The Voice of the West Village WestView News VOLUME 16, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2020 $1.00 The Village Is Closed By George Capsis said to myself, “If this goes on for months “Dear George, this will be a very, very, different New York Unfortunately, given the coronavirus con- indeed.” And then I thought, “Wait George, cerns, tonight's dress rehearsal has been you have a newspaper so even if nobody can cancelled. go to a local meeting they can, if you write Please confirm that you’ve received this! about it, read about the issues in WestView.” We’re so sorry to deliver such bad news and So, yes, it certainly looks like for many will be in touch as we learn more about the months we will avoid each other’s virus-sus- re-opening of the show. pected company and look to WestView to tell Thank you! Alyssa” us what is happening in the West Village. Ah, yes, I can see a need for a newspa- This came just hours before Friday the per now; but how to finance this Benjamin 13th, when New York closed down for pos- Franklin anachronism? We have an ever- sibly six months! The note was from Sarah diminishing number of community news- Jessica Parker’s secretary, just two hours be- papers left in New York and I can certainly fore the dress rehearsal of their opening of attest to the fact that they are not profitable Plaza Suite that very night. businesses, not even break-even businesses. The next morning my daughter Athena Like PBS, they need subscriptions and do- called from San Diego, surprised and be- nations from their readers. In recent years mused at seeing on TV that New York was, newspapers have lost $35 billion in ads for the very first time, shutting down— sales and 50 percent of their staffs. Broadway and the Met closed! My guess is, with luck, just a few New York One after another, emails cancel- LIVING A NIGHTMARE: West Villagers, now learning of friends that have died of the sinister community papers will survive, and I am still ling meeting after meeting came in until I Coronavirus, desert the once tourist-thronged Bleecker Street. Photo by Maggie Berkvist. trying to figure out how to do that with ours. COVID-19—The Battle in Our Backyard

By Deborah Rizzi with THE NEIGHBORHOOD orful messages in front of the Emergency Alex Hellinger Room to help uplift the spirits of the staff: We have a “Many individuals and businesses in • We love you According to Alex Hellinger, the battle is Greenwich Village have reached out to • Our heroes common enemy being fought by health care professionals— Lenox Health Greenwich Village to ask if • NYC loves you with support and TLC provided by local they can help,” Hellinger continued. “We “This simple gesture of kindness dur- businesses, schools and Greenwich Village are truly humbled by this outpouring of ing a challenging time means so much and“ we will residents. “The Novel Coronavirus or CO- generosity” Here are just few examples of to everyone that is working on the front VID-19 and the resulting change that has this kindness: lines. Our incredible LHGV team mem- defeat it taken place to most of our lives is unlike • The New School and others have do- bers were coming out to read this mes- anything many of us have ever experienced,” nated PPE. sage and then going back in to treat Alex Hellinger, Executive Director, he said. “While this is devastating in many • The West Side Market and others patients with smiles on their faces, even Lenox Health Greenwich Village ways, it has also brought us together as a have donated food, coffee and snacks. though their smiles were covered by (A division of Northwell Health) community and a country. We have a com- He noted another heart-warming show PPE,” Hellinger said. mon enemy and we will defeat it.” of support by residents who painted col- continued on page 2 ” Isolation vs. quarantine

Current as of March 16, 2020 Understanding the difference w305478a_COVID-19_13Mar2020

w0305478l_COVID-19_16Mar2020 Resource Guide Expert Advice Modern Love

Our COVID-19 Village Northwell Health offers a A great American love Resource Guide provides visual guide to managing story offers inspiration a list of open services and COVID-19. and hope. businesses. Isolation Quarantine SEE PAGE 4 SEE PAGE 18 SEE PAGE 35 For people who are sick, isolation: For people who are not sick, but • Separates people infected with may have been exposed, quarantine: diseases like COVID-19 from • Restricts movement of people to those who are not monitor symptoms for early detection

• Restricts movement of sick people • Prevents the spread of infection to avoid spread of the illness or contamination

• Keeps people out of the public • Should be communicated with until the risk of transmission to clear guidelines from the authorities others is low

Sources: CDC, What To Do If You Are Sick and WHO, Considerations for quarantine of individuals in the context of containment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) 2 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Northwell continued from page 1 WestView “During times of crisis, you often see the Published by WestView, Inc. very best in people, and we are certainly by and for the residents of the seeing that here. Our LHGV family, who West Village. come in every day to make sure our patients receive the very best care, are dedicated, Publisher compassionate and mission driven. And Executive Editor George Capsis the community that we serve has shown incredible generosity and gratitude. We are Art Director Kim Plosia united and we are all standing in solidarity to beat COVID-19 together.” Advertising Manager and Designer Stephanie Phelan HOSPITAL SUPPLIES Traffic Manager Since January, Northwell has purchased Liza Whiting more than $5 million of lab equipment, Photo Editor supplies, masks, gloves, goggles, gowns Darielle Smolian and other personal protective equipment. Photographers It has been able to increase ventilators in Maggie Berkvist its network by 50%. While they currently Chris Manis have an adequate supply of ventilators and Associate Editors other items, they continue to order more to Justin Matthews, Anne Olshansky prepare for a surge. Comptroller Jolanta Meckauskaite WOW! One of our wonderful community members took time to spray paint these uplift- Architecture Editor We are New Yorkers. ing messages. It truly warmed my heart and certainly lifted my spirits and the spirits of our Brian Pape LHGV team. This simple gesture of thoughtfulness and kindness during a challenging time Fashion Editor We are here for each other means so much to everyone that is working on the front lines. During times of crisis, you Karen Rempel often see the very best in people, and we are certainly seeing that here. —Alex Hellinger

Film and Media Editor and we will get through Jim Fouratt HOSPITAL PROCEDURES proximately 2,000 COVID-19 tests daily. Food Editor this together. We will be In accordance with the New York State De- David Porat partment of Health, visitation is temporarily Even as testing capacity increases, people stronger on the other side. suspended. The safety of patients, staff and are screened judiciously to focus on those Music and Eldercare Editor most at risk for severe COVID-19 infec- Hannah Reimann visitors is of paramount importance. Strong Stay strong. All of us here clinical and operational protocols have been tion and who require more-immediate and Regular Contributors implemented that are designed to quickly intensive medical attention. J. Taylor Basker, Barry Benepe, at Lenox Health Greenwich identify potential COVID-19 patients as On March 20, Northwell’s research arm Caroline Benveniste, Charles Caruso, —the Feinstein Institutes for Medical Re- Jim Fouratt, John Gilman, they enter facilities, isolate them appropri- Mark. M. Green, Robert Heide, Village are here for you and ately and prevent transmission of infections. search—began enrolling COVID-19 pa- Thomas Lamia, Keith Michael, The emergency operations center is tients in clinical trials via a collaboration Michael D. Minichiello, Penny Mintz, with biopharmaceutical companies Gilead Brian J. Pape, Joy Pape, Bruce Poli, we are proud to be a member staffed 24/7. Northwell is in constant con- Alec Pruchnicki, Christina Raccuia, tact with all hospitals and other Northwell Sciences, Regeneron and Sanofi. Hannah Reimann, Karen Rempel, Catherine of this amazing community! facilities. Operating in this heightened state Revland, Martica Sawin, Donna Schaper, MORE INFORMATION Arthur Z. Schwartz, Stanley Wlodyka of readiness allows quick mobilization of system-wide resources if the need arises. For all of the most updated information We endeavor to publish all letters received, LHGV BEDS on the Coronavirus please visit the Corona including those with which we disagree. There are 31 hospital beds in Lenox Health TESTING AND TRIALS Virus Digital Resource Center at: https:// The opinions put forth by contributors to WestView do not necessarily reflect the Greenwich Village that have been prepared The Northwell Lab is able to process ap- www.northwell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19 views of the publisher or editor. to assist other hospitals as needed during WestView welcomes your correspondence, this COVID-19 crisis. This particular unit comments, and corrections: will not be for critically ill patients. www.westviewnews.org Northwell and its hospitals have plans in Contact Us place to handle a surge in patient volume. (212) 924-5718 This includes a sophisticated emergency [email protected] response plan in place that has effectively managed previous infectious disease out- breaks, including the Anthrax response in 2001, SARS in 2003, swine flu in 2009 and Ebola in 2014.

STATE COORDINATION Northwell Health has worked work with Governor Cuomo and the New York State Department of Health to establish and sup- port satellite centers for testing people for COVID-19. They applaud Governor Cuo- mo and the state for their leadership in ad- dressing this public health crisis, especially in hard-hit areas like Westchester County. They continue to work closely with federal, state and local health officials, and refine MIA SAYS: Learning from mistakes is SURGE CAPACITY PLANNING at Lenox Health Greenwich Village. Photo credit: Alex wisdom. Photo by Dusty Berke. protocols as the situation evolves. Hellinger. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 3 Northwell on 60 Minutes By Michael Dowling pushed to the limits in the coming weeks. Although no one is entirely sure what the With the rapid increase in novel coronavi- extent of the surge is going to be and how rus (COVID-19) cases in New York over long it’s going to last, we have heeded Gov- the past month, Northwell Health remains ernor Cuomo’s executive order to expand focused on responding to the needs of the current hospital bed capacity by more than communities we serve. Additionally, we 50 percent. In fact, we believe we can find continue to believe “information is healthy, space for more than 2,400 additional beds fear is not,” and we can all play a role in pre- in the 19 hospitals we own and operate venting further spread of this virus by en- throughout the metropolitan area—that couraging people to remain calm and take represents a 62 percent increase over our practical steps to protect themselves. Please current hospital bed capacity. We’re iden- be sure you continue to visit our Northwell tifying space within traditional areas of COVID-19 website, which contains many the hospital by adding beds within exist- resources to help you, and the community ing rooms, but we’re also planning to put at large, stay up to date. beds in our lobbies, conference rooms, caf- Northwell’s response to the pandemic eterias and other areas where we can find has been the focus of extensive news cov- space. Being that only emergency surgeries erage, including a March 29th story by NORTHWELL HEAD, MICHAEL DOWLING, PRAISED HIS 72,000 EMPLOYEES for their efforts are being performed now in our hospitals, against the virus onslaught during his interview with Scott Pelley on CBS' 60 Minutes. Im- Scott Pelley on CBS’ 60 Minutes. I’m so we’re also putting beds into ORs, catheter- age screenshot credit: CBS 60 Minutes, March 29, 2020. proud of Northwell’s front-line caregivers ization labs and other procedure rooms. All on their courageous response to the CO- options are on the table. to all of our per-diem physicians and nurs- of this pandemic. They are remarkable in- VID-19 crisis. The episode looked at New The biggest challenge in responding to es—and any others who are credentialed to dividuals. When all of this is behind us, York as it has become the epicenter of the this crisis is finding the staff to care for practice within our health system. New York’s health care warriors will be COVID-19 pandemic and how dedicated, all of the additional patients we could be We have spread our nets far and wide to recognized as the true heroes who saved tireless health care workers are respond- bringing in. We have 72,000 employees, bring in as much help as possible. New York—and we should honor them ing to the call, despite risks to their own including 17,000 nurses, 4,500 employed We have no doubt that the weeks and with a ticker-tape parade down Broadway. health—and those of their families. It’s an physicians and thousands of other caregiv- months ahead are going to pose major As I said in the 60 Minutes interview, “The extraordinary story and I encourage you to ers, but we’re going to need all hands on challenges for our staff and the commu- health care system is resilient. We will han- watch it. deck to meet this surge. We have contracted nities we serve, but I know we’re going to dle this. And it's important for people to While we have sufficient capacity now with staffing agencies to bring in hundreds win this battle because of the unbelievable understand this. You don't quit. You don't within our hospitals to deal with the surge of additional nurses, we’re recruiting retired commitment, dedication and courage of retreat. You don't put up the white flag. You in patient volume, we are going to be nurses and doctors, and also reaching out the health care workers on the front lines are going to win.” Build a Hospital Before the Next Pandemic

VIRUS DEATHS DEMANDS RESTORATION OF VILLAGE HOSPITAL. The number of West Village virus deaths has caused WestView publisher, George Capsis, to demand the restoration of a Village hospital to be paid for from the two trillion dollars the Federal government has committed to restore financial normalcy. Ap- propriately the new hospital will face St. Vincent Hospital Park. Rendering and design by Anath Sampathkumar. 4 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

COVID-19 Village Resource Guide

By Hannah Reimann March 29, 2020 There were many beggars and panhan- demic seriously and who said they would I walked around the Village to complete dlers on the streets. One vendor gave me go to Washington Square Park with a six After 15 years we have a mixed collection this guide today right before WestView two day-old croissants to give to a man in pack of beer. I told them to go home! of personalities that turn out WestView ev- News goes to print because the landscape a wheelchair who was asking for money Eveyone thanked me for their being in ery month and they are driven. Some allow of our open businesses changes frequently. and food. I saw the aftermath of an alter- this guide. Please call the businesses first themselves just a little creative drift and oth- None of us are sure what will be open to- cation outside of a health food store after to make sure they’re open and will take ers whirr like relentless precision drill bits and morrow, next week or next month. which the troublemaker ran into the West phone orders. produce results immediately. Our two drill Last week I walked up and down Hudson 4th Street Subway Station. A single leath- A couple of young women overheard us bits are Hannah Reimann and Caroline Ben- Street, 8th Avenue and across 14th Street. er boot was on the sidewalk near the store. when I was taking the address and number veniste, and they have been rapidly collecting Today I walked up 6th Avenue from Leroy A pregnant beggar asked me for a place to at a taco stand and they asked where to get the names of restaurants and shops that have Street to 14th Street, down 7th Ave for the stay or for me to pay for a hotel for her. the paper. This assured me that our efforts closed. (Hannah, just a little disheveled, ap- same distance, across Bleecker Street and She said the shelters wouldn’t take her will not go in vain and that this list might peared at my window to say she was still at much of West 4th Street and Carmine Street. during this time of a pandemic since she be useful. it). Here is the list as of Monday, March 30th. I talked to many store and restaurant was pregnant. I hated telling her the ho- Please take care of yourselves, everyone! For updates please see westviewnews.org. workers. It was fascinating to see their tels are all closed. It isn’t really safe to walk Stay home, stay safe and bear out this next We will do our best to keep you informed as smiles, the fear and worry in their eyes, around very much these days so I called a month as we all coalesce prematurely and changes occur to this list. Any of the businesses how tired some of them are. We are all male friend whom I owed a call to and he prevent the spread of the pandemic in the are subject to change. Most intend to stay open going through a hard time, but we are all accompanied me. We met a group of three comfort of your domicile. for the next three months. —George Capsis working hard to be there for each other. men, one of whom did not take the pan- —Hannah PARTIAL LISTING OF OPEN BUSINESSES

HOMEBOUND 77 7 Ave South Between W. 9th & W. 10th JAPANESE DELI & GROCERY SERGIMMO SALUMERIA Corner West 14th Street Citarella.com MI-NE (212) 352-1490 & AND ELDERLY GROVE DRUGS CONVENIENCE STORE (917) 675-6942 (212) 352-1491 CITY HARVEST (212) 929-7527 58 7th Ave 496 6th Ave 462 6th Ave. between 10th and For hungry New Yorkers including 320 West 12th St. at 8th Ave. Near West 14th Street Near 13th Street 11th Streets Google and order online, too the unemployed INVITE HEALTH DAINOBU JAPANESE DELI LIFETHYME (646) 412-0600 Vitamins & health supplements (212) 645-0237 (212) 420-1600 WESTSIDE MARKET CITYMEALS ON WHEELS (212) 777-0008 498 6th Ave near W13th 410 6th Ave (212) 807-7771 Between West 8th & West 9th 77 7th Ave South on West 14th (212) 687-1234 434 6th Ave. ELM WELLNESS HEALTH mercato.com Street GOD’S LOVE WE DELIVER invitehealth.com FOOD STORE WEST VILLAGE GROCERY & (212) 294-8100 NEW YORK CHEMISTS (212) 255-6300 MYERS OF KESWICK SMOKE SHOP (212) 255-2525 56 7th Ave. South at 14th Street 212-691-4194 INVISIBLE HANDS DELIVER 634 Hudson, between Jane & (212) 924-0134 For at-risk community members 77 Christopher Street Deliveries with Mercado.com Horatio 42 8th Ave facing COVID-19 West of 7th Ave. South or pick up by calling ahead www.myersofkeswisk.com (732) 639-1579 RITE AID FAICCO’S ITALIAN GROCERY [email protected] (646) 486-1048 (212) 243-1974 Mercato for delivery RESTAURANT AND 534 Hudson St. at Charles St. 260 Bleecker Street near Jones OTTOMANELLI & SON'S MEAT FOOD TAKE OUT FOR DOCTORS 24 Hours at time of this printing F ROZZO & SONS FISH MARKET AND DELIVERY RITE AID PHARMACY WHOLESALERS (212) 675-4217 THE MIGRANT KITCHEN 102 West 12th Street & 6 Ave (212)-242-6100 285 Bleecker Street ANDY'S DELI Feeds doctors, employs people 159 9th Ave between 19th and (212) 989-0648 VILLAGE APOTHECARY Near 7th Ave. South Nasse Jaber, owner 20th Streets. 106 7th Ave. South PORTO RICO IMPORTING Door Dash works with them (212) 807-7566 Wholesale to the public. Near Bleecker Street 346 Bleecker St. on the corner of Get ya some! Going fast. COMPANY W 10th St. Coffee Beans, Tea, etc. ARTISAN BAKERY FABRIQUE FRESH FARM GROCERY & (917) 261-2476 WEST 14 APOTHECARY DELI (212) 477-5421 348 W 14th St., between 8th & PHARMACIES (212)-463-8689 201 Bleecker Street (212)-727-7979 9th Aves ANSONIA PHARMACY 312 West 14th Street 65 West 13th Street at 8th Ave East of 6th Ave AUX MERVEILLEUX DE FRED (212) 677-6710 between 8th and 9th Avenues H & H FRUITS AND GROCERY www.portorico.com BAKERY (212) 242 0672 www.West14Apothecary.com 471 6th Ave. TRADER JOE'S WINE SHOP 446 6th Ave between 10th & 11th [email protected] Near 11th Street (212) 529-6326 (917) 475-1992 CO BIGELOW APOTHECARIES 37 8th Ave near Jane Street HEALTH & HARMONY 138 East 14th Street (212) 533-2700 BAR PITTI GROCERY STORES (212) 691-3036 Near 4th Ave 412 Avenue of the Americas TRADER JOE'S (212) 982-3300 between West 8th & West 9th 470 Hudson Street AND PURVEYORS Near Barrow Street (212) 529-4612 270 6th Ave CVS PHARMACY South of Bleecker Street ABINGDON MARKET HUDSON & CHARLES 142 East 14th Street (212) 373-9401 (212) 243-2449 GRASSFED MEATS Near 4th Ave BETHEL GOURMET FOOD 360 6th Ave at Washington 421 Bleecker St & 8th Ave (212) 675-7075 TRADER JOE'S (212) 645-3855 CVS PHARMACY BROOKLYN FARE 524 Hudson Street (212) 691-2721 79 Greenwich Ave. (212) 337-3242 (212) 706-0623 Between West 10th & Charles 233 Spring Street Near 7th Ave. South 475 6th Ave. near West 12th 666 Greenwich Street HUDSON GROCERY & DELI Near 6th Ave BLACKSTONE COFFEE Street Near Christopher Street (646) 850-2378 VILLAGE SQUARE MARKET ROASTERS DUANE READE PHARMACY CITARELLA 514 Hudson Street (212) 989-6131 Between W. 10th & Christopher (212) 989-1125 (212) 243-2446 424 Avenue of the Americas 11 8th Ave at West 12th Street 502 Hudson near Christopher www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 5

