The Voice of the West Village WestView News VOLUME 14, NUMBER 7 JULY 2018 $1.00 If You Can’t Fix It, Lie 14th Street NYCHA gives a course in lying and even has a textbook Fight Moves By George Capsis It used to boast that it was succeeding while to lead poisoning, which, according to the similar developments in cities like Chicago Mayo Clinic, causes delayed development I clicked on the TV to find Mayor de Bla- and St. Louis were blowing up as abject fail- and learning difficulties. This is certainly Forward sio, in front of a gaggle of terribly young ures. However, an 80-page civil complaint not what children in single-parent impov- City Council members, competently run- against NYCHA, filed in federal court on erished households need. But all of this ning down the council’s achievements as Monday, June 11th, unveiled a very different was concealed by the people in charge at the session apparently came to an end. With story; it claimed that NYCHA had trained NYCHA, and at this moment we do not only the slightest change in tone he slid into its staff to fool federal inspectors and pres- know how many children have been affect- what was happening to the New York City ent false reports to the government about its ed. (Even if only one child dies from nib- Housing Authority—NYCHA—which compliance with, among other things, de- bling on lead paint chips, what does that houses at least 400,000 people and is the tecting and removing lethal lead paint. reveal about the NYCHA official who lied largest public housing complex in the world. Young children are especially susceptible continued on page 5

holiday in Greece, arranged by his wife as a welcome home gift, just before they moved Maison Kayser Closes into their massive double mansion just off They are picking them off higher on the vine Central Park. Nelly informed me that “the bakery on “THE MTA MAKES A DEAL, WHY NOT Christopher and Bleecker has closed.” I had DOT?” 14th Street Coalition lawyer Arthur to do a mental double-take to arrive at the Schwartz at press conference announcing realization that the bakery that had closed new elevators at 6th Avenue. Photo credit: was the newish, expensively built, Maison Mike Schweinsburg Kayser—oh wow! By Arthur Z. Schwartz I mean, you are used to hearing of yet an- other fashion boutique closing, but a nice, Elevators coming to 14th Street French bakery with great bread, warm out of the oven—oh wow, what happened? and 6th Avenue Maison Kayser is a big, big chain in On June 18, the 14th Street Coalition France, started by a French Alsatian fam- and Disabled in Action announced a big ily (hence the German name), but the store win in their joint lawsuit versus the MTA, on Christopher was part of a mini-franchise NYC Transit, and the NYC Department here in New York. They still have stores left, of Transportation: Within the next four one in Brooklyn and one in Tribeca. When years, four elevators will be installed on they opened, I met with one of the co-own- the corners of 14th Street and Sixth Av- ers who came out of Pain Quotidian. enue allowing people with disabilities and Oh my, it was so perfectly French. French CLOSED BEFORE THE BAGUETTE COOLED: “don’t come back in the morning” Maison Kai- seniors to access the L Train, F Train, and ser employees were informed in surprise shut down. Photo credit © Joel Gordon 2018 - All novelist, Marc Levy, invited me to breakfast PATH trains. The MTA has committed rights reserved. with a French film actor (whose face I knew to an expenditure of $30 million for the but whose name I forget), and I learned a L Train elevators and will include money by George Capsis a years’ long struggle with our very own real French breakfast is a warm baguette, for the F Train elevators in its 2020 budget king of evil landlords, Steve Croman. By sliced long, and spread with butter and jam. proposal. Oh, wow. I got a call from Peruvian born, the way, Croman has just emerged from his But why did they close? I walked over, The lawsuit grew out of the planned Nelly Godfrey, who lost her restaurant on slap on the wrist (a nine months prison sen- and sure enough, there was a sign thanking MTA repair of the Canarsie Tunnel, which the corner of Christopher and Bedford in tence, in the Tombs) and celebrated with a continued on page 4 continued on page 6 Bird Park Dolly Returns The Wedding! While strollling through the Bette Midler shines in Nicky Perry of Tea & Sym- Hudson River Park on a hot the revival of Hello Dolly pathy finds her own way of Summer day, author Keith on Broadway. celebrating the royal wedding Michael sighted lots and lots right on Greenwich Avenue. of different kinds of birds.

SEE PAGE 7 SEE PAGE 27 SEE PAGE 4 2 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org WestView WestViews Published by WestView, Inc. by and for the residents of the West Village. Correspondence, Commentary, Corrections

Publisher hard to sympathize with the client’s de- dents can picnic; parents can feel comfort- Executive Editor George is On To Something George Capsis Dear George, mands for a new headquarters. Albert able watching their children in a safe and Ledner, the Bronx-born, New Orleans- secure environment to run and play. Managing Editor We just spoke on the phone. I read the article Katie Keith on younger, physically more capable people based architect, was hired based on his Each of the other five sites also have com- Associate Editor helping older people who need help while F.L.Wright-influenced contemporary resi- mon gardens, in differing size, but all West Andrew Buemi sharing one home. I love this idea! I helped dences in Louisiana; this Maritime Union Village Houses’ residents have accessibility to Production Manager my grandma in the process of dying to the ex- Building must have been a stretch for him. enter into any of the common garden areas. Designer tent that I could since I had a young child and Similarly, the Port Authority hired Mi- The valuable location of West Village Hous- Kim Plosia noru Yamasaki, in 1962, based on his graceful, es is evident by its super close proximity to Stephanie Phelan was not living in the same town. But with my mom, I was very involved with her passing un- smaller building designs (I recently revisited his Hudson Park; three of the buildings actually Advertising Manager St. Louis Lambert Terminal), but then forced have frontal views of the Hudson River; the Stephanie Phelan til the very end. I was with her on a daily basis and assisted in anything she needed. an unfathomable demand for 10,000,000 SF HighLine and the Whitney Museum are a Photo Editor of floor area onto the design for the World hop, skip and a jump away from the complex. Darielle Smolian In the process, I have come to appreciate that immensely special role one takes on Trade Center site. Contemporary architects Yes, the buildings are modest, architec- Traffic Manager in those last years in somebody else’s life. I seek to comply with their clients’ programs, turally-speaking, but what’s wrong with Liza Whiting would like to do that again. seek to express their art in a very personal way, that? Give me modest brick construction Photographers Kindly, let me know how I can help. I or seek to find a melding of the two. When it anytime over ostentatious glass new high Maggie Berkvist look forward to hearing from you. comes to beauty, the best clients make the best rise development. I like low-scale buildings Joel Gordon PS: I am German, single, have a daugh- architecture; architects can’t do it alone. that I can easily escape from while also Comptroller ter who lives and works in the Village and The wanton destruction of many cher- keeping our human scale in check. Jolanta Meckauskaite semi-retired. ished buildings led to the adoption of NYC Do the new buildings have thick plaster —Evelyne Bushari preservation laws in 1965, and organiza- walls to keep out noise? No, sheet-rock is Architecture Editor Brian Pape tions worked to help both clients and ar- used today just as it was used for West Village More View Points Needed chitects appreciate their cherished buildings Houses’ walls. I honestly never hear my side Film, Media and Music Editor and neighborhoods. At the time, there were neighbors; insulation can be used for above Jim Fouratt Mr. Capsis, You told me in my last email that you no Historic Preservation courses in U.S. ar- and below. While the buildings were built in Food Editor would not write another article about the chitecture schools, since the focus was on the early 1970’s, the units have less of a generic David Porat West Village Houses until you knew the modern design and building materials. feel, with flexible layouts, generous propor- Distribution Manager whole story. Yet, you go and write another So facing this monstrous Maritime tions and room sizes. For example, a one bed- Timothy Jambeck BS article about the complex. You only in- Union ‘ship out of water’, and the Brutalist room apartment boasts over 16’ x 10’5” for the concrete buildings of that era, challenged my bedroom with a 19’ x 14 1/2’ living-room plus Regular Contributors terviewed people who want to stay in the theories of architecture. My residence in one 8 closets including a walk-in. Some duplexes Barry Benepe, Caroline Benveniste, complex and not one person who wants to Charles Caruso, Jim Fouratt, develop the property. of New York’s earliest Historic Districts was a have 16’ ceilings in the living-room with a John Gilman, Mark. M. Green, Robert You praised the 160 Leroy Street build- valuable indoctrination which has led to a life- mezzanine above. Looking at new develop- Heide, Thomas Lamia, Keith Michael, time of service for preservation and finding a ment, I’m always struck by the small bedroom Michael D. Minichiello, Brian J. Pape, ing as the best new construction in the Joy Pape, Alec Pruchnicki, Christina West Village. And then you patronize way for adaptive reuse. I still struggle to appre- size of these multi-million dollar apartments. Raccuia, Catherine Revland, Joseph Salas, people who want to save the West Village ciate a bold, jarring new structure in a historic Our complex is valuable both in location Martica Sawin, Donna Schaper, Arthur district, so I find myself working on a commu- and our enduring history, and I know most Z. Schwartz, Gary Tomei, Joseph Turco, Houses in the name of Jane Jacobs? Esq., Stanley Wlodyka Pathetic hypocrisy! nity level to influence compatible design. of us celebrate and applaud its existence that Now the ‘old’ Maritime Union Building allowed us to be part of a special community. We endeavor to publish all letters received, There are many of us who want so much including those with which we disagree. more from this invaluable opportunity. is still bold and jarring, but now it’s one —Leslie Lalehzar of our community’s quirky, unusual high- The opinions put forth by contributors —Mark Hallenbeck to WestView do not necessarily reflect the 35 year West Village Houses resident lights. Are we appreciating it more, or less? Save the Stones views of the publisher or editor. —Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP Dear Editor: WestView welcomes your correspondence, Green Architect & Historic Specialist comments, and corrections: On Gansevoort Street, between Hudson and www.westviewnews.org “Ugly” Buildings Greenwich streets, the original 150-year-old Contact Us Sometimes Age Well A Positive View of paving stones are being replaced by crudely (212) 924-5718 Dear Editor: West Village Houses cut multi-colored stones with a band of black [email protected] Researching for the Then&Now: Rhine- I’m kind of sick of the bad press afforded to stones running down the middle. The Meat lander Row feature (WestView’s June 2018 West Village Houses. That is why I want Market district is a historic district and the issue), stirred up memories for me. Fresh out to set some basic things straight, both as a original cobble stones should have been re- of architecture school at Urbana Illinois, I long time resident at WV Houses, and as a tained. I have seen in the past when these was challenged to cope with big city life on residential real estate broker. streets are dug up, instead of lifting these a shoestring budget when I moved across The 40, five-story walk-up buildings stones up, a large cutting wheel just cuts right from 30 7th Avenue, the 1962-64 Maritime are located on six sites: Bank Street to through them. These new multi-colored Union Building (its photo was in the article). its North and Morton Street to its South, stones look out of place here and have no By the way, you may remember that with Washington Street as its East anchor, business being put into a historic area. The prior to St. Vincent’s Hospital’s insolvency and three buildings on West Street, be- original stones have a very high value. Where in April 2010, the city approved the de- tween Barrow and Morton, makes-up the did they go? Who is making money by in- molition of the Maritime Union for a new complex known as West Village Houses. stalling these cheap, garish new stones and medical office skyscraper; then the Rudins Site one actually consists of an entire who is paying? I would suggest that West- bought the property out of bankruptcy, square block: Washington Street on its View send a photographer to Gansevoort and the Maritime Union was ‘donated’ to East and West Street to its West with Bar- Street and take some pictures to publish and Lenox Hill Hospital system and renovated. row on its North and Morton to its South. assess the opinion of your readers about this MIA SAYS: I only know to give love and that On the one hand, I (and most people I The townhouse-like homes encompass an decorating of a historic street. is all I recieve. Photo credit: © Joel Gordon talked with) hated that garish intrusion in expansive common garden with planted —Marc Felix 2018 - All rights reserved. the Village. On the other hand, I worked greenery and a gated courtyard where resi- continued on page 7 www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 3 BRIEFLY NOTED Advocates Stop intended to move out of NYC by the end of WVH became a free-market entity. Up to lice, apparently there for after parade crowd Mitchell Donian’s Eviction the summer, to an upstate abode he owned, March 9th of this year, a 15% flip tax based control, entered the fray. Mitchell Donian, 87 years old, called and that Soto should negotiate a buyout if on the net purchase price was imposed on re- I call this area of the Village “Little Tijua- George Capsis on May 30, extremely upset. he could. So they negotiated. The eviction stricted sales, charged to sellers and goes to na,” because of the crowds and the porn shops After living at 204-210 West 10th Street action was withdrawn, Mitchell got a nice the Coop’s reserve. Currently, a 25% flip tax is and the Papaya Dog, all brightly lit each night. for 60 years, his landlord, Village Rose buyout, and he will spend his summer in in effect, based on the net purchase. This is a Young men and women sometimes in drag, LLC, an absentee landlord, was threaten- New York hassle-free. We will miss him. very excessive flip tax, and the understanding hang out at this point looking for trouble and ing him with eviction because his apart- —Arthur Z. Schwartz is that it will be greatly reduced once a certain are ready to act out their rage. This kind of number of apartments/shares have been sold disruption is an every-day-night occurrence, ment was cluttered. Correction George said: “call Arthur, he will help and closed in the complex, having then the not just on 6th Avenue but on Christopher A reader residing in West Village Houses you.” So Mitch, who I have known for ability to pay down outstanding taxes. Street from 7th Avenue South to the water- pointed out a phrase in the last paragraph many years, called my office. We made a We welcome feedback on our articles. front park. Summer is here. School is out. And of June 2018 article “West Village Houses time to come in. When he arrived he had Thank you. temperatures are up. So we all must take care. Rally for Preservation” (Pg. 6) that needs already been served with a “Holdover” peti- —Brian Pape Earlier in the afternoon, we made it correction: “In 2002, WVH was sold un- tion, returnable in Housing Court on June through the crowded streets of the Village, der the (HDFC) cooperative Programs to Mayhem in Little Tijuana 28. The non-profit of which I am President, up to the 14th Street Subway, in which we 380 of 420 tenants for about $150,000; the On Sunday, June 24th, after the 49th Annual Advocates for Justice, answered the petition. were packed in like sardines, in order to get Program included a 25% “flip tax” (per- Gay Pride Parade in the Village at midnight, Mitch had photos showing that he had a to the last night of Three Tall Women. After centage of profit) paid to the co-op.” at the corner of 6th Avenue and West 4th full bookshelf (which the landlord had pho- the show, we went to New York Noodle- In greater detail, this is the correct infor- Street, a frightening and raucous mélee broke tographed through an open door), but that town in Chinatown, returning by cab to mation regarding the flip tax at West Vil- out. A large mob of loud, boisterous people, the apartment was clean and fully accessible, have coffee at the Reggio on MacDougal lage Houses: drunk or on drugs, acted out what the po- even to an 87 year old, and attorney Rich Street. Then came the great ‘wilding’ inci- On March 9, 2006, West Village Houses lice sometimes refer to as ‘wilding.’ Everyone Soto appeared with him on the 28th. A furi- dent in which our own quick responses, and became a co-op, but with restrictive prices ran for cover, including my pal Robert Heide ous back and forth went on all morning, and counter movements, prevented us from be- under HDFC. The regulatory agreement and myself, who had just emerged from a taxi the Judge set a trial for 2pm. ing knocked down and injured—or worse. called for 12 years; as of March 10, 2018, when it all happened. Great numbers of po- Mitch told Attorney Soto that he really —John Gilman Ruth Berk, Village Cabaret Singer and Owner, Dies at 94 By Arthur Z. Schwartz Valentine” to help convince Justice Tanya Kennedy that she was still fit to live there. She Was Always Ready to Sing Ruth Berk, who would have turned 95 in At her hearing, “although the justice re- August, passed the morning of June 8 at fused to allow her to speak, [Berk] inter- By Jess Berk to Mary and Irving Beth Israel Hospital. The cause of death rupted the court and told the court that she Kanarek in 1923, she was heart failure, complicated by a stroke. wanted to go home. She then began to sing I still can’t believe she’s and her brother Herb Berk was a long time Village cultural fig- for Justice Kennedy,” her lawyer, Arthur gone. For most of my (a lawyer) both grew up ure. After an early career as an opera singer, Schwartz, recounted in court papers. life my entire world has to be fighters. In fact, she and her husband Leo ran the Waverly Berk’s daughter, Jessica, said the judge been about engaging in Herb went on to sue Lounge for many years, in what was then was stunned at the impromptu perfor- various battles with, for, BLDG Management known as the Hotel Earle (now the Wash- mance … by her mom, whom she called or about her—so much (a Lloyd Goldman real ington Square Hotel). Ruth became a cab- “a cross between Bea Arthur and Elizabeth so, that a film was estate investment firm) aret singer, a fixture on the Village scene. Taylor” in her younger years. made about us. “The for apartment repairs Ruth lived at 95 Christopher Street be- “[The judge] stepped off the bench, took Genius and the Op- and won big-time (plus ginning in 1957. Leo died in 1980, and [her] robe off and shook her hand and said, era Singer”—shown legal fees). Never ever for most of Ruth’s life thereafter she was ‘Mrs. Berk, that was wonderful. Thank you at Sundance and the give up or stop trying to engaged in contentious lawsuits with her very much for honoring me with that,’ ” Tribeca Film Festi- achieve your goals, she landlord, Lloyd Goldman of BLDG Man- Jessica, 55, told The Post. val—detailed our near- constantly drilled into RUTH BERK: Portrait by renowned agement. In 1996 Judge Sarah Lee Evans In 2015, after I was arrested for taking ly lifelong battle with artist, Nick Hufford. Photo cour- my head. Plus, always awarded Berk $80,000 in rent abatements down surveillance cameras which BLDG our evil landlord, Lloyd tesy of Jess Berk. wear red lipstick! After and attorneys’ fees, because of unaddressed, had installed to harass Ruth and her Goldman, and each the landlord conspired but needed repairs. daughter Jessica, Ruth got to sing on NBC other. Ruth Berk, would have turned 95 in with APS (Adult Protective Services) to One of the more than 20 lawsuits be- TV and even RT (Russia Television) did August. She died after suffering a stroke in remove her (at gunpoint) from her (SC- tween BLDG and Ruth, resulted in a a song-filled segment. Ruth’s joy of sing- Beth Israel on June 8th. She leaves behind RIE frozen rent) rent-controlled apart- Judge, Tanya Kennedy, deciding, in 2014, ing was encouraged by her friend Robert myself and my domestic partner Robert ment, she was imprisoned in a nurs- that Ruth belonged in a nursing home. Driscoll, who came to visit almost daily. Driscoll who inspired her, in her later ing home (indefinitely). Thankfully, By late 2014, with my aid, and some col- Ruth did eventually return to a nursing years, to get back to singing again. During our amazing District Leader Arthur orful courtroom appearances, Ruth had home, but only after her landlord paid her their time together, strolling in the West Schwartz rescued her and restored her been freed of the nursing home, but had a (and Jessica) $500,000 to leave. Right up Village, she became a fixture on the street- tenancy rights, never once asking for guardian—me. to the end she regaled her fellow residents singing circuit—performing with Colin compensation. She would often speak The NY Post described one of the Court with “Summertime.” Huggins (the Washington Square Park of her “two angels”—Arthur and her appearances like this: Ruth’s death marks the passing of one pianist) and various other musicians—fre- Chihuahua ANGELINA JOLIE. As I A 91-year-old former Broadway singer more of the cultural figures who made quently breaking into impromptu song write this, the traditional Jewish week of who was declared incompetent and tossed “The Village” what it was. She was strong at the drop of a hat. After finally being mourning is nearly over. But how can I into a nursing home was returned to her and persevering, a free spirit who stood up awarded a half-million bucks to vacate possibly stop fighting for justice? Espe- Greenwich Village apartment—after for her rights. We will all miss her. our two-bedroom penthouse on Christo- cially for those elderly and disabled folks wowing a Manhattan judge with her vocal pher Street she was able to enjoy her vic- who continue to be forced out of their talents. Arthur Z. Schwartz served as Ruth Berk’s tory, confidently basking in the acclaim of homes? See you in court Lloyd Gold- Elderly songstress Ruth Berk sang the court appointed Guardian from 2015 till her neighbors and friends. Born in the Bronx man. I’m not through with you yet. show tunes “Summertime” and “My Funny death. 4 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org Spill the Tea: (Verb) to Engage in Gossip By Stanley Wlodyka The doctors told him that the implant, which delivers an electrical stimulus to the Within a minute or two of sitting down on area around the basal ganglia, would relieve the bench in front of Tea & Sympathy, Nicky his physical spasms, but would do noth- Perry sweet-talks a miniature Chihuapoo ing to ease the…colorful language. But Tzu puppy into coming her way. The precious Andrew found that “the first symptom to pup drags his human, a rather serious looking disappear was the cursing.” fellow, along for the ride. Nicky bends down Andrew didn’t watch the royal wedding. and scoops up the bundle of cuteness into He’s waiting for the ‘royal divorce.’ He her bosom and coos in her charming British points to the fact that several royals have accent, “Yes, we are getting our socialization divorced in recent years. Then, just look at now aren’t we?” In retrospect, it’s unclear if Prince Harry’s choice in a bride: an Ameri- she was socializing the newborn pup or the can divorcee. “The Queen is very loyal about world-worn human. marriage. I’m not sure what her attitude is Nicky owns three shops in a row along about marrying a divorced person,” Andrew Greenwich Avenue between West 12th mused. “She said ‘yes’,” pipes in Nicky. and West 13th Streets: “Tea & Sympa- The lovebirds needed the Queen’s blessing thy,” “Carry On Tea & Sympathy,” and the since they will be in line to inherit the throne. puntacular fish and chips shop “A Salt and Last in line at sixth, but still in line nonethe- Battery.” They cater to the tea and crum- less. There’s also the fact that the new bride pet-loving Anglophiles in the West Vil- is biracial, and the first member of the royal lage. In business for 27 years, she has seen family that is descended from slaves. She has the changes. The conversation turns to the married a direct descendent of King George PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN MARKLE’S WEDDING “SENDS AN AMAZING MESSAGE TO recent slew of empty storefronts, the influx III, whom founding father Thomas Jefferson THE WORLD”: Nicky Perry takes a photo op with the royal couple in her British curio shop, of wealthy millennials, and the rising rents. Tea & Sympathy in the West Village. Photo by Stanley Wlodyka. credits with the legitimization of slavery on As if on cue, Michael (“a proper Village the American continent. “That’s gotta be ol’timer” by Nicky’s estimation) walks up Saint George’s Chapel in Windsor Castle. other. The British expat, knighted by the pressure too,” Andrew mutters. and makes his entrance. He says, “How do There were reports that some of those in at- Queen of England, lived in the West Vil- Still, Princess Meghan is not the only you like that restaurant closing at the end? tendance looked a little less than comfort- lage for many years until his death in 2015. controversial figure in Nicky’s opinion: It’s been there like 900 years!” She corrects able. “If they’ve got a wart up their arses and Sir Sacks frequented Nicky’s shop because “Wallace Simpson! She was the American him. “Well, actually it’s been a coffee shop they feel uncomfortable about that, then it carried his favorite brand of tea. He who married the king and he had to ab- for 68 years and they’ve been there for 36. they’re fools. Listen, I’m sure the Queen knew she’d immediately take to Andrew, dicate.” Wallace Simpson, a socialite from That rent of his that he couldn’t pay was $27 has heard everything at this point in time. not only because Andrew was British but, Baltimore, was divorced twice when she thousand a month.” That story, if it’s been I mean, let’s face it, she’s been everywhere, also, because he had Tourette’s syndrome. married King Edward the VIII in 1937. told once, has been told a thousand times. met everybody, seen everything. She’s not “The first word he said to me: ‘Minge!’ Oh, And don’t forget about Prince Charles, A singularly extraordinary event has oc- the person to look down on you because you it was just brilliant,” Nicky exclaims. “Now Harry’s father, who reportedly was unfaith- curred. Prince Harry of England, now also have a certain color skin. She’s just not like I’m much quieter,” Andrew assures. ful to Princess Diana. “He was having an the Earl of Sussex, has married an Ameri- that,” proclaims Nicky. Dr. Oliver Sacks recommended that affair, before during and after. That is just can! Not only an American, but a mixed race Just then, a car pulls up and Andrew Joan- Andrew undergo Deep Brain Surgery wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Don’t get -American. “That sends an amazing message nou gets out of the passenger side. His sister, (DPS) in order to treat his involuntary tics. married then—because he ruined her life,” to the world,” says Nicky. “It really did. I’m visiting from England, gets out of the back Though DPS is an FDA approved surgery rages Nicky. She continues, “They went on so sick of all this hatred and this racism, and seat and the car pulls away. Andrew’s wife is that’s been used to treat tens of thousands their honeymoon and he’s wearing the cuff- everyone’s judging each other for what they looking for parking. A conversation develops of Parkinson’s patients, Andrew is one of links that Camilla gave him. ‘C.C.’ Charles are. It’s like, stay in your lane people. Stay in between Nicky and Andrew. Neither of them only about 100 Tourette’s Syndrome suffer- and Camilla. I’d be [expletive] livid!” your lane.” made it to Oliver Sacks’ memorial service. ers who have undergone the (in their case) A grandmother pushing her infant The happy couple had an African- “Because I wasn’t around,” laments Nicky. “I “experimental” surgery. “Mount Sinai [is] grandson in a stroller passes by. Nicky American evangelizing preacher deliver the didn’t know about it,” says Andrew. the only hospital that does it for Tourette’s. can’t help herself—“How sweet you look.” nuptials. Afterwards, the moving melodies Dr. Oliver Sacks, world famous neurolo- I live in New Jersey and that’s the only place “Thank you,” replies the grandmother. of a gospel choir filled the sanctuary of gist, introduced Nicky and Andrew to each close to me that did it,” explains Andrew. “You do,” Nicky coos.

