RECOMMENDATIONS AND OPINIONS ON SAFETY ON PROSPECT PARK'S LOOP

The Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce's recommendations for keeping walkers, strollers, dog walkers, joggers, runners, horseback riders, cyclists, speed cyclists, drivers, and any other users of Prospect Park's loop safe will go into effect as soon as late spring, says The Brooklyn Paper.

Streetsblog reports that there will be one fewer lane for cars and, thus, more space for walking and biking, with each group getting its own dedicated lane; Streetsblog would like cars banned from the park at all times. Most attendees at the Taskforce's public meeting last night feel the same way.

Phase I Actions and Phase II Actions on Prospect Park Alliance's website state the goals (crossing in the right place at the right time and using the correct lane) and how to meet them (education and signs, for example).

The Taskforce's full report includes a table showing the type and number of accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians since 2009, priority concerns, key issues, Phase I Actions, the level of service that will result for cars when Phase I is in place, and Phase Actions.

DOGS NEED NEWSPAPERS NOW

Sean Casey Animal Rescue is in desperate need of newspapers today.

Please bring them whatever you've got.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue (SCAR)

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

by the border of Windsor Terrace and Kensington

(718) 436-5163

nyanimalrescue @ yahoo.com

http://scarnyc.org
http://www.petfinder.com/pet-search?shelter_id=NY637

 

Open seven days a week, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

TWINKLE, TWINKLE, LITTLE STAR: SCOPING OUT THE STARS OVER DOME PLAYGROUND

FREE HEBREW SING-A-LONG AND JEWISH STORY TIME WEDNESDAY

 

Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue, corner of Vanderbilt Street
near the 15th Street-Prospect Park station of the F and G trains and near the Fort Hamilton F and G station
(718) 407-6377
http://ywindsorterrace.org
https://www.facebook.com/ywindsorterrace
info @ ywindsorterrace.org

KENSINGTON FELONY CRIME REPORT, MONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 TO SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2012

Kensington Felony Crime Report
Monday February 13 to Sunday February 19, 2012 

The weekly report courtesy of the 66 Precinct

In Sector G—from Beverley Rd to Ave F; from 37th Street to Coney Island Ave

Thurs Feb 16  Burglary @ Ditmas Ave &  E 3 Street

According to the 50–year-old male victim, someone entered his apartment via the front door and took his property as well as that of his roommate. No cameras witnessed the event, nor did a police canvass find anything.

Fri Feb 17   Burglary @ “McDonald Ave & E 5 Street” (according to info from 66 PIMS)

A 33-yr old woman claimed someone stole her property, gaining entrance through her apartment door. Police talked with her neighbors, but learned nothing useful.  

In Sector K—from Caton Ave to Beverley Rd; from 37th Street to Coney Island Ave

Fri. Feb. 17   Robbery @ Dahill Rd & Louisa Street

A 41-yr-old man said a thief first hit him in the face, then grabbed his cell phone  out of his hand. Police search caught perp carrying a forged instrument, NYS ID and SS Card.  Arrest made.

A PROPOSAL FOR THE SAFETY OF WALKERS, RUNNERS, AND CYCLISTS IN PROSPECT PARK

Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce Public Meeting

Tuesday, February 28th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The safety measures introduced in a pilot program this past November on Prospect Park's West Drive (between Center Drive and Wellhouse Drive) didn't work out well. So, at tomorrow night's public meeting in Prospect Park's Picnic House, the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce will present the recommendations it recently made to the Parks Department and the Department of Transportation about establishing safe practices on the park drives. 

The Daily News says that under the proposed plan

drivers - who currently are only allowed in the park during rush hour using two lanes - would be crammed into one ten-foot wide slice of Park Drive.

Bikers, meanwhile, would share a 10-foot wide lane, splitting it between slower riders and those moving at  speeds.

Walkers and runners would share a two-way 14-foot lane for people moving in both directions.

From The New York Times:

Under the proposal, the center lane, which is now used by motorists during morning and evening rush hours and by bicyclists at other times, would be for bicycles all day. (Car traffic is allowed from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. on the East Drive, and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the West Drive.) The left lane, which is currently divided between pedestrians and bicyclists during the rush hours, would be for pedestrians. And the right lane would be the only place for vehicular traffic: individual drivers when the park is open to cars, and parks department and other working vehicles in the off hours.

