Big Apple Greeter News

Dear Friends:
Welcome! We have had a busy summer and are looking forward to an even busier fall here at Big Apple Greeter.

We are excited to announce that on the evening of December 13, Big Apple Greeter will honor 2 very distinguished New Yorkers, Christopher O. Ward and Robert K. Steel, while we celebrate one of New York City’s top attractions, Statue Cruises, a Hornblower Company, and toast the 125th anniversary of a world-famous American icon, the Statue of Liberty.

Christopher O. Ward is the former executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the agency that oversees our region’s airports, shipping ports, largest bridges, tunnels, commuter rail line, bus terminal, and the 16-acre World Trade Center site under development in Lower Manhattan. Chris left his post at the end of October, and Big Apple Greeter is proud to honor his many years of leadership.

Robert K. Steel is New York City’s deputy mayor for economic development, responsible for the Bloomberg Administration's five-borough economic development strategy and job-creation efforts, as well as its efforts to strengthen small business assistance, promote new industries, and diversify the economy. Bob oversees many agencies, including NYC & Company, New York City’s official marketing, tourism and partnership organization. Big Apple Greeter is proud to honor Bob’s dedicated service to New York City.

Our fall fundraising event will take place on one of Statue Cruises’ luxury yachts. Please join us while we cruise New York City Harbor and enjoy fine refreshments and breathtaking views of the Statue of Liberty and the New York City skyline. The Fuserna Foundation is serving as benefit chair.

For more information, contact us at events@bigapplegreeter.org.

We hope you enjoy reading this newsletter. Please send us your feedback (pr@bigapplegreeter.org) and suggestions for future issues; we would love to hear your comments.

With our warmest wishes,
Christopher P. Boylan,
Chair, Board of Directors
Alicia Pierro,
Executive Director

BIG APPLE GREETER
One Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Office 212-669-8159
Fax 212-669-3685
TTY 212-669-8273
pr@bigapplegreeter.org

Website
www.bigapplegreeter.org

Founder
Lynn Brooks

Executive Director
Alicia Pierro

Director of Programs & Volunteers
Gail Morse

Director of Development
Elizabeth Holmes

Special Events Coordinator/Database Administrator
Alison Brooks

Office Manager and IT Adminstrator
Jennifer Smith

Editor
Gail Morse

Technical Editor
Michaela Potter

Writers & Contributors
Alison Brooks
Meryl Feiner
Loraine Heller
Phyllis Hoffman
Elizabeth Holmes
Kaella Mitchell
Gail Morse
Anthony Reyes
Melissa Weisstuch

Photographers & Designers
Elizabeth Holmes
Paul Katcher
Kaeela Mitchell
Ruth Nordenbrook
type-a-licious

BIG APPLE GREETER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair* - Christopher P. Boylan,
General Contractors Association of New York; Harris Rand Lusk

Vice Chair* - Louise Morman,
Insight Power Consulting &
Executive Coaching

Treasurer* - Kenneth Smith, CPA,
Partner, EisnerAmper LLP

Founder* - Lynn Brooks,
Big Apple Greeter

Executive Director* - Alicia Pierro, Big Apple Greeter

Barbara Bailey - Assistant Director of Communications, Workers of America Local 1180's Retiree Division (Retired)

Kamal Bhatia, CFA - Senior VP, Fixed Income and Alternatives, Oppenheimer Funds

Garrett R. Bowden - Managing Partners, TAG Real Estate Parners, LLC

Patty Clark - Sr. Advisor to the Aviation Director for External Affairs, The Port Authroity of New York & New Jersey

Patrick W. Condren* - President,
Patcon Associates, Ltd.

Kelly Ann Curtin - Senior Vice President, Membership,
NYC & Company

Matthew Daus, Esq.* - Commissiner, NYC Civil Service Commission; Distinguished Lecturer, CUNY; Attorney at Law, Windels Marx Lane & Mittendorf, LLP

Merrie L. Davis - President & Publisher, MVP|NY

Douglas Durst - President, The Durst Organization

Don Eugene* - Senior Officer, R.H. Macy & Co., Inc. (Retired); Callydus Group LLC

Peter Kohlmann - Founder,
PeKo Creative

George Lence - President,
Nicholas & Lence Communications, LLC

Thomas G. Lewis* - President,
Gray Line New York Sightseeing (Immediate Past Chair)

Diane McNulty - Director of Community Affairs, The New York Times

David Rothfeld, Esq.* - Partner,
Kane Kessler, P.C.

