MAY DAY GENERAL STRIKE, ART INSTALLATION, POTLUCK PICNIC IN PROSPECT PARK (FREE)

Strike Picnic

Friday, May 1st

1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. 

 

From Brooklyn Resisters:

Strike Picnic - May Day 2026 /  Potluck Picnic in Prospect Park

Join us for an art-filled community potluck picnic!

May 1, 2026

1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Prospect Park, Brooklyn   

The Peninsula / The Wellhouse

 

Bring a blanket, food to share, instruments, and games.

 

Please help us with organizing (so we know how many people to expect) by signing up here:

https://tinyurl.com/MayDayProspectPark

From ancient rites of spring to the fight for the eight-hour workday, May Day has long been a call for a General Strike. This Strike Picnic weaves celebration, art, and resistance together while providing a landing pad for striking workers, shoppers, and students.

It will be a relaxed alternative to the chaos that has plagued this nation. We will take time to recharge, reflect and learn how to make our movement stronger. 

Bring Picnic blankets and food to share. We will lay out blankets and "plant" the giant handmade flowers next to them.

Wear your Spring Best: Revolutionary Spring Fairy Costumes encouraged, make your own crown at the picnic!

Help Make our Picnic Bountiful and sign up to bring food or beverage to share!  https://tinyurl.com/MayDayProspectPark

You can also sign up to be part of the "moving garden" that will caravan at 5:00 p.m. from the picnic at The Peninsula to Church Ave and Ocean Parkway as part of our weekly Freedom Friday joyful protest.

At 4:30 p.m., we will pack up and carry butterfly puppets and giant hand made flowers for about one mile in a joyful procession. Sign up here, scroll down to the bottom :  https://tinyurl.com/MayDayProspectPark.

In honor of the General Strike, please try to do all shopping for the picnic the day before

Whether you can make it or not, please wear Red in solidarity!

 

JOB OPENINGS IN CITY COUNCILMEMBER SHAHANA HANIF'S OFFICE

The jobs of District Director and Kensington Community Liaison are open in the office of New York City Councilmember Shahana Hanif. Apply now.

 

From Councilmember Hanif: 

Join Our Team!

Current Job Openings

District Director 
The District Director leads the Constituent Services team, manages district-wide initiatives such as Participatory Budgeting, District 39’s Youth Leadership Council, and various community events, and serves as the Council Member’s primary representative within the district.

For more details 

 

Interested applicants should send a resume and cover letter to Matthew Malloy at mmalloy@council.nyc.gov with Subject Line: [Your Name] [Job Title] Application

Kensington Community Liaison

The Kensington Community Liaison for Council Member Shahana Hanif (District 39) will serve as the primary point of contact for Kensington residents. The Liaison will help address community concerns, support neighbors in navigating city services, and lead organizing efforts to elevate local issues. Under the supervision of the Chief of Staff, this role will coordinate community outreach, respond to constituent requests, and build strong relationships with community leaders and organizations.

This is a part-time position, with up to 25 hours per week.

 

For more details

Interested applicants should send resume and cover letter to Matthew Malloy at mmalloy@council.nyc.gov with Subject Line: [Your Name] [Job Title] Application

OPEN HOUSE AT NYC FIREHOUSES AND EMS STATIONS 2025 (FREE)

FDNY Open House

Saturday, October 18th

Sunday, October 19th

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

During National Fire Prevention Month, the Fire Department of the City of New York (FDNY) will host its annual Open House program in neighborhoods throughout New York City. The Open Houses are free.

 

More than 200 firehouses and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) stations will open their doors to the public on either Saturday, October 18th, or Sunday, October 19th, from either 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

 

Firefighters and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) will educate the public about fire and life safety, conduct demonstrations, discuss careers within the Department, and offer tours of FDNY engines, ladder trucks, and EMS stations. 

 

The locations of all of the Open Houses are listed on FDNY’s interactive map. 

