Wall Street Rising

Wall Street Rising Second Annual Toy Drive, Toys for Tots, November 22 - December 20, 2004 - Top

Marines at the Center

LMDC collected toys

The Downtown Information Center collected new, unwrapped toys for The United States Marine Corps, who distributed them to needy children in the community.

First Precinct Community Council Meeting, November 29, 2004 - Top

Police officers from the First Precinct

Robert Gould, President

The First Precinct Community Council had its monthly meeting at Wall Street Rising. The Community Council is an open forum that welcomes residents, businesses and all people interested in community and police issue concerning the First Precinct.

Meet the Author - Eric J. Gertler, Author of Prying Eyes: Protect Your Privacy From People Who Sell To You, Snoop On You, And Steal From You, Random House, November 22, 2004 - Top

Becky Lijewski, Wall Street Rising, introducing the author

Eric J. Gertler

Life in the 21st Centry means that in your everyday life you are, in different ways constantly tracked and monitored. Today, government agencies, stores, employes, marketers, doctors and many others, including identity thieves, gather information about you. The result: your privacy is compromised on a daily basis.

Eric Gertler discussed how your privacy has been compromised in our post 9/11 world and revealed how you can protect your privacy today. Mr. Gertler is a recognized privacy expert who has appeared on national television, including CNN, NBC Nightly News, CBS Evening News, Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNBC among others.

Monthly Tasting - Champagne 101 Hosted by The Bubble Lounge and Writer/Sommelier Anthony Giglio, November 10, 2004 - Top

Guests at the center

Anthony Giglio, author and sommelier

Wall Street Rising and The Bubble Lounge offered an autumn evening of champagne and great company. Award-winning journalist/sommelier Anthony Giglio presented an assortment of five delicious champagnes.

Chocolate, Chocolate, Chocolate! A Talk and Tasting with John Down, Christopher Norman Chocolates, Ltd., October 28, 2004 - Top

John Down educating guests

Chocolates on display

We learned about the art of chocolate making from a premier source: John Down, Chief Chocolate Officer of Christopher Norman Chocolates. Trained as a painter, Down transferred his knowledge of art and design to his work with chocolate, creating intricate and edible sculptural pieces such as Faberge-inspired eggs, ornaments and bowls decorated in gold leaf and cocoa powder. A tasting of extraordinary chocolates followed the well-attended talk.
Down is Founder and Chief Chocolate Officer of Christopher Norman Chocolates, Ltd., New York, the first luxury brand to move Downtown in the effort to revitalize Lower Manhattan.

Monthly Tasting - October Fest! Good Eating Deserves Good Drinking: Pound and Pence Pub & Restaurant, October 19, 2004 - Top

Richard Cohen, right, owner of Pound and Pence and colleagues

Different breweries presented many unique beers

The English Pub & Restaurant, Pound & Pence, presented a tasting of extraordinary speciality English beers and a selection of tasty appetizers. Guests dropped off business cards and were eligible for a give-away later that evening at Pound & Pence. A good time was had by all!

Meet the Author - A series with The Museum of American Financial History highlighting Lower Manhattan: Talk and book signing with Joanne Medvecky, Barbara and Martin Rizek, authors of The Financial District's Lost Neighborhood: 1900-1970, October 13, 2004 - Top

Joanne Medvecky, Barbara and Martin Rizek

Before the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, the World Trade Center and Battery Park City, Manhattan's southern tip was home to a vibrant community of thousands of Slovakian, Irish, Syrian, Greek and Lebanese immigrants. Our authors delighted the audience with stories of this "lost neighborhood."

Doing Business Downtown - A Seminar on Affordable, Quality Health Coverage for Small Businesses,

October 7, 2004 - Top

Andrea P. Bachrach, Mayor's Office of Health Insurance Access

Ayisha Speller, HealthPass

Finding affordable health insurance is perhaps the biggest problem for the small business owner. This important seminar provided information about health insurance through HealthPass. Health Pass provided dinner and beverages for our guests.

