The Voice of the WestView News VOLUME 15, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2019 $1.00 All We Can Rage, Rage Against Croman Afford Is By Cynthia Chaffee and Mary Ann Miller Memories Whenever a New York restaurant closes, By George Capsis look under the nearest rock and you’ll usually find Steve Croman, the notorious Perhaps nothing has so suddenly drama- landlord who just spent several months in tized the loss of the “old” Village as the jail—not at Rikers where he was supposed sale of the building in which the beloved to go, but at the correctional White Horse Tavern has sat unchanged center, a.k.a. “The Tombs.” since 1880. Generations and generations Add to the mix Eytan Sugarman and An- of young and not so young people have thony “The Mooch” Scaramucci, and this eased their way into a chair or booth there toxic trio may close the White Horse Tavern, to sip a lager or two and talked—just talk- the much beloved bar at Hudson and 11th ed—“Meet you at the White Horse.” streets in the far west . Now, we have learned that Steve Cro- Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, probably man, the caricature of an ice-blooded it’s most famous patron, wrote, “Do not landlord, fresh from eight months in the go gentle into that good night...Rage, rage Tombs prison and still owning over 100 against the dying of the light.” He had his tenement buildings housing anxious rent- last drinks there and later died at St. Vin- stabilized tenants, has bought the build- cent’s. The White Horse Tavern, with its ing in which the White Horse sits. Will rich cultural, political and social history, is he kill it? The dead-faced landlord may where artists, poets, painters, writers and just do that—mordantly seeking revenge CROMAN EXITS PRISON AND BUYS WHITE HORSE BUILDING: Cynthia Chaffeee, spokes- person for the anti-Croman tenants organization, speaks in protest before the White musicians gathered. for the slurry of hatred he has stirred from Horse after the building and the lease to the White Horse bar were sold. Photo by Maggie The late Norman Mailer held a Sunday his decades of heartless harassment of ten- Berkvist. writers’ salon there years ago. Other notable ants who, for protection, have had to form continued on page 32 continued on page 32

mercial sexual exploitation. The other op ed women caught up in this institution crimi- argues strongly for programs to give women nals; they are victims. They should not be Do Not Legalize Sex Work! job training and protection from situations arrested; but those with money and power Gottfried, to legalize what is called prosti- in which they are tricked and trapped by un- who participate in this sordid and abusive By Carol Yost tution—a term considered dehumanizing scrupulous employers into doing sex work. trade, taking advantage of women who are Two op eds about the current state of af- by some activists, who prefer to call it com- This is not a victimless crime. Nor are the given no means of escape, should be. Legal- fairs in the field of sex work appeared re- ization would only promote these fiends. cently, a week apart, in the Daily News. The Ms. Robinson focuses on shady massage one published March 1, 2019, by Melanie It’s Not Illegal If You Have To Do It? parlors such as the one Patriots owner Rob- Thompson, a sex trafficking survivor, was ert Kraft is accused of frequenting. There State Senator Brad Holyman and State Assemblyman Dick Godfrey want to make given the title “Hell no to legal prostitu- are 9,000 massage parlors in the U.S., and prostitution legal because, as they say, it is practiced by impoverished women who have tion.” On March 8, 2019, the op ed by many of them, though not all, are likely to no other choice but to sell their body and perform beastly sex acts. Heather Robinson, a journalist, was en- be sex trafficking dens, according to experts. If we follow this logic all crimes performed by people who have no money should be titled, “Stand up for powerless women.” A typical scenario is that Asian women are legal. Why not jump over the subway turnstile, slip a steak into a handbag while shop- The first one argues compellingly against lured from overseas with the promise of ping at the supermarket? This single act of jaw dropping stupidity has crossed these a drive by state senators Julia Salazar and legitimate jobs and then are forced, with two politicians off my list for the few years I have left to vote. —George Capsis Jessica Ramos, joined by State Senator threats of violence, into letting their bodies Brad Hoylman and Assemblyman Dick continued on page 21

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Publisher Drug Dealing in Street and I’m convinced that the overall than accommodating parking for many of Executive Editor conditions have improved since these lanes these modern day “living rooms on wheels” George Capsis were implemented. that are once again popular with drivers. Managing Editor George, As a practical matter, there’s not been It’s hard to reconcile the intense opposi- Kim Plosia I appreciate your coverage of the drug deal- much of a change, other than the loss of tion to improving access for a much more Associate Editors desirable and sustainable method of trans- Gwen Hoffnagle, Justin Matthews, ings in WSP. Perhaps it was overlooked parking space, which I concede must be Anne Olshansky that dealing and usage does occur in the frustrating to local car owners that use the portation (bicycles) in favor of one on the decline (private cars). Consider how the Art Director SW corner by the chess tables, which is streets for storing their personal vehicles. Kim Plosia adjacent to the childrens’ playground (“the Arthur Schwartz, a leading opponent of the city is likely to evolve and how future gen- erations will move about it; is the priority Advertising Manager and Designer mounds”) which is also directly across from changes but also the bike lanes, Stephanie Phelan the rest rooms. There is little if any activity pointed out in last month’s WestView that to preserve street parking which benefits very few, or are their other things to focus Photo Editor on the east side of the park by those other there are frequent occurrences of delivery Darielle Smolian playgrounds. Also, that activity starts as vehicles blocking bike lanes. This is still an on to improve the lives for many? early as 6:30 a.m., before much of the park improvement—before they simply double —Bill Pullano Traffic Manager Liza Whiting staff arrive, and continues well into the parked and were more likely to cause traffic night after staff is gone. slowdowns, resulting in the inevitable cre- Photographers Moreover, I think the far bigger story scendo of honking, swearing, and general Maggie Berkvist Joel Gordon is the lack of prosecution by the judges, proliferation of noise and negativity on the especially in the case of repeat narcot- block. I’ve also never been kept awake at Comptroller ics offenders. Arrests are made, however night by an empty bike lane…a car alarm Jolanta Meckauskaite even multiple time offenders are released! alerting the neighborhood to a phantom Architecture Editor Check those facts with our local precinct, break-in, that’s another story. Brian Pape which has made dozens of arrests only Mr. Schwartz frequently mentions Jane to see releases overnight. Weed is not a Jacobs in his opposition pieces and talking Film, Media and Music Editor KEEP OUR FRUIT VENDOR, BUT GET RID monumental issue in my mind, hopefully points, citing her as a voice for “local plan- Jim Fouratt OF HIS VAN! Photos by Jane Asche. it will be legalized, just don’t smoke it (or ning” and opposing measures imposed by Food Editor David Porat cigarettes or cigars) in a public park. The City Hall without community input. But dealing is more than weed, you certainly among Ms. Jacobs most notable work was Distribution Manager are aware of the deadly consequences of her opposition to the Timothy Jambeck fentanyl and harder drugs. Additionally Expressway, which would have further pro- Regular Contributors the trickle down effect of shoplifting and liferated roadways designed to accommo- J. Taylor Basker, Barry Benepe, similar crimes by that clientele contributes date private automobiles, making the city Caroline Benveniste, Charles Caruso, to the overall crime in the area. even more car-centric, despite the fact that Jim Fouratt, John Gilman, Mark. M. Green, Robert Heide, Anyway I do appreciate your coverage. single rider vehicles are the most inefficient Thomas Lamia, Keith Michael, Please leave my name out of this for fear of means of urban transportation. Michael D. Minichiello, Penny Mintz, retribution. Many of my neighbors are on a The Village was never meant for most Brian J. Pape, Joy Pape, Alec Pruchnicki, Christina Raccuia, Karen Rempel, campaign to eliminate this blight but wish residents to own private vehicles and park Catherine Revland, Martica Sawin, to keep our names out of the spotlight. them on the street. The majority of us Donna Schaper, Arthur Z. Schwartz, Thanks, Steve who use other forms of transportation to Fruit Vendor Stanley Wlodyka go about our daily lives should not have We endeavor to publish all letters received, Dear Bike Lane to underwrite street parking for those Dear George, including those with which we disagree. Complainers who choose to purchase cars, or refuse to I am referencing WestView’s November 8, The opinions put forth by contributors give them up. Sometimes a car is consid- 2018 article ”Does Rudin Want Your Fruit to WestView do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher or editor. The next time you step into your auto- ered necessary for personal or professional Vendor to Move?” and am not sure if you WestView welcomes your correspondence, mobile, you might stop to think about endeavors; this is not to suggest no one have noticed that with the start of Spring comments, and corrections: the amount of space your car wastes in should ever own one, only that it will be a the Fruit Cart Vendor in front of the Aids www.westviewnews.org this already-congested city and consider significant burden in a densely populated Memorial Park has returned. This is the Contact Us the damage you and your indulgent, gas- city like New York, especially in Manhat- view from my north facing windows. (212) 924-5718 guzzling car are doing to the environment. tan. In life there are trade-offs: those de- As a vendor with the proper NYC per- [email protected] You might also then consider if, given siring both a Village address and a private mit the fruit cart vendor should be permit- those factors, you are in any position to automobile at their disposal may have to ted to operate on a street that is designated complain about things such as sustainable, sacrifice convenient parking unless they’re to allow his cart. I am not questioning his eco-friendly bike lanes. willing to pay for it. permit, the Department of Health, or the Pay to park your car in a garage or take The priority of urban transportation fact that many in the neighborhood find the subway like everyone else. The City should be the efficient movement of peo- him a valuable asset. What I have been does not owe you a free parking space. ple. That is accomplished most effectively questioning for at least 10 years is the ille- —Your Bike-Lane-Loving Neighbor by protecting pedestrians, boosting mass gal parking of his van on the corner of 7th transit solutions such as buses and subways, Avenue S at abutting 14th Street and offering ride services that accommo- the bus stop. Over the years I have contact- date those with physical limitations. Pri- ed your paper, the 6th Precinct, our com- The 14th Street Coalition (I recently saw it vate automobiles are very low on the pri- munity board & various news stations in an referred to as the “14th Street Coalition for ority list—that’s why most people come effort to have the hideous truck removed Parking”) would have us all believe that the to the logical conclusion not to own one if from the street where it is more often than new bike lanes on 12th and 13th Street are they live in lower Manhattan. Maybe there not parked day and night. ruining the neighborhood, and that they aren’t that many bicycle commuters yet (I I do hope that there will be a follow-up. MIA SAYS: Spring and love are the greatest are standing up in opposition on behalf of am not), but these lanes are far less intru- Keep our fruit vendor—get rid of the van! gifts. Photo by Dusty Berke. “the community.” My apartment faces 12th sive and a more optimal use of street space —Jane Asche www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 3 BRIEFLY NOTED

The Community Starts on our neighbors who are still our friends after after it blooms, clear the old blooms off your Your Block 40 years. hydrangeas before the greening begins, and —George Capsis so on. You get the idea—be cautious. Also, Think about it—a city block in New York I’m told to be on the lookout for pests that can have a larger population than a small George Capsis is the publisher of WestView can kill plants by eating the root systems as town in Kansas, and problems can start News. (westviewnews.org.) the plants are coming into season. Now that right at your door. the un-fun work has been completed, the Yesterday, as I walked up Charles Street Spring Gardening color is about to start. Go to your garden to West , I discovered to my dis- centers or, better yet, the flower market at gust that somebody had painted his name This morning I met with my old pal Susan Abingdon Park, and pick out Johnny Jump in comic book script across a newly painted Sipos, of Distinctive Gardens, to inspect Ups and pansies as they are hardy and great wall—and very big, like eight feet of bal- our co-op’s backyard garden. She comes to for early spring. loon script. visit us about this time every year. We walk Now that your garden is clean and the Or consider my widowed neighbor who through several levels of the backyard and color is coming back there is still one more discovered that her real estate tax had inspect the damages that have been caused step. Susan will be back in May to plant all jumped to a crushing $51,000. by the ravages of winter. We are lucky to the really colorful annuals like snap drag- Photo by Maggie Berkvist. Your block—your street—is your living have her help us with this rite of passage. ons. Now you can sit back in your garden room and it can look as bad or as good as Susan is well-known in the West Village as with a light jacket (it’s still a bit chilly on an neighbors collectively want to make it look, well as other parts of Manhattan but I think April morning), enjoying a takeaway cup of back? For instance, there used to be one here as we did on Charles Street. We planted her heart is with us West Villagers. I met joe from Cafe Panino Mucho Gusto, and on the #14 route at Union Square—a busy 110 trees and covered ugly massive concrete her through an old friend who has been the bask in the of the flowers—and as stop—but it was removed some time ago.* blocks (set out by the police department to guiding hand behind the flora and fauna at Susan tells me, look for all the many shades So now, because the 14As to Abingdon prevent officers from parking their private Abingdon Park. He introduced me to Susan of green. You have to look carefully, but Square are so few and far between, the so- cars in front of the bomb squad exit door) three years ago and it has been a delight to once you focus on them you will be de- lution for the A rider is to take a 14D to with handsome wood planters. work with her and map out our garden. lighted. Yes—it’s spring again in the Vil- 8th Avenue and 14th Street, where they If you don’t have a block association I This column, unlike most of my others, lage. Thank goodness. can sit and wait in the last remaining shel- can guarantee that you know very few of is more of a tutorial. So, here are the basics —Gordon T. Hughes ter...for an eventual 14A! your neighbors. That’s the New York cul- that Susan has taught us: First, be careful in On this particularly cold March day, ture—we don’t impose on the guy who doing a deep dive in assessing your garden An Open Letter to however, there was no bus at all for nearly lives next door. areas. Look for damaged trees and plants. Corey Johnson half an hour! (But that gets us into another We started a block association on Assess their health. Remove what Susan familiar problem with the #14!!) Charles Street 40 years ago when the city calls the “winter blanket,” which is old Corey, greetings Thank you for listening—and for all offered to dig a hole if a block association leaves, twigs and broken branches, etc. Of Great news to know you’re going to be you’re doing for NYC. would buy a tree. And then we had block course, there must be a general cleanup and ‘getting us moving’ so to speak! —Maggie B parties, Christmas parties, summer rooftop pruning. Susan has explained that how and And as long as you’re looking at future *Because, we were told, of a tendency for the parties, and meetings to discuss garbage when to prune, and which plants you prune, plans, may I put in a word on behalf of the homeless to settle in them. But would have pickup and spring planting. And a funny are critical to the health and look of your ‘senior riders’: thought a different design might manage to thing happened: we got to know some of garden. Examples: don’t trim forsythia until Do you think we could get the bus shelters discourage permanent residency!

Drug Dealing—A Washington Square Park Industry Oh wow, we did a short piece on large popu- photos of their congregating every after- It is disturbing to see how well established are involved. Years ago we recommended an lation of drug dealers in Washington Square noon for what we guess is the pay off. Seems the trade is and how relaxed and indifferent annex of the 6th Precinct should be set up in Park last month and received some daring one guy is the boss and gives out the cash. to the police they are and how many sellers the park—we will recommend it again.

WHEN THE WEATHER WARMS, DRUG DEALERS OCCUPY THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF The heavy set man with the dark vest and black and grey sweats is the same man that WASHINGTON SQUARE PARK from afternoon through evening hours...they completely was handing out money in a prior picture...he seems to be in charge from my observa- trash the area. This photo was taken about 5 p.m. on a Friday at the Northwest corner of tions. Also, he’s smoking. Park rangers ticket unsuspecting tourists for smoking but the park; there is a round faced short grey-haired man sitting facing the pic...he is paying ignore smoking, drinking, gambling and drug dealing by these guys...no tickets for them! off the various drug dealers or runners from a wad of cash. Photos by Anonymous. 4 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org Corey Johnson’s Vision for City May Need Glasses By J. Taylor Basker from 2016 to 2017, while Taxis/For-Hire terrible shape with potholes damaging cars streets are dangerous. There were 10,561 Vehicles have increased. Only 55.8% of and sometimes people. I fell in one running pedestrian injuries in 2017 and 108 fatali- Corey Johnson, City Council Leader, de- New Yorkers take mass transit to work. last year on W. 12th Street. In 2017, there ties from motor vehicles. Yet there was an livered his State of the City speech pre- Ask any New Yorker to explain this, and were approximately 60,712 complaints re- increase in 2018 to 114 fatalities despite senting his proposal ‘A Case for Municipal you will receive a litany of public transit garding potholes and NYC is financially the Mayor’s Vision Zero initiative to re- Control and a Comprehensive Transporta- horror stories. Perhaps for NYC the Bible liable for damages to cars—in 2015 they duce vehicle speed. You are not safe from tion Vision for the Five Boroughs’ telling verse should be edited to “It is easier for a paid $32 million. The City is also responsi- bikes either. Many of us have had close us what every New Yorker already knows. New Yorker to ride through the eye of a ble for slip/trip injury on sidewalks, motor calls with speeding bikers who ignore traf- “Smart, well-developed transportation needle than to get to work on time on a bus vehicle property damage as well as medical fic signals or signs. Last year there were policy can significantly improve economic or subway!” Subway ridership has dropped malpractice and police action. In 2017 the 315 pedestrians injured by bikes and one conditions and enhance public safety and 15% between 2012-2018 and continues to City paid out over $675 million, almost six was killed. If you are disabled, a senior, a climate outcomes. Poorly crafted policy drop as does bus ridership. The MTA— percent more than in 2016. mother with a stroller or carrying suitcases, can be devastating.” Metropolitan Transit Authority—is re- Neither New York State nor New York riding public transportation is difficult or Statistics provided in the Executive sponsible for our public transit and it is run City have been good administrators of ei- impossible. The recent death of a young Summary of the proposal reveal that sub- by the State of NY. ther subways and buses or streets and side- mother struggling to carry her stroller on way and bus ridership has DECREASED We also know the streets of NYC are in walks. The roads are congested and NYC continued on page 20 Hey Mt. Sinai: What’s the Plan? By Penny Mintz seeking, primarily, their support for an in- At several public meetings in 2016 and 2017, dependent needs assessment. In May, 2018, Mt. Sinai/Beth Israel announced its plan to MergerWatch published a study decrying shutter Beth Israel Hospital and replace it the lack of transparency and public input in with scattered out-patient services and a new hospital closures. 70-bed hospital in a two-story building on Despite the efforts and concerns of the East 13th Street. It took steps toward this community and elected officials, Mt. Sinai goal with the piecemeal closure of four hos- has not altered its plans one iota. Accord- pital units: maternity, neonatal care, pediatric ing to Loren Riegelhaupt of SDKnicker- intensive care, and cardiac surgery. bocker, which represents Mt. Sinai, “The The plan to close Beth Israel was met new hospital design makes no changes to with fairly active opposition. In May, the commitment we made when we an- 2016, Manhattan Borough President Gale nounced the project.” Brewer wrote a letter, co-signed by nine So, the plan is still 70 beds on two floors. local elected officials, to Mt. Sinai Presi- Or is it? According to papers that the de- dent Kenneth David. They were concerned fendants in Arthur Schwartz’s lawsuit filed, about the reduction in beds, especially since Mt. Sinai never had any plan to close Beth Beth Israel was supposed to absorb the loss Israel. I remember that in 2016 and 2017, in beds and emergency room space after the Mt. Sinai officials had been explaining closures of St. Vincent’s and Cabrini hos- their plans to community boards and other pitals. In May, 2017, Progressive Action of community groups in Lower Manhattan. Lower Manhattan (PALM) held a public Nevertheless, they now argue that they had forum. At a public meeting with Mt. Sinai no plan. Thus, there was nothing improper CAUGHT IN THE ACT: When nature called, this MTA worker used a makeshift porta potty representatives in June, 2017, Corey John- about filing piecemeal state applications on the back of his work truck. Photo by Stanley Wlodyka. son asked the hospital to build a six-story for approvals for closures and other chang- building for a new facility, rather than the es. They were not trying to avoid SEQRA MTA Taking the Piss on L-Train planned two floors. In August, 2017, then- oversight; they just had no plan. Public Advocate Letitia James wrote to the The shutting down of Beth Israel’s ma- By Stanley Wlodyka Shop, in front of which the MTA crew was commissioner of the NYS Department of ternity, neonatal, pediatric intensive care, stationed. The employee confided that the Health; James said that the closure of Beth and adult cardiac surgery units were not MTA employees were caught urinating previous day (Saturday, March 9th) there Israel “should not be permitted to proceed closures—according to the defendants in in public while conducting work on the L was double the trouble—there were two without substantial review and public com- the lawsuit. No. They were decertifications Train on 14th Street near makeshift porta potties in use! Because it ment, the type of review required by the of beds, done to save money. As it happens, on Sunday, March 10th. They created a wasn’t raining that Saturday, as it was on State Environmental Quality Review Act all the beds in maternity, neonatal, pediatric makeshift porta potty by hanging a piece Sunday, it was easy to observe the tell-tale (SEQRA).” In September, 2017, PALM intensive care, and adult cardiac surgery— of white cloth over the open rear doors wet streaks that resulted from bad aim. The organized a demonstration in front of the all highly profitable units, by the way—were of a work truck. MTA employees would employee stated that a female MTA em- hospital. In the fall of 2017, attorney Ar- either decertified or transferred uptown. disappear behind the cloth, urinate into ployee requested and was allowed to use the thur Schwartz filed a lawsuit against Mt. So, they had no plan, and they did not a plastic container, then empty the con- Trader Joe’s restroom in lieu of the makeshift Sinai/Beth Israel and the commissioner of close any units. It’s an alternative reality, tainer into a subway ventilation grate. As loo. The following weekend, the L-Train the NYS Department of Health; the suit says Schwartz. Meanwhile, according to if by some divine revelation, a gust of wind was down again, the MTA crew was back claimed that Mt. Sinai could not close Beth the court papers, the new building on East came blowing just in time to expose the in front of Trader Joe’s and so too were the Israel without doing an impact study un- 13th Street will be 13 floors. Included in dirty deed as it was being done. improvised relief stations. No word yet as to der SEQRA. The Community Coalition that space will be the New York Eye and WestView News received an exclusive why the MTA is not providing their em- to Save Beth Israel coalesced in late 2017; Ear Infirmary, which will be shut down tip from an employee at Trader Joe’s Wine ployees with appropriate accommodations. CCSBI met with numerous elected officials during construction. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 5 West Village Original: Representing buyers, sellers, investors and landlords Suzy Chase GREENWICH VILLAGE • WEST VILLAGE • CHELSEA • ALL OVER MANHATTAN AND ing radio in the evenings in Kansas City,” 24 FIFTH AVE 56 JANE 10 CHRISTOPHER Chase says. “I wanted a daytime job as well, SOLD SOLD SOLD so I started doing publicity for a cookbook 61 HORATIO 140 CHARLES 165 PERRY ST publishing company. That’s where I got the SOLD SOLD SOLD background. I’m not innately a great cook and that’s why I like a good recipe that I 61 JANE 2 HORATIO 708 GREENWICH ST SOLD SOLD SOLD can follow. I love reading cookbooks and recipes and discovering the stories behind 270 W. 11TH SOLD them. It’s always interesting to me why the author wrote them.” New To Market Chase does her podcast from her din- ing room table via audio Skype. “Since 165 PERRY ST. 305 EAST 24TH ST., 7D 708 GREENWICH ST., 5CD True Loft Huge 1 Bed 3 Bed Loft 2015, it’s been the only podcast devoted to $950K $775K $4.15M cookbooks,” she says. “I interview the au- thor after I’ve cooked a recipe out of their Don’t forget to support local mom and pops this winter! book. I do the cooking in my tiny kitchen Contact me for a no pressure consultation. and then we talk about it, discussing not See you around the neighborhood! only ingredients and my success or failure “Your local West Village broker and long time resident.“ with the recipe, but about them as well. I feel like I get a lot of information about an author when I cook one of their recipes. I think that every cookbook has a story.” Ac- Scotty Elyanow cording to Chase, response has been great. Licensed Associate RE Broker m 917.678.6010 | [email protected] “I get approximately 7,000 downloads per www.westvillagebroker.com episode and I have over 10,000 subscribers @villagescotty “WHO NEEDS TO GO ABOVE 14TH STREET?” to the RSS feed. Food is so hot now. Ev- Real estate agents affiliated with The Corcoran Group are independent contractor sales Suzy Chase's cookbook podcast is very associates and are not employees of The Corcoran Group. The Corcoran Group is a licensed real estate broker located at 660 Madison Ave, NY, NY 10065 West Village-centric. Photo by Suzy Chase. eryone’s into food!” What brought Chase to the West Vil- lage? “I just always had this thing about By Michael D. Minichiello ,” she says. “One day in 1995 I looked up and thought if I don’t get out of This month’s West Village Original is cookbook Kansas City now, I never will. I always loved podcaster Suzy Chase, born in Illinois in 1967 watching the intro to Saturday Night Live Constantinople Meets Rome and raised in Prairie Village, Kansas. Her where they show images of the City. I was podcast, “Cookery by the Book,” airs from her like, ‘Everyone’s up and doing things. And dining room table. She also recently wrapped here they’re all asleep!’ On a whim, I started up a six-year happy hour DJ residency at Tro- looking for jobs here and I found one do- phy Bar in Williamsburg. A neighborhood ing publicity for a publisher. I kind of crow resident for 23 years, Chase lives on West 4th barred my way into it. I asked them why Street with her husband, Bob, and son, JP. didn’t they start a cookbook division and Visit her website at cookerybythebook.com. they said I could do that when I got here!” “When I arrived, my broker showed me As a girl growing up in the Midwest, Suzy apartments in different parts of the City,” Chase would lie in the dark at night, try- she continues. “Then he showed me some- ing to tune into far-away stations on her ra- thing on Perry Street. I didn’t know where dio. “I’ve always loved radio,” she says. “My I was, but it just hit me. ‘This is it! I love it!’ parents, who were both born in 1929, grew It just felt right. And you know what I did? up with radio so as a child when I said, ‘I I asked him if it was a safe neighborhood!” can’t sleep,’ my Mom would say ‘Turn on She laughs. “I just went with my gut and your radio!’ If the weather was good, I could my gut was right on. It’s homey here. Peo- get WLA in Chicago, which was a biggie, ple are nice and super interesting.” Has it or WCCO out of Minneapolis. Even back changed much? “Oh, my gosh, yes,” Chase when I was a kid I loved Sally Jesse Raphael. responds. “Since I moved here in 1996, so Larry King was so good on the radio! Art many families have moved in. It used to be Bell was another one I listened to. I love the single haven. Even twelve years ago when I intimacy of conversation over the radio and was pregnant I didn’t see many other preg- just listening to two people talking.” nant gals here. That’s definitely changed!” After high school, Chase went on to What hasn’t changed is Chase’s fond- study at the University at Kansas in Law- ness for this part of town or her delight in rence. “It’s a really good journalism school,” being here. “Who needs to go above 14th Street? That’s what I say,” she says, laugh- she says. “I studied broadcasting there. In John Catsimatidis, owner of the Gristede’s supermarket chain, with his wife Margo, fact, after my sophomore year I got a job ing. “My podcast is very West Village-cen- greet Cardinal Dolan in their apartment to celebrate St. Patrick’s offer while I was interning at a radio sta- tric. I’m always talking about how I cook in Day. Catsimatides has been invited to do a monthly column in WestView News based tion in Kansas City. My Mom let me quit my tiny West Village kitchen and I include on his weekly radio series. When asked if he leaned right or left Catsimatidis respond- college and take the job.” numerous West Village photos on my In- ed—“in the middle, the truth.” WestView’s concert series at St. John’s on March 30th How did the marriage between podcast- stagram page. It’s sort of my unique love is being paid for by a generous gift from John Catsimatidis. Photo courtesy of John ing and cooking come about? “I was do- letter to this neighborhood.” Catsimdatidis. 6 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org Jackson Square Park Reopens After Extensive Renovation By Michael D. Minichiello is landmarked, was sent to South Carolina for restoration and its base will now act as a On April 2nd at 11:00 a.m., City Coun- pool, lit up from below. The original grant cil Speaker Corey Johnson and others from the City for renovation was $800,000. will preside over a newly renovated Jack- Final figures aren’t in yet but, no doubt, they son Square Park, the triangle formed by will be higher, and many would say worth Horatio Street and Eighth and Greenwich the expense. As Bratcher explains, “The Avenues. Among other events at the cer- Alliance did such a good job initially with emony, three new pin oaks will be planted the park that when it came to renovation to join the older ones already there. Under the City—spearheaded by Christine Quinn reconstruction for a year, the park now fea- and then Corey Johnson—was supportive tures not only a beautiful cosmetic facelift of making a greater investment in it.” and restored fountain, but state-of-the-art As far as what plans Jackson Square Alli- infrastructure as well. ance has for the park in the future, much of The last major renovation—when the it has to do with the plantings. “Fundrais- park attained its current layout as well as ing expenditures will be for the real gar- the large central fountain—was in 1990. In dening of the park, adding color, new plant the ensuing years, time and nature had tak- materials, and softening the pin oaks,” says en their toll. According to Harlan Bratcher, Bratcher. “That’s the big investment.” In president of the Jackson Square Alliance, a addition, JSA does many seemingly small 501(c)3 charitable organization that was but essential tasks such as paying to have formed in 2008 to support the mainte- WHAT A DIFFERENCE A YEAR MAKES: Under reconstruction for a year, the park now the garbage bins emptied every afternoon, features a beautiful cosmetic facelift, restored fountain and state-of-the-art infrastructure. nance and greening of the park, the timing so they don’t overflow (the City only emp- Photo by Michael Minichiello. of this initiative was perfect. “While the ties them in the morning). “There are so park might have looked good thanks to our water fountain was corroded. The park it- and corroded everything in it.” many things that JSA does that really make plantings and irrigation, the infrastructure self wasn’t ADA-compliant, making it dif- What a difference a year makes. Now Jackson Square Park livable,” Bratcher says. was a mess,” he says. “The fountain was ficult for wheelchair users to enjoy it. The all infrastructure in the park is brand new, “We’re just trying to augment this little oa- barely working. When we would hang our cobblestones were breaking up and needed electricity capacity has been substantially sis so it’s enjoyable for everybody.” holiday lights in December, we could only to be replaced. And when Hurricane Sandy increased, and the water fountain, paving put up a few strings because the rusted, 30- hit in 2012, backed-up salt water flooded stones, and placement of the benches are To find out more about Jackson Square Alli- amp fuse would blow out otherwise. The the pit that houses the fountain mechanics all ADA-compliant. The fountain, which ance, please visit their website at www.jsa.nyc. Why I Am Supporting Bernie—Again By Arthur Z. Schwartz ist, who once got carried out of a sit in-under Whites is 64-21. He is wildly popular with arrest—protesting public school segregation. under-35 voters, and he does better with On a cold Saturday, the first weekend in Then Bernie and Jane Sanders came out and non-college educated Whites than any oth- March, I trekked out to Brooklyn College to the crowd of 15,000 went wild. “Ber-nie, er Democratic Party figure. When I look at attend Bernie Sanders’ announcement that Ber-nie.” And then Bernie gave a thoughtful, the field of 15 candidates who have declared, he was running for President in 2020. I had issue-filled, self-reflective, speech, met with there is no one better situated to take on the been Bernie’s NY State Counsel in 2016 and ovation after ovation. Mueller-Report-Absolved Trump. He is the had attended the Democratic Convention as What was different from 2016 was that one candidate who can take Trump on in his a Sanders’ pledged delegate, but I wondered while many of Bernie’s ideas and propos- base toe-to-toe. There is no candidate with for the next 2.5 years whether the astound- als, and his candidacy, was a progressive more integrity. There is no candidate with a ing, energetic movement which so magically activist’s dream, which initially bore little more consistent record; there is no leading flowed out of his candidacy would survive. relationship to reality, they are no longer a THE BERNIE-CRATS DIDN'T GO AWAY: In candidate who can go back 25 years without I got there at 8 a.m. (for an 11:30 a.m. pipe dream. By the fall of 2016, as Hill- the most recent Gallup Poll, Bernie Sanders embarrassing positions, like Biden’s support program) to help register voters, and to get ary faltered, there was a sense that Bernie’s has a +15% positive approval rating. Photo for Draconian sentencing laws and his vote people to switch from No Part to Democratic sincerity, and his identification with the by Arthur Schwartz. for Clarence Thomas, or Gillibrand’s pro- so they could vote in next April’s Presiden- 99%, would have given Trump a better run now become mainstream. Medicare for All, NRA voting record as a Congresswoman. tial Primary. (The deadline is early October for his money, especially in the Rust-Belt tuition free college, government provided And there is no candidate with a built-in 50 2019 for changes, late March 2020 for new states. But there was always a question daycare, the fundamentals of the Green-New state mass movement which worships him. voters). It was snowing, but by 8:30 a.m. the about whether once out of the bottle, the Deal, the $15 per hour minimum wage, the I’m not talking about the Democratic estab- line wound all the way around the campus. Bernie-genie could be recaptured. easing of mandatory sentences and the elimi- lishment which will fall into line for Biden; I Clearly the energy was back. The crowd had But the Bernie-crats, with Bernie’s en- nation of cash bail were all part of his 2016 am talking about activists who have showed seniors and college students, and was as much couragement, didn’t go away. The 2016 platform. And then there are major resolu- up by the tens of thousands at rallies across male as female, and a good number (but not army of activists was shaped into groups like tions he got through Congress on foreign the US since March 2, even without big enough) were people of color. Our Revolution or, in New York, into the policy, like denunciation of the War in Ye- press coverage. Several speakers, led by Bernie’s amaz- NY Progressive Action Network, and into men, and condemnation of the Saudi Gov- So here I am, YOUR Democratic Dis- ing Campaign Chair, Nina Turner (whose hundreds of other post-Trump groups with ernment. The Bernie of 2019 is someone trict leader, on board with Bernie 15 speech you must watch on You Tube), got “Progressive” in their name. This movement who threatened a campaign against Walmart months before the April 2020 primary. I the crowd warmed up. Nina spoke about played a key role in many of the Democratic over low wages and got them to agree to pay invite my fellow WestView readers to join Bernie’s childhood in Brooklyn, son of Ho- Party wins in 2016, from Alexandria Ocasio- a $15 per hour minimum. He then turned to me at [email protected]. locaust escapees, graduate of Midwood High Cortez’ victory (she was a Sanders’ staffer) to Amazon, and they did the same. School, and Brooklyn College student. Sean the State-wide movement which pushed the Still, isn’t a 78-year-old candidate a pipe- Arthur Schwartz is the Democratic District King, the founder of Black Lives Matter, Republicans and their Democratic allies out dream? I don’t think so. In the most recent Leader for Greenwich Village and Politi- spoke about Bernie’s years at the University of the NY State Senate. Gallup Poll, he has a +15% positive approval cal Director for the NY Progressive Action of Chicago, where he was a civil rights activ- And Bernie’s ideas and proposals have rating. His favorable rating among non- Network (NYPAN) www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 7

