Tag: hiking

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Featured NYC

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Troy Messenger

 

Rocking the Boat

We believe in giving back to our community and city. When you are a publication it becomes difficult to dig into your pockets for every great charity program. Rather, our part is to inform our readers of the causes that we have worked with and believe in.

Rocking the boat is one of the many programs that we feel is solid for you to invest your time and money. Launching in 1996 as a volunteer project in an East Harlem junior high school, Rocking the Boat worked under the aegis of New Settlement Apartments, which provided both workshop space and students for the cornerstone Boatbuilding Program.

They incorporated as an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization in 2001,

Rocking the Boat continued to cultivate relationships with a wide variety of community-based, educational, environmental, cultural, and historical organizations, and over the years have expanded their size and scope of its services.

Namely, the On-Water Education Program which is near and dear to our hearts. This was added in 2002, the On-Water Classroom in 2005, the Job Skills Program in 2006, Community Rowing in 2007, and the Sailing Program in 2015.

This year with the pandemic we were worried as to how this and many children/young adults charity programs would manage. The word for 2020 seems to be Virtual.

Rocking the Boat was brought to the attention of Downtown by one of our subscribers, and close friends Alies van den Berg

Here’s our conversation with Rocking the Boat Development Director, Jaye Pockriss

DTM: Give us the rundown on how the virtual RTB is going this year and are the participants only walking or running this year or are they doing other activities like Rowan get home or cycling?

RTB: They are walking, running, rowing, kayaking, sailing, cycling, hiking.  One woman is riding an adult trike because she has multiple sclerosis.  At least two participants are volunteering to encourage voting in the election.  One woman is knitting, another gardening.  Some dudes are golfing.

DTM: Do you have as many participants and donors?

RTB: We have the most participants ever, roughly 200, and they are from more places across the country (Texas, California) capitalizing on the “anywhere and everywhere” aspect of this year’s event.  Going into the final weekend, 1,700 gifts have been received so far, on par with last year.

DTM: With all the many charitable organizations popping up, why would you encourage our readers to support RTB?

RTB: We can go in a couple of directions here…Rocking the Boat’s South Bronx neighborhood, Hunts Point, is in the poorest congressional district in the nation. Students here need comprehensive and sustained services to contend with the disadvantage of under-resourced schools, and the too frequent lack of adequate family support.

Despite having become synonymous with urban decay and pollution, the Bronx boasts some outstanding natural features including the oldest forest and the only true river in New York City. These spaces are home to a wide variety of trees, plants, fish, land animals, and birds. Rocking the Boat programs intimately connects Hunts Point youth to their environment by helping them enjoy it and giving them the skills to care for it.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Leola Specht and Jeff Scales

 

Rocking the Boat students work together to build wooden boats, learn to row and sail, and restore local urban waterways, revitalizing their community while creating better lives for themselves.

Rocking the Boat is committed to helping its participants:

  • Stay in high school until they graduate or receive an equivalency diploma—on average 96% of Rocking the Boat students graduate from high school on time; the rate is an alarming 17.8% in Hunts Point generally
  • Enroll in college or trade school and be prepared academically and emotionally to succeed there—nearly 100% growth in social-emotional competency and enroll in a post-secondary program directly out of high school
  • Develop technical skills such as sailing, boat handling, navigating, chart reading, carpentry, sample collection and testing, scientific observation, and recording data, all of which reinforce STEM concepts and put them into a practical context
  • Develop soft skills such as leadership, communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and critical thinking
Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Team members from Flotsam and Jetsam

DTM: What would you like our readers to know about your organization in order to get them involved?

