OPEN HOUSE AT WINDSOR TERRACE Y

The Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace , located at 1224 Prospect Avenue at Vanderbilt Street, is going to be holding an Open House for the community on Sunday, September 18th, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. 

Learn about the programs, participate in demo classes, meet the staff, and enjoy activities for children. For more information, call Daniel or Nadira at (718) 407-6377 or send an e-mail to info [at] ywindsorterrace.org. 

They have a website, but it's still under construction; the address is http://ywindsorterrace.org.

VOCAL PERFORMANCE CLASS AT WINDSOR TERRACE Y

Gabrielle Stravelli will be teaching a class in vocal performance for eight- to twelve-year-olds at the Kings Bay Y in Windsor Terrace, starting at the end of September.

"The class will focus on integrating basic vocal techniques and music theory with practice and performance. Students will learn music from different genres (pop, music theatre, jazz and standards), exploring the story of the song and ultimately memorizing and staging material, culminating in an informal performance for parents on the last class."

The Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace, serving Windsor Terrace, Kensington, and Ditmas Park, offers educational, cultural, social, and artistic programs: music, art, chess, yoga, storytelling, an open play space, "Featured Artist" Wednesdays, prenatal classes, CPR/First Aid for toddlers, Chinese Mandarin classes, holiday celebrations, family events, and more. 

Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace

1224 Prospect Avenue at Vanderbilt Street

(718) 407-6377

http://ywindsorterrace.org

CANDLELIGHT VIGIL IN KENSINGTON ON SEPTEMBER 11TH

"To honor our desire for world peace and the lives of those we lost," Friends of Kensington is sponsoring a prayer flag-making and a silent candlelight vigil on Sunday, September 11th.

The event is open to the public, and everyone is invited to participate. It will begin at 6:00 p.m. and will be held behind P.S. 230. Please use the entrance on Dahill Road.

Friends of Kensington also sponsored a candlelight vigil in Kensington to honor the life of young Leiby Kletzky.

STEEPLECHASE COFFEE SHOP'S FIRST ART EXHIBIT

Last Friday's opening of the first art exhibit at Steeplechase Coffee Shop was lively and fun; artist Patti Maciesz' work is fresh and liberating--her positive metallic prints of her negative paintings of photographic negatives she rescued from the trash in Paris.

The exhibit will hang until the end of September.

Steeplechase Coffee Shop

3013 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets

(347) 799-2640

Hours

Monday through Friday, from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Previous posts about this event and the exhibit:

Socialize. Drink Wine. See Art.

Meet Patti Maciesz

FOUR FELONIES IN KENSINGTON, AUGUST 22ND THROUGH AUGUST 28TH, FROM THE 66TH PRECINCT'S PIMS UNIT

These four felonies in Kensington are from a report from the 66th Precinct's PIMS unit covering August 22nd through August 28th.

• Robbery: On August 22nd at 9:30 p.m., four men approached the victims at the corner of Avenue C and E. 5th Street. One criminal punched the first victim in the ear and took his cellphone and then ripped the cellphone out of the second victim's hand, ripping her earring off in the process and causing her injury. One criminal was arrested after a canvass was conducted.
• Robbery: On August 23rd at 2:15 p.m., two men approached the victim on the same corner as the above robbery--E. 5th Street and Avenue C--and demanded his wallet. The criminals took his wallet and his cellphone. The victim was not injured. No arrests were made. 
• Burglary: On August 25th, an unknown criminal entered a victim's apartment at 465 E. 7th Street, south of Avenue C, and removed money, jewelry, and a camera. No arrest was made.
• Burglary: On August 25th, an unknown criminal entered a victim's apartment--also at 465 E. 7th Street--and removed DVDs, a video game, and a watch. No arrest was made.

BLOOD NEEDED

The New York Blood Center is in urgent need of blood donors after losing an estimated 2,000 donations during the storm because blood collection was disrupted. To donate, call (800) 933-2566 or visit the center's website at www.nybloodcenter.org.

