Trees of the Day
January 31st, 2012 9:55 pm
Meet Community Leader Ed Powell
January 31st, 2012 3:45 pm
Ed Powell may be a soft-spoken man, but that’s only because he lets his actions speak loudly. A resident of Flatbush for over 50 years and a community leader for over 30, “Captain” was kind enough to take time out of his day as Assemblywoman Rhoda Jacobs’ Community Liaison to speak with me at her Nostrand Avenue office about growing up singing on corners in Memphis, his concerns about the lack of youth services in our area, and what he says to those in both his African-American and Muslim communities who question his closeness with the NYPD.
You seem to be active in so many aspects of this community. If someone attends a meeting somewhere, you’re bound to show up. Can you briefly describe the positions you hold?
Over a period of years this happened. I’m President of an organization called the UMMA Group–it must be 25 years old now. It’s a nonprofit, operates mainly in North Flatbush. It started as a civilian patrol working in cooperation with the 70th Precinct just to reduce crime within the precinct boundaries.
At that time, when we first started, it was kind of crazy up there. It was the crack epidemic, gunshots every night and every day. There was a little public space at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Woodruff, and at that time it was like a meeting place for selling and buying drugs, it was a dumping ground for everything from tires to refrigerators to what have you, and working with people in the community and other local organizations like CAMBA and Community Board 14 and, of course, elected officials and the police department, we were able to get that area cleaned up and now it’s a public park called UMMA Park.
Well, that’s one thing. I’m also First Vice-Chair of Community Board 14, President of the 70th Precinct Community Council, and Community Liaison for Assemblywoman Jacobs.
UMMA’s still active?
We’re still active. Our membership is nowhere near what it was back then. I guess the need for that sort of thing has sort of diminished. We still do patrols in the north end of Flatbush, we help out up here on Friday nights because it’s mainly an Orthodox Jewish neighborhood and everyone’s in for Shabbos. So we patrol up here.
How long have you been Community Liaison for the Assemblywoman?
I’ve been working for her about 11 years. We’ve been friends for more than 20 years. She’s like family. She’s just like a younger sister. She’ll like that I said younger sister [laughs]. She looks out for me–it’s not like I’m an employee. We’re real family.
What do you do as Community Liaison?
My job is mainly to keep the Assemblywoman aware of the needs of constituents in the community and, on the other side, make the people who live in the community aware of what the Assemblywoman can do for them, what is available through our office to the community.
Could you talk about the 70th Precinct Community Council–what its relationship is with the precinct and the NYPD?
The council provides a monthly forum for people in the community to come out to interact and exchange ideas the precinct commanding officer and specialized units–Community Affairs, Narcotics, Burglary–we have them all at our meeting. We also have the Youth Officer or Community Affairs people who interact with young people who come. That’s the general role of the Precinct Council, to provide that forum. Not to have people come and be preached at, but to come and make complaints, compliments, whatever.
Are the officers of the council elected?
We are elected. Each year, we have elections. To become a member of the council, you need to attend three meetings within a year and that’s it. You’re a member and you can vote. We keep pretty accurate records of attendance and, hence, we know who the membership is.
Dedicate a Tree in Prospect Park for Valentine’s Day
January 31st, 2012 1:25 pm
Here’s another way you can give your loved one a tree this Valentine’s Day: You can dedicate one in Prospect Park.
You can choose to have the park plant a new sapling as part of their forest restoration program for $75, or for $100 you can contribute to the communal Arbor Day tree, which is open for multiple donors to contribute to, and all Arbor Day Tree donors will be invited to the tree planting on Arbor Day 2012 (4/27). All contributions are tax deductible. With each contribution, they will send you, or the recipient of the gift, a special Valentine’s Day certificate.
Orders must be placed by 12 noon on Thursday, February 9 in order for the paper certificate to be received by Valentine’s Day.
For more information contact Phyllis Sears at 718-965-8977 or psears@prospectpark.org, or visit the website.
Ditmas Reads Ditmas: Discussing Living Room by Rachel Sherman
January 31st, 2012 12:05 pm
As this month’s Ditmas Reads Ditmas pick, we’d love to hear what you think about Rachel Sherman’s book, Living Room. A gripping family drama with daughter, mother, and mother-in-law all trapped in their own, sometimes debilitating, neurosis, I couldn’t put the novel down. Each character annoyed me, but I loved them. I haven’t read another book that explores the female journey in this way.
