Help Beautify Our Neighborhood: Court Smith BID Formation Effort Launches "Clean Streets Campaign" In BoCoCa

Many BoCoCa residents may have noticed how dirty our street have looked in the past few months. Somehow, during the winter, people seem less inclined to clean up after themselves. It doesn't help that sanitation pick ups are sometimes disrupted for days after a snow event, and trash is blown around our streets.

Now that spring is around the corner, we should all help to clean up a bit.

The group of local property owners, business owners, and residents working to create a Business Improvement District on Court and Smith Street  in the Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens neighborhoods are launching a Clean Street Campaign this Sunday, March 21st from 12 to 5 pm.

From Court Smith Bid:

Our district needs some help with spring cleaning!

Please join the Court Smith BID Formation Effort for

The Clean Streets Campaign

Sun, March 21, 12-5pm

Here's how:
1) Pick up an empty bag at Smith & Vine (317 Smith St)
or One Girl Cookies (68 Dean St) anytime
between THURS 3/18 and Sun 3/21 (or use your own)
2) Join us in picking up trash on any blocks in our neighborhood…side streets, main streets, wherever there’s trash!
3) Send us a photo of you & your full bag (via Instagram @court_smith_bid or email at courtsmithbidsc@gmail.com))
4) Cross your fingers that your name is picked to

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Brooklyn Collective Invites To "Heartbreaker's Ball", A Valentine's Artist Showcase

Brooklyn Collective on Columbia Street in the Columbia Waterfront District is making it easy to choose unique, thoughtful gifts from local artists for your sweet Valentine. On February 7th, join the Collective for an evening of live music, drinks and gift shopping at its Heartbreaker's Ball. Mingle with the local makers and choose from photographs, jewelry, ceramics, vintage clothing, accessories and so much more.

If you have not yet discovered this amazing neighborhood artist and artisan collective, make it a point to stop by.

HEARTBREAKER'S BALL

Friday, February 7th from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Brooklyn Collective

212 Columbia St, Brooklyn, NY

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Come To Carroll Park's Holiday Tree Lighting Event This Saturday

The Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting Event is always a great neighborhood event. It is organized by the Court Street Merchants Association with the help of Friends Of Carroll Park.

The tree lighting itself has been scheduled for Saturday, December 7 at 5pm sharp, but come to the park's ball field at 4:30 pm for music food and photo ops beforehand. We may even get a special visitor, if we are lucky.
(The rain date is Saturday 14.)

Bring the whole family, mingle with your fellow Carroll Gardeners and help spread the cheer.

Carroll Park Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony

Saturday, December 7th, 2018

at 5 pm

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Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble To Perform At St.Paul's Episcopal Church In Carroll Gardens This Friday

In the past few years, St. Paul's Episcopal Church at 199 Carroll Street here in Carroll Gardens has distinguished itself as a wonderful music venue. Coming up in its line-up is Cerddorion Vocal Ensemble this Friday night, November 15, 2019 at 8pm. Please see the information below and spread the word.

From Cerddorion:
"We begin our year of celebration with best-loved selections from Cerddorion’s entire repertoire—chosen by YOU, our cherished audience. Based on audience feedback through the years, we’ve put together a gorgeous concert featuring works by Josquin, Monteverdi, Brahms, Britten, and others."

Tickets are $25 online, $30 at the door. To purchase tickets and for more information, click here.

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Friends Of Carroll Gardens Now Accepting Books For December Book Fair

If you have been thinking of thinning out your bookshelves, you may consider donating some of your books to Friends of Carroll Gardens Library's upcoming book sale on Saturday, December 7th, 2019.

Bring all good quality adult and children’s books to our neighborhood branch at 396 Clinton Street. Donate now and return to our local branch for the sale.

Friends of Carroll Gardens Library will also host a discussion on "Lady Liberty" on Saturday, November 16th from 3pm to 4 pm. author and local resident Joan Marans Dim will be in attendance with artist Antonio Masi. The book will be available for sale at the event.

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Gowanus Souvenir Shop To Host Launch Party For Its Very Cool Gowanus Manufacturing Calendar 2020

photos courtesy of Miska Draskoczy

The Gowanus Souvenir Shop at 567 Union Street between Nevins Street & Third Avenue continues to be a great place to shop for witty art, jewelry, t-shirts, decorative items and books related to everyone's favorite Superfund site.

