vol6 issue 14 by Bay Currents

Sheepshead Bay • Brighton Beach • Marine Park • Manhattan Beach • Coney Island • Flatbush • Gerritsen Beach • Mill Basin

It’s your newspaper – you count!

Vol. 6 No. 14, June 15-30, 2010

Save Coney Island’s history! Page 9

Also Insi de

• Concre te 'unaccep -walk table' • What h ea means to lth reform you • Ready or here he c not, omes! • Kids’ p oetry • Free st uff for se niors • I. Freid in: Redis trib wealth an evil co uting ncept?

The real price of parking

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Publisher’s Notebook

Staff writers Izabela Rutkowsky Heeyen Park Dominique Carson Arlene Brenner Contributors I. Freidin Fern Sidman Dale Neseman Kerry Donnelli Jacqueline Donnelli Matt Lassen

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David J. Glenn

Where’s Marty? Opponents of Borough President Marty Markowitz’s proposed amphitheater at Asser Levy Park have crowded into Community Board 13 meetings for months now, urging the board members to stand up against the plans. Markowitz has not come to a single one of these meetings. Why? Could it be because he doesn’t want to face all the opposition? If so, that’s really not the stuff of good leadership. If he honestly believes that his $64 million theater is really good for the community, he would at least come before the opponents and state his case. But instead, he has sent in lowerlevel representatives from his office or from the Parks Department, whose only response to the opponents’ concerns has been to say, “We’re looking into it” or simply, “I don’t know.” Here are just a few of the very legitimate questions to the borough president that opponents have raised, but have received no real answers to: Why are you making a “request for expression of interest” to potential music promoters when it is specifically against New York City law to have am-

· ·

Why are you ignoring the vehement opposition of virtually the entire community? Perhaps, Mr. Markowitz, you don’t want to come to any CB 13 meetings because you really don’t have any good answers for these vital questions. Of course, you could say you’re so adamant about the amphitheater because you want to satisfy your ego, or to secure for yourself a lucrative concertpromoting job after you leave your term-limited office, or both. But we don’t really expect you to say that. We do, however, expect you to have enough vertebrae to face the community that you profess to have the best interests of. We’re not holding our breath.

Help your community paper ...and maybe earn a few bucks, too! With corporate conglomerates gobbling up our news media at every level, Bay Currents remains the only independent newspaper serving the communities of southern Brooklyn. And that is what Bay Currents is all about --.community. The publisher, editors and most of the writing staff live here. We are your neighbors. We share your concerns. Bay Currents brings you stories that are untold or underreported elsewhere. Our reporters and columnists write about issues with your needs and interests in mind. We have been adding exciting new features – such as Holistic Wellness by expert Arlene Brenner, and our latest, ‘Tween Currents, Kids for Kids by the gifted students of Mark Twain Intermediate School. And we are continually seeking to add more. Our writers are professionals, largely unpaid, who contribute their efforts simply for love of journalism and

of their community. But it still takes more than is available to produce and distribute on a regular basis. We are coming to you, our neighbors, to help out. As you do your shopping, please make merchants aware that this is the media you trust; this is the place their advertising dollars will get the most respect. If you would like to sell ads yourself, you will be provided with a media kit and receive a full sales commission. Simply approach potential advertisers while shopping or just taking a stroll. Maybe your doctor, lawyer, accountant, or car mechanic wants to reach out. If you’d like to help out your community newspaper by being a Bay Currents community representative, please contact us at: phone: 347.492.4432 E-mail: Info@baycurrents.net Web: www.baycurrents.net By working together, we can continue to grow by bringing you the best in local journalism. Our community needs Bay Currents; Bay Currents needs our community!

VISIT OUR NEW HOME! Bay B ay Currents C h ha has a new home on the Web - it’s the same address,

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NOTICE TO OUR READERS The writers and editors of Bay Currents would like all our readers to know that since Bay Currents is oceanfront Brooklyn's only independent newspaper, any of our articles that may appear in any other local newspaper or website without expressed permission have been used in violation of copyright laws and do not reflect any cooperation with these other publications. Page 2

plified sound within 500 feet of a house of worship (among other facilities) while services are being held. There are two synagogues directly across the street from the park, well under 500 feet away, which conduct services all day and evening long, especially on Fridays and Saturdays, primetime for concerts. Why are you not even considering holding concerts at MCU Park, since the Cyclones play fewer than 40 home games in the season, leaving the stadium as a perfect venue for concerts the other 325 days a year? Why are you earmarking $64 million in capital funds for this unneeded and unwanted project when everything from city schools to mass transit is being cut back?

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The real price of parking By KATERYNA STUPNEVIOCH stupnevich@baycurrents.net

When John Anderson’s wife was nine months pregnant with their first child last year, Anderson arranged to constantly stay by her side in case she went into labor. He thought nothing would ever stop him from being there when she finally needed to go to the hospital, but he overlooked just one little problem – the $350 worth of parking tickets that caused his car to get towed right before he was going to take his wife to the hospital.

“I

came downstairs and the car was gone. I thought that I must have parked it elsewhere and forgot but as I circled the blocks, it hit me – the marshal towed my car,” said Anderson (not his real name). “It was my fault really, – I should have paid those tickets, but I was so overwhelmed with the pregnancy and the baby planning, that it just slipped my mind.” “My priority was my wife and the baby – not the bus stop ticket I got while picking out the crib.” Anderson – who has had his car towed six times in the past 10 years – had three unpaid parking tickets, all of which were issued during the course of three months while he was shopping for his upcoming baby on some of the busiest streets in Brooklyn. “Have you ever tried to find parking on Kings Highway? Avenue U? Downtown Brooklyn? I searched for parking for about 45 minutes in order to run into a store for two minutes,” he said. “Eventually, I would just leave my car by a hydrant, near a bus stop, or in a No Standing zone, all to run into the store and pick up what my wife had already paid for.” While Anderson says he deserved being towed because he should have paid the parking tickets, he does point out two problems with New York City’s vehicle towing system: “First, how can you possibly find a legal, legitimate parking spot in a crowded city filled with 8 million people? And second, the fees to get your car back cost more than the tickets themselves!” Ken Kelly, director of the New York City Marshals Association, says that about 100,000 cars are towed by marshals annually. He also says that all the fees that are collected when a car is towed “are determined by state law.” But Alisa Kravchenkova, a Sheepshead Bay local, isn’t so sure. Her car was towed twice in 2009 for unpaid parking tickets, by two different marshals. She says that each time she paid a different amount in fees – first, about $185, and then more than $350. “Each time I picked up my car the same day it was towed. Each time it was towed because of about $300 [worth] of unpaid tickets,” she said. “I don’t know why there was such a difference in prices, and when I asked, they said it was standard charges. They told me that if I didn’t want to pay it, they would auction off my car. I had no choice.” It appears that Kravchenkova is not the only one puzzled by the dilemma of unexplained execution fees. “I’ve always believed [the fees] to be kind of standard procedure and so I never questioned them,” said George Friloux, who said he had his vehicle towed earlier this year for just $250 worth of unpaid parking tickets. “But it definitely seems as though there’s www.BayCurrents.net

plenty of room for the marshals to pocket some change.” The New York City Department of Investigation says that towing fees collected by marshals are established and enforced legislatively. City marshals are permitted to collect a “Poundage Fee” as part of their income – 5 percent charge of any “judgment money” that the marshal collects by enforcing court orders. Other charges usually include a “Mileage Fee,” which is currently $25 and applies when a marshal “must travel within the City of New York to perform an official act.” Although New York City marshals usually operate in certain areas that have been assigned by the Department of Finance, they have jurisdiction in all five boroughs, Kelly said. Towing, storage, and impound fees can also be enforced when applicable; however such fees may vary depending on the prices of the companies that are selected at the discretion of the marshal. Some believe that marshals’ subcontracts are poorly monitored and leave plenty of room for corruption within the system. “I think that when you allow any city official to [outsource] business to other companies, there’s always a possibility of schemes.” says Anderson. “To what degree this occurs, I don’t know. But who’s to say that marshals can’t secretly hire a family member who owns a towing or storage company and split profits? Who’s to say they can’t charge an extra dollar from each towed car and put it in [their] pocket?” Kelly says that cases of corruption among marshals are practically non-existent and that despite the thousands of vehicles that are towed annually, he can’t recall the last time any unlawful action was conducted by New York City marshals. He does say, however, that if a case were to arise, “it would be investigated and if there’s criminality involved, the marshal would be arrested and prosecuted.” “I think that if there’s any corruption going on among the marshals, officials would just choose to turn a blind eye,” said George Friloux. “It’s a business – not just for marshals, but for everyone in between.” The New York City Department of Investigation reports that marshals are independent public officers, and don’t receive salaries from the City; instead they earn incomes in the form of a percentage of the fees they collect. They are appointed by the mayor for a five year term, after undergoing screening

and background checks, and only upon receiving a positive recommendation from the Mayor’s Committee on City Marshals. Because marshals are not considered City employees, they cover their own operating expenses, such as rent, utilities, transportation, technology, staff, and even badges. They are prohibited from holding other jobs or conducting other businesses during their term, and “their personal incomes depend upon their own productivity in attracting clients, performing work, and collecting fees.” While NYPD tow-truck operators have a four-car quota per shift, Kelly says that mar-

shals do not have a daily quota of cars they must tow. “If you add up their expenses and the small percentages that they’re supposed to collect off of each car seized, it doesn’t seem to equal to much,” said Alisa Kravchenkova. “That makes me question why anybody would even take the job.” “We may never find out for sure just how much of the fees each New York City marshal keeps, but the important thing is that we are the ones who pay their salaries,” said Anderson. “As a result, our wallets get thinner – not theirs.’

