Battery Park City has a lot to offer for all ages. This page provides information on events, news, and services that may be helpful for our local senior community. If you have any recommendations you would like us to consider sharing on this page, please email us at  BPCSeniors@gmail.com.

DOWNTOWN CONNECTION BUS ROUTE UPDATE

Starting the week of May 22, 2023, in an effort to make the route more efficient, the Downtown Connection Bus will no longer be making a U-turn on West Street. Instead, it will turn left directly onto Murray Street.

This will only impact Battery Park City-bound service. As a result, the bus will no longer be stopping at Vesey Street / North End Avenue and North End Avenue / Murray Street, and will now be stopping at Murray Street / North End Avenue.

Read more from the Downtown Alliance.

FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEDICARE BENEFICIARIES: Medicare Savings Program Expansion
The New York State Office for the Aging is urging income-eligible Medicare beneficiaries in New York to apply for up to $7,300 annually in financial assistance through an expansion in the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). Call 1-800-701-0501 or visit https://aging.ny.gov/medicare-savings-program for more information. Read more by clicking here.

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD: Aging New Yorkers Questionnaire

The New York City Comptroller’s office works to promote the financial health, integrity, and effectiveness of New York City government, in order to strengthen trust and secure a thriving future for all New Yorkers. To help focus on the issues that matter most to aging New Yorkers, Comptroller Brad Lander wants to hear from you directly! Please fill out this brief questionnaire to inform the Comptroller’s priorities.

Complete the Aging New Yorkers Questionnaire by clicking here

COMING UP:

Learn about OMNY!
Wednesday, June 14, 1PM, 6 River Terrace
Come learn all about OMNY, the new contactless fare payment system for public transportation in the New York region. An MTA representative will give a brief presentation, hold a Q&A session and sign up those eligible for reduced fares.

Weill Cornell Wellness Series with New York Public Library
As part of the ongoing Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series with branches of the New York Public Library, check out these free upcoming sessions:

NYPL Wellness Series – Caring for the Caregiver
Thursday, June 15
4-5PM (virtual)

With an increasing older adult population the need for caregiving is growing. Caregiving can affect the caregiver’s life in a myriad of ways including their ability to work, engage in social interactions and relationships, and maintain good physical and mental health.

Join us for a presentation to learn steps you can take to support those caring for older adults as part of the Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series in partnership with the 96th Street Library.

Presenter: Dimitris Kiosses, PhD | Register Here

NYPL Wellness Series – Men’s Health, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Thursday, June 15
4-5PM (virtual)

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, or BPH, is a very common, benign (non-cancerous) condition in which the prostate enlarges as men get older. Over 70% of men in their 60s have symptoms of BPH, which can cause loss of productivity and sleep, depression and decreased quality of life.

Join us for a discussion reviewing up-to-date diagnosis and management of BPH in addition to new minimally invasive surgical options during the Weill Cornell Medicine Wellness Series in partnership with the Harry Belafonte 115th Street Library.

Presenter: Bilal Chughtai, MD | Register Here

The Virtual Smart Living Initiative at the NYC Department for the Aging is offering FREE virtual individual nutrition counseling sessions with a Nutritionist.

From the convenience of their own homes or from the centers they attend, older New Yorkers can easily connect with a Nutritionist over video to learn how to make better food choices, based on their personal needs.

And to top it off, participants can receive a free nutrition educational item for attending their first session to encourage them to continue eating healthy. Free language interpreter services are available for clients who prefer to receive nutrition counseling in a language other than English.

Click here to watch a video and learn more!

2023 Summer Program & Events Guide

BPCA’s Summer 2023 Program & Event Guide, detailing a broad range of free programming – including outdoor concerts, music, art, nature, walking tours, fitness, and more – across Battery Park City from May through August. The Guide features illustrated program offerings organized by monthly event highlights and by those of interest to adults and seniors, school-aged children, and preschoolers, as well as information about community spaces at 200 Rector Place, 6 River Terrace, the BPC Ball Fields, and discounted membership rates at the Community Center at Stuyvesant High School.

SENIOR GROUP EXERCISE
Mondays, May 1-October 30, 10:30-11:30AM @ Irish Hunger Memorial Plaza (see all)

Strengthen the whole body from warm-up to cool-down with various fun exercises. The instructor will lead you in rhythmic movement and aerobics, balance and coordination exercises, as well as strength training. Come join the group and workout to great music! No program on 5/29, 6/19, 7/3, 9/4, and 10/09.

ADULT ZUMBA
Tuesdays & Fridays, May 2-October 31, 10:30-11:30AM, Irish Hunger Memorial Plaza (see all)
Exercise in disguise! Join in on the fun featuring easy-to-follow Latin dance choreography while working on your balance, coordination and range of motion. Bring your friends and come prepared for enthusiastic instruction, a little strength training and a lot of fun.

SENIOR DROP-IN & MAH JONGG FOR ADULTS
Tuesdays, May 2-October 24, 2-4PM, 200 Rector Place (see all)
Drop by the Community Room and join seniors from the greater BPC area for conversation, local news, and informal card and board games. Make friends and catch up with neighbors. For more information email: 200rector@bpca.ny.gov.

