Red Hook Star-Revue, August 2016 by George Fiala

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

AUGUST 2016

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

FREE

Death ends life on the mend

aheim Smallwood, a 23-yearold resident of Red Hook, was fatally shot Tuesday, July 19 outside his home at 75 Bush Street. Smallwood was raised in the Red Hook Houses. He is survived by his mother, brother, and young son Jalyn, who was holding his father’s hand when the shooting occurred. Smallwood was attacked shortly after 8 pm after returning home from the Miccio Center, where he had made an appointment with career coaches and signed up for a GED program. Smallwood returned to Red Hook two months ago after five years of incarceration. “He was a kid from around here just like all the other kids,” remembers Trequan Bekka, who works at the Miccio Center and Good Shephard Services. “He was taking the first steps to get himself going… he took the initiative, taking steps to be there for his son.” Detective Nasser at the NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Public Information’s office says that the shooting was definitely intentional, possibly relating to some kind of dispute. Witnesses’ description of the shoot-

By Noah Phillips

er was vague, according to Nasser. As of Friday July 29, no arrests had been made.

“He was a kid from around here just like all the other kids,” says Bekka. “He was taking the first steps to get himself going… he took the initiative, taking steps to be there for his son.” Lillie Marshall, President of the Red Hook West Tenants Association, was with him that evening at the Miccio Center. “When I left, he was signing up for the GED program,” says Marshall. “His life was snuffed out two hours later.” Ms. Marshall had known Smallwood since his birth, having lived in the same court as his mother. “I watched him grow up,” says Marshall. “He paid his dues, he did his time, and to come back and go out like that, that was rough.”

A vigil marking the spot where Smallwood was attacked, at 75 Bush Street. (photo by Noah Phillips)

Bekka, who is a few years older than Smallwood, remembers the victim as lively and confident. He says that this shooting is a symptom of a larger problem of gun violence in the community, and of the elevation of that violence in Black and Hispanic music and television since the drug epidemic of the 80s and 90s. “We’re still seeing some of that

backlash,” says Bekka. “We’re in a bad space, and we glorify it.” But Bekka hopes that Smallwood’s death will inspire change. “You start to see the hurtfulness of it, the pain of it… it’s going to show our young people, you know, look at what we’re doing,” says Bekka. “We’re still a young culture - it’s just going to take time.”

New Red Hook ferry to dock at Atlantic Basin by Noah Phillips

he NYC Economic Development Corporation (EDC) ended nearly a year of speculation July 20 when it announced that the Red Hook Commuter Ferry will dock at the Atlantic Basin. The South Brooklyn ferry route, scheduled to launch in 2017, is projected to serve at least 6,000 Red Hook residents, according to a press release by the EDC. The Atlantic Basin was the first choice of the Red Hook community as expressed by those who attended public hearings throughout this past year. “Atlantic Basin has the potential to become a vibrant community asset that highlights cultural resources like Portside and Pioneer Works while serving as an inter-modal transit hub,” wrote Councilman Carlos Menchaca. “I congratulate the Red Hook residents and business operators who dedicated their time and expertise analyzing

Red Hook Star-Revue

various EDC-proposed ferry landing locations. The City started looking at expanding ferry service in New York under Bloomberg, in 2013, as a way to unlock private development in Red Hook. However, Red Hook community leaders were taken aback in August 2015 when EDC announced their two proposed locations for the Red Hook Ferry landing on property owned by the O’Connell Organization at the Beard Street Pier, or Valentino Pier. Meeting attendees suggested the Atlantic Basin, and Community Board 6 adopted a resolution urging EDC to consider the that location instead. The fracas continued at a September 2015 public hearing in Borough Hall. Speakers emphasized the Atlantic Basin’s proximity to Van Brunt Street businesses, the Red Hook Houses, (continued on page 3)

Local businessman Jim Tampakas was front and center in the campaign to convince EDC that they needed to consider the Atlantic Basin as the best location for a local commuter ferrry that most of the community could get to easily. (photo by Fiala)

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August 2016, Page 1

Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Carlos Menchaca............... (718) 439-9012 Red Hook Assemblyman Felix Ortiz........................ (718) 492-6334 Red Hook State Sen. Velmanette Montgomery.. (718) 643-6140 Gowanus Councilman Brad Lander......................... (718) 499-1090 Park Slope Councilman Steve Levin........................ (718) 875-5200 CB6 District Manager Craig Hammerman ............ (718) 643-3027 76th Police Precinct, 191 Union Street Main phone ............................................................... (718) 834-3211 Community Affairs................................................... (718) 834-3207 Traffic Safety............................................................. (718) 834-3226 Eileen Dugan Senior Center, 380 Court Street..... (718) 596-1956 Miccio Community Center, 110 East 9th Street... (718) 243-1528 Red Hook East Dev. Office, 62 Mill St...................... (718) 852-6771 Red Hook West Dev. Office, 55 Dwight St.............. (718) 522-3880 Brownstone Republicans...info@brownstonerepublicanclub.com NYCHA Satellite Police Precinct, 80 Dwight Street Main Phone................................................................ (718) 265-7300 Community Affairs.................................................... (718) 265-7313 Domestic Violence.................................................... (718) 265-7310 Youth Officer.............................................................. (718) 265-7314 Auxiliary/Law Enforcement Coordinator ............ (718) 265-7378 Detective Squad........................................................ (718) 265-7327

Happenings, etc. SATURDAY AUGUST 6

Get a dose of country life here in the city by volunteering at the Red Hook Community Farm. The family-friendly day will have you watering, weeding, and helping to make the community garden thrive. 10:30 am — 12:30 pm. The farm is between IKEA and the BASIS school.

TUESDAY AUGUST 9

Red Hook Flicks presents Reservoir Dogs. 8:30pm at Valentino Park & Pier. Free!

SUNDAY AUGUST 14

Pioneer Works presents Second Sundays, a monthly series of open studios and live music. 4 pm, $10 suggested donation. 159 Pioneer St.

FRIDAY-SUNDAY AUGUST 12-14

Come to the Red Hook Old Timer’s Day weekend to see old friends and make new ones! RHOTD kicks off Friday in Coffey Park at 6 pm for a meet and greet and has more events throughout the weekend, including live music and a boat ride. The big event takes place Sunday in Coffey Park.

SATURDAY AUGUST 13 Ankie van der Meer and Nanne Kalmas sing historical Dutch folksongs celebrating New York’s Dutch heritage. 2 pm and 4 pm on the Waterfront Museum Barge adjacent to Fairway.

TUESDAY AUGUST 16

Red Hook Flicks presents Pitch Perfect. 8:30pm at Valentino Park & Pier. Free!

SUNDAY AUGUST 21

Court Tree Collective hosts a gluten-free brunch cooking class featuring chef Emily Costa. Noon- 2 pm, 371 Court Street, 2nd Floor (718) 4227806.

RELIGIOUS SERVICES Christian

TUESDAY AUGUST 23

River Of God Christian Center

110 Wolcott Street, 646-226-6135, Secretary, Sister Roslyn Chatman. Sunday - Family Worship 11:00 - 1:00 pm Scripture, read in English and Spanish Wednesday - At The Gate 12:00 noon, Prayer 7:00 - 7:30 pm, Bible Studies 7:00 - 8:00 pm, Thursday Prayer 7:30 - 8:30pm, Friday Youth ABLAZED Ministries 6:00 - 7:30pm, Senior Pastor, Donald Gray

Visitation Church

98 Richards Street , (718) 624-1572. Office open Mon-Thursday 9 am - 3 pm. Saturday Mass at 5:00 pm English; Sunday 10:00 am Spanish, 12:30 pm English. Community Prayer on Tuesday and Thursday at 8:00 pm. Baptisms are held every other month. Please call to arrange for Baptisms, First Communion, Confirmation and Weddings.

New Brown Memorial Baptist Church

609 Clinton Street, 718 624 4780 Pastor A.R Jamal. Sunday School at 9:30 am. Sunday Worship at 11:00 am. Bible Study -Wednesday at 7:30pm. Communion every first Sunday

Stretching Far and Wide Global Ministry, Inc.

382 Hamilton Avenue, Studio B 1-800-948-9042 Archbishop Dr. Barbara Jackman, Overseer Rev. Dr. Dwayne Barnes, Pastor Services are held every Sunday @ 10:00 am Communion every First Sunday stretchingfar.webs.com stretchingfar@aol.com

St. Mary Star of the Sea Parish

467 Court Street, (718) 625-2270 Rectory Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 11:30 am, 1:00 pm-4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Masses: Saturday 5:30 pm, Sunday 10:00 am, Monday - Thursday 9:30 am.

Saint Paul and Saint Agnes Parish

Church Office 234 Congress Street (718) 624-3425 Hours: M - F 830am-12 St. Agnes Church Office 433 Sackett Street, 718-625-1717 Hours: M-F 1pm-430pm Email: stpaulstagnes@gmail.com St. Agnes: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 9 am (English), 11:30am (Spanish) St. Paul’s: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am & 9:30am (English); 11am (Spanish) Monday & Tuesday 8:30am (St. Paul’s) Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am (St. Agnes) Saturday 8am (St. Paul’s)

Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Saint Stephen Roman Catholic Church

125 Summit Street at Hicks Street, (718) 596-7750, info@sacredhearts-ststephen.com Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 9:00 am - 5:00 am, Friday 9:00 am - 3:00 pm, Saturday 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Saturday Vigil Mass at 5:30 pm, Sunday Masses at 8:00 am, 10:00 am, and 11:45 am (Italian/ English) Weekday Masses during winter months at 8:30 am and 12:00 noon Confessions: Saturday at 4:45 pm and by appointment. Baptisms every third Sunday at 1:00 pm.

Red Hook Flicks presents Labyrinth. 8:30 pm at Valentino Park & Pier. Free!

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 24

Court Tree Collective hosts local wine expert Brittany Hoffman to help you ditch your assumptions about wines, so you can enjoy life more. 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm. 371 Court Street, 2nd Floor (718) 422-7806.

TUESDAY AUGUST 30

Red Hook Flicks presents ALIENS. 8:30pm at Valentino Park & Pier. Free!

BRIDGING GOWANUS SESSIONS

• Open House: Tues Aug. 9, 5 - 8 pm, The Bell House, 149 7th St. (must be 21 or over) • Drop-in Hours: Thurs Aug 18, noon - 6 pm, Fifth Avenue Committee, 621 Degraw St. • Open House: Fri Aug 19, 5 pm - 8 pm, Fifth Avenue Committee’s Annual Summer Party, 621 Degraw St. • Open House: Mon Aug. 22, 5 pm - 8 pm,Coworkers Gowanus, 68 Third St. • Drop-In Hours: Tues Aug. 23 through Friday Aug. 26, 9 am - 5 pm, Coworkers Gowanus, 68 Third St.