 

Firehouse E-240 (Engine Company 240) at 1309 Prospect Avenue (between Greenwood Avenue and Ocean Parkway) will hold its Open House on Saturday, October 18th, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (map)

 

An architectural and historical overview of the firehouse, built in 1896, is posted on Brownstoner. 

 

The firehouses on 12th Avenue, Cortelyou Road, Foster Avenue, and beyond will also be open. See the map for the date and time of their Open House.

PROSPECT PARK LAKE: RETURN OF THE TOXIC HABS (HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS)

October 17, 2025

extent: large localized

 

June 6, 2025

 

 

 

 extent: widespread or lakewide

Harmful algal blooms (HABs), which are potentially toxic to people and animals, are currently "widespread or lakewide" in Prospect Park Lake.

 

From the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation: 

Visit NYHABS, DEC's harmful algal bloom notification map to view locations of freshwater HABs in New York State that were reported in the past week. Click on a dot for more information, including the date it was reported, the waterbody name, and pictures.

Click on the arrow at the bottom of the screen to view a list of reported HABs. 

Instructions on how to use NYHABS are on DEC's HABs notification webpage.

Know it: HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water, to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint, to blue-green or white coloration.

Avoid it: People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with floating mats, scum, and discolored water.

Report it: Report a suspected HAB using the NYHABs online reporting form. Report health concerns related to HABs to the Department of Health at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.

Report a HAB

 

 

RALLY FOR DOGS

                        Rally for Dogs

            Saturday, March 8th, 9:00 a.m.

 

Copied from a post seen on Nextdoor:

There will be a peaceful rally at Prospect Park this Saturday 9am to spread awareness about Corey Harden dog abuser! 

 

We will be meeting at Winner in the Park 40 West Dr. Brooklyn a little before 9. 

 

Corey has confirmed that he will be at the Prospect Park Picnic House front side lawn where he is going to offer free training for unsuspecting new clients every Saturday 9-10 in March! 

 

Feel free to bring protest banners or print flyers to pass out. We have made some already that you can print https://drive.google.com/file/d/1zIKT-0OA2t8tfeU21P3pOHqnIyNN1_uq/view

 

We will have extra flyers for people who don't have any. 

 

This is your chance to make a difference and to save dogs from further abuse by him! Spread the word!

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

 

Related articles:

 

"NYC dog trainer caught on video kicking, whipping pups still in business, neighbors say: 'He’s fully abusing dogs'" 

https://nypost.com/2025/02/24/us-news/nyc-dog-trainer-caught-on-video-kicking-whipping-pups/ 

 

"Brooklyn dog trainer apparently caught on camera abusing animals"

https://abc7ny.com/post/animal-abuse-brooklyn-dog-trainer-apparently-abusing-animals-caught-camera-residents-demand-action/15954650/ 

 

Location

Winner in the Park 

on the lower level of the Picnic House

40 West Drive 

near the 5th Street entrance to Prospect Park

Brooklyn

IMPACT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD'S QUALITY OF LIFE: SERVE ON A COMMUNITY BOARD

 

Work with your neighbors to affect the quality of life in your community.

 

From the Brooklyn Borough President:

It’s Community Board Application

Season in Brooklyn!

Apply by February 14, 2025, at 11pm.

Community boards are the grassroots of our local government. With 18 community districts, Brooklyn has the most community boards of all five boroughs, each one full of people who care about the well-being of their community.

Community boards work with city agencies, elected officials, and local leaders to ensure their neighborhood’s perspectives and needs are incorporated into the decisions that will affect them. This includes everything from housing development and public transit to our city’s budget and services like sanitation.

Now through February 14, 2025, at 11pm, New York City residents ages 16 and up have the opportunity to apply to join their Brooklyn community board.

What each community board focuses on is largely up to the people who comprise it, which is why it’s so important to get involved.

Apply

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

 

All NYC residents 16 years and older who live, work, attend school, own a business, or have a significant business interest in a community can serve on a community board. Find the number of your community board at https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/.

