It’s that time, for our annual list of ten people or groups of people living or working in Brooklyn Heights, who made an impact on our neighborhood, the city, the country, or the world this year. With input from everyone at BHB, here in no particular order (actually after the first three groups, alphabetically listed), are The Ten.
The Youth Volunteers of The Service Collective
The Service Collective, a volunteer organization, was founded in late 2022 by local parents Amanda Jones and Sarah Robertson to foster community service for local youths. Since then, more than 1,000 kids and teens have volunteered for TSC’s many projects serving the needs of Brooklyn. These civic-minded cuties have organized book drives for Brooklyn Book Bodega, worked at the St. Ann’s Food Pantry and CHiPs soup kitchen, grocery shopped for the homebound, gardened at Red Hook Farms, cleaned up Cadman Plaza Park, prepared fresh food and filled the community fridge, and so much more. They prove day in and day out that the kids are alright!
Photos courtesy The Service Collective.
Small Business Owners/Landlords Who Helped New Businesses to Open in Brooklyn Heights
These long standing local small business owners helped usher in three new businesses to the neighborhood and relocate a beloved non-profit store to Montague Street. Each new tenant has credited their landlords as being instrumental in opening their new locations. The landlords have also expressed their intent to find the right tenant, not the highest paying tenant, to enhance the community. They sure got it right. The neighborhood has been beyond excited about the openings of each of these new locations.
Tony Bates, owner of Bentley’s Shoes at 144 Montague St. leased his upstairs space to Brooklyn Poets. Jason Koo, owner of Brooklyn Poets, told BHB, “Tony just seemed like someone who’s community-minded and not looking to make a quick buck. He wanted someone who’s going to be in the space for a while and doing good things in the space.”
Jim and Terri Montemarano, after closing Cranberry’s at 44 Henry St., leased the space to Poppy’s, causing a level of excitement the neighborhood hasn’t seen in a while. Jamie Erickson, owner of Poppy’s (see below), has said that Jim’s understanding of how tough the food business can be was key to the deal being made.
Tony Magliaccio, chef and owner of Noodle Pudding at 38 Henry St., leased the old Jack the Horse Tavern space at 66 Hicks St. to Inga’s Bar. “We have an awesome landlord, so thankful to be working with him,” said Sean Rembold, owner of Inga’s Bar. Sounds like a match made in Chef heaven.
Chris and Thomas Calfa, owners of Lassen & Hennigs, leased the lower level at 137 Montague St. to Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, when it was forced to vacate its space on Pierrepont Street. BWE President Ann Aurigemma told the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, “Thomas knew before we knew that we needed to be on Montague Street, but the remarkable thing is that he and his brother Chris worked with us to make it happen.” The Calfa brothers also reportedly turned down other higher paying tenants in favor of BWE, a beloved and historically important organization.
Kudos to these stalwarts of Brooklyn Heights!
From left clockwise: Tony Bates (photo by Mary Kim for BHB), Chef Tony Migliaccio (photo by Johnny Fogg courtesy heated.medium.com), Jim and Terri Montemarano (photo courtesy Jim), Chris and Thomas Calfa with BWE President Ann Aurigemma (photo courtesy Mary Frost for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle).
The Volunteers of Brooklyn Women’s Exchange
The Brooklyn Women’s Exchange was founded in 1854 as a small sewing school and storefront to “help women care for their families and earn income without having to work in a factory or other dangerous environment.” Today, BWE remains a volunteer run organization that “stands at the forefront of the American crafts movement, representing hundreds of craftspeople from Brooklyn and across the country.” In its new and gorgeous space on Montague Street, volunteers work to display and sell the beautifully handmade work of independent crafters, including jewelry, knit sweaters, linens, home decor, and holiday items for every season. BWE also helped spruce up that area of Montague Street to the benefit of the entire business district. Thanks to the volunteers for keeping this historical organization thriving!
Photos courtesy Brooklyn Women’s Exchange.
Christina D’Asaro, Founder of Spread Love Brooklyn
Spread Love Brooklyn was an idea that came to Christina D’Asaro when she and her family moved to Brooklyn Heights a week before the Covid lockdowns. “As a native New Yorker, I always knew that New York has heart, and New Yorkers have the grit and determination to overcome any obstacle – but that year in particular, I couldn’t have been prouder to be a part of this incredible community. The way our local community came together to help neighbors and support one another was truly inspiring. While our lives had completely turned upside down – one thing remained – our ability to come together and spread love to those around us.” Christina began with a community toy drive with contactless drop off to support a local mutual aid group. Within the next few years, she collected thousands of toys in her apartment and SLB was officially born. With the help of Councilmember Lincoln Restler and partnering with The Service Collective, SLB moved to Borough Hall. SLB has also organized food and clothing drives and worked with CHiPS, Mixteca, Team TLC and more. Gratitude for Christina, a true New Yorker!
Christina D’Asaro with Councilmember Lincoln Restler (photo courtesy The Service Collective).
