"Today we are pleased to release our fowl friend, Hedda Gobbler, into the safe and breathtakingly beautiful environs of Morningside Park," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe. "For several weeks this spring, neighborhood residents reported seeing a wild turkey in this park, then it suddenly disappeared. While we cannot be certain that this is the same turkey, it appears that Miss Gobbler was jealous of the attention that Easter bunnies and chicks were receiving and, by taking a leisurely stroll at the Riverton Houses, decided to seek its own publicity. We are grateful to the NYPD Emergency Service Unit and Animal Care and Control for kindly apprehending and caring for this social bird."

On April 12, Detective Laura Gulenyan and Detective Henry Medina of the NYPD Emergency Service Unit collared Hedda Gobbler, a wild turkey that was roaming among the grounds of the Riverton Apartment Complex at East 135^th Street. Rather than booking her, she was turned over to Animal Care & Control for safekeeping. The Parks Department is pleased to release Miss Gobbler into Morningside Park where she can thrive in a safe and quiet environment.

Hedda Gobbler was released in front of the Dr. Thomas Kiel Arboretum. This is a quiet locale with a variety of foliage and terrain including open fields, fenced-in areas of flowers and shrubs, and a bedrock that offers nesting spots.

Hedda Gobbler is named after Henrik Ibsens character, Hedda Gabler. Hedda craved her freedom and was committed to social conventions. Likewise, our "fowl" friend is also highly social and independence oriented. By habitating Morningside Park, Hedda Gobbler will join Zelda in Battery Park as famous New York City turkeys.

As part of the Earth Day kick-off, Commissioner Benepe led the children in a song of "Happy Birthday to the Earth". The commissioner emphasized to the children the necessity of caring for the planet and its water supply, and he pointed out many beautiful natural wonders that depend on our commitment to being kind to the earth. Birds, noted the commissioner, depend on healthy parks and clean waterand he pointed out several examples in the skies above Prospect Park. To demonstrate the importance of water to the health of the environmentand to mark the beginning of Earth Day events in Prospect Park and around the Citychildren engaged in three fun activities and demonstrations. In Water is Everywhere, ecologists introduced the children to the water cycle through a game. In Water Gives Life, they learned the importance of water by planting and watering native oat grass seeds. Finally, in Saving Water at Home, the kids created magnets to take home to remind them of what they learned that day.

Earth Day events are part of Experience Spring, a citywide festival celebrating the beauty of the season in the City's parks. Additional events included the annual Central Park Conservancys Earth Day Fair in Central Park at the Great Hill, the Columbia University Community Reach Day, a clean-up held in parks around northern Manhattan, Starbucks Earth Day at Morningside Park, which included painting, planting, cleaning, and other environmentally-based projects, and Earth Fest in Pelham Bay Park, which included a petting zoo, music, and educational activities for families.

As the many well-attended events held around the City demonstrated, Earth Day is an effective way to remind New Yorkers about the global importance of our environment, as well as the necessity to focus on local projects in neighborhood parks.

Target donated $35,000 to sponsor the holiday decorations in City Hall Park as well as in Joyce Kilmer Park in the Bronx and Cadman Plaza in Brooklyn, which will be in place through February. Parks & Recreation designed the festive display of plantings in the Mould Fountain of City Hall Park. New Yorkers will enjoy a selection of winter plants decorating the fountain, with greenery including red dogwood, juniper, boxwood, spruce (known as Christmas trees), and white birch. Over 450 ornaments will hang from the display, created by students from downtown schools P.S. 1, P.S. 42, P.S. 234, and by children participating in free after school programs at Alfred E. Smith Recreation Center, Carmine Recreation Center, Hamilton Fish Recreation Center, 59^th Street Recreation Center, Morningside Park Recreation Center, Thomas Jefferson Recreation Center, and Highbridge Recreation Center. White lights will brighten up the display and boughs will adorn light poles and the entrance to City Hall. Many thanks to all the Parkies and the Mayors Office of Special Events that helped with this years display and celebration. Thousands of New Yorkers pass through City Hall Park each day and will be dazzled by the trees and plants.

Though it was cold, attendees were warmed during the program with hot chocolate and donuts, generously donated by the Riese Organization. In addition to the singing, there were four elves, clad in bright tights and point hats, to entertain the audience. These New Yorkers took part in a long-standing tradition that began on December 24, 1913, when then acting Mayor Ardolph Kline invited a young boy to help him light the first Christmas tree at City Hall.

City Hall Park has played a key role in New York civic life for centuries from its Colonial beginnings as a rebel outpost to its current function as the seat of City government. In 1999 a $39.2 million project fully restored the park, adding a central walkway and gardens and replacing pavement with grass and trees. The Mould Fountain with its original granite base was returned to the park with a reconstructed centerpiece and lighting fixtures and a circular tablet at the southern end of the park was added to educate visitors about the history of the site.

"Without hope we live in desire."

(1265-1321)

With an overall cleanliness rating of 99.4%, Staten Islands District 1 achieved the highest cleanliness rating for any district citywide. This was also an improvement over already high cleanliness ratings of 97.4% in 2002 and 94.5% in 2001. District 1 is not easy to maintain: it has the oldest facilities in the borough and includes popular parks such as Cloves Lakes and Silver Lake. Additionally, without fixed-post staff, District 1 depends entirely on mobile crews.

Gary Zerilli, District 1s manager, gives all the credit to his staff. "A manager is only as good as his team. They know what to do every day and they take care of business." District 1s stellar staff includes: Michael Schmiedel, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Mark Schulz, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Maryellen Burtner, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Benard Chan, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Michael Langworthy, City Park Worker; Arthur Caprario, Sr., City Park Worker; Dominick Trimarco, Maintenance Worker; Floyd Douglas, Associate Park Service Worker; George Balletto, Associate Park Service Worker; Lorraine Herbst, City Park Worker; Myrna Ramirez, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Brenda Boone, City Park Worker; Jennie Boone-Douglas, City Park Worker; Douglas Brown, City Park Worker; Patricia Magnani, City Park Worker; Antoinette Monte, City Park Worker; Mary Ann Morton, City Park Worker; Joseph Ficarra, City Park Worker; Joe DiOrio, City Park Worker; and Kaye Garrett, City Park Worker.

In fiscal year 2003, Manhattans District 9 achieved 99% acceptable ratings for all landscape related features. It was one of the best scores citywide and, coupled with Manhattans recent horticulture initiatives, District 9 was a shoo-in for "greenest district." The addition of two dedicated zone gardeners has resulted in new flowerbeds, sight lines and plantings. Rejuvenated areas include the hillside terrace at St. Nicholas Park, and the hillsides, walking paths, and pond at Morningside Park. The staff is also introducing new plant species to the district. District 9 has led the way in making parks not only clean, but beautiful.

Tricia Daniel, District 9s manager, complimented her staffs perseverance. "Our horticulture staff has faced such obstacles as theft and vandalismtheyre dealing with people trampling their stuff and stealing plants. But they just keep working away, every day, keeping the park looking great. Im glad their hard work has been recognized." District 9s hard-working staff includes: Tricia Daniel, Supervisor; Scott Farrington, Gardener; Marechal Brown, Gardener; Maddan Sahairam, SPMO; Paul Reilly, SPMO; William R. Carswell, City Park Worker and Juan D. Florian, City Park Worker.

In Brooklyns District 2, the cleanliness rating has improved steadily and dramatically over the past three years: going from 87.9% in 2001 to 90.1% in 2002, and now 95.7% in 2003. District 9 includes some of the boroughs most high profile and busy parks including Borough Hall, Cadman Plaza, Brooklyn Heights Promenade, Fort Greene, and Commodore Barry Park.

Lena Neglia, District 2s Manager said she was very proud of the staffs hard work. "We were all very proud. It was nice to see our work recognized by the entire agency. It also gives us an incentive to keep doing a good job." District 2s staff includes: Frank Legari, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Natalie Sewell, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; John Carbonaro, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Walter Billings, Maintenance Worker; Fred Arroyo, WEP Crew Chief; James Mack, Associate Park Service Worker; Andrea Lyons, Associate Park Service Worker; Walter Hernandez, Associate Park Service Worker; Philbert Parson, City Park Worker; Samuel Poe, City Park Worker; John Esposito, City Park Worker and William Green, City Park Worker.

The district that improved the most last year was Queens District 4. Their ratings increased impressively, going from 77.4% in FY02 to 89.3% in FY03. This was the largest one year improvement of all districts at Parks & Recreation. The district also reached 89.3% for cleanliness in FY03, which was up 10.1% from FY02. District 9 includes Linden Park, Hoffman Park, Walter Crowley Playground, and American Triangle.

