March is one of my favorite months. It's my birthday month, Women's History Month, the days are getting longer, and temperatures outside are starting to climb. March tends to give me a feeling of new beginnings and energy, and I plan to channel both into the community and District 2!
March is also petition season! That means you will likely be seeing and hearing from many of us as we gather signatures for this years candidates to get on the ballot in November. You need to be registered with a party in order to sign a petition so not everyone will be getting visitors. Signing a petition for a candidate is NOT a vote for them, it just means they have a chance to appear on the ballot in November.
If you missed the Council meeting on Feb 19th, you can watch it on YouTube. I unfortunately missed this meeting because I had BPPV (Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo). My ear crystals have since returned to where they belong, thank goodness. My sympathies to anyone who has experienced this malady.
The Troy Community Land Bank is still doing amazing work in District 2! I had the opportunity to see the newly finished building at 834 River St to increase housing stock in Troy. It is a three unit building with 2 bedrooms each, in unit washer and dryer, and generally gorgeous. They are renting for $1500/month and you can apply from their website.
Official City, Neighborhood, and District Meetings:
Thurs, Mar 5 - 7pm - Regular City Council Meeting - Council Chambers - 433 River St. Troy, NY. We will be starting with the annual Legislative Address that Council President Sue Steele will be delivering. Then we will be voting on Good Cause Eviction, Video Conferencing, and more. Agenda can be found in the Agenda Center.
Tues Mar 10 - 7pm - Lansingburgh Neighborhood Association Meeting - Lansingburgh Boys and Girls Club - 501 4th Ave, Troy, NY - No special guests this month but myself and District 1 Council member Phil DiLorenzo will be there to answer questions and provide updates.
Thurs Mar 19 - 5:30 pm - Council Committee Meetings - 433 River St, 5th Fl, Troy, NY - Several Committee meetings will be held including Science and Technology, General Services, and Finance. Some items that can be expected include the Sustainability Task Force, Climate Smart Communities, and some updates on Lead Pipes and Street Lights. Agenda can be found in the Agenda Center when released.
Sun Mar 22 - 9 - 11 am - District 2 Office Hours - TheGoat Kreations - 829 River St, Troy, NY - While last month's Office Hours didn't pan out with a delayed opening of the restaurant, we are going to try it again in March! I will be at a table at this newly opened local restaurant for a couple of hours so you can come say hello, ask questions, etc. There will also likely be coffee and snacks!
Community Events:
Thurs, Mar 5 - All Day - Taxpayer Assistance Workshop - Troy Public Library Main Branch - 100 2nd St., Troy, NY - NYS Tax Department employees will guide you step-by-step as you complete your own tax returns at no charge.
Sun Mar 15 - 1:30pm - 518 Craft Book Club - 518 Craft - 200 Broadway, Troy, NY - In honor of Women's History Month, we are reading Wild Dark Shore by Charlotte McConaghy.
Sun Mar 15 - 2pm - Cultivating an Herbal First Aid Garden - Sanctuary for Independent Media - 3319 6th Avenue, 2nd Fl Troy, New York - Local herbalist Heidi Woolever till be going over cultivating, connecting with, and utilizing herbs like echinacea, chamomile, yarrow, and oregano. Cost is sliding scale based, registration required.
Sat Mar 21, 1 - 3pm - Oakwood Community Center's 5th Annual Bowl-a-thon - Uncle Sam Lanes - 600 Fulton St, Troy, NY - For the 5th year, Oakwood will be holding their annual Bowl-a-thon fundraiser! The entry fee includes ball, shoes, and 2 hours of bowling fun. Food, drink, and raffle tickets are extra.
Sat Mar 21, 2 - 5pm - "Run, Hide, Fight" Youth Storytelling Workshop - Sanctuary for Independent Media - 3361 6th Ave, Troy, NY - Local storyteller and multi-disciplinary artist, D. Colin will be leading this free workshop where youth participants can screen the student-created PBS documentary Run, Hide, Fight: Growing up Under the Gun and participate in a story-telling workshop.
Registration for the 9th annual Joe Manupella 5K in May is also still open! I ran it last year, and plan to do so again. There is also a 1 mile option. (Please note I am not a runner, but it's for a good cause, and it is a flat course, so I encourage you to try!) If you are not up for running, they will also need volunteers for the the after party and raffle. This is one of the Club's main fundraisers for the year.
Thank you,
Shikole Struber
Troy City Council District 2