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Tuesday, January 31, 2017

BOOK CLUB FOR PARENTS

Book Club for Stay At Home Parents
Wednesday, February 8th, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Meet and talk with other adults in a book club for stay-at-home parents while your children play nearby. The book currently being read is How Children Learn (Classics in Child Development) by educator John Holt. People are welcome to attend even if they haven't read the book.

The book club meets in the side room at Lark Cafe every other Wednesday. 

Location
Lark Cafe
1007 Church Avenue
between E. 10th Street and Stratford Road
Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
(718) 469-0140
e-mail: info @ larkcafe . com
website:  http://www.larkcafe.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/LARK/280529368626056


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Monday, January 30, 2017

"STATE OF IMMIGRATION STATE OF EMERGENCY"



"State of Immigration State of Emergency:
What Changes Might Occur under President Trump & How to Prepare"
Wednesday, February 8th, 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Learn how to prepare for an immigration raid.

Learn how Caribbean immigrants can get organized.

Receive free legal services.

Get your questions answered.

New York City Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams, New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker (whose district includes Windsor Terrace and part of Kensington), New York State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte, and District Leader Josue Pierre will host "State of Immigration: State of Emergency." At this immigration forum, attendees will learn about immigration policy changes under President Trump and how to prepare for them.

The forum's goal is to energize people to take action, organize, and learn how to survive during the next four years. These topics will be discussed:

  • Citizenship Family Based Petitions
  • Immigration Fraud and Family Reunification
  • DACA/DAPA Asylum Filing
  • Fee Changes
  • Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  • Deportation

A panel discussion will take place, and representatives from city agencies and local organizations will answer questions about immigrant rights and the changes to our country’s immigration policies.

The event is co-sponsored by the Flatbush YMCA, New York Immigration Coalition, Haitian American Lawyers Association of New York, Haitian American Caucus, and the Council of People’s Organization.
 

Flatbush YMCA
1401 Flatbush Avenue
between Farragut Road and Foster Avenue (map)

For more information, contact Beverly Gooding at bgooding @ council.nyc.gov or (718) 629-2900, the office of New York City Councilmember Jumaane D. Williams.

------------------------------------
 
Thanks to Mike Wright for the notification.

BYSTANDER INTERVENTION TRAINING 101 (FREE)

Bystander Intervention Training 101
Thursday, February 2nd, 7:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.

Learn how to come to the aid of someone who is being harassed without endangering yourself or anyone else.

A free workshop on how to be a bystander who doesn't stand by will be presented by Occupy Kensington and The Accompany Project (an initiative of the Arab American Association of New York), with training by Rachel Levy, LMSW.

A donation of $10 is requested, but it isn't required. Registration, however, is required. Register here.

Workshop Location
M.S. 839
713 Caton Avenue
between E. 7th and E. 8th streets
Windsor Terrace - Kensington, Brooklyn

From the organizers

Why this workshop?
Hate crimes are on the rise across the country, and in NYC there have been multiple incidents of harassment or aggression since elections.


In times like these, it is important to know how to successfully and safely disrupt a hostile or aggressive situation you may witness, and to ensure your actions are more helpful than harmful. This introductory workshop will also explore the role of race and gender during an intervention, and will help provide a space for participants to evaluate their role in high risk situations.

More about bystander intervention:
Bystander intervention involves a series of tools that can be consciously employed to defuse volatile situations. In this interactive workshop, bystander intervention and de-escalation will be presented in the context of harm reduction and self-defense.


Participants will identify verbal and non-verbal techniques and tactics to de-escalate conflict. Participants will also learn the four Ds of bystander intervention – direct, distract, delay, and delegate. This is an introductory level workshop intended to be a survey of strategies and tactics.

What is the format of this training?
The training is a combination of instruction as well as participant interaction. Participants will be asked to act out scenarios of intervention, using the skills they have learned.

Is this training free?
Suggested donation is $10 for those who are able to contribute - donations will be collected at the session. No one will be turned away for lack of pay.

What is the The Accompany Project and the Arab American Association of New York, and why are they offering this session?
AAANY is a social service and advocacy agency that serves the largest Arab community in NYC.


Leading up to and since the election, our community members - Muslim women in particular, are often the victims of these attacks of aggression and hostility. We want to encourage as many people as possible to safely and successfully intervene in a volatile situation, and catalyze folks to take action in their neighborhoods to protect their neighbors.

We launched the Accompany Project to help engage volunteers who are interested in security, protection, and defense work on behalf of their neighbors.

