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Alicia Pierro (L), Executive Director, and Tom Lewis, Board Chair (R). Photo courtesy of Jerry Ruotolo for Big Apple Greeter.
Greetings!
You'll
find a somewhat more somber tone in this edition of our newsletter than
in past ones. The truth is, like many organizations, these are
challenging times financially for Big Apple Greeter. While we remain
confident that this wonderful and unique organization will be greeting
visitors to the Big Apple for many years to come, we are in serious
need of support to get past rather severe short-term financial
difficulties.
As
a result, this issue of the newsletter focuses on our efforts to do
just that. A recap of the special steps we've taken to meet these
challenging times head on is provided (see Update on the Save Big Apple
Greeter Campaign). Another column gives interesting insight into some
of the wonderful people who, day in and day out, give so generously of
their time to keep Big Apple Greeter vibrant, in good times and in bad
(see Unsung Heroes).
The crux of Big Apple Greeter's financial
bind is that, while our $1.7 million annual budget is almost entirely
funded through a combination of non-cash, in kind donations and hours
donated by nearly 400 volunteers, we do require a relatively modest
amount of cash each year for items such as insurance, technology
support, routine office expenses, and salaries. In an economic slowdown
as severe as the recent one, these dollars have been very hard to come
by. And while Big Apple Greeter is perfectly accustomed to operating on
a shoestring after nearly 20 years of frugal management, we've pretty
much run out of operational expenses to trim. We
hope you will give thoughtful consideration to this issue of the
newsletter. And more than that, we hope after reading it, you will be
moved to consider what YOU might do to help us survive this rough
patch. Many thanks, in advance, for whatever you can do. Tom & Alicia
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Big Apple Greeter
One Centre Street
New York, NY 10007
Office 212-669-2896
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 Administrator
Jennifer Smith Editor
Lee Frankel
Technical Editor
Michaela Potter Writers & Contributors
Lee Frankel
Jack Olive
Photographers
Paul Margolis
Jerry Ruotolo
Don Juan Tenorio
BIG APPLE GREETER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
As of 5/20/2010
Chair* - Thomas G. Lewis, President, Gray Line New York Sightseeing Vice Chair* - Louise Morman, Executive Coach, Management Consultant, Eldercare Advocate Treasurer* - Kenneth Smith, CPA, Partner, Eisner LLP Accountants and Advisors 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. Christopher P. Boylan* - Deputy Executive Director, Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Chairman Emeritus) Patty Clark - Sr. Advisor to the Aviation Director for External Affairs, The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey Patrick W. Condren - President, Patcon Associates, Ltd. Kelly Ann Curtin - Senior Vice President, Membership, NYC & Company
Matthew Daus* - Commissioner, NYC Civil Service Commission;
Distinguised 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 Jill Groce - General Manager, JCPenney Manhattan Mall Peter Kohlmann - Founder, PeKo Creative Jeffrey Lam - Managing Member, Lam Generation, LLC 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 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 - Attorney at Law, Law Office of Vincent J. Tabone Barbara M. Tomanelli - Executive Assistant to Vice President, MetLife (Retired); Greeter Representative Markly Wilson - Director, International Marketing, New York State Division of Tourism James H. Yates - Sr. Vice President, Marketing and Economic Development, New York Power Authority (retired) Chairman Emeritus - Joel L. Epstein, Chairman & CEO, AIG Consumer Finance (Retired) Honorary Lifetime Member - Elizabeth A. Baltz, Global Business Development & Management Honorary Lifetime Member - Horace Webb, Senior Vice President Public Affairs, Con Edison (Retired) Honorary Lifetime Member - Paul Insalaco* - President, BF9 Media (Immediate Past Chair) Ex-Officio Members
Hon. Michael R. Bloomberg, Mayor of the City of New York 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*
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| | Summer Update | 
Save Big Apple Greeter Update
Immediately
following our annual spring benefit in May, it was apparent that
special measures were going to be necessary to assure the continued
operation of Big Apple Greeter through the summer. [Read more]
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18th Annual Recognition Breakfast
More than 130 guests gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis on May
18, to join Big Apple Greeter in honoring community and volunteer
leaders whose public service has benefited the city, its communities
and its citizens. [Read more]
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Unsung Heroes
It has often been observed that challenging times bring out the best in
people, particularly in New York City where periodic crises seem to be
part of the normal rhythm of life. [Read more]
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Update on Save Big Apple Greeter Campaign
Immediately
following our annual spring benefit in May, it was apparent that
special measures were going to be necessary to assure the continued
operation of Big Apple Greeter through the summer. The Board and staff
promptly put together an action plan including six key components:
1.
