The
Red Hook StarªRevue
LATE NOVEMBER 2014
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
More photos page 7
Happy Thanksgiving to our readers RED HOOK GIVES THANKS photos and text by Micah B. Rubin The mouth-watering aroma of turkey, yams and stuffing filled the Joseph Miccio Community Center’s gym on Saturday November 22, 2014 as Red Hookers of all ages came together to celebrate the 3rd annual Red Hook Community Thanksgiving Dinner. Organized by the Joseph Miccio Community Center and Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, community members shared a delicious meal that included quintessential Turkey-day fare, sodas, sweets and Steve’s Key lime pies. First organized ago to bring the community together as they continued to recuperate from the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, the Center’s third annual Thanksgiving dinner has become a community staple and opportunity to cele-
Gertrude Dorf struts her stuff. At the top is Marguerite Roper - has been to all of the Thanksgiving dinners and favorite food is turkey.
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
brate the community’s resilience. Families and friends sat together at round tables as smiling and laughing children chased each other around the room. A few kids, wearing white aprons helped serve food to hungry guests. Meanwhile, on stage in the back of the room, a group of young girls gave an impromptu performance as they showed off their gymnastic and dance moves. Second helpings were happily served and many guests took home an extra helping to savor the delicious meal in the comfort of their homes. An estimated 65 people attended the event, according to the office Assemblyman Ortiz. The event’s sponsors include: Fairway Market, Ikea, MetroPlus Health Plan, Fidelis, RAICES (the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council) and Steve’s Key Lime Pie. “It makes me feel good to help,” said Carmen Calderon, the Director of Constituent Services and Special Events for Assemblyman Ortiz. “What is the true meaning of Thanksgiving but to really be grateful for what you have,” she said.
The
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RELIGIOUS SERVICES
Happenings, etc. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 2
The 76th Precinct Community Council Meeting starts at 7:30 PM, at the 76th Precinct Station House, 191 Union Street.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4
The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative will honor Marvin Schein and Sal Rusi of Liberty View Industrial Plaza for their leadership role in this endeavor. Cocktail reception, dinner, drinks and a dessert reception will follow. Liberty View Industrial Plaza, 850 3rd Avenue, Sunset Park, Brooklyn.6 p.m - 10 pm
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6
CATHOLIC Visitation Church 98 Richards St, (718) 624-1572. Office open Mon-Thursday 9 am - 3 pm. Saturday mass 5 pm; Spanish mass at 7 pm. Sunday 10 am English, 12:30 pm Spanish. Community Prayer Tuesday and Thursday, 8 pm. Youth Group Meetings on Friday, 4:30 - 6 pm. Baptisms are held every other month. Please call to arranged for baptisms, communions and weddings. We will visit the sick upon notification. Saint Paul and Saint Agnes Parish St. Paul’s Church - Rectory & Church Office 234 Congress Street (718) 624-3425 Hours: M - F 830am-12 St. Agnes Church Office 433 Sackett Street, 718-625-1717 Hours: M-F 1pm-430pm Email:stpaulstagnes@gmail.com St. Agnes: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 9 am (English), 11:30am (Spanish) St. Paul’s: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am & 9:30am (English); 11am (Spanish) Monday & Tuesday 8:30am (St. Paul’s) Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am (St. Agnes) Saturday 8am (St. Paul’s) http://stpaulstagnes.org/ Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Saint Stephen Roman Catholic Church 125 Summit Street at Hicks Street info@sacredhearts-ststephen.com Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30pm Sunday Masses: 10am & 11:45am (Italian/English) Weekdays Masses: Tuesday Through Saturday 8:30am Confessions: Saturdays 4:45pm and by appointment. Baptisms: Every Third Sunday At 1pm. Please call the rectory one month before to make arrangements. Sick Calls: Please call the rectory to arrange for the sacrament of anointing whenever anyone is seriously ill. Marriages: Please call the rectory at least 6 months ahead for an appointment with a priest http:// www.sacredhearts-ststephen.com
Join the launching the Red Hook HUB, a new system for sharing community information. The Ribbon Cutting will take place Saturday, December 6th 11:30 am at the Red Hook Library. The event will include Free refreshments, prizes and a HUB demonstration! For more information visit redhookhub.org! Maker’s Market 2nd Annual Red Hook Maker’s Market, Atelier, 66 Commerce Street. All day - also on Sunday. Here is where you can buy presents made by local artisans.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 9 Gowanus CAG meeting, St. Mary Star of the Sea home, 41 First Street, 6:30 pm. The general public is invited.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 15 CB6 Holiday Party to benefit Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc. All are welcome! Time and place still to be determined.
ONGOING
Star-Revue Night Music Jams at Rocky Sullivan’s from 8 pm-12 am every Monday. Bring your instrument and jam with local musicians of all skill levels. Or come out and enjoy the show. 34 Van Dyke Street.
