HNA meeting on Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will host its next meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 19, in the Sage College Campus Center at 7 p.m.

On the agenda: discussing the results so far of the neighborhood visioning effort, a public safety report from the Albany Police Department, and a presentation by Theresa Priolo from CBS6 (WRGB-TV) on her station's Crime Trackers initiative.

Nominations for next year's slate of officers for the neighborhood association will also be accepted at Wednesday's meeting.

Read all about the upcoming meeting and more happenings in our neighborhood in the latest edition of the newsletter, the HNA Reporter.
 

Pasquale’s wins!

All Over Albany's popular Tournament of Pizza is over, and congratulations are in order to our neighborhood's own Pasquale’s, which won the championship round and taken the tournament title.
 

Pasquale's showed up to the finals ready to play. The New Scotland Ave pizzeria turned out what might have been its best effort of the whole tournament with its margarita. And the judges responded.

—All Over Albany

 

Pasquale’s reaches AOA Pizza Final Four

Congratulations to our neighborhood's own Pasquale’s, which has won the first two rounds to advance to the semifinals of All Over Albany's Tournament of Pizza.

Follow All Over Albany's tournament, complete with bracket, to see how the Final Four regional pizzerias fare next week.
 

HNA Neighborhood Visioning Meeting

Join us for a special participatory discussion of what your neighborhood means to you. We are convening a visioning meeting to kickoff a small planning process — as a way to "get ready" for the City of Albany's Comprehensive Plan project which is getting underway, as well as to help us focus our ongoing neighborhood association efforts.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, October 15, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Sage College of Albany Campus Center.

Everyone is invited to share what they believe are the best aspects of our neighborhood, and offer their ideas for "what you would like your neighborhood (and city) to be like in the next 5 to 10 years." The meeting format will be a brief presentation followed by facilitated discussions in small groups, and will reconvene as one large group wrap-up and reporting session.

Please invite your neighbors, and bring ideas for how to get more residents involved in thinking about our future. For more info, please contact Jennifer Viggiani, Chair, at jvigg2005@yahoo.com.
 

What's your vision?

What do you want your neighborhood to be in the next 10 years? What Could it Be Like? What Should it Be Like?

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will sponsor one of its “special” additional neighborhood meetings on Wednesday, Oct. 15, to do some brainstorming about what we residents and business owners would like to see our neighborhood be like in the coming years — a visioning meeting. The meeting will be participatory in nature, so please bring your thoughts and ideas with you. It will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Sage College of Albany, Campus Center at Academy Road, where our regular HNA meetings are held.

The idea for holding a special, participatory discussion on what we would like to see for our neighborhood, and ultimately, for the greater city, is in part, a response to and preparation for the beginning of the City of Albany’s city-wide comprehensive plan and planning process that is underway in its initial stages. Further, October is National Planning Month per the American Planning Association, and our neighborhood is a great, walkable, livable neighborhood that is a model for other neighborhoods and outside communities — if we can sustain all of its great qualities. Here are some suggested topics for the October meeting, for a robust discussion on these and other issues that participants are encouraged bring to the table:

• Is our great neighborhood prepared for the changes going on in the city? We are fortunate to be receiving significant public investments in public buildings in our neighborhood: the renovation of School 19 is nearly complete, with a January 2009 anticipated opening; and the John S. Bach Library construction next to the fire house on New Scotland Avenue is slated to be open in 2010. And likewise, some amazing private investments are occurring as we speak: the $500 million expansion of St. Peter’s Hospital at one end of our neighborhood, and the same large scale investment is underway at Albany Medical Center and the Park South neighborhood to the other end.
  
• Are we ready to embrace potential changes at the St. Teresa of Avila Church and School campus, located in the heart of our neighborhood?
  
• Will our small, locally owned and operated businesses be able to adjust and thrive amidst all the changes happening around our neighborhood?
  
• How can we support the growing numbers of our neighbors who are earning a living working out of their home?
  
• How can we support the folks near or into retirement being able to continue to live their lives in our great neighborhood?
  
• Is there enough green space for our children in the neighborhood and the city?
  
• How can we secure enhancements to our neighborhood and the greater city for pedestrian and bicyclists to safely travel? How can we support mass transit in Albany?
  
• Can we reduce/manage the commuter traffic, by encouraging more employees to live in our neighborhood and city?
  
• Ultimately, how can we work with and improve our relationships with the City of Albany and other partners and neighborhoods to keep our great neighborhood going, and to support the strengthening of not only our neighborhood, but the whole city?

