Our Town July 16th, 2015

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The local paper for the Upper er East Side CHRONICLING A MANHATTAN BREAKUP < Q&A, P.21

WEEK OF JULY

16-22 2015

COUNCIL BILL WOULD GROUND CHOPPERS TOURS

THE LEGEND OF JOHN BLAIR

Forthcoming city council bill would permanently ground helicopter tourism

A chance encounter, a homeless man, the story of a life

BY DANIEL FITZSIMMONS

As a proposed ban on horse carriages appears to have stalled in the city council, another effort targeting a different sector of the tourism industry is working up a head of steam. A forthcoming bill from Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who represents the Sunset Park and Red Hook neighborhoods of Brooklyn, would permanently ban helicopter tours around New York City. “The negative contribution of tourist helicopters to air quality and noise is well documented, and has — for many years — been a real problem for New Yorkers,” Menchaca said in an announcement. “On the ground, we are hearing from residents about the real need for allies in government — in the City Council, we are ready to be that ally.” While the legislation is still being drafted and has yet to be introduced, advocates on both sides of the issue are marshaling resources for the fight ahead. Helicopter Matters, a pro-helicopter industry group, told this newspaper they’re gearing up for a fight and will seek to protect the 200 jobs that are at stake. “The coalition has engaged with City Hall in good faith, and we’ve engaged a lobbyist,” a company spokesperson said. “We’re having meetings and we’re working on a compromise.” On the other side, the forthcoming bill already has a certain amount of

PERSONAL STORY BY BLOSSOM BENEDICT

There is a man I keep in my phone whom I can never call. And while I know he will never pick up, I can’t erase his number. It makes me smile to see his name. And reminds me of the adventures awaiting only a breath away when

you say yes. I had just returned from a retreat. The one where I sat in the water. I had managed to bring this magic back through a muggy airport, three connecting flights and now stood on a street filled with taxis and screaming drills. I glided across the street to get a slice of New York’s finest. Cheese with extra parmesan. I started my way back across the street, toward my 71st St. hole in the wall I treasured. “Hey miss, can you help me up the curb?” His wheelchair was stuck on the lip of the sidewalk. I responded automatically and grabbed the handles of his chair to push. I was about to walk away, when his tone stopped me. “What are you?” he asked me. “What’s your name kid?” he asked. And that was the beginning. John Ellington Blair was a homeless man who lived on the corner of 71st and Broadway and went by the name Master John. A wheelchair filled with musical instruments and knick knacks, he was a bit of a local character. A big black garbage bag wrapped around one of his legs. “Keeps the moisture off the cast when I sleep he explained.” He swore he could make me a star. After two minutes of knowing me he was utterly convinced. “Wow, a homeless agent” I thought to myself. “I’m really moving up!” But I gave him my cell phone number when I left. No, I don’t know why.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

Our Take THE MAYOR AND THE HOUSING BUBBLE Mayor Bill de Blasio has had more than his share of hapless moments since he came into office, and we haven’t been shy about using this space to point them out. So it only seems fair to give him credit when it’s due, as in this week’s announcement that his administration has created or preserved more than 20,000 affordable housing units in the city. The new housing is a first step towards de Blasio’s goal of 200,000 affordable units over a decade, among the more audacious -- and laudable -efforts of his administration. There is, of course, lots to bicker with here. The web site Goathamist.com points out that even the 20,000 number is tiny; recently, 93,000 New Yorkers applied for housing slots in Queens alone. But the mayor is doing the right thing here. Housing affordability has become a defining crisis for the city, and doing nothing -- or, as Michael Bloomberg chose, letting developers do it themselves -- are not viable options. de Blasio’s efforts make the city accessbile to thousands of New Yorkers who previously had little hope. Jewish women and girls light up the world by lighting the Shabbat candles every Friday evening 18 minutes before sunset. Friday July 17 – 8:06 pm. For more information visit www.chabaduppereastside.com.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 7

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WHAT’S MAKING NEWS IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AFFORDABLE HOUSING ON TRACK, DE BLASIO SAYS More than 20,000 affordable housing units have been financed by the city during the last fiscal year, the most since 1989, the de Blasio administration said. Mayor Bill de Blasio said the numbers prove that he is making good promises to develop or otherwise make available about 200,000 homes for low- to

middle-income city residents within a decade. “It’s one thing to put together the financing, put together the plan, get the land,” de Blasio was quoted as saying by Newsday. “What we like seeing is when the construction begins and we move toward the day when a family can move in.” He was speaking July 13 in front of a Bronx apartment building being built. The 20,000-plus housing units were

Mayor Bill de Blasio speaks at a news conference earlier this week at which he announced that a near-record of affordable housing units had been financed by the city. Photo: Office of the Mayor.

the result of a $618 million investment by the city, de Blasio said.

REPAIRS IN PUBLIC HOUSING LAG An audit by city Comptroller Scott Stringer’s office found that maintenance and repairs in public housing were lagging or not even being made at all, The New York Times reported. The audit, released July 13, looked at the period from January 2013 to July 2014. Auditors from Stringer’s office found nearly 55,000 work orders pending, The Times reported. More than 2,500 had been on the books for more than a year. The audit also found that the New York City Housing Agency counted jobs as closed when workers showed up to make repairs but tenants were not home, the newspaper reported. Stringer would like to see the agency to put into place technology, similar to that used by the police department, that would better keep track of work orders. “We’ve got to move on repairs in a real way,” Stringer was quoted as saying by the paper. “That’s called accountability.” Agency representatives responded by citing the need for improved performance but said aging infrastructure and reduced federal

OUR BUS IS YOUR BEST BET.

monies were also to blame, the newspaper said. “Nycha has been very honest and transparent about our challenges with maintenance and repairs,” the agency said in a statement quoted by The Times. “Work order data as a sole measure, no matter how the numbers are cut, is a poor measure of performance.”

FIGHTING FOR BRONZE WOMEN IN CENTRAL PARK The great-great granddaughter of famous women’s rights activist Elizabeth Cady Stanton is not too satisfied with the selection of statues in Central Park. Coline Jenkins is on a mission to overthrow what she perceives as the “bronze patriarchy” in Central Park, according to The New York Times. There are no women statues in Central Park, and some of the men portrayed played no role in contributing to New York or even American society. Jenkins has been on a campaign to try to honor some important American women and get rid of the unnecessary men statues that are taking up unnecessary space, The Times reports. The parks department has approved the effort to build a statue dedicated to her great-great grandmother and Susan Anthony. However, until the funds and endowments come in, the design

process can’t begin.

COMPETITIVE UES TUTORING PROGRAM EXTENDS SERVICES TO COLLEGE STUDENTS A non-profit tutoring program that offers tuition-free tutoring to high school students has now extended its services to college students, DNAinfo reports. Breakthrough New York has helped high school students prepare for college applications and most of them have gotten accepted into schools like Columbia and Yale. Those in charge of the program felt that once the participating students completed their time with them, they were prepared to be on their own. However, they came to realize that some students still needed assistance in college, especially with matters like arranging their financial aid services, the news site reported. For that reason, the program now checks on college students’ progress in school once a month or so and gives advice on how to network, search for scholarships and provides a tutor if a student’s grades are suffering. Looking ahead, Breakthrough plans to partner with companies in order to connect students with internships and jobs for the future, DNAinfo said.

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CRIME WATCH BY JERRY DANZIG

POLICE SEEK PORT AUTHORITY RAPIST Police are seeking a rapist who attacked a woman at New York’s Port Authority Bus Terminal. The NYPD says the attack happened at 1 a.m. Friday in the parking garage at the midtown Manhattan bus terminal. They say the attacker raped a 21-yearold woman and beat her. She suffered lacerations to her face and body. The woman was treated at a hospital and released. The attacker was last seen entering an elevator on the sixth level of the parking garage. The suspect is described as about 30 years old with brown eyes, short braided hair and a mustache. He is described as about 5 feet 9 inches tall and 190 pounds. He was last seen wearing a red, white and blue striped shirt, denim shorts and white sneakers.

SUBWAY ROBBERY A woman was attacked and robbed while entering the 96th Street 6 train station on June 30. The woman, 62, was walking down the station stairs at about 1 p.m. when she was hit from behind by an unidentiďŹ ed man. While she was on the ground, the man stole her wallet, which contained $4,300 in cash as well as credit cards. He then ed the station onto East 96th Street. The station did have cameras, but police have not yet identiďŹ ed the suspect. The investigation is ongoing.

SHADY BUSINESS A shoplifter nearly turned violent at a sunglasses retailer on East 61st St. and Third Avenue. On July 1, a man was walking around the store trying on sunglasses when he reportedly took a pair from the display, placed them in his pocket and began to exit the store. When a store employee attempted to prevent the man from leaving the store, he reportedly shouted, “If you touch me I will stab you!� The

alleged thief then ed from the store with the sunglasses. Police are investigating for robbery.

MISSING MOTORCYCLE Another motorcycle was stolen on July 1 in what has become a string of similar thefts on the Upper East Side this year. A man, 35, reported to police that he parked his 2009 Kawasaki motorcycle, valued at $6,000, on the street overnight on East 89th Street and First Avenue. In the morning, it was gone. Police have cautioned motorcycle owners to be extra careful when parking their motorcycles overnight. Thieves can remove the bikes in mere minutes, by lifting the motorcycle into a van or truck and driving away. The investigation into this particular incident is ongoing.

SHOPPING, LIFTED A woman was examining merchandise at a high end retailer on Third Avenue on

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Year to Date

2015 2014

% Change

2015

2014

% Change

Murder

0

0

n/a

1

0

n/a

Rape

0

1

-100.0

4

5

-20.0

Robbery

3

5

-40.0

51

44

15.9

Felony Assault

2

1

100.0

60

54

11.1

Burglary

4

6

-33.3

72

99

-27.3

Grand Larceny

32

24

33.3

637 656 -2.9

Grand Larceny Auto

3

6

-50.0

32

June 30 when her wallet was stolen. The woman, 45, had placed her purse on the ground when someone came up and removed the wallet. She did not notice until she went to pay for her items. The contents of the bag, including $50 cash, was worth $550. The thief also apparently made numerous charges to the

woman’s credit cards before she was able to cancel them. Police are investigating for grand larceny.