St. Paul’s Carroll Street 199 Carroll Street Parish Office: 718-625-4126 Sunday Mass at 10 am Weekday Morning Prayer - Mon.-Thurs. at 7:30 am Weekday masses as announced Holy Days as announced (please see the Calendar) Church open for prayer Tues. 6-8pm & Sat. 2-4pm http://stpaulscarrollst.weebly.com/
Baptist
Calvary Baptist Church 773 Hicks St (718) 522-5159
Jewish
Kane Street Synagogue 236 Kane Street, (near Tompkins Place) 718 875-1550 http://kanestreet.org/ August 29 - 30, Shabbat Shoftim Candle Lighting 7:14 PM Shabbat ends 8:17 PM Friday night services, 6:00 PM Shabbat morning services, 9:15 AM Sunday Morning Services 9:00 AM Congregation B’nai Avraham/Chabad of Brooklyn Heights 117 Remsen St., 718 596 4840 x18 www.bnaiavraham.com, www.heightschabad.
If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks!
Visitation Church is holding a Thanksgiving Mass on Thursday, November 27th at 8:00 am. Here is their Thanksgiving Prayer: This Thanksgiving let those of us who have much and those who have little gather at the welcoming table of the Lord. At this blessed feast, may rich and poor alike remember that we are called to serve one another and to walk together in God’s gracious world. With thankful hearts we praise our God who like a loving parent denies no good thing.
“Give thanks to the LORD for he is good.” Psalm 107:1 Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Carlos Menchaca..............718 439-9012 Red Hook Assemblyman Felix Ortiz.....................718-492-6334 Red Hook State Senator Velmanette Montgomery..718-643-6140 Gowanus Councilman Brad Lander......................718 499-1090 Park Slope Councilman Steve Levin......................718 875-5200 CB6 District Manager Craig Hammerman ............718 643-3027 76th Police Precinct, 191 Union Street Main phone .....................................................718-834-3211 Community Affairs............................................718 834-3207 Traffic Safety.....................................................718 834-3226 Eileen Dugan Senior Center, 380 Court Street........718 596-1956 Miccio Community Center, 110 East 9th Street.......718 243-1528 Red Hook East Dev. Office, 62 Mill St...................718 852-6771 Red Hook West Dev. Office, 55 Dwight St.............718 522-3880 Brownstone Republicans...... info@brownstonerepublicanclub.com NYCHA Satellite Police Precinct, 80 Dwight Street Main Phone....................................................(718) 265-7300 Community Affairs...........................................(718) 265-7313 Domestic Violence...........................................(718) 265-7310 Youth Officer...................................................(718) 265-7314 Auxiliary/Law Enforcement Coordinator ..........(718) 265-7378 Detective Squad...............................................(718) 265-7327
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Late November 2014
NYC DEP puts on a good Gowanus face by George Fiala
A
cluster of Gowanus-centric meetings were held during the middle of November. The NYC Department of Environmental Protection hosted their own meeting in the auditorium of PS 32 on November 19. The Gowanus Canal is a man-made extension of an existing creek. The canal was created during the heyday of canal building back in the 19th century. It served the heavy industries that sprung up then as NYC was growing exponentially. Barges floated on the waterway, transporting raw and finished materials back and forth from nearby Erie Basin. An unplanned and unthought of byproduct of this industrialization was the intense pollution of the canal. Toxic chemicals were dumped or leached into the canal for over 100 years. It is not only chemicals that have polluted the canal. Organic pollution in the form of raw sewage has bedevilied the surrounding community for many decades. Activist Buddy Scotto recalls the days (in his lifetime) when typhus and cholera were found there. A flushing tunnel, which has worked sporadically since first built in 1911, attempts to introduce oxygenated water into the canal, killing some of the bacteria. This is not a total fix, as was pointed out by the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). In spite of protests from NYC, the Gowanus was named a Superfund site in 2009, bringing the EPA to the neighborhood to work out a plan to not only clean up the canal but to prevent recontamination. Sewage flows into the canal during rainstorms, when Gowanus sewers become overwhelmed with water, leaving them unable to take all the sewage to teh treatment plants. The EPA plan calls for the burying of two giant retention tanks that would hold the excess water/sewage until the storm subsides and the pipes can once again resume their normal duties.
local government. New York is a very dense area, with tremendous demands for the removal of sewage and waste. Trying to manage everything within the limits of tax revenues is a challenge for every large city. However, it is a necessity for public health, as public health is one of the prime responsibilities of government. The Gowanus has been festering for many years, and it is exciting that a combination of neighborhood demands for parks and open spaces has combined with commercial interests to force government’s hand. There are many scenarios for a new Gowanus, which local Councilman Brad Lander has been addressing in his series of Bridging Gowanus community sessions. Hence this public meeting where the city presented its ideas. Bioswales were again addressed. It was explained clearly that one of the problems with storm runoff is the universal paving that the real estate industry demands. In the past, most rainwater would naturally drain into the ground. Over 70% of city land has been paved over, and rain, which formerly would sink into the ground, now pools and drains into catchwater basins, which go into the sewers, causing the bottleneck. Bioswales are specially created drains around trees, both existing and new plantings, and allow water to drain into the ground. This is one of the city plans, which they call “Green Infrastucture.” These also include requirments for new buildings to include cisterns allowing water landing on roofs to drain into the ground. The sum of the presentation was what the city calls its “Long Term Control Plan.” While the EPA was barely men-
tioned during the meeting, it was announced that they would provide the EPA with their decision as to the locating of the retention tanks by next June. Again, this is a legal requirment and so it can be assumed that DEP is not planning to sue to further delay this implementation. The tanks signed to Combined Overlows most 72%.
