Condolences to the Paterson family on the loss of patriarch Basil Paterson. His professional achievements have been well touted, but I remember a few personal things about him as well. Paterson was a familiar face at the Saturday evening service at St. Charles Borromeo Church. He, along with his wife, Portia, was a frequent guest at the Hillbillies’ annual Christmas party. He had the nicest family you ever wanted to meet, which includes sons David and Daniel, daughter-in-laws Michele and Eloise and grandchildren Ashley, Alex, Basil and Carter. He was a staunch Harlemite, the ultimate gentleman, and he always had a smile on his face.
Noted fashion photographer Nigel Barker, formerly of “America’s Next Top Model” and now on “The Face” with supermodel Naomi Campbell, and Dominic Chianese, better known as Uncle Junior from “The Sopranos,” were both in attendance at the 17th annual Bergh Ball, which was hosted by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) and held at the Plaza Hotel. The theme of this year’s black-tie event was “House of Paws.” The ball is named after Henry Bergh, who in 1866 became founder of the ASPCA. Proceeds from the ball are directly used to benefit homeless, abused and abandoned animals across the United States.
The ASPCA was established just days after the New York Legislature passed legislation to combat cruelty to animals. Following the example set by Bergh, both the New York and the Massachusetts Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children came into effect. To think legislation against cruelty to animals was passed prior to legislation against cruelty to children. Ay yai yai. Anyway, also seen at the ball was Alicia Quarles. Even though she was elegantly dressed in a ball gown, she wasn’t too proud to hold a pooch in her arms.
Finally, I made my way to the Cove, located on Lenox Avenue at 127th Street, for a networking party hosted by E.J. Calvin and boy oh boy (meaning the same as “ay yai yai”) did I have a good time. As I walked down the narrow, neon-lit hallway before I entered the main room, I got the feeling that I was walking into a 1920s speakeasy, only updated. I almost expected to have to say the password before I could enter.
Probably most like the early 1900s, once inside, the joint was jumping. The dimly lit bar area was fully stocked. Flat screens were posted at either end so if you weren’t accompanied by anyone, you didn’t have to sit there looking out of sorts. I got to watch a bit of the Knicks game as they were getting clobbered by Toronto. I don’t know the final score, but if they won that game, it was a miracle.
Many of the patrons were ordering from the menu, which had quite an offering. I had eaten before I left the house, so I wasn’t particularly hungry, but I have to say that the French fries did look tempting.
Past the bar was the lounge area, a separate little room that was a tad bit dimmer than the bar, but I kind of liked it that way; who needs blaring lights when you’re trying to be cool? I did see two familiar faces—Michael Williams and Bill Etheridge Jr., who is now working at Douglas Elliman on Eighth Avenue. Etheridge happily announced he’s married and the proud father of a baby girl. How sweet. I recall meeting the elder Bill Etheridge years ago when he worked in the court system; he was a really nice guy. Also on board was Jean Parnell, because we had both received invites from Victoria Horsford. We laughed as we both agreed that when Victoria calls, you come running.
After having a fairly enjoyable time, I was ready to leave when—wait a minute—I spied a staircase leading downstairs. Ever intrigued, I descended. To my delight, there was another party going on, and this one was smoking. It wasn’t as crowded or as loud as the upstairs crowd, but folks were on the dance floor getting down. Next up was karaoke, and while I’m not going to pretend I can sing, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the brave souls who got up and belted their hearts out. I don’t know if this is a regular weeknight occurrence, but it is certainly worth peeking in to find out. To think that all of this was going on inside when it was so quiet on the outside—but isn’t that the way it’s supposed to be?
Have you heard what I heard? Recent medical findings have shown that constant exposure to loud music, including the decibel levels at concerts, parties and clubs, can cause significant damage not so much to the ear, but to the cognitive system. Findings in mice seem to show that exposure to loud music over a period of time causes nerve ending in the ear to split. While this doesn’t affect hearing so much, it affects a person’s ability to understand what it is they are hearing. In other words, after years of listening to incredibly loud music, while you may still be able to hear the music, you won’t understand a word of what is being sung—and when someone speaks to you, you may not understand a word that’s being said. Here’s a word to the wise: It is like I am constantly telling Julia, “Turn that racket down!”
Happy birthday to Alvis Rogers, 95 years young, who celebrated her birthday with friends and family at Sylvia’s, where she was serenaded by Kathy Sharpton. Among the guests was her 85-year-old sister from Detroit, Louise White. Also celebrating are April McCoy, Ms. Sash at Ms. P’s Hair Studio, Levesa Coldwell and Danielle Gray. Congratulations to the new, happily married couple Kevin and Bridgett Gaddy.
Oh yeah, and before I forget, happy birthday to me. This year, my birthday came on Easter Sunday, which I always accept as a treat. The last time this happened was 11 years ago. I was set to get married in June, so my then fiancé and I hosted an Easter meet-and-greet dinner so that the parents and bridal party could mix and mingle before the wedding day, which was at the suggestion of best man Michael Dutton. Following the June wedding, I moved to Greenfield, Mass., to live with my new husband. It was the first time I ever lived outside of New York City (I went to Brooklyn College), and even though I had traveled extensively, I had never been outside of the city for more than a month. Yes, I was nervous but excited to take the plunge. Then came August, when I began law school at Western New England University School of Law.
The last 11 years have been graciously sprinkled with good fortune, good friends and the opportunity to share it all with you good readers. I am over the moon with expectation as to what the next 11 years will bring, and with this, I wish you all love.
Until next week … kisses