Picture Of The Day: A Little Primrose In My Garden

The sweetest primrose
greeted me in my garden
this morning,
pocking its head
Through the brown leaves
left over from fall

Robert Guskind Memorial Gathering On Saturday April 4

photo credit: Hugh Crawford

A memorial gathering to honor the memory of Robert Guskind will be held from 2 pm to 5 pm Saturday, April 4 at the Brooklyn Lyceum, 4th Avenue between Union and President Streets in Park Slope.

Please RSVP if you can. (There is an opportunity to sign up to speak.)

There will be an opportunity to donate to charities in Bob’s name.

Further details will be posted here.

Thanks to Eric Richmond of the Brooklyn Lyceum for generously donating the space.

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A 1936 Invite To Josephine And Michael's Wedding At Sacred Hearts

Sacred Hearts-St. Stephens today



Josephine and Michael's wedding at Sacred Hearts





292 Court Street
Former Parus Palace
( Now, Amico Day Care Center)

Last week, I had the great pleasure of taking a look at the archives of Sacred Hearts - St. Stephen's Church with John Heyer, the parish historian who has tirelessly worked to collect and preserve the fragile documents pertaining to the oldest Italian parish in Brooklyn.

And what wonderful documentation, not of the church's past, but of the entire South Brooklyn neighborhood. John is an incredible source of information and I was very thankful that he took the time to share this treasure trove with me.

Amongst all the archived papers, there was a lovely wedding photo and invitation. The newlyweds are Josephine and Michael. They got married at St. Stevens on Sunday September 27, 1936. The reception was held at the Parus Palace, 292-294 Court Street (today's Amico Child Care)
Though the Parus was an old movie theatre, John Heyer explained that there was a big open space on the second floor which was used for such celebrations. He also pointed out that it was unusual to have two mothers invite to the event, but Josephine and Michael's fathers had passed away.

I love the fact that the bride's residence is included: 412 Henry Street. And after the wedding?
The happy couple moved to 16 4th Place.

Thanks for sharing, John.

John Heyer is a Special Assistant to Borough President Marty Markowitz and a 39th Council District candidate.

*** Did you know that Sacred Hearts- St. Stephen Parish has its own Facebook page?
To join, click here.

Picture Of The Day: Seeing Red

Overnight,
these tree branches
sprouted
little red buds.
See them?

What beautiful, beautiful days we have had,
but unfortunately, rain is in the forecast.

A Moment In Time: Tour De Brooklyn

He seemed to enjoy his ride
down Smith Street,
looking this way and that way,
taking a
tour
of Brooklyn

Closing Time For Pita Grill On Smith Street

A small handwritten sign in the window of Pita Grill at 329 Smith Street simply said: " We are closed."
A quick look through the window explained why. The entire kitchen has been ripped out. Sinks and stoves had been moved into the main dining room and the tables are stacked up on one side.
The closing does not come as a surprise. The restaurant ( complete with kitchen) has been for sale through Awaye Realty for $ 179,000. Besides, the place was mostly empty, though the few times I was in there, the food was all right.
Does anyone have more detail?

FYI: Before it was Pita Grill, the place was a Chinese food restaurant. Then someone plowed a car into the store front and the space stayed empty for a long time.
When I first moved to Carroll Gardens about 24 years ago, it was a liquor store.
Can anyone go back even further?

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'Trashy Subject' In Carroll Gardens

Wednesday 3/18 at 1:30 PM

Hey, what's going on with garbage pick up here in Carroll Gardens? On some blocks, it is not unusual to see full garbage cans standing by the curb in the middle of the afternoon.
I am not the only one who notices the delay in 'morning pick-up.' Below is an email sent to me by local resident Justin:

Hi Katia
I live on Sackett St and have noticed that in the past 6 months the garbage pickup schedule has become extremely irregular. What used to be early Saturday AM pickup can now be as late as Saturday night and similarly for the Wednesday morning pickup .... Thus our streets are filled with trash cans and garbage for two whole days and nights a week rather than just two nights. Have you experienced this?
I imagine that budget cuts are responsible, but it would be great to know if there is a new schedule.

So, what's going on? Does anyone have an explanation? Is there a change we should know about?


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Deadline For Parents To Run For Educational Councils Is Today

Midnight, March 19th, is the deadline for public school parents to register to represent their children and local school district on NYC’s Community and Citywide Education Councils (CECs). Although many parents have applied to run for a CEC seat, there are still District schools that have yet to put forward candidates.

