Donations for the family of Nicholas Soto

We received this message from the office of City Council Member Carlos Menchaca:

We were all affected by the heartbreaking tragedy that unfolded this Monday when fourteen year old Nicholas Soto passed away after being fatally struck by a vehicle as he tried to catch his school bus.

To support the family at this time, Ms. Frances Brown—Tenant Association President for Red Hook East—is coordinating donations at this time.

Donations: If you’re interested in providing support to the family at this time. Please contact Ms. Brown at (718) 765 1682

Jorge Muniz

Office of Council Member Carlos Menchaca | 38th District

Red Hook Jazz Fest at the Urban Meadow June 8 and 15

One of our great local events and organized by residents of the Columbia Waterfront District, the Red Hook Jazz Festival is this Sunday, June 8 at the Urban Meadow Community Garden, 1 pm - 6pm. David Adler, at the Village Voice jazz blog just called it One of the 10 Best Jazz Shows This Month and wrote that "The lineup seems to get better every year at the Red Hook Jazz Festival. These bands have widely varying instrumentation but a shared independent spirit, an ethic as purposeful and rigorous as it is experimental."

The shows will be this Sunday, June 8th and next Sunday June 15. Bring your picnic blankets and your kids and hang out to listen to some of the best music around! There's something for everyone - Time Out NY's listing says the Red Hook Jazz Festival is the "rare music fest that's both family-friendly and cutting-edge"

The Urban Meadow is at the corner of President Street and Van Brunt Streets in Brooklyn. Shows are 1pm-6 pm. Tickets are $10 for adults, kids are FREE. For directions to the Urban Meadow go to urbanmeadowbrooklyn.blogspot.com.

Mixed-meter music in Red Hook Friday night

An Ode to Odd Rhythms (Selective Truths Series at New Amsterdam Records)

Join the Selective Truths series at New Amsterdam Records for an evening of eclectic mixed-meter music. Get your groove on to TIGUE's percussive timbral kaleidoscopes, Balkan party band Tipsy Oxcart's funky Mediterranean madness, and the "avant-prog bumping insect rock" stylings of Cloud Becomes Your Hand. Each group presents a unique take on engaging and complex rhythmic music.

Take the B61 down to Van Dyke \ Van Brunt streets. $10 pay-what-you-can suggested donation.

Tigue presents presents original music through a lens of percussive elements. With inspiration by artistic contemporaries, TIGUE works to generate music that represents their affinity for both pop and the avant-garde. www.tigue.com

Tipsy Oxcart plays electric, sweaty, bumpin’ Balkan music, channeling the spirit of 36 hour weddings to keep the crowds dancing until the sun comes up. Serving up originals and fresh, upbeat arrangements of urban dance tunes, the band deviously infuses the sounds of South-Eastern Europe with elements of jazz, funk, and more. Dig naughty violin solos, atomic accordion grooves, freak-me-out clarinet, and the baddest rhythm section this side of the Mediterranean. A party with Tipsy Oxcart is guaranteed to shake the dance floor all night long! www.tipsyoxcart.com

Cloud Becomes Your Hand is the live manifestation of a recording project started by Stephe Cooper in 2010: "avant-prog bumping insect rock & roll" (or) "a renaissance faire acid trip underwater in grandma's winnebago." www.cloudbecomesyourhand.com

May 23rd. 8:00pm doors 8:45pm start
New Amsterdam Records: 98A Van Dyke St. Brooklyn, NY. 11231.
$10 suggested donation
FB event: https://www.facebook.com/events/661034033950797http://www.newamsterdampresents.com/ 

Urban Meadow Membership Meeting - 4/6/14

You know Spring is in full swing when it is time to sign up or renew your membership at our local Urban Meadow.

As always, the Urban Meadow provides a peaceful and enjoyable spot in our community. But joining gives you the opportunity to help dig in, beautify and maintain a gem in our neighborhood. Membership is a paltry $25/year per household and membership requires a monthly gardening committment as well as a few other various requirements to keep the meadow functioning.

According to their website - two opportunities to renew or join are offered below:

The First Spring Membership meeting: Sunday, April 6, 1 PM - The House of Pizza and Calzone, 132 Union Street bet. Hicks and Columbia

The First Spring Garden Clean Up will be Sunday, April 13 10 AM-12 PM at the Urban Meadow (President St at Van Brunt) - there will be another meeting and orientation after the clean up from 12:30-1:30.

More info on how to join the Urban Meadow and membership committments can be found here.

How would you spend one million dollars in our community?

All three of Brooklyn Community Board 6's City Council Members - Hon. Stephen Levin (33rd C.D.), Hon. Carlos Menchaca (38th C.D.) and Hon. Brad Lander (39th C.D.) are giving their constituents an opportunity to determine how to spend $1 million in Capital funds.

