Friday, April 30, 2010

   photo credit: PMFA readerOn 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...
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 onesright next to each other.It made her smile.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
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, Bru...
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.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
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...
photo credit: Swiatoslaw WojtkowiakThere 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 PMAt PS 1071301 8th AvenueBring your old, unwanted or broken electronics to PS 107 for responsible recycling, and keep those toxic items out of the landfill! The only items...

Thursday, April 29, 2010

A Moment Back In Time To Prospect Park in the 1890'sTaken 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?For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
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 PMNo experience...

Wednesday, April 28, 2010

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.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
Nothing smells better than lilacin the spring, except maybea bouquet ofslightly rarer "Lialac"Available on Court Street.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
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...

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

photo credit: by Margarida Sardo on FlickrDear 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...
Lisanne has left a new comment on your post "It's Official: The Magic Fountain On Court Street Is No More":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...
Spent pink cherry blossomsfell on the wet sidewalkin Carroll Gardens.Their beauty had beenso veryephemeral.For Home Page, click Pardon Me For AskingSh...
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...

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 4pmTOM & JERRYTrends 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...
Photo Credits: Prospect Park AllianceJust 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 2010Dancin' in the RainFriday, May 21, 20107 – 10 p.mThe...