Star-Revue
spent the last four years as a philanthropist. She has been an ardent supporter of Red Hook, and a lifelong Brooklynite.
News in Brief
Rent-a-bike
The new Bike Share program announced by the NYC Department of Transportation is expected to create 170 jobs and generate $36 million in local economic activity annually, according to Commissioner Janette Sadik-Khan. Citi Bike, with 330 stations in Manhattan and some parts of Brooklyn is funded by private sponsorship and Goldman Sachs. The program allows people to rent bicycles in order to get around town. Craig Hammerman, CB6 District Manager, said “Being able to take advantage of the bike share program option for my daily commute is especially appealing to me since I lack sufficient, convenient and secure storage space for a bicycle at home.”
Squadron blocked and angry
State Senator Daniel Squadron issued a press release condemning State Senate Republicans for blocking his campaign finance reform legislation. “Scandal after scandal makes clear that we need fundamental government reform – including campaign finance reform and fair elections,” said Senator Squadron. “I urge my colleagues to stand up for people over corporations in our politics and move this bill forward,” he added.
Lander support culture
City Councilman Brad Lander announced support for the One Percent for Culture Campaign. This is a collaboration of arts and business communities aimed at educating New Yorkers about the value of non-profit culture to New York City. It is aimed at increasing funding for culture. One result of this would be increased tourism. Tourism currently accounts for $8.1 billion in economic activity annually for NYC.
Gowanus Canal boat race
The Gowanus Dredgers and the Red Hook Boaters announced a race in the Gowanus Canal on June 15th. The Gowanus Challenge is open to all canoes and other closed-bottom boats. The race will begin at the Dredgers Boathouse to the mouth of the canal and back. The winner will receive a $500 prize. They are currently looking for entrants as well as volunteers. For more information email gdredgers@ gmail.com.
Monumental wall at museum
The Brooklyn Museum announced the acquisition of a monumental wall hanging. Created by African artist El Anatsui, the wall hanging consists of two panels, each measuring 207 inches by 135 inches. They are made out of bottle caps collected from a liquor distillery in Ghana. The work will be on display at the Museum until August 4th as part of an exhibition entitled “Gravity and Grace: Monumental Works by El Anatsui.”
Squadron complains
Daniel Squadron complained that a bill he sponsored in the State Senate, “The Gender Expression Non-Discrimination Act,” was passed by the NY State Assembly, but rejected by his own State Senate. This has happened six times.
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Red Hook Fest announces schedule
Speaking of the fact that there is no state legislation protecting New Yorkers from losing their job or home because of their gender identity or expression, Squadron said that this is not fair, that it is time for New Yorkers “are treated with the fairness and dignity they deserve.”
Red Hook Boater fix-up
The container that the Red Hook Boaters used to store their kayaks adjacent to Valentino Pier was damaged by Hurricane Sandy, and a new one has been installed. On May 4th, which is It’s My Park day, volunteers will be gathering from 1 – 4 pm to paint the container, clean up the waterfront, and receive orientation. For more information call Kateri Jochum, 718 902-6090.
Saturday mail here a bit more
On April 9th, the Board of Governors of the US Postal Service met and discussed the attempt by Congress to delay their decision to eliminate Saturday mail delivery. They reluctantly agreed to postpone the plan, while announcing that this delay would hurt attempts to restore the postal system to solvency. Bay Ridge Congressman Michael Grimm applauded this decision.
Aquarium open
The New York Aquarium in Coney Island will partially reopen on May 25th. The aquarium was devastated by Hurricane Sandy. The reopening will include Glover’s Reef, exhibits in the Conservation Hall and a fully remodeled Aquatheater with a new sea lion demonstration.
Cats on display
Ancient Egyptian cat sculptures will be on view at the Brooklyn Museum from July 24th 2013 through December 2014. The exhibition, called Divine Felines, is organized by Yekaterian Barbash, Assistant Curator of Egyptian Art at the museum. The exhibit includes the ferocious goddess Sakhmet, depicted as a lioness or lion-headed woman. The Museum is located at 200 Eastern Parkway, near Grand Army Plaza.
NYCHA online news
Applicants atg NYCHA housing can now view their application at the web address www.nyc.gov/nycha and choose “Applying for Public Housing.” Then click on “Check My Application Status.”
Squadron urges G train
Daniel Squadron and Erik Dilan noticed that G train ridership is rapidly growing, and have urged the MTA to increase G line service. Squadron said “At our urging, the MTA has agreed to conduct a Full Line Review.” This opens up the possibility of increased G service, which has recently been extended to Church Avenue.