If you live in one of these three council districts you are eligible to vote, even if you are not a U.S. citizen. The Columbia Waterfront District is represented by Brad Lander. If you are unsure who your Council Member is, use this online address translator to find out, or call 311.

To learn more about Participatory Budgeting, click here.

All three Council Members are hosting PB Project Exposwhere the public can learn more about the proposed projects:

Hon. Stephen Levin, 33rd Council District:
When: Wednesday, March 19th, 5-9pm
Where: Brooklyn Borough Hall, 209 Joralemon Street

Hon. Carlos Menchaca, 38th Council District:
When: Saturday, March 15th, 12-3pm
Where: Sunset Park Rec Center, 7th Avenue & 43rd Street

Hon. Brad Lander, 39th Council District:
When: Wednesday, March 19th, 6:30-8:30pm
Where: Camp Friendship, 339 8th Street

Voting will take place late March through early April.

Help for Sandy-impacted Residents

We got this message from Council Member Carlos Menchaca about resources for Sandy-impacted residents:

Red Hook,

Our community is still rebuilding seventeen months after Hurricane Sandy and I am committed to making sure our neighbors get the resources they need and deserve. In partnership with the NYC Recovery office, I am proud to be sponsoring a workshop to provide comprehensive updates on the Build It Back program.

Here are the details:

NYC Build it Back Program Information Session

P.S 15

71 Sullivan Street

Brooklyn, NY 11231

Thursday, March 6th 7pm-9pm

As many of you know, NYC Build it Back program offers support for those living in communities affected by Hurricane Sandy.

The Deputy Program Director for Build it Back will be discussing assistance for single and multi-family homeowners.

Representatives from NYCHA will also be available to give updates on planned improvements

Please see the accompanying flyer for complete information.

Carlos Menchaca
Council Member, 38th Council District

Jorge Muniz
Office of Councilman Carlos Menchaca
O: (718) 439-9012 | C: (312) 608-1265

Columbia Waterfront food pantry

Since having my first child a year ago I find myself not only worrying about the comfort and safety of my child but of all children. I know this is a common thing with parents. It's given rise to many mother activist movements, and it has hit me pretty hard. Late at night, as my baby sleeps, warm and fed, I am kept awake by the thought that there are children who are hungry and cold at that moment. Probably a few blocks away from my apartment. And I wish I could bring over a hot pizza and a space heater, if I only knew how to find them.

Then I remembered the food pantry at the church around the corner. Every Sunday there is a line of people with granny carts who leave with groceries. Even with all the work and baby care I juggle these days, I could manage dropping off a few things around the corner. So I contacted the Reverend Rene Baez at the Christian Pentecostal church on Summit Street. They have been operating the food pantry for over 15 years and are happy to accept donations of food, clothes, school supplies, and bags. Here is a list of what they are seeking this month:

canned goods and other nonperishable food items
bread
baby food
garbage bags
plastic "t-shirt" shopping bags or heavy duty bags to pack the groceries
twine

They are also in need of monetary donations to for expenses to keep the operation going.

Donations can be dropped off at 90-92 Summit Street on Monday, Wednesday, or Friday between the hours of 7-10 pm and Sundays between 9am-2:30pm. The church usually receives deliveries on Thursdays and Fridays between 7am-1pm and during those times the church is open to receive any donations as well.

If you are looking for a way to help neighbors who are struggling, this may be an easy way to help. I plan to post an update here monthly to let you know what is most needed.  Thank you Rev. Baez for all that you do.

It's Gonna Be a Love Fest Friday Night

NYC renowned D.J. John Swan will be spinning his magic on Valentine's Day at MikNic Lounge, 200 Columbia St! Come shake a leg, drink some "Love Me Tender" champagne and "Cupid's Arrow" shots and let loose. Share and keep your memories by getting your picture taken at the Valentine's photo booth. Friday at 9:00pm, cover is only $5. 

Hear New Music in Red Hook

Musician Ben Seretan let us know about a show happening in Red Hook tomorrow night on Van Dyke Street at the home of New Amsterdam Records. Described as happening in Van Dyke Park, this warehouse show is part of a series called Selective Truths, a showcase curated by Matt Evans. Check out their shows and explore new musical territory!

Tomorrow's show features saxophonist David Lackner, smooth FM mutants Blue Jazz TV, and Ben, a singer with "the voice of an angel and sheets of electric guitar waterfalls."

David Lackner: 8PM
Blue Jazz TV: 9PM
Ben Seretan: 10PM

Thursday 1/23 in Van Dyke Park
98A Van Dyke Street in Red Hook between Van Brunt and Richards

Here's the facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/275698369270786

New Business Proposed for 257 Columbia Street

Next Monday, January 27th at 6:30pm will be the Community Board Committee Meeting at which locales can comment on the proposed business at 257 Columbia Street. Whoever is interested, I look forward to seeing you there!