Chelsea Now, November 30, 2011

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A 1950s Christmas in n an 1850s s hou h house, se, p. 27

VOLUME 4, NUMBER 33

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

NOVEMBER 30 - DECEMBER 13, 2011

CB2 backs park plan; Gay activists still want basement BY ALBERT AMATEAU Community Board 2 (CB2) recently passed a nearly unanimous resolution in support of Rudin Management’s current design for a triangle park across from the former St. Vincent’s Hospital campus. However, a friendly amendment to the November 17 resolution left the door open to a possible redesign of the park to include the underground space beneath part of the triangle for a

community teaching space and an AIDS memorial. The design by MPFP, Rudin’s landscape architects, is based on eliminating the underground space, demolishing an existing materials-handling building that served the former hospital and building a park at sidewalk level on the west side of Seventh Avenue. But more than 50 people, including members of

Continued on page 5

Photo courtesy of Groundswell Community Mural Project

Katie Yamasaki and Menshahat Ebron’s 2009 mural “Woman Rise” can be seen at the BRC Women’s Residence in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn. For info on how to participate in a Dec. 3 art installation project at the BRC’s 127 W. 25th St. location, see page 17.

Pier 57 certification process to begin soon BY WINNIE McCROY As part of the continuous expansion of the Hudson River Park Trust, architects Youngwoo & Associates will soon submit certification paperwork for a proposed redevelopment of Pier 57. Upon completion, it would create more than 114,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space, a marina and public parkland. Construction is set to commence in mid-2013. “We are drafting the Environmental Impact Study [EIS] now, and then we will have that certified to enter into the ULURP process, which will probably happen in December,” said Greg Carney, a partner at Youngwoo & Associates. “The certification process takes some time, so it will be about March or April when we get that certification. Then we go into [Uniform Land Use Review Procedure] ULURP. There are regulatory time frames for

each step of that process, so it is pretty well-scripted.” Madelyn Wils, President and CEO of Hudson River Park Trust, recently took Chelsea Now on a tour of the parks along the West Side Highway. She said that the park draws an estimated 17 million people per year. “The Hudson River Park is the second largest waterfront park in the entire country. It’s the longest park there is, and it has completely transformed the West Side,” noted Wils. “It’s given families a chance to stay in New York, because they are able to have the activities they need.” Wils said the Park hosted more than 100 free events last summer, which attracted some 150,000 people. Some examples include a two-day skate workshop with Tony Hawk, free concerts, a free Sunday night dance series, the River Flicks series and free classes for yoga, acting and Pilates. There was

even a trapeze school atop Pier 40. For longtime residents to watch the transformation from buckling piers to this beautiful, continuous bypass and piers is amazing, said Wils. She pointed to the redevelopment of Pier 54 and Gansevoort Park — which will feature almost six acres of lawn. One of the big changes planned for the Hudson River Park is the creation of the Pier 57 complex, with an open-air market comprised of shipping containers on the bottom, topped by a public park. “With the transformation of the Meat Market area, you can see now the possibility of transforming the waterfront and what that can do for the community. It bridges the Village, Meat Market and Chelsea, making it a continuous, important strip,” said Wils. She pointed to the popularity of similar open-air markets in London.

Partial city win on porn shop busts BY ARTHUR S. LEONARD In a ruling likely to draw ire in the gay community, a unanimous federal appeals panel, reversing a district court ruling, has granted summary judgment to the City of New York, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and individual law enforcement defendants, finding that the individuals enjoyed qualified immunity from liability for a gay man’s claims of false arrest and malicious prosecution for prostitution at an adult video store in 2008.

The city was successful in arguing that one arrest could not demonstrate an official policy. Robert Pinter, who was 52 at the time of his arrest, has alleged he was caught up in a sting operation carried out by the NYPD against gay men patronizing stores selling sexually-oriented materials in order to support attempts to close the stores as “public nuisances.” Pinter’s bust and those of

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EDITORIAL, LETTERS PAGE 8

PS11 HOLIDAY MARKET PAGE 14

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515 CANAL STREET • NYC 10 013 • COPYRIGHT © 2011 COMMUNITY M E D I A , L L C

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

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First Mondays: RMA offers free admission, activities for seniors Devoted to enriching one’s inner life, Manhattan’s most contemplative museum — the Rubin Museum of Art — offers a Free Seniors Day on the first Monday of every month. Adults 65 and older receive complimentary admission to the galleries, guided tours, tickets to film screenings and a 10 percent discount on selected items in the museum’s shop and café. Wheelchairs are available for those with limited mobility (inquire at the admissions desk), and service animals are allowed throughout the museum. High-contrast, large-print labels are provided for every exhibition. On December 5, Free Seniors Day activities include a Writing Workshop (from 2-3:30pm). The theme — “Personal

Pilgrimage” — asks participants to reflect on their personal history while touring the “Once Upon Many Times” exhibition — then create a short personal narrative about journeys in life. No writing experience is necessary, and all necessary materials are provided. Space is limited. To reserve a spot, send an email to reservations@rmanyc.org. Visit rmanyc.org for more details. The Rubin Museum of Art is located at 150 W. 17th St. (btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). Verbal Description and Touch Tours take place on the third Thursday of each month (from 2-3:30pm). American Sign Language tours are free, and take place at 7pm on the third Friday of each month.

—Scott Stiffler

November 30 - December 13, 2011

3

Pier 57 construction anticipated for mid-2013 Continued from page 1 “On the roof of Pier 57 will be a public park, and the Tribeca Film Festival will be able to use it,” said Wils. “What’s exciting is the kind of interesting, cutting-edge urbanism that Urban Space Management and Youngwoo want to bring to that pier. It has worked elsewhere around the world and would be a great asset for New York.” According to Carney, the location was in part chosen because the pier’s existing caissons will not need to be replaced. “The effect will be minimal, because we don’t need to do any external work to the caissons; so far we

‘We are drafting the Environmental Impact Study [EIS] now, and then we will have that certified to enter into the ULURP process, which will probably happen in December,’ said Greg Carney, a partner at Youngwoo & Associates. ‘The certification process takes some time, so it will be about March or April when we get that certification. Then we go into [Uniform Land Use Review Procedure] ULURP. There are regulatory time frames for each step of that process, so it is pretty well-scripted.’ have found them to be in good shape,” said Carney. “They are very dry and sit in one spot on the riverbed. So we don’t have to disturb them at all, perhaps just do a bit of caulking. We don’t have to disturb the river bottom at all.” In response to community concerns, Carney assured that the project will not stir up any riverbed mud or possible toxic contaminants contained therein. The EIS will look at the environmental impact of the project, said Carney, and address issues from fish habitats to traffic.

Photo by Winnie McCroy

Facelift pending: Pier 57 is on track for a significant upgrade.

Carney said that while they had done some analysis around marketing, leasing and various business impacts, many of these issues are addressed in this EIS — nullifying the need for an Economic Impact Study. “We think it’s positive because it generates jobs — on the front end with construction, and then in operating the piers,” said Carney. “But we have not commissioned a formal Economic Impact Study, and have no plans to.” At the July 14 public scoping meeting, the Community Board 4 (CB4) Transportation Planning Committee brought up issues around the project regarding traffic, safety and the influx of visitors the project would bring. Regarding transportation issues, Wils deferred to CB4, but said that she found the recent scaling-up of the Water Taxi to transport visitors to Ground Zero a great way to keep traffic off thoroughfares. “I also love the idea of pedestrian bridges, and what you’ll see in the EIS for Pier 57 is that they’ll be looking at an alternative of a pedestrian bridge. As you know, it adds a lot to the cost of a project,” said Wils. “For the future of the park, having pedestrian bridges in appropriate places could make some sense.” Carney noted that the EIS deals with issues of traffic and access, and that the current survey factors in a possible reconfiguration of the bikeway and walkway to accommodate passenger loading and unloading. “It may be proposed that certain signal

Continued on page 13

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BY ZACH WILLIAMS As the Occupy Wall Street movement enters its third month, a new type of occupation is growing within American popular culture and is finding its way into all types of public forums, including Department of Education hearings in Lower Manhattan. The ongoing demonstrations against corporate greed and government malfeasance have inspired a growing presence in common discourse, television, fashion and online. When a New York City political science professor could not catch the words of a soft-spoken student toward the back of the classroom, she decided to make a cultural reference which soon resonated with her students. The professor asked for the “People’s Microphone” to be used. The device developed by occupiers has listeners repeat a speaker’s words in order to allow others further away to hear. Originally needed in order to circumvent New York City ordinances against electronically-amplified sound, it now has found a purpose elsewhere. The technique is just one of many features derived from Occupy Wall Street which have extended their reach beyond activist circles and into the wider realm of popular culture in the city and throughout the country. But in a movement that has directed considerable energy towards protesting the excesses of American consumers as well as corporate executives, the mediums of exposure are a mixed blessing, according to the activists. Occupier Rose Reddington, 22, said the growing profile of the movement in popular culture had to be taken in stride since it could ultimately help the movement reach a wider segment of society. “They had those T-shirts with the ‘Occupy Wall Street’ message on it. I ground my teeth, but at the same time it’s important for other kids to ask, ‘What is Occupy Wall Street?’ and the wearer says, ‘Sit down and I’ll tell you,’” said Reddington. “The success of a movement is all about being co-opted. That’s what happened to flower power; it suddenly became cool to be a hippie.” Among the most emblematic features of the movement, “Mic check” has allowed activists to find a new method for airing their grievances against political elites or to simply convey their message in forums where they typically feel left out. What started as a phrase indicating a desire to speak among peers became a device of protest itself, whereby activists interrupt a speaker by repeating a prearranged statement in unison. Political figures such as President Obama, Karl Rove and presidential candidates Michele Bachmann and Ron Paul have all been the targets of “Mic checks” in recent weeks. Reactions have been mixed among them, with Obama and Paul allowing the protesters

to speak, Rove confronting them from the podium and Bachmann leaving the venue. Online videos of the encounters meanwhile went viral. “Do you feel better?” Paul said in response to the interruption at a November 21 townhall meeting in Keene, New Hampshire. Throughout the web and television, references to the protests continue to pervade news stories. Actions taken by law enforcement across the country against Occupy demonstrators have only increased its profile in popular culture in addition to keeping the movement in the headlines. After University of California Police Lieutenant John Pike “casually” pepper sprayed non-violent protesters who refused to disperse during a November 18 demonstration at U.C. Davis, a video of the incident gained millions of views on YouTube within hours. Ensuing outrage preceded the suspension of the police officer pending further investigation. The incident also inspired a popular picture series online featuring the officer in such iconic images as The Beatles “Abbey Road” album cover and Associated Press photographer Nick Ut’s 1972 Pulitzer Prizewinning photo of a little girl crying in the streets following a napalm attack during the Vietnam War. But comedy soon followed more serious forms of coverage as the means through which millions of people are being exposed to the movement. “Saturday Night Live” is only one among several high-profile television shows to find rich material for satire in the ongoing protests. The animated series “South Park” recently devoted a full episode to a parody of the movement complete with multiple insertions of slogans such as “We are the 99%.” Some New Yorkers said such satire underscores the increasing need for the movement to form a more cohesive political message lest it end up becoming “the butt of a joke.” Attempts to capitalize on Occupy have been openly criticized by activists. The rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z planned to spread the message of the movement as well as turn a personal profit by selling T-shirts featuring the slogan “Occupy Wall Street” through his Rocawear clothing line. Following the backlash, the clothing line released a new version. The “W” was crossed out and an “S” added to the end. “Occupy all streets,” the T-shirts now read above the designer label. Some outside the movement said its lasting footprint within the American cultural landscape will continue to grow, but only once more artists draw inspiration from its message and commercial references to its slogans portray the movement in a more positive light. “When those things get involved and that takes time,” said Jay Nieves, 23, of Brooklyn, who said he has declined online invitations on Facebook to join the movement “Only then you’ll see a bigger impact.”

November 30 - December 13, 2011

CB2, gay activists differ on park plans Continued from page 1 the Queer History Alliance, packed the board’s monthly meeting and demanded that the space become a shrine to the thousands of victims of AIDS and to the Sisters of Charity, founders of St. Vincent’s, which led in caring for people with AIDS/HIV. While the resolution said the board “intends to give full consideration� to proposals to include the underground space in the park, the board laid out other goals that could trump an AIDS memorial and teaching center under the park.

Bergman agreed that there was a possibility that the underground space eventually could be part of the park, but he pointed out that the board has ‘set a high bar’ for its inclusion. “The design should not create a ‘destination’ site, it should celebrate and accommodate the local community,� the resolution said. The community board is also concerned about how the underground space would affect the park on the surface. The resolution also notes “the property owner [Rudin] has clearly stated that they are not willing to deliver the [underground] space to the public.� Rudin has agreed to pay for building the park in connection with the residential conversion and redevelopment of the former hospital property on the east side of Seventh Avenue into 450 luxury apartments. The residential project and the park sites are part of the same city uniform land use review procedure (ULURP). Rudin’s land-use lawyer, Melanie Meyers, told the community board that the park would be completed 30 months after the project is approved. The CB2 resolution said that completing the park

within that time frame was an important consideration. A Rudin spokesperson said the Department of City Planning had ruled that the belowground space could not be approved as part of the ULURP because it was not part of the draft environmental impact statement and its impact as a “destination� was not assessed. Including the below-grade space would significantly impact the park at sidewalk level because of the need for elevators, stair access and ventilation fans. Nevertheless, a friendly amendment added to the CB2 resolution says the board “requests that no efforts be taken that would destroy the underground space and make it unusable throughout the period that this community board continues to vet additional uses of the park, even though this process may go beyond the ULURP process, unless and until such time as CB2 has voted against the reuse of the underground space.� Tobi Bergman, chairperson of the CB2 Parks Committee who crafted the amendment with Steve Ashkinazi, said later that the friendly amendment was to prevent demolition of the space during the review period and to make sure the board had a final voice in the matter. Bergman agreed that there was a possibility that the underground space eventually could be part of the park, but he pointed out that the board has “set a high bar� for its inclusion. CB2 wants the triangle park to be administered and maintained as a city park, but ownership and legal issues appear to prevent a straight transfer of the property to the Department of Parks and Recreation. Legally, the condo owners of the residential development would own the property, but they could agree to be part of a nonprofit entity that would run the park. The plea for including the underground space in the park came from gay activists and community leaders, including Charles King, founder of Housing Works; Paul Kelterborn and Christopher Tepper, founders of the Queer History Alliance; Trudy Flynn, of the PRIDE Agenda; Ken Lustbader, a historic preservation consultant; and John Nalley, a former member of ACT UP, New York (a gay direct action group). They declared that 108,000 New York City residents have died of AIDS in the 40 years since the disease first reached the general public’s awareness.

