Hudson Heights Weather

Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Community. Show all posts

Sunday, May 19, 2013

EVENT: Writing and the Digital Revolution

An excellent program about writing and digital publications will be offered next week at PS/IS 187, proving that our neighborhood is indeed a cultural hotbed.

"WRITING AND THE DIGITAL REVOLUTION" will take place on Wednesday, May 29 from 6-8PM at the PS/IS 187 Auditorium located at 349 Cabrini Boulevard.

How is the work of writing and publishing changing in a world of blogs, ebooks, tablets, and smartphones? Join us for a discussion and Q&A with several members of our writing and publishing community in the Heights.

This exciting event features a number of excellent guests and features a post-panel Q&A, followed by a brief reception with panelists.

SUGGESTED DONATION $40 TO SUPPORT LITERACY PROGRAMS AT PS/IS 187
(FREE FOR STUDENTS)


PANELISTS:

Meena Alexander, internationally acclaimed poet, memoirist, novelist, critic, and Distinguished Professor of English and Creative Writing at Hunter College and Graduate Center, CUNY; author of Birthplace with Buried Stones (forthcoming fall 2013)

Brenda Copeland, Executive Editor, St. Martin's Press

Jim Dwyer, Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist, the New York Times; author of Subway Lives: 24 Hours in the Life of the NYC Subway and coauthor of 102 Minutes: The Unforgettable Story of the Fight to Survive Inside the Twin Towers

Dorian Karchmar, literary agent, William Morris Endeavor

Veronica Liu, founder, WordUp Community Bookshop and Fractious Press; editor, Seven Stories Press; writer, artist, and photographer.

Clive Priddle, Publisher, Public Affairs Books

Terry Teachout, drama critic for the Wall Street Journal, biographer, blogger, librettist, playwright; author of Pops: A Life of Louis Armstrong and Duke: A Life of Duke Ellington (forthcoming fall 2013)

Moderator: Alane Salierno Mason, Executive Editor, W. W. Norton & Company; Founder, Words without Borders


Monday, May 13, 2013

June 1: Hike the Heights!

How well do you know your neighborhood?  How well do you know your city?
 
On Saturday, June 1st, you are invited to join 2,000+ neighbors for Hike the Heights
 
From the organizers:
This community event brings together residents of Northern Manhattan to explore the area's diverse parks and to share a (free!) communal meal.
 
There are guided hikes leaving from several locations in the morning (see attached) and a community celebration will begin at 11am in the Sunken Playground at Highbridge Park (167th and Edgecomb).
 
If you are unable to join a guided hike at one of the times noted on the flyer, feel free to walk the trail with your family and friends. Giraffe statues provided by Creative Arts Workshops for Kids will line the path.
 
Please join for the hikes, celebration, or both!
 
Because this is a community event, it's free and open to everyone. If you would like to support the event, or to learn more, please visit: https://ioby.org/project/hike-heights-2013.

It's My Park Day


Each year, the City of New York Parks & Recreation Department helps to organize city-wide "It's My Park Day" events.  You can find the full list of events here.

This Sunday, you have the opportunity to make a difference in two of our neighborhood parks!  This is a great family activity too!

Bennett Park, 10:00AM–12:00PM
(W. 185th Street Entrance)
Join the Bennett Park Community Alliance to plant flowers in the children's garden and paint benches throughout the park.
Contact:  bennettpca@gmail.com

Ft. Tryon Park, 10:00AM2:00PM
(Jacob Javits Playground & the 190th Subway Terrace)
Join the Friends Committee of the Fort Tryon Trust as they paint the wrought iron fence outside of the A train subway station, clean-up Javits playground and do some weeding and planting.

The Children's Garden in Bennett Park
Are you planning on attending?  
Let us know in the comments section why these parks are important to you!

Tuesday, May 7, 2013

June 2: 2nd Annual Hudson Heights Spring Clean

via the Hudson Heights Spring Clean Committee!

