STUYVESANT HEIGHTS

BLOG TAKE-OVER

2009-06-20T08:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings All

Stuyvesant Heights Blog is looking for someone or person(s) to take over this blog site. If you live in the Stuyvesant Heights area and are interested...please contact Chris at stuyvesantheights@yahoo.com
Thanks
C.

BROOKLYNITE GALLERY vs MISS BUGS & JOE BLACK

2009-03-24T18:35:00.000-07:00

"2 MANY ARTISTS"
APRIL 4 - MAY 2
OPENING RECEPTION APRIL 4TH, 7PM (19:00)

**SPECIAL MUSICAL GUEST - PRINCE PAUL

LIVE STREAMING COVERAGE RIGHT HERE.
HOSTED BY LEON REID IV. CLICK ON OUR LIVE TV LINK.

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Miss Bugs and Joe Black's work is a Public Summit on the
infallibility of comic books, fairy tales, and emerging artists
– a cut to the core of blue chip art and born-into pop culture.

We, Brooklynite Gallery, give you "2 Many Artists": Cut it up
how you want – that's what they do, paying tribute to legions
of artists. Collaborators Miss Bugs and Joe Black lead a grim
but loving procession through hives of art world iconography.

For MISS BUGS, "2 Many Artists" celebrates their role as
middlemen, spinning toward answers in the marketplace where
art titans and street artists remake each other. Who owns art
and why do people make it? With a warped sexiness, their work
is fantastical and tangible as a bloody nose. Miss Bugs is an
image-maker using collage and layering silk screens with other
found materials to generate stories. Often the work is not
about Miss Bugs, but the images themselves, displaced from
their usual habitat.

JOE BLACK wields Lego's like arrows ---which is funny
because they end up facing everyone head on. His technique
of assembling photo-realistic images from found objects is
extremely advanced. The scarily precise formal elements are
mirrored content-wise. His specific icons and way of
depicting them highlight a sinister piece of pop culture and
the art world that, through infinite generations, will
not leave.

MISS BUGS / JOE BLACK

For more info:

www.brooklynitegallery.com

Brooklynite Gallery

334 Malcolm X Blvd.

Brooklyn, NY 11233

phone: 917-747-9751

BIKE RACKS AT FULTON PARK

2009-03-18T16:33:00.000-07:00

Bigup! to Fulton Park for installing bike racks. I didn't scope
the whole park but, there are racks towards the Stuyvesant Ave
& Fulton St entrance.

Enjoy

BUTTERNUT IS RESURFACING...I THINK?

2009-03-18T15:33:00.000-07:00

A source of mine told me today that the "Butternut Market"
will open up shop at a new location -- at the corner of Stuyvesant
Ave and Macon St.

Keep your eyes and ears open!

Clothing Swap this Saturday March 21st!

2009-03-16T14:25:00.000-07:00

1:00pm - 4:00pm

Brooklyn Public Library > Macon branch

361 Lewis Avenue at Macon Street

FYI

2009-03-13T05:13:00.000-07:00

FYI
MSNBC has a poll up about Obama’s performance as President so far. Republicans are flooding it with "F" votes. When I looked at the poll it showed 61% with an F grade. Pass this address on, and go to it to vote, it only takes a moment to do so.

http://www.msnbc. .msn.com/ id/29493093/ <http://www.msnbc. msn.com/id/ 29493093/>

SHPA DANCE PARTY

2009-03-13T05:04:00.000-07:00

Location:	The Brownstone School- Gymnasium 272 Macdonough Street Brooklyn, NY 11233 US
When:	Saturday, March 21, 2:00PM
Phone:	203.898.4587
Come join the Stuyvesant Heights Parents Association for our monthly Bed-Stuy Dance Party! It is being held at the Brooklyn Brownstone School in the gymnasium (272 MacDonough Street). Come out with your family to dance, boogie, and groove to the great sounds of DJ Ebony "Wildcat" Brown. Enjoy reconnecting with your neighbors you have not seen all winter or meet new people in the area! You do NOT need to be a member of the SHPA to come and enjoy your afternoon. Price is only $10 for a family of 4, and $2 a head for every family member after that. Refreshments will be sold. We look forward to having you here!