BROADWAY BLUFF A night out on Broadway was off before it began for a man who bought phony tickets

33

-3.0

on Craigslist. The man, 34, bought two tickets for $350 from a poster on Craigslist. When he arrived at the theater to see the show on July 2, the theater staff informed him that the tickets were fakes. Police are investigating for fraudulent accosting.

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Useful Contacts

45 Years and Counting

POLICE NYPD 19th Precinct

153 E. 67th St.

212-452-0600

159 E. 85th St.

311

FIRE FDNY 22 Ladder Co 13 FDNY Engine 39/Ladder 16

157 E. 67th St.

311

FDNY Engine 53/Ladder 43

1836 Third Ave.

311

FDNY Engine 44

221 E. 75th St.

311

CITY COUNCIL Councilmember Daniel Garodnick

211 E. 43rd St. #1205

212-818-0580

Councilmember Ben Kallos

244 E. 93rd St.

212-860-1950

STATE LEGISLATORS State Sen. Jose M. Serrano

1916 Park Ave. #202

212-828-5829

State Senator Liz Krueger

1850 Second Ave.

212-490-9535

Assembly Member Dan Quart

360 E. 57th St.

212-605-0937

Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright

1365 First Ave.

212-288-4607

COMMUNITY BOARD 8

505 Park Ave. #620

212-758-4340

Illustration by John S. Winkleman

LIBRARIES Yorkville

222 E. 79th St.

212-744-5824

96th Street

112 E. 96th St.

212-289-0908

67th Street

328 E. 67th St.

212-734-1717

Webster Library

1465 York Ave.

212-288-5049

100 E. 77th St.

212-434-2000

HOSPITALS Lenox Hill NY-Presbyterian / Weill Cornell

525 E. 68th St.

212-746-5454

Mount Sinai

E. 99th St. & Madison Ave.

212-241-6500

NYU Langone

550 First Ave.

212-263-7300

CON EDISON

4 Irving Place

212-460-4600

POST OFFICES US Post Office

1283 First Ave.

212-517-8361

US Post Office

1617 Third Ave.

212-369-2747

AN EAST SIDE BREAD LINE FOR NEARLY A CENTURY Orwasher’s Bakery has expanded well beyond bread. But locals still line up for the baguettes. BY MICKEY KRAMER

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Every week, Our Town will celebrate our 45th anniversary by profiling a neighborhood business that has been around longer than we have. Know of a local business that should be on our list? Email us at news@ strausnews.com Talk about a successful rise. Orwasher’s Bakery has been supplying sustenance to hungry New Yorkers in the form of rye, sourdough, and wheat for over 99 years. Orwasher’s was familyowned and operated from 1916 until 2007, when Keith Cohen took the helm. Cohen, 44, has helped lead a great expansion. Besides the storefront on E. 78th Street, off of 2nd Avenue, Orwasher’s supplies bread to Gourmet Garage, Citarella, and Zabar’s,

along with Gramercy Tavern, Untitled (the restaurant at the Whitney Museum), and others. Queens native Cohen spent 14 years in the bread business before taking over Orwasher’s. Knowing that he needed to expand beyond bread, Cohen began to line the store’s shelves with products from Peanut Butter & Co., Rick’s Picks, Beth’s Farm Kitchen, butter from Vermont, cheeses, pastries, and three years ago began selling donuts, fried in small batches and filled to-order with custommade jam supplied by Beth’s. “We’re a small producer, so we try to use local suppliers as much as we can.” On a recent Thursday morning, the steady flow of customers included Albert Olsen, 80, has been shopping at Orwasher’s on and off for 54 years. He explains that being of European heritage, “we like good bread,” and while

the salt stick is his personal favorite, on this day, rye was the choice—his wife’s preference. While munching on a “to die for” cranberry scone, Maria Cabrera, 51, raved about the sourdough and whole wheat breads and added with a smirk, “If my husband’s lucky, maybe I’ll save him some [of the scone].” When asked if he had a favorite bread, Cohen explained his special affinity for the Chardonnay miche, which was the first new bread recipe launched under his leadership in November 2008. Cohen’s passion for bread led him and one of his bakers to France to learn how to duplicate the authentic French baguette. To this day, the flour supplied for the baguettes comes delivered from a small mill in France. Long-time Upper East Side resident Meryl Weiner, 58, explains: “Their baguettes

are true French baguettes… crusty and extremely tasty. Other baguettes I’ve had more resemble Italian bread. When you want a real French baguette, get it from Orwasher’s.” “Let’s face it, any bread you like, you’ll love it from Orwasher’s,” Weiner adds. Sharing his knowledge, two years ago Cohen released a cookbook: Orwasher’s Artisan Bread: 100 Years of Techniques and Recipes. And speaking of 100 years, any plans for a centennial celebration? “We’ll definitely do something special and since few businesses make it to 100 years, we’re hoping the city might help us out,” Cohen said. “It is all about being able to adapt,” he said. “I hope that we can maintain our standards and are still relevant for the next 100 years.”

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SAVE THE DATE NATIONAL BASEBALL HALL OF FAME INDUCTION WEEKEND Cooperstown. July 24-27 Take me out to the National Baseball Hall of Fame for its annual Induction Ceremony which will feature four inductees – the most in any induction ceremony in 60 years. Craig Biggio, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and John Smoltz will be formally inducted. Be part of the family fun that includes The Parade of Legends and The Legends of the Game Roundtable discussion.

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This hilltop paradise was home to four generations of the Rockefeller family, beginning with the philanthropist John D. Rockefeller. Tour the six-story stone house and the expansive, terraced gardens containing an exceptional collection of 20th Century sculptures including Pablo Picasso, and Alexander Calder.

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Sleepy Hollow. Thursdays-Sundays through September 30

For more great New York State events and must-see attractions, visit iloveny.com/summer15

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JULY 16-22,2015

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Central Park

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE PARK? On Saturday, Freedom Party will take the stage at SummerStage for a special anniversary theme party. Freedom Party NYC holds the record for being the longest running, Friday-night party in city history. This will be their

WHERE IN CENTRAL PARK?

third year celebrating on SummerStage’s main stage. Playing a tight mix of danceable, soulful hits across all genres of music from the 1960s through today, Freedom continues to ďŹ ll dance oor each week with fun people from all over the globe looking to have an unforgettable, true New YOrk party experience. This is a free event; doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Grab your dancing shoes and get ready to party. For more information, visit centralpark.com/events On Sunday, the annual New York City Triathlon takes place. Each year, thousands of athletes brave the waters of the mighty Hudson River, bike along the West Side and then run a 10K in Central Park. The weekend kicks off with a Sports and Fitness Expo at the New York Hilton on Friday. A similar event, the Central Park Triathlon, takes place on August 2. While both events are sold out, there are plenty opportunities to volunteer, cheer on competitors and have fun. For more details, visiit centralpark.com/Events

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A 1.7-mile fun run that takes place in Central Park every year on the Friday before the Panasonic New York City Triathlon. When: July 17, 2015, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Where: Cherry Hill goes south down the West Drive, loops around to the Center Drive and then across the Terrace Drive to the ďŹ nish line. For more information, visit CentralPark.com/events

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Do you know where in Central Park this photo was taken? To submit your answer, visit: www. centralpark.com/ where-in-centralpark. The answers and names of the people who have the right answer will appear in the paper and online in two weeks.

ANSWER FROM TWO WEEKS AGO: 250,000 people take a ride on the Central Park Carousel every year. The famous ride has stayed popular since 1871, when the original attraction opened. The Carousel was not initially well received as park commissioners objected to commercial enterprises in the park. Since it was such a success, they eventually realized the ride’s value. Since then, there have been four different models on the site, each of which has served as a pastime in Central Park. Congratulations to Bill Neary, Gregory Holman, Bill Ferrarini and Henry Bottjer for answering correctly.

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Research Opportunity for Healthy Volunteers Who is able to participate? Males and females ages 70-80 Healthy participants (no significant disease; not taking any significant medications)

Participation in the study involves: Taking cognitive tests Taking an fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging) Undergoing general anesthesia

Study Purpose: To find out how quickly cognitive functions (for example memory and working with numbers) return after general anesthesia with sevoflurane

Length of participation: 3-4 sessions in a 7 day period and phone call follow-ups for up to 1 year Compensation and Transportation will be provided.

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JULY 16-22,2015

COUNCIL BILL WOULD GROUND CHOPPERS TOURS CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 support in the city council. Council members Mark Levine, Helen Rosenthal and Margaret Chin have all voiced support for a bill banning helicopter tours, citing a sustained stream of complaints from constituents. “One of the main routes for tourist helicopters is up and down the Hudson River. People want to see the George Washington Bridge and the Empire State Building from the air,â€? said Levine. “Anyone who lives within a few blocks of the river knows exactly what I’m talking about ... seven days a week, 365 days a year. On days when it’s clear there can be a helicopter every few minutes.â€? Levine said since taking office last January, noise complaints from constituents regarding helicopters have been one of the most consistent and frequent complaints. The industry estimates that it conducts over 40,000 tourism ights a year. “It really is a constant disruption to people’s lives,â€? said Levine. “I know a couple places where people have left their apartments due to helicopters, they couldn’t take the noise. It’s seriously diminished quality of life here.â€? But the Helicopter Matters spokesperson said the industry has been very good corporate citizens, and has agreed to concessions in the past like eliminating flights over land and ying above 1,500 feet. “The industry understands that a compromise must be reached and we’re willing to work towards that compromise,â€? said the spokesperson. According to Helicopter Matters, a 2010 study found that the helicopter tourism industry contributes $33 million in economic output to the city. The company also cite statistics that show in 2014 the city’s 311 system registered just 1,290 complaints regarding helicopter noise, far below other noise polluters like loud parties, emergency vehicles and traffic. The spokesperson also said that the Federal Aviation Administration has sole regulatory power over airspace, so the bill wouldn’t prevent helicopter tours from ying their usual route around Manhattan if they took off from somewhere else, such as New Jersey. “They’re still going to go up and down the Hudson River and the Brooklyn waterfront,â€? said the spokesperson.

