All Over Albany

You might be getting a refund from Spectrum

The state Attorney General's office announced today that it's reached a settlement with Spectrum/Charter* for denying "customers the reliable and fast internet service it had promised." The company will pay out more than $62.5 million to more than 700,00 customers and provide in-kind benefits said to be worth more than $100 million.

Details blurbage:

a. Charter to award a $75 refund to each of over 700,000 active subscribers based on:

(1) Leasing an inadequate modem;
(2) Leasing an inadequate WiFi router; OR
(3) Subscribing to a Time Warner Cable legacy speed plan of 100 Mbps or higher.

b. Charter to award an additional $75 refund to each of over approximately 150,000 subscribers who had an inadequate modem for 24 months or more.

Charter will notify subscribers of their eligibility for refunds and disburse them within 120 days.

If you didn't buy your own modem or wifi router**, you're probably leasing one from Spectrum. (Apparently Charter has already paid out $6 million to some people for inadequate modems, and if you were one of those people you're not eligible for this refund.)

Charter will also be offering three free months of HBO or six free months of Showtime to customers who currently get internet and TV from the company. And internet-only Charter subscribers are set to be offered a free month of Charter's Spectrum TV Choice streaming service.

Refunds said, the situation surrounding this settlement highlights the larger issue that many people have little or no choice when it comes to internet service. That might be changing as wireless companies start to roll out the next generation of very fast data service. But it's one of the reasons that the idea of municipal internet pops up now and again in places such as the city of Albany.
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* Spectrum is the brand backed by Charter, the company that acquired Time Warner Cable in 2016.

** You can buy your own and not pay Spectrum monthly for them, which can save you some money. The Wirecutter has suggestions.

Where to buy firewood?

Wade asks:

I'm looking for a reliable source of high quality seasoned firewood. Does anybody have a firewood guy they would recommend? Delivery preferred but not necessary. Price per face cord? Thanks for you input, Folks!

Have to admit: We know next to nothing about buying firewood. So we're curious if people have not just a place in mind about where to buy firewood, but also maybe some thoughts or tips about what to look for.

So, got a suggestion for Wade? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be helpful.

A good chimney inspector?

A new home owner emails:

I am looking for a chimney inspector to perform a level 2 chimney inspection (with video inspection). It's been challenging this time of year to find someone with availability, and some companies have not returned my calls.

I would like to find a chimney business that is properly insured, CSIA certified, knowledgeable about gas insert fireplaces, and, of course, experienced.

Hoping to hear from people who have had good personal experiences ... as there are a lot of very mixed reviews out there about chimney/masonry companies.

It's understandable this is a busy time of year for this sort of business and may involve a wait. But if you're going to be using a fireplace, it's also worth having the chimney checked out.

So, got a suggestion for this new home owner? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a service can be helpful.

Earlier: Be it known, this chimney has been swept (2013)

Where to get some design help for fixing up the landscaping around a house?

Jon emails:

I moved into a home with overgrown and misplaced landscaping. I'd like to resuscitate some plants/shrubs, relocate a few, remove a bunch and supplement to fill in any missing spots. Problem is that I need someone with an "eye" for landscape design to help (and to understand my goals).

I found the landscaping companies expensive and more interested in selling me a new "package" rather than work with and supplement what is here. My thought is that I need someone to design the gardens (location, types and location of plantings) and I could do the grunt work.

Jon notes that, obviously, we're at the end of the season for this sort of thing. But now is actually not a bad time to start planning a little bit for next spring.

Fixing up the landscaping can make a big difference in how a house looks. Sometimes just cutting back (or taking out) old, overgrown bushes will make things look a lot more inviting. Also: You'll probably win a few points with your neighbors. And people often how like to chat about that kind of thing when you're out working, so it's a nice opportunity to meet people in the neighborhood.

We had a somewhat similar question years ago for a large backyard project, but things change and it sounds like Jon doesn't need anything on that scale. It might be enough to just snap a few pics and show the people at a local garden store and they might have some good ideas.

So... got a suggestion for Jon and his yard? Please share! And sentence or two about your suggestion can be helpful.