Maison Kayser continued from page 1 I got a call from a shaky, ancient voice say- clause in the lease. I mean, the city has to ac- customers for their loyalty but no explana- I walked over to the scent boutique across ing, “I have lived in my same apartment for cept its part of being a greedy landlord.) tion. Next door, in the Smoke Shop, the from Kayser to see if I could learn anymore 60 years and now my landlord is trying to A realist might say that this will be- Indian born owner offered that he walked and the very verbal manager launched into get me out.” come a city for the rich as rent regulated next door for a cup of coffee to find the em- a diatribe on how the rich were crushing “Let me guess,” I offered. “You’re paying apartments disappear into the steel jaws of ployees in shock—they had just been noti- the rest of us and how she had to move to a $330 dollars a month.” greedy realtors who know how and can af- fied that that the shop would be closed the 60 minute commute so her son could get a “No. $390,” was the quick correction and ford to work the system. next day, and they were out of a job. safer, better school. his apartment, refurbished, would rent for At this point, in what appears to be an “Why did they close?” I asked, and my Yes, well, are we just experiencing normal thousands. editorial, I should be offering my solution, informant believed the rent had gone to inflation with wages going up with prices? “Help the small businessman,” is now but the growing appearance in this city of $70,000 a year (that is a wow-wow if correct). Or, is this something different? And are echoed by our own Corey Johnson, Speaker individuals with massive wealth—I mean, I mean, we are used to the Bleecker Street those who can afford to buy a $10 million for the City Council. They want to pass a even the Russian oligarchs and Chinese graft turn over, but a bakery with all that expensive dollar condo, in the luxury condo building law that gives a store tenant a one year cush- politicians are buying apartments with a view equipment and ovens, a little perfect repro- that Rudin built, to replace our St. Vin- ion after they get hit with a killer new lease of Central Park which probably means that duction of a bit of France. Sure, it was ex- cent’s hospital, taking over?It used to be you so they can negotiate down or look for a it will become the home of the world’s rich pensive, especially to a boy who grew up in would see signs advertising a $5.00 lunch cheaper solution. and super rich, and in time, the the guy who the depression when coffee was a nickel and then a $10.00 and now it is $20, but all of (The city forgets they keep heaping up taxes bought the $10 million dollar Rudin condo a hot bagel with a schmear was 10 cents but this in such a short time (I paid $15 for a on real estate, the only true wealth in the city, will complain that a loaf of bread in Cittarella it was so very, very French. beer on West 4th). and landlords pass on taxes to the tenants as a has gone up to $20—he is now the new poor. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 5

Lie continued from page 1 about cleaning them up?) NYCHA admitted its guilt to avoid a The federal complaint relayed utter trial (just imagine the parade of tenants Representing and selling all the best of “management dysfunction and organiza- with their lurid complaints during months tional failure, including a culture where and months of testimony). Greenwich Village, West Village, Chelsea spin is often rewarded and accountability Now, here is where it gets funny: NYCHA often does not exist.” NYCHA chose to agreed to spend $1 billion to fix and better and other parts of Manhattan and Brooklyn. settle with the government rather than go maintain the apartments and buildings over to trial, which means they know they are the next four years, and an additional $200 Contact me today for a free, no pressure guilty and that a trial would only bring out million a year for the following six years. consultation. a cornucopia of more sordid details. But wait—these are our tax dollars, and According to the complaint, workers each year my real estate tax increases. have turned off the water at times so feder- Oh, oh—the Times picked up on how de al inspectors would not see leaks and have Blasio finessed things at a City Hall news built walls of plywood to cover particularly conference: initially, he claimed that he was New Spring Listings dilapidated apartments. In addition, staff “disgusted” by the NYCHA knaves, but members were given a “list of ‘Quick Fix then presented the settlement as if it were 250 West 22nd Street - FOR SALE - $625,000598,000 Tips’ that served as a how-to manual for a much-needed new program for public 14 Horatio Street - FOR SALE - $785,000 misleading inspectors.” housing residents (as if it were a program 115 East 9th Street - FOR SALE - $535,000 Now, stop and think about this—gov- the City Council had just voted for). 127 East 26th - Entire Brownstone- FOR SALE - $4,250,000 ernment employees trained and rewarded Six-foot-five de Blasio graciously gave to cheat and cover sordid and dangerous up the mic to the much shorter City Don’t forget to support living conditions. As the New York Times Council President Corey Johnson, who our local mom & pop stores! suggested, this is perhaps the lowest point preened about passing his low-fare subway in New York government history; gov- bill (during all of my growing-up years the ernment employees have been paid to lie subway cost a nickel and, even then, some about collective incompetency. poor kids put in a slug.) Scotty Elyanow Lic. Associate RE Broker A Criminal Fine Is Not A Grant Longtime West Village Broker and Resident I think it is very important that we spot- settlement as yet another effort to “help” 917.678.6010 | [email protected] light the instinctive double-think atti- the NYCHA tenants: “The settlement we www.westvillagebroker.com tude of our politicians. reached with the U.S. Attorney will add scottyely

The Federal government has indicted an additional $1 billion in capital over the Real estate agents affiliated with The Corcoran Group are independent contractor sales the management of the New York City next four years and shows very clearly that associates and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 660 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10065. Housing Authority for its sophisticated the City of New York is going to do ev- practice of concealing gross neglect in erything in our power to help fix the chal- the apartments of hundreds of thousands lenges at NYCHA, to help provide for the of New Yorkers from the eyes of federal 400,000 people who live in NYCHA. We inspectors. want their lives to be safe and healthy.” Those who speak for NYCHA admit- Those in NYCHA management who ted to the fraud and agreed to a $1 billion hid the gross neglect from the eyes of settlement rather than a months-long trial federal inspectors should be put on trial during which the sordid details of the sto- and this paper is formally asking for that ry would be paraded. But here is how de to happen. Blasio turned it around and presented the —George Capsis

if these prancers are vying for Neighbors the ‘Nudnick Neighbor’s Nobel Prize’ By Roberta Curley they win my vote— their MRI-like banging cinches my throat My neighbors start crawling around 5 a.m.— six a.m.—upper apartment door SLAMS both possess two feet two clomping horses fly down stairs equivalent to four noisemakers their motion whooshes air through my peephole totaling eight ballbreakers (with shoes) I grunt in despair intergalactic attack-drones set my eardrums afire milliseconds later, the vestibule door RAMS no intelligent life form would create such mire the street door WHAMS —feels like I’ve been through a carwash— now I comprehend what ‘rude awakening’ with windows open means plus I’m plagued by shattered dreams so today I internet-order three industrial- strength white-noise machines thumps clumps bumps— (this is Manhattan)—soothing bird-call and even squeaks and creaks lapping-wave contraptions circulate in cacophonous fashion won’t make a dent in the din each seemingly diffused with passion they hop and jump like crickets my neighbors (and I) traverse life in a shoddily in both dawn and dusk-lit hues constructed 1820’s nearly peeling my seams unglued Federal style apartment building—their ‘mayhem’ bears no malice— my therapist says their pre-dawn racket if I could travel back in time, I’d give the could land me in a straightjacket builder what’s left of my mind 6 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

14th Street continued from page 1 Access-A-Ride, from 5 a.m. until 10 p.m.; Hospital is NOT a For-Profit—Has Duty b. the plan to shut University Place north of 13th Street and Union Square West south By Penny Mintz Rivera of the coalition’s firmly held belief that, of 17th Street; despite all of its promises at the time of the c. the plan to run 70 buses per hour over the The Community Coalition to Save Beth Is- merger, Mt. Sinai’s goal was then and is now Williamsburg Bridge, across Delancey rael (CCSBI) faces an uphill battle, to say the to sell the 16th Street property because of its Street, and north on Allen and Lafayette least. People tell me, “There’s no way to stop enormous real estate value. The merger was Streets; and it,” or ask me, “Isn’t it already closed?” Once, always, at its heart, a real estate deal. CCSBI d. the plan to put in a two-way bike path on while I was seeking petition signatures (I’m is concerned with the health and welfare of 13th Street, eliminating parking on one running for Democratic State Committee), our community, not MSBI’s bottom line. side and leaving 11 feet for vehicle traffic. one woman said that Mt. Sinai/Beth Israel CCSBI’s position is that the best out- THE L TRAIN PRESS CONFERENCE. Up The Coalition took two actions. First, it (MSBI) is a corporation that is entitled to do come is to re-purpose and reopen 16th to now, only two of five Manhattan L Train filed a lawsuit on April 1 seeking compre- whatever it wants to maximize profits. Street building. We urged the council- stations have elevators. Photo by Michael hensive environmental review under Fed- As it happens, that’s not true. MSBI is woman to make certain that, no matter Schweinsburg. eral and State law. Second, the Coalition a nonprofit corporation. In exchange for what the outcome, MSBI must provide a critiqued the plans and developed consen- being tax exempt, it must allocate all of its guarantee that it will continue to serve the the L Train runs through between Brook- sus around alternatives. It also developed a funds for the purposes stated in its charter. community’s health care needs and keep its lyn and Manhattan. Since the trains will critique of the numbers relied on in DOT’s So MSBI’s duty is to provide health servic- promise to maintain the mix of insured and not be running, the Transit Authority de- model (how many additional bus riders will es, not maximize profits. Besides, there are uninsured patients currently being treated. cided to renovate all five L Train stations in go across 14th Street, how many additional state regulations and city regulations that The meeting with Councilwoman Rive- Manhattan. Up to now, only two of the five pedestrians, how many cars will be diverted apply. Most significantly, the zoning on ra was extremely productive. She is deeply had elevators: Eighth Avenue and Union to side streets, etc.). the 16th Street property limits the site’s use concerned about any the potential loss Square. The Authority had budgeted to put As the lawsuit proceeds and the Coali- to the provision of health care. To develop of—or inaccessibility of—services for her in a new entrance and elevators at the Av- tion pushes, what was once a “final plan,” the site for residential use, the owner has to constituents and all downtown residents. enue A/First Avenue Station. The lawsuit which DOT is only willing to present, but challenged the failure to upgrade the other not discuss, has changed. stations as a violation of the Americans with • On June 26, in preparation for a City Disabilities Act (ADA). Shortly after the Council hearing called by City Coun- lawsuit was filed, the MTA’s General Coun- cil Speaker Corey Johnson, DOT an- sel contacted Arthur Schwartz (the author nounced some changes to their plan: of this article) seeking a settlement on this —no two-way bike lane on 13th Street; issue. The Sixth Avenue elevator agreement now one-way bike lanes on 12th and followed soon thereafter. 13th Streets, with no parking on the One important element of the settle- south side of 12th Street, ment is that it does not preclude Disabled —allowing drop-off and pick-up on 14th in Action (DIA) from pursuing a second Street, as long as the car traveled no class action seeking accessibility citywide. more than one block; this includes Edith Prentice, President of DIA, stated at Access-A-Ride, the press conference: “A half-million New —BUT, the 14th Street closure will run Yorkers have disabilities which interfere from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. with their ability to use mass transit. This • On June 27, 2018, DOT was grilled by agreement is a small but important step in Council Member Johnson about their the direction of equal access. We salute our numbers, the basis for their belief that 80 friends with the 14th Street Coalition for buses an hour were needed on 14th Street, including this problem in their lawsuit and and that the sidewalks needed widening. encourage them to continue the fight to ad- At that same hearing, the Coalition, with dress the rights of the disabled, including THE BUILDING ON 13TH STREET between First and Second, where MSBI plans to build a vigorous protest from DOT Commission- seniors, in DOT’s aboveground plans. Gov- 72-bed replacement facility, is already being demolished. According to Emma Chessen of er Trottenberg, displayed other options for ernment, 35 years after the ADA’s adop- MergerWatch. MSBI has not applied to the state for any new certificates of need, which 14th Street, without widened sidewalks. tion, still does too little to make mass transit need approval before any new substantive changes can be made at Beth Israel. Photo The 20 extra feet will allow two lanes of available to all on an equal basis.” credit: Penny Mintz. vehicular non-bus traffic on the street. The press conference was joined by City • On June 28, 2018, the MTA and DOT get a zoning variance from the city. She said that the Committee on Hospitals Council Member Carlina Rivera, Assembly released an Environmental Assess- The issues of maximizing profits and the will be conducting hearings in the near fu- Member Harvey Epstein, Julienne Bond, ment, a 400-page document which the city’s regulatory powers were central to a ture that will include discussion about the Co-Chair of the 14th Street Coalition, and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) discussion that seven members of CCSBI “transformations of health care facility uses Mike Schweinsburg, President of the 504 forced them to do after the lawsuit was had, on July 25th, with City Council Mem- and the changing footprints of hospitals.” Democratic Club. filed. This marked the first time that the ber Carlina Rivera and her chief of staff, In addition, in July, CB3’s Land Use, Zon- Lawsuit Brings Changes in DOT’s plans were being assessed under Pedro Carrillo. Rivera’s district includes ing Public & Private Housing Commit- Beth Israel. She also chairs the Council’s tee will have a presentation of the Board 14th Street Shutdown Plan— any environmental laws. This “EA” will be the subject of a genuine (as opposed to newly formed Committee on Hospitals, of Standards and Appeals application that Community Needs Still Not Met sham) public hearing later in the summer. whose mandate is the city’s public hospi- MSBI recently filed for the 72-bed replace- In December 2017 the NYC Department The fight goes on, and it is clear that at tals. But she is clearly concerned about ment of the main Beth Israel building that of Transportation (DOT) announced plans least one local official, Council Speaker the provision of health care in general in is planned for 13th Street. It is also pos- for how it would deal with changes in com- Johnson, is holding DOT’s feet to the fire the city. As Rivera noted during the meet- sible that Manhattan Borough President muter patterns caused by the shutdown from one side, while the current lawsuit, ing, to get a zoning variance, the property Gale Brewer’s Task Force on the Beth Isra- of the L Train between Manhattan and and potentially a second one, forces reas- owner must go through the Uniform Land el “transformation” and its impact on com- Brooklyn. Immediately, Village and Chel- sessment from the other side. Use Review Procedure (ULURP), which munity needs will reconvene. So things are sea residents organized into the 14th Street Where this will end is still unclear, but it requires extensive public review. That was happening. Coalition. is a fight which is far from over. extremely reassuring, because a primary CCSBI members appreciated the pres- The biggest problems the Coalition be- goal of CCSBI has been a thorough, in- ence at this meeting of State Assembly lieved needed to be addressed were: Arthur Z. Schwartz is the lead attorney on dependent review of community impact of Member Harvey Epstein, who, along with a. the plan to shut down 14th Street to all the lawsuit titled 14th Street Coalition vs. MSBI’s proposed changes. Arthur Schwartz, was one of the original vehicles except buses, delivery trucks, and MTA, and is a resident of West 12th Street. Members of CCSBI told Councilwoman leaders of the coalition. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 7

Letters continued from page 2

Sunday in the Park A Conspiracy Theorist into battle. Hitler said “if I can control the Reads WestView media (newspapers and radio) then I can Dear George, control the people.” He did get control of You have done well by God, by publishing the media and the people followed like this article about 9/11/01. He will bless lost sheep. Sheep are so easily lead. you in the months to come. Do not doubt When I first heard about 9-11, I be- this. If you have any qualms or concern, lieved the official story. My brother ques- seek Federal Protection. You are guarded tioned the official story and I argued with for your First Amendment right and God him. I am an Engineer by degree and I will see you through. Great work! Keep up started to look at all the facts to prove to the great work on exposing the truth be- my brother that he was wrong, but the cause many people died that day and their more I looked into it the more frustrated I lives deserve justice, not to mention all of became. I could not prove him wrong. All the people who are getting cancer from the details showed he was right. the pulverized debris at Ground Zero. Be Ask any of the firemen that were there well and have a great weekend! on 9-11 prior to the buildings collapsing A CEDAR WAXWING indulging in the Juneberries in Hudson River Park. Photo by Keith Michael. —Doug Palmquist and they will tell you they do not believe the government report either. They know By Keith Michael adults and fresh gray youngsters, have more of better. a “hunt and peck” breakfast rhythm—all the 9/11 Do some more research yourself and Even though it’s still a few days before the of- while bobbing their heads forward and back. Dear Editors, you will be convinced that the govern- ficial start of summer, it’s already swelteringly Watching them makes me queasy. Thank you WestView News for having ment report is a cover up. What really hot. And for some reason, rather than looking Up at the 11th Street entrance to the park, the fortitude to publish the article about happened that day we will never know at me pleadingly over her shoulder to take her the “joint is jumpin’”! The Juneberry bushes the 9-11 report and the facts about the unless we have a new study done outside back inside to the air conditioning, this morn- (also known colloquially as shadbush, shad- case! The fact that we question what the of government control. The government ing Millie’s leash is taut toward the river. wood, shadblow, serviceberry, saskatoon, government tells us does not make us does not want this to happen. They did The sun glares off the cobblestones, as sugarplum, wild-plum, and chuckley pear!) bad Americans, it make us good Ameri- not allow it to happen in the Kennedy I follow Millie’s careful corgi steps along are in full “doing what they do best” mode: cans. If the good people of Germany had assassination and they did not allow this the shady curb to Charles Street to sit producing luscious sweet purple-red berries questioned what Hitler and what the gov- investigation to run through the normal waiting for the light on West Street. I can in June. The branches are vibrating with the ernment was telling them during World channels. Why? War II then Hitler would not have been as hear a Cardinal a block uptown singing out shifting balance of Cedar Waxwings, Grack- —Mike Sharkey a cheery cheery cheery, and downtown, a les, more Starlings and Robins, as well as the successful as he was in leading his nation Blue Jay is already arguing with somebody. heftier Rock Doves (ahem, pigeons) indulg- We’ve got a Mockingbird high on a water ing in this pre-brunch special. I’ll be sure to tower racing through his repertoire to “get come back in a week when the berries, be- outta town” while a rosy-headed House ginning to ferment in the sun, continue to Finch beckons us onward with his cheerful attract an avian clientele unwittingly getting burbling atop a light post in Hudson River tipsy on their au natural liquors. Park. Quadraphonic sound. I happen to look up beyond the Zel- The dribble of Sunday morning traffic eases kova trees lining the promenade and catch to a stop while the light changes from green to a flyover Common Crow. Believe me, I’m yellow to red. As Millie hurries me across the always enticed to turn any crow into a Ra- street, the white collar of her fur goes in and ven, but this one second-guesses me, and out of phase with the white crosswalk stripes. confirms its identity with the unmistakable Maybe this is what Millie was pulling me to- caw-caw-caw—of a Crow. Even higher are ward: the temperature seems to have dropped soaring several gulls, too high to discern if ten degrees. Even with the breeze skimming they are Herring or Ring-billed Gulls. along the river, the lack of early morning boats Along the river wall, a pair of Black Ducks rippling the waves leaves a perfect reflection of forage in the waves, and further out, a clus- the glistening Jersey City skyline. ter of one, two, three…nine, ten Canada Mary A. Vetri Somewhere pouring out from among the Geese work through a slick of flotsam. One NYRS, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker yellow and blue flowers of the “apple garden,” Black-backed Gull seems to struggle with [email protected] there’s a Catbird’s rollicking phrases, includ- something larger than it can handle. As we 212-906-0575 ing a few of its namesake cat-like mews. I’ll reach the Playground Pier, a pair of Mallard have to come back later, without Millie, to Ducks with their one surviving duckling of Greenwich Village resident with over 26 years of real check out if there’s coming and going activity the summer float from the shadows of the estate experience, having sold over 100+ Townhouses, suggesting a nest somewhere. Catbird chicks pilings. The tide is heading out. Goodspeed. Coops and Condos as well as luxury rentals. in a few weeks would be fun to watch. Millie looks up at me as a flock of House Active Sale Millie drags me to the railing just as a circling Sparrows breeze past us on their way north • 78 Charles Street, 4R* (new exclusive) Double-crested Cormorant skids down onto to the rocks of the Sanitation Pier to hob Active Rentals the river, and after a brief shake of its head, dives knob with the Mourning Doves always • 92 Bank Street immediately. Whenever I see a Cormorant go there picking through the tidal wrack. • 200 West 10th Street under the water, I attempt holding my breath I don’t know what Millie was looking for. • 96 MacDougal Street for minutes like they do. I always run out of air Was this it? A Sunday morning walk by the long before one pops up sometimes hundreds river? (Quite enough in my book.) But now Also note Mary’s big recent sale at Superior Ink Condo at 400 West 12th Street of feet from where it’s disappeared. she wants to go home. We inch along the railing. The lawn is pop- ulated with Robins, rushing, pausing, and in- For more information about New York City All information is from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, prior evitably, cocking their heads before diving for WILD! nature outings, birding, photo- sale or withdrawal without notice. All rights to content, photographs and graphics reserved to Broker. a bug or worm that they’ve found in the grass. graphs, or books, visit keithmichaelnyc.com Equal Housing Opportunity Broker. The loose groups of Starlings, lightly speckled or follow Instagram @newyorkcitywild 8 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

WEST VILLAGE IMAGES BY JOEL GORDON Village Hard-won School to Open

Jefferson Market Library OUR VILLAGE BEAUTY: For the last ten years I have been photographing the nuances of light during seasons, time of day and weather changes. As a photographer I feel the parts are greater than the whole; the beauty of the individual close-up of images of the Victorian Gothic architectural style of the Jefferson Market Library sections are just as interesting and every time I see something different. Jefferson Market was the center of the village. Before paved roads, there were cow paths that lead to it on market day. Next time you pass the library stop and take another look for yourself.

