Michele Verdino Ostler

For the 4th of July weekend, my husband and I are attending the wedding of a very good friend just outside of Boston.  I’ve known the Bride for almost 20 years now…we first met in Junior High and were roommates in college.  She was a Bridesmaid at my wedding and I can’t wait to celebrate with her this weekend.  We’re looking forward to catching up with good friends and returning to NY with some great memories.  Congratulations to Anastasia and Jeremy!

Emily Ohnstad

Every year my family and I enjoy July 4th weekend in the Pocono Mountains in Pennsylvania with my mother’s brothers and sisters.  We attempt to see fireworks but almost always fail, typically enjoying the sweet snap, crackle and pop sounds of fireworks just out of view.  If we are lucky, we see some smoke drift over a mountain top from the fireworks’ actual location and consider it a success, knowing we were only a mile or so from the fireworks that year.  (We could prepare and look up their location, but what is the fun in that?)  Peanut M&M’s are always served on tap with a side of Skittles, for the non-chocolate lovers—otherwise known in our family as heathens! Days consist of laying out lakeside with occasional breaks for jet-ski rides and nights are full of delicious food, drinks and laughter.  This particular year, a Lady Gaga cover band will be performing at a local casino and my aunt, mother and I have deemed it a must see.  We plan to spend more than we save at the Crossings Premium Outlet Mall and break for lunch for a delicious sandwich at Au Bon Pain with a side of strenuous people watching.  Since I have not seen my family since the Holidays, this reunion is especially exciting and worth the 3 hour bus ride on public transit.  I look forward to all the awkward family moments, memories and pictures that this weekend will provide.  Happy Independence Day!

Adam Douglas

Unfortunately I won’t be able to partake in any of the Fourth of July festivities because I’ll be tending to the restaurant I work at the entire day. If I didn’t have to work though, I would probably spend the day doing as little as possible. I might head over to the Hudson River Park with a towel, a book and my iPod, and try and catch up on some much needed tanning time. BBQ’s are fun, but who can be bothered with this heat wave we seem to be going through? I think I’d probably grab a hot dog from a street vendor and call it a day. I think I’d most likely try and watch the fireworks display in the evening. Depending on the amount of effort I felt like exerting, I would either try and watch them from the roof of my building or somehow try and finagle my way up to the rooftop of The Standard hotel. That would have to be the best view in the city. Wish I had the option of actually doing these things…. Oh well, maybe next year! Enjoy your 4^th for me!

Adriana Inglesi

As a born and raised Canadian, I have not yet had the opportunity to experience a true red, white and blue American 4^th of July.  However, I will be in the US for the first time during the holiday! I plan on going out with my friend from Montreal who will be visiting me.  We don’t really have a plan yet, so we’re going to be spontaneous! NYC has a lot to offer for the 4^th of July, so we are bound to find something fun and patriotic to do.  I definitely plan on going to watch the fireworks, hopefully from a rooftop hotel or something to get the full affect.  Can’t wait for my first 4^th of July!

Rebecca Coldwell

Usually, I spend my 4^th of July with a big family reunion barbeque by the beach in Connecticut.  Sadly, this will be my first year not experiencing my grandpa’s slightly inappropriate jokes or my aunt’s delicious triple layer chocolate truffle cake. Instead, I will be celebrating in New York with some friends from home. I hope to bring some of the old traditions of my family BBQs over to my friend’s house, however! Sparklers are a must at every Coldwell 4^th of July, so I will be sure to get my friends hooked writing their names out with the glow of the sparklers. I also plan on attempting to remake my aunt’s truffle cake, adding a little Rebecca flare to it.  We’ll see how that one goes, never as good as the real thing! Of course I will be decked out head-to-toe in red, white, and blue, as that has also been tradition of mine. My siblings and cousins and I would always see who could sport the most patriotic outfit of us all.  Hopefully there will also be lots of corn hole playing and yummy food! As I said, this will be my first 4^th away from the family traditions, so I’m excited to see what’s in store for me and see if anything compares to a good ‘ol fashion Coldwell Family BBQ! Happy 4^th, hope it’s full of tons of laughs and memories!

Why “go green”? Who wouldn’t? It’s good for the environment and you, too. We are quickly depleting our resources, when we could be using renewable resources and eating in a sustainable manner.

