Author: Noemi Florea

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Featured Living NYC

Spring CSA Farm Share at Fulton Stall Market

Spring CSA Farm Share

Spring is always among the best of seasons to secure fresh produce while revamping with ornamentals and decorative flowers. From Easter to Mother’s Days to every meal in between, find what you’re looking for with these upcoming offerings at the Spring CSA Farm Share at Fulton Stall Market.

What to Find at the 2022 Spring CSA Farm Share

Each week, locally-produced food is available from up to 20 farmers across New York State with the Spring CSA Farm Share. The program aims to not only boost the availability of fresh, nutritious produce for New Yorkers, but also supports the revival of local agriculture in our abundant region.

Find the following goods at the Spring CSA Farm Share:

To learn more about the goods and farmers available at Fulton Stall Market, visit fultonstallmarket.org. The indoor market is located at 91 South St., between Fulton & John Sts, with hours running from 11:30 am to 5 pm Monday – Saturday, year round.

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News NYC

Waterfront Alliance Advances Climate Resilience

View of the huge iconic stainless steel Unisphere sculpture in Flushing Meadows, New York, which represents the Earth

Reprinted with permission from Waterfront Alliance

Waterfront Alliance Secures Congressional Grant to Develop a Climate Resilience Plan for Flushing Meadows Corona Park

The Plan will be a Community-Led Process to Identify Climate Hazards and Potential Resilience Strategies to Advance Plans for Shovel-Ready Projects

Waterfront Alliance is pleased to announce that its proposal for a climate resilience plan for Flushing Meadows Corona Park has been awarded Community Project Funding in the 6th Congressional District (NY) as part of the new federal spending package.

In Spring 2021, Congressmember Grace Meng submitted 10 Community Project Funding requests to the House Appropriations Committee for review. The funding was included as part of the FY 2022 spending bill signed into law yesterday.

Flushing Meadows Corona Park serves as critical infrastructure for multiple neighborhoods in the 6th District. The park is a space for recreation, reflection, and increasingly, refuge from urban heat. And yet, the park faces tremendous challenges due to climate change.

The primary objectives of Waterfront Alliance’s “Flushing Meadows Corona Park: A Hub for Climate Resilience” are to increase public awareness about local climate risks, build community participation in planning and infrastructure projects, and to identify potential resilience solutions for future investigation and development. Working with Queens community leaders, partners in city government, and academia, alongside the community, Waterfront Alliance will provide tools and lead events to share and gather information that will culminate in a climate visioning for the park. These concrete recommendations and concept plans can better position the Park and surrounding community to receive city, state, and federal funding for resilience projects.

Receiving much of the stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods, the park was identified by the Center for an Urban Future as the most-flooded park in the City alongside Forest Park due to increasingly heavy rains. Recent extreme weather events including Hurricane Ida reinforce the need for better preparation and planning. Torrential waters forced the NYPD to conduct multiple rescues from Flushing Meadows Corona Park and there was severe flooding as stormwater from the Grand Central Parkway and the Van Wyck Expressway ran off into areas of the park. Access to recreational programs and facilities in the park was halted due to sustained damage to buildings.

Additionally, the park faces risks due to sea level rise and storm surge, with much of the park facing permanent inundation by 2080, according to the New York Panel on Climate Change, and other areas only recently being brought back online following damage from Hurricane Sandy.

“As Queens’ signature local and destination park, serving several Central and Northern Queens communities with high social vulnerability, we must ensure that the park and surrounding communities are prepared for our climate future,” said Karen Imas, Vice President of Programs, Waterfront Alliance. “Tremendous thanks to Congresswoman Meng for her climate leadership. This project is particularly timely as increased funding may come to our region for climate change adaptation projects per the infrastructure funding package.”

“Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a beautiful landmark of our district. It provides a lovely area for recreational and leisure activities, refuge from the heat in the summer and possesses one of the most beautiful sculptures in all of New York, the Unisphere,” said Congresswoman Meng, New York’s senior Member of the House Appropriations Committee. “That is why I am so pleased that the Waterfront Alliance will receive funding through the new government spending package to help the park battle the effects of climate change. Stormwater from surrounding neighborhoods continuously flood the park and in some areas, the park is projected to be permanently flooded due to rising sea levels in the coming decades. The funds will help make key assessments, plan out necessary strategies, and begin implementation to help keep the park open for Queens residents for generations to come.”

“Once a flourishing tidal wetland that absorbed waters from Flushing Bay and the Long Island Sound, Flushing Meadows Corona Park has undergone many transformations—a coal ash dumping ground, two World’s Fairs and one of the top 10 biggest parks in NYC,” said Rebecca Pryor, the Executive Director of Guardians of Flushing Bay (GoFB). “GoFB is eager to play a role to envision the park’s next stage of transformation: as a climate resilient hub for the surrounding environmental justice communities who depend upon it. We are looking forward to collaborating with Waterfront Alliance and our local partners in this process, and we are sincerely thankful to Congressmember Grace Meng for making the project possible.” 

“I am delighted that Federal funding has been awarded to support community-based resiliency planning and education in Flushing Meadows Corona Park,” said Kizzy Charles-Guzman, Executive Director of the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice. “Together, communities and governments can build a more just vision for the future as we fight against climate change.” 

“NYC Parks is committed to improving Flushing Meadows Corona Park and ensuring this iconic park is resilient for decades to come. To that end, more than $350 million has already been invested in recent and upcoming park renovations, including projects that increase resiliency and improve stormwater management,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “We’re grateful for the Waterfront Alliance’s partnership to raise awareness and engage the community around these important issues.”

About: Waterfront Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a strong track record of providing technical planning and project development services, developing community-based plans, and convening individuals and groups across New York City and the region to inform different public and private waterfront projects. Specifically, the organization has been engaged by NYC Department of City Planning, NYC Economic Development Corporation and The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, among other government agencies and organizations, to either develop waterfront plans, convene community engagements on major projects and plans, and/or provide technical advice on critical coastal and waterfront projects. 

Categories
Living NYC

Women-Owned Businesses In Lower Manhattan

women-owned business
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Reproduced with Permission from the Downtown Alliance.

It’s Women’s History Month, and, though we should be celebrating women every day of the year, this is an extra-special time to support the women and women-owned businesses in your life. That’s easy to do in Lower Manhattan, where we’ve got plenty of eateries, shops and the like run by some incredible ladies. Here’s where to spend your money for the next few weeks (and beyond). 

Blue Park Kitchen

Downtown is heavily supplied with fast-casual bowls, but Kelly Fitzpatrick has ensured that her dishes at Blue Park Kitchen (70 Pine Street) are smart, healthy and filling. You can customize as much or as little as you’d like. And while it’s so slick you’d expect them to have hundreds of locations nationwide, there is the first and only location.

OneSeed 

At OneSeed (111 Murray Street) you can take assurance in knowing that your meals and treats are free of dairy, gluten and refined sugars. Founder Nicki Hamilton, who opened her first restaurant in Dallas in 2015, returned to her home roots in Lower Manhattan to contribute her perspective on a wide variety of healthy, feel-good meals. Food should be fun, healthy and delicious, according to Hamilton, an argument that is evident in her menu.

Magic Mix Juicery 

Ready to get healthy and feel great? Jil Larsen is a certified health coach whose Magic Mix Juicery at 102 Fulton Street makes healthy living effortless for those who want to balance the hustle and bustle of the New York City lifestyle with healthy living. Stop by to experience their freshly pressed juices and their delicious vegan offerings.

Martin Busch Jewelers

Longtime independent jewelry shop (85 John Street) that is now managed by Martin’s great niece Eva Busch offers excellent options for all price ranges, original designs and watch repairs.  

