Red hook star revue late september issue

The

Red Hook StarªRevue SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER

LATE SEPT. 2014

FREE

Red Hook is disaster-ready

by Kevin Klein

E

nvironmentalism teaches us to think globally and act locally, bringing individuals together to protect habitats. While often the term of acting locally is aimed at protecting eco-systems and preventing climate change, other grass-roots efforts focus on knitting together communities to come up with a disaster action plan.

In the first hours and days after Hurricane Sandy, the community of Red Hook did come together organically and managed a first response. Everything from medical triage to food distribution was organized by anyone willing and able, until official government response and recovery arrived. The Readiness Plan is based on the experience of community members who were present in Red Hook during and after Superstorm Sandy. In addition to a hurricane emergency, the plan is designed for a wide range of events including winter blizzards, heat waves, power outages, large fires and earthquakes, among others.

Ready Red Hook is the community emergency readiness plan for the 72

hours before and after a major disaster.

It takes what was done after Sandy and both formalizes and adds to it. The plan includes a detailed pamphlet which was developed by the community specifically for Red Hook. The purpose is to provide residents a single guide in preparation for the immediate recovery period of future emergencies in the critical time when local or federal government aid has not yet been deployed.

This readiness plan is mostly an effort sponsored by the Red Hook Coalition.

On Saturday, September 13, 2014, the Coalition organized a practice event called Ready Red Hook Day. Four stations were designated as gathering areas for people to gather in a disaster event.

To guide community members along to the various sites, a “passport” was stamped for each location visited: Food & Shelter, Communications, Health & Medical/Community Response and Utilities/Coordination. A shuttle bus helped people go from one location to another – although many participants simply walked.

LOCAL BUSINESSES FIND INSPIRATION

by George Fiala

IKEA is a crucial partner in the 72 hour readiness plan, hosting the Utilities and Coordination site. (photo by Keith Klein)

Councilman Carlos Menchaca, was at one of the sites the day of the event.

While at the Utilities and Coordination site at Ikea, The Councilman stated, “The 72 hours before and after are the most critical moments,”Regarding Red Hook as the geographically isolated but small, friendly area, he said, “This huggable community needs to have a plan.” Although, there was a safety net in place when Sandy struck, Menchaca mentioned “We can do better, and that’s what this day is about”.

Food & Shelter

Greg O’Connell listens attentively to presentations of entrepreneurs who have changed the face of Red Hook

O

n September 8th, ten local business owners gathered at Atelier Roquette for a graduation ceremony. They were members of what all agreed was a tremendous learning experience. For many, it was an emotional experience as well, something akin to group therapy, as was said.

What made it all possible and affordable were the efforts of ReStore Red (continued on page 5)

ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:

Food and water will be distributed at the Visitation Church on Richards Street as will coordination for placement of individuals who are unable to return home or need assistance getting to their loved ones. I had the opportunity to speak with Sapni Advani, Coordinator of the Red Hook Coalition, who was assisting at the church. When I posed the question, “Shouldn’t all residents evacuate due to being a Flood Zone 1,”she responded, “due to high density development, it’s not always possible,” hence preparations such as the Food & Shelter station at Visitation Church and all other services are

a necessity. In fact, evacuation is voluntary, and prior to Sandy, many chose to stay at home. One reason was that hype that preceeded the not-so-dangerous Hurricane Irene the year before. Another is that nobody really enjoys going to a city shelter. The city did provide for transportation to shelters but many buses left Red Hook nearly empty.

Communications How and where to get information after a disaster is critical. Assuming there is no electricity or television, The Hub will act as strategically located public data system that will collect and display information based on community needs. The Hub will provide different kinds of information in digital and analog formats and the content will be reviewed by the Red Hook Initiative. At their headquarters on 767 Hicks Street, Tony Schloss was overseeing activities and explaining the plan to community members. Simply put, The Hub is a program that will spread information online and on traditional poster boards.

As Director of Communication Initiatives, Schloss is collaborating with other agencies to develop a Wi-Fi network (continued on page 3)

The

Red Hook Star Revue ª

proudly introduces our new website

www.Star-Revue.com For Editorial, Advertising and Help Wanted Inquiries, email info@redhookstar.com, or call 718 624-5568 The Star-Revue is published by Kimberly G. Price & George Fiala

RELIGIOUS SERVICES

WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 17

CB 6 Parks Committee Meeting: Presentation and discussion with representative for the Department of Parks & Recreation on the proposed scope of work and preliminary design for a Capital project at Valentino Park & Pier in Red Hook. Presentation and discussion with representatives for the Port Authority of NY&NJ, Red Hook Container Terminal and Escape Music Festival organizer regarding an upcoming music festival event planned at the Red Hook Container Terminal, Pier 9A (roughly at Kane Street) for the weekend of October 11-12. Miccio Center, 110 West 9th Street, 6:30 - 9 PUBLIC MEETING Gowanus Canal Superfund: Siting Tanks to Reduce Combined Sewer Overflows Come join the discussion on potential locations for two combined sewage retention tanks Commissioner Emily Lloyd will give a presentation at 6:30 pm followed by a Q&A session Wyckoff Gardens Community Center 280 Wyckoff Street 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm

CATHOLIC Visitation Church 98 Richards St, (718) 624-1572 Saint Paul and Saint Agnes Parish St. Paul’s Church - Rectory & Church Office 234 Congress Street (718) 624-3425 Hours: M - F 830am-12 St. Agnes Church Office 433 Sackett Street, 718-625-1717 Hours: M-F 1pm-430pm Email:stpaulstagnes@gmail.com St. Agnes: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 9 am (English), 11:30am (Spanish) St. Paul’s: Saturday 5pm Vigil Mass Sunday 8 am & 9:30am (English); 11am (Spanish) Monday & Tuesday 8:30am (St. Paul’s) Wednesday & Thursday 8:30am (St. Agnes) Saturday 8am (St. Paul’s) http://stpaulstagnes.org/ Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary - Saint Stephen Roman Catholic Church 125 Summit Street at Hicks Street info@sacredhearts-ststephen.com Saturday Vigil Mass 5:30pm Sunday Masses: 10am & 11:45am (Italian/English) Weekdays Masses: Tuesday Through Saturday 8:30am Confessions: Saturdays 4:45pm and by appointment. Baptisms: Every Third Sunday At 1pm. Please call the rectory one month before to make arrangements. Sick Calls: Please call the rectory to arrange for the sacrament of anointing whenever anyone is seriously ill. Marriages: Please call the rectory at least 6 months ahead for an appointment with a priest http:// www.sacredhearts-ststephen.com 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 (please see the Calendar) Church open for prayer Tues. 6-8pm & Sat. 2-4pm http://stpaulscarrollst.weebly.com/

Baptist

THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 18 32°F, a pop-up exhibition of surrealist art at the soon to be opened 351 Van Brunt Gallery located at The exhibition will be showcasing the work of six accomplished artists from around the country bridging the gap between fine art and street art. 32°F aims to highlight the awakening of human perceptions in art and beauty – the common traits and universal truths that different cultures, languages and upbringings identify – to create a level of tangibility, linking art to consciousness. 351 Van Brunt Street. 5 pm - 8 pm

SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 20

Summit Academy Day of Hope Health Fair, noon - 5 pm. 27 Huntington Street.

STOP THE VIOLENCE RALLY The United Ministers for Justice unites with the New Brown Baptist Church. Come on out and meet your leaders The Joseph A Miccio Community Center110 West 9th Street noon - 4

TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 23

Calvary Baptist Church 773 Hicks St (718) 522-5159

Jewish

Kane Street Synagogue 236 Kane Street, (near Tompkins Place) 718 875-1550 http://kanestreet.org/ August 29 - 30, Shabbat Shoftim Candle Lighting 7:14 PM Shabbat ends 8:17 PM Friday night services, 6:00 PM Shabbat morning services, 9:15 AM Sunday Morning Services 9:00 AM 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

If your religious institution isn’t listed here, let us know by emailing info@redhookstar.com Thanks!