GEARING UP FOR ITS LONG-AWAITED OPENING: A new progressive middle school, MS297 at 75 Morton Street, above, is set to open in the fall of 2018. Photo credit © Joel Gordon 2018 - All rights reserved. By Lucy Stone sell the building and Speaker Christine Quinn got the city to purchase it. The deal ultimately As the New York City public school aca- closed in March of 2014. demic year winds down and students eagerly Throughout this impressive display of await summer vacation, there is one middle determination, it was stressed that the com- school that will spend the next few months munity ought to be the driving force in pro- gearing up for its long-awaited opening. ducing a vision for the school as opposed to Co-located in a former state-owned build- leaving it in the hands of the School Con- ing at 75 Morton Street, the new special- struction Authority or the DOE alone. “Just education middle school, P751 and zoned Imagine,” a rally slogan that surfaced in the District Two intermediary school MS297, early advocacy period for new schools, is a re- are set to open in the fall of 2018. minder of the incredible possibilities a school More than ten years ago, with district class- can hold in the hands of the community. rooms becoming overcrowded, local Village Now that 75 Morton has become a reality, parents felt a pressing need for a school that the imagining is over. With construction not served the neighborhood. In 2009, parent ad- yet complete in time for the 2017-18 academ- vocates, aware of the building at 75 Morton ic year, the school spent its first year on the 7th Street, banded together with PTAs of various floor of the new Clinton School on West 15th schools and Community Education Coun- Street. But with construction finally coming cil District 2 (CEDC2) to begin the process to a close at Morton, teachers, administrators, of lobbying the city to purchase the building parents, and most of all students, are looking with the purpose of turning it into a school. forward to finally making the move to their But the city did not bid on the property hard-won permanent facility in September. right away. “We just didn’t give up; we kept “It’s cool that we’re the very first class because bringing up 75 Morton every chance we it changes the way we’ll see the school,” says got,” said Shino Tanikawa, CECD2 presi- Eden Alson, a Greenwich Village local and dent. “It looked like nothing was going to current sixth grader at the school. “It’s not just happen but we just wouldn’t let it go.” going to be our middle school, it’s going to be Not letting go is an apt description; what our middle school.” Her dad, Peter Alson, is followed was a roller coaster ride. After much excited for Eden and her peers in the inau- back and forth, the Department Of Education gural class, adding that “They’re the pioneers, (DOE) announced in March 2012 that they the leaders of the school. They’re going to would purchase the building. But by that Sep- forge the way.” tember no action had been taken. In response, A quick check of the school’s website Community Board 2 joined CECD2 to form a (ms297.org) lists some important dates for task force chaired by Keen Berger. The process the beginning of the 2018-19 academic year: was a long one with many obstacles and emo- the first PTA meeting, curriculum night with tional ups and downs. At one point, the state a chance for parents to meet teachers, and the actually withdrew the proposal to sell. But the first School Leadership Team meeting. All of members of the community assembled to bring these events will have special importance at 75 stake holders together. “It was really a small Morton as the school pursues its mission “to group of community activists who worked empower every student to inquire, question, levels of power,” said Matthew Horovitz, for- create and evolve” and begins the process of in- mer member of the CECD2 and founding tegrating into the very community that helped member of the 75 Morton Community Al- it come to life. liance. Volunteers like Horovitz hosted com- munity meetings, thousands of parents signed Lucy Stone lives in Greenwich Village and petitions, families sent postcards and two ral- will be a senior at Hunter College High School Other examples can be found on my website www.joelgordon.com. lies were held. With the key help of Assembly in the fall. Had it existed in her time, 75 Mor- Photo credit © Joel Gordon 2018—All rights reserved. Member Deborah Glick, the state agreed to ton would have been her zoned middle school. Volume 2 | Issue 2 The Pulse of Lenox Health Greenwich Village

Get out and go! 5 useful tips for new runners For many people, nice weather sparks the desire to get outside and exercise. Perhaps you’re thinking of starting a new running routine? Consider these useful training tips to help you avoid injuries while you’re starting out.

1. Invest in the right pair of running shoes. Buy for feel and fit, Did you know... not fashion. Feet swell and lengthen over a run, so make sure there’s a thumb’s width of space between your toes and the end Cotton tends to retain sweat, of a shoe. Your heel and instep should fit snug, but not too tight. causing chaffing and irritation. 2. Don’t skip out on stretching. Be sure to stretch after a five-minute Invest in some new running clothes warm-up, when your muscles and tendons are more pliable and amenable to stretching. made from technical fabrics such as bamboo, polyester, nylon or Lycra. 3. Go for distance rather than time - slow it down, warm up, then stretch. Taking it slow allows your body to warm up. Be sure to stretch after a five-minute warm-up, and then gradually increase Did you know... the intensity of your run to avoid injury and burnout. Once you have built endurance, you can focus on increasing speed and distance. To provide your tired muscles the fuel they need to rebuild quickly, 4. Mix in cross training to supplement your running. Try runner- friendly alternative forms of exercise such as cycling, swimming eat a 4:1 ratio of carbs to protein and strength training – this will help you build strength and within 30-45 minutes after a run. flexibility, prevent injury and recover faster.

5. Set small, achievable goals. Break down your aspirations into daily, weekly and monthly goals, so you can enjoy regular accomplishments and stay focused on your next step. A training journal is a great tool to keep a lasting record of your progress.

If you’re experiencing minor aches and pains or suffering from a major injury, our Orthopaedic Institute is here for you. Learn more at Northwell.edu/LenoxHealthOrtho or call (646) 846-1792.

File name: Northwell_LHGV2_Running Tips_10x12.75_4C_West View Newspaper Size: 10”x12.75”, CMYK Publication: West View Newspaper 10 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org Then&Now: Milkwagon and Old Houses, 8-10 Grove Street

THEN: Milk distribution in New York City, dominated by Sheffield Farms and NOW: The Grove Street houses behind the milkwagon were built in the 1820s, are Borden Company, was a unionized, government regulated, modern industry delivering three numbered 4, 6, 8, and 10, from the right, with the Grove Court gate and passageway million quarts of milk and one million quarts of cream daily, including this Grove Street stop in on the left, and remain largely unmodified in 2018. Photo credit Brian J. Pape. 1936. Photo credit: nypl.digitalcollections.510d47dd-9cc5-a3d9-ABBOTT FILE 134.

By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP Sheffield Farms and Borden Company, empty bottles and new orders. After 9 quarts an hour. The 28th Street depot— was a unionized, government regulated, a.m., when milk wagons were in use only whose address is posted on the wagon in Abbott’s streetscapes often included horse- modern industry delivering three million to collect payments, they were required Abbott’s photograph—was closed, and drawn wagons, relics of an earlier age. In quarts of milk and one million quarts of to employ “drag-chains”—as seen in motorized vehicles replaced the horse- this Grove Street photograph, taken the cream daily. Two-thirds of the total was Abbott’s photograph—to prevent run- drawn wagons. same day as several others near her Com- delivered by truck to retailers and in- aways. The Grove Street houses behind the merce Street studio, a horse-drawn wagon stitutions, and one-third was delivered In 1938, Sheffield Farms opened a milk wagon were built in the 1820s and is her central subject. door-to-door by horses, who knew their $2.5 million plant at 57th Street and remain largely unmodified. Milk distribution in New York City, routes, while “routemen” walked back Eleventh Avenue, which received milk Special thanks to the Museum of New dominated by two giant companies— and forth from house to wagon with directly by rail and processed 24,000 York, www.mcny.org Horses that Heal: The Extraordinary Impacts of Therapeutic Riding By Anastasia Kaliabakos Everyone has heard of American Pharoah Strides live up to the organization’s motto: needs. Anyone who would like to donate and Justify; however, does anyone know “Horses for body, mind, and soul.” It is either funding or time to Great Strides or about Sugar, Tito, or Duncan? When truly awe inspiring to witness the effects other programs similar to it should seri- most people think of horses, they associate a horse can have on a person with a dis- ously consider doing so—volunteering in them with Western movies, racing, car- ability. I have personally observed the im- a therapeutic riding program is not only riage rides, and even a pleasant vacation pact that therapeutic riding has on young beneficial for riders, but it is uplifting for beach ride. Those who work with horses children and adults alike. The benefits of helpers, equestrians and non equestrians on a regular basis know that they are in- therapeutic riding seem to be endless. A alike, as well. Great Strides is located at​ tuitive and sensitive creatures who are able select few examples of the merits of thera- 41 Coram Swezeytown Road, Middle​ Is- to form strong, beneficial bonds with both peutic riding include increases in motiva- land, New York. You can also sign up to their handlers and riders. I have person- tion, coordination, listening, conversation volunteer through their website, ​http:// ally incorporated my love for horses and skills, muscle tone, confidence, and self- www.greatstridesli.org/​. I myself hope to my equestrian background by volunteer- esteem along with decreases in anxiety, raise awareness about these valuable pro- ing at an equine therapeutic riding pro- stress, and tension. Therapeutic riding is grams and contribute financially to Great gram called Great Strides Long Island. instrumental for the mental and physi- Strides by writing a children’s book fo- This nonprofit organization, run by Julie cal well-being of those who suffer from cused around the story of a disabled child Dell’Aira, relies heavily upon volunteers, autism, cerebral palsy, anxiety disorders, and a very special pony. I plan to donate donations, and fundraising to offer its depression, PTSD, and many other af- proceeds from this project (entitled “Milk- valuable assistance to those who need it. flictions. Volunteering alongside Julie and Shake”) to this wonderful program. I hope “HORSES FOR BODY, MIND, AND SOUL” Great Strides serves people of all ages- the trainers at Great Strides has given me to see therapeutic riding programs flour- Horses make a huge impact on everyone from children who have special needs to the desire to increase awareness of this ish in the future, and I truly believe that they are with. Photo credit: Jeannie Pow- veterans suffering from PTSD and other type of program, along with its benefits horses make a huge impact on everyone ers. issues. Additionally, the horses at Great and its importance to those with special they are with. THE COMMUNITY PHARMACY THAT CARES

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LOYALTY PROGRAM • GIFT CARDS FREE DELIVERY The Proust Center Opens at Jefferson Market Library

By Sharon Girard and study of the life, times and work of Marcel Proust, has GREENWICH VILLAGE found a home at the historical Jefferson Market Library. “For a long time I used to go to bed early.” The author himself would easily have expatiated for 100 512 HUDSON STREET • NYC 10014 Thus begins the 4,000 plus page masterpiece pages on the architecture and the secrets embedded in its WWW.SEAGRAPEWINES.COM • 212-463-7688 In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust. walls and stained glass windows. Some readers are lost after 50 pages. Others, Throughout the year, the Center will sponsor Proust-re- Private Piano Lessons with Experienced bewildered and perhaps bothered, soldier on lated events including lectures, musical performance, read- Private PianoPianist/Piano Lessons Teacherwith Experienced Pianist/Piano Teacher through to the end; they find themselves so ing groups and celebrations. The first event takes place on v MFA in piano performance thoroughly bewitched that they are com- Wednesday July 11, 2018—one day after Proust’s 147th birth- Q MFA in piano performance pelled to return—to begin the whole novel again from page day. Expect toasts at this inaugural and celebratory event. v $ 35 per half hour Q $35 per half hour one. The work is called a “novel.” True, it is a kind of a novel; 2018 Center events: it has plot and characters. However, with its reflections on art, • July 11th: Open House celebrating The Proust Center v Lessons in Mandarin or English Q Lessons in Mandarin or English its capture of the social and political kaleidoscope, its hot- and Proust’s 147th birthday, with Marcelle Clements Text orText call or call 917-330-2553 917-330-2553 house of transgression and, most of all, its journey through speaking on “Four Writing Lessons from Marcel Proust.” inner landscapes, it actually is a vast epic that breaks the • August 8th: Proust at the Movies: Documentary, boundaries of categories and labels. Readers become hooked “Marcel Proust: A Writer’s Life.” by the outrageous comedy, irony and love—now confused, • September 12th: The Dedication of The Boni Salon, now of pristine clarity, now philosophical, now knifelike and with Anka Muhlstein. edgy, now rapturous. Rereading Proust can be a lifetime plea- • October 10th: Caroline Weber’s new book “Proust’s Don’t put off taking off sure. Readers become as addicted to the work as its narrator Duchess” (Discussion and book signing.) those extra pounds – and is to his quest for knowledge in love, art and society, and for • December 12th: Concert “Music Regained,” with so- keeping them off! learning the truth through memory and metaphor. prano Kate Hurney. Please allow me But, it’s a hard book. Marcelle Clements of NYU advis- All events are free but registration is required to guar- to help you on your es the beginner in her article “How to Read a Hard Book” antee a seat. Register online or in person. weight management journey that, “Many readers never get past the first 50 pages. They drift away...But you can’t understand the beginning...if you Online: https://www.nypl.org/events/pro- Joy Pape, Family Nurse Practitioner haven’t read the end.” Her ultimate counsel to the begin- grams/2018/07/11/proust-centernew-york [email protected] ner: read quickly; don’t get derailed by a puzzle or discour- In person: Jefferson Market Library—625 Ave of the 917-806-1945 aged in thickets that you don’t yet understand. You will. If Americas @ 10th St., 2nd floor. you stick with it, there are life-changing rewards in store All events are scheduled for 6-7:30 pm. After check-in of reg- for you. The Proust Center, dedicated to the celebration istrants, unclaimed seats will be released to people waiting. MULLIGAN PLUMBING & HEATING Since 1920—Three Generations of Mulligans Have You Seen My New Perambulator? We Get Better and Better! By Gordon T Hughes Jr. forms if you will. Mothers, I would estimate, at least in the mornings, are 87 percent wearing yoga pants and tank or The other morning, I was sipping a cup of coffee at my favor- tube tops. It’s always cute to see babies on Hudson going Fast, Competent, Affordable ite haunt, Panino Mucho Gusto Cafe, when a young mother north and south, to and fro, as it were. Bathroom and Kitchen Renovations in yoga pants opened the door and pushed her baby into the The really interesting thing is what these babies are be- (212) 929-1809 petite cafe, in a gigantic, what I would call, baby carriage. ing conveyed in. Nothing made of wood any longer, that’s 14 A Morton Street, New York • Fax (212) 929-2007 Now, the cafe is not spacious, and this contraption took for sure. All are metal but in different sizes and different up most of the floor space between the tiny tables. There shapes. It’s kind of like when the first rain drop falls and is a special unwritten code, however, for folks with babies: guys come out of the woodwork with umbrellas, most of you must give them space and deference. I believe that’s which fall apart with the first wind gust. just as it should be. So, there are small prams that look like they are ready to That said, today’s perambulators are nothing like the fall apart at the first crack they hit on the sidewalk. Then baby buggies I was hauled around in when I was seven you move up to the convertible type with top up or down months old. By the way, I am seeing more and more sev- option. These by the way come with a one-or two-seat op- en-year-olds being pushed around in these things. Haven’t tion. Some are side-by-side, others front and back. they learned to walk at that age? But I digress. You need to move to the better engineered model to get My pram was painted white. Yes, painted with what I am a three-seater, but they do make them. I have seen people sure was a lead-based paint. It was not some fused black pushing their dogs in these things. Now we move into titanium vehicle. As a matter of fact, when my pram was high-tech models with as many options as a Range Rover. repurposed for my younger brother, the paint was chip- My favorite, and the one in which I would like to be ping, so I know it was lead-based paint. My dad sanded it chauffeured around the Village, by you know who, is the down and repainted it white again. eight-wheel stretch limo pram. It has the top up or down There were probably a couple of Disney characters like feature but on very hot days has AC. On cold days, a seat- Donald or Mickey that dad had to paint around. Back warmer and full heating system. It also comes with a blue- then these buggies were called baby carriages, not prams tooth feature which allows the little darling to listen to his and most certainly not perambulators. or her favorite lullabies and a digital screen to play video Well, after my encounter with this eight-wheeled nu- games or just watch a cartoon. clear powered baby limo, I got to thinking about all the So, all in all, there is a great variety of rides for every different prams I have seen in the West Village and what youngster in the West Village. a wide range they have. And by the way, the first record of a pram was in 1856 Now, there are a lot of nannies who push them around in London. Although the noun perambulator comes from and they dress like nannies in kind of nanny-like uni- the Latin perambulare, I still call it a baby carriage. www.westviewnews.org March 2018 WestView News 13 Junzi Kitchen By Caroline Benveniste Entrepreneurial Institute. The way Richard explained it to me, the team approached On July 16th or thereabouts, Junzi Kitch- opening a restaurant using traditional start- en, a Chinese fast-casual restaurant will up tactics more commonly seen in tech open at 170 Bleecker Street. This will be companies. They employed the lean start- the restaurant’s third location, and to the up methodology, and applied the business casual diner, it will be a delicious and con- skills they’d learned to fast-track the pro- venient lunch or dinner option. But if you cess. Ultimately, they brought innovation eat there without knowing its history, you’ll and discipline to an area that normally did be missing out on a fascinating tale. not have it, and, Richard says, “They did it The story starts with Yong Zhao, who, all the right way.” after completing his undergraduate work The first Junzi Kitchen opened in New at Peking University, enrolled in a PhD Haven in 2015, and the second location program in environmental studies at Yale. opened in the Columbia University area His plan was to return to China and be- about a year ago. Unlike most restaurants, come a politician, but he began to question Junzi has a large team, currently number- how much impact he could make on that ing 17 people. The restaurants were de- path. His training in environmental studies signed by Xuhui Zhang, the Director of made him realize that our environmental Real Estate Development & Architectural Dina Andriotis, Chris Tsiamis, and Nikitas Andriotis (from left to right). problems are really people problems. One Design. Before joining the Junzi team, he 77 Christopher Street problem he wanted to tackle was to re- received a Masters in Architecture from duce the perception of China as a threat, Cornell, and then worked for the architec- Between Seventh Avenue and Bleecker Street and he felt that food could be a medium to ture firm Pei Cobb Freed in New York. A Pharmacy Hours: help accomplish this. For him, the every- lot of thought has also been put into the Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM day food of his youth was connected with marketing and branding. For example, the memories, and he hoped to bring that food signage at the restaurant is carefully con- Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM to others here. He wanted food that was af- ceived and executed. Some of this work Sunday 10:00 AM- 5:00 PM fordable and convenient and easy to make. was done by co-founder Ming Bai. Not But most importantly, he was determined surprisingly, in May, the Columbia Junzi Telephone: 212-255-2525 • Fax: 212-255-2524 to make authentic Northern Chinese food was named one of the top 4 best restaurant email: [email protected] that was different from the Chinese food designs by NYC x Design. www.newyorkchemists.com Americans were familiar with. Junzi serves traditional Northern Chi- In 2013, Yong and two other Chinese nese food: the underlying ingredients in students, Wanting Zhang and Ming Bai, this cuisine are water and flour (not rice), decided to pursue Yong’s idea of using and out of those you can make noodles food to solve some of the world’s problems. and bings (thin pancakes). Unlike Chinese Wanting, like Yong, was at the Yale School restaurants with multi-page menus, Junzi Caruso’s Quips of Forestry and Environmental Studies, keeps it simple: you choose a base (either By Charles Caruso and Ming was in the MFA program at the noodles or bing with a sauce), a main (meat Yale School of Art. They concluded that or vegetarian), vegetables, and garnishes. the way to drive rapid growth was through The employees at the restaurants are local Promiscuous: New face, new fanny. entrepreneurship, so they submitted their to the area, but come from many different proposal to the Yale Entrepreneurial In- backgrounds. Some were working at Burg- Dim Sum: A slow-witted Chinese accountant. stitute. After their proposal was accepted er King and Dunkin’ Donuts before, but they participated in an accelerator pro- were excited to learn how to make this type In an age of billionaires, you throw people under a limo, not a bus. gram which had workshops, presentations of food. Having this multicultural group and skill-building classes that covered all preparing the food is an important part of Christ would have laughed at the resurrection myth. He would have quoted Gertrude Stein: When a Jew dies, he’s dead. the general aspects of entrepreneurship. the restaurants’ operation. They next applied for a summer fellowship In addition to the regular menu, there Most of our miseries are due to sex. which provided mentorship in an incuba- is a late-night Asian street food menu of- tor environment and some initial funding. fered on Fridays and Saturdays during Did Frank Sinatra sing in the shower? Yong was later able to raise more money in the school semester, and Lucas conceives China, in part based on the fact that Yale of and prepares a five-course chef ’s table Always put important things in the same place. had invested in this venture. dinner monthly with changing themes. At Their next challenge was to find a chef: the Columbia area restaurant, some of the Why don’t ants walk in a straight line? They’ve got all those legs. they had heard about a Yale undergraduate themes last year were a Chinese-Domini- named Lucas Sin who was cooking elabo- can dinner, which explored the similarities Some people are mustard, some are mayonnaise. rate meals in his dorm room. Lucas was and differences between the two cuisines, a Never say ‘No hurry’ to a subordinate. originally from Hong Kong, and had spent dinner that showcased imperial cooking in all his school vacations working in restau- Jesuit China and was a joint project with rants, some Michelin-starred, in the US the Columbia University art history and and abroad. Lucas was enthusiastic about religious history departments, and a duck the group’s plan, and joined the team after dinner built around the early version of Pe- graduation. king Duck from 14th century China. IF THIS PAPER MAKES YOU THINK Finally, the restaurant needed a name, Junzi Kitchen, with its distinctive and and the team settled on Junzi, which means enticing cooking, and its goals of cultural We will print your thoughts in the next issue a person with integrity. understanding through food will be a wel- [email protected] I first heard about Junzi Kitchen from come addition to the Village. 69 Charles St. • New York NY 10014 a friend of mine, Richard Hunt, the men- Junzi Kitchen tor assigned to the Junzi team at the Yale 170 Bleecker Street at Sullivan Street 14 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

