Friday
May 15, 2009
Welcome to the Broadsheet DAILY,
a bulletin of information about Downtown news, people and events that lands in your Inbox from
Monday to Friday.
The DAILY
is a supplement of
The Battery Park City Broadsheet,
which is published every two weeks and distributed throughout Battery Park City, the Financial District, the South Street Seaport area and Tribeca.
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The Editors
Terese Loeb Kreuzer
Broadsheet Daily Editor
TereseLoeb@mac.com
Contributor:
Matthew Fenton
Robert Simko
Publisher
robert@ebroadsheet.com
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Dear Reader,
The Broadsheet DAILY is e-mailed to subscribers from Monday to Friday. Subscriptions are free; click here to subscribe. We welcome your comments, questions, kudos and criticisms. Send them to editor@ebroadsheet.com. To forward this e-mail, scroll to the bottom and click on the "Forward email" link.
Today's Weather: High: 74°. Low: 59°. Partly cloudy.
MTA Advisories: For Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) service advisories, go to www.mta.info or call 718-330-1234.
Alert: Starting at 9 a.m.this morning and continuing on and off for several hours, Hudson County, N.J. will be testing its emergency alert siren system. Loud sirens associated with this test may be heard in Lower Manhattan
Greenmarkets: The Staten Island Ferry and Union Square Greenmarkets are open today. Shell beans, cabbage, carrots, onions, peas, potatoes and apples are available - all locally grown but sold from storage. Local asparagus, beet greens, lettuce, scallions, summer squash, parsnips, turnip greens, radishes, rhubarb, spinach and mesclun are now in the markets. Staples such as honey, maple syrup, dairy products and baked goods are also available in the Greenmarket.
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Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra brings music to schools
Free concerts for kids in a time of arts education budget cuts
Earlier this week, Jose Franch-Ballester played his clarinet for Claremont students. (Photo: Robert Simko)
"Repeat with me," said Jose Franch-Ballester to the children gathered before him this past Monday morning. "Poulenc. Pooo-Lonk."
The assembled children, 200 of them, first graders through 8th, in the grand ballroom of Claremont Preparatory Academy on Broad Street, stopped fidgeting. The special presentation was about to begin. Their attention caught, they answered in unison: "Poulenc." And then the beautiful music - Francis Poulenc's Sonata for Clarinet and Piano - began.
Gary Fagin, downtown resident and musical director of the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra, smiled at the rapt expressions on the children's faces as they listened to Mr. Franch-Ballester, a 29-year-old Spanish clarinetist and rising star in the classical music world, and pianist Roman Rabinovich. Sure that children - and adults - appreciate classical music and are hungry to learn more about it, he has begun to bring free musical presentations to local schools.
In January, in the days leading up to the debut performance of the KCO, Mr. Fagin presented the extraordinary Elizabeth Pitcairn and her 1720 Stradivarius to enthusiastic audiences at PS/IS 89, Grace Church School and Stuyvesant High School. This week, with the KCO's final concert of the first season coming up on Friday night at Pace University, featuring Mr. Franch-Ballester, Mr. Fagin arranged to play at Claremont and at PS 234. What's more, he is allowing any child to attend Friday's concert free with a paying adult.
The Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra's priority on giving free, interactive musical presentations to children comes at a time when there is less money for arts education in schools in general and when schools are so crowded that principals are forced to convert many art and music rooms to classrooms. "To be offered this kind of free experience can be amazing for children," said Kira Streets, the director of public engagement at the Center for Arts Education.
According to the CAE, which gathered data from the NYC Dept. of Education and the Office of the Public Advocate, less than half of middle schools are ensuring that every child receives the State Dept. of Education's arts requirements for grades 7 and 8. Last year, principals allocated a smaller percentage of their budgets to arts education than the previous year, shrinking to less than 2.9 percent on average. And there was a 63 percent decline in spending on arts supplies and programs over the previous year. On May 19, at the next meeting of Community Board 1's Youth & Education committee, the committee will discuss supporting a CAE-sponsored coalition calling on Mayor Bloomberg to restore funding for arts education.
