Santa in the 'Hood!

Neighborhood bar MikNic Lounge reports that the "real" Santa is paying them a visit this Sunday the 16th from 2pm until 5pm. Have your photo taken with him for $10 or just come and meet him. There will be hot chocolate for the kids and adult drinks too.


MicNik Lounge

200 Columbia Street, between Sackett and Degraw

Brooklyn Collective Holiday Party Tonight

Brooklyn Collective is hosting a holiday party tonight from 6 to 9pm with a raffle to benefit Sandy victims in Red Hook. 

Here are the fabulous local artists selling their work at Brooklyn Collective this season: http://www.brooklyncollective.com/artists.html I found the perfect presents for four people on my list this week!

Brooklyn Collective
212 Columbia Street Brooklyn, NY 11231
(718) 596-6231

Shop Red Hook!

Help Red Hook get through a tough winter of recovery by doing your holiday gift shopping below the Battery Tunnel. Most of the neighborhood's unique shops and eateries have reopened for business. Here are just a few of my favorites. Add your recommendations below in the comments. 

Red Hook wine store Botta Di Vino offers free gift wrapping and special offers, some of which include free glassware, 10% case discounts and 5% discounts on 6 bottles. Gift certificates can be ordered over the phone and shipped to you. They also offer free delivery on most case sales.
357 Van Brunt Street
www.bottadivino.net

Shopping Metal and Thread is like exploring a mysterious gallery of jewelry and art. All the work here is handmade from metal, thread, felt, leather, gemstones, and whatever else these artists feel they can turn into something unique and unusual. They'll wrap your purchases in vintage reusable bags, and they are including a pair of drop earrings with each purchase, while supplies last. They post specials at facebook.com/metalandthread, and you can donate to help them rebuild their workshop at http://www.gofundme.com/rebuild-metal-and-thread.
398 Van Brunt Street
http://metalthread.com

Next door is Foxy and Winston, one of my go-to gift shops. I love their whimsical bags, children's clothing, and unique greeting cards. While you're there, say hi to Miss Hope the Beagle, who watches over the store. 

392 Van Brunt Street

http://foxyandwinston.com/

Across the street, Baked is back at it, serving up their delectable cakes, bars, pies, and cookies. How about one of those Baked t-shirts or cookbooks for the aspiring chef in your life?

359 Van Brunt Street

http://bakednyc.com/

Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pie was flooded by three feet of water but they are open to the public again for pie purchases. They're also fundraising at http://www.gofundme.com/1ire9o to repair the damage to their building and equipment. 
204 Van Dyke Street, Pier 41
http://stevesauthentic.com/


Also hard hit but open again is Flickinger Glassworks, who have one-of-a-kind enameled tableware and lighting. 
204-207 Van Dyke Street, Pier 41http://www.flickingerglassworks.com/

If you are looking for a gift for a dancer or a fan of dance, consider a donation to Cora Studio in their name. Cora Studio offers pay-what-you-can dance classes and rehearsal space rentals. Their electrical system was damaged and they lost thousands in income after the storm.  
201 Richards Street between Coffey and Van Dyke Streets
http://www.coradance.com/

Lots of bars and restaurants are open too! One of my favorites, Hope and Anchor, will write up a gift certificate for your friend who loves a hearty meal and breakfast any time of day.  
347 Van Brunt Street
http://www.hopeandanchorredhook.com/

Winter Classes at Clayworks on Columbia

Looking for something fun & creative to do now that winter is approaching? Join your neighbors at Clayworks on Columbia, Inc for winter classes. Clayworks is celebrating their 19th year of sharing clay with our community!

Wheel & Handbuilding Classes:

Monday mornings    (10am to 1pm)
Dec 10 thru Feb 18 no class 12/24

Wednesday evenings     (7pm to 10pm)
Dec 5 thru Feb 6

Thursday evenings     (7pm to 10pm)
Nov 29 thru Jan 31

Saturday mornings      (10am to 1pm)
Dec 1 thru Feb 2

Sculpture Class:

Monday evenings   (7pm to 10pm)
Dec 3 thru Feb 18 no class 12/24 & 12/31

Session fee is $320 for 10 weeks and includes 3 hours of instruction per week and use of studio during our open studio hours.

For more information about classes and studio visit www.clayworksoncolumbia.org or call 718 694 9540 or 917 428 3128.

Things Happening in the 'Hood this Week

Here are some events happening in and around the 'Front this week. (Like that? I just made up that nickname for the neighborhood. Maybe it will catch on...)