A blood drive is scheduled at the 66th Precinct tomorrow (Tuesday, August 30th), from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., at 5822 16th Avenue, at the corner of 58th Street. Phone number: (718) 851-5611.

After reading "Who Can Give Blood," if you have any questions regarding your medical eligibility, call (800) 688-0900.

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENDED FOR HOLIDAY

Alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will be suspended from Tuesday, August 30th, through Thursday, September 1st, for the Idul-Fitr holiday. All other regulations, including those for parking meters, remain in effect.

The holiday is a celebratory one that marks the end of the month-long fast during Ramadan.

TWO WALKS AND SNIFFS ALREADY SCHEDULED FOR SEPTEMBER

Two Walks (and Sniffs) around Prospect Park

Thursday, September 1st, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Sunday, September 11th, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Dogs adopted from shelters and from rescues, along with their adoptive "parents," are invited to take a walk together, exchange stories and advice, and get exercise while enjoying a casual leashed walk in Prospect Park. The dogs can socialize and will get exercise in a controlled environment.

Kate Tully, organizer of Adopted Dogs of NYC, and her dog Batman will meet you by the horse statue at Prospect Park West and 9th Street. Batman is a black chihuahua, and he'll be sporting a red collar.

Sign up for Thursday, September 1st, for Sunday, September 11th, or for both.

You don't need to own a dog to participate. You may just feel like taking a walk with dogs and their human companions.

HOW TO REPORT DAMAGE CAUSED BY HURRICANE/TROPICAL STORM IRENE

To report damage from Hurricane/Tropical Storm Irene:

• Call 311 with reports of downed trees, flooding, property damage, and other related requests.
  • In order for New York City to qualify for disaster relief assistance, the City must estimate the storm's total effect on residents and employees.  Reporting property damage in a timely fashion to 311 is essential to this process.
• Property damage reports can also be filed at NYC.gov.
• Reports of immediate public safety concerns such as live wires should be made to 911.
• Response to reports of flooding, downed trees, and other conditions are being coordinated centrally via the Office of Emergency Management.  Immediate prioritization will be given to preserving public safety, restoring power and clearing major transportation arteries.  

To follow the latest information, visit NYC.gov or follow @NYCMayorsOffice and @NotifyNYC on Twitter.

RESTORING BUS SERVICE

At 4:30 p.m., the MTA began restoring limited bus service in Manhattan and The Bronx. Queens and Brooklyn will follow. No fares will be charged today. See the full details at http://www.mta.info. Full route-by-route details about service restorations will be provided in the Service Status Box on the left side of the page when they're available.

ADOPTABLE CAT OF THE DAY: BLACKIE

Blackie is the Sean Casey Animal Rescue Adoptable of the Day. She's a five-year-old Domestic Short Hair mix who is fairly quiet but playful and likes to be held. Blackie ended up at the rescue from the ASPCA, where she was rescued from a hoarder home. Blackie deserves a loving home of her own where she can be the loving companion she truly is.

Blackie is spayed, dewormed, and treated to prevent fleas and ticks, and she's up to date with vaccinations. Her adoption fee is $50.00. She'll get one free exam at Sean's vet's office, one free month of pet health insurance, and a microchip. If you'd like to adopt her, call or visit.

Plus, she's beautiful!

Sean Casey Animal Rescue

153 E. 3rd Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

(718) 436-5163
http://scarnyc.org

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY637.html

https://www.facebook.com/SeanCaseyAnimalRescue

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

TROPICAL STORM WARNING

At 2:40 p.m., the National Weather Service issued a Tropical Storm Warning for New York City. As Hurricane Irene departs, maximum winds are still forecast to be in the 30 to 40 mile-per-hour range, with gusts up to 55 miles-per-hour through late afternoon. For more information, visit http://www.weather.gov/nyc.

MTA SUBWAY AND BUS UPDATE

The MTA is examining the system for safety, flooding, and damage, walking the tracks and clearing out water before service can be restored. No time has been set for the system to resume subway, bus, Long Island Railroad, and Metro-North service.