There are two more Repair Cafes in the Capital Region this weekend

It feels good to fix things.

Toward that end, Repair Cafes will return to both Schenectady and Castleton this Saturday, October 13.

Repair Cafe? It basically an event at which community members help other community members repair household items. For free. The Repair Cafe idea started in the Netherlands and has since spread around the world.

Blurbage for the Repair Cafe at the Schenectady County Public Library:

Examples of some of the items you can bring to be fixed include: small electric appliances (especially lamps and vacuums,) furniture/wooden objects, clothing/textiles, dolls/toys, phones, computers, tablets, jewelry, watches/clocks, ceramics and general mechanical (small items only, no gas powered machines).

There is a limit of two items for repair per household.

The event at the SCPL Central Library is Saturday from 10 am-2 pm. And if you'd like to be a repair coach, contact coordinator Dave West (westfir50@gmail.com).

Castleton
The Castleton Repair Cafe is Saturday from 11 am-3 pm at Village Hall (85 South Main Street). "What do you do with a broken lamp? Or a sweater with a hole? Toss it? No way! ... People visiting the Repair Café bring along their broken but beloved items. Volunteers try their best to make repairs, and it's free of charge!" See the link for details about how to help be a repair coach.

Saratoga Springs
There's a regular Repair Cafe at the Saratoga Public Library. It looks like the last one was in late September. And it was popular -- 58 people brought in 102 items, according to Sustainable Saratoga. Keep an eye on the org's Facebook page for the next Repair Cafe.

Bat in the house? Capture it.

From the folder marked "flying mammals and did you just see that... no, over there... oh, crap" and an Albany County press release:

Albany County Executive Daniel P. McCoy today is reminding residents to protect themselves from rabies by safely capturing any bat found in their home and bringing it to the Albany County Department of Health to have it tested for the disease and avoid any unnecessary vaccinations.

The County Department of Health has received multiple calls in recent months from residents concerned about potential exposure to rabies due to contact with bats, which is typical during the spring and summer months. ...

County residents are encouraged to use the below steps to safely capture any bats in their homes so they can be tested for rabies in a lab. If you are unable to trap it, you should be vaccinated at the Albany County Department of Health at 175 Green Street, Albany, NY 12202.

• Use caution
• If indoors, close all windows, room and closet doors, turn on the lights and wait for the bat to land.
• While wearing heavy gloves approach the bat slowly and carefully and cover the bat with a pail, coffee can, or similar container.
• Slide a piece of cardboard or lid under the container to trap the bat inside and tape the container shut.

Residents can "batproof" their home with polypropylene bird netting, fly screening, sheet metal, wood or various caulking compounds to close or cover openings that allow entry for bats to roost. House bats can pass through crevices as thin as a pencil.

As the press release notes, a small percentage of bats have rabies, but it's hard to tell which ones do by appearance and the consequences can be serious.

(there's more)

Repair Cafe Schenectady returns

The Schenectady County Public Library will again be hosting a Repair Café this Saturday. Repair Café? Blurbage:

Repair Café is a neighborhood initiative that promotes repair as an alternative to tossing things out. At a Repair Café, community members can bring their broken but cherished items to be fixed on the spot, for free, with the help of volunteer repair coaches.

Examples of some of the items you can bring to be fixed include: small electric appliances (especially lamps and vacuums,) furniture/wooden objects, clothing/textiles, Dolls/toys, jewelry, watches/clocks, ceramics and general mechanical (small items only, no gas powered machines.)

There is a limit of two items for repair per household.

At the library's first Repair Café over 80 beloved items were repaired. "Many of the things that are fixed have deep emotional meaning to the people who bring them in. We don't just fix treasures-- we sometimes mend broken hearts, too" says Repair Café Schenectady founder Dave West.

The Schenectady Repair Cafe is this Saturday, July 21 from 10 am-2 pm at the central library on Clinton Street in downtown Schenectady. It's free. (And if you'd like to volunteer as a repair coach, email Dave West: westfir50 |at| gmail.com.)