Thursday, November 29 
Jalopy is having a benefit show for the Red Hook recovery with The Red Hook Ramblers, Buffie Roseanne, The Dalton Family Singers, Brian Speaker and The Charles Mansfield Band. Click here to buy Tickets! 
9pm, $5
Jalopy Theatre and School of Music, 315 Columbia Street, between Woodhull and Rapeleye

Friday, November 30
Dry Dock is having one of their free Friday night wine tastings. This week, it's USA wines, Pinot noir and riesling. "Just because it's gotten cold doesn't mean you don't need something light bodied or sweet in your life."
5:30-8:30pm, free
Dry Dock Wine and Spirits, at their temporary outpost at 370 Van Brunt between Wolcott and Dikeman
www.drydockny.com

Saturday, December 1
MicNik Lounge is holding a fundraiser to benefit the Brooklyn Recovery Fund with DJ D, Lady Creme, Carrie Whitenoise, and DJ|JD. All proceeds go to hurricane recovery.
5pm to 2am, $5 minimum donation
MicNik 200 Columbia Street, between Sackett and Degraw

Sunday, December 2
Eat Pie and Shop
PS 29 is hosting their 4th Annual Benefit with Pie Social and Celebrity Judged Contest; Local Gift Fair, Kid’s Crafts and Portrait Studio. For more information, including a list of all vendors and information on how to enter a pie, please visit www.eatpieandshop.org.
11am to 4pm, free
PS 29, 425 Henry Street, between Baltic and Kane

Volunteer and Donation Needs in Red Hook Cleanup and Park Slope Shelters

A section from tonight's email from Councilmember Brad Lander:

Volunteer and Donation Needs this Weekend

The Park Slope Armory shelter (361 15th Street, between 7th & 8th Avenues) needs volunteers who can work at least an 8 hour shift, longer would be great. Shifts start at 8 AM and 8 PM. If they have too many volunteers, you may be turned away, so be prepared for that.

The John Jay High School shelter (237 7th Avenue, between 4th & 5th Streets) needs day, evening, and overnight volunteers this weekend (especially, but not only, people with medical training). You need to be able to dedicate at least 6-8 hours and cannot bring your children.

There is still a huge need for your help in Red Hook (and thank you to everyone who has already volunteered). Here are several opportunities over the weekend:

I am very happy to report that the Office of Emergency Management has set up an office in Red Hook at 402 Van Brunt Street. At 10 AM on Saturday, they are looking for 100 volunteers to assist with cleanup efforts. Please bring tools, work gloves, and be prepared to get a little dirty.

Added Value, the Red Hook community farm (480 Columbia Street, across the street from IKEA) sustained extensive damage during the storm. About 100 volunteers will be working throughout the morning and will need a hot lunch. They are asking any kind souls to bring hot, cooked food to the farm at 1 PM on Saturday. Also, their computers were destroyed by Sandy and the farm would really appreciate a donation of an old computer or smart phone.

Red Hook Initiative has been doing amazing work this week on behalf of this community in need. They would still appreciate volunteers (at 767 Hicks Street) and donations of flashlights, ice, and medical supplies (but no clothes). Call 718-858-6782 for details.


Jalopy on Columbia Street is also accepting donations of: candles, lanterns or flashlights that can be worn or hung up, hand warmers, garbage bags, rubber gloves, batteries, buckets, towels, and warm blankets

GO See Art in the Columbia Waterfront!

Today and tomorrow experience a Brooklyn-wide open studios weekend that will result in a crowd-curated exhibition at Brooklyn Museum. Many of the artists opening their studios this weekend work here in the Columbia Waterfront. Go to http://www.gobrooklynart.org to register as a voter. Visit at least five studios and you can vote for the artists you think should be seen at the Museum!

While you're out at the Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival, visit some local artists opening their studios in the neighborhood this weekend: 

Karni Dorell

Photography, Video/Film/Sound, Installation

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/kdorell

Christina Kelly

Video/Film/Sound, Drawing, Installation

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/ckelly

Geoffrey Davis

Painting, Drawing

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/epona

Robert Gould

Painting, Photography, Mixed Media

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/robgould

Sculptors at Clayworks

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/demetriachappo

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/Sabina

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/FreddyBorges

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/JBell

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/blipsqueak

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/emilyrosen

Launa Beuhler

Photography, Sculpture, Mixed Media

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/LaunaBeuhler

Jim Osman

Sculpture, Drawing, Installation

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/pisan0

John Monti

Sculpture, Mixed Media, Drawing

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/johnmonti

Bryan Humphrey

Drawing, Design, Craft

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/bhumphrey

Oscar Riquelme

Painting, Video/Film/Sound

http://www.gobrooklynart.org/studio/oscart

Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival is today!