is probably on purpose, as who wants every slacker in the Euphoria in an Ear of Corn neighborhood spending half the day there? We know them all: Mayonnaise Man, Cross Man, Shorts Guy. In By Jane Heil Usyk is so heavenly right now. Corn is just 29 cents an ear in the middle of winter, he wears cotton shorts. Trader Joe’s (ear; how odd: an ear of corn. Who was the Michael is not as bad as his father in retirement; his fa- You can hardly imagine a happier person these days than bright light who first decided a corn cob, with the grain in, ther used to spend hours reading the backs of cereal boxes my husband, surrounded as he is by a variety of food stores. ought to be called “an ear”?). In Morton-Williams it’s a and the contents of jars. That was his plan for retirement; He is beside himself with joy about the opening of Trader dollar an ear. And it is SOOOO good; I said we ought to that, and going to the emergency room on every holiday. Joe’s in SoHo, which has lovely, fresh food and very low have corn at every meal. Michael spent every New Year’s Eve in the emergency prices and has, in his words, “liberated me from the tyr- The salad greens are fresher. He was all excited about room of Montefiore Hospital. He was there the New anny of Morton-Williams,” which has high prices and Whole Foods’ salad greens for a while. Then he discov- Year’s when a man strode in with a knife sticking out of his not-great food (except for meat and sushi), but proximity ered Trader Joe’s, which are fresher and cheaper, and it’s chest, laughing about it! to us. You could almost fall out of our window and be there closer. A bag of Brussels sprouts is $2.69 in Morton-Wil- How did I get so far from my topic? Back to food stores in a minute. It is, he says, like a bad bodega, with very high liams, and 99 cents in Trader Joe’s. Eggs are $1.29 for a in Greenwich Village and its surroundings, and in particu- prices, very little choice, and old food. half-dozen in Morton-Williams, and $1.29 for a dozen in lar, the new Trader Joe’s. Did you ever see such aisles? Wide Knowing the price and value of every item in a grocery Trader Joe’s. Bread crumbs are $3.00 for a box in Morton- aisles like in Connecticut. Very pleasant cashiers. It seems store is how he stays in touch with his mother (who died Williams, and $1.29 in Trader Joe’s. Tacos are $2.99 in to me we are, in this neighborhood, enjoying a renaissance 21 years ago); she was a cashier in a Daitch/Food Empo- Morton-Williams, $1.29 in Trader Joe’s. So each time he of sorts, like the very olden days of Bleecker Street with its rium in the Bronx before the days of computers, and she goes, he saves thirty or forty percent compared to what he carts of vegetables (I remember them, though you may not). knew the price of every item in the store. So when Mi- would have spent in Morton-Williams! “I’m such a shill That is something to be very happy about. chael remembers the price of, for example, a loaf of bread, for Trader Joe’s,” he says. and knows you can get a bigger loaf for less at Trader Joe’s, In all fairness, though, Trader Joe’s is not perfect. They Jane Heil Usyk has written over a hundred magazine ar- or a pound of cherries in Chinatown, he hears his mother do not carry lamb chops, which I must have for my well- ticles in magazines such as Vogue, Cosmo, Glamour, Family praising him. She comes down from her star in the War- being. Nor do they carry Bazzini Pumpkin Seeds, which Circle, Playgirl and Fitness. She also wrote a book, “Silence, saw section of Heaven, and they visit for a little while. I also must have. Morton-Williams has pie shells; Trader Storytelling, and Madness: Strategies of Resistance in Nuy- Today, for example, he heads up to Western Beef, where Joe’s does not. Morton-Williams’ dish cleaner is a lot orican and Other Latina Women’s Coming-of-Age Stories,” bacon is often on sale, and corn muffin mix costs half what cheaper than Trader Joe’s. Also, unlike Morton-Williams, which was published in 2013. She was an editor of Fitness it does in Morton-Williams. And let’s look at corn, which Trader Joe’s does not have any place to sit down—which Magazine and an editorial assistant at Vogue.

Our elected leader has a personality so strong and so perverse To defend ourselves, and win back our relevance as an in- Lies and Leadership that shame, fear, of consequences, judgment of peers and moral formed and responsible electorate, we must start by calling By Tom Lamia limits are ineffective to stop or redirect these malevolent prac- out the lies. Politicians lie, of course, but when caught in a lie, tices. They are offset by the man’s narcissism, egomania, and dis- they are, generally, chastened, regretful, and apologetic. Not George Washington never told a lie, it is said. Our current dain for critics and criticism. He “wins” because he must, because this president. His reaction is to tell a bigger lie, often one that president told more than 3,000 in his first year in office. Yes, that is what his self-image demands. So, he will lie and tell us is cruelly personal, against the person who has questioned his the Washington Post was counting. When Dwight Eisen- that he has won great victories in spite of facts and reason. veracity. He seems impervious to shame, apparently believing hower told the country, and the Soviets, that Francis Gary In an 18th Century memoir, recently published, an personal responsibility to be a character flaw. Powers and his U-2 aircraft were not acting on our behalf English groom tells of accompanying his master, a French To effectively challenge this behavior, we must stay calm when downed over Russia, there was a national gasp of in- nobleman, on a boar hunt with, Louis XV of France. The and focus on his principal weakness, his fear of loss of rel- credulity. A U.S. president lying! To his own people!! Oh, evance. In business as in politics, aggressive self-promotion what halcyon days. and resilience under duress have given him relevance. He What is our fate, now that our current president has dis- THE WORLD is the paragon of intimidation, obfuscation, doubling down missed the Post, and other long-trusted news sources as and settling to cut his losses. But, he cannot settle with the “Fake News,” generated by “Enemies of the People?” This American people. Being driven from office by the voters is shameful tactic has undermined trust in responsible news IS FLAT the proper remedy for that. sources, and, of course, in the president himself. His lying, How is it to be done? One man’s shame is another’s glory. as a tool of governance, is a gross abuse of the trust placed groom notes that the king did not like seeing others do Peck’s Bad Boy, he is, and he is loved, loathed and lauded for in him by his election. Many among us are dispirited and well and “allowed nobody but himself to fire, or carry fire it by his supporters. The lies are part of the shtick, excused, if resigned to worse yet to come. His supporters say he is arms, nor even to pass by him in the Chace.” But, then, not glorified, by the audacity of telling them. His being will- telling it like it is, rejecting political correctness and having Louis XV was a king. What is our president’s excuse? Is ing to face down his critics is a point of pride. The lying is an justifiable revenge on elites. our country his kingdom, the presidency his stage, poli- ingredient to his governance, but not a poison pill that will Very little of what is filling our eyes and ears and seeping ticians his courtiers? What role do we, the people, play? bring him down. That his lies are not a disqualifier amazes slowly into our long-term memory from this war on the press Groundlings in a theater of the absurd? me, but his followers tolerate them. The lies are a tool in a is likely to be good for us. I think most of us realize this and Disrespect has been a touchstone of this president. In the satchel full of effective tactics. They alone will not defeat him. know that a course change is necessary. But as time in this campaign, he disrespected his rivals and the election process Are his boorishness, his disdain for expertise, and his gen- new normalcy goes by, the hole being dug for us grows ever (“I will accept the result if I win”). In office, he has disre- eral ignorance of history fertile ground? Several other presi- deeper. It now seems clear that the man we elected to lead us spected his predecessors (“Only I can do it”). He disrespects dents have learned from their shortcomings once they were is both wielding the shovel and blocking access to the hole. It critics by name-calling and evasion. Disrespect for a core exposed by the demands of the office; Chester Arthur and seems the best we can hope for is the emergence of beneficial principle (that ours is “a government of laws not men”) has George W. Bush, for example. But, those presidents had counterforces able to block further digging. already caused a loss of trust in his ability to govern. the gift of humility and, knowing what they did not know, worked to learn and followed the norms of their predeces- sors. This president does not seem to have those virtues. His intimidating arrogance has served as a battering ram to open holes in our constitutional defenses against tyranny. But, failure caused by his obstinacy to read, listen, prepare INCOME TAX or collaborate with others, will be noticed over time. These PREPARATION failings are curable if they are acknowledged. His obstinacy in the privacy of your own home... in not acknowledging them has led to the departure of many very reasonable rates good people from key positions in his government. More will follow. Soon even the cultists and sycophants will notice that, Call Peter White despite the appeal of his bluster, he is not getting the job done 212.924.0389 for them. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 15 Jim Fouratt’s HAVE YOU HEARD! JULY 2018 about CAKE. Austin, Texas. cratic Caucus (rogue members who vote As I go to press, the visible takeover—call it It was a dangerous decision because it The press often fixates on the tweets of with the Republicans) whom and he used a coup if you want—by agents of the 1%is opened the door to endorsing the legal Trump or the machinations around Rus- to block the so-called progressive bills, thus in full bloom. Just as Occupy Wall Street right of a citizen to discriminate based on sian manipulation (important, of course), making it appear he supported them while warned. The writing was on the wall when religious belief, effectively stripping the but do not report on the impact on ordnary knowing full well they would not pass be- the Senate confirmed the nomination of Neil civil rights of another person. Hence, this citizens of the almost daily destruction of cause of the IDC. Slick is too nice a word Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. His vetting could also be the justification for discrimi- government policies that date back to Roo- to describe Cuomo. by and recommendation to Trump by the nating against an entire group of people sevelt, to encourage equal opportunities for What did the Democratic machine do, ultraconservative Federalist Society and his based on their Muslim religion. Don’t be subsequent appointment, made clear that fooled by the language of the Court’s jus- right wing religious activists and the eco- tification: Here we have the other side of nomic terrorists funded by the ruling class religion trumping civil rights. Freedom of had won. American democracy as we know religion is tossed out because of the fear it is being transformed into a plutocracy, or tactics used by Trump to manipulate the if you prefer, a fascist takeover lubricated public’s desire to feel safe. by the lies and false news promulgated by Of course, radical political jihadists need to the Roger Ailes-built propaganda machine be found and arrested. But Trump, follow- called FOX NEWS. In the last few months, ing the role modeling of former VP Cheney despite the Mueller investigation of Russian (who outed a CIA agent because her hus- interference in the 2016 elections and into band did not agree with the Cheney agenda), the money laundering crimes of Trump and justifies his bullying foreign policy and his GOOD NEWS: On June 18th, Stephanie Miner announced that she is in the race for Gover- the gang of thieves, lawbreakers and racists petulant tantrums that undermine an alliance nor on the SAM ticket. Photo courtesy of Stephanie Miner. of co-operation with Western government leaders. His disruptive manner has our allies each citizen. I am referring to policies and just when two-time elected Mayor of Sche- mistrusting the US government. He even at- regulations that have focused on the envi- nectady, progressive Democrat Stephanie A. tacked Canadian and French leaders with his ronment, education and protection of chil- Miner, was about to announce she would run crude bullying tactics. His recent tariff regu- dren and seniors. for Governor, a race she felt she could win lations under the leadership of his Secretary Let’s talk about what can be done. because she had proven she was not afraid of the Treasury, right wing billionaire Steven Locally, I was not not surprised when Alex- of Cuomo as she had stood up to him when Mnuchin, is not about improving the quality andria Ocasio-Cortes defeated US Congress- she was in office (something most NYs and of life for American workers but about help- man Joseph Crowley, a DC insider, power City elected officials refusedto do because ing billionaires like the Koch brothers. It is player and political boss of the Queens Dem- they knew Andy would punish them if they clear that is who Trump seeks to please. ocratic Party. While Crowley outspent Oc- did)? De Blasio pulled the rug out from under Don’t be fooled by mainstream media asio-Cortes, her campaign videos, print ads, her and pushed award winning actress Cyn- who dance around the real truth, afraid posters and face to face encounters with resi- thia Nixon with no, that’s right NO, political to say this crisis in Democracy is being dents sizzled authenticity. She looks like the experience in elected office into the race for undermined by capitalism running wild people that now make up the majority of the Governor. Miner was throw under the bus in in the streets and the offices of corporate District. She was articulate and in touch with a frenzy of TMZ celebrity-driven media cov- Image courtesy of Beth McConnell. America. the needs and desires of the immigrant com- erage of Nixon’s latest role in a reality based Note my sources: I watch Democracy munity that had, in the last 20 years, settled political thriller. Nixon may be committed, he has appointed to his cabinet, these Trump Now with Amy Goodman at 8 a.m. on in the Bronx. Ocasio-Cortes is an intelligent, but does anyone think she is actually capable appointees, under the guise of “shrinking channel 34 and Rachel Maddow most friendly, willing-to-listen community orga- of cleaning up Albany? Remember it is on the the government,” have passed and insti- nights at midnight on MSNBC (channel nizer turned politician. Ocasio-Cortes also is record that Albany is the most corrupt State tuted policies that the economic terrorists 203). I also read the Guardian, Pro Publica, a brown-skinned young Latina who looks like legislature in the US. I believe De Blasio ac- salivate for. We can hear each one muttering The Intercept, all online, and subscribe to the young women in the neighborhood who tually handed the victory to Cuomo when and justifying the dismantling of 70 years of the NY Times, LA Times and The Washing- ride the subway to work. That is why she won. Nixon announced. One hopes he scored some progressive policies and the institutions that ton Post and watch RT for people like Chris The Democratic machine in the State- points for the City in the fierce competition, protect American citizens from exploitation, Hedges and Al Jazeera online as well as the and the City has fallen asleep at their ma- based on ambition the Governor and the and make real the Constitutional promise of BBC and Brian Lehrer on WNYC. jority wheel. Hospitals were lost not only Mayor share. We the people have got caught equal protectionunder the law. Trump’s policies are negatively impacting in Greenwich Village but in other bor- holding the stringof the balloon for political They are willing to bribe/influence elect- the daily life of the average American citizen. oughs. Rent control tenants old and living change in Albany that has now floated away. ed officials with enough lobby money/re- Don’t be fooled by the so called job explosion. on fixed incomes were being priced out of And then there is Jumaane Williams, nomi- wards so that principles are put aside and Yes there is an explosion of low paying jobs. their apartments. Vacancy-decontrol had nated for Lt. Governor. He is a good city the only criteria that remain are self-inter- Even if the minimum wage is raised it will landlords let loose their “wild dogs”, us- Councilperson. It was interesting to see him est and financial gain. not be in sync with the cost of living in most ing them and any means necessary to scare have a change of heart and principle on his This is the reality of what has happened urban cities. The middle class has been the seniors (that is who the majority of rent long held and loudly spoken opposition to in the less than 550 days that Trump has target of a campaign by Ayn Rand libertar- regulated tenants are) to sometimes death same sex marriage. One likes to think it was been in office. ians like Paul Ryan, legitimizing her call for or to just make their lives constantly miser- a conscious realization that he was wrong and The most recent rulings of the Supreme selfishness and “survival of the fittest.” able with the relentless, most times frivo- not just a politically expedient choice. Court make it very clear that even at the Yes, there are some segments of the mid- lous legal moves to drive people out of their Update: Stephanie A. Miner has an- very highest levels of government, the ju- dle class best represented by Silicon Valley homes. We have a bully Governor who yes, nounced she IS running against Cuomo dicial separation of Church and State built (not today a specific geographical location) did legalize medical marijuana, make legal on the SAM ticket. Good news for voters. into the Constitution is being ignored and that has invaded and disrupted the econo- same-sex marriage (he wasn’t the first) and Bad news for Andy. trampled on. Religion has trumped civil mies of the cities it has inhabited. One created a facade that he was anti-fracking. cc jim fouratt 6/28/18 rights in very different Court rulings. In only has to look at the cost of living ef- He also refused to really back campaign- contact: [email protected] the CAKE case, the court ruled that an in- fect of the explosion of highly paid skilled finance reform, loosen voting registration, dividual’s religious beliefs took precedence workers this industry employs on the in- and clean up corruption in Albany. His de- cc jim fouratt 6/28/18 over the civil rights of citizens. It was not frastructure of San Francisco, California or ceitful support of the Independent Demo- contact: [email protected] 16 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

