Dues are due by Oct. 1

The quarterly dues for the Terrace at Highpointe Homneowners Association are due in the hands of Treasurer Kathy Murray Wade by Sunday, Oct. 1.

If you haven't mailed your check, made out to the Terrace H.O.A. in the amount of $320, please do so immediately.

Under our bylaws, the Board can assess a 15% late penalty for any dues 12 or more days in arrears.

There is a practical matter for that penalty. Because our association is self-funded, late dues payments adversely affect interest paid on the Association's bank account. In other words, paying late ends up costing everyone.

Thank you.

Practical safety tip

This posting was put on our Web site earlier this year. After taking apart the ductwork used to vent our clothes dryer and removing a shockingly large amount of accumulated lint, I felt compelled to re-post it. -- Bill Dowd

• Dryer Vent Safety -- Accumulated lint in clothes dryer vent pipes poses three problems: (1.) It reduces the efficiency of the dryer, which means the appliance has to work harder and wears out sooner; (2.) Drying longer takes more power, which costs you money, and (3.) it poses a fire hazard because the lint is flammable.

Rich Polsinello suggests looking into an extendable cleaning brush (he got his through Brookstone) that can be used both from the dryer end and from the exterior vent end to thoroughly clean the pipe.

For more information on dryer safety and efficiency, just click here. You'll be linked with the Web site for Underwriters Laboratories Inc., the organization that does the major testing of appliances and devices found in homes and offices. There is a wide range of safety test notes on other products included on the site.

Moneta runoff being addressed

The City of Troy finally is making some headway in helping fix the water runoff problem caused by the contractor ignoring proper setbacks and other requirements in building Moneta Overlook practically on top of some Terrace residents.

In an e-mail to Trent Cox which Trent shared with us, city engineer Russ Reeves wrote:

"Attached please find a letter addressed to Dewey Delsignore requesting a meeting to mitigate this issue.

"As you are aware, the City is unable to enter private property to perform mitigative work, but rather it is the responsibility of the developer/ site contractor to mitigate these issues. I view these mitigation measures to be readily solvable with the installation of a shallow swale directing surface water to the rear portion of the project site.

"I will ask that the developer explore the possibility of a curtain drain in as well. The curtain drain consists of #2 washed stone in a two-foot wide trench and is approximately 3 feet in depth. Four-inch diameter perforated pipe is placed at the bottom of the trench within the washed stone envelope. Filter fabric is placed around the stone to prevent fines from entering and clogging the stone and pipe. The swale addresses surface water issues while a curtain drain addresses ground water mitigation. The installation of a curtain drain will be dependent upon achieving adequate grades on the site which will need to be field determined by the site contractor.

"Because this issue has been occurring for quite some time, I will ask that you share a copy of my letter with the Homeowners' Association because these drainage issues could become problematic for the Terrace at Highpointe subdivision. If the contractor does not address this problem, the Homeowners' Association should intervene and install this shallow swale section.

"I placed a call into Dewey Delsignore who recently had a newborn son and is placing a week off. My engineering assistant Mr. Mark Pesce will keep you apprised when Mr. Delsignore can address this issue."

The letter from Reeves to Delsignore reads as follows:

September 5, 2006

Dewey Delsignore
c/o Delsignore Blacktop Paving Inc.
42 Brick Church Road
Troy, NY 12180

Re: Moneta Overlook Subdivision at Terrace at Highpointe

Dear Dewey:

I wanted to touch base with you regarding the Moneta Overlook subdivision.

A drainage problem was inadvertently created during the grading and filling of lot #1 at the Moneta Overlook subdivision. Fill had been brought in, placed, and graded in and around the foundation. This is specifically shown in Photograph 1, which is looking in a westerly direction at the filled and graded area and along the foundation of lot #1. Sheet flow from this graded area flows in a northeasterly direction towards the adjacent residence, which is owned by Mr. Trent Cox within the adjoining Terrace at Highpointe subdivision. This sheet flow has been adversely affecting his property and is introducing water into his basement.

During our field recon, we noted that it would be possible to install a shallow swale placed to the rear of the Moneta Overlook subdivision and paralleling the lot lines along the Terrace at Highpointe. This drainage issue could be readily mitigated with the installation of this swale so as to redirect runoff away from Mr. Cox’s property down towards a drainage area to the rear (west) of the development, as depicted in the direction of Photograph 2.

