National Grid won't remove debris

• The extensive piles of fallen trees, brush and debris behind homes at the start of Hyland Circle prompted me to inquire of National Grid -- the European company that a few years ago took over our power needs and uses the motto "The Power of Action" -- what it planned to remedy the situation. (Scroll down for a copy of my letter.) Here is National Grid's response. Obviously, we will have to continue looking into a remedy for the matter:

Dear William,

A storm can damage a few trees in a small neighborhood, or it can affect thousands across a wide area. Regardless of the size of the area impacted, National Grid is responsible for only clearing storm damaged trees and/or limbs from our electric lines and facilities in order to: restore service, allow reasonable access for emergency service restoration, and ensure future service reliability.

The disposal, processing and cleanup of storm generated tree debris removed from, or over National Grid facilities, or to provide emergency access, remains the responsibility of the owner of the tree (or trees).

Sincerely,

National Grid Customer Service

Because the area in question is a National grid right-of-way, we're stuck with that decision. However, there is a possibility some of the wood will be removed by a third party which should help mitigate the problem.

The overall topic will be part of the agenda for our Monday, May 4, meeting.

Membership meeting coming up

A reminder:

Our spring membership meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, May 4, at Faith Lutheran Church, opposite the city water facility.

See you then. If you have any agenda items, please contact Secretary Pat Whitman no later than Thursday of this week.

Tree debris problem being addressed

A large swath of land running roughly behind Nos. 1-4 on Hyland Circle has been laid waste by grounds crews working for National Grid.

Nadeen Thompson said she had asked the crews when the debris would be removed, but was given a non-commital answer.

I called National Grid today and was asked to put the problem in writing. I did so, hoping that isn't just a stall tactic on the part of the utility. Here's the text of the e-mail complaint I registered today:

I am writing as President of the Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association, located off Oakwood Avenue (Rt. 40) in Troy, NY.

An area of woods was clear-cut behind the homes of several of our members in the aftermath of the winter ice storm. What was left behind by your crew is both an esthetic and public safety issue.

Huge tree trunks, some as much as four feet in diameter, and untold amounts of brush and debris have created a tinder box situation, and the condition in which the area was left -- by the crew, not the weather -- will potentially affect the value of the homes.

We would appreciate immediate cleanup of the area, which is near your Oakwood Avenue facility. Please contact me at the number listed above to ascertain a date for this cleanup so I may share that information with the other Terrace homeowners.

Thank you.

Quarterly dues deadline is April 1

A reminder to all Terrace homeowners:

The dues for the 2nd Quarter of 2009 are due by Wednesday, April 1.

Please send your payment to Treasurer Kathy Murray.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Storm cleanup at last

After several postponements, mostly due to -- irony of ironies -- bad weather, the cleanup of debris caused by this winter's largest ice storm on The Terrace was cleaned up.

Our grounds crew gathered up cuttings from damaged trees that had to be taken down as well as broken limbs and branches some of you hauled out to the roadside.

Next up: Crossing our collective fingers for sustained warm weather and then the annual Terrace Cleanup, with a date to be set, Mother Nature willing.

Radon venting in progress

In case anyone notices some venting work being done at No. 13, it's safety-related.

During the building inspection prior to the sale of No. 13 (Leona Lohnes' former home), unsatisfactory radon levels were noted. Thus, the owner has scheduled remedial work to be done and informed the Terrace board about it.

If you are curious about radon in homes, as well as removal methods and other details, click here to go to the Radon Information Center.

Tree debris pickup Tuesday

The several-times-delayed pickup and chipping of Terrace tree debris left over from the ice storms of earlier this winter now is set for Tuesday, March 10.

As noted in earlier e-mails and Website postings, the workers also will be hauling away any tree debris you have dragged out to the road -- broken branches and limbs, any pieces you may have trimmed off, etc.

REMEMBER: While the cost of that, as well as the felling of several severely-damaged trees, is being borne by the Terrace Homeowners Association treasury, if you engage the workers to do any additional work -- for example, taking down any trees or doing any additional trimming on your private property -- THE COST IS YOURS.

Thanks for your patience during this period in which weather has delayed having this work done.

Tree debris cleanup set

The work crew will be on the Terrace tomorrow (Tuesday, Feb. 17) to begin taking down several Terrace-owned trees severely damaged by the recent ice storm.

They also will be hauling away over the next week or so any tree debris you have dragged out to the road -- broken branches and limbs, any pieces you may have trimmed off, etc.

The cost of all that is being borne by the Terrace Homeowners Association treasury. However, if you engage the workers to do any additional work -- for example, taking down any trees or doing any additional trimming on your private property -- the cost is yours.

Thanks for your patience during this period in which weather has delayed having this work done. And, for you non-skiers, wish hard for spring.

Guess who?

This photo was e-mailed to me yesterday by a certain gloating neighbor. I'll leave the identification of this winter-challenged quartet up to you.

Keeping up with local news

In case you missed the notice, this site offers you a 24-hour-a-day link to the top news stories for Troy and Rensselaer County.