BLEECKER FARM DELI FRESH 2GO MARKET LI-LAC CHOCOLATES Hours may vary due to COVID 19 WESTVILLE 212-229-1587 500 Hudson Street (212) 924-2280 Please call in the morning to check (212) 741-7971 272 Bleecker near Jones Street Near Christopher Street 75 Greenwich Ave. if we are open 210 W. 10th St. LA BONBONNIERE GALANGA THAI COOKING Near 7th Ave South ROCKY’S BRICK OVEN PIZZA Order online at Westville NYC.com (212)-741-9266 (212) 228-4267 THE LITTLE TACO HOUSE & RESTAURANT and get 15% off your order for the Cash Only 149 West 4th Street (646) 719-1600 (212)-242-2345 next two weeks 28 8th Ave near West 12th St Between 6th Ave & MacDougal 246 Bleecker St. to 46 W. 4th St. 304 W 14th St between 8th & WOLFNIGHT’S GOURMET BONSIGNOUR IL MATTONE Between West 10th and Charles 9th Aves WRAPS (212) 229-9700 (646) 370-6875 THE MAGNOLIA BAKERY SAINT AMBROEUS 646-791-5411 35 Jane St at 8th Ave Pizza restaurant (212) 462-2572 (212) 604-9254 235 Bleecker west of 6th Ave. BOULANGERIE MARIE 450 Hudson Street near Barrow 401 West 11th & Bleecker Street 259 West 4th Street ZU SIK KOREAN FUSION BLACHÈRE JACKS COFFEE Open 7 days Corner Perry Street (646) 370-5331 (917) 261-4344 (212) 929-6011 MANOUSHEH, A REAL TASTE 7 days 202 W. 14th St. near 7th Ave marieblachereus.com 10 Downing Street & 6th Ave OF BEIRUT SAM’S DELI [email protected] BRODO BROTH CO. Hours or services may vary due to (347) 971-5778 275 West 4th Street (212) 366-0600 COVID 19, please call ahead Bleecker Street Between Perry & West 11th LIQUOR STORES 496 Hudson Street JACK’S COFFEE MARBLE DESSERT BAR 7 days GOLDEN RULE WINE & LI- BUS STOP CAFÉ (212) 929-0821 (646) 919-0879 SANPANINO SANDWICH SHOP QUOR (212)-206-1100 138 West 10th Street Pastries wine and coffee (212) 645-7228 (212) 924-6340 597 Hudson Street, Corner Bank Between Greenwich Ave and 27 Bedford Street 494 Hudson St 457 Hudson St Street Waverly Place MARY'S FISH CAMP SHAKE SHACK Near Barrow Street Hours or services may vary due to Open 9-9 (646) 486 2185 (646) 517-1541 IMPERIAL VINTNER COVID-19, please call ahead THE BUTCHER’S DAUGHTER fast busy signal on 3/26 225 Varick Street (212) 929-6222 (917)-388-2132 JOE'S PIZZA 64 Charles Street Shake shack app, GrubHub , 579 Hudson St # 1 581 Hudson Street (212) 255-3946 and Corner West 4th Street seamless or order.shakeshack.com between West 11th & Bank (212) 366-1182 Call to make sure they’re open between 11th & Bank SNACK TAVERNA LA VID WINES AND SPIRITS 7 Carmine Street near 6th Ave Take Out Only MÒLE RESTAURANT MEXI- (212) 929-3499 (212) 242-4545 CHAMA MAMA JOHNS OF BLEECKER CANO & TEQUILERIA 63 Bedford Street corner Mor- 315 Avenue of the Americas A Taste of Georgia STREET PIZZA (212) 206-7559 ton, near 7th Ave. South lavidnyc.com 212-243-1680 57 Jane St #5131 (646) 438-9007 SPUTINO THIN CRUST PIZZA MANLEY’S WINES & SPIRITS East of 7th Ave South molenyc.com 149 E. 14th Street (212) 242-1200 212-242-3712 Margaritas and beer to go with food Near 7th Ave South INSOMNIA COOKIES 65 Carmine west of 6th Ave 35 8th Ave near Jane Street www.chamamama.com 304 West 14th th Street NUMERO 28 PIZZA STRAWBERRY DELI POP THE CORK WINE MER- Between 8th & 9th Aves 212-463-9653 CHIP COOKIES AND CREAM (212) 627-0049 CHANTS insomniacookies.com 28 Carmine west of 6th Ave 646-858-0229 352 W 14th St (212) 807-1010 [email protected] 298 Bleecker near 7th Ave. S OTTO ENOTECA & PIZZA Between 8th & 9th Aves 145 7th Ave. South CHIPOTLE MEXICAN GRILL ISTANBUL GRILL (212) 995-9559 SUPREMA PROVISIONS Corner of Charles Street (212)-463-8626 One Fifth Ave at 8th Street Open for takeout and delivery ITALIAN RESTAURANT SEAGRAPE WINES & SPIRITS 310 West 14th Street Call for hours and days due to Order on the app only (646) 964-4994 (212) 838-7500 Between 8th & 9th Aves changing schedule 504 6th Ave. 305 Bleecker near 7 Ave South 512 Hudson Street between Corner West 13th Street JOE & THE JUICE POSH POP BAKE SHOP SWEETGREEN MEATPACKING Christopher & West 10th 549 Hudson Street (212) 674-7674 COCU ROTISSERIE 32 Gansevoort Street VILLAGE WINE & SPIRITS 192 Bleecker near MacDougal 646-952-0179 KING DELI sg app and online only (212) 255-0539 26 Carmine Street (212) 620-0845 RAY’S SUPER DELI Pick up only. 486 6th Ave. near West 12th St. West of 6th Ave 448 Hudson Street Hudson St (212) 242-7912 SWEETGREEN WAVERLY WINES & SPIRITS Between Barrow & Morton 452 Hudson Street CORNER BISTRO 261 6th Ave. (212) 727-0483 (212) 242-9502 KUBEH MIDDLE EASTERN REGAL GOURMET DELI INC. sg app and online only 394 6th Ave. near West 8th St. 331 Jane Street near 8th th Ave FOOD (212) 414-1160 Pick up only. sweetgreen.com [email protected] Cash Only for Take Out. Delivery (646) 448-6688 201 W. 14th Street near 7th Ave TACO MAHAL by Caviar, Uber Eats & Door Dash 464 6th Ave. near 11th St. READY TO EAT 646-719-1553 LAUNDROMAT DOS CAMINOS eatkubeh.com (212) 229-1013 73 7th Ave. South 675 Hudson Street LELABAR 525 Hudson Street between W. TAÏM FALAFEL & MIDDLE AND CLEANERS (212)-699-2400 (212) 206-0594 10th & Charles EASTERN FOOD ABC CLEANERS AND Food & Margaritas to go 422 Hudson Street near Leroy RED FARM (212) 691-1287 LAUNDROMAT DOS TOROS MEXICAN $25 % off bottles, Upscale Chinese Food 222 Waverly Place near Perry 619 Hudson Street $10 glasses of wine, At Home 11 Carmine near Bleecker (212) 792-9700 TAVERN ON JANE ACME LAUNDRY & CLEANERS Happy Hour $55 Online only 529 Hudson St between W. 10th (212) 675-2526 (212) 255-4702 DUNKIN' DONUTS SIXTH THE LEROY HOUSE & Charles 31 8th Ave at Jane Street 508 Hudson Street AVENUE (646) 590-0640 RENATA’S PICCOLO ANGELO Food to go Near Christopher Street 430 Hudson Street near Morton (212) 727-0444 (212)-229-9177 TWO BOOTS PIZZA JANE LAUNDROMAT Tues – Sat 1-8pm 544 6th Ave. between W. 8th & 621 Hudson Street (646) 863-2620 (212) 675-4435 $4 beer $10 cocktails W. 9th Streets Grubhub, Seamless, UberEats, 101 7th Ave. South at Grove 50 8th Ave at Jane Street $20 bottles of wine Postmates & Caviar FLIP SIGI VILLAGE CIGARS & NEWS LITTLE J CLEANERS & E HUDSON CLEARWATER All bottles of wine 30% off (833) 354-7744 STAND XPERT TAILORING (212) 929-3255 525 Hudson St between West RIVOLI PIZZA II (212) 242-3872 (212) 367-7221 447 Hudson Street 10th & Charles (212) 675-1933 110 7th Ave. S & Christopher 47 7th Ave. South JAJAJA MEXICANA 501 Hudson St near Christopher FOUR WAY DELI WEST VILLAGE FINE DELI Near 14th Street 917-262-1084 (212) 449-0085 ROCCO'S PASTRY SHOP & CAFÉ (212) 255-5509 63 Carmine west of 6th Ave continued on next page 251 6th Ave (212) 242-6031 84th 7th Ave. S near Bleecker Bedford Street & 6th Avenue [email protected] 243 Bleecker St 6 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

COVID-19 Village Resource Guide

VAN GOGH CLEANERS & TAILORING CELL PHONES To Our Community Members, (212) 929-3063 As long standing members of this neigh- NEW YORKERS WITH METRO PCS T-MOBILE 48 8th Ave borhood, we want to ensure that, even in (212) 929-1899 DISABILITIES Between Jane & Horatio Streets these times, we don't forget our sense of 100 West 14th Street near 6th Avenue community. WestView News and Charles During this crisis, New Yorkers can reach HARDWARE STORES Street Association are attempting to do out on Twitter to @NYCDisabilities, 311 our part in connecting and assisting our & LOCKSMITHS NEWS STANDS or visit http://nyc.gov/disability for more neighbors who might be at risk and alone, information. Deaf New Yorkers can also SIXTH AVENUE NEWS & GARBER’S and we recognize this requires a communal connect via video phone at 646-396-5830. (646) 681-5388 TOBACCO effort. With support from organizations 710 Greenwich Street 488 6th Ave. and all of us, we can be a resource for those Between West 10th & Charles Near West 12th St. in need, and a place to contact for vital BLOOD DONATIONS Open Weekdays 9-5 only information and assistance. During these Blood donors are needed. To donate, call GREENWICH LOCKSMITHS times The Charles Street Association will 800-933-2566 or go to www.nybc.org. (212) 645-2858 VETERINARY postpone our neighborhood events, but we look forward to hosting them in the future, 54 7th Ave. South HOSPITALS & and bringing everyone together once again. FOOD DELIVERY SERVICES Stay safe and do not hesitate to reach out MAILBOXES, UPS, FEDEX for anything. PROGRAM FEDEX OFFICE GREENWICH VILLAGE ­—Marjorie Dienstag, President (212) 929-0623 ANIMAL HOSPITAL [email protected] The City has created the GetFoodNYC 239 7th Ave. South (212) 691-1100 food delivery program to provide food for Weekdays only 504 Hudson Street near Christopher coronavirus (COVID-19)-vulnerable and food-insecure New Yorkers not currently MANHATTAN MAILBOXES Social Services served through existing food delivery pro- (212) 206-6996 SMALL DOOR VETERINARY: grams. Sign up here or call 311. 302A W 12th St at 8th Ave (212) 933-9044 Here are just some of the available resourc- 15 7th Avenue at 12th Street es sent to us by Erik Bottcher in the office THE UPS STORE Open Monday - Saturday of NYC Council Speaker Corey Johnson: Amazon is accepting SNAP for food de- (212) 518-4355 liveries. Have your Benefit Card ready and 480 6th Ave. WEST VILLAGE order on-line at: http://www.amazon.com/ Near West 12th Street VETERINARY HOSPITAL STAYING INFORMED snap-ebt. 212-633-7400 Nearly 700,000 New Yorkers have signed 75 8th Ave STATIONERY up for the City’s COVID text notification MORATORIUM ON Call for updated hours, 7 /days a week. STEVEN STATIONERS system. To get regular updates on the latest EVICTIONS (646) 410-2242 developments with coronavirus in New York 476B sixth Avenue Most Banks are open, but not all, e.g., City text COVID to 692-692. New York- Right to Counsel NYC Coalition has cre- Near West 11th Street Chase at 320 West 12th is closed—so ers can text COVIDESP to 692-692 for ated an FAQ regarding the moratorium on [email protected] wise to check. updates in Spanish. You will receive regular evictions: https://www.righttocounselnyc. SMS texts with the latest news and develop- org/moratorium_faq. ments. If New Yorkers have any questions on finding medical care, they can call 311. FREE MEALS

SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF The Department of Education (DOE) 6 ways you can help prevent is committed to making three free meals Assistance & Guidance for Businesses and the spread of COVID-19 Current as of March 16, 2020 available daily for all NYC children. Fami- Jobseekers Impacted Due to Novel Coro- lies can learn the location of the nearest w305478d_COVID-19_16Mar2020 navirus can be found at the Small Business meal hub by texting FOOD or COMIDA Services website at https://www1.nyc.gov/ to 877-877. The "find a free meal location 1 site/sbs/businesses/businesses.page near you" feature on the DOE website is Clean your hands now available, so families can search for often with soap The City has compiled a list of resources and water the meal hub nearest them. for those interested in helping with the COVID-19 efforts, such has how to sign up to volunteer. Visit nyc.gov/helpnownyc 2 for more information. 4 Avoid close Cover coughs and contact with those sneezes with not feeling well clean tissues NYC WELL 3 NYC Well is available 24/7 to provide a Stay home if range of mental health and substance mis- 5 you or someone 6 Wear a mask if in your house use support and can be reached by calling Clean and you’re sick or taking is sick 1-888-NYC-Well (692-9355), texting disinfect frequently care of others used surfaces who are sick “Well” to 65173, or on the web at nyc.gov/ often THE CHARLES STREET ASSOCIATION nycwell. For the latest updates, follow the STANDS WITH ITS COMMUNITY. Erik Bottch- Source: CDC, Steps to Prevent Illness Mayor’s Office of ThriveNYC on Twitter, er with CSA President Marjorie Dienstag, at @MentalHealthNYC. above. Photo credit: Bill Dienstag. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 7 Union Square Market A Gathering Place for Health and Community at a Time of Uncertainty, Alive and Well In these unimaginable and challenging times, I hope everyone is staying safe, supporting local via delivery where we can, and reflecting what is meaningful in our lives. We will get through this soon and I look forward to seeing our community rebound joyously. GROW NYC, including the Union Square Greenmarket, has taken extensive precautions, requiring vendors to follow strict health requirements as well as following the rules itself as a city wide organization. Photo by Hannah Reimann. By Hannah Reimann as long as the city permits them. Like our beloved Village stores, Lifethyme Barry and Carol Savoie of Savoie Or- Health Food Mart, Health and Harmony ganic Farms in Williamstown, New Jersey and Elm Wellness, The Union Square told me that COVID-19 has created a lot Greenmarket is treasured by those looking of uncertainty for them. “People will always for organic and high-quality products and buy food,” Barry said, “but the thing is…are Scotty Elyanow produce at this uncertain time. Cooking at we [farmers] going to have a place to sell it? Long time West Village westvillagebroker.com home and take-out are our only alterna- No one pays me a salary to grow tomatoes Resident/Broker/ tives now in a city that formerly had thou- or lettuce. Now, depending on where you’re Community Volunteer (new and updated) M: 917.678.6010 sands of eat-in restaurants to choose from. at, people are not sure whether the markets Lic. Associate RE Broker [email protected] villagescotty It’s remarkable how simple things like buy- will close. We’re thankful that New York is ing good groceries can become a highlight doing everything in its power to keep the of the week in times of crisis. markets open even if its very inconvenient There was some confusion by my friends like it is right now.” He also said that Sun- as to whether the Union Square Market day, March 15 was a “crazy madhouse” in was still open so I quickly walked over on a Philadelphia’s Hen House Square market, Wednesday in mid-March to see what was “super busy because people wanted to stock going on. I’m writing this largely to assure up.” The couple made about $1000 more everyone that it is alive and well with new than they usually do that day. Collingsworth health and hygiene requirements faithfully Farmer’s Market in South Jersey is one of adhered to, attracting traffic, like before. the Savoie’s largest sources of revenue, but it Hand sanitizer stations can be found in the doesn’t open until April, the projected peak middle of the walkways and there are other of detected Corona Virus cases in New Jer- new rules such as the absence of table cloths sey. “We don’t even know if there will be a that are not coated with vinyl or plastic, an Farmer’s Market in Collingsworth at that extra table or barricade separating purchaser time,” Carol said. That huge market makes from seller and rubber gloves worn by ven- up half the couple’s revenue for the entire dors. Perhaps facemasks will come next. year. “It’s very disconcerting.” As always in Spring at the market, flowers At one bakery, a young seller from and potted plants are resplendent, spinach and Brooklyn told me that it was his last day at pea shoots are in season, several great baker- the market simply because he doesn’t want ies are well-stocked and the fish, duck, fresh to take the subway to Manhattan anymore, eggs, turkey and chicken are selling well. Some something echoed by a barista at a local things are selling out early in the day, like café on my way home. greens. With the absence of restaurant buyers So there are changes at the market, but there is a subtly different feeling, a slightly less there is open air and the beauty of the food, frantic pace, mirroring the absolute change of the same friendly feeling and great quality I’ve life in general in New York City. always known. People are, refreshingly, avoid- I spoke with a number of farmers and ing crowding tables. Queues are well spaced if sellers who lamented that the lack of busi- they even exist. There are the same wonder- ness from restaurants has struck a ma- ful apples, mushrooms, roses, anemones, fresh jor blow to their income. In some cases, carrots, kimchee, organic wines and much vendors have lost 95% of business due to more that I have loved for decades and depend restaurants closing. However, all the ven- on for my kitchen. I did wear my rubber gloves dors are grateful for anywhere to sell now, and kept my distance from everyone. It’s the A Frencb Language and Contemporary Art School knowing so many people in other lines of least I can do to express my own gratitude and Starting at 2 years old respect to this exceptional place. work have lost their jobs. Everyone I spoke Greenwich Village 7 West 10th Street | Upper West Side 159 West 82nd Street with intends to continue traveling to New Join a tour call or email 646 504 9694 | [email protected] York from hours away to sell their items for For current info visit www.grownyc.com. 8 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

offered take-out or delivery before, but now they do through American Restaurant Bar at the 2019 Spirited Awards, is of- Caviar. Italian restaurant Il Mulino is featuring family style fering individual drinks for $10 and bottles of martinis for Italian classics for pick up and delivery via DoorDash and $85. They are also offering a limited dinner menu. As they Postmates. Mighty Quinn’s outstanding BBQ is available for point out on their website, “Per NYS rules, all cocktail/wine IN delivery or pick-up. If you order directly from their website sales require food to be purchased. Snacks start from $6.” you will receive a 15% discount. Carbone, which never of- and fered take-out or delivery before, became mobbed last week Other Options OUT once they started. According to Eater, “Twice in the past La Contente Oeste, the Mexican restaurant that replaced by Caroline Benveniste week, police officers have had to manage the large crowds French Roast, will deliver within 3 blocks of the restau- waiting for delivery and takeout orders outside Major Food rant, otherwise, there is contactless pick-up. Kubeh is of- It makes no sense to write the usual column this month, and my Group’s famed fancy restaurant Carbone in Greenwich Vil- fering their delicious Israeli food, including daily family first thought was to just skip it. However, after thinking about lage. On Friday, after failing to disperse the crowds and rein meals via online ordering on their website. The pescatarian it, I realized that WestView News could help struggling res- in wait times that were over an hour long, frustrated managers Italian spot Osteria 57 is offering a new discounted menu taurants by providing our readers with information on which for the restaurant locked the doors and turned off the lights, for delivery through Seamless. French spot Le Baratin, ones are still open for delivery and take-out. Also, if you are leaving deliverymen and patrons empty handed.” Pictures The Happiest Hour, and The Meatball Shop are other cooking and like me, do not want to go to the store for supplies, have surfaced of large crowds outside the restaurant, making good choices. The Meatball Shop is having some fun with you may be wondering where you can order ingredients on- it perhaps not a great choice at this time. their offerings, such as: “every order over $100 comes with line, so we’ve tried to list some of the better options. This is not a free roll of 2 ply TP (not joking—and if you actually need meant to be a comprehensive list – just a few ideas. Some of the a roll but don’t have 100 bucks let us know and we’ll throw places listed deliver through Seamless, Caviar and Doordash, one in), and Sanitizer mouth kits­—Gargling with booze but when possible, it’s always better for the restaurant if you really does work—Moscow Mule Kits, Fool Aid, Sangria, order directly through them. And check the restaurant websites Bottled Old Fashioned, Hot Toddy Kits. Serves four, just to see what you can do to help the employees – some restaurants add ice (or heat).” are donating money from gift card sales to their employees, and others are featuring links where donations are being accepted. Food Shops While Amazon Prime members can order and receive free New Restaurants delivery from Whole Foods, there are limited delivery slots You can now order from Peruvian-Japanese hot-spot Lla- available, and many items are sold out. A better choice is ma San and pick up your meals at the restaurant. Barbuto, Brooklyn Fare which offers online ordering and free delivery Jonathan Waxman’s California-Italian restaurant which re- for orders over $75. I was able to pick my delivery slot and cently re-opened is offering pick-up daily from 4:00 pm- pretty much everything I needed was available, plus the store 8:00 pm. You must place your order before 2 pm by email was very responsive to my queries. Westside Market is now or by calling the restaurant. New critically acclaimed sushi offering online ordering, something they never had in the spot Nami Nori is offering their taco-shaped sushi through past. Citarella continues to offer personal shopping options Caviar. Anton’s has taken a unique approach: they are fea- for pick-up at the store, as well as grocery delivery in Manhat- turing a Stay In, Help Out To Go menu where each item is tan by calling the store. And some of us have been treated to one dollar. From their website: “Our hope is that you’ll or- an illustrated history of D’Agostino’s by WestView’s own pho- der your way through this $1 menu, and shower the kitchen tographer, Maggie Berkvist. She documented empty shelves team with tips. 100% of your spend (every single dollar from early on, but more recently reports: “DOING BEAUTI- your bill + gratuity) will go directly to our Kitchen Team.” FULLY, BLESS THEM—obviously having managed ma- New Italian restaurant Da Toscano will be offering entrees, jor delivery miracle. It may seem weird to be rhapsodizing family entrees, fresh pastas, and bottled sauces for pickup about supermarket supplies—but, hey, at this moment in or delivery by calling the restaurant. Just-opened Ameri- time... Pasta and such were back, even some vital paper items, can Bar is offering a takeout and delivery menu, available still a bit thin on soap, but the dairy products (bacon/cheeses) for order by phone or email. And while not new itself, La really stacked, not to mention the bonanza on the chicken, Newyorkina recently introduced a pozole and flautas menu, D'AGOSTINO'S—THEN & NOW! The Bread shelf on meat and bread shelves. If they can keep this up—WE’LL and these items, as well as their paletas and baked goods are March 12th (top photo), following the shopping hysteria NEVER GO HUNGRY AGAIN, SCARLETT!” available through Caviar and Grubhub. after Trump's speech of the night before; and back to its old self on March 24th (bottom photo). It had taken an extra Pets long time for that particular shelf to recover! Small Door Veterinary remains open, but you must drop off your pet at the door. Pizza There are a number of excellent pizza options available: Closed John’s of Bleecker Street, Keste and Emily West Vil- All Starbuck’s have closed (as the company decided they lage are all open for delivery and take-out. Chicago-style were too crowded). Murray’s Cheese, Murray’s Cheese pizza spot Emmett’s is also delivering their deep dish and Bar and Murray’s Mac & Cheese had been open, with thin crust offerings. the two restaurants offering take-out and delivery, but now they have closed. You can still order cheese from Murray’s Carbs online: there is a $5 delivery fee in Manhattan. Murray’s Croissants and Brioches and other French pastries are still Bagels was open but has now decided to close. Quality available for purchase at recent GVSHP Village Award- Eats has closed, but they have a number of fundraising LEFT BANK, home of POULET SANS TETE, on the corner of winner Patisserie Claude. French import Marie Blachere efforts for their employees going on: they were donating Greenwich and Perry Streets, have recently added a note is also open for business and is selling, in addition to bread, 100% of their gift card sales through March 31 to their encouraging customers to contribute to their program to pastries and sandwiches, some pantry staples like flour, employees, and the employees have also started fundrais- "cook and deliver a hot meal to the doctors, nurses, secu- sugar, butter, Joe’s Coffee and more. However, you need to ing efforts which can be accessed through their webpage. rity guards and aids working in our overtaxed hospitals." order your items in advance for pick-up because there is no Gabe Stuhlman’s restaurants (Fairfax, Bar Sardine, etc.) counter service. Delivery is also available through some of are currently closed, as are Jody Williams’ and Rita Sodi’s Village Favorites the standard restaurant delivery apps. restaurants (Via Carota, Buvette, Bar Pisellino, etc.) Poulet Sans Tête, the rotisserie chicken arm of The Left Bank is open for business. You can order chickens, sand- Booze Since this looks like it will be going on a while, we welcome wiches, sides and salads on their website. Minetta Tavern has Restaurants are now allowed to sell alcohol to go. So, if you’re your input on what’s good and open. Please email us at a pick-up and delivery menu—you can order online or call ordering, why not order from the best? Dante, which Tales [email protected], and stay healthy! the restaurant. L’Artusi, the well-regarded Italian spot never of the Cocktail Foundation named World’s Best Bar and Best Photos by Maggie Berkvist. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 9 Opinion: COVID-19, Me and We Let Us All Be There for Each Other By Hannah Reimann At a White House Coronavirus Task direct contact with the sellers. Live bats are that good relationships, trust, equality and Force press conference on March 29th, also sold as food. I know this sounds unbe- communication are panaceas for this un- My awareness and interest in understand- President Trump stated that he deferred to lievable, but it is more and more widely re- fortunate situation. ing the Novel Coronavirus came about in experts Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the ported to be true. Bats, very shy nocturnal Whatever the source of this pandemic an unpredictable way. I had a minor eye National Institute of Allergy and Infec- animals who do not want to interact with is, the solution will come from our rela- problem that kept me indoors with a hot tions and Dr. Deborah Birx, Coronavirus humans, are not to blame. tionships. We must look at our relation- compress and not working for two days Response Coordinator, his chief medical They do not come looking for us to at- ship with nature, with animals who carry on March 1st and 2nd, under strict doc- advisors for this crisis. They made him tack us or bite us like vampires. disease and to see them as innocents who tor’s orders. I decided to watch television aware that taking action to successfully The very rapid spread of a highly con- don’t want to harm us. We have harmed more than I usually do for nearly two full fight the virus would lower the possibility tagious new virus for which there is no them with our machines and industry. We days. This led to my closely witnessing the of a national death rate from 2.2 million vaccine or effective cure and treatment can need to regulate this and to live on the unfolding of international and local events (without mitigation) to 100,000-200,000 cross boundaries and borders in minutes planet peacefully together. via the media that none of us have ever people if we are lucky. Those are not exact and hours. We all travel frequently these Improving and examining our relation- known, a pandemic the scope of which has figures and, as the advisors suggested, it is days, locally and internationally, and we ships with each other will get us through sent newscasters, scientists, doctors, politi- the virus that leads our actions to conquer share more than we ever have as a global the crisis, treating strangers and friends cians, and citizens like you and me reeling, it and not the other way around. society. We are in a perfect position for this alike in terms of safety and recovery. wondering and praying. I have been watch- Dr. Fauci, CNN Health Correspondent kind of crisis; it has even been predicted Hopefully, we will contain the virus ing the mayor, the governor, the president Sanjay Gupta, Anderson Cooper, Rachel by trusted sources in the CNN documen- to keep it from spreading farther than it and multiple news correspondents every Maddow and the entire cast of NY1 are tary movie, Unseen Enemy. Bats have been has already, isolating ourselves bravely day, sometimes for hours. Everyone from among many who have become messengers traced to carry over 300 coronaviruses. and quietly, respecting the space of oth- military personnel to movie stars have ap- of up-to-date international news about Scientists and journalists who specialize ers. Everyone deserves medical care, time, peared on screen to help us by sharing their COVID-19-related events for millions of in pandemics believe that this event is an and love. When people are acting out of experiences in wars and repairing natural TV viewers. Even Dr. Deepak Chopra was example of Mother Nature getting back at line, tell them kindly and gently in a way disasters to provide insights and advice. called in to explain the mind-body connec- us, calling the shots, and communicating that they can hear you. If they are doing What I see stuns me and there have been tion for us to heal and engage in preventa- that what we’re doing to the planet will not a great service, recognize that and honor times when it has caused a lot of stress. tive measures. Many of these people, espe- create happiness and community. It will them. Spread love and good feeling and What has been most interesting is not only cially Dr. Chopra, are my heroes, people I create chaos, disorder and loss of life. And you will get it back. Comfort each other watching the virus spread, but to see how look to for guidance and information. He so we must embrace what we did, take re- and be strong for each other when some- people deal with each other as new events was the one who influenced me to a daily sponsibility as a species and fix the problem one is feeling weak. Reach out to people by unfold. meditation practice in 2012, the number together. We must face the task of healing phone, videoconference and US postal ser- While the media is crucial in times like one thing that is keeping me sane now. ourselves quickly and with focus as a com- vice mail, UPS or FedEx to comfort them these, the panic that can be inspired from Number two is friends and family. Music munity. We must put systems in place to and for them to comfort you. watching it is not the ideal way to face the comes next. treat the earth and its other creatures better If you don’t use a computer, send letters crisis. Looking with objectivity and dis- What I have gathered from the daily re- than we did before. and ask people in your life how you can tance I have come to believe the following. ports, from documentaries and 60 Minutes There are also interesting Twitter con- use FaceTime if you have a smartphone. We do need to acquire facts, make sound episodes about pandemics, some from Aus- versations between the environmental Sing songs to each other. Play music and decisions, take action, mobilize forces and tralia, and from informed people I know is lawyer and anti-vaccine proponent, Robert make art. If everything else disappeared, take on the challenge of fighting the virus the following. The virus we know probably F. Kennedy Jr. and his followers who sug- we would still have each other and our re- courageously. We also have to take on the came from a wild bat who carried the dis- gest that the coronavirus may have leaked lationships, our basic tenet of life. challenge of creating trusting, solid rela- ease, possibly chased from its natural habi- from a lab in Wuhan. Such groups of activ- In the words of Deepak Chopra, “We tionships with our friends, our families, our tat and wild fruit trees that were destroyed ists and scientists are attempting to prove need a pandemic of gratitude, joy, loving colleagues and our leaders. It is, indubitably, by agriculture that contributes to climate in their own labs that this coronavirus is kindness, compassion and empathy to cre- our relationships that will create a positive change, ate some fruit on a tree in a farm different from other ones. Kennedy is a ate physical healing to face this pandemic. shift. Some of the relationships between created by humans, spread it to another “defender of the environment” and re- Our biology is entangled with our emo- politicians are not friendly or comfortable. animal, a host who made contact with hu- cently reposted a Democracy Now article by tions. What I feel affects you, what you feel I have watched breakdowns in the efficacy mans and spread the disease to us. This Naomi Klein that argues that this health affects me. The spread of a virus requires of helping us due to poor communication host may have been killed and eaten by hu- crisis could be a catalyst to shower aid on physical proximity; the spread of emotions and difficult personalities. And I have seen mans at a wild market in Wuhan, China. the wealthiest interests of society while of- does not. We can spread good emotions people fighting in the streets and in stores. The wild markets have dozens of live wild fering little or nothing to small businesses through cyberspace, a pandemic of hope, One of my prayers is that people with good animals that are killed minutes before they that are suffering from the economic crisis of community, even of joy.” ideals and sound plans will come to the are sold to customers. There is disease in that is resulting from the pandemic. He As for COVID-19 and the huge chal- forefront to be the most effective agents the blood and other fluids spilling from the also posted a New York Times article, “The lenge it presents right now, eventually, this for change and safety. animals as they are slaughtered that makes Ecology of Disease.” Here, again, we see too shall pass.

