Our Town - August 18, 2016

Page 1

The local paper for the Upper East Side FALL EDUCATION PREVIEW, < P. 11

WEEK OF AUGUST

18-24 2016

PUTTING MY BEST FOOT FORWARD BY ASIA HORNE

Ever since I was 3, my parents have always set high goals and aspirations for me. Some were attainable, such as scoring 100 on my tests or learning how to ride a bike. Others, though, were more of a challenge. “I have no doubt in my mind that one day, you will be playing in Carnegie Hall and will end up at Juilliard or an Ivy League,” my dad said. The more challenging goals constantly played in my mind, especially as I was learning to play the violin, viola and piano. For the first seven years of my life, music was one of my consistent activities. I advanced quickly through the books and became a good instrumentalist. Alongside playing multiple instruments, my parents had me participate in other activities, such as dance classes, gymnastics, ballet and the like. In the end, music seemed to be the only endeavor that wasn’t just a phase, but also a passion. It stuck with me. When I was 8 years old, I attended St. Joseph’s School-Yorkville. To keep me active and to help integrate me into

the new school, my parents suggested I attend one of the after-school programs. I had many options to choose from, but decided that I wanted to play soccer. At St. Joseph’s School-Yorkville, the recreational soccer program was called “Super Soccer Stars.” The program taught me all of the fundamentals of the sport. After a few classes my coach came up to me and said, “Have you ever played before, because you are pretty good?” I said that I had not. He asked for my dad’s phone number and then dismissed me. I didn’t think anything of his request, but I soon realized that moment would change my life forever. My dad spoke to me that night and told me that my coach had called. He broke down their entire conversation to me and explained how the coach asked me to play on the official Super Soccer Star team. I was ecstatic and eager to start. I joined the team the following year, and to my surprise, had only boys as teammates. I wasn’t at all fazed to be

on what was otherwise an all-boys team — if anything it made me stronger. We practiced and had games at the field house in Chelsea Piers. I found my place on the team as a right-sided defender or central defender. Through my two years on the team, I perfected my skills and learned to be more adept with the ball. When I turned 11, my parents decided to move me to an all-girls team called Asphalt Green. On that team I met many great people and had reached the next step of soccer: traveling. Our league had games in Westchester and New Jersey. We were decent, but more importantly I was glad to finally play against more skillful players. During the winter months, I played in dozens of indoor scrimmages, playing against teams from all over New York and New Jersey. In one particular game, we played the Manhattan Soccer Club, the best team in New York. At just 11 years old, these girls were

CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

CANDLE CAFÉ REMAKES AMBIANCE Vegan restaurant’s proprietors look to appeal to millenials BY MICKEY KRAMER

After flourishing for more than 20 years as one of the first all-vegan restaurants in Manhattan, Candle Café is getting a makeover. It closed on August 1 for renovations and for what is being described as a “drastic” menu change, with plans to re-open on Sept. 1. Bart Potenza and Joy Pierson opened Candle Café on Third Avenue near

75th Streeet in 1994, but the idea for the renovations and menu shift comes from executive chef and now partowner, Jorge Pineda, 36. “Five months ago it was decided that now is the time for a fresh approach to the space. We passionately strive to remain appealing to our fourth generation of patrons, the millennials,” Pineda, the restaurant’s executive chef for 12 years, said. “It is important that we stay tuned in to their needs and assist in setting the foundation for healthy living throughout their lives. “

OurTownEastSide

O OURTOWNNY.COM @OurTownNYC

Serial Crime Watch Out & About Voices

Five months ago it was decided that now is the time for a fresh approach to the space. We passionately strive to remain appealing to our fourth generation of patrons, the millennials..”

2 3 6 8

City Arts Real Estate Restaurants

24 32 33

To “stay tuned in” to the younger generation, renovations will include two large community tables up front and full bar service upgraded from beer, wine and sake only. General manager Niamani Brown and Pineda plan to have a “new and exciting” bar, social scene and happy hour, Brown said. And while the revamped menu is being finalized and kept under wraps, some favorites such as the buffalo cauliflower, avocado BLT and carrot cake will return. Brown estimates, though, that at least 70 percent of the menu will be brand new. Small plates will be a main addition to the changing concept. Brown, 31, calls her rapid rise from

bartender to beverage manager to general manager, within just over a year, “an incredible learning experience.” Noting that she gained experience working for the Cheesecake Fac-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 5

Jewish women and girls light up the world by lighting the Shabbat candles every Friday evening 18 minutes before sunset. Friday August 19 – 7:29 pm. For more information visit chabaduppereastside.com.

We deliver! Get Our Town Eastsider sent directly to your mailbox for $ $49 per year. Go to OurTownNY.com or call 212-868-0190


2

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Chapter 25

EVE AND OTHERS BY ESTHER COHEN

Previously: Detective Bruce, a former Black Panther who now runs investigations for the 20th Precinct, at 120 West 80th Street, told the group of amateur detectives that he would, without one hairline of a doubt, ďŹ nd Alyosha Zim. He didn’t say how. They met, the building detectives and the police official, at his precinct for the third time. It was a very hot Wednesday in July. Around 4 PM. Naomi has always been a continual reader, only of novels, mostly featuring women protagonists. Her friend Margaret, who taught mysteries at the New School, suggested reading good mysteries might help her out. Margaret made a list for Naomi of books to read: police procedurals, detective stories: John Banville, Ian Rankin, Gary Disher, Agatha Christie, Elmore Leonard. She went to the

Actually,� he repeated, a man who knew how to hold a room, “I read the Langston Hughes poem to make a point. Maybe too subtle for this particular group. We have, as I predicted, quickly located Alyosha Zim. Very quickly?� St. Agnes Library Branch, to take out one of each. Alice, the dour looking librarian, a middle aged woman very close to the ground, was always sitting behind the desk, passing judgement on every library goers selection, Alice said to Naomi, “I like my mysteries more slash and burn.� When asked, at the next meeting a week later, Detective Bruce claimed he never read mysteries of any kind. And he wouldn’t. “Why would I?� he said. Bruce preferred, instead, the Harlem Renaissance poets. Langston Hughes in particular. He recited “A Dream Deferred� in full before he began his meeting. What happens to a dream de-

ferred? Does it dry up Like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore-And then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over-like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode? He recited in a clear deep voice, baronial. “I didn’t know that there could be a detective who knew poetry,� Pin Ball exclaimed, and he wondered, for the third or forth time, if Detective Bruce was available. Pin Ball

MUDDY PAWS RESCUE & NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

Adopt A Pet

was dressed as Tina Turner. He hoped Bruce had the same thing for Tina that the whole world did. Bruce was handsome, but not in a precious way. More like a Black Panther policeman. “Where are we with Alyosha?� Mrs. Israel, her clipboard at hand, was ready. Her role in life was to keep the record. Her pen was always at hand. Charles echoed her thoughts. “We are here for the third time because presumably, you know more than we do about these things. I repeat,� said Charles, wanting to make his point. “The word is presumably.� “Why are you so skeptical?� Eve responded. She looked, in her way, like the group’s secret head. She wasn’t wearing a crown exactly, but her large hair seemed to glow. “We are here for his help,� she added.

“After a while, we needed it. We’ve agreed to be a team.� “Actually,� Bruce began. He stood in the center of the unfortunate police station conference room, a room where the lights constantly buzzed, where everyone no matter what color they were looked a sickly green. “Actually,� he repeated, a man who knew how to hold a room, “I read the Langston Hughes poem to make a point. Maybe too subtle for this particular group. We have, as I predicted, quickly located Alyosha Zim. Very quickly?� “Where?� shouted Richard, although he wasn’t a shouting type. “Tell us,� the second Richard said, more gently. “I will of course,� said Detective Bruce. “Just not immediately.� Esther Cohen posts a poem a day at esthercohen.com.

HELP US SOLVE THE MYSTERY DEAR READERS of this serial novel: We are asking for your participation. Tell us what you think about where Alyosha might have vanished, and where we should seek out clues. Where

did he go? And why do people disappear in the first place? Do you know anyone who has disappeared or wants to? Tell us. Email us at news@strausnews.com

JOHN KRTIL FUNERAL HOME; YORKVILLE FUNERAL SERVICE, INC. Dignified, Affordable and Independently Owned Since 1885 WE SERVE ALL FAITHS AND COMMUNITIES 5 )/'&1 /'+$1)-,0 $2250 -+.*'1' 5 )/'&1 2/)$*0 $2850 5 4.'/1 /' *$,,),( 3$)*$%*'

860 Broadway @ E. 17th St.

1297 First Ave (69th & 70th & + # " $& )" $ " $ ) * "#( & " $ + ))) $& '" $ #! #! Each cremation service individually performed by fully licensed members of our staff. We use no outside agents or trade services in our cremation service. We exclusively use All Souls Chapel and Crematory at the prestigious St. Michael's Cemetery, Queens, NY for our cremations unless otherwise directed.

Home of the Mutt Mut utt tt-ii-gree gre reeÂŽ animalleague.org rg / 516.883.7575 25 Davis Av Ave enue / Port rt Wa Washingto on, NY

Huge Selection of Bibles Fiction/Non-Fiction Children’s Books Greeting Cards .VTJD t (JGUT Original Art Events and More! )PVST . 5I BN QN t 'SJ BN QN 4BU BN QN t 4VO QN QN

:PSL "WF #UXO SE UI 4U t www.logosbookstorenyc.com

Your neighborhood news source

OurTownNY.com


AUGUST 18-24,2016

3

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

CRIME WATCH BY JERRY DANZIG

CHINESE BILLIONAIRE CALLS ARREST POLITICALLY MOTIVATED BY LARRY NEUMEISTER

A Chinese billionaire arrested in a United Nations bribery scandal asserted in court papers last week that charges against him were politically motivated, a way for the United States to block his construction of a major U.N. conference center in China and slow the progress of Chinese influence over developing nations. Lawyers for Ng Lap Seng said in papers filed in Manhattan federal court that charges brought against the 68-year-old businessman last fall were based on a “fundamentally unsound” and unprecedented criminal prosecution. They said the charges had derailed any plans for a permanent conference center in Macau that would serve

STATS FOR THE WEEK Reported crimes from the 19th precinct Week to Date

Tony Webster, via flickr southern hemisphere nations. “There is every reason to believe that the U.N. has, indeed, completely shelved the idea of such a center. The U.S. geopolitical interest in slowing the progress of Chinese influence over developing nations has been achieved,” the lawyers wrote. Ng is free on $50 million bail with a requirement he be guarded by aroundthe-clock private security at a luxury Manhattan apartment. Prosecutors say he contributed a portion of over $1 million in bribes to a former U.N. General Assembly president to generate support for his plans for a U.N. conference center in Macau. But his lawyers say his prosecution was designed to prevent the establishment of the Macau center. They note that his arrest came within three days of a scheduled state visit by the Chinese president to the United States. They also argued in the court papers Thursday that the United States was improperly interfering with the customs and operations of the United

Nations. “Not only has the prosecution intruded into U.N. affairs, it threatens to import American sensibilities and customs into a uniquely international environment that has its own set of customs and expectations,” the lawyers said. As part of their court submission, the lawyers submitted a transcript of an interview the FBI conducted with Ng after his arrest. In it, Ng was asked about a photograph on the internet of him with President Barack Obama. According to the transcript, Ng said he was introduced to Obama by a friend from Taiwan. Ng also said in the transcript that his primary reason for trips to the United Nation was to promote the construction of the U.N. center in Macau. “My goal is to build this exhibition center, the largest in the world,” Ng is quoted as saying. A spokesman for U.S. prosecutors declined comment.

Year to Date

2016 2015

% Change

2016

2015

% Change

Murder

0

0

n/a

2

1

100.0

Rape

1

0

n/a

3

6

-50.0

Robbery

2

1

100.0

50

59

-15.3

Felony Assault

1

5

-80.0

71

77

-7.8

Burglary

5

1

400.0

120

92

30.4

Grand Larceny

24

24

0.0

804

790

1.8

Grand Larceny Auto

6

4

50.0

59

46

28.3

ROUGH TRADING

EQUINOX AFTERSHOCKS

A shopping cart may be a convenient place to leave your purse, but it is not a secure one. At 4 p.m. on August 3, a 76-year-old woman was shopping in the Trader Joe’s store at 2073 Broadway. She placed her purse in her shopping cart and left the cart unattended briefly. When she returned, she found that the cart had been moved and her purse had been removed. $100 in cash was missing, along with her credit cards.

Police remind gym goers that even a locked locker is not a safe place to leave valuables. At 3 p.m. on August 1, a 44-year-old woman returned to her locker in the Equinox Health Club at 160 Columbus Avenue. She discovered that her locked locker had been opened and various belongings were gone, including a Hermes bag, cash and other items with a total value of $4,367.

