The
Red Hook StarªRevue
CHRISTMAS 2014
SOUTH BROOKLYN’S COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER
FREE
Merry Christmas Everybody!
Tony Sterling’s alleged killers now in custody, by George Fiala
B
obby Boomer, Red Hook resident and alleged shooter of Tony Sterling last October 5th, was apprehended in Virginia during the first week of December by Detective Ware of the 76th Precinct. Boomer waived extradition and was brought back to Brooklyn where he will face a grand jury this Thursday. Ware was assigned the case in October. Boomer was evidently a suspect from the beginning, but he left town. Ware finally located him and went to Virginia to bring him back to face trial. Boomer was held at the precinct over the weekend where he underwent questioning.
by many in the Red Hook Houses, and his funeral packed Calvary Church.
they would be interesting.
Boomer’s son, also named Bobby, was involved in an incident involving a gun two years ago in Red Hook. As two officers approached him, the police claimed that he ran away firing a shot at them. He was caught hiding under a bed, and the case made citywide headlines as it involved a possible police shooting.
People who knew Tony Sterling seem to be happy that the alleged perpetrators were caught. Sterling left behind a number of family members and many more friends and acquaintances in the close knit Red Hook Houses community.
It was reported that a crowd gathered afterwards to protest the police action. This was at the height of the controversial stop and frisk policies.
Evidently there is surveillance camera evidence tying him and another suspect to Sterling’s death.
Boomer Jr. was charged with a number of crimes, including attempted murder and illegal possession of a stolen gun. He ended up being found guilty of the gun charge and is currently serving time.
Sterling, 53, was shot in the leg in his Bush Street building and bled to death. A life-long resident, he was well loved
More details about the Sterling case will be available after the grand jury hearing, and Detective Ware hinted that
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE:
CheaButtery Brown, in a Facebook posting wrote: “ Well...if they Some of the many friends who showed up at the Sterling didn’t close the case funeral. Pictured are Thomas Reynolds, Harold Armstrong, Eliott Ness and Clayton Foster. they would be screaming that the police didn’t do their job... good job, 76th Squad!”
The
Red Hook StarªRevue 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
Happenings, etc. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 17 The Red Hook East Tenants Association meets, 6:30 at 167 Bush Street, 1B Carlos Menchaca’s Participatory Budget sessioning meets at 6:30 at the Miccio Center. Show up - you can become a delegate
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 19 PS 15 Holiday Fair, 8:30 - 11 in the auditorium
Friends of the Red Hook Library The Red Hook Star-Revue is interested in helping form a friends group for our library at Walcott Street. A strong neighborhood library needs volunteers willing to put in some time. If we can find enough interested people we will go ahead with it. If this interests you, please send an email to George at gbrook@pipeline.com
After nearly 18 years as the Assemblywoman representing the 52nd Assembly, next Friday, December 19 will be Joan Millman’s last day in her office at 341 Smith Street. I invite anyone in the district to stop by the office between 10 AM and 5 PM to say goodbye - we’ll have cookies! It’ll also be the last day to donate new, packaged socks for homeless shelter residents. Bring a pack of socks and get a cookie in exchange RHAPP Christmas party, 6 - 9 at the Realty Collective, 351 Columbia Street. RHAPP Presentation at 7:30. Come and have fun and learn about the Red Hook Arts Project
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 21
Come and be part of an annual tradition.....We need your help at the Church Christmas Decorating Party on Sunday 12/21 after the 11:45 Mass. This is a fantastic opportunity to meet your fellow parishioners and have a fun time decorating the most beautiful parish in the Diocese!!! Bring the kids!!! There will be food and refreshments!!! All are Welcome. Sacred Hearts & St. Stephen Roman Catholic Church, Hicks and Summit.
ONGOING
Star-Revue Night Music Jams at Rocky Sullivan’s from 8 pm-12 am every Monday. Bring your instrument and jam with local musicians of all skill levels. Or come out and enjoy the show. 34 Van Dyke Street.
RELIGIOUS SERVICES CATHOLIC Visitation Church 98 Richards St, (718) 624-1572. Office open Mon-Thursday 9 am - 3 pm. Saturday mass 5 pm; Spanish mass at 7 pm. Sunday 10 am English, 12:30 pm Spanish. Community Prayer Tuesday and Thursday, 8 pm. Youth Group Meetings on Friday, 4:30 - 6 pm. Baptisms are held every other month. Please call to arranged for baptisms, communions and weddings. We will visit the sick upon notification. 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/
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 76th Police Precinct, 191 Union Street Main phone .....................................................718-834-3211 Community Affairs............................................718 834-3207 Traffic Safety.....................................................718 834-3226
Jewish
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
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
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
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
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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Christmas 2014
Local leaders hold a vigil at the flagpole by George Fiala
F
riday, December 12 was a busy day in the neighborhood. Many were gearing up for a trip to Washington to take part in the national protests spurred by the recent police shootings of unarmed black men. Others stayed in the city for local protests. There were two local Christmas tree lightings - one on Columbia and Sackett Streets, and the other in Carroll Park.
McBride showed up and brought candles for people to hold. A local preacher came and spoke about the importance of respect and love in these times of questioning about grand juries and justice and loss. There were two interruptions. The first was a police car who pulled up. They came to start up the flood lights that have been recently installed to provide some protection around the Houses. It turns out that these lamps are powered by a gasoline motor and have to be turned on each evening. The police opened the base and turned the lamps on, and then left. The second interruption was a small parade of Visitation Church parishioners celebrated the Our Lady of Guadalope holiday. A band played and Father
Father Claudio speaks to the crowd.
Claudio made a speech.
Catherine McBride, who has headed the Local Leader program at the Red Hook Initiative, organized a small community vigil at the flagpole outside 450 Columbia Street “to remember our fallen.”
