June 16 201 by Red Hook Star-Revue

Celebrate our Second Birthday with us in a special 12 page insert right inside!!!

The

Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

June 16 - 31, 2012

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June 26th Federal primary a quiet affair by Greg Alzarin-Marquez

hile the news of the date change for New York’s Federal primary has trickled out or caught most voters off guard, the campaigns of the four individuals vying for the Democratic spot on November’s ballot are making themselves known in the remaining weeks leading up to the June 26th primary.

The acknowledged front runner, current Congresswoman. Nydia M. Velazquez has not only made recent public and televised appearances, she has also garnered a very impressive list of endorsements. New York Congressional endorsements include Senators Charles Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, Representatives Jerrold Nadler, Nita Lowey, Carolyn Maloney, and Yvette D. Clarke. At the state level, State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, and State Assembly Member Joan Millman have all endorsed Velazquez. Endorsements have

also come from District Leaders JoAnne Simon and Chris Owens and from City Council members Speaker (and leading mayoral candidate) Christine C. Quinn, Margaret Chin, Brand Lander, Melissa Mark-Viverito, Rosie Mendez, and Diana Reyna. Velazquez has picked up endorsements from District Council 37, Teamsters Local 237 City Employees Union, Transit Workers Union Local 100, 1199 SEIU, 32BJ, Coalition for a District Alternative, Central Brooklyn Independent Democrats, Independent Neighborhood Democrats, New Kings Demo-

crats, Working Families Party, LAMBDA Independent Democrats, New York Amsterdam News, and most recently, the Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union. Meanwhile, chief challenger Erik Martin Dilan has collected the endorsements of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York and The Jewish Press. The endorsement of The Jewish Press was meant to boost Dilan’s campaign in the eyes of the Jewish community in the wake of the his attacks on Rep. Velazquez for her lack of support of Israel specifically referring to her as anti-

“While backing from Vito Lopez does make Dilan a serious challenger, Velazquez’s numerous endorsements could help make the difference including the endorsement of 32BJ, long an ally of Lopez.” Zionist. However, that appears to have been offset when Velazquez received the endorsements of Schumer, Nadler and Assembly Speaker Silver - three prominent Jewish politicians - before the Israel Day parade on June 3rd. Also appearing on the June 26th Federal Primary ballot are Dan O’Connor and George Martinez. O’Connor has collected the endorsements of the McManus Democratic Association and American Fujianese Association. He noted that while he was not opposed to receiving endorsements, he was also not actively pursuing them. He did say he will be meeting with approximately several union groups on the evening of Tuesday, June 12th with possible endorsements to follow. “Usually, the establishment endorsements go to the establishment candidates so I wasn’t expecting to get a lot of that support from the beginning.”

Amy Haimerl met up with Michael Buscemi outside of Bait and Tackle where the schedule for this summer’s Red Hook Flicks film series was announced. See page 13 for the complete schedule of showings at Valentino Pier.

In an appearance late last month and reiterated during a phone call, George

Nydia Velazquez speaking last December on Fourth Avenue and Ninth St.

Martinez stated “Biggest endorsements are from people, individually. Friends, family and people who are volunteering for us. Every store, basically, that has given us a window space, for us, as an endorsement - those are the ones of highest value. People from the neighborhoods.” NY 1 debate postponed for now

The only scheduled debate so far was on NY1’s “Inside City Hall.” Scheduled to appear were Velazquez, Erick Martin Dilan and Dan O’Connor. However, the debate originally scheduled for June 11th was postponed due to the passing of Velazquez’s mother. The debate has yet to be rescheduled. Representatives from NY1 have noted that the debate will indeed be rescheduled. It is also unknown as to when Velazquez will be available is she is expected to be in Puerto Rico attending to family needs for most, if not all, of this week. In speaking with Dan O’Connor, he noted that he was not aware of any other scheduled debates. Not invited to the NY1 debate was George Martinez. According to a Martinez campaign press release, Bob Hardt, Political Director at NY1 noted, “Our longstanding policy at NY1 when we’ve (continued on page 7)

Also in This Issue: A History of Red Hook Waterfront page 8

The

Blue Pencil Lunar Revue

Spoofs page 10 new original crossword puzzle page 11

plus lots more!

Street Style page 17

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

June 16-31 2012

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

Volume 3 No. 12

Saturday June 16

Table of Contents

Join Red Hook Pride for a day of community, music and love. From 10 am-2 pm, enjoy brunch at one of the participating restaurants for brunch. An afternoon celebration in Coffey Park begins at 3 pm where you can marry someone, anyone, just for the day. A Red Hook crawl runs from 6-8 pm sipping cocktails and shopping at local venues. The event ends with A Ball/Dance party from 8 pm-1 am featuring refreshments, live entertainment and a mini-ball! For more info visit www.redhookpride.org

Happenings.......................2 Restaurant Guide........16 Newsbriefs........................4 Dining Out..................17 Columns............................6 Calendar.....................18 Art...................................16 Classifieds..................19 Street Style.....................17 Sports.........................20

Staff

Kimberly G. Price....................... Senior Editor/Publisher George Fiala......................................Graphics/Publisher Matt Graber............................................Senior Reporter Abigail Savitch-Lew........................................... Reporter Greg Algarin-Marquez .........................Political Reporter Vince Musacchia............................................ Cartoonist Eric Ruff..................................................Calendar Editor Erik Penney......................................... Restaurant Writer Angelika Mitchell........................... Advertising Specialist

Sunday June 17

The 5th Annual Red Hook Jazz Fest continues at 1 pm in Urban Meadows on the corner of Van Brunt and Presidents Streets. The second weekend line-up includes Rick Parker Collective, Harris Eisenstadt’s Canada Day Octet, Nate Wooley Quintet, Spoke and the Mike Baggetta Quartet.

Thursday June 21

Contributors

John Burkard, Stef Morisi, Mary Anne Massaro, Mary Ann Pietanza, Danette Vigilante, Michael Racioppo,

Member www.facebook.com/ redhookstarrevue

@RedHookStar

718.624.5568 - Editorial & Advertising 917.652.9128 News Tips 101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 editor@redhookstar.com

Collecter’s Item Souvenir Section starts after page 10 The

Red Hook StarªRevue

SPECIAL SECOND ANNIVERSARY SECTION ª JUNE 2012 I love the paper because it talks about things I want to read about when the rest of the newspapers talk about the city outside Red Hook. I love the local aspect, reading about people that I know. — Robert Berrios, Congratulations to the Red Hook StarRevue-- Brooklyn’s only truly independent newspaper. You have become the intelligent, witty, humane “voice” of South Brooklyn. I look forward to each and every issue! — Roy Sloane, president, Cobble Hill Association

Resident, activist

The Brooklyn Red Hook Lions Club President Jay Mcknight & Lion Members have you to ‘Thank’ for our very own Community Paper. Congratulations to you & your wonderful staff. The Best Is Yet To Come!

transit

W e appreciate the information and insight we get about our neighborhood having a truly local paper. In a short period of time you’ve become a real part of the community.—dry dock wine & spirits

If I were wearing a hat I’d take it off to you. Some of our traditional “local papers” have become consolidated and lost their flavor and character. The Star-Revue offers a hyper-local independent media perspective about what goes on around our neighborhood. And that resonates well with us because we are doing the same thing but in government. Anyone wanting to know what’s going on in Red Hook would be well-served to pick up the Red Hook Star-Revue. — Craig Hammerman - District Manager of CB6

Congratulations to the Red Hook Star-Revue for two years of news service in Red Hook and South Brooklyn. Your pages are rich with in-depth discussion of all angles of life in our community; your readers are better informed and more engaged as a result of your reporting. Keep up your great work. —The staff of the Red Hook Initiative.

“Cora Dance congratulates RHSR on all it’s great work over the past two years. From articles to ads, we wouldn’t have been able to spread the word about our programs in the Red Hook community without all your generous support! Bravo! Keep up the good work!” — Shannon Hummel, Artistic Director, Cora Dance & Cora School for Dance

I wish we had this newspaper 10 years ago. Maybe if we had you guys when Fairway and IKEA were being built we could have had more leverage — Wally Bazemore - Resident and community leader

Over the past two years the breadth, depth and quality of the reporting has grown and matured. As a resident and as the Executive Director of Added Value and the Red Hook Community Farm, I am excited each time the paper comes out. Thank you for performing such an important indeed essential service for our community. Congratulations and best of luck in the coming years — Ian Marvy

Happenings Around Our Town

Red Hook is a place where dream are born and lives are driven. — Shawn Smith, Coordinator, CPP@Red Hook

Visitation Church is hosting a fundraiser at 6 pm featuring The Angeltones in concert. Light refreshments will be served after the concert. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased in advance by calling the parish rectory at (718) 624-1572, or also at the door. Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is holding a summer benefit cocktail party, New Views 20121:Williamsburg Bistros & Bites, from 6-9 pm. At the event, New York City will announce the Implementation Plan for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway spanning from Greenpoint to Sunset Park. Food and drinks will be provided. Tickets are available for purchase online at www.brooklyngreenway.org

Saturday June 23

The Waterfront Museum and Showboat Barge presents “River Songs of America by Jeff Newell’s New-Trad Quartet. The music will take place from 2-4 pm aboard the barge located on Pier 44 in Red Hook, 290 Conover Street. For more information, visit www.waterfrontmuseum.org

Sunday June 24

Sacred Hearts – St. Stephens Church will be holding a special farewell liturgy for Reverend Anthony J. Sansone at 11:45 am. A reception will follow in Cabrini Hall with coffee, fruit and cookies for all. “Comedy Central® Live Presents Hannibal Buress” brings the show to Red Hook at 7 pm. The event headlines stand-up comedian and winner of the 2012 Comedy Award for Club Comic, Buress along with comedians Kevin Barnett and Josh Rabinowitz at the Summer Stage venue in Red Hook Park, rain or shine.

Tuesday June 26

Dry Dock Wine + Spirit is hosting a hosting a special wine tasting at Maison de la Région Languedoc-Roussillion on 53rd Street in Manhattan. Sud de France Wine Celebration will run from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm

Thursday June 28

Brooklyn Brewery will be on hand at Brooklyn Historical Society to pour and talk beer from 6-8 pm. Alex Battles and the Whiskey Rebellion will be playing and Sigmund Pretzels will be available for purchase. Admission is free and open to the public, and drink tickets will be sold for $5.

Ongoing

Kentler International Drawing Space is running Uncovered: Prints now through June 22. Sallie Mize is the curator for Selections from the Kentler Faltfiles. The gallery hours are Thursday through Sunday 12-5 pm and admission is free and open to the public. The Brooklyn Museum has extended Question Bridge: Black Males, Acclaimed Video Instillation Featuring Dialogue among 150 Diverse Black Men through July 15. The video project contains over 1,500 video exchanges that are woven together to simulate a stream of conscious dialogue from more than 150 men from Chicago, New York, New Orleans, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Oakland, San Francisco and Birmingham.

T h e paper shines a light on a community that some have long up and forgotten, but a community with a future in this city. It shows some of the voices in the community, things that no other paper does. The writing is professional and reports on both sides of an issue. And you’re showing the good things that are happening in Red Hook. By reporting on positive things you’re getting more people to come and take an interest.

And you’ve highlighted some of the people that have live in Red Hook since the 40s and 50s and are still here. That’s important for people to read - a lot of people haven’t abandoned Red Hook — Leroy Branch - Assistant District Manager CB6

The Brooklyn Museum is launching a borough wide initiative called, GO: a community curated open studio project. The project invites artists to open their studios to allow community members to visit and nominate artists for inclusion in an exhibition at the museum. Artists wishing to participate in the project can now register at www.gobrooklynart.org throughout June. Red Hook Lions Club Flea Market opens June 16 in the Fine Fare Supermarket Parking lot from 10 am-4 pm every Saturday until August 11, (except Fourth of July weekend on the 7th.) For vendors, tables are available for $20 in advance and $25 same day. For more info, call (347) 272-0702 or (718) 834-0557 Leaving IKEA: A Play in Two Cantos will be playing at the Brooklyn Lyceum Theatre from June 7- June 24. Show times are 8 pm Thursday-Saturday and Sundays at 7 pm. The Gallery Players present The Black Box New Play Festival now through June 24. For more info visit www.galleryplayers.com Governors Island announces their public 2012 season including bike and walking tours, interactive art exhibitions, tours of Fort Jay and Castle Williams, Park Ranger programs and many other events from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend. Free ferry rides leave from lower Manhattan and Pier 6. For a full list of scheduled events, visit www.govisland.com

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June 16 - 31, 2012

Justice Center gives peacemaking a shot

young man from Conover Street is stumbling home drunk one night and sees a car he recognizes. The car belongs to a store owner who, just the other day, called the cops on him for threatening another customer. The kid pulls out his boxcutter and slashes all four tires. Suddenly he sees the red light of a squad car, and twenty minutes later, he’s in lockdown for destruction of property, menacing, and an outstanding warrant for public drinking and disorderly conduct. He pictures himself in Riker’s Island and, perhaps a few years down the line, in Green Haven Correctional Facility, which some locals call Red Hook North.

During arraignment the following day, Judge Calabrese offers the kid an alternative. It starts with admitting responsibility for what he did. Then, a peacemaker is assigned to the case. This peacemaker knows the kid and knows his family, and commands respect in the community. At the first peacemaking session, everyone directly and indirectly involved in the conflict is present: the peacemaker, the kid, the store owner, the kid’s mother and sister, the store owner’s wife, and anyone else that may have been affected by the young man’s actions. So begins a healing process that can take anywhere from six months to two years. The group regularly gets together in a safe space outside of the courthouse and sits in a circle, where they attempt to talk

Red Hook Star-Revue

by Matt Graber things through and work things out.

only one way to find out.

New program coming soon to the Justice Center

In December, Judge Calabrese and members of the Center for Court Innovation (CCI) who work at the Justice Center, traveled to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in Scottsdale, Arizona to meet with tribal court administrators. During a day-long roundtable discussion, the group explored some of the ways in which tribal and state courts can learn from one another.

Although it may sound unorthodox in an urban setting, administrators at the Red Hook Community Justice Center

When a crime is commited, it doesn’t just affect the offender and the victim, says Erika Sasson, who is organizing the peacemaking program at the Justice Center. If someone is a victim the entire family and community is affected by that. If it’s a street robbery it affects everyone on the block because they don’t feel safe. Defense attorney Brett Taylor has high hopes for this new program

have decided to give peacemaking a shot in the neighborhoods within its jurisdiction. Peacemaking focuses not just on the offender, the offense, and the punishment, but also on the victim, and the community as a whole. It has been practiced in tribal communities all over the world for thousands of years; tribal justice practitioners who have consulted with Justice Center staff predict that it will work well in cities. The application of peacemaking in an urban climate is so new that no one can be sure how it will work; but there is

Peacemaking differs in many ways from the western adversarial model of justice, in which a prosecutor and a defender argue before a judge over the guilt or innocence of a defendant. It more closely resembles a ceremony than a trial; and it places more emphasis on mending relationships than on punitive sentencing. It also differs from mediation, as CCI staff are quick to point out. The main difference is that a mediator is neutral and impartial, whereas a peacemaker, being part of the community, has a personal stake in solving the problem. This really is about communities taking ownership and focusing on the relation-

www.RedHookStar.com

ships of its own community members, says Brett Taylor, a defense attorney at the Justice Center and a participant in the December roundtable. The focus is not as much on the past and punishment, but future relationships and healing. Sasson and Taylor say that during the process, the people involved in a given peacemaking circle become de facto probation officers for the offender. If the offender continues to make trouble in the community, he or she may be referred back to the court system. In the coming months, CCI staff will ramp up outreach for potential peacemakers in the communities within the Justice Center’s catchment area of the 76th, 78th and 72nd precincts. They hope to launch the program sometime in September. A larger trend in Brooklyn’s criminal justice system

The peacemaking program, which is funded by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, reflects a growing movement in Kings County toward alternative approaches to dealing with criminals. It appears to be a shared sentiment among various players - defenders, prosecutors, judges, and defendants - that the court system would benefit from fresh approaches that emphasize rehabilitation. Earlier this year, First Assistant District Attorney Anne Swern described a paradigm shift in contemporary thinking toward a more restorative or problem(continued on page 11)

June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 3

our

Local Beat

news items written and collected by the Star-Revue editorial staff

Lecture Series on Urban Ecological Issues

The second installation of a lecture series hosted by the Gowanus Canal Conservancy will be held at 61 Bergen Street on Wednesday, June 20th at 6:30 pm. Dr. Erik Kiveat of the Hudsonia Institute will present “Phragmites (common reed): Villain or Friend?” Many ecologists and wetland managers have considered phragmites to be a weed with little value, but Dr. Kaveat has documented important ecosystem services of phragmites during the past 40 years. Admission is $5, or free if you renew or become a new member of the Conservancy.

Community Board 6 Receiving Applications for New Committee Members

Community Board 6 is putting together its committees for the 2012-2013 year. Current members can reapply, and new members are welcomed to apply for a position on one of six committees: Economic/Waterfront/Community Development & Housing Committee Environmental Protection/Permits & Licenses Landmarks/Land Use Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs Transportation/Public Safety Youth/Human Services/ Education. The CB6 district includes Carroll Gardens/South Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Columbia Street District, Gowanus, Park Slope, and Red Hook. Individuals can download a Committee Membership Request form at the Community Board 6 website. Applications are considered all year round, but must be submitted to the District Office by June 22nd for the initial round of appointments. Go to www.BrooklynCB6.org for more information.

New Bill to Hold MTA Accountable for Service Slashing

The Carroll Gardens Patch reported

on June 8 that Brooklyn Assemblyman Jim Brennan has proposed a bill to hold the MTA accountable for reporting how much money it saves by cutting transportation services. The bill calls on MTA to provide a report at the end of 2012 including how much money the MTA projected to save from cutting services, how much money they actually saved, and the costs of restoring all service cuts since 2008. It would also require the MTA to create their own proposal for restoring service cuts across all the affected neighborhoods. According to the Patch, in 2010 the MTA cut parts of three subway lines and 36 bus lines including Red Hook’s B77.

Summit Academy adds grade

This fall, Summit Academy Charter School will be four years old and will begin teaching four grades. By its seventh year, the school plans to offer grades six through twelve. About 75% of Summit’s 8th graders will stay on for the new 9th grade class, of which there are no available seats. New faculty will be hired, and the school will be using curriculum from SpringBoard, a Pre-AP program from College Board, as part of their college preparatory program.

MTA Board Hearing Transit Meeting On B77 Bus Service

Residents in favor of restoring B77 Service are encouraged to attend the next MTA board meeting, to be held on Wednesday, June 27th, at 9:30 am at MTA headquarters, 347 Madison Avenue, 5th floor boardroom, in support of restoring the B77, and may testify for up to two minutes each. To testify you must appear by 9 am and register. Residents can also sign a petition currently being circulated by Transit Workers Union (TWU) Local 100. Petitions can be found at both Red Hook Tenants Associations. Email J.P. Patasio at jplocal100@gmail.com for more information.

