Neither more nor less

8 days a week Ray works at his candy store even though he is 75 years old .It is absolutely necessary that he work everyday because he has big bills to pay , Con Ed , water , supplies , employees and something like $5000 per month rent with a harridan ( our opinion and term )of a managing agent that harrasses him and who will only allow him a month to month lease .

Today most in the neighborhood don't even know what a candy store is and certainly don't recognize Ray's enterprise at 113 avenue A as being one . Too many in this neighborhood today are above having a need for the things that are commonly found in a candy store . Most , not knowing Ray's name , only think of "Belgian Fries" when the location is mentioned ; not knowing that the store at 113 avenue A is not "Belgian Fries " but "Ray's Candy Store" . Because of all of this Ray has less business than he did 20 years ago . With the high rent it is difficult to keep his candystore going but somehow he continues .

Ray's venerable candy store at 113 Avenue A is one of the last of the existing anchors to the past and to the ways of the old East Village .This village is quickly fading to little but a memory .

Everyday Ray labors on at least 8 hours a day while still somehow finding the time and the resources to also help so many people by listening to their problems , loaning them a little extra money or by giving them a little free food or coffee .He is "holding down the fort" against gentrification and a banal future for all so many of us every day .

At 75 he deserves a real birthday party and that is what his friends ,customers and neighbors made possible and celebrated with him Friday night .

Creamy Stevens from the " Starshine Burlesque " came to dance for Ray . Perhaps for some this performance was all a bit too lascivious but most had no problem with the celebration and enjoyed it greatly . Since NMNL is already tagged by "Blogger" as an adult site we pulled no punches when editing . If your parental security settings are correctly set then your Kids can't look at this site without your permission . Ah censorship....

We here at NMNL proudly present the evening in pictures for your enjoyment . We hope that you can celebrate with us and the neighborhood the birthday of a real neighborhood hero .