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Local News
Troy Featured on YouTube
Margaret Weinland, a friend of Washington Park Association has sent us this iMovie travel promo. Check it out!
 KunstlerCast #118: A Great American Street
James Howard Kunstler and Duncan Crary tour Uncle Sam's neighborhood. Destinations include: Russell Sage College, the county court house and Washington Park, one of only two privately owned and maintained residential green squares in New York state (the other is the famous Gramercy Park in Manhattan). They speak to some workers laying a stone street by hand, and explore the alley in an exclusive neighborhood. Watch and listen...
Desperately Seeking Home(s) – Two Adult Cats
Sam is a white cat with black patches - a "cow cat". He is friendly, affectionate and playful, likes lots of attention and is about 6 years old.
Frodo is a grey tabby about 4 years old. Unfortunately he has allergies that the current owner has not been able to pinpoint. Frodo has been to the vet multiple times and his food has been changed several times. It is probably a food allergy; he is responding better to the current diet, but is still suffering symptoms. He is also FIV positive. Call Lynn at 274-6434 for info about a forever home. Owner is moving and pets are not allowed at the new place.
 The Sage Colleges Promote Veterans' Week
During November The Sage Colleges will offer a variety of programs and services to commemorate and celebrate veterans and their families. These events are open to the public. Find out more...
Troy Neighborhood Farmers Market Returns to Troy
Held at the historic MarketPlace, on Hill Street between Washington and Liberty Streets,Troy,
NY. The Farmers Market conveniently offers fresh produce, meats, poultry, eggs, gourmet
cheeses, baked goods, fresh herbs, plants, Italian specialties and prepared food to take home. The
Wednesday Market operates every Wednesday, rain or shine, until October 13, 2010, and is open
from 3pm-6pm.
Expect to see the familiar faces of the vendors who joined the Market last year as well as some
new additions. Vendors with new varieties of prepared foods have joined us, making the Market
the neighborhood source for supper-time take-out on a hot, summer afternoon.
The Little Italy Farmers Market will join with Little Italy's Cinema Under the Stars on the last
Wednesdays of June, July and August for fresh food, neighborhood activities and movies. The
Market will open in advance of the movies and folks will be able to buy food and then stay to
enjoy the films at dusk.
The Market site itself was renovated over the past winter. The eastern retaining wall was rebuilt
by the City of Troy and is now an edifice of new and very attractive gray, cast stone blocks, a
much improved setting for the Market event. The Market will also have new bike racks installed
this summer for those who ride. CDTA Bus transportation is close by with the No. 85 and 224
buses stopping at the corner of 4Th and Liberty.
The Little Italy Farmers Market is committed to delivering fresh foods, inspiring cuisine and
community development to South Troy neighborhoods. The market participates in the Farmer
Market Nutrition Program, and also has produce vendors servicing the new WIC Fruits and
Vegetable program. The market accepts EBT/credit/debit cards making shopping at the Market
even more convenient and accessible to the wide variety of people living in South Troy.
For more information about Troy Neighborhood Farmers Markets - Little Italy, visit the website or call Jean Krueger at 518-272-4972, or Donna Mullen at 518-793-2032.
Unity House Summer Camp
Unity House is sending out their Summer Camp Appeal. Interested in making a donation: contact Victoria Baecker at 274-2633, ext 261
Troygle is a group of Troy citizens committed to bringing Google's ultra-high-speed broadband to Troy to transform the way people play and do business here, and to catapult Troy into the future. Google will be test-piloting ultra-high-speed broadband in select communities around the United States, and Troy has the opportunity to apply to be a part of this trial. With cities across the nation vying to stand out and attract Google's broadband network, local citizens have been hard at work trying to attract the company to the Collar City.
A number of meetings have been held by the Troygle group to discuss the application for Google to use the city as one of its test sites for its upcoming ultra-high-speed broadband network and to discuss the many community and technology-based details which must go into the city's application. To find out more...
Maria Zemantauski Endorsed
Think 1st’s Maria Zemantauski just signed a contract with LaBella Strings, making her the company's newest endorsee! You'll be able to see and hear MariaZ news soon on their website.
Plants Wanted
We will be continuing our effort to beautify intersections with planters. Any gardeners who have extra flowering plants or small bushes to donate should contact Lynn at 274-6434 or Sid at 272-1944.
New Businesses Downtown
Welcome to Olga Z Design Studio – custom made women’s clothing, & Russian arts & crafts reflecting Olga’s background – is at 11 2nd Street (860-307-7160), Tues-Sun 11-5. Have a free consultation over Russian tea. Olga shares space with Slavik Milyukov Murals & Decorative Painting (347-536-5997).
Art Supplies are now available in your neighborhood! Located at 269 River Street, Pigment Art Supply offers affordable, quality materials for student, beginner, and professional artists. Owner Robyn Diaz loves the new location in Troy & looks for-ward to meeting all of her new neighbors. Visit online for info about the products & join the mailing list. Pigment offers discounts to Art Center members, students & faculty, as well as discounts for RPI, Sage & other college students, and stretched canvas is ALWAYS 50% off!
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.
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, 95 Fourth Street or Artique (Plaza 8 Shopping Ctr, exit 8, Northway), or on the web.You may also contact Rose for info about the pieces.
 Flavour Café on 4th Street
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.
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 good weather returns soon so all work may be completed this Spring. 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.
They’re Cooking
Chef Jackie Baldwin has teamed up with fellow colleagues Larry Schepici, 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.
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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