Bob Travel

On your next trip to North Carolina look out for the fourth garden, the Gateway Garden which should open in 2010.  The first phase was begun in May of 2009 and is located about one half mile from Business 85 and the I-40 near Barber Park.  The city of Greensboro has been planning this garden for over ten years and should represent everything learned from four decades of building gardens.  The master plan includes eleven acres on which you will find the Michel Family Children’s Garden, the Greensboro Heritage Garden, a Japanese Garden, a Rain Garden, a Rose Garden, a Visitors Center, and a walking trails that lead into the White Oak Forest.

By the end of June, 2009 a center will close that has for many years provided care and assistance for the elderly, homeless population in the Chelsea neighborhood of New York City. Peter’s Place is a drop-in site for those over the age of 55. Over the years, thousands of those in their 60’s and 70’s have found comfort and relief from the shelter. Those in their later stages of life, and who have found themselves homeless in such a large city, have found protection and care in the the center, as most centers are either not concerned with the care of the elderly, too over worked to concern, or those that can not afford the staff that is required to care for such a population. For although it is a homeless shelter, it has become known as a senior center that provides specialized medical services for members in the older age demographic, as well as activities such as chess games and knitting circles.

This has been a re-construction plan, of the Department of Homeless Services. A plan to reduce costs involves the cutting of the 24-hour staff necessary for ‘dropin’s’, has been theorized as one way the organization will save money. It will no longer be necessary to employ round the clock workers, those who specialize in the care of the elderly. Only two centers cater to this population currently, and the cuts have left many uncertain about the future, as the regular shelters not only can not supply the care needed, but are frightening places for those already fragile souls. And no doubt this is in response to the national economic recession of the United States, for just as these centers are finding it difficult to sustain their services, more and more people are finding themselves in need of those services…finding themselves homeless for the first time in their lives. Arnold Cohen is the president of the organization, Partnership for the Homeless, and ironically, has considered the plan to cut services as a way to remain financially viable, meanwhile he has failed to consider the results that his actions will have on the population he is in charge of serving. It seems a bit like a restaurant deciding to cut costs by no longer serving food or a taxi company deciding to no longer offer fares in order to save money on gas. The Peter’s Place shelter needs help, from local businesses, five star New York hotels and restaurants and any other organizations that can and are still able to provide assistance during these times. The center was founded in the early 90’s and must have a longer run than fifteen years. The elderly population of New York requires it and deserves it.

Today, on March 28th in the year of 2009 history is being made. For perhaps one of the first times recorded the people of the world are actually coming together to ‘vote’ on an issue that far spans political ideology or religious differences. The people of the world will cast their vote tonight, for one hour, with the intent to bring to the forefront of thought and concern, the protection and conservation of the planet and her resources. This stands out, more so even than the last U.S. Presidential election, for just as the United States needed Barack Obama, the world and her inhabitants need this vote, this election.

Begun as a simple statement in Sydney, Australia in 2007 and very quickly spreading to cities such as Manhattan and San Francisco, this simple idea took on world proportions, with Singapore luxury hotels and those in Paris, Dubai, Tokyo and Los Angeles taking part. And yes, perhaps it is fashionable to be green. Well, if now is the time, better late than never. From the time of 8:30pm to 9:30pm, citizens around the world are encouraged to participate, by simply turning out the lights. Many cities are providing entertainment as a celebration of this global coming together. In Singapore, the Esplanade is hosting a party, with food and concerts to last through the night, far surpassing the one hour without electricity.

Expected participation of the world-wide one hour blackout, is to exceed one billion, far surpassing the the original 50 million taking part in 2007. In the early years of the 2000’s, those living in the Los Angeles area experienced ‘brown-outs’. A last resort to combat over-used and over-taxed energy companies. Left in the middle of a twelve lane intersection, at Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive during rush hour in July is not a comfortable position to be placed in. Tonight, that blackout will be in each individuals’ control. In order to fix and maintain, control must be felt from within. For not only is it a bit more predictable and less dangerous than submitting to governmental control in the middle of an intersection in one of the world’s largest and most congested cities, it promotes a sense of responsibility. To each of us that pass each other on the street, as well as those we affect throughout and around the world.

Washington Square park sits in the center of one of the most noted and respected artist communities, that of Greenwich Village in New York. The history of this square bit of land is extensive, and the beauty of it as it is today only reinforces that history creates character. During the late 18th century it was not a park at all, but the plot of land set aside for a burial ground, just far enough out the city limits to bury those that fell to yellow fever. The park, however not a park yet– was built during the 1820’s, and was constructed for the purpose of a popper’s grave site and the location of public executions, hangings to be exact. And rumor continue to this day, concerning one tree. Urban legends state that the tree is located by the arch while other legends state that is on the opposite end of the park. Allegedly, there are still twenty thousands bodies beneath the soil, under the playgrounds and dog parks and benches. Perhaps in a strange way, that is one reason for the peaceful, yet alive feeling one gets while hanging out, watching and listening to the street performers or taking in the work that the local artists set up to sell on the sidewalk.

During the sixties, popular artists such as Bob Dylan and Jack Kerouac furthered the mystery. Writing songs and poetry about the park, and living in the Village enhanced the mystique and lives on in the culture and the arts of today… creating and producing any artwork in that location at that time is a mystery and romantic notion in and of itself, but the culture of the Beatnik generation established the park during the times, and continues to influence communities today. Countries, such as Singapore, look to these communities and times, trying to assess just why the artistic spirit took off the way it did, and how ‘can we do it again?’ The restaurants of New York, the clubs, and well–the sidewalks, they all were affected by and prospered due to the creative moment and movement of the time. During the 80’s, drug dealers moved in and threatened the people living around the park as well as those visiting. Devices and involvement set in motion by Rudy Giuliani have, over time, given back life to the park, the artistic and creative spirit that has over the years, drawn so many to this small block of Manhattan.

Because of its proximity to New York University, a residential neighborhood, and the stores and clubs of the Greenwich Village, Washington Square Park is a major center of community activity, used by so many different groups use that it has become a microcosm of New York City. In some ways the park’s biggest asset – its popularity – is also its detriment, due to the incredible demand that the heavy use puts on its physical infrastructure. The park’s design encourages activity, with paths laid out so that people cut through it, and facilities to attract people of all ages, including playgrounds, chess area, and a dog run. The central fountain and triumphal arch serve as focal points that create a space for people to gather, see and be seen.