Prospect Park

Commissioner Henry J. (StarQuest) Stern delivered the opening remarks, welcoming all those assembled. Director of JAC Nora (Acacia) Ferguson spoke next, giving some background on the JAC and PACT Programs and on the history of their relationship with Stone Mountain. Jeffrey (Spinmaster) Sussman, President of Jeffrey Sussman, Inc., introduced Orr, who discussed the significance of his company’s continued collaboration and support of Parks’ job search programs. Next, Assistant Director of JAC Annika (Soca) Holder introduced Arlene Wallace, Associate Director of Dress for Success New York, a nonprofit organization that provides interview clothes for women. Wallace spoke about the symbolic importance of handbags, and motivated all those present by sharing her life story. The presentation of the handbags followed, and then everyone enjoyed a catered lunch together.

At another series of appreciation events, the borough of Brooklyn held two picnics—on Tuesday, August 14 and Wednesday, August 15—to celebrate its Work Experience Program (WEP) participants. These events, held at Prospect Park and the Salt Marsh Nature Center were organized by Brooklyn WEP Coordinator Kent (Gridiron) Stridiron, with invaluable assistance provided by Assistant Coordinators Linda McKenzie and Vincenza Fronapfel, and Timekeeper Tana Brown, and all of the Brooklyn WEP office.

Brooklyn WEP participants enjoyed beautiful weather, feasted on giant bagel sandwiches, and received ZAP Awards in appreciation of their hard work to keep Brooklyn’s parks clean and safe. Attendees were given gift certificates donated by White Castle, and tickets to an upcoming Mets game against the Colorado Rockies.

In addition to Borough and Central WEP staff, Brooklyn Chief of Operations Nancy (Liberty) Barthold, Deputy Chiefs of Operations Charles (Falcon) Gili and K. C. (Jones) Sahl, and Prospect Park Manager Mike (Prospector) Grattan were all in attendance at the events.

By Jessica (Gamelan) Schwartz

(Friday, September 9, 1988)

Back by popular demand, the annual Parks Native American Festival will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, September 17, at Inwood Hill Park in Northern Manhattan. The free festival, sponsored by the Urban Park Rangers in conjunction with the Native American heritage Month Committee, features Native American music, dancing, drama, food and crafts.

"Hitch your wagon to a star."

Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882)