Wednesday, November 30th, 2011
To try to get cyclists to slow down, hopefully preventing any more accidents with pedestrians, police say they will start handing out tickets to speeding bikers in Prospect Park. According to Park Slope Patch, the 78th Precinct will start by distributing flyers that outline the rules of the main drive this weekend…and then come the tickets, which will be issued for reckless riding.
In case you need a refresher, here are some of the biking rules of the park drives:
• Pedestrians always have the right of way.
• Cycling is permitted only on the main Park roadway, Center Drive, and Well House Drive. Cycling is not permitted on Park paths.
• The speed limit on the Drive is 25 mph.
• Cyclists must travel in a counter-clockwise direction and obey all traffic signals.
• When the Park Drive is closed to motor vehicles, use traffic lanes – the recreation lane is for runners and walkers.
• When the Park Drive is open to motor vehicles, use the right half of the recreation lane.
• By law, bicycles must be equipped with bells or similar warning device. Helmets are required for children under 14, and are suggested for everyone.
• By law, bicycles must be equipped with front and rear lights when operating before dawn and after dusk.
• Do not wear headphones.
• Signal for turns and lane changes. Be cautious when passing others and warn them of your presence.
• Only one rider per bicycle.
• Do not bike with dogs on a leash.
• Carry ID at all times.
- Mary
Tags: bicycling, pedestrians, Prospect Park, safety
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Remember that medical office that was opening at 1600 Beverley Road? Well, for those of you who don’t walk by regularly, it’s open! While the staff was a little busy to answer too many questions when I popped in, they did provide a little info.
It is a Chiropractic and Physical Therapy office with the following hours:
Monday-Friday 9am-8pm
Sundays 10am-6pm
They currently don’t accept insurance (most of their patients are through Workers Comp), but are planning on accepting insurance in the new year. So if that’s a concern for you, check back in early 2012.
If anyone tries the services there, please let us know. We’re always interested in good recommendations for medical care close by.
- Avi
Tags: doctors
Posted in Health & Fitness, Local Business |
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, you can get one for free next week thanks to Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs, Assemblyman Jim Brennan, and Maimonides Medical Center.
Please telephone Assemblywoman Jacobs’ office at 718-434-0446 to schedule your appointment.
Free Flu Shots
Wednesday, December 7, 10am-12:30pm
At Assemblyman Brennan’s Satellite Office
1414 Cortelyou Road, between Marlborough and Rugby
- Mary
Tags: flu shots, Jim Brennan, Rhoda Jacobs
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Friday, November 25th, 2011
Third Root, which will be open this weekend for limited hours, has some special gifts and deals available now through December 31. Gift certificates make great local presents–or treat yourself for some holiday stress relief.
Ease Tea blend with Gift Certificate Purchase
With every gift certificate you buy between now and the end of the year, you’ll get a package of the Ease Tea blend, meant to soothe and calm your winter stress. Gift certificates for services are priced at set rates: Private Acupuncture Treatment: $60; Massage Treatment: $75; Private Yoga Session: $50; Community Acupuncture: $25; Yoga Class: $12; Yoga 10/20 Class Card: $100/$180. Gift Cards expire 3 months from the date issued. A package of Ease Tea will be offered with any gift certificate towards treatments valued at $24 or above, until supplies last, through December 31.
Buy 5 Sessions of Community Acupuncture, Get 1 Free!
Regular Community Acupuncture treatments are a wonderful way to support your immune system, address stress or anxiety, or just provide yourself with the space and time to relax and be quiet. Between now and December 31, you can buy a 5 session Community Acupuncture card for $100 and get a 6th treatment for free. All sessions must be used within 2 months of the date of purchase.
5 Yoga Classes for $45
Give the gift of Third Root yoga to yourself or someone you love this holiday season. A regular yoga practice can help us stay graceful on the inside, even as the weather outside gets frightful. With a staff of skilled and compassionate teachers, Third Root is a wonderful place to come home to your body and find emotional strength, mental flexibility, and physical freedom. Purchase now through December 31. One month expiration date — no extensions
These specials are only available for purchase in-person at Third Root.
- Mary
Tags: gifts, shopping, Third Root
Posted in Health & Fitness, Holidays, Local Business |
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Namaste Yoga invites the neighborhood to enjoy an evening of belly dancing and fun at their “bellybration sensation” holiday gathering.
Also, to get a jump on holiday gift giving, they’ve got gift certificates available. And if the holidays stress you out, you might consider joining their upcoming Sunday Beginners Yoga Series, which is from 3-4:30pm on December 4, 11, and 18, for $50. Space is limited, call today to sign up.