Meet the Author - Russell Shorto, author of Island at the Center of the World, Doubleday Broadway Publishing Group, September 29, 2004 - Top

Russell Shorto read from and discussed his book Island at the Center of the World, The Epic Story of Dutch Manhattan, the Forgotten Colony that Shaped America. In a landmark work of history, Mr. Shorto presented astonishing information on the founding of our nation and revealed the crucial role of the Dutch in making America what it is today.

NYC River to River Festival, UnWine'd at the Downtown Info Center, September 22, 2004 - Top

Brought to you by Famous Wines.

NYC River to River Festival, Movie Night! UnWine'd at the Downtown Info Center, August 18, 2004 - Top

Neighbors relaxed with a glass of wine while enjoying film features from some of New York's finest independent filmmakers. Brought to you by Film/Video Arts and Famous Wines.

Curb Your Enthusiasm, August 3, 2004 - Top

Harris Silver and Ethan Ruby, Citystreets

Curb Your Enthusiasm highlighted the difficulties that pedestrians face moving around New York City. Presented by Citystreets, a NYC based organization focusing on improving the urban environment and bringing much needed attention to pedestrian safety issues. The event featured slides of roads, sidewalks and street corners in various stages of disrepair. Those in attendance were encouraged to survey street corners in NYC.

Strike Up the Band - TriBattery Pops, July 28, 2004 - Top

Tom Goodkind and The Tribattery Pops

Stilt walkers from Children's Tumbling, 9-15 Murray Street

On Wednesday, July 28, 2004, our neighborhoods' own community band, The TriBattery Pops, performed a live concert at the Downtown Information Center. They performed a host of songs ranging from Sousa to the Simpsons theme and were accompanied by brilliantly costumed young stilt walkers.

NYC River to River Festival - Movie Night! UnWine'd at the Downtown Information Center, July 21, 2004 - Top

Duana Butler, Eileen Newman, Executive Director and Ann Bennett, Film/Video Arts

Mike Platt, Owner of Famous Wines and guests

On Wednesday, July 21, 2004, Wall Street Rising presented its second Movie Night! Unwine'd at the Downtown Information Center. The event was part of the NYC River to River Festival. People in attendance put their feet up and relaxed with a glass of wine (courtesy of Famous Wines) while enjoying one of our film features from some of New York's finest independent filmmakers. The films were provided by Film/Video Arts.

Poetry & Commerce - A Celebration of New York City with NY Poets Deborah Garrison, Eugene Schlanger and Angelo Verga, June 24, 2004 - Top

Wall Street Rising hosted a festive summer evening of food,drink and verse featuring a trio of outstanding NY poets:
Deborah Garrison, poetry editor at Alfred A. Knopf and the author of A Working Girl Can't Win and more poems (Ramdom House 1998).
Eugene Schlanger, a Wall Street lawyer known as the "Wall Street Poet" and the subject of stories in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Baltimore Sun.
Angelo Verga, curator of poetry & spoken word at The Cornelia Street Cafe and the author, most recently, of A Hurricane Is (Jane Street Press 2002)
Food and drink were provided by Grotto Restaurant.

NYC River to River Festival: Movie Night! Unwine'd at the Downtown Information Center, June 16, 2004 - Top

Mike Platt, Owner and James Bonavista, Famous Wines

Eileen Newman and Duana Butler, Film/Video Arts

The Future of Lower Manhattan - A Talk with Lower Manhattan Development Corporation President Kevin M. Rampe, June 3, 2004 - Top

Julie Menin, President and Founder, Wall Street Rising

Kevin M. Rampe

Kevin Rampe, President of the Lower Manhattan Development Corporation, discussed his agency's plans and priorities for the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan.

