A blog about Kensington, Brooklyn.
Send news, tips, gossip, and rants to kensingtonprospect [at] gmail.com.
Thursday, December 1st, 2011
Join Compost for Brooklyn for a panel discussion on New York City trash on Thursday, December 8 at 7:30pm at PS 217. They’ll be giving tours of the C4B garden prior to the talk, beginning at 5:30pm at Newkirk and East 8th Street. RSVP here.
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Monday, November 28th, 2011
Looking for a fun way to celebrate Chanukah with the kids? Temple Beth Emeth in Ditmas Park is hosting Mama Doni, a family band that recently released an album of Chanukah songs called “Chanukah Fever,” on Saturday, December 10, at 10am.
Please RSVP to templebeth83@aol.com or 718-282-1596.
$20 per Family – $15 for temple members
Temple Beth Emeth, 83 Marlborough Rd, Ditmas Park
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Friday, November 18th, 2011
Et voila. Memorial plaque, benches, and flowers at the renovated square to honor Col. Donald Cook where Fort Hamilton Parkway, McDonald, and Caton Avenues intersect. With thanks to Brooklyn Parks Deputy Commissioner Marty Maher, a Windsor Terrace neighbor.
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
The 66th Precinct will hold its monthly Community Council meeting at Community Board 12′s offices this Thursday, November 17 at 7:30pm. This is a great opportunity to hear what is happening in the precinct directly from the police force, and it offers the public a chance to voice any concerns you may have.
66th Precinct Community Council Meeting
Thursday, November 17, 7:30pm
At Community Board 12
5910 13th Avenue, between 59th and 60th Streets
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Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
New York State Assemblyman Jim Brennan will be the guest speaker at this month’s Albemarle Neighborhood Association meeting, taking place this Thursday, November 17, at 7pm at the Flatbush & Shaare Torah Jewish Center, 327 E. 5th Street at Church Avenue. The meeting is free and open to all, members and nonmembers alike. Please use wheelchair-accessible entrance on the ground floor. Foodtown and ANA will provide refreshments.
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Monday, November 14th, 2011
The next Singing Winds event at PS 230 is Buddhu Bhutum, a musical dance drama from the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts, on Saturday, November 19 at 7pm, with crafts and refreshments available before the performance.
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Monday, November 14th, 2011
The Bi-annual Sisterhood Bazaar and Flea Market is this Sunday, November 20 from 10am to 3pm at the Flatbush Shaare Torah/Jewish Center.
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Monday, November 14th, 2011
Following the recent accident in Prospect Park in which a pedestrian was struck by a bicycle, the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce will meet this Wednesday to discuss safety along the Park Drives.
The Taskforce was created earlier this year in response to a number of accidents between pedestrians and cyclists. One such incident over the summer led to a petition for better safety measures, like better yielding devices and more enforcement.
The meeting is open to the public, so if you’ve got concerns, please show up and voice them.
For more information, contact Eric Landau, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Prospect Park Alliance, at 718-965-8953 or elandau@prospectpark.org.
Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce Meeting
Prospect Park Picnic House
Wednesday, November 16, 6pm
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Saturday, November 12th, 2011
K9WaTch, the group made up of dog owners (and some folks without dogs) that was formed to escort neighbors home following the recent series of sexual attacks, is having a launch party tonight at Brooklyn Commune:
This is your opportunity to mix and mingle with all of the great neighbors who signed up to be a part of this. Plus there will be some delicious snacks! We will be giving out official K9WaTch bandanas to volunteers and asking people to sign up to have a formal one-on-one training. Training will consist of walking your dog with another more experienced member of K9WaTch so that you can practice making the most of your walks!
Dogs are totally welcome.
K9WaTch Launch Party @ Brooklyn Commune
601 Greenwood Ave at Prospect Ave
Saturday, November 12, 5-7pm
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Friday, November 11th, 2011
From left: NYS Assemblyman James F. Brennan in cap, Edward Schloeman, Sr Patrol Leader Thomas Leopoldi, Boy Scout Troop 237; Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Kevin Jeffrey; Dep. Commissioner Marty Maher (in dark glasses), and two more unidentified men.