Red Hook Lions Club To Host Flee Market on Summer Saturdays

Have items lying around the house that someone else might want? After their successful weekend flee market last year, the Red Hook Lions Club plans to host a flee market on Saturdays from June 16 through August 11 (excepting July 7) from 10 am to 4 pm in the Fine Fare Supermarket Parking Lot at Columbia Street and Lorraine Street. The Lions Club will raise money by asking participants to pay $20 in advance or $25 on the day of for a spot in the flee market. Participants must bring their own table and can keep all the proceeds of their sales. The Red Hook Lions Club, chartered in 1992, helps those who are less fortunate in the Red Hook community by donating food baskets, school supplies, eyeglasses, and other necessities to those in need, as well as hosting toy-for-tot drives and holiday dinners. They are part of the International Association of Lions, which, according to its website, has 1.35 million members worldwide. Those interested in buying a table at the flea market can contact Andrea McKnight at 718-834-0557.

Hiring Process is Beginning at Barclay’s Center

2,000 arena jobs are opening up at the new home of the Brooklyn Nets, and anyone interested in applying for these jobs should get started now by registering online at www.brooklynbarclayscenterjobs.com. Forest City Ratner has partnered with the Department of Small Business Services (SBS and Workforce1) and NYCHA to prescreen potential candidates. Those that register for positions now will have to opportunity to schedule interviews at jobs fairs in July and August. Training for the positions will begin in August. Potential candidates are STRONGLY recommended to visit the website and start applying now.

Carroll Gardens Library Closed Temporarily

As of June 15th, the library will be closed for roof replacement. The renovation is expected to take about two months. Stay tuned for announcements of the library’s reopening, hopefully in August.

Puppets Festival a Hit

The First Annual Puppetry Arts Festival of Brooklyn drew a sizable turnout on June 2nd at the Old Stone House in Park Slope. A mix of families, celebrities, politicians and volunteers came to enjoy puppet performances like the likes of celebrated puppeteer Noel MacNeal. MacNeal, who has had success with his PBS television show, “Between the Lions,” invited kids on-stage for a hands-on performance workshop in which he taught participants about lip sync, eye contact and movement. Puppetry Arts secures free puppet making workshops in public schools, producing public performances of its original musicals for families and adults. The organization hosts large community events as well. It is supported by the Youth Empowerment Program (YEP!), a civic-based volunteer group for youth. For more information, visit www.puppetryarts.org or call (718) 768 3703.

Upcoming Father’s Day Clean and Green for Gowanus Canal

The Gowanus Canal Conservancy wishes to thank all who the Gowanus Spring Forward fundraiser on Wednesday, June 6th. The next event, Father’s Day Clean and Green, will be held at the Salt Lot on 2nd Avenue and 5th Street, on Sunday, June 17th at 11 am. Among the activities planned will be working the compost windrows and sifting matured compost, a native-plant propagation workshop and work in the gardens along the Canal. Volunteers must register by emailing volunteer@ gowanuscanalconservancy.org

Party for Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway

The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative would like to invite readers to join the Board, Host Committee and fellow greenway supporters for their summer benefit cocktail party, “New Views 2012: Williamsburg Bistros & Bites,” which is scheduled for Thursday, June 21st, from 6 to 9 pm at the Williamsburg Bridge. At the event, the City will announce its Implementation Plan for the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, which includes 24 capital projects spanning 14 miles from Greenpoint to Sunset Park. Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez and NYC DOT Commissioner Janette SadikKhan will be special guests. Visit www. brooklyngreenway.org to get tickets.

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June 16 - 31, 2012

man threatened to cut her face before grabbing her cell phone and leaving the scene. When he later returned to the location at 80 Bush Street, he was apprehended by the police.

Rally Against PCB Contamination in School by Abby Savitch-Lew

50 parents and New York Communities for Change organized a rally and press conference on Monday, June 11 at 8:45 am in front of The Brooklyn New School (BNS) and The Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies (BCS) at 610 Henry Street to demand that the Department of Education (DOE) immediately address contamination from polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the school’s light fixtures. They were joined by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest, Senator Daniel Squadron, District Leader Jo Anne Simon, and Borough President representative Margaret Kelley.” Parents at schools in three boroughs have rallied to oppose the DOE’s plans to take a decade to remediate 700 New York City schools with PCB containing light-fixtures – including Red Hook’s own PS. 15, Pave Academy, the Red Hook Neighborhood School, and Summit Academy Charter School. The EPA says that PCB, nationally banned in 1978, is a carcinogen with effects on the immune, reproductive, nervous, and endocrine systems. The city maintains that their efforts are sufficient. A NYC Department of Health bulletin says that There is no immediate health concern and health effects from long term exposure to the air in school buildings are unlikely to occur at the PCB levels seen in the NYC schools.” But parents at BNS and BCS disagree, saying ten years in an unacceptable timeline for the replacement. I don’t feel confident that our kids are safe,” said Tish Doggett, a BNS parent. It’s time to stop putting so much money to high stake testing and realign the budget with parent’s priorities.” Deb Levine, a parent of a 9-year-old daughter and 6-year-old son at BNS, said parents are also concerned for the health of schoolteachers and faculty, especially women of childbearing age. Mount Sinai’s Dr. Maida P. Galvez said in a New York Times interview last year that there is no safe thresholds for chemical exposure to PCBs for the unborn children of pregnant women.

When asked to comment on the complaints of parents, DOE representative Marge Feinberg responded in an e-mail: Our plan to replace light fixtures in these buildings is unprecedented compared to other cities, and PCBs are a nationwide issue. While some people think we should spend more and do this faster, we continue to believe this is an aggressive, environmentally responsible plan that will cause minimum disruption to student learning and generate significant energy savings for the City and taxpayers in the long run. Our work will take place outside of school hours, to minimize the disruption to students.”” PCBs were used in a variety of construction materials from 1950 to 1978. Aged materials containing PCB oil can leak or produce air vapors. In 2011, the EPA conducted spot inspections in several NYC schools and after finding contamination above regulatory levels urged the DOE to take action. As earlier reported on by the StarRevue, City Council passed laws last year to hold the DOE accountable for remediating facilitated contaminated with PCBs. One of the laws required the DOE to notify parents on an annual basis whether their child’s school has lights with PCBs and to provide a timetable for replacement. The first notification letter to parents went out in April this year. According to a statement issued by City Council, the DOE failed to comply with the law by not providing timetables and not informing 135 schools about lighting replacements that had already taken place in their buildings. In addition to the light fixtures, grout is another potential source of PCBs contamination. A database maintained by New York Lawyers for the Public Interest indicates that PS 15’s grout has been tested and deemed contaminated” with PCBs; other schools in Red Hook are yet to be tested. The parents at BNS and BCS plan to send a letter to the regional EPA administrator, Judith Enck, to ask the EPA to step in to inspect their building.

Closed fist punching A 22-year-old male says he was attacked from behind by a pair of muggers on the corner of Wolcott and Otsego on Wednesday, June 6th at 11:30 am. One of the muggers punched him with a closed fist, removing his jacket and cell phone. Police later arrested a male, 16, and female, 26.

Criminal Activities June 1 - 15 Finger biting As a young woman was walking through Coffey Park at 7:25 pm on Sunday, June 3rd, three teenagers attacked her from behind, forcibly trying to remove her phone. According to the victim, 26, a struggle ensued as she bit one of the muggers on the pinky finger before getting pushed to the ground. She sustained minor injuries to her left elbow from the fall. The three perpetrators are described as a 15-year-old black male wearing blue shorts and a white t-shirt; a 17-year-old black male wearing yellow shorts; and a third black male with no further description. Any tips should be reported to the 76th Precinct. Face cutting A 35-year-old male was arrested for threatening his girlfriend and stealing her phone at 1 am on June 10th. According to the 27-year-old victim, the

Loaded gun with drugs An officer from the conditions unit, (which specializes in quality of life enforcement), working with the 76th Precinct anti-crime team spotted two men smoking marijuana in front of 493 Columbia Street on the evening of Friday, June 8th. The officer, one of 22 cops transferred to the Seven-Six earlier this year, discovered a crack pipe and crack cocaine in addition to a loaded 9mm Taurus handgun. The two men, one 35 and the other 42, have been charged with criminal possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana. 39 tickets to truck drivers In response to pressure from the community, the 76th Precinct sent a message to truck drivers that have been driving over-length trucks on Van Brunt Street, as well as speeding and driving on the curb. This past Tuesday, June 12th, cops issued 39 summonses to truckers on Red Hook’s main drag. (Have a tip for the police? The 76th Precinct is looking to gather intelligence from the community about crime in the area. Call (718) 834-3211 or email 76Precinct@NYPD.org)

A notorious Brooklyn car thief was caught at around 2 am on May 23rd, after police observed him trying to open the doors of several cars near Henry Street. When officers approached Efrain Gauthier, he tried to escape on his bike, but only got a few blocks. The 24-year-old Gauthier has 25 prior convictions under his belt. He is currently being held on $10,000 bail.

Wearing lime-colored T-shirts that said I have a right to know is my childs school contaminated with PCBs? the protestors chanted ABCs not PCBs and Wake Up Walcott. Parents at the two schools say they have detected PCB leakages that make the school eligible for the DOE’s light replacement fast track. The DOE insists all leaking lights will be replaced within 48 hours of confirmation and that any school with PCB leakages will have all their lights replaced in one year. After parents sent a petition to the DOE with 231 parent signatures and photographs they believed matched pictures of leaks supplied by the DOE, inspectors conducted a visual test and said none of the school’s lights were leaking.” New York Lawyers for the Public Interest questions the DOE’s visual tests for their accuracy. According to PCBLightsOut.org, the DOE’s visual inspectors have found ballasts leaks at 25% of sites examined, where as the EPA found leaks at nearly 100% of sites inspected.

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Opinion:

Soda War by Michael Racioppo

n May 30th Mayor Bloomberg announced his plan to limit sugary drinks sold in restaurants, movie theaters and other places where a person is buying an individual serving - not an amount to be shared - to 16 ounces. Since then it’s been pretty difficult to find any positive reaction to it. That’s because most people see the plan as a restriction of freedom. Bloomberg is taking away their right to drink or eat whatever they please. Opponents of his plan invoke the specter of the nanny state or, worse, an Orwellian Big Brother progressing into more and more of our day to day life. It’s a good argument. It plays on a lot of people’s core beliefs and fears as New Yorkers, and Americans, who have historically claimed to love, and be willing to do, anything for the protection of freedom. That being said, sometimes the government should look to change societies behavior for the better. Preventable death and suffering trump an exaggerated concern about untrammeled liberty and are instances in which government should step in. We have accepted seat belt laws and, as a more esoteric example during Bloomberg’s first terms as Mayor, we accepted bans on smoking in public places such as bars and restaurants. Some still oppose it but the public sentiments have become more positive over time despite the initial outcry. The questions then becomes this: is Bloomberg’s plan for sugary drinks, a case of the government sticking its nose where it shouldn’t, or is it a wise plan to normalize healthier habits? Those that say it is a wise plan will surely also say that we need it. The reason is that we have become too fat as a nation. We may not notice it because it has become the new normal. 1 in 3 Americans are now obese so it’s hardly noticeable. Sure, that one person deals with the expanded waistband but we all have to deal with higher healthcare costs brought about by needing treatment for things like diabetes and heart disease. Those in favor of the ban can also make the argument we have been hearing so much about how we are an obese nation from elected officials but no tangible action. Bloomberg’s proposal has taken action and, at the very least, is a tangible change from inaction of the past and every other currently elected official. No matter where you come down on this issue, it is important to remember it is just a small step and nobody should overstate its significance. A deli will still have a 20-ounce milkshake with more calories than any soda of the same size. Everyone will still be able to buy two 16-ounce sodas at the movies. You will also be able to eat and drink from countless other vendors who are unaffected by the proposed ban. Just walk through any New York street fair this summer and pick up some fried dough if you want proof. Those that think it’s some form of a cure all should remember that man can’t clog his arteries on Cola alone.

Fifth-graders from PS. 676 presented a quilt to the Red Hook Initiative, designed based off a book about Martin Luther King, Jr.

PS. 676 Students Present a Gift to the Red Hook Initiative

Enter the doors of the Red Hook Initiative (RHI) at 767 Hicks Street and be greeted by a quilt filled with the inspirational words of Martin Luther King Jr. and our next generation. Five P.S. 676 students from class 5-229 and their teacher Jo Ann Porter took a trip down Hicks Street on Wednesday, June 6 to deliver the quilt, which they constructed based on their interpretation of a book about Martin Luther King Jr. Jill Eisenhard, founder and executive director of RHI, said it was a “a really

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great honor that they chose us to display their work,” and hoped the students now felt welcome at RHI and would come back for RHI’s 6th grade programs. Porter and her six students read Martin’s Book Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. by Doreen Rappaport, and printed both Martin Luther King Jr.’s words and their own paraphrased statements on felt patches tied together with string. This included King Jr.’s words, “Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that,” and 5-229’s words, “Make the world a better place.” - Abby Savitch-Lew

June 16 - 31, 2012

Nydia Velazquez in June 26 primary

ganza this Saturday, June 16th from 1 pm to 6pm. On Red Hook

(continued from page 1)

held debates is to give seats to candidates who we consider to be viable... Who are on the ballot... [And] getting donations from voters in the district, and spending money on basic campaign expenses.” Martinez Deputy Campaign Manager, Cecily McMillan, responded in the same press release, “While Mr. Martinez has indeed been approved by the Board of Elections, and submitted all required Federal Elections Committee (FEC) paperwork, he was not required until recently to submit an FEC financial disclosure form because his campaign had succeeded in getting nearly 3,000 signatures and his place on the ballot without spending the minimum disclosure amount of $5,000. To us, this represents a victory for people-powered, grassroots politics, not a lack of ‘viability’!” The press release also mentioned a rally outside the NY1 studios in Chelsea during the debate had been planned along with other Occupy Wall Street groups joining in; the rally was called off due to the postponement. Commenting on Velazquez’s loss, Martinez said, “I have reached out to the Congressperson. This is clearly an important and very sad day for Congressperson Velazquez and her family. So we wanted to, with all due respect, recognize that.” Upcoming Appearances

Martinez: “My family was one of the first Puerto Rican families to move in on Columbia Street so I’m very aware of how isolated a community Red Hook is. As home to the largest public housing development in Brooklyn, public transportation is a critical lifeline and that needs to be addressed. However, Red Hook is also, literally, uniquely in a position to become a prototype Smart Growth community. Taking advantage of natural features such as wind and tide, we could convert existing power plants to green energy and retrofit existing buildings for renewable energy. We can do this with the existing available, and willing, workforce that already lives in Red Hook. We can address both unemployment and sustainable energy.” O’Connor: “The one complaint I often hear about when I’m in Red Hook is the MTA and transportation in general. I would focus on that. Specifically, I encourage investigation into the MTA reThe Union Street garding corruption and management.”

Star Theater

Commentary

Red Civic Association President, “homeHook of the legendary Thursday Night Jam” John McGettrick, weighed in on the upcoming primary by saying that he, individually, as well as the other individuals and groups that comprise the Newspaper supporting association willThe Hook’s be Local strongly Rep. Velazquez’s re-election efforts. He noted her vital environmental efforts in cleaning up the Gowanus Canal as well as her opposition to certain provisions of the Patriot Act.

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connor2012.com/events/) as soon as possible. O’Connor press contact, Matt McEnerney, commented via email, “I do know that we have a big fundraiser at the Tribeca Grand on June 21st and will be at the Park Slope Senior Center on Thursday.” As reported in the previous issue, George Martinez continues to go out every weekday greeting commuters, canvassing neighborhoods, appearing at community outreach events, and setting up his table in district neighborhoods on the Lower East Side, Park Slope, Williamsburg, Sunset Park, and Bushwick. His calendar also notes he will be at the Atlantic Avenue Extrava-

“Based on her record, she should win handily,” said McGettrick. “I’m convinced she’ll win as long as her supporters come out to vote.” Important information for New York City voters, we have just learned that the NYC Board of Elections will not be issuing notifications about the upcoming June 26 Federal Primary. If you are not sure of where your polling site is you can either call the BOE phone bank at 866-868-3692 or check online at http:// gis.nyc.gov/vote/ps/index.htm Editors Note: In our last issue we stated that Nydia Velazquez has been in office since 2001. Actually she first became a congresswoman in 1993.

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“Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place”: A History of The Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Pier 11, and the Atlantic Basin

n our last issue, the Star-Revue reported on the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC’s efforts to start a concert series in the Brooklyn Cruise Terminals parking lot and how the first two concerts, sponsored by Pacha NYC, were relocated out of Red Hook after Port Authority denied Pacha NYC the permit to host the events. In fact, the Pacha NYC mix-up is only one example of a long history of complications since the NYCEDC and Port Authority opened the Cruise Terminal in 2006. Because cruise ships dock at the Terminal less than 60 days each year this year only 42 days NYCEDC has repeatedly searched for uses for the Terminal and surrounding areas. Yet, several community members feel NYCEDC has ignored the demands of the community. The way Port Authority and NYCEDC have handled the piers suggests the influence of a variety of contradicting interests and not-always-transparent decision-making.