MALCOLM FARMERS MARKET

2009-03-09T09:45:00.000-07:00

FYI
The Malcolm X Blvd. Community Farmers Market - Meeting is Tuesday March 10th at 7pm. This meeting is full now and will not accept anymore RSVPs Thank you.

MOOD SWINGS

2009-03-05T10:32:00.000-08:00

Alright,
So, I'm in that kind of mood
I was watching and listening to one of my favorite songs
And I thought I'd share it with you.
Enjoy

MALCOLM X BLVD FARMERS MARKET NEEDS YOUR HELP

2009-02-26T10:30:00.000-08:00

Put the “community” into Malcolm X Blvd. Community Farmers Market for our 2nd season!

Take the Malcolm X Blvd. Community Farmers’ Market into community hands, hearts, and minds in order to make it flourish in the coming years and feed real community needs. Join together with other cooks, gardeners, restaurant owners, community organizers, & volunteers to discuss what needs to be done and sign up to volunteer between now and July to ensure the best market possible! Share your ideas, thoughts and concerns- help shape the future of the market!

We need help with: event planning, fund raising, logo design, blog, e-newsletter, entertainment, cooking demonstrations, food education, gardening, vendor/farmer/customer recruitment, sponsorship, bookkeeping, management, and more!

Attend the first planning meeting! Please get in touch for meeting time and location.
Please contact 718.363.3085 or malcolmxmarket@gmail.com for details and to RSVP as soon as possible. Space is limited.
*Optional Film Screening at end: Seeds, Hope & Concrete: Building Communities, Improving Lives. 15 min.

Thank you..

Malcolm X Blvd. Community Farmers' Market, (http://www.myspace.com/malcolmxblvdfarmersmarket)
Sponsored by the Brooklyn Rescue Mission (brooklynrescuemission.org).

SILK SCREENING CLASS @ 123 COMMUNITY SPACE

2009-02-26T08:24:00.000-08:00

Fri, February 27th, 2009 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm @ 123 Community Space

Come to the 123 Printshop and learn to print your own original posters, t-shirts, and more! Volunteers will help you out with the entire process. Bring black and white artwork on plain white paper or a transparency, and a screen if you have one. We have a small collection of screens -- you can purchase one from us for $5-$15, depending on the size and whether or not you want to keep the screen for later use. We also provide affordable screenprinting services.

123 Tompkins Ave. Brooklyn, NY 11206
www.123communityspace.org

ANY THOUGHTS ON THIS?

2009-02-19T11:57:00.000-08:00

Hold the New York Post

accountable

The New York Post recently published the political cartoon shown here, depicting two white police officers standing over the carcass of a bullet-riddled chimpanzee, with the animal representing the author of the stimulus package.

The decision to run this cartoon was irresponsible at best, and hurtful and malicious at worst. It seems unthinkable that an editor of a newspaper would not understand the history of Black folks being depicted as monkeys and apes or the recent spate of death threats against President Obama. Worse, when confronted, Post editor Col Allan dismissed people's concerns as baseless.

Join us in demanding that The Post issue an apology for the decision and their callousness, and fire the editor who allowed this cartoon to go to print. www.ColorOfChange.org

BEDSTUY CLOTHING SWAP

2009-02-18T16:26:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Clothing Exchange present swap*meet (a clothing swap)
February 22 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
at Community Space 123
www.123communityspace.org
123 Tompkins Avenue @ Myrtle Avenue in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn
G to Myrtle-Willoughby
J/M/Z to Myrtle Ave

All ages, all sizes, all styles are welcome
Please bring at least one bag of CLEAN clothing or other wearable items and prepare to have a great time!