Whatever your thoughts may be about the plan, your voice should be heard. After all, it's your park.

Directions to the Picnic House: Enter the Park at 5th Street and Prospect Park West, follow the path next to the Villa, down the stairs and across the drive to the Picnic House.

FREE SING-A-LONG AT THE Y

The Windsor Terrace Y is having a free sing-a-long, dance, and story time on Wednesday, February 29th, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The show is for ages 0 to 6, and it's open to everyone. The playspace will stay open for everyone after the show.

Join Yoni the Puppet and Tehillah in an interactive Hebrew sing-a-long and Jewish story time and music medley in the Y's Indoor Playspace.

Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue, corner of Vanderbilt Street
near the 15th Street-Prospect Park station of the F and G trains and near the Fort Hamilton F and G station
(718) 407-6377
http://ywindsorterrace.org
https://www.facebook.com/ywindsorterrace
info @ ywindsorterrace.org

PURIM PARTY AT FLATBUSH JEWISH CENTER

hamentashen

Purim Party

Wednesday, March 7th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Celebrate Purim, a joyous and festive Jewish holiday, at the Flatbush Jewish Center. A lively reading of the Megillah will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Sanctuary. Next is a Purim Party for all, beginning at 7:30 p.m. A costume contest will be held for all ages. Eat a break-fast dinner and hamentashen. Enjoy Israeli dancing led by Tali. Arts and crafts and face painting will provide additional fun.

The evening is free for all.

Flatbush & Shaare Torah Jewish Center

(also called Flatbush Jewish Center)

327 E. 5th Street, at the corner of Church Avenue

(718) 871-5200

http://flatbushjewishcenter.org

PETAL IS STILL MISSING AFTER A WEEK

Sean Casey is willing to help catch Petal as soon as someone spots her someplace.

A PLAZA FOR KENSINGTON

Discussion of "Kensington Plaza"

at Church Avenue and Beverley Road
Monday, February 27th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. 

Kensington lacks open spaces and an outdoor area for people to gather, sit, talk, or read a newspaper. But not for much longer! Join in a discussion about the new "Kensington Plaza," proposed by Kensington residents, to be located on the extended sidewalk at the intersection of Church Avenue and Beverley Road.

Hear about the plan that our New York City Councilmember Brad Lander and city agencies have developed to add a few trees, benches, stones, and other street furniture, and then discuss it with Councilmember Lander, neighborhood organizations, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Sanitation, and the 66th Precinct.

The meeting will include

• a presentation on the proposed design by the Department of Transportation,
• a discussion of safety and sanitation issues with the precinct and the Department of Sanitation,
• feedback from the community, and
• meeting the coordinators and signing up as a volunteer to help keep our plaza clean.

Meet in the P.S. 230 auditorium at 1 Albemarle Road, between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road.

To RSVP, click here and scroll to the bottom of the page.

Do you have questions about the event? Contact Catherine Zinnel in Councilmember Lander’s District Office at (718) 499-1090 or czinnel @ council.nyc.gov.

AN EVENING OF SWING AND IRISH DANCING

Tara O'Grady & The Black Velvet Band

Saturday, March 10th, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Green-wood Cemetery's Historic Chapel will be the site of a pre-St. Patrick's Day evening of dancing, drinks, light hor d'oeuvres, and the sophisticated swing music of Tara O'Grady & The Black Velvet Band as they perform "an irresistible mix of traditional Irish songs and jazz standards set to a swing jazz beat."

Proceeds will support the Green-Wood Historic Fund, the non-profit arm of Green-wood Cemetery.

Ticket prices (advance reservations are required):

• members of the Green-Wood Historic Fund: $90 per couple/$50 per person
• non-members: $100 per couple/$60 per person

Prices include admission, drinks, and light hor d'oeuvres.

To purchase tickets, call (718) 210-3080 or order them online.

THE 66 PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING, THURS. FEBRUARY 16

The 66 Precinct Community Council Meeting, Thurs. February 16

Here are the main points the NYPD 66 Precinct commander, Deputy Inspector John J. Sprague, made at its Community Council meeting:

1. Crime Stats are flat. What’s trending are robberies of electronic devices, mainly by juveniles. Targeting people going to and from subway, buses, or stores, these kids often attack from behind, blindsiding their victims and forestalling useful perp identifications. Instead, the 66 is forced to rely on store surveillance videos.

