The Voice of the West Village WestView News VOLUME 16, NUMBER 1 JANUARY 2020 $1.00 Crooked Lawyer Encounters Lawyer Victim I got an anxious call from Gretel Ramirez, the my choice response, we hired an attorney, very nice lady who, with her brother, oper- since we were being sued individually, to ates the friendly Sandwich Shoppe on Green- respond to his lawsuit. wich Avenue, saying that she had been subjected Mr. Finkelstein was demanding a fee for to what seemed to be some kind of fraud and Mr. Figueroa of $1,000.00, and $15,000.00 would I come by and talk to her. She showed in legal fees if the case settled early. In ad- me a sheaf of very legal-looking pages suing her dition, the changes to our restaurant would because she was failing to provide a ramp for eliminate all of the front outdoor seating, handicapped access to the restaurant. (Her law- and additional seating near the entrance. yer charged her $3,000 to look at the papers and It should be noted that Da Marcella was was ready to charge her another $2,000 to take a small rustic Italian restaurant with lim- action; or she could settle with the attorney who ited seating. The required changes would was acting on behalf of a handicapped person eliminate a significant part of our income. who was suing her for “lack of access.”) At this point, we felt that something was Ms. Rameriz went round to talk to her not legitimate, since Mr. Finkelstein was neighborhood restaurateurs and discovered that more interested in receiving payment than LAWYER THIEF HITS LAWYER BUSINESS. Photo courtesy of Max Leifer. they had all been served with the very same le- reaching an accord as to the premises. gal demands with the same offer to “settle” for By Max Leifer Mr. Finkelstein. On or about April 26, My son, Seth Leifer, also felt that fur- cash “plus legal fees.” 2018, my restaurant, Da Marcella, located ther investigation was warranted. His ef- I became genuinely anxious when I discov- I am an attorney who specializes in disabil- on West Houston Street, was sued by Mr. forts disclosed that Mr. Finkelstein was ered that the police did not want to talk about ity cases as well as civil practice. I am also a Finkelstein, and his client Jose Figueroa. disbarred on or about February 13, 2007, it, and I realized that this crooked lawyer was part owner of a couple of food and bever- Mr. Finkelstein also included my partner by New York State. Mr. Finkelstein then “serving” one shop after another because what age establishments. and me in the lawsuits. Mr. Finkelstein began working for an attorney in Florida. he was doing is perfectly legal! I recently read that the Department of Jus- contacted me by phone and inquired when The Florida complaint, by the Bar Associ- What you will read is about a lawyer whose tice arrested an attorney, Stuart Finkelstein, I would put in a response to the lawsuit. ation involving the attorney that employed son operates a restaurant in the West Village who has, according to articles in the newspa- Since we were not served, I had absolutely Mr. Finkelstein on March 20, 2018, stated and was served by the same crooked lawyer. per and law journals, been bringing numer- no idea what he was talking about. And that Mr. Finkelstein had approached pos- The most delicious part of this is when our ous lawsuits under the Americans With Dis- since the restaurant is a corporate owner- sible plaintiffs in an ADA case, and started lawyer author confronted the crooked lawyer abilities Act, on behalf of people who never ship, I asked him why he was serving my lawsuits and settlements without their ap- on the phone. (If we could only run an unex- gave him consent to bring these actions. partner and me individually. His response proval. Notwithstanding this complaint, purgated account!)—George Capsis I have had personal experiences with was, “ I want to make sure I get paid.” After continued on page 3 Mount Sinai’s ER is a War Zone By Penny Mintz the ER; “They’re sandwiched in,” she re- Post’s reports, the ER at Mount Sinai is over- ported. It’s dangerous for the patients, who whelmed by staffing shortages. Nurses there Not too long ago, a nurse came into the are inaccessible when they need immediate describe their workplace as a “war zone.” emergency room of Beth Israel Hospital as a treatment, and it’s dangerous for the nurses, When the Beth Israel nursing staff turned patient seeking emergency care. This nurse who have suffered injuries as they pry the on their computers after the publication of is employed in the ER of the main Mount stretchers apart. the firstNew York Post article about condi- Sinai hospital on East 98th Street. When A series of articles, published in Decem- tions at Mount Sinai, they found a post- ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHANUKAH, all is calm outside of Beth Israel’s emergency asked why she had not gone to the Mount ber in the New York Post, about the ER on ing that notified them that thePost story department. Inside, chaos will certainly was full of false and misleading assertions. Sinai ER she said, “I would never go to that 98th Street—Mount Sinai’s showcase hospi- ensue if Mount Sinai imposes the staff cuts hellhole.” According to her, there are days tal— support the story told by the nurse who Mount Sinai was, essentially, dealing with they already made in their main hospital when patients on stretchers are wedged into came to Beth Israel’s ER. According to the continued on page 12 uptown. Photo Credit: Penny Mintz.

Bird of the Year Greenwich House WestView Concert Saturday, January 18, 2020 7:00 pm Keith Michael offers his Recently appointed WestView News Concerts presents annual Millie Awards. CEO Darren Bloch joins Greenwich House. THE STRATHMERE ENSEMBLE “VIVALDI MEETS TELEMANN IN THE VILLAGE” SEE PAGE 16 SEE PAGE 26 2 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org WestView WestViews Published by WestView, Inc. by and for the residents of the West Village. Correspondence, Commentary, Corrections

Publisher WestView Admired Historic Cobblestones sentence with “(I)f you want to cancel the Executive Editor Hi George, thanks so much for a fabulous subscription (sic) and refund your money George Capsis newspaper about our Village. (sic), please Press One to connect to the Art Director Microsoft Billing Department.” Kim Plosia —a 25 year resident on 13th and 8th Avenue Almost needless to say, I have little or Advertising Manager and Designer nothing to do with Microsoft, other than Stephanie Phelan maybe wishing that Bill or Melinda would Traffic Manager give me some of their money. Liza Whiting Act of Bravery Dear Mr. Capsis, The above message is mild compared to Photo Editor The article by J. Taylor Basker was brought to the ones I get sometimes, like those from Darielle Smolian some angry-sounding or bullying-type my attention by a friend who lives downtown. SOON ALL OF THE COBBLESTONE streets salesperson, who call hoping they get a Photographers I admire you for publishing it at a time will be covered in patches of black macad- Maggie Berkvist when so many are manipulating the facts am, as seen above. Photos by Marc Felix. vulnerable older person. Chris Manis about Gaza and the Occupied Territories Often starting mid-sentence, for some rea- Associate Editors into twisted notions of 'antisemitism.' More news about the cobblestones of Green- son, they run something like the following, for Gwen Hoffnagle, Justin Matthews, Thank you for encouraging truth telling. wich Village. In letters to WestView News that example : “…payment has not been received. Anne Olshansky Pretty crazy that telling the truth has become have been printed in the past it is obvious that This is your third notice. You have not paid as Comptroller an act of bravery with possible consequences. I am fixated on the old cobblestones in the specified in the contract. You have had many Jolanta Meckauskaite —Best, Nina Village. I have complained to anyone I could opportunities to do so. This being your very think of, from the Landmarks Preservation last chance, Press One to talk to the Customer Architecture Editor Representative. Press Two to opt out.” Brian Pape Courage to Publish Commission to the office of Corey Johnson, about the theft of these historic stones when There being no greeting, there is no good- Fashion Editor Dear George Capsis, infrastructure work was being done, and their bye, either. Karen Rempel As a Jewish American I totally support replacement with cheap ruff cut stones. What Now, I tend to believe their hope is that Film, Media and Music Editor you in your decision to run the article by did these entities do? NOTHING. Now I the call will, in addition to getting every- Jim Fouratt J. Taylor Basker “Who’s bringing the water see that on many blocks between Greenwich thing you own, leave you feeling like you are Food Editor bottles?” Thank you. What you have done and Washington Streets, contractors in many not, in fact never were, a good human being. David Porat is quite extraordinary. cases have not even bothered to put back any Now, if you do Press One, my under- —Michael Steven Smith stones whatsoever. They do the work, fill in standing is that the caller empties out any Regular Contributors Co-host, Law and Disorder Radio the hole and take off. So much for the city or all of your bank accounts. If you Press J. Taylor Basker, Barry Benepe, Two—"to opt out”—I would not be too Caroline Benveniste, Charles Caruso, government protecting a so-called Historic Jim Fouratt, John Gilman, District. Obviously no one checks on work surprised that they drain all of your pre- Mark. M. Green, Robert Heide, Thank You! being done. Perhaps they don't even inspect cious bodily fluids, too. Thomas Lamia, Keith Michael, Finally, there are probably no easy an- Michael D. Minichiello, Penny Mintz, the pipe work before the holes are filled in. Brian J. Pape, Joy Pape, Alec Pruchnicki, Dear Mr. C, Soon all these cobblestone streets will be cov- swers about how to get rid of all pesky Christina Raccuia, Karen Rempel, As a reader of WestView News for the past ered in patches of black macadam. phone solicitations. I mean, even Alex- Catherine Revland, Martica Sawin, ander Graham Bell received a phone so- Donna Schaper, Arthur Z. Schwartz, 15 years without paying a dime… Please —Marc Felix Stanley Wlodyka accept this support and my sincere thanks licitation not long after telephones became Scams on the Rise widespread. My solution is to let them hear We endeavor to publish all letters received, for your contributions to our community including those with which we disagree. and the excellent reporting of WestView Dear Editor, my answering machine. They usually hang The opinions put forth by contributors News. I just got the least pushy of the many tele- up before or by the time the caller can talk. to WestView do not necessarily reflect the —Kindest and highest regards, phone solicitations that people growing Incidentally, Hello, Goodbye, and You’re views of the publisher or editor. Frank older tend to receive. Yes, yes, I am on all welcome. WestView welcomes your correspondence, ­—John F. Early comments, and corrections: the Do Not Call lists. Still. www.westviewnews.org Editor's Note: Frank sent a check for $50. This one seemingly started in mid- Charles Streeter Since 1968 Contact Us (212) 924-5718 [email protected] BRIEFLY NOTED EXISTING PROPOSED 16 East 16th Street: An Illu- sion of Stone and Old Lace

After reading a two-part series I wrote on the redesign of the former Tammany Hall over- looking Union Square (WestView News, April and May 2015), Harry Kendall, a principal architect for BKSK Architects, showed me designs for a partially rebuilt facade of an his- toric R. H. Robertson building located in the Ladies’ Mile Historic District on East 16th Street, a half block west of Union Square. The firm was asked to insert a nine-story hotel in the center of this through-block lot which would incorporate the 19th century Roman- MIA SAYS: Old dogs make fewer new reso- lutions. Photo by Dusty Berke. esque facade with a horizontal stone parapet continued on page 4 VIEW FROM 16TH STREET. Image courtesy of BKSK Architects. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 3 Sellout at Pier 40 and St. John’s Terminal! in the Downtown United Soccer Club) legislature permits HRPT to sell air rights ship to the river or to the park. They have came up with the idea of building a ball field for $100 million to the owners of St. John’s no water-related or park-related utility. In BREAKING NEWS: in the center courtyard. We got an appoint- Terminal, an aging commercial building 2015 I lauded Council Member Johnson As WestView was about to ment in Albany with an aide to Governor across the street from the park. The deal is: for helping create an affordable residential go to press on December Pataki and walked out of the meeting with a St. John’s owners will build 1,500 units of space across from one of the city’s major promise to give us the courtyard if we could housing—500 will be “affordable” and 200 recreational centers—one that reflected 31, Governor Cuomo vetoed raise money for a field. of those will be for seniors, and a residen- both the power of a community and the the legislation which would Ecstatic, we went to work to raise the tial community will be built between West need for recreational space. But the Hud- have allowed an 8 story plus money. A month or so later we got a call and Greenwich Streets, with supermarkets, son River Park Trust, led by billionaire from a “mole” at the Hudson River Park etc., where apartments will not be priced Bloomberg’s Upper East Side companion, office building to be built on Conservancy about Pier 40 being leased to just for the super-wealthy. waving the flag of “we need more money or Pier 40. In his veto message a parking lot operator. We went to court, In 2019 Google announces a deal to buy the pier will collapse,” won—leading “anti- he highlighted the need for sued the governor, and won. We settled for the St. John’s Terminal and build a 1,000,000 park development” Glick around by the a rooftop field which would be built at gov- sq. ft. hub. The Pier 40 air rights will be nose; instead of fighting for park money in green space in Manhattan. ernment expense. used. No more 1,500 housing units. No the budget, she now holds the position of My threat to sue over the Flash forward a year later. The Hudson more 500 Affordable Apartments. Maybe a the real estate lobbyists. There are plenty structure was carried broad- River Park Act is being debated. Assembly lonely island of 200 senior residences blocks of legal problems with this approach, and Member Deborah Glick is an opponent. from supermarkets, etc. Not a squeak from I make a pledge to take the fight for Pier ly in the media. Our local The bill, which creates a park, allows no elected officials, including Johnson. The 40 back to court. Anyone doubt my word? elected officials, all of whom commercial activity at Pier 40, except for HRPT, which is still headed by Bloomberg’s supported/sponsored the parking—and bans it from the courtyard consort, Diana Taylor, starts drooling. “My after 2003. Glick votes “No,” but the bill goodness, we can build commercial office legislation should rethink passes. Glick says it will lead to commer- space on Pier 40 and make millions for the this misuse of park space; I cial development along the river, which she park.” The HRPT and Friends of Hudson assure you that the Hudson opposes. Park construction begins in 1998. River Park (now headed by major real es- In 2003 the Greenwich Village section of tate and commercial leaders) do something River Park "Trust" will come the Hudson River Park opens. The Hudson unique: they launch a “grassroots” move- back, looking for even more. River Park Trust has no law-conforming use ment to support amending the Hudson for the Pier 40 courtyard, and in settlement River Park Act to allow up to eight stories of a second lawsuit they agree to build ball of commercial office development on Pier PIER 40 NOW. Credit: Pier 40 Champions. By Arthur Schwartz fields in the center courtyard. A major pub- 40 and to allow 99-year leases. Community lic youth and adult athletic center has been board leaders are appalled. But our local An eight-story (or higher) office tower on created! With no help from politicians. “anti-development in the park” Assembly Pier 40? A million-square-foot Google In 2005, an RFP (request for proposal) Member Deborah Glick sponsors the bill! hub across the street? In case you blinked, brings in numerous proposals to rebuild And with her support it passes. But before that’s what the West Village is in for at the Pier 40, which is, supposedly, collapsing. the governor signs it, HRPT says “No! We western border of West Houston Street. The Trust, now headed by Diana Taylor, want more. Why limit it to eight stories?” And what are our elected leaders doing Mayor Bloomberg’s consort, wants to al- As WestView goes to press, we don’t know about it? NOTHING? low an entertainment/residential project to what the governor is going to do. First, some background. Back in 1996 be built—proposed by Related Properties And where are our local elected lead- there was no Hudson River Park. Pier 40, (i.e., Hudson Yards). 1,500 people attend a ers? Glick says, “Eight stories is my limit.” PIER 40 “BEFORE.” Credit: Greenwich Vil- which had once been a major cruise ship ter- Community Board 2 public hearing to say City Council Speaker Corey Johnson says lage Society for Historic Preservation. minal, had become one big parking lot with NO! Assembly Member Glick opposes a NOTHING. State Senator Hoylman? “It’s buses parked in its squared-off center court- bill to allow Related Properties a 49-year not in my district,” he explains (his district yard. I was a Little League team manager lease and the proposal dies. ends across the street). Arthur Schwartz is the Democratic District and Greenwich Village Democratic District In 2015, in a deal negotiated by City Eight-story office towers don’t belong in Leader in Greenwich Village. Leader. Several of the other parents (some, Council Member Corey Johnson, the state Hudson River Park. They have no relation-