Food Scrap Collection LOCATIONS By Ede Rothaus 1st Ave. & E 1st St. (SW Corner) dan Square/ Tuesday Monday/Wednesday/Friday, 8am-11am As one of the most environmentally aware 8-11am drop off site since November 2018. West side of 1st Ave. between Houston neighborhoods in New York City, the West Shaw has been watching as participa- & E 1st St., in front of Mudpark. Village continues to further its efforts to tion steadily grows. Currently two bar- Clinton St. & Grand St. (SW Corner) ‘reuse reduce recycle.’ A strong example of rels—each weighing between 75 and 80 Monday/Friday, 8am-11am this is our local food scrap and curbside or- pounds—are being filled during every West side of Clinton St. and South side of ganics collection program. three-hour collection morning. Approxi- Grand St., in front of the Citibank. Funded by the New York City Council mately three months after food scraps have THE WEST VILLAGE FURTHERS ITS East & Rutgers St. (SE EFFORTS TO RECYCLE: Susan Shaw of (and its Speaker, Corey Johnson) for our been collected, rich high-quality compost area, this is a combined municipal and Corner) Wednesday, 8am-11am the Ecology Center with is produced and then distributed to city East side of Rutgers St. between East Christopher Street resident, Amy Haus, non-profit project by the Department of parks and gardens. Sanitation and the Lower East Side Ecol- Broadway and Henry St., around the recycling at the Sheridan Square collection site. Photo by Ede Rothaus. ogy Center. corner from Wu’s Wonton. For those residents who do not live in MATERIALS ACCEPTED FOR COMPOST 6th Ave. & Spring St. (NE Corner) buildings large enough to have their own • Fruit & veggie scraps Tuesday, 8am- 11am brown food scrap bin and/or curbside col- • Rice, pasta, bread, cereal East side of 6th Ave. and North side of Spring St., in front God’s Love We Deliver. lections, neighbors are encouraged to save • Stale beans, flour & spices 6th Ave.& Waverly Pl. (SE Corner) Thursday, 8am-11am food scraps at home and drop them off at • Coffee, filters, tea East side of 6th Ave. and South side of .. convenient sites in the neighborhood. • Eggshells, nuts, fruit pits 7th Ave.& Christopher St. (SW Corner) Tuesday, 8am-11am Food scraps can be saved in many ways— • Flowers & houseplants West side of 7th Ave. and South side of Christopher St, in front of Village Cigar yogurt tubs, plastic bags, paper bags, take- • Potting soil 23rd St. & 8th Ave. (SW Corner) Tuesday/Thursday, 8am-11am out containers, milk cartons, mini garbage • Food-soiled paper South side of W 23rd St, West side of 8th Ave., in front of Vitamin Shoppe. cans, perforated metal containers, and cof- Union Square Greenmarket Monday/Wednesday/Friday/Saturday, 8am-5pm fee cans are good examples. The closed MATERIALS NOT ACCEPTED FOR Northeast quadrant of the plaza. containers can be frozen—or not—left out COMPOST LES Ecology Center Community Garden on a kitchen counter or wherever there’s Meat, fish, poultry, bones, shellfish Sunday, 8am-5pm E 7th St. between Avenues B and C, North side. room. A helpful hint to keep odors down is Cheese & dairy products to place layers of newspaper in the contain- Fats, grease & greasy foods Compost Yard (GPS coordinates: 40.711055, -73.978847) 24/7 ers. They will absorb some of the smells Pet feces, litter or bedding South of the amphitheater. and can be recycled along with the scraps. Coal or charcoal ashes St Peter’s Chelsea 346 West 20 Street — 24/7 Year round Lower East Side Ecology Center worker Diseased or insect infested plants. Brown & Orange composting bins to right of Rectory door. Susan Shaw has been manning the Sheri- Metal, glass or plastic (recycle it!)

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Recent Transactions Thomas Lee Lic. Assc. Real Estate Broker Your Home. In Contract University of Virginia '04 Men's Division I Golfer 208 West 11th Street | $9,695,000 O: 212.447.1888 Our Mission. 300 West 14th #203 | $2,695,000 M: 201.988.1222 [email protected] Sold 25 | $8,200,000 84 Charles Street Unit 14 | $999,888 23 Bethune Stret #4F | $525,000 8 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org Congestion Pricing & Access-a-Ride: Tech Breakthroughs DOT Finally Comes to the Table! By Arthur Z. Schwartz (who share her disdain for community lead- ers and input), to shut down 14th Street to Flash: After nearly a year of refusing to have nothing but buses during the period the L face to face negotiations with the 14th Street Train was shut down. This plan, combined Coalition, which has led the Greenwich Vil- with new 11-foot wide bike lanes on 12th lage Community response to plans to shut and 13th Street, was destined to make all 14th Street down to all but buses during the side streets, from 20th, down to 11th Street, now cancelled L Train shutdown, the NYC traffic nightmares. Though the changes Department of Transportation (DOT) lead- were labeled “temporary” Polly intended ership has agreed to meet with the Coalition. them to be permanent. How do we know? I have railed for the past year about Because she had all the changes in street the utter lack of disregard that the cur- markings and signs put in place by last Oc- rent DOT Commissioner, Polly Trotten- tober, along with the bike lanes, and her first berg, has for our community—and for the impulse after the Governor declared the L- residents of most communities. She has a Train shutdown plan off was to talk about vision, much like Robert Moses, of trans- implementing her plan anyway. forming NYC; he was the champion of But the grassroots community leadership THE TREND FROM MEDALLION TAXICABS TO PRIVATE RIDE-SHARING COMPANIES has cars, hers emphasizes bicycle riding as the had never ceased its fight-back, in court been swift and disruptive in cities, yet technology improves connectivity in new ways. Tradi- preferred means of transportation. and through pressure on elected officials. tional taxi and ride-sharing private cars are both seen on city streets. Photo by Brian J. Pape. I am not a fan of vehicular traffic, even And when our City Council Member, Co- though I own a car. I am a fan of bicycles; come rey Johnson (who also happens to be City By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP excellent article in their March 11, 2019 by my house on West 12th Street and you will Council Speaker), told Polly that the DOT Have you adjusted to the “Sharing Econ- edition. To learn more about taxis, check see a workhorse Yuba had to go back and omy” yet? In NYC, the Taxi & Limousine out en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxicabs_of_ chained to a pole out revisit everything Commission (TLC) is supposed to control New_York_City. front 12 months per with the community, the ride-hail world, but what has happened? Out of this mess of congestion has come year. Citibike was and and specifically called Well, this has been a year, or decade, of tur- a ray of good news for seniors and the is brilliant. But we the Busway a bad idea moil in the ride-hail/ride-share world. 150,000 NYers who need special transit have one thing that that would increase The TLC oversaw 143,674 for-hire ve- services. The state provides the MTA with few other cities in traffic on side streets hicles in 2015, including taxis, “black cars”; $millions to broker rides for those with the world have—an (including his street, “livery cars”; commuter “dollar vans”; luxu- disabilities, which in the past meant either extensive subway sys- West 15th Street), ry limousines; and paratransit vehicles. Black radio-dispatched “black cars” or the special tem whose hundreds there was a breath of cars and the other vehicles cannot be hailed blue-and-white Access-A-Ride vans, aver- of miles of tentacles fresh air. Other po- on the street, instead being dispatched by a aging a cost to the state of about $64 per reach most commu- litical leaders (names parent business. Green Taxis, which began trip. On-time service was spotty, according nities, and a compli- withheld to prevent in 2013, can only be hailed in the outer bor- to complaints to MTA. mentary bus system, embarrassment) who oughs and far north Manhattan. A pilot program begun October 2017 with routes designed had stood up with Way back in 2015, there were 13,587 Me- has now passed its test, and as of March to link various sub- Transportation Alter- dallion Taxicabs in Manhattan, and 14,000 2019, Curb Mobility has a 3-year $116.5 way lines or accom- natives days before to for-hire vehicles associated with one of four million contract to route Access-A-Ride modate those who BIKE LANES SEEM TO BE FOR TRUCK extoll the Busway, re- PARKING, NOT BIKES: photos showing the ride-sharing companies: Juno, Lyft, Uber, requests to taxis, green cabs, and other prefer not to venture tracted their support. drivers for the first time, when the vast bike lane over the last four months during and VIA. By 2018, over 80,000 such ve- underground. And we morning hours. Photos by Arthur Schwartz. Trottenberg then re- hicles were licensed through these four majority of requests do not require wheel- also have something plied: “But they are companies, for Manhattan and beyond. No chair-accessible vehicles. For drivers, their else: a city full of vibrant community activists suing me!” as though negotiations to settle wonder we have congestion! fares will be 50% higher than their aver- who learned from the Jane Jacobs’ fight against litigation was unheard of. But to keep things The shift of ridership spelled bankruptcy age regular fare, and it will cost the state Robert Moses that it is possible for commu- moving the 14th Street Coalition withdrew for many Medallion Taxicabs and drivers; an average of half of what Access-A-Ride nity residents to do a better job than City Hall its lawsuit, but “without prejudice.” some shifted to the other companies. Fast- would cost them. Due to technology, at shaping and improving communities. As WestView goes to press those meetings growing companies like Uber started treat- multiple ride choices can be programmed, Trottenberg, following up on work done and other community consultations are un- ing their drivers so badly, a major scandal resulting in quicker, reliable service and by her Bloomberg-era predecessor, Janet derway. Seems clear that 14th Street will be ensued, and now we have legislation in- more fares for taxi drivers. Sadik-Khan, has gone gung-ho for bike saved from the Busway. We may get SBS bus tended to force those companies to pay Curb can also offer rides through VIA’s lanes, eliminating traffic lanes everywhere, service (double length buses, more distance their drivers a living wage. mobile-app. Those with special needs sign while at the same time doing nothing about between stops, and ticket purchases through Coupled with deteriorating public mass up for this special service, but anyone with the growth of the for-hire vehicle indus- street terminals) but the wavy 14th Street transit, political pressure may finally be a mobile device can download the VIA app try, which has added 100,000 cars to the traffic lanes will be withdrawn, and our local strong enough to pass “Congestion Pric- from ridewithvia.com (and use promo code Manhattan street grid. At the same time street traffic nightmare averted. ing” state legislation, meaning, vehicles “brian4g2” to get $10 credit on your fares). our subways have fallen into disrepair. The What will happen with the cross-town entering Manhattan below 60th Street (in Happy riding! end result? Buses that move (according to bike lanes—which are little used—remains one version), will be charged a fee, like a the most recent 2018 report) at an average to be seen. As per my accompanying photo- toll. The City imposed $2.50 added for Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP, is an ar- speed of 4 miles per hour (about the speed essay, they have become truck parking areas, every ride below , or $0.75 for chitect consulting in private practice, serves of walking) because of fewer vehicular lanes and on West 12th between 7th and 6th, Uber pooled rides, such as VIA. Supposedly, on the Manhattan District 2 Community and more traffic, and more and more people loading zones. Stay tuned for that fight. these extra tolls are to benefit the MTA, Board, is Co-chair of the American Institute turning to Uber, Lyft etc., to get places. our mass transit system. If you are wonder- of Architects NY Design for Aging Commit- Trottenberg’s ultimate folly (Polly’s Fol- Arthur Schwartz is the Village Democratic ing how VIA differs from other ride-share tee, and is WestViewNews.org Architecture ly) was her plan, spawned by the fanatical District Leader and Counsel to the 14th companies, or from taxis, Crain’s had an Editor. pro-bike group Transportation Alternatives Street Block Association. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 9

When I started the present paper about 15 years ago I was still a consultant to The United States Council for Youth Is 1,000 Eyes International Business and had no idea of retiring but I got a casual note from my boss that they did not need me any- An attempt at self healing by George Capsis, him wearing suspenders but he may not have—he just more (he later sent me a fuller note to say he should have Publisher of WestView News looked like he should. When I knew him he was an editor called in person). But anyway, here I was in my seventies for Newsweek. with no real job. The paper was an accidental happening—I tried to restart In those days without computers doing a paper was very The kids were gone and we had income from rentals so the Charles Street Block Association paper started by my primitive—John had to paste up the articles on pages and there was no need to find another job, and who would hire neighbor John McAllister perhaps 40 years ago. John was send them to the printer—we still have a few of those ar- me at that age? an old time New England newspaperman. I remember chaic reminders in the basement. I wasn’t really absorbed with getting out the new Charles Street Association paper and it was pretty crude. I just went once a month to Your Neighborhood Office and had it photocopied and I can even remember Maggie and I doing some of the door to door distribution and then one day I went to pay the bill for 1,000 copies and I was told Then&Now: it was $1,000. Being a child of the depression this was an unacceptable price, so I called a printer who printed on old fashioned newsprint paper and asked how much 1,000 Washington Square Park Fountain copies would cost and was told $1,000. Then he said we By Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP have a minimum run of 2,000 so you get 2,000 copies for $1,000 and we became a newspaper. In support of the many events taking place in April—Jane’s 1826, then into a landscaped city park with diagonal walk- But wait—we only needed 1,000 copies for Charles Walk, Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preserva- ways in 1848. The first fountain was added in 1852, and Street so we had to get rid of the extra papers on West tion house tours, the 50th anniversary of the landmarking there have been at least three major layout changes since, 10th and Perry Streets and then we had by default become of most of the Greenwich Village District on April 29, plus several more minor revisions. Besides sinking the foun- a Village newspaper—we called it WestView News to say 1969—we return to our beautiful Washington Square Park tain plaza lower than the roadway around it, Robert Moses we were the West Village and by “View” I meant to say we (WSP). The changes here, when considered in the broad proposed a multilevel thoroughfare for traffic that would had an “opinion.” scope of history, have been remarkable. Briefly, the land of have consumed even more park space. Thanks to commu- Now if I were a good reporter I would go to the base- WSP was a “potter’s field” burial ground for the city begin- nity protests, that idea was stopped and an “experiment” to ment and go through years and years of the paper to tell ning in 1797, was turned into a military parade ground in close off traffic in the park was tried instead. some of the good stories but I am too old and too tired to do that and that is not the purpose of this article. Years ago as the paper took more and more of my time and attention I would say “it keeps me alive.” That was not quite true then, but now it is. OK, just think, you have reached an unacceptable age and you have run out of people to talk to and if you should be invited by your son for dinner out on the Island and they have invited some of their age group, what do you say and do they want to hear you? Now your view of the world, your opinions, come from , WNYC and channels 13 and 21. If you are able to remember what you heard and then recite it, well the look you receive from the polite guests is “he is doing pretty good for his age”—and that's it. We read that primitive societies valued, respected and even deferred to age. The head of the tribe was often one of the oldest but now, well I don't have to tell you how young people feel about age. THEN: Busses in the park! This 1949 photograph taken NOW: The 2009 – 2014 park renovation started with But wait. from the roof of the Arch shows the fountain installed in rebuilding the fountain pipes and restoring the broken 1872, moved here from its previous location in Central stones of the 1872 fountain and wading pool. This recent I am going to introduce and make a case for a very old Park. This one replaced an 1852 bluestone fountain photograph taken from the roof of the Arch shows the fashioned word—“wisdom.” Boy, just writing it out it of much larger size, about 100’ in diameter—too big 1872 fountain and the new plaza paving. A walkway now seems so hopelessly old fashioned but I think I have some for “Boss” Tweed’s Public Parks addition of a “carriage leads south to Thompson Street and the Judson Church of that stuff even though I can't quite define it. drive,” which bisected the park, connecting on West Fourth Street. Now that traffic is banned from the When our local politician says we should make pros- to Thompson Street and . In 1934 Robert park, the full scope of pedestrian enjoyment can be ap- titution legal because the women who have to do it are Moses added the steps to make this into a wading pool preciated by the millions of visitors every year, and grassy poor and they have no other source of income I know that (as shown above). Judson Memorial Church, ca.1888, and landscaped areas have been increased in this plan. is wrong and here is the point of this article. I can write is in the background, at West Fourth and Thompson Even bike and skateboard riding are prohibited. Photo my opinion and perhaps 1,000 people will read it—that is Streets. Credit: New York Public Library Archives Credit: Brian J. Pape, AIA. power—that is the stuff of life—that is still being young.