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Concrete-walk is ‘totally unacceptable’ Izabela Rutkowski info@baycurrents.net

The iconic boardwalk of Brighton Beach and Coney Island is not a highway, residents want the city Parks Department to know. They do not welcome the city’s plans to replace much of the wood with concrete boards.

he concrete is “totally unacceptable,” said Rob Burstein, who has been regularly running along the boardwalk for 36 years. “Sustainable wood or some kind of a wood substance, perhaps a composite, should be used.” Burstein said he intends to follow up with petitions and will seek out elected officials and Community Board 13 members to make it clear to Parks Department officials that a concrete boardwalk is not a good idea. “Concrete, simply because it lasts longer,

is not an alternative,” he said. “Other criteria have to be used which balances peoples’ use on the boardwalk against how long it lasts. When you run on concrete, it puts three times the body weight on the joints. When you do it on the softer surface [of wood] it’s obviously somewhat less. He added that wood is a better surface for older people as well. Michael Greco, an electrician and construction designer, said that more people will get hurt on the new boardwalk than on the old one. “This portion is one year old,” Greco said as he showed pictures of the new, but already damaged boardwalk. “There are over 120 boards popped already. The whole pier is coming apart. Millions of dollars are wasted. People trip on the daily basis.” Greco said that contractors of the boardwalk are in the area so they fix the problems daily. He also thinks that police and parks department vehicles damage the new boardwalk in the same way as they damaged the old one. “The new boardwalk is not engineered to handle vehicular traffic,” he said. “The whole

demise of the old boardwalk was caused by the New York City Parks Department and New York City Police Department.” He said there are other ways to patrol the boardwalk such as bicycles or on foot. “You don’t need SUVs on the boardwalk,” he said. Greco has designed what he described as cheaper and longer-lasting boardwalk made with galvanized steel beams and lumber bolted through to prevent bouncing, but the project was never accepted by the officials, who told that concrete boardwalks are a success in other locales. The Chief of Staff of Brooklyn Parks & Recreation Department

Martin Maher, chief of staff for Brooklyn division of the Parks Department, said at a recent CB 13 meeting that the concrete boardwalk in the Rockaways in Queens has been fine for many years. An organization opposing the new concrete boardwalk, Friends of the Boardwalk, is collecting signatures on a petition to save the boardwalk. “It has to do with the character. We want to have a traditional boardwalk, not a sidewalk,” said Burstein. “You can have sidewalk anywhere, you can’t have a boardwalk everywhere.”

CB 13 committee OKs land for developer The land exchange in Coney Island between the city and Taconic Investment Partners was unanimously approved by the Land Use Committee of Community Board 13 on Wednesday, June 9 and will be put to a vote by the entire membership at the regular meeting later this month. “We are looking forward to meeting CB 13 in a couple of weeks to finally approve the land swap officially,” said Christopher Balestra, Vice president of Taconic Investment Partners LLC. “We hope that the Coney Island community will enjoy the parkland. We are excited to provide the housing, retail and parking for the community.” The city owns the lots between Surf Avenue West 22 Street and West 21 Street. If agreed, the city will exchange it for the properties currently owned by Taconic that are located between the boardwalk and Highland View Avenue as well as from Highland View Avenue North. “I’m very happy that the committee approved this transaction and I’m glad that the city and Taconic are able to move forward with this project,” said Joshua Gelf-

man, vice president of Transaction Services for the New York City Economic Development Corporation. “As a result of this transaction the city would be able to put together 60,000 square feet, and Taconic will have land and will be able to develop residential units and to create retail which would bring more people to the community.” The change in the ownership is seen by some as a way of improving the area and by others as destruction of the historic place. “What we did here today was just an extension of the redevelopment of Coney Island,” said chairman of the committee, Bernard Kaufman. “All we did was take just one section that needed to be redeveloped and provide apparatus for it to be able to go forward,” he added. -- Izabela Rutkowski

What the new health reform means to you By AMADEO CONSTANZO health@baycurrents.net

On March 23, President Barack Obama made history by signing the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act – succeeding where other presidents before him had failed.

week later, he signed the Reconciliatory (“Fix-It”) Bill, completing the year-long health insurance reform effort. The enacted legislation is estimated to provide health insurance coverage to 32 million people currently without insurance – including 2.7 million uninsured New Yorkers. Many in Brooklyn support the health reform, although it is still not universal coverage. “Other countries already have most of their citizens covered,” said Lian Chin. “It’s about time we have it too.” Although Republicans and the media have been persuading us that “most” Americans disapprove, 50 percent actually disapprove, according to Gallup polls. However, there is no doubt that some in the those 50% are furious as demonstrated in legal protests as well as some criminal acts of harassment and intimidation toward Democratic legislators from various states (such as breaking windows and sending threatening letters) in past months. Dissenters in Brooklyn interviewed by Bay Currents were not as irate, but we did speak to some who are unhappy about this health reform Page 4

passage. “The lazy people who don’t want to work will now get lazier since they will be covered [with health insurance],” said Joe Crespo. A key concern of the opposition is the $940 billion price tag (over ten years.) “This bill will end up inevitably exploding the [national] debt,” Senator Judd Gregg (R) of New Hampshire said in an interview with PBS’ Charlie Rose. Many economic experts do not agree. “CBO and the staff of the Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that enacting both pieces of legislation – H.R. 3590 and the reconciliation proposal – would produce a net reduction in the federal deficits of $143 billion over the 2010-2019 period as a result of changes in direct spending and revenues,” wrote the CBO Director Douglas Elmendorf, director of the Congressional Budget Office, wrote on a blog. The CBO estimates the reduction of the deficit by $1.2 trillion in 20 years. Obama acknowledges that the enacted legislation is not perfect, but said it’s a critical beginning. “This legislation will not fix everything that ails our healthcare system but it moves us decisively in the right direction,” he said when signing the bill.

Here are some of the key aspects of the reform:

• Health Insurance Exchange and Choice of Insurance If you have health insurance from your job, you may keep it. Exchanges established by each state will be available, where individuals and families may shop for health

insurance. Separate exchanges for small businesses will be made available by 2014. Sliding scale tax credits will be available starting later this year for small businesses with fewer than 25 full-time employees (with not greater than $50,000 average individual annual income.)

• Mandated health insurance Most citizens will be mandated to have health insurance coverage or face a tax penalty. This has been a sore point with opponents, who feel that the government should not have the right to force anyone to buy anything. Supporters counter that it’s analogous to car insurance, which many states require of drivers. For some, exemption from the mandate can be obtained such as in cases of religious conscience, incarceration, or inability to afford coverage. To help more citizens obtain coverage, Medicaid will be expanded to cover more people (with income levels up to 133 of the poverty level. For those with incomes from 133 percent to 400 percent of the poverty level, credits will be available to help pay for insurance premiums. (For example, an individual with an annual income of $43,320 or a family of four with an annual income of $88,200 would qualify as 400 percent poverty level.)

• Prevention of Bankruptcy from Medical Expenses for Individuals There will be an upper limit on how much an individual will have to pay for insur-

June 15 30, 2010

ance premiums. And, lifetime caps on coverage provided to policyholders are no longer legal this year. Annual caps will be restricted starting this year, but will be prohibited altogether by 2014.