David Dentham, District 4s Manager, credits the improvement to the staffs resourcefulness: "Because we had a decrease in staff, we had to find new ways to keep the district going. We worked with the Department of Probation and the community to keep the parks clean. My supervisors were especially diligent and attentive to the overall operations of the district." District 4s staff includes: Robert Devlin, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; John Locascio, Supervisor of Parks Maintenance and Operations; Harry Avenia, City Park Worker; Frank Antalek, Crew Chief; Winston Hernandez, City Park Worker and Jeffrey Blount, City Park Worker.

"To have great poets, there must be great audiences, too."

(1819-1892)

"Im pleased that weve been able to sustain the program which has proven to be an effective way to preserve our outdoor art collection as well as serving as a vehicle for training individuals entering the profession," said Parks & Recreation Director of Art and Antiquities Jonathan Kuhn, whose division oversees the program.

Knowledge of any part of Schurzs life reveals how deserving he is of both a park and monument in his honor. Carl Schurz (1829-1906) led a remarkable life on both sides of the Atlantic and was always a champion of democracy and freedom. In his early years, the Prussian-born youth participated in several democratic rebellions which led to his imprisonment and escape. Eventually settling in New York City in 1881, he quickly mastered the English language, earned a law degree, and soon established a reputation as a skilled orator. He was considered to be instrumental in the election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 and was a staunch abolitionist. During the Civil War, he served as a Major General in the Union army, and afterwards, he prepared a report on post-war racial integration in the Southern states for President Andrew Johnson. In his later years, Schurz was editor of the New York Tribune and an editorial writer for Harpers Weekly. He continued to be an outspoken advocate of civil service reform.

After his death, money was raised for a monument in his honor. In 1913, New Yorkers dedicated the monument which was designed and created by sculptor Karl Bitter (18671915) and architect Henry Bacon (18661924). Bacon was also the architect of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C. Bitter sculpted the statue of Pomona atop the Pulitzer Fountain in Manhattans Grand Army Plaza, among other works. Their completed monument honoring the life and humanistic achievements of Schurz consists of a full standing bronze portrait of Schurz in the center of a granite exedra (curved bench) with carved reliefs depicting "The Advancement and Betterment of Man" and "The Liberation of the Slaves" framed by two ornamental bronze luminaries. Incidentally, the statue and its carved reliefs were once the backdrop of a series of photographs taken of the band "The Who" during a visit to New York City in the summer of 1968.

This conservation marks the third performed in Morningside Park by the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program crew since its creation in 1997. In the programs first season, conservators there restored the Seligman Fountain as well as the Washington and Lafayette monument. The current conservation underway consists of a sensitive removal of soiling and corrosive streaks which disfigure the bronze sculpture. Patina chemicals must also be applied to the heated metal to reestablish the original bronze luster, and protective coatings are added to preserve the surface hue. The granite is also being cleaned of surface pollutants, leached lime from the mortar joints, residual graffiti and biological growth, and the masonry is being repointed. Archival research has been conducted to ensure that the conservation is historically correct. Because the sculpture stands at the edge of a 100-foot cliff, conservators have brought in an 80-foot-long cherry picker to allow work to be conducted in areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

This years conservation team includes several interns, who come from varied places including Vermont, Illinois, Berlin, andmore locallyStaten Island and Brooklyn. "Its a great group of rather far-flung people," said Kuhn. "And theyve gelled well as a group learning from each other as well as their able instructors Martha Seelenberger and Jon Cole."

The work conducted by the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program, under the direction of Parks & Recreation, would not be possible without the generous support from the American Express Company, the National Architectural Trust and the Samuel H. Kress Foundation. The Citywide Monuments Conservation Program has received preservation awards from the New York Landmarks Conservancy (2003), and New York City Art Commission (2002). Other conservation projects slated for this summer include the Puerto Rican Sun statue in the Bronx and the portrait bust of Alexander Skene in Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn.

"Life is made of sobs, sniffles, and smiles, with sniffles predominating."

(1862-1910)

"We are lauding your program for its commitment to cherish and protect historic monuments in all the boroughs of New York City," wrote New York Landmarks Conservancy President Peg Breen in a congratulatory letter to Parks & Recreation.

"We take our inspiration from the words of George Washington inscribed on the south entablature of the Washington Square Arch: Let us raise a standard to which the wise and honest can repair," said Mr. Kuhn. "The Program utilizes the collection as a teaching laboratory, taking care though not to treat historical artifacts or artworks as guinea pigs, but instead using them as instructional objects, where college and graduate-level apprentices receive direct supervision and rigorous training from a small but dedicated staff."

Parks & Recreation has in its custody the most extensive municipal collection of public art and monuments in the nation. This "outdoor museum," open to the public for free from dawn to dusk, numbers more than 1200 sites, and includes more than 300 items of sculptural significance. Many of the artworks are by the American masters of the 19^th and 20^th centuries. The commemorative monuments honor the heights of human achievement and the depths of human sacrifice; they are permanent reminders of the people and events which shaped our city, the nation and the world.

In 1997, the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program was launched with two initial goals: to augment through private investment the Citys care of its public art collection and to train the next generation of conservators. The program structure replicates on a citywide basis the successful model in Central Park, in which a small dedicated professional staff is assisted in the summer season by student trainees. In its first six years, the program has conserved 41 sculptural pieces, and maintained (often on an annual basis) 71 additional sculptures. Forty interns have received training in the methods and precepts of outdoor sculpture conservation.

Members of the programs staff include Mark Rabinowitz, Robin Gerstad, Martha Seelenberger, Jonathan Kuhn, Molly McDonald, John Cole, John Zimny, and Victor Riddick. The program recruits interns from a broad pool of applicants enrolled in college and graduate-level programs in historic preservation, objects conservation, fine arts and art history. Trainees have been culled from every region of the United States, and have come from Venezuela, Denmark, Chile, New Zealand, Canada, Puerto Rico and Germany. More recently the program has partnered with the Brooklyn High School for the Arts' Preservation Program in its search for qualified apprentices.

Pieces scheduled for conservation this summer include the Carl Schurz Monument in Manhattans Morningside Park (1913, Karl Bitter, sculptor, and Henry Bacon, architect), the Puerto Rican Sun, a 25-foot-tall archway made of Cor-Ten steel in Fox Park in the Bronx (1979, Raphael Ferrer), and the bust of Alexander J.C. Skene at Brooklyns Grand Army Plaza (1905).

Major funders of the Citywide Monuments Conservation Program have included the Florence Gould Foundation, the Laurance Rockefeller Fund, the David Schwartz Foundation, the Samuel H. Kress Foundation, and the American Express Company, and the American Battle Monuments Commission.

This year, the New York Landmarks Conservancy celebrated its 30^th anniversary of preserving and protecting New Yorks unique architectural heritage. Since 1973, the Conservancy has advocated for preservation, and has awarded nearly $22 million in loans and grants. The Lucy G. Moses Preservation Awards are the Conservancys highest honors for excellence in historic preservation and are named in honor of dedicated New Yorkers who generously helped the city for half a century through gifts to hospitals, universities, cultural institutions, and parks.

"Ideals are like stars; you will not succeed in touching them with your hands. But like the seafaring man on the desert of waters, you choose them as your guides, and following them you will reach your destiny."

(1829-1906)

New York Cares could not resist his enthusiasm, so yes, SPMO Joe Reyes did "get the part." Sara D. Roosevelt was one of the 38 parks and gardens across the city where more than 3,000 New York Cares volunteers cleaned and greened on Saturday, May 3^rd.

Parks & Recreation Commissioner Adrian Benepe spoke at Morningside Park, one of the sites for the 9^th Annual New York Cares Spring Clean Up Day. He stated "New York Cares volunteers will use 392 gallons of paint, 1130 paintbrushes, 247 rakes, 379 trowels, 146 paint rollers, 28,000 square feet of drop cloths and thousands of pounds of soil, mulch and woodchips, as they work to clean and revitalize our citys green spaces. Last year, New York Cares put more than 5,400 volunteers to work with $40,000 in donated supplies, in parks and community gardens across the city."

New York Cares mission is to unite and enable caring New Yorkers to help people in need and improve our city through volunteer service and creative giving. Teams on Spring Clean Up Day come from a variety of organizations including alumni associations, foundations, corporations, environmental groups and individuals.

At Astoria Park in Queens, volunteers completed their projects so quickly, cleaning leaves and debris out of the pool and painting pipe railing along Shore Boulevard, that Parks & Recreation Manager (PRM) David Bentham had to quickly create new projects. Volunteers at Isham Park in Northern Manhattan would not even pause long enough to listen to Parkies thanking them for their hard work, as they were too busy raking and pruning trees.

But even the best volunteer projects can have their drawbacks for some. "Theres lines!" exclaimed a group of boys at Aqueduct Walk Park in the Bronx, seeing the newly painted game lines on the basketball courts. "Now we have to play by the rules!" The paint barely had enough time to dry, before the courts were filled with young children and teenagers playing basketball.

