PARKING RULES CHANGE FOR ALL SAINTS DAY

This Wednesday, November 1st, is All Saints Day. Alternate side of the street parking regulations--normally in effect on weekdays and Saturdays so that streets can be cleaned--will be suspended for the day.

Parking meter regulations will not be suspended.

Street cleaning will be suspended.

Parking meter regulations are only suspended for major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

COMMUNITY POLICING OFFICER PROMOTED

Police Officer Daniel (Danny) McGrath has been awarded a merit promotion to the rank of detective. Detective McGrath and Police Officer Francis Ghanney are the 72nd Precinct's Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCOs) for Sector A. Their community policing beat covers Windsor Terrace, Greenwood Heights, and South Slope.

In 2015, Detective McGrath was named Police Officer of the Year.

Contact information for the officers:

• Police Officer Danny McGrath: (917) 853-2601, daniel.mcgrath @ nypd.org
•  Police Officer Francis Ghanney: (929) 343-7645, francis.ghanney @ nypd.org

BABYSITTING AND OTHER DETAILS ON P.S. 130'S ART AUCTION

P.S. 130 Art Auction
Saturday, November 18th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 
Original works of art by local artists will be auctioned at Lark Cafe at P.S. 130's 5th Annual Art Auction. A few of this year's items are shown in the poster above.

The types of art auctioned may include painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, collage, ceramics, woodworking, craft, and textile design.

All bidding will be done online for a week prior to the auction, going live on Saturday, November 11th. 

The auction will provide critical funding for the Title I school's arts enrichment, including art supplies for art projects in every classroom across all grades and the popular Art Box program for grades K-2.

The suggested donation for admission to the auction is $10 at the door. Drinks and snacks will be served. DJ Ayres of The Rub will provide music.

If you need a babysitter while you're at the auction, sign up at Alden Moves. Alden Moves is just two blocks away from Lark Cafe.

On behalf of P.S. 130, Alden Moves has reduced the cost of their PJ Party for a limited time. The P.S. 130 courtesy rate of $23.00 is available until Tuesday, November 14th.

After that, the rate will be $35.00. Registration for the PJ Party will close on Friday, November 17th, at 6:00 p.m.

The evening at Alden Moves will include pizza, games, crafts, dancing, movies, and karaoke.

The date of the auction is Saturday, November 18th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. If you have any questions, send an e-mail to ps130art @ gmail.com.

Location
Lark Cafe
1007 Church Avenue
between E. 10th Street and Stratford Road
Ditmas Park, Brooklyn 

WANTED FOR BURGLARY ON PROSPECT PARK SOUTHWEST

The man pictured in the photos above is wanted for burglary. On Wednesday, October 25th, at approximately 1:15 p.m., he entered the apartment building at 70 Prospect Park Southwest, between 10th and 11th avenues.

Using a screwdriver-like tool, he pried open two mailboxes. After looking through the mail, he left the building without taking anything.

The man is black, 6'2" tall, and weighs 300 pounds.

Anyone who has information regarding the suspect should call Detective Cheryl Weiss at (718) 965-6336 or Detective Borough Brooklyn South at (718) 287-3239.

Investigator: Detective Cheryl Weiss
Command Assigned: 292-72 DET SQUAD
Case# 2017-176 Complaint Report# 2017-072-05912

ART AUCTION FOR P.S. 130 ARTS ENRICHMENT PROGRAM

A follow-up post about the art auction is on the KARMABrooklyn blog at https://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2017/10/babysitting-and-other-details-on-ps.html.

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

P.S. 130 Art Auction
Saturday, November 18th, 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

 
Original works of art by local artists will be auctioned off at P.S. 130's 5th Annual Art Auction at Lark Cafe. The types of art auctioned may include painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, collage, ceramics, woodworking, craft, and textile design.

A week of online bidding will precede the event at Lark.

The auction will provide critical funding for the Title I school's arts enrichment, including art supplies for classroom art projects across all grades and the popular Art Box program for grades K-2.

The date of the auction is Saturday, November 18th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Location
Lark Cafe
1007 Church Avenue
between E. 10th Street and Stratford Road
Ditmas Park, Brooklyn 
 

MAKERS MARKET AT SYCAMORE BAR

The Makers Market

Sunday, October 29th, noon to 5:00 p.m.

The Makers Market, a retail pop-up market of work by local artists and vendors, will return for its second year at Sycamore Bar on Sunday, October 29th, from noon to 5:00 p.m.

The diverse selection of local artists and vendors will include

• Henna @natybynature,
• Tarot readings by @madidangerously,
• Crystal jewels from @rosewolfcollective,
• Apothecary & goodness by @morphologicallynyc,
• Gems and vibes from @gratefulgemhead & records by Telly.

