Red hook star revue decembe 2013

The

Red Hook StarªRevue

DECEMBER 2013

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

FREE

CB 6 WHACKS BASIS SCHOOL

by George Fiala

A

t its December General Board meeting, Community Board 6 (CB 6) did something unusual. They voted against the recommendation of one of its committees.

Last month at a Miccio Center hearing, the Land Use Committee heard an application from the BASIS Independent School for permission to construct a school in a district zoned for manufacturing. The lot, on Columbia and Bay Street, lies between the Red Hook Houses and IKEA. It was previously used as a parking lot for buses, but posted signs indicate the space is for rent, offering accommodations to build.

At the November 14th meeting, the CB 6 committee was concerned that the school would be a charter school, and not consider scholarships for local children. After receiving assurances from the school’s representatives, the application was approved by a 10 to 1 vote.

Following the meeting, media reports revealed that the Red Hook community was not made aware of these plans.

BASIS was required to post notices of the meeting in a 500 foot radius around the proposed school, which they said they had. However, there is little housing within this radius, as the area is in a manufacturing zone. It became evident that BASIS, while not trying to break any laws, had done everything it could to quietly slip into the neighborhood without much notice.

BASIS had been conducting environmental studies on the land last summer, and has already set up an office at 20 Jay Street in Downtown Brooklyn, where they pitch the school to prospective parents. Legally, the only thing holding up construction is permission from the Board of Standards and Appeals. They were hoping to go before the board with the blessing of the CB6. They already have made plans to begin operating next September with 1,000 students paying $23,500 tuition each.

Visitors are allowed to view the meeting, but only CB 6 members may speak. It is not clear that BASIS had a representative in attendance at the

The scene at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Community Board members were joined by guests including Bea Byrd, Lillie Marshall, Phaedra Thomas and Hal and Francis Brown. (photos on this page by George Fiala)

board meeting.

The day before the meeting, a local petition drive was started by Corbin Laedlin, an employee at the nearby Added Value farm. The petition received more than 100 online signatures before be-

ing emailed to CB 6 District Manager, Craig Hammerman.

The petition asked that the decision be postponed until the community had a chance to hear from BASIS themselves. (continued on page 6)

Alex House program helps young moms

by Angela Johnson-Archer

R

aising children is a complex juggling act that requires parents to act as nurturers, providers and disciplinarians. For many teen and young adult mothers, the difficulty of moving between so many complex roles is exacerbated by limited access to education and difficulty entering a competitive job market.

Eight years ago, Samora Coles wanted to help the young mothers she encountered while working as Reproductive Health Coordinator with the Red Hook Initiative (RHI). Her hope was that, with some assistance, she could help young mothers become self-sufficient and move away from public assistance programs. With the help of RHI, she established a weekly support group that gave mothers an open forum to discuss their challenges and concerns.

Two young strivers climb a fence while their mother watches from a Columbia Street bush shelter. (photo by George Fiala)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

“Our group was different from other parenting classes, in that all of the girls were young mothers,” said Coles.

Samora Coles with her son Alex and Sheryl Nash-Chisholm of RHI.

“There was no judgment. Everyone was in it together.”

Her Young Mother Empowerment Program thrived, eventually connecting over 70 young mothers with valuable employment and educational resources.

In February of 2013, Coles became the Founder and Executive Director of The (continued on page 6)

Red Hook StarªRevue The Red Hook StarªRevue

The

SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

In just two short years we have grown from a novelty Table of Contents Bridging Gowanus.............

5 Editorial..................... 12 to an institution.

Holiday Shopping........... 8-9 Mandela..................... 13 BROOKLYN’S

SOUTH COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

DECEMBER, 2013

VOLUME 4 NO. 13

The

Red Hook S Thankful for LICH............. 10 Letters.......................

15 tarªRevue Impeach the Governor..... 11 Classifieds.................

15 Father Claudio MAY 16 - 31, 201 2

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Pioneer Works’ End-of-the Year Party begins at 6 pm and will feature an array of musical talent throughout the weekend before their brief winter nap from December 21-January 6. 159 Pioneer Street Jalopy hosts “Squid Out of Water: A Vaudevillian Greek Tragedy Told Through Song and Gesture by a Pageant Winning Squid at 5 pm. $10/$5 students 315 Columbia Street

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Jenny Belin, A.B. Decker, Stefanie Deji Mary Ann Pietanza, Katie Schulder-Battis Max Kutner, Lesley Ware, Elizabeth Kelly Jherelle Benn, Angela Johnson, Rich Luca May

16 -

31,

The Carroll Gardens Association and Columbia Waterfront Merchants Association presents the 7th annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Human Compass Garden on the corner of Sackett/Columbia Street 6-7:30 pm.

Filthy Song Night at Jalopy returns for a sexy, horrible, disgusting and offensive experience at 9 pm. Formal attire. 315 Columbia Street $10 The students and tutors of Red Hook Art Project are putting together a Holiday Fair from 2-6 pm at their new location at 176 Richards Street.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez is hosting a community health fair to access the new Health Insurance Marketplace at Trinity Lutheran Church in Sunset Park. Free flu shots, blood pressure tests and dental screenings will be available, plus informational material on the new Health Reform. 10 am-1 pm. 411 46 Street (entrance on 4th Avenue)

Revue

Kimberly G. Price.

Voice ity......................................Editor/Publisher ommun Introd

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 14

NEWSPA

Visitatio

Happenings

2012

Thank you Brooklyn!

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17

101 Union Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231 Kimberly@redhookstar.com

718 624-5568 www.RedHookStar.com

Merry Christmas from Red Hook’s Pizzeria

The Friends of Brooklyn CB6 is having its Holiday Party. Enjoy a night of eating, drinking, laughter, a competitive raffle and good cheer. Tickets range from $40-$100+ based on a sliding scale. Red Rose Restaurant, 315 Smith Street.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18

St. Francis College will be airing the film Rush at 2 and 6 pm. For more information call (718) 489-5411. Founders Hall, 180 Remsen Street

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22

Gowanus Canal Conservancy needs volunteers for Composting Gowanus: December Windrow Build from 11 am-3 pm. Dress appropriately. Salt Lot, Second Avenue (5th Street/the canal)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 31

Sacred Hearts St. Stephen Parrish is having a New Year’s Eve Party to ring in 2014 from 8 pm-2 am! There will be a live DJ, dinner, open bar, balloon drop, dessert, and candy table after midnight. Tickets are $125 for adults, $100 for seniors 65 and over, and $60 for children ages 6-17.

Cabrini Hall, 125 Summit Street. Seats are limited. For tickets, newsyearseve@sacredherats-ststephen.com or call Valerie at (917) 842-1242.

New Year’s Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park begin 11 pm. Entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza at 9th Street.

ONGOING

Brooklyn-based jeweler Christine Mackellar will be exhibiting art at the first annual American Fine Craft Show from 11 am-6 pm. Dec 14 & 15 Admission is $12.00 for adults, $11.00 for seniors, $6.00 for students, and free for children under 10. Brooklyn Museum, 200 Eastern Parkway Smith Street Stage performs Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol in Carroll Park December 4-15. Performances are Wednesdays through Fridays at 8 pm, Saturdays at 5 and 8 pm, and Sundays at 8 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for children. The show takes place in the brick building nearest to Smith and Carroll Streets.

The Wildlife Conservation Society New York Aquarium and the Prospect Park Zoo is launching an annual toy drive. Toys can be dropped off at the New York Aquarium, Prospect Park Zoo, Applebee’s at 1217 Surf Avenue, and Tom’s Dinner 1229 Boardwalk West in Coney Island. Those who donate new or unused toys will receive a free ticket to the New York Aquarium. Runs through December 31.

Come, hear, and enjoy NYC’s exciting weekly music series Roots n’ Ruckus at The Jalopy Theatre and School of Music. Every Wednesday at 9 pm. FREE. 315 Columbia Street.