Stop by KWT’s newest rendezvous point and sit down on the two new benches, to be installed by Saturday, at the Col. Cook triangle, at McDonald and Caton. Today’s re-dedication of the Col. Donald G. Cook memorial saw Brooklyn’s Deputy Parks Commissioner Marty Maher and members of Boy Scout Troop 237 digging out the foundations for the new flagpole and sign explaining who Cook was: the first Marine captured in Vietnam, who died in 1967 while a prisoner of the Vietcong. He is also the only Marine awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his behavior in captivity. In addition, there is a ship named in his honor.
“We are memorializing this American hero,” Assemblymember James Brennan said at the brief gathering.
CMS (ret) Edward W. Schloeman, the man instrumental in getting the triangle rejuvenated, said he hoped to see the entire triangle redone in a couple of years. Donations are welcome; contact ESchloeman@aol.com for more information.
As someone interested in seeing the triangle revamped as an open plaza with landscaping and benches, I asked Deputy Commissioner Maher what that would take.
“Capital funding,” he said. “What Parks is doing here is an upgrade on the cheap. Here we’re starting off with a small plaza. We’ll check it out and see if works.”
Should Parks discover a neighborhood interest in expanding this idea, it would work up a conceptual design and present it to the parks committees of the relevant community boards (12 and 7) for approval. The public input on the design would be restricted to the “public comment period” before the community board were to on it.
Thursday, November 10th, 2011
On Veterans Day tomorrow at 11am, Assemblymember James F. Brennan will join with Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Brooklyn Parks Commissioner Jeffrey, Chief of Staff Marty Maher, Co-Chair of Operation Warrior Wellness Ed Schloeman, Boy Scout Troop 237 from Holy Name Parish, and neighbors in re-dedicating the Cook Memorial.
The Cook Memorial, located at the intersection of McDonald Ave and Fort Hamilton Parkway, commemorates the heroism of Colonel Donald G. Cook, a Windsor Terrace resident and recipient of the Congressional Medal of Honor. On Friday November 11, elected officials, community leaders, and neighbors will gather to begin repairs on the memorial, installing a new plaque and flagpole in the triangle.
Colonel Cook enlisted in the Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam, where he was captured and held as a prisoner war until his death. During his imprisonment, Colonel Cook went above and beyond the call of duty, strictly adhering to the code of conduct and selflessly assisting fellow prisoners even in the face of grave danger to himself. Colonel Cook died in 1967 as a prisoner of war and was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor. Colonel Cook is the only Marine to earn a Medal of Honor while in captivity.
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
A danced invocation to the four winds opened the well-attended puppet performance of La Llorona, by The Singing Winds: Storytelling from Around the World last Friday night at PS 230. In Mexican tradition, La Llorona, the weeping woman, is “a lost soul who roams the earth looking for her children.”
Michael Bael, a neighbor, right, played El Viejito del Pueblo, an old timer.
La Llorona, the puppet above in white, and the parade of giant puppets—and their puppeteers—ended the show.
The next Singing Winds event, Buddhu Bhutum, on Saturday, November 19 at 7pm at PS 230 will feature the Bangladesh Institute of Performing Arts.
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Tuesday, November 8th, 2011
The PS 130 Holiday Bazaar is coming up on Saturday, December 10 from 10am-3pm, and the PTA is looking for vendors to sell new (not used) items. Many vendors who participated last year are returning, but there are still several tables available. Rent a table for $25, or a double table for $35.
In addition to vendors, there will be entertainment, food, crafts for kids, pictures with Santa, and more.
If you have any questions or are interested in participating, contact Charlotte Kelly at charkellynyc@gmail.com or fill out the contact form at the PS 130 PTA website.
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Monday, October 31st, 2011
The minutes from last week’s Community Board 12 meeting are available here (Word Doc).
