Biographies from Troy military banners
EDITOR’S NOTE: The following is a weekly series that will appear in print every Sunday until Veterans Day. Each week, five military members featured on a Troy Military Banner will be highlighted.
1. Romolo Romano, U.S. Army
RomRomano entered the Army in 1951. After basic training he became an instructor and was sent to l eadership school. From t here he went to Officer Candidate School and became a Second Lieutenant in the Army
Corp of Engineers.
Upon learning that he was to join the war in Korea, he called home to Troy and ask his fiance, Addie Creech, to come to Missouri, where he was stationed and marry him. They were married and she returned to Troy and he went to war. While in Korea he did a lot of remapped of Korean and surveying of air force and artillery sites. He used to say, “We built the bridges and they blew them up.”
The war ended and he stayed there for another 3 months before returning to the states as a First Lieutenant. He and his wife bought a home in Troy where they raised 2 children. They continue to call Troy their home.
Romano’s banner is located at 2121 Burdett Ave.
2. Matthew J. Looby, U.S. Coast Guard
Matthew Looby joined the Coast Guard in 1997. His assignment, after basic t raining, was to serve aboard the USCGC Reliance, a
Coast Guard ship that patrolled the
East Coast and the Caribbean Sea.
He was involved in chasing down drug runners, picking up illegal immigrants and assisting in many rescues.
He was fortunate to be able to visit many countries while on patrol. After discharge in 2001, he lived in Virginia for a short time but returned to Troy to raise a family.
Looby’s banner is located at 2121 Burdett Ave.
3. John D. Smith, U. S. Army
John D. Smith was born on Campbell Ave and lived in Troy all his life until his sudden passing in March 1968 while at work for Water vl i et Arsenal. He was the son of John M. Smith, a local ICE delivery man for the South Troy area and involved in politics as a local “Supervisor” for Troy. John D was the brother of Thomas J. Smith who died at The Battle of The Bulge on December 19,1944 at 18 years old.
John D. met his future wife, (also from Troy, Gloria T. O’Brien, who grew up on Second Street) while delivering ICE to South Troy residents.
John started for the Ar
shoes, toys and over 1000 books.
SHORT STORY READI NG & DISCUSSION GROUP: On Mondays, October 7th – November 11th at 6: 30PM, Short Story writer David Sylvester will lead a reading and discussion group at the Troy Public Library. Local shortstory writer Dave Sylvester discusses the short story form, looking at how writers handle plot, character and theme in their writing. Each week we will read and discuss two stories by wellknown masters of the form: Lori Moore, John Cheever, Sherman Alexi, Jhumpa Lahiri, Richard Wright, Alice Munro, Raymond Carver, Margaret Atwood and more. Copies of the stories will be available in advance and should be read before the discussions. The first set of stories are available at the information desk of the main library. For more information and to register call the library at 518274-7071 or online at www. thetroylibrary.org. The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.
I LIUM LITERARY CLUB: The Ilium Literary Club of Troy, NY is in its 97th year. The Club will meet in November and December 2019, as well as April, May and June 2020. Meetings are generally held on the First Friday of those months at the Troy Masonic Community Center, 39 Brunswick Road, Troy. After a short business meeting, we have a guest speaker or entertainment. Our speakers this year are: November 1 – Phyllis Chapman, Presenter of Vintage Visitors – Notorious Shady Ladies of the 19th Century; December 6 – Thomas A. Kernan, Presenter of the Colorful Story of Christmas Celebrations Throughout History; April 3, 2020 – Linda Styles Berkery, Author “Reflections: A Wardrobe of Life Lessons” Personal stories through dresses, with memories & meanings, growing up in Troy; May 1, 2020 – Joseph Dalton, Author “Washington’s Golden Age: Hope Ridings Miller, The society beat & the rise of women journalists.” and June 5, 2020 - Lisa Bohannon, Coordinator & Instructor for Sundancers Community Belly Dance will perform at our 97th Annual Meeting and Luncheon at the Troy Country Club.
SINGERS WANTED: Capital Community Voices Inc., an SATB volunteer, non-audition choral group, is seeking singers in all voice parts for its December concert, “Lighting the Season with Song”. Rehearsals are Tuesdays at 7 pmin East Greenbush beginning Sep
tember 10, 2019. Call 3705434 for more information.
GUIDED MEDITATION CLASSES: The Troy Public Library will offer Guided Meditation Classes on Tuesdays, September 3rd - October 29th from 5PM – 6PM. Learn a surprisingly simple yet powerful practice that can help your reduce stress, get recharged, experience overall improved physical health and possibly get you “blissed- out” all while sitting comfortably in a chair. Led by Michael Fuselli, with over 30 years of meditation teaching and practice experience. Beginners always welcome. Registration is encouraged, but not necessary! This program is free and open to the public. To register call 518274-7071 or online at www. thetroylibrary.org The Troy Public Library is located at 100 Second Street, Troy.
