. And, for local calls to people or businesses that have been assigned a new 838 code number, you also will have to dial a 10-digit code such as 838-555-5555.

 If you want to get in the habit of the new requirement since it will become part of your way of life and there's nothing you can do about it, you can begin practicing by using a 10-digit sequence right now. If you forget and just use the usual seven-digit local numbers your calls will be put through until August, but not after that. This change may require a variety of changes for some people. For example, all numbers you have stored for automatic dialing on your cellphones or landlines, for answering machine messages, call forwarding, fax machines, speed dialers, internet dial-up numbers, safety alarm security systems and other such equipment will have to be reprogrammed with a 10-digit sequence. Likewise for any printed material -- checks, office stationery, websites, Facebook pages, pet ID tags, etc. Whatever you do not change will not work after August 19. Additional information is available online by clicking here.

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One small step for Terrace-kind ...

The former rust-pitted National Grid power box.

Hello Neighbors:

If there is one task  I'm proud of having accomplished, it is that the National Grid service box at the Terrace entrance way which was extremely unsightly with rust has been restored to its original condition with a fresh coat of paint.

I know our neighbor Terry Page would be very pleased, as are Susan and I.

-- Ned Alaskey, Grounds Chair

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New Terrace Board nominees announced for 2018-19

I am delighted to announce that our Nominating Committee, chaired by Lorraine Bailey, has selected three-term president Bill Dowd, Ellen Gordon and Sid Legg to serve on the Board of Directors for two-year terms beginning on January 1, 2018.

These nominations are, of course, first subject to approval from our Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association members who will vote on them at our annual meeting scheduled for October 30.

-- Steven Sanders, Association President

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On this Memorial Day ...

 

Beyond the cookouts, the holiday sales, the family trips, the picnics and parades there is a deep and profound reason for Memorial Day. 

Although we honor all military personnel, Memorial Day is specifically designated as honoring the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War but did not become an official federal holiday until 1971. 

The Civil War, which ended in the spring of 1865, obviously claimed more lives than any conflict in U.S. history because all combatants were Americans, and it required the establishment of the country’s first national cemeteries. By the late 1860s, Americans in various communities had begun holding springtime tributes to these countless fallen soldiers, reciting prayers and decorating their graves with flowers -- thus the original name of Decoration Day. 

Each year on Memorial Day a national moment of remembrance takes place at 3 p.m. local time. It is unclear exactly where this tradition originated. Numerous communities may have independently initiated the memorial gatherings. Nevertheless, in 1966 the federal government declared Waterloo, New York, the "Official Birthplace of Memorial Day." 

Waterloo, which first celebrated the day on May 5, 1866, was chosen because it hosted an annual community-wide event during which businesses closed and residents decorated the graves of soldiers with flowers and flags. On May 5, 1868, General John A. Logan, leader of an organization for Northern Civil War veterans, called for a nationwide day of remembrance later that month. “The 30th of May, 1868, is designated for the purpose of strewing with flowers, or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion, and whose bodies now lie in almost every city, village and hamlet churchyard in the land,” he proclaimed. 

The date of Decoration Day, as he called it, was chosen because it was not the anniversary of any particular battle. On the first Decoration Day, General James Garfield made a speech at Arlington National Cemetery, and 5,000 participants decorated the graves of the 20,000 Union and Confederate soldiers buried there. 

Many Northern states held similar commemorative events and reprised the tradition in subsequent years; by 1890 each one had made Decoration Day an official state holiday. Southern states, on the other hand, continued to honor their dead on separate days until after World War I. 

Although Memorial Day originally honored only those lost in the Civil War, American involvement in The Great War, later called World War I, made it evolve to commemorate American military personnel who died in all wars. For decades, Memorial Day continued to be observed on May 30, the date Logan had selected for the first Decoration Day. But, in 1968 Congress passed the Uniform Monday Holiday Act, a controversial decision that moved several major holidays from their traditional or historic dates to Mondays that gave federal -- and later on state and local -- employees three-day paid weekends. The law went into effect in 1971.

REQUIEM

by Robert Louis Stevenson

Under the wide and starry sky 

Dig the grave and let me lie: 

Glad did I live and gladly die, 

And I laid me down with a will.

This be the verse you 'grave for me: 

Here he lies where he long'd to be; 

Home is the sailor, home from the sea, 

And the hunter home from the hill.

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Snow removal procedure on the Terrace

From THCA President Steven Sanders:

Some of our neighbors have inquired about when our vendor is required to remove snow on our common areas, driveways and walkways.