The

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481 Van Brunt Street, 8A, Brooklyn, NY 11231

FOR EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING OR EMPLOYMENT INQUIRIES, email: info@redhookstar.com, or call (718) 624-5568

The Star-Revue is published by

St. Paul’s Carroll Street

Kimberly G. Price & George Fiala

199 Carroll Street Parish Office: 718-625-4126 Sunday Mass at 10 am Weekday Morning Prayer - Mon.-Thurs. at 7:30 am Weekday masses as announced Holy Days as announced \ Church open for prayer Tues. 6-8pm & Sat. 2-4pm http://stpaulscarrollst.weebly.com/

Noah Phillips, Advertising Manager Nathan Weiser, Reporter Halley Bondy, Arts Laura Eng, Religion Mary Staub, Education

Jewish

Kane Street Synagogue

236 Kane Street, 718 875-1550 http://kanestreet.org/ Friday night services, 6:00 PM Shabbat services, 9:15 AM Sunday Services 9:00 AM

Congregation B’nai Avraham/Chabad of Brooklyn Heights

If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks! Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue

Contributors: Mary Ann Pietanza, Lazarus Jackson, Diana McClure The Red Hook Star-Revue is published monthly. Founded June 2010.

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August 2016

Shore Power system is operational by Noah Phillips

he first Shore Power System (SPS) on the East Coast is operational in Red Hook at the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal and has been for several months, according to New York Power Authority spokesman Paul DeMichele. The SPS allows some cruise ships to plug into the New York Power Authority’s electric grid, rather than idling their engines in port by burning highly harmful "bunker" diesel fuel. The final cost for the installation of the project was $21 million. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which installed the SPS, will turn over its maintenance and operation to the New York City Economic Development Corporation (EDC) this month, four years after it was first approved and after more than two years of delays. Carnival Cruise Lines, which owns the Queen Mary II, the Regal Princess, and the Caribbean Princess, has retrofitted its ships in order to use the system. One difficulty during the negotiations was the question of who would pay for the electricity consumed by the cruise ships. According to DeMichele, Carnival will pay the EDC 12 cents per kilowatt hour, while the New York Power Authority and the NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services will split the remainder between 12 cents and market rate. The installation of the Shore Power System (SPS) was a direct result of activism within the Red Hook community, especially by full time musi-

cian and Red Hook resident Adam Armstrong. He became concerned as early as 2005 about the pollution that would be caused by the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, then still in the planning stages. “When they announced that the Cruise Terminal was coming, most people in the neighborhood were just like ‘oh, that’s probably fine, at least it’s something kind of maritime,’” remembers Armstrong. “I started educating myself on what it would mean, and I started discovering that in New York and in a lot of ports everywhere ships basically idle when they’re in port. They don’t turn off their engines; they need to run their engines unless they use this technology called shore power.” According to Armstrong, idling engines at the cruise terminal emit pollution equivalent to 17,000 cars, costing Brooklyn residents as much as $9 million per year in health care costs. “We’re wedged in an area between the BQE and the port, where we’re already dealing with pollution issues,” says Armstrong. “My frustration with the cruise terminal was really, it all happened and no one said anything. They knew they’re coming into an area where people are already struggling, right next to the largest public housing in Brooklyn, with people already dealing with issues in their life health wise and socioeconomically, and [they were] okay with pouring tons and tons of soot into the air for these kids to breathe?” In 2006, Armstrong wrote a letter to

New ferry station to be built at the Atlantic Basin

“I really think when it came down to it, they were embarrassed into it,” says Armstrong. “It may have been a way to placate the whole situation.” The delayed implementation of the SPS was partially due to new engineering required in the wake of Superstorm Sandy, according to Port Authority spokesman Steve Cole-

Wi-fi on the ferries

According to the EDC press release, each boat will have a capacity of 149 passengers, be outfitted with Wi-Fi, and be fully accessible to passengers with disabilities. In addition, “New EDC originally seemed to favor placing the ferry stop all the way at the end of Van Brunt Street, alongside the Beard Street Warehouses. In addition to being a long walk for most Red Hook residents, that part of the neighborhood gets incredibly windy and cold in the winter.

had kept Atlantic Basin out of consideration. Their decision is best for our community.”

Red Hook Star-Revue

Embarassed into it

The South Brooklyn Ferry route will connect Red Hook to Bay Ridge, Brooklyn Army Terminal, Brooklyn Bridge Park’s Pier 1 and Pier 6, and Wall Street, with an optional link to Governors Island. The Red Hook landing’s pedestrian entrance will be at the intersection of Pioneer and Conover Streets, and fare will equal that of a single subway ride.

and the municipal bus lines. Parking availability and seasonal weather patterns were other considerations mentioned.

Van Brunt resident Alexandros Washburn spoke out at the Borough Hall meeting.

the Port Authority inquiring whether a SPS would be used in the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and was given a decisive ‘no.’ After a few years’ worth of community meetings, however, the Port Authority announced that it would, in fact, install a SPS.

erating support yearly for six years.

(continued from page 1)

“Over the course of a year, we testified with one voice at many public hearings and built a solid argument identifying Atlantic Basin as the best location,” continued Menchaca. “The Economic Development Corporation heard us and re-visited issues that

Back on a cold January day in 2011, our local politicos gathered at the Cruise Terminal in support of a shore power system for Red Hook. Six years later that proposal has become a reality. (photo by George Fiala)

The choice will necessitate refurbishing the existing bulkhead, which is somewhat deteriorated. However, the City has agreed to provide $55 million to the new ferry service in infrastructure upgrades and $30 million in op-

man, “including the elevation of the Shore Power Equipment Substation and the installation and positioning of the heating, ventilation and air conditioning rooftop unit and general revisions to the transformer deluge fire suppression system.” Asked what the efforts the Port Authority is making to reduce port pollution at the neighboring Brooklyn Container Terminal, Coleman wrote that there are several financial incentives in place for ships, trucks, and cargo equipment owners and operators to update and replace their older, dirtier engines.

boats will be equipped with the most modern engine design available to reduce emissions and noise, as well as an efficient hull design that will limit wakes and maximize fuel economy.” The EDC anticipates that the new ferry lines will create 155 new jobs in New York Harbor. Crew members’ wages will exceed $15/hour and the lines will be operated by Hornblower Cruises and Events, which “will participate in the City’s HireNYC program, which matches qualified applicants from neighborhood-based WorkForce1 training centers” and “has a strong history as a strong unionized employer,” according to the EDC.

Menchaca a strong advocate for Red Hook by George Fiala

The placing of the ferry terminal at the Atlantic Basin comes on the heels of the defeat of the planned Oxford Nursing Home relocation across from Pioneer Works. These are two major victories for the Red Hook community and both were carefully shepherded through city agencies by our councilman Carlos Menchaca and his ever more competent staff.

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Instead of taking the more politically expedient path of going along with the powers that be, Menchaca listened carefully to us and fought on our behalf. We are lucky to have both our councilman and our congresswoman living in our neighborhood - which in reality is but a small part of their districts. They are helping us maintain the character of the Red Hook we love.

August 2016, Page 3

RELIGIOUS NEWS BY LAURA ENG laura.eng59@aol.com.

Local Clergy React to Increasing Violence

he news this summer has been rampant with violence in the form of terrorist attacks, police shootings and ambush attacks on police officers. These hot topics have undoubtedly led to a great deal of nationwide tension. We asked several local clergy members to weigh in on the situation. Monsignor Joseph Nugent, pastor of both St. Agnes and St. Paul’s Catholic Churches, commented that during the Prayer of the Faithful at each Mass offered at both churches, they pray “for an end to terrorism, violence and abuse of all kinds; for those who watch over and protect us, that God may watch over and protect them.” Bishop Nicholas DiMarzio, Bishop of Brooklyn, came to St. Agnes Church on Sunday, July 17th for a special Mass in French for the victims of the Nice terror attack on Bastille Day. According to Msgr. Nugent, the purpose of the Mass was “to show our solidarity with the people of France, to offer our support to the French people living in the area as well as to pray for an end to violence everywhere and especially in our country.”

For the French community

There is a French Mass at St. Agnes each Sunday for the sizable local French community and the church had hosted an interfaith prayer service last November following terror attacks in Paris. Msgr. Nugent expressed his gratitude to the 76th Precinct for dispatching an anti-terrorism task force to be present at the recent Mass. At the multiethnic St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Carroll Street, rector Father Peter Cullen noted that his “parishioners have taught me much about mutual trust and love.” Of late, Father Cullen has been preaching more often on the Biblical principle that recognizes that each and every human being has been created in the Image of God. “I have tried to proclaim the Gospel message of God’s Incarnation—that

the Word actually ‘became flesh and dwelt amongst us.’ Every human life is sacred,” says Cullen. He went on to say that in their Baptismal Covenant, vows are made that, with the help of God, they may “seek and serve Christ in all persons, loving our neighbor as our self,” and that they promise to “strive for justice and peace among all people, and respect the dignity of every human being.” Father Johannes Siegert of Visitation Parish said that prayers have been added to their liturgy for the fallen police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge as well as all victims of violence. He also mentioned that some members of the parish, including church sacristan Robert Berrios, had attended an interfaith vigil for peace at Grand Army Plaza on Monday, July 11th. Organized by the Diocese of Brooklyn along with the Brooklyn Borough President’s Office, the vigil was attended by over 1,500 people including hundreds of local police officers and Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Buddhist, and Sikh leaders. Among the religious leaders present was Rabbi Joseph Potasnik, Rabbi Emeritus of Congregation Mount Sinai, Executive Vice President of the New York Board of Rabbis, and an FDNY Chaplain. Rabbi Potasnik spoke of a need to eradicate the “us versus them mentality” and to promote conversation which he feels Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams is effective in doing. “We need to sit down and talk to each other” said the Rabbi, adding “the time to know each other is before the crisis.” While prayer is a good place to begin, Rabbi Potasnik noted that the windows in houses of worship symbolize the idea that efforts for peace should be extended beyond the walls, or that “what you say on the inside should be seen on the outside.” He added that in talking to police of(continued on next page)

Borough President Eric Adams led an interfaith vigil for peace at Grand Army Plaza on June 11. Over 1500 were in attendance. (photo by John Mark de Palma)

Page 4 Red Hook Star-Revue

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August 2016

Religion

(continued from previous page)

ficers and members of the black community, “everyone wants the same thing: to come home safely at night and to be with their family.” The Rabbi summed up his feelings by saying “we cannot allow inappropriate actions of a few to define the many.” On July 27, the day after a Catholic priest was brutally slain in Normandy while saying Mass, Pope Francis said that “The world is at war and we don’t have to be afraid to say it.” The pontiff stressed it was not a war among religions, but a war nonetheless. While prayers for peace are as old as time, they will surely continue to be offered most earnestly by local clergy and their congregations - fervent prayers for peace, healing and change - locally, nationally, and globally.

