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Local News
New Businesses Downtown
Fifth Avenue has a new business – Uncle Ricky’s Bagel Heaven, 1809 Fifth (326-5019), next door to Cathedral Guitar. Owner Rick Wilson offers deli sandwiches, homemade soup and, of course, bagels with lox and specialty cream cheeses.
Third Street also has a new business – Tru Image Apparel, 29 Third Street (266-8966 or 528-7023). Owner Anthony Smith has a wide range of apparel including baby and children’s clothing. Please support these new businesses.
Neighbors Lead Joseph's House Appeal
Artcentric Gift Gallery
and Xs to Os Vegan Bakery will be collecting items for Joseph’s House from
Sunday, February 7th through Sunday February 21st. Contact Debra Lockrow at 272-4278
or Sarah Preston at 238-3311 to find out how to help...
 Flavour Café on 4th Street
Have you noticed the GIANT spinning 5's in Flavour Cafe's Windows? Come and Join Flavour as they celebrate their 5 YEAR ANNIVERSARY!!!! Come and Show Your Support and help Flavour make it another 5 YEARS! Last Weekend in February Flavour will have lots of specials! Friday Feb 26th and Saturday Feb 27th.
*Buy a $20 Gift Card Get $5 Free!
*Select Sandwiches $5
*Giveaways, Free Pyschic Readings, Live Entertainment.
*A chance to win Free Coffee for a Year.
*99 Cent Small Coffee and more!!!!!
Stop in & see Charlie & Joe and company for breakfast, lunch, dinner or a snack! And, music, knitting, psychic readings...the list is practically endless. Don't forget to check out Flavour's art gallery, too.
Bet On It!...and Some Sweet News, Too
Hooray! Flavour Café now has a full time baker on premises! Charlie's cupcakes debut, specializing in a wide variety of unique regular and gourmet" lil' cups" as well as signature & build your own “big cup" cakes for any special event. Wide variety of specialty cakes & baked goods also. And, Flavour Café now has the NYS lottery - all online gaming & instant win tickets.
Spruce Up Your Neighborhood With a Free Bike Rack From CDTA/CDTC
Listen up...the CDTA is offering something new...The Capital Region Bike Rack Program! CDTA is providing free bike racks to public and non-profit organizations, up to a $1,000 value; and a 50% cost-share of bike racks for the private sector, again up to a total $1,000 value. Installation and all permits will be the applicant’s responsibility.
You can download the program description and the application - other relevant materials are on the CDTA website, at the bottom right by the picture of the bike. These include available models, and guidelines for siting bicycle racks. The due date is March 12, 2010. CDTA plans to offer the program annually through 2012. This is a collaborative effort of the Capital District Transportation Authority and the Capital District Transportation Committee.
Please spread the word. To contact Carrie Ward, the CDTA planner, email, call (518-437-6865) or FAX (518-437-8349). Thank you!
Paved With Good Intentions
The Washington Place paver preservation project – more than 3 years in the making – began in September with removal of the 1840’s Belgian block pavers by the Park’s contractor, Bob Talham, Inc. Many road-blocks were overcome to get the project underway. We are hoping that the weather holds so all work may be completed this year. Thanks to all who fought so hard to make this a reality.
Troy Boys and Girls Club Teen Program News
The club has a bus to transport Troy teens to the club for a variety of programs. Check out the bus schedule!
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!
Sawdust Writers' Group
Writer's unite! Get organized, connect and create that unwritten work of art. Meetings are held at Discovery Hall, 426 Second Street. Find out more...
Welcome Back, Carmen's!
Carmen's Café has returned!. Come and ogle the new decor, sample the Cuban cuisine, and try out the new dance floor (with disco ball from departed neighbor Michael Mingoya). "We were painting the building, and so many people came up and said they missed me and missed the food. They said Sundays just weren't the same without Huevos Flamencos," said owner Carmen. "I knew in my heart that I missed it too much. I just had to reopen." Hours are Friday 5-10, Saturday and Sunday 9-4. "With my broken foot, I have to take it slow," said Carmen. Former chef Chris Davies will be back for dinners, and Washington Parker Matt Barnes will cook brunches. The effervescent jeweler Mary Wheeler will waitress.Carmen is bringing back old favorites as well as dreaming up new surprises, including a new round of Community Nights (call her with ideas, or if you want to sign up as Guest Chef). Call Carmen at 516-857-0474.
