One Thing That's Green For The Records - Nearly 900 Volunteers Plant 180 Trees In MacDonald Park & Forest Hills Surroundings

MacDonald Park with newly planted trees by volunteers

Nearly 900 volunteers help restore the tree canopy of MacDonald Park & nearby Forest Hills sites, including a tree to be planted on the Queens Boulevard median

MacDonald Park with trees ready to be planted in the footprint of those destroyed by the 9/16/10 macroburst

5 year-old trees slated for planting in MacDonald Park

Historic MacDonald Park devastation after the macroburst

To be missed: MacDonald Park with its monumental yet graceful pillars

Most of these trees were lost. May the new plantings mature before our eyes!

Queens Blvd's historic tree canopy: Most of MacDonald Park's mature trees, particularly on the western side may have been blown away, but this classic scene from a few seasons ago will not be forgotten.

Hats off to One Thing That's Green, or what some may refer to as Forest Hills Community Day, which became more of a citywide community cause in the heart of Forest Hills. April 9, 2011 (9 AM - 2:30 PM) is one day for the records!

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, first recommended Forest Hills for tree replanting projects last fall, and assisted NYRP in the property survey over the course of the last few months. On March 26, 2011, Michael Perlman of RFPC & Steve Melnick of the Queens Boulevard Restoration Group joined forces, and erected a table and poster board on Continental Ave, distributed flyers, signed up volunteers on a netbook, and thankfully received permission to use wi-fi from Starbucks at 107-12 Continental Ave.

Let's extend a huge thank you to local & citywide volunteers, who planted 79 trees in our MacDonald Park (the center of the event) on April 9th, our Yellowstone Park, as well as other historic sites, which include PS 303, The James Madison & The Benjamin Franklin apartment houses (communal gardens included). The diversity of the tree species in MacDonald Park increased with newly planted Japanese Zelkovas, Red Oaks, Winter King Thornless Hawthornes, and more. Around 180 trees were planted within a few hours' time, proving how each person can account for a major difference in our communities.

A huge thank you to the NY Restoration Project, JetBlue, Million Trees NYC, PlaNYC, NYC Parks,  colleagues at Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Queens Boulevard Restoration Group, The Beacon Program, KTU 103.5 FM, Z100, & 106.7 Lite FM, BNP Paribas, Toyota, etc.

Volunteers numbered around 860, which was far more than the expected 500-600 volunteers, and spanned many generations. It was very inspirational to see everyone who arrived early, with the face of civic pride and a vision. What a great sense of community!

The diverse citywide faces line up to help restore Forest Hills, symbolizing "a blockade against tornadoes!"

Some volunteers from Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Councilmember Karen Koslowitz

State Senator Toby Stavisky

Assemblymember Andrew Hevesi

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall

When volunteers registered, they received color-coded wristbands, which determined which group they would be placed in, and where they would plant trees. Volunteers were served breakfast, and listened to opening speeches by City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, CM Karen Koslowitz, BP Helen Marshall, Deputy BP Barry Grodenchik, radio station personalities, a JetBlue safety expert, and a representative of the NY Restoration Project. Then everyone repeated a green empowerment slogan, ending in "Now I will do my one thing that's green!"

The youngest of children receive a lesson in community service in MacDonald Park

Power to the people!

Members of the Beacon Program with "going green" Chairman Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council

Curb tree pits also received a Very Important Plant treatment

Besides planting at MacDonald Park, volunteer groups crossed Queens Blvd with NYRP staff, carrying huge banners reading "Million Trees NYC" & "Do One Thing That's Green." Groups cheered at each other when arriving at each site within close proximity (symbolic of a competition). A tree planting demonstration was done by The James Madison curb tree pit. Some street trees were also planted elsewhere.

Crossing Yellowstone Blvd towards Yellowstone Park, The Thomas Jefferson, The James Madison, & PS 303. Long may they wave!