HAPPENINGS/UPCOMING EVENTS Congregation Mount Sinai 250 Cadman Plaza West Under the Bridge - Monthly community Shabbat celebration at BridgeView Lawn, Pier 1, Brooklyn Bridge Park on Friday, August 19 at 6:30 pm. Challah and grape juice will be provided. All are welcome. Hebrew School registration is now open. River of God Christian Center 110 Wolcott Street A Big Hat Affair on Saturday, August

27 (note change of date). Donations are welcome! Women’s Retreat on November 4-6, will include a trip to the Sight and Sound Theater in Lancaster, PA. Save the date.

Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church Summit & Hicks Street Newlywed Fellowship hosted by SHSS/St. Agnes and St. Paul Adult Ministries, for couples married three years or less on Friday, September 16 at 7 pm at SHSS church. To RSVP call Laura at 718-596-7750. 150th Anniversary Gala on November 13, 2016, 4:00 pm cocktails, 5:00 pm dinner at El Caribe Country Club. Cost is $135 per person. For information e-mail 150@SacredHearts-StStephen.com. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) - Learn more about the Catholic faith, become baptized, complete the sacraments. For information, call (718) 596-7750 or email NArkin@SacredHearts-StStephen.com. St. Agnes/ St. Paul’s Parish Hoyt & Sackett Streets Painting With a Purpose - Channel your inner Van Gogh and enjoy an evening of painting, refreshments and socializing. A professional artist will lead you in a step-by-step painting class and you will leave with a masterpiece! No experience necessary! 50/50 raﬄe and ticket proceeds will support both St. Paul & St. Agnes Churches. On August 20 from 7-9 pm. Tickets are $45 and must be purchased online paintnite.com/events/1087658.html. St. Mary Star of the Sea Church

467 Court Street Religious Education Registration has begun for 2016 - 2017. Forms are available in church, at the rectory and may be downloaded from www. stmarystarbrooklyn.com. Classes begin on Sunday, September 18. St. Paul’s Catholic Church 234 Congress Street St. Paul and Visitation Youth Ministry present Movie Night - Miracles From Heaven on Saturday, August 6 at 6 pm at St. Paul Hall. Free admission, snacks available. For information, call (718) 624-3425. Young Adult Group - Are you a young

adult between 21-39 and feel misunderstood and alone? Well, you are not alone. Come and join our young adult group. For more information, please call the rectory (718) 625-1717 or email stpaulandstagnes@gmail.com.

Visitation BVM Church 98 Richards Street Healing Mass on August 10 at 7:00 pm in Spanish and on August 19 at 7:00 pm in English. Gran Evento Concert, El Poder y El Amor de Jesus, featuring “Gela” on August 26 from 7:30-11:00 pm, organized by the Guadalupe Committee. Tickets are $10.

Bishop DiMarzio celebrates Mass at St. Agnes for victims of Nice terror attacks.

The Star-Revue is available for free at many selected spots throughout South Brooklyn, including Fairway, the Chase Bank at Hamilton Avenue, Marks Pizza, the Key Food on Henry Street, the House of Pizza and Calzone and many other retail location. We can add you to the route. Just call George at (718) 624-5568 and we'll add you to the route!

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August 2016, Page 5

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featured local businesses

RED HOOK HAS EVERYTHING!

nside our warehouses new industries have risen. Craft beer, wine and whiskey are all made here. Glucose-free pop tarts, delicious key lime pies, raspberry lemonade cake, Steak Pizziola heroes with fresh mozzarella, pizza with fresh mushrooms are all made and sold here. You can buy leather belts and prime rib steak to cook at home. Or you can get some of the best BBQ in the country. Or a whole lobster, or just a roll. You can reupholster your couch or engrave your store name onto glass.

Custom kitchens are put together here. Brass beds, tiled floors, and oak shelves can be augmented with original artwork and sculpture. Check this page for some great examples of local purveyors, and pay them a visit - often!

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Is your business looking for a unique way to reach a diverse, involved community? We are South Brooklyn's hometown newspaper, with a dedicated local readership. Whether you’re a new business looking to introduce yourself to the neighborhood or an old favorite, the Star-Revue is the place to be seen. For information and rates, please contact Noah Phillips at noah@redhookstar.com or call our ofﬁce at (718) 624-5568.

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August 2016

Menchaca brings NYPD and Red Hook youth together by Nathan Weiser

he first annual Unity in the Community event with Red Hook youth and the NYPD was held in Red Hook on July 30. The day began at 3 pm with street soccer on the fields in Bush Clinton Park, and later four basketball games took place at the Miccio Community Center. According to Councilman Carlos Menchaca, who played in both the soccer and basketball games, this celebration was put together to create more unity in the community. Some of the organizations that were represented the event included Street Soccer USA, the Old Timers’ Committee, the NYPD, the Red Hook Community Justice Center, Good Shepherd Services and Red Hook Initiative. Fairway contributed food for all the participants.

Kids from the Buena Vista Futbol Club were playing on the Street Soccer field outdoors even in the rain. Adults were playing on the newer field. Tents with food lined Bush Clinton Park. When the rain made the basketball courts not playable, everything was moved inside. Four basketball games ensued between Red Hook and the NYPD. Menchaca and his staff began planning the event in March at the request of local youth. “This is a test, and I think we accomplished it,” he said. “We want to do it again.” Menchaca tasked Janet Andrews, a community organizer with the councilman, with finding the kids and police to participate. According to Andrews, all of the youth at the event were either involved in programs at the Miccio Center, attend

Carlos Menchaca playing in the outdoor soccer game. (photos by Nathan Weiser)

The Miccio Center was packed with both fans and players for the basketball games, moved inside due to the afternoon rains.

highlights while a DJ played music during the games. People stood at the entrance to the gym along one baseline, sat on both sides, and more people from the community were sitting on the stage above the court watching the action. All of the participants in the basketball games wore Unity in the Community tshirts in various colors of red, white or orange. Thge intention of Unity in the Community is to create positive interactions between police officers and local youth. By bringing the two groups together, a more trusting understanding of each other will be fostered over time.

Pave Academy or are from the community. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, Andrews and Menchaca addressed the packed Miccio Center in between games after a performance by an eight-person step dance group. Andrews talked about representing peace, unity and love as well as promoting positiveness. According to a policeman inside the Miccio, officers particpated from the 76th Precinct and from PSA 1. He said that there were 14 different officers who played basketball with the youth. An announcer called out all of the

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/ / S U P P LY August 2016, Page 7

Celebrating All That Makes Our Community Unique and Dynamic by Kimberly Gail Price

he Red Hook Star-Revue, in partnership with IKEA Brooklyn, proudly announces our 3rd Annual Celebrating Red Hook on Saturday, September 17, 2016 from 12-9 pm. In the age of Red Hook’s gentrification, the Star-Revue feels it is important to keep our neighborhood connected. By bringing local artists, makers and entrepreneurs together, we hope to highlight the ever growing spirit of community. We want others to experience the character of the community. A typical day trip through the neighborhood allows visitors to see what is visible. By bringing so many parts of Red Hook to one location, we can offer a broader experience. Each year, the festival grows, bringing out the best of what truly makes Red Hook unique. Celebrating Red Hook highlights all of the various arts and culture in our own backyard. Our neighborhood has so much to reveal. A multitude of cuisine. Artists galore. Mom and pops. Entrepreneurs from all walks. Neighbors, friends, comrades. But beyond the vast offerings, there

is a spirit here. An energy unique to us. We all contribute to Red Hook in our own individual way. Singularly, our differences might go unnoticed in the rest of the world. But together in Red Hook, we all make the character a little stronger, the community a little sweeter. As the organizer of this event, I hope every one of you finds a way to celebrate Red Hook in September. Because every one of us helps define the neighborhood. At Celebrating Red Hook, dozens of local merchants, artists and makers will sample and sell their crafts. Local musicians will fill the Erie Basin Park with all sorts of music. IKEA’s annual fireworks will light us the night sky as we conclude the evening of celebration. Adults and kids alike will find plenty of interactive games and activities. Food vendors will fill your belly, and maybe a few spirits will be available. Please get involved in our festival. If you’re looking to be a vendor, volunteer or sponsor, reach out to Kimberly at Kimberly@redhookstar.com or (718) 624-5568. Hope to see you there!

BREAKING NEWS! The Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center

WIC Program in Red Hook

NOW OPEN! Location: 120 Richards Street Brooklyn, NY 11231. Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays: 8:00AM-5:00PM. Please call 718-945-7150 ext. 6110 /1814 to schedule an appointment!!

Grand Opening: Tuesday, August 9th. Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue

www.star-revue.com

August 2016

Being Human by Kimberly Gail Price

t 1:24 am, the breaking news made its way into my bedroom. Eleven Dallas officers had been shot. Two fatally. A third. By the time the sun had risen, the fifth police officer had died. All of this in the wake of police shootings in Minnesota and Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Every one of these lost lives is tragic. Often an unnecessary loss. But Baton Rouge was personal. My hometown torn apart by war. Gun control. Mental health. Police cameras. Accountability. All the words we’re throwing around to make sense of the madness, to explain away bad things, to cope. I ask myself how the importance of humanity has become so unimportant in our world. How can we look at one another and only see differences, only see the things that divide us? Am I not human to you; are you not human to me? And what value are we placing on a human life that can be so heartlessly extinguished? Perhaps if you knew me better… Perhaps if I knew you better… Would then, it be so easy for either of us to deny each other the life we are destined to live? There are so many questions in a complicated world of misunderstanding. But I didn’t pull the trigger, and neither did you. So what difference can we make? A young reporter who once wrote for the Star-Revue posted on his FaceBook wall, “I don't think I can raise a child in this country.” A young, black man with his entire life in front of him who fears for a future child’s safety. Beyond the grim, I can still see hope.

PLUMBING

Star-Revue! in the advertise Don’t be a fool -

In 1991, after Principle Patrick Daly was shot and killed, the violence-torn community of Red Hook altered the course of the neighborhood’s projected history. The community stepped in, worked with police officers, and cleaned up the neighborhood. It took a village. Now, we have the opportunity to be the example for the country. If we can cross invisible boundaries and make peace with the perceived enemy, perhaps we’d have a lot less enemies. That path is not the simple one. Swallowing pride, learning tolerance, finding forgiveness for those who have hurt us. Robert Frost might call this “the road less traveled.” We have the answers. Each of us, in our own hands, we have the answers.