POESTENKILL SENIORS: The Poestenkill Seniors hold weekly meetings every Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the Sullivan Jones VFW Post in Poestenkill. All seniors are welcome. Coffee and refreshments are served after the meeting, followed by bingo and cards. The hall is handicap accessible, with sufficient parking. The Poestenkill Seniors hold catered luncheons, clamsteams and fish fries at the hall and also at various restaurants. Best of all they go on bus trips to casinos and other points of interest.
NORTHEAST FILMMAKERS LAB: Capital Cinema Cultural Exchange, Inc. (CCCE), a nonprofit filmmaking resource based in Albany,will host the 6th Northeast Filmmakers Lab ( NEFL6) November 1 - 3, 2019 at The Linda, WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio, 339 Central Ave, Albany, NY 12206.
GRAVEL GOBBLER: Saturday, November 2, S& S Farm Brewery in Nassau. Are you looking for a fun, relaxed end-of-season event where it’s all about the ride, some gourmet food, craft beer and conversation with friends afterward? Sounds pretty good, right? What if we said your registration fee goes to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York to help people in our community. Sounds even better. Fantastic bike riding on quiet country roads, followed by food, drink and laughs afterward plus helping others in the community. An unbeatable combo! Join the Mohawk Hudson Cycling Club for its second annual Gravel Gobbler ride on Saturday, November 2, to benefit the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. With two gravel rides of 23 and 38 miles, plus a road route of 31 miles, you’re sure to find the perfect loop. Pedal through the rolling countryside around Nassau, New York, and cruise quiet
roads past farms, scenic vistas and country estates. This year’s event features a new 23-mile route and onsite mechanical support offered by Karl Miller and his Velofix mobile repair shop. Start and finish your ride at S&S Farm Brewery in Nassau. After you finish, enjoy a craft beer and great food selections from Gourmeli’s Taste food truck. Remember to bring some extra cash for your beer and food. Trust us, you won’t want to miss the relaxed vibe at S&S after your bike ride. Relaxing with friends and a S&S beverage after your ride is the perfect way to celebrate your late season achievement. Registration is $25 per rider and is tax deductible. Register on www.bikereg.com/gravelgobbler.
YARN DONATIONS NEEDED: Rensselaer County’s Everett Wagar Senior Center, 2 Roxborough Rd, Grafton, is happy to accept any donation of yarn. Many of our center members enjoy knitting and crocheting. They make afghans and lap covers for other seniors, as well as some home bound senior residents and to use as raffle items to help support the activities of the center. We also have members that make hats and mittens to be given at the schools when a child is in need. If you would like to make a donation of yarn, please drop it off at the senior center M-F from 9:00 to 3:00, or call to make arrangements for pickup. Any donation, large or small is appreciated.
THE CORNER SHOPPE: The Corner Shoppe at Cornerstone Church, 570 3rd Ave., N Troy has all new fall fashions for the entire family. Also on display are fall/ Halloween decorations and costumes. Come browse our many rooms containing linens, housewares, toys, shoes, books, jewelry and more. Best prices around. Shop any Thursday or Saturday, 9 am– 1 pm. Further info: 518-235-3851.
MINDFULNESS PRACTICE GROUP: Meeting Format: Includes walking meditation and sitting meditation in the tradition of Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh; all are welcome –meditation instruction available. Schedule: Wednesday evenings — 6:30 to 7:30 pm. Location: RPI’s Newman Center Hospitality House—4 Sherry Rd. in Troy— a white 2-story residential building about 30 yards south of the RPI Chapel Center (near the intersection of Burdett and Peoples Avenues). Cost: Free. Contact: (518) 271- 6949 or (518) 273-1851 for more information.
NATIONAL MUSEUM OF DANCE DOCENTS: The National Museum of Dance is seeking volunteer docents to lead Museum tours in the upcoming exhibition season. The Museum offers free tours each Tuesday at 11 a.m. with paid admission as well as private group tours throughout the year. Volunteer docent training will be led by Mary Anne Fantauzzi, the Museum’s Docent Coordinator, beginning Tuesday, April 23. Fantauzzi will offer docent training by appointment during flexible dates and times to accommodate potential tour guides’ schedules. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer docent, please email tours@dancemuseum.org or call 518-584-2225 x3004.
USS SLATER: USS SLATER, the only remaining World War II Destroyer Escort afloat in America, is open to the public for its 22nd season on the Hudson River in Albany. Public hours will be Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. through November. Admission is $9 for adults and $7 for children. Call 518- 431-1943 for more information or visit www. ussslater.org.
HIGH& MIGHTY THERAPEUTIC RIDING & DRIVING CENTER: Become part of the extraordinary group of volunteers and learn to assist people with special needs through equine assisted activities. Only one training is needed. Horse experience is great but not a requirement. Please wear sturdy shoes and be prepared to be outdoors. For ages 14 and up. High & Mighty is located at 71 CR 21C Ghent. Contact the center at info@high-n-mighty. org and volunteer trainers will set up a session at your convenience.
