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…
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, October 23, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
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.
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.
Saturday, October 9, 2010
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”?
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”?
Friday, September 17, 2010
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.
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.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
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.
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.
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