Sunday, October 31, 2010

GARBAGE COLLECTION TAKES A HOLIDAY

On Election Day (Tuesday, November 2nd), the Department of Sanitation won't be collecting garbage or recycling and won't be cleaning the streets, and its administrative offices will be closed.

If your garbage is normally picked up on a Tuesday, put it by the curb on Tuesday after 4:00 p.m. Recycling that's normally picked up on Tuesdays will be picked up on Tuesday, November 9th.

A RECIPE FROM JOE BRANCACCIO


Joe Brancaccio contributed his grandmother's recipe for stuffed mushrooms to the magazine spoonful.

Brancaccio's Food Shop
3011 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
phone: (718) 435-1997

info@brancacciosfoodshop.com

Saturday, October 30, 2010

BUZZ-A-RAMA AS LOCAL FLAVOR


This is a vestige of a bygone era where people raced slot cars around a track by pulling a trigger. It sounds so easy, but there are these moments of drama coming around a turn where if you go too fast the car will fly off the track. It's a great experience — singular and sweet.
The Guide to Odd New York, by Cari Jackson and Allan Ishac
Buzz-A-Rama
69 Church Avenue, near Dahill Road
(718) 853-1800


http://www.buzz-a-rama.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=63461432648&v 


Open Saturdays and Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Rates vary according to track.

Friday, October 29, 2010

WARNING GIVEN TO JEWISH INSTITUTIONS

The NYPD has issued an advisory warning to Jewish institutions--synagogues, schools, centers, and all other institutions--to be aware of any suspicious, unexpected packages that they might receive. The warning was precipitated by the discovery of packages on UPS and FedEx planes that contain explosives. The packages were intercepted on their way to synagogues in Chicago.

NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS, OCTOBER 29TH TO OCTOBER 31ST


These events will take place in the Kensington area during October 29th to October 31st:

Friday, October 29th
* Halloween Party at the 66th Precinct, noon to 7:00 p.m., 5822 16th Avenue, between 58th and 59th streets
Saturday, October 30th
* Fall Harvest Fest & Soup Cook Off, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Prospect Farm, 1194 Prospect Avenue, between Vanderbilt and Seeley streets)
* Halloween Tour at Green-wood Cemetery, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue
Sunday, October 31st
* Howlloween Block Bark Party, noon to 5:00 p.m., Sean Casey Animal Rescue, 153 E. 3rd Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue
* Halloween Tour at Green-wood Cemetery, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue

"BANGLATOWN BROOKLYN? NOPE"

Lucrezia Wise has written an insightful article about the proposal to call the Church Avenue-McDonald Avenue intersection "Banglatown."


Previous posts about this topic
 

Thursday, October 28, 2010

NEIGHBORS RESPOND TO HATE LETTER SENT TO MOSQUE


Several members of the Kensington World's Fair Organizing Committee have sent their reactions to the hate letter received by the neighborhood mosque. Their responses are printed here with their permission.

Annie Ferdous
That is a shameful act for humanity. We don't want it to happen here or anywhere. Let's stay together against such an uncivilized crime.
Jasmina Nikolov
If the Kensington World's Fair taught us anything, it's that we, as a community, embrace the cultures, religions, and backgrounds of everyone who lives here. All neighbors must unite against any hate crimes directed to fellow Kensingtonians. We need to stand with our brothers and sisters to let the world know that hurtful words and actions are not welcome here.
Bridget Elder
We all live here in Kensington together, and while we might not agree on everything, we must be civil and kind to one another. There is no place in Kensington for bigotry and cowardice. The ignorance and venom of this vile act will, not be accepted by this Kensington resident. We must build bridges, not destroy them.
Maggie Tobin
As an immediate neighbor of the Masjid Nur al Islam on the corner of Chester and Church Avenues, I would like to publicly state that many of us in the community find this blatant display of hatred despicable and very unsettling. Though we have had our issues over the years concerning our quality of life and the volume of the call to prayer, we are appalled that this sort of cowardly bigotry would happen to one of our neighbors.
I hope as a community we can reach out a hand and help them feel welcomed here in Brooklyn. After the Kensington World's Fair this past Sunday, I know many of us felt a real bond with our neighbors and that our vision (see below) had been accomplished, at the very least, for the day.
In a neighborhood as diverse as ours, I think we all need to make an extra effort in moving towards our goal of being a unified, cohesive, and respectful community.
Maggie Tobin
West Kensington Action Group
Vision Statement for Kensington World's Fair:
Our vision is to bring the people of Kensington from all backgrounds together for an exciting day of music, dance, art, food and fun! Through communication, education, and the arts we can build a cohesive and vibrant community. We believe that as we all come to understand, respect and know one another, we can create one strong and unified voice and be better advocates for our community!
The Kensington World's Fair Committee

