We Appreciate Your Generous Support

Your Donation Matters

"TRIP rents apartments at affordable prices."

"Really? I thought TRIP helps people become homeowners."

"No, TRIP is about rehabbing old, unmarketable homes and making them useable again."

"Hmm, I thought TRIP supported neighborhood leaders and associations."

Many people don't know that TRIP does all of the above... and more. These core activities enable us to work towards our mission and vision, which is about people, homes, and communities.

We hope you will take ten minutes to watch a video entitled "TRIP - More Than Housing: Building Leadership." it will give you an idea of the impact we can make upon one individual and where that can lead. Enjoy!

To make a secure donation to the work of TRIP, click here.
Or
Please make check payable to:
Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program, Inc. or TRIP and mail to:

TRIP
415 River Street
Troy, NY 12180

Add Your Voice to Others Through TNAC

The Troy Neighborhoods Action Council (TNAC) will be meeting on Wednesday, April 10th from 6–7:30pm at The Margaret Krause Center on 2212 Burdett Avenue in Troy.  Everyone is welcome to attend!

We will have a full agenda, including a discussion of Earth Day plans. 

TNAC is a group of Troy citizens who are actively improving Troy’s neighborhoods through implementing projects, starting workgroups to deal with specific issues such as vacant properties, and sharing successes and ideas. If you’d like to have a voice in Troy’s community issues, please come to the meeting on April 10th!

Interested in Making a Difference? Volunteers Needed!

TRIP is seeking volunteers to help with an exciting new project!  In partnership with neighborhood groups and the city, we will be undertaking a community survey in part of North Central Troy to determine the level of community spirit, the advantages and disadvantages of the neighborhood, and the physical condition of the properties. This will give us some ideas about what is working well and what is needed in this community.  Furthermore, we will re-survey the same area in two years which will allow us to measure any differences that result from our collective community efforts over the next couple of years. 

If you would like to join the CIM (Community Impact Measurement) Team for some fun while collecting important information, please email Hilary [at] triponline [dot] org or call at 272-8289 x214.  

In addition to being part of a team to determine neighborhood assets and needs, you will meet new people, explore interesting neighborhoods, enjoy some lovely architectures and get fed.  And did we say it will be fun??   

We look forward to hearing from you today.

Troy Neighborhoods Action Council Meeting Feb. 13th

All are welcome!!

Wednesday, February 13th, 6 -7:30pm
At The Hill Street Inn, 202 4th St, Troy

"I always look forward to our TNAC meetings. It's great to get together with other community leaders from different areas, from South Troy to the 'Burgh, which we try to do four times a year. The next TNAC meeting is Wednesday, Feburary 13th from 6 - 7:30pm, at The Hill Street Inn on 202 4th Street. Whether it's hearing about another group's projects or getting advice on one of our projects from a group that has 'been there, done that', I always leave feeling inspired and re-energized."
  -Kim Mazor, Hillside North Neighborhood Group

The agenda for the meeting includes:

• Neighborhood associations’ winning strategies 
• (Re)Imagining Troy project 
• What’s the Troy Vacant Properties Workgroup doing? 
• Getting Involved with a “Drug-Free Community” 
• and More 

For more information about TNAC, contact Rocco DeFazio at 271-1111
or email Hilary [at] triponline [dot] org
 

TNAC Meeting Feb. 13th, 6pm

Troy Neighborhoods Action

Council (TNAC) Meeting

Wednesday, February 13^th, 6-7:30 PM

The Hill Street Inn on 202 4th Street

All are welcome!!  Come share and hear:

- Neighborhood associations’ winning strategies

- (Re)Imagining Troy project

- What’s the Troy Vacant Properties Workgroup doing?

- Getting Involved with a “Drug-Free Community”

- and More

 For more information about TNAC, contact Rocco DeFazio at 271-1111

 or email hilary at triponline [dot] org

Also

Coming Soon!

Troy Landlord Training Program

April 22 (Part 1) & April 24^th (Part 2)

6-8 PM

$15 fee for materials

Register at www.triponline.org

or call (518) 690-0020 x221 

TNAC Meeting

TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) is a coalition of Troy-based residents, business people and others working towards creating great neighborhoods in Troy. We hope to see you at the next TNAC meeting on Tuesday, Oct 30 from 6 -7:30pm at Bethel Baptist Church at 2165 5th Avenue (between Federal and Jacob streets).

Tentative agenda:

“Business” from 6 – 7pm:

• Neighborhood associations sharing
• Vacant Properties Workgroup update
• Drug Free Communities Committee update
• Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference report
• Big Brothers and Big Sisters Program, Capital District Chapter
• Goodbye and thank you to TRIP’s VISTA Volunteers Claire Pitts and Mary Rynasko

Informal Networking from 7 – 7:30pm

We look forward to seeing you on Oct 30th! Feel free to share this invitation with others.

Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference: Strengthening Neighborhoods Strengthens New York

The first annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference is almost here! Will you be there?

On September 21st and 22nd, Troy will host this grassroots community event bringing in neighborhood advocates from all over New York State. The conference will be held at Russell Sage College in Troy.

On Friday night, mingle with people from different communities and attend a keynote speech from writer, speaker, and local activist James Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency and The Geography of Nowhere. This event is free and open to the public.

Registration for workshops and discussions on Saturday, the 22nd, is open at www.nyneighborhoods.org. The day's events will start early with breakfast and another keynote speech, this time from housing, planning, and community development advocate and scholar Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Following will be a large panel discussion and breakout workshops with community leaders from across New York State.

This conference is sure to energize all who attend to return to their communities with new ideas and renewed passion!

Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference, Featuring James Kunstler and Alan Mallach

On September 21st and 22nd, Troy will hold the first annual Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference, a grassroots effort to share information about community-building efforts throughout New York State. The conference will be held at Russell Sage College in Troy.

Things will kick off on Friday evening, Sept. 21st, with a free, open to the public  keynote address from famed writer, speaker, and local activist James Kunstler, author of The Long Emergency and The Geography of Nowhere.  You won't want to miss hearing his interesting perspective.  

Registration for workshops and discussions on Saturday, September 22nd, will open soon at http://nyneighborhoods.org/2012/. The day's events will start early with breakfast and another keynote speech this time from housing, planning, and community development advocate and scholar Alan Mallach, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. Following will be a large panel discussion and breakout workshops on a variety of interesting topics with community leaders from across New York State.

If you would like to help out at this event, organizers are looking for volunteers! Please contact Dorcas Rose at icatroy@verizon.net for more information.

UPDATE: Registration for the Statewide Neighborhood Revitalization Conference is now open!  Visit http://nyneighborhoods.org/2012/registration/ to register for workshops.

Troy's National Night Out

Police-community solidarity brought out the crowds last Tuesday, August 7th. Troy celebrated National Night Out with plenty of food and fun while educating residents about the importance of coming together against crime.

The North Troy event was held at the 10th Street pocket park and offered important community information as well as a Bouncy Bounce and airbrush tattoos!

Down in South Troy, residents gathered at the Burden Iron Works Museum for live music, a clown making balloon animals, and a meatball eating contest!

Troy police officers were in high attendance at both events offering tours of the Mobile Command Center vehicles.

National Night Out is a popular, annual event, and 2012 did not disappoint. One resident of the Hillside North neighborhood summed up the event nicely saying "It's great to see everyone out. We never had anything like this when I was young, and it's nice to see people coming together..."

Call for Authors: "Troy's Treasures" Column

What makes Troy special to you? Share your story through the "Troy's Treasures" column!

Do you have a "Troy's Treasure" to share?  Let us know! This column -- which promotes positive neighborhood news, events, history, people, etc -- is published in the Troy Record every other Sunday. If you would like to write a column or have an idea for an article, contact Claire Pitts at TRIP and sign up for a publication date. Claire can be reached by phone at (518) 272-8289 x213 or email her at claire@triponline.org.

To read past "Troy's Treasures" articles click here: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/TroyTreasuresArticles.html

Promote Your Community, Write a "Troy's Treasures" Column

Does your neighborhood have great programs happening? Do you know of a compelling, historical Troy figure or story that you want to share? Want to publicize or report on a neighborhood event? Share your story through the "Troy's Treasures" column!

"Troy's Treasures" is published in the Troy Record every other Sunday. Any Troy resident is welcome to write a column promoting the positive programs, events, history, etc. happening in his or her neighborhood. If you would like to write a column or have an idea for an article, contact Claire Pitts at TRIP and sign up for a publication date. Claire can be reached by phone at (518) 272-8289 x213 or email her at claire@triponline.org.

To read past "Troy's Treasures" articles click here: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/TroyTreasuresArticles.html.

Paint the Boards Project Livens Up Vacant Buildings in the Hillside North Neighborhood

Nearing the last day of school, the entire sixth grade class of Troy Public School 2 walked the streets of the surrounding neighborhood with community leaders and elected officials. Trailed by local news cameras, the students pointed with pride to their artwork which is now vibrantly displayed on five vacant buildings. The paintings, which resulted from a school/ Arts Center/ community partnership, highlight courage, pride, and the importance of freedom. Not only do they brighten the neighborhood, they put civic pride and artistry in the place of abandonment and blight. While these buildings wait to be put back into productive use, they are able to be artistic landmarks and points of pride and interest in the community.

Artist Marcus Kwame Anderson stands with
School 2 6th Graders as they present their paintings

Two of the painted boards currently installed on 348 9th St.