at a famous Marché aux Puces (flea market) as good as the more expensive Rossopomo- cooking will be done by visiting chefs from in Paris. They commissioned the wallpaper doro pies. Spain brought in by the Society. The first from Zuber, where each piece is printed to or- group has come from the Southern Coastal IN der using traditional 18th century techniques Also Open town of Valencia and as a result the current and and original woodblocks. But what about the Harwood On Hudson (430 Hudson Street at menu is seafood-heavy. Prices are very rea- OUT food? It’s delicious, and there is something Morton Street): has opened where Michelin- sonable, with tapas going for $7 a serving. by Caroline Benveniste for everyone. There are sandwiches (burg- starred Piora used to be. The chefs/owners Lumos Kitchen opened in April in the East ers, croque madames, and ham sandwiches have restaurants in Shelter Island and East Village and, now, a West Village branch is in June was a busy month; with so many shops with butter), traditional dishes like blanquette Hampton and the menu at this upscale spot soft open mode at 38 Carmine Street, east of opening and closing, it was hard to keep up. de veau (a white veal stew), saumon mi-cuit has many seafood offerings such as oysters Varick Street. The restaurant features cock- The cuisines of the new restaurants spanned (salmon cooked to a moist translucent pink), po’boy and potato-crusted sea bass. tails made with baijiu, an alcohol made of the globe: French; Italian; Moroccan; Medi- and large format meals like leg of lamb and Two new restaurants have taken over the gi- sorghum (and often with rice as well), which terranean; Spanish; Chinese; American. The roast chicken. The addictive baguettes are gantic former Spa Belles location (301 and is consumed in much of the world but mostly arrival (finally) of warmer weather made it baked throughout the day by Tony (who was 303 Sixth Avenue near Carmine Street) that unknown to Americans. The food is billed a good time to grab an ice cream sandwich at previously at Harold’s Meat + Three), so they had been empty for years: Kut is a kebab shop as French-Chinese: the East Village loca- Sherry B Dessert Studio. are always fresh. For now, the restaurant is only where diners have the option of having their tion features many French ingredients on the open for dinner; but if all goes well, in the fall sandwiches on fresh-baked oriental bread, or menu, but the menu at this branch is more Open it may become an all-day dining destination. on a flatbread. Various sauces are available, as traditionally Chinese. According to the staff, TOP OPENINGS: well as hummus, and the prices are very rea- this will change after the soft opening. sonable. Next door, Jean Le Gourmand fea- tures sweet and savory crepes and pancakes. Closed/Closing The sugar crepes are only $2, and an even bet- It was quite a surprise to see that Maison ter deal is the package of six plain crepes for Kayser (326 Bleecker Street at Christopher) $8. Nutella crepes and pancakes are a more had closed even though the French bakery decadent option. Wolfnights, which also has chain continues to open branches throughout a shop on the Lower East Side, has opened the city. Unfortunately, the happy story of the at 235 Bleecker Street between Carmine and owners of the Risotteria reopening in their Leroy Streets. As soon as you enter you see old space had a sad ending: Bleecker Street a display case filled with dough balls of dif- Luncheonette (270 Bleecker Street at Mor- ferent flavors and colors. Once you choose ton Street) closed after only a few months. Bistro Pierre Lapin (99 Bank Street at Hud- the one you want it is flattened in a sort-of Mas (farmhouse) at 39 Downing Street (near son Street): Bistro Pierre Lapin is one of the Kish Kash (455 Hudson Street between Bar- tortilla press and then cooked on the Iron- Bedford Street) also closed less than a year openings I’ve been most excited about this year. row and Morton Streets): Einat Admony, Wolf™ (which looks like an upside-down after reopening following a fire. The SPORT The space previously housed Paris Commune, owner of Taïm and Bar Bolonat, has been wok positioned over a fire). The sandwiches Gallery (23 Eighth Avenue near Jane Street), The Marrow, and finally, 99 Bank Street (a perfecting her handmade couscous skills. The have lupine names such as Dire Wolf, Teen which sold limited edition sports prints, has gluten-free restaurant which opened in Janu- couscous itself is unrecognizable: it is ethe- Wolf, and The Beast, and are mostly suited closed. Caffè Vivaldi (32 Jones Street near ary, 2017 after two years of construction and really light, with grains the size of sand (but to carnivores. Hong Kong Tailors has taken Bleecker Street) closed its doors, after 35 was closed by November of that year). Bistro weightless). There are four toppings available, over the space where Hong Kong Tailor Jack years, at the end of June—a sign on the door Pierre Lapin has a completely different look— of which the short rib with swiss chard and used to be at 136 Waverly Place, west of Sixth blames “legal and financial difficulties” with the cold white interior has been replaced with white beans was my favorite. Starters include Avenue. The new owner knew Jack for a few their landlord. (For more on this story see red velvet banquettes, French music, and a hummus served in the Israeli style with a slick years, before he died, and has other tailor “Caffè Vivaldi Closes” in this issue.) Before painting of a rabbit that gave the restaurant its of oil with chermoula mixed in. The decision shops in North and South Carolina. A deli there was Dizengoff there was The Hum- name. Harold Moore, the chef and co-owner, to serve it with a slice of challah rather than called Fresh 2Go Market has opened at 500 mus Place (71 7th Avenue South between is known to many West Villagers who enjoyed pita, however, is unfortunate. Hudson Street (at Christopher Street) where Bleecker and Barrow Streets). They were the his modern American food at Commerce for Brooklyn Industries used to be. A second piz- first in New York City to make fresh hummus seven years until it closed in 2015. (Recently, zeria has opened in the Village this month. throughout the day. In their heyday the chain Moore opened Harold’s Meat + Three in the This one is at the site of the very short-lived had three locations, but the original East Vil- Arlo Hotel in the Hudson Square area. The Chubby Slim’s, and before that the somewhat lage location closed years ago and, now, the eatery serves delicious Southern-inspired food short-lived Fatbird. BLKSQ Pizzeria and Bar West Village location has closed (a location and biscuits I dream about). Moore’s train- (44 9th Avenue at 14th St) is named after the on the Upper West Side is still in business). ing was in classical French food, and earlier black pizza crust made with squid ink in one The Quarter is gone, and a marshal’s notice is in his career he worked with Daniel Boulud of its pies, but the day I went there I didn’t see displayed in the window. Following our men- and Jean-Georges Vongerichten, among oth- it on the menu. The restaurant has round Ne- tion of The Quarter in a previous month’s In ers, during the heyday of French food in the apolitan-style pies that are made to order and & Out, the landlord contacted the paper to 1990s and early 2000s. Later, French food fell square Detroit grandma-style pies that are in say that the tenants were behind on their rent. from favor because of the manner in which Simò Pizza (90-92 Gansevoort Street, west a display case and can be ordered whole or by Meatball Obsession, the tiny stand on Sixth French restaurants were portrayed and their of Washington Street): Rossopomodoro runs the slice. Brompton Junction (287 Bleecker Avenue that sold meatballs and pasta, has a staffs behaved. But over in Paris young chefs the pizza restaurants in Eataly and also has a Street between Barrow and Jones Streets) sign in the window explaining that they had were leaving Michelin-starred restaurants stand-alone restaurant on Greenwich Avenue sells British folding bicycles designed for outgrown their location. Pasta Flyer lost no and opening exciting places of their own, and at West 13th Street. Now, the owner, Simone city dwellers. Their logo is “Made for Cities, time in posting their own sign exhorting folks that got Harold Moore thinking that maybe Falco (Simò is his nickname), has opened Made for You, Made in London.” There are to fulfill their meatball cravings next-door. the time was right to open a Parisian style an airy casual spot across the street from the 55 bicycles artfully displayed around the store, The West Village branch of Black Tap (248 French bistro in New York. He explained that Whitney. The pizzas cook in 90 seconds in a and shoppers can work with sales associates West 14th Street, between 7th and 8th Ave- he was yearning to have a restaurant that “has large electric pizza oven that has been certi- to design their ideal bicycle. The store plans nues), the burger chain that gained Instagram a tradition that you don’t have to write.” It fied by the Naples-based Associazione Ve- to host group rides in the future. The Spanish fame and drew long lines of customers with took a while to convince the co-op board at race Pizza Napoletana. (A sign on the wall restaurant and tapas bar, La Nacional, locat- their crazy milkshakes, has closed following 99 Bank Street to rent him the space but in promises “Simò—90 Seconds to Napoli”.) ed in the Spanish Benevolent Society at 239 a lawsuit over who invented the milkshakes. January he signed a lease and spent some of The menu is smaller than at Rossopomodoro West 14th Street between 7th and 8th Av- The other locations remain open. While the intervening time in Paris with Julia Gross- (3 salads and 6 pizzas) and the prices top out enues, closed about two years ago. Since then, the milkshakes were over the top, the burg- man, his business partner, buying items for at around $10 for an individual pie, but the a sign outside the building promised that the ers were lovely and will be missed. Roasting the restaurant. They purchased all the flatware ingredients are very high quality (the cheese Society would take over the restaurant and re- Plant (75 Greenwich Avenue between West (which weighed about 100 pounds) and had on the pizzas is mozzarella di bufala) and the open after renovations. The renovations have 11th and Bank Streets) closed its doors on it shipped back, and they found the sconces pizzas, with their pillowy crusts, are every bit been completed and, in the brighter space, continued on page 17 www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 17 Caffè Vivaldi Closes after 9/11, Ishrat decided to add it in the hopes of at- good design great sales tracting more customers in the evenings. It was a huge = success: many musicians, local and not, got their start Whether you’re selling your product or your services, we can at the open-mic Mondays and jazz jam Sundays. There help you with stunning logos, ads, collateral and publications were also a number of celebrities—including Al Pacino, and a well-designed, easy-to-navigate website. Bette Midler, Ethan Hawke, and John Cusack—who View the website at phelandesignworks.com frequented, performed at, or filmed at Vivaldi (Woody Allen filmed three movies there). [email protected] • 212-620-0652 In April, in a letter posted on the café’s website, Ishrat wrote that, “In 2011, my tormentor, Steven Croman, be- came the new owner of the building where Caffè Vivaldi resides. From the beginning, his conduct has been bellig- erent and illegal, unilaterally breaking the renewed lease, which commenced on January 1, 2012. . .” I met with Ishrat’s daughter Zehra the day after the café closed. We sat at the bar while the joyous sounds of the Pride cel- ebration could be heard outside. She told me that about two years ago, in the midst of legal battles with Croman, Ishrat had had a stroke and she stepped in to run the café. HOPEFULLY IT IS NOT THE LAST ACT FOR THIS CULTUR- She talked about how, before that, Croman had sued the AL INSTITUTION: After 35 years in business, Caffé Vivaldi’s closing is big news. Photo by Darielle Smolian. café after a disagreement over the basement space and that the case was resolved in 2013 when Judge Lynn By Caroline Benveniste Kotler declared Caffè Vivaldi to be a “cultural institution” and dismissed Croman’s case. Nevertheless, Zehra fur- 70 GREENWICH AVE. • WEST VILLAGE • NYC • • When Ishrat Ansari posted the news on Caffè Vivaldi’s ther explained, Caffè Vivaldi’s problems with its landlord website that the café/restaurant/performance and com- continued: Croman tried to raise the rent by 400% and, munity space would be closing on June 23rd, after 35 more recently (after being released from jail in early June Hourly Handyman Services years, we received many emails from distraught readers after serving eight months of a one-year sentence for tax Professional Painting Projects alerting us to the fact. The closing was big news—ar- and mortgage fraud), he threatened to take the café to Electrical & Carpentry Work ticles appeared in The Villager and Gothamist, and Jer- court again. Because of these challenges, and the fact that MICHAEL RUSSO, PROPRIETOR emiah’s Vanishing New York and Eater had posts about it. he was still recovering from his stroke, Ishrat finally de- 917.476.4146 • [email protected] The closing was also featured on a number of TV news cided to close the café. Serving the West Village for 11 Years reports. I stopped by the café on its final evening. WPIX The STOP CROMAN COALITION, organized was outside interviewing musicians who had come to by some of Croman’s residential tenants in 2007, main- play there one last time. tains a website: stopcromancoalition.org. In the “CRO- Before opening Caffè Vivaldi in 1983, Ishrat was the MANATED, THREATENED AND THWARTED” proprietor of a magazine store on 7th Avenue South be- section, Caffè Vivaldi is featured as the latest casualty. tween Barrow and Bleecker Streets. When I first moved The restaurant’s website encouraged people to share to the Village in the ‘80s I lived on Barrow Street and their stories; by the time the café closed 55 people had spent time there. I would go mostly to see the store’s cat, written in with appreciations. Some wrote about how Caesar, who was a very street-savvy feline and something special the café was to them, how it was a relic of Green- of a neighborhood celebrity. He would greet customers wich Village’s bohemian past, and how they would miss and also spend part of each day perched in a tree outside it. Talented musicians who were discovered at Vivaldi the store. Once, a group of schoolchildren walked by and wrote about how unique a place it was. all shouted for Caesar. I did not realize, until I read the Zehra does not know what comes next for Vivaldi. First, news reports, that Ishrat had decided to open Caffè Viv- her father still needs to rest and recover. And she is not op- aldi in order to provide a more comfortable place to go timistic about their being able to find a new venue because for people who had congregated at the store. in this economic climate things are not easy for small busi- While Caffè Vivaldi is now famous for its musical per- nesses. While we know that to be true, we hope that Viv- formances, music did not become a mainstay there until, aldi’s closing is not the last act for this cultural institution.

In and Out continued from page 16 June 25th. It had been in that location for 10 years but, ac- works for the triangular space that was formerly the Riviera cording to the owner, they were forced out by increasing rent. Cafe (225 West 4th Street at Seventh Avenue South). Signs They hope to return to the neighborhood sometime in 2019 are up in the window of the now-shuttered Pet’s Kitchen (116 and, in the meantime, encourage customers to visit the Or- Christopher Street between Bleecker and Bedford Streets) an- chard Street location. nouncing an Italian restaurant, Fiaschetteria Pistoia, which will be the second location of a well-regarded Tuscan restau- Coming Soon rant of the same name in the East Village. The location where West Village Comics will open on June 30th at 304 West Mew Ramen and, later, Mew Men (7 Cornelia Street near 11th Street (between Hudson and Greenwich Streets) in a Sixth Avenue) used to be will continue as a ramen spot—this former Chinese laundry. The diminutive space next to Mah- time Menkoi Sato—a ramen restaurant from Japan. Ze-Dahr Bakery (28 Greenwich Avenue, between West 10th and Charles Streets) which used to house oyster bar, Virgola, Other will soon be home to Oak Tuscan Truffle Lounge, a restau- La Maison de Makoto is dark, the phone connects to voice- rant specializing in Italian dishes with truffles. An application mail, and a sign in the window states that “Le (sic) Maison de has been made to the State Liquor Authority for a liquor li- Makoto is closed for Training! Reservations will be available cense in the long-empty Spasso space (551 Hudson Street at soon on Open Table.” Perry Street). There is also a liquor license application in the Photos by Darielle Smolian 18 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org Radical Changes from New Developments in West Village

THE WEST VILLAGE IS GOING THROUGH A RAPID AND RADICAL TRANSFORMATION: Google Earth aerial showing many of the condos taking shape in the area. Credit: CityRealty

By Brian J. Pape One Morton Sq., designed by Costas Kondylis on West St. SF of stunningly attractive red terracotta rainscreen façade in 2004, followed by R.A.M. Stern’s Superior Ink condos at added, the first time this façade system has been used on a If you haven’t taken a walk around the West Village lately, 12th St. in 2009, and 150 Charles St. by CookFox in 2015. NYC public school. then you are in for a shock. Block by block, foot by foot, Neither of the latter sites were covered by the 2005 When all these new developments are selling at over the West Village is going through a transformation that is “downzoning” of the Far West Village. It is noteworthy $2000 per SF, that eliminates probably 90% of American both rapid and radical. that all examples after Meier’s buildings integrate street- homeowners from moving here. What does that mean for Hudson Yards, that city within a city just a little north level “townhouses” into their larger developments, an at- a neighborhood’s character? Will the new residents be- of us on the west side of Manhattan, gets most of the me- tempt to “blend into” the residential streets. come community supporters, or the catalyst for its becom- dia attention for its mammoth new development, but the Now, we are about to witness the completion of a spate ing Hudson Yards South? West Village changes are just as dramatic. of projects here. Soon to follow all these construction projects will be 40-sto- Greenwich Village would seem to be protected from 160 Leroy (see WestView’s August 2017 & December 2017 ry, 1,586-unit 550 Washington, formerly St. John’s Terminal, major changes by its many historic districts and landmarks, issues) is Herzog& DeMuron’s gracefully curved 14-story and several others, 20-30 stories high, in nearby Hudson Sq. but there are still large areas not protected, especially close plan for 57 units priced at $3000 to over $6000 per SF. (see the December 2017 issue). At least we won’t be getting to the water, historically a working industrial area, but now 601 Washington, a.k.a. 127 Leroy St., 111 Leroy at Green- one like the 68-story 50 West St. further downtown. a magnet for open-view seeking homeowners. wich St., 627 GW aka 90 Morton, and M.S. 297 (formerly WestView has been covering many changes in previous is- IS323) at 75 Morton St. (all in the August 2017 issue) are Brian J. Pape is an architectural consultant in private practice, sues, and now we focus on the larger developments in one each “topped off ” and progressing quickly to completion. serves as Co-chair of the American Institute of Architects NY area, the far southwest part. One could say it started with the 127 Leroy St. is designed by BKSK Architects as a nine- Design for Aging Committee, and, as WestView News’s Archi- three glass-clad Richard Meier-designed condo towers along story condo for only eight units, plus parking for 12 ve- tectural Editor, is a regular contributor of writing & photogra- West Street, Charles and Perry Streets, in 2000 to 2006, and hicles and recreation space in the cellar. Units are large, but phy. He is an officer of EnJOY Life!, a health consultancy firm. are not yet priced. Property Markets Group’s condo and townhouse complex at 111 Leroy, designed by Workshop/APD, is priced at over $3000/SF and will be brick clad to fit the area. Holland-based Brack Capital’s 35-unit conversion and addition of 90 Morton will turn the 8-story industrial print- ing loft, ca. 1912, into a 12-story condo, priced at $3000 per SF and up, and designed by Gottesman Szmelcman. On September 5, 2018, Jacqui Getz, principal of the pro- gressive new Middle School #297 at 75 Morton St., will welcome her three grades of almost 300 students, more than doubling its former size, culminating what started more than a decade ago by community activists. The 177,000-square- foot, seven-story handicap-accessible building—with an outdoor playground on the corner lot of Greenwich and LOOKING NORTH FROM GREENWICH AND LEROY Barrow Streets, has border landscaping and full accessi- STREETS, we see a small portion of the radical transforma- bility—will eventually have up to 900 students, including 111 LEROY STREET FILLS AN OLD PARKING LOT along tion occurring in the far West Village. The so-called 111 Leroy Leroy Street with 5 TH and 9 apts., contrary to earlier reports. some from the city’s special-education specific District 75 project nearly abuts the 90 Morton conversion, with the new The larger tan brick building on the right will have the address MS 297 Public School in red beyond. Just on the left side of students. 111 Leroy Street, and the five single-family townhouses will the street is the new 127 Leroy development, and 160 Leroy John Ciardullo Associates is the project architect. The for- be addressed 115, 117, 119, 121 Leroy Street, plus 621 just another block over. Credit: Brian J Pape. mer ca. 1919 warehouse with high ceilings has gotten 36,000 Greenwich Street, right to left. Render Credit: Workshop/APD www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 19 A Long Ago Lesson on the Cost of War Ancient Solutions By David S. Kerr young man was. I think my parents were sur- for Modern Problems prised by Mr. Whitakers’ willingness to talk I must have been six, or maybe just a little about his lost son. He told me his son’s name older, but I was with my Mom, Dad, and was Gordon. Just like his Dad. They called Grandmother, and we were visiting some him Gordon Junior and that he was their Michael Kahn dear friends of hers, the Whitakers. This only child and that they had sent him off to M.S., L. Ac. was Goldsboro, North Carolina and “vis- war back in 1942. Mr. Whitaker said that iting” on Sunday afternoons after church Gordon Junior was their great joy in life and 20 Year Practice was an important part of the culture. they had never stopped missing him. However, Mr. and Mrs. Whitaker were I may have been little, but for the first Back Pain • Insomnia • Digestion • Cardiac Pain special. They were long time family friends. time in my life, I had a sudden, though gen- Headache • Immune Disorders Addictions • Weight loss They were charming, gracious, and cheer- tly offered, lesson in the cost of war. Gor- Smoking Cessation ful. But as I found out that day, they bore don, was just about ready to graduate from Depression • Anxiety a special kind of sadness for a loss that oc- college when he asked his Dad if he could Addictions curred over twenty years before in a place take flying lessons. He wanted to get a leg halfway around the world. up in qualifying for the Army Air Corps’ During the visit, I remember being a little Aviation Officer Cadet Program. With war bored, as little boys are apt to be when the seeming more and more likely, he knew he adults are talking, and taking notice of one wanted to be a fighter pilot. His father of the pictures on the mantel. I found myself agreed and paid for the lessons. studying it closely. It was a photo of a young Gordon was accepted into the cadet pro- man, dashingly handsome, in his World gram, commissioned in the Air Corps and War II flight suit. There was an unmistak- sent to the Pacific. He was an outstanding able good nature to his smile. I didn’t know aviator, flying in the closing weeks of the bat- who he was, but right away, I liked him. It’s tle for Guadalcanal and later assigned to fly rare that a single photo can capture so much top-cover for the mission that killed the Jap- of a man’s personality, but in this case, it anese top strategist, Admiral Yamamoto. He did. I learned many years later that while he survived that mission, but was shot down two FREE Village area house calls was at Atlantic Christian College in North weeks later while escorting a photo recon- Carolina, he was a regular steady of a fellow naissance plane over Bougainville. 212-633-2317 student named Ava Gardner. Gordon’s parents have long since passed With all the tact a six year old can muster, on. But to this day, I have trouble imag- I asked my father, who was sitting next to ining how they found the tenacity and the me, who the man in the picture was. My dad resolve to carry on after such a terrible loss. was a little nervous in answering. Not just Even as a six year old, I could tell that this because I was talking when I should have was a wound that had never healed. been quiet, even though the topic of con- Gordon never had the chance to marry, versation was a mind deadening back and have kids, or ground his son for keeping the forth on various approaches to planting rose car out late. He never had the chance to grow bushes, but because it was a sensitive topic. old and reflect on times past. Seventy five The young man in the photo was the years after Gordon’s death, I live a comfort- Whitakers’ only child and he had been able life. I make my living as I choose, think killed in World War II. My father, hoping as I please, associate with whom I please, and not to draw attention to our father and son worship as I please. I complain about my gov- exchange, said it was very sad, but like a ernment and my elected officials whenever I lot of young men in the war, Gordon didn’t feel like it. That’s all a part of being an Amer- come home. Though only six, I readily un- ican. And, I owe that privilege to Gordon derstood what that sanitized phrase meant. Whitaker, a kindly, decent, and gifted young Mr. Whitaker, having caught a hint of our man, who, like thousands of others in his war, conversation, began to explain to me who this and other’s wars, didn’t come home.

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Jefferson Market Library, Senior Center at 425 6th Avenue, 1st Floor Our Lady of Pompei Church, Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street Bleecker & Carmine Streets Senior Center at Greenwich House, MCF Rare Wines, 237 West 13th Street 27 Barrow Street SeaGrape Wines, 512 Hudson Street Senior Center on the Square, 20 Washington Square North Ottomanelli, 285 Bleecker Street 20 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org A Tribute to Two Soldiers By Stephanie Phelan Recently, I was contacted by a gentleman from Springvale, Maine who was organiz- At the start of the U.S. fighting in WWII, my ing the town’s annual Veteran’s Day ceremony uncle, Larry Phelan, served as a lieutenant in and publishing a small book about one of this the army’s famous First Infantry Division. small town’s fallen—Lt. Ralph L. Hanson— During the invasion of Sicily, in July of 1943, who gave his life for his country while fighting his unit was overrun by Germans and he be- in France in 1944. Ralph had been a young came a prisoner of war. A letter to my aunt man beloved by all, and my Uncle Larry was from a commanding officer told of how Larry given the grave duty of escorting his body back had saved many members of his platoon and to his family in the small town of Springvale. even risked his own life by dragging one mem- The gentleman wanted my permission, which I ber from the line of fire before he himself was gladly gave, to publish Larry’s story in the book, captured by the Germans. He was imprisoned A Soldier’s Coming Home. My uncle’s account for two years in occupied Poland in a camp of this journey is cherished not only by me, but for officers, Oflag 64, and was released in the by all of those involved in the Fallen Veteran’s Two Books of One-Liners summer of 1945. Project in Sandford/Springvale, Maine. by Charles Caruso, Because of his acts of heroism, he received a My uncle was a war hero; but most of all he Purple Heart, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star and was my hero. Author of “Caruso’s Quips” several other honors, and was eventually pro- moted to the rank of major. Stephanie Phelan has lived in the West Vil- Caruso spent decades in the media, at Newsweek and The New York Larry was the most talented and creative per- lage for 39 years and served as an auxiliary Post, winning three Associated Press feature-writing prizes. son I’ve ever known, and every project he put his police officer in the 6th Precinct for 30 of those He has gotten a strong response to these books and the lines he hand to became artistic gold. His writings, as it years. She has worked for WestView News for puts on Facebook each day. happens, are treasured by untold numbers of mili- ten years as a designer, ad coordinator, and tary service men and women. creator/writer/designer of the Events section. The question he is most asked is: How do you write these things? He has no good answer. “They just come,” he says “after a lot of observation and reading. They arrive suddenly and need very But for The Grace of God little editing.” duty. And though this group was composed Readers seem to like them and find them interesting and of only army personnel, the escort detach- sometimes amusing. ment included volunteers from the air force, navy, coastguard and marine corps; each deceased serviceman was accompa- nied by a member of his own service, of equal or higher rank. I noticed that the men, despite the fact that none had made fewer than five trips, Counselor At Law were still grave and meticulous. I realized later that this was a job that couldn’t become Disability Law routine, and that would lose none of its sig- nificance no matter how often repeated. It was, as the training film shown all escorts was entitled, “Your Proudest Duty”. Max Leifer P.C. My envelope gave little information LAWRENCE J. PHELAN Photo courtesy of I hadn’t already known. First Lieuten- MaxMax D. LeiferLeifer PCPC is is an an established established law law firm firm Stephanie Phelan ant Ralph Hanson, Springvale, Maine. I with overover 40 years experienceexperience inin PersonalPersonal Injury, Injury, looked at the map on the wall. Springvale By Lawrence J. Phelan, Captain, Infantry was hard to find even in a state where a Negligence,Negligence, Social SecuritySecurity Disabilty,Disability, Long Term Disability, town of 5,000 people was considered a city. Long Term Disability, A grey watery dawn was breaking over Lieutenant Hanson was a stranger to me. I CommercialCommercial and Union Appeals.Appeals. the bleak buildings of the Brooklyn Army didn’t know his age, where he had gone to Base when I reported there for a new and school, what he had done in civilian life (if, We are committed to providing unaccustomed duty. I was taking a soldier indeed, he had worked before entering the Wehigh are qualitycommitted representation to providing home—a soldier now incapable of finding army)—only that he was from a small New and highwe work quality aggressively representation to obtain his own way, incapable of speech, incapable England town and was one of the many and wethe work best aggressively possible results to obtain of action. A soldier who had given his life that had died. At 7:00 several army hearses and protectthe best the possible rights of results our clients. for his country and was now on the last lap were waiting to take us and our charges to andFree protect consult the in personrights ofor ourby phone. clients. of his melancholy journey to occupy a scant the station. After one final check with the Free consult in person or by phone. six feet of soil in his native and beloved officer in charge I signed a receipt for the Please feel free to contact us with any questions Maine. I was a military escort for one of remains. Lieutenant Hanson was now my and our friendly staff will assist you with your concerns. America’s returning war dead. sole responsibility. Please feel free to contact us with any questions I went to the briefing room to receive We drove to Grand Central in convoy, and our friendlyMember staff of Millionwill assist Dollar Trialyou Association with your concerns. my envelope of papers and the musette bag arriving at 8:00—two hours before the DESIGNATED AS A SUPER LAWYER FIRM AT SUPERLAWYERS.COM containing an extra flag, black armband, train time—but no one complained about and blank ammunition. A dozen or so “hurrying up or waiting”. There was still 135214 West Sullivan 26th Street,Street, Street,Suite 3-C, 11-D enlisted men of various grades were there plenty to do and, if an hour would cover New York, NY 1001210001 before me, all quiet, all serious, examining it, the extra hour for contingencies was not Tel: (212) 334-9699 • Fax: (212) 966-6544 their papers to be sure they were in order. begrudged. This was a time when no train They were all veterans in this strange new must be missed, when no excuse or alibi [email protected] service and had, in fact, volunteered for the continued on page 21 www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 21