The WAR/PHOTOGRAPHY: Images of Armed Conflict and its Aftermath series is doing its exhibition from November 8-January 31, 2014 select Fridays at 2 pm at the Brooklyn Museum. 200 Eastern Parkway The Twice Militant: Lorraine Hansberry’s Letters to “The Ladder” exhibition series examines Hansberry’s life as a feminist and lesbian. Films, talks, and private documents. Brooklyn Museum. 200 Eastern Parkway The Fashion world of Jean Paul Gaultier: From Sidewalk to the Catwalk at the Brooklyn Museum through February 23, 2015. Admission is $15 for adults; $10 for students, seniors and members. 200 Eastern Parkway The Rime of the Ancient Mariner through December 22 at BAM Harvey Theater. Showings Tuesdays-Thursdays at 7:30 pm; Fridays and Saturdays 7 and 9 pm, Sundays at 3 pm. 651 Fulton Street

Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue

www.RedHookStar.com

December 2013

Flood insurance becomes a major problem for Red Hook residents

O

n June 29 2012, exactly four months before Hurricane Sandy hit New England’s shores, a piece of new legislation enjoying uncommon heavy bipartisan support was voted into law in Washington.

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2012 was applauded by many agencies as a step in the right direction because it would be a way to ensure the future viability of federal disaster relief funds. It would increase efficiency of response for the American people following largescale calamities such as those seen in superstorms like Hurricane Katrina.

The Biggert-Waters Act was passed into legislation as part of a conference report package along with the Surface Transportation Act of 2012, and an extension of the Federal Direct Stafford Student Loan program. The law extends the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) for five years while making substantial reforms to the program - the most contentious of which are exorbitant increases in flood insurance premiums.

Other reforms of the bill include; the phasing out of subsidies for many properties, raising the cap on annual premium increases from 10-20%, allowing multifamily properties to purchase NFIP policies, and imposing minimum deductibles for flood claims.

Thanks to new mapping standards being enacted by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the predicted flood level has been raised, sweeping thousands of new properties into high-risk flood zones and forcing many owners to buy flood insurance for the first time.

FEMA’s Biggert-Waters webpage states that, “Of the many factors that determine the full risk rate of a structure, the single most important is the elevation of the structure in relation to the Base Flood Elevation (BFE).” A community’s Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) indicates the area of the community that has a 1% or greater annual chance of flooding, also known as the “100 Year Floodplain.”

Now, a year later - following the beginnings of insurance rate increases - Biggert-Waters is receiving outraged response from homeowners who say the act has resulted in untenably high cost increases that are backing property owners into a corner by forcing many to consider two options: pay up or move out.

The initial prompt for the bill was more expensive subsidies that the federal government paid to cover what private insurance refused. The federal government takes on the whole of flood insurance, cutting private insurers out and raising premiums to ensure sufficient funds exist for future disaster relief. The backlash by property and business owners points to unanswered questions about what exactly has gone wrong.

Like most inquiries into legislation problems in the halls of Washington the blame is being transferred back and forth

Red Hook Star-Revue

by A.B. Decker

between different agencies by their respective representatives. At a recent Congressional hearing held on November 19, 2013 Representative Maxine Waters (D-CA), who cosponsored the bill, seemed a little unsure herself what went wrong with the well-intentioned Biggert-Waters Act, but in hazarding a guess pointed to implementation problems that fell in FEMA’s arena.

Waters backtracks Water’s stated that she believed the problem was that no affordability study, which had been called for in the context of the bill, had been conducted by FEMA. Primary among Water’s concerns was that FEMA had not completed the necessary re-mapping to efficiently outline flood insurance zoning, but had begun instating higher premiums nonetheless. Waters said, “If FEMA was forced to implement this legislation in the way it was intended [...] we would be able to fix this broken program.”

As the program currently stands, some of the premium increases are so high and being enacted so quickly that many coastal communities are being turned upside down. Property and business owners are forced to sell when they are unable to pay new higher yearly rates.

According to some worst case scenarios for example a $400 annual premium could jump to $4,000 and even as high as $15,000 - or 10 to 37.5 times the previous rates.

For communities like Red Hook, this would just hasten the road to gentrification because only the very wealthy would be able to afford to own homes that are subject to such excessive flood insurance rates. The option to elude categorization as a high-risk flood zone by increasing a home’s distant from the Base Flood Elevation is difficult if not impossible for most homes in Red Hook given structural limitations to elevation.

In Red Hook, where property values are already rising rapidly and the shape of the population is changing precipitously, the questions that flood insurance prompt are as daunting as they are provocative.

pletion of re-mapping for flood zones and the conclusion of an affordability study. Flood insurance premiums would be frozen at current rates until the completion of the study.

One of the biggest campaigners for revision of the Biggerts -Waters Act has been the Coalition for Sustainable Flood Insurance. CSFI was formed in May 2013 by a mix of elected and appointed business leaders in response to the new legislation and has since been actively fighting for alteration of the act. CSFI is staffed by regional economic development alliance Greater New Orleans Inc., (GNO).

Lawsuit filed against FEMA “FEMA has put the cart before the horse in implementing rate increases before completing the affordability study,” said GNO President and CEO, Michael Hecht in a phone interview. “Mississippi has filed a lawsuit against FEMA be-

The

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When asked how he felt about the affordability act’s chances Hecht commented, “With 23 cosponsors in the Senate and 141 in the House, the momentum is in our favor, but it certainly is not a done deal. Our coalition is currently working the House Financial Services Committee to shore up as much support as possible.”

Members of the public who want to ensure that they are not subjected to extreme flood insurance rate increases due to the Biggert-Waters legislation are urged to contact their respective Congresspersons and Senators in support of the Home-owners Flood Insurance Affordability Act.

Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

What can Red Hook can expect from the city in insurance subsidies, coastal flood prevention design, and from its own community to mitigate costs? What is clear is that new insurance rates and the restructuring of the NFIP shift much of the responsibility for neighborhoods dealing with the threat of future environmental damage to communities already hard pressed by recovery from Sandy.

In order to respond to wide-spread criticism and unforeseen rate increases of Biggert-Waters Act, a new bill has been introduced in the House and Senate.

The Home-owners Flood Insurance Affordability delays Biggert-Waters Act from taking effect in all but the most vulnerable areas for four years, affording FEMA time to redraw rate maps.

Essentially, the Home-owners Flood Insurance Affordability Act aims to achieve what was supposed to have been accomplished before new flood rates were enacted - namely the com-

cause they did not complete the affordability study before implementing rate increases. Louisiana, Alabama, Massachusetts, Florida, and South Carolina have all filed amicus briefs in support of Mississippi’s arguments.”

member

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December 2013 Page 3

Art, like love, is universal Sweet Lorraine Gallery is exhibiting a Memorial Retrospective Exhibition for Fernand Barbot through December 29, 2013.

At an opening reception on December 7, family and friends gathered to pay tribute to the life an art of Fernand. He was born in 1930 in France, and as a young man came to Brooklyn in 1957. He worked as an electrician for more than forty years before retiring to pursue the arts. His work has been shown in many galleries and museums across the city.

Fernand’s earlier works began with geometric abstracts painted as colorful motifs. Later he began painting cityscapes and familiar blocks throughout Brooklyn. He would sometime use magazine cutouts to add flavor and life to his paintings. Gerard mentioned that nearly every one of his cityscapes had both a tiny cat and a detailed woman in the windows.

In addition to painting, Fernand was also a skilled sculptor. His sculptures reveal the beauty of buxom and curvy nude females.

In his later work, Fernand returned to his geometric abstract art after discovering black gesso for his canvases. “It’s curious that after all these years, he went back to the motifs,” Gerard said. “The black gesso is really beautiful.”

Fernand occupied studio #80 at Sweet Lorraine Studios. He kept the space in an ordered chaos of art supplies, painting surfaces and finished art work. On the walls, he hung reminders about his purpose as an artist. Between a torn dollar

bill, he had written, “Not in for the money!”