RTB: Rocking the Boat kept rocking. Virtually, at the onset of the pandemic and on through the summer. We know that the current circumstances could change at any moment, but at the same time, we are excited to have resumed in-person youth development programming as of September 21.  We have confidence that our hands-on boatbuilding, environmental science, and sailing experiences are exactly what our participants need right now.  We are lucky that building, rowing, and sailing boats all take place in spaces—a 2,500 square foot shop with 15′ foot ceilings and outdoors on the Bronx River—that offer plenty of space to spread out and fresh air to breathe. Comprehensive distancing and sanitizing procedures are in place and will be strictly enforced to keep everyone safe.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Thom Thacker

 

 

Rocking the Boat engages over 200 teens per year in a series of STEM-based programs that last throughout their high school careers and into college. Participants enter as freshmen and sophomores and choose from one of three programs: Boatbuilding, Environmental Science, or Sailing. They move from being students to paid apprentices to alumni once they graduate high school, at which point they are eligible to work part-time for Rocking the Boat as Program Assistants.

 

Rocking the Boat during the COVID Pandemic
Troy Messenger

 

In addition, roughly 4,000 local residents take part in Rocking the Boat’s free weekend rowing events and school-driven programs, most often through their math and science classes. 200 teens and 4,000 community members per year, this is a huge feat!

Categories
Culture Entertainment Featured Travel

Head to Westchester County This Spring for Leisure Time Outside the City

Short, dark days are growing longer and brighter, and it’s time to emerge from winter’s cocoon. Flanked by the Hudson River and Long Island Sound, New York’s Westchester County is a welcoming oasis for a spring retreat. Located just 30 minutes from Manhattan by car and rail, its bucolic countryside – including the acclaimed Hudson River Valley – feels eons away from the hustle of city life.

Westchester is home to some of New York’s most beautiful gardens, quaint river towns, and quiet villages. Travelers can pick up local produce at the outdoor Pleasantville Farmers Market, experience the magnificent blooms of the area’s many incredible gardens or unwind at one of the county’s exceptional accommodations, like the eco-friendly Relais & Châteaux property, Bedford Post, which is also home to farm-to-table dining. Explorers can soak up the county’s beauty with a picturesque hike or bike (North Country Trailway), kayak on the Hudson (Hudson River Recreation), fish, golf, sail, or enjoy some retail therapy at one of the county’s many high-end shopping destinations

What to Do

Adventure seekers can learn how to kayak or stand-up paddleboard at the L.L. Bean Outdoor Discovery School. Highly trained instructors will teach the basics on select Saturdays and Sundays at Five Island Park in New Rochelle. Classes start at $25 and all equipment is provided.

The 508-acre Croton Point Park in Croton-on-Hudson offers a host of adventure opportunities, including boating, hiking, swimming and kayaking. Fishing by sailboat, canoe or car-top carried boat is also available starting at 8 a.m. Fisherman can get their NYS fishing license in advance from the Westchester County Clerk’s office. As dusk falls, travelers can set up camp in their RV, tent or rented cabin and end their day around a campfire.

Not for the faint of heart, Anthony’s Nose in Peekskill, New York, offers a strenuous 3.5 hour hike that will reward hikers with one of the best panoramic views of the Hudson River from its peak. After the ascent, hikers will follow the white blazes of the historic Appalachian Trail downhill.

The Lyndhurst Flower & Antiques Show– April 5-7, 2019 – at Lyndhurst in Tarrytown has quickly become a spring tradition. The visually magnificent show recreates the opulent days of the Gilded Age, when Lyndhurst was decorated with flowers from the estate gardens and greenhouse. To assemble this wonderland of color and fragrance, each floral designer handcrafts a display to highlight and harmonize with the sumptuous interiors of the historic mansion. The Flower & Antiques Show is a rare opportunity for visitors to experience Lyndhurst, filled with spectacular flower arrangements, and to walk through the house at their own pace without a guided tour.

Beginning in April, South Salem’s Wolf Conservation Center will host Sleeping with Wolves. This popular nocturnal adventure experience gives guests a chance to camp out overnight with the 20+ wolves that call the conservation center home. With all the howls, circling vultures and nature’s nighttime chatter, travelers will delight in this under-the-stars campout with wild wolves.

This year marks the 200th anniversary of the writing of Washington Irving’s “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow,” and the premiere of the region’s Sleepy Hollow Lit Fest. Set for May 18, this festival will extend across various venues from the historic Tarrytown Music Hall to the Burying Grounds of the Old Dutch Church of Sleepy Hollow. It will be a celebration of the art of writing and will showcase multiple areas of interest that connect deeply with this historic region–specifically horror, children’s books, historical and contemporary literature.

