Star-Revue Sept 1 2012 by Red Hook Star-Revue

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

SEPTEMBER 1-15, 2012

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

FREE

Media distortion sparks ILA outrage by Drew Petrilli and Kimberly Gail Price

very day in Red Hook, members of Local 1814 of the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) operate the cranes, unload the shipping containers and load the trucks that drives one of the most vital economic lifelines of the tri-state area: The New York docks. These hard working men and women often supersede the standard 40 hour workweek in order to provide sustenance for themselves and their families. A new union contract is currently being negotiated between the ILA and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) (representing the shippers), as the current one is set to expire September 30th. A recent New York Post article by Jennifer Fermino, (Aug. 23, 2012), states that the negotiation has broken down due to the ILA’s refusal to negotiate with the USMX. However, ILA maintains that they were “stunned” when James Capo, Alliance CEO for USMX, walked out on negotiations in late August. ILA spokesman, James McNamara said, “when Wednesday came around, Jim Capo came to Harold Daggett and said all the issues they had talked about were off the table. “ Now Daggett, President of ILA, warns that “it looks like we are going to have a strike.” Slanted articles from the Post do nothing to alleviate a full scale shut down of ports from Nova Scotia to New Orleans, Louisiana. The Post also alleges familial ties to organized crime and earnings of $400,000 a year “despite earning around $30 an hour.” A union member who works 40 hours a week making $30 an hour would bring in $62,400 annually - before taxes. That leaves $337,600 for overtime. At time and a half - as the current master contract dictates - a dockworker would have to work an extra 7,502 hours a year or a total of 184 hours a week. George Fiala, co-publisher, makes a new friend - Savannah - at Coffey Park (photo by Kimberly Gail Price)

(continued on page 3)

COLUMBIA WATERFRONT GETS IT’S DINER BACK!

by Alexandra Gillis

rder up! Red Hook residents, and employees of the Star-Revue, have been anxiously waiting for the opening of Water’s Edge Diner. As of Monday, August 27th they are open for business. And with the generous hours of 7am to 11 pm Red Hook, can have its early morning eggs, late night burgers - and eat it too. The former Waterfront Family Restaurant on 214 Columbia Street had been sitting vacant for almost 6 years. According to Arturo Galeano, of Frank Galeano Realty, the previous owner closed up and said “we’ll reopen when the neighborhood changes.” This came to no avail for the previous owner and his family. After the long wait and a lot of turning down possible tenants, someone came along with the right stuff. Mixali Kallonas, owner of Alphabet Diner, and fellow restaurateur Angela Alexiou had the recipe for a diner that was going to work. Arturo Galeano said that when it came to renting the space the change of heart was due to the owners’ Manhattan diner experience. “They know what they’re doing.” After an initial neighborly hello, I made my second venture to Water’s Edge to see what they were all about. I was greeted with warm smiles and kind service. The interior is warm and cozy with natural tones and a nautical flair.

Located across from Caselnova and a few doors from Mazzat, Water’s Edge Diner adds some light to Columbia Street (photo by George Fiala)

(continued on page 19)

Also in This Issue: Mollie interviews a bebopist page 15

The

Blue Pencil Lunar Revue

Spoofs page 10 new original crossword puzzle page 11

PLUS LOTS MORE!

Family Day enlivens Coffey Park page 11

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

SEPTEMBER 1- 15 2012

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

VOLUME 3 NO. 17

Table of Contents

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7

Happenings....................... 2 Crossword................. 11 Newsbriefs...................... 7,9 Restaurant Guide....... 16 Go Brooklyn..................... 12 Arts Calendar............. 18 Family Day....................... 11 Classifieds................. 19 Spoof............................... 10 Sports....................... 20

Kentler International Drawing Space, 353 Van Brunt Street, opens a new show “To Be Young, Gifted and Black in the Age of Obama,” an art exhibtion featuring new drawings by eight African American visual artists responding to writings from the Black Arts Movement of the late 1960’s. This opening reception is from 6-8 pm, the show runs through October 21st. Opening night of the 57th season of the Heights Players. Ed Healy directs a Ben Hecht play “Twentieth Century.” This is community theater at its finest. 26 Willow Place, Brooklyn Heights. 8 pm. To order tickets go to www.heightsplayers.org

STAFF

Kimberly G. Price.......................................Editor/Publisher George Fiala.......................................... Graphics/Publisher Matt Graber............................................... Senior Reporter Abigail Savitch-Lew.............................................. Reporter Alexandra Gillis..................................................... Reporter Drew Petrilli.......................................................... Reporter Greg Algarin-Marquez .............................................Politics Vince Musacchia..................................................Cartoons Eric Ruff............................................................... Calendar Erik Penney...................................................... Restaurants Angelika Mitchell................................Advertising Manager

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 8

The Columbia Waterfront District Merchants Association presents the 4th Annual Columbia Street Waterfront District Fall Festival, from 12-6 pm. The fair encompasses Columbia Street from Degraw to Union Street, and Union Street from Columbia to Hicks. This is our local fair and there will be plenty of food, shopping and rides, as well as a live music stage. The Cherry Tree presents Rockin’ Roots music featuring a full band. Coors Light Promo night includes free tastings. Pizza is a specialty here., Beer, pizza and live music from 9-midnight The Cherry Tree is on 4th Avenue between Dean and Bergen Streets.

Contributors

Mollie Dash, Reg Flowers, Mary Anne Massaro, Tom Martinez, Mary Ann Pietanza, Michael Racioppo,

Member www.facebook.com/ redhookstarrevue

@RedHookStar

Happenings Around Our Town

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

RHI’s Teen Chef participants prepare a feast!

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 9

On the second Sunday of September Brooklyn’s first Italian Roman Catholic Parish, Sacred Hearts/St. Steven hosts the Congrega Maria S.S. Addolorata and the people of Mola Di Bari as they honor the feast of their hometown patron saint with a Procession and Mass. Among the stops are: the 76th Police Precinct, where the National Anthems of Italy and the US are played, Scotto Funeral Home, Frank’s on Smith Street and the Mola Club on 4th Place and Court Street. Schedule: 2 PM - Procession of Our Lady of Sorrow through the streets of Carroll Gardens. 6:45 pm - Fireworks at the Church, 7:00 pm High Mass. St. Stephen is located at 125 Summit Street in Carroll Gardens. www.MariaAddolorate.com

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 15TH

The Intercourse, 159 Pioneer Street, presents Seeker an’ the Trick, a solo exhibition of new paintings and sculpture by Red Hook artist Joey Frank. This very multimedia show includes a train with a camera attached and a sound track, played on vinyl. There are two receptions, the first on the new moon, Sept. 15th, and the second on the full moon, Sept. 29th. Both are from 4-8 pm. It’s Alumni Day at the VFW Post at 325 Van Brunt Street. All you can eat, fun, and conviviality the way only our local post knows how to do it. For more information call (718) 624-9313 during the day.

by Kimberly Gail Price

THURSDAY , SEPTEMBER 20TH

Artist Build Collective is having a fundraiser to support Silent Lights - a light and sound installation to provide safety and beauty to a neglected pedestrian path under the BQE on Hamilton Avenue. There will be drinks, bites and dessert from local vendors as well as live music from three bands, plus a DJ. The Green Building, 452 Union Street. Donation $50. For more info visit www.silentlights.eventbrite.com Participants and facilitators of Teen Chef share one last photo op together. (Photo by Tom Martinez)

ix young adults spent a total of six weeks training with local chefs, caterers and cooking experts. And on August 17th they celebrated by preparing their own meal from scratch for their peers, families and friends.

Each week, the youth visited or were visited by a new venue restaurants to learn basic culinary skills. Dean Caselnova, from Caselnova Trattoria taught them to make balsamic vinaigrette and Caesar dressing. Monica Byrne, of home/made and Roquette Catering, instructed them on chocolate torts and rice crispy treats. Even Gail Simmons from Top Chef worked with them, creating teriyaki shrimp and a maple roasted parfait. This was a pilot program that Red Hook Initiative (RHI) offered this summer. Mary Victor served as the Teen Chef Facilitator. Participants included Maria Mercado, Tedron Cuesves, Angelica Williams, Trevia Ross, Briba Edwards and Jaz-Zhane Wade. For their closing celebration, the teens prepared a food tasting of teriyaki chicken on a bed of rice, with string beans and shrimp and broccoli also on a bed of rice. Certificates of completion were presented and the teens had a chance to speak about their experiences. While photos were being snapped in the final moments, Victor handed each a sunflower. She said that the flowers spoke of “the brightness each brought to the program.”

Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue

ONGOING

Every weekend in September - 5th Annual Governors Island Art Fair. A vast exhibition of visual arts in and around the historic barracks on Governors Island. Well over 100 independent artists are selected entirely on the merit of their work and, once chosen, each is given a room of their own in which to create an exhibition environment of their own design. The HOPE Program has ongoing classes. The classes are designed to help you get a job, get an education in business math and reading, receive a GED certification, gain skills in computer and customer service, and gain work experience. Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9am to 5pm for 12 weeks. HOPE is located at 1 Smith Street, 4th floor. For more information visit www.thehopeprogram.org

www.RedHookStar.com

September 1 - 15, 2012

NY Post article slanders all Red Hook dockworkers (continued from page 1)

There are only 168 hours in a week. The Post goes on to describe the longshoreman’s union as “relatives of mobsters” who are “setting the stage for a crippling strike from Maine to Texas.” Vincent Miliote, ILA Local 824 in New York, responded with a letter that many in the union consider to be an act of heroism. “While I applaud your determination in trying to paint ALL longshoremen as millionaire gangsters, it simply isn’t true... Of course to see that, you would have had to do a little research and it is obvious that you were too busy watching On the Waterfront on a perpetual loop to actually research your article.” Another letter quickly followed. Antonella Manieri, who works at the Red Hook Container Terminal (RHCT) with Local 1814, writes, “I am not going to sit here and explain to you how you failed at being a journalist. I am going to try and enlighten you on the importance of researching a topic to avoid writing an extremely biased article. “I am not sitting at a desk every day, or any day for that matter. I am not wearing a cardigan because the air conditioner may be set on low today in the office [...] I will not be sleeping in my bed tonight and I cannot tell you when the next time I will see my bed will be [...] So what am I actually doing? [...] I am putting on my steeltoe boots because losing fingers and limbs isn’t all that uncommon here [...] I am preparing to stand outside in the rain, hail, & snow all while making sure machine operators, who have been forced to work 40+ hours straight, are awake and will not accidentally run me over. I am wrapping wet paper towels around my neck so I don’t pass out from heat exhaustion in 100 degree weather under the blazing sun [...] I am battling depression after being alone for endless hours with nothing but my own thoughts... I am getting dinner at a vending machine this evening ... I am standing next to my coworker who is lying on the floor bleeding. I am waking up and being put on a stretcher after being hit by a forklift... I am daydreaming about having a normal schedule with normal relationships with people off the pier [...] I am ruining my bladder because there is not a bathroom anywhere in sight and there is no pause button at work. [...] I am not making 400K a year, or anything close to that, and I never will [...] I am stressing about my work brothers and sisters losing jobs because of automation [...] I am reading articles like yours and feeling underappreciated.

