Big Apple Greeter News

Greetings!
I am very excited to be taking on the role of Board Chair at this very pivotal time for Big Apple Greeter. My deepest gratitude goes to my predecessor, Tom Lewis, for his outstanding dedication, leadership and guidance through some of the most difficult recessionary times we and other nonprofits have seen in decades. As steward of the “Save Big Apple Greeter Campaign,” a remarkably successful effort that helped us keep our doors open to thousands of visitors, Tom made it possible for Big Apple Greeter to continue to meet its mission into the future. Thanks also go to the Board, staff and volunteers for the tremendous work that they have done -- and continue to do every day – to add to this success.

Nonetheless, there is more to do. In order to build further on that strength, I will be leading an effort to develop a five-year strategic plan to stabilize our finances so our magical organization can continue to do what it does best -- connect people who love New York! In that regard, we are excited to announce one small first step in that effort, the launch of the Big Apple Greeter online store (see story in this issue). We hope you’ll like what you see and visit it often!

Thanks, too, to all our visitors, volunteers and Board Members who cast a vote and posted comments in favor of Big Apple Greeter in the “GuideStar-KIMBIA Winter Giveaway.” This recent online contest had nonprofits compete to secure the most reviews from supporters. While we didn’t win the cash prize, we are thrilled to have received more than 250 positive reviews --- and a five-star rating! Visit Guidestar.org and their partner site, GreatNonprofits.org, to read all those wonderful comments posted by our fans. Guidestar.org gathers and publishes a comprehensive database of general information, financial statistics and reviews on nonprofits. GreatNonprofits.org gives a brief description and posts reviews by people who have had contact with the organization. Both serve as excellent resources for people to gather information and feedback on Big Apple Greeter. We encourage everyone to continue sharing your comments on these sites.

Finally, we think you’ll enjoy our newsletter and we hope it will further inspire your own exploration of New York City. Please send us your input, feedback and suggestions for future stories. As always, we we’d love to hear your comments.

Warmest regards,
Chris Boylan
Chair, Big Apple Greeter

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
Meryl Feiner

Technical Editor
Michaela Potter

Writers & Contributors
Meryl Feiner
Gail Morse
Melissa Weisstuch

Photographers
Dean Engel
Fashion Center BID

BIG APPLE GREETER
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

As of 4/28/11
Chair* - Christopher P. Boylan,
General Contractors Association of New York; Harris Rand Lusk

Vice Chair* - Louise Morman,
Executive Coach, Management
Consultant, Eldercare Advocate

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 - Managing Director & Head of Asset Management Products, TIAA-CREFF Asset Management

Garrett R. Bowden - Principal,
Affirmative Equities Realty L.P.

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

Jeffrey Lam - Managing Member,
Lam Generation, LLC

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

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

Cristyne L. Nicholas* - CEO,
Nicholas & Lence Communications, LLC

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

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

Sergio A. Sanchez - Executive Vice President, LBOA/Partners Executive Transportation

Stephen Schnall* - Regional Sales Manager, Optaros

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

Steve Swenson - Vice President & General Manager of 1010 WINS and WCBSAM

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*

Big Apple Greeter will host its 19th Anniversary Spring Recognition Event on Wednesday, May 25, 2011, from 6:15pm to 8:00pm. We hope you will join us for cocktails aboard the New York Water Taxi Zephyr as we sail around the tip of Lower Manhattan.

We are very happy to announce this year’s honorees are Rachelle Friedman, president and co-chief executive officer of J&R Music & Computer World, and Julie Compton, Big Apple Greeter of the Year.

Ms. Friedman co-founded the mega music and electronics retailer with her husband, Joe, in 1971. The store, which now occupies most of Park Row in downtown Manhattan, is a major shopping destination for New Yorkers and visitors alike.

Ms. Compton has been a Greeter for 15 years and specializes in access visits for older visitors and visitors with mobility issues.

We are honored to have as benefit co-chairs Helena Durst and Ariadne Getty.

Ms. Durst is the public affairs director, corporate liaison and assistant vice-president for The Durst Organization, an important New York City company that owns, manages and develops real estate and is known for pioneering work in implementing environmental design. The Durst Organization is a long-time supporter of Big Apple Greeter.

Ms. Getty is the founder of the Fuserna Foundation, very important new friends of Big Apple Greeter. Last fall, the Fuserna Foundation made a very generous donation which allowed us to keep our doors open through a very difficult financial time. This donation is the first of a three-year commitment to Big Apple Greeter.

Members of the Benefit Committee (in formation) are:

• Garrett R. Bowden, Principal, Affirmative Equities Realty L.P.
• Patty Clark, Sr. Advisor to the Aviation Director for External Affairs, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey
• Patrick Condren, President, Patcon Associates, Ltd.
• Thomas G. Lewis, President, Gray Line New York Sightseeing
• Travis Noyes, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, New York Water Taxi and Circle Line Downtown
• John J. Ruzich, OBE, President & CEO, The TIMM Group, LLC
• Stephen Schnall, Regional Sales Manager, Optaros

For more information or to purchase tickets for the benefit, contact Special Events Coordinator Alison Brooks at 212-669-8281, or abrooks@bigapplegreeter.org.

