Wednesday, September 29, 2010

JAPANESE RESTAURANT ON CHURCH AVE.?

A Japanese restaurant will open at the former location of Fresh Farm, a construction worker told us today. Fresh Farm was the produce and grocery store at 324 Church Avenue (corner of E. 4th Street) that closed recently.

Details will follow as soon as we have them!

SCHOOL YARD JAM AND FOOD FEST

School Yard Jam and Food Fest
Saturday, October 2nd, 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Special Guest...Jimmy Destri (founding member and keyboard player of Blondie and father of a 1st grader at P.S. 154) will MC the School Yard Jam! He's going to team up with Joe Elliot!

Come jump and jive to an afternoon of live music from family-friendly bands, such as Pete Sinjin (from Hootenanny Art House), Lloyd Miller (of The Deedle Deedle Dees and Nature Babies), Charles & Fati, and P.S. 154 graduates Neon White, with special guests to be announced!

Listen, dance, and bounce to the music in the AMAZON EXTREME OBSTACLE COURSE. Meet your neighbors and check out P.S. 154!

End-of-event Jam session for all with Neil Ochoa, so remember to bring your ax (rocker talk for instrument!)!

Enjoy food from around the world!
 

All proceeds go to benefit the PS154 Music Program!!

Location: P.S. 154 School Yard, 1625 11th Avenue. Entrance on Windsor Place.

NYPD COMMISSIONER MEETS WITH COMMUNITY

At a Town Hall Meeting on Monday night, close to 200 residents met to discuss recent crimes in the neighborhood with Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Deputy Inspector John Sprague (the Commanding Officer of the 66th Precinct), Brooklyn Chief Joe Fox, and two New York City Councilmembers--Brad Lander, who represents Kensington, Boro Park, Windsor Terrace, Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Columbia Waterfront, and Park Slope, and Vincent Gentile, who serves on the City Council's Public Safety Committee.

The meeting was held in the office of Councilmember David Greenfield, who represents Midwood, Boro Park, and Bensonhurst and also serves on the City Council's Public Safety Committee.

Hopefully, Kensington can have a meeting like this sometime.

OPEN HOUSE AT JAYA YOGA EAST; FREE CLASSES THIS WEEKEND

Phone: (917)740-JAYA
http://www.jayayogaeast.com

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

DIAMOND GIRL, YOU SURE DO SHINE


Sean Casey Animal Rescue says
Diamond is our 6 year old Schipperke mix. Stop by the shelter and spend time with her to see if she is the right match for you. Diamond will thrive in a forever home and be your faithful companion. She will be responsive to positive reinforcement training. Our experienced staff is available to talk with you, answer your questions, and provide advice on how to transition her to your home.
Diamond is spayed, dewormed, treated to prevent fleas and ticks, and up-to-date with vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $200.00. She'll get one free exam at our vet's office, one free month of pet health insurance, and a microchip. If you'd like to adopt her, please call or visit.
Diamond can't wait to meet you!
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E. 3rd Street (between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue)
Phone: (718) 436-5163
http://scarnyc.org

Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Monday, September 27, 2010

YVETTE CLARKE: WEST INDIAN OF THE WEEK

Yvette Clarke, who has represented Kensington, Windsor Terrace, and several other neighborhoods in Congress since 2006, has been named "West Indian of the Week" by Marketplace Excellence. (source: Caribbean Daily News)

AH-OOOOOOOO!

Howlloween Block Bark Party
Sunday, October 31st, noon to 5:00 p.m.
 


3rd Annual Howlloween Block Bark Party

Music by the Open Mic Project!

Raffles!

Adult, child, and pet costume contests!

Burgers and hot dogs, beverages, and desserts for sale!

All proceeds benefit Sean Casey Animal Rescue.





153 E. 3rd Street
between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue
(718) 436-PETS/7387

MORE PERFORMERS FOR THE KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR!


In addition to the talented performers previously announced on this blog (Slavic Soul Party and the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts), the Kensington World's Fair will also proudly feature
(http://www.mtkontanis-music.com) 

Mavrothi Kontanis combines his love for classical, urban, and folk music from Greece and the Near East. He plays traditional and classical music from all over the world as well as his own original compositions. 




Cynthia King Dance Studio's B-Boys will delight you with their breakdancing, a dance form that evolved from hip-hop culture and is performed to hip-hop and other genres of music.


CK Dance Company's hip-hop dancing is social or choreographed dance styles primarily danced to hip-hop music or styles that have evolved as part of hip-hop culture.


Bosilek Bulgarian Folk Dance Ensemble, the only exclusively women's Bulgarian folk dance performing ensemble in the USA, is celebrating its 21st anniversary this year. Although most members of the ensemble are native-born Americans of mixed ethnic background, the group has a self-appointed mission--that of bringing the beauty of the rich treasure that is Bulgarian folklore to its American audiences.