Our contract with “Bay” requires them to plow the common areas as well as the driveways and walkways whenever the snow fall reaches three inches or more. Last Saturday they did that as the snow totals hit about four to five inches on the Terrace. Today’s snow event came in at around two inches and we have had several other snow events this season of the two inch (or less) variety. Our Grounds Chair Ned Alaskey keeps very close tabs on this. In fact during one of the recent snow days Ned was able to get Bay to plow the common areas for FREE although the snow total fell just short of three inches. Thank you, Ned!

Of course, the City of Troy is responsible for plowing the entrance to the Terrace as well as Hyland Drive and Hyland Circle. We are in touch with them as need be.

I should also make mention that our neighbor Tom Wade has been very instrumental in getting the City of Troy to correct several problems that cropped up associated with their plowing and salting. So, thanks also to Tom!

Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have a question about any of this.

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Celebrating Labor Day

 

This is one of many murals painted by artists across the country as part of the federal Works Progress Administration (WPA) from 1934 to 1943 to celebrate the range and energy of the American labor force. 

If you're not familiar with the Federal Art Project category of the WPA's efforts at rebuilding the nation as we came out of the Great Depression -- or even if you are and haven't seen examples in a while -- you can find a lot of information online. And, you can find an 11-image slideshow here from The New York Times. 

Here in Rensselaer County, the main U.S. Post Office on Broadway in Troy has such art on its lobby walls. Seen below are "Legends of the Hudson" and "Rip Van Winkle," both painted in 1938 by Waldo Pierce.

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Last summer bulk trash disposal near

The final date is coming up for the City of Troy's summer schedule for bulk trash disposal at the city’s Alamo facility, located on Main Street next to the Rensselaer County Jail.

The Alamo will be open on the third Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. through noon for bulk trash disposal on Saturday, September 17.

Troy residents may dispose of yard waste, tires (cost of $3 per tire) and bulk trash (furniture, carpets, etc.). This service is available to city residents who can present identification and proof of residency. Regular garbage, recycling, or hazardous waste materials will not be accepted.

For more information, residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 270-4579 or visit online.

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Troy picks planning/community development commissioner

Steven Strichman

Troy Mayor Patrick Madden today announced the selection of Steven Strichman as Commissioner of Planning and Community Development for the city. Pending approval by the City Council, he will begin serving on Monday, June 13.

“Steven understands the many challenges facing our upstate communities,” Madden said. “The unique set of skills and knowledge he brings to the position will be critically important in strengthening the diverse neighborhoods across Troy, expanding economic opportunity and help shape the long-term development of our city."

"I am excited to return to Troy to support and drive the transformation that is now under way,” Strichman said. “I look forward to working with Mayor Madden and the people of Troy, using my successful experience in planning and neighborhood revitalization to further the redevelopment efforts in the Collar City."

As Planning Commissioner, Strichman will oversee the Planning and Community Development departments and will work closely with the Mayor’s office and other departments to develop and administer projects, plans and programs to improve commercial, housing and economic conditions in Troy. He also will direct the implementation of the city’s Comprehensive Plan, its first in six decades, which is intended to guide development of the city for the next 20 years.

Most recently, Strichman was executive director of The Capital Region Land Bank and zoning officer for the City of Schenectady, where he oversaw zoning and planning operations, including community redevelopment efforts to address abandoned and blighted properties and regional initiatives. He has been the city of Schenectady's liaison to the Metroplex Construction coordination group that has driven Schenectady Economic Renaissances with new investment of more than $750. He currently serves as the secretary of the New York State Land Bank Association.

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Is July 1 on your summer budget list?

For those of you doing your budgeting before plunging into summer travel and other activities, a reminder that we're about seven weeks from the deadline for payment of your second-quarter THCA dues, which falls on Friday, July 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

As Treasurer Jerry Gordon has explained via various emailings, you can pay quarterly, semiannually, or annually. If you have any questions, just give Jerry a call.

Thank you.

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City sets summer schedule for trash disposal

City of Troy officials have just announced the summer schedule for bulk trash disposal at the city’s Alamo facility, located on Main Street next to the Rensselaer County Jail.

The Alamo will be open on the third Saturday of each month from 7:30 a.m. through noon for bulk trash disposal.

Troy residents may dispose of yard waste, tires (cost of $3 per tire) and bulk trash (furniture, carpets, etc.). This service is available to city residents who can present identification and proof of residency. Regular garbage, recycling, or hazardous waste materials will not be accepted.

The Alamo summer schedule:
• May 21
• June 18
• July 16
• August 20
• September 17

For more information, residents can contact the Department of Public Works at 270-4579 or visit online.

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Please be aware of this problem

This posting on the Terrace mailbox gazebo bulletin board is self-explanatory.