Join the Choir
Washington Park’s Joseph Grillo, the Juilliard trained pianist, invites interested voices to join the choir at St. Joseph’s Church (416 Third, 274-6720), Sundays at 11:30. Roman Catholic Latin Mass; Gregorian chants. Challenge your mind with singing Latin (no knowledge of Latin is necessary). Qualifications: Be able to sing Happy Birthday on pitch; commit to show up every week.
La Leche League of TroySeries Meetings at The Peaceful Center, 43 Third Street Troy
Sundays from 1 - 2:30 PM
All women are invited to our meetings, as are their babies and children. No two series are alike, as we are all growing in our understanding of mothering, child development and family life. The meeting discussions include the latest medical research, as well as personal experience. Questions and topics are never limited to the listed topic, so please come with whatever issues are most important to you.
Market Block Books Welcomes Artists...Architects, too
Walk-Up Gallery is located on the River Street side of Market Block Books & can be viewed 24 hours a day. Each month it features a new artist from the area, with new shows usually opening during Troy Night Out. This month, MBB highlights Architects in Albany.
The new book features essays on 36 architects by local preservationists including Downtown’s Doug Bucher. Fifth Avenue’s Diana Waite is the editor. Buy the book at Market Block Books.Questions related to MBB events to Osgood’s Stanley Hadsell, 518-328-0045 (phone & fax); email.
Paper Sparrow Exhibit
The Brown Bird Chapel is a collection of 24 acrylic-on-paper paintings by Lorraine Bowen that celebrate the life of an ordinary brown bird. Exhibit opens September 25 during Troy Night Out and runs through October 23 at The Paper Sparrow Gallery on 288 River Street, 272-7227. See Lorraine’s work.
They’re Cooking
Chef Jackie Baldwin has teamed up with fellow colleagues Larry Schepici of Tosca, Jamie Ortiz of 677 PRIME and Mark Graham of Mezza Notte to create Capital Region Chefs 4x4. Each chef will host a dinner & the four chefs will each represent a course. The dinner includes four courses with an amuse bouche & wine pairing for each course. Location: MezzaNotte; Tosca; Angelo’s 677 prime; RPI’s Sage Dining Room. $70 per person. For info, visit the website.
Free to a Good Home...
Once in a while, POUNCE is contacted by an owner who can no longer care for a much loved pet. That is the case with one of our elderly residents. Liz is searching for someone to adopt her 7 year old, black & white, male cat, Mr. Miller. He is neutered, had all shots, indoor cat. Call Lynn at 274-6434 if interested. We have younger kittens/cats available but Mr. Miller is a priority right now.
POUNCE Fundraiser
The POUNCE Fundraiser hosted by the Pottery District’s Kathy Marzcak was a purrfect gathering of neighbors committed to our feral cat program. Great food (prepared & presented by Little Italy’s Alan Danforth), great beverages (a number of martinis were consumed), & great conversation! Contributions totaled $1,400! Many thanks to our contributors, our network of trappers, transporters, foster parents, food donators, colony tenders & everyone else who makes this program a success. Demand increases every year. You can donate at any time. Tax deductible contributions to Friends of Washington Park can be sent to 195 Second Street, Troy, NY 12180. All funds go to direct services; our volunteers are not paid for their time, gas or fostering.
TAP Offers Zoning Advice...
...and is looking for feedback! Interested? Please review and respond. Thanks!
Street Sweeping, Snow Removal and Trash Pick ups - Rules of Urban Living
Become aware of when your area will be cleaned. Check the schedule in the Troy Record every Saturday or check out the full 9 weeks schedule. Please move your cars so that the street sweeper and DPW staff can properly clean your street. Sweep or wash your sidewalks and rake your lawns before the sweepers come onto your street and, also sweep the dirt in the curbs and gutters into small piles to help facilitate easy pickup. This program is not for bulk trash pickup. Bulk trash pickup is a year long program. Uncooperative car owners will have their vehicles towed at the owner’s expense (approx. $100). All streets will be posted for “No Parking” as required. Please notify DPW (274-4579) in advance if you know of any abandoned, unregistered or inoperative vehicles. Please take a few moments to clean your alley or back yard and cut down weeds or brush. Please place the material in a biodegradable bag or bundle the brush to facilitate collection. Regular refuse collection will be done on a daily basis. We need everyone’s cooperation in making this year’s Street Sweeping Program the most successful yet! You can view the entire Street Sweeping schedule or call the Department of Public Works at 270-4579 should you have questions about the program.
Trash Rules
Trash must be in cans with lids. If you have alley access, your garbage collection is in the alley.