The Cruise Terminal

The areas in question include Pier 12, (the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal), Pier 11, (a strip of land that includes the Cruise Terminal Parking Lot) and the Atlantic Basin (a body of water enclosed by Pier 11 and Pier 12). According to Port Authority, the Terminal represents a $52 million investment in the city’s cruise sector, which, together with the Manhattan Cruise Terminal brought in $239 million to the city of New York in 2011. Louis Pernice, President of the International Longshoreman’s Association 1814, welcomes the 84 to 95 workers employed to load and discharge each ship upon arrival. NYCEDC’s original plans to build a second terminal at Pier 10 were not realized. Craig Hammerman, District Manager of Community Board Six, criticized NYCEDC for making a rushed decision to build a

by Abigail Savitch-Lew

cruise ship terminal and only involved the community after the planning stage: “Normally when such a major facility is conceived, there is an expectation that the community would be involved in the planning process. But that wasn’t the case here with the Cruise Ship Terminal,” said Hammerman. He explained that while city agencies are required to consult with the community during the planning process, NYCEDC, as a non-profit corporation, “is under no such requirement,” even though they

criticize them for stalling on efforts to mitigate pollution and failure to develop Pier 11, Pier 12, and the Atlantic Basin into an inviting port with parks, shops, and a water taxi service. The Atlantic Basin and Pier 11

The gates are open. Any passerby on the street can take a stroll onto Pier 11, which consists of the Phoenix Beverage recycling center and the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal parking lot – filled with buses on cruise days. For the past two years, Pier 12 and Pier 11 are home to the annual Red Hook

“There has been no community programming at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal except Red Hook Crit. “The Community’s expectations were clearly built up but certain expectations were never materialized,” said Hammerman.

use public tax funds. Hammerman said the Terminal doesnt lend itself to being used as conference space which is sad and unfortunate. Or maybe not some people in the community might think that’s actually good! Brian McCormick, a resident of Red Hook who is also a co-founder of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Initiative, said (speaking solely as a resident), “What’s the real connection to the people who are living and working – and actually coming to the waterfront as well?” While recognizing that the cruise terminal brings economic benefits to the city, he questioned how the terminal benefits the neighborhood. Adam Armstrong has lived in Red Hook for over 10 years and examines the use of the Red Hook waterfront on his blog “A View From the Hook.” He said he would not call NYCEDC “irresponsible” for building the Terminal because he believes they did not get much push back on the idea. He would rather

Crit event, a bicycle tournament organized by David Trimble. Trimble said he learned about the site from a friend who works at EDC, and that there was no formal permit application template. He submitted an operational plan and received approval from EDC and Port Authority. NYCEDC said that the Brooklyn Cruise

Terminal has also been used for weddings, business conferences, and a banquet. On June 13, the only boat in the Atlantic Basin is Milos Simovic’s elegant expedition yacht, “Cape Race.” Simovic said he rents his space from NYCEDC and has been docked there on and off for just over a year. He has seen other ships in the pier, including “Zephyr,” “Cliper City,” “Shearwater,” “Wonderbird,” tug boats, fire boats, water taxis and the Coast Guard. “Cape Race,” formerly a fishing boat, often leaves the dock to take climate scientists on trips to different parts of the globe. While in the Atlantic Basin, Simovic makes the boat a welcoming space for visitors and holds movie screenings for kids. But Armstrong said the Atlantic Basin has been underutilized. “Nothing’s ever been able to happen long-term,” he said. Hammerman said Pier 11 has suffered the same fate. “They’re all special events basically – there’s no permanent presence that involves the community there.” For years, NYCEDC has called for more extensive use of the space. In a 2006 powerpoint presentation for Community Board 6, NYCEDC explored different possibilities, including “maritime industrial” and options to increase public

Lots of empty space is apparent at the Pier 11 parking lot (photo by Savitch-Lew)

use. In 2007, they issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the development of a marina facility that would “maximize public access” and “include an integrated job apprenticeship or vocational training program for local residents.” The Brooklyn Paper reported in November of 2008 that NYCEDC did receive proposals. One offered a luxury marina, restaurant, shipyard, and platform for ferries to Governors Island another, a public beach, concessions, and marina. But NYCEDC made no selections with little explanation, saying only that the proposals did not meet its criteria. In 2007, NYCEDC issued a request for an event coordinator to plan commercial, non-profit, and community events using the Cruise terminal facilities and Pier 11 parking lot. The request called for at least 10 events spaced evenly throughout the year. NYCEDC never selected an event-coordinator. In 2009, NYCEDC arranged to give the northern end of Pier 11 to Phoenix Bev(continued on next page)

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June 16 - 31, 2012

Trying to explain the confusion around the Cruise Terminal (continued from previous page)

erage for a recycling facility, putting an end to the possibility of a marina or even marine industrial use of the pier. Armstrong says that at that time, NYCEDC assured the community that Portside, an organization that runs public programming off a retired oil tanker, would be able to reside in the Atlantic Basin. Yet, while Portside did have short leases, Port Authority did not allow them to make their permanent home in the basin. According to Armstrong, ships that wanted to reside in the Basin got “tied up in so much red tape between the Port Authority and the EDC.”

landing, events could be cancelled with little advance notification. Simovic, owner of “Cape Race,” said that negotiating the various commercial and community interests is an underestimated challenge. He expressed faith in Thomas Spina, NYCEDC’s new director of cruise operations, whom he says has a maritime background and is “very knowledgeable.” “EDC is caught between a rock and a hard place,” said Armstrong, who speculated that there may be conflicting interests between departments NYCEDC and Port Authority, as well as between departments of NYCEDC.

RFPs for alternative uses of the Atlantic Basin continued, year after year. In January 2010, NYCEDC held a meeting to gather input from the community about how to use the underused Pier 11 parking lot adjacent to the recycling facility. According to Armstrong’s blog “A View From the Hook,” about 40 people attended the meeting, including residents, elected officials, and representatives from Red Hook Houses, the Red Hook Civic Association, the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway Initiative and other organizations. The group suggested the space could be used as a camp site, a bike rental space, or a skate park, or to host art installations, trade shows, markets, festivals, theater, movies, or concerts, among other ideas. NYCEDC issued an RFP for a programmer who would design an event series that included at least five days of community programming a month, and who would take into consideration the ideas of the community. Two years later, there has been no community programming at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal except Red Hook Crit. “The Community’s expectations were clearly built up and certain expectations were never materialized,” said Hammerman. Yet many of the community’s visions are listed in the New York City’s Waterfront Vision and Enhancement Strategy (WAVES) 2011 report. The report enumerates goals for the Red Hook waterfront, including the development of the Brooklyn Greenway path through the Atlantic Basin, more commercial vessel use and a “hub” for maritime support services in the basin, public accessibility of the cruise terminal and Atlantic Basin, recreation and educational programming at the Atlantic Basin, and industrial development at the Container Terminal, among other objectives.

The “Cape Race” rents space from NYCEDC (photo by Savitch-Lew)

McCormick said NYCEDC needed to do a better job eliciting feedback from the community. “And make sure you have the people who are not involved in government or politics come to the table to form and shape what’s being proposed.” Whatever the reason that NYCEDC has not lived up to several community members expectations, the history of the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Pier 11, and the Atlantic Basin provides a snapshot of the conflicting interests in Red Hook today from residents who want to cut environmental pollution, to nonprofits looking for more community space, to marine industries struggling to retain jobs. Should the Atlantic Terminal become a commercial space or an upscale marine? Can it become both? In the meantime, Simovic will rejoice in this rare cove of NYC where he is allowed to dock his expedition yacht. “Boats are dreams,” said Simovic. ”There’s less and less space for boats like this.”

Star-Revue Community Calendar Community Board 6

Red Hook Houses Town Hall Meeting Economics Waterfront Community Development & Housing Committee Monday June 18, 6:30 pmThe NYCHA Miccio Center 110 West 9th Street (btw Clinton St & Henry St) Agenda: Red Hook East and West residents are invited to share complaints, concerns and ideas for improving public housing so we can be more effective advocates for you. Environmental Protection Committee Meeting Tuesday June 19, 6:30 pm Our Lady of Peace Parish – Bingo Room - 522 Carroll Street (btw Whitwell & Denton Places) Agenda: Department of Environmental Protection representatives will present on the Gowanus Canal Area High Level Storm Sewer Capital Project, a project to address flooding btw 3rd and 4th avenue and Douglass and State Streets. Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Wednesday June 20, 6:30 pm Prospect Park Residence – 1 Prospect Park West Agenda: Prospect Park Administrator Emily Lloyd will discuss Prospect Park-related projects, programs, and policies. Transportation Committee Meeting Thursday June 21, 6:30 pm Holy Name Church – Shepherd’s Hall – 245 Prospect Park West (btw Windsor Place & Prospect Avenue) Agenda: Discussion of Department of Transportation’s proposal for increasing pedestrian safety at the Bartel-Pritchard Square traffic circle, for installing an eastbound bicycle lane on 14 St. btw Prospect Park West and 3 Avenue and a westbound lane along 15 St. btw Bartel-Pritchard Square and 3 Avenue, and on traffic safety measures in the Hicks Street corridor.

Port Authority Says it Hopes to Advance “Shore Power” at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal

NY/NJ Port Authority (PA) executive director Patrick Foye said at a government meeting on Tuesday, June 5 that the organization is committed to advancing shore power at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal technology that will allow idling cruise ships to receive power from the electric grid. PA’s board will vote on approving the project this month. But Steve Coleman at Port Authority says the details of who will pay for the extra $4.3 million unforeseen costs of the project are still being worked out. If implemented, the technology will eliminate almost 1,500 tons of carbon dioxide, 95 tons of nitrous oxide, and six and a half tons of particulate matter emitted annually from diesel-powered cruise ships on the Red Hook waterfront. In total, the emission reduction will create $9 million in health benefits, according to the PA. For years, community members have lobbied PA to address the pollution

Public Safety/Environmental Protection/Permits/Licenses Committee Meeting Monday June 25, 6:30 pm Old First Reformed Church – 729 Carroll Street Agenda: TBA Youth/Human Services/ Committee Wednesday June 27, 6:30 pm Park Slope Armory YMCA 361 15th Street Agenda: TBA

Protests/Workshops

End Stop and Frisk: Silent March Against Racial Profiling Sunday June 17, 3 pm West 110th Street (btw Central Park West/8th Ave. and 5th Ave.) Manhattan. Join the 1199 SEIU union, the NAACP National Action Network, civil rights, faith, labor, and community groups. Community Workshop on Domestic Violence, Lack of Affordable Housing, and Unemployment Thursday June 21, 10-12 pm Community Board 7/4301 Fourth Avenue and 43rd StreetContacts: Giovanni Puello at 718-237-2017 Ext.117, GPuello@ fifthave.org or Maria Santiago, 718-238-5138, msantiago@thehealingcenter.org .

Tenant Meeting

East Tenant Association Meeting Wednesday June 20, 7 pm 167 Bush St Apt. 1B

Seniors

Senior Resource Fair Monday, June 25, 2010 11 am - 2 pm St. Francis College, 182 Remsen St. (btw Court St & Clinton St.) Seniors can learn about assistance from a variety of organizations, including NYC Dept. for the Aging, Access-A-Ride, Free blood pressure, among many other organizations.

created by idling diesel-powered ships. “We applaud the efforts of our local elected officials to keep this item on the PA’s agenda because this is a critical item we’d all like to see a greener port, said Craig Hammerman, District Manager of Community Board 6, who said he’d withhold major celebration until the plan went forward. In the original deal, PA agreed to pay $12 million and the EPA kicked in a $3 million grant. Carnival Cruise Lines was to spend $4 million retrofitting its ships, and New York City and New York Power Authority said they’d provide electricity to Carnival at a discounted rate of $2 million a year for five years. The PA said in a letter to the Public Service Commission that they are interested in the project as part of their plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 80% from 2006 levels by the year 2050, but various cost negotiations have held up the project. Shore power, while used at several west coast cities, is currently unavailable on the east coast.-Abby Savitch Lew

Why So Complicated?

So why isn’t there a marina on Pier 11, with a ferry service to Governor’s Island? Why isn’t there a greenmarket or a concert series or a park? Perhaps the space has failed to attract willing investors. Note the 2010 RFP, which warned potential programmers that there was no electricity or plumbing on site, any construction had to be temporary to make way for buses on cruise-ship days, the availability of storage space would be evaluated on a caseby-case basis, and, in the event that a ship needed to make an emergency

Red Hook Star-Revue

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June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 9

The

Blue Pencil Lunar Revue A spoof publication of the Red Hook Star-Revue, no information below is meant to be true or offensive.

Top 10 uses for the

Red-Hook Star-Revue 1. You can tear small pieces and chew them into wet balls, which you can then use as earplugs. 2. They make great sailor hats for Fleet Week. 3. You can roll up the paper and smoke it, and see if it makes you more informed about your community. 4. You can go noodling for catfish, wrap the fish up in the newspaper and sell them to the Chinese in exchange for various imported goods. 5. Great for gift wrapping. 6. You can read it to your children to put them to bed, specifically the events calendar, which Eric Ruff writes in his sleep. 7. It’s good bathroom reading and can serve as a substitute for toilet paper. 8. If you read every issue - all available online - you’ll know more about Red Hook than our publisher and janitor, George Fiala, who is illiterate. 9. It’s a great way to feel connected to your community and stay in the loop about the world around you, and stuff. 10. You can tear it to tiny shreds and soak in milk, producing a thick pulp; then you can get your roommate drunk and when they pass out on the couch, you can coat their face in the mulch, making them look like Santa Claus, and then you can laugh about it.

Inside the reporter’s notebook: Another pointless meeting

reporter on deadline and I’m being drug off to another one of these retarded community meetings. Against my will. I can’t remember the last time I slept. I don’t understand half of what these meetings are about. And I certainly can’t spell most of the words. In my delirium, I am forced to go, kicking and screaming the whole time. Of course it starts 22 minutes late. I’m not talking to these people. Being nice will only exhaust me more. Oh, wow, another slide show presentation. I’m not falling for this trap. All those words I always try to scribble down before they change the slide. And my notes are incomplete, and I’m supposed to write up a 500 word article on this stupidness? I’m going to take notes my own way this time, and the editor will just have to deal with it! My counterpart, Barry, sits there attentive, nodding in approval and occasionally scowling. Is he really enjoying this? If he’s here, why do I have to be? Then that idiot sitting next to me nudges me, like maybe the whole world is at stake depending on whether or not I wrote down that tidbit of nonsense. Okay, I diagram. should I draw that? Copy all the information? Those letters are tiny! Why do I always sit in the back? Okay, let me write some of this down. Waterfront and a new tree there by this pier and..they changed the slide. Next! (Seriously, the faster they get through this the sooner I can get outta here.) Barry takes his turn talking, tells me something is important that I missed. He whispers something about canals. Then an important person goes head to head with a non-important person in a disappointingly passive argument. Someone suggests they take everything to a different meeting. The last slide is announced - mercifully, thankfully so! The random blabber continues. Time for a little Q & A, as if this meeting hasn’t lasted long enough. No one asks questions, but the talking goes on and on. All the while, I sit here taking notes to keep from nodding off. Everyone thinks I’m sitting here working hard as always, taking furious notes. Pay attention, Lucy. There are too many trucks on the road. Big corporations are bad. The city doesn’t have any money, neither does the state. So the subject gets changed to benches. They would be nice.

Somebody wrote (maybe) To whom it may con- and responsibly executcern at the Red Hook ed paper, often provocaStar-Revue: tive, always charming, I am writing to ask you sometimes exhilarating to please stop producing and without a doubt the SEXIEST publication this newspaper. in all of Brooklyn. Your Now don’t get me news coverage trumps wrong, I love the paper. My friends love it, and I the competition with its always pick up a few ex- integrity and boldness, tra copies to distribute and your arts and culamong my coworkers ture features make the and loved ones. It’s a Village Voice look like fantastic paper, very in- the TV Guide. And as formative, illuminating, for the new sports secenlightening and enter- tion, which I noticed taining, in addition to that you introduced in being a breath of fresh the last issue, well, it’s air and an inspiration, the business, to speak not to mention the fact colloquially. that - and I’m sure that I am not alone here - the Star-Revue is the most eloquently written, brilliantly conceived

And that’s just the problem. The Star-Revue is too good. It is nauseatingly good. It is so good that I am asking

Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue

you to stop producing it, because I fear that the world just isn’t ready for something like this. If you keep improving at this rate, after only two years in publication, by 2015 the Star-Revue will surpass all hyperbole. This will necessitate the creation of a new language just to describe its quality. So just stop. Please. You have proved your point. We all now know what community journalism looks like at its very best. There is no need to rub it in any longer. Stop the presses! Sincerely, Your most devoted reader, Pete Hamill, Journalist, novelist, essayist, edi-

A nice sunny park bench to take a nap in the sunshine... The unaccomplished meeting continues. Barry suggests a water fountain and everybody says “no.” They’ll plant trees instead. They’ll have water for the trees, but none for the people. Bike shares catch my attention. But somebody else wants to talk about trolleys. Barry says we have to stay till the bitter end. I say it will kill me; he says it will be worth it. Yo, Barry, there’s no scoop here. And the somebody is still talking about trolleys. The important person is talking about saving the neighborhood by getting us some barges. “It will either fail, or it will work,” he proclaims. How very profound. Barry said, write that down. So I did. And he took my picture again. I must look like quite the expert reporter scratching words into this notebook. “This city is just like any other city,” one of the other non-important somebodys said. Barry didn’t say write that down, but I did anyway. Who is that politician’s assistant that’s talking now? And why is he so offensive? What a douche. I don’t think Barry is going to like my note taking tonight. But he picked up every flyer in the building. Twice. The guy sitting in front of me is wearing long sleeves and flip flops. I told Barry to take his own notes. “A third of a mile from shore is 4-6 times higher than if you hop into the middle of the city.” I even brought a pen for him. “Adjourned.” My favorite part of these meetings. But no, ladies and gentlemen, the fun has just begun. Now we have to make friends. Ask “how is so-and so?” Barry says, “Let me take your picture with Mr. important. Okay, great! Now take seven of me and Mr. Important.” Finally, a bemused Barry is sure we’ve talked to everybody. That and the fact that everyone has finally left and they are literally kicking us out of the door. Locking it behind us. Barry and I part ways, and he yells over his shoulder, “See you at tomorrow night’s meeting?” My response was not appropriate for print in this publication.

Blue Pencil Classifed Ads To place your own ad in our next issue, please go see a shrink because you are obviously out of your mind.

Please submit your ridiculous classifieds to editor@redhookstar.com

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Occupy movement has collectively gone to the bathroom in a mass demonstration of human solidarity to kick off its Summer 2012 “Everybody Poops” campaign. Mayor Bloomberg, who hasn’t pooped since Ed Koch was in office, has sharply condemned the action. No one is quite sure what to make of the comment uttered on Monday by mayoral hopeful Scott Stringer, who reportedly told staffers that he was “jonesing for some pork buns right now.” Unpaid interns have gone on strike, paralyzing the nation’s economy. Red Hook’s ostrich problem has been resolved thanks to courageous acts by Councilman Brad Lander. The lack of Muscovy ducks remains a pressing issue.

