The importance of refreshing

Avery long time ago I tried to keep my marriage going with counseling. The main effect of that was to make me stop talking to her during the week, saving it all up for the weekly session.

I'm not saying this was a good thing, what I am saying is that this monthly column reminds me of it in a funny way. I get ideas about my next column every day. For example, this past month I might have written about the new Civic Association, and how I hope it's success will emulate that of the former association run by John McGettrick.

Or I might have written about how great it has been to notice the return of the in-person community meeting. During one week last month, I attended a transportation meeting at the Miccio Center (the community building for the Red Hook Houses), a farewell meeting at the Red Hook Library (farewell for possibly two years while they make it look as fancy as the nearby ballfields that just recently reopened); and finally, not exactly a meeting, but a St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Van Brunt Street VFW featuring some delicious corned beef and cabbage (with good rye bread and mustard). The following week I saw many of the same people at PS 32 at a public meeting for the mandated community group overseeing the Gowanus rezoning.

Or I could have spoke about another in-person meeting I had with mem-

by George Fiala

bers of the Red Hook Mutual Aid, where I learned about their spirit of volunteerism. However, that will wait until next month as reporter Brian is preparing a story.

Or how it is that the 76th Precinct celebrated the retirement of their commanding officer right after we published an interview with him that never mentioned an upcoming retirement. In addition to lots of other foods, they prepared a donut display which reinforced the cop stereotype that we in fact also reinforced in last month's issue. (I helped myself to two, but don't tell my girlfriend who thinks I should stick to broccoli.)

Or maybe I would have taken a less local view and written about the ongoing spread of dictators around the world, or the splintering of the world into multiple poles, reminiscent either of WW II or the Cold War, depending on the depth of one's pessimism. Or maybe something about the Democratic lawyer I have learned over the years to hate, Frank Carone, leaving the mayoral administration after a year in order to make some REALLY big money for himself.

But what generally happens is that I leave it to game time—the time I actually write this ends up always right before going to press. That's when I see what's on my mind which I will save for posterity.

And this month's it's about the newspaper industry event in Albany that I just attended. The Star-Revue has been a member of the NY State Press

Association since 2011. In another life I attended conventions in the 1970's and 80's as General Manager of the Villager newspaper (Greenwich Village), and the Phoenix (covering Brownstone Brooklyn including Red Hook).

When I was a kid, I loved going to Asbury Park with my parents and sister for the medical convention my doctor dad would go to. I loved all the free samples they gave out at the booths, little gadgets like collapsible plastic cups with the name of a tranquilizer on it, and other cheap promos that the pharmaceutical industry has always loved giving out. The Asbury Park Convention Center had walls and walls of pinball machines that I still love to play. The other huge huge perk for members of a sometimes underpaid industry. draw was a boardwalk that was much bigger than Coney Island's.

The Star-Revue has gotten awards just about every year since 2011 and this year we ended up with another—an Honorable Mention for a story that Erin DeGregorio wrote a year ago, "New Votive Ship Sails Aloft in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church." It just so happens that Erin wrote a great story this month, which I put on the cover and you can be sure I'll be entering her pigeon story next year.

So yes, the contest is a big draw. It's great to see talent rewarded.

The newspaper industry's convention is held in the center of the state, either Albany or Saratoga Springs. Publishing awards are a big draw. The larger media groups bring many of their staff to get the convention experience. Winning an award is a

Cartoon Section with Marc and Sophie

But the biggest benefit to me is the renewal one gets from being reminded that they are part of something bigger. At the seminars and in get-together's at the bar and the Friday night party, you are reminded that you are not alone. That people all over the state are doing what you are doing—which is being part of a noble profession. Just like my dad loved being part of the grand history of medicine, and loved being able to help people with the most important thing we have, our health, my newspaper peers and myself are all reminded why we do what we do.

Which is of course to help explain the world in which we all live–in the case of community papers like the Star-Revue, the neighborhood we live in. Freedom of Speech is in the very first amendment to the Constitution—and a free press defines the USA.

Libraries Closing

by brian abate

The Red Hook Public Library (7 Wolcott St.) closed this March as the building will undergo major renovations. The library is expected to reopen in early 2025.

“We’re going to be bigger, safer, more energy efficient, and serve the community better,” said managing librarian, Joyce Kowpak.

In the meantime, there will be in-person programs and services. There will be a Bookmobile (a truck with thousands of books) and a Techmobile with computers and laptops on Tuesdays outside of the library.

Additionally, Comics with Mr. Nick will take place at Pioneer Works (159 Pioneer St.) on Mondays at 3 pm starting on April 3. Storytime will take place at Red Hook Initiative (767 Hicks St.) on Wednesdays at 11 am starting April

5. Resume and Cover Letter Writing assistance will also begin on April 5 and will take place on Wednesdays from noon to 3 pm at RHI.

There will be a Friends of Red Hook Library meeting over Zoom on Tuesday, April 25. To RSVP for the Zoom link, go to bklynlibrary.org/calendar/friends-red-hook-library-virtual-20230425.

In addition to Red Hook, the Carroll Gardens Library is also going to be closed for renovations starting soon.