The Kensington World's Fair is a benefit for the P.S. 230 School Fund. It will take place on Sunday, October 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in front of P.S. 230 at 1 Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road.

Sunday, September 26, 2010

FOOD AND CRAFTS VENDORS WANTED FOR KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR

The Kensington World's Fair Committee is looking for food and crafts vendors to participate in the Fair. An invitation is extended to neighborhood residents to sell their home cooking or their homemade crafts and artwork in whatever media they might work in (textiles, metal, beads, paper, leather, wood, clay, glass, etc.)

The Fair will be held on Sunday, October 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road (in front of P.S. 230).

To learn more about the Fair, please read the blog posts at http://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/search?q=world%27s.

If you're interested in selling your food or crafts, please call (646) 450-3515 or send an e-mail to kworldsfair@gmail.com.

JAYA YOGA EAST TO OPEN THIS WEEK

Jaya Yoga East will open on Friday, October 1st, right on schedule.

Free classes will be offered this Saturday and Sunday, including a class for children:
  • Friday October 1st, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.: Grand opening party. Visit the space, mingle with teachers and neighbors,  and learn about Jaya activities.
  • Saturday, October 2nd: free classes for adults
    • 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Open Level Class
    • 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Basic Level Class
  • Saturday, October 2nd: free class for children
    • 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m.: four to eight years old
  • Sunday, October 3rd: free classes for adults
    • 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.: Open Level Class
    • 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.: Basic Level Class
    • 1:00 p.m. to 2:15 p.m.: Introduction to Yoga Class
Every Sunday morning from 8:30 a.m. to 8:50 a.m., Jaya Yoga East offers free time and space for people to practice meditation. A timekeeper will announce the beginning and the end of the meditation period. This time period is typically non-directive. 

Click here to see Jaya East's daily schedule of classes. Click "Click Here" to make reservations online or click "Buy Class Cards" to see the price list.

Jaya Yoga East
2902 Fort Hamilton Parkway, at the corner of E. 4th Street
(917) 434-6258
Website: http://www.jayayogaeast.com

Saturday, September 25, 2010

CHURCH/MCDONALD NOT YET NAMED "BANGLATOWN"


The proposal to designate the area around Church and McDonald avenues as "Banglatown" hasn't been discussed yet by Community Board 12's Transportation Committee. At the board's public meeting on September 14th, we learned that the designation might be discussed by the committee in October (committee meetings are open to the public) and presented for a vote by the full board at CB12's public meeting on Tuesday, October 26th.

The proposal was made at CB12's March meeting by board member Abu "Zaman" Khaliquzzaman.

CB12's public meetings start at 7:00 p.m and end at 8:00 p.m. They're held on the fourth Tuesday of the month, from September through June, at 5910 13th Avenue, between 59th and 60th streets.

Phone: (718) 851-0800
Fax: (718) 851-4140
E-mail: bk12@cb.nyc.gov
Chairperson: Alan J. Dubrow
District Manager: Wolf Sender

Click here to read previous posts on this blog about Banglatown.

BUSINESSES OPEN FASTER WITH NBAT

We've all noticed how long it can take for a new business to open in our neighborhood. Sometimes it seems like it takes forever for a business to open while the owners struggle to obtain the many permits from the many agencies required by the city before a business can be opened. City government has finally responded by establishing the New Business Acceleration Team (NBAT) to assist with opening new restaurants, bars, bakeries, and butcher shops.

NBAT streamlines the permitting process so that businesses only need to work with one city agency. The agency helps them through the permitting hurdles that lead to time and cost overruns. NBAT has cut the process from an average of three to four months down to just two weeks.

NBAT works with qualifying businesses to schedule and coordinate most of the inspections required by the Fire Department, Department of Environmental Protection, Department of Buildings, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, and other departments.

Since the program began, NBAT has helped more than 140 restaurants open in the five boroughs. Approximately 3,200 new restaurants open every year in New York City. Restaurants employ over 260,000 people.

Businesses that are best suited for working with NBAT are restaurants, bars, and bakeries that seat fifty people or fewer as well as butcher shops. The bars must serve food. Renovation of the space shouldn't include heavy alteration work.

If a business qualifies for the program, an introductory meeting will be scheduled--preferably at the future business's site--to review permit and license requirements. After the work has been completed and the requirements have been satisfied, the business owner can contact NBAT to request an inspection, which will be conducted within a week. If the business passes inspection, it will be ready to open. If it doesn't pass inspection, NBAT will notify the business owner immediately about which issues have to be corrected, and a re-inspection date will be assigned.

 

Phone: (212) 788-6722 
Fax: (212) 788-6834 
1 Centre Street, Room 1012N, New York, NY 10007

GREENWOOD PLAYGROUND NEEDS VOLUNTEERS FOR CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES

Friends of Greenwood Playground (FoGP) provides programming for children and adults year-round. If you and your family participate in events at the playground, consider volunteering an hour or two to help out before or during an event.