This Saturday, Oct. 19, from 4-7 PM, as part of Gowanus Open Studios, the Souvenir shop will be hosting a launch party for the  Gowanus Manufacturing Calendar 2020, which featuring twelve family- owned businesses in Gowanus. Beautifully photographed by local resident and Gowanus documentarian Miska Draskoczy, showcasing "the vibrancy of Manufacturing in Gowanus."

From Gowanus Souvenir Shop:
The Gowanus Souvenir Shop is delighted to announce the publication of its newest Gowanus Souvenir Edition, the Gowanus Manufacturing Calendar 2020, which showcases the continued vibrancy of manufacturing in Gowanus. The 12 local businesses included are a representative cross section of the divers industries active in Gowanus and the goods they produce for the local, national and international market, including caskets, ironwork, wood working, metal fabrication, lettuce, ceramics, beauty products, stone work, plaster of paris, plumbing, cardboard recycling, and printing. The calendar also focuses on the people and often multigenerational families that run and work at these businesses. Some companies, like the casket company, have been here for three generations already, others moved to the area as recently as 2019, demonstrating that the area remains important for New York- based manufacturing businesses. 

Companies featured are: South Brooklyn Casket Company, Architectural Grille, US Recycling, AJ Ironworks, FullBleed Printing, The New Motor, Stephen Antonson, Claireware Pottery, Even Keel, Marble Onyx Granite & Terrazzo, Go Greener Plumbing, and Gotham Greens.

The calendar costs $24.

Many of the business owners featured will attend the launch party, so come out and help celebrate them.

The calendar costs $24 and can be pre-order now by clicking here.

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Dress Up And Join The 2019 Children's Halloween Celebration In Carroll Park

Friends of Carroll Park, the all-volunteer group that keeps everyone's favorite neighborhood oasis looking its best, will be hosting a great Children's Halloween Celebration on Saturday, October 27.Gather around Carroll Park and join everyone for games, prizes, treats, music, arts and crafts and many other activities in the Louis Valentino Ballfield.

Best of all, check out everyone's creative costumes. It will put a smile on your face.

Please spread the word.

From Friends of Carroll Park:

Got your costume picked out yet? Hope you'll don it and join us at our annual Carroll Park Halloween celebration on Saturday, October 26!

Gather around the war memorial at noon for welcoming comments from elected officials, then we'll open the gates for the ball field party, featuring games, prizes, arts, crafts, live music, a photo backdrop, and refreshments!

CARROLL PARK HALLOWEEN CELEBRATION - Sat., October 26, 2019

11:45 a.m. - Gather at WWI memorial
12:00 p.m. - Welcome comments and gate opening
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - Costume party with games and activities Read more

Music At St. Paul's: Copenhagen Chamber Choir Camerata—Giving Voice to the Nordic Spirit

photo courtesy of Copenhagen Chamber Choir 

More beautiful and unique music at St. Paul's Episcopalian Church  located at199 Carroll Street here in Carroll Gardens.

This Sunday, the Church is welcoming world-renown Copenhagen Chamber Choir as part of its Music@St.Paul’s Concert Series.

 Sunday, October 13th, 5:00 pm; Admission is free.

From the Copenhagen Chamber Choir:
"Experience the beauty of the unique and touching Nordic a cappella choral tradition and catch a bit of that legendary Danish hygge.

CAMERATA Chamber Choir presents the choral music tradition of the Nordic countries and displays how the deep connections between nature and culture come alive in music. The repertoire covers some of the most famous Nordic composers, traditional and modern.

CAMERATA Chamber Choir is one of the highest acclaimed amateur choirs in Scandinavia. The choir sings repertoire from multiple centuries and continents, but its Nordic roots are often on show. The choir has a reputation for singing with blend, responsiveness, nuance and passion, and for creating concept programs that combine eclecticism with focus, taking listeners on rich and rewarding journeys.

Since 2018, conductor and artistic director of Camerata is Sofia Söderberg from Sweden. Söderberg is an experienced, multi award-winning choral specialist acknowledged for her technical rigor, physical precision and striking interpretative voice."