Judy Richheimer, 70, past president of Chelsea Reform Democratic Club, Dies of COVID-19

With great sadness, we announce that Judith Lauren Richheimer died this morning. Judy was a longstanding member of Chelsea Refort Democratic Club (CRDC), ten-term executive vice president, program maven and twice president of the club. She was inquisitive, challenging, erudite, a champion of the reform tradition and a fierce advocate for a wide range of liberal causes. She was also deeply devoted to ensuring a qualified, progressive judiciary. Outside of politics, Judy was passion- ate about music, art and literature and about New York City. She will be missed. —District Leaders Sylvia E. Di Pietro & Steven Skyles-Mulligan Club President Mindy Rosier-Rayburn www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 10 How We Manage Through Crisis An Inside Peak at LifeThyme Natural Market

By Jason Bander lot of zinc, it would be kind to leave some for others,” and those who came into the First, we want to thank you for reading this packed store and anxiously scream at every- publication. We are grateful for any and all one to keep their distance while shielding of you who’ve tendered your earnings and their faces with office paper. This was funny savings with us; we exist because of you. and, yet, not funny. It made us uneasy. Not Our foremost goal is to ensure your good crisis management skills on display. health and wellbeing. We take our role as a Fortunately, we thrived on uncertainty pillar of this community seriously. We also and helmed crisis management with level know our place when we see an opportunity heads from the perspective of providers to rise to the occasion. Now, let’s get started. and protectors of the community. Supply What we collectively experienced in chains were terribly disrupted as a result of this community, as February bled into what was a massive spike in human hoard- March and a wave of uncertainty ensued, ing—that hyper competitive kill or be killed is a macro event. This is a time when our mentality of “I need to get mine or someone character, as individuals and collectively as else will get it.” It’s hard to believe, but that’s a community, is tested. It’s a time when we how disruptive 10 percent of the consumer can reflect on how we respond when the population can be to the remaining 90 per- Lifethyme Market is Open! threads that constitute the fabric of our cent. Bad crisis management and not very community are strained. considerate of thy neighbors. We’ve modified our hours to meet an influx of When major events occur, there’s a form Immediately, we began working on of crisis management required to provide boosting awareness within the store and delivery orders. We encourage calls to confirm our leadership and guidance. Sometimes our among staff. We have commercial-grade hours of operation. leaders make critical management decisions sanitizer that we use for wiping down sur- with reasonable perspective, sometimes not. faces throughout the store, including shop- Is there an absolute definition of “reason- ping carts and baskets, credit card PIN pads, We must close our doors for short periods during able?” It’s what differentiates superior crisis screens and door handles. I was in constant the day in order to clean the store and to give our management from questionable crisis man- contact with our supply chain to assist in agement. This includes our own personal leveling out the reactionary spike. Because overworked staff a break. crisis management skills. In the case of a of our good relationships, we really didn’t macro event, factors are magnified. feel much disturbance as deliveries resumed Seniors and high risk customers are welcome to It’s fair to say, when decisions affecting almost immediately. The cows keep milk- our wellbeing are made, we trust they are ing, the chickens keep laying and the veg- come in and shop before our opening hours. made with our best interests in mind and etables need harvesting. Certain things like with consideration of all factors with the hand sanitizer, bath tissue (this one is very We’re trying to service only ten customers at a time, most integrity available. This is the art of confusing for us) and frozen fruits and veg- and implement a 20-minute shopping limit. We of decision making. It’s hard to move forward gies will take longer to get. We could not successfully if you’re looking in the rear- have predicted these spikes. course ask customers to practice Social Distancing view mirror, we need to have the most rea- As things stand in the hour I am writing, and limited conversation. sonable perspective on the future as pos- we are trying to push all our customers to or- sible to manage in crisis. der over the phone or through our third- par- In February I began meeting with my ty delivery service, Mercato.com. From there, If you know what you want to order: buyers and managers to update them on a we are better able to allocate our resources in Phone: (212) 420-1600 prospective future. We started planning, meeting the needs and wishes of our custom- first, for revised purchase orders to accom- ers, without jeopardizing anyone while also Email:[email protected] modate a spike in customer flow. I thought improving the supply chain. We are issuing it best, for a number of reasons, to start the staff members extra spending money to For further ease of ordering, go to Mercato.com and building inventory that paired with eco- get them necessary foods and supplements. click on the Lifethyme logo on the second page. You nomic events. A very busy last weekend of We also have to make adjustments for shifts the month and a strong start to March was in operating hours. There are so many more can choose from the items shown, and easily order anticipated. I also wanted to prepare for our managerial decisions in the queue. 25th Anniversary events and be considerate I could keep writing about strategic man- by phoning or emailing us. of the increasing chatter about the corona- agement but I feel this is also a good time virus COVID-19. According to these con- to remind ourselves we’ve been through We appreciate your understanding. These times siderations, we began boosting our purchase macro events before. For me, it’s best to require our compassion and cooperation. We’re orders while observing customer behav- stay the course and remain considerate of ior, preparing for subsequent patterns that tomorrow while existing in the now. extremely grateful for the help of our staff—they are might indicate increased purchasing de- The Andy Griffith Show is one of my all- champions during this challenging, unusual time. mand. And everything was going well un- time favorite shows. Thankfully, technology til…a national emergency was announced. allows me to watch it any time I so desire. Watching it unfold, from the perspective Like now—as I’m writing. I also enjoy classic We want to provide the best possible service to our of a food market and a vital neighborhood professional wrestling from the ‘70’s and ear- customers at this time. resource, was quite unsettling. This wasn’t ly ‘80s. My significant other is such a bless- hurricane or storm preparation. We wit- ing, as is my family, including my father (in nessed panic buying. We watched citizens doses), the owner of LifeThyme. It’s a good buying rice who’d never cooked a grain in time to identify with those things that help Please spread the word. their lives (the number of people who asked you remain centered. It’s also a good time to how to cook rice was the tell). We watched trust that LifeThyme will continue making customers react emotionally to, “That’s a decisions with your best interest in mind. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 11 Let Us Unite Against the Pandemic by Keeping Apart WE’RE OPEN—FREE ON DEMAND DELIVERY By John Kaliabakos each New Yorker to do their part in slowing VILLAGE the spread of this virus before it completely According to the CDC, on the last day of overwhelms our healthcare system. For the February, 15 Americans had tested positive first time in history, New York City has es- for COVID-19. A month later, that number sentially closed down. We must, as resilient APOTHECARY had grown exponentially to over 150,000 in- New Yorkers, work together and adhere fected nationwide, one-third of whom were fervently to the guidelines that have been THE COMMUNITY PHARMACY THAT CARES in New York City. The number of cases is issued to stem the spread of COVID-19. expected to overwhelm our already strained Social distancing is key during this stage healthcare system within weeks. of the pandemic. Those who exhibit symp- This deadly and highly contagious novel toms must arrange for a test at one of the Come in coronavirus started in Wuhan, China, and many testing locations. If tested positive, for your fREE is believed to have originally been circu- patients whose symptoms are manageable lated among animals. Bats are considered should stay at home under self-quarantine; the natural hosts of coronaviruses, so it is if their symptoms are severe, hospitaliza- suspected that they were the initial vectors tion may be necessary. In either case, all WELCOmE of COVID-19. COVID-19 is the name family members and close contacts must given to the disease because it is associated self-quarantine in order to avoid the con- with the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus (Severe tinuing spread of the virus. KIT! Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavi- The FDA is currently studying various rus-2) which is genetically related to the treatments and vaccines which look prom- SARS-CoV-1 virus that emerged in China ising but are not yet approved or available BRInG THIs CARd In And RECEIVE $10 off at the end of 2002. to the public. At this point, strict public O n A n Y P u RCHAs E O f $25 OR m ORE Although COVID-19 and seasonal in- health measures need to be adhered to— fluenza are both transmitted from person limiting contact with others (social dis- Store HourS: Mon - Fri 8aM - 8pM • Sat 9aM - 6pM • Sun 10aM - 5pM to person and may cause similar symp- tancing), frequent handwashing with warm toms, their estimated mortality rates dif- water and soap for 20 seconds, using hand 346 Bleecker St • Greenwich VillaGe, nY 10014 • VillaGeapothecarY.com fer greatly. Whereas approximately one in sanitizer if water is not readily available, 1,000 people who are infected with season- and disinfecting hard surfaces in work areas 212.807.7566 al influenza die prematurely, the estimated and homes frequently. These measures will mortality rate of COVID-19 is 20 to 30 per aid in greatly reducing the spread of the vi- 1,000 people. rus in our very densely populated city. Unlike influenza, there is no vaccine As a pharmacist who has served the or treatment currently available for CO- Greenwich Village community for 25 years, VID-19. It also seems that COVID-19 I know that the people here have the abil- is more transmissible than influenza and, ity to pull together to prevent a bad situa- since it is a novel virus, no one has prior tion from becoming worse. I implore each immunity. Thus, the entire human popula- of you to stay home and take advantage tion is susceptible to infection. of delivery options for food, supplies and 227 West 13th Street * 212-929-0585 The virus is now spreading rapidly from medications. For all of you who are well Website: iyiny.org person to person. It is estimated that one right now, or asymptomatic but infected, infected person could infect three more you have an opportunity to hold on to your Our building may be cl people. The virus is transmitted through good health and prevent a more vulnerable osed— respiratory droplets which are emitted via neighbor from falling ill. I have personally but we are still here for you! sneezes, coughs, yawns, or even when one witnessed my fellow New Yorkers’ strength, simply exhales. It has been shown that CO- compassion, and kindness during serious VID-19 survives for a minimum of several and life-altering events in the past, such as hours, if not days, on hard surfaces such as blackouts, 9/11, and Hurricane Sandy. I am handles, counters, telephones, smartphones confident that we will overcome this pan- and tablets. Although transmission occurs demic as well. Village Apothecary is—and while an infected person is symptomatic, has always been—dedicated to serving our evidence suggests that transmission could community, and we are fully committed to also occur from an infected person who is caring for all of our patients and neighbors asymptomatic. during this very trying time. The incubation period for COVID-19 Finally, I would like to urge you, once is estimated to be between 2 and 14 days. again, to heed the advice to put life on Symptoms include fever, cough, difficulty pause. Please pay close attention to good breathing, shortness of breath, muscle pain, nourishment and hydration to maintain a Practice at home with and tiredness. Elderly people, those with robust immune system, continue all pre- • free live yoga classes • free live gatherings and underlying medical conditions, and people scription medications for chronic condi- • a pre-recorded free audio of the Integral Yoga Class and with compromised immune systems are tions, and do your best to manage stress and • a free pre-recorded Sound Bath most at risk. At this time, evidence shows anxiety levels. This pandemic has changed Visit iyiny.org and stay connected. that most children under 19 experience the lives of everyone around the world. We mild or no symptoms while infected; how- must remember that we are all in this to- Though we are closed, we continue to pay essential staff to make the online offerings ever, they are all able to transmit the virus. gether and that in time it will pass. We will available to you. To keep going until we open again, we rely on your generosity. As New York City has become the na- then emerge stronger and more united than Visit our homepage and make a donation of any amount you can. tion’s epicenter for the disease, it is up to ever before. Thank you. 12 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org Practical Guide for Coronavirus and AIDS By Kambiz Shekdar, Ph.D. turn, email me at kambiz.shekdar@rftca. org and I will connect you to the office of The rise of the COVID-19 coronavirus is the NYC city council speaker Corey John- concerning for the HIV/AIDS community. son. This time around, the city will need to Whichever way you slice it, HIV/AIDS is rigorously coordinate the outreach effort in a serious kick to the immune system—and order to ensure that precautions are taken New York City is home to one of the largest to avoid introducing our elders to COV- populations of HIV/AIDS patients in the ID-19 disease. This time around, it might America. The speaker of our city council is need to include the military. openly HIV-positive and running for may- Finally, I leave you with a couple of ques- or, so as the city’s HIV/AIDS service orga- tions in areas where there is not enough in- nizations are starting to streamline services, formation for me to provide any answers this is the opportunity for the Speaker and or recommendations. What happens to the city to demonstrate leadership when it PEOPLE LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS may need additional support during the COVID-19 corona- people living with HIV and AIDS in Af- comes to addressing the coronavirus threat virus crisis. Photo: NIAID Rocky Mountain Laboratories, U.S. NIH), alongside an outreached rica, where in many instances, no one has for those affected by AIDS. hand (Photo: Ialesh Aldarwish). access to adequate healthcare? We haven’t President Trump’s national emergency heard of largescale catastrophe on the con- declaration on March 13, 2020, frees up $50 without delay. Left untreated, HIV rapidly able populations require that we make this tinent yet, and I hope we don’t. And what billion in aid. In this column, I outline rec- disables the body’s natural defenses against ramp even steeper. happens the next time around, when we are ommendations for individuals, HIV/AIDS infection and disease. Learn if you are infect- Testing and linkage to care is not only faced with the next global pandemic? Will organizations and our government’s response. ed with HIV as soon as you can. If you test good for the 1.1 million people living with those living with HIV/AIDS around the First, it is as important as ever for people positive, begin medical treatment as soon as HIV/AIDS in the U.S.; it is prudent as part world continue to face the worst of what- living with HIV/AIDS to maintain their possible. Treatments today can protect your of a comprehensive public health policy to ever the wind brings? –I hope not, but we best immune health. The body’s immune body’s immune system and keep it in its best curtail the spread of COVID-19 disease. can do more than just hope. system does not always fully bounce back fighting shape against coronavirus. When it comes to our city’s elderly We must never accept living with HIV/ even with the best care or in patients who According to HIV.gov, about 15% of patients living with HIV/AIDS, I rec- AIDS and the additional threats it presents, have achieved low to undetectable HIV people living with HIV/AIDS do not ommend that we implement the “buddy certainly not when there is much work that virus levels. In addition, depression, dif- know that they are infected. This is espe- system.” In the early days of the AIDS can be done to develop a broadly-applica- ficulty tolerating serious side effects, “drug cially the case among people in poor com- epidemic, buddy systems where volunteers ble cure for all those in need. Join me to holidays” where people take breaks from munities, black and Latina women (who checked in on those too frail and sick to enable a world that is free from AIDS at their medications and simply accidentally may not suspect they are at risk) and our take care of themselves sprang up across FreeFromAIDS.org. missing doses can all impact one’s immune incarcerated populations. Unlike testing New York City. It’s time to identify those health. Especially during the coronavirus for coronavirus, testing for HIV/AIDS is who are in need and connect them with Kambiz Shekdar, Ph.D. is a biologist, a crisis, I strongly advise all people living with well established and rapid. It can be imple- those who can offer assistance. This goes biotech inventor, a gay man, and the presi- HIV/AIDS to adhere to the treatments rec- mented in mobile vans, make-shift tents or for all our elderly, living with HIV/AIDS dent of Research Foundation to Cure AIDS ommended by their healthcare providers. via at-home testing kits. President Trump’s or not. I strongly advise any elderly per- (RFTCA). Visit FreeFromAIDS.org to help Second, I advise anyone unsure about their plan to end the AIDS epidemic already sons, regardless of their HIV/AIDS status, accelerate a cure for AIDS. Contact kambiz. HIV status or who believes they may have includes a ramping-up of testing as one to make contact with one or more potential [email protected] to inquire about joining been exposed to HIV infection to get tested of its main pillars; our city’s most vulner- sources of support. If you have no place to RFTCA’s founders’ circle.