Before this exciting unveiling could take place School 2 faculty, in conjunction with TRIP and the Hillside North Neighborhood Association, sat down to plan a cross-curricular project for sixth grade students based on Troy's role in the Underground Railroad. Planning began in the fall of 2011, and the project was first introduced to the students during their Black History Month celebration in February 2012. Students simultaneously learned an in-depth history of the Underground Railroad, researched its local history, and began sketching ideas with the help of local artist Marcus Kwame Anderson.  From Mr. Anderson, the students learned about powerful symbols integral to the Underground Railroad: lanterns, stars, quilt patterns, etc. Working in groups of three or four, the sixth graders also learned to collaborate and compromise on a long-term project. Throughout all this art education, their teachers continued guiding the students through the history being illustrated.

Students and guests appreciate the beautiful paintings

As it is with many city neighborhoods, the community around School 2 is peppered with vacant buildings. Last year, the Hillside North Neighborhood Association formed a cohesive, long-term plan to tackle this issue and simultaneously beautify their streets. The neighborhood group holds that education about recycling, beautification, and civic responsibility and pride will be most effective when begun in childhood. Here, the idea of collaborating with School 2 and the beginnings of the Paint the Boards project began.

Thank you to all who played a role in this project: Marcus Anderson, School 2 faculty and staff, especially Principal Martin, the 6th Grade teachers: Janet Morandi and Joanne Valenti, and School 2 art teacher, Rebecca Lyons, TRIP staff, the Hillside North Neighborhood Association, the Rensselaer Society of Engineers Fraternity, and of course a huge THANK YOU and CONGRATULATIONS to the School 2 6th Grade students!

The boards are currently installed on five buildings: 348 9th St, 331 10th St, 341 10th, 427 10th, and 443 10th.

If you would like to see more photos from this project please visit: http://triponline.org/news_and_events/PainttheBoards2012.html

This project was made possible in part through an Artists in Schools Grant, a program funded by The Arts Center of the Capital Region through the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency.

Full-Time Americorps*VISTA Positions Available, November 2012 - November 2013

TRIP is seeking two motivated and energetic people to provide a year of service through Americorps*VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) in the following areas:

Resident Engagement Volunteer -- primary responsibilities include: establishing and overseeing a youth coalition promoting community involvement and healthy neighborhoods, developing sustainable systems to engage TRIP tenants and their children in community improvement, and aiding current and emerging neighborhood associations.

Green and Sustainability Volunteer -- primary responsibilities include: promoting TRIP as an environmentally conscious organization dedicated to providing resources and opportunities to clients and the community, participating as a member of TRIP's internal Green Team, establishing systems to ensure that our Green goals are achieved and maintained, and working with the Green Team to reach and sustain the Green NeighborWorks Organization designation requirements.

If you want to make a change in Troy and the world, this is a great opportunity! On-the-job training as well as national VISTA training will be provided. Applicants must be at least 18 years old.

For more information about Americorps*VISTA and/or the positions available at TRIP, please contact Hilary Lamishaw at hilary@triponline.org or call (518)272-8289 x214. Applications will be accepted until August 3, 2012. Submit a letter of interest and resume to Hilary at hilary@triponline.org or TRIP at 415 River Street, Troy, NY 12180.

Statewide Neighborhood Conference Scheduled, September 21-22, 2012

Thanks to the vision of local business owner Rocco DeFazio and the efforts of a hardworking team of city residents, Troy is proud to host the first New York State Neighborhood Revitalization Conference on September 21st and 22nd at Russell Sage College. This conference will bring together neighborhood activists, educators, business people, and elected officials to share successes and develop strategies to maintain healthy communities. Throughout the conference, attendees will hear from and work with diverse neighborhood leaders and activists from across the state, including keynote speakers Alan Mallach and James Kunstler.

For more information or to assist, please see the initial announcement at www.nyneighborhoods.org/announcement and/or visit the website, www.nyneighborhoods.org.

Troy Neighborhoods Action Council Meeting May 9th, 7pm

The purpose of the Troy Neighborhoods Action Action Council (TNAC) is to develop and maintain healthy, vibrant neighborhoods in the city of Troy, New York. It is comprised of residents and businesspeople who believe that the strength of our community lies in its rich history, diverse people, cultures, and economic opportunities, who are working together to make our neighborhoods safe, viable places for people to live, work, and visit.

The next TNAC meeting is on Wednesday, May 9th from 7–8:30pm at The Sanctuary for Independent Media at 3361 6th Avenue (near intersection of 5th & 6th Avenues by 101st St.).   It will be preceded by the Vacant Properties Workgroup which will meet from 6 – 7pm at The Sanctuary. All are welcome to both meetings.

Here is a very full TNAC agenda that you won’t want to miss! 