are dereduce Sewer by at
A combination of bioswales, a planned flushing tunnel upgrade, and additional sewer improve- Deputy Commissioner Angela Licata was called upon time and ments, including again to answer audience questions. (photos by Fiala) a pumping station upgrade, will further reduce contamination of the canal. A team of three DEP officials made the presentation, which included a powerpoint presentation with detailed maps and a summary of plans. While Republicans like to talk of reducing government regulations, this meeting showed that it is just such regulations and requirements that are forcing the restoration of a clean canal that in the long run will provide the population with more parkland and recreational choices, and businesses with more economic opportunities.
A member of Riverkeeper asks a pertinent question about the city’s real purpose of the meeting.
Back in 2009, the city administration argued that the EPA was not needed, that the city was capable of handling the raw sewage problem itself using green methods. The Bloomberg administration felt that the stigma of having a Superfund designation would retard local real estate development. They felt that a combination of sewer upgrades and “bioswales” would do as good a job and be less costly. The city lost, and the Superfund plan proceeds. In addition to the federal government, the Gowanus faces NY State demands to clean up the Gowanus as well. The city has actually initiated a lawsuit against the state DEC to reduce their responsibilities. This came up at the meeting, and DEP’s response was that they were simply attempting to clarify their cleanup obligations. The fact is that ensuring a pollution free city is a tremendous challenge for the
Red Hook Star-Revue
Councilmember Brad Lander, who has been presiding over Gowanus meetings of his own, talks about the challenge of coordinating all the processes happening in Gowanus.
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Late November 2014, Page 3
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tea and coffee in the am, beer and wine in the pm
517 Court Street, corner West 9th www.teaffee.com
Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue
(718) 522-4410 www.facebook.com/Teaffee
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Late November 2014
Long time Red Hook gem holds holiday gift shows Words & Photos by Micah B Rubin
A
t Pier Glass and Scanlan Glass studio, globs of fieryorange molten glass drip like honey as artists use breath, gravity and traditional tools to create beautiful works of art. “Glass is one of those medium that mesmerizes. It’s very seductive and just draws you in,” says Mary Ellen Buxton, cofounder of Pier Glass. From now until mid December, the studio is hosting its Annual Holiday Gift Show at their waterfront Red Hook studio. As you check out the show, ask for a live demonstration of the glass-blowing process and watch as bulbs of glass blossom into functional or artisanal pieces. All of the works in the show are available for purchase and are Brooklyn made. The wide variety of styles on exhibit include (but are not limited to) beads, bowls, vases and Christmas-tree ornaments. All pieces are available for purchase and prices start at $10.
Pier Glass is located on the pier that extends out on Van Brunt Street. The Fairway building is across the water.
Among my favorite items in the show are upcycled Red Stripe beer bottles transformed into pint glasses and applesized paperweights dimpled with beads of air. If you catch their bespectacled artist in the studio, he will be happy to explain their creative process. Even the studio’s fifteen-plus foot ceiling are alight with glass orbs and chandeliers in a riot of shapes and colors that highlight the studios breadth of artisanship. Pier Glass was established by the husband and wife team of Kevin Kutch and Mary Ellen Buxton in 1994 and quickly became a staple of the Red Hook creative community. Their work is highly sought after and is currently in the MOMA and the New Jersey State House, among other venues. Scanlan Glass is the studio of Kevin Scanlan whose work ranges from functional to abstract to conceptual. Scanlan Glass also offers private and group glass blowing lessons. Pier Glass is located at 499 Van Brunt Street, Suite 2A 718.237.2073 All the pieces are handblown and made right on the premises. The studio itself had to undergo extensive reconstruction after being flooded during Sandy.
The
The gift show began November 21st and is runs from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm on Saturdays and Sundays until December 14th.
Red Hook StarªRevue Come by and say hi!
481 Van Brunt Street #8A (across from Fairway) info@redhookstar.com Red Hook Star-Revue
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718 624-5568 www.Star-Revue.com Late November 2014, Page 5
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Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Late November 2014
Pre-Thanksgiving feast at the Miccio Center See Story page 1 - photos by Micah B. Rubin
Eliza Mack + Eugene Muhammad Left: Henrietta Perkins - Volunteer. “To help my neighborhood, to help Felix Ortiz. I like helping people” Above: Bell Arrington enjoys her meal.
