A 7 Nations Celtic Pub
95 Ferry Street in Troy!

Goods and Services Wanted & For Sale...

Employment:

TRIP is Seeking a Full-time Cleaner/Painter/Maintenance Technician for Immediate Opening
Salary based on experience, benefits available Requirements: clean drivers license and own vehicle. Applicants will be screened. Hours: 8 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday – Friday; occasional weekends on call To apply: Send resume to Sarah or call 272-8289 x208. TRIP is an EOE.

Looking for a Fun Volunteer Opportunity?
The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) needs volunteers to work on projects - organizing manuscript collections, searching surrogate records, transcribing diaries, typing library cards, helping visitors search for ancestors. Pick your project & hours. Great opportunity to learn about the history of Troy & Rensselaer County. Contact Stacy at 244-6850, or Kathy at 244-6849.

Need Mother’s Helper
Looking for a mother's helper for a couple of hours, once or twice a week, in the Osgood neighborhood. Meisha & Roddy have a 2 1/2 year old boy & need an extra pair of hands and someone who has experience with care of energetic toddlers. Your own transportation is a bonus but not required; flexible hours. Please call Meisha at 272-1608.

Looking for a Mother’s Helper?
Downtown's Allie Lockrow Lindsay is available to help harried parents. Contact her at 518- 322-7847. Available most days and weekends, local references available.

Grants:

Child Care, Schools, Lessons and Tutoring:

Montessori School of Troy Opens!
Morning Star: Montessori School of Troy is now open and is accepting applications. For applications, contact Maryann Montgomery at 764-2208.

Unity House Offering Day Care and Pre-School
Flexible schedules are available to accomodate many child care needs. Call 273-1586 to learn more or to schedule a tour. Find out more...

Guitar or Language Lessons Available
Think1st! resident David Naples is available to teach guitar lessons, specializing in classical guitar, at a rate of $15/half hour. He has a degree in music from Oneonta. David is also offering beginner and intermediate language lessons in Latin and/or German for $15/half hour.If interested, please contact David at 607-287-1151.

What a Racket - Tennis Lessons
Cedric Gaddis, Head Tennis Coach at the Sage Colleges will be offering tennis lessons (ages 8-adult) at Prospect Park. Lessons are $35 for an hour and a half session. If interested email or call (518) 244-3146.

Then Rock on...with Bass Lessons
Learn the fundamentals of rock, blues&gospel bass guitar from Joe Abbey at your place. Call Joe at 274-6434.

Natural, Joyful Learning!
Tap into your strengths and interests to explore the world around you! Tutoring and educational services based on respect and empowerment offered by experienced, knowledgeable, and responsive teacher. Emily is a parent, life-long learner, and RPI graduate who is passionate about sustainable community and the interconnection between all things. Specializing in math and science, but open to all subjects. One-on-one, small group, and homeschool/unschool situations. Reasonable rates and open to bartering. Email Emily!.

American Sign Language Help Available
Troy resident Jillian Thorniley is a local volunteer with Albany Sign Group, an organization which provides free DVDs in ASL for deaf clients. Looking for assistance regarding ASL? Contact Jillian!

Volunteer Opportunities:

Hope 7 Community Center Offers Services and Space
Searching for locally available community resources? Looking for an opportunity to volunteer or build community? Need space for an event? Check out Hope 7 Community Center! You can find out more on their website...

Troy Downtown Collaborative -
We are currently looking for volunteers to assist us with several events in Troy. Anyone interested can contact Elizabeth Young at 518-727-9786 or email her.

Capital District Community Gardens Seeks Volunteers
Find out more here!

Great Weigh to Lose Weight – Carriers Needed
Newsletter carriers needed. Deliver the newsletter, meet neighbors, lose weight. Call Lynn at 274-6434 to volunteer.

Hospice Homecare Volunteers Needed
The Volunteer program serves seriously ill people and their families during the process of dying and grieving. Volunteers are needed to provide socialization for homecare, nursing home and hospital patients and respite for family members. If you desire a meaningful experience, are a good listener, are reliable and dependable and enjoy being with people, the Hospice experience may be for you. Many current volunteers say that Hospice work is the most rewarding experience of their lives. For info, call Historic Sage’s Deb Henderson at 274-5689.