face washing immediately after getting able. So far, the supply chain has not been home, using Purell, alcohol or other anti- disrupted, however some supermarkets The Doctor is In septic agents, not sharing towels or kitch- have closed for cleaning after their employ- enware with ill contacts, removing yourself ees have tested positive for COVID-19. By Dr. Susan Eldrich distributed to many patients who are symp- from sick contacts (if possible), wearing I recommend that those over 70 or have tomatic for the COVID-19 virus, as it has Every day there are more COVID-19 cases masks and gloves when necessary and stay- diabetes, immune or infectious disorders had positive outcomes in some patients. identified in New York State. NYC has es- ing home if you are ill. Remember to prac- such as cancer, HIV, heart or lung disease Many people have left New York City pecially been affected, most likely due to tice social distancing and limit the number stay at home. for Connecticut, upper New York State and our population density and tourism. Num- of people you come in contact to 2 others If you have a flu-like illness and respira- Long Island, which has placed a considerable bers of cases continue to grow, with peak at a time. Families and roommates can stay tory symptoms worsen, please call your phy- strain on the smaller hospitals and supermar- numbers estimated to be weeks away. together, of course. sician, 311 or 844-NYC-4NYC. You may kets in these areas. If you can, please stay at Most patients testing positive have viral It is not necessary to use alcohol on your also call your local ER or urgent care for an home. New York City has greater resources symptoms of achiness, headache, cough, fe- face. If you do, absolutely avoid getting it appointment for COVID-19 testing. Check available than smaller towns do. New York ver and congestion and recover at home. Up in the eyes, as it can cause severe inflamma- the internet for other up to date information City, New Jersey and Connecticut are now to 50% of cases also may have diarrhea. Old- tion of eyes, like a chemical burn. regarding management of your symptoms. under travel warnings, but not quarantine. er patients may present with altered mental Use any hand cream for mild to severe Other information, such as for food resources The Javits Convention Center is to have status and low-grade fevers and need to be skin dryness after the use of Purell or other in the community, is also available on line. just under 3,000 beds, specifically for pa- carefully monitored. Some patients go on antiseptic agents. Although these are stressful times, it is tients with the virus. The hospital ship, the to have more severe disease and need to be If a member of your family has a flu, important that you remain level-headed, USS Comfort, will be docked on the West hospitalized for symptomatic treatment such they should wear a mask. You should wear think about your family, friends, neighbors Side, and will manage patients without as IV fluid hydration, antibiotic therapy and a mask when caring for them. This guide- and stay calm. This will end, even if it takes the virus, taking some of the burden off of ventilator support. Some patients have been line should be used by patients that have months. It is important for those of us who NYC hospitals. on ventilators for up to or over 21 days, which any of the influenza viruses now, as a public are healthy and mobile to look after those If you do have the COVID-19 influenza is placing a strain on intensive care units. health measure. who may not be able to leave their homes. virus, you will have to self-quarantine for I have participated in a teleconference with Door knobs, keyboards, sinks and light 14 days from symptom onset, as you may numerous hospitals in New York and Con- switches in heavily used areas should be Dr. Elrich is a board-certified neurologist continue to shed virus during this time and necticut. They discussed the use of hydroxy- cleaned frequently. Try to have a month who also manages certain internal medicine can spread it to others. Some patients con- chloroquine for treatment of the virus, as well supply of medication on hand, in case there disorders. She is credentialed with Mt. Sinai tinue to test positive after this period. as azithromycin for co-infection with bacte- is a disruption in supply. West, St Luke’s and Stonybrook-Southamp- Recommendations include hand and rial infections. Hydroxychloroquine is being Try to have a week’s supply of food avail- ton Hospital. She also works in telemedicine. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 13 “Accentuate the Positive” — Abstracted from A Scientist’s View of Almost Everything By Mark M. Green tween health and happiness come from? As sunnier disposition. (Could there be a con- with being unhappy, these experiments show discussed in Klein’s book, experiments dem- nection between these results and polling that having others pat you on the back when Harvard University Medical School’s psy- onstrate a husband’s and wife’s blood showed conducted by the famously reliable Pew you’re unhappy about something will increase chology professor Nancy Etcoff discovered a reduction in protective antibodies and dis- Research Center which show that Repub- your unhappiness. Apparently, moping about that for patients undergoing the same medi- ease- protecting white blood cells when they licans, presumably left side dominated, are with your back pain and asking for sympathy cal procedure, gall bladder surgery, those with quarreled. And the more the husband and happier than Democrats, presumably right will make you worse. a room with a pretty view of a park used less wife quarreled the greater the effect. The side dominated?) And these findings are Speaking of moping about, here’s an ex- pain medication, had shorter hospital stays, links between unhappiness and ill health are consistent even after controlling for in- periment, noted in Klein’s book, demonstrat- and complained less to the nurses than those beyond question, including studies reported come, for which political party is in power, ing psychologist Martin Seligman’s theory of patients with windows facing a brick wall. I by the National Institutes of Health that and in many countries. “learned helplessness.” Dogs were put into could see that looking at a park could make demonstrate, for one example, the biological Nevertheless, there’s hope for control- two cages. In both cages mild but unpleas- you happier than looking at a brick wall, mechanisms connecting stress and cholester- ling your happiness quotient. Express- ant electric shocks disturbed the dogs. In one but why should this lead to a faster recovery ol buildup and, therefore, higher probability ing anger, following the advice to get it cage a dog pushing its nose against a lever, from surgery and with less pain? Whatever of heart attack and stroke. out, does not relieve your anger. In fact, an action that was quickly learned, could stop the answer to that question is, health appears So, you would like to live a long and it makes you even angrier and, therefore, the shocks. But this lever was not available in to be connected to happiness. Many polling the other cage. After a while the dogs from results show that married people are happier both cages were put in an area they could than unmarried people and other data show easily escape from. Mild shocks were initi- that married people are healthier and live You’ve got to “accentuate the positive!” ated. Only the dogs from the cage that had longer. Interestingly, among heterosexual the lever got out. The others stayed behind couples the health and longevity effects of and suffered the shocks. They had learned happiness appear to work more strongly on healthy life. Okay, be happy. But how? Here unhappier—a result confirmed by the ob- helplessness; they had learned to accept un- the married men. is one surprising (to me) result plucked servation of increased numbers of neurons happiness. Experiments and experience show Consider this experiment carried out at from Klein’s scholarly book that suggests turning their attention to anger when we that people suffer from learned helplessness. Stanford University, reported in a book by we might have less control then we would are expressing anger. As Klein puts it, “We Did you ever hear a depressed person say that Stefan Klein, The Science of Happiness. Pa- like to have. Technology that can be used to are not steam kettles.” So, stop losing your it was no use—you can’t do anything. From tients suffering from terminal cancer who bypass us (so to speak) and interrogate our temper if you can. the world of psychology arises the idea of participated in group sessions with other brains has given rise to neuropsychological Here’s more about what you might do to be positive psychology, actually an old idea best patients suffered less pain, appeared rela- research. Research in this field has revealed happier, according to research from Germany addressed by two famous American song tively happier, and actually lived considerably that different people can be dominated by as reported in Klein’s book. Having someone writers, Johnny Mercer and Harold Arlen, longer than those patients given identical the left or right side of their prefrontal cor- feel sorry for you when you are in pain will and sung by Bing Crosby in Here Comes the treatment but without that kind of group ex- texes. Right side dominated people tend make you feel more pain than if you are left Waves, the 1944 film smash. We all know the perience. Parallel experiments report similar toward unhappiness and even depression, alone. Brain scans show that larger areas of tune. “Eliminate the negative, And latch on results for heart attack and leukemia patients. seeing the worst side of their experiences, the brain report pain when your complaints to the affirmative, Don’t mess with Mister Where does this apparent connection be- while left side dominance tends toward a cause others to console you. If pain has to do In-Between.” To Depend on Blood By Maria Hadjidemetriou nation can save up to three lives. To donate to donate blood. They are my heroes. In blood it is by appointment only. Please call It is challenging enough to go through this recent weeks we have heard the devastat- 1-800-933-9566. Please make your way pandemic when you are healthy, to keep ing numbers on the loss of blood donations to your local blood center and spread the positive throughout the day while working in New York and throughout America due awareness by snapping a photo and using from home, homeschooling your children, to school closures, businesses and religious the hashtag #RefillOurBloodBanks for so- hearing the devastating new death toll and institutions. The New York Blood Center cial media. finding that balance. Now imagine going has cancelled close to 400 blood drives to- To depend on blood for me means to de- through this pandemic and you are an indi- taling a loss of over 17,000 donations. Our pend on beautiful human beings donating vidual that depends on blood transfusions US Surgeon General Dr. Jerome Adams their blood. When you give I live. There is every 14 days to live. That is my life. Hi, has many times urged healthy Americans no substitute for blood. my name is Maria Hadjidemetriou; I am to donate blood during this crisis and refill a DowntownMom™ raising my 11-year- our blood banks. old daughter and born with a rare blood In the 44 years of receiving my blood Maria is a NYC mom living with her disease called Thalassemia also known as transfusions since I was diagnosed with 11-year-old daughter in Downtown Man- Cooley’s Anemia. Thalassemia is a genetic Thalassemia at 2½ years of age, I never hattan. She is an Executive Board Member disorder passed down through families in thought my life would be in this precari- and Officer for the Cooley’s Anemia Founda- which the body makes an abnormal form ous state not only because I am at a higher tion and an Expert Patient Advisor for the or inadequate amount of hemoglobin. He- risk of contracting the virus because my Thalassemia International Federation. Her moglobin is the protein in red blood cells immune system is so suppressed, but be- articles have been published in the peer- that carries oxygen. The disease results in cause I am at risk of not receiving my life to-peer medical journal American Journal "I COULD NOT HAVE THIS BEAUTIFUL LIFE large numbers of red blood cells being de- saving blood. The New York Blood Center I AM BLESSED WITH IF IT WASN'T FOR of Hematology. She is also a writer and stroyed, which leads to anemia and because has extended hours for donors to ensure BLOOD DONORS." Author Maria Hadjideme- producer for her short documentary “Thalas- of this I need two pints of blood every 14 we do not fall into a crisis where our blood triou, above, has received over 1,700 pints semia: Life Without Boundaries.” You can days. I depend on beautiful healthy human banks are completely depleted. Please do of blood in her life. Photo courtesy of Maria reach out to Maria at downtownmomnyc@ beings making their way out of their day not be afraid to donate blood. Just one do- Hadjidemetriou. gmail.com 14 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org Ghost Hospital to Rise from the Dead? By Penny Mintz stockpile of medical supplies. “If there are Beth Israel is warehousing 600 commis- problems,” Dr. Zucker stated, “ we can tap sioned hospital beds that can quickly be into that [stockpile].” brought into use to treat COVID-19 victims. Both Zucker and Kraut are pointedly Right now, Beth Israel is a ghost hospi- lacking in prescience. Yet they claim to tal. It is dead but not buried, and it is still have planned for every different scenario. haunting Mount Sinai. Their lack of credibility, in short, is chal- On Saturday, March 21, 2020, a Mount lenging that of Donald Trump. Sinai spokesperson informed The Village Vice-Chair Jo Ivey Bouffard, on the other Sun that Mount Sinai would offer the city hand, made more accurate statements. She and state the warehoused 600 Beth Israel pointed out that hospitals play an important beds “to help fight this growing crisis.” role as anchor institutions in their communi- PHHPC VICE-CHAIR DR. JO IVEY BOUFFORD, left, recognizes the "important role of hos- Another institution relevant to the pos- pitals as anchor institutions in their communities". DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker, ties. They are, she said, frequently the largest sible reincarnation of Beth Israel Hospital right, assured the PHHPC in February that New York had a stockpile of medical supplies to employer; they buy locally; and they provide is the Public Health and Health Planning deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. Photos courtesy of Penny Mintz. the potential for economic development. Council. On February 6, 2020, when, un- In light of the dire straits we now face known to most people, the COVID-19 pital. The only thing standing in the way has “a remarkable ability to mobilize and get and the long-term value of functioning hos- pandemic was already well under way, would be New York State Commissioner ready when we turn the switch on.” He as- pitals, Commissioner Zucker should reject PHHPC’s full council met to determine of Health Howard Zucker’s acceptance of sured everyone that our response to COV- the PHHPC’s recommendation and deny Mount Sinai’s application for a certificate PHHPC’s recommendation. ID-19 will be like our response to Hurricane Mount Sinai’s application for the certificate of need to build its 70-bed replacement of At that meeting on February 6th, the Sandy when “we were able to take care of of need for the tiny new replacement facility. the once 825-bed Beth Israel Hospital. The PHHPC members discussed at length the anybody who showed up who needed care.” Instead, Mount Sinai should be required to grant of the certificate would lead directly to threat of coronavirus. PHHPC Chairperson Commissioner Zucker assured the act on its original promises and refurbish the the closure and sale of the 16th Street hos- Jeffery Kraut said that our health care system PHHPC members that New York has a current building. The Big Shutdown on Broadway By Robert Heide Death of Bessie Smith and many others that Just before the fear of the spread of the coro- were off-Broadway hits. Edward and I navirus shut down all 41 of the Broadway were close friends over the decades and I theatres in New York on March 12, I at- was a member of the Albee/Richard Barr tended a preview performance of Girl From (his producer) Playwrights Unit at the Van the North Country, written and directed by Dam Theatre in the Village. the Irish playwright Conor McPherson, And so, as it turned out, Girl from the which incorporated the music and lyrics of North Country was the last play I saw be- many of the songs of Bob Dylan. I saw this fore the shutdown. It was a packed house stunning and profound production on the and the applause at plays-end was almost night of February 29 at the Belasco Theatre, riotous. It was set during the Great De- in one of the grandest and most historic pression in the year of 1934 and featured houses on the Great White Way. It opened 18 talented actors, singers, drummers, on March 5 and received a rave review from pianists, and other musicians living in a Ben Brantley in the Times, who also had big boarding house in Duluth, Minnesota nothing but praise for it at its New York (Bob Dylan was born in Duluth in 1941). premiere off-Broadway at the Public The- The owner of the boarding house, who atre in 2018 where I originally saw it. (The has welcomed the broken, unemployed play was produced initially at London’s and homeless people living there, is fac- Old Vic Theatre in 2017.) Right next door ing eviction and he knows the gig is up. to the Belasco on West 44th Street at the LUBA MASON, actress, singer and musician in the musical play Girl From the North Coun- Oddly, the play's disparate (and desper- Hudson Theatre, a revival of Neil Simon’s try. Photo by Mathew Murphy. ate) characters lift the spirit particularly play The Plaza Suite was also in previews when the actors break away from their starring Sara Jessica Parker and Matthew never looked more boyish and Sarah Jes- penned by Amanda Hess. Alas, this play roles to play, sing, and dance to Dylan’s Broderick, two love-birds who are married sica was glamorous as ever. Inside were was among the closed productions which music which acts as a parallel to the de- and live with their children in a classic his- more photos in color and black and white, will inevitably cost investors tens of million spair; the songs include Just Like a Rolling toric brownstone on the very same Green- one showing Miss Parker with her semi- of dollars, and they include, as well as Girl Stone, I Want You (from Blonde on Blonde, wich Village street where George Capsis, nude co-star Justin Theroux in her long from the North Country, the stalwart stand- 1966), Girl from the North Country (from publisher and editor-in-chief of WestView running, immensely popular TV series bys Phantom of the Opera, The Lion King, The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, 1963), and 16 News, lives. The famous couple have been Sex and the City. Another photo featured Aladdin, Frozen, Moulin Rouge, Hamilton, others. I hope by some miracle it makes supporters of this West Village paper for a very young Broderick, the playwright and To Kill a Mockingbird. Also in March, it back to Broadway one day. The CD many years and I had planned to see the re- Neil Simon and Mayor Koch under the I was set to write about the new produc- album of the Old Vic production can be vival, which is a two character comedy romp marquee of the Neil Simon Theatre where tion that was in previews and scheduled to purchased online from Sony Music En- consisting of three one-act plays. Simon’s play Brighton Beach Memoirs was open April 9, Edward Albee’s Who’s Afraid tertainment, UK Limited Masterworks. Advance publicity totally dominated playing in 1983 and yet another of Parker of Virginia Woolf?—his masterwork. The the New York Times on Sunday March 8, and Broderick together on stage in 1996 playwright, who passed away in 2016, had Robert Heide’s collected plays, including two which featured a super large photo-layout in the musical How to Succeed in Business originally invited me to every first night of Caffe Cino classics, Moon and The Bed, of Broderick and Parker lovingly embrac- Without Really Trying, which apparently this play since it first opened in 1962 which entitled Robert Heide 25 Plays, was recently ing in bed, itself almost the entirety of the is where they met. The terrific article on followed a trail of his earlier one-acts like published by Fast Books; and can be ordered front page of the Arts section. Matthew the duo, entitled ‘They Got a Room’, was The Zoo Story, The American Dream,The from Amazon. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 15 Easter, Passover, and the Virtual Village By Donna Schaper www.judson.org. By the time you read this, our devastating “Inner” is getting a lot more attention plague will be worse than it already is, or now than the outer. That renewed attention declining, or whatever the bug decides it will be nothing but a boost to religious orga- should be. It is worth reading about the 10 nizations. We don’t have to be compulsory Plagues of Egypt in Exodus 7:14–12:36, to celebrate Easter or Passover or to enjoy a where blood, frogs, lice, snails, livestock, prayerful, meditative pause. All we need is boils, hail, locust, darkness, and finally the a commandment to do so from the govern- death of the first born, arrive sequentially. ment. (That was not an attempt at humor; it Scripture assures us they were sent by God was a way to be un-spiritually snarky.) to convince Pharaoh to force the Egyptians We have long known that religious to let go of the Israelites. This assurance themes matter. We know about Easter doesn’t make God look good so much as it and its affirmation of life after death, and assumes that suffering is ungodly. Passover and its insistence on liberation from pharaohs all around. Do we have to It is helpful to know that we are not ex- Dina Andriotis, Chris Tsiamis, and Nikitas Andriotis (from left to right). periencing our first plague, nor will it be gather to remember these themes? Nope. our last. Before this crisis, we were pretty They exist even if we don’t consider or 77 Christopher Street convinced that we were in the end of the celebrate them. Or if we have to observe Between Seventh Avenue and Bleecker Street world as we know it mode. Environmental them alone. Or if we can’t find a shank trouble joined with self-absorbed and self- bone or an Easter egg to color. They are Pharmacy Hours: flattering narcissistic leadership to assure not their outer trappings. They are their Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM us that we didn’t have enough future, much inner truths. The virtual village is at least plague-free at the level of the pause. Why Saturday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM less enough toilet paper. Zombie movie Closed Sunday nights were already popular. not enjoy it? You’ve always wanted to Both Easter and Passover are likely to learn how to meditate or how to have an authentic spiritual experience. Now, cour- Telephone: 212-255-2525 • Fax: 212-255-2524 be more virtual this year than ever be- email: [email protected] fore. Please, somebody tell the President tesy of the plague, maybe you can. that he is not in charge of EASTER or Let’s start with the spiritual linings. www.newyorkchemists.com PASSOVER. We might gather if we are Fewer people are flying, so the environ- really lucky with this bug, but the smart ment is being slightly protected. In China, money is on the religious holidays joining babies’ birth weights increased because Broadway in going dark. What intrigues there was less traffic during their gesta- me about the newly commanded and de- tions. Lots of people are thinking more manded virtuality is how empty the big about the old, the lame, and the already buildings are; ours included, which hasn’t isolated than they have in years. We are had a rest for years and is breathing a sigh being grateful again for abundant toilet of great relief. Good ole Judson’s answer paper and soap. We are doing meal plan- Do You Need Home Care? to everything is to gather and hug, or at ning and saving money by not eating out, least shake hands and shake minds. “New or going to the movies or shows. There Continuity Home Health Care York State on pause” is the governor’s will likely be a great increase in the num- name for the rest our overworked build- ber of babies born in nine months, due to ings and selves are getting. so much “working at home.” During the time of the Black Plague in These silver linings come from my anxi- the middle ages, people were required to ety budget. I am only paying it half of every Where Healing Continues... go to church at 11:00 a.m. every day. That hour and no more at least for the immedi- A licensed home care agency providing was before they knew phrases like “flat- ate moment. health care services, both professional Typhoid Trump is so outrageous that he ten the curve” or “social distancing” or, for and paraprofessional, for individuals has actually become funny. Imagine think- that matter, molecular biology. They were living at home since 1996. pre-Pasteur. They wouldn’t know a germ if ing that filling Easter pews was something they met one. They thought about plagues you do to make yourself look good. Easter as “acts of God”—which is terribly unkind and Passover look plenty good, all on their to God, even when people are in desperate own, without Presidential lift. need for either liberation from Pharaoh or Call Tim Ferguson at (212) 625-2547 liberation from germs. Yale librarian Judith Ann Schiff ex- Dear God, thank you for joining a con- or drop in to 198 Avenue of The Americas plained about how the weekend was in- spiracy to turn us all into digitally-minded vented. In 1926 Yale put an end to compul- humans. Just kidding. Thank you for mak- We accept most private sory chapel attendance for students. The ing what was already a hard time harder. end of compulsory Sunday church services Thank you for protecting the people who insurances meant that everyone could live it up in the clean and wipe and breathe in crowded and private pay. city. That, of course, is hard to do when the places. Send us to the sweet spot between bars and the shows are closed. From my denial and panic. Grant us spiritual clarity. self-interested perch, virtual worship has And protect us and those whom we love [email protected] also shown up just in time, even if it means from too much drama. And if that is impos- we can’t pass the offering plates. Churches sible, put us on a worry budget of 50 percent like Judson already have that covered at of every hour. Amen for real and virtual. 16 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org The Day the Village Stood Still By Roger and Anthony Paradiso invisible little virus. “We are in the process right now of “The closest thing it’s analogous to is when ramping up for delivery. That means print- you know the order’s been signed for war and ing menus, deciding if we’re going to scale you’re waiting for the next shoe to drop. Is it back menus, deciding hours of delivery. a draft? Is it a bombing on the homeland? How we can use our employees to do that We’ve been isolated from so many things just in a safe and compliant NYC manner? by oceans and borders that now, the threat is We’re also looking to partner with deliv- here, it’s on our shores.” ery services, but in all honesty the fees that —Victor, co-owner, La Lanterna di these guys, UBER EATS, charge is close to Vittorio Cafe, MacDougal and West Third 30% and it’s a big piece to give away. We’re in the process of doing it right now. But As I walked around the Village, I stopped we’re going to do it, to stay in business,” into one of my favorite stores, Village Mu- says a determined Victor from his Café on sic World on Bleecker. Patti Smith shops MacDougal. here. So do many other rock stars and so The Village is a ghost town. Rush hour many people looking at classic LPs and traffic? Where? Where have all the people CDs. I ask Jamal, whose family has been in gone? They’ve been told to stay home. the Village with this business since 1978, Don’t get infected and then infect two “how’s business?” He says it’s slow. I tell more people. This epidemic will wipe out him I’ll check in with him in a few days. millions, we are told. None of us want to He is very worried about the virus and wipe out millions of people. I can think of what it could do to this business and to his one or two, but a million is unthinkable. family. Did you hear that Di Blasio can- THE VILLAGE IS A GHOST TOWN. Bleecker Street, looking east. Photo by Jamal Alnasr. This COVID-19 has a high mortality celled all city schools? rate. Worse than the worst flu which kills “The last 20 years have been really tough 500,000 a year worldwide (and some 30- to run a small business” Jamal tells me as I hands. Don’t catch it!” on a Tuesday.” 50,000 in America) every year. The flu is am leaving his shop. “I’ll hang out until three or four. Then “We were open 10 am-midnight” says still out there but we don’t fear it because I stop to talk with Jamal. We had the I’ll go home to Brooklyn.” Jamal tells me. Victor from his Café. we know we have a vaccine that is some- 9/11 terrorist attack. That was inconceiv- I head home trying not to touch my face “200 dollars? My God, they know, the what effective, and people still catch it. But able, an attack on the shores of America. or anyone’s space. Wall Streeters know. They already figured most of them survive, don’t they? Hey, the That had not happened since the War of I walk away from Jamal and I see empty out that the whole economy is going into common cold is out there. It’s a corona vi- 1812. Jamal says of the 2007-8 recession, stores and sidewalks. This does remind me the toilet. Stocks continue to plummet. But rus. But this COVID-19 virus, we don’t “Now that was tough.” My son asks about of those days at my office in Tribeca a few our President has an idea to put a chicken have a vaccine nor any medicine that can the Aids epidemic, which is still alive on days after 9/11. It lasted until Christmas. in every pot. He is now talking like his so- conquer it yet. It can take a year to find this planet. “Yeah that was really scary but Christmas was terrible downtown. Then cialist friend Bernie. Bernie really had it all something to kill this virus. Meanwhile the a long time ago. It came out of nowhere spring arrived, and De Niro started the first figured out. He was right…And where’s Senate is quibbling over how much money it seemed. But like the flu every year and Tribeca Film Festival. People came back on Joe Biden?” to give the small businesses. the threat of terrorism like 9/11 we sort the streets. “I am grateful that in the midst of all “The stimulus for doing takeout wouldn’t of deal with it. But this, it is really scary, A few days later, I talk to Phil Nelson critical issues at hand, the NYC Mayor was even pay for a staff, a cook, delivery peo- like a primal existential scary virus that is who has pushed back his 14th annual thoughtful to have extended small business- ple… We are shut down right now…” says all around us. Don’t touch this. Wash your Manhattan Film Festival held at the Cine- es interest free loans to help us get through Torrie from the Half Pint Bar. ma Village on East 12th Street. Originally this crisis. I hope some of this compassion With the orders of the CDC and the scheduled for April 19-May 7th, Phil has rubs off on the NYC Finance Dept. that directives by the Mayor, Governor and had to push it back to June 19th-July 2nd. has killed me for over a decade,” says Nick, President, we can now say that nothing in Phil says, “We are determined to do the owner of the prized jewel of an art theater history has been such an existential threat Festival this year. About three to five films on East 12th Street called Cinema Village. to America and especially New York and have dropped out, but we will have over Nick has been fighting with the city, the Village. This virus, COVID-19, has 100 independent films showing at Cinema which keep raising his real estate taxes never existed before. It started in Novem- Village in April.” whenever he fixes up one of his theaters. ber in the Wuhan Province of China and “We’re trying to wait it out. The CDC He doesn’t understand why the city can’t made its way through Asia, then Europe said no more than 50 people in a space, so see that he brings entertainment and cul- and now North America. The fear exists we pushed back. We don’t want anyone to ture as he struggles to stay in the movie because we don’t know if there is a cure and get sick.” business, which is losing a fight with cable it is deadly—so say the experts. I called Jamal after the weekend when a and streaming services. He is very worried “It’s going to be a tough road, but sure lot of things started happening. There were about this pandemic wiping out a lot of enough, we’ll adjust to the new normal and talks of New York City being on lockdown. small businesses. we’ll get through this together hopefully Businesses would be shut. Jamal tells me I speak to Torrie of the Half Pint Bar on with a greater appreciation for our neigh- that nobody is coming into the store. There West 3rd and Thompson. She opened up bors, near and far,” says a resolute Victor are few people on the streets. This is like in 2007 and was doing great business until from the Cafe. Invasion of the Body Snatchers, or The Blob; the virus and the government stepped in. We see that 80 thousand have died in some bioweapon virus from aliens in outer “We have no view of the future right China. We hear Italy has been ravaged by space has attacked the world. It’s a pan- now…I am expecting a total economic im- many deaths. And now it is making its way demic now according to the World Health plosion…” says Torrie. towards us. Already New Rochelle and Te- Organization. “So, Jamal, what are you go- I turn on my Apple music and listen to aneck, New Jersey are hot spots. The Na- ing to do?” He shrugs and smiles as he or- the Beach Boys. It brings me back fifty plus tional Guard has been called in to provide VILLAGE MUSIC WORLD HAS BEEN IN THE ganizes his shelves. years. Yeah it was good back then. We only security. We hear of hospitals being over- VILLAGE SINCE 1978: Owner Jamal Alnasr, “Yesterday we did $200 in sales. It’s a had to worry about the Atom Bomb and run with sick people in Washington state. above. Photo by Roger Paradiso. fraction of a percent of what we usually do radiation. Now, we must worry about an continued on page 26 www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 17 How the Coronavirus is Affecting Local Businesses