It is that time again! The 2nd Annual Hudson Heights Spring Clean!!!!  This year will be even bigger and better than last year! We have already confirmed 2 amazing local businesses will be joining us, Skraptakular will be helping the kids weave trash into art and Sparkle Tiger Face Painting will be offering her face painting services!  Many local businesses will also be sponsoring different portions of the event.
The event will be held at BENNETT PARK on June 2nd from 12:30-4pm. All volunteers arrive by 12:30, groups depart at 1.  Arrive back at Bennett around 3 for pizza, artwork and face painting till 4pm!
A little history- this is the brainchild of 5 local moms who are tired of what a mess our neighborhood is every spring. So we got together, found a few sponsors, enlisted all our friends and family and started cleaning. Our goal is to take community action to provide a better neighborhood to live in. We plan to do this by taking action! We will divide up into teams and head out with trash bags, pooper-scoopers, bag receptacles, gloves and all the needed equipment to clean our designated areas. Currently we plan to cover all of Hudson Heights – W 173rd St up to W 192nd St, all avenues West of Broadway.  We have a meeting next week with Council Member Rodriguez’s office to see if we can expand it to his entire district! If you LOVE that idea, please feel free to contact his office and let them know that this is important to all of us!
What do we need to do this? VOLUNTEERS!!!! AND LOTS OF THEM! Last year we came up short of our goal to cover our whole area. This year we want to get every corner! As a thank you to all volunteers, we will be offering pizza and baked goods after the clean up.

Who we need-
Most important is our cleaning teams! Ideally we would have 12 teams of 7-10 individuals. If you can create your own full team, you can pick your specific desired area to clean!
We are also planning to set up lemonade stands throughout the district. If you have a kiddo who is not yet the age for cleaning, but would be perfect to run a lemonade stand- we need you!
Bakers- we plan to provide baked goods for all the volunteers!
After last years event we got tons of amazing feedback on the impact it had on all who participated. Many requested it become a bi-annual thing. All those bag receptacles throughout the neighborhood to hold dog bags – you can thank last years Spring Clean volunteers for putting those up! But most of all, we saw a difference in the neighborhood!
If you want to volunteer, please email HudsonHeightsSpringClean@gmail.com

Thanks 
- the Hudson Heights Spring Clean Committee!

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Dolphin Park Opens on Friday May 3rd!

The sign posted on the gates at Dolphin Park on Cabrini Blvd. just south of 181st merely said: Dolphin Park will open in the spring.  I guess the recent warm temps and budding trees and flowers still didn't get those gates to open.  What a vague and frustrating announcement!

Well, now we have the official opening date: Friday, May 3

This will be the schedule in May (weather permitting):   Friday, Saturday, Sunday:  3:30 - 6:30 pm

Starting in June, there will be a daily schedule.

The park is owned by Port Authority but it's actually the West 181 Street  Beautification Project that funds the parks.  Those funds come from - you guessed it - the community!  And that means you and me.  To get involved, follow their facebook page.  And parents who have photos of their kids playing in the park and are willing to share them are invited to send them to the park director, Jenifer P. Nunez, at jrosario13@hotmail.com


Will you be visiting Dolphin Park during its opening weekend?

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Photo of the Week: Evening Playgroup

This is one of the reasons why our neighborhood is so great. 

Last night, the Fort Washington Collegiate Church hosted an evening edition of their Play Group.  Families gathered on the lawn for picnic dinners while Troy led the crowd in song.

Dinner time sing-a-long!
It was so much fun to be outside on the grass in the almost balmy evening.  I hope they'll continue to offer an evening play group.  Next time I'll be sure to remember food for *me* too!!  :)

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Weekend Offerings: Dec 1-2 2012

Here's a round-up of neighborhood happenings for this weekend.

Skraptacular Holiday Eco Gift-Making Workshop
Saturday, December 1
1-5PM
P.S. 187 (349 Cabrini Blvd)
$5/person
Don't go to the mall, come have a ball making it all!  Artists will be on hand guiding us to create: Hand-made poetry books, bags, purses, mobiles, jewelry, sculptures and more. 
All materials provided *** Open to the whole community, fun for ALL ages!!

