A resident has a number of blank CDs and DVDs they like to get rid of. If you have a use for them and would like to keep them out of the trash stream, let me know and I’ll connect you.

Just a reminder that this Saturday is Lowell’s annual City of Lights Festival and Parade. Lot of things going on downtown beginning at 11:00AM and, of course, the parade starting at 4:30. Lowellma.gov offers some more detailed background for the event.

If you’re planning to be headed out elsewhere, leave extra time to navigate road closures during the parade. Parking restrictions shouldn’t affect residents, but if you expect visitors, there’s free parking in city garages and street parking restrictions are shown below.

Wishing everyone a pleasant holiday tomorrow and a fun weekend!

A resident is requesting suggestions for a contractor to repair a popcorn ceiling. As someone who’s repaired minor damages to mine myself, I totally sympathize with wanting to find an experienced professional; it’s very difficult to make it match properly!

Please post any suggestions in the comments. Thanks!

For people who’d like clarification about proof of heat pump use for the National Grid discount, here are some notated photos. Since I’m posting notated photos, I might as well include notes about filter maintenance also.

All of the building’s heat pumps are ClimateMaster but there are a wide variety of models and set ups. The ones below are the two in my unit. The size and type of filters we use are the ones that came with the condo when we purchased it. Using filters and changing or cleaning them regularly is important for the health of your heat pumps and the building-wide system; not doing so can result in costly damage. If you are missing filters or have questions, please speak with a service contractor.

Discount applications must be submitted individually for each condo unit and apply only to that unit’s National Grid account. According to the discount application form: “Acceptable forms of evidence for a successful application include ONE of the following; proof of payment or receipt of equipment purchase, invoice or receipt from contractor installation, Mass Save rebate payment confirmation email or letter, or a clear photo of your heat pump’s outdoor unit showing the model and serial number.”

For our residents who lack installation paperwork, a clear, legible photo of your heat pump’s ID plate plus a larger one of the heat pump unit set into the wall should suffice. The form includes an “add another response” button just below the box to attach “evidence of installation;” this button can be used to attach multiple files. I don’t believe one needs to prove multiple heat pumps to get the discount but whether you send photos of each of your pumps or not is up to you.

One resident has already had their heat pump discount approved by National Grid so we ARE eligible. The form is easy but each unit must apply separately. Links and info are in the previous post. If you have questions about the form, feel free to email canalplaceoneoffice@gmail.com and Ruth will be happy to help.

I happened to go by the rear elevator while the elevator door was open and the tech was working on the upgrades. He let me snap a few pics of the elevator shaft. The photos show the bricked up openings to the old Boott Mill property at the back of our building, as well as a blocked opening leading to the alley between us and Canal Place 2. The tech also mentioned that in the building’s early days, the elevator apparently traveled on wooden rails. So, for anyone who’s fascinated by our building’s history, here are the photos (that last one is just to show that yes, the upgrades are finally being installed)!

Lowell has voting today from 7am to 8pm for City Council and School Board seats. Our polling place is the Rogers School Gym at 43 Highland Street.

National Grid is offering a significant discount during the heating season for residential customers using heat pumps. Our units use water source heat pumps (WSHP); they’re less common but residents should still be eligible. The application form‘s list of acceptable types of proof mentions a photo taken of an outside heat pump’s model/serial# but residents here would be taking photos of their individual heat pumps’ ID plate, easily located by opening the wall panel at the front of the HVAC unit.

I strongly encourage everyone to take a look at the links, do whatever research they need to, and add any information they have to the comments.

Just a reminder that Trick-or-Treat starts at 6:00 this evening. Don’t forget to tape your pumpkin flyer to your door if you’ve got candy to share. One never knows how many kids will show year to year, but it’s always fun to check out the costumes and decorations that appear!

For anyone who’s not aware, there’s a fun little market next to the Hamilton Garage right behind Canal Place 3. It’s been running through the summer and will continue well into the fall. And if you feel like a short walk on a lovely fall day, this afternoon’s market includes a flash mob of dancing witches at 2:00!

Dutton Street Market hours are Fridays: 1PM–5PM, Saturdays: 11AM–6PM, and Sundays: 12PM–5PM

Early voting starts next Saturday at the Senior Center. Click the link for days and times.

If anyone is moving and wants bubblewrap, styrofoam peanuts etc. contact Sally. She has several large garbage bags full.

There will be downtown Trick-or-Treating, a Haunted House, music, rides, and food trucks at Lowell’s annual Monster Bash this coming Saturday. Check the link for when and where.

Our building will have Trick-or-Treating from 6–7:30 on the 31st. Flyers went under everyone’s door this morning.

Lots going on Saturday in the neighborhood (links to 5 events in post). Merrimack Street will be closed from Central Street to Kirk Street all day tomorrow for Open Streets Lowell, a smorgasbord or arts, crafts, games, and shopping happening from noon to 4:00.

Around behind Canal Place 3 next to the Hamilton Garage there will be a Volunteer Fair from 11am to 2pm if you’re looking for ways to learn more about local non-profits and how you can help.

Western Avenue Studios will be celebrating their 20th anniversary at this month’s Open Studios event from noon to 5 tomorrow.

And there will be a Hawktoberfest Brewfest at LeLacheur Park beginning at 1:00 Saturday for the 21-and-over crowd.

Also, Pawtucket Boulevard eastbound will be down to one lane from the Rourke Bridge to Varnum Ave beginning at 4pm Saturday and through the day Sunday for the Textile River Regatta. Expect heavy traffic in that area all day Sunday.