Celebrating "Family Day" at Amsterdam Houses

Guest blog by intern Jason Crowley

For the fifth consecutive year, LANDMARK WEST! joined in the festivities at the Amsterdam Houses' annual Family Day celebration.

Saturday, August 4th, turned out to be another fun-filled day of music, BBQ and nostalgic tales of growing up at Amsterdam Houses.

Each year LW! sets up shop and spend the day sharing photographs of Amsterdam Houses dating back to the late 1940s, when the complex (an LW! "Wish List" site) was being constructed.

Featuring images of Amsterdam Houses' construction, LW's photo board
sparked many-a reminiscence among Family Day attendees

LW's Arlene Simon

Neighbors young and old huddled around our table, looking at our photos (and sharing some of their own!) while regaling us with fond memories of growing up in the community ("I've lived here for 40+ years" is not at all an uncommon thing to hear!).

 At this year's Family Day celebration, LW!'s President and founder, Arlene Simon received recognition, from the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA), for her years of outreach and leadership in the neighborhood.

One of the greatest experiences about attending Family Day year after year is the opportunity to speak with the residents who make Amsterdam Houses a vibrant and proud community of active and passionate neighbors. 

Intern Jason Crowley shares historic images with a Family Day attendee

LW's Cristiana Pena and Family Day celebrants

 
It was such a pleasure to meet everyone who stopped by the LW! table on Saturday; we are already looking forward to next year's Family Day!