Our Town December 26th, 2013

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cityArts

CELEB SINCE 1970

EVERY THURS.

NYPRESS.COM • THE LARGEST PAPER ON THE EAST SIDE • DECEMBER 26, 2013

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Central Park Santa Misses Christmas Edwin Bobrow has donned the suit -and the yarmulke -- for the past nine years

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Stuck in Transit

A self-described Jewish Agnostic, Edwin Bobrow, 85, is an incredibly kind man who loves children and believes that Christmas is “everyone’s holiday.” For the past nine years, Bobrow has donned both a yarmulke and a Santa hat, serving as the “Central Park Santa.” This year, much to everyone’s

Wheelchair-bound commuters face a subway system on the East Side with almost no elevators By Joanna Fantozzi

By Helaina Hovitz Continued on page 10

Kitty Lunn will never forget the day when she was stuck in her wheelchair for four hours in front of a broken elevator at the 51st Street subway station on Lexington Avenue. No one stopped to help her, thinking she was a panhandler, until a transit worker finally called firefighters to lift her back onto the street. This sort of experience is not uncommon for wheelchair users or otherwise handicapped New Yorkers -- particularly on the East Side. There are, for instance, zero subway stations with elevators between 51st and 125th Streets on the East Side. Paula Wolff, a representative from the Center for Independence of the Disabled New York, who uses a wheelchair and is legally blind, said that getting around in New York as a wheelchair user takes a lot of patience, and some extra commute time. According to the MTA, all of New York’s busses are wheelchair-accessible. Most handicapped New Yorkers, or those who otherwise cannot easily access public transit, can Continued on page 5

ALSO INSIDE RINGING SHOP NO IN 2014 P.8 MORE P.10

DANCE AUDITION TOUR Center for the Arts One week summer intensive 3-6 week summer programs Fine Arts Boarding High School

Gibney Dance 890 Broadway, Studio 5-2 New York, NY 10003

Friday • January 3, 2014 Registration: 2:00 p.m. Audition: 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

www.interlochen.org/NYCDance

TAPPED IN Re: Ask Margaret: how do I get an illegal business evicted from a rentstabilized apartment? Margaret, your answer is so Bill De Blasio I can’t believe it. Assuming the rent stabilized tenant’s non-conforming use is actually unknown to the landlord, wouldn’t it be fair for the landlord to be able to earn a proper return on the apartment, rather than subsidizing another undeserving rent stabilized tenant? If he could earn a market rate rental, he might have enough cash to upgrade the building – or at least to improve trash pickup, if that is what is bothering you. Although it is no doubt politically incorrect to bring this up, “rent stabilization” is just another form of welfare, with the landlord involuntarily picking up the tab. And don’t ask me about rent control!! - Robert Myers, Upper East Side

What to Do With Your Tree

Our Newest Neighbors Unlike in the rest of the city, the foreign-born population of the Upper East Side is shrinking*

60,178 Total population of the Upper East Side

9,757 Total who are foreign-born

-15.4% Percentage change in number of immigrants since 2000

Chinese immigrants have become the single largest immigrant group in the neighborhood. China: 991 United Kingdom: 896 Canada: 474 France: 436 Germany: 421 Japan: 329 Israel: 286 Greece: 153 Mexico: 128 Romania: 119

* Based on census data in a city report. Upper East Side is defined in the report as 59th to 96th streets, from Central Park east to 3rd Avenue

ͳͲ͸ͺ Ǥ ͷ͹ Ƭ ͷ͸ Ȉ ǡ ͳͲͲʹʹ ʹͳʹ ʹͲ͹ ͵͹͵͹ Ȉ Ǥ

The NYC Department of Sanitation will be conducting special collections for mulching and recycling of Christmas trees. Collections will take place beginning on Monday, December 30 through Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Residents are encouraged to put out their discarded trees at curbside as early as possible during the collection period. DSNY asks residents to remove all tree stands, tinsel, lights, and ornaments from trees before placing them out for collection. DO NOT place trees in plastic bags. Trees will be chipped into mulch

that will be distributed to parks, playing fields, and community gardens throughout the city. New Yorkers can also participate in NYC Parks & Recreation Mulchfest by bringing their holiday trees to designated sites throughout the five boroughs on Saturday or Sunday, January 11 & 12, 2014, from 10 am to 2 pm. All of the trees will be chipped into mulch that will be used as ground cover to nourish plantings across the City. Before dropping off your tree, please remove all tree stands, tinsel, lights, and ornaments from trees. Free mulch will be available at Mulchfest locations — bring a bag if you would like to take home some mulch.

Immediate Orthopaedic Care at the Hospital for Joint Diseases

$40.00

iCare at HJD z 301 East 17th Street at 2nd Avenue z New York, NY z 212.598.7600 The Samuels Orthopaedic Immediate Care Center (iCare) is New York City’s only walk-in clinic for adults and children with urgent muscle, bone and joint injuries and conditions. Located in NYU Langone’s Hospital for Joint Diseases (HJD), iCare offers:

š Shorter wait times than hospital emergency rooms š Expert care by HJD’s world-class physicians and nurses š State-of-the-art diagnostic equipment for quick evaluation and treatment š Access to further orthopaedic care or admission at HJD, for more significant injuries š A modern, comfortable environment š Seven-day-a-week-care, from 8am - 10:30pm Conditions treated include suspected hip, arm, or leg fractures; suspected dislocation or joint injury; injuries to hands or feet; acute back/spine injuries; sprains or strains of any joint; suspected bone or joint infection. For more information, call 212.598.7600.

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OUR TOWN

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

CRIME WATCH Fugettaboutit! A woman stole money from another woman’s wallet in a bodega. Between 1 and 2 PM on Wednesday, December 18, a woman entered a bodega on Lexington Avenue and laid her wallet on a stack of magazines while she was buying a lottery ticket. She left the store, forgetting her wallet. When she returned a little while later, the wallet was still where she had placed it, but $1,200 in cash inside the wallet was missing. Store video showed another woman removing the money.

By Jerry Danzig

Check Heck Someone wrote a fraudulent check against a man’s bank account. At 1 PM on Tuesday, December 17, a 60-year-old man was checking his bank account when he saw that someone had transferred $40,000 from his savings to his checking account and written a fraudulent check in that amount. The man had the genuine blank check bearing the number of the fraudulent check in his possession.

Sour Seventeen Someone made a number of fraudulent charges against a man’s bank account. At 10 AM on Saturday, December 14, a 56-year-old man received an e-mail from his bank, alerting their customers to suspicious account activity. The man checked his account and found that seventeen fraudulent charges had been made, totaling $1,704.31.

Drugstore Bust A drugstore employee was arrested for making fraudulent charges. During the period between November 26 and December 15, a 24-year-old female employee of a drugstore on First Avenue purchased gift cards totaling $4,000, using unauthorized credit cards. She was arrested on December 18 and charged with grand larceny.

Illustration by John S. Winkleman

Art Courses & Workshops From Creative Kickstarts to In-Depth Study National Academy School All Fine Art Mediums for All Levels 5 E. 89th Street at Fifth Avenue Register now! www.nationalacademy.org 212.996.1908 Ä Win $100 in free art supplies! To enter the raffle, use the code FREEART when you register.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

OUR TOWN

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Fighting a Forced Downsizing .com STRAUS MEDIA  MANHATTAN PRESIDENT Jeanne Straus EDITOR IN CHIEF Kyle Pope • editor.ot@strausnews.com EDITOR Megan Bungeroth • editor.otdt@strausnews.com CITYARTS EDITOR Armond White • editor.cityarts@strausnews.com STAFF REPORTERS Joanna Fantozzi, Daniel Fitzsimmons FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Alan S. Chartock, Bette Dewing, Jeanne Martinet, Malachy McCourt, Angela Barbuti, Casey Ward, Laura Shanahan BLOCK MAYORS Ann Morris, Upper West Side Jennifer Peterson, Upper East Side Gail Dubov, Upper West Side Edith Marks, Upper West Side PUBLISHER Gerry Gavin • advertising@strausnews.com ASSOCIATE PUBLISHERS Seth L. Miller, Ceil Ainsworth, Kate Walsh ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Eliza Appleton CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Stephanie Patsiner DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Joe Bendik OUR TOWN is published weekly Copyright © 2013 by Straus Media - Manhattan, LLC 212-868-0190 • 333 Seventh Ave, New York, NY. Straus Media - Manhattan publishes Our Town • The West Side Spirit • Our Town Downtown Chelsea Clinton News • The Westsider To subscribe for 1 year, please send $75 to OUR TOWN, c/o Straus News 20 West Ave., Chester, NY 10918 PREVIOUS OWNERS HAVE INCLUDED: Tom Allon, Isis Ventures, Ed Kayatt, Russ Smith, Bob Trentlion, Jerry Finkelstein