FOR SALE

2-year-old Ecuadorian iguana. We thought it would be a fun pet but it just sits there. Asking price: $1 (negotiable). Reply to disappointed@redhookstar.com

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Full Encyclopedia Britannica. Mint condition. You can’t get this level of access to information anywhere else. Asking price: $600. Reply to clueless@ redhookstar.com A fun day with myself, actor Tom Hulce from movies such as Amadeus and Parenthood. No one hires me anymore even though I’m awesome, and I need the money, and the attention. Asking for: $100. Reply to underrated@redhookstar.com Seventeen hairless cats. My performance art piece was a hit in the underground art world, but now I’m stuck with all of these freaky cats. Asking price: $5 per cat. Reply to treehouseofpleasure@redhookstar.com

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myhead@redhookstar.com A reason to vote in the upcoming presidential election. Reply to cynic@redhookstar.com

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We will recover your stuff from your ex so you don’t have to suffer the awkMy pen! Does someone have my wardness. For extra fee, pen? I wrote in last issue and no one we will send someone hot has responded. Please, if you have pretending to be your new it, or know who might have it, let me lover. Asking for: depends know! Reply to whohasmypen@red- on multiple factors. Reply hookstar.com to dirtywork@redhookstar. com The complete works of Godard and other French New Wave filmmakers. Anything, really. I’ll help I’m new to the city and I really want your kids with their homea hip girlfriend, but I never know what work, give you legal advice, they’re talking about! Reply to: over- and I’ve got some great stories. Just need something

June 16 - 31, 2012

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

Resident, activist

I wish we had this newspaper 10 years ago. Maybe if we had you guys when Fairway and IKEA were being built we could have had more leverage — Wally Bazemore - Resident and community leader

transit

W e appreciate the information and insight we get about our neighborhood having a truly local paper. In a short period of time you’ve become a real part of the community.—dry dock wine & spirits

Red Hook is a place where dream are born and lives are driven. — Shawn Smith, Coordinator, CPP@Red Hook

The transformation and fulfillment of a half-baked idea by George Fiala

t’s not just a job. The newspaper business is about the furthest thing from a regular occupation that one can possibly imagine. We go to sleep when we can’t keep our eyes open anymore, wake up and go right back to work. As far as I’m concerned, I couldn’t ask for a more rewarding life. The Red Hook Star-Revue began, oddly enough, as a means to reduce the rent I was paying for my mailing business. Those details are not important. What was important was that when I presented my idea for a local newspaper to my landlord, Frank Galeano, he immediately became an enthusiastic supporter. We shook hands on a partnership. All of a sudden I had committed myself to creating a brand new paper every month. I put together some advertising materials and in a couple days Frank came back with ads and checks, meaning I had to create things to go in between. I took a walking tour around Columbia Street and ran a two page collage of things in the neighborhood. I was in fact new to Red Hook. I had just rented 101 Union Street after 22 years in other parts of downtown Brooklyn. I could count on my fingers the number of times I had actually been to Red Hook. A meal or two at Ferdinando’s, occasional slices at House of Pizza and Calzone, a couple of forays to Lillie’s to hear country music and drink beers. I didn’t exactly know what I was doing when I started the paper. I did know, however, that I missed newspapers. I had done some of this before, but not all. My newspaper experience included just about everything else, but I was never a reporter. So I had to become one. The last newspaper I worked at before starting my own mailing business was the Brooklyn Phoenix. I watched my boss create the issues, listened to him with the reporters and paid attention when he edited copy. That’s where I learned my chops, including things NOT to do when running a business. Through a friend who publishes a similar kind of paper in Port Chester, I made a deal with a printer in Connecticut. I finished the first pages and uploaded to their server. I felt a huge sense of accomplishment and relief that I actually got an issue done. The next day I set out to pick them up. After all these years, I was once again involved in creating thousands and thousands of printed

newspapers. Watching them come off the press and loading them into my Taurus, I knew that the newspaper bug, long dormant in me, was back for good. Just like any burst of consummated passion, reality shortly set in and I realized that I was in something, a commitment that required work and energy. Little by little a staff was created. I knew, from experience early on, that if I couldn’t get other people to join me, I’d have to do everything myself. One of the early issues was just about completely written by me, perhaps the most pressure filled three days before deadline that I’ve ever faced. Like writing five term papers in a row without any possibility of getting an extension. After that experience, I made finding writers a first priority. I lucked into two. At the end of August Josie Rubio sent me an email in response to a small ad that we still run in our classified section. She wrote, “When I saw the Red Hook Star-Revue in my mailbox, I was really glad to see a newspaper specifically for this area!” She had moved here from Columbus, Ohio where she edited the nightlife and dining sections of their version of NY Magazine.

apartment to write this email. I am a proud Red Hook resident (I’ve been living on Dikeman Street for a little over a year) and have been reading the StarRevue since I moved here. I’m originally from 12th Street in Park Slope and part of why I love Red Hook is that in many ways it resembles the neighborhood I remember as a kid, South Slope circa 1989, which as you know had a very different flavor to it. In any case, I don’t see myself moving from Red Hook any time soon and the idea of writing for the community paper is very exciting to me. I met him a few days later. He reminded me very much of the kinds of reporters that I worked with at the Phoenix back in the 1980’s. I might have hired him just because of that. Regular readers of the Star-Revue know that Matt is our main investigative reporter. He covers the Red Hook Houses, the police beat, he’s taken helicopter rides and trips through the Gowanus Canal to cover things for us. He’s got such a wry sense of humor that at first I thought he had none. He makes silly faces with us, he’s made me dance “I’m a little teapot” in front of an audience, and he’ll sit motionless for hours thinking about how to craft a story.

“Three days before deadline, I would become a screaming maniac trying to get the paper done on time.” I wrote her back with a couple of my ideas. She agreed to be responsible for the feature and arts coverage every month She found writers and wrote stories. On deadline day, I would receive a seemingly unending barrage of emails containing stories and photos. She took a big load off of my shoulders. The Star-Revue was still a part-time operation for me. I would spend most of the month tending the mailing business. Then, three days before deadline, I would become a screaming maniac trying to get the paper done on time. People quickly learned to stay out of my way during those three days. I think I’ve gotten a lot better about this, but the Senior Editor strongly disagrees. My next big piece of luck came two weeks later when I received this email from somebody named Matt Graber: “I was sitting at the Waterfront Laundry reading the September 2010 issue about 15 minutes ago. When I saw the job opening I basically raced back to my

Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

By last summer, both Frank and Josie were gone. Once again I was put in a position where I had to push the paper along pretty much alone. For a moment I panicked, not knowing how I could do this. But panic soon turned to determination. This was an opportunity to take something that was already sailing and lead the helm. I decided that I needed to re-focus the paper on news. I realized that there was a lot of competition in the coverage of arts and culture, but nobody was taking a hard look at what was going on in Red Hook. I hired another reporter, while I wore the editor’s hat. I went ahead with my plan to double the publication frequence, going twice a month starting last October. We were covering the waterfront again. We wrote about Red Hook Initiative, Visitation church and American Stevedoring. We covered local politics for the first time. I knew the paper needed a voice, and that voice was mine. Sometimes in life, we drift for a while; when we’re lucky, we steer.

www.RedHookStar.com

Fate brings a partner The latest and to me greatest piece of the puzzle came together last December, when a tall handsome woman walked through the doors. Kimberly Gail Price, an aspiring actress from the south, was referred by someone that I had had a bad business experience with, so I didn’t pay much attention to her phone calls. But she persisted and I saw something special. She had spent much of her seven years in New York studying theater, waitressing to pay the bills. I sensed something valuable and plotted an advertising project for her. By the end of the week she sold all the ads. After the next week I made her advertising manager. By the end of the year we were business partners, 50/50. I soon found out that she was much more than a salesperson. She was eager to take on more responsibility. I noticed her interest and capability in writing and editing. Her first story scooped the NY Times. She is tirelessly devoted to the paper and in just six short months she has become integral to the future of this paper and my publishing dream. Together we brought in Angelika Mitchell, who took over the advertising reigns this past February and slowly but surely is helping us get on a financial footing that will enable us to keep growing. Together we lucked into a precocious reporter, Abby, who at the tender age of twenty is showing us things we didn’t know about uncovering stories. Possibly the greatest thing for me about this whole adventure is to watch both personal and professional growth take place, not just in myself, but with everyone that’s involved - growth which is reflected in the look and content of the paper. The newspaper business is an ongoing adventure. The best thing about an adventure is that you have no idea how it will end. It’s the trip that is important. Our trip here in Red Hook has been an amazing ride, and the best thing is that we’re just at the beginning. There is so much more history to tell about these last two years, but for now to get it you’ll have to corner me at the Ice House or Fort Defiance. I am so proud of what we’ve been able to do in just 24 months. When I say we I mean each and every one who has been part of this team, starting with our great core staff today, including Matt and Angelika and Abby and Kimberly.

June 2012

10,000 cups of coffee

by Kimberly Gail Price

partner. I had worked for the paper for exactly eleven days.

he day I walked into the StarTheater, I met an angsty and irritated man named George. He didn’t have time for me. I called later and I was advised to call the next morning by an also annoyed George. So I did and was once again postponed for two more days. On my third attempt, I was granted an appointment with this cranky stranger.

much bigger than myself. Either way, at 10:27 pm on a cold night in December, George asked me to edit my first story. It was redundant, entirely too long and extremely grammatically challenged. Being the perfectionist that I am, I combed through it four times until I was satisfied with the result. Three hours later I resubmitted the piece. George was baffled.

For thirteen years I waited tables and tended bars while pursuing a college degree and an acting career. Thanksgiving had passed; Christmas was drawing near. And once again, I found myself unemployed. I desperately sought a respite from my restaurant stints and thought selling ads for a local newspaper might be a good interim.

The next day, everything was different. In my first nine days, I established myself as an asset, at least in George’s eyes. My picture was in a newspaper for the first time. I attended Christmas tree lightings, politicians’ parties and meetings on fishing boats. I went to catered events where I didn’t have to serve the food. I went everywhere George went, meeting people, attending plays and speaking on behalf of the Star-Revue. I was planning the future of the paper because George insisted I take the reins.

learned that “scooped” wasn’t just something that happened to ice cream.

One morning, George sat me down over a cup of coffee. We had previously begun a routine of sitting down to discuss the day’s agenda. Usually, I ended up with an impossibly long list. But on this particular day, he had something serious to discuss. I expected the ax. Instead, George asked me to be his publishing

In January, I attended my first ever editorial meeting. And led it as well. A round table of suggestions, ambition and experience sat in my presence, while the tiny voices in my head kept screaming, “I’m just a waitress!” Later that night, I shed my first tears over the Star-Revue. I was in over my head and completely

At my initial interview, I was terrified. Hadn’t this man repeatedly displayed very blatant indications that he wanted nothing to do with me, that I was merely a nuisance? When I arrived in my shaky boots, George had seemingly forgotten about our meeting. After a quick look at my finances and being duped by a con artist, I needed something. So with my pride tucked deep in my back pocket and my persistence riding on my shoulders, I prepared myself for an emotional massacre. I didn’t have the right skills and training, although I needed this job desperately. George didn’t ask about my experience; he asked who I was. He didn’t quiz me on a resume that didn’t exist; he offered me a beer. He talked an awful lot. About his venture to Red Hook and how it led to the creation of a newspaper. About past articles that he kept running away to fetch for me. About a movie that he couldn’t remember the name of. (The movie is called The Big Easy which he associated with my southern Louisiana roots.) After an hour or more, George started printing flyers. Hundreds of them. He began running away from our meeting table unannounced and coming back with stacks of paper - still warm from the printer - for me to hand out on the streets the following day. He was going to give me a shot. I walked out of the StarTheater elated and petrified, carrying 20 extra pounds of paper in my bag and 30 extra pounds of pressure on my shoulders. I was grateful someone had finally given me the chance to do more than recommend wine pairings or push a soup special. But my confidence was ragged. I committed to giving my best. I pounded the pavement with my handouts for the remainder of the week, no matter the wind, the cold, the stinging rain. I came in early and worked late. At the end of my third full day, an eager and excited George asked, “Are you going to come in everyday?” Ten days later, it was time to send my first paper to print. The role I played in its creation was minimal at best. But I was still a piece of the puzzle. I’m not sure what possessed me to stay until 3 am while George finished the paper. Maybe I was waiting for a ride home. Maybe my compassionate side thought that I would want someone to stay with me. Or maybe for the first time, I felt like a valuable part of something

My first major story with the Star-Revue ran as the cover story. Honestly, I didn’t know how crucial it was. At 7 am, I shaped my poorly scripted outline into paragraph form. I came to work one day to discover the NY Times had rewritten MY story. Everybody else thought this was so exciting; I was furious! That was the day I

“It’s the ebb and flow of the newspaper business. It is stepping aboard to create a masterpiece that will be replaced fifteen days later.”

unprepared for this feat. What I underestimated was the support, patience and quality of people George had accumulated. With George’s encouragements, my diligence and their cooperation, they blindly followed me into territory we could all barely imagine. Never in my life have I played a decent April Fool’s joke. This year, I talked George into printing the cover upside down. Oh yeah, and putting eight pages of total nonsense. On top of it all, this upside down spoof issue just so happened to be the issue we presented at the NY Press Association convention the weekend we received our acceptance announcement. I inherited Matt Graber in the motley crew of writers George acquired before my time. He is the dedicated backbone of this paper. In my early days of deadlines, I would get emails entitled “URGENT!” or “This is important.” In a panicked state, I would open the emails to find a pasted link. A link that always led me to videos of dancing sheep, shrieking rabbits or narcoleptic dogs. Matt can always sense when I am overwhelmed. And he always has a remedy. He dances in my office until I giggle. He (continued on the back page)

How I Got the Job by Matt Graber

y first thought upon setting foot in the Star Theater at 101 Union Street on a sunny day in September, 2010, was probably not different from what crosses most first-time visitors’ minds: What is this place, exactly?

of the articles appeared to have been written by Fiala. However, even at that early date, some key contributors had come onboard. Danette Vigilante was writing her column on growing up in the Hook; J.J. Burkart was covering local history. A few other freelancers and Fiala Walking through the entryway into a hallway stacked with were picking up the rest. bundles of newspapers and various bulk mail, I continued When Fiala returned to the table, I listened while he into the great open space that extends all the way to the laid out his vision for the future of the paper. I had nevback. I looked around. To my left, some kind of work station er given much thought to the idea of community jourwhere two attractive latinas worked at filling envelopes and nalism, choosing instead to occupy my mind with ambiprinting out fliers for Saint Francis College. Farther left, a tions vague as they were absurd (a novel?) as starry-eyed stage complete with a PA system, drum-set, keyboard, gui- English majors living in secluded sections of far-upstate tars, mics, the works. To the far right, a fully stocked kitchen New York have the tendency to do. But in a place like and six or seven round tables with wooden chairs scattered Red Hook, the idea made sense. The neighborhood, I among them. knew by then, is dynamic, utterly unique, with a disBack near the entrance, a grey-haired, brash 50-something tinct local history and a diversity of personalities. In man by the name of George Fiala emerged from behind a fact, my first impression of Red Hook, when my sister beaded curtain and asked me to wait for five minutes while moved down to Wolcott Street in the early oughts, was he handled some things. He moved and talked somewhat the same as when I first stepped into 101 Union Street: maniacally; he was man with a lot on his plate, it was clear. What is this place, exactly? I walked to the back and sat at a table, where I quietly re- All throughout our initial meeting, Fiala puttered hearsed my credentials as I’d grown accustomed to doing around, picking up empty beer cans and swatting unbefore job interviews. successfully at flies with his long plastic fly-swatter. I’d spotted the paper about a week before at the Waterfront The whole thing struck me as incredibly unorthodox, Laundromat on Van Brunt Street. My moving company - but somehow it all came naturally. I told him that Red which I’d started in order to buy time while I “figured out” Hook reminded me of South Park Slope in the late 80s what I wanted to do with my life - had not really picked up and early 90s. In fact, many of the people on my block yet, so I enjoyed the free time that allows one to sit leisurely had come from both the Front and Back sections of and read a book while waiting for one’s clothes to dry. It had the Hook. I felt, and still feel, a nostalgia down here of been a year since I’d returned from college with an English which I am not ashamed to admit. degree in the middle of an economic meltdown. The idea of being part of a start-up, a nascent project, appealed to me. So when I saw the ad for a part-time reporter position, emphasizing “enthusiasm” more than “experience,” I quickly went home and wrote an enthusiastic email.

After feeling me out for about 20 minutes, Fiala gave me an assignment; to write an informative article about monorails, with the underlying suggestion that perhaps a monorail line running down Richards Street could be the answer to Red Hook’s long-standing transportation At first glance, the paper struck me as rough, to put it gen- problems. He was adamant about this. I thought the erously. To be more blunt, it looked like a bad high school idea was ridiculous, but I held my tongue and wrote the paper, an experiment conceived without much forethought stupid monorail article. and destined to be dropped. The layout was sloppy and most It’s all been uphill from there.

Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

www.RedHookStar.com

June 2012

Page 3

Who We Are George Fiala started in the newspaper business in 1975, selling advertising and writing investigative pieces for the Lancaster Independent Press. After moving to NYC in 1977, he began working as an advertising salesperson for the Villager, located in Greenwich Village. He was promoted to General Manager in 1978. In 1982 he began working at the sister paper, Brooklyn’s Phoenix. In addition to running the business operation, he learned computer programming and launched a sophisticated mailmarketing program for the newspaper. In 1988 he began his own company, Select Mail, providing mailing services to Brooklyn businesses and institutions. Still operating Select Mail, he began the Red Hook Star-Revue in 2010. George graduated from Franklin and Marshall College, in Lancaster, PA in 1974 with a degree in English. He also studied International Affairs at the New School, in NYC from 2003 to 2010. He has one daughter, Adrianne, who is a social worker in Oakland, California. He enjoys playing music in his spare time.

Kimberly Gail Price grew up in south Louisiana and Arkansas. She studied theater at Louisiana State University and later attended a two-year film conservatory in Manhattan. She has done all sorts of work over the years including Aquatics Director at Cove Creek

Scout Reservation, selling knives door to door and babysitting ill-mannered children. She also tended bar and waited tables for over a decade before stumbling through the doors of the Star-Revue in late December of 2011. Although she has none currently, Kimberly hopes to eventually find spare time to pursue her acting and writing ambitions, spend a day in the sunshine and read her enormous mountain of random literary works.

Matt Graber grew up in Park Slope and Prospect Heights and studied English at the State University of New York at Potsdam. He moved to Red Hook in 2009, where he spent his first year out of college as a copy editor, then as a social researcher for Community Studies of New York. As a researcher his job mainly consisted of going to arraignment courts and interviewing non-violent offenders about their experiences with the police. It was during this time that he developed an interest in law enforcement, police-community relations and the criminal justice system. For the past two years, Matt has juggled two occupations: one as an independent contractor offering moving and delivery services throughout the tri-state area; the other as a community reporter for the Star-Revue.

Angelika Mitchell grew up in Clinton, Missouri and moved to New York four days after graduating high school. She received her FMM Applied Science Degree from FIT in December of 2001, and later went on to earn her Fashion Studies Certificate at Parsons in 2001. She has worked as Merchandise Editor, Assistant Associate Publisher and a fashion assistant with Marie Claire, Vogue and Allure magazines. Angelika joined the Star-Revue team in February 2012 as the new Advertising Manager. In her spare time, she is also a freelance stylist.

Eric Ruff was born on February 9th, 1951 in Palo Alto, California. He has spent the last 61

years playing music, putting up shows, raising kids, writing for newspapers and fishing, a lot of fishing. He has finally fetched up like a piece of driftwood on the shores of the Red Hook Star-Revue. Now his dreams have come true.

Abigail Savitch-Lew (Abby) is reporting for the summer and is responsible for the education beat. She is a native Brooklynite and rising junior at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, majoring in Literary Arts. Her fiction stories are published in Post Road Magazine Issue 18 and The Best Teen Writing of 2010. She is extremely excited to be interning at the Star-Revue and thanks the neighborhood for her kind welcome. In late July she’ll take a temporary hiatus to report on the devastating practice of “mountaintop removal coal mining” and the gathering civil disobedience movement in southern West Virginia; see rampscampaign.org for more information.

Greg Algarin-Marquez was born in 1966 in the Panama Canal Zone and grew up an Army brat spending his so-called formative years in Germany. He wanted to be an Air Force pilot but that plan changed when he was diagnosed as near-sighted at age 10. He then went with Plan B – rock star! His pursuit of musical fame eventually led to a career as a certified Apple hardware and software technician. An avowed history junkie, he enjoys art, film, TV, theatre, music, cooking, dining, conversation, single-malt Scotch whisky, baseball, museums, dogs, traveling, and a lot of other stuff. Including being political contributor to the Star-Revue.

She is currently a freelance writer and editor in Manhattan who has assisted in writing professional newsletters, e-newsletters and content for advertising brochures and web sites. She has also taught students ages 3-13 and has worked with Special Needs children and adults for many years. “They’ve taught me more about life than I could ever learn in a classroom.” Stef is new to the Star-Revue team, writing about theatre and art. She’s excited to surround herself with this wonderful environment and such creative people. In her spare time, she likes to draw, paint, sculpt, and read Jughead comics.

