Who Should be on the 2009 BHB Ten List?

By on November 30, 2009 12:54 pm in Brooklyn Heights

Here’s your chance to chime in and help us determine this year’s BHB Ten – a list of Brooklyn Heights residents who deserve a shout-out for contributing to the outside world in a positive way.

Comment below!

BHB Ten 2008 list

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67 Responses to Who Should be on the 2009 BHB Ten List?

  1. David November 30, 2009 at 1:09 pm #

    Busy Chef!

  2. Claude Scales November 30, 2009 at 1:36 pm #

    Heather Hitchens, Executive Director of the New York State Council on the Arts and Montague Street resident, for her tireless efforts to preserve funding for the arts at a time of state budgetary crisis, as well as for developing innovative programs to encourage business, educational and arts institutions to work together (see here).

  3. No One of Consequence November 30, 2009 at 3:05 pm #

    Wasn’t the BC really a 2008 story?
    A “positive” contribution to the “outside world”?
    Very limiting, assuming you mean the world outside of BH.

  4. yo November 30, 2009 at 4:07 pm #

    Checkers!!!

  5. John Kirsch November 30, 2009 at 4:44 pm #

    I vote Alan Fishman what a guy…

    Please post something useful on this blog.

  6. Le Where November 30, 2009 at 5:17 pm #

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

  7. Claude Scales November 30, 2009 at 5:26 pm #

    John Kirsch: we’re always open to suggestions. What would you consider “useful”?

  8. nabeguy November 30, 2009 at 7:14 pm #

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

  9. T.K. Small November 30, 2009 at 7:17 pm #

    I vote for Claude Scales. He has religiously provided information about the park progress and always offers insightful comments. Thank you Claude!

  10. Claude Scales November 30, 2009 at 7:58 pm #

    T.K.: Thanks so much for the nomination and for your kind words; I must, however, respectfully decline. I don’t think BHB staff should be eligible for consideration. I know we made an exception for you last year, but it was deserved because your contributions went well beyond what you wrote for the blog.

  11. T.K. Small November 30, 2009 at 8:08 pm #

    You are being far too modest. Self absorbed, babyboomers all over the world look to you for inspiration and guidance.

  12. Monty November 30, 2009 at 9:44 pm #

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

  13. Publius November 30, 2009 at 10:35 pm #

    Anyone who had anything to do with busting Guder and Rex.

  14. PS 8 parent December 1, 2009 at 8:53 am #

    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.

  15. Homer Fink December 1, 2009 at 8:58 am #

    Resident.

  16. anon December 1, 2009 at 10:44 am #

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

  17. Homer Fink December 1, 2009 at 10:50 am #

    That would be Cobble Hill/Boerum Hill.

  18. ABC December 1, 2009 at 11:15 am #

    geez Homer.

  19. tb December 1, 2009 at 12:31 pm #

    Come on Homer.. Look at what Seth is doing for the Neighborhood.
    You need to re-think this one.

  20. Wallard December 1, 2009 at 12:55 pm #

    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.

  21. Billy Reno December 1, 2009 at 1:10 pm #

    Stuckey & Murray! They live in the Heights. Google them. You won’t regret it!

  22. Eason December 1, 2009 at 1:57 pm #

    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.

  23. melanie hope greenberg December 1, 2009 at 3:07 pm #

    I LOVED being a 10 this year and thanks Brooklyn Heights Blog for choosing me. I am still going to use my 2008 award on my email signature line. As far as I am concerned, my title is forever :)

  24. Gregory Shahum December 1, 2009 at 10:34 pm #

    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.

  25. Gersh Kuntzman December 2, 2009 at 9:01 am #

    Seriously? How about Ed Weintrob, who started The Brooklyn Paper in 1978 and really and truly is a giant of NYC community journalism. It is inarguable that Ed and The Paper (before me, so don’t think this is self-serving!) provided an enormously valuable service to the Heights and, as The Paper expanded, all of Brooklyn.

