LMDC Seeks WTC Museum Feedback
The Lower Manhattan Development Corporation this month begins a series of workshops designed to seek input from the public on programming and artifacts for the Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center site. Artifacts preserved for possible inclusion in the museum were selected by the Memorial Center Advisory Committee, a group made up of historians, preservationists, curators, Sept. 11 survivors, victims' family members and emergency workers.

John Gallagher, an LMDC spokesman, said the workshops are a chance for residents and others who were not involved in the decision-making process to contribute their opinions.

The artifacts, which have been culled from the large collection being stored at JFK Airport, range from personal objects that belonged to people who worked at the towers to steel rescued from the wreckage. Members of the advisory committee also collected eyewitness accounts of 9/11 and personal stories about the lives of victims.

"The Memorial Museum will tell the stories of those difficult days: stories of lives tragically cut short, and stories of heroism and selflessness," Stefan Pryor, LMDC's president, said in a statement. "Some of the objects ... are extremely powerful in themselves, and when placed in an historical context those evocative pieces will visually and emotionally document the ongoing story of all that was lost."

The LMDC, through its Web site (www.renewnyc.com), will accept comments on preliminary programming ideas through Nov. 15.\

The workshops, three in all, begin Sept. 15, with a presentation and forum at 6 p.m. at the Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Pl. Additional meetings will be held Sept. 19 and Oct. 11 at the New York University School of Continuing and Professional Studies at 15 Barclay St.

Registration is required, online at www.civicalliance.org or www.renewnyc. com, or by calling
212-253-2727 ext. 317.

Hurricane Benefit
Manhattan Youth is organizing a benefit on Friday, Sept. 9 from 6-11 p.m., to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The benefit will take place on Pier 25 at North Moore Street and feature a southern style barbecue and Cajun specialties. Admission is $20 with a cash bar. All proceeds from the event will go to youth organizations in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, and the American Red Cross.


Music Makers Wanted
Two community music groups are seeking new members this month. TriBattery Pops, a gazebo group that performs marching-band music, is in search of musicians of all ages. Woodwind, brass and percussion players are welcome, and the group is in particular need of a drummer. Call Church Street School for Music and Art, at 212-571-7290, or email TomGoodkind@aol.com. The Down Town Glee Club, a male vocal chorus, begins auditions for its 2005-2006 season on Sept. 6, from 7 to 8 p.m., at 74 Trinity St., second floor. Additional audition dates are Sept. 13, 20 and 27. Call 516-248- 7549 or email osterbergg@aol.com.


Emergency Training
The American Red Cross is offering free training on how to prepare for emergencies on Sept. 20, from 5:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Wall Street Rising, 25 Broad St. The training includes tips on creating an emergency plan and disaster supplies kit, evacuation and first aid. RSVP to 212-425-4636 or events@downtowninfocenter.org.


CB1 to DOT: Slow Down
Community Board 1 has thrown up a temporary stop sign in the path of a Department of Transportation plan to renovate Beekman Street between Park Row and Gold Street. The 18-monthlong project, scheduled to begin in January, involves a complete excavation and resurfacing of the four-block stretch of road. That timeline would mean that the work would coincide with the construction of a 75-story residential tower on the parking lot of New York Downtown Hospital. "Not acceptable," said Marc Donnenfeld, chairman of the community board's Seaport/Civic Center Committee. "It's going to be like Dresden over here." Julie Menin, CB1's chairwoman, urged the DOT to return to the board for a meeting with all the parties involved, including the building's developer, Forest City Ratner, utilities representatives, and nearby residents and business owners who might be affected, before moving forward with the plan.


BPC Block Party
The Battery Park City Neighbors and Parents' Association will host its annual community block party on Vesey Street between West Street and North End Avenue on Sept. 17, from noon to 5 p.m. For information, go to www.bpcnpa.com.