With the ever-successful 36th Annual Victorian Stroll having passed, the city of Troy is kicking off the holiday season. The tree in Monument Square is lit, businesses are decorated, and restaurants are serving seasonal treats. Thousands came out over the weekend to see the live music, take a historic trolley tour, and see Uncle Sam wandering the streets. As we enter the holiday season, we’re heading full swing into the time of year where generosity is high. Here in Troy, there are volunteer opportunities everywhere, classes to enjoy with loved ones, and sweet treats to get during a long day’s shopping.
Every year, the Salvation Army holds their Red Kettle campaign during the holiday season that consists of people standing outside stores and on sidewalks. We all see them—the people who stand out in the wind and snow ringing the bells, hoping for a dollar or two. The donations they get help over four and a half million people across the country. This year, they’re in need of ringers. Troy’s goal this holiday season is to raise $85,000, and if they don’t get more volunteers, the goal won’t be met. If you’ve got time between 10 a.m. and 9 p.m., consider helping out. Even just one hour of ringing can yield enough money to feed 13 people.
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The Dutch Udder, located in Downtown Troy, closes for the season in a couple weeks; however, there’s still enough time left to stop in and try some of their holiday flavors. Their menu is updated daily, as sometimes one runs out or a flavor is back. This season they have gingerbread, egg nog, peppermint, and hot cocoa (with a slight kick of cayenne pepper) available. Get it in a dish or in one of their special waffle cone options: dark chocolate, peppermint, and gingerbread.
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Canvas Corks & Forks is Troy’s favorite place for paint and sip classes year-round! Enjoy glasses of wine (if you’re of-age) and a free mac and cheese bar as you paint your way to a new wall decoration. This month especially, the classes feature a variety of holiday options. There are four classes this week: a snowman, the Grinch’s hand holding an ornament, a sign that says, “Merry and Bright,” and a sign that says, “Let it Snow.” Check back throughout the month for different options, different classes, and bring your friends and family to enjoy in holiday fun!
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On Saturday, December 8, Loretta Pyles is hosting a stress-relief workshop that focuses on self-care as a social justice issue. She’ll help you build skills for self-care tactics, like gentle yoga (bring a yoga mat if you have one!) and meditation. In this inclusive, trauma-informed space, Loretta takes you through the causes and impacts of stress that can happen throughout your day. Bring a journal and a pen to jot down notes, ideas, and tactics that work well for you (and ones that don’t). This event is free of charge, so anyone is able to come learn and get the help they need.
The Troy City Council voted unanimously to set aside $250,000 for Troy police body cameras as part of the 2019 budget. There’s a draft policy currently in place for the body cameras as the department secures the funding and enters the trial phase. Field tests of different equipment will be conducted, and then they’ll tweak the policy to reflect the needed changes. The body cameras will have an impact on both community and police, so they’ll be monitoring the way they’re used, the effectiveness, and the results to understand how the equipment will best help everyone.