The Repair Cafe idea started in the Netherlands and has since spread around the world. Including a few other spots around the Capital Region:

(there's more)

A roofer for row houses?

Nancy emails:

I reviewed the past comments about roofers, but we have a specific need - for a row house. Does anyone have suggestions for roofers for this type of roof?

We have heard in the past that roofing, painting, and similar sorts of jobs on row houses can be a little different for contractors because they sometimes require different staging, just because there's not the same sort of access. So we're curious if there are roofing contractors with a lot of experience doing this sort of job.

Got a suggestion for Nancy? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a contractor can by helpful.

A good cleaning service for occasional visits?

Sean emails:

Before kids, our idea of splurging was going out to a fancy dinner or a weekend away. After kids, it has now turned into dreaming about what a clean house might feel like. That being said, we were wondering if any of your readers might be able to recommend a cleaning service that we could treat ourselves with from time to time.

This question comes up every few years, and things change, businesses open and close. So we figured it was maybe time for it again. (We're curious if Sean and his partner might be able to set up a quarterly or twice-yearly cleaning.)

So, got a suggestion for a cleaning service? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a service, or about some aspect like cost, can be helpful.

Spring plant sales 2018

The garden education day/plant sale at the Cornell Cooperative Extension in Voorheesville is always popular.

It's May! And it's finally warmed up! And it will soon be time to start planting tomatoes, peppers, and other warm-weather plants in the garden.

There are a bunch of plants sales around the Capital Region coming up over the next few weeks to help you fill out your garden -- or container on a deck, or window box, or wherever.

Here's a quick list of some upcoming plant sales...

(there's more)

Lawn treatment company suggestions?

Michele asks via the Twitter:

Hi, I could use a recco for a trusted local contractor for lawn fertilization & treatment; *not* mowing or clean-up. I had planned to contact Lawn Dawg, but they've sold to TruGreen, and I've heard anecdotally the service has declined. Any suggestions? Thanks!

We'll add an angle our own to Michele's question: We're curious if there are any companies around here that specialize in "green" treatment for lawns -- for example, maybe they'll come out and run the aerator over the lawn and the spread compost or something similar.*

Got a suggestion for Michele? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a service can be helpful.

* Because we're really not looking forward to doing that ourselves. (Also: Mow high. And let go of the monoculture.)

Repair Cafe

Such is the modern world that a lot of stuff around the house gets thrown out when it's stopped working instead of being repaired.

But there's movement called the Repair Cafe that's trying to fix that (pun totally intended). The basic idea is that people bring in their broken household items to community events and volunteer repair coaches help with the repairs. For free.

There are two local Repair Cafe events coming up:

April 14: Schenectady County Public Library - 10 am to noon
The first Repair Cafe Schenectady will be in the McChesney Room of the central library (99 Clinton Street in downtown Schenectady). "Examples of some of the items you can bring to be fixed include: small electric appliances (especially lamps and vacuums,) furniture/wooden objects, clothing/textiles, Dolls/toys, jewelry, watches/clocks, bicycles, ceramics and general mechanical (small items only, no gas powered machines.)" Repairs are limited to two items per household. There will also be bike tune-ups from the Electric City Bike Rescue.

April 14: Castleton-on-Hudson Village Hall - 11 am to 3 pm
The Castleton Repair Cafe will be at the village hall (85 South Main Street). "This month, electrical, welding and seamstress services are featured (such as repair of lamps, vacuums, metal, clothing), but bikes, toys, crockery, furniture are also possible... anything that is broken is welcome."

Both events are also on the lookout for volunteers -- see the links for how to contact organizers if you have some know-how you'd like to share.

We'd just add based on our own experience: Fixing a broken household appliance yourself can save money -- but it also feels awesome. The sound of a broken refrigerator whirring back to life or the coffee maker burbling again is the sound of accomplishment.

The simple joy of seed catalogs

If it wasn't already clear, I'm going to out myself now as a huge dork.

During this cold, wet, gray upstate transition between winter and spring one of my favorite activities is to... page through seed catalogs.

Yep, I like to read about vegetables. And fruit. And flowers. But it's mostly about the vegetables.