At the Downtown schools, Mr. Franch-Ballester delighted in telling stories about the classical music he was presenting. He said he considers playing for children "an investment" and he believes that they will go forward with new appreciation and understanding of music. Bursting with charisma, on Monday morning he introduced his young audiences to new musical terms, had them hum to feel the vibration in their throats and then treated them to a toe-tapping tango by Pablo Ziegler and three pieces by Duke Ellington. Peppered with questions, he paused for a moment when one child asked, "Did you ever mess up during a concert?"
"The most wonderful thing about music is not doing everything perfectly," he said after a few seconds of thought. "The most wonderful thing about music is communicating."
- Alison Simko
For more information about the Knickerbocker Chamber Orchestra, click here. For more information about the Center for Arts Education, click here.
Jose Franch-Ballester playing for students at PS234. (Photo: Robert Simko)
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Battery Park City in bloom
'Primula japonica' Redfield and 'Amsonia illustris' (Ozark Bluestar)
Growing near Rector Place and the esplanade, the long-stemmed Primula japonica 'Redfield' originated in Japan. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
Like New York City itself, which welcomes people from all over the world, the flower beds of Battery Park City unite plants from all over the globe, sometimes in proximity.
Where Rector Place meets the esplanade are several examples of Primula japonica 'Redfield' (Japanese primrose), which, as their name indicates, originated in Japan. Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker, one of the greatest British botanists of the 19th century, who visited Japan in 1892, said that these primroses were endemic to, but not common in, its two northern-most islands. Unlike most primroses, which grow close to the ground, these striking plants bear blooms on tall, regal stems. In fact, Sir Hooker called them "Imperial Primroses."
Growing nearby are some modest blue flowers from Missouri and neighboring states such as Arkansas and Kansas, where they grow wild along streams and gravel banks. Ozark Bluestar, also called Shining Bluestar has the scientific name Amsonia illustris. Some people say that the name honors Charles Amson, an 18th-century Virginia physician. Others say no way. No trace of the guy can be found. The flowers, they say, were named for Dr. John Amson, an 18th-century Williamsburg, Va. physician. Whatever the name, butterflies like this plant. At the moment, Battery Park City's Ozark Bluestars are only about two-and-a-half-feet tall, but give them time. These Midwestern natives can grow to six feet.
- Terese Loeb Kreuzer
Ozark Bluestar (or Shining Bluestar) is a wildflower native to Missouri and neighboring states. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
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Calendar of events
May 15-17
Friday, May 15
'Beyond Swastika and Jim Crow: Jewish Refugee Scholars at Black Colleges' at the Museum of Jewish Heritage
"Beyond
Swastika and Jim Crow" tells the story of Jewish professors who fled
Nazism and came to America in the 1930s and 1940s, finding teaching
positions at historically black colleges and universities. The
exhibition explores the encounter between these scholars and their
students, and their impact on each other, the Civil Rights Movement,
and American society. Running through Jan. 4, 2010.
$12 (adults), $10 (Seniors), $7 (students), children 12 and under,
free. Open 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. (Open until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays, with
free general admission between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.) Museum of Jewish
Heritage - A Living Memorial to the Holocaust, 36 Battery Place
646-437-4337.www.mjhnyc.org/college/index.html
The New Amsterdam Trail starting from Federal Hall
Multi-platform,
self-guided walking tour sponsored by Henry Hudson 400, with the Dutch
National Archives and the National Parks of New York Harbor Conservancy.