Red Hook Star-Revue

“You have written several articles about longshoremen in which you depict us as driving an Escalade truck to work while throwing money in the air, smoking

do list 264 ILA members as earning above $200,000 annually. However, the figures also report 2,623 ILA members making below that figure, with 245

“‘While I applaud your determination in trying to paint ALL longshoremen as millionaire gangsters, it simply isn’t true... Of course to see that, you would have had to do a little research and it is obvious that you were too busy watching On the Waterfront on a perpetual loop to actually research your article.’” Cuban cigars, and wearing pinstripe Armani suits... Everything you eat, wear, drive, look at every day is thanks to a longshoreman; show some appreciation and respect [...] I feel you owe [an apology] to the families that have lost a loved one, the ones that have lost body parts, the ones that will never get to speak to their loved ones again, the families that have suffered with worry endless nights, and the human beings that contemplate suicide daily because it is a rough, lonely life we live. For all of those people, you should be ashamed of yourself.”

Longshoremen earning an average of $25,000-50,000 and 109 making below $25,000. These figures do not represent “those pier workers registered...to perform services incidental to waterborne freight,” according to the report. These figures represent, according to the Waterfront Commission, “regular and overtime wages, vacation and holiday benefits.” It is true that “container royalties,” a commission paid to ILA members based on the tonnage of the cargo that they handle are not included in these figures. However according to the current union contract held between the ILA and the USMX, the container royalties are capped, per employ at a maximum of $16,500 per employee per year.

9 years the employee gains 100% of the difference between their pay rate and the highest, essentially ensuring that said employee’s wage is the highest in the ILA and thus capping that wage at that level. To simplify, this means that if a new ILA member begins his/her career at $20.00 and the highest wage in the ILA is $50.00, it will take him/her 9 years with the ILA reach that wage as dictated by the current contract. James Capo has spoken in his press release about the “average Longshoreman” and “archaic practices” in the ILA including “low-show jobs that pay some ILA members for 24 hours of work even if they are only on the job for a few hours a day.

An August 22nd press release by Capo seems to coincide with the claims made by the Post. Capo states that ILA memAnother longshoreman out of Local bers, including Red Hook’s Local 1814 1814, who wishes to remai anonymous earn “on average [...] $124,138 a year in wages and benefits.” How truly lucrative is it to be an aver- spoke privately with the Star-Revue. Capo also age Longshoreman? According to the He works 60+ hours every week on cites the 34 union’s contract, “The starting straight- the “blow” shift. The blow shift is four ILA mem- time basic wage rate for new employ- hours of operating heavy machinery at bers whom ees who enter the industry on or after the bottom of a ship, often in extreme earn over October 1, 2009, shall be $20.00 per temperatures that exceed 130 degrees $ 3 6 0 , 0 0 0 hour.” The contract then goes into de- in the summer. “It’s like working in an a n n u a l l y . tail about the “tiered wage progression oven,” he says. A l t h o u g h formula”, breaking down the contract By working extra hours between the Capo’s figure into 4 tiers. The wage increase is based Red Hook Container Terminal and the is accurate in upon the difference between a current Port of New Jersey, he is able to make a this regard, his employees straight-time - not overtime decent living to support his family. But statement fails - wage and the highest hourly wage held this comes at a certain price; he often to take into ac- by a longshoreman. After 3 years of missed family events to work overtime. count the break- employment in the ILA, an employee His response to the Post article is not down of wages as gains 25% of the difference between surprising. “Let her come down here reported by the the two wages. After 5 years, he/she and do what I do.” This is hardly the N.Y. Waterfront commission gains 50%, after 7 years 75%, and after depiction of a “greedy” longshoreman for the fiscal year of 20102011. The figures reported by the Waterfront Commission stemmed from a sample group of L o n g shoremen; specifically those ILA members employed as “deep-sea” longshoreman and checkers. The official figures A breakdown in nationwide ILA contract negotiations threatens a strike here in Red Hook October 1st.

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September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 3

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September 1 - 15, 2012

A Controversial Joining: PAVE and PS 15

n Thursday at noon, an electric worker installs lights into a half-built foyer. Construction workers paint the insides of a new gym. Each day on Henry and Mill Streets, the exterior of the 40,000 square foot building is nearing completion. PAVE Academy Charter School is thrilled: starting next February, they will finally have a three-story new

PAVE students wear mandatory uniforms

school of their own. Paid with $26 million from the NYC Department of Education (DOE) and $13 million privately raised funds, the building will be home to the charter school’s growing kindergarten through 8th grade program. But it’s not only PAVE that can’t wait. Many parents and teachers in the PS 15 community are also excited that they will no longer be sharing space with PAVE in their school building at 71 Sullivan Street. “Charters lie about what their school is about, what their intentions are with the space that they take from the public school and very few of them have a nice partnership. Ours is not one of those,” said Lydia Bellahcene, PTA President of PS 15. Some criticized PAVE’s behavior as a neighbor, some disliked the culture of PAVE Academy, and some are critical of PAVE because of what it represents: a nationally expanding charter school movement.

by Abby Savitch-Lew

kids to schools in other neighborhoods. Wally said PAVE gave the community a new option – to enter the PAVE lottery and keep their kids local. “I just want these kids to have the opportunity for a quality education,” said Bazemore. “If the kids are successful, they’re happy. If they’re not, they’re deadly.” PAVE strives to help students set their eyes on higher education from an early age. Every classroom at PAVE is named after a college. For each classroom of 25 students there are two teachers, creating an intimate learning environment for students. The high teacher-student ratio is made possible through PAVE’s privately raised funds. Some of PAVE’s practices seem like direct answers to PS 27’s problems. Bazemore said kids at PAVE wear uniforms

When Robertson presented his idea at the West Tenant Association, Wally Bazemore, a Red Hook West resident, immediately joined PAVE’s board. Bazemore said he’d been concerned for years about the poor education that students received if they were zoned for PS 27. “[PS 27] was totally inferior. It was like an intellectual killing ground over there,” he said. Many Red Hook families zoned for PS 27 used to pretend they lived at different addresses so they could send their kids to PS 15, or they would bus their

Red Hook Star-Revue

Cavanagh said special education services were most hard hit. “Our three speech teachers, two occupational therapists, adaptive physical education teacher, physical therapist, vision, hearing, school-based support team and

“Because charter schools don’t have to hire unionized teachers, critics like PS 15 teacher Cavanagh say that Bloomberg’s support of charter schools constitutes an attack on the Teacher’s Union.” so they don’t compete over the latest fashions. This type of distraction, Bazemore said, was a problem for his son’s peers at PS 27. While PS 27 was infamous for its ineffectiveness maintaining discipline, a visitor to a 3rd grade classroom at PAVE will see students with their hands folded on their desks or racing to comply with the teachers instructions. In 2007, the DOE decided the PS 15 building was underutilized and that PAVE could collocate with PS 15 until the summer of 2010. In 2010, because PAVE had not finished fundraising for its new building, the DOE voted to extend the collocation until the end of

Raising the Bar in Red Hook

It began with a vision. A former Spanish and language arts teacher at a school in East Harlem – and the son of a hedge fund billionaire who donated $6.75 million to Bloomberg’s NYC Center for Charter School Excellence – Spencer Robertson, dreamed of opening a Kindergarten through 8th grade charter school that could build a solid foundation for its students. He sought a location with a high rate of struggling schools – a neighborhood where too many students never made it to college. Red Hook was such a neighborhood, and to him, it appeared to have space – either in the PS 27 building, or at PS 15.

been forced to share additional services offered by outside providers, such as the medical services offered by Lutheran Medical Center, and the Beacon afterschool program offered by Good Shepherd Services. Good Shepherd Services clarified with the Red Hook Star-Revue that the Department of Youth and Community Development provides Good Shepherd Services with a contract to serve children from the Red Hook community – regardless of what school they attend. PAVE also pays Good Shepherd Services to offer an afternoon summer camp for the charter school students, (who are in school in July.)

PS 15 students at recent graduation

2013. Parents from PS 15 appealed the decision but the State Commissioner denied the case, arguing that the DOE had sufficiently explained the potential impact of the collocation. The DOE said that PS 15 was using eleven more classrooms than the minimum allotment under City rules, and that the building could accommodate PAVE with only small impacts to the way PS 15 provides “additional programming” for students.

PS 15 Begs to Differ

Many parents and teachers in the PS 15 community believe the DOE completely underestimated the impact of the collocation. PS 15 special education teacher, Julie Cavanagh said that since PAVE moved in, PS 15 has had to share physical space, lunch services, and custodial services with PAVE, and that no new staff had been hired. She also said they had

mandated social worker all used to have private spaces to see children,” wrote Cavanagh. “Now, two speech teachers share half a room and one day a week has no room, the other speech teacher uses the dental clinic when not in use or has no official space.” Another parent complained that PAVE has been uncooperative when it came to managing building issues. “PAVE has consistently failed to be a good collaborator,” said PS 15 parent John Battis. “They’re like a squatter who comes into your house and makes use of all the facilities but doesn’t want to give anything back – doesn’t want to pay their share of the grocery bill.” Asked why PAVE wants to make use of PS 15’s new library but has not participated in any fundraising for the library, PAVE founder Robertson said no one had told PAVE what resources they could provide to support the new library. And, while acknowledging the PS 15 community’s initial fears about the collocation, Robertson said he believed the two schools had successfully worked together. “We would also like to say that we have enjoyed a positive, collaborative and solutions-oriented relationship with administrators and parents from the PS 15 community over the past 4 and 1/2 years. Both schools are providing the children and families of Red Hook with a high quality academic program,” wrote Robertson in an e-mail.

There is widespread debate about whether charter schools educate students better than traditional schools. This year in NYC, 72% of charter school students and only 60% of traditional public schools passed this year’s state tests, making it the third year in a row that NYC charter schools have outperformed traditional schools on state tests. Some people say that the test results are poor measurements because charter schools enroll less disabled and ESL students. On a national level, disabled students represented 8.2% of students enrolled in charter schools, and represented 11.2% of students enrolled in traditional schools, during the year 2009-10. Although PS 15 performed much better than PAVE in the 2010-2011 English Language Arts exams, this year PAVE and PS 15’s statistics are consistent with national trends. At PAVE 94.3% of students scored proficient or above on state math exams this year, but only 82.3% of PS 15 scored at similarly high levels; 57.1% of PAVE students scored a 3 or 4 in the English Language Arts exams and 55.5% scored at the same levels at PS 15. PAVE’s self-reported Individualized Education Program (special education) population is 13%, but the special education population at PS 15 is a whopping 28.2%. Aside from who performs better, there are also a lot of disagreements concerning whether charter schools – even when they’re not collocating – end up damaging public schools. While charter schools by law are required to accept all applicants, critics say some charter schools rig their lotteries to draw top students, or encourage students with special education needs to leave. As a result, critics contend, the financially strapped public school system is flooded with special education students, and charter schools – in theory with access to loads of private funds – are able to teach who they want. Asked to comment on why PAVE’s special education population was sig-

Charter vs. Traditional

Some of the PS 15 ire against PAVE has to do with a general frustration with the Bloomberg administration’s partiality towards charter schools. Bloomberg and former DOE Chancellor Joel I. Klein have touted charter schools as the solution to education reform and have worked tirelessly to raise the state cap on the number of charter schools from 200 to 400. “Charter schools have been given a free ride, in general, and that aspect extends down into every aspect of the collocation,” said PS 15 parent Battis.