Gowanus CAG Meeting the CAG is the community advisory group working alongside the EPA during the Superfund cleanup. Meetings are open to the interested public. St. Mary’s Star of the Sea residence, 41 First Street, 6:30 pm - 9 pm

SUNDAY OCTOBER 5

Annual Blessing of the Animals This year’s service will take place in front of Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary and Saint Stephen’s Church on Summit Street between Hicks and Henry Streets. This is a communitywide event -- All are welcome to attend with their pet friends. 4:00 pm

Community Telephone Numbers: Red Hook Councilman Carlos Menchaca..............718 439-9012 Red Hook Assemblyman Felix Ortiz.....................718-492-6334 Red Hook State Senator 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

PS 15 PTA PRESENTS

THE RED HOOK FALL FLEA Saturday October 4th, 2014, 10am to 5pm

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

Located in the PS 15 School Yard on Van Brunt Street between Wolcott & Sullivan Red Hook’s local community school PS 15’s PTA will be hosting our annual flea market. Come and find that missing treasure, browse, chat, eat, and enjoy the many activities available.

Activities for the whole family throughout the day.

Enjoy the popular PTA POT LUCK, Arts for the Kids, Bounce House, School of Rock Page 2 Red Hook Star-Revue

Happenings, etc.

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

www.RedHookStar.com

Late September 2014

Ready Red Hook tests neighborhood preparedness (continued from page 1)

for Red Hook should conventional cable networks not be operable after a disaster. The Red Hook Initiative also pointed out that all communications with be offered in English and Spanish as well as Chinese (Mandarin/Cantonese) where available. If one has access to Twitter, they should follow or tweet the hashtag #ReadyRedHook to post relevant information.

Health, Medical & Community Response At the Miccio Center on West 9th St. were the Health & Medical and Community Response team. This is where triage and the collecting and disseminating of medical supplies would happen. Volunteers from Good Shepherd distributed search and rescue forms.

The “Neighbors Checking Neighbors” program enables anyone who would like to be checked up in the event of a disaster to register their name and address

along with any medical issues. Forms will be entered into a database so during the critical time after a storm individuals will be checked on. Forms are available in English and Spanish.

Utilities and Coordination IKEA serves as the base for all utilities support in the event of a service interruption. This includes help supplying or restoring electricity, water, gas, heating oil and telephone. Whereas the communication site at 767 Hicks will help supply upto-date information, at IKEA there will be experts who can help identify where services are interrupted and coordinate with service providers to make repairs.

Managing Partner of Emergency Management Methodology (EMMP), Noel Kepler, commented “IKEA has agreed to let us use this as headquarters” and while still under development, “Red Hook has developed its own stockpile” referring to items that will be distributed should

The medical team is based at the Miccio Center.

Visitation Church serves as the Food and Shelter station.

disaster strike. IKEA will offer charging stations, generators, flash lights, blankets and Meals Ready to Eat (MRE’s). EMMP has been working on the entire disaster plan for the past year.

After Party at PS 15 The after party featured a culmination of the day’s events, complete with a fun BBQ and visit by Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez. Some of the agencies had additional tabling and further information for the emergency readiness plan. There was even a raffle for those that completed their passport showing proof that all sites were visited.

Ready Red Hook is part of a Long Term Community Recovery (LTCR) plan, a work-in-progress and collaborative effort of many volunteers, politicians, companies and non-profit agencies. It was at PS 15, where the Community Emergency Readiness Plan pamphlet draft was handed out. Red Hook Coali-

tion Administrative Assistant, Nahisha McCoy-Freeman mentioned, “We need everyone’s feedback” and asked people to email any follow-ups that can improve the readiness plan and pamphlet to redhookcoalition@gmail.com.

Reflecting on if Red Hook is ready, Congresswoman Velazquez stressed that, “We now have the tools” to make this work and “I’m proud that Red Hook is the first community to develop a recovery and readiness plan.” Councilman Menchaca added, “Now we have a plan and this is a testament to the people of Red Hook”.

One must remember that sites visited on the Ready Red Hook Day were not just places for information on September 13th, but these will be the actual locations where residents would go in the 72 hours leading up to and after any disaster.

A website at readyredhook.org has more information, including readiness tips.

BASIS school opens in temporary location

R

ed Hook has watched as the BASIS International School has moved from an empty lot to a five story building over the summer.

However, the building has not been finished in time for the opening semester, and they have had to find a temporary space near Erasmus HS. Information has been difficult to come by, as the tight lipped BASIS administration has not responded to numerous requests for information from the Star-Revue. The Director of Student Enrollment, Alexandra Hancock and her counter-part, Associate Director of Student Enrollment, Kathleen Adams did not return any calls nor responded to any emails.

A weeks worth of phone tag was unsuccessful at gaining an interview with developer H. Lopes by presstime. Another silent contender in the struggle to speak with someone from BASIS, included Chief Executive Officer, Mark Reford.

While Hancock and Adams were not willing to speak directly, it does appear as though the two women were able to pass my inquiry along to the Head of School, Rosalind Thompson. Via email, Thompson stated that the BASIS team was focused on preparing for the upcoming opening, and that she would not be open to comment at this time.

So, I reverted back to the BASIS website for more unanswered questions noting the admissions page as it boldly self-proclaims BASIS, “the right private school.” But, that title is still up for

Red Hook Star-Revue

by Vita Duva

debate around the southern neighborhood.

Long-time resident of Red Hook and community advocate, and BASIS supporter Wally Bazemore has unanswered questions as well. Bazemore would like to see a host of concerned town members, parents and volunteers alike sit down with BASIS as good neighbors and come up with a community agreement, “before they cut the ribbon on this school, he says. “Otherwise, we just become an afterthought.”

Bazemore recognizes the importance of nvolvement with a new incoming institution such as BASIS. But, his plans are more easily said than done. While he has made several attempts to reach out to BASIS, nothing has surfaced as of yet.

We were able to find out the following, from someone in their enrollment department.

The BASIS school is being built from pre-fabricated modules. The modules lined Bay Street for many weeks this summer. This photo was taken back in July. The school has had to open in a temporary location, as there is no date yet available for completion of their 556 Columbia Street building. (photo by George Fiala).

We discovered that BASIS’ first day of school will begin as scheduled, but not at their permanent location on Columbia Street. According to this person, the school was not able to finish construction on time due to a delay in transporting the pre-fab structures across the country to Red Hook.

will primarily be from Red Hook, Adams went on to read off of a list that includes children from Dumbo, Brooklyn Heights, Park Slope and Williamsburg.

So the school, which has been signing up students since their BSA approval back in the spring, will commence at BASIS’ temporary location, located at 15 Snyder Avenue.

They are still accepting students for the fall term. Since the term is already beginning, BASIS is not asking prospective students to submit to testing or even an in-person interview. Instead, they would accept a progress report any-

When asked if the students attending

BASIS has bus service with a finalized schedule ready to go from these areas.

www.star-revue.com

time from the past two years. While it is also customary to have an in-person meeting with the child and family, an alternative was to conduct a Skype meeting.

The deposit to secure a spot would be $1500. BASIS also offers three payment plans (in one, two or three lump sums) for $23,500 yearly tuition.

At a CB 6 meeting in the spring, BASIS promised to offer two local scholarships and community access to the facility.

Late September 2014, Page 3

Cyclist ticketing and more at the 76th

by Keith J. Klein

T

he 76th Precinct Community Council Meeting was held September 9, the first get-together since June. With a large turnout and packed room, Captain Justin Lenz got right to business. He summarized the past few months saying it’s been a good summer with successful, safe events. One highlight was the spectacular 4th of July show visible to Brooklynites for the first time in five years.

Auto Theft/Home Break-Ins

The Captain jumped in to the crime statistics stating “Overall, crime is down 7%” with only 23 robberies for the year to date. He did, however, mention there was a minor uptick in home break-ins, noting five burglaries in the past two weeks. Stolen vehicles are also an issue with forty incidents in 2014 vs. thirty one last year.

Lenz said “It’s the same people committing the crimes,” meaning there were a small group of individuals doing the thefts. Regarding minor crimes, Captain Lenz suggested, “Going to jail is not going to solve the problem.”

He advised keeping window shades closed so potential burglars will not know when someone is not home.

Cops of Month

On the topic of car break-ins, there has been some progress as Officer Brett Healy apprehended an autotheft suspect, a 28 year old female. For his role he was recognized as Cop of the Month. According to Community Officer Paul Grudzinski, the Justice Center will council the young lady, as often times these crimes are done out of financial necessity related to drug dependency.