From the MTA website:

MTA Transportation Service Remains Suspended
Subway, bus and rail service remains suspended as Hurricane Irene makes its way through the region. Do not attempt to travel on the MTA's public transportation network until further notice.

Restoration of service will be implemented as quickly as possible without compromising the safety of our customers, employees or equipment, but it is expected to be a lengthy process that will begin with damage assessment and could include significant repairs.

No one should assume that the third rail is deactivated. Stay off tracks and away from third rail at all times.

New York Times:

Subway lines in parts of Brooklyn were also inundated. It remained unlikely that the subway and commuter rail system would be back to full speed for the Monday morning commute, officials said.

TREE DOWN ON E. 4TH STREET

A tree on E. 4th Street, north of Albemarle Road, felled by Hurricane Irene. Photo courtesy of Jeff Marker.

Jeff also reports that a tree in the East 4th Street Community Garden was uprooted and is leaning against the fence.

SMALL POWER OUTAGES IN NEIGHBORHOOD

The Con Edison power outage map currently shows two outages, each affecting one to fifty customers: Minna Street near Dahill Road and Greenwood Avenue near Prospect Avenue.

FLOOD WATCH IN EFFECT

At 12:30 a.m., the National Weather Service issued a flood warning for the New York City area until noon on Sunday. Because most flood injuries occur in automobiles, if you have to drive, be careful. Don't drive your vehicle into areas where water covers the entire roadway.

The tornado watch is also in effect until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday.

For updated weather information, go to http://www.weather.gov/nyc.

JAZZ NIGHT OUT: A P.S. 154 FUND RAISER

Jazz Night Out: Save the Music Program

Monday, September 12th, 7:30 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Jerome Sabbagh, P.S. 154's Music Program Director, and his quartet are donating their talents for a fund raiser for the school at Union Hall in Park Slope. Proceeds will fund the PTA-funded music program provided by Music Wizards Inc., directed by Mr. Sabbagh.

From Jerome Sabbagh's website: "The Jerome Sabbagh Quartet plays modern, organic music that can appeal to listeners beyond the traditional jazz audience as well as regular jazz fans. The quartet has recorded two critically acclaimed albums, "North" (Fresh Sound New Talent) and "Pogo" (available on Sunnyside in the US and on Bee Jazz in Europe)."

Tickets (General Admission) cost $25.00. You can buy them online at www.unionhallny.com or directly from the PTA on September 8th, 9th, and 12th.

This event is for ages 21 and older. You must be able to present valid identification.

Union Hall is at 702 Union Street, right off the corner of 5th Avenue.

THE FIRST HURRICANE IRENE MIRACLE AT SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE

Sean Casey Animal Rescue (SCAR) is operating on emergency status because of Hurricane Irene. SCAR is working with the NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to rescue animals displaced by the hurricane and to take in the overflow from Animal Care and Control of NYC. Because of this, adoptions and normal shelter operations won't be taking place tomorrow at SCAR. The staff needs to devote all of its resources to caring for SCAR's animals as well as those who become displaced.

If you have any questions about evacuation with your pet, call 311 or visit OEM's website at www.nyc.gov/oem.

The kitten in the picture above, SCAR's first Hurricane Irene rescue, has been named Miracle. A couple was evacuating Coney Island and found him under their car. Miracle is now safely housed at SCAR. He should be available for adoption later this week, after he's seen the vet and is examined, neutered, and vaccinated.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue

153 E. 3rd Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue

(718) 436-5163
http://scarnyc.org

http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/NY637.html

https://www.facebook.com/SeanCaseyAnimalRescue

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES! 

TORNADO WATCH IN EFFECT

At 8:15 p.m. tonight, the National Weather Service issued a Tornado Watch for the New York City area until 5:00 a.m. on Sunday. Favorable conditions exist for a tornado to form. For more info, see http://www.weather.gov/nyc. The warning is for the five boroughs plus Nassau, Suffolk, Rockland, and Westchester counties.