And for spring’s finale, travelers can head to Croton-on-Hudson from June 15 to 16 for The Great Hudson River Revival, also known as the Clearwater Festival. The festival features seven stages with diverse music, dance, storytelling and family-oriented programming as well as a juried handcrafters’ village, green living expo, a waterfront with small boat exhibits and rides, an artisanal food and farm market and environmental education displays and exhibits.

The dazzling gardens and bucolic grounds of Caramoor in Katonah come to life in springtime. Midweek afternoon tea service in its stunning Spanish courtyard, followed by a tour of the Rosen House, are delightful. And while its prized summer series of musical events begins June 15, there is plenty to enjoy in April and May as well, including many concerts unique to the region, ranging from cutting-edge compositions to the finest in early music on period instruments, and from orchestral and chamber masterpieces to jazz, roots and world music.

The state-of-the-art Bedford Playhouse has a jam-packed schedule of exciting events and shows taking place this spring including Hudson Valley Shakespeare Workshop (April 13), An Evening with Comedy Legend Robert Klein (April 18), and a Woodstock Party(June).

Historical mansion tours of Sleepy Hollow’s Kykuit, The Rockefeller Estate resume in May. Kykuit was once home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, beginning with the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, founder of Standard Oil. Now a historic site of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, this extraordinary landmark has been continuously and meticulously maintained for more than 100 years. Enjoy the beautiful surrounding gardens in bloom this spring.

Where to Eat (and Drink)

The county has emerged as a hub for craft beverage enthusiasts in New York State. It continues to expand its roster of breweries and taprooms. In the last year alone, four breweries (River Outpost Brewing in Peekskill, Wolf & Warrior in White Plains, Decadent Ales in Mamaroneck and Sing Sing Kill Brewery in Ossining) opened their doors.

For travelers that gravitate to wine and cider, Westchester has both a micro winery and cideries to enjoy this spring. South Salem Winery produces small batches of hand-crafted wine in the beautiful surroundings of the Gossett Bros. Nursery. Hardscrabble Cideron Half Moon Farm and Orchard in North Salem epitomizes handcrafted, farm-to-bottle beverages with the dedication of a family-run business.

The Pub in Yonkers is the newly refurbished, high-energy sports bar at Manhattan’s closest gaming destination, Empire City Casino. Recently acquired by MGM Resorts International, the casino’s reimagined gastropub menu was created by MGM Resorts International Executive Chef Anthony Amoroso, and boasts mouthwatering fare including wings, sandwiches, burgers and more, and is complemented by an expanded beer and cocktail program curated by the company’s Corporate Mixologist Craig Schoettler.

Where to Stay

Castle Hotel and Spa in Tarrytown elevates the travel experience in more ways than one. Beginning in Manhattan, guests are treated to a 45-minute helicopter tour that showcases both the iconic city skyline and the majestic beauty of the Hudson Valley, concluding at Westchester County Airport, where guests are greeted with a luxury car to escort them to the hotel. The package includes elegant accommodations, a three-course dinner at the award-winning Equus restaurant and two 90-minute Swedish massages at the brand new SANKARA Sanctuary Spa.

Travelers may opt to unwind with a romantic stay at the eco-friendly, luxury-focused Relais & Châteaux member, Bedford Post Inn. Co-owned by Richard Gere, the charming eight-room inn is home to a yoga studio, and two distinct restaurants serving sustainable locally grown farm-to-table fare. Guests may choose from five different room layouts, most with a fireplace to enhance the cozy and romantic feel. All rooms are prepared with Frette linens and towels, and some rooms have a terrace which overlooks the wooded property. Rates this spring start at $540 per night.

With firepits for s’mores, family movies, a heated pool and a golf course, Doral Arrowwood presents an abundance of fun options for families. This spring, the hotel is offering 20% off stays and 15% off golf and dining with prices starting at $119 per night, making it an ideal location for a spring retreat with family.

