Homer Fink – Brooklyn Bugle

Memorial Service for Martha Atwater Friday, March 1

February 26, 2013

A memorial church service for Martha Atwater, who was tragically killed Friday at the intersection of Atlantic Avenue & Clinton Street in Brooklyn Heights, will be held this Friday, March 1, at 3:30 p.m. at Grace Church, 254 Hicks Street.

The Brooklyn Eagle has published the 48-year-old Emmy-winning local resident’s obituary. Atwater, who produced children’s TV shows like “Clifford The Big Red Dog,” and “Goosebumps,” was married to Tom Wallack and had two young daughters. (Photo: Brooklyn Eagle, courtesy of the Atwater family)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55667

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Events

First Presbyterian Church & Key Food Partner To Replenish ‘Mission Brooklyn’ Food Pantry

February 26, 2013

The First Presbyterian Church of Brooklyn has partnered with Key Food to help fulfill its “Mission Brooklyn” initiative. On Friday, March 1, from 7-8 p.m., locals may donate contributions and food items at the Key Food @ 102 Montague Street, to help restock FPC’s Food Pantry.

After several months of increased need, the church’s pantry, which serves some 120 community members, is in dire need of restocking. Key Food is allowing FPC’s Mission Brooklyn—its monthly youth service initiative—to set up tables on March 1, during which shoppers can buy cans of food from the grocery that will be directly donated to the Food Pantry. Cash and check donations are also welcome and will be used to purchase food.

FPC notes: “In 2009, the FPC Food Pantry experienced a 58% increase in the number of people visiting the pantry for emergency and supplementary food. In 2012, this need remained at an all-time high, as demand continues to increase, particularly among low-income caregivers and out-of-work breadwinners. Clients are often the working poor of all ages with fixed incomes and limited mobility, making the FPC Food Pantry an important source of support. All people are welcome to the pantry; no one is turned away for any reason.”

First Presbyterian is located at 124 Henry Street. Read more about the food pantry and its accomplishments and needs at its website. The Food Pantry is every Thursday at 10 a.m.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55661

From the Web

Events, Food

Miss America & Markowitz To Celebrate Fairway’s Reopening On 3/1

February 21, 2013

The reopening of Red Hook’s Fairway Market March 1 is be treated as a celebration for the local community, complete with guest “stars” and lots of hoopla. Racked reports that the grand reopening at 8 a.m. Friday will include demos and giveaways—and an appearance from Miss America Mallory Hytes (who lives in Brooklyn) and Borough Prez Marty Markowitz.

As previously reported, 5 feet of water filled the 52,000sf waterfront grocery store. Owners have invested $10 million to install a new bake area and larger cafe, wider aisles and all-new equipment.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55543

From the Web

Events, Food, News

Great News: Red Hook’s Fairway Market To Reopen 3/1

February 14, 2013

After Hurricane Sandy devastated Red Hook’s beloved Fairway Market, the entire neighborhood has suffered as many that visited the grocery from the surrounding vicinity also stopped supporting other local businesses that depend on so much traffic from the anchor store.

Good news: Fairway is set to reopen March 1, according to the New York Daily News, after 5 feet of water filled the 52,000sf waterfront grocery store, damaging all equipment, including refrigerators, cash registers and merchandise. The market was gutted, along with a $10 million price tag to put in a new bake area and cafe, wider aisles and new equipment. Workers are now putting the finishing touches on the store.

And to the credit of Vice Chairman Howie Glickberg, most employees were never out of work as the store has put itself back together. Fairway officials set up shuttle buses so employees could work at other outlets within the chain. “We have an obligation. We’re the cornerstone of Red Hook,” Glickberg said. “This area was devastated and we had an obligation to take care of our workers.”

All 300 workers at the store on Van Brunt Street were rerouted to other Fairway markets, some as far away as Douglaston, Queens and Westbury, Long Island.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55363

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Cocktails, Food

I’ll Drink To That: Red Gravy’s Cocktail Specialties Perused

February 14, 2013

Serious Eats peruses the cocktail specialties at Red Gravy, Saul Bolton’s acclaimed restaurant at 151 Atlantic Avenue that opened in December.