Also awarded was Officer Drew Schlesinger for his diligence in recovering an illegal loaded hand-gun from the hands of a potentially dangerous man and arresting him. Officer Schlesinger made the arrest after noticing drug use by the suspect, giving probable cause for further investigation. It turned out the suspect not only possessed an illegal firearm but was violating parole. Officer Michael Gibbons was also awarded Cop of the Month for his successful handling and arrest of a knife-point robbery suspect.

Upcoming Events

Community Affairs Officer Vinnie Marrone took the floor to speak about upcoming events including the Columbia Street Fair and the Carroll Gardens Our Lady of Sorrows annual

Much beloved Judge Calabrese speaks of his summer. (photo by Klein)

procession - each of which involved street closings.

Officials Judge Alex Calabrese of the Justice Center spoke about his summer vacation, including foreign crime stories.

Latoya Benjamin from the DA’s office reminded people that they can report criminal activity to the DA’s office in addition to the local police precinct.

Mayor’s representative Amairis PeñaChavez was on hand to discuss domestic violence. Captain Lenz introduced the precinct’s domestic violence specialist, Officer Perez.

Community Input The floor was opened to questions and comments from the community. Robert Berrios always has something to say.

This time he peeves included lights being turned off in Coffey Park, crossing guards, missing DOT signage, speeding vehicles, and activity at the Smith/9th subway.

Regarding locations of crossing guards, Lenz said they are placed, “where it fits best for the community” and “we still have openings.” He asked that any interested parties contact the council (718) 834-3207 if they would like to help out.

On the topic of one of the city’s recent programs, Operation Safe Cycle, the NYPD announced it will begin ticketing cyclists. Regarding bike patrols, the Captain mentioned there is not enough manpower right now and perhaps this is something that can be implemented next spring.

Monthly community meetings are open to the public and media, held at the 76th Precinct at 191 Union Street, usually on the first Tuesday of each month. Any immediate community issues should be brought to the attention of local politicians and the precinct. For more information, members of the public can reach out to Community Affairs at (718) 834-3207.

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Local merchants thrive in summer-long business class (continued from page1)

Hook. Much of the tuition was underwritten by ReStore and they arranged to have SBIDC and NY Business Development Corporation award some grant money as well. Business consultant Holly Howard was hired. She created and led ten sessions that occurred weekly over the summer. Judging from the presentations, it was a life changing experience for many.

It was obvious from the presentations that every had gotten to know each other very well over the ten weeks. Laughter and applause was interspersed with genuine listening to each other’s talks.

Rachel Fitzgerald, of Rocky Sullivans of Red Hook, likened the classes to group therapy, quipping that now “her therapy days were over.” There was much good natured banter about homework, both done and unfinished. It was clear that everyone present made a special effort to attend each class - despite the many pressures of running a business.

Before the graduates spoke, Monica showed the ReStore Red Hook film, in which many of the participants at the table were filmed speaking about their Sandy experiences. Most touching was Sunny’s Tone Johanson recounting the story of her frightful escape from the floodwaters as she frantically climbed up the cellar stairs. The Good Fork’s Ben Schneider spoke of seeing kitchen equipment floating in his basement waters. The film was made not long after the 2012 storm. A major goal of ReStore Red Hook, which helped raise money for the local Van Brunt businesses, was to keep the business community as it was before the storm. Everyone around the table has been in Red Hook since before Sandy - all have survived.

A few points were repeated in many of the presentations. One was to actually understand one’s goals. Mary Dudine of Dry Dock said she understand her goal to maintain a family business that accumulates both personal wealth and ex-

periences. Ben’s was to create a unique and special place in the space and time continuum, one which he said he hadn’t quite gotten to yet.

Another was the necessity of taking personal time each day. Rachel makes sure that she allocates at least 15 minutes each day for herself - something that relaxes her and makes her feel less overwhelmed.

Monica announced that after a busy September and October, she and Leisah were taking at least a week’s vacation - away from everybody and everything.

Staff meetings were another idea that resonated. Caroline Moore, who along with her husband Kevin runs both Kevin’s on Van Brunt Street and Little Eva’s on Governors Island, spoke of her experience at the Governors Island location. Little Eva’s is like an oasis in the middle of a park and Caroline felt some sort of tension between her help and her overheated customers. Emboldened by what she learned in the class, she held a staff meeting and expressed her feelings. It turned out that other’s felt the same way, and as a result of the communication, a better feeling exists at the restaurant all around.

Light bulb rules Fort Defiance’s St. Jean Frizell treated everyone to not only an enlightening, but a humorous exposition of his class experience. It all boiled down to burned out light bulbs. For years he had experienced a subtle frustration because nobody but himself seemed to ever replace light bulbs. This is an experience most small business owners can relate to.

One of the big ideas that St. Jean has taken from the class is to start writing a Fort Defiance manual. In addition to containing the expected things, like instructions for creating the many cocktails Fort Defiance has become famous for, it also includes a section on changing light bulbs. At a staff meeting he went over the manual, which contained a rule that whoever sees a burnt out bulb

Graduates watch a ReStore Red Hook movie featuring many of their experiences after Hurricane Sandy. (photo by George Fiala)

first is responsible for replacing it. It also designates a place in the basement for replacement bulbs. So now bulb replacing is a shared task.

St. Jean went on to say that before the class he could have never thought about replicating the bar someplace else, as everything was kind of in his head. Now, with a manual in progress, he said he feels organized at least to contemplate a future expansion.

After each presentation, the consultant, Holly Howard, commented on the what should be the takeaway. It was evident that everyone loved the way she presented the course. Monica said that she

hopes to continue the classes for others.

In the audience were representatives from SBIDC and the NYC Business Development Corporation. Councilman Menchaca, who is personally friendly with many of the business owners, arrived towards the end.

Also present was Greg O”Connell. It was O’Connells vision over twenty years ago that helped change Red Hook from a forgotten backwater to the dynamic community it has become. He was thanked by everyone, and in response he spoke emotionally of his vision and thanked everyone for helping make his vision a reality.

MUSIC EVENTS TAKING PLACE ON PIER 9

by George Fiala

R

esidents of the Columbia Waterfront District were invaded by the booming disco sounds of a dance party coming from Pier 9 on Friday evening, Sept 12.

Normally a part of the working waterfront, the Port Authority has recently begun renting out space to music promoters. Friday’s event was billed as Absolut Night.

A press release issued by the vodka company states that “Beginning in Brooklyn, New York, Nights by Absolut will seek to embody the spirit of Absolut’s Transform Today brand ethos. Each event will feature an artistic collaboration that reimagines different elements of nightlife – from the city skyline to the dance floor – turning them into a playground of creativity designed to engineer a previously-untapped territory of imagination and invention.”

Red Hook Star-Revue

A dance floor is just what it clearly sounded like from the neighborhood.

In the distance one could see shimmering lights, as well as a giant shimmering Absolut bottle etched in bright red.

Outside on Degraw Street food vendors were selling their wares, as invited guests mingled with curious onlookers.

We saw a young couple with a baby around 10 pm trying to find out why their apartment was suddenly full of sound. Others hummed along to the music, and would have loved to get in.

The event was sold out. It is being taped for a possible movie or promotional piece.

Nights by Absolut will continue for the next three weeks with events in Johannesburg, Berlin and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

There was little notice to the local community, with no evident outreach.

The normally quiet Pier 9 was transformed into a glimmering disco light show.

Nonetheless, by 11 pm, all was quiet again as the show evidently ended, and neighborhood complaints seemed minimal. Both Alma Restaurant and Mikniks Bar, two Columbia Street businesses close to the Degraw Street entrance to Pier 9, reported more business than usual for a Saturday night The next event scheduled is the Escape Music Festival, a two day event on October 11 and 12. It will feature a num-

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ber of live groups as well as DJ’s. Bands include Placebo and Yeasayer. Ticket sales are going well, according to the promoter.

There will be a Community Board 6 meeting on Wednesday September 17th, 6:30 at the Miccio Center at which the Port Authority will present its plans and be available for questioning about this and future plans for the containerport.

Late September 2014, Page 5

Education Beat: PS 15 is now a magnet school

by Kimberly Gail Price

I

n February of this year, PS 15 announced it had been granted “magnet” status beginning the fall semester of 2014.

