Five minutes. No more, no less. Read the prompt, then write down anything and everything that comes to mind. Don’t worry about grammar, punctuation or crafting a complex plot arc. Just write. more

Design of the new Putnam Trail started in 2008, but that work wouldn’t finish for another decade. Even with that finally done, the city had another obstacle to overcome: money. The paving project, from start to finish, carried a price tag of more than $4 million.  more

The coronavirus has upended the lives of many people around the world. But even during such gloomy days, there are plenty of good deeds and intentions to rise above those struggles.  more

When RoseAnn Hermann was young, the word “gay” — or anything similar to it — was rarely uttered aloud. And when it was, it was usually to make fun of people. more

Musical improvisation may be the art of making it up as you go along, but music is a language like any other. Learning a language that has no alphabet, however, may seem difficult — but it just takes a good teacher. more

Penny Prince, a professor at Lehman College, has produced and directed musicals at the school for years. She’s written songs, worked with composers, and blocked out where actors would stand on stage. But for the first time this spring, Prince did all that without ever seeing her students’ faces. more

Step aside, Stephane Grappelli — There’s a new jazz string musician in town. And she also happens to be the new artistic director for the Bronx Arts Ensemble. Bronx native and professional jazz violist Judith Insell has reached a new administrative height in a long history of organizational leadership. more

The coronavirus pandemic has pulled people apart from both their routine and loved ones. In order to prevent spreading or contracting illness, many have spent most of the past few months in their homes. more

Inside the college’s art gallery — be it in-person or safely through a computer screen — executive director Bartholomew Bland tries to inject as much life as he can into a seemingly dead grounds. more

It’s important to see familiar faces. Whether it’s the kind expressions behind the counter at the Kingsbridge Donut Shop, or a close relative who just happens to be passing on the sidewalk, interacting with old and new friends can brighten a day. more