facilities, landscaping, garages, safety and security, lighting, and trash and recycling and provides creative solutions

to help restore Troys alleys as well as highlighting Up Your Alley an event organized by students in the Community Planning course at RPIs School of Architecture. The publication was dedicated to the memory of Jim Bevevino longtime resident of Second Street and alley major-domo. Plans are being developed for a wide distribution of the informative and attractive publication. All of the many project participants and contributors deserve the thanks and praise of the community for their vision, their commitment and their efforts to spotlight another Troy asset. COMMENTARY Welcome to the Boomtown! That phrase and a terrific photo of the Rice Building by Joe Puttrock graces the cover of the June 22, 2006 issue of Metroland: the alternative newsweekly of New Yorks Capital Region . The feature story of the issue, Can it happen here? by Chet Hardin may be one of the best articles ever written about Troy and I urge those who have their doubts about Troys comeback to give us a break and at least read the story. Those who love the city will be pretty puffed up and those who contribute to its vitality by their volunteer efforts will say I told you so! Chet Hardin put together one fine piece of writing. Quote of the month: Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead, US Anthropolgist (1901-1978)

Mission Statement The Friends of Little Italy (FOLI) is a volunteer grass roots non-profits organization whose purpose is to develop and maintain a healthy and vibrant community in the south side of Troy, New York. As residents and businesspeople we believe that the strength of our past and our diversity in people, cultures and businesses will enable us to make Little Italy a destination point to which people will come to live, work and visit. Goals To establish Little Italy as an ethnic tourism destination in Troys Little Italy neighborhood. To restore Troys historic Marketplace as a commercial and neighborhood attraction as it was in the past. To insure that our community is a safe place to work, visit and live. To keep our neighborhood clean and attractive. To recognize our individual needs and difference to work together for the common good. To increase the number of businesses, homeowners and customers and to promote a sense of pride of ownership of our valuable properties. To educate and communicate to others about the wonderful attributes of our community To advocate for public services for our community and seek funding for enhancements.To reduce the number of vacant and substandard buildings in the community. To work with landlords to attain responsible tenant quality-housing stock. Proposed Strategies Educate the public through the media, advertisements, public meetings, newsletter, etc. Maintain upgrade and keep our neighborhood clean and safe. Increase homeownership in the neighborhood. Work with other neighborhood associations on common goals and to lobby our public officials for more public services. Report crime and unsafe conditions and insist on reasonable response. Lobby for more police protection and code enforcement.

Little Italy News July 2006

www.littleitalytroy.org
Neighborhood Watch Meeting: July 19th, 7 pm Meet your neighbors and be informed about ways to deal with suspicious/illegal activity in our neighborhood. Guest Speaker: Officer Tim Haskins, Troy Police Topic: Dealing with Suspicious Activity : What to Look For, What to Report, Who to Call, What Action Response You Can Expect Wed, July 19; 7- 8:30 p.m. Thompson Room, St. John's Church, 146 1st St Refreshments intended and desired. Little Italy Tour Hudson Mohawk Gateway has selected Troys Little Italy as their neighborhood tour site this summer. The tour will be on Saturday, July 15 from 10 am to 12 noon. Cost of the tour is $ 15. Call 274-5267 for reservations. We are pleased to be billed at the newest and hottest of Troys resurgent neighborhoods in description of the tour by the Gateway. A Night at the Joe - St. Anthony's, St. Mary's, & St. Joseph's Churches are sponsoring a night at Joe Bruno Stadium on Friday, August 18. Tickets are $15 and includes entrance to the Stadium and food before the game at St. Joseph's Church. Please call the Friary for information or reservations: 273-8622. Death of Parent Dr. Anthony Passaretti, the father of Linda Passaretti of Washington Park died on June 18. Dr. Passaretti was a Troy native, instilling in Linda his love for the city. Our condolences. Kaikihara Aikido - Born out of ancient Japanese martial arts, Aikido uses throws & joint locks as a departure point to explore the experience of energy in our own bodies and in relation to others. Simon Burke-Lipiczky teaches Aikido at Judo of Japan, 225 4th Street each Tues & Thurs from 6:30 to 7:30 pm. For info, contact

Cinema Under the Stars (Il cinema Sotto le Stelle) at The MarketPlace on Hill St. in Troys LITTLE ITALY
SPONSORED BY THE FRIENDS OF LITTLE ITALY Saturday, July 15th Stanley Tuccis BIG NIGHT

Starring Stanley Tucci and Tony "Monk" Shaloub. A failing Italian restaurant run by two brothers gambles on one special night to try to save the business. This film won the Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award at the Sundance Film Festival. This film also boasts a terrific soundtrack, with music by Louie Prima and Rosemary Clooney.