Tribute continued from page 20 last phase of their long voyage home (the would cover a mistake. Barney Kirschbaum was bearing bodies After the remains had been removed from Casablanca, Tunis, and Oran.) And from the vehicles and lined up in the bag- sometimes I saw myself, mute and unseen gage room under special guard (not for a in the flag-draped casket, while Lieutenant moment in their long journey from battle- Hanson sat in seat number one and mused field to home were they unaccompanied or over my identity. It was only a thing called unguarded) we descended to the main sta- chance (some call it fate, some Providence) tion to exchange our Government Trans- that this was not the case, and this thought portation Requests for our tickets. When almost more than any other gave me a the New Haven Railroad agent handed me strong sense of kinship with the lieutenant the one round-trip ticket between New whose luck had gone the other way. ‘There, York and North Berwick, Maine, and one but for the grace of God, go I,’ I thought. one-way ticket, I felt, for the first time, the No, this job could never become routine. full poignancy of my mission. Lieutenant In Boston, we lined up outside the Hanson was going home for good. baggage car to supervise removal of the At the baggage room I presented the caskets. The escorts were careful and so- one-way ticket to the baggage master who licitous, watching to see that their charges gave me a check and a tag to be affixed were handled gently, that each casket, with to the head of the flag-draped outer case. the blue field over the left shoulder, always I then went back into the baggage room moved feet first. They adjusted the flags where forty or more similarly draped cas- and pulled them taut. They carried them- kets were lined up under guard. The sol- selves with dignity and reverence, visibly diers were going from one to another, conscious of their responsibility. When lifting up the end of the flag to see the all the caskets had been moved onto their stenciled inscription at the head of the individual trucks, the escorts stood on the case. It was not enough to check only the left side and the solemn procession moved name—there could be two Ralph Hansons. slowly down the platform of Boston’s South I found the proper case and checked the Station. As we turned toward the bag- name, rank, serial number, and destination. gage room, hundreds of passengers leaving They all agreed. I brushed some flecks of trains on various tracks paused and watche; lint from the flag. men removed their hats in deference to the When each man had found the soldier dead. (That was for you, Lieutenant Han- he was to escort, motorized trucks were son, and your silent companions—a small brought and the cases were carefully lifted tribute, but a sincere one. Perhaps those on to them. Slowly, they were lowered to people knew what you had done for them.) track level and rolled forward along the I went to North Station by truck, alone, platform toward the baggage car. I walked except for the driver and Lieutenant Han- behind Lieutenant Hanson’s case and son, whose presence—the more eloquent watched the railroad men as they lifted it by its silence—I felt throughout the trip. aboard. They had done this before. In fact, by the time we boarded the Bos- When the doors of the baggage car were ton train to Maine, I had mentally dropped closed I went to my chair. It was number his military title and was thinking of him one, the closest seat on the train to my as “Ralph.” In two hours’ time we would companion. I settled myself and picked arrive in North Berwick, Maine, just a up the morning paper as the train pulled few minutes’ drive from his hometown of out. There wasn’t much new. The Hage- Springvale. I knew I would be met there nah had alerted its entire force against an by the funeral director, Mr. L. H. Carll, expected Arab invasion; 73,000 Chrysler and possibly by Ralph’s family and friends. auto workers had walked out on strike; And I knew that would be, perhaps, the Pravda screamed imprecations at the Unit- most difficult moment of the entire trip. ed States and the U.S. press screamed back; The train made several stops. At each Congress was still debating about selective station I went into the baggage car and service. And buried deep in the back pages stayed there until the train pulled out of the paper was a small item stating that again. It would be virtually impossible for the United States Army Transport Barney a baggage master to mistakenly put off PERUVIAN FOOD & CATERING Kirschbaum was arriving in New York the the remains at the wrong station, but that following day with 2,530 more war dead 1,000–1 possibility was guarded against by being returned to their homes at the re- the escort remaining in the car at all station quests of their next of kin. This brought stops, whose presence would also ensure the total returned to nearly 42,000. The respect on the part of employees who may task was less than one-sixth finished. be loading or unloading baggage. I looked up as the Connecticut land- At Dover, Maine, just a few miles from our 173 7TH AVE S. WEST VILLAGE scape, fresh with spring and drenched with final destination, I moved into the baggage driving rain, rolled by. Drowsy, I wondered car in order to be ready to supervise upon CORNER OF 7TH AVE & PERRY ST. about my charge in the forward car. Lieu- our arrival in North Berwick and, now, the tenant Hanson was already beginning to full importance of my mission was clear to assume a personality for me and I tried to me. To the family and friends of Lieutenant 646.590.9010 picture what he had been like. Sometimes Ralph Hanson I was the sole representative his face would be that of one or another of the United States Army, the government, WWW.BABYBRASA.COM of my own friends—officers and other ser- and the people of the nation for whom he vicemen who had died in Africa or Sicily— had sacrificed his life. I placed the black band who were also possibly approaching the continued on page 22 [email protected] - [email protected] 22 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Renfro and is surrounded by HL23 by Neil Denari, his only Through the Eyes of A Tourist built project in New York. Keep heading north to see the late Zaha Hadid’s building at 520 West 28 Street, followed by By Ananth Sampathkumar, days in the Big Apple, here are a few architectural icons to see: Soori Highline by SCDA Architects at 522 West 29 Street. Partner NDNY Architecture + Design At the Airport: Starting with your arrival at JFK, make At that point on the park, the new Hudson Yards development sure to get the train’s eye view of the TWA Terminal. One begins with its star studded field which includes the ‘Vessel’ by The American Institute of Architects held its annual con- of Eero Sarinen’s most famous constructs, the building is Thomas Heatherwick, the ‘Shed’ building by Diller Scofidio vention at the Javits Center in June. Over 25,000 architects, being converted to a 505-room hotel by the architectural and Renfro and towers by KPF and Helmut Jahn. design professionals, manufacturers and trade representatives firm Beyer Blinder Belle. Places to Eat: The Big Apple is a gastronomer’s paradise. from all over America, and some from around the world, de- Hotels: There are a host of well crafted hotels to choose And if you choose wisely, you can see great interiors paired scended on the city for two days to take in everything that from. The Standard Hotel by Ennead Architects, the Public with good food. Take for example Morimoto’s in Chelsea, New York has to offer and get valuable learning credits. Dur- Hotel on the Lower East Side by Herzog and DeMeuron and where the Japanese Pritzker Prize winning architect Tadao ing the two day event, I spoke with countless visitors and they the Jane Hotel in the West Village are just a few architecturally Ando designed the zen-like interiors to complement Ma- all had similar questions —“What is your favorite building exceptional places to stay. The Standard Hotel has the added saharu Morimoto’s cuisine. Go for the architecture but in New York?” and “What are the most important structures advantage of straddling the Highline where you can soak in the stay for the food. to see?” Their timing could not be better as my firm recently view of the new developments along the elevated park. New York is best seen through the eyes of a curious launched a free, architectural wayfinding app called LABYL Sightseeing: One of the easiest places to start your walking tourist. No matter how long you have lived in this City, or ‘Learn About Buildings You Love’ to discover architecture tour is at the Highline where you can immerse yourself in an the next time you take a walk, pretend to be a visitor and in New York City, and through the process, I have developed architecturally rich landscape. The elevated park is designed discover some delightful structures around you. To read a long list of not-for-tourist buildings. If you only had two by James Corner – Field Operations with Diller Scofidio & the full story visit www.ndny.co/blog

Tribute continued from page 21 dustrious, honest people who are conscious of their heritage. lobster, hiking and lake swimming. We talked about his en- on my left arm. The train whistle sounded its nostalgic call Those on the streets paused and watched our procession as thusiasm for building, architectural drawing, and his post-war for a crossing and then I felt the pull as the train slowed for we passed. plans. Before he enlisted he had taught high school in Bangor the stop. I thought, ‘This is not just happening to me. Across At the funeral home, a handsome white building of sim- and, in the short time he was there, had built up the manual the width and breadth of the country, in large cities, suburbs, ple colonial style, the casket was removed from the outer training shop into an important department of the school. small villages and towns, at tiny whistle stops on the vast spi- case, placed on a bronze catafalque in the chapel, and then He had been a popular teacher too, and they had held the der web of rails that spans the mountains, valleys and prairies covered with the flag again. I stood at attention at the head position open for him. He was going to go places with it—af- of our land, this is being re-enacted almost daily—the un- as Ralphs’s family came in. Now his mother wept, not bit- ter the war. “I was counting on Ralph, too,” Carl said. “I’m a believable price of our unpreparedness. Perhaps at this same terly nor hysterically, but from a heart that was too full to builder, and he liked to draw up plans for me. We lost so many moment a sergeant is straightening his tie as his train slows contain her tears. Ralph’s wife took her hand. “Mother,” she houses in the fire last year.” down at Waycross, Georgia, or a sailor stands at attention in said quietly, “this isn’t really Ralph. He’s somewhere else, I went to bed thinking about young dreams, young am- a little station in Iowa while a mother who has never seen the watching us, and he’s content; remember, he told us that.” bitions, shell-burst and oblivion. sea weeps, with a mixture of grief at her loss and happiness They stayed a few moments after that and when they had The next morning I had breakfast in the large kitchen over his return, by the side of her seaman son.’ gone I consulted with Mr. Carll. He signed the receipt for with the two boys—Teddy was nine and Earl was five. They The train had barely stopped when six men wearing the remains and I explained that from that moment on my accepted me as a friend of Uncle Ralph’s and, as such, a American Legion caps climbed aboard to carry Ralph Han- official responsibility had ended but that I was to remain at friend of theirs. They were bright, talkative, and inquisitive. son to the car that was waiting for him. The funeral director the pleasure of Mrs. Hanson and to give all the assistance I They both thought they’d be soldiers when they grew up. approached me. “I’d like you to meet Lieutenant Hanson’s could to the family and to him. (‘If you are,’ I thought, ‘may you be soldiers in a strong army family,” he said, and led me to a small group of people who Mr. Carll told me the funeral was to take place on Saturday of preparedness, and not—like your Uncle Ralph—in an stood watching from the station shed. I met Ralph’s wife first, and that the Hansons were anxious for me to stay. I asked about army made strong by bitter necessity just a shade too late.’) a serene, handsome young woman in a simple gray suit; his hotels. “No hotels in Springvale,” he said. “There’s one over in That day we concluded most of the plans for the funeral mother, a woman whose indomitable character showed in the Sanford, but Ralph’s brother and his wife want you to stay and I met many more of Ralph’s family and friends. I had lines of her face where grief struggled to take possession; his with them. They live nearby in Alfred and have lots of room.” often heard of the reticence of the state-of-Mainers. It ap- brother, sister, and brother’s wife. There were no tears, but I “That’s very nice of them,” I replied, “but our instructions are plies, perhaps, to their control of emotion in deference to could tell that the tears were there. I felt that they were bear- very explicit. We’re to help the family as much as we can but others. It does not apply to their friendliness and hospital- ing up for me, and my heart went out to them. should stay out of the way and not be a burden to them.” ity, which are boundless. I went back to the long sleek car that was taking Ralph My explanation was worthless when Ralph’s older The funeral took place the following day at 2:00. The home. As the procession wound over the rolling green hills brother Carl came back. “My wife and I have planned on chapel, where Lieutenant Hanson lay surrounded by banks of Maine, the driver gave me my first glimpse of my charge’s having you with us until after the funeral. You won’t be of flowers in the colors of the flag, was filled with friends background. “Ralph was fine boy,” he said, “one of the in the way at all because Betty’s staying with Mother and and representatives of the American Legion. The family sat best-liked young fellows around here. It was a real sad day my sister. Besides, my two boys expect to find you at the in a smaller room to the side. The minister read the funeral for Springvale and Sanford when the news came in he was breakfast table in the morning.” Even if I had wanted to, I service and said a few words of comfort to the bereaved. He killed.” “Where did it happen?” I asked. The driver replied, couldn’t have refused their generous hospitality. And so, in also spoke significantly of the debt that we, the living, owed “South of France. It was, in, oh, September-October of ‘44. place of a cold hotel room I went to Carl Hanson’s home— to Lieutenant Hanson and the thousands of his comrades. He was in a tank battalion, I think they called it, and his jeep a simple white house with small porches and gables, a huge The two-day rain had stopped when we left the chapel. hit one of those mines. Fellow with him was hurt pretty bad old-fashioned kitchen with a coal range side-by-side with We marched the half-mile to the cemetery though the streets but he pulled through. Ralph had fought all though Africa a spotless new electric stove, and a great square bedroom of Springvale—the American Legion escort, the color guard, and Italy and got hit once, but went right back when he got (for me) filled with old and lovely furniture. It was this sort and the firing squad from the Maine National Guard ac- out of the hospital.” “I noticed his mother was alone. Is she a of house that Ralph had grown up in, that sort of kitch- companied us. At the request of Mrs. Hanson, I preceded the widow?” I asked. “Yes, she is,” he said, “and that’s mighty sad en in which he had watched his mother bake pies or fry hearse, which was flanked by Ralph’s boyhood friends. The too. Mr. Hanson just died here this winter and the funeral was doughnuts during the long Maine winters. sun glimmered momentarily as the bugler sounded taps and just a few weeks ago. You see, in Maine the ground freezes That night, before retiring, I sat with Carl and Har- Lieutenant Ralph Hanson sank slowly to his final resting solid and when a person passes we have to keep them in a riet (Mr., Mrs., and Captain sounded too formal in such place. The folded flag which I presented to his wife was just a vault until spring. This is going to be pretty hard on the Han- a homey atmosphere). We ate homemade cake and talked. symbol, a few square yards of colored bunting, but I felt I was sons, coming so close afterward. Still it’s a comfort to them, They showed me pictures of Ralph, a handsome second handing her the gratitude of a nation. I told her so and hoped knowing he’s home again.” lieutenant with a square jaw and winning smile, fresh from she knew the truth of it. We came into the town of Sanford, of which Spring- officer’s school at Fort Knox. Then there was another pic- The rain had started again when I returned to North Ber- vale is a part. It was an old town, quiet and dignified, with ture of him with Betty, whom he had met when they were wick and it slashed against the windows of the coach as we old houses, large trees, and spacious lawns. It was a sturdy both in college, taken after their marriage at Fort Knox. slid rapidly towards Boston. In looking back over my trip my town, as typical of Maine as oven-baked beans, as typical of We talked for an hour or two, mostly about Ralph. We strongest feeling was that I had made several friends, not the America as the people who make it up—hard-working, in- talked about the things he enjoyed, like clam cakes and boiled least of whom was one whose voice I would never hear. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 23 Doc Suture’s Ghosts By James Lincoln Collier Doc Suture turned over another page of the stamp catalogue. “Okay,” I said finally. Ordinarily, I don’t like to bother Doc Su- “Do I tell the pharmacist I need something ture about simple illnesses like the sniffles for a cold, a cough, the sneezles, or what?” or a sunburn, but the six-year-old was “You should have said so in the first whooping like a crane, so I turned up at place. Drink a lot of fluids and get plenty Doc Suture’s office. He gave the child a of rest. ” cursory glance. “These things go away in I cleared my throat. “Actually, it isn’t me time,” he said. “I’m awfully busy at the who’s sick, it’s the kid. He’s got a terrible moment. I’ve just seen a three-cent Tas- cough.” manian blue with the dog printed upside “You should have said that in the first down. They want one hundred fifty thou- place. How do you expect me to help if I’m sand, but I said that my patients don’t have diagnosing the wrong person?” that kind of money.” “Sorry. I thought I made that clear.” “Yes,” I said. “I understand. I don’t like “I’m not a soothsayer,” he snapped. “If to bother you with medical problems, but I you want a fortune-teller, go to a Gypsy. I thought perhaps a little anti-biotic—“ understand that some of them take Medi- MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY | COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY “Look,” he said, “We doctors aren’t wiz- care these days.” MOHS SURGERY | LASER SURGERY ards. You might try praying. A lot of my “I wasn‘t really thinking of seeing a Gypsy. patients find that appealing to the Higher I know some of them are very clever, but I Powers works.” thought that modern medicine might have Bay Ridge West Village ‘Oh, of course. A wonderful idea. But in a more scientific way of dealing with a kid’s 7901 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 67 Perry Street, NY NY 10014 the meanwhile—“ cough.” 718-491-5800 (t) 212-675-5847 (t) “Yes, yes, try the pharmacy, they’ve Doc Suture narrowed his eyes. “I’d be 718748-2151 (f) 212-675-7976 (f) got some stuff that’s good for this sort careful how you talk about Gypsies. Some of thing. You take six of them every four of their stuff isn’t as crazy as it seems. They hours , or four of them every six hours, I put a hex on one of my patients and his forget which.” He paused to glance at the hair turned orange. I had a heck of a time Ronald R. Brancaccio, M.D | Peter Saitta, D.O. six-year-old. “He’ll be collecting stamps getting rid of that hex. Finally I found Sherry H. Hsiung, M.D. | Lisa Gruson,M.D. | Anna Karp, D.O. himself pretty soon. Bring him around and something that worked—a bird’s nest dis- perhaps I can help him out. ” solved in vinegar. I got it from Grimm’s “Yes, sure, that’ll certainly be helpful. Fairy Tales. Those old people knew a lot What do I ask the pharmacist for?” of stuff we’ve lost. You think there’s no “Ask for?” said Doc Suture, turning over such thing as ghosts? Once I had a patient a page of the stamp catalogue. “What kind come in who I knew for a fact had been of a question is that? Ask for the stuff that’s dead for two years. He was carrying his good for what the kid’s got.” head under his arm. He wanted me to sew “I mean, does it have a name?” the head back on. Of course I refused to do “Of course,” he said. All these things it. Ghosts don’t have Medicare.” have names. How do you think they’re go- I looked at the six-year-old. He looked Do You Need Home Care? ing to market the stuff if it doesn’t have a back at me and nodded his head. “Doctor name? You should have been able to figure Suture,” I said. “I see you’re kind of busy that out. How long as it been since you today. Maybe if we came back another Continuity Home Health Care were in the third grade?” time?” I cleared my throat. “I just thought it He looked up from the stamp catalogue. would be helpful if I could tell the phar- “Yes, that’s a god idea. Take two aspirins, macist the name.” and if it doesn’t clear up, call the pharma- Where Healing Continues... “He’ll know,” the doctor said. “It’s prob- cist. He”ll know.” A licensed home care agency providing ably in some book they have. They have health care services, both professional big books full of the names of these things. James Lincoln Collier, a regular contributor and paraprofessional, for individuals I’ve been thinking of getting one myself. of humor pieces to WestView, is an American living at home since 1996. You wouldn’t want to give the wrong stuff journalist, professional musician, and author to somebody. You could get into a lot of of non-fiction books for adult readers and trouble that way.” fiction books for children. Call Tim Ferguson at (212) 625-2547 or drop in to 121 West 11th Street opposite PS 41 The WestView Family Join We accept most private WRITE  Share some of your your hard-won knowledge and wisdom. insurances EDIT Use your skills to make WestView clearer and sharper. and private pay.