As our neighborhood has never been the subject of any comprehensive study or analysis, it seems like a great opportunity to meet and share ideas about why we moved to this neighborhood (and/or decided to stay in this neighborhood), what we like and love about our neighborhood, and what are the issues and concerns we have today and looking to the future. This meeting could be a great discussion for us to start to really focus as a group on what our shared goals are — and maybe we’ll find constructive, doable ways to keep improving this great neighborhood — by working together.

If you would like to help us prepare or have suggestions for this visioning discussion, please contact Jennifer Viggiani at 489-3824 or jvigg2005@yahoo.com.

Originally published in the September-October edition of the HNA Reporter newsletter.
 

Photos of annual picnic

It was a new location at the Sage College of Albany, but the annual Helderberg Neighborhood Association's fall picnic was another success.


 

New location, same great picnic

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association held its annual picnic at a new location today — Sage College of Albany graciously allowed us to use their great lawn at Academy Road and New Scotland Avenue.

Though the site was new, HNA continued its same great tradition of barbecue food, salads and of course ice cream. Our neighborhood businesses were, as always, very generous with their donations to this event.

Check back later for more photos. Thanks to our neighbors who came out, had fun and continue to support our association.
 

Annual picnic coming Wednesday at Sage

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association's annual fall picnic is scheduled for this Wednesday, Sept. 17, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

The new location is the grassy lawn in front of Sage College of Albany at the intersection of New Scotland Avenue and Academy Road.

The picnic is moving from its traditional spot next to Engine 11 because of the Fall 2008 anticipated groundbreaking for the construction of the new library branch.

Everyone in the neighborhood is invited, and we encourage all to bring a dish to share (remember to label your plate with your name, address and phone number).

Our local business have been very generous (as always) in donating for our traditional picnic raffle. A 50/50 raffle is also planned.

If you are unable to walk to the picnic, parking will be available at the Campus Center parking area (off Academy Road) — it's the same lot we use on our regular HNA meeting night.

The rain date for the picnic is Saturday, Sept. 17, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.


View Larger Map
 

September-October Newsletter released

The September-October edition of the HNA Reporter is out and delivery has been ongoing door-to-door. Read about our upcoming annual picnic at a new location this year, our Neighborhood Vision Discussion next month, articles on slate roof repairs and the latest Membership Report.
 

Lock up those bikes

Councilman Jim Sano sent out a warning recently to be on the lookout for some bicycle thieves. A bike was apparently stolen recently, even though it was locked and on a porch. It is advisable to lock up your bikes and store them in your garage or on a back porch. Councilman Sano asks everyone to please keep an eye out and report all suspicious activity.
 

Flooding on Hackett Boulevard

Hackett Boulevard just opened to traffic in both directions within the last 20 minutes, at least between Albany Academy and Holland Avenue. Only three hours earlier, cars were under water.

Check out flooding pictures and coverage from Hackett and Manning boulevards from late this afternoon on All Over Albany.
 

HNA meeting Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will meet on Wednesday, July 16, at 7 p.m. at the Sage College Campus Center. On the agenda:

• Kathy Sheehan of School 19 PTA will talk about the proposed playground improvements at the elementary school.
• City police Community Officer Janet Parker is slated to discuss what it takes to establish a Neighborhood Watch.
• A discussion on the future of St. Teresa of Avila.
• Library update.

Grove Avenue featured in Times Union

While this article could likely describe many blocks in our wonderful neighborhood, it uses Grove Avenue as an example and does a great job capturing why many of us live in the Helderberg Neighborhood.

Please following this link: http://timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=702822&category=LIFE&newsdate=7/13/2008&TextPage=1
 

Work at new library branch underway

Work on the New Scotland Avenue public library branch site next door to Engine 11 began last month.
 

HNA meeting on Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will host a meeting this Wednesday, June 18, at Sage College's Campus Center at 7 p.m.

A discussion of the Albany Almshouse highlights the agenda. HNA Communications Chair Debra Schramek reports that the keynote guest speaker will be Andrea Lain, who will discuss the history of the Almshouse, provide insight on the site excavations and share insights about the lives of the people of the Almshouse.

Also on the agenda, HNA member and neighborhood resident Ed Mashman will talk about the Albany Tennis Club. Albany Library Board Trustee Dennis Gaffney will also provide a brief status update on the Albany Public Library building projects.