"PROJECT DIALLO" @ BUSHBABY

2009-02-18T15:28:00.000-08:00

Trance

Saturday, Feb. 21st @ 8pm
$7 cover

Cosmic sounds bring the shift to your inner ear, so don't miss out
on this special event. All original music composed and arranged by
bassist: Diallo House. Limited seating so be there on time.

Bushbaby
1197 Fulton St
Brooklyn NY
718-636-5336
www.myspace.com/bushbabyinc

2009-02-10T11:29:00.000-08:00

DON'T GET HUSTLED

2009-02-04T10:00:00.000-08:00

She's Back!!!
Beware of the new neighborhood hustler. I tried to take some snap shots (didn't turn out that well but you get the idea).
Here is her info;
1. Female (Spanish / African American)
2. Age: aprox. 18 -25 yrs
3. Occupation: Hustler (asking for directions then money)
4. Location: Fulton Park (Stuyvesant & Chauncey / Utica Station)
5. Working alone? Nope - She has a African American male on here side (wears a baseball cap,
grey or black hoodie w/ shiny stuff on the back...Glitter? not sure. He normally sits on stoops
across the street, I guess so no one comes and hustles her out of their money. This guy
is around the same age.
6. Shows up for work btwn 12noon and 1pm
7. Quitting time: Random, walks to join her partner, then proceeds to walk up Stuyvesant Ave
then makes a right onto Bainbridge St

DRIVING DOWN ATLANTIC AVE

2009-01-30T18:20:00.000-08:00

Friday, Jan. 30th 2009
I was driving down Atlantic Ave to pick up my children from school, turned on the radio and this song came on. I was so moved by it...I thought it would great to share it with you all.
Peace

ZBIOK and REMED @ BROOKLYNITE GALLERY

2009-01-29T07:47:00.000-08:00

OPENING RECEPTION - FEBRUARY, 28th 7:00-9:00PM

Brooklyn, NY - A troubled economy, a planet in peril, a new leader taking the helm…so many questions left unanswered … IT HURTS. Brooklynite Gallery however, will pass on the government bailout in favor of something better. Instead we present— ZBIOK and REMED, "IT HURTS", the new exhibition a.k.a. gallery-size healing force. February 28 - March 22, 2009

Parisian street artist, Remed takes every style past its due date and makes it fresh. Art Nouveau and "Free to be You and Me" graphics of the seventies are made strikingly contemporary. If you were to synthesize into a single body of work, the "New Image" of the early eighties with the graffiti writers who entered the New York art world at that time. . . . Remed would emerge. Experienced with a limited time frame for execution, Remed solves color interactions quickly and accurately. The English language is manipulated with formidable typographic skill and a vicious sense of style. You know Remed is special when you see his transmutation of the curved arms of the French avant-garde. He's paid his dues, he's dubbing over history.

"Addicted to color". . . Polish street artist- Zbiok makes work that can have the same effect on its viewers. Rooted in post-Iron Curtain Poland, he has ties to punk and hip-hop, but his work looks like no other artist's associated with either. The feel of eighties graffiti is there as an intangible, not limited to any one visual cue. His imagery is far reaching in the sources of influence it indicates. Sometimes matching a political sensibility to his electric colors and pop savvy, Zbiok's pieces are immediate, while inviting longer meditation on their full complexity. In a recent interview he noted the influence of music on his work, highlighting his all-inclusive scope as "jazz to death metal." His characters and iconography feel refreshingly alien to American street art thus far.

"IT HURTS" is an acknowledgment that everybody feels things strongly ---that each of us is viscerally affected by people and events near to us. Yet, even halfway around the world, a person or event can hit us like a force of nature. Loving someone so much it feels like an entity unto itself, feeling an overwhelming urge to change the world – nothing can make you more vulnerable. But nothing else will go as far to amplify your joy.