The few remaining reductions in our operational budget that were
possible, including additional salary reductions for staff members,
were made, effective immediately;
2
. A public relations effort was launched to help raise awareness of the
serious situation we face, resulting in several excellent newspaper,
radio and television stories:
- A segment on Big Apple Greeter ran on nationally CNN's Your $$$$ on July 24
- A news story on actor and Big Apple Greeter friend Dominic Chianese appeared on New York City's Fox5 television on June 13
- An
interview with Founder Lynn Brooks aired on New York City's Fox5 Good
Day New York on June 15 along with a follow up piece posted on myfoxny.com
- An article was posted by Lisa Fickensher on CrainsNewYorkBusiness.com and appeared in print on June 20
- An article was posted by Katie Nelsen on NYDailyNews.com on June 20
- An article by Jeremy Olshan appeared in print in the New York Post and was posted on NYPost.com on June 21
- An article was posted by Kristin Hetland on 1010wins.com, on Friday, June 25
3.
Visitors, volunteers, friends and donors - past and present - were
approached for a special gift to help us through this tough period;
4.
Generous past corporate sponsors, grant organizations and city
officials were approached once again to assure them that we were doing
all that could be done despite the current financial constraints on us;
5.
While it was agreed that the Greeter program should remain free to
visitors as it has been since inception, a new museum style suggested
donation of $20.00 was instituted, effective immediately;
6. A special Web site, Save Big Apple Greeter
(savebigapplegreeter.org), was set up so campaign contributions could
be made conveniently and the progress of the campaign tracked from day
to day.
To
date approximately $94,000 has been raised. With a goal of $300,000 by
September 30th, this leaves us with a challenging couple of months
ahead, but with this program in place we remain hopeful that our goal
can be reached.
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Joseph Briller, The Hon. John C. Liu, Paul P. Mak (photo credit: Jerry Ruotolo)
18th Annual Recognition Breakfast Honors Those Who Serve NYC More
than 130 guests gathered at the New York Marriott Marquis on May 18, to
join Big Apple Greeter in honoring community and volunteer leaders
whose public service has benefited the city, its communities and its
citizens. Guests enjoyed their breakfasts as they were warmly welcomed
by Thomas G. Lewis, Big Apple Greeter's board chair, and Executive Director Alicia Pierro. Alicia Pierro performed the happy task of presenting the Greeter of the Year Award to Joseph Briller.
A greeter since 1993, Mr. Briller routinely draws extraordinary praise
from the visitors who enjoy his company, and his love and knowledge of
the city. Paul P. Mak, President and CEO, Brooklyn Chinese-American Association, was presented with the Community Service Award
for his exceptional leadership. Mr. Mak has been pivotal in raising
Brooklyn's Sunset Park area from its status as a struggling immigrant
neighborhood to its present position as "Brooklyn's Chinatown," a
dynamic, diverse and commercially thriving community. Mr. Mak received
the award from board member Patrick Condren, President, Patcon Associates, Ltd. This year's Public Service Award honored John C. Liu, recently elected Comptroller of The City of New York,
and former New York City Council Member representing District 20 in
Queens. Mr. Liu is the first Asian-American elected to public office in
New York City. Presenting the award was board member Vince Tabone, Esq., Director of Government Relations, Red Apple Group, Inc. No Big Apple Greeter gathering can be called complete without a few words from founder Lynn Brooks,
whose presence continues to inspire. Lynn thanked the audience and
expressed her gratitude to the morning's honorees, the board, and the
many volunteers who have enabled our many years of service to the city.
