I want to start off my Out&About talking to you about the state of New York City in the last few years. The word in shocking and disgusting on how it is run today compared to 15 years ago when we had Giuliani, followed by Bloomberg as Mayors.
I will start with Penn Station and I who that there is a lot of work going on there at the moment but walking through it I have never seen so many homeless people and beggars since I came here from Ireland. TheTransit Police all stand around together, the State Police all stand around together and the National Guard stands around together and there’s nobody walking around checking anything. There is also nobody at most times in any of the main entrances which is where they should be to just check on who is entering… it’s very easy to do.
Look I respect all the law enforcement organizations, as generally they are the best and please believe me I also know that they have a lot to do. I recognize poor people when I see them, and yes there are a lot of them and they do have to be looked after, but that does not mean having them sleeping in the hallways of the main transport hubs in this beautiful city when they should be escorted to shelters all over the city and it’s not done.
I am Out&About most days as that is what I do. Now when go to Grand Central Station I see homeless people sleeping all over the place; you won’t see a Transit Officer anywhere walking around – only sitting at a desk doing nothing when they should at the main entrance where a lot of bad things are going on that I have never seen before. That is all I am going to say is it should not happen and it does.
On a very sad note Mary Higgins Clarke, the award winning suspense novelist and 2011 Parade Grand Marshal has died at the age of 92. The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade released the following statements after her death: “The Irish community in America mourns the loss of the Grand Marshal of the 250th St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Mary Higgins Clark. Her contributions to literary culture cannot be understated, in addition to her dedication to the Irish-American community.
We grieve as one, today. While we know that she is no longer with us, we have faith that her legacy will carry on far beyond her 92 years on this earth. We extend our thoughts and prayers to her children, and all who were near and dear to her as they cope with this tragic loss,” said Hilary Beirne, Chairman of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Foundation and Chief Administrator of the St Patrick’s Day Parade. “Mary Higgins Clark was one of the most gracious ladies I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. We will miss her!”, he added.
“Mary Higgins Clark has been a staple in the Irish-American community for the last nine decades and has made a tremendous impact on American and Irish culture. We will forever remember her for her literary excellence, but also for her dedication to the faith and pride in our heritage,” said Sean Lane, Chairman of Board of Directors of the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“An author’s words transcend generations, and we are confident that they will continue to intrigue readers and inspire those of the Irish-American community for years to come. All Irish-Americans mourn her loss today,”
In last weeks Out&About I made a mistake in reporting a friend of mine who passed away. The report should have said Kevin Beale and it came out Caroll, it must be the drink, just kidding.
The parade kicks off at 12 noon at the intersection of Mamaroneck Avenue and Old Mamaroneck Road and proceeds north on Mamaroneck Avenue, turns rights on Main Street and ends at City Hall. The parade route is about a mile long. They will be hosting 2 floats for family, friends and employees. People can ride on the floats or march alongside the floats if you’d like to participate in the parade.
Additionally, there is an Induction Ceremony for the Grand Marshal and the aides on Thursday, February 27 at 6:30 pm at the Vintage Lounge & Restaurant (171 Main Street in White Plains). After the Induction, there will be a buffet and open bar. Tickets are $30 for the Induction Ceremony.
Last, but not least, there will be mass on Saturday morning, March 14 at 9 am at Our Lady of Sorrows Church (920 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains). The mass is open to all and I believe there is coffee immediately following. If you’d like to join them, please feel free to do so.
Now that was nice of James and nice to know as well that his wife Patricia is being honored at the Frances Pope Foundation along with Des O’Brien.
Last week I had a nice piece on the Nassau, Suffolk and Queens Installation Dinner but we forgot to put in the pictures of the new President Brigid McNulty and the chairwomen Betty McLoughlin so here they are this week.
See you all again next week when I am Out&About once more.