Who Should be on the 2009 BHB Ten List?

Checkers!!!

JK – you suggest someone from last year’s list and then say post something useful on this blog. Brilliant.

Well, I was going to vote for John Kirsch, but now I’m having second thoughts.

How about Bjork? Did she actually move in? Anyone seen her?

Does it have to be a resident, or can it be someone who’s in the neighborhood daily? If the latter, I’d vote for Seth Phillips.

Brooklyn Heights exactly or the general area, i.e. vicinity? HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan lives in Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill.

geez Homer.

Does Doug Biviano still live in the hood, or has he packed up the family and moved in search of affordable health insurance?

How about Theodore Roosevelt IV for passing on the chance to run for US Senate, and for fighting the fight against global warming.

I nominate Guder and Rex for selfless contributions in bringing Brooklyn Heights their very own highly complex, well thought out art, right up and onto our very doorsteps (and maps, street signs, historical landmarks, etc.) Even at the young mental ages of 12 and 13, these 2 individuals put artistic expression in the community above all else, including common trivialities such as the “law”, a roudy neighborhood “blog”, and good taste. If you see them on the street, please let them know they have been nominated and might win a free trip to Dueshebagland. Actually if they win or not, THEY STILL GET A FREE TRIP TO DUESHEBAGLAND.

I would like to recommend my brother, Brian Shahum, for recognition on the top ten list. Brian has lived in Brooklyn Heights for the past several years and has demonstrated the kind of beneficience and pride towards his brethren that anyone would admire and respect. Brian has made it a point to give back locally by teaching basketball clinics to the neighborhood children regardless of ability to pay. He has set out to share the beauty and uniqueness of his community with all that he encounters. Through his work and love of sports Brian has raised the funds necessary to complete a full court basketball project in South Africa which benefits hundreds of deserving children. Upon his arrival to Africa it was clear that his hometown of Brooklyn Heights would be represented by the donated sporting goods and equipment that bare the BH logo! Brian has not stopped there, but had the opportunity to represent Brooklyn Heights in a reality television show called, America’s Next Sport Star, highlighting athletes around the US that have battled to compete for a tryout with a professional NBA team. Many are the fortunate to have the character and passion that Brian exudes in the Heights! Thank you in advance for consideration.

Frankly, since Ed Weintrob is part of the so-called Brooklyn Paper’s “editorial board” and said editorial board kept shilling for the Dock Street project while paying rent to Two Trees Management (while choosing to omit this outrageous conflict of interest and ignoring standard journalistic practices of full disclosure), his name doesn’t spring to mind for the 2009 Top Ten.

In my opinion, the so-called Brooklyn Paper “editorial board” belongs on an entirely different list.

If this opens to those who at least work in Brooklyn Heights (as I don’t know her home address), I nominate Shirley the crossing guard at the intersection of Atlantic Ave. & Clinton St. She is by far the nicest crossing guard along Clinton St., she actually does her job of going into the intersection and stopping traffic so kids can cross the street, and by comparison to others, doesn’t spend her work time on her cell phone, standing next to a building or talking to employees of nearby buildings. She is there, almost without fail, rain or shine, wind and cold, and is friendly and says hello to parents and kids. In short, she does her job that she was hired to do. It ain’t an easy job to be outside, which I recognize, but the other (and somewhat younger) crossing guards stand away from the intersection, doing what I don’t know, and simply don’t do their job. Some days they’re there, some days not. In the rain, they may hover near the buidling or a nearby overhang to try and avoid getting soaked. Not Shirley–she’s there helping kids cross the street. On her own, she’s wonderful and a pleasure, but by comparison, she’s wonderful, a pleasure and fantastic. Shirley is a wonderful addition to Brooklyn Heights (and Cobble Hill if she’s on that side of Atlantic Ave.) and she appropriately deserves some recognition.

Thanks.