Following
closing remarks by Alicia Pierro, guests lingered and then went their
separate ways, appetites satisfied. What better way to begin a workday
than energized by a concentrated helping of the "buzz" unique to a
gathering of committed New Yorkers?
Big
Apple Greeter thanks the following organizations and individuals who
supported the 18th Annual Recognition Breakfast with their generous
donations: Karen Bell Con Edison Davler Media Gray Line New York Sightseeing JCPenney Metropolitan Transportation Authority MVP|NY The New York Times NYC & Company On Location Tours Rolling Press Printers Jerry Ruotolo Tiffany & Co. type-a-licious Village Alliance BID Wildlife Conservation Society/Bronx Zoo Zagat Survey
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Our Unsung Heroes (Photo credit: Paul Margolis for Big Apple Greeter) Unsung Heroes It
has often been observed that challenging times bring out the best in
people, particularly in New York City where periodic crises seem to be
part of the normal rhythm of life. That has certainly been our
experience at Big Apple Greeter. Everyone
knows about our wonderful Greeter volunteers, those 300-plus
individuals who are the face of the organization for the visitors who
find us every day. These individuals are the best, and continue to
carry out their responsibilities undistracted by the financial
difficulties we are currently encountering. Less
well known are other groups of volunteers who deserve special
recognition during this challenging time: our board members, office
volunteers and off-site volunteers. Like everyone at Big Apple Greeter
(except a tiny handful of permanent staff) our board members are
volunteers. For years they have selflessly given of their valuable time
and treasure -- not to mention leveraging their personal capital and
business prestige in New York City to establish and expand our program.
As you might imagine, during the past few months they have been asked
to respond to our challenge by redoubling their efforts. We are deeply
grateful for their unstinting loyalty, their sound professional advice,
their strategic insight and their old fashioned wisdom. Another
group deserving special recognition is our office volunteer pool. These
individuals number 35 at any given time and seem to have an unerring
instinct for bridging the inevitable gaps that occur in the leanly
staffed Big Apple Greeter operation, assuring that we continue to run
smoothly. Some have been with us for years and have helped build and
refine our day-to-day procedures; some find us for a short time during
a hiatus from working; some generously lend a specialized technical
skill or talent allowing us to save money on costly business services.
Whatever the case, we'd be lost without them. The
off-site volunteers include the photographers and graphic artists who
work on the Neighborhood Information Profiles you can find on our
website, our webmaster and other special project volunteers who work
remotely from the office. They lead busy lives, but are on-call when we
need help. We can say again, we would be lost without them. We
hope that the tens of thousands of visitors Big Apple Greeter has
served and the many others who simply admire the work we do will take
just a moment to appreciate these individuals who provide such
invaluable service behind the scenes.
-- written by Jack Olive
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Photo by Flicker user Don Juan Tenorio
Scrumptious Nibbles - The Great Outdoors in NYC The
city is abuzz with events and experiences in the summer and early fall.
Each borough offers activities unique to its history and community.
Here are 10 tempting outdoor day trips, reachable by public transit,
which take advantage of the long days and warm weather. THE BRONX
Wave Hill Public Garden and Cultural Center:
Wave Hill is a 28-acre public garden in the Bronx overlooking the
Hudson River and Palisades. The artistry of its gardens and landscapes
and its magnificent views provide a gateway into a separate world of
peace and beauty. For a preview of what you'll see, and to learn how to
get there, visit Wave Hill Garden.
Lying close by Wave Hill is the historic north-Manhattan Inwood neighborhood. To see its attractions, visit the Inwood Neighborhood Profile.
Bronx Culture Trolley:
Climb aboard a replica of an early 20th-century trolley car for a ride
along the cultural loop of the Bronx's lower Grand Concourse and nearby
areas. The trolley makes stops to visit the area s attractions: art
exhibits, poetry readings, films, theatrical performances and
restaurants. The service is usually available on the first Wednesday
evening of the month, and the remaining summer date is August 4th.
After that, the next scheduled run will be October 6th. For more
information about the trolley and for directions, visit Bronx Culture Trolley. For more on the area, visit the Concourse Village Neighborhood Profile.