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com An FAA representative said the agency does not comment on pending legislation. Delia von Neuschatz, founder of the anti-helicopter tourism group Stop the Chop, said it was “total and complete nonsenseâ€? that if banned in New York, the helicopter tourism industry would simple relocate across the Hudson and maintain their routes. Even if helicopter tour operators took off from New Jersey, von Neuschatz said, tourists aren’t going to commute to the state for a 10-minute joy ride then come back into the city. What’s more, she said, is that helicopter tours have already been banned from taking off from the heliport in Jersey City, and have previously been “kicked outâ€? of two other heliports in Manhattan and banned from flying over the East River. “Their last refuge is the city-owned, taxpayer-funded Downtown Manhattan Heliport, and the Hudson River,â€? she said. Stop the Chop currently has around 2,000 members, according to Von Neuschatz, and was formed two years ago. “A huge swath of Manhattan is affected by this. Our members come from everywhere; Brooklyn, Manhattan and Staten Island,â€? said Von Neuschatz, who said Stop the Chop gets complaints as far north as Fort Tryon Park and the Cloisters. “It’s probably borne out of the thousands of complaints that have gone out from our site about the sightseeing tours. We started doing that because calling 311 is just an exercise in futility.â€? While Stop the Chop wasn’t consulted on Menchaca’s forthcoming legislation, von Neuschatz said her group’s practice of aggregating and forwarding complaints about helicopter noise to elected officials “probably had something to do with it.“ Menchaca’s office declined to comment further on the legislation itself, including on when it might be introduced, but said next steps include holding public hearings and engaging with Mayor Bill de Blasio’s administration, community stakeholders and industry representatives. Brian Tolbert, who manages the Downtown Manhattan Heliport and is the public face of Helicopter Matters, said the industry is prepared to ďŹ ght for its survival. “If this outrageous bill passes, I’ll be out of a job, along with hundreds of other workingclass New Yorkers,â€? Tolbert said. “Our business is a vital

component of New York City’s tourism industry, putting millions of dollars into the local economy each and every year — critical dollars that fund schools, hospitals, and other essential services. People’s livelihoods are on the line and we will fight to protect our jobs.â€? B ot h L ev i ne a nd von Neuschatz cast doubt on the economic impact of the industry on New York, and the notion that the forthcoming legislation is the latest salvo in a war on tourism. “The tourists who come here are still going to come to New York with or without the ability to take a helicopter ride. The money is still going to be circulated locally,â€? he said. “I feel pretty confident that this won’t be a net loss for the economy and I don’t think it’s reasonable to say people won’t come to New York City if they can’t take these rides.â€? But Von Neuschatz said tourism in New York will be “alive and well, with or without these tours,â€? and said these tours don’t exist in any other major city like Washington, D.C., Boston, London, Paris or Hong Kong. Citing 311 statistics, she also said, was pointless because anyone that complains to the service about helicopter noise are automatically told the tourist flights are operating within legal parameters, so people have stopped registering their complaints with the hotline. Upper West Sider Thomas Lewis said he enthusiastically supports the ban legislation, and that the industry’s touting of low 311 statistics is absurd, and that if he reported every noisy ight he’d be on the phone for 12 hours a day. “We hear the tourist flights twice as they come north and loop around in the area of the West 70s and 80s to return south,â€? said Lewis. “The noise increases as the helicopters turn because, as the helicopters tilt in order to turn, the blades wash the noise down toward the park and the streets. The noise echoes off the buildings.â€? Lewis said he spent 10 years in the Army and worked as a civilian for the Army in the Pentagon, and is familiar with the noise generated by helicopters. “I’m used to helicopters,â€? said Lewis. “But I feel like I’m now living on a military base at 86th Street and Riverside and it’s not what my wife and I, and our thousands of neighbors, signed up for.â€?

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JULY 16-22,2015

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Voices

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

< THE REAL WORRY ISN’T BIKES To the Editor: While there are valid concerns about injury from cyclists (“Bracing for Citibike,” July 2), I wonder why the senior citizens, or any pedestrians for that matter, are more worried about cyclists in the neighborhood than about car drivers? Drivers are involved with 33,000

deaths on American roads every year, tens of thousands of additional non-fatal but serious injuries, and hundreds of thousands of less serious injuries. Every year. I don’t doubt that cyclists cause some injuries and even deaths, too, but the threat is minuscule compared to the ubiquitous threat

from car drivers. Many of those fatalities are pedestrians. Many of the injured are also pedestrians, including thousands who have broken arms, legs, hips, skulls, etc. in carrelated incidents. City Citizen, via the web

Poem NEW YORK, NEW YORK - WHO ARE WE? New York, New York - Who are we? Take a look and really see. Exploration by foot, ship, taxi, train or bus, why not find out about us? For those that like to ride a bike, Venture through the landscape, add a healthy long hike. We are open day and night, 24/7 you can indulge in an authentic bite. Every inch of the island, whether you go up or down, East or West you’ll find plenty to do all over this town. Amazing architecture & culture, all the very best, there is so much to do, who can find time to rest? Doesn’t matter which way you turn, there is always something new to learn. We New Yorkers are known as being always on the go, whether we are happy or feeling low. Looking on the outside in, we may appear as cold, it’s just our assertiveness for sometimes we can be known as bold. Articulate and trendy, we know our style, just walk Madison Avenue for a short while. Fifth Avenue, Central Park – oh what a sight, amongst the hi-risers you can even fly a kite! In winter you can skate in the ice rink, or find other amusement in just a wink. Central Park West, Amsterdam, the Broadway plays, oh there is so much to occupy one’s day. But with all the plusses come minuses too, the reality can make us feel very blue. As the price tag of living in this fabulous city escalates higher and higher - it is a real pity!

STRAUS MEDIA your neighborhood news source

The homeless, they gather on the soup kitchen line, their faces tell a sad story that life is not fine. We are known as the city that never sleeps, little advertised is the part of our population that weeps. So many, sadly living on the street, rummaging through the garbage for something to eat. They need our help, now is the time, more than just a quick fix, more than just a dime. Are there solutions to solve these problems or just words collecting dust? Affordable healthcare, housing; employment - it’s an absolute must! Let’s face it, our infrastructure of humanity has been lacking, to fix these flaws; we need strategies with both social and financial backing. We are New Yorkers; we have the power to make a change, to improve our city, even if it nudges us beyond our comfort range. Cleaning out a closet or pantry can make us feel good, doing something positive, rather than just saying you wish you could. We are New Yorkers; we do not take defeat, Let’s get into the groove to improve our city, let’s move to the beat! Contact your political and religious leaders, have a word. Visions for cure are never absurd! One day at a time we can fix what ails, No matter the temperament of the gales. Let us be the place deserving of our skyline’s lights, that shine with magnitude, oh so bright! For this city is our home, for it’s a jewel, a crown! Imagine Our New York, Our Home, Our Town! Elizabeth Haller-Walsh

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Associate Publishers, Seth L. Miller, Ceil Ainsworth Sr. Account Executive, Tania Cade

THE DISGUST OF TIMES SQUARE Dear Mayor de Blasio, I am increasingly upset over the current conditions in Times Square. It is almost impossible to walk the streets in that area. As a New Yorker for over 50 years (and a taxpayer) I think I am entitled to be able to walk my streets and not feel claustrophobic and disgusted by what is around me in the Times Square area. I hate going there as do many city dwellers because it is so unbearable, and yet, how does one go to the theater without going through that zone? I think I preferred it in the old days when it was full of hookers and pimps and drug addicts. Yes, it was dangerous but at least it kept the tourists away. Now it is seedy in a different way. We should be more ashamed of what goes on there now. Then, at least, the hookers were clothed, which leads me to my recent observation. I passed across the square to get to the subway on 47th Street

and was shocked to see two naked women posing with nothing on but g-strings and some body paint. How is that okay? What happened to public nudity laws in this city? Isn’t it bad enough that we still have those “Disney” characters hanging around asking tourists for money? Is this really what we want tourists to take away from our “cultured” city? In addition to this are the overwhelming crowds that make moving impossible. As you know, New Yorkers are pretty fast walkers. We do not have time to stagger around behind all these painfully slow people. They meander five and six abreast so no one else can get down the street. It is so frustrating. Years ago I didn’t have to stand in line to get into a Broadway theater when I had a ticket. Now we must wait a good 20-30 minutes or so in the freezing cold, snow, rain or horrendous heat. This just creates

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

Staff Reporters, Gabrielle Alfiero, Daniel Fitzsimmons

more problems for those trying to get somewhere as the huge lines are blocking the sidewalks. Yes, the theaters need to manage their lines better and open their doors much earlier which would alleviate some of the congestion. Maybe we could have a passing lane for pedestrians who need to get somewhere as we do on the highways? The tourists can gawk and amble on the right and the locals can then pass on the left. I’m sure you have some smart city planners on staff who can figure this out? Something MUST be done. Otherwise you are going to drive away all us New Yorkers who frequent Broadway shows and restaurants. Times Square and the Theater District belong to all of us and I am willing to share it with the tourists but I do not think they should have all of it. I know we need the tourist business for our economy but it has now gotten out of hand. I can appreciate how the people of Venice, Italy feel when the huge cruise ships offload their passengers into the small city and inundate it. Please help to solve these problems and improve our quality of life on the streets of “Olde New York”! Yours truly, Janet Nonamaker

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

JULY 16-22,2015

My Story

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beloved church home and now are expected to put on a happy face, even when they can’t access that new church they’re supposed to call home. Moving is said to be one of life’s most traumatic experiences and surely that also applies to moving from a deeply-loved church home. Oh, there is so much to say, to protest, indeed the loss of each and every parish, but especially closing those best equipped and inclined to serve the community at large (and those with limited mobility) like, for one notable example, St. Stephen of Hungary. dewingbetter@aol.com

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outstanding success rate which does more to reduce conict on every level, and anti-social destructive and yes criminal actions more than just about anything else. And let’s not forget just very regrettable words and actions not to mention wasted hangover time. Etcetera. And these and other groups which meet on church premises will ďŹ nd it harder and harder to ďŹ nd space. Indeed we are losing public places everywhere, including small neighborhood businesses killed off by luxury high rise homes, an inequity maybe Pope Francis will address during his September visit. Oh yes, and doesn’t his recent warning against neglecting elderly persons apply to being uprooted from a longtime church home which be too far away or inaccessible. Ah, but now also listed on St Stephen’s Sunday bulletin is something called a Moving On Celebration dinner for the parishioners. Moving On, indeed, when parishioners haven’t even begun to mourn the loss of their