A PLACE THAT IS KNOWN FOR ITS INTERIOR DECOR: Customers sitting down inside Caffe Reggio. Photos by Roger Paradiso.

By Anthony Paradiso for local businesses. As a result, a place like Caffe Reggio, that is known for its interior The Coronavirus has had a profoundly bad décor, can only fulfill take-out orders. This impact on local businesses everywhere, but is totally understandable in the interest especially in New York City, which has the of the public health. However, it will kill most cases of any major city in the coun- business at cafés, bars, and restaurants like try. Many Bleecker street shops have either Caffe Reggio throughout New York City. been closed or remained open in a limited “Reggio is just a different type of place, capacity. Some have not had a customer here you get a coffee, you sit down, do walk in all week. Today, I called up the some people-watching, read your book. If manager of Caffe Reggio, Elena Batyuk people can’t sit-down, then [all our busi- who told me all about her situation. ness becomes] to-go coffee. If people can’t “We were able to open up in the morn- sit-down, then we’re not doing much.” ing, then they cut us down to take-out only. Hopefully the Caffe Reggio can survive Normally we close at three in the morn- the Covid-19 pandemic and re-open when ing, but now we close at 8 PM. There are the pandemic subsides. no people. Business is down 98-percent. I don’t know how long we can stay open.” The rise in new cases led New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo to order one hundred percent of all non-essential business to close tonight. Batyuk expressed concern over how long the Coronavirus pandemic could last and what that could mean for her business. “What really alerts me [is Mayor] De Blasio saying that restaurants across the city could be closed until September or possibly longer. That’s a big problem for people who work in restaurants in Manhat- tan and if we’re all out of work throughout the summer, that’s a whole different story.” For the past week, FDNY and NYPD FRONT ENTRANCE to Caffe Reggio on have enforced a 50 percent capacity rule MacDougal Street.

IF THIS PAPER MAKES YOU THINK We will print your thoughts in the next issue Send your letter to [email protected] • 69 Charles Street • New York NY 10014 18 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org Expert advice on Coronavirus

How Northwell COVID-19 is taking on COVID-19 Current as of March 16, 2020 Risk factors and prevention Current as of March 16, 2020

w305478j_COVID-19_16Mar2020

72,000 of us are working to help Some people are at higher risk than others, keep you safe, informed and ready. but taking everyday precautions can help keep them safe

Testing, testing 1, 2, 3 Who is at risk? We’ve begun semi-automated testing for COVID-19, allowing us to process hundreds of samples a day. • Older adults • People with serious chronic medical conditions Ready for action like diabetes, lung disease, heart disease, cancer Our Emergency Operations Center lets us monitor and address the disease from one centralized and weakened immune systems location and respond to the needs of Northwell’s hospitals and outpatient facilities. Ways to protect yourself • Clean your hands often In the know • Stay home Our Coronavirus Digital Resource Center is your go-to page for everything COVID-19. Read our FAQs, • Don’t travel ‡nd useful articles, learn about our latest efforts • Avoid close contact with people who are sick and more at Northwell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19 • Keep distance from infected people (over 6 feet) Helping and healing Our expert staff is prepared and specially trained to safely identify and treat patients who test positive.

Sources: CDC, Steps to Prevent Illness CDC, People at Risk for Serious Illness from COVID-19 w305478h_COVID-19_16Mar2020

Hand hygiene and care The dos and don’ts “Lather” is the best medicine Current as of March 16, 2020 of Coronavirus prevention Current as of March 16, 2020

w305478f_COVID-19_16Mar2020 w305478a_COVID-19_16Mar2020

Use soap 1 and water The Dos The Don’ts when washing 2 your hands Scrub and rub your entire hand, front and back, Do observe good Don’t wear a mask for at least 20 seconds personal hygiene if you aren’t sick (sing “Happy Birthday” 2x) 3 Rinse off with water Do educate yourself Don’t touch on the symptoms your face or eyes

Dry off with 4 a clean towel Do clean and Don’t be in crowded and turn off the faucet with 5 disinfect frequently places for long the towel Moisturize! touched surfaces periods of time Dry, cracked skin can let in other germs

Sources: CDC, Keeping Hands Clean Source: CDC, Preventing the Spread of Coronavirus Disease CDC, Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings 2019 in Homes and Residential Communities

How to cover coughs and sneezes Cleaning, disinfecting, sterilizing

Take these steps to keep germs at bay Current as of March 16, 2020 Become a mean, clean coronavirus-fighting machine Current as of March 16, 2020

w305478c_COVID-19_16Mar2020 w305478i_COVID-19_16Mar2020

Cleaning Removes germs, dirt, impurities from surfaces. It doesn’t kill germs, but taking them away can reduce their spread.

Disinfecting Kills germs on surfaces with the use of chemicals. It’s not the same as removing germs and should be done after cleaning. Sterilizing Destroys microorganisms on surfaces and in Œuids, which can be done through high heat and steam. It’s no issue— Throw it all away Stay soapy

use a tissue Dispense of used tissues (as much as you can) • Clean and disinfect frequently touched by throwing them away household and office surfaces Cover your mouth and nose Wash your hands with soap with a tissue. No tissue on in the trash. and water for at least 20 seconds. • Cleaning with a detergent or soap and water hand? The inside of your If soap and water are not should be done before disinfecting elbow will do. available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. • Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting and throw away afterwards

Source: CDC, Steps to Prevent Illness Sources: CDC, Environmental Cleaning and Disinfecting Recommendations, and Sterilization www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 19

The spread of the Coronavirus has most certainly changed our lives—so the experts of Northwell Health are here to give you some valuable advice on how to stay calm, stay informed and stay well. Graphics courtesy of Northwell Health with information provided by the CDC.

COVID-19 Feel sick?

Signs and symptoms Current as of March 16, 2020 Follow these 3 C’s Current as of March 16, 2020

w305478b_COVID-19_16Mar2020 w305478k_COVID-19_16Mar2020 ium r The incubation period Med isk can last from 2-14 days Fever

before symptoms appear.

Shortness H k Cough ofi breath is g r h

Alert your doctor by phone if you: r w i 1. Develop these symptoms s 2. Haveo come in close contact k L with someone with COVID-19 3. Have recently traveled to an area Call in Cozy up Clear liquids experiencing an outbreak If you have work or someplace to Get rest and binge-watch your favorite Staying hydrated with water, tea, be, tell your boss, family and friends shows. If your symptoms persist or broth, sports drinks and other clear, Depending on your case, you may be by phone that you’re staying in. worsen, call (don’t visit) your doctor. non-alcoholic liquids is essential. asked to stay home and rest, or come in for testing

Learn more at Northwell.edu/coronavirus-covid-19 Depending on your symptoms, your doctor may recommend testing for COVID-19. If you test positive, you will need to self-isolate at home if symptoms are mild or else receive medical care at a hospital. Source: CDC, What To Do If You Are Sick

Source: CDC, Symptoms

COVID-19, ‚u or cold Crushing COVID-19 Check your symptoms to ‡nd out Current as of March 16, 2020 Current as of March 16, 2020

w305478n_COVID-19_16Mar2020 w305478o_COVID-19_16Mar2020

Coronavirus Flu Cold How protective measures can lower cases now Symptoms and lessen the impact of the pandemic. Fever Common Common Rarely Delay epidemic

Fatigue Sometimes Sometimes Sometimes

Cough Common Common Mild Reduce peak burden (usually dry) (usually dry) on hospitals and infrastructure Sneezing No No Common

Sometimes Common Cases without Aches & pains Common protective measures Runny/ Health care Rarely Sometimes Common stuffy nose system capacity

Sore throat Sometimes Sometimes Common Number of infections Cases with Sometimes Diarrhea No (for children) No protective measures

Headache Sometimes Common Rarely Time since rst case Shortness Sometimes No No Source: of breath Adapted from CDC

Sources: World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Isolation vs. quarantine COVID-19

Current as of March 16, 2020 Your chances of catching it Current as of March 16, 2020 Understanding the difference w305478a_COVID-19_13Mar2020

w0305478l_COVID-19_16Mar2020 w305478m_COVID-19_16Mar2020 dium ris Me k

• 10 minutes or more of close contact within 6 feet of someone who’s symptomatic H k • Caring for someone who Isolation Quarantine s has COVID-19 while ig i consistently using h r recommended precautions r w i For people who are sick, isolation: For people who are not sick, but Being in the same room • Close contact at home s o with a conrmed case with someone who’s k • Separates people infected with may have been exposed, quarantine: L of COVID-19, but more tested positive than 6 feet away diseases like COVID-19 from • Restricts movement of people to those who are not • Caring for someone monitor symptoms for early detection who has COVID-19 while not using recommended • Restricts movement of sick people • Prevents the spread of infection precautions to avoid spread of the illness or contamination

• Keeps people out of the public • Should be communicated with until the risk of transmission to clear guidelines from the authorities others is low Source: CDC, Risk Assessment

Sources: CDC, What To Do If You Are Sick and WHO, Considerations for quarantine of individuals in the context of containment for coronavirus disease (COVID-19) Caring for the Village takes a village

That’s why we bring the world-class resources of Northwell—New York’s largest health system—to the heart of your community.

Our team has you and your family covered with a wide range of primary and specialty care for all ages, from advanced orthopedic and imaging services to 24-hour emergency care. It’s convenient expertise that fits into your neighborhood—and your life.

Northwell.edu/ForTheVillage 21 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Maggie B’s Quick Clicks Village Icon Vincent

KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON !? Back on March 19th I first sent out this note— Last evening found myself going through pix taken in just the last month. How the Livelli Turns 100 scene has changed.

From this (photo above) on February 23rd, to this (photo below), on March 18th.

TURNING 100 ON APRIL 9TH: Vincent Livelli speaking to Village residents at a lecture about his long and interesting life. Photo by Tina Buckman.

By John Livelli Café on MacDougal Street, which be- came a legendary hangout for writers and One of the West Village’s most storied intellectuals, lasting through the Beat era. residents—author, raconteur and world Livelli’s and Broyard’s gatherings often traveler Vincent Livelli, hits the century turned into soirees at Sherry Martinelli’s mark on April 9. Still youthful and ac- place on Jones Street, with musicians like tive, Livelli is a respected expert on Latin Charlie Parker and writers like William music, and was long a professional salsero Gaddis in attendance. Gaddis’s novel The himself. His sense of adventure has taken Recognitions features characters based on him around world as a pioneer cruise di- Livelli and Broyard. Broyad himself later rector. And his love of books and learning wrote of some of his adventures with Liv- made him a central figure in the post-war elli in When Kafka Was The Rage. More literary scene in the Village. Nor has he And from this, recently, Livelli helped Broyard’s daugh- slowed down much: he recently appeared in late February ter Bliss with background for her father’s as an extra in Martin Scorcese’s The Irish- (photo right) biography, One Drop. Livelli himself be- man, and was featured on a recent Drew to this on March came a prolific and insightful essayist. 25th (bottom right) Binsky travel podcast. He’s had much to write about. Over A long-time Perry Street resident, Liv- several decades, Livelli’s life was marked Since then I've elli grew up on Sullivan Street, where he by scores of ocean voyages. Livelli ar- been continuing to lost most of his hearing at a young age. ranged tours to dozens of countries, usu- record what I've But his handicap never held him back. As ally also serving as entertainment director, been seeing, and a young man, Livelli learned photography. sending bulletins to often to the rich and famous. One of his first assignments was helping an ever-widening Livelli’s life as a Latin dancer started in shoot Orson Welles during the famous circle of friends 1937 at the Park Plaza in Spanish Harlem, War of the Worlds broadcast in 1938. He and acquaintances where he learned from some of the best also had, ironically, an ear for languages, (who have now salseras and salseros. Livelli pursued his which led to his being assigned to the started contribut- dance career in Havana, Miami and New ing their own items) OSS during World War II. Always on the York. While traveling through Cuba, Liv- which seems to scene, Livelli was present at the Japanese elli had a pivotal encounter with a famous help us all—to feel surrender, and later opened a dance hall for santero, who prophesied that Livelli would a little less alone, US servicemen near the Ginza in Tokyo. carry Afro-Cuban music throughout the perhaps? I hope. After the war, Livelli started studies at world. And so he has, working with many My best to all the Brooklyn College, where he met and be- 'WestViewers' of the greatest Latin dancers and musi- came close friends with Anatole Broyard, —maggie b cians, and lecturing, writing, and collabo- a brilliant writer who later became literary rating on scholarly works on the subject. critic for the New York Times. Livelli and Broyard became immersed in the Village literary scene, first opening a bookstore on To read many of Livelli’s essays on his Cornelia Street. Livelli then arranged for incredible life, check out https://salsalivelli. the use of a back room at the San Remo blogspot.com/ 22 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

