The
Red Hook StarªRevue
FEBRUARY 2017
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
HUGS IN A TIME OF TRUMP by George Fiala
A
s the unreal nature of a Trump presidency coalesced into the reality of an inauguration, many in Red Hook began to really understand the meaning of the phrase “misery loves company.” Some traveled to Washington or to Manhattan to take part in the women’s demonstration. Demonstrations end, but the misery remains, and with that in mind, local businesswoman and community board member Victoria Hagman collaborated with councilmember Carlos Menchaca and put together a gathering they called Red Hook Hug. Word of mouth along with a Facebook page brought about 30 locals to Sunny’s back room on Sunday, January 29 for general commiseration and a few drinks. After a bit of socializing, people sat in a circle and Victoria started the conversation. “People are hurting,” she said. “After Sandy, many of us came together in groups like this to talk about what just happened to us, and that helped us heal. Well, this is just like Sandy. We have to rely on each other so we can began to move forward. Let’s all try to be as supportive as we can!” Menchaca spoke next. “This is hope, right here,” he said as he pointed around the room. “These are the faces of hope.” He spoke of the hurts that different people are feeling, and continued, “as your voice in
Red Hook, this kind of meeting is so important to keep me going. The walls that I’m hitting are pretty intense inside the machine of politics. For me, I personally ask that we keep doing this - that we keep hugging.” Red Hook’s is a neighborhood of people whose talents are as diverse as its make-up, as Carlos noted. “This community has incredible people and incredible talent. From artists and architects to lawyers, and urban planners, and amazing moms and amazing dads, and a newspaper. Incredible business owners, just great people.” He urged the community to keep doing getting together like this - in person, not just on Facebook. At that, the conversation went around the room as people introduced themselves and spoke about their actions and concerns. Long time Red Hooker and Attorney-in-Charge at NY’s Legal Aid Society spoke of all the rapid-fire legal work that had been done on behalf of those caught in the web of Donald Trump’s executive order banning refugees and travelers from certain countries. The order was issued the Friday prior to the Red Hook Hug, and by Sunday night motions were into a number of courts halting the ban. “You have a group of people right now that come off of a plane thinking that they are going to go home to their families and they are stopped and they are questioned - and that’s five year-old children, grandparents in wheelchairs, to family members of army veterans that have served this country - and it is reprehensible.” (continued on page 3)
Supreme Court Justice enchants St. Francis students
S
upreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor’s visit to St. Francis College on February 2 provided some much needed reassurance that indeed there still are grown-ups in some of our important seats of power.
Sotomayor appeared in a packed fourth floor gym composed mostly of students. The occasion was the annual Thomas J. Volpe Lecture, and the connection was Sparkle Sooknanan, St. Francis Class of 2002, who clerked for Ms. Sotomayor when she was a judge on the US Court of Appeals, 2nd circuit - a position she held prior to being named to the Supreme Court in 2009 by Barack Obama. By coincidence, her appearance took place just a couple days after President Trump made his controversial announcement of his proposed replacement for the late Justice Scalia. However, this was not a subject of discussion this day.
Red Hook Star-Revue
by George Fiala
Instead, Sotomayer spoke to the students about the thinking that went behind the career decisions she made that led her to the Supreme Court. She told the students not to despair - that sometimes it is society that makes one feel inadequate - and that it’s ok to not always be confident in one’s future. “Explore the things that you don’t know,” she said. “Most of the time, professors are interested in you - and will encourage you to follow what you are interested in, and you will discover what you are good at.” Her method was analytical - she rejected what she knew what she didn’t like, or did like but wasn’t good at. She was encouraged to go into medicine, but she knew she didn’t like hospitals. “I liked helping people, and that’s what lawyers do. I knew that from watching Perry Mason.
I also knew that I liked reading and writing, and also courses that were challenging and exciting.” Of course, having a mother that pushed her to go to college was crucial - she was accepted at Princeton and graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1976. From there she went to Yale Law School, graduating in 1979. “One afternoon when I was 25, I happened to go to an event featuring NY’s District Attorney Robert Morgenthau. Wine and cheese were to be served afterwards. Morgenthau was there asking the law students to come work for him in the DA’s office. The office was full of cases and there was plenty important work to do. Afterwards, I went right to the cheese line, and in addition to the cheese I happened to start talking to Morgenthau and he convinced to come work for him.” (continued on page 3)
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Justice Sotomayor circulated among St. Francis College students answering questions and providing inspiration.
February 2017, 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. For more events and community meetings, visit our website at www.star-revue.com and click on the “calendar” tab. To get your event listed in this section, email editor@redhookstar.com and include “happenings” in the subject line.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 8
The Mayor’s Office of Recovery and Resiliency, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs and Council Member Carlos Menchaca announce a public art project on climate change. They will have a public meeting from 6 to 7:30 pm at Red Hook Library (7 Wolcott Street) 6-7:30 pm Youth Forum Meet and Greet. Three local residents who have become successful young professionals. Chris Garcia is a professional baseball player, JW Cortes is an actor who plays detective Carlos Alvarez on the show Gotham, and Jasmine Ray is a recording artist and CEO of WallBall USA. Sponsored by the Red Hook Lion’s Club. Miccio Center, 110 West 9th Street, from 6 - 8 pm.
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10
Red Hook Initiative will be hosting a community flea market from There will be food, crafts, clothing. Tables are free. 767 Hicks St. 6 to 9 pm Opening reception of E.S.P. TV’s WORK. The live broadcast will include the premier of WORK, day one in the office; synthesizer-based jingles by Suzanne Ciani played throughout the space; and perpetual telephone hold music performed live by BLUE JAZZ TV. Pioneer Works,159 Pioneer Street 7-10 pm
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14
The Red Hook West Tenant Association will have their monthly meeting hosted by Lillie Marshall. The meeting will be at 428 Columbia Street tenant office room 1-C from 6:30 - 9 pm
RELIGIOUS SERVICES Christian
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.
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15
The Red Hook East Tenant Association will have their monthly meeting from 6:30 - 9 pm at 167 Bush Street 1B. The New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) Legal Services van will be stationed outside of the Red Hook Community Justice Center. Provides free civil legal services to New Yorkers in need. Justice Center, 88 Visitation Pl. 10 am - 3 pm
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 pm4:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am - 12:00 noon. Masses: Saturday 4:00 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 8:30 am-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)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28 The Gowanus Canal Advisory Group (CAG) will have a meeting from 6:30 - 9 pm at St. Mary’s Residence (41 1st Street).
ONGOING
On Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 at Kentler International Drawing Space (353 Van Brunt Street) there are family art workshops. These are collaborative parent and child programs for ages four and older. Please register in advance by emailing sallie@kentlergallery.org. Suggested donation is $10 for family of 2, $15 for 3 or more participants.
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 noon (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.
The
St. Paul’s Carroll Street
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/
Red Hook StarªRevue
481 Van Brunt Street, 8A, Brooklyn, NY 11231
FOR EDITORIAL, ADVERTISING OR EMPLOYMENT INQUIRIES, email: info@redhookstar.com, or call (718) 624-5568
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
The Star-Revue is published by Kimberly G. Price & George Fiala
Congregation B’nai Avraham/Chabad of Brooklyn Heights
117 Remsen St., 718 596 4840 x18 www.bnaiavraham.com, www.heightschabad.com Morning Services: Sunday: 8:45am Monday - Friday: 7:45am Holidays (during the week): 8:45am Saturday: 9:45am Evening Services: Sunday: Shabbat candle lighting time Monday - Thursday: 9:00pm Friday: Winter: 5 minutes before Shabbat candle lighting time Summer: 7:30pm Saturday: Shabbat candle lighting time
Noah Phillips, Associate Editor Nathan Weiser, Emily Kluver Reporters Halley Bondy, Arts Laura Eng, Religion Mary Ann Pietanza
Congregation Mount Sinai
250 Cadman Plaza West, (718) 875-9124, Rabbi Seth Wax Friday services at 6:30 pm; Saturday Prayer and Mysticism Class at 9:00 am, services at 10:00 am followed by kiddish lunch. All are welcome.
The Red Hook Star-Revue is published monthly. Founded June 2010.
If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks! Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue
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February 2017
A Supreme Court Justice comes to Brooklyn Heights (continued from page 1)
Sotomayor explained that the most important thing she learned as a prosecutor was the ability to create a persuasive argument. However, after about four years, she felt the need to move on. She saw that criminal justice was basically a revolving door in the 1980’s there was little push for rehabilitation. She felt the need to do something different - something that provided an opportunity to learn new skills. She became a commercial litigator for a private firm, where she was able to practice civil law. There she was able to understand both the needs of employers and employees. Having practiced law from both sides - defense lawyer and prosecutor, she was ready for something else.