Who is welcome to participate?
The trainings are open to all - they are not intended exclusively for allies. The training will help us to understand how our race, gender, religion, and other elements of our identity inform how we intervene.

Please note: this workshop is open to all, but attendance is capped to ensure the session remains safe and interactive. You *must* RSVP via EventBrite in order to attend.


Please note, additional sessions will be scheduled throughout the city at least weekly for the next few months. Contact kayla @ arabamericanny.org if you would like to arrange a training in your neighborhood, or for any questions you may have.

Sunday, January 29, 2017

"PROTECT YOURSELF & YOUR FAMILY FROM DONALD TRUMP'S ANTI-MUSLIM EXECUTIVE ORDERS"

"Protect Yourself & Your Family
from Donald Trump's Anti-Muslim Executive Orders"
Sunday, January 29th (tonight), 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

An emergency meeting "Protect Yourself & Your Family from Donald Trump's Anti-Muslim Executive Orders" will be hosted tonight by Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke.

Discuss Trump's entry ban on people from seven majority-Muslim countries (Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen) and what people can do next.

The ban is in an Executive Order that Trump signed on January 27th, titled "Protecting the Nation From Foreign Terrorist Entry Into the United States."

Read the full text of the Executive Order and a brief summary.

Meeting location
Gourmet Sweets
1107 Coney Island Avenue (map)
between Glenwood Road and Avenue H
Brooklyn
near Makki Masjid Muslim Community Center


----------------------------------------------------------

Press Release:
Congresswoman Clarke Condemns Donald Trump’s Anti-Muslim Refugee Policy
January 27, 2017 

Brooklyn, N.Y. – Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke released the following statement on Donald Trump’s executive order barring entry to the United States for the predominantly Muslims nationals of Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

The order halts most refugee admissions for at least four months except for people who are religious minorities in their nation of origin, effectively preventing many refugees from the Syrian Civil War – the majority of whom are Muslim – from entering the United States.

“In the best of our traditions, the United States has welcomed people from around the world who wanted to come here to pursue the American Dream.
Such people include many of the families I am honored to represent in Brooklyn, where my parents settled in 1955 from the Nation of Jamaica to continue their education. 

My father became an engineer with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. My mother became an early childhood education administrator, and was ultimately elected to the New York City Council.

“There are unfortunately periods in our history when the United States has departed from that proud tradition, as when Japanese Americans were forced into internment camps during the Second World War and when strict limits were placed on immigration from Eastern and Southern Europe in 1924 based on irrational fears about Catholic and Jewish influence on American culture.

“We cannot as a nation allow xenophobia to undermine our principles or racism to determine our policies.


There are more than three million Muslim Americans living here today. These are the same individuals who have volunteered for service in the Armed Forces. These same individuals are our neighbors and friends.
I will never accept this attack on Muslim families as the policy of the United States. I will resist, and I call on my colleagues in Congress and people of good faith across the United States to join me in resistance to this act of hate.”

Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke represents Brownsville, Crown Heights, East Flatbush, Flatbush, Gerritsen Beach, Madison, Midwood, Park Slope, Flatlands, Prospect Heights, Prospect-Lefferts Gardens, Sheepshead Bay, and Windsor Terrace.



----------------------------------------------------

Thank you, Mike Wright, for calling my attention to this.

Thursday, January 26, 2017

ALTERNATE SIDE PARKING SUSPENDED THIS SATURDAY


Alternate side of the street parking regulations--normally in effect on weekdays and Saturdays so that streets can be cleaned--will be suspended on Saturday, January 28th, for Asian Lunar New Year.

Parking meter regulations and all other parking regulations will be in effect. 


Wednesday, January 25, 2017

MARY TYLER MOORE WAS A KID IN KENSINGTON


Mary Tyler Moore, a welcome fixture in the lives of many television-watchers and moviegoers, passed away today.

Born in Brooklyn Heights in 1936, Mary lived there briefly until her family moved to Flushing, Queens.

When she was six, they moved back to Brooklyn--into 491 Ocean Parkway, just north of Ditmas Avenue, a two-family house owned by her grandfather. She and her family attended St. Rose of Lima Church (Parkville Avenue, near E. 8th Street), and she also attended St. Rose of Lima School.

When Mary was nine, her family left New York City for Los Angeles. And the rest is entertainment history.

Mary was chosen to serve as Homecoming Queen for Welcome Back to Brooklyn Day in 1996. When The New York Times dared to question her Brooklyn credentials, she wrote them a strongly-worded letter describing her years in our neighborhood. It says, in part,

"It was in this neighborhood that I lived for the next three years, learning much about the spirit that produces laughter, fear, anger and -- last and above all -- tolerance."