Santia Incle and Arial Gonzalez who is a volunteer. “I just wanted to get out of myself and help others in need”
Red Hook Star-Revue
Brionna Grissom (Grey Sweater), Taylor Medina (pink shirt), Daniela Sanchez (Blue/white stripe) perform an impromptu dance.
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Late November 2014, Page 7
Jenny belin’s Art
Our friend Jenny, who exhibits locally at the Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street, sends us this and tells us “Here is a painting for you! It was inspired by Brian De Palma’s 1976 Film adaption of Stephen King’s “Carrie”. This image is comed from he final scene of the movie...I call it “Amy Irving’s Cemetary Nightmare.” Jenny’s website is www.jennybelin.com
Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue
Van Brunt gets new lights
Yes, we know that the traditional Red Hook strings of Christmas lights just went up. Mark’s has also brightened up the strip with his new storefront signage.
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Late November 2014
Update from the Red Hook Rising committee special to the Red Hook Star-Revue
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n light of the recent second anniversary of Superstorm Sandy on October 29th, that struck and forever changed our neighborhood, we would like to provide you with an update on progress with the Red Hook NY Rising Community Reconstruction (NYRCR) Program. All of you came and worked with us through the many months of analysis and community planning to create a final Red Hook NYRCR Plan and sustainable vision for Red Hook. In March of this year the plan was published, and 8 projects identified as most critical to move ahead with implementation. To download the plan, see this link: http://tinyurl. com/lb7376f We have moved to the implementation stage of the program, and are under way to help get these 8 projects realized. The RH NYRCR Committee met with the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR), along with a representative of the consulting firm HGA, who has been contracted by GOSR to help implement projects for all Communities in the NY Rising Program. HGA has experience managing HUD CDBGDR monies for various disaster recovery programs. The Red Hook NYRCR Committee will remain as a community liaison throughout the process to ensure that our vision is incorporated as these projects are implemented. Current status on a few projects
+ The Coastal Integrated Flood Protection measure (IFP) the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery has applied for $4.4 million through FEMA’s Hazard Mitigation Fund Advanced Assistance Program to secure funding for a pre-design phase. We have read through the application, and within is a community input process. The RH Committee will be working with City and State to help ensure a community vision is incorporated from the outset. We will be back in touch as soon as we have more direction on the process and stakeholder meetings.
+ The RH Micro-Grid feasibility Study for NYCHA property The New York Power Authority
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(NYPA) is funding and managing the study, for NYCHA, who is also their customer. The funding for this project is not coming from the NY Rising Red Hook allocation, therefore freeing up funds for our other projects. NYCHA briefly presented this project at the latest Sandy recovery meeting with the Red Hook Houses. Workshops to solicit targeted feedback on initial findings will be held in the near future, and the NYRCR will be involved. We’re also in talks with NYCHA on how the solar-power light project can be implemented in coordination with their larger re-building efforts The Micro-Grid project was announced via press release on October 8.
+ The Financial Assistance Program / CDFI The Committee is working closely with the Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery (GOSR) to create a more refined set of goals and standards for the loan. We have outlined the needs in the following categories : property owners (residential + commercial), and micro-business loans. There is great interest by various private and public parties to help create this fund and we will let you know as more details are available.
+ FEMA Insurance - not a project, but an important issue that Red Hook is grappling with. For the majority of small businesses in Red Hook, the cost of flood insurance premiums through the NFIP is too prohibitively expensive to rationalize paying for it. Until the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) is reformed, it is unlikely that many small business owners will access flood insurance. The Mayor’s Office of Storm Recovery and Resiliency is in the process of advocating for NFIP reforms in order to have lower premium rates offers available to building owners that implement costeffective building mitigation methods that reduce flood risk to buildings that cannot be elevated due to their structural characteristics. To voice your concerns about this issue, please email the Mayor’s Office of Storm Recovery
Brooklyn’s mailing company teams up with Red Hook’s NY Printing & Graphics Our clients have included:
St. Ann’s Warehouse, Eastern Athletic Club, BWAC & RHI
Services Offered: • Political Mailings • Non-Profit Fundraising Letters • Postcards • Brochures & Newsletters • First Class & Standard Mail
Jim Tampakis, Ian Marvy and John McGettrick working at an early NY Rising meeting on the second floor of PS 15. (Star-Revue file photo)