Perry Mason an influence
“I remembered from Perry Mason that no matter how great a job Mason did, it was that person behind the bench - the judge - who had the final say, and that’s where I wanted to be,” she said, smiling. President George H.W. Bush nomi-
nated her to the Second District Court in 1992, and President Bill Clinton named her to the US Second Court of Appeals in 1997. She explained that cases come to the Supreme Court when there is no clear answer based on competing principles of law that are heard in lower courts. “We order them, and decide which trumps the other in a particular case.” She then spoke of one of her passions, which is the continuing struggle for equal rights for women. She gave an example of the unthinking discrimination that still exists in society. In some cases, she would file a discrimination brief. In other cases, a simple talking to is what is necessary. “I’ve come to work, and I’ll be told ‘honey, you can park your car over there.’ I explain that it is not appropriate to call me honey - people may get the wrong idea. If I were a man, you would call me judge - so please stick to judge.” “When it comes to hiring, people tend to look for people that look like them,” she said, explaining why so many of our positions of leadership are filled disproportionately with white males. At this point, Sotomayor moved off the dais and began circulating among the audience, answering questions that had been submitted by students.
A full house came to hear Sotomayor.
She spoke of the difficulty of making
Justice Sonya Sotomayor receives an honorary law degree from St. Francis College.
decisions, and the tremendous responsibility of having to make the ultimate decisions for the country. “I will look at what bad it would do,” when trying to decide a case. She said it was difficult for her when the rule doesn’t eliminate the bad. “I’ve learned that reasonable people can disagree, but I’ve learned to respect their sense of passion. There can be legitimacy to both sides of an argument.” She spoke of the tremendous work involved in researching the cases. “We often end up reading more about the law than the legislators themselves.” Perhaps the most controversial moment came unwittingly when she was
asked about her thoughts on the jury system. “It’s an imperfect system,” she said. “Jurors are picked from the pool of registered voters, and we all know that certain segments of the population are discouraged from voting.” She suggested that perhaps using driver’s licenses as a jury qualification might provide more representative juries. Sotomayor’s presentation was punctuated with loud applause, and no doubt more than a couple students left feeling inspired and empowered. After the talk, Sotomayor was awarded with an honorary law degree from St. Francis, and then was whisked away along with her security contingent.
Red Hook neighbors come together as they hope to cope
(continued from page 1)
She went into further detail about the cluelessness of the federal government that put this all into motion, and how they didn’t even know how to respond to orders of judges. “So here in New York, people weren’t released, while in Seattle they were. So there are still people held here, being detained, and right now in the Eastern District, we have lawyers filing writs of habeus corpus to demand that they be released.” Carlos is the chair of the Committee on Immigration at the City Council, and of course the idea of New York City as a Sanctuary City was discussed. Kimberly Forte asked that everyone be aware of police actions - as new laws could possibly lead to the deportation of immigrants for seem-
ingly minor crimes. She is also with the Legal Aid Society and offered help to immigrants, as does Carlos. Others at Sunny’s expressed worries about LGBT rights and the possibility of the erosion of hard won rights. A pending case in the Supreme Court may allow businesses to choose to not serve gay and lesbian customers if they were to choose not to. Lindsay Campbell of Pioneer Street is a Federal Research Scientist working with the National Forest Service. She expressed a fear of losing her job due to potential budget cuts. She expressed a willingness to volunteer for immigrant rights and other causes. Other concerns included freedom of the press and the loss of healthcare benefits. It was pointed out that Red Hook is lucky to have two good elected officials that actually live in the neighborhood and have their ears to the desires and fears of their constituents. In the end, one might say that while the Red Hook Hug was created as a coping and mental health aid due to the new political climate, some additional positive side effects were achieved. One of those was a chance for people in the neighborhood to meet each
Red Hook Star-Revue
Victoria Hagman and Carlos Menchaca lead a coping group to deal with new political realities at Sunny’s Bar. (photos by George Fiala)
other in person. Not everyone knew each other in person, although many may have from Facebook. In addition, there will no doubt be an ongoing need for a local group such as this to share resources and facts, and to provide ways for all of us to be more active participants in the political process.
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More than one speaker noted that while legal challenges to unjust rules are very important, continued public pressure in the form of protests is equally as important. As of this writing a second Hug is not yet scheduled - but there is a Facebook page where future activities will be publicized.
February 2017, Page 3
RELIGIOUS NEWS BY LAURA ENG laura.eng59@aol.com.
Bishop Neil Tiedemann returns home
B
ishop Neil Tiedemann, C.P., Brooklyn native and former pastor of Visitation BVM Church, has returned to the Diocese of Brooklyn. Following his term as pastor of Visitation from 1998 to 2005, Father Tiedemann was ordained a bishop in 2008 and named Bishop of Mandeville in Jamaica, W.I. by Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Tiedemann resided in Mandeville until last year when Pope Francis named him Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn - which meant he was returning home. And so on Saturday, January 7th, Bishop Tiedemann came back to Visitation Church to celebrate the Feast of the Epiphany at the Vigil Mass. Visitation was the church of the bishop’s parents, grandparents and greatgrandparents who all lived in Red Hook and his own home parish for the seven years he served as pastor. Before his arrival, which occurred in the midst of a snowstorm, the current pastor, Father Claudio Antecini and the brothers and sisters of the Community of Koinonia John the Baptist all helped in shoveling snow off the sidewalks around the church.
Bishop Tiedemann at Visitation Church last month. (photo by Laura Eng)
Bishop Tiedemann was greeted by them as well as parishioners, current and former, who braved the weather and were thrilled to see him again. According to Sister Máire Clark, “the parishioners reacted with delight when Bishop Tiedemann commented during his homily that he often had to shovel snow himself at 6 am prior to the early Sunday Mass, recognizing that little changes in daily life from generation to generation when it snows in Brooklyn.”
On the next Sunday, January 15th, Bishop Tiedemann returned to the area again and was the main celebrant at a Mass honoring the Feast of St. Stephen at Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church. During the homily, the bishop wove a fitting connection between the faith of Detective Steven McDonald (who had been laid to rest two days earlier) and the faith of St. Stephen, the first Catholic martyr, and then further made a poignant connection between the devotion of his own parents to each other and the devotion between God and his faithful.
Among those on hand was sacristan Robert Berrios who expressed the happiness of the church community when he said “It was great to have Bishop Neil at Visitation Church and to see former parishioners. Even with the snow coming down it felt great, he lifted up our spirits.” And Sylvia Dobles, Visitation office assistant, coordinator of religious education, and a parishioner for thirty years, euphorically commented “It was wonderful, it was great, it was like old times again.” During his years as pastor, then “Father Neil” presided over the 150th anniversary of the parish in 2004 and was known to be a much loved man of the people, someone who walked the streets of Red Hook and who was very close to his flock. Parishioners could count on seeing him not just in church but in the neighborhood and even visiting their homes. Following the Mass, a reception was held in St. Mary’s Hall which allowed Bishop Tiedemann to catch up with a
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number of his former parishioners and they with him. “The atmosphere was filled with a true joy at the return of a ‘son’ of the parish” noted Sister Máire.
With Bishop Tiedemann currently residing at St. Matthias Church in Ridgewood, Queens, the Red Hook community will undoubtedly be looking forward to future visits from their beloved Bishop Neil.
Open Letter Regarding Hate Crimes/Threats
No matter what your religious or political affiliations, it would be hard not to miss the fact that things have become more divisive in our country and with that divisiveness has come a spate of hate crimes and threats. Monsignor Guy Massie, Pastor of Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church would like to share the following open letter: Recently we have seen an increase of hate crimes in our city and in our nation. I want to make it clear that we, the Catholic Church, and I, as your Pastor, condemn all acts of violence (continued on next page)
February 2017
Religion
(continued from previous page)
against Jews, Muslims, Blacks, Mexicans, immigrants, gays, transgenders and all other human people of any other background. The Gospel calls us to recognize the God-given dignity of all people regardless of race, color or creed. Disagreements with another person either religiously or politically or dislike of another is NOT license to persecute, oppress or bully anyone. Jesus came for all. “The Church reproves as foreign to the mind of Christ, any discrimination against men or harassment of them because of their race, color, condition of life or religion.” ~ Nostra Aetate, Declaration on the Relation of the Church with Non-Christian Religions, published October 28, 1965 by Pope Paul VI.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Congregation Mount Sinai 250 Cadman Plaza West Prayer and Mysticism Class on Saturdays from 9-10 am, for those interested in the Jewish mystical tradition (Kabbalah). Tu Bishvat Seder and Shabbat Dinner on Friday, February 10 at 6:30 pm. Celebrating trees, nature and the environment and reminding us of our role to protect these precious resources. $18 for adults and $5 for children. Kane Street Synagogue 236 Kane Street Open Beit Midrash three-week courses on Tuesday evenings beginning with dinner at 6:45 followed by class/ lecture at 7:30. Cost is $40 per course; scholarships are available. Upcoming are “Exile/Diaspora in Jewish Thought and History” with Professor David Kraemer on February 7, 14 and 21 and “Conflict and National Identity in Israeli and Palestinian Literature” with Professor Beverly Bailis on February 28, March 7 and 14. For information contact, contact Rabbi Samuel Weintraub at rabbi@kanestreet.org. Oratory Church St. Boniface Parish Duffield and Willoughby Streets Father Dennis’ Book Club on February 26, Go Tell It On The Mountain by James Baldwin and on March 26, The History of Loneliness by John Boyne at 1 pm, Aula Maxima. New members welcome. River of God Christian Center 110 Wolcott Street Black History Luncheon on Saturday, February 18 at 12 noon. For details, please contact allabouttheglory@yahoo.com. Sacred Hearts/St. Stephen Church Summit & Hicks Street Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament every Saturday from 4-5:15 pm and on First Fridays from 7:15-8:30.