Feline Therapist On the Way
To find out more about Delta Society "pet partner" training for animals who visit nursing homes/ hospitals, call (425) 226-7357 or visit their website. To become a Community Hospice volunteer (animal or human) in Rensselaer County, call 285-8114.

Prospect Park Needs You
Looking to volunteer? The Friends of Prospect Park invite you to join their Board which meets once a month. Prospect Park, one of Troy's gems, is a 100 acre park located at the top of Congress. The Friends work with the City to maintain & preserve the park's beauty & offers picnic facilities, a playground, hiking trails, tennis courts, amazing vistas and a place to just relax & escape the city heat of summer. Info, call Peter at 273-1500.

Pet Care:

POUNCE Update
POUNCE served 10 cats in December. Please don’t abandon your pets! Thanks to the Park’s Jackie Baldwin for a rescue of a Siamese. We have 3 to place. Call Lynn at 274-6434 to foster or adopt. Funds desperately needed as demand for services is at an all time high.
For Adoption (Free):
Several kittens and young cats are available – shots, spay/neutered and ready to go. Call Lynn at 274-6434.
Donations
Thanks to Suzanne Benson for stamps; Neil Grabowsky at Celery for printing; Julia Rosen for postage; Brenda Taylor & Dan Lennon, Lynn Lindskoog, Sandra Daigler & Don Windelspecht, Alex Dupuy and Jennifer Burrell for general support.

For Adoption: 2 Cats
I have two cats that I need to find a family for. Alvin is a gray tiger and is about 4 years old. He is very shy, but very loving and loves to be held, snuggled, etc. Samantha is a black and white long haired cat with extra toes. She is about 10 years old. She is very sweet and definitely a princess. She likes to sit next to you on the couch and sleep next to you. They are both litter trained. I have developed severe allergies to them and just cannot give them the life they deserve. Both cats were rescues and have been with me since they were kittens. Please contact Christine at 518-669-3368 with any questions or to interview Alvin and Samantha.

Female Calico Cat available – very cute and loving
Spayed, shots. Friendly. White boots and bib. Currently being fostered in outdoor setting (protected doghouse set up). Needs placement ASAP. Call Agnes at 588-9155.

Pet Sitting and More
Greta Edmonds is happy to be back in town and is offering a home based service including: pet sitting, dog walking, house sitting and personal errands. Email Greta or call her at 892-9964.

Free Stuff:

Look Through My Window - Free to Good Home
Think 1st’s Caroline Westort has old doors/windows from an earlier renovation of 184 First Street. Dozens of old produce baskets as well (peaches, apples). All still usable and stored in her carriage house. Call to carry away for free! 817-1714.

Donation Requests:

For the Benefit of Others
The YWCA at 21 First Street is looking for Craft Supplies: Glue; glue guns/sticks; Poster board; Wooden items for painting; Paints; mini photo albums. Please remember them during your next vist to the Dollar shop or craft store. You may contact them by email or by phone at 518-274-7100.

My Sister's Closet at the Troy YWCA is in need of items such as: clothing racks; larger size clothing; accessories, jewelry/ bags Microwave; linens (single size)/blankets; conference tables; chairs for community meal room/trainings Dorm size refrigerators Fans for community meal room for summer Plastic tables/chairs for outdoor use. Drop off at the front desk. You may contact them by email or by phone at 518-274-7100.

Items Wanted:

Kayak Storage: Got a Canoe or Kayak? Or a garage?
I am looking for fellow paddlers who want to share a storage unit for their boat at SpareRoom on Green Island or might have a local storage solution for my 17 foot Kayak. Please email me or call 315-685-1033. Thanks!

Items or Services For Sale:

Avon Calling
The Park's Courtney Powers is now an Independent Avon Sales Rep in our area. She wanted to remind all that this isn't your grandmother or mother's Avon. There are new promotions and products coming out soon. This includes new products in the Anew line of skin care and partnering with Tiny Tillia which brings quality products for mother and baby. If interested, please contact Courtney at 339-9426.