Lawyers continued from page 1 Mr. Finkelstein applied to the New York After this happened, I became more in- throughout the United States. These boil- By the recent indictment of Mr. Finkelstein, Appellate Division for reinstatement, and volved in ADA litigation. This act created erplate complaints clearly show how little I am hoping that this puts a chilling effect on was reinstated as an attorney in New York. a loophole for unscrupulous attorneys. The legal service generates substantial gains. the actions of these attorneys. This requires an Upon reinstatement, he started ADA first notice would be a lawsuit that would I want to be clear; I support the ADA to actual change in the law by Congress and the cases in New York. After we discovered all require a response and create an automatic help disabled individuals. My experience is Department of Justice, as well as the judges of these various documents, we contacted windfall for attorneys and claimants. I con- that legitimate disabled individuals would who recognize the abuses as stated by Jus- the New York Post, who then started their tacted Senator Schumer, and advised him never be involved with these scams. tice Johnson. A statement by Tom Stebbins, investigation. Their investigations disclosed of the situations, and suggested that there Also, there are numerous not-for-profit LRANY’S executive director, “ Many of these that Mr. Figueroa was named as a plaintiff be a change in the act to require a 90-day groups that have assisted disabled individu- cases are not about insuring access for the dis- in over 25 cases, of which he was allegedly notice, so as to allow an opportunity for the als without these types of lawsuits. I should abled but extorting settlements.” Mr. Stebbins unaware. When we made the Court aware establishment to determine how to comply. also note that I sent the research of Mr. is also addressing the new ADA cases involv- of these facts, the case was discontinued, but After the 90-day notice, a lawsuit could Finkelstein’s lawsuits, and other lawsuits ing the visually impaired, which is becoming a the damage was done. We spent unneces- then be brought with capping of legal fees like these, to Lawsuit Reform Alliance of possible loophole in the ADA act. sary legal fees, architectural reviews, and ul- at the Court’s discretion. In fact, the hon- New York, who have disclosed in excel- timately we closed the restaurant, since this orable Judge Johnson, a Brooklyn Federal lent digest form this improper conduct. I If anyone has any questions, or would like was one of the reasons we would be limited Court Judge, had found these cases “disin- also mailed this information to the Second to review the materials related to the article, in generating income. Due to this closure, genuous at best” (case available for review). Department Disciplinary Committee. I feel free to contact me. Max D. Leifer, 135 five employees lost their jobs. I would sug- These attorneys use a boilerplate com- have not received a response from Senator West 26th Street, New York, NY 10001 • gest reviewing the New York Post articles. plaint, and issue numerous lawsuits Schumer nor the Disciplinary Committee. (212) 334-9699 4 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Briefly Noted continued from page 2 construction since last year. segment with a YouTube video of Croman’s Zoning changes for the manufacturing- son cursing out an Uber driver with the pa- wall at the top. Upon researching, Kendall zoned lots have allowed several other new thetic “Do you know who I am?” routine. It discovered Robertson’s original design for the towers to be constructed nearby, as residential was both vile and viral. missing pedimented doorways at the ground towers mix in with older loft office buildings. Two things are now certain: 1) Croman floor, and a rather magnificent peaked gable Stay with us as we report on future progress. will remain on the Attorney General’s roof just above the current parapet. BKSK —Brian J. Pape, AIA “Worst Landlords” list for some time; 2) have adopted both these designs in their his son, like an apple falling close to the proposal. The proposed entrances and win- American Greed, tree, will likely inherit a business virtually dows on the ground floor will be replicated in Starring Steve Croman unchanged by his father’s sins. And get sandstone to be mined in Mississauga, On- this: when he got out of jail, the very bank tario, Canada. Steve Croman appeared on national televi- he defrauded loaned him the dough to buy The top floor will be another matter: a sion last year and again on repeat television the White Horse Tavern! daring reach from heavy stone into light in late 2019, but probably not in the way he As for American Greed, I hope it runs weight theatrics where only the weight of might’ve hoped. The long-running syndi- repeats of this Croman episode forever so snow needs to be sustained. Here the gable cated television show American Greed ex- that Greenwich Village will never forget will be constructed of a Muntz metal per- amined the con game the “Madoff of Land- what this landlord did and how he and his forated bronze screen, made in Germany, lords” was playing when he was charged in family have shown zero remorse. to slip over a glass wall enclosing the guest RENDERING OF 561 GREENWICH STREET, a broad case that included, among other —Joseph Turco, Esq. rooms behind. Under daylight conditions with 345 Hudson Street abutting it on the things, mortgage fraud, wire fraud and ten- the exterior will have the appearance of left. Rendering Courtesy of COOKFOX. ant harassment. The show’s storyline is well The writer is a trial lawyer. jatlaw2001@ sandstone. At night it will have the texture written enough, but it feels unfinished. yahoo.com of embroidered lace. One is reminded of agement. The light-colored façade features American Greed did a decent job de- Arthur Miller’s production of Death of a numerous setbacks with outdoor terraces, scribing the dedication and commitment Palestinian Salesman on Broadway, where Willie was with an overall height and aligned eleva- of the lawyers from the office of the New seen in his home behind a screen of paint- tions that match its “sister” neighbor, and York Attorney General who prosecuted Human Rights ed architecture. There is also the touch of will feature retail at the ground floor and Mr. Croman. The AG had gotten wind of In the past several years support for the whimsy that one finds in the Woolworth office space above. Architect Rick Cook Croman’s practice of using ex-NYPD cops, human rights of Palestinians has grown Building by Cass Gilbert or the stylized of COOKFOX noted, “The powerful ma- possibly high on steroids, to instill fear substantially, especially on US college cam- gargoyles of the Chrysler Building. sonry buildings of Hudson Square gave us among Croman’s tenants using all manner puses. Israel is being criticized and even There is little doubt that this new roof a palette of materials and tools that helped of threats. In the criminal case it brought, boycotted for its violation of international and gable wall are not conventional in an us craft a building that feels authentic to however, the government traded in twenty law in its treatment of Palestinians in the architectural sense. They are theatrical, the neighborhood and expresses a high- felonies for a short jail sentence and a fine. Gaza Strip, in which it surrounds a prison but strong and durable nevertheless. Much performance modern workplace with a That’s called plea bargaining. of 1.6 million people, half of them chil- of architecture is about theater, about the connection to community and nature.” To appreciate such a modest victory, dren, in an open air concentration camp, excitement of exterior street space as well 100 Vandam Street, on the corner just one must know of the historically unpros- in the territory of the West Bank, which as the comfort of enclosed space. While a block south of 561 Greenwich Street, ecuted landlord crimes and misdeeds that it conquered and now militarily occupies, stepping down the hotel’s top floor to the housed a red brick warehouse that was occur every day in New York City. A jail and in Israel proper where Palestinians are existing balustrade or a brazenly modern of the first generation of large industrial sentence is almost never rendered upon a discriminated against minority. gable are doable alternatives, this solution buildings developed on the undesirable a landlord, so nine months in Rikers is In response to this growth of support is thoroughly engaging. It will be presented marshy land along the Hudson River in considered by many to be something like for Palestinians, on December 11th, Pres- to the Landmarks Preservation Commis- the 1800s. Soon enough the area was de- a baby step toward justice. The jail term, ident Donald Trump signed an executive sion on January 14th. It is certainly worthy fined by powerful masonry urban factories, however, was served for Croman’s mort- order changing the 1964 Civil Rights Act of their consideration and will undoubt- warehouses and printing press buildings gage fraud, not for what he did to his ten- and implying for the first time that the 7 edly lead to some basic conversations about that rose along Hudson, Greenwich and ant-victims. The bankers got their pound 1/2 million American Jews who live here what architecture consists of. I look for- Varick Streets when shipping piers cov- of flesh first. Croman was released from are not a religious group, but a nation and ward to their deliberations and conclusion. ered the waterfront. Without landmark or prison last year, but the civil aspects of his a race. historic district protection, this fine crafts- misdeeds are ongoing. The implication of this is that they are — Barry Benepe man structure could have easily been lost The civil case brought against Croman an “other” with dual loyalties not just to entirely. at the same time as the criminal case was the United States but loyalty to Israel. The 561 Greenwich Street and also settled at the same time, as part of “one dual loyalty accusation is an anti-Semitic 100 Vandam Street Add to global settlement,” which had been the trope with an old and ugly history. “Hudson Square” declared legal strategy of defense counsel Presidential advisor Jared Kushner wrote Benjamin Brafman from the outset. Braf- a New York Times OpEd defending his fa- In a survey of potential Westside con- man demanded and got a million-dollar ther-in-law’s policy equating anti-Zionism struction projects conducted by WestView retainer from Croman for that service. and criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. News last year, 561 Greenwich Street was Having the means to make restitution goes This was done in order for the Depart- called out as a site ready for development a long way in easing the burden of a convic- ment of Education to suppress the free- due to its surface parking lot and one-sto- tion. Croman has been made to pay over speech rights of Palestine solidarity activ- ry “taxpayer.” eight million dollars into a fund to be admin- ists on campuses who may now be labeled A rendering for 561 Greenwich Street 100 VANDAM STREET, seen from the Hudson istered by a referee who has been fielding ten- as anti-Semitic for their activities, and by COOKFOX Architects was re- River, is the tall tower in the center. The De- ant claims and authorizing payouts. their schools may be denied funds unless leased recently when Hines and Trin- partment of Sanitation’s Salt Shed huddles The tenants, many of whom were trans- the activists are shut down. ity Church Wall Street filed permits for directly in front of the new tower. Rendering formed into activists by their circum- There has been an outpouring of protest the 260,000-square-foot, nineteen-story Courtesy of COOKFOX. stances, gave compelling testimony. But by Jews themselves against what Trump has building between King and Charlton the backstory segment of this American done. Streets. The rendering depicts a design Fortunately COOKFOX’s design for Greed episode really missed a chance to This is a good sign. Many young Jews that complements the look of its industrial 100 Vandam intends to preserve this nar- expose Croman as merely one of hundreds are coming to understand the plight of the neighbor, 345 Hudson Street, one of twelve row slice of history, incorporating a (thus of similar degenerate landlords in our city. Palestinians and no longer blindly support sites owned by Hudson Square Properties, far) rare vertical extension: a twenty-five- Exploring the pattern and practice of how Israel. This fight is not over. a joint venture between property owner/ story contemporary residential tower rising landlords and their lawyers game the sys- —Michael Steven Smith majority partner Trinity Church Wall within the existing preserved brick façade. tem would have been a public service. In- Call host, Law And Disorder Radio heard Street and Norges Bank Real Estate Man- The 192,000 SF structure has been under stead, American Greed producers closed the Mondays on WBAI at 9 AM, 99.5 FM www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 5 Westbeth Super-Senior Scammed —Don’t Fall for Social Security Fraud By Arthur Z. Schwartz the federal agents would come the next day. When they didn’t come, Val went to the A 97-year-old Westbeth resident (name 6th Precinct and told her story. They told withheld for privacy), who we will call her that the Ebay cards had been emptied West Village Val, an active dancer who still performs and that she had been scammed. They took internationally, got victimized by a “Social a report and told her to call a Social Secu- Living Security” scam which has sucked in thou- rity fraud line. No one had any idea how to sands of people all over the U.S. What hap- get her money back. Wishing all my West Village pened to her is instructive to us all. Advocates for Justice will be represent- Wishing all my West Village In early December she got a call on ing her in an effort to get Ebay to refund neighbors a happy and neighbors a happy and her home phone. “This is Social Security. her money. It’s a long-shot. We are also healthy holiday season Your Social Security Number has been setting up a fund in the hopes of collect- healthy holiday season compromised. It will be terminated unless surrounded by loved ones and ing the $3,000 she lost. You can help by surrounded by loved ones and you address the problem immediately. For going to www.advocatesforjustice.net and and good cheer. Please support help, dial 1.” So she dialed “1,” and a voice making a tax-deductible contribution to goodour local cheer. mom Please and pop support answered: “What’s your Social Security the Social Security Scam Fund. ourbusinesses local mom this andholiday pop season. Number?” She gave her number. “And to Meanwhile, please don’t fall for this scam: verify, what is your name and birth date?” • Social Security numbers can NEVER businessesA happy and this healthy holiday 2020 season. to all! So she gave them the spelling of her name. be cancelled. Cheers! The voice told her that her Social Secu- • The Social Security Administration rity Number had been used to commit a will not call you on the phone unless For inquiries on the state of the sales market fraud in South Texas. She was told to write you have asked them to. They commu- downtown whether buying or selling, please down her file number, and was then told nicate by letter, through the U.S. Mail. contact me for a fair analysis. that bank accounts and credit cards had • The Social Security Administra- been opened in her name and had been tion does not deal with fraud. Fraud is Ask me about our incredible Compass used to commit fraud. She was told that an FBI issue. Concierge Program for Sellers if she paid $3,000 immediately, she could • Never give out your Social Security avoid being sued. Number or birth date on the phone Val had a life savings—she calls it her unless it is to someone you trust. (The Scotty Elyanow westvillagebroker.com M: 917.678.6010 “burial fund”—of $3,000, so she asked how same goes for online.) These two items Lic. Associate RE Broker [email protected] villagescotty to make the payment. She was given in- allow anyone to view your credit, bank structions about how to buy an EBay card, accounts, and other personal informa- including which store to go to. She was tion. If you are applying for a credit told that two federal agents would come to card or mortgage, do it by mail or at her home (she also gave out her address) a bank. the next day. • If anyone ever asks you to put cash on So she took out the cash, bought the a card—from CVS, Ebay, or any other Ebay cards, and waited. No one came. So merchant—do not give the card num- she called back with her “file number.” The ber out to someone you don’t know. voice said all she had to do was scratch off Fraud costs Americans, especially older the back of the card and read the number Americans, more than a billion dollars a to the voice. So she did. They told her that year. Be on guard.

Charlie Caruso's Quips Christmas music. Reminds us of past times. But it also recalls the days when we ourselves were young and full of hope. What does a horse think when a human climbs on top of him and starts giving orders. What did people do with their hands before cell phones.

Santa Claus is God in a red suit. Dina Andriotis, Chris Tsiamis, and Nikitas Andriotis (from left to right). Guys who wear bowties are usually jerks. 77 Christopher Street Commentators on TV should not wear colored socks. Between Seventh Avenue and Bleecker Street A leader can survive anything but ridicule. Pharmacy Hours: When did the word “gift” become a verb? Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Poor people talk so much because they have no power. True power is silence. Closed Sunday A cowardly act rankles forever. Telephone: 212-255-2525 • Fax: 212-255-2524 A writer is always working – either observing or putting pen to paper. email: [email protected] www.newyorkchemists.com Norman Rockwell died in Dallas.

6 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Local Newspapers Are The First Door To Democracy

“Local news outlets across the country are shrinking and I heard these words on PBS wife and for his two sons and shuttering at an alarming rate. Newspapers over the NewsHour offered by Viktorya Vilk their families, and Steve has last fifteen years have lost $35 billion in ad revenue of PEN America, an organization $13 billion (I mean he must have and nearly 50% have lost half of their staff in over that evidently very closely follows twelve dollars, a stamp and an 2000 newspapers. Newspapers are still providing the historic trajectory of newspa- envelope. Who knows—he might original reporting at the local level. So when you pers. Her organization seems to even pay for a free concert for have concluded that newspapers West Village seniors and his lose them, you lose the local watchdog, a function are going out of business... grandchildren.) I think our paper that is so important in our democracy. Yes, well, after getting out is pretty good but I know it can WestView for 15 years I am ready become much, much better. So So if there isn’t anybody watching the city council to offer Viktorya some supportive I hope Steve Cohen will offer us meetings and going to them, there’s a potential for documentation—newspapers are one of his grandchild's piggy abuse or fraud. As local news declines, government certainly no longer a viable busi- banks so we can pay the printer. corruption and government costs increase, officials ness. You certainly, haha, can't Oh wait a minute, I just had an conduct themselves with less integrity and efficiency. make a profit and you can't even idea! If you don't have a stamp There are fewer people going out to vote, and break even. You need a support- and an envelope and you don't they don’t know exactly who’s running for office ive patron or a bunch of patrons know how to pay online you can or what that person’s platform is because they like you guys who read this to walk around to 69 Charles and don’t have local sources that they trust to turn to keep it alive. we will give you a cup of coffee for that information. Yes, yes, I had been hoping and some back issues and talk that my readers would help by you into writing for the paper. taking out a subscription but, I Yours sincerely, We need trusted local sources now more than ever. don't know, it may be just too George Capsis Newspapers are a public good, a service that is so hard to find an envelope and a Publisher of WestView News vital to society that we must support it through stamp and we can't afford to West Village, New York public and private means and protect it. include a pre-paid envelope and http://westviewnews.org/ reply card. [email protected] There is an enormous amount of innovation taking place But wait a minute, my smart IT in the industry itself. There are nonprofit outlets popping people say readers can subscribe Please visit westviewnews.org up, digital outlets popping up, but they need money. by a simple click on our website, and click the Subscribe tab. And so what we suggest is radically expanding but I have the feeling that most philanthropic funding. Right now, foundations have of our readers still wind up their led the way. They’re giving hundreds of millions of alarm clock. dollars a year. What we need is billions of dollars a OK, it is hard to know if getting out the paper is worth it. year and that is not going to local outlets. We’re also You can pay the $12 annual Sure, if we ask "do you like the recommending actually majorly expanding the pool paper" we get what appears to subscription using PayPal or of public funding that’s available to journalism. me a sincere "yes" and when Tim your credit card. Additionally We have had subsidized commercial media since 1792, or Steve miss a building we get there is a Donate button in through postal subsidies, through tax breaks and an irate call—"you did not deliver the right hand column for through government ads. 36 States across this country my free copy of WestView this existing subscribers who actually support media, but we’re doing so at a rate month!" wish to donate more. somewhere between 25 and 30 times less than most of Yes, in my rolling fantasy of the high-income democracies in the rest of the world.” how we will keep the paper run- —Viktorya Vilk, PEN America ning I see a Steve Cohen who is building on Perry and Washington a "townhouse" for him and his www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 7 Amazing Deal for Beginners VILLAGE at Integral Yoga Institute APOTHECARY