2. Protecting Your Electronic Gadgets Be sure to activate the “Find my phone” app in your Iphone. (It also works on Ipad or Mac laptops—a 5-minute download.) With it, police are able to track a missing phone and return it. In one case, “Find my phone,” which is only on the most recent models, led the 66 to a Queens’ house party, where it was able to arrest 4 people with a phone lifted in the 66 Precinct. The robbers were dumbfounded at the 66’s arrival, D.I. Sprague said. He also recommended keeping a record of your cell phone’s IMEI number, its serial number. (Check the web for info on how to locate it.)

3. Scam Alerts Con artists are staking out the elderly who often have a hard time identifying their scammers. One 90 -year-old woman, however, was able to i.d. a woman burglar, who was subsequently arrested. Sprague suggested installing a video hookup in the home to aid seniors.

Deception Burglaries and another—slicker—con are happening here in Kensington —and citywide.

DECEPTION BURGLARY The burglar gains entry by posing as an employee of a well-known company, for example, Con Ed., DEP, Fed Ex, or others. When “reps” appear at the door, demand to see their official ID, whether slipped under the locked front door or through the mail slot. Better yet, check out the “employees” by calling their company or 911. (To verify a Con Ed employee, call (800) 752–6633; for DEP i.d., call (718) 595–7000)

PHONE-CALL SCAM Here the targeted senior receives a call from a foreign country where the caller, claiming he’s “a grandson, a nephew,” etc., asks that large sums of money be wired to rescue him from a calamity. See Crime Stats, Wed. Jan 18 Grand Larceny on Dahill Rd. Don’t be hasty. Check with your relative first at his home number. One man wired $14,000 to his “grandson,” supposedly arrested in Peru. As it turned out, the grandson was here at home in Brooklyn all along.

4. January Cop of the Month, awarded to Officer Mary Ball, a veteran of the 66. According to Sprague, burglaries are one of the hardest crimes to solve because there are no witnesses. Still, thanks to Officer Ball’s quick response, she and her partner were able to capture 3.

5. Coney Island Avenue Jam Up After more than a year of mumbling and complaints on the local blogs about the Coney Island Avenue car repair shops using CIA as their front yard, an upright citizen appeared at the meeting to complain. The repair shops double park their cars, hogging access, blocking traffic, especially the turn from Cortelyou to CIA.

D.I. Sprague explained that the 66 does do sweeps along that strip (from Cortelyou to Church), but many of those cars have no license plates, preventing the police from issuing summons.  A discussion of alternative strategies ensued.  Expect to see the 66 take a more aggressive approach.

6. Citizens’ Police Academy For registration, call  66 Pct Community Affairs at (718) 851–5601. The 14-week program offers interested citizens an introduction to police procedures.  Classes meet once a week for 14 weeks, starting in March at the Police Academy on Manhattan’s east side.

Next meeting:  Thurs., March 15 @ 7:30, CB 12’s offices.

Call Precinct to double check: (718) 851-5611, operator

JEWISH UNITY ON THE SABBATH AT FLATBUSH JEWISH CENTER

"Shabbat Across America/Canada"
Friday, March 2nd, 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Kensington's Flatbush and Shaare Torah Jewish Center will join with synagogues across America in a display of Jewish revitalization and unity.

Conceived and organized by the National Jewish Outreach Program, the 16th Annual "Shabbat Across America/Canada" represents a united effort by Judaism’s four major movements to renew interest in the fourth of the Ten Commandments: "Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy."

Flatbush Jewish Center will be among approximately 750 synagogues across the U.S.A. that will simultaneously open their doors to practicing and non-practicing Jews alike so they can join one another in experiencing a traditional Shabbat service and festive meal.

Admission: $20 for adults; $6 for children ages 6 to 12; free for children ages 5 and under.

To reserve a spot, call the synagogue office at (718) 871-5200 or pay via PayPal at http://bit.ly/wVjhyD.