John J. Ruzich, OBE* - President & CEO, The TIMM Group, LLC

Stephen Schnall* - Regional Sales Manager, Optaros

Joseph E. Spinnato - President, Hotel Association of New York City, Inc.

Vincent J. Tabone - Director of Government Relations, Red Apple Group, Inc.

Barbara M. Tomanelli - Executive Assistant to Vice President, MetLife (Retired); Greeter Representative

Markly Wilson - Director, International Marketing, New York State Division of Tourism

Chairman Emeritus - Joel L. Epstein, Chairman & CEO, AIG Consumer Finance (Retired)

Honorary Lifetime Member - Elizabeth A. Baltz, Global Business Development & Management

Honorary Lifetime Member -
Paul Insalaco, President, BF9 Media

Honorary Lifetime Member - Horace Webb, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Con Edison (Retired)

Ex-Officio Members
Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New Yrok

Hon. Ruben Diaz Jr., Bronx Borough President

Hon. Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Borough President

Hon. Helen M. Marshall, Queens Borough President

Hon. James P. Molinaro, Staten Island Borough President

Hon. Scott Stringer, Manhattan Borough President

Executive Committee*

Neighborhood Information Profiles
We are proud to add a new Profile for The Grand Central District, and an updated and redesigned Tribeca Profile. [Read more]

Big Apple Greeter’s 19th Anniversary Spring Recognition Event took place on a spectacular evening – the perfect weather for a cruise around lower Manhattan. Held on May 25th aboard the Circle Line Downtown's Zephyr, the event honored two friends of Big Apple Greeter for their contributions to the organization and New York City: Rachelle Friedman, co-CEO and president, J&R, and Greeter Julie Compton.

Christopher Boylan, Big Apple Greeter’s new board chair, welcomed the upbeat guests and thanked the event sponsors NYC & Co, Steuben Foods and Bombardier, as well as Circle Line Downtown. Chris told the crowd that “Big Apple Greeter is doing well because we have tremendous leadership.” He extended a special thank you to Big Apple Greeter founder Lynn Brooks, whom he described as “the heart and soul” of the organization. Special recognition was given to Tom Lewis, president of Gray Line Sightseeing Tours, who recently completed his term as board chair.

The two honorees were honored immediately following viewing of Big Apple Greeter’s dynamic video, “Making Connections,” produced with the support of Fox5 New York. In introducing the honorees, Lynn Brooks acknowledged Ariadne Getty, founder of the Fuserna Foundation, who was scheduled to present the Greeter of the Year Award, but was unable to attend at the last minute. She thanked Ms. Getty and the Fuserna Foundation for all they have done to ensure Big Apple Greeter’s future. Lynn read Ms. Getty’s message: “Big Apple Greeter is amazing, as are you, and we believe in your mission.”

Helena Durst, co-vice president of the Durst Organization, presented Big Apple Greeter’s Good Corporate Citizen Award to Rachelle Friedman. She described J&R stores as “an amazing organization that has anchored downtown.” In receiving the award, Ms. Friedman said “Our J&R is a New York family business that takes every opportunity to be linked in with its neighborhood.” She explained how J&R is active with the Downtown Alliance and community boards, and how she enjoys meeting the tourists who visit the J&R stores. “That is how you make New York personal, real and exciting,” she said.

J&R donated the evening’s door prize, a camcorder won by Paula Horowitz from the Grand Central Partnership. Silent auction items were donated by 1010 WINS and WCBS-AM, Continental Airlines, Lowes Hotels, Michael Jordan’s-The Steak House N.Y.C., and the New York Marriott Marquis.

Brooklyn resident Julie Compton was honored as Greeter of the Year. Born in New Zealand, Julie has lived in New York City since 1990, and has been a Greeter for 15 years. “Julie has made a difference for so many visitors,” said Lynn who thanked Julie “for all that you do to make New York accessible to all.” Julie often takes Access visits for older visitors and visitors with mobility issues. Julie, who herself uses a manual wheelchair, is very familiar with the ins and outs of gaining access to the city’s transit system and shares her valuable knowledge with her visitors.