Garbage should be put out no more than 10 hours prior to pickup. Failure to follow City Code will result in fines.
Sunrise Yoga on First Street:
Join us at Waltja Center, the new public-access healing space, at 157 1st Street, (the corner of 1st and Washington) for invigorating, wake-up hatha/vinyasa yoga. Classes will be led by Osgood's Andrew Kasius and will feature asanas (poses) and pranayama (breathing exercises) thoughtfully sequenced to build health, peacefulness and awareness. Some yoga experience suggested. Space is limited so reserve a spot soon. Please contact Charlepan at (274-0360) or Andrew at (326-1769) for more information.
Holiday/Recession Massage Specials!
Washington Park resident and Swedish Massage Institute trained Patricia Refert is offering a variety of western (swedish,deep tissue, relaxation) and eastern (accupressure,cupping and gua sha) massage options depending on client needs. Hours are flexible and by appointment. Contact Patricia at 347-432-8739 to arrange a house call or an in office visit. Hours are flexible and by appointment. Gift certificates are also available. Patricia can also be contacted through Bodhi Holistic Spa.
Do you know a child who loves music?
The Music School at St. Paul's, Third and State Street inTroy has openings for children 7-11 for the 2009-2010 academic year in an after school program. Benefits include all lessons and materials at no cost, music theory training, singing lessons, meals provided, convenient downtown location. For further information contact Brian Hoffman at 518-797-3346 or at the Music Office at 518-273-7351.
Bringing Our Veterans Home
Soldier’s Heart & Sage Colleges announce an innovative community program to help heal our veterans from the unseen wounds of war. They offer, free of charge, an 8 session workshop for veterans, their families, clergy, helping professionals & interested community members beginning in Sept. Bringing Our Veterans Home program integrates worldwide models of successful return of soldiers over the ages, explores the essential ingredients of emotional and spiritual healing from war and creates a doorway to a reconciliation between true warriors & their communities.
Call 274-0501 for info & to reserve a place, as group size will be limited. Washington Park’s Barbara Thompson & Pottery’s Cheryl MacNeil are involved.
Play Time
The youngsters of the neighborhood are invited to Play Dates in Washington Park. Future dates are TBA. Erika Groff coordinates for the littlest of our residents. Call her at 273-6103 to get on the email list to stay informed of all play dates.
Market Block Books
J Questions to: Stanley Hadsell at 518-328-0045 (phone/fax) or by email.
Washington Park’s Penny Lane encourages you to buy your DVD of Troy's own Mame Faye, "Sittin' on a Million". It’s available at Market Block Books for $15. Own a piece of Mame!
(You wouldn't be the first!)
POUNCE Update
Downtown’s Kennedy Family alerted us to 5 kittens living with their parents in the backyard. The POUNCE crew mobilized & took the kittens to the vet. Two were adopted by the Park’s Laura Carew & 2 were placed by Historic Sage’s Deb Henderson. Before moving to their permanent placement with Laura, Etta & Otis spent 2 weeks in foster care (while Laura was on vacation) with the Park’s Peter & David Hamlin. The boys helped socialize the very scared little kittens. The mom cat was spayed, as were the rest of the colony.
POUNCE Graduates
Our regular spay/neuter clinic serviced 6 cats in June – 1 Third St; 1 Park; 4 Osgood. Volunteers & funds always needed. Thanks to Gail Lundstrum, Antoinette Sposito, Pat Melita, Barb McLean for the rescues.Call Lynn at 274-6434 to foster or adopt. Thank you!
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 Street and designed by Garnet Baltimore, the first African -American graduate of RPI. The Friends work with the City of Troy to maintain and preserve the park's beauty and offers picnic facilities, a playground, hiking trails, tennis courts, amazing vistas and a place to just relax and escape the city heat of summer. Friends of Prospect Park also welcome you to share your talents with the steering committee as they plan the unique annual soiree in the park. Info, call Peter at 273-1500.
The Neighbors are Talking? Great!
Read more about a Troy neighborhood and neighbor profile in the online Times Union...
Why Shop Main Street?
Americans love Mom & Pop shops. We love their attentive customer service, their unique merchandise, and the special atmosphere of their stores, as opposed to the cookie-cutter retail chains that all seem to sell the same thing. We also love our heritage, and many Main Street districts are the cultural centers of their communities. Continued here...
Together, Citizens and City Succeed
Much attention has been given to shared municipal services and regionalism as a way of saving money and reducing thecost of government. Little has been written about collaborations between municipalities and groups within their borders to assist cash-strapped and understaffed localities....read more
Troy Night Out is a Huge Success!