Flatbush and Shaare Torah Jewish Center
327 E. 5th Street, at the corner of Church Avenue, one block from Ocean Parkway
e-mail: fandstjc @ verizon.net
phone: (718) 871-5200
fax: (718) 871-5204
http://www.flatbushjewishcenter.org

PROSPECT FARM'S FIRST RAISED BED

The First Raised Bed

Saturday, February 25th, 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Stop by at Prospect Farm tomorrow to help neighbors put together the first raised bed. Raised beds are used for starting seeds and for growing small crops of plants that people don’t want growing in one of the main garden beds.

Also, the brand-new tool shed is almost ready for use. Help is needed tomorrow to install some hooks and shelves inside it.

Prospect Farm

1194 Prospect Avenue, between Seeley and Vanderbilt streets

F/G Train to Fort Hamilton, exit toward Prospect Avenue

prospectfarmbk @ gmail.com

prospectfarm.org
facebook.com/ProspectFarmBK

VISITORS NEEDED FOR HOMEBOUND HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS

Selfhelp Community Services needs volunteers to visit housebound senior citizen Holocaust survivors in their homes in various Brooklyn neighborhoods for just an hour a week.

In the Friendly Visitors Program, the client and the visitor can enjoy such activities as playing chess, playing cards, talking, sharing family photos, making scrapbooks, discussing current events, learning each other's history, taking a walk--and anything else that interests both of you.

If physical visits aren't possible, phone visits can be arranged.

Seniors come from diverse backgrounds, so Selfhelp is looking for volunteers who speak Russian, Hungarian, Polish, or English.

To talk more about the Friendly Visitors Program, call (718) 633-1300 or send an e-mail to Fran Tarshish at  ftarshish @ yahoo.com.

Selfhelp Community Services
419 Church Avenue, between E. 4th and E. 5th streets

a program of Selfhelp Community Services, Inc.,

a not-for-profit organization

KENSINGTON FELONY CRIME REPORT, MONDAY, JANUARY 30 TO SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2012

Kensington Felony Crime Report
Monday January 30 to Sunday February 5, 2012

This information comes courtesy of the NYPD 66 Precinct.

In Sector G (from Beverley Rd to Ave F; from 37th St to Coney Island Ave)

Mon Jan 30     Burglary @ McDonald Ave business

According to complainant, thief/ves gained access to building through the company’s rear fire escape and an unlocked second floor door. Thieves pried open business’ door, took property and left a damaged door.

In Sector K (from Caton Ave to Beverley Rd; from 37th Street to Coney Island Ave)

Tues Jan 31   Robbery @ McDonald Ave & Albemarle Rd

A 15–yr-old boy was walking to the bus stop, when another boy, 17, stopped him, flashed  a box cutter and said: “Let’s make this easy.” The thief then reached into his victim’s pocket and took what was there.  No injuries. Police canvas of area yielded nothing.

MISSING: A CAT NAMED PETAL

Missing cat!
Reward
 if found!

Petal has been missing from home since Sunday, February 19th. She was last seen near 300 Ocean Parkway by Avenue C.

Age: 1 year old
Weight: 10 lbs.
Appearance: gray with green eyes, a white belly, and alternating gray and black tiger stripes on her tail. She is spayed.

If you've seen Petal, please call Sara at (917) 923-2896 or Jason at (718) 916-6049.

PROPERTY ASSESSMENT TOO HIGH?

Joint Outreach Session On Property Taxes
with the NYC Department of Finance and the NYC Tax Commission

Monday, February 27th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Earlier this year, the New York City Department of Finance announced the publication of the tentative property assessment roll for fiscal year 2013.

Because many homeowners have seen a change in how their properties have been valued and have questions about these changes, the Department of Finance and the Tax Commission will be conducting an additional, evening joint outreach session in Brooklyn. Representatives from both agencies will be there to answer questions from the public about how their properties have been valued.

For information about the Notice of Property Value mailed by the Finance Department in January, click here.

Location: The Courtroom of Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street

CELEBRATE IMMACULATE HEART OF MARY SCHOOL

A Facebook event page has been created for "Celebrate Immaculate Heart of Mary School" so alumni can let each other know if they're going (or possibly going) to the celebration. This farewell to the school is being organized by alumni from various years, and it's open to all former students, regardless of year.

Call the Rectory at (718) 871-1310, ext. 10, for ticket information.

NO ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING TOMORROW

Alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will be suspended on Wednesday, February 22nd, for Ash Wednesday. All other regulations, including those for parking meters, will remain in effect.