Visit www.skraptacular.org for more info.
CV Holiday Gift Extravaganza
Sunday, December 2nd
Noon-5PM
Castle Village Community Room, 110 Cabrini Blvd
Gallery-quality hand-made merchandise: jewelry, ceramics, knitting, soaps, cards, photography and much, much more!  (enter through iron gates at driveway)
 
Storefront Science Open House
Sunday December 2nd
4:00 - 6:00 pm
Want to learn more about Storefront Science? Curious about our offerings? Feel like playing with some rats? Come to our FREE OPEN HOUSE. Have some fun and also take part in winter and membership registration specials!! (and don't forget our ThinkShop for your holiday shopping)

(and Save the Date for the First Annual Solstice Party, Friday, December 21st, 4-8pm)

Monday, May 28, 2012

Uptown Arts Stroll 2012

From NoMAA:



Uptown Arts Stroll
Paseo de las Artes
June 2012

Celebrating the Arts in Washington Heights & Inwood


Kick-Off Celebration
Thursday, May 31, 2012
6-8:30pm
United Palace
4140 Broadway (at 175th St.)
RSVP: info@nomaanyc.org

Recognizing effective partnerships between artists & local businesses, the achievements of our local artists, and the contributions of institutions and businesses to community change through the arts 
 
Honoring
Jenay Alejandro, Associate, Multicultural Relations at Moët Hennessy USA Katori Hall, local award-winning playwright, journalist, and actress Partnership between Veronica Santiago Liu & the 80 volunteers of Word Up Community Bookshop and Vantage Residential The Bago Bunch, creative entrepreneurs Jerry Gottesman, Chairman, Edison Properties
 
Mistress of Ceremonies
Carol Jenkins
Ms. Jenkins is a writer and producer, an Emmy award winning former television anchor and correspondent with WNBC-TV in New York.  She is also a past president of the Women's Media Center, and a current member of NoMAA's Board of Directors.
 
 
Produced by
Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance
 
Sponsors & Partners
 
Maestro
Moët Hennessy USA 
El Diario La Prensa
 
Virtuoso
Hon. Robert Jackson, New York City Council, District 7 and the Manhattan Delegation, through the NYC Dept. of Youth and Community Affairs
ATAX
HISPANIC FEDERATION
 
Curator
Columbia University Medical Center Office of Government & Community Affairs
New York Presbyterian Hospital
Edison Properties
 
Aficionado
Vantage Residential
Go North NYC
Remezcla
 
Partners
The Cornerstone Center - Ft. Tryon Park Trust - Hispanic Society of America - Make Music New York - MoMA Community Program - New York Restoration Project  - Office of Assembly Member Guillermo Linares, District 72 - Office of Council Member Ydanis Rodriguez, District 10 -
Office of State Senator Adriano Espaillat, 31st Senate District - United Palace - Uptown Collective - Washington Heights Inwood Online
 
Manhattan Times 

Poster Design: Mary Ann Wincorkowski

Friday, April 27, 2012

This Weekend in the Heights!


From neighborhood resident Liz Ritter:





The Cornerstone Chorale will be presenting the epically beautiful and moving Faure Requiem -- with full orchestral accompaniment -- along with his Cantique de Jean Racine and another short piece for 3 female voices.

The concert, at 3:30 THIS SUNDAY, April 29th, will be at the Holyrood Church, at the corner of Fort Washington Avenue and W. 179th Street, across from the George Washington Bridge. (A-train to 175th St or 1-train to 181st Street, or M4 bus). 

Tickets are only $12 ($8 for students/seniors); a reception follows.