On his studio door, a N o n Sequitur comic read, “I wonder what software they used to get that brushstroke.” Another sign on his wall stated, “There’s never enough time to do it right, but there’s always enough time to do it over.”

Fernand died of lung cancer at age 83. In an earlier article, the Star-Revue wrote, “[Fernand is still in his prime as an artist and paints full-time at the age of 82.”

Until the very end, his art was his passion, and he kept on painting.

Fernand’s studio at Sweet Lorraine will be cleaned out and his artwork will be sold. His remaining work can be viewed on December 28 and 29 from 1-6 pm, or by appointment. To schedule an appointment, contact Gerard Barbot at (347) 794-2224 or bobart@ojooo.com.

Fernand once offered me the opportunity to paint with him in his studio, and I was excited to do so. But my schedule was always too busy. I told him several times that I would stop by soon, but never did. Now, I wish I had one more chance to “do it over.”

Lillie Marshall and Phaedra Thomas at an EPA outreach meeting at PS 15.

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December 2013

Gowanus residents hear from Pratt and politicians at visioning event

by George Fiala

O

n August 13, 2013, the Brooklyn Paper reported on a “secret meeting” organized by local politicians Brad Lander, Nydia Velazquez, Stephen Levin, Joan Millman and Velmanette Montgomery to discuss the future of Gowanus. Only a “select group of activists were invited to the meeting,” the article stated.

Council Member Lander took issue with the meeting’s characterization as secret, and in a letter published the following week, he stated that it was not secret, “simply closed to the press.”

Lander went on to describe the meeting as “an effort to open up the planning process so that community residents, business people, and community groups can work together to shape a vision for the area around the Gowanus Canal rather than have decisions made by developers, the city, or by elected officials.

He also said, “We will have public meetings, as well as other opportunities for input online and in small groups. Everyone will be invited to participate.

This earlystage meeting was to start organizing for that process so that we can make it as inclusive and effective as posBrad Lander sible.”

The first public meeting was held on December 9 at The Brooklyn Community School, 521 Carroll Street. Brad Lander’s office spearheaded the meeting under the aegis of “Bridging Gowanus.”

The event received much publicity, and the gym was filled to capacity.

The large, bright room was set up with a number of round tables and chairs.

Upon entry, participants were assigned seating at a particular table, where they would be asked to take part in a group discussion. These groups represented the democratic “visioning” which Brad Lander was speaking of in his letter.

Lander made the first speech of the evening, pointing out that a series of events makes this an especially important time to envision the future of Gowanus. One event was the issuing of the EPA’s plan to clean up the canal. Another was the flooding that occurred during last year’s hurricane; the third will be the change of city administration just after the first of the year.

Mayor-elect Bill de Blasio held Lander’s seat from 2002-2009. As Councilman for District 39, De Blasio was against the Superfund designation and in favor of the Toll Brothers/Lightstone Group development that is currently underway adjacent to the canal. The crowd at Lander’s meeting seemed to have the opposite viewpoints, yet remain optimistic that the new administration will be tougher on real estate interests than Bloomberg, and de Blasio will be supportive of the Superfund.

Red Hook Star-Revue

Lander spoke of shared values, areas of difference and the importance of the community having a voice in dictating the future direction of Gowanus. As a member of the City Council, Lander has land use and zoning powers, and his office will be an important player in the future of Gowanus during the balance of his term, which ends in 2017.

Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez spoke next. She used the Brooklyn Bridge Park as an example of neighborhood involvement to create a precious community asset. As many in the audience undoubtedly knew, the real story behind the park is a little more complicated than a shared vision.

In 1985, a group concerned about Port Authority plans to build housing along the Brooklyn Heights piers 1-5 was founded. The Port Authority eventually turned over the piers, complete with the rotting sheds left over from the days when the piers were an integral part of the shipping industry.

“Assemblywoman Joan Millman reminded the crowd of the need for flood remediation. “For two weeks after Sandy,” she said, the Gowanus Houses had no heat or hot water because of flooding - not from the rivers, but from the Gowanus Canal.”

The group, originally called Friends of Fulton Ferry, later the Brooklyn Bridge Park Coalition, raised funds and created a plan for the park, including waterfront activities and amenities.

In 1998, Borough President Howard Golden created an entity to take over the park planning. The new entity,

Brad Lander watches as the crowd thinks of ideas for a shared vision.

comes directly from the condo owners.

Instead of going into the general fund, their city tax payments are given directly to the BBLDC, providing the park’s operating budget. While the park is mandated to remain public, it is in the control of private administrators.

At the December 2013 meeting, Velazquez called for new parks, cultural institutions as well as flood mitigation in order to ensure a vibrant Gowanus community. She hinted at the city’s opposition to Superfund, as she lauded its progress.

State Senator Velmanette Montgomery spoke next. She was nattily dressed as usual, and made only a short statement.

She asked the audience to remember two icons of the Gowanus - Jeanne DiLascio, onetime Executive Director of the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation, who passed away in 2010; and Buddy Scotto, who has championed the Gowanus for over 40 years as Mayor of Carroll Gardens.

Scotto was standing in the audience, waving and wearing his usual shy smile.

Assemblywoman Joan Millman reminded the crowd of the need for flood remediation.

“For two weeks after Sandy,” she said, “the Gowanus Houses had no heat or hot water” because of flooding - not from the rivers, but from the Gowanus Canal. Millman also reminded people of the dangers of development without community oversight. She pointed to the recent rezoning of Fourth Avenue that allows many high rises, without any increase in services or infrastructure improvements.

Shared Values.” The flyer summarized general ideas collected during last summer’s meetings with invited Gowanus stakeholders.

Stakeholders wanted to see better infrastructure, maintaining the mixed-use flavor of Gowanus, mixed uses within buildings, preserving and maintaining affordable housing, better schools, access to the canal, strong retail businesses, and preservation of iconic historic buildings.

Following this 40 minute presentation, the attendees was allowed to share their own ideas. After hearing the proposals from the secret meetings, the audience turned inward to discuss their visions with their tablemates. They were prompted by the volunteer facilitators who were present at each table to guide the process.

After about a half hour in discussion, ideas were jotted down on pieces of paper. At this point, the night’s program was over without time for representatives of each table to tell the assembled audience what their shared vision was.

Miss Conte allowed two questions from the floor, before dismissing everyone.

There will be two more meetings in February and April. In the meantime, Bridging Gowanus is inviting interested people to join four working groups: Environmental Infrastructure; Social and Cultural Infrastructure; Strengthen the Mix of Uses; and Affordable Housing.

Many lingered after the meeting speaking with friends and new acquaintances. Linda Mariano, local activist, member of the Gowanus group FROGG and early supporter of the Superfund, was asked her opinion of the event. “Just politics,” she said.

For more information on how to join a group, call (718) 499-1090 or email info@bridgingGowanus.org.

Before entering government Buddy Scotto has been championing the Gowanus for many years. in 2009, called the Brooklyn Bridge Park Local Brad Lander was Director of the Pratt Development Corporation (BBPLDC), Center for Community Development did not invite members of the coalition (PCCD), who served as the facilitator to the board. BBPLDC, which included for the meeting. PCCD has evidently business and political interests, intro- been involved in this project from the duced the idea of luxury housing and beginning. Pratt’s Elena Conte began a long presentation of their work on this hotels to be part of the parkland.

A legal battle ensued between the coali- project thus far. tion - who were against housing - and the BBPLDC. A new master plan approved by NY State in 2005 created the semi-privatized park of today. Funding

Conte’s detailed talk, accompanied with a slideshow, echoed a printed flyer that was distributed to each table titled “Bridging Gowanus: Emerging Sense of

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The EPA’s Natalie Loney attended. (photos by Fiala)

December 2013 Page 5

Basis school (continued from page 1)

As it turned out, the petitioners got a better outcome than that.

The Star-Revue ran an editorial last month recommending residents express their concerns to Hammerman. In a conversation two days before the meeting, at the Bridging Gowanus event, Hammerman was unaware of any opposition to the school.

