This morning we had an event at the Wyckoff House. Not only is it the oldest house in New York City, it’s the oldest house in New York State. It was built by Pieter Claesen Wyckoff, a Dutch settler, in 1652 on land that was recently taken from the local Canarsee Indian tribe. Wyckoff’s descendants continued to farm the land until 1901. In the 1960s it was declared a National Historic Landmark. The house exists today as a museum that is owned by the Parks Department. Today’s event was to herald some new improvements that are coming to the grounds. The weather was great, the speeches were short, and the school kids in attendance were very knowledgeable about the site’s history.

Lauren Sullivan, one of my favorite co-workers of all time, told me today that she is leaving Parks. Her husband is a musician in the band Guster and she is forming a non-profit organization that works with musicians to promote environmental issues. I’m happy for her but very sad to see her go. Fortunately she will still be living in Brooklyn and has promised to visit and do lunch.

My “Survivor” prediction is Shii Ann, last of the Mogo Mogos.