Central Park

The Daily Plant : Friday, July 2, 2004

PARKS & RECREATION INTERNS MEET, GREET, AND CHOW DOWN

Parks & Recreation interns flocked from across the five boroughs to the Arsenal Gallery on Tuesday, June 29, for a Meet & Greet with Commissioner Adrian Benepe. More than 60 interns sat in the Arsenal Gallery and listened to an in-depth analysis of New York City park history dating back to the Ice Age, courtesy of Parks & Recreation Librarian John Mattera. The presentation covered territory ranging from New York City topography to the formation of the agency.

After the presentation, Commissioner Benepe congratulated the interns on their decision to work in public service. He remarked that while it’s not the place to become wealthy, in public service one can relish the satisfaction of helping people live happier lives. "Unlike other City agencies, like law enforcement, every situation does not deal in life and death; we deal with the happier side of life." Following the presentation, the event moved onto the Arsenal Roof, where the interns lunched and mingled.

There are over 100 interns this summer from over 65 different schools, and according to Internship Coordinator Leslie Nusblatt, there are many standouts. "Truthfully, the feedback I have been getting has been tremendous...the Parks staff is quite pleased with their interns this summer." Leslie organized the event in recognition of the interns’ hard work, without which employees would be overloaded during the busy summer season. Word has it that the event was a great success. Indeed, Leslie received thank-you emails all day Wednesday.

Interns can look forward to more educational events this summer, including the Summer Intern Seminar series, which features four seminars, each with a different commissioner focusing on his or her respective City agency. The next event, entitled, "Take Care New York," is scheduled for Thursday, July 8. Thomas Friedan, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and Benjamin Chu, President of the Health and Hospital Corporation, will lead the seminar. These lectures will serve as great opportunities to learn about what other City agencies do and to explore career options. The highlight of the summer events will be the Intern Barbecue scheduled for August 10 and to be held at Gracie Mansion.

Written by Ebony Simpson

Quotation for the Day

"Ambition if it feeds at all, does so on the ambition of others."

Susan Sontag
U.S. Essayist (b. 1933)

Know Before You Go

Harlem Meer Center (formerly Lasker Rink)

Harlem Meer Center