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LANDMARKS COMMISSION ABANDONS PLAN FOR A CLEAN SLATE Move would have wiped 100 potential landmarks off of the group’s agenda BY DANIEL FITZSIMMONS
The Landmarks Preservation Commission scrapped a plan to take almost 100 potential landmarks and two potential historic districts off their hearing calendar after the city’s preservation community and some elected officials mobilized against it. The LPC announced publicly over Thanksgiving it would be taking action on decades-old sites that have languished on its calendar by not taking any action at all and simply removing them from consideration. Some of the sites, like the Con Edison
power plant on 57th Street and 12th Avenue, have been on the commission’s calendar for over 40 years. Also on the list was the Bergdorf Goodman building at Park Avenue and 72nd Street on the Upper East Side. Downtown, Union Square Park was set to be decalendared, as the process is called. Being on the commission’s calendar gives a potential landmark some measure of protection because the Dept. of Buildings notifies the LPC if a demolition permit has been filed for a site that’s under consideration. Of the 95 sites, more than 30 have been on the calendar for over 40 years. Twenty-five have been on the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 4
A WEEK OF TENSIONS ON THE STREET This was the week that long-suppressed racial tensions in the city came out into the open. The decision by a Staten Island grand jury not to indict a NYPD cop for the choking death of Eric Garner, coming shortly after a similar decision in Ferguson, Mo., sparked protests throughout New York City, from Grand Central Station and Times Square to Union Square and City Hall. Dozens of people were arrested. Yet while the protests grabbed the headlines during the week, the impact of the decision was felt far beyond the police lines. In every neighborhood, on every street corner, New Yorkers described a heightened awareness of the city’s dividing lines -- differences in how people view the police, in how hopeful they are for a change, in how much of a melting pot New York actually is. Below, a sampling of the opinions of New Yorkers, along with observations of the week from our reporters and editors.
MEGAN BUNGEROTH, EDITOR AT THIS NEWSPAPER By the time I made my way to Times Square on the evening of Dec. 3 – the day of the grand jury’s non-indictment announcement in the Eric Garner case – the protestors had migrated up to Rockefeller Center. I walked up Broadway through the barricades and paused to check the latest reports on my phone, right next to two NYPD officers answering questions from a handful of flustered-looking tourists, clutching Disney store shopping bags and bundled up against the cold. “What are they trying to do?” asked one woman – white, middle-aged, likely from the Midwest, judging from her accent. She was asking about the protestors. “Who knows with these people,” said one of the young cops, also white, a look of barely contained annoyance on his face. “First they tried to disrupt the Macy’s parade, and they failed at that. Now they’re trying to ruin the tree lighting.” The tourists murmured words of concern. I couldn’t tell if they were worried about the spectacle at Rockefeller Center (which was heavily protected from protestor disruptions and went off without a hitch) or the fate of the protestors.
“Is it always like this here?” another of the group asked the officers. “Here? Yeah it’s crazy here on this island,” the same officer replied. “I hate this island.” After a few more exchanges, the shellshocked tourists shuffled off. The New York City police officer who hates Manhattan stayed behind, to protect its citizens.
JUDY DIBARTOLO The conversation is constant and everywhere people are having opinions. Mostly, it’s dissatisfaction with decisions. Among the people I talk to, it’s mostly feeling very glad that people are protesting and that people are out their demonstrating and letting it be known that we’re not satisfied. I definitely think it’s on people’s minds. Race relations and the real truth about unequal treatment is a big problem that we have in our country that is far from being resolved. But there’s a whole bunch of people who aren’t and are very suspicious of people’s motives and not really understanding what they’re doing and just getting involved in ruckus, really inappropriate behavior. They’ve not doing anything of value except disrupting people’s lives and creating more hardships. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
In Brief N.Y.C. POSTAL SERVICE LAUNCHES ‘OPERATION SANTA’ The U.S. Postal Service in New York City has launched its 102nd annual “Operation Santa” letterwriting program — with security measures in place to protect the mostly needy children. At Manhattan’s James A. Farley Post Office on Tuesday, members of the public started responding to letters from children describing their holiday dream list — often just necessities. Volunteers must bring an ID and fill out a form that allows them to read mail addressed to Santa. Twenty major U.S. cities are participating in the program, with kids asking Santa for warm coats, food, clothes, and shoes — plus toys. The gifts are then mailed to families. Names and addresses are not visible to donors. One desperate mother wrote: “I would be very grateful if you can help us out by sending my children’s some gifts, so they have something to open on Christmas Day.” In another letter, a 13-yearold named Franklin says he has two sisters and a brother. “I just wanted to ask if you can help my mom with some presents for my family,” the teen writes. Children’s Santa letters may be picked up at postal branches in 20 U.S. cities this year, including New York, Chicago, Washington, San Francisco, Boston, Orlando, Cincinnati, Philadelphia, Houston and Los Angeles. In addition, a website dubbed Be An Elf offers information. “There’s no middle man or charity,” says the site. “It’s micro-philanthropy, direct from you to a child, when you volunteer in this way.” The Postal Service in New York City gets at least 300,000 requests each year, but only about 10 percent are answered, officials say.
2 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS CHECK COMPUTERS MISSING FROM CITY SCHOOLS An audit by City Comptroller Scott Stringer has found that schools in New York City are missing close to
2000 computers. The audit looked at schools in Manhattan, Brooklyn, the Bronx and Queens, and focused on a $197 million contract with Apple and the Lenovo Group. The findings of the audit were that 1800 computers and
laptops bought as part of this contract are now absent, prompting Stringer to recommend that the Department of Education implement a centralized inventory system to keep track of the valuable educational tools. An official Comptroller Scott Stringer released an audit finding that many of the Department of Education’s computers used in schools are missing. Photo by Shannon Heath
for the Department of Education told the Wall Street Journal that there were problems with the methodology of the audit. Fox News
ATTEMPTED RAPE IN FINANCIAL DISTRICT An unidentified suspect followed an 81-year-old woman into her apartment building, stole her purse and attempted to rape her on Thursday December 4th. At 12:50 p.m., the suspect walked into the Beekman St. building after the woman, boarded the same elevator as her and then forcibly trapped her in a stairwell. After taking the victim’s purse and attempting to rape her, the suspect quickly ran out of the building. He was wearing a blue hoodie, gray pants and looked to be around 20 years old. DNAinfo.com
9/11 HEALTH STUDY NYU Langone Medical Center is looking for participants in a new study who were young children when the 9/11 terrorist attacks took place. The study will examine the long-term health consequences of the toxic dust clouds that permeated lower Manhattan after 9/11, including those related to the heart, lungs, and mental health. Study participants will be between 12 and 21 years of age, and will include children who went to school south of Canal St.
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and also those who lived in other parts of the city as comparison. The study is head by Dr. Leonardo Trasande, who is working in part with the World Trade Health Registry. The study aims to include 450 participants, and they will each be compensated with an $80 VISA gift card. DNAinfo.com
GOVERNMENT: SCAM TOLD ELDERLY GRANDKIDS NEEDED AID A New York City man has been charged with swindling 17 grandparents nationwide out of thousands of dollars by worrying them about their grandchildren. Allah Justice McQueen of Brooklyn was arrested Friday. Bail was set at $500,000 during an initial appearance in Manhattan federal court. His lawyer hasn’t immediately responded to a message. Prosecutors say the 33-year-old McQueen and coconspirators telephoned victims over the last year, posing as lawyers or law enforcement personnel. The government says the callers tricked people by saying a grandchild had been arrested on a drug charge and needed thousands of dollars immediately to avoid prison. Prosecutors say one 79-year-old victim sent $6,000 for bail after a man claiming he was a police sergeant said it would get a grandson freed. AP
You Never Forget Who You Grew Up With. The rough touch of tree bark, the scent of freshly mowed grass, the gentle hum of pollinating bees as a flower blossoms — green spaces touch lives and all five senses. Green spaces are a vital part of growing up — they enhance lives, make memories and connect people with their neighborhoods and communities. Be a part of preserving and enhancing green spaces where we live, work and play. To volunteer, to learn how to help your community and to donate, visit ProjectEverGreen.org or call toll-free (877) 758-4835.
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projectevergreen.org (877) 758-4835
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 3
CRIME WATCH BY JERRY DANZIG
THEFT CASE DROPPED VS. TEEN WITH BABY IN BAG A judge has dismissed a shoplifting case against a New York City teenager found with a baby’s remains in a shopping bag. But it remains unclear whether she may face charges in the baby’s death. Prosecutors conceded Thursday that time had run out to try the misdemeanor theft case. The girl was accused of taking a $45 pair of pants at a Victoria’s Secret store in October 2013. Police said a security guard searched the then-17year-old’s bags and found the dead baby. Medical examiners ruled the baby’s death a homicide. Manhattan prosecutors have said they’re investigating whether further charges are warranted. Defense lawyer Earl Ward says the baby was stillborn. Authorities said the girl told detectives she delivered a day earlier and didn’t know what to do with the baby.
MARC BECOMES A MARK
November 29, a woman removed a handbag from the shelf of the Marc Jacobs store at 163 Mercer Street and concealed it on her person before leaving the store. Video is available of the theft. The purse purloiner was last seen fleeing southbound on foot. The stolen handbag was valued at $1,300.
INTERMIX TRICKS No wonder some packages never arrive at their destinations! At 10:05 a.m. on Wednesday, November 26, a male witness observed a 59-year-old man staring at a FedEx truck parked in front of 166 Mercer Street for more than two minutes, before a second man removed property from the truck’s closed but unlocked rear door. The witness confronted the man who removed the package, but the first man claimed it was all right, he worked for FedEx. The first man then told his accomplice to take the box and leave. When the driver, a 45-year-old woman, returned to her truck, she confirmed that the man who had taken the box did not work for FedEx. Police searched the area for the accomplice but were unable to locate him. They did, however, arrest the first man, Jorge Cepeda, and charged him with burglary. The item that was stolen and recovered was an Intermix box of clothes.