Housecleaning Available
Reasonable, THOROUGH housecleaning services available. I am looking for a few more local clients, Mondays-Wednesdays. Pet-friendly, references available. Free estimates...I like to charge by the job, NOT by the hour, because I take a little longer to get the job done RIGHT! Email Terri, or call 518-273-6783.

Get Rid of Dust Bunnies
The Park’s Jasmine Ceniceros recommends her friend Jeanette for house cleaning services. She is available anytime. Contact Jasmine at 917-710-6612.

Wanted: Dirty Homes
Downtown’s Erika & Lauren Groff recommend their friend Carol for cleaning your house. She is reliable, efficient, and offers great rates. Call 518-328-6868.

House Sitting
Historic Sage's Bob Stolar is ready to provide security to your residence. Bob can perform all duties as required. He is reliable, mature and trustworthy. Contact Bob at 944-4242.

Apartment Prep Services
General painting and cleaning. Contact Ryan at 275-3923.

General Maintenance Work
Little Italy’s Charles Pott is available for all types of repair work. Give him a call at 378-8404.

Make Yours A Garden of Earthly Delights
The Theater District’s (Downtown’s Fourth Street) Dave Kropp is now available for landscaping your green spaces. Call him at 322-1063.

Interior Design Services
Need to freshen up your environment? Want more color in your life? Consider having Virginia do a consultation for you. Virginia has 27 years of experience doing interior design, including color consultations, wallpapering, faux finishing, painting and marbling, and the preparations necessary to prepare the surfaces. For info, call 518-235-2015 or 518-961-2894. You won't be disappointed! Recommendations from Washington Park residents who have employed Virginia are happily given upon request.

Art! Gallery at 200 First Street Offers Classes
Mary Wheeler's gallery at 200 First Street is offering A full slate of classes and workshops. Starting in February we will be accepting payments with MasterCard and Visa! Come in and see all the new Artists works.... more arriving every day! Art is pleased to announce that the Holiday Boutique will remain open until March 1st and has ALL NEW pieces all new Artists and LOWER price points for the perfect one of a kind gifts... How can you resist a gift that was made by a LOCAL artist with their hear and soul.... Come in we are open Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30-5, Friday from 11:30-7 (Troy Night Out from 11:30-9)and EVERY Saturday and Sunday from 10:30-3. We are closed Monday and Tuesday. Support a Local Business and Local Artists... Visit the website for more info, or contact Mary at 326-3946. We also have a Blog, and you can Tweet us at ArtGalleryTroy. Stop by for news and info on EVERYTHING at Art!

New Classes at The Arts Center
Check out their list of offerings; The Arts Center offers many opportunities to be creative!

Pottery Lessons
The Broken Mold offers children and adult pottery lessonsat 284 River Street. Call Bianca at 518-273-6041 or visit them on the web.

ArtCentric!
Downtown’s Deb Lockrow is now at 274 River Street. The new location is a gallery, unique gift store, office for ART Photography & a portrait studio. For info, call Deb at 518-272-4278.

Clay Studio Offers Classes and More
Angela Kanaan of Historic Sage operates her Clay and Decorative Painting Studio. She is now offering classes. Studio hours by appointment, please contact Angela at 518-326-2975.

Collar Works Gallery
444 River Street, third floor. Gallery hours are by appointment.

Got the Photography Bug?
The Photography Center of the Capital District is a cool place to meet fellow photographers, and learn more about photography's history, equipment, and techniques. This membership-supported facility offers three stories of almost everything photographic: a gallery for contemporary images; exhibits of cameras and images spanning more than 100 years; a consignment store selling used equipment; a shooting studio; computer workstations with a variety of scanners, burners and printers; a media center with projectors and HDTV for viewing photo and video productions; a reading/research floor with thousands of books and collections of periodicals past and current; equipment for do-it-yourself mounting, matting, Polaroid transfers and copying; and space for meetings, workshops and salon nights. Check out their website to learn more!

ANOTHER WOMEN-OWNED SMALL BUSINESS IN TROY!
Calling all athletes, couch potatoes, runners, aerobics gurus, power walkers, the overweight, the underweight, the under-muscled, yogis, college students, seniors, moms, grandparents…you name it! Collar City CrossFit has something for YOU! CCCF is located in Monument Square at 251 River Street. We offer daily classes designed to build on all of the components of fitness, from strength and coordination to agility and endurance. Stop by to sign up for a free intro class or contact us by email.