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into the water near the river wall, displacing the Mallard pair. These small geese, black Two by Two above and white below with a smudge of white on their short necks, don’t seem to By Keith Michael have paired up yet. They still need to con- serve energy for their flight to the far north Honking and braying, a Canada Goose near the Arctic Circle before courting and family flies across the promenade in front settling down to raise their families. As a of us onto the lawn. Millie seems non- species seemingly perpetually gossiping and plussed as the geese immediately get in- complaining among themselves, it makes dustrious at their grass maintenance rou- me laugh to ponder a vast tundra of tens of tine. Corgis are herding dogs, but maybe thousands of bickering Brant couples! the geese are already orderly enough that Just as Millie tugs at her leash (not so Millie doesn’t feel the need to intervene, or politely) urging me to move along, a com- maybe she knows better than to take on a motion in the water draws her attention flock of geese at this time of year. back to peering through the river railing. It’s a blue-sky early Sunday morning in Two male geese are either having a terri- . The big city is sleeping torial showdown or arguing about whether in. Looking out over the glass-smooth Hud- one of them cut in line for that first-come A CANADA GOOSE pair checks out the spring competition. Photo by Keith Michael. son River, it occurs to me that I’m witness- first-served pair of tickets to Noah’s Ark. ing what it might have been like the first day world, why its formal name includes Ameri- catches the sun just right, the black feath- The full repertoire of Canada Goose fisti- of ticket sales for entry to Noah’s Ark. It’s can, and why simply Black Duck doesn’t suf- ers on his head come to life as an iridescent cuffs—honking, splashing, biting, chas- spring, and all the waterfowl are travelling in fice, I don’t know. green-and-purple sheen. From this dis- ing—is employed in this aquatic tussle. twos. Along the river wall there is a Mallard Also hide-and-seeking among the pil- tance I can’t tell whether or not she’s being The two hen geese skirt the sidelines, more pair—he with his glistening emerald-green ings are two Bufflehead. The guy of this wowed by his athletic chutzpah. interested in the tasty algae growing along head and curly tail filigrees, and she in a har- pair looks like a black-and-white cartoon Closer to the center of the river, yet the water line on the wall. The standoff es- monious array of modest browns with a bril- of a bathtub ducky but with a masked another pair of winter ducks is cruising, calates to an aerial skirmish out across the liant blue patch on each wing. Out hobnob- swashbuckling demeanor: standing up in preening, and diving. The Red-breasted river. The two hens seem to look back over bing with the pilings is a Black Duck couple. the water to flaunt his wings, competition Merganser always looks in high fashion their shoulders with commiserating shrugs. One moment they are clearly bobbing in the diving, and disappearing under the waves with teased-out feathers on the backs of Show’s over. Millie’s had enough. Two waves and the next they are indistinguishable for a minute at a time. The gal is, again, their heads as though they’re facing into a Cardinals are duet-singing from the tops of from the dark pilings themselves. Confus- browner, but with a white patch below hurricane gale. The male is dandied up in the pines as we wait to cross the highway. ingly, American Black Duck is the full formal her eye (maybe he finds this sultry). She a forest-green tailcoat with a white collar Spring is in the air. name for this species which is really a deep is equally Olympian in her diving style. above a rust-red vest, while the female is brown color with a mottled grayish head and When they both pop up at the same time, turned out in a fetching warm-sienna en- Visit keithmichaelnyc.com for the latest sched- distinctive darker cap. Though when com- he’s in full courting mode, stretching his semble over a white shirtwaist. They both ule of New York City WILD! urban-adven- pared to the more common Mallard, they do neck and tossing his head straight back- look like they’re decked out for a fancy tures-in-nature outings throughout the five look nearly black, particularly at a distance. ward nearly to his tail. The percussiveness spring equinox dress ball. boroughs, and visit his Instagram @newyork- Except as a rare vagrant in other parts of the looks like he could snap his back. When he A gaggle of Brant geese circle and splash citywild for photos from around NYC. City Council Takes Legal Action Against Two Bridges Proposal would ensure full ULURP public review Extell’s OMS building at 252 process for proposed developments in the rises 847 feet, plus a smaller new building Two Bridges neighborhood. on the north side of the tower podium con- The existing deed restriction at one of taining 205 affordable units. Other sites are three properties at the center of the dispute, 247 Cherry Street, 260 South Street, and meant to ensure housing for low income 259 Clinton Street. 247 Cherry Street will people with disabilities and the elderly in be the tallest building in the neighborhood perpetuity, was never disclosed by DCP or if completed, and is developed by JDS De- the developers. The potential lifting of this velopment and designed by SHoP Archi- restriction is akin to the city’s disastrous tects. At 260 South Street, two towers 728 decision to lift a deed at the former Riv- and 798 feet tall are designed by Handel Ar- ington House in the same Council District chitects and developed by L+M and CIM. THIS RENDERING OF THE TWO BRIDGES AREA OF THE LOWER EAST SIDE, viewed from in 2015, allowing affordable housing to be A 724-foot-tall residential tower is planned Brooklyn just north of the Manhattan Bridge on the left, shows the collection of five new resi- converted to market-rate. The lifting of the for 259 Clinton Street, designed by Perkins dential towers proposed there. Extell’s 1 Manhattan Square, aka 252 South, (OMS), nearest deed would negatively impact a communi- Eastman and developed by Starrett. the bridge, is nearly complete. Others not constructed, from left, are 247 Cherry Street, 260 ty struggling to remain affordable for New Plans for flood resilience measures South Street (two towers) and 259 Clinton St. (far right tower). Rendering by SHoP Architects. Yorkers, the court papers allege. against future storms, a $12.5 million dol- “I thought the city had learned its lesson lar investment in a local NYCHA apart- By Brian J. Pape, AIA filed a suit against the Department of City from Rivington, but it appears that would ment complex, and a new subway entrance Planning (DCP), the City Planning Com- be too much to ask for since it is making to the for better In the Two Bridges area of the Lower East mission (CPC) and the Department of the same mistake again with Two Bridges” ADA accessibility, helped convince the Side, a collection of five new residential tow- Buildings (DOB) to stop construction on said City Council Speaker Corey Johnson. City to approve the earlier proposals. ers are planned to include over 3,000 apart- the Two Bridges site, and a Manhattan Su- “First the Administration says that mas- ments, with retail stores at the base of each preme Court Judge ordered a halt on work. sive new development does not need a Brian J. Pape, AIA, LEED-AP, is an ar- project, with 700 affordable units in the mix. The Lower East Side Organized Neigh- ULURP, then it slips out that there’s an chitect consulting in private practice, serves However, in December 2018, City bors (LESON) joined the lawsuit, be- affordable housing deed restriction for a on the Manhattan District 2 Community Council Speaker Corey Johnson, Manhat- cause the towers violate the Zoning Res- portion of this development that they nev- Board, is Co-chair of the American Institute tan Borough President Gale A. Brewer, olution that governs the area, therefore er mentioned” said Manhattan Borough of Architects NY Design for Aging Committee, and Council Member Margaret S. Chin should not be built. Their joint lawsuit President Gale A. Brewer. and is WestViewNews.org Architecture Editor. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 11

Keeping Ancient Greek and Latin Alive

READING SOME TACITUS IN TIBERIUS'S CAVE WITH INTRUCTOR LAURIE: The Paideia Institute strives to teach students and teachers alike the value that classical languages hold in society today. Photo courtesy of the Paideia Institute. By Anastasia Kaliabakos ham University’s Department of Classics, Latin and Greek are dying. These beautiful hosts an annual two-day Latin and Greek languages, once studied by the most elite and conference called ​Living Latin and Greek forward-thinking scholars, have been pushed in New York City​. This conference is open into the background in schools across the to anyone interested in the classics, from globe in favor of “more useful” modern lan- high school seniors to experienced teachers. guages; however, it is of vital importance to Speaking the classical languages is encour- maintain, if not increase, the world’s passion aged at this conference, especially during the for classics. Knowing Greek and Latin make special ​Cena Latina ​(“Latin Dinner”). Ad- it easier to learn other languages and under- ditionally, lectures given entirely in Latin or stand some of the most significant events in ancient Greek are available to participants ancient history that are fundamental in the throughout the course of the conference. history of Western civilization—as seen in This approach to learning more about Latin medical terminology, the architecture of cit- and Greek ultimately leads to a greater ap- ies, and democracy as we know it. preciation for these intricate and important The Paideia Institute, inspired by the classical languages. late and esteemed Latinist Reginald Fos- I am personally able to attest to Paid- ter, strives to teach students and teachers eia’s ability to foster love for the classics. I, alike the value that classical languages hold myself, wish to spread the joys that Latin in society today. Paideia is a gem in terms and Greek bring to the classroom and have of opportunities regarding the classics. The found that this is possible through Paid- Institute offers an extremely wide variety of eia. I participated in ​Living Latin in Rome programs for students to take part in, includ- High School​ this past summer. It was my ing Living​ Latin in Rome​, Living​ Latin in first experience outside America and I am Rome High School,​ Living Greek in Greece,​ so grateful and thankful that I was able to Living Greek in Greece High School​,​ Living travel with Paideia for it. I learned more Latin in Paris,​​ and​ Caesar in Gaul. Paideia’s​ than I could ever have imagined, and not programs in Rome and Greece include sepa- only about the Latin language itself. While rate opportunities for college and high school writing a play about Ovid’s ​Pyramus and students to travel to Italy and Greece to prac- Thisbe​ I was able to put my knowledge of tice Latin and ancient Greek. Paideia’s style Latin grammar to the test. When walking is unique, as the instructors at each program around Rome, Florence, and Sperlonga, teach students how to speak these ancient I was able to see the places in which the languages—an uncommon phenomenon in texts and speeches I’d read had taken place. regular classrooms. Additionally, students are Additionally, I have served as a volunteer able to travel to cities that hold such great through the ​Aequora program,​ which has significance in human history, thereby con- brought me such joy and happiness. Shar- necting the texts they read in school and the ing my passion for Latin with others has programs themselves to real-life ancient rel- only increased my own love for the lan- ics and sites. guage. I have cherished every second of my experiences at Paideia—so much so, that There are also options for younger chil- Dina Andriotis, Chris Tsiamis, and Nikitas Andriotis (from left to right). dren who have a desire to explore Latin. I plan to participate in Living​ Greek in The Paideia Institute has extended its hand Greece High School ​this coming summer. 77 Christopher Street to schools and community organizations You can find applications for Paideia’s Between Seventh Avenue and through their Aequora ​program, which of- programs, events, volunteer opportunities, fers Latin classes for children in elementary and scholarships on their website, www.pai​ - Pharmacy Hours: and middle schools. Not only does Aequora deiainstitute.org. I hope that you, with the Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 8:00 PM educate students about Latin syntax and help of the Paideia Institute, will keep Latin Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM and Greek alive. grammar, but it also makes learning Latin Sunday 11:00 AM- 5:00 PM enjoyable and fun for students, teachers, and volunteers. There are over 30 Aequora ​sites Anastasia Kaliabakos took part in the Living Telephone: 212-255-2525 • Fax: 212-255-2524 throughout the United States. Volunteers Latin in Rome program last summer. Cur- email: [email protected] are always welcome at any site to help teach- rently, she tutors underrepresented students ers share their love for Latin with students. in Latin and plans to study the classics as a www.newyorkchemists.com The Paideia Institute, along with Ford- freshman in college next year.

12 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org

LOYALTY PROGRAM • GIFT CARDS There would be decent food and decent gyms, inside and FREE DELIVERY out of prisons. There would be trees. There would be a gift to If I Were Pope the sinner that would feel Christ-like. We would be shown what all prisons and jails and detention centers could look By Donna Schaper like. Jesus walked the edges of villages and welcomed prosti- tutes and the people who ate the wrong or “impure” kind of I would pray, papally, about what it means to be a Chris- food. He got killed for his excessive healing love of sinners. GREENWICH VILLAGE tian. I would take all of my fears of fraud with me. I would Why follow him with frightened self-righteousness? ask about the end game—and whether revenge or punish- At the end of the period of repentance the sinners 512 HUDSON STREET • NYC 10014 ment ever got anybody, anywhere, closer to Jesus. would be forgiven. They would be marked with the sign WWW.SEAGRAPEWINES.COM • 212-463-7688 I know the punishmentalists and literalists love to of the cross, as we do on Ash Wednesday. We would use “get back” and get even. Since I can’t imagine what full ashes made from burnt written confessions made at the payment would be on the debt of even one pedophiliac start of the decade-long retreat. The priests would demit act on one child, the rest of the calculations are beyond their positions in the ministry, formally, on paper, never to my calculator’s capacity. Most sin costs the perp and the return to their position of authority. Returning to human- perped-upon immeasurably. Pedophilia, on the scale that ity is different from returning to leadership. INCOME TAX we now know is taking place in the church, is beyond data Christians believe that death actually yields life, that PREPARATION in its multiplication of misery. It gives new meaning to the within every death, there is new life lurking. Jesus died, in the privacy of your own home... word immeasurable. Jesus lives. There is no calculable way to measure the very reasonable rates Likewise, say we purporting Christians, God’s grace is death these many priests have caused. Those of us who immeasurable—as wide as the sea, as uncountable as the have Easter sermons to write know that many more peo- Call Peter White sand on the shores. ple won’t darken our doors because they just can’t “trust” 212.924.0389 If I were Pope, I would find a number—like ten years— anything like church. Why would they? We only purport and lock up all those convicted of child abuse for ten to be Christians when we punish sinners or banish sinners years. Of course, this number would be meaningless— or click our self-righteous tongues at them. long enough to hurt and short enough to imagine a fu- Some will say my idea will just encourage bad behavior. ture. This very act would undercut the current refusal of St. Paul asked, “What then shall we sin more so that grace grace and forgiveness by naming an endgame, a positive may abound?” I will retort with Paul that people who mo- outcome, a spirit-driven metanoia. lest children are so shamed by the very idea that they don’t Talk of hopeless revenge, banning people whom we can’t seek the essential help that might have prevented their stand, putting them “away” forever, imitates the very kind misery and that which they inflict on others. Shame and of incarceration systems we oppose. They say you are a blame, fraudulently, replaced grace and mercy. sinner and you can’t be forgiven. Nothing could be more If I were Pope, I’d use this awful death to demonstrate opposite of Christianity or the Jesus way as this revenge. repentance and Easter thinking. Extravagant mercy could Punishmentalists, progressives and fundamentalists all ar- flow from the hearts of those who can forgive, while holding gue, in different ways, that Jesus died to save us from our people accountable for great sin. Saying that they are going sins. Incarceration argues this foul theology as well. Why to burn in hell is exactly the opposite of what Jesus offered. Don’t put off taking off would the Pope put a lie to the very tradition he proclaims? Purporting to follow Jesus is trying to forgive. “Forgive those extra pounds – and During this arbitrary time, former priests would be of- us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” People keeping them off! fered the chance for full repentance. They would be of- can’t stop talking about the bombed church parishioners Please allow me fered the chance to return to humanity, but never to the in Charleston who prayed for the power to forgive their to help you on your priesthood. There would be beautiful worship, superb attacker. weight management journey counseling, group work that would make AA look unso- If I were Pope I’d offer an expensive and effective mercy phisticated. There would be vocational retraining. to the sinners, not a cheap ineffective judgement. Joy Pape, Family Nurse Practitioner [email protected] 917-806-1945 Westbeth Announces Opening of Wait List After 12 Years

By J. Taylor Basker $1,200 up to three-bedroom apartments (determined not Westbeth Artists Housing, the largest artist housing com- by space but the number of windows) that cost $2,000 to munity in the world with nearly 400 units, is located be- $2,400. Apartments are not supposed to be market value tween Bethune and Bank Streets and Washington and according to the Westbeth founding 501 (C) (3) docu- West Streets in the former Bell Labs. It had closed its ments, however rents have been raised to market values in wait list in 2007 since there were many on the list, and the Section 8 units, with low-income residents paying rent ac- wait could be as long as 20 years to get a unit where art- cording to their incomes, and the government paying the ists could both live and work. It just announced it has re- difference.Westbeth hired the Actors Fund to administer opened its application process to be placed on the wait list the program, and David Arnow, Director of Affordable for 65 days, until May 31. Applicants will participate in a Housing Initiatives presented information to the residents lottery, and if selected be added to the wait list. As original about this development in their Community Room. Along residents age and die off, apartments are becoming avail- with filling out the application form, applicants must sub- able. Also, many apartments have been warehoused for a mit tax returns for the past two years, a current CV certi- variety of reasons and are vacant. fying creative achievements and an artist statement in an There are income restrictions since the idea of Westbeth essay explaining the applicants’ work and professionalism. was to provide inexpensive housing for low and middle- The application can be obtained by: income artists, whose creative life styles may contribute to 1. Downloading it online at http://www.westbetharts.org/ the cultural life of the world, but with modest financial gain waitlist or stability. The permitted income has risen so one person 2. Sending a letter requesting it and including a stamped, can earn a maximum of $69,445 up to $114,950 for a fam- self-addressed envelope to Management, Westbeth, 463 ily of six persons. These units formerly under HUD, now West Street, NY, NY 10014. are under city Rent Stabilization, so rents will continue to All applications must be mailed using only REGULAR increase. There are Section Eight subsidies for low-income mail by May 31, 2019 to: Westbeth Artists Housing, PO residents available from HUD. Studios begin at $900 to Box 665, Village Station, New York, NY 10014. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 13

an active way is most welcome, especially on Tuesday nights at 5:30 pm when the Coali- Should Abner Be Deported? tion plays host to the Pro Se Clinic. “Every Tuesday, we have over 120 people By Stanley Wlodyka come to us for help who do not have repre- sentation, who are facing this crisis,” Ragbir In the waiting area of the offices of Judson explains. One of those people was the wife of Memorial Church by Washington Square Baba Sillah, 47, a Bronx resident who emi- Park, a boy of around three or four sits on the grated from Gambia 26 years ago. Working floor, diligently creating a work of art with as a porter on the , Baba crayons for the wall behind him, which is was detained by Immigration and Customs filled with children’s drawings of houses, ani- Enforcement (I.C.E.). However, because of mals, families, and other happy scenes. His the activism done on Baba’s behalf by the hair, a deep black, is cut in that bowl shape New Sanctuary Coalition, Governor Cuo- that looks precious on children, but ridicu- mo caught wind of the situation and issued lous on anyone over the age of, say, 7. His a pardon that eventually swayed the immi- skin is the color of burnt umber, as if his face THE NEW SANCTUARY COALITION IS AN ORGANIZATION THAT ADVOCATES ON BE- gration judge to release him last month. were molded from a mineral-rich clay soil HALF OF IMMIGRANTS: Volunteers attending an orientation hosted by the New Sanctuary “Mr. Baba Sillah’s detention by I.C.E. that has absorbed the sun’s rays over count- Coalition learn the proper way to assist undocumented immigrants or, as they’re called, threatened to take him from his wife and five “friends.” Photo by Stanley Wlodyka. less days, holding the power of the sunlight at children and was a profound injustice that the ready for when it is needed most. a fighting chance of staying in this coun- still have to go to court. The consequence undermined everything we believe in this He doesn’t speak any English, but he try. An immigration attorney, speaking of going to court without a lawyer is depor- country,” Governor Cuomo told the press. doesn’t need to. The young woman in her on background, said that immigration au- tation. With just filling out an application, None of that would have happened if 20’s who is minding him speaks Spanish thorities used to look at those applications it means their time in court is extended. Baba’s wife hadn’t come to the Pro Se with only a hint of an accent that betrays with a certain measure of charity—their Without that, the judge has no choice but Clinic. Ragbir realizes New Yorkers are al- that she isn’t a native speaker. “Cats eat eyes were trained to look for the strengths to order them deported. We give them an ways on the go, so he hopes the timing of rats,” the boy says. of an application. More recently, what with opportunity to find more time to get an at- the clinic will make it easier for those with “But dogs don’t eat cats,” she adds, look- the policies enacted by the current admin- torney, but during that time, we also work a busy schedule. “After their jobs, if they ing over his shoulder at the drawing. “Do istration in the White House, the review with them to prepare their paperwork. Pri- want to volunteer, they can come to us on you know where penguins come from?” process has become much more aggressive, vate lawyers are very expensive. Pro bono Tuesday nights. They can help noncitizens “The other side of the world,” he an- where allegedly a typo is reason enough for lawyers are free, but they are overwhelmed. fill out their 589’s (the asylum application), swers smartly. the slam of a rubber stamp: “Denied”. It is extremely hard to find good represen- or any of their other documents, or just by “Antarctica,” she smiles. Ravi Ragbir is determined to keep that tation even if you are paying.” talking to them. We are here for them and “I learned it from a cartoon,” and when from happening. He is the Executive Di- The free resources his organization offers we need people there to help.” a young man approaches, the boy turns to rector of the New Sanctuary Coalition, have found many takers. The New Sanctu- In addition to filling out documents and the new arrival and says, “I drew a giraffe an organization that advocates on behalf ary Coalition benefits immigrants from all providing company, volunteers can expect to with glasses.” of immigrants and operates out of Judson over the city, throughout the state, and has make calls, write letters, and care for chil- “Does she have a court date, do you Memorial Church, a sanctuary church in even attracted a couple of calls from across dren while their parents are busy securing know?” asks the young woman in English. New York City. the country from people in desperate straits. their futures. There are also opportunities to “She has a hearing on the 25th. That’s a “We believe no one should be deported. Given the volume of the workload, Ragbir accompany immigrants to their court hear- Monday. She has to fill out a 589.” For us, we don’t draw lines. Whoever comes and his team eagerly welcome New York- ings and I.C.E. check-ins, a practice known Turning back to the boy, the woman says to us we help them. Because of our vision, ers looking to volunteer. Lawyers, paralegals, as “accompaniment” which shows commu- in a sweet, comforting voice, “Abner, we’re we are able to help everyone,” says Ragbir. anyone with professional legal experience will nity support to immigration authorities. going to return you to your mother.” Though the determination and pas- have a red carpet rolled out for their arrival. Form I-589 is the Application for Asy- sion is evident in his voice, he harbors no The New Sanctuary Coalition also needs If you would like to volunteer, you can lum and Withholding of Removal that illusions of what he and his team are up bilingual volunteers, particularly for Span- call (646) 395-2925 or email immigrants undergoing deportation pro- against: “The majority of the people who ish-speakers. But, really, anyone who wishes Supervising Coordinator Sara Gozalo at ceedings must fill out if they hope to have come to us don’t have a lawyer, but they to express their support for immigrants in [email protected]

VIEWS BY SUZE

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Hourly Handyman Services Libby Collins Professional Painting Projects Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Electrical & Carpentry Work [email protected] MICHAEL RUSSO, PROPRIETOR 917.476.4146 • [email protected] M: 212.635.2500 11th Street Café Serving the West Village for 11 Years 917-686-6542 • [email protected] 14 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org

introduced to EN has now become a regu- Runner-Up Carol Yost Recommends: lar customer and is most grateful to us for GOOD STUFF DINER, 109 West 14th St My Favorite the initial introduction. A wonderful se- This fairly good-sized eatery, open 24/7, lection of Jazz is always playing as Reika, offers what I would consider a wide vari- the owner, loves this music and obviously ety of standard American fare at moderate Restaurant knows it well. (She once had a fundraiser prices. Their meat portions are very large. I for the preservation of the John Coltrane think the large salads, such as Oriental Ahi We asked and you answered! We received house in Dix Hills, Huntington L.I.) Tuna Salad, Steakhouse Salad and Field of EN JAPANESE BRASSERIE. Photo courtesy many responses to our query for your I could write more reviews of other great Dreams, are especially good. When it’s not of EN Japanese Brasserie. favorite neighborhood restaurants. Our first places to dine in the West Village—Beer too busy, you can have a large booth all to winner is Dee Vitale Henle, who enjoys EN as much as we do. The food is beyond deli- Zaar, Coco Pazzo, Nix, all relatively new yourself. On the other hand, large groups Japanese Brasserie. The winner receives cious, the service is extremely friendly and and excellent, but I will leave you here. of 20 or so like to gather there, too. a FREE one year subscription to WestView most accommodating, and its lovely vast If you should ever have a column for Yes, they deliver. You can order online News. Please submit your local favorite to: interior provides a selection of comfortable “Where WAS a Good Place to Eat?” I as well as by phone. Remarkable—and I [email protected] tables at which to dine, including private would, sadly, have even more to write about. think they’re worth the visit for this rea- rooms for special occasions. We prefer to sit son alone—are the three ceramic murals GRAND PRIZE WINNER in the dining area in front of the restaurant Runner-Up Barbara Chacour Recommends: consisting of many highly glazed panels Dee Vitale Henle Recommends but many seem to enjoy the larger dining ELEPHANT & CASTLE, Greenwich St just showing cutlery, plates, pictures of bygone EN JAPANESE BRASSERIE room where you feel a part of the dining east of 7th Ave scenes, photos of classic American celebri- Hudson and Leroy Streets public. The dishes we enjoy most are the I’m so glad this cozy, friendly place survived ties, and so forth; some things, such as plas- As a long time resident of the West Village Salmon Sashimi, Saikyo Miso Black Cod, the closing of St. Vincent’s (my MD still tic forks, are the real McCoy permanently (almost 50 years), I have been fortunate EN Garlic Shiso Fried Rice, their steamed comes there even though he is now at NYU fastened to the panels. The murals are true enough to enjoy dining out at the many tofu, chilled bamboo shoots with miso vin- Hospital). I go for lunch and dinner when- works of art. fine restaurants formerly and currently in aigrette, Truffle Mousse or Truffle Cha- ever I’m back in the neighborhood (I moved You may run into old friends you haven’t the Village area. One that stands out for wanmushi…(I could go on and on with to Battery Park last year.) Everything is deli- seen in years. If you’re there alone on a both me and my husband is EN Japanese favorites!). Their collection of sake is also cious and I like the the wine specials. Rea- holiday, you might dress up for the occa- Brasserie on Hudson and Leroy Sts. Of excellent and the wait staff knowledgeable sonably priced too. Friends say “I had for- sion, because you never know whom you course, not everyone loves Japanese cuisine about all that is available. Everyone we’ve gotten about it.” I recommend they return. may meet.