BROOKLYN
Prospect Park:
In addition to its beauty and variety as an urban oasis, the park is a
busy hub of activity, offering free concerts, picnic and barbecue
sites, and nature-related interests. To learn about them, and for
travel directions, visit Prospect Park.
A dynamic neighborhood bordering the park also offers rich experiences for the visitor. Visit the Park Slope Neighborhood Profile for more information.
The New York Aquarium:
Occupying 14 acres on Coney Island next to the beach and the Atlantic
Ocean, the New York Aquarium boasts over 350 species of aquatic
wildlife. You can enjoy up-close observations of sea lions, penguins,
octopuses, sea otters, walruses and sharks as well as jelly fish, sea
stars and horseshoe crabs. The sea lions perform a water ballet, and
animal feedings are fun to watch. Find directions and details at New York Aquarium.
While
you're in historic Coney Island, you can also enjoy the seaside along
the boardwalk, the amusement park rides, fireworks, and a variety of
food. Learn more at Coney Island Neighborhood Profile.
QUEENS
Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge:
One of the largest bird sanctuaries in the northeastern U.S is the
Jamaica Bay Wildlife. Its diverse habitats include salt marsh, upland
fields and woods, fresh and brackish water ponds, and host an array of
native reptiles, amphibians, small mammals, over 60 species of
butterflies, and many native plants and wildflowers.
Take
a nature-study tour with a National Park Services Ranger, or a
self-guided walk along the easy trail. For directions and information,
visit Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge.
The refuge is the best place in the city to see migrating birds between
late July and late August. For more specific information about
birdwatching, visit Birdwatching at Jamaica Bay.
Forest Park:
If you enjoy nature, sports or both, you'll find enjoyment at Forest
Park. Its 165-acre area is the home of the largest uninterrupted oak
forest in Queens and of hickory, pine and dogwood trees. You can take a
leisurely walk in the woods, and there are nature, running, biking and
horseback riding trails.
The
park also has facilities for running, handball and baseball, and an
8-hole golf course. Events include "Dancing Under the Stars", concerts
at the bandshell, and performances of Shakespeare. For details visit Forest Park Visitors Guide.
STATEN ISLAND
Great Kills Park:
This park features an inlet harbor and barrier ocean beach where
visitors can enjoy sunning, swimming, fishing, boating, bird-watching,
biking, jogging, rollerblading and model airplane flying. National Park
Service Rangers lead nature walks and hikes; the most popular walk
follows the Blue Dot Trail, a one-and-a-half-mile path offering great
views of diverse wildlife and natural habitats. Directions and more
information are available at Great Kills.
Miller Field:
A former Army Air Corps base, today Miller Field serves as the site of
many sports and recreation facilities as well as offering an escape to
nature for many New Yorkers. Its Swamp White Oak Forest is a secluded
spot where 300 species of birds make their homes. Go jogging or hiking,
wade in the surf, or take a break and stroll along the shore of the
lower harbor. You can also pack a picnic or enjoy the cricket, soccer,
baseball and softball fields at World War Veterans Park. The field is
part of Gateway National Recreation Area. Directions and details about
all the park's offerings are available at Miller Field.
MANHATTAN
The High Line:
One of New York City's newest parks, the High Line was created from an
abandoned section of an elevated freight railroad. Today, it is a
visitors' delight, offering a unique city experience. The park's
plantings reflect the "wild" landscape that grew naturally on the old
tracks, including 210 species of meadow plants, grasses, and
wildflowers. A walk along this "greenway" presents unusual views of the
Hudson River and the city. The High Line is as lovely at night as
during the day. For more, visit The High Line.
Boating in Central Park:
Among the many activities available in Central Park, boating on the
lake in the summer is one of the most enjoyable. Located centrally, the
lake is 22-acres wide and a great place to relax and float along. One
hundred row boats as well as kayaks are for rent between the hours of
10 a.m. and dusk. For information on location and costs, and to learn
about the many events, activities and places to see in the park, visit Central Park.
-- written by Lee Frankel
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|  Photo by Big Apple Greeter "Fan" Mail
We receive many wonderful comments from visitors on their Big Apple Greeter experiences. Here are just a few!