Your ideas about playground events and programming are welcome.

Location: The entrance to Greenwood Playground is on E. 5th Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Greenwood Avenue.
Website: http://friendsofgreenwoodplayground.bbnow.org/index.php
E-mail: friendsofgreenwood@gmail.com and greenwoodfriendsfunds@gmail.com 
Phone: (347) 497-3490

Click here to read other posts on this blog about Greenwood Playground.

SOLOMON IS SEARCHING FOR A LOVING HOME

This is Solomon. He lives at Sean Casey Animal Rescue, where he's treated very well. But Solomon would like to find a permanent, loving home.

Solomon is our 3 year old Pit Bull mix. Solomon has an interesting story...he was at Animal Care & Control in Brooklyn for a while but he wasn't adopted.
He got sick and tested positive for heartworm and was placed on the euthanasia list, but no one wanted to perform the procedure because of the cross on Solomon's chest!
Solomon was placed at our rescue where he has been successfully treated for heartworm and is ready to find his forever home.

Solomon needs a home with no small animals (no cats, guinea pigs etc). Solomon has survived the city shelter and heartworm...he is ready to live his life to the fullest and find his lifelong companion!
Solomon's adopter must have him retested for heartworm and keep him on heartworm preventative medication for the rest of his life. Stop by the shelter and spend time with him to see if he is the right match for you.

Solomon will thrive in his forever home and be your faithful companion. He will be responsive to positive reinforcement training. Our experienced staff is available to talk with you, answer your questions, and provide advice on how to transition him to your home.

Solomon is neutered, dewormed, treated to prevent fleas & ticks, and is up to date with vaccinations. His adoption fee is $200.00, and he'll get one free exam at our vet's office, one free month of pet health insurance, and a microchip.

If you'd like to adopt him please call or visit...we are conveniently located in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn near the F train and we're open every day from 11am to 7pm. Solomon can't wait to meet you!
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E. 3rd Street (between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue)
Phone: (718) 436-5163
http://scarnyc.org

Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

"LOVE YOUR BLOCK" GRANT AWARDS FOR BEAUTIFICATION PROJECTS

Does your block need any of these beautification or revitalization services?
  • Trash collection services for a block project
  • Clean-up of a vacant lot
  • Removal of dead trees from tree pits
  • A survey of the block for new tree planting opportunities
  • Woodchip mulch provided for gardening projects
  • A tree stewardship workshop
  • Sanitation enforcement
  • Replacement of broken or worn-out litter baskets
  • Graffiti removal
  • Repair or replacement of damaged or missing street signs
  • Repair of damaged or broken street lights
  • A bicycle rack, speed bump, or street light survey
  • Advertising of projects to recruit community volunteers for beautification efforts
Volunteer-led neighborhood groups (block, tenant, and civic associations and community gardening and school gardening groups) can apply for a Love Your Block grant award for any of those projects. An award entitles a group to
  • A grant between $500 and $1,000
  • Support from city agencies--including the Departments of Transportation, Sanitation, and Parks & Recreation--to help revitalize a block
  • Assistance with local media coverage for a beautification event

Click here for a flyer that provides more details, and click here for the grant application.

Submit your grant application by November 15, 2010.


To ask questions or request an application form, contact Saleen Shah (phone: (212) 822-9566; e-mail: sshah@citizensnyc.org) or January Sanalak (phone: (212) 822-9564; e-mail: jsanalak@citizensnyc.org).

IMPORTANT DATES
October 11, 2010: Information Session
November 15, 2010: Application Deadline
Early December 2010: Grantees Announced
December 8 and 9, 2010: Grantee Orientation
April through June 2011: Project Implementation

Friday, September 24, 2010

"CHURCH AVENUE BONANZA" STREET FAIR

Church Avenue Bonanza
Saturday, October 10th, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Now that autumn is here, it'll soon be time for the return of the Church Avenue Bonanza street fair and its rides, games, music, food vendors, and merchandise vendors. The fair will be held on Saturday, October 10th, on Church Avenue, from McDonald Avenue to Ocean Parkway.

The promoter is Upscale Productions, and the Show Director is Alan. For exhibitors, the fee is $120. Food vendors should call (718) 444‑6028 or send an -mail to streetfairs2010@gmail.com to
find out the fee that they'll be charged.

"SCHOOL FOOD ROCKS"

"School Food Rocks" Conference
Saturday, October 23rd, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

News from New York City Councilmember Brad Lander, who represents District 39, serving the neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, and Kensington:
As I talk to the parents of public school students, one issue I've heard about often is school food - making it more nutritious and sustainable, and getting kids to eat healthy meals (not always at easy thing, I know, as the parent of a 7 year old and a 10 year old).