GOURMET NORTH INDIAN COOKING CLASS THIS WEDNESDAY

Gourmet North Indian Cooking Class

Wednesday, August 31st, 7:00 p.m.

Menu:

• Palak Paneer (spinach in Indian cheese with onion, ginger, and garlic)
• Shrimp Malai Curry (shrimp in coconut milk, onion, garlic, and ginger)
• Samosa (pastry stuffed with vegetables or meat. Students will learn how to make samosa from scratch.)
• Pulao (rice with carrots, onion, cinnamon, and cardamon)

YOU get to cook too. Bring containers with you so you can bring home the dishes you cook.

The class is limited to eight people.

 

Price: $50 per person

Click here to reserve a space or register by e-mail or phone. Call Mukti at (917)-703-3998 or e-mail her at muktiskitchen [at] gmail.com.

Mukti’s Kitchen (run by Mukti Banerjee)

Beverley Road, near E. 9th Street

(917) 703-3998

http://www.meetup.com/muktiskitchen

http://muktiskitchen.blogspot.com (weekly blog)

e-mail muktiskitchen [at] gmail.com

BATTLE OF BROOKLYN CANCELED

All Battle of Brooklyn tours and events scheduled for Sunday, August 28th, at Green-wood Cemetery have been canceled because of Hurricane Irene. See the cemetery's home page or call (718) 210-3080 for updates.

Green-Wood Cemetery will get in touch with ticket-holders as soon as possible using available contact information. Paid tour tickets will be honored for any other Green-Wood tour anytime. You may also opt to donate the cost of your tickets to the Green-Wood Historic Fund and receive an acknowledgement of your tax-deductible contribution. They will process a refund if you cannot or don't want to attend another tour.

MORE CLOSINGS: BRANCACCIO'S, BROOKLYN PUBLIC LIBRARY, PARKS

Brancaccio's Food Shop will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

All locations of Brooklyn Public Library will be closed on Saturday and Sunday.

All park facilities will be closed on Saturday and Sunday, so "The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Loves Michael Jackson Birthday Celebration," scheduled for Saturday in the Prospect Park Nethermead, has been postponed.

COMPOST FOR BROOKLYN CLOSED THIS WEEKEND

Compost for Brooklyn will be closed on tomorrow (Saturday) and Sunday because of Hurricane Irene, so hang onto your compost for a few more days.

ADOPTION EVENT CANCELED

Tomorrow's adoption event by Sean Casey Animal Rescue has been canceled because of Hurricane Irene. The event was going to be held at One Love Animal Hospital on Atlantic Avenue.

HAIRY HARRY POSTPONED

The "Hairy Harry Planting Activity for Kids," scheduled for this Sunday in the East 4th Street Community Garden, has been postponed because of...yup, Hurricane Irene.

OEM ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

For updates on Hurricane Irene, visit the NYC Severe Weather website.

If nyc.gov is temporarily unavailable due to heavy site traffic, you can visit the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) on Facebook or follow it on Twitter.

FULL MTA SUSPENSION STARTING TOMORROW

Due to expected severe weather conditions, all MTA Subway, Rail, and Bus services will be suspended citywide beginning tomorrow, Saturday, August 27th, at 12 noon. Currently, no estimated time for restoration of service is available. For updates, visit http://www.mta.info.

SOME SUNDAY OUTDOOR EVENTS CANCELED

Outdoor events planned for Sunday, August 28th, that require a city permit have been canceled because of Hurricane Irene. This includes parades, block parties, major street fairs, and other public street events.

GET A DISCOUNT ON A BROOKLYN CYCLONES GAME AND BENEFIT CITY OF HOPE

From good friend and good neighbor Tim Wallace. Reprinted with his permission from the Kensington/Windsor Terrace listserv.

Hi neighbors,

I am sponsoring an event to raise money for the Prospect Park chapter of City Of Hope. Come out & enjoy a great game for $10 per ticket which is $4 less than you would pay at the stadium and at the same time help support a great charity.