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PAVE’s own school building is under construction (photos by Savitch-Lew)

nificantly less than PS 15’s, Robertson said, “PAVE’s IEP population is similar to our district average and the NYC average. I cannot speak to why PS 15’s is so high.” Because charter schools don’t have to hire unionized teachers, critics like PS 15 teacher Cavanagh say that Bloomberg’s (continued on page 6)

September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 5

Behind the shuffleboard controversy by Alexandra Gillis

onday night’s Community Board 6 meeting was packed with folks on the edge of their seats eager to speak up about Royal Palms Shuffleboard Club. The new business has drawn a lot of attention. Even with multiple liquor license approvals on the agenda, Royal Palms proved to be the headliner. The controversy comes from the potential noise concern from the size and capacity for Royal Palms. The location at 514 Union Street is a 17,000 square foot space with a 500 person capacity that has people running to their local Community Board meetings with a stack of signatures petitioning a “Mega Themed Sports Bar.” Two other liquor licenses passed unanimously that night, but not Royal Palms. One pass included a Pavilion theater which, in the case of most movie theaters, has a capacity that trumps that of Royal Palms. It seems as though few have been able to wrap their heads around what a shuffleboard club would look like and how it might affect the neighborhood. Ashley Albert, co-owner of Royal Palms, sat down with the Star-Revue after the board meeting and painted a picture of what her plans for the shuffleboard club are. She explained that they’re straying from a memorabiliafilled theme and going for a solid design that has a “velvety-relaxed Florida feeling” that can still fit into cold New York day.

designed The Standard Hotels all over the country including Miami Beach and New York City as well as the Sunset Beach Hotel on Shelter Island. Ashley explained that a Florida atmosphere that includes a New York realism is important. “There’s a North East sensibility that we have to be mindful of.” When going back to the Community Board, Royal Palms wants to not only change people’s idea of the look, but also the function of their club. Ashley says, “We actually want to be an asset, we actually want to be part of the community.” When she and her co-owner Jonathan Schnapp first were introduced to shuffleboard they discovered the sense of community that goes with it.

Idea germinated in Florida

The pair made their first venture into the world of shuffleboard on a visit to St. Petersburg, Florida, where they made it a goal to track down Mirror Lake Shuffleboard Club. They called ahead and were invited to a Christmas Party. Ashley said, “the whole community was there,” and ideas began to pop up. The Mirror Lake venue had a live band, a bookmobile, and even a vegan food truck. Some of these ideas are being relayed to the Royal Palms.

Their designers have experience in putting together this kind of ambience. André Balazs and his team have

The site of the proposed shuffleboard club is on Union Street just up from the bridge (photo by George Fiala)

PAVE and PS 15

school, honestly, you’re out-resourced.”

(continued from previous page)

support of charter schools constitutes an attack on the Teacher’s Union. Charter school advocates, on the other hand, argue that the ability of charter schools to hire non-unionized teachers provides additional, beneficial flexibility for students: charter schools can have longer school days and longer school years, creating more time for additional instruction. Last but not least, some argue that charter schools hurt traditional schools by taking students – and thus, per pupil funding – away from traditional schools. While PS 15’s enrollment has not dropped, one wonders if PS 676 – the new elementary school that has replaced the failed PS 27 – has fewer students due to competition from PAVE. “Because you have a charter school in the proximity of two district schools, it does impact the enrollment because obviously if they were not in the charter school, they would be in the district school,” said Rochel Brown, Principal at PS 676. PAVE, she said, is able to launch substantial recruiting efforts to draw students. “When you’re competing with a charter

Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue

Jim Devor, Community Education Council President for District 15, doubts that Red Hook needed an entire new school building. He said that the DOE’s obsession with charter school expansion has caused it to mistake its priorities. The DOE shouldn’t spend $26 million on a new facility for PAVE when Red Hook’s two district school buildings are two of the most underutilized schools in the district, while neighborhoods like Sunset Park have “100 person waiting lists” for their schools, he said. Despite some dissent, however, PAVE Academy’s new building is on its way. And back at PS 15, there are “a lot of ideas about how to expand the school, how to grow the school” after the colocation is over, said Battis. The school is introducing a Spanish and English bilingual program that they hope may draw more families. They are still hoping to boost enrollment within their own school.

Access to Royal Palms could prove to be useful for the community in more ways than a club is expected to be. Plans are already in the works to set up shuffleboard physical education classes at the Brooklyn Friends School. The owners have spoken to several senior centers to set up an early-bird shuffling special. And for sporty shufflers, weight-enhanced shuffling classes are being planned as a collaboration with Captain Quinn’s Boot Camp and Triomph Fitness. Coming up next year is the 100th year anniversary of shuffleboard in Florida, and serious players have been gearing up all across the US. Jonathan recently returned from the International Shuffleboard Association’s World Championships in Seattle, Washington. Ashley said that international teams inspired them to bring this back to the US. “There’s a chance to make it a viable sport again.” As far as surviving shuffleboard communities go, Lakeside, Ohio has some of the best young shuffleboard players in the country. In this small town almost all of the kids that live there play shuffleboard. Ashley has begun discussions with some of the youth shuffleboard leagues in Lakeside to fly some of these kids out to New York to teach Brooklyn teams. CBS news reported last year that shuffleboard in Lakeside proved to beneficial for their champion’s future. One Lakeside player got a card from a university that he was accepted to that saying, “We can’t wait to have a world champion shuffleboard player on campus.” So what’s next for Royal Palms? Ashley and Jonathan will be bringing new plans back to the Community Board for

Albert and Schnapp hope to open Royal Palms next spring (photo by Sha Rae)

liquor license approval. Although their heart is in the sport, a liquor license is proving to be an essential part of their business plan. Ashley says, “we recognize that the only way to make money doing this is by selling alcohol,” but that they want to look at this as more of an amenity than a focus. “The whole idea of shuffleboard is that no one knows how to play,” she says. “If we make it too expensive there’s just no way anyone is going to give it a try.”

Working to find a solution

Royal Palms is currently working with their neighbors to come to a compromise. They’re working on a sound proofing system to reduce noise from the roof, bringing in a staff and experienced general manager that “will run it with integrity and professionalism,” and bringing back a plan for a seating capacity that shows a more relaxed vibe. And Ashley explained that if a compromise is met, it will prove to be a win-win situation for the community as well. “Their property value is going to increase and they’re going to have something new and fun to do in the neighborhood.”

Canal Conservancy hosts compost by Drew Petrilli

In a matter of months, the Gowanus area will receive one of the most precious natural resources on earth: tillable soil. On a gorgeous Saturday, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy - a local independent, nonprofit environmental organization - hosted their simply and aptly titled event “Compost Day”. From noon until 3 pm on August 26th, local community volunteers came together at the salt lot in Gowanus for a constructive afternoon of building a compost windrow after a short tutorial of how to make a “compost lasagna.” This method involves layering food scraps and “browns,” a combination of woodchips and leaves. GrowNYC collects food scraps donated by individual community members, and in turn donates the scraps to organizations interested in compost on a weekly basis, such as the Gowanus Canal Conservancy. GrowNYC donated approximately four tons of food scraps to the Conservancy for Compost Day. The Gowanus Canal Conservancy receives compostable materials once a month. By organizing local volunteers at events, they synthesize these materials into healthy, rich soil. With this homemade soil, the Conservancy hopes to improve the health of plant life surrounding the Canal, as well as reduce food waste in the community by recycling uneaten scraps. In addition, various community gardens will receive a portion of the soil to aid in their crop production. In all, 22 community members were in attendance, contributing their valuable time to help better the environmental health of the Gowanus area.

www.RedHookStar.com

September 1 - 15, 2012

Star-Revue

News Briefs

Red Hook Commons?

A recent Crains NY article quoted Joe Sitt, owner of the former Revere Sugar property along the Red Hook Waterfront in favor of transforming his property into a Woodbury Commons style outlet mall. “NY definitely needs one, and Brooklyn would probably be the most successful location,” said Sitt. In addition to Sitt’s Thor Equities, the article says that real estate developers The Lightstone Group and BFC Partners are also interested in developing discount shopping malls in the city. The Lightstone Group, who is interested in developing residential properties in Gowanus, is looking at the Bronx for a mall. While earlier speculation was that Thor Equities had definitely planned for a BJ’s outlet in Red Hook, the article seems to indicate that is not definite. “So far, we’ve just been listening to the sudden blitz of interest,” said Sitt.

B&T Robbery

On Monday, August 20 at 6 am, Bait and Tackle, located at 320 Van Brunt Street, was robbed. The perpetrators broke in through the back door. A total of $830 was stolen along with 12 bottles of liquor, 4 iPods, a cell phone and 2 microphone stands. The bar had been closed for hours, and no one was present during the incident. According to a late night bartender of Bait and Tackle, this was not the only incident happening in

the area. Speculation suggests that other armed robberies have occurred, but nothing could be verified through the 76th Precinct as of press time.

of provided services and programs. They were chosen by the 28 member selection committee. Six finalists will be chosen in October. In November, the three winners will be announced at a ceremony and Best Practices Workshop.

Mexican community. The event attracted more participants than could be accommodated; more sessions are being planned.

For more information about these awards, visit www.npccny.org/info/awards.htm or http://npexcellence.fcny.org.

Conservancy launches Floating Gardens and T-shirt contest

Councilwoman Gonzales aids DREAMers

Zero Hour in Carroll Gardens

On the evening of Friday, August 24, Zero Hour - a new pilot that will begin airing on ABC in early 2013 - was being filmed in a brownstone on Clinton Street near Atlantic Avenue. The film shoot was expected to last into the wee hours of Saturday morning. Three luxurious trailers lined Atlantic Avenue between Clinton and Henry Street. In the upcoming series, the publisher of a paranormal magazine, Hank Galliston (Anthony Edwards) has spent his life following clues, unraveling conspiracies and disproving myths. When his wife, Laila (Jacinda Barrett) kidnapped from her antique clock shop, Hank must decipher the code on a treasure map to save her, before her enemies do. Lorenzo DiBonaveture (The Transformers) is the Executive Producer for the series.

Another honor for RHI

The New York Community Trust, New York Magazine, NPCC and Philanthropy New York have chosen 10 semifinalists for the 2012 New York Community Trust-New York Magazine Nonprofit Excellence Awards. Red Hook Initiative is one. The semifinalists range in size and types

Sarah Gonzales speaks at DREAMers

Councilwoman Sara Gonzales is helping to organize two local events to ease the process of applying for the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrival program. The Dream Act - which covers immigrants who could gain legal status under legislation - has been delayed by Congress. To prepare for the roll-out of the new program, Gonzalez co-sponsored an informational session with Juan Neumann Center from the Our Lady of Perpetual Help (OLPH)Parish in Ozone Park. Topics included eligibility, the application process and scam artists that might con potential immigrants. Gonzales noted that she is “concerned that immigrant families may fall prey to unscrupulous organizations or firms trying to scam them with false hopes and promises. The Congresswoman also co-hosted a legal clinic along with top advocates for the

Gonzales also announced that the city Council has allocated $3 million for legal service applicants.

On Sunday, August 25, the Gowanus Canal Conservancy launched three Floating Garden prototypes into the Gowanus Canal. In addition to raising awareness about environmental challenges the Canal faces, the Conservancy also hopes that the Floating Gardens will provide wildlife habitat and partial water filtration capacity. This “really fun project” urges community members to help catalyze change. The Conservancy is also launching their annual T-shirt design contest. More details will be announced later this month and will then be voted on by Conservancy members in October.

Sixpoint beer lands in Texas

Near the end of August, Red Hook’s Sixpoint Brewery began selling their beer - in cans and on draft - in Texas. the beer sells for around $8.99 for a four-pack. They are available in major cities in the Lone Star State including Houston, Austin and Fort Worth. Shane Welch, owner and founder of Sixpoint, opened the Brooklyn based brewery eight years ago and has now built it into a 25,000 barrel-a-year brewery. He anticipates sales in Texas will increase his volume to 40,000 barrels in one year. The brand has already become so popular that Welch has rescheduled the second round of delivery in Texas one month sooner than expected. (More newsbriefs on page 9)

We are across from Coffey Park (718) 923-9880

Red Hook Star-Revue

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September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 7

POLITICAL BEAT:

OPINION:

by Greg Algarin-Marquez

Allegations arose that Lopez sexually harassed multiple female staffers. Worse, it wasn’t even the first time. The New York Daily News even ran an article in their Aug. 30th edition entitled, “Democratic Party boss Vito Lopez ran ‘frat house’ office - women staff treated like in a ‘harem’: sources” and one former staffer even noted that Lopez “would require young female staffers to go to fundraisers and political events and flirt with men there.” The most recent incident involved allegations that he tried to kiss one of his staffers and that he groped another staffer. A bipartisan panel of Assembly members have found that both allegations to be credible. And instead of testifying before the Assembly ethics committee - an opportunity he was given - Lopez sent a letter from is attorney challenging the accusations.

