Duncan Crary 5/3/21 Duncan Crary 5/3/21

Washington Park Neighborhoods May 2021 Newsletter

Yard Sale to Benefit Operation Snip

The Operation Snip volunteers have organized a yard sale to benefit the Snip cats. All proceeds will be used to purchase needed medical supplies such as Revolution for fleas, Drontal for worms, Albon, etc. It is kitten season so our services are in demand.

The sale is Sunday, May 16 from 9 to 3 at the Brunswick Harley-Davidson, 1130 Hoosick Road, Route 7, Troy. There is a large selection of merchandise and baked goods. Great deals!

Wedding Bells

Riverside’s Dani Lloyd married Eric Adamchick on May 1 in Washington Park. The sun made an appearance just in time for the intimate ceremony in front of the blooming tulips at the southwest corner. The bridal party walked from 1st Street to the Park, a lovely sight. Proud mom Cindy was thrilled to see Dani’s wedding dress. Dani used her mom’s wedding gown to design a dress which incorporated details of Cindy’s gown but reflected Dani’s personality. Dani kept the high necked appliqued bodice but eliminated the full long bottom and instead had a sleek pencil skirt with appliques. The Park’s Lynn Kopka put it all together.

Ray of Sunshine

Third Street’s Diane & Don Bella added a carport at their rental property in the Osgood Neighborhood in order to install solar panels. The couple who left the East Side for a Third Street rehab took advantage of the state and federal incentives for the installation of solar panels. Don figures the system will pay for itself in 10 years.

Welcome

Welcome to Maria Thompson, an interior designer living on Third Street.

The Gilded Age

Filming is projected to begin in May for the HBO series The Gilded Age. Troy filming dates are May 24 to June 18. The crew is scheduled to film interior scenes on 3rd Street near Washington Park from May 24 to May 28 (day). Interior and exterior shots in Monument Square from June 1 to June 8 (day and evening). The crew will return to Washington Park on June 9 and 10. The night of June 10 will be filming an exterior shot on 2nd Street. The last day around Washington Park will be June 15, all exterior shots (day). Street closures TBD. We will update as we get details. Be prepared for minor inconveniences.

Summit of Achievement at Opalka Gallery

Franklin Place’s Adam Frelin has installed his latest art piece, “Summit” on the Opalka Gallery rooftop in Albany. The 12’ tall image of a mountaintop was designed to create a trompe l’oeil illusion of a snow-covered mountain range behind the Sage College campus on New Scotland Avenue, according to the Times Union. It is part of a larger outdoor installation entitled “Erractics”. One goal of the exhibit is to prompt visitors to consider that both geologic and human history are continuously being shaped by unpredictable actions and outcomes. Adam noted that he wants someone who is driving down the street to glance up and be rewarded by the illusion that there is a giant mountain behind the gallery. Adam was one of the forces behind the highly acclaimed Breathing Lights project several years ago.

Primary Election Day

Tuesday, June 22 from 6am to 9pm at Your Designated Polling Place

Early Voting: June 12-20

There may not be a primary in your party of enrollment. To vote in a Primary you must be registered in a party having a primary. If you will be out of the County on Primary or General Election day or are physically disabled, you may contact the County Board of Elections to apply for an absentee ballot or to make alternate voting arrangements.

If you are interested in serving as an election day worker, need an absentee ballot application, or have other questions, please contact the Board of Elections at 518-270-2990 or www.rensco.com.

Exercise Your Right to Vote!

School Board Elections

Tuesday, May 18

Troy School District Budget Vote and Selection of 3 Members of the Board

Hours of Voting: 7:30am to 8:00 pm @ School 12, 475 1st Street.