With the recent oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico, everyone should be trying to do their part to help save the environment and ecosystems.  That’s where New York and eating “green” comes in.  No, the world is not going to be miraculously cleaner in one day if everyone starts to eat green, but any little effort to be environmentally friendly will help get the ball rolling. The BP oil spill has massively effected ecosystems and marine life, some of which are becoming extinct. New York can help in the fight against environmental destruction just by being green-conscious and checking out one of the many delicious green restaurants in NYC.

Eating “green” is not just limited to veggies – although delicious and great for you – it means preparing foods and restaurants in a sustainable manner. Restaurants are jumping on the bandwagon and joining in on the green initiative frenzy.  Simple, but effective adjustments have been made by many of NYC’s finest restaurants, such as getting rid of all Styrofoam products, cracking down on the recycling, or purchasing sustainable foods that are organic and locally grown. Natural and locally grown foods are healthier, and reducing, reusing, and recycling is better for the environment. So in the end, everyone wins!  Listed below are just a few of NYC’s restaurants that are green and affordable!

1. The Cleaver Co.
The Cleaver Co. believes that “the best foods are grown, tended and harvested within a day’s drive your table”.  The “Green Table” has an ever-changing menu of organic foods as well as a variety of beverages such as wines, beers, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drink including a great selection of organic teas.  The food menu includes, but is not limited to, fresh salads, pizzas, burgers, and seafood.  Cleaver Co. also provides catering for special events such as social gatherings, corporate events, weddings, Bar and Bat Mitzvahs, and not-for-profit events.  Be sure to check out their one-of-a-kind “Daily Infusion” seasonal house made beverage for only $2!
http://www.cleaverco.com/

2. GustOrganics Restaurant and Bar
“Changing the World One Meal at a Time” is their motto. If that doesn’t spark an interest to begin with, then maybe their easy online food ordering, online reservations, or online catering booking will catch your attention. Menu option include breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, natural fruit blend, cold and hot beverages, fresh organic baby meals, organic tapitos, and the world’s first USDA certified organic bar.  So many creative and organic options to choose from! $5 off your first online order!
http://www.gustorganics.com/index.php

3.  American Museum of Natural History
Want to tour beautiful museum exhibits and eat green at the same time? Well make sure to take advantage of the opportunity at the American Museum of Natural History! Lot’s of lip-smacking locally grown gourmet meals! Become enthralled in the race to the South Pole in Antarctica as you watch “the Race to the End of the Earth”, and then quench your thirst with a natural fruit smoothie. Or if the endless excitement of exhibit viewing worked up a giant appetite and a smoothie just won’t cut it, dig into a classic dish such as a “mouth-watering” panini!
http://www.amnh.org/museum/food/

4. French Roast
French Roast has two locations within NYC: 85th & Broadway on the Upper West Side, and 11th Street and Sixth Avenue in the West Village.  The restaurant has a “lively atmosphere of a Parisian bistro, both French Roasts pay homage to this most lively and cosmopolitan of cities”. They are certified green by the Green Association, implementing a variety of green business practices. Besides their wide range of menu options, they also have a 24 hour menu! Stop in after a night out on the town for a juicy burger, or to cater to that sweet tooth, try their pancakes!
http://www.frenchroastny.com/menu.php#

5. Babbo
Babbo is all about the, “great Italian tradition of hospitality and quality at the table and in the glass”. Their philosophy is to use the best local ingredients from the land, air, and sea as simply as possible and serve them with “flourish and joy”.  The aura of this elegant Italian restaurant may have you thinking that you are truly enjoying a tasty meal in the midst of Italy, so eat up and enjoy! Or as the Italians would say, “mangia e divertiti!”
http://www.babbonyc.com/vision.html

6.  Candle 79
“Elegant. Organic. Local. Seasonal. Compassionate. Green. Step inside, and discover a world of a sustainable beauty in food and drink”. Enough said – I’m there! You don’t need to be a vegan to enjoy the unique meals and drinks served at this classy restaurant – just come in with an open mind and you’ll be sure to find something you can’t get enough of.  They even have a gluten-free menu, how accommodating! Sit down and enjoy a brunch of berry crepes with coconut cream, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate drizzle, or one of the chef’s daily hand cut pasta. Candle 79 is sure to make even some of the most carnivorous of carnivores out there begin to have a new appreciation for vegan meals!
http://www.candle79.com/