Lain, an archaeologist who has worked in Europe, the Middle East, and on numerous sites in the United States and is the Archeology Collections Manager at the New York State Museum, will discuss the background history of the Almshouse and its cemetery, which was located behind the NYS National Guard Armory building on New Scotland Avenue. Lain will give an overview of the excavations at the cemetery and some of the interesting information retrieved from the people of the Almshouse.
 

Fireworks at Albany College of Pharmacy

Albany College of Pharmacy will host a fireworks display as part of the events surrounding its annual alumni weekend on Saturday, June 7, around 9 p.m.

The college has extended an invitation to anyone from the neighborhood interested in watching the fireworks to stop by and enjoy the display.
 

Neighborhood-wide garage sale this Saturday

This Saturday, May 31, is the annual Helderberg Neighborhood Association neighborhood-wide garage sale. Feel free to join in and sell and shop on a day when many of your neighbors will be setting up on their lawns and driveways to sell off their wares.

Sun shines on Spring Spree

Under perfect skies, the fourth annual Spring Spree brought out friends, neighbors and supporters on Saturday, May 17, at both ends of our neighborhood's business districts along New Scotland Avenue.

We thank our elected officials who came and supported our event — Mayor Jerry Jennings, Assemblyman Jack McEneny, Councilman Jim Sano, Councilwoman Cathy Fahey and library board trustee Dennis Gaffney.

Helderberg Neighborhood Association chairwoman Jennifer Viggiani kicked off Spring Spree at the corner of New Scotland and Grove avenues, between Anthology Florist and Grove Laundry, by introducing the event's speakers. Local author Chris Ringwald and his son read aloud a proclamation from Mayor Jennings in celebration of the neighborhood, its businesses and Spring Spree. Dennis Gaffney joined musicians Geo Doody and Nick Bisanz in singing "It's a Beautiful Day in the New Scotland Avenue Neighborhood."

Woodlawn-New Scotland Neighborhood Association chairwoman Julie Elson and Paige and Brad Allen promoted the tables in front of Isn't It Sweet and across the street from St. Peter's Hospital and helped sign up more than 70 participants in the event's business scavenger hunt

Sweet Treats on the corner of Maple Avenue and Quail Street provided the cake celebrating the neighborhood's 100th birthday. Starbucks and Dunkin' Donuts, from opposite ends of New Scotland Avenue, came together and provided free coffee, while Pasquale's on New Scotland and Grove donated free pizza and stromboli.

Doody and Bisanz entertained the crowd after the speakers at the beginning of the event and a group of musicians from Grove Avenue delighted the crowd as the follow-up act.

Albany Fire Station No. 11 showcased their truck in front of their firehouse, and the Department of General Services closed off a portion of Grove Avenue for the event.

A new part of Spring Spree was also held: a freelance and home-business meet-and-greet under the red tent.

Businesses along the corridor showcased artwork by local children in their storefronts, another new feature this year. Children colored the sidewalks with chalk as part of a contest.

Prizes purchased from local businesses by the neighborhood associations were awarded at the end of the event to scavenger hunt winners.

Special thanks to Kim Alvarez for her work as the Spring Spring 2008 event chair.

Neighborhood Association meeting on Wednesday

The Helderberg Neighborhood Association will hold its regular meeting on Wednesday at 7 p.m. at the Sage College Campus Center.

The featured guests on the draft agenda are representatives from the Albany Health Department with a discussion on managing lead paint in homes.

Also on the draft agenda are reports from the HNA 100 Research Committee and from Councilwoman Cathy Fahey, Councilman Jim Sano, Joe Isgro and Officer Parker, plus updates on planning and zoning projects.

Final planning for the neighborhood-wide garage and yard sale, scheduled for Saturday, May 31, will also be discussed.

Finally, there is a reminder and invitation to a new meeting in the Association's schedule, set for mid-June.
 

School, library elections are Tuesday

Don't forget to vote on Tuesday in budget elections for the Albany City School District and the Albany Public Library, and for one trustee for the library board. Here is a list of polling places, which have changed in some wards. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The City school district has information on its Web site about Tuesday's budget vote. Elections for school Board of Education seats are in November, according to the Times Union.

The Library also has information on its Web site about the budget vote and the candidates running for election.
 

Spring Spree a success

Check back later this week for more photos from our fourth annual Spring Spree.

Geo Doody and Nick Bisanz perform to kick off Saturday's Spring Spree festivities on Grove Avenue.
 

Spring Spree returns on Saturday

We're on for Saturday for the fourth annual “Spring Spree” from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., sponsored by the Helderberg and Woodlawn Neighborhood Associations.

