Oct 1 - 15, 2011
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The Red Hook Star-Revue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
Something’s Happening at the Piers
S
abato Catucci, is a name that was part of a household topic in Red Hook five years ago. Mr. Catucci became well known in his fight against the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to keep his company American Stevedoring Inc. (ASI) in operation at the local piers. The seventy-something year old founder and CEO of ASI is now back in battle with the Port Authority to keep his company fully operational according to a complaint he and his attorney, Janine G. Bauer filed with the Federal Maritime Commission last year. Mr. Catucci’s extensively detailed complaint against the powerful Port Authority claims the agency forced his company to sign an unfair lease in duress. He also claims the agency stopped assisting ASI in April 2006 to present day from receiving much needed cross-harbor barge funding from the government as it ships containers from the Red Hook terminals to the ones it operates in Newark; Suggesting such an action has caused ASI to incur out of pocket costs of approximately $450,000 per month, thus making their ability to pay the Port Authority rent difficult and at times impossible. Mr. Catucci’s sworn affidavit lists several unfair business practices by the Port Authority such as the agency requesting interest of new port operators to take over ASI’s operations. Mr. Catucci states this specific public request shook the confidence of his current and future customers and created a loss of $11 million additionally to his company.
by Faiza Akhtar Summarizing the allegations by ASI, the document states the following: “The Port Authority’s actions in forcing American Stevedoring into a set of leases with exorbitant rent, reducing its space, refusing to sign the leases after forcing American Stevedoring to hastily execute them, obtaining the rent arrearages in the following
months, depleting the Harbor Mitigation Dredge Fund, and issuing the RFEI publicly announcing that American Stevedoring was going out of business, without cause, were part of the Port Authority’s pre-conceived plan to create conditions under which American Stevedoring would fail.” A final decision by the maritime commission was scheduled for September 28, 2011 but according to the commission’s assistant secretary Rachel Dickon, the decision has been delayed to spring of 2012 for now. Matt Yates, a spokesperson for ASI, couldn’t comment on the complaint filed to the commission
last year or on the company’s current position on the matter, citing ASI’s long-term and on-going business relationship with the Port Authority as the reason. Meanwhile, in the midst of an economic downturn and remembering the uphill battle to keep ASI in operation back in 2007, it seems commercial Red Hook neighbors, several of whom do business with ASI, are questioning what is going on at the port operator’s facilities as well since they hear the rumors and observe lesser and lesser activity at the terminal. Comments from business owners and employees were not attainable as many felt hesitant to speak on the record and risk upsetting their financial relationship with Mr. Catucci’s company. Late last week, however, approximately 30 people gathered outside of ASI’s gates claimed Mr. Catucci owed money to their union’s pension fund and was considering stepping down as CEO. Several of the people in the crowd wore shirts identifying themselves as members of the International Longshoremen’s Association, a union that has historically been at odds with Mr. Catucci based on various media reports and court filings. (continued on page 3)
Growing Up Red Hook
It’s Apple Picking Time
A
by Danette Vigilante
pple picking, pumpkin picking and … doughnut eating? Yes, you read that correctly.
For years, every autumn my husband and I packed up our girls and braved stop and go traffic to visit Battleview Orchards and Country Store in Freehold New Jersey. Growing up a Red Hook kid, I had no idea such a place existed. As far as I knew, apples and pumpkins came from Key Food on Clinton Street. Battleview goes way back to 1908 when Charles and Carrie Applegate (how appropriate!) bought 130 acres of land which they used as a general farm. When Charles died in 1929, his two sons, Leslie and Richard, took charge. In 1945, things became rocky between the two brothers and they went their separate ways each with a share of the land. Leslie taking over our much-loved Battleview Orchard. When he decided to retire in 1965 at the age of 50— we should all be so fortunate— he sold Battleview to his son, Norman and his wife, Betty Lou. I’d like to stop you in 1969 because it is here, a mere four years later, that Dearest Betty Lou introduced my weakness, my kryptonite; The Apple Cider Donut to the Country Store. It took my family a long time to reach the place we’ve come to. You see, year after year, we’d roam the many apple orchards searching for the biggest and juiciest apples. They had to be just right but there were so many different types to choose from; Gala, Macintosh, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Empire and others. So many more than Key Food ever offered! At times, we’d find ourselves unable to stick to one type so we’d simply pick some of each filling up large paper bags to the brim. All this while visions of freshly baked apple pies danced in our heads. But that was not the only treat we had in mind. With our apple hunt done, we’d then walk through the fields searching for just the right pumpkin knowing that at the end we’d make our way to the Country Store and the goodness that awaited us. In other words, our reward. One year though, instead of going into the orchard first and the Country Store last, we did the reverse. In doing so, our eyes lingered over the beautiful pumpkins and apples already picked and ready to be ours. Just this one time, we told ourselves pointing to the fruit; we’ll buy these apples and a pumpkin or two. We all agreed and gave our lazy selves a pass. Just this once we assured each other but I knew the tides and they were changing. Visiting the store first allowed us to get to the best part quicker; HOT, mouth watering, Apple Cider Doughnuts. What’s that you say? Your local doughnut store offers the same kind of doughnut? I say, Pu-lease! This kryptonite is worth standing in line for— and you will stand in line no matter how long. Not only that, but you will do it happily and patiently. You will even make new friends while standing there or, you might even meet up with people you already know. There’s excitement in the air and it smells like fresh doughnuts. And all thanks to Betty Lou who had unknowingly unleashed a heavenly treat into my world. One important piece of information: They stop selling hot doughnuts at certain times so if you’d like to visit check with them before you go (www.battlevieworchards.com). They do sell them already packaged but there’s no comparison. You can thank me later. Danette Vigilante is a children’s author living in New York City with one husband, two daughters, Mr. Noodle, her love hog Yorkshire terrier and Daisy, a cat with a seriously bad attitude. Her newest book, The Trouble with Half a Moon, is in local bookstores and available for purchase online at Amazon and other booksellers.
The Red Hook Star-Revue The News of South Brooklyn
Volume 2 No. 10, October 1-15 2011
Founded in 2010 by Frank Galeano and George Fiala
Reporters............................................................................. Elizabeth Graham Photographers .............................................. Thomas Rupolo, Elizabeth Graham Cartoons ..............................................................................Vince Musacchia Cartoonist Emeritus...................................................................Harold Shapiro Contributors ................................................... Danette Vigilante, John Burkard, .................................................................... Mary Ann Pietanza, Kiki Valentine Calendar Guy ........................................................................... Macklin Veitor Foodie ......................................................................................... Erik Penney Supervisor for all the above .......................................................... George Fiala The Red Hook Star-Revue is published every other week by Select Mail. We welcome letters to the editor as well as press advisories which can be mailed to:
RED HOOK STAR-REVUE, 101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231
718 624-5568 - news tip line 917-652-9128 or emailed to editor@redhookstar.com
Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
October 1 - 15, 2011
Changes at Piers 7-11 as Phoenix Beverage expands it’s presence
ILA members congregate around the entrance to American Stevedoring on Monday, September 26th protesting unpaid pension fund deposits.
(continued from page 1) Mr. Yates did attempt to quell the rumors about Mr. Catucci stepping down as CEO and the financial hardships ASI is facing by stating he is still with the company and that “American Stevedoring is current with all its financial obligations.”
The Port Authority was unavailable for comment. The agency is going through some of its own internal changes as its executive director, Christopher O. Ward, a man who comes from a lineage of family members in the stevedoring industry as well, is assumingly stepping down next month as reported in the New
York Times this week. Questions to the Empire Development Corp., the agency responsible for wanting to change the waterfront into a park, housing, and commercial space during the 2007 battle with Mr. Catucci, were also unanswered and fielded back to the Port Authority. Local business owners’ suspicions that another beverage distributor, aside from Phoenix Beverage which occupies Pier 7 and Pier 10, was possibly moving in to the piers, were confirmed when a call to Windmill Distributing Co. yesterday was answered by an unnamed employee who acknowledged
American Stevedoring’s port operations load and unload container ships.
the company will be operating its business in the area. Currently the ASI name remains on the entry gate and according to Mr. Yates, the Port Authority’s Request for Expressions of Interest from other
port operators to take over the piers and facilities operated by American Stevedoring in Brooklyn and Newark were deemed not operable therefore, ASI will be staying in Red Hook.
24 Hour Bagel Shop Opens on Hamilton Avenue by Chase Bank
After months of hard work and bureaucratic delays, the 24 hour bagel store on Hamilton Avenue next to Chase Manhattan finally opened. In addition to bagels they have a full line of sandwiches and even crabcakes and are a welcome addition not only to the breakfast eater but to the late night straggler. Also on the agenda to open in our rapidly expanding neighborhood is a diner on Columbia Street, in the same place that the Waterfront Diner once graced. These pictures were taken on a busy opening day for the bagel boys.
October 1-15, 2011
Red Hook Star-Revue Page 3
News From the Street written and collected by the Star-Revue writing staff
CGNA Meeting
The Carroll Gardens Neighborhood Association’s next meeting takes place on Wednesday the 5th of October at 7 pm in the auditorium of PS 58 (Carroll Street entrance). A presentation will be made by the SUNY Downstate Hospital explaining their new partnership with Long Island College Hospital. Comee prepared with questions.
Free Health Fair Oct 5
The Carroll Gardens Association is sponsoring a health fair on Wednesday, Oct. 5th, 2011 from 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm at the CGA Training Center located at 201 Columbia Street. Doctors, nurses, and other health practitioners will be on hand to provide blood pressure, diabetes and HIV testing, as well as health education related to HIV and STD risks. A certified health coach and holistic nutritionist will also provide education on healthy living and diet. CGA also hopes to provide free dental services during the event. All ages are welcome. Free giveaways and refreshments will be available to everyone who participates.
Brad Lander promotes new idea
Councilmember Brad Lander, along with 3 other NYC Council members, is spearheading a new approach to allocating money for capital projects out of the members’ discretionary funds. Known as Participatory Budgeting, the initiative
involves district residents directly in the process of developing project proposals, working with city agencies, and voting on which projects will get funded.
hopefully only take a couple of days, but this is not a guarantee until they know the full extent of what they are dealing with.
The process makes budgeting more transparent and responsive to community needs. It involves a series of public assemblies and there are opportunities to volunteer in many capacities.