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Mazzone Hardware Hosts Its Annual Pumpkin Fest This Saturday, October 5th

Mazzone Hardware, everyone's favorite neighborhood hardware store here in Carroll Gardens, will be hosting its annual Pumpkin Fest on Saturday, October 5th from 10 am to 4 pm.

The festivities, which will take place on 4th Place between Court and Clinton Streets, include pumpkin painting, food, pony rides, raffles and entertainment.

All proceeds from the event will go to the local Children's Miracle Network Hospital, so its all for a good cause.

Mark your calendar and bring the kids for some great fall fun.

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St. Paul's Episcopal Church On Carroll Street To Host Choir Concert This Saturday

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a fantastic venue for music. If you have not attended one of their concerts yet, here is your opportunity.
St. Paul's will be welcoming and hosting two university choirs in next weekend—one from the Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la Educación (UMCE) in Santiago, Chile, and the other from Smith College. They'll be in New York for a short tour, from Friday, September 20, through Sunday, September 22, and will be giving a concert at the St. Paul’s on Saturday, September 21 at 7:30pm, and singing at mass the next morning, Sunday, September 22. We are very much looking forward to having this choir in residence with us. There will be a special reception after mass, hosted by the St. Paul’s Choir, to welcome our guests.
St. Paul's is located at 199 Carroll Street in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn. Read more

This Sunday, Sacred Hearts And St.Stephen Church To Host Pet Adoption Event With Animal Care Centers Of NY

This coming Sunday.May 19 from 10 am to 2 pm, Sacred Hearts and St.Stephen Catholic Church at 125 Summit Place will host a pet adoption event

Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) will be at Sacred Hearts with great cats and dogs available for adoption! Animal Care Centers of NYC (ACC) adoptions include vaccinations, spay/neuter, a pre-registered microchip, an identification tag, a collar and a certificate for a free initial exam at a participating veterinarian.

If you have been thinking about opening your home and your heart to a cat or a dog, make sure to stop by. Read more

The New Consort Ensemble To Present 'Subtler Than Light: Music of the Dow Partbooks' At St. Paul's Episcopal Church In Carroll Gardens

On Sunday, April 7th,  St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Carroll Gardens is welcoming the  nationally-acclaimed vocal ensemble The New Consort, directed by baritone and Lyme native Brian Mummert. "The professional quintet will present Subtler Than Light: Music of the Dow Partbooks, a concert exploring the music written during the reign of Elizabeth I. These works have been immortalized by 16th century calligrapher Robert Dow in the Dow Partbooks: a set of manuscripts, each containing only the musical line of the singer reading from it, that assemble some of the most important works of the Tudor era. Preserved within these books, one finds a snapshot of exemplary artists struggling to make sense of the world through the lens of their Christian faith; from Robert White’s Lamentations to William Byrd’s Laetentur coeli, these Elizabethan masters endeavor to capture the scope of human emotion." 

“We’re very lucky that Dow had impeccable taste,” explains Artistic Director Brian Mummert. “The music of composers like Byrd and Tallis is some of the most beautiful ever written, and Dow chose what I’d argue are the best pieces by each of them. I’m so excited to pair these works that have withstood the centuries with two world premieres on similar themes, and inspired by the Partbooks’ musical language, written specially for The New Consort by two important young composers: Rosśa Crean and Ethan McGrath. This concert is all about balance - warding off despair for our imperfect world with hope, and seeking an equilibrium between sombre contemplation and joy.”

Admission is a suggested donation of $20 in advance and $30 at the door, with a $10 student discount; tickets are available for purchase here or by calling (917) 740-9694. The performance will begin at 3:00, with doors opening at 2:30; A reception will follow the performance, at which guests are encouraged to examine facsimiles of the partbooks and meet the performers.

St. Paul's Episcopal Church is located at 199 Carroll Street in Carroll Gardens.
Please spread the word!

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Dedication of 'Giselle McGee Way' In Carroll Gardens To Honor Beloved PS58 Principal

Giselle Gault McGee

(photo courtesy of the McGee family)

On Monday, April 1 2019, friends and colleagues of Giselle Gault McGee, the much loved former principal at P.S.58, will be holding a tribute to her.  The event coincides with Giselle's birthday and will include a ceremonial co-naming of Carroll Street between Court Street and Smith Street as "Giselle McGee Way".