Apparently, this matter has been occurring since the grading of the Moneta Overlook site. I view this matter to be readily solvable and I would ask that you contact my office so that we can discuss a possible solution.

Thank you for your consideration.

Very truly yours,

Russ Reeves, C.Eng., P.E.
City Engineer

LATE CHANGE: Planning board postpones

The Troy Planning Board meeting scheduled for tonight has been postponed until 6 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 17.

The last-minute change was made because several board members are on vacation.

Diamond Ridge on Thursday city agenda

The City of Troy Planning Board has put the Diamond Ridge expansion project on its agenda for the 6 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 10, meeting at City Hall.

Because this comes under "old business," it should be discussed early in the session, a welcome change for those of us who have fidgeted through seemingly endless meetings in the past.

Here's how the project is described on the agenda:

PB2006-010 - Preliminary Review of a proposal to construct 17 two-family apartment buildings for senior living. Project location is Harris Road. Applicant is Omni Housing Development, 40 Beaver Street, Albany NY 12207.

Cruisin' with the classics

Enjoy classic cars, like this 1939 Chrysler?

There will be plenty of them at the 18th annual classic car show at the Schagticoke Fairgrounds a short drive from the Terrace this Sunday, July 30.

In fact, there are numerous classic car shows and events throughout the Capital Region this summer. A complete schedule is available every Thursday in the "Autos Weekly" section of the Times Union.

Meeting notice

The Terrace Homeowners Association Board will meet at 7 p.m. Thursday, July 27, 2006, at the home of President Bill Dowd.

Record-setting Terrace summer picnic

from the picnic eve pizza party seen here through Jerry Gordon's camera lens ...



... right down to ...

The event: The annual Terrace Homeowners Association Summer Picnic.

The record: The first time we've been rained on.

The outcome: Despite a torrential downpour, we were not rained out, and a good time was had by all.

The ad hoc picnic committee that put together the South Pacific luau themed event included "coordinator" Kay Duclos (who preferred not to be called "chairperson"), Nadine Thompson, Julia Austin, Polly Hayward, Joe Claeys, Shirley Fischer, Paula Fox and Betsy Murphy.

Background music from "South Pacific" opened the way for a men vs. women a cappela singalong, with Joe Claeys and Bill Dowd taking brief solo turns when the men sang "There Is Nothing Like a Dame" and the women gamely plunging ahead as a group pledging "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outta My Hair." Professional performers need fear no competition.

In addition to various games, a variety of prizes were awarded, including generous ones from Tom Chichester and our lawn care specialist Mark Vincent. Rich Polsinello, in a farewell performance now that he and Leslie have sold their abode, added spice to the afternoon when he showed up during the men's chorus dressed as a "dame," complete with wig, grass skirt and coconut-shell bra.


Here are more candid shots from Bill Dowd, followed by a batch from Jerry Gordon:
















And, from Jerry again ...

Performing seals

There's nothing like some driveway sealer, trim painting and landscape trimming to make a neighborhood shine.

Weather permitting, the landscaping is getting caught up. We have a signup sheet at the Post Box Gazebo for the other two items: trim painting, which is recommended at least every five years for all Terrace residences, and sealing, the newest signup sheet.

If you haven't signed up, we'd recommend you do since (a) it's necessary maintenance that helps maintain property values for everyone, and (b) the more people we get signed up the better prices we can get for labor and materials.

A diverse weekend awaits you

Looking to something to do on a hot July weekend? Lots of things are going on in Troy this Saturday and Sunday. Some examples:

SATURDAY

Little Italy Neighborhood Tour -- The two-hour event begins at 10 a.m. Here's what the organizers say about it: "While originally the home base to a number of ethnic groups, this area of the city maintains an Italian atmosphere dating from the early 20th Century. Stretching from downtown south to the famous Gasholder building, it is home to new and old businesses, restaurants, and owner-occupied residences. The former outdoor marketplace is being reborn as the site of weekly craft fairs and bocce ball competitions." Cost: $15 per peson. To register: Call 274-5267.

Powers Park Concert Series -- A free public event from 6 to 8 p.m. at the park, 111th Street and Second Avenue. Al Bruno/Neil Diamond Oldies Night. Bring your own lawn chair. Refreshments available.