A school that is awarded a magnet status gains federal funding for a specified number of years to incorporate specific focus on curriculum. A specific theme is chosen by the school and that school is allowed to chose what the focus will be.

The most common theme for a magnet school is STEM, (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathmatics). The program chosen attracts students from other areas who would normally not be zoned into that particular district.

Because these schools attract a large number of students, their role is to promote academic excellence beyond nonmagnet public schools and to attract a diverse student body outside of District 15.

Three other schools join PS 15 as magnet schools this year. Each has a different curriculum theme. PS 15 will specialize in the arts. PS 46 will offer communication and media arts through applied learning. PS 54 chose environmental science, technology and community wellness. PS 307 will offer the core magnet STEM curriculum.

Joe Gallagher is the Magnet Project Director for District 13. He worked for several years to achieve magnet status for PS 15. When it didn’t work, “it became my mission,” he said.

At a Friends of PS 15 meeting in February 2014, Gallagher explained to the friends what this new arrangement meant for the school.

The entire school participates as a whole in the program. The magnet status encompasses everyone in every grade level.

What does it mean on a national level

What does it mean for the school?

Magnet monies are the largest competitive grants given to schools by the federal government. Only 27 school districts in the nation are currently funded by these grants. PS 15 is one of only 116 schools in the nation currently enrolled in the magnet program.

School District 13 will receive funding for each school of approximately $ 3.15 million each year for three years. PS 15 received initial funding in the spring of 2104. However, their magnet status official began in September at the start of the 2014-15 school year. They will receive grants through May 2017.

Some of the dollars are meant to be allocated as seed monies to continue the magnet program after the funding ends.

Investments can include new equipment and supplies, technology and developed arts and science programs.

Funding can be applied to professional and curriculum development, theme development and integration, and afterschool, weekend and summer activities.

After the seed money has been used, a school is expected to continue magnet programming for at least three years.

Gallagher suggests that the money should be spent on things that can be sustained after the magnet period. He also said that most well-run schools make the status part of their reputation , and are able to sustain the additional curriculum perpetually.

PS 15, in addition to the STEM, is also including arts into their core curriculum, creating the STEAM agenda. The school has added two science labs. They had no science teachers last year beyond basic curriculum, but this year they have hired two. The traditional science lab teaches environmental and healthy living, including projects like school cleanup, nutrition, and healthy living.

The hands on lab allows students to use microscopes and conduct simple experiments.

The school began a music program at the beginning of the school year. Students will learn about different instruments and be able to learn to play a variety of them through the new classes.

Faculty is working on professional development after school.

The magnet grant also allows PS 15 to set up additional after-school programs ones they already offer through Good Shepherds Services. They are offering pre-K and kindergarten curriculum.

There are currently five full-time preK after school classes, including a dual language group and an integrated settings group for children with and without disabilities.

A part-time librarian was brought on board for three days a week last spring.

The library can also now be used for special class projects even on the librarian’s days off.

Freshly painted wall outside the library.

Magnet schools are chosen through a lottery based system, as they often have more seats in demand than they can fill.

However, priority is given to siblings, current pre-K students, and district residents over non-residents.

In addition to services and personnel, PS 15 has also invested in equipment to enhance students’ learning. More than 25 laptops have been purchased for the library, as well as four desktop computers. Every classroom will be sup-

Gowanus parole office topic of CB 6 meeting

that 5,000 parolees will use the new sight as their primary way of checking in with the system.

4th Avenue, and several nearby playgrounds. One community member wondered out loud if anyone present at the front table had actually walked from the subway to the new building.

by Gregory McCann

T

he State Department of Parole is moving in January. That’s the last word from Deputy Commissioner Herzog on the Centralized Parole Facility at 15 2nd Avenue near the Whole Foods on a dead end street just across the water.

For the State Department of Parole, the process started in 2011; for the people that live and work in Gowanus, it started when the owner of the new site let the media in on his plans. It was home to gas plants, tanneries, machine shops, chemical plants, and sulfur producers.

The canal was the first site where chemical fertilizers were manufactured. This is not the kind of area where the community will often get their way. If Whole Food was exciting, the other side of that fetid canal should be on the lookout for the newest arrivals.

On September 15 at the CB6 Economic Waterfront Committee meeting, the State Department of Parole revealed

Page 6 Red Hook Star-Revue

At minimum, supervision levels will consist of four check-ins a year. The next highest level of contact will consist of every month. Some will check-in once a week. Most will use public transportation, according to a deputy commissioner of parole, and the sight will be active for that purpose four days a week for ten and a half hours per day.

The representative went as far as to report that most have jobs, schools, or programs to attend and would arrive in the earlier part of the day.

Councilman Brad Lander and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery expressed their hopes for rehabilitating the clients served by the centralized parole facility. Many community members also expressed an interest in supporting reintegration efforts for the formerly imprisoned.

Mostly, the scale of the projected clients and frequency of contact seemed to concern the community. Many people asking questions mentioned day care centers, a school for Muslims on

Parole representatives presenting included two assistant commissioners of parole. One explained that she was from Brooklyn and worked her way up the ranks from the officer line. The education required for a parole officer is at least a four year degree, and many have Masters Degrees. The department employs several lawyers as well.

Though the Department once ran 70 correctional facilities, that number had dwindled to only 54. The efficiencies of local post release supervision may have had a part to play in minimizing the need for facilities.

In addition to the 125 armed peace officers the new facility will bring to the neighborhood - which did not seem to bring any of the people in the room any sense of safety - comes the actual users of the building. Most were said to be public transit reliant. The closest train would lead all users down four blocks with only a few options and one actual

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St. Jean Frizell picks up his happy son from school. (photo by Price)

plied with five laptops. If teachers want a computer for each student, they can check out additional computers from the library’s reserves.

Every classroom has a Smart Board, a live chalkboard that allows teachers to project images onto a projector screen through a laptop. Teachers can draw on the chalkboard from across the room, live stream images and videos from the internet, and use apps though the laptops.

Every classroom will soon be equipped with iPads other computer devices.

Every year, the school adds books to the library. This year is no exception. They have also repainted the library a bright green, and the outside walls have also been adorned with floor-to-ceiling letters that spell out “L-I-B-R-A-R-Y.” The school is committed to concentrating learning one thing in all areas.

Things that are taught will be read about, written about, depicted in drawings, and examined in labs.

While the school year has only just begun, students are excited about the new atmosphere they are learning in. Denise Leonard, Magnet Resource Specialist explains, “Students are so engrossed in books at 7:30 in the morning that you can’t get them up [out of their seats.]” most direct route.

Each day of the week will correspond to different precincts. Each officer would be responsible for anywhere from twenty-five to one hundred and sixty parolees.

Services will include field visits to parolees’ homes in Brooklyn by the assigned officer. Other services could include connecting the dots between education, paternity testing, child support, and employment training. The facility will offer housing and counseling services as well as urinalysis for some offenders living with the stigma of drug abuse convictions.

One representative of the department was quick to point out that they have not had incidents with parolees in the area. He did mention that there was a shooting in 2008 involving an officer at their building in Downtown Brooklyn.

There was more talk of how people want to offer support. Residents have overcome great odds and endured many forms of suffering as the area seeks to improve its reputation as well as its (continued on next page)

Late September 2014

Parks apologizes for hasty fencing at Valentino Pier

by George Fiala

R

ed Hook park lovers were fuming last month when, without warning, fencing was put up around Valentino Pier park. It turns out that the Parks Department had planned some minor renovations that would close some parts of the park for about a month. Many residents, still upset at the cavalier attitude in which the Coffey Park renovation was handled, couldn’t handle this latest affront and demanded action from the city councilman who promised that he would bring government to the people.

Councilman Menchaca, still in his first year in government, quickly put together a meeting bringing together Park heads, members of the Community Board, representatives from local organizations and some irate members of the community. The meeting began at 7 pm at the Red Hook Library (still on the endangered list), on Thursday night, August 4.

Carlos began with introductions, thanking the Parks people for making the trek

to Red Hook. He then handed over the reigns to Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey. Armed with the requisite posterboard map of the park, he explained the reasoning behind their plan.

the plumber, Parks had to dig into it’s small discretionary fund, but they had to spend more than just one plumbers visit. So they looked around and saw some other things to fix.

