After all of the Halloween excitement, it’s soothing to see how easy November slips in. Yet, November, which begins with All Soul’s Day and continues with a special occasion each week, is one of the busiest months of the year. There’s Election Day, Veteran’s Day and the biggest holiday of the year, Thanksgiving.
At last, it’s official, the wait is over. Chez Lucienne is still Chez Lucienne, open and doing business. Same outdoor seating and dining. Just more room at the bar and a big screen TV. Although the opening was kind of quiet, there’s nothing hush-hush about it—the joint is jumping.
Also jumping is Speak Easy, located somewhere around 115th Street and Eighth Avenue. If I told you exactly where it was, it wouldn’t be a speakeasy. Plus, I figured you would like a little adventure and to scout it out for yourself. I will tell you this much: The spot is hot, so if you’re looking for a good time you can always stop in Harlem Tavern and they’ll point you in the right direction.
Meanwhile, the longevity of Cheri is in doubt. Cheri is located on Lenox Avenue between 121st and 122nd streets, and word has it the property owner wants that establishment out and someone else in. Whatever for? The regulars there love it.
Fortunately, there is enough time between November holidays to get out and enjoy the holiday spirit. Harlem School of the Arts Dance Ensemble is presenting a Fall Blaze Dance Concert. Under the direction and choreography of Aubrey Lynch II and resident choreographer Leyland Simmons, with additional choreography by HSA Dance faculty, the concert will feature guest artist Erica Lall and will be hosted by Jordan Hall. Taking place at the HSA Theater, Nov. 11 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 12 at 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., the show promises to be spectacular.
Always spectacular is Dance Theatre of Harlem, which will now have Street Jazz, an open class for all levels, Tuesdays 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Street Jazz consists of a combination of dance styles. A combination of jazz, contemporary West African, Afrobeat, house and hip-hop, the dance is an art form known as clutayo, storytelling through music, beginning now and continuing through Jan. 9.
It seems as though, some of our most promising young men, who ooze with potential, have found a new means of wasting their time, energy and talent. The latest scheme is asking subway riders for a swipe of their metro card as they exit the turnstile and then resell them to those seeking to enter the platform for the low, bargain price of $2. I know of this scheme because I exited the 135th Street Lenox Avenue station one early afternoon and I fell for it. As I have a monthly MetroCard, I easily gave up the swipe. However, instinctively I turned to look back and see if in fact the young man went through the turnstile. When he did not, I went back to ask him why a young man with a new presentation, well dressed and groomed, would spend his time engaging in this nefarious activity as opposed to going to school? I told him he could do better. Politely, he thanked me and said he appreciated my advice, at which point I simply walked away.
Furious at seeing this crew the very next day, same time, same place, I approached them demanding my money back for the swipe they stole from me the day before. One of the three immediately handed me two crumpled dollar bills. I took them. I repeated my lecture, this time to the three of them. The biggest, baddest in the group quickly answered me back, stating that I got my $2 and therefore no longer had the right to lecture them on what they should or should not being doing. At this point, I gave them the peace sign, and simply walked away.
I don’t know why I was so moved to reach out to these youngsters. Maybe it was because they weren’t dressed in hoodies and jeans slung low beneath their waist with their underwear showing. Possibly a flash across my imagination saw them one day going to college, raising families, owning businesses and being licensed plumbers, electricians, businessmen, scientists, inventors—the possibilities seemed endless. My husband told me not to approach them again because next time they might punch me in my mouth. Although I listened, I still wonder what’s it going to take to save our youth.
Among the latest groups to raise oodles and oodles for the causes dearest to their hearts was Samaritan Daytop Village Foundation. Hosting its annual gala to support its rich array of programs and services, including life-saving treatment programs for those battling substance abuse, they raised more than $730,000. The funds will benefit innovative services for veterans and programs for homeless individuals, families, women, children and seniors.
Master of ceremonies for the evening was Marine combat veteran turned actor, MTA police officer, singer and philanthropist, and a recurring guest star of the Fox series “Gotham,” J.W. Cortés. My, my, how did he find the time? Honorees were former New York Mets player and manager Bobby Valentine and award-winning actress and producer Luna Lauren Vélez, acknowledged for their work as activists and philanthropists in the fight against poverty, homelessness and drug addiction.
Among those in attendance were Samaritan Daytop Village VP of Communications, Development and External Relations Sheila Greene, budget analyst Judith Byam, senior purchasing agent Geenarine Singh, President and CEO Tino Hernandez, Ty Hunter, VP of Corporate Compliance Alicia McFarlane, Queens County District Attorney’s Director of Alternative Sentencing Douglas L. Knight, Samaritan Daytop Village Chief of Staff Michelle DeMott, Lucky Church and Dylan Dilinjah. Eric Hadar, president and CEO of Allied Industries and a member of the Samaritan Daytop Foundation Board, donated $410,000 to the Samaritan Daytop Foundation on behalf of the Eric D. Hadar Family Foundation.
Until next week…kisses.