A shoplifter had designs on a designer purse. At 12:32 p.m. on Saturday,
FLUMMOXED FLORIDIAN
1ST PRECINCT
If you forget something in the city, you can probably forget about finding it again. At 6:40 p.m. on Tuesday, November 25, a 31-year-old woman from Orlando, FL used the restroom in the McDonald’s at 160 Broadway. She accidentally left her purse in the restroom for ten minutes. When she realized what she had done, she returned to retrieve her purse and found that it was gone. Property stolen included $500 in cash, baby earrings valued at $100, a beige Michael Kors purse, a Venezuelan passport, an Apple iPhone 5S charger, and various credit cards representing a total value of $630.
Report covering the week 11/24/2014 through 11/30/2014 Week to Date
Year to Date
2014 2013 % Change
2014 2013 % Change
Murder
0
0
n/a
0
0
n/a
Rape
0
0
n/a
7
12
-41.7
Robbery
0
0
n/a
41
61
-32.8
Felony Assault
0
2
-100
68
82
-17.1
Burglary
1
3
-66.7
134
164
-18.3
COLLARED
Grand Larceny
12
18
-33.3
812
978
-17
One transit rider had a scary encounter when entering a subway station. At 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 30, a 29-year-old woman was walking into the Chambers Street station when she was approached by an unknown man who grabbed her jacket by the collar, pushed her against the wall, and snatched her pocketbook. He went through her pocketbook, removing her cell phone and a camera before fleeing. The victim managed to follow the robber but lost sight of him at the corner of Reade Street. Her stolen iPhone was tracked as far as
Grand Larceny Auto
0
0
n/a
30
26
15.4
Brooklyn before it was shut off. Items stolen included a gold iPhone 6 valued at $600 and a maroon Sony Cybershot camera priced at $350, totaling $950.
YOU SLEEP YOU WEEP Catch some Z’s, and a thief steals with ease! At 10 a.m. on Friday, November 20, a 25-year-old man was riding the R train from the Jay Street
station in Brooklyn to the Whitehall station in Manhattan. He fell asleep with his backpack at his feet. When he woke up on the train, he discovered that his backpack was missing. Property stolen included a brown-and-black Gucci wallet valued at $200, $60 in cash, a New York State driver’s license, a white iPod Touch, a black Nike drawstring backpack, a blue Knicks sweater, a Metro Card, and credit cards with a total value of $260.
Amazing things are happening at 170 William Street. NewYork-Presbyterian is now in lower Manhattan. Where over a million people live, work and play. The only hospital below 14th Street brings access to advanced specialties and a 24-hour adult and children’s emergency department. Learn more at nyp.org/lowermanhattan
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4 Our Town Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
LANDMARKS COMMISSION ABANDONS PLAN FOR A CLEAN SLATE
Useful Contacts POLICE NYPD 7th Precinct
19 ½ Pitt St.
212-477-7311
NYPD 6th Precinct
233 W. 10th St.
212-741-4811
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230 W. 20th St.
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230 E. 21st St.
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212-477-7411 212-334-0611
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25 Pitt St.
311
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311
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222 E. 2nd St.
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311
ELECTED OFFICIALS Councilmember Margaret Chin
165 Park Row #11
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237 1st Ave. #504
212-587-3159 212-677-1077
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224 W. 30th St.
212-564-7757
State Senator Daniel Squadron
250 Broadway #2011
212-298-5565
Community Board 1
49 Chambers St.
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3 Washington Square Village
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59 E. 4th St.
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212-736-4536
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66 Leroy St.
212-243-6876
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135 2nd Ave.
212-674-0947
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70 Washington Square
212-998-2500
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CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 calendar for 30 to 40 years, and 24 have been under consideration for 20-30 years, according to the LPC. The remainder of the items have been on the calendar for between ďŹ ve and 20 years. Both City Hall and the LPC said the move was an effort to clear the commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s backlog so it could focus on more immediate preservation issues. The matter was to be voted upon by the LPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s commissioners Dec. 9. But after the preservation community realized the scope of what the commission was proposing, they mounted a campaign to prevent the vote and succeeded in changing the LPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s course. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In response to community requests for more time, the commission has decided not to proceed on Dec. 9 and take a pause to continue to consider feedback on aspects of the proposal,â&#x20AC;? said LPC commissioner Meenaksi Srinivasan. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We remain committed to making [the commission] more effective and responsive in its work, and to clearing a backlog of items that have sat idle for decades so that we can focus on todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s preservation opportunities.â&#x20AC;? Based on interviews with several people in the preservation community, and the LPC itself, the commission is facing pressure to clear the calendar backlog on at least two fronts.
â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the years the commission has gotten a lot of criticism for this 40-year backlog of buildings that multiple administrations had reviewed and have not been able to move forward, so this is not new by any means,â&#x20AC;? said an LPC spokesperson. The spokesperson said itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrealistic for the commission, which oversees 31,000 buildings and holds hearings once a week, to review the decades-old backlog on a case-by-case basis, especially since commissioners serve on a volunteer basis. The other source of pressure is the Real Estate Board of New York, the city and stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most potent real estate trade group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Developers are always in the picture,â&#x20AC;? said Arlene Simon, executive director of the preservation group Landmark West. â&#x20AC;&#x153;REBNY has been screaming for years that they hate landmarking. They hate the historic districts, they say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sense of place, what are you talking about?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? According to Simon and other preservation advocates, REBNY regularly pushes legislation that would curb the LPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s power. In fact, said Simeon Bankoff, executive director of the Historic Districts Council, the last time the preservation community united like this was actually to defend the LPC from a law proposed in 2012 that would impose a time limit on
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The other source of pressure is the Real Estate Board of New York, the city and stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most potent real estate trade group. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Developers are always in the picture,â&#x20AC;? said Arlene Simon, executive director of the preservation group Landmark West. â&#x20AC;&#x153;REBNY has been screaming for years that they hate landmarking. They hate the historic districts, they say, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sense of place, what are you talking about?â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;?
how long the LPC had to deliberate on a potential landmark. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In that instance we were very happy to stand next to the LPC and defend them against bad legislation,â&#x20AC;? said Bankoff. But in this most recent case, the preservation community found itself at odds with what the LPC was trying to do. Andrew Berman, executive director of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation, said his organization moved aggressively to prevent the decalendaring plan from becoming reality. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We and others in the preservation community have certainly applied all the muscle and resources we have against this,â&#x20AC;? said Berman. The GVSHP and other organizations, including Landmark West, the Historic Districts Council, New York Landmarks Conservancy, Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts and the Preservation League of New York State, mounted letter-writing campaigns and urged local elected officials, including Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer and Council Member Helen Rosenthal, to come out against the plan, and even threatened to ďŹ ght the plan in court. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We indicated to the commission that there might be legal action against them if they went ahead with this,â&#x20AC;? said Berman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think we made clear to the commission that this was a life or death issue for us, that this really spoke fundamen-
tally to the way in which the agency should or should not be carrying out its mission.â&#x20AC;? Some of the organizations accused the LPC of attempting to push the decalendaring plan through without any consultation from the preservation community or public input. The LPC said it consulted with some organizations about the plan in early-November. Bankoff said people in the preservation community knew this was coming, but the LPC didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reveal the full extent of its plan until the Friday after Thanksgiving, ďŹ ve days before the hearing and vote were set to take place. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Obviously no one was around. By the time this hit the pressâ&#x20AC;Śit was this thing that became sort of this wild brush fire,â&#x20AC;? said Bankoff. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But they should have released it [earlier] and given us enough time to properly respond.â&#x20AC;? Berman said his organization and other preservation groups would like to work with the commission on winnowing down the list, separating those sites that probably should be decalendared from those that need the LPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protection and eventual consideration. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a genuine issue here,â&#x20AC;? said Berman. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to work with them to ďŹ nd a way to reduce or eliminate that list. Some of those are probable worthy of [historic] designation, some are not, and with some it may be a gray area in between.â&#x20AC;?
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 5
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6 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
A WEEK OF TENSIONS ON THE STREET CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Another big thing that I certainly hear spoken about is even though there have been some arrests now, but there still hasn’t been violence and destruction. I’m so glad that whatever preparation has gone in the city, and I believe that Mayor de Blasio and the police
department and the local people and churches and all probably did have a lot to play in creating a safe environment for people to voice their displeasure, their opinions, and that’s something to be proud of in New York City. It changed in an instant.
KYLE POPE, EDITOR IN CHIEF OF THIS NEWSPAPER On the night of the decision, I attended the season-opening performance of the Alvin Ailey Dance Theater at City Center on 55th Street. As usual, the Ailey evening was glittering and the dancing was glorious. But the night was also surreal. Ailey’s first piece was called “Uprising,”
from choreographer Hofesh Shechter. In it, the Ailey dancers, in this piece all African-American men, depict violence and oppression, including a staged chokehold at the beginning of the piece. At the very moment this was happening onstage, police and protestors were squaring off two blocks away, in response to the choking death of a black man in Staten Island.
KAPRI SCOTT I mean there are the people that want to ignore it and the people that don’t. I go to FIT and the Black Student Union just had a peaceful protest. If they have another one I’m definitely going to go to it, because it’s something that, as black people, especially I know black males have been dealing with for a long time, injustice with the police system and what not.
SAVION BRYAN For me, personally, I haven’t noticed tension at all. Everything seems normal to me. I know everything is not, but I haven’t experienced anything abnormal or any specific tension. I’ve been seeing it on social media a lot and some of my friends are talking about the issue. I go to FIT, and recently we did a walk in honor of Ferguson. That’s pretty much it.
BRENDAN DOYLE I’ve felt tension in really busy areas like Times Square and stuff, so I stay away from that. But the less populated areas, not as much. My friends aren’t really talking about it.