2012 Alternate Side Parking Suspension Calendar

WINE TASTING AND SILENT AUCTION

Sip into Spring Benefit for the P.S. 230 PTA:

Wine Tasting & Silent Auction

Saturday, March 31st, 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

Enjoy food and beverages and bid on fabulous auction items. Wine will be donated by VOS Selections, food by The Waterfront Ale House, desserts by Taste It Presents, and coffee by Brooklyn Roasting Company.

The event will bring together the families of P.S. 230 and the surrounding community to raise funds for P.S. 230 enrichment arts programs. Tickets are available online at Brown Paper Tickets. The tickets levels are

• General: Per Person $40.00, Per Couple $75.00
• Contributor: Per Person $60.00, Per Couple $110.00
• Includes a listing in the auction booklet
• Sponsor: Per Person $80.00, Per Couple $150.00
• Includes a listing in the auction booklet, on the website, and on event signage

For information about donating items to the silent auction, go to the PTA's website at www.ps230.org. Or call the PTA at (718) 437-6135, ext. 2520.

Location: Old First Reformed Church, Lower Hall, 729 Carroll Street (corner of 7th Avenue), Park Slope

SECOND NIGHT SEDER

Seder plate

Second Night Community Passover Seder
Saturday, April 7th, 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A Community Seder will be held at Temple Beth Emeth on the second night of Passover, led by Rabbi Heidi Hoover and Cantor Nonie Schuster. The cost of the catered, traditional Passover dinner is $35 per person. Bring a parve Passover dessert with you to share with others.

Reserve a spot by writing a check payable to Temple Beth Emeth. Make sure they receive it by Saturday, March 24th. Payment will not be accepted on the day of the Seder.

Help is needed with making Seder plates. Call Alice in the office to volunteer to make plates, ask questions, or make a reservation. (718) 282-1596

Temple Beth Emeth
83 Marlborough Road, at Church Avenue
Phone:  718-282-1596
Fax:  718-282-1537
templebeth83 @ aol.com

http://www.bethemeth.net

PERCENTAGE OF FOREIGN BORN RESIDENTS BY COMMUNITY BOARD

Percentage of foreign born residents:

Community Board 7 

Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace, East Windsor Terrace, South Park Slope, and Greenwood Heights ---- 45%

Community Board 12

Borough Park, Dahill, Kensington, Ocean Parkway, and part of Midwood ---- 35%

Community Board 14 

Flatbush, Midwood, and parts of Kensington ---- 44%

WHAT SAFETY MEASURES WILL BE TRIED NEXT IN PROSPECT PARK?

Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce Public Meeting

Tuesday, February 28th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

At this public meeting in the Picnic House in Prospect Park, the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce will present the recommendations it's made to the Parks Department and the Department of Transportation about safety on the park drives. Everyone who uses the drives--whether on foot or on wheels--is encouraged to attend.

These safety measures were introduced in November 2011 in a pilot program on West Drive, between Center Drive and Wellhouse Drive: 

• Orange traffic barrels have been placed along the drive, narrowing the right lane of vehicle/cycling traffic into one lane.
• The narrower travel lane is expected to both slow traffic and alert drivers and riders to the upcoming pedestrian crossing.
• In addition, signs have been posted to alert cyclists that the intersection of West Drive and Wellhouse Drive (near Vanderbilt Playground) is a pedestrian crossing, as well as to remind pedestrians to use the crosswalk.
• In November 2011, DOT will be placing a high visibility crosswalk at the intersection.
• NYPD is planning roving enforcement of yield-to-pedestrian laws as well.

Transportation Alternatives reports prior to the February 28th meeting that "The Prospect Park Road Sharing Task Force was established to calm the chaos, and they've come up with a succinct solution. The current configuration leaves bicyclists and pedestrians to share scraps of the road. The Task Force's new proposal will put people first."

Directions: Enter the Park at 5th Street and Prospect Park West, follow the path next to the Villa, down the stairs and across the drive to the Picnic House.

FREE YOGA INTRO TOMORROW

Intro to Yoga and Meditation

Monday, February 20th, 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

In this free class with Michael Gates, learn some basic movements, do some breathing and meditation, and learn some yoga philosophy.