Many schools in our community have already taken some great steps forward - among other things, they're putting in salad bars, planting school gardens, working with SchoolFood staff on menus, getting rid of Styrofoam, reducing waste, and planning harvest days. As I educate myself further, I've learned that there are many ways for schools to improve the food they serve and that there are many actions we can take, as a city, to do better in feeding our children when they're not at home.

Toward that end, my office and parent leaders from local schools have been working together with the New York City Department of Education's Office of SchoolFood, the Brooklyn Food Coalition, GrowNYC, the District 15 Community Education Council and other organizations on the "School Food Rocks" conference, to be held Saturday, October 23rd.

"School Food Rocks" will bring together parents, educators, students, SchoolFood staff, and food activists to discuss how we can work together to achieve healthier and more sustainable school food throughout District 15. The conference will help schools get started or take next steps in improving their food programs, and strengthen the network of parents and school leaders working on food issues.

The conference will take place on Saturday, October 23rd, from 10am-3pm, at MS 51 (350 5th Avenue). You can register through our website. The day-long event will include an expo fair of sustainable school food programs; workshops on a range of topics; and keynote speeches from Chef Jorge (the first executive chef of the New York City schools) and celebrated author and "Renegade Lunch Lady" Chef Ann Cooper.

Topics covered at the conference will include:

  • starting a school garden
  • working with SchoolFood on implementing salad bars and healthy menus
  • improving your schools' recycling program
Whether your school already has an active sustainable food program, or is just getting started, this conference will be a chance for you to share best practices and collect new information.

I hope you will join us on October 23. Click Click here to register!

I look forward to seeing you there!

BUY AND SELL CHILDREN'S USED CLOTHING

Monk's Trunk sells gently used, high-quality children's clothing, sizes 0 to 6, as well as used books, toys, baby gear, and new toys. Clothing prices average about 75% off of retail costs.


They also buy clothing from individuals for cash or on consignment. Bring clothing that you want to sell during the store hours listed below; call ahead if you have more than forty items. They offer a pick-up service for clothing in Kensington, Windsor Terrace, Ditmas Park, and other neighborhoods, based on their pickup guidelines.

You can make an appointment to consign clothing or arrange an appointment or a drop-off by calling
(718) 398-9324 or sending an e-mail to monkstrunk@gmail.com.

HOURS FOR FALL 2010:
Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Monday through Thursday, by appointment or chance


Monk's Trunk
23 Hawthorne Street, between Flatbush Avenue, Bedford Avenue, Fenimore Street, and Winthrop Street (Prospect Leffert Gardens)
monkstrunk@gmail.com
(718) 398-9324

TREATS FOR THE ROAD


Two dear friends, their darling baby, and their cute-as-a-button dogs are leaving Brooklyn for a while. What do you give to people who already have enough to pack? Food for the road from Brancaccio's! Specifically, a box of Italian cookies and a jar of Nutella, a hazelnut spread that's a delight to eat right out of the jar with a spoon. And a bag of dark roast coffee to enjoy when they arrive at their destination.

Owner and chef Joe Brancaccio was able to help me choose what my friends would like because they're regular customers of his.

Goodbye for a while, cherished friends. Think of Brooklyn when you enjoy your morning coffee.

Brancaccio's Food Shop is located at 3011 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets.

phone: (718) 435-1997 
info@BrancacciosFoodShop.com 

Blog: http://brancacciosfoodshop.blogspot.com 
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=app_2915120374#!/pages/Brooklyn-NY/BRANCACCIOs-FOOD-SHOP/274075687167?ref=ts&ajaxpipe=1&__a=21

Thursday, September 23, 2010

MAKING NYC A FRIENDLIER PLACE FOR SMALL BUSINESS

A letter from Christine Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council, about a piece of legislation that will be welcomed by our neighborhood's small business owners and potential owners:

September 23, 2010
 

Dear New Yorker,

We wanted to give you a quick update on our efforts to assist small business as we head into the fall season.

Preventing Unnecessary Burdens

To help make NYC a friendlier place for small business, this past month the Council passed legislation (Intro. 91) that will improve the City's rule-making process as well as the regulatory environment for members of regulated communities, particularly small business.

The bill, which we expect the Mayor to sign into law shortly, comes largely from the work of the Regulatory Review Panel and also incorporates principles first proposed by Council Minority Leader James Oddo.

Specifically, Intro. 91 will change the City's rule-making process to ensure, among other things, that:

  • agency rules are not unduly burdensome; 
  • agencies conduct outreach to those affected by the proposed rules;
  • new or modified rules are clear and easy to understand;
  • cure periods instead of automatic fines are included in rules whenever possible and appropriate so that businesses have an opportunity to fix problems before they are fined; and
  • agencies promulgating rules carefully consider ways to prevent unreasonable compliance costs.