Rest in peace, Mary. Thanks for the hours and hours and hours of enjoyment you gave us and for the role-modeling that your Mary Richards did for many women and girls.

Monday, January 23, 2017

WINE TASTING AND ART MAKING FOR MOMS


Wine Tasting and Art Making Class
Tuesday, February 7th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Barking Cat Studio is introducing Tuesday night art classes for adults. The first Art for Adults Art Class is a"Mom’s Night Out Wine Tasting and Wine Charm Making Art Class."

Make beautiful wine glass charms while you enjoy a tasting of California wines from the Boissett Collection, presented by Boissett Wine Ambassador Liz Howng. A wine glass charm is fastened around the stem of a wine glass in order to distinguish one person's glass from everyone else's.


This first class will meet on Tuesday, February 7th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. 

Light snacks will be provided at the tasting. You're also welcome to bring your own snacks.

The fee for the class is $55, and pre-registration is required. To register, call (718) 686-1132 or send an e-mail to info @ barkingcatstudio.net.

Location
Barking Cat Studio
219 Greenwood Avenue
between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
(718) 686-1132
info @ barkingcatstudio.net
http://www.barkingcatstudio.net
https://www.facebook.com/Barking-Cat-Studio-Inc-Make-It-Take-It-Arts-Crafts-for-Kids-89296467638

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MUSIC JAM AT FLATBUSH JEWISH CENTER ON SATURDAY


Jam with Yoshie
Saturday, January 28th, 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Send off Shabbat with musician Yoshie Fruchter, who will be playing his guitar. Bring your instruments and join him--or just sit back and enjoy. 

From Yoshie's biography: 
Yoshie Fruchter is a guitar, bass, oud player and composer whose band, Pitom (Tzadik Records) has received critical acclaim from Jazz Times magazine, the Wall Street Journal, Guitar Player magazine and many more. The unique blend of rock, jazz, experimental and jewish styles in his playing and composing is a defining characteristic of his music.

The cost of admission is $5. Refreshments will be provided.

Location
Flatbush Jewish Center
327 E. 5th Street, corner of Church Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
phone: (718) 871-5200
fax: (718) 871-5204
e-mail: office @ flatbushjewishcenter.org
http://www.flatbushjewishcenter.org 

https://www.facebook.com/FlatbushJewishCenter

LAUNCHING A HATE FREE ZONE IN KENSINGTON


  
UPDATE: The Muslim Observer reported on this event at "Brooklyn Neighborhood Responds to Immigration Ban with 'Hate Free Zone'."

UPDATE: This event will end at 6:45 p.m., not at 8:00 p.m.

--------------------- 

Launching a Hate Free Zone in Kensington
Wednesday, January 25th, 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Kensington will be declared a hate free zone at a press conference and rally at Avenue C Plaza on Wednesday. DRUM (Desis Rising Up & Moving) issued this statement and request for support and involvement from all members of the Kensington community:
Join us in the launch of a HATE FREE ZONE in Kensington, Brooklyn.

DRUM members will hold a press conference and rally to organize and defend their communities against policies and forces that will endanger the well being of Muslim, undocumented, LGBTQ, workers and women.

We will partner and unite with local community-based institutions to declare Kensington, Brooklyn a Hate Free Zone and line of defense against the Trump administration's coming policies.

Our communities are looking for ways to come together to defend themselves and gain mutual support for the days to come, and start to build different visions of what "community" means.
In the words of Poonam Das, a DRUM youth leader who spoke at the Hate Free Zone launch in Queens:
"A Hate-Free Zone is not just a declaration, but the practice of building a community defense system that will allow us to defend our communities from workplace raids, deportations, mass criminalization, violence and systemic violation of our rights and dignity.

A Hate-Free Zone does not happen without the people in this crowd, in this neighborhood, in this city. The times we are living in now demand we work as communities to love and protect each other"
The press conference and rally will be in Avenue C Plaza, at the intersection of McDonald Avenue and Avenue C (map), on Wednesday, January 25th, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Sunday, January 22, 2017

INDIAN ARTS WORKSHOP FOR KIDS (FREE)


Indian Arts Workshop
Tuesday, January 24th, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Travel to India (figuratively) in this free interactive, dance- and music-filled performance and workshop for kids. It's suited for children ages five and up.