FIGURE AL FRESCO
Wednesdays, May 3-October 25, 10AM-12PM, Rector Park East (see all)
This BPC park offers a unique setting to observe and sketch the human figure. Each week a model will strike short and long poses for participants to draw. An artist/ educator will offer constructive suggestions and critique. Drawing materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.

ELEMENTS OF NATURE DRAWING
Wednesdays, May 3-October 25, 2-4PM, Rector Park East (see all)
Join our community of artists of all skill levels as we are inspired by our surroundings to create with drawing materials, pastels and watercolors. Embolden your artwork amidst the flower-filled and seasonally evolving palette of BPC’s verdant gardens. An artist/ educator will provide ideas and instruction. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.

TAI CHI
Fridays, May 5-October 27, 8:30-9:30AM, Esplanade Plaza (see all)
Improve balance, strength and focus through gentle exercises. The sights and sounds of the river provide a serene background for the ancient flowing postures. An ideal choice for participants of all ages.

DRAWING IN THE PARK
Saturdays, May 6-October 28, 10AM-12PM, South Cove (see all)
Paint in watercolor or use pastels and other drawing materials to capture the magical vistas of the Hudson River and the unique landscape of South Cove. An artist/educator will help participants of all levels with instruction and critique. Materials provided, and artists are encouraged to bring their own favorite media.

ONGOING THIS SEASON: 

Battery Park City Adult Chorus

Wednesdays @ 1-2PM 200 Rector Place (Battery Park Authority door in passageway adjacent to children’s playground on West Street, between Rector Place & W. Thames Street).

Do you enjoy singing? Music has documented benefits for brain health and research has also shown that singing has health benefits. Connect with the Battery Park City Adult Chorus, sponsored by Church Street School for Music and Art. Have fun and it’s free too! Join us on Wednesdays from 1-2PM at 200 Rector Place. No audition or special talent, no prior choral experience or music reading skills needed. Open to all adults. Email: info@churchstreetschool.org

In-Person Classes and Tech Help @ Senior Planet NYC

Senior Planet in Chelsea
127 West 25th Street
New York, NY 10001

– Minimum age to participate in Senior Planet NYC programming is 60
– Questions may be directed to (646) 590-0615, Monday-Friday 10AM-5PM; or by email: reception@seniorplanet.org

More news from Senior Planet:

New Report Shows Transformational Social Outcomes

During Digital Inclusion Week, OATS released a new report, “Fly Like an Eagle: Measuring Transformational Social Outcomes Among Seniors Using Technology” at a media event at the Senior Planet center in NYC (see photo above). The report details how access to technology devices and innovative training programs can yield transformational social outcomes for older adults and provides a blueprint for cities and communities looking to implement their own digital inclusion programs. Read more here.

MTA REDUCED FARE FOR SENIORS:

The MTA announced that Reduced-Fare customers — including Seniors and people with disabilities — can now put their Reduced-Fare benefit on any OMNY-compatible personal payment device (i.e., your smartphone). The MTA is enabling customers to make this switch online at omny.info. Reduced-Fare customers can also benefit from the MTA’s ongoing “Lucky 13” program, where customers ride free after 12 paid OMNY taps in a 7-day week, from Monday to Sunday.

BPC RESILIENCY — SBPCR PROJECT COMMUNITY CONSTRUCTION LIAISON:

The South Battery Park City Resiliency Project (SBPCR) is underway. Questions & feedback about SBPCR can be sent to:

Rick Fogarty
Community Construction Liaison
(917) 624-5409
sbpcrinfo@bpca.ny.gov

Read more: Message from BPCA Board Acting Chair Martha Gallo

BPC RESILIENCY — NWBPCR PROJECT

The combined North/West Battery Park City Resiliency Project (NWBPCR) contemplates the creation of an integrated coastal flood risk management system from First Place, north along the Battery Park City Esplanade, across to the east side of West Street/Route 9A, and terminate above Chambers Street at a high point on Greenwich Street. Work will proceed through a progressive design-build effort.

Coming up next on NWBPCR:
North/West Battery Park City Reach Workshops (click to resigister and read more)

(February 8: Rockefeller Park & Belvedere Plaza)

(February 16: Tribeca & North Esplanade)

 Questions about the NWBPCR Proejct may be sent to:

             – E-mail: nwbpcrinfo@bpca.ny.gov
      – Mail: Claudia Filomena, Director of Capital Projects, 200 Liberty Street, 24^th Floor, New York, NY 10281

YOUR LOCAL ELECTED OFFICIALS:

– Congressman Dan Goldman (Phone: 202.225.7944)
– Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine (Phone: 212.669.8300)
– NY State Senator Brian Kavanagh (Phone: 212.298.5565)
– NY State Assembly Member Charles Fall (Phone: 718.442.9932)
– NYC Council Member Chris Marte (Phone: 212.587.3159)