DAVID HILL
DAVID MARKER
RANDY AUSTIN
I’ve overheard conversations about it, but I don’t know if I feel a palpable change. I am certainly conscious of the events that took place and I’m concerned, but I’ve also been writing final papers and stuff, so maybe I’ve been maybe more hauled away than the average person. I am interested in trying to find a protest and walk around. I just haven’t had the time.
The tension going on in NYC right now is not very good with the police. Black people are not really liking certain individuals right now. Mainly white people, that’s what I would say right now. This is a general feeling.
This country is very racist towards minorities. Puerto Ricans, blacks, Mexicans, they don’t get a fair share when it comes to somebody being killed or just being arrested. I would say it like this. When stop and frisk was going on, they didn’t stop and frisk nobody below 96th street. Between 96 and all the way down, no young white boy was stopped and frisked at all. Anything from 96th uptown, to Lexington, Park, Madison, First, Second Avenue, they got stopped and frisked. That’s racial injustice right there. I have seen tension toward the police. I work for the police department, in a sense. People give me the middle finger, stuff like that. But I didn’t do anything.
National Children’s Memorial Day Sunday, December 14, 2014 ... that their light may always shine Light a candle for all the children who have died. 7pm Around The Globe! Now believed to be the largest mass candle lighting on the globe, as candles are lit at 7:00pm local time, thousands of persons commemorate and honor the memory of all children gone too soon, creating a virtual 24-hour wave of light as it moves from time zone to time zone.
HANNAH GRIFFIN, REPORTER AT THIS NEWSPAPER On Dec. 4. the day after the Garner decision, I boarded a N train. There were about a dozen people onboard. Behind their heads was a blue poster that read, “What do you get for the city that has everything?” Beside that sentence in black marker someone had written “Except
Justice,” turning a benign ad into social commentary. As the doors opened at 36th St. two NYPD officers got on. One had brown hair and one had light red hair, and both looked under 30. As they entered and stood across from each other at the end of the train, the passive, zoned-out vibe of the passengers in the subway car instantly shifted. The man with the lunchbox was glaring, and the other passengers fixed the
police officers with the kind of intense staring that is generally avoided by those adhering to unofficial subway etiquette. The uncomfortable atmosphere persisted as the two officers spoke quietly to each other for a few more stops until the train pulled into the station, and the two officers and most of passengers walked out onto the platform.
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 7 Lukas Wronski, a restorer, maker and dealer of violins, cellos, violas and bows, poses in his violin atelier.
VIOLIN DOCTOR Lukas Wronski attends to the stringed instruments of Manhattan’s musicians BY ZACHARY WASSER
The evening before her recent graduation recital at the Juilliard School, Joanne Lee called Lukas Wronski to schedule an emergency appointment — her cello needed a check-up. “My job is to be like a doctor,” said Wronski, a violinmaker who also restores, repairs and deals violins, violas, cellos and bows. “To change this and correct this and make musicians happy — and make the instruments sound better.” Wronski meets with musicians like Lee every day to make small modifications to their instruments to improve their tone and range. But when he lived in Jackson Heights, Queens, many customers complained that they didn’t want to make the trip. So in the summer of 2014, Wronski moved to the Upper West Side to accommodate his clients — many of
whom live within walking distance of his new, elaboratelydecorated apartment, which doubles as his workshop, at 96th and Broadway. And customers say that’s why they’re loyal to Wronski: because he understands what they want and will go the extra mile to make sure that they’re happy. Lee arrived on a recent Friday in the late afternoon. Wronski brought her across a short hall into his violin atelier — a large room ornamented with string instruments where he works with clients. Lee sat down and took out her cello. She told Wronski that it sounded more muted than usual. In the corner behind her, two rows of violins hung near the ceiling from a rack above a handful of cellos propped up in their stands. All the shelves in the room, one above a piano in the opposite corner, another behind Lee, were adorned with small figures — a metal man, a slender woman, a ceramic
clown, a monk — each playing the violin. From his perch on a large golden couch with red velvet cushions, Wronski told her to play, so he could listen for himself. After a few moments, Wronski took the instrument onto his lap and worked an S-shaped, metal tool into each of the cello’s S-shaped holes to adjust the sound posts — wooden dowels inside the body of the instrument that Wronksi knocked on gently to “open up” the cello and give it a deeper tone. Then Lee played. She noticed immediatley that the instrument produced a more textured resonance. “For sound post adjustments,” Lee said, “he understands what you want and then we work until we get what we want.” Next appointment of the day: Jonathan Strasser, a conductor and violin teacher at the Manhattan School of Music who has been a client of Wronski’s for four years.
Strasser stopped by on his way to teach a lesson; he needed his violin adjusted. He said that the Upper West Side is the center of the classical-music universe — with Manhattan School of Music, Mannes College The New School for Music and Juilliard only a few stops away on the 1 Train. Strasser said that Wronski made a smart choice to move into the middle of all that musical activity. “If you have a place in Manhattan,” Strasser said, “people come through your door.”
Wronski said that since he relocated to the Upper West Side, he has more than doubled his clientele. Strasser had never made it to Wronski’s place in Queens because it was too much of a hassle. Instead, he made house calls. Even now, Wronski will still travel to meet a client if asked. Yuri Vodovoz, a violin professor at Mannes College and one of Wronski’s last customers on Friday, is such a client. Vodovoz needed his violin restrung before an upcoming
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concert at Carnagie Hall where he will perform with his chamber group, Alaria. Vodovoz was worried that the recent stretch of cold weather could affect his violin’s tonal range, so Wronksi said he would stop by Carnegie before the concert and check the instrument to see if it needed adjustments. “He really takes it personally and it’s not just a business for him,” Vodovoz said. “Like tomorrow, he’ll come early into the hall — not many luthiers will do that for you.”
8 Ou Our ur T To Town own nD Downtown DECEMBER own ow ntto ow wn DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
Voices
<SUPPORT THE HORSE-CARRIAGE BAN Thanks for your article “HorseBan Vote Could Come Early Next Year.” Although this industry is described as “iconic,” “romantic,””traditional,” this is not the case for the carriage horses who suffer. Carriage horses live in stalls half
Editorial
the size recommended for animals their size, when they aren’t pounding the pavement.They never have the chance to experience a natural horse life, like running and playing in grass. Allegedly they get five weeks of vacation once a year, but that
leaves a whopping FORTY SEVEN weeks of no breaks, no chance to relax outside, be a horse. Since 2006, at least nine carriage horses died in NYC, some from horrific accidents with cabs or cars. Each younger than 15 years. There have been countless woundings of horses by collisions with cabs and cars. Bravo to Mayor De Blasio!! I will
NOT vote for my Councilman, Ben Kallos, if he continues to hide behind “undecided,” a coward’s “NO.” I urge every New Yorker to look beyond the hype of NYC Carriage Horse Rides. See the suffering of these horses. Urge your City Council Person to support the bill. Your vote is very powerful. Thank you Denise Breslin
LETTER
LET THEM BUILD First, let’s all agree that the scale of real estate development in this city is out of control. Every neighborhood has its own monstrosity, either built or underway. We can start with the new World Trade Center tower, which has taken one of New York’s most sacred places and stabbed it with an artless monolith that will almost certainly be empty for decades to come. South of Central Park, the wildly ostentatious residential skyscrapers on 57th Street not only block the sun from parts of the park, but they remind us every day of our transformation from a city of real people to a sort of Airbnb for the uberrich. In midtown, the Museum of Modern Art has evicted a beloved folk art museum to expand its maze of gridlocked spaces, making room for more gift shops and food courts. It’s in this context that the Frick Collection has announced that it, too, is expanding, adding to its footprint on a gorgeous block of the Upper East Side and building over a lovely garden on its eastern edge. The museum can certainly be faulted for terrible timing; it has found itself swept up in the growing, rightful outrage over what’s happening to our urban spaces. But in this case, the backlash is undeserved. What the Frick has proposed is not only modest – its new addition would be only six floors high – but appropriately in scale with the neighborhood and the Frick’s own ambitions. Desperately needed exhibition space would be added, by moving administrative offices out of the original Frick mansion, and the entrance foyer would finally be transformed from the embarrassing holding pen it is now. And what of that garden, designed by landscape architect Russell Page? We’ve never stepped inside it, and you probably haven’t either. That’s because it’s closed to the public, for all but a handful of benefits a year attended by Frick donors and other supporters. It’s true that New York can hardly afford to lose another blade of grass, but this is as much a postcard as an actual place. In the end, it all really comes down to motive. Do we trust Frick director Ian Wardropper and his team to carefully weigh the needs of their institution against the impact their expansion will have? Or are they all about finding new ways to wring more money out of the joint, neighbors be damned? Our bet’s on Wardropper. While his critics have the right instinct, in finally saying enough to thoughtless and unchecked development in New York City, they’ve picked the wrong fight here.
FIGHT THE SEAPORT PLAN Imagine you are one of the many millions of visitors to New York City and among the unique places you came to visit is the last actual historical Seaport site at South Street where the first settlements and piers grew in the earliest days, now remaining with 19th-century buildings, multi-use museum,piers,ships, shops, tours,special celebrations. If the current Howard Hughes Development Corp. controlling lessee (without bidding now for 56 years) is allowed to continue with its recently released plans for the historical district, visitors will experience a modern glass cube upscale mall now replacing pier 17, a 456-foot mixed use
skyscraper in the river next to it, adjoining that a large, plush movieplex theater, the Seaport Museum moved from its current immediate viewing historical, activities buildings to another debasing location, basically replacing the old irreplaceable reality with another upscale, riverside expensive mall. So what do we do when a huge real estate developer is given commercial control for almost nothing($3.50 a foot for priceless land whose market worth is at least hundreds a foot) with no provision to maintain or support it by a billionaire former mayor’s appointee to head the Economic Development Corp. directly responsible who has
direct ties with Hughes Corp? As a proud people, we know a part of who we are and become is the result of knowing who we were and that is why history is taught and revered everywhere. The people of New York and its government should not allow calculating business interests to destroy the remaining real NYC historical symbol, the South Street Seaport. Sy Schleimer
CORRECTION In an article last week about the upcoming bill to ban horse carriages in Central Park, Allie Feldman, the director of NYCLASS, an advocacy group, was misidentified as Allie Friedman. We regret the error.