and Resiliency at nycresiliency@cityhall.nyc.gov. FEMA will be releasing the new NYC Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) in 2016 and it’s already part of NYC Building Code. The new map will show a flood plain for NYC which is 51% greater than the current FIRM and an 83% increase of buildings within the NYC flood plain. For Red Hook, the map changes will reflect a relatively small expansion of our A (High Risk) and V (Velocity) zoning here, though overall our zone (AE = Established A zone) will remain the same. Our Base Flood Elevation (BFE), however, will increase from 8.9 to 12 feet (generally, depends on location) BFE represents the number of feet water is projected to rise in a 1% chance of flooding. This new BFE will correspond to increases in our National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) premiums which are projected to increase by 18% until we reach fullrisk rates. These increases have raised much concern about the affordability of flood insurance. For more on projected premium increases, please go the the link below. In order to protect our buildings, which overall cannot be elevated, we can utilize mitigation measures for making our existing buildings more resilient. NYC is asking FEMA to recognize these measures by offering significant Mitigation Credits. FEMA is currently conducting a study to determine a Mitigation Credit System which will hopefully incentivize mitigation practices making our buildings safer in a flood event and, in turn, allow for significantly reduced premiums. The study is due to be completed in March, 2015. As of now, however, the NFIP does NOT offer significant mitigation credits. We can lobby the City to continue to seek significant a Mitigation Credit System from FEMA and, likewise, to ensure that the slated
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Integrated Coastal Protections for Red Hook will mean real reductions of our NFIP premiums. NYC is conducting two NFIP affordability studies, one for Multi-Family buildings, due out next summer, and the other for 1-4 family buildings, due out at the end of 2015. A few other related updates : The NYC Dept of City Planning released an important document, Retrofitting for Flood Risk, which applies to all of Red Hook. This document contains a wealth of information and graphics on rebuilding, FEMA Insurance impacts. http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcp/html/retrofitting/index.shtml The first community emergency prepardness plan in NYC was created in Red Hook, called Ready Red Hook, please visit www.readyredhook.org for more information on what to do in the event of a future emergency. We will be hosting community meetings in the future as the implementation gets under way, and will be in touch with more information as we have it available. The NY Rising CRP Committee Gita Nandan Adam Armstrong Andrea Devening Victoria Hagman Danelle Johnson Stephen Kondaks Isabel Miesner Ian Marvy David Meade John McGettrick Florence Neal Jim Tampakis
Late November 2014, Page 9
EDITORIAL:
Our Red Hook Thanks & Hopes Thanksgiving is the holiday of thankfulness. This year the Star-Revue will acknowledge some things that it feels our communities might be thankful for, and at the same time we mention things that we are hopeful might happen next year. We invite readers to send us their own list which we will publish next issue. Send your list to hope@redhookstar.com
the Columbia Waterfront District are finally completed. We hope that any future road construction is done faster.
7. We are thankful for the slow and steady progress of the EPA in their cleanup plan for the Gowanus. We are hopeful that NYC will begin cooperating with the cleanup plan in a more expeditious way.
4. We are thankful that both IKEA and Fairway continue to be good neighbors and community partners. 8. We are thankful for Karen BroughWe are hopeful that other major Red ton’s continuing community work Hook players will follow that lead. which she brings to her position with 1. We are thankful for another year Assemblyman Felix Ortiz. We are of non-disastrous weather. We hope 5. We are thankful that Bait and Tack- hopeful that newly elected Assemblyto be able to say that same thing next le has been able to continue on at Pio- woman Jo Ann Simon hires someone year. neer Street. We are hopeful that their to do the same for Carroll Gardens. building will be purchased by some2. We are thankful for the new law one who sees the importance of rea- 9. We are thankful for the accumulated that restricts vehicles to a 25 mph sonable commercial rents. local wisdom that Craig Hammerman speed limit throughout the neighborand Leroy Branch bring to Commuhood. We hope that the limit will be 6. We are thankful for the slow up- nity Board 6. We are hopeful that they enforced. grading of businesses on Lorraine continue on for many years to come. Street. We are hopeful that the Fine 3. We are thankful that the Van Brunt Fair will be reopened as something 10. We are thankful for the addition and Degraw Street constructions in the community needs. of the new restaurant Kao Soy to the burgeoning Red Hook restaurant strip that includes their neighbors Kevin’s and the Grindhaus. We hope that all three continue to thrive in 2015.
13. We are thankful that we can still see a lot of sky throughout Red Hook. We are hopeful that developers such as Estate 4 consult with us before they begin encroaching upon our horizons. 14. We are thankful for the continuing local work on behalf of NY Rising. We are hopeful that their plans begin seeing the light of day soon. 15. We are thankful for the sense of community that inhabits our commercial strip. We are hopeful that all our home grown entrepreneurs who are here because they love it here will never be replaced by people who are here just for the cash. 16. We are thankful that Greg O’Connell has been able to see the seeds that he planted in the community over twenty years ago begin to blossom. We are hopeful to see him around more next year.
17. We are thankful that in this day of virtual, people still pick up, hold 11. We are thankful for all the pro- and even read our paper product. We grams that Pioneer Works has been are hopeful that we can publish even producing in the neighborhood. We more pages next year. are hopeful to have some time to check them out for ourselves next year. 18. We are thankful that the Red Hook Library has been able to open again 12. We are thankful that the Container- on Saturdays. We are hoping that next port and Cruise Terminal have survived year they start expanding their book for another year, maintaining some mar- collection. itime work and resisting pressure from real estate developers. We are hopeful 19. We are thankful that Carlos that our local politicians move from giv- Menchaca has had a great freshman ing more than lip service to a working year in the City Council. We are hopwaterfront and actually do something to ing for an even better sophomore year. help move that concept along.