Abdul Elenani and Akram Nassir, Co-Owners of Al Badawi
Abdul Elenani and Akram Nassir (also owner of Yemen Cafe) opened Al Badawi, Brooklyn Heights’ first Palestinian restaurant, to great fanfare in 2021. The restaurant has been written up in the New Yorker, Eater, and the New York Times, which named Al Badawi’s pistachio bread one of 25 most memorable dishes in 2022. Since opening, Al Badawi has been spreading the love, Palestinian style, and bringing people near and far to dine on Atlantic Avenue. In a recent Instagram post, Al Badawi posted a note from a customer that said, “Sending love, peace and solidarity from a Jewish Israeli neighbor. Thank you for your Chanukah message at such a difficult time. Praying for safety and wellbeing to your loved ones.” Al Badawi posted its own message in response, “If we all embraced the spirit of love and respect towards one another, the world would know harmony and unity. As Muslims, we are guided by the principle of loving our neighbors, extending kindness across all colors, races, and faiths. Let’s strive for a world where mutual respect and understanding are the foundation of our interactions. Together, we can create a world free from division and filled with compassion.” Thank you for the great food and the kindness, Al Badawi.
Jamie Erickson, Owner and Creative Director of Poppy’s
The neighborhood collectively mourned the closing of Cranberry’s in 2020 and wrung our hands for three years over what could possibly replace Cranberry’s. Then came Jamie Erickson and Poppy’s. What an incredible transformation of the space Jamie and her team accomplished. In record time too, it seemed like. And what crowds Poppy’s drew to its soft, then grand opening, and everyday since. The neighborhood just loves the heavenly pastries, prepared foods and beautifully curated home goods at Poppy’s. Thank you Jamie for saving us from despair over that empty space on Henry Street!
Photos courtesy Jamie Erickson.
Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu Jewel, Owners of Cloudy Donut Co.
Derrick Faulcon and Zewiditu (pronounced Zody-2) are owners of Cloudy Donut Co., the first Black-owned food business in Brooklyn Heights, which celebrated its one year anniversary at 14 Columbia Place this October. Since opening its doors in Willowtown, Cloudy Donuts has turned a quiet, off-the-beaten-path block into a sensational, buzzy, Instagram and Tik Tok-worthy destination, where people from all over the City and beyond come for the donuts, the vibe, and the uplifting energy of its owners. That the donuts are 100% vegan seems almost besides the point, but they are indeed delicious. No wonder the crowds keep coming. Wishing continued success to Derrick and Zewiditu!
Photos courtesy Cloudy Donut Co.
Jenny Jackson, Author of Best Selling Novel – Pineapple Street
Jenny Jackson‘s first novel, Pineapple Street, dropped in March and it has been nothing short of a sensation. Pineapple Street is a New York Times bestseller and has been chosen as a best book of the year by Time Magazine, NPR, USA Today, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & County, Vogue, BBC and more. The novel has been described by Book of the Month as “Rife with the indulgent pleasures of life among New York’s one-percenters, Pineapple Street is a smart escapist novel that sparkles with wit. It’s about the peculiar unknowability of someone else’s family, the miles between the haves and have-nots and everything in between, and the insanity of first love.” That the book is set in Brooklyn Heights and makes references to all the businesses you know and frequent make it all the more fun to read. If you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for?
Photo by Sarah Shatz, courtesy Jenny Jackson.
Rabbi Serge Lippe, Brooklyn Heights Synagogue
Last year, Rabbi Serge Lippe celebrated 25 years as the spiritual leader of Brooklyn Heights Synagogue. His impact on BHS and our broader community is immeasurable. Rabbi Serge served as president of the Brooklyn Heights Interfaith Clergy Association, initiated the annual Iftar with members of Dawood Mosque on State Street, helped develop the annual MLK, Jr. weekend with local churches, and so much more. The synagogue also credits Rabbi Lippe for tremendous growth in its membership, the expansion of its physical space, and creating BHS’s own well-regarded preschool. According to BHS’s Silver Celebration message, “Rabbi Lippe has officiated the brises, namings, b’nei mitzvah and confirmation of scores of our children and students. He has officiated numerous weddings and been by the side of our families for so many funerals and bereavements.” BHS couldn’t ask for a better leader. Congrats to Rabbi Lippe!
Photo by Mary Kim for BHB.
José Rolón a/k/a nycgaydad
With hundred of thousands of followers on Instagram and Tik Tok, José Rolón a/k/a @nycgaydad, is much more than an influencer. He is an inspiration, a real life study in courage and perseverance. Plus he’s funny as all get out. If you don’t follow @nycgaydad, you’re missing out on some of the funniest, most heart-warming, and inspiring content on social media. Many people know José’s story of suddenly becoming a single dad with a toddler and twins on the way, when his husband Tim Merrell passed away in 2013. Watching him raise his adorable and equally funny kids, Avery and twins London and Lilah, with so much love, fortitude, and most of all, humor, is simply life-affirming. As a bonus, José’s partner, Thomas Curcio, joined the family a year ago, to the absolute delight of their social media audience. José isn’t just a content creator, he’s also a sought after wedding planner, a board member of Brooklyn Children’s Museum, and an active member of the PS8 PTA. We’re so lucky to have José and his family in our neighborhood!
Left: José Rolón with Thomas Curcio, Lilah, London, and Avery. Top Right: José’s husband Timothy Merrell with newborn Avery (photos courtesy José Rolón).
Lastly, there have been some harrowing accidents and people in need of emergency help in Brooklyn Heights this year. Heaps of gratitude go out to EMS workers, FDNY and other emergency responders who work to save lives while we look on and hope for safety for all. Mister Roger’s mom was right. In times of tragedy, look for the helpers. Thank you emergency workers!
Here’s to a healthy, happy and more peaceful New Year for all!