Dan Wiley from Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez’s office said that there was little that could be done, as the school was acting as a private business and not asking for any government assistance.

Lillie Marshall, President of the Red Hook West Tenant Association, was outraged that nobody from the school had reached out to her.

The board meeting began quietly enough, with customary appearances.

After a couple of short speeches by Dan Wiley and Comptroller John Liu, and announcement by CB 6 Chair Daniel Kummer of the resignation of Greg O’Connell, Jr. from the board, and tabling Methodist’s application to expand in Park Slope, the remainder of the meeting was left to discuss the Red Hook school proposal Peter Fleming, head of the Land Use committee, put up a chart showing the lots around the school proposal and their zoning status, and summarized the November meeting where BASIS was approved.

Once the floor was opened up to questions, the fireworks began. Hand after hand shot up to ask questions and voice

Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue

opinions. The opinions ranged from questions about the kind of education that was to be offered, lack of communication with the Red Hook community, transportation issues, and the loss of an industrial site with its associated jobs.

In the end, the most coherent argument swaying board members was that the BASIS administration seemed uninterested in communicating with their neighbors right from the start.

Earlier this year, the Royal Palm Shuffleboard Club, requesting approval for a liquor license, was shot down. This was largely due to a lack of communication between the Royal Palm people and the nearby residents. Palm then went back to their neighbors and began a communication which resulted in compromises and eventual approval of the liquor license. It seemed that BASIS was interested only in following the letter of the law, but the community board takes an interest in the spirit of the law as well as the wishes of the community.

Towards the end of the questioning, Elizabeth Shipley seemed to clinch the argument against approving the school’s proposal, saying that this was either “a blatant attempt to fly under the radar, or they are simply incredibly naive thinking that they had no need to involve the community in order to get support.”

An oral vote of nearly unanimous nays was followed by much applause. Craig Hammerman commented afterwards, “The community board is at its best when caring, articulate and involved people have an open and honest dialogue about what’s in the community’s best interest. Tonight we all got to witness that firsthand.”

Alex House (continued from page 1)

Alex House Project, her own comprehensive leadership development program for young mothers. The program is named for Coles’ own son, whom she gave birth to at age 17. Alex House currently shares space with BumbleBees R Us Day Care in Red Hook.

All new mothers in the program are enrolled in Healthy Mommy, Healthy Baby, a series of classes that teach nonviolent parenting techniques, parentchild bonding, and age-appropriate expectations of children, as well as basic parenting skills. After women have completed their initial course, they are invited to contribute to The Alex House as Peer Parent Educators and to lead incoming women through their courses.

To address the difficulties that young or single mothers often face in finding jobs, Alex House is developing an Entrepreneurial Training Program. The program will pair women with female business owners who will serve as mentors to young women who are interested in starting their own businesses. The program is currently being tested with Liberty Tax Services and Sister Sookie Hair Spa, in hopes that with some success, the program will be expanded over the next year.

“As women, we tend to look for jobs,” Coles says. “No one ever tells you to create the job. We want to create opportunities for our moms to start their own businesses.”

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Coles considers her work a labor of love.

She communicates regularly with all of the program participants, and believes she has a personal stake in their success.

However, she stresses that the mothers are the heart and soul of the program.

Women come to The Alex House Project voluntarily and typically spend a year completing the courses. Participants not only take advantage of the services offered, but also help with operational functions such as administrative support, website maintenance and marketing efforts.

“The girls have a 100% stake in the program. When that happens, they are more likely to complete the program and tell others about it,” Coles says.

Though the program is a work in progress there is already plenty of cause for celebration. Michelle Robles, a program participant and mother of two, will become the Alex House Social Worker after receiving her degree in Social Work from NYU in the spring.

Coles’ son, Alex, will also be graduating in the spring from Coastal Carolina University with a degree in Communications. He is planning to continue his education and pursue a Master’s degree.

Programs are funded in large part by private donors, and The Alex House Project is always accepting gently used clothing and baby gear, as well as diapers and baby wipes.

The Alex House Project is located at 76 Lorraine Street, Brooklyn, NY 11231. 347-7922109 www.alexhouseproject.com.

NEW - Star-Revue Community Calendar using Google Calendar. At our website: www.redhookstar.com

December 2013

Brooklyn General still sports the same sign as when it really was a general store, at 128 Union Street. For many years now it has been a maven for knitters and dressmakers. You could buy fabric to make a Christmas stocking, or yarn to knit a sweater, or a gift certificate for one of their many classes.

Holiday Gift Ideas from the nabe

by George Fiala

Susan Goldberg has run Union Max, on the corner of Union and Columbia Streets, since 1991. While best known for a tremendous selection of beads and costume jewelry, we found some cute items that would make a great present for the right person. A pink hat, a beaded purse and a great collection of salt and pepper shakers was what struck us the day we walked in.

Another out-of-the way place that people are flocking to is Kings Coffee, at 37 Carroll Street, a residential block between Van Brunt and Columbia. Dominic Palastro is a coffee expert and a great guy to boot, and will make just what you want. You could simply stop by during your shopping trip, or you could pick up a couple pounds of his special blends. 718 232-7736.

Brooklyn Collective, at 212 Columbia Street, features the work of many local artists. We thought these might make nice presents, but there’s a huge chance that you might find something else just as apt. The ties are by Sovereign Beck, two friends who have become tie designers. The cards are created from the paintings of Jenny Belin and are only $5 each. The woman in red is a painting of Laura Foster Grant’s, who has a wall filled with her work.

Travis King is not only a cabinet maker and furniture designer, but a fine artist as well. For the holidays he has created beautiful cards and prints, including the Santa Hook above.

Call 631 680-7766 and get your own.

Those in the know, know Saipua. There store is a bit off the beaten track, at 147 Van Dyke, around the corner from Dry Dock. They are known for their soap, but don’t forget about the flowers. They grow their own.

Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue

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It’s biker’s gift paradise at the Union Garage, 103 Union Street, where one can find just about any accessory a motorcyclist would love.

From a huge selection of leather jackets, to helmets gloves and plate pullers, they’ve got it. (718) 594-7093

These cute kid shirts are from Lunacy, who operate out of Tiffany Place in Carroll Gardens. Go to their website www.lunacydesign.com for lots more cute stuff that is all handmade in Brooklyn! Or call Tera at 917 406-3139

December 2013

Red Hook Star-Revue

Go to www. Makerstoolbox.com and see things you’ll never see anyplace else. A new company started by locals Mick Kelly and Sue Williams, they make wild and crazy electronic kits for kids to put together. The vibrating woman robot on the left drew big crowds at a recent Red Hook market.

These are surprisingly affordable and not only education but fun.

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December 2013 Page 9

Happy Holidays Marks Pizzeria

The Ice House

A RED HOOK(ER) HOLIDAY DISPLAY. Red Hook is getting dressed up fancy for the holidays!

As part of “Discover the Hook” events that launched Saturday December 13, many storefront windows throughout Red Hook have been transformed into the holiday spirit. The Best Red Hook(er) Holiday Window Contest has already begun and many local businesses are showing their holiday spirit and their competitiveness.

As one local business owner posted on Face Book, “And now, for some decorating trash talk! The Red Hook Storefront Decoration Contest is SO ON!” Tony, owner of Mark’s Pizza, is excited about the contest. He has been decorating his windows for years and is glad there are more businesses getting in on the action. He thinks the displays will help attract more holiday shoppers.

Realty Collective Photos and Story by Kimberly G. Price

IKEA donated up to $50 of decorating supplies for each merchant to deck their storefront windows with the most creative merriment of the season. All businesses in the neighborhood were invited to participate.

Shoppers can vote for their favorite window while in Red Hook. Winners will be announced on December 20.

Fulla Shirts

Red Hook Star-Revue

Grindhaus

Hope & Anchor

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December 2013 Page 7

Thankful for LICH kicks off with Santa’s “Naughty” List

F

or more than eleven months, Long Island College Hospital (LICH) has staved off the wolves of SUNY Downstate Medical Center.