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340 are Section 8, and of those 220 are enhanced voucher holders. Harri Molese, who has helped form the Housing Alliance Against Downsizing to fight the changes, said that By Daniel Fitzsimmons whenever she is in the lobby or mail room of the Knickerbocker, Argentina Perez lives with she’s swarmed by mostly elderly her 20-year-old daughter, women seeking information. who suffers from epilepsy and Like Perez, she’s afraid of cerebral palsy, in a two-bedroom receiving that notice from the apartment at the Knickerbocker HPD forcing her to move. Plaza on 2nd Avenue and 91st “Everybody feels that way,” Upper East Side resident Argentina Perez looks Street. As a Section 8 enhanced said Molese. “People in this housing voucher recipient, she’s at a copy of her downsizing notice, with neighbors building are terrified.” lived in fear that federal budget Rita Popper (left) and Harri Molese (right) Local elected officials, problems mean she would be including Councilwoman Jessica Alternatively, enhanced voucher forced to move to a smaller Lappin, Councilman Dan holders can choose to stay in their apartment. Quart, and Councilwoman Gale Brewer, current apartment, convert their On Nov. 13, those fears were realized. have committed resources to helping enhanced voucher to a regular Section 8 She received a notice from the city residents fight their downsizing. subsidy, and pay more rent according to Dept. of Housing Preservation and For the HPD, the rent subsidy the new guidelines. Development HPD that she would have decrease and downsizing of tenants is A two-year bipartisan budget deal to move to a one-bedroom in the same an effort to keep everyone in the Section recently advanced by the Senate, which building, her part of an effort to close 8 program. “Terminating vouchers is is likely to be signed by President a budget gap for Section 8 programs the last thing we want to do and we are Obama, will free up some $22 billion across the country. resolute in trying to avoid that,” said an in funds that will be shared by all Due to the federal sequester, Section HPD spokesperson. non-defense programs this fiscal year. 8 funds administered nationally by None of that washes with Brewer, who However, it remains to be seen how the the Dept. of Housing and Urban said the HPD shares in Congress’ blame Appropriations Committee will divvy up because there are other ways to save Development are being held up in a the funds across federally administered gridlocked Washington. As a result, money than making Section 8 recipients programs, including Section 8. funding for local Section 8 programs are move. “I think HPD is at as much fault An HPD spokesperson said being affected across the country. as HUD,” said Brewer. “HPD is deciding the agency is waiting to see how For Perez, age 64, the notice was that they are taking this $35 million - in much money is handed down from another setback for her alreadymy opinion - out of the hides of tenants.” Washington, but that they still anticipate struggling family. Last year she retired According to Brewer, her district has having a shortfall. “The gap will certainly been inundated with notices telling early to take care of her daughter, who be smaller than it could otherwise suffers epileptic seizures about once a people they have to move or pay more in have been, giving us more options for month that are followed by debilitating rent. Her office is diverting considerable managing the shortfall, but Section 8 will resources to help residents exhaust every migraines. They get by on some social not be returning to pre-sequestration security and retirement money, but can’t option that can be used to stay in their levels,” said the spokesperson. afford to pay any additional rent. Perez apartment. So far, Brewer said, tenants Perez enlisted the support of two has diabetes and back problems, and in have been successful. But that success other residents of the Knickerbocker, a smaller apartment, said she would give comes with a cost; residents who fill out Rita Popper and Harri Molese, who the bedroom to her daughter and sleep a reasonable accommodation form with formed the Housing Coalition Against on the couch. the HPD must list the reasons - namely Downsizing and are leading the charge “She needs her privacy for her illness,” medical or age related - for needing against what they call “draconian” said Perez. “I need it, too, but as a to stay in their apartment and provide measures adopted by the HPD. Popper mother you do what you have to.” proof from a medical professional. filed what’s known as a “reasonable The new HPD guidelines require According to Brewer’s office, the accommodation” form with the HPD regular Section 8 tenants to pay a higher Upper West Side is home to at least that would exempt Perez from having to share of their rent or request to move 194 Section 8 recipients with enhanced move because of her daughter’s illness. to a smaller apartment. Enhanced vouchers, spread out over Glenn They’re awaiting a response from the voucher holders are now allotted one Gardens on West 87th Street, the Leader HPD. bedroom for every two people in a House on West 93rd Street and the The HPD administers 37,000 Section given household. If they fail to meet that Heywood Towers on West 90th Street. standard in their current living situation, 8 vouchers in the city, all of which would “I don’t want the residents to be affected by the new guidelines. Those they’re deemed “overhoused” by the have to go through this process. It’s who do move would still pay one-third HPD and required to move to a smaller dehumanizing, it’s stigmatizing,” said unit when one becomes available in their of their income on rent for a smaller unit Brewer. “When older New Yorkers have under the Section 8 standards. Of the building. to move they get sick.” 577 apartments in the Knickerbocker,

Section 8 residents must move to cover funding gap

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

OP - ED

A Call for a National Women’s History Museum By Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney Currently, in the nation’s Capital, there’s an Air and Space Museum, a Spy Museum, a Textile Museum, a National Postal Museum, even a Crime and Punishment Museum. But there is no national museum that tells the full story of the amazing, brilliant, courageous, innovative and sometimes defiant women who have helped to shape our history and make this country what it is. This is just not right. So, in February, I introduced H.R. 863, with Congresswomen Marsha Blackburn and Eleanor Holmes Norton, which would form a commission to study the best and most practical ways to build a National Women’s History Museum (NWHM) on or near the National Mall. This bill has bi-partisan support and nearly 60 co-sponsors. Sen. Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced a companion bill in the Senate, which also enjoys bi-partisan support and has nearly 20 co-sponsors. A NWHM in Washington D.C. would tell the fascinating, yet mostly untold stories of important women in American History, like Agent 355, the mysterious woman who sent vital information to General Washington during the Revolutionary War, or Hedy Lamarr, the luminous Hollywood star who invented a radio-guided torpedo that contained the technology that gave rise to cell Stuck in Transit Continued from page 1

utilize Access A Ride—a door-to-door van or car service that costs the same amount as a subway fare: $2.50 for all people who qualify. Even when wheelchair riders can find their way to a subway platform, the problems don’t end there: there’s the gap on the platform that a wheel could get stuck in. On the LIRR and Metro North, conductors can put down a small ramp at each stop for wheelchair users to roll over without hitting the gap. But at short subway stops with extremely crowded cars, this is impossible. “Our subways weren’t built with disabilities in mind over 100 years ago, and it’s very hard to retrofit access,” said Wolff. “Even with subway stations with elevators, there’s an elevator hotline that you can supposedly call and be told if it’s working, but by the time you get there, the elevator might not be working anymore.” According to the Americans with Disabilities Act, which was amended in 1994, approximately 100 subway stations have to be

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

phone, Wi-Fi and GPS. And it would most definitely chronicle the stories of important women from New York, like Eleanor Roosevelt and Bella Abzug. As currently envisioned, the NWHM wouldn’t cost American taxpayers a dime. It would be funded and operated by the National Women’s History Museum, Inc., which would pay fair market value for the property and raise all the funds for construction and operating costs. The commission that our bill creates would be tasked with completing a report that contains recommendations for a museum location, organizational structure, construction costs and more. That report will be submitted to the Congress and President. Currently, the NWHM consists of temporary exhibits, special events, and a website that contains a significant amount of fascinating content on women’s history. But women’s history needs a physical home. Earlier this month Rep. Blackburn testified before a House Committee on our bill, which followed a similar Senate hearing. We still have more work to do but we’re making progress. And we won’t stop until we’ve turned this dream into a reality. Carolyn Maloney represents New York’s 12th congressional district, which includes the Upper East Side.

fitted with elevators by 2020. According to the MTA, 80 of these stations have been put in place already. In addition, the Second Avenue subway line, which will include stops at East 72nd, 86th and 96th Streets, will all have elevators in them, as required by the ADA. Even though the lawsuit only requires 100 stations, Wolff said the city could very well go beyond the minimum requirement -- and should. “We are looking at stations that would benefit the most people,” said Kevin Ortiz, a representative from the MTA. “We look at stations with highest ridership and multiple transfer points in terms of ridership and major areas of activity, so the stations given a priority are these.” As for Kitty Lunn’s experience at the bottom of the elevator for four hours? Ortiz found this experience hard to believe. He said that when an elevator is broken, users can simply use the intercom system to reach out to the station agent. Lunn, however, said while that sounds good in theory, in didn’t help her on the day she was stuck.

OUR TOWN

VISIT the BGC GALLERY OVER the HOLIDAYS

William Kent: Designing Georgian Britain through February 9, 2014

William Kent. Console table, Chiswick House, ca. 1727-32. Victoria and Albert Museum, London.

An American Style: Global Sources for New York Textile and Fashion Design, 1915–1928 through February 2, 2014

Ilonka Karasz in “Peruvian poncho,” ca. 1916. American Museum of Natural History Library.

F R E E A D M I S S I O N A L L D AY T H U R S D AY, D E C E M B E R 2 6 The Gallery will be closed December 24, 25, 31 and January 1 Regular hours resume January 2. H O L I D AY W E E K H O U R S Wednesday–Sunday: 11 am–5 pm Thursday: 11 am–8 pm

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18 West 86th Street New York City 10024 (212) 501-3023 visit bgc.bard.edu/gallery

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OUT & ABOUT School has been entertaining families for 18 years with its mischievous blend of clown theatre, slapstick antics, magic and puppetry, zany music, rich special effects, and boisterous full-audience participation. symphonyspace.org

Friday, December 27 Instructive, Entertaining and Moral: Toys & Childhood in the 19th-Century Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 East 61st Street 11-4 p.m., $8; $7 students; Free seniors & children under 12 View popular toys of the 19th century and explore what they can tell us about child development and play in America in the 1800s. Objects on display include classic wooden toys, early board games, china head dolls, and educational toys. Part I closes January 27; Part II opens February 5. mvhm.org

Sunday, December 29 Teddy Bear Tea

REgeneration Art Project at Columbus Circle Columbus Circle All day/night, Free The eight foot snails are part of the REgeneration Art Project and are made of recyclable plastic obtained from landfills. The snails are a creation of the Cracking Art Group consisting of six international artists. The Group’s intention is to change art history through both a strong social and environmental commitment, and a revolutionary and innovative use of different recyclable plastic materials.

Mrs. Claus, and a “floating city� created with 3-D mapping and light projections. 212-826-8900; thewindow.barneys.com

Saturday, December 28 Barneys Holiday Windows Barneys New York, 660 Madison Avenue at 61st Street 10- 7 p.m., Free This holiday Barneys incorporates video, lights, and other special effects to make your holiday shopping bright for the coming year. Includes an interactive scene with Santa and

Pirate School Symphony Space, 2537 Broadway at 95th Street 11 a.m., $20 adults; $15 children A one-man family vaudeville show created and performed by veteran New York physical comedian and actor David Engel. Pirate

Mount Vernon Hotel Museum and Garden, 421 East 61st Street 1 p.m., $10 Adults, $5 Children under 12 Banish post-holiday boredom with a special event for ages 3 to 6. Bring your favorite teddy (or doll) to meet Mrs. Woodhull, the Hotel proprietor’s wife. Follow her as she talks about a typical day at the Mount Vernon Hotel in 1830. Along the way, try out her son’s toys or help her daughter with the daily chores. Afterward, enjoy fruit tea and cookies. Reservations recommended. mvhm.org

Monday. December 30 Metropolitan Museum Christmas Tree and Neapolitan Baroque Crèche The Metropolitan Art Museum; 1000 Fifth

Jewelers since 1936

Wishing Everybody A Healthy, Happy And Prosperous New Year! 5IJSE "WFOVF #UXO UI BOE UI 4UT t %$" -JDFOTF

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OUR TOWN

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

OUT & ABOUT Ave 10-5:30 p.m., Free With more than 200 18th-century handsculpted Neapolitan crèche figures, which are wearing jeweled and embroidered costumes, the tree is an exhibit in itself. Many of the ornaments are arranged in pairs. Metmuseum.org