Racioppo

The Name Game

Downfall of a boss f you haven’t heard - and how could you not - Vito Lopez is in huge pile of (insert your rank item of choice) thanks to his conduct. Or should we say, misconduct? All was fairly sunny for the Chairman of the Democratic Party of Kings County and Chairman of the State Housing Committee up until the end of the week of Aug. 24th. Now he is neither.

by Michael

And what of the fallout from this latest scandal? Will Vito’s friends stand by him to weather this storm? As of now, there have been few if any attempts at vocal support. And worse are the allegations that State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver approved state funds to the tune of over $100,000 be used to settle other harassment claims. Curiously, while many of the state’s Democrats are supportive of Speaker Silver’s handling of the Lopez complaints albeit carefully, the same cannot be said of Lopez himself. Others are simply not saying anything at all - you know the old saying. Speaker Sheldon stripped Lopez of his Assembly Housing Committee chairmanship immediately when the story broke. And this past Tuesday, Aug. 28th, Lopez announced he would not seek re-election as Brooklyn Democratic Party chairman but ‘vowed’ to to keep his seat in the Assembly and fight the allegations. Many city, county and state Democratic officials as well as New Yorkers in general are not satisfied and are calling on him to resign - and just go away. Now the domino effect of party underlings - either throwing their hat in the ring or being called upon to campaign as party boss chairman - begins.

AVANZINO & MORENO, P.C. 26 Court Street, Suite 205, Brooklyn, NY 11242

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he late great thinker, Walter Lippman worried that the majority of citizens are not prepared to handle the role a democratic society assigns to them. He worried that citizens “live in a real world but think in an imagined one.” Years of public opinion polling has indicated that people know very little about the people that govern them. For example, a recent Suffolk University poll showed that 61 percent of Americans of voting age did now know who our vice president is. With a knowledge of such ignorance, opinion polls often include some variation of the question “have you heard of (insert candidates name)?” That is because one of the most important jobs of a political campaign is to make sure the public knows who a candidates is. Sure, biographical and policy details matter, but the first goal is simply getting voters to know their name. In an election, if more people know candidate A as opposed to candidate B, they are more likely to win. This is the reason that all campaign literature has the name displayed in the largest type on the page and when speaking, podiums also have the candidates name on them. Even if it’s a subconscious process, campaigns will spend large sums of money to make sure, if nothing else, their name is known. And since it’s a more specific identify, it’s the candidates’ last name that will be used. A similar principle is true for shopping patterns. When buying something, consumers tend to go for the name, or brand, they recognize. Even brands people know (Coke, Tylenol, Tide) pay millions of dollars for advertising to make sure they don’t leave the public’s consciousness - and it works. For example, generic Ibuprofen is billions of dollars behind Tylenol in sales. In Politics, an example of a “brand name” would be one such “Clinton, Bush, or Kennedy.” A localized version of this issue will be seen in the results of the election on Thursday, September 13th in what is expected to be a low-turnout primary election. A name being tested is “Scotto.” Debra Scotto, daughter of longtime community activist Buddy Scotto, is still on the ballot for the position of District Leader against incumbent Joanne Simon. Since Debra has recently suspended her campaign activities, many of the votes she receives are likely to be based largely on name recognition. Walk up and down the southern parts of Court and Smith Streets. It’s hard to avoid her campaign signs in store windows. The fact is that name recognition - not the knowledge of policy plans indicates a sad state of affairs for our democracy. As the Back-to-School season begins in full force, we should think about our schools focusing a bit more on what government is and what it does. I must admit that as someone who teaches in the political science department of a college, I have a vested interest in people learning and wanting to learn more about government. That said, I do not think it is selfishness alone that leads me to this opinion. What I believe and hope is that by putting a greater emphasis on explaining government and the democratic process, the students of today when they become the voters of tomorrow - step into the voting booth with a more serious mindset than debating to buy “Pepsi” or “Key Food Cola.” Michael Racioppo teaches Political Science at Brooklyn College.

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September 1 - 15, 2012

LETTERS: Needs little space I think Michael Racioppo’s column “But not alone” did an excellent job of highlighting, and explaining, a policy (micro apartments) of Bloomberg that has received little attention. I am 28 years old and live with roommates. I have no problem with the people I live with but would like the option of living alone. As Racioppo points out, the city would be well served to do so. Thanks. Asya Gribov

Unkind treatment To The Editor: I am the co-publisher of the Red Hook Star-Revue, a community newspaper in this part of Brooklyn. The other day I had an appointment at Brooklyn Borough Hall to be interviewed by my former boss, Mike Armstrong. Armstrong founded the Phoenix Newspaper, which covered Brownstone Brooklyn on a weekly basis for over two decades beginning in 1972. Retired now, he is compiling an oral history collection of persons who worked in community journalism back in the 1970’s and 1980’s. This collection will be preserved in the library at Brooklyn College. I was the General Manager of the Phoenix newspaper from 1983 - 1988. I arrived at Borough Hall for my taping precisely at 1 pm the afternoon of the August 17th. I had been told to go directly to the second floor Victorian Room, where the interviews were being recorded. I walked in and was asked by a young Hispanic policewoman named Malvez what I was doing in the building. I explained to her my reason for being there, and she told me that I should have a seat while she found out whether I was actually supposed to be there or not. I looked around but there were no chairs on that side of the lobby, and upon asking where to sit, I was told to sit on the other side of the room. The only bench available for sitting was out of sight of the officer. I patiently waited five minutes and returned to the officer to find out what the delay was. Evidently, she was still trying to find out who Mike Armstrong was and whether I should be in Brooklyn Borough Hall. I said that I was going to be late for my appointment and was told that I should call Mr. Armstrong myself. At this point I took umbrage at the way I was being treated and reminded the policewoman - whose job it evidently was to screen visitors - that in fact that was her job. My job was to visit Borough Hall; her job was to protect it from scoundrels and publishers of community newspapers. The situation could have easily been remedied by the police officer walking the 30 or so carpeted steps up to the second floor, make a left, go about 10 paces and ask Mr. Armstrong to come down and get me. Instead, I was told that it was my job to call Mr. Armstrong. In fact, I had tried while sitting on the bench but there had been no answer. By this time I was feeling more and more strongly that this was the officer’s job, not mine. The officer began berating me for not making the phone call. At this point, I lost my temper and threw the five copies of the Red Hook Star-Revue in my hand towards the newsracks under the window, where other community news-

Red Hook Star-Revue

papers were being offered for distribution. The officer screamed at me, demanding I pick them up or else remove myself from the premises. In fact she pretty much demanded that I leave as I picked up the papers, but just then, another employee of Borough Hall who had been watching this decided to intervene and go to the Victorian Room to fetch Mr. Armstrong. All this time another city worker was sitting in the desk right behind Malves without moving or talking. All this time he would have been able to perform this simple gesture that the police officer was for unwilling to do. As I was walking up the 30 or so carpeted steps, escorted by my former boss, I turned in the direction of the police officer. however now she wasn’t there. I cursed her empty chair and walked to my appointment. This was no way to be treated at the home of our borough’s chief executive. It turned out that the reason the officer had left her desk was to complain directly to the Borough President about my hooliganistic actions, demanding my eviction from the building. By this time I had already been fitted for sound. Just before the interview was to begin, Mr. Armstrong was called out the room. He came back telling me that the Borough President’s office said that I could not stay until I apologized to the officer to her satisfaction. I walked back downstairs to the officer’s desk and apologized for throwing the paper and cursing. Evidently that was not good enough for the Malvez, and she used her power to evict me from the building. Thus was my afternoon at the offices of Borough President Marty Markowitz. I have written this letter so that the public could see how business is handled downtown. Not very well, at least based on my afternoon. Sincerely, George Fiala, Co-Publisher, Red Hook Star-Revue.

Star-Revue

News Briefs

O’Connell Organization produces film to highlight industry in Red Hook

Wednesday and Friday nights from 6 pm to 10 pm as well as select weekends

The O’Connell Organization has released a film demonstrating their dedication to “redevelop and manage property while preserving its historic value and utilizing the inherent attributes for the betterment of the community.” The film was created by Anna Mumford of Letitia Productions. The original music was produced by tenant Mike Beck of Secret Society of Music and Hot Wood Arts. The O’Connells began buying up property in Red Hook in the early 1990’s. Their plan from the beginning was to revitalize the historic manufacturing buildings that already existed and renovate them for modern, industrial use. They claim over 1,000 jobs in the many small businesses that rent their unique spaces. The film includes some of those businesses, including Flickinger Glass and the Red Hook Winery.

Snap Food Truck will be selling charcoal grilled, grass-fed burgers, Chicago style hot dogs and hand-cut fries from freshly made locally sourced fare to the Red Hook and Carroll Gardens communities. Snap Food Truck reduces their carbon footprint by running on recycled cooking oil from their deep fryers, which is converted into biodiesel. Biodiesel reduces harmful emissions that cause environmental hazards such as acid rain, smog and global warming.

The O’Connells, as much as anyone, are responsible for Red Hook maintaining its uniqueness, as well as promoting the renewal that has resulted in many artists and craftspeople making Red Hook their home. To view the short film visit http://www. redhookwaterfront.com/index.php/news

Snap Food Trucks come to Sullivan Street

After an exciting summer of artisan hot dogs and burgers all over New York, Snap Food Truck is unveiling a new location in Red Hook. On September 10th, Snap will make its first appearance at 100 Sullivan Street on Monday,

Sign on the window at Bait and Tackle

Combining art with safety by Alexandra Gillis

rtist Build Collaborative is teaming up with the Department of Transportation (DOT) and Red Hook Initiative (RHI) to build a light installation under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway (BQE). The installation will be built as more funding comes along and stay up for eleven months. “Silent Lights” is a series of gates that respond to the noise pollution created by the BQE creating corresponding light patterns. The gates will line the pathway through a tunnel of arches that pedestrians can walk through. The idea of the installation is to add light to a dark isolated path improving the look and feel of the area. One of Artist Build Collaborative’s designers, Michelle Brick, said that the installation fit with the location because of what it could do for the neighborhood. “We wanted to make it a safer place,” and that once it was installed it would create “a better experience for pedestrians.” The project has currently raised almost $15,000 in funding from the DOT, The Awesome Foundation, and Kickstarter. com. Silent Lights also was recently approved by the DOT. A series of tests were conducted to see if the amount of light equivalent to that of the instal-

Artist rendering shows how the street crossing at Hamilton Avenue would be improved.

lation would distract drivers, and the project proved to be safe. Artist Build Collaborative has done projects in New York before to improve urban spaces. ARTfarm is a collection of planters made from found objects that are set up on a slope behind the Brooklyn Museum. In the video proposal for Silent Lights Shagun Singh explains that the purpose of their design team is to “work towards changing unused urban spaces into spaces that are communal, fun, artsy, and truly inspiring.” The Silent Lights team is also working with RHI to teach the technology used in the installation to youth in Red

www.RedHookStar.com

Hook. Participants will also be able to create their own scale models Michelle said part of their plan would be to “replicate the technology by making smaller devices.” One of the six gates is already partially set up and being stored at RHI so the kids their can see the installation in progress. In order for Silent Lights to be completed Artist Build Collaborative still needs $25,000. They will be having a fundraiser at The Green Building on 452 Union Street, Thursday September 20th from 7:00-11:30 pm. You can buy tickets at www.artistbuildcollaborative.com.