Wednesday, February 22, 2012

Sunday Best Reading Series -March 4

Sunday Best: Readings at Hudson View Gardens

March 4th, 2012

FESTIVAL OF THE WORD IN NORTHERN MANHATTAN: A DOUBLE-HEADER

1:30-3:30 P.M.: Cake Mix: Instant Theatre

A workshop for youngsters 12 and up by Mino Lora and Veronica Liu

4:00 P.M.: Readings by 2012 Literary Grantees of the Northern Manhattan Arts Alliance

Lola Koundakjian
Veronica Liu
Paquita Suárez Coalla

Sunday Best is hosted by Patricia Eakins

The Lounge @ Hudson View Gardens
116 Pinehurst Avenue @ 183rd Street

$7 admission for adults benefits Voices/Voces, a theatre and writing program for teens co-developed by People’s Theatre Project and Seven Stories Institute

For more information call 212-923-7800 x1342 

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Guerilla Theatre in WaHi

Wow - we are quite distraught to have missed this but thanks to the power of the internet, we can watch it in perpetuity!

UP Theater Company staged this fabulous Subway Wedding as a nod to the now-missing token booth.  


You can catch up on UP (sorry, couldn't resist) with their upcoming (again!) play reading series, DEAD OF WINTER, which will be hosted at Le Cheile on Sunday evenings at 7PM (February 12, 19, 26 and March 4)

Friday, January 27, 2012

Cultural Clippings: Sunday Best Reading Series 2/5/12

Sunday Best Reading Series
Performances by fiction writers, poets, dramatists, memoir writers and spoken-word composers

Delicious New Fiction
Sunday, February 5th at 4:00 p.m.

Jonathan Baumbach
“In all of Jonathan Baumbach's fiction, there is a wonderful balance of ease and authority, subtlety and surprise, wisdom and playfulness…one of my favorite writers." —Robert Coover

Janice Eidus
“Nobody writes about Jewish cultural life quite as funnily and piercingly as Janice Eidus"  —Mindy Lewis, editor, Dirt: The Quirks, Habits, and Passions of Keeping House

Douglas Light
“Gems of stories, slyly, skillfully interrelated and captivating in their economy, truth, and acid wisdomFrederic Tuten, author of Tintin in the New World

Suggested donation of $7 includes free drinks and snacks
Reception after to meet the writers
The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens -
Pinehurst Avenue and 183rd Street

Jonathan Baumbach is the author of fourteen books of fiction, including Dreams of Molly; YOU; On The Way To My Father’s Funeral: New and Selected Stories; B, a novel; D-Tours; Separate Hours; Chez Charlotte and Emily; The Life and Times of Major Fiction; Reruns; Babble and A Man to Conjure With. His stories have appeared in Esquire, American Review, Tri Quarterly, Partisan Review, Zoetrope, Antaeus, Iowa Review, Open City and Boulevard magazines. His fiction has been anthologized in Best American Short Stories, Byrnes Book of Great Pool Stories, All Our Secrets Are the Same, O.Henry Prize Stories, Full Court: a Literary Anthology of Basketball, The Best of TriQuarterly, and On The Couch: Great American Stories about Therapy. He has received fellowships from the Guggenheim Foundation, the National Endowment of the Arts, and the Ingram Merrill Foundation. In 1973 (with Peter Spielberg) he invented the Fiction Collective, the first fiction writers cooperative in America, reinvented in 1988 as FC2. He is the author of The Landscape of Nightmare: Studies in Contemporary American Fiction, has been the Film Critic for Partisan Review and is the two time Chairman of the National Society of Film Critics.

Novelist, short story writer, and essayist Janice Eidus has twice won the O. Henry Prize for her short stories, as well as a Pushcart Prize, a Redbook Prize, and numerous other awards. Her 2008 novel, The War of the Rosens, won an Independent Publishers Award in Religion and was nominated for the Sophie Brody Medal, an award for the most distinguished contribution to Jewish Literature for Adults. Janice's other books include the short story collections The Celibacy Club and Vito Loves Geraldine and the novels Urban Bliss and Faithful Rebecca. Her work appears in such magazines as Tikkun and Jewish Currents and such anthologies as Promised Lands: New Jewish American Fiction; On Longing and Belonging; The Oxford Book of Jewish Stories; Neurotica: Jewish Writers on Sex; and Scribblers on the Roof: Contemporary Jewish Fiction. She's the Fiction Editor at Shaking, the print and online journal, and has been a guest speaker and teacher throughout the U.S., Europe, and Central America.