Happy with another successful Spring Clean Up Day, Peter Crumlish, Director of Partnerships for Parks, stated "New York Cares consistently recruits energetic, eager volunteers for this day every spring. Partnerships tries to direct them to parks in neighborhoods that could use their energy, and works with the borough operations to design extraordinary projects that might not otherwise get done. Its great to drive around the city that day and see the hordes of volunteers at various sites toiling away and having fun. By the end of the day the volunteers have usually fallen in love with a park they never knew existed."

Please stay tuned, as the volunteer season has just begun. Close to 5,000 people will beautify and celebrate in over 200 parks across the city, on Saturday, May 17, for the annual "Its My Park!" Day. Coordinated by Partnerships for Parks, Parkies from the Natural Resources Group to Maintenance and Operations, from Recreation to the Urban Park Rangers and more, all are doing their part to make this day a huge success. To learn about projects happening in your district or neighborhood park, visit the Partnerships for Parks website at www.itsmypark.org.

"A poet can survive everything but a misprint."

(1854-1900)

Calling all bicyclists! Friday, May 9 is Bike to Work Day and New Yorkers are encouraged to commute to work by bike. Bike to Work Day is part of Bike Week NYC. Bike Week celebrates the fun, convenience and ease of cycling in NYC. Cycling is good for you, good for the environment and good for New York City. Whether you are one of the citys 100,000 everyday cyclists, a weekend cyclist or just thinking about cycling to work, Bike Week has an event for you. Below is a list of safety tips to make that commute to work safe and fun.

"Bike Week 2003 is a great incentive for New Yorkers to get outdoors and experience the parks and neighborhoods of the city," said Parks & Recreation Commissioner Benepe. "Building a greenway around New York City is a top priority for this administration and we are pleased to be working with DOT to make it a reality."

Bicycles are vehicles and must obey traffic laws

Always yield to pedestrians and stay off sidewalks

Be alert for opening car doors

Check your brakes

Pump up your tires

Adjust the seat

Use front and rear lights at night

Lock your bike

Wear a helmet

Dress smart

Drink lots of water

"The gem cannot be polished without friction, nor man perfected without trials."

Chinese Proverb

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 12:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m.

Van Cortlandt Park (Broadway and West 246th Street), Bronx

Parks & Recreation joins the Friends of Van Cortlandt Park for a fun-filled Earth Day event for the entire family. The event includes a visit from Smokey Bear and free Stonyfield Yogurt to the first 500 takers. Activities include creating EcoCrafts, planting seeds, live birds of prey and reptiles, making birdfeeders, and tie-dying t-shirts for first 50 participants. The Urban Park Rangers will also lead nature activities. Groups participating include the NYS Dept. of Environmental Conservation, Bronx Sierra Club, City Parks Foundation, NY Restoration Project, NY/NJ Trail Conference, and Commuter Link.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 1:00 p.m.

Crotona Park Nature Center, Crotona Park, Bronx

Parks & Recreations Urban Park Rangers will help volunteers plant different shrubs and flowers to attract butterflies to the park. Butterfly bush, yellow giant hyssop, common milkweed, asters, zinnias, Black Eyed Susan, and echinacea are among the plantings that may be added to the park.

Sunday, April 27, 2003, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Pelham Bay Park (Enter the park at Middletown Rd. and Bruckner Blvd.), Bronx

Parks & Recreation joins the Friends of Pelham Bay and Con Edison to celebrate nature. Children and adults will enjoy hands-on environmental exhibits and crafts including painting an "Earth Ball." The Museum of Natural History's "Moveable Museum" will feature a dinosaur exhibit. Performances include the Latin Jazz Alliance, musician and television performer Patricia Shih and the Contemporary Ballet Theatre. The Urban Park Rangers will lead environmental workshops, and as a special treat, Bill Deckert with the NYS Falconry Association will bring birds of prey, including hawks and owls.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 8:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Prospect Park Audubon Center, (Enter at Lincoln Rd. and Ocean Ave), Brooklyn

Parks & Recreation and the Prospect Park Alliance celebrate the birthdays of John J. Audubon, Frederick Law Olmsted and the Prospect Park Audubon Center with a special bird walk lead by Audubon Center Director Glenn Philips.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Great Hill, Central Park, (106^th Street and Central Park West), Manhattan

Parks & Recreation and the Central Park Conservancy join thousands of New Yorkers for: "Youth Sharing Their Hearts in Central Park." The event includes numerous hands-on environmental crafts and activities along with musical performances of earth and child friendly lyrics by Stella Moon and Toni Wisti. The Urban Park Rangers and Central Park Conservancy docents will lead ecology tours at the event.

Saturday, April 26, & Sunday April 27, 11:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.

Arsenal Gallery in Central Park (East 64^th Street & Fifth Avenue), Manhattan

Parks & Recreation joins the NYC Audubon to present free screenings of "Pale Male," an award-winning documentary about a red-tailed hawk that lives on top of a building overlooking Central Park. The screenings will be followed by a guided walk to the Conservatory Water near the Boathouse to view Pale Male, his mate and their offspring via telescope.

Sunday, April 27, 2003, 10:00 a.m.

Morningside Park (121^st Street & Morningside Avenue), Manhattan

Parks & Recreation, Friends of Morningside Park, Starbucks Coffee and Columbia University join volunteers to spruce up the park for spring. Volunteers will be planting, wood chipping and painting in the park.

Saturday, April 26, 2003, 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Alley Pond Woodland Nature Center, Alley Pond Park, Queens

Parks & Recreation joins hundreds of Queens families to celebrate Earth Day 2003. The event will include plantings, live music, environmental crafts and games, youth performances, a bungee run, gyroscope, exhibits by national and local environmental organizations, free giveaways and more. Parks Enforcement Patrols mounted unit will also be on hand to teach the public about horses. Rain date is May 3, 2003.

New York Citys parks were swept back into the winter when an unusually late snowstorm blanketed the north east with three to six inches of snow yesterday. But while most stayed indoors, the daffodils stood their ground. From Staten Islands Clove Lakes Park to the Brooklyn Heights Promenade to Morningside Park, the daffodils were golden bits of spring in a winter-white landscape.

You may have heard about the new test to be a New York City tour guide. In keeping with this updated exam, Parks & Recreation thought we would offer our own mini Parks quiz, just for fun. Choose the best possible answers. Look for the answer key in tomorrows Daily Plant.

1.) What is the total number of parks and playgrounds under Parks & Recreation?

1. 942
2. 600
3. 1,726
4. 2,405

2.) How many houses within the Historic House Trust are currently open to the public?

A) 16
B) 41
C) 20
D) 9

3.) When did Seward Park, the nations first municipally built playground, open?

A) 1704
B) 1861
C) 1895
D) 1903

4.) How many gallons of water are used to fill Astoria Pool?

1. 7 million
2. 2.3 million
3. 800,000
4. 1.4 million

5.) Who is the lead sponsor of the 57^th Annual Easter Eggstravaganza on Saturday, April 19 in Central Park?

A) Hormel Deli
B) Newmark Real Estate
C) Starburst Jelly Beans
4) Egglands Best

6.) What is the name of the only lighthouse under the jurisdiction of Parks & Recreation?

A) Jeffreys Hook Lighthouse - "Little Red Lighthouse"
B) Sams Anchor Lighthouse - "Little Red Lighthouse"
C) Manhattans Oldest Lighthouse - "Little Red Lighthouse"
D) Smith Hook Lighthouse - "Little Red Lighthouse"

7.) What is the total acreage to date of City parkland?

A) 28,634 acres
B) 20,000 acres
C) 14,000 acres
D) 35,000 acres

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Life is painting a picture, not doing a sum."

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr.

(1841-1935)

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant15467 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=15467

Sherry Lee is the Citywide Services Employee of the Month

Sherry graduated from Cornell and began with Parks on June 30, 2001 as an Analyst with Operations. As Operations lead analyst, Sherry spearheads a number of complex technical projects including administration of the Maintenance Control Management System (MCMS) that is used to monitor vehicle repair, and oversight over the Storehouse Management System (SMS) that tracks Parks $4.5 million in inventory. Sherry took a lead role in our two year effort to revamp storehouse operations including developing new analytical reports and inspections, and helping to start "PACT Delivers". This fall, Sherry also played a lead role in our initial efforts to conduct user surveys throughout the park system. For bringing her skill and commitment to a number of challenging projects, Sherry was nominated by Chief of Operations Keith T. Kerman.

