Author: Mantai Chow

Cleaning And Greening The Bronx

A group of volunteers spent a Saturday morning picking up trash, plucking out weeds and pruning dead branches in Port Morris, an industrial neighborhood in the southwestern Bronx.

The workload was much heavier than they expected. “It’s pretty gross, pretty dirty,” said a volunteer after seeing small bits of trash scattered around a tree.

“For a long time, the Bronx has been neglected,” said Rosemarie Miner, the volunteer programs coordinator for the New York Restoration Project. “I think we need people to feel like their home is a sacred and valuable place. I hope the work we do can make them feel a little bit more at home.”

by Mantai Chow

Trump Buttons Sell Well In New York

Donald Trump won not only the primary in New York, but also the button sales, according to “The Button Man,” 76-year-old Mort Berkowitz, who started making and selling political buttons in 1972. This is his 11th presidential election.

He said the hottest-selling button in this election season so far is “We Shall Overcomb!” with an image Trump’s hair going in many different directions. “Everybody loves it, even people who like Trump,” Berkowitz said. “If Trump and Hillary win the party’s nominations, it will absolutely help my sales. I can retire.”

by Mantai Chow

Poet on the Road Writes Poetry to Go

Twenty-six-year-old Phil Krell is no stranger to being alone. For the past year, he has been hitchhiking and traveling to more than 30 states with his typewriter, surviving solely off writing poetry for people in the street.

“I sit out, people give me topics and I will write them poetries on the spot,” said Krell, a Florida native, braving the wind on a chilly Sunday afternoon at Washington Square Park in New York City. He had $20 in his pocket, “but I got a full subway card. That’s a big thing,” he said. “I am solid.” Krell believes hardships make him a better writer. “I want to experience the world, be able to see what life is like and put myself through hard times because that’s where you learn from quicker.”

by Mantai Chow

Young Violinists Put To The Test In Public

On a Saturday afternoon, about 10 young violinists from ages 8 to 13 performed at Grand Central Station to celebrate German composer Johann Sebastian Bach’s birthday.

Unlike performing in a concert hall where musicians can easily capture the attention of the audience, playing music in a busy subway station proved to be a challenge. Many people passed by without even looking at the violinists. “Sometimes it’s a little discouraging when people walked past you,” said Lila, a 13-year-old violinist who played in the event. “But you want to keep on playing no matter what.”

by Mantai Chow

Beloved Brooklyn Bridal Shop Must Move

For the Carol Bridal Shop at 773 Grand Street in East Williamsburg, April will mark not only the 20th year at its current location, but also the end of it.

The owner, Maria Teresa Leal, said the new landlord of the building wants the store out when the lease expires at the end of April.

To stay in business, Maria and her husband decided to sell their home to raise the money they need to secure a new location for the store in Queens.

“It’s not easy,” said Leal with tears in her eyes. But she realizes it is what it takes to save her family business.

by Mantai Chow