MOSQUITOES THREATEN HEALTH


Written by Maria Scarvalone and reprinted with her permission.
How to take action on our mosquito problem

Hi all,

I called Brad Lander's office today, and they would like everyone to call 311 to report this problem to establish a paper trail of complaints. Tell 311 that you want to report a terrible mosquito problem in the neighborhood to the Department of Health. Let them know the mosquitoes are coming up from the sewer drains in front of our houses and in the street.
Tell them that it is a standing water issue (even beneath the ground) and that the Health Commissioner has asked for these complaints to be filed

Please send a record of your complaint number, address, and any letters or other documentation to Brad Lander's assistant, Jessica Turner, who will work with us on this: JTurner@council.nyc.gov, tel. 718-499-1090, fax 718-499-1997. Also, please let me know so I can work on compiling a master list.

Brad Lander will be meeting soon with the Commissioner of the Department of Health to discuss several matters, and this will be on the agenda.

Please take a moment to call 311 and report this problem. There is power in numbers. Don't forget, these Asian tiger mosquitoes are vectors for various diseases, including West Nile, dengue and chikungunya, to name a few, so are not only a nuisance but also a health risk. (I actually wrote an article about them for The Washington Post, if you'd like some more information:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/08/15/AR2008081503123.\html).

Maybe if we get some assistance from the city on this, we will be able to enjoy our gardens next year......

KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR: WE'VE GOT HUNDREDS OF PHOTOS!

Cameras were busily snapping away at the Kensington World's Fair. Several hundred photos can be viewed at these sites:
Enjoy!

BRAD LANDER'S STATEMENT ON THE PASSAGE OF THE CULVER EL REZONING


The City Council approved the Culver El rezoning plan yesterday. Councilmember Brad Lander posted a statement on his website and on Scribd (the text can be enlarged on Scribd). Brad's statement opens with this paragraph:
I am pleased to announce that the City Council approved the Culver El Rezoning today. By combining the strengths of the initial proposal (developed by community organizations and elected officials in 2005) with changes suggested by community members and achieved by the Council, the rezoning we passed today will create much-needed and long-term affordable homeownership, preserve commercial and manufacturing jobs, and set a path for addressing open space and school over-crowding issues in the surrounding neighborhoods.
Please click on the label "Culver Estates" below this post to read previous posts on this subject.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

CHURCH AND MCDONALD WON'T BE NAMED BANGLATOWN

The controversial proposal to name the intersection of Church and McDonald avenues "Banglatown" was put to rest last night when Community Board 12 voted in favor of its Transportation Committee's proposed criteria for street name changes.

The four criteria are:
  1. The person for whom the street naming is proposed made an outstanding contribution to the community.
  2. Only the person's legal name and professional title, if any, can be used.
  3. The person lived or worked on that street.
  4. A majority of the residents and merchants on that street must sign a petition supporting the change.
Because "Banglatown" isn't a person, it can't meet the first three criteria.

Furthermore, as explained in "Who Was First on Franklin Avenue?," "the New York City Department of Transportation...stated that a street cannot be named after a country."