After the speeches, the gathering slowly broke up, with some heading over to the Columbia Street tree lighting where toys were given out, others to RHI where a seminar on dealing with police situations, and others simply heading off into the chilly night.
People started gathering around 6 pm, forming a quiet and respectful crowd.
Update on Valentino Pier Park bathrooms
by George Fiala Earlier this fall there was a big local brouhaha as a community request for a bathroom for visitors of the park turned into a $2.4 million dollar comfort station that nobody ended up wanting. After a couple of public meetings, Council member Carlos Menchaca told the parks department to not go forward with the comfort station. He could do that because most of the money for the project came from the city council. At the time, he told Red Hookers that he would take that money and hold it in reserve to be used solely for Red Hook parks projects requested and approved by the community. It was unclear whether the funds would be added to the ongoing Participatory Budget process. Participatory Budgeting involves community planning and voting for local capital initiatives, such as air conditioning for local schools. Last year the PB program funded a garden for the Red Hook library as well as upgrades to PS 15 and other district schools. We asked the District Office for an update and were told that the $2 million + was indeed being held aside for parks project and that they were busy working on a process outside of Participatory Budgeting which would put together projects on a size and scale that the community wanted. At some point in the future a town meeting would be called to let us know how the office planned to proceed. We checked with the Brooklyn Park Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey who confirmed this. In an email to the Star-
Red Hook Star-Revue
While the candles didn’t provide much heat in the chilly evening, they did provide warmth and a sense of purpose. (photo by George Fiala)
Revue, he told us: “Regarding this issue, we can confirm that funding, previously designated for a comfort station at Valentino Pier, will be redirected for other park related projects in Councilman Menchaca’s district. We look forward to working with the Councilman and the community on future projects in Red Hook.”
Statement from the City Council Speaker regarding the Garner case
“This was a terribly disappointing outcome and is not reflective of the events that led to Eric Garner’s death. What makes this even more infuriating is the frequent lack of accountability, which is why I urge the U.S. Department of
Justice to launch its own investigation. The use of excessive and lethal police force against people of color is a persistent problem nationwide and we must recommit ourselves to building a more just city and society where all people, regardless of color, are treated equally by law enforcement. Locally, Commissioner Bratton must expedite the retraining of NYPD officers – the vast majority of whom serve our communities honorably and bravely – so we can ensure that incidents like the one that led to Eric Garner’s death never occur again. During this painful time, it is imperative that New Yorkers come together rather than allow frustration and anger to boil
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Those in the crowd included Sister Rosanna from Visitation, Henrietta Perkins, Frances Brown, RHI’s Tony Schloss, Wally Bazemore, Robert Berrios, Karen Blondel and Pete Morales. It was a double decker day for Pete, who earlier attended a Senior Center update meeting at the Miccio Center.
over and divide us. The Garner family has asked that any demonstrations be peaceful and everyone should respect that call. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Eric Garner. My fellow Council Members and I remain committed to fostering healing in our communities.
CB 6 remembers past head of the 76th Precinct.
From the CB 6 newsletter: We extend condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Inspector Joseph T. Cassidy, former Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct, who passed away on November 11, 2014. Thank you for your service to our community.
Christmas 2014, Page 3
Unfinished Red Hook Hub holds an unveiling party anyway On December 5, a ceremony was held at the Red Hook library celebrating the Red Hook Hub.
Protesting the proposed Gowanus Parole Center Much controversy surrounds the planned consolidation of Brooklyn Parole Boards into one large building along the Gowanus Canal. People are not eager to have upwards of 500 parolees daily walking through the neighborhood to this new center. We received the following press release from the Brooklyn Preservation Council. Brooklyn’s borough-wide preservation organization today opposed the State Correction Department’s irresponsible, intentionally misleading and illegal opening of a borough-wide parole supervision center at Fifth Street and Second Avenue adjacent to the residential Gowanus/Park Slope neighborhood. “It is absolutely outrageous that they did this based on a fundamental misunderstanding of the area,” said BPC chair Buddy Scotto. “They think they’re going into an area of abandoned factories where there are no children and families. Nothing could be further from the truth. Convicted felons taking the subway will traverse streets full of houses and schools where children play on the street.”
The Hub is a project initially funded with an $80,000 grant from AIGA, a NYC design association. Red Hook was one of three communities impacted by Sandy that is to benefit from a localized communication system. While originally meant to coordinate with disaster relief operations, solving problems that became evident during the first few days after Hurricane Sandy, it has evolved into a brightly designed community calendar operation. It consists of a website, a ticker in the window of 351 Van Brunt Street, a bulletin board outside the library, and some sort of futuristic bulletin board that will occupy the granite slab out in front of the Miccio Center. It incorporates the color yellow, which was evident at the library event as yellow buttons and bright T-Shirts were on display. A HUB coordinator, local writer Dabriah Alston, was hired by the Red Hook Coalition to help put together the community events listed on the BPC president Robert Furman added: “The Corrections Department acts as if they operate in a vacuum, did everything possible to avoid public supervision of their actions, and the Bloomberg Administration conspired with them in this by granting a parking waiver right before they left office without notifying anybody! No elected officials were consulted, not the State Senators and As-
Participating in the ceremonial ribbon cutting are Saundra from the Red Hook library, Tony Schloss from RHI, Reg Flowers, committee member, Carlos Menchaca, James Andrews and a HUB volunteer. (photo by George Fiala)
HUB website. Attending the function were members of the HUB committee, which has been meeting at the library, including Reg Flowers, Tony Schloss and James Andrews. Carlos Menchaca, who showed up a bit late as he wasn’t feeling well, gave his uplifting speech about the importance of community participation in the governing process. sembly members or the Council members and Borough President. We are left with a fait accompli with a signed lease for an almost complete office building for them.”