Wynton Marsalis Septet Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola at Jazz at Lincoln Center. 10 Columbus Circle, at 60th Street, 5th floor 7-9:30 p.m., $35 Led by nine-time Grammy Award and Pulitzer Prize winner Wynton Marsalis, the Wynton Marsalis Septet features pianist Eric Reed, saxophonist & clarinetist Victor Goines, saxophonist Wessell “Warmdaddy” Anderson, trombonist Wycliffe Gordon, drummer Herlin Riley, and bassist Reginald Veal. 212-721-6500; jal.org

Tuesday, December 31 New Year’s Eve Millennium Dance Party 92y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd street 8 p.m. – 1 a.m. $40 advance; $60 door

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Start the night with the lovely and talented ballroom DJ and host, Irene Mou. At 10 pm, switch to the Hustle Club Mix by DJ Tony Felix, winner of the latest Battle of the DJs. Admission includes light hors d’oeuvres throughout the evening, complimentary champagne at midnight, hats, noisemakers, balloon drop, conga line and a live stream of the Times Square Ball Drop at midnight. Then ‘party hardy’ the rest of the night away with DJ Tony Felix. 92y.org

New Year’s Eve Concert For Peace, St. John the Divine Cathedral, 1047 Amsterdam Avenue at W. 112th Street 7-9 p.m., $30-$150 Founded by Leonard Bernstein in 1984, the annual New Year’s Eve Concert for Peace is a signature Cathedral event, gathering old friends and new for more than a quarter of a century. Handel’s Organ Concerto in F Major; Mozart’s 41st symphony; Franz Joseph Haydn’s oratorio The Creation and John Milton’s Paradise Lost.

ness for EveryBODY Fair The Jewish Community Center in Manhattan, 334 Amsterdam Avenue at West 76th Street 10-6 p.m., Free Day of fitness classes, giveaways, and seminars designed to get your year off to a healthy start! Including: Zumba, yoga, family activities, talk-to-anutritionist healthy cooking demos, personal training consultations, meditation, and indoor cycling. Preregistration recommended. Walk-ins welcome. 646-505-5708; Jccmanhattan.org/ newyears

Thursday, January 2 Old-Time Cinema

Wednesday, January 1 JCC Annual New Year’s Day Fit-

OUR TOWN

96th Street Library, 112 East 96th Street 2-4 p.m., Free Directed by Leo McCarey, 1944, 106 minutes, b&w. Starring Bing Crosby, Barry

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Fitzgerald, Rise Stevens, Frank McHugh, James Brown, Gene Lockhart. A young priest comes to a New York slum parish and after initial friction charms the old pastor he is to succeed. Nypl.org

Book Discussion: Jane Eyre 96th Street Library, 112 East 96th Street 6-7 p.m., Free Discuss the classic novel by Charlotte Bronte. Nypl.org

Cooking With Mike Colameco: Winter Stews The Viking/Carl Schaedel and Co. showroom at 969 Third Avenue at 58th Street. 7 p.m., $45 Chef Mike Colameco presents monthly cooking demonstrations at the Viking/Carl Schaedel and Co. showroom (formerly the Delia/Viking showroom). In this class on Winter Stews, learn how to make wholesome and hearty one-pot winter stews with whole-grain sides. 92y.org

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K9 KASTLE & NORTH SHORE ANIMAL LEAGUE AMERICA

Ring in the New Year in Your Neighborhood If you want to avoid the mad rush for cabs or just don’t feel like trekking too far from home, pick one of these celebrations on December 31 By Alissa Fleck

ADOPT A PET

Guastavino’s 409 E. 59th St., 9 pm-3 am, Guastavinos. com Ring in the new year under the Queensboro Bridge at this massive party space with DJ performances all night and a six hour premium open bar. Tickets start at $60.

Petco

Bounce Uptown

860 Broadway @ East 17th St. New York, NY $ # Like us on

AnimalLeague.org 1.877.4.SAVE.PET

1403 2nd Ave., 8 pm-4 am, bounceny.com Celebrate New Year’s Eve at one of the Upper East Side’s most popular sports bars with a five hour premium open bar and live DJ performances. Tickets start at $10 for

Amali 115 E. 60th St., amalinyc.com This fine Upper East Side eatery is offering up a special a la carte menu this New Year’s Eve and one lucky patron will win a dinner and wine tasting for two.

Molly Pitcher’s Ale House 1641 2nd Ave., mollypitchersnyc.com Looking for a FREE celebration this New Year’s Eve? Look no further than Molly Pitcher’s Ale House with complimentary party favors, live DJing and a midnight champagne toast.

Vanderbilt YMCA Debuts Aqua Zumba Class for Adults The Vanderbilt YMCA continues its long standing tradition of offering innovative programming by debuting its latest program, Aqua Zumba. Aqua Zumba is a unique class that integrates the Zumba formula and philosophy with traditional aqua ďŹ tness disciplines. The program blends it all together into a safe, challenging, water-based workout that’s cardioconditioning, body-toning, and most of all exhilarating. Vanderbilt is offering two new class times on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:45-7:30 PM. The ďŹ rst session of the year begins January 2 and ends February 23, 2014. Register now at www.register.ymcanyc.org.

latecomers, $85 for general admission.

In addition to Aqua Zumba, Vanderbilt offers swimming lessons to program participants from ages 6 months-old to adults. Equipped with 2 swimming pools, Vanderbilt also hosts Special Olympics training to those with disabilities who are physically and mentally-challenged and are training for Olympic-style sports. Vanderbilt has been an integral part of the Special Olympics for 15 years and will continue to utilize its aquatics facilities to support the community at large.

Midnight Run Central Park Bandshell, 10 pm, nyrr.org Feel like ringing in the New Year with a little festive exercise? Put on your craziest costume and meet up at the Central Park band shell for a four mile run and postrace festivities, including fireworks and DJ performances. The entry fee is $60.

FOR MORE INFORMATION please contact Aquatics Director, Jonathan Dickson 212-912-2536 or jdickson@ymcanyc.org.

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OUR TOWN

VANDERBILT YMCA 224 EAST 47TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY 212-912-2500 ymcanyc.org/vanderbilt

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Reif’s Tavern 302 E. 92nd St., 7 pmsunrise If you’re looking for something a little more low-key for the holiday, check out this neighborhood bar’s FREE New Year’s party.

The Stumble Inn 1454 2nd Ave., 8 pm-4 am, nycbestbar. com Regale in the five hour open bar from 9 pm-2 am though the party will be going on much longer at this Upper East Side hotspot. General admission is $85.

The Armory Show at 100 170 Central Park West, All New Year’s Day, nyhistory.org Celebrate the first day of the new year with an exploration of the New York 1913 Armory Show on its 100 year anniversary from an artistic perspective. The show will feature 75 carefully chosen works.

Whales: Giants of the Deep The American Museum of Natural History, 79th St. & Central Park West, 10 am-5:45 pm New Year’s Day, amnh.org Spend your first day of 2014 with some of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures. This special exhibition traces the history of whales and their significance to mankind. Admission is $25 for adults, $14.50 for children.

Let Us Tell You What to Do! Do you have a dispute with a neighbor? Need advice on how to navigate a sticky situation at your child’s school? Want to settle an argument about proper urban etiquette? Our Town is here to help, and dish out advice on living in your corner of the city. Please send your queries for our new advice column to editor.otdt@strausnews.com with the subject line “Ask Margaret.” THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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Central Park Santa Misses Christmas Continued from page 1

THE SIXTH BOROUGH

dismay, spinal surgery kept him at home. In order to commemorate what would have been his tenth consecutive year bringing joy to the city’s children, we’d like to share a little bit of his magical legacy with you. You really do look like Santa! It’s enough to make me believe‌. When Santa Clause becomes real to those kids, that’s when it’s special. I’d always put a little rouge on my cheeks and my nose, grow my beard long, and even whiten it a little more. Of course, I always told them they could pull my beard. What does Santa Clause represent for you? Santa is about satisfying the children, bringing them the spirit of happiness and joy and togetherness. Christmas really is everybody’s holiday. I love Christmas and Chanukah, even though I’m closer to being an Atheist than anyone I know. Hang on—my cat just hopped up on my lap to join in the conversation. Well, at least there’s someone who’s happy that you’re stuck at home this year! Yes, I was in the hospital for surgery and rehab for quite a while, and now that I’m home, Buddy doesn’t leave my side. What’s your favorite part of being Santa? Definitely the children’s reactions, the questions they ask me, how they respond. It’s actually changed over time, though. It used to be that children came and sat on my lap, and I’d talk to them, and they’d tell me what they wanted. It was very sweet. Over the past few years, though, parents have started literally throwing the kids on my lap, taking a picture, and that was it. Take a picture and go. I didn’t get a chance to talk to

The End of Shopping

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My vow to never buy new “There have been clothes again days I’ve felt like a By Becca Tucker

the kids, and that was my favorite part. Shame on those parents! Will you instate a new policy next year? Must talk to Santa? I don’t have that authority—the park has to decide. I think what happened was they got so many people that they had to put a tent up and get half a dozen people to control the line, so I don’t’ know if there will ever be time to really sit and talk to them like I used to again. Have you always really loved kids? Oh, yes. It’s so special when they hug you. Tell me about the yarmulke under the Santa hat. I don’t normally wear a yarmulke, but I put it on underneath the hat. Jewish kids would come to see me, and I would say, “Santa’s not just Catholic, he’s Jewish, too.� It was important for me to make that connection, because, from the time I was a kid and even now, there’s always been jealousy that other kids have Christmas. Has it ever caused any sort of controversy? Never raised any eyebrows at all. How do you feel about having to miss it this year? Terrible. I loved meeting the children, and it was such a happy event. I feel very sad that I physically can’t do it and wish I had the ability to be there this year. There’s emptiness in the pit of my stomach because I can’t be there for the kids. I truly miss it. So you definitely expect to be back next year? I certainly do! My Santa suit is waiting for me. I was hoping to go for ten straight years, but this year broke my streak. Hopefully, I’ll be able to continue on until I hit 20 years of doing it. Maybe you won’t have to wait a whole year—have you thought about becoming an Easter/ Passover bunny? Maybe, but I’m not a good hopper. %URDGZD\ WK )ORRU 1HZ <RUN 1< %RDUG &HUWLILHG 8URORJLVW HQGRUVHG

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NEW YORK MEN’S MEDICAL CLINIC PAGE 10