 

To apply for a community board, fill out the application at https://form.jotform.com/bkbpjotforms/2025-bk-cb-app.

Community Board 7

Profile

https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/brooklyn/7

 

Website

https://www.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/index.page

 

Committees

https://www.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb7/committees/committees.page 

Community Board 12 

Profile

https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/brooklyn/12 

 

Website

https://www.nyc.gov/site/brooklyncb12/index.page

 

Community Board 14 

Profile

https://communityprofiles.planning.nyc.gov/brooklyn/14 

 

Website 

https://cb14brooklyn.com/

 

Committees

https://cb14brooklyn.com/committees/

HOLIDAY TOY AND COAT DRIVE FOR CHILDREN

 

Holiday Toy and Coat Drive

December 2nd through 17th

Mondays through Fridays

9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 

From New York State Assemblymember Robert Carroll

Holiday Toy & Coat Drive

My office is collecting toys and coats to be distributed to children during the holiday season. 

You can drop off new toys or coats at my District Office - 416 7th Avenue Monday – Friday between 9:30am-4:30pm through Tuesday, December 17th. 

The District Office will be closed tomorrow for Thanksgiving and on Friday, but will re-open on Monday, December 2.

Location

Assemblymember Robert Carroll

District Office

416 7th Avenue

between 13th and 14th streets

Park Slope, Brooklyn

(718) 788-7221

carrollr@nyassembly.gov

https://nyassembly.gov/mem/Robert-C-Carroll/ 

https://www.facebook.com/robert.carroll.568

 

OPEN HOUSE AT FDNY FIREHOUSES AND EMS STATIONS 2024 (FREE)

FDNY Open House

Saturday, October 19th

Sunday, October 20th

11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

On Saturday, October 5th, and Sunday, October 6th, the FDNY will host the 5th free annual Open House program in various neighborhoods throughout New York City.

More than 200 firehouses and EMS stations will open their doors to the public from either 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

The locations of the Open House are listed on FDNY’s interactive map.

Firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics will educate the public about fire and life safety, conduct demonstrations, discuss careers within the Department, and offer tours of FDNY engines, ladder trucks, and ambulances.

 

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. 

To register, go to https://www.green-wood.com/event/a-day-in-the-life-of-a-pet-loss-specialist/ and click on "Get Tickets."

PROSPECT PARK LAKE: HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS WERE REPORTED THIS WEEK

 

Update

Date of Observation	10/31/2024 1:34 PM
HAB Status	Confirmed
Reported by	NYC Parks
Extent	Widespread or Lakewide

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

Photo                        Prospect Park Lake

Date of Observation	6/10/2024 11:19 AM
HAB Status	Confirmed
Reported by	NYC Parks
Extent	Widespread or Lakewide

 

See the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the New York State Department of Health (DOH) 2024 online New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) interactive map to see reports of HABs. Click OK to view the map.

Harmful Algal Blooms grow in Prospect Park Lake and other bodies of fresh water every year. DEC is asking the public and trained algal bloom samplers to electronically send reports of HABs with photos via a simple, mobile phone-friendly form. 

Once the reports are evaluated by DEC and DOH, they're posted on the NYHABS page to provide easy access to inform the public about HABs locations in New York.

Most algae blooms are harmless. However, exposure to toxins and other substances from certain HABs can make humans and other mammals, birds, and fish sick.

Avoid contact with all floating mats, scum, and discolored water.

Adults, children, dogs, and other animals should not go into the lake or near the shoreline. 

Anyone who has been in contact with a HAB should rinse thoroughly with soap and water--or with clean water alone, if that's all that's available at the moment.

Anyone who might have been exposed to a bloom and is experiencing any symptoms should get medical help immediately and should also contact the New York City Department of Health (DOH).

HABs have been monitored closely across New York State since 2012. In 2023, DEC’s Division of Water published an analysis of HABs titled “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).”

HABs present several management challenges, and that study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.