Brooklynite Gallery is located at: 334 Malcolm X Blvd. (between Decatur & Bainbridge Streets) Brooklyn, NY 11233, just two blocks from the Utica Ave. subway stop on the A or C subway lines. Gallery hours are Thursday – Saturday 1:00pm -7:00pm or by appointment.

For all press inquiries, contact Hope McGrath at 347-405-5976 or pr@brooklynitegallery.com.

Bua joins the House of Art Gallery Collection

2009-01-28T14:13:00.000-08:00

Bua joins the House of Art Gallery Collection

Artist Reception

Friday, January 30th

6:00pm - 10:00pm

Bua will share the inspiration behind

"Distorted Urban Realism"

Book Signing & Reading

Saturday, January 31st

3:00pm - 8:00pm

Bua will read excerpts from his book

"The Beat of Urban Art"

Experience the Visual Literature of

the Origin and Evolution of Hip Hop.

Food, Drinks and Door Prizes!!!

House of Art Gallery
373 Lewis Avenue
(between MacDonogh and Macon)
Brooklyn, New York 11233
347-663-8195

RSVP and Receive a Complimentary

Bua Print At Reception

call (347) 663-8195

THE ONE

2009-01-19T07:17:00.000-08:00

Fabulous!!!
This is really something...look how far we've come.
But keep in mind there is work to be done, don't
think you can now just sit back and relax and say,
"cool the first African American President"
It's not only up to our new president to solve all issues.
He has to look out for his home, family, himself and not to
mention the United States.
We all need to be held accountable for our home, our children,
our stoop, our block, our community and our city.

Obama is one person...just like you and I.
We can't do it alone. (check out: www.whitehouse.gov)
Peace

SOUL OF SHAOLIN @ THE BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

2009-01-15T12:23:00.000-08:00

BROOKLYN CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CELEBRATES CHINESE NEW YEAR WITH WEEKEND OF HANDS-ON FAMILY FUN JANUARY 24-25

Cast Members from SOUL OF SHAOLIN to provide Special Performance

BROOKLYN, N.Y.— The Museum’s annual Chinese New Year Weekend celebration for families will feature an enriching variety of classic Museum programs, special activities filled with Chinese history and traditions, and choreographed demonstrations, and more.

The featured program of the weekend, direct from the 2008 Beijing Olympics, will be cast members from Soul of Shaolin, who will present a special, one-time-only performance at the Museum at 11am on Sunday, January 25.

Soul of Shaolin is a Chinese martial arts spectacle that tells the life story of a Hui Guang who is separated from his mother by war, taken in by the legendary monks of the Shaolin temple and raised among them—becoming an accomplished master of Shaolin Kung Fu and embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Soul of Shaolin will be performed on Broadway at the Marquis Theatre January 13-31; see www.SoulofShaolin.com for more information.

All Chinese New Year Weekend programs are included with Museum admission, including the Soul of Shaolin performance.

Other weekend highlights include:

Fire It Up! Chinese Fireworks!
Explore the science behind fireworks, and make your own Chinese “rocket” to blast off!

Which Chinese Element Are You?
Come learn about feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice of interior design! Learn how to prepare for the New Year by redesigning your room so that good luck, balance, good health, and happiness can flow in!

Rice Ball Cooking Demonstration –
See how tasty, traditional Chinese rice ball treats are prepared, and sample them yourself.

Chinese Lion Dance Join us in welcoming the Year of the Ox with an energy-packed Lion Dance!

Brooklyn Children’s Museum-Chinese New Year Weekend

Saturday, January 24:
Fireworks Collage (11:30am-12:30pm) Ages 5+
During Chinese New Year festivities, you can see dazzling fireworks light up the sky! The loud noises scare away bad spirits, while the lively colors celebrate a joyful time of year. Join us to create your own glittery masterpiece!