We'd like to thank the Mayor and his administration for their leadership and support in this effort.

We'd also like to thank Anthony Crowell, Council Minority Leader Oddo, Council Member Leroy Comrie, Council Member Karen Koslowitz and the entire Regulatory Review Panel for all of their hard work and effort seeing this bill through the Council.

For additional information on Intro. 91, click here or visit us online at http://www.council.nyc.gov.


3 Golden Rules to Help Small Biz

In an op-ed piece that we wrote that recently appeared in the September 13th edition of Crain's New York Business Weekly, we describe our three "golden rules" for supporting small business:

  1. Help make it easier for owners to open their doors.
  2. Help existing small businesses grow and expand.
  3. Get out of the way of small businesses.
By sticking to these three simple rules, we can better support small businesses and keep our City growing and moving forward.

Sincerely,

Christine C. Quinn

Speaker
NYC Council

Diana Reyna

Chair, Small Business Committee
NYC Council

NO MORE TICKET QUOTAS

Residents will be happy to learn that they should be seeing a reduction in the number of unfairly-issued tickets for small violations, such as cars that are double-parked, parked at expired meters, or parked in no-standing zones.

A New York State labor law was recently amended so that police officers can no longer be penalized if they don't meet a predetermined and arbitrary quota for tickets, summonses, arrests, or stops of individuals suspected of criminal activity within a specified period of time. The fear of being penalized for not meeting a quota had led officers to write tickets when it wasn't appropriate.

Quotas are eliminated for state, local, and general violations or crimes that merit a ticket or summons. Officers can now use their power of discretion and find other ways to correct the situation, such as simply admonishing someone.

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

BANGLADESHI DANCERS AT THE KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR

One of the many treats at the Kensington World's Fair will be the dancers from the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts.
The Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, more commonly known as BIPA, was launched in 1993 with a view to keeping alive the rich Bengali culture among Bangladeshis living in the U.S., and to acquainting and enriching the American mainstream with our wonderful heritage.


We have performed in many mainstream establishments, including Ellis Island, the United Nations, Union Square Park, the American Museum of Natural History, the Queens Museum of Art, New York City public libraries, parks, schools, and colleges; Governor’s and Mayor’s programs, Asian Heritage Festivals, and also in various states across the country.


The founding members of BIPA are still active teachers, and they have been working very hard for the past 17 years to ensure that all of their students learn what they need to know to pass on our culture to future generations. These students become part of the “uttoradhikar,” or “inheritance” of their culture.


Don't Miss the Kensington World's Fair!

Sunday, October 24th, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. In front of P.S. 230 on Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road

STREET HARASSMENT



This video was taken on Ditmas Avenue at E. 5th Street.

"WORLD'S FAIR IN ONE NABE"

Last week, we quoted a Daily News article about the Kensington World's Fair. Here's the entire article. To read it, left click on the image and then left click again to enlarge it.

The Fair will be held on Sunday, October 24th, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in front of P.S. 230 at 1 Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road. It's shaping up to be a wonderful event!

NEIGHBORS WORKING TOGETHER



Dahill Neighborhood Association
(DNA)
and the
West Kensington Action Group
(WKAG)

Invite you to a neighborhood meeting to
discuss local issues and concerns:


- Recent crime in the neighborhood and what we can do as a community to help prevent it.

- The KENSINGTON WORLD'S FAIR on October 24th, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., in front of P.S. 230.

- What we can do to encourage our elected officials to help us get a park and a community center in Kensington.

- Understanding our cultural differences and similarities:
A discussion on what we can do to be better neighbors in our very diverse community.

When: Tuesday, October 12th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: P.S. 230 auditorium, 1 Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road


EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

WITH YOUR VOTES, SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE COULD WIN GRANT MONEY

The Sean Casey Animal Rescue Team

The Animal Rescue Site will be choosing eligible Petfinder.com animal rescue organizations to receive special funds to help animals.


Eighty-three grants will be awarded--for a total of $100,000--to eligible Petfinder.com members. Final prizes will go to the eligible Petfinder.com organization with the highest number of accumulated votes.

Help Sean Casey Animal Rescue get the most votes.

Voting began yesterday, September 20th, and will end at midnight (PST) on December 19th.

Tell your family and friends to vote for
Sean Casey Animal Rescue!

Sean Casey Animal Rescue could receive a weekly prize and/or one of the other grants below:
  • Grand Prize: One $10,000 grant!
  • Second Prize: One $5,000 grant!
  • Third Prize: One $2,000 grant!
  • Dark Horse Prizes: Eight $1,000 grants!
  • Shelter Fan Photo Contest Prize - October: One $2,000 grant!
  • Shelter Fan Photo Contest Prize - November: One $2,000 grant!
  • Shelter Fan Photo Contest Prize - December: One $2,000 grant!
  • State Winners*: Fifty-one $1,000 state grants (50 U.S. states and Washington D.C.)
  • International Winner*: Two $1,000 grants will be awarded.
  • Weekly Winners*: Fourteen $1,000 grants will be awarded, one for each week of the Shelter+ Challenge.
Vote now and every day through December 19th for
Sean Casey Animal Rescue!