Saturday, July 22 nd Fellinis AMACORD

In this movie Fellini portrays his home town of Rimini as he remembered it in '30s, during his young days. The film won the Academy Award for best Foreign Language film in 1975. "A totally accessible film. It deals directly, hilariously, and sometimes poignantly with the good people of this small town." said Robert Ebert of the Chicago Sun times.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY! July 15, 1951 When you see this boy in the neighborhood, wish him a HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Here he is standing in front of his familys grocery store. Even then he was looking out for the neighborhood!

Saturday, July 29th Frank Capras ITS A WONDERFUL LIFE

Filmmaker Frank Capra based Jimmy Stewart's character of George Bailey in It's a Wonderful Life on Sicilian immigrant A.P. Giannini, the founder of Bank of America. Capra said about Giannini, "He was bigger than life".

Films at 8:45 pm, BYO Chair RAIN DATES, SUNDAY, JULY 16, 23, 30
FREE ADMISSION - Donations of a non-perishable food item accepted for area food pantries each night.

Simon @ 272-5408 or [email protected]. Simon holds a second-degree black belt & is a certified instructor of Berkshire Hills-ryu Aikido. TRIP Homeownership Events - 6900020 Orientation from 6-7 pm, July 11 Rainbow Center. Homebuyer Education: July 12,19,26 5:30-8:30. Summer Farmers Market Every Sat from 9-1, Troy Marina - 433 River St. www.troymarket.org

Collar City Live! Concerts Riverfront Park, Sun @ 7pm - July 9 Jay Ungar & Molly Mason; July 16 Bluz House Rockers; July 23 Mambo Kikongo; July 30 Patti-o & the Hip Hooligans. Collar City Live for the Kids Wednesdays @ Noon - July 12 Peter, Paul & George; July 19 John Kirk & Trish Miller; July 26 Andy the Music Man. Upcoming Events - TRIP will be recognizing the recipient of its second annual Troy Treasure Award (the first was Washington Park Association in case you had forgotten) in the fall. Washington Park will be presenting the award. Nominating forms will be available soon.

LITTLE ITALY NEWS INFORMATION Flag Day Parade Float The Friends of Little Italy entered a colorful float in Troys 39 th Annual Flag Day Parade on Sunday, June 11. Many thanks to the nineteen neighborhood businesses that sponsored signs for the float: Allblues Furnishings and Sewing & Alterations, Capraras Auto Body Shop, Carmens Caf, DeFazio Imports, DeFazio Pizzeria, Flavour Caf, Freihofers Run for Women, Gifts, Gadgets & More, Jessicas Dream, Kennedys Garage, Lusco Paper

Co., Mangione Locksmith, Margies Tavern, Northeast Pest Control, Patricells Deli, Rods Upholstery, Spirits of Troy Wine & Liquor, Troy Pork Store and Vanilla Bean Bakery. A big thank you also to those involved in the various float participation tasks. Wendy Costa and Rod Rojas provided the utility trailer for the float. Joe Mancino and Charlie Staats (Flavour Caf), Jean Krueger (Allblues), Marion Field, Agnes Zink, Tom Cipriani and Mike Esposito decorated the float. Joe, Charlie, Jean, Marion and Mike purchased decorations and supplied items for the float. The large American and Italian flags and the Little Italy banner were on loan from the DeFazios. Sam Judge provided his Church Street alley garage as the site for decorating and storing the float. Claire Regan and Joan and Elizabeth Hayner carried the Friends of Little Italy banner. Rich Regan donated and drove his truck to pull the float. Kelly McGuire (guitarist/singer) entertained from the float. George Regan accompanied Kelly on the float and donated cookies to give to onlookers. Vanilla Bean provided cookies for those who decorated the float. Special thanks to Ron Levesque and Mike Matthews for donating the large Friends of Little Italy sign for the float and for their design and workmanship on the colorful individual business signs for the float. The Sign Studio is presently located at 3001 Sixth Avenue, Troy but will be moving shortly to 1 Ingalls Avenue soon. Ron and Mike are not only businessmen with strong loyalties to Troy but are active in cleaning and maintaining their section of the North Central neighborhood. Incidentally, the huge American flag which draped the south side of Flavour Caf and made the front

page of The Records Flag Day Parade coverage was supplied by George and Rich Regan. The flag was quite a conversation piece among neighbors and parade goers! ICC Flag Day Festival The first time effort of the Italian Community Centers Flag Day Festival was a success according to festival goers and volunteers. The event provided food and entertainment and enabled hundreds of people to remain in our neighborhood once the parade ended. The continued hospitality of the ICC is much appreciated! Marion Field organized a Friends of Little Italy information table at the festival and was assisted at the table by Gina Corina, Jean Krueger and Agnes Zink. They spoke to a number of people, heard stories about days gone by in the neighborhood, showed visitors old photographs of the neighborhood, passed along information brochures, signed up people who wanted to receive our newsletter by email each month and even talked about the future of the neighborhood. Joe Mancino, manager of Flavour Caf sold a variety of delicious flavored coffees as well as terrific desserts. This experience reinforced what we expected, namely the interest people have in Troys Little Italy. We hope to continue to represent our neighborhood at future community events by sponsoring information tables when we can. Many thanks to Marion, Gina, Jean and Agnes for their efforts. Little Italy in the News Compiled by Mike Esposito Its all in the family By Michael DeMasi The Business Review, May 19-26, p7. The next generation of DeFazios are joining their father Rocco in a new venture: bottling