September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 9

The

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September 1 - 15, 2012

Family Day brings people together in Coffey Park by George Fiala

ust a week after Coffey Park was filled with Red Hook Alumni, it was filled again, this time with families. Dorothy Shields, President of Red Hook West Tenant’s Association, organized an event she called “Family Day,” held August 18th. With a theme of sending Red Hook youth back to school, the day included a talent show, a complimentary cook-out manned by volunteers, and booths from community organizations. Among the organizations on hand were NYCHA Family Services Department, Time-Warner Cable, the Joseph Addabo Center, the Red Hook Star-Revue, and the Summit Academy. All the booths had nice giveaways, with the Addabo Center checking blood pressure and sugars for free.

Justice center volunteer cooks up dogs

Available to eat were hamburgers, hot dogs, Capri Sun drinks, many colors of popsicles, potato and other salads, and even baked desserts. The talent show was comprised of all types of talent, including a local singer who sang a Japanese song. Between performances, a DJ pumped out dance music which had listenings of all ages dancing.

Dorothy Shields arranged for the food to be donated

The talent show was fun!

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Street Style returns in the fall

West Tenant Assoc. Pres. Lillie Marshall and the Going Green team (photo by Jackie Jackson)

Red Hook StarªRevue Member

Red Hook Star-Revue

Star-Revue co-publisher, Kimberly Gail Price with Summit Academy leader, Natasha Campbell (photo by Jackson)

Red Hook StarªRevue crossword

STAR-REVUE PUZZLER

by George Fiala

ACROSS

1. “Girls Just _________ Have Fun” 6. His and ________ 10. Cardinal great Musial 14. Someone with a health plan 15. Greek god of war 16. Weight of an empty container 17. Area around an explosion 19. Plasm prefix 20. Byron or Keats 21. Direction that some pray 22. Kind of cask 23. Motor vehicle 24. Inquire 25. Upstairs 29. Put on flashy clothes (4 wds) 35. Messiah 37. HTC phone 38. ____ of my existence 39. Group 40. Many times 42. Suffix with semi or idi 43. The nub of an apple, jumbled 44. Word with constrictor 45. Most far out 47. If you ____ hard_______, you may succeed 50. Israeli president 51. Sherman or King Cole 52. Hardworking insect 54. Where we all live 57. Trig function 59. Binary gate (logic boards) 63. Russian city 64. Emmet Grogan book named after a child’s game 8. Monthly payment 66. Ferber or St. Vincent Millay 9. Vane direction 67. Desire 10. Cut of beef (w/hyphen, reversed) 68. Conjure 11. Sailing word 69. Head of a college 12. Johnson or Shaw 70. The back 13. Gas used for advertising signs 71. ____ service (unethical legal 18. Coffee alternative practice) 22. CIA predecessor 23. Head of co. 24. Bought it for _____ _______. 25. Kind of tie 1. It comes down in a Stones song 26. Farm machine 2. Guns use this 27. Part of reproductive system 3. Negative (slang) 28. Sunflower painter 4. Tidy 30. Attach a new price 5. Curve 31. Adam’s lady 6. Kind of lights 32. Horsie 7. God of love 33. Licorice

DOWN The

Bopping to the music (photo by Price)

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34. Moving plates under the earth 36. Artificial man 41. Ancient Chinese instrument 46. Choose 48. Negative, slangy 49. Clothing holder 54. Barely survived 55. _____ de camp 56. Mailing equipment manufacturer 57. Father a child 58. Ulla _____ tor Hansen Benson Yansen Tallen Hallen Svaden Swanson Bloom 59. Top of a glacier 60. To openly declare 61. Sneaker giant 62. Goes with thinker 64. Book by Karl Capek 65. Crane or Paul

September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 11

n September 8th and 9th, more than 1,800 Brooklyn-based artists will open their studios for GO, a new boroughwide project from the Brooklyn Museum. Of these 1,800 artists, 155 in Red Hook, 173 in Gowanus, and 71 in Boerum Hill, Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill combined will be open. Community members can visit studios, register to vote, and nominate artists for inclusion in a group exhibition to open at the Brooklyn Museum on Target First Saturday, December 1, 2012.

Big art event coming up September 8-9 1. 62 18th St 2. 75 19th St 3. 42-50 Richards St 4. 471 Van Brunt St 5. 41 Seabring St 6. 133 Imlay St, #Z 7. 196 Union St 8. 485 Hicks St 9. 219 Columbia St 10. 89 3rd Pl 11. 164 Congress St, 12. 442 Van Brunt St 13. 19 Delevan St, #1N 14. 195 Columbia St 15. 416 Van Brunt St, #1A 16. 246 Creamer St 17. 248 Creamer St 18. 269 Van Brunt St, #2 19. 144 Conover St, #1L 20. 32 Tiffany Pl, #3L 21. 121 Coffey St 22. 5 Delevan St 23. 136 Dikeman St 24. 64 Summit St 25. 106 Ferris St 26. 107 Pioneer St, #B 27. 283 Van Brunt St 28. 436 Van Brunt St 29. 153 Sullivan St 30. 26 Tiffany Pl, #2R 31. 74 Union St, #2 32. 35 2nd Pl 33. 102 Commerce St, #7 34. 33 Dikeman St

At its heart, GO seeks to bring communities together throughout the borough and asks Brooklyn residents to stand behind and support the artists who are creating work in their neighborhoods. Through this project, the Brooklyn Museum hopes neighbors will open doors to each other, learn more about art in their area and discover more about their communities in the process. As the neighborhood meeting house, 61 Local on Columbia and Bergen Streets will be hosting a Saturday bike ride to visit studios in Red Hook. The Brooklyn Museum has partnered with NYCHA to run a series of art walks departing from the Miccio Community Center specifically for housing residents. Members of WalkNYC wil be walking to studios that weekend. Even the Red Hook CSA is hosting art walks for its members, which start at the Red Hook Community Farm. Baked on Van Brunt Street, will act as Red Hook’s neighborhood information spot. Visitors can stop by from 11am7pm on both days to pick up a map and speak with Scott Pfaffman - the neighborhood coordinator for Red Hook - about how to get started. GO participants will also find a special GO cupcake and coffee at a discount that weekend. The GO website allows viewers to browse artists by neighborhood, search by medium, find studios that are kid and pet friendly and wheelchair accessible.

35. 8 Warren Pl 36. 83 Summit St 37. 164 Wolcott St 38. 6 Bay St, #1B 39. 64 W 9th St, #2D 40. 275 Conover St, #5E 41. 469 Van Brunt St, Entrance 14 42. 106 King St 43. 445 Van Brunt St, Door 14, 5 44. 98 Union St 45. 3 Dennet Pl 46 100 Union St 47. 89 Verona St, #1L 48. 201 Richards St 49. 467 Hicks St 50. 103 Halleck St 51. 9 4th Pl, 1 Left 52. 183 Lorraine St 53. Van Brunt St 54. 610 Smith St 55. 182 Halleck St 56. 151 Van Dyke St, Garage 57. 160 Union St 58. 72 Union St 59. 461 Van Brunt St, Door 14 60. 481 Van Brunt St 61. 499 Van Brunt St 62. 92 Van Dyke St 63. 191 Richards St, #1 64. 356 Van Brunt St 65. 521 Court St, #2

Follow the listings on September 8 and 9 to view and vote on the upcoming exhibit at the Brooklyn Museum.

Visit www.gobrooklynart.org for more information.

A Home By Any Other Name by Mary Anne Massaro

ooking back on my childhood years in Red Hook, I remember it being called many different names. “Red” comes from the red clay that was used to make the bricks that built the waterfront buildings for which it became so famous. “Hook” comes from the land that protrudes into the coast that is shaped like a Hook. And so the area became known as “Red Hook.” But there were the other names, names that were acquired along the way. Names that came from having a reputation of being a rough place to live in. During the 1980’s and 1990’s, Red Hook became known to the outside world as “Little Vietnam” for its high crime and murder rate. Life Magazine at one point named it “The Crack Capitol Of America” for its high rate of drug related deaths and crimes. The days of the 80’s, 90’s, and early 2000’s were rough times in Red Hook and life for kids like me became a matter of survival. While the outside world was busy finding names to call this neighborhood that is literally one of the last exits to Brooklyn, I only knew it by one name - “Home.” When times were rough, I didn’t know anything about the Back or Front; to me there was only one community. I went to PS 15 and my classmates all came from Red Hook, not from the Back or the Front. I played in one park, not the park in the Front or the Back.

There are many stories about the derivation of the name “Red Hook.”

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

I survived growing up in a hard time in one of the hardest places in America. Even though people back then thought kids like me would never amount to anything, I am proud to prove them wrong. When they ask if I really grew up in the “point” or the “Straight Out Of Brooklyn” movie era, I just look them in the eye and say “ I come from Red Hook.”

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September 1 - 15, 2012

Justice Center interns graduate by Alexandra Gillis

Nancy Galvez with her certificate

n Thursday, August 23rd the Red Hook Community Justice Center celebrated the graduation of their 2012 summer interns. Sixteen high school students had been placed into different programs in Brooklyn according to their career aspirations and interests. For the first two weeks the Justice Department prepared the interns for different working scenarios. Different speakers and events including classes on resume building and interns acting out skits to prepare for a day in the life of their new work environment. Participating organizations varied all across the board including the Parks Department, Youth Made Media, Caselnova Restaurant, Diamond Law Firm, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Community Board 7 and even the Red Hook Star-Revue. Each intern had a own story about the internships and how it prepared him or her for college and the working world. Gleacy Mejie said that her time at Community Board 7 taught her the importance of responsibility . She explained that through working with Youth Court and the Community Board she learned how every persons’ actions contribute to the neighborhood. Gregory Castro interned Youth Made Media. He was able to take his first steps as a film maker by putting together his own short documentary. Gregory said that his first choice for a possible internship would have been at a law firm, but that he learned filmmaking is a great way to “show people who you are.” Gregory’s documentary was about Park Slope regulars who use different plants that grow in the park to make food and remedies. His documentary even showed at an outdoor screening in Central Park. Sasha Harrington spent her summer interning with Diamond Law Firm. Sasha said that she learned professional lessons along with personal ones. She said that her time there was a lot of hard work and that she needed to be professional at all times. The interns had something to teach their bosses as well. Mr. Diamond from Diamond Law Firm spoke at the graduation about what he learned from Sasha. “I’m a human being who wants to give back, thank you for reminding me of that.”