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)
Must be reading a different paper I think the Red Hook Star Revue is one of New York City’s finest community newspapers, if not the finest. Privileged as I am to serve on the board of directors of the Carroll Gardens Association, your publication continually offers fresh, wholesome and quality information, enormously helpful to me in the deliberations I participate in along with the intelligent and zealous board and staff of that great organization. I find any reading of any edition of the Red Hook Star Revue as objective as any local publication can be, but also substantive in content, which for me has always been valuable for framing questions, opinions and courses of actions regarding some of the most compelling local issues of Carroll Gardens, Red Hook, Gowanus, Boerum Hill, etc.
Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
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I hope it stays that way. Now that’s quite a grand concession coming from a die hard, lifetime Lower East Side resident, probably as smug as is his LES neighbors in holding strong, elitist, however groundless, pretensions about thinking they know all there is to know about anything New York – and Only Manhattan is New York. Manhattan be warned!- Victor Papa Victor Papa is President/Director of the Two Bridges Neighborhood Council (twobridges.org)
Another fan Re. Intercourse is a Pioneerworks romp through current art and science Maybe the arts escaped from New York because she felt imprisoned here. I think your article starts a discourse on how to invite her back. Congratulations. Franz Landspersky Brooklyn, NY 11.14.2014
Late November 2014
Noam Chomsky honored by Brooklyn for Peace
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n a rare visit to Brooklyn, MIT linguist and political analyst Noam Chomsky joined Brooklyn for Peace in celebrating its 30th Anniversary on November 15 at historic Plymouth Church in Brooklyn Heights. Speaking to a sell-out crowd, Professor Chomsky lauded the grass-roots group for its persistent work and numerous contributions to the cause of peace and justice. Also honored at the event, were the founders of the organization - a group of parents, whose “all-day fours” attended Open House Nursery School in Brooklyn. Carolyn Eisenberg, one of the organizers described how these parents—many of them veterans of the civil rights and antiwar movement of the 60s—had found themselves swamped by the demands of childcare and disconnected from political events during the Reagan era, Initially a discussion group, the parents shared ideas about “how to balance responsibility for your own family with responsibility to the larger society.” In 1984, the nuclear build-up of the Reagan administration came close to home with the proposal for a homeport on Staten Island for ships carrying nuclear-capable cruise missile in the crowded harbor. At that point, the initial group of parents swung into action, becoming a more formal organization, Brooklyn Parents for Peace. Eisenberg described how in the ensuing thirty years, the organization worked on peace and social justice issues. In the aftermath of 9-11, as hundreds of new members flocked into the group, they altered their name into the more inclu-
Mark’s
Corner
Holidays beckon
Noam Chomsky and his wife, Valeria Wasserman Chomsky.
sive Brooklyn for Peace BFP member Partha Banerjee introduced Professor Noam Chomsky as a “torchbearer of truth and the leading voice of dissent.” In accepting the Pathmaker to Peace award Professor Chomsky painted a picture of the dire times we live in. He described the collapse of our democracy, the domination of the one percent, the pillaging of the environment on behalf of the energy industry’s super profits. Nevertheless, he saw hope in the potential of groups such as Brooklyn For Peace which have been meeting and acting around the country, although often in isolation from one another. Brooklyn For Peace is committed to eliminating war and the social injustices that are its causes through active education on international and domestic issues, we empower our community and ourselves to be a productive force in securing a peaceful future for generations to come by building a world where peace is the first response to conflict. We promote U.S. policies based not on coercion and violence, but on peace, justice, democratic advancement, human rights and respect for international law. Visit brooklynpeace.org for more information or email bfp@brooklynpeace.org.
BY MARK SHAMES
T
hanksgiving is approaching and it is traditional to state those things for which you are thankful. Certainly despite disappointments in life, I have much in my life that I cherish and much for which to be thankful. Everything good in my life starts with my wife of forty four years. I admit that as a youth that I was drawn by her physical appearance and particularly her then raven hair and unending legs. I stayed for her ceaseless curiosity, emotional availability, empathy, and intelligence. I wish I shared all of these qualities. I am thankful that I get to spend the holiday with my sister and that her husband as made an unexpectedly fine recovery from a stroke. I am thankful that I was born in a country of plenty, to parents who valued education, and an understanding of the past and a vision for a better future. I regret that I wasted some of that fortune. I am thankful that I haven’t squandered it all and that I have learned forgiveness in the process. I have relied inordinately on humor to get by in life and I am thankful that even when I am alone I can still make myself laugh. The first woman I could have loved asked me whether I could ever be serious. I missed that opportunity on multiple levels but having learned from that experience my first date with my wife was a poetry reading. Turns out she isn’t a fan of poetry or much non-fiction for that matter. I am thankful for my friends and hope we continue to be forgiving of each other. I am thankful for modern medicine and the doctors who write me life sustaing prescriptions. And thank you George for the opportunity to share my simple thanks with others.