Namaste Yoga Holiday Party
Saturday, December 3, 5-7pm
Cost: $10, children under 10 free
482 Coney Island Avenue at Church
Any questions please call Oshun at 347-515-5162 or Willhyn 347-533-6227
- Mary
Tags: classes, Namaste Yoga, parties, yoga
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Monday, November 21st, 2011
Last week’s Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce meeting drew around 100 people, and the discussion was heated–the road, which has been the site of several accidents recently, was compared to the Wild West and a bare-knuckle cage fight, reports the New York Times.
They also note that the cones, which were put in place as part of a new safety plan, seem to be confusing for some (the reporter saw an inline skater crash into a cone), but that they’re also helping to raise awareness of the safety problems. Has anyone been around the drive since the cones started being used? What do you think?
Meanwhile, one recent victim of an accident in the park is suing the city for $3 million, the Post reports. Windsor Terrace resident Dana Jacks was walking on West Drive in June when she was struck by a cyclist, putting her in critical condition with brain trauma and face and skull fractures, from which she is now recovering. Her suit claims the park has become dangerous and hazardous. She also sued the cyclist, David Sonenberg, who has counter-sued her for walking outside of the crosswalk and causing him injuries.
One hopeful idea raised at the meeting that a neighbor noted on the KWT Yahoo Group was for the possibility of a traffic study–not for cars, which was actually done a few years ago, but to measure cyclists, runners, and walkers who use the main drive. If nobody knows how many people use it, and how, then it’s difficult to determine the best way to serve them all, while keeping it safe.
- Mary
Tags: accidents, bicycling, lawsuits, pedestrians, Prospect Park, running, safety
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Thursday, November 17th, 2011
The 78th Precinct Youth Council has open baseball tryouts coming up in early December:
The Brooklyn Bulldogs will be holding open tryouts for their Spring 2012 travel baseball teams for ages 9-13 (that age on April 30, 2012) in the gym at the Brooklyn Collaborative School (610 Henry Street) in Carroll Gardens. The tryouts on Sundays, December 11 and 18, will be for all players who did not play on a 2011 Bulldog team. The home page of our website lists the times each age group will be trying out on both Sundays and other important information. Email questions to bulldogs@78pyc.org
- Mary
Tags: 78th Precinct Youth Council, Baseball, kids, sports
Posted in Health & Fitness, Kids |
Wednesday, November 16th, 2011
Following a high-profile accident between a pedestrian and cyclist, Prospect Park Administration reports that they are working with the NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure the safe enjoyment of the Park Drives by everyone. In an effort to slow cyclists at crosswalks and remind them to yield to pedestrians, the DOT has introduced a pilot program on Prospect Park’s West Drive between Center Drive and Wellhouse Drive:
* Orange traffic barrels have been placed along the drive, narrowing the right lane of vehicle/cycling traffic into one lane.
* The narrower travel lane is expected to both slow traffic and alert drivers and riders to the upcoming pedestrian crossing.
* In addition, signs have been posted to alert cyclists that the intersection of West Drive and Wellhouse Drive (near Vanderbilt Playground) is a pedestrian crossing, as well as to remind pedestrians to use the crosswalk.
* This week, DOT will be placing a high visibility crosswalk at the intersection.
* NYPD is planning roving enforcement of yield-to-pedestrian laws as well.
Additionally, a reminder that tonight there is a meeting of the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce at the Prospect Park Picnic House at 6pm. The public is welcome, so if you can, please attend and speak up about any concerns you may have.
- Mary
Tags: bicycling, pedestrians, Prospect Park, running, safety
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Monday, November 14th, 2011
Following another terrible accident in Prospect Park in which a pedestrian was struck by a bicycle, leaving the pedestrian in critical condition and a medically-induced coma, the Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce will meet this Wednesday to discuss safety along the Park Drives.
The Taskforce was created earlier this year in response to a number of accidents between pedestrians and cyclists. One such incident over the summer led to a petition for better safety measures, like better yielding devices and more enforcement.
The meeting is open to the public, so if you’ve got concerns, please show up and voice them.
For more information, contact Eric Landau, Vice President of Government and Community Affairs, Prospect Park Alliance, at 718-965-8953 or elandau@prospectpark.org.
Prospect Park Road Sharing Taskforce Meeting
Prospect Park Picnic House
Wednesday, November 16, 6pm
- Mary
Tags: bicycling, pedestrians, Prospect Park, running, safety
Posted in Community Event, Health & Fitness |
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Martina of Pilates on Rugby send this info about a MELT workshop on Tuesday, November 15 at 7pm:
MELT Your Whole Body Intro
This 90-min intro class will teach you simple self-treatment techniques you can use every day to make your body feel better and function more efficiently. Experience how easy it is to relieve pain brought on by aging, injury and just active living. Using a specially designed foam roller, you can reduce inflammation, ease chronic neck and low back strain, improve alignment, and keep your whole body working better.
