Help Keep Greenwich Street Green
The landscaping on Greenwich Street, from North Moore to Reade Street, will look sadly neglected this spring without the help of neighbors.

The Friends of Greenwich Street, a group of residents dedicated to maintaining the greening project, needs volunteers for planting, weeding, watering and general maintenance. They also need a carpenter to build barriers to keep dogs out of flower beds, a graphic artist to make signs, and people who can join the board.

“The project is totally reliant on the community’s input and help to make it a success,” said Doug Sterner, an Independence Plaza resident who heads the group and helped launch the greening project. “We receive zero support from the city or any corporate entity.”

Many trees planted last year died and must be replaced, as must perennials that didn’t survive the winter. Sixty-five new inscribed bricks purchased by donors to the project are to be laid this month in the sidewalk south of Harrison Street.

“The street was looking good last summer but we want it to look even better,” Sterner said.

“We should all be involved in the beautification of our community,” said Ken Dunne, an IPN tenant, who is coordinating the volunteers. “Seeing more flowers and trees adds to everyone’s quality of life.”

To volunteer, contact Dunne at 212-962-4674 or kendunne@att.net.


Park Lawn Closed
The Washington Market Park lawn will be closed for aerating and seeding until May 9 at the latest, according to Susan Sonz, the park manager. “If we want grass in the summer we have to do this,” said Sonz, adding that warm weather (over 60 degrees) early this month would allow the lawn to reopen sooner. “I’m really sorry” about the lawn closing, she said. “We do sympathize with the public.”

Tribeca Film Fest Tix
Tickets for Tribeca Film Festival screening will go on sale to the public on April 27. But residents south of Canal Street can purchase them at a $2 discount starting April 25, and American Express cardholders can buy them as of April 21. For more information or to buy tickets, go to www.tribecafilmfestival.org or call 866-941-3378. The festival runs from May 6 to 11.


A Benefit Italian Style
Volunteers, corporate sponsors and silent auction contributors are needed for “Celebrating La Famiglia,” on May 29 a fundraiser at Tribeca Rooftop to benefit Manhattan Youth and the Tribeca Organization. The evening features Italian food and drink and a performance by Battery Dance Company. It is being organized by La Vita Italiana Committee, a group of Tribeca businesspeople formed last year to raise money for local needs. Call Christine Boeke, 212-431-1314.

Books Needed
The New Amsterdam branch of the New York Public Library at 9 Murray St. seeks donations of books in good condition (no textbooks) and magazines up to six months old for its book sale in May. Books can be dropped off during library hours. For information, call 212-732-8186.

Duane Park Earth Day
On Saturday, April 26, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Friends of Duane Park will host an Earth Day festival in the park, at Hudson and Duane streets. Adults and children can tour the garden, pot a flower or herb to take home and play with exotic animals in a petting zoo. There will be music and refreshments.

Running for City Council
On April 5 and 6, Pace University will host a seminar for prospective City Council candidates, campaign managers and staff, or anyone interested in the Council’s election process. The seminar will cover campaign finance and management, ballot access, polling and media coverage. Panelists include Councilman Alan Gerson and other councilmembers and staff. For information or to register, go to htttp://webpage.pace.edu/cmalone/ runningforthecitycouncil.html. The cost is $50; $15 for students.

BPC garden tours
The Battery Park City Parks Conservancy is offering free tours of its parks and gardens on three Thursdays, April 10, 17 and 24, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. This month, 19 varieties of tulips, 15 types of narcissi and several perennials are in bloom. Meet at the Pavilion in Wagner Park. For information, call 212-267-9700.