KNOW WHAT TO DO

Visit NYC.gov/knowyourzone or call 311 to find out what to do to prepare for hurricanes in NYC. #knowyourzone


4

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Useful Contacts POLICE NYPD 19th Precinct

153 E. 67th St.

212-452-0600

159 E. 85th St.

311

FDNY Engine 39/Ladder 16

157 E. 67th St.

311

FDNY Engine 53/Ladder 43

1836 Third Ave.

311

FDNY Engine 44

221 E. 75th St.

311

FIRE FDNY 22 Ladder Co 13

CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Daniel Garodnick

211 E. 43rd St. #1205

212-818-0580

Councilmember Ben Kallos

244 E. 93rd St.

212-860-1950

STATE LEGISLATORS State Sen. Jose M. Serrano

1916 Park Ave. #202

212-828-5829

State Senator Liz Krueger

1850 Second Ave.

212-490-9535

Assembly Member Dan Quart

360 E. 57th St.

212-605-0937

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright

1365 First Ave.

212-288-4607

COMMUNITY BOARD 8

505 Park Ave. #620

212-758-4340

LIBRARIES Yorkville

222 E. 79th St.

212-744-5824

96th Street

112 E. 96th St.

212-289-0908

67th Street

328 E. 67th St.

212-734-1717

Webster Library

1465 York Ave.

212-288-5049

100 E. 77th St.

212-434-2000

HOSPITALS Lenox Hill NY-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell

525 E. 68th St.

212-746-5454

Mount Sinai

E. 99th St. & Madison Ave.

212-241-6500

NYU Langone

550 First Ave.

212-263-7300

CON EDISON

4 Irving Place

212-460-4600

POST OFFICES US Post Office

1283 First Ave.

212-517-8361

US Post Office

1617 Third Ave.

212-369-2747

HOW TO REACH US:

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:

212-868-0190 nyoffice@strausnews.com ourtownny.com

Include your full name, address and day and evening telephone numbers for verification. Letters that cannot be verified will not be published. We reserve the right to edit or condense letters for libel, good taste, grammar and punctuation. Submit your letter at ourtownny.com and click submit at the bottom of the page or email it to nyoffice@strausnews.com.

TO SUBSCRIBE: Our Town is available for free on the east side in select buildings, retail locations and news boxes. To get a copy of east side neighborhood news mailed to you weekly, you may subscribe to Our Town Eastsider for just $49 per year. Call 212868-0190 or go online to StrausNews. com and click on the photo of the paper or mail a check to Straus Media, 20 West Ave., Chester, NY 10918.

NEWS ITEMS: To report a news story, call 212-8680190. News releases of general interest must be emailed to our offices by noon the Thursday prior to publication to be considered for the following week. Send to news@strausnews.com.

HALTING PUPPY MILLS CAROUSEL Despite a city law intended to stop the practice, sales continue BY ERICA MAGRIN

New York City sells more puppies than any other city in the United States. In 2015, a law was passed banning the commercial sale of dogs from puppy mills in city pet stores, but the law is not always enforced, advocates say. Not only that, but according to Gina Moraz, manager of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign, 22 states have no laws on the books at all regulating commercial dog breeders. According to Moraz, the highest concentration of puppy mills are found in the Midwest with numbers growing in other states; the second-highest frequency of puppy mills exist in Ohio, Pennsylvania and New York State. According to Moraz, the ASPCA estimates that there are as many as 10,000 puppy mills across the nation, and while there are no puppy mills in New York City proper, puppies from these Upstate or out-of-state

A line of Jack Russell puppies, not from a puppy mill. Photo: Prophetic_ Blogger, via flickr facilities are often sold in city pet stores and by online retailers. There are estimated between 2,000 and 3,000 USDAlicensed breeders in the U.S., but this number does not take into consideration the numbers of breeders not required to be licensed by the Department of Agriculture or the number of breeders operating illegally without a license. “Because so many of these breeders are operating without oversight, it’s impossible to accurately track them or to know how many there truly are,” says Moraz. What classifies a puppy mill?

“The ASPCA defines a puppy mill as a large-scale commercial breeding facility where profit is given priority over the well-being of the dogs,” said Moraz in a statement. “Puppy mills treat dogs like products, not living beings.” She further states, that purchasing a puppy for sale at a pet store or online often supports the horrible puppy mill industry. How can a puppy mill be identified? “The ASPCA and other organizations respond to complaints from consumers who have bought a sick puppy in a pet store, or they respond to

HAVE YOUR ENERGY BILL SHOW UP IN YOUR INBOX INSTEAD OF YOUR MAILBOX.

BLOG COMMENTS: We invite your comments on stories and issues at ourtownny.com. We do not edit those comments. We urge people to keep the discussion civil and the tone reflective of the best we each have to offer.

PLACE A CLASSIFIED AD: Call 212-868-0190. Classified ads must be in our office by 12pm the Friday before publication, except on holidays. All classified ads are payable in advance.

PREVIOUS OWNERS: Tom Allon, Isis Ventures, Ed Kayatt, Russ Smith, Bob Trentlyon, Jerry Finkelstein

CALENDAR ITEMS:

ABOUT US

Information for inclusion in the Out and About section should be emailed to hoodhappenings@strausnews.com no later than two weeks before the event.

Our Town is published weekly by Straus Media-Manhattan, LLC. Please send inquiries to 20 West Ave., Chester, NY 10918.

E*bill is a safe and secure way to receive your bill via email. And once you receive it, you can pay it any way you like: electronically, in person or through the mail. How’s that for convenient? Visit conEd.com/MyAccount to register.

complaints about people who operate puppy mills,” stated the manager of ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign. “Responsible breeders, unlike puppy mills, do not sell their puppies through pet stores because they want to screen potential owners to ensure that the puppies are going to good homes. They will let you see the living conditions and environment in which the puppy has been raised, and the parents as well. They provide accurate and reliable health vaccination, and pedigree information, and most importantly, they will take back any animal of their breeding at any time and for any reason.” When an animal is placed in a confined, unclean environment, it can be detrimental to their health, physically, mentally, and emotionally. The reality of puppy mills is not a pretty picture: innocent puppies, sometimes from birth, are held in overloaded, small spaces without proper access to food, water, veterinary care, clean conditions, exercise, or socialization. In soiled cages, puppies are stuffed on top of each other, having to fight one another to breathe. It goes without saying that these puppies often die early and brutally, without ever feeling the loving touch of a human hand. Sick dogs are typically not removed from breeding pools, leading to puppies being born with illnesses including heart disease, epilepsy, respiratory infections, intestinal parasites, and musculoskeletal disorders. Female dogs are bred at alarming rates to increase a puppy mill’s supply of puppies, leaving the breeding females with little to no time to recover, sometimes killing them in the process. Because puppies in these environments are usually separated from their mothers and littermates at too early an age, they commonly suffer from the mental scars of fear, anxiety and overall behavioral problems. There is a way to help stop this vicious cycle: “Puppy mills would cease to exist without consumer demand,” explains Moraz. “Most pet store puppies come from puppy mills, but consumers who buy puppies from pet stores do not always know their purchase feeds the profit-making machine that keeps puppy mills in business. The ASPCA encourages consumers to make adoption their first option.”


AUGUST 18-24,2016

5

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

CANDLE CAFE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 tory and BR Guest, she nevertheless said that “nothing has compared to the support and guidance given as part of the Candle family.â€? Pierson, who calls herself “ageless,â€? and Potenza, 79, are taking a step back from the basic day-to-day running of Candle CafĂŠ (along with their other locations, Candle 79 and Candle CafĂŠ West) in part to enjoy time with their grandchildren, six-year old twins. “It is time for a new generation to

carry the light of the ‘Candle’ and attract a whole new set of diners in a new dining paradigm,â€? Pierson said. Speaking of attracting a new set of diners, Pineda, Brown, and another Candle CafĂŠ general manager, Kim De Jesus are also branching out with their own company, OVG [Original Vegan Group] with plans to open a fast, causal eatery “somewhere downtownâ€? by year’s end. This concept will feature create-your-own bowls, salads and sandwiches. “We want to make ourselves more accessible to the masses throughout the city, with expectations for expansion to more locations [in the city] and across the country,â€? Pineda

said. Brown eagerly awaits the future of Candle CafĂŠ and the Original Vegan Group. “Best of all I help create an environment wherein a healthier, greener, way of living is presented with compassion and purpose.â€? Pierson is excited for the updated Candle Cafe, saying, “When your favorite place gets even better!â€? but has no immediate plans to renovate the other two locations. “We are feeding a fourth generation of customers and hopefully a whole new generation to come! We put our heart and soul into every meal.â€? she concludes.

Email us at news@strausnews.com As a native New Yorker with a wealth of real estate knowledge, I navigate real estate transactions smoothly and efficiently. Please contact me for a complimentary consultation.

JUDITH MARCUS, Associate Broker judith.marcus@sothebyshomes.com +1.917.991.4912

Downtown Manhattan Brokerage 149 Fifth Avenue, NY, NY 10010 Operated by Sotheby’s International Realty, Inc.

Kings Construction Over 25 years specializing in: Architectural and Design Services Complete Remodeling Services Drywall Repair and Installation ,JUDIFO 3FNPEFMJOH r 1BJOUJOH The Candle CafĂŠ, on First Avenue near 75th Street, will reopen on Sept. 1 following renovations. Photo: Eve Lederman

718-350-4571

kingsconstruction212@gmail.com

SLM APPRAISALS

Going to the Airport?

PERSONAL PROPERTY CONSULTANTS

1-212-666-6666 ;V 1-2 ;V 5L^HYR ;V 3H.\HYKPH Tolls & gratuities not included. Prices subject to change without notice.

One Coupon per Trip. Expires12/31/13 12/31/16

53

“We’ll Be There For You!�

WE VALUE WHAT YOU VALUE. R5 (.#+/ -5R5 ,.5R5 /,(#-"#(!-5R5 1 &,35R5 #&0 ,5R5 )&& .# & Appraisals for:5 -. . 5R5 5R5 )( .#)(5R5 (-/, ( 5R5 - & " .5 , 53)/,5#. '-51),."> $250 for your own private Antiques Roadshow (. , -. 5#(5 &&#(!> Call for a free consultation

One Coupon per Trip. Expires12/31/13 12/31/16

Toll Free 1-800-9-Carmel

51

www.CarmelLimo.com

Sheri Mason5 5 )'*&# (. ' ,65 **, #- ,-5 --) # .#)(5) 5 ' ,# &&5ogm8mfg8nglh5R5 7' #&95-' -)(H-&' **, #- ,8 )' 1118-&' **, #- ,8 )'


6

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Tired of Hunting for Our Town?

Out & About More Events. Add Your Own: Go to ourtownny.com

Subscribe today to Eastsider News of Your Neighborhood that you can’t get anywhere else

Dining Information, plus crime news, real estate prices - all about your part of town

Cultural Events in and around where you live (not Brooklyn, not Westchester)

Now get your personal copy delivered by US Mail for just

Thu

18 Fri 19

COMEDY SHOW

$

49/Year for 52 issues

To Subscribe : Call 212-868-0190 or go online to ourtownny.com and click on subscribe

Comic Strip Live, 1568 Second Ave. 8 p.m. $15 Host Eric Neumann will welcome Jason Salmon, Mike Burton, Leah Bonnema, JJ Ramirez and Dan Naturman. 212-861-9386. Comicstriplive.com

23RD PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING NYPD 23rd Precinct, 164 East 102 St. 6 p.m. The Council meets every third Thursday of each month, made up of residents who want to work with the Police Department to improve the quality of life in their community. 212-860-6411. nyc.gov/nypd

Sat

20

DEEP WATER RUNNING - SINGLE SESSION

RADIANT GLASS AT THE MET CLOISTERS

92nd St. Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd Street 7:30 p.m. $35 No swimming skills are necessary in this class that simulates land running without impact. Using running-like arm and leg movements, the water provides another layer of challenge to the workout. 212-415-5500. 92y.org

The Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive Noon-1 p.m. Free with museum admission Sigrid Goldiner will lead a gallery talk for groups of less than ten. No advance reservations are necessary. 212-650-2280. metmuseum.org/events

NEW YORK CITY TOTS: WEARABLE ART Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. 2-4 p.m. Free with museum admission Families with children ages 2-4 years old can join for a day of play, song, and close looking in the Museum to learn about New York City long ago. 212-534-1672. mcny.org

LEGO BUILD EVENT ► Barnes & Noble, 150 East 86th St. 4 p.m. Free Kids ages 6 and up are invited to join us for our latest LEGO Build Event. Participants will get to explore their creativity on this entertaining, team-building occasion. 212-369-2180. stores. barnesandnoble.com


AUGUST 18-24,2016

Sun

7

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

21

INDIA DAY PARADE Madison Avenue and 38th Street 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free India Day Parade begins at East 38th St. and goes down Madison Avenue to food booths and cultural programs at East 27th Street 973-464-7177. fianynjct.org

OPEN STUDIO FOR FAMILIES Guggenheim Museum, 1071 Fifth Ave. 1-4 p.m. Free with museum admission Families with children ages 5 and up can explore the themes and materials seen in the works on view at this drop-in studio art-making program. 212-423-3500. guggenheim.org

22

Mon

GARDENS OF THE MET CLOISTERS The Met Cloisters, 99 Margaret Corbin Drive 1-2 p.m. Free with museum admission A tours of the gardens at The Met Cloisters, including horticultural, architectural, and historical information. 212-650-2280. metmuseum.org/events

CHILDREN’S STORY TIME Logos Bookstore, 1575 York Ave. 11 a.m. Free Logos will host their weekly reading of children’s books and musical entertainment, provided by Lily. 212-517-7292. logosbookstorenyc.com

Tue

23

SUMMER SANDBOX SERIES Carl Schurz Park, East End Avenue and 84th Street 4-4:30 p.m. Story Time for kids in the playground. carlschurzparknyc.org

COMEDY SHOW Comic Strip Live, 1568 Second Ave. 8 p.m. $15 Host Gladys Simon will welcome Christian Finnegan,

Lenny Marcus, and Kyle Grooms. 212-861-9386. Comicstriplive.com

Wed24 MY CITY LAB: ART ALL AROUND Museum of the City of New York, 1220 Fifth Ave. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Free with museum admission Children and adults will explore public art and urban design throughout New York City’s history with hands-on activities. 212-534-1672. mcny.org

Everything you like about Our Town is now available to be delivered to your mailbox every week in the Eastsider From the very local news of your neighborhood to information about upcoming events and activities, the new home delivered edition of the Eastsiderwill keep you in-the-know. And best of all you won’t have to go outside to grab a copy from the street box every week.

