HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY DOWNTOWN

&

LIBERTY ISLAND IS OPEN

Here's to a great day!

ROBIN FORST DISTRICT LEADER

Monday, July 1st  at Harry's Cafe,  Robin Forst discussed her candidacy for District Leader in Lower Manhattan. The kick off fundraiser event was well attended and numerous political leaders spoke.

Among the attendees were mayoral candidate Bill De Blasio, Council Member Margaret Chin, Council Member and Manhattan Boro President candidate Gail Brewer, former Council Member Alan Gerson and Catherine Mc Vay Hughes, CB 1 Chair. All spoke in support of her and her run for district leader. 

Robin Forst speaking at the event, which was well attended.
She had a command of the issues,
having worked and lived in the community for many years.

Gail Brewer speaking at the event,
in support of Robin Forst

OBAMA SECOND TERM INAUGURATION

Four years ago the nation was in a very different place. It felt like we were on the precipice of economic disaster.  There was a new president elected, the first black man ever elected to president. I drew this illustration 4 years ago. I recall how very cold it was and I sat on the steps of Federal Hall, where George Washington had been sworn in and watched the swearing in of the new president. 

It was so cold, that my fingers eventually had trouble moving. So I stopped and watched.

There was a crowd of school kids seated with me, they were enthralled with the scene.

Geraniums at Bowling Green Park

Hot summer days at Bowling Green Park.

The geraniums are always planted in the heat of the summer, 

their bright red color and a beautiful contrast to the 

green of the trees and plantings.

Happy 4th of July!

This was drawn back when the NYSE was adorned with the 

American Flag after September 11th.  The flag was being re- mounted 

after the holiday flag lights were taken down in January.

Thought it was a nice Independence Day image, especially since

lower Manhattan was where the earliest settlers lived and our 

founding fathers walked the streets.

Knee High by the 4th of July~ The Battery Urban Garden

The Battery Urban Garden 

I grew up in upstate NY and my mother was from a rural part of Nebraska. A well known saying by the farmers I knew, was that the fields of corn were " knee high by the 4th of July".  If that was the case there would be a good crop. 

Not that I noticed any corn stalks at the Urban Garden, though there may be some now, this is a place

where rural meets city in Manhattan.

Happy 4th of July!

JULY 1st ~ New Day for Community Board One

  

The local Community Board One has a new administration and their terms start today. All new folks who I am sure will do a great job for the community: Catherine Hughes Chairperson, Anthony Notaro Vice Chairperson, John Fratta Treasurer, Adam Malitz Secretary, and Dennis Gault Asst Secretary.

Pictured above is Catherine Hughes, who chaired the WTC Committee and advocated for the community on many issues, including the Zadroga Bill, which included hundreds of visits to Washington DC to lobby on behalf of the community. 

youtube link on Zadroga Bill 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xDafPMvzr4I

This image above is of the former Community Board Chair Julie Menin. It was drawn during a meeting where the fate of the Fulton Street Transit Center was unclear in 2009. Now it is on schedule to be completed by 2014.
story link
http://www.lowermanhattan.info/future/looking_ahead/transportation/fulton_street.aspx

Governors Island on a cool wet Spring day,
like today

The impressive Liberty Community Garden in Battery Park City.

Residents grow flowers, herbs (like

mint) and even vegetables, I spotted some radishes a  few weeks ago.

The iris and the roses have also been blooming lately.

Battery Park City Esplanade, bikes will be out and about, for this wonderful weekend.
Cheers