Douglas Light's new story collection, Girls in Trouble, won the 2010 AWP Grace Paley Prize. His first novel, East Fifth Bliss, won the 'Popular Fiction' section of the 2007 Benjamin Franklin Award presented by the Independent Book Publishers Association and was made into a film starring Michael C. Hall, Peter Fonda, and Lucy Liu. Light co-wrote the screenplay with Michael Knowles. Light's second novel, Where Night Stops, received a 2010 NoMAA Grant. His fiction has won an O. Henry Prize and has appeared in the 2003 Best American Nonrequired Reading anthology and in Narrative, Guernica, Alaska Quarterly Review, Failbetter, and other magazines. He was a finalist for the 2002 James Jones First Novel Fellowship and for the 2010 Indiana Emerging Author Award.

*********
Sunday Best Curator, Patrizia Eakins, 212-923-7800, x1342

*********

Coming Soon to The Lounge at Hudson View Gardens:

January 29 at 5:00 pm:  The prize-winning Grneta Ensemble, featuring clarinetists Vasko Dukovski and Ismail Lumanovski and pianist Alexandra Joan, will play works from the romantic era, original arrangements of instrumental music from the Balkans and new works.  $12 suggested donation includes post-concert reception with the artists.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Save the Coliseum Open Meeting: January 12

The first open meeting to brainstorm about the future of the historic 1920's Coliseum Theater has been organized by the Save the Coliseum facebook page.  All members of the community are welcome!
DAY:  Thursday, January 12
TIME: 8PM
LOCATION:  Le Cheile located at the corner of 181st & Cabrini.  We'll be meeting in the Artspace, adjacent to the main restaurant.

This is a chance for people to gather in person to talk about ideas for the space, community needs pertaining to cultural events and to come up with ways in which we can support efforts to transform the Coliseum into a community-friendly - and community-supported - cultural destination.


Check out our previous posts on the Coliseum:
Save the Coliseum!
The Coliseum: The Original RKO Stage Exists!
What Happened to The Coliseum?

Saturday, December 31, 2011

The Coliseum: The Original RKO Stage Exists!

These photos were taken this morning inside of the original theatre of the Coliseum, built circa 1920.

A view from the stage looking out over what used to be the orchestra pit and audience.

Looking house left towards one elaborate entrance.
Elaborate detail looking up where the curtain hung, partial view of the scrolled ceiling.


House right entrance.





Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Save The Coliseum!

Save the Coliseum!
We first noted the closing of The Coliseum in November.  Since then, a facebook page has been started in honor of saving and revitalizing historic building.  The theatre was built on the site of the old Blue Bell Tavern after it was razed in 1915.  A blog dedicated to the intersection of 181st & Broadway states that "in 1917 show business impresario BS Moss bought the property to build the city's biggest showplace which he aptly named BS Moss' Coliseum.According to an excellent post on Cinema Treasures, "the Coliseum Theatre boasted to be the third largest theatre in the United States, with 3,500 seats, when it opened in 1920."  In 1968, it's interior was praised by the New York Times in a movie review:
"The R.K.O. Coliseum is one of the most handsome movie theaters in New York. It is well kept, and it has a lovely oval opening, surrounded with a wooden railing, from which it is possible to look down from the balcony onto the first floor."
You can check out a documentary about the theater here. However, the Coliseum wasn't the only movie theatre in the neighborhood.  There was also a cinema on Wadsworth between 180th & 181st that apparently opened in 1913!

There's clearly a rich history of films and entertainment in Washington Heights and a group of concerned neighborhood residents (this blogger included) is very interested in the preservation of a cultural destination in Upper Manhattan.


A Photo Retrospective of The Coliseum

1922: Just a year later the theatre would be purchased by RKO and at the time was the biggest movie theatre in Manhattan.
Photo via 181st & Broadway Blog

1935: The theater at its heyday.  (In 1930, Bob Hope performed here!)