Best of the Capital Region

The Times Union’s Annual Best of the Capital Region noted the effects of the pandemic on local businesses. Some adapted and thrived; others closed; new ones opened. Nearly 40,000 people voted in the TU poll this year. Troy, of course, had many Best Of winners:

Best Pizza (single location): DeFazio’s Pizzeria

Best Local Pizza Chain: Red Front

Best Chicken Wings: The Ruck, The Ale House

Best Indian/Pakistani: Shalimar Troy

Best Vietnamese: Quang’s Vietnamese Bistro

Best BBQ Restaurant: Dinosaur

Best Cheap Eats: Famous Lunch

Best Vegetarian: Berben & Wolff’s

Best Coffee Shop: Spillin’ the Beans

Best Tea Shop: Whistling Kettle

Best Frozen Treat Venue: The Snowman

Best Restaurant for Outdoor Dining: Brown’s Brewing

Best Takeout Food: DeFazio’s Pizzeria

Best Farmers Market: Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

Best Bakery: Bella Napoli, Cookie Factory

Best Bookstore: Market Block Books

Best Wedding Venue: Franklin Plaza

Best Waterfront Spot: Troy Riverfront Park

Best City: #3 Troy

Best Running Race: Troy Turkey Trot

Best College: HVCC

Best Local Festival: Victorian Stroll

No doubt we missed a few so check out the TU website for a full list. Patronize your local merchants!

Masks Belong on Faces

While we have picked up some colorful & creative masks from the streets and sidewalks, we prefer that they be disposed of properly.

COVID-19 Protocols

Masks and social distancing are recommended but we are inching toward “normal” whatever the new normal may be.

Trash Talking

The City is implementing a new solid waste management platform called ReCollect, which has info on pickup routes, proper disposal of items, resources for residents & educators and contact info.

The Alamo (across from the Rensco corrections facility in South Troy) has been upgraded & rebranded as the Troy Resource Management Facility. Residents can drop off leaves & brush, pickup mulch & pallets at no cost.

Household Hazardous Waste Events: June 26, August 28 & October 30. To learn more or to register, visit www.BEThhw.org.

Electronics/Shredding/Tire Drop Off Event: May 8, 9 to 1 at the Troy Resource Management Facility (former Alamo)

Watch for new recycling bins: Choice between 16 gallon and 22 gallon bins

Continue to recycle, diversion to reuse, repair, donate, compost and other methods of disposal to reduce solid waste.

Scoop Your Poop!

Stolen Packages

Be alert for package deliveries. Packages are disappearing from stoops. Report all stolen packages to Troy Police. The Troy Mart at Hill & Adams will accept delivery of packages & hold them for pick up. Please contact the Troy Mart staff for information.

Website Update

Please check out the website – www.wpn-troy.org – to be sure your postings are up to date.

Apartments, Etc.

Park - 195 2nd St, 1st floor, 1BR, LR, DR, kitchen, bath w/W/D. Good closet space. Hardwood floors. Owner occupied quiet bldg. Private entrance. No smoking/ no pets. Perfect for 1. $1500 inc. heat. Call Lynn 518-322-1872.

Goods, Services, Help

Patronize Local Businesses

Take out is available at most downtown restaurants. Other boutique businesses are open. Check the Troy BID website for details. While some businesses have closed, others have opened.

Troy Night Out

The last Friday of the month. Check the Troy Night Out website for details.

Troy Farmers Market

The Troy Market is downtown for the spring/summer season. Saturday from 9 to 2! Get your veggies; network; enjoy the sunshine.

SAVE THE DATE

Concerts? Art events? Sporting events?

Check the various websites for Troy’s arts and cultural institutions. Events are happening in modified form. The Troy BID website has a complete listing of downtown’s businesses, merchants, etc. lease visit it often for updates on what is happening.

All the News & Then Some

Get your news to Lynn @ lkopka13@gmail.com or 518-322-1872. You too can be a media darling. Remember that the website – www.wpn-troy.org - is effective only if all listings are up to date. Please let us know of changes. We want your news!

Duncan Crary 4/2/21 Duncan Crary 4/2/21

Wasington Park Neighborhoods April 2021 Newsletter

New Washington Park Neighborhoods Website

Downtown resident & PR miracle worker Duncan Crary & Riverside resident Molly Eady are working on developing the new website for the Washington Park Neighborhoods of Historic Sage, Osgood, Pottery, Little Italy, Riverside and more. The focus will remain the same as the former site – in other words, it recognizes the value of collaboration and cooperation among all of us to strengthen our neighborhoods and know our neighbors. The website will provide information and contacts for historic rehabs, mundane maintenance work (those leaky faucets!). There will be the usual links to art and cultural events (Troy Music Hall, Hart Cluett Museum, Arts Center, etc), Downtown happenings (Troy BID keeps us up to date on restaurants, boutique shopping, coffee shops and more), & Troy Public Library (there is nothing like a well read resident). Of course we will need your input on services and events. The new site is www.wpn-troy.org.