Previous blog posts about this topic:
"Church and McDonald: Banglatown or Not?"
"Church/McDonald Not Yet Named "Banglatown"

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

CHILD BLOGGER VISITS THE FAIR


Two-and-a-half-year-old Kensington blogger Kingsley Pang writes (with assistance, of course!)
This weekend my Grandmum came to visit us in Brooklyn. Uncle Medwin brought Dim Sum over then we walked to the Kensington World's Fair up the street from our apartment. My mommy got Henna on her hand.
Kingsley also posted photos.

FELONIES REPORTED FOR THE 66TH PRECINCT, OCTOBER 10TH THROUGH 17TH

During the week of October 10th through 17th, thirty-two crime complaints were reported for the 66th Precinct: four robberies, six felonious assaults, nine burglaries, ten grand larcenies, and three grand larcenies auto.

See the CompStat report for comparisons to 2009 for the same week, the past twenty-eight days, the year-to-date, and two, nine, and seventeen years ago.

NOT WANTED IN KENSINGTON

Acts like this and the beliefs that lead to them are not wanted in Kensington. We're sure the police would welcome any information about who is behind it.
Cops are investigating a disturbing letter that was recently mailed to a Kensington mosque.
The secretary at the Masjid Nur Al-Islam Mosque on Church Avenue near Chester Avenue was opening the mail Thursday afternoon when he found the letter, which included a drawing of a man throwing stones at a woman on the floor, sources said.
Under the picture were anti-Muslim slurs.
On another piece of paper in the envelope was a typed statement with more anti-Muslim slurs and a reference to 9/11.
The enveloped [sic] had a return address in Houston.

B23 BUS REPLACEMENT FAILS


The private van service that tried to replace the B23 bus (eliminated in June by the MTA) didn't get enough passengers, lost money, and has been abandoned

The van, part of the MTA's Group Ride Vehicle Pilot Program, served Flatbush, Ditmas Park, Kensington, and Borough Park along Cortelyou Road and 16th Avenue.

Monday, October 25, 2010

PHOTOS OF THE FAIR BY BRAD LANDER'S OFFICE

More photos of the Kensington World's Fair! They were taken by Brad Lander and his staff.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT THE KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR


Allison Make--
When visiting our neighborhood's World's Fair yesterday, I was filled with Kensington pride. I found myself thinking "Wow - I truly live in the coolest area of Brooklyn!" Where else do so many worlds collide? I enjoyed the smells and tastes of the Mexican, Thai, and variety of South Asian fare. I stopped to listen to the music that made my feet tap along to the beat, and I was riveted by the children carrying and marching along with the larger-than-life puppets. Sadly I only had an hour to spare, but I am so glad that I didn't miss this rich event! I can't wait until the next one...
Miriam Mahmood--
I thought the Kensington's World Fair was a great experience. It was so nice to see so many new people and learn a lot about different cultures. The performances were really great to watch, and the tables were from so many different countries that I didn't know we had living in our neighborhood. It was nice seeing everyone with a smile on their face and interested in learning.
 

Judy Richardson--
I got there late, to find a large, friendly crowd at the Kensington World’s Fair. Neighbors were proudly celebrating the beautiful children, who were performing on stage, the delicious food, sold at stalls and eaten by everybody, and their handicrafts, being perused and purchased. Kids and grownups were obviously having a wonderful time.
Cheryl Pearlman--
Congratulations to all of you who organized a fabulous Kensington World's Fair!  I felt so proud to be part of the fair and this community. From the passport to the incredibly wonderful music and arts this was a truly multi-cultural fair celebrating the diversity of many folks in this neighborhood. I imagine you all might be very exhausted, but I hope you all are feeling joy and pride as well.
 