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BY HELAINA N. HOVITZ On November 21, the National September 11 Memorial and Museum and the Tribute WTC Visitor Center announced a new partnership to support programming for visitors to the World Trade Center’s memorial site. The Tribute WTC Visitor Center will provide the September 11 Memorial and Museum with portraits of all 3,000 victims for a special memorial exhibition to commemorate all of the lives lost in the attacks, and will continue training people directly impacted by 9/11 to lead on-site tours. “This new partnership will allow us to preserve the memories of the victims and ensure that all who visit the Memorial and Museum are educated and informed about that unforgettable day,� said Mayor Michael Bloomberg, chairman of the National September 11 Memorial Board. Since 2006, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center has been providing “Person to Person History� as a means of linking visitors who want to understand how the attacks of 9/11 directly affected the local community. Survivors, victims’ family members, first responders and residents all share their personal experiences with visitors while walking them through the site, still currently under construction. “We want people to leave having learned about the events of 9/11 and become motivated to make a change for the future,� said Lee Ielpi, president of the September 11th Families’ Association and co-founder of the Tribute WTC Visitor Center. “This collaboration is another opportunity for us

to educate the community and the visitors to the Memorial so they can educate friends and family.� The Tribute Center, located at 120 Liberty Street along the south side of the World Trade Center site, was created in 2001 by the September 11th Families’ Association to support victims of terrorism through shared resources for long-term recovery. According to Tribute Center co-founder and CEO Jennifer Adams, the idea for the merger crystallized over the summer. “People worldwide watched 9/11 unfolding on TV, but to meet someone who was there makes it very real for them,� said Adams. “The tour guides who lived through the events provide context, and it’s something they find healing to do.� The National September 11 Museum, still under construction and set to open next year, will display artifacts linked to the events of 9/11 central in telling the story of the 2001 and 1993 attacks on the World Trade Center and their aftermath. “Tribute’s walking tours will connect our visitors directly to the 9/11 community, helping to preserve the history of what happened,� said National September 11 Memorial and Museum President and CEO Joe Daniels. The Memorial and Museum are located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site; the memorial has been open to the public since September 12 of this year. Over 400 volunteers have been trained to give site tours. If you’re a resident and would like to volunteer or be part of the tribute, fill out an application at tributewtc.org.

November 30 - December 13, 2011

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VOLUME 5, NUMBER 3

“Make Love� p. 27

VOLUME 5, NUMBER 7

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY

NEWSPAPER

AUGUST 24 - SEPTEMBER

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Photo courtesy of Gay City News

Robert Pinter fails on false arrest, prosecution claims Continued from page 1 several dozen other gay and bisexual men under similar circumstances that year were widely perceived in the queer community as false arrests. On November 18, the Second Circuit panel — comprised of Judges Ralph K. Winter, Joseph M. McLaughlin and JosĂŠ A. Cabranes — reversed District Judge Shira A. Scheindlin’s denial of summary judgment for false arrest and malicious prosecution, but upheld her decision to let Pinter’s claims of abuse of process, sexual orientation discrimination and denial of the right of free association proceed. Pinter, whose arrest and claims against the city were first reported in our sister publication Gay City News, visited the Blue Door video store in October 2008, where a young man stared at him, flirted and initiated conversation, asking, “What do you like to do?â€? Pinter responded that the man was “good lookingâ€? and said he liked oral sex. The young man responded in kind, voiced hesitancy about doing anything in the store and suggested his car was parked nearby. Pinter walked to the exit, followed by the young man, who in fact was an undercover police officer, identified in the opinion as UC 31107. As they were leaving the store, UC 31107 said he would pay Pinter $50 for oral sex. Pinter made no verbal response, though he later testified he immediately decided that any possibility of doing anything with the

young man “was over.� After they exited the store, the young man gestured in the direction of his car, which he and Pinter headed toward, engaging in “flirtation,� when suddenly two plainclothes officers rushed up

Without analyzing whether Pinter’s arrest was a case of entrapment, the panel framed the summary judgment issue not as one of whether the police had probable cause to arrest Pinter, but rather whether a reasonable officer in those circumstances could have believed he had probable cause.

BRC Executive Director Muzzy Rosenblatt, on an August 15 tour of the facility.

BRC approved to open 200-b ed Jack Ryan Center facility

BY WINNIE McCROY With City Council Speaker Christine Quinn putting pressure on NYS OfďŹ ce of Temporary Disability Assistance (OTDA) to withhold support for the project’s 96-bed Reception Center and 200-bed Jack Ryan Residence for homeless men with mental health issues and chemical dependency until the lawsuit was resolved, the Bowery Residents’ Committee (BRC) facility (at 127 West 25th Street) had been in a holding pattern. That all changed on Friday, August 19. According to Mark Kaplan, Director

of Public Information at OTDA, “The new home. With the recent operating certiďŹ cate for decision the BRC’s 200- from the City Council on the bed residency center OTDA) was issued on to grant the BRC’s Jack Ryan Residence Friday afternoon. We reviewed the an operating BRC and found that certiďŹ cate, the facility will they met the soon gain an additional 200 clients. regulatory requirements, so we “We are opening the the certiďŹ cate. The application issued Jack Ryan for the Residence center,â€? 96-bed Reception Center said BRC Executive is still under Director Muzzy Rosenblatt on August review.â€? The move was a boon for the 22. “The OTDA signed off on an BRC. occupancy certiďŹ cate on Friday Earlier this month, for the 200the Bowery bed shelter. Residents’ Committee We are very happy, and began moving pleased that we are crossing another their ďŹ rst group of clients — about milestone toward expanding the two-dozen people from occuthe Chemical Dependency Crisis Center — into their Continued on page 6

BY SCOTT STIFFLER

BY BONNIE In 2009, the City ROSENSTOCK Council passed legislation Lead, heat and wear, mandating the presence tear and maintenance relatof warning signs on artificial ing to artificial turf were turf fields. The posted sign the subjects of our March warns about “potential 23 article (“City parks: heat-related risks involvParadise, paved over, haz- ing synthetic turf, includardous to health?â€?). This ing overheating and dehyfollow-up focuses pri- dration‌if you experience marily on the heat factor. symptoms of heat-related With an indoor/outdoor illness, such as dizziness, thermometer at the ready, weakness, headache, vomChelsea Now visited the iting or muscle cramps, three local athletic fields move to a shaded area. previously highlighted to Drink water, rest, and seek The Merlis family moved to Chelsea specifically so their two children could attend PS 11. take the temperature of the medical attention if you do artificial turf. not feel better.â€? As reported in the The NYC Health March article, Geoffrey Department says people Croft (head of the watchcan suffer dehydration, dog group, NYC Park heatstroke and class being shafted to accommodate the authority to approve or deny DOE thermalBY WINNIE McCROY Advocates) took, before burns at field temperatures Concerned parents, community wealthy constituents.â€? zoning proposals — is a 12-member noon, temperature readabove 115 degrees‌.â€?board members and representatives With the exception of local school council comprised of nine parents ings at a dozen New York Croft added, “which can of elected ofďŹ cials came together at principals, the majority of people with children in the school system, two City parks in July 2010. lead to death.â€? PS 11 on October 11 for the ďŹ rst in assembled at the meeting opposed the members appointed by the Manhattan Artificial turf fields meaRick Doyle, president several Community Education Council redistricting. Among the reasons they Borough President and a district high sured over 170 degrees of the Synthetic Turf Council, (CEC) forums about the New York identiďŹ ed were that they wanted their school senior appointed by the com— the highest temperaadmitted he didn’t think City Department of Education (DOE) kids to go to school near their home, munity superintendent. The October ture recorded in his three “anyone in our Rezoning Draft Plan. The plan, set that they did not want siblings to go to 11 CEC meeting consisted of DOE industry years of monitoring. By would suggest it’s a good to go in effect in the Fall of 2012, different schools and that New York Community Superintendent Mariano 9:15am, the temperature idea to play on a surface will redraw Manhattan’s school zones City simply needed more schools. Guzman, CEC Co-Chair Shino had already risen to over that’s that hot.â€? In Chelsea, parents pointed out Tanikawa, Tamara Rower, Michael Speaking south by several blocks, relocating 140 degrees. “Young chil- to NPR on August 7, 2008, some students to schools outside of that both the Foundlings Elementary Markowitz, Eric Goldberg, Sarah Chu, dren are particularly sus- he added, “Just School (on 17th Street) and the and Demetri Ganiaris. Also present at as coaches their area. ceptible, as it can take only have to reschedule “We have heard wonderful things new Hudson Yards Elementary/ the meeting were representatives from games two seconds to burn on due to rain when they play about PS 11. It’s a great school,â€? said Intermediate School would be open elected ofďŹ cials including City Council solid surfaces greater than on grass fields, so too they Vanessa Merlis — a family therapist within the next two years, necessitat- Speaker Christine Quinn, Manhattan 140 degrees, according to Borough President Scott Stringer, and mother of two who noted that she ing further rezoning. doctors,â€? said Croft. The CEC agreed that the area did Representative Dick Gottfried, and Continued on page 5 and her husband moved to Chelsea speciďŹ cally so their children could need additional schools — noting that Assembly member Jerrold Nadler. The CEC will hold three commuattend PS 11. “We want the best the DOE had proposed the redistrictfor them. My son, who is athletic, ing plan to deal with school and class- nity forums, then provide the DOE wants to participate in PS 11’s swim room overcrowding, severe school- with feedback in early December. The club, and most of the kids from his level budget cuts, unsustainable bot- DOE will then revise the proposals preschool go there. We thought he tom-heavy kindergarten enrollment, and return them to the CEC, who will would go to school with the kids in decreased specialty classes and the present them to the community. PAGE 8 his building and neighborhood. It’s desire to avoid enrollment lotteries. Continued on page 3 just another example of the middle The District 2 CEC — which has

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Movements, like mankind, cannot live by bread alone. There must be some sort of luncheon meat in between — and perhaps a slice of cheese. But with the threat of eviction looming, Occupy Wall Street protesters had little time (and no remaining resources) to attend to one of life’s most basic needs. To their rescue came assistance from an unlikely, though not at all unwelcome, source:

PAGE 2

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THE WEST SIDE’S

COMMUNITY

NEWSPAPER

- 14, 2010

Big News — Maybe — on HIV Prevention

The Penn South Senior Sandwich Brigade. Inspired by their concern for a generation far too young to have experienced ďŹ rsthand the era of Vietnam and Civil Rights activism, members of the hastily formed group arrived at Zuccotti Park on the evening of Thursday, October 13. Their timing couldn’t have been better. By then, protesters had spent much of the rainswept day clean-

that HIV NEJM reports R half of the BY PAUL SCHINDLEreport infections in the were 23 taking Truvada A November England group lower than out of the New (NEJM) 43.8 percent taking a plaJournal of Medicine among those period significant, Over a median is showing on close to cebo. years, 100 of those though nothing from of 1.2 infected absolute, protectionthrough the placebo became on the n those HIV transmissio versus 64 of of Truvada, a The study also the daily use two treatment. infection rates combining pill that single found those on (TDF) and drugs, tenofovir were lower among consis(FTC), that is were emtricitabine Truvada who Continued on page 7 in the treattheir medicacurrently used tent in taking HIV infecment of existing tion every day. that is likely factor One tions. to the 2,500 gay Approximately temper reactions as well as to is that the and bisexual men, at high study, however, a Rabbi to walk nt a Father and See transgender women in the 43.8 percent improveme invited an Imam, “Three Faiths.â€? dence interWe actually of the exhibit risk for infection, Peru, has a wide conďŹ heard before. they thought of a joke you’ve improvements tell us what the premise U.S., Brazil, Ecuador, val. Expected Library — then No, it’s not as 63 perYork Public and Thailand, — The New South Africa could be as great into a library a study by the participated in page 9. page 3 Prophylaxis Continued on Pre-exposure Initiative (iPrEX). they would demand that the project be less dense than proposed by Rudin. But many of them EDITORI AL, acknowledged that they preproperty to a LETTERS of Seminary ferred residential redevelopďŹ nancial amounts l developer, we were fairly PAGE 8 the G.T.S. said tion ment to the likely alternative commercia group. While d the sale, lack of communica have necessitate concerns shocked by the of higher-education use. CROY thus far,â€? it concerns cite BY WINNIE M this plan displayed t of Save the impact of Save Chelsea “If we can’t have a fullNUTCRA CKER IN nt and a about co-presiden of members Concerned about said Lesley Doyel, service hospital, I think the historic character od with poor ďŹ scal manageme THE LOWER will have on cy. only residential use is best,â€? said members of a neighborho the G.T.S. Chelsea. said Save Chelsea the lack of transparen Chelsea, PAGE 23 Doyel for the last few years, Richard Davis, a committee n have taken issue with sale, “Over the apprise deciout about organizatio us that they would l Seminary’s recently found estate has assuredfuture plans they were conGeneral Theologica Continued on pageto4 sell several of their real on page 4 us of any enormiContinued the Ninth sion g and . Considerin 20th Street n templating to sell huge holdings at Brodsky Organizationt ty of their current plan Avenue to the housing developme cookin’‌ EDITORIAL, — a luxury mom’s home

Rudin now owns St. Vincent’s site, brings in partner BY ALBERT AMATEAU Members of the Community Board 2 (CB2) St. Vincent’s Omnibus Committee last week considered how to ofďŹ cially respond to the Rudin Organization’s proposal for the residential redevelopment of the former hospital’s main campus in Greenwich Village. Committee members said at an October 6 meeting that

EDITORIAL, LETTERS

FULTON FAMILY DAY

DECEMBER 1

VOLUME 4, NUMBER

Parents upset over school rezoning

Robert Pinter at a February 2009 Sheridan Square rally against what are widely seen in the gay community as false arrests.

