Shortly after our drive got underway (with the creation of our Carousel Facebook Page - now with nearly 500 members!), there was a great article in the NY Daily News. And then, on Friday, we got an e-mail from NY1's Shushannah Walshe saying she was interested in doing a story on the Forest Park Carousel. We were, naturally, very happy -- and we put out the word for others to come and, perhaps, get interviewed. And though it was short notice, we heard from people and had a good crew ready to speak out in favor of our beloved icon.
It was a really hot day -- over 95 degrees -- and we appreciate everyone coming out. Ms. Walshe was on a tight deadline so we got to work right away. The woman below, left, is named Claire Kramer -- she's very nice -- and she was interviewed before we got there. Then we did our stint in front of the camera.
Next, Leonora Lavan, President of the Woodhaven Cultural & Historical Society spoke about the importance of the carousel. She has fond memories of the carousel stretching back to when she was a young child.
And finally, a couple of folks from our Facebook page showed up with their kids. They did a great job! It's always good to have as many faces as possible to put in front of the cameras -- it gives the reporter options. Over the past year we've enjoyed watching various reporters work -- they have to take your words, make some tough decisions on what to leave in and what to leave out -- and boil it down to an effective 1 minute and 30 seconds. It isn't easy!
As a result, not everyone ended up on the air -- click here to view the final report. Our first time in front of the cameras ended up with me on the cutting room floor -- and the Mrs getting screen time -- click here for that report. Here is some video we took of that day -- along with some of the interviews that didn't make the air!
We had a terrific time -- and the result was a nice piece on NY1. Once again, thanks to all who came out for our Carousel!
At the end of the piece, Ms. Walshe spoke about the WRBA's petition drive -- and so, on Saturday, we were out on 84th Street and Jamaica, engaging the residents, collecting signatures.
Folks were generally receptive, and we took advantage of their attention to let them know what the WRBA has been up to -- and how we very much need the support and the participation of the residents. And part of that was reminding them of the monthly Town Hall on Wednesday the 21st -- at which the topic of the Carousel will be discussed.
Above is Woodhaven's Joe and Sue Virgona -- and they, along with over 100 residents, loaned their name to our efforts to have the Carousel reopened this summer.
A number of folks came by, saying they had seen the report on NY1 that morning. Others mentioned the Daily News article. And it was a great day to be out on the avenue. The side of the Avenue the WRBA is on is almost constantly in the shade -- so despite the 90+ degree temps, it was pretty comfortable. There was even a breeze or two! What was really nice was that the J Train was being worked on -- so it was nice and quiet! For 4 hours, not a single train passed overhead.
A lot of folks, with their children in tow, told us how they had ridden the carousel as children -- and they would love the opportunity for their own children to enjoy the same ride. It was a fantastic day -- we collected a lot of signatures -- and we met a lot of residents. Even a few four-legged ones!
In the end, it was a successful day -- but at the end of the day -- the carousel remained shuttered. Locked away. One day, hopefully soon, that will not be the case.