  26. Publius December 2, 2009 at 9:23 am #

    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.

  27. Billy Reno December 2, 2009 at 10:56 am #

    Oh, and the Hunchback of Atlantic Ave.!

  28. anon December 2, 2009 at 10:56 am #

    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.

  29. Homer Fink December 2, 2009 at 11:04 am #

    Considering we placed State Senator Squadron on the list last year, I’ll loosen up the rules a little here on “residence”.

  30. anon December 2, 2009 at 11:10 am #

    Thanks.

  31. lifer December 2, 2009 at 11:30 am #

    In that case, I second or third Seth. I think its right to be able to nominate people who have a positive effect on the heights, thanks for bending Home-slice

  32. bklyn20 December 2, 2009 at 11:51 am #

    At the risk of sounding self-righteous, Billy R, The Hunchback of Atlantic Avenue is actually named Nick and is a very kind and decent person. Yes, he has his issues, but perhaps he should be known by his name rather than as a caricature. For more information, I think Vivian wrote about him in one of her columns.

    Ok, sermon over.

    I would nominate Bill Ringler, head of the Riverside Tenants Association, for his tireless work to save this beautiful and historic building and the histoiric garden behind it.

  33. Billy Reno December 2, 2009 at 12:15 pm #

    bklyn20, I was referencing a title bestowed upon Nick on this very blog.

  34. Karl Junkersfeld December 2, 2009 at 12:19 pm #

    Last night I planned to go to Le Petite Marche with my wife and sat outside on their bench waiting for her to exit the A train station.

    While waiting I was saddened to see that only one couple with their child was there followed by a senior couple who arrived after the first couple left. My wife was unavoidably detained so I spent the greater portion of 2 hours just hanging outside restaurant row.

    Personally, I am very uncomfortable with eating at an empty restaurant. I truly feel saddened for the owner , the employees and the immediate neighborhood since it appears that this beautiful restaurant is having a difficult time attracting new customers.

    I would hate seeing another empty space on Henry Street.

  35. Karl Junkersfeld December 2, 2009 at 12:27 pm #

    Sorry I posted to wrong subject.

    Also, if I recall, the article that Billy Reno was referring to was in April and it ended with a note that he doesn’t think of him as the Hunchback of Atlantic Avenue anymore, but rather by his name.

  36. Pat Mazzei December 2, 2009 at 1:11 pm #

    BHB 10 list
    Hi
    I’d like to nominate Brian Shahum, Hicks St resident for man of the year!Brian Shahum is the young man who raised money and built a basketball court for kids in Africa. He formerly coached at St. Ann’s High School Boys Varsity Basketball, taught soccer classes at the Eastern Athletic Center, or had basketball instruction for local kids in the summer months. He is currently in contention for the “Next American Sports Star” on the Versus network. He works for Chartis Insurance in NYC and is formerly of Moscow, Pa. Ever since he was a kid Brian was involved With many charities and learned about giving and he’s never stoppe.
    VOTE for BRIAN SHAHUM

    Thanks
    Pat Mazzei
    patmay1122@aol.com

  37. tb December 2, 2009 at 1:12 pm #

    Ok then… I’m going to nominate Seth (if I haven’t already). Because of his efforts with PS 8 we can stay in the Heights for at least 5 more years!
    Go Seth!

  38. bklyn20 December 2, 2009 at 1:22 pm #

    Sorry if it’s the official name — I just don’t think he deserves it, bent back or not. And I meant to type “Lillian wrote about him” (sorry Lillian) not Vivian.

    Sermon over to everyone else.

  39. PS 8 parent December 2, 2009 at 2:12 pm #

    Here’s another one: Paul O. Zelinsky, if he hasn’t been nominated in the past. He lives in the Heights. Not only is he an award-winning children’s book illustrator, who has received the Caldecott Medal and at least two Caldecott Honors, but he has also given very generously of his time and artwork to PS 8, where his wife, Deborah Hallen, taught for many years. He is one of the most distinguished illustrators of the last 50 years. He has an original piece of art hanging in the children’s room of the Brooklyn Heights Library.