OCTOBER 19 - NOVEMBER 1, 2011

Penn South Senior Sandwich Brigade feeds Wall St. protest

6, 2011

Hot footing it: The heat is on artificial turf

eral Theological Concern Over Gen Sell to Seminary’s Plan

LETTERS

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and arrested Pinter, spiriting him away in a police van. An officer told Pinter he was being arrested for prostitution, to which he responded, “You’ve got to be kidding me...

Continued on page 10

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

EDITORIAL The BRC is a good neighbor worth welcoming Some neighbors greet new arrivals with best wishes and hands extended in friendship. Others reserve judgment until a newcomer’s accumulated deeds prove their worth. A vocal few, however, steadfastly refuse to acknowledge the established presence of a worthy addition — and in doing so, erode the integrity of the very community they purport to defend. The Bowery Residents’ Committee has been operating programs out of their 127 West 25th Street location since the last Friday in July. For over a year, a succession of court decisions have consistently validated their right to be here. We’re glad they are — because the BRC’s ambitious new vertical campus is providing an invaluable service not only to Chelsea, but to the entire city of New York. Although this new facility accommodates a significantly larger number of clients than were served at their Lafayette Street and Bowery locations, the BRC has answered concerns raised by neighbors in a timely, efficient and effective manner — dispatching mobile response teams within minutes of receiving quality of life complaints, and removing troublesome clients from the premises. Since the day they opened, we’ve made a point to walk the block often, and at all hours — and have found little if any evidence to support claims of disheveled, inebriated, sexually menacing panhandlers out of proportion to what one regularly finds elsewhere in the surrounding area. More often, we’ve found minor quality of life infractions, such as sidewalk congestion and smoking, being committed by those who work on the block or passersby whose upscale aesthetics suggest they are not affiliated with the BRC. After a long, necessary and very public vetting process, we now have an obligation (rooted as much in morality as good citizenship) to acknowledge the reality of the BRC’s presence — while working with them in order to ensure that the neighborhood’s quality of life remains intact. Although the size of the shelter was a source of legitimate dispute, few who’ve made even a cursory effort to examine the BRC’s track record can discredit their effectiveness. It is disheartening to see some of our neighbors using their public position and considerable financial resources to mount ongoing legal actions while dismissing and challenging every court decision favorable to the BRC. Such actions are made even less palatable given the fact that the Chelsea Flatiron Coalition has yet to accept an open offer from BRC Executive Director Muzzy Rosenblatt to tour the facility — or join other individuals and local organizations in attending the BRC’s Community Advisory Committee meetings (held at 5:30pm on the first Tuesday of the month). We encourage all concerned individuals to attend these meetings, where Rosenblatt himself will address your concerns. To see the BRC facility and speak with its clients (as we have) is to respect and admire the difficult work of achieving and maintaining sobriety. Even a brief amount of time spent on their website (brc.org) will serve as an effective primer to understanding the integrity and dedication the BRC brings to their mission of taking addicts off the street, facilitating their sobriety and placing them in stable living situations. For years, they’ve offered long-term stability to any individual willing to make a sincere commitment — all while having no discernable impact on the surrounding area’s public safety or property values. Unprecedented and ambitious as it is in size, we’re nevertheless proud to welcome the BRC to Chelsea — and confident that it will become a model for the city, state and country. Like the clients whose lives they help turn around, it’s time for the BRC’s opponents to come in from the cold.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Goodbye to Chelsea missive was ‘divisive rubbish’ To The Editor: Is gay segregation the answer? I was saddened and offended by Michael Carosone and Joseph Logiudice’s article, “As for Chelsea, goodbye to all that” (November 16). I have lived in Chelsea over 20 years and the neighborhood certainly has changed in good and bad ways. But my children live in a building with children who have two moms, children who have two dads, children who have one mom and one dad and children with just single parent. We come from different socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities and cultures — and somehow we all get along wonderfully. Michael and Joseph seem to suggest that segregating people based on sexual preferences is the answer. Gay folks should only live with gay folks? Do they also feel that African Americans and Caucasian Americans should live in separate neighborhoods? Shockingly, the article adopts the very name-calling tone that it condemns (Chelsea is “…gentrified for the new heterosexuals and their bigotry”). The endless potshots and low blows are immature and untrue. I am sorry for the name calling Michael and Joseph experienced on the street. I have certainly experienced that myself. But is that any reason to condemn all heterosexuals in Chelsea? The destructive actions of a few people do not represent an entire group or culture. It is the vile side of human nature to blame and reduce people to labels. Such negative abstract thinking only triggers more prejudice and hatred — dark forces that can only be defeated through unity and diversity, not through blame and segregation. Shame on Chelsea Now for printing such divisive rubbish. Sean Grover

Jamestown playing ‘an informational shell game’ To The Editor: Concerning the recent articles that appeared in Chelsea Now (November 2) about Jamestown and the Chelsea Market proposal: I have the distinct sense that Jamestown is only transparent and public about the true nature of their activities when it suits them. Admittedly, part of the reason for this undoubtedly has to do with the complex nature of their various fund structures and foreign closed-end fund investing in general. For example, did Chelsea Now readers know that Chelsea Market had already been “sold” by Jamestown in August of this year? The fund Jamestown 24 sold the entire Chelsea Market asset — along with the two other properties in the Jamestown 24 investment package — to, (surprise!) Jamestown (the institutional end of the Jamestown business, with Jamestown functioning in essence as both buyer and seller in the same transaction). This is the kind of “through the looking glass,” bizzaroworld business of foreign closed-end funds. That is a completely separate animal from the run-of-the mill conventional domestic developer model we are familiar with. However, Jamestown is, to an extent at least, able to deftly hide behind this cloak of complexity and create the impression that it operates in the same manner as a standard U.S. real estate developer/manager. In fact, the rules governing its foreign

investment business allow for a vast range of options not available to the traditional real estate developer. Most of the real “nuts and bolts” data about Jamestown’s complex operations is only published in German language media and their websites. Since Jamestown is looking for a zoning change from this community, wouldn’t it behoove them to spend a little (actually a lot of) effort explaining these differences? Are they explaining these differences to the elected officials who will ultimately need to sign off on these zoning changes? We need less of an informational shell game and a more level playing field of information — especially if Jamestown is able take advantage of rules and conditions unique to their type of business that the average person doesn’t even know about. We are now learning where to look for the real answers about Jamestown, their plans and how they work — but feel our community should have been more fully and accurately informed about all this from the very beginning, particularly if they are requesting a major zoning change from Chelsea. Nick Fritsch

All tents are equal, but some tents are more equal than others To The Editor: Mayor Bloomberg claims that tents are not allowed in New York City parks. Ask him to explain the giant tents being set up right now in Union Square Park and in Central Park at Columbus Circle for the corporate-run holiday vending markets. These tents are set up for more than a month straight, 24 hours a day. They completely displace pedestrians, residents and park visitors for a fee of millions of dollars. Mayor Bloomberg says generators are not allowed in New York City parks. Yet the holiday markets operate huge generators, as do most of the Greenmarket vending stands in Union Square Park. There is even a weekly Greenmarket set up right outside the Mayor’s Office with huge tents and generators. Instead of pretending that the mayor is a defender of free speech, perhaps the media can ask him to explain these totally inconsistent policies. Robert Lederman Lederman is president, ARTIST (Artists’ Response to Illegal State Tactics)

CORRECTION: In the November 16 issue of Chelsea Now, our article “Community discusses Chelsea Market expansion” incorrectly identified Judy Richheimer as “Save Chelsea Treasurer.” Richheimer supports Save Chelsea, but she is not a member. Although a good political organizer (and a former president of the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club), Richheimer describes herself as “a near-innumerate,” who would make “an execrable treasurer — of anything.” We regret the error. E-mail letters, not longer than 300 words in length, to scott@chelseanow.com or fax to 212-229-2790 or mail to Chelsea Now, Letters to the Editor, 515 Canal Street, Unit 1C New York City, NY 10013. Please include phone number for confirmation purposes. Chelsea Now reserves the right to edit letters for space, grammar, clarity and libel. Chelsea Now does not publish anonymous letters.

Find it in the archives www.CHELSEANOW.com

November 30 - December 13, 2011

9

COMMUNITY CONTACTS (To be listed, email info to scott@chelseanow.com.)

THE LESBIAN, GAY, BISEXUAL & TRANSGENDER COMMUNITY CENTER

COMMUNITY BOARD 4 (CB4)

FRIENDS OF HUDSON RIVER PARK Visit fohrp.org or call 212-757-0981.

CB4 serves Manhattan’s West Side neighborhoods of Chelsea and Clinton/Hell’s Kitchen. Its boundaries are 14th St. on the south, 59/60th St. on the north, the Hudson River on the west, 6th Ave. on the east (south of 26th St.) and 8th Ave. on the east (north of 26th St.). Call 212-736-4536. Visit manhattancb4.org or email them at info@manhattanCB4. org. The board meeting, open to the public, happens on the first Wednesday of the month, at 6:30pm. The next one takes place on December 7, at Roosevelt Hospital (59th St., btw. 9th & 10th Aves.).

At 208 W. 13th St. (btw. 7th and 8th Aves.). Visit gaycenter. org or call 212-620-7310.

Their mission is to help homeless LGBT youth be safe and become independent as they move from adolescence to adulthood. Main headquarters: 224 W. 35th St., Suite 1102. Call 212-222-3427. The Ali Forney Day Center is located at 527 W. 22nd St., 1st floor. Call 212-206-0574 or visit aliforneycenter.org.

SAVE CHELSEA

COMMUNITY BOARD 5 (CB5)

GAY MEN’S HEALTH CRISIS (GMHC)

CITY COUNCIL SPEAKER CHRISTINE QUINN

CB5 represents the central business district of New York City. It includes midtown Manhattan, the Fashion, Flower, Flatiron and Diamond districts, as well as Bryant Park and Union Square Park. The district is at the center of New York’s tourism industry. The Theatre District, Times Square, Carnegie Hall, the Empire State Building and two of the region’s transportation hubs (Grand Central Station and Penn Station) fall within CB5. Call 212-465-0907. Visit cb5. org or email them at office@cb5.org. CB5’s board meeting, open to the public, happens on the second Thursday of the month, at 6pm. The next one takes place on December 8, at Xavier High School (30 W. 16th St., btw. 5th and 6th Aves., 2nd floor library).

At 446 W. 33rd St. btw. 9th and 10th Aves. Visit gmhc.org. Call 212-367-1000.

Call 212-564-7757 or visit council.nyc.gov/d3/html/members/home.shtml

HUDSON GUILD

STATE SENATOR TOM DUANE

Founded in 1895, Hudson Guild is a multi-service, multigenerational community serving approximately 14,000 people annually with daycare, hot meals for senior citizens, low-cost professional counseling, community arts programs and recreational programming for teens. Visit them at hudsonguild.org. Email them at info@hudsonguild.org. For the John Lovejoy Elliott Center (441 W. 26th St.), call 212760-9800. For the Children’s Center (459 W. 26th St.), call 212-760-9830. For the Education Center (447 W. 25th St.), call 212-760-9843. For the Fulton Center for Adult Services (119 9th Ave.), call 212-924-6710.

Call 212-633-8052 or visit tomduane.com.

THE 300 WEST 23RD, 22ND & 21ST STREETS BLOCK ASSOCIATION

Visit hudsonriverpark.org or call 212-627-2020.

THE ALI FORNEY CENTER

THE CARTER BURDEN CENTER FOR THE AGING

Contact them at 300westblockassoc@prodigy.net.

This organization promotes the well-being of individuals 60 and older through direct social services and volunteer programs oriented to individual, family and community needs. Call 212-879-7400 or visit burdencenter.org.

THE WEST 400 BLOCK ASSOCIATION Contact them at w400ba@gmail.com.

HUDSON RIVER PARK TRUST

LOWER CHELSEA ALLIANCE (LoCal)

Contact them at savechelseanyc@gmail.com.

MANHATTAN BOROUGH PRESIDENT SCOTT STRINGER Call 212-669-8300 or visit mbpo.org.

ASSEMBLY MEMBER RICHARD GOTTFRIED Call 212-807-7900 or email GottfriedR@assembly.state. ny.us.

CHELSEA REFORM DEMOCRATIC CLUB The CRDC (the Home Club of City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, State Senator Tom Duane and Assemblymember Richard Gottfried) meets monthly to exchange political ideas in protecting the rights and improving the lives of those residing in Chelsea. Visit crdcnyc.org or email them at info@ crdcnyc.org.

At 147 W. 24th Street (btw. 6th & 7th Aves.) THE SYLVIA RIVERA LAW PROJECT works to guarantee

This group is committed to protecting the residential blocks of Chelsea from overscale development. Contact them at LowerChelseaAlliance@gmail.com.

THE GREENWICH VILLAGE-CHELSEA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

PENN SOUTH Visit pennsouth.coop. The Penn South Program for Seniors provides recreation, education and social services — and welcomes volunteers. For info, call 212-243-3670.

that all people are free to self-determine their gender identity and expression without facing harassment, discrimination or violence. Visit srlp.org.

FIERCE (Fabulous Independent Educated Radicals for FULTON YOUTH OF THE FUTURE

Call 212-337-5912 or visit villagechelsea.com.

Email them at fultonyouth@gmail.com or contact Miguel Acevedo, 646-671-0310.

Community Empowerment) builds the leadership and power of bisexual, transgender and queer youth of color in NYC. Visit fiercenyc.org.

WEST SIDE NEIGHBORHOOD ALLIANCE

QUEERS FOR ECONOMIC JUSTICE is a progressive

Visit westsidenyc.org or call 212-956-2573. Email them at wsna@hcc-nyc.org.

organization committed to promoting economic justice in a context of sexual and gender liberation. Visit q4ej.org.

