It’s the time of year for holiday parties and, in the Village and environs, that means political club holiday parties. The Village Independent Democrats held their get-together at the beautiful Charlton St. home of Frieda Bradlow, above left, chatting with Comptroller John Liu. Among other elected officials making the scene were V.I.D. stalwarts Assemblymember Deborah Glick, District Leader Keen Berger and state Senator Brad Hoylman. The latter, in his remarks, said the Democrats’ goal in Albany is to “turn the state Senate blue.” He also gave a shout-out to The Villager for its quality local coverage. Stopping by, as well, was Borough President-elect Gale Brewer, who gave her own shout-outs — clearly, as seen above — on some important issues. She, too, praised The Villager newspaper, saying that, as opposed to some other local weeklies, it “has substance.” V.I.D. President Tony Hoffmann took it a step further, urging everyone to make sure to get a Villager subscription. Judge Kathryn Freed, a former city councilmember, and State Committeewoman Rachel Lavine also popped in to enjoy the merriment and the spread. Speaking of which, Jonathan Geballe may have been edged out in the district leader race by Arthur Schwartz, but — wow! — Geballe sure can make a mean raisin-swirl bread. Meanwhile, earlier in the week, the Downtown Independent Democrats “celebrated grassroots activism” at — where else? — the Grassroots Tavern, at 20 St. Mark’s Place. State Senator Daniel Squadron, below, with club president Jeanne Wilcke, at left, was among the pols who stopped by and gave remarks. As if that wasn’t enough, D.I.D. members could play darts, shake it to the jukebox and enjoy fresh popcorn straight from the popper.