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But there has never been an incen- for 21 years and is the founder of Yoga At Ask about our NEW free month deal! tive like this one. School™, that brings Integral Yoga into New Start 2020 with 20 days of Yoga classes York City schools. 8 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org “ACT UP! Fight Back! Fight AIDS!” By Stanley Wlodyka “The AIDS cocktail is keeping me and lots of people alive. However, the high Last month marked the 30th anniversary price of the drugs and some of the side ef- of an unprecedented event, one that saw fects of the drugs mean that not enough worlds collide. Organized by AIDS Co- people are getting the drugs. And the cock- alition to Unleash Power (ACT UP), ap- tail is not a cure. We need a full cure from proximately 4,500 people gathered outside HIV,” pronounces Petrelis. St. Patrick’s Cathedral on 5th Avenue one Passerby Sara Kerley, 40, was delighted Sunday in December of 1989. They were by her serendipitous good fortune to have there to protest the Catholic Church’s re- witnessed the demonstration last month: sponse to the AIDS epidemic, as well as its “I was listening to a random podcast this views on abortion, homosexuality and safe morning [on the AIDS crisis during the sex practices. When all was said and done, 1980’s] while I was getting ready. It’s funny 111 people were arrested for their partici- to happen on this. I was bringing my kids pation in the protest. to look at the Christmas decorations.” It was during the height of the AIDS Kerley, who is a doctor practicing fam- epidemic, a time when New Yorkers were ily medicine in Mount Laurel, NJ, can cer- dropping like flies. The demonstration tainly attest that the medical community’s 30 YEARS ON, AND SOME THINGS HAVEN’T CHANGED: ACT UP founding member Michael outside the church was enough to garner treatment of patients with HIV and AIDS Petrelis (center) last month at the anniversary of the historical demonstration at St. Patrick’s widespread media attention, but some Cathedral, with Kambiz Shekdar (right), a WestView News contributor and AIDS researcher has evolved significantly through the years. members of ACT UP felt more was needed intent on finding a cure. Photo by Stanley Wlodyka. “It’s more like a chronic disease now. to get their point across. Dozens entered But definitely I see patients that are deal- the church, disguised as parishioners at- the historical demonstration and to remind this cathedral than getting the Catholic ing with the side effects of the medications tending mass, but one by one they began onlookers that the fight against AIDS is Church to realize that sex is popular. Peo- or the medications aren’t working for them dropping like flies during the service in an not yet over. ple love it. People will continue to love it. anymore. They can’t tolerate them. They’re action they termed a “Die-In,” a symbolic Though new infections in the United Right now it’s dangerous. Wear a condom!” having to move from cocktail to cocktail. I gesture representing the victims of the epi- States have continued to fall each year Petrelis, however, is setting his sights went through residency 10 years ago and demic. Others handcuffed themselves to thanks to widespread access to advance- higher. He owes his unexpected longev- there were actually patients of ours dying pews, and one man, Michael Petrelis, then ments in medical care, worldwide there ity to a mish-mash of prescription drugs, in the hospital. I haven’t seen a patient with 30 years old, climbed up above the rest, were as many as 2.3 million new HIV in- colloquially called the AIDS cocktail. The AIDS in a while. It’s kind of HIV mainte- blew into a whistle and screamed at the top fections and as much as 1.1 million AIDS- cocktail can be personalized to an individual nance at this point.” of his lungs, “Stop killing us!” related deaths in 2018 alone, according patient's chemistry: if two greens, one blue, Asked whether she saw an out and out Thirty years on, Petrelis has lived twice to the United Nations. Faced with these three reds and an orange pill don't work, cure for HIV in the future, Dr. Kerley feels as much life, considerably more than the numbers, one demonstrator last month maybe a green, two blues, two reds and four the outlook isn’t so good so long as keep- life expectancy he was given when he was expressed his frustration that the only yellows might. However, this sort of mix- ing patients dependent on medications is diagnosed with HIV in 1985. Last month, prophylactic condoned by the Catholic and-match approach to AIDS treatment the most profitable option for the pharma- he stood on the steps of St. Patrick’s Ca- Church has been (and still is) abstinence: doesn’t work for everyone and Petrelis is ceutical industry. “That’s the way it works,” thedral to commemorate the anniversary of “We have a better chance of levitating dead set on leaving no soldier behind. laments Dr. Kerley. Safe Streets for Walking By Barry Benepe permits for block parties and street fairs. Farmers markets have done the same. “A city should be built to the convenience Mayor Edward I. Koch made giant and satisfaction of those that live in it and steps forward in appointing Ross Sandler to the great surprise of strangers,” so said as Commissioner of Transportation who a sixteenth century architect. “We have to assigned his deputy David Gurin the job improve the experience of all who walk of widening sidewalks and converting un- around our city,” echoed City Council derutilized road space to pedestrian space, President Corey Johnson who initiated and though these capital improvements were shepherded through to passage the Streets slow and expensive. Nassau Street has been Master Plan establishing a five-year inte- closed at Christmas/Chanukah, bringing grated plan for bicycle, bus, vehicle, ferry, throngs of shoppers to the area. Mayor and pedestrian infrastructure. Michael Bloomberg appointed the brilliant The city has been progressing in build- and visionary Janette Sadik-Khan as Trans- ing and protecting an environment that portation Commissioner who brought will be safe and suitable over many years multiple colors to road surfaces by creat- BROADWAY AND 17TH STREET showing a portion of the street painted, landscaped and for those of us on foot. Mayor Fiorello ing seating areas, pop-up cafes, and pop- furnished as an outdoor cafe by then Commissioner of Transportation Janette Sadik-Khan LaGuardia instituted Play Streets, closing up parks to replace parked cars. She also under Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Photo by Barry Benepe. streets in residential neighborhoods where made great strides by creating safe curb- kids could safely play stick ball. Mayor side bike lanes which have been added to Corey Johnson’s master plan to create expansion of these initiatives. Asked what John Lindsay arranged for periodic clos- by current Commissioner of the New York livable streets acknowledges and builds on his earliest experiences of the city which ings of Madison Avenue where a sea of City Department of Transportation Polly these accomplishments. Reporting that led him in this direction were, Johnson shiny metal cars was replaced by a street of Trottenberg. These lanes not only make “injuries to all street users on Ninth Av- responded, “I’ve never owned a car. I al- brown fuzz, the bare heads of the men in cycling safer, but increase pedestrian safety enue decreased by 58% when the DOT ways experienced the city as a pedestrian. the hatless Kennedy years. Sixth Avenue by reducing the number of traffic lanes to installed pedestrian islands, protected bike I walked from one LGBTQ landmark to has been car-free on Earth Day. Block cross and giving jay-walkers a better view lanes, and instituted split-phase traffic another, wanting to experience the places associations have obtained street activity of oncoming cars. signal design,” the plan recommends the continued on page 18 www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 9 Make 2020 the Year to Cure AIDS WE’RE NOT FREE UNTIL EVERYBODY’S FREE.

AT .ORG WE’RE NOT FREE UNTIL EVERYBODY’S FREE

RFTCA VOLUNTEERS FROM HAVAS HEALTH PLUS lighting the Torch to Cure AIDS. From left to right are Owen O’Connor, Haley McLaughlin & Genaldri Tjahjadi. Photo credit: Ismael Ramirez.

By Kambiz Shekdar, Ph.D., position statements on a cure from leading and Drew Davis presidential candidates, particularly from Thank you to all those who joined Research Bernie Sanders. In December, on World Foundation to Cure AIDS (RFTCA) at AIDS Day, RFTCA launched the grass- the Free From AIDS Gala on World AIDS roots Free From AIDS campaign to raise Day 2019. We put forward an unforgetta- awareness and support for developing a ble night for supporters of a cure and we’d global cure. We ended the year by announc- be honored if you, too, would team up with ing plans to create an AIDS cure incubator us. If you find yourself wondering about our at the former site of the AIDS ward of St. mission, this article should provide some Vincent’s Hospital in New York City. clear points about what makes RFTCA a new and necessary addition to ongo- WHAT WILL WE DO IN 2020? ing efforts to cure AIDS and answer any In 2020, we will make curing AIDS a global questions you may have about our plan to priority. Our goal is to capture the public’s change the state of HIV/AIDS treatment. imagination about a cure and to open our AIDS does not discriminate. AIDS cure incubator. On World AIDS WHO ARE WE? Day 2020 we will join existing candlelit vig- RFTCA is the first charitable 501(c)3 bio- ils around the world for the first relay run AIDS is black, white, Asian and Latino. technology venture to obtain a license to around the globe to unite all those who be- It is gay, straight and queer. use cellular technology (invented by presi- lieve in a cure. Individuals from Park Avenue dent and founder Dr. Kambiz Shekdar) to the Sudan and all points in between will He is she and he and they all at once. to research, develop and commercialize a carry the torch to cure AIDS worldwide. global cure for AIDS. Many people living with HIV/AIDS may have heard that two HOW CAN WE CHANGE THE WORLD? AIDS is each and every AIDS survivor, patients have been cured of AIDS, but it is Together. We know that by galvanizing and regardless of gender, sexuality, race or creed. not yet widely appreciated that a scalable, unifying those who have been touched by global cure is scientifically plausible. We’re the disease, and by creating a diverse alliance here to show the world that belief in a cure of all those who believe in an AIDS-free fu- We want a world where humans are free. is no far-flung dream. It’s the next and final ture, we can bring a cure within reach. We Free from stigma. From shame. chapter in the story of HIV/AIDS. welcome support of any kind for our mission From stereotype. From disease. WHAT DO WE STAND FOR? to make the dream of a world without AIDS We stand up against those who claim dis- a reality. Please join us by donating any ease prevention and lifelong symptom amount at FreeFromAIDS.org or by signing 2 people have been cured of AIDS. up for our newsletter at RFTCA.org. management are enough. We stand for the 37 million others await their turn. diverse populations that have been affected most by HIV/AIDS and believe that every- Thank you from the bottom of our hearts one is entitled to live in a world without for joining our cause. Let’s have an amazing this disease, and to be themselves in what- year and do all we can to make history— IGNITE A CURE FOR ALL AT ever way they see fit without conceding to because we know that will be enough. the symptoms or societal stigma of AIDS. .ORG WHAT DID WE DO IN 2019? Kambiz Shekdar, Ph.D. is a biologist, a biotech In 2019, RFTCA lit the torch to cure AIDS. inventor, a gay man, and the president of Re- In September RFTCA became the first search Foundation to Cure AIDS. Drew Davis charitable 501(c)3 biotechnology venture is a medical writer and RFTCA volunteer. Sunday, December 1 that obtained a license to use cellular tech- Visit FreeFromAIDS.org to help accelerate the nology to research, develop and commer- search for a cure for AIDS. Contact kambiz. Sunday, DecemberIndochine 1 Restaurant, cialize a global cure for AIDS. In October [email protected] to inquire about joining our RFTCA obtained the first-ever detailed founders’ circle. Indochine Restaurant,430 Lafayette Street 430 Lafayette6pm Street — FreeFromAIDS Gala 6pm — FreeFromAIDS11pm Gala — Afterparty — 11pm Afterparty FEATURING FEATURING Julie Atlas Muz | Charles Busch Julie Atlas Muz | CharlesPamela Busch Herron | Darrell Thorne Pamela Herron | Darrell BasilThorne Twist | Machine Dazzle Basil Twist | MachineCharm Dazzle the Extracelestial | Tigger! Charm the ExtracelestialBig | Tigger!Scot | Father Edwin Chinery Big Scot | Father EdwinHonorees Chinery Klaus Nomi and Mondo Guerra Honorees Klaus Nomi and Mondo Guerra 10 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Wellness and Music by Hannah Reimann CAP Beauty, Farm to People and Silvernest and OATS Farm Vegetable Program for Seniors Celebrate and Improve Aging CAP BEAUTY, NEW YORK FLAGSHIP + SPA allowing customers to choose products from 238 West 10 Street, New York, NY 10014 their extensive menu of produce and spe- boomers can’t afford these options and are (212) 227-1088 cialty products including baked goods, cof- searching for realistic alternatives. Silver- A facial at CAP Beauty is a full-sensory fee, chocolate, sauces, meat, poultry, farm nest fulfills that need. experience leaving one feeling extremely fresh eggs, Ronnybrook Farm milk. Excel- Silvernest is a home sharing program that relaxed, nurtured and looking great. Es- lent for doorman buildings where multiple matches people of all ages in homes in 50 thetician/healer Crystal Greene provided customers may receive high quality grocer- states, has been in the market for 2½ years me with a deep facial massage and treat- ies with utmost convenience and also de- and has had online interactions with over ments from CAP Beauty’s select arsenal of livering to brownstones and other Village 85,000 potential clients. For our West Village all-natural and organic products, leaving apartments, this is a healthy and exciting community, the small size of many apart- my skin looking and feeling extraordinary. resource for those who love to cook and eat ments, and escalating rents, limit how people The facial massage was at least ten minutes healthy. can live. This has caused people to move out long, something I had not experienced be- ______of a community they love. We would like to fore, and all the products felt and smelled THOMAS KAMBER, above right, assisting create a solution with Silvernest to match el- delicious. Lymphatic drainage and plump- FRESH FOOD FOR SENIORS PROGRAM a senior at Senior Planet which he created ders with roommates who can provide com- ing up the facial muscles changed my day DELIVERS AFFORDABLE PRODUCE and launched in 2013. Photo courtesy of panionship and some limited services while and my week. Manhattan Borough President, Gale Brew- Thomas Kamber. paying lower than market rents. ______er launched Fresh Food for Seniors in 2012. Because Silvernest is an online service The service now delivers close to 5500 bags As part of WestView News’ ongoing efforts and many of our elders don’t use comput- FARM TO PEOPLE of fresh produce, worth over $44,000, to to improve the lives of seniors in the West ers, have limited access to them or need Home delivery of healthy organic produce seniors in the West Village, Chelsea, the Village and to create community for all ages to improve their computer skills, I spoke (877) 564-0367 Upper West Side, Hell’s Kitchen, Roosevelt in our neighborhood, I interviewed Wendi with Thomas Kamber whose Older Adults Monday-Friday. 10:00am to 6:00 pm Island, and Northern Manhattan. Dis- Burkhardt, CEO of Silvernest, a national Technology Services (OATS) accom- [email protected] counted bags of local fruits and veggies— online home sharing service, and Thomas modates 110 seniors per day for its class- farmtopeople.com sourced from local farms via GrowNYC’s Kamber who created the celebrated Senior based computer training. OATS also offers Greenmarket Co. food hub—are delivered Planet and OATS (Older Adults Technol- one-on-one training for seniors to learn Farm To People Cook’s Box, delivered straight to senior centers and apartment buildings ogy Services). Both of these companies are how to use mobile devices (iPads, iPhones to my door, is not too heavy to carry up sev- across Manhattan. The process is simple: on the cutting edge of bringing our popu- etc.). 60 people per day can be taught for eral flights of stairs in spite of the ice it’s seniors pay for a bag a week in advance at a lation of 65+ resources and enhancing life- one-on-one sessions and there is no fee for packed in. I laid out the organic lacinato participating site, and pick up their produce styles so that we as a society can manage any of these classes—they are all 100% free kale, celery, kiwi berries, Roma tomatoes, the following week. and celebrate the growing population of of charge. Seniors can also be taught web sage, frisee lettuce, ginger gold apples, car- Each food bag costs only $8, cash only. elders that will triple by 2050. design, activism and other skills on their rots, spaghetti squash, black mission figs, The fresh produce is ordered and delivered Burkhardt told me, “Living with anoth- computers by the versatile staff. Senior Raffetto Gnocchi, Spring Brook Reading within a two-week period. Participants sign er person in a homeshare environment has Planet, which houses OATS services, is lo- cheese and Grass Fed Ground Beef on the up on Monday or Tuesday of the first week a powerful impact on health, daily activi- cated on 25th Street between 6th and 7th table and admired it. This was the Omni- and receive food a week later, on the fol- ties, on outlook on life. There are so many Avenues. Senior Planet is an exciting cen- vore Cook’s Box. There are also Paleo and lowing Wednesday. Customers pay while powerful aspects to it. We are meant to live ter with ongoing programs and activities Vegetarian varieties, and the more simple ordering and receive a receipt. Unlike other as a tribe—this enhances health and lon- including movies, yoga classes and much produce boxes in small, medium and large food bag programs, this program requires gevity. It’s about choice and being engaged, more, home to the only events calendar sizes. Inside the box there’s a recipe card only one order at a time. Proof of purchase having relationships and connectivity. We curated for older New Yorkers. with four recipes. is required to pick up food so you must are not meant to live in isolation.” She It’s possible that OATS could set up The Pan Fried Gnocchi with Apples and bring the receipt you received when you has learned from following up with home weekly classes in the Village and has done Sage was quick and easy with a good shaving paid for your order, although it will depend share clients in more than 10 states that so on Washington Square in the past. of cheese, freshly ground pepper and salt. I on the particular Center’s policy. Each bag isolation limits life and connectivity en- Please let us know if you’d like us to request was so excited to get the box today after a contains five-six varieties of produce, de- hances it. Elders should not be relegated to that such a class is created for our commu- very long day at work and the gnocchi per- pending on what is in season, such as toma- living in isolation as a rule. In addition to nity. (https://seniorplanet.org/explore-nyc/) fect, light comfort food of the healthy, foodie toes, spinach, corn, carrots, apples, squash, this, Burkhardt explains, our aging popula- variety. The generous bunch of sage invited peaches, and more. tion is facing a big shift in the choices that Write to us if you’re interested in home-shar- me to make cup of fresh sage tea for after the To sign up and for more information people will have. Unfortunately, privatized ing, for more information and to connect with pasta together with half a sliced apple and please contact Shula Puder at 212-669- care and the option for Assisted Living Silvernest and Senior Planet here. Please another sliver of cheese. 2392 or email [email protected]. and Independent Communities is going to mention that you read this article in West- Farm to People will create a la carte boxes gov for more details. be a challenge for most people. Most baby View News: [email protected]