wise and rinse well to remove any sand A View from the Kitchen or dirt. Cut the leek halves into half an inch pieces. By Isa Covo restaurants; no bars; no closeness (hugging 4. Melt the butter in a saucepan and add So, spring is here—lots of flowering trees on or kissing); staying six feet apart (two arm the leeks. Season with salt and pepper. the streets, many birds in the sky. Nature is lengths). For many who live alone (the only Lower the heat to low and stir the mix- renewing as it does every year and we should faces they see are on television and those ture to coat the leeks evenly. Cover the all rejoice and enjoy the outdoors, but we don’t fill the gap) and the families cooped pan and simmer for about twenty-five can’t; most of us are at home in voluntary up at home for what seems like an eternity, minutes, or until soft, stirring occasion- quarantine following the advice of the med- it’s just like in the Sartre play NO EXIT ally to prevent the leeks from sticking to ical authorities. I looked out of my window (HUIS CLOS), except perhaps that was a the bottom of the pan. yesterday and this morning; the city was al- bit more fun because the characters were 5. When the leeks look ready, mix the mus- most a ghost town. I only saw just a few cars, strangers. tard with the lemon juice. Cover the pan and even fewer pedestrians. This is not sur- And there are no places for worship. again and continue cooking for another prising since everything is closed except for Three old songs spin in my mind: Pete five to ten minutes. There should be no pharmacies and grocery stores, and as cus- Seeger’s Waist Deep in the Big Muddy (let liquid left with the leeks, but add about tomers have already bought more than they us get rid of the stubborn idiots, vote them a spoonful or two of water if the leeks can consume (leaving many empty shelves) out), Woody Guthrie’s This Land Is Your look too dry. there is no reason to go inside. Liquor stores Land (let us make America wonderful 6. Ten minutes before the leeks are ready, again), and Billy Holliday’s I’ll Get By. Yes, were also open, and I wondered if they had Photo by Isa Covo. heat the oil and the butter in a large, good trade. This afternoon, however, I see we all shall. preferably nonstick, skillet over medi- more people and more cars in the street. I Let us cook. um- high heat. When the butter is melt- suppose they got tired of being locked in. For the leeks: ed and foaming, add the salmon fillets But it is dangerous; I, for one, will not go Salmon Fillets 4 leeks, white and pale green only (skin side down) and cook for about four out. with Braised Leeks 3 tablespoons butter minutes or until the spices form a crust. My family and friends live all over the For the fillets: 3 tablespoons lemon juice Turn the filets over and cook until the world, and they and everyone everywhere 2 pounds salmon fillets with skin 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard spice mixture again forms a crust. are just as anxious as we are. I hope that 1 tablespoon fennel seed Salt and pepper to taste 7. Mix the mayonnaise with the mustard. very soon simple daily life will return for 1 tablespoon dried rosemary Place the salmon skin side down on in- all of us. ½ tablespoon dried tarragon leaves 1. Wipe the salmon fillets with a wet paper dividual plates and surround each with Someone said, jokingly, upon hearing Salt and pepper to taste or kitchen towel and cut into four pieces. the leeks distributed equally. that the places of worship were closed, 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2. In a spice grinder, add the fennel seeds, 8. Dot the salmon with the mustard-may- “We are all going to hell!” Well, I think 1 tablespoon butter the rosemary and the tarragon leaves. onnaise mixture and sprinkle each plate that we are already there, or have a taste of 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice Press the mixture on both the top and with the crushed pistachios. it: not going outdoors, except in an emer- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise bottom of the fish. gency; no theaters; no movie houses; no 2 tablespoons roasted pistachios, crushed 3. Prepare the leeks: cut each leek length- Yield: 4 servings Demand Wartime Therapeutic Prophylaxis Disinfection! States government test wartime therapeu- ing it to doctors and showing them how to use germ-fighter we have.” This statement has tics against COVID-19. it. Argyrol was prophylaxis venereal disease been used out of context and its misuse has The medicine was called Argyrol Anti- prevention during WWI and WWII and was caused confusion and wrongful claims. Infective, and it was the gold standard in every military first aid kit. Army statistics According to Dhyana L. Coburn & Pat- in medicine for the first half of the 20th show prophylaxis reduced the incidence of ve- rick D. Dignan's book titled The Wonders of century. It was in every hospital, pharmacy, nereal disease from 16,000 cases a day to 600 Colloidal Silver, test results of the UCLA first aid kit and most home medicine cabi- and helped the Allied troops win WWII. Medical Labs at the UCLA School of nets. It was placed into the eyes of new- In March 1978, Dr. Harry Margraf, a Medicine in 1988, conducted by Larry C. borns as mandated by law, and it was noted pioneering silver researcher from St. Louis, Ford, M.D. of the Department of Obstetrics to be the most useful medicine of all time. penned an article in Science Digest, titled and Gynecology and other researchers, they While we hunker down in our bunkers, “Our Mightiest Germ Fighter.” Based on claimed Silver killed every virus on which why can’t we clean off our mucus membranes his research findings at that time, he stated it was tested. Silver sulfadiazine is used in with the same safe and effective medicine the silver was emerging as a “wonder drug of hospitals to prevent serious burn infections U.S. military mandated be used for respira- modern medicine” and noted that while and kills dozens of different bacteria. tory hygiene during the 1918 Pandemic and antibiotics kill perhaps a half-dozen differ- We demand consideration to test Argy- other subsequent public health crises? ent disease organisms, silver kills some 650 rol against COVID-19. Argyrol anti-infective was on the World of them and is virtually non-toxic. He also Health Organization Essential Medicines noted that resistant strains fail to develop Visit westviewnews.org to sign and share CODE BREAKER MAGAZINE, CIRCA 1918. List. It was used in the eye, ear, nose, throat and stated, “Silver is the best all around the Petition. The military from Yerba Buena Island enacted and genito-urinary tracts. It was used as a strict policy of spraying servicemen's throats drops, ointment, suppositories and nebuli- daily with Argyrol, an OTC anti-infective which zation. It was also used in croup tents for VIEWS BY SUZE provided "stellar results." babies, animals and the elderly. Suzanne McAndrews What a concept: you can safely disinfect 50 + years in Greenwich Village By Dusty Berke your sinuses, throat and lungs to clean off See Views by Suze This goes out as a plea to our government to the germs that are trying to invade your mu- test Wartime Therapeutic Prophylaxis Dis- cous membranes and give yourself a fighting at Bonsignour Café infection against COVID-19. This medi- chance. The life you save can be your own. Jane Street cine was mandated by the Surgeon General Dr. Albert Coombs Barnes, of Barnes Hille, and Eighth Avenue during the 1918 Spanish Influenza Pan- launched Argyrol Anti-infective as a com- demic. Visit westviewnews.org to sign and mercial medication in 1901. The company 646-689-3475 share the petition to demand the United amassed a fortune selling the drug by market- [email protected] www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 23 The Most Famous Night of Passion John F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe Perhaps no name other than Jessica Berk cap- tures so much recognition for Village dwell- ers in and around 95 Christopher Street. Jes- sica grew up at 95 and walked about for decades, clad in black, with a cane and a tiny dog, fearlessly disciplining vagrants and po- lice officers in a high nasal monotone casu- ally sprinkled with shocking expletives. That is, until she and her mother reached an agree- RESPONDING TO CORONAVIRUS ment with her landlord to give up her apart- As we continue to monitor the situation with Coronavirus ment for a very large sum. Jessica then moved (COVID-19), we are taking steps to protect the health and well-be- to Atlantic City where, during a casual con- ing of our customers. versation, a new acquaintance told her that While the store itself will be closed to the public, you are his father was the love child of John F. Ken- welcome to shop through our online shop.But please bear with us nedy and Marylin Monroe. as we will have a skeleton crew. —George Capsis We are grateful to have such wonderful customers that are willing to support a local small business like ours. The first person who invited me to dinner I HAVE HIS GENES, I WANT HIS NAME: John when I moved to Atlantic City was the grand- Fitzgerald Kennedy ("Little Jack"), son of STAY HEALTHY AND SAFE! son of the late JFK & Marilyn Monroe. At President Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe, least that’s what he told me. Somewhat skep- poses next to the bust of who he claims is tical, I asked William Kennedy to prove it (or his father, on the eve of the release of his get some therapy quickly). Being a seasoned book which traces a history of cruel rejec- New Yorker, I realized a DNA Test was the tion. Photo courtesy of William Kennedy. only concrete way to do that. More than hap- the importance of justice for a child and his py to advance him the cool grand that would parents. And wow—this incredible pedi- require—with the understanding that I’d be gree with a world-class challenge! I de- participating in the book his dad (the SON cided to dedicate my life to finding out the of our late president & sex goddess supreme) objective truth. I would present my case to would be writing—I was pleasantly surprised the world, knowing there was not a scam or to find out how cut and dried the results were. a mental disease. So here we are today, about to embark on a Fast forward 37 years. I’d gone to over multi-media tour. —Jessica Berk a dozen schools and my father and I met members of the Kennedy family and peo- By William Kennedy ple connected to Marilyn Monroe in many states. The premise was confirmed. We God bless. I cannot believe it has been such have legally acquired the name Kennedy by a long time since my father told me he is serving Dad’s family. Hugh Hefner con- the son of John F. Kennedy and Marilyn tacted us in 2006 and tried to get my father Monroe. That was in the 1980s, when I to write his kidnapping story, but Dad is was about 10 years old (I am now 47). I dyslexic so that went slowly. was sitting in the back seat of our station Dad’s father Will named his beneficiary wagon crossing the bridge that connects a “child of mine” 57 times. Still, a federal Miami to Miami Beach. judge and the Second Circuit Court said As far back as I could remember, my fa- Dad did not qualify as he was not con- ther had always said he’d been kidnapped, sidered a “child” because his parents were literally. (My mother, an immigrant, didn’t not married (2008-2013). We performed believe kidnapping could occur in Amer- a DNA test in 2019 and found that Dad ica.) Dad and his “fake” mother knew his has a famous and rare DNA, “Kohanim,” parents; they just didn’t state their names found among Jews. Genealogists hypoth- out loud, preferring to call his real mother esize that the Kennedy family is of Jew- “the beautiful one.” Eventually, my mother ish descent. A genealogist in 2020 says and I contacted the FBI. They said there that my father’s birth certificate is not real. had been no unsolved kidnapping case Nevertheless, Dad finished his book and is Just south of James J. Walker Park in the West Village is an open space that has been in the United States except for that of now beyond the point of doubt. It is time eyed enviously by many affordable and supportive housing advocates. Nearly half of the Lindberg baby. Dad’s fake family was to present his case to the world for a just the block facing Hudson Street, bordered by Clarkson and Houston Streets, is owned still false; but finally, the real one was an- result. Whatever you think of Dad, John by the city and will be used for the Dept. of Environmental Protection’s improved water nounced. Initially, it was surreal to hear F. Kennedy and Marilyn Monroe deserve distribution system. After remaining dormant for years, construction activity seems to my father say their names out loud. But your attention (for all the good they have be happening. This photo looks east through the fence on Hudson Street toward the after some time, the news became real and done) if their son needs help. colorful and intricate “City-as-School” mural of recent vintage, which has been one of the most dramatic public artworks to ever bless our neighborhood. The art continues shocking. I had a girlfriend for nine years who The tabloids had exploited my father’s around the corners of the historic school building. The digging equipment and stockpile was impressed because I was able to have of pipes and fittings hint at future work, while the tangled scraps of large rusty pipes parents’ relationship like a riddle with no an- a job, friends, and a good relationship, and swer; it was a joke. Because of that, I wanted tell us that old spent pipes are giving way to new distribution networks. The city has re- to remain normal when others would have cently finalized park-like improvements for other water system sites at the lot next to the to laugh by reflex. My neighbor, whom the been ridiculed and driven mad. (I married Merchant’s House Museum and the corner lot at Lafayette and Grand Streets, much to neighborhood kids thought was scary, made the girl I fell in love with twenty-some the appreciation of their neighbors, despite many utility restrictions for the underground my father confront his weariness of saying years later.) Recently, however, I am facing system. What does the future hold for this plum location? A park? Supportive housing? the names of his parents out loud. ridicule and condemnation. Nevertheless, I We’ll stay alert for new developments here. Text and photo by Brian J Pape, AIA. I knew my obligations to my father and present my case to you, the reader. 24 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

that is rife with piracy. Any user, at any harms cause by piracy. We advocate for time, can upload a copyrighted work with- the rights of people in the creative com- Do You Own Your Art? out permission, and the site does virtually munities to be fairly compensated for their nothing to stop them. Once the work is up, work, and that entails curbing rampant Google is required by law to respond to a digital piracy. legitimate takedown notice from the copy- We have many initiatives in service of Do You Own Yourself? right owner—but only if and when they re- our pro-copyright agenda. Along with my ceive one. Hopefully, the copyright owner EVP of External Affairs and Public Policy, has the resources to constantly monitor I travel frequently to Washington, D.C., to Freedom in the 21st Century YouTube (and the rest of the worldwide work with lawmakers on policies that keep internet) for illegal uploads of their work. copyright strong and robust. We also work If they don’t, and Google or YouTube nev- to fight anti-copyright forces who are con- of Social Media er receive a notice, they don’t have to do stantly lobbying in favor of our country’s By Roger Paradiso part of our laws, enshrined in the Con- a darn thing. The pirated work sits there largest internet platforms. stitution, that guarantees each and every for as long as it’s allowed to, and if the il- Additionally, we help publish op-eds for American exclusive ownership over each legal uploader runs ads against it, YouTube influential creatives in highly visible pub- We have all heard about copyright infringe- and every original work they create. When profits from the stolen video and shares the lications. Our blog is a home for content ment and the new human right on the table you make something in America—be it a proceeds with the thief! ranging from rebuttals to anti-copyright called data rights. Part two of this series with film or a photograph or a book or a piece This broken system, enabled by a “safe messaging to insightful interviews with Ruth Vitale and her team at CreativeFuture of music—you, and only you, get to decide harbor” in a law called the Digital Millen- creatives engaged in the struggle to make will go into these issues for us. what happens to it next. That might mean, nium Copyright Act or the DMCA, allows a living doing what they love. We like to among other things, selling it (along with Google to ignore piracy, in search results think of our captivating content as the With the advent of the internet and the the copyright) to someone else, duplicat- and on YouTube, and make billions in “gateway drug” that attracts people who monetization of the internet by large mo- ing it somehow and distributing it, put- profits from other people’s creative works. might want to know more about copyright, nopolistic companies like Facebook and ting it up for free somewhere, or sticking piracy, and the way they impact the creative Google, among others, we need to un- it in a box under your bed. The point is: RP: Why isn’t Congress going after Google works they love. derstand the game they are playing and the choice over what happens to your work and Facebook for the infringement happening how we can protect ourselves. Villagers, is yours, and if anyone else tries to make on their platforms? RP: What are data rights? being in a community of artists, must that choice for you—without your permis- RV: We’re actually in an interesting time RV: This is not really our purview, Roger, understand the new copyright laws and sion—then they are in violation of your regarding Congress’ approach to this issue. but data rights, as I understand them, are how to protect ourselves. Mailing a copy copyright. Remember the DMCA law I mentioned in the rights of all citizens to control their of your work to yourself and not opening You may hear from anti-copyright ac- the previous answer? The one that allows own data in the online space. Companies it is no longer considered proper by the tivists that copyright somehow suppresses companies like Google and Facebook to like Google and Facebook have become the Copyright Office. I recommend to every- people’s freedom. These naysayers tend to ignore copyright infringement unless spe- behemoths they are by blanketly collecting one that when they finish a work or are be people who think the world should be cifically asked to do otherwise? Well, that the data of their billions of users and us- about to perform a work to please contact able to access copyrighted works for free, law was crafted in 1998, when the internet ing it to sell advertising in numbers that the Copyright office and to go on their without permission, and use them how- industry was barely an industry, Google boggle the mind. Users have little control site at https://www.copyright.gov/. There ever they wish—often on the internet. But was a few months’ old and YouTube and over this, and they should. We all deserve is a lot of information and FAQ’s so that copyright is the definition of freedom. It Facebook were not even glints in their the right to control our own data. everyone can gain a basic understanding. gives every individual the freedom to create founders’ eyes. It was created to help fledg- They do have a phone number listed on without worry, and the freedom to dictate ling internet companies to grow robustly, RP: How do Google and Facebook abuse our data? the site and they are very helpful, but it their creation’s own destiny. and not be bogged down in legal action RV: Again, this isn’t really our lane, but as I is frequently busy, so you must be patient. Now, how is this important to everyone? over the behavior of users over which they said, these huge platforms don’t really give Of course, if you can afford an entertain- Well, copyright ensures artists are paid had no control. users much of a choice over what data gets ment lawyer, he or she is always someone fairly for their work. Without that assur- The DMCA was written with good in- collected and how it gets used. It’s possible you should have onboard when significant ance, they would have no incentive to keep tentions. Lawmakers had no idea, at the to opt out of having your data collected, money is at stake. creating, and America’s robust arts and cul- time, that companies like Google and but it’s not particularly easy to do, and “Data rights are human rights” is a state- ture would be much less vibrant. Whether Facebook would come along and grow most people just don’t bother. Shouldn’t ment you will hear a lot these days. Very you are a creative person yourself or not, I into corporate behemoths worth billions users have to “opt in” for our data to be col- simply it states that your person, your like- think we can all agree that life is measur- of dollars. The future of the internet was lected and used to generate billions of dol- ness, is owned by you and not by anyone ably better when great creative minds have unfathomable then. This idea of sending lars in advertising? else. They must get your permission to use an incentive to create. We all benefit from notices might have made sense when these your person and likeness and compensa- the films, music, books, video games, pho- companies were tiny, but today Google RP: Why isn’t the Congress shutting them down? tion is negotiable. Right now, the pirates, tographs, and other creative works that en- alone receives more than 900 million RV: Nobody really wants to “shut down” the foreign governments, and the corpo- rich our culture and just… make life more DMCA takedown notices every YEAR. Google and Facebook, but it would be rations are having a party using, without fun and interesting. That is just untenable, and it’s time for great if we could all have more agency over compensation or written permission, our this 22-year-old law to be updated. We if, where, and how our data gets collected art and our persons. RP: How are Google and Facebook infringing must put the onus of piracy enforcement and used. Lawmakers have been working And that is where organizations and on copyright? on the internet companies who are facili- on this problem. California, for instance, people like Ruth Vitale and CreativeFuture RV: You would be surprised how much in- tating these crimes. passed a fairly sweeping privacy bill last advocate for artists to government policy- fringement of copyrighted creative works Congress has finally started to realize year. The problem is, implementation of makers to respect our rights. Ruth was in (AKA piracy) happens right on Google’s this, and they are holding a year-long se- this Bill for users is actually quite compli- Washington, D.C., meeting Senators and and Facebook’s own platforms every min- ries of hearings to reevaluate the DMCA cated, and most people haven’t bothered Representatives, when I caught up with ute of every day. And, these companies and see what needs to happen to make this with applying the law to their own personal her. The following is an interview I con- are turning a blind eye to this crime every law more effective. In fact, I’m testifying at data collection, from what I can tell. ducted with her. minute of every day. Google and Face- the next hearing! One way to make these companies more book aren’t perpetrating this infringement accountable, not just for their data col- ROGER PARADISO: Can you give us a short themselves—their users are—but they RP: What is CreativeFuture doing to protect lection practices but for other harms they introduction to copyright protection and why benefit from it, they know about it, and copyright? have perpetrated or enabled—such as it is important to everyone? I was shocked they should do more about it. RV: To be clear, CreativeFuture is not an copyright infringement—is to give them when I read that many young people don’t feel Take YouTube, for example, a sibling of enforcement agency. We advocate for more competition. Right now, these are it is important. Google. They are the biggest video plat- stronger copyright protections and speak monopolies and no other company can RUTH VITALE: Copyright is an important form in the world. It is also a platform to U.S. policymakers about the economic continued on page 26 www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 25 Let’s Get Real About Aging work with our artists on re-emergence is by helping them become digitally proficient so they can apply to other galleries,” Vaccaro said. “You may have an amazing painting to share with the world, but JPEGS and slides will not get you a show. Today, it’s Instagram and social media and websites. We’re lucky to have Gallery interns who visit artists in their studios and help them

become competitive by improving their • • digital skills.” Proof of the Gallery’s success? Not only robust sales for its artists through the 11-12 Hourly Handyman Services Professional Painting Projects group and solo shows it mounts annually, Electrical & Carpentry Work and its eleven years in a business where sur- vival is precarious, but also its growing repu- Call Michael @ 917.476.4146 tation for quality art exhibits. It has become Serving the West Village for 10 Years so well-known that it receives more than a ARTIST ANDREA LILIENTHAL'S recent “Small Disturbances” exhibit at the Burden Gal- thousand submissions a year from older art- lery featured innocent, charming, little girl dresses made out of pages from the New York ists interested in exhibiting. And unlike the artists. I can’t tell you how often someone Times. Photos courtesy of The Carter Burden Gallery. practice at many galleries, Vaccaro and her is struck by a painting or piece of sculp- assistant, Sarah Leon, review each and every ture work and asks, ‘Who’s the artist? Can By Gail Evans work on our walls that keeps us going.” submission and respond to the artist. I see the bio?’ The look on that person’s Vaccaro believes passionately in the Gal- Vaccaro is very aware that ageism is alive face when they learn that the artist is 86 Sure, New York’s galleries happily show lery’s mission to provide exhibition space and well in the art world. “Yes, the art is something to see. Believe me, he or she your work if you’re an older big-name visual to older professional artists whose careers world is fixated on the young and the hip,” walks out a different person!” artist who can command through-the-roof have stalled or who failed to get the rec- she said. “But,” she noted triumphantly, prices. But thousands of professional New ognition they deserve. “Our exhibitors are “you can rail against ageism and short- I visited the Carter Burden Gallery about a York artists over age 50 who have not made lifelong artists who identify as such, what- sightedness in the art market, or you can week before it temporarily closed in response a big splash in the art world are shunned ever day jobs they may hold to survive,” offer an alternative. The Gallery is not just to the pandemic that has shut down New by galleries unwilling to take a chance on she explained. “Making art is what they do. changing the lives of the artists we show, York. At the time Vaccaro and Leon were them because of their age. I recently vis- They don’t retire from making art the way we’re also changing the perspectives of visi- preparing for new photography exhibits to ited a sunny, spacious gallery smack in the they might from a job. They keep at it, many tors who walk in, like what they see, and start March 19th in the Gallery’s three spaces heart of Chelsea’s Broadway of galleries producing vibrant, important, cutting-edge have no idea they’re viewing work by older but uncertain whether to proceed. that bucks this trend. The Carter Burden work. But because their sales potential may Gallery at 548 West 28th Street exhibits not have kept pace with their talent, galler- older professional artists exclusively. Under ies can’t afford to take a chance on them.” 60 need not apply! The Gallery nurtures an ongoing sup- The Burden Gallery is part of the Carter portive community for its older artists ® Burden Network, one of the City’s major and provides resources to help them “re- We The People non-profits dedicated to serving seniors emerge” as respected names in the art DOCUMENT PREPARATION SERVICES through a broad range of programs. “The world. Artists who have already exhibited Burden Network’s slogan has always been at the Gallery welcome newcomers by at- ‘we give a voice to older people,’” said Mar- tending their openings, year after year. They Died Without a Will... lena Vaccaro, the Gallery’s Director and As- The Gallery’s newsletter keeps its exhibi- sociate Executive Director of the Burden tors up-to-date on the world of art and its’ Network. “I like to say that the Gallery gives quarterly artists’ meetings are opportuni- a wall! We have a wonderful Board and cor- ties to share ideas. porate sponsors, but it’s the quality of the “One of the most important ways we Aretha Abe Lincoln Prince Do You Have a WILL? Peace of Mind for just $199 Legal Document Preparation Services since 2006 for WILLS, DIVORCE, BANKRUPTCY, INC/LLC OFF $25Any Service $199+

RECEPTION FOR THE OPENING at the Burden Art Gallery in March 2019 of “Being Still/Still 233 West 14th Street | 212) 633-2200 | www.WTPNY.com Being” featuring the work of Dr. Etta Ehrlich and Alan Neider. 26 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Or in the mahogany game room at the mumbling, “Smoke, smoke.” A Washington Square Journey club. In the cab back to the Hotel Taft, I sat with other mothers in the park I glanced out the rear window. I couldn’t playgrounds. When my marriage ended, wait to tell my friend, Jane, or return. one suggested I see my therapist twice a The Arch Up Ahead My parents, reverse snobs, disapproved of week. Another took off her sunglasses and doing things, as my mother would say, “by showed me her black eye. driveway, garage, backyard, swing set and the book.” They showed me options and Until my early 60s, I taught writing two mulberry trees on the front lawn, I was opened my eyes to a larger, more accepting in Main Building on the floor below the surprised people lived in the tall buildings world. Did they—did I—know me? chem lab I almost blew up as a college lining lower Fifth Avenue, but Washing- During early 1960s New York trips, we saw junior. When my grandson was little, my ton Square looked like our Delaware Park “The Fantasticks” twice and roamed through present husband, Jonathan, and I took him and every other park I had visited. People Washington Square and the surrounding to the playgrounds I had taken his mother. walked and talked. streets. A college friend lived on lower Fifth For decades, I have been walking Nothing and no one seemed different un- Avenue. I visited during vacations. down Fifth Avenue through Washington til a disheveled man approached us, asking In 1967, I transferred to NYU and lived Square to do errands. I walk laps around for money. Frightened, my father grabbed in Rubin Hall on Tenth Street and Fifth it as exercise, logging miles. On weekends, my hand, hurrying to leave, but stopping at Avenue. Alone my first day at Chock Full Jonathan and I watch the classical pianist tables where men played chess. Watching O Nuts on University Place across from at his baby grand, other musicians, and their moves, Dad’s eyes brightened. “The NYU’s Main Building and diagonally the acrobatic twins, Tic and Tac. Alone, I unwashed members of society,” he said, ap- across from the park, I asked the waitress read and look around. pearing eager to join them. He loved chess, for an ashtray. She brought me a little foil Chess players are at the tables. I never had no regular game and only played at the one. The man next to me said, “Ashtrays learned to play. Not everything is crystal fancy eating club where my wealthy aunt are a lot to ask for here.” clear, but Washington Square is my park. I "WASHINGTON SQUARE IS MY PARK": belonged when we were her guests. Flinching, I remembered the panhandler am comfortable there and living in a tall Author Nancy Davidoff Kelton, above, poses Walking along MacDougal Street, we and Dad’s fear. Initiations. Newness. That’s building ten blocks from the arch. with the park's famous Arch. Photo by still did not see anyone wearing black tur- it. That’s all. New Yorkers voice their opin- Jonathan Zich. tlenecks. At a Howard Johnson’s on Sixth ions, thank goodness. I felt at home. Nancy Davidoff Kelton is the author of Avenue near Eighth Street, a man and After classes and during those I cut, I sat seven books and numerous essays that have By Nancy Davidoff Kelton woman walked in, laughing and kissing. on park benches, getting my real educa- been published in The New York Times, The They sat at the next table. He was white. tion. My chemistry lab partner explained New York Times Magazine, The Boston In 1960, on my third New York trip from She was black. The woman, seeing me chemistry and rolled us tight joints. We Globe, The Baltimore Sun, Parents, Writer’s Buffalo, I went to Washington Square Park to stare, smiled and waved. My mother told would laugh upon seeing our professor Digest, AARP websites and elsewhere. On see beatniks. My parents’ excitement explain- them we were from Buffalo. The man said walk through. In class and in lab, he loved June 8, 2020 the Jewish Repertory The- ing their unconventional clothing, values, and they lived nearby on Eleventh Street. Our asking, “Is everything crystal clear?” atre of Western New York will present the Greenwich Village homes aroused mine. sundaes came. What studying I did, I did at NYU Law first staged reading of her play, Finding “See that arch up ahead,” my father said, “Those are beatniks,” Dad said. School with my law school boyfriend, who Mr. Rightstein, which she adapted from ten blocks away on the bus. “That’s where “Pretty wonderful,” added Mom. “We eventually became my husband. At night, her memoir with the same title. She teaches we’re going.” don’t get to see that in Howard Johnson’s we played frisbee in Washington Square. writing workshops at the New School and Growing up in a two-story house with a on Delaware.” We said ‘no’ to the guys selling loose joints, Strand Bookstore.