It’s your neighborhood. It’s your news.

ISRAELI FOLK DANCING ▲ 92nd St. Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd St. 8:15 p.m. $14 There will be a night of open dancing, with instruction of more advanced repertoire provided by Ruth Goodman. 212-415-5500. 92y.org

X

Yes! Start my mail subscription to the Eastsider right away! 1-Year Subscription @ $49

Name

________________________________________________

Address _________________________________ Apt. #

________

New York, NY Zip Code __________ Cell Phone _________________ Email Address___________________________________________ Payment by

Check # __________

Money Order

Credit Card

Name on Credit Card (Please Print) ___________________________ Card # _______________________ Exp. Date

____ //____ // ____

Signature of Cardholder ___________________________________

Return Completed Form to: Straus News, 20 West Avenue, Chester, NY, 10918 or go to OurTownNY.com & click on Subscribe


8

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Voices

Write to us: To share your thoughts and comments go to ourtownny.com and click on submit a letter to the editor.

Letter

FINDING THE HEART OF NEW YORKERS OP-ED BY RACHEL ROTH

A SAD FAREWELL This letter was written by Diane Carlin, co-owner of East End Kitchen, which recently closed, to Our Town columnist Bette Dewing. It has been a hard two weeks since our closing. Has it really been that long? But then sometimes my lovely little restaurant seems like it was only a dream that whooshed away as soon as I awakened. I haven’t been out much since the auction and know it will be a long time before I am able to walk down 81st Street. The auction was one of the worst experiences in my life, and that includes my bout with breast cancer last spring. The bidders were like scavengers and my restaurant was their prey. Tearing it apart until there was nothing recognizable left. I ended up giving away many items for practically nothing just to keep them out of the hands of the wrecking crew… my barn wood and lights among them. I hoped to spare the bar top which was exquisite but no one was able to get it out before we had to turn our keys in early Friday morning. All the Edison lights were taken by the owner of a local restaurant. I think he took them because I was crying so hard about the demolition he wanted to spare me by saving something I found so beautiful. I am relieved they will have a new home and be appreciated by those who see them. I have some wonderful photos of the painting of the the name East End Kitchen on the exterior wall above the awning on my computer. (Co-owner) Allan and I are leaving the city for a few days to recuperate from the stress and physical trauma. I feel sad and lonely without my restaurant and staff so it is nice to hear from someone who cared about what we represented as much I did.

Best wishes, Diane

STRAUS MEDIA your neighborhood news source

For every stereotype out there that New Yorkers are mean, callous, and always in a rush, I know that there is a passionate, generous group of New Yorkers, who have had a profound impact on my life and continue to provide unquestionable value for which I am grateful: the volunteers from New York Cares. As a life-long opera fan and consummate “foodie,” I launched my latest entrepreneurial venture, OperaNuts, in 2012. After months of experimentation, usually on a Saturday afternoon as I listened to the Metropolitan Opera on WQXR (something that I have done almost all of my adult life), I honed my inaugural product. A sweet/savory confection of premier roasted California almonds, rich dark chocolate covered almonds in a secret sea salt sauce was born and, after receiving overwhelmingly positive feedback from friends and family, I decided to pursue my passion as a business venture. Yet in an undeniably digital world, I was at an impasse as to how best to move forward with my dream. While able to utilize computers for basic functions, I acknowledged that technologies had changed dramatically since retiring from my career in fashion marketing and journalism. The prospect of launching my business in an internet age was daunting at best. The one-on-one tutoring program of New York Cares that has taken place in the New York Public Library’s 67th Street branch was the solution. For the past five years, each Thursday afternoon, I have been tutored by more experienced younger folks who volunteer their time to help those of us “scared” of computers (only at first!) to eventually become a friend of technology. Volunteers began to ease me into a warm relationship with the computer, and into the tech world, advising me that a website was a prerequisite for success in our connected society. The result of many sessions with one volunteer, Hannah, is the OperaNuts Vice President/CFO Otilia Bertolotti Vice President/CRO Vincent A. Gardino advertising@strausnews.com

Associate Publishers Seth L. Miller, Ceil Ainsworth Regional Sales Manager Tania Cade

Pictured from left to right, Kim Lockett (OperaNuts Employee), Rachel Roth (Found/Owner of OperaNuts), and Eileen Roach (New York Cares volunteer.) Word Press website you see when visiting OperaNuts.com. Along the way, I have also developed meaningful and long-lasting friendships with my volunteers. They have become both mentors and friends and a few are now employees of the OperaNuts team. Suggesting that I utilize MailChimp to create aesthetically pleasing email campaigns and spread the word about OperaNuts, volunteers Eileen and Emma went one step further, helping me to create and write engaging content for my email newsletters. Of course, these good deeds have not gone unrewarded – oh no! I have given many containers of OperaNuts to all of my tutors, managers, and the library staff. I will, of course, continue to reward those dear volunteers

who give their time to help people like me. I have also seen the invaluable support that they provide to peers in these groups, patiently and gently guiding individuals to whom use of a computer is not instinctive. From helping class attendees see pictures of their grandchildren on Facebook for the first time, conduct research on the web, apply for a job, or accomplish an everyday administration task for which a computer is seemingly vital these days, these seemingly small acts of kindness have provided enormous value to their recipients. The bonds that I have developed with each of these volunteers extends far beyond the confines of the 67th Street New York Public Library, as evidenced by the fact that I can

President & Publisher, Jeanne Straus nyoffice@strausnews.com Account Executive Editor In Chief, Kyle Pope editor.ot@strausnews.com Fred Almonte Director of Partnership Development Deputy Editor, Richard Khavkine Barry Lewis editor.dt@strausnews.com

always expect to see a friendly face when OperaNuts participates in regular Williams-Sonoma Artisans’ Markets. Each time I attend to sell my products, I receive surprise visits and words of encouragement from my New York Cares friends, who live in different corners of the City – and I remind them that I simply couldn’t have done it without them. I have learned a lot from my computer classes these last five years, and not just about technology – I’ve learned that, far from the stereotype, New York is full of warm-hearted, caring people who are willing to go the extra mile for you.

Rachel Roth is a serial entrepreneur and proud owner of OperaNuts.

Staff Reporters Gabrielle Alfiero, Madeleine Thompson Director of Digital Pete Pinto

Block Mayors Ann Morris, Upper West Side Jennifer Peterson, Upper East Side Gail Dubov, Upper West Side Edith Marks, Upper West Side


AUGUST 18-24,2016

9

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

A VICTORY AMID THE GRIPES GRAYING NEW YORK BY MARCIA EPSTEIN

Congratulations to our wonderful building president and community activist extraordinaire, Jean Green Dorsey, who won a nice settlement from the city when our building attempted to exclude rent stabilized tenants from the new gym. Not only did we gain access (at a fair price), but the company had to pay for their discrimination against the mostly seniors who don’t pay market rent. A wonderful victory! I’m wondering if government workers have to take a “rude� test in order to qualify for the job. I’m sure someone has met a helpful post office employee, but that person isn’t me. The line can be around the corner and the workers are, seemingly, moving at a snail’s pace, never making eye contact and obviously would prefer being on the golf course. Another example: My reduced fare Metrocard hadn’t arrived a few weeks before the expiration date, as it usually does. I called the MTA and a very short-tempered woman barked “we’re still mailing them.� I waited a week or so more. When I phoned again, I was told that my apartment

number wasn’t on ďŹ le. Why didn’t she tell me that the ďŹ rst time and correct it? I didn’t get my card so I went way down to Stone Street to try to settle the matter. There was one person on line‌me. The clerks were too busy talking to each other to notice. Finally I stepped up and asked if I needed to take a number. One clerk ďŹ nally noticed me and told me that they had until the day before the expiration date to get the card to me and to come back next Monday if I hadn’t gotten it. Then he turned away to resume his conversation with his co-worker. Well, lo and behold, I got the card on a Saturday, one day before it expired. By that time I had written several emails to the MTA site as well as all the phone calls. Voila! The card. But it wasn’t easy. Whenever I travel out of the city, the personnel at post offices, business offices, restaurants and any other places of business are friendly, polite and seem to want to help. It’s hard to ďŹ nd that attitude here in Manhattan but especially at government offices. It seems a little power causes a mighty swelled head. The worst post office I ever dealt with, before my building got its own package room, was 104th Street between Broadway

Mom arrived for dinner at midnight

and Amsterdam Avenues, the Ansonia PO. I felt whiplashed whenever I left there. Thank heavens I don’t have to deal with them anymore. But really, city workers are unique in their bad attitude. I know my senior friends notice this, and I wonder if some of the attitude is especially for us oldsters. Another issue. Why do restaurants, during the summer, have to feel like the refrigerator of a butcher shop? Why do we need to bring our faux fur coats just to have a meal? Air conditioning is nice, but freezing is not. This goes for most stores also. One of the pleasures of summer (humidity is definitely not one of them!) is not needing coats, scarves and hats. But what’s the point if one always has to carry a sweater just to enter a restaurant or store? And back to dining; lousy acoustics. So many restaurants are so badly insulated that it makes me and my friends wonder if they do it on purpose. Take Fairway, on 75th and Broadway. They have really good, fresh food‌.and the worst acoustics I’ve encountered. Plus, the tables are pushed together so close that between the ambient noise and the near-by conversations, my friends and I end up shouting at each other. DeďŹ nitely not good for aging ears.

Photo by Mr.TinDC via ickr I just spent a fortune for lunch, during Restaurant Week, at a supposedly fancy place. Not only was it freezing and loud, but the portions were miniscule. It seems the more you pay, the less you get. This is called fine dining. But really, six tiny ravioli, and what they called lemon sorbet for dessert which was really some storedaway snow from last winter? Maybe I’m just a diner person. They’re big, they’re roomy, they’re reasonably priced and the portions are enough to

satisfy. Is it top quality; of course not. But if I only get two bites of top quality, I’d rather have a full meal and feel I’ve eaten something. Senior Planet occasionally receives requests from casting agencies looking for senior subjects for film and television. An agency is currently seeking people over 40 with arthritis who still play their instruments. Check out the Senior Planet website for more information.

It’s never too early (or too late) to talk about Alzheimer’s support. Call our 24-hour Helpline. We’re here anytime you need to talk.

(646) 744–2900 Free | ConďŹ dential | Se habla espaĂąol | ᥇‍ه‏䅑ѣᎽ ɸɝɾ̴:³ĕÆĂ?žÞãĂ?Ě´ Ä?ÂłĂ?Ä‚³˾̴ɚÞĂƒĚ´"Ă–ããò̴̴˳̴̴AÂłÄ?Ě´xãòĂ”˾̴Ax̴ɜɾɾɜɟ̴̴ "ãòĂœ³òĂ–Ä–Ě´8Ă?ĂŁÄ?Ă?Ě´ÂœÜ̴ÞĂƒ³̴ Ă–Ä›ĂƒÂłĂ†Ăœ³ò˞Ü̴ ÜÜãŠĂ†ÂœĂžĂ†ĂŁĂ?˾̴Ax Ě´ ĂƒÂœïÞ³ò "Ä‚Ă?¯³¯̴¨Ä–Ě´Âœ̴žòÂœĂ?Þ̴½òãĂœĚ´ĂžĂƒ³̴AÂłÄ?Ě´xãòÔ̴ZĂžÂœÞ³̴ ³ïÂœòÞĂœÂłĂ?Þ̴ã½̴(ÂłÂœĂ–ĂžĂƒ

www.caringkindnyc.org


10

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

FOR THE VERY SERIOUS AMATEUR

CULINARY TECHNIQUES Sep 6-Oct 3 Nov 7-Jan 25 (evening)

FOR THE PASSIONATE AMATEUR

SUGAR PASTE FLOWERS

ESSENTIALS OF PASTRY

PROFESSIONAL CULINARY ARTS

PROFESSIONAL PASTRY ARTS

SPANISH COOKING

Sep 28, 2016

Oct 24, 2016

Oct 10-14

Oct 11, 2016 (evening)

Dec 1, 2016 (evening)

ITALIAN COOKING

PROFESSIONAL CULINARY ARTS + FARM-TO-TABLE

CAKE TECHNIQUES AND DESIGN

ITALIAN CULINARY EXPERIENCE

ART OF INTERNATIONAL BREAD BAKING

Oct 18-Nov 1 (evening)

Nov 3-17 (evening)

FINE COOKING

Oct 4-8 (evening)

Oct 17-21 Oct 17-26 (evening)

INTRODUCTION TO CAKE DECORATING

KNIFE SKILLS 101

Sep 13-22 (evening)

Sep 24 Oct 7 (evening)

