Lower Manhattan’s Local News
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Quatrain Alley
Words Come to Life Amid New Installation in Battery Park City
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Poets House—a library, creative space, and meeting place that invites poets and the public to step into the living tradition of poetry, while cultivating a wider audience for the art—will celebrate its tenth anniversary in Battery Park City by launching the Poetry Path, an immersive public art installation running the northern length of Battery Park City, from Rockefeller and Teardrop Parks to the North Cove Marina.
Produced in partnership with the Battery Park City Authority (BPCA), the Poetry Path features fragments from more than 40 poets, reproduced on bench slats, banners, pavers, pathways, and signs. These are accompanied by in-depth Poetry Path web resources and a series of virtual events. Free and open to the public, the Poetry Path will remain in place through 2021.
“The Path displays poetry spanning different epochs and cultures, “explains Lee Briccetti, Poets House’s executive director, “enriching our personal paths with opportunities for reflection as we walk through Battery Park City.”
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To celebrate opening of the Poetry Path, Poets House is presenting a roster of virtual programming today (Friday, September 25), streaming live at http://youtube.com/poetshouse. The schedule begins at 1:00 pm, with a Welcome and Introduction to the Poetry Path, followed at 2:00 pm by former U.S. Poet Laureate Rita Dove reading from her poem “Transit” (now on display on the Poetry Path).
At 3:00 pm, a Poetry Path Writing Workshop for Youth and Children will feature poet, author, actor, and educator Charles Waters.
And at 5:00 pm, poet and legal scholar Lawrence Joseph will reflect on the ways his Lebanese and Syrian Catholic heritage, his professional life as a lawyer, and his working-class background have impacted his writing.
The Poetry Path begins opposite Poets House’s front door (at Ten River Terrace) and extends from Rockefeller Park’s North Esplanade, down to the North Cove Marina.
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Rice and Beans
They are better
together.
Me and Jayden
We are better
together.
Josh, PS1 student
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Sidewalk Statements
Countering Verbal Violence with Emblazoned Eloquence
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The grassroots organization Catcalls of NYC documents incidents of street harassment, then returns to the location of the verbal abuse, writing (and rebutting) the comments with brightly colored chalk.
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Six years ago, a revealing (if unscientific) experiment told putatively enlightened New Yorkers something about the city they live in. A 24-year-old actress, wearing jeans and a black crewneck t-shirt (along with a hidden camera) walked through various neighborhoods throughout the five boroughs for ten hours. During this period, she was subjected to “catcalling” (a form of sexual harassment in which the recipient receives unwanted comments, overtures, or solicitations) 108 times, which amounts to approximately one verbal assault every five minutes. As if to underscore the point illustrated by the video the woman helped make (which has been viewed on YouTube more than 40 million times), after 10 Hours of Walking in NYC as a Woman was released online, she receive a barrage of anonymous death threats. This issue will be tackled tomorrow (Saturday, September 26) at an outdoor event being hosted in partnership by Catcalls of NYC, a grassroots initiative that uses public chalk art to raise awareness about gender-based street harassment, and the Imogen Foundation, a non-profit that aims to create training programs for teenagers to identify peers in crisis, provide appropriate peer support, and understand signs of mental health emergencies that require escalation and additional resources. (The Foundation is named for Imogen Roche, the Lower Manhattan teen who died in an accidental fall from a Tribeca fire escape in September, 2018.)
Gathering on Battery Place (between Little West Street and First Place, beneath the canopy of trees between the Wagner Park staircase and Pier A Plaza), the groups will invite participants to learn about the issue of street harassment, by sharing and listening to real experiences. The host organizations will provide chalk for participants to give voice to their own episodes of catcalling. It is not a requirement for attendees to have experienced sexual harassment, or harassment of any kind. “The only thing you need to bring is an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a mask,” says Amanda Scheff (a friend of Imogene’s and a member of the Foundation’s Youth Advisory Board). “We hope to see you there!”
Matthew Fenton
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Make-Believe Mennonite Market Denouement
Another Much Admired Downtown Small Business Says Goodbye
In another symptom of the life-and-death struggle being waged by small businesses against the economic downtown triggered by the pandemic coronavirus, the Amish Market, which has served Lower Manhattan since 1999, will be closing by the end of September.
In a story first reported by Tribeca Citizen, the owners (who are not Amish) have announced that their reduced volume of business—which has shrunk by roughly 90 percent since the health crisis began—has rendered them insolvent.
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Pedagogical Prophylaxis
Alliance Distributes Masks at Lower Manhattan Schools
The Downtown Alliance has distributed 28,000 personal protective equipment masks to seven Lower Manhattan schools, for use by students, teachers and staff.
