Still Need to Figure Out Camp? Don’t Panic

By , 14 May, 2012, No Comment

Waited for the last minute to figure out camp for the kids this year? KidKlass Brooklyn says Don’t Panic. Or, rather they’re holding an event this Sunday, 20 May, called Camp Panic to help you figure out the right spot (left over) for your little ones. From the website: More than 40 camps are expected, and they will also have their Fall programs. Something for everyone, ages 0-17. There will be free activities all during the event. Music, art, sports and more to keep your child entertained while you check out your spring, summer and fall options. This event is free and open to the public.
The event takes place at the International School of Brooklyn, 477 Court Street @Luquer, from noon to 3pm.

Another Smash-Up On Hicks St., Cobble Hill

By , 11 May, 2012, 1 Comment

Earlier this month, a young boy was struck dead by a cab on Hicks St., in Cobble Hill. And though the cab driver wasn’t charged with anything because the child ran into the street, anyone who lives nearby knows cars tend to speed down Hicks like it’s the FDR Drive. Basically, it’s a shortcut for drivers to bypass the traffic-laden leg of the BQE between Hamilton Ave. and Atlantic Ave.–and very few people acknowledge the residential nature of the road.
After the fatal accident, the neighborhood responded by asking the Department of Transportation (DOT) to do something to slow traffic down–especially since school children cross at least twice a day to get to and from PS 29 from Columbia St. And to help out, an electronic speed board was placed near Degraw St., alerting cars of their speed as they flew down the block. Unfortunately, this has done diddlysquat, as evidenced by today’s nasty accident on Hicks between Degraw and Kane St. At approximately 1pm this afternoon, a blue minivan slammed into the back of a double parked van, totaling its front end and the vans back–while simultaneously pushing two parked cars onto the sidewalk. Observers say the minivan was going at least 70 mph, and didn’t notice the large red van standing in the middle of the street.
This is at least the second time a car has lost control on this street because of excessive speeding, and a flashing speedometer on the side of the road is no combatant.
People live on this road and kids use the cross streets to go back and forth to the public school. It’s time DOT does something about it. We can only hope this brings the powers that be to their senses.

Jehovas Could Restore the Brooklyn “Waldorf”

By , 10 May, 2012, 3 Comments

When I first moved to the neighborhood, I remember wondering what was going on inside the ornate building at 98 Montague St., with the words BOSSERT inscribed on the side. Turns out, the glittering chandeliers and marble columns belonged to the Jehovas Witnesses, and the building housed members of the religious sect when they came to town. Not bad, me thinks. And delving into the history of this address, I soon found it was a high society hotel called, go figure, The Bossert (built by lumber magnate Louis Bossert), and the place where the Brooklyn Dodgers celebrated after winning their one and only World Series in the Borough.
So it was with great interest I read this story in the Brownstoner, claiming the Witnesses are trying to change the city zone into one that would allow a hotel once again.

It’s unclear whether this is part of a plan to try to sell the building again. According to a public hearing notice sent out by Community Board Two, a variance application was filed to allow the “reconversion of the existing community facility hotel back to its original, transient hotel use.”

Would you welcome a high-end hotel into Brooklyn Heights? Yay or nay?

Brooklyn Bridge Park Announces Warm Weather Schedule

By , 10 May, 2012, No Comment

It’s still a little windy to spend too much time at Pier 6 with the kids, but the season is just gearing up at Brooklyn Bridge Park. Got this schedule of events today and wanted to give you a heads up. From yoga, to kayaking to the popular Movies with a View, there’s tons to do. And this year, they’re even adding a literature series. Here’s a few things we have to look forward to (a full calendar can be found here):

