Turning Keys to Education

You’ve heard the struggles facing the Enlarged City School District of Troy.  Enrollment is down, expenses are up and there’s a budget shortfall.  An old problem has come back again: Declining population leading to declining enrollment. Our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy include saving the only public school serving children living north of Hoosick Street. We’ve seen this before in both the Troy and Lansingburgh School Districts. I attended 4 different elementary schools as a child: 2 in Troy, 2 in Lansingburgh.  Not one of those school buildings is operating as a public school today.

PS#14 (the original building) was sold to RPI in exchange for our new PS#14.  School #1 now serves as the offices for Troy’s Board of Education and Superintendent of Schools. Lansingburgh Elementary is now office space as well. And then, there’s Haskell School.  Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this wonderful old school building is sitting vacant and unused.  Hopes were to convert the old school into apartments, similar to what TAP achieved with the former School 10 in South Troy. Unfortunately, financing couldn’t be secured and the building has languished ever since.  Hoodlums and graffiti artists have assaulted its structure.

Haskell sits on Sixth Avenue between 102nd and 103rd in South Lansingburgh on the boulevards. It is sometimes confusing for out-of-towners given Troy has two Sixth Avenues. Sometimes I wish they had just kept the name Vail for the Sixth Avenue in North Central.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater, Palace Performing Arts Center and Hannah’s Hope. We are also pleased to welcome new CDC partner project Hope Heals.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

An Old Treasured Friend

One of the things I most enjoy is history and it’s one the reasons why I love Uptown so much; It’s full of it. Here, we have an opportunity to be a living record of Troy’s contribution to the Industrial Revolution. The greatest concentration of late 19th century and early 20th century industrial structures still stand in Uptown, sadly most empty and unused. Many of our businesses are gone and we miss old treasured friends like Collins Lumbar, Wheeler Bros Brass Foundry and the Railroad. Our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy include seeing these industrial glories restored, renewed and re-purposed.

One of these great structures is at 669 River Street. Former home to John B. Garrett, Inc., it was originally built as the American Seal Paint Factory. I worked in this building for almost a decade and she’s a beaut. John B. Garrett, Jr. appreciated history as well. Going up to the second floor was like entering a medical museum, with a collection of antique medical equipment and instruments. The third floor was even better. One of the big vats used to make paint was still there. The elevator, sprinkler system and fire alarm all original to the building. She now sits vacant a victim of an alleged Ponzi schemer.

Mr. Garrett said that during Prohibition, Canadian booze would be smuggled in from the river through the sub-basement, carried up the elevator to the third floor and hidden in one of these vats. There would always be someone on duty next to the pull that dropped the batch into the Hudson should a raid occur. He never did say they were raided. Troy was quite the distribution center in the bootleg trade.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater, Palace Performing Arts Center and Hannah’s Hope.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

Keeping Faith in the Mission

On November 21st, Oakwood Avenue Presbyterian Church held its final worship service. An aged and dwindling congregation recognized its inability to continue supporting the little white church on the corner on its own. These dedicated and spirited members also understood how vital their services and missions were to the community. They vowed to keep the building operating as a community center and reached out to the community for support.

This isn’t the first time the congregants of OAPC have fought to save their church. When the Oakwood and Liberty congregations merged in 1963, they formed the first inter-racial congregation in the country. Then again when their steadfast refusal to concede their church building for construction of the Collar City Bridge. A glowing example of active historic preservation! Thanks to them that bridge doesn’t go all the way up to 15th.

It was through Linda O’Malley’s outreach to TRIP that The Uptown Initiative learned of their need. That little white church is at the gateway of Uptown and serves as our southeast anchoring landmark. Several of our members have volunteered and are serving on the committee that organized this evening’s concert. Tickets are $10 for adults and will be available at the door. Oh, and bring the kids ‘cause children under 12 are FREE. Won’t you join us for Songs of the Season?

Please take a few moments and vote to Revitalize Uptown Troy and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater, Palace Performing Arts Center and Hannah’s Hope.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

Public Spirit Shines Brightly

Industry remains the spine in Troy’s economic body with public spirit being her soul. As a driving force in the Industrial Revolution, Troy became the fourth wealthiest city in the country at its peak. “Trojans are proverbial for their enterprise and public spirit. Everything which they take hold of "goes ahead". I found this quote from 1897 while researching and believe it holds true today. That public spirit shines brightly through the support we are receiving for our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy.

For decades, Geier & Bluhm has resided in one of our majestic and historic industrial structures. Whalen Tent, when given the opportunity to move their business, remained faithful to its roots and chose another historic set of buildings within the same neighborhood. Mcbain Electric seized an opportunity to expand their business also by acquiring and restoring yet another historic warehouse in Uptown. High tech company IEM chose Uptown also, showing their commitment to historic preservation in the way they handled the restoration and re-purposing of long-vacant commercial buildings in the heart of Uptown.  For businesses, Uptown is a viable place to be.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater, Palace Performing Arts Center and Hannah’s Hope.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

Industrious Indeed

It was hard work, determination and guts that made Uptown Troy NY productive industrially. Those great Trojan industrialists recognized the advantages of being located in “middle-ground”. Even more so, they recognized the resource that is the Hudson River.  She not only provided them a cost effective shipping, she provided them with hydropower.  Magnificent factory structures still line our riverfront today.

Remnants of Troy’s original north/south roadway, North First Street, which was constructed of native cobblestones can still be walked today. You’ll find it just east of The Ale House off of North Street. What is now River Street was once a canal that fed the Hudson’s water through hydro-systems in the sub-floors of the factories. Today easy access to the Hudson River Fishery can be gained two blocks north at the Ingalls Avenue Boat Launch.

The possibility of developing city owned land adjacent to the boat launch into a service area for boaters or a park for residents and visitors alike is an appealing one. I spent my teen years playing in that very area. Needs a bit of cleaning up but is ideally located close to the Federal Dam. My friends and I understand that while we continue working to Revitalize Uptown Troy, so too are we working for the betterment of the whole community of Troy.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater, Palace Performing Arts Center and Hannah’s Hope.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

She was the Corner Market

On the corner of Douw Street and Sixth Avenue sits one of the oldest buildings in Uptown. Originally serving the neighborhood as a Butcher’s shop, it’s now home to the Troy Police Department’s North Central Sub-Station. It’s a bit strange for me walking into the building these days. For me it will always be Ursula’s, one of three corner markets that operated at this corner in the ’60’s and ’70’s.

Velotti’s Market operated for decades in that building and the business was a stabilizing force in the neighborhood. Many families in our neighborhood depended on the store for their daily supper and oft times were a little shy on cash. Her proprietor Ursula had a heart of gold. Rather than see families go hungry, she would extend credit by running a tab that the families would settle once a month. Ursula took care of her neighbors and I believe she’d be thrilled by our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy.

The members of the CDC (Capital District Causes) have extended honorary membership to Hannah’s Hope. Please join us in supporting the efforts of our neighbors in Clifton Park with one of your remaining 9 votes today.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater and Palace Performing Arts Center. We hope to add more CDC members soon. If you know of a worthy Upstate NY Project, leave a comment on our page when you vote with some info.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative’s email list to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

Troy's Epicenter

At the epicenter of current day Troy NY rises Mount Olympus. Although Uptown’s Mt. Olympus isn’t home to Greek Gods, it is the landmark that Middleburgh grew out of.   Mount Olympus has played an important role in the development of our neighborhood and we’re darned proud of it. Fact is, Uptown has played a key role in the development of Troy from its very beginning. Our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy is a another step towards the rejuvenation of Troy itself. Our residents have always been strong in their convictions and not shy about standing up for them either.  Kinda like Mt. Olympus.

During the Civil War, Uptown was still the border area between Troy and Lansingburgh. When the Draft Riots started in July 1862, rabble-rousers from the South End and Downtown began marching north in an effort to recruit more rioters. It was at Mount Olympus that their march north was stopped. The mob was forced to turn back south where they ended up destroying the offices of The Troy Times and killing many innocent citizens.

General John E. Wool, a lawyer from Troy, was serving as the commander of the Department of the East during the Draft Riots, retiring soon afterwards. General Wool is buried at Oakwood Cemetery. The large towering obelisk installed to memorialize him can be seen for miles on a clear day.

Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our CDC Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater and Palace Performing Arts Center. We hope to add more CDC members soon. If you know of a worthy Upstate NY Project, leave a comment on our page when you vote with some info.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative's email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

Perhaps Don can give us a brief lesson

My Papa was caretaker, driver and maintenance man for the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in the ’40’s & ‘50’s. Dad tells stories of riding with him on laundry deliveries. The family home for decades was the carriage house on the corner of Peoples & Eleventh. When RPI acquired the Peoples Avenue Complex, they kept Papa on to continue taking care of it. That is, until most of it was torn down in the mid-70’s coincidental to Papa reaching their “required” retirement age. My love/hate relationship with RPI has thus been life-long.

Imagine my surprise when I learned that the great RPI had its beginnings in the very same area that my ancestors chose to plant roots: North Central. The Rensselaer School opened its doors nearly 185 years ago in Middleburgh, occupying the old Farmer’s Bank building. Perhaps the community of RPI is willing to support our efforts to Revitalize Uptown Troy. We challenge them to live their pledge of “Comm-University”.

The surname from yesterday’s question was Eddy. Perhaps Don Rittner can give us brief lesson? Please continue supporting The Uptown Initiative’s efforts and those of our Capital District Coalition Partners: Albany Jewish Community Center, Project Hope/Fort Edward, WSW Art Farm, Encore Theater and Palace Theater. We hope to add more CDC members soon. If you know of a worthy Upstate NY Project, leave a comment when you vote with some info.

Click here to sign up for The Uptown Initiative's email list and to receive my daily “Uptown Tidbits” email.

A Great Foundation to Start with right Tina?

I’ve been told many times by people how amazed they are with the work that The Uptown Initiative has been able to accomplish in such a short amount of time. Yes, we have begun to see a change enveloping the areas we have focused on in our 9-month existence. However, without the dedicated work of Tina Urzan, Thila Belle and Nina Glandz amongst many others Uptown wouldn’t be ready for the revitalization we perceive it is about to receive. We had a great foundation to start with right Tina?

We understand that, throughout the histories of Troy and Lansingburgh, our area connected the two entities - at first separating them and then merging them together. Middleburgh, or Batesville as then also known, was chosen as home to The Farmer’s Bank precisely because it was located smack dab in the middle. Therefore, we understand that from our core we can Revitalize Uptown Troy.

The North Central and South Lansingburgh neighborhood associations have worked as a team for years and The Uptown Initiative was born of that collaboration. That's why we have joined the Albany Jewish Community Center, WSW Art Farm, Encore and Palace Theaters and Project Hope/Fort Edward as part of the CDC.  Working together works. Can it be said better than this?

“United we stand; Divided we fall.”-A. Lincoln

Yes, Xenia, Persistance Does Pays Off

Ever notice that when you are about to give up hope on something happening, it happens? Well, that’s what it was like Wednesday morning for my friends and I of The Uptown Initiative. After attempting to submit our Uptown Initiative Neighborhood Project every month since April, we finally got accepted to vie for a $50,000 Refresh Everything neighborhood grant. Yes, Xenia, persistence does pays off and thank you for proving it.

We’re all exceedingly excited about the opportunities this opens up for our neighborhoods and encouraged by the support we have already been shown. The Albany Jewish Community Center and Hannah’s Hope are two great projects we are partnering with to broaden the depth of local support.

We’ve selected Project Hope/FtEdward as our Uptown Youth Supporting Other Youth project of the month. This group of middle school students have taken the lessons of the tragic loss of their friend Hope and turned it into positive action for their community. The best hope for the future of our neighborhoods, cities and nation lies within our youth. It is incumbent on us to promote and recognize those displaying extraordinary civic responsibility.

And remember, it’s in the giving that we truly receive, so don’t forget to share.

Let Them Rest Safely

I have a special affinity for truck drivers. Since my job in the Army was Motor Pool Parts Clerk, I worked with them and their mechanics to keep their trucks rolling. I met my first husband in one of those motor pools. More recently, I worked for one of the areas largest truck leasing companies. Trust me when I say that it takes a special person to drive truck for a living.

With the closing of six rest areas by the NYSDOT, these drivers must now take on additional risks to do their jobs effectively. Driving truck may seem like a cake job yet it’s not. Long hours in the same position take its toll on a body. Circulatory issues and back problems are common ailments. Drivers need safe places to get out and stretch their legs. Long haul drivers need safe sleeping havens. When I read the tragedy of Jason Rivenburg, my heart sank.

The New York State Motor Truck Association is fighting for the restoration of services at these closed rest areas. I hope they are successful in at least getting the areas unblocked. You see, my son’s dad still drives long haul out of Indiana and makes deliveries to this area as often as he can to see Boy and the grandbabies. We’re always excited to hear he’ll be in the area. Now, that excitement will be tempered as many times he arrives early and has to wait it out at a nearby rest area. The area he usually uses is now closed. Where will he wait and will he be safe there?

Owning Pets is Like Having Children

Owning pets is like having children in that they require daily care. Responsible pet owners understand that the animal is part of their family and must be treated as such. I don’t own any pets and am happy that way. I have chosen not to take on the responsibility inherent in pet ownership. I’ve raised my family and don’t feel the need to fill the “void” in my empty nest. That said, I couldn’t sit by and do nothing when I read of such terrific atrocities being inflicted on dogs right here in Troy NY.

It infuriates me to read about dogs living in their own feces or pit bulls being trained to fight, living in cages in a dark basement. Unfortunately, far too many people own pets that shouldn’t. Even sadder is that these same pet owners have children too. And that’s what really scares me. If this is how they handle their animals, I wonder how they treat their kids?

How many times did someone try to reach out to Troy’s Animal Control Officer to report an issue only to be frustrated by not being able to get through to him? I know of a situation of possible animal abuse occurring right now that isn’t being investigated because the real citizen of Troy who has been trying to report it hasn’t been able to get a message through to Troy’s Animal Control Officer. Thankfully, The Record’s SeeClickFix gave this person an ability to let people know what has been going on. Action is being taken to get this checked out.

Come to find out, through communicating with my TPD Community Police officer, the answering machine assigned to the ACO broke down some time ago. Rather than having it repaired, the chief has requested a replacement. Hopefully it will be installed soon as it seems that crimes against animals in Troy are increasing as quickly as other violent crimes are.

It's Not A Trap If You Know About It

I love reading Sound Off in The Record. People think the darnedest things. Like today with the speed trap caller. Several main corridors are targeted for traffic safety in Troy NY not just Spring Avenue.  Besides if you know the area is regularly patrolled it’s not a trap. Excessive speed is not the only infraction that drivers are cited for during these patrols either and sadly, my fellow Real Citizens of Troy, neither do they generate revenue to the degree popularly believed.  I suggest we refer to these instead as Targeted Safety Areas.

Speed limits are clearly posted and monitored areas are identified through signage. Targeted Safety Areas remind drivers that they are not alone on the road. Traffic infractions are crimes too. Put politely, disregarding other driver’s by bobbing and weaving, talking on a cell while driving, or applying mascara at 18 miles an hour is inconsiderate. Tailgating at 65 miles an hour is downright hazardous. Speed and distraction equals destruction.

When you get behind the wheel of a vehicle, you accept responsibility and become accountable to every other driver on the road including our Peace Officers. Are you ready to accept the responsibility that accountability demands? Please drive safely…

OK - It Counts

Growing up I was taught that Armistice Day (renamed Veteran’s Day here in the States after WWII) was a day to honor the men who never returned from the trenches of WWI.  Each year, I’ve struggled to reconcile my service with the service of those in whose name the national holiday was created for in the first place.

I served in the US Army during peacetime – between Viet Nam and the Gulf War. I never saw combat, although I served with men who did. My enlistment was my way of not going to college. The possibility of dying for my country wasn’t in the equation. When the Iran Hostage Crisis began, just as I was finishing basic training, that possibility became all too evident. While serving in South Korea - Land of the Morning Calm – I saw first hand what student unrest was.  In a foriegn country, we US soldiers looked out for one another and the bonds formed last to this day. 

As you pause today to remember those that have, are or will serve our nation in military uniform, I’ll remain grateful to have served with men like SFC Herbert Mitchell, SSG Keith Barrett and SGT Edward Owens. To my friends Bob Deo, Ross Vumbaco, Herald Miller and Frank Dame, I thank you for your service. To my husband Bill: 30 years ago and 7,000 miles from home we served together and I thank God every day for that.  And as for my service - OK, it counts.

