Hey--I Thought It Said, Give Me Liberty:

   "Give me Liberty, or Give Me Death." Somewhere along the line, that message has gotten lost in today's political system. Everywhere you turn there's a new tax, regulation, ordinance, and violation of our Civil Rights, being force-fed to us by elected officials. 
   
   It brings to mind a line from an early 70's song, 'Do this don't do that can't you read the sign's." How dare any public official tell me what I can, and should eat, or how much I can drink at one time. Mayor Bloomberg of NYC is way out of control if you ask me. His Socialistic attempts to regulate a persons intake of soda is a violation of every one's Civil Liberties.  Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Milton Tingling deserves quite a bit of credit for overturning this, 'Nanny Law', before it began financially hurting businesses, and manufacturers of the multiple sugary drinks on the market.  I myself prefer unsweetened  and drink soda only on occasion.  What gives any member of government the right to tell me how much I can drink, if I choose to purchase a large soda. It's all about personal choice being America is still somewhat of a Democracy  --isn't it?

   His attack on smokers is another abuse of power. If you are dumb enough to smoke, so be it --it's your choice. The government has become accustomed to picking smokers pockets for tax revenue.  A police officer friend of mine from Manhattan stated to me that,  " a pack of smokes in NYC cost more than a bump of crack." Now Bloomberg is trying to ban the display of cigarettes, attempting to make shop owners hide them under the counter. I don't know if any of you have ever been in a bodega in  New York City, but the first thing you see when you walk in is usually a glass case or three, full of crack pipes, and other assorted paraphernalia. Get what I'm saying here? 

   When and where will it stop? How far will they, and can they go? They always say, 'it's for your own good'. Restaurants now must display calorie counts on menu's. Businesses like McDonald's are vilified for selling their product. I haven't eaten there myself since 1975, but no one told me stop eating fast food -- I made my OWN choice. Which is the point I'm trying to make here. That people should have the right to make their own personal choice, and that government -federal, state, and local should keep their damn noses out of what we choose to eat, smoke, drink, or whatever. Enough is enough.

   'We hold these truth's to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness'. The Constitution --some of our politicians should read it for the Articles! 

   

Soul Food For the Soul:

Everybody needs a bit of Soul --Soul Food that is! If you happen to get the urge for some, the Agape Apolistic Church of Deliverance Community Outreach Dinner & A Service is ready to provide it.
On April 7, beginning at 12pm, take a ride down to 146 1st St for a  taste of home cooking. Choose from either a roast turkey & dressing dinner, or Bar-B-Q chicken with corn bread. Side's include potato sald, mac salad, collard greens, string beans mac n cheese, & sweet potatoes. Desert includes chocolate cake, lemon cake, and my favorite, sweet potato pie --yeah baby!
This community event is FREE ***FREE ***FREE. Everyone is encouraged to bring the entire family. So join come and enjoy a wonderful day of worship - music, food, fellowship & fun. The church is not looking for money to enjoy this event, but I'm sure they wouldn't mind a donation, if you can afford it.
'Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips: I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than necessary food. --JOB 23:12

Remember, Sunday, April 7, at 12 p.m., at the Agape Church --146 First St.  Say hello to my buddy Rev. Anthony Lewis, and tell him Vito sent you. 

Easter Bunny Spotted in Lansingburgh:

I just received a call that the Easter Bunny was spotted running the bike trail in the 'Burgh. He was last seen chasing some woman, in an attempt to grab her Easter Basket full of goodies. If you happen to see him hopping around, tell him to make sure he's on time for Lansingburgh's annual Easter Egg Hunt.

This years event returns to Historic Powers Park, located at 420 2nd Ave. in the 'Burgh. All the fun starts at 12pm, on March 30. It is open for children who reside in Troy, ages 1-10 years old. There will be plenty of candy hidden around the park so every child leaves with some sweet treats, and a smile on their face. 

The event will also offer face painting, and egg coloring for the children to enjoy. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at, 279-7162.
Follow The Record for more info.

Earth Day Meeting Scheduled:

The City of Troy will be hosting an Earth Day informational meeting for interested groups on Monday, March 25, 6:30 p.m., in Conference Room A, at City Hall. This years Earth Day, city wide cleanup will take place on Saturday, April 20. If you have any questions, suggestions, or concerns, give me a call at, 279-7162. Hope to see all of our neighborhoods represented on Monday evening.

Tiger Woods Spotted Getting Season Pass At Frear Park:

Now that I've got your attention -- Mayor Rosamilia has announced that Frear Park Golf Course season passes, along with resident ID cards are now available at the new and improved Pro Shop. The passes are available thru Thursday, from 10 a.m. till 2 p.m.
"The city is ready to tee off another season at Frear Park, after doing many improvements to both the golf course, and pro shop. We encourage all resident, and non-resident golfers to join us this season," said Mayor Rosamilia.
For any additional information, contact Larry Reilly at the golf course at, 270-4553

NEWS ALERT -- SNOWMAN OPENS TOMORROW:

   Forget the diets tomorrow folks, cause the Snowman, one of Troy's true destination locations, opens for the season, Saturday, March 9th, at 12 noon. 

   Owner John Murphy, is one of those quiet hero's of the community. He and his wife Christine appreciate the fact that our community supports their Landmark establishment, and give back to us in many way's --year after year. They were early believers of the Powers Park Concerts, and have been a valued sponsor for the past 8 seasons. They sponsor Lansingburgh youth baseball, soccer, football, as well as pretty much every fundraising event that's organized in this neck of the woods.

   Whenever they donate a few gift certificates for the weekly concert raffles, the lucky winners always smile and say, "ohhh -Snowman -yes! The key to their continued success, is that they never break the Golden Rule, which has made the Snowman so popular for 50+ years  -- serve  people TOP quality ice cream at a reasonable price, and treat them with respect. Their product is unmatched by anyone. Just look at the long lines, stretching around the corner night after night. You just don't get that kind of repeat, multi-generational patronage if you're not serving the best. Heck, there's plenty of places to get ice cream during the summer. But judging by the masses that flock to our community to get their ice cream, you'd have to say, Snowman is the best! Many thanks to the Murphy's for being a very big part of the fabric of what makes the 'Burgh a special place.

   You know, Lansingburgh is blessed to have a few, true destination businesses. Longtime establishments like Verdile's (the granddaddy), Testo's, & Jimmy's Pizza, bring people from all over the Capital District. New places like O'Brien's on 5th, 41 Sport's Bar on 112th, and the Infinity Cafe on 2nd are defining their own identities, by offering some great food, as does Chef Donnie Graham, of Graham's Lansingburgh Cafe on 5th & 112th. Bill Fisher keeps rising like the Phoenix, with his Willy's Hot Dogs on 5th -- and they just put in a new pizza oven.  To this I say yay.  Independents like Chubby's, have taken on the big sub places, and have been making a dent. Plus, in my opinion, Chubby's 'Top Rounder' has been the only TRUE recreation of the Mike Subb's, Neba -from years gone by.

   So take the time this weekend to make the drive up to 114th & 5th Ave, grab an ice cream from the Snowman, then go wash it down with some veal parm from Verdile's or Testo's!