Free. Start at Federal Hall, Broad and Nassau Streets. www.henryhudson400.com
Art: Colette Robbins & Dean Goelz: Like the Spice at 92YTribecaA new exhibit in partnership with Williamsburg's Like the Spice gallery featuring artists Colette Robbins and Dean Goelz. Exhibit through July 19. Free. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St. 212-601-1000. www.92y.org/shop/event_detail.asp?productid=T-NN0TC25 In the Loop at the World Financial CenterAre you a crafter? Join our knitting and crocheting club, led by Ina Braun of Tante Sophie Knitting Studio, to create garments for charitable organizations. Visit our blog for patterns, tips and event highlights. Free. 12 p.m-2 p.m. Winter Garden, World Financial Center. 212-945-0505. www.artsworldfinancialcenter.comGlobal Story Hour at the Action Center to End World HungerEngage your child in an early introduction to international affairs. Through weekly stories and curricula, you and your child will learn about new countries and cultures and participate in interactive activities. Free. 3:30 p.m. Action Center to End World Hunger, 6 River Terrace. 212-537-0511. www.actioncenter.orgFree Friday: Get to Know the Seaport Museum at South Street Seaport MuseumFor one night only, Museum educators will offer tours of century-old ships, galleries of artifacts and the local Historic District, along with a behind-the-scenes look at the "Old Hotel," not yet open to the public. There will be a Museum scavenger hunt for children. Free admission from 5 p.m.-9 p.m. $10 charge for "Old Hotel" tour. 5 p.m.-8 p.m. 12 Fulton St. 212-748-8786. www.southstreetseaportmuseum.orgSunset Singing Circle at Wagner Park Don't be shy! Raise your voice and join singer/guitarist Terre Roche as the sun sets over the Hudson River for folk songs, rounds and chants. Novice and experienced singers of all ages are welcome. Free. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgKnickerbocker Chamber Orchestra at Pace University Michael Schimmel Center for the ArtsThird concert of the inaugural season of Lower Manhattan's new orchestra. The program features Spanish clarinetist Jose Franch-Ballester, and includes Frederick II ("The Great"): Symphony in G, Mozart: Clarinet Concerto in A and Haydn: Symphony No. 47 in G. $25 (adults); $15 Seniors/students with ID. 8 p.m. Michael Schimmel Center for the Arts, Pace University. 3 Spruce St. www.knickerbocker-orchestra.orgLost Jazz Shrines: Tribute to John Hicks at Tribeca Performing Arts CenterLost Jazz Shrines examines the history of jazz in our city; featuring music from this city's storied jazz clubs, plus the artists and their cultural descendants who created that rich history. This year we will revisit the legendary club, Bradley's. Free humanities program at 7 p.m.; concert at 8:30 p.m. $25 general admission, $15 for students and Seniors. 8 p.m. Tribeca Performing Arts Center, Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers St. 212-220-1460. www.tribecapac.org/music.htmBattery Park City Birding at Wagner Park Join other birders on a self-guided walk. Binoculars and field guides available. Free. 9:30 a.m.-11 a.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgMusic: Streetlab at 92YTribeca This live beat manipulating duo has a penchant for universal sound hybrids, and has built an impressive set of club-ready remixes from such acts as Crystal Castles, Nine Inch Nails, and Kinski. $10. 8:30 p.m. (doors open), 9:30 p.m., show. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St. 212-601-1000. www.92YTribeca.org/music More than 30 species of fish live in New York Bay. Tomorrow, master anglers will show how to catch fish using barbless hooks that minimize injuries. Fish will be placed in saltwater tanks for observation and identification before being released back into the Hudson. For more information about this program, which is sponsored by the Battery Park City Parks Conservancy, click here. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)Saturday, May 16Sidewalk Art at the Skyscraper MuseumKids will first sketch a blueprint for a building they know, such as their home or school. Then they will use chalk to draw their buildings on the sidewalk in front of the Museum, creating a colorful and creative city skyline. Ages 4+. $5. 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Place. 212-945-6324. www.skyscraper.orgGo Fish at Wagner Park Join BPCPC's Master Anglers and cast a line for some of the 30-plus species of fish in New York Bay (the Hudson River's estuary) that are known to bite. Barbless hooks minimize injuries to both fish and participants. Live demonstrations and displays teach fish anatomy and heighten awareness of the ecology, flourishing marine life and current state of good health of the Hudson River and its estuary. Drop in on ongoing fish-related art projects. Rods, reels and bait are provided for those who don't bring their own. Free. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgDan Milner & Friends at Wagner Park As part of Go Fish, Dan