Maura A. Hegarty is the Management Employee of the Month

Maura began with Parks on April 2, 2001 with OMP. She served as an analyst helping with our inspection program until moving up to Government Relations in spring 2002. Working with Allison Wenger, Maura helps spearhead a number of inter-governmental efforts including preparing for city council hearings and meetings with individual council members. Maintaining and expanding our partnerships with all branches of government is vital to Parks efforts to continue improving services. Friendly, reasonable and smart, Maura is building bridges throughout government that help support Parks. She was co-nominated by Deputy Commissioner Jeffrey and Director of Government Relations Allison Wenger.

Dejon Williams is the Manhattan Employee of the Month

Dejon is a Playground Associate and has been with Parks since July 8, 1999. He started as a seasonal with Summer Fun at Morningside Park. After two successful summers there, he earned a full-time position at J. Hood Wright Recreation Center. Dejon works closely with children and teens at the center, helping them stay fit and mentoring them. Dejon coaches baseball, basketball, and Manhattans championship flag football team that went to the Citywide Finals two years in a row. He also helped develop the PAL, HealthPlus 2002 Summer Baseball League and the Youth Environmental & Science Society Program. For his strong interest in youth and support of Manhattan Recreation, Dejon was nominated by Chief of Manhattan Recreation Chris Clouden.

Alfred M. Holden is the Queens Employee of the Month

Alfred is an APSW and has been with Parks since September 16, 1999. Alfred serves as the Horticultural Crew Chief for Forest Park. He supervises and trains up to 8 crew members consisting of PACT, POPs and seasonal staff. He teaches his staff proper planting and pruning techniques, landscape bed design, plant identification, and power tool usage. Together, they then set out to transform and beautify the park. His many projects include renovation of Sgt. Shaeffer Oval, turf repair at the Picnic Area, installation of the 9/11 Memorial Garden at the Bandshell, and the Daffodil Project. This year Alfred also oversaw the Garden Stewards Program, that involved 12 volunteer groups and 218 volunteers. Flexible and devoted, Alfred was nominated by Landscape Manager Josephine Scalia and PRM David Bentham.

Jeffrey R. Tolwinski is the Staten Island Employee of the Month

Jeffrey is a CPW and has been with Parks since January 12, 1987. He works in District 2, Willowbrook Park, where his duties include operating a mini-packer and grass tractors, and working with the boro-wide herbicide spray crews. Jeff always keeps an eye out for PIP issues and reports them to supervisors immediately. He helped District 2 achieve an overall condition rating of 92.2% in 2002. Jeff always goes above and beyond to get the job done. For effective contribution to Staten Island, Jeff was nominated by SPMO Jerome Candrilli.

A LITERAY COMPANION TO PARKS

By Hannah Gersen

Today, some observations of park life from Jerry Seinfelds book, Seinlanguage, published in 1993:

"On my block, a lot of people walk their dogs and I always see them walking along with their little poop bagsIf aliens are watching this through their telescopes, theyre going to think that dogs are the leaders of the planet. If you see two life forms, one of thems making the poop, the other ones carrying it for them, who would you assume is in charge?"

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"You say that you are my judge; I do not know if you are;

but take good heed not to judge me ill, because you would put yourself

in great peril."

Joan Of Arc

(c.14121431)

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant14502 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=14502 Note: This program no longer exists. For information on similar summer fun, please visit our Playground Associate Program page.


Over the next seven weeks, thousands of children will be visiting their local parks daily to enjoy sports, arts, and educational activities under the leadership of exceptional Parks staff. Seventeen of the citys most popular parks will host Summer Fun in the Playground, a free, drop-in recreation program for children ages 6 to 14 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. If you know children who love to play and learn with other kids, please let them know about Summer Fun or call Central Recreation at (212) 360-3300 for more information. There is no need to register. Children can stop by any time.

This years Summer Fun sites are:

Bronx
Haffen Park -- Burke Avenue & Gunther Avenue
St. James Park -- 192nd Street & Jerome Avenue
St. Marys Park -- 145th Street & St. Anns Avenue
Zimmerman Playground -- Britton Street & Olinville Avenue

Brooklyn
Fermi Park -- Troutman Street & Central Avenue
Wingate Park -- Brooklyn Avenue & Rutland Road

Manhattan
Alfred E. Smith -- Catherine Street off Cherry Street
J. Hood Wright Park -- 174th Street & Fort Washington Avenue
Jackie Robinson Park -- West 146th Street & Bradhurst Avenue
Marcus Garvey Park -- 122nd Street & Mount Morris Park West
Morningside Park -- West 123rd Street & Morningside Avenue
Thomas Jefferson Park -- 112th Street & 1st Avenue

Queens
Breininger Park -- Braddock Avenue and 240th Street in Queens Village
Rosemarys Playground -- Fairview Street & Madison Avenue in Ridgewood
Thomson Hill Playground -- Greenpoint Avenue & 43rd Street in Sunnyside

Staten Island
McDonald Playground -- Broadway Avenue & Forest Avenue
Public School 38 -- Lincoln Avenue & Midland Avenue

Between now and August 23, when the program ends, Summer Fun sites will be stocked with information about Parks public programs. If youd like your programs materials displayed, please contact Julia Schaffer at (212) 360-3307.

Visit the 2002 Summer Fun in the Playground page.

Written by Julia Schaffer

NEW YORK YOUTH TRY OUT FOR YOUTH GAMES

The tryouts are underway for the 36th Annual United States Youth Games to be held this year in Newark, New Jersey from July 31 to August 4. Parks is sponsoring selected boys and girls under 16 years of age to participate in basketball, soccer, track & field, bowling, golf, tennis, swimming, volleyball, flag football, chess and double dutch to compete on Team NYC with the top athletes and minds from across the nation.

Last years games, held in Birmingham, Alabama, were a great success. Boys and Girls Soccer, Boys and Girls Track & Field, Boys and Girls Tennis, Boys and Girls Golf, Swimming, and Bowling all earned medals. New York led the games in medals earned.

This years Team NYC will be a diverse group and will unite under the New York flag to represent the Big Apple. An experienced coaching staff will train this group in hopes of another successful Team NYC. This years coaching roster boasts several impressive resumes, including an AAU National Champion Coach and a City Championship Soccer Coach.

The U.S. Youth Games were started in 1966 to offer urban youth an opportunity for recreational and cultural growth through inner-city competition in sports. The games were conceived as a vehicle to stimulate summer programs, to aid the youth of our urban cities, and to foster better relations among the youth of today. Not only do the games encourage interaction between young people from all five boroughs, it enables them to meet others their age from across the country. Because the tournament is free, children who might not otherwise have an opportunity are able to participate.

Visit the 2002 U.S. Youth Games page.

Written by Logan Winston

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT

(Thursday, July 20, 1989)

FEDS GIVE THUMBS UP TO CITY PLAYGROUNDS

This June, Parks playgrounds passed a Federal inspection. Officials from the United States Department of the Interior visited 33 City playgrounds that were renovated though the Federal Urban Park and Recreation Recovery (UPARR) Program, which granted funds to Parks as part of its natural agenda for urban park renewal.

Parks received over $5 million, 85% Federal and 15% state, in grants from UPARR from 1980 to 1983 to renovate 33 playgrounds in all five boroughs. Of that, $1.5 million was allocated for the renovation and expansion of the Cromwell Recreation Center on Staten Island and the Forest Houses Playground and Comfort Station in the Bronx.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"I arise in the morning torn between a desire to improve (or save) the world and a desire to enjoy (or savor) the world.
This makes it hard to plan the day."

E B White
(July 11, 1899-1985)

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant13757 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=13757 On Saturday in parks across the city, New Yorkers visited their neighborhood parks to walk among the "fields of gold." In Morningside Park in Manhattans District 9, Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined Public Gardener Lynden Miller, Council Member Bill Perkins, the Netherlands' Consul General Bob Hiensch, President of the Friends of Morningside Park Patrice Romulus, and students from Columbia University to commemorate the blooming of 1.5 million daffodils.

Last fall 10,000 volunteers came to 1,000 parks to plant daffodil bulbs as a living memorial for those who died in the September 11 attacks. 500,000 bulbs were donated by B & K Bulbs in the Netherlands and an additional 500,000 bulbs were donated by the City of Rotterdam and Rotterdams Port Authority. Parks gardeners, staff, and Partnerships of Parks Outreach Coordinators helped to organize six weeks of planting projects to ensure the bulbs got in the ground before winter arrived.

The city is now awash in yellow daffodils, which is the color of remembrance. The bloom will last for another few weeks so there is still time to visit parks and take a moment to appreciate their beauty and contemplate why they were planted. For a complete list of sites where the daffodil bulbs were planted visit the Parks website at www.nyc.gov/parks.

PRETTY IN PLAID

Central Park was covered in plaid Saturday. New Yorkers celebrated their Scottish heritage by marching in Scottish PowerTunes of Glory parade up Sixth Avenue and into the park. The parade aided Gildas Club Worldwide and Marie Curie Cancer Care, both cancer-related charities. Over 10,000 pipers and drummers marched, setting a new record. Sean Connery served as the Master of Ceremonies and marched with Mayor Bloomberg. Commissioner Benepe was on-hand to celebrate with New Yorks Scots.