Eventual location of the third HUB.
criminals on the streets of a neighborhood.” The release ends with the customary contact information, which we reprint below:
Furman added “We can only hope that For further information contact robthe pending lawsuit by community ert furman at 917-648-4043 or bobfurmembers and political pressure will buy man1@hotmail.com some time to make changes to lessen the effects of having hundreds of convicted
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Christmas 2014
At least another year until the Red Hook Senior Center gets its new digs by George Fiala
A
busy Friday in Red Hook began with a morning meeting at the Miccio Center to discuss the progress of the new Senior Center. The original center, on Walcott Street across from the library, was wiped out by Sandy floodwaters over two years ago. Operated by RAICES, the center offers those over 60 a place to have lunch, shoot pool, engage in learning and other activities, and get together with others in their age range. The center has been operating out of the Miccio Center while awaiting the renovation of the building next door, which formerly housed a Head Start program. Almost $2 million was granted by council member Sara Gonzalez in May 2013 to transform the building, but until now little was known about what was happening. The meeting was hosted by new Council Member Carlos Menchaca. In the audience were representatives of Assemblyman Ortiz and City Comptroller Scott Stringer. Much of the rest of the audience consisted of the actual seniors, who stayed afterwards for their lunch. In fact, cooking began in the kitchen behind the presenters about halfway through the program. It was explained by Dawn Sanders, a NYCHA rebuilding contractor, that no work as of yet has been done on the vacant building. What has been completed are the plans, and some of the architects stood behind the presenters, listening quietly. Sanders went through a slide presentation explaining how the one story building was to be turned into a senior center. The presentation was translated from English into both Spanish and Chinese, adding some time to the presentation. The largest room will be the dining room, which the audience was told would seat 80 people comfortably. Karen Broughton, representing Felix Ortiz, was concerned that more than 80 seniors often attended the program. One of the architects pointed out that the room was actually bigger than the lunchroom at the Miccio, meaning that at least 100 could actually fit. There will be a pantry, where food will be prepared, an exercise room, a com-
The
puter room, and a billiards room. The lunchoom is also called a multipurpose room, and it was suggested that salsa lessons could be given. Menchaca said that he would take a lesson once the place was open. The building will receive new mechanicals (plumbing, heating, etc), and cracks on the outside wall will be repaired. Miss Sanders said that contractors would be hired during the next three to six months and (upon questioning) said she expects the center to be open a year from now. She said that NYCHA is very eager to hire qualified locals to work on the job meaning that they would try and get the contractors to hire qualified NYCHA residents. Positions would include not only plumbers and sheetrockers, but security and administrative help as well. She said that anyone wishing to be considered for a job must visit NYCHA offices at 787 Atlantic Avenue to be entered into the database. A flyer gave out the phone number 347-566-9242, and also included her email: Dawn.Sanders@nycha.nyc.gov. A company called REES is doing some hiring - their number is 718 289-8100. Pete Morales asked about parking. Morales, who lives above the old senior center, and walks with a cane, complained of having trouble finding parking around the Miccio. He and others often park in the front, but those are not legal spots and are occasionally ticketed. Of course, parking is not part of the rebuilding plan, but Menchaca said he might contact DOT. The large backyard, which has been the scene of barbecues and had been the Head Star playground, was brought
Dawn Sanders, speaking for NYCHA, asking the audience for questions.
Pete Morales, sitting in the front row next to a stylish Karen Broughton, wants to know about parking on West 9th Street. (photos by Fiala)
up. As of now there are no plans for the playground, although some thought it might solve the parking problem. Josh Levin, who is with the Comptrollers office, mentioned that the 30% local hiring rule is not often followed. Palmer said that she would do her best, and Menchaca said he would follow up on that as well. The meeting broke up at around 11:30, and the seniors stayed for a lunch that was starting to smell pretty good.
The future senior citizen center today.
Local entrepreneur mixer held at new Shared Brooklyn space by George Fiala
Local movers and shakers got to see the new Shared Brooklyn above Steve’s Key Lime pie on Monday night as it was the scene of a businessperson mixer, hosted by Reg Flowers. The get-together, which include vittles, was an opportunity to put together business owners with providers of business services. The event was organized by the Carroll Gardens Association, SBIDC, and Kaluk Services Cooperative - a new organization formed to help local businesses. Robert Piechota from the BrookReg Flowers was an entertaining host. lyn Small Business Development Center He helped people meet each other and was also there explaining their services. ran a fun raffle.
Red Hook StarÂŞRevue Come by and say hi!
481 Van Brunt Street #8A (across from Fairway) info@redhookstar.com Red Hook Star-Revue
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Tree Lighting and Concert at PS 15
PS 15 held their annual tree lighting on December 1 this year. It was different this year as the Brooklyn Youth Chorus gave a beautiful concert in the auditorium before the tree lighting in the courtyard. The Chorus includes PS 15 students as well as some from other schools. Songs they sung included Let It Snow, Jingle Bells, Rudolph, We Wish You a Merry Christmas, Deck the Halls, Feliz Navidad and Frosty the Snowman. Refreshments were served courtesy of the PTA.
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Christmas 2014
The Red Hook Lions Club annual toy giveaway
Anissa Hayes, and BFF Nikayla Richardson with sister Kasyrah Richardson enjoying the good food. Anissa and Nikayla are students at PAVE Academy
Red Hook East Tenant leaders Hal and Frances Brown as well as NYCHA Board Member Bea Byrd stopped by.
The Lions Club, celebrating their 22nd year of service in Red Hook, held their annual toy giveaway at the Miccio Center on Saturday, December 13. The event was advertised throughout the neighborhood through flyers and word of mouth, and a large crowd of children with their parents came for presents and were treated to a home cooked holiday meal as well. The afternoon was hosted by Lion dignitaries Jay and Andrea McKnight, with help from the whole club and volunteers.