Just click on the links in the right-side "rail" to connect with online sites from local newspapers, magazines and TV stations from throughout the Capital Region. Plus, updated weather reports and statewide news headlines.

'Winter Toyland,' the 2009 holiday party

Our third straight year at The Epicurean at Sterup Square was another success in a string of Terrace holiday parties.

The December 14 event drew 33 people, and literally dozens of toys were donated to our Toys For Tots outreach.

Here are some images captured at the event by Bill Dowd, who co-chaired the event with April Dowd.

Ice storm damage being cleaned up

We lost a number of trees to the recent ice storm -- one on each side of the Terrace entrance and one in the common area -- and are having their remains carted away this week, weather permitting. As always, thanks to Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester for jumping on the situation.

If you have broken limbs, branches, etc., from the storm, please put them on the road in front of your house Wednesday and Thursday. They will be picked up and fed into a chipper as part of the cleanup service for which the Terrace is paying.

However, if you do not put the debris out this week and a service call is required in the future, you will be individually charged for the service.

Questions about the process should be directed to Harvey, our Grounds Committee chairman. If you can't reach him, call Tom.

Terrace ducks major ice damage

The overnight ice storm of December 11-12 that left tens of thousands of Capital Region homes and businesses without power did a bit of damage at the Terrace, but it apparently was confined to trees and shrubs.

We lost several trees near the entrance up from Oakwood Avenue (thanks to Harvey Bailey and Tom Chichester for cleaning up tree debris). Mary McKeever found a downed tree on her deck. Nadeen Thompson lost a tree, Shirley Fischer reported some water damage. And, a quick trip around the Terrace showed that we have split branches and limbs here and there.

Speaking of Nadeen, she shot these photos for us of National Grid crews working in the trees behind the first "block" of Hyland Circle where sagging crossarms on several telephone poles needed bracing.

Beware those gift certificates

Paula Fox contributes this holiday tip:

I wanted to give everyone a heads-up that if you intend to give gift cards around the holidays, you need to be careful that the cards will be honored after the holidays.

Stores that are planning to close after Christmas are still selling the cards through the holidays even though the cards will be worthless January 1. There is no law preventing them from doing this. On the contrary, it is referred to as "bankruptcy planning."

Here is a partial list of stores you need to be cautious about.

• Circuit City: filed for Chapter 11
• Ann Taylor: 117 stores nationwide closing
• Lane Bryant, Fashion Bug, Catherine's: to close 150 stores nationwide
• Eddie Bauer: to close stores 27 stores and more after January
• Cache: will close all stores
• Talbot's: closing specialty stores
• J. Jill: (owned by Talbot's) closing all stores
• Pacific Sunwear: (owned by Talbots) closing
• GAP: closing 85 stores
• Footlocker: closing 140 stores, more to close after January
• Wickes Furniture: closing
• Levitz: closing remaining stores
• Bombay: closing remaining stores
• Zale's: closing 82 stores, 105 after January
• Whitehall: closing all stores
• Piercing Pagoda: closing all stores
• Disney: closing 98 stores, more after January.
• Home Depot: closing 15 stores
• Macy's: to close 9 stores after January
• Linens and Things: closing all stores
• Movie Galley: closing all stores
• Pep Boys: closing 33 stores
• Sprint/Nextel: closing 133 stores
• JC Penney: closing a number of stores after January
• Ethan Allen: closing stores
• Wilson Leather: closing all stores
• Sharper Image: closing all stores
• KB Toys: closing 356 stores
• Loew's: to close down some stores
• Dillard's: to close some stores

Going downtown? Wear galoshes

In case you haven't heard, our fair city's antiquated underground water system has sprung another major leak.

This one is in the Monument Square area opposite City Hall. A major water main break flooded the area, and a number of stores' basements, yesterday and crews still are working on repairing the damage.

About that single vote ...

If you haven't voted yet, the polls are open until 9 o'clock tonight.

If you don't think your little vote can make a difference, read this.

Winter Toyland Holiday Dinner

Remember the joy of childhood when you eagerly unwrapped that special holiday toy you'd been hoping for?

Or, perhaps there was a year when your holiday -- be it Christmas or Hanukkah or any other special day -- wasn't as rich because times were leaner.

This year we'll have the opportunity to make sure the first sort of memory is the kind local underprivileged or unfortunate kids have.

Each of us attending the annual Terrace Holiday Party on Sunday, Dec. 14, is asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy. We'll collect them and make sure they are delivered to local charities serving families in time for that special morning.

As for our traditional gift exchange, everyone who brings a present will get a present.

By the way, it's not too early to e-mail or call event chairperson April Dowd (238-1950 or april_dowd@yahoo.com) with your reservation for the party. Here are the details and the menu. Please pick one entree and let April know when you make your reservation.

