The 99% are everywhere! Come join us for a discussion of local issues and how they connect to wider politics.
We're considering which local issues Occupy Kensington can play a role in. We'll be discussing:
- Golden Farm/Minimum wage: While continuing to support the workers on Church Avenue's Golden Farm who have organized to improve their pay, is there more we can do to address poverty wages in Kensington and in our city?
- Public space: There is virtually no public space in Kensington. The plaza in front of Walgreens is a big improvement, but we need a park or a community center for people to get together in our neighborhood.
- Transport: On top of the cuts in bus service that hit Kensington in the last two years, we are now facing the removal of G train service next year.
- Schools: Citywide, the ongoing education budget cuts and Bloomberg's high stakes testing agenda are having a negative impact on our schools, and Kensington is no exception.
- Other Kensington issues, including library funding, the post office, rents, and foreclosures.
For more information, contact Eleanor by phone at (347) 403-3798 or by e-mail at rodgers_eleanor @ hotmail.com. Or check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/381317025244534/ or join our Yahoo group by sending an e-mail to occupykensington @ yahoogroups.com.
You are invited to visit, with veteran tour guide Ruth Edebohls, some of Green-Wood Cemetery’s most nefarious residents. Green-Wood is the final resting place of many famous and heroic people, but some of its deceased denizens have a more blemished reputation. Murderers and the murdered, a sullied adulteress, a famous courtesan, gangsters, con men and schemers lie next to those of a more virtuous disposition.
You'll also enjoy the visual delights of Green-Wood, its trees and ponds and its sculpture and buildings by the leading artists and architects of their time.
The walk may be hilly and strenuous--wear good walking shoes.
$10 for members of The Green-Wood Historic Fund / $15 for non-members. Reservations strongly recommended; click here to purchase advance tickets online or call 718-210-3080.
Join us on Saturday, June 16th, from 1 to 3 pm, to celebrate the unveiling of five new Uncover Church Avenue murals installed on commercial gates along the Avenue. There will be delicious free Mexican food provided by El Acuario, live music from Brooklyn-based DJ NYCTrust, and free face-painting (with a special twist) for kids and adults.
RSVP to Melissa Skolnick at melissask @ churchavenue.org or 718-282-2500, x63237.
Uncover Church Avenue is a public art program organized by the Church Avenue BID and sponsored by AvenueNYC, a program from the NYC Department of Small Business Services, Astoria Federal Savings Bank, and Brooklyn Arts Council.
Lauren Elvers CollinsExecutive DirectorChurch Avenue BID
884 Flatbush AvenueBrooklyn, NY 11226Tel: 718-282-2500, x63234Fax: 718-282-8329
laurenc @ churchavenue.org
Dear Mayor Bloomberg & Council Member ___________
Restore Library Funding
I am writing to express my strong support for Brooklyn Public Library and to urge you to restore funding to Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) in the Fiscal Year 2013 budget. As you know, BPL faces a 32% reduction in city funding that may result in the closure of libraries and a drastic reduction in hours of service across the borough.
BPL is a vital community resource that is needed now more than ever for after-school activities, job search assistance and so much more. It provides free access to books, computers and thousands of programs for people of all ages.
I understand the severity of the City's fiscal crisis and the tough decisions you have to make to balance the budget and main core services, but I ask you to please consider the importance of Brooklyn Public Library during this time and how it helps us immensely during the recession. Please help restore funding to keep Brooklyn's libraries open.
We wanted to bring everyone up to speed on the Key Food situation (and thanks to Barbara McCarthy and others for spreading the word).
Since word of the June 30th store closing became public, our representatives have been aggressively trying to make sure that the situation is one that is most beneficial for our community. Jeremy Laufer of Community Board 7, Assemblymember Jim Brennan, Borough President Marty Markowitz, and Councilmember Brad Lander have been making efforts, including reaching out to Walgreens' corporate offices and Key Food's owner.
Please note that some Walgreens do sell produce (which was determined by a WT resident) and PS 154 right down the street will soon be opening a Sunday green market.
Assemblymember Brennan is taking steps now to schedule a meeting about the several issues this closing presents to the community and we will pass on the details as soon as the meeting date and time are confirmed.
Best,
Lauren Elvers Collins
Chair, Windsor Terrace Alliance
“This is a sad day for Windsor Terrace. With the sale of Key Food, much of the neighborhood will now be more than a mile away from the nearest grocery store. This will have an especially devastating impact on seniors, but the whole Windsor Terrace neighborhood will be harmed by this sale.Brad Lander serves District 39 on the New York City Council.
“While they are not a replacement for a full service grocery store, I am glad that Windsor Terrace is getting its third farmers market this year, in the PS 154 yard on Sundays. This market will be operating in addition to the new youth-run farmers market I brought to the Windsor Terrace Library last summer that operates on Saturdays, and the long-time market that takes place in Bartel Pritchard Square.
“Walgreens has recently expressed interest in expanding grocery options in its stores. I will be communicating with the company to press for this grocery store option for Windsor Terrace.”