Carroll Gardens Association, Inc. will be holding the 4th Annual Columbia Waterfront Fall Festival on Saturday, Sept. 8, 2012 from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. The annual Street Fair runs from the DeGraw Street to Union Street along Columbia Street and from Columbia Street to Hicks Street along Union Street. This year’s Street Fair is anticipated to be well attended by thousands of visitors and community residents enjoying a day of food, fun for all ages, shopping, live entertainment, games and rides. This year’s event is sponsored by Apple Bank, Ascot Properties, Jabus Building Corporation, and Downstate Long Island Hospital.

For more information click here.

Petition to make Congress Street safer for pedestrians

Reposted from the Columbia Waterfront Nextdoor site:

Hi

People who use Van Voorhees park on Congress Street (between Columbia and Hicks) are concerned about the speeding traffic and inability to cross the street without fear of being hit by a speeding vehicle.

We started a petition and would love the support of the neighborhood. Once we collect signatures, we can then obtain letters of support from Joan Millman, Brad Lander and Daniel Squadron to submit to the DOT.

Please sign our petition and pass it along to everybody you know!

http://www.change.org/petitions/nyc-dept-of-transportation-slow-the-traffic-speed-on-congress-street-between-columbia-hicks

Thanks
Lisa
Mom to 2 who was almost mowed down yesterday while crossing with both of my kids!

Help bring back the Union Street B71 bus!

A message from Assemblywoman Joan Millman is below. She will testify at Wednesday night's MTA hearing, so sign this petition by Tuesday evening to get your voice heard.

https://www.change.org/petitions/joseph-j-lhota-chairman-and-chief-executive-officer-restore-the-b71-union-street-bus-in-brooklyn

Dear supporters of the B71 bus,

Thank you for signing my petition to bring back the B71/Union Street bus- a crucial cross-borough link for workers, seniors, students and all community members.

In just a few days we've collected more than 800 signatures online and in person. The deadline for collecting signatures is Tuesday night just before the Wednesday MTA hearing where I am going to testify. I want to present the MTA with many more signatures to really show how important this bus was to the community.

Will you help by passing this link on to anyone you know who wants to bring back the B71?

And when you have a moment - actually, 54 seconds, take a look at this video where resident Nino Pantano talks about what the loss of the B71 meant to him and his family - I think he sums up charmingly what so many people are saying:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hemzN0sipes

Thank you very much for your advocacy and help,

Sincerely,

Assemblywoman Joan Millman

New Daycare Center Opening Soon

We received this message this week about a new daycare opening in the neighborhood:

"My name is Kristina and I am writing to let you know about the new daycare we are opening off of Columbia Street. Sitters Studio is an artistic childcare agency that staffs artists as childcare providers. We have been in NYC for 6 years and this past year we opened our first artistic daycare in Brooklyn (off of Smith St.). We received such a positive response that we jumped at the chance to nab a new space on President between Hicks and Columbia.

Our Studio Daycare program used art as the starting point for all developmental learning. Our belief is that, whether it is learning colors with Mondrian, practicing gross motor skills with “The Nutcracker” or understanding math concepts of high/low and more/less with Prokofiev, great art can foster great learning.

The Studio Daycare program is set up to accept children as young as 1.5 years up to 5 years with a preschool program that prepares children for kindergarten. We offer part-time care options of: Monday/Wednesday/Friday or Tuesday/Thursday. Each day, drop off begins at 8AM until 9AM and pick up begins at 4:30PM until 6PM. Included with that are 2 meals and 2 snacks per day all of which are made from organic/natural food products."

To learn more or to set up an appointment for a visit, go to www.sittersstudio.com/daycare or contact Sitters Studio at 646.246.6024 / daycare@sittersstudio.com.

Spring Tag Sale at Summit Garden Saturday!

The Summit Street Garden, located at the corner of Summit & Columbia streets, is having a spring tag sale on Saturday, June 2, from 9 am-noon.

Clothing, new and vintage books, jewelry, household items and more will all priced to sell! All proceeds benefit the community garden.

For more information about Summit Street Garden, visit summitstreetgarden.blogspot.com.

Upcoming events at the Carroll Gardens Library

Thursday, June 7 2-4pm 

The Summer Reading Kick-off Party celebrates the start of Brooklyn Public Library's Summer Reading program with fun activities for the whole family.