Village continued from page 16 Do You Own Your Art Ominous and sometimes contradictory continued from page 24 words have come out of the mouth of our President and many talking heads on tele- rise up and challenge them with a better vision. Life has been put on hold. Is the product. Governments around the world world falling apart? They’ve cancelled the are focused on antitrust measures target- start of the Major League Baseball season, ing these companies. Fines have even paused the ongoing NBA and NHL sea- been assessed, but these companies are sons, moved the Masters back to an un- so wealthy the fines barely make a dent. known date, cancelled the St. Patrick’s Day Many leaders have called for breaking up Parade. All college, high school and youth these monopolies. We shall see. sports and activities are cancelled. “And we all know Cinema Village is one RP: What can a Villager do to protect them- of the oldest repertory theaters in NYC selves against these large monopolies? supporting independent film and film fes- RV: Everyone can take more agency in tivals. It’s a cultural gem in a rapidly disap- their lives. We can all educate ourselves pearing Greenwich Village. I’m not going how our data gets collected and how it is anywhere. I love the Cinema” says Nick. used, and we can take steps to limit this There are reports from cable news that collection. We have to be vigilant, because people are going to get checks of 1,200 the problem is vast and never-ending. dollars and businesses will get bailouts— These internet companies have already even small businesses. We’re printing mon- made many changes in their business ey and to hell with the deficit. And where’s LIFE HAS BEEN PUT ON HOLD: No more customers in Village Music World on Bleecker practices because of backlash from users Joe Biden? All we see on TV now is Trump Street. Photo by Jamal Alnasr. and lawmakers alike. We should all con- winging it. Didn’t we do this already in tinue educating ourselves about the ways 2016? It seems our President likes to praise has. You can take that to the bank if there to make sure that the small businesses are in which these companies make money— himself and has started his campaign. I are any open. I make one last call to Jamal compensated fairly. After all, this was not by selling ads against other people’s con- see him more like Nero who fiddled about who is staying until 8pm on this still night. their fault. They are following the govern- tent using our data to make money from while his city burned. I ask Jamal if he had any customers? He ment’s orders. advertising. It’s time that we take back “Half Pint will always be here in the Vil- pauses. Then he says, “Zero today. Maybe The parks are empty now, but soon kids our privacy. And, it’s time we work to- lage in one form or another,” says Torrie. one tomorrow.” I tell him we will all have will be playing. gether to stop the rampant theft of our The Village will survive like it always our eyes on Congress and the city council The Village will come back. creative works on these platforms! www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 27 How High Can 200 Amsterdam Go? By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP matic outcome brought the unoccupied structure into compliance with the law; Many WestView readers have commented the DOB had granted architects Schuman, on the Clarkson Towers project as being Lichtenstein, Claman & Efron (SLCE) a much too big, and impossibly tall, when permit for the work, fooled by an ambigu- all other developments along West Street ous zoning map. Mayor David N. Dinkins, have been limited to 16 to 18 stories. Is a neighborhood group called Civitas, and there any way to contest this intrusion? the developer settled on the 31-story shell On the Upper West Side of Manhat- being cut down to 19 stories, paving the tan, something similar occurred when the way for its eventual occupancy. Five years 51-story 200 Amsterdam Avenue proj- of paying for an empty shell plus the cost of ect was revealed in 2016. Councilwoman demolition would be enough to bankrupt Helen Rosenthal noticed the extraordinary any lesser mortals and businesses. height and Borough President Gale Brew- In related news this year, a challenge to er supported her concern, and they spoke Extell’s proposed 775-foot apartment tow- up about it. What happened next is a les- er at 50 West 66th Street was rejected by son for us all. the BSA, upholding the DOB’s permits for Parsippany, NJ-based developers SJP the future tallest tower on the Upper West Properties and Japanese investment com- Side. However, the architect firm Snohetta pany Mitsui Fudosan America bought the reduced the mechanical spaces on four sep- 200 Amsterdam lot in October, 2015, and arate floors, none larger than 64 feet tall. officially unveiled the Boston-based Elkus The DOB and fire department requested Manfredi Architects plans for a tower the changes from the original plan that had in June, 2016. The city’s Department of a 180-feet tall mechanical space. A month Buildings (DOB) approved permits in after the city signed off on Extell’s plans, September, 2016 based on a zoning lot of the city council closed a loophole; any util- over 100,000 square feet, achieved by pur- ity floor taller than 25 feet will now count chasing the development rights from the toward the building’s zoning floor area. superblock’s parking lots and partial tax “The developers of 200 Amsterdam lots at the neighboring Lincoln Towers. took advantage of a decades-old zoning In May, 2017 two citizens’ groups, the 200 AMSTERDAM AVENUE in November, 2019. Photo by Michael Young. interpretation to create a gerrymandered Municipal Art Society of New York and the 39-sided zoning lot in order to construct a Committee for Environmentally Sound De- In the ongoing battle, on March 3rd, are in contract for purchase. The court luxury building that is one of the tallest on velopment, initiated an Article 78 proceeding 2020 the New York City Law Department, ruling adds unnecessary uncertainty and the Upper West Side. We are closing this to revoke the permits. In July, 2018 DOB’s plus the developers separately, challenged risk in the industry, threatening already loophole so that developers will no lon- determination was upheld by the Board of the judge’s ruling, stating it is improper to constructed, and perhaps even occupied, ger be able to cobble together partial tax Standards and Appeals (BSA) following a reinterpret “zoning that has been approved buildings. Based on case-proven precedent, lots for new buildings,” City of New York period of document review and testimony. and consistently upheld by the Depart- even NYC architects and developers prob- Deputy Press Secretary Jane Meyer said in Could this problem have been avoided if the ment of Buildings and Board of Standards ably would have made the same decisions. an email. developers hired experts on NYC zoning and and Appeals.” The DOB permit was sup- Buildings far taller than 12 stories have Who will pay for closing this loophole? code—namely, NYC architects? ported by historic interpretation of zoning been razed without incident, but that is not Both the developer and the civic groups The BSA finding should have been the laws allowing zoning lots to be composed the issue; it is how the approval process is have already paid dearly. end of the approval process, but on Febru- of partial tax lots, which the BSA affirmed. followed. ary 13th, 2020 New York State Supreme Twenty other buildings around the city In the only local example of demolish- Court Justice W. Franc Perry ruled in favor have been built using partial tax lots, such ing extra floors, on April 23, 1991, five Brian J. Pape is a LEED-AP “green” ar- of invalidating the building’s lot zoning and as 200 West End Avenue, 160 Amster- years after its completion in July 1986, chitect consulting in private practice, serves ordering the owners of 200 Amsterdam to dam Avenue, and 180 Amsterdam Avenue Albert and Laurence Ginsberg, father and on the Manhattan District 2 Community remove approximately 20 floors from the (built right next to 200 Amsterdam on the son developers, agreed to raze the top 12 Board, is co-chair of the American Insti- 668-foot tower to bring it into compliance gerrymandered lot). floors off an apartment tower at 108 East tute of Architects NY Design for Aging with the court’s interpretation of the Zon- Work is continuing on the Upper West 96th Street, near Park Avenue, that was Committee, and is a journalist who writes ing Resolution. Side building, where a number of units built too tall for zoning rules. This dra- about architecture. WestView—Never More Needed... Never More in Need. As nearly all of our restaurants and retailers close so did their advertising. WestView will not survive the many months of this epidemic without your help. Buy a subscription or two. Donate at westviewnews.org. Come and visit George in the garden and become a patron. Give us a call with your ideas how we can survive as a real newspaper. 212.924.5718 Modernism lives in Tribeca.

A collaboration of design visionaries. KPF. David Rockwell. David Mann. Edmund Hollander. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 29

can be a helpful exercise in learning what to embrace or not inherently negative. It can show us when we have an avoid in your daily life to help manage your feelings better. unfulfilled need or a frustration with crossed boundaries. A person that feels angry should examine where the anger How Do Push through and seek support when it seems difficult. is coming from so he or she can resolve the issue. Anger If we’ve buried our emotions for a long time, it can be very becomes a problem only when it is exhibited un-checked, painful to face them. Often it can seem like things are get- hurting us and those around us. If you’ve watched the Pixar ting worse before we learn to deal with how we feel. Don’t movie Inside Out, you’ll have learned that sadness isn’t al- You Feel? give up before you receive the healing benefits of getting ways negative either. It can help us be more empathetic, By Christina Raccuia more in tune with yourself! Seek help from trusted friends, more sensitive to the needs of others. It’s not the emo- counselors, religious organizations, and support groups if it tions that cause problems for us, but the way they fester Such a simple question. However, it is often difficult to seems too difficult to do alone. and burst if we ignore them. answer with anything other than “excellent” or “pretty good.” What is it about emotions that often makes people Express emotions in healthy ways. How can teenagers deal with emotions? uncomfortable? Well, we are not always encouraged to get Once we’ve learned to name and track emotions, we need When we’re children we experience very basic emotions in touch with our emotions. We strive to turn a happy face to learn what to do with them. Understanding our emo- without many words to express ourselves. The older we get, to the world, keeping up the facade displayed on our so- tions may lead us to have healthy conversations with loved the more complicated our emotions become. Eventually, cial media pages. We often feel pressure to put on a front ones. We can share what we’ve learned about ourselves we are able to have multiple feelings at the same time and for “likes” so we show people the fun vacations and the with others, receiving support and providing empathy for have a wider spectrum of emotion terms to use. When we pretty food, but not the crying baby or the embarrassing one another. Other ways that people deal with emotions are teenagers, we are learning how to deal with these new work meeting. It seems important to show our best selves include exercising, meditating, prayer, creating or listening moods. It’s important to remember that our peers are ex- to others and to appear strong, independent, and upbeat at to music, writing poetry, painting, or journaling. Find out periencing these same changes. We’re not crazy because all times. what helps you to process your emotions, and be as creative we don’t always immediately know why we’re crying or be- But we then fall into the trap of comparing our real as you want! coming angry. It can help to use some of the above tips—to lives with “highlight reels” of others on social media, all journal our thoughts, and to talk to a trusted adult who has the while feeling pressure to keep up our own “everything Pay attention to your body. gone through this. is great” exterior. Often, the images we portray to others Take a moment to pause right now. Take a deep breath. don’t show the whole picture. We might be depressed or What does your body feel like right at this moment? Of- How can being in tune with my feelings help my rela- have a bad day or lose a job. These all lead to us feeling ten, we experience physical sensations that are associated tionships? potentially isolated from other people. So, what is the im- with emotions, and we can learn to recognize our feelings Talking to your partner about how each of you expresses portance of both understanding and sharing our emotions? based on our physical symptoms. For example, anger is of- different emotions can help you learn to recognize feelings ten felt between the chest and head, while fear is usually in each other. A person could assume that his partner is How to get in touch with your feelings. felt between the stomach and chest. These sensations can happy when she talks a lot because this is how she behaves, You may be thinking, “OK that’s great, emotional aware- include tightness, numbness, agitation, and nausea. Differ- but she may actually talk more when she is nervous and ness matters, but how do I become more aware?” The fol- ent people will have different physical sensations, so learn uncomfortable. Conversations about emotions can teach lowing are some suggestions for learning more about your what your body is telling you about your emotions. people to better care for each other. feelings and how to talk about them in helpful ways. We all experience emotions every day, even when we do Is emotional awareness important? not realize it. They are powerful indicators of our needs, Name the emotions you experience. Emotional awareness is an often-neglected skill. Some goals, longings, and desires. When we are in tune with Often, we think of the easy ones, such as anger, happiness, studies show that only one in three of us has the ability to them, they can point us in directions of growth so we can sadness, or fear; but as we become adults, our emotions correctly assess our feelings. This is significant because our reach our full potential and receive the support we need. become more nuanced. Learn to identify less commonly emotions usually point toward important truths about our- Ignoring feelings may be easy in the moment but can have named ones, including shock, shame, anxiety, disgust, selves. Our feelings come from our deepest desires, hopes, serious repercussions for our relationships and our mental boredom, amusement, desperation, doubt, etc. Use a the- needs, and goals. If we don’t know what we’re feeling and health. Learning about our emotions can help us be more saurus or search for a mood chart online to give you new why, we risk leaving crucial needs and longings unmet, empathetic people, know our strengths and weaknesses, ideas. potentially perpetuating a cycle of anger or unhappiness. make better choices, and ask for what we need. Keeping feelings hidden can also lead to emotional break- Learn to identify your feelings correctly. downs. Imagine a pipe that is blocked, emotions building We may automatically assume that we are angry if we yell, up like water trying to get through to the other side. Even- but it’s possible to cover up feelings of sadness or embar- tually the pipe will burst, causing chaos. Lack of emotional Don’t put off taking off rassment with behavior that looks like anger in order to awareness can also lead to unhealthy ways of coping, such those extra pounds – and make us feel less vulnerable. Take the time to look below as addiction, overeating, negative relationships, and angry keeping them off! the surface symptoms and see what’s really going on un- outbursts. Please allow me derneath. to help you on your The myth about negative emotions. weight management journey Track a particular emotion throughout the day. A lot of people believe that it’s only healthy to have posi- Pick a feeling and follow it. Let’s say, “joyfulness.” Jot down tive emotions such as happiness, joy, and contentment, but Joy Pape, Family Nurse Practitioner how many times you feel joyful throughout the day. Write that negative emotions like fear, anxiety, or sadness are in- [email protected] notes about who you’re with, what time it is, where you are, appropriate. We need to dispel this myth if we are going 917-806-1945 what you’re doing, and how intense the emotion is. This to get in touch with our feelings. Anger, for example, is

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512 HUDSON STREET • NYC 10014 WWW.SEAGRAPEWINES.COM • 212-463-7688 30 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org Upside Down By Keith Michael grandstanding males at every intersection on the cantilevered traffic lights) while the I sent this article in on Sunday, March local Starlings and Pigeons seem unfazed 22nd, so who knows how the world has by the virus lockdown. A winter holdover changed by now when you are reading it. White-throated Sparrow was still tsking This has been the end of Week One for from the undergrowth and a nice surprise us, essentially, staying at home. We have was a cluster of Brown-headed Cowbirds fourteen rolls of toilet paper, seven and a styling among the Kentucky Coffee pods half rolls of paper towels, four pumps of still clinging to the trees. hand sanitizer, two drums of alcohol wipes, The species best practicing social dis- three bags of kibble (Millie seemed pleased tancing that I have seen are a pair of black- that we thought of her—one of the bags and-white Buffleheads that were diving even has a glossy photo of a corgi on it, fully a nautical block apart from each other, even though it’s for adult dogs one to six a single Red-throated Loon surveying the years old, not exactly Millie’s demograph- river, and one Double-crested Cormo- ic), and about two weeks of food for us. rant on a panoramic pile field silhouetted No masks. David’s been heroically shop- against the Jersey City skyline. The bird ping and cooking, while as well as work- that got my heart racing (and my feet rac- ing remotely. I’ve been purging—empty- ing to chase it) was a solitary Raven croak- ing a dozen or more shelf feet from books, ing, a Corvid not a Covid, careening south some that I hadn’t opened in 30 years, and A MONK PARAKEET at Fort Schuyler in The Bronx eyes the world from both sides now. over Pier 40 while being harassed by a recycling eleven boxes of memorabilia es- Photo by Keith Michael. group of Crows. sentials such as college term papers, perfor- Searching my photos for a moment mance programs from the 80s, and music screaming, so they may have been chasing a day, though Millie has not left the block of avian levity, a jaunty Monk Parakeet mixs on reel-to-reel tape. Red-tailed Hawk out of the neighborhood. (she hates wearing the mask—just kidding) cheered me. A successful immigrant from Having passed the first day of spring, at Or maybe they were just screaming because and walked over to Hudson River Park. Re- Argentina, I’ve seen them in Brooklyn least it’s been warm enough to open the they seem to like to. markably, it has seemed like everyone from and Queens, and they are now residents windows. I’ve been perfecting a new skill: I’ve also heard Mourning Doves sighing the West Village has also been walking of Manhattan as well, but this one was birding while purging. Cardinals contin- their mournful notes from a high window- in HRP. People seem nearly incapable of dangling from branches at Fort Schuyler ue to duet sing. (I wrote about them last sill in the mornings, and the lively, buoyant NOT flocking together. Spring birds seen in The Bronx. May we all take its upside month.) I hear one from the top of the scribbly song of the pink House Finches in along the river have included a large fam- down view of the world as normal in these Callery pear tree outside my street win- the afternoons. Robins have been serenad- ily of Canada Geese foraging on the lawns, topsy turvy times. dow, and the other is still replying from ing in the early evenings with their frus- two pairs of Black Ducks and three pairs of Millie wishes you all good health and further down the block like last month. tratingly indescribable musical improvisa- Mallards along the river wall, a small con- humor. Wash your paws. It’s a cheerful rapport amidst the general tions, and I wish that I could say that I’ve tingent of Brant Geese were squabbling on atmosphere of suppressed gloom currently been kept awake by the nocturnal crooning the rocks near the old Sanitation Pier, and Visit keithmichaelnyc.com for books, photo- everywhere. Several times there has been a of Mockingbirds, but I can’t. Either that’s the gulls (Ring-billed, Herring, and Great graphs, and the latest schedule of New York Blue Jay ruckus. Once it was mixed in with because my windows have been closed then Black-backed) continue to police the wa- City WILD! urban-adventures-in-nature Crows cawing so I imagine it was an ur- or because the muse of spring hasn’t yet in- terfront as usual. outings throughout the five boroughs. Visit ban negotiation about who got to stay on spired their concertizing. House Sparrows flaunt their spring pro- his Instagram @newyorkcitywild for photos the block. Another time it was just the Jays It’s true that I have “taken the air” every creation rituals (just look at the buoyantly from around NYC.

Do We Really Need Newspapers? The Chicago Tribune, for lack of ads, got sold last week, and the Times article cataloged WestView where thousands can read it? other venerable papers cutting staff and being bought by financial dice shooters. The Vil- I feel, after 15 years, we are just warming up to what a community newspaper can be so I lager's new Brooklyn owners indiscriminately display ads for a Bronx Bank don't want you to send us $12 to continue to get the old WestView—I want you to send it in It takes a Trump-like ego to think that WestView News can escape the arithmetic of high the hope you will get a better and better WestView. cost to print and distribute and the difficulty in getting ads when you can go online free. But And then boy, we get a heart operating room—what newspaper has done that? we are going to try. We are going to try—that is—if you think it is worth the effort? We like But wait, this is your newspaper, and you have lived a unique and interesting life and every the paper and as I keep saying it could become much better—more valuable to the West Vil- once in a while what you have learned in your life time makes you stop and think "no, they lage readers if we can better, more fully, report on what is important to us living here (I raised got it wrong" and then write to WestView and straighten us out. a family here over 50 years). As I said, this is not my newspaper—it is your newspaper—but if you want my opinion, I At about this point readers are skipping to another page—we have heard too many hard think we ought to try and keep it. luck stories and, so what if another paper goes out of business—I get my news from TV anyway. And then I get a 96-year-old woman who had her life savings conned away from her ❑ OK let's try and keep it alive! Here is my $12 for one year. over the phone from people who said they were a government office—she calls WestView. ❑ Here is $24 for two years. Politicians sit down for a cup of coffee at my kitchen table when they are running for office ❑ Here is my gift to WestView for a job well done $______and they would rather not read a sarcastic appraisal of their legislative ideas. What is more effective—sending an email to your City Councilman or seeing it printed in Mail to WestView News, 69 Charles St., New York, NY 10014 or online at westviewnews.org www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 31 LIVE IN NYC? YES, you fill out the census.

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unique experience, which was further enhanced when singer-songwriter-pianist Hannah Reimann impro- Karen’s Quirky Style vised a one-minute piece of music to express the feel- ing of the longing and the pudding! As we try to make sense together of new unknowns By Karen Rempel | Fashion Editor and daily changes to our world, we need to remem- ber our friendships and stay connected using all of the This Easter promises to be bleak, and nothing is bleaker tools of our modern age. And let’s all help support our than an un-peopled Bleecker Street. When Dusty and I local restaurants and bakeries by taking advantage of headed over to Bleecker for this month’s shoot, we were their delivery and takeout options. As of this writ- doing our best to put a bright face on Easter. I chose a ing, Magnolia Bakery is still open for takeout. If you soothing fifties-reminiscent outfit in chick-and-bunny haven’t tried the banana pudding, now is the perfect colors with ironic white gloves in brave pandemic style. time for a wonderful new memory. Dusty put together a beautiful matching Easter basket. I normally get a kick out of the quirky contrasting pat- terns of this floral print dress with plaid shoes—and For more stories, style notes, and fun photos, see karens- the old black-and-white tiles at Magnolia Bakery—but quirkystyle.com and connect @karensquirkystyle. looking out at the deserted street, even the gorgeous cakes and iconic banana pudding failed to cheer. These small pleasures are insubstantial in comparison to the VINTAGE 70S PINK SPRIGGED DRESS WITH YELLOW AND BLACK JAPANESE FLORAL PATTERN. weight of concern the world is feeling as we grapple Hand-made (likely home-made). Krystyna’s Place, with an unprecedented pandemic. 12 Cornelia Street. (now closed) Perhaps as we self-isolate and socially distance, it’s time to remember special moments of connection in GREEN GLASS “PEAS IN A POD” EARRINGS. our lives. Magnolia’s banana pudding reminds me of Gift from a friend. several wonderful events. I first tasted it with my friend WHITE LINGERIE GLOVES. Sally Sommer, and we both agreed after our first bites The Bay, Vancouver, BC. that it was out of this world. That moment of mutual PEARL NECKLACE WITH APPLE CLASP (worn as a discovery and wonder was one of many ecstatic mo- bracelet). Off Broadway Boutique, 139 W. 72nd Street. ments in February as I prepared for my first solo ex- (now closed) hibit in New York. I was looking for synesthesia taste pairings for the opening reception of my art exhibit at LAUREN LORRAINE “GISELLE” PINK, WHITE, AND BLACK PLAID STILETTO PUMPS WITH RHINESTONE Revelation Gallery. I paired the banana pudding with WEST VILLAGE MODEL KAREN REMPEL surveys FLOWERS. Shoe store on W. 14th Street. (now closed) the image “Longing,” and encouraged guests at the deserted Bleecker Street from a favorite vantage point, opening reception on March 3 to taste the pudding amidst the cakes at Magnolia Bakery. Photograph by RHINESTONE AND CHAIN LINK NECKLACE. Housing while looking at the artwork. My guests enjoyed this Dusty Berke. Works, 245 W. 10th Street @ Hudson.