A lot of time and effort went into presenting the Kensington World's Fair held Sunday, Oct. 24th.
It was a beautiful day with warm sunny skies and friendly faces. There was an aura of community, everyone sharing in the day... diverse ethnic foods, the performances were wonderful.Celebrating the different cultures within our community with music, dance, clothing and the children made it even more special.
A special Thank You to all who put the event together... I have to give a really special Thank You to Jessica from Brad Lander's office who helped with the vendors to secure their tables. She literally walked me through the application process... her time and patience is greatly appreciated.
Thank You to the volunteers who helped set up the event with the tables and canopies, the stage as well as the cleanup..
It was also nice to meet the many people who post on the KWT blog as well as meeting and making new friends within our community.
I personally enjoyed connecting with everyone who stopped by the Essential Oils/Champissage booth. Would like to send out a congratulations to the winners of our booth...
Carolyn.. Winner of the Deluxe Spa (Champissage and KV Foot Massage)... 
Johanna ... Winner of the Day at the Spa (Champissage) and 
Claudia... Winner of the Thieves Waterless Hand Cleaner.
The event was a huge success. Being the pioneer of the first Kensington World's Fair, I would definitely partake in one held next year!!!

BRAD LANDER ON THE KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR


Brad Lander, our New York City Councilmember, spent the day yesterday at the Kensington World's Fair, meeting and greeting neighborhood residents and asking them to write down what they like most about Kensington and what they would like to change.

Brad writes
We were thrilled to be part of the organizing team for the Kensington World's Fair. It was a fantastic event, truly highlighting the incredible diversity of the neighborhood and bringing people together to celebrate it. The entertainment (from the PS 230 choir to Slavic Soul Party to Cynthia King's dancers and everyone well), the activities (my seven-year-old daughter did just about every one), the fantastic food, the weather, and--most of all--the organizers, volunteers, and participants came together to make it a remarkable day.
Special thanks to the very-hardworking organizing team--Bridget Elder, Annie Ferdous, Veronica Guzman, Trina Hickey, Jasmina Nikolov, Joy Rich, Maggie Tobin, and Jessica Turner (from my office, so of course my special thanks to her)--and to the great sponsors (Boro Gas/Boro Fuel, Rob Chowdhury, and Church Avenue Car Service) and community partners (PS 230, 66th Precinct, the Masons).

I hope it will be more than just one great day--that it will help build relationships, community, and energy across the neighborhood's diversity for working together to make Kensington an even better neighborhood for all of its residents. We got some great responses at our table on things people love about the neighborhood and things people would like to improve. So ,in addition to pausing to savor and say thank-you for the great celebration, we're looking forward to getting busy working with everyone to build on the Kensington World's Fair in the days to come.

Brad
Photos:
  • Smiling for the camera
  • Kensington--What do you like most? What do you want to change?
  • Calling out a raffle ticket number
  • With Community Board 12 member Yeruchim Silber



KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR FUN

Sunday was a joyous day as hundreds of residents celebrated together at a day of fun, art, entertainment, and food at the Kensington World's Fair.

 

Photos
  • Day of the Dead skeletons
  • Painted arm
  • Cynthia King's B-Boys and CK Dance Company
  • Indian mendhi
  • fabric used for Pakistani/Indian and Bengali clothing


 


Sunday, October 24, 2010

TODAY'S THE DAY! KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR, 11 A.M. TO 4 P.M.

Today's the day of the first-ever Kensington World's Fair, the cultural festival that celebrates Kensington's diversity through music, dance, and the arts. Celebrate with your neighbors and be a part of history!

Kensington World's Fair
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

1 Albemarle Road
between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road, in front of P.S. 230
FREE!

Saturday, October 23, 2010

THE OASIS ON CHURCH AVENUE


Until the summer of 2009, this space was just another paved road. B35 buses sat there with their motors running while their drivers waited to begin their routes. Now, the Greenstreets triangular park in the middle of Church Avenue at 35th Street is a place of beauty for our neighborhood. What we need next are a few benches so residents can sit and enjoy the view!