The festivities to celebrate Tartan Day actually began on Friday, April 5. The Royal Scottish Forestry Society donated a Red oak to New Yorkers as a living memorial to the September 11 attacks and as a symbol of hope. In light of the citys Asian Longhorned beetle infestation, the Society chose to plant a Red oak tree, which does not play host to the beetle. To the sounds of drums and bagpipes, Deputy Commissioner Kavanagh joined First Minister of Scotland Jack McConnell, Royal Scottish Forestry Vice President James Brown, Central Park Conservancy President Regina Peruggi, and United Nation, Consular Corp and Protocol Commissioner Marjorie B. Tiven to plant the tree near Merchants Gate in Central Park.

Tartan Day is a holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Arbroath, or the Scottish Declaration of Independence. The documents were used by Americas founders as they drafted the American Declaration of Independence. The plaid seen across Central Park on Saturday was more than a fashion statement. Each plaid pattern signifies a persons clan, or family. In other words, a Campbell plaid is different from a Connery plaid. Last weekends Scottish events drew enthusiastic and spirited crowds dressed in a host of different plaid patterns.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT

(Wednesday, April 19, 1989)

YOUNGSTERS CELEBRATE EARTH DAY IN CENTRAL PARK

Today marked a special occasion. The planet Earth turned four billion, 561 million years old (give or take a week or so). And nearly 2,000 four- and five-year-old preschoolers converged on the Great Lawn in Central Park this morning to pay tribute to the Earth by releasing butterflies, singing and munching on a giant green birthday cake.

The youngsters, some wearing decorative homemade hats, were entertained by Sesame Streets "Maria" (Sonia Manzano), who led the group in singing "Gardening" and "The Great Big Beautiful Planet." Other performances were given by "Fred the Moose," the dinosaur fairy, "It Zwibble," and costumed clowns and jugglers.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"To get a man soundly saved it is not enough to put on him a pair of new breeches, to give him regular work, or even to give him a University education.

These things are all outside a man, and if the inside remains unchanged

you have wasted your labour. You must in some way or other graft upon

the mans nature a new nature, which has in it the element of the Divine."

William Booth

(April 10, 18291912)

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant13705 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=13705 Parklands was established by the first Parks Commissioner, Robert Moses, with a threefold purpose: to maintain information about already existing parks, to acquire new parkland, and to protect New York City parks from encroachment or misuse. As technology has advanced, Parklands has stayed in-stride by creating a comprehensive search engine for vital park information and using Geographical Information Systems (G.I.S.) technology in mapping the contemporary park system. Parklands also participates in citywide planning projects for new parks, playgrounds, gardens, wildlife refuges, and more. In working with agencies like New York City Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) and the New York City Department of Environmental Preservation (DEP), Parklands forges new grounds.

Presently Parklands has seven projects in the final stages of acquisition. Barring unforeseen circumstances, these new additions will officially become part of the Parks system within the year. Previously mapped as undeveloped land through ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure), all of the projects in the final stages of acquisition will bring new life to old areas. Three of these projects exemplify the good that Parklands does for neighborhoods and Parks

Staten Islands West Poillion Woods is soon to become an addition to Blue Heron Park, creating a critical land bridge between the two large designated wetland areas. The purchase of this 1.5 acre area was made possible by former Council Member Steve Fiala. Working closely with the DEPs Staten Island Bluebelt Program, Parks see this land bridge as an essential link in creating a natural-land drainage system on the southern half of the island.

The Historic House Trust will also be gaining from Parklands new acquisitions. The Hendrick I. Lott House, located on East 36^th Street between Fillmore Avenue and Avenue S in Brooklyn, will become a new realm for educational programs, tours and special events. The Lott House and its surrounding areas, previously designated as a Nationally Registered Landmark, will no doubt flourish under the auspices of the Parks Department and The Historic House Trust.

Playgrounds can be the life blood of a community. Beyond keeping kids off the streets and out of potentially dangerous play areas like construction sites, playgrounds offer a place for residents to relax on a hot summer day. In the South Bronx, the Nelson Avenue Playground has been a cornerstone of this heavily populated community since its creation. The addition will expand the playground from 0.978 acres to 1.24 acres with the annexation of 9 adjacent lots. After completing the purchase of these lots, Parks will refurbish these lots and incorporate them into the existing play area.

Four more additions are expected in the coming year. The Brougham-Mallien Cottage in Staten Island will become part of Blue Heron Park. There will be additions made to Robert Venable Park in Brooklyn and Yellowstone Park in Queens, as well as the purchase of private property in Udalls Ravine for natural area preservation.

By Jeffrey Sandgrund

PARKS HONORS 9/11 VICTIMS IN DAFFODIL PROJECT

Last fall, more than 10,000 volunteers planted over 1.5 million daffodil bulbs in parks and green spaces to honor those people lost on September 11. Now that spring has arrived those bulbs have bloomed, creating "fields of gold." This Saturday, April 6, is a day of remembrance for the lost, and at noon, in parks and greenspaces across the city, a moment of silence will be observed. Commissioner Benepe will give remarks at Morningside Park at 120^th Street and Morningside Avenue. A few blooming sites are Central Park, Clove Lakes Park, Prospect Park, Crotona Park, Flushing Meadows-Corona Park, and Battery Park. A full list of daffodil sites is available on the Parks website (www.nyc.gov/parks).

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT

(Thursday, April 13, 1989)

BY GEORGE! ITS FLOWERS FOR WASHINGTON

Parks did not plant cherry trees on Tuesday to mark the 200^th anniversary of George Washingtons inauguration as the first president of the United States. That will happen on Arbor Day, April 28 in Washington Square Park. But it did the next best thing by helping expand the flowerbed at Washington Square Park in Manhattan.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"The caged bird sings
with a fearful trill
if things unknown
but longed for still
the caged bird
sings of freedom."


Maya Angelou
(b. April 4, 1928)

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant10827 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=10827 Four star players from the New York/New Jersey Metrostars visited two parks last week to mark the close of Parks Summer of Soccer program. Summer of Soccer 2001, presented by Parks and Major League Soccer, ran from July 9 to August 24. Over the course of the six-week program over 1,000 boys and girls between the ages of 8 and 19 participated in six-on-six drop-in soccer games and clinics.

Metrostars Tim Howard, Daniel Hernandez, and Martin Klinger visited the youth division, for players ages 8 to 14, in Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens on Tuesday, August 21. The Metro Mobile and mascot were on site, while players answered questions from the kids and signed autographs. Daniel Hernandez had just scored his first major league soccer goal, helping the Metrostars defeat Miami 3-2, and Tim Howard had also broken records by becoming the MLS goalkeeper with most saves.

Martin Klinger appeared again with teammate Steve Jolley at Manhattans Riverside Park on Wednesday, August 22. They held a question-and-answer session for the older division after which Steve Jolley jumped onto the field to show off his skills while Martin Klinger spoke about his experience as a Project 40 player, the group of players selected to play in the MLS straight out of high school. By Darah (Chance) Ross

HANDBALL HOPEFULLS TO ENJOY RENOVATED COURT

Council Member Stanley (Falcon) Michels; Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern; Adrian (A-Train) Benepe, Manhattan Borough Commissioner; and Robert Lucena, Deputy Inspector of the 26th Precinct were among those who welcomed community residents to a ribbon cutting ceremony at Sheltering Arms Pool in Manhattan on Tuesday, August 28. $178,000 in requirements contracts funded a set of improvements there that addressed both play spaces and green areas. In a previously unused corner of the 1.3-acre park, climbing equipment was installed and the ground was carpeted with safety surface. Along the pool deck, an array of evergreen and flowering plants were added. Sheltering Arms handball court also received renovation. Now that the wall has been scraped, patched, and repainted and its cracked cement reconstructed, it will make an appropriate training ground for participants in next summers citywide handball tournament.

Friends of Morningside Park, the West Harlem Art Fund, the Friends of St. Nicholas Park, Johnny Hartman Plaza, and Montefiore Park Neighborhood Association were all represented at the ribbon cutting. Each of these community groups works with Parks to help keep the neighborhood in good condition. The renovated Sheltering Arms site is one of their joint successes.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Wednesday, August 24, 1988)

PARKS TO SPONSOR SOCCER
TOURNAMENT FOR WOMEN

Parks, in conjunction with the New York Metropolitan Womens Soccer League, will present the First Annual Founders Invitational Soccer Tournament for women 18 and over on Saturday and Sunday, September 10 and 11 starting at 9 a.m. on Randalls Island. New York Soda will supply refreshments to all players.

