Friday, August 30, 2024

GOT UNWANTED ELECTRONICS (E-WASTE)? DISPOSE OF THEM IN KENSINGTON.

E-waste Collection
Sunday, September 29th
10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
 
Do you have electronics, either working or non-working, that you don't want to hang onto anymore? 
 
Because they contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and arsenic, it's dangerous to discard them with your trash or your recycling. It's also illegal in New York State; disposing of them that way can get you a $100 fine.
 
But you can dispose of them at Kensington Plaza on Sunday, September 29th, between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., rain or shine. 
 
These items will be accepted:
  • Computers (laptops and desktops, servers, mainframes),
  • Monitors (CRT and flat-screen),
  • Handheld devices (smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, e-readers, etc.),
  • Network devices (routers, hubs, modems, etc.),
  • Peripherals (keyboards, mice, cables, cords, chargers, etc.),
  • Components (hard drives, CD-ROMs, circuit boards, power supplies, etc.),
  • Printers, scanners, fax machines
  • TVs, VCRs, DVRs, DVD and Blu-ray players,
  • Digital converter boxes, cable/satellite receivers,
  • Video game consoles and accessories,
  • Cell phones, pagers, PDAs, and
  • Audiovisual equipment (cameras, microphones, stereo equipment, etc.). 
 
These items will not be accepted:
  • Batteries, except lead-acid batteries from uninterrupted power supply (UPS) systems,
  • Media such as discs, DVDs, VHS tapes, and cassette tapes,
  • Household appliances, including air conditioners and microwaves,
  • Smoke detectors, and
  • Humidifiers and dehumidifiers. 
 
New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif and the LES Ecology Center are co-sponsoring the event. For additional information, visit the LES FAQ page at https://www.lesecologycenter.org/e-waste/#faq.

Location
Kensington Plaza
Beverley Road
between E. 2nd Street and Church Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn 

72ND PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL RESUMES MEETINGS AFTER ITS SUMMER BREAK

72nd Precinct Community Council Meeting
Tuesday, September 10th
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

The next meeting between the 72nd Precinct Community Council, the public, and officers of the 72nd Precinct will be held on Tuesday, September 10th, from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Talk with the precinct's Commanding Officer, Deputy Inspector Krystin Suarez, the Community Affairs Officers, and the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) for each of the precinct's sectors.

Everyone who lives or works in Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, South Slope, and Sunset Park is invited to the meeting to discuss past crimes and learn what the precinct is doing to prevent future crimes.

Find out about the types of crime that have been taking place, their frequency, any enabling factors, and how to prevent them.

Members of the public are invited to voice their concerns about criminal activity, including armed robberies, rape and other forms of sexual assaults, home break-ins, burglaries in local stores, bank robberies, speeding drivers, stolen bicycles, package theft, and other crimes.

You can receive e-mail announcements about future meetings by contacting Council President Tina Ponce at tinaponce76@gmail.com or (570) 540-5016.

Location
Marien Heim Senior Center
4520 4th Avenue
at 45th Street
Sunset Park, Brooklyn
 
------------------------------------------
72nd Precinct
phone: (718) 965-6311

 

FOUR MUSICAL PERFORMANCES ON PORCHES THIS WEEKEND

From Operation Gig!
 

Friday Aug 30, 6-8pm
Albert Marques w/ Rachel Therrien & Zack O'Farrill
498 Rugby Rd

"Albert Marques is a Catalan transplant whose passion at the piano is only matched by his huge humanity and kindness. This is not cartoon jazz, or a stereotypical Latin Jazz trio. It is modern, fusing elements of Rock, Jazz, Flamenco, and R&B with a healthy dose of introspection, and not a fake moment in the recording. Every note is played with grit, reality, and love.” Arturo O'Farrill
 
Saturday Aug 31, 4-6pm

Timmy Ivories
312 Westminster Rd

For many many years, Tim Davis has been the resident pianoman of Sunny's bar in Red Hook. Almost every Saturday night you'll find him tickling (and pounding) the keys as part of the iconic Saturday night jam. He is also a resident of Ditmas Park! We are thrilled to be able to give him the spotlight his amazing talent and energy richly deserves.
 