• Elimination of “pre-existing condition” clauses This year, insurance companies may no longer deny children with pre-existing conditions, and adults with pre-existing conditions will be able to buy insurance from a high-risk pool. In addition, parents will be allowed to keep their children on their health insurance until the age of 26. By 2014, denial of coverage to anyone with pre-existing conditions will be prohibited, and companies may not drop a policyholder due to illness. • Changes in Medicare Medicare patients currently affected by the existing “donut hole” – incomplete coverage of prescription drugs – will be given $250.rebates. By 2011, they will also receive a 50 percent discount on brand-name medications, and they will no longer be responsible for deductibles and copayments.

• Costs The legislation is expected to cost $940 billion over 10 years. However, the CBO has determined that this will be more than paidfor in 20 years. This is made possible with provisions in the legislation such as excise taxes on “Cadillac” insurance plans and other tax-code changes, in addition to reducing inefficient spending. www.BayCurrents.net

Solstice kickoff Oceanfront Brooklyn got a head start on summer with the opening of a new Luna Park at Coney Island, Aviation Recreation Centerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kings County Fair at Floyd Bennett Field, opening of the beaches, flea markets (including one held by the Young Adult Institute in Marine Park) and full-swing (pun intended) activities at neighborhood playgrounds. Stay with Bay Currents in print and online for upcoming summer events (Luna Park photos by Izabela Rutkowski)

www.BayCurrents.net

June 15 30, 2010

Page 5

“Realizing how much your family loves you is a great gift.”

Vet tells of ‘excitement’ in Iraq Arturo Cordova, a Bay area veteran who was in combat for four years in Iraq, has no regrets about serving with the Marines even though he suffered serious injuries to his arm and burns in his leg when his truck hit an explosive. He described his experiences to Bay Currents reporter Heeyen Park:

times when the temperature reached 130 degrees, and at night the temp would drop to 90 degrees and we felt cold! Sandstorms were occasional treats we had to endure when we were on patrol or conducting a combat operation. BC: What was your job there?

BAY CURRENTS: How did you feel about being there? CORDOVA: My feelings toward being in Iraq were that of excitement. I was 23 years old and naive at the time. I was a machine gunner in the Marine Corps infantry, and to go into combat is what all infantrymen strive for – we call combat “theater” because it’s our Big Show! BC: What was it like to be in Iraq? CORDOVA: Iraq is a beautiful country. The weather is like nothing I have ever experienced – there were

CORDOVA: I was a machine gunner in the infantry. My battalion was spread out in the Al Anbar province, in the “death triangle.” My platoon was located in a city named Heet, and we worked out of a forward observation base. We were tasked with maintaining presence and to root out all insurgents that had fled from Fallujah to Heet, and foreign fighters coming in from Syria. Our mission was to train Iraqi forces and provide security to the Iraqi people in Heet. BC: How did you feel about coming back home to your family?

CORDOVA: Coming home was a bit unnerving; I was wounded in Iraq and medically evacuated to Germany then back to the U.S. Being home was definitely a good thing, but knowing that my fellow Marines were still in Iraq made me nervous and I worried every day. I was injured on August 1, 2005 and was back in the U.S. within a week. I spent two years in the hospital for rehabilitation and was finally home in February 2007. Being home with loved ones is great; realizing how much your family loves you is a great gift. Adjusting back home was very difficult. I did not want to speak to anyone that wasn’t from my unit. I felt comfortable only around fellow veterans – I became very anti-social. I was disgusted about how the American people did not care about the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. The [network] news was reporting idiotic things such as celebrity breakups. Not once was there a strong segment about Marines fighting and dying in Iraq.

Bay Currents Advertorial

Arturo Cordova

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Royal dining at commoner prices The New York Steakhouse 2007 Emmons Avenue 718-616-0400 By KATERYNA STUPNEVICH

When most New Yorkers travel to oceanfront Brooklyn, they usually visit the legendary Coney Island, the iconic boardwalk, or culturefilled “Little Odessa” (which we all know as Brighton Beach).

in combination with a fire place, the steakhouse surpassed all my expectations well before I even set eyes on the food! But the best part was yet to come. The service at the New York Steakhouse is stupendous. The wait staff is extremely attentive, catering to your every need but never disturbing or interrupting your meal. Although the New York Steakhouse offers a private dinning room, perfect for intimate dinner, family gathering, or a corporate meeting, the restaurant is designed

to provide ample space to the guests in the main dinning area. Forget sitting shoulder to shoulder next to your neighbor and having them lean over your plate – the spacious steakhouse can sit up to 300 people comfortably. Besides the extravagant accommodations, New York Steakhouse also presents the perfect variety in both food and wine. The selections are not overwhelming or strangely named to the point of confusion; instead, the menus are precise and descrip-

ut amid all this, one certainly must not overlook one of the most satisfying experiences that the Bay area has to offer – the New York Steakhouse. Conveniently located in the heart of Sheepshead Bay on Emmons Avenue, the New York Steakhouse offers an unforgettably elegant setting, exquisite dishes and wines, and first-class service. The overall dining experience is so phenomenal, an apt slogan – to go a step further from that of a well-known chain eatery – would be: “When you’re here, you’re royalty.” As you enter through the stained-glass door with wood trim, you suddenly leave New York; the graciously decorated steakhouse takes you to another place, a place that feels like the dining room of Queen of England herself. Between the hand-stained copper ceilings, the mahogany walls, the subdued lighting, and the piano Page 6

June 15 30, 2010

tive. Never will you be served a dish and wonder, “Did I really order this?” The prime steaks served at New York Steakhouse are so mouth-watering, they give other steakhouses a run for their mo ney. But aside from offering some of the finest steaks in New York, the steakhouse even outshines many seafood restaurants because of the extensive seafood assortment and superior quality. Being a seafood enthusiast, I have tasted a wide variety of fish – the good, the bad, and the ugly. But the New York Steakhouse seafood doesn’t even fit into the category of “good,” – it’s in a class of excellence all by itself. The tuna tartar and the scallops over rice with shrimp are particularly worth trying – and returning for! Along with appetizers and main courses, the restaurant also offers a great selection of delectable desserts and fine wines – all at good prices. So whether you’re dropping in for a light lunch, coming to have a marvelous dinner, or even stopping by for a midnight snack, the New York Steakhouse is well worth the visit. The three-year-old steakhouse is not only a great addition to Brooklyn as one of the finest steakhouses; it’s among the highlights of Sheepshead Bay. With the alluring atmosphere, the conscientious wait staff, and the breathtaking cuisine, the New York Steakhouse is guaranteed to be one of the most amazing dinning experiences you’ve ever had. www.BayCurrents.net

Welcome back, Luna Park! By Izabela Rutkowski info@baycurrents.net

Memorial Day weekend brought back a new amusement center with the iconic name, Luna Park, opening on the site of the former Astroland.

any of the rides carried the names of the historic rides of the original Luna Park that was closed in the late 1940s. One of the rides, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Air Race,â&#x20AC;? is a world debut, officials said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Today, the fun is back in Coney Island,â&#x20AC;? said Valerio Fer-

rari, president of Central Amusement International (CAI), developer and operator of Luna Park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;At Luna Park, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve got rides that will flip you, spin you, splash you and thrill you. And when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re done with those, we have games, entertainment and food that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to love. Luna Park is going to give families from all over the world the kind of incredible experience that can only come from Coney Island.â&#x20AC;? The park opened about an hour behind schedule, with 12 rides open and seven others still under final construction. To compensate for that, guests were able to get a four-hour pass for $15 instead of the normal weekend rate of $30.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think I like the Happy Swing the best,â&#x20AC;? said 8-year-old Jesse who rode with her 5-years-old sister, Ruby. Deborah Dawkins took her 4-yearold daughter to the Tea Party ride. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I thought it was very adorable,â&#x20AC;? said Dawkins. â&#x20AC;&#x153;She was able to control the spinning of the tea cup. She had a really good time on it.â&#x20AC;? Amanda Sanchez, 15, rode with her 7-year-old sister Gabriela on the Kite Gilder. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It was very fun,â&#x20AC;? said Amanda. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t scared, but my little sister was.â&#x20AC;? Tom Corsillo, the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spokesperson, said Luna Park is New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first amusement park in more than four decades, and the largest investment in amusement in Coney Island

in many years. The park was built on 3.16-acre land in three months for $15 million, he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have opened a world-class amusement park that begins the next chapter in Coney Islandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s remarkable history,â&#x20AC;? said Ferrari. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look forward to welcoming back the countless people throughout the world who have visited Coney Island in the past, and to creating incredible new memories for the millions we will welcome for the first time in the coming years.â&#x20AC;? There is no entering fee in the park that is opened from noon to midnight during the week and from 11 a.m. to midnight on the weekends. Visitors can purchase unlimitedride wristbands that cost $26 for four

hours during the week and $30 for the same amount of time during the weekend. The other option is $30 for six hours during the week and $34 for six hours on the weekends. The park features five food stands with ice cream, popcorn, cotton candy, and of course, Nathanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hot dogs and barbecue. Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; rides include the Circus Train that slowly goes around the tracks, the Happy Swing, and the Mermaid Parade with its kid-size water flume. The Balloon Expedition takes riders 40 feet up, and Surfâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Up offers a stand-up ride. The Kite Gilder that gives guests the impression of free flight in a reclined position. The more curious might try Air Race that simulates the experience of fighter pilots, or Electro Spin, a giant, spinning disk that takes riders up and down while rotating at high speed. The Tickler is a modern take on the classic ride of the same name from the original Luna Park. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a roller coaster with exciting switchback curves and rapid-fire drops. Bringing back Luna Park with its modern flashing gate reminds longtime Coney residents of the original Luna Park that was situated on the site of todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s West 8th Street subway station. Jemes Prince was a little boy when his parents used to take him to the original Luna Park. It was in the waning days of the park, when the famous lights were no longer there and only few rides were opened. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t really remember going on any of the rides, but I do remember the park itself,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I hope people will come and enjoy the place the way I did.â&#x20AC;?