Red Hook Star-Revue
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Late November 2014, Page 11
Friends of Carroll Gardens Library hold an open house by George Fiala
F
riends of the Carroll Garden’s Library has been raising funds and sponsoring activities in support of the library for the past since they were formed in 2011. A highlight has been their annual book fair, with thousands of quality books donated by the community raising a tidy sum to enhance the service of the library to the community. The Friends are responsible for regular activities such as knitting classes, storytelling, senior wellness, chess and writing classes and film showings. From time to time they host local writers who will read from their books and answer questions. Friends is a volunteer organization and are always looking for new volunteers as well as ideas. With this in mind they held an open house on Friday, November 21. The open house brought together library officials, library staff and the volunteers, as well as local Councilman Brad Lander. Vice Preisident Tamar Smith narrated a slide presentation illustrating achievements of the volunteer group. These included the installation of smaller, child friendly bookshelves; events such as Pajama Rama, an evening story time for children by the li-
brary fireplace, and maintenance of both the bulletin board outside the library and a very informative facebook page and website. We met the librarian, John Leighton. There is a large community room in the basement of the library, and we found out that any local non profit is able to use that room for their meetings simply by contacting Mr. Leighton. The library phone number is 718-596-6972. Councilman Brad Lander came to the Open House and stayed for most of it. As usual, he divided his time at the event by both speaking and tweeting. His Participatory Budgeting programs have provided additional help for the library, including free wi-fi. Members of the community were invited to submit ideas and a lively discussion ensued about the need for more teen programming. In these days of virtual living via the computer and cellphone, the Friends want to make sure that the library remains a place for the community to come together.
Councilmember Brad Lander takes time from his busy schedule to join the Friends. He poses here with Friends Vice President Tamar Smith. (photos by George Fiala)
As Velmanette Montgomery said at the Red Hook Library last summer, libraries are a safe place for children to go to after school, and the more dynamic library programming becomes, the more opportunities arise for our children to achieve their potential. The Carroll Gardens Library is located at the corner of Henry and Union Street and is open Monday through Saturday. To become a Friends volunteer, stop by or email friendscglibrary@gmail.com.
The library has a much larger selection of books than one can find at the Red Hook branch.
Upcoming events include a presentation of Albert Finney’s movie “Scrooge,” on Friday, Dec. 19 at 3:50 pm, and the return of Pajama Rama, Tuesday, December 16 from 6:15 to 7:30 pm. Participants are encouraged to bring their pj’s, blankets and teddy bears.
Michael Jon Fieni (wearing the red tie), community relations specialist from the central branch, was an enthusiastic attendee answering questions from Friends volunteers.
Columbia Waterfront boosts merchant association by Ben Fuller-Googins
C
olumbia Waterfront District Merchants hosted James Mettham, the Assistant Commissioner of the New York City’s Small Business Services Neighborhood Development Division to their monthly meeting, Tuesday November 18. Mettham, who oversees the development of Merchant Associations and Business Improvement Districts, facilitated a conversation among local business owners about the benefits of incorporating into a formal Association. The meeting took place in the back room of the House of Pizza, 132 Union Street.
The owners of Brooklyn Collective and The House of Pizza and Calzone, among other participants, began the discussion by highlighting challenges local businesses are facing, including limited parking, increasing rents, and lack of consistent foot traffic. Despite some of these obstacles, there was optimism looking forward, given recent residential
Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue
“The lighting, an unprecedented collaboration
of
over
30
businesses, will be installed along
Columbia
and
Union
Streets through mid-January.” construction and the Columbia Waterfront Park that will draw visitors from the expanding Brooklyn Bridge Park. Mettham noted that many of the ingredients are already in place for the Merchants Association to grow, including technical assistance and organizing support from the Carroll Gardens Association and existing programming such as the Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival and upcoming installation of holiday street lighting.
Ben Fuller-Googins, Paul D’Agastino, a local resident, James Mettham and Buddy Scotto discuss ways to energize the local merchants (photo by George Fiala)
The lighting, an unprecedented collaboration of over 30 businesses, will be installed along Columbia and Union Streets through mid-January. Incorporating the Association into an independent and self-sustaining organization would enable expanded neighborhood branding, community programming, and political organizing to support the
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continued growth of the District’s small business community. The group plans to hold another meeting in January to discuss the publication of a Columbia Waterfront District Neighborhood Guide that will highlight the diversity of businesses in the community. To get involved, go to the House of Pizza and Calzone and ask for Paul.
Late November 2014
Red Hook gets its own business incubator by George Fiala
A
llison Reeves is an architect who has lived in Red Hook for almost 15 years. Earlier this year she began taking on projects at her home near Coffey Park. After a while she realized that she missed the discipline of working in an office. Taking matters into her own hands, she and her husband, artist Michael Prettyman, have just opened Shared Brooklyn, which they describe as “a communal office space for creative and freelance professionals.”
Rent includes utilities, use of the kitchen, a communal lounge, two private telephone areas and access to a conference room. The kitchen includes a refrigerator, dishwasher and microwave.