Author Daniel Kalla

Tuesday, June 12 at 7pm

The CG Library Authors Series continues with Daniel Kalla reading from his new novel The Far Side of the Sky (June 5th, 2012, MacMillian/Tor-Forge) which focuses on a short but extraordinary period of Second World War history, when the cultures of Europe and Asia converged.

For more information visit the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library blog or Brooklyn Public Library's events calendar.

Summer Pottery Classes at Clayworks

Register now for our Summer Pottery Classes

Monday July 2 thru Aug 20
Wednesday June 27 thru Aug 22 (no class 7/4)
Thursday June 28 thru Aug 16
Saturday July 7 thru Aug 25

The summer session runs for 8 weeks. Class fee is $250 and includes 3 hours of
instruction per week, open studio time, clay & glazes. Firing fee is 4 cents per
cubic inch.

For more information about our classes & studio visit us at
www.clayworksoncolumbia.org

To register for our summer session call 917 428 3128 or email
info@clayworksoncolumbia.org

One more day to tour the OpSail 2012 ships!

The ten ships docked at Pier 7 and 8 on Columbia Street are absolutely spectacular and there is one more day to visit. I toured four ships today: two tall ships visiting from France and Mexico and two Navy ships from Japan and Canada. Friendly sailors are stationed on each ship to do demonstrations and answer questions. 

My favorite has to be the tall ship Cuauhtemoc from Mexico. Speakers play traditional music and the gentlemanly sailors help the ladies step on and off. At night the masts and sails are lit with strings of white lights. We joked that it was the "party ship."

The last day of free tours is tomorrow, Monday, May 28 from 10am to 4pm. (The ships in Manhattan and Staten Island will also be open through May 29.)

PortSide created a guide to the 10 ships in Brooklyn and a webpage with all the info you need about visiting the Red Hook ships and suggestions on how to make a day of it in the Columbia Waterfront and Red Hook. 

Public Art Dedication Saturday May 19

photo by Rafi Magnes

You may have noticed the six tree shadow silhouettes that have appeared on our sidewalks recently. They are a new public art piece by artist Nobuho Nagasawa. The Word on Columbia Street had the pleasure of interviewing Ms. Nagasawa this week and we'll have that interview and more photos on the blog by next week. You can learn more at the dedication and tour this Saturday afternoon. Here are the details:

Event: Public Art Dedication
Host: Brian McCormick
Time: Saturday, May 19, 2012 01:00PM
Location: Brooklyn Greenway Initiative & Neighborhood
Address: 153 Columbia Street, Brooklyn

The dedication ceremony will commence at 1:00PM sharp, followed by a walking tour of the six installations from 1:30PM-2:30PM. A reception for the artist will follow at a private local residence. RSVPs are strongly recommended, as space is limited for the dedication and reception. Check in at BGI’s office, located at 153 Columbia Street between Kane Street and Degraw Street, from 12:30-12:45PM. Please RSVP no later than Friday, May 18th at 12:00PM to art@brooklyngreenway.org and include the full names of all guests.

Additional information:
Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI) announces the public art dedication of TIMECAST by artist Nobuho Nagasawa on Saturday, May 19th, 2012 in the Columbia Waterfront District. Nagasawa’s art was commissioned in 2004 by the NYC Department of Cultural Affairs under its Percent for Art Program and the NYC Department of Transportation as part of the Columbia Street Reconstruction project, which included the Columbia Street segment of the Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway. Nagasawa received an Excellence in Design Award for TIMECAST from the City of New York Art Commission in 2007.

According to the artist, “The shadow of six trees was precisely traced at a certain time of the day on the sidewalk, and became visible as permanent silhouettes on the sidewalk. These tree silhouettes were sandblasted in the bluestone, which is not only quarried in New York, but has been used historically as a paving stone in this neighborhood, as well as in landmarked locations, such as around the New York Public Library and Bryant Park.

She continued, “I wanted the shadows to be literally ‘set in stone,’ and to appear as ‘jewels’ set in time, and to give the impression of time frozen, which is a historical record. Since the trees will not continue to cast the same shadows as they grow taller, the shadows will become fixed markers by which the effects of time on the streetscape become apparent as the years pass. The name of each tree and the date of each shadow tracing were sandblasted into the bluestone along with silhouette itself, identifying a moment and leaving a historical mark.”

Love Your Library Day is May 19

Love Your Library Day is coming to the Carroll Gardens Library on Saturday, May 19! It's the annual fundraiser of the Friends of the Carroll Gardens Library with a huge book sale and community celebration from 10AM - 4PM at the library at 396 Clinton Street at Union Street. In addition to the book sale, the group is celebrating our community with a line up of cool entertainment including readings by children's authors and local residents Josh Lewis, author of the "Super Chicken Nugget Boy" series and Lela Nargi, author of "The Honeybee Man", a finalist for the Cook prize for children's science writing; art activities with Curious Jane, and more!