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Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

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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. Government

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September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 13

Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue

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September 1 - 15, 2012

Continuing Feature:

Mollie Dash Interviews Matt McLean, bebopist

This week’s interview is with saxophonist and educator Matt McLean, my upstairs neighbor here in Red Hook. Hearing Matt practice, I became curious about what exactly he was doing. He had previously told me that he taught music in a small private school in Greenwich Village, and I wondered how his daily practice related to being a teacher. Star-Revue: What is your method? Matt McLean: I split my time between practicing the technique of the saxophone and working on mastering the jazz language, or the bebop language. I’ve spent a lot of time transcribing some of the great saxophonists, who are my idols - John Coltrane, Joe Henderson, Sonny Rollins. I work on improvisation, but also still the technique. Playing a lot of études and exercises, but also trying to develop my voice as an improvisor. It›s really on ongoing thing. The more you learn, the more you see what you still need to learn. I spend time transcribing solos, and figuring out my own voice as an improvisor. SR: It sounds like you sometimes use a prerecorded accompaniment? MM: There are some great playalong series. Jamey Aebersold is famous for having created many of the ones that players use. I use them and I also create my own - I record tunes that I’m trying to learn and play along with them. But I also play along to original recordings- I think that’s one of the best ways to learn. I’ve spent a lot of time trying different practice techniques and ways to learn improvisation, but as many people will tell you, there’s no substitute for playing along with your favorite improvisors and just seeing what they’re doing. So often I’ll be playing along with recordings that I love, that I’m trying to emulate. SR: Does your practicing inform your teaching? MM: One of the reasons I love teaching is that I’ve found it to be connected to my own pursuits of musicplaying the saxophone, learning jazz and studying music composition. I went to Columbia University Teacher’s College without having taught, in the late 90’s. I had been studying music as a performer and a composer. And then I went to Columbia to learn how to teach and I found that the philosophy of teaching music was very much aligned with what I thought to be important in my own creation of music. This idea that it’s about the process, and you’re trying to get to something great, but it’s through doing little things every day and just staying on that path. And

Red Hook Star-Revue

that’s a teaching philosophy that I use to this very day. It’s a philosophy that Columbia developed and instills in their students. So when I’m learning about improvising or studying the saxophone and I have a breakthrough, it just motivates me to encourage my students to have that same kind of breakthrough. And it also confirms the way that I teach. So I try to help my students see that it’s really a process - doing little things regularly is what leads to the great results. So when I see that happening in my own pursuits it really gets me excited about teaching and vice-versa. SR: How did you start playing the saxophone? MM: I grew up in a musical family I have two older brothers who play instruments. My mom made us take instrumental lessons, and then we all had to be in the band. So at a young age I knew that was something I was going to do, because my mom had made both my brothers do it. I got a toy piano when I was really little from one of my favorite aunts. And then I was excited to take piano lessons around third grade, which were fabulous in some ways but I dreaded them just as much as the next student. I didn’t have a great teacher. She was sweet, but she was legally deaf. So that made the lessons kind of strange. I played the saxophone, but not until sixth grade. I had wanted to play the saxophone all along because the high school jazz band had come to my elementary school and I remember seeing a great saxophonist in the band, and I was really excited about it - I thought “that’s what I want to play.” But you couldn’t start on the saxophone in fifth grade so I had to play the clarinet for a year. But what really got me motivated all through my early development was having two older brothers who were great musicians. My oldest brother Eugene was a drummer and my brother Joe played guitar and the trumpet. They were always standout members of the band. I always wanted to be good enough so that I could play with them. In high school we had a band, my brothers and I. That was what really instilled having

music as an important part of my life. We always had a summer job together, the three of us, and we’d go home on our lunch breaks and jam. SR: Where did you grow up? MM: This was in Western Massachusetts, in a town called Agawam. They had a great band program and the band was always really good so I wanted to stay motivated and get good at the saxophone just to be in these bands. And like I said, to be able to play with my brothers. SR: Where did you go to school? MM: I went to a small liberal arts school and majored in composition. I went to Connecticut College in New London - really small school, but I was fortunate again to meet some really outstanding older musicians. I was lucky to have this experience where a group of seniors who had a really popular band on campus heard me practicing. This great, fabulous guitarist Jason Crigler invited me to be part of the band and that really motivated me and confirmed that I wanted to keep getting better at playing the saxophone and studying music. They were huge mentors just as my brothers had been earlier in my life- Jason Crigler, Kieran Mulvaney, these older classmates really motivated me. And also my friends at college - we were always in bands together. I moved to New York City to keep playing in a band with them. So there was always this connection with playing music and doing it with people who are important to me. It’s something I try to instill in the bands that I lead as a teacher. One of the great things - probably the greatest thing about music - is being able to do it with people who you love or people who are your friends. That’s what makes it the most meaningful, and just a great way to be together.

I got a lot of ideas by thinking about visual art class at the middle school level. When a middle schooler goes into art class, they learn about the concepts and the skills that they need through making something. So the art teacher starts them on a project - a painting, drawing or a sculpture - and they do it. And the things that they learn, they get from the actual experience of creation. The teacher doesn’t start by saying “you need to know how to create green paint by mixing yellow and blue before you can make your painting.” Or “you need to be able to draw a perfect circle before you can work on your portraits.” They just engage in the artwork. In education you might call it a project-oriented curriculum.

So it made me think, “how can I do that in a music class?” And really what has made it possible is technology. It’s a great time for music teachers, where there are certain technologies available. One in particular, there’s a notation software called Noteflight. It’s a web application that lives online. The students can access it from any computer and compose - basically manipulate - the notes without having any skill at all. But they can manipulate notes to exSR: Tell me about the Young Compos- press something that they want. And ers and Improvisors and Workshop. then they get the feedback by listenMM: I’ve been teaching full time for ing to it, to see how their experiment somewhere over sixteen years. I’m has come out. coming up on my fifth year of teaching at a really fabulous school, the I’ve developed a curriculum called Little Red Schoolhouse and Eliza- the Young Composers and Improbeth Irwin High School in Greenwich visers and Workshop, where we Village. It has quite a reputation for start with composing pieces. I tell being a progressive school. And that the students right away that we’re progressive philosophy has allowed going to be composing. We have me to experiment as a music teach- a panel of professional composers er. They have let me - as well as the who listen to the students’ scores other teachers - experiment and do online and give feedback to the kids things that we’ve always wanted to as they work. We have a fantastic try. Throughout most of my teach- chamber ensemble called the Meing career I’ve been an instrumen- tropolis Ensemble- they come and tal teacher, teaching jazz band and perform the kids’ pieces and interact marching bands. But at the Little Red with the students. It really provides Schoolhouse, because it is a smaller a powerful experience for the kids private school, I was charged with so that they know their work means doing everything. There’s a high something. The reason it has been school music teacher but I’m the successful over the last two years, only teacher at the middle school. I since 2010 we’ve premiered nearly had to teach a general music class two hundred pieces. It helps by and I just sort of thought about what making the kids really feel that they would be important for my students are composers. And the things that to learn. At middle school it’s less they’ve learned about music - some about gaining knowledge and more very technical music theory types of about having an experience of be- things - they’ve gotten through creing creative with music. And how ating their own pieces. So the feedcan we give our students the tools back I give them as a teacher has to use music as a way to express to do with what it is they’re trying to express through their score. themselves? (continued on page 17)

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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) 2460011

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

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September 1 - 15, 2012

Food:

Van Brunch Street by Jonathan Van Dusen

- not soggy and greasy. It’s no wonder they save the trouble of asking and just pile them on the plate.

Hope & Anchor’s mac and cheese fritters (photos by Van Dusen)

an Brunt is known as a weekend brunch hotspot. On a mild weekend, I had the opportunity to eat at two very friendly spots a stone’s throw from each other: home/made and Hope & Anchor. They are very different places with lots to recommend.

Hope & Anchor

Hope & Anchor has been around a while longer, and is an extremely comfortable neighborhood diner. The staff here is friendly and low-key. There’s a real feeling of community from the moment you walk in the door. Regulars drink coffee or something harder at the bar and families lock their bikes together outside. The menu is big, but skipssome of the usual diner offerings like the variations on pasta in red or white sauce, or surf and turf. Breakfast, however, is always available. I opted to skip the modestly priced eggbased options in favor of some good old comfort food. To start, we got the mac and cheese fritters, which were dusted in breadcrumbs and barely held together. That’s not a complaint. The thick pasta inside was delicious on the end of a fork, dipped in the accompanying horseradish sauce. Grilled cheese with tomato and grilled onions was exactly what you’d expect, and the fries that come with every sandwich here are superb: slender and crisp

Mollie Dash (continued from page 15) It’s been successful; we’re expanding it to other schools. It’s free for public schools. We have a school in the Bronx, Charter School for the Arts, and they’ll be taking part in the fall. And we’ve opened it up to other independent schools in New York City, and I’m really excited about it. I think it’s the way music education is going, where technology has sort of leveled the playing field and made music something that everybody can use as a creative tool. I do teach the wind ensemble at the school as well. We have a large band at the middle school- a big jazz band and concert band so I teach lessons to all those kids. I have to say I’m really happy with the way the teaching has been going and feel lucky to be at a great school. SR: Do you perform around the city? MM: I practice every day. During the school year, I’ll practice at school in

Red Hook Star-Revue

There was a risotto special with peas, fresh rosemary, truffle and Parmesan, which sounded too good to pass up. While the risotto was pretty competent, the dish was basically a showcase for the peas and rosemary. Crisp edges from hot oil made the fat rosemary leaves addictive. Fortunately, there was so much of this herb that I never felt wanting. My only complaint was the slightly bitter aftertaste I got when heat brings out the oils in these little evergreen leaves. To compliment these dishes, drinks were in order. There’s a nice little cocktail list here with many of the drinks named for streets nearby. The Dikeman, for example, was a very well made variation on a whiskey sour. Tart and not too sweet, except for the sugar rim, It’s a nice alternative to the usual mimosa as a way of getting your Vitamin C. I followed this with the “Luquer” which even has a special pronunciation guide in the menu. Ri rye whiskey and dry and spicy Fever Tree ginger beer mixed with a little lemon made one of the nicest cocktails I’ve had in a while. It cleaned the palate of all those heavy dishes and left me with a nice buzz to carry out onto the street.

home/made

The next day - well rested by 1 pm - I lucked out by securing the only table left at home/made. Formerly Tini, this little restaurant can seat maybe 30 people in the front room, but they would all know each other by the end of the meal. The tables, chairs and couches are an eclectic mix of cozy and industrial. Several other couples were turned away during the course of our meal; a private event in the back yard area was cited as the reason.

tions on a scrambled egg platter with potatoes and toast, a French toast option, and a salad. There’s granola, too, for those who aren’t very hungry. Sides are available to customize meals. Bottomless coffee from Kitten is served in a beautiful carafe. They also have local Kombucha on tap along with their beers and Prosecco for mimosas. They offer a great wine list too. No hard liquor, however, meant no other cocktails for brunch. Our server was celebrating his first day on the job by singing to his customers as he brought their meals. When I asked about whether it was a good idea to order the sticky bun in addition to my entrée, he was very helpful by describing this treat from Balthazar as “righteous.” And it was. Pecans were toasty on top of a caramelized bun filled with raisins and bliss. I chose from one of the four “scramble” options. Salmon and Dill with goat cheese came with Provencal potatoes and grilled walnut bread. There was no sign of the dill other than a tiny sprig as a garnish, and the goat cheese disappeared into the firm eggs. The salmon was mild and tasty, but the real star here is that pile of potatoes. Roasted and crusty with garlic and spices, these are amazing. Whole cloves of garlic were lovely surprises mixed in. The insides of the garlic turned golden brown and begun to caramelize and they spread

beautifully on the grilled bread. I could have skipped the eggs entirely in favor of more of these. My brunch companion had the French toast, which was delicious, but almost dessert-like in its sweetness. Dipped in some citrus juice and topped with baked apples, it would have been more appropriate under a scoop of ice cream. The powdered sugar around the plate was just baffling. Hope & Anchor doesn’t set high expectations, but they certainly meet, and even exceed them in some areas. Home/made sets a higher bar from the minute you arrive with their great service and potatoes. Hope and Anchor, 347 Van Brunt Street (at Wolcott Street) (718) 2370276 www.hopeandanchorredhook.com home made, 293 Van Brunt Street (near Pioneer Street) (347) 223-4135 www.homemadebklyn.com

home/made’s Salmon Scramble includes unbelievable roasted potatoes

Unlike Hope & Anchor, there aren’t many options for brunch here. The tiny entrée selection includes several variathe morning. I think it’s important as a teacher and also for my own sense of well being. I do think of myself as a musician first and foremost, and I still want to get better and learn more about music. I have a jazz quartet and we’ll play around town in various places, usually a restaurant/ bar type of environment. Sometimes it’s a trio. I’ve worked with a great guitarist, Carl Money, for almost two decades now, so we have a musical relationship that continues. But I do think it’s important, as far as my teaching but also for my own creative pursuits, to keep pursuing music and I will continue to do so. I love to play and I love to learn more about music. It’s so vast and there are so many great things that are yet to be discovered so I still want to keep actively performing… and practicing Learn more about the Young Composers and Improvisors Workshop, hear the students’ compositions and play with Noteflight web app at: www. yciw.net

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September 1 - 15, 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. Call for more info. Kentler International Drawing Space—353 Van Brunt St. (718) 8752098, kentlergallery.org FREE Weekend Art Workshops for Families. Ages 4 & up. Every 1st & 3rd Sat Noon-1:30pm register in advance: sallie@kentlergallery.org Who’s On First? 46 1st Place, Clinton/ Henry (718) 243-1432 whosonfirstkids. com A nuturing and supportive environment focusing on self esteem, problem solving, socialization, conflict resolution and free expression through art, music and creative movement. For children from birth to 7 yrs. Fall schedule begins 9/17. Through 9/16 11am-1pm Daily Open House.

