Greeter for a Day

The Greeter for a Day program matches New York politicians, corporate leaders and celebrities with global visitors to experience New York through the eyes of real New Yorkers.

American Ballet Theatre Soloist Craig Salstein Serves as Greeter for a Day

May 3, 2010

Visitors Marie-Cecile van Boxtel and Marliene Pille, Greeter Bobbie Gold and American Ballet Theatre Soloist Craig Salstein

Visitors Marie-Cecile van Boxtel and Marliene Pille,
Greeter Bobbie Gold and American Ballet Theatre Soloist Craig Salstein

On May 3, 2010, Marie-Cecile van Boxtel and Marliene Pille, who were visiting New York City from the Netherlands, were given a behind-the-scenes tour of two of New York City’s most important cultural institutions, The Metropolitan Opera and the American Ballet Theatre (ABT). American Ballet Theatre Soloist Craig Salstein, who joined ABT in 2000 and became a Soloist in March 2007, hosted this special Greeter for a Day event. Greeter Bobbie Gold, volunteer photographer Paul Margolis, and ABT Press Associate Rebecca Kim accompanied them.

The visit began at Lincoln Center, home of The Metropolitan Opera House since 1966. The visitors were welcomed by Big Apple Greeter Founder Lynn Brooks at the Lincoln Center Fountain and then Mr. Salstein escorted them through the opera house, which has been a vibrant residence for the most creative and talented artists, including singers, conductors, composers, orchestra musicians, stage directors, designers, visual artists, choreographers, and dancers from around the world. After viewing the opera’s majestic auditorium and stage complex, the visitors had an opportunity to see backstage production areas not usually open to the public, where the opera’s mammoth sets and ornate costumes are crafted.

They then made their way downtown to American Ballet Theater’s headquarters, located at 890 Broadway, for a unique opportunity to view ABT’s offices and see ballet students practice in the rehearsal studios. Founded in 1940, American Ballet Theatre is recognized as one of the great dance companies in the world and it annually tours the United States, performing for more than 600,000 people.

When asked what they enjoyed about the Greeter for a Day event, Greeter Bobbie Gold said, “We all enjoyed Mr. Salstein’s humor, warmth and great knowledge of the opera world. How fortunate we were to be able to be backstage during a rehearsal. Visiting the ABT office and rehearsal rooms, physical therapy room was also a treat for us.”

-Elizabeth Holmes

Jean-Claude Baker Serves as Greeter for a Day

February 27, 2010

Jean Claude, Greeter Chantal, Gwenaelle Lardenois, David Regis photo by Paul Margolis

Photo from left to right: Jean Claude, Greeter Chantal Lawrence,
visitors Gwenaelle Lardenois and David Regis - Photo by Paul Margolis

On the snowy morning of Saturday, February 27, 2010, David Regis and Gwenaelle Lardenois, who were visiting New York City from Paris, France, were treated to a unique walk through the life of the famous Josephine Baker, who took Paris by storm in the 1920s. This special Greeter for a Day event was hosted by Josephine’s son, Jean-Claude Baker, owner of Chez Josephine, a restaurant in the Theatre District that celebrates the life of his mother, and the author of Josephine Baker: The Hungry Heart. Greeter Chantal Lawrence and Paul Margolis, a volunteer photographer, accompanied them.

Mr. Baker met his visitors in front of 232 W.138th Street. The basement of the brownstone was the location where Josephine Baker would rehearse her role in “La Revue Negre,” the show in which she made her debut in Paris in 1925. Mr. Baker spoke of the history of Harlem and that although many African-Americans were victims of discrimination and prejudice in Harlem they were able to blossom financially and artistically. It was Josephine’s work during the Harlem Renaissance that led to her success in France. The visitors stopped by the Apollo Theatre and the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, where, they were surprised to learn, former President Bill Clinton has his office.

Jean-Claude invited everyone for lunch at his restaurant, Chez Josephine, and they were joined by Board Member Barbara Tomanelli. Our visitors commented on the beautifully decorated restaurant, and enjoyed learning about its history and Jean-Claude’s life as a restaurant owner. What Jean-Claude loves most about his work is having the chance to meet new people and making them feel like they are home.

After lunch, everyone walked over to the Winter Garden and the Palace Theatres in Times Square where Josephine enjoyed successful theatre runs in the 1920’s and 1970’s.