CHELSEA COALITION ON HOUSING

THE AUDRE LORDE PROJECT is a lesbian, gay, bisexual, two spirit, trans and gender non-conforming people of color center for community organizing. Visit alp.org.

THE MEATPACKING DISTRICT INITIATIVE Visit meatpacking-district.com or call 212-633-0185.

THE BOWERY RESIDENTS’ COMMITTEE: HOMELESS HELPLINE If you know of anyone who is in need of their services, call the Homeless Helpline at 212-533-5151, and the BRC will send someone to make contact. This number is staffed by outreach team leaders 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous. For more info, visit brc.org.

Tenant assistance every Thursday night, at 7pm; at Hudson Guild (119 Ninth Ave.). Email them at chelseacoalition. cch@gmail.com\.

Member of the New York Press Association

THE WEST SIDE’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Published by COMMUNITY MEDIA, LLC

Gay City

NEWS

TM

515 Canal St., Unit 1C, NY, NY 10013 Phone: (212) 229-1890 • Fax: (212) 229-2790 On-line: www.chelseanow.com E-mail: news@chelseanow.com © 2011 Community Media, LLC

Member of the National Newspaper Association Chelsea Now is published biweekly by Community Media LLC, 515 Canal Street, Unit 1C, New York, N.Y. 10013 (212) 229-1890. Annual subscription by mail in Manhattan and Brooklyn $75. Single copy price at office and newsstands is 50 cents. The entire contents of newspaper, including advertising, are copyrighted and no part may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher - © 2010 Community Media LLC, Postmaster: Send address changes to Chelsea Now, 145 Sixth Ave., First Fl., New York, N.Y. 10013.

PUBLISHER’S LIABILITY FOR ERROR

The Publisher shall not be liable for slight changes or typographical errors that do not lessen the value of an advertisement. The publisher’s liability for other errors or omissions in connection with an advertisement is strictly limited to publication of the advertisement in any subsequent issue.

PUBLISHER & EDITOR John W. Sutter ASSOCIATE EDITOR / ARTS EDITOR Scott Stiffler REPORTERS Lincoln Anderson Albert Amateau John Bayles EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

Latima Stephens BUSINESS MANAGER/CONTROLLER

Vera Musa

PUBLISHER EMERITUS Elizabeth Butson SR. V.P. OF SALES AND MARKETING Francesco Regini ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Allison Greaker Colin Gregory Julius Harrison Karen Kossman Alex Morris Julio Tumbaco

ART / PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Troy Masters ART DIRECTOR Mark Hasselberger GRAPHIC DESIGNER Vince Joy CIRCULATION SALES MNGR. Marvin Rock DISTRIBUTION & CIRCULATION Cheryl Williamson

CONTRIBUTORS Stephanie Buhmann Winnie McCroy Bonnie Rosenstock Jerry Tallmer Trav S. D. Stephen Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS Milo Hess J. B. Nicholas Jefferson Siegel

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

City acknowledges 2008 porn shop arrests raise questions Continued from page 7 Your officer approached me, butted his nose into my business and created this whole incident.” A few days later, Pinter pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of disorderly conduct and was sentenced to conditional discharge, five counseling sessions and a $120 fine. Soon after that, however, Pinter thought better of his decision to take the plea and contacted Gay City News with his story. When subsequent reporting suggested a pattern of entrapment of middle-aged gay men who were clearly not prostitutes and gay community members and political leaders responded with criticism of the arrests, the district attorney’s office dismissed some pending prosecutions. After Pinter filed a motion to vacate his conviction, the DA announced he would not oppose it, even while stoutly maintaining there was “probable cause” for his arrest. Pinter, represented by attorneys James I. Meyerson and Jeffrey A. Rothman, then filed suit against the city as well as city officials and police officers — asserting claims of false arrest, malicious prosecution, malicious abuse of criminal process, sexual orientation discrimination in violation of his equal protection rights and violation of his right to freedom of association. Pinter alleged there was a city policy of “making probable cause-lacking false arrests for the purpose of

obtaining a data base of arrests which was to be utilized in independent nuisance abatement civil litigations instituted by the City of New York against certain targeted businesses, among them the Blue Door.” Gay City News has reported that the Manhattan South Vice Enforcement Squad arrested at least 30 men, many of them middle-aged, for prostitution in six porn shops in 2008. Another 11 men and one woman were busted for prostitution in two spas that year. The same group of vice officers made most of the arrests. The Law Department, the Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement, and the police department’s legal unit cited the arrests in nuisance abatement lawsuits brought against those businesses. The city and the individual defendants moved for summary judgment on all claims, arguing the police officers enjoyed qualified immunity and that the city’s liability could not be premised on a single arrest. Scheindlin denied their motion for summary judgment. Qualified immunity applies to an arrest when police officers could have believed they had probable cause to make the bust, regardless of whether they in fact did. Explaining why a qualified immunity defense did not apply, Scheindlin wrote, “In sum, no competent officer could reasonably believe that it was probable that Pinter committed prostitution where the undercover knew that he (the officer) initiated the contact, steered the

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conversation toward sex, took steps toward the location where the sex act was to occur, raised the issue of cash-for-sex, faced silences as to whether Pinter meant to accept the cash, continued walking toward the specified location, initiated further conversation about sex and knew that Pinter was 52 years old. And there was no impediment to prevent the undercover from quickly pursuing a simple inquiry to ascertain additional information about whether Pinter had accepted or declined a fee offer.” The defendants successfully persuaded the Court of Appeals to disagree with Scheindlin’s “characterization of these events.” The panel found that the standard for reasonable belief in probable cause by a police officer was much more lenient than her decision would suggest. The undercover cop could have “been more explicit in ascertaining whether Pinter was truly relying on financial remuneration in return for allowing the undercover officer to perform oral sex on him,” the appeals panel acknowledged, but it stated that the “qualified immunity analysis is not an inquiry into best practices or a reconstruction of events viewed in hindsight.” Pinter’s failure to explicitly tell the undercover he was not interested in money for sex, while continuing to walk and flirt with him, weighed heavily in the appeals panel thinking. “In view of the totality of the circumstances, even as seen in the light most favorable to Pinter, we hold that defendants acted reasonably — that is, not incompetently or in knowing violation of the law — in arresting Pinter,” the court wrote. Without analyzing whether Pinter’s arrest was a case of entrapment, the panel framed the summary judgment issue not as one of whether the police had probable cause to arrest Pinter, but rather whether a reasonable officer in those circumstances could have believed he had probable cause. Pinter still has the opportunity to argue that the city was misusing the criminal process in order to shut Blue Door down on grounds that it is a location that harbors male prostitutes — and that his was not an isolated arrest but rather part of a policy targeting gay men who were merely out shopping for legally distributed matter at a variety

of adult establishments officials hoped to close down. Responding to the ruling, Pinter, in a written statement, said, “I am disappointed. It is a bad, legally flawed decision, laced with deep-seated homophobic assumptions about the facts. Regardless of the legal outcome, I felt morally compelled to come forward three years ago…The outcry against the corrupt, unethical police operation that generated these arrests became so pervasive that in March of 2009 NYPD Commissioner Kelly gave an order that, in effect, shut it down.”

Pinter still has the opportunity to argue that the city was misusing the criminal process in order to shut Blue Door down on grounds that it is a location that harbors male prostitutes — and that his was not an isolated arrest but rather part of a policy targeting gay men who were merely out shopping for legally distributed matter at a variety of adult establishments officials hoped to close down. While never acknowledging wrongdoing, officials from the mayor and district attorney on down have acknowledged that the 2008 arrests raise questions, and the city is not free of the obligation to do some explaining in court.

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

11

POLICE BLOTTER UNAUTHORIZED USE OF A MOTOR VEHICLE: Cab catch and release At 1:40am on Sat., Nov. 11, a 43-yearold male got into an argument with the 29-year-old male driver of a yellow taxi — as a result of a near car accident at the southwest corner of 9th Ave. and W. 33rd St. The cab driver told police that the man drove his vehicle, without consent or authority, for one block — then exited the vehicle.

GRAND LARCENY: Dirty pool, late report On Nov. 18, a 47-year-old male resident of Virginia told police that in the early hours of June 25, he discovered that his wallet was missing after leaving the Eagle bar (554 W. 28th St.). The victim stated that he believes his wallet was taken from his back pocket while playing pool — adding that he did not think it was necessary to file a report at the time the incident happened. Total lost: $1,308 ($200 in cash, the rest in unauthorized credit card usage).

CRIMINAL MISCHIEF: She wouldn’t leave livery At 5am on Sat., Nov. 19 (at Seventh Ave. btw. W. 26th and W. 27th Sts.), a 23-year-old female passenger had an argument with the driver of her livery cab. After refusing to leave the cab after numerous warnings, she was placed under arrest. As the arresting officer was walking her to RMP, the defendant knowingly and intently used her right foot to kick the cab’s rear tail light — causing it to crack.

COUNTERFEITING: Bogus cosmetics on corner Private trademark investigators told police that a vendor with a table on the southeast corner of University Place and E. 14th St. was displaying 400 samples of cosmetics with counterfeit high-end brand names around 6:10pm on Fri., Nov. 18. Police did not say what brands were involved in the knockoffs.

ASSAULT: Punch causes ‘public alarm’ Police arrested a 19-year-old woman in front of 72 Christopher St. (near W. Fourth St.) at 4:49am on Mon., Nov. 21 — when a female victim, 24, told them the suspect punched her in the mouth. Police said the assailant “was loud and boisterous and causing public alarm.”

ASSAULT: Meat Market rage A man, 24, told police that a suspect punched him and knocked him unconscious in front of 37 Ninth Ave. at 14th St. around 4:15am on Sun., Nov. 20 — and then grabbed his head and slammed it on the pavement. The victim was taken to Bellevue for head lacerations and the suspect (a 24-year-old male) was charged with assault.

LOST PROPERTY: Should have kept ‘Eagle’ eye on wallet A 47-year-old male resident of Charlotte, NC told police that at approximately 1:30am on Sat., Nov. 19, he took his wallet out to pay for a drink while at the Eagle bar (554 W. 28th St.). He then returned the wallet to his right back pocket. About an hour later, when he went for his wallet, he discovered it was missing. The victim stated that he “didn’t feel anybody go in his back pocket” — but notes the club was very crowded and he was being bumped. At the time the report was filed (at 4:10am, on the same morning as the incident), the victim was in the process of canceling the five credit cards, which were in his wallet. Also lost: $350 in cash.

ATM hacking ring busted Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance, Jr. has secured a new indictment against three Canadians charged with skimming debit card data from 11 bank branch ATMs within a mile of Union Square — and stealing more than $285,000 from hundreds of victims. Two of the suspects (males, ages 28 and 31, both Bulgarian immigrants to Canada) were arrested on May 24 at a bank branch at Broadway and E. 10th St., as they were retrieving skimmed data. A third suspect (the 24-year-old brother of one of the suspects) had fled to Canada and is being sought in extradition proceedings. The 81-count indictment handed up on Nov. 16 supersedes a three-count indictment filed in May. The three are charged with using green plastic lips that fit over ATM card slots and skim data from users’ cards. In addition, the defendants installed hidden pinhole lens video cameras at the sides of ATM keypads to record PINs. The data was used to steal money from accounts in Canada, Arizona and Illinois, in addition to New York, according to Vance. During one five-day period in January of this year, the defendants are accused

of skimming data from more than 1,100 ATM cards. Most of the money was wired to Bulgaria.

MURDER: Supper Club casualties Gunfire brought police to Juliette Supper Club at 539 W. 21st St. around 2:22am on Tues., Nov. 15 — where they found two victims. One of them, a 43-year-old man, had a gunshot wound in the chest and another in the back. He was taken to Bellevue Hospital where he was declared dead on arrival. The other victim (a 28-year-old man) had a gunshot wound in the arm, another in the back and a third in the buttocks. He was taken to Bellevue in stable condition. Police are investigating but have made no arrests. The name of the dead victim was withheld pending family notification.

—Alber t Amateau and Scott Stif fler Continued on page 12

gallery 307

GRAND LARCENY: Bag is MIA at FIT A 24-year-old female resident of Brooklyn told police that at approximately 1pm on Tues., Nov. 15, she was on a computer in the Fashion Institute of Technology library (Seventh Ave. and W. 27th St.). She placed her bag on the floor next to her while working. When she was done, she went to retrieve the handbag — only to find it was missing. The bag was valued at $200. Also missing: two credit cards (no unauthorized activity reported) and $20 in cash.

GRAND LARCENY: iPhone sidewalk snatch At approximately 8:34pm on Mon., Nov. 21, a 37-year-old female resident of Manhattan was walking along the southwest corner of Seventh Ave. and W. 15th St. — when an unknown perpetrator bumped into her from behind, then snatched an iPhone 4 from the victim’s right hand. The perpetrator fled westbound, on foot, down W. 15th St. The phone is valued at $300.

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

POLICE BLOTTER Continued from page 11

THE 10th PRECINCT Located at 230 W. 20th St. (btw. 7th & 8th Aves.). Deputy Inspector: Elisa Cokkinos. Main number: 212741-8211. Community Affairs: 212741-8226. Crime Prevention: 212-7418226. Domestic Violence: 212-7418216. Youth Officer: 212-741-8211. Auxiliary Coordinator: 212-741-8210. Detective Squad: 212-741-8245. The Community Council Meeting takes place at 7pm on the last Wed. of the month. The next meeting is Dec. 28.

THE 13th PRECINCT Located at 230 E. 21st St. (btw. 2nd & 3rd Aves.). Deputy Inspector: Ted Bernsted. Call 212-477-7411. Community Affairs: 212-477-7427. Crime Prevention: 212-477-7427. Domestic Violence: 212-477-3863. Youth Officer: 212-477-7411. Auxiliary Coordinator: 212-477-4380. Detective Squad: 212-477-7444. The Community Council Meeting takes place at 6:30pm on the third Tues. of the month. The next meeting is Dec. 20.