Remembrances of the Lost Village: Judson Memorial Church By Roger Paradiso of this community, holding back the tide of darkness that has grasped our current digital On a cold and brisk October day in the Vil- age whose god is speed and greed. lage, I made my way through Washington The event was called “Judson Dance The- Square Park passing many fellow strangers. ater Reassembled” but it was much more I wondered if they knew? I wondered if they than dance. According to their brochure, knew that Judson Church and the Museum MOMA and Judson wanted to talk about of Modern Art (MOMA) were going back “urgent and persistent questions about cre- in time to celebrate the greatest cultural revo- ative expression and community organiz- lution in our time? It took place at Judson ing.” As I entered the Judson, I was met by Memorial Church on the corner of Thomp- a smiling volunteer who allowed me to place son and Washington Square South in 1960s. postcards of my film,The Lost Village, on her And it took place all throughout the Village. table as she waved me in without a ticket And it spread all over the country and world. thanks to an invitation from the Reverend Greenwich Village was the epicenter of this Donna Schaper. Again, this gesture of shar- cultural revolution so great that it overtook ing my postcard was of another era when the mainstream culture in less than a decade artists roamed the Village. and has influenced our culture to this very I interviewed Donna, the Senior Minister day. I wondered if they knew? at Judson Church, a few years back for an- As I wandered through Washington other film calledSearching for Camelot. She THE JUDSON MEMORIAL CHURCH CONTINUES TO SERVE THE COMMUNITY WITH PRO- Square Park, I saw strangers speaking and explained the mission of Judson to me. “Jud- GRAMS AND THE ARTS: Judson, above, was part of the greatest cultural revolution of our texting into cell phones. And on the bench son is a church…built to be a church that’s a time. Photo by Roger Paradiso. near them sat an old couple wondering little bit different. We’re a social action center, was Judson in the sixties. And it was work- other in human terms—not computer code. where it all went. I couldn’t help noticing a sanctuary for immigrants, founded to occu- ing. This was like it was back then in the Vil- The Judson has never changed. It contin- the salmon colored monolith that is the py faith here and we did occupy Sandy here.” lage. People could dance. People could talk in ues to serve the community with programs contribution that NYU has made to our As I made my way up the steps to the coffee shops for hours without the bill being and the arts. When the AIDS crisis hit, Jud- current culture. You know that large slab Church I passed those wonderful stained- thirty dollars. People could interact. We did son was there. And now with immigrants of salmon colored rock that houses NYU’s glass windows by John La Farge. The beauty not talk to Siri. We talked to people. Sorry threatened, the Judson is there. In this mo- Bobst library on the opposite corner of his- of these massive windows was enhanced by Siri. Robots are not people until the Supreme ment on a partly cloudy day in October I toric Judson Memorial Church. I went past the sunlight. On the east side of the church Court says so. see the sun peeking through the dark clouds. the fountain and I noticed the older couple the beautiful stained-glass windows were de- I moved through the space waving at Mi- And the sun light was shining on Judson staring at me. They smiled perhaps because nied light by the monolithic Bobst Library cah and I saw Donna and we exchanged Memorial Church and its stained-glass I was walking without talking into a phone across the street. I entered the Meeting Hall greetings. She was smiling. I congratulated windows. It made me remember Greenwich or headset connected to a phone. I passed and I saw the Reverend Micah Bucey, the her as we both watched a dance perfor- Village was once the epicenter of a cultural more strangers speaking to someone inside minister, serving hot food to the needy in the mance. I moved through the people, no lon- revolution. I wondered if they knew? their phones. They were speed walking and community and to guests of this event. I was ger strangers staring at cell phones. It was a As Senior Minister Schaper said: “Social talking. Did they know? I looked ahead and back in the 1960s sort of. It was today, 2018, community of human beings. And they were Action. Arts. Worship. All together.” That’s there was Judson Church, the true bedrock but the feeling they were trying to recreate gathered into a space to communicate to each how it was and is today. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 15

March. Their press release explains: “The 1,900 square ing the world-famous resort Ca’ Del Conte, located near Mi- foot space draws inspiration from the restaurant’s name lan Italy.” Sales of panzerotti support a charity called Mary’s and evokes the tones, textures and depth of a forest with Meals which helps feed hungry children. Over at 27 Bedford jewel green tiles and white countertops, accented by natu- Street, expect Marble Dessert Bar to open in the future. Ta- IN ral woods in the floor and ceiling.” The restaurant has a boonette, the fast casual Mediterranean restaurant special- bar/lounge area where cocktails and small dishes are avail- izing in pita sandwiches with a branch near Union Square is and able, a dining room with an à la carte menu, and soon, opening a second location at 84 Carmine Street (near Varick). OUT a six seat chef ’s counter will open serving a seven course Taboonette was conceived by Israel-born chef Efi Naon as by Caroline Benveniste tasting menu. The regular menu includes burrata, pickled a follow-on to the full-service restaurant Taboon in Hell’s beets and octopus which have increasingly appeared on Kitchen. A taboon is a traditional Middle-Eastern oven, and restaurant menus around town, as well as some large for- at Taboonette, breads and other ingredients are cooked in it. The title of this month’s In & Out could be “Delayed Gratifica- mat dishes (Duck, Wagyu, Fish). In the space where La Carbonara used to be (202 West 14th tion.” There were just two openings, a number of closings, but near 7th Avenue), a Korean restaurant called Zu Sik will be lots of projects in the works. There continues to be increased Closed/Closing opening. According to employees there, fusion-style Korean activity in the Bedford/Downing/Carmine area, and a couple We reported in the October issue of WestView News that tapas will be served in the evening. Frevo, a restaurant serv- of Korean restaurants are coming, replacing Do Hwa which Café Loup had closed, seized by the New York State De- ing contemporary French cuisine will be opening at 48 W. closed last month. partment of Taxation and Finance for non-payment of 8th Street (between 6th Avenue and Macdougal Street) in taxes. The closing was widely reported since the restau- the old Il Bambino spot. L’Accolade, a French Bistro, is ap- rant was a known literary hangout. A week or so after the plying for a liquor license at 300 Bleecker Street (between closing, the restaurant reopened, much to everyone’s sur- Barrow and Grove Streets) where until recently Nisi used to prise. Since we are a monthly publication, we reported the be. Ever since Spice Market vacated the space at 403 West re-opening in the November issue. On January 31st, we 13th Street (at 9th Avenue) back in 2016, there have been received an angry letter from Harry deBari, who accused plans for Dean and Deluca to open there. Almost three years us of inaccurately reporting the closure. We explained later there is signage in the window for Dean and Deluca that we had reported it closed when it was closed, and Stage, and an apostrophe-challenged job posting for the re-opened when it re-opened, but he continued to hound new enterprise reads as follows: “Calling all Servers, Aspir- us and insisted we remove any reference to the closure in ing Chef ’s, Barista’s, Supervisor’s and Brand Ambassador’s! our online edition and we complied. In addition we once DEAN & DELUCA STAGE will be holding open calls for again mentioned that the restaurant had re-opened in experienced Hospitality Professionals for our new Restaurant the February issue. However, he was still not happy and concept opening this Spring.” Open continued to send emails, saying “I think that we deserve Chama Mama—149 West 14th Street between 6th and more than a retraction.” In March, once again, Café Loup Other 7th Avenues was seized for non-payment of taxes, and emails to Harry We previously reported on the future opening of Windrose Finally, the Georgian restaurant Chama Mama has deBari have gone unanswered. Grub Street reported that (39 Downing Street) which will offer “A spin on Korean opened. The focus is on bread, baked in a custom tome (a the owners Ardes Quinn and Lloyd Feit had handed over food.” A new sign in the door promises that the official traditional clay oven). Khachapuri or Cheese Breads are the management of the restaurant to deBari and blamed opening will be on April 5th. Llamita (80 Carmine Street the best known Georgian dish, and Chama Mama offers him for the debacle. Stay tuned. Trattoria Spaghetto near ), the tiny Peruvian fast-casual spot closed five varieties, including the Adjaruli, a boat-shaped bread (232 Bleecker Street at Carmine Street), an inexpensive for renovations in February and has re-opened with a slight- filled with cheese and an egg (the restaurant helpfully old-style Italian restaurant which had been around since ly different format. While sandwiches and roast chicken are suggests “#instagram moment here”). The menu also fea- the 1980s has closed. Petland Discounts (389 6th Av- still available, in the evening there is a larger menu of plated tures small plates that are reminiscent of middle eastern enue between 8th Street and Waverly Place) has closed, Peruvian dishes. Pork Chop, Chicken Leg and Hangar food, and larger heavier-sounding “Shared Plates” that are and according to employees at the store, all Manhattan Steak are featured in the new offerings. Beloved bar White mostly meat-centric. The restaurant carries a large selec- locations have shuttered as well. The West Village loca- Horse Tavern was sold to Steve Croman (well known to tion of Georgian wine which could be interesting. The tion of Ricky’s (466 6th Avenue between 11th and 12th WestView News readers), and the operation has been turned Guardian recently ran an article entitled: “Why Georgia Streets), the edgy NYC-based beauty shop, will be closing over to Eytan Sugarman who also owns Hunt & Fish Club is a hotspot for natural wines” and in it was a discussion in April. Venetian restaurant Giulietta’s Cantina Club (13 in in partnership with Anthony Scaramucci. of how some Georgian winemakers have returned to mak- Carmine Street at 6th Avenue) is no more, and a Marhal’s This change has the Greenwich Village Society for Historic ing wine in qvevri, a traditional, earthenware winemaking Legal Possession notice adorns the window. Also seized by Preservation (recently re-branded to Village Preservation) vessel. The article concludes that “the qvevri renaissance the marshal is the deli/salad bar spot Café Water (519 6th concerned that the historic interior will be altered, although has put Georgia at the forefront of winemaking fashion.” Avenue between 13th and 14th Streets). the new owners have stated that that is not their intention. The décor is sleek with lots of wood, and wine bottles line Andrew Berman, the executive director of Village Preserva- the left wall as you enter. Coming Soon tion, in the organization’s weekly newsletter explains: “The I was sad when Maison Kayser closed, mostly because it storied White Horse, opened ca. 1880, is world-renowned meant no more freshly-baked baguettes. That may change as a gathering spot for luminaries as diverse as Dylan now that Marie Blachère, a French bakery, sandwich and Thomas, James Baldwin, Jack Kerouac, and Jane Jacobs, pastry shop is opening in the space vacated by Jean le Gour- among many others.” Village Preservation has written to mand Creperie and Kut (301 6th Avenue near Carmine the Landmarks Preservation Commission urging them to Street). The company has over 500 stores in France, and just landmark the interior as well. Fedora (239 West 4th Street a month ago opened its first store in the U.S. in Great Neck. between Charles and West 10th Streets), Gabe Stuhlman’s So far, the Yelp reviews have been quite positive. Mr. Panze- revamp of the classic Italian Village restaurant has applied rotti came and went on Macdougal Street, leaving the Village to expand the restaurant by building into the rear garden. with no panzerotti options. Now, another panzerotti spot will At a contentious March 14th Community Board 2’s SLA be opening at 220 Varick Street (at Downing Street). It is Licensing Committee meeting, proponents and opponents called I Love Panzerotti, and Angelo, the owner, has posted of the plan testified. According to theNew York Post, Sarah a sign on the door where he provides some details about the Jessica Parker appeared and testified in support of Gabe coming restaurant: “I am so excited to invite you to be part of Stuhlman and his Little Wisco empire, calling the group Ardyn—33 West 8th Street near Macdougal Street a new neighborhood spot. I grew up eating Panzerotti, and “responsible, respectful and hospitable.” According to The Chefs Ryan Lory and Adam Bordonaro had cooked to- I hope you will love it! It’s a savory turnover, typical to Pug- Villager, at a March 21st full Community Board 2 meeting, gether at Charlie Palmer Steak in 2014, and later went lia in the southeast of Italy. It’s kind of like a small calzone, members voted against the proposal anyway. on to other projects. Two years ago they decided to open but healthier—especially with the fresh and organic ingredi- a restaurant together, and after a few failed lease negotia- ents we will be using. I’ll be running the place: I’m looking Thank you so much for your continued help with tips. tions on West 8th Street they finally found a space and forward to knowing my neighbors at a small neighborhood Don’t stop now! Please email us your observations at opened their local ingredient/farm-to-table restaurant in place after many years as owner of bigger operations includ- [email protected]. Photos by Darielle Smolian. 16 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org Frank Romano: No Good Deed Goes Unpunished ernment nabbed him. Someone posing as with Netanyahu, which supports violence By J. Taylor Basker the well-known French journalist, Olivier against Palestinians, expulsion of Arabs Pironet from the influential journal, “Le from Israel and a ban on relationships be- Frank Romano, part-time resident of Monde diplomatique”, contacted him and tween Jews and Arabs. This move is greatly Greenwich Village, peace activist and pro- asked for an interview. Romano, eager to criticized by Jews in the diaspora since this fessor of law in France, was arrested and de- publicize the struggle for survival of Khan party has ties to Kahane and right-wing ex- ported from Israel recently. He is on a team al Ahmar, agreed to a meeting. Lured out tremists. In his sermon this week the ultra- of lawyers preparing a complaint for the of the village across the highway next to an Zionist Rabbi Benny Lau in Jerusalem lik- ICC (International Criminal Court) accus- illegal settlement, he met the fake journal- ened Kahanism to Nazism. ing Netanyahu and Lieberman of criminal ist in his car; a few seconds later he was Netanyahu, now under indictment for cor- violation of the rights of Bedouins whose surrounded by police cars and arrested. ruption, is desperately courting the far right in village will be demolished by the Israeli Held overnight at the harsh Ma’ale Adu- Israel for survival. Israel’s election committee Government. Many international leaders, min detention center, he was flown back to had voted to permit Kahanist Michael Ben such as Dries van Agt, former Dutch PM France, with none of his personal posses- Ari, head of Otzma Yehudit, to run for Knes- recently called Netanyahu a ‘war criminal’ sions or papers. This happened on the anni- set. The Supreme Court recently overturned who should be tried in The Hague. versary of the mass shooting in the Ibrahami this, citing his racism and incitement to vio- In September Romano was arrested Mosque in Hebron by Baruch Goldstein in lence. However his party has not been banned. standing in front of a bulldozer in the vil- 1991, a follower of Mayer Kahane, labeled Americans such as Frank Romano, along lage of Khan al Ahmar then beaten by Is- terrorists by both Israel and the US. Ironi- with Israelis who oppose Israel’s harsh oc- raeli police and by Israeli criminals in jail cally nearby this mosque in Hebron is Beit cupation policies, are demonized, abused and FRANK ROMANO introducing Palestinian when they learned he had been working poet Farid Bitar at Fan Wa Chai Cafe, Am- Romano, land purchased by a Turkish Jew jailed. Unfortunately Zouheir Bahloul, Pales- with Palestinians. The military tried to il- man, Jordan, August, 2018. Photo by J. in 1870 (who may be Romano’s ancestor) to tinian member of Knesset now just resigned legally deport him before his trial but an Taylor Basker. build a home for the elderly but is now an il- after the controversial nation-state law was Israeli judge interfered and released him. legal settlement housing an Ultra-Orthodox passed, which moves the Jewish state fur- He continued working in Ramallah on perience. His contribution was invaluable. school and a military camp for Israeli Oc- ther from the democracy it claims to be, giv- the ICC brief staying past his visa date at He managed to stay in Palestine for five cupation Forces. His arrest and deportation ing Jews privileges above non-Jews. All this great personal risk since he was the only months, avoiding Israeli authorities. Fi- coincided with the merger of the far-right serves to enable extremists rather than those lawyer on the team with criminal law ex- nally through deception, the Israeli gov- wing Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) party who seek non-violence to remedy injustices.

It unjustly detains Palestinians indefinitely our leaders consider an important ally. without charges. It maintains checkpoints Netanyahu, who is being charged by his that delay Palestinians from getting to hos- own country of fraud—not mass murder or Israel-Palestine pitals, even in medical emergencies. It has land theft—has declared Israel as a state for a Trumpian wall to keep them out of Israel; Jews only. That only establishes what has been By Carol Yost in Palestine, but now the Jews would have they cannot move freely. true all along. Israel has more than 60 laws their own state. Gaza is in the worst situation. It has specifically discriminating against Arabs. This When Israel became a nation in 1948, just One of the tragic mistakes made by the been called the largest open-air prison in country has never been a democracy. a few years after the unspeakable Holocaust British government in its negotiations with the world. It occupies 140 square miles, Bigotry is always accompanied by hy- was finally over, it seemed to many like a Jewish Zionists to establish Israel as a Jew- with 2.2 million inhabitants. It is very hard pocrisy. The Nazis in Europe worshipped great new beginning. Thousands of Jews and ish state was not taking into account the to get out. There is electricity only a few in churches lined with art—in stone, glass, Christians thought it would be a blessing af- wishes of the Arabs also living there. hours a day. The water is contaminated. wood and oil—portraying the Jews who ter everything the European Jewish survivors Now Israel presides over a land with a The occupants cannot get enough nour- founded Christianity, including Jesus him- had experienced, though nothing could bring steadily diminishing amount of territory al- ishing food. There are no jobs, no medi- self, as they may have looked. The Last Sup- back the millions of dead or erase the memo- lotted to the Palestinians. Thousands of Pal- cal care. Israeli soldiers shoot Palestinians per was a Passover Seder transformed into ries of what no one should ever have had to estinians were driven out of their homes at randomly, and recently snipers have killed exhortations by Jesus to his apostles, and see. Now, when religious Jews ended their gunpoint while the state of Israel was being hundreds who went, unarmed, to the fence this Seder continues to be commemorated traditional Passover celebrations (as they al- established, and many Palestinian families to demand the right of return to their in Communion. Christian clergy quote the ways had) with the declaration of the hope to still hold the keys to their original homes. homes. The March of Return has gone on prophets of the Old Testament as they ex- be “next year in Jerusalem,” they knew it was Thousands were driven into exile, and oth- for the past year. Uniformed medical per- horted the Hebrews to be righteous, and finally a real possibility. At last, no fear, no ers were confined in the Palestinian Territo- sonnel, journalists with clear designations, Christians take their words to heart as ad- persecution, no need to conceal one’s Jewish ries. Hundreds of Palestinian villages were and children have been specifically targeted dressed to themselves. Now the appropriate identity! And they could be celebrating Pass- obliterated. Now Israel freely confiscates for killing in connection with the March; regard for Judaism as a great religion, and over in Jerusalem, to them the holiest place more and more land from the Palestinians the UN has confirmed this. the great regret of Christians everywhere on earth. The ancient stones on which their to build settlements for Jews only that are It appears that Israel actually hopes there that not more was done to stop the Holo- people had walked, worshipped and danced illegal according to international law. Olive will be Palestinians who will be angry and caust sooner, have been turned into blind- many centuries before were in Jerusalem. trees are uprooted and farmers are fenced frustrated enough to stage an attack with ness and utter dishonesty about the plight Many people aren’t aware that Jews had out of their plots. Palestinian homes are de- an improvised rocket or bomb. Israel is of the Arabs under Israeli control. been persecuted in various parts of the stroyed without any compunction. endangering her own people to provoke Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions— world for thousands of years, and it had In the United States, a false picture has the Palestinians in order to justify bomb- the peaceful BDS movement—has been been an issue during the life of Jesus; the been created to make it appear that the ing Gaza with horrific bombs, including launched in response to a call by Palestin- Nazi Holocaust under Hitler was not the Palestinians are all terrorists who threaten white phosphorus, killing thousands. Then ian rights groups. It is modeled after the beginning. The developments leading to the Israel, which must then defend herself. The she can accuse the Arabs of being terror- movement that helped bring down South establishment of Israel as a Jewish state had fact that Israel has an army, navy and air ists while she is utterly silent about her own African apartheid. Now it will help bring taken decades, beginning in the last part of force with nuclear warheads while the Pal- crimes. This has occurred repeatedly. down the apartheid Israel is imposing on the 19th century—although Jews have said estinians have none of these is not known, The UN many times has introduced reso- Palestinians. that the Bible had established that part of or not acknowledged, by many Americans. lutions condemning Israel’s acts, but the US Both Arabs and Jews in the Holy Land the world as a Jewish homeland. Israel never ceases to commit crimes, in- always votes them down; our country pro- can only benefit when the truth is known Jews and Arabs had lived side by side cluding murder, against the Palestinians. vides billions in military aid to Israel, which and justice prevails. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 17 Notes From Away: Spring Break By Tom Lamia time for spring cleaning than the month that It’s mid-March in South Bristol, Maine. offers reliable snow melt, mud, basement The flora and fauna have not yet shown flooding and insect mass arrivals? themselves to be into the resurrection-of- The above mention of baseball allows life phase of the calendar year. Well, let me me to insert this further observation on qualify that—this morning two deer were Maine and March: Waldoboro, the birth- seen foraging on the far side of the ice and place of Clyde Sukeforth and many other snow encrusted pond that lies behind my Sukeforths, is a typical small coastal Maine house. That could be an early sign of many town near me. Clyde, a baseball legend, changes that will soon arrive. was born there in 1901 and died there in Maine has more than long winters to 2000. He played catcher for the Reds and deal with in its competition with other Dodgers when young enough for that, then northern-tier states for the economic ac- scouted and signed Jackie Robinson (and tivity that brings taxable revenues from many others) for the Dodgers. A hunting their own residents and from hoped-for accident early in his career damaged an waves of summer visitors with their eyes on eye. He continued to play, but his ability to a good time, good eats and the exhilaration hit was compromised. The fact that Clyde of adventure in unspoiled places—on the played baseball in the major leagues at water, in the mountains and far from the all is surprising. The baseball season does madding crowd. All of that requires prepa- not begin here till June, when the ground ration. Calendars must be cleared for the warms enough for grass to grow. performance of the annual task of making Beginning in March, the local papers ready. March, the time of tenacious ice and advertise for help wanted for the coming snow, is the first of several visitor-forbid- needs of tourist service businesses for June, ding winter-recovery months set aside to July and August when camps, marinas, prepare facilities for visitors, commercial restaurants, gift shops, farm stands and su- and family alike. permarkets will strain to keep up with the There are similarities to spring training good fortune of having their raison d’être in the world of baseball: Every year is a validated by another spike in demand. new season; new people and new ideas are There is always greater need for than lo- given playing time. Some succeed; most do cal supply of these seasonal workers, who not. But the need to cull the roster and slot are mostly young, mostly students, other- in new talent is part of the ritual. If you wise unemployed, and lacking the qualifi- don’t do it your neighbor will. Where do cations for high-paid summer internships you think the lobster roll came from? elsewhere. They are the counterbalance to In this annual bazaar, March is a prime a more privileged and older Maine swarm time for metaphorical and actual scraping behavior group: summer visitors. Both are and painting. March is the cold, wet shoul- essential to the Maine economy. Some der between winter escapes to Florida and four-season residents speak ill of these Do You Need Home Care? the arrival of the good weather that will bring summer people, but do not be misled— Maine-loving visitors. It is “mud season” that both groups are welcome here in “Vaca- will lead into “black fly season.” There are no tionland,” not only for their contribution Continuity Home Health Care strangers about, but their imminent pres- to the economy but also for the social win- ence, with associated demands, needs and dow on the rest of the country that they spendable income, is palpable. What better open to us each year. Where Healing Continues... A licensed home care agency providing health care services, both professional and paraprofessional, for individuals living at home since 1996.