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“A picture is worth a thousand wordsâ€? and visuals abound like never before. But not the ones we need to see most, like what happens when the woman shown here using St. Stephen of Hungary’s automatic wheel chair lift must attend a church without this lift or elevator and outdoor ramp? As some of you know (too few really) over 60 city Catholic churches are required to close and merge with another parish come August 1. St. Stephen will merge with St. Monica’s Church, which has lots of steps (see photo), and unlike St. Stephen, no ramps, lifts or elevator. Nor does it have public meeting rooms, or a kitchen to serve church and community dinners. I’m told there isn’t air conditioned either. And forgive me for again writing about this particular merger, when each and every one of the targeted ones so achingly needs to be saved. But when it comes to closing a church which serves the public good in so many ways, and with disability access, it seems especially destructive. While it’s rumored St. Stephen church will become part of the adjacent Catholic school, the rectory which houses all those rooms for public meetings will also be shuttered. I don’t know the speciďŹ cs, but more important is a look at the Sunday Church bulletin calendar where we see the listings of two weekly A.A. meetings, one for Alanon and one for Overeaters Anonymous. Plus several exercise groups and a computer class. All are held in the very accessible air conditioned church rectory rooms. Looking at St. Monica’s weekly Sunday bulletin, I wonder why the A.A. meetings aren’t listed when these self-help groups do incalculable good for society at large, Indeed, I’ve often wished they were not so anonymous about the supportive community they provide, with an ensuing

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

Fri

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NEW YORK THROUGH THE DECADES: LA CIUDAD ▲

Now Get Real Time Bus, Subway & Alternate Side Parking Information Here

book lovers and even businesspeople, if you are interested in having a completely quiet space with no talking, no cellphones and no noise at all to focus on some work, then the quiet study room is the place to be. 212-734-1717. www.nypl.org

92nd Street Y, Lexington Avenue at 92nd St THE HIGH LINE AND ITS 10:00 a.m. From $30 ENVIRONS A movie from the 1900s about the struggles of newly arrived Gansevoort & Washington immigrants. Street www.92y.org 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. m. From $35 Come take a tour ur of the High Line by trekking around round while taking in the view of the park EXHIBITION TOUR — and surrounding buildings. uildings. FATAL ATTRACTION: www.92y.org

PIOTR UKLAŃSKI PHOTOGRAPHS

Gallery 851 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street 10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. Free with museum admission Uklański’s work integrates cultural references to create memorable and stimulating images. www.metmuseum.org

www.ourtownny.com Your Neighborhood News

Sat

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QUIET STUDY ROOM 67th Street Library, 32 East 67th St 10 a.m. Free For adults, senior citizens,

Sun

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GET POP-CULTURED: LTURED: MANGA MANIA IA ► Barnes & Noble,, 150 East 86th St. 9 a.m. Free If you’re interested ted in the popular style of Japanese apanese comic books and graphicc novels, attend this session to discover cover more about them and learn earn how to draw manga. You will also have the chance to enjoy oy special offers, giveaways and activities. 212-369-2180,, www. barnesandnoble.com om

SUNDAY MOVIE: COME LIVE WITH ME Mid-Manhattan Library, 455 Fifth Ave. 2:00 p.m.-3:15 p.m. Free Come discover what it’s like to be a refugee in this movie that tells the story of a Viennese refugee that marries a struggling author platonically only so she can stay in the U.S. 212-340-0863 www.nypl.orgg

JULY 16-22,2015

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Mon20 NEW YORK THERAPY ERAPY DOGS R.E.A.D. ► Webster Library, 1465 York Ave. 3 p.m. Free with preregistration requiredd Enjoy a one-on-one ne session of reading time me with a therapy dog. All these furry friends are licensed and their eir owners can’t wait for or you to spend some time with them. and much more. 212-288-5049. www.nypl.org 212-758-4340. www.cb8m.com

STORYTIME IN NOLEN LIBRARY Metropolitan Museum of Art, Uris Center for Education, 1000 Fifth Ave. at 82nd Street 3 p.m.-3:30 p.m. Free Gather around for some family fun with singing, reading and lots of fun. A part of the event includes a self-guided gallery hunt in the Museum of Metropolitan Art. www.metmuseum.org

Tue

GAME ON @ WEBSTER Webster Library, 1465 York Ave. 4 p.m. Free Bring your kids and their friends and let them show off their skills and challenge each other to a game of their choice at the library. 212-288-5049. www.nypl.org

MAY FOOLS

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FIAF, Florence Gould Hall, 55 East 59th St. 4 & 7:30 p.m. Free for members; non-members, $13; students, $7 Louis Malle’s 1990 film about a family contending with its own MEMBERS’ THURSDAY▼ revolutionary impulses in May 1968. In French with English Neue Galerie, 1048 Fifth Ave. subtitles. Wine reception follows 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Free with the screening. 212-355-6100 membership This is a chance for members of the museum along with their guests to enjoy two remarkable German and Russian art exhibitions in a more private environment than usual. www.neuegalerie.org

Thu

21 Wed22

HOUSING COMMITTEE MEETING FOR COMMUNITY BOARD 8 Location to be announced 6:30 p.m. Free Attend this meeting to see what plans the Community Board has for housing, housing finance, housing discrimination

SWINGTIME BIG BAND

FAMILY STORY TIME

Carl Schurz Park, John Finley Walk, atop the East 86th Street mall. 7 p.m.-8:30 p.m. Free, with limited seating available. carlschurzparknyc.etapwss. com/index.php/events

Children’s Room at Yorkville Library, 222 East 79th St. 2 p.m. Free Bring your kids and meet up with your friends at the library to listen to some of the best picture book stories. 212-744-5824. www.nypl.org

THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO IF YOU THINK YOU SMELL A GAS LEAK IS NOTHING. Smell gas. Act fast. Don’t assume someone else will call 911 or 1-800-75-CONED (26633). Leave the area immediately and make the call yourself. You can report a gas-related emergency anonymously, and not even be there when help arrives. For more gas safety information, visit conEd.com and take safety into your own hands.

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Lewis Carroll (1832–18 (1832–1898), John 898 9 ), ) Joh o n Tenniel (1820–1914), (1820–19 1 14 1 ),, illustrator, illusstrattor “Alice’s “A Aliice’’ Adventures in London: in Wonderland,” W Macmillan and Co., 1865, First printing (first suppressed edition). Gift of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr.,The Morgan Library & Museum. Photography by Graham S. Haber, 2015.

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

THE BIOGRAPHY OF A BOOK: ALICE AT THE MORGAN On the 150th anniversary of Lewis Carroll’s classic, the museum’s exhibit begins at the beginning BY VAL CASTRONOVO

Lewis Carroll (1832–1898), illustrated manuscript of Alice’s Adventures Under Ground, completed 13 September 1864. © The British Library Board.

John Tenniel (1820–1914), “Nothing but a pack of cards!” 1885. Hand-colored proof. Gift of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., The Morgan Library & Museum. Photography by Steven H. Crossot, 2014.

JULY 16-22,2015

This year marks the 150th anniversary of the publication of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Lewis Carroll’s beloved tale of a 7-year-old girl who famously falls down a rabbit hole and mixes with a mad cast of characters before awakening from her dream. Alice-mania is slowly gaining steam in the city, with upcoming shows at The Grolier Club, The New York Public Library for the Performing Arts and Columbia University, where real-life Alice — Alice Liddell Hargreaves — received an honorary doctorate in 1932, the centenary year of Carroll’s birth. For its part, The Morgan Library & Museum has pulled off a curatorial coup and secured the original manuscript from the British Library in London, building a wonderland of an exhibit around it, now through October 11. It’s “a biography of the book ... the story of the story,” curator Carolyn Vega said during a crowded tour of the show on a recent Friday night. Not seen on this side of the pond for more than 30 years, the manuscript is enclosed in a glass case at the center of the gallery and opened to pages 10 and 11, the latter boasting a drawing of a long-necked Alice by Carroll, an amateur artist. The document forms the heart and soul of the exhibit, a reference point to which we keep returning as we survey walls and display cases filled with vintage books, original drawings, hand-colored proofs, letters, photos and Alice Liddell’s leather purse and prayer book. There is even a touchscreen with a digitized manuscript that you can tap for a page-bypage view of Carroll’s neat handwriting and illustrations, the inspiration for some of John Tenniel’s later drawings for the published book.

One of the greatest works of children’s literature can be sourced to a summer outing on “a perfect English afternoon” on July 4, 1862, Vega said about ’s backstory. Christ Church, Oxford, math lecturer Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (who years earlier had assumed the pen name Lewis Carroll) took the dean’s three daughters — Lorina, Alice and Edith Liddell — on a boat trip up the River Thames to Godstow for an afternoon picnic. To entertain the group, Carroll spun a tale of a little girl who follows a white rabbit in a waistcoat down a hole and enters a curious, netherworld of anthropomorphized creatures and madcap characters spewing “logical nonsense.” Carroll was extemporizing — literally making it up as he went along. Alice later begged him to write the story down and give it to her. He started writing the next day, spending two and a half years on the text and on 37 pen-and-ink drawings before presenting the completed work to the young-

John Tenniel (1820–1914), “Off with her head!” 1885. Hand-colored proof. Gift of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., The Morgan Library & Museum. Photography by Steven H. Crossot, 2014.