New Store to Meet Our Needs
Debbie Halse has opened Thrift & Gift Boutique at 45 Third Street. She has lots of kids clothing & other merchandise. Check it out from 10-5, Mon-Sat. Don’t forget to pick up new sneakers at Third & Broadway.

Always Improve!
Offering Painting, Cleaning and Minor Repairs. Contact Ryan at 256-8529 or visit the website.

These Talking Walls Design
Interior, exterior, decorative and faux painting. Contact Historic Sage’s Angela Kanaan at 518-892-3765.

Add a Little Zip to Your Wardrobe
Little Italy’s Rose Neander is a talented jewelry designer/ maker. Her company, Rose Metals Jewelry, makes 100% handmade metal jewelry from sheet metal (copper, nickel, brass, sterling silver). Rose uses artistic techniques to create unique textures & designs in her pieces. Shop for Rose’s creations at Artcentric, 274 River Street or Artique (Plaza 8 Shopping Ctr, exit 8, Northway), or on the web.You may also contact Rose for info about the pieces.

Re:Vision Design/Enchante Tea Room
Gladys Hirsch has opened a new art gallery/boutique/tea room on River Street. The new store combines Gladys' love of art, recycled materials, and tea into on location. Gallery openings happen each Troy Night Out. Boutique items are all made from recycled materials...help save the planet and look amazing doing it! As for the tea room, come in sip, sit, and enjoy. Bring your laptop, bring your friends. Looking to hold a meet-up for your group? Look no further stop in today and say hello (169 River Street). Check in on Troy Night Out for other special events.

The Purrfect Cup
The Park's Courtney Powers has really got into tea in the last few months. So much so that you can often find her daily at the Enchante Tea Room sharing her love of tea with others. But her love doesn't end with selling tea. She also enjoys writing about it. Tea reviews and views....you may just learn something.

Check out Katie’s creative work!
Osgood’s Katie Nare announces her jewelry studio/bead gallery at 377 Second Street. Katie’s studio is open by appointment; call 441-0200 or email for more information.

X’s to O’s – Vegan Bakery
X’s to O’s Vegan Bakery, 97 Fourth Street specializes in vegan cream-filled baked goods, cakes, pies, cookies & just about anything else you can think of. Talk to owner Sarah Preston about the goods. Call 315-868-0099 for more info. Retail hours: Thursday-Saturday from 11-7.

Saving Your Sole
We have had requests for where to go for shoe repair & rebuilding – Troy Quick Shoe Repair, 81 Third. 274-2431.

Guitar Man
Fifth & Grand’s Klem Mazurowski of Cathedral Music (1813 Fifth Ave, 273-5138) has lots of guitars and accessories. Stop in & pick out a few chords.

ENJOY Troy!
at Segel Violin at 44 Third Street.

Troy Shares: Thinking Outside the Bucks!
Troy Shares is a time bank, facilitating service exchanges among neighbors. Members make offers and requests, trading time, not money, to help meet each others' needs. Exchanging with neighbors strengthens social ties and helps decrease the cost of living. Troy Shares builds community by multiplying and deepening our interactions. Members have already given/received services such as: childcare, house painting, appliance installation, energy efficiency consulting, meals, car rides, bicycle repair, pet sitting, etc. New members receive 3 Troy Shares Hours in their accounts for attending an Orientation meeting at which they will meet other members, learn about the time bank, and can arrange their first exchange(s). For more information about Troy Shares and future Orientations, e-mail or call Emily (518) 590-6061 or Abby (917) 698-3296. Register by email or 917-698-3296.

Syma's Stuff
Syma's Stuff is a locally owned business specializing in gourmet food items, small housewares and gift baskets. We bring to you delicious condiments and snacks that have been carefully selected for quality and taste. Syma's Stuff features natural, organic and special diet products. Our housewares include a wide range of traditional and more specialized products for people who like to cook and entertain. Please contact Syma for additional information. We look forward to hearing from you.