Watch Mohiniyattam-style dance, a classical Indian dance from the southern Indian state of Kerala. Listen to Carnatic singing, the classical music of southern India. Hear the music of the tabla, a set of two drums. Then do the moves yourself.

You will also learn about the origins of these beautiful Indian art forms.

Event location
Windsor Terrace Library
160 E. 5th Street
corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
(718) 686-9707


Saturday, January 21, 2017

COMMUNITY POLICING WORKSHOP AT HOLY NAME CHURCH



Meeting with Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Wednesday, January 25th, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The police officers who patrol Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope will hold their fifth monthly meeting with residents and business owners this week. The meeting is solely for residents and business owners in those three neighborhoods.

The two officers are known as Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO). Their beat (Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope) is Sector A of the 72nd Precinct.

Last April, the 72nd Precinct was divided into four sectors as part of a new policing model ("community policing"). Prior to that, the precinct had eight sectors. As a result of April's reapportionment, additional officers have been assigned to the precinct.

An article in Brooklyn Reporter explains the significance of this new way of policing.

The meeting will be held on Wednesday, January 25th, from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., in Shepherd's Hall in Holy Name of Jesus Church, 245 Prospect Park West, in Windsor Terrace.

The two NCOs, Police Officers Daniel McGrath and Francis Ghanney, want to know what the concerns and complaints of residents and business owners are, such as
  • violent street crimes,
  • home burglaries,
  • theft of packages from front porches,
  • street safety, and
  • anything else that is important to you.

The officers will also update the community about crime and other aspects of their job.

The phone numbers and e-mail addresses of the two officers are
  • Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org
  • Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

MISSING PERSON: DHARKE GURUNG

Dharke Gurung
A Silver Alert was issued this morning for Dharke Gurung, a 75-year-old Asian male from East 17th Street and Newkirk Avenue in Brooklyn.

Physical description: 5'2" tall, 155 pounds, thin build, brown eyes, and gray hair. 


Clothing description: Last seen wearing a brown knit hat, black jacket, black pants, and gray sneakers. He was wearing a gold ring with a coral stone.

Mr. Gurung only speaks Nepalese.

Last seen: Beverley Road and Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn at approximately 3:15 p.m. yesterday, January 20th.

If you see him, call 9-1-1.

To view this message in American Sign Language (ASL), العربية, বাঙালি, 中文, Français, Kreyòl Ayisyen, Italiano, 한국어, Polski, Pусский, Español, اردو, or ייִדיש, go to http://on.nyc.gov/1ZlUYf1.


Friday, January 20, 2017

BANGLADESHI PITHA-MAKING CONTEST



Bake to Win:
          Traditional Bangladeshi Pitha-making Contest and Utshob
                   Sunday, January 22nd, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.  


All women are welcome to bring traditional Bangladeshi pitha to enter the pitha-making contest at P.S. 230 Upper School and win prizes. The event is free and open to all. Buy pitha and eat as you like. 

The contest and celebration (Utshob) are being organized by Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts Inc. (BIPA).

Location
P.S. 230 cafeteria (Upper School)
1 Albemarle Road

between McDonald Avenue and Dahill Road
Kensington, Brooklyn

FREE DANCERCISE FOR FOLKS OVER FIFTY

Dancercise
Mondays, 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you are fifty years old or over, join the free dancercise workshop at the Windsor Terrace Library that meets on Mondays.

"While listening to soothing tunes, you will be exposed to light movement, stretching, strengthening, breathwork, and self-massage techniques."

The leader of the sessions is Akwesi Asante.

Event location
Windsor Terrace Library
160 E. 5th Street
corner of Fort Hamilton Parkway
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
(718) 686-9707

Thursday, January 19, 2017

IF ANYTHING IN THIS NEIGHBORHOOD NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, TELL YOUR COMMUNITY BOARD WHEN IT MEETS IN KENSINGTON ON MONDAY







Community Board 12 General Meeting
Monday, January 23rd, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Community Board 12 will meet in Kensington next Monday for its monthly general meeting. The agenda is posted above.

The board only meets in Kensington every year or two, so this is the perfect opportunity to represent your interests and your neighborhood's interests, especially by speaking during the Public Session.


The meeting is on Monday, January 23rd, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., at The Kensington, the family shelter at 385 McDonald Avenue, across the street from Foodtown.