Wall Street Rising Spring Celebration - Featuring a Talk with Henry Stern, May 20, 2004 - Top

Henry J. Stern, aka Starquest

On Thursday, May 20, 2004, Wall Street Rising presented a celebration of spring with food and drink provided by Heartland Brewery. The evening featured a special talk with Henry Stern, Director of New York Civic and former New York City Parks Commissioner. Mr. Stern shared his thoughts on the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and other matters affecting the city.

Monthly Wine Tasting Presented by Famous Wines, May 19, 2004 - Top

Wall Street Rising and Famous Wines hosted an evening of wine and conversation at this monthly tasting series. Those in attendance met with their neighbors, networked with colleagues and relaxed at the Downtown Info Center.

Expanding Your Horizons: Managing Your Job Search in a Challenging Market, May 13, 2004 - Top

Wall Street Rising hosted a special event with Career Counselor and Executive Coach Roy Cohen. Mr. Cohen served as the sole in-house career and outplacement counselor to Goldman Sachs and is a featured speaker at many New York City events and corporations.

Doing Business Downtown - A Free Workshop with the SBA on How to Finance and Market Your Business, May 12, 2004 - Top

Lower Manhattan workers and residents learned how the U.S. Small Business Administration and SCORE could get them started in business or help them successfully grow and market an existing business. They found out about loans, special federal government contracting programs and discovered sources of expert free business advice and counseling.

Meet Your Elected Official - A Talk with Congressman Jerrold Nadler, April 26, 2004 - Top

Congressman Jerrold Nadler

On Monday, April 26, 2004, U.S. Congressman Jerrold Nadler discussed his views on the redevelopment of Lower Manhattan and his activities on behalf of the local community. Congressman Nadler also shared his thoughts on federal legislation and local and global issues. Afterwards, Congressman Nadler answered questions from the audience.

Monthly Wine Tasting Presented by Chambers Street Wines, April 21, 2004 - Top

Lee Campbell, Chambers Street Wines

Wall Street Rising and Chambers Street Wines hosted an evening of wine and conversation at this monthly tasting series. Those in attendance met with their neighbors, networked with colleagues and relaxed in the Downtown Information Center.

Healthy Downtown: Free hearing screenings given by the League for the Hard of Hearing at the Downtown Information Center, April 7, 2004 - Top

Shelly Ballantyne, Downtown Information Center volunteer

Staff from Vine Restaurant, 25 Broad Street, after having their hearing test with a representative from the League for the Hard of Hearing

In partnership with Wall Street Rising, the League for the Hard of Hearing provided a 3-minute hearing screening in front of The Downtown Information Center. The hearing screenings, performed by licensed audiologists in the League's soundproof mobile audiological unit, were able to determine if a full hearing test was warranted. Now located in a brand new state of the art facility at 50 Broadway, the League is the nation's largest hearing healthcare provider.

First Precinct Community Council Meeting, March 30, 2004 - Top

On Tuesday, March 30, 2004, the First Precinct Community Council held its monthly meeting at the Downtown Information Center. The Community Council serves as an open forum for residents, businesses and all people interested in community and law enforcement issues concerning the First Precinct. Officers of the Police Department and members of the Council were in attendance.

Meet the Author - A series with The Museum of American Financial History highlighting Lower Manhattan, March 30, 2004 - Top

Museum of Financial History Founder and Chairman, John Herzog

David Liss, author, signing his book

On Tuesday, March 30, 2004 Wall Street Rising and the Museum of Financial History held a lunchtime talk and book signing with author David Liss, A Spectacle of Corruption. Liss' mysteries, which focus on financial scandals and scoundrels, have made him one of the most beloved authors of topical literary historical fiction.

Meet the Author - A series with The Museum of American Financial History highlighting Lower Manhattan, February 19, 2004 - Top

Patricia Beard, author

Wall Street Rising and the Museum of Financial History held a lecture and book signing with renowned writer Patricia Beard, author of After the Ball: Gilded Age Secrets, Boardroom Betrayals, and the Party That Ignited the Great Wall Street Scandal of 1905. Ms. Beard is an expert on the inside world of power and privilege from the Gilded Age to the present.