Everyone is welcome to participate. Pre-registration isn't necessary. Arrive ten minutes prior to the 11:00 a.m. starting time.

Jaya Yoga East

2902 Fort Hamilton Parkway, at the corner of E. 4th Street

Phone: (917) 434-6258

E-mail: namaste @ jayayogacenter.com
Website: http://www.jayayogacenter.com

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/jayayogacenter

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

OAK AND IRIS MENU

 

Rodrigo, the owner of The Oak and The Iris,

and Helen, the new waitress.

The new chef isn't pictured.

Breakfast and kids menu

Lunch menu

My tasty lunch

Omelet by Design

Carrot-Ginger Soup

Dinner will be served, starting in March.

The Oak and The Iris Cafe

2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway, at the corner of E. 4th Street 

(718) 208-7713

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

PURIM CARNIVAL AT WINDSOR TERRACE Y

Purim Masquerade Disco Ball

Sunday, March 4th, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Purim Masquerade Disco Ball at the Windsor Terrace Y--a free, indoor family event featuring a dance party, arts and crafts, face painting, Purim story, and a show featuring Yoni the Puppet. Dress in a costume in order to get a door prize and participate in the costume contest.

Bring non-perishable goods with you to donate to Pack it up for Purim, a program that feeds needy New Yorkers. 

Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue, corner of Vanderbilt Street
(718) 407-6377
info @ ywindsorterrace.org
ywindsorterrace.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ywindsorterrace
Events: ywindsorterrace.org/calendar.html

THIS WEEKEND'S MEET-UP AND WORKSHOPS AT ARGYLE YARN SHOP

Weekly Meet-up

Saturday, February 18th, noon to 2:00 p.m.

The weekly meet-ups are casual opportunities to talk to other knitting and crocheting enthusiasts. Seating is available for eight people.

Learn to Cable

Saturday, February 18th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"This 2-hour workshop covers the theory and practice of cable knitting. Topics include several basic techniques for cable panels, all-over cable patterns, reading cable charts, and designing cabled garments. All students in this class must know how to knit, purl, cast on, and cast off.

Class Duration: One 2-hour session.

This class is $45. If students need materials, they may purchase them with a 10% discount the day of the class."

Beginning Knitting Workshop

Sunday, February 19th, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

"This class is for absolute beginners or for those who are still learning the basics. No experience required. Advanced beginners can also strengthen their skills. Learn American knitting techniques for casting on, knitting, purling, binding off and more. This special 2-session format allows time to practice between sessions then get some practical tips to increase your pleasure and quality of workmanship. Start your own cowl, scarf or hat while learning the basics of a fun, creative hobby.

Class Duration: Two 2-hour sessions held one week apart for a total of four hours.

This workshop is $60. Students will purchase materials with a 10% discount on the day of the class.

Class Times: Part A- Feb 19th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM. Part B- Feb 26th from 3:00 - 5:00 PM"

Class schedule:

http://argyleyarnshop.com/Homepage/Class_Schedule.html

Store hours:

Tuesday through Sunday, noon to 7:00 p.m.

Argyle Yarn Shop

288 Prospect Park West, near 18th Street

(347) 227-7799

argyleyarnshop @ gmail.com

http://argyleyarnshop.com

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

UPCOMING MUSICAL AND COMEDY PERFORMANCES AT 773 LOUNGE

Upcoming Musical and Comedy Performances at 773 Lounge

Robert Ross Band

Friday, February 17th, 9:30 p.m.

The Sweet Potatoes

Friday, February 24th, 9:30 p.m.

Josh Sanders & Friends

Saturday, February 25th, 10:00 p.m.

Comedy Night with Mike Florito

Friday, March 2nd, 10:00 p.m.

open mic

Monday nights

The Brooklyn Jazz Hang

performance and jam session

Wednesday nights, 10:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.

"Cheap drinks, great music."

773 Lounge
773 Coney Island Avenue, between Cortelyou and Dorchester roads
(718) 462-9746
773jaak @ gmail.com

http://773loungebar.blogspot.com

https://www.facebook.com/groups/37127073651

SUPPORT LOCAL INDEPENDENT BUSINESSES!