If you have any concerns about
  • pedestrian safety,
  • traffic congestion,
  • housing,
  • land use and zoning,
  • construction sites,
  • outdoor lighting,
  • potholes,
  • sanitation,
  • libraries,
  • crime,
  • police presence,
  • graffiti,
  • social services,
  • rodents,
  • trash collection,
  • public litter baskets,
  • street and sidewalk conditions,
  • or other issues that you'd like the community board to address,

arrive at the meeting before 7:00 p.m. so you can sign up to speak during the Public Session. You'll have three minutes to present your topic.

Community boards serve as a neighborhood's liaison to city agencies. Board members are appointed by the neighborhood's city councilperson and the borough president.


The neighborhoods served by Community Board 12 are Kensington, Borough Park, Dahill, and Midwood.

Contact information for Community Board 12
phone: (718) 851-0800
fax: (718) 851-4140
e-mail: bk12 @ cb.nyc.gov
website: http://www.brooklyncb12.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BkCB12
Twitter: https://twitter.com/BrooklynCB12
Chairperson: Yidel Perlstein
District Manager: Barry Spitzer


ANTI-RACISM ORGANIZATION WILL MEET AT BROOKLYN COMMUNE


                                     Showing Up for Racial Justice
                            Thursday, January 26th, 6:30 p.m.


Showing Up for Racial Justice (SURJ) will host a meeting in Windsor Terrace to talk about the organization and to exchange ideas about the potential for anti-racist organizing in our neighborhood.

The meeting will be on Thursday, January 26th, at 6:30 p.m., at Brooklyn Commune.

SURJ is a national network of groups and individuals. It organizes white people to work for racial justice by using the tools of community organizing, mobilizing, and education. It provides white people with an opportunity to act as part of a multi-racial majority for justice.

RSVP for the meeting here so that the organizers can be sure they have enough room to fit everyone in.

Meeting location
Brooklyn Commune
601 Greenwood Avenue
corner of Prospect Avenue
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn

For information about the New York City chapter of Showing Up for Racial Justice, see
http://www.nycsurj.com
https://www.facebook.com/SURJNYC

https://twitter.com/surjnyc 
e-mail: NYCSURJ @ gmail.com


Wednesday, January 18, 2017

"WOMEN HOLD IT ALL"

Women Hold It All

This artwork is on a bus shelter on Prospect Park Southwest, between 10th and 11th avenues, in Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn.

Thank you to Kaleena Soorma for spotting it and for granting permission to post her photo.

Saturday, January 14, 2017

UPDATED AGENDA FOR WINDSOR TERRACE FOOD COOP MEETING


                      Windsor Terrace Food Coop Members Meeting
                          Tuesday, January 17th, 7:00 p.m.

The revised agenda for the next Windsor Terrace Food Coop members meeting:


1. Discussion of potential for Park Slope Food Coop members fulfilling their work credit at the Windsor Terrace Food Coop (WTFC). The Park Slope Food Coop guidelines on this issue will follow.

2. Should we permit and encourage members of other food coops to shop at WTFC?

3. What should be done about shift "no shows"?

4. Presentation of new "operational structure" for WTFC


5. Can we get help in filling out an application for us to accept EBT (Food Stamps and WIC)? 

6. Fiscal update

Coop members are urged to attend the meeting. RSVP at https://goo.gl/forms/SFzujbIXpGvggOUj2.

Meeting location
Knights of Columbus Hall
1511 10th Avenue
between Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street
Windsor Terrace
(map)
http://www.windsorterracefoodcoop.com
https://www.facebook.com/windsorterracefoodcoop

Friday, January 13, 2017

MEET THE NEW COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE KENSINGTON AND BOROUGH PARK PRECINCT

Captain David A. Wall

66th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting
Thursday, January 19th, 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Meet the 66th Precinct's new commanding officer, Captain David Wall, at the next meeting of the 66th Precinct Community Council.

Residents of Kensington and Borough Park are invited to hear Captain Wall's update on recent crimes in the two neighborhoods. He will provide information about what the police are doing to deter crime and arrest criminals.

This is also an opportunity to bring crime-related issues to Captain Wall's attention.

In addition, you can find out about various programs that are available through the precinct.

Community Councils provide the critical interface between citizens and police through regular monthly meetings. Meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month, from September through June. The Community Council does not meet in July or August.


Meeting location
Community Board 12 Office
5910 13th Avenue
between 59th and 60th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn

-------------------------------------------------------------------- 

The 66th Precinct station house is located at 5822 16th Avenue, between 58th and 59th streets, in Borough Park.

phone: (718) 851-5611 
e-mail: 66precinctcc @ gmail.com
website: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/precincts/precinct_066.shtml 
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NYPD66Pct