Happy Humpday — or are you still in that state when you don’t know what day of the week it is?
I’ve got to say that I was struggling for editorial inspiration this morning, but as I picked up my phone, Google reminded me that this was the picture I took 5 years ago (thank you, Google)! The West Side truly is the best side.
It was my brother-in-law’s funeral back in England yesterday. The distance from saying goodbye to David and supporting my sister is so enormous but somehow eased by the technology. Daily FaceTime with Sandra is something that I feel lucky to have.
Sandra shared the music from the ceremony, the eulogy, and the order of service with me yesterday afternoon. One of the readings — “Afterglow” — was penned by an American writer, Helen Lowrie Marshall. It’s a lovely poem that I hope brings comfort for those in pain after the tragic death of teenager Matthew Pierre — please contribute to the GoFundMe that has been set up for his family.

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In half a century, TF Cornerstone (TFC) has transformed the Long Island City waterfront, developed some of the first residential buildings in the Financial District & Hudson Yards, and revitalized the Meatpacking District. TFC continues to cultivate the surrounding community long after a project’s completion date. Learn more…
Have you got your W42ST mug yet? The first orders started to be delivered last weekend — and we’re rather pleased with how good they look. If you want to snag one, head over to our friends at The Mug Affair. They’re a local business who donates $2 for every mug sold to help Art and Music in the public school system (and it supports the work of W42ST too!).
What we’ve been reading
There’s a new action group in the neighborhood – and it wants the city to tighten up on services for the homeless. (amNY)
“We can’t let our storefronts and restaurants be swallowed whole by the Amazons and Wal-Marts of the world” – why empty businesses are such a troubling trend in this pandemic. (Patch)
Up to a quarter of transit workers have had COVID-19. (NY1)
If you’re ready to splash the cash, there’s a deal to be done on this Time Warner Center penthouse. (Real Deal)
New York’s first P.F. Chang’s has opened on W40th Street. (TimeOut)