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Villagers Feted at GVSHP’s Annual Meeting and Awards Ceremony

Clifford Ross (at podium), Manhattan Parks Commissioner William Castro, and landscape architect Gail Wittwer-Laird accept an award for the Bleecker Street Sitting Area Renovation.
Clifford Ross (at podium), Manhattan Parks Commissioner William Castro, and landscape architect Gail Wittwer-Laird accept an award for the Bleecker Street Sitting Area Renovation.

Last evening, 400 guests celebrated the accomplishments of the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation and eight Village businesses, people, and organizations at GVSHP’s Annual Meeting at The New School’s Tishman Auditorium.

Author Calvin Trillin salutes eight Village Awardees.
Author Calvin Trillin salutes eight Village Awardees.

GVSHP’s Executive Director Andrew Berman began the evening with a recap of our work over the last year. He spotlighted the landmark designations for several historic properties, including 128 East 13th Street, Westbeth, and the East 10th Street Historic District, the first new historic district in the East Village since 1969. He also applauded the success of GVSHP’s educational programs for children and adults, pointing out the new plaque program and a continuing education program for real estate brokers. Finally, Andrew reviewed some of the challenges that we will face, particularly NYU’s massive proposed Village expansion plan.

GVSHP trustee Mary Ann Arisman then presented the slate of Trustees for GVSHP’s coming year. Renewing board members Mary Ann Arisman, Arthur Levin, Judith Stonehill, and Linda Yowell, as well as new nominee Tom Birchard were all approved by GVSHP members in the audience.

City Councilmember Rosie Mendez accepts an award for outstanding leadership on preservation issues.
City Councilmember Rosie Mendez accepts an award for outstanding leadership on preservation issues.

Village author Calvin Trillin then regaled the audience with stories about the eight Village Awardees who were feted for their amazing contributions to Greenwich Village, the East Village, and NoHo. From community activist Marilyn Appleberg’s work on behalf of her neighborhood to a community’s persistence in achieving a renovation for the Bleecker Street Sitting Area park, all of the awardees were lauded for their special contributions to our neighborhoods. Lisa Giunta, co-owner of Arturo’s with her brother Scott, talked about the importance of family and community in the success of the South Village restaurant. Todd Lefkovic of Foods of New York Tours shared how he began sharing his love of New York’s unique food scene during the weekends. The Little Red School House/Elisabeth Irwin High School were celebrated for providing 90 years of a progressive curriculum promoting social justice, active citizenship, and community service, while the 6th Street and Avenue B Garden was acknowledged for opening its gates to the wider public and greening the neighborhood. Eric Ferrara of the Lower East Side History Project talked about his commitment to the neighborhood which his family called home for four generations. Finally, City Councilmember Rosie Mendez was celebrated for distinguishing herself as a staunch advocate for historic preservation and zoning protections. City Councilmember Jessica Lappin was in the audience to help cheer on her distinguished colleague.

Thank you to all the awardees for all you do for the Village and to all of you who support our efforts to preserve the architectural heritage and cultural history of the Village.

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