Volunteers outside The Thomas Jefferson

Volunteers gather outside The James Madison, watching a tree planting demonstration. & anticipate planting on the lawn

As a token of appreciation, around 1,000 catered buffet-style lunches were provided by Dallas BBQ, and families and friends dined in the newly planted MacDonald Park, admiring their accomplishments. Children participated in a number of additional activities, such as hula hoops and a match game. An owl, bird, turtle, iguana, and a snake were available for petting. "Queen of Freestyle" Judy Torres performed her classic hits, including "No Reason To Cry," "Come Into My Arms," and "Faithfully," and the crowd cheered her on. Then a a few raffle drawings were held, and people won complimentary flights on JetBlue. Amy Freitag, Executive Director of the New York Restoration Project thanked volunteers, waving adieu.

A picnic lunch, Forest Hills-style!

Statue of Gerald MacDonald watches over in pride

Petting zoo demonstration

Sharing is caring!

Freestyle singer Judy Torres engages audience participation

The new 14+ ft trees in MacDonald Park are at least 5 years old, and have quite a way to mature, to match the small quantity of 30-60 year-old trees which survived the 9/16/10 macroburst. A child said they will return in 20 years to see the tree they planted grow much taller. Not only was a tree planted, but a heart in Forest Hills.

The day in photos speak louder than words, so relive the memories, courtesy of Chair Michael Perlman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council: http://bit.ly/OneThingThatsGreenForestHillsPerlmanPhotos

Some photos from the tornado in Forest Hills:
http://regoforestpreservation.blogspot.com/2011/03/help-plant-trees-in-forest-hills-on-sat.html

With deep gratitude to all,
- Michael Perlman, Rego-Forest Preservation Council, Chairman

Introducing "Local History" Column in Forest Hills Patch - Debuting Eddie's Sweet Shop

Youngsters sitting at the counter of Witt's Ice Cream, which would later be known as Eddie's Sweet Shop. Could it be Owner William Witt?

As a native Forest Hills resident, NYC preservationist, and writer, I take pride in my new weekly column with a popular hyper-publication, Forest Hills Patch. Introducing... Local History. Enjoy my first feature, "Eddie's Sweet Shop." As we celebrate the 119th anniversary of the sundae, treat yourself in what's NYC's earliest intact ice cream parlor, at 105-29 Metropolitan Ave, Forest Hills:

http://foresthills.patch.com/articles/eddies-sweet-shop

If you are curious about the history of any landmarks, worthy sites & sections, long-forgotten sites, or historic notables of Forest Hills or Rego Park, please send your suggestions to unlockthevault@hotmail.com, and I will consider coverage. It is a pleasure to serve our community!

- Michael Perlman, Chairman of Rego-Forest Preservation Council 

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....

City Council Ignores NY'ers - Queensboro Bridge To Become Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge

1909 postmarked postcard. Copyright 1908 by Moses King. Rendering by J. Koehler, NY. Caption: Queens Borough Bridge, over the East River from East 59th St. and 2d Ave., Manhattan, to Jane and Academy Sts., Long Island City; great cantilever structure costing with approaches $25,000,000; rests on six masonry piers; 7,636 ft. long; west span, 1,182 ft.; clear height over channels, 135 ft.; height of island towers, 324 ft.; width 86 ft.; two decks with 53-ft. roadway, four trolley lines, two railroad tracks and two promenades; will open short, direct route to Queens Borough; designed by Gustav Lindenthal, Bridge Commissioner, 1901-3; to be opened 1908

The results are in! Despite public opposition, 3/23/11 will be remembered as the day City Council voted 38 to 12 to rename the Queensboro Bridge as the "Ed Koch Queensboro Bridge."

Some elected officials worked on behalf of their constituency's interests and our city's history, including CM James Van Bramer & CM Peter Vallone Jr, so kudos to them. Within the upcoming weeks, our city's name-change idea originator, Mayor Bloomberg, will presumably give his pen to enact this legislation. For information on its political supporters and opponents, visit The New York Times: http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/23/soon-you-can-take-the-koch-bridge-to-queens/?ref=nyregion

A poll by Quinnipiac University found that 64% of New Yorkers opposed the renaming plan. In addition, there are great comments from a vast coalition of New Yorkers and tourists abound who signed a petition in opposition to renaming the historic Queensboro Bridge, and this is one of the many notables...

