Central Park

The Daily Plant : Monday, March 4, 2002

CELEBRATING 80 YEARS OF PUBLIC SERVICE

Parkies, former Parkies, family and friends came to the National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian Institution at the U.S. Custom House that sits at the foot of New York City’s oldest park, Bowling Green, on Wednesday, February 27, to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of former Parks Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern and former First Deputy Commissioner Alan M. (Northside) Moss. The party kicked off at the U.S. Custom House at 6:00 p.m. Over 600 people came to toast the men who have worked for a total of 80 years to make the city a better place.

Commissioner Adrian (A-Train) Benepe gave the opening remarks. "StarQuest and Northside, as the leaders of the Emerald Empire for 15 years, your accomplishments are unparalleled. I have had the privilege to learn from the best," said A-Train. He congratulated StarQuest on adding over 2,000 acres of new parkland, the largest increase of City parkland since the Wagner Administration. He also spoke of the success of the Greenstreet and the Partnerships for Parks programs. Park Names were mentioned, the Nom count has reached over 10,000 names. A-Train then congratulated Northside for improving overall conditions’ ratings by 120%. "In 1994, the overall conditions’ ratings were 39% acceptable, but by the end of 2001 the ratings had soared to 86%." Cleanliness ratings have also increased from 76% to 92%. Thanks to Northside’s leadership, "we have multiplied our annual Capital Commitment by almost five times, committing over $1 billion to capital projects." A-Train also praised the requirement’s contract program.

After A-Train, Northside and StarQuest each took a turn at the mike. Both honorees’ family members were on hand to help celebrate. Northside’s grandchildren, Ian (Offspring) and Meghan, came to cheer on their grandfather. At one point during the evening, StarQuest recommended "Shh! monitors" to compensate for the room’s acoustic challenges. Other speakers included Queen Bee, Chanticlear, Forest, and Garden. At the end of the speaking program, party-goers participated in several rousing renditions of the poem "Trees," by Joyce Kilmer.

Large posters were available for people to sign. Individuals offered their congratulations and wished StarQuest and Northside good-luck on their next adventure, New York Civic. As Co-Founders of NYCivic, StarQuest and Northside will draw on their years of government experience to identify important issues that affect all New Yorkers. Their new organization will use the Internet, press events, commentaries and public testimonies to effect change.

Mark Fahrer Caterers provided a nature-inspired feast and the New York Restaurant School whipped up their 4-foot apple pie, a Parks classic. Thanks to the National Museum of the American Indian Smithsonian Institution and the U.S. General Services Administration for their assistance, and thank you to everyone who helped to make this terrific night possible.

In Thursday’s Plant, we incorrectly said that RCC stands for Ranger Conservancy Corps. It actually stands for Ranger Conservation Corps.

In Friday’s Plant, we gave Dottie Lewandowski the title of Bronx Borough President when she’s actually our Bronx Borough Commissioner.

(Monday, March 13, 1989)

A Parks worker rescued two toddlers who fell onto the train tracks at the 145^th Street IND station in upper Manhattan on Friday.

APSW Johnny Mathis, a night watchman at the Central Park Children’s Zoo, was heading home after completing his midnight to 8 A.M. shift when the accident unfolded before his eyes. As the Parkie was exiting his northbound train to make a transfer, he saw Doreen Smith, 19, momentarily turn away from her two children to help an elderly woman. Her two-year-old son, Devon, pushed a stroller, with his year-old brother Ceasare George inside, toward the train track.

"To err is human; to forgive, divine."

(1688-1744)