Alice Liddell in wreath as “Queen of May.” 1860. Albumen print of a photograph by Lewis Carroll (1832– 1898). Gift of Arthur A. Houghton, Jr., The Morgan Library & Museum. Photography by Graham S. Haber, 2015. ster as a Christmas present in 1864. He called it “Alice’s Adventures Under Ground.” But he wasn’t satisfied with the title, which he considered “too didactic,” Vega said, so he sought the advice of a friend — weighing the merits of “Alice Among the Elves” against “Alice’s Doings in Elf-Land,” among others — before swapping out “Under Ground” for “In Wonderland,” which was his idea. “I want something sensational,” he wrote in a letter to his friend that is on display. Meanwhile, Carroll had been sending drafts of the manuscript to friends, who encouraged him to expand the spontaneous tale and publish it. After adding a wealth of new material — including the chapter “A Mad Tea-Party” — he entered into an agreement with Macmillan and Co. to produce the book, which was now twice the length of the original manuscript. Carroll arranged to finance the work’s publication himself “so he could be very involved,” Vega said. “He was involved at every stage of the design and production of the book. ... He was [especially] interested in how

illustrations and text interact.” Longtime Punch cartoonist John Tenniel was commissioned to re-illustrate the story, collaborating closely with Carroll, who had definite opinions about the size and placement of the pictures. The book was finally published in the summer of 1865, the third anniversary of the story’s first telling. But Tenniel was not satisfied with the way the illustrations looked — only some 20 of the 2,000 copies from this first print run survive, two of which are thrillingly here — because he found the “printing inferior,” Vega said. Ever the perfectionist, Carroll decided to recall the entire edition and, at great personal expense, start over. The second printing of 2,000 books in November 1865 cost Carroll more than 250 pounds; he now needed to sell two full editions — 4,000 copies—just to break even. But the book was “an immediate success,” Vega said, and, within a year, sold 4,000 copies, allowing the author to recoup his investment. It has been in print ever since. Carroll’s story is a tale for the ages, much like Shakespeare’s plays. “We’ll still be reading Alice in another 150 years,” Vega concluded with a smile.

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AC T I V I T I E S F O R T H E F E R T I L E M I N D

FOR THE WEEK BY GABRIELLE ALFIERO OUR ARTS EDITOR

thoughtgallery.org N E W YO R K C I T Y

Let’s Talk, New York: Second Annual Conversation Day

SATURDAY, JULY 18TH, 3PM

MUSEUMS

Bryant Park | 42nd St. & Fifth Ave. | 212-768-4242 | conversationsnewyork. com

NIGHTS AT THE FRICK

Join talkers around the world in celebrating Conversation Day, adding your two bits to topics like “Sharing Our Spirituality.” (Free)

The Frick Collection’s special exhibitions, including a showing of the museum’s collection of landscape drawings and Henry Clay Frick’s acquisitions of 18thcentury French porcelain, stay open for after-hours museum access. This free evening at the museum also includes live music performances inspired by the exhibits, as well as brief gallery talks and free sketching. Nights at the Frick Friday, July 17 Frick Collection 1 E. 70th St., near Fifth Avenue 6-9 p.m. FREE, first-come, first-served For more information, call 212-288-0700 or email edevents@frick.org

MUSIC

DANCE

JEROME ROSE AT INTERNATIONAL KEYBOARD INSTITUTE & FESTIVAL

BALASOLE DANCE COMPANY’S “SALMAGUNDI”

Pianist Jerome Rose, the founder and director of the annual International Keyboard Institute & Festival, kicks off the 17th season of the event with selections from Brahms, Schubert, and Liszt, among other compositions. The festival, which runs from July 18-August 2, features 15 concerts, each with a pre-performance lecture from pianist, scholar and Juilliard School instructor David Dubal. Saturday, July 18 Kaye Playhouse at Hunter College 695 Park Ave., between Park and Lexington Avenues Lecture 7:15 p.m.; concert 8 p.m Tickets $20 To purchase tickets visit http://www.hunter. cuny.edu/kayeplayhouse/calendar or call 212772-4448

Dance company Balasole presents a range of dance styles, and celebrates artists from varying backgrounds whom don’t always conform to dance’s traditional body shapes and sizes. With “Salmagundi,” the company showcases the solo work of 10 dancers, including Frederick Davis, a current company member of Dance Theatre of Harlem. July 17-18 Ailey Citigroup Theater 405 W. 55 St., at Columbus Avenue 8 p.m. Tickets $25-$35 To purchase tickets, visit 212-868-4444 or visit www.smarttix.com

JORGE DREXLER, DIEGO GARCIA AND DANAY SUÁREZ Uruguayan singer and composer Jorge Drexler has gained notoriety for his film scores and soundtracks: he won an Academy Award for “Al Otro Lado del Rio” from the 2004 film “The Motorcycle Diaries,” marking the first time an artist won the award for a song with Spanish lyrics. Drexler is joined by pop singer Diego Garcia and genre-bending, Cuban-born rapper and singer Danay Suarez. Sunday, July 19 Central Park SummerStage Rumsey Playfield Entrance at Fifth Avenue and E. 72nd Street 6 p.m. FREE For more information, visit http://www. cityparksfoundation.org/events/category/ summerstage/

HEIDI LATSKY DANCE: A CELEBRATION OF ADA AT 25 Heidi Latsky Dance, a company that features artists with disabilities, performs its 2013 work “Somewhere” in connection with the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which passed 25 years ago. Latsky’s short film “Soliloquy” will also screen, followed by a Q&A. Heidi Latsky Dance: A Celebration of ADA at 25 Friday, July 17 Whitney Museum of American Art 99 Gansevoort St., near Washington Street 8 p.m. FREE with museum admission (registration required) To register, visit http://whitney.org/Events/ HeidiLatskyDance To be included in the Top 5 go to ourtownny.com and click on submit a press release or announcement.

Is Preservation Elitist?

MONDAY, JULY 20TH, 6:30PM Museum of the City of NY | 1220 Fifth Ave. | 212-534-1672 | mcny.org New York’s grand architecture makes its own case for preservation. Less so historically important but visually jumbled areas like Tin Pan Alley and Chinatown. Hear from a panel of activists and architects on preserving the everyday. ($16)

Just Announced: Preview Screening of “Learning to Drive” with Actors Patricia Clarkson and Sir Ben Kingsley

TUESDAY, AUGUST 18TH, 7:30PM 92nd Street Y | 1395 Lexington Ave. | 212-415-5500 | 92y.org Krishna Pandit Bhanji (aka Sir Ben Kingsley) comes to Reel Pieces to discuss his stint playing a Sikh driving instructor, along with co-star Patricia Clarkson. ($32)

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

sign up for the weekly Thought Gallery newsletter at thoughtgallery.org.

More neighborhood news? neighborhood celebrations? neighborhood opinions? neighborhood ideas? neighborhood feedback? neighborhood concerns? Email us at news@strausnews.com

14

JOHN BLAIR CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 He intrigued me? He was funny? Perhaps it wasn’t so smart. Beause boy did he call. He called and wanted to come over for dinner. I met him on the bench with some homemade veggie juice and soup with lentils and rice. He told me about his love affair with Roberta Flack, and how he’d played with all the jazz greats and invented this treasured instrument the Vitar. He called and wanted to take a bath in my bathtub. I met him at the park with five gallons of hot water, some toe nail clippers, towels, lotion and soap. He told me how he’d come to live on the corner of my block only a few months ago when his girlfriend had thrown him out of the house for abuse of prescription drugs and abuse of her. I washed his feet and I listened. He called and desperately needed a singer for a Mother’s Day gig he had booked at the local senior center. I met him at Sunset Retirement and was mortified to find out we were crashing the gig of a sweet piano player named Norman. I insisted we leave, while John Blair insisted harder I sing with the piano player and see if I could work in some solos for him on his Vitar. An awkward hour later we had all the seniors on the floor dancing and the pianist had booked me to sing at another gig with him the following week.

He called and wanted me to run away to Florida with him. He wanted a way off the streets before winter. “That’s never gonna happen,” I told him firmly, but I agreed to meet him at the Veteran’s Hospital to see if there was a way he could get a hospital bed.

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com The Vitar was a horror of a sound. But it was the first time I had sung in New York City, and I was aglow. He was audacious and funny, and made me far braver than I had ever dared to be. I couldn’t care less if his stories were made up. It had been n a fabulous day. He called and wanted me to run away to Florida with h him. He wanted a way off the streets treets before winter. “That’s never gonna happen” ppen” I told him firmly, but I agreed reed to meet him at the Veteran’s ran’s Hospital to see if there was as a way he could get a hospital ital bed. He needed surgery on his hip. His thinking was if he could time it with the he storms he could miss the he first half of winter while he came up with a plan. They checked him in n and gave him a bed. He e showed me the hospital and introduced me to his friends. While filling out paperwork he asked if I’d be the executor of his will. He needed one to be admitted. “It’s a formality. I have to put someone.” I counted the days backwards an realized I had only known him for 2.5 weeks. “Surely there is someone better suited…” my sentence trailed off. He gave me his PO box key and asked if I’d pick up his mail when I visited him next. Two nights later I was working a double shift and my phone wouldn’t stop ringing. I had told him I was at work. I would call in the morning. At midnight I walked past the park and listened to my messages. “I think Roberta can come tomorrow. I need you to come tomorrow.” Beep “You gotta call me. I need my mail. You’ve gotta come bring me my mail.” Beep. “Call me kid. John Blair here. Please can you call?” call? Beep. inIt was getting a bit in tense. I started to t wonder if I ha had the crossed th with line wit this man who wh

JULY 16-22,2015

lived on the streets with a known history of abuse. I had already told him I couldn’t make it on Sunday. I had a date with some girlfriends for brunch and then a mani/pedi in the after-

gmail once at the VA hospital. He was writing to someone. Was it family? Was it spam? I walked to the computer and bumped on the keys. If I was his email, what would I be?

berta Flack and marched to the door of the Dakota.

noon. Maybe I could get down there after, but I was going to have to start setting some boundaries. Five messages in one shift was really not OK. I had just picked out my fuchsia nail polish and had it applied to my second finger when my phone rang. “Is this Blossom Benedict?” the sterile male voice on the other end asked me. “You are John Blair’s executor. I’m calling to tell you John Blair died last night.” I should have answered the phone. He knew. And I didn’t answer the phone. If the story ended there, it would have been a magical and melancholy and memorable chapter in my life. But of course the story did not end there. He had entrusted me with his possession, with his funeral, with his PO box key and his violins, and with the myth that there was money somewhere and people who cared. I was his contact. I was in charge. I picked up his possessions at the hospital and rummaged through the pockets. Nothing. I talked to a few vets in hopes they might know something. Sorry. I went to the PO box and prayed there would be mail. Empty. I wracked my brain. He’d had a girlfriend! I didn’t know where she lived. He had violins at a synagogue? There were a thousand in the city. His possessions he had left with a lawyer. A nameless lawyer?! I had seen him check his email on