Fresh Salt

With a happy hour that runs from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sara Williams has maintained Fresh Salt (146 Beekman Street, photo above) as a local favorite. Craft beers, interesting wines and tasty bar bites and sandwiches round out the menu.

Wattle Cafe

This vegan cafe (19 Rector Street) owned by Australia native Ana Ivkosic is a lovely independent spot, one that boasts excellent superfood waffles, organic bites and excellent coffee blends for all flavor profiles.

Goldish

Pick up some cool pieces at this stylish jewelry boutique (71 Murray Street), where mother-daughter Yafit and Tyler Goldfarb create and curate meaningful talismans, art and home decor.

Thread

As if you didn’t already have five perfectly legitimate reasons to spend your lunch break at this Nassau Street salon, this month you can support owner Sadia Brangan by popping in for a relaxing facial.

Ryan Maguire’s

Owner Mena Maguire always provides a welcoming ambience and an extensive menu at Ryan Maguire’s (28 Cliff Street), ranging from wings and burgers to their tried and true Shepherd’s Pie — proving this Irish pub a hit in the kitchen and behind the bar. To get the best of both worlds, enjoy their $19.95 bottomless brunch, offered on Saturday and Sundays from 11 a.m. to  4 p.m. 

Tajin

When you need some flavorful takeout, this spicy standby at 85 Greenwich Street will never let you down. Owner Dolores Cordova recommends a mole poblano that is already calling our name.

To learn more about women-owned businesses in Lower Manhattan, visit the Downtown Alliance at https://downtownny.com

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Categories
Design

DIFFA by Design Takes Over Center 415

DIFFA BY DESIGN

The Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS (DIFFA) is kicking off the season with their annual fundraising extravaganza, DIFFA BY DESIGN, at Center 415 from March 24 to 26.

A formal gala co-hosted by DIFFA Chair Emeritus Architect David Rockwell and featuring live performances and appearances from special guests such as actress Jane Krakowski, Broadway star Amber Man, members of the cast of Company, and DIFFA Board Chairman Cindy Allen, will take place on Thursday, March 24, to kick off the three-day event. The next day, Friday, March 25, guests are invited to DIFFA NIGHTS, a dance party featuring classic grooves and iconic fashion. Throughout the event, guests can view unique vignette installations from brands including Gensler, Steelcase, Carl Hansen & Søn, Jeffrey Beers International, and Florim, all at Center 415. Additional programming, such as panel discussions, a loom installation by Suzanne Tick, a pop-up shop from Robert Verdi, and a silent auction, will also take place during the three days to further activate and engage guests.

DIFFA BY DESIGN is emerging this year at a pivotal movement in the non-profit’s 50-year history, as the organization recently expanded its mission to also address challenges relating to homelessness, food scarcity, and mental health illness in the AIDS-afflicted community. Proceeds from the event will go towards supporting DIFFA’s partner organizations which contribute direct aid to impacted individuals and groups. For tickets, head to diffa.org/diffa-by-design/. To learn more about Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS, check out Downtown Magazine’s profile on DIFFA Executive Director Dawn Roberson in our Summer 2021 issue, The Reformers.

Categories
Culture NYC

The New York International Film Festival Turns 25

children's film festival

The New York International Children’s Film Festival is returning for its 25th anniversary starting today through March 19. Featuring new and emerging artistic films for kid audiences, the NYICFF is bound to surprise and delight families, children, and imaginative adults. With 20 different films to choose from in addition to exclusive short film programs, films ranging from animation to foreign drama to a child’s life will cover every scope of wonder a viewer could hope to have.

Films made in countries including France, Japan, Argentina, Germany, and beyond will be among those exhibited at this cultural festival. Children will find the stories and realities told in these films to be both personable and entrancing, making connections to their own lives and enjoying the possibilities of movie magic. The international scope of the festival also allows them to be exposed to other languages and cultures, which can instill an appreciation for diversity and foreign cultures from an early age. It can also support how children develop qualities such as an open mind and the ability to think critically.