They have decided to redo the gravel The whole thing started because they paths, taking away the small side bars needed to fix the water fountain. Jeffrey that people keep tripping over, and putclaimed that the fountain was out of ting in asphalt. The gravel paths were order due to a street collapse. In a post never a good idea, Biondi told us, and meetin trip to the park, we encountered were put in by a contractor who lowBob Biondi, balled a bid to who has lived Victoria Hagman volunteered the renovate the park right by the a number of years park for thirty services of Gita Nandan, whose ago, and made a years, and he poor decision with explained to the gravel, which architectural firm works with us that indeed never stayed resiliency situations. there was a where it was supDEP problem, a posed to, and was number of years a hazard for bare ago, and in the course of fixing it, they feet. capped the pipe. He told us that a few The other main renovation, Jeffrey exweeks ago, a plumber came and fixed plained, was the paving over the part of it by hooking the pipe up to a differ- the park next to the retaining wall - to ent source. However, in order to fund the left of the walkway that goes out to sea. Right now there is a grassy area next to a bit of concrete, and in storms or heavy boat traffic, sea water comes over the fence and doesn’t drain away.

This kills the grass and even a few trees.

They plan to pave over the immediate area and ring off the grassy part, creating a better environment for grass and other vegetation.

The floor was then opened for comments, which came in a torrent. After an opening barrage of indignation as the community was left out of this one month renovation process, coming upon the heels of Coffey Park being closed for a year, others commented on the proposed plan. A major point of contention was the use of pavement in the park. Some wondered whether it might not be a better idea to put large rocks in the water, which might prevent some of the flooding. Others thought that the design might be done a bit more thoughtfully. Victoria Hagman volunteered the services of Gita Nandan, whose architectural firm works with resiliency situations. Dan Wiley, who represents Congresswoman Velazquez, mentioned that additional funding might come from Sandy relief,

The offending fencing was put up suddenly at Valentino Pier.

Parole office (continued from previous page) main waterway. The neighborhood itself seems to embody the spirit of second chances.

Montgomery described the brochure her office produced for aiding in connecting post incarceration client with real community services – of which the building would only be one small part.

Montgomery suggested zones that probation could suggest its users walk

Red Hook Star-Revue

which might mean a more thought out renovation.

Mr. Jeffrey patiently took in all the complaints. He said that if the community didn’t want it, he wouldn’t do the pavement by the circle. However, he warned that the retaining wall might fail at some point without proper drainage, and a more expensive solution might have to be done in the future. Obtaining capital funding for Parks projects is always a tough nut, he said.

Carlos suggested that perhaps a plan might be put together for the next par-

Above the retaining wall, showing rust.

ticipatory budgeting cycle. In the end, a second meeting was decided upon, and Jeffrey graciously accepted the idea, saying that he would coordinate with Menchaca. He looked out at the crowd saying that he appreciated all the comments, saying “we owed you this because we put up the fencing without telling anyone about it.”

Robberies in Red Hook parking lot

Lander spoke of the ambush he felt had occurred on the bank of the Gowanus.

He referenced several projects that moved in a community based spirit and contrasted it with the several questions left unanswered and the non-existent public review period provided by the department. The common theme of renewal and re-integration seemed to be the only thing agreed upon by all.

The building will continue. The community members present agreed to reconvene in December. It will then be a mere thirty days until opening. There will be plenty of time for the offered site visit, walk-through, tour of current operational offices, and further communication between Borough Chiefs and the committee.

The meeting took place at the library.

by Kimberly G. Price A string of robberies have taken place in The victim, a 45 year-old woman, filed the auxiliary parking lot of Fairway at 276 a police report. The incident took place Conover Street, according to a source between 5:30-6:10 pm in a crowded who wished to remain anonymous. parking lot while the woman was shopThree piles of shattered glass remained ping. According to that report, she did in the parking lot as of Friday, Septem- not “wish to wait for ECT [Evidence ber 12. While one pile seems more re- Collection Team]” to dust her car for cent, the other two contained smaller fingerprints of other evidence that shards of glass and were ground into the could have led to an arrest.

Brad Lander speaking before the Community Board. (McCann photo)

through to get to and from the offices.

There was a suggestion that a close partnership with the District Attorney in Brooklyn could help to mitigate crime related problems. Deputy Commissioner Herzog replied, “A codified response is forthcoming.”

pavement. The exact dates of the robberies are unknown, but the evidence has not yet been cleaned up.

According to the 76th Precinct, on Sunday September 7, a black 2011 BMW’s driver’s side window was smashed. The perpetrator stole an HP laptop worth $2,000, a Prada handbag valued at $2,400, and a diamond necklace worth $2,500.

www.star-revue.com

An initial investigation of the site did not report surveillance cameras in the area. No witnesses were identified.

The 76th Precinct is still investigating the case. Anyone who may have seen something suspicious can make an anonymous call to the detective squad at (718) 834-3221.

Late September 2014, Page 7

Page 8 Red Hook Star-Revue

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Late September 2014

100th Birthday Celebration for a Great Smith Street Lady

by John Verrangia, Jr. ophia “Fay” Liuzzi Verrangia was born on September 17, 1914 in Patterson, NJ which then was just a little town. She came to Smith Street as a young “country girl” bride in 1939 when she married John Verrangia, Sr. who was working as a clerk at a shoe store located at 218 Smith Street.

When the owner wanted to retire he offered to sell the store to Verrangia, who wasn’t sure. Sophia had confidence in her husband and in the area and convinced him that they should buy the business. Money was so tight so they lived behind the shop. Sophia took a job job nearby in a jewelry box factory to help pay off the store purchase price.

By 1945, WWII had ended, the business was thriving, and they were without debt. Friendly and gregarious Fay, who by that time knew everyone on Smith Street, was approached by the owner of 208 Smith Street who wanted to sell the building, and once again she had to convince her more conservative husband to take the plunge and become a property owner. So they moved the business a few doors down and lived upstairs over the store.

Next on Fay’s mind was having a family.

Four sons came into their lives – John Jr. the oldest, then Paul, Richard, and Thomas. They all grew up on Smith Street, went to school at St. Paul’s on Warren Street, and local High Schools.

About three years after the purchase of 208 the same owner wanted to sell the building next door at 210 Smith and again approached Fay. She had to

S

John Jr. with his mom Fay in a photo taken two years ago, when Fay was 98.

convince her husband once again that this was a worthwhile investment, that two buildings together were worth more than the value of each. So you can see that she was an astute business woman.

Her husband knew the shoe business and provided well for his family, but Fay intuitively knew the business of business. The shoe store soon occupied the two adjacent storefronts.

In the 1960’s Fay and John Sr. moved to a home in Bensonhurst, providing the garden setting Fay dreamed about.

Meanwhile, John Jr., who had been working in the store with his father, got married in and moved into the apartment over the store, where he raised his own family and where he still lives.

Of the four boys John Jr. invested in the store, and over the years Johnnies Bootery has fitted most of the children who grew up in Brownstone Brooklyn.

In 1976 John Sr., her husband of 37 years, passed away and Fay was devastated and lonely. But after a few years she had a suitor/travel companion, John Liuzzi. She remarried and they moved to Florida which was their home base (continued on page 11)

harvest horoscope

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Late September 2014, Page 9

REPORTERS NOTEBOOK:

Ortiz victory a family affair

C

overing elections is a bit like covering the Super Bowl. There is a whole lot of build-up, starting with who will be speculation on who will run, endorsement seeking, campaigning and perhaps debates.

Inevitably the big day arrives. The campaigning is over and done, and all that is left is to see who wins.

This past primary day I covered the assembly race in the 51st district. Felix Ortiz has held this seat for twenty years.

In the past, Ortiz has run pretty much unnoposed, but this year he faced a challenge from newcomer Caesar Zuniga, an educational researcher who holds a seat on Sunset Park’s community board.

a clock on the wall. Elba was taking down a few election results called on by some of the poll workers.

These initial results were solidly in Felix’s favor. He walked in, looked at the numbers, smiled and started greeting volunteers as they wandered in.

After a sidewalk conference with Elba, Felix came back in to a now crowded room and announced it was now time

candidate last year. It was fun to meet him, and we talked all kinds of politics.

Another man at the table turned out to be a supporter from New Jersey, where Zuniga is originally from.