Sunday Sep 1, 4-6pm

The Diego Voglino Quartet
121 Marlborough Rd

Diego Voglino is a drummer based in Brooklyn, NY who has performed or recorded with artists including Marshall Crenshaw, Ben Monder, Norah Jones, Natalie Merchant. He will be playing a variety of jazz standards, along with ballads and soulful blues. With Marion Cowings, Ed Cherry and Ugonna Okegwo. This show will occur rain or shine.  It will move indoors if the weather warrants it.


LABOR DAY! Monday Sep 2, 4-6pm
Lau Noah and Yoav Eshed
131 Buckingham Rd

There is nothing more beautiful than hearing Lau Noah and Yoav Eshed play guitar together. They are masters of their craft. We'll also get to hear Lau's amazing voice on songs she's written and played for the world recently as an opener for Jacob Collier!
 

------------------------------------
 
Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig!'s website or Facebook page to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 
Operation Gig t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.
 

Wednesday, August 28, 2024

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION AT AVENUE C PLAZA

Free Food Distribution
Saturday, August 31st
4:00 p.m. to_____
 
Sandwip Society USA will distribute free food again at Avenue C Plaza this Saturday, August 31st, from 4:00 p.m. until the food runs out. 
 
All are welcome.

Location
Avenue C Plaza
556 McDonald Avenue at Avenue C
Kensington, Brooklyn
(map
 

"BLUEGRASS ON THE GREEN GRASS" JAM SESSION (FREE, OUTDOORS)

 

Bluegrass on the Green Grass
Saturday, September 14th
3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

An open bluegrass jam session for musicians and music lovers will take place at the East Fourth Street Community Garden on Saturday, September 14th, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., weather permitting.

All skill levels and ages are welcome to participate.

From the Garden:
This is a family friendly gathering. We will have a space for the kids to be able to be kids! We encourage them to dance, sing, sit and enjoy, and learn.  

Old-timers or newcomers, all skill levels are welcome and encouraged to play.

The garden has seating and helping set up is always appreciated. Bringing your own chair is fine too. 

Alas, no alcohol is permitted. Other food & beverages are fine.

Location
East Fourth Street Community Garden
171 E. 4th Street
between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
 

Sunday, August 25, 2024

HPD IN YOUR DISTRICT: LEARN ABOUT HOUSING-RELATED ISSUES WITH NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING PRESERVATION AND DEVELOPMENT (FREE)


 
HPD in Your District
Friday, September 20th
10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
 
From the Office of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif:
Our Office is co-hosting two HPD In Your District events in September with Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon and State Senator Andrew Gounardes.
 
These events will provide valuable information on applying for affordable housing, understanding your rights and responsibilities, filing a housing complaint, financing improvements and repairs, registering your building, addressing violations, and more.
  • The first event is Tuesday, September 17th, from 10 AM to 5 PM outside our District Office at 197 Bond Street, 11217. See details here.

  • The second event will be on Friday, September 20th, from 10 AM to 5 PM at our Kensington Satellite Office at 118 Beverly Road, 11218. See details here.

 ------------------------------------------------
 
 
Our mission is to promote quality and affordability in the city's housing, and diversity and strength in the city’s neighborhoods.
 
We do this by maintaining building and resident safety and health, creating opportunities for New Yorkers through housing affordability, and engaging New Yorkers to build and sustain neighborhood strength and diversity.

Because every New Yorker deserves a safe, affordable place to live in a neighborhood they love.
 
Location
Satellite Office of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif
118 Beverley Road
between McDonald Avenue and E. 2nd Street
Kensington, Brooklyn

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A PET LOSS SPECIALIST (FREE, ONLINE)

 
A Day in the Life of A Pet Loss Specialist 
Monday, September 16th
6:15 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
 
From Green-Wood Cemetery:
Losing a pet can hurt just as much as losing any human, but there are people who can help: pet loss specialists. They offer emotional support and practical guidance for navigating the death of beloved pets. Discover the daily routines, challenges, and rewards of their work and gain valuable insights into memorializing and grieving our beloved pets.
 