And it helps. Maybe it would help you, too.

(there's more)

Solar Energy for Everyone info event

A group of environmental and renewable energy orgs are sponsoring a "Solar Energy for Everyone" event March 28 at East Greenbush Methodist Church. Poster blurbage:

Learn about solar options:

1. Install solar panels on your home, property or business

2. Choose a renewable energy electricity supplier

3. Buy or lease solar panels at a community farm

PowerPoint presentation on Community Solar. High Peaks Solar, Hudson Solar and Monolith Solar will be present to answer questions about their community solar farms and onsite solar installations for NYSEG and National Grid customers. You will be able to sign up for a renewable energy electricity supplier.

The event is Wednesday, March 28 from 6:30-8:30 pm. The East Greenbush Methodist Church is at 1 Gilligan Road.

Getting solar panels for your home could be a lot more affordable than you might think. The price of solar panels has been dropping quickly in recent years. And tax credits from the federal government and New York State can cover more than half the cost. Depending on the circumstances -- size of system, location, electricity usage -- the pay back can be in the 6-7 year range.

If you're thinking about getting solar, it's worth checking in with the Solarize Albany group, which offers information about sorting through options and organizes group buying discounts. Its upcoming 2018 campaign will include a focus on solar for affordable housing.

Options for re-glazing a bath tub?

Jillian emails:

I'm looking for local recommendations to have my bath tub re glazed. I've tried googling options, but only find bath fitters. Would love to opportunity to have folks submit recommendations on All Over Albany!

We had a similar question a few years back that focused on antique tubs, but it sounds like Jillian's situation is a little more straightforward. Re-glazing can help a tub look new(er) again, or switch out some 60s era tone for something more modern. Though we're curious how the cost compares to just getting a new tub.

So, got a suggestion for Jillian? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending an option or contractor can be a big help.

Repair options for an old slate roof?

Allison emails:

My early 19th century slate roof needs repairing. I know that you posted this question in the past but it was 7 years ago and some of the suggested contractors have retired or are out of business. This has proven to be a difficult search considering the amount of slate roofs around the city. Thanks!

Bonus points to Allison for checking if someone has already asked this question. And we're happy to post it again given the time that's passed and, it sounds like, how things have changed.

Good a contractor or suggestion for Allison? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're suggesting a contractor can be a big help.

photo: Flickr user Chilanga Cement (CC BY 2.0)

A good snow removal service in Albany?

Laura emails with a timely question:

Would you be willing to ask your readers to recommend a reliable, reasonably-priced residential snow removal service in Albany? Thank you.

We've had a similar question in the past, but things change. Businesses close, businesses open.

So, got a suggestion for Laura? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're recommending a service can be helpful.

Five reasons to not rake those leaves

It is near the end of fall. The leaves have mostly fallen from the trees. So time to rake them from the yard, right? PROBABLY NOT! (* Though see comments below about maple tar spots.)

Here are five reasons:

1. Leaves are basically fertilizer waiting to happen, and you can speed along the process by running them over with a mower. You could use a mulching blade for a very fine chop, but just the regular mower will do fine. [Washington Post]

(there's more)

Interior designer or decorator suggestions?

Christina emails:

Can you ask your readers to recommend any interior decorators or designers they have worked with? I am looking for some help for my living room, but don't want to commit to buying everything at once, so a focus on someone I can pay to help me with a plan that I can implement over time would be great.

A designer can be an added expense for a home project. But we're often pleasantly surprised by how a talented designer can look at a building/space/place and see solutions, angles, and ideas a non-designer might miss. And if you buy a home that needs a lot of updating, being able to talk over a plan with someone who does this often could be a help.

So, got suggestion for Christina -- whether it's a designer or some other sort of resource? Please share! And a sentence or two about why you're recommending a person/service can be a big help.

Earlier: Help with kitchen renovation design?

photo: Paul Gallo

Where to get furniture repaired?

Theresa emails:

I was wondering if you could please ask your readers if anyone knows of a place to get furniture fixed. I have a wooden chair that broke and I prefer to not throw it out.

We had a similar question years ago, but things change. Businesses close. Businesses open. Businesses move.

