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Extra Credit: Here is New York

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By: Teresa Roca

Because of Hurricane Sandy, I couldn’t help but think about E.B. White’s This is New York. There are a lot of reasons why this book relates to New York City today. White explains how every facility is inadequate such as the overcrowded hospitals, schools and playgrounds etc. But then he goes on to say that the city makes up for these hazards and deficiencies by supplying citizens with a sense of belonging to something unique. That is exactly the reason why New York is the way it is today. Despite the claustrophobic subway stations and unimproved highways and bridges, New Yorkers can’t help but absorb and love New York City despite all of its flaws.

This is shown today through Hurricane Sandy. According to White, “The city, for the first time in its long history, is destructible. A single flight of planes no bigger than a wedge of geese can quickly end this island fantasy, burn the towers, crumble the bridges, turn the underground passages into lethal chambers, cremate the millions.” This is untrue. When the terrorist attacks occurred on September 11th, 2001, New York did not destruct or crumble. Despite the lives lost, this helped unite the city. The same happened with Hurricane Sandy. I have never seen more unity in a community than this past week. In Staten Island, islanders from all parts of the area opened their warm homes to people without power, gave neighbors generators and the little bit of gas they had left, donated clothes, cleaning supplies, food and other necessities, and visited the destroyed homes to help clean and salvage goods. Because of everything New York City and the boroughs have done for the residents in regards to giving people something unique and mighty, we gave and continue to give back by not allowing these destructible events destroy the city, but letting it become even stronger. It is nice to know that New York was and still is loved by its residents despite its flaws. Although this book may be dated at times, the message will never be.

Katherine Vaz

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By: Teresa Roca

Katherine Vaz’s “Our Lady of the Artichokes” is a collection of intriguing and complex short stories. In each story, Vaz is able to capture the emotions of each main character, allowing readers to understand and learn all aspects of each character’s life throughout the years.

I found it interesting how most of the characters experience tragedy, such as death, poverty or divorce. Each character carries with them the pain many of us go through in our lives. This aspect is my favorite part of the collection, the fact that we all suffer through hardships in life, allowing each and every one of us to relate to these strong characters. What is remarkable is how many of them still believe in their religion, using this belief as a way to get through their struggles. In a world where religion is becoming less and less practiced, it is nice to see this collection of people continue to believe in faith despite their hardships.

I enjoyed “My Bones Here Are Waiting for Yours” the most. I thought Vaz did a good job of incorporating mystery into this story. Towards the end of the novel, I became so attached to both Delilah and Mary that I kept hoping we would finally discover why Delilah was found dead, and if Mary moved on. I found the symbols of the charms a beautiful touch. This evokes the mother’s emotions even more, as she hopes to find the final pieces of her daughter. I enjoyed the flashbacks, and how Vaz turned this story into one where we learn about both characters and their relationship, as opposed to just hearing of the mother’s thoughts 17 years after her daughter’s death.

Another story I enjoyed was “All Riptides Roar with Sand from Opposing Shores.” I enjoyed reading Lara’s letters and watching her mature through each one. In these letters, we learn of her childhood, the death of her father, the abandonment of her mother, her divorce and more. Through all of this, she continues to write to Lucia, even though she never receives a letter back. I thought having the story written in the form of letters was a successful way for the reader to learn about this character’s life, while seeing her belief in faith.

All in all, I enjoyed this collection of short stories. The writing allowed me to feel the emotions of each character throughout the story and after. I have not went through the hardships many of these characters faced. However, I am able to understand the experiences and emotions of each character through Vaz’s impactful and memorable writing.

Longevity and Tradition Help Keep a Family-Run Tavern in Business

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By: Teresa Roca

The aroma of pizza and sound of friendly voices welcomes Staten Island residents into an old brick building every night. As they walk through the crowded room, jersey-wearing strangers toast each other with beers in response to the sports game, long-time friends reminisce on their past, and families of all ages strive to create new memories.

This is a typical night at Lee’s Tavern, a pub that has been in business since 1940.

“My husband lived two blocks down and he always came here,” said Catherine Palemine, owner of Lee’s Tavern. “The original owner, Leroy Moresco, wanted to get out of the business and his family wasn’t interested, my husband was.”