I recommend this book if you are a daughter, mother or mother-in-law. I also recommend it to men searching for insight to their daughter, wife, and mother/mother-in-law hearts.
New Green Gardens Preschool Co-op Accepting Applications
January 31st, 2012 10:39 am
A rendering of Green Gardens.
Green Gardens is a managed cooperative preschool that is opening this fall on Marlborough Road. Families have responsibilities, but they donʼt have to run the entire thing. There is a hired head and assistant teacher and a manager who oversees day to day needs, supplies ordering, billing etc. Parents may, for an added fee, opt out of assistant duties. The co-op is working toward official licensure at this time, but will operate under group home day care licensing guidelines put out by the NYDOH.
They are accepting applications through February 15 for children who will be 3 or 4 by September 1, 2012, with notification of acceptance to go out on March 1. For more information about the co-op, see this PDF, or contact Green Gardens at DitmasGreenGardens@gmail.com or 646-281-0009.
Steamy Valentine’s Night at the Brooklyn Banya
January 31st, 2012 9:23 am
For those who would like to spend their Valentine’s Day nearly naked with a bunch of strangers, Gemini & Scorpio are bringing back their Steamy Valentine’s Night at the Russian Baths. They’re hosting a party at the Brooklyn Banya on Coney Island Ave, complete with vodka bar, pierogies, and a marching band:
We will have the banya to ourselves, with a few hand-picked professionals on hand for the optional platzas and massages. Enjoy: Russian, Turkish and Swedish steam rooms, jacuzzi and cold plunge pool; poolside dance floor; rooftop smoking deck; hookah lounge and chillout rooms; authentic and delicious Russian food in a private restaurant room with a view of the dance floor.
The Hungry March Band, Brooklyn’s own legendary street brass marching band, will get you sweating faster than the saunas, and we’ll keep the dance floor sizzling with ethno-mesh DJ sets till 2am while we dole out pierogies for everyone. There will be an open vodka bar 9-10pm.
Only 100 tickets are available pre-sale; 50 more at door. Three ticket levels: $85 for 7pm entry, open vodka bar, multi-course Russian banquet; $45 for 9pm entry and open vodka bar; $35 for 11pm entry. More details on each ticket tier are on the Gemini & Scorpio website.
Steamy Valentine’s Night at the Russian Baths
Valentine’s Day, Tuesday February 14, 7pm-2am, $35-85
Brooklyn Banya, 602 Coney Island Ave bet Beverley Rd & Ave C
For tickets, click here.
Dog Found on Church and Rugby
January 30th, 2012 11:17 pm
Neighbor Shannon found this “adorable, very sweet black lab mix this afternoon when she was almost hit by a truck while crossing Church Avenue at Rugby.” Based on the tags, she has a lead on the owner, but if you recognize this dog, please contact her at shannon.mcdowell [at] gmail [dot] com.
Ditmas Detective Solved: Monument on Caton
January 30th, 2012 3:58 pm
As Pam’s Husband mentioned, there are more than one of these “Monument Borough President Brooklyn” squares in the neighborhood–the one he mentioned, located on Beverley, and the one that was pictured in this week’s mystery photo, located on Caton at Argyle.
And Anticar points to an explanation from Brooklyn Historian Ron Schweiger, who told Brownstoner that they were used by surveyors. He says that they are “placed at a specific, horizontal distance from another known location for measurement purposes.”
Just down the road from here, there is the one pictured below, at the corner of Caton and Coney Island Avenue.
Forum to Help Those Struggling with Elementary School Applications
January 30th, 2012 2:29 pm
If you’re struggling with the application process for public school admissions, there’s a forum scheduled for next week in Manhattan, co-sponsored by Insideschools.org and City Council, that will provide parents with information about the elementary school enrollment process:
If you or someone you know is planning to enroll a child in elementary school, this will be a great opportunity to learn more about the enrollment process from the experts at Insideschools.org and to have your questions answered by a panel of experts. We will also have a brief “buzz” session afterwards, where parents will be able to further discuss any additional concerns that they have with Insideschools.org’s freelancers and staff members.