In Eats’ “First Look” column, beverage director Jesse Cason notes: “Italians have thirsts that match their appetite. They believe wine and spirits are integral to their enjoyment of their native cuisine. We like to think of our libations as enlivening to the palate, but also medicinal. Hopefully they will cure what ails you.”

Serious Eats adds, “The cocktails at Red Gravy bear in mind the Italian practice of consuming apertivi to stimulate the appetite, and digestivi to aid in digestion. You’ll recognize bottles of amari and herb-laced bitters behind the bar and in the cocktails: take, for example, the Whiskey Skiffer, a spin on a Boulevardier that’s made with Cynar, an artichoke-laced liqueur, instead of the traditional Campari for an extra-bitter punch.

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Downtown Brooklyn, Food, News, Real Estate

Shake Shack’s Downtown Brooklyn Success Inspires Second BK Locale

February 12, 2013

Downtown Brooklyn’s Shake Shake inarguably changed the face & fortunes of the once-sagging Fulton Mall, convincing many Heights residents to cross Court Street for the first time in years (decades?). Since its December 2011 opening, the burger joint has led to a renaissance, bringing the likes of Starbucks, Brooklyn Industries, H&M, Century 21, Gap, Seattle’s Best, TJ Maxx, Raymour & Flannigan… and on and on…

Union Square Hospitality Group has confirmed a second Shake Shack in Brooklyn this fall at 170 Flatbush Avenue, across from the 18,200-seat Barclays Center, which BHB first tipped in September.

Grub Street reports that the chain is expanding this year in London and Istanbul, and may be coming to the Upper West Side, in addition to Manhattan locations in Madison Square Park and Midtown.

In a press release, Shack Shack acclaims its “modern day roadside” burger stand known for all-natural burgers, flat-top dogs, frozen custard, beer, wine and more.” CEO Randy Garutti says, “Our second Brooklyn location will be directly across from the Barclays Center and plant us firmly within walking distance of several neighborhoods from Park Slope to Fort Greene. New York City is our hometown, and the Shack will be the place where New Yorkers can come together to celebrate the best of Brooklyn’s thriving culture, sports and entertainment.” (Photo: Brownstoner)

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55254

From the Web

Around Brooklyn, Beer

Beer Goggles: Park Slope Eye Doc @JustinBazan Breaks Out the Booze

February 10, 2013

The New York Post reports on Dr. Justin Bazan, a Park Slope eye doctor, who breaks out the beer and booze for patients on occasion. That’s legal, right? It’s like Mad Men era doctors smoking with their patients, right?

Heck, dilate our pupils and hang up a disco ball and we’ve got a party!

NYP: Patients are offered tea, snacks and craft brews on arrival. Most finish their libations in the lobby, but Bazan allows unfinished ales in the exam room, too.
One recent patient wanted to get pie-eyed after a hard day and asked for something stronger.
Bazan took out a bottle of Jack Daniel’s — left over from an art show held at the lens shop — and poured him Jack and Coke.
“The guy had a cocktail instead of a beer,” Bazan said. “He had three of them, actually.”

Not for nothin’ but it seems like Dr. Bazan is a regular Dr. Oz, what with the appearing on TV and the apparent hiring of a publicist (hey he got on WCBS-TV !):

Speaking of press, Business Insider called the good doc a “social media evangelist” who loves the Yelp (which….ahem… is mentioned in the NYP piece today) in a 2011 article.

Not all of Bazan’s Yelp reviews are great, as this excerpt shows:

Like at least one other reviewer, I also witnessed Dr. Bazan verbally berate his staff in front of customers, which is consistent with his hostility toward any critical reviewer on this page. (Take note, especially, of the instance where he responded by posting details of a customer’s medical care on Yelp, which needless to say is unethical behavior for a medical professional.)
I’m truly disappointed PSE turned out to have so much baggage – I was very happy with my treatment, and wish the rest of the experience had matched it.

Like any decent “social media evangelist”, Bazan engages his critics and responded:

Anyone who knows me ,knows I have a huge heart and my head is always in my patients shoes. We maintained a perfect 5 star rating for over 100 yelp reviews. However, when we reminded people that they owed money, the boo brigade began. Sometimes a little pruning is needed if you want to have a prize rose bush.

