Gravesend is a local neighborhood east of my home in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Like many of the local areas it is 'mobbed up' with colorful characters some of whom are my clients.
Gravesend is also the name of a TV series. Tagline: Benny Zerletta, a Brooklyn based Italian-American, soldier in the Colezzo crime family. He follows the steps of his cousin, who behind closed doors was the leader of a criminal organization in Gravesend.
Monday, in the late afternoon, the heat and humidity finally subsided as gusty winds prevailed. Out on the street I met my neighbor Sal who told me they were shooting a TV show in the park. We walked over and watched for a few minutes before Sal had to leave.
As the wind tousled my hair around like a Beyonce video - I decided I wasn't ready to go back upstairs so I walked over to a bench were two members of the location crew - Tony and Dave - sat waiting as trucks and equipment pulled up and parked alongside the park.
The guys greeted me warmly telling me they were in charge of location shooting. The windy moment set the scene for me to ask them if they're shooting a remake of the "Wizard of Oz". (Laughter) They next informed me that it was all part of climate change and to expect much more weird weather. (Ellie smiling knowingly).
They told me about the TV series Gravesend - which I had already heard of but never watched - nor the fact that I had read one of the members of the cast (confidential).
They told me I should be in media - that I have 'the look and personality' for it - which was very flattering for a woman of my age. They were not flirting - just good fun.
Since they weren't shooting until sunset (a few hours later) - it was time to take my leave and go back upstairs.
Along the way I noticed that another medical office in my building had reopened now part of Langone Medical Health.
That two-story space was the original home to several landmark restaurants back in the day starting with the Hamilton House - which became Zios - and finally Lai Yuen Chinese Restaurant - all of which which eventually closed after their leases ran out. Great food. Catering room on the lower floor. Great design and ambience. People came from all over to eat and celebrate in these three establishments.
After they were gone - the space was remodeled as medical offices for an Urgent Care Center that never opened. I was told it had to do with not being able to get enough doctors.
Once Covid happened it became a Covid and Urgent Center for those who were sick and others who wanted the vaccine. That lasted for the first two years of Covid and then closed yet again.
Segue to June 2024 ... they finally reopened as part of Langone Medical Center - obstetrics and gynecology. I'm hoping it becomes an urgent care center also because as much as I love my primary care physician - who I check in with annually - it would be amazing to have something in addition that is opened seven days a week.
In recent years, I've learned a lot about healthcare in America seemingly set up to help those with good insurance and are financially able. (Let's not get into Roe v. Wade, the courts and our political system). It would be easy to write ... Don't get hurt or sick but as you know the Human Experiment is set up for emotional value and emotions leading to medical problems (generally autoimmune diseases) in this dysfunctional experiment. Waiting ...