Categories
Featured Travel

6 Days Backpacking With a Stranger in the Algonquin Provincial Park

“DJ Khaled is in the house!”, Merlin yelled as his hand released a fistful of birch bark into the nearby fire. The flames erupted into applause and surged forward towards our cold bodies. I threw my head back in laughter as Merlin’s hand reached back into a bag filled to the brim with highly flammable bark. “Oh man, he’s about to drop a new exclusive song!” I barely choked out, tears filling my eyes. The fire boomed and kicked with intense whites and yellows, exploding into life. This was our first warmth in two days after a downpour brought a frigid bite to the Algonquin Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada.

 

Merlin mimicked ridiculous DJ air horn noises as he threw more fuel into the fire. I didn’t expect to be having such a great time with someone I had met in person only three days earlier. Merlin, an adventurous Hong-Kong born Toronto Native, responded to a call to action I made on the internet just weeks prior. I needed a partner for a six day backpacking trip through the Canadian forest, and I was willing to take a huge risk by using the internet to find one.

 

I was always pretty comfortable meeting people off the internet growing up. I met up with my first online friend at a mall during the dial up social media days of Myspace. In college, I met my first online date in a parking garage (I didn’t think that one through, okay?). After college, I flew across the country to meet a friend with whom I played online video games  for eight years.  The whole ordeal of meeting up with internet strangers seemed pretty normal to me.

 

So I didn’t think much about turning to the internet to find a companion for a 40 mile backpacking trip through a forest in Ontario. When I first posted my request on the popular website Reddit, I didn’t expect it to generate so much attention. “Found the serial killer”, and “Are you seriously expecting a stranger to join you in the woods?” were among the top responses to my post. Not a great start, but as the thread picked up steam, so did the genuine interest. That’s when I met Merlin.

 

An example of the sorts of inquiries on Toronto’s message board.

 

After exchanging messages briefly, we ironed out trip details over a video call. I would be providing the bulk of camping gear such as the tent, stove, and other odds and ends, while Merlin would provide the food. By the end of the call, there was no doubt we were committed to making it happen. As to whether or not we’d get along…that was a complete mystery.

 

The first time Merlin and I met was when he boarded the bus from Toronto to Algonquin. Through the handshake and hello I could tell we were sizing each other up. The looks we gave each other could only be translated as: “I’m about to spend six days alone in the forest with you. Don’t screw this up.”  We had a mutual understanding that this was in no way a typical internet meet up. We weren’t grabbing a quick cup of coffee in a busy city or attending a weekly enthusiasts meeting; this was a commitment to pure isolation and survival with one another.

 

Fresh off the bus and weighed down by gear, we leapt into our first conversation about Mixed Martial Arts. We didn’t just talk about the superficial aspects for the sport, but its evolution, impact and intense skill. It was the sort of mental engagement that eliminated all obstacles from our journey, and it was a great sign that Merlin and I thought alike. Each day we moved, we paired the landscape with a new topic of conversation. The journey became not about the forest itself, but about how we both experienced it. We became a team, a unit that explored together.

 

A bit of laundry after a long day of hiking

 

I’m well aware that I rolled the dice by finding an internet stranger to brave the wilderness with me. There’s always a chance a meeting can call flat or even be catastrophic. In this instance, I came up pretty lucky. But that’s what travel is about to me–taking that risk, finding those dark, unknown parts of the world and stepping into them. Then lighting them up with a bang.

 

Categories
Health Travel

6 Essentials for Summer Camping

Maybe it’s the fond memories of camping with your dad, a longing for the taste of melty and delicious s’mores roasted over a fire, or clear views of the starry, smoky sky, but whatever it is, summer is the time to answer what’s calling you to camp.

The Catskill Mountains beckon from across the state, and the Appalachian Trail from the north and the south. But there’s good news if you’d rather stick closer to the city – oodles of campgrounds fit for family trips and quick getaways are near to home. Once you pick your camping destination, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got the appropriate gear. Save the hiking for your campout and skip the trek through REI, because we’ve compiled a list of essentials for summer camping right here.