BEAUTIFUL AND AFFECTIONATE


Beautiful and affectionate, Brie would love to be adopted and have her own family and home.

Brie is a nine-month-old Domestic Short Hair mix. Stop by Sean Casey Animal Rescue and spend time with her to see if she's the right match for you. Brie will thrive in a forever home and be your faithful companion. The experienced staff is available to talk with you, answer your questions, and provide advice on how to transition her to your home.

Brie is spayed, dewormed, treated to prevent fleas and ticks, and is up-to-date with vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $100.00, and she'll get one free exam at the shelter's vet's office, one free month of pet health insurance, and a microchip.

If you'd like to adopt her, please call or visit Sean Casey Animal Rescue. Brie can't wait to meet you!

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E. 3rd Street (between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue)
Phone: (718) 436-5163
http://scarnyc.org
Open every day from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR NEIGHBORHOOD'S
LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES.

FUN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY

Saturday, October 16th

Harvest Hootenanny
11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Pumpkin Sale, Flea Market, and Bake Sale
11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

SALE AT RICH FROG TOYS

Alexa of Rich Frog Toys has announced her end-of-summer sale. She's reduced the price of all summer merchandise by 30%. All other merchandise is also on sale, with some items at a set price-cut and others reduced by 30 to 40%.

Rich Frog Toys
"Where children learn to use their imagination"
Educational Toys for Boys and Girls
211 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(718) 871-3464
http://www.richfrogtoys.com

Open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

Monday, September 20, 2010

CITY PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT ON CULVER EL PROJECT

The City Planning Commission held a hearing on the proposed Culver El project on July 28th and voted on it on August 25th. The Commission found the proposal "appropriate." Its reports on the various aspects of the proposal are linked to on pages 1 and 2 of "City Planning Commission Reports."

Because the project requires multiple actions and a vote on each one, a lead report was issued. This lead report describes the project and all of the requested actions and provides an extensive summary of the public review (pages 1 to 28),
the City Planning Commission public hearing (page 28), the Commission's consideration (pages 29 to 34), and the Commission's resolution (pages 34 to 36). It also contains the borough president's recommendations (pages 37 to 43) and the community board's recommendations (pages 44 to 59).

The City Council's Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises will hold a public hearing on the Culver El project tomorrow morning at 9:30 a.m. at 250 Broadway, 16th floor. The public is invited to testify for or against the project.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

B23 BUS REPLACEMENT STARTS OPERATING TOMORROW


Starting tomorrow, September 20th, the discontinued B23 bus, which served Flatbush, Ditmas Park, Kensington, and Borough Park, will be replaced by Group Ride Vehicles in a trial program. The vehicles, operated by Sunset Service Transportation, will run from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week for $2.00 per ride. Free transfers won't be provided between Group Ride Vehicles and the city's buses and subways.

The article "Group Ride Service Officially Launches on Former B23 Route," published today in "Vos Iz Neias?," points out that
designated stops are marked with signs and are “No Standing” zones; cars aren't permitted to park there. In addition to the designated stops, "riders and drivers may also agree to unique drop off locations that are not among specified stops."

For answers to the questions "How do I know I am taking a licensed Group Ride Vehicle?" and "How do I file a complaint or a compliment?," see Passenger Information-Group Ride Vehicles.

SANITATION DEPARTMENT ANSWERS


Bruno Iciano answered all of KARMA's questions about litter at last Thursday's Albemarle Neighborhood Association meeting. Mr. Iciano is the Community Affairs Liaison in the Community Affairs Unit of the Department of Sanitation.

Q. How often are the corner litter baskets emptied? 
A. The baskets on Church Avenue are emptied on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday during the overnight shift (midnight and 8:00 a.m.). They're emptied a second time on Monday and Thursday during the morning shift (6:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. or 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.).

Q. Why are the baskets full again--and sometimes overflowing--the day after they're emptied? 
A. People are putting their bagged household garbage in the baskets illegally. Sanitation agents look inside the bags to see if they can find the address of the person who placed it there. If they do, they issue a summons (Notice of Violation).

The Sanitation Department will remove a basket if enough people ask their Community Board to do so for the purpose of seeing if that will force people to dispose of their household garbage in the proper place.

Q. Why doesn't Kensington have more of the litter baskets with the narrow openings that are designed to prevent people from putting their household or commercial garbage in them?
A. Organizations, politicians, and Business Improvement Districts
can sponsor (pay for) these high-end baskets. Organizations are allowed to put their name on the basket but not an ad. [Former City Councilmember Bill de Blasio sponsored several high-end baskets in Kensington, and Astoria Federal Savings Bank sponsored one on its corner.]