There wasn’t much related to our section of the CB, but our own Jole Carliner was recognized by Gabriella Friedlander on behalf of Councilmember Brad Lander for the volunteer work she did over the summer. Thanks Jole!
The next board meeting will take place on Tuesday, November 22 at 7pm, location still to be determined.
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Sunday, October 30th, 2011
Pet costume contest, food and drinks, music and raffles, all today in front of the Sean Casey Animal Rescue! If you see some cute pets in costume, please send us pics and we’ll post them.
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Friday, October 28th, 2011
The Singing Winds: Storytelling from Around the World
La Familia presents La Llorona, a Day of the Dead Celebration
Experience the traditions of El Dia de Los Muertos! Build an ofrenda, with gifts for our loved ones. Hear the legend of La Llorona in a puppet show for all ages. Rejoice in the music! Dance in a procession of giant puppets.
All the proceeds will be donated to the PS 230 PTA.
WHERE: PS 230 auditorium, 1 Albemarle Rd at McDonald Ave
WHEN: Friday, November 4 at 7pm
All tickets: $2. Doors open at 6:15 for crafts and refreshments.
For more information call 718-564-5983 or visit singingwinds.org
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Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Have you seen that “Extreme Couponing” TV show and wondered how those people manage to save so much money? Lucky for you, neighbor Amara Mahmood is hosting a class about the strategies of using coupons, which will be held at the Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace next month.
You’ll learn where to find coupons, how to use them to maximize your savings, and other strategies to help lower your shopping bills.
The cost is $10 per person (to cover rental and material costs), and participants will receive coupons to help them get started.
RSVP at this link, as there is a 50-person limit.
Coupons 101
Saturday, November 12, 2-3pm
Kings Bay Y at Windsor Terrace
1224 Prospect Avenue at Vanderbilt Street
718-407-6377
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Thursday, October 27th, 2011
Still need a Halloween pumpkin? PS 230 is having its Pumpkin Patch Fundraiser today and tomorrow from 9am to 3pm. Students are able to pick out their own pumpkins, but the sale is open to the general public. Money raised will go toward the PS 230 PTA. The school is at 425 McDonald Avenue between Church and Albemarle.
If you can’t make it to the sale, the Windsor Terrace Blog has a list of places nearby where you can still get a pumpkin–including Saturday’s Youthmarket, which is their last day of the season!
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Thursday, October 27th, 2011
North American porcupines dig into fall, by Julie Larsen Maher, WCS.
Brooklyn Children’s Museum Monster Mash
Friday & Saturday, 3-8:30pm
family-friendly trick-or-treat alternative activities including a costumed DJ dance party, spooky reading session, costume parade, slithery animals, and more. Children of all ages are encouraged to attend dressed in their best Halloween finery. Museum members: $5 per person; non-members: $10 per person.
Haunted Halloween Zombie Dance Party & Film Screening
Friday, 4pm
The Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library’s Youth Wing hosts the event in the Dweck Center for kids ages 5 and up. See a documentary about the ghost of Agatha, who is rumored to haunt the Central Library, then stick around for a dance party and have your picture taken in a Zombie photo booth. Free.
Haunted Walk & Carnival at Prospect Park
Saturday, 12-3pm
Lurking high on Lookout Hill are zombies, wolf men, headless horsemen, witches (both good and not so good), and other creepy characters. The Halloween Haunted Walk is suitable for young children accompanied by parents/guardians or older siblings. The Haunted Carnival on the Nethermead goes on at the same time, with games for kids. Suggested donation is $1. Enter the Park at the Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street entrance.
Boo at the Zoo
Saturday & Sunday, 10am-5:30pm
Go batty for Halloween with activities like face painting, craft-making, encounters with “spooky” creatures, and a trip through the Zoo’s legendary haunted barn. Free with Prospect Park Zoo admission.
Additional Prospect Park Events
Saturday & Sunday
The Carousel is haunted for Halloween, $2.00 per ride, 12-5pm.