Participate in a Q&A session where you can ask questions and seek advice on dealing with pet loss and supporting others in their grief journey. Connect with fellow pet lovers and share your experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
 
Our Panelists: Jessica Fragola, lead veterinarian and founder of Paws at Peace; Lauren Seeley, a death doula who works with those grieving pet loss; and Beth Bigler, pet loss grief counselor with Honoring Our Animals.
 
Free. Registration required. 

Saturday, August 24, 2024

PUBLIC HEARING ON ZOOM AND IN PERSON FOR THE ARROW LINEN SUPPLY REZONING REQUEST



 Public Hearing on the Arrow Linen Supply
Rezoning Request
Monday, September 9th
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Thursday, September 12th
6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

A building that is as much as nineteen stories tall could replace the Arrow Linen Supply building, if Arrow's request for changes in zoning and land use is approved. (19 Stories? How Did That Happen?)
 
Prospect Avenue could look like this soon.
 
-------------------------------------

From Community Board 7:

CB7 will hold a public hearing on Monday, September 9, 2024 from 6:30pm to 9:00pm at Holy Name Church-Shepherd's Hall located at 245 Prospect Park West. [Enter via the parking lot.]
Agenda:
 
1. Presentation from Arrow Linen Supply Co., Inc., owner of 441 & 467 Prospect Avenue to request approval of the following actions:
 
(a) Zoning map amendment changing an R5B zoning district to an R7-1 zoning district on the midblock of Prospect Avenue between 8th Avenue and Prospect Park West,
 
(b) Zoning text amendment to zoning resolution to establish the rezoning area as a mandatory inclusionary housing,
 
(c) Zoning special permit pursuant for a waiver of required accessory off street parking spaces to facilitate affordable housing within the transit zone
 
You can view the ULURP (Uniform Land Use Review Procedure) application for 441 & 467 Prospect Avenue at this link: https://zap.planning.nyc.gov/projects/2021K0375.
You can attend the public hearing in person or register to attend virtually on Zoom - https://bit.ly/3ykP7Dl

The public hearing will continue on Thursday, September 12  @ 6:30 p.m. virtually only on Zoom. Register to attend the 9/12 continuation of the public hearing - https://bit.ly/4drzZmM 

The public hearing will be livestreamed on the Brooklyn Community Board 7's YouTube Channel - https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq
 
The Community Board 7 Land Use/Landmarks Committee will discuss the rezoning application on Monday, September 16th, at 6:30 p.m. You can attend in person or virtually on Zoom. To attend on Zoom, register at https://bit.ly/3Xfx3mr. The meeting can also be viewed on Community Board 7's YouTube channel at https://bit.ly/3uQlAtq.
 
-------------------------------------
 
Previous KARMABrooklyn blog posts about the rezoning:
 

Friday, August 23, 2024

BLUES, JAZZ, VOCALS, AND COUNTRY MUSIC CONCERTS ON PORCHES THIS WEEKEND

From Operation Gig!

Friday Aug 23
The Bennett Paster Organ Trio
6-8pm
444 e17th St
The Bennett Paster Trio plays Hammond organ-fueled blues & jazz, music at the crossroads of beauty and groove. Featuring original songs, classic blues and shuffles and standards. With Pete Smith on Guitar and Joe Strasser.
 
Saturday Aug 24
Veronica ConstantLay
4-6pm
334 Westminster Rd
Local drag vocalist Veronica ConstantLay enchants with some tunes, accompanied by the talented Daniel Kessler on piano, Michael Vitali on drums and Marty Eisenberg on bass. 
 