Actually, we took this from the Cobble Hill Association’s website, and according to Roy’s note, which was actually posted at the end of August, this was just to be a temporary measure. However, we have noticed that they have painted new lines and according to a recent article in the Brooklyn Paper it seems that DOT really wants Furman Street to be permanently 2 way, according the the Brooklyn Paper “pleasing drivers in other neighborhoods, but outraging those who live off Old Fulton Street.”
There will be a local meeting on October 20th at PS 58, 330 Smith Street, at 6:30 PM. You have to go to Brand Lander’s website to RSVP where you will find additional info.
In case you were wondering why Furman Street is now 2 way....
Roy Sloane of the Cobble Hill Organization passes on this useful information: Part of the eastbound lane of the BQE (adjacent to Grace Court and therefore under the Promenade) caved in last month. It is ‘just’ the asphalt itself, not the supporting steel structure. Presently, DOT are plating the area and putting up jersey barriers to keep cars off the affected lane. BQE is currently down from 3 to 2 lanes (leading to extensive delays). There will be a occasional full shut downs of the Atlantic Avenue ramps to the BQE. During this time, Furman will be made two-way to accommodate traffic, and there will be traffic agents on site to direct traffic. DOT says the repairs will
We have enough DOT problems here in Red Hook, but we’re interested to see that they take unilateral steps in other neighborhoods as well. Sometimes it feels like it’s just us.
Atlantic Antic is Oct. 2nd
In case you don’t mind walking through huge crowds of people and smelling lots of food smells, this grand daddy of street fairs slogs on this Sunday. We see that there is no longer a parade, however we do see that the belly dancing is still happening on the western end, and on the eastern end we recommend the music at Hank’s Saloons stage, by 3rd Ave. Performing at Hank’s stage includes the Brotherhood of the Jug Band Blues,
Jack Grace Band, and Alex Battles’ Whisky Rebellion. All highly recommended by discerning Red Hookers. Speaking of good music and Alex Battles - while Moonshine is no longer, we received an email stating that the owners of Jalopy will be involved in it’s reopening sometime soon.
Community Calendar: The Red Hook Civic Association, an
eccentric neighborhood group, meets the last Wednesday of each month, which makes the next meeting October 26th at 7 pm in the auditorium of PS 15, 71 Sullivan Street between Richards and Van Brunt. Led by John McGettrick, there is always an agenda plus a chance for residents to sound off on what’s on their mind concerning the neighborhood. Representatives from local politicians are usually scattered throughout the audience. The Brooklyn Bridge Rotary Club is a newly chartered chapter of this venerable national organization. Meetings take place every Thursday at 12:15 in the back of the Archives Restaurant at the Brooklyn Marriot Hotel, 333 Adams Street. For more information you may call Vivian Hardison at 917-804-0797. The Rotary Club motto is “Service Above Self.” The 76th Precinct Community Council is where you get to meet your local police department, listen to their suggestions and tips about how to live safely in your neighborhood as well as letting the local police hear what you have to say about crime and protection. The meetings are usually the first Tuesday of each month and usually held in the basement of the station house on Union between Henry and Hicks. We haven’t heard otherwise so we guess that the next meeting is at the precinct on Tuesday the 4th of October. To be sure call (718) 834-3211. The Star-Revue will be happy to publicize your neighborhood meeting- send the info to editor@redhookstar.com
We are across from Coffey Park (718) 923-9880
Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue
October 1 - 15, 2011
Red Hook Civic Association opens the fall season at PS 15 by Kiki Valentine
The first fall meeting of John McGetrick’s Civic Council met this past Wednesday evening at PS 15 and was nicely attended by more than 40 concerned Red Hookers who warmed PS 15’s auditorium. The 76th Precinct’s Captain John J. Lewis addressed concerns about recent robberies in the 11231 and says they’re up 36% - the largest increase in the city. Residents and business owners said the need for “an old-fashioned beat cop” is critical to keep assaults and robberies by groups of teens – the main perps - to a minimum. Lewis countered the request saying, “Just like you’re seeing with other agencies affected by budget cuts, the number of police officers is a finite resource and getting smaller.” Total arrests are up 75%, and the precinct seems to have identified the core group believed to be responsible for the most recent string of robberies. Although the police have successfully abated that particular problem, Lewis reiterated that, “Timely reporting of crime prevents other people from being victimized” and urges community members to call 911 and report every crime that takes place in order to have them counted.
“T” Marks The Spot The number of dangerous “T” accidents involving motor vehicles along Van Brunt Street have increased, and they’re taking place on Saturdays when the neighborhood is bustling with pedestrian, bicycle, Ikea and cruise ship traffic. Last Saturday a passenger van carrying eight people crossing Van Brunt at King Street was hit by a speeding livery SUV and careened into a home where several small children reside. The crash sent six victims to the emergency room via ambulance. The residents of the
home were away at the time. Community members who want the DOT and NYPD Highway division involved are urged to collect photo documentation of accidents that will help encourage the installation of traffic calming devices along the corridor.
Things That Go Bump In The Night (And All Day) The volume and speed of 53-foot trucks and commercial buses traveling on Van Brunt street, illegally turning onto Wolcott Street and barreling down Conover Street are not only a concern for motorists, parked cars, street signs and pedestrians – a six-year-old was thrown from a bicycle after being grazed by a truck - but the barreling vehicles also pose a dangerous problem for residents inside their homes. As Civic Association leader McGettrick pointed out, “Since 1992 there have been seven building collapses on Van Brunt Street alone,” and the culprit is structural damage caused by speeding trucks and buses hitting potholes. He added, “Buildings in the area have been condemned as late as last year,” and Red Hook was the only area in New York City that suffered damage from an earthquake on August 23rd as a result of the sediment the neighborhood rests upon. Residents with concerns regarding any transportation-related issue (including the B61, school buses, idling trucks, other chronic issues) are urged to attend the CB6 Transportation meeting on Thursday, October 13th. For information call Tom Miskel at (718) 643-3027. OTHER MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: The Red Hook Youth Court is hiring teens age 14-18 to hear court cases involving other teens, learn about the judicial system and serve their commu-
John McGettrick at a meeting earlier this year (photo by George Fiala)
nity. Applicants must be enrolled in a school or GED program, and there are no academic requirements. Fall orientation begins now. Call (718) 923-8260 to apply. Two new creative programs at the Red Hook Community Justice Center are now being offered. Youth ECHO (ages 14-18) and drawing (ages 11-13) are available at no cost by calling Elise White at (718) 923-8219. Falconworks Artists Group has involved youth and student advocates from Red Hook working to change the
educational system with an interactive theatrical event – they’re turning the 1960s book “Pedagogy of the Oppressed” into a musical this fall and need your support. Visit www.redhooktheater. org to find out how you can help. The Red Hook Recreation Center has extended registration for its FREE after school program for kids age 6 to 13. Call (718) 722-7105 or email friendsofredhookrc@yahoo.com. The next Civic Association Meeting will be held at PS 15 on Wednesday, October 26th at 7pm and is open to the public.
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Red Hook Star-Revue Page 5
Our VFW Celebrates the life of local hero John Cannucci at memorial barbecue September 4th by Cory Bennett
L
iz Cannucci was 11 months younger than her brother John — “Irish Twins,” she said, laughing. John was a typical protective older brother — “I always said with John around I would never get married” — but would always invite Liz along to hang out with his many groups of friends. “Wherever I went I was John’s sister so I was well loved,” said Liz, who shares her brother’s pale green eyes and broad nose. “They said, ‘You’re John’s sister, we like you already.’” John Cannucci passed away unexpectedly last year from a stroke. He was 53. On Sept. 4, the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars (VFW) in Red Hook brought together all of John’s circles of friends for an afternoon of reminiscing over brats (spicy and sweet), macaroni salad, potato salad and two giant coolers of beer
(regular Budweiser and Miller Lite). Proceeds from the event will likely go toward buying uniforms for the basketball team at P.S. 29, which Cannucci refereed during his 20-plus years working in maintenance at the school. Roughly 75 of Cannucci’s friends and family from his various circles milled about in and around VFW member Ralph Balzano’s eclectic garage, stuffed with anything kitsch — a cardboard cutout of Elvis, a stuffed fox, antique Coca-Cola signs, a stovepipe American flag hat. Cannucci’s friends spanned his life and Brooklyn: some from his childhood block near Prospect Avenue and Seventh Avenue in Park Slope; others from the Son’s of Allegiance, where he served as the chaplain, “happy chap”; some from the Red Hook VFW, of which he was a member; and several
The party was held at VFW member and long time Red Hooker Ralph Balzamo’s garage across from Fairway. (photos by Cory Bennett)
Brooklyn court employees, where two of his siblings worked. His affable, caring manner endeared him to all these people and brought people together throughout his life. “He was like Norm from Cheers,” said Kevin Troeller, repeating a line that stuck with people from the eulogy he gave for John at his funeral. “It didn’t matter what bar you were at, every bar felt like he was their guy. He made everyone feel like he was their best friend.” Cannucci and his family are old school Irish-American Brooklyn. His mother was one of ten children. Cannucci had four siblings: Vinnie, 55, Liz, 53, Joe, 47 and Josephine, 41. All still reside in Brooklyn and still cherish many annual traditions.
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and just dance. “It’s a slow song, but he’s up there dancing, whistling, banging his hat on his leg, putting his ass in the fire,” Troeller said. He didn’t miss a beat when a park ranger approached to ask him what he was doing. “Camping,” Cannucci deadpanned. Mad Jack had a sense of humor, said Anna Kruithoff a loud, personable woman with electric blue eyeliner. Cannucci frequently came by to knock back a few beers with Kruithoff’s husband. Once Kruithoff tried to rouse him from a tipsy slumber in her recliner.
A yearly football game on Thanksgiving, dubbed the Turkey Bowl, has taken place every year since 1977.
“Mad Jack! Wake up! Lap Dance!” Kruithoff yelled, shimmying her hips and clapping. Mad Jack immediately jumped into character, “Where? Where?” reaching out with his hands pretending to grab the air around him.
“One of the last times [Cannucci played], he broke his ribs because he still thought he was 15 years old,” Troeller said with a smile, mentioning Cannucci’s prowess as a center fielder in baseball growing up.
But each person stressed John’s commitment to family, even though he never married or had children of his own. His sister said he was a caring uncle to his three nieces Troeller said Cannucci was his daughter’s godfather.