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Page 7

Sports Currents “He’s got to work hard at it. That’s one thing he’s not afraid to do.”

Ready or not, here he comes Former Lincoln basketball standout shoots for NBA Draft By ROBERT BREWER sports@baycurrents.net

Former Lincoln High School basketball star Lance Stephenson has decided to enter the 2010 NBA Draft. After spending just one season at the University of Cincinnati, the kid who was nicknamed “Born Ready” believes he’s ready for life in the NBA.

tephenson’s remarkable high school resume includes four basketball championships, New York City Mr. Basketball and McDonald’s All-American honors. Stephenson also became New York State’s all-time leading scorer during his tenure at Lincoln in Brooklyn. However, his one season with the Cincinnati Bearcats wasn’t as prolific as his high school press clippings would indicate. Stephenson led Cincinnati in scoring last season, averaging just 12.3 points per game. He also shot a respectable 44 per-

cent from the field, but his struggles from the three-point line and the foul line are a major concern for NBA teams looking to draft the 6-foot-5 shooting guard. Stephenson connected on just 21.9 percent from 3-point range, where he made 16 of 73 attempts, and 66.4 percent from the free throw line. While many NBA observers believe that Stephenson could have used at least one more season in the college ranks to polish his game, he remains confident that turning pro is the correct decision. “After reviewing my options, it is now clear to me that the need to emotionally and financially support my family, especially my young daughter, along with my long-standing and burning passion to play in the NBA, outweighs my desire to return to the University of Cincinnati,” Stephenson said. Bearcats Head Coach Mike Cronin understands the financial situation of Stephenson, and endorses his decision to leave the University of Cincinnati. “His personal circumstances dictate that he try to continue his development in the NBA while he’s getting paid. He’s going to get that opportunity to do it while alleviat-

ing the financial pressure on his family. [Stephenson] helped us in a lot of ways and from an exposure standpoint, he helped us get back on the national stage and get back on television which I am thankful for,” the coach said. Cronin recently flew to New York to discuss Stephenson’s prospects with him and his family, and asked only that Stephenson wait until after the UC basketball banquet before announcing his decision. While Stephenson is not expected to be a first-round draft pick, Cronin said he and the Stephenson family both agree on Stephenson’s draft prospects. “Lance and his family are not un-informed or misguided about his draft status,” Cronin said. “They understand the road that lies ahead for him. His family, as well as myself, came away with the same research. His talent is intriguing but his draft status is not particularly high. But that doesn’t mean that couldn’t change. He’s got to work hard at it. That’s one thing he’s not afraid to do.” In the NBA, all first-round draft picks receive guaranteed contracts, a luxury that is not available to their second-round coun-

terparts. With the NBA Draft scheduled for June 24, Stephenson has just two months to improve his position in the draft to firstround status, a challenge he is happy to accept. “I feel like I didn’t show everybody the Lance Stephenson that everybody wanted to see,” he said, “so I’m going to come back and show everybody that I’m a winning player.”

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Cover story

Don’t destroy Coney Island’s history, say activists By Izabela Rutkowski info@baycurrents.net

As the Bloomberg administration and developers trumpeted the re-opening of Luna Park, activists from Save Coney Island organized a second Historic Tour around the neighborhood on Sunday, June 13, telling the history of the buildings that as a result of the rezoning soon might be demolished to make room for high-rise condominiums and hotels.

“T

he city last July passed the rezoning which we thought was a disaster,” said Juan Rivero, the tour guide. ”The are several problems with it [the rezon-

ing]. The most notable ones are that the rezoning reduced the amount of land that was zoned for the outdoor amusement from 60 acres to 12 acres.” Rivero said the high-rise

buildings that might be built present a visual wall to the amusement area. “You came out of the station and instead of seeing the display of amusement, you’ll see a wall of high-risers,” he said. Rivero also laments the impending demolition of many buildings that are not official landmarks but nonetheless are historic and an integral part of Coney Island. “With that in mind we started planning for that location for the Landmark Designation of several of these buildings,” he said, adding that about a month and a half ago the group leaned that this season is going to be a summer of demolition in Coney Island. The group followed then with an application for a creation of the historic district for the area that would save the historic buildings in the area. “Last week that application was turned down,” said Rivero. “Now we are looking for other ways to save these buildings.” The Sunday tour highlighted the eight buildings that Save Coney Island group would like to see restored and re-used as a historic heart surrounded

Fred's House, 2009/ Richard Eagan

by the modern rides and world class amusements, including Luna Park. “The preservation and development are perfectly reconcilable with one another,” said Rivero. The eight buildings are Shore Theater, Nathan’s Famous, Henderson’s Music Hall, Shore Hotel, Herman Popper Building, Child’s Restaurant, Bank of Coney Island and Grashorn Building. An artist, activist and at the same time a long time Coney Island resident, Richard Eagon said that much of American popular culture was born in Coney Island. “The first roller coaster was developed right here, in Coney Island, in 1884,” he said. Coney Island is also the site of the first modern carousel and of the American hot dog. Nathan’s Famous, built in 1920 at 1308 Surf Ave., is not the birthplace of the hot dog, as many might think, but it did make the frank famous. Polish immigrant Nathan Handwerker had worked at German butcher Charles Feltman’s Coney Island stand where the idea of placing a sausage in a bun was first put into practice; in 1916 he decided to open his own business. He halved the price of the hot dog to a nickel, which brought crowds to the store and made the hot dog the first American fast food. The building with its original signs from the 1940s is on the demolition list, with plans to build a 30-story hotel on its site. The Shore Theater, built in 1925 at 1301 Surf Ave., might be destroyed as well. “There are marine-theme decorative elements all throughout the

inside of this building,” said Eagon. “Today you can imagine national acts performing in the restored auditorium in the theater building in Coney Island.” Developer Thor Equities proposed demolishing Henderson’s Music Hall that was built in 1899 and replacing it with a one-story retail strip. “The potential for the re-use [of this building] is tremendous,” said Rivero. “You can think of it as a night life complex, you can think of using the roof for projecting movies, you can think of it as a some sort of a spa complex, swimming pools, bowling alleys.” The Grashorn Building from 1889 that is located on 1104 Surf Ave is believed to be the oldest building in the amusement district. The former hardware store that equipped maintenance workers in Coney Island, survived many fires, but might not last this summer, because it is on the demolition site. “This building is entirely made by wood, and it’s a miracle that it still stands. It’s in a very good shape, ready to be restored,” Eagon said, adding that it could be a transformed into a museum or a themed restaurant. Rivero said it’s easy to think that these buildings don’t look promising, but other structures and buildings that have become part of the historic landscape of New York were not all that attractive before restoration. “The Parachute Jump didn’t look like much, the Immigration Museum in Ellis Island didn’t look like much,” he said, stressing that city officials should think more creatively about combining the new development with the historical importance of Coney Island.