Laureal White checks out her new My Little Pony as mother Lauren Logan looks on. (all photos by George Fiala)
That’s Jay McKnight helping the kids get their toys.
Yasmin Rehman, Rebecca Fishburne and Alicia Hairston did all the cooking except for the turkey, which was prepared by hostess Andrea McKnight.
Red Hook West tenant meeting presents a wide range of informative speakers
R
ed Hook West TA President Lillie Marshall presented her December meeting on December 9, the second Tuesday of the month as usual. It ended with a home cooked meal, also as usual. And, as usual, a diverse array of speakers updated NYCHA residents on a number of important topics. The meeting began with a short presentation from the Success Academy. Success is a NYC Charter School. They have what’s called a Field Organizer, whose job it seems is to recruit students. She said that if PAVE is full, parents should apply to Success. Next, a Miss Holman, Assistant Building Supervisor, answered questions regarding building repairs. She was aware of some shoddy repair work done on some of the roofs, which are still leaking. She said that she would call the contractors to come and fix their job.
Red Hook Star-Revue
by George Fiala
She passed out complaint forms where people good let her know of other problems. Someone complained that the new temporary boilers, which were supposed to be better than the old temporary boilers that were hastily installed following the hurricane, were still problematic. Someone didn’t have hot water for three days. Another complained that water drained from the boilers was icing up and causing safety problems. Miss Marshall agreed, saying that there must be a better way to dispose of the drained water. There were other complaints about whole banks of lights being out in some of the buildings some of the time. Holman explained that there were some major wiring mistakes that would be corrected. Someone mentioned problems they were having with the intercoms. Holman said that some problems were because there were not enough maintenance people currently on staff. Other problems included low toilet flushing power and lobbies and elevators
that were not cleaned Miss Holman said that nobody deserved unclean lobbies and elevators - that presentation of the buildings was important. - and also it was not a tenant’s duty to maintain the lobbies. Menchaca’s new community outreach person, Julian Morales spoke next. He reminded everyone of the December 12th meeting about the senior center, and a participatory budgeting meeting on the 17th - both at the Miccio. Bryan Solomon-Puertas from NYCHA’s Sandy Rebuilding project gave a hint of what they hope to accomplish. This includes backup rooftop generators, addressing the blackout problem after the storm. Sump pumps will be installed in all the basements. Sewer backup problems will be addressed. These things should be made possible as a FEMA deal bringing $200 million to the Red Hook Houses is expected to be announced in January. Solomon said that qualified NYCHA residents would be given preference in hiring to do some of these things. He advised everyone to tell those looking for work to go the the Rees office at 787
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Atlantic Avenue and have their qualifications entered in the database. Peterson Napolean from Felix Ortiz’s office reiterated the importance of attending the upcoming meeting about the senior center plans. Miss Marshall announced that her annual toy giveaway would take place in her office, 428 Columbia Street, 1C, on December 20th. She complained that donations were light this year, so it wouldn’t be like last year. She did get some furry toys from IKEA and another donation from Mr. Lopes of H & R Enterprises, developers of the BASIS School. The meeting ended with dinner, and a walk outside, which is much nicer since the scaffolding was finally removed.
Christmas 2014, Page 7
The
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Christmas 2014
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EDITORIAL:
Outsourcing doesn’t just mean to China
I just got off the phone with a friend who works at PS 15. She called us upset about an incident having to do with the discovery of moldy hamburger packages in the lunchroom. In trying to find out where blame, if any, was to be laid, I discovered that the PS 15 lunchroom, and by extension probably public school lunchroom services throughout the city, are outsourced to a private company. Just last week I attended a meeting at the Miccio Center discussing the status of the new Senior Center. There was much discussion at the meeting about how at least 30% of the jobs having to do with the renovation could go to NYCHA tenants. Upon questioning, I found out that Ms. Sanders and her team will encourage contractors to hire locally, in case there are any NYCHA residents who make the trip to 787 Atlantic Avenue and apply. In other words, NYCHA has no power themselves to hire locally on this project, since the project is outsourced. In fact, the people who led the presentation, including Dawn Sanders, were not NYCHA employees at all. The whole NYCHA Sandy Recovery team is an outsourced. Ms. Sanders is an employee of the CSA Group, a private company that in addition to managing NYCHA’s disaster recover response. CSA is involved in projects throughout the United States and around the world, including Puerto Rico, Miami and Panama. The money trail starts with public money - the billions allocated by congress for Sandy Recovery. In the old days, that money would directly to Sandy recovery. These days, it filters through layers of private bureaucracy, dispersing private profits, in many cases to companies that are generous when it comes
time to make political donations. Cooking school lunches and making NYCHA repairs used to be done by public school and NYCHA employees. Many readers of the paper will remember growing up with hot lunches cooked by school staffers wearing aprons, and NYCHA repairs made by local NYCHA employees, such as Ike the plasterer, who I understand is still doing plastering in the houses. I remember that a complaint right after Sandy was that on the occasions that repairs were being taken care of in a timely way, workers were not English speaking making communication difficult. That was because the work was done by contracted services, who probably hired non-union laborers happy to get the work at whatever pay. The incentive to the private companies was in making a profit. Part of making a profit is keeping expenses down, making the contractor’s incentive to pay workers as little as they can get away with. City workers are paid with tax money. City workers are often unionized, meaning that they work under negotiated contracts that often provide for living wages as well as health, pension and other benefits. At one time, it was thought that pensions and health benefits were a normal part of the American workforce, and labor unions were celebrated for bringing so many workers into the middle class. For 25 years after World War 2, the United States enjoyed a glorious period of economic growth. This was mostly because much of our economic competition in the world was decimated by having their industries bombed. An American banker, JP Morgan partner Thomas Lamont, was an important booster of the Marshall Plan. He knew that America’s economic future was tied to the buying power of Europe.