At the end of the Greeter for a Day, the visitors chatted over coffee and asked Jean-Claude what he loved about being a greeter. He replied “I love it and I am proud to show the New York I love!” As for David and Gwenaelle, they were very impressed with their Big Apple Greeter experience. David commented that Big Apple Greeter is “a wonderful experience to meet real New Yorkers from different backgrounds” and to “see New York as a New Yorker and not as a tourist.”

-Chantal Lawrence

On a beautiful, clear early December day, our most recent Greeter for a Day, David McManus, General Manager of the Affinia Shelburne, met two visitors from Oklahoma as well as Dan Abatelli, one of Big Apple Greeter’s volunteers. Perri Applegate and Jack Phillips definitely got more than they had anticipated when they sent in their Visit Request Form to Big Apple Greeter. David treated them to a unique experience with a private showing of this beautiful Murray Hill hotel. After seeing the newly refurbished space, the group took in the amazing rooftop views that impressed the visitors and volunteers alike. David explained that “connecting with guests while touring the Murray Hill neighborhood provided a level of customization that is unique to the hospitality industry,” which parallels the Big Apple Greeter philosophy to treat each visitor as if they were a long lost friend.

The group then walked north to Grand Central Terminal and along the way, they all shared knowledge of New York City. Not only did Perri and Jack see the Main Concourse of this landmark building, but also the Whispering Gallery, Transit Museum Annex, and Food Court. Dan also pointed out architectural details such as an original sculpted eagle on the Lexington Avenue façade. The visitors were able to see past the apparent transportation usages of this structure in order to view the space for its true architectural greatness.

Dan explained that what is so wonderful about the Greeter for a Day visits is that it is a reciprocal process; he and David McManus were able to learn from each other while showing their new friends from Oklahoma the sites. And it is truly a treat for native New Yorkers to look more deeply into the history of an area they often visit, while sharing the city they love with new visitors.

Deputy Mayor Lieber Greet Spans 200 Years of City History

Patrick and Joan Godfrey, who live just outside London, England, never expected to have a top city official show them around lower Manhattan on their most recent visit to New York. But, sure enough, when they arrived at Seven World Trade Center with their assigned Greeter, Karen Brueckner, on a rainy Tuesday morning in late October, they found Deputy Mayor Robert C. Lieber and Big Apple Greeter Founder Lynn Brooks standing by to give them an extra special greet.

Mr. Lieber, New York City’s Deputy Mayor for Economic Development, is the organization’s latest celebrity Greeter for a Day, and this decidedly 21st century building was the starting point for their time together. The architecturally distinctive 52 story structure, completed in 2006 by Silverstein Properties, was the first New York skyscraper of the new century. It stands on the site of the third World Trade Center building to collapse on September 11, 2001, after being badly damaged by debris from the falling North Tower.

From the 21st century, the group walked a short way through the steady rain to City Hall, built just two hundred years earlier, making it the oldest city hall in the country still being used for its original function. Here the Godfreys enjoyed seeing the keystone-cantilevered staircase that encircles the rotunda, recently restored 18th and 19th century portraits in the Governor’s Room, the ornate City Council Chamber -- and the high tech accoutrements of the 311 call center.

Asked why he chose to participate in the Greeter for a Day program Mr. Lieber responded, “This wonderful organization makes a unique contribution to New York’s economy because of the special access it provides for so many visitors to the city’s neighborhoods, history and attractions.” Evidently the Godfreys agree. In an e-mail following their visit to New York Mrs. Godfrey wrote, “After two and a half weeks full of new activities Patrick and I both agree that the best day of our whole trip was the one we spent with our Big Apple Greeters. Please pass that on if you can.”

-Jack Olive

Daily Newser plays Big Apple 'greeter' to adventurous tourists in Queens

Newser Lisa Colangelo (leaning on fence) shows Netherlands tourists (l. to r.) Pascual and Roelyke Gallego the sights at Gantry Plaza State Park, aided by Big Apple Greeter Suzanne Paliotta.

The assignment seemed simple enough - the Daily News wanted me to serve as a Big Apple Greeter for a day and take some visitors off the beaten tourism path.

I was a natural for at least part of the task. I'm a native New Yorker, having lived, worked and gone to school here for all but 10 years of my life.

Gail Morse of Big Apple Greeter set me straight. They are not, she repeated, not a tour company.

"A greeter shows a visitor around the way a friend or a family member would show someone around," said Morse.