Brooklyn Public Library t-shirts will be available for sale and they'll have another delicious bake sale - all to raise money for the library and raise awareness of how important libraries are to the community. FCGL holds monthly meetings and everyone is invited to share their ideas and energy. FCGL’s website is http://friendsofcglibrary.blogspot.com/ and FCGL can be found on Facebook at Facebook.com/FriendsofCarrollGardensLibrary and Twitter at Twitter.com/FriendCGLibrary.

Bayou n' Brooklyn Cajun Music Festival May 11-13

This year's Bayou n' Brooklyn Cajun Music Festival starts tomorrow at Jalopy!

Take a visit to New Orleans without leaving Brooklyn, and bring your dancing shoes! Sounds of Cajun fiddles, and zydeco rubboards will fill the air for three days and nights of music and dance.

"Dancehall bands, workshops, Culture & Community Jam sessions, and Gumbo dinner (the real deal!) I'll be one big party,” says Jesse Lége, who's giving over his Gumbo recipe again on Saturday.



Friday May 11

7:00 PM Opening

8:00 PM Catahoula Cajun Band

9:00 PM Dr. Zsa’s Powdered Zydeco Band

10:30 PM Forest Huval & Al Berard

Saturday May 12
12 Noon Al Berard Cajun Fiddle Workshop
1:30 Community Jam
2:30 Empty Bottle Ramblers
4:00 Zydegroove
5:30 Cajun Trio
7:00 C'est Bon!
8:30 Johnny Ace & Sidewalk Zydeco
10:00 Al Berard Bayou Brew and High Bidders

Sunday May 13

11:00AM Workshop: I Love Cajun Fiddle!

12:00 PM  Workshop: Traditional Cajun Music From the Heart: Fiddle, Guitar and Song

12:00 PM OffShore Aces for Kids-Family Dance

1:30 PM Un-Written Stories-Louisiana Music and Culture

2:30 PM Community Jam

3:00 PM  Jesse Lege & Bayou Brew

4:30PM Krewe de La Rue

6:00PM Forest Huval & Al Berard

7:30PM Johnny Ace & Sidewalk Zydeco

Day passes are $15 or $35 for all three days. Children under 12 years old are admitted free. Workshops are $25 or two for $40. Festival pass includes all night dance hall bands, community jam sessions, art show, and 'Un-Written Stories' culture session. Sponsored in part by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs and Louisiana Culture, Recreation & Tourism celebrating 200 years of Louisiana.

Bayou n' Brooklyn Cajun Music Festival
Jalopy Theatre @ 315 Columbia St between Woodhull and Rapeleye
More info: www.bayou-n-brooklyn.com
Pre-order your tickets

The Red Hook Jazz Festival June 10 and 17

Celebrating its fifth anniversary presenting the most forward-thinking musicians and composers in modern jazz, the Red Hook Jazz Festival, produced by big bang productions, will take place this year at its usual location, the Urban Meadow in Red Hook on two consecutive Sundays, June 10 and June 17 starting at 1 PM. Both days are sponsored as in years past by both the Urban Meadow and the venerable House of Pizza & Calzone which has also provided food and drinks for festival goers for many years. A suggested donation of $10 per adult per day for each day of the festival will be requested, and all children will be admitted free of charge.

[Update 5/10: The festival has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign. Contribute here: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/150612466/red-hook-jazz-festival-2012-brooklyn-ny - ]

The Red Hook Jazz Festival prides itself on being a homegrown jazz festival featuring an amazing line-up of mostly local talent. Where other festivals rely on corporate sponsorships and donations, the RHJF is an all-volunteer event proud to support a wide variety of superb figures in NYC jazz, both young and old. The RHJF has truly developed a tradition of presenting great music with a laid back vibe, an outdoor setting, and a strong family-friendly focus, while striving to develop the next generation of jazz audiences.

Details, event schedule and directions follow below. For up to date announcements on the RHJF, visit: http://www.facebook.com/RedHookJazzFestival and the Urban Meadow's website: http://urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com/p/directions-to-urban-meadow.html. For more information about the Red Hook Jazz Festival and/or big bang productions, please contact Mike Golub at:917-751-9347 or golub.mike [at ] gmail.com.