Those first decades following the war saw unprecedented growth in both corporate profits and worker income. Labor unions easily won gains as workers as there was so much money to be made that companies found it cheaper to pay more than to incur strikes.
ment was the problem, and began a process that has ended up taking the local chefs out of our public schools, and the handyman out of public housing, as these jobs have been outsourced to private companies with the idea that they can do it better.
During the 1970’s, both Germany and Japan gave the US competition. Faced with less orders, as well as opportunities for cheaper overseas labor, most corporations made the decision to squeeze the working man rather than their profits.
One result is that fresh meat is no longer delivered to PS 15 to be cooked and served at lunchtime. Instead, hamburgers come pre-made in a factory, wrapped in cellophane, and microwaved by a non-skilled and low paid worker. And of course there is a strong incentive to not throw away the whole batch, as the public good is sacrificed for private gain
What followed was Reaganomics, an economic shift using the principles of neoliberalism. Neoliberalism is just a fancy way to say less government, less regulation, more freedom for businesses to operate exactly how they please. There ought to be no such thing as subsidies - prices and costs should all be determined in the marketplace. A level playing field was not important - it’s a dog-eat-dog world and the losers fall by the wayside. Uber is a current example of this form of economics. They do not feel that regulations apply to them. They charge what the market will bear, meaning that they charge less during slow times and much more when everyone needs a ride (such as during a rainstorm). Neoliberalism treats everything as a business transaction. It is the business world’s way to combat social ideas that might take away from their profit. It comes disguised as bringing better outcomes for the general public - such as an app that can call a cab. Just as Social Security, public housing, the TVA and other government programs were allowed to form because of the public’s desperation during the Great Depression, Neoliberalism came into the mainstream as a result of the the despair that accompanied the recessions of the 1970’s. Reagan told the country that govern-
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
(send yours to editor@redhookstar.com)
George, I’m sorry , this is NOT a developing story……. Haddads is NOT the only tenant… There have been construction trucks buses dump trucks cement trucks etc etc… I don’t get it, it doesn’t bother you that Haddads has been parking at the end of Wolcott for almost 10 years?? Who are the people complaining about this? I honestly feel like you are making a story out of nothing… All heavy duty diesel trucks undergo emissions testing just like your car…The amount of traffic in and out of that lot is negligible compared to the hundreds of diesel powered school buses that come and go from the neighborhood sometimes twice a day, speeding down the block, double parking etc.. Pretty soon when all of the industry is pushed from red hook by the deep coffered developers and uber wealthy new-
Page 10 Red Hook Star-Revue
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The police and the PBA
Here at the Star-Revue, we very much appreciated the mayor’s statement about how he explained to his son Dante the importance of being very careful when dealing with the police. He was merely expressing something that many parents know about still remaining prejudices in our culture. We were very upset to read the statements of the police union president Pat Lynch, in reference to barring the Mayor from funerals of officers who become unfortunate victims of crime themselves. We happen to be big fans of the 76th Precinct since Captain Lenz took the reigns over there, and are not shy about saying that over and over again. So we were not sure what to write. As we went to press, we got a tremendous press release from our Borough President Eric Adams, who echoes our thoughts in a very positive way, and are reprinting it as a guest editorial. What follows are the words of Eric Adams: “It has come to my attention that PBA President Pat Lynch, a former colleague of mine during my service in the NYPD, has voiced concerns over my decisions to make a statement during tonight’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Brooklyn Borough Hall Plaza in peaceful solidarity with those calling for policing reform across America. Specifi-
ly anchored homeowners very few of us will be able to live here. This is RED HOOK, not Williamsburg (not yet at least)……. Maybe Joe Sitt should have built that BJ’s or whatever big box nightmare he wanted there, at least you would have something valid to write about.. Well, when our waterfront is only accessible by the people living in the glass towers, hotels and boutiques that are inevitably going to be built I will look forward to reading what you think.. Just my humble opinion - Tim in Red Hook You are right. Nobody seems to care. I thought that since there was such a hue and cry when the BASIS school went ahead – lots of words about how a school was better than a smoky bus parking lot, people might think that a lot on such a much larger scale might be of concern to those same people. But I haven’t heard a thing. Thanks for the comment! I don’t disagree, although just as I wrote during the BASIS controversy, industrial or lux-
Christmas 2014
Editorials
(continued from the previous page)
cally, he has asked that following the darkening of the lights and the beating of a drum eleven times to symbolize the eleven times that Eric Garner repeated, “I can’t breathe,” before he lost consciousness, the lights stay dark and the drum get beat 80 more times in memory of the police officers who have died in service to this city since 1999. “Leaders in this city must talk with each other, not at each other, especially on issues as fundamental as public safety and the critical relationship between
police and communities. As such, I am asking PBA President Lynch to personally join me tonight so that we may stand together for the beating of the drum on both of these matters, marking our solemn remembrance of all of our fallen, and our shared commitment to every New Yorker, whether they wear a blue uniform or blue jeans. The resounding beat of that drum, with both of us present, would be the loudest and clearest statement to date. “I have personally reached out to PBA President Lynch and asked him to attend tonight, and it is my hope, on behalf of all Brooklynites, that he accepts.”