Erik Penney is the food and restaurant critic for The Star-Revue. His interest in food and cooking began during the hours he spent as a small child watching his grandmother cook for his extended family. He also spent countless pre-cable TV hours glued to Julia Child, Pierre Franey, Graham Kerr and Jeff Smith - The Frugal Gourmet - on his local PBS station. His first kitchen job was a one month stint at a Hooters Restaurant in Washington DC, where he became expert at dunking chicken wings into bathtub-sized deep fryers. His first “real” kitchen job was at The Georgetown Seafood Grill, also in Washington DC, where he worked the hot line for a year before enrolling in business school. His cooking duties today are limited to ridiculously overwrought and selfindulgent dinners at his home in Red Hook, set to a loud, rock and roll soundtrack. Erik is also a terrible guitar player and has a side job working at a hedge fund.

Michael Racioppo is an opinion columnist Stef Morisi graduated cum laude from Saint Francis College with a B.A. degree in Communication Arts and a concentration in Speech and Theatre. Stef is actively involved with the theatre – both on the production end and as a performer. Stef is an accomplished singer and actor (dancing? Not so much).

at the Star-Revue and has been with the paper since the fall of 2011. His columns focus on current political issues He also teaches Political Science at Brooklyn College. He is born and raised in Brooklyn and the only thing he loves as much as politics is sports. Specifically the New York Giants and New York Rangers but

is hoping for a great inaugural season for the Red Hook Star softball team.

Danette (Franqui) Vigilante grew up in the Red Hook Houses. She is the author of the children’s book The Trouble with Half a Moon, which has recently been chosen for The Sunshine State Young Readers Award list. Danette writes a monthly column in which she shares her experiences and everyday occurrences with the community. Mary Ann Pietanza, a native of Red Hook, graduated from Bay Ridge High School, an all-girl magnet school of art. On a whim she turned down an education in fashion illustration when a former employer lured her to work at his philanthropic organization for a lucrative salary. Later, her career shifted to telecommunications on Wall Street where she became a department manager at Oppenheimer & Co. A move to Long Island re-directed her attention to her children’s education. She chaired the Arts-in-Education program, was a parent representative for the principal/superintendent hiring committees and School Improvement Teams, and was co-president of the PTA in addition to working in the guidance department. Her parent’s illnesses re-acquainted her with a changed Red Hook. But an economic turn forced a move back to the city where a letter to the editor of the Star- Revue prompted an invitation to contribute her memories of Red Hook to the paper.

Mary Anne Massaro grew up in Red Hook, where many of her stories and poems graced the classroom bulletin boards of PS 15. She initially intended to go to college for writing but being a young person on a mission to save the world chose nursing school instead. Though being a nurse brings he great pride and joy, her dream of being a writer was always in her heart. Mary Anne contributes her endearing stories of bygone Red Hook with the Star-Revue.

Scotto Funeral Home congratulates The Red Hook Star-Revue for two years of service to our community

PS 15, The Patrick F. Daly School, wishes The Red Hook Star Review a Happy Anniversary and congratulates the team on a job well done! PS 15, in the heart of Red Hook, is a distinguished arts-focused public school for children grades Pre-K through 5. With a new state-of-the arts library, a new playground, a National Wildlife Habitat-certified courtyard, an all-grade partnership with The Metropolitan Opera, chorus, music, arts, dance, early morning and after-school programs, and introducing a Spanish-English duallanguage program in the 2012/13 school year, PS 15 is the smart decision for your child and it’s in your community!

John L. Heyer II Salvatore “Buddy” Scotto Debra Scotto

For more information about PS 15 visit us online at www.PS15PatrickFDaly.org.

Celebrate Their Life, Love & Legacy

www.ScottoandHeyer.com

Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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718.875.2515

June 2012

A toast to the Red Hook Star-Revue on their second birthday!

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365 Van Brunt Street, Red Hook, Brooklyn 347 453 6672 ê FortDefianceBrooklyn.com Please check our website for daily menu

The ILA Local 1814 salutes The Red Hook Star-Revue on the occasion of

THEIR SECOND ANNIVERSARY as the voice of Red Hook, Brooklyn

Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Page 5

Remembering

2010

recounted by George Fiala

My powder blue 1998 Taurus is still today the favored vehicle for hauling the Star-Revues from the printing plant and delivering them to hundreds of locations throughout South Brooklyn. Pictured above is our first haul back in June, 2010.

We opened up shop at 101 Union Street in March, 2010 in the building with the eagle painted on it. We are right in the middle of the block between Columbia and Van Brunt. This is a great view right from our front door. Not only do we love it, but the containerport has been the topic of some of some great Star-Revue news reporting over the years. Hopefully we won’t have to write about condo wars there for many years.

When we moved to Union Street there was a bus going past our offices every day, headed toward Park Slope. That was the summer bus routes were cut all over, including the B77, and we were left with this bizarre sign.

I noticed a lot of ice cream trucks in a lot over on Sackett Street, and I had our first reporter Kevin find out why. The resulting article on food trucks was our first piece that was picked up by other media.

Frank Galeano was an original publisher of the Red Hook Star-Revue. He is shown here at 101 Union with my daughter, Adrianne.

One of our first food reviews was the Rocky Sullivan’s Red Hook pizza. Our model for the photo shoot was Sackett St. resident John R.

A big project we undertook that first summer was to map out who owned what on the waterfront. I knew that this would be useful information for our future reporters, and it is in fact at this moment pasted to our newsroom wall by summer reporter Abby.

Krista Dragomer was our first art critic. She sent me to the Invisible Dog to get some pix and this one made it to the cover.

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There were two studies going on as we began publishing. The first was a BQE enhancement study, in which four different plans were created to make the BQE ditch at Hicks Street more friendly. Pictured above are Dan Wiley, from Nydia Velazquez’s office, and Chris Hrones from NYC DOT. The other study considered bringing trolleys back to Red Hook. Both studies were completed and thus far nothing has changed.

Kitchen Countertops, Table tops Vanity Tops, Fireplaces, Bathrooms, Remnant Pieces. Cash & Carry

Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Remembering

2010

One day Willie Colon happened by the office so I took this picture. You know, the musician!

We met up with Peggy Wyns-Madison at a PS 15 event and were immediately impressed. She is an engaging principal and works very hard to maintain the quality of education at the Patrick Daly School. I hadn’t fully thought this through when I first began the paper, but after a few months I realized that coverage of the Red Hook Houses was vitally important, not to mention where some of the most interesting stories were. The photo above is from Matt Graber’s first foray there, a report on crumbling infrastructure. Below right is a shot from the Senior Center, which survived threatened budget cuts, and I found out about Bishop Tucker when I did a reminiscence of the 1988 Life Magazine story on the effects of crack in Red Hook. I was able to interview the Bishop just before he lost his storefront church.

Mary Ann Massaro called up one day to ask if she could have published a story about her father, Skinny, who ran a store on Van Brunt in Red Hook’s darker days, selling whatever ‘fell off the truck,’ as she put in her excellent article. She has written many other pieces since, including the days of catching crabs on the piers under the White Rock sign. In addition to Mary, we took on JJ Burkard to become our resident historian.

Dean Caselnova opened Caselnova at 215 Columbia Street in November 2010, and took a full page ad for the occasion. We are happy to report that his business is thriving, and we occasionally enjoy meals there ourselves.

We began going to the monthly meetings at the 76th precinct and met Captain Jack. He has since moved on, but our police coverage is stronger than ever thanks to our intrepid reporter Matt Graber.

My first thoughts on the Red Hook Terminal were that the land would serve public interests better as a public park, but I soon realized that in this day and age, the last thing NYC wants to do is pay for new parks, and if the harbor was working, as in unloading ships, we’d have giant condos built, just like in Williamsburg and Brooklyn Bridge Park. I didn’t know at first how to cover dealings on the waterfront - that came the next year when the American Stevedoring sign came down.

I found myself with nothing to do that first New Year’s Eve, so I decided to mix work with pleasure as I visited the local Red Hook hotspots and report on the celebrations. Rocky Sullivan’s (r) was fun. George is at his usual place minding the bar, but I found the most fun at the place I least knew, which was the the VFW Post on Van Brunt. There wasn’t a soul there who didn’t seem to be having a blast!

Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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I was intrigued by this sculpture at the first BWAC group show that we covered, and put her right there on the cover, our first foray into nudity. Later on we accepted an ad for the Paris Burlesque club, which opened up on Commerce Street, near DeFontes. News of that ad was mentioned on a NY Magazine’s Grub Street blog, which I figured out one day when our web hits more than quintupled. In the beginning we mailed the paper out to residents of Red Hook, but several post office glitches convinced us to distribute it ourselves. In addition to bringing them to as many outlets as possible, we invested in four news boxes which can still be seen on Van Brunt, Court and by Ikea.

June 2012

Page 7

Remembering

2011

recounted by George Fiala

Matt Graber began covering Visitation Church in 2011. The picture above is of their basement, which was taken for an article we ran about Father Claudio, who had been given a year to put the church in good financial order, which he did. Below is a picture from their Easter Processional, which I attended this year and last.

Helicopter noise over Red Hook is an ongoing issue for people who live near the river. I decided to send Matt on a ride so he could report about this from the air, and he came back with an engaging report, and this photo showing how close they actually did fly to us. The rule is no flying over land - the flight path comes ever so close.

At the time I took this photo, I wasn’t acquainted with Home/made. This was taken at a BWAC fundraiser. The paper has since made friends with them as we reported on their kitchen fire this year.

For a summer special, I decided to go shopping locally and create a picnic basket and write about it. The best stuff came from Esposito’s on Court Street, with Caputo’s bakery not far behind. And boy, did I have a delicious picnic after finishing the photo shoot!

These two brother have run Marietta’s, a lingerie store on Court Street, since even before I was born. Elizabeth Graham wrote a sentimental piece and took this photo. We made a new friend when Damien opened his bicycle shop around the corner from our offices.

It was a cold day in January when all the politicos showed up to demand Shore Power, meaning a way for the Queen Mary to plug in for electricity rather than idling their engines. The three in the front taking advantage of the photo op are Daniel Squadron, Brad Lander and Nydia Velazquez. You can see John McGettrick off to the left., Hurricane Irene was supposed to be a big threat to Red Hook, with a possible tidal surge wiping us all away. The winds never really showed up, and all the flooding was due to our poor sewer system, rather than water from the sea. I ran the photo to the right illustrating what I found to be the biggest damage, a few knocked over sunflowers on Van Brunt Street.

Around 1 am on a press night, Matt and I were working in the office when word flashed on the computer that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. I had noticed a sign in Red Hook that was counting the days that he remained on the lam, and I quickly pushed Matt into my Taurus to take this photo. By the time the rest of the media thought about this the next day, she had taken the sign down, and they had to do their photos from her kitchen.

Mollie Dash and Bryan Lauas opened their eccentric shop Everbright Mercantile on Van Brunt this year. They closed the shop this year as they returned to their online business model.

The footbridge over Hamilton Avenue was suddenly closed just as the fall school year was starting, causing a bit of hardship for anybody trying to cross. While they didn’t finish fixing it when DOT said, it did eventually reopen. I managed to get this nice shot for the paper.

Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Remembering

2011

The Star-Revue hosted a music festival at the Urban Meadow in August. Among the bands playing was Union. That’s me playing the drums.

We enjoyed a big scoop when we reported on the ousting of American Stevedoring from the Red Hook Container Terminal. A big help was ILA 1814 president Lou Pernice, who we later interviewed.

The popular Moonshine bar on Columbia Street closed in the fall. Most here seem unhappy except for Jalopy owner Lynette Wiley, who must have know she’d be taking over the bar.

One of the first public hints of trouble brewing at the Terminal was this wildcat demonstration. Turns out Sal Catucci was not making deposits into the pension fund. Brad Lander sponsored a B61 study which has led to some improvements.

We finally met Falconworks founder Reg Flowers when he organized Occupy Red Hook. This photo was taken at his interview for the paper.

The major highlight of the year for me came in early December, when Kimberly Gail Price showed up. Hired for a sales position, she now owns half the paper and is rapidly turning into one of the better editors and publishers in local journalism. This photo introduced her to Star-Revue readers. She is posing with a pink rose, which also showed up this past December.

Here is Kimberly with our Congresswoman in a photo taken at Nydia’s Christmas party in Greenpoint.

We salute the staff and management of The Red Hook Star-Revue on the occasion of their second anniversary!

Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Page 9

Remembering

2012

recounted by George Fiala

On warm sunny days we have our staff meetings right on the sidewalk outside of 101 Union Street. Kimberly punctuates the meetings with occasional games of Mad Libs. Pictures above are Mary Ann Massaro (with her back to the camera), Angelika, Kimberly and Matt.

For our April Fools issue, Kimberly had the crazy idea of printing the front page upside down. If that wasn’t enough, she created an 8 page spoof section that we called The Blue Pencil Lunar-Revue. It turned out to be so popular that we run a page each issue. This photo accompanied a story entitled “The Ten Things I Hate About Each You.”

Here is Kimberly with local activist John McGettrick.

And here she gets her face painted at the opening of the BumbleBeesRus daycare center on Lorraine Street.

In January we did a cover piece on Martin Snaric, a fashion star of the 1970’s who recently moved to Carroll Gardens and fashions delicately crafted artificial flowers for sale in places like FIND. He is a master of movement and he moved Kimberly, and she him.

Kimberly, who only began at the StarRevue in December, is rapidly making a name for herself in Red Hook. Above she mentors a class at the Summit Academy. Above right she hobnobs with City Councilman Steven Levin at a Gowanus event...

...and then she rushed back to the office to make Easter baskets for the staff.

Our news reporter, Matt Graber, discusses a story with political reporter Curtis Skinner.

Working for a serious newspaper doesn’t mean we don’t get silly. Here we are making faces one night at Hope and Anchor.

Watching Fort Defiance’s St. Jean mix drinks is rapidly becoming a Sunday night tradition with Star-Revue staffers.

Rosanne Cash and her husband John Leventhal were on hand at Bait & Tackle recently to catch her daughter do a show. This reporter was on hand to snap the photo.

Van Brunt’s Home/made suffered a devastating kitchen fire in April. The community came out to help them, and they celebrated their reopening with a backyard bbq open to all.

The well liked Red Hook resident Carey Montserrate died by his own hand in January. He was highly educated and espoused the ideas of the Wobblies, and actively campaigned against the encroachment of helicopters in our skies. A packed memorial celebration was held at Fort Defiance.

We began covering local sports with the opening day of the Red Hook Youth Baseball League this year. A side story was the temporary closing of four of the fields due to lead contamination. Brooklyn DA, Charles Hynes, sponsors one of the teams. He was on hand at the opening ceremonies (below, left)

Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Remembering

2012

Congratulations to our favorite newspaper people!

CASELNOVA -the neighborhood trattoriaThat’s me with Angelika Mitchell, our Ad Manager, proudly holding up our new membership plaque from the New York State Press Association. Ask us if we had fun at the March convention. We should have even more next year when we bring back some trophies.

We were sad to say goodbye to our first political reporter, Curtis Skinner. He came to us from the Columbia School of Journalism and is back there working for The NY World.

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Congratulations to The Red Hook Star-Revue

for two years of service to the Red Hook community!

We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into when we hired third year Brown student, Abby Savitch-Lew. She is already an unbelievable reporter at the tender age of twenty. We are all learning from her!

Max J. Pollack Our second political reporter, Greg Algarin-Marquez, shakes hands with the outgoing Curtis. Greg brings enthusiasm and wisdom to his writing and is currently writing on the congressional primary.

To our faithful readers

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Jabus Building Corp. congratulates

ach of us has done a million things in our life, or at least three. Yet nothing either of us has ever undertaken approaches both the amount of work and satisfaction as publishing the StarRevue twice a month. We work as hard and as long as we can, each and every day, to keep earning the trust of our readers to bring the important news that we all need to know about in our neighborhoods. We work hard to get it right, but we are both still learning, from the community and from the great writers who we work with. A neighborhood is a grouping of homes; a community is a gathering of humanity. There is a collective spirit here. We serve that spirit, that community and the voices that stand together to make us unique. You can see it from our faces above. Serving Red Hook and its environs is the best and most important thing we do. Our gratitude is vast, and we will continue to strive to keep you well-informed, entertained and satisfied. This is the greatest joy of this adventure we have undertaken. Please never feel afraid to tell us what you think. Without you, we are only talking to ourselves. Thank you, South Brooklyn!!!

The Red Hook Star-Revue We specialize in construction projects, real estate and rentals, concrete masonry services, preservation of historic buildings, new construction and concrete/bluestone sidewalks.

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Kimberly Gail Price and George Fiala

Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

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June 2012

Page 11

10,000 cups (continued from page 3) drops a banana on my desk when I’ve been there for hours. He offers thirteen letter adjectives when I subject him to Mad Libs. In February, Angelika Mitchell joined the Star-Revue team. Within a week, she had folders, magazine tabs, index cards, Post-It notes, binders and pages of research. She is an unshakeable force with an intoxicating smile. She fills my

desk drawers with toys and my file cabinet with cookies. From core to shirtsleeve, she is pure gold. Despite his strange and almost frightening first impression, George has proven to be thoughtful, trustworthy and loyal from day one. Kindness beyond measure. Every week I have fresh flowers on my desk. He leaves my office light on every night, convinced my inner light might diminish if my space goes dark. He has stood beside me countless times over a failure, playing the role of mentor when I am overwhelmed or frustrated. He takes my tormenting and

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue 2nd Anniversary Special

teasing in stride, always laughing at his own expense. He has taught me more than I ever thought I could learn about newspapers, life and friendship. And sometimes, he’ll perform “I’m a Little Tea Pot” while standing on one foot. Just because. The journey is not always smooth. There have been many working nights that turn into sunrises. Many moments when George and I damn near rip each other apart over a simple miscommunication or difference of opinion. Missed deadlines, twenty hour days, knowing I could have done better. The ache and

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sting of these elements fade quickly when accomplishment and pride take over. It’s personal. It’s the ebb and flow of the newspaper business. It is stepping aboard to create a masterpiece that will be replaced fifteen days later. The past six months have been life changing. I found a niche. I fell in love with a community. I accomplish more in 24 hours “defying all human logic,” Matt once pointed out. Red Hook and her surrounding communities have welcomed me as a friend. As we continue to grow, I am touched by the overwhelming spirit of this newspaper, Red Hook and her neighbors.

June 2012

By Vincent Musacchia

Last Puzzle Answers 1

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Peacemaking (continued from page 3)

solving approach to justice. She had come to the 8th floor of the Brooklyn Criminal Court at 120 Schermerhorn Street on that day to observe the progress of the Adolescent Diversion Parts pilot. The pilot is another experiment in criminal justice reform, which offers social services and alternatives to incarceration to 16- and 17-year-olds charged with low-level crimes. Law students are being indoctrinated to a new problem-solving justice philosophy, Swern said. We want the same things as everyone; safer communities and less victims.

(To find out more about the upcoming peacemaking program and how to get involved, email Erica Sasson at sassone@courtinnovation.org; or Brett Taylor at taylorb@courtinnovation.org. If you don’t have email, you can call the main office at (718) 923-8200.)