The New York Metropolitan Womens Soccer League, one of the first all-women leagues to be affiliated with the United States Soccer Federation, was founded in March 1978 to promote and maintain quality amateur competition for women. The League is conducting the tournament with Parks to celebrate its 10th anniversary. Fourteen to 20 teams are expected to compete in the two-day tournament.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

If you have two loaves of bread, sell one and buy a hyacinth.

Anonymous Persian saying

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant10113 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=10113 Bernard (Roundup) Murchison is Bronx's Employee of the Month for June. Roundup joined Parks on July 1, 1997, as a City Seasonal Aide, became a full time CPW on April 2, 2000 and currently works in District 1, which includes St. Mary's Park. Roundup's tasks range from mowing and weed-wacking to general repair and maintenance. His skill and willingness to tackle all projects, big and small, have earned him the respect of his supervisors and co-workers, and helped the District achieve ratings of 87% overall and 91% for cleanliness so far in 2001. Enthusiastic and dedicated, Roundup was nominated by Rico.

Kathleen M. (Rugosa) Rosa is Brooklyn's Employee of the Month for June. Rugosa joined Parks on July 1, 1981 as a PSW and then moved up to CPW. After receiving seasonal promotions to Gardener from 1988-1999, Rugosa became a full time Gardener in 1999. Rugosa cares for over 25 decorative annual and perennial beds throughout Brooklyn. She is also currently responsible for the planting beds at the Brooklyn Promenade and Brooklyn Borough Hall. In addition, Rugosa participates in the citywide Horticulture Training Program, and plays an active role in coordinating the Partnerships "Green-Up Day". For her hard work and green thumb, Rugosa was nominated by Liberty.

Jeremiah (Aggie) Young is Capital Projects' Employee of the Month for June. Aggie joined Parks on April 11, 1994 as a Construction Project Manager for Manhattan, and currently works in Landscape Construction. Aggie has distinguished himself as an individual with superior knowledge of all facets of the construction process, from administrative to operational. His recent projects include overseeing the landscaping at the Battery Park Promenade in Manhattan, Powell's Cove in Queens and Paddy's Field in the Bronx. Aggie meets each challenge with enthusiasm and diligence. For his contribution to Capital, Aggie was nominated by Verdante.

George F. (Poolman) Taylor is Citywide Services' Employee of the Month for June. Poolman joined Parks on January 22, 1974 as a plumber's helper, and is now a plumber at 5-Boro Technical Services. Poolman plays a critical role in the upkeep and maintenance of all eight pools in Staten Island, including one Olympic, three intermediate and four mini pools, and four additional pools in South Brooklyn. This past week, Poolman was cool under pressure, addressing last minute problems at West Brighton, Lyons, and Red Hook pools. When not working on pools, Poolman often takes on tough challenges including recent emergency work to the City Hall Park fountain. Thorough and hard working, Poolman is a longtime contributor to 5-Boro, and was nominated by Tigress.

Anthony D. (Macaroni) Macari is Management's Employee of the Month for June. Macaroni joined Parks on May 22, 2000 and works in a new role for Parks, Architect at Revenue. Macaroni reviews designs, and coordinates and monitors capital work for new or renewed Parks concessions. Macaroni is involved with projects totaling more than $100 million in improvements to the City's parks. He is involved in capital efforts at various high profile Parks sites such as Tavern on the Green, Boathouse Restaurant, Ferry Point Golf Course, Prospect Park Tennis Clubhouse, Van Cortlandt stables and Pier 36 Recreation Center. A skilled and effective new employee at Revenue, Macaroni was nominated by Greenback and Lifeguard.

Marechal (Meadowsweet) Brown is Manhattan's Employee of the Month for June. Meadowsweet joined Parks on March 15, 1999 and currently works as a Gardener in Morningside Park. Meadowsweet cares for Morningside's 30 acres and undertakes major horticulture projects such as the restoration of the Kiehl Arboretum. Meadowsweet has worked to attain additional resources for the Park. She organizes various volunteer initiatives, and has pursued outside funding through grant preparation. For her enthusiasm and success at Morningside, Meadowsweet was nominated by Borokeete.

Fernando M. (Fall Guy) Argo is Queens' Employee of the Month for June. Fall Guy began at Parks on June 7, 1977 and currently works as a Climber and Pruner in Queens Forestry. Fall Guy inspects and maintains trees throughout Queens, responds to constituent requests, and helps with other projects including recent aerial repairs to the Flushing Meadow Unisphere. Fall Guy is also helping to monitor Queens' annual $1.1 million street tree pruning contract for over 15,000 trees every year. Fall Guy is a friend to our trees and an asset to Queens. For many years of service, Fall Guy was nominated by Timber Wolf.

Dominick S. (Whitetail) Trimarco is Staten Island's Employee of the Month for June. Whitetail joined Parks on April 17, 1989 and is currently a maintenance worker in District 1, which includes Clove Lakes Park and Silver Lake Park. Whitetail works on general repairs that range from masonry to plumbing, and focuses on ratings related matter such as trip hazards, and signs. His hard work and skill have helped District 1 achieve 95.2% overall condition ratings so far in 2001. Hard working and conscientious, Whitetail was also Employee of the Month in September of 1996 as a City Park Worker. He was nominated by Meteor.

Sara B. (Whisperer) Hobel is Commissioner's Employee of the Month for June. Whisperer began with Parks on June 1, 1999 and is the Director of the Urban Park Rangers. Whisperer first came to Parks as a volunteer with the Mounted Auxiliary unit. In 1999, she was hired to replace Dogwood and direct the Rangers. Since then, she has overseen the Rangers' initiative to become more active in patrolling parkland and enforcing park rules. In addition, Whisperer has initiated a relationship with National Geographic, which has donated over $200,000 in grants to the Rangers to date. She has also helped to formalize the Rangers' role in environmental education with the Board of Education and has successfully organized Parks events, including the recent Biodiversity Day and Mongolian Festival. Smart and committed, Whisperer is a great asset to Parks. She was nominated by Kirkwood.

Prepared by Keith T. (Kermit) Kerman and Sarah (Cria) Coleman

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, July 5, 1988)

NEW PARKS BOAT LAUNCHES OPEN
WITH WEEKEND BOATING CONTEST

Parks opened seven new sites where New Yorkers can launch canoes and kayaks around the city on Sunday. And to celebrate the occasion, a dozen amateur boat builders constructed "homemade" crafts of their own for a race on the chilly waters of the Hudson River. The crafts were built during the second annual "Instant Boar Contest" Saturday at the 79th Street Boat Basin in Riverside Park held by the Boat Owners Association to Survive (BOATS) to inaugurate Parks' first-ever boat launches.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

On success: "Biting off more than you can chew and then chewing it."

J. G. Pollard

]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant9218 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=9218 If initially it seemed odd to kids at the Belvedere Castle to celebrate the earth with trash, it didn't by the time they left Central Park's Earth Day festivities. At the Earth Day party, those who didn't already know learned that our garbage is a resource to be re-cycled and re-used. Over the course of the day, newspapers were reborn as pencil holders, and milk cartons reincarnated as musical instruments. The arts and crafts activities offered were a crash course in the nine lives of a bag of trash. Kids made birdfeeders and planters, and learned how to recycle their own paper.

Parkies and volunteers and staff with the Central Park Conservancy were joined by representatives from the Department of Sanitation who spoke about New York City's recycling program. The Brooklyn Botanic Gardens taught kids how to compost their trash. Swooping in to celebrate mother earth were a few spectacular birds of prey from the Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary. Urban Park Rangers and volunteers from the Central Park Conservancy helped kids make "Please Recycle" and "Do Not Litter" signs out of recycled posters. For anyone who wanted to put a little nature in the earth, seeds were available for planting. The crowd celebrated their accomplishments to the enviro-grooves of Nature Moves, who invited kids to join in the noise making with their homemade instruments.

Further uptown, the planting of 65,000 plants on Sunday, April 22, will create a healthy green groundcover in Morningside Park, one of Harlem's historic inheritances. The Earth Day celebration held there was the result of a collaboration between Starbucks, Columbia University's Earth Coalition, Parks, and the Friends of Morningside Park, four groups who represent a cross section of park users from students to neighborhood residents, to well-caffeinated New Yorkers. Each made unique contributions to the event.

500 people registered at a sign-in table, and many decided to work with Friends of Morningside Park, a community resource they had not known existed. Some had noticed changes in the park, but hadn't known who credit with the transformation. It was a day of validation for all who work in Morningside Park.

Children kept themselves entertained at work on a giant purple mural. 100 small hands participated in the creation of it. Starbucks and Odwala provided food and drinks to refresh the crowd on this warm day.