Downstate has been taking measures to close the hospital since February 2013.

But because of the dedicated caregivers, community supporters, and political allies, LICH has been able to keep their doors open, albeit narrowly at times.

On Friday, December 14, patients, care givers, nurses, community members and elected leaders are uniting to express thanks for LICH with a holiday rally at noon. Brooklyn Health Care Santa will also be there to reveal who is on the naughty list, and who is on the nice list.

Thousands of petition signatures to save LICH will be on display as well.

After several rumors flying around threatened the imminent sale of the hospital by Sunday, December 15, the Star-Revue was informed via Twitter that “Standstill extended a month & talks are on. #LICH is still #open4care!”

On November 15, 2013, Kings County Supreme Court Justice, Johnny Lee Baynes put a standstill on contempt charges, granted four weeks for all parties to work out a settlement. The deadline for the settlement was originally Monday, December 15, 2013.

Although settlement talks are private, many assumed a deal would take place over the preceding weekend, turning LICH into an urgent care center at best, leaving the remaining properties on the table for highend real estate development.

However, with the standstill extended through the end of the year and into the new mayoral administrative era, new prospects to Downstate’s Request For Proposals (RFP) can be sought. Mean-

Nurses celebrate Thanksgiving at LICH. (photos courtesy NYSNA) while, LICH remains a viable asset to to be presented in person. They also their patients and caregivers will not started a blog for the photos, (Thankface layoffs during the holiday season. ful4LICH.Tumblr.com.) “We are paOn Thanksgiving Day, patients and tients thankful for the care we receive caregivers celebrated together at LICH. at LICH. Tweet: #Thankful4LICH to The patients, past and present, ex- share your LICH story!” the blog states.

pressed their thanks for LICH nurses, doctors and caregivers with a party. Patients went to the hospital to share their gratitude in the form of sweets, cheerfulness and vitality for staff who were working on the holiday.

Patients collected thank-you cards and photos of themselves holding signs saying why they are thankful for LICH

Maker’s Market a holiday success

A

Monica Byrne and Leisah Swenson hosted the event on December 7 at their catering hall on 63 Commerce Street. Their venue, Atelier Roquette provided space for vendors to set up tables and displays with their work as well as offering beverages and snacks by other local vendors.

Sweets and treats for hospital staff working on Thanksgiving

unique welded ornaments and trinkets.

Red Hook Winery was selling wine by the glass for shopping, and wine by the bottle for giving.

by Kimberly G. Price

t the first annual Red Hook Maker Market, dozens of local vendors gathered under one roof to feature all types of handmade creations.

The event brought many people out for holiday shopping for unique gifts not found elsewhere.

Instead of showing gratitude only one day of the year, the New York State Nurses Association (NYSNA) and Patients for LICH have decided to extend the sentiment. They are evolving their “Open for Care” motto into “thankful for LICH,” because the patients and caregivers are thankful to have the fullservice community hospital.

The hospital is also collecting toys of $20 value for the children of Red Hook who lost their belongings in Hurricane Sandy last year.

Ducarriganigan provided background music for shoppers.

Pier Glass had dozens of hand-blown glasses for sale.

Wellness and Graham offered decorated flasks and clocks.

According to Byrne, she hopes to have more Maker Markets throughout the year, but especially during the holiday season. And as for the vendors, they were happy with the exposure and turnout of support.

Marsh Trattner of She-Weld sold

Pier Glass

Saipua offered soap by the pound as well as rustic-looking holiday wreaths.

Enchanted Lion Books featured a large array of children’s books.

Karen Hagopian displayed her necklace charms and hand painted vases.

Maker’s Tool Box was selling their cardboard robots that dance and draw at the same time. The kits come unassembled, as creating the robot is part of the fun.

Sweets and Bitters offered their holiday cookbook for sale.

Travis King Studio hand drew individual Christmas cards with a red hook wearing Santa’s hat and also inked portraits of the Brooklyn Bridge.

Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue

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December 2013

OP-ED - Thanksgiving for LICH: A Personal Story, by Judith A. Francis

T

his is a story with copious praise for a hospital disparaged by some who believe they know it well but, like myself before last week, do not.

This is also a story about the importance of beauty and care on the way to restoring health; about saving the most accessible places in our city for the majority, and not for those who would buy public amenities for personal exclusivity.

This is a simple story about how Long Island College Hospital (LICH) restored one person’s health on Thanksgiving weekend, and how Brooklynites need to fully understand what not having a hospital - particularly a 24/7 ER close by - will mean for their health and that of their family.

It is also a warning for those who think that having medical facilities buried inside our borough, away from highways and subways and bus routes, are a solution for a huge percentage of Brooklynites – some 300,000 or so who live along the waterfront down to Red Hook and up through Carroll Gardens, Cobble Hill, Brooklyn Heights and Downtown.

Or for those who think private hospitals are better and should be given special considerations over public facilities.

At 2 am on Sunday night following Thanksgiving I arrived at LICH’s ER with shortness of breath and chest pressure. Admission took all of 2 minutes - maybe less. I was hurried to a bed, bloods drawn, and EKG taken within a few more minutes.

The ER staff and doctor were attentive, knowledgeable and helpful in sorting out immediate and longer-term concerns. I chose to investigate more at LICH that night/day and there ensued a full battery of tests with state-

OP-ED

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of-the-art EKG, MRI, X-ray, nuclear and sonogram equipment, and first-rate radiologists and other specialists to interpret the results. While testing key functions, blood work and deciphering results by imaging experts takes time, the tests were done in a methodical fashion to avoid wasted time or duplicative efforts. The cardiologist on-call also came around during one procedure, which was reassuring, though, to be fair, by mid-morning I had complete faith in the radiological and nursing staff that had already taken charge.

I spent several hours looking out at Buttermilk Channel, too, because LICH is located on the crest of Cobble Hill with an uncompromised view of the harbor.

That in itself was a joy – the beauty and calm of looking out over water is curative.

Why do we want to bury our hospitals away from beauty and away from basic things like transportation? It makes no sense at all but that is what SUNY Downstate is doing with LICH. The Governor wants to show a profit for the State - presumably for his next job opportunity - and he is banking on public land-sales to do it. Like selling public park lands for private housing (Brooklyn Bridge Park’s five new condo and hotel buildings are all being readied for construction as this goes to press.)

Or our two local libraries readied for sale for more luxury condos. The State also wants to sell our local hospital to private luxury housing developers.

And they think it is because people like you and I don’t believe in LICH. That we really buy the argument that government should give public lands, public facilities, and public infrastructure over to private interests. And that LICH is not a good hospital.

None of this is further from the truth.

NYU professor, Tony Judt wrote in his book, Ill Fares the Land, that the curse of private public partnerships is that it fire-sells public assets and that the public will be forever excluded from the profits of these assets, once A view from LICH overlooking the skyline. (photo by Price) sold. That makes that will make a difference to save LICH perfect sense, but why do our politicians not recognize and give it the resources it needs to be these simple facts? It is short-term an even greater hospital? If they close LICH, many other services we take for thinking to the extreme. granted like labs, long-term nursing and The job of government and our politi- rehab facilities, and proximity to excelcians is to provide basic services for the lent doctors, will also go away. But the population. All are connected – our worst thing of all is that a long journey parks, our libraries, our hospitals – as all to emergency services will mean the difprovide succor for the body, mind and ference between life and death. soul. Not to mention true recreation, Please call your elected officials starting knowledge and healing. with Mayor-elect DeBlasio whose arrest When did the government get out of on behalf of LICH and subsequent win the people business anyway? of higher office is intimately connected So, yes, I was really OK – just a wake up - but he needs reminding. You must also call. Yes, I got the complete picture of call Governor Cuomo in whose hands my health and a plan going forward. Yes, this closure rests. These numbers are: each and every person over the course Mayor DeBlasio (347) 746-2455 or of an entire day at LICH who pricked (212) 669-7250; and Governor Cuomo and poked and pulled me about was su- (518) 474-8390. perb. I was really lucky to go to LICH Judi Francis is a 30-plus year resident of and go in time - not the 20 minutes it Brooklyn Heights and Cobble Hill. She has would have taken me to get to another used LICH doctors and visited the ER for hospital if LICH had been closed. over two decades with her children but had As the sun set over the harbor, with a long neglected American flag flapping against the tree line on Hicks Street, and Liberty silhouetted against sky blue pink, I asked myself, what can anyone do

never set foot “upstairs” in the main facility until Thanksgiving weekend. She is grateful beyond words to the entire staff in residence on December 1st and 2nd.