SUNDAY

Oakwood Cemetery Tours -- Emma Willard & Her Notable Pupils, At Rest Together, 1-3 p.m. An official of the Emma Willard School will meet you at the Earl Chapel, talk about some of the school's notable 19th Century graduates and lead a short tour of some of their gravesites. Wear walking shoes. Cost: $12 per person. To register: 556-6273.

Collar City Live free concert series -- 7 p.m., the Bluz House Rockers appear at RiverFront Park in downtown Troy. The band offers multiple vocals and instrumental work, playing originals as well as covering classic rock, R&B and blues. Band member Bob Boyer plays nine instruments.

Check in the mail?

Today, July 1, is the day our 3rd quarter dues of $320 are due.

If you haven't mailed your check yet, please do so right away so Treasurer Kathy Wade can keep our accounts up to date.

Thank you.

Terrace gets a trim and a cleanup

As you drive around the Terrace, you'll note things are a lot neater.

That's because a small but energetic band of Terrace residents took things in hand Saturday and, after several rainouts, carried off the annual Terrace Cleanup Day.

With the unstoppable Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester leading the way -- without these guys the Terrace wouldn't be in half as good a shape as it is, April Dowd and Kay Duclos hand-scrubbed the mailbox gazebo, a huge job in itself; Bill Dowd buzz-cut the shrubs around the gazebo, then joined Harvey to trim the shrubs in the island near the gazebo, much to the consternation of the feathered residents of No. 36.

Harvey, Tom and Lorraine Bailey worked the entranceways to the Terrace, trimming, raking and fertilizing.

Manning, or womanning as the case may be, the rakes and cleanup were Ginny Chichester, Betty Looney, Russ Golino, Jack Coyne, Julia Austin, and Tom and Jack hauled away the debris.

We had 17 people signed up to help for the first cleanup date, but that was rained out along with the subsequent date. Today, we had a mere 11 out of a Terrace population of more than 50 people.

Here's a camera's-eye view of what went on today. Missing from view is Bill Dowd who took the photos.

About that cleanup ...

Our twice-rained out Terrace cleanup day is morphing into a catch-as-catch-can project.

Our stalwart outdoors guys, Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester, plan to do whatever chores they can throughout the week as the weather permits. Harvey has posted an optimistic new date of Saturday (June 17) for the formal cleanup day.

Helping hands still are needed any day, so if you have a little spare time call Harvey (233-8579) or Tom (235-9216) to find out what needs doing.

Red threads among the green

Look familiar? Those brownish-red patches infesting lawns all around the Terrace and elsewhere are caused by something scientists and lawn care specialists call "red thread."

It won't ruin the lawns, except esthetically. A shot of high-nitrogen fertilizer will allow the grass to reclaim itself because the disease is only in the upper part of the blades, not at the roots. We're checking with our lawn service about that.

The cause? Big surprise. An excess of rain and some unseasonably cool temperatures.

The Plant Disease Diagnostic Clinic at Cornell University advises lawn owners to avoid overwatering, especially in the late afternoon or evening. So, it makes sense to turn off those automatic sprinklers until the problem is resolved.

If you want to read up in detail on the red thread problem, just click here.

Diamond Ridge not on this week's agenda

The Troy Planning Board tells me the Diamond Ridge expansion project is NOT on the agenda for this Thursday's board meeting.

If you're curious what is (I can assure you there's nothing that impacts the Terrace), just look on the list of links at the right, click on the city Web site, and go to Planning & Zoning to get the agenda.

Cleanup day set for June 10

Now that we've entered what seems to be a more settled spell of weather, it's time for the annual Terrace Spring Cleanup Day.

Harvey Bailey, Lord High Commissar of Grounds, has decreed this Saturday, June 10 (we were rained out last weekend), the day. We'll gather at the mailbox gazebo at 9:00 a.m. and get to work weeding, trimming, picking up, and doing whatever else Mr. Bailey deems in need of attention.

Bring comfy shoes, work gloves, sun hats, bug spray, pruning shears, plastic trash bags and anything else you think may be helpful. Music is cool, too, although we suspect this won't be a crowd that appreciates hip-hop or rap.

If you haven't already put your name on the signup sheet at the mailbox, please do so. We'd like this to be an event that involves everyone at the Terrace rather than the same core group of people doing all the work all the time.

See you Saturday.

This job is a real pane

If you see a flurry of re-construction work going on around the Terrace this week, you can be sure of three things:

• It's June.
• It's not pouring.
• A lot of windows are being replaced.

Of course, if it is raining, the first point still applies.