Mother Earth did not disappoint her supporters this year. Sunday, April 22, 2001, was the warmest day of the year so far and in the Bronx, hundreds of park visitors took advantage of the great weather to visit the Annual Eco/ Earth Day Celebration in Pelham Bay Park.

Environmental organizations from around the city joined together to teach people about the importance of protecting our natural resources. Many of the exhibits and demonstrations were geared to reach children. A performance by the 'Earthling' and 'Dr. Don't Litter' taught the children in the audience the four 'R's: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Restore, the theme of the day's activities.

The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and the Reptile Museum gave people an opportunity to see Red-tailed hawks and Iguanas up close. Other organizations participating in the event included the Department of Sanitation, Bronx Green-Up, the Sierra Club, Appalachian Mountain Club, B.C.E.Q. (Bronx Council on Environmental Quality), the boy scouts and U.S. Coast Guard. Bronx recreation staff entertained children with craft making and face painting while the mounted PEP unit showed off their Clydesdales in the 'Horse of Course' program. The Latin Jazz Alliance provided the musical entertainment of the afternoon.

Bronx Earth Day is a cooperative effort between Van Cortlandt/ Pelham Bay parks; Urban Park Rangers; Bronx recreation and the Friends of Pelham Bay Park. Special thanks to our sponsors Con Edison and Bronx Council on the Arts for their support.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, April 26, 1988)

"NEW YORKERS IN NATURE" TO BE BROADCAST ON WBAI-FM (99.5) IN PRIL, MAY, & JUNE

The Cathedral of St. John the Divine is presenting a series of radio pgorams designed to educate New Yorkers about the city's natural envinrment and engage them in i9ts defense and restoration. The programs, broadcast over WBAI-FM (99.5) are bringing together prominent naturalists, environmental activists, educators, government officials and the general public to protect the parks, waters, trees and wildlife of the city.

The first program, broadcast last Saturday, featured Marc Matsil, Director of Parks' Natural Resources Group. The series will continue on consecutive Saturdays until June 4. The concluding program will be a seven-hour marathon, culminating in an "all species" parade, picnic and evening concert at the Cathedral, located at 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at 112th Street in Manhattan.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"This plant would like to grow
And yet be embryo."

Richard Purdy Wilbur (b. 1921) ]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant8936 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=8936 Brian (Oakman) Aucoin is Bronx's Employee of the Month for March. Oakman started at Parks on March 8, 1999. He currently works as a Bronx River Conservation Specialist, helping to restore the river and its banks to their natural splendor. The Bronx River Project is a 10-year, $60 million effort, and Oakman plays a key role out on the river everyday, reporting on its condition and identifying trouble spots. He coordinates restoration projects, river blockage removals, and public workshops, and supervises a crew of 5 Americorps volunteers. Oakman recently caught a perpetrator dumping debris on parkland. A dedicated new employee, Oakman was nominated by AquaTerra.

Ethan (Grassroots) Weiss is Brooklyn's Employee of the Month for March. Grassroots, began with Parks on November 29, 1999, is a City Park Worker with the borough Greenstreets crew. Grassroots cleans and waters Greenstreet sites, and has also obtained a license for pre-emergent herbicide spraying. Grassroots is working with the pre-emergent spray program this spring, and participates in various borough 5x5s. Grassroots has a strong knowledge of horticulture and helps train co-workers in gardening issues. Enthusiastic and always striving to improve himself, Grassroots was nominated by Liberty.

Ramesh (Minuteman) Singh is Capital Projects' Employee of the Month for March. Minuteman started with Parks on November 16, 1987 and is a surveyor. In this role, Minuteman has been instrumental in Parks' implementation and use of "Total Link", a state of the art surveying system that is linked to the Auto CAD drawing system. Total Link allows for efficient and quick transfer of survey information into maps that are used by Design. These maps help Capital design park fixtures so they do not interfere with pre-existing trees or natural conditions. Minuteman is also Capital's resident expert on waterfront surveying, and he recently completed surveys for the Harlem River Park extension and the Midland Beach Pier. Dependent and skillful, Minuteman was nominated by Polecat.

Eileen (Clover) Egan is Citywide Services' Employee of the Month for March. Clover began at Parks on July 1, 1992 and currently works as an Energy Officer at 5-Boro. She developed a database to track Parks' gas and electricity meters. She works closely with Con Edison to ensure that all meters are read correctly, and that Parks does not overpay on energy costs. Clover has also worked on Technical Services' budget and personnel issues. In the last year, she has closely monitored Technical Services' overtime budget, helping to reduce and re-allocate expenditures in that area. Thorough and attentive, Clover was nominated by Tigress.

Tarice (Mystique) Harris is Management's Employee of the Month for March. Mystique began at Parks on October 5, 1998 and currently works as Parks Benefits Coordinator. Mystique ensures that current employees and retirees understand and participate in all of their health and pension options. This winter, Mystique helped process over 100 applications for changes to health benefits, and coordinated the Early Retirement Incentive Program. Mystique also works with Headlight on Parks Blood Drives and the Combined Municipal Campaign. For her hard work and support of agency staff, Mystique was nominated by Scarlett.

Allen (Dr. Playground) Hodge is Manhattan's Employee of the Month for March. Dr. Playground started with Parks on February 8, 1999 and is currently a Maintenance Worker in District 9 which includes Alexander Hamilton Square, Morningside Park and Convent Garden. Dr. Playground performs repairs to park fixtures and helps with clean-up efforts in these challenging and heavily used sites. Dr. Playground has the helped the district make a small improvement in overall ratings from 66% acceptable in 1999 to 69% overall in 2000. For his consistent effort and contribution to Manhattan, Dr. Playground was nominated by Sunflower.

Angela (Pumpkin) Porter is Queens' Employee of the Month for March. Pumpkin started with Parks on February 18, 1996 and works as a clerical associate with Borough Personnel. Pumpkin coordinates pre-employment drug tests and also works closely with our Legal and Advocates offices to follow-up on claims against Parks. She has recently resolved a backlog of information requests, and has helped the office maintain smooth functioning despite staff changes. Flexible and reliable, Pumpkin was nominated by Ricardo.

Mary Ellen (Squirrel) Burtner is Staten Island's Employee of the Month for March. Squirrel began with Parks on July 6, 1981, and is currently the SPMO for District 1 in Staten Island where she oversees the maintenance of 25 properties including Silver Lake Park and Clove Lakes Park. The overall ratings in 2000 for the district were 88% overall and 91% cleanliness. Squirrel has taken a leading role in the Greenstreets initiative, supervising maintenance and horticultural efforts, and working with volunteers. Disciplined and efficient, Squirrel was nominated for her efforts in Staten Island by Richmond.

Neil (Camperdown) Calvanese is Commissioner's Employee of the Month for March. Camperdown began with Parks on June 15, 1981 as a seasonal Climber & Pruner, and is currently Chief of Operations for Central Park. Camperdown is one of the first employees to work with the Central Park Conservancy (CPC). Camperdown supervises 200 staff, 150 CPC staff and 50 Parks staff, and is the horticulture and tree expert for the park. He plans the gardening and lawn projects that beautify Central Park and help make it a model park. Camperdown coordinates major Central Park special events, and shows off his good work by conducting tours for visitors to Central Park. For his outstanding skill, performance and contribution, Camperdown was recommended by Brigadier.

By Keith (Kermit) Kerman, Chief of Operations

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Tuesday, April 12 1988)

FREE MEMORAIL ARCH IN PROSPCET PARKS' GRAND ARMY PLAZA TO OPEN WEEKENDS WITH NEW SCULPTURE EXHIBITION

The Prospect Park Administrator will reopen the magnificent Memorial Arch to the public beginning on Saturday, April 16 from 11:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. The exhibition, "Remember My Face" will fill the dramatic interior of the Arch with portrait scultpures by Alison Saar, Norma Weeks, Gabriel Koren, Linda Peer, Richard Lewitz and R.D. Rice from April 16 to June 19, 1988. The Arch is staffed by Urban Park Rangers and Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) Officers, and is open free to the public on Saturdays and Sundays.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"Ideas move rapidly when their time comes."

Carolyn Heilbrun ]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant8555 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=8555 Christopher P. (Boswell Croswell) Osgood, Rookie of the Year: BC became a Parkie on July 15, 1999, and started as an assistant in StarQuest's office. BC brought calm and good cheer to the busy and hectic Octagonal Office. He attended and helped coordinate meetings and special events, and followed up on a myriad of citywide issues, large and small. He was also Keeper of the Nom. In December, 2000 BC was promoted to Chief of Staff, joining a distinguished group of NorthStar, Igor, Wellspring and Maverick. Currently, BC is a leader in our plans to install 2,001 Historical Signs citywide. He also helps plan major special events and monitor critical planning projects. Most importantly, BC is a liaison to all divisions at Parks, from legal to marketing, to operations and the Urban Park Service. BC is also Parks liaison to Cobra's office. He is always there to explain Parks needs, push initiatives, solve problems and develop staff. Hardworking, sharp and fun, BC is a great addition to the Parks family. BC lives in Manhattan.