organic marinara sauce to be called Organic Joe in honor of their great grandfather. Rubber duckie derby photo by J. J. Carras, The Record, June 6, 2006, p10. Photograph of Flag Day committee members at work at the parade fundraiser at The Irish Mist. Flag Day Parade Route The Record , June 9, p22 Friends of Little Italy float (entry number 85) in Troys Flag Day Parade, Sunday, June 11, 2006. Flag Day Festival The Record , June 10, 2006, p5. Quarter page ad for Italian Community Center Flag Day Festival with mention of Friends of Little Italy information booth. Reunion a night to remember By John Ostwald, The Record, June 11, 2006, p11. A review of this special occasion written by one of the gang captures all the warmth, camaraderie and joy of the evening. Grand Ole Flag Photo by Tom Killips, The Record , June 12, 2006, p1,3. Fourth Street photos including huge American flag along side of Flavour Caf and people interviewed in front of Margies Tavern. This day in 1906 in The Record, The Record , June 13, 2006, p10 A reprint of an interesting article on downtown Troys celebration of the Feast of St. Anthony held on June 13, 1906. The event included a several mile parade from Fourth Street north to Hoosick and then south to Adams and again up Fourth to St. Anthonys Church, a fireworks display at 8 pm on the hill overlooking Liberty Square and finally a candlelight procession to St. Anthonys Church. Joseph Panza a local shoemaker served as grand marshal for the parade.

The Records Historian & Daily Historian Photos included the following: 1933 Sal Montanino with daughters Anna (Jean) & Dolores, submitted by Donna Darwak, June 8, 2006, p14 1926 Wedding of Dominic Marro & Frances Nusco, submitted by Francie Horton, June 11, 2006, p14 1945 Eighth grade graduating class of St. Anthonys School, submitted by Leonard DeMeo, June 16, 2006, p18 1926 Tony & Helen Milanese on their honeymoon, submitted by Gene Burns, June 21, 2006, p27 1992 ICC members march with banner in Flag Day Parade, submitted by Joe Killeen, June 21, 2006, p28 Caf in the Courtyard Flavour Caf our good neighbor caf at 228-230 Fourth Street will once again provide their delicious luncheon menu for the Troy Public Librarys Caf in the Courtyard located between the Library and the Rensselaer County Courthouse, 100 Second Street. The Caf is a project of the Friends of the Troy Public Library. This year the Friends replaced tables, umbrellas and chairs and once again filled the planters with flowers to brighten up the attractive space nestled between two historic downtown buildings. The Caf will be open weekdays, Tuesday to Friday, from June to early September (weather permitting) from 11 am to 2 pm. Coffee and breakfast pastries will be available at 11 am before lunch is served. Notable Books By Mike Esposito Historically our neighborhood has the distinction of being home to two major ethnic groups the Irish who arrived in the 1840s and the Italians who came in increasing

numbers in the early 1900s. Two reference books published in a well documented series called The Immigrant Experience by Hugh Lauter Levuin Associates summarize the story of these groups, with beautiful photographs, illustrations and drawings. Irish Americans by William D. Griffin (2001) and Italian Americans by Ben Morreale and Robert Carola (2000) referred to in the book publishing trade as coffee table books are both substantial works covering their topics very well and are highly recommended for your personal home library. Both are also available in the Reference Collection at the Troy Public Library. ST. MARYS CATHOLIC CHURCH Third & Washington Sts. Troy, NY 12180 518-272-5820 Weekend Masses: Sat., 4 pm, Sun., 10am Weekday Masses: Tues., Thurs., Fri. 9am Soup Kitchen: Wed. & Thurs., 45 pm, ongoing, volunteers needed Up Your Alley! Alley Improvement Project, 2006, Troy, N.Y., a 36 page publication funded by the Rubin Community Fellows Program, has been issued by Troy Alley Improvement Project, a grass roots alley project of Troy residents who wanted to focus attention on the often neglected, misused and abused alley system (some 43 miles of secondary roadways) of our city. The publication was conceived, designed and developed by Sid Fleisher and Pleasant DeSpain (Osgood Neighbors), Dorcas and Ken Rose (South Central Neighborhood Association), Barbara Nelson, Architect, and Sharon Bates and Paul Miyamoto, Designers. It addresses parking and parking