Founder Lynn Brooks started the program in 1992, matching up volunteer greeters with visitors to show them that New York can indeed be friendly and manageable.

After digging through some requests, Morse paired me up with Pascual and Roelyke Gallego, a couple from Leeuwarden, Netherlands. The easygoing pair spoke English and were excited to explore Queens.

I was a little skeptical. Was there anything there they would want to see? Most of my school-aged years were spent in that area. It seemed a tad too familiar - even boring.

But I was wrong. Roelyke, a 35-year-old teacher, and Pascual, a 35-year-old tax inspector, soaked in everything from the busy Austin St. shopping strip to the manicured gardens and mansions a few blocks away.

"People don't think they will see architecture like this in New York City," said Paliotta.

After checking out the West Side Tennis Club - former site of the U.S. Open - we walked carefully across Queens Blvd., explaining the "Boulevard of Death" moniker, and hopped a bus into the heart of Corona.

There was no way I was taking a visitor into Queens without visiting two borough food landmarks: the Lemon Ice King of Corona and Leo's Latticini (a.k.a. Mama's).

Roelyke followed my lead and got a peanut butter ice, while Pascual went with sour green apple.

"We would never have known to come here if you didn't bring us," Pascual said. My smug smile disappeared when he looked over at the nearby bocce courts and asked me to explain the game to him.

"Something where you roll balls but it's not bowling," I tried, looking at Suzanne for help.

Ugh. Some Italian-American I am. Then again, my family was more likely to bowl at Hollywood Lanes than play bocce.

Recharged by the ices, we walked several blocks to Mama's, where sisters Irene, Marie and Carmela fussed over Pascual and Roelyke as if they were family.

The couple happily wolfed down Mama's special sandwiches: mozzarella, salami and peppered ham on semolina bread with peppers and mushrooms.

It was a welcome break from the fast food that had dominated their meals since arriving in the city.

As we walked to Roosevelt Ave. to catch the 7 train to Long Island City, Roelyke and Pascual stopped to take pictures of the trucks lined up under the el. I wasn't sure why, but they seemed interested and happy.

We walked through Long Island City, showing them the new shiny towers that are replacing factories and warehouses.

"This is lovely," said Roelyke, as she enjoyed the breeze at Gantry Plaza State Park. "We probably would have never gone here. We probably would have just walked over the Brooklyn Bridge and walked back."

Tiki Barber Serves as Greeter for a Day

Sopranos Star Hosts Arias and Pizza in the Bronx

The actor known as Uncle Junior on television series "The Sopranos", Dominic Chianese, is the newest Big Apple Greeter supporter.

After participating in the July 15 press launch of "Greeter for a Day", a new program matching well-known New Yorkers with visitors from around the globe who want to experience the city through the eyes of those who know it best, the Bronx-born actor hosted a Greet for Nancy Sexton and daughter Kate, two visitors from Lexington, South Carolina.

The Greet began with a subway ride to Arthur Avenue, the Little Italy of the Bronx. After a stroll through the neighborhood, the group had a pizza and red wine lunch at Mario's Restaurant, a local eatery featuring Neopolitan cuisine.

Afterwards, Chianese took the visitors by the building where he was born and then onto the Arthur Avenue Retail Market, an authentic Italian marketplace featuring vendors offering a profusion of food and produce. The women sampled aged Parmesan cheese while Chianese sang a brief Aria.

"I can't tell you how much it has meant to us to be here with him and to appreciate this community for what it is," said visitor Nancy Sexton.

On July 30, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosted a Greet for Dennis and Kathy Myers, a couple traveling from California.

The event was part of Greeter for a Day, a new initiative matching well-known New Yorkers with visitors from around the globe who want to experience New York through the eyes of those who know it best-real New Yorkers. The program reflects a positive image of the city and the Big Apple Greeter way.

Marty Markowitz personally welcomed the Myers to his Brooklyn Borough Hall office where he presented them with official Brooklyn certificates. After a tour of the 1840s building, they walked down Montague Street to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade, a spectacular park located by the East River with unobstructed views of the Manhattan skyline, the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn and Manhattan Bridges.

"You showed us a part of New York that we would never had been able to experience! We loved Brooklyn and will recommend it to our friends. On our next visit, we're staying in Brooklyn!" said the couple of their visit in a follow-up e-mail.