If you have any sort of standing water on your property -- such as birdbaths or water garden features without circulating pumps; persistent groundwater accumulation, etc. -- please be sure to get it remedied ASAP on an ongoing basis. Such conditions are incubators for mosquitoes and, as such, are public health dangers.

In addition to other mosquito-borne diseases, the deadly Zika virus currently is in the news as it spreads. You can catch up on the latest information on Zika by clicking here.

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What a difference a year makes

As I look out the window here on the Terrace on this 40-degree day I see grass, bright blue skies, and lots of sunshine.

When I looked out the same window on this date a year ago, here's what I saw.

AND, FROM THE WEATHER CHANNEL ...

(Click on chart to enlarge)

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Joe Alaskey, iconic voice actor, dies

Joe Alaskey

Joe Alaskey, one of the entertainment world's most recognized voice actors, died Wednesday at the age of 63.

Joseph Francis Alaskey III was born in Troy on April 17, 1952. He was the brother of Terrace resident John (Ned) Alaskey. They were the sons of the late Dorothy DeLuca, an early Terrace resident.

Joe, who had been battling cancer,  succeeded the late Mel Blanc as the voice of such iconic characters as Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Tweety Bird, Sylvester the Cat, and Plucky Duck. Joe also narrated numerous TV shows and provided voices for video games.

Joe received an Emmy Award in 2004 for his performance on the Cartoon Network's "Duck Dodgers." He also voiced the Grandpa Lou Pickles character on "Rugrats" for three films and the spinoff TV series, "All Grown Up."

He also supplied the voice of Richard Nixon in the film "Forrest Gump," Yosemite Sam in "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?," Stinkie in both "Casper" and "The Spooktacular New Adventures of Casper." And, he played Jackie Gleason in the TV movie "King of the World."

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New mayor's 'State of City' address online

Troy's new mayor, Patrick Madden, last night delivered his first "State of the City" address.

Go here to access a copy of the address.

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Troy water restrictions lifted

• This announcement from Troy City Hall was released today (1/26/16):

Mayor Patrick Madden today announced that the boil-water advisory for affected residents of the City of Troy has been lifted. The citywide water restriction and state of emergency for Troy has also ended, effective immediately.

“I want to thank all city employees, particularly our Department of Public Utilities crews, for their tireless efforts to repair the affected main and restore water service to our customers during last week’s break,” said Mayor Patrick Madden. “We will continue to monitor the system while exploring long-term solutions to address the widespread issue of aging water infrastructure that impacts many of our upstate communities.”

The recharging of the water system required a Boil Water Order be issued by the City of Troy as required by the New York State Department of Health. As a result, a limited boil-water advisory was issued to affected businesses and residents by the City of Troy on Saturday, January 23. All those affected by the boil-water advisory were verbally notified by the Department of Public Utilities on Saturday.

Additional information and updates will be available on the City of Troy’s official Twitter page. It can be found at http://twitter.com/TroyCityHall. 

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In memory of Harvey Bailey

• This is the obituary supplied by the family of our beloved neighbor Harvey Bailey. Harvey was a dedicated volunteer for the Terrace at Highpointe Community Association for many years.

Harvey S. Bailey, of Troy, passed away Sunday January 10, 2016, at home surrounded by his loving family and caregivers after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

He was born in 1934, in Albany, to the late Harvey A. Bailey and Mary (Yakaitis) Bailey. He was a graduate of St. Joseph's Academy in Albany. In 1956, he married Lorraine Gervais and together they raised four children, his greatest joy. Harvey was employed by A & B Auto Supply in positions of increasing responsibility for over 40 years, retiring in 1995.

Harvey enjoyed doing home repair and remodeling projects at home, for his neighborhood association and especially for his children. He enjoyed traveling to the country's beautiful national parks, playing golf and relaxing in Florida and at his condo in Ocean City, Maryland. He was an avid New York Yankees fan. He was a communicant of St. Mary of the Assumption Church in Waterford, N.Y.

In addition to his loving wife of 59 years, he is survived by his children, Robert Bailey of Albany, Kim (Michael) Zebrowski of Clifton Park, Dennis (Mary) Bailey of Delmar and Mary Ann (Philip) Spiezio of Greenwich; brothers James Bailey and William Bailey. He was predeceased by his brother Daniel Bailey. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren; Julia and Kara Zebrowski, Amanda and Michael Bailey and Philip, Jeremy, Victoria and Alyssa Spiezio and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Dr. Charles Weissman and the staff at NYOH, Landmark and The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County. Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Harvey's family Wednesday, January 13, 2016, 4 to 7 p.m. in the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, now located at 208 North Allen Street, Albany. Funeral services Thursday, January 14, 2106, at 9 a.m. from the Lasak & Gigliotti Funeral Home, Albany thence to St. Mary of the Assumption Church, Waterford at 10 a.m. where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. Interment will immediately follow the Mass at Our Lady of Angels Cemetery, Albany.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Assumption Restoration Fund, 119 Broad St, Waterford, NY 12188 or to The Community Hospice of Rensselaer County, 295 Valley View Blvd., Rensselaer, NY 12144. To leave a message for the family please visit LGFuneralHome.com.