But the list goes on: trips to Saratoga and Monmouth Race Tracks dating back over 30 years, a yearly trip to the Belmont Stakes or Preakness and at least one St. John’s game each year. Every time an event rolls around, Troeller said, he still thinks in the back of head “alright good, John will be there. We’ll catch up.”
“When we had birthday parties, the children would always ask, ‘Is Jack coming?’”
“All you had to say with him was ‘what time and how much’ and he would be there no matter what the event was,” Troeller said. “He was a fun loving guy.”
“He was like Norm from
One skiing trip to Killington, VT, three decades ago resulted in John’s life-long nickname, “Mad Jack.” Cannucci, Troeller and some other friends were “trying to impress” some girls they had met on a bus. Jokingly, the girls were calling John crazy when Troeller quipped, “He’s not crazy. He’s a madman.” It quickly became “Mad Jack” and stuck. Mad Jack was the kind of guy who, faced with a pouring rainstorm on the first night of a camping trip, build a roaring fire, throw on the Doors’ “Riders on the Storm,” climb up on the picnic table
A bright red cardboard sign slightly hidden behind the grill summed up Cannucci’s impact on those who came. “John continues to inspire joy and laughter in each of us — today and every day. We miss you! We love you!”
Cheers,” said Kevin Troeller, repeating a line that stuck with people from the eulogy he gave for John at his funeral. “It didn’t matter what bar you were at, every bar felt like he was their guy. He made everyone feel like he was their best friend.”
October 1 - 15, 2011
What else is new department:
Hamilton Avenue Footbridge Reopening Delayed By Elizabeth Graham
we removed that, we saw the steel was more corroded than we thought.” The pedestrian bridge, which connects Hicks and Henry streets, was closed abruptly on July 5. Since then, walkers, including children headed to school, have been forced to cross the busy Hamilton Avenue at its intersection with Clinton Street. A routine inspection earlier this year uncovered structural problems severe The footbridge last summer, before closing.
The $1.5 million project was slated to wrap up by the beginning of October, but after workers found that the steel supports underneath the sidewalk were in worse shape than originally suspected, the state Department of Transportation said it will take until the end of the month to finish repairs on the bridge. “There’s only so much you can see of the steel when you’ve got several inches of concrete covering it,” State DOT spokesman Adam Levine said. “Once
October 1-15, 2011
After the work is complete, the bridge should hold up for “as long as we need it,” Levine said.
other schools. The detour to the Clinton Street crossing also means an extra three block trek for commuters to the subway station at Carroll Street.
The bridge’s sudden closure generated concern among parents whose children now have to cross the dangerous Hamilton Avenue instead of walking above it to get to class at PS 146 and
Craig Hammerman, District Manager of Community Board 6, who has been outspoken about the way the project was handled, did not return calls seeking comment for this story.
followed by the deck and the sidewalk.
W
alkers out to cross Hamilton Avenue on foot from Red Hook to Carroll Gardens will have to wait at least a month longer than expected to return to the pedestrian bridge that was closed with little notice for repair work this summer. On September 27th, at the Red Hook Civic Association meeting at PS 15, John McGettrick stated that it will probably be three months before the bridge reopens.
The unfriendly and pretty uninformative DOT signage at the north entrance (photos by George Fiala)
This photo was taken in August after the deck was removed - no workers were in sight at this time.
enough for the DOT to begin work immediately, rather than wait to do it in a few years, when a comprehensive repair project was scheduled, Levine said. “They made a determination that they didn’t think another winter would be good” for the concrete deck and steel supports, he said. So far, workers have removed the sidewalk in order to repair the steel substructure. Once those repairs are finished, the deck reinforcement will be put in,
This photo taken last week shows a crew back on the job welding the underframe of new decking.
Red Hook Star-Revue Page 7
Editorial: Nothing to say at least in public “No comment” and unreturned phone calls happen a lot more than one might expect in this business. I certainly didn’t anticipate it when I started this paper last year. I’m sure some of it is quite harmless, as overworked and probably understaffed press departments of government agencies and politicians are busy fending off much bigger fish than us. However, in the course of pursuing stories, we have found out that fireman and Port Authority employees, are forbidden to talk to the press without express approval of those in a position to give such approval, at the risk of their
jobs. These agencies, while serving at the behest of the public, are actually scared of the public, or more to the point - of bad press. This is entirely understandable, yet one would hope that these and other public agencies would be more secure in the knowledge that nothing they do should justify bad press, and that letting the public know what’s going on is actually part of their job. When George Bush took over as president, I remember that one of the first things he told his staff was that it was very important not to do anything at all that might lead to the kind of scan-
Van Brunt Street construction follow-up Work is proceeding daily on the long delayed Van Brunt street construction project. The accompanying pictures, one from about two months ago and one from last week show progress on the open ditch where a sewer is being rerouted. It will shortly be covered with a cement roof and then paved over. The project still has a long way to go, as the street northward up to Degraw Street will be dug up to further work on the sewer that will connect to the enlarged water main being constructed simultaneously on Degraw. DOT told us that all this work will be done by next spring, but a recent conversation with a worker throws some doubt on this optimistic projection. The Red Hook StarRevue will keep you updated as work continues.
July 29, 2011, during a lull in the project.
This photo taken on September 27th shows the same area almost ready for concrete pouring (photos by George Fiala)
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dalous reporting that was able to be generated during the previous administration. In other words, everybody had to keep their noses clean. And except for perhaps some of the more serious stuff, it seems that his staff listened, and nobody got impeached, or, at least in our memory, was forced to resign. In pursuing our cover story, we ran against brick walls as things that we know to be fact cannot be published because nobody will speak for the record and the people whose job it is to answer questions have either remained barred to us, or are in denial
Letters:
mode, for whatever reasons. While we don’t for a minute believe that our reporting on Van Brunt construction, or the Hamilton Avenue footbridge has or will influence all that much the progress of these jobs, we do believe that the role of a responsible press is to explain what is going on to private citizens, so that the private citizen is better served. If anyone should be scared of losing their job, it should be those whose decisions or inaction end up hurting our local communities, and not the people who have a true story to tell.
(send yours to letters@redhookstar.com)
Responding to Last Month’s Op-Ed on Unions
Dear Editor: Let me say I served four years as Union President while employed by the engineering division at Fort Hamilton Brooklyn, N. Y. just before I retired. Prior to this I was elected to various Executive Board positions in a major construction union (steamfitters) before I went to work for the Government. This for over 45 years. I never picked up any cultural resentment because of benefits enjoyed by the members of any unions. Some jealousy perhaps, and resentment towards those union fat cats who dipped illegally into the union funds, pensions etc... and they did and still do deserve the criticism, many deserve more than just criticism. But I never experienced something I could describe as a culture of resentment. I strongly disagree with any proposals or attempts to retrain the work force to be capable of handling the so called new work opportunities such as computers word processors and general clerical or office work. Someone needs to build those huge buildings. Someone has to build those auto’s and trucks, and man the thousands of other industries that made our country great but now are sadly turning our cities into ghost towns due to plant closing’s. Jobs that have been shipped overseas by greedy and selfish businessmen who put personal profit before people’s welfare. These jobs will never be replaced by retraining a workforce as computer techs. This whole idea is one big joke.... an approach that can only insure the lost jobs are gone forever. My former union, the Steamfitters, has the finest apprenticeship program in the world. A highly intense study and work program. They produced the finest skilled builders one could possibly employ. They graduate after five years with a fantastic knowledge of pipe welding, fitting, math and geometry, and a permit to allow them into any building in the country to perform. How do you retrain these men? after they spent the equivalent time to achieve a masters degree in formal education. It’s shear foolhardy to think this is possible. As to dockworkers losing their jobs or pensions. The largest contingent of dockworkers Red Hook has ever known was the ILA organization. This was
a powerful, strong union who would strike at the drop of a hat. But when automation came creeping up to their door, they decided on a self preservation approach and inked a guarantee of full pay regardless if you worked or not. The only provision they were required to agree to was they could no longer recruit new members. This effectively closed down the legendary Long Shoreman’s Union. Of course no one knows what may have happened if they opted for a contract to stall modernization on a nationwide basis. They still had the power, but lacked the spirit.... Encourage America’s corporations to return these jobs to American soil. To stop putting profit ahead of decency and fair play, and patriotism. It’s not necessary to raise corporate taxes, they’re at peak levels now and serve to discourage new business or expansion. Let’s raise export and import costs to make it extremely difficult, even impossible, to profit from taking such a position in the first place. Bring home American jobs where they belong. A stable corporate tax agenda will be an incentive for those corporations to pack up their companies and get back home where they belong. Our Congress together with our President can do this. Anything else they speak about to create jobs is simply a smokescreen to throw you off track. I do believe it’s time our citizens woke up. and now, the clock is running out... Call your Congressman or Senator, tell them to get on the ball and start talking sense..... This is my solution how to put America back to work once more before it too late........ Respectfully, JjBurkard-History Columnist, Red Hook Star-Revue
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Op-Ed:
Mary Ann Pietanza remembers the old days crossing Hamilton Avenue
I
don’t think Robert Moses, the great mastermind of New York’s roadway system, ever gave much thought to the people he displaced through the years while building his highway dynasty. Nor do I think he ever thought of how splitting neighborhoods by parlaying expressways made navigation for pedestrians a little more complex and dangerously challenging. From what I read about him, it was speculated that he did have some intentions of splitting neighborhoods to create boundaries for undesirable ones and I could only say for a group of us kids on Luquer Steet, he was quite effective at doing just that for Red Hook. Not that he was to be blamed totally, we know that there were other contributing circumstances as well, but for us, the newly defined “Red Hookers,” dubbed suddenly as “the other side of the highway,” stranded and separated from the rest of our old neighborhood and the rest of Brooklyn for that matter, with little mode of public transportation, it was an experience I’m sure he could never have related to ever. In order for us to get from the other side of the highway to the newly prestigious Carroll Gardens, where most of our transportation, shopping and medical visits took place, and since we lived on the cusp of the dividing line, separated by the highway, we were faced with the dilemma of just how to get there safely. We knew our options: go over “the bridge,” around the tunnel, or hike up to Clinton St. and go under the highway If you’re from Red Hook, you’re familiar with those routes. Yet, if you consider these three options, varied as they were, to teens it did pose some street-smart thinking and decision making, most especially if you were a girl.
zing by above and below you; or you arranged for someone to meet you “at the bridge,” meaning on the opposite side so that you can be watched while walking over it. Then, there was one other option if you were starting from 142s at Henry St, of walking up the short ramp and getting a glimpse of the sunken part to make sure no one was hiding there. Anyway you looked at it, if you were a girl, crossing the bridge was an invitation to suicide in one form or another. You had no choice but to strategically plan out your trip across it each time. And yet, somehow, I can’t picture these issues arising during drawing board meetings over cocktails on Long Island. The only purpose of the bridge was it prevented you from getting hit by a car, period. The other two options weren’t a death trap, but they weren’t exactly desirable, either. Walking around the tunnel or under the highway on Clinton Street in the late sixties and early seventies, the near height of its crime, drug ridden status, danger lurked everywhere. The area around the tunnel where factories and industry facilities - some alive, some not presented itself with doorways and streets that were areas of suspicion. And the area of Clinton Street, on the Red Hook side, where you walk under the expressway, wasn’t much more encouraging.