Check out our picks for the best camping gear of summer, so you won’t find yourself squirming uncomfortably on the forest floor or drinking bacteria-ridden water on your next outdoor adventure.

Sleeping bag

Photo courtesy of thenorthface.com

When it comes to sleeping on the ground, comfort is key. That’s why investing in a quality sleeping bag is the move for camping in the summer. A sleeping bag like this one from the North Face, which is designed for temperatures above 35 degrees Fahrenheit, is ideal for June and July heat.

Campfire coffee

Photo courtesy of kuissential.com

This one is for when the crisp mountain air isn’t quite enough to wake you up in the mornings. The good news is you can still get your morning cup of Joe thanks to an array of products, even though your Keurig is safely at home. You can take along a kettle and French press, or you can bring along this collapsable silicone dripper and brew your coffee fireside. You’ll still need a kettle, but this way you can brew directly into your cup.

Tailgating table

Photo courtesy of cameronsproducts.com

This collapsable tailgating table will keep all your drinks and snacks off the ground and in arm’s reach. And weighing in at only four pounds, it’s easy to carry. Time to stock up on the trail mix.

Water filtration

If you plan on packing enough water for the duration of your camping experience, feel free to skip this one. But if you’re going the self-filtration and harvest-from-the-mountain-streams route, make sure to pack iodine tablets. This is to ensure the water is safe to drink and won’t cause stomach problems and other issues. Be careful to follow the instructions on the bottle, and not to mix up the taste-enhancing tablets with the actual iodine ones. You’ll thank yourself later.

S’mores sticks

Photo courtesy of cameronsproducts.com

While nature is the greatest provider in the realm of sticks, proper roasting rods will come in handy when creating the ideal s’more. Plus, they double as roasting sticks for other foods such as hot dogs. The Marshmallow Forks from Camerons are the key to scrumptious s’mores.

Apparel

Comfort is key on a campout. Wear lightweight clothing that wicks away moisture and keeps you cozy at night (think activewear). Or opt for a fun hiking skirt like this. Guys might want to go for some convertible pants for double the utility.

Categories
Culture Entertainment

Matt Kirsch on life as a TV writer, what he misses about New York & what’s coming up for him

Matt Kirsch (left) & Alden Ford (right)

Matt Kirsch (left) & Alden Ford (right)
Matt Kirsch (left) & Alden Ford

In earning his living as a comedy writer, Matt Kirsch has what many would consider to be a dream job. As a staff writer for Triumph’s Election Special 2016, Matt was recently nominated for a Primetime Emmy. Prior to his work with Triumph The Insult Comic Dog, Matt contributed to nearly 300 episodes of the Late Show With David Letterman, writing for Letterman from 2013 through the groundbreaking talk show’s 2015 finale.

Prior to his work on late night television, Matt created Duder. A web series long before Hulu, Netflix and Amazon Prime were creating web-only content, three seasons of Duder were produced. The show was a Webby honoree in 2009 for Best Long Form Comedy and went on to win Best Comedy at the 2011 New York Television Festival. Now based in Los Angeles, the Yale graduate is currently writing for Disjointed, the forthcoming Netflix series starring Kathy Bates and produced by Chuck Lorre.

Downtown caught up with Matt for some Q&A, attempting to learn about the everyday life of an acclaimed comedy writer. Matt can be followed on Twitter via @HeyMattKirsch, while Duder remains posted online at www.duder.com.

I know that you wrote plays and produced an online series before that was a common gig, but what was your first paid writing gig?

Matt Kirsch: I worked for The Onion for about four years and contributed headlines for the paper and story ideas for the IFC show. When The Onion moved to Chicago, the bulk of the editorial staff left, and we started this web project with Adult Swim called Thing X. That was my first official writing gig.

What was the first writing gig you had in which it was clear that this was a career instead of another one-off gig?