Shore Theater 1301 Surf Avenue, built in 1925 Nathan’s Famous 1308 Surf Avenue, built in 1920

Herman Popper Building 1220 Surf Avenue, built 1904

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Child’s Restaurant, 1208 Surf Avenue built 1917

Henderson’s Music Hall 3001-3023 Stilwell Avenue, built in 1899

Bank of Coney Island, W.12th St at Surf Avenue, built in 1923

June 15 30, 2010

Shore Hotel 1228 Surf Avenue, built in 1903

8. Grashorn Building 1104 Surf Avenue, built in 1889

Page 9

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Bay Currents Urban Hort

Garden guides by Karen This column will not only be a reference for urban green, but will field questions and spotlight some of the many local examples of urban horticulture, whether it is in a backyard garden, porch or terrace planter, or a window sill flower pot. It will be an exciting approach to creating your own oasis in the city. So put on your barn boots – we’ve got a lot of work in the months ahead.

s our gardens begin to shed their blanket of snow with the arrival of spring one realizes it’s been a long winter. If you didn’t put your garden to “sleep” with a topdressing or mulch, you’re probably seeing “heaving” – the soils lifting

with the constant freezing and thawing of water as it permeates through the soil. It’s a reminder that we shouldn’t work the soil preparing for bedding plants until conditions are dry and the soil is ready – “friable” to use a farmer’s terminology. In the upcoming weeks, as days become longer we’ll begin seeing the subtle nuances as spring unravels. Those gardeners with the insight to have planted bulbs last fall will begin to see the small green shoots of crocus as they peep through the ground. Buds on the early flowering trees and shrubs will begin to swell, canes from forsythia will display some color, and here and there birds will appear. It truly is a wondrous time to be outdoors. The beauty of urban horticulture is that often we have a longer season – a direct result of thermal heat, reduced winds and the ability to supply supplemental irrigation. We gardeners have to keep many things in mind – one important example is the ph, or acid level, of soil. Different garden crops – annuals, evergreens, roses – all have a comfortable ph range for the best yield. To determine your soil’s ph level, simply take a soil sample to your garden center, or call Cooperative Extension for help. Most garden

Page 10

June 15 30, 2010

centers also sell field soil testing kits that are easy to use, I think that these are as essential a tool as a spade or hoe. Why is soil ph so important? Soil is a dynamic medium. It is made up of particles of sand, silt, clay and organic matter, which produces different levels of ph. You can invest in the most expensive fertilizer, but if the ph isn’t correct you won’t achieve the best results. Grasses, for example, seem to do better in a soil that has a ph range from 6.2 to 6.5 – in order to grow optimum turf, we should try to have the soil ph as close to that range as we can. Comments or questions? Call Bay Currents at 347-492-4432, email info@baycurrents.net, or write to Bay Currents, Urban Hort, 2966 Avenue U, Suite 108, Brooklyn, NY 11229 If you’re sending (non-returnable) pictures of your garden, please include a brief narrative and general location. Thanks! www.BayCurrents.net

Kids for Kids

Young poets Students at Mark Twain I.S. 239 waxed creative to win several awards in poetry. Here’s a sampling of their work: Express Train 7 By Jennifer Wu Pastels, neons, and bolds Mingle in the luminous night Greens, reds, silvers, and golds Are fragments of a New York City night. Beeps, horns and coffee spills Contribute to the rush hour heat. Tango through the lively crowd And hope for an empty express train seat.

brooklynesque By Michelle Chan what is “brooklyn”? is it the fresh sea-air? the seagulls in the sky? the smell of roasting pretzels in the street? street peddlers shouting? the sidewalk hot enough to serve eggs and bacon on it and the cool soft ice-cream? people walking by? like a current in a stream like one huge body united, integrated like a family a scene in a painting yes, that’s brooklyn.

YEP.

By Arina Bykadorova Sorry, Dad We’re staying It’s concrete It’s trashy It’s loud It’s obnoxious It’s crowded It’s hot Yeah, Dad The country is nice

But home is home And It’s N. Y. C.

Tides

By Solange Dagress You can feel it beating Inside of you Pulsing through your heart And washing upon the shores of Your Coney Island mindWhere new things intertwine- and Splashing your dreams With a possibility That sends you whirling Up and up and up, until you’re At the top of the Wonder Wheel, And then you drop. Some people think it smells like Hope, but I think it smells like Salt, and A seashell Being pulled away Into the ocean of thoughts That ebb and swell with the rumbling of one Colossal mind.

You Call it Brooklyn

By Emanuella Reznik You call it Brooklyn. That place with the rickety, old Rollercoaster (You prefer Six Flags) That looks like it’s about To break into pieces; That place with the littered Parks where there’s more Cement than grass; That place where they talk About drinking “cawfee” While “tawkin’” on the phone; That place where the Subway makes too much Noise outside the windows.

You call it Brooklyn. I call it home. That place with the rides In Coney Island that breathe History into the ocean; That place with the parks I grew up in and have the Best swings, so I could Always fly high; That place where they have An accent that speak a century’s Worth of wisdom; That place where the subway Tells me that possibility is close. You call it Brooklyn; I call it home.

A Place Called Brooklyn

By Ivy Zhang What is Brooklyn? It is a place of wonder, Filled with something new Every block you go. It is the spot of beauty, Where you find birds Chirping sweetly Once the sun rises To greet the world. You find children Happily playing in the park And adults Chatting away whenever they meet someone they know. And finally, most importantly, It is the home of many, Where their lives begin and end Where they grow to be a success And where big dreams come true, All here, in this place called Brooklyn.

Beautiful Brooklyn

By Angel Mindanao Brooklyn is a sea of lights A rainbow of two and a half million Striving, imperfect people

No two of us the same Brooklyn is a rich, overflowing Fountain of history Once a land of forests, Now a prosperous metropolis Brooklyn is a basket woven of pride and culture Glory and triumph Freedom and acceptance Wealthy or not Successful or not We always care and help out and Will never stop We pray together Stay together And have the most fun together Your neighbor might be Irish and your office mate might be Japanese But we’re all elements of a shining crystal That’s the beauty of Brooklyn.

Just Another City?

By Vanessa Sorrentino I’m from New York. And one hundred percent proud of it. Because only in New York can you see a man running down a street In a wedding dress, On a Sunday afternoon. And only in New York can you get a pizza pie and a fruit smoothie at three in the morning. It’s also the place where everyone is welcome. Because if you see a crowd of people, you’re most likely going to see a rainbow of colors. And let’s say you need a ride. Well, just flail your arm for one of the thousands of yellow taxis, Or simply slide a card, push a metal bar, and hop on a subway. What I like best, however, Is the quaintness of it all. Because even though million tourists come and visit the “sites,” The small, empty streets and

hidden baseball fields where the “natives” play Remind me That it’s just another city.

feet

By Emily Lai feet look different especially on the subway where there are women in heels and teenagers in UGGS and guys like me in Nikes there are always a few pairs of feet that look like they could use a little love look like they could use a new pair of shoes too maybe socks to go with them but maybe that’s not what floats their boat some people wear shoes to keep their feet covered bad toenail day feet getting a little dry deformities that make feet ugly but not me i wear shoes ‘cause i like them Shows where i’m from the city the big apple new york and good shoes make me look better who ever cares if they’re ugly as long as they have a name a name that people know a name that people think is cool i know my feet have character like me they can go shoeless with socks sockless with shoes heck, they could be rainbow colored and bare, gives them character when I feel like it i’ll go barefoot show them I don’t care if my feet come out say hello to the world and breathe a little

At the recent Joseph F. Lamb School P.S. 206 science fair, students displayed experiments exploring everything from ice cubes to celery. The Gravesend school also presented an art and sculpture show at the same time – in keeping with a true arts and sciences curriculum.

Fifth-grader Anthony Paolini demonstrates his experiment on the absorption capability of celery to Assistant Principal Randy Nelson (left) and science teacher Diane Kaye

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June 15 30, 2010

Page 11

BSAG partners with Coney Island Hospital in art and aid

By Angelina Tala info@baycurrents.net

The Brooklyn Street Car Artists Group opened its Aquatic Coney Island art show and silent auction on June 4 at Coney Island Hospital, with proceeds to aid the people of Haiti still reeling from the January earthquake.

he exhibit is BSAG’s second round of bringing art and entertainment to Coney Island Hospital in efforts to uplift patients, visitors, staff members, and the general public. The interesting and unique work of many local artists, including Richard Resnick, Joseph Cook, Bill Sto-

roniak, and Audrey Anastasi were on display, with live entertainment by Michael Schwartz, Peter Moore, DJ Houston, Kenn Lowy and the band, Lost in the Stacks, comprised of Brooklyn Public Library librarians. BSAG and Coney Island Hospital partnered to make the event into a benefit to help the suffering people

of Haiti, “to do what we could to help the unfortunate people of the poorest nation in the Western Hemisphere cope with the disaster,” said Arthur Melnick, BSAG’s executive director. The hospital is a fitting venue for the BSAG exhibit, said James Saunders, CIH associate executive director. “Every day our doctors and nurses make incredibly important decisions that potentially determine the life and death of individuals in this community,” he said. “These are the decisions that weigh on our spirits, and BSAG’s art lifts our spirits to bring a new day.”