Swedish Crayfish Party Ask a Restaurant co-worker for more details and to purchase your tickets. Seating is limited. Purchase your tickets today!

Friday, September 16th, 2016 4:00pm–6:00pm 6:30pm–8:30pm

The NYPD’s job is to protect and serve. We ask every day that they protect and serve. How can they do that we are unknown to them. Perhaps if they knew us better… Perhaps if we knew them better… Let us join forces. Let us know one another. Let us see humans behind the uniforms and circumstances. On Saturday, July 30, fourteen local officers played basketball with local youth in Red Hook. Cops and community engaged in getting to know each other. Joining forces. Being human together.

Member price:

Perhaps…

/per person Kids $2.99

Reg price: $18.99/per person, Kids $4.99

Save the Date!

IKEA Brooklyn ®

1 Beard Street Brooklyn, NY 11231

3rd Annual

Red Hook StarªRevue

Store Hours: Open daily 10am-9pm

Celebrating

Restaurtant Hours: 9:30am-8:30pm

Red Hook

www.IKEA-USA.com/brooklyn Follow us on TWITTER: @IKEA_Brooklyn

SEPTEMBER 17, 2016

A full day of celebrating all that makes our community unique and dynamic Save The Date - Alternate Version.indd 1

Red Hook Star-Revue

6/28/2016 5:00:21 PM

www.star-revue.com

August 2016, Page 9

MIKE'S SAY:

Gaining Yards

BY MICHAEL RACIOPPO

n a few Sundays, millions of us will shout out at the television insistantly "Move the Chains" as our football teams - in my case the Giants - advance for a first down on their march down field to hopefully put points on the board. At the risk of flooding the zone with sports metaphors and alienating those who don't care about football, I think moving the chains describes the advancement of social change through elections very well. I couldn't help but think of this as I saw Bernie Sanders supporters during the Democratic National Convention. They have great energy and believe deeply in a more just society. But many are new to this grueling game with its share of arcane rules. They fail to understand that a Hail Mary pass thrown 60 yards downfield doesn’t get to win the most powerful office in the world. (Well maybe you can if you are an unprincipled reality TV huckster.) It takes long and somewhat boring work that many people aren't willing to do or don't engage in early enough. It is the most necessary element of advancing an agenda. To use another football metaphor, it generally takes "3 yards and a cloud of dust." Bernie has implored his supporters to take this energy and use it to get involved in local politics - just like he did. People that supported Bernie (and Hillary) should take the energy that they've shown and register voters, make sure races for state legislatures and municipal government have better turnouts, and act like every vote counts all the time because it does. I have supported Hillary throughout, but now there is added urgency. I am all in for Hillary but if she doesn't have progressive legislators supporting her agenda across the country, it will likely be stymied in ways that President Obama's agenda has been frustrated.

In Brooklyn, this means getting involved in participatory budgeting, community boards, petitioning for candidates to get on ballots or joining a political club. If people who were passionate about Bernie's candidacy don't stay involved, they will fail to alter the process and perpetuate the problems and issues that fueled the Bernie movement. The rigging can be altered by more experienced hands, so long as they are not co-opted, and we can sail off into a beautiful sunset. There is some truth in the saying "you get the democracy you deserve" and before we deserve a perfect, or near perfect one, we have to gain some yards and "move the chains!” If you’re reading this and want to get involved, but aren't sure how feel free to email me at Racioppomike@yahoo.com.

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Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue

LETTERS:

to meet you, George. – Lynn Page

Thanks for your great paper!

Mr. Bharara needs to interview members of the LICH family, employees who witnessed the disgraceful behavior, that destroyed a wonderful institution. As a former LICH RN, I can say that not one of the hospitals I’ve worked in since LICH closed, delivers the same quality care. Mr. DeBlasio, I will never vote for your corrupt butt again. – Lillian Gargiulo

On NYC Water Day, we shared a ferry from Governor’s Island to Pier 6 in Brooklyn with George Fiala. He was gently inviting passengers to read the current issue of the Star during the trip. My husband and I are visiting Brooklyn from Victoria, BC, Canada, and the Star was the first publication we picked up during our stay. In fact, it was the sole reason we discovered and enjoyed Water Day. What a fabulous event, and made affordable for everyone, through generous local sponsors. We have also spent an afternoon exploring Red Hook, taking home a smashing bottle of Riesling from the Red Hook winery (take the free tour!), and enjoying a swingle from Steve’s authenic key lime pie. Thanks, Red Hook Star. And very nice

On LICH investigation:

The last three paragraphs about rezoning is nonsense. - anon. Just disgusting and the last 3 paragraphs is the absolute truth… deBlasio in the pockets of the developers! - Kathy I wonder if Preet is reading your articles for the backstory. He should take a look at that one titled The Vultures Killing LICH. Gives the whole sordid story. - Steve Ignatius

SHORTS: NYU Langone Medical Center installs ‘da Vinci’ robotic surgeon

There is a new surgeon at NYU’s Lutheran Medical Center – a robot, designed to work alongside human doctors to treat Brooklyn patients. The robot, dubbed da Vinci Xi, can help doctors treat abnormal tissue disorders, remove tumors in the uterus, prostate, bladder, and kidneys, and repair pelvic prolapse. “Patients do better and feel better,” said Dr. Diana Contreras, who directs NYU Lutheran’s robotic surgery program and serves as Chief of Women’s Services. “With robot-assisted surgery for cancer, faster wound-healing means patients can move on to the next therapy without having to wait to heal.” Da Vinci Xi allows surgeons to work with greater precision than they could otherwise, enabling “three-dimensional vision, greater magnification and dexterity of instrumentation, fin-

"Bridging Gowanus" returns

The NYC Department of City Planning will be turning its attention to Gowanus this fall, in concert with the Bridging Gowanus political project. The Department of City Planning (DCP) will go through the PLACES process. According to the DCP website, PLACES aims to “foster diverse, livable neighborhoods with mixedincome housing and supporting services,” as part of Mayor Bill de Blasio’s Housing New York Plan. DCP has introduced this process in several other neighborhoods, including East Harlem, East New York, the Bay Street Corridor on Statin Island, and Flushing West, in Queens. PLACES stands for Planning for Livability, Affordability, Community, Economic opportunity, and Sustainability. Elected officials representing Gowanus on the municipal, state, and federal levels have been anticipating a potential Gowanus rezoning for the past few years.. In consultation with the Pratt Center for Community Development, these representatives, led by council member Brad Lander, or-

er control, ability to work in multiple areas or quadrants, smaller incisions and less pain,” according to NYU’s press release. “Many procedures can be done without a lengthy stay or even an overnight in the hospital.” Surgical robots like Da Vinci are operated at a console from which a physician controls mechanical arms. Da Vinci is manufactured and sold by Intuitive Surgical, and they usually cost around $2 million each, according to healthline.com. ganized Bridging Gowanus as a forum for residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to participate in the planning process. Gowanus faces real estate pressure and environmental concerns including flooding and the EPA’s designation of the canal as a Superfund site. Lander says he hopes the PLACES process will build on the participation already shown in the community. “Bridging Gowanus has genuinely helped to build bridges, and resulted in a planning framework that is reflective of the diverse community that values and cherishes the Gowanus,” said Brad Lander. “Getting Gowanus right will take a different way of doing things. So I appreciate that the de Blasio administration is committed to working with our community from the beginning.” Meeting with over area stakeholders, Bridging Gowanus identified six categories for future work, including investing in public facilities, preserving manufacturing, and maintaining affordable housing. These recommen(continued on page 16)

www.star-revue.com

August 2016

Smiling while stabbing you in the back

by George Fiala

recent news story reported by all three daily newspapers informed us that US Attorney Preet Bharara has turned his attention to the closing of the Long Island College Hospital (LICH).

back and overheard an impromptu meeting of the other hospital union, 1199 SEIU. The 1199 SEIU members were told not to get involved in any protests, that their lawyers had the situation under control and their jobs were safe.

The Star-Revue covered LICH’s agonizing end from the beginning, as copublisher Kimberly Price recognized right away that LICH was Red Hook’s go-to hospital. Kimberly was at the Kane Street Synagogue on Valentine's Day 2013 that marked the start of the community's protest against the closing of their hospital. The New York State Nurse's Association (NYSNA) and the Cobble Hill Association (CHA) rallied support among hundreds. Fiery speeches were delivered by Tomas Sooma of the Concerned Physicians of LICH, and then Assemblywoman Joan Millman.

The defence lawyer for SUNY DDownstate was another incongruity. Frank Carone was well connected in Democratic politics stemming back to his relationship with the late Vito Lopez. He was once a law partner of the current Kings County Democratic Leader Frank Seddio.

A lengthy court battle led by NYSNA other other neighborhood groups followed. Tabloid press printed a lot of anti-LICH propaganda. Local politicians talked of saving the hospital, but were ultimately ineffectual. Inevitably, it was Real Estate that emerged victorious. The whiff of corruption permeated the whole proceeding. At first, the Star-Revue believed it all stemmed from the governor’s mansion through its minions at the NYS Department of Health, and the SUNY Downstate Board of Directors and Carl McCall, Governor Cuomo's one-time enemy. Then one day, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, who we mistook for an ally, appeared on the scene. At a lightly attended rally on Hicks Street, a tall, suited gentleman walking and another suited man carrying a briefase alked across Atlantic Avenue. I recognized de Blasio, who at that time was running last in a crowded mayoral race to succeed Michael Bloomberg. My first thought was, "What the hell is he doing here?" His subsequent act of well-orchestrated civil disobedience rocketed him to the top of the mayoral heap. It was just around the time that Anthony Weiner self-destructed and Christine Quinn’s persona doomed her prospects.

When de Blasio, by this time mayor, and LICH shut, attempted to tell the community about the great job he did, we were shocked. A letter praising de Blasio was sent to residents of Carroll Gardens and Cobble Hill. Local activist and CB 6 member Gary Reilly signed the letter. In small letters it stated that the mailing was paid for by a 501 C-4 corporation - the Campaign for One New York. We hadn’t yet heard of that particular group, so I checked and found it to be linked to de Blasio, formed to finance advocacy for his mayoral policy goals. At first, I was stunned at the length de Blasio would go to make sure he was

"It was obvious that no matter what the courts

sold to the Fortis Property Group."

Historic District?

demanded, the SUNY lawyers would make sure that the LICH campus would be

liked by the people he helped stab in the back. Better never to say one word about LICH; and hope that most would forget. But he couldn’t keep his mouth shut, and he sent the letter that may spell his doom - as it is that Campaign for One New York that is being investigated by Bharara.

A false hope

But there were funny things we observed along the way - things that at the time were unexplainable.