Milner & Friends will sing "Irish Pirate Ballads and Other Songs of
the Sea." Free. 12:30 p.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgFix Your Own Bike at Wagner Park Learn the fundamentals of bicycle maintenance, tips on safe cycling and how to make basic repairs from Martin Nichols. Whether you are a recreational, commuter or racing biker, now is the time to tune up, clean up and lubricate your bike to keep it in good working order. Tools and cleaning supplies will be provided! Free. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgTaste of Tribeca at Duane and Greenwich StreetsWorld-class culinary festival benefitting PS150 and PS234. $40 for six tastes. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Duane and Greenwich Streets. www.tasteoftribeca.orgBirdwatching at Wagner Park Join a birder/naturalist to learn about the birds that nest and rest in the parks. Binoculars and field guides available. Novices and experienced birders welcome. Free. 11 a.m. Wagner Park. 212-267-9700. www.bpcparks.orgHidden Muscular System at 'Bodies,' the exhibition at South Street SeaportA demonstration by master resistance trainer Chris Chilelli. One of a series of educational presentations from "Bodies New York" in the exhibition's main lobby. Free. 1 p.m.-4 p.m. 11 Fulton St. 888-926-3437. www.bodiesny.comWalking Tour: Wall Street History at the Museum of American FinanceNinety-minute walking tour. Meet at the Museum. $15. 1 p.m. Museum of American Finance. 48 Wall St. 212-908-4110. www.moaf.orgAmerican Indian Community House 40th Anniversary Celebration at American Indian Community HouseAICH celebrates with music, dancing and performances. Call for details. Free. Dessert and drink donations welcome. 5 p.m.-10 p.m. 11 Broadway, 2nd floor. 212-598-0100. www.aich.orgLymphomathon at South Street SeaportWalk to benefit the Lymphoma Research Foundation. South Street Seaport. www.southstreetseaport.comFilm: Short Slam #7 at 92YTribecaIt's a poetry slam for the screen! Show your film (10 min or less on DVD only, please) and pad the house with your friends-audience noise determines the winner. Sign-up is on a first-come basis and will begin a half hour before the screening. $8. 8 p.m. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St. 212-601-1000. www.92YTribeca.org/film Film: Grease 2 Sing Along at 92YTribecaHey cool riders - Grease 2 will be your sing-along for all seasons. Whether you're a Pink Lady, a T-Bird, or a geek in the background, you'll get your kicks belting out "Score Tonight" and "Reproduction." Michelle Pfeiffer stars as "teenager" Stephanie Zinone, a girl sick of the high school boys and ready for a devil in skin-tight leather. Cute but nerdy Brit Michael Carrington (Maxwell Caulfield) is determined to be that guy, practicing his motorcycle tricks and acting the aloof rebel. Talent shows, luaus, choreographed bowling, biker stand-offs - Do it for your country. Hosted by Erin Krause and Alec Coiro. Director: Patricia Birch. 1982. 115 min. $13 (includes one beer). 11 p.m. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St. 212-601-1000. www.92YTribeca.org/filmSunday, May 17Verdi's 'La Traviata' at Music and Art Department, BMCCPerformance by the Downtown Symphony, the college-community orchestra of the Borough of Manhattan Community College consisting of students, faculty, staff from the BMCC and members of the downtown business and residential communities. Free. 3 p.m. Borough of Manhattan Community College, 199 Chambers St. 212-220-1464. www.downtownsymphony.orgGreat Strides Walkathon starting from Battery ParkAnnual walkathon to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. 9 a.m. Battery Park. www.cff.orgB.Y.O.K. "Bring Your Own Kid:" Moey's Music Party at 92YTribecaThink
Sesame Street meets the Go-Gos. Award-winning Off-Broadway songwriter
turned 'Mommy Rocker,' Melissa Levis, has garnered legions of adoring
fans among the toddler set with her kid-rock band Moey's Music Party.