The
Ash Wednesday, March 1 - Ashes will be distributed at Mass at 7 am, 8:30 am, noon and 7 pm and at a prayer service at 3:45 pm.
St. Agnes Church Sackett & Hoyt Streets Lunch Time! The next monthly fundraising lunch sponsored by the Legion of Mary is Sunday, February 26 from 1:30 to 3 pm in St. Agnes Hall. Tickets are $7.00. Includes a Grand 50/50! All are welcome! Call 718-625-1717 for details. Sounds on Sackett will resume on Sunday, March 19 at 4 pm with Pianist Robert Piket and Charles Gerard’s Broken Reed Saxophone Quartet performing “devious, witty, swinging tunefulness” selections. Tickets are $20 for adults and children under twelve are free with reception to follow. For information, call 917-7832512 or 718-624-3425. St. Mary Star of the Sea Church 467 Court Street Weekly Saturday Vigil Mass has been changed to 4 pm. Please take note. Ash Wednesday, March 1 - Ashes will be distributed during 9:30 am Mass and at 3 pm and 7 pm Prayer Services. Wednesday Lenten Services - Please check our bulletin which can be found on our website @ www.stmarystarbrooklyn.com. St. Paul’s Catholic Church 234 Congress Street Rosary for Life: Believe, Pray, Save three rosaries every Monday at 1 p.m. in St. Paul’s Chapel with Sister Innocentia. Everyone is welcome! Individual Spiritual Retreat for Adults on Saturday, February 25 from 9 am to 5 pm. Spiritual awakening starts with a seed of thought and grows into a revelation. All attendees must RSVP by February 11; please call Deacon Leroy at 917-496-4221. Religious education - see information under St. Agnes listing. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church 199 Carroll Street Third Friday Supper for Charity on February 17. All proceeds support parish outreach. Enjoy great food cooked up by great parish cooks, the convivial gathering, and not having to shop, cook, and clean up at home! This is a convenient “drop in affair”, so you may come to eat between 6:30 and 8 p.m. $15 for adults, $5 for children, max per family: $30. Bring friends, bring people you don’t know, and in the love of the Lord, you can even bring enemies. Visitation BVM Church 98 Richards Street Healing Mass on Wednesday, February 8 at 7 pm in Spanish and on Friday, February 24 at 7 pm in English. St. Patrick’s Night Annual Fundraiser on Friday, March 17 - Mass at 6 pm with Irish Night to follow. For more information, call 809-300-6913.
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For more information please email George@redhookstar.com Red Hook Star-Revue
Members of the state legislature rally for the restoration of the B 71 bus.
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February 2017, Page 5
Santander Bank discovers Red Hook by Nathan Weiser
O
n January 24, Santander Bank, which has a branch at 498 Columbia Street, held a home-buyers workshop in the basement of the River of God Christian Center, at 110 Wolcott Street.
that there are sacrifices that you need to make, it is key, because whatever we think, we feel, we do,” Gelzer added.
Leon Gelzer, Santander’s Mortgage Development Officer, served as host. Branch Manager Christian Jarama also showed up to meet his neighbors. “We want you to come in and become a customer to have access to a bank that is right in your community, so you will not have to go all the way downtown to access your money,” Gelzer told the gathering.
“You want to make sure that you have an experienced realtor because if they say that they just started, you are teaching them how to do their job,” Gelzer said. “You don’t need that. You walk into the office and you should ask how long have you been doing this. If they say part time then the first thing you should say is let me speak to your broker.”
Santander took over the branch when they purchased Sovereign Bank, which previously had taken over Brooklyn’s Independence Savings Bank.
Gelzer believes that one should make sure the realtor is experienced because then they can adequately walk you through the process.
Independence had opened in Red Hook as a result of community pressure, and was chartered under the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA), which requires banks to tend to the borrowing needs of the community that it serves.
Gelzer informed everyone that the rates can vary between a condo, a coop, and a one to four family home. He
Serve neighbors better
“We have decided that because we are a CRA branch, we needed to serve our neighbors even better,” Gelzer said. “That is why we are adding hours.” Santander will be open during the week on some weekdays from 9 am until 6 pm, and on Saturday’s they will be open from 9 am until 2 pm. According to church member Josephine DeJesus, they’ve had two previous workshops in this series. “The first one was on budgeting, and the second one was on understanding credit and understanding banking,” she said. Gelzer made it known that Santander wants to educate the community and wants to continue to do workshops each quarter. At the home-buyer’s workshop, Jarama told everyone that is important to make sacrifices when preparing to buy a house. Some ideas that the attendees volunteered as ways to save money included not eating out as much, making meals at home more, bringing lunch to work and not doing nails and hair as much. “Once you come to that realization
Another suggestion that Gelzer had was to have a relationship with a good real estate agent.
“It is very crucial in today’s time, when you are going for a mortgage, you make sure you work with a reputable mortgage officer,” Gelzer said. “How do you know somebody is experienced? Ask them how many years they have been doing this.” said that it is important to know what you want and what is best for you. Also, he told everyone that they need to have a 620 credit score when moving in. Gelzer explained to everyone in attendance how to get their credit scores above 620.
Multiple family a good option
DeJesus, who has attended all three of the workshops so far, has had her mindset shifted as far as the kind of home that she wants to move to. “One thing is that I came in with a mindset of getting a condo or co-op, but then after the workshop, I understood that in getting a multiple family home, it would benefit me in terms of it being easier for me to access, as well as also the apartments paying the mortgage for itself,” DeJesus said. “It kind of opened me up to embracing getting a multi-family as opposed to a condo. That is my goal now.” Gelzer added that no one should use a bank that gives you “free money.” This means that they are giving you down payment assistance because it is costing you to get the money. “They are giving it to you at a higher interest rate,” Gelzer said.
Leon Gelzer at last year’s Customer Appreciation Day. (Fiala photo)
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The longtime home buying specialist told everyone that it is important to know exactly what you want in the
Santander’s banking workshop in the basement of River of God. (photo by Roz)
house that you want to purchase. He asked everyone what the one thing is that the house must have.
well,” Gelzer said. “Men, don’t take your brother with you - take your wife. She needs to have that buy-in.”
One said that closet space is important, another said that a walk in closet is ideal to be able to store stuff, a third person said that she wanted a bathroom in her bedroom and two people said that having a backyard was what they desired the most.
Importance of mortgage officer
Purchasing the right property for everyone in the family is very important, according to Gelzer. He told a story about when he visited three houses. At the first one, his kids started crying. At the second home, it seemed like it was the right one at first, but it ended up not having three things they wanted. “But the third house I went to my kids started claiming their rooms,” Gelzer said. “That was the right house for me. He went on to make a point about taking children and spouses to look at the home because they need to have the most input. “If you are married, take your husband [or wife] and your children because they need to have the buy-in as
“It is very crucial in today’s time, when you are going for a mortgage, you make sure you work with a reputable mortgage officer,” Gelzer said. “How do you know somebody is experienced? Ask how many years have you been doing this.” Gelzer suggested finding out who has the best rates. He also emphasized not going to a part time or inexperienced real estate broker. Gelzer wanted the takeaway to be that the buying process is easier with partners you know and trust, to be prepared before one looks at a home and that it is possible to fill out a prequalification form at Santander. Santander finances one to four family homes, co-ops, and condos. They also have a commercial division that does six units and above. In the future, Santander Bank aims to do more workshops to help educate locals in the community about the various financial questions they may have.
LILLIE WINS AGAIN by Nathan Weiser
The Red Hook West Tenant Association (TA) held elections on January 26. Lillie Marshall, the incumbent, defeated challenger Andrea McKnight and will remain TA president for another term. Marshall has been TA president since 2001. This was McKnight’s third challenge. The tally was 63 - 36. “I have done a good job all these years,” wrote Marshall. “I am out in the field every day and the tenants see me out here making sure all of their needs are taken care of. I do not knock on doors checking to see if a person has a problem, but if they come to me, rest assured I take care of it.” McKnight ran for president in the hopes of bringing a new perspective. “The reason I’m running is to make a change,” said McKnight in an interview. “The main thing is to give a voice to people who do not have a voice, and to do something for youth.” The other positions were more closely contested. For Vice President, Anthony Watson came away with 49 votes to 41 for challenger Garcia. Louise Bradley beat Henry Watkins for Treasurer, 4645. Mafalda John was the winner for secretary as she got 48 votes while Louisa Miranda received 41. Sergeant-at-Arms was the final position to be decided, and Bernice Tyler won 48-42 over Sherry Smith-Mosley. According to the New York City Housing Authority Sandy Recovery Project Management Office, there are 3,248 people living in the Red Hook West Houses. This means that out of 3,248 people, less than 100 voted.