Monthly Wine Tasting Presented by Chambers Street Wines, February 12, 2004 - Top

Wall Street Rising and Chambers Street Wines hosted an evening of wine and conversation at this monthly tasting series. Those in attendance met with their neighbors, networked with colleagues and relaxed in the Downtown Information Center.

Meet Your Elected Official - Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields, February 5, 2004.- Top


Julie Menin, President & Founder, Wall Street Rising with C. Virginia Fields, Manhattan Borough President	Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields

On Thursday, February 5, 2004, Manhattan Borough President C. Virginia Fields spoke about her efforts and activities on behalf of Lower Manhattan as well as her priorities and initiatives throughout the borough. Residents, small business owners and workers had the opportunity to raise issues and concerns about the quality of life and the future of the area.

Doing Business Downtown, Second Seminar in a Series on Opening a Small Business, February 3, 2004 - Top

Mark Elis of New York Grant Company; Noah Pfefferblit,Director of
Economic Development and Community Relations, Wall Street Rising and
Steve Cohen of SEEDCO

On February 3, 2004, Wall Street Rising held the second seminar in its series on Doing Business Downtown. Business Outreach Center-Brooklyn, Empire State Development Corporation, Renaissance Economic Development Corporation and SEEDCO all presented information about available grants and incentives as well as, discussed the challenges and opportunities for small businesses in Lower Manhattan.

The First Downtown Business Chess Challenge, January 27, 2004 - Top

Wall Street Rising and Hyperion Books hosted the first ever Downtown Business Chess Challenge, with all proceeds donated to Wall Street Rising. The winning team received a private clinic in business and chess with renowned chess teacher Bruce Pandolfini, author of Every Move Must Have a Purpose, as well other prizes.

How To Green Ground Zero: A Panel Discussion Focusing On Environmental Technologies, January 21, 2004 - Top

Neil Chambers, Executive Director of Green Ground Zero

Neil Chambers, Executive Director of Green Ground Zero
with Anthony Pereira, President of AltPower

Green Ground Zero, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting sustainable development in Lower Manhattan presented a panel discussion with Anthony Pereira, President of altPower, Inc. focusing on alternative power in urban spaces. Mr. Pereira, one of the foremost experts with solar and wind application in the city landscape presented the many projects he's worked on in the urban fabric.

The Future of Lower Manhattan: A Talk with Daniel Libeskind, January 14, 2004 - Top

Julie Menin, President & Founder of Wall Street Rising
with Daniel Libeskind

Daniel Libeskind

On Wednesday, January 15th, over 100 people attended a dynamic evening with Daniel Libeskind, the distinguished architect selected in a worldwide competition to develop the master plan for the rebuilding of the World Trade Center. Mr. Libeskind spoke about the future of Lower Manhattan and answered questions from the audience.

Holiday Party with Toys for Tots Marines and Wall Street Rising Staff, December 22, 2003 - Top

Wall Street Rising celebrated our first Toys for Tots toy drive with a festive holiday party catered by Romi Lounge and Restaurant. Marines in full dress blues picked up the new unwrapped toys for distribution to needy children in the community. Thank you for your generosity and support.

Family Fun for Chanukah, December 21, 2003 - Top

Festive Chanukah party for children of all ages, sponsored by the Sol Goldman 14th Street Y. Dreidles, music, dancing and face painting.

How to Survive the Holidays, Presented by Equinox Fitness Club, December 8, 2003 - Top

One of Equinox Group's fitness instructors demonstrates easy exercises to help attendees burn calories and de-stress during the hectic holiday season.

WTC Heath Registry Forum, December 4, 2003 - Top

Lower Manhattan residents and workers attended an evening seminar conducted by The World Trade Center Health Registry. The Registry was created by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) to evaluate the long-term physical and mental health effects of a range of exposures related to the events of 9/11. DOHMH Assistant Commissioner Pauline Thomas, M.D. spoke about the Registry and answered questions from members of the audience.