STRAUS MEDIA-MANHATTAN President, Jeanne Straus nyoffice@strausnews.com Vice President/CFO Otilia Bertolotti Vice President/CRO Vincent A. Gardino advertising@strausnew.com
Publisher, Gerry Gavin Associate Publishers, Seth L. Miller, Ceil Ainsworth
Sr. Account Executive, Tania Cade Account Executive Sam R. McCausland Susan Wynn
Editor In Chief, Kyle Pope editor.ot@strausnews.com Editor, Megan Bungeroth editor.otdt@strausnews.com
Staff Reporters, Gabrielle Alfiero, Daniel Fitzsimmons
Block Mayors, Ann Morris, Upper West Side Jennifer Peterson, Upper East Side Gail Dubov, Upper West Side Edith Marks, Upper West Side
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 9
Sports
BIG WEEKEND AT MANHATTAN SOCCER CLUB Manhattan Soccer Club teams competed at Massapequa Winter College Showcase tournament last weekend, featuring Boys groups of U14 division players through to U19. Manhattan Villa (Boys U15), coached by the club’s director of coaching, Ray Selvadurai, captured the top bracket tournament title at Massapequa, defeating their two division opponents to win the division and then defeating the Levittown Rage in the semifinals, 3-1, before beating highly talented BW Gottschee, 2-1, in the title match. The title match featured two local and highly ranked teams by Gotsoccer, the preeminent youth soccer organization in the country. BW Gottschee is currently ranked third in the State and 10th in the USA by Gotsoccer and Manhattan
Villa is ranked second in the state and seventh in the USA. In other brackets, Boys U17 Manhattan Chelsea, coached by Orlando Osorio, competed well and finished divisional competition with two wins and a loss, to be part of a three-way tie for the division lead, but the tie-breaker rules dropped them out of first place and they failed to advance to the playoffs. Manhattan Cruzeiro (Boys U17), coached by Wilson Egidio, struggled at the tournament, finishing division competition with two losses and a draw. Cruzeiro is the defending state champions from 2013-14, and a two-time state title holder. Cruzeiro is currently ranked second in the state and twelfth in the USA by Gotsoccer. Other participants included
Manhattan 96 Premier (Boys U19), coached by Freddy Fuentes, and Manhattan 98
Premier (Boys U16), coached by John Lathan. 96 Premier finished division competition
with a win, a tie, and a loss, and 98 Premier finished with two draws and a loss. 98 Premier
is currently ranked seventh in the State and 74th in the USA by Gotsoccer.
nitely become a fad,” Schwarzenberg said. “There are some studies suggesting objectively that some people have less abdominal pain on a gluten-free diet. But this issue is very complex. For example, people with irritable bowel syndrome may benefit from the FODMAP diet, which in some ways is similar to a gluten-free diet. We believe some people improve on the gluten-free diet because it is similar to FODMAP.” One of the major points of contention for those who are against a gluten-free diet is that everyone seems to be an expert in the subject. As Peter H.R. Green, M.D., of Columbia University’s celiac disease center said, “I recently saw a retired executive of an international company. He got a life coach to help him, and one of the pieces of advice the coach gave him was to get on a
gluten-free diet. A life coach is prescribing a gluten-free diet. So do podiatrists, chiropractors, even psychiatrists.” Sc hwa rzenberg recommends that anyone considering a completely gluten-free
diet see a health care provider to be properly screened for celiac disease before starting the diet. Screening is not possible when on the diet, and celiac disease is a serious health condition. She said it’s also impor-
tant to remember that fruits, vegetables and most proteins are gluten-free.
HEALTH
WHAT’S SO BAD ABOUT GLUTEN? Avoiding gluten has become the latest food fad If you’ve visited a grocery store or restaurant lately you’ve undoubtedly seen an increase in the amount of gluten-free food options available to you. The gluten-free food industry is exploding now, too, and according to a recent article in The New Yorker, by 2016 the gluten-free product industry will exceed $15 billion. The article explains that gluten is one of the most commonly and heavily consumed proteins on earth, and has been for thousands of years. Gluten is created when two molecules, glutenin and gliadin, come into contact and form a bond. For the one percent of the American population with celiac disease, even the slightest exposure to gluten can trigger a violent immune system reaction that can damage the small intestine. As for the other 99 percent of
Americans without celiac disease, gluten should be well-tolerated by our gastrointestinal system. So, what’s behind the “gluten sensitivities” (non-celiac gluten sensitivity disease) that are becoming more common these days? Sarah Jane Schwarzenberg, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition expert at the University of Minnesota, said that thus far the data is unclear about gluten sensitivities compared to celiac disease. But what is clear is that some diet modifications, such as reducing refined carbohydrates, alcohol (yes, beer has gluten in it), and excess calories may reduce stomach pain for some individuals. But why then, if only one percent suffer from celiac disease, is an estimated 33 percent of the American population attempting to eliminate gluten from their diets altogether? “Gluten-free diets have defi-
Source: University of Minnesota: www.healthtalk.umn.edu
WHAT ARE FODMAPS? FODMAPs are carbohydrates (sugars) that are found in foods. Not all carbohydrates are considered FODMAPs. The FODMAPs in the diet are: Fructose (fruits, honey, high fructose corn syrup) Lactose (dairy) Fructans (wheat, garlic, onion, inulin)
Galactans (legumes such as beans, lentils, soybeans) Polyols (sweeteners containing isomalt, mannitol, sorbitol, xylitol, stone fruits such as avocado, apricots, cherries, nectarines, peaches, plums) FODMAPs are osmotic (means they pull water into the intestinal tract), may
not be digested or absorbed well, and could be fermented upon by bacteria in the intestinal tract when eaten in excess Symptoms of diarrhea, constipation, gas, bloating and/or cramping may occur in those who could be sensitive to the effects of FODMAPs. A low FODMAP diet is often used in those
with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The diet could be possibly used in those with similar symptoms arising from other digestive disorders such as inflammatory bowel disease. Source: Stanford Health Care: http:// stanfordhealthcare. org.
10 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
DUSC REC LEAGUE WINTER 2015
Out & About 13 14 GINGERBREAD SKYSCAPER WORKSHOP
12
Skyscraper Museum, 39 Battery Pl. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m., $5. Families are invited for a very New York-centric festive activity where skyscraper gingerbread towers will be decorated and then taken home to be enjoyed and admired over the holidays. 212-968-1961. www. skyscraper.org
THE NOTHING IS NOT READY CIRCUS Theatre for the New City, 155 First Ave. 3 and 6 p.m., $18, $13 students/seniors, $10 kids A unique performance described as a kid friendly show for the uprisers and their kids, combined with butterflies, cockroaches and elephants. 212-254-1109. www. breadandpuppet.org
LASHON HARA: ON THE CONSEQUENCES OF HATE SPEECH Anne Frank Center, 44 Park Pl. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., $5-$8. 20 mixed media art pieces examine the outcome of hate speech, called “lashon hare” in Hebrew. Workshops and discussions will accompany. 212-431-7993. www. annefrank.com
The DUSC Recreational Program provides an opportunity for youth to be active, learn the sport, develop important life skills and most importantly to have fun! At DUSC, we hope to nurture a lifelong love for the game and provide a foundation for players to take their game to the next level.
REGISTER BEFORE DECEMBER 1ST FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A FREE WEEK OF SUMMER CAMP!
DUSC.NET rec@dusc.net
No league February 14/15 due to holiday weekend. The schedule is subject to changes without notice. Please visit our website to register and to access updated information.
