Monday Bulletin: Peak Fall Foliage in Central Park Now; Wollman Rink Reopens; Giant Pumpkins at Westside Market

Monday, October 28, 2024
Sunny. High 60 degrees.

There is no rain forecast for this week, which is becoming a bit of a trend. It has not rained in New York City for 28 days. This would be the first time since 1860, when records began being kept, that there was no rainfall in October.

Notices
Our calendar has lots of local events. Click on the link or the lady in the upper righthand corner to check.

Thursday is Halloween.

Sunday is a major day. Daylight Savings time ends at 2 a.m. and we turn back the clocks; the New York City Marathon is being run; and the close of Early Voting are all happening on November 3. It’s also my birthday.

The JCC begins its Fall + Winter Clothing Drive on Monday that will run through November 10. All accepted donations will go to unhoused students in Upper West Side schools. The clothing drive is sponsored by Councilmember Gale Brewer. You can learn more about it — HERE.

Assemblymember Linda Rosenthal is also hosting a coat drive in partnership with the JCC that will run through Friday, November 1. You can drop off items at Rosenthal’s office at 230 West 72nd Street from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Councilmember Gale Brewer’s office is hosting a tech clinic for older adults from 1 to 4 p.m. on Tuesday within Lincoln Center’s David Rubenstein Atrium on Broadway between 62nd and 63rd streets. Trainers will answer specific tech questions one-on-one, and MTA representatives will also be in attendance to answer OMNY and reduced fare questions. You can register for a time slot by calling 212-873-0282.

Upper West Side News
By Gus Saltonstall

There is not much better than when the leaves change color in New York City, and peak foliage is taking place earlier this year in Central Park.

The Central Park Conservancy says the peak fall colors are happening now, as opposed to in early November.

Lindsay Okarmus, director of the Central Park Conservancy’s landscape services, told NBC that the warm weather in October, combined with the lack of rain during the month, is the reason.

“We are kind of an anomaly this year,” Okarmus said.

She added that the peak of the fall colors in Central Park is expected to last for another couple of weeks.

You can check out the Conservancy’s interactive foliage map — HERE.

If you have photos of the fall leaves on the UWS send them to info@westsiderag.com with their locations, and we’ll post them with your byline.

Speaking of Central Park, Wollman Rink reopened on Saturday.

The iconic ice skating rink will remain open for the winter season through March 15. General admission tickets range from $15 to $38 for adults, and $10 for children and seniors. You can also rent skates for $12.

“We are thrilled to welcome skaters back to Wollman Rink,” Bret Pidgeon, general manager of Wollman Rink, said in a press release. “To provide an even more magical winter experience, Wollman Rink is introducing upgraded igloos and expanded skate school offerings this season, ensuring that everyone from first-time visitors to seasoned skaters can enjoy the beauty of Central Park in the winter.”

The rink is open from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, 10:00 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesdays, Thursday, and Fridays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Wollman Rink is located near the southeast corner of Central Park, with the closest entrance at 59th Street and Sixth Avenue.

You can find out more — HERE.

We’ve received multiple messages about impressive pumpkins on sale at Westside Market on 110th Street and Broadway.

West Side Rag reader Karen Dietshe claimed that they are the biggest pumpkins she’s seen for sale in New York City.

There’s no doubt they’ve got impressive heft.

The large ones would be difficult to fit in front of a door, but might go well on the stoop of a building.

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