Volunteer with Rego-Forest Preservation Council - New Flyer

Facebook Groups: Please Take Action For S.O.S. (Save Our Stadium!) & Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Facebook is upgrading all of its groups. Even some of the most successful Facebook Groups were not given the option to upgrade to date. For those who are members of the S.O.S. (Save Our Stadium!) group (which has 190 members currently), please visit the link below. When asked on top of the page if you want to remain in the group when Facebook upgrades it, please press YES. Then you won't have any interruption of your membership for the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium Preservation cause: http://on.fb.me/SaveOurStadium

The Facebook Group for Rego-Forest Preservation Council has luckily been presented the option to upgrade months ago, & has made a smooth transition. Kudos to the 390 members. If you aren't already a member, please consider joining & supporting our historic preservation causes: http://on.fb.me/RegoForest

Please spread the word to ALL your neighbors & friends, and help preserve & enhance our community's historic character. Help our volunteer recruitment initiative as well. Thank you! 

"Queens Blvd Big Sweep" Needs Volunteers on October 15th, 8:30 AM - 3 PM

Want to dedicate a few hours of community service? Queens Boulevard Restoration Group & In Our Back Yard (IOBY.org) need volunteers to help clean the tree-lined medians of Queens Blvd in Forest Hills and Rego Park. Help restore the medians along Queens Blvd from 78th Ave to 63rd Dr, & make our community shine while helping the environment!
 
When? Saturday, October 15, 2011, 9:00 AM -3:00 PM. Meet at 8:30 AM

Where? Meet in MacDonald Park on Queens Blvd & 70th Rd, Forest Hills
 
Water, gloves, t-shirts, and lunch will be provided. Pitch in for as long as you want! 

To sign up or for more information, please e-mail info@queensblvd.org or call (917) 558-3802. Please bring your friends, neighbors, family, & help spread the word.

April 9th Tree Planting Event in Forest Hills - Tips & Requirements For Volunteers

 Chair Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council & Chair Steve Melnick of Queens Boulevard Restoration Group, and member volunteers, teamed up to call attention upon Forest Hills after the Sept 16, 2010 tornadoes, nominate and survey sites, and promote the April 9, 2011 tree planting event in Forest Hills: http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com/2011/03/help-plant-trees-in-forest-hills-on-sat.html

Below is the e-mail registered volunteers received. This is an event not to be missed, so please share with ALL:

From:	Rauscher, Gina (gina.rauscher@jetblue.com)
Sent:	Thu 4/07/11 11:36 AM
Subject:	Final Details For Saturday, April 9th - One Thing That's Green

JetBlue Airways “One Thing That’s Green” Volunteer Day

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Volunteer Day – Tips and Requirements

To all Volunteers:

Thank you for signing up to participate in the JetBlue’s One Thing That’s Green volunteer day and supporting New York Restoration Project’s MillionTreesNYC initiative in our mission to create a cleaner and greener NYC!  We have a very exciting fun filled day ahead of us and want to be sure that we are all prepared for the day’s expectations.  The following is a list of tips to keep in mind:

IMPORTANT: If you can no longer join us, please click here and let us know by Friday, April 8.  We will miss you, but we appreciate knowing how many volunteers will be with us on Saturday.

REMINDER: Please allow yourself enough time to get there. As we are encouraging volunteers to either drive or use public transportation, we ask that you plan your trip accordingly.

Where to meet & when

Registration will begin at 8:45 a.m.

(Please make every effort to show up on time)

Closing Remarks 2:00 p.m.

Breakfast, lunch & beverages will be served

Meet Up:        MacDonald Park

                       Queens Boulevard between 70th Road and Yellowstone Boulevard

                       Registration is at the southeast corner of the park

Click here for map (Enter MacDonald Park in park name search field)

Volunteer waiver:

We require all volunteers to sign a simple waiver form prior to beginning the corporate volunteer day. The waivers will be at the front of the entrance of the park.