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Health Currents those who would prefer not to have surgical intervention. Among them is acupuncture. For those of you who feel more comfortable being in a medical setting, check out this community based branch of Methodist Hospital, which may be an option for you. I’ll list it under resources.

Holistic Wellness ACUPUNCTURE By Arlene Brenner, M.S.

HISTORY AND VOCABULARY Acupuncture predates recorded history. It was rooted in Chinese Taoist philosophy more than 8,000 years ago – about 1000 BCE, hieroglyphics showed evidence of acupuncture. It originated during the meditations of ancient Chinese peoples. Meditators described an energy flow occurring during the quiet, stillness and heightened awareness of meditation. They called this energy flow qi (pronounced Chee). In yogic tradition, it is called Prana, and simply “breath” in Western understanding. Qi, according to Chinese tradition, is the force that animates and brings life to us, responsible for our health, vitality and energy. It is a challenging term to define because it is not quantifiable. When the flow of qi is disrupted, the ancient Chinese healers taught, there is an imbalance or blockage of energy in the body. The result of this qi blockage is illness. It is known as a Yin Yang imbalance. Ying and Yang can be viewed as the interdependent and complementary forces of our body/ mind. To understand the concept, one might think of it as male and female, or heat and coolness. Qi flows through pathways in the body called meridians, the healers taught. The study of meridians is quite fascinating. There are 360 to 650 meridian points depending on the Acupuncture school of study. These meridian points are connected to all the major organs of the body which are said to influence the various biochemical and physiological conditions in the person. It seems clear then that if energy going towards an organ is blocked, there would follow “ill of ease,” or disease. An allegory would be to view the meridians as a highway. Imagine driving on a highway with your exit on the right. Imagine there is a backup in the right lane and little or no traffic is flowing. There would be no access then to your exit. Liken this to the body system, with blocked energy flowing to the kidneys, or lungs or heart. It is clear to me that there could be a problem. How do these pathways get blocked? There can be a physical injury that causes a blockage of qi. A large contributing factor, are life’s stressors. These challenges can cause constriction and tightening in the body/mind decreasing the flow of qi, vital nutrition and life force to muscles, organs, emotions and spirit. These meridian points are the focus of the practitioner with the intention of unblocking the flow of qi. They are energized by inserting a needle and sending energy through the needle by manual or electrical stimulation. This stimulation at specific points may be able to end the disruption of qi to maintain or restore health. Originally the needles designed for medical use were made of refined stones. Bones were also used. Stones were replaced by bronze, gold and silver which is costly. Today surgical steel is most commonly used. Reportedly some acupuncture neewww.BayCurrents.net

dles are hair thin. They are much thinner than hypodermic syringes as no liquid has to enter it. By the 1950s many of China’s doctors were Western trained. Western medicine was expensive. Mao Tse-Tung, in an effort to bring affordable medicine back to China, reinstituted Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) into the medical universities. In the 1970s, then-President Richard Nixon and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger visited China. Their delegation was impressed by how Chinese medicine and acupuncture were effective as anesthesia and pain control for complex surgeries – without the side effects of anesthesia. Acupuncture then became popularized in the United States as skepticism was reduced. Acupuncture also has been practiced in Asian countries other than China, namely Korea, Japan and Vietnam.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ACUPUNCTURE AND WESTERN MEDICINE The practice of Acupuncture, like much of Holistic Medicine, seeks to promote natural healing to the whole person. That means that Body/Mind/Spirit is considered as a whole system. Western or allopathic medicine often treats and specializes in body parts without acknowledging the deep connections and interdependency of the whole person.

MEET THE ACUPUNCTURISTS I visited three acupuncture facilities. Although these practitioners are nationally certified and New York State licensed, their practices differ. ********* I visited the Acupuncture and Healing Arts of Park Slope office and interviewed with Helene Kostre, Lac./M.S. who is possibly one of the most pleasant and caring people I have ever met. The atmosphere of her office had a very soft feel about it, with plants and natural fibers and materials. The acupuncture room itself was softly lit with relaxing music. Ms. Kostre has been practicing acupuncture for over 20 years now. I asked her what was special about her practice. She explained that she uses an integrated approach toward a person’s healing. “Today in contemporary society, there are extra stressors that weren’t present in early China as pesticides and chemical toxicity,” she said. “A person’s healing ability can become off-track from these and other challenges. Chinese medicine is ‘living medicine,’ which I adapt and individualize for one’s climate, life style and psychological conditions acknowledging the stressors and challenges of modern living.” To compliment her practice Msa. Kostre has studied and uses additional modalities. Using acupuncture points, she is able to uncover where the body is nutritionally deprived and gives nutritional guidance. She also works with NET (Neuro Emotional Technique.) Net deals with the physical components of emotions. And she utilizes

BEFORE TREATMENT

Bioset (Bioenergetic Sensitivity and Enzyme Therapy) which works alongside of acupuncture to restore health and natural vitality. “Acupuncture stimulates and educates the body back to its own intelligence assisting the healing process,” she said. It helps with many conditions and ailments that I’ve listed below. Ms. Kostre thinks of her patients as coming to a “Brooklyn Oases.” “The more relaxed and comfortable they are, the more awareness they get to partner in their healing,” ********* I met with Dr. Lei Yang at his clinic, Jennan Comprehensive Medical, P.C. As soon as I walked in, I knew I was in a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Center. I could smell herbs brewing. Dr. Yang was schooled in China as a TCM doctor as well as in Western Medicine. In China he is a general surgeon and has been practicing for 15 years. I asked Dr. Yang what made his practice special. He told me that first he is honest with his patients. He explained that in Chinese Medical University, Western and TCM are both mandated studies and that “deep knowledge of medicine is necessary to do acupuncture.” At the same time that this knowledge is essential, he wanted me to understand that “acupuncture is not just technical but an art.” Again, I am getting the sense that acupuncture is not quantifiable. I must share with you my impression of Dr. Yang – he was smart, caring and honest. I felt drawn to Dr. Yang. I had a sense of his simplicity, honesty and clarity and wanted more. Unfortunately, I am not a candidate for acupuncture. I asked him what ailments he had the most success with. He explained, “Pain and ailments are only signals that the energy is blocked,” He has particular success with pain, arthritis, spasms, pulled muscles, menopause, depression, sleep disorders and compulsive behaviors as overeating. He emphasized that acupuncture is “not a miracle cure but part of a holistic lifestyle. It is realistic.” In his clinic, he offers physical therapy and massage as part of holistic treatment. He said that acupuncture should not be used for those with pace makers, on blood thinners, or who have sensitive skin. ********* While I was not able to interview with Batsheva Silverstein of the New York Medical Associates affiliated with New York Methodist Hospital, I still want to inform you of her practice, since it might interest you. New York Methodist Hospital has a Complementary Medicine option for

June 15 30, 2010

You can expect a detailed medical and lifestyle history before beginning any acupuncture treatment so the practitioner can assess your qi and determine the best treatment for you. Each plan is individualized. Initial treatment may be one or two visits, but more commonly an initial series would be six to 10 treatments before reevaluation. You will feel little or no sensation with the needle insertions. I am reluctant to call it pain as most just feel minor sensation. When leaving the office, one might feel relaxed, energized or a little sore. Acupuncture may not just be a quick fix because it addresses underlying imbalances. It is best to discuss your particular case with the acupuncturist to find out what may be appropriate for you.

AILMENTS ACUPUNCTURE MAY HELP WITH • Nausea associated with chemotherapy. Acupuncture would begin before chemotherapy treatments to bring the whole body/mind into balance before beginning toxic drugs and therapies • Pain in neck, shoulders, lower back, sciatica, hip pain, arthritis • Headaches, migraines • Emotions as depression, stress, insomnia, anxiety • Sinus issues • Bladder infections • Obesity • Irritable bowel syndrome • Smoking • Sports injuries as tennis elbow • Chronic Fatigue • Infertility, Menstrual and PMS symptoms

RESOURCES Practitioners Helene Kostre Lac./M.S. (718) 9659458 email hkostre@parkslopeacupuncture.com Brooklyn Dr. Lei Yang OMD (718) 336-9872 address 2111 East 15th Street Brooklyn Batsheva Silverstein M.S.O.M., Lac. (718) 677-1710 address 1309 Avenue J Brooklyn Books Encounters with Qi by David Eisenberg This book explores Chinese medicine and reads like a novel. Between Heaven and Earth by Harriet Beinfeld This is an introduction to theory and styles of Chinese acupuncture in the United States. Understanding Acupuncture by Stephen Birch This is written for the lay person but informative enough for practitioners. Voices of Qi by Alex Holland This is an introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine which talks largely about acupuncture. Page 13

Senior Currents

Free stuff for seniors! You’ve worked hard for decades, and have had to use that hard-earned money to pay for everything you’ve needed and wanted. Now you should be able to get a few things for free! Many organizations offer fun and interesting freebies for seniors. Senior centers offer many activities, and hot meals, for free or almost-free, and many businesses offer free or heavily discounted goods and services for seniors. Here are some other ideas: Special senior checking accounts Some financial institutions offer free checking accounts for seniors. While the exact terms and conditions vary from one bank to another, special senior accounts often feature: • Free checks • The opportunity to earn interest without a minimum balance • Free cashiers check and money order processing • Special customer rewards programs At some banks, you can get a senior account at age 50, while other banks have higher age requirements.