Your new THCA officers for 2016-17

Steven Sanders

Our new Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association board selected Steven Sanders as president at its organizational meeting. Like all board members, he will serve a two-year term.

This is Steven's first go-round on the board, and we thank him for his community spirit. Also new to the board is Ned Alaskey, who now is second vice president and chair of the Grounds Committee.

Joan Richardson returns as first vice president, Jerry Gordon as treasurer, and Colleen Walsh as secretary.

Our thanks to outgoing president Claire Steiner and outgoing second VP John Victor for their diligent service.

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1st quarter dues deadline near

A gentle reminder: First-quarter 2016 dues must be paid no later than Friday of next week, January 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

Treasurer Jerry Gordon recently sent out an e-mail to all of you explaining the various ways to pay -- quarterly, semiannually, annually -- as well as a reminder that there is a slight increase in dues from this year. If you did not receive such a notice, please contact Jerry ASAP.

Thank you.

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A classic family Christmas image

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Garbage pickup schedule for holidays

Troy City Hall has announced that there will NOT be the usual Friday garbage pickups this week or next because of the holidays.

Instead, please be sure to put your garbage cans and recycling bins out on Friday night for Saturday pickup this week and next.

Best wishes to all for a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, and a lot less garbage in your lives.

-- Bill Dowd

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A very happy Thanksgiving to all

This oil painting by the iconic artist Norman Rockwell is called "Freedom from Want." It also is known as "The Thanksgiving Picture" and "I'll Be Home for Christmas."

It is the third work in the "Four Freedoms" series of four oil paintings by Rockwell inspired by President Franklin D. Roosevelt's 1941 State of the Union Address, a speech known as "Four Freedoms."

The painting was created in November 1942 and published in the March 6, 1943 issue of The Saturday Evening Post magazine. All of the people in the picture were friends and family of Rockwell in Arlington, Vermont, who were photographed individually and painted into the scene.

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Thanksgiving holiday trash pickup

Don't forget to put out your garbage cans and recycling bins on Thanksgiving night for Friday morning pickup.

Troy city officials said that while that schedule, which is normal for the Terrace and surrounding neighborhoods, will be in force there will be no bulk trash pickup on Friday because sanitation crews are doubling up to pick up refuse normally picked up on Thursdays in other neighborhoods.

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1st quarter 2016 dues coming up

A gentle reminder: First-quarter 2016 dues must be paid no later than Friday, January 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

Treasurer Jerry Gordon recently sent out an e-mail to all of you explaining the various ways to pay -- quarterly, semiannually, annually -- as well as a reminder that there is a slight increase in dues from this year. If you did not receive such a notice, please contact Jerry ASAP.

Thank you.

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Update: New Troy City Charter passes

UPDATE (11/4/15): Voters in Troy passed by about a 2-to-1 margin the proposed new City Charter that was presented on the Election Day ballot in the form of a ballot question.

(Originally published 10/5/15)

There will be more for Troy voters to select than mayoral and City Council candidates in November. There also will be a ballot question asking for a simple "yes" or "no" vote on a new City Charter.

The proposed Charter is the result of eight months of public hearings, open working sessions, and periodic updates from an appointed nine-member bipartisan Charter Commission. (Full disclosure: The terrace's Bill Dowd is a member of that panel.)

It is the first full-fledged updating since the 1970s of the document that delineates how the City of Troy is governed.

If you haven't already checked out the new Charter, you can access it, or a simplified executive summary of its major points, on the City's own website. Click here.

Just look for both links as shown in the accompanying illustration.

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'Meet the Troy Candidates' this Tuesday

If you want to get a closer look at the candidates for the office of mayor and for City Council, Tuesday will be the day.

The Troy Neighborhoods Action Council will host a “Meet the Troy Candidates” forum from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Troy Middle School, 1976 Burdett Avenue.

The panel will be moderated by Lisa Lewis, former editor of The Record.

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Annual fall meeting set for October 5

The annual fall meeting of the Terrace at Highpointe Community Association will be held Monday, October 5, at Faith Lutheran Church on Leversee Road (Route 40), opposite the city's Buckley Water Plant.

