The first time I heard about “Night Out Against Crime,” back in the 1980’s I didn’t take it seriously at all. I really didn’t know what it was about, I thought it was some kind of feelgood event that did nothing to cut down on the rampant crime that was plaguing America’s cities.

I left tonight’s celebration at Coffey Park with a different understanding. What it consisted of was a number of tables manned by neighborhood associations and healthcare organizations; an opportunity  to listen and speak to local political representatives and most especially, a chance for the local police, including its captain to meet and greet the people they protect under friendly circumstances. Those who like to complain about a lack of democracy and community should have taken advantage of tonight’s event.

Politicians who showed up included Felix Ortiz, Carlos Menchaca, Brad Lander and District Attorney Ken Thompson. Nydia Velazquez and Joan Millman arrived toward the end of the evening. Representatives from the Brooklyn Borough President and the Public Advocate also showed up. Some, like Menchaca, had two or three Night’s Out to attend – as most precincts celebrate their own.

The 76th Precinct was well represented, starting with Captain Justin Lenz, as was the Red Hook Justice Center, although we missed Judge Calabrese who is on vacation. Police and Justice Center volunteers worked all night cooking hot dogs and hamburgers and giving them out to all who felt like standing in line.

NYCHA officials and the Tenant Leaders also had a major presence. The fact that half of Coffey Park is under renovation did not affect this Night Out, as they always use the Pioneer Street walkway, and not the park area.

We took lots of photos so you can see all the celebrities yourself….

Henrietta Perkins reminded us that this weekend is Old Timer's Weekend, with the big celebration at Tee Park on Sunday.
Henrietta Perkins reminded us that this weekend is Old Timer’s Weekend, with the big celebration at Tee Park on Sunday.
Andrea and Jay McNight, who head the Lions Club, with Assemblyman Ortiz
Andrea and Jay McNight, who head the Lions Club, with Assemblyman Ortiz

IMG_6856

The City had a health insurance table.
The City had a health insurance table.
Daniel Squadron spoke early.
Daniel Squadron spoke early.
Robert Berrios with Sister Rosana Cervone represent Visitation Church.
Robert Berrios with Sister Rosana Cervone represent Visitation Church.
The kids activity this year was tennis and golf.
The kids activity this year was tennis and golf.
Lillie Marshall on the left, Danelle Johnson on the right.
Lillie Marshall on the left, Danelle Johnson on the right.
Lots of cooking happening.
Lots of cooking happening.
On the right is the District Attorney, Ken Thompson
On the right is the District Attorney, Ken Thompson
IMG_6904
Captain Justin Lenz of the 76th Precinct receiving an award from a representative of the Borough President
IMG_6968
Carlos Menchaca with Nydia Velazquez and outgoing Assemblywoman Joan Millman
IMG_6888
NYCHA’s operations manager Cecil House speaks with Brooklyn DA Ken Thompson
IMG_6914
That’s Ian Younge, who heads the Sayo Grays, lobbying the new DA to support the Red Hook Youth Baseball League, which Younge heads, and is run in conjunction with the Red Hook Justice Center.
IMG_6918
Local Author Day Alston
IMG_6920
Brad Lander chats with Menchaca Chief of Staff Lee Wellington
IMG_6922
Red Hook East TA President Frances Brown with her husband Hal, speaking to the police.
IMG_6950
Ian Younge of the Sayo Grays, with Carlos and Rachel

IMG_6909 IMG_6915 IMG_6929 IMG_6940 IMG_6946 IMG_6953 IMG_6954 IMG_6962 IMG_6948

 

Author

Share:

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Comments are closed.

READ OUR FULL PRINT EDITION

click here to see our previous issues.

Our Sister Publication

a word from our sponsors!

Latest Media Guide!

Where to find the Star-Revue

Instagram

How many have visited our site?

wordpress hit counter

Social Media

Most Popular

On Key

Related Posts

Special birthday issue – information for advertisers

Author George Fiala George Fiala has worked in radio, newspapers and direct marketing his whole life, except for when he was a vendor at Shea Stadium, pizza and cheesesteak maker in Lancaster, PA, and an occasional comic book dealer. He studied English and drinking in college, international relations at the New School, and in his spare time plays drums and

PS 15’s ACES program a boon for students with special needs, by Laryn Kuchta

At P.S. 15 Patrick F. Daly in Red Hook, staff are reshaping the way elementary schoolers learn educationally and socially. They’ve put special emphasis on programs for students with intellectual disabilities and students who are learning or want to learn a second language, making sure those students have the same advantages and interactions any other child would. P.S. 15’s ACES

Big donors taking an interest in our City Council races

The New York City Council primary is less than three months away, and as campaigns are picking up steam, so are donations. In districts 38 and 39 in South Brooklyn, Incumbents Alexa Avilés (District 38) and Shahana Hanif (District 39) are being challenged by two moderate Democrats, and as we reported last month, big money is making its way into

Wraptor celebrates the start of spring

Red Hook’s Wraptor Restaurant, located at 358 Columbia St., marked the start of spring on March 30. Despite cool weather in the low 50s, more than 50 people showed up to enjoy the festivities. “We wanted to do something nice for everyone and celebrate the start of the spring so we got the permits to have everyone out in front,”