Sep 2, 2016 (evening)

Nov 28, 2016 Oct 5, 2016

Oct 14, 2016 (evening)

Jun 19, 2017

Sep 12, 2016


AUGUST 18-24,2016

11

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

FALL 2016

education East Side

THE TOP 20 PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS • best public high schools • best public elementary schools • best private schools • continuing education

Compiling a list of the best high schools in Manhattan, or any other category of schools for that matter, can be challenging. Of course, there are perennials like Stuyvesant, the High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies and the Baruch College. The challenge is to try to find some that fly a bit under the radar, or that are up-and-comers with solid academic strengths, but not as flashy. Our list represents some of the best high schools Manhattan has to offer: schools with top-quality academic programs, and fiercely competitive performing arts programs, or unique “only-in-New York-type” schools that blend cultures and language into proving grounds for college and beyond. The High School for Dual Language and Asian Studies expects all students to be fluent in Mandarin and English by graduation. LaGuardia applicants must audition, and Stuyvesant requires kids to pass a famously rigorous test. Columbia Secondary High School wants its students to be socially and politically conscious. The High School for Mathematics, Science and Engineering proclaims it is educating the next generation of leaders in the technology field, and Bard High School Early College allows achievement-driven juniors and seniors to take college level courses, up to 60 credits and to graduate with both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree. We also picked up some outliers such as the Washington Heights Expeditionary Learning School (WHEELS),

praised by President Obama; Art and Design High School and the High School for Health Professions and Human Services. We compiled the list using school websites, the Department of Education’s Quality Review assessment tool, insideschools.org, greatschools.org, schooldigger.com, the U.S. News & World Report rankings and conversations with parents. Our list isn’t perfect, but it’s a great place to start to find the right school for your child. -- Stuart Marques

BARD HIGH SCHOOL EARLY COLLEGE 525 E. Houston St. Enrollment: 534 Graduation Rate: 97% Avg. Attendance: 95.8% Ethnicity: 41% white, 16% Hispanic, 23% Asian, 16% black Avg. class size in English class: 21% Billing itself as a “Place to Think,” Bard is a four-year high school that allows juniors and seniors to take up to 60 college credits and graduate with both a Regents Diploma and an Associate’s Degree. Classes are small, the curriculum is fast-paced and rigorous and the school generally accepts students with grade averages of 85 and up, although allowances are sometimes made for special education students. It snagged a 9 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

COLUMBIA SECONDARY HIGH SCHOOL 425 W. 123rd St. Enrollment: 659 Graduation Rate: 99% Avg. Attendance: 96% Ethnicity: 20% white, 44% Hispanic, 12% Asian, 22% black Avg. class size in English class: 27% A partnership between Columbia University and the NYC Department of Education, Columbia Secondary, which is part of the Ralph Bunche Educational Complex, boasts a rigorous curriculum and focuses on mathematics, science and engineering. The school stresses social and political consciousness and involvement. It looks for students with a grade average of 90 or above. It is ranked 22nd in New York State by U.S. News & World Report (U.S. News) and earned a 9 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

MANHATTAN CENTER FOR SCIENCE AND MATHEMATICS 260 Pleasant Ave. Enrollment: 1,608 Graduation Rate: 96% Avg. Attendance: 93% Ethnicity: 57% Hispanic, 20% black; 3% white; 18% Asian Avg. class size in English class: 16 This somewhat under-the-radar school focuses on math, science and CONTINUED ON PAGE 12


12

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

HIGH SCHOOLS

offers courses in music, art, dance, technology and Advanced Placement. The school pulled down an impressive 10 out of 10 rating from greatschools. org, and ranked 24th on the the U.S. News list of best New York public high schools.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11

research. It accepts students with grade scores above 85 in math and science and above 80 in English and social studies. Students have an AP pass rate of 72%; and 93% score proficient in English and 83% rate proficient in math. It has an Advanced Science and Research Program for a small group of elite students who get to work with research scientists from such schools as Columbia University and New York University. U.S. News ranked it 99th best in New York and it received an 8 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

ELEANOR ROOSEVELT HIGH SCHOOL

HIGH SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN 245 E. 56th St. Enrollment: 1,438 Graduation Rate: 85% Avg. Attendance: 89.6% Ethnicity: 53% Hispanic, 25% black; 12% white; 9% Asian Avg. class size in English class: 32 If your teenager is a budding artist, this is the place to go. Art & Design offers strong commercial arts programs in fashion design, cartooning, digital photography and graphic design, to name just a few. Each student has two periods of art daily and the school offers internships with architectural and fashion firms. U.S. News ranked it 167th best in New York.

STUYVESANT HIGH SCHOOL 345 Chambers St. Enrollment: 3,327 Graduation Rate: 99% Avg. Attendance 97% Ethnicity: 73% Asian, 19% white, 3% Hispanic, 1% black Avg. class size in English class: 26. This academically tough school, who many rate as the best in the city, has a brand new principal for the 2016-2017 school year. He inherits a student body that is uniformly brilliant and competitive; one must test to gain entrance to Stuy-High, and the pressure to succeed is intense, both from educators and parents. Stuyvesant offers more than two dozen Advanced Placement courses, seven languages and a focus on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). The rap on it is its miniscule percentage of black and Hispanic students. It rated a perfect 10 on greatschools.org and 11th on the U.S. News list for New York.

SCHOOL OF THE FUTURE HIGH SCHOOL 127 East 22nd St. Enrollment: 715 Graduation Rate: 91% Avg. Attendance 95%

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Ethnicity: 28% Hispanic, 16% Asian, 12 black, 36% white Avg. class size in English: 31 This school is in the Coalition of Essential Schools, and is part of a Gates Foundation-funded program. It prides itself on having a warm and nurturing environment for kids who – according to insideschools.org. – “don’t fit the mold.” It calls itself an “experience school” where students write exhibitions rather than take state Regents tests. It also prides itself on being a bit kooky, and has had courses such as “Normal is Weird,” and “Yale for Beginners.” It received a 9 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org, and ranked 201st on the U.S. News list of best New York public high schools.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING AT CITY COLLEGE 240 Convent Ave. Enrollment: 475 Graduation Rate: 98% Avg. Attendance 96% Ethnicity: 35% Asian, 27% white, 23% Hispanic, 10% black Avg. class size in English class: 29 This test-based admissions school, where 67% of the students are boys, prides itself on “Educating the Next Generation of Leaders in a TechnologyDriven World.” The coursework is rigorous and Advance Placement courses are plentiful. School leaders convey high expectations to teachers, who do the same for students. It ranked 12th on the the U.S. News list of the best New York high schools and got a rating of 10 out of 10 from greatschools.org.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR DUAL LANGUAGE AND ASIAN STUDIES 350 Grand St. Enrollment: 414 Graduation Rate: 95% Avg. Attendance 98% Ethnicity: 89% Asian, 2% white, 6% Hispanic, 3% black. Avg. class size in English class: 31 This wildly popular and challenging school expects all students will be fluent in Mandarin and English by the time they graduate. It offers a rigorous Advanced Placement course that 97.7% of all students successfully complete. Academic teachers and Second Language instructors collaborate on lesson plans to ensure uniformity. Dual Language got an 8 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org, and ranked 9th on the the U.S. News list of best New York public high schools.

HIGH SCHOOL FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS AND HUMAN SCIENCE 345 E. 15th St. Enrollment: 1,700 Graduation Rate: 90% Avg. Attendance: 92% Ethnicity: 53% Hispanic, 18% black; 7% white; 21% Asian Avg. class size in English class: 31 This popular school offers medical, technical and college prep courses and a screened Medical Science and Research program in partnership with SUNY Albany that seeks students with grade averages of 85 or higher. It prepares students for college, as well as for jobs in health care, and stresses collaboration and project-based work. U.S. News ranked it 169th best in New York and it drew a 6 out of 10 from greatschools.org.

WASHINGTON HEIGHTS EXPEDITIONARY LEARNING SCHOOL 511 W. 182nd St. Enrollment: 760 Graduation Rate: 78% Avg. Attendance: 89% Ethnicity: 94% Hispanic, 3% black; 2% white; 1% Asian Avg. class size in English class: 27% Known as WHEELS, this school, which largely serves the Washington Heights Community, has a rigorous curriculum and a 67% participation in Advance Placement courses. The school has a tradition of having all graduating seniors march to the local post office to ceremoniously put their college applications in the mail. President Obama lauded this practice in 2014, saying, “You would have thought it was the Macy’s Parade.” It is ranked 74th in New York by the U.S. News and procured a 5 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

NEW EXPLORATIONS INTO SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATH HIGH SCHOOL 111 Columbia St. Enrollment: 1,738 (k-12) Graduation Rate: 98% Avg. Attendance 96% Ethnicity: 11% Hispanic, 33% Asian, 9% black, 42% white Avg. class size in English class: 27 NEST+m is a holistic K-12 program geared toward gifted and talented students. Parents love it because its rigorous coursework begins in the Lower School with Singapore math and a foreign language, and hits Regents level courses by 9th grade. The school

411 E. 76th St. Enrollment: 534 Graduation Rate: 100% Avg. Attendance 96% Ethnicity: 62% white, 9% Hispanic, 4% black and 22% Asian. Avg. class size in English class: 23 It’s no surprise that a school that touts itself as dedicated to teaching students “to be life-long learners” who think critically and solve problems creatively would have a perfect 100% graduation rate. Housed in an old Sotheby’s warehouse, it has a rigorous English Lit. curriculum where 9th graders read “The Epic of Gilgamesh,” and 10th graders read “Dante’s Inferno.” Its mission statement proclaims the school’s commitment to “open, thoughtful exploration.” It received a rating of 9 out of 10 from greatschools.org, and was ranked 25th by the U.S. News.

BARUCH COLLEGE CAMPUS HIGH SCHOOL 55 E. 25th St. Enrollment: 438 Graduation Rate: 100% Avg. Attendance 97.7% Ethnicity: 59% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 1% black and 20% white. Avg. class size in English class: 28 Baruch, which partners with Baruch College and Harvard, is one of the toughest schools to get into in the city – only 1% of applicants were accepted in the fall of 2013. The DOE’s Quality Review Report says this school has a “consistently rigorous curricula and academic tasks (that) ensure that all students have access, are cognitively engaged and required to show their thinking.” Did we mention that students can expect three hours of homework a night? It ranked 66th on the the U.S. News & World Report list and got a 9 out of 10 from greatschools.org.

MILLENNIUM HIGH SCHOOL 75 Broad St. Enrollment: 641 Graduation Rate: 99% Avg. Attendance 96% Ethnicity: 40% Asian, 31% white, 19% Hispanic, 7% black Avg. class size in English class: 29. Located in an old office building not far from the famous “Charging Bull” sculpture, Millennium offers four years of math and science and three years of CONTINUED ON PAGE 15


AUGUST 18-24,2016

13

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

DREAMS DO COME TRUE Orubba Almansouri City College of New York Salutatorian 2016 B.A., English and History

HER STORY

PHOTO BY ANDRÉ N. BECKLES /CUNY

Orubba Almansouri, in a graduation speech that moved Michelle Obama to invite her to a White House summit on women, told how she broke barriers that kept traditional Yemeni girls out of school. “What I was used to seeing as endless walls just became obstacles that I had to learn to break down or climb,” Almansouri says.

AWARDS Winner, Mellon Mays Fellowship Winner, Colin Powell Fellowship

GOAL Master’s in Near Eastern Studies, then a Ph.D.

CUNY’s high-quality, affordable academic opportunities make it “the American Dream Machine,” in the words of the late City College alumnus and Intel Corp. founder Andrew Grove. CUNY students dream big, work hard and accomplish much, winning the most prestigious awards in the nation. In 2016, these included 10 National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowships and 13 Fulbright Fellowships for research and teaching abroad — among many examples of the transformative value of a CUNY education. — Chancellor James B. Milliken

cuny.edu/welcome

CUNY+AMERICANDREAMMACHINE


“ 14

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Never in any other experience that I’ve had has there been such emphasis on becoming confident in who you are and who you are in this world.

Here’s where student potential becomes actual. One-to-one classrooms give students the space to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically.

Flourish Emotionally, Socially, and Academically

FIONA KENYON, CLASS OF 2016 senior portrait by Fiona Kenyon

Waldorf School | www.hawthornevalleyschool.org 330 County Route 21C, Ghent, NY 12075 | 518.672.7092 x 111

We believe that positive relationships are the key to unlocking the potential in every kid. Our teachers are able to personalize curriculum and teaching styles to each student’s individual strengths, interests, and learning style, while also playing the role of mentor. These connections give students the confidence to pursue their goals, whatever they may be.

Fusion Lincoln Center 212.362.1014 www.FusionLincolnCenter.com

Fusion Park Avenue 212.326.9522 www.FusionManhattan.com

Middle and High School | Classes for Credit | Tutoring

Opening in New York in September 2017 Wetherby-Pembridge School will be located on the Upper East Side, in a superb building next to Central Park on East 96th Street. The school will offer a bespoke curriculum model combining the rigorous British National Curriculum with New York’s progressive student-centred teaching approach.

Wetherby-Pembridge School is part of the prestigious Alpha Plus Group. It will bring to New York the rich traditions and academic excellence that are at the heart of its thriving UK schools.