Location
Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop
1118 Cortelyou Road
between E. 11th Street and Argyle Road
Ditmas Park, Brooklyn
(347) 240-5850
sycamorebrooklyn @ gmail . com
http://www.sycamorebrooklyn.com
https://www.facebook.com/sycamore.brooklyn
https://twitter.com/SycamoreBklyn 

AFFORDABLE HOUSING WORKSHOP FOR FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS INTERESTED IN THE CULVER EL CONDOS (FREE)

Home Buyers Workshop

Tuesday, October 24th , 7:00 p.m.  to 9:00 p.m.

First-time home buyers are invited to attend the first in a series of free educational workshops about purchasing a condo in the Culver El Project, an affordable housing complex.

Southern Brooklyn Community Organization (a division of Agudath Israel of America Community Services, Inc.), Culver Housing Developments LLC, and HSBC Bank will present the workshop.

The workshop will be held on Tuesday, October 24th, from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Doors will open at 6:40 p.m. New York City Councilmember Brad Lander will deliver the opening remarks.
 
When Phase One of the Culver El Project is completed, thirty-six condominium units will be housed in nine four-story buildings, with one condo on each floor. These buildings are currently under construction on 37th Street, between 12th and 13th avenues, with a projected completion date of this December.

Eight more four-story buildings will be built on 37th Street, between 13th and 14th avenues, housing thirty-two more condos.

Read more questions and answers like the following ones at http://homeprogram.org/culver-housing-project:

"Q. How much do I need to earn to be eligible for these units?
A. At least one third of the units in the project must be affordable to households earning up to 80% of area median income (AMI). Additional tiers of affordability are for households earning between 80% and 110% of AMI."

"Q. Are there any preferences as to who will receive these units?
A. The project gives preference on some of the units to those with disabilities and to those currently residing in local neighboring Community Boards." 

For more information, call Southern Brooklyn Community Organization at (718) 435-1300.

Workshop location
West End Gardens Community Room
1002 44th Street
Borough Park, Brooklyn

West End Gardens is near the corner of 10th Avenue. Enter the building on 10th Avenue, between 44th and 45th streets (map).

CAR-FREE PROSPECT PARK AS OF JANUARY 2, 2018

A major announcement has been made about Prospect Park: the entire loop drive (east and west) will be car-free on a permanent basis, starting on Tuesday, January 2, 2018.

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

From Windsor Terrace Patch: "Prospect Park will soon be car free permanently, Mayor Bill de Blasio announced Monday morning. Private vehicles will not be allowed on any park roads starting Jan. 2, 2018. Other automobiles such as police cars, garbage trucks and Parks Department vehicles will still run through the park."

From Gothamist: "The Department of Transportation says pedestrians and cyclists outnumber morning car traffic 1,000 to just 300."

From Curbed New York: "preliminary results from this summer’s trial showed that drivers experienced minimal delays at worst, and most didn’t see any delay at all." 

Full statement from Prospect Park Alliance

Mayor Announces Car-Free Prospect Park

October 23, 2017

Mayor Bill de Blasio announced today that Prospect Park’s entire loop drive—east and west—will become permanently car-free. The change will be implemented on January 2, 2018, and follows the Park’s first car-free summer. The West Drive of the Park has been off limits to vehicular traffic since June 2015, while the East Drive has been open to cars from 7 am until 9 am, Monday through Friday.

"Prospect Park is Brooklyn’s backyard. I married Chirlane here. This is where my kids played little league. And I have always wanted it to be the safe, quiet refuge for Brooklyn’s families that it was intended to be.  Restoring Prospect Park as a car-free oasis will improve the lives of the millions who use this park today and of generations to come," said Mayor Bill de Blasio.

During the car-free summer—from July 17 through September 11, 2017—DOT estimates that recreational Park users outnumbered cars during morning rush hour by 1,000 users to 300 cars. After Labor Day weekend, New York City received petitions with more than 1,100 signatures calling for the return of full-time, car-free hours for the entire Park.

While the analysis of the car-free trial is still being finalized, its preliminary results clearly indicate no alternative driving route experienced more than a minimal delay, with most experiencing no change in travel times whatsoever. Based on that data, officials are now confident a fully car-free park can be implemented without adverse impact.

These results are consistent with those seen after the closure of the West Drive in June 2015, when the most affected alternative southbound route saw an increased travel time of less than a minute, while other afternoon drivers actually saw travel times improve.

After the January car-free hours take effect, DOT expects to closely monitor traffic around the park for changes in traffic patterns, and expects to adjust traffic-signal timing and make other changes as needed.

