Keeping the Kids Busy

Parents as well as neighbors love to see kids keeping busy in fun, active ways, for who hasn't seen groups of bored kids hanging out on stoops, streets or corners being loud or perhaps even unruly as they try to keep themselves entertained?

Fortunately, there are some great options for kids this summer.  Tyrell Pryor, a VISTA Volunteer who is working with TRIP for the summer, is compiling lists of camp opportunities, drop-in centers, and other events to share with kids and their families to keep busy in the next two months.  He is currently getting out the word about the City of Troy's free sports camps at Frear Park, arts camps at the Arts Center of the Capital Region, a new South Central Recreation Drop-In Center at the Italian Community Center and more. 

For more information, contact Tyrell at tyrell@triponline.org or check TRIP's website at http://www.triponline.org

Calling All Contractors

TRIP is co-sponsoring an 8-hour RRPI (Renovation Repair & Painting Initial) training session on June 30 from 8:15 AM - 5:15 PM.  This training will allow contractors to obtain certification under the new EPA regulations which require that contractor firms working in pre-1978 homes need to be certified and an employee will also need to be certified as a Certified Renovator.  There are a number of waivers under the new rule, which can be viewed at http://www.epa.gov/lead/pubs/renovation.htm.  For more information or to register for the RRPI training, contact Hilary at hilary@triponline.org

Supporting Neighborhood Improvement

Congratulations to the Troy City Council and Mayor Tutunjian for recently approving $6500 in small grants to 19 neighborhood-based projects.  Awards ranging from $150 to $700 will go to support projects that are initiated by neighborhood residents to "improve their communities, address neighborhood needs, and encourage residents to work together to enhance the quality of life for the entire community."  And kudos to the neighborhood leaders who took the time and trouble to care enough to come up with plans that resulted in a neighborhood improvement awards!  These leaders are from South Troy (three projects), Downtown Central (two projects), South Lansingburgh, South Central (two projects), North Central (two projects), Congress Street (two projects), Campbell Avenue, Eastside (two projects), Sycaway, Hillside, Griswold Heights, and North  Troy.

Are You a Troy Treasure?

TRIP is accepting nominations for the Sixth Annual “Troy Treasure” Awardee, which will be presented at the TRIP/RCHR Annual Dinner on October 20th at Franklin Terrace.  This award is to honor a Troy resident, community group, or business who is passionately committed to improving Troy, toils in his or her neighborhood out of a love of community, and demonstrates his or her hometown pride in Troy in very positive and real ways.  Criteria include that the nominee lives or works in the City of Troy; individuals must live or work here for at least five years and community groups or businesses must have been in existence for at least three years.  Nominations are due to TRIP by July 20.  Nomination forms may be found at http://www.triponline.org/ or hilary@triponline.org.  

Troy is lucky to have many treasures. Previous Troy Treasure awardees include Washington Park Association (2005), Osgood Neighbors and the North Central/S.Lansingburgh Neighborhood Association (2006), Friends of Prospect Park (2007), Alane Hohenberg for her visionary role in creating the Troy Community Food Coop (2008), and TRIP's previous executive directors since 1969 Vinny Lepera, Duncan Barrett, and Barbara Jones Higbee (2009). 

Vote to Help Our Community!

Are you on Facebook? Chase Community Giving is offering grants to local organizations. These groups need to be in the top 100 to win! Two organizations from Troy are asking for your vote. You only have to log in and vote once this month. Vote for the Contemporary Arts Center Woodside and Capital District Community Gardens to each get $20,000!

Start Time: Friday, June 18, 2010 at 5:00pm
End Time: Monday, July 12, 2010 at 4:00pm
Location: THE INTERNET

Capital District Community Gardens
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/141596291-capital-district-community-gardens-inc?vote_successful=true

CAC WOODSIDE
http://apps.facebook.com/chasecommunitygiving/charities/43115130-berkshire-school-of-contemporary-art-inc