THE NEW YORK CITY POLICE MUSEUM At the annual Holiday Party, participate in fun activities — including the creation of Christmas, Chanukah, Eid and Kwanzaa crafts. You’ll also learn about policing around the world and have the chance to try on the museum’s collection of international Police Service uniforms. For all ages. Saturday, December 3, 11am-2pm (admission is free). Ongoing: “The Junior Officers Discovery Zone” is an exhibit designed for ages 3-10. It’s divided into four areas (Police Academy, Park and Precinct, Emergency Services Unit and a Multi-Purpose Area) — each with interactive and imaginary play experiences for children to understand the role of police officers in our community. For older children, there’s a crime scene observation activity that will challenge them to remember relevant parts of city street scenes, a physical challenge similar to those at the Police Academy and a model Emergency Services Unit vehicle where children can climb in, use the steering wheel and lights, hear radio calls with police codes and see some of the actual equipment carried by The Emergency Services Unit. At 100 Old Slip (btw. Front and South Sts.). For info, call 212-480-3100 or visit nycpm.

org. Hours: Mon. through Sat., 10am-5pm and Sun., 12-5pm. Admission: $8 ($5 for students, seniors and children; free for children under 2).

The NYC Fire Museum is located at 278 Spring St. (btw. Varick and Hudson). For info and reservations, call 212-691-1303.

THE NEW YORK CITY FIRE MUSEUM Kids will learn about fire prevention and safety through group tours, led by former NYC firefighters. The program (which lasts approximately 75 minutes) includes classroom training and a simulated event in a mock apartment, where a firefighter shows how fires can start in different rooms in the home. Finally, students are guided on a tour of the museum’s first floor. Tours (for groups of 20 or more) are offered Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30am, 11:30am and 12:30pm. Tickets are $3 for children and $5 per adult — but for every 10 kids, admission is free for one adult. The museum offers a $700 Junior Firefighter Birthday Party package, for children 3-6 years old. The birthday child and 15 guests will be treated to story time, show and tell, a coloring activity, a scavenger hunt and the opportunity to speak to a real firefighter (the museum provides a fire-themed birthday cake, juice boxes and other favors and decorations).

CASH FOR GUNS $100 cash will be given (no questions asked) for each handgun, assault weapon or sawed-off shotgun; up to a maximum payment of $300. Guns are accepted at any Police Precinct, PSA or Transit District.

CRIME STOPPERS If you have info regarding a crime committed or a wanted person, call Crime Stoppers at 800-577-TIPS, text “TIP577” (plus your message) to “CRIMES” (274637) or submit a tip online at nypdcrimestoppers.com.

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New, improved Pier 57 pending Continued from page 3 and crossing terms are altered; traffic experts are looking to deal with that. As part of the public scoping process, people will have an opportunity to comment,” said Carney. “An overpass is part of the EIS as an alternative. We looked at it, and if in fact the analysis says that there will be too much pedestrian traffic concentrated there or too many conflicts with vehicle traffic, we have suggested a number of ways that we can deal with it, and an overpass is one alternative.” The architects have also explored tapping into the mass transit system or private shuttle routes, said Carney — but there is currently no plan for bus parking, aside from a loading/unloading zone. Freight unloading will be done during off-hours. Plans for the Pier 57 project include a pier with 115 boat slips. “There is a huge amount of boating activities, from sailing schools and free sailing lessons. It’s really a dream for people who want to be active not only at the water, but in the water,” said Wils — who noted that since the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Water Act, water quality has improved. People can and do safely swim in the river. Wils said that next spring, the park would feature 40 new moorings at Pier 25 for community boaters. Carney added that plans for Pier 57 would not ignore the impact that the river has on these parks, including that of global

Rendering courtesy of Youngwoo & Associates

A rendering of the Pier 57 complex.

warming. “I think analysis was done by engineers looking at this,” said Carney. “There is a zone between the caissons and the floor of the pier, and another distance above that level. So far, the analysts have looked at what’s historically happened as far as sea level and flooding, and I don’t think we need to do anything in addition to what’s there.” Wils said that each portion of the Hudson River Park Trust addressed the adjacent

community differently, from the commercial feel of the Intrepid Museum down by 42nd Street to the green spaces for the community to hang out and have a picnic in Chelsea and Tribeca. The Pier 57 plan will be well suited to the Chelsea area, which is currently experiencing an influx of visitors to the High Line Park. “The unique thing about the park is that you can spend all day there and find a dozen

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‘With the transformation of the Meat Market area, you can see now the possibility of transforming the waterfront and what that can do for the community. It bridges the Village, Meat Market and Chelsea, making it a continuous, important strip,’ said Wils. She pointed to the popularity of similar open-air markets in London. different things to do. It’s really a New Yorker’s park,” said Wils. “The importance of the Hudson River Park in people’s daily lives in the Downtown community really has become what Central Park is to midtown. It’s an extraordinary culture on the West Side.” For more information, visit hudsonriverpark.org.

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

Photo by Laura Josepher

Photo courtesy of the S.E.M.

From the S.E.M. Ensemble’s 2010 concert at Paula Cooper Gallery.

PS11 student Sadie Brea crunches the “naughty” and “nice” numbers. See “Annual Holiday Market.”

Holiday Perennials COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

PS11 ANNUAL HOLIDAY MARKET Here’s hoping you didn’t spend every last penny while buying into the false promise of deep Black Friday discounts. Wise shoppers know that the real bargains are to be found at the annual PS11 Holiday Market — where most merchandise is 80% off retail prices. That merchandise includes new housewares, designer clothing, CDs, books, jewelry, seasonal stocking stuffers, sweet treats and children’s holiday crafts. Best of all, the proceeds benefit PS 11. Sat., Dec. 3, 10am-4pm. At PS11 (320 W. 21st St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.)

HOUSING WORKS BEST OF HOLIDAY SALE Is there any better place to hide presents from that special someone than at the very bottom (or back) of the closet? Clear out some of the old stuff to make room for new holiday gifts — and help Housing Works in the process. Their mission to end the dual crises of homelessness and AIDS gets a boost from sales at their 12 thrift shops (the Chelsea location is at 143 W. 17th St., btw. 6th and 7th Aves.). On Thurs., Dec. 1, stop by any of the Housing Works shops (closed for sales that day) to drop off gently worn clothes, shoes or a cash donation. Then, on Dec. 2, shop the Housing Works Best of Holiday Sale for fashion apparel, art and furniture at a fraction of retail price! For more info, visit housingworks.org.

WASHINGTON SQUARE TREE LIGHTING AND CAROLING When it comes to giving, The Washington Square Association’s seasonal spirit is willing — to set the alarm clock for a time that puts to shame all but the most hardcore Black Friday shoppers. On Monday, November 28 — while most of us were still sleeping

— WSA president Anne-Marie Sumner was delivering coffee (and, presumably, good cheer) to the burly elves who just drove in from Vermont to deliver a 45-foot Christmas tree to its new home under the Arch. That resplendent tree’s multi-colored lights get lit for the first time on December 7 — when Santa Claus shows up to lead the children in the illumination countdown. After that, a participatory event for all ages: the singing of holiday songs — thanks to music by the Rob Susman Brass Quartet and complimentary songbooks supplied by the WSA. The festivities (sans illumination countdown) repeat on Christmas Eve. The tree lighting ceremony takes place on Wed., Dec. 7, at 6pm. It will be lit for the season, from 4pm-1am daily. The Christmas Eve festivities happen on Sat., Dec. 25, at 5pm. The Washington Square Park Arch is located at the foot of Fifth Avenue, one block south of Eighth St. For info, call 212-252-3621 or visit washingtonsquarenyc.org.

Photo by Ken Howard

Bright Arch, big city: The Rob Susman Brass Quartet leads the singing on Dec. 7 & 24. See “Washington Square Tree Lighting.”

S.E.M. ENSEMBLE CHRISTMAS CONCERT Founder and director Petr Kotik conducts his S.E.M Ensemble — as they continue a Christmas concert tradition which began in 1984. The ensemble makes imaginative use of its non-traditional location, by strategically placing musicians around Mark di Suvero’s large sculpture being exhibited in the Paula Cooper Gallery’s main space. The concert will feature S.E.M. in John Cage’s “Atlas Eclipticalis” — performed simultaneously with Cage’s “Fontana Mix and Aria” (presented as a preview of S.E.M.’s 2012 Cage centennial concerts). Highlights will also include the New York premiere of Kate Soper’s “cipher,” Luigi Nono’s “Hay que Caminar” Soñando for two violins, and a four-channel work commissioned by Photo by TONE

Continued on page 15

On Dec. 2 (and beyond), help Housing Works while working on your holiday gift list.

November 30 - December 13, 2011

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Annual events worthy of Santa’s list Continued from page 14 the Electronic Music Studio of the West German Radio (WDR) in Cologne, Germany. Soper will be the soloist in Cage’s “Aria” as well as in her own work. Tues., Dec. 13, at 8pm. At Paula Cooper Gallery (534 W. 21st St., btw. 10th and 11th Aves.). For tickets ($15; $10 for students/ seniors), call 718-488-7659 or email pksem@semensemble.org. Visit semensemble.org and paulacoopergallery.com.

FUNDRAISER: HOLY APOSTLES CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR Last year’s Christmas Spectacular was so, well, spectacular, that the Church of the Holy Apostles has decided to make this fundraising event an annual thing — providing us all with the rare opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a religious tradition without the hassle of having to set our time machine back 2,011 years. The songs, dances, food, drink and silent auction are all in the name of making sure the Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen can keep doing what they do (providing over 1,000 meals daily to the homeless). Since 1982, HASK has helped over 7 million New Yorkers in need. Thurs., Dec. 15, at 6:30pm. At the Church of the Holy Apostles (296 9th Ave., at 28th St.). For individual tickets ($25 in advance, $35 at the door), call 212-924-0167.

Sponsorships are $1,500 for a table of up to 10 guests. For more info on the event, visit xmasspectacular.wordpress.com or call 212-9240167. To learn about the work of HASK, visit holyapostlesnyc.org.

VIRIDIAN ARTISTS: “HOLIDAY PRESENCE” EXHIBITION Born on Long Island in the ’60s, Viridian Artists Inc. grew up in SoHo, spent the ’70s on 57th Street and has called Chelsea home for over a decade. Each year at this time, Viridian invites its regulars (and guest artists) to “create some small but special artworks to share during this season of celebration, contemplation and giving.” In addition to the exhibition of those works, Viridian is bringing back its Holiday Store — stocked with art cards, prints, artist books, small art and art jewelry (items are under $100). “Holiday Presence” is on view Dec. 6-31 (opening reception, Thurs., Dec. 15, from 6-8pm). At Viridian Artists (548 W. 28th St., btw. 10th and 11th Aves., 6th fl.). Gallery hours: Tues. through Sat., 12-6pm. For info, 212-414-4040 or viridianartists.com.

CHELSEA COMMUNITY CHURCH: CANDLELIGHT CAROL SERVICE Founded in 1975, the layled nondenominational Chelsea Community Church (CCC)

Photo by Donna Lamb

First night: From 2010’s inaugural edition of the Holy Apostles Christmas Spectacular.

invites people of all faiths to their 37th Annual Candlelight Carol Service. Actor William “Will” Fowle, a Chelsea resident for 35 years and a member of CCC) will read Clement Clarke Moore’s famous poem, “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” That’s appropriate, since the setting (St. Peter’s Church) stands on land that was part of Moore’s estate. This year’s choral program — under the direction of Music Director Larry J. Long — features selec-

tions including the historic chant “Hodie Christus natus est,” the Ukranian carol “To the whole world” and George Frederic Handel’s beloved “Messiah.” Free (offerings accepted). Sun., Dec. 18, at 6pm. At St. Peter’s Episcopal Church (346 W. 20th St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). CCC’s regular services are held every Sun. noon at St. Peter’s. For more information, call 212886-5463 or visit www.chelseachurch.org.

CHELSEA REFORM DEMOCRATIC CLUB ANNUAL HOLIDAY PARTY Come and help kick off the holiday season with the Chelsea Reform Democratic Club. Bring a dish to share — and some mittens, hats and scarves to help keep the Hudson Guild kids warm this winter. Drinks are on the house! Sun., Dec. 4, from 5-7pm. At Hudson Guild Elliott Center (441 W. 26th St., btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). For more info, visit crdcnyc.org.

Photo courtesy of the artist

A sweet deal on art: David Dorsey’s “Raspberry Cupcake” (oil on canvas). See “Viridian Artists.”

Photo by Kathleen Reid

From 2006’s Candlelight Carol Service. See “Chelsea Community Church.”

16

November 30 - December 13, 2011

Comedy and music to make the season bright Holiday-themed arts events worth wishing for COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

YOUTH PRIDE CHORUS The day has finally come when kids can dare to audition for the high school musical by belting out a love song with pronouns altered to fit their same sex preferences. But why wait until that spring rite of passage? The out and proud singers and dancers of Youth Pride Chorus are set to rock the stage (twice in one night!) when they present “Listen to the Music.” These lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and straight entertainers (ages 13-22) will rip the roof off the joint and shake its very foundation, with pop hits by artists like Lady Gaga, Pink and Katy Perry. Sat., Dec. 3, at 6pm and 8pm. At The Kitchen Theater (512 W. 19th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves.). For tickets and info, visit youthpridechorus.org. Image courtesy of the artist

Photo by Matt Chapin

A SRSLY GRUMPY HOLIDAY SHOW AT THE PIT The NY/LA alternative variety show “SRSLY LOL” (led by the testy but funny and gay H. Alan Scott and the equally dyspeptic Bryan Wilson) is teaming up with the boutique production company GrumpyFILMS for one very special night of music, comedy, short GrumpyFilms, drag and a special appearance by a man in very little clothing. The lineup includes Garry Hannon, Ben Lerman, Sharon “Mama” Spell and Mona Mour (Provincetown’s “Showgirl of the Year”)! Tues., Dec. 6, at 8pm. At The PIT (124 E. 24th St., btw. Park & Lexington). $5. For info, visit srslylolshow.com. Also visit thepit-nyc.com and grumpyfilms.net.