New York, N.Y.—July 15…Visitors to New York City could find themselves exploring New York’s most authentic, off-the-beaten path neighbourhoods, accompanied by some of the city’s best-known celebrities, business leaders, and elected representatives under a program announced today by Big Apple Greeter called the “Greeter for a Day Program.”

The Celebrity Greeter for a Day Program will match well-known New Yorkers with visitors from around the globe who want to experience New York through the eyes of those who know it best—real New Yorkers. More than 300 New Yorkers serve as Greeters for a Day throughout the year, and well-known New Yorkers will now be among them. Celebrity greeters will be matched up with city visitors in the same way others are paired, and advance notice will not be given. (Sorry: One can’t request a celebrity greeter!)

Former New York Giants superstar Tiki Barber and acting legend Dominic Chianese, who will serve as celebrity greeters, joined Big Apple Greeter representatives, elected officials, and New York business and tourism officials in announcing the program—and in calling on other prominent New Yorkers to step forward to become part of the initiative.

New York City Deputy Mayor for Economic Development Robert C. Lieber; Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz; City Council Members David Weprin and Dan Garodnick; and New York City Small Business Services Commissioner Rob Walsh, all of whom have supported Big Apple Greeter, also spoke at the news conference. Two additional Greeters for a Day scheduled are David McManus, General Manager, Affinia Shelburne Hotel and Christopher Ward, Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.

Big Apple Greeter founder Lynn Brooks thanked all those attending and added: “Big Apple Greeter is enormously grateful to Mr. Barber and Mr. Chianese for joining our greeter program. Our greeters give visitors from around the world the true flavour of New York.”

Big Apple Greeter is a non-profit founded in 1992 with a mission to enhance New York City’s worldwide image and enrich the New York experience by connecting visitors with knowledgeable and enthusiastic volunteers. Big Apple Greeter’s core program is its free-of-charge Greeter program, which connects visitors with New Yorkers of all ages, conversant in over 20 languages. Greeters, who are all volunteers, accompany visitors on two-four-hour informal visits to New York City’s neighbourhoods in all five boroughs.

GREETER FOR A DAY PROGRAM

MEET MIKE WOODS AND INES ROSALES

TELEVISON BROADCASTERS, WNYW (FOX 5)

GREETER FOR A DAY

Mike Woods and Ines Rosales are easily some of the most recognizable, trusted faces in New York. He serves as meteorologist delivering New Yorker’s daily dose of the latest weather and she is the traffic reporter for Good Day New York, the Emmy Award-winning daily morning news show on WNYW (Fox 5).

On December 26, New Yorkers were treated to a first-hand view of our organization’s work when the program televised a specially filmed segment featuring Mr. Woods and Ms. Rosales’ participation in Greeter for a Day, a special program created by Big Apple Greeter.

The program invites CEOs and other high profile New Yorkers to take visitors on an informal walk through their favorite neighborhood. The program reflects a positive image of the city and the Greeter for a Day serves as a goodwill ambassador for New York and the Big Apple Greeter way.

“We were asked if we'd like to participate and we eagerly agreed,” says Mr. Woods. “New York is a city like none other. It is truly a melting pot that celebrates all cultures, races, religions, and people.”

The visitors, a couple from Texas, received a guided tour of the New York Transit Museum in Brooklyn by Ms. Rosales and Mr. Woods.

“We were so excited to take our visitors to our favorite place…a choice spot for a traffic reporter like me,” says Ms. Rosales.

This is the first time that our Greeter for a Day program has been broadcast on a major network. Fox 5 is the flagship television station of the News Corporation-owned Fox Broadcasting Company located in New York City.

As Greeter for a Day, Mr. Catell accompanied Big Apple Greeter Ruth Nordenbrook and three visitors from Saskatchewan, Canada, for an informal walk in downtown Brooklyn. Beginning at the National Grid’s office in the MetroTech Center, Mr. Catell provided a tour of National Grid’s gas control and customer care centers, followed by a walk to the Brooklyn Academy of Music for a tour of this historic performing art center.

Mr. Catell welcomed this one-time opportunity to share his love and enthusiasm for New York City and its neighborhoods with appreciative visitors, and he relished his role as goodwill ambassador for New York City.

The Greeter for a Day program invites business, community, and government leaders to fill a Greeter’s shoes for a few hours. By sharing his or her love and enthusiasm for New York City and its neighborhoods with an appreciative visitor, the Greeter for a Day promotes New York City the Big Apple Greeter way.