Her upbeat, funny songs address all things familiar to a pre-schooler's
world, from manners, sharing and parents, to sneezing, getting dressed
and being a kid. Your little ones even get to be rock stars themselves
as Levis hands out maracas, pompoms and inflatable guitars to all the
children. $15. 11 a.m. 92YTribeca, 200 Hudson St. 212-601-1000. www.92YTribeca.org/BYOK
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Downtown in the news
Emergency drill on Sunday
"Rescue Drill at Ground Zero on Sunday," New York Times, May 14 - "Hundreds of emergency responders will stage an emergency drill this weekend at ground zero," The New York Times explains. "The drill, which will take place on Sunday morning, will simulate a response to an explosion at a PATH commuter rail train in the tunnel between the World Trade Center site and northern New Jersey." For details about what will happen on Sunday, click here.
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RiverWatch
Arrivals & departures
Carnival Miracle, berthed in midtown Manhattan. (Photo: Terese Loeb Kreuzer)
Saturday, May 16Carnival MiracleInbound, 8:15 a.m.; outbound, 4:30 p.m. to San JuanSunday, May 17Norwegian DawnInbound, 7:15 a.m.; outbound, 4:30 p.m. to Bermuda |
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Downtown bulletin board
Jelly; Taste of Tribeca Wine Tour; Tribeca Meet-and-Greet; Bone marrow drive; Artists-in-Residence; PS 276 Parents' Network
··· Downtown 'Jelly'
On Friday, May 15 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., there will be a free, informal, one-day co-working event for freelancers, independent workers, those who work from home and anyone working on a project or business idea. The event will be held at the Winter Garden of the World Financial Center (220 Vesey St, lobby level). Begun in 2006, "Jelly" was born as a means for the freelancing community to come together to work, brainstorm, share and learn. Tomorrow, tables, chairs, and WiFi will be provided and an event facilitator will help make the personal introductions. Participants should bring a laptop and other work materials. The event is being sponsored by the Alliance for Downtown New York in collaboration with the co-working facility, New Work City. For more information about" Jelly," click here.
··· Taste of Tribeca Wine Tour
Led by Steve Olson, on Saturday, May 16, Taste of Tribeca Wine Tour participants will meet at the Tribeca Greenmarket at 2:30 p.m. (Greenwich Street at Chambers and Duane) for a progressive tasting of Tribeca's wine shops. Snacks donated by Thalassa and Grandaisy Bakery will accompany the wine.
The shops and wines on the tour include:
· Tribeca Greenmarket: Artisan wine estates of Long Island, Hudson River Valley and the Finger Lakes
· Chambers Street Wines: Estate Bottled Champagne and Sparkling Wine
· Frankly Wines: Bright Whites
· New York Vintners: Robust Whites and Rose
· Tribeca Wine Merchants: Springtime Reds
· Vestry Wines: Big Reds
· Vino Vino: Dessert wine and chocolate truffles
Tickets are $95 and must be purchased in advance. To buy a ticket, e-mail Taste volunteer, Melissa Olson at melirosete@aol.com. All proceeds go to Taste of Tribeca, supporting arts in public schools PS 234 and PS 150. For more information, go to Tasteoftribeca.org. To find out more about Steven Olson go to akawinegeek.com.
··· Tribeca Meet-and-Greet
The May Meet-and-Greet for Tribeca Friends and Neighbors will take place on May 19, 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Color-Me-Mine, 116 Franklin St. This will be a
chance to celebrate Color-Me-Mine opening a new store at the Seaport,
with a renewed commitment to Lower Manhattan. Although Color-Me-Mine is a very kid-friendly enterprise, this is an adults-only networking event.
Frankly Wines has kindly donated beverages for this event.
For those who have not attended a Tribeca Meet-and-Greet, it takes place in a different Tribeca restaurant or business, about once a month. The idea is to do some networking and have a drink with the neighbors. Just drop by and chat for a while. Some people show up for the full evening, some just drop by to say hello. The important thing is to make an appearance.