In receiving her award, Julie said “To me, Big Apple Greeter is all about people and places and having fun. We get paid a currency better than money.” She has formed lasting friendships with many of her visitors, and one of them came from Australia to attend the recognition event.

The Spring Recognition Event was attended by more than 160 people, including business and community leaders, volunteers and other friends of Big Apple Greeter from the New York area and beyond. They all share a commitment to helping Big Apple Greeter thrive in the future, and have great admiration for the work the organization does to demonstrate that New York City is a warm and friendly place. “They do a great job and answer a real need,” said one guest, Allan Moore from Continental Guest Services.

Big Apple Greeter Thanks the Fuserna Foundation

In 2010, The Fuserna Foundation made a 3-yr financial commitment totaling $600,000 to Big Apple Greeter in support of its Greeter Program, which enables New Yorkers to show their community spirit by sharing their neighborhoods with visitors.

The Fuserna Founder Adriane Getty approached Big Apple Greeter after learning about its financial challenges. It was the Greeters who show their community spirit that enchanted Ms. Getty. "I loved the fact that it was a community-based program," she said. On behalf of Big Apple Greeter’s Board of Directors, Staff, and Volunteers, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to The Fuserna Foundation for their passion and commitment to our program.

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On a simmering summer day, 3 generations of visitors from Gloucestershire, UK, grandmother Olivia Scott, her daughter Gillian Allett, and her granddaughter Lorna Allett – all first time visitors to New York City and the USA – had a remember-for-the-rest-of-their-lives experience when they met exuberant New York City Council Member Robert Jackson who was Big Apple Greeter’s Greeter for a Day.

After a warm welcome, Council Member Jackson, the visitors and volunteer Greeter Ruth Nordenbrook, headed off to the steps of City Hall, where he joined Council Member Margaret Chin in her press conference on health-related issues important to all New Yorkers. Afterwards, he took everyone on a behind-the-scenes peek at City Hall, built in 1803 and currently undergoing restoration.

Heading to his office at 250 Broadway, Council Member Jackson greeted everyone passing by, and jokingly said to the visitors, “I know 8 million people!”

With the beautiful view from his 17th floor corner office behind him, Council Member Jackson chatted with his visitors about the workings of the New York City Council and the many wonderful projects he has sponsored for the benefit of his constituents in District #7, comprising the northern Manhattan neighborhoods of Morningside Heights, Hamilton Heights, West Harlem, Washington Heights and Inwood. While there, Council Member Jackson introduced his visitors to Council Member Vincent Gentile and Council Member Stephen Levin.

The highlight of the day was fast approaching as everyone headed over to the old Emigrant Savings Bank building on Chambers Street, where the City Council, the law-making body of New York City, is temporarily holding its meetings. During the City Council Meeting, Big Apple Greeter was presented with a Proclamation in honor of its contribution to life in New York City. Olivia, Gillian and Lorna were introduced to the entire Council and asked to join Big Apple Greeter Founder Lynn Brooks and the Council Members who had signed the proclamation, while Lynn accepted the Proclamation! Prior to the Council meeting, Council Member Jackson ushered his visitors into the private office of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn where they had the opportunity to meet the Speaker herself.

The proclamation was signed by the following Council Members: Christine C. Quinn, Speaker for the Entire Council; Council Member Robert Jackson, 7th District Manhattan; Council Member Gale A. Brewer, 6th District Manhattan; Council Member Maria del Carmen Arroyo, 17th District Bronx; Council Member Mark Weprin, 23rd District Queens; Council Member Daniel Dromm, 25 District Queens; Council Member David G. Greenfield, 44th District Brooklyn; Council Member Domenic M. Recchia, Jr., 47th District Brooklyn.

At the end of their visit, Council Member Jackson expressed his complete joy in being a Greeter for a Day for Big Apple Greeter, and his pleasure in showing visitors a little bit of how our City government works. Visitors Olivia, Gillian, and Lorna were elated with their whirlwind visit and said Council Member Jackson made their spectacular day in New York City memorable beyond their wildest dreams!

