BY SCOTT STIFFLER | IT’S MY PARK DAY at MATHEWS-PALMER PARK
Meet new people, learn new things and spruce up the neighborhood — when the West 45/46 St. Block Association and their allies give a fall overhaul to 20 street tree beds (the more dignified, and preferred term, over tree “pits”). Volunteers will help make life better for beloved trees in the area around Mathews-Palmer Park by cleaning the beds, breaking up the soil, and adding compost and mulch. It’s much more fun than it sounds — and it’s good for the environment!
Sat., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. Meet at Mathews-Palmer Park (enter on 45th or 46th St., btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). RSVP to west45thstreet@gmail.com (if possible). On Facebook: facebook.com/westfortyfifthstreet.blockassociation.
ANNUAL COMMUNITY MEETING
Hosted by the 300 West 23rd, 22nd, 21st Streets Block Association, this gathering is as much about catching up with each other as it is about updating the community about topics of concern. To that end, the guest speakers will be the NYPD’s Deputy Inspector Michele Irizarry (the new 10th Precinct Commanding Officer), and reps (or electeds) from the offices of State Senator Brad Hoylman, Assemblymember Richard Gottfried, Comptroller Scott Stringer and City Councilmember Corey Johnson. Members of the Lower East Side Ecology Center will explain the particulars of Chelsea’s annual Nov. 1 Jack-O-Lantern Composting Project, and attendees can pick up free spring flowering daffodil bulbs (plant them now, enjoy them later!).
Wed., Oct. 22. Socializing at 6:30 p.m. Meeting starts at 7 p.m. At St. Paul’s German Lutheran Church (315 W. 22nd St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). For more info, contact them at 300WBA@gmail.com.
FALL E-WASTE COLLECTION
Electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of the toxins (but just one percent of the volume) found in landfills. Do your part to decrease those numbers, by bringing unwanted or broken electronics to Tekserve. In collaboration with the Lower East Side Ecology Center, they’ll be accepting your laptops, desktops, printers, scanners, fax-machines, keyboards, cables, cords, chargers, tablets and e-readers, TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD players, cell phones, and more (no appliances or smoke detectors). For CDs, discs and VHS tapes, there is a suggested 50-cent donation, per item. Tax deduction forms for computer equipment will be provided.
Sat., Oct. 18, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. at Tekserve (119 W. 23rd St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). For the full list of acceptable items and all other info: lesecologycenter.org or 212-477-4022. Also visit tekserve.com.
Have your beloved beast blessed, at Chelsea Community Church’s Oct. 19 service.
CHELSEA COMMUNITY CHURCH’S 15th ANNUAL BLESSING OF ANIMALS
When people of all denominations get together at this Chelsea Community Church event, the fur flies — and we mean that in a good way. It’s time for CCC’s annual Blessing of the Animals, held in conjunction with its host church, St. Peter’s. All species are welcome. Tenor Otto Walberg, the service’s long-time lay leader and performer, has commissioned a new song, called “The Blessing” — written by award-winning poet Joan Larkin and composed by noted arranger Bob Christianson. Howls of approval are strongly encouraged!
Free (collection taken). At noon on Sun. Oct. 19 at St. Peter’s (346 W. 20th St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). Visit chelseachurch.org or send an email to info@chelseachurch.org.
Anna Copeland’s Mexican Tree of Life, part of an exhibit on view in the window of Assemblymember Richard Gottfried’s office, Oct. 14–Nov.14.
THE W. 400 BLOCK ASSOCIATION FALL MEETING
Contrary to what Bogart said — and yes, we’re liberally paraphrasing here — the problems of one little block do amount to a hill of beans in this crazy world. That’s why all Chelsea residents are invited to the Fall General Meeting of the W. 400 Block Association (covering 21st, 22nd & 23rd Sts.). Come find out what’s happening in the neighborhood, hear from local officials, and share your concerns (not just about problems; good ideas are always welcome).
Thurs., Oct. 16. Meet and greet at 7 p.m. and meeting at 7:30 p.m. At Frederic Fleming House (443-445 W. 22nd St., btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). For info, contact them at w400ba@gmail.com.
PENN SOUTH CERAMICS DISPLAY IN ASSEMBLYMEMBER GOTTFRIED’S OFFICE WINDOW
Throughout 2014, Penn South Ceramics Studio instructor Ava McNamee has been teaching her students how to take a lump of clay and create a Mexican Tree of Life. These colorful and intricately decorated pieces are based on the ceremonial candelabra made by crafters from Puebla. Several of the most vibrant works will be part of an exhibit sponsored by Assemblymember Richard Gottfried (whose District Office window serves as the venue).
Many of the featured artists will attend the Opening Reception on Tues., Oct. 14, 6–7:30 p.m. Then, the exhibit remains on view through Nov. 14, at 242 W. 27th St. (btw. 7th & 8th Aves.). Visit pennsouthceramics.com for more info on current and future classes.