Workshop is taught by Karen Zuckerman!
Space is limited, sign up now. The cost for the work shop is $40.
- Mary
Tags: Pilates on Rugby, workshop
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Latin Fever Dance Studio currently has two positions it needs to fill: a karate instructor that can teach Shotokan style, and a ballet instructor with a knowledge of tap (the dance class is on Saturdays from 10am-12:30pm).
Contact 718-755-8871 or LatinFeverOn2@yahoo.com for more information.
- Mary
Tags: jobs, Latin Fever Dance Studio
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Monday, November 7th, 2011
A basketball and a netball league are starting up next month at the Flatbush YMCA. See the above flyers for more details, and note that the registration deadline for both is November 28.
For more information or to register, contact Diana Hilaire at dhilaire@ymcanyc.org or 718-469-8100.
Flatbush YMCA
1401 Flatbush Avenue
(718) 469-8100
flatbushymca@ymcanyc.org
- Mary
Tags: Basketball, Flatbush YMCA, Leagues, netball
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Saturday, November 5th, 2011
Anyone who’s going to watch the marathon tomorrow, keep an eye out for these neighbors! Best of luck to you guys, and to everyone who’s running. Let us know how you do!
Caitlyn Brazill (pictured above): Running in bib 61065.
Amy: A neighbor from Argyle between Newkirk and Ditmas is running.
Jill: In her first marathon, she’ll be wearing a super-bright green long sleeve shirt, bib 51685.
Tiffany Ko (pictured on the left with her husband Robin Harding, who is also running tomorrow): Bib number is 38184, and she’ll be wearing a white cap, black shorts, and a blue and white charity jersey. She’s running for Foundation Fighting Blindness, and there’s still time to make a donation if you can.
- Mary
Tags: marathons
Posted in Community Event, Health & Fitness, Neighbor Profiles |
Friday, November 4th, 2011
Some of you are runners (and we know at least one of you runs in jeans). Is anyone running in the NYC Marathon on Sunday? Let us know in the comments, or by emailing ditmasparkblog@gmail.com. Send us a pic of you running the marathon, or your time, or just let us know your name so the we can track your progress and cheer you on. And good luck!
Non-runners, keep in mind all the road closures, take a look at the best places in Brooklyn to watch the marathon, and remember you can still catch neighbor Judd Ehrlich’s doc Run for Your Life on PBS this weekend.
- Mary
Tags: marathons
Posted in Community Event, Health & Fitness |
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
Latin Fever Dance Studio is busy this month. Here’s what’s going on:
-They’re still looking for an intern–more info here.
-They’re also looking for a karate instructor who teaches Shotokan.
-The Pre-Teen Bash for ages 8-12 is this Saturday, November 5, 7pm-9pm, $5.
-A new Beginner’s Salsa Class will be available on Saturdays from 3-5pm. There’s an open house for the class on Monday, November 7 from 8-10pm.
If you have any questions, email LatinFeverOn2@yahoo.com or call 718-693-2488.
- Mary
Tags: classes, Latin Fever Dance Studio
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Wednesday, November 2nd, 2011
The Prospect Park Tennis Center is having a two-for-one special this Friday, November 4 from 7 to 11pm.
At $68/hour (7-10pm) and $36/hour (10-11pm), you’ll get some great savings–might make a nice date, and then use the money you save for dinner nearby, maybe tacos at La Huasteca on Church, or share a bowl of mussels at Le Paddock on Prospect Ave in Windsor Terrace. You can see the rates for the 2011-2012 season here.
You don’t need a permit, just show up and play. Make a reservation by calling 718-436-2500 or doing so online.
- Mary
Tags: dating, deals, tennis
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Tuesday, November 1st, 2011
Word is that the world’s population hit 7,000,000,000 yesterday, and while we can’t know where Baby 7B was born, the Times’ Clyde Haberman estimates that there’s a good chance the kid may have been welcomed into the world at nearby Maimonides Medical Center. They deliver over 7,000 babies a year–about 21 per day–which is the busiest in NYC:
A high number of Orthodox Jews and new immigrants, two broad categories with families larger than average, helped make Maimonides No. 1. Also, the hospital picked up the slack when some other institutions went out of the obstetrics business.
With that much experience there must be something to it. Maimonides has been recommended by neighbors in the past for pediatric emergencies, so does anyone have any experience with the birthing center (or any others in Brooklyn) that they’d like to comment on, good, bad, average?
- Mary
Tags: birthing, hospitals, Maimonides, reviews
Posted in Health & Fitness, Kids |
Monday, October 31st, 2011
A new meditation series is starting this evening at Third Root Community Center. Has anyone been to a previous series that can provide some feedback for those thinking about trying it out?