NO ALT SIDE PARKING NEXT WEEK ON MONDAY OR WEDNESDAY

Alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will be suspended on Monday, February 20th, for Presidents Day and on Wednesday, February 22nd, for Ash Wednesday. All other regulations, including those for parking meters, will remain in effect.

NOTES FROM THE 66TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING, JANUARY 19, 2012

Inspector John Sprague, Commanding Officer of the 66th Precinct, reported to the community at the January 19, 2012, meeting of the 66th Precinct Community Council.

Cop of the Month Mariana Zakhary broke a credit card skimming case in November after a year-long investigation.

The number of burglaries within the precinct's boundaries has increased since late December 2011. Two common ways to gain access to a house or apartment are

1. Deception burglaries. On three occasions, a burglar gained entry to a home by falsely stating "I'm from Con Ed. I need to come into your house/apartment to make a repair" or claiming to be from Verizon or National Grid or Time Warner Cable.
2. Entry through rear window or door. A flurry of home break-ins through a back window or door took place on E. 3rd, E. 4th, and E. 5th streets between Church Avenue and Albemarle Road. Three youths who were working as a team were arrested on the other side of Coney Island Avenue at the end of last week (the week of January 9th). It was the first arrest for all three. After the arrest, they started telling the police where they had sold some of the items they stole (pawn shops, for instance) but then suddenly stopped talking. 

As of the night of the meeting, the police didn't know if the three burglars were responsible for the break-ins on E. 3rd through E. 5th streets. They weren't accompanied by the black BMW that was seen being used as a getaway car after an E. 3rd Street break-in. Detective Vitelli is investigating those burglaries.

Detective Vitelli will schedule an etching event at Astoria Federal Savings. Residents can bring their iPods, iPads, phones, cameras, laptops, and other electronics and valuables to the bank to get serial numbers etched on them.

Smart phones are being grabbed out of people's hands at transit hubs and as subway doors are closing. Install a tracking app on your phone. The Find My Phone feature can't be disabled. Keep a record of the phone's serial number.

When you report a crime, make sure you're given a case number before the end of your phone call to 911 or the precinct or your visit to the precinct or when the police arrive at the scene of the crime. If the person you're speaking to doesn't give you a case number, it means that person has decided not to report your crime. Insist that a written report be made about the crime.

Outdoor Safety Tips

• Before going out, tell someone where you're going and approximately when you'll arrive there or when you'll return home.
• Look through your wide-angle peephole (190-degree) before opening your door.
• Hold your phone to your ear and converse or pretend to be conversing with someone. If a criminal is targeting you, he or she may assume that approaching you will cause you to tell the person you're speaking to to call 911. The criminal doesn't want a confrontation and may drop you as a target.
• Don't let phone conversations distract you from looking around and being alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Texting while walking shifts your focus away from your surroundings.
• If you're wearing headphones in spite of all the warnings not to, keep the volume low.
• You'll lose less if you're robbed if you don't carry much cash, many credit or debit cards, or much identification.
• Make your wallet more difficult to steal by keeping it in a front pocket.
• Carry your purse under your arm. Don't wrap it around your body; if someone pulls the strap, you might end up lying in the street.
• Use indoor ATMs. Look around for suspicious-looking people before entering and exiting.
• If you're touched in the subway, make a fuss: "Get your hands off of me, you creep!!"
• If you're being robbed, give the thief what he or she wants. Don't risk your life or well-being for material possessions.

PLANNING KENSINGTON PLAZA

Planning Kensington Plaza

Monday, February 27th, 7:00 p.m.

Some Kensington residents have been talking for a while about creating a small plaza on the extended sidewalk at the intersection of Church Avenue and Beverley Road. A plaza would add some needed open space in the neighborhood and provide a place for members of the community to gather, sit, read a book, or enjoy a coffee or an ice cream.

In response to their proposal, New York City Councilmember Brad Lander worked with several city agencies on adding some trees, benches, stones, and other street furniture.

Come to a meeting at P.S. 230 to discuss the plans for Kensington Plaza with

• Councilmember Lander,
•  Brooklyn Community Board 12's Parks Committee,
• West Kensington Action Group,
• Albemarle Neighborhood Association
• New York City Department of Transportation,
• New York City Department of Sanitation, and
• NYPD's 66th Precinct.
  

P.S. 230 Auditorium

1 Albemarle Road

between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road

Kensington, Brooklyn