That Crazy World of Politics by George Fiala
Payback
The woman on the right is Red Hook resident June Clarke. The image is a scan of a campaign postcard sent out by the Carlos Menchaca campaign during his successful campaign for City Council last year. Clarke is quoted maligning the incumbent Sara Gonzalez, saying that during the hurricane “Sara Gonzalez was nowhere.” Whether true or not, that phrase put Menchaca into office. I still hear it today. Elections for the Red Hook East TA Presidents were held . For many years Dorothy Shields held that position, with Frances Brown working closely with her. After her retirement, Frances became the interim president. Frances and her husband Hal are well known to many Red Hookers. She heads the group Mothers Against Gangs. A few weeks ago, flyers went up promoting June Clarke for Red Hook East TA president. The election took place the first week of December with Brown winning easily, getting 82 votes to Clarke’s 24. The word is that Clarke’s candidacy had help from Van Brunt Street resident and local Councilman Menchaca, as a payback for Clarke’s work for Carlos. Menchaca seems to like to have his own people in nearby positions of power. He supported and campaigned for Carlos Zuniga, and supplied him with campaign workers in Zuniga’s unsuccessful bid to unseat the popular Assemblyman Felix Ortiz. Carlos has been doing good work in the district. He will probably even do better. That should be why he would be re-elected If he does well by the tenant associations, both East and West, whoever is in charge will back him. He needn’t worry about putting his own person in charge.
More Schumering... We read this item with interest: Sen. Chuck Schumer will not take the ranking member position on the Senate banking committee, opting to cede the post to Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown. Does this mean that our Park Slope neighbor is not interested in offending the banking industry in a run-up to the 2016 elections by having to take positions unpopular
Red Hook Star-Revue
with the nation’s high rollers? It is true that just the other day Schumer went on record to once again give his full support to Hillary Clinton, saying that if she runs “I’ll bet she’ll win by a large majority.” At the same time he hedged his bets saying that Elizabeth Warren would make a good candidate as well. And a couple of weeks ago he annoyed some Democrats by criticizing President Obama for putting healthcare ahead of help for the middle class back in 2010. Help for the middle class already looks to be what Hillary plans to run on. Now that Schumer’s a minority party Senator, one might guess by these moves that he’ll be angling for a Vice Presidency. Note from George - the following item is submitted for this column anonymously...
CB6 Turns the Paige
A sincere congratulations are in order to Gary Reilly our new Brooklyn Community Board 6 chairman who was elected by a vote of 29-10 over Ben Solotare. Gary’s years of effective service overcame the concerns of some over a certain open letter he wrote about LICH that became a side issue in the recent 52nd Assembly District race. From what we understand Gary did not hire Berlin Rosen to run his campaign. Chairman Reilly’s landslide is quite a change from his last foray before an electorate. Did kind words about Gary whispered by a local councilman boost his numbers? Does this send a message to newbie District Leader Paige Bellenbaum about injecting herself just as she is beginning to settle in? Did blow back over Paige’s flip flopping in the Assembly race, blow up in Solitaire’s face? Ben, after running a vigorous campaign ended up with but one more vote than the runner up for Vice Chair, Judy Thompson, who ran no campaign and wasn’t able to attend the meeting.
Mark’s
Corner
BY MARK SHAMES
De Blasio Report Card
T
he de Blasio administration has been in office for nearly a year. It is an appropriate time to give a progress report. I plead guilty to being an early and passionate supporter of the overall goals of the administration. I make this disclosure up front but I make no apology. The administration’s ambitions for a broadly progressive program were and remain great and with such ambitions come the high expectations that are nearly impossible to meet. The accomplishments of the administration are inadequately appreciated while a largely hostile press hypersensitive to a disgruntled establishment has magnified its shortcomings. Oh, there were complaints right from the get-go. The snow was not removed on the upper east side of Manhattan before it hit the ground as had been past practice. Snow removal, however, was handled professionally and just a little bit more equitably. Listening to the criticism reminded me of the outrage of billionaire bankers facing criticism over the banking crisis. First and foremost in the accomplishment column is the fact that there are now over fifty thousand children in full time pre-k programs. This is likely to be of lasting benefit to the kids and of equal benefit is the ability it has given to parents to maintain full time employment. We will no doubt find that not all those programs are well run and the programs will need continuing scrutiny but that should never be allowed to overshadow the enormity of this accomplishment. Then how about paid sick leave? This has very little relevance to most of the people I know but this is a major improvement for people at the lower end of the wage scale. I was out at a subway station with other volunteers doing outreach for this program. The gratitude of those who could benefit from this program made it a pleasure to volunteer. Municipal labor contracts that had been expired for years were finally negotiated and approved by the unions. The contracts are generally acknowledged to be fiscally responsible. Contracts for the various uniformed employees unions remain to be worked out and those negotiations are likely to be the hardest to conclude. Wasn’t there a show down between the Mayor and the Governor over charter schools? And didn’t the Governor get what he wanted in that exchange? Yes, however, the Mayor was standing by the position that he had advocated throughout his election campaign. Another promise kept. He ought not be criticized for keeping his word particularly when it remains to be seen whether the insinuation of for profit corporate interests into education will ultimately benefit the common good. I suspect it will ultimately hurt public education. Speaking of campaign promises, although I am no fan of the implementation of “vision zero” or of the proposed horse carriage ban, these are items upon which the Mayor campaigned and it should be no surprise that he is following through on his agenda. As long as there are racial and class tensions (and these are likely to remain into the foreseeable future) there will be disputes over proper policing. The Mayor ran on a critique of past stop and frisk tactics and a further enhancement of community policing. Policy has changed, retraining has started, a pilot project using body cameras has begun, and a policy of decriminalization with regard to possession of small amounts of marijuana has been instituted. Significant funding is being allocated over the next four years for additional diversion programs, with emphasis on the mentally ill, as an alternative to incarceration. This is all in line with what had been promised. Meanwhile crime is still trending down. There is reason to hope that public safety won’t suffer while police community relations start to improve. The Mayor has hired an experienced Police Commissioner who is sensitive to statistical changes in patterns of crime and who will still mold policy to maintain pub-
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Christmas 2014, Page 11
Columbia Waterfront gets holiday lights
T
he Holiday Season got a little brighter in the Columbia Waterfront, thanks to 30 small businesses organizing the installation of six snowflake skyline lights across Columbia and Union Streets. The lights are the latest effort from the renewed Columbia Waterfront Merchants Association to enhance the visibility of the neighborhood as a diverse and dynamic small business corridor. In previous years, a single strand draped across Union Street - this holiday season members were determined to expand. Paul DiAgostino of the House of Pizza and Calzone and Joe Pernice Jr. of Associated Consulting Group coordinated with the Bronx based New York Christmas Lights Corp and helped get neighboring businesses on board to participate. The costs of the lights were shared equally among all participating businesses.