Love him or hate him you have to respect Bazan’s hustle!

NY Post photo

From the Web

News

Markowitz on LICH Closing: “A Serious Mistake”

February 8, 2013

Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz testified before the Assembly Health Committee at Brooklyn Borough Hall today. Here’s the transcript of his testimony:

This morning’s unanimous vote by the board of SUNY Downstate to shut down LICH is simply unacceptable. Closing LICH jeopardizes the health and well-being of thousands of Brooklynites and will have serious effects on our economy.
LICH provides essential medical treatment for thousands of Brooklynites with chronic conditions and those seeking emergency care—without it, they will lose their lifeline.
Comptroller DiNapoli’s audit claims that LICH is underutilized, yet according to several reports, including a study by the New York Nurses Association, LICH averaged a 90 percent occupancy rate. And in 2010, LICH delivered more than 3,000 babies, and treated over 4,000 infants in its neo-natal unit and nearly 2,000 heart patients.
The statistics clearly show that LICH is not underutilized.
Furthermore, the New York Nurses Association also found that in 2012 there were well over 120,000 patient visits to LICH. Roughly 20 percent of those were emergency room visits, meaning without LICH, one out of every five patients would have had to go elsewhere, losing valuable time in the process. And in life threatening situations, every second counts.
And the hospital’s hard working staff has clearly proven their capabilities and dedication as they are essentially operating with half the required resources. The facility has been staffed and budgeted for no more than 250 beds, yet the hospital has more than 500 beds!
Sadly, these 2,000 dedicated doctors, nurses, and hospital staff are in danger of losing their jobs. Many of these employees live in Brooklyn, so closing LICH would have devastating economic consequences that would ripple across Brooklyn. And right now, the last thing we want to do is hurt our already fragile economy.
In the debate on LICH’s future, we cannot ignore the simple fact that the real estate value of the LICH property is estimated at $500 million dollars. It raises the serious concern that this hospital may be viewed more valuable closed than open. But whatever profits SUNY might gain from real estate will be more than offset by the loss in jobs and valuable medical service to our community.
It’s plain to see that closing LICH would be a serious mistake, so I call on SUNY’s board to rethink this rash decision and continue working to find alternative solutions that would ensure that Brooklynites do not lose critical medical services.

BHB file photo by Claude Scales

Tweets about “#savelich”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55136

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, News

Daniel Squadron On LICH Closing: ‘Our Fight Isn’t Over’

February 8, 2013

State Senator Daniel Squadron has put up his dukes over Friday morning’s confirmation that Long Island College Hospital will be shuttered by the SUNY Board of Trustees and sold for real estate development.

In a statement, he insists: “Our fight isn’t over. As I said yesterday, SUNY’s plan essentially turns a $63 million state grant into a subsidy for a massive real estate deal that will cut essential services without any community benefit. It should be no surprise that our community and Brooklyn will feel looted with this result. DOH has an opportunity to ensure the needs of this community and all of Brooklyn are met—and that’s precisely what we will urge it to do.”

Squadron testified at Thursday’s public hearing, in which community leaders and locals bemoaned the closing of the 155-year-old facility, at 339 Hicks Street in Cobble Hill.

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55066

From the Web

Brooklyn Heights, Events, News, Real Estate

Sparks Fly At Thursday’s LICH Public Hearing

February 7, 2013

At Thursday’s public hearing with the SUNY board in Midtown Manhattan, sparks were flying over the closing of Long Island College Hospital in Cobble Hill, with contentious exchanges between Councilman Brad Lander, SUNY Chairman Carl McCall and state Sen. Eric Adams.

Among accusations: whether SUNY’s acquisition of Long Island College Hospital was a transaction driven by real estate rather than medical considerations. Lander: “Was there a good faith effort to integrate LICH into the [larger medical] system, or was there some attention being paid to several hundred million dollars, possibly 500 million dollars, in real estate?”

After the hearing Thursday afternoon, the board is expected to act on a recommendation that it close LICH in a closed door session. The Brooklyn Daily Eagle is reporting on today’s events.

Tweets about “#savelich”

Source: Brooklyn Heights Blog
http://brooklynheightsblog.com/archives/55016