Telemann String Quartet Sunday, January 26, 2020 • 2:00–4:30 p.m. Yao, violin and Nathan Vickery, cello of January 2020 Vivaldi Violin Concerto from New School Concerts presents the New York Philharmonic; and Teng Classical Concerts “The Four Seasons” (Spring) ROSAMUNDE STRING QUARTET Li, principal violist of the Los Angeles Vivaldi Violin Concerto from Alvin Johnson/J.M. Kaplan Hall Philharmonic. in the Village “The Four Seasons” (Autumn) 66 W 12th Street, New York, NY 10011 Saturday, January 18, 2020 7:00 pm Telemann Don Quixote suite Felix Mendelssohn Quartet in F Minor, Op. $18 General $16 Seniors WestView News Concerts presents Mitsuru Tsubota, violin; Mayuki Fuku- 80 (1847) $5 Student Standby (no advance purchase) THE STRATHMERE ENSEMBLE hara, violin; Karl Kawahara, violin; Louise Kevin Puts String Quartet «Credo» (2007) For questions about tickets, call “VIVALDI MEETS TELEMANN IN THE VILLAGE” Schulman, viola; Daire Fitzgerald, cello; Franz Schubert String Quartet in D Minor, 212.229.5873 Early admission for those St. John’s in the Village Jack Kulowitsch, double bass; Bill Zito, D 804 “Rosamunde” (1824) with special seating needs. Facilities are 218 West 11th St., New York, NY 10014 lute; Robert Wolinsky, harpsichord. Noah Bendix-Balgley, 1st concertmaster wheelchair accessible. Large-print programs $20 Admission, Free to Seniors & Children. of the Berlin Philharmonic; Shanshan are available upon request. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 11 Let’s Get Real About Aging so I’m up at 5:00, exercise, have breakfast and start writing. I’m pleased that my new book of poems has just been published, and last September I took first prize for a poem I wrote for a contest. It was elating to win that prize! My days aren’t all equally bright. But I’m blessed with a good memory; I don’t forget where I am, or people’s names and faces. I could lose that tomorrow, though. At our age, you just don’t know. Also, I have a young wife, very active and upbeat! She’s really important in my life, my saving grace. We share a good, loving rela- tionship. And I’m good friends with my first wife. Both of them help keep me going. When I was a boy, I thought I would die at 68. Back then, 68 was pretty old. My AN OFFBEAT photo of George Held, above. mother died at 77, and I thought then that Photo by Cheryl Filsinger Held. MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY | COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY I would probably live to the average of her MOHS SURGERY | LASER SURGERY By Gail Evans age at her death and my father’s. He died at 88, so I’m ready to go at any time. I will be On December 3rd I met with 85-year-old 85 in January, if I live until then. You never Bay Ridge West Village George Held in his West Village apartment know, I might die of a stroke, heart attack, 7901 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 67 Perry Street, NY NY 10014 to interview him about aging. He taught in or get run over by one of those bikers on the 718-491-5800 (t) 212-675-5847 (t) the English Department at Queens College sidewalks that I yell at all the time! 718748-2151 (f) 212-675-7976 (f) for 35 years and was a Fulbright lecturer in I don’t like feeling weaker, with aches and Czechoslovakia under Soviet rule. Held is pains I don’t want. But I exercise to ease the also a prolific poet, editor, translator, essayist stiffness from my joints. And I still carry and book reviewer. His poems are understated my groceries up three flights of stairs to my Ronald R. Brancaccio, M.D | Peter Saitta, D.O. and wry—full of “knife-edged” observations, apartment; sometimes I stop to catch my Sherry H. Hsiung, M.D. | Lisa Gruson,M.D. | Anna Karp, D.O. as one reviewer wrote. Michael Minichiello breath, but mostly I try to make it up in one featured Held as a “Village Original” in these continuous climb. One continuous climb! pages in June of 2012! What follows are mostly There might be a poem in that! Held’s own words as we talked. If you’ve learned anything, you are wiser and more at peace when you get older, but I’m lucky to have my writing. I still write that’s tempered by the reality that you can every day, as any writer must do. Many of lose it all at any moment. The human body my poems are political and some are either is designed to live only so long, then it goes directly or indirectly about racism, but I haywire. And the older you get, the more strive to avoid moralism and propaganda. people that you know die. I have a high I also write “nature” poems, mostly about school classmate who’s determined to out- Do You Need Home Care? nature’s fragile beauty. The challenge is live me. I say, go ahead! I don’t want to be to find the right forms and metaphors for alive and decrepit. But we have no say in it— Continuity Home Health Care what I want to say, and to pare down to we’re puppets at the whim of some unknown succinctness. My four children’s books are puppet master. I don’t believe in an afterlife about nature. It was fun writing them be- or God. At one point in college I thought of cause every now and then I could sneak in a the ministry, but I realized that vision wasn’t multisyllabic word. for me the more I read and thought. Where Healing Continues... The morning is when I have my energy, Continued next issue. A licensed home care agency providing health care services, both professional and paraprofessional, for individuals living at home since 1996. Waning By George Held I raise the blind at dawn, ten degrees To admire her or him or it—Diana, Out there, and I see the half moon The Old Man, that geologic target Low in the cobalt southwest. Of telescope and spaceman. Call Tim Ferguson at (212) 625-2547

The day waxing and the moon waning, The sky lightens to pale blue or drop in to 198 Avenue of The Americas Like my life, like my arrhythmic heart. Blanching the moon’s hue. How many more cycles to fullness Why would anyone turn on the tube We accept most private Will I see that old moon achieve, While this light show’s going on? insurances That lifetime partner in isolation, But there’s work to be done and one and private pay. Basking in mute reflected glory Can hardly spend hours watching

While wearing the ball and chain, The moon wane, slim day by day [email protected] Sentenced to wax and wane To a sliver, then wax new again Up there while few necks crane In a way that humans never can. 12 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

LOYALTY PROGRAM • GIFT CARDS FREE DELIVERY EXPERT ORTHOPAEDIC INSIGHTS Lenox Health Greenwich Village Understanding the Difference Between Sprains and Strains dage or compression sleeve to reduce swelling and stabilize the area. ELEVATION. Elevate the injured part above your heart to GREENWICH VILLAGE decrease swelling and pain and help fluid return to your 512 HUDSON STREET • NYC 10014 circulatory system. WWW.SEAGRAPEWINES.COM • 212-463-7688 DID YOU KNOW? • A strain is the tearing of a muscle, whereas a sprain is the tearing of a ligament. • Sprains most commonly occur in the wrist, thumb, knee and ankle, while strains are found mostly in the elbow, HOPEFULLY lower back and hamstring. Photo courtesy of Lenox Health Greenwich VIllage • Both injuries can take up to 3 months to feel normal following appropriate RICE and often physical therapy WE WON’T SERVICE LINE: ORTHOPAEDICS – severe sprains may be unable to bear weight for up 2 THOUGHT LEADER: DR. DANIEL SEIDMAN weeks. • Alcohol increases swelling and can cause additional dam- A strain and sprain can look and feel similar. No matter age to the injury. For optimal recovery, skip the wine while BORE YOU how many times you roll, bend or twist your ankle, it can using the R.I.C.E. method. be hard to tell the difference between the two. If you think you have a minor or moderate sprain or If you’re experiencing minor aches and pains or suf- strain, you can treat it at home using the R.I.C.E. method; it fering from a major injury, our Orthopaedic Institute is LEFT BANK BOOKS 41 PERRY ST. NYC 10014 can help speed healing and reduce pain and swelling up to here for you. 72 hours after injury. AN ECLECTIC SELECTION OF USED, VINTAGE AND RARE BOOKS An expert in orthopaedics, Dan Seidman, REST. Avoid weight bearing activity on the injury to avoid MD, specializes in orthopaedic surgery and further damage. Use crutches or splints, if necessary. sports medicine. To schedule an appointment @leftbankbooksny www.leftbankbooksny.com ICE. Apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes, two to three times with Dr. Seidman, at Lenox Health Green- [email protected] 877.212.6778 every hour to reduce swelling and inflammation. wich Village, please call 646-665-6784. COMPRESSION. Wrap the affected area with an elastic ban-

SYMPTOMS OF A SPRAIN SYMPTOMS OF BOTH SYMPTOMS OF A STRAIN • Bruising • Limited movement • Muscle spasms • “Popping” sound or sensation • Swelling • Loss of strength in the joint • Pain

INCOME TAX PREPARATION ER continued from page 1 in the privacy of your own home... the exposé by taking a cue from the White House in Wash- patients with basic hygiene tasks, obtain vital signs, and very reasonable rates ington and telling staff that the story was fake news. perform basic laboratory tasks—burdens that will only be Despite assurances from the Mount Sinai Health Sys- added to the burdens of the reduced nursing staff. Call Peter White tem, nurses in the Beth Israel ER fear that the conditions Right now, the conditions are still “beautiful” in Beth Is- 212.924.0389 existing in Mount Sinai’s ER are coming to them. rael compared to Mount Sinai, according to the Mount Si- I spoke at length with a Beth Israel ER nurse (who shall nai nurse who came for emergency care downtown. Despite remain anonymous due to concerns that Mount Sinai the nurse-to-patient ratios downtown that exceed safe stan- might retaliate against employees who criticize their op- dards, those ratios are lower than the ratios at Mount Sinai. eration) who said that the conditions at Beth Israel have According to a report in Crain’s New York, Kenneth been steadily deteriorating due to staff cuts. Davis, president and CEO of the Mount Sinai Health Recently, the Beth Israel nurse submitted an official staff System, earned $12,390,588 in 2018. He enjoyed anoth- report regarding unsafe conditions in the pediatric ER to er $57,000 worth of benefits. Jeremy Boal, President of a supervisor. Unsafe staffing forms are routinely submitted Mount Sinai Downtown, earned $1,852,357 plus $57,000 when the nurse-to-patient ratio exceeds six adult patients in benefits. The ten highest paid Mount Sinai executives to each nurse, which is recognized as the maximum safe ra- were paid over $26 million. If they took a 20% cut, or Da- tio. In this particular reported case, a single nurse was caring vis alone took a 40% cut, surely both the Mount Sinai and for ten infants and toddlers. Infants and toddlers require Beth Israel ERs could be fully staffed. more time and attention than adults, which means that the situation was more dangerous than a completely unaccept- Don’t put off taking off able ratio of ten adult patients per nurse. The supervisor did those extra pounds – and Native Manhattanite and West Village resident nothing about the reported danger for nine hours, so the keeping them off! for the past 42 years. nurse raised the concern again. The supervisor promised to Please allow me Licensed in Real Estate for the past 21. address the issue, but no action was ever taken. to help you on your Board Certified New York Residential Specialist (NYRS®). Beth Israel employed 800 nurses when Mount Sinai weight management journey Here to help you and yours find your next perch or move took over in 2013. Only about 350 remain. There will be on whether in New York or elsewhere. worse to come in the ER in 2020, the ER nurse claims, Joy Pape, Family Nurse Practitioner Alexander de Bordes because 50% of the remaining staff will be cut. The staff 917-640-3707 [email protected] cuts include patient-care assistants, who are the lowest 917-806-1945 [email protected] paid employees on staff. These are the people who help www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 13 Collective Conviction Is a Brand of Truth

Absolutely nothing gets people so instanta- seconds, unless a very skilled demolition team neously and uncontrollably angry as when strategically placed explosives on the steel somebody blandly recites a "conspiracy theory" structural frame; and our very mature and as if it were true. Of course many of these reci- sober architectural Editor Brian Pape read it tations come from people who only watch FOX and became convinced it was true and offered News and unquestionably believe in the Deep the article you will now read. The article was State, so we can understand the uncontrolled held up for a few months by staff members who rejection. still cannot tolerate that 9/11 was anything A conspiracy fissure opened in the WestView but the result of a handful of Muslim fanatics staff regarding 9/11 and finally centered on in two hijacked passenger planes. a recent Alaska Study that said no way could You be the judge. building number 7 come straight down in —George Capsis ______Engineers Pledge $45,000 Reward for Refuting WTC7 University of Alaska Study sioners are suffering chronic health effects from working at Ground Zero. Bob and Helen McIlvaine, whose son Bobby was killed at the World Trade Center, have led a campaign in their son’s name, to intro- duce and enact draft legislation that would establish a select committee in Congress to reinvestigate the World Trade Center’s de- struction. Also present at the news confer- ence were David Meiswinkle, president of COMMISSIONER CHRISTOPHER GIOIA of the Lawyers’ Committee for 9/11 Inquiry, the Franklin Square and Munson Fire District and architect Richard Gage, founder of in New York meets on Capitol Hill to urge Architects & Engineers for 9/11 Truth. Congress to reopen the 9/11 investigation. The Franklin Square and Munson Fire Credit: AE911Truth.org. District is now spearheading efforts through- out New York State and across the country to By Brian J Pape, AIA unite fire services in support of their call for Congress to reopen the 9/11 investigation. On the 18th anniversary of the 9/11 disaster, The congressional inquiry they are seeking structural engineer Ibrahim Soudy, Ph.D., would be conducted parallel to the ongoing pledged $10,000 to any qualified American grand jury investigation initiated by U.S. At- professional structural engineer, physicist, torney for the Southern District of New York or physical science engineer to refute suc- Geoffrey Berman. cessfully the University of Alaska study “A Dr. Soudy says the new University of Structural Reevaluation of the Collapse of Alaska study proves beyond any doubt that World Trade Center 7,” which would be the official story is inaccurate, and that decided by a panel of qualified judges. Af- Building 7 was destroyed by controlled terwards, Engineer John Lovrovich, PE, demolition. The overwhelming majority added, “I would like to add to this $10,000 of Americans who have watched WTC 7’s of my own money. This is a brilliant idea. I collapse video agrees, according to a recent am not a radio guy nor do I need the lime- YouGov survey. light; however, this is serious enough that I Dr. Soudy also announced an additional don’t want our efforts to die.” $25,000 reward for anyone with the same During a radio broadcast hosted by qualifications as above who writes a techni- Kevin Barrett, Dr. Soudy also mentioned cal paper rebutting the study and provides the New York fire commissioners and first it to a peer-reviewed engineering journal in responders speaking up. 9/11 first respond- the U.S. that accepts and publishes it. er Christopher Gioia, a fire commissioner Will the $45,000 set of rewards be enough of the Franklin Square and Munson Fire to bring this debate out in the open? District in New York (“the commission”), announced the launch of the “Justice for 9/11 Heroes” campaign at a news con- Brian J. Pape is a LEED-AP “green” ar- ference at the National Press Club, and chitect consulting in private practice, serves discussed the commission’s July 24, 2019 on the Manhattan District 2 Commu- unanimous approval of a resolution calling nity Board, and is co-chair of the American for a new investigation into the September Institute of Architects NY Design for Aging 11th events. Two of Gioia’s fellow commis- Committee. 14 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

The Dig Food Group, the parent company of fast casual the popular Tuscan restaurant with locations in the East chain Dig Inn has opened 232 Bleecker, its first full-service Village and also at 114 Christopher Street has opened a restaurant in the space that used to house Trattoria Spa- small charming spot focusing on baked pasta. The menu ghetto. The chef, Suzanne Cupps, was previously at Un- is hand-drawn and looks like a comic strip with colorful IN titled at the Whitney, and before that at beloved West Vil- text and illustrations. All the pastas are available by the and lage restaurant Annisa and also Gramercy Tavern. There is generous slice or portion for $14 to $18. There is lasagna OUT a large wood-burning hearth behind the counter which is and eggplant parmesan, but also more unusual choices like used for cooking chickens, baking lasagna and roasting veg- Crespelle alla Fiorentina, Tartufata di Patate, and Tim- by Caroline Benveniste etables. (The carrots that come with ricotta and hot honey pano, which some might remember from the movie Big are both meltingly sweet and charred, something that can- Night. The family has a long history in the food business— December was a quiet month with only two openings and no not be accomplished by oven roasting.) The menu is vege- according to their website, they have worked in restaurants closings. Some new West Village restaurants did very well on table-heavy, not surprising since the company has a 12-acre in Pistoia (in Tuscany) since 1890, and still own a restau- end-of-the-year lists with Llama-San mentioned everywhere, farm in Orange County, but there are carnivorous options. rant there called Fiaschetteria La Pace. and Nami Nori and The Riddler also showing up. The interior is bright and cheery which is quite a contrast from the previous décor. The wine list is eclectic (there is a Coming Soon Open Pink Gummy Bear Wine from the Czech Republic) and A new restaurant from the Quality Branded Group will reasonably priced, and the young, enthusiastic sommelier is take over the space vacated by Spanish tapas and paella 232 BLEECKER extremely helpful in steering you towards a good choice. restaurant Barraca at 81 Greenwich Avenue at Bank Street 232 Bleecker Street at Carmine Street (although the new restaurant will have a 2 Bank Street ad- PASTA AL FORNO dress). The group operates two other restaurants on Green- 167 7th Avenue South near Perry Street wich Avenue on either side of the new space, Quality Eats Emanuele Bugiani, the owner of Fiaschetteria Pistoia, (19 Greenwich Avenue) to the southeast and Don Angie (103 Greenwich Avenue) to the northwest. A faithful read- er alerts us that a new tailor shop will be opening at 535 Hudson between Perry and Charles where formerly the po- lo-inspired Colombian handmade belt and pet collar/leash shop Macondo Belts used to be. Signage is finally up at 375 6th Avenue (corner of Waverly Place) in the space that used to be a Vitamin Shoppe years ago. As we knew, there will be a bank (Bank of America), but the rest of the space will house a branch of the hair-removal chain Unikwax.

