Most of us know little about autism or how to handle it, but we’re getting there. That was the takeaway from the presentation by Autism Speaks last week at SJC.

According to its site, Autism Speaks is “the world’s leading autism science and advocacy organization, dedicated to funding research into the causes, prevention, treatments and a cure for autism; increasing awareness of autism spectrum disorders; and advocating for the needs of individuals with autism and their families.” The group's speakers proved this by passionately explaining how autism played a role in their own lives, with one speaker, Lindsay Naeder, focusing on how her twenty-six year old brother has been dealing with the condition.

Far from overly emotional, the speakers were calm and precise. First, they made sure the audience defined autism as a neurological disorder that affects one’s ability to communicate. Then, they said something that I found incredibly insightful--“If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism.” This playful twist on a common phrase illustrates how unique each autistic person is, and it shows how ignorance of those differences makes treatment difficult. The identical treatments won’t work with everyone. By the same token, not everyone will display autism in the same way.

The bulk of the presentation expanded my understanding of the issues. I learned, for example, that in coming years Asperger’s will no longer be treated as a separate disorder, but will instead fall under the autism spectrum. I also found out about the services Autism Speaks offers for free, which help families adjust to autism in newly diagnosed children or at older stages. These free services require fundraising, of course. Check out the Autism Speaks site for information on how to join one of the group's many fundraising walks.

Hollywood has discovered Waverly Avenue. Throughout the first week of March a crew has been working on a new film called A Walk Among the Tombstones right next to SJC's St. Angela's Hall on Waverly.

According to IMDB, the film stars Liam Neeson as a private detective named Matthew Scudder, who is hired by a drug kingpin to look for the person who kidnapped and murdered his wife. Based on the novel of the same name by the popular mystery writer Lawrence Block, the film should be out sometime in 2014. Right now part of it is being filmed right in our backyard.

Crew members say that Neeson is not in any of the scenes that they’re filming here, although some SJC students insist that they spotted him. In any case, the crew is shooting a series of scenes, one of which features another character having a phone conversation in a rotunda window.

While the shoot takes place this week, what little traffic that goes through Waverly Avenue has been further slowed. “The film takes place in the nineties,” said Andrew, a production assistant on the film. “So we can’t have [modern] cars coming through.”

In addition to halting traffic, the parking situation has become complicated on Waverly.  But while that may be an inconvenience for some, it's still pretty cool to have a movie being made in our neighborhood.

Brooklyn’s literary reputation may seem greatly exaggerated, but there’s certainly plenty of action at Picasso Machinery. Located in Williamsburg, at 45 Broadway and Wythe, the venue is like a miniature Apollo Theater for the writers who showcase their talents there on the last Friday of each month.

Writers are featured performers at the events, but Picasso Machinery also gives the floor to artists from a wide range of disciplines. Whether you favor stand-up, music, magic, interpretive dance, or art without genre, the variety of talent promises something enjoyable. If your experience is anything like mine, one act will stay on your mind for days.

Though I went to the venue to hear stories, I was surprised to be listening to beat-boxing as well. This comical branch of hip-hop has been of passing interest to me, but I never knew which artists to start with. At Picasso Machinery I received my introduction. The February 22 show was love-themed to coincide with Valentine’s Day, but that did not stop “Kaila and The Kid,” a beat-boxing, or to be specific, “beat-rhyming” duo, from eschewing that theme in favor of sounds made with their mouths. At one point Kaila mimicked a violin while The Kid rapped over her.

The performance space is made more beautiful by its humble size. The participants perform near a withered tree and piano, the lighting is a tint between orange and gold, and the diverse crowd is something of an ornament itself. After the show ends around 10, the atmosphere becomes a bit more social as the crowd and artists join in a low-key party. Best of all, the Picasso Machinery events are free–as long as you can keep away from the beer and wine, that is.

They flew across the stage at St.Bernadette's annual Talent Show this year. Located in Dyker Heights, at 83rd Street and 13th avenue, St. Bernadette's is recognized as a New York Blue Ribbon School for excellent academic practice. The pre-k through 8th grade school also offers a spiritual education with small class sizes and a close-knit parish community where children are encouraged to participate in many events.