Syfy Movies With A View
Join us for the 13th season of our movie series on Thursdays this summer! Shorts curated by BAMcinématek, DJs from Brooklyn Radio kick off the evening and bike valet provided by Transportation Alternatives.
Presenting Sponsor: SYFY
Date: Thursdays, July 5-August 30
Time: 6:00pm-11:00pm, music at 6:00pm, movies at sunset
Location: Pier 1, Harbor View Lawn
Arrive early for the best seats: lawn capacity is limited!
Thursday, July 5 – E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (PG)
Thursday, July 12 – To Kill A Mockingbird (NR)
Thursday, July 19 – Slumdog Millionaire (R)
Thursday, July 26 – Clueless (PG13)
Thursday, August 2 – Wet Hot American Summer (R)
Thursday, August 9 – Barefoot in the Park (G)
Thursday, August 16 – The Big Chill (R)
Thursday, August 23 – Unforgiven (R)
Thursday, August 30 – Public Vote! Check brooklynbridgepark.org for details

Books Beneath the Bridge
This inaugural outdoor literature series will feature 6 nights of outdoor readings by authors, followed by a Q&A. Each night will be curated by a local, independent bookstore.
Location: Pier 1, Granite Prospect
Monday, July 9, 7:00pm – Freebird
Monday, July 16, 7:00pm – Greenlight Bookstore
Monday, July 23, 7:00pm – Powerhouse Arena
Monday, July 30, 7:00pm – Word Bookstore
Monday, August 6, 7:00pm – Community Bookstore Park Slope
Monday, August 13, 7:00pm – Bookcourt

The Bard on Pier 1
Free performances of Shakespeare on the Granite Prospect. Two different New York-based companies interpret the Bard and bring his words and wisdom to Pier 1.
Twelfth Night by Random Access Theater
Saturday, May 19, 7:00pm
Sunday, May 20, 7:00pm

Comedy of Errors by Theater 2020
Saturday, June 9, 7:00pm
Sunday, June 10, 7:00pm

The Metropolitan Opera Summer Recital Series
The Metropolitan Opera presents a summer recital series featuring opera stars Danielle de Niese, Dimitri Pittas, and John Del Carlo, accompanied by Dan Saunders. Presented in collaboration with the City Parks Foundation. More info: metopera.org/parks
Date: Friday, July 27
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pier 1

3rd Annual Etsy Craft Party
You’re invited to the most handmade party of the summer on August 24. Join Etsy for an evening of hands-on festivities to celebrate creativity and community.
Date: Friday, August 24
Time: 7:00pm-9:00pm
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry

9th Annual Marathon Reading of Walt Whitman’s “Song of Myself”
Sign up to be one of the 52 readers of “Song of Myself” or simply enjoy Whitman’s words. To register to read, email songofmyself2012@gmail.com.
Date: Sunday, June 3
Time: 3:00pm-5:30pm
Location: Pier 1, Granite Prospect

Boating
Get out on the water for kayaking and community rowing with the Brooklyn Bridge Park Boathouse at the Pier 1 Boat Basin! Children under 18 must have an adult guardian present. Last sign-up is an hour before closing time.
Date: Saturdays, June through September 15 (except for September 8)
Time: 10:30am-4:30pm
Location: Pier 1 Boat Basin
Date: Thursdays, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, August 30
Time: 5:30pm-7:30pm
Location: Pier 1 Boat Basin

Waterfront Workouts: Pilates with the Fitness Guru
The Fitness Guru returns with Pilates Mat classes overlooking the New York Harbor. Limited mats available.
Date: Tuesdays, June 19 – September 11
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Empire Fulton Ferry

Waterfront Workouts: Early Morning Yoga with Dodge YMCA
Morning yoga integrates posture, breathing exercises, relaxation, and meditation to stretch, strengthen, and condition. All levels are welcome. Limited mats available. Pier 1, Bridgeview Lawn
Date: Mondays, July 2 – August 27
Time: 7:30am (registration begins at 7:00am)
Location: Pier 1, Bridgeview Lawn

Waterfront Workouts: Zumba with Dodge YMCA
Zumba© fuses Latin and world music with aerobic interval training to sculpt the body and invigorate the soul! Pier 1, Promenade
Date: Sundays, July 1 – August 26
Time: 4:00pm (registration begins at 3:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade

Waterfront Workouts: Belly Dance with Dodge YMCA
Dance to Middle Eastern rhythms while learning traditional movements and combinations that tone your core.
Date: Fridays, July 6-27
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade

Waterfront Workouts: Hip Hop Dance Aerobics with Dodge YMCA
This class gets your heart pumping with Hip Hop music and hot step-by-step dance moves.=
Date: Fridays, August 3-31
Time: 7:00pm (registration begins at 6:30pm)
Location: Pier 1, Promenade

Sunset Pilates
Join Lou Cornacchia, founder of Cobble Hill’s Body in Balance Studio, on Pier 6 for an Intermediate Pilates Mat Class.
Date: Thursdays, June 21 – September 27
Time: 7:00pm
Location: Pier 6

Outdoor Fitness with Brooklyn Strength
Strength training and aerobic intervals in and around Brooklyn Bridge Park.
Date: Mondays, June 4-25
Time: 7:30pm
Location: Pier 6

Shen Beauty Flash Sale Tomorrow in Cobble Hill

By , 8 May, 2012, 3 Comments

Looking to update your make-up and skincare regiment? Might be just the right time to hit upscale boutique Shen Beauty’s instore Flash Sale. Come by tomorrow, 9 May, between 12 noon to 3pm for 20 percent off everything in the store. A ByTerry make up artist will be in the shop the same day, showing off the new summer colors and giving free makeovers and a glass of summer Bellini. Free samples with each purchase and free gift with purchases over $200.

Maurice Sendak Passes Away

By , 8 May, 2012, No Comment

Wanted to take a moment to acknowledge the passing of one of Brooklyn’s most adored artists. Maurice Sendak, author and illustrator of beloved classics like Where the Wild Things Are, grew up in Bensonhurst and graduated Lafayette High School before going on to create his wildly popular works. This has been an especially tough few days, as another Brooklyn native, Adam Yauch of the Beastie Boys also passed last Friday. No matter your age, everyone has a reason to feel a little sad this week.

Spring Photog Mini-Sessions in Prospect Park

By , 8 May, 2012, No Comment

Though the cherry blossoms came a little early this year, spring has sprung in Prospect Park. So why not use this foliage to your advantage and hit the Sweet Pea Photography Spring 2012 Mini-Session Day for some colorful family photos. Taking place 3 June from 9am to 6pm, this is simply a 1/2 hour photography session with Sweet Pea Photographers for your children and family. For $115, you’ll get about 30 images in a private password-protected online gallery, including 3 image files of your choice in high resolution digital format. To book, please email or call: info@sweetpeaphotographers.com; Alexandra 646-596-6747.

Non-Classical Musicians Wanted for Brooklyn Philharmonic Program

By , 8 May, 2012, No Comment

The Brooklyn Philharmonic wants to expand your musical ideas and philosophy with its Outside-In program. The company is looking for musicians from diverse musical backgrounds including hip hop, electronica, world music, jazz, indie rock, etc. to study and compose music for orchestra and string quartet. If interested, you can submit an application by following directions here–three musicians will be chosen and the program runs from June 2012 to October 2013.

Heads Up: Thieves Foraging for Personal Info in Carroll Gardens

By , 7 May, 2012, 1 Comment

I was passed along this note from a concerned Carroll Gardens neighbor. Wanted to give a heads up because, like many of you, we don’t shred all our personal info before we put it in the recycling bin. True or not, it’s certainly something to be aware of.

All,

We live in Carroll Gardens. On Sunday, May 6th, around 9:45, we walked past two Hispanic women with two toddlers, a stroller, and a shopping cart, going through the trash in front of a brownstone on our street. They were crouched over the trash, which appeared to contain nothing but papers, peering into the bag with the light from a mobile phone.

We should have confronted them there, but we continued on to our house and waited. They kept going through the trash at each house and then moved down the street. When they stopped at a house near ours and started going through the recycling trash, we went out and asked them what they were doing.

A few key points.

– While the women were looking at a blender when we approached and could thus have been simply trash foraging, when we looked at the cart they were pushing, we saw it was full of paper, what looked like personal and banking statements.

– They’d seen us watching them and could have been examining the blender as a distraction from what they really seemed initially intent on — going through paper recycling.

Look — we’re not alarmist, but this seems like a pretty clear case of people looking in a semi-organized fashion for personal information in your trash.

Keep an eye out and shred everything!

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