GUGGEMHEIM’S ART AFTER DARK Soloman R. Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. at 89th St. 9 p.m.-12 a.m., $20. A private viewing of exhibits, including ZERO: Countdown to Tomorrow, 1950s-1960s, an display of the work of a German artist group that sought to redefine art after WWII. 212-423-3575. guggenheim.org
PRESCHOOL SCIENCE ENRICHMENT CLASS
HANUKKAH FAMILY DAY
Bright Horizons at 20 Pine, 20 Pine St. 11:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Free entry. Children ages 2-5 can get a jump start on a passion for science at this free science enrichment session. 212-509-1580. www.childcare-preschool.brighthorizons. com
The Jewish Museum, 1109 Fifth Ave. btwn 92nd and 93rd St. 12-4 p.m., Free. Fun activities celebrating the Jewish Festival of Lights. Create a menorah, see the holiday’s story told by a drawing performance and tour the museum’s Hanukkah lamps. 212-423-3200. thejewishmuseum.org
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 11
YOU READ IT HERE FIRST The local paper for the Upper East Side
15 CAKED UP COMEDY Cake Shop, 152 Ludlow St. 8 p.m., Average pastry is $4, cash only. Come to the Cake Shop for Happy Hour and stay for standup comedy from some of the freshest acts in the city and enjoy delicious pastries. 212-253-0036. www.cakeshop.com
MOVEMENT RESEARCH AT THE JUDSON CHURCH Judon Memorial Church, 55 Washington Square South. 8 p.m., Free. Make Mondays a bit more exciting by enjoying a free evening of movement and dance experimentation at Judson Church. 212-477-0351. www. movementresearch.org
16 ANNUAL 19THCENTURY HOLIDAY PARTY Merchant’s House Museum, 29 East Fourth St. 6-8 p.m., $25. Come see this infamous haunted house decorated in 19th century style for the holidays and check out live music, a gift bazaar and a raffle. 212-777-1089. www. merchantshouse.org
November 5, 2014
April 17, 2014
Photo by Mark Dannenhauer
BEGINNING CROCHET WORKSHOPS New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray St. 12 p.m., Free. Want to learn crochet skills to create snuggly sweaters and hats for the winter? Come to this basics class. Please bring your own crochet hook and practice yarn. 212-732-8186. www.nypl. org
17 CLONE OF ADVENTURES IN WANDERLUST
18 GROW TO LEARN WORKSHOP: GRANT WRITING AND GARDEN DESIGN WORKSHOP GrowNYC Greening Library, 49 Chambers St. 10 a.m.-12 p.m, .Free. A special workshop intended for schools planning to apply for the upcoming Grow to Learn Mini-Grant. Attendees will learn about tips for writing a grant and garden design tips. 212-788-8073. www. grownyc.org
New Amsterdam Library, 9 Murray St. 12:30 p.m., Free. Get psyched for your next trip or brainstorm travel ideas by watching travel tours of Morocco and Portugal. 212-732-8186. www.nypl. org
LOST DOG TALE, WITH A TWIST LOCAL NEWS
A family hopes that Upper West Siders will help bring their Cavalier King Charles Spaniel back home Upper West Side For the past week, Eva Zaghari and her three children from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, have been papering the Upper West Side with over 1,300 flyers asking for information on their beloved dog Cooper. ?We are devastated, please return our dog,? the sign implores. The catch though, is that Cooper didn?t technically get lost, or even stolen. He was given away. When she explains the story, sitting at Irving Farm coffee shop on West 79th Street before heading out to post more flyers around the neighborhood, Eva and her kids are visibly distraught. About a month ago, on September 5th, her husband Ray had arranged to give the dog away, via a Craigslist ad. He mistakenly thought that removing a source of stress from his wife and kids ? walking and feeding and caring for a dog, tasks which had fallen mostly to Eva ? would make everyone happier
October 2, 2014
October 8, 2014
The local paper for the Upper East Side
A CENTURY OF SEX TALK ON THE EAST SIDE MILESTONES Shirley Zussman, who recently celebrated her 100th birthday, worked with Masters and Johnson, and still sees patients as a sex therapist BY KYLE POPE
UPPER EAST SIDE Some people’s life stories write themselves, and Shirley Zussman, the 100-year-old sex therapist of the Upper East Side, is one of those people. She was born in 1914 at the start of World War I (less than a month after the assassination of Archduke Ferdinand), lived in Berlin at the height of the Cabaret era, became a protege of the original Masters and Johnson, and, now into her second century, continues to see patients in an office in the ground floor of her apartment building on E. 79th Street. Last month, more than 50 people crowded Yefsi restaurant, a Greek place
HOLIDAY HARMONY Arts Brookfield, 220 Vesey St. 12:30-1:30 p.m., Free. The Juilliard School brings lively classical music to Arts Brookfield for an hour of holiday sounds just before Christmas. 212-417-7000. www. artsbrookfield.com
The local paper for the Upper West Side
THE NUTCRACKER AT PACE UNIVERSITY Pace University, Schimmel Center, 3 Spruce Street. 7:30 p.m., $59,$49,$39. Gelsey Kirkland Ballet brings much-loved classic holiday performance to the stage,. 212-346-1200. www.pace. edu
August 7, 2014
August 20, 2014
FI R S T I N YOU R N E I G H BO R H O O D
(212) 868-0190 The local paper for the Upper East Side
The local paper for the Upper West Side
The local paper for Downtown
12 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
HOLIDAY EVENT GUIDE BY GABRIELLE ALFIERO
FAMILY FUN “IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE” The now classic Frank Capra film has earned its place in the holiday film canon since its release in 1946 by Capra’s short-lived company Liberty Films. James Stewart stars as George Bailey, a small-town family man whose opportune visit from a guardian angel on Christmas Eve shows him the value of his own life. Dec. 12-25 IFC Center 323 Sixth Ave., at W. 3rd Street Assorted show times Tickets $14
CHANUKAH ON ICE This event from the Chabad Centers of New York City brings the festival of lights onto the ice at Trump Wollman Rink in Central Park, where families can skate surrounded by the bright lights of the city, dine on kosher food and join in the lighting of a massive frozen menorah, all to the tunes of Ta Shma Orchestra, a funk and soul-infused Jewish and Chassidic jam band. Tuesday, Dec. 16 Trump Wollman Rink Entrance at Fifth Avenue and 65th Street 6 p.m. Tickets $20 (no skate rental)-$28 (with skate rental); discounted admission available with advanced RSVP at http://www. chanukahonicenyc.com/
“HANSEL AND GRETEL” This holiday staple from 19th-
century composer Engelbert Humperdinck and his sister Adelheid Wette, returns to the Metropolitan Opera’s stage, starring Christine Rice as Hansel and Aleksandra Kurzak as his sister Gretel. Conducted by Sir Andrew Davis and sung in English, the production, based on the classic Brothers Grimm tale, features fantastical, imaginative costumes and sets for the witch to receive the ultimate comeuppance. Dec. 18-Jan. 8 Metropolitan Opera House at Lincoln Center Columbus Avenue near. W. 64th Street. Assorted show times Tickets $25-$175
HOLIDAY TRADITIONS
The highline, site of “The Gaits” walking tour. Photo credit: Lainie Fefferman
GELSEY KIRKLAND BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER” While the city’s most notable production of perennial favorite “The Nutcracker” belongs undoubtedly to New York City Ballet, the show from Gelsey Kirkland Ballet makes for a nice alternative. Founded by Kirkland, a star for New York City Ballet in the seventies—and famous for playing Clara in a 1977 televised production of the “The Nutcracker,” alongside Mikhail Baryshnikov—the company takes a classical approach to the iconic ballet. Dec. 11-21 Schimmel Center at Pace University 3 Spruce St., near Gold Street and the entrance to the Brooklyn Bridge Assorted show times Tickets $39-$59 Gelsey Kirkland Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” runs through Dec. 21 at the Schimmel Center in the Financial District.
SONG
CAROLING
CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE
“THE GAITS: A HIGH LINE SOUNDWALK”
The nondenominational Chelsea Community Church continues its holiday choral tradition with its 40th annual candlelit concert, this year dedicated to the memory of a church member. Familiar songs, including Stephen Paulus’ “Angels We Have Heard on High” and moments from G.F. Handel’s “Messiah,” meet the new, with the premiere of choir director Larry J. Long’s “Annunciation Carol.” Sunday, Dec. 14 St. Peter’s Church 346 W. 20th St., between Eighth and Ninth Avenues 6 p.m. FREE
As part of the annual Make Music Winter event that encourages New Yorkers to join in musical parades across the city each Dec. 21, participants in “The Gaits” can download an application on their smartphones that converts footsteps into different sonic bits, from guitar chords to splashes of water. Download the free smartphone app, and bring a small battery-powered speaker, or arrive early to snag a loaner (for the first 100 guests). Sunday, Dec. 21 Begin at Gansevoort stairs entrance to High Line, at Gansevoort and Washington Streets End at northern end of High Line, at 30th Street 5 p.m. start, 6:30 p.m. end FREE
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 13
OUTSIDER ART IN THE GALLERY ART
IF YOU GO
Street artist receives first solo show, with a little help from a friend and fan
The BEAU Show: Re-Popping Pop What: An exhibition of paintings by street artist BEAU. When: Dec. 11-18 Gallery hours 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Where: Carini Lang, 335 Greenwich St. Contact: 646-613-0497
BY GABRIELLE ALFIERO
It started with a face. In the fall of 2011, as the Occupy Wall Street movement swelled, Joseph Carini, a maker of high-end, hand-made carpets through his Tribeca-based company Carini Lang, started photographing street art around Manhattan. He related to the illicit work’s inherent rebellion during a time when he was frustrated with over-development and corporate greed. That’s when he encountered Beau, a street artist whose linear paintings and drawings of a man’s face captured his attention. “I liked it because I didn’t know what it was,” said Carini. “The face often looks anxious, and I just related to it.” After contacting Beau, Carini went to work on a series of custom carpets incorporating the work of graffiti writers and street artists, many of whom Beau helped find, and the pair co-curated a show of the work this past spring. Now, Carini is returning the favor, curating Beau’s first solo gallery show
Street artist Beau, whose solo show “Repopping Pop” opens in the Carini Lang showroom on Dec. 11. Photo Credit: Hugh Burkhardt
e-popping Pop,” in Manhattan, “Re-popping which opens Dec. 11 at Carini Lang’s Tribeca space. “It educates me on how to make a livau said of the coling as an artist,” Beau laboration as he sat on a sofa, across from Carini, in the company’s showroom. g appears, if not At first the pairing htly incongruous. quite odd, then slightly d Manhattan naCarini, a 53-year-old tive, designs luxury goods hand-made al months, which in Nepal over several es. The expansive can sell for five figures. om on Greenwich Carini Lang showroom ormer bank buildStreet, located in a former 928, with its track ing constructed in 1928, gs, thick rectanlighting, high ceilings, gular columns and marble floors, ofhere for his sumpfers a fitting atmosphere pets. tuous decorative carpets. Beau, a 30-year-old Flushing, Queens alls himself “still resident, assuredly calls a struggling artist.” He only just lives off his work, he said, and supplements the money he makess from selling his ned work, includart with commissioned nd signs for coring public murals and taying away from porate offices. He’s staying street art for the moment for fear of another arrest or run-in with the Vandal Squad (officially the New York Police Department’s Citywide Vandals Taskforce), though he hopes that with a little financial security he can return to the work that caught Carini’s eye in 2011. “I’m not done on the streets,” he said. “I still genuinely love graffiti and street art and I never intend on quitting, but I need to also be level-headed as an artist and a businessman for my future, so that when I’m 50 I’m not starved.” Beau, whose full name is Beau Bradbury, did some work under the tag name Rose before deciding to use his legal name, a choice he now recognizes might not have been the wisest. Born in Connecticut, he grew up in Washington, Hawaii and Florida (his father was a Navy diver and trained SEALs in Florida) and moved to New York in 2008. Graffiti writing offered
Beau’s work for his upcoming show, “Re-popping Pop,” which opens Dec. 11. a way into the city’s competitive and saturated art scene. “I always had the intention to be gallery-bound,” he said. “This is a lifestyle that I live, so there is no separation for me. This is how I make my living. I used graffiti, street art as my lever to get into everybody’s psychology when I first moved here, purposely.” As a child, he had a penchant for drawing, but little interest in academics. He dropped out of high school and has no formal training as an artist; when he needed an income he started selling paintings. His first sold for about $30 in 2002. Dressed in all black, with thickrimmed glasses, high socks and jeans rolled above his ankles, Beau has a restless energy that bleeds into his speech; sometimes he cut himself off mid-sentence, as if in a rush to get to the next thought. He’s lightly tattooed on his arms, and even inked a few of the designs himself, using binder clips to keep his skin taut. His days blend together as he readies for the show, he said, which seems entirely plausible
even without a deadline. “He doesn’t sleep,” Carini said. “He’s working all the time.” Carini acts as both a gallery director and curator of the show, but also like a mentor or coach. Though Beau is also an abstract painter, Carini advised him to create accessible work for the show that can sell easily; the approximately 30 pieces lean pop, as “digested through the eyes of a street artist,” Carini said. The relationship appears effortless and lived in, with Carini scrolling through photos of Beau’s pieces and punctuating conversation with subtle critique. “You left it really raw,” Carini said about a painting with the word POP in block letters and filled in with smudges of red paint. “I like that. Don’t finish it.” Some paintings are certainly Warholian; cartoonish Marilyn Monroe images are unabashedly referential. Some incorporate Mickey Mouse or Bugs Bunny, corporate logos or Jeff Koons sculptures. Smaller pieces, like a black and white animated aerosol
can on a hot pink background, are priced around $400, while the larger, more elaborate work they hope will go for upwards of $5,000. Carini will recoup the costs of the show but isn’t looking to profit from any sales. Carini wants Beau to have confidence in his work and trust his instincts, and said self-consciousness creeps into his process, too, as it did with the graffiti carpets, which is perhaps an innate challenge for those with both artistic visions and commercial interests. For Beau, bringing his work inside, while always his goal, will also, he hopes, draw deep-pocketed patrons and allow him to return to working on the streets. “Would you do it if you made a lot of money?” Carini asked. Beau didn’t hesitate. “I can’t wait to do big abstract beautiful pieces on the nicest wall just to see what kind of reaction,” Beau said, stopping mid-sentence and changing direction. “Screw the reaction. For my own personal benefit, for how it makes me feel doing it.”