I have traded in my unused Season tickets through the Cyclones unused ticket exchange program for box seats to the final regular season game vs. the Staten Island Yankees on Sunday September 4th at 5pm. EVERY PENNY COLLECTED FOR THESE TICKETS IS BEING DONATED TO THE PROSPECT PARK CHAPTER OF CITY OF HOPE. (I currently have 52 seats available which would mean $520.00 goes directly to the charity).

To purchase any of these tickets please email me at Olowisious [at] aol.com to arrange pick up or delivery of the tickets. For information on City of Hope please visit http://www.cityofhope.org. I will also post a little info below.

Thanks,

Tim

 

City of Hope is recognized worldwide for its compassionate patient care, innovative science and translational research, which rapidly turns laboratory breakthroughs into promising new therapies.

We are one of only 40 National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Centers nationwide and a founding member of the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. An independent biomedical research, treatment and education institution, we are a leader in the fight to conquer cancer, diabetes, HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening diseases.

HURRICANE TIPS FROM COUNCILMEMBER BRAD LANDER

From Councilmember Brad Lander:

While forecasts are still uncertain, there is a strong possibility that Hurricane Irene will hit New York City this weekend, probably beginning late Saturday night and continuing into Sunday. The sooner you can prepare for this possibility, the better. In this email and on my website (http://bradlander.com/hurricane), I have compiled resources from city agencies and utilities to help you prepare for and respond to the storm.

Also on my website, you can use the Hurricane Irene Report Form to inform my staff of problems on the streets of your neighborhood stemming from the hurricane.   I will use the information you provide to help me work with City officials to address downed tree limbs, clogged storm drains, and other problems.

Stay safe this weekend.

Brad 

Know Your Evacuation Zone
If you live near Red Hook or the Gowanus Canal, you may be in a hurricane evacuation zone. Please visit the NYC Office of Emergency Management’s evacuation zone website to be sure (you can also view the evacuation map of this City Council district on my website). Evacuation centers close to our neighborhoods include:

• John Jay High School: 7th Avenue between 4th and 5th Streets
• NYC Technical College: Jay Street between Johnson and Tillary Streets 
• Brooklyn Tech High School: Fort Greene Place between Dekalb Avenue and Fulton Street 
• PS 249: Rugby Road between Cortelyou and Beverley Roads 
• IS 187: 65th Street between 11th and 12th Avenues  

Many hospitals, senior centers, and nursing homes in low-lying areas are already being evacuated and at 8 A.M. on Saturday the mayor will be deciding whether to order a general evacuation of any evacuation zones (again, find out if you are in an evacuation zone here).

Plan Ahead

As you plan for this weekend, remember that the MTA may shut down subway and bus service, as early as Saturday afternoon. Check http://mta.info for updates.

Check-In On Others

And please, think about your friends and neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled, who may need your help evacuating or preparing for the storm. If you can, please offer your home as a place for shelter.

Be Prepared

Secure Your Home

• Bring inside loose, lightweight objects, such as lawn furniture, garbage cans, garden tools, and toys.
• Anchor objects that will be unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks. Turn off propane tanks.
• Shutter windows securely and brace outside doors.
• Place valuables in waterproof containers or plastic bags.

Help Others Prepare

• Check on friends, relatives, and neighbors, especially those with disabilities or special needs, and assist them with their preparation and evacuation.
• If you live outside an evacuation zone, offer to shelter family and friends who may need to evacuate.

If Asked to Evacuate, Do So Immediately

• The City will communicate specific instructions about which areas of the city should evacuate through local media.
• Use public transportation if possible.

If you are going to an evacuation center, pack lightly, and bring:

• The recommended items for a "Go Bag."
• Sleeping bag or bedding.
• Required medical supplies or equipment.
• Let friends or relatives know where you are going.