Free newsletters and publications Many organizations offer free newsletter subscriptions on topics of interest to seniors. You can learn about many interesting subjects, and easily request to cancel subscriptions to any that you don’t find useful. Of course, there’s also Bay Currents! Here are some newsletters you can receive free online: • Diabetic Gourmet, which features many healthful recipes • Heart Health Profile from the American Heart Association • Kraft Food and Family Magazine • Medicare Part D Report from <CU:1>AARP<CU:> and Walgreens • Menopause E-Newsletter • New Lifestyles Directory for senior citizens • Publications from the National Cancer Institute, a division of the National Institutes of Health • Understanding Heart Disease Travel If you plan to spend time traveling during your retirement years, be sure to request these free travel offers. They’ll be useful for seniors who are planning to enjoy recreation-

al vehicle travel, as well as those who plan to drive, fly, or cruise frequently. Travel freebies for seniors include: • America’s Byways Brochure from the National Scenic Byways Program, which is part of the Federal Highway Administration • Best Western Hotel Guide • Go RVing Video about camping and RV travel • Red Roof Inn Pocket Directory Product samples The older population has incredible buying power. Because of this, many retailers focus their product development and marketing efforts on senior consumers -=- and a good way to do this is to offer free samples. On most sites, you’ll need to complete an online request form to request the food and beverage or health and beauty aid sample offers that appeal to you, Here are just a few of the products available: • Eucerin dry skin lotion • Flexitol foot, nail, and skin cream samples • Menopause Survival Kit • Miracle Grip Denture Adhesive • Serenity Undergarments • Skin MD sample packets

• Sundance Tea • Tea sample from enjoyingtea.com • Yogi tea Gardening If you enjoy working in your yard and beautifying the planet, sign up for these gardening freebies: • Free seeds from America the Beautiful’s Operation Green Plant program • Vegetable seeds from Ed Hume Seeds Freebies to have on hand when the grandchildren visit Visits from grandchildren can be both fun and stressful. Make sure you have plenty of activities on hand for the young people in your life without spending a fortune by keeping a supply of appropriate freebies on hand. • Free coloring book from the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, a division of the National Institutes of Health • Disaster Action Kids Activities from the Federal Emergency Management Agency • Free stickers from various companies and organizations Where to find offers Offers change frequently, so it’s a good idea to keep up with various online resources for finding them. These websites are helpful: • Cool Freebie Links • Free Stuff Times • Your Daily Freebies

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Each Bay Sudoku has a unique solution that can be reached

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without guessing. Enter digits from 1 to 9 into the blank spaces. Every row must contain one of each digit. So must every column, as must

Driving down local streets in the Bay area in late spring is almost like a drive in the country. BAY CURRENTS PHOTO

every 3x3 square.

by Matt Lassen

www.BayCurrents.net

June 15 30, 2010

Page 15

“We don’t know if it makes sense.”

--- Marquee Productions promoter

Protesters say no to Marty Markowitz' proposed amphitheater at Asser Levy Park By DAVID J. GLENN publisher@baycurrents.net

The Parks Department put out feelers to gauge music promoters’ interest in bringing acts to a new amphitheater proposed by borough president Marty Markowitz for Asser Levy Park – but the main response officials got was a demand to keep their “hands off our park!”

ome 25 protesters of the $64 million state-of-the art theater far outnumbered the handful of promoters who came to the “Request for Expressions of Interest” meeting recently held in the Education Building at the New York Aquarium in Coney Island, a stone’s (or protest sign’s) throw away from the present bandshell at the park, site of Markowitz’s Thursday night free Summer Concert Series. One of the protesters, Arlene Brenner of Brighton Beach – who

unsuccessfully has been urging Community Board 13 to come out against the plans – proffered a question to any promoters at the meeting: “Do you realize that there are thousands of bedrooms right outside the park? We’ve had to put up with the noise and traffic for six nights every summer, but we’re not going to put up with a massive amphitheater with performances every night!” In a flyer headed “Dear Concessionaire/Promoter” handed out at the meeting, members of “Friends of Seaside Park” – an arm of Park Advocates based in Manhattan – said that “over 13,0000 people have signed petitions OPPOSING THIS PROJECT.” They stressed that “not one but two synagogues across the street” conduct services and study classes “all day long every day of the year,” and that according to New York City’s administrative code, amplified sound is not permitted while religious services are being held. Parks officials at the meeting contended that any performances would comply with the law. Markowitz was not at the meeting.

The protesters sported signs reading: “MY Park, not Markowitz’s” and “Spending $64 million to give performers a nice toilet? Forgeddahaboutit!” Paulo Faria, an architect with the Grimshaw firm based in Manhattan, gave a Power Point presentation highlighting the planned design of the amphitheater. Key elements included “fixed seating” to accommodate 5,000 (although he said later that the seats could be removed when there were no performances), a translucent canopy resembling a giant potato chip, and facilities for selling beer (another sore point with the protesters). He said the site could be used for unspecified “other events” during the winter. Asked by Bay Currents how much the Parks Department had paid the firm to do the designs, officials would not say, and Faria, emphasizing that he was just on staff with the company, said he didn’t know. The Friends of Seaside Park stated on the flyer, “The proposed amphitheater will not be welcomed in this community. We are well or-

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ganized and prepared to protect our quality of life. We will battle this project in every possible fashion.” One promoter – Sam Kimball with Marquee Productions, whose venues include Madison Square Garden – told Bay Currents he hadn’t reached any conclusion

about bringing talent to the site. “We’re just listening and learning,” he said. He added that when he scouts possible venues, he examines whether it makes sense for his clients to perform there. As for the proposed amphitheater, “we don’t know if it makes sense,” he said.

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June 15 30, 2010

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Financial Currents

Employers encouraged to hire new workers By JOSEPH REISMAN

If you had been unemployed for 60 days before beginning work, or alternatively, worked fewer than a total of 40 hours for anyone during the 60-day period, your employer will ask you to sign the new Form W-11.

he new “Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment” (HIRE) Act was signed into law on March 18. This gives employers a special payroll tax exemption and related new-hire retention credit. In a nutshell, The HIRE Act created two new tax benefits designed to encourage employers to hire and retain new workers. As a result, employers who hire unemployed workers this year (after Feb. 3, 2010, and before Jan. 1, 2011) may qualify for a 6.2 percent payroll tax incentive, in effect exempting them from the employer’s share of social security tax on wages paid to these workers after March 18. This reduction will have no effect on the employee’s future Social Security benefits, and employers would still need to withhold

the employee’s 6.2-percent share of Social Security taxes, as well as income taxes. In addition, for each unemployed worker retained for at least a year, businesses may claim a new hire retention credit of up to $1,000 per worker when they file their 2011 income tax returns. New hires filling existing positions also qualify but only if the workers they are replacing left voluntarily or for cause. Family members and other relatives do not qualify for either of these tax incentives, nor are household employers. Employees of newly started business also qualify for the payroll tax exemption, as does the rehiring of a previously discharged employee. In addition, for each qualified employee retained for at least 52 consecutive weeks, businesses will also be eligible for a general business tax credit, referred to as the new hire retention credit, of 6.2 percent of wages paid to the qualified employee over the 52 week period, up to a maximum credit of $1,000. Questions? Comments? Contact Joseph Reisman at 718-332-1040; E-mail: JSReisman@TaxHelp1040. com; Office: 2751 Coney Island Ave.

‘Gone fishing’ not what it used to be By DOMINIQUE CARSON info@baycurrents.net

The sour economy, combined with stricter regulations, has hit the Sheepshead Bay fishing business.