Ombudsman calls for impeachment, by Dr. Jon Berall

Editor’s note: Jon Berall was appointed as one of two ombudsmen at LICH to oversee SUNY Downstate’s compliance with the Kings County Supreme Court orders issued by Justice Johnny Lee Baynes.

service, acute care hospital.

Eleven months ago, SUNY Downstate announced that Long Island College Hospital (LICH) would be shut because it was not medically needed and losing vast sums of money. These lies have been perpetuated by Downstate. The destruction of LICH by SUNY Downstate for nearly a year has been continual and unabated.

On Wednesday, December 4, a short school bus collided with a BMW, injuring four adults. LICH was mere steps away. But because Downstate has closed the hospital’s trauma center, all four were taken to Kings County Hospital in Central Brooklyn.

On August 16, 2013, Kings County Supreme Court Justice Johnny Lee Baynes ordered that LICH be returned to its much stronger position as of July 19.

This order has been disregarded; the destruction of LICH has continued as if Judge Baynes had not given any order to the contrary.

The destruction still continues, despite the most recent orders from Judge Baynes three weeks ago that: 1) Delayed the contempt charges against SUNY brought by the Community Groups for one month; and 2) Restated SUNY Downstate’s requirement to return LICH to its previously position as a full

Red Hook Star-Revue

In the three months since my appointment, there has been no indication that SUNY is doing anything except destroying LICH.

Kings County Hospital is located at 451 Clarkson Avenue - across the street from Downstate’s main campus. The commute is 4.66 miles away from LICH, and 13 minutes - or 23 minutes in rush hour traffic down Flatbush Avenue. All injuries were minor. But in life threatening situations, minutes matter most.

Governor Andrew Cuomo has been calling the shots and demanding that SUNY Downstate complete the destruction of LICH. He appointed and has been silently supportive of the leaders responsible within the entire Downstate system. His appointees answer to him. Governor Cuomo is responsible for those decisions, like a parent supervising a child. He could have stopped

the destruction of LICH by Downstate Medical Center before it was started because it was started by his order many months ago, yet he has remained almost entirely mute.

SUNY’s Request For Proposals (RFP) stated that the closing of LICH would negatively impact more than 450,000 Brooklynites immediately. This also includes the regions serviced by Brooklyn, Methodist, Lutheran and Maimonides Hospitals - all of whom have seen their Emergency Rooms (ER) overflowed and often overwhelmed since the LICH ER has been reduced to little more than an urgent care center.

Red Hook, a federally designated health care shortage area, is included - even with LICH operating as a full service hospital. To cut those services any further, is exasperating the problem even more. Yet, Governor Cuomo continues his drastic measures to ensure the Red Hook community becomes even more underserved.

A civil rights violation case may be in order for Governor Cuomo. Red Hook is home to the largest public housing site in Brooklyn - the second largest in the entire city. The community is also

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predominantly made up of minorities.

Health services in the neighborhood are already scarce. Closing LICH is denying poorer minority citizens the right to basic health care services - an impeachable offense.

Governor Cuomo has arrogantly ignored the judge’s orders multiple times.

Judge Baynes has been unable to make any difference in SUNY and Governor Cuomo’s steamroller efforts to effectively kill LICH. Governor Cuomo has disregarded the real medical needs of the people of Brooklyn, especially the medical needs of Red Hook. His decisions are being made with reckless abandon for the neighborhood in an effort to boost local real estate development. He is turning a blind eye to the basic human rights of nearly half a million people’s entitlement to sufficient health care services.

Governor Cuomo was elected by the people to follow the law, not to flaunt his executive power and ignore the justice process. The executive branch of New York State is essentially spitting in the face of its judiciary branch by dis(continued on page 15)

December 2013 Page 11

EDITORIAL

Black Friday morphs into Gray Thursday

I

spent Thanksgiving in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this year. I grew up - literally 14 inches in one year - and eventually returned to go to college there.

And naturally, I picked up the hometown newspaper, The Advocate, I had used for so many high school current event project.

After spending Friday evening in LSU’s Death Valley, I made the 400 mile trip to Arkansas to spend Thanksgiving with my family. I drove throughout the night without sleeping, and arrived after dawn on Saturday morning.

My mother has often rescheduled holidays because to her, the most important part is that ALL of her family can be there. Often times, she or one of my two sisters has to work. So Thanksgiving and even Christmas with the family is celebrated before or after the actual holiday. This year, the Price family thanksgiving was on Saturday.

For more than a decade, I was too far away from home to visit my family on Thanksgiving. For the past two years, I have been able to take the long trip south and gorge myself on sweet potato casserole, scalloped potatoes, turkey and stuffing, and especially the homemade pies.

In the twelve years I could not be home for the holidays, I was at the mercy of a friend to take me in on Thanksgiving. I was always welcome and treated like a member of another family. It was wonderful, and I will always be grateful for those who fed me and kept the homesickness at bay. But it was never exactly the same because the bonds of kinship always clung to my shoulders.

There were many Thanksgiving nights that I called my far away family to wish them a happy thanksgiving, all the while keeping the tears out of the back of my voice when my parents said, “We wish you were here.” My reply was always the same, “I wish I was too, but I’ll be there soon.”

I cherish being able to spend these

by Kimberly Gail Price times with my family. Rolling around in the floor with my nephews and niece among a sea of wrestling and tickling.

Football playing in the background waiting to see who will be the first person to erupt in snores. Helping my sisters dry my mother’s fine china that comes out but once a year for this day.

The laughter, the feel, the smell of being so close to unwavering, unconditional love of my family.

On Black Friday, November 29, 2013, The Advocate’s front page story was “Early bird gets the…big screen; Some shoppers pick finds over festivities.” Just under the mast head, a picture spanning nearly the entire top of the front page shows Carlos Ramos, a local Best Buy employee, passing out “door-buster” deals to anxious customers waiting behind a barricade for the store to open - at 6 pm on Thanksgiving evening.

jump.”

time with family and friends.

I read the article, mostly because the idea of leaving my family to stand in line in twenty-something degree weather to save even a few hundred dollars utterly

One man in line, Bubakarr Jalloh, an African native now residing in Baton rouge, said, “I see some of my friends have [a 55-inch Samsung smart TV]

For me, it is not the “stuff” I own that makes my life valuable. It is the friendships, the family, the love that are most important. Without this, my life is virtually worthless.

This year the author got to choose a Christmas tree with her family. (photos by Fiala

and I’m like, ‘Oh my god, I need that!’ ”

Corporate America is never going to value those things as priorities for mass consumers. The CEOs and COOs are not going to take into consideration that their employees are unable to spend precious time at home for the holidays because of work. Their job is to increase the bottom line.

Lonnie Stockwell ate with his family at noon so that he could go shopping at Best Buy at 4 pm. “We weren’t going to lose the day,” he said. “Thanksgiving with the family was way more important for me.” He was shopping for a new computer tablet for his fourthgrade grandson, who “needs a new one for school.”

Consumers are the ones who can break this cycle. Marketing companies worldwide create proposals based on supply and demand. If there is no demand for Thanksgiving Day shopping, Corporate America will discontinue opening their doors for the holidays. And why not wait until December 15 for the better deals?