After years of working for Moresco, Diego Palemine became owner of Lee’s Tavern in 1969. His wife and their son Diego Palemine took over the tavern after his untimely death in 1986.

By keeping the traditions that strengthened Lee’s Tavern as a business, the Palemine family adds their own touches to continue the longevity and reputation of this tavern that has been a second home to local residents for over 70 years.

“We try to add a few things when we can,” said Diego Palemine. “We were the first place that anyone could remember having satellite television so guests could watch different games. We added more beer taps and a few more toppings to our pizza.”

Despite these changes, the family makes sure to hold onto the old-fashioned appearance and family-based core of the tavern that made this establishment a favorite among locals.

“We just came up with buffalo calamari. We take the same products we already have and put a different twist on it so you are not necessarily ordering something new,” said Diego Palemine. “I think one of the best compliments I get is when somebody comes in and says, ‘I haven’t been here in 30 years and it still looks the same.’”

One long-standing tradition the Palemine family continues to offer is their well-known thin crust pizza. The family prides themselves on the quality, and reasonable prices of $10 for a large pie and $5.75 for a small pie.

“People are looking to save their money and get the most out of their dollar,” said Diego Palemine. “They come here where they can feed a family of four for $30 or $40.”

Although the struggling economy has actually helped the business because islanders opt for the tavern’s low prices, the increase of water, electricity and food products has caused Lee’s Tavern to increase their prices when necessary.

“It’s getting tougher as prices are going higher,” said Diego Palemine. “We use about 600 to 700 pounds of flour to make dough and 700 to 800 pounds of cheese a week. When you add those up by the year, it’s a big number. “But we try to hold onto our prices for as long as we can,” added Catherine Palemine.

Located in the Dongan Hills area of Staten Island, Lee’s Tavern is surrounded by reputable bars and pizzerias. Although many of these businesses rely on word of mouth and their well-established reputation to stay successful, they still need to compete for newcomers.

Nunzio’s Pizzeria and Restaurant is located a few blocks from Lee’s Tavern. Open since 1942, they believe that they have the best pizza on the island, as many islanders compliment them on their bread-like dough and distinguishable tomato sauce.

“A lot of people come in and try to compare us to Lee’s Tavern. They always tell us that our pizza is better,” said Nunzio’s worker Nick Goldstein. “We have been around for 60 years, that reputation helps us out a lot. We have people come from all over that say they come here just for our pizza.”

Like Nunzio’s, Lee’s Tavern does not offer specials to customers on meals and drinks, compensating with their low prices and generous portions. The tavern also refuses to advertise in papers, through social media, or with a sign outside the building.

“We really haven’t had to do much to be honest with you,” said Diego Palemine. “Great grandparents came, grandparents came, and parents came, now the kids and grandchildren come. It’s a generation place. It is all word of mouth. Not having a sign outside just adds to the allure of people finding it and wanting to find it.”

With an increasing amount of bars closing in the area, they must distinguish themselves from one another in order to ensure business.

“Lee’s is known for pizza and we are known for having the best hamburgers,” said Mike Pace, a waiter at the Grant City Tavern. “We also offer certain specials on drinks and we have mixed drinks.” These are deals and specialties Lee’s Tavern does not offer.

In the last 15 years, the Palemine family has witnessed a major turnover in the neighborhood, as Hispanic minorities are moving in and locals are moving out. Thankfully, the Cheers-like atmosphere they have worked hard to build and maintain allows their bar to feel as if the neighborhood never changed.

“Customers now are coming from farther than they were,” said Diego Palemine. “A few years ago, they were coming from a five-block radius, now you have people coming from the other side of the island, or places like Jersey or Brooklyn.”

Diego and Catherine Palemine hope to make some changes to the tavern that will increase business such as adding more televisions, installing Wi-Fi connection and extending the kitchen. Until then, the Palentine family continues to build the reputation that was established for them by Moresco and the late Diego Palemine.

“Even though it’s a tavern, we have all age groups in here,” said Catherine Palemine. “This bar is family oriented and we try to keep it that way.”

Step inside Lee’s Tavern and find out why this is the East Shore of Staten Island’s go-to spot for locals.