We need your help! Please continue to email us with anything you see at [email protected]. Photos by Maggie Berkvist. Mini Melanie and Hot Bread Kitchen Incubates By Caroline Benveniste was doing so well, after a year Melanie and Diane procured their own space in a commissary kitchen in Williamsburg, There is a new stand in Chelsea Market called Mini Mela- located in the old Pfizer building. nie and when you find it you will be astounded at the elabo- During their Chelsea Market residency, Melanie contin- rate display of intricate mini sweets. There are cakes and ues to cook in the Williamsburg kitchen, while Diane works truffles and cookie cakes and mini cupcakes and cake pops. behind the counter at Chelsea Market. Most of the pastries The offerings are colorful, fun, and delicious. Mini Melanie are delivered from Brooklyn, but there is a small oven at the is the second business to have a residency at the Hot Bread market where the cookie cakes are baked, causing a delicious Kitchen stand. Hot Bread Kitchen, which many will rec- smell to waft over the area. (The cookie cakes are cookie ognize from their ethnic breads available at Whole Foods dough baked in a pan. The ones at the market are 4 inches in and various greenmarkets, was started in 2008 by Jessamyn diameter and quite deep, but 12-inch cookie cakes are also Waldman Rodriguez as a way to train women for a culinary available by special order.) Once they emerge from the oven career. The initial focus was bread, which is baked in the La they are drizzled with sauce, and if you order one you can Marqueta market in East Harlem. A second initiative, HBK LET’S ALL EAT CAKE: The motto at Mini Melanie, Hot request your own custom topping. Bread Kitchen Incubates’ newest resident at Chelsea Incubates, started in 2015 and aims to help address the The day I stopped by, both Diane and Melanie were Market, hints at all the delicious options available. Photo challenges of entrepreneurs in the food space, particularly by Maggie Berkvist. there. Melanie had just come from the Brooklyn kitchen, women and minorities. The food businesses in this program and was setting up for a cookie decorating class later that also use the kitchen in La Marqueta, and they receive help Incubates program about a year ago and had moved into evening. Diane took me through the different offerings: getting connected to consumers and buyers as well as some their own space. They had a thriving catering business, the mini cakes are 3-inch in diameter and have three lay- business training. When the program started there were 38 mostly with corporate clients, but they were looking to ers, and come in flavors like chocolate chip salted caramel businesses participating, and now there are 85-95. engage with end-users directly in a retail setting, making and lemon berry. The buttercream is made the classic way, Recently, HBK Incubates entered into a new partnership them an ideal choice for the Chelsea Market residency. with an Italian meringue to which lots of butter is added. with Chelsea Market. HBK controls one stand in the market, Mini Melanie was started by sisters Melanie and Diane The jewel truffles are eye-catching with their colorful fac- and offers it for residencies of 5-6 months to food businesses Moss in 2015. Before founding Mini Melanie, Melanie eted outer shell. Unlike most truffles, these are filled with who have graduated from the HBK Incubates program and worked at Babbo and was then the Head Baker and Pastry cake, not ganache. There are also vegan and gluten free are ready to take the next step. Jamestown Properties, which Sous Chef at the illustrious Blue Hill at Stone Barns. When options, which are very popular for those looking to avoid still manages Chelsea Market even after the sale of the build- Instagram was just becoming popular, Melanie realized that eggs, dairy and wheat. The funfetti cake pops were sold ing to Google in 2018, advises HBK on which businesses her eye-catching desserts were well suited to the platform. out, but I had a large choice of truffles, so I picked a Zoe would be a good match for Chelsea Market, and represen- Diane was in the hospitality business and had a background and a Grace (all have girls’ names), and I also got a funfetti tatives from Jamestown meet with the businesses that were in start-ups and customer service, which made her a perfect mini-cake. If you missed the opportunity to procure these selected to advise them and evaluate their progress. partner to tackle the business side of their venture. Melanie pastries for the holidays, you’ll have a chance to get your Kobla Asamoah, Program Director for HBK Incubates started doing recipe testing in her apartment and eventu- Valentine’s Day, Easter and Mother’s Day treats here, as explained to me that Mini Melanie had finished the HBK ally joined the HBK Incubates program. Since the business Mini Melanie will be around through May. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 15

stairs? Yes, they are many. INGREDIENTS A View from the Kitchen What about the various charities and 1 pound tuna ¾ inches thick, approximately those belonging to them, and are truly ½ teaspoon wasabi pastel or powder By Isa Covo moon, the extra-terrestrial space explora- dedicated? And those who finance them, 4 tablespoons Japanese soy sauce tion, the invention of radio and television, even in small donations? Some of our rich- 1 tablespoon mirin 2020. Twenty years ago we left a century so the internet and the speed of communica- est are ready to share their fortune through 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional) full of contrasts: there were the two world tion to the farthest reaches of the world, foundations for the good of humanity— 4 scallions wars, racist segregation, lynching, the blood the cell phones, followed by smart phones they support education, research in various 4 shiso leaves drenched ends of colonialism, the Vietnam offering even more possibilities. There has fronts, the arts, urbanism and more. 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional) war, the end of most kingdoms, the rise of been progress in medicine that has helped So here we are. I wish you all a very good, Nazism and its brutality, the concentration improve the quality of life and, in some productive, healthy and loving year. Enjoy DIRECTIONS camps, revolutions, the killing of a young and cases, find a cure. your life every day, and if it is in your power 1. Wipe the tuna with a wet paper towel popular president, the killing of a charismatic Two decades into this century, where are to make some others happy, do it. and cut into 3/4 to 1/2-inch cubes. and courageous Civil Rights leader, the vio- we now? Early in the century 9/11 hap- The more frequent New Year’s resolution There should be four or five per person. lent demonstrations, the AIDS epidemic, and pened, and we still suffer the aftermath, is to control one’s weight, so here is a recipe many more unsettling and tragic situations. with our first responders and volunteers still that is tasty and low in calories. Our only 2. If using wasabi powder, mix it with one It was also a remarkable century where getting sick. We are involved in wars in sev- wish should be for all of us to become better tablespoon of water. In a small bowl mix arts flourished, with new visions and ex- eral countries in the Middle East. Russia is people and help improve our world. together the wasabi, soy sauce, mirin and pressions, in painting, sculpture, architec- a menace meddling in politics around the sesame oil if used. ture, music, ballet, literature, progressive world. Pollution is attacking our environ- RAW MARINATED TUNA 3. Place the tuna cubes in a shallow con- thinking. The pop music expressions with ment and health, climate change is happen- tainer and pour the marinade over it, stir Tin Pan Alley first, the expansion and new ing, and we don’t know where it is going to to coat the tuna. Marinate eight to ten sounds in jazz, also Hip Hop and most of lead us if we lack control; the gap between minutes, stirring them two or three times. all Rap that conquered the world. the rich and the poor in our society has wid- Of course, we cannot forget the legacy ened, racism may not have increased, but 4. Meanwhile rinse, dry and cut the scal- of the Beatles, the music of Bob Dylan, more and more people feel free to express lions into two-inch pieces and cut into Peter, Paul, and Mary, the Grateful Dead, it. Insults and foul language abound, civil- thin strips, separating the strips. Do the the Rolling Stones, and many more—too ity is diminishing, but not entirely. Acts of same with the shisho many to list here. civility and kindness are still here: people Photo by Isa Covo. Remember Woodstock on that rainy offer their seats to those they feel may need 5. Arrange the cubes on individual plates weekend, which was never exactly repli- them. Have you noticed how many people After the many celebrations of the holiday and distribute the marinate over them, cated, but remained legendary? And the open doors to others? If someone falls down season, you may be looking for something easy, decorate with the scallion and shiso strips. Flower Children?” in the street, how many react? How many tasty, and not too fattening. Well here is a solu- Sprinkle with the sesame seeds if used. There were big strides in technology are eager to offer help to those who need it tion—a delicious Japanese-inspired dish that that inspire to this day: the landing on the to cross a street, for instance, or climb the has all those qualities. Yield: serves 4

My Date with Jimmy Hendrix and Mrs. Maisel

a-block full with musical instruments—cas- cading from the ceilings, propped up against White HorseTavern walls, and on any available surface—and rows 567 Hudson Street, Corner of West 11th Street and rows of visually and musically appealing records. Vinyls are coveted collector’s items; musicians know they are the ultimate cool. These relics still hold a powerful magnetism over new generations of musicians and music fans, and they serve as valuable documenta- tion of our musical heritage. The Music Inn was founded in 1958 by Gerald Halpern, a Korean war veteran, and WEST VILLAGE PIONEER, Jeff Slatnick, above. Photo by Gy Mirano. bought from him by its current owner, art- ist in residence and musician Jeff Slatnick. By Gy Mirano As I have a soft spot for vets, it was mov- ing to learn about the Music Inn’s founding Wondering around one of my favorite New owner when Mr. Slatnick sat to chat with York neighborhoods, the West Village, I me. Jeff started working at the store in the found the Music Inn. There’s nothing like late 1960s, played guitar, bass sitar and other getting lost in the historic cinematic streets, Indian instruments, and then, in an entre- and being welcomed by period facades where preneurial move, bought the place from Mr. classic New York jazz clubs, trendy bou- Halpern and has been the leading force be- tiques, surviving mom and pop stores, and hind it ever since. Today the two-level space some of the most fun restaurants downtown is a real resource whether you are a profes- are housed. On a recent fall afternoon I was, sional musician or an amateur, a musical as usual, seeking the ultimate New York ad- thrill-seeker, or a record collector interested venture, and found it when I stepped into the in jazz, R&B, classic rock, world, Latin, Music Inn. Low-lit and subdued, it can be funk, reggae or hip hop. This spot has been easy to miss from across the street. It’s hard a musician’s resource for decades, where mu- to believe this funky New York gem has been sical idols as varied as John Lennon, George on West 4th Street since the late ‘50s. This Harrison, Don Cherry, Miles Davis, Aero- music store is a musician’s spot for sure, and smith, and Coldman could drop by at any pure New York. The tight quarters are chock- continued on page 18 Unchanged Since 1880 16 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org Bird of the Year 2019 By Keith Michael on The New York City Audubon Society Guide to Finding Birds in the Metropolitan We are standing under the canopy of a Area. Then, the Twin Towers rose behind cloudy winter sky on the corner where the the flight of the Snow Geese; and now, One 14th traditional presentation of the Annual World Trade Center is the centerpiece. West Village Bird of the Year Awards, “The Millies,” is held. This tourist-confounding Shh, I see that Millie has nodded off; and intersection of West 4th and West 12th though I know that she disapproves, I Streets is where a rosy-hued House Finch must bestow the BEST “NOT A BIRD” OF was heard and seen, my Bird #1 that be- THE YEAR AWARD. My summer months gan my binoculared view of our hometown, are punctuated by day trips thither and yon New York City! traversing the New York bight on Ameri- As a reminder, the ground rules for The can Princess Cruises out of Riis Land- Millies are as follows: birds must be seen ing, Queens with the thrills of breaching in, above, or from the five boroughs of New Humpbacked Whales, acrobatic dolphins, York, and voting is weighted toward those and leaping Atlantic Sturgeon as my voy- birds observed during Millie’s daily walks euristic bait. But the “Not a Bird” that around her blocks in the West Village or deserves the accolade of this award is the birds she sees or hears upon sniffing “Sealy,” the Harbor Seal who called Mus- (when out in damp weather) to determine cota Marsh in Inwood Hill Park home for the favorability of the barometric pres- the summer and frequented the mudflats sure. Miss Millie’s patronage includes the and Columbia University boat docks at privilege of casting the tie-breaking vote if incoming tides! Sealy gets my vote out of needed (or even the privilege of disregard- sheer delight. ing these ground rules completely). My phone please (and spare charger) THE MELLOW YELLOW AWARD, with few to read the citations. Millie is FaceTime- contenders, goes to a Yellow Warbler sing- ing in as she hosts an award ceremony fete ing its cheerful far-from-mellow song in of her own from her corgi-shaped spot of Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island. sunlight back at home. To dispel the tension right away, my NEW BLUE BIRD OF HAPPINESS: Millie insists BIRD OF THE YEAR AWARD goes without that this award be honored because she saw contest (since there were no other com- a Blue Jay once, sometime this year, right petitors) to the Riverside Park Evening when she walked out the front door. Grosbeak that drew birders from far and wide in January 2019. This thick-billed, THE BEST PARENTING AWARD is a fraught seed-cracking, handsome, chunky, yellow- category because thousands of birds call black-and-white finch is actually one of New York City home for the summer and the first birds that I remember from my do a laudatory job raising their families Pennsylvanian childhood, when dozens of under the most adverse circumstances (I them descended on our yard’s winter bird ask you to imagine the challenges), and feeders around 1965. As this sighting was yet, there are “star” birds who unfairly decades before my current bird-identifying make the headlines. The Common Terns frenzy, I never officially “counted” it until of Governor’s Island, the Ospreys at the this year. Salt Marsh Nature Center, Brooklyn, or The competition was fierce for the Owl Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens, or of the Year. Millie wanted to ignore the ex- Vito and Linda, the resident Bald Eagle tralimital rule to include a Great Horned NEW BIRD OF THE WEST VILLAGE AND BIRD OF THE YEAR. The Abingdon Square Park pair at Mount Loretto Unique Area, Stat- Owl pair, a Barred Owl, and an (adorable) Virginia Rail. en Island, are certainly Instagrammable

red morph Eastern Screech Owl from Cro- another difficult category. I’m quite partial ton Point Park, Croton-on-Hudson, but to the thousands of Brant Geese winter- (after giving her a marrow bone to gnaw ing in the city waters around every bor- on) she conceded to vote only for contes- ough. Their constant shuffling, gossiping, tants from the five boroughs. Runners-up and messy flight geometry, always intrigu- included Barred Owls from Pelham Bay ing, causes me to ponder, “What is it like Park, the Bronx, as well as Saw-whet Owls to be one of them?” Nevertheless, I have from both Central Park, Manhattan, and to declare this one a solid tie between the Forest Park, Queens. But the winner is a blackening-the-sky hordes of Common gray morph Eastern Screech Owl from In- Grackles in Forest Park, Queens, and Snow wood Hill Park, Manhattan which eluded Geese at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Reserve my sighting for a full three visits—tucked in Queens lifting off with the twenty-miles- oh-so-discreetly in its own B & B split tree distant Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. trunk. Tie notwithstanding, the JBWR Snow NEW BIRD OF THE YEAR. The Evening Geese have my sentimental vote for conjur- BEST PARENTING. A Piping Plover chick on Grosbeak of Riverside Park, Manhattan. The AVIAN SPECTACLE OF THE YEAR was ing up Don Riepe’s iconic 2001 cover photo the beach at Fort Tilden, Queens. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 17

contenders. But Millie’s insurmountable Village and Bird of the Year 2019. To me “cuteness factor” vote goes to the Piping it was obvious (and with a few extra treats, Plover parents of Fort Tilden, Queens, Millie conceded as well) that both of these who once again, managed to raise their awards should celebrate our October visi- toothpick-and-cotton-ball chicks amidst tor, the Abingdon Square Park Virginia the human sunbathing traffic of this pop- Rail. This thin as a rail prize winner en- ular beach destination. Thank you Gate- tertained us for more than a week, feasting way National Park Rangers for keeping on the dirt-loving fauna of the park, pack- them safe! ing protein to continue its migration fur- ther south. With stately stride and unfazed THE BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR CITATION is industry, it showed off its subtle feathered awarded to a pair of Monk Parakeets that finery at the feet (literally) of anyone who OWL OF THE YEAR. The Eastern Screech ACROBAT OF THE YEAR. A Caspian Tern set up housekeeping in Riverside Park this Owl of Inwood Hill Park, Manhattan. above Plumb Beach, Brooklyn. took the time to observe this alien creature summer. After decades of these Argen- in our very civilized backyard. tinian green and gray natives colonizing In conclusion, this is the merest smat- Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx, Man- tering of the “good birds” that have been hattan finally has a pair to call their own. seen during this calendar year in our fair Look for them at 137th Street. neighborhood and city. As a few flakes of snow begin to fall on this idyllic scene, THE ACROBAT OF THE YEAR is a Caspian Millie and I wish you the bird-friendliest Tern, seen on a full moon Horseshoe New Year in 2020! Keep your eyes and your Crab mating season walk at Plumb Beach, ears open. Brooklyn, that seemed to twist itself into a corkscrew to shake off water after a beach- Visit keithmichaelnyc.com for books, photo- side plunge in the waves. graphs, and the latest schedule of New York City WILD! urban-adventures-in-nature The time is nigh for that cherished final BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR. The Monk Parakeets BLUE BIRD OF HAPPINESS. A Blue Jay outings throughout the five boroughs. Visit pronouncement of this annual ceremony— of Riverside Park, Manhattan (stand in models in the West Village, Manhattan (a Central his Instagram @newyorkcitywild for photos a duple honoree: New Bird of the West from GreenWood Cemetery, Brooklyn) Park understudy). from around NYC.

BEST “NOT A BIRD” OF THE YEAR. “Sealy” the Harbor Seal, at Muscota Marsh, Inwood Hill MELLOW YELLOW. A Yellow Warbler singing in Wolfe’s Pond Park, Staten Island. Park, Manhattan.

AVIAN SPECTACLE OF THE YEAR ONE. Common Grackles in Forest Park, Queens. AVIAN SPECTACLE OF THE YEAR TWO. Snow Geese at Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Queens.

All Photos by Keith Michael. 18 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org Off the Beat Sports: Marni Halasa’s Relationship with the Community Through Sky Rink at Chelsea Piers By Anthony Paradiso that skill wherever they go in life.” Halasa does not only help kids on her In 1969, the twin-rink ice arena called Sky teams but is also involved in helping kids Rink opened its doors to the public at Pier from public housing developments learn to 61. It is one of the three major facilities at ice skate—specifically, the Elliott Houses Chelsea Piers that has an entire pier to itself. on W 25th Street and Tenth Avenue and It was renovated in 1995 and is the only the Chelsea Houses on W 26th Street indoor ice arena in Chelsea, and the only between Ninth and Tenth Avenues. “Sky one near the Village. Rink makes a concerted effort to always Chelsea Piers’ Vice President of Cor- encourage people with limited means to porate Communications Erica Bates says skate,” Halasa said. “We have a youth that “New York University uses Sky Rink hockey and figure skating scholarship because they never had their own ice rink.” program which is very robust, and I think Sky Rink is open seven days a week to Vil- that’s something that is bringing people lagers for general skating, figure skating, from the community.” birthday parties, special events, and adult Halasa explained what she believes ice league ice hockey. skating has the power to do for the com- Marni Halasa has coached figure skat- munity, “What I like about skating is it’s like ing at Sky Rink for the past 27 years. She the great democracy. Everyone likes skating, also ran for City Council District 3 against no matter what age you are, no matter what Corey Johnson in 2017 and lost. She ex- THE CURRENT SKY RINK ALL STARS TEAM that is third in the nation, taking photos right income-level you are. When you mention plained, “What Chelsea Piers offers us before their performance of Holiday on the Hudson Show at Chelsea Piers. Photo by Marni ice-skating everybody’s eyes light up, so they Halasa. coaches is a unique place for us to work; want to come, and they want to experience but we also socialize, we help parents raise com describes Halasa’s Sky Rink All-Stars ice skating troupe and they’re really, really skating. I know the parents love it, because children, and we really build long-lasting as a “United States Figure Skating nation- young. Usually my teams are older teenag- ice skating is really booming.” relationships together. There is an inter- ally-ranked ‘theatrical showcase team’” and ers, but this team saw the senior team and It costs $13 per person and $7 for skate generational thing—where we have tots New York City’s “longest-running chil- said, ‘Oh, we want to do that.’ Skating is a rentals to attend a public session at Chel- who are three and four years old, and pre- dren’s skating theater.” wonderful outlet because there’s also a per- sea Piers’ Sky Rink. Ice skating there teens, teenagers, young adults, and older Halasa described what inspires her about formance aspect to it that you don’t have in could be a fun way for Village families to adults all learning to ice skate.” her Junior Sky Rink All-Stars team. “So other sports. I feel like I’m raising the next spend an afternoon in a safe and friendly A website called marniforcitycouncil. here I have this mini-Rockettes performing generation of performers and they’ll take environment.

continued from page 8 Safe Streets magazine, published by Transportation where my own coming out was made pos- Alternatives, said, “The way we design our sible by previous generations of activists, to streets, our public spaces and our transpor- be able to do that walking on my own two tation systems influences how we feel, how feet, to walk the same ground. We have we behave, and how we treat other people to improve the experience of all who walk in ways that most of us never realize.” The around the city. We know that people love recently passed Streets Master Plan is a pedestrian spaces and we will be hard at gateway to realizing that vision. work identifying areas where we can create some new ones. Passing this bill has been Mr. Benepe is the author of “Pedestrian UNPLUG THIS a great step forward in claiming space for in the City” published by the ENO Traffic pedestrians.” Quarterly in 1965 and, subsequently, in Charles Montgomery, who was fea- three languages, by the International Fed- SUMMER tured in the 2014’s second issue of Reclaim eration of Housing and Planning.