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CALL 212.924.5718 or email [email protected] 24 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org WestView News Celebrates Women’s Scientific Accomplishments— Part II: Ada Lovelace By John Early a blockbuster translation from the French, but with much much more. Really! With Cautioned about her father’s “most strange her “Notes by the Translator”, this was the and dreadful history,” Ada, Countess sensation of 1843. If for no other reason, Lovelace “declared that she could relate to this translation is why Lytton Strachey her father’s defiance of authority.” Refer- should have included her in his book, Em- ring to his “misused genius,” she wrote to inent Victorians. A.A.L. was the genius her mother, “If he has transmitted to me who pushed through and significantly im- any portion of that genius, I would use it proved upon, the work begun by Babbage. to bring out great truths and principles. I Technically, Babbage was the first computer think he has bequeathed this task to me. programmer; but, as Dr. Hannah Fry noted in THE LAST SURVIVING REMNANT OF LITTLE SPAIN: La Nacional’s mission is to offer a I have this feeling strongly, and there is a her BBC program, A.A.L. was not only the classic and inventive Spanish cuisine in an inviting neighborhood setting. Photo courtesy pleasure attending it.” 1 first published computer programmer, but she of La Nacional. So much for any suspicion of low self- understood how to unlock the full potential esteem or false modesty. Ada, using the of a computing machine. She discerned that La Nacional, Celebrating Little Spain acronym A.A.L., was highborn, very intel- it could be far more than a calculator. In the ligent, beautiful, tutored by the best and future, she foresaw that music and art, to name By Eleanor Cole quality cuisine at prices for all to enjoy. It’s brightest, and she married well. On the two fields, could actually be produced, and that a project by the community, for the benefit downside, she had mood swings and fragile there was the potential to change the world. On June 15th, in anticipation of its 150th of the community. health, with periods of mysterious illness. I do not know if she was prescient enough anniversary, La Nacional-Spanish Benevo- The society’s founders, who came from A.A.L. inherited Lord Byron’s tendency to to consider any Frankensteinian—to coin a lent Society will inaugurate its community different parts of Spain, wanted to estab- excess: extreme risk-taking like gambling word—aspects to these future discoveries, restaurant. The last surviving remnant of lish a social center where all Spanish im- on horses, lovers—that sort of thing. Syd- but we do know that A.A.L.—much more the once vibrant community known as migrants could find the support that they ney Padua, author of The Thrilling Adven- so that Babbage—was on the very brink of Little Spain, La Nacional was the cultural, needed from compatriot residents in New tures of Lovelace and Babbage, believed her a new age of discovery. Theirs was a hugely charitable and spiritual center for the Span- York. The Society became the focal point to have been bipolar. Nevertheless, she ful- fruitful joining together, a marriage of science ish and Hispanic community. The renova- for Spaniards who needed to find housing, filled the expected early Victorian marital and romanticism. Babbage had the hardware, tion, funded almost entirely by donations, employment and health care. La Nacional duty of producing the requisite heir and a but A.A.L. gave birth to the software. has transformed the space—providing for continues to be a vital part of the communi- spare, with a mare in there somewhere. Monetary success in this very worthwhile a stylish and contemporary makeover with ty. While the numbers of immigrants have A.A.L.’s mathematician mother discour- endeavor, unfortunately, was not to befall ei- a nod to the history and tradition of the dwindled, the Society remains committed aged reading poetry while encouraging ther one of them during their lifetimes. Society. to its mission, “to promote, encourage and studies in math. Ada must, however, have Babbage and Lovelace had cemented The nonprofit has teamed up with some spread the spirit of fraternity and solidarity curled up with Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. the firm foundation of the house, but had of the top culinary institutes in Spain, among Spanish and Hispanic-American Even at an early age, she was sufficiently not counted the rest of the cost. This was sponsoring the visas of the country’s top residents of this country”. La Nacional is insightful to ask the right questions. Her not really the fault of either of them. Sim- chefs to create in our kitchen. The society still used by members and neighborhood beloved father had defended the Luddites ply put, the spirit of the times was not yet provides each chef with an apartment in associations for a wide range of educational and the parts of the classical past that he ready for them. Babbage was no fundraiser. their brownstone to draw inspiration from events highlighting the cultural vitality of liked; A.A.L., while cherishing his mem- While A.A.L. offered her considerable La Nacional’s past and establish a culinary this area: art exhibits, film series, concerts, ory, was looking, with astonishingly clear talents in that regard, she was rejected. epicenter in New York City for Spanish theatrical performances, readings, lectures, eyes, into the far future. Thereafter, possible depression, cash flow food. The mission of the restaurant is to private parties, wine tastings, flamenco and Charles Babbage, father figure and men- problems, risky behavior, including tak- offer a classic and inventive Spanish cui- tango classes. La Nacional not only brings tor, was the inventor of both the Difference ing opiates to relieve her health problems, sine in an inviting neighborhood setting. together Spaniards, but also other Spanish Engine and the Analytical Engine. Regard- gambling and losing at horse racing—all As owners of the space, and in adherence and English speakers who share the same ing the latter, Isaacson again: “Babbage’s led to a decline in her health. Ada died of to its mission, the society plans to offer top enthusiasm and confraternity for Spain. new idea, which he conceived in 1834, [my uterine cancer at age 36, the same age Lord note: just in time for A.A.L.] was a general Byron had been when he died. purpose computer that could carry out a va- My own opinion is that she had far sur- riety of different operations based on pro- passed her father. Her last wish to be bur- gramming instructions given to it. It could ied next to her father. Even A.A.L.’s for- perform one task, then be used to switch midable still-living mother could not stop and perform another. It could even tell it- that from happening. self to switch tasks—or alter its ‘pattern of Nearly one hundred years after her action,’ as Babbage explained—based on groundbreaking 1843 work, A.A.L was its own interim calculations… He was one rediscovered by Alan Turing. Her founda- hundred years ahead of his time.” 2 tional work was instrumental in further- Babbage was brilliant, but, like some in- ing his own work and that of the famous ventive minds, not as good at people skills. women scientists at Bletchley Park. Ada, For one thing, he failed to write it down for Countess Lovelace, helped win the war. public consumption. Fortunately, when he Fast-forward to 2018: air traffic control- was in Italy to address the Congress of Ital- lers in the U.K. are using formulas begun ian Scientists, one of his hearers was Captain by A.A.L. Luigi Menabrea, a young military engineer. What an extraordinary life. Ada was a Menabrea, assisted by Babbage, published in savant and detail-oriented multitasker. Par- French a detailed description of the machine. don my superlatives, but: What a woman! And this is where A.A.L. comes in. Not 1: Walter Isaacson, The Innovators, page 16. unlike Wonder Woman. A.A.L. produced 2: Ibid., pages 22-23. Concerts at St. John’s Enjoy These Summer Musical Events at St. John’s in the Village, 220 West 11th Street

Thursday July 12, 7:30 pm Sunday July 22, 1 pm Woman of Heart & Mind Chantbank & Rattlestick Theater The Music of Joni Mitchell 1968-1974 Community Singalong Hannah Reimann, vocals, piano & dulcimer Michele Temple, guitar & vocals This event is hosted by Chant Bank, a group of artists and activists who came together shortly after the 2016 election looking to multiply ways to use collective singing and chanting to sustain us, embolden us, and also generate joy to fuel our long term resistance. This event is ADA accessible, and kids are welcome. All you need to do is show up and join in!! It is preceded by a community 11am Hymn-Fest & Lunch: great old-time favorite hymns sung in harmony (no experi- ence necessary) at a service ending in lunch (free) in St John’s garden courtyard, which then segues into the Singalong. (Service is Episcopal but those of all faiths and of none are welcome). Admission is free. Wednesday July 25, 7:30 pm: Bach Double Violin Concerto and more Co-presented with the Foundation for the Revival of Classical Culture (www.ffrcc.org) , this concert of music from the Baroque to the Romantic periods, featuring students from the Juliard School, is h a fund-raiser for the children’s Music & Science summer program running in St John’s in August this year. For tickets, go to stjvny.org Tuesday July 31, 7 pm Songs for A Summer Evening Featuring tenor Richard Symons (Mannes School of Music) and pianist Amir Farid (Juliard School) this concert of classic songs by Hannah Reimann Cole Porter, George Gershwin, Jerome Kern, and others is a fund- Multi-genre artist Hannah Reimann’s retrospective of the early raiser for Ads-Up (ads-up.org), a charity assisting refugees being hits of iconic and influential Joni Mitchell with collaborator, Mi- resettled in the USA from Australian refugee centres. chele Temple. Enjoy the enchanting melodies in a delightful air-conditioned Reimann will read selections from the new bestselling biogra- space, with champagne reception at in a de-lovely hidden courtyard phy Reckless Daughter: A Portrait of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe during intermission. Concert in aid of Ads-Up (ads-up.org) assisting and perform Mitchell’s songs from her rich 1968-1974 period in refugees recently re-settled in the USA. Tickets $25; to purchase, go their original keys. to stjvny.org Interval includes drinks in the courtyard garden. Tickets $20; to purchase, go to stjvny.org

Sunday July 15, 11 am Gregorian Chant for St. Benedict Benedictine monk Brother Josép of Holy Cross Monastery (West Park NY) visits the Village to speak on spirituality, retreats, and the renewed interest in monasticism, mindfulness, and meditation. Gregorian chant, music unchanged since before the year 800 AD, in Latin from the Missale and the Graduale, forms the timeless music of the service at which he presents, participants also getting to sing plainsong hymnody. Lunch (free) with Br Josép follows in St Benedict’s Courtyard. (Episcopal service to which those of all faiths and of none are welcome). Richard Symons Amir Farid 26 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Maggie B’s Quick Clicks WORLD PREMIERE SCREENING

FREE! BIKE HELMET FITTING AND DISTRIBUTION EVENT, SATURDAY, JUNE 9TH, proclaimed the mailing from Council Speaker Corey Johnson. And, sure enough, by midday a cheery mob had gathered on the triangle at Sixth Avenue and Greenwich Avenue to accept the generous offer American Tap Directed by Mark Wilkinson Friday July 20 8:45 pm Film Society of Lincoln Center/ Walter Reade Theater Dance on Camera 46 165 West 65th Street

Make America Great Again? This slogan has left most of us pondering “When ex- actly was that?” It is, in fact, a catch-all phrase designed to coerce the listener into envisioning their own “greatest time” and, in turn, pine for it. But, as with most dreamy thoughts, upon closer inspection, it wasn’t truly as great as remembered. Left to our own devices, rose-colored glasses shield our eyes from a good deal of the truth of our past. And so it is, with American history. And so it is with tap dance. What comes to mind when most think of tap dance is something far from the complete story. Unbeknownst to most casual fans, like America, it was built on the backs of poor immigrants and African-American slaves. One thing that defines us as Americans is that we are survivors. The sheer courage it takes to leave one’s fam- ily and homeland and board (or be imprisoned on) a ship for over a month to create with attendees of all ages participating. a new life in a wholly unknown land is hard to fathom in a culture that can preview every step of their journey on an iPhone and a Google map. Those pioneers, those forced migrants, used their feet to tell their story. Inspired by the tap dancers who frequent the jazz haunts of the West Village (including footage from Small’s and Fat Cat) American Tap is a fascinating, toe- tapping dance into the past. Text by Tanya Perez. Photo by Mark Wilkinson

VIEWS BY SUZE 50 + years in Greenwich Village See Views by Suze at Bonsignour Café Jane Street and Eighth Avenue 917-686-6542 and tho’ not everyone enjoyed the experience, [email protected] 9/11 continued from page 23 East Village Mural

Music at St Veronica Concerts will resume in September, as the church has no air conditioning. Stay tuned for more information on the September concert. fortunately most people appreciated the young helper with the mirror showing them how sharp they looked in their new headgear. All photos by Maggie Berkvist. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 27

Broadway Babes Bette & Bernadette: The Saga of Hello Dolly and Big Bucks Broadway

By Robert Heide Bette Midler returns in Hello Dolly on July 17th in one of the best musicals ever to grace Broadway. Midler won the best ac- tress Tony Award in June, 2017 for her right-on performance as Dolly Levi, a role originally portrayed by the incredible Car- ol Channing when the musical first opened in January 1964. Other “Dollies” followed Channing on the Great White Way, including Betty Grable and Ginger Rogers, as well as show- stopper performances by Ethel Merman and Pearl Bailey. The current show, directed by Jerry Zaks, with music by Jerry Her- man and a book by Michael Stewart, has had critical acclaim and it was said that it has sold $30 million in tickets so far. New York Magazine cites Midler in the show as “a once in a lifetime Dolly.” Midler starred in 24 Hollywood movies; and one of my fa- vorites was The Rose based on the short life of the rock super- star Janis Joplin. The fine actor Fred Forrest, who began his BROADWAY BABES: Bernadette Peters (left) and Bette Midler (right) in the stunning red Dolly Levi costumes designed by career at La Mama ETC in the East Village, played the love Santo Loquasto for Hello Dolly. Photos courtesy of DKC/O&M. interest to perfection. Both Fred and Bette received Academy Award nominations for The Rose. A young Bette first acted on peared at the age of 16 in Dames at Sea at the Caffe Cino in the movie version of Annie based on the comic character Broadway in Fiddler on the Roof in 1967. As a live performer, 1966. Dames became a big hit there and again later found Little Orphan Annie. she began to belt out songs with Barry Manilow pounding success off-Broadway. After Dames, she was cast by Robert Bernadette concludes her scheduled and acclaimed engage- the ivories at the Continental Baths, a gay sex club for men in Dahdah (the director of Dames) in a show he wrote and ment Sunday, July 15th. From Tuesday, July 17th until the 1970. Developing a wide following of gay customers, Midler’s directed entitled Curly McDimple, a take-off musical based conclusion of this historic Hello Dolly at the Shubert Theatre act landed on Broadway where it broke records at the Palace on Shirley Temple films. In it, she took on the role of movie on Saturday, August 25, 2018 Bette Midler will take back Theatre. The widely acclaimed musical revue Clams on the star Alice Faye. Broadway followed and Peters appeared in the role of Dolly Levi. The show will begin its National Tour Half Shell at the Minskoff followed suit. Her recording singles shows like George M, Mack and Mabel, Annie Get Your Gun in Cleveland at the Connor Palace on Playhouse Square on and albums were hot sellers with Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, orig- and the Steven Sondheim musicals Sunday in the Park with October 2, 2018 starring the legendary, Tony Award winning inally a top 78 rpm in the 1940s from the Andrews Sisters, George and Into the Woods and in a revival of Follies. When Betty Buckley. becoming her biggest hit. Peters sang the song Losing My Mind on the night I saw it, When Bette had to leave Dolly for a film, she suggested the audience stood up shouting “Bravo!” Her record albums Robert Heide is the author, most recently, of Robert Heide 25 that Bernadette Peters would be perfect to take on the Dolly have all been top-sellers in the marketplace and her films Plays selling at the Drama Bookshop, Three Lives in the Village, Gallagher Levi part. Peters, now a seasoned star, first ap- include Pennies from Heaven, with Steve Martin, as well as at the Whitney Museum and online at Amazon.com. Celebrating Tom O’Horgan at La MaMa E.T.C. By John Gilman European tour was shown. Live performances included a read- ing by Marilyn Roberts of Leonard Melfi’sTimes Square origi- On Saturday June 16 LaMaMa E.T.C. celebrated the life and nally directed by Tom O’Horgan and a tribute to O’Horgan career of the late Tom O’Horgan at the Ellen Stewart The- by Beth Porter read by Mari-Claire Charba. atre at 66 East 4th Street. O’Horgan was famous for his di- Long ago, Playwright Robert Heide and I used to go to rection of Hair on Broadway as well as Jesus Christ Superstar Tom O’s wild parties at his gigantic 13th Street loft, with and Lenny. The acclaimed musical Hair had a book and lyrics music, loads of food and drink, and many wonderful celeb- by James Rado and Gerome Ragni with music provided by rities. Once met Susan Strasberg and listened to her tale of Galt McDermott. Jesus Christ Superstar had music by Andrew Marilyn Monroe who was always borrowing her cashmere Lloyd Weber. This Coffeehouse Chronicles #148 was curated sweaters and returning them stretched out of shape and un- by Michal Gamily. As well as honoring Mr. O’Horgan, the washed. Part II began with a panel composed of Jim Rado, place was abuzz with a kind of frenzied joy as LaMaMa had Marc Cohen, O’Horgan’s long-time companion, Futz pro- just won a Regional Theatre Tony Award. The coveted award ducer Albert Poland and others and reminiscences of their HONORING TOM O’HORGAN: (left to right) Marilyn Joan was accepted at Radio City Music Hall by LaMaMa’s Artistic personal and creative experiences with the famed director by Roberts, Mari-Claire Charba, and Jacque Lynn Colton in a Director Mia Yoo. staged reading of Lanford Wilson’s This is the Rill Speaking. members of various productions of Hair. This was all followed The ‘Coffeehouse’ event was hosted by Suki Weston and Photo by Roger Lazoff. by live performances by James Rado and the Hair tribe includ- began with a testimonial talk given by the playwright Paul ing Marjorie Lipari, Antwayn Hopper, A.D. Andy Coughlan Foster. Foster, one of the original founders of LaMaMa in Europe including the Scandinavian countries. Tom O’Horgan and others singing Hippie Life, The Flesh Failures (Let the 1961 who also functioned there in its beginnings as President, was on board for these successful and influential LaMaMa Sunshine In) and This is the Dawning of the Age of Aquar- with the astounding Ellen Stewart being the proprietor of tours. On this night the actresses Mari-Claire Charba, Jacque ius as well as highlights from Superstar including Heaven on the theatre. Supporting players in those formative years in- Lynn Colton and Marilyn Joan Roberts gave a stupendous Their Minds—performed by Jared Weiss as Judas, What’s cluded Jim Moor and Dr. Paul Kranfeld as well as Jules and reading of Pulitzer Prize winner Lanford Wilson’s early work the Buzz and Strange Things Mystifying. This Coffeehouse Ann Weiss. Paul Foster, the writer of Tom Paine which ran for This is the Rill Speaking. Excerpts from the 1969 film version Chronicles, which began in 2005 as a free educational per- years off Broadway also wrote Elizabeth I for Broadway. At of Rochelle Owens’ Futz—the play was first performed by the formance series founded by Chris Kapp exploring the history the Caffe Cino Off Off Broadway I was first captivated by his Troupe and directed by O’Horgan at LaMaMa—in which and development of Off-Off Broadway, will be a hard one to wildly experimental play Balls. Sally Kirkland (later nominated for an Academy Award for surpass for its sheer entertainment value. Many, many thanks In Part I of the evening we got to see and hear three mem- Anna) rides bareback and in the nude on a huge for-real pig. to the staff and crew of LaMaMa for this ongoing contribu- bers of the original LaMaMa Troupe that performed all over Boxiganga, another filmed excerpt of the La MaMa Troupe’s tion to Village lore. 28 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

Theater Review: Conflict When Words and Honor Mattered Farewell to the stop with the laugh, but sees it through a step further. Queen of Pasta Take when Lady Dare’s father, Lord Bellingdon (Graeme Malcolm), holds to his very delightful, very exceptional pasta. Very high ideals when chatting with the liberal anti-Ronzoni. Also, pasta sauces; wonder- Labour party candidate Tim Smith ( Jeremy ful, unimaginably delicious pasta sauces like Beck), who was once very down and out. pesto, mushroom, and red sauce. So the LORD BELLINGDON: There are whole neighborhood trooped in, causing a some things that a gentleman, wherever he bit of a funereal traffic jam. Peter from the comes from — I’m not talking from any coffee shop next door came in with his wife. A TIMELY GEM: Jeremy Beck and Jessie class feeling — won’t do; to beg and to “If someone from the pork store or Otto- Shelton in Conflict by Miles Malleson. Photo steal are two of them. I should prefer that manelli’s comes in, there’ll be a food troika by Todd Cerveris. he’d rather starve. here,” my husband observed. Frances Il- SMITH: I should like to hear you repeat luzzi was there. A lot of the people there By Eric Uhlfelder that after you’d tried starving. had deep roots in the community. Adriana, LORD BELLINGDON: Oh, I might who works in Raffetto’s, came in, flustered. Are we totally responsible for our lot in fail myself if it came to it. I don’t feel I The recent events had thrown her for a loop. life? Or can circumstances be so extreme should. Still, those are my standards. And “Everyone came in to the store,” she said, as to make a mess of the strongest wills? if I did fail I should be damned ashamed. when they saw the signs in the window. Who is lucky enough to be forgiven; who SMITH: How do you know that I’m not? Mrs. Raffetto lay in the coffin, very quiet. is fortunate enough to get a second chance? We get a glimpse of where the play is We will not go to the mass for her in Our Where does lasting sustenance come from? heading when Lady Dare and her father be- ANOTHER PILLAR IN THE VILLAGE MAKE- Lady of Pompeii because we are Jewish, and a These are just several of the many real gin discussing politics, probably for the first UP IS GONE: Romana Raffetto, above, had little superstitious about things like that. Raf- themes explored in the Mint Theater’s time in their lives. Until she met the Labour a very nice, pleasant life, with trips to Italy, fetto’s will still be open beginning June 6th. latest production, Conflict, far more than candidate who’s opposing her beau, Dare where her family was from. Photo by Mag- The store will continue, as it has since 1906, gie Berkvist. the comedy the British playwright, Miles never had cause to think of such matters. thanks to careful planning, a cooperative Malleson, purported it to be. LADY DARE: Why do people belong By Jane Heil Usyk family, and owning the building. But another Resurrected by the Mint’s artistic direc- to the Labour Party? pillar in the Village makeup is gone. tor Jonathan Mint more than 90 years after LORD BELLINGDON: Envy... you’ve Just got out of Perazzo’s, where Mrs. Raf- Someone else died on May 25th: our Conflict opened in London, this is the US only got to look at the things they propose. fetto was lying in state. It was the center of neighbor, Mary Ortini. But I didn’t hear premier of this virtually unknown play. It’s A lot of thieves and robbers. Village life today; half the Village came in about her death until recently, so I missed a timely gem, so on point it could’ve been LADY DARE: Don’t you think you while we were there on Monday. her viewing. Then, I found out she didn’t written today. may be a little bit prejudiced? We all said she was lucky to have died the have one. Another instance of someone Conflict is classic theater: terrific char- LORD BELLINGDON: I dare say. I way she did; as her son Andrew said, she was strong as a horse, working until almost her acter-driven, thought-provoking dialogue hope so. If a man’s got an open mind he sick for five days. “We were all going to Ar- last day, helping her older neighbors, and and compelling acting, choreographed can’t keep anything in it. turo’s for my daughter’s birthday; I asked my going out quickly and quietly. Our super, within a beautiful stage set and seamless MRS. TREMAYNE (friend of Lady mother if she wanted to come with us. She Kole, told us Mary was 92—amazing. We direction by Jenn Thompson that builds Dare): If what you say is true, it’s a depress- said no, she didn’t feel so well. She was sick saw her on Mother’s Day with another tension across the two-hour production ing thought. for three days—she had little strokes, and her neighbor, all dressed up, although she was that flies by. Conflict is pitch-perfect. LORD BELLINGDON: It may be; tumor got twice the size—we started talking not a mother. Mary told a friend the day The plot centers around a young, well- I’m not going to let it depress me. about hospice on the third day, and the fourth before she died that she had a few pains in to-do couple (Lady Dare Bellington MRS. TREMAYNE: At least a third of day we stopped talking about hospice because her chest area. The friend said, “Well, we’ll played by Jessie Shelton and Major Sir our countrymen are thieves and robbers. she was declining so fast. Then, on the fifth wait until tomorrow. If it still hurts, maybe Ronald Clive by Henry Clarke). Ronald LADY DARE: A very unpatriotic day, she died. It’s good in one way because she we’ll go to the doctor. But by “tomorrow,” is passionate about marrying Lady Dare as thought! didn’t hang around a long time, sick. And, of she was dead. She was always working. well as running for Parliament as a conser- Perhaps the most provocative scene is the course, I didn’t have to worry a lot; there was When she “retired,” she started looking for vative Tory. The Lady just wants to have brief interlude between the landlady Mrs. no time. But we were all shocked.” jobs in the farmer’s markets, selling veg- fun without any commitments except to Robinson (Amelia White), who runs a mod- Even people like me, who just shopped at etables. And she volunteered to go shopping enjoying her family’s wealth. est boarding house and Smith, who is lodged Raffetto’s, were shocked. I’d seen her sit- with ladies who needed help and were alone. But then a stranger comes who causes there. Despite the candidate’s polite efforts to ting in her appointed spot a week before. It She never stopped—until she stopped. the threads that bind the couple to fray. inform her about the issues at stake, she sees was at the front of the store, across from the I sit on the same bench Mary occupied The play is rich in irony and wit, as well no difference between the left and right, not cash register. I didn’t wave; I merely noted for years. She won’t need it anymore. It’s a as in ideas about wealth and poverty—who trusting the lot of them, suggesting the chal- that she was sitting there in her white phar- good bench, on a corner, with an excellent is deserving of help, and when should the lenge of getting some poorer folks to discern macist’s outfit, and all was right on Hous- view of everyone and everything. status quo be questioned, especially if it which politician is more on their side. ton Street. But that must have been the The Raffetto family had buttons made. fails to address the needs of the vast major- The playwright mused a half a century last time she sat there; a week later, I saw Michael took a photo of the button with ity of society who are barely getting by. ago, “Sometimes it seems drama is such a the announcement of her death in the win- her smiling likeness on it and put it up It’s helpful to keep in mind when the play passing business. A performance is given, dow. Everyone was shocked. All the people on Facebook, with a message: “Romana was written (c. 1925)--just several years af- a picture screened then probably forgotten. around me on the street were shocked. Raffetto, R.I.P.” I think she will. Mary, too. ter the cataclysm of World War I and the Only occasionally do you hear that some- So on Monday, June 4th, we went to Russian Revolution, which brought the thing is remembered, and then you feel you Perazzo’s when the viewing started. There Jane Heil Usyk has written over a hundred concept of Socialism to the fore. Malleson may have added a little to the knowledge were pictures of her life; she had a very magazine articles in magazines such as Vogue, deftly debates issues of the “Roaring ‘20s,” about the stuff of life.” nice, pleasant life, with trips to Italy, where Cosmo, Glamour, Family Circle, Playgirl and many of which remain front and center to- Thanks to Jonathan Bank for remem- her family was from in Asolo, outside of Fitness. She also wrote a book, “Silence, Story- day. And he does this in a sublime way bering Malleson. Venice. She married Mr. Raffetto, and telling, and Madness: Strategies of Resistance that sustains drama with humor that keeps seemed to be very much in love. They had in Nuyorican and Other Latina Women’s the story from turning pedantic. Conflict runs through July 21st at The Beck- two sons, who both work in the business. Coming-of-Age Stories,” which was published Dialogue works so well because when ett Theater at Theater Row, 410 West 42nd The business, in case you live on Mars, in 2013. She was an editor of Fitness Maga- Malleson makes a clever point, he doesn’t Street. Minttheater.org is pasta. Very good, very tasty, very fresh, zine and an editorial assistant at Vogue. www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 29 West Village Original: Two Village Institutions Vincent Livelli Show There’s More That