More about Giselle by PS 58 Parent Coordinator Joan Bredthauer:

Giselle Gault McGee was a dedicated educator who pioneered French-English language programs in NYC schools. Her warm leadership as Principal of PS 58 The Carroll School from 2006 to 2014 created an environment of positivity and collegiality that welcomed new ideas and encouraged meaningful parent engagement.

Shortly before her planned retirement, she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The news was devastating to our school community. She died in December of 2017.

In 2006, Giselle was appointed principal at P.S. 58, The Carroll School, in Carroll Gardens, Brooklyn by former Chancellor Carmen Farina. Giselle believed strongly in the importance of arts programming and experiential learning in daily curriculum. She gave countless Carroll Gardens children a unique school experience by providing school-wide enrichment, including ballroom dance, chess, story-telling through ballet, opera, and even special “wildlife” visits from birds of prey, small mammals and reptiles, to name a few of the programs Giselle brought to her students.

Giselle was one of only three forerunners in the NYDOE to launch a French-English Dual Language Program and grew the school from 330 to more than 800 students. On the last day of school 2006, Chancellor Joel Klein visited Giselle's school and was quoted in the Daily News saying, "You've got a great new leader in here who really has united this community."

Principal Giselle Gault McGee was made a Knight in the Order of Academic Palms in 2009 by French Ambassador Pierre Vimont for her work with the French-English Dual Language Program. She also received the Label FrancEducation, a prestigious award, given by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a formal recognition and accreditation to schools providing a French bilingual program. At the time, only eight schools worldwide had received the award, including two New York recipients.

Giselle was a true people person, who bought a smile and compassion to everyone who crossed her path. 

Here are some additional details about the ceremony:

Wear Orange!
On this special day, we’ll remember Giselle’s incredible positivity of spirit and generosity. Giselle was a ray of sunshine in our lives. Her favorite color was sunny ORANGE, and we invite you to wear orange in her honor.

Cookie Swap
The dedication ceremony will be followed by a cookie swap. I know you all remember Giselle’s incredible hospitality and, of course, her amazing baking skills. She never attended a meeting or gathering without bringing a delectable homemade treat with her to share. Please help us celebrate this particular memory by signing up to bring a batch of individually wrapped cookies for the swap, or to help us set up and serve them to our guests.

Photos and Remembrances
We also encourage you to bring photos and written notes of remembrance for a display, which we will present to Giselle’s family. 

Date: Monday, April 1st (Giselle’s birthday)

Time: 4:00 PM

Where: Corner of Carroll Street and Court Street

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10th Annual "Eat Pie And Shop" Holiday Festival At P.S.29 Scheduled For This Sunday

Now in its tenth year, the popular "Eat Pie and Shop" event organized by PS 29 is scheduled for this Sunday, December 2rd, 2018. Take part in the pie contest, buy holiday presents from local artists and enjoy kids activities. The proceeds go to the P.T.A. of this neighborhood school. Doesn't get any better than this, does it?

EAT PIE and SHOP

www.eatpieandshop.org

Sunday, December 2 from 11am-4pm

425 Henry Street, between Baltic and Kane

Now in its 10th year, PS 29′s beloved event will again include a Holiday Gift Fair, Pie Social and celebrity-judged baking contest, with proceeds benefiting the local school’s PTA funded arts and enrichment programs.

-Home-baked Pie, $ 5 per slice
-Baking Contest with Celebrity Judges;
-Kids Pie Contest with Kid Judges
-Artisan Gift Fair; Toys for Tots Donations
-Professional Portraits
-Crafts and PS 29 Artistic Revue

The pie competition will be an afternoon highlight, as bakers are invited to bring pies to be judged by parents and a panel of celebrity judges. The winner will receive a gift and bragging rights for the year! The winner will be announced at 1:30 pm.

Local bakers – both amateurs and professionals – will supply a wide variety of pies, for $ 5 per tasting ticket. Pies will range in flavors, from fruit to creamy, savory and nut, so shoppers can come to shop, eat lunch and get dessert.

The Artisan Gift Fair will highlight local artisans, craftspeople and merchants, and promises to provide a huge variety of handmade, local and sustainable gift-giving choices, from jewelry, to exclusive eco-friendly Brooklyn clothing to handmade and classic toys. More than thirty different vendors from the local Brooklyn flea markets will be displaying and selling their handmade goods.

