Informed voters are the source of effective government leaders, and it is each citizen's responsibility to gather as much available knowledge before casting his or her ballot. 

In an effort to educate members of the community, TRIP (Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program) and TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) are sponsoring a Meet the Candidates Night to connect voters with those running for Troy Mayoral Office and City Council positions. Taking place on Tuesday, October 4th, 2011 at School 12, 475 1st Street, Troy, candidates will present their platforms and answer questions starting at 6:30pm and running until 9:00pm.

Attendees will hear each candidate's opinions and solutions to issues facing the City of Troy, and thus be more confident in who to vote for come Election Day, November 8, 2011. Questions about the event should be directed toward the TRIP office at (518) 272-8289.

This year's TRIP and RCHR Annual Homecoming Dinner is sure to leave attendees with a glowing sense of community pride as well as full stomachs. Scheduled for Monday, October 24th at 5:30pm, guests will gather in the Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell Avenue, Troy. Joe Fama and Troy Bike Rescue will be greeted as the 2011 honorees. 

Joe Fama is being recognized as the current Community Citizenship Awardee for his efforts over many years in serving the City of Troy with Troy Architechtural Program. (TAP)  

Troy Bike Rescue has earned honors this year based on their ever-growing efforts to improve North Troy. Their workshop at 3260 6th Ave. is the hub of bustling activity for both children and adults, providing a space to build and repair bicycles as well as friendships.

Those attending should plan to enjoy the event and RSVP by October 14, 2011. Any questions can be directed to the TRIP office, (518) 272-8289.

AND

Hell and Highwater, or Lessons for When the Sky Falls

Wednesday Oct 26 7-11pm @ Russell Sage 
Hell and High Water is a poetic, surprisingly funny, sharply satiric, and at times brutal play. A fantasia on the theme of security in America, Hell and High Water is based on the playwright's personal experience of surviving Hurricane Katrina.  

"Was it morning in America or were we mourning America? I couldn't tell. It was fall in America. Or maybe the fall of America. I just couldn't tell." - Teacher Alice from Hell and High Water.

Working with Troy Shares, a local time bank which initiated flood clean-up, Troy Area United Ministries (TAUM) will direct all monies raised to benefit people affected by the recent flooding in Troy.

One of the organizers of the fundraiser, Amanda Santiago, whose home was flooded, is really excited about the partnership between Russell Sage and the community. "Its awesome! A lot of people whose homes were damaged or who lost items after the storm are elderly like my next-door neighbor who is in his 70's and lives by himself. My own family lives paycheck to paycheck. This fundraiser will be really helpful and it's great to see community taking care of community, and Russell Sage is part of that."

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