My Date continued from page 15 hot television shows. Just ask The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. SUMMER REGISTER IN JANUARY FOR A given moment. I can see why. Mr. Slatnick Jeff studied Indian classical music for CHANCE TO WIN A COMPLIMENTARY has a charming, welcoming presence, and many years under Ali Akbar Khan, and he CAMP 2020 WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP. a no-nonsense attitude; he is the ultimate became a teacher himself. His days at the VALID THROUGH 1/31/19. New Yorker. He is also a dedicated artist, Music Inn are about music, teaching, and JUNE 22 - SEPTEMBER 4 an iconic cultural advocate, and a father creating a space for others to develop. “Ad- figure to the downtown music scene. He is vancement and fruitioning about,” he states not comfortable with the term “artist.” “Too matter-of-factly. As music moved from re- pretentious,” he quickly adds when I allude cords, to cassettes, to CDs, and then digital to his being so. Yet he is one. His space is downloads, he stayed put. Good thing he pure funk and pure art. His love for music did. If you want to explore a New York clas- jumps out from each instrument. He is what sic, then a visit to the Music Inn is in order. makes a community: open arms, open doors, MUSIC INN 169 West 4th St., New York, NY open mic. A place to get together, peruse, https://www.musicinn.nyc jam, buy an instrument, take a class, or dust off your stand-up act and give it a shot at the Gy Mirano is a New York actress and arts REGISTER TODAY tiny downstairs stage. A place where music advocate. For more art news follow: https:// 212.336.6846 • [email protected] chelseapiers.com/camp workshops take place, and film crews shoot www.instagram.com/gymirano/

West View Camp 202001.indd 1 12/20/19 3:22 PM www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 19 Notes From Away: Maine Tough The leaders of TNE went on to be Nixon presidential insiders, among them Ron Zei- gler as Press Secretary and Donald Segretti as a campaign aide responsible for dirty tricks. The Nixon organization was not proud of its opposition sabotage wing and did not openly claim credit for its many shameful activities. One such operation targeted Maine Democratic U.S. Senator Ed Muskie. Muskie was the Democratic us• candidate for Vice President in 1968 (on m • ic the ticket with Hubert Humphrey). The music Democrats lost to Nixon/Agnew in a close race. Muskie had made a highly favorable at impression though, and became the early at leader for the 1972 Presidential nomina- tion. Ultimately, George McGovern be- came the Democratic nominee and lost to St. John’s in Nixon in a rout, winning only one state. EDMUND S. MUSKIE. Photo credit: U.S. St. John’s in What happened to Muskie? Dirty tricks Senate Archives. happened. A significant number of voters in By Tom Lamia Maine and New Hampshire were of French- the Village Canadian ancestry. A few weeks before the It is a new year. This one promises less than New Hampshire primary, a letter to the edi- the Village most. Despite our venerable Constitution, tor of the Manchester Union Leader related WestView News Concert and a history of grit and valor, we seem to be that when Muskie was asked on the campaign losing our way. The current malaise could be trail how he could understand the problems of Saturday January 18, 7pm temporary, the after effect of Obama hubris African-Americans when Maine had so few, WestView Concert meeting Trump reality, and all will be sorted a Muskie aide responded, “Not Blacks, but out in the election this year. I don’t think so. we have Canucks.” Muskie was said to have Saturday, March 30 I see the problem as a growing acceptance of laughed at the remark. The FBI later found Members of the Strathmere Ensemble Present what used to be called “dirty tricks.” that the “Canuck Letter” was part of a dirty A certain amount of misdirection and tricks campaign orchestrated by Donald Seg- 1:00 pm “shade” has always been used in political retti and Nixon’s re-elect committee. Vivaldi Meets Telemann campaigns. It is tolerated because not much Muskie then made a speech outside the can be done about it and campaigns offer a offices of the Union Leader in which he at- in the Village level playing field for all candidates. When a tacked its publisher (a Republican power in Jack Kulowitsch and the particularly effective message lands, usually the state) for publishing the “Canuck Letter” because its timing prevents a counter-effec- and for reprinting an uncomplimentary News- Strathmore“I hope Ensemble you’ll enjoy Performing it” tive response, hard feelings linger, to be as- week editorial that said his wife, Jane, “liked to —Our Sponsor, Steve Witkoff suaged by overreaction in the next campaign. tell dirty jokes and smoke cigarettes.” Mozart Eine Kleine In the current climate, the urge to land Muskie was reported to have cried dur- serious rhetorical blows gets appeased by ing the speech, an act regarded at the time Vivaldi guitar concerto in D Major the heavy use of opposition research and as unmanly. Muskie did win a narrow vic- Telemann String Quartet exaggeration of the truth and relevancy of tory in the primary, but as the candidate Mozart’s Sinfoia Concertante whatever “facts” may be dug up. One side from the neighboring state of Maine, he Vivaldi violin concerto (Spring) may do more of this than the other, but was expected to win handily. His campaign both sides do it. This is what passes for be- was badly damaged by the incident and he Vivaldi violin concerto (Autumn) ing “tough” in today’s politics. soon dropped out of the race. One consequence is that political com- The “Crying Speech” as it was soon de- Telemann Don Quixote suite promise becomes ever more elusive. After scribed, was used to make Muskie out to be Tickets $20 you have falsely accused the other side of a softie, not tough enough to be President. the most evil thoughts and deeds in a costly Muskie was tough, in the manner most ad- Free to Seniors and Children battle for votes, the expectation for reason- mired in Mainers and others of real accom- able discussion and compromise becomes plishment—the strong, silent type of tough. Tickets $20 hypothetical only. The sentiment toward He was a second generation Polish-American Free toBooking Seniors is essentialand Children, at: good government through cooperation and whom other Mainers recognized early on as a stjvny.org or (212) 243-6192 mutual trust cannot survive the reputational person who would benefit from a quality edu- but give if you can. and financial hurt and damage inflicted. -Un cation, but had no way to pay for it, so it was surprisingly, in this climate the practice of provided by the generosity of Maine friends Booking is essential at: political compromise is rare. Some amount and institutions. My mother-in-law was a of cordiality is needed to make the system friend of Ed Muskie when they were both stjvny.org or (212) 243-6192 work. We used to have it in much greater students at Bates College in Maine. She spoke ST. JOHN’S IN THE VILLAGE measure than today. What happened? often of him and of his superior qualities. Political “dirty tricks” happened. The first A further reliable source on the charac- at the corner of West 11th and Waverly Place “tough” political operatives I dealt with were ter of Edmund Muskie is Maynard Toll, a ST. JOHN’S IN THE VILLAGE at the University of Southern California in top Senate staffer for Muskie from 1971 to St.at John’s the cornerin the Village of West is fully 11th heated and and Waverly ADA accessible. Place the late 1950s, where an underground fra- 1975. Maynard Toll, his father (Maynard Toll, ternity (“TNE”) actively and surreptitiously Sr.) and his older sister, Janet, were each well promoted its candidates for student govern- known to me during my working career as a St. John’s in the Village is fully heated and ADA accessible. ment positions by trashing rival candidates. continued on page 27 Modernism lives in Tribeca.

A collaboration of design visionaries. KPF. David Rockwell. David Mann. Edmund Hollander. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 21 Clarkson Towers Promises Affordable and Senior Units

VIEWED FROM WASHINGTON STREET, looking west on cobblestoned Clarkson Street toward Pier 40, the proposed building may include storefront retail and community space. Rendering by COOKFOX Architects.

By Brian J. Pape, AIA Remember the $100 million development- right deal with Pier 40 “air rights?” That all Patient visits doctor and asks, “How am I do- went to this building site. ing?” Doc: “I have good news and bad news.” Clarkson Square will be two gigantic Patient: “What’s the good news?” Doc: “Your towers, 430 feet high—the tallest build- knee surgery went very well.” Patient: “Yeah. ings along our west shore—in a mixed-use What’s the bad news?” Doc: “You have lung development of 1.7 million SF with 1,586 cancer.” units, filling the entire block from Houston Street to Clarkson Street and from Wash- We have good news and bad news about ington Street to West Street. VIEWED FROM WEST STREET, looking south toward Pier 40, the proposed Clarkson the new residential towers planned for the The design’s inspirations at street level Square residential towers with geometrically rigorous setbacks are shown centrally behind west end of Houston Street. are the solid masonry construction, indus- the now demolished small commercial buildings, and will be the tallest towers along the The good news: Approved 2016 plans by trial multi-sash windows and architectural river for many blocks around. The 550 Washington Google leasehold will be south of Hous- COOKFOX Architects for Atlas Capital detail of the historic Hudson Square fac- ton Street. Rendering by COOKFOX Architects. Group and Westbrook Partners to develop tories and printing press buildings, but in a mixed-use complex at so-called Clarkson creamy white instead of red brick, with Square—what was then called 550 Wash- setbacks and planted terraces. Plans call ington (or the St. John’s Terminal site, ca. for storefront retail space and a possible 1933)—will still include a diverse mix of 15,000-square-foot recreation center. living spaces, critically needed permanently On July 13th, 2019, Google’s parent affordable housing, and flexible units for company, Alphabet, closed the leasing deal senior citizens, designed to provide filtered on Google Hudson Square, a $1 billion, fresh air, biodynamic lighting, and access to 1.7 million-square-foot company campus public and private garden terraces. Up to 30 at 550 Washington Street, now totally sep- percent of the units—475 apartments—are arate from the Clarkson residential towers. said to rent at below-market rates through a housing lottery. A supportive elder hous- Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP, is an archi- ing community is in the design stage. tectural consultant in private practice, serves The bad news: Unfortunately the “Hud- on Community Board 2 in Manhattan, son Square” area is not in a historic district, and is co-chair of the American Institute of so these out-of-scale towers can be built. Architects NY Design for Aging Committee.

THE RESIDENTIAL TOWERS include critically needed affordable housing and flexible units for senior citizens, as depicted above, designed to provide filtered fresh air, biodynamic lighting, and access to public and private garden terraces. Up to 30 percent of the units (475 apartments) are said to rent at below-market rates through a housing lottery. Render- ing by COOKFOX Architects. 22 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org “Every Winter was a Valley Forge” By Catherine Revland placed, a ten-fold increase in a single month. in charge of Hut 8, whose work entailed This is the third article in a series, You Must Of the seven million newly drafted Ameri- breaking the crucial Enigma naval code. Remember This, about World War II and its cans being sent to the battlefront, how many His name was Alan Mathison Turing. His- relevance to our times. would die in transport across the Atlantic? torically speaking, he could not have been That February William Stephenson paid sent to a better place. “To POTUS: The scene has darkened a visit to Prime Minister Churchill, whom swiftly…The weight may be more than we he found in deep despair. “It’s most gall- THE “PROF” can bear” (intercepted cable from Churchill ing that the enemy should know just where In laypersons’ terms, the Enigma was a sys- to FDR, read by the German High Com- our ships are,” said Churchill. Stephenson tem of electrical wires attached to a num- mand, 1941). then reported what he had learned on his ber of rotors that randomly substituted one “The Fuhrer is not just a lunatic. He is an latest trip to Germany: that the enemy had letter for another, over and over. Its code evil genius. The weapons in his armory are produced an even more powerful version of key (like a password) changed each day. like nothing in history. The most sophis- their Enigma machine. Breaking the Ger- The Bletchley approach was to go through ticated apparatus for conveying top-secret man naval code, the most impenetrable all the possible positions—a painstaking, orders through the ether guides the Nazi version of their enciphering system, was mind-numbing guessing game—but it was war machine…If we decipher their codes, now the only way to defeat them. Ponder- much too slow to be useful. Something had our political leaders might understand the ing this latest piece of bad news, Churchill to change, and quickly. One day, delving depth of Nazi wickedness” (Sir William said, “The sinews of war have become deep into the heart of things in the way he ALAN MATHISON TURING. In the worst of times extraordinary minds achieve the impos- Stephenson—“Intrepid”—to FDR, 1942). whispers in the ether.” Then, taking Ste- knew best, through mathematical theory, sible. Photo Credit: Fellowship of the Royal “Every time I hear a creak in the house, or phenson by the arm, he told him, “If you Turing had an epiphany. Language was full Society. a step on the street outside, I’m sure they’re recover the whispers, I’ll find the interpret- of redundancies (unnecessary letters famil- coming for us” (Diary of Anne Frank, 1943). ers of what they say.” Would that interpret- iar to anyone who thumbs a text) which, if presented yet another problem—the British In 1942, the darkest year of history’s most ing those recovered whispers had been as eliminated, would speed up the deciphering were far behind in the electronic relay race, destructive war, during a fireside chat on simple as a pat on the arm. process enormously. It wasn’t necessary to and there was no time to waste. However, George Washington’s birthday to a nation But it was not Churchill who needed go through all those positions! The theory Turing and his colleagues had heard about still reeling from the shock of Pearl Har- to be convinced of his country’s desperate he developed was put into practice and the rooms that were full of high-speed elec- bor, FDR talked about another moment in need for intelligence. It was his country- result was the Turing machine, electric, co- tronic equipment at Bell Labs in the U.S., history when Americans faced seemingly men. Many of them called intelligence by lossal in size, and so complex that only he equipment that worked. It was one of his- insurmountable odds: “Washington’s con- another name—spying—a most ungentle- knew how it functioned. tory’s do-or-die moments, and it had to be duct in those hard times has provided the manly act, like reading someone else’s mail. For a while Turing’s machine was a great Alan Turing to make the voyage to America, model since then, a model of moral stamina. Nevertheless, Churchill loved his code- success that saved many lives; but in Feb- on the Queen Elizabeth (speedier than any In a sense, every winter was a Valley Forge.” breakers at Bletchley Park, calling them ruary of 1942, when the Germans came U-Boat), because the beloved “Prof ” was What the president didn’t tell the country “my geese who lay golden eggs and never up with a new Enigma that doubled the the only one who knew everything. was that the Germans had deciphered the cackle,” and he had nothing but praise for number of rotors, Turing knew an electric British naval code. Allied ships were be- the brilliant young mathematics professor machine would never be fast enough. The The story continues in the next article, “Alan ing torpedoed faster than they could be re- he had recruited from Cambridge to be only option was an electronic version, which Turing Comes to Bell Labs.”