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Who are you wearing? It’s been over a year now since I said it. My head was deep in a bag of clothes from a Goodwill. I had just scored gray wool slacks, pink striped disco pants, two sweaters, a long paisley skirt and pea green corduroys for under $20. “I’m never buying new clothes again,� I proclaimed, rifling through my booty. It took a few seconds for the words to sink in. Then there they hung, irretrievable. Life is long. Two of my greatgrandmothers lived to 103. I started tacking on asterisks. I could still buy *shoes. *Socks. *Underwear. *Team gear (I play ultimate Frisbee, and need to wear my team jersey and shorts). *Other people could buy clothes for me (the holidays were coming up and I didn’t want to be a scrooge). *I could buy clothes for other people. It wasn’t as if husband Joe, the sole witness to my proclamation, was paying any attention. I could have kept gabbing and no one would have been the wiser. Except I couldn’t. I was beginning to feel queasy about certain things. Those clothes from H&M and Forever 21, for instance, were too cheap. Something seemed amiss about going on a shopping binge on a whim, tossing the clothes when the seams gave way six months later, and doing it again. I had double dog dared myself, and I couldn’t back down. It felt not only doable, but necessary. I’m not going to pretend life after new clothes has been all peaches and puppies. There have been mornings since that day when I’ve torn my drawers apart in a frantic search for something to wear to work, making a mess and making myself late and hating every piece of clothing I own. There have been days I’ve felt like a schlub, or like I’m Amish, or 15 years old, or 70, or egregiously out of synch with the place and time in a way I couldn’t quite pin down. Then again, there were days like that before I stopped buying new clothes, too. Fashion has never been my forte. But I haven’t slipped yet. There are the obvious benefits to the no new clothes rule,

schlub, or like I’m Amish, or 15 years old, or 70.� like a few hundred dollars saved per year, feeling a little less like a slave to the man, and not having to spend time in shopping centers, which kind of depress me. Ironically, I may also be better dressed now. I take it all, hand-me-ups, -downs and -overs, and people are starting to know that. When my friend and her shopaholic little sister were moving out of their Brooklyn apartment, I went over for a farewell hangout session. What should I find but bags upon garbage bags filled with designer clothes, intended for the Salvation Army? On any given day there’s a 50/50 shot I’m wearing some item from those sisters (sorry Salvation Army). When people compliment my outfit, I give credit where it’s due, and my reputation as a clothes bin grows. When another friend was moving from Sleepy Hollow to Brooklyn, she dumped all the clothes she couldn’t take – dresses, cozy hooded long-sleeves, Captain Morgan PJ pants, a knee brace? – at my house. To get rid of the excess that didn’t fit, either on my body or in my drawers, I organized a clothing swap. Five friends brought their old clothes to trade, we pranced around, and I emerged with a new wardrobe. I’m partial to my wardrobe, partly because it’s an eclectic mishmash of styles that is in itself a sort of style, but mostly because on any given day I can look down and, starting at my shoes and working my way up, tick off a list of friends, cousins, and thrift stores I’ve visited on various travels. Some of those friends I see all the time. Some are long gone. One moved to California and had a baby girl. I think about her whenever I wear her African skirt with the hole in the right pocket. Becca Tucker is a former Manhattanite who moved to a farm upstate and now writes about the rural life.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

cityArts

Edited by Armond White

New York’s Review of Culture . CityArtsNYC.com

David O. Russell’s Stock Company American Hustle is GoodFellas and Boogie Nights done right By Armond White

D

avid O. Russell goes to the 1970s to satirize contemporary Americana in American Hustle. If the title sounds both plain and pretentious, it takes a sense of humor like Russell’s to get over those hurdles and he does it with his new stock company of actors--great talents who are geeked up and wonderful playing roles of legitimate and government con artists. Christian Bale (from Russell’s The Fighter) portrays Irving Rosenfeld, a Long Island dry cleaner who knows how to cheat folks based on their greed. At a licentious pool party, he meets Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams, The Fighter alumna) a hot-chick who defies the period’s feminist movement by capitalizing on her sex appeal. The duo’s swindles make them prey to an FBI agent, Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper from Silver Linings Playbook) who inveigles them in a sting against the mob and a New Jersey politician (Jeremy Renner, a Russell freshman) that flows over into Irving’s other life with his notice-me housewife Rosalyn (Jennifer Cast of American Hustle Lawrence, Silver Linings valedictorian). Much of American Hustle’s pleasure comes from watching this cast in their most Richie’s insecurity, Roslyn’s hunger), Russell neither patronizes audacious performances yet, play-out the farce of wannabe nor condescends. The actors’ energetic exactitude makes one success. feel for them.--and recognize them. This is the best example Each character is greedy--for money and recognition--but of improvisatory artistry since Robert Altman’s masterpieces they’re also anxious to escape their roots. This is American and a Hollywood classic like Leo McCarey’s largely improvised entitlement in overdrive--not the suspect, nihilistic, hindsight 1937 The Awful Truth. of Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master. Russell understands By facing the awful truth of American greed, Russell the urge to move ahead (the through line of his previous shows its concomitant feature, spiritual insecurity. That’s films Spanking the Monkey, Flirting with Disaster, Three Kings, what keeps this movie fascinating. When Irving describes I Heart Huckabees). Every hustler has a con, each person Sydney’s awesomeness, he says “Like me she had to reinvent desperately wants more. They are ridiculously recognizable herself ” but “reinvent” is a 90s word, Stephen Holden which gives them superior standing to Boogie Nights’ pornocoined it in a New York Times article describing a Madonna pathos. tour. And Russell understands how “reinvention” expresses Russell’s stock company dances in these roles and his contemporary American ambition--and American Hustle’s 70s script (co-written with Erik Singer) gives them psychological story of the controversial ABSCAM sting operation draws a choreography. The movie, while taking a detailed look at bead on American instability. The actors provide emotional Americans’ desperation, feels like a party and acting classes will texture (note Amy Adams’ unstable yet calculating confession be talking about for years. with con-artist accent unbidden and Lawrence‘s housework If there’s a downside to these festivities, it’s that Russell’s tizzy to a pop song) which makes it dazzlingly true to realconcept isn’t shapely; American Hustle is raggedly structured, life experience in ways that this year’s The Place Beyond the as was Silver Linings Playbook. Russell resists going for the Pines (like Boogie Nights) got insultingly wrong. Adams and crowd-pleasing ecstasy that he instinctively earns. But the Lawrence give the American female performances of the year. ecstasy is also earned. Probing deeply into his characters Russell seems aware how recent pop cultural developments insecurity’s (Irving’s horrible toupee, Sydney’s self-hatred, (GoodFellas, The Sopranos) misrepresented American ambition.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

OUR TOWN

www.nypress.com

He pays homage to those films but also corrects their emphasis on violence. American Hustle is GoodFellas, The Sopranos and Boogie Nights done right. It helps that Russell’s emotional amplitude includes female ambivalence rather than machismo. Adam’s Sydney says “My dream is to become anyone else than who I was” which is a confession Scorsese’s thugs could never admit--much less realize. The realization takes American Hustle past Scorsese’s superficial ethnic fantasy. Russell’s social acuity and funny profane language confronts a disturbing reality: “Maybe all you’ve got in life are fucked-up, poisonous choices.” Adams discloses this thought directly--as the tenderest idea any actor has had the privilege to emote in the past quartercentury. The same complexity is apparent in the subplot farce of Richie’s dealing with his boss (Louis CK) and Alessandro Nivola doing a Christopher Walken-voiced FBI agent. Russell knows how innocent-seedy American patriotism can be The depth and pleasure of this achievement allows movielovers to see themselves in American Hustle (the country’s visible past and emotional present). You could gaze into this affectionate funhouse mirror all day. Follow Armond White on Twitter at 3xchair

PAGE 11

MUSEUM CITYARTS

YOU READ IT HERE FIRST New York Post WHAT’S UP WITH THAT?

Is the West Side Fairway Cheaper? A reader wrote asking why some groceries cost more at the Upper East Side location than the Upper West Side

A

can of Bumble Bee wild Alaskan salmon at the Fairway on East 86th Street is priced at $7.19 a can – but the same exact product is only $5.49 at the Upper West Side Fairway on Broadway and 74th Street. J. Rubin, a local shopper, wrote to Fairway, and to us, to try to get to the bottom of this discrepancy. We decided to see for ourselves. We sent a reporter to compare prices for a host of products (see chart) at the West Side and East Side locations. Prices were checked on Thursday, May 23, and do not include any sales or specials. Here’s what we found: While a few prices were indeed higher on the East Side (Frosted Flakes and Twinning tea will set you

.com STRAUS MEDIA  MANHATTAN PRESIDENT Jeanne Straus ACTING EDITOR Megan Bungeroth • editor.wssp@strausnews.com CITYARTS EDITOR Armond White • editor.cityarts@strausnews.com STAFF REPORTER Joanna Fantozzi FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS Alan S. Chartock, Bette Dewing,Jeanne Martinet, Malachy McCourt, Angela Barbuti, Casey Ward, Laura Shanahan PUBLISHER Gerry Gavin • advertising@strausnews.com

West Side East Side

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Twinning English Breakfast Tea

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Chips Ahoy, family size

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Campbell’s Tomato Soup

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Product

back a couple extra dimes) there were also a few items more expensive on the West Side, like Chips Ahoy and Ghiradelli hot chocolate. Many prices, however, were the exact same. But what about that glaringly high mark-up on the salmon? Fairway did not respond to our email, but did respond to Rubin’s email, apologizing for what turns out to be a pricing error, which the store said they have since corrected. “The retail for the Bumble Bee Wild Salmon should be $6.49 at our 86th Street location, and $5.99 at Broadway, and these retails were corrected,� said a customer service representative in an email. “The difference in these retails is due to promotional pricing we received from our vendor at our Broadway location. We are sincerely sorry for any inconvenience this may have caused you, and we thank you for bringing this matter to our attention.� It seems that Fairway is offering a fairly even grocery shopping experience for both the Upper East and West Sides.