For more info. please visit: www.brooklynkids.org

OUT OF WORK? NEED A JOB? CHECK THIS OUT

2009-01-13T06:28:00.000-08:00

SYDNEY (AFP) – An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.

The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.

In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.

"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.

"The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."

"I think the biggest risk will be that the successful candidate won't want to go home at the end of the six months," she said.

Applications are open until February 22. Eleven shortlisted candidates will be flown to Hamilton Island in early May for the final selection process and the six month contract will commence on July 1.

The contact link for this story was not working properly, feel free to try: Islandreefjob.com

But, if not here is a way: For more info. copy and paste this link into your menu above, scroll down and enter your info. http://www.afp.com/afpcom/en/contact

2009-01-11T16:28:00.000-08:00

CONGRATULATIONS
BARACK OBAMA
INAUGURATION DINNER

You are cordially invited to PEACHES RESTAURANT for a celebration of the Presidential Inauguration of BARACK OBAMA. On January 20th 2009 at 5pm, we will commemorate this historic event with a four course dinner. Formal attire is requested, dinner will be served at 7pm. $60 including wine ($50 without)

Welcome
Hors D'Ouevres with Complimentary Inauguration Champagne Cocktail

Starters
Wild Mushroom Tart, Goat Cheese, Baby Arugula and Sundried Tomato
Seafood Salad Cocktail: Rock Shrimp, Calamari, Scallops and Cucumbers
Smoked Salmon with Crispy Potato Cake, Black Pepper Cream
Butternut Squash Soup with Brown Butter squash Ravioli

Main
Stuffed Maine Lobster, New Potatoes, Sweet Corn and Grilled Vegetables
Butter Roasted Filet Mignon, Whipped Potatoes, Shitake Mushrooms
Grilled Farmhouse Chicken, Vegetable "Dirty Rice"

Dessert
Chocolate Mousse, Dark Chocolate Sponge, Shaved White Chocolate
Warm Country Pound Cake Bourbon Cherries, Vanilla Whipped Cream

For more info contact: Peaches Restaurant 393 Lewis Avenue Brooklyn NY 11233

www.peachesbrooklyn.com 718.942.4162

HELP SAVE THE FULTON STREET B-25 BUS SERVICE

2009-01-10T05:34:00.000-08:00

Dear Concerned Residents:
To help alleviate massive budget deficits. MTA is purposing to  
ELIMINATE the B-25 Bus service. 

This route runs from East NY to Downtown Brooklyn.
Seniors/Handicapped persons CAN NOT utilize the subway
and others should have the choice to use the
bus.  Cuts to The A & C lines are also in the package for cuts
as well as other routes and subway schedules.

ATTACHED IS A PETITION: PLEASE CIRCULATE, SIGN
AND RETURN TO ME OR FAX TO COMMUNITY BOARD#3 AT 
(718) 857-5774; THE NUMBER AT THE BOTTOM OF THE PETITION.


PLEASE EVERY EFFORT TO ATTEND THE: PUBLIC HEARING;  
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28, 2009 TIME: 6:OOPM 
LOCATION: MARRIOTT HOTEL (BROOKLYN) ADAMS STREET
PLEASE INVITE YOUR NEIGHBORS, FAMILY, FRIENDS, MERCHANTS,
CO-WORKERS TO SIGN THE PETITION AND/OR  ATTEND THE HEARING.

YOUR PRESENCE AND/OR VOICE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

FEEL FREE TO SHARE TO ALL WHO USES PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION.

THANKING YOU.
WILMA E. MAYNARD

Please click on the sheet below to enlarge, drag onto your desktop
and get as many signatures as possible then fax to the number
noted with this post.

“THE FUTURE OF BLACK HISTORY IS...”

2009-01-07T17:04:00.000-08:00

"THE FUTURE OF BLACK HISTORY IS..."

VH1 MIGHT WANT FEATURE YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IN THEIR UPCOMING BLACK HISTORY MONTH TV CAMPAIGN...