The event celebrates the valued New Scotland Avenue businesses between Academy Road and South Manning Boulevard. This year's Spring Spree will also celebrate the 100th birthday of the neighborhood.

This free event consists of a local business trivia "treasure hunt" in which participants visit with business owners, enjoy promotions, and enter a treasure hunt to win more than $600 of business gift packages.

Other fun activities include a children's art show and chalk art contest, face painting, Police horses, neighborhood musicians, information tables and the city trolley.

New this year is a "coffee hour meet & greet" for small & home business owners.

To participate, visit information tables in front of Anthology Florist or Isn’t It Sweet on New Scotland Avenue.

For more information, call 489-3824.
 

Read all about it!

The May-June edition of HNA Reporter, the official newsletter of the Helderberg Neighborhood Association, has begun arriving on doorsteps.

In this issue, look for articles about connecting with your neighbors and the 100th anniversary of our neighborhood and the role played by the Albany Driving Association.

There is also a piece about the front yard tulip garden contest from the Woman's Club of Albany, re-named in honor of long-time resident and friend of the neighborhood Evelyn Sturdevan, who passed away in 2004. The Woman's Club recently announced its 2008 Evelyn Award winner, as well as other front yard tulip garden winners.

The newsletter also highlights Capital Bike Month, a backwater valve grant program from Mayor Jerry Jennings and the opening of the Albany Tennis Club.

The newsletter should arrive with a flyer with information about Spring Spree, donating cell phones and voter registration.
 

Tulips everywhere

With the 60th annual Tulip Fest kicking off tomorrow, the tulips in front of our neighborhood firehouse are hanging on.

Rained out — see you on May 17!

Rain, rain go away? With today's rain and cold and damp weather, Spring Spree has been postponed to its Rain Date of Saturday, May 17 — two weeks from today.

Thanks to everyone for their help and encouragement. Thanks to All Over Albany for its mention of our 100th birthday and event yesterday, and the Times Union for its Community Almanac listing. Thanks most of all to the great businesses in this neighborhood for their support of this event and the support of this neighborhood! Please continue to shop and eat at our local businesses and restaurants, and we'll see you on the 17th!
 

Spring Spree poster

Frank Smith of Frank Smith Signs on New Scotland Avenue has again generously created the poster for Saturday's Spring Spree, creating original artwork depicting scenes of busy activity in our neighborhood. Look for these signs while patronizing our businesses this week!

(artwork by Frank Smith)

Don't forget, Spring Spree is this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (rain date is May 17).
 

Magnolia sweep

With the wet weather yesterday and the cold today, here's a reminder of the glorious weather we had last week, an afternoon sweep scene in front of St. Teresa of Avila…

Music at Spring Spree

Spring Spree is again fortunate to have talented musicians performing throughout this neighborhood event.

At the corner of Grove and New Scotland avenues:

• George Doody and Jimmy Kelly will open the event from 11 a.m. to noon.
• Family Dancing with TuneFolk, featuring Sue and Jim Mead from noon to 1 p.m.
• Musical mix from your fellow neighbors from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
  

In front of Isn't It Sweet, across from St. Peter's Hospital, on New Scotland Avenue:

• Double Progression, featuring Tom Smith and Patricia Kernan

Spring Spree, now in its fourth year, celebrates the valued New Scotland Avenue businesses between Academy Road and South Manning Boulevard. This year's Spring Spree will also celebrate the 100th birthday of the neighborhood. Click to read the Spring Spree posts.
 

Albany National League opens its 57th season

The Albany National League, the city's original Little League, opened its 57th season this morning with a parade and ceremony at the William Sullivan Major League Field off Partridge Street.

Two hundred and seventy-five children from ages 5 to 12 participate in the league's five divisions. After a week of gorgeous weather, the parade stepped off from Ontario Street behind a mounted police officer and city fire engine under somewhat overcast skies. But by the time the marchers came down Woodlawn, turned right onto Partridge and then made their way to the edge of the infield for the ceremony, the sun broke through.

National League president Anthony Fratianni welcomed the crowd, which included coaches, parents, siblings, grandparents, friends and the minor league ValleyCats' mascot, Southpaw.
Mayor Jerry Jennings threw out the first pitch to Trey Thomas, a 12-year-old catcher. Fourteenth Ward councilman Joe Igoe and city Parks and Recreation commissioner John D’Antonio threw out the second and third pitches.

Dante Thomas, age 10, Trey's brother, closed the ceremony with a rousing rendition of "God Bless America."

The league was founded in 1951 by Joe Leone.