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THURSDAY, MAY 30, 2013

June 2, 2013

May 30, 2013

NY Times Hunter, The Saddest Smartest School Around Elite East side high school ranks last in happiness study By Adam Janos

H

unter College High School, at 71st East 94th Street, is a school of superlatives. It’s regularly recognized as one of (if not the) most successful public schools in the city and nationwide, and is an ivy feeder, putting its graduates on the fast track to a life amongst the intellectual elite. Now, it’s been saddled with a less-stellar distinction: saddest spot in New York. A new study by the New England Complex Systems Institute

.com STRAUS MEDIA ďšş MANHATTAN PRESIDENT Jeanne Straus

released August 20 took a measure of mood in the city using geo-tagged tweets. Twitter users are known for their informal, concise language, and tweets are frequently accented by the use of emoticons like “:)â€? or “:(“). After researchers established a correlation between the emoticons and the words that would accompany them, they divided all the chosen tweets by location and mapped the city’s mood. Yaneer Bar-Yam, the study’s principal investigator, notes that high-density traffic spots like the midtown tunnel are associated with more negative emotions, while Central Park and Fort Tyron Park – the peaceful, green lungs of Manhattan – are associated with positive sentiment. “We looked at the locations with strong positive or negative sentiment, and the results are intuitive, which is strong confirmation that we’re doing the right thing,â€? he said. And, according to the study, in all of New York City, the most negative place to be is Hunter College High School. Several Hunter grads rushed to defend the institution. “I had a really great time there,â€? Mynette Louie, an independent film producer from the class of ’93 says. “I wasn’t happy about commuting over an hour to get to school‌ but I had a good time, because I was surrounded by all these smart people‌ it was pretty nerdy, but it was also just fun.â€? Caroline Friedman, class of ’06, thinks the atmosphere was

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Spiegelman’s comix and more in local exhibition

intense, but never cutthroat competitive. “I’m in law school now, and when I was applying I’d hear stories that at some law schools, people will rip out the relevant pages from the library books so other people couldn’t read it. It was nothing like that,â€? Friedman says. “At Hunter, there was a lot of cooperation: people were sharing notes, people were copying homework.â€? Still, Friedman notes that there was limited sunlight in the classrooms (the students refer to the building itself as “the brick prisonâ€?), and advises current Hunter College High School students to, “go to the park during lunch. spend some time in the courtyard.â€? Other alumni are less glowing in their reviews of the Hunter community; Sachi Ezura, class of ’04, remembers high school as one of the most difficult times in her life. “One thing I remember, is that everyone would go home and write in their Xanga or their Livejournal [online blogs]. And this one kid, all the popular kids used to pass around his blog‌ people reveled in each others’ sadness.â€? Ezura herself spent considerable time in the nurse’s office when she would get upset, and she notes that in her class’s yearbook, there’s a drawing of her crying on a page entitled, “A Day in the Life of the Senior Class at Hunterâ€?. Michelle Kang, class of ’02, thinks a large part of the stress was related to the high pressure of the school combined with the inherent stress of living in New York. “I mean, you think all the typical things American kids get to do in high school: driving around, going to football games‌ I was in the middle of this dense, dirty place, trying to catch a train.â€? Kang has since moved to Seattle, and is getting her master’s degree in architecture. Still, all Hunter alumni seem to agree that the experience, however painful or enjoyable, was indispensible. And when asked, all maintain that their closest friends in adulthood are people they met while at Hunter. “I think if people can step away from [the academic pressure] and appreciate that this is the time in your life when you’re surrounded by the most intelligent, special people, that there’s a lot to be gained by that,â€? Benjamin Axelrod, class of ’02 says. “It’s a really good group.â€?

September 25, 2013

NY Times cityArts

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PAGE 18

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Village Halloween Parade Faces Obstacles in Comeback The Town & Village Synagogue

Churches and synagogues throughout Manhattan are ďŹ nding their ďŹ nancial plans thwarted by preservation eorts By Megan Bungeroth

I

t’s hard to argue against preserving the city’s historic, soaring monuments to God. Churches and synagogues throughout Manhattan have been targeted by preservation enthusiasts since the city first created the Landmarks Preservation Commission in 1965. They have good reason: without landmark status protection, surely many of these places, which give religious congregations a home and neighborhoods an inimitable character and sense of history, would have been torn down

long ago. The side not often heard above the rallying cries of well-meaning preservationists, however, is that of the actual church or synagogue members. The landmark process, meant to protect and preserve historical assets that theoretically belong to everyone, can sometimes end up displacing the very people who hold the actual deeds to these properties and destroying the community that resides within the building in order to preserve its facade. On the Lower East Side, a well-known synagogue is hoping to avoid a landmark designation that some in the community are eager to obtain. The Town & Village Synagogue on East 14th Street has occupied a building for decades that has been technically calendared (meaning that a vote was already taken to schedule a hearing) by the Landmarks Preservation Commission since 1966, though a hearing was never Continued on page 8

ALSO INSIDE WHAT’S HAPPENING IN HELL SQUARE? P.4

RESTAURANT HEALTH GRADES P.13

After its ďŹ rst cancellation in a three-decade history last year, the parade is struggling to ďŹ nd enough money to raise itself from the dead By Omar Crespo

T

he Village Halloween Parade has had quite the rough year. Last year, hurricane Sandy left the costumes, floats, and music inoperable. This year, organizers have been forced to turn to Internet crowd funding in hopes of keeping the event going. Sandy left the parade in dire need of donations and funding, which left its organizers in a state of limbo. Jeanne Fleming, the parade’s head coordinator for the past 33 years, is optimistic the event will come together for this year’s Halloween. “We hope so,� she said. Because of the unintended shutdown of the parade last year, the event coordinators have had to try and recoup the losses suffered. The parade committee turned to the popular crowd-sourcing website

Kickstarter, which helps artists fund their creative pursuits through public monetary pledges. The Kickstarter campaign, which began on September 16, has been slowly making its way to the $50,000 green-light goal. If the full amount isn’t pledged by a October 21 deadline, the parade won’t get any of the funds. Fleming said that compared to the hundreds of thousands of people who have attended and enthusiastically supported the parade over the decades, “the Kickstarter response has been lukewarm.� As of press time, the campaign had raised $41,975 from 732 backers, and five days left. The $50,000 collected this year will go to investment insurance for the businesses and individuals who donated last year but did not get a parade. Before this new digital venture, support for the parade came in the form of sponsorship from companies, businesses and TV licenses, as well as from grassroots-level funding such as children selling cookies or restaurants donating food. Recently, the Greenwich VillageChelsea Chamber of Commerce, which represents small businesses in the downtown area, announced that the Rudin Family Foundations and the Association for a Better New York will give a $15,000 matching fund if the parade Continued on page 8

October 29, 2013

October 17, 2013

FIRST IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD ourtownny.com

By Melissa Stern  uch has been written about Maus, Art Spiegelman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning graphic novel that recounts the harrowing tale of Spiegelman’s parents’ experience and survival in Auschwitz. Much has been written about Spiegelman, the New Yorker magazine artist who produced challenging covers that addressed real New York issues. The Feb 15, 1993 cover of a Hassidic man and Caribbean woman, lips locked in a passionate embrace, for example.  Far less has been written about Art Spielgeman, journeyman, working artist working class hero, a career on view in “Art Spiegelman’s Co-Mix: A Retrospectiveâ€? at the Jewish Museum. It is this aspect of Speigleman’s career that captured my attention amidst the huge retrospective currently on view at The Jewish Museum.  Spiegelman earned his first paycheck for drawing when he was fifteen. While still a student at The High School of Art and Design, he began to make money for his drawings and from then on has seemingly never stopped working. Imagine my delight to discover that it was Art Spiegelman who drew the absolutely wonderful and inappropriate “Garbage Pail Kidsâ€? stickers of my youth. Produced by Topps gum and Card Company they were guaranteed to piss off adults and delight preteens with their outlandish humor and gross-

M

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2013

September 5, 2013

Working Class Art Hero

westsidespirit.com

otdowntown.com

out sensibility. For Spiegelman it was both a paying gig and a chance to stretch his drawing chops and explore the world of satire.  Spiegelman drew for advertising, he drew for comic book companies, he drew for magazines--he always worked. Combining a dark and transgressive view of the world with an immigrant›s drive to work, earn money and make it in America, he plugged away at commercial jobs that paid the rent. At the same time he infiltrated the world of the underground comic strip sharpening his wit and drawing skills on such classics as ÂŤAce Hole, Midget DetectiveÂť and “Breakdowns.  It is in the preparatory drawings for both his advertising and comic strip art that we really see the artistry of one who draws constantly. These drawings are stunning. Vigorous strong lines breathe an incredible sense of life into whatever it is he is drawing – be it a first sketch for the Maus graphic novel or the cover of “Breakdownsâ€?. Having the opportunity to see erasures, messy lines, the stops and starts of the pen is the revelation and gift of this exhibition.  Whether you like comics, graphic novels or commercial art is not the reason to see this show. The reason to visit “Art Spiegelman’ s Co-Mix: A Retrospectiveâ€? is to witness the triumph a man who never stops drawing the world, both around and within himself.  Art Spiegelman›s Co-Mix: A Retrospective at The Jewish Museum thru March 23, 2014. http://www.thejewishmuseum.org/Visit for more informationÂ

(212) 868-0190 PAGE 12

OUR TOWN

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

JAZZ CITYARTS

Soul for Foodies

COAT

DRIVE Now – December Now - February 31 7th Jazz and Art at The Cecil

The Cecil cooks up Harlem history By Phyllis Workman

F

ormer Time-Warner CEO Richard Parsons and his wife opened two new restaurants in Harlem, Minton’s and The Cecil as a neighborhood restoration to bring back the local legendary 1930’s/1940’s jazz club Minton’s Playhouse and its aura. The revived Playhouse also resides in the original location uptown but has been redesigned as a contemporary jazz supper club. But it’s the next-door sister restaurant The Cecil that nourishes the memory as well the appetite. In new era Afrocentricity, The Parsons conceived The Cecil as Afro-AsianAmerican brasserie. It integrates culinary traditions of the African Diaspora with traditional Asian and American cuisines. Alexander Smalls, formerly the chef/owner of the critically acclaimed Cafe Beulah, was appointed Executive Chef of both Minton’s and The Cecil continuing Harlem tradition. Small aids Parsons in gustatory curatorship. This revitalized Harlem venture places cuisine next to music as traditional African American art forms. What’s preserved in this venture is Harlem cultural history. The original Minton’s Playhouse opened in 1938; it pioneered a movement in modern jazz featuring such legends as Thelonious Monk, Kenny Clarke, Charlie Christian, Charlie Parker and Dizzy

Gillespie. The club’s regular jam sessions became internationally renown from then to now. As part of music-dining hub’s offerings late night weekend service includes a special musical tribute to the Bebop era, Minton’s at Midnight. Parsons tells why: “As an avid jazz lover for years, it has always been a dream of mine to open a supper club where guests can enjoy the sounds of great musicians while dining on great food in elegant surroundings.” As Chairman of the Jazz Foundation of America, Parsons recalls “The culture and atmosphere that once defined Harlem’s night scene and made it a destination, has waned through the years but Harlem is experiencing a renaissance and our hope is that these two restaurants will help solidify and propel this rebirth.” Caribbean designer and architect Sarah Garcia makes The Cecil her first U.S.-based project in collaboration with architect Tonja Adair, who use large windows to open the space for public spectatorship. It is an extension of the foodie and music experience to the street. Each windowed panel is like a living mural of art and dining in Harlem. Special Christmas and New Year’s “performances” will take place at both venues. The Cecil holds forth at 210 West 118th Street and Minton’s at 206 West 118th Street. Reservations are not required, but suggested. For more information you can call 212-866-1262 or visit the website at www. TheCecilHarlem.com.