A Call for Vendors From a TightKnit Community
Tight Knit is a craft and art event that showcases handmade wares from 100% independent artists and artisans! It's a great atmosphere full of fun, community and live music! Check out their site for more info!

Visiting Cooperstown?
Dory Dawson has opened Studio 52, a gallery featuring the work of local artists and artisans. The gallery is located at 52 Pioneer Street, just a short walk from Main Street and the Baseball Hall of Fame. Gallery hours are 10AM to 6PM every Wednesday through Sunday. Contact Dory or call 518-515-0676 to find out more.

No Excuses...They Want You!
Collar City Athletics has opened its doors! Located in the basement of at 251 River Street (former Riverspark Visitor Center location next to the old City Hall) and in easy walking distance for most downtown Troy residents, Collar City Athletics is a great way to get in shape. Owners Heather Field and Jessica Lasky Wold are both certified Level 1 Crossfit trainers and Crossfit affiliate. Crossfit is a particular type of training; it is versatile and offers something different every day. Jessica and Heather would be happy to talk with you about the program (both your fitness and nutrition needs) and can be reached by email. You can find them on the Web or on Facebook. If you are looking to simply to improve your fitness or you are hoping for a total body transformation, you should definitely check out Collar City Athletics.

She's Not Blue on 4th
Jean Krueger of Allblues Sewing and Alterations is happy to be located at 199 4^th Street. Email Jean or call 867-5023 for more info.

"all buildings are equal" t-shirts for sale at AllBlues
Think 1st's Nancy Klepsch is offering a limited number of poetry t-shirts at Allblues, 199 Fourth Street. The tee-shirt was inspired by her poetry installation called "about this building". Nancy says, "I realized this building was here before I was born, and it will be here after I am gone. I wanted to honor Troy's architecture, and I was wondering if anybody felt the way I do. I made this tee-shirt for folks who feel like me about their homes." Tee-shirts come in sizes S to 3XL, are long sleeve, 100% cotton and white in color.

Get 'e ko ligic al!
Credit cards are accepted at the studio and online. Contact Kathleen Tesnakis by email or at 518-274-0813.

Music from Maria Z.
“Petty Feet & Mistletoe” is the well received Christmas cd by classical and flamenco guitarist, Maria Zemantauski. With her usual style and flair, Maria Z. celebrates traditional songs of the season with a few surprises along the way. These instrumental renditions of classics are arranged for solo guitar and guitar with cello (Monica Roach), percussion (Brian Melick) and bass (Scott Petito). With an original cover illustration by artist, Jane Reineke and masterfully engineered and co-produced by Scott Petito, the spirit of “Petty Feet & Mistletoe” is simple ---- may we all rest in the comfort of tradition and the warmth of family, friends, music, love and peace on earth. Feliz Navidad! You can purchase the cd online at safe, secure and efficient cdbaby.com - just follow this link: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mariazemantauski.

TROYBOY, TROYGIRL T's
RIVER ST.TROY NY & FOURTH ST. TROY NY tee-shirts are on sale at Flavour Cafe, 4th & Washington and at Allblues Sewing Service, 4th and Division. Special orders available. Call 518-272-4972 for info.

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words
Getting married? Hosting an event? Got cute kids or grandkids? Check out the photography work of two of our professional photographer residents: Debra Lockrow (691-0007) and Michael Dzaman.

SidBuilds: We Build Community!
SidBuilds offers Energy Efficienct Building Renovations, Quality Hand Crafted Furniture, and Community Development Activities. SidBuilds is located at 384 Second Street in Troy, NY. Questions? Contact Sid Fleisher at 518-272-1944.

Need a Carpenter?
Simon Burke-Lipiczky brings a wealth of knowledge from 15+ years of experience in cabinetmaking, residential construction, and boatbuilding to your project. Whether you need cabinets, display cases, or custom, one-of-a-kind woodworking, he is happy to work with you to solve challenging design problems in your home or business. References from local resident clients are always available. You can reach him at 272-5408.

Need a Mason?
Eugene Lugowski did a great job repairing the Brownstone steps at 224 Third Street and is available for other masonry work as well. Call him at 459-6173.