_______________________________________________

SUNDAY, JUNE 10
Max Johnson Trio
Max Johnson, bass
Kirk Knuffke, trumpet
Jeff Davis, drums

The Flail
Dan Blankinship, trumpet
Stephan Moutot, saxophone
Brian Marsella, piano
Reid Taylor, bass
Matt Zebroski, drums

Nick Gianni's Evolution
Nick Gianni, saxophones, flute
Rick Bottari, keyboards
On Ka'a Davis, guitar
John Trent, bass
Dalius Naujo, drums

Hot Cup Chili Pepper 7 (aka: Mostly Other People Do the Killing + 3)
Peter Evans, trumpet
Jon Irabagon, saxophones
Dave Taylor, trombone
Brandon Seabrook, banjo
Ron Stabinsky, piano
Moppa Elliott, bass
Kevin Shea, drums

Travis Sullivan's BJORKESTRA
Travis Sullivan, saxophones
Shayna Steele, vocals
Ian Cook, laptop
Sean Nowell, tenor sax
Lauren Sevian, baritone sax
Ravi Best, trumpet
Eli Asher, trumpet
Alan Ferber, trombone
Andy Hunter, trombone
Art Hirahara, piano
Yoshi Waki, bass
Joe Abbatantuono, drums


SUNDAY, JUNE 17

Rick Parker Collective
Rick Parker, trombone
Yayoi Ikawa, keyboards
John O'Gallagher, saxophone
Sean Conly, bass
Ziv Ravitz, drums

Harris Eisenstadt's Canada Day Octet
Nate Wooley, trumpet
Matt Bauder, saxophone
Chris Dingman, vibraphone
Garth Stevenson, bass
Ray Anderson, trombone
Jason Mears, alto saxophone
Joe Daley, tuba

SPOKE
Andy Hunter, trombone
Dan Loomis, bass
Justin Wood, saxophone
Danny Fischer, drums

Nate Wooley Quintet
Nate Wooley, trumpet
Matt Moran, vibes
Eivind Opsvik, bass
Harris Eisenstadt, drums

Mike Baggetta Quartet
Mike Baggetta, guitar
Jason Rigby, saxophone
Eivind Opsvik, bass
George Schuller, drums

Red Hook Spring Flea Today!

Also happening today, the Red Hook Spring Flea!

Saturday 5/5 10 am - 5pm in the PS 15 yard on Van Brunt Street in the 'Hook (between Sullivan & Wolcott Sts).

Activities Include:

10:30a Drawing Together by KENTLER INTERNATIONAL DRAWING SPACE
11 a Yoga by CORA DANCE
12 p Family Fitness & Kick Boxing by TRIOMPH FITNESS
1 p ZUMBATOMIC by Sarah Folland
2 p NEEDS Fit by SESSIONS FIT
3 p Swing Dancing by CORA DANCE

AS WELL AS ART PROJECTS, ROBOT MAKING, BOUNCY HOUSE, MUSIC AND MORE!

Vendors include:

Rocky Sullivan’s, Added Value, Metal & Thread, Tiburon, Equity Modern,
Live Poultry, Ristorante Gancio Rosso, Swoon Sweets, Lunacy Design,
Brooklyn Robot Foundry, Swilleys, Everbrite Mercantile, Red Hook’s
Brooklyn Public Library, Realty Collective, Sandoval’s Party Boutique,
AND MORE!

For more information visit www.ps15patrickfdaly.org

Plant Sale in the Urban Meadow Today

Coreposis Creme Brulee will be one of the perennials available at the sale

It's a beautiful day for a plant sale at the Meadow! The Urban Meadow's plant sale will help you beautify your yards, window boxes and tree pits. 

It's today, May 5 from 11 AM - 3:30 (note the time change from 10 AM). 

The Urban Meadow folks say, "Kids can also come pick up plants and a pot for Mother's Day to decorate as a gift - if mom loves lavender or herbs, they'll be selling those along with beautiful annual and perennial flowers (and new Urban Meadow t-shirts)."

The Urban Meadow is on the corner of President and Van Brunt Streets. 

Plant Sale in Cobble Hill Park this Saturday

Stroll over the highway to Cobble Hill Park for the Cobble Hill Tree Fund's annual Spring Plant Sale this Saturday, April 28. They are also setting up a Plant Identification Treasure Hunt for all ages. Winners will receive a free plant!

Details are  on the Cobble Hill Association blog.

Donate to Carroll Gardens Library for their May 19 Sale

Friends of Carroll Gardens Library is now accepting donations for their May 19 Love Your Library Day Book Sale and Community Celebration. 