Signer 867. Elizabeth Mueller, Sunnyside, NY: As a proud Queens resident of 5 years, I would like to ask that the bridge remain named the Queensboro Bridge. I love the bridge and its legacy of over 100 years, and feel that a renaming would be disrespectful to not only the bridge, but the entire borough. Would you rename the Brooklyn Bridge after Ed Koch? I think not.

Mayor Bloomberg said that private donations would be collected to finance the changing of the bridge's signage. Well, let's consider the reported $4 million utilized in 2008 to change our Triboro Bridge's name to the RFK Bridge. Regardless of whether private donations will be used in the Queensboro Bridge case, shouldn't we be focused on spending such a sum on restoring infrastructure, repaving roads, preserving our children's education, keeping our firehouses open, and reopening and improving our hospitals? Placing the integrity of former Mayor Ed Koch aside, there is a multitude of ways to better spend public and/or private funds, than needlessly compromising the name of our storied bridge for politician sake.

Is All Hope Lost? The Power In YOU...

1. City Council should realize that the Queensboro Bridge name is supposedly subject to protection under the Landmarks Law, so will renaming plans be scrapped afterall? Voice your opposition to Chairman Robert Tierney of the NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission or e-mail him directly at rtierney@lpc.nyc.gov & comments@lpc.nyc.gov

2. The constituency of Queens and New Yorkers at large is once again overrode, but REMEMBER that We The People are the true winners, who embrace civic pride and duties, and launched a diligent cause. Some politicians need a Civic 101 course on why they were elected to office. Never abandon your freedom to advocate for what you believe in while acknowledging the citizen majority, & keep signing and commenting on the petition: http://www.petitiononline.com/QBrename/petition.html

The Queensboro Bridge was also referred to as the Blackwell's Island Bridge - Circa 1909 postcard

Circa 1920s postcard published by American Studio, NY, shows the Richard Peck steamship. Caption: QUEENSBORO BRIDGE over east River and Long Island City from East 59th St, Manhattan to Long Island City, is a great cantilever structure 7,636 feet long, clear height over channel 135 feet, height of island towers 324 feet, begun in 1901, opened March 30, 1909; total cost $29,000,000.

Queensboro Bridge 1-fare brass token. circa 1970

Queensboro Bridge 1-fare brass token. circa 1970, 2nd side

Queensboro Bridge Art Contest - Calling All Students Age 5 to 18!

The Queensboro Bridge by Edward Hopper (July 22, 1882 - May 15, 1967), who was a famed American realist painter & printmaker. His spare & finely calculated renderings reflected his personal vision of modern American life. Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Edward_Hopper

 Rego-Forest Preservation Council proudly endorses the mission of the LIC Arts Open Committee. We feel The Queensboro Bridge Art Contest is a superb means of exercising our students' artistic minds, to foster the appreciation of Queens history & one of our borough's greatest Individual Landmarks, the Queensboro Bridge, which dates to 1909 & serves as our gateway. Let's keep in mind that we became the Borough of Queens in 1898. The timing of the art contest couldn't be more perfect, as our politicians plan on voting on Mayor Bloomberg's proposed renaming of the Queensboro Bridge to the Ed Koch Bridge (or something to that extent) on March 23rd. Hopefully, our electeds will listen to our children, and learn why the Queensboro Bridge name is a staple of Queens history. Now onto the contest......

The Queensboro Bridge Art Contest flyer for the 2011 LIC Arts Open. Please download & post around schools, and share with families & friends.

Welcome To Queens!

THE QUEENSBORO BRIDGE ART CONTEST

As part of the 2011 LIC Arts Open, the LIC Arts Open Committee has organized an art contest for Queens students, ages 5-18, that celebrates the Queensboro Bridge. At more than 100 years old and an astonishing visual wonder, the bridge provides a glorious welcome to our borough, and this contest provides the perfect way for Queens’s young people to exercise their creativity and be part of a community-wide event!