User name: johnblair@gmail.com I typed, playing games with myself. Password: v-i-t-a-r. And with a smack, I hit enter. For with the stroke of a key and a random worthless guess… Gmail opened, and with it, opened up; the life of John Blair. I honestly don’t know how to tell this next part of the story. Do I include all the dialogue and looks and surprise? Do I tell you the conversation with the sobbing girlfriend I found after buzzing on door after door, or tell you only that I found her, and sat patiently for two hours while I told her she wasn’t wrong? Do I show you the letter I wrote to Ro-

a man named John Blair. He says he knew you. I have no idea if this is true or if you even live in New York, but I wanted to let you know that John Blair died the other night and if you knew him I am very sorry. If you have any questions you can call me at (949) 533-7170. And if you have no idea what I’m talking about, I’m sorry to have bothered you. Yours truly, Blossom

Dear Roberta, You don’t know me. I am a friend of

I walked my letter to The Dakota and asked the doorman if Roberta Flack lived in the building. He wouldn’t say. Well if she does live here, will you give her this letter? It’s urgent.” I

JULY 16-22,2015

15

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

6th Borough

BETWEEN PET AND FARM ANIMAL, A GRAY AREA ... AND VET BILLS BY BECCA TUCKER roďŹ t margins in farming are slim. Until Charlie broke her leg, we were up ever so slightly over the course of our three years of goat ownership. On the expense side: the initial cost of the goats, goat feed and hay in the winter, and all the extras you don’t think about, like a hay rack and milking stand. On the proďŹ t side: the income from selling a goat every now and then. Vet visits, you’ll notice, are not listed above. They would make our goat operation very much a losing one. Goats can be very self-sufficient — feeding themselves three of four seasons, bearing their young while you’re not looking — although we have also had goats get sick and die very quickly. We let things take their course. Unless, that is, the goat in question is Charlie. Charlie holds a special place on our homestead. We bought her at three days old this winter from a nearby goat cheese farm, and raised her and her

P

twin brother, Don Fenucci, in our foyer. We bottle fed them, cleaned up after them. It was like having infants: exhausting. When it got warm enough, we were overjoyed to get them out of the house and into the corral with the bigger goats. Too early, it turned out. We found the Don on his back one day, bleating. He’d clearly been beat up. We brought him inside, but he didn’t make it. Maybe we’d doomed him by naming him Don Fenucci — the precursor to the Godfather, who meets his end at the hands of Don Corleone. We quickly let Charlie out of the corral, and since then she’s had free rein of our property. She sleeps on our porch, which unfortunately is also where she poops. She is the ďŹ rst to greet visitors. She’s a companion for Kai, until sometimes she gets “too rough!,â€? jumping and head-butting. She loves being scratched. We really would like to get her into the corral, but we’re not going to rush it again. In the meantime, she’s become our de facto dog. Over Memorial Day weekend, husband Joe stayed home to man the farm while Kai and I headed to the beach. On Friday night Joe found Charlie lying on the side of our mountain, with a badly broken leg. How it happened, we don’t know. Our best guess is that the other goats breached the fence and roughed Charlie up. Joe did his best to cast the leg. When Kai and I got home, he broke the news gingerly. It looked ... OK. She was graz-

thrust the letter into his hands imploringly. “Will that be all ma’am?â€? The doorman asked me. She was real and she called. Then I found a lawyer who was holding his CDs who knew the rabbi who was holing his violins. The rabbi knew that his girlfriend’s name had been Geraldine, and that’s how I found her by buzzing the all the initial G’s in the building the lawyer had pointed at. Geraldine knew his sister Joyce who lived in Michigan and was a wreck. With each person, each email, each note, the story came together. His stories had been real. And on and on and on and on they went. The funeral service was at the VA Hospital. Roberta handled the details. They had been lovers back when they were kids. I sat in the last pew, surrounded by faces I had found and pulled together from a maze. The service was short; A story from his sister, a prayer followed by a hymn. “The ďŹ rst time ever I saw‌ his face‌â€? Roberta’s

ing and pooping normally, and getting around admirably; she was still hard to catch. I decided to take the wait-andsee approach. A week and a half later, she seemed lethargic. She was lying on the porch when I got home from work, and she didn’t get up right away to try to eat my skirt. I felt her hoof: swollen and hot. I called the one vet practice I knew took goats. Bring her in, they said. I dug out the neglected pet brush and tried to spiff Charlie up a bit before bundling her into the newspapered trunk and buckling Kai into the car seat. It took the vet a long time to get Joe’s jerry-rigged cast off, and when she ďŹ nally did, it wasn’t pretty underneath. In an attempt to stabilize the broken bone, Joe had encircled the leg with two Ubolts, which he then wrapped with electrical tape. He hadn’t put any lining or cushioning between the bolts and the skin, and the esh had begun to grow into the bolts. Bad. We might have to amputate, the vet said. Can a goat get along on three legs? I asked. The vet shrugged as if to say nothing this horrible has ever happened before, so who knows? She sent us home with two baggies of injections — antibiotic and painkiller — and instructions to come back in a week. That’s when she would decide whether the leg had to go. Bill: $255. We dutifully injected Charlie every day. We enjoyed it about

voice was raw and open as tears streamed down her cheeks and the cheeks of the attendees paying respect to John that day as she sang. It was the concert of a lifetime, only without the crowds or the cheer. And that was it. I packed up his CDs, all except one, and sent them home with his sister. I wished I hadn’t. He would have wanted me to have them. But I didn’t want anyone to think I was taking anything that didn’t belong to me. And they were only CDs. I kept a small vial of mandarin oil he’d used to soften the cracks on his street wise hands. I hated the smell but wouldn’t throw it away. I closed his gmail account and PO box and turned in the key. We never found his money. And that was it. That was the story of John Blair. In the end, all I really had was that number. The number I could never call.

as much as Charlie did, but the infection quickly receded. Charlie seemed to be putting more weight on the leg, too. Let me say, I was not in a hurry to go back, if what awaited us was a hacksaw and a hefty bill. A week came and went, and I guiltily made no appointment. Two weeks later, though, worry got the better of me. Was the pink skin around the wound unusually warm? Back we went. She was actually doing great, said the vet. Much better than expected. The warmth was just healing in progress. She put her in a pink cast and told me to bring her back next week. Bill: $87. At this point, Joe, the family bookkeeper, had begun muttering about goat stew. A few mornings after the cast went on, we discovered Charlie with a mysteriously broken horn and a bloodsmeared forehead. I wearily ipped through our goat

books and, ďŹ nding nothing on this subject, ďŹ red up the computer. Yep, horns can get busted ... some people recommend pain killers and iodine; others, the do-nothing approach. We decidedly did not call the vet. Now we’ve got an asymmetrically-horned goat with a pink cast, who still manages to be really cute. For Charlie’s sake, I was as ďŹ rm as I could be at her third appointment. Yes, we’re hoping Charlie has a long future ahead of her, full of frolicking kids and goat milk. But she’s a farm animal, after all, and we’ve got a canister of jerk spice in the cabinet, waiting to be used for a jerked goat recipe we got from a Jamaican friend. We would really prefer not to come back again, I told the assistant, accentuating my point with the Barbie in my hand. She nodded as she lifted Charlie to her chest and whisked her to the back. After Kai and I had made the

acquaintance of the dog in the waiting room and counted the three ďŹ sh in the ďŹ sh tank a number of times, we were summoned to the back, where Charlie stood on a stainless steel exam table. “To be honest,â€? the vet began (this was her standard opening, and it was nerve-wracking), “the leg has stabilized a lot in just the last week. I won’t need to cast her again.â€? The busted horn, she said, would grow back as a partial horn called a scur. Bill: $37. “A bargain!â€? said Joe, when we pulled into the driveway and delivered the news. Kai put her arm around Charlie’s back. “Take a picture of us,â€? she said, and grinned while Charlie licked the salty car. For the moment, everything was alright in our little world. Becca Tucker is a former Manhattanite now living on a farm upstate and writing about the rural life.