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February 2017
Local Couples on Life and Love by Emily Kluver
We have heard the statistics—a shocking 50% of marriages end in divorce (though recent numbers suggest the statistic is falling). We see it in our own lives. On television. It has become commonplace to turn on a sitcom and watch as men and women complain about their long-time spouses, panic about their impending marriages, or get tangled up in messy break-ups. The media tells us that men can’t remain faithful. Women look for richer spouses. No one can stay happy for long. In the hope of disproving these TV myths, I sat down with a few local couples to talk to them about their time-tested relationships to find out just how they managed to find someone that they love and stick with them for so many years.
Lizzette & Luis
Lorraine & Ralphie
Lizzette Muniz, an attorney and President of the Brooklyn Bridge Rotary Club, and her husband, Luis, a Nuclear Medicine Technologist, have been married for 15 years, together for 20, and friends for 25.
Lorraine Barnett, who bartends at the VFW in Red Hook every other Saturday and Ralph Balzano, the late Sunny Balzano’s brother, have been together for 17 years.
Sitting in D’Amico Coffee, the dynamic duo thought back to the early days of their relationship. They had become friends back while attending Cardinal Spellman High School in the Bronx.
Though they have known each other since the 80’s, Ralph came into the VFW and asked Lorraine to go out with him about 17 years ago. Then, after dating for about a year, Lorraine moved in. From there, everything more or less fell into place.
After high school, she went to Fordham and he attended Manhattan College. Of the time, Luis says simply, “We stayed behind and stayed in touch.” Expanding, Lizzette notes that they “were some of the few commuters from our group.”
Sitting on the living room couch beside Lorraine, they discuss the lack of drama in their relationship. Lorraine thinks on it, explaining, “We don’t have children together, so we don’t have a lot to worry about.” Ralph adds, “My kids love her. I love her, too.”
Naturally, they grew closer, but they didn’t start dating right away. Lizzette recalls that it was while she watched Luis give a toast as the best man at a wedding that she began to see him in a different light.
Ralph’s six children are all grown up, so with two independent incomes, the two have found little to argue about.
“I realized how charming he was,” she explains. The rest, as they say, is history. Luis proposed to Lizzette while they were vacationing in Mexico. Teasingly, Luis points out that the first thing she said when he proposed was, “You didn’t get a haircut.” “I didn’t want to remember that,” Lizzette replies sheepishly. Eight years ago, their relationship hit another major milestone when the couple welcomed their daughter, Lila, into the world. How did having a child change their lifestyle? “[It changed] everything,” Luis replies without missing a beat. “How didn’t it change?” Lizzette adds, laughing. “After having a baby, we realized we were never going anywhere ever again.” But despite the changes to their lifestyle, Lizzette and Luis have remained strong as a couple and a family.
Love Red Hook Style
“A relationship is 50-50. If you have a problem, talk it out. Come to an understanding,” Ralph adds. “He looks at the world with rose-colored glass,” Lorraine teases. The two briefly squabble about whether or not Ralph should be smoking in front of a guest. Lorraine, returning to the conversation, says, “Life is pretty much -” “- Normal,” Ralph finishes. He adds, “She’s a beautiful woman and the best thing that happened to me in a long time. She makes my world.” He responds, “What would I do without you? I’d be lost.”
“Don’t go to bed angry,” Luis advises. Lizzette thinks for a moment, “And keep your fights between yourselves. You’ll forgive each other, but others might not forgive and forget so easily.”
Lorraine laughs at this. “He does depend on me a bit too much for, like, stupid things.” Not taking this sitting down, Ralph counters, “That’s your fault ‘cause you started doing it. I told you, I told you. Don’t do it or I’ll be dependent. ”
As for relationship role models, Lizzette and Luis haven’t really had any. They smile at the idea and Luis shakes his head, “No, no one”.
“His time is his own,” Lorraine continues, ignoring Ralph’s response. “He’s slow. That’s the only thing that really irks me.”
“Recently, Barack and Michelle,” Lizzette notes with tones of admiration In the end, what matters the most to this dynamic couple is their friendship.
Ralph shrugs, saying, “When I get there, I get there.”
Lizzette explains that the other day on Facebook, she read a post asking people to come up with the name of someone they would most like to sit next to on a park bench for two hours, just talking.
Lorraine, softening, adds that she likes everything (else) about him. “Ralphie’s very easy. He doesn’t bother me… He looks on the bright side, that’s for sure.”
“I thought it was so easy—Luis.” Lizzette explains.
Though they both have their own dreams for the future, they are satisfied with the way things are.
Then, after reading other people’s responses of important historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and Mahatma Gandhi, Lizzette says she thought for a moment about whether she should have chosen someone famous and dead.
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Lorraine chimes in, advising that people should “be independent” within their relationships and she implores women, “Don’t rely on a man.”
“Don’t be dramatic,” Lorraine counters.
How do they make relationships look easy?
“I’d still choose Luis,” she says without hesitation. “I think it’s good I can spend time with someone I want to be with more than anyone else.”
“[Our relationship is] very good. We don’t have any problems. No fighting,” Ralph notes, adding, “We did years ago, everyone does. But it was nothing serious. We have trust.”
Looking at Lorraine, Ralph asks, “Are you happy?” “Very happy.” “I’m happy, she’s happy. Everybody’s happy,” he says. Above: Lorraine and Ralphie. Below: Lizzette and Luis.
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February 2017, Page 7
Planning Your Valentine’s Date by Emily Kluver
with fantastic local shops everywhere, Cobble Hill is the perfect place to buy ingredients to wow your date. Our favorite butcher shop is Paisanos, located at 162 Smith Street. With fantastic cuts of every variety of meat I can think of, Paisanos has something for everyone. And if you’re a vegetarian, don’t fear. They also offer a wide selection of homemade pastas and raviolis.
the moment, Juliana’s holds the title of the best pizza we’ve tried in the big apple.
Love Red Hook Style
I
f you hate Valentine’s Day, the experience can mean anything from a simple headache to salt in the wound of recent heart break. Those lucky in love tend to spend the day with their significant others, with displays of love ranging from low-key affirmations to grand extravagant gestures. And then there are the happy singles, who might spend the day sending love to friends and celebrating life with chocolate and wine. Wherever you fall on the spectrum, Valentine’s Day can be a great excuse to get out and have some fun. My husband, Yousef, and I have spent our short time in the area seeking out fun activities we can do together. For Valentine’s Day, we thought we would compile our (limited) expertise and offer some suggestions for those facing the dilemma of what to do come February 14.
1. Indulge your inner child in DUMBO
Now, this is going to be controversial, but Yousef and I have not been very
Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue
impressed by New York pizza. However, as we are always looking to find the best foods in any given category, we are determined to find the best slice in New York. In search of fulfilling this goal, we made our way out to DUMBO, where two rival pizza places battle to determine who offers the best pies. Since 1990, this corner has been home to Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, a coal-fire joint where Patsy Grimaldi originally sold his popular pies. Eight years later, he sold his establishment and brand name to a customer and went into retirement, only to change his mind in 2011. Since the original restaurant still carried his family name, he decided to name his new place Juliana’s Pizza, after his mother. Where did he open? Right next door. Though Grimaldi’s is located in a big old building decorated in a grungy New York style, Yousef and I decided to stick with the establishment’s original owner and try out Juliana’s pizza. We ordered a simple Margherita pizza to share and found ourselves thoroughly impressed. The pizza had a well-balanced flavor, hints of oregano, and copious amounts of fresh mozzarella. We vowed to try Grimaldi’s another day and make our own judgments about which pizza is best. At
After stuffing ourselves with pizza, we decided to stop by Jacques Torres, a well-known artisanal chocolaterie located less than two minutes away from the rival pizza places. There, we bought a hot chocolate to share, which is supposed to be one of the best in the city. Drinking thick, rich hot chocolate, Yousef and I wandered around DUMBO, exploring the tiny neighborhood nestled between the Brooklyn and Manhattan bridges. It’s an incredibly unique location, transformed from its industrial past to a center of art and design. With tall buildings, grand architectural details, cobbled streets, and the quiet roar of traffic from above, DUMBO will leave you feeling like you’re in a bubble separate from the outside world. I would advise anyone looking to impress a date to check out Jane’s Carousel located just three minutes away from Jacques Torres. Only $2 per person, the carousel offers couples a romantic way to make their childhood selves jealous, while taking in views of the two bridges, East River, and the Manhattan skyline. The carousel is only open Friday - Sunday from 11 am - 6 pm. Things to Keep in Mind: Juliana’s and Grimaldi’s do not take reservations. Expect to wait in line outside for quite a while. It’s worth it, but only if you dress for the weather.