To see photos from 1935, visit this Flickr account:


1967:




1986: The property had been split up into multiple storefronts and transformed into a triplex in the early 80s.
American Classic Images

American Classic Images







Present day:
photo via Cinema Treasures
Do you want to see the Coliseum saved?  Join the Facebook group and stay in the know!

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Art Opening at Le Cheile's Artspace

On Saturday night (12/10), Le Cheile's newly opened Artspace hosted the opening reception for Water Under The Bridge: Oil Paintings by Navahjo Stoller.

Many of the pieces are large scale and all are defined by their use of three-dimensionality.  As we were looking at some of the pieces, a young girl came over to point out details that might have been lost to a wandering eye.  For example, when the artist finishes a tube of paint, it doesn't go into the trash - it becomes part of the piece, adding texture and depth.  She also revealed that she had donated some of her jewelry collection to a 3D collage piece.  Sure enough, upon closer examination we could see the beads and a ring transformed into a foreign landscape.

Our guide turned out to be the artist's young daughter, who is also a frequent subject of his work.

Navahjo Stoller - also known as Navi - is a local resident and also owns and operates Navi Times, a real estate firm specializing in Northern Manhattan.  At the opening, many local residents and families attended.  Navi noted that this was the ideal way to open his exhibit - in the community that he lives in and works for.

The artist, Navahjo Stoller, with his daughter Sienna in front of her portrait.
The art will be on exhibit until the end of the year. Don't miss it!

Do you have other ideas for local artists who should be shown at the Artspace?  Leave your suggestions in the comments!


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Holiday Lights on 181st Street

A stroll down 181st Street from Ft. Washington to Cabrini Blvd. reveals that this section of Hudson Heights is particularly festive!  Regardless of religious affiliation, the Hudson Heights Gazette (HHG) thinks the lights and decoration bring a great sense of cheer to the neighborhood!

Take a virtual stroll with us here...

At the first corner you'll see Starbucks....corporate mandated decorations that are identical to
all the other Starbucks in the city?  Probably.  But we still like snowflakes.

Next door we have Moscow on the Hudson
Going to a dinner party? Pick up a box of decadent pastries and treats!
(BTW - did you know that there was a movie called Moscow on the Hudson
starring Robin Williams?!?!
)
181st Street Bakery & Deli
Sporadic Hudson Heights blogger Patrick Moschitto recommends the egg & cheese on a roll.

 Next door is the Groom Team - perfect spot to get cleaned up for the Holiday Parties!


Across the way, it's cozy inside Sushi Yu 2 with their festive tree just inside the doorway.  This Japanese restaurant is great for dining in or take-out!
One of the neighborhood's newest editions, Saggio, is about to celebrate it's 1-year anniversary.  Intrepid HHG photographer Peter Smith's pick is the Papardelle with Lamb Ragu followed by a generous serving of the amazing fig gelato.

Cabrini Wines is known for its vast array of wines from all over the world.  They generally have Holiday packs at a great price....the perfect way to prep for a party or a host/hostess gift.

Neighborhood newbie Le Cheile shines with the eponymous house beer for $5. 
HHG contributor Melissa also enjoys the Chicken Parm & farmer's side of peas. 

The tree at 181 Cabrini.  HHG Founder Chris Rizzo's preferred meal here is:
James' Special Chicken and a glass of the Cabrini Malbec.

Happy holidays!  We hope you'll visit one or more of our great neighborhood establishments before the end of 2011.  Support the hood - go local!

Friday, December 9, 2011

Weekend Event Round-Up: 12/10-12/11

Check out what's going on in your hood this weekend!

Holiday Bazaar
Saturday, December 10, 10AM-4PM
Sunday, December 11, 12noon-4PM
Local vendors - "Great Christmas Bargains"
 
Washington Heights Meet Up
Saturday, December 11 - 4PM
Holyrood Episcopal Church
715 West 179th @ Ft. Washington Ave
"Come and meet other young professionals in your neighborhood for an afternoon of: MUSIC/FOOD/CONVERSATION - Open to ALL!