by Ben Fuller-Googins
to provide technical assistance and organizing capacity for local businesses. While community members enjoy the lights until mid-January, the Merchants Association is already thinking about how to use this unprecedented collaboration and momentum for new initiatives in 2015. Priorities include a print and online neighborhood guide, growing the Merchants Facebook page, and continuing to make deeper relationships with the new businesses moving into the community. The merchants association along with the Columbia Waterfront District helped present the 8th annual tree lighting on Friday, December 12. Compass Park, at the corner of Sackett and Columbia Streets was the scene of the festivities, and the lights were lit around 6 pm.
Shortly thereafter, Santa himself, escorted by the Red Hook Raiders (our firehouse on Richards Street) made an early holiday appearance to give away toys to neighborhood children.
Along with being a source of Holiday cheer, the lights are an example to many business owners and residents of what’s possible when the community comes together for collective projects. Vilma Heramia, Executive Director of the neighborhood based Carroll Gardens Association reflected this optimism, observing that “it looks like the Columbia Waterfront Merchants Association is finally being revived and local businesses are organizing themselves to have meaningful projects for the community.” Until the Merchants incorporate into their own legal entity, a long term goal of several members, CGA will continue
Past glory is hinted at as Columbia Street gets its lights.
The park was strewn with temporarily abandoned baby strollers as parents held their curious infants up to Santa, played by David Post, a development and construction consultant. For this evening he stuck to asking the children whether they had been good.
Dave Post as Santa Clause.
Local restaurants and businesses came out in full force to donate food and refreshments. Paul DiAgostino of the House of Pizza and Calzone donated the tree. Sx local businesses underwrote theevent: Apple Bank, Capital One Bank, Dog Day Cyclery, Ogo Sport and TD Bank.
Joan Millman came out on a chilly night to greet her constituents.
Second Annual Red Hook Maker’s Market grows and thrives
Local craftspeople were once again invited by the people at Home/made to exhibit and sell their wares at their catering hall located at 63 Commerce Street. No vendor fees were charged and many sales were made as a stready trickle of shoppers made their way through the colorful tables.
Page 12 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Christmas 2014
Brooklyn Collective a place for creative Christmas shopping by George Fiala
B
rooklyn Collective is located a few doors up from Mazzat, on Columbia Street between Union and Sacket. They are open Thursdays thru Sundays from 1 pm to 8 pm. They may have some expanded holiday hours - best to call them at 718-596-6231 to be sure.
for how we could make something like that work because we were both trying to sell to other shops, which can be very daunting. We wanted to create a space that was a little more open-minded [by] showcasing things that we wanted to make and that we wanted people to see,” said Tessa.
The variety of art they have for sale is very diverse, meaning you may just find that special something for the special someone. It’s kind of like shopping in a museum gift shop, actually maybe better.
The two chose Red Hook because they were locals, although Tessa is originally from New Hampshire. “It’s our neighborhood,” said Rachel enthusiastically. They held a holiday show recently, and these photos were all taken then.
Another big reason to stop by is that you’d be supporting local artists. Brooklyn Collective began ten years ago on Columbia Street. The two founders of the shop, Rachel Goldberg and Tessa Williams met at Union Max, a thrift store located around the corner. Rachel was running the thrift store with her mother and sister. She was a jewelry designer; Tessa was a clothing designer. Both wanted a space to exhibit their work. After meeting at Union Max, they started talking about how to turn their ideas into a reality. “We would get together and brainstorm
Another new shop opens on Van Brunt
T
he furniture created by BLKWD, a new furniture shop on Van Brunt Street, personifies the past, present and future of Red Hook. Their designs incorporate an industrial aesthetic that blends polished metal with salvaged (and new) wood and would look as perfect in a workshop as in a sleek private apartment. “We like the industrial look but we wanted to bring something different,” says Arturo Contreras, 28, the cofounder of BLKWD (pronounced black wood). Through polishing the metals and adding accents like wood handles and rustic wood to their pieces, their creations project a clean, streamlined look, he says. Contreras met his business partner Adam Taylor 3-years ago through their mutual love of creating furniture. Contreras worked as a display artist for the retail chain Urban Outfitters prior to becoming a woodworker. “I was always handy, good at building things from scratch,” he says. After buying a broken down Vespa scooter, Contreras used his self-taught welding skills to fix the classic two wheeler and now incorporates those skills into BLKWD’s products. His partner Adam, 32, speaks with a southern drawl, served in the military and originally got into woodworking as a way to make money between jobs. “I always liked to use my hands,” he says. “We compliment each other,” Taylor says. “His metal work versus my wood work goes really good together. We have a really distinctive style.” And artists, businesses and individuals are taking note. Since opening in Janu-
Red Hook Star-Revue
by Micah B. Rubin
ary 2014, BLKWD’s work and commissions have grown to include Crossfit gyms, real estate offices, The Bowery House (a hip Manhattan hostel) and countless residential clients. They are currently completing the entire interior of The Rebel, a new restaurant on Bowery Street whose accents will include a wall divider made of 100-year old factory windows salvaged from the 160 Imlay Street condo development. (A member of Estate4, the company developing 160 Imlay with many real estate and business interests in Red Hook and a track record for transforming neighborhoods, is an investor in BLKWD.) “Red Hook is changing,” Arturo says. “We want to be part of that in a positive way.” Before moving into their current storefront, BLKWD worked out of a warehouse at 78 Sullivan Street now slated for redevelopment into condos. “We were really just looking for a space to work out of,” Taylor says. And it was total luck they found the storefront on Van Brunt Street, he says. All of the BLKWD’s furniture is named after neighborhood streets and when using reclaimed wood in their projects, they try to know the wood’s providence. “People like to hear the story of the wood,” Arturo says. The price of BLKWD’s furniture starts at around $350 and up, depending on the item. BLKWD also works to collaborate with other neighborhood businesses such as their next-door neighbor Tribe Bicycle Company with whom they’ve developed a wall bike hanger.