CHURCH/ SYNAGOGUE

Kane St. Synagogue 236 Kane St. (718) 875-1530 kanestreet.org Torah Study every 2nd Shabbat of the Month 11am-Noon. 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 Visitation of Our Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. 98 Richards (718) 624-1572 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) 971-5522.

CLASSES/ WORKSHOPS

Brooklyn Collective Gallery 212 Columbia St. (Union/Sackett) (718) 5966231 brooklyncollective.com. Gallery Hours: Thurs- Sun 11am-8pm. Over 40 Artists on Exhibit through September. Sun 9/16 3-5:30pm, Sun. 9/23 3-5pm Sewing Wkshp for Beginners Pts. 1&2 $75, inclusive. Brooklyn General—128 Union St. (718) 237-7753 brooklyngeneral.com Workshops for all things Sewing. . Carroll Gardens Association 201 Columbia St. (Sackett/Degraw) (718) 2439301 carrollgardensassociation.com Mon. 9/10 Microsoft Office 7 Week Computer Training Course $10. Contact CGA for more info. The 4th Annual Waterfront Fall Festival is now accepting vendor application for the 9/8 Festival. Sat 9/8 Noon-6pm 4th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Festival. The Gowanus Studio Space 166 7th Street (347) 948-5753 www.gowanusstudio.org Sat 8/18 Noon-4:30pm Papermaking for Print $95 non-members, $40 for members. Cora Dance 201 Richards St. (Coffey./ Van Dyke) #15 (718) 858-2520 coradance.org Registration for Cora Dance School begins on 8/27. Wed. 9/5 Shannon Hummel performs “Good Side” thruogh DANCE NOW @ Joes Pub, The Public Theater, NYC. The Intercourse 159 Pioneer St. (718) 596-3000 theintercourse.org Tue 8/14/21/28 8-9pm DNA, Disease & Dollars: The Future of Genetics w/Andew Kern Enrollment by donation. Sat 8/25 2-6pm The Tempered Brush:Mixing and Painting w/Egg Tempera $70. Jalopy Theatre and School of Music 315 Columbia St. (718) 395-3214, jalopy. biz 8 class series beginning 9/10. All Series $245, plus $50 if you need to rent an instrument. Starting Every Mon. 9/1010/29 7pm Traditional Singing I, Banjo Fingerpicking I, Harmonica I (9/10-10/1) Harmonica II 10/8-10/29. 8pm Trad. Singing II, Banjo Fingerpicking II, Intermediate Flatpicking. Tue. 9/11-1030

Page 18 Red Hook Star-Revue

7pm Mandolin I, Clogging, Clawhammer Banjo I, Exploring Your Voice. 8pm Old Time Ensemble, Clawhammer Banjo II, Exploring Your Voice. Wed. 9/12-10/31 7pm Fiddle III, Clawhammer Banjo I, Guitar I. 8pm Clawhammer Banjo II, Guitar II, Advanced Old Time Fiddle. Thu. 9/13-11/1 7pm Fiddle I, Madolin II. 8pm Fiddle ii, Ukelele III. Fri. 9/14-11/2 7pm Ukulele I, Madolin III. 8pm Ukulele11. Sat 9/15-11/3 2pm Fingerstyle Guitar III, 3pm Fingerstyle Guitar I, 4pm Fingerstyle Guitar II, 5pm Fingerstyle Guitar IV. Red Hook Boaters info@redhookboaters.org. Summer Kayaking Program. Every Sun. 9/2-11/1 1-6pm @ Valentino Pier/Park Everything you need will be provided. Dress To Get Wet! FREE!

COMEDY

Littlefield—622 Degraw St littlefieldny. com Every Monday 8pm: Hot Tub $5 adv. $8 drs. Tue 9/4 7:30pm Punderdome, an all comers Punning Shootout.$6 adv. $7 dos. Thu 9/06 8pm Tim Fite, Foxes in Fiction, Molly Nilsson $8 adv. $10 dos. Fri 9/7 10pm Xanadude presents $10 MO’BAMA: a benefit to re-elect Pres. Obama. Sun 9/9 1:30pm Hip Tot Music Fest w/Audra Rox. Family friendly w/arts & crafts, face painting, local food & give aways. Tue 9/11 7pm The Big Quiz Thing: Live Trivia Quiz Show, complete w/buzzers! $8 adv. $10 dos. Thu. 9/13 8pm RAW: Ensemble. A multimedia extravaganza. $10 adv. $15 dos. Fri. 9/14 7pm Islands: a record release party. $15adv. $18 dos.

EXHIBITIONS

Brooklyn Collective Gallery 212 Columbia St. (Union/Sackett) (718) 5966231 brooklyncollective.com Gallery hrs. Thur. - Sun 1pm-8pm through 8/31 New Collections of Local Artists FREE. Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition 499 Van Brunt St. (718) 596-2506 bwac. org Open every Sat & Sun 1-6pm Sat 9/22-10/21 Coming to Brooklyn 2012: Celebrating 20 yrs. of art shows in Red Hook. Falconworks Kidd Studio 135 Richards St. (718) 395-3218 falconworks. com - redhooktheater.org Now accepting Applications for Fall 2012. For Kids 11-14yrs. who want to write & act in their own play. Kentler International Drawing Space—353 Van Brunt St. (718) 8752098, kentlergallery.org Gallery hrs Thu.Sun. noon-5pm. Fri. 9/7- Sun. 10/21 To Be Young Gifted & Black in the Age of Obama. Fri. 9/7 6-8pm Opening of new show. Sun. 9/23 4pm Curator’s Talk. Look North Inuit Art Gallery—275 Conover St. Suite 4E, (347) 721-3995, 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”.

MUSIC

Bait & Tackle 320 Van Brunt Street (718) 451-4665 redhookbaitandtackle. com No Cover Fri. 8/17 9pm Cousin Bones. Sat 8/18 9pm Dear Comrade. Fri. 8/24 9pm The Purslaines. Sat 8/25 9pm Adam Falcon. Fri. 8/31 9pm Bryan & The Haggards. Sat 9/1 9pm Cannibal Ramblers. 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. Jalopy Theatre and School of Music 315 Columbia St., (718) 395-3214 jalopy. biz. Every Wed 9pm Roots & Ruckus w/ Feral Foster FREE. Thu. 9/6 8:830pm The Dustbusters $10. Fri. 9/7 9pm The Hazbins, Mamie Minch $10. Sat 9/8 Noon-dark Buskerfest fest on Governor’s Island FREE. 9pm Baby Gramps $10 Sunday 9/9 9pm The Calamity Janes FINAL SHOW $10. Tue. 9/11 9pm Moneyno Alexis, Wildhog $10. Thur. 9/13 9pm The G String Band, Veveritse Brass Band $10. Fri. 9/14 8pm The Whiskey Hickon Boys, Spuyten Duyvil, The Newton Gang, New Sweden $10. Sat 9/15 9pm Fishtank Ensemble $10. Sun. 9/16 7pm The Dixie Bee Liners $10. Montero’s Bar 73 Atlantic Ave. @ Hicks St. (718) 534-6399 monteros-bar@facebook.com Karaoke w/Amethyst and the beautiful Andy at the bar. every Fri. & Sat 10pm. Every Wed. after. 8pm - Midnight. The raucous musical concoctions of The Red Hook Irregulars. All Acoustic. Guest Players invited. Red Hook Irregulars @The Cherry Tree 65 4th Ave., Bergen/St. Marks 9/8 9pm - Midnight. Cheap Beer, Delicious Pizza, Great Music. No Cover. This week it’s Coors Light Promo Night. Come on down for a taste! The Rock Shop—249 Fourth Ave. (President/Carroll ) (718) 230-5740 therockshopny.com Mon 9/3 8pm Elepahant Wrecking Ball, Bad Credit No Credit $8 adv. $10 dos. Thu. 9/6 8pm Comedy Beyond Recognition, hosted by J.F. O’Donell w/Sunset Victim Erik Bergstrom, Kevin Barnett, The Lucas Bros. Mara Herron $8. Fri. 9/7 8:30pm Xenia Rubinos, Lady Lamb The Beekeeper, Railbird. $10. Sat 9/8 7pm The Original Bingo Club, Mariee Sioux, The Meaning of Life, Libel $8. Mon. 9/10 The Gowanus Allstars FREE. Wed. 9/12 7:30pm Dawn Landes, Henry Wolfe, Christina Courtin $10 adv. $12 dos. Thu. 9/13 8pm Modern Rivals, Genghis Hans, We Can’t Enjoy Ourselves $8. Rocky Sullivan’s—34 Van Dyke St, (718) 246-8050. No Cover Every Mon, Tues, Wed 8pm Live Irish Music Every Last Wed 8pm Readings By Authors.Every. Thurs. 9pm Rocky’s World Famous Pub Quiz. Mon 9/3 7pm Chris Byrne’s Beginner’s Tin Whistle Class. Tue. 9/4 8pm Peadar Hickey’s Irish Language Class.

Screwball Spaces 3rd Fl 183 Lorraine St, Court/Clinton Sat& Sun 9/8,9 11am7pm GO: Open Studios of over 80 artists. Sat 9/8 After Party on roof deck 7-10pm.FREE

The Star Theater Acoustic Jam & Hootenanny 101 Union St. (Columbia/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!

Sweet Lorraine Gallery 183 Lorraine St. (Clinton/Court) (347) 409-8957 screwballspaces.com, fernbar@yahoo. com Sat 9/1-9/30 Something Wonderful Across The Years: the art of Erik Wood. Opening Sat 9/15 7-9pm.

The Star Theater Electric Jam 101 Union St., (Columbia / Van Brunt )Every Thur. Night 8pm Hard rock, Jazz, Blues. Full Back Line. Refreshments provided. Donations accepted.

FESTIVALS

Jalopy’s Buskerfest on Governors Island 9/8 Noon ‘til dark. Several spots around the Picnic Area will hold your favorite Jalopy artists, including Pat Conte & Joe Bellulovich, The Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues, The Whiskey Spitters, M. Shanghai String Band, Feral Foster and many others. FREE. Tips for the bands appreciated.