For us, these three options were unnerving and serious enough for us to do what most young people do, bearing mostly immortality, we decided to “cross the highway.” I know it seems equally suicidal, but considering what the lesser of all the evils were, we saw crossing the highway as our only viable solution to our dilemma. The thought process went something along the lines of, “Would I prefer to be held at gun point, knife point, robbed, beaten or worse? Or chance getting run down by a car?” To others, this may seem like insanity working overtime, even in the face of temporary insanity. But we were both fearful and mature enough to know we’d rather die a tragic death than a sick one at the hands of someone who may be evil. We became quite adept at pulling this off despite being flagged by the Triborough Bridge & Tunnel Authority officers and being reprimanded many times. You see, crossing the highway meant the immediate section outside of the toll booths. If you timed it right, you could dash across the highway while most cars were held up at the tolls. Remember there was no E-Z pass then. Once across to the divider, you then assessed the traffic coming in the opposite direction coming toward the tolls. A little trickier, yes, but patience was a virtue, and, again, if you timed it
When I reflect back on the sixties era, and how voiceless we were as a community because of our status of immigration or poverty, and knowing that Brooklyn Heights had successfully influenced Robert Moses to go around Brooklyn Heights as opposed to through it, it saddens me to think the loss Red Hookers endured as a result of progress, with little or no regard to its struggling population.
right, you could cross while the traffic was still reasonably far back. Now, of course, you never did this during rush hour, and you have to realize, too, that there wasn’t nearly the amount of traffic back then that there is now before the opening of the World Trade Center and the building frenzy that eventually went on in lower Manhattan in the later seventies, and there was the absence of HOV and bus lanes. Nor did you have to worry about tag teaming to get across, you could just do it alone. Ironically, we did it as a means of survival. Looking back I realize how brave we were without ever really thinking that it was bravery. I think we had more fear of our parents finding out what we were doing and the real trouble we would have been in if we indeed had been struck, but it was worth the risk to us, something I would dare Mr. Moses’ kids to even dream about no less do. I had the opportunity to re-visit the “bridge” with a friend of mine recently. It is still the same except for some additional safety precautions, like higher fencing and I believe better lighting for the sunken part, but essentially, it’s the same. We walked across with the same trepidations that we did back then, and I noticed that the young girls walking across it seemed as fearless as we were crossing the highway. But it is a different time and a different movement taking place in the neighborhood. I hope the new renovations planned to be completed soon addresses more issues of safety as well as structural repair. When I reflect back on the sixties era, and how voiceless we were as a community because of our status of immigration or poverty, and knowing that Brooklyn Heights had successfully influenced Robert Moses to go around Brooklyn Heights as opposed to through it, it saddens me to think the loss Red Hookers endured as a result of progress, with little or no regard to its struggling population.
Life in the Nabe by Vince Musacchia
Logistically speaking, going over the bridge was the quickest path. But I don’t think Robert Moses thought about the dangers the design of this bridge presented to us as girls, nor the playground it provided for gang members who hashed out their “rumbles” upon it. No point in describing it since we all know what it looks like. The middle of the bridge sinks down where it is covered by the elevated expressway above it, creating a dark and isolated oasis for mischief, trouble and danger. Plainly put, it was sheer lunacy to go over this bridge as a girl and, more importantly, alone. Inevitably, the decision to go over the bridge, then, meant that you had several other choices to consider to guarantee your safety. You either walked over it accompanied by a friend or relative or, better yet, several of them; you surveyed the bridge from whichever side you were on - if you were alone - to make sure there was a group or other people who didn’t resemble trouble walking over it because you didn’t want to risk the chance of being stranded alone up there where any verbal cries for help would be drowned out in the sounds of cars whiz-
October 1-15, 2011
Red Hook Star-Revue Page 9
PS 15 Holds Flea Market To Raise Money to Teach our Children Story and Photos by Elizabeth Graham
Camilo Sanchez, 3, plays the djembe along with children's band Audra Rox.
Dana Watkins, vice president of the PTA at PS 15, helps with the bake sale
Leo Maneca, 5, of Greenwood Heights, left, and Jonathan Delgado, 4, of Red Hook, check out the toys at the Red Hook Fall Flea.
Visitors to the inaugural Red Hook Fall Flea found the schoolyard at PS 15 filled with unique, old, and handmade items, music and a feeling of community between parents, kids and Red Hook residents. Tables overflowing with yard sale treasures donated by parents and residents filled the elementary school’s Van Brunt Street play yard, along with booths featuring the work of local artists. Browsers could pick up things like used kids’ books for a quarter, or spend more on a shirt created by a Red Hook artist. Food stands, which offered homemade shepherd’s pie, soup and baked goods were nearly sold out by early afternoon. Popular Brooklyn children’s band Audra Rox got kids and parents dancing with an energetic performance, and later, kids got a chance to learn Latin-inspired dance moves with a local instructor. PS 15, along with the Red Hook Economic Development Corporation, hosted the event in an effort to raise money for the school.
From left, Red Hook residents Marina Rasina, Carol West and James Rumley sell their wares at the Red Hook Fall Flea.
Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
Browsers found all kinds of treasures at the Red Hook Fall Flea.
Kids tumble and play as Brooklyn children's band Audra Rox performs
October 1 - 15, 2011
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RED HOOK HISTORY BY JJ BURKARD
C
obblestones have been used to pave streets and roadways as far back as history has been recorded. They come in all sizes and shapes, and contrary to many viewpoints, whether it’s round or square, or large or small, or comes from Belgium or some other exotic location like ancient Rome or Egypt, it’s still a cobblestone. That’s right, even to what kind of stone it is made from. Granite, marble, or you name your favorite, if it’s used for paving roads it becomes a cobblestone. The explanation for this is simple, cobble refers to horses hoofs, so the stone paving the horse road for those Roman chariots or old horse driven milk wagons of yesteryear then magically become none other than our famous cobblestone…… At one time I thought there was a difference between a Belgium block and just an old-fashioned cobblestone. I learned this is just not so. Belgium blocks are only cobblestones quarried in Belgium. An ironic related story about Belgium Block, during the construction of the 1964/65 New York World’s Fair, the builders of the Belgium Pavilion did not open their doors until the second year. This due to the inability to obtain enough Belgium block to complete the giant pavilion built like a beautiful old world castle entirely of Cobblestone, which they called Belgium block. They forfeited all those thousands of visitors throughout 1964, when they could have went to the next country over and purchased all they needed from Germany, or even France. Ahhh, there’s nothing like being a per-
Our Village Cobblestones
fectionists is there? On the other hand, think of all the Belgium waffles visitors missed. At one time, Red Hook Point had nothing but cobblestone streets. It also had more than its share of dirt roads. A hard cover book published in 1983 by David W. McCullough (not to be confused with David G McCullough of 1776 fame) with photos by Jim Kallet featured a full-page picture of the beautiful cobblestone pattern at the intersection of Conover and Van Dyke Streets. I believe these stones were actually from Belgium, and more likely is where we Pointers came away with the idea that these were not cobblestones. In an attempt to preserve these gems of yesterday, Red Hook has an existing rule now for all contractors. They must replace the cobblestone whenever a street is excavated for any purpose. Though the rule has been in effect for quite a while, it was not enough to prevent the abuse of some contractors who either did not adhere to the rule, or carelessly and sloppily reset the block causing severe vibration to the surrounding buildings, and making it the bumpiest ride ever experienced this side of India’s Burma Road. One contractor in particular, later served jail time for some kind of contract fraud relating to sewer installations that were instrumental in causing all the problems. But not for replacing the stone in a derelict manner. The residents naturally complained about this, but were told nothing could be done since the city did not have cobblestone maintenance. The offer to phone calls from me.
Remembering Harold Shapiro
This is a story I was hoping not to have to write for a long time. However, my good friend Harold Shapiro, who I met in 2002 when he was only 83 years old, recently passed away in Florida due to about 30 different causes. At least that was the number of drugs he had been taking for much of the last five years, during which time he continued to enjoy nights out at Morton’s Steak House, riding around Publix Supermarket in the electric vehicle they provide for unsteady walkers, and googling around the internet seeking out tidbits about such diverse topics as why Sidney Hook never discussed philosophy with Isaiah Berlin, movies that Dick Powell was in, as well as enjoying daily living with his wife Laura and daily
Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue
He was ever encouraging to me. I enjoy reading books and magazines from the past, and I could discuss Walter Lippman, Arthur Schlesinger and even Moses Hess with him, learning from his vast knowledge and perspective. How many people remember the New Masses magazine - he read it when it was actually published. He attended Yankee games when Ruth and Gehrig were still playing, and til the end of his days still remembered things such as the lineup of the 1930 Philadelphia Athletics. In fact, I used to test him by asking him things like that as I was checking up on the internet, and it was amazing to hear him rattle off names of players that were genuinely obscure and who he had probably not thought about for 50 years.
black top the street was the bribe offered to keep the unsuspecting residents quiet. Other firms abused the rule also, on Van Dyke street, a firm close by took it upon itself to established paved roads for their fork lift trucks that traversed from warehouse to warehouse illegally and thereby destroyed most of the patterned cobblestone artistic layouts. I often wondered if a way existed that could force these unthinking companies to remove their illegal and unwanted blacktop to restore the patterns that existed before their treacherous deeds transpired.