Earth Day

Each year, the City of Troy sponsors a citywide cleanup event coinciding with Earth Day. This community event brings together residents, families, and business owners to improve community parks, green spaces and neighborhoods across the city. For more info on Troy’s annual Earth Day cleanup, or to organize a cleanup project in your neighborhood, please contact Renee Panetta, City Recycling Coordinator, at (518) 279-7171 or Renee.panetta@troyny.gov

Egg Hunt

The 2021 Egg Hunt is in a new venue this year – Sage Park at the corner of 2nd and Congress Streets. Saturday, April 3 at 10:30 am. Wear masks; social distance. Bring basket for the eggs. Gather at the Emma Willard statue. Thanks to the Park’s Arlene Nock & daughter Julie for stuffing 500 eggs!

Death of 5th Avenue’s Peter Fox

Peter Fox, a data science & Semantic eScience researcher at RPI, died unexpectedly at his home on March 27. Peter was a beloved friend to many in Troy & a friend, colleague & mentor to students & faculty at RPI. To his friends, he was like family. A great man with a brilliant mind & a gentle soul, Peter was nothing short of priceless. Shocked & heartbroken, we fully expect Peter to walk into a party with a bottle of wine while we know very well that he is beyond us. In his lengthy & acclaimed career, as Professor Fox, Peter inspired many with his teaching and expertise in data science as well as free spirited risk taking. He was witty, clever and a supportive colleague, influencing our thinking that shaped how we work. We extend our deepest sympathy to his longtime and beloved partner, Erica Veil.

New Homeowners Downtown

Lynn Momrow-Zielinski & Mark Zielinski are thrilled to join the Troy community as owners and caretakers of 62 2nd Street (the former home of Paul & Alane Hohenberg). The Zielinskis are history buffs and have always dreamed of owning a townhouse where they could walk to cultural & dining venues. They love the preservation of the original architecture that makes Troy so unique. Lynn is a native of Rensselaer County, having grown up in Averill Park. She graduated from RPI & is the founder and co-owner of Extreme Molding in Watervliet. Mark grew up in Batavia, NY, graduated from Alfred University and retired from NYS Tax & Finance. He enjoys acrylic painting, curling, relaxed golf, and volunteering in the archives at Albany Institute of History & Art and with the Historic Albany Foundation. Lynn is an avid golfer, an amateur curler, a lifelong learner (currently pursuing an online MBA), serves on the Albany Rural Cemetery Board and leads the Fort Orange Club Literary Society. The Zielinskis are pet lovers and have 2 orange cats Divot & Hobie and a white Schnoodle Winnie.

Welcome

Welcome to Sophia Vastek & Samuel Torres at the former St. Nicholas Ukrainian Orthodox Church on 2nd Street in Osgood. The couple is undertaking an extensive adaptive reuse project – their new home.

Welcome to Bridgit Hrubecky and Keith Lane in Historic Sage. Bridgit & Keith arrived in Troyin April 2020 as the pandemic was raging. They are looking forward to finally meeting their neighbors. Both are from the Capital District. Bridgit attended RIT, then returned here to work at Regeneron in Quality Control, Keith attended RPI and works in the lab at the Neural Stem Cell Institute (across the street from Bridgit!). They love drinking wines, traveling and trying new foods/recipes. They have a spoiled cat named Skeeter who loves the big windows and afternoon sun.

Welcome to Maria Thompson on River Street. Maria is a native of the Berkshires in Massachusetts and lived in NYC for many years. She relocated to Troy in early 2020 and is employed as an Interior Designer at Mosaic Associates on 3rd Street. Maria is a resident of the newly converted factory lofts on River Street.