7. NiceMatin
Certified Green by the Green association, this restaurant located in the Upper West Side has an extensive menu of anything from burgers and sandwiches, to pizzas and pastas. Check out their three-course dinner option full of different choices of appetizers, entrees, and desserts for only $35! And feel free to make a reservation ahead of time online!
http://www.nicematinnyc.com/menu.php#

8. Otto Pizzeria
Otto Pizzeria is another fabulous restaurant partaking in the green initiative.  What are they doing you may ask? Well, they recycle and use compost, as well as avoid all Styrofoam materials.  They also installed Xlerator hand dryers which use 80% less energy than traditional hand dryers and get the job done in 10-15 seconds, which has halved the restaurant’s paper towel usage! You will not find a single water bottle in the place as they are reducing their plastic usage, but you will find an abundance of energy-efficient fluorescent light bulbs! Obviously this pizzeria goes through a whole lot of pizza boxes, so by switching to boxes made of 100% recycled cardboard, Otto Pizzeria is just adding to the improvement of their carbon footprint.  You won’t miss this restaurant on the side of the road – it’s shaped like an Italian train station! All aboard the Otto Pizzeria! Enjoy drinks, antipasti, griddle-cooked pizzas and homemade gelato, all the while listing to upbeat and lively music!
http://ottopizzeria.com/home.cfm

9. Rouge Tomate
Rouge Tomate is a Modern American Cuisine restaurant that actively works to address social and environmental issues. Food is provided by farmers who only produce local and seasonal foods to ensure that every meal is taken directly from the farm to the table. Innovative cooking techniques are used to “ignite the natural flavors while heightening the nutritional value of each meal”. If you’re feeling adventurous, try the warm octopus salad. If you’re feeling not-so adventurous, there is plenty to choose from such as a salad, pasta or chicken dish. Explore the endless possibilities of this Modern American cuisine with a twist located off the southeast corner of Central Park!
http://www.rougetomatenyc.com/

10. Habana Outpost
What is an “eco-eatery”? Habana Outpost is! And the only one in NYC! This means that only earth-friendly practices are used in the design, construction, and day-to-day activities. Not only is the food produced and consumed in a way to promote sustainable solutions, but there is an entire market to discover, full of a variety of local designers and vendors. Choose your location of which eco-eatery you would like to try: Café Habana in New York, New York, or Habana Outpost in Brooklyn, NY!
http://www.cafehabana.com/planet.htm

1. Tony Dapolito Recreation Center
3 Clarkson Street
New York, NY 10014
Phone: (212) 242-5228, (212) 242-5418
Cross Streets: 3 Clarkson Street @ 7th Avenue South
Neighborhood: Greenwich Village
Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat-Sun 9am-5:30pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/M103

The popular outdoor pool, open during summer months, is free and very pleasant when it’s not too crowded (avoid it on the hottest days). There are lifeguards on duty and lap lanes in the deep end. Swimmers need to bring a lock for the locker; bathing suits are required in the pool area.

2. Tompkins Square Mini Pool
500 E 9th St
New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212-387-6784
Cross Street: Ave A
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: Daily 11:30am-6:30pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/tompkinssquarepark

To swim in this small shallow pool (3 feet deep) in Tompkins Square Park children must be six years old and at least 3’8″ tall. That means it’s perfect for little kids. Add to that the playgrounds and great neighborhood eats surrounding the park and this is a pool worth traveling to for a great day outing.

3. Hamilton Fish Recreation Center
128 Pitt Street
New York, NY 10002
Phone: (212) 387-7687
Cross Streets: East Houston & Stanton Streets
Neighborhood: Lower East Side
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-9pm, Sat 9-4pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/facilities/recreationcenters/M033

Frequently cited as the best public pool in NYC, Hamilton Fish has a couple things that make it a stand out. The first one in my book is that it has two pools. One is enormous and four feet deep (perfect for a little swimmer.) The other is a giant kiddie pool. Kiddie pools can be hard to find in NYC, so the fact that this also happens to be possibly the cleanest public pool in NYC with cool water and attentive lifeguards is all bonus.