MUSEUMS

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 David Sharps.Through 10/27Life on the Water: Oil paintings by Odd Andersen. Beat Festival presents You Are My Hest & Glare.

Sunny’s Bar 253 Conover St. (Beard/ Reed) (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. 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.

PUBLIC MEETINGS

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative 153 Columbia St (Kane/Degraw) (718) 5220913 brooklyngreenway.org The Ceramic Arts of Kathryn Robinson-Miller. 30% of the proceeds will go to support BGI’s work. Sun. 9/23 12:30-2:30pm Bicycle Tour of The Brooklyn Navy Yard. $24. Brooklyn Community Board 6 - Sep 12 General Board Meeting Cobble Hill Health Center 380 Henry Street (be-

www.RedHookStar.com

tween Warren/Congress Streets) Brooklyn, NY 11201 6:30 PM Sept 19 Parks, Recreation & Cultural Affairs Committee Meeting Orientation: Rules, regulations and procedures governing committee participation. Presentation and discussion with Prospect Park Administrator Emily Lloyd on Prospect Park-related planned and contemplated projects, programs and policies of interest to park users and supporters.

TASTINGS

Dry Dock Wine & Spirits 424 Van Brunt St. (718) 852-3625 drydockny.com ALL TASTINGS ARE FREE! Fri. 9/7 5:308:30 Old World Whites: A;sace, Burgundy & Orvieto regions. Sat 9/8 4-7pm Iberian Wines: Spanish Wines. Sun 9/9 3-6pm Wines for Rosh Hashana. Fri. 9/14 5:30-8:30pm Wines of New Zealand. Sat 9/15 4-7pm Rhum JM from Matinique: Joy, Joy! Sun 9/16 3-6pm Hooker’s Choice: Somethin’ Special! MikNik Lounge 200 Columbia St. (917) 770-1984 ‘Rebel! Rebel!’ (Gay Night) every First & Third Thurs. 9pm - 2am Cheap Beer, $6 well drinks.

THEATER

The Waterfront Museum Lehigh Valley Barge No.79, 290 Conover Street. (718) 624-4719 Sat 9/8,9,15,16,21,23 7:30pm Anna Christie performed by the Spleen Theatre $18. Fri. 9/14 7:30pm

WALKING TOURS

61 Local 61 Bergen St. (Boerum/Smith) (347) 763-6624 61local.com 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 Urban Oyster (347) 618-TOUR (8687) urbanoyster.com Every SatNoon-3:30, Brewed in Brooklyn Tour (Williamsburg) $60 Adv. sales only. Every Sat Brewing, Bottling, & bootlegging in historic Williamsburg. Samples, pizza and fresh lager lunch included. $65, adv. sales only. Every Sat & Sun Navy Yard Full Tour 2:30-4:30pm.$30, adv sales only.

Upcoming State and Local Primary List of Candidates

Thanks to the court order in late January, many of the State Assembly and Senatorial districts have had their lines redrawn so some of you may find yourselves in a new district. Please be sure to check in with the NYC Board of Elections to see if your polling place has been changed to a new location. * (i) denotes incumbent State Senate 20th Senatorial District Eric Adams (i) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party Rose Laney - Republican Party Brian Kelly - Conservative Party 21st Senatorial District Kevin S. Parker (i) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party Mindy Meyer - Republican Party 25th Senatorial District Velmanette Montgomery (i, old 18th District) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party John A. Jasilli - Republican Party, Conservative Party 26th Senatorial District Daniel Squadron (i, old 25th District) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party; Jacqueline Haro - Republican Party State Assembly District 44 James F. Brennan (i) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party Catherine Fox - Republican Party, Conservative Party District 51 Felix Ortiz (i) - Democratic Party Henry Lallave - Republican Party, Conservative Party District 52 Joan L. Millman (i) - Democratic Party, Working Families Party John R. Nijhawan - Republican Party, Conservative Party Other primary contest candidates include the following offices and positions which are too numerous for this article to list are Judge of the Civil Court, Female State Committee, Male State Committee, Delegate to Judicial Convention, Alternate Delegate to the Judicial Convention, Female County Committee, and Male County Committee. Go to http:// vote.nyc.ny.us/pdf/documents/boe/2012 SeptemberPrimaryElection/SeptemberCandidacyList.pdf for the latest information. - Greg Alvarez-Martin

Spleen Theatre Company brings O’Neill to the Waterfront Museum

John O’Creagh as Chris Christopherson (Anna’s dad) and Gene Gillette as Mat Burke

Eugene O’Neill’s Pulitzer-Prize winning Anna Christie will be performed for the next three weekends about the Lehigh Barge/Waterfront Museum which is behind Fairway. Tickets are $18 and can be ordered in advance at the Spleen Theatre website: www.spleentheatre.org The play is directed by Laura Tesman and starts Rahealeh Nassri and Gene Gillette. The shows begin at 7:30, with performances Saturdays and Sundays through the 23rd of September.

Rahaleh Nassri as Anna

September 1 - 15, 2012

Columbia Waterfront District gets a diner back (continued from page 1)

The menu seemed to be overflowing with options. For breakfast there are two eggs any style, or a three egg omelette with almost anything in it. I was excited to see that they had three options for eggs benedict; the classic with ham, an Athens spin on eggs Florentine with spinach and feta cheese, and the Californian with avocado and fresh tomato. I ordered the Californian and sipped on my coffee while I waited. The food was great. Eggs poached to perfection, creamy flavorful hollandaise sauce,

The diner sports a chic back yard for outside dining.

tio. When asked about their choosing Red Hook for a new diner location, they said they felt the neighborhood was “up and coming” and has a strong community vibe. This sense of community is important for a diner. Angela says when it comes to their managing style, they really want to be “family to the customers.” Even by day two business was picking up. Angela said that opening day had a busy breakfast right off the bat, a lunch rush, and a steady dinner. This seemed to have carried over to day two, having seen lots of new customers

At one time there were many diners on Columbia when there were many more longshoremen to be fed.

and potatoes O’Brien. If there is one thing to know about me above all others, it is this: I like condiments. Ketchup, mustard, Hollandaise, Thousand Island, mayonnaise, bring it on! For most places ordering mayonnaise with my morning potatoes come with a side of “no judgment, please.” But not here - whatever I wanted. After my mayo order, I got a smile and a “can I get you anything else?” I felt right at home.

Owners, Mixali Kallonas and Angela Alexiou, take a breather.

coming and going even in the between breakfast and lunch period. One customer came

Water’s Edge features some artsy decorations.

I sat down and spoke with Angela and Mixali in their beautiful sun filled back pa-

The counter is clean and well lit (photos by Fiala)

to see Angela in the back and had her arms up in the air with a big smile “Congratulations, I’m ecstatic!” Red Hook seems to be embracing this new diner with open arms.

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. Day or afternoon grill man new diner on Columbia Street seeks a grill man with diner experience. Please call 718 855-1400. Columbia Street Diner.

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

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.

The Red Hook Star-Revue 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

JABUS BUILDING CORP.

Serving Red Hook for over 25 years

Specializing in Construction and Historic Preservation • New construction • Renovations, additions and extensions • Masonry specialist • Concrete floors/radiant heated • Concrete/bluestone sidewalk repair • Flue linings, chimneys and fireplaces • Demolition and waste removal • Violation removals • Landmark Preservation contractor

Jim & Debbie Buscarello PHONE: (718) 852-5364 Fax: (347) 935-1263 www.jabusbuildingcorp.com jabusbuildingcorp@gmail.com HIC License #0883902 Trade Waste License #1135

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

Red Hook Star-Revue

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

www.RedHookStar.com

September 1 - 15, 2012 Page 19

Red Hook StarªRevue Track stars in training at the Red Hook fields story and photos by George Fiala

ed Hook’s track is a full eightlane 400-meter facility on the corner of Columbia and Bay Streets. It sports a nearly brand-new rubberized surface. It is part of our the massive, well-maintained city park that includes football/soccer, baseball fields, a community swimming pool, and an indoor gym with an active boxing program. It is a well-utilized, important Red Hook asset.

Joseph began coming to Red Hook in the early 1990’s, first with his own running club, the XTC Track Club, and then with Clara Barton. At the beginning he had to fend off roller bladers and dog walkers. That problem soon disappeared as Joseph made sure he spoke firmly with the interlopers, who soon gained respect for the runners and their facility.

He cites the excellent friend that Red The Star-Revue Hook had in ventured to Eric Greene. the fields on Until last year a recent lateGreene was summer afterthe Parks and noon and met Recreation Randall JoAssistant Coach Ellis with the Clara Barton team. Manager at the seph. Joseph is Rec Center. the burly track coach at Clara Barton “Eric was a tremendous community asHigh School, near to the Brooklyn Bo- set,” said Joseph. “He did his own sigtanic Garden. Sporting a shiny whistle nage when he couldn’t get funding from between his lips while standing on a Parks. He was and is still involved with bench in the grandstand, Joseph was the Justice Center’s Junior baseball timing wind sprints, as his cross country league. He ensured that all fields were runners were dashing by one at a time. well maintained and made it easy for all When he noticed someone was not giv- leagues and schools to receive the Park ing his all, he gave them ten pushups. Department permits to use the fields.”

becomes available. Cross country is a long distance running sport that takes place on natural terrain which includes hills and valleys. While Joseph holds practice 2-3 times a week at the Red Hook track, the meets take place at Prospect Park, Forest Park in Queens, Rockefeller State Park and Van Cortland Park in the Bronx. Van Cortland is world renowned as a venue. Joseph’s runners average 40-50 miles per week, although he says this is not a lot. Each practice includes a visit across the street at the Rec Center for weight training.

I asked Joseph whether the track had been renovated. “A couple of years ago there was talk of it, and it was discussed at a Community Board 6 meeting, but I guess with the financial crisis and all, nothing has yet come of it.” The planned upgrades to the lights and track are still hoped for as money

After the interview, Joseph went back to his whistle, running his athletes with a strong fist just as he does with the Red Hook track.

Ellis with Coach Joseph

Nets considering Red Hook for new training facility by George Fiala

he Brooklyn Nets are looking to replace their New Jersey practice facility with one in Brooklyn, according to a Crain’s NY Business article. For the past year they have been looking at possible sites close to the downtown Brooklyn Barclay Center. Joseph Sitt, whose deal to build a BJ’s on his land situated on the Red Hook waterfront appears to be falling through, hosted three representatives of the Nets on a walk-through of the land on August 27th, according to community leader Ray Hall. According to Hall, the Nets have also been looking at Boys and Girls High School as well as Bishop Laughlin High School as possible practice facilities, the emphasis being on proximity to their new stadium. It doesn’t seem that there is any particular rush to build a new facility, as their current one in East Rutherford, New Jersey has a lease that runs through June, 2015, according to the Crain’s article.

This is not the first opportunity that Red Hook has entertained relating to the move of the Nets to Brooklyn. The Nets have been talking to a local bus operator about housing mini-buses during the games. These mini-buses are to be used to transport patrons from off-premises parking to the stadium . The first pre-season game to be played at the new Barclay Center is on October 15th, against the Washington Nationals. The first regular season game will be against the NY Knicks on November 1st.

(l-r) Rek Santiago, Ray Hall and David Shamoun with the empty Thor Equities land in the background (photo by Fiala)

Barclay’s stadium is being built on Atlantic Avenue near Flatbush. A stadium was proposed for that loca-

101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 advertising@redhookstar.com Page 20 Red Hook Star-Revue

www.RedHookStar.com

tion in the 1950’s in a half-hearted bid to keep the Dodgers in Brooklyn.

718 624-5568 www.RedHookStar.com September 1 - 15, 2012