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Since 2003, Big Apple Greeter has promoted neighborhood tourism throughout the five boroughs through its free Neighborhood Information Profiles. The newest profile highlights the historic area of Snug Harbor on Staten Island. This latest addition brings the total number of Neighborhood Profiles to 28.

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 new Snug Harbor profile explores the rich architectural history and beautiful gardens of this hidden gem. Snug Harbor is located in Northern Staten Island, bordered by Kill Van Kull on the North and Randall Manor on the South. Among the sites detailed in the profile are the Snug Harbor Cultural Center and Botanical Garden, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The complex offers visitors splendid gardens, museums, theaters, educational opportunities and seasonal festivals. The Staten Island Botanical Garden contains more than 20 specimen gardens, including the New York Chinese Scholars Garden, an excellent example of Ming culture, and Connie Gretz’s Secret Garden, which is the only maze garden in New York City.

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.

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.

- by Melissa Weisstuch

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There’s a brand new way to shop while you support Big Apple Greeter! An on-line store opened in April with hundreds of products, featuring Big Apple Greeter’s bright red logo or photographs from New York City neighborhoods!

Visit the Zazzle store at www.zazzle.com/bigapplegreeter, or select the shop link located on Big Apple Greeter’s homepage, for a selection of t-shirts for humans and canines, coffee mugs, hats, tote bags, and even postage stamps bearing the Big Apple Greeter logo. Some products offer fun quotes like “NYC is not like the movies…it’s way better!” or “Come to NYC and have a WOW moment.” You can also choose from among photo images of New York City neighborhoods, taken by volunteer photographers who have donated the use of the image to Big Apple Greeter. Choose one or more of these items to buy, and a portion of your purchase will benefit Big Apple Greeter.

“We wanted something fun and different that would provide a new source of income for the organization and at the same time create more awareness of our brand,” said Elizabeth Holmes, director of development. “We hope visitors and volunteers will enjoy this new way to spread the word about Big Apple Greeter.” More products will be added to the Zazzle store in the coming months.

Join our fan club and/or leave comments on our comments wall or under your favorite product. Let your friends know by sharing the store link on Twitter or Facebook. You can also share your favorite products through your preferred social media by clicking on the share button at the bottom of the product page.

Zazzle is the world's leading platform for quality custom products. Zazzle's proprietary technology enables individuals, professional artists, and major brands, including Disney and Hallmark, to create and offer billions of unique products for customers worldwide.

- by Melissa Weisstuch

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The Fashion Center is not just for fashion anymore.

That was the message Jerry Scupp, Deputy Director of the Fashion Center Business Improvement District (BID), gave to a group of 22 Greeters attending the March 29 Greeter Outing to the area. “The Fashion Center is rich in history and symbolic of New York,” said Scupp, adding, “It is not just about what it was, but what it is becoming.” In addition to fashion showrooms and manufacturers, the Fashion Center BID is also now home to many artist and photographer studios, performing arts venues and off-Broadway theaters, making it a creative center that extends beyond the realm of fashion.

In the past few years, several new hotels have sprung up in the Fashion Center which sits in the heart of midtown, extending from 35th Street to 41st Street, Fifth Avenue to Ninth Avenue, helping to transform the neighborhood into a vibrant 24/7 locale.

To help fashion buyers, designers and visitors navigate the sprawling neighborhood, the BID runs an information kiosk on Seventh Avenue and 39th Street (under the big button and next to the statue of the Garment Worker by Judith Weller). The kiosk staff can direct tourists to retailers and eateries in the neighborhood, as well as provide information on every company in the Fashion Center.

Professional tour guide (and former Big Apple Greeter) Mike Kayback took the group on an informative and entertaining walk around the BID. Some of the highlights pointed out were:

• Visitors looking for sample sales can almost always find one at Linda Richards Clothing and Design located at 209 West 38th Street, 5th Floor. Clothingline, 261 West 36th Street, 2nd Floor, hosts a variety of sample sales for different manufacturers.
• Fans of the TV show Project Runway and aspiring fashion designers may want to take a look around Mood Fabrics at 225 West 37th Street.
• While Seventh Avenue is called “Fashion Avenue”, more garments are actually sold out of buildings on Broadway.
• Many of the buildings on this stretch of Broadway originally housed theaters before the main theater district migrated north to Times Square. The building that now stands at 1411 Broadway, between 39th and 40th Streets, is on the site of the original Metropolitan Opera House, which held its final performance on April 16, 1966.
• Enter the lobby at 1410 Broadway to view the photographs depicting the history of the garment industry in NYC from its start on the Lower East Side.
• Across the street, walk through the lobby at 1407 Broadway and go down the steps to view a display of sculpted heads of contemporary fashion designers, including Michael Kors and Donna Karan. Exit this building through the Seventh Avenue door.
• Embedded in the sidewalk along Seventh Avenue are plaques denoting notable American designers. This is the world’s only permanent monument to American fashion.