                                                                                     
                      

Friday, October 22, 2010

NEIGHBORHOOD EVENTS, OCTOBER 23RD TO OCTOBER 31ST


These events will take place in the Kensington area during October 23rd to October 31st:

Saturday, October 23rd
* Community Daffodil Bulb Planting, starting at 9:00 a.m., meet at Church Avenue at Ocean Parkway
* Garlic Planting Workshop, 12:00pm – 12:30pm, E. 4th Street Community Garden, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

Sunday, October 24th
* Kensington World's Fair, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road
Monday, October 25th
* Public Hearing on Rezoning for Housing, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., Community Board 12, 5910 13th Avenue, between 59th and 60th streets
Tuesday, October 26th
* Community Board 12 general meeting, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., 5901 13th Avenue, 3rd floor, corner of 59th Street (entrance on 59th Street)
Friday, October 29th
* Halloween Party at the 66th Precinct, noon to 7:00 p.m., 5822 16th Avenue, between 58th and 59th streets
Saturday, October 30th
* Fall Harvest Fest & Soup Cook Off, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Prospect Farm, 1194 Prospect Avenue, between Vanderbilt and Seeley streets)
* Halloween Tour at Green-wood Cemetery, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue
Sunday, October 31st
* Howlloween Block Bark Party, noon to 5:00 p.m., Sean Casey Animal Rescue, 153 E. 3rd Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue
* Halloween Tour at Green-wood Cemetery, 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue

CRIME IN THE 66TH PRECINCT


Robberies are up city-wide. For the week that ended this past Sunday, they're up 29% over 2009. For the twenty-eight-day period that ended that day, they're up 18.8%. Police attribute the robberies to teens and pre-teens who are stealing cell phones and other personal electronic devices.

This sharp increase in robberies led to a meeting today of the highest ranking uniformed officer and the Chief of Operations with the heads of the NYPD's eight borough commands, and the detective, housing, and transit borough chiefs. 

At last night's meeting of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association, Detective Vincent Galeno of the 66th Precinct's Community Affairs division and Sgt. Mike Andreano of the precinct's Conditions Unit* heard residents enumerate one crime--or attempted crime--after another:
  • break-ins into homes,
  • cars broken into,
  • gang-related activity,
  • fights between groups of teenagers,
  • a violent homeless man who lives in the Church Avenue subway station,
  • hooky parties (where children who are supposed to be in school are drinking and smoking in homes where no adults are present),
  • noise,
  • prostitution, and
  • loitering.
Detective Galeno and Sergeant Andreano were aware of most of the problems that residents described. The precinct is monitoring them in unmarked patrol cars and vans.

In addition, the precinct uses "bait vans" that entice criminals with valuable items placed in the vans that are visible from the outside. When the vans are broken into, the criminal's activities are recorded.

The co-president of P.S. 230's PTA asked if the precinct could send someone to the school to speak to students about gangs, and Detective Galeno and Sergeant Andreano said that it will be arranged. 

A note about loitering: the police can't arrest people who are loitering for purposes that aren't constitutionally prohibited: begging (unless they're being aggressive), asking another person to engage in sexual activity (engaging in sexual activity in a public place, however, is illegal), and loitering in a transportation facility and not being able to give a satisfactory explanation of why they're there.

As of a week ago, an NYPD officer is permanently stationed at the intersection of Church and McDonald avenues. He rides a scooter, and his name is Officer Shum. Hopefully, his presence will have a positive effect on the number of crimes affecting our neighborhood.

Please notify us of any crimes you see or hear about. Let's work together to improve the area. Our e-mail address is karmabrooklyn@gmail.com.

* The Conditions Unit responds to persistent conditions, such as gang activity, graffiti, noisy bar patrons, public drinking, unruly teenagers, drug sales, prostitution, and quality-of-life issues in general.