  40. melanie hope greenberg December 2, 2009 at 3:45 pm #

    I second Paul O. Zelinsky. His “Wheels on the Bus” is a classic. He’s been a very kind and supportive artist to me since the beginning of my picture book career in the late 1980′s.

  41. Stuckey and Murray December 3, 2009 at 11:04 am #

    Billy Reno for nominating Stuckey and Murray! Yeah. We will be at Floyd this Saturday for bocce playoffs and then at the Stache Bash in Dumbo. Donate a little cash to our mustaches here.
    http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/viewChallenge.html?id=25524

  42. Billy Reno December 3, 2009 at 11:34 am #

    That’s what I’m talkin’ about! Seriously, S&M for the BH 10. They’re like Flight of the Conchords, but less New Zealandy.

  43. Michael December 3, 2009 at 7:59 pm #

    I would like to nominate a lesser known member of the heights that continues to do a lot for Brooklyn and abroad. In the past year, Scott Ruplinger has launched a nationwide penny collection competition in elementary, middle and high schools to raise awareness for education in Kenya. He has built one new school in Kenya this year bringing the total up to three in the past three years. He also coaches (for free) a large number of Kenyan runners and arranges all of their sponsorships to travel internationally and provide for their families. Last month he opened a new training center for runners to train at for free as well as building a new community library. Locally, he runs three nonprofits aimed at low income individuals as well as coaches an after school youth cross country team in Prospect Park. Also, he chairs the public interest program at Brooklyn Law School raising funds, awareness,and interest in giving back to the local community. All of this while a full-time law student and making less than $30k a year. Though not a usually visible entity in our neighborhood, his impact is worldwide and much needed.

  44. ABC December 3, 2009 at 8:38 pm #

    Sammi and Mohammed (Doucoure) and Mohammed (Afrahim), the good guys of Montague Street.

  45. Monty December 3, 2009 at 10:36 pm #

    How about the guys at Hot Bagels in honor of their 15th anniversary?

  46. Concerned Citizen December 4, 2009 at 11:01 am #

    My vote is for Doug Biviano. He’s the first person I heard speak the truth in Brooklyn politics in my ten years in the borough. I hope he does still live in the borough. He need more people like him.

  47. Homer Fink December 4, 2009 at 2:20 pm #

    These are great nominations, please keep ‘em coming. We’re also looking for anyone who is interested in help us compile the story on the BHB 10 this year – ie photographing, interviewing the list members…. helps if you know or have access to the finalists. If you’re interested, email us webmaster at brooklynheightsblog dot com

  48. Billy Reno December 4, 2009 at 2:32 pm #

    Demetri Martin!

  49. anon December 7, 2009 at 3:48 pm #

    Given Claude’s rule that BHB staff aren’t eligible, can we nominate people who (apparently, but maybe not) occasionally write for BHB but aren’t on the masthead? I’m thinking of Brooklyn Heights own J-Lo :).

    Also, how can I send you a photo while maintaining my anon status?

  50. Andrew Porter December 8, 2009 at 1:51 am #

    And no one has even mentioned Judy Stanton? Amazing…

  51. Willowtown December 14, 2009 at 8:58 am #

    I nominate Seth Unger. Seth has been a BH resident for quite sometime along with his wife and two daughters. Seth is extremely altruistic as his efforts in promoting and engaging Publicolor http://www.publicolor.org/ The NYC Food Film Festival http://www.nycfoodfilmfestival.com/ as well as many other charitable organizations. Seth is a proud and active parent at one of the Heights local pre schools and deserves this honor in light of his morals, ethics, and character. The world would be a better place if there were more Seth Ungers! http://www.downtownexpress.com/de_62/young.jpg