The Greeter for a Day program, launched in 2008, matches New York elected officials, corporate leaders and celebrities, with global visitors to experience New York through the eyes of a New Yorker.

NYC Service Officer Diahann Billings-Burford

On a hot August day, three special New Yorkers got to experience New York City through the eyes of an out-of-town visitor when Diahann Billings-Burford and two of her staff members met Greeter Coreen Burke on a Greeter visit through lower Manhattan. Ms Billings-Burford is Chief Service Officer of NYC Service, a branch of New York City government that promotes and encourages volunteering throughout all five boroughs. Experiencing a greeter visit first hand would help Ms Billings-Burford to know more about Big Apple Greeter’s mission and the volunteer opportunities open to New Yorkers from all walks of life. She was accompanied by two of her staff members, Nicole Locantore and Shawna Cameron.

Greeters share with visitors their first-hand knowledge and experiences, making a greeter visit very personal. Their first stop was Saint Paul’s Chapel, located across the street from Ground Zero, where they remembered the area after 9/11 and expressed their excitement in watching the new World Trade Center being built.

Greeters also get to show visitors the wonderful, little-noticed things that make New York City unique. On Broadway, Coreen stopped her visitors across the street from a McDonald’s and pointed out a grand piano on the second floor, where a pianist was providing beautiful music for customers. Later, they were surprised to find an18th century water well, now covered by glass embedded in the sidewalk, across the street from Fraunces Tavern.

At the Stock Exchange on Wall Street, which is no longer open to visitors, Coreen and Ms Billings-Burford described the excitement of trading room floor. Right across the street is Federal Hall, where George Washington was sworn in as president in 1789.

Coreen told her visitors that on every greeter visit she learns something new, showing “how much you actually don’t know about New York.” Ms Billings-Burford showed Coreen the four security blockers in the street near the Stock Exchange that rotate to allow cars to pass through.

Over pizza at a restaurant on Stone Street, Coreen shared her experiences as a movie extra in films like The Departed and a new movie, The Wedding. She told stories of working with movie director Martin Scorsese, and actors Susan Sarandon and Matt Damon.

Ms. Billings-Burford said, “The visit was very enlightening. I am a New Yorker, but I saw places and things today that I never even knew about. This program could really help make us better citizens.” She strongly encourages anyone from out of town to take part in this program.

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During the early, cold days of 2011, Greeter Rob Gould contacted the Big Apple Greeter office with quite a warm and sunny proposal. He wanted to celebrate his birthday on August 2 by conducting several Greets during the day, while asking his friends to underwrite the event by making a donation to Big Apple Greeter.

Rob’s enthusiasm and drive combined with his ability to think outside the box, helped create our first ever Greet-A-Thon. Not only did Rob’s friends and family support the event, but many of his fellow volunteers and Big Apple Greeter donors lent their support to this inaugural event.

During the day, Rob met with a family from France, a young woman from Australia, and a father and daughter duo from Missouri, a true cross-section of the visitors that Big Apple Greeter meets with throughout the year. Rob was eager to share his knowledge and love of New York City with them all on this steamy August day, and he provided each visitor with a personal, one-on-one introduction to the City. “I loved showing the city off as my home,” said Rob.

With each Greet, Rob covered different sections of Manhattan, showing the visitors some of his favorite neighborhoods, while sharing facts and stories along the way. He led one group north through the bustling morning rush of midtown, pointing out landmarks along the way to Central Park. Next Rob headed south to show the second group the Flatiron District, and while walking over to Greenwich Village, he discussed the residential history, recounting the creation of townhouses and their significance in New York City. Walking westward, Rob pointed out restaurants and shops worthy of a return trip. And during the last Greet, he shared his knowledge of the décor and design inside the Grand Central Terminal, before walking around Murray Hill. Rob’s afternoon visitors were thrilled with the opportunity to get to “know the real New York through a real New Yorker.”

At the of end the day, Rob and his visitors joined friends, family, Big Apple Greeter board members, staff and volunteers at a restaurant and bar in Midtown South to wish him a happy birthday. When speaking to his visitors, it was clear that Rob’s passion and commitment to both New York City and Big Apple Greeter was palpable and infectious throughout the day.