Additional Hurricane Emergency Resources

New York City’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM):

• OEM is recommending that you stay tuned-in, via TV and radio news, the OEM website, or by calling 311.
• Office of Emergency Management homepage
• Find out if your home is in the hurricane evacuation zone
• Prepare your Emergency Supply Kit

MTA:

• Check the MTA website for updates on subway and bus service impacts from the storm

Con Ed:

• Report any power outages to Con Ed at 1-800-75-CONED

NAIL SALON OPENS ON FORT HAMILTON PARKWAY

Nails by Amy

2907 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 3 and E. 4th streets

(718) 436-2898

HURRICANE WARNING FROM THE 66TH PRECINCT

The National Weather Service has issued a hurricane watch for the tri-state area in regards to hurricane "IRENE."

The latest tracking model indicates that the hurricane will come in close proximity to NYC as a category 1 or 2 within the next 48 hours. The hurricane has the potential to produce 7 to 10 inches of rain and winds between 55 and 95 miles per hour.

We ask that you clear your homes and property of any loose debris, construction material, patio furniture, or anything that may become airborne in such winds to minimize damage and injury.

Also it is strongly encouraged that you prepare your household for possible power outages by having operable flashlights, first aid kits, transistor radio and enough food and water (minimal 3-day supply).

Furthermore, prepare a Go-Bag in the event of an evacuation order. We are preparing for the worst but hoping for the best. The NYPD is in constant communication with all other city agencies and will be working to ensure the safety of all the citizens of New York City.
                                                                                                                  John J. Sprague

Commanding Officer, 66 Pct

PARKING RULE SUSPENSION SATURDAY AND MONDAY

The New York City Department of Transportation will suspend Alternate Side of the Street parking regulations citywide on Saturday, August 27th, and Monday, August 29th, because of the forecast of inclement weather--Hurricane Irene.

Parking meters will also be suspended citywide on those two days.

All parking regulations will be in effect tomorrow (Friday, August 26th).

WEEKEND STORY TIME FOR PRESCHOOLERS

Weekend Story Time Program for Preschoolers

Saturdays, September 24th, October 1st, 15th, 22nd, and 29th, and November 5th
10:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Children from three to five years old will enjoy and benefit from this six-session story time series at the Windsor Terrace Library. Stories and activities will encourage the development of their early literacy skills as they experience new and classic picture books, enjoy favorite songs, learn new fingerplays, and engage in other activities and crafts in this playful program.

Families will receive free books and other materials to continue the learning and fun at home.

The program is for children with and without disabilities.

Windsor Terrace Library
160 East 5th Street, at the corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway

(718) 686-9707

http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/branch_library_detail.jsp?branchpageid=138 

PREPARING FOR A HURRICANE

Hurricane Irene is currently a category 3 hurricane (winds 111 to 130 miles per hour).

The brochure "Ready New York: Hurricanes and New York City" is available online in several languages. It explains to those who live in a hurricane evacuation zone what they need to do in advance.

To find out if you live in a hurricane evacuation zone and where the evacuation centers are located, type your address into the Office of Emergency Management's Hurricane Evacuation Zone Finder and/or check their map. If you don't live in a hurricane evacuation zone, you don't face a risk of storm surge flooding from a hurricane.

If you live in a high-rise building, take shelter below the 10th floor to avoid dangerous winds. 

Watch out for falling trees and branches and flying objects that don't normally fly. 

The NYC Office of Emergency Management is on Facebook.

CAN A COW JOIN THE CIRCUS?

Swedish Marionette Theater

Monday, August 29th,  11:00 a.m.

Free, for all ages, at Greenwood Playground.

From their website:

The CityParks PuppetMobile—one of the only traveling puppet theaters in the country—brings the professional performances of Central Park's Swedish Marionette Theater to every corner of New York City. Kids will love this production of Bessie's Big Shot, the story of a cow who dreams of joining the circus and must overcome spectacular obstacles to do so.

GROW HAIR AT THE COMMUNITY GARDEN

Hairy Harry Planting Activity for Kids

Sunday, August 28th, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

Hairy Harry helps children understand

• what plants need to grow
• plants grow from seeds
• seeds require water and soil
• the role of roots, stems, leaves, and seeds in a living plant

Free!

All are welcome!