Cobblestones need not be bumpy
replaced to conform with the traffic patterns of the time. For example, Chariots, or horses or people, there was a stone for any purpose. If you go beneath some of these old cathedrals, you will find on view ancient roadways, or sidewalks, or patios, of richly paved stones of every imaginable kind. While the city has no maintenance facilities for cobblestone streets, they do have a fund available to restore these historic beauties to a new like condition. However, like anything else in Red Hook, we’re the last people to know about this…..
Remember, cobblestone need not be a bumpy ride. In Rome and other major old world cities, the stones were often
know someone who used to hang out at the Horn and Hardart at 46th and Sixth Avenue at the same time that the gag writers for the Show of Shows did, including people such as Neil Simon and Mel Brooks. He told me that the cartoonists would get together in the front and the TV writers in the back. What brought them together was
his agent Art Paul, who also sold jokes for some of the TV guys. I could go on and on about Harold, and someday, someplace I will, but let me cut it here by saying that he is survived by his wife Laura, two daughters Susan and Wendy, and grandaughter Chloe. -George Fiala
SHAPIRO’S CORNER
Harold was always interested in what I was doing, and most supportive in most of my doings. He was excited when I began this newspaper, and it was and will be my pleasure to reprint his cartoons in these pages. He studied art at the Art Students League and the National Academy, and he was taught by and served as assistant to some of the great New York abstract expressionists. While he ended his working career as an art teacher in NYC public high schools, the bulk of his professional career was spent grinding out cartoons for all manners of magazines, trade publications and journals. It was fascinating for me to actually
October 1 - 15, 2011
My Great Grandfather Was a Whig in Red Hook by Robert Geelan
A
short History lesson: What is a “Whig”? The “Whigs” were a political party formed as a reaction to a strong Democratic President. They preceeded the Republican Party and eventually were absorbed into the Republican Party.. Sounds something like the “Tea Party” of today.
Benjamin was not content to remain a blacksmith. He established a livery business on Sullivan Street. The name of his business was Hambletonian Livery and Carriages. The Hambletonian part refers to the famous trotting race horse of the same name. The implication being that you could get fast service from his establishment
In the Brooklyn Daily Eagle of Thursday, October 12, 1854 the following appeared: “Whigs held primary meetings last night. The following tickets were elected....Twelfth Ward... B. Correll.
Benjamin and Mary were strong supporters of the Episcopal Church. Before Christ Episcopal Church moved to Bay Ridge, they established Christ Chapel in Red Hook. Benjamin became the first Treasurer of this Chapel and Mary was a strong supporter of it and upon her death the Church presented a certificate of appreciation which is hereby shown. Also depicted is Benjamin proudly sitting on his newly acquired hearse.
This refers to my Great Grandfather Benjamin Correll who came to Red Hook in 1841 with his new bride Mary Steadman. He was not much of a politician and the race was won by a Democrat. As far as I know , he never ran again.
The author’s great grandfather established this livery business on Sullivan Street after he emigrated to Red Hook from Ireland.
Way Back When
He and Mary arrived from Ireland where Benjamin had been the Blacksmith on the estate and Mary the daughter of the estate owner. They both were 27 years old and had eloped to the New World. The 826 ton passenger ship “New York” docked in New York City on July 15, 1841. The Corrells were among the many steerage passengers who disembarked that day. They had come from County Wexford in Ireland, crossed the English Channel to Liverpool and sailed to America. After their arrival, my Grandmother, Eliza Correll was born. The family moved to Sullivan Street in Red Hook
Back when Columbia Street was the absolute it!
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Screwball Spaces - An unlikely place for a beehive of artist activity photos and story by Elizabeth Graham
T
he huge white, red and green building on Lorraine Street blends right in with its industrial surroundings. Occupied mainly by a self-storage business, there’s just a small sign over one doorway and a few colorful objects visible in upper floor windows hinting at the creative environment within.
to take on more responsibilities in the space, and he used that experience to operate Screwball Studios in Gowanus for about five years.
The workspace is occupied by a mix of mostly South Brooklyn artists, some part-time, some full-time, and others fresh out of school. They use the studios for painting, drawing, jewelry making, installation, woodworking, video and photography.
on Lorraine Street into private and shared studios, with a ceramics area, gallery and rooftop garden. The maze of 99 studios lining the hallways filled quickly, accommodating 170 artists, with another 17 people working out of the ceramics area.
Sweet Lorraine Gallery, tucked amidst the halls of studios, hosts monthly openings, many of which resident artists participate in.
Ceramic artist Nathan Gwirtz of Greenwood Heights set up shop in the expansive clay-working area two years ago. He makes vessels and useful objects, carving the surfaces using a technique called sgrifitto, then applying layers of colored glazes.
Marks quickly became immersed in the creative renaissance that the area was experiencing. He moved to Park Slope, spent several years organizing the Gowanus open studios tour, and evenBut inside, the revamped warehouse is tually gathered a list of artists in need of home to a hive of artistic activity. More affordable studios. than 100 artists work from studios at His search for space led to Red Hook, Screwball Spaces, which fills the third and in 2008, Marks, 41, began convertfloor of the huge former paint factory. ing the third floor of the warehouse
“We’ve pretty much got everything,” said owner Joshua Marks, whose love of Daffy Duck’s escapades in old cartoons led to the name Screwball Spaces.
Gwirtz, 39, said he’s come to appreciate the space for more than just a place to The Buffalo native and sculptor was introduced to the fledgling Gowanus art create. “There’s a really nice commuscene in 2000, when he began working nity here,” he said. in his first studio there. His landlord’s A series of images south Park Slope frequent absence gave him the chance artist Henry Chung produced from old computer punch tape and found photographs was featured in August at Sweet Lorraine Gallery. The show was just steps away from the light-filled studio he shares with his partner, Robert Walden, who creates cartographic drawings.
Treasure Island Storage on Lorraine Street is home to almost 200 artists
Nathan Gwirtz of Greenwood Heights working in the ceramics area.
Chung, 42, said the activity at Screwball Spaces reflects the influx of creative types to South Brooklyn. “I think it’s attracted a number of new artists, there’s an energy from the people who are here now,” he said. Soon, artists plan to hang work on the walls outside the gallery for a holiday show and sale. Sweet Lorraine Gallery is open by appointment. Call xxxxxx or visit xxxx to find out more.
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Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
October 1 - 15, 2011
Music:
Littlefields Hosts an Indie Music Festival
Photos by Eliot Wagner www.nowiveheardeverything.
(editors note - the following is cribbed from a preview of the festival as reported in Calhoun’s Review (www.calhounreview. com). The photos on the right were taken at the event itself by Eliot Wagner, who also wrote the captions. By the way, we are looking for music writers because next time we’d like to tell you how the event was. So if that’s you give us a holler. The first ever Brooklyn Indie Music Festival took place last month. Bennet Miller, the founder of the newborn event, says the reason for holding the festival is to “celebrate and showcase the community of vast (musical) talent.” Over 60 of the best independent, New York based musicians will be featured at the Brooklyn Indie Music Festival. It will benefit the independent musicians who don’t completely fit into the “mainstream” category in the world of music marketing that larger record label companies are looking for. If you would like to help you can volunteer at the event.
At the front entrance/courtyard of Littlefield, a Festival goer gets wristbanded
“The Brooklyn Indie Music Festival is the first ever music festival entirely dedicated the independent musicians of the New York area,” said Mr. Miller. Indie artists are independent from the major commercial record labels. The larger record labels, such as Epic and Columbia Records are looking for what will appeal to the marketable mainstream pop culture of music. Therefore, “...the independent artist typically looks almost entirely to social networking sites (such as Facebook) and online presence as their only path towards success,” explains Mr. Miller. While this has helped promote many singers it has also “...de-personalized the connections that can exist between musicians in the community and their fans. Brooklyn Indie Fest seeks to create an atmosphere where these essential connections can flourish again,” says the organizers, Mr. Miller and Ms. Julia Haltigan. Aside from the weekend, there will also be discussion panels and clinics. There will also be listening parties, live shows, and fundraisers leading up to the weekend. The festival has also reached out to many local business to be part of the festivities. There are many ways to help for the event. The greatest way is to join their ‘street team’ and get people to go. “Promoters, graphic and web designers, music producers and engineers, photographers, videographers, local businesses, sponsors, bloggers, journalists, and other local publications will all be approached to participate and attend.”
October 1-15, 2011
Freddie Stevenson and his big band, The Midnight Crisis, combine rock, English music hall and whatever other genre they can get their hands on into a rousing show
James Maddock takes folk-rock and turns it into an anthemic experience
Chris Q. Murphy brings the country off the stage right into the middle of the Music Fest
Red Hook Star-Revue Page 15
Dining: Vinegar Hill House If you can stand a potentially 2-hour long wait for a table, if you can deal with the chaos of a small, loud room, if you can make it past those and get to the food, then you might just find that the Vinegar Hill House is the one of the best examples of a seasonal, organic, farm-to-table New American restaurant that I know of in all of New York City. Period.
The Vinegar Hill House is worth the sometime two hour wait by Erik Penney
$10-$12, but I recommend asking for cocktail guidance from one of the bartenders. In a restaurant like this nearly as much thought is put into the bar as the kitchen, and cocktails are made with a kind of expertise, care and fresh ingredients that you don’t often see. I saw fresh fruit juices, fresh ginger, simple syrup, honey, juniper berries, all used to craft things both creative and delicious. Simultaneously simple and sophisticated, the bar menu is a welcome revelation, and you hunker down to wait for your name to be called, and enjoy the company you’re with.