Sunday Aug 25
Mary-Elaine Jenkins
4-6pm
188 Stratford Rd
Mary-Elaine Jenkins is an Operation Gig favorite, equally a stunning guitarist, singer and songwriter. Her sound is rooted in the blues and country styles of her native South Carolina Lowcountry.
 
------------------------------------
 
Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig!'s website or Facebook page to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 
Operation Gig t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.
 

WELCOME BACK BBQ AT FLATBUSH JEWISH CENTER

Welcome Back BBQ
Sunday, September 8th
5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
Join Flatbush Jewish Center on the patio for food, schmoozing, and Rosh Hashanah craft activity for kids.

A Welcome Back BBQ will be held on Sunday, September 8th, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Admission prices: $20 per person ages thirteen and up, $10 per senior, $8 per child ages five to twelve, and free for children under five.

The menu includes burgers (meat and Impossible), hot dogs, chicken, grilled vegetables, and salads.

Register on PayPal by Monday, September 2nd. If you have any questions, contact the office at office@flatbushjewishcenter.org.

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

Wednesday, August 21, 2024

"AN EVENING OF SAROD, VOCALS, AND TABLA" (FREE)


"An Evening of Sarod, Vocals, and Tabla"
Sunday, August 25th, 3:00 p.m.

BIPA Jalsha Series presents "An Evening of Sarod, Vocals, and Tabla" on Sunday, August 25th, at 3:00 p.m.
 
Experience the mesmerizing sounds of the sarod, a traditional Indian stringed instrument, paired with solo Tagore songs accompanied by the tabla.
 
Featured are sarod artist Tanim Hayat Khan (Rajit), tabla player Tapan Modak, and vocalist Shwapnil Shojib.

Location
Kensington Plaza
Beverley Road
between E. 2nd Street and McDonald Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
 

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

BACKPACK GIVEAWAY AT ALBEMARLE PLAYGROUND THIS WEEK

 

 
Backpack Giveaway
Thursday, August 22nd, 11:00 a.m. until....
 
"Our backpack distribution continues! Join us at Albemarle Playground in Kensington on Thursday, August 22 at 11 AM. It’s crucial for every student to have the supplies they need to start the school year prepared and confident. We’re here to help make that happen!"
First-come, first-served, while supplies last. The child must be present to receive a backpack. One backpack will be given to each school-aged child.
 
Location
Albemarle Playground
McDonald Avenue, between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue
Kensington, Brooklyn
(enter the children's playground from McDonald Avenue)

Friday, August 16, 2024

$65,000 FOR GREENSPACE MAINTENANCE FROM THE OFFICE OF CITY COUNCILMEMBER SHAHANA HANIF

 
Greenspace maintenance got a boost from New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif's Office in the form of a $65,000 check. 
 
Councilmember Hanif allocated the money to the Horticultural Society of New York for greenspace maintenance. "The Hort," through its Neighborhood Plaza Partnership, worked with The Kensington Stewards over several years to create Kensington Plaza and Avenue C Plaza.
 
Councilmember Hanif writes
A big check for @thehort! The transformation of the Kensington Green Triangle is a shining example of what climate action at the community level can achieve. 
 
What was once a vacant, dangerous concrete triangle is now a vibrant green garden, thanks to the dedication of Maggie Tobin and the West Kensington Action Group. This lush garden has not only beautified Kensington but also plays an important role in reducing urban heat, managing stormwater, and improving air quality.
 
Growing up just down the block, I remember what this space used to be—now it’s a hub of greenery that brings life to our neighborhood. I’m proud to allocate funds to @thehort to ensure this space continues to thrive. Investing in green spaces like this is about more than beautification; it’s about fostering resilience against climate change, making our streets safer, and creating a healthier environment for our community.
 
As we face the challenges of climate change, local green spaces are vital to ensuring a sustainable future. I’m committed to keeping our district green and safe, and I’m excited to see the Kensington Green Triangle continue to flourish with the care and maintenance it deserves.
🌿
The Kensington Green Triangle, located at Church Avenue, 35th Street, and 14th Avenue (map), was created in 2009 after residents successfully lobbied Community Board 12 and the Parks Department.
 