Castle Village Holiday Social and Craft Show
Sunday, December 11, 11am-5pm

Castle Village, 110 Cabrini Blvd. – 212.927.0600
Find unique, hand-made holiday gifts including jewelry and art objects for the home.
via NoMAA

Exhibition: Out of My Closet:  Works in Paper and Clay
On view through December

Gold Gallery of the Hebrew Tabernacle (185th & Ft. Washington Ave) - 212-568-8304 - www.RisaClayArt.com
 "Out of My Closet:  Works in Paper and Clay" by Risa Hirsch Ehrlich, curated by Regina Gradess and Rosa Naparstek of Artists-Uniteny.org. 

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

MTA: 181st Street / A Train Station Maintenance

Basic maintenance and upkeep was happening this morning at the south entrance of the 181st St stop today. A crew of about 8 appeared to consist of replacing fluorescent lighting in the main entrance and the stairway. Trash cans were also being wiped down. 



The general cleanliness of the station has deteriorated markedly after the closing (and recent removal) of the station agent & booth. 

While this doesn't address all concerns, it's nice to see a little improvement.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Pinball Buffs Come Together for Washington Heights Pinball Open

by Kimie Bunyasaranand

Photo by Kimie Bunyasaranand

The side room of Le Chéile, a new uptown restaurant and art space, is abuzz with activity early on Saturday afternoon. 

People of all ages, from young children to elderly men and women, stand with knees slightly bent, firmly clutching the sides of two rows of pinball machines. The focused expressions on their faces barely waver at the flashing neon lights and loud clinking sounds. Only when the small silver ball bounces dangerously close to the bottom of the machine do they flinch, in an anxious attempt to save it.

Photo by Kimie Bunyasaranand
“It’s a challenge. Every time you play, you want to do better and better,” said Penni Epstein, a graphic studio and ad agency director. “When you’re playing, you’re only thinking about this.”

Epstein is a member of the Brooklyn Pinball League and one of the several dozen players who participated in the inaugural Washington Heights Pinball Open last weekend. For 17 hours over the course of two days, pinball amateurs and veterans played games like Avatar, Mars Trek and Lost World for a chance to be crowned champion.

The tournament was hosted by Le Chéile co-owner, Dave Hollander, as one of the many cultural and fundraising events held at the restaurant.

“Part of our whole gestalt is that we do events inside and outside the walls of Le Chéile,” said Hollander. “Music, art and stuff like this.”

Hollander emphasized that he wanted to re-define what a bar has to be. “There will never be TVs in this bar,” he said, as Irish musicians played in the background.

Registration was open to all, and for $10, entrants could play three games on a machine of their choice. According to Hollander, over 80 entries were received on Saturday, and several individuals paid for multiple entries. The game is addictive, and some players are careful not to empty out their wallets too quickly.
Photo by Kimie Bunyasaranand
“I just played five straight games and lasted maybe six minutes,” said Dale Ordemann, 50, who had come all the way from Hackettstown, New Jersey. “I’ll probably play one more entry and then have to call it quits, or I’ll spend too much. It’s just for fun.”

Other players have a different goal in mind. Francesco LaRocca runs the Brooklyn League and is a fierce competitor. While playing, his wrists and fingers are the only things that move as he stares intently at the machine. And when something doesn’t go his way or he loses a ball, he yells out in frustration and shakes his fists vigorously.

“I’m very competitive,” he said. “I play to win, not just participate.”
  
And there’s monetary incentive involved as well. The four highest scorers receive a certain percentage of a pool from entry fees and a handcrafted trophy. Other top competitors receive certificates and replicas of pinball machine backdrops as prizes. 

Hollander said the tournament was a huge success and hopes to host tournaments at Le Chéile in the future. “I’d like to make this an institution,” he said. “Eventually, I’d like to field our own team in the New York League.”

Kimie Bunyasaranand is a student at the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism. You can follow her on Twitter @Kimie_B.