Heather Chin from the Home Reporter joined us. She had a smartphone tuned into election results. Sal and I kept plugging her for information, and we shortly found out that Jo Ann Simon

I found time to visit the Ortiz campaign headquarters in the afternoon. I was expecting a busy war room with campaign workers running in and out. What I found instead were a few people sitting around and lots of boxes of donuts and cartons of coffee. All the volunteers were out at the polls.

So I helped myself to a couple of donuts and left to take care of other responsibilities. I returned around 8:30, a half hour before the polls closed. A well dressed gentleman was sitting at a desk talking to someone. That was Jesse Hamilton, who won his race that day for State Senator, taking over the seat held by Eric Adams. I said my hello and then he left.

A very nice woman in a blue dress was busy on the phone. I asked if Felix was coming by, and she said he was on his way. It turned out that this very quiet, humble woman was Elba Ortiz, Felix’s wife of 34 years (and boyfriend/girlfriend for the previous ten years, as she proudly told me). I didn’t even know that Felix was married - it never came up in my political coverage, which is how it’s supposed to be.

I looked around the office and there was neither a clock nor a television. There was no TV monitoring results, not even

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)

American Stevedoring redux

This whole ASI deal was a set up by the PA authorities and Republicans on Both sides of the Hudson River. Waterfront Commission, which was created in the 1950s to root out organized crime on the waterfront; PA wants to eliminate Jobs and waterfront trade.

The Republicans want to liquidate the PA. It was accomplished In Pittsburg, PA. One big spending deal. On we go.

No one went to jail for that one. Mary Louise

NYSNA endorses Sikora

This is a surprise to the nurses who were out there fighting for LICH. Nobody bothered to ask THEM which candidate they wanted to endorse.

Seems that it doesn’t mater because it’s not about the members, it’s all about the officials & political connections.

Maggie

Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue

Felix and his extended family outside of Hometown on election night. for everyone to make the trip from Sun- had beaten Pete Sikora in the 52nd, set Park to Red Hook. The Felix Ortiz and that Zephyr didn’t do that badly but victory party was to take place at our didn’t win. own Hometown. He hustled people We also found out that Felix Ortiz had into waiting cars and they all left. won an easy victory. Zuniga issued a I walked down the block a restaurant concession and then walked in to gracalled Zona Sur. This was where Zuniga ciously thank his supporters.

was holding his election night party. I saw Carlos Menchaca as I walked in. He walked me to the party out back. Tables were filled with Zuniga supporters hoping for some good news. I sat down at one of the front tables. It turned out that the man I sat next to was Sal Albanese. Albanese, who represented Bay Ridge in the City Council in the 1990’s was most recently a long shot mayoral

By then it was time to hustle down to Red Hook. It was good that Carlos didn’t make the trip with me, as a couple of speakers were making some good natured jibes at Carlos’ expense.

One of those jokesters was the actor Tony Plana, who had done some campaigning with Ortiz. He had the audience laughing with his jokes and then cheering as he spoke of the good things

he heard about Felix from constituents as he took part in a political campaign for the first time.

Standing with Plana were three youngsters who turned out to be Felix’s grandchildren. One of them who couldn’t have been much more than ten his grandfather to a great roar from the crowd. A dapper and energetic Felix thanked everyone, did not make any broad promises except that he would continue working hard for the district, and spent some time pointing out and thanking his wife and children and friends, all of whom played a part in a campaign that was basically a family affair. Unlike the hard fought race in the neighboring 52nd, where huge sums were spent on campaign consultants and advisors, Felix’s expenditures (as of the latest filing), the Ortiz campaign filings show only $19,000 in expenses, with a sole $2000 fee paid to a consultant. Other expenses were for car services, donut shops and catering halls - to feed and transport volunteers, and hold fundraising dinners - and of course for the Hometown party this evening.

I wandered over to the buffet table, full of the barbecued chicken and ribs and macaroni and cheese and coleslaw and corn bread that has made this Red Hook BBQ such a huge hit in its first year.

There were some Red Hook people in the crowd, which for the most part were friends, family and volunteers. I saw Ian Marvy and Noel Kepler. Lillie Marshall and Anthony Watson waved hello. Portside’s Carolina Salguera was engaged in conversation with Felix Palacios, the NYC Council Latin Community Liaison for Brooklyn, NY. Later on I saw Facebooks photos of Wally Bazemore and Robert Berrios, who left before I got there.

Before I left, all the volunteers assembled outside for a victory photograph. I went home sleepy and overfed and ready to face a normal Wednesday.

Boxing story fans

Nice job But then again I’m not surprised. It was very well written and informative -Liat Tirado Very well done, Fran!! My hat goes off to the organization for inspiring youth. I remember how good it felt to have positive reinforcement from a mentor. It really does have an incredible impact in one’s life. Continue to keep up the good work and posting positive events in the neighborhood. Jacob Pierce Lovely read. Inspiring to see individuals like Dimitri working with youth in such a positive, impactful way. Looking forward to his expansion throughout NYC! Katherine

Absolut on the pier

Well for one thing the music wasn’t that loud and the lights were really pretty.

The lights were on for like 3 days, I guess testing them. Saturday everything was back to normal and I kind of missed the lights lol. If it would have been too much I would have went in the bedroom and closed the door. I hope the 2 day concert is just as smooth… Louise Franqui

www.star-revue.com

Late September 2014

OP-ED One person CAN make a difference

by Karen Broughton and family

I

had many reservations when the Red Hook Star Revue asked me to write this article; but I knew George did not personally know my mother and had only heard of her; so I thought I would write it.

Emma Broughton, one of eight children who was raised in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. She was the wife of Jesse Broughton, mother of five, grandmother of nine, great-grandmother of 11, daughter-inlaw, aunt, teacher, social worker, mentor, advisor, counselor and much more.

She never helped anyone to talk about it or to grandstand, it was just a labor of love. The selfless way she tackled issues and helped people was what got her noticed in many arenas. People casually speak of the “Real Deal”, she was the “The Real Deal”; and you knew it from the moment you met her. The former Brooklyn Borough President, Marky Markowitz, affectionately, called her the “Mayor of Red Hook”.

Helping others was just like breathing to her. She more or less just liked and enjoyed helping others. I know she had no knowledge of the vast impact that she had on the Red Hook Community and its’ residents and organizations. Helping others was her desire and her destiny.

There was no problem too small or too big. She would find a way over, around, or just move that mountain out of her way. She never tired helping others.

E The late Emma Broughton

she was affiliated with.

One of her goals was one of the fights we are now experiencing; making sure there are enough pre-k seats for all children. The same fight Assemblyman Ortiz has for a long time championed; and continues to pick up the mantle to fight for. She would be proud he is continuing the fight for our children. She felt all children should be educated as early as possible. She was always a familiar face at P.S. 27; where she worked and P.S. 15- The Patrick Daly School in which I attended. Her many visits to P.S. 15 was half to see what was going on; and half was being invited by one of my teachers to talk about my behavior.

That’s another story I could tell.

There was no end to what she did or no place she would not go.

She just wanted to live in a community that could have and experience the best of living standards and its’ environment.

She wanted the Red Hook Community to be lifted up for all of its’ beauty.

I many times wonder what she would think of the direction in which Red Hook is going since her passing four years ago.

Always more to do

Whenever a new entity wanted to enter the neighborhood; she always fought for resident hiring first; and community enrichment. She was a Board member for Community Board 6; Friends of the Red Hook Library, A member/board member of the American Legion Brooklyn Chapter, and many more organizations

Let’s all continue to take notes, create ideas, and champion causes such as Emma Broughton, Assemblyman Felix W. Ortiz, and Judge Alex Calabrese; and the world will continue to be a better in which to live.

(continued from page 9)

for 20 years with lots of travelling.

But then her second husband fell ill.

She was in her 80’s by that time and couldn’t take care of him. He went to live with his daughter and in 1999 John Jr. brought Fay back to Smith Street.

Ensconced in her own apartment - directly above that of son John - stairway chair lifts were installed and Fay loves the street life of a vibrant Smith Street.

Here she sees her four sons, her two grandchildren, and her four great grandchildren frequently.

Red Hook Star-Revue

BY MARK SHAMES

veryone around these parts knows that the Gowanus Canal is a highly polluted waterway due to a legacy of industrial uses along its banks.