"Prospect Park Alliance applauds Mayor de Blasio, DOT Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Parks Commissioner Mitchell Silver for working to ensure a car-free Prospect Park," said Sue Donoghue, President of the Prospect Park Alliance. "As Brooklyn’s Backyard, it is important to do all we can to ensure the Park is a safe and tranquil destination for the millions of visitors who depend upon it for recreation and relaxation."

At a press conference announcing the news, Mayor de Blasio was introduced by Danayri Sanchez, a student at BASE High School on nearby Washington Avenue, who works with Prospect Park Alliance as a Park Youth Representative, leading tours and workshops, and guiding interpretive play at Lefferts Historic House: "Working at Lefferts Historic House with families from all over the city, I have learned just how important it is to the community to have a safe place to run, play or walk your dog, free from speeding cars, honking horns and nasty exhaust."

DIAPERS, PULL-UPS, AND BED SHEETS NEEDED BY FAMILIES IN THE KENSINGTON FAMILY SHELTER

Diapers are urgently needed at The Kensington Family Shelter in sizes 3, 4, 5, and 6 and pull-ups in sizes 2T, 3T, 4T, and 5T. In addition, families that are moving out of the shelter and into more permanent housing need new sheets for children's and toddlers' beds.

The diapers, pull-ups, and sheets can be brought to the shelter at 385 McDonald Avenue, between Albemarle Road and Church Avenue, in Kensington (across from Foodtown) or mailed to Uniquia Parker, The Kensington, 385 McDonald Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11218.

In addition to donating diapers as individuals, people can also join forces with others by organizing diaper drives in schools, parent groups, faith organizations, neighborhood associations, etc.

At the moment, the families don't need donations of clothing, books, used toys, or household items.

Two KWT residents--Catherine and Tracy--created and maintain a mailing list to let people know what the shelter's families need (clothing, toys, school supplies, toiletries, etc.) and to announce volunteer opportunities to assist with celebrating holidays and other events. To join the mailing list and receive approximately one e-mail a month, send an e-mail to Catherine and Tracy at givemeshelterBK@gmail.com.

F TRAINS WON'T STOP BETWEEN CHURCH AVE. AND STILLWELL AVE. THIS WEEKEND

From Friday, October 20th, at 11:45 p.m., until Monday, October 23rd, at 5:00 a.m., F trains will operate between 179th Street and Church Avenue, as usual.

But no F trains will stop at any stations between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue.

Free shuttle buses will provide alternate service, operating between Church Avenue and Stillwell Avenue.

You can transfer between F trains and shuttle buses at Church Avenue. The shuttle buses will then stop at Ditmas Avenue, 18th Avenue, Avenue I, Bay Parkway, Avenue N, Avenue P, Kings Highway, Avenue U, Avenue X, Neptune Avenue, and West 8th Street. 

If you want direct service between Coney Island and Manhattan/Downtown Brooklyn, take the D, N, or Q train instead. 

• Transfer between D, N, and Q trains and the buses at Stillwell Avenue. 
• Transfer between Q trains and the buses at West 8th Street.
  

  
  

U.S. MILITARISM DISCUSSED AT NEXT OCCUPY KENSINGTON MEETING

Occupy Kensington Meeting: U.S. Militarism

Sunday, October 22nd, 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

From Occupy Kensington: 

The unthinkable—war with a nuclear power—is on many of our minds. How did we get here? What should progressives dedicated to peaceful solutions do? Join us for what will no doubt be a wide-ranging discussion on U.S. militarism. Occupy Kensington member Keith Brooks will facilitate, with his article "Raise Your Hand If You Think We Should Go To War With Russia" as the jumping off point. 

The meeting will take place on Sunday, October 22nd, from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., in a private house at 309 E. 5th Street (just north of Church Avenue), in Kensington.

Occupy Kensington is a community-based movement that stands in solidarity with other Occupy, 99%, and liberation movements in New York City, across the country, and around the world.

e-mail: occupy11218 @ gmail.com
website: https://occupykensington.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/occupykensington 

ACTION-PACKED HOWL-O-WEEN BLOCK PARTY AT SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE

Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party

Sunday, October 22nd, noon to 5:00 p.m.

It's a block party! It's an animal adoption event! It's the 10th Annual Howl-o-ween Bark Block Party!

Sean Casey Animal Rescue's Howl-o-ween Bark Block Party will be hosted this year by radio DJ and animal advocate Maria Milito. Maria can be heard locally on Classic Rock Q104.3 (WAXQ) and nationally on iHeartMedia radio stations. 