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St. John’s in the Village Enjoy these arts events in the fully-heated and ADA accessible St John’s (corner of W 11th St and Waverly Place) All concerts have an allocation of tickets free to seniors, but booking is essential ([email protected] or 212 243 6192) All bookings and reservations through stjvny.org

Tuesday April 2, 7 pm Friday April 12, 7:30 pm Gallery Opening Concert: Paul Verona, Pianist The Paintings of Joyce Rezendes will be in the exhibit in the Pianist Paul Verona will perform Six Nocturnes by Frédéric Chopin, Revelation Gallery. Free, but registration is welcomed. the Moonlight Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven and 4 pieces from Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia Suite. Admission $15-$23.50 Friday April 5, 8 pm Ferrara Internatioal Piano Concert Saturday April 13, 2 pm Sophia Zhou and Daniel Schreiner play works by Claude Debussy, Symposium: Leonardo Da Vinci, the György Liget, Olivier Massiaen, and Gyorgy Kurtág. Musician and Scientist How Leonardo DaVinci’s musical knowledge and skills informed, Saturday April 6, 2 pm and was informed by his scientific inventions and knowledge of the Sacred Harp Singing natural world. Sacred Harp is a vibrant, living tradition of sacred choral music, sung a cappella, that has been handed down for generations.Sing- ers of all levels of experience and ability are encouraged to attend. Saturday, 13 April 4:30 PM (Courtyard) Everyone is welcome! Bird Box Building A workshop for children of all ages in building homes for our Saturday April 6, 3 pm feathered friends. Leading in to this evening’s concert. Jazz Concert—Arctic Circle The jazz quintet Arctic Circle will performing the music of John Saturday April 13, 7:30 pm Coltrane in connection to that of Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt. Concert: An Early Village Bird House (Anglia Antiqua) Open Donation. A celebration of our ‘avian architecture’ with bird-themed vocal music from the16th and 17th centuries, and some of the first Saturday April 6, 8 pm English-language songs to be heard in Manhattan. Vier Letzte Lieder $10 - $20 at the door An evening featuring one of Richard Strauss’ most sumptuous works alongside works from Wagner, Korngold, Chopin, Joplin and Paisiello! Soprano Julianna Milin will be performong alongside Sunday April 14 (Palm Sunday), 3 pm Master Pianist and Coach William Hicks. Our African-American Village Admission $20 Spirituals by African-American composer Roland Carter, celebrating Black Village heritage. Drinks reception to follow. $10 - $20 Sunday April 7, 3 pm: Concert: Juilliard at St. John’s Back by popular demand, Yaegy Park is joined by her fellow Juil- Friday April 19, 7:30 pm liard concert artists in a beautiful chamber music concert. Good Friday Concert —Stabat Mater Program:Schubert Violin Sonatina in D Major Op. 137; Brahms FREE TO SENIORS Scherzo in C major from FAE Sonata; Clare Schumann Three Ro- The works of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi (1710-1736) in a mances; Vitali Chaconne; Chopin, solo piano hauntingly beautiful sacred work for voices and string ensemble, performed by the Stathmere Ensemble. Tuesday April 8, 7 pm Singer-Songwriter Soireé Sunday April 28, 3 pm A truly Greenwich Village evening of song and verse in which local artists share their talent with one another and with you. Concert: Piano and Cello Margarita Rovenskaya, piano; Kevin Mills, cello perform in a Cabaret-style seating. Space is limited so early booking is advised. fantastic program of Dvorak, Brahms & Schumann BYO wine—no spirits or beer) Admission $10. Tuesday April 30, 7 pm Thursday April 11, 7 pm: Woody Guthrie and Old Man Trump Concert: French/German Opera Night A fund-raiser for The Village Trip, our local arts festival in the last German soprano Katrin Bulke and French mezzo-soprano Emma weekend of September. Will Kaufman presents song-and-spoken-word Lavandier return for a night of songs, arias and duets from their telling the story of Guthrie’s battles against his racist Brooklyn native countries landlord, Fred C. Trump, father of the US president. Admission $20. Family and group prices available. Tickets from $20. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 19

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continued from page 4 MTA workers could have a negative effect on their per- hardest on the poor and middle class, struggling to make Corey Johnson’s Vision formance and hiring qualified personnel. a living. Rich people in limos could care less. Taxing mid-town subway stairs was possibly an avoidable tragedy. If enough money is not made by the above strate- trucks and making it difficult to drive and deliver their Out of 472 stations only 118 (25%) are somewhat handi- gies, BAT would require the State to give the city au- goods in NYC will negatively impact the city’s econo- capped accessible. thority to tax more, rather than raise fares. Revenues my and raise prices. Much of the current congestion is Johnson admits that much of the problem is attribut- that are deductions to Federal taxes would be the ve- caused by endless construction on the streets, reducing able to poor communication between the State and the hicle especially for corporations who can still deduct traffic to one lane or less. City with their separate systems and controls. He pro- items as MTA payroll mobility tax, the MTA corpo- We have the money and technology in this country poses that the City take over the transit governance to be rate tax surcharges and the city’s two business taxes. to address the pollution problem, but lack the will and run by a new mass transit system—the BAT (Big Apple These could help fill in the gap, along with other po- vision to implement the vast changes we need. Plant- Transit). The Mayor would be in charge. ( Johnson hopes tential taxes, especially since the Federal government ing trees alone would greatly improve air quality. Urban to be Mayor one day.) The BAT Board would consist of has been unwilling to invest in major infrastructure trees perform a number of important ecosystem services. diverse New Yorkers who actually use public transpor- to date. But mining details in the report reveals BAT Canada created urban forests in 86 cities that removed tation. BAT would be part of the city budget reviewed would raise sales tax in NYC from 8.875 to 9.25 percent. 16,000 tons of air pollution in one year, with significant regularly by an engineering firm to assure the financial Suggested revenue-raising policies such as raising the health benefits. The EPA finds that congestion pricing plans are adequate to keep the system viable. Transfer Tax for commercial buildings, eliminating busi- can reduce pollution to 10% to 30%. A more equitable He advocates following the methods of the NYC Wa- ness tax loopholes, collecting payments from schools and and fair congestion pricing system, combined with other ter Board, however moving water through the city’s pipes hospitals instead of taxes do not guarantee that these energy–saving measures, are needed. may be easier than moving people through 850 miles of monies go to transit. Both the state and city are culpable for the current subway tracks. There are problems with the Water Board Corey wants shared control with MTA over commuter situation. NYC owns the transit system and leases it as well, including contamination, incorrect billing and railroads, but the details would need to be worked out. to the NYC Transit Authority, an agency of the state rude customer service. He claims the BAT model could bring in $200 million MTA. Recently a piece of debris fell from a subway track The MTA would continue to service its current debt more annually. He proposes a new organization for re- onto a car, probably caused by a truck in a street hitting before the transit revenues could flow back to BAT and gional cooperation. a subway support. After this accident the MTA did an the commuter railroads. BAT could then issue bonds, not City control of the fare system would be committed to inspection and declared the tracks safe. Two weeks later the MTA, and free the new system to make needed capi- ending the practice of funding transit on the riders’ backs. another beam fell on a car. The MTA Chief Safety officer tal investments. He proposes to have the capital budget follow the City’s Pat Warren said their method of inspection was look- BAT would inherit the MTA operating deficit. Johnson process, with public hearings and public review, extend- ing down from the tracks, but perhaps now they should believes Congestion Pricing is the magic bullet to raise the ing major projects from five to ten years. Installing bus look up from below. Since the MTA has problems deal- money to pay off the MTA debt, run the system and con- lanes and cameras, route redesign and TSP (Transit Signal ing with down and up or up and down, this subway circus trol traffic congestion. However the Proposal reveals that Priority) should improve bus service. Expanding the city must improve its act. the $1.1 billion anticipated will not be enough funding Plaza program for pedestrian-only public spaces to further However before draconian changes, NYC and NYS and a 10 Year Capital Plan will be needed and approved by ”green” NYC, along with adding 50 miles of bike lanes and should learn first to communicate with each other to the State Legislature. Even with this, BAT will start out increasing bike ridership to 14% of trips are his goals. solve the transit problem in the current system. with annual budget deficits of $600 million anyway. Congestion would be reduced not only by making Last year Governor Como declared the subway system However BAT promises to reduce the costs of the cur- NYC too expensive to drive to, but addressing placard was in a state of emergency, and implemented the Subway rent MTA procurement process. The explanation of how abuse and overhauling commercial loading zones, truck Action Plan (SAP) that planned 30 strategies to improve this works is unclear. It is suggested the BAT follow the routes and parking. His proposal to get rid of the con- cars, tracks, signals, power and customer communication. model of the City’s School Construction Authority. Yet gested BQE says it should incorporate public opinion. On March 18 the MTA announced that the plan was there has been much criticism of the school building pro- Yet the city’s proposal to turn the Brooklyn Heights working. Subways have shown dramatic improvements cess. In April there were hearings with parents to address Promenade into a temporary six-lane highway during with the lowest number of weekday delays in five years. school overcrowding and the School Construction Agen- repairs was broadly denounced. Getting rid of it entirely Johnson’s Proposal grudgingly acknowledges there has cy’s dysfunction that results in substandard education for could force its truck traffic and pollution into the streets. been progress, although there is controversy over who is many students. The goal to reduce private car ownership by half by 2050 responsible, the MTA or the NYCT. Perhaps we should BAT also would address labor costs of the MTA, sug- may not be realistic. He plans to reduce the number of wait to see how SAP does before implementing BAT. gesting they could be lowered through collaboration with NYC’s vehicles, making them 100 percent renewable. Establishing new bureaucracies as BAT is expensive unions reducing health care benefits, overtime and other The City would be required to use permeable pavements, but incorporating some of its good ideas could be possi- cost saving areas. Yet reducing salaries and benefits of and consider the installation of green infrastructure, es- ble, as appointing a Mobility Czar, a Deputy Mayor level pecially in communities of color. position, with staff to coordinate the various transporta- Well, it’s not easy being green. Many questions arise tion policies and activities. This could help communica- from just a cursory examination of these schemes. I in- tion between the city and the state. Also helpful is its Basil Weathers terviewed a variety of people for their opinions. One proposal to eliminate the exemption from city business 24/7 Plumber doctor diagnosed the plan looking at these sick patients’ taxes for insurance companies that would have earned the Named as a Favorite Handyman histories and wondered if the City would be any better city $550 million in Fiscal 2018. in the May issue of WestView News than the State administrating the subways given that the However the Proposal has no clear timeline for its Photo by Alison Morley schools were given to the Mayor under Bloomberg, not projects or financial strategies. Declaring war on cars necessarily to their advantage. And NYC Public Hous- and trucks (increasing due to internet shopping) includ- A resident of the Village since1979, Basil is thoroughly knowledgeable about Village pipes and plumbing ing is an embarrassing example of inept City control of ing doubling parking meter rates, without safe and reli- problems, and is available 24/7 to fix sudden public space. A driver for Access-a-Ride, well familiar able public transportation is unbalanced and unrealistic, flooding, frozen pipes, restaurant boilers, and any with the disabled, felt that it was unfair to tax people despite the need to remedy the crimes of the urban vil- other plumbing issue that may occur. whose handicaps make it impossible for them to ride the lain Robert Moses, the enemy of public transportation. A cheerful and hard-working local businessman, subways, and who have to drive in and out of the city for The list of indictments against the MTA administration Basil will always give you a fair and honest price for your job. doctor’s appointments etc. Many of them are low-income is long, but NYC government has wallowed in corrup- seniors whose population increased 19% in 2017. Some tion and ineptitude. Neither has achieved fiscal stabil- residents of Greenwich Village felt it was outrageous for ity or public trust. Most of the transit system’s problems them to be taxed to return home to lower Manhattan stem from lack of funds. Mayor de Blasio in his State if they had to drive uptown or to another borough or of the City speech proclaimed that a millionaires’ tax Basil Weathers out of the state. A taxi driver complained the fees would could generate $800 million and be the magic bullet to make a trip to the Airport as well as local travel more pay for improving the transit system, earning almost as Plumbing expensive. He also suggested that residents of Manhattan much as congestion pricing. Yet his idea has been ban- 52 (at West 4th Street) be exempted from congestion fees and receive resident ished to page 46 of Corey Johnson’s proposal. Perhaps the (845) 866-2329 status as Staten Islanders who use the Verrazano Bridge Speaker needs to get stronger glasses, find it and make it have. All interviewed felt these congestion fees would fall a priority. We need all the help we can get. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 21

seemingly unavoidable choices that will continued from page 1 Sex Workers haunt them for the rest of their lives. They be used for sex so that the men controlling are not unusual, though. They, too, need them can collect the profits. The women help through pressuring colleges to lower may lack English language skills and are their tuitions and provide other forms of usually poor; they lack support systems and help. Can lower-cost schools provide good job skills. One survivor of such exploitation schooling? Maybe. is cited by Ms. Robinson as estimating that Popular dramas on film and stage have about 90 percent of the women in those sometimes romanticized sex work, making places are coerced. Some are doing “survival it appear carefree and happy. If we looked sex,” so called because they have no other at them in a different light we might see option. The survivor, an Indonesian named such a career, if it can be called that, would Shankar Woworuntu, says, “Men, you don’t ultimately not be fulfilling; but even more know the woman you are buying…It’s not a important, how in real life the “oldest pro- happy ending for [her].” (“Happy ending” is fession” is dangerous, demeaning, enslaving a term for sex after a massage.) and prone to be run by crime syndicates. Ms. Robinson says the U.S. Depart- Has anyone ever heard of a kind and hon- ment of Homeland Security definition of est pimp? human trafficking is “modern-day slavery An inquiry to state senators Hoylman involving use of force, fraud or coercion to and Gottfried received the reply that cur- obtain labor or commercial sex acts.” Ms. rently there was no bill on this subject. Thompson, the sex-trafficking survivor However, Hoylman also wrote: “I carry who wrote the other op ed, argues that legislation to repeal a section in New York’s this “is neither sex nor work, but an inher- penal code (240.37) that criminalizes loiter- ently harmful practice, rooted in gendered ing in a public place by anyone whom the violence and discrimination based on sex police determine is present for the purposes and race.” Most of the women are black of prostitution. Under the law, “purpose” is or brown “like me,” she says. She describes not defined, leaving the reason of one’s pres- what it’s like for American-born black or ence up to the discretion of the arresting brown women: “Black women and girls officer. That means that on any street, side- represent about 7 percent of the U.S. popu- walk, bridge, plaza, park, subway or inside lation, yet by some measures are more than a vehicle, New Yorkers can be arrested for half of those in the sex trade.” Many of repeatedly beckoning or attempting to en- them are violently abused: “I can’t describe gage passersby in conversation, if police in- on this page what these men have done to terpret these actions as an intent to engage me. Why would New York want to legalize in prostitution. They can also be surveilled, indescribable violence?” Her life as a traf- searched, and detained if any office[r] takes ficked human began when she was only 12. issue with their clothing. Communities of She counters a common argument for color, LGBTQ people, and other vulnerable legalization—that it would empower sex New Yorkers have long said that they are workers to come out of the shadows and disproportionately targeted under the law, report crimes against them. Since it is, in just because of who they are. fact, an inherently abusive, violent and ex- “No bill has been introduced yet by the ploitative trade, no legalization would em- sponsors of any broader decriminalization power these women. They need the means effort, Senator Ramos (D-) and to get out of the business. Senator Salazar (D-Brooklyn), so I can’t “New Yorkers should know,” she ex- speak to the details of the proposal, but I plains, “that the vast majority of people in agree that the goal of any decriminalization 2B Written & Performed by Sarah Fearon legislation must be to empower and protect prostitution were sex-trafficked as children, Directed by Lizzie Donahue sex workers, not enable those who would homeless, sexually abused, in foster care or “A bottomless cup of real estate crazy!” otherwise racially and economically mar- seek to exploit them.” ginalized. When they turn 18 they don’t Ms. Thompson had been under the im- become ‘consenting adults’ who stay freely pression that the proposed legislation cov- Sarah Fearon’s latest creation is Sally Apthorp-Belvedere. In a mad in the sex trade. The trauma they experi- ered considerably more. News articles on world of let’s make a deal, Sally puts the real in real estate. Is she enced never goes away.” this subject have been somewhat confus- making deals to live, or living to make deals? 2B is funny in a you Ms. Thompson was often arrested as if ing, but also conveyed a similar impression. can’t make this stuff up kind of way. 2B holds up a mirror to the city she were a criminal; she says, “I was blamed This may be due to the fact that some ac- and makes us reflect on the meaning of home in this town. for my agony.” tivists seem to have pushed for full legal- Ms. Robinson, the journalist, cites other ization of sex work. activists and those working to help victims I hope that by saying he advocates for Runs April 25 - May 12 of trafficking who say that the#MeToo protection and empowerment of sex work- Thursday –Sat 7PM and Sunday 3PM movement, the Robert Kraft case and the ers, Hoylman means “empowerment” in the sense of counseling, training and job increased recognition of women as achiev- The Players Theatre.com opportunities that would enable a person ers have created a moment when sex traf- Steve and Marie Sgouros Theatre 3rd floor ficking can be brought to national atten- to break completely free of sex work. The 115 MacDougal Street – NYC 10012 tion and combatted. Job training and other sex trade itself should not be legalized. means of assistance are desperately needed Let us oppose legalization of sex work Theatre and restrooms are not handicapped accessible. by these women. and do what we can to promote all the Then there is the situation of people kinds of assistance needed by these wom- Tickets : www.SarahFearon.com who engage in sex work to pay excessive en—NOW. Sex work is not the choice of [email protected] college tuition, as highlighted in the Roger women who are able to do anything else OVATION tickets: 888-811-4111 Paradiso film . They are to support themselves and find happiness. ½ $ CODE: IAWA well educated and apparently not disad- And let’s not forget that there are also men vantaged, but are caught in a dilemma with who need help getting out of the sex trade. 22 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org New York City: Restoration Hardware A Tale of Two Cities Transforms Historic Market Billionaire’s Row and Habitat’s Habitat District Wagon Shed

By Siggy Raible workers, all men, fight one another for a chance to work for one day’s wage. The Last week I spent some time visiting with a shape-ups were offensive then, as these good friend; she’s 96 years strong, lives alone housing lotteries are today. The only differ- in her rent-stabilized apartment in Gram- ence between these two degrading practic- mercy Park and loves having company. We es is that today’s housing lotteries are held got to talking about life in New York City; at some mysterious drawing in the ether more specifically Manhattan. (When I was where the groveling is done out of sight. growing up in Brooklyn, Manhattan was Then we got to talking about billionaire The City.) Truth be told, I’m a young senior Ken Griffin’s new digs at 220 and also live in a rent-stabilized apartment; South, long known for its exclusivity and I live in the formerly bohemian enclave just two blocks north of Billionaire’s Row called Greenwich Village. I say “formerly” (West for those not-in-the- because, like everywhere else in the city, two know). The purchase of this behemoth set penthouses on Leroy Street were listed and a jaw-dropping record even for hard-core I presume sold for the asking price of $51 billionaires: $238 million for 24,000 square million and $31 million. Certainly not for feet, or roughly $10,000 per square foot. the starving artist class! This castle in the sky is comprised of four As the afternoon wore on neighbors stories with 16 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms stopped by and we got around to talking and five balconies, but, sadly, only one of about senior housing, and the topic turned the terraces faces Central Park. My friend IT’S HARD TO BELIEVE THAT THIS IS JUST AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE FORMER to Haven Green, the proposed Elizabeth finds the transaction—the enormity of it, FLORENT: Restoration Hardware's interior decorations include gilded columns and statuary, Street development for seniors in Little Ita- the fact that one person would deign to crystal chandeliers and a profusion of elegantly furnished display areas. Photo by Martica Sawin. ly/Lower East Side. The brouhaha over this make such a purchase—vulgar. development comes about because Habitat What does a person who owns two other By Martica Sawin boxwood hedges, and the sound of trickling for Humanity, an otherwise well-regarded apartments that cost what some would con- fountains.” Hard to believe that this is just humanitarian organization, has taken upon sider Trump change—$58 million in Chi- No doubt many West Villagers received, around the corner from the former Florent, itself a cause by which it will benefit from cago and $60 million in Miami Beach—need along with the Saturday, March 16th, New a restaurant that stayed open all night to backing this affordable housing project. The with another mansion? I guess today’s billion- York Times, a glossy 360-page publication cater to the truck drivers delivering to the cost to the community: it will lose its one- aire’s mantra is you just can’t have too many whose cover featured the former wagon meat market as well as to an after-theater of-a-kind garden. The benefit to Habitat: it million-dollar pied-à-terres. It’s a new twist shed in the Gansevoort Market Historic and late-night crowd—there was no better will get 11,000 square feet of office space at on what my aunt used to say to me: “You can District. This was once the location of place in the city for mussels and french fries. a below-market rate. (Why shouldn’t it ben- never be too thin or too rich.” I call it outra- Pastis—across from the Gansevoort Ho- The owner of the new vertical em- efit from the new development?) geous since we eventually all end up in the tel—and more recently, an empty site porium in the meat market is RH New In return the community will get roughly same place. As Rose Castorini tells her hus- fronted by a thin brick facade (all that re- York—which turns out to be Restoration 123 miniscule apartments (375 square feet band, Cosmo, in the 1988 romantic comedy mained from the wagon shed). Five years Hardware, a company focused on interior per unit). The apartments will be rent-reg- Moonstruck, “I just want you to know that ago I spoke, along with many others, at design and high-end furnishings— which ulated for a fixed number of years, and after no matter what you do, you’re still gonna die, the Landmarks Preservation Commis- is planning an adjacent “concept” hotel. that time will revert to market rates. There just like everybody else.” And guess what… sion in favor of preserving this remaining The arrival of this grandiose multi-sto- will be no kitchens and they will be rented in the end Mr. Griffin’s ashes will be stuck building of the Gansevoort Market fac- ried shopping mall coincides with—and to single seniors. (Sort of like the SROs built in an urn or he’ll be buried in less space than ing the wide open market place. We ob- certainly is dwarfed by—the unveiling of in the early part of last century. In fact, I live those seniors lucky enough to win one of jected in particular to the glass and steel a 720,000 square foot, seven story vertical in a former SRO building that was rehabbed those 375-square-foot shoeboxes will be liv- excrescence the developer planned to put mall at Hudson Yards. In the March 15th, in the late 1970s under the J51 Program in ing in. It just dawned on me: could it be that on top of the building, adding three stories New York Times Michael Kimmelman de- which owners were granted generous tax that’s why the Egyptian god-kings erected to make it the most visible feature of the scribed the Hudson Yards shopping mall breaks for new rent-regulated housing de- pyramids? Who knows, maybe Mr. Griffin historic zone. The Landmarks commis- and its companion gated condo commu- veloped under that program.) If you want and his ilk will revive an old architectural de- sioners decided it would be an enhance- nity as “a kind of surface spectacle, as if the your daughter, grandchild or friend to sleep sign, pyramids… American style! (After all, ment and approved the project. peak ambitions of city life were consum- over, forget about it; there isn’t a square foot our fly-over space is vast and undeveloped.) Not only does the exterior of the ing luxury goods and enjoying a smooth, to spare for anything, never mind a bed. Anyway, as for me and my 96-year-old now completed replacement build- seductive mindless materialism.” Because the market for these rare afford- friend, we both agree that we would not be ing look pathetic, with its band of pre- These two West Side events signal a able apartments numbers in the thousands, able to afford to live in the Big Apple were served 19th century bricks, but the real growing manifestation of shopping as a residents of New York City have a chance it not for our rent-regulated apartments. offense is the six-story glass-topped, driving force in an American society ob- to win one of them by entering a lottery. And believe me, we’re both happy with balcony-lined atrium that replaced the de- sessed with the accumulation of goods So should this plan go forward, eligible se- what we have! Without the rent regulations molished building behind the brick facade. whose eventual disposal is becoming a death niors can enter a lottery; and should they be we would have to move (where, we have no Walk through one of the two sets of double threat to land and sea and the creatures picked, they can then decide whether or not idea)… priced out by millionaires or, now, doors and you are in a pastiche of a ba- therein. Apart from the planning questions they want to move into their new closets. billionaires impressing each other with roque interior, all gilded columns and statu- this fiasco raises, i.e. what is the purpose of The lottery reminds me of a scene in On their multimillion-dollar pads. But it truly ary, crystal chandeliers, and a profusion of designating an historic zone and what justi- the Waterfront, a movie released in 1954 is beyond my comprehension. What does elegantly furnished display areas. Take the fies the destruction of a building designated about corrupt unions. In the scene I’m one person do with 24,000 square feet of glass elevator to the sixth level and you as historic, there is the more general ques- thinking of there’s a shape-up for jobs on space? And, on the other hand, I’m miffed land in a rooftop restaurant, “inspired by tion of the priorities and values embodied the New Jersey waterfront. The boss tosses as to how someone lives in 375 square feet the classical landscaped gardens of Europe in the chaotic socially and economically lop- out chits to an eagerly waiting crowd. The without losing his or her mind. with pleached London plane trees, Japanese sided way New York builds today. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 23 Caffe Reggio: 92-year-old Café in the Heart of the West Village

CAFFE REGGIO IS TRULY ONE OF THE LAST GREAT WEST VILLAGE GEMS STILL SHIN- ING BRIGHTLY: Original owner Domenico Parisi's Espresso machine on display against the back wall of the Caffe Reggio. Photo by Anthony Paradiso.