The Lefferts Historic House will have spooky storytelling at 2 and 3pm, and paper-cutting crafts from 1-4pm. Both events are free.
The Audubon Center will have creepy-crawly creatures like spiders, worms, and more, from 1-4pm, free.
Ghouls & Gourds at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden
Saturday, 12-6pm
Against the backdrop of gorgeous fall color, show off your costume and carouse with colossal puppets. Ghouls and Gourds features live music, hands-on workshops, activities, arts and crafts, and much more. Kids under 12 free.
SCAR Howlloween Block Party
Sunday, 12-6pm
Bring your furry kids (and the regular kind, too) by Sean Casey Animal Rescue for burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and desserts. There will be music, raffles, and a pet costume contest.
Babbo’s Annual Halloween Reading
Sunday, 8pm
Join storyteller Helen Engelhardt for a night filled with awe at the magic of storytelling and terrors as old as time at the bookstore on Prospect Park West. Enjoy candy and “blood.” Suitable for ages 13 and up, $5 suggested donation.
Neighborhood Halloween Parades
Monday, 5 & 6pm
Everyone is welcome to lurch around the nearby Flatbush Malls in Prospect Park South and West Midwood in costume. Gather early for cider and snacks provided by thoughtful neighbors, then get in some trick-or-treating afterwards. Free.
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Wednesday, October 26th, 2011
A reminder that tomorrow is the Albemarle Neighborhood Association meeting featuring guest speaker Deputy Inspector John J. Sprague of the 66th Precinct.
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Tuesday, October 25th, 2011
Photo by Aaron Brashear.
This weekend enjoy the crisp fall weather and get into the spirit of Halloween while hearing tales of murder, mayhem, spirits, and ghosts on two late-October annual tours led by Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman.
Saturday’s tour will feature John Anderson’s stock tips from the woman he was suspected of having murdered; the poem to Fanny the Dog; the Stevens Family vault, where one murder victim and two of the acquitted defendants–his wife and brother-in-law–lie together in eternal repose; and more.
Sunday’s tour will feature the story of Indian painter George Catlin; disco composer Paul Jabarra, who wrote “Last Dance” for Donna Summer; Bill “the Butcher” Poole, the model for the Daniel Day-Lewis character in Gangs of New York; artist Jean-Michel Basquiat; and more.
Both tours will include a visit inside the Catacombs; a stop with the Fox family, founders of Spiritualism; George Washington’s favorite dentist, John Greenwood; and the Wizard of Oz, Frank Morgan.
For more information or to make reservations, visit the Green-Wood website or call 718-210-3080. Reservations are strongly recommended–these are very popular tours and visitors should arrive early.
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Monday, October 24th, 2011
If you’re interested in playing Scrabble in person with actual people (and not just on a smartphone or computer), there’s a new club starting up in the area.
The Ditmas Park Scrabble Club will have its first meeting at Temple Beth Emeth on Church Ave at Marlborough Road–a quick bus ride up Church on the B35–on Thursday, November 3. More info at the Ditmas Park Blog.
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Take a walking tour at Green-Wood this weekend that’s like no other, as dancers perform against the backdrop of the cemetery’s natural beauty and history.
The Green-Wood Historic Fund presents Dancing Through The Light: An Autumn Celebration on Saturday and Sunday:
Performed among the trees, lakes, and carriage paths of Green-Wood, and framed by the radiant light of the autumn sky, this celebration of world dance will illuminate the many cultures and traditions reflected in those who have made Green-Wood their final resting place. The production will be an extremely colorful and photogenic event, featuring the ritual dances of many countries. Dancing Through the Light, a world premiere performance, is a production of the Green-Wood Historic Fund in cooperation with Dance Parade, a NYC-based nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote dance as an expressive and unifying art form.
Admission (in advance and at the door) is $12 for Green-Wood Historic Fund members and $15 for non-members. The Family Package is $30 for two adults and up to three children under 16. Visitors must arrive 30 minutes before each performance.