Open House

5 October 7 2 r e Octob

www.wetherby-pembridge.org For further information on our Open House events or to register for a place please contact us on enquiries@alphaplusgroup.co.uk


AUGUST 18-24,2016

HIGH SCHOOLS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12

foreign languages, primarily Spanish or Mandarin. The school, where girls outnumber boys almost two to one, offers a variety of Advanced Placement courses, but also provides special ed services for 15% of the student body. About 8 out of 10 students received an Advanced Regents Diploma – an almost sure-fire ticket to a top college. It received a 9 rating from greatschools. org and was ranked 77th best New York public high school by U.S. News.

FIORELLO H. LAGUARDIA HIGH SCHOOL OF MUSIC & ART AND PERFORMING ARTS 100 Amsterdam Ave. Enrollment: 2,713 Graduation Rate: 98% Avg. Attendance 95% Ethnicity: 44% white, 19% Asian, 20% Hispanic, 12% black, 5% multi-racial Avg. class size in English class: 33. You’ve got to survive a tough, competitive round of auditions to

15

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

sing, dance or act your way into this racially diverse school, a successor to the “Fame” school. It has long been a magnet for talented kids from across the city – whether they be children of celebrities or less privileged students. Students take regular academic courses and two to three hours a day of their specialty either drama, dance, music, art or production. It ranked 36th on U.S. News list and snagged an 8 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

YOUNG WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP SCHOOL 105 E. 106th St. Enrollment: 491 Graduation Rate: 99% Avg. Attendance 97% Ethnicity: 60% Hispanic, 25% black, 9% Asian, 4% white, Avg. class size in English class: 25 InsideSchools calls this girlsonly school in East Harlem a “calm and cheery place” which “boasts near-perfect graduation and college acceptance rates.” It’s also the perfect place to send your daughter if she doesn’t want to be distracted by boys. Uniforms are required, classes are small and teachers instill the notion that girls can get as far boys. The school, which partners with Smith and Barnard Colleges is ranked 182 by U.S. News

and scored a 7 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

BEACON HIGH SCHOOL 530 W. 44th St. Enrollment: 1,306 Graduation Rate: 100% Avg. Attendance 96% Ethnicity: 53% white, 22% Hispanic, 8% Asian, 14% black Avg. class size in English class: 32 Now housed in a shiny new building on West 44th St. in Hell’s Kitchen, this much sought-after school offers a traditional liberal arts program infused with technology and arts. To graduate, students must present performancebased projects to panels of teachers and complete a stint of community service. Beacon offers extensive travel opportunities, including trips to Russia and Africa. It got a perfect 10 out of 10 from greatschools.org and was 171st on the the U.S. News list.

NYC LAB SCHOOL FOR COLLABORATIVE STUDIES 333 W. 17th St. Enrollment: 587 Graduation Rate: 95% Avg. Attendance 94% Ethnicity: 44% white, 16%

Hispanic, 29% Asian, 8% black, 3% multi-racial Avg. class size in English class: 26 This somewhat quirky campus school in Chelsea has a rigorous curriculum that offers a wide range of experiences and choices – not to mention several hours of homework every night. As its name implies, it’s big on collaboration and the school emphasizes critical thinking skills in academic tasks across grades and subjects, while also focusing on English Language Learners and special needs students. Some Advanced Placement courses are offered. It ranked 83rd on the U.S. News list and got a 7 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

NYC MUSEUM SCHOOL 333 W. 17th St. Enrollment: 446 Graduation Rate: 100% Avg. Attendance: 95% Ethnicity: 12% white, 38% Hispanic, 34% Asian, 13% black Avg. class size in English class: 25% Guess what: This school takes frequent trips to museums. Classes are broken into museum-based study groups called modules to focus on certain areas, like geometrics or forensics. They usually involve

a long-term project and culminate in a presentation. For instance, a geometric module would visit bridges and churches for project material. It ranked 144th on the the U.S. News list and received an 8 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.

NYC ISCHOOL 131 Sixth Ave. Enrollment: 457 Graduation Rate: 99% Avg. Attendance: 94% Ethnicity: 31% white, 51% Hispanic, 7% Asian, 19% black Avg. class size in English class: 26 This school, which opened in 2008, is geared to students who are self-starters and highly inquisitive. Its mission statement proclaims: Based on core values of innovation and individualization of the student experience, the NYC iSchool provides an example of how schools can and should redefine themselves. It bills itself as a school for the 21st century and strives to “develop a whole new vision for teaching, learning, and the student experience.” iSchool ranked 110th by the U.S. News, and rated 7 out of 10 stars from greatschools.org.

TOP PUBLIC ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE Most elementary schools in New York City are zoned, so most kids have to go to a school in their neighborhood. But not always. Several take only gifted and talented students, and in those schools the competition is fierce. Many of the schools on our list have a great deal of parent involvement in fund-raising, pulling in hundreds of thousands of dollars for extras, such as chess, ballroom dancing, yoga, art and test prep. Since many of those schools are largely white, he also made sure to include a couple of excellent schools with more diversity. Like all Top Ten

lists, some good schools didn’t make the cut. The best advice would be to check out your neighborhood school first, and then look for alternatives. -- Stuart Marques

P.S. 59 BEEKMAN HILL INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL 233 E. 56th St. Enrollment: 596 (k-5) Ethnicity: 59% white, 15% Asian, 13% Hispanic, 2% black Avg. Attendance: 96% Avg. class size: 33

This school’s zone includes the United Nations, so it draws a significant number of foreign students and Inside Schools says students speak about 40 languages. The school’s mission statement says educators strive to produce students who “will be able to adjust to a world of rapid technological changes and increased cultural diversity.” Officials say they don’t stress test prep, but 83% of thirdthrough-fifth graders scored proficient or better in the 2015 state math test. It received a perfect 10 from great schools.org

P.S. 267 EAST SIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 213 E. 63rd St. Enrollment: 363 (k-5) Ethnicity: 78% white, 11 Asian, 7% Hispanic, 2% black Avg. Attendance: 96% Avg. class size: 20 Opened in 2010, this popular school bills itself as “a community of learners where wonderers come to learn, where observation and imagination are celebrated and where the question ‘why’ is welcomed and encouraged.” Some 69% of all third-through-fifth

graders passed the 2015 state tests and, in 2014, 100% of all fourthgraders passed the state science test. The DOE Quality Report calls it “well-developed” and parent reviews are uniformly excellent. Greatschools. org gave it a 9 out of 10 rating.

HUNTER COLLEGE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL 71 E. 94th St. Enrollment: 339 (k-5) CONTINUED ON PAGE 16


16

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 15 Ethnicity: 42% white, 47% Asian, 4% Hispanic, 7% black Avg. Attendance: 97% Avg. class size in 5th grade: 26 Hunter is the elementary school everyone wants to get into – but only about 2% of applicants make the cut. Kids have to be in the top 2 or 3 percentile to even be considered. Accepted students will receive a fine education and have a leg up on getting into some of the best colleges in the county. About 2,500 children apply each year for kindergarten; only 10% even get an interview and of those just 50 are accepted.

P.S. 6. LILLIE BLAKE SCHOOL 45 E. 81st St. Enrollment: 782 (k-5) Ethnicity: 71% white, 10% Hispanic, 3% black, 10% Asian Avg. Attendance 96% Avg. class size in 5th grade: 30 A stone’s throw from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Lillie Blake is one of the top elementary schools in the city, stressing math and writing in all grades. Inside Schools says it is considered more traditional than most other top schools in that there is a focus on spelling, grammar and cursive writing. The Parents’ Association raises hundreds of thousands of dollars a year to pay for extras. 86% of students were proficient or better in math on the recently released test scores, 75% were proficient in English. It rated 10 out of 10 from great schools. org.

P.S. 77. LOWER LAB SCHOOL 1700 Third Ave. Enrollment: 348 (k-5) Ethnicity: 63% white, 21% Asian, 8% Hispanic, 1% black Avg. Attendance: 97% Avg. class size in 5th grade: 26 This progressive school, modeled after the Bank Street School, is for Gifted & Talented students and

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Avg. class size in 5th grade: 30 This highly desired East Harlem school accepts Gifted & Talented students from all five boroughs and is considered by far the most diverse of all G&T schools in the city. Children wear red plaid uniforms and enjoy many class trips and such extra curriculars as a Latin Jazz Ensemble for 11- to 13-yearolds. 90% of students scored proficient or above on the just-announced 2015 math exams and 86% did the same in English. It got a 9 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org. focuses on math and social studies. According to its mission statement: “The Lab School operates on the premise that every child can benefit from a research-based curriculum … (and) are expected to work both independently and collaboratively.” Nearly all its students scored proficient or better on the 2015 state tests; 95% in math and 91% in English. Snagged a 10 rating from insideschools.org.

M 225 THE ELLA BAKER SCHOOL 317 E. 67th St. Enrollment: 335 (k-8) Ethnicity: 17% white, 3% Asian, 47% Hispanic, 29% black Avg. Attendance: 92% Avg. class size: 13 Modeled after Central Park East I in Harlem, this small, progressive school encourages students to learn at their own pace. Classes stay together for

two years and homework is relatively light. It is named for an unsung hero of the civil rights movement and, the school’s mission statement says, “We aspire to teach and lead by her principles – to help students unlock the power within themselves so that they can go out into the world with confidence and with a love of learning.” Snagged a 7 out of 10 from greatschools.org

P.S. 198 ISADORA AND IDA STRAUS SCHOOL 1700 3rd Ave. Enrollment: 498 (pk-5) Ethnicity: 31% Hispanic, 14% Asian, 40% white, 14% black Avg. Attendance: 94% Avg. class size: 25 P.S. 198, which calls itself “a big city school with a small town feel,” gets solid reviews from parents for its curriculum and teaching style. Inside Schools touts it as a diverse neighborhood school that houses a districtwide Gifted and Talented program. It recently adopted the “expeditionary learning” model, which stresses critical thinking and weaving subjects together for context and understanding. Greatschools.org gave 6 out of 10.

P.S. 12. TAG YOUNG SCHOLARS 240 E. 109th St. Enrollment: 560 (k-8) Ethnicity: 34% black, 11% white, 29% Asian, 23% Hispanic. Avg. Attendance: 96.2%

P.S. 183 ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON 419 E. 66st St. Enrollment: 589 (k-5) Ethnicity: 64% white, 19% Asian, 10% Hispanic, 3% black Avg. Attendance: 96% Avg. class size in 5th grade: 29 Stevenson gets high marks for energetic kids, creative teachers and happy parents. Inside Schools says the student body speaks a total of 40 languages and that about one-third of the parents are medical professionals or researchers at NYU, Memorial SloanKettering or Rockefeller University. Some 73% scored proficient or higher on the 2015 state English tests, and 70% did so on math exams. Greatschools.org rated it a perfect 10.

P.S. 151 YORKVILLE COMMUNITY SCHOOL 421 E. 88th St. Enrollment: 483 (k-5) Ethnicity: 47% white, 7% Asian, 27% Hispanic, 14% black Avg. Attendance: 94 Avg. class size in 5th grade: 26 Often called the “New 151,” this school opened its doors in 2009, after the “Old “151 was closed due to poor performance. According to Inside Schools, the school “has a healthy mix of children who live in luxury high-rise buildings, expensive brownstones, modest five-floor walk-ups and public housing.” Yorkville offers a progressivestyle and a laid-back ambience. About 61% of students scored proficient or above on the 2015 standardized math tests. Snagged an 9 out of 10 rating from greatschools.org.


AUGUST 18-24,2016

17

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

German for

/HVVRQV Children

Bilingual German After School Program

NY State Accredited Language Program Low Tuition Minimum Age: 4 Years No Previous German Necessary Classes Meet Once a Week Playgroup Age 4-5 From 4:30-6:15 ,JOEFSHBSUFO "HF t 0UIFS $MBTTFT "HFT 'PVS DPOWFOJFOU MPDBUJPOT JO UIF (SFBUFS /FX :PSL "SFB 3JEHFXPPE 2VFFOT .BOIBUUBO /: 6QQFS &BTU 4JEF 'SBOLMJO 4RVBSF (BSEFO $JUZ

Classes start second week in September For more information see:

www.German-American-School.org Teaching German for 119 years! or call 212-787-7543

Sam Branding

THOUSANDS OF COURSES. A MILLION REASONS. THERE ARE A MILLION REASONS FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION, BUT ONLY ONE FIT. STUDY EVENINGS, WEEKENDS, AND ONLINE.

#817

Turn creative imagination into marketable innovation.

State University of New York

Fashion Institute of Technology

REGISTER TODAY

Where creativity gets down to business.

ямБtnyc.edu/straus


18

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

ESTABLISHED 1789 A NURTURING, SMALL, JUNIOR-K THROUGH 5th GRADE CO-ED SCHOOL

On 95th Street at Central Park West

Where Empowerment and Education go hand-in-hand.

Join Our Junior Kindergarten For children 4 years old by September 1st, 2016 LIMITED SPACE AVAILABLE

212-663-2844

Come and explore all that Cathedral has to offer you!

alexanderrobertson.org

2 3 ( 1 + 2 8 6 ( 6XQGD\ 2FWREHU ² 30 7$&+6 (DVW WK 6WUHHW 1HZ <RUN 1< a a ZZZ FDWKHGUDOKV RUJ

The Mary Louis Academy

TM LA +

At The Mary Louis Academy, you will find your own voice—distinctive, confident, intelligent, creative, and empowered—a voice that will be one of your greatest assets in life.