Denise Mathews started cooking at 4 pm on Wednesday to make sure her family - including nine grandkids - was fed. She likes that the stores open during the day so that afterward, she can “go home and relax.”

The effort must be made by the masses. So if Thanksgiving Day Christmas

“Be grateful and acknowledge what you already have; it isn’t the next big ‘it’ present that can be bought on Gray Thursday. Be home, and enjoy your people, your life.” baffles me. The earliest shoppers gathered at 2:30 am Thanksgiving morning with tents, just to be the first in line.

Both Wal-Mart and Best Buy opened their doors at 6 pm on what is being dubbed “Gray Thursday.” The article pointed out, “The early openings were clear evidence of the decisive advance of Black Friday into Thanksgiving Day itself.”

The article interviews Baton Rouge’s store Best Buy manager, Shawn Munro, who has worked 10 consecutive Black Fridays. The stores previously opened at 5 am, and “avid shoppers” camped out all night awaiting the stores opening. Munro said he has seen the opening steadily move up its timetable because each year, the company “saw sales

Belinda Jones, along with her daughter, Jasmine Edwards got in line at Wal-Mart at 2 pm on Thanksgiving Day, “after leaving their family to eat Thanksgiving dinner without them - so they wouldn’t miss the sales.”

Consumer reports show that during the holiday season, Black Friday, and now Gray Thursday do not offer the best bargains. Yet, masses of shoppers globally are making a tradition of dismissing the holiday to hunt for deals that may help them pinch a few pennies. Incomplete families are left at home sitting around a dinner table while their overeager kin are standing in line to get the next big “it” gift.

Why then, if consumers can get better deals two weeks down the road, are we sacrificing precious time with the ones that mean the most to us for a bargain that really isn’t the best deal? Mass marketing. Customers have bought into the hype of the holiday shopping starting line. We are told the sales will be the best of the season. And without looking back, we forfeit what should ultimately be the most scared thing of all: precious

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

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Not that there isn’t ever a time for shopping.

shopping is your tradition, next year, wait. Stay home.

Instead, look into your mother’s eyes and thank her for giving you life; she won’t be around forever. Wear sweat pants to the dinner table; your family loves you for who you are, not your fashion choices. Be grateful and acknowledge what you already have; it isn’t the next big “it” present that can be bought on Gray Thursday. Be home, and enjoy your people, your life.

When my time on earth is nearly done, I won’t be sorry for missing the greatest deal Best Buy ever offered. I won’t be sorry I didn’t stand in line waiting for the doors of Wal-Mart to open. I will wish I had more time with the people who mattered most to me.

December 2013

LEARNING LESSONS FROM THE LIFE OF NELSON MANDELA

“A

fundamental concern for others in our individual and community lives would go a long way in making the world the better place we so passionately dream of.”

Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela: 18 July 1918 – 5 December 2013 This week South Africa, indeed, all of us mark the life of Nelson Mandela with mourning, remembrance and celebration.

Last night at the Riverside Church Service of Praise & Thanksgiving in Harlem, the Reverend James Forbes set forth a challenge for the world to use this time as a period of collective selfreflection to ponder what we can do to bring about a better life for everyone.

“The great spirit wants to use Nelson Mandela’s death to remind us that Nelson Mandela believed that all God’s children should have a place at the table and that until that is happening God is not pleased, that all God’s children must have healthcare. Why do some of you hoard your resources while others die for basic necessity? All God’s children must have clothing and shelter and decent education and decent jobs.

All the nations of the earth need to hear this.”

Others who spoke echoed similar thoughts as they recalled Mandela’s actions through his life and the effects those actions have had on the world far beyond the fall of apartheid and the establishment of a new democratic South Africa through the labors of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

As many with more knowledge of history and politics than I will write about his life during these days, I write about the promise of his life that is now our responsibility to carry into our lives, especially as we utilize his example to teach our children how to live and create in the world.

In our arts organization we often open our doors for community art days for children and their families. For the past four years, it has become clear that while art is important, many of the basics that our children need are even more important. As we try to navigate what it means to be an arts organization in these days, we realize that it is imperative to address the whole child and the whole community and how we live and work together.

At the beginning of this year, the NYC Coalition Against Hunger released the figure that 1 in 4 children in NYC is food insecure – meaning that there is insufficient food in their household on a regular basis. Some say it is not that high.

To focus on the preciseness of the numbers or on the definition of the term is to miss the point. One in six is too many. One in ten is too many. Children should not have to worry about enough food, nor should their parents. They cannot learn to become themselves if their bodies do not have proper nutrition, if their minds do not have education, if their creative impulses do not have outlet and their spirits do not have development. It is an error in our soci-

Red Hook Star-Revue

by Martine Bisagni

ety that so many of our families experience or worry about poverty. There is enough to share. One only need look at the wealth and plenty in our city to know there is enough to go around.

There is enough worldwide. We must learn to share what we have.

“Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Overcoming poverty is not a gesture of charity. It is an act of justice. It is the protection of a fundamental human right, the right to dignity and a decent life. While poverty persists, there is no true freedom. Of course the task will not be easy. But not to do this would be a crime against humanity, against which I ask all humanity now to rise up.”

As I read Mandela’s words, I ask how can the world be shared so all lives have fair opportunity? The answers I find are small and quieter than protests or legal battles. They take place in our homes, our hearts and our daily actions.

Be generous to each other. Offer assistance where you can. Ask if you need.

Do what you can so the lives of children are better.

It does take a neighborhood or village.

Teach our children to love justice.

Teach them to value fairness over privilege or the pursuit of privilege. Teach them to question their assumptions about what is acceptable and to develop their thoughts as knowledge changes.

Let go of revenge. Cultivate forgiveness.

Invite everyone to the table including those with whom you disagree. Especially those you with whom you disagree, for the open table is the way to reconciliation and a working community. It is important that our children know each other and learn to work together. There is no better way to teach them these values than by our own example. We must work together as if their future depends upon it. It does. If there is anything to learn from Nelson Mandela’s life, it is that living and working together is a real possibility.

As we think about how to work with everyone in our neighborhood, the artists find ways to take what we do into public spaces. Last year on July 18th two of our artists spent MADIBA DAY in Carroll Park making cards, teaching happy birthday in Xhosa, Zulu and Afrikaans, adding the languages of our neighborhood children to the bright poster. It was a great first start of what I hope will be a yearly event to bring the children of our city together celebrating Mandela’s ideals, art, culture and getting to know each other.

That night one of the artists and I went over to celebrate Mandela’s birthday at MADIBA Restaurant in Fort Green.

South Africans of every age, hue and accent filled the place from one end to the other making music, singing, dancing and setting lanterns to the sky. The noise and merriment spilled into the streets. The police drove by waving and smiling at the somewhat loud, joyful crowd.

I found myself thinking back to the

1980s when it was hard to conceive that that dreadful government of institutionalized hell would ever break apart and a new South Africa would come together in unity. And yet here all around me ubuntu (humanness) was evident.

Umuntu ngumntu ngabantu. (A person is a person because of other people.) The more we care for each other the more the world will be the one we dream of.

During open hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 12-5 pm, our artists invite you to come make art to honor and celebrate the life of Mandela. Johannesburg-based Bulawayo/Zimbabwean artist Sindiso Nyoni has created a commemorative portrait for us to share and we have made a learning card for the children. Children and their families are welcome free of charge.

Martine Bisagni is Director of Workshop Gallery Artists Foundation/Brooklyn Workshop Gallery, a nonprofit foundation whose purpose is to promote and facilitate the process of keeping traditional art craft alive and vibrant in our world and to en-

courage the interpretation and expression of such through the individual artisan. They are located at 393 Hoyt Street. For more information, call (718) 797-9427, or email martine.bisagni@gmail.com

There are many ways in our area to learn about Nelson Mandela and to celebrate his life:

Saturday, December 14, 11:00 am

The Boys & Girls High School will re-walk the route that Nelson Mandela walked during his 1991 Brooklyn visit. 1770 Fulton Street Brooklyn. All are welcome.