Yes, you can donate:
New or used books
CDs, DVDs and records
Children's books, CDs, DVDs
Journals
Current textbooks


No thanks to: Damaged books without covers; tape cassettes or VHS videos; coloring books or activity books; magazines; outdated textbooks and computer manuals.

Donations will be collected through May 9 at only the following times: Saturdays 10:30 to 12 noon, Wednesdays 6 to 8 p.m., and Fridays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Enter through the main doors on Clinton Street and bring your donations go downstairs through the auditorium or take the elevator on the Union Street side to the basement.

Friends of Carroll Gardens Libraries also needs volunteers to help accept donations, sort and organize books, and staff the sale. Sign up here!

Brooklyn Studio Tours Seeking Artists, Local Shops and Sponsors

Brooklyn Studio Tours has announced their Spring Artist Open Studio Tour in Red Hook & Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn on Saturday, May 19 & Sunday, May 20 from 12PM to 6 PM.


Artists can register their studios for a $40 fee; the deadline is April 27. Local shops, bars, restaurants, galleries, etc can be included on the tour map and website for a fee. They are also seeking sponsors. More here: http://brooklynstudiotours.com/2012/03/calling-all-artists-sponsors-local-shops-may-19-20-spring-studio-tour-registration-now-open/

Spring Classes and Children's Summer Clay Camp at Clayworks

Clayworks on Columbia Street says it's time to register for their Spring Session.

Come join us..... make some pots..... & have some fun with clay!!

WHEEL/HANDBUILDING CLASSES
Monday 10 am to 1 pm 4/16 thru 6/25 (no class 5/28)
Wednesday 7 pm to 10 pm 4/18 thru 6/20
Thursday 7 pm to 10 pm 4/19 thru 6/21
Saturday 10 am to 1 pm 4/21 thru 6/30 (no class 5/26)

SCULPTURE CLASS
Monday 7 pm to 10 pm 5/14 thru 7/23 (no class 5/28)

$320 for 10 week session includes open studio time, clay and use of our glazes.

To register or for more information about our classes and studio call 917 428 3128 or visit our website www.clayworksoncolumbia.org


And they'll have a new summer daycamp! Read on...

Our new Clay Camp is designed to provide children and young teens with fun and
creative clay projects. They will learn to construct several clay projects, to color
and glaze them and to learn how to turn mud into magic. No prior pottery or clay
experience is required. Our ceramic art instructors are experiences artists and
teachers who will work with all the children to help them have a meaningful and
fun experience.

Camp sessions are a week long --- from Monday to Thursday --- and are either
morning or afternoons. The cost of one session, which includes all materials,
instruction, tools and firing, is $240. For a second child in one family, the cost is
$200.

Our sessions are as follows:

Session 1: July 23 - July 26 10 am to 1 pm (ages 6 - 10)
Session 2: July 30 - August 2 10 am to 1 pm (ages 6 - 10)
Session 3: August 6 - August 9 10 am to 1 pm (ages 6 - 10)
Session 4: August 6 - August 9 1 pm to 4 pm (ages 10 - 15) --- Teen
wheel camp

For more information or to register your child please call or email
info@clayworksoncolumbia.org


Clayworks on Columbia, Inc.
195 Columbia Street
Brooklyn, NY 11231-1402
718-694-9540

Element Healing Arts

I must have walked past Element Healing Arts on Union Street hundreds of times over the years before I tried their massage and yoga classes, and now I feel silly for missing out for so long. It's a little oasis of relaxation in there!

On April 22 they are hosting a special workshop called Beauty From Within. It's all about boosting beauty with whole foods. The class costs $10 and includes juices by Blueprint Cleanse, a handout on workshop topics and gift bag with samples and products from Sprout, Ajara Skincare and more.

They're also offering a free Community Yoga Class on Tuesdays from 5:00pm - 6:00pm. Ohmmm....

Urban Meadow CSA 2012 Season Beginning Soon

The bounty of  last year's first pickup + eggs!

Last year from June through October my household received super-fresh and organic vegetables and fruit every week direct from a Pennsylvania farm. It was our first time taking advantage of a Community Supported Agriculture program (or CSA) and we are excited for the new season.

This year the season will start on June 2 and will end October 27. A full share is $525 for the season and volunteering for one morning to help with the pickup. (You can make arrangements on your own with a neighbor to split the cost of a full share, but you both have to work a pickup shift.) Pickups will be at the Urban Meadow on President and Van Brunt every Saturday from 10:30am to 12:30pm and offer a wide selection of vegetables from week to week. The deadline for registration is Friday, May 18.