The first thing you’ll notice as you meander along empty streets you’ve never been down in the Vinegar Hill neighborhood of Brooklyn is the utter lack of The room is also loud, full of a mostly anything. There’s simply nothing here young, hip crowd leaning in towards except warehouses and factories and each other to get a word in edgewise you find yourself double-checking the over the Led Zeppelin blaring through address you clipped from the internet just to make sure you didn’t copy some- the speakers. Everyone has that look. The kind of look where you think they thing down wrong. Surely there can’t might in a band, or be somebody fabe a restaurant here, and certainly not mous but with that in-between-projects one that’s any good or that people actually go to. But there is a restaurant here, and it is certainly very good It should be too much kitsch, (and many, many people go). More often than not, however, the hopeful but it’s somehow not, and it optimism that I felt after reaching my destination was met with the crushseems no one is paying ating reality that this is a small and very popular restaurant that doesn’t take tention to the décor anyway, reservations for dinner. On one Satbut rather the delicious food urday night visit the hostess informed us that the wait for a table for 6 would in front of them. be 1 ½ to 2 hours. Another visit had myself and a dining companion wait for nearly an hour at a very slim bar-area for our table. On a third visit, however, 2 weeks worth of beard scruff kind of look. You see lots of hipster guys and I was seated almost immediately, so girls in flannel shirts and skinny jeans there might be an element of chance and nerdy plastic eyeglasses and tattoos involved, but you should be prepared and things pierced. There’s a kind of a hang out for a while, especially if you rustic neo-farmhouse look to the décor. go during prime-time. Exposed wooden beams, country knickThere is, however, no better way to knacks decorate the walls, gingham deal with the frustration of having to curtains. It should be too much kitsch, wait so long for a table than to have but it’s somehow not, and it seems no one of the very skillful barkeeps fix one is paying attention to the décor you a drink, one of their interesting anyway, but rather the delicious food and rotating list of signature cocktails in front of them. And then you’re made with carefully chosen boutique finally tapped on the shoulder and your liquors and mixers. A focused set of table is ready and you can’t wait to be white, red, rose and sparkling wines a part of this, and you wonder whether are also offered by the glass for around the food can be worth the wait and the
This is what it looks like across the street from the Vinegar Hill House, which is located in an unlikely beautiful block in this section of Brooklyn just to the north of Dumbo
Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue
Peeking through the front window of the Vinegar Hill House (we couldn’t get in to take a better shot because unlike the restaurant which takes no reservations to eat, to take a photo one needs to make a reservation with their PR firm). Photos by George Fiala
noise. I will tell you it is totally and truly worth the wait. Food presentations mimic the room. Simple, not overwrought. Ingredients of exceptional quality and provenance are presented in a clean, unaffected way. The appetizers are all excellent. A ramekin of smooth chicken liver mousse is deliciously gamey, dusted with crushed pistachios and served alongside caramelized onions to be spread on toasty bread. Pork belly confit is chunked atop a grilled corn masa flatbread with greens, sour cream and pumpkin seeds in a sort of New American quesadilla. An oozing, stuffed, roasted heirloom tomato was a special one night and was charred nicely in the restaurant’s signature open-hearth oven that you can see from your table. All of these are delicious and utterly uncomplicated and should be ordered for the table to share by everyone, lest anyone at your table be deprived of the individual pleasure of any one of them.
paired with stewed lentils and nectarines. An extra side dish of sweet corn was dressed with lime and dusted with parmagianno reggiano, reminiscent of the classic Mexican preparation of corn on the cob (elote) with butter, mayonnaise, lime and fresh cojita cheese. A ever-changing list of artisanal cheeses makes for a satisfying dessert course, and are served with homemade crackers, sliced fruits and nuts. Guinness Chocolate Cake resembles the legendary stout in appearance, if not exactly taste, with the cake’s dark chocolate topped with sweet, white cream cheese frosting. Nectarine crisp came to us warm, served traditionally with a scoop of melting vanilla ice cream alongside, their version of peach cobbler.
At this point, the wait for a table has been forgotten, and you don’t seem to mind raising your voice to repeatedly inform your group how good everything was. You feel full and content, and a deep sense of accomplishment. You ran the gauntlet successfully, you The pork chop, sourced from the made it past the two-hour wait, the exceptionally lean Red Wattle hog, is certainly the best among a short list of noise, the crowd, you snaked your way to the restroom without knocking over terrific entrees. Properly cooked to a pinkish medium, it is served sliced atop anyone’s drinks. The table service, which has been exceptionally good all a cheesy, buttery mound of grits. The evening, reaches new, thankful heights pork is tender and flavorful like none as your server offers to call you a car I have ever tasted before. The texture service to shuttle you back home, an is remarkable, almost in the butoffer you gratefully accept. tery way that things cooked sous vide style are. You realize immediately the Vinegar Hill House reason why the pork chop has brought 72 Hudson Avenue (5 blocks from the this small restaurant some degree of York Street F subway station) renown. It is quite magnificent, really, Recommended dishes: Cocktails, pork and might be the best example of its belly confit, chicken liver mousse, kind in the City. Half of a roasted country pork chop, cast iron chicken, chicken arrives at the table in its own sweet corn with lime, nectarine crisp. cast-iron skillet, and is nearly the pork Follow me on Twitter: @erikpenney chop’s equal. It’s incredibly juicy, with toothy, crispy skin and a jus that pools in the bottom and bathes a seasonal set of roasted vegetables. St. Louis style ribs have been braised and slicked with a sweet barbeque sauce, and smartly
October 1 - 15, 2011
Star-Revue Restaurant Guide RED HOOK
BAKED 359 Van Brunt St., (718) 2220345. Bakery serving cupcakes, cakes, coffee, pastries, lunch items. Free wi-fi. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. THE BROOKLYN ICE HOUSE 318 Van Brunt St., (718) 222-1865. Burgers, barbecue and pulled pork sandwiches. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. DEFONTE’S SANDWICH SHOP 379 Columbia St., (718) 855-6982. Variety of large sandwiches, including roast beef and potato and egg. Open for breakfast and lunch Mon-Sat. Cash only. DIEGO’S RESTAURANT 116 Sullivan St., (718) 625-1616. Mexican and Latin American cuisine. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. AE, DS, MC, V. F&M BAGELS 383 Van Brunt St., (718) 855-2623. Bagels, sandwiches, wraps, chicken salad, breakfast plates, burgers, hot entrees and more. Open for breakfast and lunch daily 5 am-5 pm. AE, DS, MC, V. Delivery available. FORT DEFIANCE 365 Van Brunt St., (347) 453-6672. Brunch, sandwiches and small plates. Open for breakfast Tue; breakfast, lunch and dinner Mon, Wed-Sun. THE GOOD FORK 391 Van Brunt St., (718) 643-6636. Fare from Chef Sohui Kim in an unpretentious atmosphere; menu varies seasonally and can include pork dumplings, roast chicken, homemade gnocchi and steak and eggs Korean style. Open for dinner Tue-Sun. AE, MC, V. HOME/MADE 293 Van Brunt St., (347) 223-4135. Seasonal, local and rustic/elegant cuisine, with an extensive wine list of 40 selections by the glass, and local brew and Kombucha on tap. Coffee and pastry Mon-Fri 7 am-2 pm, dinner Wed-Fri 5 pm to 11 pm, brunch Sat & Sun 10 am-4pm, dinner 4-11 pm. HOPE & ANCHOR 347 Van Brunt St., (718) 237-0276. Large menu that includes burgers, entrees and all-day breakfast. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Fri; breakfast, lunch and dinner Sat-Sun. AE, DS, MC, IKEA One Beard St., (718) 246-4532. Swedish meatballs, pasta, wraps and sandwiches; breakfast items include eggs and cinnamon buns. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. AE, DS, MV, V. KEVIN’S 277 Van Brunt St., (718) 5968335. Seafood, seasonal and local fare. Open for dinner Thu-Sat, brunch Sat-Sun. AE, MC, V. MARK’S PIZZA 326 Van Brunt St., (718) 624-0690. Open for lunch and dinner daily. AE, MC, V. Delivery available. RED HOOK CAFÉ & GRILL 228 Van Brunt St. (718) 643-0166 or (718) 6430199. Bagels, pancakes, omelettes, wraps,
salads, hot sandwiches, burgers and daily specials. Open for breakfast and lunch daily, Mon-Fri 5 am-5 pm, Sat-Sun 6 am-4 pm. Cash only. Delivery available. RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND 284 Van Brunt St., (646) 326-7650. Maine lobster rolls, Connecticut rolls and whoopie pies. Open for lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. ROCKY SULLIVAN’S 34 Van Dyke St., (718) 246-8050. Irish pub with brick-oven pizza, sandwiches; lobster feasts Fri 6-9 pm, Sat 5-8 pm. Open for lunch and dinner daily. AE, DS, MC, V.
COLUMBIA WATERFRONT DISTRICT
ALMA 187 Columbia St., (718) 643-5400. Modern Mexican fare. Open for dinner Mon-Fri, brunch and dinner Sat-Sun. AE, DS, MC, V. BOTANICA 220 Conover St (at Coffey St), (347) 225-0147. Fine Cocktails, Specialty Liquors & Cacao Prieto Chocolate. Open Tue-Sun 5pm-12am, Fri 5 pm-3am, Sat 2pm-3am, Sun 2pm -12am. In-house Distilled Cacao Rum Tastings. Tue: Poker night, Wed-Fri: Board game nights. Sat-Sun: Afternoon cocktails. Cash only. Free Wi-Fi. Available for private events. CALEXICO CARNE ASADA 122 Union St., (718) 488-8226. Tex-Mex burritos, tacos, quesadillas and more. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. Delivery available. CASA DI CAMPAGNA 117 Columbia Street (718) 237-4300. If you think that you’ve enjoyed all the best pizza in the world, try this new restaurant on the corner of Kane Street. Reasonably priced CASELNOVA 214 Columbia St., (718) 522-7500. Traditional Northern and Southern Italian dishes, brick-oven pizza, pasta, lunch panini. Open for lunch and dinner Tue-Sun. Delivery available. AE, DS, MC, V. FERNANDO’S FOCACCERIA RESTAURANT 151 Union St., (718) 8551545. Southern Italian fare, including pasta and panelle. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. Cash only. HOUSE OF PIZZA & CALZONES 132 Union St., (718) 624-9107. Pizza, calzones and sandwiches. Open for lunch and dinner daily. Cash only. Delivery available. JAKE’S BAR-B-QUE RESTAURANT 189 Columbia St., (718) 522-4531. Kansas City-style barbecue. KOTOBUKI BISTRO 192 Columbia St., (718) 246-7980. Japanese and Thai cuisine, including sushi, teriyaki, pad Thai and special maki named after area streets. Open for lunch Mon-Sat, dinner 7 days.
LILLA CAFE 126 Union St., (718) 8555700. Seasonal fare, hormone and antibiotic-free meats, bread baked on premises and homemade pasta from Chef Erling Berner. BYOB. Open for dinner Tue-Sun, lunch Thu-Fri, brunch Sat-Sun. MC, V.