Preserving the Past for the Future

The Uptown Initiative is a coalition of residents that has joined together to spur revitalization in our working neighborhood.  I am a founding member.  Our primary goal is the preservation of important and historically significant architectural structures within the North Central and South Lansingburgh neighborhoods of Troy NY. All owners and residents of properties from Hoosick Street north to 105th Street between the Hudson River and Oakwood Avenue are considered stakeholders in the initiative.

Our mission is to restore Uptown Troy to its full potential using education, restoration, preservation and rehabilitation in order to enhance our neighborhood’s economic viability. Our plan of action includes: more owner occupants in our homes, viable businesses in our commercial properties, safe, pleasant, walkable streets and a fully utilized and revitalized riverfront.

With this in mind, The Uptown Initiative is in the process of petitioning the City of Troy’s Planning Commission/Historic District and Landmarks Review Commission seeking designation of a local historic district, and, possibly, a National Register Historic District, on Sixth Avenue including all buildings east and west, between Middleburgh and Douw Streets to be named the “Sixth Avenue Historic District”.

Local designation offers protection by ensuring that exterior building alterations conserve the historic integrity of this 19th century working-class neighborhood. These protections would extend to the modest row house as well as the magnificent St. Patrick’s church. Thus far, the stewardship shown of the properties within the proposed district is commendable as the area has been spared from the blight so evident elsewhere in Uptown. The Uptown Initiative is concerned about the recent closure of St. Patrick’s RC Church and what effect that will have on the area. Coupled with the high rate of foreclosures that have created too many inadequately maintained vacant buildings throughout Troy NY, we felt this was the time to ensure that these two blocks were protected.

The establishment of this district will assist in attracting potential buyers and could encourage more owner occupants. Additionally, it will serve as a tool to guide both potential investors and current property owners in their approach to rehabilitation. This district will also serve as a catalyst for the revitalization in a sense of community by inspiring a sense of pride. Other benefits of the proposed district for the property owners include higher resale value should they choose to sell their property and an increased ability to attract quality tenants for their rental units. 

Economically, the National Register designation could stimulate investment by allowing access to federal and state historic tax credits to commercial investors and homeowners alike. Given the proposed district’s proximity to the Ingalls Avenue Boat Launch and proposed park, the district could become a destination for boaters and tourists. This in turn would spark commercial investment along Uptown’s riverfront. This investment would see a number of properties return to the tax rolls, impacting Troy's property taxpayers by reducing their percentage of the tax burden.

It is our sincerest hope that you support this designation. Please email me if you have any questions or to show your support.

The Ripple starts with You

A recent story in The Record got me thinking, again. How easily we affect and effect other lives in our sphere. How we handle jars to our psyches. You know what I’m talking about. Those things that happen in our lives out of the blue that send a ripple through our being. Those things that another human being’s actions caused that we have no control over.

I know no one directly or indirectly involved with this case. I have no facts other than what I recall from newspaper reports back then. Was it a drug-induced rage or a veteran suffering from psychic wounds that he was self-medicating? I believe it was both. He obviously had “issues”. Surely someone other than his bride knew this. Surely someone tried to intervene. Surely they were rebuffed. Surely lives were irrevocably altered because, in the end the psychosis won regardless of where or how it got started.

We have become a society focusing on citizen’s rights. Well, how about the responsibilities that come with being a citizen in the first place? We - as a society - have forgotten our responsibilities. That has got to change. Like it or not, YOU can make a difference. In fact, YOU make a difference to someone every day. YOU touch lives while interacting with those around you. YOU experience situations where you have to take sides. YOU effect outcomes that affect others. It’s time YOU took that responsibility seriously. It’s time WE all did.

Is there such a thing as Un-educatable?

Whether it’s family or friends, the relationships we form as kids teach us how to interact socially. We figure out what we can say or do. We are educated on the difference between acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. We determine what behaviors are acceptable to some yet not to others. Those relationships develop us into who we become as adults.

Educating kids isn’t just teaching them the ABC’s and 123’s. It’s about teaching them to become contributing adults. It’s teaching them a work ethic and the importance of community. Repeatedly, studies have shown that when parents are actively involved with their children’s schooling, the kids succeed. The teachers do their part in teaching the book lessons. The parents do their job when they teach their kids the life lessons.

Isn’t it time for everyone to be doing his or her job? How do we get parents actively involved with their kid’s education? How do we educate the “un-educatable”?

Troy Community Harvest Festival, Sept 18th 11 am to 5 pm

The ARC of Rensselaer County, The Uptown Initiative and The Missing Link Street Ministry have teamed up to bring our community out for a day of family fun. The first Annual Troy Community Harvest Festival kicks off at 11am tomorrow with games and prizes for the kids. Face painting, a bouncy bounce and a dunking booth will be there too. Thanks to the generous support of Ross Valve, SEFCU and John Ray & Sons, all children’s activities will be FREE.


Free hotdogs will be served up too with Missing Link’s Pastor Willie Bacote manning the grill. Musical entertainment will be on tap throughout the day featuring the AME Zion Church Children’s Choir, the local a capella group REVAMPED, the vocal talents of Tom Teichman and The Missing Link Street Ministry Men’s Choir.

There will be over 20 craft vendors offering a variety of goods for sale. Stop over at the ARC tent for some cider and donuts. While you’re there, take a chance on our 50/50’s or one of our 15 different raffle items.

They're standard equipment, use them

Anti-social behavior is one of my pet peeves. As far as I’m concerned, a driver who doesn’t use turn signals is asking to be rear-ended.  It's inconsiderate.  Other drivers aren’t clairvoyant.  They don’t know your intentions unless you tell them  - by signaling.  Since turn signals are standard equipment on all vehicles, please use them.  I’m encouraged by a pattern I’ve noticed in the TPD’s blotter. They are enforcing the city’s traffic laws. This enforcement is a good thing. It reminds drivers to think while driving and to be aware of their surroundings.

There’s another positive to these laws being enforced.  As was said in Forest Gump, “Stupid is as stupid does” and using crack cocaine or herione is stupid.   It shouldn’t surprise real citizen of Troy that someone using crack would make a minor traffic infraction in obtaining it. So why then does it surprise people that our men and women of the Troy Police Department are utilizing another tool in curbing drug trafficking?  Many people ticketed for a traffic violation are also facing drug charges. At least one individual was charged with felony weapons charges following a traffic stop.

You see, when you don’t use a turn signal when pulling away from a curb, the police have a responsibility to remind you of the law by issuing a citation for breaking the law. Further, you’ve given them probable cause to search your vehicle.  To me the enforcement of the traffic laws is a step in the right direction in eliminating the dirth of drug dealers.

Life's too short

You remember precisely where you were and what you were doing when you first became aware of the attacks that occurred nine years ago today, don’t you? As sure as our grandparents remember the news of Pearl Harbor and our parents remember the assassination of John F. Kennedy, the heartlessness of the attacks on 9/11/01 shocked our spirits. The images are forever seared into the heart, mind and soul of America’s living memory. No one was unaffected by those events. No one. For Americans, the world as we knew it ended that day. Consider this: Is any one of us living the same life we were on 9/10/01? I’m not.

Each year on 9/11, I remember one young man who was lost in particular - John Reo. His father, Armand Reo, was my principal back in 1979 when I graduated from Troy High. I respected Mr. Reo. He was kind and fair. In 1992, I hawked burgers at Troy High’s cafeteria and John, a popular jock, was a regular in my burger line. He was always respectful and polite. He was a stand up kid. He went on in life to work for Cantor Fitzgerald. Today I’ll be thinking about The Reos and all the families mourning the sudden losses of 9/11. Today I’ll thank a fireman, an ambulance driver, an emt and a cop.  Today I'll mourn again.  Today, I'll cry.

My personal motto changed that day to “Life's too short to be miserable so get out there and enjoy it”.  I will get out there and enjoy every moment of every day. I will seek to treasure each life that touch’s mine, even if only in the slightest way. I will strive to show kindness whenever I can. I will live today because tomorrow is not a guarantee.

Learn from Their Mistakes

Just like my grandfather, I read three sections of the paper daily: the op-eds, the blotter and the obits. From these three sections, the vibrations of our city’s life can be felt. The op-eds speak to a variety of issues, keeping us informed of the public's opinions.  From the blotter, we are educated as to who got caught doing what where, sometimes how they were caught. The obits tell us who has left their families and friends with a void that can never be filled. Sometimes, reading the obits isn't necessary though to hear of someone's passing.  Some deaths make news. 

