Brooklyn Collective's Holiday Bazaar

Shop local and find unique gifts handmade by local artists and designers at BROOKLYN COLLECTIVE'S HOLIDAY BAZAAR!

Friday, December 12th at 6:00 PM
Brooklyn Collective 

212 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY 

7th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Tree Lighting

Show the love to our fantastic neighborhood by......... eating free food, dancing to awesome music, and winning fun prizes! 

December 13, 6pm-7:30pm, marks the Columbia Waterfront Tree Lighting Party, hosted at the Human Compass Garden by Carroll Gardens Association Inc. 

There will be yummy food provided by outstanding and generous restaurants including Mazzat, Jake's BBQ and Brooklyn Southern, toe-tapping fodder by the Dan Kurfist Trio, and, of course, a beautiful Christmas tree. Into fire trucks? Well, the FDNY local 202 will be escorting none other than Mr. Santa himself to the party, complete with surprises for the little ones.

To view the poster and see more information go to:

http://www.carrollgardensassociation.com/7th-annual-columbia-waterfront-district-tree-lighting-on-friday-december-13th-from-6pm-to-730pm/

Red Hook Playgroup Tours Now Available

Red Hook Playgroup is a progressive preschool founded by Red Hook parents, and the school has become an active part of our community. They are members of the community gardens and take their kids to Mother Cabrini Playground and field trips in the neighborhood. Priority is given to Columbia Waterfront and Red Hook residents, and they are now scheduling tours for families interested in applying for the 2014-2015 school year. Tours will take place from October to early December. See teachers and their classrooms in action, learn about RHP's educational philosophy and approach, and discuss any questions you have about the program and policies with RHP's Directors.

Visit www.redhookplaygroup.org to find more information and an application form. Once your form is submitted, you will receive an email within a few days confirming your tour date. 

Red Hook Playgroup is located at 295 Columbia Street between Woodhull and Summit. 

Brooklyn Collective 9th Anniversary Party

The Brooklyn Collective on Columbia Street is celebrating their 9th anniversary with a party on Friday night! Welcome 40 new collections from local artists and enjoy complimentary cocktails, live music and raffle prizes. 

Friday, October 4, 6-10pm
Brooklyn Collective
212 Columbia Street, Brooklyn, NY

http://www.brooklyncollective.com/

Five Questions for Kings Coffee

If you ever walk down Carroll Street between Columbia and Van Brunt, you may have noticed a tiny espresso bar called Kings Coffee. Co-owned by brothers Dominic and John, Kings Coffee sells beans and coffee that they will lovingly brew for you have a few minutes to linger. We asked them to answer our Five Questions for a Local Business. 

1. How did Kings Coffee come to be in the Columbia Waterfront District?

My Great Grandfather, John Vitale, was an artist who immigrated to the United States from Napoli. He opened his photo studio on the 2nd floor of 221 Columbia Street and settled his family into the 3rd floor. Thus, Great Grandpa John established my family's roots on the Waterfront. As my brother John and I set out to find a home for Kings Coffee, fate steered us from other neighborhoods and led us back to where Great Grandpa John had his start.

2. What should we know about your coffee? Will you be selling beans as well as cups of coffee?

My brother and I spent two years apprenticing under a Master Italian Roaster in Bensonhurst whom everyone affectionately calls Mister Joe. After 50 years in the business, Mister Joe decided it was time to retire. And so, he taught John and I his traditions and trusted us to continue his legacy. Mister Joe has an incredible pallet and during his career he perfected two blends of coffee. These two blends of coffee, Mister Joe's Espresso and Mister Joe's Americano, as well as, a single origin Decaffeinato, can be purchased at Kings Coffee.

Kings Coffee also has a small Espresso Bar where you can purchase cups of coffee, mostly in the Italian style with a notable exception, the Breükelen Dutch. A nod to Brooklyn's roots and brewed with the first CoffeeGa Ridge 3.2 in the country, the Dutch Cold Brew method produces one of the finest cups, both smooth and flavorful with noticeably less acidity. You can purchase flasks of the Breükelen Dutch concentrate so you can take the experience with you on life's adventures. Better yet, come back with your stories and your bottle and we'll gladly refill it at a discounted rate.

3. What is your favorite spot in the Columbia Waterfront?

We are lucky to have Chris and his team at Christopher Webb Films as our neighbors. Having creative minds gathering just down the block – or with us when they escape for coffee breaks – is infectious and inspiring.

4. What's your favorite meal in the Columbia Waterfront?

Less of a meal and more of a snack. I have an awful sweet tooth and a wonderful chocolate factory to cater to it. The chocolate from Cacao Prieto is decadent and pairs wonderfully with our Breükelen Dutch, an indulgence you can only experience on the Waterfront.

5. Anything to add?

We will be celebrating our One Year Anniversary on August 4th. We would love to see you and your readers there.


Kings Coffee is offering Word on Columbia Street readers $1 off your next purchase at Kings Coffee when you mention The Word on Columbia Street, good until July 31st, 2013. Conditions apply. Limited one per customer.

