Good progress was reported in the removal of asbestos insulation from the old train engine in Central Park. It had been shrouded in plastic to prevent the asbestos from getting into the air. Workers were protected with masks and special clothing, and it was hoped the work could be finished soon.

Local shoppers hit the streets and shopping centers in droves here in the traditional post-Thanksgiving rush to line up Christmas gifts. Many local merchants were expecting retailing records for the 1982 Christmas season. Reasonably favorable weather prevailed after predictions of rain and drizzle had failed to materialize and some merchants were saying their volume would be up as much as 25 to 30 percent as interest rates kept dropping and the nation seemed to be emerging from a recession period.