There were three deaths reported in The Record this past week or so that did just that.  In two of these deaths, the driver’s anti-social behavior caused their own death - fortunately, not anyone else’s. In the third case, the pedestrian wasn’t paying attention to his surroundings. All sad, all avoidable. There are lessons to be learned from these deaths.

The young man in such a hurry to get somewhere that he never made it to
Lesson: Driving like a maniac will not get you someplace any quicker.
              In fact, it could prevent you from getting there at all.

The druggie too scared to get caught that he ate his drugs
Lesson: It’s one way to avoid jail time – just not a good way

The pedestrian who stepped out from between two parked cars at just the wrong time
Lesson: Look both ways TWICE before crossing a street and use crosswalks. Even if they take you 50 feet out of your way, they’re there for your protection.

Heavy Traffic

Tell someone else that only people living in South Troy will be affected by the increased truck traffic generated should the requested expansion of the County Waste Transfer Station at our southern gateway be approved, I’m not buying it. Have ya ever lived on a busy road? I have more than once. Anyone now living on or near a heavily traveled road knows exactly what I’m talking about.

People living near Mr. Subb’s or Wal-Green’s on Hoosick can’t open their windows because of the exhaust fumes generated by vehicles waiting at the traffic light.  Residents along Oakwood get a little shake to go along with their noise pollution, with trucks coming down Route 40 so heavy and so fast, they make houses rattle. Neighbors where Pawling and Route 2 converge regularly enjoy the sounds of jake brakes being applied as drivers slow down for that traffic light. Route 378 is, at best, a daily traffic jam with trucks and cars jockeying for the roadway. These very different parts of Troy all have the same issue. Heavy traffic.

For the people living on or near these roads, noise and air pollution are something they deal with every day. It's no fun.  “Well, if they don’t like it, why don’t they just move?” you say. My answer is “So, how easy would it be for you to move?” Throughout Troy, you’ll find families that have lived in their homes for multiple generations. Many have been in their homes long before these roads were expanded. Simply put, they were there before the traffic was. Some are elderly, some disabled, some depend on social programs and some work three jobs trying to support their family. Some incomes don't allow broad housing options.

Many of Troy’s roads are main thoroughfares, traveled by big, heavy rigs. There are roads where the noise NEVER stops ‘cause traffic’s ALWAYS flowing. There’s reason for all real citizens of Troy to be concerned about increasing truck capacity down in the South End. As traffic increases, the potential for our infrastructure (both above and below ground) to fail also increases. Failures are expensive. Guess who gets to pay for them?

Park Politics

It disappoints me greatly to criticize the behavior of The Friends of Prospect Park. As one of the first mission-based “neighborhood associations” born in our city, the very active and dedicated members of the group have shown us that when you show you care, others will begin to care. They are real citizens of Troy.  They showed us, with their actions, how to be good stewards of our public spaces. They were at the forefront of people banding together for the common good.   Therefore, it is unfortunate that the current uproar over the Uncle Sam Memorial Pavilion is occurring.

During last evening’s council meeting, it was stated that the Friends of Prospect Park did not want to make this political. It was further stated that the group was a-political. Ok, so I am not buying that. It was political from the outset; couldn’t help but be. One of the definitions of politics is the total complex of relations between people living in society. I don’t know all the facts and won’t pretend to. As an outsider to this particular political game, I can only speak to what I sense. I sense that someone’s ego got a little bruised here.

Ladies and gentleman, as I see it, this was Mr. Jacques dream. Mr. Jacques has been working towards this for almost a decade. Would there be an Uncle Sam Memorial Foundation if it weren’t for Mr. Jacques’ pursuing HIS dream? His intention has always been to memorialize Sam Wilson. His pavilion – built where it stands – will do just that. According to Mr. Jacques last evening, the pavilion was specifically designed for the overlook area. I believe he selected the ideal location and that the city administration was correct in allowing construction to begin.

Where were The Friends a decade ago? The Friends were in their infancy. If I recall correctly (and I’m sure if not, someone will let me know), The Friends of Prospect Park were initially formed in an attempt to keep the park’s pool from closing and then became dedicated to ensuring that the pool structure was preserved. I do not know whether that is still part of their mission. I also recall talk of rebuilding the band shell at the park. It was only further along in the group’s development that beautification become part of their mission.

Mr. Peter Grimm (president of The Friends of Prospect Park and County Legislator representing the City of Troy) is quoted in the September 1st edition of The Record as saying “The problem here is not the pavilion at all, it is the structure of people trying to work together to get things done and a non-resident renegade can do what he sees fit, not in accordance with the two organizations.” This is pure political spin, plan and simple. Mr. Grimm, you were a renegade when you established The Friends, weren’t you? Although Mr. Jacques now resides in Haynesville, he was a decades-long resident of Troy. He’s no outsider. He is president of the Uncle Sam Memorial Foundation. He is well known for his tireless work to see recognition is properly given to Sam Wilson. To besmirch his character is reprehensible.

What I think happened is that these people were unable to persuade this determinedly dedicated old Seabee from seeing HIS dream come true. Were The Friends attempting to get Mr. Jacques to change his pavilion and its location so that it could be used as a band shell too? Were the members of his foundation lobbying for a bigger facility? If that is indeed the case, a consensus was never going to be reached. It was his concept. He lived long enough to see it built.

Taking a Ride on a Course with History

Golf is my Dad’s passion. Frear Park Municipal Golf Course is why. Opened in 1931, Frear became an 18-hole course in 1964. Robert Trent Jones, designer of Hazeltine National and Port Royal, designed the back nine. Frear Park is a gem of a course and she belongs to us - the 5th hole’s signature ravine; the vistas from the 4th fairway and the 7th green. Her rolling hills, jotting knolls and tricky greens make her a challenging course that deserves respect. She’s 79 years old. For 62 of those years, my dad has played her. He’s seen changes – some good, others not.

My dad is Tony VonFricken. If you’ve played a weekend tournament there this year, Dad was your course ranger. He enjoys working for Larry Riley and with guys like Billy McConnell, Ronnie Frazier and Gus Gorman. He served as Chairman of the Rensselaer County Amateur Tournament for 8 years following Col. Bill McGiff. As a founding member of the Frear Park Golf Association he worked to improve the course, serving as Vice-President then President. During his tenure, the FPGA and the RCAT donated 125 Austrian Pines to the city for the course. We went for a ride on his course and he told me how he was hooked on golf as a kid. This is his story, told to me from his unique perspective.

______________________________________________________

One day, I was running around the park. John Monahan was giving golf lessons over at the Sunday Tee. He called out to me asking if I’d like to shag balls. Said he’d pay me $.40 a lesson. I’d roundup the balls, put them in a bucket and bring them back to him after each lesson. Shagging balls netted me $4.80 a weekend. Can you imagine how happy I was at 10 to be earning that kind of money to give to my mother? My father was only earning $8.00 a week. As I earned, I learned by listening to Mr. Monahan. Later, I caddied for some of the best players in the area - men like Tony Camprone, Al Serian and Gerald Messier. The mayor’s “Hook a Kid on Golf” program is the best thing I’ve seen up here in a long time. It gives kids a chance to learn the game. I love it. Hope it comes back next year. I’d like to help out with it.

This place is nothing like it was back in 1948 though, when it was a pure links 9-hole course. The tee boxes didn’t have grass just dirt, the greens were hand-mowed using push mowers, and the bunkers were mostly stony sand. These fairways were lined with 2-foot tall hay fields, called heather. Farmers came in and baled it for the city every fall. It was farmland – mostly hay and cornfields. There was a farmhouse near where the 8th fairway is. We used to pump the water up from its well, taking a sip from the tin cup attached to it by a chain. That was great water. The well was capped off years ago though.

The course is in rough shape. Lots of reasons but the staff isn’t one of them. Mark (Yamin) is top notch. So’s his crew. It’s hard work to keep this course playable especially with half the fulltime staff needed. The players aren’t helping either with their disrespectful lack of etiquette. Most don’t follow the 90-degree rule, driving the carts on the fairways instead of the cart paths and they’re not removing their broken tees. Do you know the havoc those things play on the mowers?

Mainly, it’s the drought. There hasn’t been enough rain this year to green anything that isn’t irrigated. The soil is so compacted in the fairways on the front nine that it’s like golfing on concrete. The grounds haven’t been aerated in at least 6 years. The city doesn’t own the right equipment. The tractor used to do it broke down and sat for a few years. They finally fixed it. Once the season ends, Mark will get the course properly aerated. That’ll make a big difference in how the course plays next year.