Style on the Street: No “Mask” No Problem...We Got This Covered! All photos by Dusty Berke. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 33

response, encouraging a lot more indepen- Music in the Time of Corona dent work from them. Often it feels like the one activity we all have from our old lives By Hannah Reimann gradually to passionate waves and fortis- that feels somewhat the same in spite of simo climaxes which the artist relished not being together in the same room. They SHIZ’KA AT ST. JOHN’S IN THE VILLAGE and exploited with aplomb. All of Chopin’s are all used to technology as a staple, more ShiZ’ka, a gifted and expressive pianist ballades require physical and emotional so than much of the over-50 demographic. from Japan, performed a concert of var- strength. Maybe a little more poetry would There are many smiles and laughter, runs to ied periods and styles at St. John’s in the come into play as she lives with this and the bathroom and trips to the kitchen to get Village on Saturday, March 20th. The the other ones. a drink, the exaggerated joy and examina- concert’s coinciding almost exactly with ShiZ’ka was in her element on this day tion of a face filling a screen, the square bor- the closing of all non-essential businesses, playing Rachmaninoff ’s Moment Musi- ders of the images allowing me to zero in places of worship, performance venues and caux and Prokofiev’s Sonata in D minor. on their expression even if the sound doesn’t other New York City establishments and The mood and virtuoso passages match her equal an in-person listening session. services due to the COVID-19 global pan- temperament and skill. She communicates The first full week of teaching remotely demic is reason enough for this artist to be deep longing and adventurousness, spectacu- has been very rewarding and given me much lauded and admired. To suddenly adjust to lar “Brilliance and Fervor” as the program is happiness, working with the kids, ages 7-16, playing in an empty hall, create the condi- named. There were many colors and beauti- on their pieces and songs, sometimes phrase tions for a live broadcast and all the other ful clarity of the motivic ideas of the Proko- by phrase. Several years ago, one of the challenges we’re now all facing made this fiev Sonata in spite of the interface of stream- preteens, a very talented boy named Hiro, an interesting and captivating show. ing that separated my ears from the actual moved to Pittsburgh and wanted to con- Three Scarlatti sonatas opened the con- piano. I applauded, again, and cheered, again, tinue studying with me. So I have had a lot cert (K.118 in D major, K.523 in G ma- after the brilliant conclusion of this work, a of practice for this new era, having taught jor and K.57 in B flat major), played with great ending to a show that would have surely him remotely every Sunday for years. He is agility, poise and the special effervescent garnered several encores had there been a live now fifteen, playing Chopin’s “Revolution- joy that only can be communicated via audience. This artist has much to offer as a ary” Etude and four Schubert Impromptus Scarlatti: well done. The same went for focused, athletic performer with solid knowl- VIRTUAL LESSONS: Music student Ben as well as accompanying a dozen of the Beethoven’s Sonata in F major, Opus 54. edge of style and ability to execute an exciting Landfield, above, receives remote lessons singers in the studio as a special project I’ve There is much ebullience in this fast-mov- program of music. from his instructor, Hannah, via FaceTime arranged for him with his mother. The trick (see small image of Hannah in upper right ing romp of two movements and ShiZ’ka will be setting up the Zoom session for 13 or corner). Photo credit: Hannah Reimann. showed this emotion excellently with TEACHING YOUNG MUSICIANS IN THE 14 people for a concert, figuring out before- complete technical control. I found myself TIME OF CORONA pains of organizing FaceTime, Zoom and hand if he can actually accompany them on- shouting “brava!” and applauding, alone in It is a privilege for me to report that my other online video sessions for our virtual line! Another project of technical research my apartment, seated on my couch, listen- work as a music educator has not been se- lessons on smart phones, tablets and laptops. awaits me (sigh). What will be the best App ing through my Bose speaker to the final verely compromised to date as a result of the It has been a wonderful exploration to for this? Music in the Time of Corona is not chord. That was a lot of fun, a surprise I present pandemic and its restrictions. Music work with my piano and vocal students, simple, but it is an enjoyable new horizon hadn’t anticipated. lessons are being taught remotely just like mostly at their usual weekly times, demon- for my students and me. Wish us luck for Chopin’s very poetic and intimate Bal- school is, by scores of individual teachers strating for them at my piano or with my our virtual Spring concert! lade in F minor begins quietly and builds to their usual students, all of us taking the voice, doing a lot of imitation and call-and- www.hannahreimann.com

debt is the private banking system—the com- stock and bond markets (and similar enter- What Is Money? mercial banks and the twelve Federal Reserve prises). Do we need this kind of world? Banks. They have captured our government; The bank credit system empowers the bank- By Sue Peters As the borrower repays the loan, the balance this is literally true. The largest funding to ing system, impoverishes the working class, grows smaller. When fully repaid, the bal- political candidates in the U.S. comes from cripples our government, and undermines the By law, every time a private commercial ance is zero. The bank-created deposit is the financial sector—the banks. democracy that could make life just and fair. bank lends to a borrower, all the bank is do- gone, but so is our money supply! Therefore, Fifth, since the banks decide who gets ing is creating a deposit in the borrower’s to have a money supply, the banking system loans, they decide who will be funded. Look Sue Peters had a 37-year career in technol- account. The bank never takes funds from must continuously make loans. To put it an- around. Who is being funded? Weapons ogy—writing, analyzing, and designing one account and lends it out to a borrower. other way, our economy requires that people manufacturers, pharmaceutical corpora- data processing systems. She's been an active The bank always creates the deposit in the and businesses be in debt and pay interest tions, agribusiness, real estate bubbles, member of several monetary reform groups. borrower’s account. It’s called bank credit. to the banking system. Over time, financial Our economy runs on a money supply. If institutions become wealthier, while work- there is no money, the economy stops, as it did ing people become poorer. in the 1930s Great Depression. Today, the only Third, the bank credit system causes reces- government-issued money found in the money sions and depressions. If the amount of bank supply is a small amount of coins. The vast ma- loans starts to shrink, the money supply shrinks. jority is bank credit. Even our paper currency, The real economy cannot function smoothly known as Federal Reserve Notes, is issued by and there is a recession. People are put out of the banking system, not the government. work. If the amount of bank loans is reduced So, what’s so bad about having bank drastically, the recession becomes a depression. credit for a money supply? Lots more people are put out of work. First, bank credit is created for profit. The Fourth, the bank credit system cripples our banks charge interest. Therefore, interest is democratic government. When our govern- being charged on our money supply, and ac- ment needs more money than it collects in cumulates for the banks every day without taxes, it must borrow. Today, our national stopping. This explains why banks have got- government is twenty-three trillion dollars ten so powerful and are the foundation of a in debt, requiring hundreds of billions of dol- huge financial system wielding power over us. lars in interest to be paid yearly to the owners Second, the bank credit system causes im- of that debt. Who are the owners? There are mense inequality. The bank-created loan de- various groups of creditors around the world, posit is a bookkeeping entry in an account. but the sector with the largest share of the 34 WestView News April 2020 www.westviewnews.org

Notes From Away Asylum, Xenophobia, Morality, and Economics By Tom Lamia were selling Rwandan coffee.” is that gaining entrance to the opportunity to symbolize our country’s failure to live up Rwanda is in the highlands of central Af- and promise of America is the immigration to our national ideals. A ship carrying over Several years ago, I was having construc- rica, north of Burundi and east of the gold standard. Probably for that rea- 900 Jews on the run from Nazi Germany tion work done at my farm property here in Congo border. It is ideally suited son it is governed by a hornet’s sailed for Cuba where its passengers planned Maine. The contractor brought in a crew of for the growing of coffee beans. nest of treaties, compacts, laws to disembark and wait for clearance to enter workers to do the grading, paving and fenc- Mike knew the coffee growers and regulations. Today, for the U.S. Cuba accepted the travel documents ing for the project. Among this crew was a in his native region of Rwan- persecuted minorities, or of only 28 of the 900. The rest remained on youngish looking guy who I took to be an da and worked out a com- simply individuals, seeking board as Cuba ordered the ship out of Ha- African American, a rare racial category in mercial arrangement for im- shelter in the U.S., the pro- vana harbor. Entreaties to Washington and Maine. It became clear very quickly that this porting coffee beans directly cess is even more daunting. to Ottawa were ignored or rejected. With guy, Mike, was the crew chief for the project. from the growers, cutting out But whether an immigrant no entry approval to land in either the U.S. As we talked about the progress of the job, I the middleman and saving the or a refugee, the new entrant or Canada, the ship was forced to return to learned that Mike was not African Ameri- cost of brokerage. Mike filled what is highly likely to make a positive Europe, where one-third of the passengers can, or at least not a prototypical one, he was he saw as a need for Rwan- MIKE MWENEDATA, above, economic contribution. The did not survive. Our leadership in the adop- an immigrant African from Rwanda who dan sourced coffee in Port- founder of Rwanda Bean Coffee Refugee Processing Center tion of the Universal Declaration on Human had arrived in Maine only a few years before. land, Maine. He founded in Portland, Maine. Photo cour- knows this and works with Rights in 1948 could not wholly remove the Mike Mwenedata’s story is perhaps not Rwanda Bean Company tesy of Rwanda Bean Coffee. community organizations shame brought by this incident, but it was a typical of immigrants, whether asylum seek- LLC and set about import- throughout our country to step in that direction. ers or immigrant workers with green cards. ing, warehousing, roasting and selling coffee. place asylum seekers and refugees. There Our willingness to accept immigrants Mike was orphaned at six when his entire It’s delicious. Rwanda Bean coffee has become are pockets of resettled people in many U.S, and refugees, whether those fleeing the immediate family, mother, father and three a popular item in markets and cafes in Port- communities. Maine has several, including in wolves of war or those seeking profes- siblings, were killed in a single bomb explo- land and nearby towns. That was six years ago. Portland and nearby Lewiston. sional advancement or family reunification, sion during the ethnic warfare between Hu- Mike Mwenedata is an example of the eco- The beginning of a rational, globally ac- proved to bring economic benefits for the tus and Tutsis. He survived because he was nomic benefits immigrants bring. ceptable system of refugee resettlement country. The proof is in data collected over buried underneath his family members and Without boring you and taxing my came out of the chaos of WWII and the 70 years. On essentially every index of eco- thought to be dead. With that origin story, knowledge and research capabilities beyond creation of the U.N. The persecution of nomic contribution, such immigrants out- it should be no surprise that Mike is not their limit, I want to say some simple things ethnic and religious minorities was a core perform native-born Americans. only an indefatigable construction worker; about the process and effects of granting cause of the war. The unconditional sur- Demonizing immigrants, especially those he is a humanitarian entrepreneur as well. asylum to refugees. This part is not a Maine render of the Axis countries cleared the field who are English language deficient, unskilled Mike tells his story at rwandabean.com: story, though Maine stands tall in the na- for global agreement. The holocaust and the industrial or agricultural workers has become “When I arrived in America (nine years tional story of refugee immigration ben- destruction of physical assets in the war, led a ripe political opportunity, notwithstand- ago), my apartment happened to be above efits. The Somali community in Lewiston, to a mass movement of displaced persons ing the history of their contributions to our a coffee shop. I noticed people paying $3 Maine, is a success story on an even grander fleeing further persecution within newly economy. Not so long ago, Republicans like or $4 for one cup of coffee, sometimes two scale than Rwanda Bean. defined borders. The result was the system Senators Alan Simpson of Wyoming and or three times a day. I thought back to my Immigration status is highly politicized, that we have today. John McCain of Arizona were respected home country where $4 a day could eas- of course. It always has been, is now and Current attitudes among Republicans to- champions of immigration. Now, it seems, ily feed an entire family. As I explored the likely always will be, because it is a matter ward immigration seem at odds with (1) our their advocacy of immigration would be tak- coffee industry more closely I realized that of whom we choose to invite into our house. national character, and (2) our economic self- en as a sign of weakness, even disloyalty, to practically none of the nearby coffee shops This is true for every country. Our difference interest. An incident from 1939 has come their political party. Problems Getting Your Medications? A Doctor’s View By Alec Pruchnicki, MD coverage from New York State Medicaid. a month, I now get one or two a day. Some companies, but it was banned by law from Virtually all medications were available, require a trip to some website, or a phone being involved in price negotiations at all. Most people are aware of the continu- although a few required a prior authoriza- call, or a form to fill out. Sometimes, after Not only would the plans be privatized, ally rising prices for medications. Besides tion (“PA”) from Medicaid, which occurred spending time to get the PA, the drug is they would be completely free to set their the practices and prices imposed by the about once a month in my practice. Costs still rejected and I have to either change to own policies and prices. If you are famil- pharmaceutical companies, there are also were controlled by the state by requiring another medication that will be covered by iar with the increased drug prices over the limitations by insurance companies which generic medications whenever possible. the PBM, or engage in a time-consuming last 15 years, you know that depending on often pay some of the costs, and there is In January, 2006 Medicare started Medi- and often futile appeal process. How much the private sector to control costs has failed a new player in the field: Pharmacy Ben- care Part D to give drug coverage to those these PBMs skim off the top to cover their miserably. efits Managers (PBMs). A recentWest - Medicare recipients who didn’t have ad- own costs is usually unknown. What is The states have tried to regulate some of View article explained the problem with equate benefits, and this was beneficial for known for sure is that this process is sig- the PBMs by requiring more transparency, these middlemen from the viewpoint of those who had inadequate coverage. The nificantly time-consuming for the physi- but this has problems. Governor Cuomo pharmacists and patients (“Community federal government also took over all state cian, frustrating for the patient waiting for recently vetoed a bill to do that because he Pharmacists Rally to Advocate for Patients Medicaid drug plans. But the way that was an approval, and futile in controlling costs. said it would violate the restrictive federal Rights,” November, 2019). This article will done was probably the worst way possible. This last point is most important. The rules. There are no significant initiatives look at the problem from the viewpoint of All the drug plans were privatized. In- administration of George W. Bush decided by the Trump administration to solve this doctors and patients. stead of dealing with one unified govern- that the private sector could do a better job problem either. Single payer advocates, The assisted living facility where I have ment program, doctors and pharmacists of controlling costs than the government such as myself, believe that a more regu- my practice (“Assisted Living: Not Just now had to send prescriptions to dozens of could. Instead of setting up a government- lated system would get rid of much of the for the Wealthy,” WestView News, Febru- private companies, which is what the Phar- run program like the states had, or like the privatization-caused problem along with ary 2020) is supported by Medicaid. Every macy Benefits Managers are. Each one had Veterans Administration has, these pri- many others. Know that when your doctor resident is enrolled in Medicare, and 90 different formularies (lists of drugs that vate and often profit-making companies can’t get you the medication you need at percent, the so-called “dual eligible” pa- were covered) different regulations, and were going to rein in costs. Not only was a reasonable cost, or maybe at all, it is the tients, are also enrolled in Medicaid. Until different procedures for getting a PA when Medicare itself stopped from setting up pharmaceutical companies and the PBM December of 2005 they received their drug needed. Instead of getting one or two PAs its own plan to compete with the private middlemen that are standing in the way. www.westviewnews.org April 2020 WestView News 35 Wiggins In Love New York City of good sex and an enormous round bed somewhere in a clandestine Greenwich Village apartment. Of course, Dorothy’s Rent Reform husband found out and while he was kind enough to offer her a divorce, Guy, not By Shaynon Gramling average investor who did this would make wanting to split up the marriage, would Licensed Real Estate Salesperson a decent return and the average tenant have none of it. Guy, dashing as he was at would live in a nicer apartment. Now that 39, was also an inveterate bachelor. The real estate industry in New York City there’s no way to increase rents enough to “Dottie was the most attractive woman has experienced a major overhaul during pay for these renovations, it’s not worth it I ever met, but I guess I was just being the past year. It all began with a proposed for investors to put much money into doing the egocentric artist, even though I hadn’t bill to add protections for tenants in the so. Some landlords can no longer afford to. started painting yet,” explains Guy, who re- city. This was due to the fact that some This hurts tenants because the number of tired from the State Department at 55 to landlords were abusing laws that allowed available high-quality renovated apartments take up painting full time. them to deregulate apartments, which led will decline. This lower supply and increased Still Dorothy would call, every year on to the harassment of their tenants. The demand will, of course, lead to higher rents Valentine’s Day, to ask if he’d gotten mar- actions of these few landlords caused all on nicer, free-market rent apartments. ried, figuring that as long as he remained landlords to look bad in the eyes of the Now that owners of rent-regulated single she had a chance. This went on for general public, as well as to politicians. As apartments are suffering the most severe three years before fate intervened and her a result, politicians began proposing bills restrictions they’ve ever had to deal with; husband Bill was killed in a plane crash. with the intention of protecting tenants. politicians are taking aim at free-market “It was a very high cost for getting rid of However, this has been producing at least apartments. Mayor Bill de Blasio is urging Bill,” Guy demurs about the twist of fate as many unintended consequences as fixes. state lawmakers to pass “universal renter WEDDING DAY: Guy and Dorothy Wiggins, that cleared their path to matrimony. Yet, During the time leading up to the Ten- protections” stating that tenants of the city’s above, married at St. Thomas Church on ant Protection Act of 2019, everyone had 900,000 market-rate apartments need to be Fifth Avenue, with a reception at the St. he seemed in no rush to change his ways. varying opinions regarding which propos- protected from dramatic rent increases and Regis Hotel. Photos courtesy of the Wiggins Dorothy meticulously planned a roman- Family Collection. tic week on Fire Island, where she pulled als would actually turn into laws. When the displacement. He’s calling for a cap of five out all the stops, lots of terrific sex, fabu- act passed on June 14th of last year, most to seven percent increases, versus the three By Michael Astor lous food and splits of champagne. people, if not everyone involved in NYC percent that Senator Julia Salazar proposes “How ‘bout that, lovey? I remember real estate, were shocked to see how many in the “good cause” eviction bill. If that bill Guy Wiggins remembers the song that those splits,” Guy says dreamily, sitting of the proposed changes actually went into or anything similar passes, I’m afraid of how he and his wife Dorothy first danced to. It with his wife on a sofa in their West Fourth effect. The list of changes that would dras- adverse the result will be. was Frank Sinatra’s “You Make Me Feel So Street townhouse decades later. tically impact the business plans of apart- There’s a tremendous amount to digest Young.” Still, he didn’t take the bait. The week ment building owners was so vast that regarding the new rent laws and the ad- “Nobody dances anymore. Back then, ended and he left her to wait by the phone many went into panic mode. ditional proposed bills. I work with people any time of the day, you just put on a record for three days before asking to meet her The objective of apartment building who are affected by this law from every and danced. And that’s how you began to under the clock at the Biltmore Hotel. owners was to make a good return on their angle. I work with owners who are look- make love—one move led to another. I But rather than the marriage proposal investments and to improve the quality of ing to either buy or sell apartment build- don’t know how kids do it today,” muses she had been waiting for, he just said he housing. In order to do this, they bought ings, buyers and sellers of condos and co- Guy, a third-generation painter and long- was returning to Washington. Out of des- properties that were undermanaged and ops, and tenants who are looking to rent time Greenwich Village resident. “Maybe peration, she invented plans to visit a friend added value to them through renovations. the apartments that I’m hired by landlords they smoke pot?” in Japan. She told him she was finally free, The laws prior to June 14th allowed inves- to lease out. I see the impact of the new As Guy’s 100th birthday approaches in she had nothing better to do. That seemed tors to make these renovations and cover laws from each perspective and, in general, August, the secret to such a long life would to be the kick in the head Guy needed. their cost by raising rents to market-rate. I don’t think anyone comes out a winner seem an obvious question. But a better one “So I said let’s go down to Washington This was a win-win situation because the as a result. might be, how the couple, who in their and get married,” Guy remembers. “I don’t heyday were likened to Fred Astaire and think that week in Fire Island hurt either. Ginger Rogers, have kept the fire burning That was a nicely programmed thing. She over 61 years of marriage? The short an- always takes care of me. To this day, my swer seems to be to find a doting and de- favorite phrase is Dottie’s in charge of that.” voted wife. The long answer is somewhat more complicated. Dorothy became fascinated by Guy be- fore she even met him. His father, the noted American Impressionist, Guy Carleton Wiggins, would come over and read the let- ters his son sent home from his travels to exotic places like Afghanistan and Persia, as part of a Ford Foundation grant that found him driving from London to New Delhi. Then one day she discovered a man who seemed like a combination of Cary Grant and Leslie Howard—her two favorite movie stars—sitting on her mother’s sofa. “When he saw me he said in a melliflu- ous sort of English accent, ‘that’s the most beautiful dress you have on,’” Dorothy re- calls. “My husband never complimented me and Guy was the culmination of every man I’ve ever dreamed of. And it hasn’t changed.” 61 YEARS LATER: Dorothy and Guy on That meeting led to a torrid affair—lots Valentine's Day at the National Arts Club. We're In This Together!

Now more than ever we are in this together. Faced with the COVID-19 virus unexpectedly many businesses and personal interactions have grounded to a halt. We must rally together with solidarity and unity to stop the spread of this infectious disease.

Studies have shown the effectiveness of social distancing which leads to less infections and flattening of the curve. Exponential spreading will be less severe which gives hospitals and front line workers more time to attend to the most severe cases. These are real facts. Short term sacrifice will enable us to get back to normalcy sooner and return to what our lives were before this pandemic. We must do this collectively and by doing so we will come out of this stronger than ever.

Please support your local businesses during these difficult times. They need your support now more than ever. We will come out of this stronger than ever and past crises such as the 2008-2009 financial crash, 9/11 terrorist attacks, 1987 stock market crash, etc the financial/real estate markets has always recovered and exceeded previous market highs. Let's get there quicker and faster by working together.

Source: Jonathan Corum/NY Times This illustration while simple gives us the basic idea of social distancing and preventing the exponential spread of a contagious virus.

Thomas Lee Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker [email protected] 201.988.1222

Thomas Lee is an associate real estate broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed real estate broker and abides by equal housing opportunity laws. Home must qualify under Compass Concierge guidelines. Subject to additional terms and conditions.