Silver Fox Salvage Now in Albany
Silver Fox is a local Architectural Salvage company in Albany which carries a variety of items helpful for renovation of older homes. We feature Architectural Salvage, Reclaimed Wood, Antiques and a variety of Home Decor. Fred says call us at 518-431-0606, visit our website or stop by our location at 20 Learned Street in Albany to check us out!

Will's Pet Care
Cat and dog sitting in your own home - at a reasonable rate! Call Will Kozersky at 308-3166. Will is the son of Historic Sage's Deb Henderson.

Dance the Night Away Hélène Lesterlin, Washington Park resident and curator of dance at EMPAC, launches a website for ATLAS Dance, a dance production company. Sign up for events mail list, email for more info, or just take a peek: www.atlasdance.org.

Healing Arts, Massage Therapy:

Collar City Massage
By appointment only at 135 Second Street. Relaxing & therapeutic massage in a tranquil environment. Sliding scale available. Call Jessica at 516-375-1235.

New Classes and Workshops at Waltja Center:
The Waltja Center at 157 First Street in Troy is pleased to announce the arrival of Troy Community Acupuncture. Troy Community Acupuncture provides treatment for a wide variety of conditions with a sliding fee scale of only $15.00-40.00 per treatment. Call Eric (the acupuncturist) at 810-7053 or visit his website.
Neighbors and service providers, consider planning classes & events with the Waltja Center, your neighborhood community-access healing space at 157 First Street in Troy. Meet with clients & deliver your treatment modalities in the private therapy room. Go to the website for more info and details about Waltja Center offerings. And, be sure to call Charle-Pan at 366-3400 with any questions you may have about Waltja.

White Sands Massage Moves to Broadway
Greta Taglione, LMT invites you to visit her new location at 455 Broadway in downtown Troy. She is located next to Francesca's Cafe, and is near the Post Office and Holmes and Watson. Hours for appointments are MONDAY-FRIDAY 10 AM - 7 PM, SATURDAYS 10 AM - 4 PM and SUNDAYS 10 AM - 4 PM. Please contact Greta at (518) 272-3636 or visit their website to schedule an appointment.

Clinical Dimensions, LLC Back in Downtown Troy
You've asked about it, maybe you've thought about it, and now I am bringing natural nail services and facial waxing back to River Street. inside Espirit Salon. Michael Nofal has graciously allowed me to share his space on Wednesdays.
Appointments are preferred so that I can plan the day and have enough supplies. Hours will be generally from 11am -5pm or by appointment. which means I will be flexible and take appointments earlier and later depending on your needs. Just ask!
Services:
Express mani, file and polish or buff and oil $15
Manicure, includes cuticle work and soak as well as above $25
Shellac mani, the new gel/polish hybrid that lasts 10-14 days $38
Pedicure, soak, file, cuticles, massage, polish $45
Expert waxing service for faces, brow $12 lip $10, also chin and side of face, combine and save.
Call or text 518.466.4031 or email me.
And, please continue to come to my quiet, private studio in Wynantskill for facial services and body treatments!

Yoga, Yoga!
Ongoing drop-in yoga classes happen on Mondays in downtown Troy. Classes are taught by Little Italy's Joely Johnson Mork and are suitable for all levels of experience. Come to Christ Church United Methodist's community room located on State Street between 4th and 5th. Classes are Monday evenings, 6-7:15 pm, $10 fee. Bring a mat if you have one. See www.troy-yoga.com for more information.

Bekandze Bodywork
Massage & energy work for the mind, body, and spirit. Little Italy’s Nathanial Neander (LMT, RMT) specializes in deep tissue massage customized to facilitate healing/rejuvination for every client. He provides a calm, relaxing environment in an historic Troy brownstone at 1835 Fifth Avenue. Sessions by appointment only, so call today at 274-0330; 928-5244 to take the first step towards health & well being.

Even More Yoga
The Yoga Room's Cecily Bailey has many options for fitness, strength and flexibility. Call her at 899-4372 or visit the web to find out more.

Shanti Yoga Opens on Second Street!
Shanti Yoga Studio is offerening a variety of yoga programs at 135 Second Street. Go to their website for info or call Suzanne Nicklas at 788-4988.