Every Public School Parent in NYC Encouraged To Run for Community & Citywide Education Councils

Department of Education Aggressively Recruiting Parents to Sign Up Online to Represent Their Kids, Community

Midnight, March 19^th, is the deadline for public school parents to register to represent their children and local school district on NYC’s Community and Citywide Education Councils (CECs). Although many parents have applied to run for a CEC seat, there are still District schools that have yet to put forward candidates.

CECs were formed in 2003 to replace the City’s school boards. CEC members advise the Department of Education on issues impacting parents and schools like instructional programs and zoning.

“You can register online to be a CEC candidate for your District in a matter of minutes at www.powertotheparents.org,” explained Jeff S. Merritt, Founder and President of Grassroots Initiative, the New York City-based nonprofit organization partnering with the Department of Education to recruit and assist CEC candidates.

Parents who have any questions about applying to run for a CEC seat are encouraged to call the election’s toll-free help line immediately: 1-877-NYC-VOTE and to look at the www.powertotheparents.org website to get answers to frequently-asked questions.

For a quick explanation of how to run for the CEC, parents should watch the Public Service Announcement at www.powertotheparents.org/info.html.

For more information about the elections or how to run for the CEC, log on to powertotheparents.org or call 1-877-NYC-VOTE.

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Picture Of The Day: First Blush Of Spring In Brownstone Brooklyn

One could almost miss the pale pink blush on this little tree
in the front yard of a lovely brownstone in Carroll Gardens.
Its flowers are just about to open
in another one or two, or maybe three days...

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A Moment In Time: Your Mail Is On Its Way!

Slowly, ever so slowly,
they made their way down Court Street
with your mail.
Did you get it?

'Nature Babies' Program For Toddlers In Prospect Park

Photo Credit : Batram on Flickr

I just heard from Eugene Patron of the Prospect Park Alliance, that there are still some spots available in this cool nature program for the wee ones. Read on:

Nature Babies at the Prospect Park Audubon Center: An Exciting Monday Morning Program For 18-months to 3-year-olds!

Brooklyn, NY - Nature Babies is a delightful nature-themed program of music, movement, storytelling and crafts for 18-month- to 3-year-olds and their caregivers. Children are introduced to the living environment of Prospect Park both outside and indoors at the Prospect Park Audubon Center at the landmark Boathouse. Each week’s activities are built around themes such as leaves, ducks and other aspects of nature available for children to experience up-close in Prospect Park.

Mondays, starting March 16

10:00am – 11:15 a.m.

$140 for the eight-week session. Drop-ins are also welcome ($20).

Call (718) 287-3400 x104 to register. Sign up now - space is limited.

"We’re so happy to have Lloyd Miller as the lead instructor of the nature babies program,” said Jillian Rubio, Director of the Prospect Park Audubon Center. “Many parents and children know Lloyd as the founder of the Brooklyn-based rock band for kids, the Deedle Deedle Dees. He has this great, infectious energy and gets the kids up moving around to music. Plus he’s a wonderful storyteller. Lloyd’s talents complement that of the Audubon educators on our staff who also bring their expertise to the Nature Babies program.”

Nature Babies info: http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/73737

Picture Of The Day: Instant Spring

Spring is almost here,
but if you can't wait,
may I suggest
a visit to the
Brooklyn Borough Hall Freshmarket?

There, spring daffodils, tulips and primroses have already arrived.
So stop by and take spring home with you.

Back In 1968, The Ramp To The Brooklyn Bridge Was A Junkyard

Did the approach of the Brooklyn Bridge really look like this back in 1968?

Damn!

A caption attached to the photo reads:

New York
5/1/1969

Cars may pile up on the Brooklyn Bridge during rush hours, but there is a constant pile up alongside the famed bridge's approach. For some reason, a collection of junked cars were heaped in the area.

Those cars were on the Manhattan side, right?




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In More Austere Times, Has Dunkin Donuts Become The New Tea Lounge?

Almost exactly a year ago, I commented on the stroller gridlock in front of Court Street Tea Lounge. How much has changed in the last 12 months...
Walking by the Dunkin Donuts on Smith Street at Bergen a few days ago, I was surprised to see this gathering of moms, tots and wheels.
Could it be that in these more austere times, Dunkin Donuts is becoming the new hangout for the stroller brigade?


Related posts:

Stroller Gridlock On Court

Get Ready For The Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blog Fest

Whether you are a blogger or not, the place to be on May 7th is at the 4th Brooklyn Blogfest. I'll be there and so will many of my friends. Hope to see you, too!