East 4th Street Community Garden

E. 4th Street, between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway

ONE MAN'S REACTION TO THE SHAKING

New Yorkers generally were blaming the shaking from today's earthquake on their cats, their dogs, their neighbors, construction crews, the subway, and anything else they could think of--except an earthquake. Here's another New Yorker's version of why things were shaking, from The New York Times:

In Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn, Eric Vazquez, 35, had just parked his car and was waiting for his brother when he felt the tremors.

"I thought he was playing a trick on me and shaking my car," Mr. Vazquez said. "My car was literally rocking back and forth. I got out and walked around. Then I got in and started troubleshooting the car, revving up the engine."

"Then my brother called me and told me it was an earthquake," he added.

BASEBALL: POLICE VS. SHOMRIM

Baseball: Boro Park Shomrim versus 66th Precinct

Wednesday, August 24th, at 7:00 p.m.

The 2nd annual baseball game between Boro Park Shomrim and the NYPD’s 66th Precinct will be held tomorrow night (Wednesday). It's free, and it's open to the public. Spectators will get free cotton candy, free popcorn, and free soft drinks.

The "gates" will be opened at 6:30 p.m.

Location: St. A’s Sports Complex, 20th Avenue between 53rd and 54th streets. The entrance to the baseball field is on the side of P.S. 121 on 20th Avenue.

VIOLENT CRIME INCREASED IN 66TH PRECINCT

A slight increase in violent crime took place in the past year in a few precincts, including the 66th, which covers Kensington, Midwood, and Borough Park. Felonious assault was up 21% over a year ago. Burglary was down 19%. Citywide, crime was down.

News12 Brooklyn video

CompStat Report (Crime Complaints), 66th Precinct, 8/8/11 through 8/14/11

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES AT PROSPECT PARK

Prospect Park Volunteer Corps Information Session

Wednesday, August 24th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Explore the dozens of ways you can help on weekdays or weekends to keep Prospect Park green. No previous experience is necessary. Help with

• Woodland restoration, including cleaning, greening, and planting
• Maintaining the gardens
• Cleaning up the lake
• Visitor outreach and education, including leading guided tours
• Advocacy
• Office work
• Carpentry
• Photography
• Information Technology
• Working with children and nature at the Audubon Center

The information session will be held in the first-floor Conference Room at Litchfield Villa, 95 Prospect Park West, between 4th and 5th streets. Call (718) 965-8960 for information.

TEAPOTS WILL FLY TOMORROW

Toddler Flying Teapot 
 Tuesday, August 23rd, 4:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.

Joanne Riel writes

"Join us for this magical class with original music and a creative spirit. Interactive instrument play, stories, movement, and more. Includes favorites like the Train Song, Potty Song, Roll me Round. Joanne has been delighting and engaging children and adults in the community for many years. Her vision is to create joyful and nurturing environments for young children."

Fee: drop-ins, $20.

Recommended ages: 14 - 24 months.

Location: near Vanderbilt playground.

Send an e-mail to Joanne (joafree1[at] msn.com), if you're interested in the class. 

Check out some of Joanne's songs at www.cdbaby.com/cd/joanneriel.

THREE FELONIES IN KENSINGTON, AUGUST 15TH THROUGH AUGUST 21ST, FROM THE 66TH PRECINCT'S PIMS UNIT

These three felonies in Kensington are from a report from the 66th Precinct's PIMS unit covering August 15th through August 21st. Unfortunately, the times of the crimes weren't included in the report.

• Grand Larceny: On Thursday, August 18th, a thirty-one-year-old man approached a twenty-year-old woman at the corner of Ditmas and McDonald avenues and took her bag from her hand. The woman was not injured. The criminal was arrested on the scene.
• Burglary: On Saturday, August 20th, someone entered the victim's apartment at 727 E. 4th Street, between Ditmas Avenue and Avenue F, and removed a television. No arrest was made.
• Robbery: Also on Saturday, August 20th, a sixteen-year-old boy punched a nineteen-year-old man in the face at the corner of Beverley Road and E. 8th Street and took his bicycle and money. The criminal was arrested on the scene.