Dear Friends of the Brooklyn Waterfront Research Center,

When last we met in person (March 6, 2020), we had just begun doing elbow bumps instead of handshakes and had not yet begun wearing masks or keeping social distance—and, we were just ten days away from shut down. That seems both as close as yesterday and a lifetime ago.

Though we had to cancel our annual conference in the spring (ironically on the Hospitality Industry in Brooklyn), we were able to publish the conference white paper online. Then we scrambled to learn Zoom and even managed to reach new people—with a record number of attendees for our online events. Our Fellows also adapted to the new conditions and continued their projects with great success. Our presenters and partners were wonderful as they helped ease us through these difficult times. 

We hope you, your families, and your friends have been well through this crisis, although very few in New York City have come through this unscathed—and there is still more to come. However, let us hope this new year, with the promise of the vaccines, will bring us restoration and that, once again, we will be able to greet each other with hugs, handshakes, and no masks. Until then, we will continue to see you online for Breakfast Talks and our annual (virtual) conference this spring — stay tuned for more updates!

With gratitude,
The BWRC team: Richard, Celia, and Arielle