Alliance president Jessica Lappin, who delivered the masks to the Spruce Street School, said, “we are pleased to be able to present our local schools with necessary personal protective equipment to help them kick off the academic year. It’s essential to help protect our students, hardworking teachers and support staff as they embark on a safe, productive and healthy semester.” To read more…
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Bionomics Begins at Home
BPCA Launches Ten-Year Sustainability Plan
The Battery Park City Authority (BPCA) has begun implementation of a landmark plan to “achieve progressive sustainability targets over the next decade, and lay the groundwork for continued sustainability action after 2030.”
• The first of these is “Resource Management & Reduction,” which aims to reduce the demand for energy and water in the community, while promoting reuse of resources and minimizing waste.
• The second, labeled “Innovation & Inspiration,” seeks to leverage Battery Park City initiatives as scalable models for other urban developments around the nation and the world.
• And the third, termed “Education & Collaboration” is designed to raise local awareness of sustainability-related issues and actions.
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Getting a Corner on the Market
Retail Developer Wins Years-Long Struggle for Control of Legendary Bank Building
When the financial upheaval unleashed by the pandemic coronavirus begins to settle, a long-neglected local landmark may resume its erstwhile status as an iconic Lower Manhattan public space.
The building, 23 Wall Street (at the corner of Broad Street), is a former tabernacle of American capitalism. To read more…
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DOWNTOWN CALENDAR
Friday September 25
8:30AM
Tai Chi
Battery Park City Authority
Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures. Program is first come, first served for up to 12 participants. Masks and contact information required upon arrival. Spatial parameters will be set. Participants must remain 6 ft apart for the duration of the program. All programs will be held in accordance with New York State reopening guidance. Esplanade Plaza. Free
Saturday September 26
10AM
Drawing in the Park
Battery Park City Authority
South Cove is a special place in autumn, and what better time than Saturday mornings to practice your art! Participants are expected to bring their own drawing and painting supplies, including drawing boards and containers of water if they are planning to paint. BPCA will supply drawing paper and watercolor paper only. Program is first come, first served for up to 20 participants. Masks and contact information required upon arrival. Activity is self-guided. Participants must remain 6 ft apart for the duration of the program. All programs will be held in accordance with New York State reopening guidance.Free
11AM
South Street Seaport Museum
Though the South Street Seaport Museum’s indoor spaces remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the permanently-moored tall ship Wavertree will welcome back visitors for free on select days in September. Visits will be self-guided along a set route and will include access to the outdoor areas, including main deck and quarter deck. The Museum will allow no more than 35 guests on board the ship at any time to encourage social distancing from different households. All guests above the age of 2 will be required to wear a face covering at all times aboard Wavertree and at the Museum’s Open-Air Pop-Up Gift Shop Booth on Pier 16.
12NOON
GrowNYC’s Teaching Garden
Governors Island Trust
Aspiring urban farmers can grow their knowledge at this 21,000 sq ft working urban farm! Learn all about urban agriculture and green infrastructure through workshops and family-friendly activities. The Teaching Garden features over 20 vegetable beds made from recycled plastic lumber, farm-style rows, an aquaponics system, an outdoor kitchen, a large solar oven, a high tunnel greenhouse, fruit trees, several rainwater harvesting systems, a rain garden, and more. Governors Island 2PM
Chinese Fashion Goes Green
China Institute
Fashion show of cutting edge Chinese designs and panel discussion with top fashionistas marking the culmination of the annual China Fashion Competition. The competition supports emerging designers and promotes creativity inspired by China’s culture and aesthetics in contemporary, global design. This year’s competition is introducing a sustainability component to promote socially conscious and environmentally friendly fashion.
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CLASSIFIEDS &PERSONALS
Swaps & Trades
Respectable Employment
Lost and Found
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College essay and
application support available.
Millennium HS English teacher with 30+ years of experience.
Oberlin BA, Brown MA.
SEEKING
FREE-LANCE PUBLICIST
Need experienced, reliable publicist
to pro-actively work on a project basis
with well-reviewed author of five E-books, developing and implementing outreach strategies.Includes writing, placement, research, new outlets and on-line advertising.
Savvy social media skills a must. Some graphics
Downtown location.Please send resume and fee schedule to:
SHSAT TUTOR AVAILABLE
Stuyvesant HS student available for test prep
$20 an hour; remote /zoom preferred
BPC resident, with years of tutoring experience
References available upon request
Tutor available for homework support
Stuyvesant HS student available for homework help
All grades especially math
References available upon request
SHSAT TUTORING
Stuyvesant HS graduate
available for SHSAT tutoring. $40/hr. Zoom or in-person.
NOTARY PUBLIC IN BPC
$2.00 per notarized signature.
Text Paula @ 917-836-8802
Nurse’s Aide
Caring, experienced Nurse’s Aide seeks PT/FT position.
Excellent references.