If you cannot attend but would like to have your vote cast on any matters, you must give your written proxy to the eligible voter of your choice. That also helps us have an official quorum since a proxy counts as attendance.

As always, there is only one vote per residence, not per person.

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4th quarter dues are due

A gentle reminder: Fourth-quarter 2015 dues must be paid no later than Thursday, October 1.

As always, you can save the cost of a stamp by dropping your payment in the white lock box below the mailbox gazebo bulletin boards. Checks should be made payable to THCA.

Treasurer Jerry Gordon earlier sent out an e-mail to all of you explaining the various ways to pay -- quarterly, semiannually, annually, etc. Thank you.

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Scenes from a pizza party

Here are some images provided by Nadeen Thompson from this summer's Terrace Pizza Party. It shows what can happen when you combine a rainy afternoon with pizza and fun-loving folks.

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A very special day coming up on May 25

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Welcome to our new neighbors

Please join us in welcoming our new neighbors.

John and Patti Paccione have moved into 19 Hyland Court.

Give them a welcome wave next time you walk or jog past their new abode.

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Are you in need of driveway repair work?

Precision Roads and Driveways will, as was announced at Monday's THCA General Meeting, be doing some major paving work on the Terrace in the near future.

The Ravena company will be restoring Hyland Court and the mailbox parking area.

While Precision has its crew and equipment here, it is offering to repair/patch/repave any residential driveways in need of such work, at what Ground Committee Chairman John Victor terms "a deep discount."  (If you wish to check the Angie's List review of the company, click here.)

John has posted a signup sheet on the mailbox gazebo bulletin board. If you wish to avail yourself of the paving service, please print your name and telephone number on the sheet next to your house number. Precision will contact you and give you an estimate for the work.

If you have questions beforehand, please call John at  874-1459, or e-mail him.

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Christopher-LaVine umbrella to cover wine shop

The news that Vic Christopher and Heather LaVine are planning to open another downtown Troy venture is not surprising. Their track record of revitalizing decrepit buildings and turning them into vibrant places of business is well know.

Proposed shop site.

Their latest project is a "retail boutique wine shop," according to plans they submitted to the city on Tuesday. It would be located at 22 Second Street, not far from their Lucas Confectionery Wine Bar which is located at No. 12, near Monument Square.

The plan is to offer only small-batch wines from small makers, the sorts of wines that have proven popular at their wine bar.

The plan for redevelopment of the long-vacant building is similar to the process the husband-wife team used to create their wine bar, The Grocery food market and their tavern-restaurant Peck's Arcade: Stabilize the building throughout, then concentrate on street-level renovations to create the business space.

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Memorial service set for Gerry Claeys

Geraldine Claeys

A memorial service for Geraldine (Gerry) Claeys has been scheduled for 10 a.m. Tuesday, May 19.

The venue will be the Transfiguration Parish, located at 17 South Main Street in Schaghticoke, about a 10-minute drive from the Terrace.

Our friend and neighbor Gerry, the beloved wife of Joe Claeys, passed away on November 6, 2014. You can read her obituary here.

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If you plan any exterior painting ...

Painting reminder: Anyone who plans to repaint the shutters, doors and trim on their residence must adhere to the approved color list.

Under our bylaws, exterior paint colors cannot be changed without prior written consent of the THCA Board of Directors.

The list can be downloaded from the selection of Terrace documents available by scrolling down the right side of this page. In some instances, paint codes have been changed since originally posted, but professional paint sellers can match the necessary tint.

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Annual outdoor spring cleaning coming up

The Terrace's annual "Spring Cleanup" effort is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, June 6.

The project, which will be headed up by Bob Malphrus who will assign the individual tasks, is a great way to help maintain the appearance of the common grounds of our community, as well as get to better know the many new residents we have throughout the Terrace.

So, get your hats, gloves, water bottles and hand tools ready and meet us at the Mailbox Gazebo shortly before 10 o'clock that day.

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Charter Review Commission hearing Friday

Employees of the City of Troy have been invited to address the city's Charter Review Commission beginning at 10 o'clock Friday morning at City Hall.

Terrace resident Bill Dowd is one of nine members of the bipartisan Commission charged with offering an updated, modified version of the document to voters on the November ballot.

Members of the Commission are not compensated for their work in any way.

The public is welcome to attend, as it is for all meetings of the Commission. This is the fourth of five planned hearings. The first three were (a) open for public comment, (b) open for comment from the mayor and city department heads, and (c) open for comment from members of the City Council.

If you are not familiar with the City Charter, you can access it online by clicking here.

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