OPEN HOUSE October 16th, 2016 10am-3pm

SHADOW A STUDENT buddy@tmla.org

176-21 Wexford Terrace, Jamaica Estates, NY 11432 | Phone: 718-297-2120 Fax: 718-739-0037 | @WEARETMLA | #HILLTOPPERNATION | TACHS #016

VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.tmla.org

The Mary Louis Academy is sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Brentwood, New York. Accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools and Chartered by the State of NY.


AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

NextAct Fall 2016 Semester Explore the catalog and register today: jasa.org/community/nextact What is NextAct? JASA’s NextAct programs are designed for adults 55+ who want to explore interesting topics, meet peers, become activists and make an impact in their communities: r 4VOEBZT BU +"4" DPVSTFT BU +PIO +BZ $PMMFHF r "EWPDBDZ USBJOJOH XPSLTIPQT BOE TFNJOBST r -FDUVSFT BOE DPVSTFT JO +VEBJD 4UVEJFT r 7PMVOUFFS PQQPSUVOJUJFT We create the adventure and all you need to do is show up! Want to learn more? Attend the Sundays at JASA Open House 4VOEBZ 4FQUFNCFS r BN m QN

John Jay College, 524 West 59th Street, New York City Fall Semester Dates: Sundays, September 18 – December 4 ‡ nextact@jasa.org *U T ZPVS UVSO UP HFU JOWPMWFE -FBSO 5IFO "DU IFSA Workshops: Comprehensive education, leadership and advocacy training. Navigate New York Seminars: Engage in meaningful dialogue with government agencies that impact our city. FREE Medicare Seminar: Everything you need to know during the Medicare open enrollment period. For more information, or to register visit: www.jasa.org/advocacy ‡ LIVD#MDVD RUJ Founded in 1968, JASA is one of New York’s largest and most trusted agencies serving older adults in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Manhattan, Queens, and Long Island. JASA’s mission is to sustain and enrich the lives of the aging in the New York metropolitan area so that they can remain in the community with dignity and autonomy.

19


20

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

TH DO

CE

OL

EW YOR EN

ERNAT INT I

AL SCHO ON

K

NDO DISCIM

The New York International School

US

International education from Pre-nursery to Grade 8 (ages 2-13) with the highest academic standards and a Spanish or Chinese immersion program. The New York International School is a selective school on NY’s Museum Mile, next to Central Park. It provides a challenging curriculum with a low student-teacher ratio that will enable your children to develop their literacy and numeracy VNLOOV DW DQ HDUOLHU DJH VSHDN 6SDQLVK RU &KLQHVH ÀXHQWO\ and acquire a passion for learning. NYIS is established by one of the world’s leading school networks, with a tradition of excellent academic results, top college placements and schools in America, Europe and Asia. Financial aid is available at Preschool and Lower School. Apply now. www.nyis.org - Tel. 212 641 0920 4 East 90th Street, New York


AUGUST 18-24,2016

21

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS ON THE UPPER EAST SIDE The city is full of top-notch small and not-so-small private schools for families wealthy enough to afford it or fortunate enough to have a bright child who might qualify for a scholarship or financial aid. Most of the schools on our list are prestigious and tough to get into. According to niche.com, students at many of these schools have average SAT scores of 2,100 and above -- far higher than the national average of 1,700 – and several boast of a high acceptance rate at Ivy League colleges. They all have small classes and low student/student ratios to provide a personalized education. Many on our list are familiar names, but we’ve included some who take extremely bright kids with learning issues or special needs. We’ve also listed a couple that are under the radar – not quite A-list but good, solid schools. Our list was compiled from school websites, education blogs, national rankings and news and magazine stories. It isn’t perfect or all-inclusive, but we hope it can help families make important educational choices for their children.

CONVENT OF THE SACRED HEART 1 E. 91st St. Enrollment: 710 (k-12, all girls) Tuition: $46,524 Student/Teacher ratio - 7:1 This top-rated, all-girls Catholic school boasts six science labs, three performance spaces, three libraries, 19 Advanced Placement courses, two rooftop playgrounds and 40 afterschool activities. The fairly diverse

school proclaims its mission is to “enroll bright, motivated, curious minds – students who think critically and independently while being willing and excited to take risks.” Alums include Lady Gaga, Nicky Hilton and Elaine Stritch.

TREVOR DAY SCHOOL 312 E. 95th St. (upper school) 1 W. 88th St. (lower school)

Enrollment: 820(pk-12) Tuition: $42,600 - $46,500 Student/Teacher ratio - 6:1 This school actually reduced tuition for its pre-k program. It features what it calls “Inquiry-based learning” to engage students “in activities and investigation in order to drive true understanding,” rather than simply drilling students to recite facts. It aims to turn out students who “face challenges with self-confidence and a willingness to risk failure.”

THE BREARLEY SCHOOL 610 E. 33rd St. Enrollment: 699 (k-12, all girls) Tuition: $41,900 Student/Teacher ratio - 6:1 Unlike most of the schools on this list, Brearley is extremely diverse, with 49% of its student body of color. The school’s mission statement says Brearley “challenges girls of adventurous intellect to think critically and creatively and prepares them for active, responsible citizenship in a democratic society.” It has a dazzling record of placing its students in Ivy League schools: Between 2011-2015, 22 grads went on to Harvard; 18 to Columbia and 17 to Yale. Notable alums include Caroline Kennedy, Tea Leoni and Kyra Sedgewick.

THE SPENCE SCHOOL 22 E. 91st St. Enrollment: 734 (k-12, all girls) Tuition: $47,410 Student/Teacher ratio - 7:1 Spence claims a 100% college CONTINUED ON PAGE 22


22

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

THE BROWNING SCHOOL

THE HEWITT SCHOOL

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

rate for graduating seniors, a diverse curriculum and a close-knit student body that is 39% of color. Its motto is Non scholae sed vitae discimus (Not for school but for life we learn), and its mission statement says it provides “a platform for mutual discovery, understanding and respect.” Famous grads include Gwyneth Paltrow, Jade Jagger, Kerry Washington and Emmy Rossum.

52 E. 62nd St. Enrollment: 375 (k-12) Tuition: $46,300 Student/Teacher ratio - 9:1 Founded in 1888, this venerable old school stresses a traditional education, but also offers a plethora of afterschool clubs like Amnesty International, drama, art, a United Nations club and plenty of intramural sports. Pretty selective – only 30% of applicants are accepted. Notable grads include Howard Dean, Jamie Dimon and John D. Rockefeller Jr.

THE CHAPIN SCHOOL

RAMAZ

100 East End Ave. Enrollment: 755 (k-12, girls) Tuition: $41,100 Student/Teacher ratio - 7:1 This exclusive all-girls school offers a rigorous curriculum and also stresses sports and academic competition. It has 49 classrooms, a two-story library, eight science labs and four art studios. Chapin’s motto is “Fortiter et Recte,” Bravely and Rightly. Notable graduates include Jackie Kennedy, Julie Nixon Eisenhower, Sigourney Weaver and Queen Noor of Jordan.

125 E. 85th ST. Enrollment: 1,150 (k-12) Tuition: $30,515 $39,580 Student/Teacher ratio - 5:1 One of the oldest Jewish day schools in America, this Modern Orthodox institution teaches Hebrew and religious tradition along with a rigorous general curriculum. It has a state-ofthe-art language lab and media center to enhance classroom instruction in foreign languages and Hebrew. It boasts that three of its grads went on to clerk for U.S. Supreme Court justices. Famous grads include author Elizabeth Wurtzel, actress Natasha Lyonne, educator Merryl Tisch and Noa Netanyahu, daughter of the Israeli prime minister.

45 E. 75th St. Enrollment: 528 (k-12, girls) Tuition: $46,700 Student/Teacher ratio - 4:1 This highly regarded all-girls school, which seeks students who are “bold, nimble and ambitious,” prides itself on preparing young women to create a life; “not to take a job but to make a job, a career and a life that suits them.” In addition to a strong academic program, Hewitt has a Diversity Steering Committee and offers special instruction on managing “microagressions.” The school is directly across the street from Central Park and a short walk to top museums. Alums include journalist Nikki Finke and actors Phoebe Cates and Julie Harris.

ALLEN-STEVENSON 132 E. 78th St. Enrollment: 416 (k-12, all boys) Tuition: $44,800 Student/Teacher ratio - 5:1 This school features an “enlightened, traditional” and vigorous curriculum, including STEM, art, woodshop, Spanish k through 9 and public speaking. It also has a woodshop for all

grades. The grades 133-year-old school says its mission is to turn out a student who is a scholar and a gentleman: “By creating a joyful, safe environment for learning, the school seeks to ensure a productive, diverse community of learners. We challenge our students to take suitable risks.” Alums include Michael Douglas, Peter Benchley and Michael Eisner.

DALTON 108 E. 89th St. Enrollment: 1,300 (k-12) Tuition: $44,640 Student/Teacher ratio - 5:1 A progressive co-ed school offers rigorous and innovative academics, as well as strong performing and fine arts programs. Its “Dalton Plan” is designed to cultivates values of respect, integrity and compassion (and) encourages risktaking. Its motto is “Go Forth Unafraid.” Famous alums include Anderson Cooper, Chevy Chase, Claire Danes, Shaun Donovan and Melissa Russo.

“IF ONLY SOMEONE WOULD CLEAN UP THIS PARK.”

BE THE SOMEONE. Every day, we think to ourselves that someone should really help make this city a better place. Visit newyorkcares.org to learn about the countless ways you can volunteer and make a difference in your community.

Cat New York Cares Volunteer


AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

23


24

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

When was the last time you tried something new? Learn a language paint a portrait Write a book Design jewelry perform stand-up comedy pick up chess master public speaking Explore 3D modeling

Choose from more than 200 classes at

92Y.org/InSession or call 212.415.5500

Intro to the Arts

An evening of art just for beginners Tue, Sep 13, 6-9 pm Come to our free open house and stay for one of our special $20 promotion classes

IN SESSION

CLASSES, TALKS, TOURS AND WORKSHOPS

R.S.V.P. now at 92Y.org/ArtIntro 92ND STREET Y Lexington Ave at 92nd Street An agency of UJA Federation


AUGUST 18-24,2016

25

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

CONTINUING TO LEARN It’s never too late to learn! Enroll in coursework towards earning a high school equivalency diploma or study the fundamentals of creative writing, even embark on learning that second or third language you’ve been dreaming of. There are plenty of colleges, universities and for-profit institutions in New York City offering a cornucopia of courses for both personal and professional development. The schools on our list represent a sampling of some of the best and most innovative courses we came across. Among our favorites are Fluent City, offering 12-week courses in several different languages and the 92nd Street Y featuring an extensive catalogue of engaging classes and lectures and programs.

THE NEW SCHOOL 66th West 12th St. 212-229-5611 www.newschool.edu This celebrated institution offers a variety of continuing ed courses from environmental studies to English as a Second Language to film production, to creative writing. The writing course for a Masters of Fine Arts includes get-togethers with agents and editors, hands-on experience and internships at such places as PEN, the Academy of American Poets, Open Road Media and Interview Magazine. Check the website for details.

92ND STREET Y 1395 Lexington Ave. 212-415-5500

www.92y.org The 92nd Street Y offers a slew of classes in the visual arts, in theatre arts, culinary arts, and career development. One cool class on this fall’s agenda is “Presentation Skills for Business Professionals,” taught by Brandt Johnson, a motivational speaker, playwright, web series creator and former professional basketball player. There are two classes: Sept. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m., and Oct. 30, from 1 to 4 p.m. The classes are designed to help business professionals become confident and engaging speakers. Check the website for details and prices on this course and others.

FLUENT CITY 330 Fifth Ave. 347-687-6896 www.fluentcity.com

Whether for business, pleasure or to learn just enough to sound like a local on your next trip abroad, this school offers 12-week courses for beginner and advanced students, from basic to advanced conversation in Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Russian, French, Hebrew, German and Arabic. Professional, multi-lingual instructors lead the courses and are available for private lessons as well. The standard price per course is $750.

CONTINUING EDUCATION AT NYU 70 Washington Square South 212-998-1212 www.scps.nyu.edu NYU’s continuing education program covers a wide range of courses and subjects and are affiliated (and

located) in the university’s School of Professional Studies. Their courses of study include both degree programs and “educational pathways” to professional and creative development. Programs include those connected with the Leonard N. Stern School of Business, the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service and the NYU Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development.

BOROUGH OF MANHATTAN COMMUNITY COLLEGE 25 Broadway 212-346-8420 www.bmcc.cuny.edu The Center for Continuing Education and Workforce Development CONTINUED ON PAGE 26


26

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

CONTINUING TO LEARN

non-degree credit courses including “Seminars on Science,” in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History; as well as “Courses in Early Childhood Education Administration,” developed with the New York Early Childhood Professional Development Institute. A bachelor’s degree is required for both courses. The science seminar is an online course.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

offers Nursing Assistant classes (certificates), information technology, media arts, career training and personal development, They also offer English as a Second Language, notary skills and professional writing.