Keeping New Yorkers warm for 25 years. Donate at any New York City Police Precinct or other locations citywide. For a full list of collection sites, dates, and times, visit newyorkcares.org.

Text iCARE to 85944 to donate $10 to keep a fellow New Yorker warm this winter.*

The Coat Drive is a program of New York Cares, New York City’s leading volunteer organization. New York Cares Day is run by New York Cares, the city’s leading volunteer organization, and the New York City Department of Education. Photo: Craig Cutler © 2012 New York Cares, Inc.

For Coat Drive collection sites in New Jersey, visit jerseycares.org.

*A one-time donation of $10 will be billed to your mobile phone bill. Messaging & data rates may apply. Donations are collected for New York Cares by mobilecause.com. Reply STOP to 85944 to stop. Reply HELP to 85944 for help. For terms, see www.igfn.org/t.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

OUR TOWN

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PAGE 13

THEATER CITYARTS

Stephen Fry and Mark Rylance in Twelfe Night

Back to the Basics of the Bard Rylance re-invents Shakespeare at the Belasco By Armond White

I

t is fitting that the Globe Shakespeare company’s new repertory event appear at New York City’s most dramatically beautiful venue, The Belasco Theater. Its recently renovated, sumptuous, layered designed---both theater and sanctuary, offering volume, ornamentation and radiance--makes an on-stage performance special. Imagination and skill are represented in a jewel box--as a gift. Specifically, the Globe Shakespeare’s company’s gift is a reminder of how Shakespeare works; this season: Twelfe Night and Richard III done right. The troupe is dedicated to performing Shakespeare’s plays according to original tradition-using authentic materials for costumes, replicating the stage-with-gallery space, the audience hubbub with on-stage audience as if still encircled at the Old Globe and a cast of male actors who take on the female roles.

PAGE 14

OUR TOWN

The gift is not tradition done for its own sake but a revelation of what is intrinsically visionary and moving about Twelfe Night and Richard III. Director Tim Carroll and lead actor Mark Rylance (the Globe Shakespeare’s original Artistic Director) are innovative purists. Instead of paring-down the Bard, they emphasize his essentials: Language that articulates the cunning of both the writer and his characters and acting that restores the lively essence and purpose of theater. By alternating two plays in opposite genres, Carroll and Rylance show off their versatility as well as Shakespeare’s. Carroll and Rylance trust in the material while leaping, inventively and with principle into the joy of theater. Their pageants vivify the lessons of Richard III’s twisted machinations to attain power and revenge against universe and in Twelfe Night, the egotistical trickery that humans inflict upon themselves and each other in pursuing the varieties of Love. There is evident love of theater in the exacting execution of Elizabethan tradition: The men on stage don’t camp it up, but achieve the emotional essence of female experience and the visual essence of feminine appearance (in white facial make-

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up that re-presents the idea of “fair”). Samuel Barnett, Liam Brennan and Paul Chahidi and Kurt Egyiawan are especially notable at this. They are in sync with Rylance’s ingenuity, his deep, risky, sometimes perversely amusing engagement with Shakespeare’s psychological possibilities. As Olivia in Twelfe Night, Rylance moves with geisha-like speed and daintiness yet not so artificial as spoof but as tribute. In Richard III he takes the physical zing of political monstrousness to personal extremes: a loutish rascal capable of offending all the senses. Its clear that Rylance and Carroll follow a shared concept of the plays’ contemporary relevance: The comedy blatantly toys with sexual identity as much as with the solipsism we think of as modern. The tragedy diminishes bloodline nobility (the sanctity of celebrity) in accordance with our own political skepticism--and still keeps us morally aghast. Carroll and Rylance dare reminds us why Shakespeare always works. In both plays, the Globe Shakespeare’s approach goes back to the basics; it is appropriately modest and momentous. Follow Armond White on Twitter at 3xchair

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Recycled Christmas Trees Become Mulch, Dunes & Lumber Thousands of used trees end up helping the environment By Beth J. Harpaz It’s one of America’s great recycling success stories: Every year, hundreds of thousands of discarded Christmas trees are collected and reused. New York City’s Department of Sanitation collects about 150,000 trees each year and mulches them in a joint program with the Parks Department. The mulch is used in parks, playing fields and community gardens. Residents lucky enough to have their own urban backyards can take home a bag at “Mulchfest” events held around the city. (See sidebar.) Rockefeller Center is famous for its towering Christmas tree, and for the seventh year in a row, this season’s tree will be donated to Habitat for Humanity. The tradition began when the 2007 Rockefeller Center tree went to build a home in Pascagoula, Miss., for a survivor of Hurricane Katrina. Lumber from the milled Rock Center tree is marked so that the families know its origin. In some years, families that have benefited

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

from the construction have attended the treelighting event in Manhattan. Many beaches also use recycled Christmas trees to protect against erosion. Strategically placed, the trees catch sand and are eventually covered by it, becoming part of the dune system. A number of beaches at the New Jersey shore were built up using Christmas trees after last year’s Superstorm Sandy. Beaches at the Rockaways, which were also devastated by Sandy, benefited from a Christmas tree project as well. The Rockaways effort was sponsored by a California wine company, Barefoot Wine & Bubbly, an E. & J. Gallo Winery brand. Barefoot Wine has been working with the Surfrider Foundation, which promotes ocean protection, on beach cleanups and restorations for seven years. But the Rockaways program was Barefoot’s first using recycled trees. Those who prefer artificial Christmas trees usually don’t throw them out after one year. But when the time comes, there’s even a program to recycle them. Polygroup, one of Walmart’s largest suppliers of artificial Christmas trees, sends them - including lights and electric cords - to a recycling center in China where they are shredded and broken down for reuse in other products. The bad news: Consumers must pack and ship the trees back to Polygroup themselves.

OUR TOWN

RESTAURANT INSPECTION RATINGS

December 11 - 16, 2013

Restaurant Grades The following listings were collected from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website on December 13, 2013 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. Jackson Hole

1611 Second Avenue

Le Churro

1236 Lexington Avenue A

Arturo’s Pizza

1610 York Avenue

A

Panera Bread

120 East 86 Street

Grade Pending (20) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas.

El Aguila

1215 Lexington Avenue A

Morini Ristorante

1167 Madison Avenue

A

Barking Dog Luncheonette

1678 3 Avenue

A

The Brown Cup

1707 2 Avenue

A

Reif ’s Tavern

302 East 92 Street

Grade Pending (17) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, cross-contaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. 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.

Yura & Company On Madison

1292 Madison Avenue

Grade Pending (23) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Appropriately scaled metal stem-type thermometer or thermocouple not provided or used to evaluate temperatures of potentially hazardous foods during cooking, cooling, reheating and holding. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service.

O Sha Thai Kitchen

1711 2 Avenue

A

Ichiro Sushi

1694 2 Avenue

Grade Pending (26) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 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.

Off The Rails

1754 2 Avenue

A

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A

PAGE 15

NEIGHBORHOOD REAL ESTATE SALES Reported December 16 - 22, 2013 Neighborhood Central Harlem Central Park Sou Lincoln Square

Address

Apt.

Sale Price

BR BA Listing Brokerage

320 W 111 St.

#20

$110,000

364 W 117 St.

#4A

$480,000

1

1

Douglas Elliman

110 Central Park So #7Ac

$5,300,000

4

3

Corcoran

160 Central Park So #414

$4,200,000

3

3

Corcoran

10 W End Ave.

#7B

$1,500,000

2

1

Nestseekers

130 W 67 St.

#15G

$630,000

1

1

Douglas Elliman

41 Central Park W

#8C/H

$4,537,500

240 Riverside Boule

#10Dt+

$3,370,000

10 W End Ave.

#30C

$3,700,000

310 W 72 St.

#6C

$800,000

3

2

Upper W Side

Nestseekers

160 W End Ave.

#5R

$385,000

100 Riverside Boule

#5J

$1,045,000

1

1

Corcoran

132 W 71 St.

#4

$662,500

1

1

Douglas Elliman

100 Riverside Boule

#25C

$1,867,000

2

2

Nestseekers

120 Riverside Boule

#7H

$1,100,000

155 W 68 St.

#24F

$1,335,000

2

2

Douglas Elliman

555 W 59 St.

#5C

$1,019,000

1

1

Sotheby’s

240 Riverside Boule

#6F

$360,000

155 W 70 St.

#Ph2a

$2,175,000

2

2

Sotheby’s

15 Central Park W

#16L

$9,030,000

2

2

Sotheby’s

50 W 67 St.

#2G3gh

$4,670,000

4

3

Douglas Elliman

100 W 72 St.

#5A

$870,000

2

1

Halstead Property

Manhattan Valle

272 W 107

#12A

$2,250,000

3

2

Corcoran

Midtown

150 W 55 St.

#8D

$872,000

2

1

Bond New York

100 W 58 St.

#5A

$652,500

0

1

Barkin And Associates

100 W 58 St.

#5E

$949,000

1

1

Halstead Property

Midtown W

Morningside Hei

106 Central Park So #19C

$650,000

516 W 47 St.

#N7d

$525,000

0

1

Corcoran

502 9 Ave.

#3A

$575,000

1

1

E Property Group

635 W 42Nd St.

#26E

$1,500,000

2

2

River2river Realty

350 W 50 St.

#4Gg

$870,000

1

1

Corcoran

461 W 44 St.

Multi

$700,000

Upper W Side

Have you tried naturally healthy, fresh, organic walnuts? Home grown, hand picked shelled or in shell.