Mon-Thurs 10 a.m-12 a.m , Fri 10a.m1a.m, Sat 8 a.m-1 a.m Sun 8 a.m- 12 a.m , Visa Mastercard, AE
MAZZAT 208 Columbia St., (718) 8521652. Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare, including falafel sandwiches, kibbe, bronzini, lamb shank, baklava and small plates. Open for lunch and dinner daily. PETITE CREVETTE 144 Union St., (718) 855-2632. Seafood, including corn-and-crab chowder, salmon burgers and cioppino, from Chef Neil Ganic. BYOB. Open for lunch and dinner Tue-Sat. Cash only.
MEZCALS Restaurant, 522 Court Street, 718-783-3276 Mexican,Tequila Bar, 11a.m11p.m daily, All Major Cards
TEEDA THAI CUISINE 218 Columbia St., (718) 643-2737. Thai dishes include papaya salad, dumplings and massamun curry. Open for lunch and dinner Mon-Sat, dinner Sun. MC, V. Delivery available.
Carroll Gardens
MARCO POLO RISTORANTE, 345 Court Street, 718 852-5015, Italian, Sunday 1:00 pm - 10:30 pm, Monday CLOSED,Tues, Wed, Thurs 11:30 am - 11:00 pm,Friday 11:30 am - Midnight,Saturday 1:00pm Midnight, All Major Cards CASA ROSA, 384 Court Street, 718-7971907, Italian noon -10:30 p.m daily, All cards
VINO Y TAPAS, 520 Court street, 718407-0047, Spanish Tapas, 5 p.m-11 p.m daily, AE, palocortadobk.com
FIVE GUYS, 266 Court street, 347-7992902, American, 11-10 a.m - p.m daily, All cards BUDDY’S BURRITO & TACO BAR, 260 Court street, 718-488-8695, Mexican, 11:30 a.m- 11 p.m, Visa, Mastercard GHANG, 229 Court Street, 718-875-1369, Thai, Sun-Thurs 11:30 a.m, 11:30 p.m, Visa Mastercard DOWNTOWN BAR & GRILL, 160 Court street, 718-625-2835, American, Mon-Sun 12p.m-2 a.m, All Major, Cards, downtownbarandgrill.com GOWANUS YACHT CLUB, 323 Smith Street, New York - (718) 246-132, Beer, pierogies, hot dogs and more. CODY’S ALE HOUSE GRILL, 154 Court Street, 718-852,6115, International Cuisine, 8a.m-10p.m daily, All Major Credit Cards
VINZEE’S, 412 Court Street, 718 855 1401, American , All Major Cards
NATURES GRILL, 138 Court street, 718852,5100, Gourmet Health food, Mon-Fri 10a.m-11 p.m, Sat 9 a.m, Sun 9 a.m- 9 p.m, All Major Cards, naturesgrillcafe.com
ABILENE, 442 Court Street, 718-5226900, American-bar-Mexican, 11 a.m - 4 a.m daily
PALMYRA, 316 Court street, 718-7971110, Mediterranean, 11a.m- 11 p.m daily, Visa Mastercard
NINE-D, 462 Court Street, 718-488-8998, Thai, Lunch Tue - Sun: 12 pm - 3pm Dinner Mon-Fri: 5pm - 11pm Sat-Sun: 3pm - 11pm, Visa MC
LING LING YOUNG, 508 Henry Street, 260-9095, Chinese, eat in or take out. All cards.
PRIME MEATS, 465 Court Street, 718254-0327 or 0345, German, American,
FRANKIES 457, 457 Court Street, Italian, 718 403-0033, cash
Caselnova -the neighborhood trattoriaNEW GlutEN FrEE MENu This Menu contains items that are traditionally not Gluten Free. Items on our regular menu may be gluten free options as well.
AntiPASti
Primi
Baked Clams Oregenata .......10.50 Fried Calamari .....................13.50 Zucchini Sticks ....................10.00
SecOndi
Penne a la vodka .................16 Penne Filetto di pomodoro ....16 Spaghetti Aglio e Olio ...........15 Penne Broccoli Rabe, Sausage, Kalamata Olive ......17 Spaghetti Bolognese ............18 Homemade Manicotti ..........18 (gluten free flour)
Parmigiana ......................18.00 ($20 for veal)
(Chicken, Veal, Eggplant) Side of Gluten Free Spaghetti or Sauteed Vegetable
Chicken Scarpa – Chicken on the bone, Sausage, Red Pepper, Potato ........23 Pesce – St. Peter’s Fish Oregenata with Lemon Sauce ............20 *Please note CASELNOVA is not a Gluten Free Kitchen. We do take care to prepare these dishes separately from our regular menu. Cross contamination, although unlikely, may occur.
Hours: Noon to 10:30 pm Tues. to Thurs. Noon to 11pm Friday. 4pm to 11pm Saturday & 4pm to 10:30pm Sunday.
October 1-15, 2011
Free Delivery/ Take Out
215 Columbia Street
We Also have a NEW LUNCH MENU Come’n get some!!! caselnova.com
(718) 522-7500
Red Hook Star-Revue Page 17
STAR-REVUE CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED
Freelance Writers: The Red Hook Star-Revue is looking for freelance writers for both the arts and news sections. We want to buttress our news as well as local theater and arts coverage. Email George@ redhookstar.com Fundraiser: Local artist/musician has an idea for a great documentary about the Carroll Gardens music scene of the 1970’s and what has become of it, culminating in a live concert. Looking to have this project funded as a non-profit venture and we think that some foundations out there might be interested. One year timeline. If you think you could be part of this as a professional fundraiser, please email George@ redhookstar.com
Neighborhood Services Movers
COOL HAND MOVERS Friendly local guys that can relocate your life, or just shlep your new couch from Ikea. We’ll show up on time, in a truck or van if necessary, and basically kick ass -- you might even have a good time! Call for a free estimate at (917) 584-0334 or email at coolhandmovers@gmail.com Customer reviews on YELP.COM
STAR-REVUE ADS WORK call 718 624-5568 to place yours
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Flooring/Carpets
Union Street Carpet & Linoleum - sales and service, commercial and residential. Expert carpet installation. Eric 347-356-0545
No job too big or too small
Toilets, Boilers, Heating, Faucets, Hot Water Heaters, Pool Heaters.
Photo Digitizing
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Need your old family photos scanned, re-touched and archived? Want your VHS tapes and home movies transferred to DVD? Would you like to digitize all your music CDs so you can get rid of the old discs? I’m a local mom with editing and archiving expertise and I’m available to HELP YOU! Sheilasavage75@gmail.com 646-591-5620. Real Estate Classified ads are $8 per listing per month. Neighborhood Services are $10 per month or $100 the year. Display classifieds are also available. Call Matt for details, 718 6245568. You may email your ads, or drop them in the mail. Ads@RedHookStar.com; 101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 All other line ads are $5 per listing per month.
507 Court Street 718 625-1396
Licensed Electrical Contractors Commercial • Residential • Industrial Free Estimates
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ANNOUNCING THE RED HOOK STAR-REVUE WEBSITE!
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Where you can subscribe, place a classifed ad, submit a press release, get advertising information, write a letter to the editor and view all our back issues!
www.prudentialelliman.com
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189 Court Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201 Office: 718 935-6152 Cell. 718 710-1844
R & R REALTY R&R REALTY – THE BROOKLYN ADVANTAGE
When looking for Brooklyn commercial or residential real estate, you need expert advice. Brooklyn has become New York’s art hub – home to musicians, artists and a host of emerging galleries. R&R has over 25 years specialized experience in the ever-growing and exciting landscape of Brooklyn. Whether you are seeking the best fit to house your business or looking to live in the next New York hotspot, R&R Realty is there with the answers you need. R&R can also handle all of your building management needs. Property Management of Commercial/Residential Rentals Music/Art Studio Spaces
386 Third Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11215 Phone: (718) 858-5555 Fax: (718) 858-5838 Website: www.2rrealty.com
Page 18 Red Hook Star-Revue
STAR-REVUE ADS WORK
call 718 624-5568 to place yours October 1 - 15, 2011
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Based in Brooklyn Red Hook Star-Revue Page 19
Things To Do Oct 1 - 15 If you have an event you would like listed in the Red Hook Star-Revue calendar, please email redhookstarcalendar@gmail.com.
CLASSES/WORKSHOPS
Brooklyn General—128 Union St., (718) 237-7753, brooklyngeneral.com. Beginning/Project Knitting (beginning level) Session C, Mondays October 10, 17, 24, 2011 at 7-9pm, $130, EZ Design Your Own Yolk Sweater, Wednesdays October 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2011 at 10am-12 pm with Lauren, $160, Chain Stitch Sampler, Wednesday October 5th, 2011 at 9:30am-12:30 pm with Rebecca, $75, Embroidery 3D, Sundays October 9, 16, 2011 at 10am-12 pm with Joetta, $100, Teeny Tiny Toy Knits with Anna, Sunday October 2nd, 2011 @ 2-4 pm, $50, Fashion Class for Teens, Mondays October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31 at 4:30-6:30 with Jamie, $200, Needle Felting for Teens-Session A, Thursdays, October 6, 13 and 20, 2011 at 4:40-6:30 pm with Nguyen, $130. Yoga with Anna Mumford---www.annamumford. com. Saturdays 10-11:15am at the Dance Theater Etc space above Fairway, $10 suggested donation. Wednesdays 10-11am at the Red Hook Rec Center, free.
COMEDY
Littlefield—622 Degraw St., littlefieldnyc.com. Hot Tub with Kurt and Kristen, Emily Heller, Musical Guest Eden & John’s East River String Band, SECRET GUEST, 10/3 at 8pm, $5, Twain in the Membrane: A comedy party, Michael Kupperman, Jon Glaser, Kate Beaton, David Rees, Dyna Moe, Max Silvestri, Emily Flake, 10/4 at 8pm, $5-8, Hot tub with Kristen, Emily Maya Mills, Sean Crespo, house band Adira Amram and The Experience, 10/10 at 8pm, $5-8, The Rejection Show, 10/12 at 8pm, $5-8. Union Hall---702 Union Street, unionhallny.com. Pretty Good Friends, A weekly comedy show hosted by Eugene Mirman and friends. 10/2 at 7:30pm, $7, Pretty Good Friends, 10/9 at 7:30pm, $7, Cheap Date Comedy Show, 10/11 at 7:30pm, $5, The Interview Show, 10/13 at 7:30pm, $8.