• Introductions & Neighborhood News – All

• Community Response Team -- Mayor Rosamilia and Chief Tedesco

• Vacant Properties Workgroup update 

• Troy Library Outreach Committee – Fredda Merzon

• Community Wildlife Habitat Certification – Kathleen Cassidy

• Neighborhood Police Report Data – Nina Nichols

• Hudson River Fish Eating, What You Need to Know -- Regina Keenan, NYS Health Dept.

• Seeking Troy Treasure Award nominations – Hilary Lamishaw, TRIP

• Announcements

• Networking from 8 – 8:30 PM

We hope you can join us.

Find us on Facebook!

Arts Grant and CLI Action Grant Awarded

Congratulations to Public School 2 and the Hillside North Neighborhood Association ("The Hill") on the awarding of two grants!  Project applications earned $2,500 and $2,000 respectively!

School 2's "Artists in Schools" Grant will fund a student-based, co-curricular "Paint the Boards" art project in collaboration with TRIP and The Hill.  Sixth grade students and teachers will work with local artist Marcus Kwame Anderson to create large, painted boards that will be installed over the plywood currently covering windows of vacant buildings in the neighborhood.

Combining art and social studies, the pieces will focus on a theme of the Underground Railroad and the rich history it has here in Troy.  Finally, once the project is completed, the sixth graders will lead the younger students on a walking tour of the paintings installed in the neighborhood fostering greater public speaking skills and civic pride.

If you are curious to see Mr. Anderson's work please visit his website: http://www.marcuskwame.com/

Further enlivening the Hillside North Neighborhood, the Community Leadership Institute (CLI) Action Grant that TRIP applied for on behalf of the neighborhood's plan has been awarded!  The plan was created by The Hill's leaders while attending a national CLI conference with TRIP last fall.  These funds, provided by NeighborWorks America, will support the Cleaner and Greener Campaign currently underway.

In an effort to beautify the neighborhood and educate residents about environmental issues, The Hill is working on projects to promote recycling and discourage littering.  Street clean-ups have been happening, and will continue, at least once a month.  Additionally, the group intends to add public trash cans along the sidewalks to increase people's use of them as they walk in order to reduce littering.  Other community projects will include: neighborhood flower plantings, a mural at School 2, and continued educational programs about healthy homes and neighborhoods.

Congratulations again to everyone involved!  We are so excited to work with you on these projects and can't wait to see the beautiful results!

TNAC Meeting Scheduled

Keeping the momentum rolling into 2012!  TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday, February 1 at 7 PM.  Interested residents and community leaders are invited to gather from 7-8:30 PM at The Hill Street Inn at 202 4^th Street.  Neighborhood groups are encouraged to come prepared to tell a story about something that has worked well for them so that we can celebrate our successes and share best practices among neighborhoods.  Other agenda items are welcome; please send to hilary@triponline.org ahead of time.  Hope to see you on February 1^st!

Meet the Candidates Night

Troy residents are asked to make some important decisions on November 3, Election Day. Who do you want to lead the City as it faces difficult issues and tough choices over the next two years? Who will make the best judges in Rensselaer County Court and Family Court? What do you really know about the candidates? How can you find out their positions on issues that are important to you? How will you decide who to cast your votes for in two weeks?

To help you decide, don’t miss a “Meet the Candidates Night” on Wednesday, October 21st, from 7 – 9 PM at the CYO, 237 4th Street in Troy. You will hear from – and can pose questions to – eighteen candidates who are running for the City Council’s six district council seats and three council-at-large seats. You will meet and learn about the four candidates vying to be the next judge in Rensselaer County Court Judge or Family Court. You will also have a chance to meet some of the many candidates running to represent Troy as County Legislators from District 1.

“Meet the Candidates Night” is free and open to the public. It is sponsored by TNAC (Troy Neighborhoods Action Council) and TRIP (Troy Rehabilitation and Improvement Program) to help people who care about Troy make informed choices as they pull the levers on November 3rd for their best hopes for Troy’s leaders.

We’re pleased that the League of Women Voters is again partnering with us to moderate the presentations by the candidates. We look forward to an informative and interesting evening!

TNAC is a non-partisan coalition led by neighborhood leaders and comprised of Troy’s neighborhood associations, neighborhood watches, and concerned citizens. By meeting regularly and holding public events like the “Meet the Candidates Night,” we aim to encourage new neighborhood groups and support existing ones, in part by energizing people to get involved, whether it’s organizing block parties or working with the police to reduce crime. TNAC’s mission statement, goals and objectives can be used as blueprints for someone starting a group or to help current groups stay focused as they work to revitalize their communities.

More than the influence even of elected officials, Troy’s future will be determined by the passion, the vision and, yes, the hard work of many caring and committed lovers-of-Troy. For more information about TNAC, For more information, contact TRIP at 272-8289 x214 or email hilary@triponline.org.