Perry Creek

WA L N U T S

530.503.9705 perrycreekwalnuts.com OUR TOWN

#42E

$1,310,000

1

2

Sumitomo Real Estate Sa

516 W 47 St.

#S2m

$680,000

1

1

Douglas Elliman

347 W 57 St.

#17F

$925,000

1

1

Town Residential

433 W 34 St.

#18E

$316,000

0

1

Corcoran

344 W 38 St.

#7A

$1,450,000

2

1

Corcoran

635 W 42Nd St.

#36K

$1,750,000

2

2

Douglas Elliman

325 W 45 St.

#1003A

$200,000

0

1

Vivaldi Real Estate

50 Morningside Dri #43

$1,100,000

3

1

Coldwell Banker Bellm

80 La Salle St.

#19E

$210,000

80 La Salle St.

#13F

$770,000 1

1

Morningside Heights Ho

175 Claremont Ave.

#55

$499,000

80 La Salle St.

#5C

$340,000

161 W 75 St.

#R1

$999,000

11 Riverside Drive

#17Ae

$829,000

1

1

Corcoran

203 W 87 St.

#43

$560,000

2

1

Douglas Elliman

205 W 76Th St.

#602

$2,150,000

2

2

Corcoran

327 W 83 St.

#1A

$530,000

1

1

Corcoran

101 W 87 St.

#612

$3,256,363

3

3

Corcoran

342 W 85 St.

#4A

$957,000

1

1

Halstead Property

23 W 73 St.

#805

$480,000

1

1

Brown Harris Stevens

210 W 78 St.

#6C

$715,000

2

1

Corcoran

131 W 85 St.

#2B

$479,000

1

1

Douglas Elliman

149 W 85 St.

#5

$525,000

1

1

Douglas Elliman

313 W 82 St.

#C

$631,000

175 W 93 St.

#17F

$1,100,000

2

1

Halstead Property

74 W 82 St.

#5

$848,985 1

1

Douglas Elliman

1

1

Corcoran

74 W 82 St.

#3

$393,739

74 W 82 St.

#G

$924,807

74 W 82 St.

#6

$848,985

74 W 82 St.

#4

$516,349

74 W 82 St.

#1

$373,391

54 Riverside Drive

#3Aa

$670,000

161 W 75 St.

#R1

$2,500,000

336 W End Ave.

#10F

$440,000

0

1

Keller Williams

101 W 87 St.

#507

$1,837,941

2

2

Corcoran

250 W 89 St.

#14A

$487,000

0

1

Owner

219 W 81St St.

#1C

$1,680,112

2

2

Corcoran

101 W 87 St.

#505

$2,540,533

3

2

Corcoran

101 W 87 St.

#506

$1,384,820

2

2

Corcoran

3.5

3

Concept Real Estate Gro

1

1

Douglas Elliman

639 W End Ave.

#14Cd

$2,474,500

139 W 85 St.

#1

$730,000

382 Central Park W #1A

$785,000

2373 Broadway

#Rsd1

$1,285,000

215 W 95 St.

#3F

$685,000

1

1

Halstead Property

240 W 98Th St

#14B

$1,890,000

3

2

Michel Madie Real Estat

305 W 98 St.

#5Dn

$1,220,000

2

2

Town Residential

215 W 75 St.

#14C

$1,412,775

210 Riverside Drive

#5C

$845,000

2

1

Corcoran

15 W 72 St.

#7C

$2,000,000

2

2

Halstead Property

$672,000

1

1

Coldwell Banker Bellma

400 Central Park W #15L

perrycreekwalnuts@hotmail.com

PAGE 16

301 W 57 St.

StreetEasy.com is New York’s most accurate and comprehensive real estate website, providing consumers detailed sales and rental information and the tools to manage that information to make educated decisions. The site has become the reference site for consumers, real estate professionals and the media and has been widely credited with bringing transparency to one of the world’s most important real estate markets.

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Healthy y Manhattan

The 80th Street Residence Earns Additional New York State Department of The 80th Street Residence Earns Additional New York State Department of Health Licensure and CertiďŹ cations Licensure and CertiďŹ cations The only licensedHealth Assisted Living Residence in New York City to obtain both The only licensed Assisted Living Residence in New York City to obtain both

Enhanced and Special Needs CertiďŹ cation (QKDQFHG DQG 6SHFLDO 1HHGV &HUWLĂ€ FDWLRQ

The 80th Street Residence is the ďŹ rst in the city to receive the New York State De7KH WK 6WUHHW 5HVLGHQFH LV WKH Ă€ UVW LQ WKH FLW\ WR UHFHLYH WKH 1HZ <RUN 6WDWH 'HSDUWPHQW RI partment of Health licensure as an Assisted Living Residence (ALR) with certiďŹ cates +HDOWK OLFHQVXUH DV DQ $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ 5HVLGHQFH $/5 ZLWK FHUWLĂ€ FDWHV DOORZLQJ WKH HQWLUH allowing the entire community to serve as both an Enhanced Assisted Living Residence FRPPXQLW\ WR VHUYH DV ERWK DQ (QKDQFHG $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ 5HVLGHQFH ($/5 DQG D 6SHFLDO 1HHGV (EALR) and a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR). With these new $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ 5HVLGHQFH 61$/5 :LWK WKHVH QHZ FHUWLĂ€ FDWLRQV WK 6WUHHW LV QRZ DEOH WR certiďŹ cations 80th Street is now able to provide additional specialized care and services SURYLGH DGGLWLRQDO VSHFLDOL]HG FDUH DQG VHUYLFHV IRU LWV 5HVLGHQWV DOO for its Residents, all of whom suffer from cognitive impairment. RI ZKRP VXIIHU IURP FRJQLWLYH LPSDLUPHQW

Step away from the cheese dip Holiday parties are opportunities for

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healthful eating — if you know where to look Holiday parties and dinners can throw off your healthy lifestyle goals. For many of us, more than half of annual weight gain occurs between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Some studies say the average American puts on up to 5 to 7 pounds in these few weeks. The American Heart Association offers some simple tips to keep you on track: limit portions and empty calories, such as those in alcoholic drinks, and, before tucking into less healthy options, fill up on fruits and vegetables. Keep dessert temptations to small samples of your favorites instead of full servings, and eat mindfully to enjoy every morsel. Many of the traditional foods served during the holidays can be healthy. The trick is to not load on the butter, cream and sugar. Of course, exercise is critical to weight management and overall health. The American Heart Association recommends getting 30 minutes of vigorous exercise on most days of the week. A brisk walk before or after meals can help burn those extra calories.

Free guide includes recipes and resources The AHA is offering its annual Holiday Healthy Eating Guide to help people

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

Clare Shanley, Executive Director says, “The 80th Street Residence has always been &ODUH 6KDQOH\ ([HFXWLYH 'LUHFWRU VD\V ´7KH WK 6WUHHW 5HVLGHQFH KDV DOZD\V EHHQ GHYRWHG devoted to providing excellent care and specialized services to our Residents. In fact, WR SURYLGLQJ H[FHOOHQW FDUH DQG VSHFLDOL]HG VHUYLFHV WR RXU 5HVLGHQWV ,Q IDFW RXU SURJUDP ZDV our program was the Nation’s ďŹ rst to receive The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s WKH 1DWLRQ¡V Ă€ ‘Excellence UVW WR UHFHLYH 7KH $O]KHLPHU¡V )RXQGDWLRQ RI $PHULFD¡V Âś([FHOOHQFH LQ &DUH¡ DZDUG in Care’ award. Now with the highest level of licensing for Assisted Living, 1RZ ZLWK WKH KLJKHVW OHYHO RI OLFHQVLQJ IRU $VVLVWHG /LYLQJ LQ DGGLWLRQ WR SURYLGLQJ RXU XQLTXH in addition to providing our unique program, we are able to offer families the peace of SURJUDP ZH DUH DEOH WR RIIHU IDPLOLHV WKH SHDFH RI PLQG LQ NQRZLQJ WKDW WKHLU ORYHG RQHV PD\ mind in knowing that their loved ones may now age in place and receive more nursing QRZ DJH LQ SODFH DQG UHFHLYH PRUH QXUVLQJ FDUH VKRXOG WKH\ QHHG LW LQ WKH SODFH WKH\ FDOO KRPH Âľ care should they need it in the place they call home.â€? Fully Licensed by the New York State Department of Health, The 80th Street Residence )XOO\ /LFHQVHG E\ WKH 1HZ <RUN 6WDWH 'HSDUWPHQW RI +HDOWK 7KH WK 6WUHHW 5HVLGHQFH LV WKH isRQO\ GHGLFDWHG DVVLVWHG OLYLQJ FRPPXQLW\ LQ 1HZ <RUN &LW\ 6SHFLDOL]LQJ LQ 0HPRU\ &DUH ,Q WKHLU the only dedicated assisted living community in New York City Specializing in Memory Care. In their boutique setting, 80th Street offers unique neighborhoods, each comERXWLTXH VHWWLQJ WK 6WUHHW RIIHUV XQLTXH QHLJKERUKRRGV HDFK FRPSRVHG RI QR PRUH WKDQ posed of no more than eight to ten Residents with similar cognitive abilities. All neighHLJKW WR WHQ 5HVLGHQWV ZLWK VLPLODU FRJQLWLYH DELOLWLHV $OO QHLJKERUKRRGV KDYH FR]\ DQG KRPHOLNH borhoods have cozy and homelike dining and living rooms and are staffed 24 hours a GLQLQJ DQG OLYLQJ URRPV DQG DUH VWDIIHG KRXUV D GD\ ZLWK SHUVRQDO FDUH DWWHQGDQWV 7KH day with personal care attendants. The intimate setting allows for an environment that is LQWLPDWH VHWWLQJ DOORZV IRU DQ HQYLURQPHQW WKDW LV FRQGXFLYH WR UHOD[DWLRQ VRFLDOL]DWLRQ DQG conducive to relaxation, socialization, and participation in varied activities. A true jewel SDUWLFLSDWLRQ LQ YDULHG DFWLYLWLHV $ WUXH MHZHO RI FDUH RQ WKH 8SSHU (DVW 6LGH of care on the Upper East Side

The only dedicated Assisted Living Facility in New York City specializing in Enhanced Memory Care. navigate the holiday season. The 13page free guide includes tips, recipes and resources, and is available free online at bit.ly/ AHAHolidayGuide. The AHA recommends making small but impactful lifestyle changes to prevent heart disease and stroke, the nation’s number one and four killers. Studies show that more than 80 percent of heart disease can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes like quitting smoking, exercising 30 minutes most days of the week and eating healthier. More than 60 percent of Americans are overweight or obese, according to the AHA, so getting to and maintaining a healthy weight is important during the holidays and year round. The American Heart Association recommends using the personal calorie calculator at www. heart.org/explorer to first determine your daily calorie intake. The simple questionnaire offers calorie goals based on your height, weight, age and activity levels. Also knowing how many calories are in favorite holiday menu items can help manage weight. The AHA offers healthy substitutions in the guide as well as healthy recipes.