Those toxin-generating uses are now gone. This has given us an opportunity to remediate the area and we have seized upon that opportunity.

She would tackle any issue from stop signs, traffic, safety in the neighborhood, police and community relations, jobs for the community, and New York City Housing Authority.

Mrs. Verrangia turns 100

Corner

THE GOWANUS CANAL NOW

Here we go! If I told it all; it would be a book. So let me give you a snippet of who my mother was and will continue to be remembered as forevermore.

The difference she made in her Red Hook Community stretched far beyond the boundaries of Red Hook; that made her synonymous with “Red Hook.”

When people would and still mention Red Hook, its’ often asked, do you know Emma Broughton?

Mark’s

I think she would be happy with Red Hook; but not satisfied, because she would believe there is always something more than can be done.

Karen Broughton is the Red Hook Community Liaison for Assemblyman Felix Ortiz.

Fay is a matriarch of Johnnies Bootery, a matriarch of Smith Street and a bright spirit for whom the glass is always half full!

While her actual birthday is September 17, the family is having a Birthday Celebration at John’s apartment at 208/210 Smith Street on the 27th. It isn’t every day that someone celebrates their 100th Birthday and it is even rarer that their life is so connected to our community.

Editors Note: Star-Revue founder George Fiala and then Phoenix newspaper ad salesperson sold ads to Johnnies Bootery back when Fay was a young woman in her 60’s.

Progress has begun as “flushing tunnel,” which has the ability to draw water in from or out to Buttermilk Channel, has been upgraded. Next there is an increase in the capacity of flow to the sewer treatment plant, followed by the addition of green elements along the canal, and now with the imminent Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) cleanup added to the previously planned brown-field remediation of the manufactured gas plant (mpg) sites and other sites that still leak toxins. The process of designing the remedy is underway. The design is to be in conformance with Record of Decision (ROD). The ROD told us in broad terms the things that needed to be done to clean the canal. All of this is well under way and the EPA remains on schedule for this stage. When design is concluded the actual remediation will begin.

At the inception of the process it was thought that CERCLA authority did not extend to the reduction of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO). We do not have separate sanitary sewers and sewers. In a heavy rain situation, the rainwater and the sewage mixes and this temporary excess is directed into the Canal. Low levels of dissolved oxygen and high bacteria levels in the canal are the main everyday health and quality of life issues for the community and they were previously addressed through the City and State Long Term Control Plan. This process is continuous and periodically updated and will remain relevant to the canal cleanup.

The CERCLA projects estimated cost will be at least $500 million and that is without factoring in the costs of new bulkheads, barriers and retention tanks and/or other mechanisms for CSO reduction. In return the canal will be dredged from bank to bank. Even then the dredging will not go deep enough to remove all the toxic soil. These costs are borne by the polluters but in this instance the costs will be in large part paid for with water ratepayer money because the City is one of the responsible parties.

Fortunately, we do not rely on ground water for drinking and washing. Since toxins will remain in the soil under the canal there will be a capping system.

The dredging will be deep enough to allow for navigation, although there are no commercial users left past 9th Street. A National Grid proposal to do tapered banks requiring less dredging (and arguably leading counter-intuitively to reduced flooding), which would have left us with a recreational waterway was rightly rejected by the EPA, as inadequate, since it left far more toxic materially in the canal bed.

I became a supporter of the CERCLA process as my confidence in the project engineer grew, as the leadership team met their stated time frames and particularly when the ROD included substantial reductions in CSO’s through the building of retention tanks near the canal. The EPA found that there would be significant toxic recontamination of the canal from run-off into the sewers, thus the CSO issue was placed within the CERCLA authority. This was novel and of great significance as now there would be additional funds available for CSO abatement outside of the Long Term Control Plan.

There are remaining issues about where the retention tanks should be located and even if there are other means to attain the end of CSO reduction that would not include such tanks. There remains discussion between the various authorities as to whether we may have to temporarily lose the Thomas Greene Park and DD pool, whether or not retention tanks are sited there, in order to adequately remediate one of the MPG sites. Hopefully, if there is the loss of these important amenities, there will be creation of a temporary replacement facility nearby. We should know more soon as the remedial design takes shape and as the other suspect upland sites are fully investigated.

The process of selecting the sites for retention tanks will be the subject of an informational meeting on Wednesday September 17, 2014. DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd will make a presentation detailing how the number of potential site have been narrowed down to a few prime sites. She will then be seeking community input into the final selection of sites. I will have the honor, as chairperson of Brooklyn Community Board 6’s Environmental Protection Committee, of introducing our Commissioner.

We have our own vision zero around the Gowanus and that is to have zero sewage over-flow into the canal. As if our CSO vision and the possible temporary loss of a park and pool are not contentious enough, we may yet get to the issue that colors each local discussion about the canal - what will be the nature of future development radiating from the banks of the revitalized canal?

www.star-revue.com

Late September 2014, Page 11

LAND AND SEA

fast-paced moving film – all from single shot photographs.

Aboard the Waterfront Museum, an art show depicts three different nautical events that happened in New York’s local waterways. The Lehigh Valley #79 was built in 1914, and is now celebrating its centennial.

Stephen shot more than 30,000 stills in six days over the span of two weeks. He selected 7,200 of those photos and pieced them together to show the entire construction of the bridge in four minutes.

Mallion as the artist because of his water themed work. Michelle said Stephen was the first person she thought of when she was asked to do the show. His work “was just too perfect” to display on a barge, she said. “It’s [also] very New York.”

The MTA dropped more than 2,000 subway cars into the Atlantic Ocean in 10 years to create an artificial reef to protect the ecosystem. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) signed off on the project because the cars collect mollusks and other crustaceans within hours, helping clear the water of bacteria and other harmful pollution.

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FALL FAMILY FUN ABOARD

A Bridge Delivered

SUNDAY, SEPT. 28 AT 1PM

DeadPan Alley with New Vaudevillian Will Shaw Featuring astounding juggling, fancy cowboy roping, flying boomerangs and—watch out front row— lots of audience participation.

Will has performed on The Late Show, The Daily Show, Sesame Street and more.

SUNDAY, OCT. 5 AT 1PM

Pirate School with veteran NY family entertainer David Engel Live out your sea-faring dreams and learn the finer points of mischief.

Suitable for kids 4-11. Come dressed to pillage and plunder!

David’s one-hour show was featured in NY Magazine’s “Best of NY KIDS.” or order online at www.smarttix.com. Use code “waterfront”At the door (when available): Adults $15; Kids $12

Both shows aboard the historic Waterfront Museum, docked at 290 Conover Street, Red Hook across from Fairway.

Information: www.waterfrontmuseum.org or call 718-624-4719.

Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue

David Sharps, owner of the Waterfront Museum, said the art project is “perfect show for the barge” because “it depicts several different uses of a barge, in today’s world.”

A portion of the proceeds of the barge will go to BARGE 100 to help preserve the historic vessel for another 100 years.

THE WATERFRONT MUSEUM

Advance tickets: Adults $13; Kids $10 Tickets at (877) 238-5596

Next Stop: Atlantic Separate Curator, Michele Jaslow chose Stephen Project

Stephen’s first project A Bridge Delivered at the Waterfront Museum is a photo based film about the installation of the Willis Avenue Bridge over the Harlem River.

The original Willis Avenue Bridge was built in 1901. After major reinforcement work in 1916 and a failed inspection in 1941, the bridge was converted to a pedestrian walkway, and later dismantled.

In 2010, a new swing bridge was built just south of the old Willis Avenue Bridge, connecting Manhattan’s 1st Avenue to Willis Avenue in the Bronx.

The span now carries northbound road traffic as well as bicycles and pedestrians in both directions.

Stephen captured the entire recreation with his camera, and converted it into a

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The MTA filled up barges with approximately 30 subway cars per barge.

The crew pulled the barge out into the ocean, before swimming to and climbing aboard the barge.

Stephen was able to tag along for one expedition because MTA commissioned him to photograph the event.

Once the crew was aboard the barge, Stephen was alone on the tug boat with the captain.

The four chosen photographs are part of a larger project called Next Stop: Atlantic Separate Project The title is “a play on subway cars going into the ocean.” Instead of the next train stop being Atlantic Avenue, the next final stop is the Atlantic Ocean, where the cars were given a watery grave.