14 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
RESTAURANT INSPECTION RATINGS DEC 1 - 6, 2014
William Barnacle
80 St Marks Place
A
The following listings were collected from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website and include the most recent inspection and grade reports listed. We have included every restaurant listed during this time within the zip codes of our neighborhoods. Some reports list numbers with their explanations; these are the number of violation points a restaurant has received. To see more information on restaurant grades, visit www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/services/restaurant-inspection.shtml.
Lit Lounge NYC
93 2 Avenue
Grade Pending (24) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Duke’s
99 East 19 Street
A
East Village Pizza And Kebab
145 1 Avenue
Grade Pending (27) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
Abraco
86 East 7 Street
Grade Pending (39) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Spice
104 2 Avenue
A
The 13Th Step
149 2 Avenue
A
Dunkin Donuts
215 1 Avenue
A
Jackson Diner
72 University Place
Grade Pending (22) Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
Jack’s Sliders And Sushi
171 3 Avenue
Grade Pending (44) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Food Protection Certificate not held by supervisor of food operations. Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
Murray’s Falafel And Grill
261 1 Avenue
Grade Pending (22) Food not cooled by an approved method whereby the internal product temperature is reduced from 140º F to 70º F or less within 2 hours, and from 70º F to 41º F or less within 4 additional hours. Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Maharlika
111 First Avenue
Closed by Health Department (41) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.
Trevi Deli
48 Union Square East
A
Raj Mahal Indian Restaurant
322 East 6 Street
A
The Boiler Room
86 East 4 Street
Grade Pending (24) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies. Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.
Panna Ii Garden Indian Restaurant
93 1 Avenue
A
Vinny Vincenz
231 1 Avenue
A
Tu-Lu’s Gluten-Free Bakery 338 East 11 Street
A
Asian Express
96 3 Avenue
Grade Pending (17) Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.
Bluebird Coffee Shop
72 East 1 Street
A
Han Joo
12 St Marks Place
Grade Pending (20) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Filth flies or food/refuse/sewage-associated (FRSA) flies present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Filth flies include house flies, little house flies, blow flies, bottle flies and flesh flies. Food/refuse/sewage-associated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.
Korilla East Village
23 3 Avenue
Not Graded Yet (29) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Appropriately scaled metal stem-type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding. Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.
Modern Gourmet
793 Broadway
Grade Pending (24) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment.
Mcdonald’s
724 Broadway
A
Ennju
20 East 17 Street
A
Krystal’s Cafe 81
81 East 7 Street
A
Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins
243 3 Avenue
A
2 Bros Pizza
32 St Marks Place
A
Hotel Tortuga
246 East 14 Street
A
Lan Cafe
342 East 6 Street
A
Laut
15 East 17 Street
A
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 15
www.otdowntown.com Your Neighborhood News
The local paper for Downtown own
16 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
Real Estate Sales Neighborhd
Address
Price
Bed Bath Agent
Gramercy Park
305 2 Ave.
$2,790,005
Battery Park City
2 SOUTH END Ave.
$437,000
1
1
Empire State Properties
Gramercy Park
379 1 Ave.
$237,500
Battery Park City
200 RECTOR PLACE
$655,000
1
1
DJK Residential
Greenwich Village
30 E 9 St.
$545,000
Chelsea
270 W 17 St.
$915,000
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Greenwich Village
67 E 11 St.
Chelsea
126 W 22 St.
$3,600,000
Greenwich Village
Chelsea
121 W 19 St.
$2,367,000
Chelsea
151 W 21 St.
Chelsea
3
2
Cantor and Pecorella
$680,000
1
1
Coldwell Banker Bellmarc
31 W 11 St.
$3,750,000
2
2
Corcoran
Greenwich Village
250 MERCER St.
$655,000
0
1
ROOM Real Estate
$1,053,888
Greenwich Village
100 W 12 St.
$885,000
1
1
Corcoran
151 W 21 St.
$972,428
Greenwich Village
160 BLEECKER St.
$475,000
1
1
Halstead Property
Chelsea
151 W 21 St.
$829,873
Greenwich Village
250 MERCER St.
$1,850,000
Chelsea
201 W 16 St.
$645,000
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Greenwich Village
45 W 10 St.
$781,750
Chelsea
165 W 20 St.
$1,050,000
1
1
Town Residential
Greenwich Village
28 E 10th St.
$2,876,556
3
2
Stribling
Chelsea
223-231 W 21 St.
$795,000
2
1
Brown Harris Stevens
Greenwich Village
28 E 10th St.
$1,660,000
1
1
Brown Harris Stevens
Chelsea
151 W 21 St.
$1,965,222
Lower E Side
417 GRAND St.
$1,106,000
Chelsea
325 W 21 St.
$450,000
Lower E Side
210 E Broadway
$900,000
Chelsea
121 W 20 St.
$10
Lower E Side
210 E Broadway
$890,181
2
1
Charles H. Greenthal
E Village
327 E 3 St.
$398,500
2
1
Ready Group
Lower E Side
50 ORCHARD St.
$2,300,000
2
2
Douglas Elliman
E Village
508 E 6 St.
$597,000
1
1
Stribling
Noho
712 BROADWAY
$2,475,000
1
1
Halstead Property
E Village
211 E 13TH St.
$1,530,000
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Noho
54 BLEECKER St.
$3,400,000
3
2
CORE
Financial District
20 Pine St.
$1,250,000
1
2
Keller Williams NYC
Soho
140 PRINCE St.
$9,500,000
Financial District
130 WATER St.
$620,000
1
1
Keller Williams NYC
Soho
124 THOMPSON St.
$610,000
1
1
Four Seasons Property Management LLC
Financial District
20 W St.
$515,000
0
1
New York Residence
Tribeca
101 LEONARD St.
$1,323,725
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
15 WILLIAM St.
$1,980,496
2
2
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
101 LEONARD St.
$3,131,118
3
3
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
20 Pine St.
$1,206,000
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
47 WALKER St.
$2,035,000
1
2
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
88 Greenwich St.
$1,669,500
2
2
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
169 HUDSON St.
$6,325,000
3
3
Homes By Mara
Financial District
123 Washington St.
$1,930,000
2
2
Halstead Property
Tribeca
1 WORTH St.
$2,050,000
3
2
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
123 Washington St.
$2,494,712
2
2
Corcoran
Tribeca
471 WASHINGTON St.
$6,100,000
Financial District
75 WALL St.
$650,000
0
1
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
303 GREENWICH St.
$718,000
0
1
Keller Williams NYC
Financial District
20 Pine St.
$1,160,000
1
1
Platinvm Property Group New York
Tribeca
101 LEONARD St.
$1,425,550
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
15 WILLIAM St.
$1,555,000
1
2
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
101 LEONARD St.
$3,161,666
3
3
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
66 PEARL St.
$30,150,000
Tribeca
101 LEONARD St.
$3,232,943
3
3
Douglas Elliman
Financial District
15 Broad St.
$2,605,000
2
2
Douglas Elliman
Tribeca
250 W St.
$3,700,000
2.5 2
Bond New York
Flatiron
874 BROADWAY
$1,537,000
1
1
Sotheby’s
W Chelsea
520 W 23 St.
$1,170,000
2
2
Douglas Elliman
Flatiron
5 E 22 St.
$1,170,000
1
1
Newell and Assoc.