Public Elementary School: How to Apply
Tuesday, February 7, 6-8pm
Theresa Lang Community & Student Center
55 West 13th Street, 2nd Floor, Manhattan
Admission is FREE but you must RSVP to centernyc@newschool.edu.
Should Eating on the Subway Be Banned?
January 30th, 2012 12:17 pm
Eat your lunch wherever you want, just don’t eat it on the New York City subway, says a new bill proposed by Senator Bill Perkins. According to the Post, Perkins surveyed his Manhattan district and his constituents felt strongly that food from commuters was the reason the rat population on the rails is out of control.
If passed, the bill would impose a $250 fine on violators. How they might enforce that is difficult to imagine, though–you may remember when the MTA went on a rampage over putting your feet on the seats or otherwise taking up too much space (which is a $50 fine), but how much difference has that made? Enforcement aside, do you think it’s a good idea to keep food off of subways and platforms?
Loading ...Call Me Ishmael Show, and Moby-Dick Film Competition Reminder
January 30th, 2012 10:10 am
Neighbor Patrick Shea, who wrote a song for each chapter of the book Moby-Dick, put together the live band Call Me Ishmael, and they’re performing this Thursday in Williamsburg:
Call Me Ishmael
Thursday, February 2 at 10pm
Pete’s Candy Store (709 Lorimer Street in Williamsburg)
We’re playing with a slightly different lineup this time. Maxx Loup has joined us on keys and guitar (sometimes both in the same song!), and Dan Gottesman has stepped in excellently as drummer, following the recent European relocation of Jeff Rohe. Come at the very least to see us try to fit five people on the stage at Pete’s!
In addition, a reminder about his Moby-Dick film competition, which will run during the band’s last day of residency at Pianos in the spring:
There’s still time to submit your one minute Moby-Dick film to be screened at our Pianos residency in March. Our residency covers every Thursday in March from 7:00-10:00 in the upstairs lounge. The film competition will take place on Film Night, Thursday March 29, at 7:00, but THE DEADLINE FOR ENTRIES is February 15, so get to it!!! More details at callmeishmael.org.
Cafe Madeline Loves Ditmas Park
January 30th, 2012 9:32 am
The new sign in Cafe Madeline’s window, spotted by neighbor Danny Hairston. With all the focus on the former owner’s comments, don’t forget to give the new guys a try.
Ditmas Detective: Monument
January 28th, 2012 7:33 pm
If you know where this picture was taken–or you know how this constitutes a monument–let us know in the comments. We’ll reveal the location later.
Greenmarket Update
January 28th, 2012 5:10 pm
Here’s what’s happening tomorrow at the Cortelyou Greenmarket, from Market Manager Samantha Blatteis:
Cortelyou Greenmarket is open tomorrow! We are celebrating Chinese New Year with a festive cooking demonstration and recipes at the Info tent. Winter Warriors–the fun, easy way to win cool Greenmarket prizes just by shopping all winter long–can check in at the Info tent as well.
Remember to avoid ticketing and towing by not parking on Cortelyou or Rugby Roads. Visit the Info tent to use your EBT, debit, or credit cards. For more information, please like us on Facebook or visit grownyc.org/
Cortelyou Greenmarket is open YEAR ROUND! Every Sunday, 8am-3pm, rain, snow or shine.
Video of Lost Puppy Reunion at Sean Casey
January 28th, 2012 11:22 am
The other day, a kind neighbor found a dog on Argyle Road, kept the dog overnight, then went to Sean Casey Animal Rescue–which resulted in the dog, known as Amore, being reunited with his grateful owners. As it happens, an independent filmmaker named Charlie Spickler was (and is still) working on a project about SCAR, so he made this video of the happy reunion.
The film he’s making aims to raise awareness about the shelter, but he needs some help to get it done. There’s information here about how you can donate toward the film, and remember that you can always donate directly to SCAR to help them with their work.
Valentine’s Chocolates at Qathra
January 28th, 2012 10:47 am
Qathra just got boxes of Tumbador chocolates in stock for Valentine’s Day. From Max:
They are available in 3 different size boxes: 3 piece heart bonbons, 6 piece heart bonbons, and “7 deadly sins”-12 heart shaped bonbons + one chocolate covered “goodie.”