Water’s the problem on the back 9 too. Only here we’ve got too much and the drainage system isn’t working right. Water from the underground spring isn’t flowing where we need it too. See these ponds. They're supposed to be drainage ponds. Instead they’re algae farms, so stagnant that ducks and geese won’t use them. This pond, built two years ago to drain water from the 13th, 14th and 15th fairways, isn’t finished. The outlet pipe sits 6” above the water line. Neither pond has flowing water. Easily fixed by installing water spray units in there. The request for them apparently was denied.

The 6th tee used to be here (between where the basketball court and the softball fields are now off of North Lake). Lou Anthony had it moved so that playground could be built over there. As far as I'm concerned, the city ruined the best hole on the course doing that. See that port-a-potty? That’s the only bathroom out here. We’ve been told there’s no way to get water and sewer onto the course. That pot sits 100’ from North Lake. Water and sewer lines could be brought in from there without too much trouble and another added near the 13th green/14th tee by running lines in from Humiston Avenue. Bathrooms out here would not only serve the golfers and ballplayers in the summer, they’d serve the sledders in the winter too.

There’s Arcadia Pavilion. Great building, you should see the stone fireplaces in there - magnificent. Dances were held in there back in the 30’s. Now, it’s storage. They move the equipment down here from the buildings up by the 1st green during the summer. It doesn’t make sense. Storage isn’t what the space was meant for. I’ve always thought it would be great to have our Clubhouse and Pro Shop in there; that’d be classy. Wouldn’t it?

Our Parks need Historic Preservation Too

I have been blessed to enjoy every major public park in Troy. Each is special. I learned to swim at Knick; my son at the South End Pool. I climbed the monkey bars in Beman. My wedding reception was in the pavilion at Prospect park.  I've spent more than a few bucks at Powers Park Flea Markets.  I played baseball at Frear Park and have even golfed a couple of rounds. The history each park carries forward requires her owners – the real citizens of Troy – to tend to their needs attentively. It requires the highest level of stewardship. Groups like the Friends of Prospect Park and Frear Park Conservancy have been showing us the way for many years.

These green spaces and historic structures tell the recreational story of Troy. The 1920’s era Art Deco swimming pool at Prospect is a prominent example of craftsmanship and design from the Roaring ‘20’s. Closed in the mid-1990’s as a cost savings measure, that pool is one of only a few that remained in the US still standing. It’s use as a pool is long past yet the structure could be re-purposed perhaps for skateboarders. What a great way to get the newest generation using, enjoying and appreciating Prospect. The locker area could be rehabbed and that wonderful structure could be put back to good use.

The Arcadia Pavilion’s splendor and beauty are being wasted at Frear Park. It was built as a community-gathering place. City of Troy’s Parks and Recreation Department currently uses the space as a storage facility. The golf course lost its clubhouse years ago when the city chose to lease out that space to a private entity. It has since lost its pro shop too. How grand it would be if the pavilion were to be re-purposed as the course’s 19th Hole and Pro Shop.

She woke a sleeping giant

As a 10-year-old sixth grader at Lansingburgh Elementary School, my attention was focused on family and friends with school being a necessary evil. Although attentive in class, I never did homework. I passed the tests anyway, so saw no need to bother. Homework repulsed me. Homework took me away from my friends. That is until Ms. Kathleen Tivnan (my history teacher) convinced me, that at least for her class, it was worth doing. When I failed to turn in an assignment, she kept me after school. “Write ‘I will do my homework’ 100 times” she would say in her ever eloquent manner. I caved after about a week of this and started to do her homework assignments.

Many of the reading assignments were on ancient Greece. Before long, the stories of the city-states and the gods they honored became enjoyable for me to read. I wasn’t only reading what she told me to, I was checking other history books out as well. The more I read, the more interested I became in current events. I figured, someday these events will be history. Since my parents sheltered me from world events taking place in 1971, (the Vietnam War was still being waged and campus riots seemingly a daily occurrence) I turned to my grandparents. I asked them about events that occurred in their lifetimes like The Great Depression and World War II.  What was history to me was life for them.  How cool it was to learn their lives.  The family historian was born.

Had it not been for Ms. Tivnan’s insistence, my love of history may never have been awakened. Ms. Tivnan woke the sleeping giant. To her I owe my passion for history: my family's and Troy’s in particular. It was this passion for history that made me rail during the Urban desTroyal that occurred here in the ‘70’s. I carry that same passion today. Historic preservation and restoration are necessary, vital. They are keystones. For it is in our history that the real citizens of Troy will find their future.

Time Passes

Time passes,
Memories remain.
Thoughts collide with present times.

You are gone.
Yet you are here.
Never again and ever near.

Stay, Stay live within me.
Love remembers
Times past.

Real Citizens of Troy - Part II

This is your last call to action, my fellow Real Citizens of Troy! Today’s the day. Yepper. Sure is. Today is the last day that we can comment on the proposed expansion of the County Waste Transfer Station down on Main & Water Streets in South Troy. And we’ve been raising quite a stink about the whole process. And, yes, the pun is intended. And, no, I’m not talking about the stench of trash. I’m talking about the stench from the incompetence that allowed the process to breakdown in the first place.

I figured out a long time ago that issues don’t go away when one ignores them. Instead, what happens is that they grow fungus. I’m just saying that issues tend to mushroom when you ignore them. If an issue is not properly dealt with upfront, there can be a peck of difficulty trying to eradicate the spreading spores. 

I’ve taken my stand. It’s time for you to take yours. Click to email Nancy Baker or call the Region 4 permitting office at 357-2456.

Will the Real Citizens of Troy Please Stand Up

The proposed expansion of the County Waste Transfer Station, located at the South Troy Gateway into Troy, is on the fast track and it’s all because of a lack of response from our mayor’s office to a letter from NYSDEC that they may or may not have received. Let’s throw the blame here right where it belongs. The mailroom clerk. You know, the one who may not have DONE THE JOB THEY WERE HIRED TO DO by delivering the mayor his mail back in June. Gees, you just can’t get good help these days. Someone's ineptitude has put the city and her citizens right into a big trash bin.

Regardless of why the city administration’s office didn’t respond to the letter, they didn’t. And since that letter to the Mayor’s Office from NYSDEC regarding lead agency status for the proposed expansion back in June wasn’t responded to, NYSDEC assumed lead agency status of the project. On July 20th - as lead agency - NYSDEC made a negative declaration, clearing the way for the expansion to proceed WITHOUT a full and complete Envirnomental Impact Statement. It appears that no one in the city administration, on the city council or the citizens who will be directly impacted by this expansion were notified of this declaration either.  We can only assume that, if a letter notifying the City of Troy of this was sent, it found it’s way to the same place the June letter did.

Since the letter may or may not have been received, the city administation wasn't able to notify the city councilmen about this lead agency status either.  After all, if the mayor's office didn't receive the letter, they couldn't have shared the information, right?  As far as I know, no public hearings regarding the proposed expansion were held.  Until the citizens spoke out at the council meeting on August 5th (including one who suggested that the city take lead agency status), no one in city government apparently was aware that anyone other than the "trash talkers" from South Troy were concerned. When it became apparent to the council members that many residents outside of South Troy were also concerned, the councilmen agreed that more thought needed to go into the process.  They said that they would explore taking lead agency status. No one at that meeting seemed to be aware that the NYSDEC had already assumed that role or that a negative declaration regarding the expansion had in fact already been made.

NYSDEC had only received a handful of comments regarding this during the regular comment period.  Given that no informtion regarding this was made public, it surprises me that NYSDEC received ANY comments at all.  They were not aware that the real citizens of Troy were against the expansion.  Because of the outcry of at that council meeting, (and I suspect at the request of our city council) NYSDEC has extended the time period for public comment through August 19th. This is the final week that anyone will be able to comment on the proposed expansion.

Now this is where the trash talking REALLY has to start flying. This expansion will bring increased truck traffic to EVERY neighborhood in the city. This increased truck traffic will further strain our already teetering infrastructure, both above and below ground.  It will further degrade the appearance of one of our cities MAIN gateways. It will further erode property values throughout our fair city. It will give the City of Troy federal slum status. No real citizen of Troy could want any of this.  I certainly don't.  It's time for the Real Citizens of Troy to STAND UP.  Are you a Real Citizen of Troy? If you are, please contact Nancy Baker at NYSDEC or call the Region 4 permitting office at 357-2456 to make your opinion known.