When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:

• Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint to blue-green or white coloration.
• Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
• Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.

 

For more information about HABs, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage. You can download the HABs brochure and program guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control.

 

---

WARNING: THE TOXINS FOUND IN PROSPECT PARK LAKE EVERY YEAR ARE HARMFUL ALGAL BLOOMS THAT AFFECT HUMANS AND ANIMALS

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and the New York State Department of Health have announced the opening of the 2024 online New York Harmful Algal Bloom System (NYHABS) interactive map. Click OK to view the map.

Every year, Harmful Algal Blooms grow in Prospect Park Lake and other bodies of fresh water. DEC is asking the public and trained algal bloom samplers to electronically send reports of HABs with photos via a simple, mobile phone-friendly form. 

Once evaluated by DEC and DOH, the reports are posted to the NYHABS page to provide easy access to inform the public about HAB locations in New York.

Most algae blooms are harmless. However, exposure to toxins and other substances from certain HABs can make humans and other mammals, birds, and fish sick.

Avoid contact with all floating mats, scum, and discolored water.

Adults, children, dogs, and other animals should not go into the lake or near the shoreline. 

Anyone who has been in contact with a HAB should rinse thoroughly with soap and water--or just with clean water, if that's all that's available at the moment.

Anyone who might have been exposed to a bloom and is experiencing any symptoms should get medical help immediately and should also contact the New York City Department of Health (DOH).

HABs have been monitored closely across New York State since 2012. In 2023, DEC’s Division of Water published an analysis of HABs titled “Detections of cyanobacteria harmful algal blooms (cyanoHABs) in New York State, United States (2012–2020).”

HABs present several management challenges, and that study and other research help advance the understanding of HABs to inform sound, scientifically driven, decision-making to protect public health and the environment.

When it comes to HABs, DEC encourages New Yorkers to:

• Know It – HABs vary in appearance from scattered green dots in the water to long, linear green streaks, pea soup, or spilled green paint to blue-green or white coloration.
• Avoid It – People, pets, and livestock should avoid contact with water that is discolored or has algal scums on the surface.
• Report It –The public should report a suspected HAB through the NYHABs online reporting form available on DEC’s website. Report health concerns related to HABs to DOH at harmfulalgae@health.ny.gov, or contact your local health department.

For more information about HABs, visit DEC’s Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) webpage. You can download the HABs brochure and program guide, which includes information and links to resources regarding bloom prevention, management, and control.

 

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LOCAL INDOOR CONCERT SERIES, DUOS AND DUMPLINGS

Duos and Dumplings

Saturday, February 10th

2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

From Operation Gig!

OG faithful! The local indoor concert series Duos and Dumplings is having their second concert this Saturday! If you like music and/or dumplings, we highly recommend this series hosted by our friend Yoon Choi! I'll let them take over:

 

We are excited to have our second house concert of Duos and Dumplings on Saturday, February 10 at 2:00pm - 4:00pm featuring the incredible vocal/guitar duo Sara Serpa and Andre Matos.

 

This is an intimate setting with very limited seating. If you would like to attend this event you must send an RSVP. We are requesting a minimum $25 donation from each attendee.

 

You can donate when you rsvp to the Venmo account of @yscmusic.

 

All donations support the artists.

 

Please RSVP to chrisandyoon@gmail.com (mailto:chrisandyoon@gmail.com). 

 

If you rsvp and cannot make it please let us know so that we can invite another guest. (Please do not attend if you are not feeling well or have any cold, flu or covid symptoms.)

 

Our doors will open at 2:00pm and the concert will begin at 2:30pm (sharp) and dumplings will be served at 3:30pm - 4:00pm.

 

We cannot guarantee that the food is allergy free of nuts, eggs, soy, gluten, meat, etc...so please keep that in mind if you plan to eat.

We look forward to seeing you at Duos and Dumplings.

Thank you,

Yoon and Chris

 

Operation Gig! 

website: https://www.operationgig.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/operationgig