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Louis Snitkin

Sandy's Striders Walk to Beat Breast Cancer

One of this year's challenges has been my wife's bout with breast cancer. Sandy was diagnosed back in May as a result of her yearly mammogram. Her doctor saw something he didn't like, and sent her for additional testing.

Lou Snitkin - New York apartmentsWe were lucky, because the cancer was caught in the early stages (wake up call for those who discount the need for and efficacy of mammograms). It was a Stage 1 cancer that was confined to the duct, and didn't make it to the lymph nodes. Nonetheless, she had to have a lumpectomy, endured 7 weeks of radiation treatments, and is now on medication to insure that there are no cancer cells left alive.

Early in the process, she made a conscious decision to not feed it any energy, and went about her business as if nothing was wrong. Friends and associates found it disconcerting at first, because their initial reaction was to agonize over her misfortune. We refused to let people focus on the negative, and worked to make them realize that it was a challenge that we could conquer.

A group of friends were recently looking for a project to "give back to the community," and decided that we should form a team to walk in the American Cancer Society "Making Strides Against Cancer" event in Central Park. They felt it was a great way to help us bring attention to this disease that is afflicting a staggering number of women. Sandy is touched, and honored to have this special group of people do this in honor of her fight.

The event takes place on October 17th at the Bandshell at 72nd Street in Central Park. It's a 5 mile walk to raise funds and awareness, and I invite you to:

  1. Come and join us for the walk
  2. Find a walk where you live, and participate
  3. Take a minute to donate to your favorite charity
  4. Donate to our team, and help us reach our modest goal

Our biggest goal is to make sure that women everywhere are vigilant, and don't put off detecting today what can kill you tomorrow.

9:00 AM: Registration Begins and Survivor Stories from the stage.
9:20 AM: National Anthem
9:30 AM: Walk begins
11:00 AM: Registration closes
11:00 AM: Cool-down
11:23 AM:Madison Avenue Jammers
12:20 PM: Carmelina Vargas
12:41 PM: Madison Avenue Jammers
1:45 PM: Final Announcements/Thank Yous/Goodbyes

For additional details: Click here to visit our TEAM's page

Lou Snitkin - New York apartments

A Great Way to See New York City - Sunset Sail on a Schooner

Lou Snitkin - New York apartments

What a great way to get away from looking at New York apartments for a little while, and be reminded that New York City is amazing! I joined a group of friends this week for a two hour sunset sailing cruise that traveled from Pier 17 at South Street Seaport, around the Statue of Liberty, and back. Unlike the big Circle Line cruises, our trip was aboard the Clipper City, a 158 foot schooner built from the plans of the original 1854 ship that was built in Wisconsin. The original ship was decommissioned in 1890, but in 1984 naval architects rebuilt her, with modifications to meet modern safety regulations. The plans are in the permanent collection at the Smithsonian. She carries six fore-and-aft rigged sails, and two square topsails on two steel masts. Oh, it also has a full cash bar.

It was a beautiful night, albeit a little cool; with a good, stiff headwind. The sky was crystal clear, and the Lou Snitkin - New York apartmentslights of the city were truly awe inspiring. The size and scope of New York can be best appreciated when you take a step back, and see it from this perspective.

This week is UN Week, and dignitaries are to be found wherever you go. Our cruise was no exception, as it was complete with two gentlemen in blazers who had those little Secret Service clear earpieces, and sat on either side of some folks who were not dressed for a sailing adventure. However you're dressed, and where ever you're from, it's a great way to spend a couple of hours.

Lou Snitkin - New York apartments

Labor Day Weekend - Run to Remember - New York City

Lou Snitkin - New York apartmentsIf you're not running away for Labor Day weekend, why not do the "Run (or Walk) to Remember" on September 5th? The event takes place on Governors Island, and there is a 5K run, a 3K Family Fun Run/Walk, and a Children's Fun Run; as well as entertainment.

The World Trade Center Run to Remember was organized to celebrate the lives of those lost on September 11th 2001. It's a fund raiser that benefits organizations that are associated with 9-11 related services, and a great way to get outside and enjoy beautiful Governors Island.

All of the participants in the runs and walk will be able to create a personalized running bib to identify for whom they are running or walking to remember. When registering online at www.wtcruntoremember.com you can choose from the list of victims and other personalized information, in order to design your customized bib. First responders, and other heroes that emerged that day, will be recognized with special tributes.

What a great way to enjoy New York Harbor!