ELDERCARE:
Available for PT/FT Exp’d. Refs.
Experienced Elder Care
Able to prepare nutritious meals and light housekeeping.
Excellent references.
HOUSEKEEPING/ NANNY/ BABYSITTER
Available for PT/FT. Wonderful person, who is a great worker. Refs avail.
Worked in BPC. Call Tenzin
347-803-9523
Seeking Full-Time Live-In Elder Care
12 years experience, refs avail.
I am a loving caring hardworking certified home health aide
Marcia 347 737 5037
IT AND SECURITY SUPPORT
Expertise in 1-on-1 tutoring for all ages. Computer upgrading & troubleshooting. Knowledgeable in all software programs.
347-933-1362. Refs available
If you would like to place a listing, please contact
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Pull Down the Shades!
City Council Backs Study of Drones to Inspect Buildings
Lower Manhattan skies may soon be slightly more crowded. The City Council on Wednesday enacted legislation authorizing the Department of Buildings to study the feasibility of conducting facade inspections using the small, robotic aircraft known as drones.
City law requires such facade inspections every five years for all buildings taller than six stories. These reviews are usually performed by contractors suspended from the roof of each structure, but the danger of such overhead work requires the installation of the unsightly scaffolds commonly known as sidewalk sheds.
The impact of such a program would likely be especially significant in Lower Manhattan. To read more…
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‘How Solitary the City Has Become…’
A Downtown Photographer, Forced to Pause and Reflect, Sees New York in a New Light
A Battery Park City resident has created a haunting evocation of Manhattan in the time of COVID. His new book, a compendium of photographs entitled “Quiet in NYC: Images from a Time of Quarantine,” eloquently documents the stark beauty and forlorn grace of an erstwhile-bustling streetscape, suddenly rendered desolate.
“The project was born from the inability to do just about anything else but walk around the City in the early days of the quarantine,” says Brad Fountain, who is a graphic designer in his professional life. “No sports, shopping, concerts, or museums. The stark emptiness of the streets seemed to be asking to be photographed. I could walk for hours and see only a half a dozen people, even if I visited some of the most famous sites in New York.”
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TODAY IN HISTORY
SEPTEMBER 25
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Orange Red Yellow
Mark Rothko, Latvian-American painter and educator (1903-1970)
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275 – For the last time, the Roman Senate chooses an emperor (Marcus Claudius Tacitus).
1237 – England and Scotland sign the Treaty of York, establishing the location of their common border.
1690 – Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick, the first newspaper to appear in the Americas, is published for the first and only time.
1789 – The United States Congress passes twelve constitutional amendments: the ten known as the Bill of Rights, the (unratified) Congressional Apportionment Amendment, and the Congressional Compensation Amendment.
1890 – The United States Congress establishes Sequoia National Park.
1956 – TAT-1, the first submarine transatlantic telephone cable system, is inaugurated.
1957 – Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, is integrated by the use of United States Army troops.
1983 – Thirty-eight IRA prisoners, armed with six handguns, hijack a prison meals lorry and smash their way out of the Maze Prison.
2018 – Bill Cosby is sentenced to three to ten years in prison.
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A young Glenn Gould at the piano
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Births
1683 – Jean-Philippe Rameau, French composer and theorist (d. 1764)
1711 – Qianlong Emperor of China (d. 1799)
1839 – Karl Alfred von Zittel, German palaeontologist and geologist (d. 1904)
1866 – Thomas Hunt Morgan, American biologist, geneticist, and embryologist, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1945)
1897 – William Faulkner, American novelist and short story writer, Nobel Prize laureate (d. 1962)
1903 – Mark Rothko, Latvian-American painter and educator (d. 1970)
1917 – Phil Rizzuto, American baseball player and sportscaster (d. 2007)
1927 – Colin Davis, English conductor and educator (d. 2013)
1929 – Barbara Walters, American journalist, producer, and author
1930 – Shel Silverstein, American author, poet, illustrator, and songwriter (d. 1999)
1932 – Glenn Gould, Canadian pianist and composer (d. 1982)
1943 – Robert Gates, 22nd Secretary of Defense
Deaths
1066 – Harald Hardrada, Norwegian king (b. 1015)
1777 – Johann Heinrich Lambert, Swiss mathematician, physicist, and astronomer (b. 1728)
1791 – William Bradford, American soldier and publisher (b. 1719)
1960 – Emily Post, American author and educator (b. 1873)
1984 – Walter Pidgeon, Canadian-American actor (b. 1897)
2003 – George Plimpton, American writer and literary editor (b. 1927)
2016 – Arnold Palmer, American golfer (b. 1929)
Credits include wikipedia and other internet sources
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395 South End Avenue,
New York, NY 10280
212-912-1106
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No part of this document may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher © 2020
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