The machinations of the final court decision allowed the community to have some say in the disposition of the property. A scoring system was put into place to favor a group that would include a full service hospital in its development plans.

One day a crowd of politicians was led by de Blasio and his wife. State Senator Daniel Squadron and Brad Lander, de Blasio’s successor in the City Council, stormed into the Amity Street building that housed LICH’s executive officers. While the politicians stood outside a locked office door unsuccessfully demanding an audience with the LICH president, I stood in the

Red Hook Star-Revue

Assemblywoman Millman, in a recent conversation, intimated to us that she was told long before the final outcome that Fortis was a done deal. To be honest, we never thought that LICH, a major downtown institution, would close. We were hoping it would be made better to serve all parts of the diverse South Brooklyn community. The hospital had always ranked high in the US News and World Report analysis of area hospitals. Better management could have put it on top.

One other tidbit comes to mind. It was obvious that no matter what the courts demanded, the SUNY lawyers would make sure that the LICH campus would be sold to the Fortis Property Group.

De Blasio staked his political future on being the Cobble Hill savior. We felt his election would save the hospital, giving him the power to contest the governor’s will.

The future mayor calls for LICH's salvation as he was running his campaign back in 2013. (photo by Kimberly Gail Price)

Fortis came in third place in the scoring – a process that itself is under investigation for possible fraud. SUNY used their power to quickly disqualify the first two applicants, and gave LICH to their preferred choice - Fortis. Nobody seemed to question this process.

Cobble Hill was one of New York City’s original historic districts. In 1969 it received that designation, ensuring that no buildings would ever rise higher than 50 feet. The neighborhood would retain the small-town feel that made it one of the city’s first

suburbs. However, the LICH campus, a tiny corner of the district, was deliberately allowed to build higher, as the community that cherished the hospital did not want to constrain its future growth. Fortis has been grandfathered into that 1969 decision, and is planning to erect multiple 30 and 40 story towers, changing Cobble Hill forever. There is another local example of one part of a community sacrificed to preserve a wealthier part of it: the 2003 rezoning of Park Slope, which protected the wealthy areas around Seventh Avenue while enabling high rise construction along Fourth Avenue. Who was front and center around that rezoning? Park Slope’s councilman Bill de Blasio and the head of the Fifth Avenue Committee, Brad Lander.

INTERESTED IN HELPING RED HOOK LIBRARY GROW? Please come join us for the next meeting of the Friends of Red Hook Library group. Thursday, September 1 2016 6:30 - 8 pm at the library, 7 Wolcott Street

www.star-revue.com

Questions? contact Brian Hasbrouck at bhasbrouck@bklynlibrary.org

August 2016, Page 11

New Boerum Hill flea offers local crafts by Halley Bondy

f you want to shop locally, but don’t feel like navigating the bustling streets of South Brooklyn, there’s a new unique flea market for you. F.a.d. weekend (it stands for Fashion, Art, and Design) is an indoor pop-up market with a Parisian feel located at Invisible Dog Art Center, a 30,000 square-foot multipurpose space on Bergen Street. Every second and last weekend throughout the summer, shoppers can roam through the seamlessly curated space and find everything from jewelry to clothes to baked goods to kitchenware - all handmade by local artists. Beginning in the fall, the market will move to another yet-undetermined spot in South Brooklyn. In the winter, f.a.d. will move again, and so on. For now, however, The Invisible Dog Art Center experience is far more charming than a mall, more comfortable than roaming the streets in the blazing sun, and more delightfully immersive than shopping online. There’s even a serene sculpture garden in the backyard, if you need a break. “There is a ton of support within this community for the arts,” said Jennifer Bailey, who launched f.a.d. in May at The Issue Project Room downtown. “With so many independent

The

businesses closing down, it’s important to have a platform for artists and designers to showcase their work around here.” For vendors, f.a.d. can be a great opportunity to sell wares. Steve Riley, a jeweler based in Red Hook, was having good luck with sales on one particular Sunday afternoon in July.

Market for handmade

“It’s buzzing with activity and people have been coming in all weekend,” Riley said behind his booth. “I think it’s going to grow and get a good reputation as a market for handmade objects. I recommend it to other artists, but get your foot in the door now because soon everyone will be trying to get in.” For others, like larger-scale Red Hook artist and fabricator Eric Jacobson, sales weren’t fantastic. But he’d still do it again. “People seem to come here so far for smaller inexpensive items, but it’s a positive experience even though things aren’t flying off the shelves,” said Jacobson, who sells pot racks for kitchens, steel brackets, outdoor sculptures, and more. “[Jennifer Bailey] is incredibly nice and supportive, and it’s a good way to be out in the neighborhood.” Both men agree that, for vendors, the market is affordable compared to

Red Hook StarªRevue

BARS!

There are so many to choose from. In this day and age, so modern in many respects yet so arcane in others, the familiar sight of a long countertop placed before a shelf of bright gleaming shiny multicolored mysterious profane delicious bottles of warmth and good cheer is a comfort and a joy. Whether you are drinking alone, looking to mingle, or already have one or two friends of your very own, Red Hook and its environs has the saloon, cocktail lounge, dive, drinking hole, cantina, or sports bar for you.

most. At just $100 a day and $180 for the entire weekend (with nominal fees for a table and chairs), it’s relatively easy to break even and beyond. F.a.d is also outstandingly curated, with Bailey rotating vendors constantly and minimizing competition between similar artists. After sifting through applications, Bailey chooses about 40 vendors for each market. “We try not to have too much of the same thing, which makes it great for the vendors but it also keeps it interesting for the audience,” Bailey said. In the future, f.a.d. will include more food, a larger rotating cast of artists, and hopefully, even more foot traffic. “Considering that we’re quite new, we’ve had great turnout here and won-

derful support from the community,” Bailey said. “We plan to stick around and grow!” F.a.d. Weekend will be operating August 13-14 and August 27-28 at The Invisible Dog Art Center, 51 Bergen Street, from 11 am through 6 pm. Thereafter, the pop-up market will move to a yet-determined location in South Brooklyn. Shoppers and vendors can stay up to date at www.fadweekend.com For information on Steve Riley’s jewelry, www.steverileydesigns.com/ For information on Eric Jacobsen’s work, www.jacobsonsculpture.com/ For information on Matthew A. Yanchuk’s work, www.mayware.com

BAR DIRECTORY

RED HOOK

BAIT & TACKLE

Seaborne

Quiet cash-only cocktail lounge. Mon-Sat, noon-3 am; Sun noon - midnight. 718-852-4888. 228 Van Brunt Street.

Sunnys

You won’t ﬁnd any food at this crusty establishment, but you will ﬁnd a lot of taxidermied animals. 3pm-4am M-F, 1pm4am Sat & Sun. (718) 451-4665. 320 Van Brunt St. LIVE MUSIC 9PM MONDAYS

Botanica

Fancy cocktails and rare beers - from the folks who brought you Widow Jane distillery next door. Mon. closed; Tue, Wed 3-10 pm; Thu, Fri 3 pm -12 am; Sat 12 pm - 2 am; Sun noon-11 pm. (347) 225-0147. 220 Conover St.

When you drink at Sunny’s you’re drinking history - this bar has been around for over 100 years. LIVE MUSIC Thu, Fri, & Sat nights. Mon closed; Tue 4 pm-2 am; Wed-Fri 4 pm-4 am; Sat 10 am–4 am; Sun, 10 am–midnight (718) 625-8211. 253 Conover St.

Verona Wine Bar

A new, low-key, family owned place. Excellent tapas, mixed drinks, and wine (of course). Mon-Tue closed; Wed-Thur 3 pm-midnight; Fri-Sat 3 pm-3 am; Sun 3 pm -9 pm. (929) 3376014. 253 Van Brunt St.

ROCKY SULLIVAN'S

outdoor patio & karaoke. Sun-Thur 4 pm-2 am; Fri-Sat 4 pm-4 am. (917) 733-1054. 200 Columbia St.

The Hop Shop

Extensive beer list with a friendly atmosphere. Mon, closed; Tue-Thur, 5 pm-midnight; Fri 5 pm-2 am; Sat, noon - 2 am; Sun noon-midnight. (718) 852-2184. 121 Columbia St.

Jalopy Tavern & Theater

Half solid bar with tasty drinks and food, half kickass venue and music school. Live music almost every night. Mon-Thur 4pm-2am; F,ri 4 pm-4 am; Sat noon-4 am; Sun 11ammidnight. (718) 395-3214. 317 Columbia St.

Mazzat

A wholesome, warm, friendly Mediterranean restaurant with tapas and full bar. Noon-10pm daily. (718) 8521652. 208 Columbia St.

Phil’s Crummy Corner

Lively sports bar with fresh, authentic Puerto Rican food. Mon, closed; Tue, Wed & Sun, noon-2 am; Thur-Sat noon-4 am. (718) 246-1252. 323 Co-

Fort Defiance

Ice House

Neighborhood atmosphere with full kitchen and full bar. Weekly trivia, Irish classes, and live music most nights, including jam sessions. (718) 246-8050. 34 Van Dyke St.

Bar Tano

COLUMBIA WATERFRONT

Halyards

$810 for 6 months $1440 for one year

Lowlands Bar

call Noah (718) 624-5568

Cocktails and food in the heart of Van Brunt. Mon, Wed-Fri, 10 am-midnight; Sat, Sun 9 am-midnight; Tue 10 am-3 pm. (347) 453-6672. 365 Van Brunt St. Cozy laid-back tavern with punk music, decent bar food and a back patio. Noon-4 am daily. (718) 222-1865. 318 Van Brunt St.

Hometown Bar-B-Que

Barbeque joint with rustic aesthetic and live music on weekends. Fri-Sat, noon - midnight; Sun noon-10 pm; Mon closed; Tue-Thur noon-11pm. (347) 294-4644. 454 Van Brunt St.

Hope & Anchor

Brooklyn-style diner with karaoke Fri & Sat from 9 pm-1:30 am. Mon-Wed 11:30 am-11 pm; Thur-Fri 11:30 am 1:00 am; Sun 9 am-10 pm. (718) 2370276. 347 Van Brunt St.

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

The F.a.d. marketplace pops up every other weekend at 51 Bergen St. (photo by Bondy)

B61

A friendly bar with wide-open windows, sidewalk seating, and Alma Restaurant upstairs. Mon-Fri 4 pm- 4 am; Fri 5:30-11 pm; Sat 2 pm-4 am, Sun 1 pm-4 am. (718) 643-5400. 187 Columbia St.

