It was not your typical Thursday afternoon on October 24, when music, laughter and blessings filled the air at the new offices of the Home Reporter News and Brooklyn Spectator for our ribbon cutting soiree.
After spending decades at the corner of Third Avenue and 88th Street, this paper has a new home on the corner of Fourth and Marine Avenues.
Dozens of the borough’s movers and shakers came to wish the paper well, including Borough President Marty Markowitz, Congressmember Michael Grimm, State Senator Marty Golden and Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes. Frankie Marra and Tony Monier played some groovy tunes as attendees enjoyed wine, cheese and other fun finger foods.
Our columnists, Ted General, Phillipa Morrish and Larry Morrish were also on hand, as well as Borough Historian Ron Schweiger.
“We are thrilled to be able to plant our flag in Brooklyn by owning our very own building which demonstrates our long-term commitment to both the borough and the community,” said Joshua Schneps, co-publisher of this paper.
“This year will mark our 80th anniversary and we are happy to celebrate and look forward to another 80 years at this location,” he went on. “We are thrilled to keep the history of the old building by bringing the old awnings and clock dating back to the 1950s. Being on the ground floor, we welcome visitors to come in with their stories.”
The office was blessed by Rabbi Heidi Hoover of Temple Beth Emeth, Father Richard Bretone from St. Patrick’s Church, who was accompanied by Sister Cynthia from Visitation, and Monsignor Jaime Gigantiello, the vicar for development of the Brooklyn Diocese and the administrator of St. Bernard Parish.
On the Avenue: Bay Ridge’s parade season in full swing 
On the Avenue: Irish step-dancers delight at St. Pat’s parade grandstand