Am Thai Bistro Opens on Church Ave with a Monks’ Blessing, and a Wedding
January 27th, 2012 7:02 pm
It’s opening day for Am Thai Bistro, the new restaurant on Church Avenue at Stratford, and if you’re not there right now, you should head over. What began this morning with a blessing from three monks from a monastery in Queens continues this evening, and the women behind the operation–Boonnum “Num” Thongngoen and Karnchana “Amy” Sasook–hope you will all stop by tonight to meet them, and taste samples from the menu.
“We’re doing more traditional Thai dishes here,” said Num, explaining that Am Thai Kitchen on McDonald Avenue in Kensington will continue to focus on a more Americanized Thai menu. Though there is an extensive menu already printed (see it HERE and HERE), she told us that they’ll continue to work on it for the first few months, to see what works and adjust what doesn’t.
Amy explained they’ll also have daily specials, such as the curried lobster that was one of many dishes shared this morning during a ceremony that not only involved monks blessing the restaurant, but also a wedding ceremony.
“Two for one,” as one of the monks happily explained.
Somsak Sakdanuphap, a chef at Am Thai Kitchen, and Hathaichanok Chamnarnkong had a twin crown called a “mongkhon faet” placed on their heads for good luck, with a thread connecting the two. The monks led several rituals and chants, and the ceremony, which Num explained would bring luck to the couple and to the restaurant, ended with a monk splashing holy water on all the guests and the restaurant, inside and out.
If there’s luck to be had, then really we’re the lucky ones. What they’ve done with the space, which was formerly the roti place In Between, is really nice, and this should give a good boost to an otherwise quiet stretch of Church Ave. Welcome to the neighborhood!
Adoptable Cats of the Day
January 27th, 2012 4:34 pm
PAWSitive Veterinary currently has four cats who are looking for homes. There are two young littermates (about six months old) who are friendly, happy, and healthy who are looking for a home together. They also have two adult cats who are healthy but need some special attention (one has a balance disorder, and the other has an orthopedic condition).
If anyone is interested in adopting or fostering these cats, please let them know by emailing pawsitiveveterinary@gmail.com or calling 347-559-7729.
Ox Cart’s Brunch Specials
January 27th, 2012 3:52 pm
Ox Cart Tavern’s new brunch service starts at 11 am every Saturday and Sunday. Here are this weekend’s specials (which are available in addition to the regular menu).
Organic Eggs In a Hole, $11
2 organic eggs cooked in a bread basket and covered with cheddar cheese served with salad and Chipotle SaucePineapple Stuffed French Toast, $11
served with whipped cream, butter and Vermont maple syrupArgentinean Blood Sausage with 2 Organic Eggs, $12
served with fries and saladCountry Skillet or Veggie Country Skillet, $12
2 organic eggs any style, served over a casserole of red potatoes, scallion, sausage, peppers, sage, and ancho-guajillo chili powder (veggie option features tofu instead of sausage)Corn Beef Hash with 2 Organic Poached Eggs, $13
served with salad (eggs are poached unless otherwise requested)2 Organic Eggs or Thick Cut Bacon or Fresh Breakfast Sausage, $4
Buttermilk Biscuits with Honey Butter and Raspberry Jam, $4
Biscuits as above, plus Sausage Gravy, $5
Then next weekend, remember you can watch the Giants in the Super Bowl at Ox Cart:
GO GIANTS! Kick-off with Kick-Ass OxTailgate Specials on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5th. Introducing EVIL OX WINGS — hotter than hell! — the newest of its now legendary hot wing selections. Watch the Superbowl on big screens with the sound on while enjoying specials, served all day long.
It’s Too Hot for Prospect Park’s Winter Jam
January 27th, 2012 1:17 pm
February event cancelled due to heat! Winter Jam 2012 at Prospect Park, scheduled for February 4, has been cancelled due to the crazy “winter” weather we’ve been having (see: daffodils).
“It is simply too warm to make snow, and the long-range weather forecasts and current ground temperatures make it extremely unlikely that snow could be made,” Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe said in a written statement.
It’s been a weird year for winter weather around the country. Are you missing the snow?