Parchment Baking Company

The Times Union recently reported on baking as a side effect of the pandemic. Washington Place’s Isabel Burlingham is reaching down to her Scandinavian roots by way of baking. Influenced by the Swedish & Norweigan food of her grandmother, Isabel ventured into the kitchen & a star was born. She operates the Parchment Baking Company full time, leaving her chemist job. She makes dainty, petite desserts such as kardemummabullar and kramsekaker (you will have to sample them to find out the main flavoring – just know they are delicious). Isabel sells at the Troy Farmers Market, Schenectady Greenmarket, Delmar Tuesday Farmers Market, Honest Weight Food Co-op, Electric City Food Co-op and online.

Masks Belong on Faces

While we have picked up some colorful & creative masks from the streets and sidewalks, we prefer that they be disposed of properly.

COVID19 Protocols

News of the virus continues to be less than positive. New strains. Overwhelming demand for vaccinations. Please protect yourselves and others by following the mask & social distancing guidelines. We will continue to offer shopping assistance.

Scoop Your Poop!

Stolen Packages

Website Update

Please check out the website – www.wpn-troy.org – to be sure your postings are up to date.

Apartments, Etc.

Goods, Services, Help

Patronize Local Businesses

Take out is available at most downtown restaurants. Other boutique businesses are open. Check the Troy BID website for details. While some businesses have closed, others have opened. Lots of choices for coffee! Plenty of books to read (maybe those easy beach reads at the actual beach this summer) at Market Block Books at River & 3rd. Check out the Trojan Horse for antiques, contemporary & modern furnishings & collectibles (1 Fulton St, corner of 3rd, former Frear Dept Store).

Troy Night Out

The last Friday of the month. Check the Troy Night Out website for details.

Troy Waterfront Farmers Market

The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market moves outside into Riverfront Park this Saturday, April 3. 9 AM - 2 PM.

Compost drop off at the Market or the Atrium on 4th Street, Saturdays 10 AM - 2 PM.

SAVE THE DATE

Concerts? Art events? Sporting events?

Time will tell. Check the various arts & cultural websites for events. COVID19 restrictions are loosening and events are happening.

Coming Soon

An End to the Pandemic? Movie Theaters Open??

Follow CDC guidelines to reduce the transmission of COVID19. Wear masks. Social distance. Wash hands. It’s a community effort and we are a pretty terrific community. We are looking forward to seeing our friends and neighbors out and about again.

All the News & Then Some

Get your news to Lynn @ lkopka13@gmail.com or 518-322-1872. You too can be a media darling. Remember that the website is effective only if all listings are up to date. Please let us know of changes.

Duncan Crary 3/24/21 Duncan Crary 3/24/21

Washington Park Neighborhoods - March 2021

(Find Real Estate Rental and For Sale Notices Under “Classifieds” Heading)

Return to Something Approaching Normal

News of the virus is more positive in terms of reopening & easing of some restrictions. Please continue to protect yourselves and others by following the mask & social distancing guidelines. We will continue to offer shopping assistance. Check the NYS & Rensselaer County Health Dept. websites for info on vaccinations.

Bench to be Donated in Memory of Rosemary Oathout

The family of long time resident, the late Rosemary Oathout, is memorializing her with the donation of a bench in her honor. Rosemary lived on the Park for decades, succumbing to cancer in April 2019. The Valenti Family has approached WPA about the purchase of a bench for the Park. Rosemary especially enjoyed her view of the Park from the 2nd floor of 199 2nd Street. The bench will be a fitting reminder of Rosemary.

New Neighbors, New Owners

While the pandemic may have slowed some of us down, others were busy joining our community. Lots of new neighbors and owners. We are waiting for info from many of them & will provide the news as we get it.

Birthday Wishes

The Park’s Alex Knoblauch turned 28 last month.

2021 Hidden Garden Tour

Spring is here! It’s a good time to start thinking of this year’s Hidden Garden Tour!
The committee has met and decided on Thursday June 10th 4:00 PM to 7:30 PM, rain or shine, as our date for the tour this year. The end of May is the date that our President announced that there will be enough vaccines for everyone to be vaccinated. Moving the date to June would allows us to offer an in person tour in 2021. Yay!