Then&Now: Lower Fifth Avenue By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP

THEN: Once the most fashionable high-end residential neighborhood in the rapidly expand- NOW: Replicating the panoramic shot today shows what is lost and what has been re- ing metropolis, lower Fifth Avenue was home to wealthy and influential residents who fought tained, starting with the Washington Arch at the well-maintained Washington Square Park, to improve the military parade grounds built over the potter’s field burial grounds. On the far now closed to vehicular traffic. Number 2 Fifth Avenue is now a luxury apartment block that left of this archival panoramic photo from the turn of the 19th century, we see the Stanford has replaced Miss Rhinelander’s home and yard, as well as her neighbors’, up to Mr. Mali’s White-designed marble Washington Arch in Washington Square. Marching up the street at #8 Fifth Avenue. 8th Street retains many of its older buildings. The buildings at #10, #12 from Washington Square north along the west side of Fifth Avenue, single family town- and #14 Fifth Avenue remain in a somewhat altered state, now sporting commercial estab- houses dominate. Miss S. R. Rhinelander resided at #2 Fifth Avenue, with its backyard also lishments on the ground floor. Photo credit: Brian Pape. fronting the avenue, then F. Spencer Witherbee at #4, Lispenard Stewart at #6, and Pierre Mali at #8 completed the block. Crossing 8th Street with the trolley car coming up from Sixth Avenue, the Edison Company had its offices at #10 on the corner, while an apartment Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP, is an architectural consultant in private practice, serves on house was adjacent at #12. Finally, #14 is a townhouse off the right of the photo. While Fifth Community Board 2 in Manhattan, and is co-chair of the American Institute of Architects Avenue was mainly residential, 8th Street looks to be built up with commercial and residen- NY Design for Aging Committee. tial mixed in, above. Photo Credit: NY Public Library Archives www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 23 Want More in the Roaring Twenties? the HQ to Jersey, 55 Bethune was left sit- a few years back, she saw umbrellas litter- towers of Babel declare a promethean urge ting pretty waiting for the wrecking ball, ing the street. You’ve seen them too. The re- to establish an artificial immortality. But until someone realized it could have a new mains of the day, the dregs of war that stem this attitude is proving to be wrong-head- life. In 1970, exactly 50 years ago this year, from those opportunists who wake up eager ed: the oceans are full of plastic, the air of it was converted into what is now the larg- on the days that every other person in the pollutants, and the climate of a vengeful est artist housing in the world with over 380 city dreads—when it’s gonna pour droplets rage intent on forcefully bringing about a subsidized apartments, providing a home to so large that even hard-nosed NYC cats and return to homeostasis. everyone from noted photographer Diane dogs whimper. These opportunists head to Ann Hamilton’s exhibit presents a dif- Arbus to action movie star Vin Diesel. the busiest subway entrances to hock their ferent way of being in the world by chal- Ann Hamilton joined the Westbeth ranks wares: “Umbrella’s—fiiiive dollars!” lenging traditional notions of utility. ARTIST ANN HAMILTON proves that heart- about 15 years ago, after having been on the If bought in bulk, it’s possible to get um- Shower curtains, newspapers, mail packag- warming news articles—like the ones found in WestView!—can also keep the rest of you waitlist for an apartment for another 15 years brellas wholesale for as low as $0.50 a piece ing, plastic shopping bags, materials that warm during winter in an exhibit at West- previous. She carries on the legacy of rein- from China, which not only invented the would otherwise end up in a landfill— and, beth Artists Housing on display until Janu- vention beautifully, as evidenced by That’s modern collapsible umbrella two thousand if made from plastic, would stay there for ary 11th. Photo by Stanley Wlodyka. Rubbish, an exhibit of her work lining the years ago, but manufactures the major- thousands of years—are transformed. They hall leading to the lobby of Westbeth, cur- ity of the world’s supply to this day. One become beautiful, unique, and unexpected, By Stanley Wlodyka rently on display until January 11th. city in particular, Shangyu, has more than which are all hallmarks of good fashion. The exhibit features articles of clothing one thousand umbrella factories, feeding Taking in That’s Rubbish is a wonderful Perhaps start by acknowledging that abun- made from discarded materials creatively America’s $348 million umbrella addiction way to start the new year (not to mention dance is present in the most unexpected repurposed for a new use. Hamilton uses the each year. It seems that subway entrance decade) off on the right foot. Hamilton’s ways. Unexpected because it’s disguised as sensibilities she’s developed throughout an umbrellas are made to last for exactly one driving artistic philosophy centers around something else, something unwanted and illustrious career in fashion to create these deluge, after which the metallic spindles positive and uplifting stories. The best ex- sometimes discarded. But even that is by fanciful garments. Where does she get her get all spindly, sticking out in odd direc- ample of this in the collection is a jacket design: it sits there watching the multi- inspiration? She actively looks for it. tions. After being used and abused, they’re made from the few-and-far-between news- tudes pass by, waiting for the one who rec- “I actually walk wherever I have to go if tossed aside, unwanted on the street. paper clippings that promote “good news”: ognizes its hidden value. it’s within 30 minutes. I look at everything. Manhattan is arguably mankind’s best an article about Mr. Rogers, a cartoon of 55 Bethune Street was at one time the I see things, whether it’s what people are attempt at conquering nature, with steel the Statue of Liberty shielding immigrant headquarters of Bell Laboratories, the birth- wearing or what stands out on the street and cement towering thousands of feet children, and the WestView News logo. place of extraordinary scientific achievements and I’m always amazed by what I see,” di- above the ground, a monument to man’s “The newspaper jacket wouldn’t do too well and the site of Nobel Prize winning research. vulges Hamilton in a recent interview. indomitable will to rise above the muck in the rain,” Hamilton warns. No, for that, the Once the powers that be decided to relocate During a walk she took after a rainstorm of mortality. For some, these modern day umbrella dress might be better suited.

Westbeth Winter Exhibit Heat Zone Winter is a cold, grey, often depressing season to endure. Westbeth’s Winter Exhibit was a hot, eclectic mix of visual arts media that heated you up with pleasurable aesthetic experiences in four rooms of painting, sculpture, photography and multi-media art! As an open group show of Westbeth visual artists, it presented diverse works that were playful, pas- SHELLEY SECCOMBE, GRAFFITI DETROIT. Text and Photo sionate and provocative. by J. Taylor Basker.

To view more work from the exhibit, please visit westviewnews.org

VIEWS BY SUZE Suzanne McAndrews 50 + years in Greenwich Village See Views by Suze at Bonsignour Café Jane Street and Eighth Avenue 917-686-6542 [email protected] 24 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

time for my birthday, so I asked the designer, Anna Po- lonsky, if she could do a rush job to create this custom Karen’s coat in my size. My birthday was just a few days away, but she said she could do it. When I asked her how, she said, “I have my ways.” Quirky Style True to her word, the coat arrived the day of my birthday. But when I put it on, it was still a size too big! She had simply changed the label inside to XS. By Karen Rempel | Fashion Editor I didn’t want a hassle on my birthday, so I just put it on and dashed up to Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola to see You might not recognize me this month with Ravi Coltrane with my sisters. But I’ve never forgotten my new hair color. Even though the color has this trick, and every time I wear the coat I feel a little changed with each month of this column, this ripped off. Take heed, Anna, you think you got away time it is a real surprise. Brunette! When she with it. But did you really? first saw it, my friend Rhonda at LifeThyme said, “Karen, what happened, your hair is nor- For more stories, style notes, and fun photos, see karens- mal!” She was shocked. quirkystyle.com and connect @karensquirkystyle. The brunette was inspired by a fashion shoot I did for The Face magazine. They asked me to dress as Kris Jenner, the mother of all Kardashians, for a spoof of the family that will ANNA POLAN BURGUNDY VELVET COAT, be featured in an upcoming issue. For details of Lincoln Center’s Autumn Crafts Festival (CraftNewYork) the shoot, and lots of pix, see my blog, karen- outdoor market. squirkystyle.com. I had so much fun that day. I thought I’d try owning my inner Kris Jenner DONNA KARAN OLIVE GREEN SUEDE LEGGINGS. for a while. I wonder what color I’ll be next Rare Donna Karan storage sale, next to Urban Zen month! on Greenwich St. I love the ’70s rock star look of this Anna Polan coat, though you might notice it looks a MICHAEL KORS BURGUNDY SUEDE BOOTS WITH bit too big for me. There’s a reason for this. I STACKED LEATHER HEELS. saw the coat at the Autumn Craft Fair at Lin- Macy’s at Herald Square. coln Center, and I fell in love with it. I im- PATCHWORK QUILTED PURSE. mediately channeled Mick Jagger when I put Angel Street Thrift Shop, 18 West 17th Street. it on. But it was a size too big. I wanted it in RED AND BLACK SILK SCARF. WEST VILLAGE MODEL KAREN REMPEL. Gift from friend. Jimi meets Joni. Photograph by Dusty Berke.

Style on the Street: Keeping Winter Bright By Dusty Berke New Yorkers carry the cold in stride, and with holiday festivities to get to, you can be sure to see plenty of color and style on the street. Here are a host of Villagers keeping the winter bright.

Left to right: WHITE CHOCOLATE: Jeanne is rockin’ her winter white pumps and jeans with a gorgeous, cozy choco- latey sweater. FABULOUS FUR: Andrew and An- drew (Cruz and Chen) are on their way to a holiday party, looking fab in faux fur and bringing a tasty home- made tiramisu. WINTER TAN: Jackie Malki is looking cool in winter tans and beige. Stop in and say hi to her at Li-Lac Choco- lates on 7th Avenue. THE FAMOUS UGLY CHRISTMAS SWEATER: Dozens of Villagers were spotted in Santa garb and holi- day gear on the day of SantaCon. Damani Moyd is wearing his ugly Christmas sweater—it’s a thing. He’s on his way to see guitarist Reverend Yolanda, of DragQueenStoryHour, at a potluck at St. John’s in the Village. ❸ All photos by Dusty Berke. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 25

ARE DISAPPEARING DIAMONDS A GIRL’S BEST FRIEND? Artist Diemut Strebe pas- sionately describes her “Redemption of Vanity” art exhibit in the grand boardroom on the sixth floor of the New York Stock Exchange. The 16.78 diamond was literally close to her heart as she shuttled the $2 million jewel to MIT in her leather jacket’s breast pocket. Inset shows the finished result: a carbon nanotube-encased jewel, which seems to have disappeared into the blackness. Read the full story on westviewnews. org. Photo by Karen Rempel.

A Parisian Preschool Expands in the Village

RENOWNED CHOREOGRAPHER NADÈGE HOTTIER conducts her dancers to perform for the children. Photo by Virgil de Voldère.

La Petite Ecole will double its classes in September 2020, much to the delight of Francophone and Francophile families. To book a school tour: call (646) 504 9694, or visit www.lpeny.com 26 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org The Jefferson Market Library Presents: Greenwich House Anne Bronte: A Woman of Courage Announces New By Miriam Canfield young and thoughtless traveler, than to cover “as they really appear.” Having witnessed the Chief Executive them with branches and flowers.” Anne’s complexity of the human condition, Anne In celebration of the Bi- novels reveal her personal belief in the power wrote boldly to warn her readers from mak- Officer centennial Birthday of of redemption for even her vilest characters. ing destructive life choices, arguing for the Anne Brontë, The New Anne Brontë was born in Thornton, York- hope-filled alternative of seeking a virtuous York Public Library’s Jef- shire, England in 1820, and was the sixth child life. Anne’s older sister, Charlotte, claimed ferson Market branch will born to Reverend Patrick Brontë and Maria her sister, “hated her work, but would pursue present a staged reading Branwell Brontë. When Anne was only one it. It was written as a warning.” highlighting her life and year of age her mother passed away. She was It wasn’t long after the publication of The writings on January 24 and 25. raised by her mother’s older sister, Elizabeth Tenant of Wildfell Hall, that tragedy struck Anne Bronte: A Woman of Courage, is Branwell and her older siblings. Anne went the Brontë household. Anne’s older brother, sponsored by Frank Collerius, Library to boarding school, yet most of her education Branwell died at the age of 31. Three months Manager of The Jefferson Market Library, was received from her older sister, Charlotte, later, Emily died, and shortly thereafter in collaboration with Joy Goodwin, repre- as well as her father. As children, the Brontës Anne’s health deteriorated with tuberculo- sentative of the American Chapter of the loved storytelling and began to write about sis. In May of 1849, as Anne was nearing Brontë Society; Alida Delaney, Founder of magical, fantasy worlds. Anne and her older her end, she ventured to Scarborough with Kalidascope Media, and Miriam Canfield, sister Emily teamed up to create the world Charlotte and their friend Ellen Nussey, to Artistic Director of Vision Productions. of “Angria.” Into adulthood they each wrote see the beautiful ocean one last time. The DARREN S. BLOCH, above, Greenwich The play merges scenes from Anne’s nov- many poems centering around this fantasy three women journeyed there together and House's new CEO. Photo by Caryn Leigh Photography (www.carynleigh.com). els, Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell world they had established together. witnessed a “most glorious sunset.” Anne Hall, as well as excerpts from her poetry, In her early twenties, Anne served as a gov- passed away at age 29, while in Scarborough, diary entries and letters. erness for two different families. The experi- where she is buried. Anne Brontë’s memory By Andrea Newman While somewhat overshadowed by the ences she had there served as the impetus for continues to live on through her beautiful notoriety of her older sisters, Emily and Agnes Grey, a story that chronicles the chal- writings, and the collaborative team present- Greenwich House’s Board Chair Jan-Wil- Charlotte, Anne Bronte’s powerful writing lenges and difficulties that a governess often ing Anne Bronte: A Woman of Courage looks lem van den Dorpel has announced that reveals a bold, outspoken woman of courage. faced. Anne would write one more novel, forward to celebrating her work, January 24 Darren S. Bloch, has been named Chief Anne’s work sparked considerable criticism The Tenant of Wildfell Hall, which centers & 25, 2020. Executive Officer, beginning January in her day for the frank depiction of social is- around characters embodying vice and vir- 2020. Speaking on behalf of the board, Mr. sues revealed in her two novels, yet today her tue. Although her books are increasingly be- van den Dorpel expressed, “We are looking writing has increased in popularity because of loved in our day and age, Anne was met with Miriam Canfield has appeared in theatre and forward to Darren Bloch leading Green- the significance and relevance of her themes. critics who found her writing “coarse, even film productions in New York City, Chicago wich House as we continue to build on a In her own words Anne said it was better to for men.” Despite what her critics thought, & Los Angeles and received her BFA from legacy of providing high-quality services reveal, “the snares and pitfalls of life to the Anne was committed to revealing characters, New York University’s Tisch Drama School. and support to our West Village commu- nity and beyond. His breadth of experience will surely be a great asset to the organi- unique and exciting events with a social zation and to delivering our diverse pro- The West 13th Street Alliance’s component to the community. Some have gramming to New Yorkers from all ages come just for the great food but then real- and backgrounds.” Upcoming Community Events for 2020 ized that they met someone new and won- Bloch has had a distinguished career derful or learned something valuable at the leading organizations and teams across Matt Franco, local wine expert and own- class or event.” government, non-profit, media, and cor- By the West 13th Street Alliance er of MCF Rare Wine, Inc. Community We are proud and grateful recent recipi- porate sectors. Most recently, Mr. Bloch The West 13th Street members 21 years and older will partake ents of Manhattan Borough President Gale was Senior Advisor to Mayor Bill de Bla- Alliance is pleased in learning more about wine—the wine- Brewer’s Manhattan Community Award. sio & Director of the Mayor’s Office of to announce its ini- making process and how to choose the This prestigious and highly selective award Strategic Partnerships. He has also served tial 2020 Community right wine-pairing with your meal. has enabled the West 13th Street Alliance as the Executive Director of The Mayor’s Events offerings. In March, the Whitney Museum will to continue its efforts to help build com- Fund to Advance New York City, Vice On Thursday, Janu- once again participate in our West 13th munity and provide important socializa- President of Public Affairs for the New ary 30th from 6:30- Street Alliance Community Events of- tion, learning, and cultural enrichment. York Law School, the Publisher/Execu- 8:00 p.m. at Lenox ferings with a new and exciting lecture at Wayne Kawadler, director of community tive Director Capitol Publishing—City Health GV (200 West 13th Street) we are Lenox Health GV on a current exhibit relations at Lenox Health GV, and Chan- & State, and Executive Vice President for proud to invite the New York Aquarium’s topic. Stay tuned for more information, dra/Jo Sgammato, executive director of the Empire State Development Corp. Director of Communications John K. Del- including the date and time of this event. Integral Yoga Institute, are co-executive Reflecting on his appointment, Bloch aney for a lecture called “Underwater Life All West 13th Street Alliance commu- directors of community programming for said, “Thank you to Roy Leavitt for his 20 of the Hudson River and Beyond.” nity events are FREE, and delicious snacks The West 13th Street Alliance. They are in- years of service to the families and clients New York City is a city of islands, and and refreshments will be served during all terested in hearing from community mem- served by Greenwich House. I’m honored the Hudson River and its connected waters of our events. As always, there will be a bers with ideas for programs that promote to have the opportunity to join the Green- are inhabited by a wide diversity of species meet-and-greet time at the beginning of connection and fun. Please email them at wich House community, and help lead the such as sea horses, striped bass, Atlantic every event for community members to [email protected]. organization through this next chapter of sturgeons, and even marine mammals like connect and socialize. To RSVP for any of these events, exploration and growth.” whales and dolphins. Birgitte Philippides-Delaney, President check Eventbrite or email or call Wayne Greenwich House offers responsive This lecture and slide show by John of the West 13th Street Alliance (whose Kawadler, co-executive director of com- services that address a wide variety of en- K. Delaney, local resident and director of mission is to improve the quality of life on munity events for the West 13th Street during community challenges, as well as communications at the New York Aquar- West 13th Street between 7th and Green- Alliance at [email protected] or contemporary needs—early childhood ium, will provide an overview of life be- wich Avenues and its neighboring areas) (347)802-7400. education, drug and alcohol abuse, men- neath the surface of local waters. says, “Community members who have Many more exciting programs are in tal health treatment, visual arts education, Our February community event will be been regularly attending our events over the process of being scheduled and will be musical instruction and enrichment, elder a wine-tasting class at The Church of The the last several months have been request- announced with flyers and onWestView’s care and seniors’ social activities, serving Village (201 West 13th Street) taught by ing that we please continue to provide our events calendar. Stay tuned! some 15,000 New Yorkers annually. www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 27 My Friend Wegmans By Nancy Davidoff Kelton She wrote “milk.” My frugal dad, who typically shunned Welcoming. Down to earth. It has that inexplicable qual- extras and even necessities, checked the fridge, then the ity. One just knows. Like love. As a Village resident who does not own a car, I plan to make linen closet, and wrote down “toilet paper” after “milk.” Wegmans came to Brooklyn. New Yorkers are in luck. I love my first shopping expedition to the Brooklyn Wegmans Standing in front of the toilet paper rack at Wegmans, this city. It is the greatest in most ways, but the lack of extending when I rent one at the end of January to attend a family he told strangers that they could go several more times a and appreciating warmth can be off-putting. I include myself holiday party on Long Island. I am more excited about the week if they bought the store brand. With his two-item among those who get caught up in snubbing, striving, working, ride home and stopping at Wegmans than I am about mak- grocery list in his back pocket, he told them he had left his working out, catching up, catching the latest, frequenting salad ing very small talk with relatives I hardly know and others I list at home and asked to borrow theirs. He asked other bars and gourmet stores, knowing whomever, and knowing don’t like over crabmeat canapes in Great Neck. customers the same thing in other aisles, and did that fre- what is new and what is “in.” Now we have the opportunity to I moved to New York in 1967, a decade before Wegmans quently on our subsequent Wegmans shopping trips over hang out, stock up, and enjoy fun moments browsing, buying, opened in Buffalo, my hometown. My parents first took me to the years. My father majored in talking to and at people, and stopping strangers in the wide aisles to tell them we forgot the new store when I arrived in Buffalo for a visit in 1977. On but Wegmans inspired him to reach out, chat up, linger, our grocery lists and to ask to borrow theirs. the way from the airport, they said they needed a few things. and be himself even more. Me too. It was love at first sight. Comfortable and exciting. Fa- I shopped at our Buffalo Wegmans after he died when I Nancy Davidoff Kelton is the author of seven books and nu- miliar, but new. Magical. Inexplicable. Different from ev- visited my mother in a nursing home. I brought her cook- merous essays in The New York Times, The New York Times ery supermarket in which I had shopped. Superior to the ies and cupcakes. She would ask if I had helped myself to Magazine, The Boston Globe, Parents, Writer’s Digest, Red- scrawny, dingy ones in my adopted, superior New York, several bakery samples—some for Daddy; and when I said, book, and other publications. She teaches writing at the New where hip, cultivated, stuck-up me belonged. Mostly. “Of course,” we laughed. School; offers workshops at Strand book store—the next one is I never liked grocery shopping in the small New York Wegmans is about warm family memories. That is part March 26th, 2020, at 6:30pm; and is adapting her published stores, less so after discovering the Buffalo Wegmans. The of it. Its enormity, wide aisles, quantity of goods, friendly memoir, Finding Mr. Rightstein, for the stage. On June 8th, day after my parents needed a few things, my father wanted staff and customers, lovely café, and bakery samples are 2020, the Jewish Repertory Theatre of Western New York will to need a few more. He asked my mother for a grocery list. part of it, too. Wegmans is Haimish. Genuine. Authentic. present the first staged reading. The Bus Stop Cafe Power of Peace By Gordon Hughes Greek Counsel translating documents from Greek to By Roberta Curley Immigration is such a hot topic today. I guess this is an English and attended New York City College. There she issue that has always faced us as a nation going back to the received her degree in engineering followed by a job at Not a touch no smile of deep surrender Know Nothings of the 1830’s, 40’s and 50’s. There have IBM, I should mention one of the first women to do so. nor itch scratched nor love-strewn potpourri been those that see immigrants as a threat to our country, Georgia and her husband both worked there. It just so no accolades galore no verge on euphoria and those that see them as one of the mainstays of our happened that Georgia’s two brothers owned a famous nation. cafe on Bleecker Street, Manatus. When I first moved to no bloom of youth nor nothing compares to I fall into the latter category; so unless you are a Native the Village I was a regular there but really did not know summer’s fire the bliss of being American—and those guys traveled over the tundra from the owners. In January of 1995 Georgia’s brothers Gus no chorus of weeping for at peace with Asia to settle here; even they are immigrants—we are all and John first opened the Bus Stop Café, where the M the world oneself immigrants. 11 bus stops on a regular basis. Georgia ook over owner- Anyway, as most of you who read my column know, I ship in April of 1995. Georgia says, “John my brother de- start my day at Panino Mucho Gusto Cafe with a cup of signed the Cafe and really made it what it is to this day” java . What you don’t know is that when I’m not in the 36 years later the Bus Stop Cafe is a West Village in- Notes from Away continued from page 19 Theater District working I’m here in the West Village for stitution. It has an amazing clientele of regulars most of California, Washington and New York lawyer. lunch at The Bus Stop Cafe. I avoid the chain stores, res- whom live in the Village. But, there are a number of tourists The Bates College Edmund S. Muskie Oral History Col- taurants, etc. and support locally owned businesses of West from all over the world who drop in for a wonderful meal. lection includes a lengthy year 2000 interview of Maynard in Village natives. As a resident of the West Village I like She loves telling the story that the first week she opened which he reflects upon his professional time in Washington to spend both time and money at these establishments. Al Pacino had lunch there by himself, a Caesar Salad. with Sen. Muskie, a Bates alumnus. His recollections paint So the other day I was delighted to meet one of the most “He was a big tipper” she confided in me. Georgia told me an extraordinary picture of a man of strength, resolve and charming business owners in the West Village. Georgia “though customers have changed over the years it is really learning. Briefly, he was not a “puppet” or an “easy mark” Danalis, owner of The Bus Stop Cafe. the locals that have made the Cafe thrive. Without the for political opponents. He took his senatorial responsibili- If there were such a thing as a Greek leprechaun, locals we never would have made it. We love them all.” I ties “very seriously. ” As a Presidential candidate this and Georgia would be the one. Much like my pal Claude No- think that includes me too. his vulnerability to Nixon’s dirty tricksters may have been a elle whom I wrote about last month and is from France, So, another American immigrant success story; part of an weakness. A forged letter and a slur of his wife brought him Georgia is also an immigrant who moved to New York ongoing American story and one that will continue to make down. This would not happen today, not because it would from Greece in 1975 after graduating from high school America strong, interesting, dynamic, diverse and unique. not be done, but because he would know it was coming. In on the small Greek Island of Kefalonia just south of I reflect about this as I sit at Panino Mucho Gusto Cafe, this way good people are either kept out of politics or are co- Corfu. Wonder if she knew the Durrell’s of Corfu? Once the Bus Stop Cafe or as I walk by La Fanion. The courage of opted to the dark side in order to participate. We should all she arrived she got a job working as a translator for the these individuals strengthens the fabric of America. regret where dirty tricks have brought us. 28 WestView News January 2020 www.westviewnews.org