Got Stress?
Osgood’s Elizabeth and Andrew Kasius are completing their Yoga Teacher Training and are teaching classes in Troy at CEO (Commission for Economic Opportunity) on Wednesday evenings from 5:30-6:30pm. It is a beginner’s class, open to anyone seeking some stress-relief & improvement in flexibility & well-being. $10 fee. Call Andrew/ Elizabeth at 326-1769 for info.

Get Togethers and Notices :

SAWDUST Writers' Group
Have you ever wanted to write a story, a book, or an article for a magazine? Do you have a piece that you’ve written and don’t know what the next step is to get it out there? Or do you need the motivation to just get started or put the finishing touches on that story that’s been staring back at you for who knows how long? Writer’s block? Writer’s cramp? First time or seasoned writer – there something here for each of you. This is the place for you to be! We have a network of published writers, editors, illustrators, printers, publishers, a web site developer geared toward book sales and marketing and a professional sound technician for CD and tape recordings. We can show you how to acquire ISBN numbers and apply for copyrights for printed and audio material. We can simply be a sounding board for your ideas and material. So get started – get going and write!We have a wealth of information and great people willing to share with you. NOTE: This is an informal group not a business. Meetings are held at Discovery Hall, 426 Second Street, in South Troy on the third Thursday of the month from 6-9PM.
Call 272-4766 for more information.

Knit One, Purl Two
Troy Knitters is a newly formed group that joins stitchers with all abilities for fun, learning and knitting. Everyone is welcome and you can attend as frequently as you like. The more the merrier! The loosely-knit group will meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of every month from 6-7:30 pm at Flavour Café at 230 Fourth Sreet. For additional info, email them!

Have You Got Your Bag?
Market Block Books is trying to reduce their use of paper/plastic bags in order to be more environmentally friendly. When you make a large purchase, MBB will ask you if you'd like a free canvas bag. MBB only asks that if you take one, you reuse it (for your Troy Farmers Market purchases, maybe?) or return it to the store so that they can give it to someone else. If you have canvas bags that you don't use, please consider donating them to MBB so they can circulate them throughout the community. Thanks for any help! If you have any questions. (Free canvas bags do not include the Book House/Market Block Books bags that they sell--those are still $14.75, and very stylish!).

Booklover's Blog
Hit Stanley Reads to learn about Osgood's Stanley Hadsell and his bookish life. Visit Stanley at work in Market Block Books.

Compassion
Julia Soto Lebentritt shares her work Spontaneous Care Communications: a new way of looking at communicating with dementia that enriches caregivers, family members, and loved ones. Currently the Director of Activities at Kenwood Convent, Julia has written a guide book of activities to help caregivers discover the joy of connecting more deeply with those whom they care for and love, based on her CD New York City Lullabies, which is available at Market Block Books.

ArtCentric - An Opportunity to Sell Your Creative Work
Downtown’s Debra Lockrow is looking for artists/crafts-people who would like to sell their work at her store - Artcentric Gift Gallery at 274 River Street. Debra, a renowned photographer, is embracing her new life in Troy & is adding a store to her list of endeavors. She plans monthly "art shows" & in the future, if there is a demand, art classes. If teachers are looking for classroom space, reach out to Debra at 272-4278. Her immediate need is art work to sell. Debra also uses the space as an office for ART Photography, her successful business, & shows her wedding photography skills (details at her website).

Senior Center Tai Chi Moves Gracefully.
Budget woes forced the Senior Center to drop its Tai Chi program. The seniors in that program and the instructor, Marta Banks (who has taught Tai Chi at the senior center for 16 years), are now at the Arts Center, at 265 River Street in downtown Troy. This opens the class up to non-seniors. Classes will be 9AM to 10:30AM Thursday, and cost $10/class. Contact the Arts Center (273-0552) for further info on joining.

Helpful Information for You and Your Family
Whether you are hoping to buy a new house, need assistance in finding an apartment to rent, need help with a pending foreclosure, would like to get involved in or start a neighborhood group, TRIP is available to help. We endeavor to keep you informed of help that is available in our community and hope the information you gain at TRIP will be useful to you.
Find out more at their website!