WIRE-CHEWING BIRD

The phones at Sean Casey Animal Rescue and The Hamilton Dog House weren't working yesterday because Chicken, the white cockatoo who resides at The Hamilton Dog House, chewed up the wires. The phones have been repaired, so please call back today if you couldn't get in touch with them yesterday.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E. 3rd Street (between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue)
Phone: (718) 436-5163


The Hamilton Dog House
155 E. 3rd Street (between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway)
(718) 436-PETS (7387)
info@thehamiltondoghouse.com
http://thehamiltondoghouse.com

CLOTHING, HOUSEWARES, PURSES, TOYS AND SHOES

Thursday, October 21, 2010

FINALISTS FOR DO GOODER AWARD ANNOUNCED

The twenty finalists for the Brooklyn Community Foundation's Do Gooder Award have been announced (four finalists in each of the five categories). Even though none of the nominees from our neighborhood are finalists, we're proud of all of them for the work they do for the community.

Wednesday, October 20, 2010

TRANSPARENCY IN CITY COUNCIL DISCRETIONARY FUNDING


Every year, the New York City Council and individual councilmembers distribute millions of dollars in discretionary funds, mostly to community-based, non-profit organizations and programs in the five boroughs. In Fiscal Year (FY 2011), discretionary funding totaled $165 million, about twenty percent less than the $207 million in the previous fiscal year. Discretionary funding sponsored by individual councilmembers accounts for about $50 million of the $165 million. The organizations and programs that received funding in FY 2011 are listed in a searchable database.

To see who your councilmember allocated funds to in FY 2011, type his or her name in the box under "Council Member or 'Council' or the Borough" and click "Search." To see if a particular organization or program received funds from the City Council or from a councilmember, type its name (or part of its name) or a keyword in the box under "Organization Name or Source" and click "Search." Use the same box to search by source.

Search results show the name of the sponsoring councilmember, the amount of funding, what the funds will be used for, the name of the contracting city agency that's administering the funding, the status of the request, the organization's employer identification number (EIN), and the name and EIN of the corresponding fiscal conduit, if one is being used.

All organizations seeking discretionary funding from the City Council have to complete an application. Click here to see the application for FY 2011.

A request for funding by a specific councilmember has to be made directly to that councilmember. Organizations can also request funds related to Speaker initiatives and City-Wide initiatives.

Non-profits created in 2009 or 2010 can qualify for a total of no more than $15,000 and a maximum from each councilmember of $7,500. If the organization uses a fiscal conduit, the organization can qualify for a maximum of $10,000 and a minimum of $1,000.

An organization applying for discretionary funding that totals more than $10,000 must be pre-qualified by the city agency that would oversee the services the organization wants to provide. The Department of Youth & Community Development administers the prequalification process on behalf of the city, under the guidance of the Mayor’s Office of Contract Services. Many organizations have been pre-qualified.

BABIES AND TODDLERS LOVE MUSIC


 Flying Teaspoons for Babies, with Joanne Riel
Friday, October 22nd through November 12th, 11:15 a.m. to 12:00 noon

Joanne Riel's popular four-week music class for babies is available again, this time on E. 4th Street between Greenwood Avenue and Vanderbilt Street. Joanne recommends the class for children aged three month through fourteen months. The class size is limited to six children.
"Baby Flying Teaspoons Encourage your child’s uniqueness and creativity from the very start of life. Songs emerge magically as your baby discovers, plays, and interacts in class. 

Musical connections nurture and deepen the  relationship between the parent/caregiver and the baby and encourage the child's natural curiosity.

Joanne’s CD, The Flying Teapot is also used, along with multicultural music. There's movement, instrument play, balls, scarves, connections, and fun. You’ll be amazed at your child’s own expression.

Joanne's vision is to create nurturing and joyful environments for babies and very young children."
The series costs $40 per child (sibling discount, $5), and it has to be prepaid. However, if space happens to be available on the day of a class, drop-ins pay $12 per class.

To reserve a space--or to ask questions about the class--send an RSVP to Joanne at joafree1 [at] msn.com.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE, 1920S TO 1970S


Images of forty-five buildings in Kensington-Ocean Parkway and twenty-four in Windsor Terrace--including their real estate advertising brochures, floor plans, price lists, building interiors and exteriors, and lists of special features--are displayed in Columbia University's New York Real Estate Brochure Collection.