40 Knots

Cheap drinks, $1 pool table, juke box

www.star-revue.com

RESTAURANT & BAR

GOWANUS

Cozy Italian bar & bistro with full menu. Mon-Thur 11am–midnight; Fri 11 am–1 am; Sat 10am-1am; Sun 10 am-midnight. (718) 499-3400. 457 3rd Ave. Games, cocktails, craft & classic beers, pub food. Mon-Thur 4 pm-2 am; Fri 4 pm-4 am; Sat 2 pm-4 am; Sun noon-2 am. (347) 532-8787. 406 3rd Ave. Local dive with a large back patio and paninis. Mon-Thurs 5 pm-4 am; Fri 1 pm-4 am; Sat 10 am-4 am; Sun 1 pm-4 am. (347) 463-9458. 543 3rd Ave.

YOUR AD HERE!!

noah@redhookstar.com

August 2016

Living through a slow gentrification

was going through the turnstile at the Carroll Street station on my way back from work one winter afternoon, when a guy in a gray tweed overcoat walked in a hurried step next to me. He had blond hair and a dark mustache. “Hi,” he said. “What’s the rush?” My street-smart radar went off immediately and he sensed my urge to ignore him. He continued, “I see you and your husband going by on 1st Place often and I notice you wear running shoes. I was wondering if you guys would like to join me on my runs?” That was pretty much my first introduction to a yuppie in the neighborhood back in 1979. It turned out Bill Barber and his wife, Margerite, were a newly married couple like us, only he was from Boston and she was from Flatbush. We walked together and chatted until he got to his rented brownstone apartment, and I continued home to the other side of the highway to Luquer Street. He worked on Wall Street as my husband and I did, and we all attended St. Stephens Church. Turned out, it was a match made in heaven.

Suddenly the only Red Hooker

It stood to reason that the women in our foursome were from Brooklyn and the guys were not - let’s start there. Eventually thrown into the equation was Bill’s friend, Joe, and his wife Mary - also from Boston, both Irish - who had moved in a few houses down from Bill. In a neighborhood where I seldom hung out with anyone but my close-knit Italian girlfriends, I suddenly found myself in a couples group as the only Italian and the only Red Hooker. These were the very subtle changes that were taking place under our neighborhood’s nose. As baby boomer Italians and Italian Americans, we were growing up and leaving for jobs, schooling, or marriage. Others left for jail, rehab or regrettably, overdosed. In some form, shape or size, the neighborhood was losing its 60s popularity of teenage candy-store hang outs and shenanigans as life “moved on.” Personally, I was experiencing the neighborhood as I had never before. My sister and friends were all married, living in Queens, Westchester and Long Island. We had all met our husbands at work in the city, none of whom were from Brooklyn. I chose to stay in Red Hook after I got married - a little bit of a culture shock for my new husband - but he managed. Meeting the Barbers and the Browns introduced me to a social world in an almost tourist-like setting. As young daughters of Italian immigrants, we were held to strict standards of social outlets and borders in the neighborhood. Suddenly I was having dinner on Atlantic Avenue, ordering Greek and Middle Eastern food, running through Prospect Park and sipping a beer af-

Red Hook Star-Revue

by Mary Ann Pietanza

terwards with the Barbers. Sahadi’s, a favorite of most Italian immigrants strictly for their selection of Mediterranean olive oils, was quickly becoming a more diverse food store that I found myself shopping in almost weekly in our new quest for “health food” that banned meat from our diets. We hung out most weekends together, either at the Barber’s or the Brown’s, but mostly the Brown’s parlor floor apartment. The Browns were eager to embrace their new eclectic home and surroundings particularly since they were both newcomers to New York, no less Brooklyn. They loved the name of the area, Carroll Gardens, and quickly became a staple in the parish activities. Unlike most Italians, the Browns personally befriended all the priests, curious most about the Pastor, Monsignor Delvecchio, and Father Marianni, who had married my husband and me, and both of whom were

"In some form, shape or size, the neighborhood was losing its 60s popularity of teenage candy-store hang outs and shenanigans as life 'moved on.'"

much older. As dedicated and devoted as we were to our sacred church, though, I can’t say I ever saw a priest hanging out with any of my friends or visiting any of my families’ homes. The priests were sort of untouchable as far as relations with the clergy went; certainly they were like royalty to its subjects, not usually seen to be mingling with its subjects. Imagine my surprise then, when I walked into Mary Brown’s apartment on a Friday night and there was one of the new priests to the parish casually dressed and sipping a beer. “Okay,” I thought to myself, hoping I didn’t appear too awkward. Mary had invited Father Bob to have dinner and drinks with us. “Okay,” I thought again, but I imagined the conversation might be guarded. It was, but not for long. Father Bob eventually had us on the topic of priesthood versus the laymen’s lifestyle, revealing that he sometimes wasn’t sure if his choice calling was actually a life-long commitment he could sustain, citing his longing for family life. We talked at length feeling quite comfortable with our honesty and he gave us an awareness of the realness of people, priest or not, and how deep down, we were all the same. We managed this soul-searching dialogue, while I was teaching Mary how to make tomato sauce as we sipped our wine.

Carroll Garden's in the 1970's

Little did we know we were in the early stages of a gentrification evolution. Mary Brown only knew that she was in the city of churches and felt the strong religious influences of her new Italian neighborhood. As an Irish Catholic, she felt quite at home with the abundance of statuary symbols of The Blessed Virgin Mary adorning many of her neighbor’s front lawns. During her first Christmas that year, she was in awe of the decorations that brightened up the faded brownstone landscape against the night sky, especially at her corner of 1st Place and Henry Street. There were four or five homes in a row that displayed department-store type decorations featuring animated Santa and Nativity scenes inside their parlor floor windows, where never-ending white lights lined fences, railings, doorways and windows that were intently accented with large red bows. (This corner was our “Dyker Heights Lights.”) In her deeply rooted faith, she rationalized that God had spiritually led her to live on this enchanting block. It was confirmed in her mind when some relatives came to visit and were struck by the illuminating sight as their taxi turned onto 1st Place. Running breathlessly up the steps, juggling suitcases to her front door, they exclaimed in their heaviest Boston brogue, “Oh, Jesus, Mary, we just knew this had to be your block as soon as we turned onto it! Only God could surround you with such beauty while living away from home!” In the beginning I guess, the yuppie presence wasn’t so overt, especially for couples. The young professionals moving in were still, in my observation, attached to the principles that were embodied by their parents. They were still thinking along the lines of love, marriage, family and eventually, suburbs - in that order. While couples lived together, marriage was still the ultimate goal, a value that was largely due in part to religion. Religion today, however, plays a significantly diminished role.

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Lifestyle changes were becoming apparent though. James Fixx’s Complete Book of Running, published in 1977, took us out of Jack LaLanne’s gym and onto the streets. It was a revolutionary change that crossed barriers in a renewed interest of fitness. During the ten-day subway strike in 1980, we strapped on our running shoes to walk over the Brooklyn Bridge, which started yet another trend of women wearing sneakers to commute and switching to heels at the office. Looking back, I recognize my own husband as a player in Red Hook’s gentrification infancy. A native Long Islander with a West Coast mentality, he moved his oversized surfboard into our apartment on Luquer Street, provoking curious stares from our mostly Hispanic neighbors. At that time, the Rockaways were desolate; a post Playland and beach resort with only remnants of their bungalows remaining, and a higher crime rate. Yet, I ran along the Boulevard’s vacant, exhausted boardwalk, while Joe surfed its raging Atlantic waves that crashed onto a stark beach. Maybe the trend started with him, I don’t know, but I am amused at today’s concept of our borough’s beach goers boarding the subway with their surfboards to surf at a re-developing Rockaway Beach, along with the opening of a new surf shop in nearby Dumbo. To some degree, too, the Hispanic little boys on our block experienced their initial introduction to Red Hook’s creeping new population when my husband rounded them all up and taught them to skateboard on Luquer Street! These kids were euphoric with squeals of delight as they made their attempts to slalom race from Columbia Street to Hamilton Avenue. This still resonates with one of those young boys, Henry, who is all grown now and has been a life-long worker at Defonte’s. He never fails to reminisce and ask for Joe whenever I stop by for a sandwich when I’m in the neighborhood.

August 2016, Page 13

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August 2016

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Ragas Live Festival at Pioneer Works by Diana McClure

hether you are a devoted student of Ragas Indian Classical Music, an avid admirer, or a casual listener who has simply heard it streaming out of yoga studio sound systems, the Ragas Live Festival, now in its fifth year, is an awesome joy to behold. Mesmerizing in its annual 24-hour continuous labyrinth of aural pleasure, this year’s program broke new ground; its presentation live at Pioneer Works in Red Hook, Brooklyn. Epic in its scope, the festival has streamed live in-studio performances by connoisseurs of Indian Classical Music for 24 hours straight, once per year, on New York’s WKCR 89.9 since its inception in 2012. Created by musician, producer and radio host David Ellenbogen with Brooklyn Raga Massive, HarmoNYom, Chhandayan and several other community partners, this year’s festival, supported by the Rubin Museum, featured 24 sets of music and over 70 musicians performing live in Pioneer Works’ cavernous main gallery. Ragas Live’s international following could tune in, as usual, in real time via partner media outlets Clocktower Radio, NYC Radio Live Podcast and Radio Al Farouk 89.0 Timbuktu. According to festival materials, “The beauty of Indian Classical Music and the Raga system around which it developed is that it is closely tied to the rhythms of nature.” Ragas can be understood as musical modes or essences that are associated with the mood of a specific time of day or season. Each raga is meant to be played at a particular time in order to color the mind and feelings with its fullest essence. Arriving at 3:30 am and blending into melodic cyclical rhythms over the next several hours, I was graced by the Sohini Paraj (pre-dawn), Bhatiyar Lalit (dawn) and Bhairav Ramakali Jogia (early morning) hours of music from the Raga Samaya System. Amidst a multi-tiered stage draped in textiles, candlelight, a dozen or so Persian rugs and seating, an intimate group of festivalgoers sprawled out on carpets below massive picture win-

dows as musicians created a meditative atmosphere for quiet listening. The festival lineup included traditional Ragas as well as fusion experiments that embraced a community of musicians and a variety of instruments including: Sitar, Tabla, Mridangam (India), Cello (Italy), Kora (West Africa), Djembe (West Africa), Bansuri (South Asia), Harmonium (Europe/ America), and vocals from a variety of artists. At 3:30 am, Kane Mathis and Roshni Samlal of the duo Orakel, an electroacoustic project, were seated on the stage floor playing Tabla and Kora. Peaceful, cascading, vibrant melodies caressed the room gracefully mingling with the mood of a deep balmy night on the verge of dawn.