Reaction to A.J Liebling

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By: Teresa Roca

In “Apology For Breathing,” I was able to relate to the author when he discussed how certain New Yorkers are submerged in their environment, oblivious of the world around them. I can relate to this since I am the type of person who feels that there is no place better than New York City. I couldn’t help but laugh when he spoke about New Yorkese. This accent is definitely something many of us don’t realize we have. I found it interesting when he said that New Yorkers are the best mannered people in America, something I don’t agree with. I definitely believe that we live by the stereotype of being rude to others. This shows much New York has changed throughout the years.

“Beginning With The Undertaker” was my favorite of the stories. I am Italian and have travelled to Italy many times. His reporting on the old myth that you must bathe in odd numbers is a great example of all the traditions and myths Italians live by. I appreciated Liebling’s reporting on the Italian community of New York City since I feel it is currently being taken over by the China Town area.

In “City Block,” it is sad to see how such an overpopulated area could be filled with so much poverty and hardship. I especially liked Mrs. Pearl Hankison’s account on how Harlem used to be. It is a great contrast of the two times. Through the author’s writing, the reader can see how the conditions were getting worse.

“Getting By” and “Tummler” has the perfect subjects for a short story. Being a professional faster and eater are two professions I never knew about. I cannot believe it is possible to fast for over thirty days or to eat hundreds of oysters in one sitting! Hymie Katz is definitely a character that everybody hates to love. This account of his life of gambling and scamming definitely taught me how people rely on these two to sustain a living.

These stories are great representations of the history of New York City. They taught me about certain neighborhoods and the colorful people who used to live in them.

Joe Gould’s Secret

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By: Teresa Roca

Joseph Mitchell’s “Joe Gould’s Secret” is a classic in disguise. Through Mitchell’s writing, he is able to capture the emotions of each character, allowing the reader to understand the actions of Gould and Mitchell.

When I began reading this novel, I did not find bohemian Joe Gould to be a likeable character. I found him to be selfish and felt that he was using his oral history as a way to trick his friends and acquaintances into donating money to the “Joe Gould fund.” His constant drinking and lies about what he would use the money for strengthened my negative thoughts about Gould. An example would be, “I’m supposed to go to the clinic at the Eye and Ear Infirmary, at Second Avenue and Thirteenth Street, and pick up a prescription for some eye trouble I’ve been having, and if it’s one kind of prescription it won’t cost anything but if it’s another kind it may cost around two dollars, and I’ve just discovered that I don’t have any money with me, and it’s getting late, and I wonder if you’d ask your receptionist to lend me two dollars” (Mitchell 55). We later find out that Gould never went to the clinic and used the money for something else. As the novel continued, I began to feel sympathy and understand why Gould acted the way he did. By learning of Gould’s past, and how he would rewrite the death of his father and other prominent events in his life over and over again, I discovered that Gould is a character suffering from pain and regret of his past. This humanizes Gould, turning him into a more likeable character, as readers are now able to relate to him.

Throughout the novel, Mitchell’s ability to feel sympathy for Gould makes him an admirable character. By paying for Gould many times, forwarding his mail, and checking on him, this shows the genuine character Mitchell is. Mitchell is not a character that carries the stereotype journalists unfortunately carry of using their subjects for stories. That fact that Mitchell did not continue to badger Gould about the oral history not existing, and that he kept Gould’s secret even after his death shows the remarkable journalist Mitchell is. It is also interesting to see how much the neighborhood cared for Gould after his death, especially when friends dedicated their time searching for the oral history. One man made a community come together as a whole. This makes me believe that maybe this was Gould’s secret all along.

This novel is relatable, smart, informative, and draws emotion. I am glad that I had the opportunity to read it.

Working as a Mid-19th Century Carpenter in 2012

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By: Teresa Roca

Norm Pederson arrives at his 19th century style workshop at the crack of dawn almost every morning. Inside, wooden buckets hang from the ceiling above him, spoons, butter presses and rolling pins sit on tables beside him, and scraps of wood are scattered around him. As Pederson carefully makes his way through the cluttered room, sounds of wood shavings crackle beneath his wood-dusted work boots, as he gathers his tools, and prepares to split and shave wood for his next creation.