Q. Why aren't there enough litter baskets near schools and bus stops?
A. Bus stops don't warrant baskets.

Q.Why has there been more litter than usual on the sidewalks?
A. Merchants are responsible for keeping the sidewalk in front of and alongside their stores clean. The Sanitation Department's first step will be outreach; they'll talk to the merchants and give them literature, which is available in three or four languages. The second step is enforcement of the law.
Mr. Iciano suggested that the president of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association write him a letter detailing specific problems.

A member of the audience wanted to know if the Doe Fund is a substitute for the Sanitation Department. Mr. Iciano replied that it's an additional service, not a replacement.

Mr. Iciano was asked if sidewalks that are obstructed by stands that hold merchandise is a problem that the Sanitation Department can do something about. He said that it is.

He was asked if photos of violations, such as car service drivers emptying litter from their cars onto the street, can be submitted to the Sanitation Department for action. He told us that photos can't be used as evidence; a Sanitation agent has to witness the violation in person.

Mr. Iciano is willing to go to PTA meetings to educate adults and to schools and other places to educate children.

A 2-minute and 52-second long video explains "How to Recycle in New York City."

Mr. Iciano said to call 311 first to report violations because your call must be answered and it will be recorded. If no action is taken, call Mr. Iciano and tell him what the problem is that you reported and give him your complaint's confirmation number.

Veronica Guzman, a Kensington resident, and Shawn Campbell, legislative aide to Assemblymember Jim Brennan, offered to maintain a list of the complaints that were made and their confirmation numbers. Ms. Campbell's contact information is District Office, 416 Seventh Avenue, (718) 788-7221.

You can contact Mr. Iciano by e-mail at biciano@dsny.nyc.gov or by phone at (646) 885-5022. The Sanitation Department's website address is http://www.nyc.gov/sanitation.

Saturday, September 18, 2010

ARTISTS IN PERMANENT RESIDENCE: SELECTIONS FROM THE HISTORIC FUND COLLECTION

Artists in Permanent Residence:
Selections from the Historic Fund Collection
Sunday, September 19th,
8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Green-Wood Cemetery, since its founding in 1838, has attracted many artists. They have come to tour its grounds, to appreciate its picturesque and romantic landscape. In large numbers, they have chosen to be interred in its earth. For the last decade, we have been collecting items pertaining to Green-Wood and those who have chosen it as their final resting place: photographic portraits, a soda fountain, post cards, books, Coney Island menus and rides, and much more. These items have supplemented historic records and maps already in our archives.


Five years ago, Richard J. Moylan, Green-Wood’s president, began collecting, on behalf of our Historic Fund, art created by painters who are interred here. Since then, research by our Artists Project has revealed more than 300 artists who lie in Green-Wood’s earth, ranging from Asher B. Durand (1796–1886), leader of the Hudson River School (America’s first group of painters), to Jean-Michel Basquiat (1960–1988), an Andy Warhol protégé.


We will display just a few paintings and prints from what has grown into a substantial and unique collection, one which helps us to tell the story of Green-Wood Cemetery and its permanent residents. Soon, we hope, we will be able to devote a space here to permanent displays from our ever-growing, and endlessly fascinating, collection.


This collection makes its premiere at the Third Annual Gala Benefit on Thursday, September 16.


The event is free and open to the public.


Location: The Historic Chapel @ Green-Wood
Source: http://www.green-wood.com/store.php/store/category/2/event/52

THE DRAFT RIOTS AND THE GANGS OF NEW YORK


Walking Tour:
The Draft Riots and the Gangs of New York
Sunday, September 19th, 1:00 p.m.




The Draft Riots of 1863 is one of the saddest chapters in New York City history. Many of the participants – both famous and unknown – are buried in Green-Wood. Horace Greeley, Henry J. Raymond, “Boss” Tweed, the Brooks Brothers, abolitionist Abigail Hopper Gibbons and others, rest here along with little known victims of the riots. The 2005 film, “Gangs of New York” featured many of them as characters, including one, William “Bill the Butcher” Poole, who was actually dead by the time of the riots. Walk may be hilly and strenuous – wear comfortable walking shoes.


The tour is $10 for Historic Fund members / $15 for non-members. Reservations are recommended. Reserve your ticket online today or call 718.768.7300.


Ruth Edebohls is a tour guide for the Green-Wood Historic Fund. After having worked for the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment as its Coordinator of Urban Tours and as a tour guide for 15 years, she began doing tours for the Historic Fund a year ago. A Brooklyn native, she is a licensed New York City Tour Guide and urban historian with a special enthusiasm for Green-Wood Cemetery. Over the years, she has created and led many fascinating tours of Green-Wood.