Adam Taylor and Arturo Contreras in front of their new furniture store. (photo by Micah B. Rubin). Picture below right illustrates the Visitation stool, photo by BLKWD
“We feel like we’ve been welcomed here,” Arturo says. “You can’t really go anywhere and just be accepted like that. We feel really welcome.” BLKWD, Inc. 252 Van Brunt Street (between Verona and Commerce Streets) Brooklyn NY 11231 888.973.7901 Hours: Monday – Friday 9:00am – 6:00PM
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Christmas 2014, Page 13
EVERYBODY IN RED HOOK GOES TO
MARK’S PIZZA RISTORANTE Merry Christmas!
The Fundraiser was held December 4 at the Liberty Industrial View Plaza, 850 Third Avenue in Sunset Park. Pictured below was the walk from the elevator to the gala.
COUPON SPECIAL #1
COUPON SPECIAL #2
(eat in or delivery)
(eat in or delivery)
One 18” large pie
One 16” Square pie
10 Wings (hot, bbq or plain)
10 Wings (hot, bbq or plain)
2 Liter Bottle of Soda
2 Liter Bottle of Soda
$21
$25
Cash Only
326 Van Brunt Street (bet. Pioneer & King)
Open daily 10 am to 11 pm, Sundays 11 am - 10 pm. Free Delivery Available
(718) 624-0690 (718)624-1628 Fax (718)624-2145 All Credit Cards Accepted ($10 min)
Page 14 Red Hook Star-Revue
The folks at the Brooklyn Greenway Initiative had a busy month as they held both their fall fundraiser gala and Christmas party. Always a bit ahead of the curve, the party was held at the HopShop, a craft beer bar not yet open on Columbia Street right by Pok Pok. Picture to the right are Hop Shop hosts Ryan Watson and Anneli Fried, along with Greenway founder Brian McCormick.
RED HOOK
Cash Only
BGI throws Holiday party at new Columbia Street venue
Shames continued from page 11 lic order. Yes, they will be criticized from all sides but that doesn’t mean that they aren’t doing the job well. The administration has done a major overhaul in homeless practices. The homeless population continues to go up with fewer people being turned away from the shelter system (a good thing in my view) and affordable housing remaining ever more difficult to find. In response more family shelters have been opened even as problem shelters were closed with the prospect of being reformed. The State is permitting a program for financial aid for permanent placement to be reinstituted. The City has created a “Living in Communities” (LINC) tri-level program that anticipates landlord concerns in order to encourage private landlords to rent to homeless families. Most importantly an affordable housing initiative is finally underway. Housing programs were easier to devise when there was vacant land and abandoned properties. The concepts coming out of the administration are solid, but to my mind there needs to be even greater urgency in implementation. There has been increased investment in our parks as well as in green infrastructure and a continuing emphasis on sustainability post hurricane Sandy. These are areas where the current administration is building on the substantial achievements of the prior administration. As I see
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it these are each major achievements. On the negative side I am still waiting to see positive change at the building department. The small and medium size architects and contractors that I talk to complain bitterly about virtually every aspect of the process and small business owners still say there is little improvement in ticketing practices. Given de Blasio’s emphasis on the need to maintain appropriate health care in the City and particularly in Brooklyn during his primary campaign , it was very disappointing that he was unable to move the Governor on the LICH closing and even more disappointing that there has not as yet been a broad assessment of health care and hospital needs for the City going forward. All in all there is a record of promises kept up and down the line. I believe that this has overwhelmingly been for the betterment of our City. There is always more to be done in a constantly changing City and I suspect that even our quibbler in chief Comptroller Stringer would acknowledge our positive trajectory. The slow pace of fully staffing the administration does not seem to have set back policy planning but if not corrected will set back implementation and the handling of day to day business. When all appointments are finally made and agencies operate at full efficiency those who are hoping for a one term Mayor will likely be disappointed.
Christmas 2014
Help Wanted at the Red Hook Star-Revue
Jenny belin’s Art
Looking for editorial interns, fledgling reporters and experienced freelancers. Pay is negotiable. email George at gbrook@pipeline.com PART TIME BUILDING SUPERINTENDENT
Our friend Jenny, who exhibits locally at the Brooklyn Collective, 212 Columbia Street, sends us this and tells us “This is a drawing of an ornate costume from the Ballet Russes.” Jenny’s website is www. jennybelin.com
New York Quarterly Meeting’s Brooklyn Quaker Meetinghouse in downtown Brooklyn, seeks a part time building superintendent to manage building’s maintenance and repair needs and supervise two full time custodians. Candidates should have sufficient years spent in managing building maintenance. The right candidate will have good communication skills and experience in doing simple plumbing, electrical and woodworking repairs, including boilers. Work hours are 16 a week, divided in 3 days. The salary for this position is based on experience. If you wish to apply, please send a resume with employment history to: New York Quarterly Meeting, c/o Red Hook StarRevue, 481 Van Brunt St., 8A, Brooklyn, NY 11231
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“ART & ANVIL LIBERTY INC” (RED HOOK) IS CURRENTLY SEEKING: •
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B & D HEATING 507 Court Street 718 625-1396 To place an ad in this section call 718 624-5568 or email info@redhookstar.com. Rates start at $30 per issue. Christmas 2014, Page 15
Page 16 Red Hook Star-Revue
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Christmas 2014