SPEIGLE ELDERS: The Speigle Elders’ Planning Committee has announced the following tentative agenda for 2019. A business meeting will take place on the second Wednesday of each month with the fourth Wednesday designated as an in-house or outside social event. Proposed social activities include two bus trips (MacHaydn Theater and the Amish Marketplace); Christmas party in December and local restaurant outings on other social Wednesdays. Leaders are needed for this busy agenda; please contact a Committee member and offer to chair one of these events.
WATERFORD HARBOR FARMERS MARKET: Waterford Harbor Farmers Market is located at One Tugboat Alley and operates each Sunday from the first Sunday in June until Columbus Day weekend from 9:00 to 1:00. Fresh produce, baked goods, jams and jellies, maple syrup, sandwich cart, music and lots more! Check it out on Facebook.
MAKERS MARKET: A celebration of crafters, makers, artists & taste makers from around the Capital Region The Troy Makers Market is held in conjunction with the Troy Waterfront Farmers Market, which takes place Saturdays from 9:00am – 2:00pm ( Monument Square May- October and Uncle Sam Atrium November-April).
CLOTHING SHED DONATIONS: The Latham-Colonie Council #3394 Knights of Columbus, the Columbiettes and the Columbian Corporation are partnering with St. Pauly Textile to raise needed funds for the Council home and the charitable programs supported by the K of C by collecting textile products that will be sold all over the world instead of going to the landfill. The K of C will earn a percentage per pound of the donated items. You can drop off used clothing, shoes and sneakers, belts and linens as well as pillowcases, blankets, curtains and stuffed animals at 328 Troy- Schenectady Road, Latham. For more information, contact the K of C at 518-783- 0572.
ANCESTRY. COM TUTORIALS: North Greenbush Community Library Trustee and Town Historian Jim Greenfield offers free personal tutorials on the use of ancestry.com. Ancestry Library Edition, available at the library, provides access to 7,000 databases, delivering an extraordinary online collection of genealogy information. To set up your individual session, please call the library at 518-283- 0303 and leave your information. Jim will call you back to schedule an appointment. The library is located at 141 Main Avenue, Wynantskill.
FREE YOGA: Join for gentle and relaxing yoga every Friday at the Presbyterian United Church of Schaghticoke from 7 pm until 8 pm. The Church is located at 16 Main Street in Schaghticoke. For more information, visit presbychurchmouse@yahoo.com.
BACKPACKS WANTED: Catholic Charities TriCounty Services runs five school supply programs throughout our communities and needs *new* backpacks for elementary and middle school aged children. Donations can be dropped off at the office at 50 Herrick Street in Rensselaer, or call Justine Carroll at 518-512-3577 x115 to arrange a pickup of larger quantity donations. You, your business, church or group can arrange a collection of new backpacks or donate funds for Catholic Charities to purchase them. If you prefer to make a monetary donation you can donate online at https://rcda. t hankyou4car i ng. org/ ccrcda/cc- tri- county- services.
FREE E NGL I S H CLASSES: Do you want to improve your English? Are you new to the United States? Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County has free English Literacy Civics classes where you can improve your English language skills while learning about life in the United States. Each class meets two times per week. Classes for beginning learners meet in Albany. Classes for intermediate learners meet in Troy. For more information, contact Literacy Volunteers of Rensselaer County at 518244- 4650 or visit www. lvorc.org.
ERIE CANAL EXHIBIT: “Enterprising Waters: New York’s Erie Canal” will be on display through October 20, 2019. The exhibition honors the bicentennial anniversary of the Erie Canal’s construction and features artifacts, images, posters, and documents from the collections of the State Museum, State Archives, State Library, and cultural institutions from across the state. The first phase of the exhibition explores the circumstances leading up to building the canal, the construction, and the famous “wedding of the waters” that marked the opening of the completed canal in 1825. Located at 222 Madison Avenue in Albany, the Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Admission is free. Further information about programs and events can be obtained by calling 518- 474-5877 or visiting the Museum website at www.nysm.nysed.gov.
WATERVLIET SENIOR CENTER GROUP LUNCHES: Enjoy a nutritious, social, and fun lunch with the Watervliet Senior Center Monday through Friday at noon. The $3 suggested donation is anonymous and everyone is welcome. Call for the daily menu and sign up by 2 p.m. for the following day. The Senior Center is located at 1501 Broadway, Watervliet. Call 518-273- 4422 for more information.
ICC BINGO: The Italian Community Center Charitable Foundation hosts Bingo night on Tuesdays. Doors open at 5 p.m. at 1450 Fifth Avenue, Troy. Food and beverages will be sold.
FALL LACROSSE PROGRAMS FOR MEN AGE 16 AND OVER: This program to give men aged 16 to 40 years old the opportunity to play in a competitive lacrosse game. This program will start on October 9 and will continue throughout the winter on Wednesday evenings. For more information go to www.capitallandlacrosse.com or e-mail us at chad@capitallandlacrosse.com.
A SECOND CHANCE THRIFT SHOP: Come visit our thrift shop offering clothing and accessories for men, women, and children, household items, books,