Some of the day's many highlights will be

• games and activities,
• raffles, 
• costume contests for kids and pups,
• a kissing booth with pups Xander and Reeses,
• a BBQ (including vegetarian food), and
• confections, hot apple cider, hot chocolate, and haunted lemonade.

Buy raffle tickets online or at the block party for these wonderful prizes:

• Top Grand Prize (1 winner): Series 3 Apple Watch (buy tickets here)
• Grand Prize (2 winners): four Disney Park Hopper passes for each winner (buy tickets here)
• Grand Prize (2 winners): Premium cars for kids (buy tickets here)
• Grand Prize (3 winners): Go Pro (buy tickets here) 

Proceeds from the sale of raffle tickets will be used to help fund SCAR's Critical Care Program.

Live entertainment will be provided by Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective, Stop Shopping Choir, and Elvis impersonator Robert McArthur.

The Tiny Scientist, Sunset Park Playhouse, The Lady Aye, Sue Pike The Animal Talker will also be present, along with hula-hooper Olivia Smith and storyteller and author Heather Swain.

Animal welfare information booths will be staffed by Pet Haven Animal Hospital, Brooklyn Bark, Dapper Dawg, and Pumpkinpups Dog Training.

SCAR's adoption specialists can help match you up with a new, furry best friend.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue's annual Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party is a community event attended by animal lovers and neighbors in Brooklyn and all over New York City. Every year, hundreds of people attend Howl-O-Ween Bark. This is SCAR's primary fundraiser, and it allows the staff to cover the shelter’s operating expenses.

Location
Sean Casey Animal Rescue
153 E. 3rd Street
between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway
on the border of Windsor Terrace and Kensington
 
Learn more about the individuals and groups listed above:

Maria Milito https://www.facebook.com/Maria-Milito-52000822733/
Brooklyn Bluegrass Collective https://www.facebook.com/brooklynbluegrasscollective/
Robert McArthur https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=trWCABcONvM
Stop Shopping Choir https://www.facebook.com/revbilly/
The Tiny Scientist https://www.facebook.com/thetinyscientist/
Sunset Park Playhouse https://www.facebook.com/Sunset-Park-Playhouse-145448918850755/
The Lady Aye https://www.facebook.com/theladyaye
Sue Pike The Animal Talker http://suepikeenergy.com/
Heather Swain https://heatherswainbooks.com/
Pet Haven Animal Hospital http://pethavenhospital.com/
Brooklyn Bark http://www.brooklynbark.com/
Dapper Dawg https://www.facebook.com/pages/Dapper-Dawg/111523758911388
PumpkinPups Dog Training http://www.pumpkinpups.com/
Xander Puppy https://www.facebook.com/xanderpuppy/
Lord Tulsi Fiery Condiments https://www.facebook.com/LordTulsi/
Contains Nuts https://containsnuts-cookies.com/
Massage therapist Rose Mollica www.massagebyrosenyc.com
 

FREE SELF-DEFENSE TRAINING FOR WOMEN, QUEER, AND TRANS PEOPLE

Self-Defense Training

Sunday, October 22nd, 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Center for Anti-Violence Education (CAE) will lead a free self-defense training session for women, queer, and trans people at the P.S. 130 Upper School.

Childcare will be available. Snacks will be available.

This training session has been organized by Kensington Hate Free Zone with DRUM, Jews for Racial and Economic Justice, Occupy Kensington, and Showing Up for Racial Justice. The trainers are from the Center for Anti-Violence Education. CAE, located in Park Slope, was founded in 1974 as part of the grassroots feminist anti-violence movement.

The event will take place on Sunday, October 22nd, from 2:30 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. It will be hosted by Occupy Kensington and Jews for Racial and Economic Justice [JFREJ]. The P.S. 130 PTA is the event's sponsor.

Register for free tickets here.

For more information, send an e-mail to occupy11218 @ gmail.com.

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

Hate Free Zones is led by frontline communities facing threats of deportation, police brutality, hate crimes, and other forms of interpersonal and state violence.

Hate Free Zones is aimed at creating a grassroots community defense system in which people can find safety in each other. Hate Free Zones consist of community-based organizations, neighborhood businesses, and faith-based institutions.

Location
P.S. 130 Upper School
713 Caton Avenue
between E. 7th and E. 8th streets
Windsor Terrace - Kensington, Brooklyn

REPORT PROBLEMS AND ASK QUESTIONS AT THE 66TH PRECINCT COMMUNITY COUNCIL MEETING

Captain David A. Wall

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

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

Captain Wall will update residents of Kensington, Borough Park, and Midwood on recent crimes in those neighborhoods. He will also provide information about what the police are doing to deter crime and arrest criminals.