This isn't just for Tribeca residents! Battery Park City residents -- please come and share your concerns, needs and ideas.
For more information about Color-Me-Mine, call 212- 941-0120 or go to www.tribeca.colormemine.com.
··· Bone marrow drive for Kai
 Battery Park City resident Kai Anderson, whose fifth birthday was on Tuesday, was recently diagnosed with a rare form of high-risk leukemia (Philadelphia Chromosome-Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) that is now being treated with seven chemotherapy drugs. But the drugs aren't going to be enough. Kai's best hope for recovery is a bone marrow transplant. Getting tested for compatibility takes only seconds. Donors who match are then given the option of undergoing a minor, non-invasive outpatient procedure in which healthy stem cells are extracted and eventually used to replace the diseased tissue in a patient. Saving the life of a small child in our community can be that simple. Go to www.HopeForKai.com to learn more, or to make a financial contribution to help with the family's mounting expenses, which are compounded by the fact that Kai's dad is also fighting lymphoma.
··· Artists-in-Residence program at the Borough of Manhattan Community College
Applications
are now being taken for the 13th Artists-in-Residence program at the
Borough of Manhattan Community College's Tribeca Performing Arts
Center. The program is for both established and emerging artists in all
performance genres. It provides a 10-month residency (September to
June) that includes weekly rehearsal space for a minimum of four to six
hours a week; the opportunity to show and perform works in progress;
professional development in the areas of grant prospecting and
marketing for independent artists; the opportunity to showcase work in
the BMCC Tribeca PAC's annual Work & Show Festival and a $1,000
stipend. For program guidelines and an application, go to www.tribecapac.org/air_pop.htm. All applications must be received (not postmarked) by May 29, 2009 at 6 p.m. For questions, contact program director Mario Giacalone at 212-220-1459 or by e-mail at mgiacalone@bmcc.cuny.edu.
··· PS 276 Parents' Network
Parents of children attending kindergarten at PS 276/Battery Park City School in the fall of 2009 are welcome to join the new parents' network and Yahoo message board.
The goal is to connect with each other and share relevant information about our new school, interim facility at Tweed Courthouse, Department of Education developments and community news. We hope that by banding together, we can help build a great school and a supportive school community.
To join the PS 276/BPC School Parents Network on Yahoo, go to
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/BPCSchoolParents/ or e-mail:
BPCSchoolParents-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
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Elected officials serving Lower Manhattan
Contact information
Rep. Jerrold Nadler (8th Congressional District)
2334 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515; Tel. 202-225-5635
Web address for e-mailing Rep. Nadler: www.house.gov/nadler/emailform.shtml
(For policy issues)
Rep. Jerrold Nadler
201 Varick Street, Suite 669, New York, NY 10014; Tel. 212-367-7350
(For personal issues dealing with a federal agency or other issues or concerns in Rep. Nadler's district)
Assemblyman Sheldon Silver (64th Assembly District)
District Office
250 Broadway, Suite 2307, New York, NY 10007; Tel. 212-312-1420
E-mail: speaker@assembly.state.ny.us
Assemblymember Deborah Glick (66th Assembly District)
District Office
853 Broadway, Suite 1518, New York, NY 10003; Tel. 212-674-5153
Web address for e-mailing Rep. Glick: http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=066&sh=con
State Sen. Daniel Squadron (25th Senate District)
Lower Manhattan District Office
250 Broadway, Suite 2011, New York, NY 10007; Tel. 212-298-5565
E-mail: info@danielsquadron.org
Council Member Alan J. Gerson (District 1)
District Office
51 Chambers St., Suite 429, New York, NY 10007; Tel. 212-788-7722
E-mail: gerson@council.nyc.ny.us
Council Member Alan J. Gerson
Legislative Office
250 Broadway, 18th floor, New York, NY 10007; Tel. 212-788-7259
Manhattan Borough President Scott M. Stringer
1 Centre St., 19th floor, New York, NY 10007; Tel. 212-669-8300
E-mail: bp@manhattanbp.org
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