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Hills & Gardens

To Sponge Up Gowanus Muck

A boat standing on its stern serves as a welcoming sign to the Sponge Park test site. Photo by Trudy Whitman.

By Trudy Whitman

Gowanus Canal pollution. It’s not only about the decades and decades of industrial toxins that poured directly into the waterway. As anyone who lives near the notorious channel can attest, human waste also fouls the canal after heavy precipitation. And what can’t be seen are the ground-level contaminants, such as heavy metals, that flow down the streets into the canal during downpours and heavy snow melt. When sewer mechanisms cannot handle the additional flow, this gunk goes straight into the canal as well.

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Anita Yglesias, 86, Held Leading Roles in Grace Church

Anita Nieto Yglesias. Photo by Franklin Stone.

 

By Francesca Norsen Tate

Anita Nieto Yglesias, long active in Grace Church-Brooklyn Heights, died unexpectedly on December 22. She was 86 and had lived in Brooklyn, raising her family, for all of her life.

Diane May, Educator, Active In North Heights, Dies at 78

Diane May on the Brooklyn Bridge. Courtesy of May family.

Diane May of Brooklyn Heights, a former high school teacher who was active in St. Charles Borromeo Church and North Heights affairs, died December 24 at the age of 78.

She had been a history teacher at New Utrecht High School, a teacher of English as a second language at Washington Irving High School, and assistant director of student information services in the city’s Board of Education. At St. Charles, besides being a member of the parish council, she was a religious education instructor. She also served on the board of Cadman Plaza North.

The First Estate January 4, 2012

News and Trends From Brooklyn’s Houses of Worship

Francesca Norsen Tate

Brooklyn Rallies to Help Landmark Sanctuary

When plaster fell from the ceiling of Old First Reformed Church in Park Slope just before Christmas, the sanctuary had to be closed.

This was the second time that falling plaster closed the landmark sanctuary immediately before heavily-attended worship services. The first time was at Rosh Hashanah, when Old First Church was hosting neighboring Congregation Beth Elohim for the High Holy Days. The Temple’s ceiling had also collapsed. However, Brooklyn has responded overwhelmingly, with support including from Borough President Marty Markowitz.

After 50 Years, Heights Veterinary Hospital Closes

After more than 50 years, the Heights Veterinary Hospital on Hicks Street in Brooklyn Heights has closed. The veterinary hospital has been a fixture of Brooklyn Heights since Dr. Bernard Wasserman bought and renovated the building in 1957. Eagle photo by Henrik Krogius.

BROOKLYN HEIGHTS — Pet owners in Brooklyn Heights were surprised to learn over the weekend that the Heights Veterinary Hospital at 59 Hicks St. (at Cranberry Street) has closed. A sign posted in the window refers patients to Dr. Greenberg at Atlantic Animal Care, 85 Atlantic Ave. (between Henry and Hicks streets), (718) 797-0070.