“A specific date has not been set for closure, but we anticipate it will be sometime this summer,” said Damaris Olivo, Brooklyn Public Library director of communications.

In 2016, a $350,000 project to add a new teen space was voted on by local residents as part of participatory budgeting. As part of the upcoming renovation, the library will get the new and improved teen room. However, the library is expected to be closed for well over one year and that doesn’t take into account potential delays.

Plans for a Bookmobile, Techmobile etc., at the Carroll Gardens Library are not set yet. However, both Kowpak and Olivo promise monthly updates on the progress at the libraries throughout this long process.

Nyc Parks Issues Request For Expressions Of Interest To Activate Anchorage Plaza Downtown

NYC Parks announced that a Request for Expressions of Interest (“RFEI”) has been issued for the temporary and seasonal implementation of programming, amenities, events, and development at Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn.

Anchorage Plaza is surrounded by a busy and dynamic section of the Brooklyn Bridge, bound by Old Fulton, Front, York, Washington, and Prospect Streets with views of the Manhattan skyline. It is located between the vibrant and frequently visited historic districts of Brooklyn Heights and Down Under the Manhattan Bridge Overpass (“DUMBO”) neighborhoods of Brooklyn.

“Formerly a parking lot and construction staging area, Anchorage Plaza in Downtown Brooklyn has tremendous potential as a public space with seasonal amenities,” said NYC Parks Commissioner Sue Donoghue. “With its stunning views of the Brooklyn Bridge and the Manhattan skyline, Anchorage Plaza is a prime location for creative activations.”

Prior to 2009, a portion of the plaza was a parking concession. In 2009, the City of New York’s Department of Transportation (“DOT”) started to occupy the site to inspect and make needed repairs to the Brooklyn Bridge. As DOT decreases their footprint at the site, Parks is seeking public input for a creative activation of this space for temporary and seasonal uses.

If upon review by Parks, a new concession idea appears to be feasible, appropriate and advantageous to the City, Parks will then consider beginning the concession solicitation process through the release of a Request for Proposals (RFP).

All proposals for this RFEI must be submitted no later than April 13, 2023, at 3:00 p.m.

The RFEI is available for download on Parks’ website. To download the RFEI, visit www.nyc.gov/parks/businessopportunities and, after logging in, click on the “download” link that appears adjacent to the RFEI’s description.

For more information, prospective proposers may contact Barbara Huang, Project Manager, at (212) 360-3490 or at Barbara.Huang@parks.nyc.gov.

Last year's GALA FUNDRAISER for RHAP an absolute success!!!!

by tiffiney Davis

It was a night of fun and community building and Red Hook showed up for our youth and families! With your support, we turned a moment into incredible memories and raised over $32,000. What did we do with your generous support?

Sustained the operational needs of our studio. Continued our arts, music, mutual aid, academic support and stress management youth programs

Created paid opportunities for our teaching artists and alumni mentors

Supported our student’s popup store and gallery I am thrilled to share with you that our Second Annual RHAP Party Gala Fundraiser and After Party will be held at Hometown Bar-bQue on Monday, May 22nd from 6-9 pm - and this year we’ve added an After Party, 9-11 pm! You don’t want to miss Red Hook’s hottest party!

Your community will come together for a night of amazing food and drinks to support the youth and families of Red Hook, sustain our safe and creative community hub, and uplift voices! Our leaders, educators and volunteers are on a mission to provide our students with the tools, guidance and opportunities they require to see themselves as both artists and leaders. May 22nd is your night to support that mission. Become a sponsor! Buy a ticket! Invite your neighbors and friends!

Donate an item to the silent auction! Join a committee!

RHAP is a grassroots movement, and we need everyone to show up for this important night. We are at 291 Van Brunt Street, phone is 347-889-4098.

REGINA OPERA PRESENTS A 53rd ANNIVERSARY GALA CONCERT

Date: Sunday April 30, 2023

Time: 3PM - 5PM

Place: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 5902 6th Avenue, Brooklyn.

On Sunday April 30, 2023 at 3PM, Regina Opera will celebrate its 53rd Anniversary with a 2-hour concert in its accessible venue, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Academy, 5902 6th Avenue, Brooklyn.

Featured will be several instrumental selections by pianist/composer Julian Villanueva Raheb, played by a sextet of members of Regina Opera Orchestra. A Park Slope resident, 17year old Julian Villanueva Raheb, is an award-winning composer and classical pianist. Julian has been playing classical piano selections in Regina Opera's ticketed and free concerts at least once a season for about 8 years.

Regina Opera has also been featuring Julian’s own classical compositions in many of our concerts. His compositions have also been played by many other groups such as NY Youth Symphony, American Composers Orchestra, and NY Philharmonic Very Young Composers.

Also on the program will be popular opera selections performed by Regina Opera’s leading role singers: soprano Brooke Schooley, soprano Tate Chu, tenor Paolo Buffagni, tenor Percy Martinez, baritone Brian Montgomery, accompanied by pianist Catherine Miller and flutist Richard Paratley.

Tickets are $15 and are available at the door. Face masks are strongly suggested.

For more info: check our website: http://reginaopera.org/sundayconcert4.

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