Upcoming Neighborhood Dates of Interest

• Saturday, April 26, 10:00 am to 11:30 am: Annual Plant Sale at 51 Lawnridge Ave. Use Helderberg Ave. entrance. Call 482-9813 for information.
• Saturday, April 26, 7:00 am to 1:00 pm: Free Earth Day Electronic and Room Air Conditioner Drop-off Day. Location: Taft Furniture, 1960 Central Ave., Albany. Call 434-CITY for information and to get your coupon to attend the collection.
• Tuesday, April 29: Spring Clean-up. Trash should be placed curbside after 7 pm the evening before. No hazardous waste products.
• Saturday, May 3, 11:00 am to 2:00 pm (Rain date May 17): Spring Spree on New Scotland Avenue.
• Wednesday, May 21, 7:00-9:00 pm: HNA meeting at Sage College, Campus Center. Topic: Lead paint in homes in the 12208 zip code area.

In the papers

The Times Union reported this morning that Columbia Development plans to add a five-story office building near Albany Med in neighboring Park South. If the Planning board approves, the building is expected to rise at the at the southeast corner of New Scotland and Myrtle avenues (Times Union link).

The Board of Zoning Appeals approved Columbia's plans on Wednesday (PDF link). The TU's story also recaps the recent developments in that area, including the addition of the a hotel with ground-floor retail and a bar/restaurant last year, and the Albany Local Development Corp's receipt of $3.3 million in state funding to build on the northeast corner of New Scotland and Myrtle.

Also, Albany Med in February announcement plans to expand its facility. Around that same time, AMC also announced plans to add more jobs this year (Daily Gazette links).

The Times Union's Business blog, The Buzz, notes that Columbia Development's plans are not part of Albany Med's February announcement. Nevertheless, the TU's news story notes that AMC might locate some administrative offices there.
 

New & Improved Spring Spree!!

This year's Spring Spree on New Scotland Avenue will feature two fun new activities aimed at getting more kids and adults involved.

Look for the big red tent on Grove Avenue (north) near the Laundromat for a Small/Home Businesses "Meet & Greet" coffee hour. If you are a writer, an artist, a realtor, a computer consultant or perhaps a building contractor working out of your “home office,” we want to meet YOU! The Helderberg and New Scotland/Woodlawn Neighborhood Associations want to include small and home-office based businesses in this year’s Spring Spree business-appreciation event! So please come out and join us for a “coffee break” and get to know and network with other self-employers right in your own backyard.

(Coffee to be generously supplied by Dunkin' Donuts and Starbucks)

But that is not ALL! What could be better than flowering tree-lined sidewalks, tulip gardens and the hustle and bustle of busy independent businesses? How about an art exhibition of local neighborhood kids artwork displayed in the storefront windows of our treasured "Main Street." This year's Spring Spree will incorporate an art exhibition — transforming the sidewalk into an art gallery.

BUT WE NEED ARTWORK!! Calling all kids of all ages.

Please submit a favorite piece of artwork to be displayed. Or better yet, make one at our free art workshop on Sunday, April 27, in the garage of 95 Grove Avenue. Suggested themes are: Spring in the City, Life in the Neighborhood, or Happy Birthday to the Helderberg Neighborhood.

For any info on either of the new events, call Kim at 458-8942 or kakonrad@aol.com.

Route 85 delays

Outbound commuters might be interested in this: Route 85 is expected to be down to one lane in each direction through mid-May, as work on the bridge over Berkshire Boulevard continues, according to the New York State DOT.
 

'Spring Spree' returns on May 3

The Helderberg and Woodlawn Neighborhood Associations are holding their fourth annual “Spring Spree” on Saturday, May 3 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The event celebrates the valued New Scotland Avenue businesses between Academy Road and South Manning Boulevard. This year's Spring Spree will also celebrate the 100th birthday of the neighborhood.

This free event consists of a local business trivia "treasure hunt" in which participants visit with business owners, enjoy promotions, and enter a treasure hunt to win more than $600 of business gift packages.

Other fun activities include a children's art show and chalk art contest, face painting, the Big Purple Bookmobile, Police horses, neighborhood musicians, information tables and the city trolley.

New this year is a "coffee hour meet & greet" for small & home business owners.

The rain date for is May 17.

To participate, visit information tables in front of Anthology Florist or Isn’t It Sweet on New Scotland Avenue.

For more information, call 458-8942 or e-mail kakonrad@aol.com.

 

Earth Day

Here are some images from a recent spring to showcase our neighborhood…