2. Play it low-key in Cobble Hill
Some of the best dates Yousef and I have planned involved little more than cooking together at home. And
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If you want to splurge for the occasion, pick up a large ribeye steak to share and cook it in a butter bath. If you’ve never given a steak a butter bath, I recommend you go out and buy a steak right now. After Yousef made me steak for the first time, there was no going back. I’ll take his steak over restaurant fare any day. For those of you new to the world of steak or looking for a new cooking method, I recommend seasoning heavily with salt and pepper, searing both sides on high heat, and cooking to desired doneness while repeatedly spooning melted butter over the top. You can add herbs and fresh garlic to the butter and, when the steak is done, cook onions in the liquid leftover in the pan. But of course, even the biggest carnivores will need a little something to go with it. Stop by K&Y, a family-run produce shop to pick up the fresh herbs and garlic for your steak. I also recommend green beans or mashed potatoes (or both) as side dishes. K&Y brings fresh ingredients of a really high caliber to your kitchen table. Since Yousef and I moved in, we have bought all of our produce here. They never disappoint. Because no dinner would be complete without dessert, I recommend you stop by Mazzola Bakery for their fresh cannoli. If you don’t see any on display, you’re in luck. The best way to get a cannoli is fresh from the back. Of all the Italian pastries Yousef and I have tried in the area, Mazzola’s are our favorites. However, if coconut is your thing, consider stopping by Court Street Pastry. Their coconut cannoli puts a unique touch on the Italian classic. When you’ve finished your shopping, take your loot home and see how you work together in the kitchen. Open a bottle of wine (red to pair with the steak), try your hand at a few dishes, and order Chinese food if all else fails. There’s no shame in chicken lo mein.
February 2017
3. Do dinner and a movie in Carroll Gardens
As a rule, Yousef and I do not eat at a restaurant more than once. That is, unless we can’t stop ourselves from coming back. In the case of Gersi, a recently-opened Italian place, we’ve made an exception to the rule. Every time Yousef and I eat at Gersi, we fall a little more in love than before. The chef’s simple, high-quality ingredients create dishes that are sure to wow and excite. And unlike many nice restaurants in the area, Gersi won’t necessarily break the bank. During the course of our many visits, Yousef and I have eaten dishes that range from about $10 - $20. On the more affordable end of the scale, you can order Spaghetti al Limone. The light lemon sauce and parmesan cheese create a well-defined flavor profile that Yousef loved. Of the higher dollar meat options, Yousef recommends the roasted chicken with fennel, rosemary, roast tomatoes, and mashed potatoes. My favorite, the dish I have ordered every time I’ve gone to Gersi, is the Strozzapreti. The thick spiral noodles hold up the fresh marinara with a generous serving of creamy ricotta. Every time I try it, I want to melt into the floor and die of happiness. It’s that good. The restaurant is popular and it can take a while to get a table, so be sure to get in your reservations well in advance. After dinner, take in a movie at Cobble Hill Cinema, an old-timey movie theater with a lot of personality. The small screening room makes for an intimate movie watching experience. Be sure to book your tickets in advance. Between the limited seating and the popularity of movies on Valentine’s Day, movies are sure to be sold out soon. After the show, if you’re not ready for your date to end, take a walk over to Mia’s Bakery. Yousef and I love to sit in the back of the bakery, sharing a dessert and sipping tea or hot chocolate while we lose track of time. The options at Mia’s are seemingly endless and everything we’ve had there has been fantastic. It won’t disappoint.
4. Get a dose of culture in Gowanus
In my previous position as a theater reviewer in Philadelphia, I spent a lot of time going out to shows and I dragged Yousef along every chance I got. There’s something that feels so eventful about going out all dressed up and taking in a live performance. At The Bell House, a theater in Gowanus, they are showing Your Love, Our
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Musical on Sunday, February 12. This award-winning musical improv show involves two stars, Evan Kaufman and Rebecca Vigil, interviewing a couple from the audience and turning their love story into a fully improvised musical.
on the days around Valentine’s Day). Take a picnic to Valentino Pier if the weather is nice, or hide behind the plastic of Fairway’s climate controlled back patio. It’s a simple meal, but one framed by one of the most beautiful views I’ve found in Brooklyn.
The show costs $15 a person. Doors open at 7 pm, while the show begins at 8 pm. You can book your tickets in advance online. The New York Times says they are brilliant and the Village Voice calls them hysterical, so it’s likely to be a really good time.
If you don’t want the evening to end, you can round out your date by dipping into the local music scene. I’ve been told that Sunny’s Bar on Conover Street offers fun music sets throughout the week.
When you’re done at the theater, take your partner to Ample Hills Creamery on Nevins Street. This ice cream spot, which draws people from all over New York City, offers creamy confections in all sorts of wild varieties—from ooey gooey butter bar (my favorite) to salted crack caramel (Yousef’s favorite). If you and your date, like Yousef and I, have a hard time deciding between flavors, Ample Hills has a special deal - 6 mini-scoops for around $8. And if ice cream in the winter isn’t your thing, check out Four & Twenty Blackbirds, a pie shop on 3rd Ave that offers incredible pie flavors like salted caramel apple, apple rose, salty honey, and chocolate pecan. Though Yousef and I haven’t been able to stop by yet, we’ve heard great things and we are very eager to check it out. Four & Twenty Blackbirds closes at 7 pm on Sundays, so if you are planning to attend the show, you’ll have to get your pie in advance.
5. Appeal to your senses in Red Hook
In Red Hook, there are a whole host of fabulous restaurants and fun activities to try out. Yousef and I love getting Brunch at Hope & Anchor, fishing off of Valentino Pier, and getting barbecue at Hometown.
On Friday, February 10 at 10 pm, they will be hosting Roy Williams & The Human Hands, whose instrumental music calls to mind soft jazzy tunes.
Love Red Hook Style Happy Valentine v you bring me soo much joy in my life you share apart of my heart that you dont even know happy valentine day my hubby my friend love you forever We love you Carroll gardens for what you made of us . Love the people we were. Dear Ella Rose, Happy Valentine’s Day! <3 xoxo, Mommy & Daddy -Sal, Thinking on sweet dates and hoping there is more to come. You know where the coffee pot is. To my beautiful family…you make me smile every day! <3 Buddy loves his Boo! <3 Happy Valentines Day, Blanca! While we can’t see or talk to each other today, you should know that you are always on my mind and in my heart. I’m so glad that we found each other. I love you. MC Funk Jay McKnight you’ve been the love of my life from the first time I heard you sing on that summer night
On Saturday, February 11, the bar will hold a bluegrass/folk and country jam starting at 9 pm. Whether you’re toting around your kids for a family date, going on friend dates, or spending time with your partner, I’m a firm believer that any excuse for celebration should be taken full advantage of. Whether you take these ideas and run with them, mix and match, add on your own elements, or get inspired to create a unique itinerary, be sure to find a way to enjoy the holiday and take the chance to celebrate you.
… I want to say Happy Valentines Day ..I “Love You” to infinity! And the sound still remains in my heart! Roses are Red, Violets are Blue, everyone knows that I Love you! Your Best Friend, Your Wife Andrea McKnight Suliman, my soulmate, my best friend, my love… no matter the ups and downs, our love will always prevail…Happy V-Day, Babe Happy Valentine’s Day, Duane! <3 coffey park treegazers unite! you light my life… let’s stay a while yet You are my love-you bring me alley-flowers and spring radishes from our door-yard and here by the sea, you build our bed high you look out windows to old london planes with me and show me all about light and of line. - love, SP (look! we are in the red hook starrevue!!!)