The sunken cars are also used for wreck diving training for SCUBA expeditions.

The first photograph in on display is entitled “Weeks 297,” named after the (continued on page 15)

Late September 2014

Red Hook Star-Revue

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Late September 2014, Page 13

Pig Island festival highlights local pork and brew

O

n Saturday September 6th, the pork extravaganza known as Pig Island was held at IKEA’s Erie Basin Park. This was their second year at the Red Hook location.

Everything ranging from ribs to chops, desserts to salads, pork literature to pork fashion was represented at the dozens of booths lining the walkways and bay.

The first table that greeted me was Added Value’s. Red Hook’s community farm was handing out produce. At the suggestion of the young farmer, I took a small orange pepper and ate a piece.

Although my head burst into flames, I thanked them for the religious experience, which really was a delicious, if molten, treat.

Patrick Martins, author of The Carnivore’s Manifesto, was there, pitching his collection of essays on sensible meat-eating strategies for an ethical and sustainable future. “The book,” he says, “represents for meat what Pig Island represents for events.” His concern is factory farming and resource exploitation and is “at the forefront of a national movement of buying locally grown food.”

More than just flavor is fleshed out. The majority of Pig Islanders are not the sort to be convinced that eating meat itself is problematic, but they are concerned consumers looking for ways top go about their dinner ethically, responsibly, and tastefully.

Martins’ table was offering headcheese

by Diehl Edwards on marble wheat bread with a dollop of ground mustard. Headcheese is made from the face of the pig, the snout, tongue, ears, and so forth. “The cheeks, as you know, are the best part of the pig,” one of the tabling representatives told me. And indeed, gristly and smooth, the open-faced sandwich was a texture rich eating experience.

Enthusiasm was high on both sides of the booths. One attendant, upon arriving, stated, “I’m gonna look at everything first and then decide what I want to attack.” The air was carnal and hunger merged with lust/infatuation/ craving. Another patron was heard saying, “I’m so full, but it’s amazing,” in a pained, happy voice as she stood in line for Hawaiian pulled pork.

As for the chefs and cooks, the day of nonstop grilling, roasting, baking and serving was a welcome opportunity to do what they love. When asked how the event was going, Hometown representative and owner Billy Durney said, “We make BBQ for a living, we’re the happiest guys on the planet.”

Hometown wasn’t the only Red Hook representative. Van Brunt restaurant The Good Fork was also in attendance.

Both neighborhood businesses won awards for their crafting of clovenhoofed delicacies, listed below.

While tickets cost upwards of $75, if you were strategic in navigating the sprawling lines you could certainly eat your money’s worth. The range of implemen-

tations of pork is not something you’ll find in any restaurant, as it took the gathering of all these vendors to created the spread Pig Island offered.

It wasn’t just differently seasoned chunks of meat, there were creative and refreshing dishes up for grabs, including a roasted pork salad with alfalfa, bean shoots, and toasted garlic, a nice change of pace, fitting a very sun-baked day.

About an hour from the official end of the event, after awards had been announced and people scrambled to get their last beers and bites, rain clouds rolled in, cooling off the stuffed customers and exhausted vendors, then sending them on their way to rest, digest, and prepare for next year.

Awards: For Fearless Stomachs Only—Hecho en Dumbo: Volcanes de Chorizo Casero: Crisp corn tostadas topped with molten queso Chihuahua with Chorizo (either a green sausage made with chile jalapeno and cilantro or a red with cinnamon and chile piquin) topped with Chicharron, fried crisp pork rinds Best Nasty Bit—Ends Meat: Pork Nug-

gets served with kraut and pickled mustard Best Naked Meat—Ovelia: “Kontosouvli” Slow-Roasted Rotisserie Pork Most Refreshing—Flinders: Roasted Pork Salad with Rau Ram, shallots, and Hot & Sour Dressing Most Mayan—Jimmy’s No. 43: Cochinita Pibil, a traditional Mexican slowroasted pork dish from the Yucatán Península Best on Buns—The Pig Guy: Roast Pork Sliders with a Lime Chimmichurri Best Sweet Cheeks (dessert)—Butter: Oink McMuffin, Bacon Cinnamon roll Best Toil to Table (cooking process)— The Good Fork/Fort Defiance: Merpig, a pit-roasted whole pig wrapped in seaweed and burlap Best Succulent Sauce—Hometown BBQ: Alabama white BBQ sauce.

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Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue

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Late September 2014

Waterfront Museum

hand maneuvered dials seem out dated to him. “The technology seems extremely traditional. Like from the 70s or 80’s,” he said. “But this is a modern airbus 320!”

(continued from page 12)

barge carrying the subway cars. In the still, the barge is fully loaded with cars stacked two high. The tranquility of the water, barge’s name, and the climbing ladder for the crew are crisp and visible around Weeks 297.

“What makes these great works of art are the details and the way [Stephen] frames it,” Michele said.

The second photo of the series, called “Splish,” illustrates an up-close view of one car being thrown into the water, while two others wait on deck behind it. Stephen requested that one car be thrown off the barge “a little more violently” to create a splash surrounding the car. The others, he said were being dropped gently and carefully into the water.

“Ghost Train,” the third in the series – and Stephen’s favorite – shows a car sitting just on top of the water while the ocean rushes through the doorways. Stephen named this photograph because he said it seems to be, “the lonely little subway traveling in the ocean.”

Brace for Impact: The Salvage of Flight 1549 Stephen’s third project aboard the Waterfront Museum Brace for Impact: The Salvage of Flight 1549 reveals the gradual stages of the removal of the aircraft that made an emergency landing in the Hudson in 2009, after a flock of geese got caught up in the plane’s engines.

The plane was the only non-water passenger aircraft to make an emergency landing on water with 0% casualties.

Spectators were drawn to the west banks of Manhattan to see the aircraft partially submerged in the Hudson. Stephen had a front row view of the removal when he was commissioned by Weeks Marie Salvage Company to document the event.

Michele chose four of the images from

photo by Stephen Mallon

Stephen’s collection based on “which are the ones that tell the story,” she said by “looking for the connections” between the sets of art.

Removing the aircraft took strategic planning that could not begin for two days. Among ice caps and frigid water, divers began the arduous task of making sure the plane could safely be lifted in one piece.

Michele says the exhibit enlightens the general public about “the history behind what happens the next day”. The photographs tell the story of what most people never get to see. “I love them because they are so accessible” she said. “everyone has very different conversations” when they look at Stephen’s collections.

David described the art show as “an exhibition about a barge on a barge - all aboard a barge that’s been around for 100 years.”

Land and Sea will be on display through October 18 at the Waterfront Musuem, 290 Conover Street, Red Hook Brooklyn, behind Fairway. Admission is free and open to the public Thursdays from 4-8 pm, and Saturdays 1-5 pm. For more information, visit www.waterfront museum.org

Jenny belin’s Art

Stephen’s second photograph, “Diver Lay in Water” in the series shows the divers in the water checking for structural integrity because it is “easier to take out of the water while it is still intact,” he said.

The following still, “Wing,” depicts - as the title suggests - only the wing of the plane being held in place by a solid, frozen sheet of ice. The background places the image with crystal clear views of the New Jersey ferry terminal and the iconic Colgate Clock, with visible shadows of the Manhattan skyline.

The first photo of the exhibit, “She’s Looking at You,” is taken at a perfect head-on angle. The cockpit stares directly at its audience as the crane “very, very slowly” lifts the plane out of the water. Stephen was standing directly under the crane when he snapped the picture.

“Throttle” ends the series as the fourth photograph. Taken from inside the aircraft, “Throttle” reveals the control board that was “eventually what took down the airplane,” Stephen said. The

Our friend Jenny, who exhibits locally at the Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street, sends us this and tells us “This painting is one that I made for my boyfriend.

It was inspired by an album that he played for me (and introduced me to) ...by a band called Jeff The Brotherhood. Loud, Edgy and a whole lot of fun! . Jenny’s website is www.jennybelin.com

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Red Hook Star-Revue

Vito Liotine (718) 625-1995 (718) 625-0867 aliotine@aol.com

“ART & ANVIL LIBERTY INC” (RED HOOK) IS CURRENTLY SEEKING: •

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Late September 2014, Page 15

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Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue

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Late September 2014