MK: Getting the Letterman job was exciting just because it feels like you won the lottery — there’s so much chance and circumstance that goes into hiring for these gigs. But I think getting signed by an agent, which happened about a year before Letterman, strangely made things feel more real for me. Once you have someone working for you and it’s in her best interest for you to get jobs and keep working, it starts to feel more like a career, for better or for worse.

Was there a mentor or someone early on that helped you move forward in your career?

MK: Definitely my playwriting professors in college — Deb Margolin and Toni Dorfman — were hugely influential just in my helping me find my voice and gaining confidence. And there were so many ridiculously talented writers at The Onion that I learned from and helped me out: Joe Randazzo, John Harris, Joe Garden, Chris Karwowski, Carol Kolb, Dan Guterman, and tons others.

Did you always want to be a writer rather than a stand-up or on-screen performer?

MK: Yeah, for the most part. I had a lot of fun acting in my web series, Duder, mostly because I was playing a version of myself, and when you write it, it’s pretty easy to memorize.

What is the hardest part of your job? Is it coming up with material?

MK: One challenging thing is just fighting the urge for your brain to turn off and relax at any point during the work day, because you mostly have to stay in it. One minute you’re pitching story arc ideas, then you have to switch gears and figure out the best line for some guy to say when he’s being chased out of a bathroom, etc.

On the other hand, what is your favorite part of what you do?

MK: I love just being in the room with funny, talented people, riffing and figuring out minutia about story stuff.

Do you feel that there are any misconceptions about life as a writer?

MK: Hmm, not sure what the stereotypes are exactly, but it’s more collaborative and you’re a little more invisible than some people might think, which is what I like about it. You’re all kind of working as a hive mind, but that’s just my experience, lots of shows are different.

Is there an accomplishment that you’re most proud of as a writer?

MK: I’d say my web series Duder, just because I somehow had the drive to make this thing happen for zero money and convince my friends to work with me for zero money. And it became this messy, unfiltered download of my brain at that particular time in my life.

Having written in both New York and Los Angeles writer rooms, is the experience of writing different between those two cities?

MK: Not a ton of difference — we just complain about different things.

It’s sort of a hack question to ask where writers get their ideas from, but in your case, what is your routine like when it comes to getting creative? Do you treat it as a 9-to-5 where you write every day? Are you more based in writing only when inspiration hits?

MK: Yeah, that is a hack question. Jesus, Darren. (laughs) No seriously, you have to be as disciplined as you can and just write all the time, rather than waiting for inspiration to hit. It’s just a muscle that needs to be exercised regularly — and you never know what will come out at any given time and whether it will be useful or not. With that said, my level of discipline definitely differs whether I have a full-time gig or not and how tired I am at the end of the day.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IumyT__2UPo

What are you currently working on now?

MK: I’m writing on a new Netflix show called Disjointed, which should be out in June.

When not busy with writing, how do you like to spend your free time?

MK: I like to hike — which is so much easier to do in L.A. than New York — hang out with our dogs, play video games and cards and board games, and that’s it.

Is there anything you miss about living in New York?

MK: Yeah, lots. Bagels mostly. Walking to a bar in less than 25 minutes. Public transit. And lots of people that still out there.

Do you often run into folks from Long Island while out in Los Angeles?

MK: All the time! There are two writers from Long Island just on my staff, and one is actually from Merrick, though he went to Calhoun [High School]. I know, gross. (laughs)

Finally, Matt, any last words for the kids?

MK: My advice would be: Just write a lot of stuff and don’t just write it, produce it. There’s nothing more important than developing your voice and having something you can show people that showcases your voice. And it doesn’t matter if it’s raw and super low-budget.

Categories
Events Lifestyle Living

5 Great Day Trips — Courtesy of Denise & FiDi Families

Courtesy of FiDiFamilies.com

Courtesy of FiDiFamilies.com
Courtesy of FiDiFamilies.com

Courtesy of our friend Denise Courter at www.fidifamilies.com, here is a link to a piece on five great day trips that our Downtown Manhattan-based readers can take with their families:

http://bit.ly/2em0ONB

If you miss any of this year’s event, well, there’s always next year.

Thanks Denise!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qpj2BOX16s0