Love k Red Hoo Style
But, in doing some research on hidden gems in Red Hook, I came across Raaka Co. Virgin Chocolate, a bean to bar chocolate factory located on Seabring Street. They offer tours and classes for those ready to take their love of chocolate to the next level. In a 45-minute tour, you will be able to explore the Raaka factory and watch cocoa beans become chocolate bars. Afterwards, you can sample their chocolate and see if you can resist buying a few (or many) bars. If a tour is not enough, schedule a chocolate making class. They are offered on Saturdays and Sundays at 2 pm and 5 pm. Each class lasts two hours and brings you through the entire chocolate making process, from cracking cacao beans to eating your creations. Tours are $10 per person and they occur Fridays at 6 pm, and Saturday and Sunday at noon. They must be booked in advance. Though tours for February 10-12 are currently booked up, try and schedule a tour the following weekend or simply stop by to pick up free samples and shop around. Their chocolate comes in a variety of exciting flavors - from pink sea salt to ghost pepper. When you’re finished tickling your tastebuds at Raaka, make your way to the water for a nice view of the sunset over the bay (the sun sets around 5:30
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February 2017, Page 9
LETTERS:
Mike Drop: Originalism Steals Time by Michael Racioppo
W
ith the incessant swirl of insanity expressed through “alternative facts,” it’s hard to maintain focus before the next horror of the Trump regime reveals itself. Wasn’t it just the other day we were asking if the President was being blackmailed by a Russian sex tape? Ah, simpler times they were. Even given the wide range of things people can focus on, and in the process experience emotions from rage to terror and even sadness, the most important thing that has happened thus far is Trump’s nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court. I say this because the appointment of a relatively young Justice to the Supreme Court will have implications for decades to come. That is not to minimize the importance and negative impact of anything else that Trump has done so far, nor the pain he is inflicting in America and around the world. Neil Gorsuch is currently a federal judge and, if you haven’t heard the term reported in recent coverage of him, he is considered an “originalist.” Who doesn’t like a good origin story? Well, let me tell you this tale of “originalism” is the biggest crock going (the only bigger crock is that the Republicans didn’t steal this from President Obama by leaving the seat open for over a year). It amounts to saying that we can only interpret things based on how the originalist imagines the nation was at the time the Constitution was written. If one writes a constitution in middle of winter, must we keep the heat blasting in mid-summer? In this metaphor someone would sensably say “pass a law and get the heat shut off.” To have continuing utility we need, and if properly understood already have, a Constitution that is a compass that allows us to adjust course and find our way under the changing circumstances presented by an evolving world. So the reality is the court will always be necessary to interpret the conditions and keep us weather wise whether it’s cold or hot. The orginalists, by contrast, would accept the necessity of heat stroke. Take the Eighth Amendment: “Excessive bail shall not be required, nor excessive fines imposed, nor cruel and unusual punishments inflicted.” As there is no debate that the Founders wanted the Constitution to endure for generations, one can infer that what they intended was to establish the principle that the government may not impose any punishment that, given the circumstances of the time, is considered cruel and unusual. That’s why they used the open-ended language. As indicated by the minimum age requirement for the presidency and numerous other provisions, when the Founders wanted to be very precise, they had no trouble doing so. They could have listed the specific punishments they considered cruel or unusual, but instead they deliberately opted for more general guidance. Likewise with other critical provisions, such as the “due process” clause or the prohibitions on “unreasonable” searches and seizures. They recognized they could not predict the future and they trusted future generations to apply these general principles intelligently, consistent with the underlying objectives of these principles. It’s important that those who oppose orignailism, not just Gorsuch, make this point. As Trump shows no signs of slowing down, it’s important to keep our foot on the gas. And remember what Thomas Jefferson said: “I am not an advocate for frequent changes in laws and Constitutions. But laws and institutions must go hand in hand with the progress of the human mind. As that becomes more developed, more enlightened, as new discoveries are made, new truths discovered and manners and opinions change, with the change of circumstances, institutions must advance also to keep pace with the times. We might as well require a man to wear still the coat which fitted him when a boy as civilized society to remain ever under the regimen of their barbarous ancestors.” Michael Racioppo is the Executive Director of the Gowanus Canal Community Development Corporation and the Vice Chair of Community Board 6
The Star-Revue is looking for someone to sell Neighborhood Service classified ads. This work can be done at home by phone and e-mail.
For more information please email George@redhookstar.com Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Brad: fix the bus!
If Lander worked as hard on restoration of B71 service has he with other issues, service would have been up and running 2 years ago. Except, during this time, some of the other issues Lander has exerted his energy with and made a priority have been: 1) Voting himself a raise of 32% in January 2016 – with Lander, his bank account comes first before serving his constituents (Lander obviously believes in the saying that “Charity starts at Home”). 2) Using his discretionary council funds to hire someone to watch over Donald Trump – as this is really part of Lander’s job. 3) Using his discretionary council funds to hire translators to assist illegals who live in Kesington to apply for Medicaid and food stamps and get green cards through phony marriages. 4) Forcing New Yorkers to pay a nickel for each plastic and paper shopping bags to the stores, something he has admitted people don’t like but need to get use to as what he has described as “an irritant.” 5) Falsely accusing Israel of occupying Gaza, an area they fully left 12 years ago.
6) Blockading lower Manhattan one morning last month in an attempt to get McDonald’s commit to paying its workers $15 per hour, something which Albany passed last year. 7) Telling cops not to ticket men who urinate in public, unless they are white men dress as Santa Claus. Lander is an embarrassment from the University of Chicago who is following the examples of Charlie Schumer and Anthony Weiner. Hopefully, Lander will be voted out of office later this year and afterward, return to Chicago where Rahm Emmanuel will hire him as Deputy Mayor. - Eliot Smith
Tenants: Help yourselves!
As a former tenant of Red Hook, people get lazy. This had been a situation for so long, old and new! Too many things that should have been implemented in NYCHA East & West long time ago. One very important thing is really working for the tenants in Red Hook. Not everyone can get out so a knock on a door is good for those that have a voice but can’t get out to voice it. It is A Must for a true count of tenants with or without issues can be heard! You cannot wait for people to come to you! You must do the foot work at all times! - A. Perry
Things change
I remember back in the day ALL tenants received new refrigerators. It wasn’t who qualified, we got them. they would be lined up in the Courts and everyone was sooooo happy. BUT different times and things change. - Louise
Martin Maher’s statement on being named Brooklyn Parks Commissioner
I am humbled, honored and amazed at being appointed the Brooklyn Borough Parks Commissioner by Parks Commissioner Mitchell J. Silver, FAICP. I am very grateful to my mentors the first Brooklyn Parks Commissioner (after James Stanaghan) Julius Spiegel, First Deputy Commissioner Liam Kavanagh, past commissioner Kevin Jeffrey, Henry J Stern, Betsy Gotbaum, Adrian Benepe, Veronica White and the many folks guiding me: Walter F Mead, Bill Dougherty, Lou Meditz, Ronnie Rewekant, Frank Meyer, George Scarpelli, Jimmy Ryan, George Sahr, and Charles Gili and Tupper Thomas. I am grateful for the support of my great family, those I had the honor to serve with in the United States Coast Guard, and my Boy Scout family. I am so blessed to work with the elected officials from Brooklyn, the great partner groups we have and I look forward to leading the greatest people I know: the dedicated men and women of the Parks Department, City wide and particularly, the Brooklyn Team who do amazing work day in and day out cleaning, repairing, grooming and programming the parks, playgrounds, community centers, pools, beaches, stadia, piers and green spaces in Brooklyn. The Brooklyn Parks team is an amazing assembly of men and women with passion and dedication to make Brooklyn a better place to be for relaxing, exercising, playing, learning,
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Marty Maher at a CB6 Parks Committee meeting in 2014. (Star-Revue file photo)
reflecting, competing and general enjoyment. That team is unmatched in serving the public and I am soooo grateful to our amazing and innovative Commissioner Mitchell J Silver, FAICP, for trusting me to lead the team in serving the great people of Brooklyn and the City of New York. I will do my best to make the city better for all who visit New York City Parks.
SBIDC Promotes New Deputy Director, Andrea Devening
Andrea Devening has been promoted to Deputy Director of Southwest Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation [SBIDC]. Andrea joined SBIDC in 2013 as the Planning and Revitalization Manager. She is an alumna of the City and Regional Planning Program at the Pratt Institute. Throughout her career she has worked to strengthen communities and help the under-served. She is a member of CB6’s Economic Development Committee, Red Hook’s NY Rising Committee and is a graduate of Coro’s Neighborhood Leadership 2015 program.
February 2017
Peacemakers take on computer literacy by Nathan Weiser
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The option was presented to him to take classes in A+, CCNA and Net+. He decided to take advantage of the free training and accumulate certificates.
Wally Bazemore gave Torres the idea of coming to the Justice Center.
“I am very passionate about this,” Torres told the peacemaking group. “Let me tell you guys that I am very glad that you guys are taking this seriously. I am very glad that you guys are enthused. This actually matters to me.”
n January 20, military-trained computer expert Juan Torres shared his expertise with members of the Justice Center’s young adult peacemaking program. The class, which will recur two more times, was aimed at helping attendees make money in a constructive way.
“Initially he wanted me to be a Big Brother, and I wasn’t really feeling that,” Torres said. “You could impact one person and that is great, but he gave me the opportunity to impact more than one person.” Torres will be preparing the class of 11 people to get their A+ certificate. Some of the other computer languages and programs that Torres emphasized were Cisco, Linux, CCNP and CISSP. Torres hopes that the city will pay for the students to take the certificate test, because the fee is not cheap. “We are researching a way to see if the city will pay for the actual evaluation and if not then we are going to have to find a way to fund it because it’s quite expensive,” Torres said. “We are going to work in the next two weeks on trying to find a proper funding for it between [the Justice Center] and myself.” Torres was first introduced to computer programming back in October of 2010 when the military trained him.