This is 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.

The Community Council provides 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 
(map)
B16 bus to 13th Avenue at 56th Street; return on 14th Avenue (schedule)

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Contact information for the 66th Precinct:
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 
5822 16th Avenue
between 58th and 59th streets
Borough Park, Brooklyn

PARKING CHANGES ON DIWALI

Alternate side of the street parking regulations--normally in effect on weekdays and Saturdays so that streets can be cleaned--will be suspended this Thursday, October 19th, for Diwali.

Parking meter regulations will not be suspended.

Street cleaning will be suspended.

Parking meter regulations are only suspended for major legal holidays: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

TOUR OF PARK SLOPE/WINDSOR TERRACE ARTISTS' STUDIOS (FREE)

Park Slope/Windsor Terrace Artists Open Studio Tour
Saturday, November 18th, noon to 5:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 19th, noon to 5:00 p.m.

More than thirty artists in Windsor Terrace and Park Slope will be opening their homes and studios and inviting the public in to have a look.

Park Slope/Windsor Terrace Artists, a collective of visual artists living and working in Park Slope and Windsor Terrace, has held an annual open studio tour since 2013. It's become a great neighborhood tradition. The tour brings people from all over the metropolitan area to discover the artists' skill and artwork.

This year’s open studio tour will take place on Saturday, November 18th, from noon until 5:00 p.m., and Sunday, November 19th, also from noon until 5:00 p.m.

Artists on this year’s tour include Brooklyn cityscape painters, photographers, sculptors, and printmakers.

Susan Greenstein

Susan Greenstein and her husband, Phil Desantis, are showing their paintings, prints, and cards at 229-A Windsor Place.

Nancy Doniger

Nancy Doniger, at 7 Windsor Place, is exhibiting with her husband, the sculptor Eric Jacobson. Nancy is a  children's book illustrator and regularly contributes editorial art for The New York Times.

Joy Makon

Joy Makon will be showing her elegant watercolors at 41 Fuller Place (between Windsor Place and Prospect Avenue).

The tour will also feature creative ceramics artists who make earthenware limited edition, one-of-a-kind, functional pots and large sculptural vessels. Caryn Kreitzer, at 16 Temple Court (off Seeley Street), is currently creating cups and impressive oval platters as well as beautiful bowls.

To plan your tour, check the website artspswt.com, which will update information and show a map of the participating artists as the tour approaches. The map is downloadable. Most of the studios will offer map printouts that you can pick up and carry with you.

The website also has a directory of the artists that's set up to be fun to browse. Use it as a planning tool to choose the studios that are most likely to interest you.

There is no charge to the public for this tour, and all are welcome. For more information, contact Tom Keough at tomkeough @ tomkeoughartist.com or at (718) 768-6171.
             -- submitted by Tom Keough

Park Slope/Windsor Terrace Artists
website https://artspswt.com
blog https://parkslopewindsorterraceartists.wordpress.com

ROBBERY AT SANTANDER BANK AGAIN

Santander Bank at 234 Prospect Park West was robbed of $1,300 on Saturday, October 14th, at about noon. The armed robber handed a note to a teller, and the teller handed her the money.

Nobody was physically injured.

The thief is described as black, female, and wearing a scarf and glasses. Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS.

A security camera photo of the robber is posted at http://brooklyn.news12.com/story/36599853/police-seek-suspect-in-brooklyn-bank-robbery.

PUERTO RICO AND MEXICO RELIEF ITEMS NEEDED

Occupy Kensington (OK) is continuing to help El Grito de Sunset Park collect items for disaster relief for Puerto Rico and Mexico. Yesterday, OK members drove another carload of donations to the drop-off point in Sunset Park.

Bring the items that you're able to donate to 309 E. 5th Street, just north of Church Avenue in Kensington, and leave them on the front stoop of the house.

Only donate these items:

• Gas canisters
• Hand sanitizer
• Large trash bags
• Battery-operated fans
• Flashlights
• Batteries of all types
• Large candles
• Extension cords
• USB car chargers for phones
• Insect repellent
• Water purification tablets
• Water filters
• Tarps
• Lighters
• Utility knives
• Duct tape
• Work gloves
• Rubber boots
• Battery-powered drills
• First aid kits
• Latex gloves
• Neosporin
• Cold medicine
• Tylenol/Advil
• Immodium/Pepto bismol
• EmergenC/Airborne
• Baby wipesA&D cream for diaper rash and burns
• Condoms
• Shaving razor blades and shaving cream

These two additional items are more difficult to find, but they're also greatly needed:

• Solar-powered generators
• Water filtration systems