By Anthony Paradiso Godfather: Part II and Serpico filmed either in or outside Caffe Reggio and in Serpico, Caffe Reggio is a 92-year-old coffee shop Al Pacino’s character lived just one block nestled right in the heart of the West Village east of Caffe Reggio at 5-7 Minetta Lane “One of the oldest coffee shops in New York. You go there at 119 MacDougal Street between Thomp- and Bleecker Street. son and Minetta Lane. I walked down from I met with Caffe Reggio’s general man- for the look and the vibe of the place. So much of our city and walked over to MacDougal ager, Lena Batyuk, and I asked her how the has been regurgitated into soulless franchising, but Street, where I came across a coffee shop that café started. looked different from the rest. She told me about the original owner, Caffe Reggio is the real deal.”— Sean Lennon, Vogue online You can’t miss the creamy light-green Domenico Parisi, who she said “was a [[ paint, and a dark green fence around the en- barber who started serving espresso to his trance that says “Caffe Reggio.” Above the guests who were waiting for a haircut.” front door is a big sign that says, “Original Lena told me that Niso and Hilda’s son, 119 MacDougal Street Cappuccino” that had me intrigued. I asked Fabrizio Cavallaci, now owns the café. myself—Is this the place where the first cap- “We’ve had the same owner since the 1950s,” New York, NY 10012 puccino was sold in America? Batyuk said. “[Fabrizio] grew up here and Domenico Parisi was an Italian immi- then he took [the café] over in 1978.” Tel. (212) 475-9557 grant who opened Caffe Reggio in 1927. Lena added that the Caffe might have Parisi cut hair for “forty years” until he took closed if Fabrizio had not acted. “I think “$1,000 of his life savings and sent for an in the 1980s, Fabrizio bought the building, espresso machine.” Caffe Reggio was the because he knew that [would be] key, if he ALERT: first shop in America to serve cappuccino. wanted to keep the café.” Mad Anti-Immigrant I sat down at a table, where I could relax Batyuk told me what it was like to be a Paint-Thrower on the and appreciate that I was sitting inside a part of Caffe Reggio when it celebrated 90 very historic Village café. I noticed some years of business in 2017. Loose in the Village of the walls were adorned with a few large “We celebrated 90 years here about a year In March on Washington Street near paintings. According to Caffe Reggio’s and a half ago,” Batyuk said. “We ran free Westbeth someone threw red paint over website some of these paintings “date back to-go coffee for everyone and sold wine the sign in my car rear window that said to the Italian Renaissance period” includ- at 50% off,” Batyuk said. “This is what’s “Welcome Refugees and Immigrants— ing “a dramatic 16th century painting from important about Caffe Reggio to me. We Arab-American Center, Brooklyn.” the school of Caravaggio and an antique live in a society where things are changing In January, same street, someone bench which once belonged to the Medici quickly, but the core of Caffe Reggio hasn’t threw white paint over my Bernie Sand- family bearing the Florentine crest of the changed,” Batyuk said. “Locals have been ers Bumper Sticker. illustrious Medici family are among the coming here for as long as we’ve been open In December in Westbeth someone works that impart a feeling of grace and and it’s still a great place to meet friends.” slashed the poster on my door with a warmth to Caffe Reggio.” Caffe Reggio is truly one of the last great picture of Rachael Corrie asking Israel to I started reading the orange menu on my West Village gems still shining brightly in make peace with Palestine. Also ripped was a poster showing immigrants in a table and learned about Caffe Reggio’s prized the heart of the Village. Come visit Caffe boat in the Mediterranean from UNICEF. espresso machine. I read that the espresso Reggio for the “original cappuccino” but All reported to Sixth Precinct. machine on display in the café “was built in also to appreciate the charm of the art- Beware! We have a mad fascist loose 1902 and was the very first of its type made.” work on display and snap a “selfie” with in our neighborhood. That’s some history right there! the espresso machine, which like this old Photo and text by J. Taylor Basker. Two famous films from the 1970s—The village haunt is aging beautifully. 24 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org

like a ghost town. Hopefully a way will be found to stop the landlords and politicians from killing The Village. Our Lifetime in The Village WVN: What strikes you as the most beneficial changes to the streets and buildings? By Carol and Richard Quigley, RQ: Hudson River Park, but that’s the only thing. I would not as told to Brian J. Pape, AIA go down there back before the Park, when [there was] a lot of activity with people doing their thing down there, since there This is the story of Carol and Richard Quigley (CQ and RQ), were a lot of trucks that were parked and left open at night. life-long residents of Greenwich Village. Part of the “Baby But then they finally got rid of all those empty trucks and Boomer” generation, they grew up during the economic and spaces, and that is one of the best things, I would say. Now cultural changes of the 1950s and ’60s right here in the West they have a tennis court, they have a skateboard park, minia- Village. WestView News (WVN) interviewed them at their ture golf course, a basketball court, swimming activity; that is long-term fifth-floor walk-up apartment. really a major difference. WVN: What are your fondest memories—of people, places, WVN: Born and raised in Greenwich Village would seem to or things—in The Village? be a diminishing quality in a city of transients and newcom- RQ: The original 6th precinct station was on Charles Street, RICHARD WITH FAMILY IN FRONT OF ST. LUKE'S CHURCH ers; what is your personal story; what kept you here? and as a kid they were able to give a kick in the ass if you acted AND SCHOOL: From the left, brother Joe, sister Pat (“Sis- RQ: Not driving! Everything I needed was around you. I’ve sy”), Richard, and father Patrick holding kid brother Eddie. out of line, but because of the mixed neighborhood, it was very grown up by the Chinese laundromat and we wore clean Credit: Robert Quigley. different about getting along. When I was really little, I was uniforms to school laundered at Spotless Dry Cleaners. exposed to neighbors of Irish, Puerto Rican, and two black We had three grocery stores within thirty feet of my house, Hampshire, but everything is at least a forty-five-minute families and we all got along. In the summertime, because of and I could walk out alone anytime and bring home gro- drive. My father was born on Bleecker Street. My mother the heat, and we didn’t have air conditioning, a lot of what ceries for my family. Almost every block on Bleecker had was born in Schenectady, again a forty-five-minute drive we did was outside, even late at night we’d play. Sometimes stores. Zito’s Bakery for a treat; they made the bread, rolls to get anywhere. we opened up the fire hydrant to spray water for a wonder- and stuff at twelve or one o’clock in the morning, and they RQ: We were in Nashville recently and there were no con- ful couple of hours. When the police we knew were getting would give us some fresh out of the oven. Bleecker used to venience stores where we stayed at a hotel downtown. We off duty, they let me know to shut it off so we wouldn’t get have pretty much every block east of 7th Avenue with fruit had to walk almost a half a mile just to get water or a sand- a ticket; then we’d pull out a big wrench, a monkey wrench. and produce vendors. It worries me there’s fifteen to twenty wich. My brothers live in New Jersey; you got to hop in CQ: When this apartment became available it was in the stores closed between 6th and 8th Avenues. the car to do anything. Here you can roll out of bed, and front of this building, the sunny side, and then my bedroom CQ: Now we have to take buses to shop for food. The everything is here. had all the sun. neighborhood markets are too expensive. CQ: Strolling down Bleecker or side streets, I remember RQ: My father would whistle; I could hear his whistle three RQ: I guess all but a handful of the people, maybe seven I have window shopping in antique stores. The neighborhood is blocks away and I knew I had to go home. I don’t know known for years here—they’re all gone (moved). Somebody changing. whether it’s for dinner or to go to the store or something; told me it’s the rent prices and everything else going up. WVN: You have seen the streets and buildings change (all the I had to drop everything I was in the middle of. I would CQ: We were both born at St. Vincent’s Hospital; our son gas stations are just one example); what strikes you as the never take [away] my childhood for anything; if I had to was born there. Both our mothers passed there. most controversial changes? What do you miss the most? go back to it, I would want it to be the same way anyway; RQ: My siblings were born there also. Both my parents CQ: The biggest shame is the closing of Saint Vin- to be so active, it was insane. died there. cent’s Hospital. Richard and I feel that it is a shame that CQ: Yes, it really was an important aspect of just being a CQ: My cousin has a beautiful house and property in New so many businesses have closed in The Village. It looks kid growing up.

agreed to meet the next day. Walking back to where I was living, we were on the Right Bank near the École Normale Reminiscence de Musique and we could hear the sounds of students prac- ticing their instruments. I said, “Isn’t it wonderful to hear By Judy K. Gilbert Mozart on this lovely evening?” He replied, with what I found to be a total lack of tact, “Yes, though, actually that’s I met my husband sixty years ago on a transatlantic cross- Haydn.” I concealed my embarrassment and rage as best I ing. We were on the steamship SS Liberté, both of us off could; he appeared (needless to say) totally oblivious, which JUDITH AND ELLIOTT GILBERT, above, met sixty years ago to Europe, but for very different reasons. Elliott had finally was at that moment, convenient. For the first time, I knew while on a transatlantic crossing. Photo by Elliott Gilbert. amassed enough money to take his first European trip, and that I wanted very much to see him again. I had received a scholarship for intensive study of piano and ported that to my parents and proceeded to make other plans. I heard nothing more from Elliott. He’d returned home music theory in Paris for an academic year. There had been A few days later however, I found out that I had received the shortly after our evening together that September. And three requirements for this grant: an audition on my instru- scholarship. To this day, I’m convinced that it was my fluency from then on, until I returned to New York in June, I ment, a submitted recording of a performance in recital (in in French that won the day—it’s hard to believe that they thought only about my courses, (including music analy- those days you “cut a disc” in a studio which existed for that were crazy about my piano performance sis with the formidable and completely merciless Nadia purpose), and reasonable proficiency in French. Upon ar- Our trip across the Atlantic took five days. As passen- Boulanger) and practicing furiously in preparation for my rival I had to arrange for my own lessons and courses at gers were assigned seats in the dining room for meals, we piano recital. the conservatory. As it happens, I attribute my having won quickly became acquainted with one another, inasmuch as Back in New York, I wasted very little time before calling the award by virtue of my mother’s inexplicable gesture of there were only four people at each table. I told Elliott about Elliott, who seemed glad to hear from me although in all having hired a French governess on my behalf when I was a my scholarship and he confided to me that this was his first those months he had not written a single word. We set a small child—other children growing up in our modest Jew- trip to Europe. After working at an advertising art studio for date to meet, went to a concert, and the rest is history. Al- ish neighborhood in Baltimore were enrolled in Hebrew two years he’d saved enough money to see parts of England, most 60 years later we have three children and six grandchil- School, so my learning French was considered by both fam- France and Italy. He asked me if I would consider coming dren. Elliott spent many years in the advertising business, ily and neighbors to be a pretentious act. with him to some galleries when he arrived in Paris because for which he’d been trained at Parsons, but which he didn’t Looking back, it is entirely possible that my mother’s ges- he knew no French and wanted to be able to ask questions, enjoy very much. Finally, he sold his business and became an ture determined the course of the rest of my life. My audi- and I agreed. Elliott left the boat at Southampton and a artist, illustrating several children’s books. He’s a painter as tion did not go very well—I stumbled during the requisite day or so later the ship arrived in Le Havre, and I headed well, and has had many shows over the years in several gal- Beethoven Sonata and didn’t get to play my “showpiece,” for Paris. About two weeks later Elliott called and said he leries in New York City—a few in the Village and Chelsea. a Chopin Ballade. In fact, the only part of that audition was in Paris for a few days. When he asked me to accom- I taught piano for 35 years in the Village. Now that we live in which I acquitted myself was regarding my speaking of pany him on his exploration of some of the galleries on the in Hoboken, I have only three students, one of whose two French; I was fluent and “had no accent.” Quite sure that I Seine, I concurred, but asked (quite ungraciously) what was talented daughters I had taught back in the day. The daugh- had not won this sought-after year of music in Paris, I re- in it for me. When he said “dinner,” I was ecstatic and we ters are now a thoracic surgeon and a writer. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 25

A ONE HUNDRED DOLLAR BILL !

That’s what Dusty found in a hand written envelope in response to our plea last month that both the Times and WestView are experiencing neg- ative cash flow. It is costing us more to print and distribute the paper than we get from subscriptions and ads.

Almost as valuable as the hundred dollar bill is the comment “I love your paper.”

I try and resist self-congratulations but since our paper is mostly written by our readers I allow myself to agree with the now familiar comment “it gets better with each issue”—and it does—but to get better we have to pay the printer. Please keep the hundred dollar bills coming! Mail to: WestView News, 108 Perry Street, Apt 4A, New York, NY 10014. MEDICAL DERMATOLOGY | COSMETIC DERMATOLOGY Please include your name, address and e-mail address. Oh—you­ can MOHS SURGERY | LASER SURGERY also ask your favorite restaurant to advertise and we make their first ad FREE. Have the check signer call George at 212 924 5718. Bay Ridge West Village 7901 4th Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11209 67 Perry Street, NY NY 10014 718-491-5800 (t) 212-675-5847 (t) 718748-2151 (f) 212-675-7976 (f)

Ronald R. Brancaccio, M.D | Peter Saitta, D.O. Sherry H. Hsiung, M.D. | Lisa Gruson,M.D. | Anna Karp, D.O.

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Mademoiselle Karen’s Mirabelle Quirky Style Brings The National Arts Club celebrated Jo Weldon’s new book, Fierce: The History of Leopard Print, in March, with a leop- Ooh La La to ard-spotted event that had stylish New Yorkers turning out in truck-loads of faux pelts adorning every imaginable garment Bleecker Street from boots to hats. Touted as a “neutral,” leopard prints might have been invented By Karen Rempel as nature’s camo, but in the urban jungle, these spots are hot and make us stand out Mademoiselle Mirabelle alighted on from the crowd. Bleecker Street in mid-January, with a The popular animal print has an im- Parisian cocktail party to say “bienvenue” pressive lineage, from Egyptian priest- to her new neighbors. The store is owner esses to Aztec warriors. Since attending Nicole Nicholson’s second location. The the NAC event, I’ve noticed women and mother store, Boutique Mirabelle, at 1310 men everywhere evoking the power of the , has become so successful leopard print. See if you spot it too. after 30 years that it practically runs itself. Ready for a new adventure, Nicole decided MOTHER OF PEARL & BLACK DIAMOND to bring la French touch to the West Vil- CHIP EARRINGS, WITH MATCHING PEN- lage. She says the store in the West Village DANT & PEARL NECKLACE is a little bit younger. “Uptown is more for Mademoiselle Mirabelle, 330 Bleecker St. the mother, and here it’s more for mother PEARL NECKLACE WITH APPLE CLASP and daughter.” Off Broadway Boutique, 139 W 72nd St. “I think it’s the right time for some- (closed) thing completely different from what it is on Bleecker. There is this touch, la French DO+BE LEOPARD PRINT DRESS touch, which is a little je ne sais quoi, and Variazioni, 323 Bleecker St. très chic, and I love to help the customer to improve on their look.” Nicole has a tal- METALLIC CUFF BRACELET ent for bringing out a woman’s unique style Street vendor on 6th Avenue to make her look and feel terrific. “Right away I know exactly what is right for each PLUM BEADED FLOWER PURSE Mademoiselle Mirabelle person. This is my gift, my diplôme,” said Nicole. DL1961 SKINNY JEANS I asked Nicole for her advice on older Variazioni, 323 Bleecker St. women wearing younger fashions. She said, “We cannot be ridiculous, we have to KILAME BLACK VELVET BOOTS WITH know our limits. A little touch of youngie, HAND-APPLIQUÉD BEADS AND FEATH- but not the whole look. You have to balance ERS, DESIGN BY PAMELA QUINZI the limit, not go over the dose, not good, KAREN REMPEL LEOPARD-LEAPING into spring on Bleecker Street. Photo by Zoë Exclusively at Mademoiselle Mirabelle Pappis Schultz. on anything. Moderation.” What about

short skirts? “An older woman can do a Their prêt-à-porter couture is beautiful.” short dress with an opaque hose and high Nicole describes a classic cocktail dress boots, or booties. It’s sexy. Or you could use from French fashion house Marie Elie, a printed or patterned hose. Balances the “It’s chichi poo-poo, very Frenchy.” Tricot nudity of your legs. We have to be sexy and Chic is a luxury Italian line for super fun, elegant, not sexy and trash. Voilà!” à la mode outerwear, and the Italian line Mme. Mirabelle carries women’s cloth- VLT’s by Valentina provides crisp shirts in ing by classic Canadian, French, and Ital- linen and other natural fabrics. Mme. Mi- ian designers. The Canadian design house rabelle sources fresh, edgy, elegant style at Joseph Ribkoff (pictured) has evolved moderate prices. Dress prices range from a practical beauty over 57 years. Nicole about $245 to $540. says, “I am so pleased to have them. Their Mme. Mirabelle is the exclusive New items are washable and packable, great York vendor for Kilame shoes by Italian for traveling. And there are so many dif- fashion designer and shoe artist Pamela ferent styles, for everyone, from 22 to 85 Quinzi. Nicole also carries unique beaded KAREN REMPEL, NICOLE NICHOLSON, years old.” Leo & Ugo is a Parisian cou- handbags from a California designer, and a PAMELA QUINZI, AND MARIA BEARD display ture house, creating fun, elegant styles for gorgeous selection of jewelry. Pamela’s colorful, hand-crafted shoes at 41 years (see the zig-zag faux fur coat in Mademoiselle Mirabelle. Designer Pamela the photo). Another French line Nicole Say Bonjour to Nicole at 330 Bleecker Street, launched her book, The Cinderella of New York, with a spectacular runway show of her is excited to carry is Weill couture (also or call 917-261-7332. Hours: 11:00 a.m. clothes and shoes at 1 OAK during Fashion pictured). She says, “They have existed in to 7:00 p.m., Monday-Saturday, and 12:00 Red rose geometric dress at left by Ribkoff. Week. Photo by Karen Rempel. France since 1885, about six generations. p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Sunday. Gray dress by Weill. Photo by Karen Rempel. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 27 13th Annual Manhattan Film Festival Returns to West Village The 13th annual Manhattan Film Festival screening of Vaxxed: From Cover Up to Ca- on their email and later booked the venue. What do you think is the future for will take place April 24th-May 5th, 2019. tastrophe, a controversial documentary about When The Quad was sold and was under independent Films and Independent Since 2015 the festival has run concurrently a link between the MMR vaccine and au- renovation we decided to stay in the neigh- Film Festivals? with Tribeca, giving filmmakers an alternative tism was canceled by Tribeca, we reached borhood and booked The Players Theatre I think one of the keys for both indepen- opportunity to screen when the entire industry out to the filmmakers about picking up the which is a great venue with a great history. dent filmmakers and festivals alike is to ascends upon New York City! Every year we screening. They accepted the invitation and The following year we booked Cinema Vil- create and program audience engaging pride ourselves in programming a diverse film the screening was set for the same time and lage and have been there happily ever since. films and know who your audience is. lineup featuring student, emerging, and estab- date of their canceled screening. It worked lished filmmakers. The festival is covered by lo- out perfect because they all had travel ar- In this day and age of big corporate Tell us a little bit about this year’s cal, national, and international media outlets rangements in place. The Q & A that fol- festivals and big corporate films why festival? including The New York Times, USA Today, lowed was moderated by award winning do you choose to go the other direction As with every year, we work to program a The Hollywood Reporter, and Good Morning investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson. and promote different and provocative diverse film lineup featuring student, emerg- America. MFF has been honored by Movie- It took place at The Players Theatre. We indie films? ing, and established talent. We have the Maker Magazine as one of “The Coolest Film were inundated with many angry people. It We like to have the ability to give filmmak- pleasure of welcoming back festival alumni Festivals in the World” and as one of “25 Film didn’t stop us, it actually strengthened our ers a platform without being worried who such as Roger Paradiso, Alyssa Rallo Ben- Festivals Worth the Entry Fee.” resolve. We later found a lot of those people is going to try to suppress their voice. nett, Jamison M LoCascio, and Angela At- The Manhattan Film Festival was founded attacking us online were paid by large cor- wood. Our Film Heals programming is go- by Philip Nelson and Jose Ruiz in 2007. The porations. At the end of the day the post How is your festival experience ing to focus on addiction, prison reform, and Festival moved to the heart of the Village in announcing the selection went viral because different than say a bigger corporate coping with grief after loss. The festival will 2012 and showed films at the old Quad Cinema. the voices of the people were much larger Festival like Sundance for instance? open with the sports documentary Making They moved to Cinema Village located at 22 than paid lobbyists. We won’t cave to corpo- In one way it is similar. We work to book Coco: The Grant Fuhr Story and close with East 12th in 2014. I talked to co-founder Philip rate or political pressure. great venues such as Cinema Village and of- the sports biography Extra Innings. Nelson recently on a snowy day in New York. fer the experience of screening in a commer- Why did you move to the Village in 2012? cial theater. It is different because projects How do people buy tickets and read Philip, what makes your festival stand In a way it was by chance. We were looking we screen do not have to be signed off by about your festival? out from the rest? to book a commercial theater and received corporate sponsors. You are going to see a People can go to www.manhattanff.com We are not easily intimidated. After the an email from The Quad. We followed up diverse range of films from all points of view. and browse our event calendar.