It’s simple to be part of the Queensboro Bridge Art Contest. No registration is required. Just submit a 5" x 7" postcard that captures our beloved Queensborough Bridge as a painting, drawing, collage, cartoon, photograph, or any other form of graphic representation.

You can get blank postcards from art teachers at your school (if they are participating), pick them up as the LIC Arts Center, or simply use your own oak tag, as long as it is 5" x 7" in size.

Submissions will be reviewed by a committee of notable artists and local leaders, with prizes awarded to winners in 4 age categories. ALL SUBMISSIONS will be exhibited at a special showing on May 14-22 at the LIC Arts Center, where hundreds of people will view them during the Arts Open and the week leading up to it.

Guidelines For Submission

-Artwork must be created on 5" x 7" card stock (oak tag). You can obtain cards from art teachers at your school, if they have requested them; pick them up at the LIC Arts Center in Long Island City; or use your own as long as it is 5" x 7" and oak tag weight.

-Submissions must be accompanied by a note with name of artist, age, school, address, phone number, and e-mail address so we may contact you.

-Artists may pick up their works after the exhibition is over (end of day on May 22 and after). If you prefer, we can mail it back to you if you write your name/address and include a stamp on the other (blank) side of your artwork.

-Submissions must be received no later than May 2, 2011. Please send or deliver them to:

LIC Art Center 

Att: A. Ratkewitch/Queens Paideia School 

44-02 23rd Street, Suite 214 

Long Island City, NY 11101

For more information, specific questions, contact Alyssa Ratkewitch, contest coordinator, at aratkewitch@gmail.com

Please check back on the LIC Arts Open's website and the LIC Arts Open’s Facebook Page for ongoing updates about this first-ever contest, and other exciting activities at the Arts Open!

Petition Opposing Renaming of Queensboro Bridge!

Queensboro Bridge Circa 1910 Postcard

Mayor Bloomberg might as well wipe Queens off the map. The Queensboro Bridge may be stripped of its historic name, and may only exist as a roadway connecting Queens to Manhattan. Mayor Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Quinn reportedly support the renaming of this historic bridge after former Mayor Ed Koch. Who will say, Let's take the Ed Koch Bridge? And... Where will it leave you?

Please sign, comment, & share the PETITION opposed to renaming the Queensboro Bridge: http://www.petitiononline.com/QBrename/petition.html

It is a LANDMARK on an architectural, cultural, & historical basis, & its name is supposedly safeguarded under the Landmarks Law. If the politicians have their way, and the Landmarks Preservation Commission doesn't take a stance, will they sell the Queensboro Bridge's 1909 dedication plaque on the approach for scrap, which bears Queensboro Bridge, or will it be tossed into the East River?

Opinions aside on former Mayor Edward I. Koch's integrity, but what affiliation does he have with the bridge & Queens? The practice of renaming historic sites after politicians, and wasting any of the city or state's funds must come to a halt! Elected officials including Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. and Queens State Senator Tony Avella hear the voices of the people; many of whom we conversed with that oppose the bridge renaming.

The Queens Campaigner reported on February 24th that a hearing was held by the Council for the proposed name change. It states, "At the hearing, 12 to 15 people gave testimony, most of whom had worked with Ed Koch. Of those who testified, only one said he was not in favor of changing the name."

On Dec 10, 2010, Queens BP Helen Marshall told The Queens Courier, “I haven’t found one person who thinks this is a good idea. I think a lot of people have good feelings about the former mayor, but renaming a bridge is another story. We are going to watch this.” The Queens Courier then went on to report, "The renaming of the Triboro Bridge, which became the Robert F. Kennedy Bridge in 2008, cost the city and state nearly $4 million for new signage."

Let's reflect upon our recent past... Remember the Queensboro Bridge's Centennial Celebration from May 28 - July 31, 2009? Events & history: http://www.nycbridges100.org/queensboro.php

A final vote on the renaming will occur on March 23, 2011. Will the constituents be heard?

SUM: If approved, this will be yet another long-term publicity campaign at our city's "expense," in more ways than one.