We are very grateful to Rob for his gracious offer to use his birthday as an opportunity to raise money for Big Apple Greeter, and we are delighted to say that the event was a rousing success. Hopefully, it will be the beginning of many more Greet-A-Thons in the future. Rob reflected, “If other Greeters want to do this, I strongly suggest it; it means getting all your friends and family involved to make your birthday not just a celebration, but a connection with new friends from all over the world.”

If you are interested in learning how you can participate in this program, please contact Alison Brooks at abrooks@bigapplegreeter.org

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Greeters had the opportunity to visit Jackson Heights, Queens, on June 21, during the second annual “June in Jackson Heights.” Sponsored by Council Member Daniel Dromm, this initiative showcases the talents of local artists while benefiting local businesses. Festivities during the month included art shows, performances, films, historic tours and a week-long offering of specially priced menus at 20 local restaurants.

Celeste Balducci, Council Member Dromm’s special event coordinator, led the Greeters on a walking tour of the neighborhood, focusing on the historic Garden City District which stretches between Roosevelt Avenue and Northern Boulevard, from 76th to 88th Street.

Developed in the 1920’s by Edward A. MacDougall’s Queensboro Corporation, the Garden City District area was part of the global Garden City movement and is believed to be the first garden city community built in the United States. The historic garden apartment co-op buildings feature private block-long gardens or parks encased in each building. Many of the gardens cannot be seen from the sidewalk, but these hidden gems are open to the public one weekend a year, during the Jackson Heights Garden Tours.

One of most renowned garden buildings, The Towers, was built in 1924 by architect Andrew J. Thomas. Located on 80th and 81st Streets between 34th Avenue and Northern Boulevard, The Towers is comprised of 8 Neo-Romanesque buildings that surround a beautifully landscaped interior garden.

To learn more about the history of Jackson Heights, you might enjoy reading Jackson Heights: A Garden in the City, by Daniel Karatzas; for information about events and dining in Jackson Heights, go to http://www.jhbg.org/events/events.html

Access to Public Transportation for Visitors with Mobility Issues

For visitors with mobility issues, New York City’s public transportation system is easy to use. Here are some tips to help you get more from your stay in the Big Apple.

The New York City subway system extends to the outer reaches of Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens. Although many subway stations have elevators, a few stations have elevator access to subway service going in one direction, but not the other direction. Knowing which platform has elevator access is important in figuring out a travel plan.

All New York City buses throughout the five boroughs are wheelchair accessible. Although a bit slower than the subway, you can always count on the buses to get you where you want to go, and it is a treat to be able to view the city at eye level.

Greeter Julie Compton, who uses a wheelchair, recently shared these tips with fellow greeters to use when meeting visitors with mobility problems.

• Accessibility Symbol The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) subway map has a wheelchair symbol next to the subway lines at each stop that are wheelchair accessible. When planning your route and need to transfer between subway lines, take special care that both lines are accessible at that station.
• Mind the Gap Some stations are not considered accessible because of the size of the gap between the subway car and platform. The size of the gap may widen or narrow depending on the location along the subway train. Navigating this gap may depend on the size of the wheels on your scooter or wheelchair.
• Hidden Elevators Sometimes a subway station is elevator accessible through a store with a subway-level entrance. An example of this is the Astor Place station on the #6 subway (downtown direction only) that is accessible by using the elevator in the K-Mart store. Be sure to check the store hours when you make your travel plans.
• Go the Distance When making accessible travel plans on the subway, you may find that the best way to get to your destination might include going past your station, then changing directions and traveling back to your stop. This might be necessary to gain access to an elevator that is available on only one side of the track or to avoid construction or another inconvenience.
• Call for Info Check www.mta.info for more accessibility information, including a list of elevators that are not in service, or call 718-330-1234. While the MTA works hard to keep service information up to date, an elevator that breaks down just before you arrive at the station may not be noted on the list.
• Have a Plan B When making accessible travel plans on the subway, it is always good to have a back up plan – an alternate subway route or a bus map.

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Instead of our usual Fan Mail column, we thought we would share some remembrances of September 11, 2001. Many greeters were out with visitors on that day 10 years ago. In the days that followed, many greeters were contacted by visitors they had met over the years, asking if their greeter-friend was safe, expressing sorrow over the tragedy. Here are just a few of the many greeters’ stories we have collected.