- by Meryl Feiner

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Visitors: Whether you were in New York City three days ago or three years ago, help spread the word about Big Apple Greeter! Please go to tripadvisor.com, yelp.com or your favorite travel website to write a brief review of your experience with a Greeter. Thank you!

We love your photos!
We would love to hear what you have to say about your greeter experience. Send a photo of you with your greeter and your comments to eholmes@bigapplegreeter.org. We may use your photo or comment in marketing material (for example, an upcoming newsletter, our website or annual report).

Here are a few comments submitted by recent visitors:

“Michael was very friendly and full of knowledge and interesting tidbits about all sorts of places. I learned and saw so much --all in just a few hours. I had a fabulous day!”
- Visitor from Dunedin, Florida

“It was very nice meeting Diane. It gave our trip a different dimension. I think we all got something out of it. I would heartily recommend your service to anybody visiting NYC.”
- Visitors from Richmond, England

“Bob was very helpful even before we met since he mailed us photos to inspire us. He also met us at our hotel which was nice. It felt like we already knew each other when we finally met.”
- Visitors from Trångsund, Sweden

“Sami took us to places we would not normally visit and took us to places we would have considered "closed off." He made the day for us and our daughter by including her as much as us. We were very lucky to have had Sami and it really made us more confident around NY.”
- Visitors from Sydney, Australia

“I would have never seen even 10% of what Chafin showed us if I'd been alone. I was also impressed that even after the huge snow storm and on a snowy miserable day he was more than happy to show us around. I love his enthusiasm and his knowledge. I have lost count of the places we went, the buildings, landmarks, stores and sights he showed us. What a fantastic volunteer you have in Chafin. He was absolutely made our trip.”
- Visitors from Figtree, Australia

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Spring may well be one of the best times to visit New York City. Temperatures are comfortable for walking and taking in the sights, trees and plants in city parks are beginning to bloom, and outdoor cafes are coming back to life after a long winter. We recently asked our Greeters to tell us some of their favorite things to see and do in the City in spring. Here is what some of them had to say:

Greeter Sandy Driesen loves taking a boat trip around Manhattan, and visiting Governors Island.

Greeter Victoria Nugent suggests taking a free walking tour with El Museo Del Barrio on Saturday mornings.

Greeter Shirley Scott also volunteers at the Central Park Conservatory Garden, and says, “I know the volunteers there planted hundreds if not thousands of tulip and other bulbs that should be blooming now!”

Greeter Arlene Rosenberg looks forward to the annual Museum Mile Festival, this year on June 14. Fifth Avenue is closed to traffic and the world famous museums have a huge party!

Greeter Jay Freeman loves the penguins, seals, polar bear and tropical aviary at the Central Park Zoo.

Greeter Gia Pace says, “Walk the Brooklyn Bridge!”

One of Greeter Bobbie Gold’s favorite spots is Carl Schurz Park on the Upper East Side. She says, “Watching the various boats pass by on the East River is a very soothing escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.”

Greeter Joanna Bukszpan thinks one of the best-kept secrets of Central Park is Azalea Pond, found in the Rambles and at its peak in mid-May. “The pond is a gem, but is almost impossible to find during the year. In the spring, however, you can see glimpses of those beautiful violet/purple flowers through the trees as you walk through the woods.”

Greeter Jennifer Heinlein loves to sit at an outdoor café at South Street Seaport. “Just buying a drink is enough to score a seat outside.”

Greeter Barbara Rohdie thinks one of the highlights for spring would be the High Line. “All the plants, grasses and trees are blooming right now and the place is breathtaking. The second phase, from 20th to 30th Streets, should open very soon.” She also recommends Economy Candy on Rivington Street, Lower East Side.

And Greeter Sheila Bellen says not to miss the small shops at the Chelsea Market, next to the High Line.

Greeter Alan Traeger recommends a visit to Forest Hills Gardens in Queens. “Stroll through the lovely streets of this quaint neighborhood and you will think that you are in England,” and says not to miss the ice cream at Eddie’s Sweet Shop on Metropolitan Ave, a throw back to the early 1900s.

Greeter Iris Friedlander likes the annual Macy’s Flower Show. “Free and beautiful!” Check the website for next year's dates.

Greeter Jil Picariello says, “And don't forget spring means baseball!”

Greeter Rosalie Rothenberg advises visitors to check the free newspapers where they will find information on many of the events happening all over the city. Free newspapers are available in specially marked boxes on street corners all over the city.

What are your favorite places to visit in New York City? E-mail us at volunteerdepartment@bigapplegreeter.org.

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