Mother’s Day was a glorious day—a sign of so many good things to come. As if it wasn’t enough that the weather was picture perfect, everywhere you turned, friends were texting one another to say “HMD.” There wasn’t a man that one could pass on the street who wouldn’t say “HMD.” It was so sweet. My husband, Charles, cooked breakfast and dinner and Julia baked a cake, with just an itsy bit of help from mommy. It was all very yummy. Thanks, guys.
What would spring be if we didn’t celebrate Northside Center for Child Development with a magnificent gala? Well, not to disappoint the 2014 co-chairs—which included Erskine Bowles, Kirsten and David Carmel, Thomas Gravina, Elizabeth and Jeffrey Leeds, James Murdoch, Alan Patricof, Richard Salomon, Stanley Shuman, Justin Smith and Mortimer Zuckerman—guests and supporters alike were treated to a most festive affair.
The reception, which offered servings of rose champagne, pigs in a blanket and chicken balls, was complemented by the program that featured master of ceremonies Rosanna Scotto of “Good Day New York” and a wonderful performance by the exceptionally talented Rosie’s Theater Kids. This was so appropriate, as Rosie O’Donnell is a huge supporter of Northside and has been for years. Remarks from Chairman of the Board Michael Goldstein, Alan Patricof and Hilde L. Mosse Executive Director and CEO Thelma Dye-Homes, underscored the continued commitment Northside puts forth while “saving lives, changing lives and building brighter futures.”
Northside’s determination to provide community-based services is constantly growing and evolving to better serve and strengthen families, homes and children. From its East 110th Street headquarters, its West 135th Street satellite, the Susan Patricof Head Start Center at East 111th Street, Brooklyn and Bronx Head Start Centers, neighborhood schools and allied organizations, “Northside’s holistic approach makes help and hope accessible to New York’s most impoverished, historically excluded and at-risk communities.” Northside is part of the universal pre-K program, is as affiliated with Kip School Infinity and in a partnership with American Ballet Theatre—all programs that enrich the lives of children who might not ever be exposed to a world outside of their immediate domain.
According to Dye-Holms, who has been with the organization for over 25 years, “This is a transitional moment as we are laser-focused on providing services in education, and good emotional and mental health. By dealing with service issues, we change lives. We’re indispensable because what we do works. When people walk through the door, they leave better able to meet their challenges.” This year’s event more than doubled last year’s contributions, as cheerleaders and fundraisers Susan and Alan Patricof were able to rally the troops and raise $1.7 million.
The New York County Lawyers’ Association’s Supreme Court Committee celebrated 2014’s Law Day with a luncheon honoring Justice O. Peter Sherwood of the Supreme Court, New York County, Commercial Division, and Fern A. Fisher, deputy chief administrative judge for New York City Courts, Office of Court Administration. Sherwood was presented with the Capozzoli Gavel Award by Zachary Carter of the Corporation Counsel, New York City Law Department, as friends, supporters and his wife, Ruby, and daughter looked on.
Fisher received the Presentation of Certificates for 25 years of distinguished judicial service. The event was held at Cipriani Wall Street, where Supreme Court Committee co-chairs Pamela Gallagher Esq. and Brian Graifman Esq. welcomed Sherry Klein Heitler, administrative judge for Civil Matters, First Judicial District, and Barbara Moses, president of the New York County Lawyers’ Association, with Law Day remarks made by Errol Louis, host of “Inside City Hall.”
The Whispers were in town doing their thing, which they do so well. Sharing the bill with Jeffery Osborne, who still tears it up when he sings “Back in Love Again,” the stars performed first at Westbury Music Fair followed by a performance the next night in Atlantic City. I found a YouTube spot featuring every song the Whispers ever made—OMG, you simply must check it out.
I recall reading over a month ago that due to the increase in commercial traffic along the 125th Street corridor, a change in the traffic pattern would soon be put into effect. Silently, I wondered what would “they” come up with next? Well, I believe the question has been answered.
The entire avenue east of Lenox Avenue is undergoing a cosmetic change, which includes a bus-only lane and one lane for traffic. Hmm.
While there has been no parking while the redesign phase is being implemented, I sincerely hope parking regulations will be back in effect once it’s completed. Otherwise, there goes the business district, as125th Street would turn into a ghost town if you couldn’t park in order to do a little shopping.
Case in point: While running some errands one Saturday morning, I was able to find a parking space on 125th and subsequently purchase a one-hour parking ticket. This gave me just enough time to run into American Apparel, where I picked up a few items, which I absolutely love, before dashing off to the next chore on my list, thereby freeing up the space for the next lucky shopper. Imagine if I couldn’t park, quelle dommage (French for “what a pity”).
But wait a minute, hold everything. Upon closer inspection, I noticed there is a lane for parking, the bus-only lane and one lane for driving. Whew!
Condolences go out to my old friend Denise Perry, founder and director of Millennium Dance Studio. I only recently learned that she lost her husband and is still so sad. Please know, Denise, that your friends, staff and all of the children and parents that love Millennium are with you in their prayers.
Happy birthday to Teddy Longo, Stevie Wonder, Sam Alston, Rock Bunce, Leslie Burns, Richard Habersham, Percy Hall, Bobbi Humphrey, Al Jones, Kay Lucas, Jeanne Parnell, Lynne Poole, Franklin Rowe, Ruth Sanchez, Sandy Tate, Greg Walker, Leslie Wyche, Peter Carrion and Garrett William.
Thelma Golden, director and chief curator of the Studio Museum in Harlem, was one of the very few women of color attending the 32nd annual Frederick Law Olmsted Awards Luncheon, hosted by the Women’s Committee and the board of trustees of the Central Park Conservancy. This year’s event honored former Mayor Michael Bloomberg.
Held each year at the conservancy gardens on 105th Street and Fifth Avenue, the event is known for its de riguer requirement that every attendee wear a hat. While some of the hats were outrageous, bordering on ridiculous, others were quite chic. Golden, in my opinion, won the award for the most colorfully coordinated, not too much, just right look. I hope she does have an occasion to wear her hat again, as it very well should be.
Until next week … kisses