Sing out! See “Youth Pride Chorus.”

A RITZMAS DARYL Talented, visionary and occasionally sober cabaret legends Ricky Ritzel, Daryl Glenn and Alison Nusbaum have taken the best music from Leslie Bricusse’s “Scrooge” and Jule Styne and Bob Merrill’s “Mr. Magoo’s Christmas Carol” and combined them into one fabulous cautionary tale for crabby misers who regard Christmas as so much humbug. We’d love to tell you more, but supplying all necessary details about the three venues and multiple performance dates is taking up the rest of this high concept event’s allotted space. Just go. Fri., Dec. 2, at 7pm and Wed., Dec. 21, at 9:30pm; at The Metropolitan Room (34 W. 22nd St., btw. 5th and 6th Aves.). $20

Photo by Chris Mendoza

Left to right: Grumpy jesters Jason Jude Hill, Daniel Sears, H. Alan Scott and Grady Dennis.

cover, 2-drink minimum. For reservations: 212-206-0440. Also on Wed., Dec. 7 & 14, at 7pm; at Don’t Tell Mama (343 W. 46th St., btw. 8th and 9th Aves). $20 cover, 2-drink minimum. For reservations: 212-757-0788. And on Thurs., Dec. 8, at 7pm; at Urban Stages (259 W. 30th St., btw. 7th and 8th Aves.). $25 cover (includes glass of wine). For reservations, call 212-868-4444. For more info, visit darylglenn.com.

AVI WISNIA IN CONCERT, CELEBRATING THE RELEASE OF “MAOZ TSUR” As he proved on his debut album (“Something New”), singer/ songwriter/rabbi’s son Avi Wisnia knows his way around Brazilian bossa nova, acoustic American folk, 1950’s west-coast jazz and contemporary pop. His latest release

A liturgical poem with a beat: Avi Wisnia’s new single has its live debut on Dec. 9.

(available now online) is the holiday single “Maoz Tsur.” This jazz instrumental is based on a liturgical poem that’s become a popular Hanukkah song often heard after the lighting of the menorah. Translated as “Rock of Ages,” its words celebrate the human spirit’s ability to claim victory over oppressors and overcome persecution. You don’t have to be one of the chosen people to appreciate that — but it doesn’t hurt! With that in mind, Wisnia cordially invites all colors and creeds to come and experience the joy of the holidays at a free event, which will feature the live performance debut of “Maoz Tsur.” Fri., Dec. 9, from 8-9:30pm (doors open at 7:30pm). Free and open to all ages — but seating is limited, so arrive early. At Live at Caffe Vivaldi (32 Jones St.; off

Knockers up: “A Ritzmas Daryl” mashes two great musical versions of a Dickens story that’s not told very often around this time of year.

Bleecker St., by 7th Ave.). For info, caffevivaldi.com or 212-6917538. For more info: aviwisnia. com; twitter.com/aviwisnia; youtube.com/teamwisnia; facebook. com/aviwisniamusic; myspace. com/aviwisniapresents.

CHELSEA OPERA PRESENTS “A CHILD’S CHRISTMAS IN WALES” This December, Chelsea’s Irish Repertory Theatre is presenting a traditional staging of “A Child’s Christmas in Wales.” See irishrep.org for details. For a different interpretation of that classic, see the one-night-only offering by Chelsea Opera. Matthew Harris’s cantata for chorus and orchestra brings a musical interpretation to the classic melancholy memory piece about Christmas in a seaside town in Wales. Also on the program: Benjamin Perry Wenzelberg’s performance of “Walking in the Air” (from the 1982 animated film “The Snowman”) and Leopold Mozart’s “Schlittenfahrt” (“Sleighride”). Fri., Dec. 16, at 8pm. At Christ and St. Stephen’s Church (120 W. 69th St., btw. Broadway & Columbus). Tickets are $25 in advance, $30 at the door. For students/seniors: $25 adv./$30 door; free for children under 10. To order tickets, call 866-811-4111 or visit ovationtix.com. Also visit chelseaopera.org.

November 30 - December 13, 2011

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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER (If you would like to see your event listed, email details to scott@chelseanow.com.)

BRC ART INSTALLATION PAINTING PROJECT Bowery Residents’ Committee wants your help, as they continue their creative partnership with the Groundswell Community Mural Project (an organization that brings together artists, youth and community organizations to use art as a tool for social change). Their fourth project with Groundswell will involve the painting of three large canvases whose designs are based on BRC’s tagline: “Hope, Health, Home.” By the time you arrive, Groundswell staff will have prepared the canvases in a “paint by numbers” fashion. The art installation painting project takes place on Sat., Dec. 3, from 10:30am-1pm; in the 1st floor retail space of the Bowery Residents’ Committee (127 W. 25th St., btw. 6th & 7th Aves.). When completed, the works will hang in the ground floor corridor of BRC’s 131 W. 25th St. administrative office space entrance. To RSVP, call 212803-5700. For more info on the BRC, visit brc.org. Also visit groundswellmural.org.

2012 COMMUNITY BOARD APPLICATIONS Are there too many bars in your neighborhood, or not enough? Do you want to see more bike lanes, or would you rather they pave over the ones we’ve already got? Community Boards aren’t for those content to sit on the fence. If you’ve got the heart — and the stomach — for passionate public debate, then join Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for an informational meeting on Manhattan’s Community Boards (Tues., Dec. 6 and Thurs., Jan. 5, 2012,

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Groundswell Community Mural Project’s “Winding the Clock” was created in 2010 by lead artist Clare Herron and assistant artist Edwin Vazquez. It can be seen at the Golden Age Senior Center, in Sara D. Roosevelt Park (Delancey St., btw. Chrystie & Forsyth).

from 6:30-8pm; at the Municipal Building, 1 Centre St., 19th fl.). You’ll learn about the roles and responsibilities of Community Board members, as well as how to apply. An additional information session will be held on Wed., Dec. 14, from 6:30-8pm; at 163 W. 125th St., Room 8C. Please RSVP to 212-669-4465 or email conference@manhattanbp.org. Applications are being accepted

Continued on page 20

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

Reflecting on the AIDS generation BY PERRY N. HALKITIS, PH.D., M.S. The last year has been one of enormous reflection for me. Within a year’s time I will reach my 50th birthday. As this milestone approaches, I find myself immersed in the memories of my adult life — my young adult life — as I prepare to transition into a point at which I will be eligible to join AARP. I am not sure why these thoughts of legacy occupy my mind. Perhaps it is because after the death of my partner Robert Massa in 1994 (and thereafter a series of toxic and absurd boyfriends who served nothing more than to distract me from Robert’s death), I finally allowed myself to feel the loss and pain — enabling me to find my soul-mate, my husband Bobby, whose life with me offers me this great luxury of reflection. Perhaps it is simply developmentally appropriate and a rite of passage of any adult emerging into middle age. Perhaps it is because I reach this milestone at a moment when we recognize the third full decade of AIDS. You see, I was 18 in 1981 — 30 years ago. Over the course of the last several months, I have grappled with the writing of a manuscript to honor the gay men of my generation who lived through the destruction and devastation of the early days of AIDS. The writing process has been emotional and fraught

with struggle. I have come to understand and accept that struggle, and believe that if I share the ideas of this work-in-progress, that act will allow me to proceed with this tome and honor these men. So here, as we approach World AIDS Day, I share some thoughts with you about my generation of gay men, as described in the title of the manuscript, “The AIDS Generation.” I know no adult life without AIDS. Infected or not, I and all of the gay men of my generation are long-term survivors of this disease — because we were all greatly affected by AIDS as we, entering into adulthood, tried to avoid the end product of this pathogen: an end to our existences in the prime of our lives. Yet like a subset of these men who became infected early in the epidemic and remain vibrant and healthy 30 years later, all surviving members of my generation are battled scared — but resilient and stronger individually and as a whole for having endured the plague years. It has been said that Americans who served in WWII are the greatest generation. I say that my generation — the generation of gay men who came into their own in the 1970s and 1980s and were decimated by AIDS — are the bravest generation. I know it because I lived it.

The story of AIDS is not a simple one. In recent years, it has been drilled into our heads that AIDS is disease that affects all Americans. Epidemiological trends certainly

the U.S. (although most estimates indicate the number of those that have been infected is likely closer to two million). In the 30 years since the first cases were

For surveillance purposes in these reports, we are labeled as men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). It is a term I despise, since it denies our sexual identity and gives greater voice to the minority of HIV-positive MSM who are not gay. Of those currently infected and living with the disease, 50 percent are gay men — and gay men (mostly young men of color) account for over 50 percent of new infections detected in any given year. suggest that the virus has no boundaries and that countless others who are not gay men have become infected. Yet despite the prevalence of AIDS in all segments of the population, the epidemic in the United States has always been — and still is, and likely will continue to be — a primarily gay disease. To date, 1.2 million cases have been recorded in

reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, over 50 percent of those who have died are gay men. For surveillance purposes in these reports, we are labeled as men-who-have-sex-with-men (MSM). It is a term I despise, since it denies our sexual

Continued on page 19

November 30 - December 13, 2011

In the U.S., AIDS still a gay man’s disease Continued from page 18 identity and gives greater voice to the minority of HIV-positive MSM who are not gay. Of those currently infected and living with the disease, 50 percent are gay men — and gay men (mostly young men of color) account for over 50 percent of new infections detected in any given year. This far exceeds the two to five percent of the population that we constitute. As I write this book, 550,000 cases have been noted among gay men, associated

Yet despite the prevalence of AIDS in all segments of the population, the epidemic in the United States has always been — and still is, and likely will continue to be — a primarily gay disease.

with a quarter million AIDS-related deaths. Many of my generation entered our teens and young adulthood in the 1970s and 1980s with a sense of confidence and zeal due to the efforts of our predecessors: The Stonewall Generation. They spent years hiding their identity, then demanding their rights and easing the path for us. We also had the energy of the Civil Rights and Women’s Rights movements to support us. This is not to say that we came into our own with ease and without fear. Many of us still remained closeted throughout our high school years, living with the constant fear of being found out to be a faggot. Still, the promise for sexual freedom and sexual expression existed within our grasp. Little were we to know that we would become the AIDS generation, and that within a decade this deadly disease would destroy our physical, emotional and social lives. I know this, because I am part of the AIDS generation. Perry N. Halkitis, Ph.D., M.S. is Professor of Applied Psychology, Public Health, and Medicine and Director of the Center for Health, Identity, Behavior & Prevention Studies at New York University. He is currently working on a new book: “The AIDS Generation.�

19

Lynn Shapiro, award-winning dancer, poet, 54 OBITUARY BY ALBERT AMATEAU Lynn Mason Shapiro, a dancer, choreographer, writer and longtime SoHo resident, died Saturday, November 19 in Beth Israel Hospital at the age of 54. She began writing poetry in 1999. Diagnosed with breast cancer in 2000, she won the Pushcart Prize with her poem “Sloan Kettering� in 2008. She organized and led the Lynn Shapiro Dance Company in SoHo. As a choreographer and dancer she won several awards, including fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the Jerome Foundation and the New York Foundation for the Arts. “She gave up dance after her daughter was born in 1999 and in recent years she concentrated on writing,� said her husband, Erik Friedlander, a cellist with whom she often collaborated. In addition to her prizewinning “Sloan Kettering� poem, others appeared in the publications “Rattle� and “Mudfish.� Part of her memoir, “Savage Love at Beth Israel,� was published last year in the literary journal “Fifth Wednesday� and was nominated by a board of editors for a Pushcart Prize. Shapiro was born in Washington, D.C.,

Lynn Shapiro.

to David and Jane Shapiro and was raised in Cambridge, Mass. She attended Smith College and earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from New York University. In addition to her husband, her daughter, Ava, and her parents, of Cambridge, survive.

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COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES Continued from page 17 through Jan. 13, 2012. For CB4, call 212-736-4536, visit manhattancb4.org or email them at info@manhattanCB4.org. Board meetings, open to the public, happen on the first Wednesday of the month, at 6:30pm. For CB5, call 212-465-0907, visit cb5.org or email them at office@cb5.org. CB5’s board meeting, open to the public, happens on the second Thursday of the month, at 6pm.

RAIL YARDS COMMUNITY INPUT MEETING The time has come to design, determine and construct the final section of the High Line at the West Side Rail Yards. At this community meeting, Friends of the High Line Co-Founder Robert Hammond will update the public on the project’s status, then take questions from the audience. Members of the High Line design team of James Corner Field Operations and Diller Scofidio + Renfro will be there to hear the public’s feedback. Tues., Dec. 6, from 6:308pm; at the PS11 Auditorium (320 W. 21st St., btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). RSVP to railyards@thehighline.org.

SENIORS COMMUNITY SURVEY Since its launch on October 21, the NYC Seniors Community Survey project has been collecting information from those 60 years

Photo by William Alatriste / all rights reserved by New York City Council

Survey, she wrote: Angela Lansbury, at October’s Seniors Community Survey launch event.

and older who reside in the zip codes of 10001, 10011, 10018, 10019, 10036 on Manhattan’s West Side. The findings will be used to provide information concerning seniors’ needs, identify gaps in senior services and help community leaders organize and advocate for resources and services for

seniors in these neighborhoods. “With the number of people over 55 doubling in the next 20 years, we wanted to reach out to as many seniors as possible in the Chelsea and Hell’s Kitchen neighborhoods for their input. Our Advisory Council will help collectively reach out to senior New Yorkers, inviting them to

share their views,” said Joseph P. Benincasa, President of The Actors Fund. The survey, available online through December 31, can be accessed at seniorscommunitysurvey.org. Those without Internet access can call the survey team at 212-221-7301, ext. 277. Also visit actorsfund.org.

