News From TRIP:

TRIP (Troy Rehabilitation & Improvement Program) has announced their latest lineup of informational meetings, and upcoming programs. Trip is located at 415 River St. right in the middle of Troy's busiest strip of bars and restaurants in case you didn't know.

* May 26th, 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. / TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) meeting to be held at the ARC Administration Offices, located at 79 102nd St. - 3rd Floor.
This meeting is open to representatives of Troy's neighborhood groups, or if you are just an interested resident of Troy. Agenda items include beautifying neighborhoods with presentations of the 'Alley Action Project and the Paint the Boards Project.

*Troy Landlord Training Program to be held on June 1, from 5:30 -9:30 p.m. -- at the Susan Odell Taylor School, 116 Pinewoods Ave. This program is for current landlords or those thinking about purchasing a multi family home. This is free of charge, with limited seating. Call TRIP's Home Ownership Center at 690-0020 or e-mail rose@triponline.org
to reserve your spot.

*Homebuyer Orientation - June 2nd from 6-7:00p.m. This is an informational meeting about homebuyer programs including matched savings and downpayment assistance programs available for first time homebuyers. Held at the the Arts Center of the Capital Region, 265 River St. -- Free of charge! Call TRIP's Home Ownership Center at 690-0020 or email rose@triponline.org to reserve your spot.This is sponsored by TRIP and Rensselaer County Housing Resourses.

TRIP offers programs such as these to help enable individuals and families live in desirable sustainable neighborhoods.


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Who Do You Call On The Internet?

In today's print edition of this newspaper, readers opened the first page to see the 'Five Questions' victim of the day was Linda Meissner, of Meissner Travel. When asked about purchasing a vacation on the Internet, she asked the question; Who do you call if there's a problem with your travel plans while on your vacation? Two years ago while on a trip to Disney with my family, the meal plan we purchased as part of our trip wasn't in Disney's computers. I called Meissner Travel, who I booked the trip with, and within 30 minutes of my call, I was eating for free. Plus, the deal I received through the agency was actually cheaper than any Internet deal that I looked into.
Supporting your local businesses is essential to Troy's future. Before you purchase your next trip over the internet, call one your Troy travel agents first. Make this your Travel Stimulus Package!

Summer Bowling Bargain:

Here's a deal that you can't refuse -- free bowling! Alpha Lanes is looking to do their part in keeping kids off the streets this summer, by offering them a chance to receive up to 2 free games per day while they're off from school.
Visit, www.kidsbowlfree. com/alpha, to get full details and to register your children. You'll receive free bowling passes every week by e-mail once registered, then just sit back and enjoy this great deal. You may also register by calling Alpha Lanes at, 235-4941.
For a limited time families that register at least one child in the "Kids Bowl Free" program qualify to purchase a family pass, good for up to 4 family members to qualify for 2 games each per day all summer.

The Hellions of Troy Are Coming:

Professional Roller Derby comes home to Troy this Saturday evening, at the Frear Park Rink. The all new Hellions of Troy play their inaugural bout at 7 p.m. at the newly dubbed, 'Thunderdome!' The moniker was put on the venue by Hellion, Flexi Wheeler. Trust me, after dealing with this woman for the past two months, I'm not messing with her -- she can call it anything she wants! The Beirut Bombshell is another tough cookie who reminds me of some of the girls I grew up with in South Troy -- tough as nails, but with a feminine twist.
If you don't know anything about the roller derby, do a net search on the movie 'Kansas City Bomber 'starring Rachel Welch, and you'll know what to expect. It is really fast paced excitement that the entire family will enjoy. Flexi Wheeler has assured me that the phony antics of the 70's style play has been eliminated from the Hellions game plan. Better athleticism equals more excitement according to Hellion team members. Plus at halftime, Joe Lowry & the Second Mile Blues Band will be performing a blend of Electric Power Blues/Rock. Joe is a throwback guitarist in the vein of Hendrix/Stevie Ray/Santana, with a veteran rhythm section setting the tone for his high flying, in your face guitar style.
Tickets are available at the Deputy Mayors office in city hall city hall, $10 adult -- $3 children 12 & under. Call 270-4624, or 270-4649 for information. Tickets are also available at the Thunderdome at Frear Park for $12 & $5 on Saturday evening. Doors will open at 6 p.m. with the bout commencing at 7 p.m. Tickets are also available on line at, http//www.brownpapertickets.com Concessions will be provided by the Park Pub. The food at the golf course eatery is fantastic by the way!

So make your way up to Frear Park Saturday evening for the latest entry of Troy's Entertainment Stimulus Package! Information is also available on www.troyny.gov

Troy's Italian Community Center/ Thatsa Lotta Money!

Troy's Italian Community Center has been feeding people real Italian food for three generations. Not to mention their charitable contributions to many worthwhile causes., and then there's the food -- again! Growing up in the neighborhood, I remember when they were located on Second St. and used Washington Park for their annual Festa. The odor of Italian delicacies filled the park & streets. The tradition has continued at their new digs on short 5th Ave. as has their charitable nature.

On May 23, beginning at 6 p.m. the ICC will host a dinner, featuring a drawing for $15,000 in cash prizes, and a performance by the incredible Al Bruno. Tickets for the event are $100, with only 250 tickets sold. First prize is $10,000 -- Second thru 4th prizes are $1,000 -- Fifth thru 8th prizes are $250. Beer, vino, and an all-you-can-eat buffet are yours for the ticket price.

Pat (Buckeye) Mele is running the event with great efficiency according to club members. The ticket deadline is May 10, so give the ICC a call at ( 1- 800 GoPaisan) - just kidding, call them at 274-0508 for tickets or information.

Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Benefit Sunday:

A fund raising effort to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will take place on Sunday, beginning at 2:30 p.m. at Revolution Hall. Tickets. will be sold at the door for $15 dollars.
The event is being staged by Troy Mayor Harry J. Tutunjian, who has been selected by the society as a candidate for its Man or Woman of the Year. Local and national acts performing include Graham Tichy & Johhny Rabb, Julia Ilowiecki, Winchester Young, Stuck on Stupid, Prolonged Exposure, 3-4-3, and Imagining Lennon.
The event promises to be a winner for both the organization and the attendee's,

Having Fun In Troy On A Friday Night:

I'm heading to Revolution Hall tonight for the Refrigerators/Blue Hand Luke Show. The place is sure to be packed. If you've never been to Revolution Hall for a show, believe me when I tell you, it's a fantastic venue for live music! It's a benefit to all the businesses on that stretch of River St.
For a longtime Trojan like myself, it's refreshing to see people in the city again on a Friday night. Ryan's Wake, Jose' Malone's, along with Browns, offer people a wonderful selection of eateries and pubs to enjoy before or after a show at Revolution Hall.
Tonight's lineup features two of the area's best party bands. Both are longtime veterans of both the local, and national music scene's. Luke McNamee, the founder of BHL has toured the world for more than three decades, and has been a strong, and vocal advocate of the Troy music scene.
If you come to the show tonight, I'll be revealing the TRUE story to all of Luke's fans, on how the moniker 'Blue Hand' was bestowed on this world reknown Saxaphone player.
Tickets are $10 at the door. Not bad for a great night of entertainment. Come on out tonight and Enjoy Troy!