SOUND BATH IN THE GARDEN (FREE)


South Bath in the Garden
Wednesday, September 18th
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
YogaSole, a community-based wellness studio in Windsor Terrace, will present "Sound Bath in the Garden," with Steph Thompson of Sacred Bloom Tribe, on Wednesday, September 18th, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
 
Steph is a certified Mindfulness Trainer and a graduate of the Open Center’s Integrative Sound & Music Institute Certificate Program.
 
 
From YogaSole:
"Come join us for a relaxing sound bath experience at the East 4th Street Community Garden! Immerse yourself in the soothing sounds of crystal singing bowls and gentle chimes as you unwind and rejuvenate in the midst of nature. Let the harmonious vibrations wash over you and bring peace to your mind, body, and soul. 
 
This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and connect with yourself in a serene outdoor setting. Don't miss out on this unique and healing experience!"
Location
East Fourth Street Community Garden
171 E. 4th Street
between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue
Windsor Terrace, Brooklyn
 

Wednesday, August 14, 2024

DANCE POP-UP IN ALBEMARLE PLAYGROUND RESCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, AUGUST 15TH (FREE)

 Dance Pop-up
Thursday, August 15th,11:00 a.m.
 
Dance along with Cynthia King Dance Studio in Albemarle Playground tomorrow (Thursday, August 15th) at 11:00 a.m.
 
The free dance pop-up is part of the summer activities program offered in the playground by The Singing Winds through August 22nd.

Location
Albemarle Playground
McDonald Avenue
near Albemarle Road, behind P.S. 230 Lower School
Kensington, Brooklyn

SUNDAY CONCERT CANCELED. THIS WEEKEND'S MUSIC CONCERTS ON PORCHES

From Operation Gig!
 
May be an image of 1 person and text 
 
Sivan Arbel

Fri Aug 16
6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
492 Marlborough Rd

 

Sivan Arbel combines poignant songwriting, modern rhythmic language, and fiery improvisation. She playfully layers her artistic expressions with her love for jazz and other diverse musical influences that are grounded in her Israeli roots and global travels.

 

May be an image of 1 person, piano and text

 

Emilio Teubal
Sat Aug 17
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
1501 Dorchester Rd

 
The Emilio Teubal Trio is the latest project of the the NY based Argentine pianist and composer Emilio Teubal. The music draws from a wide variety of musical styles that are part of his cultural background: Latin-American folk music, jazz, progressive rock, free improvisation, classical music and some hints of Middle Eastern music.
 
May be an image of 2 people and text

 

CANCELED

Yoon Sun Choi
Sun Aug 18
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM
131 Buckingham Rd

 
Yoon Sun Choi, born in South Korea, raised in Canada and now a New York-based improvising vocalist and pianist with her vocal prowess that transitions effortlessly from resonant, haunting melodies to deep, resonant wails. 
 
Yoon has made significant contributions to the music scene over her twenty-year-long career performing on prestigious stages such as The Blue Note, Birdland, and Carnegie Hall. 
 
Her ensemble, the YSC Quartet, has spent two decades interpreting a diverse range of music styles, bringing a unique and inventive perspective to each performance.
 
------------------------------------
 
Operation Gig! concerts sometimes get canceled because of weather conditions that aren't suitable for outdoor activities. Before you go to the concert, check the Operation Gig!'s website or Facebook page to see if it's been canceled.
 
Operation Gig! provides live music performances outdoors on weekends.
 
The series, held on the porches of private houses in Ditmas Park, started in July 2020 in order to offer a venue where musicians could perform during the pandemic. This provides them with a source of income and provides a safe space for people to gather to enjoy live music.
 
Although the performances are free, the suggested $10 donation to the musicians is more than welcome. Donate either at the performance itself or to the tax-deductible Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund on GoFundMe.
 
Operation Gig t-shirts can be purchased here; the proceeds go to the Operation Gig Musician Guarantee Fund.