Pederson isn’t a professional carpenter. He is a volunteer at Historic Richmond Town on Staten Island.

“I portray the farmer who would be working in a shop like this in the 1850s,” said the 17-year volunteer. “I make things the way they were made at this time. That means style, materials and methods.”

Norm Pederson in his carpentry shop.

A Staten Island native for 66 years, Norm Pederson dedicated his post-retirement to fulfilling two passions that began during childhood: carpentry and history. With Historic Richmond Town becoming more volunteer dependent as business decreases with each passing year, Pederson volunteers to help the village stay alive and to inform people of America’s history, just as he was informed as a child.

“My grandfather came to this country from Norway in the 1890s as a carpenter,” said Pederson. “My father taught me carpentry when I was a little boy with my grandfather’s tools. He taught me how carpentry was done during my grandfather’s time. I still use some of my grandfather’s tools, which is a pleasant connection with my own past.”

Pederson visited Historic Richmond Town, the only living historic village in New York City, frequently as a boy. The now 25-acre village with 15 restored buildings only consisted of a museum and the Voorlezer house, which is a national historic landmark.

Despite his passion for carpentry and history, Pederson didn’t pursue either as a profession. After flunking out of college (“I had a lot of fun in college”), Pederson enlisted in the army. He later worked for the city is a deck handler on the Staten Island Ferry, cleaning litter and handling lifeboats. However, he never forgot the skills taught to him by his father. He continued to practice carpentry and research history casually throughout his life.

Pederson got involved with civil war reenacting and returned to Historic Richmond Town for an event in 1994.

Pederson’s carpentry shop.

“I got talking to some of the people who work here and they were very interested in other people who were interested in history,” said Pederson. “Then an offer was made and I got involved. One day I saw the shop, which hadn’t been used in ten years or so and I said, ‘can I kind of hang out in this shop?’”

Pederson now helps visitors explore American life in the mid-19th century by allowing them to experience the life of a farmer through his carpentry demonstrations.

When people come to Pederson’s shop, he always makes sure to follow one simple rule: grab the visitor’s attention.

“Sometimes I go for a cheap thrill, such as splitting wood,” said Pederson. “Showing how it splits seems like a very simple thing, but it actually catches people’s imagination. If you can do that, then you might go a little further and talk about the technical part of it. You don’t want to start out with the technical part because we don’t want to bore people to death. We want to entertain them.”

According to Felicity Biel, the director of education and programs at Historic Richmond Town, “Norm is a wonderful asset. He relates well to all ages of visitors and makes the story of earlier American life so accessible to people who visit his shop to see his demonstration of farmer and carpentry skills.”

Pederson’s wooden pieces aren’t just for show. His items are displayed in museums, sold to visitors, used to furnish historic houses and more. Pederson also helps Richmond Town by performing American Folk music by playing the fiddle with band member Bob Conroy at Richmond Town events, helping the maintenance team pick up litter, and fixing things around the village.

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“Beyond what visitors can see, Norm has also helped behind the scenes,” said Biel. “He has repaired spinning wheels that are used in the school workshop programs and carved wooden yokes so young visitors can try them out.”

Despite school and camping trips that drastically helps Richmond Town’s business, the village still suffers because of the neighborhood’s development throughout the years. As Richmond Town continues to modernize, becoming more upper class, people are beginning to forget about this rustic village that has been at the center of Staten Island’s history for hundreds of years.

“You get a lot of people from other countries. You don’t get many Staten Islanders,” said Pederson. “Since the bicentennial it has been down. Europeans are great listeners because they are interested in our history.  Americans are not interested in their own history anymore. That is partly why this place doesn’t have much money.”

Although Pederson does not get paid with money for his long hours of hard work, he does get paid other ways.

“I never make a lot of money, but that was my choice. I enjoy my life,” said Pederson. “I am a very lucky person in the sense that Historic Richmond Town needs something like this and they’re nice enough to let me do this. When you are teaching, it’s really rewarding to have people pay attention to you. Having people ask intelligent questions and being respectful, what could be better than that?”

Podcast: Although Pederson enjoys volunteering at Old Richmond Town, there are down sides to volunteering as a carpenter.