hall called the Park Plaza in East Harlem where the house orchestra was called The Unites Us Than Divides Us Happy Boys. “I would go and hang out By Joe Salas how long they have lived in the neighbor- there,” he says. “They thought I was a cop hood and what it used to be like. because I was taller than anyone else! One A pen-pal program between members at Each response seemed to strengthen the night they asked me why I didn’t dance Greenwich House’s Center on the Square intergenerational bond. The students and and I replied that I didn’t know how. I Senior Center and the kindergarten and seniors liked the same sports teams. They couldn’t even dance the Fox Trot back first graders at Village Community School both liked to read. They liked to dance. then. So a heavy woman named Estella (VCS) has shown that despite decades of They enjoyed relaxing in the same park. took me out on the floor and that was the differences, life in the Village can still be a They got ice cream from the same parlors. first step I took into the world of dancing. uniting factor. “It really closed the gap between people I went on to teach Latin dancing—bolero, Joan Silinsh was born in Mexico City and so young and us seniors,” said Silinsh. “I merengue, tango, rumba—all over Miami briefly lived in Texas until the early 1960’s, think it really helped show that us seniors in the 1940s. I had ended up there from when a publishing career at McGraw Hill are active, viable community members, just attending the University of Miami. It was brought her to New York. For 56 years, she like them,” she continued. easy to find work because all the hotels has lived in the same apartment just south The pen-pals were more than just let- had to have a Latin dance team. Every- of Houston Street, where she has seen her ter writers though. In February, they ex- body wanted to learn it. From there it was just a step to teaching dance on cruise ships and eventually I graduated to cruise director.” What was it about the life of cruising on ships that appealed to Livelli? “I like to say that it’s ‘yoga afloat’,” he replies. “When you’re on a ship you’re calmly moving in “I WOULD CALL IT ‘DIVINE MUSIC’—MU- a way you don’t normally do. While the SIC FROM OUTER SPACE.” Vincent Livelli, above, was drawn to Cuban music because feeling on land is hurly-burly, on the sea of its drumbreats. Photo credit © Joel it’s extraordinarily calm. You’re also eat- Gordon 2018 - All rights reserved. ing beautiful food and you’re surrounded by pure air. If you can stand the boredom, By Michael D. Minichiello it’s a wonderful life!” He laughs. “I stood it because the job provided me with comfort, This month’s West Village Original is Vin- money, food, commissions from merchants, cent Livelli, born in Brooklyn in 1920, bap- and romance, which meant dancing under tized at St. Anthony’s on Sullivan Street, and the stars. That sort of life is exquisite. I also raised in Greenwich Village. A former profes- felt I was there to make people happy be- sional dancer, he held jobs as cruise director cause without happiness what is life?” on ships for over 20 years where he pioneered By the time he retired, Livelli had sailed the growth of on-ship entertainment. Despite on 64 ships, been around the world, and being hearing impaired since he was a child, visited 60 countries. “I went on the untrod- Livelli also learned five languages which, den path before there was one!” he says. DESPITE DECADES OF DIFFERENCES, LIFE IN THE VILLAGE CAN STILL BE A UNITING not surprisingly, he claims was a great asset “The ships started to grow in size and FACTOR: Students at VCS presented their senior pen pals with a quilt documenting their during his career. He currently lives on Perry amenities, too. My first ship—theSS Do- shared experiences. Photo by Laura Marceca. Street. minicana, which did winter cruises out of Miami—wasn’t even air-conditioned. At far west side neighborhood, and neighbors, changed Valentine’s Day cards. Later, the As a child growing up in Greenwich Vil- the end of my career ships were many times change. students visited the senior center to sing lage, Vincent Livelli had to overcome bigger and offered all sorts of entertain- Once industrial corners have come to life songs for the center members. a hearing impairment that neither his ment, much of it thanks to me. I think I with cafes, galleries and restaurants. Dock The intergenerational relationship culmi- family nor teachers were equipped to had a beautiful life and that’s why I’m able workers and squatting artists have given nated with a visit by the seniors to VCS at the handle. So he learned to be resourceful. to boast a little. Travel makes you happier way to a new wave of families, including end of the school year. The students present- “At night I would put the radio under my than anything else that I know.” many of those enrolled at VCS. ed the seniors with flowerpot center pieces to pillow and was able to absorb the music Livelli wonders if he’s “not a true Vil- At VCS, students live their learning brighten up the lunchroom at the senior cen- while lying down in bed,” he says. “My lager” because he left for many years after though active experiences that make con- ter they’d earlier visited. Others participated father would say, ‘Shut that that damn high school, living abroad or on ships in- nections between their curriculum and the in an encore singing performance. For their thing off, I’m trying to go to sleep!,’ but stead. But since settling back down here, world they live in. For kindergarten and first part, the seniors talk to the students, read to I was married to the radio. Because of he’s changed his mind. “It’s where my heart graders in Social Studies class learning about them, and, of course, answered more ques- my impairment, it was easier for me to is,” he admits. “I actually find the Village different type of communities—the home, tions about life in the Village. absorb drumbeats and that’s why I was more exciting and interesting than in the the school, the neighborhood—that meant “This isn’t busy work,” said a VCS staff drawn to Cuban music. I felt touched by old days, when it was just rough. Now we engaging with their own school community. member. “We want this to be meaningful the drums. I would call it ‘divine music’: have all these well-dressed actors, mod- In January, each class began a pen-pal to the seniors and the students. We espe- music from outer space. That’s because els and show business people living along relationship with a senior from Greenwich cially want to help the children see that ev- sound waves never die. Light waves these expensive streets. We’ve also be- House’s Center on the Square Senior Cen- eryone, including seniors, are a vital part of diminish, but sound waves have been come very polite. We didn’t used to be that ter, including Joan Silinsh. Writing col- the community.” known by scientists to exist forever.” way when we didn’t have tourists in the lectively over several exchanges, the classes Judging by the reaction of both groups, This early exposure to Cuban rhythm neighborhood. Now it’s full of them. You asked their senior pen-pal myriad ques- including one senior who was brought to and music would lead Livelli—as a young say “Greenwich Village” anywhere in the tions to get to know them—from what tears during the kids’ song performance, it man in the late 1930s—to a Cuban dance world these days and people know of it.” their favorite color and sports teams are to seems the program has worked. 30 WestView News July 2018 www.westviewnews.org

a past love with a former employee. friends who get together for a game JULY Starring Fred MacMurray, Barbara night, but get involved in a real-life Stanwyck and Joan Bennett. Jefferson mystery. Hudson Park Library, 66 EVENTS Market Library, 425 Sixth Avenue. Leroy Street. Free. by Stephanie Phelan of Free. westvillageword.com n Thursday July 12, 2 pm: Kinky MUSIC Boots A drag queen helps a man make n Friday July 6, 7 pm: Sunset on his shoe factory more successful. Hud- the Hudson Manhattan Samba will wv son Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. entertain at Hudson River Park, Pier w Free. 45 at Christopher Street. Free. for n Friday July 13, 8:30 pm: n Thursday July 12. 7:30 pm: WestView News Moana A 2016 computer-animated Hannah Reimann’s Woman of Heart musical adventure film about a girl & Mind The music of Joni Mitchell will who tries to save her Polynesian is- be performed by Hannah Reiman, who © Stephanie Phelan 2013 land. Pier 46 at Charles Street. Free. will read selections from the new bestsell- SPECIAL EVENTS n Monday July 16, 6 pm: ing biography Reckless Daughter: A Portrait CITYWIDE Richard III The classic Shakespearean of Joni Mitchell by David Yaffe and per- play about a murderously scheming king form Mitchell’s songs on piano and dul- n July 4, 9:20 pm: Macy’s YOU GEAUX, GIRL reimagined in a fascist England setting. Fireworks Alas, the fireworks will cimer with Michele Temple on guitar and Shasta Geaux Pop will bring a little Starring Ian McKellan and Annette once again be on the East River. The backing vocals. Interval includes drinks in off-color entertainment to the High Bening. Jefferson Market Library, 425 best places to watch are from 18th the courtyard garden at St. John’s in the Line on June 19. Street and Avenue C to 42nd Street Sixth Avenue. Free. Village, 224 Waverly Place at 11th Street. n Wednesday July 18, 8:30 pm: and the FDR Drive. Admission $20. Park, Pier 45 at Christopher Street. Coco A Disney Pixar film about a n Friday July 13, 7 pm: Sunset on n Sunday July 15, 1-4:45 pm: Free. young boy and his dream of becoming the Hudson Baby Soda band will Ginko, Dance and Haiku The Haiku n Tuesday July 31, 7 pm: Songs a musician. Fountain Plaza, Under the play at Hudson River Park, Pier 45 at Society of Anerica presents a Tanka for a Summer Evening Tenor Arch at Washington Square Park. Free. and Haiku writing walk in the library Christopher Street. Free. Richard Symons and pianist Amir n Thursday July 19, 2 pm: n garden, dance and Haiku on issues Friday July 6, 7 pm: Sunset on Farid will perform songs by Cole Everyone Says I Love You A 1996 facing America. There will be a writing the Hudson Jenna Kyle will enter- Porter, George Gershwin and others musical comedy by Woody Allen, contest with prizes. Jefferson Market tain at Hudson River Park, Pier 45 at in this fundraiser for Ads-Up (ads- starring alongside Julia Roberts, Alan Library, 425 Sixth Avenue. Free. Christopher Street. Free. up.org), a charity assisting refugees Alda, Drew Barrymore, Edward Nor- n n Friday July 20, 7 pm: Art Battle Sunday July 22, 1 pm: Chantbank being resettled in the USA from Aus- ton and more. Hudson Park Library, New York Twelve artists compete & Rattlestick Theater Community tralian refugee centers. Drinks in the 66 Leroy Street. Free. Singalong in timed rounds of live painting. The Artists and activists who courtyard garden during intermission. n Monday July 23, 6 pm: Broadway winners who are chosen by audience came together shortly after the 2016 Tickets $25; to purchase. go to stjvny. Danny Rose A 1984 Woody Allen vote move on to the Final Round with election, looking to use collective sing- org. St. John’s in the Village, 224 film where he stars along with Mia a chance to qualify for New York City ing and chanting to sustain us in fueling Waverly Place at 11th Street. Championships and ultimately the US Farrow. Jefferson Market Library, 425 our long term resistance. It is preceded and International Finals. It’s a wild Sixth Avenue. Free. by a community 11am Hymn-Fest — THEATER AND night, great music—paints flies and n Thursday July 26, 2 pm: The hymns sung in harmony (no experience PERFORMANCE masterpieces are created before your Thing A 1982 horror movie starring necessary) at a service ending in a free n Sunday July 8, 2-4 pm: NY eyes. Admission $15 in advance, $20 at Kurt Russel at Hudson Park Library, lunch in St John’s garden courtyard, Laughs A free comedy show at the door. To purchase, go to lpr.com. Le 66 Leroy Street. Free. The following Singalong Service is Garibaldi Plaza, Washington Square Poisson Rouge, 158 Bleecker Street. n Friday July 2, 8:30 pm: Episcopal but those of all faiths or none Park. Jumanji A movie about kids who are welcome. Kids are also welcome. St n Tuesday July 10-Thursday July KIDS/TEENS unleash danger while playing a magi- John’s in the Village, 224 Waverly Place 12, 7 pm: Uncle Rebus Will Rawls n Saturday July 28, 10 am- 1 pm: cal board game. Pier 46 at Charles at 11th Street. Free. gives a A choreographed meditation Sing! A family festival suited for tod- Street. Free. n Friday July 27, 7 pm: Sunset on on storytelling and the limits of writ- dlers and children up to the age of 12, n Saturday July 28, 2 pm: Game the Hudson The Chuck Braman Jazz ten speech at the High Line at 17th exploring changes through sound and Night A 2018 film about a group of Band will entertain at Hudson River Street. Free. space with music, architecture, signs, n Thursday July 19. 9-10 pm: and movement. The High Line between A GIRL ON A MISSION Shasta Geaux Pop This world- 15th and 16th Streets. Free, but regis- An Island Chief’s daughter has an important task, and seeks the help of renowned icon will perform with tration required; go to thehighline.org. Maui, a demigod, in the film Moana, at Pier 46 on July 13. rhymes, naughty topics and Hip=Hop. The High Line at 14th Street. Free, FILM bur reservations required; register at n Monday July 2, 6 pm: Double thehighline.org. Indemnity A Billy Wilder film from 1944 about an almost perfect crime, LITERATURE. starring Fred MacMurray and Barbara n Saturday July 14, 10:30 am: The Stanwyck. Jefferson Market Library, Sheltering Sky Paul Bowles’s book 425 Sixth Avenue. Free. will be discussed at Hudson Park Li- n Thursday July 5, 2 pm: Justice brary, 66 Leroy Street. Free. League A 2018 Superhero film where n Thursday July 19, 6 pm: The Batman and Wonder Woman try to Princess of Herself Author Roberta save the world. Hudson Park Library, Allen will do a reading from her book 66 Leroy Street. Free. at Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth n Monday July 9, 6 pm: There’s Avenue. Free. Always Tomorrow A man who feels n Wednesday July 25, 6 pm: Voices unappreciated bt his family rekindles of Poetry—Summer in the City www.westviewnews.org July 2018 WestView News 31

Music and poetry, featuring poets methods stemming from the con- n Performance First Wednesday of Nicole Cooley, Ruth Danon, Garry templative Tibetan tradition of Ma- Every Month: Bailout Theater Free LaFemina, Eva Salzman and Sean hamudra. Jefferson Market Library, potluck-style meal served at 7:15pm, Singer, at Jefferson Market Library, 425 Sixth Avenue. Free. followed by a free performance at Jud- 425 Sixth Avenue. Free. n Sunday July 15, 12:15 pm: son Memorial Church, 55 Washington n Thursday July 26, 4:30 pm: Lunch with a Monk Gregorian Square South. Autobiography of Red Anne Car- chants at 11 am will be followed by n Literature Second Wednesday of son’s book will be discussed at Jefferson Brother Josép Martínez-Cubero of Every Month: Dead Darlings Writ- Market Library, 425 Sixth Avenue. Holy Cross Monastery, aspeaking ers’ favorite work is often edited out or Free. one-one over lunch and wine in the unpublished; a chance to showcase that beautiful St. Benedict’s Courtyard of work at Judson Memorial Church, 55 SPECTACULAR CERAMICS LEARNING St John’s in the Village, 224 Waverly Washington Square South. The annual Ceramics Now show will n Thursday July 5, 2:30 pm: Tech n Seniors Thursdays from Place at 11th Street. Free. showcase new works by resident through May 24, 11 am-2 pm: Support A free-form workshop that artists at Greenwich House Pottery, You’re Never Too Old to Play A helps with navigation through the in- MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, opening July 13. Above: Sherbet ternet, with a discussion of issues, tips EXHIBITS Ombre Dust Furry with Gold Rocks free acting seminar for seniors with direction on using voice and body to and troubleshooting. Jefferson Market n Through July 1: Day to Night The by Linsa Lopez. perform your story. Westbeth Com- Library. 425 Sixth Avenue. Free. large-canvas paintings of Peter Reginato n Friday July 6, 1 pm: Introduc- munity Room, 55 Bethune Street. at Westbeth Gallery, 55 Bethune Street. ONGOING EVENTS tion to MS Word A computer class n Games Thursdays: Jigsaw OF NOTE Puzzle Night Hudson Park Library, n Kids Mondays at 11:15 am: Baby 66 Leroy Street. Storytime Non-walking little ones n Health and Wellness Thursdays, and their parents/caregivers can enjoy 4-5 pm: Feldenkrais Classes Learn interactive stories, action songs, finger- to improve your posture, flexibility, and plays, and spend time with other babies balance at Westbeth Community Room, in the neighborhood/ Hudson Park 155 Bank Street. Wear comfortable Library, 66 Leroy Street. clothes. $5 per class. n Discussion Every other Tuesday, n Games Thursdays at 5 pm: Hud- 6 pm: Current Events Café Partici- son Park Library Chess and Games pants vote on the news topics to be Classic board and strategy games. Hud- discussed, and present their own views son Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. Chess as well as listen to others’. Discussion lessons for new learners. Hudson Park lasts an hour, and refreshments will be Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. served. Jefferson Market Library, 425 n Learning Second Thursday of Sixth Avenue. Free. Every Month 7 pm: NYACC (New York n Nature Tuesdays through October, Amateur Computer Club) meetings at BATTLE OF THE BRUSHES Dusk to 9:30 pm: Stargazing Peer NYU Silver Building, 32 Waverly Place. An exciting live competition where artists compete in timed rounds to through high-powered telescopes provid- Go to NYACC.ORG for directions finish their work and win the votes of the audience for winning Art Battle ed by Amateur Astronomers Association and to learn about the many educational New York, at Le Poisson Rouge, July 20. of New York to see rare celestial sights. activities of the club. Free. n On the High Line at West 12th Street. Health and Wellness Thursdays from May 22-September 13, 6:30- n n Nature Tuesdays and Thursdays, at Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy July 10-August 15: Prism The 7:30 pm: Yoga Classes Pier 46, Street. Free. works of Kelly Bugden and Van Wifvat April 3-November, 2-5 pm: Project Wetlab Educational programs at The Charles Street and the Hudson River. n Friday July 20, 1 pm: Introduc- are showing at Ivy Brown Gallery, 675 n River Project, Pier 40, Houston and Learning Fridays at 10 am: We tion to MS Excel A computer class Hudson Street. are New York A half hour TV show at Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy n July 11- 26: Westside Exposure— West Street. n Health and Wellness Wednes- created to help people practice English. Street. Free. Whitney Staff Art Show 2018 Many days, 10 am: Movement Each story is about everyday situations, n Friday July 27. 1 pm: Blogging for of the Whitney’s staff are artists, and Speaks Celebrating moving in strong like going to the doctor or talking to Beginners A computer class at Hud- this third annual exhibit showcases and creative ways with Dances for your child’s teacher. Intermediate Level son Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. their work. Westbeth Gallery, 55 Bet- a Variable Population. All sessions English for Speakers of Other Languages Free. hune Street. (ESOL). Hudson Park Library, 66 n July 13-August 9: Ceramics recommended, but not required. For adults and seniors of all ages and abili- Hudson Street. Free. DANCING Now 2018 Annual pottery exhibit ties.Tony Dapolito Recreation Center,1 n Swap First Saturday of Every n Thursday July 5, 6 pm: by artists in Residence at Greenwich Clarkson Street. Month, 4 pm: Book and Jigsaw ¡ARRIBA! A latin Dance Party with House, Jane Hartsook Gallery, 16 n Kids Wednesdays at 11:15 am Puzzle Swap Bring books and/or art Sonido Costeno at The High Line at Jones Street. you’re willing to trade with others to n and Thursdays at 4 pm: Toddler 16th Street. Free. Through July 7: Landscapes Af- ter Ruskin: Redefining the Story Time Interactive stories, ac- Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. n Tuesday July 10, 6-8 pm: Strictly Sublime Contemporary painting, tion songs and fingerplays for walking Tango Free tango classes and open photography, sculpture, and video tots accompanied by parents or care- milonga at Holley Plaza, Washington through the lens of influential Eng- givers. Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy ••••••••••••••••Please contact Square Park. lish art critic and social thinker John Street. Free. Stephanie Phelan at Ruskin at Grey Art Gallery, 100 Wash- n Learning Wednesdays at 4 pm: St. [email protected] if you TALKS ington Square East. John’s Choristers Free Musical Edu- have any new events or n Sunday July 8, 1 pm: User n cation Through September 1: Training in music fundamentals have further information on Manual for the Mind According to Uncanny The surreal photographic and vocal technique for children 8 and up. something I’ve listed here or Tibetan Buddhism Karma Trinlay portraits of Tigran Tsitoghdzyan is As part of the program, kids sing once a on westvillageword.com. Rinpoche will discuss meditation as showing at Allouche Gallery, 82 Gan- month at a Sunday Eucharist. St. John’s a path to well-being. He will teach sevoort Street. in The Village, 224 Waverly Place. •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••• Modernism lives in Tribeca.

A collaboration of design visionaries. KPF. David Rockwell. David Mann. Edmund Hollander.