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JULY 16-22,2015

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

Real Estate Sales Neighborhd

Address

Price

Carnegie Hill

25 East 86 Street

$2,175,000

Carnegie Hill

153 East 87 Street

$875,000

Carnegie Hill

12 East 87 Street

$1,275,000

Carnegie Hill

16 East 96 Street

$5,000,000

Carnegie Hill

49 East 86 Street

$1,900,000

Carnegie Hill

123 East 88 Street

$435,000

Carnegie Hill

1050 5 Avenue

$3,400,000

Carnegie Hill

1217 Madison Avenue

$4,500,000

Carnegie Hill

120 East 87 Street

$3,015,000

Carnegie Hill

1111 Park Avenue

$4,895,000

Carnegie Hill

1065 Park Avenue

Carnegie Hill

Bed Bath Agent

Eastside Sales Snapshot Number of contracts signed so far in the second quarter

2

2

1

2

Corcoran

Brown Harris Stevens

$0 - $600k

$600x - $1M

$1M-$2M

$2M-$5M

$5M-$10M

$10M+

STUDIOS

63

10

1

1

-

1

1 BED

57

107

40

6

-

-

2 BEDS

5

41

99

46

4

-

3+ BEDS

-

-

20

79

45

11

TOWNHOUSE

-

-

-

1

2

1

Median Sales Price STUDIOS

371,000

$2,400,000

1 BED

675,000

45 East 89 Street

$2,300,000

2 BEDS

1,418,888

Carnegie Hill

166 East 92 Street

$425,000

3 BEDS

2,925,000

Carnegie Hill

1088 Park Avenue

$4,500,000

Carnegie Hill

1088 Park Avenue

$3,500,000

Carnegie Hill

47 East 88 Street

$5,225,000

Carnegie Hill

115 East 86 Street

$2,800,000

Lenox Hill

300 East 64 Street

$1,650,000

Lenox Hill

300 East 64 Street

$997,885

Lenox Hill

21 East 66 Street

$5,600,000

Lenox Hill

1 East 62 Street

$24,000,000

Lenox Hill

1 East 62 Street

$4,000,000

Lenox Hill

650 Park Avenue

$2,700,000

Lenox Hill

200 East 61 Street

$2,425,000

Lenox Hill

21 East 61St Street

$4,636,287

Lenox Hill

300 East 64 Street

$1,535,000

Lenox Hill

315 East 68 Street

$2,290,000

Lenox Hill

420 East 72 Street

$585,000

Lenox Hill

301 East 63 Street

$469,000

Lenox Hill

300 East 64 Street

$1,070,000

Lenox Hill

300 East 64 Street

$715,000

Lenox Hill

301 East 64 Street

$828,000

Lenox Hill

139 East 63 Street

$1,420,000

Lenox Hill

150 East 61 Street

$499,000

3

3

3

2

3

3

Corcoran

Warburg

2

2

Extell Development Company

1

1

Douglas Elliman

2

1

Douglas Elliman

0.5 1

Douglas Elliman

Lenox Hill

1175 York Avenue

$1,925,000

Lenox Hill

781 5 Avenue

$750,000

Lenox Hill

530 East 72 Street

$2,100,000

Lenox Hill

300 East 71 Street

$915,000

Lenox Hill

301 East 64 Street

$1,600,000

3

2

Corcoran

Lenox Hill

304 East 65 Street

$1,885,000

2

2

Douglas Elliman

Lenox Hill

220 East 65 Street

$284,047

Lenox Hill

200 East 69 Street

$2,300,000

Lenox Hill

166 East 61 Street

$905,000

Midtown

480 Park Avenue

$4,400,000

Midtown

117 East 57 Street

$1,090,000

Midtown

480 Park Avenue

$3,450,000

Midtown

135 East 54 Street

$1,311,508

Midtown East

240 East 55 Street

$430,000

2

2

235 East 55 Street

$985,000

Midtown East

150 East 56 Street

$555,000

Midtown East

325 Lexington Avenue

$1,466,280

Midtown East

220 East 57 Street

$446,300

Midtown East

250 East 54 Street

$1,170,000

Midtown East

245 East 54 Street

$645,000

Midtown East

325 Lexington Avenue

$1,359,363

Midtown East

245 East 54 Street

Midtown South

1

1

Next Stop Ny

$672,500

1

1

Next Stop Ny

220 Madison Avenue

$485,000

0

1

Douglas Elliman

Midtown South

220 Madison Avenue

$547,000

0

1

Owner

Midtown South

220 Madison Avenue

$480,000

0

1

Siderow Residential Group

Murray Hill

200 East 36 Street

$684,000

Murray Hill

45 Park Avenue

$1,725,000

Murray Hill

210 East 36 Street

$525,000

Murray Hill

155 East 38 Street

$760,000

Murray Hill

50 Park Avenue

$1,620,000

2

2

Halstead Property

Murray Hill

415 East 37 Street

$815,000

Murray Hill

300 East 40 Street

$730,000

Murray Hill

5 Tudor City Place

$280,000

Murray Hill

26 East 38 Street

$540,000

Murray Hill

152 East 35 Street

$1,060,000

2

2

Brown Harris Stevens

Murray Hill

104 East 37 Street

$1,100,000

2

1

Sotheby's International Realty

Murray Hill

201 East 37 Street

$425,000

0

1

Maxwell Jacobs

Murray Hill

300 East 40 Street

$800,000

Murray Hill

325 East 41 Street

$2,350,000

Murray Hill

25 Tudor City Place

$320,000

Sutton Place

411 East 53 Street

$1,700,000

Sutton Place

440 East 56 Street

$385,000

0

1

Vize Property Group

Sutton Place

435 East 57 Street

$1,595,000

Sutton Place

410 East 57 Street

$1,149,000

2

2

Keller Williams Realty Landmark

Sutton Place

345 East 57 Street

$1,740,000

Corcoran

2

3

Midtown East Warburg

2

3

Source: UrbanDigs LLC

Halstead Property

Douglas Elliman

St.Easy.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.

JULY 16-22,2015

RESTAURANT INSPECTION RATINGS

Reach Manhattan’s Foodies

JUL 6 - 9, 2015 The following listings were collected from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s website and include the most recent inspection and grade reports listed. We have included every restaurant listed during this time within the zip codes of our neighborhoods. Some reports list numbers with their explanations; these are the number of violation points a restaurant has received. To see more information on restaurant grades, visit www.nyc.gov/html/doh/html/services/restaurant-inspection.shtml. Chicken Festival

1584 1 Avenue

Grade Pending (17) Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

Le Bistro D’a Cote

1590 1 Avenue

A

Tisane Pharmacy

340 East 86 Street

A

Coffee Bean Tea & Leaf

1469 3 Avenue

Grade Pending (25) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Evidence of rats or live rats present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Wiping cloths soiled or not stored in sanitizing solution.

El Aguila

1215 Lexington Avenue

A

Soom Soom

1603 2 Avenue

Grade Pending (37) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. Hand washing facility not provided in or near food preparation area and toilet room. Hot and cold running water at adequate pressure to enable cleanliness of employees not provided at facility. Soap and an acceptable hand-drying device not provided. Personal cleanliness inadequate. Outer garment soiled with possible contaminant. Effective hair restraint not worn in an area where food is prepared. Food not protected from potential source of contamination during storage, preparation, transportation, display or service. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred.

Arturo’s Pizza

17

Our Town|Eastsider ourtownny.com

1610 York Ave

Not Graded Yet (36) 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. Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or non-food areas. Food contact surface not properly washed, rinsed and sanitized after each use and following any activity when contamination may have occurred. Sanitized equipment or utensil, including in-use food dispensing utensil, improperly used or stored.

Tasti D-Lite

1276 Lexington Avenue

A

Numero 28

1431 1 Avenue

A

Crusty & Tasty Bagel

1323 2Nd Ave

A

Bagels & Co

500 E 76Th St

Not Graded Yet (34) Hot food item not held at or above 140º F. 2) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 3) Raw, cooked or prepared food is adulterated, contaminated, crosscontaminated, or not discarded in accordance with HACCP plan. 4) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or nonfood areas.

Candle Cafe

1307 3 Avenue

Grade Pending (18) Cold food item held above 41º F (smoked fish and reduced oxygen packaged foods above 38 ºF) except during necessary preparation. 2) Evidence of mice or live mice present in facility’s food and/or nonfood areas.

Pio Pio Express

1746 1 Avenue

A

96%

of readers report eating out more than once a week

39% of readers report eating out

more than four times a week

wn MAY

& Food

Drink

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($16). capers ) are proporti lots and -$54 app fried shal e plates ($18 Katy Sparks ent The larg e, and chef il to the n to detall ones, usin ately larg sma e attentio s the sam es as to the inventive way sized dish edients in speak for itse ingr miliar ng good food ple, is describe still letti ), for exam, and accoutre ($18 er red beef or burg n grass-fed dar, baco Th ply as p ched a add-ons. wou r like sharade are extr dine marmal as to how theg of ketchu questionand no offerin needed. are cooked, and neither chicken, p arrives, like roasted the men Staples on round out vegetab g and salm surprisin velvet c the red or the serts push t, like spotlighted beets ($11) shav ing roascheesecake withthe to ricotta orange gracing open dly, nel and ice is frien cock The servthe décor. The each is ed for ble, as ks nam from bein e tures drin dire and asid oughs, cate the new city they indi n. Like the if Gree but on the y for some, of w a glass too pric for wich fro work, even d m sand ice crea takeaway winll any time bar area opened you, and you’ the new the owners and can visit be welcome Guests a reservation,ion can never out sect t. with that the promisefor a private even closed

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JULY 16-22,2015

Neighborhood Scrapbook ASPHALT GREEN KICKS OFF CAMPERS CAMPAIGN

CITY MUSEUM CELEBRATES ITS RECONSTRUCTION

DETAILS ON THE CENTRAL PARK ROAD CLOSINGS

Asphalt Green kicked off its annual Coins for Campers fundraiser on July 13. The weeklong fundraiser challenges campers to bring in coins to support the organization’s Summer Day Camp Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to kids whose families cannot afford summer camp. Anyone can donate to the cause by dropping loose change – or dollars and checks – in donation boxes located in the AquaCenter of Asphalt Green’s Upper East Side campus, and the lobby of the Battery Park City campus. Additionally, a portion of purchases made on July 15 at Insomnia Cookies’ Upper East Side and Battery Park City locations goes to Coins for Campers.

Directory of Business & Services To advertise in this directory Call Susan (212)-868-0190 ext.417 Classified2@strausnews.com

Antique, Flea & Farmers Market SINCE 1979

East 67th Street Market

(between First & York Avenues) Open EVERY Saturday 6am-5pm Rain or Shine Indoor & Outdoor FREE Admission Questions? Bob 718.897.5992 Proceeds Benefit PS 183

ANTIQUES WANTED

Source: DOT

TOP PRICES PAID

Chinese Objects Paintings, Jewelry Silver, Furniture, Etc. Entire Estates Purchased

800.530.0006

SOHO LT MFG

462 Broadway MFG No Retail/Food +/- 9,000 sf Ground Floor - $90 psf +/- 16,000 sf Cellar - $75 psf Call Farrell @ Meringoff Properties 646.306.0299

The Museum of the City of New York celebrated its 10-year, $97 million reconstruction with a reception last month. Of the $97 million, $67 million came from the City of New York through the Department of Cultural Affairs, the City Council and the office of the Manhattan Borough President. In addition, $30 million came from other donors including trustees, individuals, corporations, foundations and the Upper Manhattan Empowerment Zone. Pictured, above, are James G. Dinan, Chairman of the Board, MCNY; Daniel R. Garodnick, Council Member; Martin J. “Marty” McLaughlin, Trustee and Secretary, MCNY, and Founding Partner, Connelly & McLaughlin. Also pictured are Peter S. Kalikow, President, HJ Kalikow & Co., with Martin J. McLaughlin

The city’s high-profile announcement that Central Park will be car-free above 72nd Street is clear enough. But what about the rest of the park? Residents on both sides say they remain confused about what’s open when. So here are the details, according to the DOT: First, all roads above 72nd Street are now permanently car-free, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. West Drive and Terrance Drive southbound are open from 8a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays, closed on weekends. Center Drive, northbound, is open from 7 a.m. to 7 p,m, weekdays, closed on weekends. There are plans for an extended bus line on the East side of the park, in response to the new road closures, but no such plans on the west side. Further questions? Check out the DOT web site at nyc.gov/dot

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MOURNING THE NEW YORK THAT WAS INTERVIEW The comic Colin Quinn has teamed up with Seinfeld for a one-man show about the death of New York

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Comedian Colin Quinn has some sad news about his hometown: New York is dead. The Brooklyn-born IrishAmerican comedian returns to the stage this month eulogizing the loss of loudmouth, opinionated New Yorkers in his one-man show “The New York Story” at The Cherry Lane Theatre, opening July 23. Quinn’s show, directed by Jerry Seinfeld, mourns what he considers a homogenized, cautious city. He’s a guy who likes the needy bluntness of former Mayor Ed Koch, pizza slices and listening to cab drivers swear. The former announcer of MTV’s late-1980s game show “Remote Control” and who played morose Lenny the Lion on NBC’s “Saturday Night Live” uses some of his observations in his new book “The Coloring Book.” It’s his third one-man show.