Be Accountable

Sometimes we make mistakes. Sometimes we get caught. When we do get caught, it can be difficult to confirm that we did anything wrong. We fear the consequences of admitting guilt. Yet it’s through taking responsibility – owning up - for our actions and behaviors that we show fellow humans that we are accountable for our behavior. It’s how we build respect and that leads to trust.

Maybe that’s why it’s a challenge for us to trust politicians. It’s considered savvy in political circles to blame someone else, the other party or another department whenever the opportunity arises. Taking such action may move their agenda along, sometimes by deflecting the public’s attention away from a particular situation, especially if it’s a mucky, murky, mired messy situation. Only someone with something to hide does this and it’s tough to respect someone who does not accept the consequences of their actions.

The message these politicians and their handlers think they are sending is that someone else is responsible for the inaction or the situation. The message that their constituents are receiving is that the individual they elected to represent them is not taking responsibility for their decisions, actions or deeds. They are not being accountable. And accountability does matter.

The Lessons We Must Learn

Before we can talk, we can figure out how to get what we need or want. If an infant is picked up and cradled at the slightest fuss or a toddler throws a temper tantrum that results in getting what they were originally denied, they learn to repeat those behaviors. For them, they worked as their goal was achieved. Conversely, should the infant be allowed to fuss for a little while (as long as they’ve been fed and their nappy is clean) or the original denial stands in spite of the tantrum, they learn not to do that again ‘cause it didn’t work.

We progress through life by process of trial and error. We explore our world and learn what we like and how to get it. When we try or do something new or different that then satisfies a need or gives us pleasure; we’ll do it again. We’ll do it regularly. We also learn how to avoid those things that we don’t like. Each of us learns what works for us in our environment.

As school-aged children, we start learning the lessons of what is acceptable socially and what is not. We learn right from wrong. We learn to take responsibility for our actions. As adolescents we start to understand how decisions we make will affect other people. We learn to be accountable to others for how we behave. It’s the lessons we learn from our missteps that we learn best. They inform our mental processes, our mores and our character. It’s the learning of those lessons that grow us into adulthood.

A Courting We Must Go

The registered voters of Uptown Troy NY are not courted for our votes. Our numbers are considered insignificant and therefore we’re bypassed during political campaigns. The only politicians we’ll see – maybe – are the candidates for our council seat and the mayor. County and state candidates are guided away from most of our Uptown neighborhoods. Heck even the band of volunteers, who petitioned to have the way our council representatives are elected & our districts changed, didn’t court registered Uptown voters for their signature. Campaign managers will put their limited campaign funds to use where they are going to have the most impact; the money will talk to the most votes.

Take the school board elections in the spring for example. If you drove North Lake Avenue during the campaign you saw at least four different lawn signs promoting different candidates yet in Uptown only one candidate placed lawn signs.  The numbers are more significant in that section of Troy and therefore their votes were courted. And they vote - consistently. Until the number of registered voters increases in Uptown Troy NY, we will continue to be perceived as insignificant. Sadly, even with School 2 hanging in the balance, very few of our Uptown voters actually turned out to vote. And therein lies the second concern. If we can’t get our registered voters out to vote when an issue this pressing is occurring, why try increasing the number registered to do so? A bump in the number of registered voters will create, at least briefly, an opportunity for courtship. It’s the courtship that brings the interaction with candidates that allows us to make informed decisions and gives us the chance to affect discussions.

In order for the process to work, citizens MUST work the process. We MUST seek out our opportunities to interact. We MUST educate ourselves on the issues. We MUST understand our own values, positions and stands. We MUST vote. We MUST remind our registered neighbors to vote. We MUST encourage our neighbors who aren’t yet registered to vote to get registered.

Lawmakers & Peace Officers are Citizens Too

Lawmakers create them; Citizens abide by them; Peace Officers uphold them. Laws are our rules for a civil society. Even the trivial laws are enacted for the betterment of society in general. When a citizen fails to abide by a law, other citizens are affected. Know anyone who was adversely affected because of someone else’s uncivil behaviors? Each law was enacted, should be obeyed and must be enforced.

Although we like to think that all citizens are held to the same standard, we know that that is not the case. Some – whether elected or hired – believe that their position is a free pass to disregard a law if they see fit to do so. Often, they are correct. They are extended “professional courtesy”. When those that are elected to create or those whom are sworn to uphold our laws are allowed to disobey them, our civil society is threatened. Lawmakers and peace officers are citizens as well and MUST be held to the same standard as all citizens are. No more, no less.

We’ve all broken a law or two in our days. Not flipping on your turn signal; Not using a crosswalk when crossing a street; Not picking up poochie’s poop; Walking down a street with an open can of beer; Burning wood in a pit in your back yard; Setting off fireworks for the 4th of July; Driving after a drink or two too many. Sometimes ya get called out on it and when you do ya have to pay the price. It’s time that ALL citizens caught breaking a law pay the SAME price for doing so.

Lessons Lost

Aw, Stinkie. Your life is not an easy one and still many a burden you will bear. Your mind is tortured, as is your gentle soul. I can see it in your eyes. I love you as my own; I always will. You called me MA. I called you Number 2 son. We opened our home, invited you in and tried to show you another way. Alas, twas not to be. Our lives diverged, each taking the path laid out by the choices we made.

How many times were you shown how “the truth shall set you free”? How often were you reminded that actions have consequences and to be sure you can live those consequences? How frequently was it explained to you how actions you take and decisions you make affect other people? How I wish you were paying attention; absorbing those lessons. So sad, you became a lost boy.

The consequence of YOUR actions on that fate-filled day is one that too many MUST live with. Tears shed. Hearts broken. Souls shaken. Lives altered. A mother left to raise a fatherless son. And no more hugs from her bright-eyed girl.

Thank you, Mr. G!

In 1984, after my stint in the US Army, I returned to Uptown Troy NY to begin the next chapter in my life. I had an infant son to support and, although I was living with my parents, I didn’t want them to carry any added financial burdens. Finding a job was my highest priority.

So, I went job hunting and landed a position with John B. Garrett, Inc., a medical supply company located just two blocks from my home. “How lucky” I thought to myself, “I won’t need to get a car to get to work.” That luck continued too. The company was family-owned and operated. I liked that. Mr. Garrett, his wife Helen and 2 (eventually 4) of their 8 children worked in the business. Their Office Manager, Dolores, had been with them for years. I learned very quickly that - to the Garrett’s - their employees were members of their family. For the better part of 14 years I felt honored to be working for and with the Garrett’s.

John B. Garrett, Jr. continued the business his mother had started when he was young. He built the business through hard work, determination and an eternally optimistic mindset. An example of this optimism shines in letters he crafted to his clients and vendors following the fire that had destroyed his office and warehouse at 533 River Street back in 1965. He closed them with “Watch us bounce back.” And bounce back they did. To him, all things were possible. He was the king of quotes and bids. He was meticulously unorganized. He always wore a smile. He was regal. Mr. Garrett passed on from this world on Monday, July 5th.

As I leave home to join the family in celebrating Mr. Garrett’s life, I am keenly aware of how he both affected and effected my life. Who I have been as an employee and who I am today as a business owner was greatly shaped by his kindness, gratitude, consideration, optimism, joy and love. Yes, love. Mr. Garrett’s smile was full of it. So, for one more time: THANK YOU, MR. G.

Your Vote Here Could Help Your Neighbors

You can help two wonderful organizations in Troy this week by casting a vote for each of them in Chase Bank’s Chase Community Giving Campaign, which runs through July 12th. Thousands of charitable organizations have been nominated for a minimum of $20,000 in grant funding with the top vote getter nationwide recieving a $250,000 grant.  In order to be considered a charity had to be nominated by a supporter. You only have to vote once and you can select up to 20 different charities to support. Included among the thousands are two of Troy NY’s own - CAC Woodside and Capital District Community Gardens.

CAC Woodside, a recipient of a $50,000 Refresh Everything Grant in May of this year, hopes to use the additional $20,000 grant towards completing the on-going renovations to the old Woodside Presbyterian Church. Please take a moment to visit Chase Community Giving-CAC Woodside and vote.

Capital District Community Gardens was also entered into the Chase program by one of their supporters. $20,000 will help CDCG continue offering programs like Squash Hunger and The Veggie Mobile. Please take a moment to visit Chase Community Giving-CDCG.

And while you’re there, check out the many other great Capital District organizations that were nominated for consideration. After all, you’ll have 18 votes left.