The lines he loved to hear were: “Don’t let it be forgot, that once there was a spot, for one brief shining moment that was known as Camelot.” —Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Manhattan Film Festival Special Screening May 2 from 3-5 PM Cinema Village Theaters, 22 East 12th Street For tickets go to www.manhattanff.com or Cinema Village box office 28 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org

WEST VILLAGE IMAGES BY JOEL GORDON Hudson Yards Wants to Grab The Vessel Arrives My Photograph’s Rights The $200 million centerpiece of Hudson Yards, The Vessel comes from British designer Thomas Heatherwick and is an inverted honeycomb-like structure of granted Hudson Yards the right to their platforms and stairways. There are 75 pieces in total, each piece weighing By Joel Gordon about 93,000 pounds. It has 2,500 stairs and is 150 feet tall. “photos, audio recording, or video foot- The “Vessel,” a public structure of intercon- age depicting or relating to the Vessel” for nected stairways, is the centerpiece of Hud- “any purpose whatsoever in any and all son Yards. It is a free public art sculpture media (in either case, now known or de- space, but climbing it comes with a high cost. veloped later).” In layman’s terms, a photographer retains This action has prompted an outcry from copyright ownership; but the photos taken the news media, photographers, and their of, and on, the Vessel belongs to the compa- professional associations. It is not over yet ny in perpetuity and with no “compensation” and Hudson Yards will have to revise the paid. Hudson Yards, this is how I make my language of their terms and condition. living—from leasing reproduction rights! I entered the Vessel with my press pass Anyone who signed up for the Vessel’s and did not have to sign any form; there- free entry ticket will automatically have fore, the restrictions are not legally binding. #HelloHudsonYards By Maria Hadjidemetriou different, something extraordinary. And extraordinary you will feel when At last you have arrived. You greeted us you experience the Vessel. At first the sheer with art, music and performances, but size makes you feel overtaken by this hon- most of all you greeted us with innovation, eycomb structure, but then you see your imagination and that everything is possible reflection in the glow of the polished steel. in New York City. As kids we would make funny faces when It started Thursday eve, the opening of we saw reflections… go ahead, make your the mall to all… well to 13,000 invited best funny face, take a photo and hashtag guests. It was a night of entertainment #HelloHudsonYards, because structures from various artists while we walked the are to make us feel a connection—NO seven levels of diverse retailers and restau- MATTER WHAT THE SIZE. rants catering to all budgets; something As you climb the top of the Vessel, you some malls have ignored is to have retailers notice how the honeycomb shape frames that everyone can experience on their bud- our city. Each level and each landing get. The eclectic choice of music electrified frames our iconic buildings differently, cre- and amplified, creating an energy you do ating connection and intimate moments not find in other malls. with the views. This oversized structure This is not your mom and pop mall. The now feels like something you can hold and interactive art alone makes you want to re- hug—a feeling you want to feel again and turn to experience it over and over, like the again. Thank you, Thomas Heatherwick, flip sequence canvas where you can create for thinking out of the box and creating messages of positivity like the photo be- something unique where we will all experi- low: #BeKind—yes, I wrote that ; or the ence something special. Feeling Fabulous—just brings smiles to To everyone who worked so passionately everyone. Then you see the lighted mes- on Hudson Yards, thank you. sage “WE BELIEVE THE FUTURE IS OURS”—and hasn’t Hudson Yards made that come true. The future is ours, friends, DowntownMom TM—Maria Had- and in every sense of what Stephen Ross, jidemetriou is a downtown mom living in Founder and Chairman of Related, envi- TriBeCa with her 10-year-old daughter, sioned: a future of a new city that brings Julia. She is a freelance writer and a speaker people together to experience something on her rare genetic blood disease, thalassemia. LOVE OUR CONCERTS? Support WestView's FREE Concerts for Seniors Mail your tax deductible contribution to: The West Village Fund 108 Perry Street, Apt 4A, New York, NY 10014 Other examples can be found at https://joelgordon.photoshelter.com/archive Be sure to include your name, address and email address Photo credit © Joel Gordon 2019—All rights reserved. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 29 A New Book of Dogs, Cats, Horses The View from the and Other Animals Kitchen By Robert Heide beagle named By Isa Benveniste As soon as you use an ingredient, either Bubbles; Norma My kitchen is small. After all, I live in a store it immediately or set it in a different A new book arrived in my mailbox entitled Edgar and her Greenwich Village apartment—but not place in your kitchen to keep track of what Love Can Be with a color cover photograph brother Richard, very small, as I can comfortably fit in a ta- you’ve used and what you haven’t. Once of a big dog staring out a window, ostensi- who lived on the ble where I have breakfast and other meals you’ve used all the ingredients, it’s always bly waiting for his master. The subtitle of same block I did, and where I can do prep and roll out pastry a good idea to check the recipe again to the book is A Literary Collection about Our kept a big black dough. I always do these things standing make sure you haven’t missed anything. Animals and is edited by Louisa McCune dog named Inky. up, for no other reason than I am used to That said, as everything, food is a matter and Teresa Miller, a Quality Paperback The dog I grew doing so. My kitchen has a window, and of personal taste, and if you feel you would published by the Kirkpatrick Founda- up with and loved I face it as I prepare food, usually listen- like to make changes to fit your palate, by BUSTER, author Robert all means do so, but note the changes so you tion. This anthology includes thirty es- most was named Heide's Boston Terrier. ing to music or the news; and when I read, can repeat them the next time you use the says, poems, and stories written by well- Jiggs (after the Photo by Timothy Bissell. which I do at the kitchen table. What I established authors like Joyce Carol Oates, comic character like very much is to look out the window recipe or discard them as not a good idea. Delia Ephron, Dean Koontz, S. E. Hin- drawn from “Maggie and Jiggs”). He was a from time to time; watch the traffic, the For today I chose a very luxurious and rich ton, and Michael Wallis. There are also 30 combo-mix wirehaired terrier and rat terrier. people, the trees, the buildings; and muse. soup. Serve it with some brioche toast slath- splendid photographs of the celebrity au- Jiggsy often ran wild, and apparently sired What I shall be offering in this column is ered with a foie gras mousse, or duck rillettes. thors, each with their beloved pets. Out of many puppies in his day. recipes, some advice—mostly culinary, and Add a delicate green salad seasoned with the 30 photographs, 17 are of dogs. There Later in life, in The Village, I had a Bos- some thoughts, right out of the kitchen. vinaigrette, using fruit-flavored vinegar, and are four cats; horses number three; and ton terrier named Buster whose officially When preparing a recipe, especially from a light dessert, and you have a great meal. I’m there are donkeys as well as one each of registered AKC name was Gaylord Buster scratch, it’s useful to read it thoroughly the thinking of a dessert I had once in a French a frog and a grouping of backyard geese. of Christopher. No one knew the streets day before to make sure you have all the provincial home, consisting of shortbread A photo of a massive elephant is startling, better, so I dedicated my Greenwich Vil- ingredients at hand. When you start cook- cookies with strawberry jam and whipped as is one of a woman oddly sporting an lage guidebook to Buster, who lived to be ing, keep the recipe handy and set all the cream. Delicious! And orange marmalade is outfit with big butterfly wings. Michael 14 and had many admirers on Christopher ingredients on or near your work surface. a good alternative for the jam. Wallis, the noted author of Route 66 and Street and Grove Street. other books about the Wild West, some of Dogs were always an important aspect CREAM OF CHESTNUT SOUP 1 which are super bios of outlaws like Pretty of my life. I wrote dog stories for my grade (Velouté aux Châtaignes) Boy Floyd, writes about his encounter with school magazine and read and reread Lassie INGREDIENTS a Monarch and poses with his two cats, Come Home and Lad: A Dog, both by Albert 1 leek, trimmed of all dark green parts Martini and Jupiter. Bears, birds, rhinos Payson Terhune. I saw the 1943 MGM 1 medium carrot, scrubbed and bobcats are all included in this book. movie of the Lassie book with Elizabeth 2 to 4 garlic cloves, peeled, the green In the introduction editor Louisa Mc- Taylor and Roddy McDowell several times. center removed Cune, who has been a long-time friend and Later in the 1950s I liked to sing along with 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more if needed ally of myself and John Gilman, lists her fa- Patti Page’s signature top hit recording of 1 1/3 pounds chestnuts vorite animal books as Old Yeller, Charlotte’s How Much Is That Doggie in the Window? 3 cups vegetable or chicken broth Web and Beautiful Joe. She writes about Er- In The Village the top-selling breed in pet 3/4 cup heavy cream nest Hemingway in Key West, who had a stores seems to be the French bulldog. Mat- 1/4 cup Madeira wine house filled with cats, and tells us there are thew Broderick has often been seen walking 2 tablespoons brandy now 54 descendants of these felines prowl- his Jack Russell terrier on Charles Street. 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, grated ing the streets and beaches. Louisa is Editor Probably the most famous dog to live in 1/8 teaspoon cloves, ground in Chief of Art Desk, a top glossy art maga- The Village is Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s 1/2 teaspoon salt, or according to taste zine, as well as being Executive Director of Scottie Fala, who after the president’s death Pinch of ground cayenne pepper the Kirkpatrick Foundation which contrib- went with Eleanor to 29 West Washington 2 tablespoons fresh sage leaves, chopped utes to many animal charities, including the Square where, to the delight of many, she 1-2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (optional) proceeds of this book, which sells for $19.95 walked Fala in the Park practically every day. Toasted walnut meats Photo by Isa Benveniste. on Amazon. McCune began her career as A plaque on the building says she made her editor of Oklahoma Today—the official state home there from 1942 to 1949. DIRECTIONS magazine to which I myself contributed sev- 1. Chop the leek, carrot, and garlic. eral illustrated articles on cowboys, cowgirls Robert Heide is a frequent contributor to West- 2. In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium-high heat, add the chopped vegeta- and Indians drawn from my book Box-Office View News, and his new book, Robert Heide bles, and sauté until the leek has softened, about five minutes, stirring occasionally. Buckaroos published by Abbeville Press, NY. 25 Plays, is prominently featured on the shelves 3. Add the chestnuts and the broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and lower the A personal note: In the town of Irvington, at the Whitney Museum Bookstore, Three Lives heat to very low. Stir. New Jersey, where I grew up in the ’40s and Bookstore, Drama Bookshop and Amazon. 4. Cover the saucepan and cook for about 40 minutes, or until the chestnuts are ’50s, everyone I knew had a dog; and often very soft. Stir a few times to prevent it from sticking to the saucepan. these canine pets ran freely around the town, DOGNOTE: Charming everyone at the 5. Stir in the heavy cream, the Madeira wine, and the brandy. Season with the sometimes in packs. In Greenwich Village monthly meeting of WestView News contribu- nutmeg, cloves, salt, and cayenne. Simmer, covered, another 10 minutes. Add where I live now there are pure-breed and tors and editors is the paper’s official mascot the chopped sage leaves. mixed dogs on leashes everywhere. In the (pictured and quoted in every edition on page 6. Transfer the soup to a food processor; or, for a smoother, velvety consistency, to 1840s building I live in my neighbor James 2), Traffic Manager Liza Whiting’s little a blender, in two parts if necessary, and purée. has two pug dogs named Swee’pea (from fuzzy-white, deaf, 16-year-old Maltese poodle 7. Return the soup to the saucepan and taste for seasoning. If it seems too sweet, Popeye) and Sebastian. A dog owner friend mix named Mia, who, after serving for years add a tablespoon or two of lemon juice. of mine told me, “A dog gives us the uncon- as a therapy dog at St. Vincent’s and Cabrini 8. Reheat, and serve in soup plates or bowls, topped with the toasted walnuts. ditional love we can’t get from humans.” In Nursing Home, is now working as a volunteer Yield: about 6 cups my hometown the little gang of kids I ran at the Children’s Reading Room at Jefferson Note: This soup tastes even better if served reheated the next day, which allows the flavors with all had dogs. Lois Hausman had a Market Library. to develop. 30 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org 9/11—My Survival and Memories of Mysterious Visitors

music • at St. John’s in the Village SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS IN ART CLASS, PS 305, BEDFORD-STUYVESANT, NEW YORK CITY BY J. TAYLOR BASKER. Photo credit: J. Taylor Basker. WestView By J. Taylor Basker low jackets carrying large black bags. They were not the usual WTC maintenance men April is my birthday month. I have an op- or staff; they had no badges with names or Good Friday Concert portunity to celebrate another year of life due ID. They spoke to no one, and entered a sec- to my third graders in Bedford-Stuyvesant, tion on the floor that was prohibited to ev- Friday, April 19 Brooklyn, to whom I am very grateful. I eryone, even if you had a pass to everywhere should have been killed on 9/11 while work- else. There were about 4 or 5 men, and we 7:30 pm ing with Fiduciary Trust in the South Tower called them “ghost visitors” since they would on the 95th floor, trapped ten floors over the appear suddenly and silently. After 9/11 impact area of United Airlines Flight 175. when people suggested the WTC build- I had a summer job working as a paralegal ings collapse was a controlled demolition, I Stabat Mater by for Fiduciary Trust, helping wealthy people immediately thought of those strange men give away their money to worthy causes. I with large bags. Had they planted devices Giovanni Battista Pergolesi worked with arts groups, which as an artist I for demolition? I watched videos showing particularly enjoyed doing. This was during explosions from the sides of the building, and (1710-1736) my vacation as a Special Education teacher I became convinced these shadowy guests at P.S. 305 in Bedford-Stuyvesant. It was had something to do with this. I was in the A hauntingly beautiful sacred work for a good gig, close to my home in Westbeth. hospital a few days after 9/11 with inhala- I could bike to work in ten minutes, enjoy tion pneumonia from walking through lower voices and string ensemble. gourmet coffee and corporate perks, as well Manhattan to get home from Brooklyn and as have a gorgeous view of NY Harbor, a soon developed asthma, breathing in all the Soprano: Amber Evans thick carpet in my office, a good salary and dust that floated into my Westbeth window Countertenor: Luke Paulino nice people to work with. I was offered a facing the toxic cloud of death and destruc- permanent job, but I had promised my anx- tion for months. Paralyzed as an artist for Strings: The Strathmere Ensemble ious third graders fearful of losing me that I over a year, I finally was able to make a film would return after the summer. about the impact this event had on artists: I had a special relationship with these “Aftermath: 9/11 and New York Artists” kids whom I loved dearly. I took them on interviewing many Westbeth residents, now many wonderful trips including the Plaza seen on YouTube. Tickets $20 Hotel while we were reading a book about One of the artists in the film, Joan Hall, the fictional Emily who lived there. We had done collages with her students, some Free to Seniors and Children were taken on a full tour and placed in a showing the Towers with an airplane aimed luxury suite for tea and snacks. The stu- at it, and a figure in a white robe in front. dents subsequently wrote wonderful book Following the incident, she was convinced Booking is essential at: reports! But the school was difficult to these images were prescient of the disaster. stjvny.org or (212) 243-6192 work in and I frequently thought of leav- The day before, on 9/10 while walking my ing. I was tempted by Fiduciary’s offer, but dogs early in the morning, I noticed a rain- I had reassured my kids, Daniel, Jasmine bow colored cloud circling the WTC, and and Carmen, that I would come back. I I told my dogs there were angels dancing ST. JOHN’S IN THE VILLAGE asked Fiduciary for a few weeks at school around the towers—again a strange omen. to see how things were before I gave them I lost most of my fellow workers in Fidu- at the corner of West 11th and Waverly Place my final answer. This is why I am still alive. ciary Trust, and it is still difficult for me to During the summer we had mysterious go near the site, or think about what hap- St. John’s in the Village is fully heated and ADA accessible. visitors on our floor, non-World Trade Cen- pened. However, I am very grateful to my ter workers, who appeared a few times in yel- third graders for saving my life. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 31

Both Sides Now: Gary Sherball’s “Two Suspects” an Celebrating the Legacy of Joni Mitchell Unexpected Joy collaboration, built upon their 20-plus years of knowing By Joel Gordon each other and working together professionally. Because of the poetic and long descriptions of the songs, often akin Judge Gary Sherball came to 69 Charles and sat and to monologues and speeches in plays, Reimann felt that talked about the upcoming reading of his play with Pendleton was a good fit for the project. music at the Bitter End. He implored several times “come, come, and bring people.” I failed to put it in my In 2010, Both Sides Now offered inspiration to Reimann calender and only recalled it when our photographer during her painful and exhausting experience of providing Joel Gordon called from the theater to say our theater weekly caregiving and, eventually, end-of-life care for her editor John Gilman had not shown up and what was aged and Alzheimer’s-stricken father. As a means to cope he to do? I asked him to write it up and got back with the stress, Hannah began to learn—song by song— instant protests of “I am a photographer, not a writer,” Mitchell’s timeless album, Blue. She discovered that the and then we got the following from him which re- music provided a profound emotional release, spurring her minded me that plays are not written for theater critics on to engage more deeply with Mitchell’s entire catalog. but for those who are buying a ticket.—George Capsis Both Sides Now gave voice to Reimann’s growth as an artist, a daughter and a human as she looked to Joni Mitchell’s work for hope and guidance. Reimann explains, “Audience reactions have been surpris- ingly moving to me. Some listeners come to tell me that hearing them makes them feel better, others request par- ticular songs that they love and feel very strongly that they need to hear them. I took on the project for my own healing and found that I could also help others. The healing power HANNAH REIMANN AND MICHELE TEMPLE PERFORMING of music resounds in Joni Mitchell’s music; player and lis- Joni Mitchell’s songs at Morrison Hotel Gallery. Photo by tener alike benefit, a gift that I will never take for granted.” David Doobinin. Hannah has been performing since the age of two, as By Cal Smith a vocalist, instrumentalist, educator, composer, actor and filmmaker. Her pedagogical lineage, via multiple genera- In Celebration of Joni Mitchell’s 75th birthday, the 50th an- tions, can be traced back to Beethoven. She has played niversary of Woodstock, and in continuation of her ongoing classical music and sung in rock bands since she was a seven-year celebration of the music of Joni Mitchell, West child. Over the course of her varied and multi-genre ca- Village resident Hannah Reimann will present concert reer, Reimann has played concert piano at Lincoln Center, performances of Mitchell’s music, entitled Both Sides Now, fronted a punk band in Japan, appeared in over 20 inde- I attended only to photograph Two Suspects by Gary from April 22th through May 4th as part of Fort Green, pendent films, performed with the Main Squeeze Accor- Sherbell, a staged reading with music performed Brooklyn’s Irondale Center arts festival, On Women. dion Orchestra, performed Astor Piazzolla’s music inter- at the Bitter End. I did not expect to stay long, but ended up staying for the whole show which was Both Sides Now features Reimann on lead vocals, piano, and nationally with Grammy-nominated violist Paul Coletti, funny and very enjoyable. During the two 15-minute dulcimer with guest guitarist Michele Temple. Expanding on and directed the documentary My Father’s House: A Journey intermissions crime theme music, such as the Godfa- multiple collaborations with Temple, the duo will present a of Love and Memory (terranova.org). She is also a composer whose songs have been on XM Satellite and Sirius air- ther, was played. The play is a dark mystery comedy program that will feature over a dozen classic singles from about crime, greed and lawsuits. The outcome of a waves for over seventeen years. She was recently awarded a Mitchell’s 1966-1974 catalog, including Woodstock, Big Yellow lawsuit depends on which of two burglary suspects is Taxi, River, Rainy Night House, A Case of You, Court and Spark, grant by the prestigious Café Royale Cultural Foundation guilty of the crime. Two lawyers on either side of the California, Blue, and of course, Both Sides Now. to complete an EP of her original music. She has been lawsuit use sex to influence the district attorney and Reimann and director Austin Pendleton (taking on a commissioned to create music of various genres for more the defense lawyer. Twists and turns of the case are new role as music director for this concert performance) than two decades. revealed at the surprise ending. Photo © Joel Gordon have chosen which of Mitchell’s songs to present at this Tickets available at: 2019—All rights reserved. retrospective of her excellent early work. This is an exciting http://irondale.org/show-both-sides-now/ "I WANT TO SUBSCRIBE!" $12 BUCKS WILL GUARANTEE DELIVERY! ❑ Gimme a free subscription—I'm broke Name______❑ 1 year subscription for $12 bucks Address______❑ 2 years for $24 email address ______Mail check to WestView News Subscription Department, 108 Perry Street, Apt 4A, New York, NY 10014 You may also subscribe online by visiting westviewnews.org and clicking SUBSCRIBE. 32 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org Greenwich Village Staple Collaborates with NYC’s Music Venue Darlings to Feature Emerging Artists See them Up-Close and Personal thanks to the New York Presenters Consortium

A staple of the downtown new music senters in creative and financial support of SFJAZZ, Jazz at Lincoln Center) says, “This the Russian-born jazz composer, pianist scene since 2015, the Uncharted Con- performers developing new and existing partnership is intended to provide a mecha- and vocalist Alina Engibaryan on April 25. cert Series at Greenwich House Music work. All three organizations that make up nism for musicians to develop evergreen Additionally, this year’s Uncharted will in- School (GHMS) has emerged as one of The New York Presenters Consortium are programs that can potentially function as a clude a benefit concert on Monday, May 6 to New York’s most exciting and unpredict- proud to announce a solo performance by source for longer-term financial stability. By support Greenwich House Music School’s able live concert series, and it’s right here all-female mariachi band Flor de Toloache providing this kind of curatorial support for role as a true community resource and center in Greenwich Village. This year is different founding member Mireya Ramos on April artists, we’re aiming to sustain not only indi- of music, featuring the beloved, recently-re- though. What’s the same is a commitment 18 and new work from singer-songwriter- viduals’ creative output, but also to improve vived improv musical theater troupe Freestyle to supporting New York City-based artists multi-instrumentalist Celisse Henderson the health of the entire cultural ecosystem.” Love Supreme, fresh off a wildly successful, premiering new projects or meeting new on May 2, both exclusively to be heard first Sponsored artists are provided with free re- New York Times Critic’s Pick run at Green- collaborators on stage. What’s different: as part of this season of Uncharted. hearsal space at Greenwich House Music wich House Theater. Freestyle Love Su- for the first time in the five-year history “We’re excited to be collaborating with School to workshop their productions, as preme will be joined by a special guest, Ham- of Uncharted, Greenwich House Music two of New York’s most prominent arts well as marketing and promotional services ilton star James Monroe Iglehart. School is joining forces with fellow non- presenters for Uncharted,” says Rachel to promote their concert. All Uncharted shows will take place on profit arts organizations Joe’s Pub and The Black, Director of GHMS. “Following Along with Ramos and Henderson, the Thursdays from April 4 to May 2 with per- David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Cen- their one-time-only concerts at Greenwich 2019 Uncharted season promises a contin- formances beginning at 8pm. Non-benefit ter in the curation of its 2019 season, under House, Mireya and Celisse will have the uation of the series’ signature high-quality shows are $15 for advance tickets. Com- the auspices of the newly created New York opportunity to continue developing their and genre-eclectic programming. Featured plimentary beer and wine will be served at Presenters Consortium. The NYPC is a work for future performances at both part- artists include Afrocentric soul collec- all shows. Uncharted takes place at Green- network of presenting organizations de- ner venues. tive Lady Moon and the Eclipse on April wich House Music School’s intimate, 100- signed to leverage the collective resources Series curator Jennie Wasserman ( John 4, global percussion wizard Scott Kettner seat Renee Weiler Concert Hall. For info of New York’s most innovative arts pre- F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, with his band Nation Beat on April 11, and call 212-242-4770.