*Please note, if you are under 18 years of age, you are required to have a parent or guardian sign the attached waiver and bring it with you to be submitted the day of the event.

Proper attire:

Volunteers should wear comfortable clothing they will not mind getting dirty.  Please wear sneakers (no flip-flops or open toed-shoes).  A hat or sun block is recommended. Please note: Volunteers are responsible for their belongings.  NYRP staff cannot insure personal belongings will be safe if left unattended.  Note: You will be receiving a free ‘One Thing That’s Green’ t-shirt when you register.

Inclement weather:

NYRP’s park managers and horticultural staff work outdoors year-round – rain or shine (or snow!).  However, NYRP staff may cancel a project if we feel weather conditions create unsafe working conditions.  Should there be a cancellation, it will be posted on the www.jetblue.com/trees site.

Getting there:

By Subway: MacDonald Park is located just off the E, F, M and R subways at Forest Hills-71st Av.

                                                                  

By Car:  Limited metered parking. There are also several parking garages near MacDonald Park.  Closest to the registration area is Sylvan Midway Garage at 10818 Queens Boulevard.

Directions from Manhattan: Take the Queensboro Bridge into Queens and continue onto Queens Boulevard.  Stay right to stay on Queens Boulevard, and MacDonald Park will be on the right.

Directions from Brooklyn: Take the Jackie Robinson Parkway and exit onto Forest Park Drive/Forest Park.  Slight right at Union Turnpike and left at Woodhaven Boulevard.  Slight right onto Yellowstone Boulevard and turn right on Queens Boulevard.  MacDonald Park will be on the right.

Directions from Long Island: Take the Grand Central Parkway and exit onto Union Turnpike.  Turn right at Queens Boulevard and left onto Yellowstone Boulevard.  MacDonald Park will be on the left.

Directions from Staten Island: Take the I-278 E/Staten Island Expy ramp on the left to Verrazano bridge.  Merge onto 1-278 E.  Take exit 35 toward I-495 E/48 St.  Take exit 35E toward I-495 E/Eastern Long Is/Riverhead.  Merge onto Queens Midtown Expressway Lwr Deck En.  Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-495 E/Eastern Long Is and merge onto I-495 E.  Take exit 19 for NY-25 toward Woodhaven Blvd/Queens Blvd.  Keep right at the fork to continue toward Eliot Ave/Horace Harding Blvd.  Keep left at the fork, follow signs for I-495 E/NY-25/Queens Blvd.  Keep right at the fork and merge onto Eliot Ave/Horace Harding Blvd.  Turn right at Queens Blvd.  MacDonald Park will be on the right.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Gina Rauscher

JetBlue Airways

Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility

Help Plant Trees in Forest Hills on Sat, April 9th - Restore MacDonald Park & Surroundings

Please download the Apr 9, 2011 One Thing That's Green event flyer, sign up online to plant trees in Forest Hills, & forward to your friends.

Rego-Forest Preservation Council & the Queens Boulevard Restoration Group are helping JetBlue & the New York Restoration Project, by seeking volunteers to help plant trees in Forest Hills on Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 9 AM - 2:30 PM. 

Forest Hills was one neighborhood which sustained some of the worst devastation during the Sept 16, 2010 tornadoes, and a total of 3,113 trees were lost in Queens, Brooklyn, & Staten Island. Chairman Michael Perlman & board members of Rego-Forest Preservation Council have documented the tornado's fury, nominated Forest Hills for tree replanting, and assisted NYRP in the property survey, which became the basis for this event.

Please help restore the "forest" in Forest Hills by assisting in the planting of trees at historic MacDonald Park on Queens Blvd & 70th Ave, as well as on apartment building lawns within a 10-block radius. Join in for a community day of green activities, including a complimentary breakfast, lunch, a theme t-shirt, & entertainment. Best yet, see the tree YOU planted in years to come!