New York City Public Library Exhibit through December 21st at two locations: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building (5th Ave at 42nd St, New York, NY 10018, (917) 275-6975); and McGraw Rotunda and Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture (515 Malcolm X Blvd, New York, NY 10037; (212) 491-2200)

Sunday, December 15, 6:00 pm The Official Mandela Funeral Service & Madiba Restaurant Vigil

Screening of President Mandela’s funeral from Qunu in the Eastern Cape, South Africa (195 DeKalb Ave, Fort Greene, Brooklyn (718) 855-9190) For more information on Nelson Mandela and The Elders: www.nelsonmandela.org www.theelders.org

American Fine Craft Show at Brooklyn Museum

by Kimberly G. Price

Eleven Brooklyn artists will be exhibiting and selling their work at the first annual American Fine Craft Show Brooklyn 90 exhibits of handmade fine arts crafts for sale. The craft show will be at the landmark Brooklyn Museum Beaux-Arts Court December 14-15 from 11 am-6 pm.

Three jewelers, two artists, a fashion designer, two glassmakers, two ceramists, and one who embroiders decorative pillows join forces for the show. They are all Brooklyn locals whse work will be displayed with 79 other artists.

Jeweler, Christine Mackeller’s studio is in Gowanus where she attributes the inspiration of her work to her garden. “One reason [I] both live and work in Brooklyn is my garden, which has a huge influence on my work; I have to get my hands into the soil,” she said.

Brooklybn designer, Alicia Degener is originally from Detroit. “Detroit wasn’t an option in the day unless you were in the car or a related industry,” she said. She finds Brooklyn to be a visual feast and subject of most of her work. “I especially loved the green, rusty arches of the Gowanus Expressway and spent my free time with my sketchbook down along Hamilton Avenue.”

Stained glass artisan, Ernest Porcelli has maintained his art glass studio in Park Slope since 1978. “Brooklyn, known as

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the Borough of Churches, was the ideal place for a fledging artisan of stained glass to launch a business.” Porcelli’s work has appeared in films like Brighton Beach Memoirs, and he has recently completed a 9 x 8-foot glass wall commissioned by Gensler Architects.

Glassmaker, Nick Leonoff moved from a small town in California three years ago and found an industrial space for his studio in Bushwick. “I’m influenced by my environment and look for inspiration wherever I am. I was struck by the complexity of life in the city as well as the urban landscape.”

Founders of the show Marketing, Joanne and Richard Rothbard also produce two annual arts festivals in the Berkshires in July, a craft show and art fair in Manhattan in October, and the Sarasoto Craft show in December. They also own An American Craftsman Galleries, with three locations in Manhattan.

December 2013 Page 13

Jenny Belin’s Art Hours: Noon to 10:30 pm Tues. to Thurs. Noon to 11pm Friday.

4pm to 11pm Saturday & 4pm to 10:30pm Sunday.

There’s always something good going on at Rocky’s of Red Hook!!

Tuesday Night is Irish Language Night Beginning Irish at 7 Advanced at 8 Taught by Brian Mallon Irish Traditional Music Sundays at 4, Tuesdays at 9

Always a great NEW YEARS BASH! make reservations today!

Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue

Jets, Giants, Rangers, Devils, Islanders Best Place to watch the games!

Jenny can often be found at Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street.

Available for Private Parties Shepherds Pie, Bangers and Mash and even Pizza made in our kitchen

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December 2013

(continued from page 9)

than 50,000 Filipinos. It is the deadliest storm ever recorded in the Philippines.

The Philippine Promise Fund (PPF) is continuing the efforts to collect donations for the devastated communities overseas. After organizing an event in Red Hook on December 7-8, they are hoping to collect more supplies in the weeks to come.

The event organized more than 50 volunteers, and collected hundreds of dollars worth of supplies from individual and local businesses including Fairway and IKEA. Donations will be sorted, packaged and shipped in cargo containers to the hardest hit ports. The containers will then be painted and used as classrooms or other necessary spaces.

PET OF THE MONTH

by Sefanie Deji Chopper Brockwell is an almost-oneyear-old Chihuahua mutt who’s got a spunky personality. “She can be aloof with other people at first,” says her mom, Sandy, “but she’s friendly once she gets to know them.” Her hobbies include chewing on bones; playing with toy balls; playing chase with people; and her 12-year-old cat sister, Boo; and eating all of her mommy’s food.

If you think your pet deserves to be Pet of the Month, please submit your photos and a brief explanation to Editor@ redhookstar.com.

From Cargo Containers to Classrooms for the Philippines

Hurricane Sandy devastated the east coast last year with an unprecedented tidal surge. One of the hardest hit neighborhoods was Red Hook, Brooklyn. As a way to pay it forward, local businesses have pledged their support for the Philippine Promise Fund (PPF) disaster relief aid.

Typhoon Haiyan hit the islands with record force last month, killing more

PPF will create more than 1,000 readymade hygiene supply backpack kits that will include an assortment of items such as coloring books, crayons and toiletries.

PPF is working with the nonprofit organization, International Relief and Disaster (IRD) to accept and dispense the donated goods as they arrive in the Philippines.

A nonprofit in Queens, FAHSI.org has also teamed up with PPF. FAHSI has placed collection boxes in every firehouse and EMS station throughout the five boroughs. Those boxes will be stored at 95 Union Street to be sorted and shipped.

PPF will also have volunteers at Fairway to collect supplies and monetary donations for the outreach on Saturday and Sunday, December 14-15.

For more information about the Philippine Promise Fund and their organizers, contact Ari Kesler at ari@philippinePromiseFund. com or call (800) PPF-6558

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)

Unjust garbage

I am a resident of Red Hook and live near the Community Justice Center on Visitation Place. Every morning and evening I walk my dog down Verona,

which runs behind the Community Justice Center. Whereas having a court dedicated to quality of life offenses is superb, I find it ironic that the same building finds it entirely acceptable to have the street and surrounding areas behind it completely littered with trash that is never cleaned. Every time the garbage is put out, the squirrels get in it and destroy the bags, leaving scattered rubbish that then is never cleaned and merely collects on the street and behind the building.

Can we issue them a “quality of life” violation for this? Sincerely, A Red Hook Resident

Yowsers... great!

Thank you so much for the article about Banksy and RHAP. IT IS GREAT. I think you are an amazing writer! - Deirdre Swords

Remembering Sal

I enjoyed the write up of Sal Meglio; he was a credit to our community and a great friend to all of us. He will truly be missed. Celia Cacace and I were on the phone recalling what a true friend he was. If you called Sal and asked about someone’s passing, he gave you details of the wake viewing and location, and added, “Do you have a ride?” He offered transportation. He looked out for everyone and your children. He was an older brother. My children would say, Sal asked, “How are you doing?” Our prayers to his family, he was truly loved.

He gave so much of himself. Respect-

Governor Cuomo has high hopes for the Oval Office. By throwing the health needs of Brooklynites under the bus, those ambitions may only be pipe dreams. Perhaps if his political career were threatened, he may start thinking a little more rationally.

Governor Cuomo needs to be brought out from the darkness and the shadows to face the people of Brooklyn in the light - the light of impeachment proceedings.

Perhaps if Governor Cuomo is unable to sort out his priorities as to what is best for the medical needs of his constituents, he should resign. Or perhaps impeachment proceedings will awaken Governor Cuomo to the reality that Brooklynites are not going to allow New York State to be run like a third world Banana Republic dictatorship.

Respectfully, Jon Berall, M.D., M.P.H., Lt.Cmdr(Ret) Ombudsman, Long Island College Hospital

Berall’s view (continued from page 11)

respecting the Kings County Supreme Court’s authority. Governor Cuomo is calling the shots on what has become a criminal situation on many levels.

Now is the time for Governor Cuomo to have the light shined in his face for his despicable actions: replacing a fullservice, acute care hospital with an urgent care center and condominiums for the super-rich to benefit his buddies in the real estate industry.

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December 2013