FORDHAM SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL AND CONTINUING STUDIES

CUNY SCHOOL OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES 119 W. 31st St. 212-652-2869 www.sps.cuny.edu This school offers degree and

AUGUST 18-24,2016

pcs.fordham.edu In addition to a vast offering of masters programs in cyber security, digital, social media and postbaccalaureate pre-med and pre-health courses, Fordham offers a College at 60 program which invites seniors and soon-to-be-seniors to go for a degree or just to take seminars in such courses as creative writing, the music of Mozart, the novels of Henry James and Freudian psychology.

Lincoln Center Campus, 113 W. 60th St. 212-636-7333

Dear Sam, The pressure you’re putting me under is too much.

I QUIT! Sincerely, Your Heart

Don’t let your heart quit on you. If you are living with high blood pressure, just knowing and doing the minimum isn’t enough. Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to stroke, heart attack or death. Get yours to a healthy range before it’s too late. Find out how at heart.org/BloodPressure

Check. Change. Control.™


AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

PRE-K LIMITED AVAILABILITY

Vanderbilt YMCA has a variety of programs that reach even the youngest of New Yorkers. Our licensed Early Childhood department operates a full-day Pre-K from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. with options for before and aftercare. At the Y, our curriculum is play-based, driven by the interests of students and individualized to help all participants meet and exceed the NYC Pre-K learning standards. From swimming lessons twice a week to our outdoor yard, from daily gym time to music appreciation, children thrive through programming grounded in our core values of caring, honesty, respect and responsibility. For more information or to register now, please contact Joan Kuo at jkuo@ymcanyc.org or 212-912-2517.

Vanderbilt YMCA, 224 East 47th Street, New York City 212.912.2500 ymcanyc.org/vanderbilt

27


28

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Stan Herman, McDonald’s uniform, 1976, polyester, USA, gift of Stan Herman.

At left, Comme des Garcons (Rei Kawakubo), ensemble, 1998, wool, Japan, museum purchase; At right, U.S. Army World War I Service Uniform, 1914-1918, wool, USA, gift of Mrs. Roswell Gilpatric.

Stan Herman, TWA flight attendant uniforms, 1975, synthetic blend, USA, gift of Stan Herman.

At left, Jean Paul Gaultier, ensemble, c. 1992, cotton, France. Top, gift of Antoine Bucher; pants, gift of Michael Harrell. At right, Sacai, ensemble, Spring 2015, cotton, silk, synthetic, Japan, museum purchase.

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Chanel, Brasserie Gabrielle ensemble, Fall 2015, wool, silk, cotton, leather, France, gift of Chanel.

UNIFORMS STRUT THEIR STUFF AT FIT An exhibit of outfits for work, school, sports and the battlefield highlights their influence on fashion BY VAL CASTRONOVO

They are ubiquitous and almost everyone has worn one. Uniforms are identity markers, signaling membership in a group: school group, work group, military group or sports group. Members of the group stand out — think of the Olympians at Rio — and get lost in the crowd. The outfits are prized for their efficiency and scorned for their sameness, sameness being at odds with fashion, which puts a premium on creativity and individuality. But as The Museum at FIT argues in a well-curated show, “Uniformity,” the fashion industry has been cherrypicking from uniforms for some 150 years. Military uniforms, especially, have provided designers with inspiration for high-concept garments. Gold buttons, ornamental braids, stripes and sailor suits have been embraced and subverted by the likes of Ralph Lauren, Yves Saint Laurent and Coco Chanel. Masculine attire informs feminine attire in a neat twist, and

stuffiness gives way to style and elegance. The exhibit of some 70 items from the museum’s permanent collection is a history show and a fashion show, with historical pieces paired with the pieces they influenced. The curator, Emma McClendon, moves us thematically from military uniforms to uniforms for work, school and sports. An introductory video features Stan Herman, an authority on the subject and pioneering fashion designer for corporate giants like Avis, FedEx, TWA and McDonald’s. His retro red-and-yellow McDonald’s uniform from 1976 is on display, with a small golden arch in the shirt-pocket area heralding the brand. The curator juxtaposes this standardissue work dress with a 2014 couture riff from Moschino’s Jeremy Scott, who takes the logo (“M”), enlarges it and emblazons it across the front of a red and yellow wool top — and then adds “Moschino” underneath. It’s another brand advertisement, only bigger, bolder and way more chic. Her ma n’s u n ifor m s for T WA fl ight crews broke the mold and introduced bright colors and safari jackets to telegraph the good life.

“Color is the most important thing in uniforms,” he says about his use of red, orange, yellow and cobalt blue for the airline’s clothing. “It represents who these monster corporations are.” Two of his eye-popping ensembles are on exhibit and bring us back to the Seventies. Picture relaxed passengers en route to luxurious destinations being handed a martini from one of these suited-up attendants. Martial history fans can revel in the rich displays of U.S. and British military uniforms. The show opens with two formal British “mess dress” jackets (ca. 1900), adjacent to a formfitting imitation of the King’s Royal Rifle Corps jacket by Ralph Lauren for his fall 2013 women’s collection. What follows is a parade of iconic outfits — a Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) uniform (ca. 1905), a U.S. Army Colonel “Dress Blue” uniform (ca. 1950), World War II WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) and WACS (Women’s Army Corps) uniforms, plus U.S. Navy sailor suits, an “Ike” jacket, a “Jeep Coat” and, in a nod to the French Navy, a striped Breton-style shirt, courtesy Jean Paul Gaultier in the early ‘90s.

Fun fact: the blue-and-white stripes of the Breton shirt, which officially became part of the French Navy’s uniform in 1858, functioned to help spot shipmen who fell overboard. Also known as the marinière, the top inspired a striped ensemble by designer Chitose Abe for Sacai in spring 2015. A lacy confection with a turtleneck, it’s a yin-yang blend of feminine and masculine elements. Couture and frivolity mix easily here with no-nonsense, utilitarian garments. An olive drab man’s U.S. Army uniform from World War I is flanked by a mud-colored, sleeveless Comme des Garçons (Rei Kawakubo) ensemble from 1998, frayed at the armholes for decorative purposes. On the same platform, Marc Jacobs delights in contradiction with a creation from spring 2010 that couples a copy of a boxy Army field jacket with a long, breezy skirt. Some of the most dazzling fashion statements draw inspiration from camouflage, widely used during World War I. A U.S. Marine poncho and helmet cover share the stage with an off-the-shoulder camouflage gown by John Galliano for Dior (spring 2001).

Featuring a long sexy slit up the front and a train, the latter “has a deconstructed quality, as if it were thrown together from an army tent or poncho,” the exhibit label states. The print that was meant to conceal now boldly reveals. Karl Lagerfeld’s take on a Parisian waiter’s uniform for Chanel in 2015 is possibly the show’s most inventive costume. With bow tie, short black jacket and white ruffled skirt mimicking an apron, this haute version of a brasserie uniform boasts a jokey clutch purse made of plates bearing the Chanel logo and the words “Brasserie Gabrielle” (Gabrielle Chanel, better known as Coco, was the founder of the House of Chanel). We all have our personal style, personal uniforms. The curator connects the dots in the show’s brochure: “Although we may not each wear an official uniform in our everyday lives, the influence of uniforms can always be felt, even in the basic activity of getting dressed each morning.” “Uniformity” at The Museum at FIT; Seventh Avenue at 27th Street. Through November 19. www.fitnyc.edu/museum


AUGUST 18-24,2016

29

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

AN ESCAPE FROM TRADITIONAL THEATER

The Santa Claus Man: The Rise and Fall of a Jazz Age Con Man and the Invention of Christmas in New York

NEWS

Mid-Manhattan Library | 455 Fifth Ave. | 212-340-0863 | nypl.org

ACTIVITIES FOR THE FERTILE MIND

thoughtgallery.org NEW YORK CITY

THURSDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 6:30PM Christmas in August! Learn all about the 1913 founder of the Santa Claus Association, given sole authority to answer Santa’s mail in NYC, in an illustrated lecture. (Free)

A new production makes the audience part of the action

The Golden Lad: The Haunting Story of Quentin and Theodore Roosevelt

BY MARK KENNEDY

You meet in a nondescript reception room in a midtown Manhattan skyscraper. You’re handed a form on a clipboard. Then the receptionist slips away and the doors lock -- and all hell breaks loose. Within an hour, you and your group will have searched for clues in drawers and bookcases to get free, crawled through a ventilation shaft and encountered a woman dangling from a meat hook. “Paradiso: Chapter 1” fuses the traditional escape room game with theatrical elements like actors and high-tech production values. “Paradiso” is one of several shows pushing the boundaries of what escape rooms can become, turning the fast-growing games into a richer, theatrical experience. “It seemed like there was an opportunity for escape rooms to go to the next level,” said Michael Counts, the creator and one of the early pioneers of immersive theater. “For us, it was creating a deeper narrative, something that was expansive.” Escape rooms were invented in Japan. They first appeared in the U.S. in 2014. There are now some 4,850 escape rooms in 84 countries and in every U.S. state, according to the online Escape Room Directory. “Maybe `escape game’ is a very limited word to use,” said John Hennessy, one of the first to embrace the trend in the U.S. “I think we’re going to have to start calling them something different.” Hennessy, who organized races and scavenger hunts around southern California, now runs four escape rooms, including ones set in a medieval alchemist’s lab and a film-noir style Hollywood mystery. “People spend their days pretty much staring at a screen -- a monitor or a telephone, or whatever. This is very different from that. You’re faced with

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 24TH, 7PM Bryant Park | 42nd St. & Fifth Ave. | 212-768-4242 | bryantpark.org See another side of our 26th President in this lecture, which looks at Roosevelt’s passionate support for WWI and his heartbreak when his youngest son died in the fight at age 20. (Free)

Just Announced | Abbi Jacobson & Lena Dunham

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 25TH, 7:30PM Symphony Space | 2537 Broadway | 212-864-1414 | symphonyspace.org The things they carried: Broad City’s Abbi Jacobson talks about her new book, an illustrated look at what we tote, in conversation with Lena Dunham. Speculation about the contents of Amelia Earhart’s pencil case and Donald Trump’s weekender will be indulged. ($32, includes book copy)

For more information about lectures, readings and other intellectually stimulating events throughout NYC,

sign up for the weekly Thought Gallery newsletter at thoughtgallery.org. problems that you have to solve by talking to each other and working with other people,” he said. Counts teamed up with producer Jennifer Worthington, a former executive with filmmaker Jerry Bruckheimer, to create “Paradiso.” To go deeper and scarier, they hired Broadway and immersive theater veterans -- including lighting designer Ryan O’Gara from “Hamilton,” video and special effects wizard Caleb Sharp from “The Walking Dead Experience” and set designer Katie Fleming of “Sleep No More.” Ten guests at a time begin in the reception of the Virgil Corp., a nefarious Halliburtonlike contractor. The cost is $60, more than double the price of most regular escape rooms, but the experience is virtually cinematic. The game is a noisy, chaotic, adrenalin-pumping scramble through four rooms. Doorknobs must be yanked in the darkness, peepholes in doors show scary figures, video screens flash messages, and there are holographic helicopters and corpses split in half -all to a doom-inducing soundscape. “You’re sort of dropped into an action movie,” said

Worthington. “Who doesn’t want to be in the middle of a James Bond movie?” In Orlando, Florida, Dave Maynard and his team at Digital Escape Velocity have added multi-touch screens, projectors, mobile devices and robotics. “We have gone completely off the deep end when it comes to throwing really high-tech stuff at it,” Maynard said. Maynard and his four teammates -- all veterans of Lockheed Martin’s research and development lab -- just opened their first room, a deep space adventure set in 2225 that’s customizable with the touch of a button. Six players at a time start in the battle-scarred engineering room of an alien ship and figure out how to power up the spacecraft and get to the observation deck and later the bridge. Wristbands offer players status updates, lights and engine sounds are synched up, video clues are sent depending on need and metrics are kept for a high scoreboard. “We innovate by really looking at how do we take the best of one thing and the best of another thing, put it together and make something that no one’s ever seen before,” said Maynard.