EXHIBITIONS
Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition—499 Van Brunt St., (718) 596-2506, bwac.org. Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition’s Fall Group Art Show, Tales of Breukelen. 1200 new works of affordable art in all media will be exhibited in this narrative show, including a special 9/11 commemoration, iconic scenes of Brooklyn by the Brooklyn Watercolor Society and the work of three featured artists -photographer Richard Capuozzo, printmaker Richard Lubell and wood sculptor Zane Treimanis. Special events every day including the Fifth Annual Red Hook International Film Festival Oct 15/16. On view until 8/16. Free. Everbrite Mercantile Co.—351 Van Brunt St., (718) 522-6121, ebmerc.com. Not Out of the Woods Yet, on view through 10/2. Invisible Dog---51 Bergen Street, theinvisibledog. org. 2Fik or not 2Fik. “As an artistic director, director, photographer and model, 2Fik captures pictures of himself that he likens to a single image. He can therefore be found several times in his photographs, in various attitudes and sporting a range of accessories. Through his toying with reality and fiction the viewer becomes confused. 2Fik’s recurrent characters end up embodying real individuals to whom the artist gives a complete identity: personality, age, sex, origin, occupation and interests. These figures are related to each other and arise from the universe and life experiences of the artist. ” On view from until 10/9. Kentler International Drawing Space—353 Van Brunt St. (718) 875-2098, kentlergallery.org. Lezli Rubin-Kunda and Ellen Moffat, “Marking Space: a collaborative drawing, performance and sound project”. Two visiting international artists will be working on-site in the gallery space from September 6 to the 16th. They will be responding to Red Hook surroundings through mark-making and sound. Open free to the public: Thursday through Sunday, 12 -5pm, on view through 10/23. Look North Inuit Art Gallery—275 Conover Street, Suite 4E, (347) 721-3995, looknorthny.com. Polar Light: Greenland. The Greenland photography of Rena Bass Forman and the Greenland drawings of Zaria Forman. A climate change awareness exhibition held in conjunction with Al Gore’s ‘The Climate Project’. Gallery Small New York---416 Van Brunt, smallnewyork.com. The Aquatints of Richard Lubell. On view until 10/22.
FOOD/DRINK
Botta di Vino—357 Van Brunt St., (347) 689-3664. Friday night candle light blind tasting. “Discuss what you smell, taste and feel with your own palate. a group forum for wanna be wine geeks” Admission requires one purchase. Botanica—220 Conover St (at Coffey St), 347-2250147. Fine cocktails, specialty liquors & Cacao Prieto Chocolate. Tue: Film screenings, Wed: Board game night, Thu: Poker night, Sat-Sun: Afternoon cocktails.
Page 20 Red Hook Star-Revue
Lilla Cafe 126 Union St., (718) 855-5700 Sundays in September and beyond...Jazz Brunch featuring local Brooklyn musicians...11.30-2.00. October 2,9 & 16th dinner theatre in the garden “something wicked” featuring works from Poe, Shakespeare, & Lovecraft. 37.50 per person includes 3 course dinner and the show. Wednesday and Thursday special pumpkin tasting menu. October 30 pumpkin carving party in the garden $12.00 per carver. Call ahead to register.
Flea Market
Park Slope Flea Market---Between 1st & 2nd street on 7th avenue, Brooklyn. “An urban adventure exploring diverse people’s crafts and collectibles, fabrics and fashions, notes and notables, all at bargain prices” Every Saturday and Sunday.
MUSEUM
Micro Museum—123 Smith Street, micromuseum. com. Above and Beyond, a three-year retrospective of the art of William and Kathleen Laziza, every Saturday from 12-7pm, refreshments from 5-7pm, $2 per person. Micro Museum is celebrating 25 years at 123 Smith Street by hosting an open mic party on October 1st from 4-8pm. Come to rant or rave on the museum’s new soapbox stage. Recorded for Micro Museum’s new YouTube Channel. Sign up (718) 797-3116 or executive@micromuseum.com. Admission $10 with 2 free drinks.
MUSIC
Hope & Anchor—347 Van Brunt St., (718) 2370276. Karaoke, Thursdays through Saturdays from 9 pm-1 am. Bargemusic—Fulton Ferry Landing, 2 Old Fulton St., (718) 624-2083, bargemusic.org. Masterworks series, Complete Beethoven Violin and Piano Sonatas, Part I, 10/1 at 8pm, Masterworks Series, performances of Mozart, Janacek, Brahams, 10/2 at 3pm, Here and Now series with Cornelius Dufallo, 10/5 at 8pm, Masterworks Series, performances of Joaquin Turina, Manuel de Falla, Maurice Ravel, 10/6 at 8pm, Here and Now series with the Electrum Duo, Masterworks series with Olga Vinokur, piano, 10/13 at 8pm, Masterworks Series, with performances by Bach, Franck, Janacek, Brahams, 10/14 at 8pm, Masterworks series, with vivaldi, Mendelssohn, Beethoven, 10/15 at 8pm and 10/16 at 3pm. All concerts $35 ($30 senior, $15 student).
‘The Aquatints of Richard Lubell’ on display at Gallery Small, NY, 416 Van Brunt Street Bear Ceuse, 10/7 at 8pm, $8, Kleenex Girl Wonder at 8pm, $8, Karaoke Killed the Cat, 10/14 at MidOverlord, Royal American, 10/8 at 8pm, $8, Chris night, Free. Buckridge and the Last Friend, The Nu-Sonics, Little, Big, 10/10 at 8pm, $8. Union Hall---702 Union Street, unionhallny.com. The Vibrators, Born Loose, The Bloody Muffs, 10/1 at 9pm, $13 adv $15 adv, The times. The Rudie Crew, The Big Takeover, 10/6 at 7:30pm, $8, Karaoke Killed the Cat, 10/7 at Midnight, free, Big Tree, Bird Alert, In One Wind, 10/8 at 8pm, $8, Deleon, Rana Santacruz plus special guests, 10/12 at 8pm, $8, Party Lights, The Insomniacs, Crazy Pills, 10/14
READING & LITERARY EVENTS
Rocky Sullivan’s—34 Van Dyke St., (718) 2468050. Last Wednesday Reading Series and Open Mic, a showcase for published writers and a peer review event for new and upcoming writers, with Lisa McLaughlin, 10/26 at 7 pm. FREE.
Bait & Tackle—320 Van Brunt St., (718) 797-4892, redhookbaitandtackle.com. White Zinfandel from VT 10/1 at 9pm, Smitty on Steel, 105 at 8pm, Matt and Max, 10/9 at 4pm, Bryan and the Haggards, 10/9 at 9pm, Rolie Polie Guacamole for the kids, 10/15 at 1:30pm, Natalie York, 10/15 at 9pm, Joe cantor, 10/16 at 9pm, Pete Bush and the Hoi Ploi, 10/20 at 9pm, Great American Canyon, 10/21, One High Five, 10/22, Ben Seretan and Cal Folger day, 10/23. The Bell House—149 7th St., (718) 643-6510, thebellhouseny.com. Big Deeper presents: Stranger Cole & Patsy backed by Crazy Ballhead, 10/1 at 8pm, $20 adv. $25 dos, Shellac, Helen Money, 10/4 at 8pm, $17 adv. $19 dos., Octoburlesk, 10/5 at 7:30pm, $10, Floodwood, 10/6 at 8pm, $15, Party like it’s 1999: October late night edition, 10/7 at 11pm, free, The Mekons, Chris Mills, 10/7 at 8pm, $18 adv. $20 dos., O’Death, The Woes, Lady Lamb the Beekeeper, 10/8 at 8pm, $10 adv $12 dos., Crooked Still, The Calamity Janes, 10/12 at 8pm, $16, Those Darlins, The Beets, Brothers, 10/14 at 8pm, $13 adv $15 dos. Jalopy Theatre and School of Music—315 Columbia St., (718) 395-3214, jalopy.biz. Straight Drive, 10/1 at 9pm, $10, BCMF Ocho Finale Show, 10/2 at 8pm, Kerri Lowe, 10/2 at 8:30pm, Cal Folger Day, 10/2 at 9:30pm, Jackson Lynch, 10/2 at 10:30pm, Bannas and Foster, 10/2 at 11:30pm, Hooklyn Hollar, 10/4 at 8:30pm, $5, Frightened Cellar and Luis Betrancourt Record Launch Party, 8:30pm, $5, Roots and Ruckus, 10/5 at 9pm, Jeremy Kittel band, 10/6 at 9pm, $10, The hunts, 10/7 at 9pm, $10, Katie Dixon and The Broken Arrowz, 10/7 at 9pm, $10, Hilary Hawke and the Flipsides, 10/7 at 10pm, $10, The Hollows, 10/8 at 8:30pm, $10, M shanghai String Band and friends, 10/8 at 9:30pm, $10, Fran Leadon and the Williamsons, 10/11 at 8:30pm, $10, Roots and Ruckus, 10/12 at 9pm, Which way East, 10/13 at 9pm, $10, Veveritse Brass Band, 10/13 at 10:30pm, $10, Kerri and Bill, 10/14 at 8:30pm, $10, Spiff Wiegand, 10/14 at 9:30pm, $10, Hope for Agoldensummer, 10/14 at 10:30pm, $10. Littlefield—622 Degraw St., littlefieldnyc.com. Reggae retro 1st saturday’s party, 10/1 at 11pm, $15 until 1am, Roedelius, Xambuca, Ron Anderson’s Pak, 10/2 at 8pm, $10, Kayo Dot, Ergo, So is the Tongue, 10/5 at 8pm, $8-10, Suphala & John Hadfield’s Electrocussion, Kassa Overall, 10/6 at 8pm, $10-12, Vision Fugitive: Vintage Music Videos re-imagined, Quintus, Threeds, Shortwave Sunshine, The Age of Gray, Vision Fugitive, 10/11 at 7:30pm, $8-10, My Brightest Diamond with Ymusic, DM Stith, 10/14 at 8pm, $15, Spank Live! 10/15 at 10pm, 10-$12. The Rock Shop—249 Fourth Ave., therockshopny. com. Lydia Loveless, Todd May, Micheala Anne, 10/4 at 7:30pm, $10, Capital Cities, Jump into the Gospel, Ghost Pal, 10/5 at 7:30pm, $8, Money & King, Timothy Monger of Great Lakes Myth Society,
October 1 - 15, 2011