Friday, April 30, 2010

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photo credit: PMFA reader


On my way to the subway this morning at about 11 AM, I walk by the Boom, LLC 360 Smith Street construction at 2nd Place and was surprised by the number of trucks which were not only blocking the intersection, but also stopped cars from driving down Smith Street. 
Meanwhile, people were trying to cross the street to get to the subway station at the corner of 2nd Street.
It was a a real mess. I did not have the time to stop and take picture.
One of my readers must have been on his way to the train shortly before and sent me the photos above.  He describes the situation this morning as dangerous.  I have to agree.


Below is his email to me:


As a local resident who uses the 2nd Place subway entrance daily, the construction at 360 Smith is a real nightmare. But now its become dangerous.

These pictures were taken at 10:47am this morning. This is the only crosswalk at the junction, and our cement truck driver can be seen eating his sandwich in the sun while his truck is parked on top of the crosswalk and pedestrians are left to dodge the traffic and other construction vehicles.

FYI, local precinct, constriction company and cement company have all been contacted and complaint registered.


Thank you for sending the photos and for making the phone calls.



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Some places are lucky to have one beautiful bridge,

she thought,
as she looked through her viewfinder.
Here, we are lucky to have two majestic ones
right next to each other.
It made her smile.



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This little bit of neighborhood news was emailed to me by my friend Bruce.
Starting this Monday, Abilene at 442 Court Street at the corner of 3rd Place will be serving lunch on week-days. They will be opening at noon instead of 5 Pm.
How perfect for those of us who work from home and need a little lunch break.

See you there, Bruce!



Laura left the following comment on the post: "A Moment Back In Time: Children In Prospect Park Circa 1890's"


They may be dressed in their summer finery, but they still look like they're up to something.



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REMINDER

The great volunteers of the Transit Garden at the corner of Smith Street and Second Place are hosting a gathering to honor Carroll Gardener activists for the work they have done for the community. I am incredibly thrilled to be one of the honorees.
I will certainly be there. Hope you can make it to.

Here is the announcement from the Transit Garden group:
"Come and celebrate your neighbors and friends, who fought the winning campaigns for the creation of the Transit Garden, the wide street Text Amendment, neighborhood rezoning, the Hannah Senesh courtyard kerfuffle, the Super Fund designation and keeping development sane in Carroll Gardens."

May 2nd, 5 - 7 pm. (after Court St. Fair)
Rain date to be determined.
at the Transit Garden,
2nd Place & Smith Street


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photo credit: Swiatoslaw Wojtkowiak

There have been quite a few electronics recycling events in the are recently, but if you still have not gotten rid of that old computer that is wasting precious space in your home, here is another chance.

Saturday, May 8th, 2010,
From 12 PM to 3 PM
At PS 107
1301 8th Avenue

Bring your old, unwanted or broken electronics to PS 107 for responsible recycling, and keep those toxic items out of the landfill! The only items NOT accepted are household appliances like TVs, microwave overs, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.

THEN UPGRADE! Enter the $1 raffle and win a new Apple Mighty Mouse or Mac OS 10.6 "Snow Leopard," courtesy of The Mac Support Store, Brooklyn's First Authorized Repair Shop!





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Thursday, April 29, 2010

Picture 6

A Moment Back In Time To Prospect Park in the 1890's

Taken in the 1890's, this wonderful photograph shows children in their summer finery in Prospect Park. It looks as though they are waiting for something or someone, but for whom or for what has long been forgotten.
Don't you love it?




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Friends Of Carroll Park member volunteer Laura Shippey has been tending the little garden corner at Carroll Street and Smith Street for a few years now. This spring, she will continue the border's transform it into a haven for butterflies.
However, she would appreciate some help from others.
If you love gardening and have a bit of time to beautify your neighborhood, please join her on two consecutive Saturdays: May 8th and May 15th from 1-4 PM

No experience necessary, tools provided, kids welcome



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Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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Now that Boom,LLC's 360 Smith Street has reached its full height of 70 feel (plus bulkhead), the steel structure is visible from way down on Smith Street.
It is amazing how one out-of-context building can change the landscape of the surrounding neighborhood.

Just last week, member's of the Carpenter's Union protested the project for using
R & B Drywall, who employs non-union workers.



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Nothing smells better than lilac
in the spring,
except
maybe
a bouquet of
slightly rarer
"Lialac"

Available on Court Street.






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You may have noticed, dear Reader, that a while back, a "Rented" sign appeared in the window of the former Tea Lounge space at 254 Court Street. Curious to what new business will open there, I stopped by Vespa Properties, the leasing agency and spoke to brokers Pietro and Denver. They were kind enough to put me in touch with the new proprietor, Artur.

Artur and I spoke a few weeks ago and had a very nice conversation about his exciting plans for "Karloff", a new café with an Eastern European accent. According to Artur, Karloff will have a very rustic and simple atmosphere and emphasis will be on high-quality, natural food which will be affordable for families. "It will be very humble and simple" said Artur.

The menu will include soups, latkas, pierogies along with fresh baked goods. It will also feature a fresh juice bar and Dallis Coffee. For those with a sweet tooth, Karloff will offer all natural ice-cream from the Hudson Valley.