Red Hook Star-Revue

The

A K

P S E

C E

P A

E N E S C

E E N

Red Hook StarªRevue

crossword

Across 1. Turkish military officers 7. Part of a tire 10. Where to see animals (pl) 14. Where you go after kayaking 15. Utlize 16. God of love 17. What you take in the batters box 18. In a horse’s mouth 19. Uri Geller did this with a spoon 20. Fired 21. One who foretells 23. Opera House 26. Some are perfect 30. Send a package 34. These can be vidalias 37. Goes with her 38. Dry or ______. 39. Ancient Egyptian kingdom 40. ___ -A-Bagel 41. ____ House on Van Brunt 42. “Ireland Forever” without the gh 45. Sound of expected displeasure 46. A sound made when seeing a mouse (variant) 47. “To sleep, perchance to ______” 50. Amherst coll. 52. Prisoners did this in Attica once 53. Kind of lily 54. Supporters 57. Possess 59. Greek letter 60. Ill-humored, grumpy 63. Way too much 69. Two-toed sloth 70. Ready, ____, fire 71. Can be this one or that one 72. Drips that glisten in the morning 73. “____ My Man” Beyonce song 74. Tides and hair does this

DOWN 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.

A complete one can get a down Movie dog Mayan rain god Bumper sticker word City in Italy A collection of start-up capital “____-a-dub-dub” Egyptian goddess Dole Striped animal Prospectors goal Put after the cart, makes a funny The Concorde was one

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22. Ambulance techie 24. To bear something uncomfortable (var) 25. Legbone 27. To that (legal term) 28. Organic chemistry prefix 29. “___ Pinafore” 30. Distress signal 31. Gap 32. To lighten up 33. Inventor of theorum bearing his name 34. What pigs say 35. Keep asking and asking 43. Thor’s dad 44. Gang of guys (slang) 48. Prefix with nautics and space (without the o)

49. Drs. 51. To plant 52. Computer netoworking device 54. Flowers grow on these 56. Not a birdie or a bogey 58. The Ark guy 60. A firecracker that doesn’t work 61. Before two 62. Automobile union (abbr) 63. Contest 64. Hasten (old style word) 65. And so forth (abbr) 66. Article (think grammar) 67. A grandaddy of dictionaries (abbr) 68. Opposite of post

June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 11

Star-Revue Interview: 76th precinct youth officers

Rivera and Perez talk about dealing with troubled youth by Matt Graber and Abby Savitch-Lew

The Star-Revue recently had a chance to speak to two youth officers from the 76th Precinct, Officer Rivera and Officer Perez. As youth officers, Rivera and Perez are responsible for making sure that youngsters go to school and stay out of trouble, as well as working to maintain positive relationships between the youth and the police. Here’s what happened. Star-Revue: Can you both just introduce yourselves? Perez: I was born and raised in Brooklyn. I’ve been in this precinct for nine years in July. I did midnights most of my career, duty tours as patrol. I’ve been a youth officer for three weeks. I guess they picked me because of my education background. I majored in elementary education. And throughout my career prior to this job I worked with kids, whether tutoring or as a camp counselor. I have three kids of my own, my oldest is 13, so I figure this is probably the best way to reach out to the youth before they get into trouble. Rivera: I’ve been in this precinct for four years now. I was originally born in Puerto Rico and came here when I was about five years old. Raised in Queens. I’ve been a youth officer for two years now. Like she said, I try to keep the kids out of trouble and be there for them if they can’t speak to their parents or are having trouble in school. They can come to us for whatever they need. I have two little ones. I’ve always loved being around kids. SR: Can either one of you just jump in and tell us more about your day-to-day duties as youth officer? Perez: Basically we’re trying to keep the kids in school. That’s my main goal. We try to be liaisons because sometimes kids can’t speak to teachers or principals. We can speak on their behalf and try to build a rapport with the principal or assistant principal or guidance counselor. The whole idea is to figure out what’s preventing them from being on time. Maybe there’s a problem at home. A lot of kids now are in single parent households and might have had to work the night before. We don’t know their whole background or the whole situation so we try not to judge them as just kids not going to school. There’s always a reason as to why, even though we don’t always agree to their reasons, but kids have a voice that should be heard. So we try to build a relationship with the kids and let them know that they don’t have to be afraid of the police. They can come and talk to us. I think that’s because we’re parents too. You know my kid is going to be 13, and I would want somebody to speak to him with respect too. I think a lot of kids don’t feel that they’re getting their respect. SR: How is that process been working so far in both your experiences in terms of developing rapport. Do you know a lot of the kids by first name?

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

Rivera: A lot of the kids in the past two years, I’ve come to know them by name. If you come across my way and you’re considered a problem child, I take the step to go to your home and meet parents. Maybe I can help. Maybe the parents are struggling and don’t know how to deal with the kids. I do various home visits a month just to check up on them. And within the last few years I’ve had a couple of kids do a complete turnaround. Perez: They have to know that someone cares. Honestly there are a lot of good parents out there, but they have to work. Some of them work two jobs. So this young person is left responsible for picking up the other kids from school, making the dinner, maybe going to work part time. These kids have a lot of responsibilities that adults have. They don’t have the luxury of just hanging out and enjoying their childhood. That’s stressful in itself and these kids are not equipped to handle that stress. But what does the parent do? When I worked midnights, we’d get jobs for domestic violence. It was often a kid and a parent fighting. The kid would say, ‘Well I have to write this paper, and my mom wants me to make dinner and pick up this child at this time, and I can’t do it.’ So I’d have to be the mediator. It’s not that I can fix it, but at least I can show them a different way of doing things. I’m not just here to lock them up. I’m here to help them too. SR: It sounds like you’re describing almost a social worker’s role. Perez: That’s one of the hats a police officer wears. Sometimes you’re a mom, sometimes you’re a doctor. There are roles we play outside of just being a police officer. Sometimes you’re a mediator, sometimes you’re a friend. Sometimes, unfortunately, you have to lock people up. When I first took this job, it wasn’t to lock up the world. It wasn’t to save the world either. It was to find out, “Why does the city run the way it does and where can I help?” SR: What have you found out? Has anything surprised you? Perez: The Justice Department, how they treat the youth, that’s something I didn’t know about. I’m still learning about how juveniles have to go through the system, why it is that way and how we can make it better. We just had a meeting today about how we can refer kids to free programs like the PAL [Police Athletic League] and let them have an outlet. They’re still kids the way I look at it. Until you’re 20 or 21 I feel like you’re teenagers. SR: What are some specific projects you are working on? Perez: One is the Explorers program, where young kids volunteer their time to be of service to the community. And I ask them “What do you want to do?” There’s plenty of things to do. We’re also trying to establish a teen center. Get one school or site where they will let us run programs once or twice a week from 6 to 9 p.m. Basketball, volleyball. Computers too. A nice safe place to re-

lax. We just found out that Brooklyn South only has one teen center. SR: Brooklyn South? Perez: Brooklyn is separated between north and south by the police department. So right now our main project is that teen center, and trying to get the kids off the streets during the week. We’re trying to find a location. A school or community center or church that has enough space. SR: Much of Red Hook is patrolled by PSA1 [Police Service Area 1 is part of the NYPD Housing Bureau, which patrols public housing developments throughout the city]. Do you work with their youth officer? Perez: They have one and we just met him today. There’s only a satellite in Red Hook. The main site is in Coney Island. So he’s actually responsible not only for Coney Island housing but for Red Hook and Gowanus. So we’re happy to help him. Rivera: We also work with the 78th and 72nd precincts. Whenever they have youth functions we go to them. SR: In the city there’s a lot of coverage about controversial stuff like stop and frisks and tense relationships between police and communities. I’m wondering what your perspectives are on that. Have things changed in the last couple of years? Is there more tension than before? Rivera: When it comes to the kids, it’s very sensitive. A lot of kids nowadays are taught from their parents not to respect the police, to be nasty to the police. So it depends on how you approach a kid. You’re always going to get a negative reaction from children because they think we are the bad guys. But once you get to know them and show them that we’re actually there to help them, then the relationship changes. Perez: They’re very standoffish and guarded. And I understand. They go by what they see on TV or what they hear. But I try to explain to them that there’s bad apples in every profession. There’s bad doctors, there’s bad lawyers, there’s cops that might not do what they’re supposed to do. I just don’t want to have to feel like I can’t do my job because of somebody else. I try to put my best foot forward and to do that consistently. And I’ve always had a good response because I’ve stayed consistent. Whether it be daytime patrol or foot patrol or nighttime patrol or working with the

youth, I’m going to be consistent, I’m going to give you respect, I’m going to talk to you as a professional, and I’m going to let you know I have an open door policy. SR: So you’re saying a lot of it is perception of cops as bad guys. Do you think it’s always been that way or that it’s gotten more so that way recently? Perez: I think it’s always been that way, but because of the media and the internet, there are so many access points. It’s not just word of mouth. You can actually see it because of video phones. So now it’s more open to the public. Rivera: Something can happen, and kids will just see the end part when you have to wrestle with someone to put them in cuffs. But if you weren’t there to see what happened and what transpired before we had to physically detain someone, then you aren’t really seeing what happened. Perez: There’s a reason for the police. There’s always going to be a necessity for police. That’s just the way it is. But I feel that the reputation and the communication between the police and the public can always be improved. That’s how I feel and that’s not me just being naive and optimistic. If everyone just did their jobs then we wouldn’t have a lot of these problems. SR: It must be a challenge to keep kids out of trouble when school ends for the summer. Rivera: They have too much time on their hands. So I myself and Officer Perez are trying to make it so that they have something to do in the summer and not just run around in the streets all day. Perez: And we have to make sure that our youth and their parents are aware of the programs that are available. There’s a lot of stuff available that the community doesn’t know about. And that we’re there for them. We want it to be more of an open-door policy. At the meeting we were at earlier today, the whole Powerpoint presentation was about that, letting them know that we’re there for them. SR: And what’s the communication avenue for that? Perez: Call the precinct or come straight in. If we’re not here they’ll take a message. We’re here Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 6 pm.

The 76th Precinct invites South Brooklyn 10- to 16-year-olds to participate in the Police Academy Summer Camp, offered in eight NYC locations including 1700 Fulton Street in Brooklyn. The program gives youth a chance to learn about law enforcement in the city, to participate in role-plays, and attend field trips. The program runs from July 9th through August 16th from 8:30 am to 2:00 pm and applications are being accepted until June 22nd. In addition, the Explorer Program at the 76th Precinct provides youth with the opportunity to work with police officers while pursuing community service projects such as park-clean-ups, nursing home assistance, and parade preparation. All youth between the ages of 10 and 20 are welcome to join the program, which meets Tuesdays from 4 pm to 6 pm. Contact the 76th Precinct at 718-834-3211 for more information – and stay tuned for the restart of the Police Athletic League, offering sports to the community’s youth.

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June 16 - 31, 2012

Red Hook Star-Revue

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June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 13

American Cancer Society host all-day event at Ikea Esplanade by Kimberly Gail Price

O A luminary placed in honor of a loved one.

Cancer survivors walk a victory lap for the fight against cancer

n Saturday, June 9, the American Cancer Society hosted their annual Relay for Life at the Waterfront Esplanade near IKEA. Relay for Life is a day-to-night walk to celebrate the lives of those who have battled with cancer and to raise money for the American Cancer Society. The daytime event began at 1 pm and featured food, games, activities entertainment and fundraising opportunities. More than 200 people came out to celebrate the lives of survivors and remember loved ones who have battled cancer raising a total of $37,410. Brooklyn Brewery and PJ Hanley’s provided refreshments including barbeque chicken, beet salad and fresh squeezed lemonade. Fairway Market invited participants to make their own cupcakes. Sessions Fit encouraged physical activity with a team of athletes who led participants through a simple workout routine. A local radio station came out, offering games and prizes. IKEA boasted an all-you-can eat cake event. Local bakers brought their homemade cakes to the event and participants voted on their favorites. The Gift of Life Bone Marrow Foundation swabbed cheeks for future potential donors. Summit Academy donated $800, provided more than 90 students, teachers and staff as volunteers and assisted with the construction of luminary bags for the nighttime memorial walk. Natasha Campbell, Executive Director and Principal of Summit Academy commented on her school’s involvement. “ Community Leadership is one of the pillars of success we teach our scholars and we are pleased that they more than met our expectations in

A professional baker from Fairway assisted in decorating

The Relay For Life included this colorful stilt walker

Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue

participating and raising money for this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life event.” At 6 pm, cancer survivors walked a victory lap to celebrate their own lives, honor caregivers and remember lost loved ones. Just after dark, the luminaries were placed around the track. Earlier in the day, the American Cancer Society sold paper bags for $5 each. People were encouraged to decorate the bags themselves or have them decorated by a volunteer. Each bag was dedicated to a person touched by the disease. The bags were filled with a small amount of sand and a candle. The candles were lit, symbolizing lights that still shine in survivors, and the lights of those who had been extinguished by cancer. Participants then walked a lap in silence. Celebratory fireworks followed the luminary ceremony. The fireworks were visible all over the waterfront and well into Brooklyn. In a closing Fight Back Ceremony supporters of the American Cancer Society make a personal commitment to help save lives by taking up the fight against cancer. This event is one of many that happen all over the country. In 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt began the tradition by circling a track in Tacoma, Washington for 24 hours. He ran and walked over 83 miles, while friends and family supported him by running or walking with him in 30 minute intervals. In the following months, he formed a committee to plan another event. One year later, nineteen teams took place in the relay, raising $33,000. Since that time, the even has continued to grow and gather support.

photos by Price and Fiala

Trainers coached and encouraged participants in a simple obstacle course led by Sessions Fit

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June 16 - 31, 2012

Meet Scott Pfaffman, Red Hook’s Neighborhood Coordinator for GO by Shelley Bernstein, Brooklyn Museum

O is a new project from the Brooklyn Museum, taking place in neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn. During GO, Brooklyn-based artists are asked to open their studios to the community on September 8–9, 2012. Community members registered as voters will visit studios and nominate artists for inclusion in a group exhibition to open at the Museum on Target First Saturday, December 1, 2012. You’ve probably heard that if Brooklyn were its own city, it would be the fourth largest in the United States. With a land mass of 71 square miles, 2 and half million people and 67 neighborhoods, you can imagine what a challenge it is to manage a borough-wide project like GO. Each one of Brooklyn’s neighborhoods are different - constituencies are unique, the urban fabric varies widely. Simply put, what works in one area may not work in another, so a big part of what makes GO work is a distributed network of local neighborhood coordinators. In Red Hook, you’ll find Scott Pfaffman working hard to make sure

area artists and residents are aware of the project. Scott has lived in Red Hook for 22 years. He’s an artist with a long history originally drawn to the neighborhood as he searched for sculpture sites. In addition to co-founding Kentler International Drawing Space on Van Brunt Street, he helped start the Committee to Save the Pier, which later became our beloved Valentino Park. Scott was a resident artist at PS1 in its heyday, helped the Socrates Sculpture Park get off the ground and helped create BWAC’s annual sculpture show in Empire Fulton Ferry State Park. He currently has a studio at Screwball Spaces on Lorraine Street. You may see Scott in Red Hook talking about GO, putting up a flyers or running meeting points during the open studio weekend on September 8 and 9. When asked about the project he responded, “GO will likely be one of the largest public art projects ever undertaken; the scope of its encyclopedic coverage of living working artists and artisans in

Scott Pfaffman is working with the Brooklyn Museum’s Go project (photo Bernstein)

Brooklyn will document the enormous economic and cultural importance of the arts in a time when new models of production and exchange are desperately needed.” Visit the GO website to learn about how you can take part in this boroughwide project. Artist registration ends on June 29, so Red Hook artists should

visit www.gobrooklynart.org for more information. Shelley Bernstein is the Chief of Technology at the Brooklyn Museum and she’s the co-organizer of GO: a community curated open studio project, taking place throughout Brooklyn this summer.

Read Any Good Plays Lately? by Stef Morisi

When you see a play or musical, there are generally five genres it’ll be advertised as: 1. Drama – “Pass the tissues.” 2. Comedy – HAHAHAHAHA! 3. Farce – think… The Marx Brothers 4. Musical – comedy, drama, or combo with less text and more music that moves the

Here are some examples of plays I personally love: Defying Gravity by Jane Anderson (Drama) Done to Death by Fred Carmichael (Murder Mystery) Enter Laughing by Joseph Stein (Comedy) Rumors by Neil Simon (Farce) Run For Your Wife by Ray Cooney (Farce) The Inner Circle by Patricia Loughrey (Drama) Tape by Stephen Belber (Drama)

Look for these and many more at your local bookstore or thrift shop! Babbo’s Books......................... 242 Prospect Park West (718) 788-3475 Book Court – General Books.................. 163 Court Street (718)875-3677 Pranga Bookstore ............................ 354 Court Street (718) 624-2927 The Community Bookstore.................. 212 Court Street (718) 834-9494 Free Bird Books...........................123 Columbia Street (718) 643-8484

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Star-Revue

Guide to area restaurants

Carroll Gardens/ Red Hook BAKED 359 Van Brunt St., (718)222-0345. THE BROOKLYN ICE HOUSE 318 Van Cobble Hill Brunt St., (718) 222-1865. Botanica 220 Conover St (at Coffey St), (347) 225-0147. DEFONTE’S SANDWICH SHOP 379 Columbia St., (718) 855-6982. DIEGO’S RESTAURANT 116 Sullivan St., (718) 625-1616. F&M BAGELS 383 Van Brunt St., (718) 855-2623. FORT DEFIANCE 365 Van Brunt St., (347) 453-6672. THE GOOD FORK 391 Van Brunt St., (718) 643-6636. HOME/MADE 293 Van Brunt St., (347) 223-4135. HOPE & ANCHOR 347 Van Brunt St., (718) 237-0276. IKEA One Beard St., (718) 246-4532. John & Franks, 367 Columbia Street, (718) 797-4467 KEVIN’S 277 Van Brunt St., (718) 5968335. MARK’S PIZZA 326 Van Brunt St., (718) 624-0690. New Lin’s Garden Restaurant 590 Clinton Street, (718) 399-1166 RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND 284 Van Brunt St., (646) 326-7650. ROCKY SULLIVAN’S 34 Van Dyke St., (718) 246-8050. Steve’s Authentic Key Lime Pie, 204 Van Dyke St, (718) 852-6018 Sunny’s Bar in Red HOok, 253 Conover Street, (718) 625-8211

Columbia Waterfront District

ALMA 187 Columbia St., (718) 643-5400. Bagel Boy Cafe 75 Hamilton Avenext to Chase, (718) 855-0500. CALEXICO CARNE ASADA 122 Union St., (718) 488-8226. Casa Di Campagna 117 Columbia Street (718) 237-4300. CASELNOVA 214 Columbia St., (718) 522-7500. FERNANDO’S FOCACCERIA RESTAURANT 151 Union St., (718)855-1545. HOUSE OF PIZZA & CALZONES 132 Union St., (718) 624-9107. JAKE’S BAR-B-QUE RESTAURANT 189 Columbia St., (718) 522-4531. KOTOBUKI BISTRO 192 Columbia St., (718) 246-7980. LILLA CAFE 126 Union St., (718) 8555700. MAZZAT 208 Columbia St., (718) 8521652. PETITE CREVETTE 144 Union St., (718) 855-2632. TEEDA THAI CUISINE 218 Columbia St., (718) 643-2737.