  52. Snoopy December 14, 2009 at 9:58 am #

    Matt Parker (and Giuseppe) for overseeing Hillside Dog Park for what must be going on five years now. Hillside is the largest dog park in NYC and is used by hundreds of dogs and their people, not just from the area but from other boroughs, as well. Matt continues to oversee its management, from organizing cleanups, interfacing with the Parks Dept., raising money, maintaining the website, partaking in the annual Halloween parade, and spearheading campaigns such as the off-leash law that, if I recall correctly, brought Mayor Bloomberg to Hillside Dog Park. All this, while maintaining a business and an active cosmopolitan social agenda.

  53. Montragrue December 14, 2009 at 10:44 am #

    Bobby Cruz at the UPS Store. Hardest working man on Montague Street.

    Peter Byros for putting a lobster back in place of a pickle.

  54. Homer Fink December 14, 2009 at 11:22 am #

    Any women for the list this year?

  55. Claude Scales December 14, 2009 at 2:26 pm #

    Homer: I’ve nominated Heather Hitchens (see my comment near the top). As I put on my helmet for protection from the inevitable brickbats, I’ll say that I also believe Judy Stanton should be on the list. Chelsea Mauldin of Montague Street BID is another worthy candidate. Since you’ve opened it to non-Heights residents, I’ll also mention Nancy Webster, a DUMBO resident who heads the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

  56. Homer Fink December 14, 2009 at 3:44 pm #

    ahem.. “Homer”

  57. tb December 14, 2009 at 3:53 pm #

    So wait.. Homer’s name is John?

  58. nabeguy December 14, 2009 at 4:50 pm #

    tb, pay no attention to that man behind the monitor.

  59. North Heights December 14, 2009 at 6:00 pm #

    Seth Unger is a terrific choice!

  60. PS 8 parent December 14, 2009 at 9:19 pm #

    I second Nancy Webster.

  61. Truman December 14, 2009 at 9:30 pm #

    Reminder: Nancy Webster held a meet and greet (read: fundraiser?) in her apartment in 1 Main for the unapologetically corrupt “Chris Quinn” just days before the favorable vote of the Dock Street project. (How nice it will be for Nancy to send her kids to the middle school down the street from her front door.) If you’re going to include Webster, you might as well include David and Jed Walentas. (One could easily argue that movement on the park only happened with the conversion of Dumbo.) Why not include all the real estate lobbyists and shills holed up in their tax-protected Dumbo conversions? While we’re at it, how about a shout-out to Walentas lobbyist Ken Fisher? Maybe BHB should have a year-end Dubious Achievement List. That’d be one long list.

  62. Publius December 14, 2009 at 11:46 pm #

    @Truman: A-men brother.

    There’s a list that starts with the letter S.

  63. digby December 15, 2009 at 9:16 am #

    I go with Doug “Biv” Biviano as well. I think he is a new super somewhere in the Heights now. Speak the truth!

  64. Pat Mazzei December 15, 2009 at 10:11 am #

    I’m still voting for “BRIAN SHAHUM”, Hicks St.
    Go Brian!!!

  65. marygood321 December 15, 2009 at 9:33 pm #

    Again, for the third time: SLAPDADDY.

    He was confronted and assaulted by a balding malingerer who’d had too much coffee and seen his “Raging Bull” DVD one time too many. How many of us would have Slapdaddy’s self -control — only one distasteful adjective (read his account) and no flailing fists.

  66. nabeguy December 15, 2009 at 9:57 pm #

    Whoever was responsible for the garden at the foot of Hicks and Poplar Streets. A global contribution on a neighborhood scale.

  67. Billy Reno December 16, 2009 at 12:55 pm #

    Seriously, Stuckey & Murray. For being BH residents in good standing and for amazing songs such as THIS:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojo6qDKvHDY&feature=related