Years ago, the MTA had announced that the L line was going to be the first to receive new technological advancement and modernization. As a result, the entire L train was operated almost solely by computers. Passengers were very delighted after receiving the news but they were later disappointed because of detours and delays. Two years ago, if one had asked commuters to rate the L train, they would have probably said it was starkly nerve wrecking, because of the huge time lapses between trains. The train travels from Rockaway Parkway(Canarsie) to Eighth Avenue, and West 14 street (Manhattan).
However, today, there has been a positive transformation. There is a substantial growth in ridership and a great improvement in frequency of service. Reggie Bent, a prominent businessman of Canarsie who travels to Manhattan daily said, ” I can’t believe that the train has improved so much.” The L train has been rated as the cleanest subway in the latest survey in the straphangers campaign. Although the L train has changed, it still has it flaws like most other trains, with overcrowding in rush hours.
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One might feel a bit depressed after leaving a loved one at a senior center. However, one can rest assure that their loved ones are in safe hands at Glenwood Senior Center. This institution is a focal point bringing older adults together as one big happy family. The staff makes it their sole priority to ensure that members are treated with respect by making a connection with each individual. Healthy nutrition is very important and is highly promoted at the center. They offer a balanced diet of whole grains, greens and protein.
The center realizes that there are diverse needs and hobbies, thus providing a wide range of activities for its members. On Fridays, the seniors are given the opportunity of bringing along their grandchildren. If one should visit the center on a Friday, I can guarantee that their hearts will be deeply touched by the beautiful picture painted. Seniors are engaged in fun indoor and outdoor activities; in the summer time one could see them enjoying the beautiful sunshine and laughing and talking together. Members also get a chance to express their creative side by taking part in arts and crafts and displaying their own individual uniqueness. The staff knows that exercising is also a very important aspect that is even more vital at an older age. Thus, aerobic classes are offered where members get a chance to be flexible and stretch their muscles and keep in good shape. On a visit to his grandmother, Roger Powell claimed “I could hear the seniors bellowing in a state of excitement from playing a game of bingo.” The seniors have no problem showing off their bodies, some of them are eager to wear their bathing suits into the beautiful pool that is provided for them. Trevor Mcclear said, “I just feel a sense of tranquility when I come into the pool.” But the center goes further, they even offer fieldtrips where members get the chance to leave Avenue H and go to different places. Computer lessons are also offered so that members can keep up-to-date with technological advancements. There are rumors going around that a creative writing and dancing class will be offered.
It was a beautiful Saturday morning November 8 when Marie Johnson went to Bubblet Wash laundromat at Rockaway Parkway Avenue, Carnarsie. Johnson was eager to wash her loads of whites but to her surprise she was welcomed by a homeless man lying on the seats at the laundromat. There was a huge bag blocking the front door containing his belongings.The air was filled with an unpleasant aroma that would stifle customers in an instant.
Distorted Johnson hastily made a complaint to management who didn’t seem to care much about the situation. Management claimed that he was a friend of one of the workers, rumors had it that he use to live in the projects across the street. Johnson decided to stay despite of her concerns and she wasn’t willing to give up the great parking space outside. She also complained about the stagnant water that was draining beside one of the washers which she had intended to use. Johnson said “this was the worst experience I ever had at a laundromat in the past five years.”
Waiting for the B42 has become a fear for residents of Canarsie. The bus route goes from Rockaway Parkway to Canarsie Pier. Sharon revealed that “waiting in the morning is a total nightmare. I usually wait half an hour and when the bus arrives it’s always overcrowded and passes me like a wayward wind”. The bus is over-packed with students who are attending Canarsie High School, leaving little or no space for others. The journey from Canarsie Pier to Rockaway Parkway is relatively short so there is no limited bus available. According to Debra, “the only good thing about the bus is that when it is overcrowded, I have to force myself through the back door and I don’t have to pay any fare.” Another good aspect of the B42 is that it carries passengers directly inside the train station at Rockaway Parkway; therefore one doesn’t have to pay or transfer to get on the train.
Residents who lives in the middle of the route such as Ave K and J sometimes walk five blocks to the train station in the mornings to prevent themselves from being late for work. The weekends and the nights are terrible as one has to wait 45 minutes or more before getting a bus. Peter claimed, “the B42 is like the lottery; it’s all about luck, sometimes you get lucky, sometimes you don’t.” One can feel more assured in the daytime as the B42 usually runs more frequently.
Will Canarsie ever retain the strong educational system it once had? This has been a constant debate plaguing the minds of locals in the neighborhood. Is the only solution closing down Canarsie and South Shore High and replacing them with several smaller schools? South Shore High was listed on the City’s most dangerous schools list in 2006 and its graduation rate has fallen to 32.3%. The Department of Education has predicted that South Shore High School will close down by 2010. For several decades South Shore has been rapidly slipping away. Its graduation rate has declined and test scores have deteriorated. The school has created an environment in which some students claimed that they feel unsecure and parents are continually worried about their children’s safety. Its major problem lies with its inability to provide a strong educational background for its students. The Department of Education reported South Shore as one of the least popular high schools in demand. Although Canarsie High seem to be doing better than South Shore, it is far from picture perfect. It has also been said to be less sucessful than previous years and its principal was removed in June of 2007. The State Department of Education declared Canarsie High as a School Under Registration Review. The school came up with a plan to implement a new problem solving class so that students will be able to assess any problems they have. Was it too late? Some locals are angry with the Department of Education; they argue that Canarsie High has a lot of potential and can be fixed. In the meantime, the schools remain hanging and residents are confused.
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