- Mary
Tags: meditation, Third Root
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Friday, October 28th, 2011
Happy third anniversary to Third Root Community Health Center! They’re celebrating with a costume party fundraiser this Saturday October 29, 7-10pm at The Commons Brooklyn.
Live performances including an opening chant by Jacque DuPree; My Gay Banjo, Morley Kamen, and Eisa Davis. Enjoy a DJ, dancing, ‘Third Root’ drink, a raffle, and cuisine for sale donated by local businesses.
Co-Sponsored by: The Center for Anti-Violence Education (CAE), The New York Immigrant Coalition, and FIERCE.
Entrance is sliding scale $10-20. For more information, or to volunteer contact geleni@thirdroot.org
- Mary
Tags: parties, Third Root
Posted in Community Event, Health & Fitness |
Saturday, October 22nd, 2011
Time to head inside, tennis players!
You don’t have to stop playing tennis when the weather gets cold, thanks to the indoor facilities at the Prospect Park Tennis Center. The indoor season opens this Monday, October 24 and it is is open daily from 7am to 11pm. Hourly and seasonal rates are available.
To ring in the season, they are offering a First Weekend Special on October 28 and 29: Get two hours for the price of one! Valid from 7-11pm.
For more information call 718-436-2500 or visit their website.
- Mary
Tags: tennis
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Thursday, October 20th, 2011
Latin Fever Dance Studio
1609 Cortelyou Road
718-693-2488
latinfeveron2@yahoo.com
- Mary
Tags: Latin Fever Dance Studio
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Monday, October 17th, 2011
There are a ton of programs starting up for the fall session at the Flatbush YMCA for families, teens, and adults. Click on any of the links below for a PDF calendar and more info about the programs:
* Arts & Culture: ballet, painting, karate, keyboard, African drum, youth fitness
* Gym Schedule: adult open gym, youth basketball clinic, storytime, and more
* Group Fitness Classes: pilates, yoga, spinning, African dance, boot camp, and more
* Kid Stuff: soccer, basketball, karate, ballet, painting, and more
Flatbush YMCA
1401 Flatbush Avenue
(718) 469-8100
flatbushymca@ymcanyc.org
For descriptions of the Youth Fall Sports schedule posted above, click here…
- Mary
Tags: Flatbush YMCA
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Wednesday, October 12th, 2011
Flatbush YMCA
1401 Flatbush Avenue
(718) 469-8100
flatbushymca@ymcanyc.org
- Mary
Tags: Flatbush YMCA
Posted in Health & Fitness |
Monday, October 10th, 2011
Midwood Martial Arts and Family Fitness Center is hosting CPR and first aid training this weekend:
These classes are invaluable training for parents, babysitters and maybe all humans over the age of 12:
Accidents are never planned – BE PREPARED!
* Would you know what to do if your infant/child is choking?
* What do you do if your infant or child or a family member stops breathing?
* Would you know what to do in the event of an allergic reaction?
* Do you need certification for your job? Receive certification on the new American Heart Association 2010/2011 CPR guidelines.
* Learn Hands (compression) only CPR
Non certification: $70
AHA 2 year Infant/Child/Adult with AED Certification $85
All classes also discuss prevention, recognition and treatment of first aid emergencies.
Classes available en Espanol also!
Infant/Child/Adult CPR class
Sunday, October 16, 4-6:30/7pm with Certification
Midwood Martial Arts & Family Fitness Center
1302 Ave. H at Argyle Rd
To register call Baby Be Safe at 888-SAFE-557 (723-3557) or email Laurie@babybesafe.com.
- Mary
Tags: First aid, Midwood Martial Arts
Posted in Community Event, Health & Fitness |
Tuesday, October 4th, 2011
Registration for the 2011-2012 season of the 78th Precinct Youth Basketball league is now open. There are several divisions, and since it seems to be one of the few leagues in town, it’s quite popular. Spots fill up quick, so register soon.
But where else can kids play hoops in the area?
A discussion on the Flatbush Family Network reveals that there will be open basketball in the gym at Flatbush-Thompkins Congregational Church. It will be open to kids of all ages, and it’s not an organized league, it’s just for fun. It runs Friday nights from 7-9pm. Parents need to fill out a waiver, and adult chaperones are welcome.
Additionally, the Flatbush YMCA has a basketball gym–the gym’s schedule is here as a PDF, and it includes youth and teen hours. They also run basketball clinics, but the fall session is underway. Keep an eye on their website or call 718-469-8100 for future sessions.
Anyone have experience with any of these, or have additional suggestions for young basketball players?
- Mary
Tags: kids, sports
Posted in Health & Fitness, Kids |