We
were thrilled to recognize the courthouse [at 60 Centre Street in Foley
Square], from Law and Order and the movie, Wall Street. We took
pictures at the top of the courthouse steps. Visitors from Australia and the UK
I love New York City. This is where I want to live when I finish school. 20-year-old from Arizona
I haven't seen any supermarkets in Manhattan. Do New Yorkers always eat out? Visitors from The Netherlands
New York City is more beautiful than Paris. Visitors from Argentina
I learned a lot more about New York than a guidebook could give. Visitor from the UK
We discovered eateries which we never have found on our own. I also now understand tipping. Visitor from the UK
I felt so comfortable, as if I had become a New York citizen. Visitor from Italy
We could not believe that five people could eat for $20 in Chinatown. Visitor from Ohio
I saw places I've never heard of, as well as the stoop from Sex and the City. Visitor from Australia
With our greeter, I never felt like I was a tourist. I was treated more like a friend. Visitor from Germany
We discovered another New York, different from the one we see in films and on TV. Visitor from France
We would love to hear what you have to say about your experience, so please send us your story!
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American Ballet Photo: Paul Margolis for Big Apple Greeter New on the Website
American Ballet Theatre Soloist Is Greeter for a Day
Recently, two Dutch visitors to New York enjoyed an unexpected visit behind the scenes at American Ballet Theatre. Click here to read more.
Volunteer Greeters Pioneer New Neighborhoods
Even native New Yorkers find places in the city they've never been to
before. That's why our Volunteer Greeters often set out on adventures
to explore the "nooks and crannies" of the five boroughs. Recently,
groups embarked on three trips: to Fort Greene in northwest Brooklyn
whose history began in the American revolution; to the Greater Astoria
Historical Society and its 3600 views of the metropolitan area; and to
that venerable home of the great American hot dog, Coney Island. Click here to read more.
Learn the Latest from Our Neighborhood Profiles
No matter how well you know the city, there's always something new a
place you've never seen, a neighborhood that's changed, a new activity.
To keep up with our ever-changing city, you'll find two new
Neighborhood Information Profiles and two updated ones on our website
that might whet your appetite for new adventures in New York.
Concourse Village
in the Bronx is the historic home of the New York Yankees and Yankee
Stadium, close by some very modern art, theatrical, dance and musical
venues, parks, and restaurants that reflect the vibrant ethnic mix of
the neighborhood. Click Bronx Culture Trolley for the trolley's scheduled runs, which include stops so visitors can alight and take time for the many available offerings.
Brooklyn has seen some major neighborhood changes, among them in Williamsburg,
where the avant-garde has arrived with modern art galleries, a lively
nightlife that draws a hip, young crowd as well as a wide range of
restaurants, shopping and waterside parks with Manhattan views.
A look at the updated profile for Arthur Avenue & Belmont will leave you hungry for the wonderful restaurant-eating, fresh food markets and gourmet shopping located there.
The newest profile for DUMBO reflects its continued development as a hub for artists, families, art galleries, and good food.
Click here to view all of Big Apple Greeter's Neighborhood Information Profiles.
-- written by Lee Frankel
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About Big Apple Greeter:
Founded in 1992, Big Apple Greeter's mission is to enhance New York
City's worldwide image while enriching the City experience for its
visitors. Connecting with business and leisure visitors from all over
the US and the world, Greeters take visitors on informal, unscripted
walks through one or more neighborhoods in any of the five boroughs,
promote tourism throughout the City, and help visitors discover the
ease of using public transportation. Over 300 volunteer Greeters
collectively speak almost 25 languages and enjoy giving their time
and energy back to their hometown. Since its founding, Big Apple
Greeter - a free public service- has welcomed over 90,000 visitors and
been featured in thousand of newspapers, magazines, and television and
radio programs all over the world, reaching an audience of over two
billion potential visitors to New York City. Big Apple Greeter is proud
to partner with NYC & Company, the Metropolitan Transportation
Authority and the Make-A-Wish Foundation(R) of Metro New York.
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