“This festival is really a testament to the power of community: over a hundred kindred spirits came together, made beautiful music and beamed it out to the world for 24 hours." A fusion interdisciplinary group, Orakel explored the intersections of West African Mandinka Kora patterns and classical Indian rhythmic cycles of the Tabla. Mindful of maintaining the integrity of the musical vocabularies of each culture, the duo creates new compositions grounded in points of similarity within the two art forms. The following two sets, from 4 am to 5 am and 5 am to 6 am, featured Tabla player Shivalik Ghoshal. The former was a fusion set featuring Adam Maalouf on Hand Pans, the latter a traditional classical raga set featuring Deepal Chodari on Santoor, a first timer at the festival. Pioneer Works outdoor garden space offered a welcome sensory shift to cool moonlit air, a handful of city starlight and a sculpted green landscape. With one speaker seamlessly streaming music, listeners could digest the timeless sounds reverberating in the atmosphere, accompanied if they wished, by food, drinks and a city

Part of the 24 hours of Indian music presented at Pioneer Works. (photos by Anders Jones)

view from an elevated sky deck. Enveloped in morning twilight, with a smaller amount of attendees in session, listeners could spread out and immerse themselves in an internal knowing and reading of sound. The music’s intrinsic beauty amplified with 21st century technology seemed to permeate within and without simultaneously; an experience, perhaps, akin to the vibrancy of silent meditation. Tabla player Ghoshal described morning ragas as deeper emotionally, and often times more serious. Acknowledging the clear rules of ragas, he noted, “You don’t go outside the rules, but it’s infinite what you can do within the rules.” Similar to jazz, each raga is open to interpretation. How a musician introduces it and moves in between the notes is unique each time. The melodic aesthetics of speed became evident after listening to Ghoshal’s skills on the tabla alongside Maalouf. His ‘shredding’ showcased the meticulous precision it takes to move up and down scales with rhythmic artistry at the speed of light. A staggering compliment to the muted steel drum sound of Maalouf’s Hand Pans; an instrument created circa 2000. Showing his dexterity, Ghoshal moved into quieter accompaniment with Chodari, and had to improvise spur of the moment when invited to play last minute with a new group of musicians earlier in the day. Sunrise at Ragas Live 2016 was celebrated with Hindustani classical vocalist, Samarth Nagarkar. Surrounded by four musicians, all seated, Nagarkar’s exploration of each note and lyric expanded and dissected single moments of sound. Passionate gesticulations with his upper body and hands to accentuate notes added to his full-bodied expression and performance for a bright morning crowd.

The Ragas Live Festival is in it's fifth year, this was their first year in Red Hook.

Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue

Running a festival from 12 noon to 12 noon while managing a live broadcast would be a challenge for anyone. At about 8 am, David Ellenbogen just smiled when asked if he would run

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the festival live and in person again next year. In retrospect, a few days later, he had this to say, “This festival is really a testament to the power of community: over a hundred kindred spirits came together, made beautiful music and beamed it out to the world for 24 hours. The musicians found the audience and setting of Pioneer Works to be incredibly inspiring.” Of the morning music set he also noted, “There is an ideal music for each time of the day, so for us to experience a devotional sunrise raga at first light is a rare, harmonizing, immersive, holistic experience. “ Something truly aligned with this year’s festival theme: peace, music and global community. Until next year, and another round of this one-of-a-kind immersive, sensory and vitalizing experience, listeners can find all of the previous Ragas Live Festivals archived on the world music podcast, NYC Radio Live.

Gowanus (continued from page 10)

dations were adopted by Community Board 6 in 2015. In preparation for the PLACES process this fall, Bridging Gowanus has launched an online survey to help prioritize the hundreds of recommendations made by the community. In addition, the group will sponsor a series of open houses to refresh the neighborhood on the progress already made (see our Happenings calendar on page 2 for dates and locations). “We look forward to building upon the important work undertaken by the community in Bridging Gowanus and thank Councilmembers Lander and Levin for their leadership in promoting an inclusive and open planning process,” wrote DCP director Carl Weisbrod. “We are enthusiastic about working with them and the community to create a thriving neighborhood where an appropriate mix of uses supports an economically diverse population, offering cultural and economic opportunities for all.”

August 2016

Free movies in Valentino Park by Halley Bondy

This August, in association with Pioneer Works, Red Hook Flicks will feature and diverse lineup of new and nostalgic movies for adults and kids alike. Be sure to check out the following films beginning around 8:30 pm on Valentino Pier. Happy viewing! August 2: BEVERLY HILLS COP Year: 1984 Genre: Comedy, Action Rated: R Presented by THE O’CONNELL ORGANIZATION and HOMETOWN BBQ This 1984 action comedy launched Eddie Murphy to fame, resulting in two more sequels and one of the most preeminent careers in comedy history. In Beverly Hills Cop, Eddie Murphy plays the mischievous Detroit police officer Axel Foley. When Axel’s friend is murdered, he goes rogue and travels to upscale Beverly Hills to investigate. A total fish out of water, Murphy brings his devil-may-care attitude to the buttoned-up Beverly Hills police force. Underlying themes of race and class worm their way into the comedy, which holds up for the most part thanks to Murphy’s youthful charm. Beverly Hills Cop is head and shoulders better than any of the sequels - though the jury is still out on #4, which is currently in production more than 20 years later.

August 9: RESERVOIR DOGS Year: 1992 Genre: Crime thriller Rated: R Presented by WATERFRONT KITCHENS and PIZZA MOTO It’s hard to believe that 24 years have passed since Quentin Tarantino released his low budget hit Reservoir Dogs. The quintessential Tarantino film follows a group of tough criminals -- with names like Mr. Pink (Steve Buscemi), Mr. White (Harvey Keitel), and Mr. Blonde (Michael Madsen) who have to pick up the pieces after a disastrous diamond heist leaves some of them dead or injured. Reservoir Dogs made waves in the 90s not only for its grotesque violence, but also for its unique attention to dialogue and character development, as well as its unmistakable homage to 70s exploitation films. This screening is definitely not for kids, but adults will enjoy the throwback to an era before Tarantino had Hollywood backing.

August 16: PITCH PERFECT Year: 2012 Genre: Musical comedy Rated: PG-13 Presented by MOVERS NOT SHAKERS and RED HOOK LOBSTER POUND The 2012 sleeper hit, Pitch Perfect is an all-ages a cappella nerd romp. Starring Anna Kendrick and Rebel Wilson, Pitch Perfect follows the adventures of the Barden Bellas, an a capella troupe from the fictitious Barden University. As the troupe climbs to the national competition level, interpersonal relationships between the singers - and their boyfriends and parents - will be tested. This is a great choice if you’re into musical theatre, a capella culture, or nostalgic tunes like “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” and “Party In The U.S.A.” Oh, and Adam DeVine (from Workaholics) is hilarious in it.

spandex-clad Jareth (David Bowie), who rules the dismal land and tries to thwart Sarah’s efforts. It’s a kid-friendly nostalgia trip, and still an incredible tribute to Bowie’s music and style.

August 30: ALIENS Year: 1986 Rated: R Genre: Science fiction, action, horror Presented by FORT DEFIANCE and DRY DOCK WINE + SPIRITS In the 1986 sequel to the Alien franchise, we rejoin Lt. Ripley (Sigourney Weaver) after she’s been drifting through space in stasis for 57 years. With memories of a genocidal alien species fresh in her mind, Ripley has to convince a new crew of rag-tag,

skeptical marines that yes, they are in terrible danger. Together, they explore a colony that has been nearly wiped out, encountering merciless aliens and destruction along the way. The action and cataclysm are nonstop, but it’s also heartwarming to see Ripley’s attachment to Newt, a little girl and the sole survivor in the colony. This particular installment is pre-CGI, meaning HR Giger’s alien creations are still original and frightening in all their slimy glory. If you’re looking for one of the best horror/action movies of the 80s, this is a solid bet. Screenings take place at Valentino Pier. All films will begin at 8:30 pm, or as soon as it’s dark enough for a screening. For more information, visit https://redhookflicks.com/

August 23: LABYRINTH Year: 1986 Genre: Musical fantasy Rated: PG Presented by SHARED BROOKLYN and POK POK Labyrinth was a commercial failure when it was released in 1986, but it became a cult classic when more and more 80s kids discovered just how wacky and affecting it was. The musical follows Sarah (Jennifer Connelly), an imaginative teenage girl who would rather do geeky roleplay by herself than babysit for her little brother. Angry, she casts her brother to the land of the Goblins - only to find, regrettably, that it actually works. In order to get him back, Sarah has to fight her way through a mystical labyrinth and contend with dark, sometimes gross creatures (puppets by Jim Henson) and the androgynous,

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August 2016, Page 17

Sayo Gray's star drafted by Toronto Blue Jays by Nathan Weiser

oshua Palacios first played baseball in Red Hook with his dad when he was three years old. He has recently been able to make his dream come true by being a high selection in this year’s MLB Draft. He came back to Brooklyn for the draft after his college season ended at Auburn. He yearned for the unique feeling of being home and being around people he was close to growing up. To Joshua, New York is home and forever will be. Before the draft, he thought that it was great to be around people with similar accents since some people didn’t understand his accent down South. He enjoyed working out at the Red Hook fields when he was back in Brooklyn because it brought back memories from the many days he spent practicing on those fields as a kid. “It was kind of nostalgic and reminded me of old times when I was playing with the SAYO Grays back in summer ball in high school,” Joshua said. “When I was with the SAYO Grays, our home field was Red Hook. I played there pretty much four or five times a week. That will forever be my home when it comes to baseball.” Joshua likes to say that the draft is its own monster because there are so many variables. “It was kind of a roller coaster,” Joshua said. “I was with my uncle and a longtime friend, my Dad’s friend Mark, and my cousin. They were there for it all. We hooked the computer up to the TV so we could watch the draft.” Joshua became nervous when a few teams passed him by, but his uncertainty turned to joy when the Blue Jays selected him in the fourth round. “I was kind of relieved more than anything that I finally had a team that chose me,” he said. “A weight was taken off my shoulders because it was so unpredictable.” Joshua has baseball in his blood; two of his family members have played professional baseball as well. His uncle, Rey Palacios, who also grew up in Red Hook, was signed by the Detroit Tigers in 1982 and played three seasons for the Kansas City Royals from 1988-1990. According to Josh’s father, Richard Palacios, Rey played on the same Royals team with stars, Bo Jackson and George Brett. “He was a catcher, and the guys that he caught at the time were a lot of famous guys like Tom Gordon, Mark Davis and Brett Saberhagen,” Richard said. Rey wasn’t living in Brooklyn when Joshua was growing up, but came to visit and impart his knowledge.