The local paper for the Upper East Side

Advertise with Our Town today! Call Vincent Gardino at 212-868-0190

OurTownNY.com


30

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

SOCCER CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 fast and skilled. They were amazing. In this game, I made sure I played my best. Although I stopped a majority of their attempts to score goals, we lost by one. At the end of the game, the coach came up to me, patted me on the shoulder, and said, “Man are you fast.” I just laughed, gathered my things, and walked away. As I was walking back towards my dad, I saw the coach and another man approach him. They spoke long after the game had ended. I saw them exchange numbers, shake hands and depart. Curious as to what happened, I spoke to my dad. It turned out that the coach wanted me to try out for his team. “One of the best teams in New York wants me!” I replied. “Apparently,” my dad chuckled. After two good years at Asphalt Green, I left the team and made my way to the Manhattan Soccer Club. This team was part of the secondbest league for girls, “The National Premier League.” This league called for frequent travelling and a larger commitment. We would travel during the weekends along the East Coast and play teams from all over the country. My first year on the team was rough. Most of the girls had been playing since they were 3 years old and had been on the team since they were 6. I was way behind in terms of skills, but I had natural speed and agility. One of the most challenging things to learn was how to maneuver the ball while also controlling my speed. Luckily for me, my coach was dedicated and helped me master this skill, as well as many others. At 13, I was named the MVP of two of tournaments. Manhattan Soccer Club remained the number one seed for a long time. Around that same time, I also graduated as valedictorian of my class and went onto Marymount School of New York. Life was great and I felt as if nothing could shake me. Of course, I had spoken too soon. I began my freshman year at Marymount, which was by far one of the hardest years of my life. The transition from St. Joseph’s School-Yorkville to Marymount was drastic. The curriculum at Marymount was vigorous and grueling. On top of that, soccer continued to be demanding and called for continuous travel. Although I did expect school to be difficult and soc-

cer to be demanding, there were some events that took place that weren’t as predictable. Throughout my freshman year, several people close to me passed away. It started with my grandmother, then my two aunts, after a friend of mine, and finally a family friend. It was a really tough time in my life because all of those people who passed were the people who supported me and gave me the strength to continue when I felt overwhelmed and stressed by all my responsibilities. Life during this period felt monotonous. Every day I would go through a routine: Go to school, do homework, practice my instrument, play soccer, eat, sleep, and then repeat. I was not doing as well as I hoped at school and

sensed that the soccer field was the only place in which I could let out all of my emotions. That year I won MVP at school for soccer and was offered recruitment spots by a few colleges, but even that didn’t help. 2013 went from being the time of my life to a time of pain; All I could do was hope that the next year would be better. My sophomore year began and it seemed as if life only got worse. It was November and, like every other weekend, I had soccer games. At this point, our team was in a slump and was no longer seeded number one. We had already lost two games that weekend and we were hoping for a win. The game was tied 1-1 and we had the momentum. We were passing around the other team with ease

and controlling the ball. When the ball was passed to me, I made sure the ball was secure and as soon as I looked up, a girl twice my size was running towards me at full speed. I passed the ball quickly to another player, but even after I released the ball she kept sprinting. My cleat got caught in the mud and she ran straight into my knee with such a force that my knee turned outward. All I heard was a pop. I hit the ground, screaming and wailing in pain. I was carried off the field and brought to the medical staff, which had declared that I had torn my medial collateral ligament. The MCL is the second-worse injury after the ACL. “You are going to be out for about four-five months,” the physical

VISIT OUR WEBSITE! at OURTOWNNY.COM

AUGUST 18-24,2016 trainer said. I felt my heart sink. Soccer was something I loved immensely and was ultimately something I knew I wanted to do in college. The fact that I would not only have trouble being recruited, but that I would be off the field for such a long period of time troubled me. During my time off, I lost hope in ever attaining a scholarship or even playing again. I began to look back towards my long lost friend — music — for comfort. I missed playing, but I didn’t have as much time between soccer and school to play. The only instrument that survived my demanding lifestyle was the piano. Throughout my five months off, I went to physical therapy and then home to play my piano. Playing for five months made me question why I ever gave up music, but the moment I was cleared to play in April of 2015, that question disappeared from my mind. Coming back after five months gave me a feeling of euphoria. I was recruited to play on another team in an even higher league than Manhattan Soccer Club. That year, I joined Albertson Soccer Club, a Long Island-based team that plays in the Elite Premier League, which is the highest level. I was shocked that the coach wanted me, but I didn’t hesitate. The feeling of being back was both great and disheartening. Being back on the field was amazing, but not being able to run as fast, or to have as much endurance, or dribble as nicely was a challenge I hadn’t fully expected. I went through months and months of constant soccer and physical exercise to become a decent player again. One of my greatest motivations was having a coach who supported me and believed in me even though, at times, I didn’t believe I would ever be the player I was before my injury. My first major tournament after returning was during my junior year. Junior year, by itself, is the hardest year of high school for any student, but I believe it is especially hard for a serious athlete. I felt the pressure to be recruited and do well in school. In that tournament I had played the best I ever had since the injury. Many scouts emailed me after that tournament and then watched me play at other tournaments. Although the year was stressful, I ended it in triumph: I was recruited by American University where I will play Division I soccer with a full scholarship. I also had a great academic year. Asia Horne spent a portion of her summer at Straus News Manhattan as a student reporter.


AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

31

The New York Coliseum was at Columbus Circle from 1956 to 2000.

MOSES BUILT NEW YORK’S COLISEUM For decades, the city’s main exposition and convention center was at Columbus Circle BY RAANAN GEBERER

Before the Javits Center was New York City’s expo and convention center, the city’s chief venue for such events was the New York Coliseum on Columbus Circle. The Coliseum was built in the mid-1950s by Robert Moses’ Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority and designed by architects Leon and Lionel Levy. It replaced two theaters, several tenements and office buildings and some stores. To get it built, the powerful Moses condemned the west side of Columbus Circle as a slum, then got the federal government, under its slum-clearance program, to foot much of the bill. As it was being built in 1955, part of the main hall collapsed, killing one worker and injuring 50. The Coliseum, which consisted of a windowless exhibition building and an attached 23-story office tower, was

honored with a postage stamp when it opened in 1956. It was adorned with four medallions, representing the United States, New York State, New York City and the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority. Mayor Robert Wagner called it “one of the wonders of the modern world.� The architecture community, however, was less pleased with the bland, windowless structure. “It’s a great utilitarian achievement, but architecture is something else again,� Frank Lloyd Wright was quoted as saying by The New York Times. “I think it’s all right for New York, but I hope it stays here.� During the next 20 years or so, the Coliseum was the major exhibition hall in New York City. It could handle several events at once. It hosted were the New York International Auto Show, the National Photographic Show, the Philatelic Exhibition, the International Home Expo, the New York Coliseum Antiques Show, among others. Eventually, however, trade shows got bigger and the New York Coliseum became inadequate. In the mid-1980s, con-

struction started on the Javits Center, in Hell’s Kitchen, which further put the Coliseum’s future in doubt. The Coliseum closed in 1986 after a men’s sportswear show, and the MTA, which had become the parent body of the Triborough Bridge and Tunnel Authority, put the building up for sale. After a planned sale to Boston Properties fell through in the early 1990s due to the recession, the MTA reopened the Coliseum for occasional small events, particularly the threetimes-a-year antiques show. The location had another function, as well. I remember, during the ‘90s, walking by and seeing a large crowd of people, mainly women with children, waiting for charter buses. A police officer on the scene told me the buses were taking them to upstate prisons to visit their family members. Finally, in 1998, the MTA sold the building to Time Warner, which demolished it and built the Time Warner Center. Robert Moses in his heyday built many structures that are still part of the landscape of New York, but the Coliseum was not destined to be one of them.

Cool off this summer with a delicious frozen treat from Mamita’s Ice! WHAT MAKES US GREAT...

We use cane sugar and real fruit! A great frozen treat that is healthy!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE! at OURTOWNNY.COM

For a list of our products and retail locations log on to our website:

MAMITASICES.COM 5) 453&&5 26&&/4 /: r 718-738-3238


32

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

AUGUST 18-24,2016


AUGUST 18-24,2016

33

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

RESTAURANT INSPECTION RATINGS JUL 20 - AUG 11, 2016 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. JG Melon Restaurant

PJ Bernstein Deli & Restaurant

E.J Luncheonette

Little Vincent’s Pizza

1291 3 Avenue

1215 Third Avenue

1271 Third Avenue

1399 2nd Ave

Grade Pending (33) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 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. Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment. Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service. Grade Pending (34) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 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. Live roaches present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service. Grade Pending (26) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. 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. Grade Pending (26) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Food prepared from ingredients at ambient temperature not cooled to 41º F or below within 4 hours. Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

Gyro 96

141 E 96th St

A

Korali Estiatorio

1662 3rd Ave

A A

Squeeze

1729 1st Ave

Not Yet Graded (5)

Vico Ristorante

1302 Madison Avenue A

Russ & Daughters At The Jewish Museum

1109 5th Ave

A

Il Gnocchi Restaurant

118 East 116 Street

A

A.M. Deli Juice Bar Food Inc

308 E 116th St

Not Yet Graded (19) 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.

Carribean Fiesta

1544 Madison Ave

Not Yet Graded (21) 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.

JFK Fried Chicken

2041 1st Ave

Not Yet Graded (23) 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. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

Asian Gourmet

1509 Lexington Avenue

A

Yura’s Blue Plate

2248 1st Ave

A

Crown Fried Chicken

1867 Lexington Avenue

A

Joy Burger Bar

1567 Lexington Ave

A

Burritos Y Mas

1571 Lexington Ave

A

Roast

1569 Lexington Ave

Grade Pending (30) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Evidence of rats or live rats 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.

Brasserie Cognac East

963 Lexington Ave

A

Hotel Carlyle

35 East 76 Street

Grade Pending (23) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 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.

Bagels & Co

500 E 76th St

A

Domino’s

153 East 116 Street

A

Just Salad

1471 Third Ave

A

Peng’s Noodle Folk

1659 1st Ave

Not Yet Graded (36) Food worker does not use proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate additional heat treatment. 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 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.

El Paso Restaurante Mexicano

1643 Lexington Avenue

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/sewageassociated flies include fruit flies, drain flies and Phorid flies.

My Ny Bakery Cafe

1565 Lexington Avenue

A

Fu Wing Garden

153 E 106th St

A

Camaradas El Barrio

2241 1 Avenue

Grade Pending (36) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 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. 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 contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

Burger King

226 East 86 Street

A

Tasti D-Lite

1276 Lexington Avenue

A

City Swiggers

320 East 86 Street

A

San Matteo Pizza Espresso 1739 2 Avenue Bar

A

Ray’s Pizza

1827 2 Avenue

A

Gina Americana

27 E 92nd St

A


34

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

“I WISH SOMEONE WOULD HELP THAT HOMELESS MAN.”

BE THE SOMEONE. Sam New York Cares Volunteer

Every day, we think to ourselves that someone should really help make this city a better place. Visit newyorkcares.org to learn about the countless ways you can volunteer and make a difference in your community.

AUGUST 18-24,2016


AUGUST 18-24,2016

CLASSIFIEDS PHOTOGRAPHY

35

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTS

REAL ESTATE - RENT

Telephone: 212-868-0190 Fax: 212-868-0198 Email: classified2@strausnews.com

POLICY NOTICE: We make every eort to avoid mistakes in your classiďŹ ed ads. Check your ad the ďŹ rst week it runs. The publication will only accept responsibility for the ďŹ rst incorrect insertion. The publication assumes no ďŹ nancial responsibility for errors or omissions. We reserve the right to edit, reject, or re-classify any ad. Contact your sales rep directly for any copy changes. All classiďŹ ed ads are pre-paid.

VACATIONS

LEGAL AND PROFESSIONAL

Directory of Business & Services To advertise in this directory Call #BSSZ (212)-868-0190 ext.4 CBSSZ MFXJT@strausnews.com

REAL ESTATE - SALE

WANTED TO BUY

PEST CONTROL

Antique, Flea & Farmers Market

Antiques Wanted

SINCE 1979

East 67th Street Market

TOP PRICES PAID

Remember to:

CARS & TRUCKS & RV’S

Recycle and Reuse

PUBLIC NOTICES

Chinese, Modern Custom Jewelry Paintings, Silver, Etc. Entire Estates Purchased

800.530.0006

MASSAGE

Medical and Office Cleaning Company Looking to Buy

COUNSELING

MERCHANDISE FOR SALE HELP WANTED

SERVICES OFFERED

SMALL TO MEDIUM SIZED CLEANING COMPANIES FROM 1 TO 100 ACCOUNTS

(between First & York Avenues) Open EVERY Saturday 6am-5pm Rain or Shine Indoor & Outdoor FREE Admission Questions? Bob 718.897.5992 Proceeds BeneďŹ t PS 183 :H DUH D SURXG PHPEHU RI WKH $VVRFLDWHG 3UHVV DQG WKH 1DWLRQDO 1HZVSDSHU $VVRFLDWLRQ

Goldberg PO Box 2962 Church St Station 10008

FREE: FIVE STAR E-NOVEL YOU THINK SOMETHING MAY BE WRONG. THE ANSWER IS NOT STARING YOU IN THE FACE. Avoiding eye contact is one early sign of autism. Learn the others today at autismspeaks.org/signs. Early diagnosis can make a lifetime of difference.

“War In A Beautiful Country� Random Terror On An Ordinary Life FREE on nook, kindle, all e-readers and electronic devices or direct at: www.novelwarinabeautifulcountry.blogspot.com/

SOHO LT MFG

462 Broadway MFG No Retail/Food +/- 9,000 SF Ground Floor - $90 psf +/- 16,000 SF Cellar - $75 psf Divisible Call David @ Meringoff Properties 212-645-7575


36

AUGUST 18-24,2016

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

COME HOME TO GLENWOOD MANHATTAN’S FINEST LUXURY RENTALS

3 3 3

3

3 3

3 3 3 UPPER EAST SIDE 1 BEDROOMS FROM $2,995 CONV 2 BEDROOMS FROM $4,295 3 BEDROOMS FROM $6,495

MIDTOWN & UPPER WEST SIDE STUDIO FROM $3,295 2 BEDROOMS FROM $5,495 3 BEDROOMS FROM $8,395

TRIBECA & FINANCIAL DISTRICT 1 BEDROOMS FROM $3,795 CONV 2 BEDROOMS FROM $4,495 2 BEDROOMS FROM $5,895

UPTOWN LEASING OFFICE 212-535-0500 DOWNTOWN LEASING OFFICE 212-430-5900 ! " " All the units include features for persons with disabilities required by the FHA.

Equal Housing Opportunity

GLENWOOD BUILDER OWNER MANAGER

GLENWOODNYC.COM


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.