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

Make list, check twice: December Downtown theater Two takes on ‘Christmas Carol’ worth seeing, 998 to avoid BY TRAV S.D. Happy Holidays! As everyone who’s ever been in a chain drugstore knows, “the season” begins around October 4. I was sick of it before Thanksgiving, but what are you gonna do? There’s tons of holiday-themed theatre in the works this month — and who am I to stoke a roaring blaze in the fireplace in anticipation of that jolly man’s arrival? First, let’s get some sad news out of the way. Manhattan Theatre Source, the MacDougal Street storefront theatre that’s been in operation for over 11 years, will be closing its doors for good next month. According to MTS board member Doug Silver, “Our deficits have grown too high, and the terrible economy has badly hurt…not only the Source itself, but even more significantly the companies that we depend on to rent our theater all year long.” The company promises to continue producing their bestknown project (the Estrogenius Festival) and other activities at alternative venues. And now on to much more lighthearted business. If you’re like me you’ll agree that the 1,000 existing theatrical adaptations of Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” are 998 too many. I stopped paying attention sometime after the Mr. Magoo excursion. However, there are a pair of new versions opening this month that promise to blow the lid off this whole “Bah, Humbug!” thing. First, there’s Greg Oliver Bodine’s “A Christmas Carol, as Told by Charles Dickens (Himself)” — at the Canal Park Playhouse December 1-24. According to director David Chapman “it’s shaping up to be Dickens meets Charlie Chaplin, Willie Wonka and Jim Henson.” In this version objects become people and ghosts jump out of hiding places at the audience. The fact that the Canal Park Playhouse’s artistic director is supposedly a ventriloquist dummy according to their web site cannot be irrelevant. For more about the production (and the ventriloquist dummy) go the canalparkplayhouse.com. Also opening December 1 is “Reid Farrington’s A Christmas Carol, or Dickens the Unparalleled Necromancer” at the Abrons Arts Center. I caught Farrington’s “Gin and It” at PS122 a couple of years ago, and it was an interesting interaction between highly choreographed actor/scenery shifters and clips from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Rope.” Here, he promises to give us a kaleidoscopic explosion of clips from all of those existing “Christmas Carols” (35 of them to be more accurate), again smashing together media with live performers in a “Victorian Phantasmagoria.” Sounds like my cup of Pennyroyal Tea. It plays through December 18. For more info, see reidfarrington.com. For a more sardonic holiday experience, check out faux Minnesota camp duo Vickie and Nickie in “Vickie and Nickie’s Holiday

Photo by Chris Kateff

Too many Scrooges: Chris Andrew Loar measures himself against the ghosts of Ebenezers past, in “Reid Farrington’s Christmas Carol.”

Sleigh Ride” at Dixon Place on December 3 and 10. The kitschy duo are not only funny character comediennes, but very talented musicians, each of them switching off on numerous different instruments over the course of a set. If their “Oh yah” shtick seems a little derivative, nobody can gainsay their abilities at pickin’, wailin’ or slammin’ the keys. More information at vickieandnickie. com. This being an official “festive time,” some family-friendly shows deserve mention. While not Christmas-themed, Axis Company’s “Seven in One Blow, or the Brave Little Kid” is revived annually at this time of year, thus making it something of a holiday tradition. This year’s production (playing December 2-18) is the tenth annual edition — adding an element of celebration to the proceedings. The company puts as much work into this show as they do on their ordinary mainstage productions, and it stars many of their core cast members, including Edgar Oliver (one of my favorite actors), Jim Sterling and Brian Barnhart. The story, in case you were raised in a hole, comes from a Brothers Grimm fairy tale. To learn more, go to axiscompany.org And speaking of Grimm, an outfit called “Grimms n Giggles Productions” (a project of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble) will be playing

their new musical version of “The Toymakers Apprentice” at the Wild Project December 10 and 17. In this latter-day adaptation, the titular toymaker is hiring two new apprentices, and it’s between two candidates: the selfish daughter of the President of Corporate Corp, Incorporated…and a sweet little girl. Which one will win in the end? We know which one The Donald would choose, and that’s why no one produces his children’s shows. But to see a version produced by actual human beings, choose this one. Tickets and info are at phoenixtheatreensemble.org. And if we may step outside the realm of Christian and Pagan mythmaking, I might suggest a brief stopover in the village of Chelm, the traditional town of idiots of Jewish folklore. Chelm is the setting of “Shlemiel the First” — a musical being presented by the National Yiddish Theatre (a.k.a. the Folksbiene) at NYU’s Skirball Center December 13-31. The show is based on Isaac Bashevis Singer’s tale, adapted by the great director and critic Robert Brustein (though directed here by the Folksbiene’s David Gordon, with music by Zalmen Mlotek). If you want to find out more about how to “get your dunce cap on,” go to folksbiene.org. Lastly, from December 8-18, Theater for the New City will be presenting their sixth

Voice for Vision Puppet Festival. I am most excited by the revival of “A Life in Her Day” by the hilarious clown Hilary Chaplain, directed by and starring the hilarious and FAMOUS Avner Eisenberg (a.k.a Avner the Eccentric). This is New Vaudeville royalty on both counts, friends, and I for one plan to be devastated by the comedy these two cook up together. Also on the schedule are “Hudson to China” by Concrete Temple Theatre, “Senseless! A Brick Foley Adventure” by Elizabeth Hara, “Black Acre” by Retta Leaphart. The festival will also feature two evenings of short-form performances. “HellzaPoppinPuppets” (December 10 at 10:30pm) will present clowning comedy, singing and other surprises as the presenters look at how puppetry is performed in other genres of entertainment. “Puppet Art Attacks Slam” (December 18 at 8pm) will present short-form “works of genius” in a variety of puppet styles, from mini epics to performance poems. All audience members will receive a “Passport to Puppet Theater” at their first show in this festival, entitling them to $2 off tickets to each subsequent mainstage show they attend (discount must be claimed at the box office only). For full info, go to theaterforthenewcity.net. See you next year!

November 30 - December 13, 2011

23

You know, for kids!

Youth activities even adults can enjoy COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

JIM HENSON’S FANTASTIC WORLD If you grew up on “Sesame Street” and have seen the new Muppet reboot currently in theaters (“The Muppets”), then a visit

to this exhibit is a must. “Jim Henson’s Fantastic World” has much more to offer than just the chance to see Miss Piggy and Kermit under glass. There are also drawings, storyboards, props and a reel of witty commercials from the black and white era of television. Upcoming special events include a 25th anniversary screening of the late Jim Henson’s 1986 film “Labyrinth” (on Sat., Dec. 3, at 7:30pm). A post-screening discussion features a panel whose members include Brian Henson. “Fantastic World” can be seen through Jan. 16, 2012. At the Museum of the Moving Image (36-01 35th Ave., Astoria). Museum hours: Tues.-Thurs., 10:30am-5pm. Fri., 10:30am-8pm. Sat./Sun., 10:30am-7pm. Admission: $10 for adults; $7.50 for college students and seniors; $5 for children under 18 (free for members and children under three). Free admission every Fri., from 4-8pm. For info and a full schedule of events, visit movingimage.us — or call 718-777-6888.

MANHATTAN CHILDREN’S THEATRE: A CHRISTMAS CAROL Photo by Richard Termine, courtesy of The Jim Henson Company

Jim Henson made being green look easy.

George C. Scott, Bill Murray, Susan Lucci and dozens of others have put their spin on the evergreen tale of a miser who finds redemption thanks to a visit from three very persuasive ghosts — but none of them sang

stage production of their 2011-2012 season. This adaptation of the Charles Dickens holiday classic (adapted and directed by MCT Artistic Director Bruce Merrill) features original music by Eric V. Hachikian. Through Dec. 24; Sat./Sun., at 12pm and 2pm; also on Fri., Dec. 23, at 12pm and 2pm. At Manhattan Children’s Theatre (380 Broadway, 4th floor; two blocks south of Canal St., at Broadway & White). Tickets are sold online for $18 (adults) and $16 (children). At the door, $20. For reservations and info, call 212-352-3101 or visit mctny.org.

THE GALLI THEATER

Photo by Mark Osberger

Adam Kee as Scrooge, Madalyn Mattsey as the Ghost of Christmas Past and Kyra Bromberg as Tiny Tim.

and danced and did it all live on stage in a production fit for ages 5 and up. For that, you’ll have to travel to the new location of Manhattan Children’s Theatre (in the gallery space at The Access Theatre). Once there, you’ll be treated to the first main

The Galli Theater presents their interpretation of “Snow White” — who finds trouble when she responds to a newspaper ad placed by a king. Soon, Snow White needs the assistance of Mr. 7-Dwarf (the all-in-one Dwarf). Dec. 3-Jan. 1; Sat./Sun. at 2pm (shows on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1 are at 4pm). In 2012, the season continues with “The Frog Prince” (Jan. 7-29) and Aladdin (Jan. 8-Feb. 26). These productions are appropriate for all ages. All shows take place at 347 W. 36th St. (btw. 8th & 9th Aves.). For tickets ($20 for adults, $15 for children), call 212-352-3101 or visit web.ovationtix.com. Also visit gallitheaterny. com.

Continued on page 24

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

Youth Activities Continued from page 23

FULTON YOUTH OF THE FUTURE TREE LIGHTING Fulton Youth of the Future invites you to join them as they prepare for the holidays — by singing Christmas carols, drinking hot cocoa and lighting the Christmas tree. This free event is open to all. Tues., Dec. 6, 6pm. At 419 W. 17th St. (btw. 9th & 10th Aves.). For info, email them at fultonyouth@gmail.com or contact Miguel Acevedo at 646-671-0310.

INTERNATIONAL CHILDREN’S ART EXHIBITION The Children Art Foundation (CAF) (a nonprofit which promotes the artistic development of underprivileged, disenfranchised or disabled children) and The Jewish Guild for the Blind (a nonprofit health care agency serving blind, visually impaired and multi-disabled children, adults and the elderly) are teaming up to present “The Children Art Foundation’s 3rd Annual International Children’s Art Exhibition.” It showcases paintings, sculptures and drawings by students from The Jewish Guild for the Blind in NYC, The Bangkok School for the Blind and The Subsomboonpittayacom School (located in rural Thailand). CAF provides art education programs to these three schools — which, in turn, promote children’s emotional and cognitive development through hands on education in the arts. Sun., Dec. 4, from 2-6pm and Mon., Dec. 5, from 11am3pm. At Rouge Space Gallery (526 W. 26th St., btw. 10th & 11th Aves., 9th floor, rooms 9E/9F). For more info: childrenartfoundation.org and jgb.org.

KIDS ‘N COMEDY: THE BAH, HUMBUG SHOW How are kids like adults? They’re not immune to the blues or bad moods around the holidays — and to cope,

Photo courtesy of The Jewish Guild for the Blind and the artist

Angel Santana’s “Rainbow and Jumping Frog” (2011; paper and clay). Photo by Jonathan Slaff

they’ll complain to anyone who will listen. Fortunately, the standup comedians featured in this show have wrapped their tales of woe in brightly colored (and maybe even off-color) setups and punchlines. It’s all standard procedure for “Kids ‘N Comedy” — the monthly series at Gotham Comedy Club which presents an ever-changing roster of teens and tweens from the tri-state area. This time up: Charlie Bardey, Luke Bergamini, Mark Cohen, Ryan Drum, Leo Frampton, Dillon Heverin and Daniel Laitman.

Comedian Luke Bergamini savors the impending joy of giving (and perhaps receiving?) presents, as he preps for the Kids ‘N Comedy December installment.

Sun., Dec. 11, at 1pm. At Gotham Comedy Club (208 W. 23rd St., btw. 7th & 8th Aves.). Appropriate for ages 9 and up. For tickets ($15, plus one-item minimum), call 212-877-6115 or visit kidsncomedy.com. Also visit gothamcomedyclub.com.

November 30 - December 13, 2011

25

Classic drama from every epoch Phoenix Theatre Ensemble favors ‘unencumbered, utterly organic’ style BY MARTIN DENTON It is no exaggeration to say that Craig Smith and Elise Stone have dedicated their lives to bringing the best of world theater — both contemporary and classic, going all the way back to the Greeks — to New York audiences. As actors at the sadly departed Jean Cocteau Repertory, they sparkled brilliantly in plays as diverse as “Medea,” “Hedda Gabler,” “The Merchant of Venice” and Lanford Wilson’s “Talley & Son.” If you were any kind of theater fan in the 1990s, then you knew about these remarkable actors who labored — in true repertory fashion — at the (also now sadly departed) Bouwerie Lane Theatre in the East Village. After Jean Cocteau Rep’s demise, Smith and Stone decided to take on new responsibilities, and this has very much proven to be a true gift to theater lovers in NYC. In 2004, with three other Cocteau alumni, they founded Phoenix Theatre Ensemble — a company dedicated to presenting much of the same kind of theater to audiences as the Cocteau had when it was run by founder Eve Adamson. They define their mission succinctly: to produce “plays new and old that tell great stories revealing humanity and the human condition in all its myriad forms.” I’d like to expand on that just a bit: Phoenix Theatre Ensemble gives audiences the rare opportunity to experience classic drama from every epoch of history in as authentic, unencumbered, and utterly organic style as possible. When you see a play at Phoenix, you are seeing THE PLAY — not somebody’s offbeat interpretation of it, but the work that the author wrote. In the seven years since its birth, Phoenix’s repertoire has run the gamut, just as fans of Smith and Stone expected. They’ve presented new verse drama by Glyn Maxwell; expert renditions of difficult 20th century plays by the likes of Tom Stoppard, Bertolt Brecht, Eric Overmyer and Eugene Ionesco; and classics by Ibsen, Shaw and Euripides. One of the highlights was the American premiere of “I Have Before Me a Remarkable Document Given to Me by a Young Lady from Rwanda” — Sonja Linden’s extraordinary play about a survivor of the Rwandan genocide who comes to live in London (Stone made her directorial debut with this piece). About a third of the proceeds from that run benefited various charities supporting Rwandan refugees. This level of generosity and community spirit is a mainstay of Phoenix Theatre Ensemble’s vision. As directed by co-artistic director Amy Wagner, their most recent mainstage production (“Iphigenia at Aulis”) exemplified the company’s approach to classic theater. Using a new, unfamiliar American translation by W.S. Merwin and George E. Dimock, Jr., they went right to the heart

Photo by Gerry Goodstien

From the archives: Craig Smith and Keith Hamilton Cobb in Phoenix Theatre Ensemble’s production of Tom Stoppard’s “Hapgood.”

of the play, showing us why a 2,500year-old work of art still matters. In my review, I wrote, “Clytemnestra is fine with sacrificing someone’s daughter to get the winds blowing — just not hers.” I’d not seen that nuance in other productions of this fairly ubiquitous work. Leave it to Phoenix to find such a humanizing element in an ancient drama. Wagner is one of the company’s seven co-artistic directors, by the way — along with Smith and Stone, the others are Brian Costello, Kelli Holsopple, Kathy Menino and Joe Menino. Costello and Joe Menino will be co-starring in Phoenix’s next production — a new revival of Yasmina Reza’s “Art” directed by Gus Kaikkonen. Costello will play Marc, a man who is dumbfounded when his best friend Serge (Menino) buys a postmodern painting that is, as far as he can tell, a blank white canvas. Jason O’Connell, who has worked with the company from the very beginning, completes the cast as Yvan — the younger man who finds himself caught in the middle of his friends’ increasingly strained relationship. “Art” will begin performances on December 8 and continue through the 18th. It plays at the Wild Project — a gorgeous, welcoming, green space at 195 East 3rd Street not far from Avenue B that has been the company’s home for three seasons now. “Art” is “a unique play,” says director Kaikkonen. “Very true, deep and funny. A play about three friends. And friendship is a relationship that comes without set rules. We have to make them up for ourselves, and that’s treacherous territory. It gets to the bone of friendship and does it with extraordinary wit.” Playwright Reza made her reputation with this intriguing work back in the ’90s (and her recent hit “God of Carnage” is now a major motion

picture directed by Roman Polanski). So Phoenix is giving audiences a chance this month to contrast and compare the two most famous works by this acclaimed author.