Shared Brooklyn occupies much of the second floor of 185 Van Dyke Street. The building itself is also occupied by Steve’s Key Lime Pie, on the first floor, and Uhuru Designs, who were forced to relocate from the Golten building when it was sold earlier this year. It overlooks Valentino Pier Park, offering a great view of the harbot and Statue of Liberty.
to the work of Prettyman,
The building is owned by Robbins Cornell Box Company, who had been using it as a warehouse for their paper supply business. Brian Robbins, who did much of the the renovation work, has been able to consolidate his storage needs to other buildings, making the space available. As a locally owned business, Shared Brooklyn has a family feel. There are a number of rental options, ranging in price from $225 to $900 per month. Rentals are made on a month to month basis, giving a new business or freelancer the option of working their way up the ladder from a communal table, to their own desk, and finally their own private office. There are sixteen unique looking desks, four private offices, two phone booth areas, a conference room, kitchen and communal table. It has a unique and artsy feeling, due in large part to the work of Prettyman, who built much of the workspaces without using Home-Depot wood.
Red Hook Star-Revue
There are four separate rental options. The least expensive option includes a workspace for ten days a month dur“It has a unique and artsy feeling, due in large part
who built much of the
Warren Berke, who has been consulting for Shared Brooklyn, overlooking the brand new desk spaces. Baffling materials will be installed over the plywood providing a bit of soundproofing. (photos by George Fiala)
workspaces without using Home-Depot wood.”
ing normal business hours. For $900 one gets a private office, 24/7 access, 8 hours of conference room time and a discount for additional time in the conference room. Probably the most popular option will be the $475 “Permanent Desk” option. This gives an aspiring professional full time use of a desk in an office environment. You can set up your computer and rocket your way to success - whether your field is art or science - while telling your family and friends that you are at your own office.
Tessa Wright and Ben Posell, the first two tenants, with Allison Reeves.
Allison Reeves enjoying a moment with Grindhaus’ Erin Norris.
Shared Brooklyn celebrated their opening with an open house on Friday, November 19. A healthy spread of food was donated by Sandra and The Red Hook Winery, St. John of Fort Defiance, Monica and Leisah of Home/ made and Erin of Grindhaus. A favorite was St. Jean’s deviled eggs. Among the guests were the first two renters, Tessa Wright, a graphic artist, and Ben Posell, and architect and educator, who will be both be moving
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Late November 2014, Page 13
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Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Late November 2014
Lorraine Street feast
Help Wanted at the Red Hook Star-Revue The Star-Revue is looking for free lancers to help write our newspaper. Let us know where your interests lie - most probably it will coincide with our editorial needs. There is some pay involved, but don’t try to pay the rent with it, especially around here. We will help you with your writing, enthusiasm you will have to bring to the table. Call
Thanksgiving Feast at BumbleBeesRus 76 Lorraine Street Center Director Ms. Jessica Figuly cooked mashed potatoes, stuffing, green beans, and corn for the students. In addition, the parents were so generous and sent in many delicious dishes such as baked macaroni and cheese, cupcakes, macaroni salad, chicken wings, rice and beans. The students and parents had a great time at our Thanksgiving celebration.
Empire City Chorus at St. Pauls
and classics like Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
On Saturday, December 6, 2014 at 8:00 pm at St. Paul’s Church, Gotham Performing Arts presents the Empire City Men’s Chorus (ECMC) December 2014 Concert Series A STABLE LAMP IS LIGHTED with Interim Artistic Director Vince Peterson with Principal Accompanist Alden Gatt on piano. ECMC will sing pieces a cappella, with piano accompaniment and also with our audience. Musical highlights include: Debussy’s Noel for Homeless Children; Tindley’s The Storm is Passing Over ; Whitacre’s Lux Aurumque; Standards like Loesser’s Baby, It’s Cold Outside
The Empire City Men’s Chorus, founded in 1993 and based in New York City, is renowned for its eclectic multilingual repertoire of predominantly classical music. ECMC consistently present concerts which boast a variety of well-known composers as well as newly commissioned works by exciting young composers. ECMC believes that choral music can be a compelling artistic response to pressing issues within our communities. For tickets, please purchase online at www.empirecitymenschorus.org Saint Paul’s is located at 199 Carroll Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
718 624-5568 or email: info@redhookstar.com PART TIME BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT New York Quarterly Meeting’s Brooklyn Quaker Meetinghouse in downtown Brooklyn, seeks a part time building superintendent to manage building’s maintenance and repair needs and supervise two full time custodians. Candidates should have sufficient years spent in managing building maintenance. The right candidate will have good communication skills and experience in doing simple plumbing, electrical and woodworking repairs, including boilers. Work hours are 16 a week, divided in 3 days. The salary for this position is based on experience. If you wish to apply, please send a resume with employment history to: New York Quarterly Meeting, 481 Van Brunt St., Building 8, Brooklyn, NY 11231
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“ART & ANVIL LIBERTY INC” (RED HOOK) IS CURRENTLY SEEKING: •
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