The hours of operation will be 7 Am to 10 Pm.
Karloff will offer delivery of fresh squeezed juices, milk shakes, family-sized meals and ice cream "right to your door, sofa or birthday party."
According to Artur, Karloff will be open in about 45 to 60 Days.

I don't know about you, but I am really looking forward to this place. Fresh food, an affordable menu and a simple down-home atmosphere sounds like a great idea for Court Street. "Karloff" is bound to be a success in the neighborhood.










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Tuesday, April 27, 2010



photo credit: by Margarida Sardo on Flickr

AAFSC Sewing Volunteer Flyer


Dear Readers,

Here is a wonderful volunteer opportunity at the Arab-American Family Support Center at 150 Court Street. Their new "Sewing Institute" is made up of women who attend the center's weekly English and Arabic literacy classes. The aim is to teach new craft ideas specifically related to sewing, knitting, embroidery, cross-stitch and other skills.

If you sew, knit or crochet, you can make an amazing difference in the lives of these women.

The Support Center holds a special place in my heart. Nine years ago, it was my great pleasure to volunteer at the Arab-American Center. Weekly, I met with a small group of women and helped them with their English. Since I am an immigrant myself, I knew all too well the linguistic problems they were facing. Though I was there to teach them, I cannot tell you how much I learned about their countries, cultures and life experiences.

It was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.


If interested in volunteering, please contact Renee Orser at AAFSC through email (renee@aafscny.org) or phone (718-643-8000 ext. 17). They are on Court St. between Pacific and Dean and are a kid-friendly environment, so stay-at-home moms are welcome!


The Arab-American Family Support Center

150 Court Street, 3rd Floor

Brooklyn, NY 11201

Tel: (718) 643-8000 ext. 17

Fax: (718) 797-0410

www.aafscny.org



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It was time to retire...i lost lots of money in their washers and driers that they were obviously runninng into the ground the last few years. They had a habit of blaming the customers, saw many a fight in there!!!! THe last time iwas there while my clothes were in the wash, Francis came in and simply said "we are closing in 10 minutes!!!" Steam was coming out of my ears as I looked for a laundromat that would accept wet clothes (laundromats don't like it when you just use their dryers!!!)
Lottery tickets were the main deal at the magic fountain.

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Spent pink cherry blossoms
fell on the wet sidewalk
in Carroll Gardens.
Their beauty
had been
so very
ephemeral.




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It is now official! The Magic Fountain, the ice cream parlor that didn't seem to sell ice cream at all at 412 Court Street is no more. The storefront was being totally gutted on Monday morning as I walked by.
The Magic Place certainly was not a neighborhood favorite by any means and I doubt that many people will be sorry to see it go. A reader commented:

I walked in there one day a few years back to buy a bottle of water for my 5 year old daughter who was feeling bad because of the heat. The owner(?) just stared at me when I asked to buy a bottle of water. No response, just a hostile stare.

I've never tried to force my money on them since, as they are evidently doing just fine without it.

Anything that moves in there can only be an improvement.

Just last week, I reported that the laundromat next door at number 410 Court Street was undergoing major renovation. A permit states that the laundromat was being converted into a restaurant.
If the Magic Fountain space will be added to the laundromat space, it will most probably become quite a large eating establishments.
No word yet on what type of restaurant it will become.
What kind of food would you like to see there, dear Readers?




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Monday, April 26, 2010


The Big Movies For Little People film series at the Cobble Hill Cinema has delighted the little ones in our neighborhood and earned the praise of their parents. Now the series celebrate its fifth anniversary. Congratulations.
The organizers write:


Monday, May 3rd
at 4pm

TOM & JERRY

Trends come and go, but the chase is eternal! The most famous cat and mouse team are back for more hilarious antics on the big screen at Big Movies. (USA; 1965; not rated; color animation; approximately 70 minutes)

BIG MOVIES FOR LITTLE KIDS
Time: 4pm (every other Monday, following the public school calendar)
Ages: 2 and up (all ages welcome)
Location: Cobble Hill Cinemas, 265 Court Street @ Butler
Subway: F train to Bergen Street
Cost: $6.50 per person (as per theater policy, all walkers need a ticket)


We strongly encourage purchasing tickets in advance. To secure seats, tickets may be purchased on-line at: www.cobblehilltheatre.com
See you at the movies!


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Photo Credits: Prospect Park Alliance


Just think how lucky we are here in Brooklyn to have Prospect Park with its wonderful green expanses and its great playgrounds. Thanks to the Prospect Park Alliance, these play area's are always well maintained. On May 21st, the Alliance's Playground Committee is holding an event to raise funds for their continuing care. Read on:


Party for Playgrounds 2010

Dancin' in the Rain
Friday, May 21, 2010
7 – 10 p.m

The Boathouse at Prospect Park


Cocktails
ole1 Hors D’Oeuvres ole2 Music
Boat Rides
ole3 Silent Auction
Cocktail Attire ole4 Parking Available

Tickets: $75 and up

A donation to Prospect Park's playgrounds is a unique way to honor a child

      The Prospect Park Alliance’s Playground Committee works to support the Park’s seven award-winning playgrounds. Founded in 2004, the Committee has raised more than $150,000 to date to ensure that these spaces receive diligent care and maintenance, in addition to raising awareness and advocating on behalf of the Park’s playgrounds and open spaces.





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