New York Stock Exchange - Christmas Tree Lighting, December 1, 2003 - Top

The Downtown Information Center hosted an open house on the evening of the NYSE tree lighting ceremony. Tourists, residents and workers dropped in at the Center to warm up with hot chocolate on their way to the magnificent, music-filled tree lighting ceremony. Refreshments were served at the Center by Café Doppio, 55 Broad Street.

Monthly Wine Tasting, November 13, 2003 - Top

An evening of wine and conversation at the Downtown Information Center's monthly wine tasting series. Neighbors and workers networked with colleagues and learned which wines to pair with their upcoming holiday feasts.

Welcome to Lower Manhattan, an Evening with New York's Concierge Community, November 10, 2003 - Top

A private event introducing the New York City concierge community to the services and amenities available at Wall Street Rising's Downtown Information Center. The event was hosted by Wall Street Rising, WHERE magazine, Delmonico's Restaurant and Gray Line Tours.

Wall Street Rising Scavenger Hunts for Families & Kids, October 25, 2003 - Top

Wall Street Rising hosted a special hunt designed for adults and children, which highlighted such destinations as Battery Park, the Museum of the American Indian, Wall Street, Federal Hall and Trinity Church. Watson Adventures, who has implemented over 300 public and private groups hunts in cities across the United States, produced this scavenger hunt.

A Talk with City Councilman Alan J. Gerson, October 22, 2003 - Top

Speaker, City Councilman Alan J. Gerson The Wall Street Rising Downtown Information Center is presenting a series of public meetings about the many important issues facing the Lower Manhattan community. The initial meeting featured a talk by New York City Councilman Alan J. Gerson, our local representative and the Chairman of the Council's Select Committee on Lower Manhattan Redevelopment. Councilman Gerson discussed his agenda for the revitalization of Lower Manhattan and his many ideas and initiatives for the area.

Monthly Wine Tasting Presented by Chambers Street Wines, October 9, 2003 - Top

Together We Prepare, Presented by American Red Cross of Greater New York, September 22 & 24, 2003

The Red Cross hosted two preparedness sessions at the Downtown Information Center on December 22nd and December 24th, 2003. The 45 minute program taught families and businesses safety steps to take during a disaster. Topics included, How To Create An Emergency Communications Plan, How To Assemble A Disaster Supplies Kit , What To Do If Disaster Strikes, Evacuation, and Basic First Aid.

Doing Business Downtown, A Free Seminar on Opening a Small Business, September 23, 2003- Top

The Wall Street Rising Downtown Retail Attraction Program presented Doing Business Downtown: A Free Seminar on Opening a Small Business Downtown. The seminar featured four expert speakers, including a small business relationship manager from JP Morgan Chase and the Director of Pace University's Small Business Development Center. Among the topics covered were grants and incentives available to small businesses opening in Lower Manhattan, developing a viable business plan that will meet the needs of the area, and how to get financing.

Downtown Information Center Opening and Press Event, September 4, 2003- Top

Timothy Carey, President & CEO, Hugh L. Carey Battery
Park City Authority; Kevin Rampe, President, Lower
Manhattan Development Corporation and Julie Menin,
President and & Founder, Wall Street Rising

Julie Menin, President & Founder, Wall Street Rising;
David Patterson, State Senator; Gifford Miller, Speaker of
the New York City Council and Sheldon Silver, Speaker
of the New York State Assembly

Timothy Carey, President & CEO, Hugh L. Carey Battery Park
City Authority; Sidney Druckman of the BPCA; Matt Higgins,
CEO, Lower Manhattan Development Corporation; Julie Menin,
President & Founder, Wall Street Rising; Eddy Bayardelle,
Director of Global Philanthropy, Merrill Lynch and
David Weprin, New York City Council Member