Visit Brooklyn Bridge Park

By William Beavers Our Summer in NYC Parks – series continues with the introduction to Brooklyn Bridge Park, a spectacular new public space to explore and enjoy. When you visit a number of New York’s parks, most notably Central and Prospect Parks, you wander through acres of lovely fields and woodlands. But Brooklyn Bridge…

The Back Story: Collyer Brothers Park

By William Beavers Have you ever passed by the Collyer Brothers Park on Fifth Avenue and 128th Street? Did you wonder who these mysterious brothers were? Homer and Langley Collyer are the most famous hoarders in NYC history, and one of them was literally killed by their belongings. If they were alive today, they would…

You Can’t Make This Stuff Up! Remembering the Most Eccentric New Yorkers

By William Beavers All big cities produce their share of eccentrics and weirdos, and New York has harbored some real doozies in its day. This is the first in a series of articles about some of these strange but fascinating New York characters. Hetty Green, the Richest Woman in the World Today’s New York is…

NYC Societies That Welcome You with Open Arms

by William Beavers Even before Mrs. Astor ruled over “The 400” of New York’s society, the city’s elite belonged to closely guarded, private clubs. These days, however, such organizations for the select few are far outweighed in our grand metropolis by those whose missions are all about democratic openness and inclusiveness. The few we’ve chosen…

Where to Volunteer: Is Bigger Better? Smaller More Fun?

By Phyllis Gates The universe of non-profits is so huge and the opportunities so diverse that finding the organization that’s right might just be the hardest part of volunteering. The secret is to let your passions — or at least interests — guide you. What you really, truly care about is key, but so is…

Birding for Boomers: Free Birdwatching Events in NYC Parks

By William Beavers Get out your binoculars! This fall catch a glimpse of migrating birds — some from as far away as the Arctic Circle — as they pass through the the city’s five boroughs on their way to Central and South America. New York is a major hub on the Atlantic Flyway, the path…

How to Find a Volunteering Opportunity That’s Right for You

Newly retired who find themselves with all those extra hours they used to spend in the office often start looking for volunteering opportunities. However, the universe of non-profits is so huge that it may be difficult to pick the right volunteering opportunity. Do you want to sign up with a large, high-prestige organization like a major…

My Life Is… a Walk in the Park

One of the wonders of New York City is its many green spaces hidden among the skyscrapers. For years I have actually walked through two of them, Central Park and Bryant Park, on the way to work, and many mornings wished that I could just keep on walking. Other parks I have spent time in are Carl…

Tourist Days

I have a shameful confession to make: I have never been to the Statue of Liberty in my 40 years of living in New York City. I almost did once: I visited Ellis Island on a class trip when my son was in middle school. But almost does not count! There are many other things that every self-respecting tourist has…