We'll get our veggies from the same farm as last year, Ant Hill Farm, located in Honesdale, PA. (http://www.theanthillfarm.com). Check out their site to see gorgeous photos of the farm, learn about their methods and the produce they offer, and events for CSA members like tours, music festivals, canning workshops.

If you're interested in becoming a member or have any questions, email urbanmeadowcsa@gmail.com. Also check out http://urbanmeadowcsa.tumblr.com/.

Columbia Street Post Office Reincarnated

Photo by _tar0_
http://flic.kr/p/8LmEKP

Good news and bad news about our little post office at 257 Columbia Street. Despite public outcry and a petition with thousands of signatures, our little contracted postal center with the USPS was forced to close after 17 years of operation by Rita Faraone. However, Rita has reopened as a private postal center called Columbia Waterfront Postal Center. The opening hours will be extended, and you can mail out packages via USPS, pick up mail, and purchase stamps. The USPS will still visit on a daily basis.  In the future Rita plans to offer money orders, bill payment and function as a copy center. 

Since this is now a private postal center, "these services will come with a small processing fee" said Rita said in a letter posted at the new Center. "We hope that you will continue to support us."

Columbia Waterfront Postal Center will be open Monday - Friday 10:00am-4:00pm and Saturday 12:00noon-4:00pm. 

Spring Egg Hunt April 8

Kiddos! Get ready for the Fourth Annual Columbia Waterfront Spring Egg Hunt! Babies - 4 year olds hunt in the Urban Meadow, kids 5 and up hunt in the playground. Don't forget to bring a basket. There’ll be baked treats to buy and Urban Meadow t-shirts for sale. Brought to the neighborhood for the fourth year by volunteers with the Urban Meadow garden.

For more information on the Egg Hunt and other events in the Urban Meadow go to urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com

Sunday, April 08, 2012, 10:00AM
Urban Meadow/ Cabrini Playground
Corner of President and Van Brunt Streets
Free admission

HOME/MADE Damaged in Fire

We were sorry to hear about last week's fire at HOME/MADE on Van Brunt Street. It's a lovely little place and it is run by nice folks who contribute a lot to the Red Hook community. Thankfully no one was hurt, the damage was minor and they think they will only be closed for a couple weeks while they repair the damage. Want to help out? The Red Hook Economic Development Corporation newsletter reported that we can make an online donation at http://redhookcsa.com/2012/03/20/fire-at-homemade/. If you have questions or want to make a cash or check donation email amy.haimerl@gmail.com.

We hope they are back in action soon as we can't go too long without that grilled bread they do at brunch. So, so good...

Summit Street Garden Meeting this Sunday

Interested members and current members are invited to attend a Summit Street Community Garden meeting this Sunday morning. The meeting itself will last about 60 minutes, followed by at least an hour of workday for anyone interested. Anyone who wishes to be a member should attend the entire meeting and will get a walkthrough at the end. Happy gardening!


Sunday, April 01, 2012 11:30AM
Summit Garden, Corner of Summit St and Columbia St

Jalopy Tavern is Now Open!

The Big Time Jalopy Palookaville Tavern and Last Chance Bar and Grill is now open! The owners of Jalopy Theater have been renovating the former Moonshine space next door, and had their soft opening last week. The new floors, booths and tables gleam, and the patio is done up in the trademark Jalopy red lights.

Jalopy Tavern will be open Wednesday through Sunday, 4pm until late. This week they're trying out a different dinner each night starting at 4pm, and in about a week they should have a menu available. So far the kitchen has offered home-style meals like meatloaf and spaghetti and meatballs. Last week a friend and I previewed a dinner of roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans with sliced almonds. We cleaned our plates in no time! Our moms would have been proud to see it. We were glad to hear that the kitchen sources local ingredients, grass-fed meats and poultry and organic produce whenever possible. Congratulations to the Jalopy crew on expanding the Jalopy empire! 
Jalopy Tavern is located at 317 Columbia Street between Woodhull St and Rapeleye St.
http://jalopytavern.biz/

Booths built by Mr. Jalopy himself.

Blurry pic of my roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and green beans dinner

Jalopy Tavern patio

Help Keep Portside NY Open

Portside needs a new home confirmed by 4/30 or they will close and their historic ship, the tanker MARY A. WHALEN would likely be scrapped.

To help, sign their petition to Mayor Bloomberg here and forward the petition link! (link is http://chn.ge/PortSideSOS). 


Portside is a young non-profit organization that run programs to educate the community about waterfront history and promote waterways. Check out their site for more ways you can help!