Gelber hangs it up
Marilyn Gelber, president of the Brooklyn Community Foundation, is stepping down from her position at the end of June. Gelber, who has worked for Borough President Howard Golden, the NY State Department of Environmental Protection, and the Independence, then Community Savings Bank, has
The lineup for the 20th Annual Red Hook Fest has been announced. Produced by Dance Theatre Etcetera, the Fest will take place May 31st and June 1st. The June 1st performance lineup will include The Hungry March Band (leading a parade through Red Hook); The Brown Rice Family; Gangsta Grass; Nicholas Leichter Dance; and Camille A. Brown & Dancers. Over 150 young dancers will also have their turn on the Mainstage, adjacent to the Valentino Pier, and in pre-Fest workshops. For more information email jon@dtetc.org.
Art walk
Brooklyn Studio Tours announces its 5th Annual Spring Artist Open Studio Tour in Red Hook and Carroll Gardens. It takes place on Saturday, June 1st and Sunday June 2nd from noon - 6 pm. They will be seeking donations from attendees as a way to do their part to help continue to restore the community. 30% of member fees will be given to ReStore Red Hook. For more information call 917 207-2091.
Red Hook Summerstage
Summerstage will be holding four events in Red Hook this summer. These shows will be on the part of the Red Hook Ballfields adjacent to the Grain Terminal. All shows begin at 7 pm unless otherwise indicated. The schedule is as follows: June 4th - Flatbush Zombies/The Underachievers; June 5th Rakim Hosted by Lyricist Lounge; June 6th - Fuzz; June 7th (7:30 pm)- Comedy Central Live presents Cristela Alonzo and Featuring Mark Normand.
Portside honored
Portside, the waterfront oriented nonprofit organization headed by Carolina Salguera, received a White House “Champions For Change” Award. The award was given for their work in Sandy recovery and relief. Among their achievements was the protection of their tanker The Mary A. Whalen, from damaging property during the storm, as well as operating an aid station at 351 Van Brunt Street.
Velazquez hopes for help
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez unveiled legislation aimed at addressing a number of housing challenges brought on by Hurricane Sandy. The legislation addresses the development of public housing disaster plans for the future; help for low-income victims of the storm to obtain safe, affordable housing; creation of training and hiring action plans for certain HUD funding recipients. It is not known if and when this legislation will be voted on by Congress.
Kentler benefit
Kentler International Drawing Space, at 353 Van Brunt Street, will be holding a benefit on Saturday, May 18th. Over 100 artists have donated original drawings and works on paper and these will be on sale at the benefit. In addition, there will be a silent auction. Tickets are on sale and cost $200 per person, $250 per couple. For more information email florence@kentlergallery.org.
Lander sponsors bill
NY City Councilmembers Brad Land-
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er and Jumaane Williams are the lead sponsors of the Community Safety Act. Its purpose is to advance accountability of the police department as well as improving relations between the police and the community it serves. It addresses Stop and Frisk by banning profiling based on race, religion, immigration status, gender identity and other protected categories. It creates an Inspector General to investigate police policies and practices.
Carroll Street Bridge closed till August.
The Carroll Street Bridge over the Gowanus Canal will be closed for renovation this summer. It will receive a new roadbed as well as undergoing structural repairs and reinforcement, and painting. Work will take place during the days only.
Art from the Ashes
Denise Carbonell of Metal and Thread writes to let us know about ART from the ashes. They are a California nonprofit art organization. The use salvaged materials to create original works to benefit communities devastated by natural disasters. They have arrived in Red Hook and are seeking materials salvaged from the hurricane. They write that if you have any reclaimed materials, or “any other crazy interesting things!), and could deliver it to their storage unit, email nina4afta@artfromtheashes.org.
RHI on the tube
The Red Hook Initiative was featured on NY1 for their efforts to create a community-wide wireless network. This is part of their Digital Stewards campaign, which provides comprehensive support for 19-24 year-olds to meet education and employment goals with the longterm goal of becoming self sufficient. Some graduates of the program are working at IKEA, others at area restaurants. RHI’s plan is to enroll 120 young adults in the program this year. For more information call 718 858-6782.
Lander praises
City Councilmembers Jumaane Williams and Brad Lander praised a new report from the Department of Investigation that found fault with certain practices and policies of the NYC Board of Elections (BOE). The BOE overstaffed a low turnout election in 2011 and cost the city at least $2.4 million in unnecessary personnel expenses.
Underwater camps
The NY Aquarium at Coney Island is accepting participants for their summer camp programs. The programs are in July and August and include: Aquatic Adventures for children aged 6 - 8; Marine Explorers for children aged 9 - 11; Junior Oceanographers for young adults aged 12 - 14. Fees are $300 for members of the Aquarium, $325 for others. For more information call 718 265-3457.
BGI getting ready for 40 miles
The Brooklyn Greenway Initiative is accepting registration for their 5th Annual Brooklyn Waterfront Epic Ride that will take place on Saturday, July 27th. This is a 40 mile bike ride from Greenpoint to Rockaway Beach along the Brooklyn and Queens waterfronts. Riding is at your own pace, and there will be an after party at Rockaway Beach, which includes food, music and an optional ocean swim. For more information call the Greenway Initiative at 718 522-0193.
May 2013