“He would spend time with Josh and would help with the development stages and the mental part of the game,” Richard said. “With his experience in the major leagues he was able to translate that to Josh and give him information so that he would be better prepared to be successful as he pursued his career.” Richard himself was able to get to the Triple-A level (highest minor league) with the Detroit Tigers when he played in Gastonia, South Carolina. “[Richard and Rey] are the ones who pretty much taught me most of what I know today,” Joshua said. ““Especially my father, he taught everything he knew to me.” He added that they gave him the opportunity of getting college interest and making playing possible. “My advice to him was really just to stay focused, to work hard, to be respectful and to respect the umpires,” Richard said. Joshua’s younger brother, Richie, is also a successful baseball player as an All American during his freshman season at Division One at Towson University. Joshua has achieved a lot as a baseball player since spending his summers in Red Hook. In 2013, the New York Daily News named him NYC’s Player of the Year. He led his team to the Public School Athletic League (PSAL) Class A city championship, which helped him get that accolade. Joshua went to San Jacinto Junior College in Pasadena, Texas after finishing high school, and he dominated at that level as well. As a freshman, he had an impressive .376 average with 26 runs batted in (RBI). As a sophomore, he had a .364 average with 36 RBIs. Brooklyn and Pasadena, Texas are two completely different places but he enjoyed the process of getting used to a new region of the country. Joshua, who had only been to Texas once for a tournament in high school, thought differences were fun. He liked learning about a new culture, music and dance. “I am a true New Yorker and I miss Brooklyn a lot, but I enjoy the new experiences and meeting people that I would not have been able to meet if I did not play baseball and get out and explore,” Joshua said. “It was actually a fun transition because my whole life, I had visited down south but had never lived there,” Joshua said. “When I flew into Texas, and flew into a smaller town, I saw people with cowboy hats and cowboy boots. Everybody had crazy accents. I said, ‘What the heck is going on?’ I was kind of confused in the first week that I was in Texas. I saw people riding around on horses in the streets. It was kind of a shock for me.” Darryl Tiebout is key figure in Josh’s baseball career and development. He was instrumental in him getting college interest. Not only did Tiebout coach Richard and Rey as kids in Red Hook, but he also coached Josh and his brother on some of the same fields.

Josh's dad, Richard Palacious.

Page 18 Red Hook Star-Revue

“Tiebout was in contact with a lot of college recruiters, so he would invite them out and showcase the kids,” Richard said. “He helped them with the recruiting process. Once Josh sent his information and his videos out, a lot of schools were showing interest.”

Red Hook's Joshua Palacios starred at Auburn and is a high MLB draft pick.

Scouts told Tiebout that if Joshua wanted to be considered a serious baseball player, he should go down south. The “talented and “serious” players were playing there, according to Richard. After his two successful years at San Jacinto Junior College, he had multiple offers from schools across the country. He chose Auburn University in the prestigious Southeastern Conference (SEC). “As far as baseball is concerned, their facilities are amazing,” Richard said. I think that him being in an environment where other kids were very serious about the game really helped him to propel him to really polish and develop his game. Having people who are knowledgeable about the game or have professional experience, which Auburn had, was very helpful for him in developing his baseball skills.” Regarding the educational part at Auburn, Richard thought that the SEC school was a great choice for his son because they were proactive in helping him with his schoolwork. They made sure that his classwork got done. Joshua’s major at Auburn was public administration. “Playing in that conference was a blessing for me because coming from New York the fields are not the best fields; you make do. Some fields we don’t even have fences,” Joshua said. “From there, to be playing in the SEC, where it is pretty much major league stadiums, we usually have over 5,000 fans a game; we have PR guys and pre-game videos. Everything we do is broadcasted over the Internet or on TV. It was amazing.” Joshua led the SEC in hitting for about three weeks before hurting his wrist. His parents were proud because their kid from Brooklyn was top dog. Joshua’s mother, Lianne said many people were surprised that someone from the northeast could lead the league. Off the baseball field, he was a fan favorite and was able to take pictures with fans and sign autographs. “I think that really helped him to prepare for playing professional baseball,” Richard said. Joshua agrees. “Everything you say and do [in the SEC] is really being watched by a lot of fans, which I realized. Education was one of the main things that I admired most at Auburn. And then, I learned a lot from the Auburn University coaching staff.” After drafting him, the Blue Jays flew Joshua down to their facility in Florida so that he could do his rehab under their guidance. He is now fully recov-

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ered and playing on an affiliate team in Vancouver. “We get to the complex and they feed us breakfast there and they have a spread for us at about 6:45,” Joshua said. “Everybody that needs rehab goes into the training room and we do workouts on whatever is bothering us. By about 8:30, we all meet on the field, warm up, have a full day of practice and then come back.” After their second rehab in the training room, they shower and get the shuttle back to the hotel. On game days, they finish at the complex in late afternoon. Richard fondly remembers teaching his son baseball in Red Hook. When Richard first started to teach Joshua the game of baseball he played catch with him and showed him the basic skills. “I would go down there when the Red Hook fields were available and we would take batting practice, we took ground balls, worked on fielding, worked on accurate throwing,” Richard said. “Having Red Hook was great; it was very beneficial to us because we had a place where we could actually practice the game of baseball.” After Joshua learned how to play baseball from his dad, he was on to playing little league in Red Hook. He enjoyed the passion and enthusiasm for the game that the kids had in the league. “It is not big fanfare, there are not a lot of fans on those fields, but everybody loves the game, has passion for the game and plays hard,” Joshua said. “The passion that the coaches had to helping the kids and making them better, not just playing on the field, but players off the field, really added to it.” Joshua was so dedicated that they would go to the fields in Red Hook year-round to work on everything. Even in the winter, if it wasn’t too cold they still threw and hit the ball. They also worked on running since running is a big part of baseball. “I remember telling him to keep focused and stay disciplined because with discipline and focus, you are able to accomplish a lot of things in life because the distractions tend to be many,” Richard said. Richard felt that with Joshua’s fair play and also his development he would eventually really polish his skills to the point where he would be able to take baseball to the point where few kids get to go.

August 2016

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August 2016, Page 19

August is Old-Timers time in Red Hook by Nathan Weiser

Ladies of Skyy, an R&B group based in New York, will perform. A Latin band is also scheduled to perform this year.

housands of Red Hookers from all around the country will be coming home for the 31st annual Red Hook Old Timer’s Day this month.

The concert is an all day event. The festivities will start at 9 am,but people don’t leave when the music ends at 6 pm.

Red Hook Old Timer’s Day (RHOTD), which for the second year will have activities for all ages throughout the weekend, will take place in Wine and Coffey Parks from August 13-15. This year’s events will include live music, a boat ride, and most importantly, memories. RHOTD is organized by the Red Hook Old Timer’s Committee, which hosts fundraisers throughout the year to raise money for the celebration. Ray Hall, who is in his second year as president of the committee, is anticipating around 3,000 attendees, up from last year’s 2,000. He says that last year’s numbers were down a little bit due to a shooting shortly before.

“That is when the entertainment and everything is over, but everybody is there until 11 or 12 at night cooking out and visiting,” Puckett said. “It is absolutely fabulous. Everybody looks forward to it.” Before Hall took over, the Old Timers’ Committee usually brought rappers

Old Timers Day organizer Ray Hall, at an old fashioned fish fry held at the Pave Academy earlier this year to raise funds for the weekend.

up close and personal. I said 'are you singing to me?' and he said 'yes.' such as Melly Mell to Coffey Park, but he wanted to switch it up.

Bingo and lunch

Hall has tried to enhance the experience and make it more exciting. Friday’s activities will include bingo and lunch for seniors (10 am- 2pm), learning activities for kids on the basketball court (2 pm-4 pm), and an evening meet and greet in the park (6 pm–11 pm), all in Wine Park.

“I wanted to do something different,” Hall said. “If it is Old Timers, I wanted to have more of an R&B type of setting.”

Souvenir shirts are for sale commemorating the weekend.

Boat Ride

Saturday and Sunday, the major events will happen that people have been looking forward to, including a repeat of last year’s successful boat ride. The boat ride is on Saturday from 10 am–2 pm. It will start at Pier 16 in Manhattan and go up and down the harbor. People who have tickets, which cost $35, will have to make their way back to Red Hook from Pier 16.

Although people from the neighborhood have moved to Georgia, Florida, St. Louis (Missouri), North Carolina and Chicago (Illinois), many expressed interest in coming back for the weekend. “A lot of people have called me, telling me that they didn’t make it last year for whatever reason, but are definitely going to make it this year,” Hall said. Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez and Councilman Carlos Menchaca flank musician Lorenzo Boston, who is a Red Hook old-timer who never left the neighborhood.

According to Hall, interested Red Hookers have been calling him to have him reserve five or 10 tickets for the motorboat. He estimates that 200 people were on the boat ride last year and expects more to attend this year.

Another memory that really stands out to Puckett is when she reunited with her first boyfriend.

The main event!

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Puckett said that she has been to all 31 Red Hook Old Timers’ Days. She has a few memories that are unforgettable. “One summer they had a rapper out here named Kurtis Blow,” Puckett said. “I was real up close and personal. I said 'are you singing to me?' and he said 'yes.' I went and I was dancing with him we were doing the hustle and everything. He came down to dance with me, and he took pictures with me.”

We have our DJs, and everybody has a ball,” Puckett said about the experience. “They have a little buffet where you can get something to eat for free and there is a cash bar on each level.

The other big event will be the live music on the stage in Coffey Park on Sunday August 15. Last year, Hall brought the R&B singer Jeff Ray - this year, the

The Old Timers’ Committee does three fundraisers throughout the year to help cover the cost of the weekend. They pay for the t-shirts, the music license and the park license, as the park is closed off with only one entrance open. Last year, Carlos Menchaca gave the organizers a certificate. Dan Wiley also came from Nadia Velazquez’s office. Hall expects to have Borough President Eric Adams, who wasn’t able to attend last year, come to RHOTD this year.

Valarie Puckett, who has lived in Red Hook for 60 years, joined the Old Timers’ committee last year as well.

Puckett will greet guests when they arrive on the boat, and says that she will be very enthusiastic. They hope to sell 300 tickets for the boat ride. “Last year we sold out,” Puckett said. “This year we hope to do the same.”

per out here named Kurtis Blow,” Puckett said. “I was real

“A lot of people did not show up because they were afraid,” Hall said. “But, it was good; nothing happened. The police were out there, and it was a great event.”

“We will have a little music and just gather and talk and show pictures from last year,” says Hall.

“One summer they had a rap-

Flyers are hung each year to memorialize those that have passed.

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“A friend of mine was in the army, and they let him come from Japan to Old Timers’ Day,” Puckett said. “I saw him and I said ‘oh my God.’ It was a surprise. He came straight to me, looking for me. It was beautiful.”

August 2016