W Chelsea
426 W 23 St.
$2,100,000
1
2
Douglas Elliman
Flatiron
31 W 21 St.
$8,900,000
W Chelsea
450 W 17 St.
$3,068,000
2
2
Suitey
Flatiron
50 W 15 St.
$908,750
0
1
Douglas Elliman
W Village
167 PERRY St.
$2,275,000
Flatiron
50 W 15 St.
$908,750
0
1
Douglas Elliman
W Village
442 HUDSON St.
$695,000
Flatiron
7 E 14 St.
$950,000
1
1
Corcoran
W Village
442 HUDSON St.
$760,000
Flatiron
240 PARK Ave. SOUTH
$16,000,000
W Village
100 BANK St.
$785,000
1
1
Douglas Elliman
Flatiron
17 W 14 St.
$1,312,000
W Village
61 JANE St.
$1,325,000
Flatiron
54 W 16 St.
$1,250,000
2
1
Halstead Property
W Village
2 HORATIO St.
$675,000
0
1
Brown Harris Stevens
Flatiron
7 E 14 St.
$780,000
1
1
Town Residential
W Village
51 JANE St.
$385,000
0
1
Kirk Enterprises
Fulton/Seaport
59 John St.
$2,425,000
2
2
Nestseekers
W Village
76 BEDFORD St.
$10
Fulton/Seaport
59 John St.
$986,000
2
1
Corcoran
W Village
63 DOWNING St.
$4,900,000
Gramercy Park
160 E 22ND St.
$2,132,205
Gramercy Park
102 E 22 St.
$692,500
1
1
The Bamberger Group
2
1
2
1
Town Residential
MP Walsh Realty
StreetEasy.com is New York’s most accurate and comprehensive real estate website, providing consumers detailed sales and rental information and the tools to manage that information to make educated decisions. The site has become the reference site for consumers, real estate professionals and the media and has been widely credited with bringing transparency to one of the world’s most important real estate markets.
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 17
YOUR FIFTEEN MINUTES
KICKING BACK WITH A ROCKETTE Q&A Dancer Candace Jablonski on the highs of being a holiday icon in New York City BY ANGELA BARBUTI
Candace Jablonski remembers having tears in her eyes when she found out she got the job that would change her life. After waiting in line with 500 other girls and getting measured – Rockettes have to be between 5’6’’ and 5’ 10-and-a-half’’ – she performed tap, jazz, and kick combinations that would eventually earn her a coveted place in the cast. Now, in her eleventh season as a Rockette, and kicking an average of 200 times during each performance of the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” the Wisconsin native continues to experience all the joy and excitement that come with her iconic role. “It is such an honor, it really is…Still, after doing it for so long, I never take it for granted,” she said. Although her schedule can be grueling, with 16 performances a week, what makes it all worthwhile is when she spots a little girl dancing out in the aisle. “You can see some of the audience when you’re dancing, and sometimes you see a little girl trying to do your moves. I think we can all can relate to that little girl who wants to be a dancer. I definitely was that little girl.”
You took your first dance class at 4 years old. I did, yes. My mom signed me up for class because I was a really, really shy little girl and she wanted me to interact with other people. She knew that I liked to dance because I would dance around our living room constantly. So she signed me up for classes through the rec department and I just thrived.
What was it like for you when you first got to New York? I lived a hard, struggling-artist life for almost two years before I got the job as a Radio City Rockette. I temped; I did work-study at
Steps on Broadway, and I loved every minute of it. There were some lows. [Laughs] Some low lows, and high highs, but that’s what Manhattan is all about. You work hard and try to live your dream.
how much longer I could stay here. That was my big break. And then of course, I called my mom.
How did your audition for the Rockettes come about and what was it like?
Well in the New York area, people love it. They kind of take a moment to see if I’m serious. [Laughs] So many people are so excited. Actually, the reaction I get a lot is, “Wow, I’ve never met a Rockette,” or “Oh, I have a sister who dances, she would love to meet you!” Sometimes people kind of have to get it out of me though because I don’t like to lead with, “Hello everyone, I’m a star!” [Laughs]
I auditioned three times before I got the job. The first time was just kind of realizing what they wanted. Lining up around the block with like 500 other women. Hoping you have the right outfit on, but you’re not really sure the first time you show up. You’re measured first in stockinged feet. And then you’re taken into a large rehearsal hall, probably 50 women at a time. And they teach you a 16 or 32-count dance combination, and you do it three at a time. There are three X’s on the floor. They set up a table, there’s the director and the dance captains there with your resume in their hands, writing little things down. You get one shot and after all 50 women have gone in the room, they say, “Thank you very much for taking the time to be with us. These women, I would like to stay.” They call out maybe 10 names and then you wait until all 500 girls have gone through the first cut and then you do the same thing again, just with less people. That will happen all day long. If you’re still there at the end of the day, you’ll come back the next day and do it all again. And if you’re still there at the end of that day, they take all your measurements and all your information and you’re still not guaranteed a spot. There are only four new girls this year, two in each cast. The turnover is small.
When did you find out you got the job? I found out when I was working in the box office of an Off-Broadway theater. That’s when I got the call. I was friends with my boss at the time and I said, “I think this is the call.” He said, “Go ahead, answer!” I had tears in my eyes because I was thinking it was almost two years into me living here and it was a struggle and I didn’t know
When you tell people you’re a Rockette, what kind of reaction do you get?
You must be very close to your fellow dancers. It’s like a sorority of women who completely understand you without even saying a word. Some of my best friends now dance next to me. Some stood up in my wedding, I’ve stood up in their weddings.
Did you meet your husband through your job? I didn’t. We met through mutual friends. Besides the “Christmas Spectacular” here in New York City, we also dance in cities across America. For the first two years, I performed in the outside cities. In my third year as a Rockette is when I met my now-husband. Actually, on my way to my first date with him, I got the offer to dance at Radio City Music Hall as a Rockette.
What are your favorite things to do in the city during Christmastime? Put my feet up and relax! [Laughs] Well, we’re so busy. We do 16 shows a week, so that’s double what Broadway does. We have one day off a week. In those six days that we work, we do two, three or four shows daily. And that’s just one cast. There are up to six shows daily at Radio City Music Hall. And because there are so many shows weekly, that’s why there are two casts, to split it.
What’s a typical day like for you? I normally get to the theater an hour or an hour and a half before
the show starts. And, you know, we do our own hair and makeup. I stretch out and warm up because the show is so athletic. An hour-and-a-half show, no intermission, eight costume changes. The quickest costume change is 90 seconds from the “Parade of the Wooden Soldiers” into “New York at Christmas,” where we ride a double-decker bus around what appears to be New York City. So we’re constantly moving, and really do work like athletes. For a four-show day, we have about an hour in between shows, and normally I’m putting my feet up, grabbing a bite to eat and redoing my hair and makeup. Or hanging out with the girls in my dressing room, which is a great part of my day.
What are some fun costumes this year? A new costume this year goes along with the number we brought back into the show this year, the “Rag Doll” number. It’s a tap number that had been performed in the show for many years before and we brought it back this year, which I’m so excited about. The costumes are a little different than they were before; we have a bit of a cinched waist. [Laughs] They’re rag doll costumes; they’re really fun. Another really cool number is “Snow,” and the costumes are beautiful. That’s our finale number, and the whole theater is transformed into a winter wonderland. They do this incredibly awesome thing on the ceilings so it actually brings the audience into the scene. We have these snow globes that come out of the pit and circle around the audience. And they have GPS in them, so they know when to go out and when to come back in. The Rockettes represent snow-
flakes. There’s one who starts out, and another one joins, and more join together, and they’re not in unison right in the beginning. But then, of course, we end with a beautiful kickline and all the snowflakes come together to create this winter wonderland. It really embodies what Rockettes are about, too. We’re all individuals coming together to create this beautiful scene. For more information on the Rockettes and the “Radio City Christmas Spectacular,” visit www. RadioCityChristmas.com.
Below, a rehearsal for the 2014 Radio City Christmas Spectacular starring the Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
18 Our Town Downtown DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
Directory of Business & Services To advertise in this directory Call Susan (212)-868-0190 ext.417 Classified2@strausnews.com
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TOP PRICES PAID
Chinese Objects Paintings, Jewelry Silver, Furniture, Etc. Entire Estates Purchased
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THOSE WHO CARE ABOUT YOU SAY: VISIT
GETCOVEREDAMERICA .O ORG TO LEARN ABOUT YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE OPTIONS TODAY.
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gay (ga¯) 1. there once was a time when all “gay” meant was “happy.” then it meant “homosexual.” now, people are saying “that’s so gay” to mean dumb and stupid. which is pretty insulting to gay people (and we don’t mean the “happy” people). 2. so please, knock it off. 3. go to ThinkB4YouSpeak.com
Call Mark @ Meringoff Properties 646.262.3900
DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014 Our Town Downtown 19
CLASSIFIEDS Classified Advertising Department Information Telephone: 212-868-0190 | Fax: 212-2868-0190 Email: classified2@strausnews.com Hours: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm | Deadline: 12pm the Friday before publication
ACCOUNTING/FINANCIAL SERVICES ALLSTATE INSURANCE Anthony Pomponio 212-769-2899 125 West 72nd St. 5R, NYC apomponio@allstate.com LOMTO Federal Credit Union It’s hard to beat our great rates! Deposits federally insured to at least $250K (212)947-3380 ext.3144
ADOPTION ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency provides financial and emotional support. Choose from loving pre-approved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866922-3678 or confidential email:Adopt@ForeverFamiliesThroughAdoption.org
ANIMALS & PETS
BIDEAWEE - Animal People for People Who Love Animals! -Manhattan-Westhampton866-262-8133 www.Bideawee.org North Shore Animal League AnimalLeague.org 1-877-4-SAVE-PET Facebook.com/TheAnimalLeague
ANNOUNCEMENTS
GrowNYC.org Recycle@GrowNYC.org 212-788-0225
ANTIQUES/COLLECTIBLES
Antique, Flea & Farmers Market, East 67 St Market (bet. First & York Ave). Open every Saturday, 6am-5pm, rain or shine. Indoor & Outdoor, Free Admission. Call Bob 718-8975992. Proceeds benefit PS 183.