Today we celebrate our Independence Day

It’s the Fourth of July. Our American Independence Day. Today we celebrate our break from British rule, remember our founding fathers and honor the volunteer militias that fought to make it happen. Volunteerism led to independence. Think about it. Would we be celebrating if those men hadn’t volunteered to stand up in protest to protect their neighbors?

The men and women who are serving in our military today are volunteers. Regardless of why they volunteered, they DID volunteer. Volunteerism is a cornerstone of America. Serving in the military is the ultimate form of volunteerism, requiring great personal sacrifice. We’ll gather with our family and friends for a cookout while our servicemembers gather in a mess tent in the middle of a desert. Later, we’ll head out to watch the fireworks. They’ll head out on patrol. We’ll return safe and sound to our homes. If they’re lucky, they’ll return unscathed to their tents.

Today’s military volunteers serve to ensure that we can continue to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. They are akin to those that fought 234 years ago. So, as you gather to celebrate your right of self-determination, remember those that are sacrificing their freedom to maintain ours.

It's Time to Take Stock

I hate math; Always have. It tweaks my brain in strange ways. That said I LOVE numbers. Well, more accurately counting things to come up with numbers. That’s why I became an Inventory Specialist when I enlisted in the US Army. Being responsible for ensuring that enough stock was on hand to keep vehicles up and running sounded and was very cool. It’s been years since I had something that important to count. The Troy Neighborhoods Action Council has given me something that important to count again – vacant buildings. Consisting of leaders from active neighborhood associations, concerned residents and corporate stakeholders from throughout our fair city, the members of TNAC have collectively agreed that vacant buildings are an issue for every neighborhood in Troy NY.

The City of Troy Vacant Building Registry requires all owners of vacant buildings to keep the building secure, safe and cared for. There are currently 350+ registered vacant buildings on the registry. Unfortunately, not all such owners are complying. For example, 669 River Street has been vacant at least 10 years and is not on the registry. That property owner is NOT following the rules. I’m willing to bet that there are other vacant buildings in this city for which the same can be said. It’s time to take stock of ALL of the vacant buildings and unattended vacant lots throughout Troy NY.

Un-maintained, unattended, unsafe, unsanitary vacant buildings - regardless of where they stand - affect EVERY citizen of Troy. Everyone deserves a safe place to raise his or her family. By participating in this inventory, you will help to make your little piece of Troy a better and safer place to live. Taking stock of our vacant stock is the first step to finding responsible owner occupant homebuyers. Owner occupants are truly invested in their neighborhoods and generally spend where they live. And it seems to me that when a vacant building becomes an owner occupied building, the property values in the adjoining area would increase while the tax burden would decrease. There may be other benefits as well.

You can help improve the quality of life in your neighborhood and greater Troy NY by noticing and informing us of vacant buildings in your area by sending an email of the address to vacantproperties@live.com. Your information will be cross-referenced with the City Vacant Building Registry to develop a more comprehensive list. Remember, if it’s good for ANY part of Troy, it’s good for ALL of Troy.

May She Rest in Peace

“Mass has ended. Let us go in peace to love and serve the Lord.”  Those words took on new meaning for me today as the final Mass at St. Patrick's came to a close.  No more weddings.  No more baptisms.  No more first communions.  No more funerals.  No more parish.  It shouldn’t be this way. Today, many eyes were crying not just Irish eyes. Today’s Mass was the final funeral to be held at St. Pat’s. It was for the church itself.  The doors of St. Patrick’s RC Church on Sixth Avenue in Uptown Troy NY have been closed and locked for the last time.  May she rest in peace.

To be clear, I am not a practical Catholic. I converted many years ago, becoming an Episcopalian. My father, however, is a practical Catholic. As a member of the Knights of Columbus, he has served on the Honor Guard for three closings already. All were parishes he attended at one point in his life. He could not serve this time. It has become too difficult, too emotional. St. Patrick’s is the parish his parents were raised and married in, where his siblings were baptized and his grandparents buried from. I attended today to represent my family and its historic connection to the parish.

Today we celebrated all that St. Patrick’s was and is and shall be no more. Practical Catholics have already made too many sacrifices. The “Called to be Church” program is taking too much away from inner city parishes all across the Capital District. The bishop claims to be concerned about that yet his actions prove differently. But then again, why should the bishop want to continue parishes that don’t fully participate in his appeals? It’s too bad that I can’t help but think that’s all he’s interested in.

And The Bells Will Toll No More

Anyone who has ever lived near a church knows when a service is about to start. Those wonderful, chiming bells singing their songs of praise, while calling the congregation to worship, tell them. This weekend another set of bells along the shores of the Hudson River will chime for the last time. St. Patrick’s RC Church will celebrate the final mass for their congregation this Sunday, June 27th beginning at 10:30 am. There will be no singing bells in Uptown next weekend.

Hundreds are expected to attend the final mass, many traveling from out of town to do so. The psyche of practical Catholics throughout the Capital District has been jarred and the effect that this latest rash of church closings is having on that community is immeasurable. For many, the world as they knew it has ended. Each must find a new home of worship and a new community to worship with.

The impact of St. Patrick’s glorious doors closing for the final time is yet to be seen. For sure, it’s closing will have on effect on the revitalization of Uptown Troy NY and Troy in general. The greatest architectural structure in Uptown will now be vacant, joining the far too many vacant buildings throughout the city. We didn’t need another one, especially this one. I’m sure gonna miss those bells.

Supporting a franchise is supporting a locally-owned business

BUY LOCAL FIRST was my motto long before it became a catch phrase. Anyone who knows me, knows that I have a personal aversion to buying anything made in China. When shopping, I look at every tag to verify where the item was made and if it says made in China, I don’t buy it - PERIOD.  I haven't walked into a Walmart's in over 6 years and have never shopped at Target. I buy my groceries at Price Chopper because their corporate headquarters are in Rotterdam NY and that helps to feed my local economy. I seek out locally owned and operated businesses, including franchises, to purchase whatever I need both personally and professionally. Supporting a franchise is supporting a locally-owned business. A franchisee pays a royalty to a corporation for the right to operate their business using the corporate name. Franchisees pump more money into a local economy than small mom and pop stores do and are a vital economic driving force in a community. One local chamber of commerce doesn’t see it that way.

A chamber of commerce should support ALL businesses in their given area yet this chamber of commerce has elected to exclude local owners of franchises. Their marketeer has decided the catch phrase should be BUY LOCAL instead of BUY LOCAL FIRST and they are targeting locally owned non-franchise businesses to become members of their chamber. They are not accepting adveristing from franchisees and are barring them from participation in this new marketing campaign dupped the "Buy Local" Committee.  The hook: Become a member, advertise with us and you will be seen as an ethical local choice. They are implying that franchisee’s are unethical. As a direct result of this chamber’s current campaign, a good friend of mine was recently turned away by a prospect. My friend OWNS her franchise. She owns her home, sells her goods & spends her income in her community. If that doesn’t define local, what does?

I operate my business using the buy local first philosophy and that includes franchises.  When I am coordinating an event where a give-away is needed, a Capital District source is sought first.  If that proves unfruitful, sources within the State of New York will be researched along with USA based sources. And as much as I don’t like it, there are instances when a client’s budgetary constraints require sourcing overseas, since the cost of made in the USA products many times are higher than they can spend. When this is the case, I use a source based in Hauppage, NY. I’m STILL buying from a NYS based business - even if the product itself is manufactured overseas - and therefore still supporting my local economy.

Revitalizing Hudson River Shoreline in Troy Makes Sense

Simply stated, it is good economic sense for the citizenry, businesses and government of Troy to revitalize all neighborhoods bordering the Hudson River shoreline. Considering the Hudson River and the unique opportunities she has always provided to the citizenry of Troy, she remains our best and most vital resource for economic growth. It is with this in mind that South Troy and Uptown (formerly referred to as North Central) were targeted with the federal funds and rightfully so.

There are many factors that perpetuated the decline of our riverfront neighborhoods. Both South Troy and Uptown were home to the greatest of Troy's industries. The majority of manufacturing jobs within these neighborhoods provided an economic stability. The closing of factories and the loss of those jobs were devastating. The failed Urban Renewal of the 70's cleared away the majority of our retail businesses, thus destroying our downtown economy leading to further economic losses. Then expansion of Troy Housing Authority with additional housing complexes situated in the heart of these thriving neighborhoods signaled to many that it was time to sell their homes and to seek out new opportunities. The grand exodus from these neighborhoods, with many long-time owners selling and moving elsewhere, left a void in these neighborhoods that "investors" were all too eager to fill and, unfortunately, the City of Troy was all too eager to allow them to.
Given the neglectful and apathetic stewardship shown by a majority of these investors in these areas over the past 20+ years, property values have steadily declined on the properties of the good and upright owner occupants throughout our riverfront neighborhoods. Many neighborhood associations are standing up and working actively for improvements in services, livability, and decency. Osgood, Stowe Farm, North Central, South Lansingburgh are each active in our riverfront areas. There's alot of work to be done and alot of people willing to do it.