Open Houses This Weekend: Apartments
January 27th, 2012 11:57 am
[Sponsored by Brooklyn Hearth]
Listing 930
AREA: Ditmas Park
APPROX. SQFT: 1008
BEDROOMS: 2
BATHROOMS: 1.5
ASKING PRICE: $439,000
OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, January 29
12 to 1:30pm
68 Stratford Road, #11
(Church Avenue & Caton Avenue)
Listing 934
AREA: Kensington
APPROX. SQFT: 800
BEDROOMS: 1
BATHROOMS: 1
ASKING PRICE: $259,000
OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, January 29
11:30 to 1pm
811 Cortelyou Road, 5O
(between E. 8th St & E. 9th St)
Open Houses This Weekend: Houses
January 27th, 2012 11:42 am
[Sponsored by Mary Kay Gallagher]
LISTING: 0583
NEIGHBORHOOD: Fiske Terrace
ASKING PRICE: $845,000
BEDROOMS: 5
BATHROOMS: 3
HOUSE SIZE: 37′ x 31′ about 2,600 sq.ft.
LOT SIZE: 50′ x 100′
OPEN HOUSE:
Sunday, January 28
1 to 2pm
807 E 19th St
(between Glenwood Rd & Ave H)
Notes from the January 70th Precinct Community Council Meeting
January 27th, 2012 10:17 am
The 70th Precinct Community Council held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, and here are some highlights from Deputy Inspector Eric Rodriguez’s presentation:
• There have been two shootings so far in 2012, both in the area of Newkirk and Flatbush. The most recent was on Tuesday on Flatbush and Ditmas, which a reader asked about–two people were injured, one the intended target and another a bystander, neither critically, and though the shooter has been identified, he hasn’t been picked up yet.
• Because of that uptick in crime in that area, and because the old Impact Zone (roughly Albemarle-Parkside, E 18th-Bedford) hasn’t been broken up yet, some of the 47 new rookies for the Impact Zone have been moved to the area around Newkirk/Flatbush, so you will see more of a physical presence out there.
• Unfortunately, while the meeting was in progress last night, there was another report of shots fired, this time on Tennis Ct. Thankfully no one was injured, and the shooter was arrested.
• In more positive news, the 70th got three guns off the street on New Year’s Eve.
• Following several reports of home break-ins, three men were arrested while trying to break into an apartment in a building (which a few readers had mentioned). Turned out they were responsible for a string of such break-ins, and following the arrest, reports have decreased dramatically.
• As for car break-ins, DI Rodriguez repeated what he’s been saying on the subject for months now: He advises we not leave anything valuable in our cars.
• Watch out for mean dogs on the loose near the LIRR tracks. They’re reportedly attacking people’s pets, and though the 70th is working with the 60th Precinct and the MTA, and trying to get a liaison from Animal Care & Control to help, the dogs are cagey–police almost caught one on Wednesday, but it jumped a fence and got away–so call 911 if you see one.
• If you have a problem that the 70th can help with, you’re encouraged to reach out to them. Call Community Affairs at 718-851-5557. The Precinct goes over the issues every week, and they look at every one, no matter how small. And don’t be surprised if you get follow-up call from the Community Affairs officers, who often check back on issues to make sure things are going well.
• We welcome Matthew Harrington to the 70th–he was recently appointed the new Executive Officer, coming from the nearby 66th Precinct.
• Finally, congratulations to Auxiliary Officer Peter Fradman, pictured above with DI Rodriguez, Officer Harrington, and Community Council President Edward Powell. He was honored this month for his 670 hours of volunteer work in a 6-month period–which is awesome, considering that Auxiliary Officers are required a minimum of 144 hours per year. Thank you for your hard work!
Get to Know Coffee the Train Man
January 27th, 2012 9:59 am
If you take the Q train at Cortelyou Road in the morning, you probably know Coffee, the man who stands in front of the station and tells you if the train is coming. Photographer and neighbor Tamara Staples took a beautiful portrait of him this past summer, and this week we learn more about the man, who tells the Brooklyn Paper that he drinks about 14 cups of coffee during the four hours he stands out there each morning.
“People give the tips — I never ask,” said Coffee, who lives at the Park Slope YMCA. “I really hope everybody makes the train.”
So if you don’t already, be sure to say hello and thanks the next time you see him.