Phoenix Theatre Ensemble will continue their 2011-2012 season with a new version of “Agamemnon” (part two of their Trojan War trilogy, begun last year). They are also doing a series of staged readings of works by Strindberg; plus there’s always work for children on the roster — including a new holiday-themed musical: “The Toymaker’s Apprentice.” Written by Kathy Menino, with songs by Ellen Mandel, it will fill the weekend matinee slots during the run of “Art.” The thread that runs through everything Phoenix does — that motivated, I think, Smith, Stone and their co-founders to create the company in the first place — is a strong and genuine passion for the art. There’s never a crass or commercial or cynical impulse behind their work. If they are doing a play, it’s because they care about it, they are committed to it. Such authenticity informs all their productions and makes them distinctive and worthy. I fully expect that their “Art” will mine all of its humor and all of its depths. Together, the audience and the artists will learn all they can about a deceptively complicated piece of theater. Martin Denton is the founder and editor of nytheatre.com. His latest project is indietheaternow.com.

26

November 30 - December 13, 2011

Photo by Michael McCabe

Stephen Pucci, Gary Wilmes, Angela Lin and Larry Lei Zhang in David Henry Hwang’s “Chinglish.”

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Apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit today at your nearest branch. peoples.com | 1-877-772-8778 *Rates effective 10/02/2011 and are subject to change without notice. The Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”) is variable each month and will be established based on an Index PLUS or MINUS a margin. The Index is the highest United States Prime Rate as published in the Eastern Edition of The Wall Street Journal on the last business day before the start of each month’s billing cycle. As of 10/02/2011 that Prime Rate was 3.25%. HOWEVER, THE APR CAN NEVER GO BELOW THE MINIMUM APR OF 2.50%. The maximum APR will be 18.00%. As of 10/02/2011 for lines of credit from $10,000 to $500,000 the margins range from 1.24 to -.01 percentage points if you maintain a checking account throughout the term of your line, resulting in corresponding variable APRs ranging from 4.49% to 3.24%. As of 10/02/11 for lines of credit from $10,000 to $500,000 the margins range from 1.49 to .24 percentage points if you do not maintain a checking account throughout the term of your line, resulting in corresponding variable APRs ranging from 4.74% to 3.49%. Please call for current rates and terms. There is a $50 annual fee, which is waived for qualified People’s United checking account holders for the first year only. If you close your account within two (2) years after the date of your Note, you must pay a prepayment fee of $500. If the Note is secured by property located in the State of New York borrower(s) must also pay People’s United Bank back the mortgage tax paid by People’s United at the time of the origination of the Note. If you close your account after the second anniversary of the date of your Note, there will be no prepayment fee. Existing People’s United Equity Credit Line customers are not eligible for this offer. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance may be required. Equity Credit Lines are available only for 1- to 2-family owneroccupied properties and approved condominiums located in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and certain counties in New York. Speak with a lending expert for details. The Equity Credit Line has a minimum line amount of $10,000 and a maximum line amount of $500,000. Other terms and conditions apply. Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. Offer available on applications received by December 2, 2011. †

Fixed Rate “SelectLock” Option: Minimum “SelectLock” amount is $10,000. Fixed “SelectLock” rates are based upon the rate and term for a comparable People’s United Bank home equity loan, at time of request. “SelectLock” is available only during the Draw Period. Up to 3 “SelectLocks” are available with your People’s United Home Equity Line of Credit. One-time $50 fee per “SelectLock.” Prior to account opening, “SelectLock” option may be withdrawn at any time. ©2011 People’s United Bank Member FDIC

BY CHRISTOPHER BYRNE Superficially, David Henry Hwang’s bright, new comedy “Chinglish” is about a clash of cultures. It’s the story of an Ohio businessman, Daniel Cavanaugh, who attempts to resuscitate his failing — and once-notorious — career by opening up the booming Chinese market for his sign company. His idea is to create approaches to public communication that can mean the same in both Mandarin and English. He barges into the commercial city of Guiyang with his can-do American spirit and his belief in the quality of his product — and runs right into the wall of China’s vastly different way of doing business. With the help of a would-be “consultant,” Peter Timms, the development of “guanxi” — business connections — and a personal relationship that turns intimate with a married female local official, Xi Yan, Cavanaugh ultimately succeeds, but not without some hard knocks. That’s the plot, but Hwang’s play is really an extended metaphor about connection — the human kind — communication, and the challenges of getting beyond ourselves to grow. It is about the images we create of ourselves, the images we see in each other, and how rare and fleeting true connection is. Too often muddling through doing the best we can, we mean to tell someone we love them and we end up talking about sea mud. Still, if there is a connection there, the other person gets what we mean. A central joke of the play involves the many ways in which language is misunderstood. Business meetings almost grind to a halt because words and thoughts have been mangled on one side or the other. Cavanaugh’s attempt to tell Xi Yan he loves her is irretrievably botched. The dramatic tension in “Chinglish” comes from the characters often being at cross-purposes with one another, but there is also an inherent sweetness to all of them that is affecting. Cavanaugh falls for Xi Yan, but she simply wants a vacation from her life. Timms lacks the wherewithal to deliver what he’s promising, but he’s in love with China

CHINGLISH Longacre Theatre 220 W. 48th St. (btw. Broadway & 8th Ave.) Tues.-Thurs. at 7pm; Fri.-Sat. at 8pm Wed., Sat. at 2pm; Sun. at 3pm $36.50-$121.50; telecharge.com Or 212-239-6200 and can’t leave. It’s neither neat nor pretty, but it is life, and Hwang finds the poetry of it in his comedy. Having traveled to China for work over the past 15 years, I can attest to how well Hwang has captured that culture’s customs as well as the craziness that can result when Americans try to work through a translator with limited English. Throughout the play, we see all the ways communication can go wrong and sometimes right, and how the best we can do is the best we can do. And it all works out in the end. In that way the play is very affirming. Gary Wilmes is convincing as Cavanaugh, growing ably through the part as we learn more about him and share this redemptive journey with him. Jennifer Lim is superb as Xi Yan, with impeccable timing that conveys her character’s fiercely romantic side balanced by implacable rationality. Stephen Pucci is terrific as Timms. Angela Lin has a wonderful turn as a befuddled translator, as does Johnny Wu. Director Leigh Silverman lets us know there are serious things at stake for each of the characters, but always keeps the comedy real and pointed, such as when Larry Lei Zhang, as a minister whose job is being politically threatened, struggles to sustain a professional demeanor amidst plaguing phone calls from family. David Korins’ creative, jigsaw puzzle-like set is as antic in its changes as some of the scenes, which contributes to the comedy’s high energy. In the end, though, it is the hearts seeking a place to land — even if for a moment — that make “Chinglish” easy for anyone to understand.

November 30 - December 13, 2011

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Just Do Art! COMPILED BY SCOTT STIFFLER

REMEMBERING FULTON FISH MARKET Another iconic slice of old school Manhattan life that’s gone forever, the Fulton Fish Market’s South Street incarnation (1822-2005) endures — on walls — thanks to the work of Naima Rauam. The artist spent over two decades immersing herself in its darkness to dawn routine, when the market was full of life (and recently expired fish). On the sixth anniversary of its move, Rauam’s exhibit of watercolors and drawings (which glowed with a melancholy poignancy even when the market was still based on South Street) gain power and gravity as time goes by. Free. Through Dec.18. At @SEAPORT!Gallery (210 Front St., corner of Beekman, at South Street Seaport). Gallery hours: Wed.-Sun., 12-7pm. For info, visit artpm.com.

URBAN BALLET THEATER’S NUTCRACKER IN THE LOWER It’s already a Lower East Side holiday tradition — but nothing cements that status like knowing they’ve been doing it for a decade. Urban Ballet Theater’s “Nutcracker in the Lower” achieves that milestone this time around. Their annual Downtown twist on the classic holiday tale retains the traditional grace of classical ballet — but adds some local flavor as well. UBT Artistic Director Daniel Catanach’s decidedly different vision of sugarplums dancing takes audiences on a journey through Manhattan’s cultural diversity. The party scene (traditionally depicted as an opulent 19th-century ball) becomes a holiday salsa party; the battle scene, set in a crumbling subway station, features gigantic krumping rats and stylized hip

hop toy soldiers; and the production’s angels are informed by Native American and African dance styles. Tchaikovsky’s familiar score remains largely intact (with ample room for the baselines of hip hop and the burnished cante of flamenco). Through Dec. 4. Wed., Thurs., Fri. at 7:30pm; Sat. at 3pm and 7pm; Sun. at 3pm. At Abrons Arts Center, at the Henry Street Settlement (466 Grand St., at Pitt St.). For tickets ($20), call 212-3523101 or visit theatermania.com. For group sales, call 212-598-0400 or visit abronsartscenter.org. Also visit urbanballettheater.org, facebook. com/NutcrackerintheLower and twitter/NutintheLower.

HOLIDAY EVENTS AT THE MERCHANT’S HOUSE MUSEUM Prior to the last 75 years, the Merchant’s House Museum was home to a prosperous merchantclass family for nearly a century. Their slice of domestic life as lived from 1835-1865 has been preserved by displaying original furnishings and personal possessions. It was during the Tredwell era that many of our beloved Christmas activities (trimming trees, singing carols, sending cards) began. Sadly, however, this was a time bereft of molded-plastic, lit-fromwithin Frostys — and the 19th century Hit Parade didn’t include “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” Those 1950s innovations (now holiday classics in their own right) can be seen alongside their 1850s counterparts in “From Candlelight to Bubble Light: A 1950s Christmas in an 1850s House.” This visionary mash-up of times and traditions finds the museum’s halls retro-decked with conceptual stylist (and East Village icon) Deb O’Nair’s collection of vintage holiday decorations and

Photo by Brian Mengini

Clara, watching Mama Fruita. See “Nutcracker in the Lower.”

Image courtesy of the artist

“Pier 20 Fish Loading Zone.” See “Remembering Fulton Fish Market.”

1950s/60s Americana. On Dec. 9/10: “Bubble Light Cocktail Tours” happen at 6 and 8pm (90 minutes in length; includes a 45-minute tour, then classic 1950s-style cocktails and canapés. Vintage cocktail attire encouraged, but not required; $40). “From Candlelight to Bubble Light: Holiday Tours for the Whole Family” happen on Sat., Dec. 10 (45-minute tours begin every half hour, from 2-5pm; $20; $15 for children under 12). At the “Holly Jolly Holiday Cocktail Party” (6-8pm on Wed., Dec. 14; $40), come dressed in your vintage best (1850s or 1950s) and toast the holidays with cocktails and eats — then go shopping at the fabulous holiday gift bazaar. On Sat., Dec. 17 at 7:30pm, “Tinsel Tunes” features holiday songs performed by the Tinseltones in an 1850s parlor filled with 1950s decorations and vintage Christmas memorabilia ($30). On New Year’s Day, from 3-6pm, “Open House” brings back the centuries-old tradition of paying New Year’s Day calls (complete with a cup of holiday punch and snacks). Admission is $30. At Merchant’s House Museum (29 E. Fourth St., btw. Lafayette & Bowery). Regular hours: 12-5pm (closed Tues. & Wed.). Admission: $10 ($5 for students/seniors). For info, call 212-777-1089 or visit merchantshouse.org.

Photo courtesy of Merchant’s House Museum

Frosted, and frozen, in time. See “Holiday Events at Merchant’s House Museum.”

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November 30 - December 13, 2011

MANUFACTURER’S CLEARANCE SALE Up to 70% Off! Cookware, electrics & gourmet accessories offered at exclusive prices for 2 weekends only. All-Clad, Krups, Rowenta, Emerilware, T-fal, and Imusa stock shipped directly from our warehouse to this sale. Accepting payments with Visa, Mastercard, Discover & Cash

2 WEEKENDS ONLY December 9th, 10th & 11th, 2011

December 16th, 17th & 18th, 2011

Fri. 11am-8pm • Sat. 10am-7pm • Sun 10am-3pm New York LaGuardia Airport Marriott 102-05 Ditmars Boulevard East Elmhurst, New York 11369 Phone: (718) 565-8900

Fri. 11am-8pm • Sat. 10am-7pm • Sun 10am-3pm Danbury Plaza Hotel & Conference Center 18 Old Ridgebury Road Danbury, Connecticut 06810 Phone: (203) 794-0600

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