And while you shop, children can make gifts the whole family will cherish by participating in free crafts. Or give a smile! Professional photographers will be holding a holiday portrait studio, with all proceeds going to PS 29.-

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Please Take Time To Attend The Veterans Day Ceremony In Carroll Park This Sunday

As in years past, the Court Street and Smith Street Business Associations and Friends of Carroll Park will be hosting a Veterans Day Ceremony in Carroll Park this coming Sunday, November 11, 2018 at 11 AM in front of the Word War 1 Memorial.

Now, it seems more important than ever to come together as a community, to learn from the past,  and to honor the service and sacrifice of our Veterans.

The ceremony is always deeply moving, so bring the kids and teach them a bit about the significance of this national Holiday. And perhaps, take the opportunity to introduce them to one of our neighborhood veterans in attendance.

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Sadly, Today's Carroll Park's Children's Halloween Celebration Has Been Cancelled

As you know, Carroll Park's Children's Halloween Celebration, was supposed to take place today.

Due to the weather, Friends of Carroll Park has had to cancel the event.

Here is the announcement from the Friends group:

"We're sad to report that this weekend's planned Halloween party has been called off due to the high wind and rain that's being forecast.

Unfortunately, even if the weather cleared by midday, we wouldn't have the time to get things properly set up (especially power and sound), and we don't have permits or volunteers to postpone by a day.

HOWEVER, we will set up outside the park house on Halloween from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m., so come trick or treating for goodies including:
- Fresh fruit from Carroll Street farmer's market
vendor Fishkill Farms
- Daffodil bulbs courtesy of the
Daffodil Project at New Yorkers for Parks
- Rugrats and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
giveaways courtesy of Nickelodeon
Plus we'll have music and maybe even a couple of games!

Even though we can't host a party this year, we hope to see you during your trick-or-treating rounds next Wednesday." Read more

Let's Care: Contribute To City Harvest Food Drive By Dropping Off Food At Apple Bank On Court Street

Before we all get too caught up in the upcoming Holiday season, perhaps we can all take some time to help those in need, so that they, too, may have food on their table. Here is an opportunity to donate  right in the neighborhood.

Apple Bank is currently opening 51 of its branches throughout New York City as collection points for the annual Daily News/City Harvest Food Drive. One of the bank's participating locations is at 326 Court Street.  Please consider stopping by to drop non-perishable food items in the marked bins.
Click here for the branch's hours. The event runs from October 23, 2018 through January 18, 2019

From Apple Bank:
"In its 36th year, the Daily News Food Drive is New York City’s largest annual holiday food drive, which last year collected over one million pounds of food items to feed thousands of New York City families for an entire winter.

Ruth Lindner, Manager of Food Sourcing at City Harvest, said, “More than 1.2 million New Yorkers, including one in five children, don’t always know when they will get their next meal. This year, City Harvest will deliver 61 million pounds of nutritious food to ensure that our neighbors in need can put meals on their tables. New Yorkers collected over one million pounds of food for the Daily News Food Drive last year, and our network of soup kitchens and food pantries relies on this drive to keep their shelves stocked over the winter months. We appreciate Apple Bank’s support in the fight against hunger in our city.”

Helping is as easy as picking up some additional items while we grocery shop on Court Street and dropping them off. Please encourage your neighbors to do the same.

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Mark Your Calendar: Free Mammogram Event At Jo Anne Simon's Office

Please mark your calendar and spread the word.

Assembly Member Jo Anne Simon is partnering with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation to offer No-Cost Mammograms and Clinical Breast Exams on Friday, November 16, 2018 from 2 pm to 4:30 pm. The foundation's new Mammogram Bus will be parked outside the Assembly Member's office at 341 Smith Street here in Carroll Gardens. This service is for women from age 40 to 79 who are currently living in New York City. Appointments can be made by calling Simon's office at  718-246-4889.

Reader Alisa M. also made us aware of another opportunity to get a free mammogram screening in the neighborhood.

Zwanger-Pesiri Radiology, which recently opened an office at 205 Smith Street will provide a free screening to Brooklynites who are without insurance and make less than $40K per year.

The free service is available till December 31, 2018, so call now. 718 732 0222.

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