Abilene, 442 Court Street, 718-5226900, Angry Wades, 222 Smith Street, (718) 488-7253 Bacchus, 409 Atlantic, (718) 852-1572 Bar Bruno, 520 Henry St., 347-7630850, Bagels by the park, 323 Smith Street, (718) 246-1321 Bar great harry, 280 Smith Street (718) 222-1103 Bombay Dream, 257 Smith Street (718) 237-6490 Bourgeois Pig, 387 Court Street, (718) 858-5483 Brooklyn Bread Cafe, 436 Court Street (718) 403-0234 Buddy’s Burrito & Taco Bar, 260 Court Street, 718-488-8695, Buttermilk channel, 524 Court Street (718) 852-8490 Casa Rosa, 384 Court Street, 718-7971907 Chestnut, 271 Smith St., (718) 2430049 cobble grill, 212 Degraw Street, (718) 422-0099 Cobble Hill Coffee Shop, 314 Court Street, (718) 852-1162 Cody’s Ale House Grill, 154 Court Street, 718-852,6115 Court Street Grocers, 485 Court Street, (718) 722-7229 Crave, 570 Henry Street, (718) 643-0361 Cubana Cafe, 272 Smith Street (718) 718-858-3980 Downtown Bar & Grill, 160 Court street, 718-625-2835 Dubuque, 548 Court Street, (718) 5963248 Em Thai Kitchen, 278 Smith Street, (718) 834-0511 Enotica on Court, 347 Court Street, (718) 243-1000 F Line Bagels, 476 Smith Street (718) 422-0001 Five Guys, 266 Court St., 347-799-2902 Fragole, 394 Court Street, (718) 6227133 Francesco’s Restaurant, 531 Henry Street, (718) 834-0863 Frank’s Luncheonette, 365 Smith Street, (718) 875-5449 Ghang, 229 Court Street, 718-875-1369 Gowanus Yacht Club, 323 Smith Street, (718) 246-132,Closed til spring Hana cafe, 235 Smith Street, (718) 643-1963 Le Petite Cafe, 502 Court street, 718596-7060 Ling Ling Young, 508 Henry Street, (718) 260-9095 Marco Polo Ristorante, 345 Court Street, 718 852-5015 Mama Maria’s Restaurant, 307 Court Street, (718) 246-2601

Mezcals Restaurant, 522 Court Street, 718-783-3276 Natures Grill, 138 Court street, 718852,5100, Nine-D, 462 Court Street, 718-488-8998, Oaxaca Tacos, 251 Smith Street (718) 222-1122 Osaca Restaurant, 272 Court Street (718) 643-0055 P J Hanleys, 449 Court St, 718- 843-8223 Palo Cortado, 520 Court St, 718407-0047 Prime Meats, 465 Court Street, 718254-0327 or 0345, Palmyra, 316 Court street, 718-7971110 Red Rose Restaurant, 315 Smith Street, (718) 625-0963 Sals Pizza, 305 Court Street, (718) 852-6890 Sam’s Restaurant, 238 Court Street, 718-596-3458 SOul Spot 302 Atlantic Ave 718 5969933 Savoia, 277 Smith Street, 718-797-2727 Seersucker Restaurant, 329 Smith Street, (718) 422-0444

Smith & Vine, 268 Smith Street (718) 243-2864 South Brooklyn Pizza, 451 Court Street, 718 852-6018 Stinky Brooklyn, 261 Smith Street, 718 522-7425 Sweet Melissa, 276 Court Street, (718) 855-3410 Tripoli, 156 Atlantic Ave, 718 596-5800 Vinny’s of Carroll Gardens, 295 Smith Street, 718 875-5600 Vinny’s Pizzeria, 455 Court Street, 718 596-9342 Vino y Tapas, 520 Court Street, 718407-0047 Vinzee’s, 412 Court Street, 718 855 1401 Zaytoons, 283 Smith Street, 718 875-1880

Gowanus

Michael and Pings, 437 Third Avenue, (718) 788-0017 Cotta Bene Pizza, 291 3rd Ave, 718 722-7200 Littlenecks, 288 3rd Ave., (718) 522-1921 Canal Bar, 270 3rd Ave, (718) 246-0011

Hours: Noon to 10:30 pm Tues. to Thurs. Noon to 11pm Friday. 4pm to 11pm Saturday & 4pm to 10:30pm Sunday.

Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue

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June 16 - 31, 2012

Dining Out

LaVara serves dishes that pique the curiosity by Erik Penney

fter living in Red Hook for six months, I started worrying about the slow creep of Manhattanites and the Manhattan-like lifestyle into the neighborhood. I had seen what my old neighborhood on the Upper West Side morphed into – a crowded mélange of chain stores and tourists – but didn’t realize the transformation could happen so fast or be so noticeable, not to mention disruptive. One of the selling points of LaVara mentioned repeatedly was that it was a restaurant reminiscent of Spanish tapas restaurants in Manhattan. New York Magazine describes it as a perfect destination for “Brooklyn-weary Manhattanites.” How disappointing to think that this gem of a neighborhood restaurant is being marketed in the NY mainstream food press as “tapas-lite” if you can’t get into Manhattan, (or worse yet, if you are unfortunate enough to find yourself hungry in Brooklyn.)

Truth is, La Vara is good enough to attract a destination dinner crowd, though I strenuously disagree with the implication that the restaurants in Brooklyn are only good insofar as they resemble those of Manhattan, quite the contrary. La Vara really exemplifies a trend that has been developing in Brooklyn for a few years now – that you can find exceptional food of almost any style, in a manner and quality equal to

or exceeding that of Manhattan.

are tossed with paprika and make for a pressed. What I did not expect, however, And so we come to La Vara. Opened deliciously addicting, peppery bar snack. was that this little neighborhood tapas by Manhattan tapas veterans Alex Raij There are these bread-based dishes called shop could produce one of the best roast and Eder Montero, La Vara comes with “panes” on the menu. We had one called pork dishes I have ever tasted, bar none. a pedigree. Its serious Spanish chops are “migas”. The bread in this dish was cubed This is a roast suckling pig, that grateon display all over the interesting menu. and sautéed in a kind of glorious hash. fully, mercifully comes with a generous Housed on what could plausibly pass for The bread became crisp, not unlike layer of browned, crackling, crispy skin. the Huxtable’s block on “The Cosby salad croutons. All I could imagine was This is a large portion; it’s a whole slice Show”, La Vara occupies a small, an- nursing a hangover on a Sunday morn- of belly or loin, a cut with enough fat to tiqued glass storefront on Clinton Street ing with this, (topped with a runny fried make things really interesting. This suckbetween classic Brooklyn brownstone egg in my fantasy), and a bloody Mary. ling pig is tender - like pork veal - and homes underneath the hanging branch- Lamb meatballs have an almost Sicilian it absolutely melts in your mouth. There es of sycamore trees. This is a small or North African slant, and come with a is a mild chimichurri sauce along with it that is wholly unnecessary; this pork room, lit up bright like a hospital in a dollop of tangy mint-infused yogurt. slightly off-putting way. In places like The special was a seafood salad of mus- need not be doctored or adorned, it can this, I wonder if the management keeps sels, squid and a kind of earthy mush- and should be enjoyed as-is. the light so bright for the same reason room. The liquid of all three made for a I knew La Vara succeeded with me beDavid Letterman keeps the temperature delicious pool of broth at the bottom of cause even after leaving and having tried uncomfortably cold in the Ed Sullivan the bowl. None of these are particularly many things, I walked away filled with Theater – to keep people awake and large portions; they might reasonably be curiosity to try more. Some of these dishalert. In any case, this is not how I nor- called appetizers in traditional restau- es are recognizable but many are not. I got mally prefer to eat, and I generally think rants. The good thing at a place like La the sense that there is more of a regional that La Vara would do better to have a Vara is that all of these dishes are very authenticity to the cooking here than in softer, less stark ambiance. reasonably priced – the most expen- most mainstream tapas joints. Moorish? The food here, however, is the focus sive entrée costs $19 and many smaller Basque, maybe? Either way, this is a smart and can easily make you forget about dishes are less than $10 – so you can feel menu, expertly executed and assembled everything around you. We started with financially comfortable ordering a raft of with care. As far as I’m concerned, it’s croquetas del día, which are a changing dishes from each section of the menu, Brooklyn through-and-through. list of deep-fried pureed potatoes, spiked (including a bottle among a number of La Vara (212) 422-0065 268 Clinton with different meats, fish and vegetables interesting and inexpensive Spanish Street (betw Warren St. and Verandah depending on the chef’s whim. On this wines), and not have to run to the blood Pl.) night ours had chicken, chorizo and bank to sell some plasma to pay for it all. Recommended dishes: Mussel & squid garlic, and came to us piping hot and salad; lamb meatballs; croquetas; crispy, the potato filling tender and La Vara did a more than respectable job suckling pig creamy inside. They make a perfect first- thus far. If the meal had ended right there, course finger food. Fried garbanzo beans I would have come away happy and im-

Street Style

by Angelika Mitchell

CAROLINE GREEN age 23, Aquarius STYLE: Bohemian Chic Who... designed your outfit? Hot & Delicious, $75. I got it at a Kiwi Designs on 5th ave in Park Slope. (www.kiwidesignco.com) is the designer of your shoes? J.Litvack,$180. (www.jlitvack.com) inspires your style? My roommates, people I see and admire on the street and my mom; I do a lot of shopping in her closet! What... is your favorite store on Van Brunt? Metal & Thread (www.metalthread.com) are your favorite things about RH? People, waterfront/pier, B61 bus do you think RH style is? I think it is whatever you want it to be; what you make it. For me it is sometimes “Oh sh*t, I’m late for work but don’t want anyone else to know that and want to look cute anyway” style. Where... would you go in RH if you had to spend $100? Foxy & Winston. (www.foxyandwinston.com) do you work? Cacao Prieto in Red Hook. (www.cacaoprieto.com) did you get your hair straightened? I did it myself. Just washed my hair with Pantene and blew it dry! Why... did you decide to wear that today? The great cleavage! I was also going to Fort Defiance after work so I wanted something light and comfortable to relax in. do you think you were chosen for the RH Street Style section?

Red Hook Star-Revue

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June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 17

Art & Community Calendar If you have an event you would like listed in the Red Hook Star-Revue calendar, please email redhookstarcalendar@ gmail.com.

CHILDREN

Bethel Baptist Day Care Center 242 Hoyt St. (718) 834-9292 ACD funded Early Childhood Education Programs, Family Services, and Day Care Services for the Gowanus Community. Kentler International Drawing Space—353 Van Brunt St. (718) 8752098, kentlergallery.org 6/23 1011:30am FREE Weekend Art Workshops for Families. Every 1st & 3rd Sat. Register in advance @ sallie@kentlergallery. org

CHURCH/ SYNAGOGUE

Kane St. Synagogue 236 Kane St. (718) 875-1530 kanestreet.org Torah Study every 2nd Shabbat of the Month 11amNoon. Every Fri. &/or Tues. St. Stephen’s R.C. 108 Carroll St. (718) 596-7750 delvecchiorc.com & brooklyncatholic.blogspot.com Every Wed. 6:30pm Choir rehearsal, if interested contact jlake@delvechiorc.com or evelyntroester@gmx.net Thu. 6/24 11:45am Special Farewell Liturgy for Rev. Anthiony Sansone. Reception to follow. Visitation of Our Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. 98 Richards @Verona (718) 6241572 Every Thurs. 6pm Choir Practice w/ Emiliana In-Home Blessings and Masses, by appointment. Languages available: English, Spanish, Italian, German. Contact: Lori Burkhard at (917) 9715522 Sun. 6/10 2-4:30pm Free Health Clinic, in association w/Carroll Gar4dens Asso.,Inc. Thu. 6/21 Angeltones Benefit Concert w/light refreshment. $20.

CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS

Brooklyn Collective Gallery 212 Columbia St. (Union/Sackett) (718) 596-6231brooklyncollective.com. Gallery Hours: Thur.- Sun. 11am-8pm Over 40 Artists on Exhibit through June. Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association (718 858-4699 carrollgardensbrooklyn.org Every 1st Wed. General Meeting. The Gowanus Studio Space 166 7th Street (347) 948-5753 www. gowanusstudio.org Tues, 6/26,7/3,10.17 6:30-9:30pm Jig Saw Relief Printmaking $205 non-members, $165 members. Cora Dance 201 Richards St. (Coffey St./Van Dyke St.) #15 (718) 858-2520 coradance.org New Adult Classes. Every Sun.5:30 - 6:45pm, Restorative Yoga w/Jolene Festa (child care available) Every Monday 6:30-7:45pm Yoga w/Jolene Festa (childcare available)Every Tues 5-6:30 pm Company Class (rotating teachers) Every Sat. 10:30-11:30 Zumba w/Sarah Folland. Classes are pay-whatyou-can. (Suggested donation: $10 per class, $15 per class w/child care.) Ger-Nis Culinary & Herb Center 540 President St, (3rd/4th Ave.) (347) 4220337 ger-nis.com Sat. 6/16 Noon-1pm World Cuisine: TOur of India-Jackson Hgts. Walking Tour. Meeting Place: TBD. $25 call for reservations. Mon. 6/18 6:309pm Cooking w/out Borders: Healthy Latin Fusion $65. Tue. 6/19 6:30pm9pm South African Food & Wine Safari $75. Wed. 6/20 6:30-9pm Enchiladas & Sauce $65. Thu. 6/21 World Cuisine: Tour of India: Indian Street Food $75. Fri. 6/22 6:30-9pm Popsicle Workshop $65. Sat. 6/23 11am-1:30pm Bloody Mary Brunch $65 adult, $20 Child. Sun 6/24 1-4pm Nissa’s Herbal Beauty Bar $75. Thu. 6/28 World Cuisine:Tour of India Modern Indian Wine $75. Sat 6/30 Time TBD A Private Dazzling Vegan Dinner! $500 for up to 12 people.

COMEDY

Littlefield—622 Degraw St littlefieldny. com Every Monday 8pm: Hot Tub w/ Kurt & Kristen $5 adv. $8 dos. Fri 6/15 7z:30pm The Pines, David King & The Confirmed Bachelors, Luluc $8 adv. $10 dos. Sat. 6/16 11pm I Love Vinyl: On The B-Side $10, $5 reduced admission before 11:30pm w/RSVP www.ilovevinyl.org Sun. 6/17 12:30-1pm Brooklyn Music Factory: Final Band Party FREE for all ages. 7:30 pm Joe Blossom, Hamish kilgour, Glass Vaults $8. Tue. 6/19 7:30pm Dawn of Midi, Father Figures, Rafiq Bhatia $8 adv. 10 dos. wed. 6/20 8pm The Bengsons of Brooklyn EP Release Bonanza $10. THu. 6/21 8pm

Page 18 Red Hook Star-Revue

Not Blood Paint, The Yellow Dogs, Osekere & The Lucky, Bastards $5 adv. $7 dos.Fri. 6/22 7pm New Beard Release Show: New Beard, The Mast, Xenia Rubinos, Greg Barris, Cocoon Central Dance Team $8 adv. 10 dos. Sat 6/23 2pm tumblr + Everyone is Gay, Pride Meetup, Butterfly Boucher, I Am Lightyear, Town Hall FREE for all ages. 9pm Nicky Da B w/Rusty Lazerv $10 adv. $12 dos. wed. 6/27 7pm THe Talent Show Presents: SUMMER CAMP! 7pm $5. Thu. 6/28”Louie” Season 3 Premiere Party w/SweetPro $8adv. $10 dos. Fri 6/29 7:30pm Night of the Living w/Kurt Branholer, Live BUNK Screening $10 adv. $12 dos. Sun. 7/1 1:30pm The Night Wears a SOmbrero: A Day Long Festival of Instrumental Music w/Lymbyc Systems, Wires Under Tension, zvoov and many others. $12 adv. $14 dos.

ade.) suggested donation $2. Admission by donation, suggested donation $2. Say you like “Red-Hook Star Revue” and get a free gift bag.

EXHIBITIONS

MUSIC

440 Gallery 440 6th Ave. (Park Slope) (718) 499-3844, 440gallery.com Gallery hrs. - Thurs., Fri. 4-7pm, Sat., Sun. 11am - 7pm, or by appointment. Through 6/24 Petit Fours by Amy Williams. Thu. 6/287/22 From Mice to Monsters Brooklyn Collective Gallery 212 Columbia St. (Union/Sackett) (718) 596-6231 brooklyncollective.com Gallery hrs. Thur. - Sun 1pm-8pm Through 6/31 30 New Collections of Local Artists FREE. Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition 499 Van Brunt St. (718) 596-2506 bwac. org COLOR: A Juried Art Show. Exhibition: 7/28-8/18. Sat. 6/16 11am-2pm Photoshop for Graphics Designers. Falconworks Kidd Studio 135 Richards St. (718) 395-3218 falconworks. com - redhooktheater.org The Red Hook Theater Project 2012: Development of a 10 minute play in wrkshp w/ Julian Boal. 11am-3pm, 9am-5pm final rehearsal Sat.16. Sun 17, performance 6/28 reservation req’d. Sat. 6/23, Sun. 6/24 11am-3pm A Two Day Workshop in collaboration w/TOPLAB, facilitated by Marie-Claire Picher. $10. Gallery Small New York---416 Van Brunt, (347) 782-3729 smallnewyork.com Gallery hours are Thurs. - Sun. 11am - 6pm. Through 6/31 The Antiques Wallpaper & Decorative Arts Show. Invisible Dog---51 Bergen Street, theinvisibledog.org (347) 560-3641Gallery hours Sat.-thu. 1-7pm. Sun 1-5pm. Sat. 6/2-Thu. 6/17 Everything Is Index, Nothing Is History: Recession Art cuarated by Melanie Kress & Natalie Bell. Sat. 6/23 8pm Catch: performance $15. Sat. 6/30 7:30pm MATE Series w/ Thomas Dexter, Shimpei Takeda & Melissa Clark, CHIKA & Chriss DeLaurenti Kentler International Drawing Space—353 Van Brunt St. (718) 8752098, kentlergallery.org Fri. 6/8-22 Uncovered: Prints & selections fron the Kentler Flatfiles. Curated by Sallie Mize. Look North Inuit Art Gallery—275 Conover Street, Suite 4E, (347) 7213995, looknorthny.com Polar Light: Greenland. The Greenland photography of Rena Bass Forman and the Greenland drawings of Zaria Forman. A climate change awareness exhibition held in conjunction with Al Gore’s ‘The Climate Project’.

FESTIVALS

Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition 499 Van Brunt St. (718) 596-2506 bwac.orgSpring Pier Show: Celebrate - 20 year Anniversary. Sat. & Sun through 6/17 1-6pm. 1000 pieces of new & affordable art by local artist. Special events everyday including classes & concerts. Something for all ages. Red Hook Jazz Festival @ Urban Meadows Vanbrunt & President Sts. 6/17 1pm-dark. w/Rick Parker Collective Harris Eisenstaadt’s Canada Day Octet, Nate Wooley Quintet and many others. Red Hook Pride @ Coffey Park Verona St, Richard/Dwight Sts. 10am-2pm A moveable Feast: Brunch at one of the participating restaurant. 3pm Get Married for a Day to Anyone! 6-8pm The Red Hook Crawl: Pubs & Shops. 8pm Coffey Park Mini-ball w/GMAD.