In your previous shows, you’ve tackled the history of civilization and the Constitution. Why New York this time?

governing style -- their personality. With Koch, whether he was great or not, you just knew he was wearing his heart on his sleeve. There were no speechwriters, everybody just spoke more authentically. That’s really what the show is about -the loss of authentic emotion and personality and language.

Has technology had any role? Yes. It’s very glib and surface to blame technology, so let me do it: I feel like people have developed this kind of texting personality. That’s fine. But not for New York.

And this end of in-your-face New Yorkers is a sad thing?

It’s a good time for it because New York is gone. The New York that I knew is now finished. The New York personality is gone. So it’s a good time to look back on it. It’s a sad goodbye.

If it was working, and everybody said, `Wow, things are getting better! Everything’s improving societally!’ I’d shut up. But it’s not. Don’t pretend it is.

What was the nail in the coffin? Hipsters selling artisanal pickles? Insane rents pushing out blue-collar workers? Donald Trump?

Is New York the last city in America to be homogenized or the first?

It’s nothing anyone’s done. I would say this: If you go on the subway right now, all the guys sit down and all the women have to stand. In the old days, that would never have happened.

That’s the sad thing -- we’re the last one. All this non-judgmental positivity, all that stuff, that’s how the rest of the country was supposed to be. New York was not supposed to be like that. But we follow them now.

So is it just the loss of civility?

You’ve teamed up again with a classic New Yorker -- Seinfeld.

No. It’s the difference between Mayor Bill de Blasio’s personality and Ed Koch’s personality. Not their intelligence, not their

I love it. I don’t know why the hell he does it. He’s just an artistic guy who, I guess, likes the way I think. He was born

to direct stage things, in my opinion. It’s something he’s just great at. He just really understands movement and he understands editing. He understands cutting language down and just makes everything about behavior.

When was New York at its best? I would say Brooklyn from 1648 to 1760 was probably good. I would say the Bronx was at its best during the Dutch phase, probably. Brooklyn in the 1970s. Manhattan in the `40s and `50s. Staten Island from probably 1905 to 1923.

Not to be argumentative, but New York of the past was violent and filthy. These days, the main bus station is so clean you can eat off the floor and people can walk safely anywhere. You’re 100 percent right. It’s definitely better, but the thing that got lost was some part of the human character that I miss. Now, everybody speaks in this qualifying way. There’s something about it that’s very strange.

You’re also looking at race. This is an interesting time to bring up racial differences. It’s one of those things where I’m watching these conversations that never have changed since I was a little kid. Everybody’s coming to the conversation with their ideas already formed. So I feel like if I can add my two cents in before I die, that would be nice, too.

JULY 16-22,2015

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YOUR 15 MINUTES

LIFE AFTER LOVE IN NEW YORK Journalist and teacher Kate Walter on her debut memoir

readers. I have to say, I haven’t heard any feedback from straight men yet. Although my brother bought it; I’ll see what he thinks. Of course, he’s in the book so he can’t be objective. And my old boyfriend from high school bought it; he’s in the book too.

BY ANGELA BARBUTI

Looking for a Kiss: A Chronicle of Downtown Heartbreak and Healing is not just a lesbian breakup story. Although the memoir by longtime New Yorker Kate Walter chronicles the rebuilding of her life after her domestic partner of 26 years decided to leave, it transcends sexual orientation. “The universal message of my book is that you can survive a bad breakup. You can heal your life and land up in a better place,” she said. Readers are brought into her microcosm of Manhattan, which includes browsing at St. Mark’s Bookshop, teaching at Manhattan Community College and attending services at Middle Collegiate Church. Walter moved to the city in 1975, and lived in both the East and West Villages, so we get a glimpse into what those neighborhoods were like before gentrification. And as she begins to date again, she shows us just how small the community of lesbians is here, where it was common that she’d run into her ex or a woman who had dated her ex.

You had some of this book already published in essay form. What were the challenges to writing a memoir? A lot of it was published in essay form and then it was a matter of putting it together. This is the third draft. The first draft I knew wasn’t salable. After the second draft, I got feedback from agents that was very helpful. It also made me realize was what wrong. On the

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You became domestic partners with your ex in 1993. After you broke up, you realized that legalizing gay marriage was very important.

second draft, which I was shopping around, someone said to me, “The reader knows what’s going to happen before the narrator.” You want the reader to be surprised. As you’re reading the book, you’ll see it begins with the breakup and then it traces my life afterwards, which I think is interesting because it shows how I deal with the heartache. The other book, the one I couldn’t sell, ended with the breakup. So the format was wrong. I think a big challenge is finding the right container for your story. Where does it begin? Where does it end? Because when you write a memoir, it’s really not your whole life. It’s a specific portion of your life, so it was a question of what portion did I want to write about.

What feedback have you been getting from readers? One thing that’s made me really happy is that a lot of straight women have read it and said, “Wow, I can really relate to this.” I read at this club in the Village, The Duplex, it was a benefit reading. There were a lot of gay men in the audience and they came up to me afterwards and said, “The piece you read about the bad date; that sounded so familiar.” So I really like to feel it has a wide appeal to a number of

Well, I mean, you’re not entitled to anything when you’re a domestic partner in New York City. The only thing would be that you can visit your partner in the hospital or you could inherit the apartment if you weren’t on the lease. But as I mentioned in the book, my ex had a lot of money saved up for our retirement, and I wasn’t entitled to any of that. So yeah, it’s crap domestic partnership, and it really made me realize that had we been married, it would have been a whole different ballgame, financially, specifically. And I think that makes the book also more timely with the recent Supreme Court ruling.

Was writing this a form of therapy for you? Absolutely, it was totally cathartic. As I was going on these dates, I was writing these pieces and bringing them in to my workshop and everyone was saying, “This is funny. This really rocks.” And then I realized that I could really write about this aftermath. A lot of crazy things were happening as you see in the book. Like I’d run into my ex and she would touch me and then run away and not say hello. And I’m like, “Why are you doing this?” I couldn’t understand it; I still don’t to this day.

Has your ex reached out to you since the book has been published?

No, not at all. I would think she’s read it, but, no, she hasn’t reached out to me. She knew the book was coming out, yeah. She probably read it and who knows what her reaction was.

Throughout the book, you talk about gay groups such as the Gay Teachers Association and Out Professionals. How did socializing through these organizations help you after the breakup? It was good to know that I could get out there and socialize. I mean, I’m a pretty outgoing person. I’m not shy. It was good to know that I could date because I hadn’t dated in about 30 years. And it’s hard to date when you’re older. It was just good to know that these groups were there, so if you wanted to socialize you could go out and meet gay women. And what was also interesting, as I mentioned in the book, is that it’s still a very small world. You’d meet the same people and ones who had gone out with your ex. It’ss very small, even in New York City, the world of lesbian dating. g.

people selling stuff all over the street and a lot of it was hot, a lot of it was stolen. It was a known thing that there was this thieves’ market on Second Avenue by where Gem Spa is located on the corner of St. Mark’s. And at night, it would just become this place where you could hardly walk on the sidewalk. There were all these stolen goods. And it was so brazen; if someone’s apartment was robbed, you’d go look on the sidewalk to see if you could get your stuff back. The St. Marks’s Bookshop- I’m friends with the owners to this day — this was before they had the things you walk through — people would rob the books and sell them in front of the store!

The Middle Collegiate Church is a big part of your spiritual life. What makes it so special to you? That’s a big part of my story. It’s a very welcoming, open place. The theme is you’re welcome the way you come in the

Wheree you live is so interesting, sting, the artists’ community munity Westbeth. It opened ened in 1970 and it’s t’s a big, old building ing that was a factory. ory. It used to be Bell ll Laboratories. It has a very cool history; the building ing is over 100 yearss old. And nd a lot of things were invented nted there, so it went from this place where these creative ve scientists invented a lot of things and now all these creative ive artists live. I moved there in 1997 and have been doing workshops orkshops at Westbeth. I kind of put them on hold while the book ook was going on, but would d like to resume them.

What was St. Mark’s like in the ‘80s? 0s? You lived there and startedd a block association because se it was out of control. There re were all kinds of

Journalist and author Kate Walter.

door no matter what your religious background is. Gay people are welcome. Transgender people are welcome. Everybody is welcome in God’s house. That’s its motto. A lot of gay people have felt, myself included, pushed out or not welcome in say, the Catholic Church. I mean, there are gay Catholics. As I said in the book, I consider myself an expanded Catholic. I can’t ditch my heritage. I can’t ditch my upbringing. Bu this church speaks to me today and I think it’s a wonderful place. On July 12, you can find Kate at Middle Collegiate Church, doing a reading after Sunday service. She will also be interviewed by Reverend Dr. Jacqui Lewis, a national faith leader and religion blogger for the Huffington Post. On July 14, she will be at Bluestockings Bookstore for a reading. To learn more, visit www.katewalter. com

22

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Kids will spend 11 minutes dressing Spike up like a princess. How about two minutes to brush their teeth? Brushing for two minutes now can save your child from severe tooth pain later. Two minutes, twice a day. They have the time. For fun, 2-minute videos to watch while brushing, go to 2min2x.org.

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