To volunteer, register online & forward to your friends:  http://jetblue.com/trees/

Steve Melnick, Chair of the Queens Boulevard Restoration Group with Michael Perlman, Chair of Rego-Forest Preservation Council stand on Continental Ave near Austin St on March 26, 2011, to promote the April 9th One Thing That's Green event. We extend our gratitude towards Starbucks at 107-12 Continental Ave for permitting the setup, and providing wi-fi access outside their shop.

Press Release for One Thing That's Green Event:


JetBlue and New York Restoration Project (NYRP) are teaming up once again to do One Thing That's Green! Join us on April 9, 2011 as we plant hundreds of trees in Forest Hills, Queens!

In September, tornadoes ripped through Queens leaving once lush areas looking vacant. Trees are a vital part of the environment, especially in New York City, and by recommendation of the City of New York, JetBlue and NYRP will partner to revitalize MacDonald Park and surrounding areas.
Bring your friends and family for an exciting day of outdoor activities that encourage active living! Breakfast and lunch will be provided, and all volunteers will receive a One Thing That's Green branded t-shirt. There will be activities for the entire family throughout the day.

Register now and check back for updates in the coming weeks. All volunteers must register and complete a waiver. Young adults ages 14 to 17 must have a signed waiver from a parent or guardian to participate. Kids younger than 14 are welcome with an adult and they'll be plenty of activities for everyone.

Do your One Thing That's Green Together with our partners NYRP, 106.7 Lite FM, 103.5 KTU, and Power 105.1, JetBlue will make a lasting difference on the community and continue to evolve our commitment to greening the Big Apple.

When: Saturday, April 9, 2011
Where: MacDonald Park, Forest Hills, Queens
Time: 9:00 AM to 2:30 PM
What: One Thing That's Green tree planting and activities!


MacDonald Park throughout its many seasons before the tornadoes....

MacDonald Park, where 56 trees fell after the tornadoes, with many more damaged.....

The monumental Weeping Willow trees outside The James Madison before & after the tornado...

More tornado destruction....

Calling Volunteers for Membership Drive at June 13th Forest Hills Festival of The Arts

The 10th Bi-Annual Forest Hills Festival of The Arts will be on Sun, June 13th from 10 AM - 6 PM, and situated on Austin St between 69th Rd & 72nd Rd. Happy Birthday!

If you would like to volunteer for Rego-Forest Preservation Council's free membership drive, e-mail unlockthevault@hotmail.com where you can present our sign-up form to locals. You will be recognized for your contribution. You can also assist us anytime year-round at your convenience.


The Rego-Forest Preservation Council Sign-Up Form to download: 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/4678330726/sizes/l/

It's always proud to see the neighborhood coming together, as well as former residents paying a visit. There will be food, music, crafts, great bargains, children's games, and much more! Many booths are local businesses. It is sponsored by the Forest Hills Chamber of Commerce, and held in the spring and fall.

These are photos from prior years...

Oct 4, 2009: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157623387356677/
June 14, 2009: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157619729342877/
June 8, 2008: http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157605505830054/

Volunteer Opportunity: Restore Green Space To Historic Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 92-14 63 Dr, Sat, Nov 21, 10 AM - 12 PM

The Rego Park Green Alliance is a soon-to-be non-profit that Rego-Forest Preservation Council highly recognizes! Part of the RFPC mission statement is to preserve and commemorate our architectural and cultural history, but many of us take for granted that it also ties into preserving our mature trees and bushes, and maintaining and restoring our green spaces, to frame our architectural landmarks, and most of all, to initiate beauty and respect our environment.

The Rego Park Green Alliance is working with the Our Savior Lutheran Church, 92-14 63 Dr (on Wetherole St off Queens Blvd), Rego Park to create a much-needed park on the side of their property for use by all generations of the community. They have a vision, and both the RPGA and Our Saviour Lutheran Church should be greatly commended!

This is how YOU can help.....