TNOs received great press coverage and lured better than planned crowds of shoppers and diners to downtown. Be a part of it from 5:30 to 9pm on the final Friday of every month.More information on Troy Night Out.
Neighborhood Associations and Groups: Represent your Neighborhood at the Citizens’ Academy
Every Month the Citizens’ Academy presents a speaker and hosts a discussion about some aspect of Troy. After that we’d like to have some of the existing neighborhoods represented at tables/booths so participants can walk around and hear about the neighborhoods and what is going on in them. This is not a huge time commitment – the program begins at 6:30 and ends at 8 PM. If you have a display, we would ask that be set up between 6 and 6:30, so that setting up would not distract from Barb’s talk. She will speak for about ten minutes, followed by an open discussion for another 10 – 15 minutes. 7 PM – 8 PM will be time for participants to talk with the representatives from the various neighborhoods. Contact Kim McMann at 629-7871 if you plan to represent your neighborhood association.
Invite your neighbors! This program is free and open to all.
To Market We Go
Be the first one on your block to become a member of the Troy Food Coop. Info or call Mary Muller (274-0846) or Cheryl MacNeil
(270-0978) for info.
Press Releases:
Washington Park Strolls on...
WASHINGTON PARK RECEIVES GRANT FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION
...original paving surface of Washington Place to be preserved...continued
TROY ’S WASHINGTON PARK TO BE FEATURED IN THE 7TH ANNUAL HUDSON RIVER VALLEY RAMBLE
The Washington Park Association, the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, Hudson River Valley Greenway and New York State Department of Environmental Conservation are pleased to announce theSeventh Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble, scheduled for September 16-17 and 23-24...continued
Young Professionals,
empty nesters bring new vitality to cities
from The Business Review
In Troy, Lynn
Kopka, president of the Washington Park Association, can rattle
off a list of young professionals, empty- nesters, retirees
and artists who recently bought brownstone and other properties
downtown...continued
Troy's Dining Scenes Spice up Life
from The Business Review
In Troy's "Little Italy," Charlie Staats is
discovering the joys and frustrations of running a neighborhood coffeehouse...continued
TROY’S
DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION CONTINUES from the Tech Valley Times,
December 2005
Troy
is regaining its earlier prominence as a center of business
and commerce, with outstanding cultural and educational
institutions. A combination of factors has contributed
to the downtown’s emergence as a vital center...continued
WASHINGTON PARK AND
HISTORIC SAGE NEIGHBORHOOD PARTICIPATE IN THE 2005 VICTORIAN
STROLL
The
Washington Park Association and the Historic Sage Neighborhood
are putting an emphasis on the ‘stroll’ in Troy’s
Victorian Stroll...continued
Washington Park Association
Wins Award
The Washington Park
Association was recognized as the first recipient of the
Troy Treasure Award by the Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement
Program (TRIP). The honor will be bestowed to the group at
TRIP’s gala dinner on October 25 at the Heffner Alumni
House on the RPI campus...continued
Troy Treasures: Washington
Park
On Sept. 21, Washington
Park Association members celebrated the sale of 8 Washington
Place to Sandra Collins...continued
A House Lumbers Back
to Life
Woman buys
a Washington Place building almost in ruins and starts to
restore it...continued
WPA and the Hudson Ramble
The
Washington Park Association is offering a walking tour
of Troy’s Washington Park and select homes on September
17 from 1 to 3 pm as part of the Sixth Annual Hudson River Valley Ramble on September
17-18 and September 24-25...continued
Neighbors click at a
lawn game
Washington Park has
a rule: No fun. It's a rule enforced by the park's neighborhood
association. That rule was broken, however, when community members dusted
off their mallets, hoops, pegs, flags and croquet balls this
weekend to play croquet...continued
Troy
Treasures: as published in
the Troy Record on January 16, 2005
The residents of Washington
Park caught their breath - but only for a moment - after everyone's
hard work staging the scary Halloween festivities in the park
and hosting two open houses with gastronomic delights and musical
extravaganzas for the 2004 Victorian Stroll....continued
Capital Region Update: as published in
Capital Region Living May, 2005
Spring
has sprung. Hats and mittens are yielding way to sun visors
and gardening gloves. The snowblowers are in the carriage
houses, the baby strollers are out. The
streets and sidewalks of the Washington Park neighborhood
are once again bustling...continued
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