Also: So much stuff now seems to be made with the intention of being disposable, either by design or carelessness. It's kind of gratifying when you actually fix something and extend its life.

So, got a suggestion for Theresa? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're suggesting a place can be helpful.

Where to get a hybrid or electric car serviced?

Mark emails:

I've been on the hunt for a mechanic that specializes/is-well-versed in electric/hybrid cars, but have failed to bag anything.

I have taken my traditional vehicle to a shop that I am very pleased with, but I hesitate to bring this new space-age vehicle to the same place, because...well, I don't know. Am I overthinking this? Is a car just car? ...

P.S. Dealerships are sure to be the knee-jerk answer to this, but, you know, they're dealerships.

This is something we hadn't really thought about before. And the fundamental question Mark seems like a good one: Is a hybrid or electric car "just" like any other car when it comes to getting it serviced, or is there special expertise involved.

So, got experience or thoughts or a suggestion on this topic? Please share! If you're recommending a shop, a sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be helpful.

Earlier:
+ Capital Region Recommended Mechanics
+ New York State is now offering a rebate for electric cars

A good wash-and-fold service in Albany?

Danny emails:

My wife and I just moved to an apartment building in center square with not great laundry facilities. In the past, we have used wash and fold services to save time. I would do some research myself, but high prices and the wide availability of laundromats make experiments complicated. There are a handful of reviews on the internet, but they provide inconsistent data about quality, price, forms of payment accepted, etc. Delivery is not a big deal in our case, but great to have the option. Any thoughts or recommendations you have will be appreciated! Thank you.

It sounds Danny and his wife are looking for a place around the Center Square/downtown Albany area, but delivery would probably widen that range.

So, got a suggestion for them? Please share! And sentence or two about why you're recommending a place can be helpful.

Gardening classes that are popping up soon

It's spring! It's happening!

Now is a good time to get started on garden plans for the spring and summer -- whether it's just a few flowers, tomatoes in containers on the porch, or raised beds in the backyard. Toward that end there are a whole bunch of garden classes / info sessions / talks coming up around the area, on topics ranging from vegetable gardening to composting to garden planning to street trees.

Here's a quick scan of some upcoming classes...

(there's more)

Lifestyle Farming Conference at SUNY Cobleskill

This looks like some quality fuel for stoking those backyard gardening / DIY / I've-had-enough-I'm-moving-to-a-farm dreams.

SUNY Cobleskill is hosting its first Lifestyle Farming Conference Saturday, April 8. Blurbage:

In our classrooms and labs, SUNY Cobleskill faculty will teach organic gardening, home brewing, composting, mushroom growing, yogurt making, apiary management, and more. With three levels -- 1.5-hour Introductory Courses, 3-hour Skill Builders, and a 6-hour Intensive -- everyone from novice to experienced homesteaders will find a course to suit their interests and skill levels.

The conference will be accompanied by a specialized vendor fair featuring goods and supplies that complement the workshops, such as brewing equipment, apiary supplies, animal feed, and orchard necessities.

Among the workshop topics: square foot gardening for maximizing production in small spaces, home brewing, backyard poultry, family livestock herds, composting, making sausage, fruit and berry orcharding 101, wild edibles, homemade ice cream, and homemade yogurt.

Conference registration is $60 / $72 with lunch and available online. And the website notes that space is limited in each workshop.

A good contractor for installing a fence?

Erica emails:

I'm writing to ask for any recommendations for fencing companies. I know there are a number of options in the Albany area but I'd like to get a recommendation from someone who's had good experience with a company. The AOA community has been great with other topics so I thought I'd give this a shot too. Thanks!

As Erica mentions, there do seem to be at least of handful of companies out there that install fencing. So if you have suggestions, great.

To extend Erica's a question a little bit... We're also curious if there are companies that specialize in various types of fencing, whether it's wood or metal. Or if there are companies that tend do a lot of work on styles of fencing that go beyond the typical stockade style or chain link.

So, got a suggestion for Erica? Please share! And as with any question like this, a sentence or two about why you're recommending a company can be a big help.