MUSEUMS

Micro Museum—123 Smith Street, (718) 797-3116 micromuseum.com . Above and Beyond, a three-year retrospective of the art of William and Kathleen Laziza, every Saturday from 12-7pm, refreshments from 5-7pm. Sat. 6/30 5-7pm Every Sat ‘til Dec. BIG CHAIR PHOTO OP w/lemonade (over 21, spiked lemon-

The Waterfront Museum Lehigh Valley Barge No.79, 290 Conover Street. (718) 624-4719 ext. 11 www.waterfrontmuseum.org. Free boat tours & open hours all through the year. Thursdays 4 - 8 pm and Saturdays 1 - 5 pm. Juggling For Fun Wkshp. Call (718) 624-4719 x.11 or email David Sharps at the above address. Wed 6/23 2-4pm River Songs of America w/Jeff Newell’ New-Trad Quartet. Special Note: From 6/27-7/2 the Museum Will be travelling to Tribeca @ Hudson River Park Pier 25 for the North River Historic Ship Festival w/open boat tours, a showboat circus and a fundraiser. Contact www.nrhss.org. for more info. Bait & Tackle 320 Van Brunt Street (718) 451-4665 redhookbaitandtackle.com Fri. 6/22 9pm Dev Returns!! W/his Musical Friends From Amsterdam! Sat. 6/23 9pm Sullied Accolades. Fri 6/29 9pm Jesse Kilguss. Sat. 6/30 9pm City Walls Autumn Falls Hope & Anchor 347 Van Brunt St., (718) 237-0276. Every Wed. 7pm, Jazz Jam w/The H & A House Band! Every Thurs. through Sat. from 9pm-1am Karaoke. Issue Project Room @110 Livingston St. (718) 330-0313 issueprojectroom. org Sun. 6/17 7pm Face The Music: Angelica Negron & Balun presents “New World Voices.” Thu. 6/21 7pm Karlheinz Stockhausen,s Musik Im Bach FREE. Fri 6/22 8pm Darmstadt 2012: Gamelan Son ogf Lion: The Braid Pieces of Barbara Benary & other works $15, $12 members. Sat. 6/23 8pm Darmstadt 2012 Either/Or, Chriss Mann, Object Collection $15, $12 members. Fri 6/29 8pm Darmstsadt 2012: An Evening w/ Man Forever $15, $12 members. Sat 6/30 7pm Sppy Music Festival: Rhys Chatham, Extra Life, Neptune $15, $12 members. Jalopy Theatre and School of Music 315 Columbia St., (718) 395-3214, jalopy. biz. Feral Foster FREE. Sat. 6/16 2pmMidnight Brooklyn Country Presents: Brooklyn City Limits sponsored by Sixpoint Craft Ales.Will Scott, Low & The Lonesome, Dirt Floor Revue, Nikki Sue & The Bad News, Michaela Anne, Frankenpine, The Newton Gang (CD Release Party), The High Irons, The Grand Prospect $15. Thu. 6/21 9pm Andrew & The Noah Band, Pearly Snaps $10. Fri. 6/22 Radio Jarocho $10. Sat 6/23 9pm Doug Skinner & Ralph Hamperian, The Whiskey Spitters $10. Sun. 6/24 9pm The Red Hook Ramblers w/Silent Films $10. Tue. 6./26 9pm Nuala Kennedy & Dana Lynn perform the music of Enthralled, AJ Roach $10. Thu. 6/28 8pm Paper Swan Presents: Sugardown EP Release w/free advice, Hannah, Fairlight, Dewey & The Decimals $10. Fri. 6/29 9pm Musette Explosion, Cinder Conk $10. Sat. 6/30 9pm Les Chaud Lapins $10. Montero’s Bar 73 Atlantic Ave. @ Hicks St. (718) 534-6399 monteros-bar@facebook.com Karaoke w/Amethyst every Fri. & Sat. 10pm. Every Wed. after. 8pm - Midnight. The raucous musical concoctions of The Red Hook Irregulars. All Acoustic. Guest Players invited. The Rock Shop—249 Fourth Ave. (President St./Carroll St.) (718) 2305740 therockshopny.com Sat. 6/16 8pm Plume Giant, Matt Boerum $10. Mon 6/18 8pm The Gowanus Allstars FREE. Thu. 6/21 8pm Saint Maybe, Worm Burner, American Darlings $8. Fri. 6/22 7:30pm Pass Kontrol, Backwords, Heather Christian, Car on the Moon $8. Sat. 6/23 8pm Hallelujah the Hills, Love Life, Matt Lemay, Driver Friendly $8 adv. $10 dos. Sun. 6/24 8pm Rosies Flores v$10. Mon. 6/25 8pm The Gowanus AllStars FREE. Tue. 6/26 7:30pm Great Elk, Jon LaDeau, Sam Marine & County $8. Fri. 6/29 8pm Shake the Baron, Zula $10. Rocky Sullivan’s—34 Van Dyke St., (718) 246-8050. Every Mon, Tues, Wed 8pm Live Irish Music Every Last Wed 8pm Readings By Authors.Every. Thurs. 9pm Rocky’s World Famous Pub Quiz, Every Fri./Sat Live Rock ‘n Roll. The Star Theater Acoustic Jam & Hootenanny 101 Union St. btwn Columbia and Van Brunt (718) 624-5568 Every Monday Night 8pm. C&W to Jazz (with a healthy dose of Blues in the middle). Bring your Axe & Your Favorite Beverage! Electric Jam Every Thur. Night 8pm Hard rock, Jazz, Blues. Full Back Line.

www.RedHookStar.com

Sunny’s Bar 253 Conover St. (Beard/ Reed St.s) (718) 625-8211 sunnysredhook.com & Sunny’s Bar on Facebook. Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, live local roots music.. Every Sat. 10pm Bluegrass/Folk Country Jam. Fri. 6/15 10pm The Rooftoppers. Union Hall 702 Union Street @5th Ave (718) 638-4400 unionhallny.com Every Sun. 7:30pm Pretty Good Friends. Comedy host by Eugene Mirman $7. Every Fri. Midnight Karaoke Killed The Cat FREE. Every Sat. 11pm CRAZY $INCE DA 90$ FREE.

NYC. Sun 7/1 3-6pm Canada Day Spicebox Whiskey Tasting: Oh, Canada, What A Whiskey! MicNik Lounge 200 Columbia St. (917) 770-1984 ‘Rebel! Rebel!’ (Gay Night) every First & Third Thurs. 9pm - 2am Cheap Beer, $6 well drinks, friendly crowd.

THEATER

The Heights Players 26 Willow Place, heightsplayers.org (718) 237-2752 Fri 6/22, Sun. 6/23 8pm Directors’ Workshop.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative 153 Columbia St., Kane/Degraw St. (718) 522-0913 brooklyngreenway.org Through 6/21 The Ceramic Arts of Kathryn Robinson-Miller. 30% of the proceeds will go to support BGI’s work. Thu. 6/21 6-9pm New Views 2012: Williamsburg Bistro & Bites reservations requested

The ClockWorks Puppet Theater 196 Columbia St. (212) 614-0001 cosmic bicycle.com Thu. 6/14, 21, 28 8pm, Fri 6/15/ 22, 29 8pm. Sat. 6/16, 23, 30 4pm & 8pm Theater of Little Broken Hearts, Music by Nora Jones $20. Sat 6/23 10-11pm Das WunderKammer Puppet Kabaret $15, $10 w/ticket to Little Broken Hearts.

READINGS

WALKING TOURS

Community Bookstore 143 7th Ave. (718) 783 3075 communitybookstore.net Sun 6/17 11am &th Heaven FestivalAme Dyckma author of Boy & Bot, Melanie Hope Greenberg author of Mermaids on Parade. Wed 6/20 7pm Fran Hawthorne author of Ethical Chis. Thu6/21 Siri Hustvedt reads from Living, Thinking, Looking: Essays. Wed. 6/27 7pm Rich Cohen author of The Fish That Ate The Whale interviewed by Jason Diamond.

TASTINGS

Botanica—220 Conover St (at Coffey St), 347-225-0147. New cocktails, specialty liquors & Exotic Chocolates featuring Cacao Prieto Chocolate. Sat-Sun: Afternoon cocktails. Now Open!! Dry Dock Wine + Spirits---424 Van Brunt St., (718) 852-3625, drydockny.com Sat. 6/16 4-7pm Red Hook Pride/Passport to Vinho Verde: Red Hook Pride & Portugese Wines. Thu. 6/21 3-6pm Van Brunt Still House Rum: local offering. Fri. 6/22 5:30-8:30pm Red, White & Green: Delicious Organic Wines. Sat 6/23 4-7pm Hendrick’s Gin. Sun 6/24 3-6pm Hooker’s Choice: a free for all. Fri 6/29 5:308:30 Sud de France Wine Celebrations. Sat 6/30 4-7pm Greenhook Ginsmiths American Dry Gin, from Greenpoint,

A Tour grows in Brooklyn 1212 64th St.(212) 209-3370 brooklynwalkingtour. com A historical walking tour of Brownstone Brooklyn featuring the childhood home of Al Capone, the history of the Williamsburg Bank, and the Revolutionary War battle site The Old Stone House. Real Brooklyn Pizza Lunch included. Daily 10am-1pm, $40 Brooklyn Greenway Initiative 153 Columbia St., Kane/Degraw St. (718) 522-0913 brooklyngreenway.org Sat. 6/1712:30-2:30pm Brooklyn Navy Yard Bicycle Tour $24 advance purchase required @ urbanoyster.com or call (347) 618-8687. Sat. 5/20 10am Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway BKie Tour pre-register @ ride2012@brooklyngreenway.org Urban Oyster (347) 618-TOUR (8687) urbanoyster.com Sat. 6/30 Noon-3:30, Brewed in Brooklyn Tour (Williamsburg) Brewing, Bottling, & bootlegging in historic Williamsburg. Samples, pizza and fresh lager lunch included. $60 Sat 6/23, 30, Sun 6/17, 24,7/1 Every Sat. & Sun Navy Yard Full Tour 2:30-4:30pm

Valentino Pier Films Summer Schedule announced

Tuesday nights every summer, free movies are shown on a large outdoor screen adjacent to Valentino Pier. Last Sunday night, Red Hook Flicks held their fundraiser at Bait and Tackle and also announced their summer schedule. In addition, the Michael Buscemi short, “B61” - featured at the recent Tribeca Film Festival - was shown on two screens. Buscemi, a Red Hook resident, made an appearance at the fundraiser. Amy Hamerl, who has run Red Hook Flicks for the past four years, asked Buscemi to say a few words. He looked up from his position near the front door and simply said “let the show begin.” The movie is a series of short takes about three people who meet at a B61 bus stop in Red Hook. Two of them wait patiently for the bus, while a third gets picked up by car. We’re not sure exactly what point Buscemi - who both wrote and starred in the short - is making. What we can say that it was well filmed and acted, as well as thought provoking. Of course, the one thing missing from the movie was the bus itself, which only makes one brief appearance in the final scene, which might have been the point after all. Sponsors of the series provided free food and the bar was packed. People were asked to vote for the August 28th movie, and the overwhelming response was for Young Frankenstein. The schedule is as follows: July 10: Lost Boys

July 17: Tremors

July 24: How To Train Your Dragon

July 31: Alien

August 7: Zombieland August 21: E.T.

Aug. 14: Blade Aug. 28: Young Frankenstein

June 16 - 31, 2012

Star-Revue Classifieds Help Wanted Freelance Writers: The Red Hook Star-Revue is looking for freelance writers for both the arts and news sections. We want to buttress our news as well as local theater and arts coverage. Email Kimberly @ redhookstar.com Outside Salesperson: The Red Hook Star-Revue seeks an ambitious person who likes to walk, talk and make friends in the neighborhood to sell display advertising. Commission to start - work around your hours, no pressure. Call 718 624-5568 and speak to Kimberly or George. Hair Dresser with Following. Licensed hairdresser needed for huge opportunity in very modern and elegant Van Brunt Street Salon. Opposite PS 15. Call Nayda at 718 935-0596 for more details. CLERICAL POSITION WITH FLEXIBILITY Architectural office, Union near Columbia. Duties include invoicing, payroll, filing, and reception; 20-25 hours/ week; salary depending on qualifications. Quickbooks proficiency required. Submit resume to ncox@ fgca.com with “CLERICAL” in subject line.

Laundry Service

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Movers

COOL HAND MOVERS Friendly local guys that can relocate your life, or just shlep your new couch from Ikea. We’ll show up on time, in a truck or van if necessary, and basically kick ass -- you might even have a good time! Call for a free estimate at (917) 584-0334 or email at coolhandmovers@gmail.com Customer reviews on YELP.COM

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siding • Windows • Roofing • Fences • Kitchens • Painting • Baths • Basements • Decks • Doors • Awnings • Patio Enclosures • Brick Pointing • Concrete Stucco Visit our online showroom www.newheightsConstructionny.com

Ask about our Window Specials!

Space Available

Warehousing and office space available in Brooklyn, Sunset park area, anywhere from 1,000 to 7,000 sq. ft @ $8.00 per sq. foot. Please call Frank Monday through Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm at 718-260-9440 or 718-797-4000.

800-525-5102 718-767-0044

The Red Hook Star-Revue now publishes twice a month - classified advertising is one of the best and least expensive ways to get your message across. Special yearly contracts available for service businesses such as plumbers, electricians for as little as $500 annually. Email Angelika@redhookstar.com or call 718 624-5568

No job too big or too small

Toilets, Boilers, Heating, Faucets, Hot Water Heaters, Pool Heaters.

B & D Heating 507 Court Street 718 625-1396

Licensed Electrical Contractors Commercial • Residential • Industrial Free Estimates

Violations Removed All Types of Wiring Emergency Service EMERGENCY SERVICE 137 King Street Brooklyn, NY 11231 Fax: (718) 935-0887

Vito Liotine (718) 625-1995 (718) 625-0867 aliotine@aol.com

Volunteers needed to spend time with isolated and homebound Red Hook Seniors! Heights and Hills is looking for mature, reliable and compassionate volunteers for our Friendly Visiting Program. Days and hours are flexible. Contact Betsy Guttmacher at bguttmacher@heightsandhills.org or 718 596-8789.

Here’s My Card

Introducing Business Card Classifieds in the Star-Revue. Your card categorized as below.

The Star-Revue is read by over 10,000 individuals in zip code 11231 every two weeks, as it is the leading source of community news. We offer highly affordable rates - contact Angelika Mitchell at 718.624.5568 or Angelika@ redhookstar.com to get your card in our next issue.

Your Cost: 2 months $400; 4 months $750; 6 months $1000; one year $1750. Take an extra 5% off if paid all in advance. We take all charge cards.

Movers

For Sale “Large oil painting A contemporary work of approximately 6 by 8 feet.It is painted in a loose expressionistic style.The image is of a seahorse” with other images of sea life around it. The artist used complementary colors of blue and red.The painting is livey, colorful and joyful. $1,000.00 or best offer. Vall Sr. Rosanna at Visitation Church 718 624-1572

Car Service

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Leasing

www.RedHookStar.com

Put Your Ad Right Here by Calling Angelika at

718 624-5568 CALL RIGHT NOW Don’t Miss Out!!!!!!!!!

Framing

June 16 - 31, 2012 Page 19

Red Hook StarªRevue Two Dodge players talk about their lives as Red Hook baseball players

he Defenders are at the bottom of the standings of the Red Hook Youth Baseball league. Their manager, Joe Internicola, whose petite

son is one of their better players, makes no bones about his displeasure with the teams performance. Yet we saw two interesting young men last Saturday during their second game loss to Hyne’s Heroes. They were not very cheerful following the game but they were each nice enough to talk to us anyway.

who he also hangs out with other times. He plays third base and the outfield, and loves baseball. He is a Yankee fan. Paul Deceglie is twelve years old and has been playing organized baseball for four years, first with the Sacred Hearts League who plays there games on Rapelye Street, and the past two years he has been in the Red Hook league. He’s got friends on the team

The Defenders practice twice a week, and other times he’ll have a catch with his friends. He seems dedicated to the sport, although he has a few other interests, including a girl named Raine. He plays basketball, but as he says, not so well. He goes to PS 51, which is at Fifth Avenue and 4th Street.

Brian Velazquez comes across as a young man with a mission. He can hit, he can pitch, and he practices all the time. At the tender young age of 12, he already has set his goal to make it as a professional ballplayer, and to this reporter who has watched him hit and pitch, he may just have the goods. He lives in the East Houses right behind the ballfield where these games are played. He has been playing ball since he was five years old, taught at first by his father. He pitches and plays shortstop and third base. He throws mostly two seam fastballs and changeups. When he’s not playing baseball, he will play pickup basketball games and he also enjoys

League schedule

video games. His favorite movie so far this year is The Avengers. Asked about a girl, he shyly thinks about it and then admits that there is no-one really special at this point. I got the impression that he spends more time thinking about his two-seam fastball. He’s is in the seventh grade at the Brooklyn School for Collaborative Studies at 610 Henry Street and hopes to go to Xaverian for high school. Asked whether he thought about a career after high school or college, he admitted that at this point his main goal is the major leagues.

Red Hook Star-Revue fields a team in the Dodge YMCA ‘Bar’ league

eek 7 Saturday, June 16 W 9 AM Hynes’ @ BYA #1 9 AM Southern @ Defenders #9 11 AM Defenders @ Southern #9

Week 8

Wednesday, June 20

6 PM BYA @ Southern

League Standings Place Team

1. 2. 3. 4.

Southern Trucking ....................4-0 BYA Royals ...............................4-2 Hynes Heroes ...........................2-4 Defenders ................................1-5

June 2nd results All games rained out

Page 20 Red Hook Star-Revue

June 9th Results Dodge 5, Hynes 1 1st game Hynes 3, Dodge 1 2nd game Southern Trucking 6, BYA 3

First Round of Playoffs Saturday, June 23

9 AM 3rd Place @ 2nd Place #1 9 AM 4th Place @ 1st Place #9

Championship Series (Best of 3) Game #1 Wednesday, June 27 6 PM Lowest Seed @ Highest Seed Field #9

Game #2 Saturday, June 30 9 AM Seed

Highest Seed @ Lowest Field #9

Game #3 (if necessary) Saturday, June 30

11 AM Lowest Seed @ Highest Seed Third Place Game 9 AM Two losing teams from June 23 Field #1

Trophy Ceremony will take place on Field 9 immediately following the Championship Game on June 30th

www.RedHookStar.com

The following players took part in this historic game: Lourdes, Ethan, Matt, George, Tucker, Mike, Kimberly and Angelika.

The Red Hook Star-Revue played its first ever softball game on Thursday evening, June 14th, right before this issue was due at the printer. Without the benefit of a practice, mitts, or even a complete team, we managed to achieve a 15 - 0 defeat at the hands of the B61 team. Actually we were lent mitts by B61. There are 2 games before the next issue: June 20 against The Wobblies, field 8 and June 25th, at the RH Misfits, Field 6. They will be without star third baseman Kimberly Price who will be on vacation. The Star-Revue welcomes fans to show their support. Everyone who attends a game will receive a free newspaper

June 16 - 31, 2012