West Village Original: We were busy!” “When I say ‘we’ I mean our bylines,” Gilman continues. “We stuck with Robert Heide first because he had a very good touch in terms of his writing. They were nonfiction John Gilman books, but Bob brought a human element to them. I was a wiz at gathering the facts, so while our books were fun By Michael D. Minichiello to read, they were also good references for the period they were covering.” This month’s West Village Original is author and journalist What appealed to Gilman most about his research? “We John Gilman, born in Honolulu, Hawaii. With his life partner discovered that in the ‘30s every company hired industrial de- Robert Heide, Gilman began writing the two-page centerfold signers to redesign their products in a streamlined modern for the Village Voice in the 1970s and, one thing leading to style, using new materials such as plastic,” he says. “Our books another, ended up as co-author of many pop culture books that are about how those new products were merchandised—the focused on the Great Depression and Mickey Mouse. Gilman way America pulled up its bootsstraps by merchandising ev- has also written a number of guidebooks with Heide. erything in a positive can-do way. We looked at the cheerful side of the Depression, if you will. We covered the dark side, For author John Gilman, born in Hawaii, it turned out too, but what we tried to do was emphasize the good parts. that his father’s profession would eventually become his We discovered it was a very creative and upbeat decade.” as well. “My father was a well-known and well-regarded When Gilman moved to New York in 1965, some ves- newspaperman,” he says. “He was in Shanghai writing tiges of an earlier time still existed. “I remember very clearly about China for the International News Service when the when the cobblestones on Seventh Avenue were replaced by Japanese starting bombing them. So he and my mother macadam,” he says. “I came out one day and the cars were went to Hawaii, where he wrote for The Honolulu Advertis- whizzing by at a frightful speed. That was a big change! Bob er. And they were there when the Japanese bombed Pearl and I miss the many coffee houses and the laid-back, slow Harbor!” The family stayed in Hawaii for quite some time. pace of the Village that used to be. But all of the amenities “I spent my first seven years on the beach at Waikiki where are at our fingertips here and it couldn’t be a better place to I swam before I walked.” live. I know it’s crazy to say, but I think it’s the best place in After the war Gilman, along with his mother and broth- America to live.” er, traveled by ship to San Francisco where John went to JOHN GILMAN, above, moved to the West Village in 1965. Gilman also says he’s been noticing lately that commer- Photo by George Bonanno. school, all the way from grammar school through college. cial rents seem to be coming down. “That’s a good sign,” he “After that, I started taking trips to New York City where I sey, combing the flea markets and antique centers. Eventu- says. “After all those high-end shops paying enormous rents would live for a while and then go back to San Francisco,” ally the stuff we bought told us the story of the Depression. closed up and left Bleecker Street for dead, we now see pop- he says. “Finally, one day I was standing in Sheridan Square It was kind of a ‘made in America’ story because everything up shops filling the spaces. Maybe the future will be bright. and made the decision to settle here for good. So, I moved to was made in America back then. That informed our first I look on the bright side of things anyway.” He laughs. “I’ve the Village, met playwright Robert Heide at the Café Cino, book, Dime-Store Dream Parade, which was about popu- studied the Depression! If you were down in those days, and we became a couple. That was 1965.” lar culture. Then we realized you’re only as good as your you could go see a Busby Berkeley or a Mickey Mouse film. It was Gilman’s love of collecting “the things that no- last book, so we did another one and then another. Along That’s because you knew you had to keep smiling.” body else wanted” that led to a string of books. “My being the way we acquired an agent and by the time we finished from California meant that Bob and I had a car in New we had written fifteen books together. At the same time, Do you know a longtime resident who would make a good “West York,” he says. “So we hit the highways, mostly in New Jer- we were doing magazine and newspaper articles as well. Village Original”? Go to www.westvillageoriginals.com

Last January the Quick Clicks layout sent special greetings to "My Fellow Creatures Maggie B’s Quick Clicks of Habit", including these stalwarts who are still going strong, bless them: And still i get to enjoy my cozy cocktail hour—thanks to the wonder- ful people who spoil me rotten at Left Bank, who gave me a permanent reservation on my birthday this year. So, again, Sam Mercado, D'Agostino's amazing muralist The sturdy soul collecting cans every Monday may they and all our West- View News readers have a very happy new year...

Hey, "the sun will come out tomorrow!" Right?

—Maggie B The people who bring my weekly treats to the Only the nightly runner disappeared, Abingdon Square Market back in the fall ... Who knows? www.westviewnews.org January 2020 WestView News 29 Horton Foote: American Master Playwright son, before dying, had also given even more course they are hoping she will help them Foote won the Pulitzer Prize (1995.) Many money to the young man. Is the young man out of their financial dilemmas, but when theater scholars and writers have referred a con artist? At the play's end I, and other she dies suddenly at the end of act one they to him as the “American Chekhov.” Once, audience members, shed tears along with discover she was broke. At the play’s end, chatting at the Lion’s Head bar on Christo- the parents of the dead boy. The father re- Mary Jo, the character played by Hallie pher Street with actor Robert Duvall, who fuses to see the young man and is astound- Foote (who appeared in and directed many starred in the brilliant filmTender Mercies ed and angry when he learns of Lily Dale’s of her father’s plays) steps forward to the (1983) in which both he and Foote took meeting and giving him money. Part of edge of the stage and, reaching out for home Academy Awards, he for the best ac- the mystery is that we, watching the show, help in desperation, cries, “I’m praying, I’m tor and Foote for best original screenplay, never see him. To my mind, all of Horton praying, God how I pray.” Duvall spoke of the famous playwright as Foote’s plays run deep emotionally on ev- Horton’s life included, along with the “the rural Chekhov.” Two years later Foote ery level and the playwright always focuses accolades, many ups and downs, particu- was nominated for the adaptation of his on what is not said or expressed just as in larly after the critical failure of the film screenplay for his play The Trip to Bountiful the works of another master playwright, version of The Chase which starred Mar- which won a Best Actress Academy Award Harold Pinter. lon Brando. He decided he’d had enough for its star Geraldine Page. Though he did Albert Horton Foote, Jr. was born in of film and theater and exiled himself to not win that one, in 1962 he had won his Wharton, Texas (which he called Har- his own family life in New Hampshire first Academy Award for “best adapted rison in most of his plays) on March 14, from 1962 to 1972. But then he returned screenplay from another medium” for To 1916. He died at age 92 in Hartford, Con- to the theater for almost another 40 years. Kill A Mockingbird starring Gregory Peck. necticut on March 4, 2009, after a life of His beloved children include actors Albert In December of 2019 I attended the re- great success in film, television (Playhouse Horton Foote III and Hallie Foote, play- vival of The Young Man from Atlanta at the 90, etc.) and theatre. For one year, in his wright-director Daisy Foote, and Walter PLAYWRIGHT HORTON FOOTE. Photo cour- Signature Theatre Company, which, under 90’s, Horton conducted theater lectures Vallish Foote, a lawyer and writer. tesy of Signature Theatre. the direction of Michael Wilson, presented with discussions at the Actors Studio’s Foote’s Plays for Actors is part of a Collected a new interpretation in which the lead ac- playwrights-directors unit which was pre- Works series, published by Smith and Kraus, By Robert Heide tors came across as older, more frustrated, sided over by Al Pacino, Ellen Burstyn and with an introduction by critic Jerry Tallmer. terrorized, and anxiety-ridden than the Estelle Parsons. As a member I attended Farewell: A Memoir of a Texas Childhood and The first time I met Horton Foote was lyrical production I remembered. However, the talks on a weekly basis and also had the Beginnings: A Memoir are both published by at a Christmas party in Greenwich Vil- Aidan Quinn as Will Kidder and Kristine chance to go out afterwards with Horton Scribner. Biographies Horton Foote: America’s lage, at an old-time apartment building on Nielsen as Lily Dale were remarkable, as and his daughter Hallie who was watch- Storyteller by Wilborn Hampton, Horton Washington Square North, hosted annu- was the entire cast. The actual “young man” ing over him at that time. Just to be in his Foote: A Literary Biography by Charles S. ally by actress and Berghof Studio teacher from Atlanta never appears onstage but has presence was amazing. He always projected Watson, and Blessed Assurance: the Life and Rochelle Oliver. Attendees included Uta developed a relationship with the couple’s a feeling of love and warmth to all who en- Art of Horton Foote by Marion Castleberry Hagen and Matthew Broderick, who both son and professes love for him. Some time countered him. In 2010 I was lucky enough are all available at Amazon. lived in apartments upstairs. Horton Foote before, the son, while on vacation and un- to see his masterwork, the three part, nine- came with his daughter Hallie Foote. An able to swim, has drowned—reportedly, hour The Orphan’s Home Cycle, which was Robert Heide’s 25 Plays and many of his avid admirer of his work, I was thrilled and slowly walking into a lake until his head about his parents’ extended families in non-fiction books co-authored with John in awe to find myself face to face with him was under water. Whether this was an ac- Texas, and which won the Drama Critics Gilman including Popular Art Deco: De- as we both sipped holiday rum eggnog. I cident or a suicide is at the core of the play. Circle Award. I also saw a Broadway re- pression Era Style and Design, Box-Office told him how much I liked his play The Meanwhile, the mother, Lily Dale, is se- vival of Dividing the Estate (first produced Buckaroos: The Cowboy Hero from the Wild Young Man from Atlanta, having its pre- cretly giving a great deal of money to the in 1987). In this work desperate down-on- West Show to the Silver Screen, and Mickey miere produced by Primary Stages, starring mysterious young man just as the family is their-luck family relations move in on an Mouse, the Evolution, the Legend, the Phe- Shirley Knight and Rip Torn. For that play falling on hard times. As it turns out, the older woman who owns a big house. Of nomenon! are all available at Amazon.

MOVIE REVIEW which is not supposed to be torturing pris- Jon Hamm (think Rahm Emanuel), who give them the full report or not? Who will oners of war. Driver crafts a fascinating per- is trying to play politics. You feel certain be the hero in this story? formance based on the true story of Daniel that Feinstein will fire him any minute as The story does have heroes besides Jones The Report Jones, a former FBI investigator who now Jones is so consumed with his report that and Feinstein. Senator John McCain, leads investigations for the Senate. This is he turns in a 6,700-page document. Fein- who was tortured in Vietnam, and Sena- a film that could have been a documentary stein worries about this report stalling in tor Mark Udall put their names on it. It’s but was turned by director Scott Z. Burns Congress and never getting out. She also fascinating how a few men and women of into a reenactment of a true story and a knows that if she loses her chairmanship, conviction can put their careers on the line study of obsession and perseverance. There the Republicans will bury the report. to speak the truth to power. are many producers, but the one who prob- Jones is so determined to get this report As we head into the impeachment of ably got this picture made is Steven Soder- out to the public that he leaks some infor- Donald Trump, this is a prescient film. bergh, who is known for his documentary- mation to a New York Times reporter who Let’s commend Amazon Studios for pick- like filmsSex, Lies and Videotape and Traffic. SENATE HEARING: Annette Benning, above, is also researching the CIA’s interrogation ing up this independent film after its debut as Senator Dianne Feinstein. Photo courtesy We watch in fascination and horror as methods. When the Times starts printing in January of 2019 at the Sundance Film of Amazon Studios. Jones starts digging into government re- some parts of this story, Jones is called in to Festival. The cast is superb, supported by cords in his bunker-like research room deep the office of Feinstein and read the riot act. Jon Hamm as a fictitious Chief of Staff, By Roger Paradiso in the bowels of the CIA. He is helped by However, she does not fire him. Scott Shepherd as courageous Senator a few other staffers including a fictitious Finally, after seven years of writing the Mark Udall D-Colorado and Ted Levine Adam Driver plays Daniel Jones, a staffer for April—in real life Alissa Starzak, a for- report, the SSCI tries to release a 525-page as John Brennan, head of the CIA. the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence mer CIA lawyer—who leaves after several executive summary. Facing redactions from The Report is now on Amazon Prime (SSCI) chaired by Senator Diane Feinstein, years, disgusted by what she is learning not the CIA and weak support from the White after a small national release. played by Annette Benning. She is asked to only about the torture but about the low House, we see Feinstein maneuvering create a report on the FBI and CIA’s Deten- odds of the report ever being released. this report in and out of committees and tion and Interrogation program created dur- Rated R, for some scenes of inhumane treat- Jones has frequent clashes with Fein- around politicians. ing President Bush’s War on Terror. ment and torture, and language stein, who must get this through a partisan Frustrated, Jones goes to meet the re- The Report is a reckoning for America, Running time: 1 hour, 58 minutes Senate and White House Chief of Staff porter from the New York Times. Does he

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