Torres has helped people close to him learn programming in the past but this was first time doing it in a structured setting. “This has been my first opportunity to do it in an official capacity,” Torres said. “I saw that doing it off and on for friends or co-workers is great but the impact is limited. Here, it can have an impact that can resonate not just with whoever is in this classroom, but they are going to go home and talk about it, they are going to tell a friend, they are going to tell a family member and that is going to plant some seeds in some people.” Torres added that he and Bazemore wanted to get a spark going so that the young adults could possibly start a whole new career and better contribute to society. “It’s something different than what their parents did, it’s something different than what they see in the streets,” Torres said. “That is exactly what he and I talked about and what neer and contractor. He worked with the US Army’s 101st Airborne Division and the 91st Engineering Unit as well as federal contractors.
Nydia Velazquez makes national news by intervening in immigration crisis
Local congresswoman and Red Hook resident Nydia Velazquez made national news last month as she accompanied fellow congressman Jerry Nadler to JFK in protest of the federal government’s new restrictions on immigration from the Middle East. Saying “we don’t want them here,” Trump signed the “Protection Of The Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into The United States” executive order on Friday, January 27. The order immediately halted the entry of anyone from seven Middle Eastern and African countries, as well as almost all refugees from anywhere. The ban was enforced immediately, stranding people in midair as well as destabilizing the lives of tens of thousands of visa holders. On Saturday morning, Velazquez and Nadler went to JFK and arranged for the release from detention of an American hero. Hameed Khalid Darwees is an Iraqi who worked with American troops in Iraq. Darweesh spent a decade working as an interpreter, electrical engi-
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He was targeted for death by several Iraqi militias and was being resettled in North Carolina when the ban went into effect. He was held in detention at JFK along with a dozen other travelers.
The peacemaking class poses with their teacher Juan Torres. (Weiser photo)
we were going for.” Torres hopes that this program helps give them a new passion and thinks completing A+ can lead to other options as well. Torres also brought up the opportunity of being a Project Management Professional (PMP). “Anybody in here can be a PMP,” he said. “I hope they get a newfound respect and have a love for something different other than hanging out because a lot of these people, they don’t see an outlet,” Torres continued. “They don’t see a way out, they don’t see options. I think A+ will give them options. “You start with A+ and it can branch off to many other things,” Torres said. “Once you start you don’t have to stop. You can continue education and
it can be contagious.” Torres, who has had seven different careers in his life, is passionate about helping these people. He wants the students to bring a friend or family member to the second session. It is not known yet when the next class will be but Torres will be teaching a total of three classes for two hours each. “Please bring someone else that you feel needs this or that needs their talents developed,” Torres told the class. “I will talk to them and convince them. I just want to better somebody’s life.” Everyone in the class was interested in passing the A+ class, and Torres added as an extra incentive: if all 11 participants pass the A+ test, he will take them to Peter Luger’s. This got everyone in the room excited.
Velazquez joins women at huge Washington protest
Darweesh applied for a special immigrant visa over two years ago and was finally approved on January 20. “This should not happen in America. We shouldn’t have to demand the release of refugees one by one,” Nadler and Velazquez said in a joint statement as hundreds of people gathered at the airport to protest the detentions.
Free adult ESL classes
English classes for speakers of other languages are now being offered at P.S. 15. These classes are free and available to anyone who is 21 years and older. Classes are on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 9 pm. Registration is every Wednesday at 5:40 pm at P.S. 15. P.S. 15 is the only site with free adult education classes in the community. For more information, call School 6 Office of Adult and Continuing Education at (718) 240-2770. Classes are also offered in in Bay Ridge, Borough Park, Sunset Park, Bensonhurst, Midwood, Sheepshead Bay, Flatbush, Flatlands/Gravesend, East Flatbush, Canarsie, East New York, Kensington/ Windsor Terrace, and Coney Island.
Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez at the Women’s March in Washington
Local Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez made news by not attending Donald Trump’s inauguration. She spent January 20 in her Brooklyn office tending to constituents’ needs. She then took a flight to DC for the Women’s March on the 21st. She sent the Star-Revue the following statement: The Women’s March I attended in DC – and the sister marches in New York, around the country and throughout the world – were a powerful symbol that we are not idly sitting by as Donald Trump starts implementing his radical agenda. “It was nothing short of inspiring to see so many people of diverse backgrounds uniting to support each another, while raising their collective voice against Republican attacks on women’s rights, healthcare, workers and our environment. “It’s my hope we can channel enthusiasm from this weekend’s events to affect positive change — and I remain dedicated to this fight.
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February 2017
Young PAVE gym teacher dies suddenly by Emily Kluver
O
n January 20, the PAVE Academy community gathered in its gymnasium to honor the memory of the man they called Coach. Matthew Dolsky, a 24-year old Physical Education teacher and valued member of the PAVE community, died suddenly mid-January. Though Coach Dolsky began his job at PAVE only five months prior, it was clear from the memories that teachers and students shared at his memorial that he had made a huge impact on those around him. Though his time at PAVE was short, he left a legacy as an enthusiastically dedicated man. Soon after receiving the job, he moved to Red Hook and quickly made close friendships with his colleagues.
They remember him as someone with unparalleled vibrancy and a fierce commitment to the Red Hook community. Nadir Romo, director of operations at PAVE, said that “his friendliness and eternal positive attitude and smile made an incredible impact on
the school.” Hannah Prussin, PAVE’s elementary school principal, recalled that during interviews, the leadership team
“Dolsky even offered to skip his lunch break, putting his own needs aside in place of his students.”
fought over where to place Matthew. He had told them that though his “true passion lies in physical education,” he was willing to be placed wherever they needed him and to do as much work as he possibly could. Dolsky even offered to skip his lunch break, putting his own needs aside in place of his students. The school ultimately offered Dolsky a job as the elementary school physical education teacher and gave him additional work as a guided reading
A young student remembers Coach at PAVE’s memorial service. (Weiser photo)
instructor. He took on both roles eagerly, happy to serve wherever he was needed. Quickly, Dolsky made his mark on the school. Roger Apollon, Dolsky’s officemate and middle school physical education teacher, remembered that Dolsky was always full of new ideas that he enthusiastically pursued, always trying to make their programs better for the students. When offered feedback, Dolsky responded with eagerness to learn and to grow, leadership team members recalled. Friends on the staff remembered how Dolsky spoke lovingly of his family, particularly his younger brother. He loved to cook, watch sporting events, and advocate for health and wellness. Teacher after teacher, often struggling through tears, spoke of his incredible gift for engaging with people, especially the kids. When students spoke of their memories with Dolsky, they recalled that he motivated them to do the right thing, made their reading groups laugh, and told jokes. He gave them nicknames that they were all eager to share. Some students even referred to Dolsky as one of their best friends. Assemblyman Felix Ortiz spoke to the school and presented Dolsky’s parents with a framed certificate in his honor. The school offered them a framed set of photographs, a bag full of memories the children wrote about Dolsky, and a heartfelt slideshow of the beloved teacher’s time at PAVE.
RAY’S BIRDS-EYE VIEW
Matthew Dolsky’s photo on the PAVE website.
In response, Dolsky’s father offered a few brief words of thanks, noting how deeply his son had loved everyone at PAVE. Spencer Robertson, the school’s CEO and founder announced that the gymnasium would be dedicated and renamed in Dolsky’s honor later in the year. At the end of the service, having entreated the students to “Look for ways to help like Coach did… to love like Coach did,” select students were invited to participate in a relay race in memory of the energy Dolsky brought to their school. As students filed out of the gymnasium, one teacher’s question hung in the air, “How can you be a Coach Dolsky today?”
The
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Ray Hall, well known in the community for years of leadership in sports and community affairs, works as head of security at the Beard Street Pier. During his lunch hour, he has taken to flying his new drone, equipped with a high resolution remote control camera. His work is responsible for the remarkable photo above.
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February 2017, Page 13
Nino Pantano has been around forever! by Nathan Weiser
N
ino Pantano is an 81-yearold lifelong South Brooklyn resident and a man of many passions, accomplishments and interests. He has lived much of his life in and near the Columbia Waterfront District, where his father, Sam Pantano, owned Pantano’s Shoes at 215 Columbia Street. Nino’s grandfather gave Sam the shoe store as a wedding gift during the depression. In those days, before Columbia Street became cut off from Carroll Gardens by the BQE, Columbia and Union Streets were the main shopping streets in South Brooklyn. Stores such as Court Street’s Esposito’s Pork Store were originally located on Columbia Street. Today Nino lives on President Street with his wife, Judy, not far from the old shoe store. It is filled with music and food-related artifacts from his past. Among the mementos is a photo of a soldier who once worked for his father.