“B

oat rules and regulations have changed completely from 10 to 15 years ago, and money is extremely tight for everyone,” said

www.BayCurrents.net

Capt. Vinnie Calabro, operator of Karen Ann Charters. “We have to think about the cost of fuel for the boats, and the insurance.” He added that the way people fish has changed too – there are many restrictions on the kind ad number of fish that can be caught. “Fishing is no longer a cheap and entertaining sport and people can’t even remember the last time they went fishing,” lamented Theresa Scavo, chairwoman of Community Board 15. “Fishing was a time when father and

son would have quality time with each other, or they will go as a family. But now people have other recreational activities that interest them, and you need customers so the fishing fleet can stay in business.” Some anglers view fishing as a way to get a healthy dinner – not as recreation. “Any angler who hooks fish just for play is guilty of animal cruelty,” said boat owner Antoine F. Gootschul. But another fisherman, Billy Jones, said that fishing is no longer an act of survival as in the distant past, but is a way for people to unwind and relax. There still are some 50 fishing boats docked along Emmons Avenue, taking as many as 200 passengers in total on fishing trips, said Calabro. “It’s a great place that will never lose its reputation despite of economic times because Sheepshead Bay’s prices are so reasonable,” said avid fisherman Adam Henderson. “They only charge the adult passengers from $24 to $40 and they have cheaper rates for the children and the senior citizens. And there’s nothing better than the great outdoors!”

June 15 30, 2010

Poetry Currents Kisses

By iRAN Intertwined with the air, she gracefully steps Her skin kissed by a chocolate sun – She is the color of a toasted coconut Kisses fall as she walks by With Water, she is one The sway of her hips guides the waves They rise and fall at her command Silently, she rules the earth At the touch of her hand, water falls -Sun shines Air is her breath Beauty is beyond her definition Pure is everything bred by her womb She has given birth to perfection Life was bought alive by her touch Birds sing at the command of her smile The warmth of her soul – is the root of all fire Her power and passion are behind every flame to ever burn She is us – and from her are we Honor her existence, Reflections of her we are Resembling Sunday Morning at the river, she brings peace and serenity As the face of anyone we love, she brings joy beyond explanation Intertwined with the air, gracefully she steps Allowing her kisses to fall at the feet of anything or anyone asleep With one kiss, she revives, brings to life, blesses everything in her path Along her journey, she dances with love, sings with inspiration, sits with beauty At the rise of Sunday’s sun, she steps again Saturday’s stars have kept her through the night Sunday morning at the river, Mother Nature lets her kisses fall!

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Opinion

Redistribution of wealth – An evil concept? To many, the phrase “redistribution of wealth” conjures up a diabolical plot to thrust the nation into chaos. As insane and uncompromising as politics has become in this country, when used by President Obama, his enemies label him anti-American; socialist; enemy of democracy.

ut wealth in this country is being redistributed now. Taking advantage of the relative ignorance of many Americans concerning politics and economy, those who would reserve the nation’s wealth for themselves have promoted the misconception that the term refers to the creation of a socialist system in which the government takes the money of hard-working citizens to provide handouts to lazy parasites. Reality, however, is very different. Through most of our history, the majority of Americans were mired in poverty, toiling long hours for a meager existence with simple housing and basic nourishment barely attainable. Even during boom periods like the Roaring ’20s, the average American lived below the poverty level. But, despite being beaten down by business and government, there were those who carried on the crusade to better conditions for working people, looking to the day when they too could attain a small piece of the pie. With the New Deal’s recognition of organized labor and institution of entitlements such as social security, the vision was within reach and after World War II the growth of the middle class meant the American Dream could be achieved by a greater percentage of the population than ever imagined. Thus, the redistribution of wealth by only a few percentage points had served to create a comfortable life for most Americans. The American Age peaked, however, in the late 1960s. The middle class was thriving, the legal battle for equal rights was won, a war on poverty had been declared and Americans walked on the moon. Shortly after the last New Deal president, Lyndon Johnson, though, the portion of the nation’s wealth in the hands of the people began to turn back to the moneyed interests. This redistribution has been accelerating at an ever increasing rate and now the American people are in trouble. The rich are taxed far less than their share and services are being cut for the rest. Whenever a fare or toll goes up; whenever services are cut; whenever prices go up; whenever another piece of technology becomes a vital part of life; if it is not accompanied by a commensurate increase in income, wealth is being redistributed upward. Thus, our dollar buys less and less as corporate leaders take home more and more. Yes, this is the redistribution of wealth we should truly fear. In today’s America it is a sin to ask the rich to pay their fair share. In today’s America it is a sin to regulate business and protect the public against unfair practices. Our American society has deserted the ideals, slipping backwards into an abyss of ignorance and greed. www.BayCurrents.net

...and speaking of an abyss of ignorance and greed, enter the Tea Party Part of American society, long mired in ignorance to the workings of government and economy has for many years been manipulated by those who would profiteer by eliminating regulation and entitlements. The latest manifestation of this is the Tea Party, today’s personification of greed leading the ignorant. Extremely frustrated with government as their piece of the pie continues to diminish, Tea Party rank and file are angry...and understandably so. They were indoctrinated to believe that “liberal” was a dirty word and liberal policies [that would actually work for them] not to be trusted. Then their hero, George Bush, ran the economy into the ground, creating their present hardships. So where do they direct their anger now? And this is a perfect role for Sarah Palin, playing her character to the hilt as cheerleader for the ignorant! Never addressing an issue head on, she simply resorts to name calling, urging on the faithful to lash out, which they do eagerly and sometimes violently. And ironically, what their actions translate to is, “Don’t give us anything. Let the rich take it all.” Someone said several years ago that we are barbarians with color TV’s. Today, as a society, we have become even more barbaric in our attitudes...and we now have computers!

forget Newt Gingrich’s revisions to history in 1994. Gingrich, an historian by profession, hosted a TV show, teaching his own version of history, rife with distortions and outright lies. Intended to further his political agenda, his false history helped the Republicans take

Is this a surprise?

over Congress. Although forced to discontinue the practice, the damage was done and he faced no real repercussions. The truth may not be to everyone’s liking but it serves better than falsehoods. In Texas, they’d apparently rather lie to their children.

A Few Tidbits

A New York Times-CBS News poll found that 63 percent of self-described Tea Party supporters gain most of their television news from Fox, compared with 23 percent of all adult Americans.

relieve his pain, he smoked marijuana which he grew in his backyard. He received a sentence of five years in prison. Needless to say, there was no additional profit to make up for his punishment.

Courts favor Comcast over FCC

In another travesty of justice, a federal court recently decided that the FCC couldn’t regulate internet provider Comcast’s ability to On the same day recently, a couple censor what you see over the internet...a big of news stories appeared. One dealt with blow to internet neutrality and to our freedom. pharmaceutical companies being fined for promoting their drugs for purposes not ap- Mayor Bloomberg, another proved by the FDA; sometimes with fatal results. Since their profits were much greater crane goes down? “Mayor Bloomberg, when you promote than the amounts of the fines, the practice development and save money by cutting incontinues. The other story concerned a New Jersey spectors, you are potentially sacrificing lives. man suffering from multiple sclerosis who Your show of outrage doesn’t mean very couldn’t afford health insurance. In order to much when incidents continue to occur.”

Government for the people... or for corporations?

...and in the pursuit of ignorance, it’s called the Texas Textbook Massacre We condemn closed societies that lie to their people and distort history to further their own agendas. Although America has also been guilty, primarily by omission, we have striven lately to include contributions by minorities and many of the blemishes in our own history. That is all being undermined however in Texas where they want to rewrite textbooks to reflect their own religious and political beliefs even if it means distorting, burying or out rightly lying about the facts. And considering that Texas purchases such a large number of textbooks, this could have repercussions nationwide when some of the smaller states make their purchases. A few of the revisions include downplaying the role of Thomas Jefferson, a product of the 18th century enlightenment and the philosophical light behind our fundamental principles. His teachings will be replaced in books by those of John Calvin, a 16th century totalitarian religious leader of the Protestant Reformation in Switzerland. Students need not learn that the Constitution prevents the government from promoting one religion over all others. The actions of Senator Joseph McCarthy, whose lies and fascist practices destroyed the lives of many American citizens in the 1950s, will now be legitimized. Conservative groups will be elevated; liberals and minorities buried. This is beyond an outrage but not totally unprecedented. Closed societies often create their own histories and of course, there are Holocaust deniers. In this country’s past, much was simply omitted, especially concerning minorities; something that has been primarily corrected until Texas. And let’s not June 15 30, 2010

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Answers to the Bay Sudoku from page 15

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