AUCTIONS
Exciting Neighborhood Auction Antiques and Collectibles, Paintings, Costume Jewelry, Decorative Objects Auction 3pm, Sat. Dec. 13 (Preview & Reg 11am-3pm) 416 E 80th St (bet 1st & York) Martine’s Auctions 212 772 0900, martine-auctions@outlook.com
CAMPS/SCHOOLS Alexander Robertson School Independent School for Pre-K through Grade 5 212-663-2844, 3 West 95th St. www.AlexanderRobertson.com Boys & Girls Harbor “A vibrant hub for education and the arts.” 1 East 104th Street, 212.427.2244 www.theharbor.org GRF Test Prep Classes We prepare students to take the SHSAT! 120 W 76th St, New York, NY 10025 201) 592-1592 www.grftestprep.com Huntington Learning Center Your tutoring solution! UWS. 212-362-0100 www.HuntingtonHelps.com Learn Something New Today! Free computer classes at The New York Public Library LEARN MORE nypl.org/LearnToday 917-ASK-NYPL Loyola School 646-346-8132 www.loyolanyc.org admissions@loyolanyc.org River Park Nursery School 212-663-1205 www.riverparknurseryschool.com World Class Learning Academy 212-600-2010 www.wclacademy.org York Preparatory School 212-362-0400 ext 133 www.yorkprep.org admissions@yorkprep.org
CARS & TRUCKS & RV’S Donate your car to Wheels For Wishes, benefiting Make-AWish. We offer free towing and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Call (855) 376-9474 CLEANING SERVICES/LAUNDRY
DRY CLEANING John’s Cleaners, 1441 York Ave (bet 76 & 77) Manhattanwash Cleaners, 1142 1st Ave (bet 62 & 63 St) Manhattanwash Cleaners, 1324 Lex Ave (bet 88 & 89 St) 212-410-3200. Ask about Anniversary Sale.
ENTERTAINMENT
LIPS The Ultimate in Drag Dining & Best Place in NYC to Celebrate Your Birthday! 227 E 56th St., 212-675-7710 www.LipsUSA.com Mexican Festival restaurant 646-912-9334 www.mexicanfestivalrestaurant.com Mohegan Sun Why D rive? For info call Academy: 1-800-442-7272 ext. 2353 - www.academybus.com Need to know about everything that’s happening in lower Manhattan? DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE, www.downtownny.com or just download our mobile app onto your cellphone and go! HEALTH SERVICES
Are you HIV positive? ASCNYC is here for you. Call or visit today! 212-645-0875 www.ascnyc.com Carnegie Hill Endoscopy 212-860-6300 www.carnegiehillendo.com Columbia Doctors of Ophthalmology - Our newest location at 15 West 65th Street (Broadway) is now open. www.ColumbiaEye.org 212.305.9535 Lenox Hill Hospital Lenox Hill Orthopaedics (855) 434-1800 www.Lenoxhillhospital.org/ ortho Make Your Body Thin & Healthy Colon Hydrotherapy & High Enemas. Swedish MassageComplete Relaxation. Safe & Private. Alternative Medical Center of New York since 1985. 7 days, 11 am - 8 pm. All Credit Cards Accepted. 176 W 94 St - 212.222.4868 and 235 E 51 St- 212.751.2319 Mount Sinai-Roosevelt Hospital University Medical Practice Associates 212-523-UMPA(8672) www.umpa.com
COUNSELING
New York Presbyterian Lower Manhattan Hospital www.nyp.org/lowermanhattan
Non-traditional therapist & problem solver, 40 yrs exp. I’ll help you learn to love & respect yourself Hazel James, 212-645-3135
NYU Langone Medical Center Introduces the Preston Robert Tisch Center for Men’s Health. 555 Madison Ave bet. 55th & 56th, 646-754-2000
POLICY NOTICE: We make every effort to avoid mistakes in your classified ads. Check your ad the first week it runs. We will only accept responsibility for the first incorrect insertion. Manhattan Media Classifieds assumes no financial responsibility for errors or omissions. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or re-classify any ad. Contact your sales rep directly for copy changes. All classified ads are pre-paid. HELP WANTED
$8,000 COMPENSATION. EGG DONORS NEEDED. Women 21-31. Help Couples Become Families using Physicians from the BEST DOCTOR’S LIST. Personalized Care. 100% Confidential. 1-877-9-DONATE; 1-877936-6283; www.longisland ivf.com AIRLINE CAREERS begin here Get FAA approved Aviation Maintenance Technician training. Financial aid for qualified students – Housing available. Job placement assistance. Call AIM 866-296-7093 HOME IMPROVEMENTS
Beautify your home with custom radiator covers, nightstands & more. www.licrc.com INSTRUCTION
Music Lessons: Piano, Violin, Cello. Ages 9 & up. Group cello lessons avail. Juliard & Manhattan School of Music graduate; exp. music teacher, U/E/S Studio. Gina, 212-729-6394.
LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL Anthony Pomponio, Allstate 212-769-2899 apomponio@allstate.com
MASSAGE BODYWORK by young, handsome, smooth, athletic Asian. InCall/OutCall. Phillip. 212-787-9116
Massage by Melissa (917)620-2787 MERCHANDISE FOR SALE
REAL ESTATE - RENT
GLENWOOD - Manhattan’s Finest Luxury Rentals Uptown office 212-535-0500 Downtown office 212-4305900. glenwoodNYC.com
John Krtil Funeral Home; Yorkville Funeral Service, INC. Independently Owned Since 1885. WE SERVE ALL FAITHS AND COMMUNITIES 212-744-3084
Now Leasing! SHARED OFFICES Park Avenue 212-231-8500 www.410park.com
Marble Collegiate Church Dr. Michael B. Brown, Senior Minister, 1 West 29th St. NYC, NY 10001, (212) 689-2770. www.MarbleChurch.org
REAL ESTATE - SALE
CATSKILL MTN SHORT SALE! 108 acres - $189,900 Mtn views, new well, fields, woods, subdividable! Town rd, utils! $200K under market! Fin avail! 888-479-3394 Newyorklandandlakes.com CENTRAL FLORIDA Direct Waterfront Condo at below builder cost! Was $560,000, Now $169,900. 3 bedroom, turnkey, close to major cities. Visit online fllakefrontcondos.com DEER RIVER/NY STATE LAND 5 acres- Deer River- $19,995. Borders stateland. Excellent grouse and deer area. Borders ATV/snowmobile trail. Financing available. $157/month Contact us by phone to receive FREE closing costs! 1-800-229-7843. Or visit www.LandandCamps.com LENDER ORDERED SALE! 10 acres - $29,900 Trout stream, woods, apple trees, town rd, utils, EZ terms! Priced $30K below market! 888-905-8847 or newyorklandandlakes.com Sebastian, Florida Beautiful 55+ manufactured home community. 4.4 miles to the beach, Close to riverfront district. New models from $99,000. 772-581-0080, www.beachcove.com
CARMEL Car & Limousine Service To JFK… $52 To Newark… $51 To LaGuardia… $34 1-212-666-6666 Toll Free 1-800-9-Carmel
Pandora Jewelry -Unforgettable Moments412 W. Broadway · Soho, NYC 212-226-3414
Frank E. Campbell The Funeral Chapel Known for excellence since 1898 - 1076 Madison Ave, at 81st St., 212-288-3500
Certified Piano Tuner/Tech. Facebook.com/tuningforknyc 201-208-3333. $85 1st Tuning
New-York Historical Society Making history matter! 170 Central Park West www.nyhistory.org (212) 873-3400 Riverside Memorial Chapel Leaders in funeral pre-planning. 180 W 76th St (212) 362-6600 SPORTS CENTER at Chelsea Piers ChelseaPiers.com/SC 212-336-6000 TEKSERVE NYC’s Store For Technology Apple Repairs & Services Business Support 119 W 23rd St www.tekserve.com (212) 929-3645 Vamoose Bus Providing premium bus service between: NYC|MD|VA www.vamoosebus.com SITUATION WANTED
Comp/aide-disabled or elderly. Sp/Rus/Eng. Rec NY Ref. Livein/out. Patricia, 786-712-1046. VACATIONS
Dutchess County Tourism Make plans for an easy weekend escape at www.DutchessTourism.com, 800-445-3131 Interlaken Inn A resort getaway in the hills of CT. Lodging, Dining, Spa and More! 800-222-2909 www.InterlakenInn.com WANTED TO BUY
SERVICES OFFERED
Imperial Fine Books & Oriental Art - Rare & fine books, Chinese ceramics and art from the Ming to Qing Dynasties. 790 Madison Avenue, 2nd Floor New York, New York 10065 (212)861-6620 www.imperialfinebooks.com
PIANOS
SERVICES OFFERED
Hudson Valley Public Relations Optimizing connections. Building reputations. 24 Merrit Ave Millbrook, NY 12545, (845) 702-6226
ANTIQUES WANTED Top Prices Paid. Chinese Objects, Paintings, Jewelry, Silver, Furniture, Etc. Entire Estates Purchased. 800-530-0006. CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in NY: 1-800959-3419 Cash for OLD Comics! Buying 10c and 12c comic books or MASSIVE quantities of after 1970 Also buying toys, sports, music and more! Call Brian: 1800-617-3551 I Buy Old Tribal Art Free Appraisal 917-628-0031 Daniel@jacarandatribal.com
20 Our Town Downtownâ&#x20AC;&#x201A;DECEMBER 11-17 ,2014
SHOP. DINE. CELEBRATE. downtownny.com/holiday
Spread some holiday cheer and ENTER TO WIN a memorable Lower Manhattan weekend package! Email us your favorite seasonal photos of Lower Manhattan to holiday@downtownny.com