Singing and Teaching Careers
When he was a boy in Brooklyn, Nino’s claim to fame was that he was champion opera singer. “I was a 13-year-old operatic prodigy in Bensonhurst,” he said. “From the age of eight on I had a big loud operatic sounding voice. I was like Ethel Merman, who was a Broadway Belter.” When he was 13, a young woman who was the head of the NY Piano Teachers and was the vocal coach at Victamon, said to his mother that she could make Nino a star and would take him under her wing.
show every week. I refused Whiteman three times.” That was the end of his singing career. While he no longer sings, Nino maintains his love of opera and writes regularly on the subject for the online Brooklyn Discovery. Pantano went to St. Francis College and, at the age of 25, became a substitute social studies teacher. He did this for about 20 years and ended up meeting his wife, Judy, at one of the schools. “I see my old students all of the time,” Nino said. “I don’t necessarily recognize all of them but they all seem to know who I am.”
It not only fed the gangsters, but, according to Nino, “the judges who were going to convict them the next day. They
“It is gratifying to know the students never forgot and they still treat me with such respect,” he continued.
“They dug a trench about 15 feet deep and ran out of funding. You had this enormous trench. Stores went out of business and buildings collapsed,” said Pantano. “My father fled to Stapleton, Staten Island, where he opened another shoe store.”
When he was about 45, he stopped teaching and Assemblywoman Eileen Dugan helped him get a job at the NY State Workers Compensation Bureau. Nino was also a key figure in keeping Junior’s Cheesecake in operation. Junior’s, which has been a key part of Brooklyn since 1950, had a fire in the
“[The maestro] forbade me to sing popular music,” Nino said. “Whiteman’s secretary wanted me on his
Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
1980’s and a letter he wrote to the local Phoenix newspaper helped keep it open and led to him appearing on Good Morning America. Nino and Judy went go to Junior’s after teaching when they first started dating, so the restaurant has a special meaning for them.
Changes in the District
The Pantanos remember fondly the food vendors that once populated the street corners. They reminisce about how Columbia Street was busier than Court Street and remember seeing the last of the pushcarts, which sold fruit,
decor, and Mazzone’s Hardware Store, are three other neighborhood fixtures that Nino and Judy take pride in. Nino remembers Cafiero’s, which was a longtime Italian restaurant around the corner from the shoe store. It not only fed the gangsters, according to Nino, but also “the judges who were going to convict them the next day. They would sit just tables away.” Cafiero’s was where Marilyn Monroe and Joe DiMaggio dined as well as other actors, and is now an art studio.
Remnants remain
Changes in the District
Ferdinando’s Focacceria on Union and Hicks Streets, which opened in 1904, attracts people from all over who want to get Sicilian food, according to Judy. Sean Penn can often be seen emerging from Ferdinando’s, and two popular movies were set at the restaurant.
They were among the first people to move to the block that they are on, when condos were built in the mid 1980s.
There are still some businesses from the old days that continue to operate in the Waterfront District and Carroll Gardens.
“In the 1940s, they made On the Waterfront, with Marlon Brando, there,” Nino said. “Il Postino: The Postman was a very popular film. Maria Grazia Cuccinata ate there. Ed Koch ate there.”
“Then she read about a contest at the A&S department store, which is now Macy’s on Fulton Street,” said Nino. “It was to pick the most talented youngster in Brooklyn. I entered and I won.”
He eventually left Lang to sing for an opera coach in Manhattan, but soon gave up the maestro because it his family could no longer afford lessons.
“It was very colorful,” Pantano said. In the 1970s, Columbia Street suffered a major downturn. A sewer project was begun, and then halted midway due to the city’s financial crisis.
Lang was able to get Pantano on the Ted Mack amateur hour in 1949, a show similar to American Idol, which he won.
Lang got Nino to appear on many more radio and TV shows and he credits learning everything phonetically through her. He appeared in the Brooklyn Eagle and wanted to be a serious opera singer.
fish and vegetables.
would sit just tables away.”
“I began taking voice lessons with Bertha Lang,” Nino said. “She changed my life profoundly. She played me my first Caruso record.” He began to have a lot of success in many competitions.
The judge of the contest at A&S was Paul Whiteman, once known as the king of jazz. Nino later sang on Whiteman’s TV show.
Nino and Judy Pantano sit around their kitchen table at their President Street home. (photo by George Fiala)
Nino and Judy think that there are about a half dozen Italian places that make the neighborhood truly what it is. In addition to Ferdinando’s, they enjoy Mazzola’s Bakery on Henry and Union, which is where Nino likes to sit and have coffee. There is also Court Pastry, which makes the best cannolis in town, according to Nino. He also says that Monteleone’s, which used to be close to them but also moved to Court Street, makes the best ices and gelato. Esposito and Sons Pork Store, on Court near President, Sam’s Restaurant on Court Street, which has been around about 85 years with the same
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The Pantanos have lived on President near Columbia Street since 1985. “Before that, we were on President between Hoyt and Smith,” Judy said. “We were renting there. It has since become restaurant row. Now we are the old timers.”
“On Opening Day, ours was the showcase apartment,” Pantano said. “We had Mayor Ed Koch here, we had Borough President Howard Golden, the very wily and strong Monsignor Delvecchio from the church, and Eileen Dugan, who was a magnificent Assembly Woman.” Their home was the first phase of new development that would again improve the Columbia Waterfront area. “For the first few years, our backyard behind the fence was rubble, broken bottles, maybe a couple of bodies left over from the gangster days,” Pantano joked. “Now they have built all around. It has become like SoHo. You have expensive beauty parlors. It is reborn but not the way it once was.” In the last few years, things have come full circle for Pantano. He has been invited to various foundations to write reviews of up and coming young opera singers. And if you call on him on the right day, he will still talk your ear off about Enrico Caruso.
February 2017
Increased WIFI access planned for Red Hook by Nathan Weiser
I
nterested businesses in Red Hook will soon have more WIFI connectivity as a result of a grant from the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), given to Red Hook Initiative (RHI). RHI is now in the process of finding businesses that are interested in the Red Hook WIFI Project. “We submitted a proposal about our WIFI program, and as a result, we were one of the winners of the competition,” said Dabriah Alston, who is the Red Hook WIFI Project Manager.
“It is open to the community and the businesses that want to partner with us,” Alston explained. “It is a process of figuring out who will want to partner with us and have access points and hot spots in their building,” she added. There will be solar panel sites so that in case of an emergency, like a hurricane or a similar situation, the network will not fail. The solar company that is set to partner with Red Hook WIFI is P4D Laboratory. They will install the equipment and build the solar backup system. They will have some sites that will be called resilient gateways in the community. Those resilient gateways will
have solar panels. “We need 15 businesses for that, evenly distributed throughout the community,” Alston said. Those sites will be the hub of our mesh network.”
Up to 40 new hot spots
In addition to the resilient gateways, they will be setting up regular access points or hot spots throughout Red Hook. There can be up to 40 of the hot spots. According to Alston, the project could end up partnering with more than 60 businesses based on the amount of hot spots and resilient gateways. Alston likes that this project will be resilient and thinks that it will help the community. This network will allow the businesses in Red Hook to potentially bring in more revenue. “Statistically it’s proven that stores and businesses that have WIFI increase sales because people kind of hang out a little longer,” Alston said. “They come and are like ‘oh there is WIFI here’. The more time they spend there, the greater chance there is for them to spend money. That is always helpful.” Red Hook Initiative will be working with the South Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation to develop tools for the businesses and various
ways that they can support and help. The project will additionally create pathways to possible careers for Red Hook’s young adults. The Digital Stewards at RHI will be trained to offer technical support in the community. “If a business owner has any issues with their hotspot, it will be the Digital Stewards who respond,” said Alston. “We are looking to start the building of the network in the summer of 2017 and are shooting to have it up and running by fall of 2017,” according to Alston. Sky Packet, a Maryland based internet company, will be setting up the network. According to their website, they “believe in giving back to the communities we serve, which is why we work with local charities to help them raise funds.” Sky Packet has operated public networks in Bryant Park, Harlem, Chelsea and Downtown Brooklyn. Additionally, the Internet Service Provider (ISP) for this project is Red Hook’s own Brooklyn Fiber. It was one of the few ISPs that did not go down during Hurricane Sandy. If you have follow up questions or want to sign up for Red Hook WIFI please Project Manager Dabriah Alston (Staremail redhookwifi@rhicenter.org Revue file photo)
Local artists Risha Gorig and Franz Landspersky to appear at Bait and Tackle Gorig will perform an eclectic mix of experimental/avant-garde music. Raw and Dark, ethereal and vulnerable, her adage of old stories and new are born. She is conjuring up old ghosts and inviting her demons and saints to come forth. Mixing music she has composed with video projections and movement, she will present both new and old works. Landspersky is a native of Germany who now paints in his Coffey Street studio. He has also shared his musings in the pages of the Star-Revue upon occasion. Gorig is both a performing artist and a filmmaker. Her two most recent films,
Franz Landspersky will perform with Risha Gorig on Friday, February 10 at Van Brunt’s Bait and Tackle.
And when the night turned black, and The Changing Faces of Red Hook, have screened at local venues including Jalopy and Bait and Tackle. The show will be at 9:30. Bait and Tackle is located at the corner of Pioneer and Van Brunt Streets.
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February 2017