Fernando (Repoman) Garcia, Employee of the Year: Repoman began with Parks on May 1, 1975 at the age of 18. His first job was at Thomas Jefferson Park where he performed maintenance and light painting. Repoman later joined a technical services crew and got his Filter Plant Operator's (FPO) certificate. He took the APSW civil service test in 1983 and was promoted from the list in 1985 when he began his career at 5-Boro. Repoman began as a driver for the garage during which he earned his class A CDL license, tow truck endorsement, and burner's permit. Repoman was moved to the Vehicle Compound where he has inspected hundreds of new vehicles for compliance with specifications, and prepared and transported our veteran vehicles for their final journeys - to DCAS salvage at Brooklyn Navy Yard. In the compound, Repoman became an expert on operating all parts of our fleet from packers to container trucks to light towers and tow trucks. He has also not been in an accident in 5 years. In 2000, Repoman helped train hundreds of other drivers citywide as part of our equipment training initiative. He has recently moved to the 5-Boro Shop Floor as Supervisor of Garage Operations, where he has accepted the challenge of improving responsiveness, shop conditions, and vehicle out of service for our largest repair facility. No-nonsense and hard-working, Repoman is a career Parkie who has risen up the ranks, learning new skills, and helping to fuel the engine of Parks operations. He is a role model and terrific asset.

Lee T. (General) Henry, Manager of the Year: General began with Parks on June 27, 1983 as a summer seasonal at Lost Battalion Hall, Queens. He started his full time Parks career as a Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) officer at North Meadow in Central Park. After a tour writing summons and enforcing Park rules, General was promoted to Sergeant. He joined Parks Special Events in the Arsenal where he helped coordinate the NYC Marathon, Easter Eggstravaganza and the Pope's visit to Central Park. In February 1996, General was promoted again to Manhattan operations where he is the Parks Manager for Districts 9 and 10. These include Morningside, St. Nicholas, and Jackie Robinson Parks, as well as the Broadway Malls from 110th to 155th Streets and the Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. Malls from 110th to 152nd Streets. Under General's leadership, overall condition ratings for these sites have improved 60%, from the mid 40s to the high 70s. General has also expanded our Partnerships efforts. He organized with volunteers the Historic Harlem Concert Series in summer 1998, and has worked with the Harlem Congregations for Community Improvement (HCCI) to restore Jackie Robinson Park. He also works closely with Friends of Morningside Park. General is playing a lead role in expanding horticulture and landscape restoration in Manhattan. General also runs Manhattan's floodlight program, borough night security, and this summer will manage the pools. Well-respected inside and outside Parks, General is a capable, strong and cheerful Parks manager and leader.

Kim (Gazelle) McNeal, Davis Award Winner: Gazelle began with Parks as a seasonal CPW in 1976 at Orchard Beach and Van Cortlandt Park. On April 18, 1983 she became a full time Urban Park Ranger. Gazelle left Parks on maternity leave in 1989 when she had her son Rashaad. Gazelle returned to us in 1991 joining Central Communications where she was promoted to supervisor. For four years, Gazelle helped keep us in touch, answering public inquiries and responding to Parks emergencies. In 1995, Gazelle changed paths and joined Bronx Recreation, helping to coordinate borough special events. She soon moved to St. Mary's Recreation Center, one of Parks largest centers, as a program director and was promoted to Deputy Center Manager. At St. Mary's, Gazelle established a new playschool program serving over 50 children, and expanded aerobics classes. She also revitalized the senior programming there, which is now serving over 40 new members daily, and helped St. Mary's achieve high scores on OMP's Recreation Scorecard. In June 2000, Gazelle took on a new challenge as Center Manager at St. James Center which has 800 active members. Gazelle supervises more than 13 staff and directs all aspects of recreation programming, maintenance and center development. Gazelle has distinguished herself as a strong and creative administrator. She began a partnership with Fordham students to expand services, and and has improved senior programs at St. James. Professional and friendly, Gazelle is a friend to young and old, and we are proud she is a Parkie.

Karen (Atlanta) Mauney-Brodek, Commissioner's Award Winner: On June 8, 1998 Atlanta began as an Assistant to Wildcat, replacing Tigress who had moved to 5-Boro. She helped improve our construction project tracking systems and assisted with special projects. In August 1999, Atlanta assumed responsibility for our critical $18 million per year M&O requirements contracts program. Through requirements contracts, Parks performs needed repairs to park sites that we could not achieve with in-house forces. These repairs include thousands of benches, fences, sidewalks, and play equipment pieces. Requirements contracts are a major reason that overall park ratings have improved from the mid 30% range in 1994 to the high 80% range today. Atlanta has brought new organization, energy, communication, and innovation to this program started by Northside. Atlanta manages over 25 staff including construction supervisors and designers, and has helped complete over 300 projects citywide. She is playing a critical role in our goal of completing 2,001 Greenstreets by 2001, and is working to better incorporate maintenance concerns into technical capital designs. Most importantly, she is also ensuring that capital projects are completed on time. Talented, hardworking and smart, Atlanta has quickly assumed one of the key positions at Capital. Atlanta lives in Brooklyn.

By Keith (Kermit) Kerman

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Monday, February 22, 1988)

STATEN ISLAND PEPs APPREHEND DUCK ASSAILANTS

Two Brooklyn men accused of shooting ducks with a slingshot were arrested in Clove Lakes Park on Wednesday, February 17, thanks to the valiant efforts of Staten Island Parks Enforcement Patrol (PEP) Officers Anthony Rios and Paul Schumann, and Park Supervisor (PS) Robert Reeves.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

"The greatest analgesic, soporific, stimulant, tranquilizer, narcotic, and to some extent even antibiotic-in short the closest thing to a genuine panacea-known to medical science is work."

Thomas Szasz (b. 1920) ]]> 2009-11-21T16:09:28-05:00 dailyplant7749 http://www.nycgovparks.org/sub_newsroom/daily_plants/daily_plant_main.php?id=7749 Hannah Condon, a very astute and environmentally-minded second grader, was walking along Union Street between Smith and Hoyt Streets in Brooklyn when she noticed the damage that tree guards were making to the trees. By voicing her concerns to her mother and to Assemblywoman Joan Millman, she found help for 28 trees in the area.

Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern joined Hannah and Assemblywoman Millman at the Union Street site on Wednesday, October 4 to announce the tree rescue effort. The work to be done in Carroll Gardens is part of a $30,000 program launched by Parks and the New York Tree Trust to remove these suffocating tree guards and allow city trees to grow and flourish. Seemingly small threats such as lights wrapped tightly around branches, or sidewalks paved to within inches of the tree trunk, can cause irreparable damage if not corrected in time.

Through the New York Tree Trust, a public-private partnership founded in 1994 to protect and preserve out city trees, Parks will be able to hire contractors to repair damaged trees throughout the City. Contractors will be resurfacing bare tree pits with granite block pavers, excavating small trees for transplant, smoothing hazardous surfaces with tree pits, and expanding small sidewalk tree pits. They will also be cleaning debris from the trees' canopies and unshackling trees strangled by iron or steel tree pit guards. Parks maintains over 500,000 street trees throughout the five boroughs and has already targeted several other sites where contractors can begin their work, but if anyone sees a tree in need of rescue, please call 212-360-TREE or 1-800-201-PARK to let us know.

BELOVED PARK SUPERVISOR DANNY MORRISSEY PASSES AWAY

Parks would like to offer its condolences to the family and friends of Danny (Big Man) Morrissey, who passed away suddenly on September 30. Danny was the third of six sons born to Edmond and Teresa Morrisey of Queens. He worked for Parks for 13 years, including many summers as a seasonal pool supervisor. A year ago he had been promoted to Park Supervisor in District 9 in Manhattan, where he focused on Morningside Park and St. Nicholas Park. Danny was well known for his can-do attitude and performing his job with a smile. He will be missed.

THIRTEEN YEARS AGO IN THE PLANT
(Thursday, October 8, 1987)

TRANSPORTATION WORKERS CAPTURE 3RD ANNUAL CITY GOLF TOURNEY

Based on the scores of the three best golfers from a number of city agencies with three or more participants, the Department of Transportation won the team trophy with a gross score of 231 at the Third Annual City Golf Tournament held at the Douglaston Golf Course in Flushing Meadows Corona Park on September 23. The Human Resources Administration took second with a 241 gross. Parks, which posted the lowest handicap with a 206 net score, came in a close third with a 242 gross.

QUOTATION FOR THE DAY

What we call luck is the inner man externalized. We make things happen to us.

Robertson Davies (1913-1995)

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