Meeting Point: Inside the main entrance at 25th Street and 5th Avenue.
Price: $15.00.
Source: http://www.green-wood.com/store.php/store/category/2/tour/242

Friday, September 17, 2010

LET'S KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER

The following e-mail about a burglary arrived in KARMA's inbox this morning. The statistics for REPORTED crimes for the 66th precinct through last Sunday can be viewed here. Please, everyone, report ALL crimes to your police precinct. The more crimes that get reported, the better our chances are of having more police patrolling our neighborhood.
subject: PLEASE TELL YOUR NEIGHBORS. LET'S KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR ONE ANOTHER.

Dear neighbors, I got this from a concerned neighbor on Clara Street. Let's keep an eye out for unusual activity.

"Just wanted to keep you in the loop. Today a house was broken into on Clara between Dahill and Chester. The robber climbed through a window from the backyard. Some stuff was stolen since no one was home at 11:30 AM today, yeah broad daylight. The cops showed up later and did their thing. Nothing further to report."

CULVER EL REZONING PROPOSAL: PUBLIC HEARING

Culver El Rezoning Hearing
Tuesday, September 21st, 9:30 a.m.

The City Council has scheduled a public hearing by the Subcommittee on Zoning and Franchises on the Culver El rezoning proposal
. The hearing will be held at 250 Broadway, across the street from City Hall, in the 16th Floor hearing room.

The public is allowed to testify. Testimony in front of this subcommittee
is typically limited to two minutes.

If you're going to testify, show up at least ten minutes prior to the start of the hearing to sign up with the Sergeant at Arms.
If you're going to write out your testimony, bring ten to fifteen copies for distribution.

Hearings don't always start on time, but you should allow yourself a few extra minutes to get through the security checkpoint.

The City Council's Calendar shows the most up-to-date list of committee hearings. Scheduled hearings are subject to change. Check the calendar on Monday, the day of the hearing, in case it's been deferred.

Click here to read previous KARMA blog posts about the Culver El rezoning.

HOW TO REPORT VOTING PROBLEMS

From New York City Public Advocate Bill de Blasio:
Dear Friend,

Tuesday’s Primary Election was New York City’s first test with new electronic voting machines. By many accounts, we failed. In the past 72 hours, our office has received numerous reports about poll sites that opened far behind schedule, ballot scanners that broke down, poll workers that mishandled ballots and violations of voter privacy. The outcome: Too many voters left the polls unsure their vote had been properly cast—or even worse—were unable to cast a vote at all. If you experienced a problem at the polls on Tuesday, I need to know about it. Please use our website to file a report, or call our Hotline at (212) 669-7250. In addition, be sure to officially register your complaint with the Board of Elections at (866) VOTE-NYC or TTY at (212) 487-5496 (hearing impaired).

Fixing these problems in time for November’s General Election requires firsthand details of what went wrong on Tuesday—only you can provide them. Please take the time to contact my office, so we can learn from your experience and ensure that every vote is counted.

With your help, we can get this right.

Thank you,

Bill de Blasio
Public Advocate for the City of New York
1 Centre Street, 15th Floor
New York, NY 10007
http://www.advocate.nyc.gov

MELA THIS SUNDAY

Bangladeshi Mela
Sunday, September 19th

At the Bangladeshi mela (street fair) organized by the Sandwip Educational and Cultural Society, food, clothing, jewelry, toys, and raffle tickets will be sold. Music will be provided. The mela will be held on Beverley Road, between Church Avenue and E. 2nd Street. Its hours are guesstimated to be 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. The event is free for all to enjoy.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

CANCELED: BROOKLYN TOWN HALL MEETING

The Brooklyn Town Hall meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 21st, has been canceled. It has not yet been rescheduled. Town Hall meetings are sponsored by the New York City Public Advocate. Click here to see what would have been discussed at the meeting.

WINDSOR TERRACE ALLIANCE MEETING NEXT WEEK

Windsor Terrace Alliance Meeting
Tuesday, September 21st, 6:30 p.m.

From
Lauren Elvers Collins of the Windsor Terrace Alliance:
Please join us at the next Windsor Terrace Alliance meeting!

Agenda:

  • Update from the 72nd Precinct
  • Raccoon issue
  • Windsor Terrace Tree Guard Project
  • Proposal to reduce traffic speed
  • Meet the owners of Brooklyn Commune, a café/market coming to Prospect and Greenwood avenues
  • 2010 “Holiday in Windsor Terrace”
  • New business – bring your concerns!
Pick up your free "No Menus" stoop sign.

Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Note: If your organization has any upcoming community or free events or services, feel free to bring materials to include on the information table.
The meeting will be held in the cafeteria of Bishop Ford High School cafeteria at 500 19th Street. Enter the building through the main entrance on 19th Street between 10th and 11th avenues.
It's your community. Be involved!