Greeter Fidel Lim said, “I was greeting on 9/11. The [visitor] is now a lifelong friend. He is coming to visit on the week of 9/11 to celebrate our 10th anniversary of friendship, born on that fateful day.”

Greeter Betty Heller said, “I was not a Greeter on that awful day, but it is the reason I became one. I live [on] Chambers Street in Battery Park City. I was home that day and, after being evacuated, was able to return about two weeks later. New Yorkers were so wonderful that day and in the months following. While people did come to look at the devastation, I was particularly impressed by the people who came -- from all over the city, state, country and world -- not to gape and stare -- but to pay their respects to both the victims and the heroic rescuers. A great many visitors would emerge from the West Broadway/Chambers St. subway station and get lost (not realizing that there are three Broadways including an East and West). They needed a guide. A friend had been a greeter in Queens and so I was inspired to become one as well. It has been great fun and very enlightening. More important to me has been the feeling of community that I developed in showing others my small piece of the world. Nothing can compensate for the horror of that day, but some small good things have emerged and perhaps showing visitors our own strength and compassion is one of them.”

Greeter Linda Jawitz said, “I had a Greeter experience a few days after 9/11 when planes were allowed to fly. I was scheduled to meet with a family with a child from Australia and they kept their appointment with me. We took a bus downtown through Times Square and it was almost deserted. We all cried on the bus at the sight of the abandoned streets. They did not have a lot of money and everything cost them twice what their Australian dollar was worth. They told me that they did not cancel because they wanted to show support for NYC and America. When we parted we held each other so close as if the world would never be the same again. I still shed tears about that time. We were all so touched with each other and felt like family having to part. I still think of how wonderful they were to come here with love and concern for us.”

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Since 2003, Big Apple Greeter has promoted neighborhood tourism throughout the five boroughs through its free Neighborhood Information Profiles. We are proud to add a new Profile for The Grand Central District, and an updated and redesigned Tribeca Profile. Both neighborhoods are in Manhattan.

Each six-page Neighborhood Information Profile covers a neighborhood’s history and culture, attractions, shopping and dining, along with photographs, travel instructions for using public transportation, and a street map. The Neighborhood Information Profiles are a user-friendly way for both visitors and native New Yorkers to explore and experience neighborhoods representing our ethnically and culturally diverse City.

The Grand Central District

The newest addition to our library of Profiles is the Grand Central District, an area most people think of as a transportation hub and business district. But this mid-town area is so much more. At the heart of the district is Grand Central Terminal, an architectural wonder both inside and out. The exterior is a fine example of the Beaux-Arts style, while the main ticketing area features a high ceiling designed for easy star-gazing any time of day or night. Other buildings in the Grand Central District include The Chrysler Building, in Art Deco style; the Seagram Building, an example of corporate modernist; and the glass box Lever House. Despite its image as a mélange of skyscrapers, The Grand Central District is also a place to find great shopping along Fifth Avenue, enjoy artistic and literary treasures in the Morgan Library & Museum, or take a break from the rush of the city in St. Patrick’s Cathedral. The Grand Central District also offers variety in dining choices, from the very traditional, at The Oyster Bar & Restaurant, to ethnic, barbecue and vegetarian, all located inside Grand Central Terminal.

This profile was prepared by a talented team of volunteers. Big Apple Greeter extends a special "thank you" to writer and editor Marianne Gennari, graphic designer Joy Makon and photographer Paul Katcher for their valuable services.

Tribeca

Known for it celebrity residents, trendy nightlife and excellent boutiques and restaurants, Tribeca has also been ranked as the highest priced zip code in the New York City by Forbes magazine. Interesting architecture and its sense of “Old New York” make this neighborhood a major draw. The neighborhood is also known for the famous Tribeca Film Festival, founded in 2002 by actor Robert DiNero.

Big Apple Greeter extends a special "thank you" to the talented team of writer and editor Marianne Gennari, graphic designer Gil Fontimayor, and photographers Paul Katcher and Paul Margolis for their valuable services.

Interested in exploring a New York City neighborhood that’s new to you? Simply visit Neighborhood Information Profiles to review all of the Neighborhood Information Profiles.

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