Adding this as an answer so we can mark this question as answered.
class ManageMembers < Nav
def initialize
super
ready = false # Used to indicate if all elements expected are present
tryCount = 0# A counter to track the number of attempts to
while(ready == false)
puts "initalizing managemembers"
#things on the side menue
begin
$driver.find_element(:id, "does not exist")
$driver.find_element(:id, "sidebar")
$driver.find_element(:id, "sidebar").find_element(:link, "Manage Members")
$driver.find_element(:id, "sidebar").find_element(:link, "Create Member")
@sidebar = true
rescue Exception => e
@sidebar = false
end