What: Winter Toyland Holiday Dinner
When: Sunday, December 14, 4:30 p.m.
Where: The Epicurean, Route 7, Raymertown
How Much: $35 per person (excludes tax and gratuity)
Reservation Deadline: December 2

THE MENU

For the cocktail hour: European Sideboard

• Cash wine bar

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

• Fromages Artisanaux & Pâté du Chef
Assortment of farmstead cheeses & chef’s artisanal pâté served with French bread & crackers

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

• Calamar à la Provençale
Sautéed calamari with tomatoes & garlic in a white wine reduction

Dinner

• Veal Oscar
Pan-seared veal scaloppini served over rice with crab meat, asparagus and a zesty lemon Hollandaise sauce

• Suprême de Volaille en Roulade
Roasted chicken breast stuffed with tomatoes and basil, served with white wine sauce, sautéed cabbage, carrot and onion

Salade de mesclun

Delicate field green salad served with 12-year-old balsamic vinaigrette

Dessert

• Gâteau au Chocolat
Chocolate flourless cake served with fruit coulis, Epicurean coffee or Harney teas

Minutes of October 6, 2008, meeting

The Terrace at Highpointe Homeowners Association
General Membership Meeting
October 6, 2008
Minutes

I. Roll Call:

20 units were represented. Absent: 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28, 31, and 33.

II. Introductions & Announcements:

• A moment of silence was observed in memory of Leona Lohnes.
• 5 Hyland Circle has been sold and the Drs. Hong are now in Louisville, KY.

III. Minutes of May 2008 Meeting

The minutes as submitted were approved without dissent.

IV. Report of the Treasurer

Kathy Wade distributed the 2008 Asset Summary and the 2008 Budget/Expenditure Report. A motion to accept the report was made by Joe Jasiewicz, seconded by Bill Wade and approved without dissent. Several 4th quarter dues are still outstanding and members are reminded that a late fee is applied when payments are more than 10 days in arrears.

V. Reports of Committees

• Grounds: Harvey Bailey reported that (1) the new contract for Vintage Landscaping includes an increase of $700 and an amendment that allows for surcharges if the cost of diesel and/or mulch increases; (2) the contract for snow removal was increased $25 for each time for 3-12” of snow and each salt application was increased from $90 to $110.

• Beautification: no report. Thanks from all to Betty Looney, Harvey & Lorraine Bailey and Kathy Wade for another great job.

• Architectural: Request, for an all-season room at 12 Hyland Circle, was reviewed and approved.

• Rules: No report.

VI. Old Business

• Summer picnic 2008: A good time was had by all. Thanks to Nadeen Thompson, Polly & Bob Hayward and Terry Page.
• Summer picnic 2009 committee: Amy Willard (Chair), Joe Claeys, Claire Steiner, Maryanne Gordon and Nadeen Thompson.
• Road repairs: Bill Dowd spoke with Troy DPW Commissioner Bob Mirch and was told that this is a low priority for the City of Troy.
• Exterior Paint colors: Members are reminded that paint must be chosen according to the information that has been distributed. Additional copies are available from the Board Secretary.
• Neighborhood garage sale in 2009: Motion by Paula Fox-Murphy, seconded by Nadeen Thompson received three votes in favor. Motion did not pass.

VII. New Business

• 2009 Budget: Unchanged from 2008. A motion to accept the report was made by Trent Cox, seconded by Bill Wade and approved without dissent.

• Holiday Party 2008: This will be held at the Epicurean. Bill & April Dowd and Joe Claeys will organize.

• Continued thanks to Polly Hayward for arranging for the meeting room for membership meetings.

• The next meeting will be held at 7 p.m. Monday May 4, 2009, at Faith Lutheran Church.

Meeting adjourned at 7:45 p.m.

-- Submitted by Patricia E. Whitman, Secretary of the Board, October 6, 2008.

4th quarter dues are (over)due

Have you paid up?

The fourth and final installment of your 2008 Homeowners Association dues was due on October 1.

Dues are $355 per household. If you haven't yet paid, please get your checks to Treasurer Kathy Wade ASAP.

Thank you.

EMPAC ready to make an impact

The Troy community and the Capital Region will see a great expansion of its arts and media scene when the Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) at RPI opens on Oct.3.

As its directors say, "We invite you to enjoy three weekends of world-class artistic performances and workshops, premieres of EMPAC-commissioned artworks, presentations of research at the frontiers of science, and social events ranging from black-tie elegant to come-as-you-are eclectic."

You can browse EMPAC's Web site by clicking here, but here's a quikck rundown on the opening events:

October 3-5: Gala Weekend

... offers audiences an introduction to the EMPAC program and mission with performances ranging from 15th-century choral music performed in a 21st Century concert hall to late-night DJ-VJ parties. Beauty, delight and audacity populate the weekend’s events, in work that challenges expectations as it engages and privileges the senses. A Presidential Colloquy and the official Ribbon Cutting begin the weekend — and the festivities.

October 9-12: Symposium Weekend

... brings together an internationally diverse group of directors from leading research institutions to share their work in the arts, design and media-based research, spanning augmented reality to the visualization and auralization of scientific data. Arts events, performances, installations and exhibitions continue throughout the long weekend.

October 17-19: Homecoming & Family Weekend

... focuses on the greater Rensselaer community. Events and performances ranging in media and style — including many student groups — will reflect the diversity of interest on, and beyond, the Rensselaer campus.

(Thanks to Nadeen Thompson for the heads-up.)