On November 21st from 10 AM - 12 PM, you can start the transformation. If you are available, please come and help create a park for our entire community to use and cherish for years to come. For more information: yvonne@kidstechlabs.com

This is the RPGA blog: http://regoparkgreencommittee.blogspot.com/  Founder & Chair Yvonne Shortt, explains the following:

How did the idea come about? While sitting at a jazz concert on Our Saviour's property several months ago, I saw a 400 square foot space sandwiched between Our Saviour Church and another building. In an area with no green space anything green is an opportunity. I spoke with Pastor Neil and asked if the Rego Park Green Alliance could create a park that could be used by the community. Pastor Neil and the congregation agreed.

What is the design? If you look at the design, you'll see that with Colta Ives help we have created a quiet space for people to go to read and talk. Right outside of the garden is Honey Suckle that will evetually climb the fence. When you enter on the left will be some trumpet vines. On the right will be two raised beds, Further back, a clumping birch tree. At the rear, three kinds of evergreens. For ground cover, bark mulch. However, in some areas will have have a little rock to give the park some texture.

.

Recent & vintage photos of historic Our Saviour Lutheran Church and its grounds, courtesy of Rego-Forest Preservation Council (unless noted otherwise): http://www.flickr.com/photos/8095451@N08/sets/72157617607756277/

RSVP: Parks Dept Seeking Volunteers To Help Preserve The NY State Pavilion, A Queens & National Icon!

Volunteer on November 21 & 28, & take part in the introductory stages of preserving a Modernist masterpiece, the NY State Pavilion.... an enduring symbol of the 1964 World's Fair, Queens, and a National icon! Become a part of its history for a more rewarding future. Read on....

1964 postcard courtesy of Michael Perlman Postcard Collection

Source: http://hdc.org/blog/2009/11/17/parks-department-seeking-volunteers-to-help-preserve-new-york-state-pavilion/

Designed by famed American architect Philip Johnson for the 1964 World’s Fair, the large-scale terrazzo art pavement was commissioned by Governor Nelson Rockefeller for the New York State Pavilion. Johnson’s Pavilion featured a complex of structures: a Theaterama building, three observation towers, and the “Tent of Tomorrow,” a 12-story open-air elliptical pavilion capped by the world’s largest suspended cable system roof fitted with colored acrylic panels. The “Tent of Tomorrow” became a symbol of the fair, and for its main floor, Johnson designed the largest-known representation of any area of the earth’s surface: a 130-foot by 166-foot terrazzo replica of a Texaco New York State road map.

Although the Fair buildings were intended as temporary, 1965 plans for creating Flushing Meadows-Corona Park identified the Pavilion for preservation and reuse. While the Theaterama was later successfully renovated as a community theater, the remaining complex is closed and derelict. Today the Tent is used for storage, and the Road Map is in an advanced state of deterioration from weathering, vandalism, and past inappropriate recreational uses.

We’re looking for 12-40 volunteers to help out onsite on SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 AND SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28, performing a range of activities from removal of invasive vegetation, to the careful and systematic collection and bagging of map fragments that have been dislodged from the floor of the Pavilion. Instruction would be given to the volunteers on how to go about collecting the fragments before any work would begin. We’re looking for volunteers who are responsible, pay close attention to detail, and can follow instructions. Given the historical nature of the work, a certain degree of sensitivity is required. Everyday more of the famous map disappears, making the proposed conservation work critical.

Volunteers should meet at the New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Park, Queens, by 9 AM. All friends, family, co-workers and associates are welcome. There is a lot of work to be done and many volunteers are needed so please feel free to forward to others whom you think might be interested.

Additional details will be sent out closer to the volunteer work days. Please visit http://www.conlab.org/ to read about previous work done at the site by the University of Pennsylvania and the related exhibition held at the Queens Museum.

If you are interested in volunteering, please RSVP as soon as possible: 

Michelle.Langlie@Parks.NYC.gov
(718)760-6677