Carroll Gardeners Gather In Carroll Park For A Deeply Moving Memorial Day Ceremony

Bruce McDonald and Glenn Kelly of Friends of Carroll Park with Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon

Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon

Bob Blechner read "Normandy Hillside", a poem by his friend Richard Buehler

"Normandy Hillside" by Richard Buehler

Lieutenant Eric Scoggins and Lieutenant Dan Hemmer of the USS Hué City,

which is currently docked in Red Hook

Henry Morth, remembered by his daughter Maggie, who shared a bit of her father's

war experience with Carroll Gardeners. (see video)

As in years past, Carroll Gardeners gathered in Carroll Park on Memorial Day to remember and honor those who gave their lives for their country.  The ceremony, hosted by Friends of Carroll Park with the Court Street Merchants Association, was a powerful remembrance of the brave service members of the United States Armed Forces, who lost their lives for their country.

The ceremony was simple and beautiful.  Fresh flowers were distributed to those in attendance, which were then placed at the foot of the park's World War I Memorial.   New York State Assemblywoman Jo Anne Simon joined the community, as did Lieutenant Eric Scoggins and Lieutenant Dan Hemmer of the USS Hué City, which is currently docked at the Cruise Terminal in Red Hook.

A huge thank you to Bruce McDonald and Glenn Kelly, volunteers with Friends of Carroll Park for making this ceremony so special. Bruce encouraged people to come to the microphone to remember loved ones and we learned about Bruce Joseph Allen, Henry Morse and Fred DePhilipo. (please watch the video below)

Glenn Kelly read the poem "In Flanders Field" and local resident Bob Blechner read "Normandy Hillside", a poem by his friend Richard Buehler.

We would like to encourage everyone in the neighborhood to take a moment to read some of the names on the WW1 memorial next time they walk through Carroll Park.  All those names represent a local resident, a father, a son...and we owe it to them to never forget their sacrifice.

Read more

Carroll Gardeners Discuss A New Design For Carroll Park At Visioning Session

Brooklyn Parks Chief of Staff Marty Maher addressing Carroll Gardeners

The below report on last night's community visioning session was written by Glenn Kelly, member of Friends of Carroll Park and the Chair of Community Board 6's Parks Committee.)

Last night was the beginning of the next Carroll Park.
Almost 150 people, young and old, filled the cafeteria at PS58 to hear a brief presentation of the history of Carroll Park and to make suggestions and discuss options for a new design. The Brooklyn Parks department staff and representatives from Starr Whitehouse (the consultant hired to manage and process the results) organized the attendees into 8 groups of 10-15 people around tables and facilitated the collection of ideas which were then shared with the entire group. As Marty Maher, the commissioner of the Brooklyn Park department explained, these ideas will be considered and transformed into a conceptual design or designs which will be submitted to the Parks department for evaluation of feasibility. Once a design is deemed feasible (for safety, durability and usefulness), it will be presented to the community through the Park / Recreation committee of Community Board 6. This will allow the community to visualize what is possible, to estimate the costs involved and to understand how construction might be staged and how long it may take.
Remember that all of this is just a first step and there will be ongoing opportunities for discussion and modifications to the design. It will take some time to secure funding and to reach consensus on a final design.
The Friends of Carroll Park have a commitment from Brooklyn Parks to continue community outreach and discussion so please make sure to keep an eye on the park notice boards and to sign up for the mailing list so that your ideas can be considered and incorporated.
Last night was a success and we are thankful to following:
- Councilman Brad Lander for providing funding for this visioning process.
- Brooklyn Parks for their agreeing to take the unusual step of committing resources to design an unfunded park.
- The Friends of Carroll Park for taking the lead on this project and caring for our park over nearly three decades.
- PS58 for hosting the event.
Hopefully the result will also be a success and produce a design which our community can embrace. Fingers crossed ! Read more

When Santa Came To Visit! Annual Tree Lighting In Carroll Park A Great Success

Bruce McDonald of Friends of Carroll Park

Joan d'Amico of Court Street's Merchants Association

Senator Daniel Squadron, his son, and former Assemblywoman Joan Millman

It is all too easy to forget what the Holidays are all about, but the magic of the season was restored in Carroll Park this past Friday night as neighborhood children greeted Santa Claus during his annual stop in the neighborhood.  The look on their faces was priceless and it was wonderful to witness their delight.
It was all part of the Holiday Tree Lighting, which has become a beloved tradition here in Carroll Gardens.  It brings the community together for caroling and refreshments, and of course a chance to meet Santa. The event is organized every December by the Court Street Merchants Association with the help of Friends of Carroll Park.
The highlight for many little ones was a chance to greet Santa and his elves personally back in the park house to share cookies with him.
Doesn't get any better than that, does it?
Where you there?



Read more