Save the Date:

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009
May 7th at 7 p.m.
powerHouse Arena in Dumbo

Find out why Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in America at the Fourth Annual BrooklynBlogfest on May 7, 2009 at powerHouse Arena in DUMBO.

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009 is an exciting, idea-filled event for bloggers, blog readers and the blog curious curious where you will find: Insight. Advice. Inspiration. Resources. Here's your chance meet your favorite bloggers; learn about blogging; be inspired to blog.

"Where better to take the pulse of this rapidly growing community of writers, thinkers and observers than the Brooklyn Blogfest?" ~ Sewell Chan, The New York Times

This year's event will take place on May 7, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the powerHouse Arena in DUMBO.

In addition to a panel, which will address WHY WE BLOG, this year Brooklyn Blogfest introduces BLOGS-OF-A-FEATHER, small-group sessions, where you can hear from prominent bloggers and meet bloggers who share your interests.

Once again, there will be a VIDEO TRIBUTE TO BROOKLYN'S PHOTO BLOGGERS.

Whether you live to blog, blog to live or are just curious about this thing called blogging, you won't want to miss Brooklyn Blogfest 2009, the best Blogfest yet.

To find out about sponsorship opportunities for Brooklyn Blogfest, contact Louise Crawford
e:louise_crawford@yahoo.com, c: 718-288-4290).

The Details:

Fourth Annual Brooklyn Blogfest
May 7, 2009
Doors open at 7 p.m.
powerHouse Arena
37 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
Admission: $10

Brooklyn Blogfest After-Party
Galapagos Art Space
16 Main Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201
(right across the street from powerHouse Arena)

Cash bar and refreshments

Brooklyn Blogfest 2009

Insight. Advice. Inspiration. Resources.

Taking Pigs For A Walk in Dumbo

A Saturday In Dumbo.


Dogs are so passé, dear Reader.

Those in the know have found that pigs are the new pet of choice.
Yes, pigs.
The pot-bellied kind
With bright pink leashes.

Fashionable, no?




~~~~~Update~~~~

I got an email from the owner of these two lovely ladies. Turns out he is an avid Pardon Me For Asking reader and got a pleasant surprise when he saw "his girls" on this site. How cool is that!

He writes:

"The bigger one is Cholula and the other is Runtly. They are about 16 months old each and are fantastic pets. My wife always wanted a pig and I am allergic to cats and dogs so it made sense for us. They are super smart and extremely affectionate. We couldn't imagine not having them in our lives."

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State Senator Squadron Leads The Way Towards More Transparent And Accessible Government. Lets Hope Our Other Electeds Will Follow

Some of the Carroll Gardeners who were in attendance

"Democracy works only if people work on democracy"

Imagine a politician who says that he want to hear from his constituents and actually means it!

Newly-elected State Senator Daniel Squadron had pledged to keep the line of communication open with the people in his district when he took office in January. One would have expected him to forget that promise quickly as many politicians do, but Mr. Squadron kept his word and invited all to his first Community Convention yesterday at the Borough Of Manhattan Community College.

Hundreds attended. All the seats were filled in the large auditorium. Amongst them was a large delegation from Carroll Gardens. Both inspiring and empowering, the convention was a way for our State Senator to formulate his goals and visions for the future together with the people he represents. He urged everyone to "help me represent you better."

Makes one wish that our other elected officials would engage with their constituents in a similar fashion.

In State Senator Squadron's Own Words:

Dear Neighbors
Thank you for participating in the first-ever 25th Senate District Community Convention.
I believe that our government must be more open, more transparent and more accessible than ever before. I belive we should begin that era of openess right here in our district.

Today's convention is one part of that process. I am asking for your ideas, and your input, on community and legislative priorities for the coming year.

I will ask for your perspectives today on everything from MTA funding to campaign finance reform- but I know that today's conversation will only scratch the surface.

That's why my office is always open to you. I have now opened district offices in both Manhattan and Brooklyn, and I encourage you to call or write with your questions and concerns. As we move forward to address the significant problems our state faces, I want to hear your ideas and your perspectives at every step of the way. Your input helps me do my job, and it helps us built a state government that is truly worthy of the people of New York.

Thank you for taking the first step with me today. I look forward to working with you through the entire process.

Best,
Daniel

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Why Is The MTA Changing The C Train Service, You May Ask?

Why is the MTA changing the C train service this week-end, you may ask?

"To piss us off"

according to a scribble on a poster in the subway station.



Thanks to Nasreen for spotting this at the Chamber Street station

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