Yearly, the school presents its Talent Showcase, where children from Grades 2-8 can show off a variety of skills. This year's acts included martial arts, solo singing, musical performances, and a great deal of dance numbers. Many people came to show their support, with their ticket purchases directly funding the school's active Student Council. The Council is responsible for many of the parish activities and events within the school community as well. Highlights of the show included a group of 8th grade boys who performed a dance to Beyonce's "Single Ladies" while dressed in wigs and colorful dresses and the aforementioned 2nd grade martial artists who performed alongside their instructors. And to celebrate their final year in the talent show, the 8th graders always perform a large number, this year to Glee's rendition of "Proud Mary," originally made famous by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

The entire show is presented with the production assistance of Sister Shirlee Tremont, Kim Furfaro, and Donna Scarangello. Both Mrs. Furfaro and Sister Shirlee Tremont are teachers at St. Bernadette. The students truly did put on an enjoyable show, and really lit up the stage with their many talents and abilities.

A host of fairy tale royalty, commoners and villains were brought to life at the St. Joseph’s College Tuohy Hall Auditorium in Brooklyn. Postponed from the fall due to the effects of Hurricane Sandy, the early February performance of St Joseph’s College Chapel Players production of Into The Woods was certainly worth the wait.

Directed by professor Tom Hoefner, Into The Woods follows the peculiar events that take place when characters such as Jack and his ever-so faithful cow, Cinderella, the Baker and his wife wander into the woods, hoping to fulfill their own wishes. However, they soon realize that they are not alone. Whilst on their adventures they bump into Rapunzel and her Prince, as well as Little Red, a wolf, Snow White and her Prince, a giant, and a witch. Together with the narrator, this host of characters faces the harsh reality that their wishes are not for free, even if they sing their hearts outs.

The Chapel Players’ production of this Stephen Sondheim classic was accompanied by a 13-piece orchestra directed by Scott Battaglia, an independent conductor. Franky Rodriguez, who was the only student in the orchestra, rocked the second violin. Trumpet player Henry Guidino described the cast as “always fun to work with and well prepared.”

Audience members thought the show had “entertaining musical numbers,” and generally found it enjoyable. Though not a fan of musicals, SJC student Tina Reifsteck ”surprisingly enjoyed the show.” Contrary to fairy tale stereotypes, the witch, played by the versatile Sabrina Cornia, seemed to be the audience favorite of the night. Double thumbs up for the talented cast and a lively orchestra!

Hinsch’s Diner is one of the most well-known establishments in Bay Ridge. Located at 5th Avenue and 86th Street, the 64-year-old restaurant is known for its diner fare but also has great ice cream and chocolate, both of which they make on the premises. Due to changes in the neighborhood as well as in American eating habits, Hinsch’s will be closing for good on March 1.

Hinsch’s closed last year, but reopened under new management. The closing of this neighborhood fixture has not only saddened Bay Ridge locals, it also has brought forth some controversy. State Senator Marty Golden told the Brooklyn Paper that he blames the food carts on the street corners by Hinsch’s. However, Hinsch’s owner Roger Desmond explains that “The carts don’t have the same clientele as the restaurant.”

The declining number of customers at places like Hinsch’s shows that Americans are increasingly rejecting sit-down restaurants in favor of fast food and quick eats. Many Bay Ridge locals, myself included, will miss the homemade chocolate ice cream.

The newly opened Leaf & Bean Caffe, conveniently located next to the King’s Highway Q/B station near Marine Park, gives Brooklyn coffee lovers an alternative to the jam-packed Dunkin’ Donuts across the street. Those seeking a quick morning cup and snack won’t be disappointed by the Leaf & Bean’s menu, which is full of intriguing brew options and decorative pastries. For those with a little more time on their hands, there’s a cozy sitting area with a great window view.

Morning sustenance isn’t the only thing the Leaf & Bean has to offer. The cafe showcases art brought in by customers. Local artists have already filled the place with paintings and sculptures. Each morning the sandwich board outside has amusing lines such as “Sleep is for the weak!” and “All that is gold does not glitter… except our coffee!” In my case, the clever lines lured me in.

Not to be won over by cosmetics alone, I decided to sample the beverages myself. I ordered a hot chocolate, and while it was a little more costly than most places I had visited, the wondrous taste won me over. The employee’s attitude was as warm as the drink I held in my hand and added to my overall satisfaction of the shop. If you enjoy good coffee, fine pastries, a comfortable setting, friendly baristas, or any combination thereof, the Leaf & Bean is the local, friendly cafe for you.