The collection documents the development of New York City's residential and commercial real estate from the 1920s to the 1970s. Most of the brochures are for apartment and other residential spaces. They provide a fascinating look back at what was considered "modern" living, such as electric laundry, automated elevators, concealed radiation (radiators concealed by metal covers), and a master aerial system for long and short wave reception.

THIS SUNDAY! THE KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR!


You're invited to the
Kensington World's Fair
this Sunday, October 24th, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
in front of PS 230
Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road


See the amazing lineup of free entertainment. Enjoy free arts and crafts throughout the day. Vendors will be selling food, jewelry, Indian fabric, and much more.

Performance Schedule
11:00 Dan Schorr & the PS 230 Chorale Ensemble
11:25 Flawless Maniac
11:35 Makeshift Wings (Spanish Language Rock)
12:00 Bosilek (Bulgarian Dance Troupe)
12:35 Mavrothi Kontanis Duo (Music from the Mediterranean)
1:15 Slavic Soul Party (Balkan Brass Band)
1:55 B-Boys & The Cynthia King Dance Company
2:30 Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts (Dance)
3:00 Classical Mexican Dance Ensemble
3:30 Makeshift Wings (Spanish Language Rock)

Arts & Crafts from Around the World
11:00 to 11:45 Chinese Calligraphy Bookmarks
12:00 to 12:45 Ukrainian Egg Magnets
1:00 to 1:45 Latin American Worry Dolls
2:00 to 2:45 Day of the Dead Skeleton
2:00 to 4:00 Face Painting
11:00 to 4:00 Indian Mehndi

See you at the fair! 

HAND-PAINTED FOR HALLOWEEN

Darren got his store window hand-painted for Halloween. It looks pretty cool!
















When you're in the mood for some tasty Italian food, stop in at Maria's Pizzeria. 3007 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets. (718) 854-7575

POLICE WILL SPEAK AT ANA MEETING

Lucrezia Wise reports on tomorrow night's meeting of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association and recent 66th precinct crime statistics.

Tuesday, October 19, 2010

"AROUND KENSINGTON"


Lately, we've seen an upsurge in the number of events taking place in the neighborhood. Amarilla at Brooklynometry writes
"A few practical matters: A lot has been going on around Kensington; jazz concerts in the E. 4th St. garden, a new wing of Jaya Yoga recently opened, and more is to come soon. In particular I'm looking forward to the Sean Casey Halloween Party on Oct 31 from 12 - 5, and the Kensington World's Fair, this Sunday Oct. 24 from 11-4 featuring live music, dance and food from around the world."
Don't miss
and the third annual Howlloween Block Bark Party!

502-POUND PUMPKIN INVADES BROOKLYN!

A 502-pound pumpkin has taken up residence in front of 416 McDonald Avenue, between Church Avenue and Albemarle Road. The Daily News published a photo of the gigantic pumpkin. Go take a look at the pumpkin--it'll be there until Thanksgiving.

SCARES & TREATS FROM THE 66TH PRECINCT


HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
DEPUTY INSPECTOR JOHN J. SPRAGUE
COMMANDING OFFICER, 66TH PRECINCT 

ON FRIDAY, OCTOBER 29, 2010, FROM 12:00 TO 7:00,
THE 66TH PRECINCT WOULD LIKE TO INVITE YOU TO THEIR HOUSE!!!!

THEY'RE OFFERING A SCARY FUN TIME WITH LOTS OF FUN AND TREATS, SO WEAR YOUR BEST "TRICK OR TREAT COSTUME" AND ENJOY THE HOLIDAY IN A SAFE MANNER, WHILE VISITING THEIR "HAUNTED HOUSE PUMPKIN PATCH.

IF YOU DARE!!

LOCATION: 66TH PRECINCT
5822 16TH AVENUE
(718) 851-5620

Monday, October 18, 2010

HALLOWEEN TOURS AT GREEN-WOOD CEMETERY

Halloween at Green-wood Cemetery
Saturday, October 30th, 1:00 p.m.
and
Sunday, October 31st, 1:00 p.m.