4. Dry Dock
E. 10th St and Szold Place
New York, NY 10009
Phone: 212-677-4481
Cross Streets: bet Ave C & D
Neighborhood: East Village
Hours: Daily10am-6pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/drydockplayground

Same vibe as Hamilton Fish, but this pool is said to have tougher lifeguards which means less roughhousing by teens in the water.

5. Asser Levy Recreation Center
E 23rd Street and FDR Drive
New York, NY
Phone: 212-447-2020
Neighborhood: Gramercy
Hours: Mon-Fri 6:30am-9:30pm, Weekends 8am-4pm
Website: http://bit.ly/cA3Ldo

This Rec Center has a free outdoor pool during the summer, a playground, basketball courts and game room. During the rest of the year there is a small annual membership fee required to use their indoor pool housed in a 1908 Roman Revival Bathhouse with a fountain and skylights. The long opening hours mean if you are an early bird you can have the pool practically to yourself.

6. Jackie Robinson Recreation Center
85 Bradhurst Avenue
New York, NY 10030
Phone: (212) 234-9607
Cross Streets: West 146th Street & Bradhurst Avenue
Neighborhood: Hamilton Heights
Hours: Mon-Fri 9am-8:45pm, Sat 9-4:45
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/jackierobinsonpark/

Providing ten blocks of resources, Jackie Robinson Park is a Harlem jewel. One of four spaces designated Historic Harlem Parks, the park is noted for its strong connection with the community.

7. John Jay Pool and Recreation
77th St and Cherokee Pl (east of York Ave.)
New York, NY 10162
Phone: 212-794-6566
Cross Streets: Between York and FDR
Neighborhood: Upper East Side
Hours: Daily 11am-7pm
Website: www.nycgovparks.org/parks/johnjaypark

John Jay is an oasis in the middle of Manhattan. One of the best public pools in Manhattan, it is clean and safe; there’s a snack bar inside and a playground with sprinklers and swings. It is also one of the two pools in the city that allows diving. They ask for a small annual donation of $25 for adults and $10 for teens.

8. Lasker Skating Rink/Pool
Central Park near 110th St. and Lenox Ave.
New York, NY 10026
Phone: 212-534-7639
Neighborhood: Central Park North
Hours: Mon. – Fri. from 7:00 – 8:30 AM & 7:00 – 8:30 PM
Website: www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/lasker-pool-rink.html

Lasker Pool is an enormous outdoor pool at the top of Central Park. It is one of the city’s most popular pools and gets very crowded, but you can go on the early side and then spend the rest of the day exploring this itinerary for Northern Central Park.

9. Manhattan Plaza Health Club
482 West 43rd Street at 10th Ave
New York, NY 10036
Phone: 212-563-7001
Neighborhood: Midtown West
Hours: Mon-Fri 6am-11pm, Weekends 8am-9pm
Website: www.mphc.com

If you are in the mood for a little luxury try this hotel rooftop pool with a retractable glass roof. The lap pool has a separate area for kids. Day passes are $25 and include the use of the gym, saunas and whirlpool. In the off-season check their site for a special $10 entry promotion.

10. Stuyvesant High School Community Center
345 Chambers St. between the West Side Highway and the Hudson River
New York, NY 10282
Phone: 212-312-4800
Neighborhood: Tribeca
Hours: Mon-Thurs. 3pm-6pm, & Fri 3pm-7pm, Weekends 10am-2:30pm
Website: www.communitycenteratstuyvesanthighschool.org/

The Stuyvesant Community Center pool is a nice indoor pool with a great view and family swim times which aren’t usually crowded during the week. A six-month membership is only $200 for adults plus $70 for each kid, but you can also pay just $12 for the day ($10 for kids). Either way you get access to all the facilities including a gym, basketball, handball and volleyball courts.

BIZBASH recently published an article in their May/June 2010 issue called “Event & Meeting Technology,” a list of tools and trends to help planners do a better job. We at Penta Events have narrowed their choices down to the top 5 we believe to be the most helpful. Enjoy! LINK TO BIZBASH

• The IPAD: 2010’s most popular technological device is undoubtedly the IPAD. Event planners need this new and savvy computer because with it, they can deliver presentations just about anywhere without having to carry around their portable computers. With tons of event-specific applications, this is the perfect device to carry with you on-site and be prepared for anything! For information on where to purchase your IPAD visit: www.apple.com.

