Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, February 4, 2002

THE DAILY PLANT WELCOMES NEW PARKS COMMISSIONER ADRIAN BENEPE
CONGRATULATIONS TO WEP EMPLOYEES

Photo by Malcolm Pinckney

On Wednesday, January 30, the Work Experience Program (WEP) honored participants from the five boroughs for outstanding work performance, specifically demonstrated through their hard work, dedication, and attention to detail. The ceremony, held in the Arsenal Gallery, drew an enthusiastic crowd of honorees, their family members, Parkies, and guests.

Former Commissioner Henry J. Stern welcomed the audience with words of praise for the honorees, asserting that through their efforts, "the parks are cleaner and more popular than ever." WEP is an employment program that arranges for welfare recipients to work in New York City parks, playgrounds, and recreation centers in exchange for public assistance benefits. Wednesday’s ceremony, organized by the Director of WEP, Samara Epstein, honored 30 of the over 2,000 participants for their outstanding work. As Commissioner Stern put it, being honored at this awards ceremony is like receiving an A+ in school.

Commissioner Adrian Benepe, in his former position as Manhattan Borough Commissioner, attended the event as well, receiving a warm introduction by Commissioner Stern. Focusing his remarks on the importance of a strong work ethic, Benepe related to the honorees, saying "I know what it is to work" and that "Parks is the best work in the city." Attendees seemed to agree with Benepe and the other speakers as there was lots of applause, smiles, and laughter during the short ceremony that was followed by a tasty luncheon.

Also involved in planning the event were Meredith Freimer, Analyst for WEP; Jessica Schwartz, Analyst for WEP; Maria Barcell, Administrative Assistant for WEP; Keith Kerman, Chief of Operations; and Sarah Coleman, Management Analyst for Operations. The honorees were presented their awards by borough and were accompanied by their proud WEP Coordinator for a photo opp. Many thanks to Evelyn Upton, Kent Stridiron, Elana Levy, Linda Koenig, and Milady Jimenez for helping to guide these dedicated workers.

On Tuesday, February 5, Parks’ Job Assistance Center (JAC) and Career Training Program (PACT) will be hosting a Job Fair. The event is drawing almost 50 companies looking to fill positions in customer service, direct care, security, and more! It’s being held from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Carmine Recreation Center (1 Clarkson Street at 7^th Avenue South). This initiative to place people in employment is a continuation of efforts that have already placed over 2,400 people.

Find out more about the JAC and WEP programs.

(Monday, February 13, 1989)

The glacial sculpture if Toshihiro Takenaka would look out of place anywhere except on a Hollywood movie set—or Central Park, where from time to time, paper-mache dinosaurs roam and live circus elephants munch bagels on the Great Lawn.

Of Friday, Takenaka was wearing a full-length orange jump suit and life vest as he strolled about on the frozen Central Park Pond near 59^th Street and surveyed his partially completed ice sculpture. The work, which will consist of columns up to 20 feet high, is called "Meteorological Fantasy," and will stay in place until the temperature goes above freezing point. When the weather warms and the ice melts, the water will replenish the Pond.

"Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm."

(1803-1882)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center