Celebrate Halloween with tales of murder, mayhem, spirits, and ghosts on a tour led by Green-Wood Cemetery's historian, Jeff Richman. No reservations are needed.

Cost: $10 for Historic Fund members; $20 for non-members. Reserve tickets online for the Saturday tour or the Sunday tour, or call (718) 768-7300.


Meet inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

DENNY'S LOSING CUSTOMERS OVER CABLEVISION DISPUTE

The money battle between Cablevision and News Corp. that started last Friday at midnight is costing Denny's Steak Pub money.
"This is ridiculous!" said Kevin Ryan, owner of Denny's Bar, a family business in Brooklyn's Kensington neighborhood. "I'm relying on people to come in who are Giants fans — and they're walking out, even though I pay for the football package."
He blames his debacle on "typical billionaire behavior, against the small businessman like me; and regular, everyday people get caught in the middle."
Ryan said he expected to lose "a good amount of money over three big events": the Giants' 28-20 win over Detroit and the first two games of baseball's National League Championship Series between San Francisco and Philadelphia.
Denny's Steak Pub
106 Beverley Road, corner of Church Avenue at McDonald Avenue
(718) 435-2156

Sunday, October 17, 2010

BEGINNERS YOGA SERIES

This eight-week Beginners Workshop at My Namaste Yoga is for novices as well as for people with experience. Practice poses step-by-step with
  • proper body alignment
  • conscious breathing
  • meditation
  • deep relaxation.
Are you recovering from an injury, have ailments, haven't practiced in a long time, or always wanted to try yoga? Everyone is welcome to join. Join with a friend and save.

Choose the Saturday Class
October 23rd through December 18th, from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., with Dolores. $120; drop-ins, $17 per class.

OR

Choose the Sunday Class
October 24th through December 19th, from 1:15 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., with Courtney. $120; drop-ins, $17 per class. 

Space is limited. Call today to pre-register.

My Namaste Yoga Studio of Kensington
Wilhyn Larsen, Owner
482 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd Floor, at the corner of Church Avenue
 
The main entrance is on Church Avenue. Walk up the red staircase to the red door, behind the corner pizzeria and next to the car wash service center.
 
(347) 533-6226 or 6227

$1,000 CHALLENGE


$1000 Slim Down Workshop Challenge

Do you want to look amazing at your holiday parties? 
Do you want to look slim, trim, and more toned? 
Do you want to win $1,000?

Go for it! Sign up and weigh in on Saturday, November 6th, between 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., for the Slim Down Workshop at
My Namaste Yoga. The seven-week workshop runs from November 6th through Saturday, December 18th, the day of the final weigh-in.

Registration costs $25, and each class will cost $15. You have to attend a minimum of one class per week. Choose from
  • Mat Pilates
  • Zumba
  • Kickboxing
  • Belly Dance.
You'll receive a class schedule at registration.

On November 6th, the Kickboxing Class will be offered at the discounted price of $5 (that's $10 off the regular price).

Whoever loses the highest percentage of body fat wins the $1,000 grand prize!

My Namaste Yoga Studio of Kensington
Wilhyn Larsen, Owner
482 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd Floor, at the corner of Church Avenue
The main entrance is on Church Avenue. Walk up the red staircase to the red door, behind the corner pizzeria and next to the car wash service center.
 
(347) 533-6226 or 6227

TONIGHT'S DINNER


Vegetable quiche and about a quarter pound each of fingerling potatoes and carrots, Italian lentil salad, garlic thyme oven roasted roma tomatoes, and caponata. Joe does dinner right!


Brancaccio's Food Shop
3011 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
phone: (718) 435-1997

Saturday, October 16, 2010

TWISTED BALLOONS

Balloon twister Mike Gold delighted the kids at Greenwood Playground's Harvest Hootenanny--and the adults too!