Dancing Through The Light: An Autumn Celebration
Saturday, October 22, and Sunday, October 23 at 12 and 4pm
Reservations and more info: green-wood.com/toursevents or 718-210-3080
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Thursday, October 20th, 2011
The Friends of Greenwood Park have planned The Hoot for this Sunday, which includes performances from local groups, face and pumpkin painting, and a food drive for the Food Bank. It’s from 10 am – 4 pm at Greenwood Playground.
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Wednesday, October 19th, 2011
Shemeni Atzeres is technically the last day of Sukkot, though it’s considered a holiday on its own.
Like Sukkot, Shemeni Atzeres is also agricultural in origin. Observant Jews pray for rain on this holiday.
We thank C.I.S. Publishers for letting us use their illustrations with permission, and if you desire to purchase Sukkos is Coming or The Joys of Simchas Torah or other religious coloring books, stop by Amazing Savings on Ave M.
Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
At a special hour and a half meeting to be held Thursday, October 27, the Albemarle Neighborhood Association (ANA), will host Deputy Inspector John J. Sprague, the commanding officer of the NYPD 66th Precinct. He will speak on the issues he views as major and pressing to Kensington residents and then take questions from the floor. The meeting will end at 8pm sharp.
Appointed to head the 66th Precinct in January 2010, D.I. Sprague transferred from his post as Commanding Officer of Bensonhurst’s 62nd Precinct where he’d served since 2006. While there he achieved a 10% drop in crime. He joined the NYPD in 1991 and worked in the Narcotics and Auto Crime Divisions at Brooklyn Patrol Boro South early in his career. He is also a graduate of the Police Management Institute sponsored by the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
The ANA meeting will take place from 6:30-8pm at the Flatbush & Shaare Torah Jewish Center, 327 E. 5th Street, corner of Church Avenue. The meeting is free and open to all, members and nonmembers alike. Please use wheelchair-accessible entrance on the ground floor. Foodtown and ANA will provide refreshments.
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Tuesday, October 18th, 2011
More than 100 people, mostly families from the surrounding neighborhoods, gathered at Greenwood Playground last Sunday to share their stories and collect signatures for a petition in support of the New York City Paid Sick Time Act.
Neighbor Wilhyn Larson recalled her time coping with being unable to use her sick days when her child was ill, before she left the corporate world to start her own business–Namaste Yoga on Coney Island Avenue.
“I would send my son to school sick in order to avoid the barrage of negative comments from my boss,” Larson said. “Imagine the guilt that comes along with doing such a thing. It was better to have the school call me in order to pick him up then actually calling in for a sick day.” Larson’s son got his first taste of grassroots organizing at the Speak Out on Sunday.
You can still sign the online petition, located here.
Were any of you at the rally? Have you had experiences where your job made it difficult to take time off when you or your child has been sick? Please share your story in the comments.
Monday, October 17th, 2011
A reminder that the Friends of Greenwood Playground are partnering with the 72nd Precinct, Brad Lander’s office, PS 130, and the Brooklyn DA’s office for a safety awareness program this Wednesday, October 19 at 6:30pm, in the auditorium at PS 130.
Safety Awareness Program
Wednesday, October 19, 6:30pm
PS 130, 70 Ocean Parkway at Ft Hamilton
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Monday, October 17th, 2011
There was a small fair on Church Ave between East 5th St and Ocean Parkway yesterday with a very nice turnout.
Kids on a ride:
The face painter invited me to take a picture of her:
Speaking of community events, the participatory budget meeting is taking place tonight at PS 230 from 6:30 – 9, so try to make it if you can!
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Sunday, October 16th, 2011
Muriel Watt reports that there was a good turnout at yesterday’s cleanup of the area around Greenwood Playground, and she sends some photos of the awesome volunteers at work:
We got lots of bulbs in the ground and started some good clean up, with several people interested in meeting again to follow up (including the original “good citizen” who did the mud clean up under the overpass last month).
Many thanks to Muriel for organizing, and to everyone who showed up to help out!
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