Thanks, Dominic!


Kings Coffee is at 37 Carroll St (between Columbia and Van Brunt)
Website coming soon at http://www.kingsroasters.com/

"New" Bagel Spot on Hamilton Ave

The coming soon is here tomorrow! We welcome the "New" Park Bagels at 75 Hamilton Ave (between Summit Street & Van Brunt) - home of the former South Brooklyn Bagel Cafe. It has been a little while coming, but they open tomorrow. Congrats and welcome!

Spring pottery classes at Clayworks

Clayworks on Columbia Street is registering for spring classses:

Wheel/handbuilding sessions:
Monday am May 6 thru July 15 no class 5/27
Wednesday pm April 24 thru June 26
Thursday pm April 18 thru June 20
Saturday am April 20 thru June 29 no class 5/25

Monday evening sculpture class May 6 thru July 15 no class 5/27

All morning classes are from 10 am to 1 pm
All evening classes are from 7 pm to 10 pm

Our classes include 3 hours of instruction per week & unlimited open studio time during our scheduled open studio hours.

For more info or to register for a class please email info@clayworksoncolumbia.org or call 718 858 9256 or 917 428 3128

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.

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.

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....

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. 

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...

New Free Community Yoga at Element Natural Healing Arts

Just over the highway there is a calm oasis called Element Natural Healing Arts. I recently tried a massage and a yoga class at Element and both were heavenly. Here's a list of holistic therapies they list on their website: acupuncture, herbology, massage, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, Thai bodywork, rolfing, chiropractic, European & Ayurvedic facials and skincare, nutrition, ear candling, reiki, Alexander technique, craniosacral, yoga, meditation, personal training, pilates mat, Tai Chi and martial arts. 

They've recently added a free community yoga class to their schedule and changed the prices of all classes. Drop-ins are now just $12/class, a 6 Class Card is $66 ($11/class; expires 10 weeks)  and a 10 Class Card is $100  ($10/class; expires 15 weeks). Not too shabby.

Keep the Columbia Street Post Office Open!

If you've visited our little Post Office on Columbia Street this week you'll know that the USPS plans to close it at the end of March. Owner Rita Farone, who has been running the contracted Post Office for 17 years, is collecting signatures on a petition which she plans to send to the American Postal Workers Union soon.

Carroll Gardens Patch reports that calls to Community Board Six prompted District Manager Craig Hammerman to send a letter to the Postmaster General, asking for the decision to be reversed. He added this advice:
"It may be worth the effort for interested parties to reach out to their federal elected officials to see if they would be willing to intervene on the neighborhood's behalf. I suppose additional letters to the Postmaster General couldn't hurt either."

Here is where to contact our Representatives and Senators to ask for their support!

Contact Congresswoman Nydia Velázques: http://velazquez.house.gov/contact/index.shtml

Contact Senator Schumer: http://schumer.senate.gov/Contact/contact_chuck.cfm

Contact Senator Gillibrand: http://www.gillibrand.senate.gov/contact/

Send a letter to the Postmaster General: 

Pat Donahoe

475 L’Enfant Plaza SW

Washington DC 20260-0010

Want to do more to help? There's some advice here for organizing the community to save a Post Office. 

Lingerie, clothing & sparkly things

I never thought I'd find beautiful, sexy lingerie nearby until I walked into Winkworth.

The store is magic and Susie, Sonya and Carla are the ladies that make it happen. I spoke to Susie, one of the owners of the shop about things you'd talk to a woman who sells lingerie and makes made to measure clothing.

The first question asked was "What do you think all women should have?" The answer? "A bicycle, really good underwear and a dog that you love." A woman with brains and a sense of humor who also has x-ray vision when it comes to sizing bras? She is amazing.

I asked Susie what she thinks is sexy, "Someone who is confident enough to be super silly, Sofia Vergara is off the charts." What about if you don't look like Sofia Vergara? "Everybody's got at least one thing that is fabulous, the trick is knowing where that is and how to accentuate it." Susie's favorite piece in the store right now? "The feather belts which are beautiful, silly, goofy and flirty." Don't get me wrong, there's seriously beautiful lingerie here that I haven't seen in other places. I own a bunch of pieces and they have all held up beautifully.

These ladies are pros and they make you feel comfortable enough to prance around the store in your skivvies. They're also extremely honest, if something's not working they'll tell you immediately and find something else to try on. Not all bras and panties are equal, so come with a little time to try on a few things. The stuff is so gorgeous you'll want to anyway.

Besides bras and panties, Winkworth's got half slips, cut to cup size slips, camisoles, baby dolls, nightgowns, sweaters, stockings, garters, nighties and robes, not to mention hats, bags and other lovely necessities. Ask about made to measure clothing, they're wicked with a needle and thread.

Men are more than welcome in the store, bring them along for a fun afternoon. This is where I shop, you don't find service like this often and you leave feeling sexy and gorgeous. How much fun is that?

Winkworth is located at 119 Columbia Street, between Kane and Degraw, they're closed on Mondays.