• Event Apps for Smartphones: In the event community, applications become important because content about any event can be delivered straight to the user’s mobile device. FollowMe, QuickMobile and My Mobile Meetings are all accommodating event planning industries with their development of apps that show floor maps of the venue, registration forms and schedules of each event. There are so many apps to discover, see our blog to see the ones we recommend for you!  

• Twitter: Every event planner needs to be “tweeting”. With over 100 million users, your message is sure to get across. There is no easier or faster way to connect to as many people about an event. All it takes is a few seconds of your time to tweet-whether for promotion or feedback. Please follow us on twitter @ PentaEvents and PentaCares.

• Google Wave: The newest addition to the Google functions is one that allows users to communicate and work together, with text, photos, videos, maps and much more. There is also a polling function that allows users to vote on all aspects of the event posted; from the date of the event to the venue and catering options. For more information on how to sign up for Google Wave, visit: www.wave.google.com.

• Convenient Videoconferencing: This is not just your typical iChat. Videoconferencing has expanded and companies such as Cisco have partnered with Marriott and Starwood Hotels to offer videoconferencing suites at low hourly rates. These videoconferences allow groups of as many as 20 people to sync with co-workers in affiliated hotels in the U.S and in some international ones. For more information on videoconferencing visit: www.cisco.com

1. Little Neck-Douglaston Memorial Day Parade
Join the Nation’s largest Memorial Day parade in honoring our Veterans. Monday, May 31^st at 2 pm the parade begins at the corner of Jason Avenue and Northern Boulevard in Great Neck. For more information and to register your group online please visit:
http://www.memorialdayparade.org/

2. Memorial Day Weekend Sale at Woodbury Common Outlets
Shop, shop, shop!!! This Memorial Day weekend why not take a road trip with friends or family and visit the Woodbury Common Outlets! Enjoy their many discounts on already low outlet prices, so ladies and gents get those wallets ready! For more information on store hours please visit their official website:
http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/hours.asp?id=7

3. Concert by American Idol Winner & Runner-up
Rise and shine! Thursday, May 27^th at 7 am at the Rockefeller Center, the Today Show Summer Concert Series presents the winner and runner-up of American Idol. Both will be performing a FREE concert for all their fans! If your favorite makes the top two, come show your support! For the 2010 Today Show Summer Concert Series schedule please visit: http://manhattan.about.com/od/eventsandattractions/a/gmatodayconcert.htm

4. Fleet Week-Memorial Day Celebration
What better way to celebrate Memorial Day then with the U.S Navy and Marine Corps! On Monday, May 31^st, they will be at the Bronx Zoo as well as at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan, so why not take your children and enjoy! For a full list of Fleet Week Activities please visit:
http://gonyc.about.com/od/holidays/p/fleetweek.htm

5. Boat Basin
Always a great time at Boat Basin! Enjoy the sunset and view on their patios. Great food, and great drinks, what better way to enjoy a day off by relaxing on the deck! For information visit:
http://www.boatbasincafe.com/index.htm

6. Go to a local beach
Fed up of this concrete jungle? Enjoy a 30 minute getaway and visit some of the local beaches we have right here! Visit some of our favorites:
http://www.pentaevents.com/2010/04/top-10-beaches-near-manhattan/

7. Bistro Ten 18
Enjoy a special Full Course meal at Bistro Ten 18! For only 45$ a person, your Memorial Day Celebration can be a tasty one! For information visit: http://www.bistroten18.com/events.html

8. Keyport Memorial Day Parade
Celebrate a little earlier and join members of local American Legion and VFW posts representing the military, including the Color Guard on Saturday, May 29^th at 12 pm. After the parade, many local stores, cafes and restaurants will offer parade specials! For information, please visit:
http://www.keyportonline.com/

9. The Casino Meets the Beach
One reason to get out of the city and enjoy Atlantic City: Ludacris! Join him in celebrating Memorial Day at the Pool of Harrah’s Resort in Atlantic City. Doors open at 3 pm on Sunday May 30^th, party it up and don’t forget the sunscreen! To purchase your tickets visit:
http://www.bigbusinessny.com/

10. The Empire Hotel: Rooftop Bar and Lounge
Don’t feel like going all the way to Atlantic City? Come enjoy New York City’s own rooftop bar and lounge at the Empire Hotel! You can have dinner and drinks or just go later on for the party! For more information visit their website:
http://www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-rooftop.php