OUR TOWN

Ensconced in the landmark neighborhood of the Upper East Side, Residents continue to enjoy the heart and soul of this incomparable city they have always loved. • Beautiful Upper East Side Environment • Each floor a “Neighborhoodâ€? with Family Style Dining & Living Room • 24-hour Licensed Nurses & Attendants specially trained in dementia care • Medication Management • Around the clock personal care, as needed • Housekeeping, Linen & Personal Laundry • Courtyard & Atrium Rooftop Garden • Chef prepared Meals Nation’s first recipient of AFA’s Excellence in Care distinction.

80th Street Residents in Central Park with the Essex House Hotel peeking from behind.

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430 East 80th Street, New York, NY 10075 Tel. 212-717-8888 www.80thstreetresidence.com PAGE 17

CELEBRITY PROFILE

Coffee, The Musical Easy Villager Robert Galinsky pours his heart out (literally) when it comes to coffee By Angela Barbuti

Four hundred million cups of coffee are sipped every day in the United States alone. One dedicated java drinker, East Village resident Robert Galinsky, recognized just how many different kinds of people in New York come together in their quest for the perfect cup. Because of this observation, he decided to start an entire coffee campaign that began with raising money for a themed show, Coffee the Musical. Through donations from complete strangers and supportive friends, he collected an impressive $50,000. Most recently, he continued his mission to spread the power of coffee by compiling quotes from friends, celebrities, and industry experts in the book Coffee Crazy: 140 “Aha!” Coffee Moments from the Conference Room, to the Café, to the Kitchen. To get into the spirit of our phone interview, I brewed a cup of regular coffee, and Galinsky just finished his morning espresso at Ninth Street Espresso by Avenue C, where he is a regular.

PAGE 18

beautiful and amazing thing, 150 people I didn’t even know sent me money.

How did you get celebrities to contribute You started thinking about coffee from an to the book? artist’s perspective after your job forced you I just asked. I’ve been here for a little while, to drink it at all hours. so I know a few people who have a certain In the mid ‘90s, I was standing in line every amount of prominence. Again, it was this morning watching people from all walks contagious passion, where people who dig of life- punk rockers, people starting their coffee were like, “I can ask for you.” business day, interns fetching coffee, partiers who hadn’t gone to sleep yet from the night When your musical gets to Broadway, before. Everybody was dedicated to this what would your dream cast look like? drink. It dawned on me that it’s about fashion, That’s a great question. Jay O. Sanders, Alan passion, and wonder. There’s a certain sense of Cumming, Shannon Hamm, Mary Birdsong. fashion to coffee which is all about where you are going to get it, who you’re with, and what What’s the storyline of the show? your drink is. I love passionate people; I don’t It’s constantly shifting, and now, with this care what they’re passionate about. My mind book, it’s shifting even more. It’s what happens is always working theatrically, so when I saw in a small coffee shop- the reoccurring that passion for the drink, it made total sense characters, the new people who show up-the to me that this is something that should be relationships between the barista and the brought to the stage. I think it’s a billion dollar customers, between the baristas themselves, idea. It’s a billion dollar industry, because you and the barista and manager. have people dedicated to this “What are the two best And the looming question of product. whether or not mainstream things you can do in will come and spoil this momMark Schoenfeld, the the morning? Coffee and-pop shop. writer of Brooklyn the and cigarettes. And of Musical, loved your idea. Was Do you drink “corporate course reading Coffee he a friend of yours? coffee?” Crazy would create the I went to a play in the East No, I drink mom-and-pop Holy Trinity.” Village, and after it, everyone coffee. was gathered around this guy Andy Rourke, Bass wearing a black beret and I like Think Coffee and Player of The Smiths black turtleneck. I was with Vive La Crepe, and they have my girlfriend at the time and multiple locations in the city. said, “We have to find out who he is.” She It’s not so much I don’t drink corporate leaves to investigate, and comes running coffee. It depends on the corporation. There back and says, “That’s the writer of the are these little ones like The Bean that started musical Brooklyn.” Unfortunately out small and now have nine locations. I hadn’t heard about it, but could That’s still mom and pop to me because the feel the energy around this guy. I owners are still the original ones. Ninth Street introduced myself and we clicked. We Espresso is now in Chelsea Market, which is had coffee the next day and developed great. That’s like a gold mine for them. But I a friendship. I told him about my idea don’t drink Starbucks. I’ll be in the suburbs, and being this older, Jewish dude from visiting my family in Connecticut, and it could the Bronx, he said, “Now you’re talking be the last place open, but I’ll go through like a producer. Go to people, ask for withdrawals before I go there. their money, and make it happen.” What is your typical coffee order? How did you raise all that money? A single or double espresso. That’s my You build a webpage, and all of the thing. I don’t drink drip coffee. A nice, bold sudden, you have a business. I put demitasse. together a page with a really beautiful graphic of coffee beans, the name of You founded the first and only school for the musical, and quotes from Mark. reality TV, the New York Reality TV School, Then, I called friends of mine. The where you train people to go on reality third guy I went to said, “I’m in.” shows. People who watch reality TV and get Sixty percent of your funding hooked are watching an authentic, visceral came from complete strangers. experience. If you want to be on a show, and I went to Kickstarter and put think you can fake something, or be someone up a campaign that ran for about other than who you really are, you’re going 40 days. I learned a ton about to fail. I want people to know who they are. crowdsourcing. That was the That’s the training.

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Robert’s Favorite NYC Coffee Shops Ninth Street Espresso Birch Coffee The Bean Abraco Espresso Sample Quote from the Book: Carry on the bohemian tradition of scribbled diaries and coffeestained poems and tattered handwritten papers. –Robert Galinsky

Tell us about your mission to make your block a better place. My block faces the Campos Plaza Projects. The teens on my block are very influenced by their surroundings- the visual elements that are both positive and negative. And I feel that being able to project positive and fun images on the corner of the block is important. Children walk by every day to go to school, elders walk to shop, transplants discover the beauty of the East Village, and teens hang out late. There is an ongoing war between the Avenue C Boys and the Avenue D Boys and there are shootings and, unfortunately, a continuation of teenage casualties as a result of guns and knives. So I have taken it upon myself to be proactive about pushing images on the walls that do not reinforce the culture of greed and violence. Currently, artists commissioned on the walls include Chico, Deps, RAE_BK, Joey John, and Zimad. We have images of dinosaurs, animated Japanese characters, the poet Gil Scott Heron and his famous quote, “The revolution will not be televised,” and messages of peace from the great young peace ambassador Mattie J. T. Stepanik and the We Are Family Foundation’s Three Dot Dash Peace Program. I’ve also worked for four years to get the city to grant a lease for the abandoned storefront on the corner and now it’s leased to a great artist group called Gothamsmith and we now have a pop-up store and pop gallery in operation called Special on C. You also work with charity organizations here in Manhattan. My goal in New York City is to build my legend. When I pass, I want people to think of New York. I want to make some change. I work with the We Are Family Foundation. I volunteer with Lollipop Theater, and work with terminally ill kids. I’m into making art, but for me, art is about making change. Follow Robert: @robertgalinsky and his book: @CoffeeCrazyaha on Twitter To learn more about the author, visit www. galinskyplace.com

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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To Include Your Business Call Susan 212-868-0190 www.nypress.com

8 oz. pilsner lager 8 oz. stout lager 1 frosty mug 1 icy road 1 pick-up truck 1 10-hour day 1 tired worker A few rounds with the guys Mix ingredients. Add 1 totalled vehicle. Never underestimate ‘just a few.’ Buzzed driving is drunk driving.

PAGE 19

Vanderbilt YMCA’s Teen Center is Visited by Senator, Liz Krueger and Partners with Project Sunshine On December 10th, Senator, Liz Krueger, visited the Vanderbilt YMCA to give a presentation to 26 YMCA Youth and Government and Teens Take the City participants. She revealed enlightening facts and offered sound advice about crafting legislation. Youth and Government teaches teens about government at the state level. They identify issues that affect New York State residents and learn how proposals become bills and laws. Teens Take the City is a dynamic leadership development program that offers NYC youth the opportunity to roll up their sleeves and get involved in issues affecting them and their community. They engage in community mapping to figure out how to better their community, work in small groups to identify a law to address the issue, develop a policy proposal that is debated for other teens at City Hall, learn the history and function of NYC government and meet and interview a NYC official. During the Senator’s visit, she focused on the importance of recognizing the opposition’s perspective and analyzing both sides of an argument as well as lack of handicap accessibility in New York City schools. Associate Executive Director and Pre-Diabetes Coach, Janet LoCurto said, “Our highly-engaged program participants absorbed the knowledge that Senator Krueger shared and they walked away with priceless information that will certainly help them to create a viable bill.” The Vanderbilt YMCA offers many school-based programs for teens ages 14-18 years, with a focus on leadership development, college readiness and the arts. These programs are offered to all students who attend the Julia Richman Education Complex schools Monday through Friday during the school day and after-school. Through Leaders Club, a nationally recognized core YMCA teen program providing participants with opportunities for leadership training, personal growth, service to others and social development, they were also able to show their dedication toward community involvement by participating in community service. The Julia Richman Education Complex Vanderbilt YMCA Off-site partnered with Project Sunshine, a nonprofit organization that provides free educational, recreational and social programs to children and families living with medical challenges. Project Sunshine empowers a dynamic and dedicated corps of over 15,000 volunteers bringing programming that ranges from the arts, tutoring and mentoring, as well as HIV and nutritional counseling. At the off-site, the teens joined the Kids for Kids/Teens for Teens program where students participate in community service projects to create Craft Kids, Surgi Dolls and Sunny grams that are sent to hospitalized children all over the country. Those participating will volunteer through November and December, 2013. Through this partnership, the participants crafted approximately 50 journals that will be sent to children’s hospitals around the world. The students were given this opportunity to participate and gain in-house community service hours.

VANDERBILT YMCA

224 EAST 47TH STREET, NEW YORK, NY

PAGE 20

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013

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