ANNUAL COMMUNITY STOOP SALE | Flowers may bloom, branches may fill with leaves, and burrowing animals may emerge from hibernation — but it’s not truly spring in Chelsea until folding tables and clothing racks appear on W. 22nd St., between Seventh and 10th Aves. That hallmark rite repeats itself, rain or shine, on Sat., May 21, from 11am–4pm — when the 300 West 23rd, 22nd, 21st & 20th Streets Block Association hosts this urban version of the suburban garage sale — sans commercial vendors, food, or large furniture items. What you will get is books, toys, clothing, and various eye-of-the-beholder treasures (all reasonably priced; polite haggling optional). Stop by the table in front of 321 W. 22nd St. to greet the organizers and, if you like, make a donation to the 200W, 300W, or 400W Block Associations. Then, return to the business of scoping out everything from paintings to classic rock on cassette to keepsake salt and pepper shakers from states you’ve always dreamed of visiting (all of which have been on the table in years past). For info on how to participate as a vendor, send an email to 300wba@gmail.com.
FARM TO TRAY: A BENEFIT FOR HOLY APOSTLES SOUP KITCHEN | Holy Apostles Soup Kitchen, which feeds farm-fresh food to nearly 1,000 guests a day, is the recipient of funds generated from this benefit. Some of New York’s top chefs and restaurants will participate, such as Ralpheal Abrahante of Thalassa, Laurence Edelman of Left Bank, Gotham Burger Social Club, Stumptown, Craig Reid of Westin Times Square, and Michael Armstrong and Yvan Lemoine of Bodega Negra. Options from the Sustainable Menu include Spicy Monkfish Dumplings, Falafel Burgers, and Toasted Cumin Seared Pork Belly. The Thurs., May 19 event begins at 6pm with a VIP cocktail reception. The general admission event happens from 7–9pm. At the Church of the Holy Apostles, (296 Ninth Ave., at W. 28th St.) For info and reservations, visit farmtotray.org. On social media, #farmtotray.
SIGN THE PETITION TO PRESERVE HOPPER-GIBBONS HOUSE | The building that stands at 339 W. 29th St. managed to play well-documented roles in the Underground Railroad, abolitionism, and the 1863 Draft Riots — all with a mere four stories to its name. But when a fifth floor was illegally built, The Friends of Hopper-Gibbons Underground Railroad Site & Lamartine Place Historic District was formed. Buoyed by electeds and historians, their actions have thus far secured a victory in NY State Supreme Court to stop the owner from bypassing the Landmarks Preservation Commission — which will, on June 21, conduct a public hearing whose topics of discussion will include a new application to modify the roof and rear additions. Permitting the developer to “get away with the desecration of such an important building by not forcing him to remove the illegally built fifth story,” say the Friends, “would set a terrible and demoralizing precedent.” To that end, they request your signature on their petition, and your presence at the next Community Board 4 Land Use Committee meeting (6:30pm, at 353 W. 30th St.), where the developer will submit his plans. See next week’s issue of Chelsea Now for a report on that May 16 meeting.
WESTBETH FLEA MARKET’S SECOND ANNUAL SPRING SALE | The books, clothing, toys and other utterly indescribable (but highly desirable) items at this bargain-hunter’s paradise are every bit as eclectic, eccentric, worldly, and whimsical as the people who stock the shelves and sit at the tables. We wouldn’t expect anything less, when the vendors are residents of Westbeth Artists Housing. Sat. & Sun., May 21 & 22, 11am–6pm. Enter at 137 Bank St. (stairs) or 55 Bethune St. (elevator) — both at the corner of Washington St. Proceeds will help fund the Westbeth Beautification Committee, which keeps the surrounding area tidy and pleasing to the eye. For more info, visit westbeth.org.
FREE UNION SQUARE WALKING TOUR | Author, historian, and NYU Adjunct Assistant Professor Joyce Gold has another gig: enlightening locals who want to know more about the places they walk past all the time. On Sun., May 22, from 1–2:30pm, Gold sets her sights on the hidden history of Union Square and the surrounding area. This free walking tour, sponsored by the Union Square Community Coalition, is limited to 30 people. Meet at the Gandhi Statue at Union Square West, near East 14 Street. To register, contact Bill Borock via wborock@hotmail.com. For info on other (non-sponsored) tours, visit joycegoldhistorytours.com.
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE | Three area programs offer residents the chance to participate in CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. Convenient to East Chelsea and Flatiron residents, the CSA program run by Breaking Ground, a nonprofit that is New York City’s largest supportive housing provider, offers high-quality produce all summer long. Pick up is at The Prince George (14 E. 28th St., btw. Fifth & Madison Aves.). To register for the Summer CSA (deadline, May 25), visit princegeorgecsa.com. The Chelsea CSA is a partnership between Stoneledge Farm in South Cairo, NY and community members of Chelsea on the West Side of Manhattan. Chelsea CSA enables members of all economic backgrounds to enjoy farm-fresh organic vegetables while supporting local agriculture. Delivery takes place at the Hudson Guild (441 W. 26th St., btw. Ninth & 10th Aves.). For more info, and to register, visit chelseacsa.org or send an email to info@chelseacsa.org. The CSA program run by the Hell’s Kitchen Farm Project puts an emphasis on helping low-income families and individuals gain access to nutritious produce. Pick up is at Metro Baptist Church (410 W. 40th St., btw. Ninth & 10th Aves.). Visit hkfp.org or send an email to info@hellskitchenfarmproject.org.
THE 9th AVENUE INTERNATIONAL FOOD FESTIVAL | Leave your passport at home, but bring your appetite. On Sat. & Sun., May 14 & 15, from 10am–6pm, this action-packed food fest (ninthavenuefoodfestival.com) will close W. 42nd to W. 57th Streets to vehicular traffic — leaving the area wide open for eats from every corner of the globe, rides, entertainment, and special promotions from neighborhood merchants. Stop by the NYC Community Media table (btw. W. 54th & W. 55th Sts.) on Sat., 11am-5pm, for issues of Chelsea Now and our sister publication, Gay City News. Enter our Jelly Bean Guessing Contest, and you could win an iPad mini or Apple Watch.
–BY SCOTT STIFFLER