Furloughs Out of Order

Small, privately-owned businesses have been hit extremely hard by the current economic situation as have their employees. They are earning less and spending less therefore generating less revenue to the state via taxes. Now state government is feeling the effects. Due to the legislature’s inability to pass a state budget, 100,000 unionized state workers have to take a 20% reduction in pay to help keep the state running until they do. Why isn’t the legislature and the governor’s office following the example of small business owners and taking the cut themselves first?

Many small business owners - who have not taken pay for extended periods of time to keep their businesses running and their employees in jobs - have had to turn to furloughs in order to stay operational.  Who the hell is happy about furloughs? No one likes furloughs, no one. They suck. I know. I’ve taken three furloughs in the last ten years. As the economy continues to struggle, furloughs are among the few options that the private sector has to stave off layoffs. The private sector employees affected by these furloughs understand that their employer is struggling to keep the doors open and by taking the furlough, they are giving other co-workers an opportunity to stay employed.  Furloughs are last ditch efforts that, if unsuccessful, will lead to layoffs.  Two of my furloughs did.

The furloughs are Governor Pattison's last ditch effort to get the legislature to pass a budget.  It's time to start sqawking at your state senator and representatives.  Shame them for taking their full pay while their constiuents struggle with 20% less of theirs.  Shame them for their lackadazzicle handling of the state budget.  Remind them who THEY work for.

Ok, I'm Addicted

My computer died on me about a week and a half ago, leaving me without access to my emails, my precious farm, my pogo games and my ability to vote for the Refresh Everything projects I've been supporting.  I went through serious withdrawal, folks, which I am only now coming out of.  My life is tied to this contraption.  Without my calendar, I don't know where I'm supposed to be when.  Without my emails, I don't know who is contacting me and why.  Without Internet access, I can't get information in an instant.  Without my games - now, that was the hard one - I don't know how to relax.    This computer catastrophe taught me something; I'm addicted.

I admit it, I'm a user.  Whether I'm writing a blog, updating my website, posting new information on The Uptown Initiative, processing orders or just playing games, I spend anywhere from 8-10 hours a day on this computer.  Truth is, I'd spend more time on it if I could.  I  forgot that a computer is a tool not life.  The week without it showed me that.

And the Truth shall set you Free

I was blessed to grow up in a great neighborhood - St. Pat's.  For decades, Troy neighborhoods where known by their parish names.  In fact, my neighborhood wasn't called North Central until sometime in the late 70's or early 80's.  The last 25 years have been pretty hard for North Central (now called Uptown), her dedicated residents and historic structures.  Gone are the days of the church being the center of activity in a community.  And with St. Patrick's RC Church closing, it's not going to be any easier for us.  Such a shame, too, given all the support this parish provided to the neighborhood.

The final community mass will be celebrated at St. Pat's on June 27th.  Although the original plan was to merge St. Paul's and St. Peter's parishes with St. Patrick's, that was not to be.  Following a poll of the other two parishes, it was determined that the people "would not want to commute" to St. Patrick's.  Commute is an interesting choice of words given that the other two churches are both less than 2 miles from St. Patrick's.  Personally, I think it's time to open a few windows and air the truth.

So what's the real reason these fellow Trojans would not attend church in Uptown?  Prejudice.  Sorry folks, I call it like I see it.  Prejudice is fed by fear, fear is fed by ignorance and ignorance is taught.  Our vibrant and VIABLE church is closing because fellow Trojans are "too good" to come here.  The people of Uptown have been on their own for at least two decades now anyway.  Why should this situation be any different?

Little Blessings

A heart is filled with hope and joy because of little blessings.  It's those little blessings that help to make living so beautiful. Although it's easy to overlook them - like when someone lets you into a line of traffic -  it's seeing things as blessings instead of obstacles that will make a difference in your life.  If I'm driving behind someone that is going a bit slow or I catch every red light along the way, I accept that there must be a reason I need to slow down.  I think positive thoughts and am thankful for the blessing.  I haven't always seen that situation as a blessing though.  I've learned to.

Say it however you want; You get more with honey than you do with vinegar.  I've had plenty of vinegar in my life and for a time was quite bitter.  When I began to replace the vinegar with honey, my life changed completely.  I changed my diet.  My thought diet, that is.  For example, when someone would tailgate me, I would think "I'm doing the speed limit, what's your $%%#*& hurry?".  Now, I think "Gees, he must be running late for work.  Hope he doesn't get into trouble." 

Little blessings are easy to give too.  Try this sometime.  Next time you're buying a cup of coffee at Stewart's, pay for another cup the same size and tell the clerk the next one's on you.  The clerk knows you paid for it and you know you paid for it however the person that receives that free cup of coffee just knows that someone was kind enough to do that.  It's a great way to share.

Take Care of Where You Live

Whether you own or rent, the way your home looks reflects on you.  People driving by don't know who owns the place or even who lives there; they only know whether it looks good or not.  It's so easy for a renter to blame the landlord rather than take personal responsibility for where they live.  As a life-long renter, I can tell horror stories about some of  landlords and fellow tenants that I've had the "pleasure" of dealing with.  Landlords come in all forms, just like tenants do.
 
Tenants will complain about their overgrown yards and the trash in front of their house yet they won't clean it up.  Why?  Sadly, they assume that the upkeep of a property is solely the responsibilty of the landlord.  They don't understand stewardship.  When a property owner gives someone the priviledge of residing in one of their apartments, they are also making that person a steward of the property.  A good steward will mow the lawn.  A good steward will sweep the sidewalk.  A good steward will have the broken window replaced when the landlord can't or won't.  A good steward will get a trash can if the landlord doesn't supply one.  A good steward will paint their apartment when it needs it.  

I can hear it already, it's not a tenants responsibility to fix what's broken.  I tell you, it is!  If a tenant has reached out to their landlord with an issue and the landlord doesn't respond, it is the tenants right and responsibility to get the situation resolved.  It's part of the tenant's stewardship.  A good steward will have the issue addressed and a smart steward will deduct those expenses from their rental payment and provide the landlord with the receipts.  Think of it this way: As a tenant, you chose to live there.  You chose to call this place your home.  Act like it is.

Every Day is Earth Day

Yesterday, we celebrated Earth Day and tomorrow residents throughout Troy will come out en masse to perform our annual city-wide cleanup.  For 40 years, Earth Day celebrations have been held to remind us that there is only one Earth and, as stewards of our planet, we are responsible for maintaining her.  This is not a new concept. However, living in a disposable society has softened us and we have become accustomed to throwing things away and buying replacements.  Our grandparents didn't throw things away, they found new uses for them. 

I can remember adding string from the bakery boxes to the HUGE ball of string my grandmother stored in the drawer of her china cabinet.  And wrapping paper - Gees, we had to carefully open gifts so that she could save the paper and reuse it.  Sound ridiculous?  Not to me.  You see, I understood that Grammy and Papa had started their family during the Great Depression.  Back then, jobs were hard to find and there wasn't the money to go buying new things.  People had to be creative.  My Papa did everything from working for WPA, entering boxing matches in hopes of winning the prize money, did a little vaudeville and even made sure that the "thirsty" people of Troy had a little something to "wet their whistle with" to support his growing family.  And Grammy re-purposed EVERYTHING.  Nothing was thrown away that could be used in a new way.  So, I was taught the value recycling LONG before it became the thing to do. 

Personally, I think everyday is Earth Day.  There is still a ball of string in the drawer of my grandmother's china cabinet.  I add to it every time I go to Bella Napoli.  You never know when a piece of string will come in handy.

Sharing is good

Sharing is good.  Sharing brings understanding, acceptance, acknowledgement and a sense of belonging.  Sharing is a freeing experience.  I will be sharing my unique perspective on the issues, events, happenings, plans, history and people of Troy NY.  Expect the topics to vary greatly.  My passion for Troy is deep and my love of her people and treasures is boundless.   I can't wait to share with you!!!!