Memories continued from page 1 White Horse continued from page 1 anti-Croman activist groups such as the than one way to lose the past. regulars who frequented the White Horse tavern is not, so all that history might soon Stop Croman Coalition and the Croman The West Village is a rare enclave of old Tavern were Bob Dylan, Jack Kerouac, the be reduced to “a slice with pepperoni please.” Tenants Alliance. buildings built along cow paths and fam- Clancy Brothers and Jim Morrison. This is The White Horse Tavern is the latest We have also learned that Eytan Sug- ily farms; we have saved how our memo- where labor organizers, community activ- casualty to be “Cromanated,” that is, closed arman, a newish innovative restauran- ries looked 50 years ago but can we save ists, housing activists like Jane Jacobs and by Croman. The Amato Opera opened in teur who owns a chic pizza restaurant and our apartments or our favorite restaurants social activists from The Catholic Worker, 1948, and closed after 60 years when Cro- several other “high profile” restaurants, has when the costs move beyond our grasp? It including Dorothy Day, gathered. This is man bought the building in 2009. The bought the bar from the two retiring own- is not just the change of decor that kills a where the locals, laborers, longshoremen fabled Caffe Vivaldi opened in 1983, but ers and has had his application for a liquor great piece of Village history, but prices. and other members of the working class was forced to close after 35 years in business license approved by Community Board 2. Way back, I used to go to the Waverly Inn came together and drank. when Croman bought the building in 2011. Will he save the White Horse? Will he for charm and good cheap food. Now a All this literary history might be replaced Local bars and restaurants throughout turn it into a breathtakingly expensive piz- plate of pasta costs $50 and the charm has by a pizzeria. We’re not sure about this yet, the city were forced to close when Cro- za parlor capturing gob-smacking amounts evaporated. but one of the toxic three, Sugarman, is man doubled or tripled the rent. If Croman of cash from innocent domestic and foreign Andrew Berman of the Greenwich Vil- the owner of Made in New York Pizza, a couldn’t get them out by raising their rents, tourists and leaving us old-time Villagers lage Society for Historic Preservation has knockoff pizza place that recently made the there was always the convenient fire, which with only wistful memories of a fifty-cent come up with a unique suggestion, a last- headlines when the Pizza Wars erupted be- is what recently happened to Bruno Pizza mug of porter? (Oh, how many I drank). ditch solution that has rarely been attempt- tween Sugarman and Prince Street Pizza at 204 East 13th Street. The restaurant and He kept saying “no” before the community ed before—to landmark the interior of the as to who had the best pizza in New York. all the apartments above it were destroyed, board as he pleaded for the liquor license. White Horse (this could start something Enter The Mooch... Scaramucci and Sug- another business closed, and all the tenants His self-confident PR guy assured me that new)—sweet. arman are partners in the upscale Hunt & were made homeless. all Sugarman wants to do is “change the On one of many evenings that I sat at Fish Club. Scaramucci, it must be pointed Croman’s insatiable greed has led to pipes.” I asked that Sugarman come and the White Horse drinking porter with my out, is not a partner in the White Horse. the destruction of many lives, businesses, visit me at 69 Charles Street and was told former apartment mates (Atlantic City Although Sugarman says that he's going to neighborhoods, history and culture, and that he’d “try.” Sugarman did not come so I painter John Collins and Grand Junction keep the White Horse Tavern as is, rumor for these reasons and more we urge you to have to write this without his face-to-face Colorado sculptor Chuck Littler), Dylan has it it will definitely be a pizza place. rage, rage against Steve Croman. testimony. He offered in a Villager article Thomas got up behind us and began, in The White Horse Tavern opened in 1880 about the White Horse that he plans to a sonorous voice, to enunciate his poetry. as a bar for the men who worked at the Cynthia Chaffee and Mary Ann Miller are “maintain this legacy.” But he also said that Some nights later, he met his death while docks. The building is landmarked, but the co-founders of the Stop Croman Coalition. prices could go up. Will those prices ex- walking home from the White Horse to clude those living on a fragile income from the Chelsea Hotel. Not so long ago, when the bar forever? the mayor of the Welsh province of Dylan’s The almost palpable memories of the youth came to WestView to film an inter- SUBSCRIBE ONLINE White Horse—Dylan Thomas getting up view with me, I wished I had walked over Want to help us save the paper edition? after many beers and reciting in his Welsh to Dylan’s table on the last night I saw him nasal drone; and meeting my wife to-be. and offered to buy the next round. What visit.westviewnews.org and click on SUBSCRIBE Can we save those memories? We can en- makes a living landmark valuable are the to sign up for a subscription—delivered joy memories at no cost, but a cold lager living memories of those who have helped monthly to your door! may become too expensive—there is more to make its history. www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 33 Five Cosmopolitan Artists at Westbeth Gallery in April ditionally, whereas it was once in a less- popular location, by staying where it is, it now has the Whitney Museum as a four- blocks-away neighbor, as well as the High- line and the revitalized waterfront. Now, Westbeth has a rule that an in- dividual artist or group of artists can only show there once every three years, to give some others a chance. Last year, 60 appli- cations were received for eleven places. The woman running the gallery is Karin Batten, who has been the director of the gallery for three years. She selected the women in the upcoming show, all women in their sixties, all from the New York area, all in full com- mand of their media. She is represented in New York by the June at the Pentagon on 9/11; her husband was, KARIN BATTEN was born in Hamburg, Kelly Gallery on Mercer Street. She has and he was killed. Germany, and came to New York by way of been with that gallery for thirty years. She London, where she studied art at Central has had numerous shows there and else- CAROLINE GOLDEN, transfixed by the fai- KARIN BATTEN'S ABSTRACTS ARE INFLU- Saint Martins College. She has an MFA where, and has won many painting awards. rytales of childhood, makes three-dimen- ENCED BY TRIPS TO COSTA RICA, VIEQUES AND THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC: “Cycling from Hunter College. She arrived in New Just recently she was in the news for having sional collages using found objects, empha- the Deep,” mixed media, 48"x36", 2019 by York City in 1973 and moved to Westbeth won a second Pollock-Krasner Award. sizing the scary forces that enter our lives. Karin Batten. Photo by Paulina Kim Joo. in 2001, two months before 9/11. At that Karin’s abstracts are influenced by her Her work explores familiar stories and leg- time she had been awarded a grant to paint trips to Costa Rica, Vieques, and the Do- ends from a unique perspective. She creates views of New York. The grant provided for minican Republic in the Caribbean. She surreal new worlds and invites the viewer to By Jane Heil Usyk a studio on the 91st floor of Tower One. taught an art class in the Dominican Re- investigate these narratives again. She would have been up there on 9/11 but public and was an art teacher at Parsons “Worlds Seen and Unseen” is the name was detained that day because she wanted for twelve years. She uses collage elements CAROLYN OBERST was a dress designer and of this show featuring five well-traveled to vote in the New York mayoral primary such as cloth, sand and lava in her work. worked in fashion. Her dreamlike paintings women who have been practicing their election and the voter lines at Westbeth “I love texture. I have a lot of texture in are colorful—with designs, flowers, and art for many years. It opens Friday, March moved slowly. All her work was lost, and my work,” she explained. She mentioned a geometric shapes all floating in the picture. 29th, from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., and will someone she had been planning to meet museum in the Dominican Republic dedi- She works in paint, drawing, mixed media run from March 29th through April 20th, that morning had to walk down 91 flights cated to the Taino people; they have been and wood relief. She is also inspired by sock 2019. The hours of operation are 12:00 of stairs and was never the same after that. an inspiration to her. dolls, and paints them into her pictures. p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday to Sunday. Fortunately, Karin’s work was not among She has lived in Southern Spain, Morocco, The show is curated by Maggie Hinders, the artwork that was lost when Hurricane BARBARA RACHKO’S influences include and London. Some of her work recalls the who is doing it for the first time. Sandy overwhelmed Westbeth in 2012, Man Ray, Mexican and Guatemalan cul- Spanish modernist Miro. The Westbeth Gallery, at 55 Bet- where ten feet of water accumulated in the tural objects like masks, papier-mâché fig- hune Street, is a very large space that has basement, but she has lost other works due ures, toys, and carved wooden animals. She MAGGIE HINDERS has been a book designer been hosting art shows for nearly 50 years. to leaking water in old buildings. collects masks made by indigenous people, at Alfred A. Knopf Publishers for 27 years Other mid-level galleries have gone un- Some of Karin’s works are represen- and then paints them. She uses pastels with and is now a senior designer. She paints der due to rising Manhattan rents, thereby tational and others are abstract. She re- sandpaper as a surface. Her work shows a exuberant stripes and splashes of color. She making Westbeth, simply by remaining a painted some of her representational views unique, very private landscape. She retired is also a talented, witty, and charming car- space to show, increasingly desirable. Ad- of Manhattan from photos and memory. as a commander in the army, and was not toonist with a blog called little-pix.com. A Historic Renovation for Jefferson Market Library By Frank Collerius • A new, second entrance at 10th Street, building for renovation, after which it will speakout to learn how you can help. designed to support patrons with mo- remain open throughout the improve- All of us at Jefferson Market Library are For 50 years, the Jefferson Market Library bility challenges, parents and caregiv- ments. extremely excited about this renovation of has been a staple of the Greenwich Village ers with strollers, and others We know that patrons may be concerned the branch! We look forward to seeing all community, offering traditional library ser- • Improvements to the front entrance about Library access during the temporary of our patrons when we reopen in July, and vices and innovative programs such as Jef- on Sixth Avenue with more manage- closure and the renovation; many of Jeffer- invite them to celebrate with us when the ferson Market University, popular storytime able access to the front doors son Market Library’s staff, including my- project is completed in late 2020. programs, and exhibitions that celebrate the • Highlighting original details of the self, will remain nearby at the Hudson Park history of our neighborhood. The build- building, such as its beautiful stained Library. Hudson Park will have increased ing—originally a courthouse well known for glass windows hours during the closure and will offer sev- Special thanks to Mayor Bill de Blasio, New its role in notable criminal offenses—is over • Adjustments to the lobby, creating a eral programs that Villagers have grown to York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, 100 years old and in need of an update. flexible, open space that can be used love at Jefferson Market. New York City Council Manhattan Borough I am thrilled to share that the Jefferson as a programming space that supports Projects like the one at Jefferson Market President Gale Brewer, New York State Sena- Market Library will be undergoing an ex- the interests and needs of our patrons Library are possible due to the support of tor Brad Hoylman, New York State Assembly citing project that will refresh our much- • Updated, accessible bathrooms, as the City, which is currently deciding the Member Deborah Glick, and the New York loved branch, making it more accessible well as modernizing the branch’s tech- budget for next year. The Library is call- State Education Department. and better able to serve our community. nology infrastructure ing for funding to support our branches, Library patrons will be happy to learn that The Library will close temporarily on and you can voice your support for New Frank Collerius is the branch manager of the $10 million project will include: April 1st for three months to prepare the York City’s libraries, too! Visit NYPL.org/ Jefferson Market Library 34 WestView News April 2019 www.westviewnews.org

n Thursday April 11, 7 pm: Matewan a n Saturday April 6, 7:30 pm: Michael Sonata by Ludwig van Beethoven and 4 APRIL 1987 American coal mining drama film at Attias Solo and Quartet The alto pieces from Isaac Albéniz’s Iberia Suite. Westbeth Community Room, 155 Bank saxophonist will be performing a jazz Admission $15-$23.50.St. John’s in the Vil- EVENTS Street. Free. concert as part of the Sound it Out series lage, 220 West 11th Street. by Stephanie Phelan of n Saturday April 13, 2pm: A Star is at Greenwich House Music, 46 Barrow n Saturday April 13, 2 pm: Symposium— westvillageword.com Born (2018) A musician (Bradley Cooper) Street. Tickets $20; go to www.greenwich- Leonardo Da Vinci, the Musician and helps a young singer (Lady Gaga) find house.org. Scientist How Leonardo DaVinci’s musi- fame and fortune although his own career n Saturday April 6, 8 pm: Vier Letzte cal knowledge and skills informed, and was has hit the rocks. Hudson Park Library, 66 Lieder An evening featuring one of informed by his scientific inventions and wv Leroy Street. Free. Richard Strauss’ most sumptuous works knowledge of the natural world. St. John’s in w n Thursday April 18, 2pm: A Night at alongside works from Wagner, Korngold, the Village, 220 West 11th Street. for the Opera (1935) A Marx brothers classic Chopin, Joplin and Paisiello. Soprano Ju- n Saturday April 13, 4 pm: Mozart for WestView News about A business manager and friends help lianna Milin will be performong alongside Munchkins An interactive environment two opera singers to achieve success. Hud- Master Pianist and Coach William Hicks. for families to enjoy outstanding works per- son Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. Admission $20. St. John’s in the Village, formed by exceptional musicians. Grenwich © Stephanie Phelan 2013 n Friday April 19, 2pm: 16mm Film 220 West 11th Street. House Music, 46 Barrow Steet. Screenings to Celebrate Immigrant n Saturday, April 6, 9-11 PM: Gospel n Saturday April 13, 7:30 pm: An Early Heritage Month Ralph Fasanella: Song of Night/Inspirational Showcase St. John’s Village Bird House (Anglia Antiqua) A CITYWIDE the City (1980) directed by Jack Ofield, and Lutheran Church engages the ballroom celebration of our ‘avian architecture’ with SPECIAL EVENTS. Italianamerican (1977) directed by Martin culture and lip-sync tradition for an eve- bird-themed vocal music from the16th n April 24-May 5: 13th Annual Manhattan Scorsese will be shown at Hudson Park ning of praise and inspiration. St. John’s and 17th centuries, and some of the first Film Festival Called one of “The Coolest Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. Film Festivals in the World” by MovieMaker n Saturday April 20 @ 2pm: Green Book Magazine, the festival will be at Cinema Vil- (2018) An unemployed Italian-American is lage, 22 East 12th Street.For more informa- hired as the driver of an African-American tion, go to www.manhattanff.com. classical pianist on a tour of venues through- n Thursday April 25-Sunday April 28, 8 out the 1960s American South, and must pm: Westfest Dance Festival A cutting refer to the Negro Motorist Green Book, a edge, curated dance festival presenting safe-travel guideto move through safely. established and emerging movement artists Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. at the Westbeth Artists’ Residence. Tickets n Thursday April 25 @ 2pm: Creed II $20. For information on schedule and (2018) Michael B. Jordan and Sylvester tickets, go to westbeth.org. Stallone star in this installment in the n Saturday April 13, 12-3 pm: Green- Rocky franchise. Hudson Park Library, 66 wich Village Historic District 50th Leroy Street. Free. Anniversary Celebration A celebration of the golden anniversary of the Greenwich MUSIC Village Historic District at Washington n Thursday April 4, 7:30 pm: Lady Moon Square Park, Garibaldi Plaza. There will be & The Eclipse The group creates inspira- folk and jazz music, art-making, speakers, tional music with R&B/afrobeat-influenced and festivities. rhythms in their Uncharted performance n Saturday April 13 and 14: Historic at Greenwich House Music, 46 Barrow District Open House Weekend Access to Street. Complimentary beer and wine will MAKING BEAUTIFUL MUSIC TOGETHER many of the treasures of the historic district, be served. Tickets $15; go to greenwich- Lay Gaga and Bradley Cooper play a young singer and amusician who coaches and doors will be open to the public with house.org. her to fame in A Star Is Born, at Hudson Park Library on April 13. special tours, access, activities, and deals.For n Friday April 5, 8 pm: Ferrara Interna- more information, go to gvshp.org. tioal Piano Concert Sophia Zhou and Lutheran Church, 81 Christopher Street. English-language songs to be heard in n Saturday April 27, 12-2 pm: Dachs- Daniel Schreiner play works by Claude De- n Sunday April 7, 3 pm: Concert— Manhattan. St. John’s in the Village, 220 hund Spring Fiesta The annual dachshund bussy, György Liget, Olivier Massiaen, and Juilliard at St. John’s Back by popular West 11th Street.$10 - $20 at the door. parade brings together this breed’s lovers Gyorgy Kurtág . St. John’s in the Village, demand, Yaegy Park is joined by her fellow n Sunday April 14, 3 pm: Our African- and owners for a meet and greet. Meet 220 West 11th Street. Juilliard concert artists in a beautiful cham- American Village Spirituals by African- between the Arch and the Fountain.Free. n Saturday April 6, 2 pm: Sacred Harp ber music concert. Program:Schubert Vio- American composer Roland Carter, Singing Sacred Harp is a vibrant, living lin Sonatina in D Major Op. 137; Brahms celebrating Black Village heritage. Drinks SCREENINGS tradition of sacred choral music, sung a Scherzo in C major from FAE Sonata; reception to follow. Adnission $10 - $20. n Thursday April 4, 2pm: The Hours cappella, that has been handed down for Clare Schumann Three Romances; Vitali St. John’s in the Village, 220 West 11th (2002) Nicole Kidman, Julianne Moore, generations.Singers of all levels of experi- Chaconne; Chopin, solo piano. St. John’s in Street. and Meryl Streep star in this story of how ence and ability are encouraged to attend. the Village, 220 West 11th Street. n Sunday, April 14, 7-9:30 pm: Jesus the novel Mrs. Dalloway affects three gen- Everyone is welcome! St. John’s in the Vil- n Thursday April 11, 7 pm: French/ Christ Superstar Singalong erations of women who have had to deal lage, 220 West 11th Street. St. John’s German Opera Night German soprano with suicide in their lives. Hudson Park n Saturday April 6, 3 pm: Jazz Con- hosts their annual Palm Sunday singalong. Katrin Bulke and French mezzo-soprano Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. cert—Arctic Circle The jazz quintet Don’t know all the lyrics? No problem! Emma Lavandier return for a night of n Thursday April 11 @ 2pm: To Catch Arctic Circle will performing the music Subtitles will be on so we can all join in songs, arias and duets from their native song together. Free. St. John’s Lutheran a Thief (1955) A classic Hitchcock movie of John Coltrane in connection to that of countries. Admission $20. Family and Church, 81 Christopher Street. starring Cary Grant as a retired cat burglar Philip Glass and Arvo Pärt.Open Dona- group prices available. St. John’s in the Vil- n Thursady April 18, 8 pm: Mireya Ra- trying to catch a copycat. Hudson Park tion.St. John’s in the Village, 220 West lage, 220 West 11th Street. mos of Flor de Toloache The violinist, Library, 66 Leroy Street. Free. 11th Street. n Thursday April 11, 8pm: Scott Kettner vocalist, composer and arranger will bring and Nation Beat Brass band and percus- her mariachi music to Greenwich House sion in jazz-infused music, with interactive Music, 46 Barrow Street. Complimentary Important Announcement visuals. Greenwich House Music, 46 Bar- beer and wine will be served. Tickets $15; There are no events listings for Jefferson Market Library this month, as it row Street. Complimentary beer and wine go to greenwichhouse.org. will be closed for approximately 3 months beginning on Monday, will be served. Tickets $15; go to green- n Friday, April 19: 1-8 pm: Diverse April 1, for important renovations. During this time, Hudson Park Library wichhouse.org. Narratives on Good Friday Medieval at 66 Leroy Street, will be taking care of holds and returns ad will n Friday April 12, 7:30 pm: Paul Verona, Passion Play featuring music by Paul Knopf have extended hours. Pianist Paul Verona will perform Six Noc- at 1 pm; Dramatization of a poem by James turnes by Frédéric Chopin, the Moonlight Weldon Johnson at 3 pm; The Passion Ac- www.westviewnews.org April 2019 WestView News 35 cording to J.S. Bach (organ meditation) at 4 COMMUNITY AFFAIRS community. Sign-up starts at 6:30. (free pm Reading of the Passion in Solemn Lit- event). St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran n Through April 7: New York City Council urgy at 7pm. St. John’s Lutheran Church, Church, 81 Christopher Street. Participatory Budget Voting You can vote 81 Christopher Street. Free. n Health and Wellness Wednesdays, online for your favorite city projects by going n Friday April 19, 7:30 pm WestView 10 am: Movement Speaks Celebrating to https://pbnyc2019.d21.me. Good Friday Concert­—Stabat Mater moving in strong and creative ways with n Wednesday April 24, 7:30 pm: 6th Dances for a Variable Population. All The works of Giovanni Battista Pergolesi Precinct Community Council Meeting A sessions recommended, but not required. (1710-1736) in a hauntingly beautiful dialogue between the 6th Precinct and the For adults and seniors of all ages and abili- sacred work for voices and string ensemble, community, discussing serious issues facing ties.Tony Dapolito Recreation Center,1 performed by the Stathmere Ensemble. the neighborhood. Our Lady of Pompeii, Clarkson Street. Free to seniors. St. John’s in the Village, Father Demo Hal, Bleecker and Carmine n Kids Wednesdays, 11:15 am: 220 West 11th Street.Free. Streets. All are welcome. n Saturday, April 20, 9-11: Easter Toddler Storytime Interactive stories, ac- Extravaganza/Inspirational Showcase LITERATURE tion songs, finger plays and more at Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy Street. Premiere your Easter bonnet as we start Saturday April 13 @ 10:30am: Barra- n Crafts Wednesdays, 12 pm: our spirited celebration on Easter Eve. Join coon: The Story of the Last “Black members of the ballroom community for an Knitting Circle All created items will Cargo” Zora Neale Hurston’s book will evening of joyful music. St. John’s Lutheran benefit a local charity—some experience be discussed at Hudson Park Library, 66 NOT FOR YOUR EASTER BASKET necessary. Hudson Park Library. 66 Leroy Church, 81 Christopher Street. Free. Hudson Street. n Saturday, April 20, 7:30 pm: Andy Paul Wirhun’s painted eggs, eggshells. Street. Milne’s Unison and Friends The jazz VILLAGE HISTORY and eggshell montages will be in the n Kids Wednesdays at 4 pm: St. pianist performs at Greenwich House, 46 n Monday April 22 @ 6pm: Greenwich show Circle of Friends at Ivy Brown Gal- John’s Choristers Free Musical Educa- Barrow Street. Tickets $20; go to greenwich Village History 16mm Film Screenings lery through April 27. tion Training in music fundamentals and house.org. about The Village at Hudson Park Library, vocal technique for children 8 and up. The program is open to kids from all over the n Sunday, April 21, 2-4: Kairos Poetry 66 Hudson Street. Free. tures by artist, curator, art historian Robert Café A monthly open mic for poets, musi- Bunkin Greenwich Village History. Hudson city, but is made up primarily of neighbor- cians, performing artists, and visual artists. LGBTQ Park Library, 66 Hudson Street. Free. hood children. As part of the program, they Both newcomers and established artists n Thursday, April 4, 7-9pm: Twisted sing once a month at a Sunday Eucharist. are welcome! Read your poem, tell your Olivia A staged reading directed by Ever- SWAPS St. John’s in The Village, 224 Waverly story, sing a song, or just come and enjoy a ett Quinton As part of Theatre at St. John’s n Saturday April 6, 11am: Free Book Place. n Health and Wellness First and Third good show. St. John’s Lutheran Church, 81 Stonewall 50 celebration we highlight the and Jigsaw Puzzle Swap Hudson Park Wednesdays of Every Month, 5:30-7:30 Christopher Street. Free. work and legacy of the West Village’s own Library, 66 Hudson Street. Free. n Thursday April 25, 8 pm: Alina iconic Ridiculous Theatre Company. (Free pm: Northwell Health Caregivers Sup- port Group 200 West 13th Street. Free, Engibaryan The vocalist will perform at will offering). St. John’s Evangelical Lu- MUSEUMS, GALLERIES, Greenwich House Music, 46 Barrow Street. n Arts First Wednesday of Every Month: theran Church, 81 Christopher Street. EXHIBITS. Tickets $15. Complimentary beer and wine Bailout Theater Free potluck-style meal n Sunday April 14 @ 3pm: Stonewall n Tuesday April 2 through Saturday will be served. served at 7:15pm, followed by a free music, 50th Anniversary Event—Intergenera- April 27: A Circle of Friends The works n Sunday April 28, 3 pm: Piano and dance, or spoketn word performance on the tional Queer Friendship— a Community of Paul Wirhun at Ivy Brown Gallery, 675 Cello Margarita Rovenskaya, piano; Kevin Meeting Room or in The Judson Memorial Conversation. Hudson Park Library, 66 Hudson, 4th floor. Mills, cello perform in a fantastic program Church, 55 Washington Square South. Leroy Street. Free. n Tuesday April 2, 7 pm: Gallery Open- of Dvorak, Brahms & Schumann. St. John’s n Arts Second Wednesday of Every n April 10-June 9: Stonewall50 at Vil- ing The Paintings of Joyce Rezendes will in the Village, 220 West 11th Street. Month: Dead Darlings Writers’ favor- lage Preservation NYC Pride welcomes be in the exhibit in the Revelation Gal- n Tuesday April 30, 7 pm: Spring ite work is often edited out or unpublished; WorldPride, marking the 50th anniversary lery. Free, but registration is welcomed. St. Concert of Swing Era Music with Dance a chance to showcase that play, of the Stonewall Riots. Village Preservation John’s in the Village, 220 West 11th Street. Clarinets Music by Duke Ellington, novel, story or song at Judson Memorial is hosting and collaborating on a slew of n Through April 20: Worlds Seen and jerome Kern, Dizzy Gillespie, Lester Young special events marking the anniversary. For Church, 55 Washington Square South. Unseen The work of 5 contemporary n and more, at Lady of Pompeii Senior Cen- more information, go to gvshp.org. Learning Second Thursday of Every women artists: Karin Batten, Caroline Month 7 pm: New York Amateur Com- ter, 25 Carmine Street. Free. n Sunday April 28, 3pm: Stonewall 50th n Tuesday April 30, 7 pm: Woody Guth- Golden, Maggie Hinders, Carolyn Oberst, puter Club (NYACC) meets at NYU Silver Anniversary Event— Queer Nightlife and Barbara Rachko at Westbeth Gallery, rie and Old Man Trump A fund-raiser for Building, 32 Waverly Place. Please see NY- Through the Years A storytelling work- 55 Bethune Street. The Village Trip, St. John’s in the shop at Hudson Park Library, 66 Leroy ACC.ORG for details. Free. n Through April 20: That Which We Do n Kids Thursday, 4 pm: Toddler Story- Village local arts festival in the last week- Street. Free. end of September. Will Kaufman presents Not See The works of Patrick Martinez time Interactive stories, action songs, finger song-and-spoken-word telling the story of LEARNING are shown at Fort Gansevoort, 5 Ninth plays and more at Hudson Park Library, 66 Guthrie’s battles against his racist Brook- n Fridays April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 10 Avenue. Leroy Street. lyn landlord, Fred C. Trump, father of the am: We Speak New York A half hour n Through April 6: Fritz Ascher— n Games Thursdays, 5-8 pm: Jigsaw US president. St. John’s in the Village, 220 TV show created to help people practice Expressionist An exhibit of the German- Puzzle Night Hudson Park Library, 66 West 11th Street. Tickets from $20. English. Each story is about everyday Jewish artist wo lived through the Weimar Leroy Street. situations. Intermediate Level English Republic and the Nazi Regime, will be on n Music Fridays 4:30-5:30: Sing Time KIDS for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). exhibit at Grey Gallery, 100 Washington Sessions Eve Zanni, Somatic Voice teach- n Sunday April 7, 11 am and 2:30 pm: Hudson Park Library, 66 Hudson Street. Square East. er will help you to sing out with live piano Penny Jones & Co. Puppets—Toby's Free. accompaniment, rhythmic body movement Silly Tales Mother Goose’s dog Toby n Monday April 15, 2pm: Build a World ONGOING EVENTS and more. No Experience Necessary. West- presents his favorite stories—The Three A film screening and collage workshop at n Kids Mondays at 4 pm: Family beth Community Room, 55 Bethune Street. Sillies, and Chicken Little. There are games Hudson Park Library, 66 Hudson Street. Storytime and Craft Children 4 and up and songs and participation. Each child gets Free. get to make simple crafts and hear favorite •••••••••••••••• to make a puppet to take home after the n Wednesday April 17, 6pm: The stories at Hudson Park Library, 425 Sixth Please contact show. For ages 3-8. Tickets $10 for all ages. Alternative Canon—Lombard Realism Avenue. Stephanie Phelan at Westbeth, 155 Bank Street. from Foppa to Caravaggio Lecture 2 n Nature Tuesdays 7-10 pm: Stargaz- [email protected] if you n Saturday, 13 April 4:30 pm: Bird Box in a series of lectures by artist, curator, art ing at the Starting April 2 at the have any new events or Building A workshop for children of all historian Robert Bunkin Greenwich Village High Line at 14th Street. ages in building homes for our feathered History. Hudson Park Library, 66 Hudson n Music Every Second Tuesday of the have further information on some- friends, taking place in the courtyard of St. Street. Free. Month, 7-9:30 pm From September thing I’ve listed here or on westvil- John’s in the Village, 220 West 11th Street. n Wednesday April 24, 6pm: The Alter- through June, Christopher Street Coffee- lageword.com. This is followed later by a concert of bird- native Canon—Mela Muter and Lotte house hosts an open mic with special guest themed vocal music. Lasertstein Lecture 3 in a series of lec- performers from the folk and bluegrass •••••••••••••••••••••••••••• •••••••••••• Modernism lives in Tribeca.

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