We will follow all precautions recommended by the CDC at that time. It will be our 21st – in person- tour and our 22nd event.
If you would feel comfortable having your garden on the tour this year, here is the link to sign up https://www.hiddengardentour.com/call-for-gardens If you have a neighbor that you think might want to participate, feel free to share the link.
There has been some discussion about creating some videos that would be used as advertising. If you are interested in participating in this, call Phyllis Conroy. Volunteers are always welcome.
Happy Spring!!

SCOOP YOUR POOP!

Stolen Packages

Spring Garden Clean Up

Just in time for the Hidden Garden Tour, Peg & Suzy of Albion Gardens can help with clearing out the winter debris & getting ready for spring renewal. All organic methods. Call Peg at 518-322-1909. Peg is our neighbor in Historic Sage; Suzy lives in Little Italy.

Patronize Local Businesses

Take out & limited seating is available at most downtown restaurants. Other boutique businesses are open. Check the Troy BID website for details. While some businesses have closed, others have opened.

Events

Troy Night Out

The last Friday of the month. Check the Troy Night Out website for details.

Troy BID

Downtown happenings are posted on the Troy BID website. New businesses are opening! Established ones are here to stay! Patronize our local merchants.

Troy Savings Bank Music Hall – 30 2nd Street

Concerts are scheduled! Check out the TSBMH website for info & tkts.

Hart Cluett Museum – 57 2nd Street

The Museum’s dynamic director, Karin Krasevac-Lenz, our neighbor in Historic Sage, has retired but the Museum is going strong. The Research Library is open by appointment only.

A. The Irish in Troy & Rensselaer County: A Drinking History Event. Thurs, 3/18, 7-8

B. Exhibits; The Way We Work(ed) in Rensselaer County & Black History in Rensselaer County

Check the website or call 518-272-7232 for info. COVID19 protocols in place.

Marketplace Opens

A new marketplace is open thru Sunday, March 28, from 10 to 2 at the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market.

The newly-launched business development organization, Make It Up State, hosts The Marketplace in partnership with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market to showcase local handmade goods and food. Osgood’s Heather Morra is a regular merchant with her custom designed & craf ted jewelry, Morra Designs. Check out the website at http://www.morradisigns.com.

Martinez Gallery – Cannon Building, 2nd Floor

Laudalina Martinez’s Martinez Gallery is a contemporary art gallery that functions as a boutique enterprise for collectors and artists. Since its beginning in 2001, the Gallery has maintained a specialty in Latino art and promotion of Nuyorican artists.

The Gallery focuses on outstanding art at a good value; it advises clients who are experienced collectors or wish to start collections. The Gallery provides specialized services for clients who are in the Trade, designers and architects; work in real estate; or seek an independent curator for corporate spaces and non-profits. The gallery is open with limited hours. Check the website.

St. John’s Offerings – Candlelight Meditations, Storywalks & More

Park resident & pastor at St. John’s Church, Judith Malionek welcomes all to various non-denominational events at St. John at 1st & Liberty.

On 4 Friday evenings in March, from 5 to 6 pm, St. John’s will be open & candlelit. That time of evening the stained glass windows, created in a variety of styles, are backlit by the evening sun. While quietly basking in the beauty of the sanctuary, attendees will hear instrumental music, played intermittently. 3/12 George Richardson, guitarist; 3/19 Lydia Smith, cellist; 3/26 Ted Phillips, organist. COVID protocols will be observed for everyone’s safety.

For children, St. John’s displays a Storywalk, along the fence on 1st Street. The stories change every month or so. Currently posted is Preaching to the Chickens: The Story of Young John Lewis. This a sweet & funny snippet from the childhood of John Lewis, who dreamed of being a preacher, moving crowds to action by the power of his sermons. Lewis later became a prominent civil rights & congressional leader.

St. John’s also has emergency bags of food ready to go, available during office hours, Mon-Fri, 8:30 to 12:30.

Coming Soon

All the News & Then Some

Get your news to Lynn @ lkopka13@gmail.com or 518-322-1872. You too can be a media darling. Remember that the website is effective only if all listings are up to date. Please let us know of changes.

For A Digital Version of the Newsletter, Text Harriet at 419 304 7854

If you would prefer to go paperless, send your name and email address to Harriet in a text and she will put you on the “Zap To” list for the digital version of the newsletter. If you’re a landlord, please, let your tenants know of this neighborhood service.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!