The NYICFF has been carefully curated to offer the best qualities of an in-person movie theater experience while still cautiously planning around COVID-19 realities. In-person screenings will all take place at the SVA Theatre, located at 333 West 23rd St. in Chelsea. Proof of vaccination is required, and all theaters will undergo a rigorous cleaning regime between screenings to ensure complete safety for guests. Virtual programs for children both below and over 5 years old will also be available for those seeking to enjoy the festival from the comfort of their own home.

To learn more about the New York International Children’s Film Festival and purchase tickets, visit https://nyicff.org/festival/. The festival runs March 4 through March 19, with different films and programs available each day.

Categories
Living

From Darkness, Light

The pleated, marble-clad exterior of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will glow from inside.

The pleated, marble-clad exterior of St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will glow from inside. Rendering by Santiago Calatrava Architects and Engineers.

St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine will be a beacon for the world.

FAITH CAN GUIDE US THROUGH EVEN THE MOST DIFFICULT OF TIMES. On the evening of September 11, 2001, New York’s collective faith shone through the rubble of the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church, which, though destroyed, still served as a gathering place that day in downtown.

“The church is reflective of the lives lost, and the light that was lost. For us, every life is a light that shines in the world, and when we lost 3,000 souls we also lost their light,” says Father Alex Karloutsos, Vicar General of the Church. Yet with faith came perseverance, and in a rebuilding process that lasted over 20 years, the St. Nicholas Greek Orthodox Church and National Shrine was redesigned, constructed, and is now set to open in April 2022.

“The rebuilding of St. Nicholas is a resurrection of those souls, the resurrection of those lives, and the resurrection of that light,” Karloutsos says, adding, “as the St Nicholas shrine lights up the world, we think about those souls, and their story, their lives. Their light is part of the St. Nicholas story for us.”

The push-pull behind the church in its 20 years of rebuilding was similar to that of the World Trade Center, which faces numerous delays and permit challenges even to this
day. Though the proposal was immediately approved by then-Governor George Pataki, there were seven to eight years of negotiations with the Port Authority, as well as another seven years of fundraising efforts which delayed construction until 2020.

Santiago Calatrava, the architect behind the World Trade Center transportation hub known as the Oculus, was selected as the designer for St. Nicholas following an invitation-only call for proposals. His design, which draws inspiration from the Hagia Sophia in modern-day Istanbul, pays homage to the roots of the Greek Orthodox Church while bringing in elements of light that give an impression of spiritual ephemerality. Karloutsos describes Calatrava’s vision as though, “He felt that it should be like a candle, and as they say, ‘Better to light a candle than curse the darkness.’”

This past September 10, St. Nicholas Church also participated in the Tribute in Light to the 20th anniversary of 9/11 by casting blue light projections over its facade, with some key members of the church including Vice Chairman Michael Psaros helping to facilitate the first public event at St. Nicholas. “With the church lit up it will draw people to it, because people always move towards the light over darkness,” Father Alex emphasizes.

When St. Nicholas Church opens to the public during Easter season in April 2022, it will act as a gathering place not only for worshippers, but for New Yorkers seeking to commemorate the history of Lower Manhattan. “We’re going to be showing icons of the resurrection of St. Nicholas Church, which will recognize first responders, firemen, Port Authority police, and the New York City police who were lost,” Father Alex says, including that members of the public “will have an opportunity to meditate, to offer prayers, to reflect.” Tours explaining the iconography and history of St. Nicholas, as well as a bereavement center offering counseling for individuals, will also be featured.

Looking towards the upcoming opening, Father Alex says, “we’re very excited that we will help bring people together, not with hatred but with love, and with the ultimate symbol of forgiveness.” DT

Follow the project’s progress and learn more about the St. Nicholas Church and Memorial opening at stnicholaswtc.org.