Summer Streets in Manhattan - New York City Events

Summer Streets takes place on consecutive Saturdays in August (7th, 14th and 21st) from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM. The event opens up our city streets to people who want to bike, walk, play, and simply enjoy the streets of New York without dealing with traffic. The New York City efforts to make the city more "green" encourage us to use more sustainable modes of transportation.

The route connects the Brooklyn Bridge with Central Park, with connections along low-traffic streets to the Hudson River Greenway, Harlem and Governors Island allowing participants to explore the city.

The event will be part block party, part bike tour, and all fun for those who enjoy people watching, and simply enjoying a lazy summer day in the city.

Tips to Make the Day Enjoyable for All:

Cyclists and Skaters:

  • Pedestrians ALWAYS have the right of way, so yield to them
  • Keep right, pass left
  • Pass others safely: look and signal with your voice or bell before changing lanes
  • Be mindful of children and older folks
  • Children under 14 must by law wear a helmet when biking, but helmets are ALWAYS a good idea, no matter how old you get. If you need a helmet you can call 311 for more information about getting one for free.
  • Always ride in the direction of traffic and obey all posted traffic signs and regulations
  • Never bike on the sidewalks!

Walkers and Joggers:

Be aware of cyclists and don't dart out suddenly in the path of a cyclist

Dog Walkers:

Keep dogs on a short leash at all times

Rest Stops:

The Uptown Rest Stop will be on Park Avenue at 51st Street. The rest stop will feature a water station, free bike rental (from Bike & Roll), free bike repair (from Bike Habitat) and free skate rental and repair (by Rollerblade). Free bike valet parking will be provided by Clif Bar and Transportation Alternatives. EMTs will be on duty.

The Midtown Rest Stop will be on 24th Street between Park & Madison Avenues. The rest stop will feature a water station, free bike rental (from Bike & Roll) and free bike repair (by the 5 Boro Bike Club), and free skate rental and repair (by Rollerblade). Free bike valet parking will be provided by Clif Bar and Transportation Alternatives. EMTs will be on duty.

The Soho Rest Stop will be on Lafayette Street between Kenmare & Spring Streets. The rest stop will feature a water station, free bike rental (from Bike & Roll) and free bike repair (by Bike Habitat). Free bike valet parking will be provided by Clif Bar and Transportation Alternatives. EMTs will be on duty.

The Foley Square Rest Stop will be on Centre Street between Reade & Worth Streets. The rest stop will feature a water station and free bike valet parking will be provided by Clif Bar and Transportation Alternatives. EMTs will be on duty.

Dumpster Pools will be set up at Park Avenue and 40th Street, and will be open from 7:30 am to 1 pm. Space at the pools will be limited. Bracelets for timed admission will be handed out on a first-come, first-served basis. If you want to swim, bring your suit. There will be showers and changing facilities provided. There will be minimal space to store personal belongings, so please pack lightly or have a friend watch your bags while you take a dip.

There will be a wide array of demonstrations, classes, and musical performances along the route; so come out and enjoy the city!

Lou Snitkin - New York apartments

Central Park Conservancy Film Festival

Lou Snitkin - New York apartmentsWhat better backdrop could there be for a summer movie outdoors? The Central Park Conservancy will be hosting a five night event from August 24th to 28th. The theme is "Iconic New York," and the films were selected based on the use of landmarks and scenes around the city. From "The Taking of Pelham" to the 1933 version of "King Kong," this years' festival promises to be a "classic."

This year the festival will be held north of the Sheep Meadow, behind Mineral Springs which is mid-park at 69th Street. Enter the park at 72nd Street. All films are free, and will be shown at 8:00 PM, rain-or-shine. Gates open at 6:30 PM.

Tuesday, August 24th - Fame (1980) This musical helped kick off the 80's, and highlighted the rigors of attending the New York High School for the Performing Arts.

Wednesday, August 25th - The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3 (2009) The remake of the crime thriller original (1974) features the New York city subway system, and stars Denzel Washington (a subway dispatcher) facing off against John Travolta (playing a criminal mastermind). It's a 106 minute adrenalin rush.

Thursday, August 26th - Saturday Night Fever (1977) Wearing his iconic white suit, Tony Manero (John Travolta) dances his way into disco history.

Friday, August 27th - King Kong (1933) - No Computer Generated Images here; this classic film was made using stop-animation, which was state-of-the-art back in 1933.

Saturday, August 28th - To be determined by viewers' votes. It will either be:

Manhattan (1979) - Woody Allen's romantic comedy, co-starring Diane Keaton.

Or: Serendipity (2001) - John Cusack and Kate Beckinsale Find each other after being apart for years. Great use of New York in this film.