WE WELCOME THOSE WHO CAN SPEAK WITH KNOWLEDGE, PASSION & ELOQUENCE ABOUT THE FUTURE GOALS & ASPIRATIONS FOR BLACK AMERICA, REGARDLESS OF ETHNICITY, AGE & OCCUPATION (artists, chefs, professors, students, doctors, architects, environmentalists, city planners, lawyers, newscasters, athletes, ceo's, harlem renaissance leaders, teachers, dancers, art curators, historians, politicians, non-profit leaders, medical researchers, documentarians, publishers, etc.)

PLEASE READ BELOW FOR DETAILS AND FORWARD THIS E-MAIL TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW IN THE NYC AREA TO HELP ME GET THE WORD OUT.

VH1 BHM CB.pdf (25KB)

VH1 is looking for an ethnically diverse ensemble of inspirational and innovative individuals to feature in their upcoming BLACK HISTORY MONTH Campaign. We need eloquent and passionate people, who are both insightful and comfortable speaking about the future goals and aspirations for Black America.

If ALL of the requirements below describe you or someone you know, please send us your submission by January 15th. (see submission info below)

You Are:
- Any Ethnicity, any age
- Living in or close to NYC
- In an occupation or position which enables you to make an impact on the culture.
- An eloquent, positive, and passionate speaker who is knowledgeable about race issues
in america.
- Available to meet us in person on Jan 16, 20 or 21.
- Available for the shoot date on Sat, Jan 24 (TBD)

Please send 4 photos of yourself along with the following info to: jsmcasting@mac.com
by January 15. Submissions will be reviewed as they are received.

1. Full legal name
2. Date of birth
3. Occupation
4. Where you currently live (city & state)
5. Contact info: phone, cell & email
6. Briefly finish this sentence: "The future of black history is..."

THE SHOOT WILL BE 1 DAY IN NYC, FEATURING 10-20 MAIN CAST PEOPLE. REAL NAMES WILL BE USED IN THE SPOTS. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOURSELF IF YOU ARE UNCOMFORTABLE USING YOUR REAL NAME AND/OR KNOW THAT YOUR EMPLOYER WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO BE FEATURED IN THIS CAMPAIGN.

HAPPY NEW YEAR BEDSTUY

2009-01-01T12:11:00.000-08:00

Embrace 2009 with open arms.
Give thanks everyday.
Love yourself even more.
Take pride in everything you do.
Set a goal and stick to it.
Do something good for someone else.
Believe in your power.
Say hello to your neighbors.
It's easier to smile.
Feel good. It's important to feel good.
Be grateful.

Peace

WINTER SALE

2008-12-22T08:13:00.001-08:00

In order from left to right:
1. Wicker ottoman & lounge chair w/ printed cushion. (lounge chair not shown) $25
2/3. Wooden table w/ carvings (removable top) $40 SOLD
4. Wooden table - to be used as dinning table or desk $50 - (table w/ chairs $70) or
(chairs sold separately) $10 each) SOLD
5. Wardrobe 5 shelves and pull out drawer at the bottom
(comes apart 4 sections 160h x 50d x 23w) $600
6. 7 drawer multi unit $40
7. Red recliner chair (from Denmark) $80 SOLD
8. Round table (removable top) $10 SOLD
9. Piano bench $10

For more info. or to buy please contact: George at: thebsmnt@yahoo.com

2008-12-16T15:56:00.000-08:00

Arise Collective, a new grassroots community development organization based in Bed Stuy, is organizing an exciting community event. On December 19th Arise Collective presents Drive for the Stuy, a benefit for the Bed Stuy Campaign Against Hunger. The event will include a food and coat drive, silent auction, live grafitti painting, DJs, live hip-hop and apppearances by members of the FELA! Broadway musical. The event will be hosted by Toni Blackman, the United States Hip Hop Ambassador.

Items up for silent auction include:

-Gift Certificate to Embora Health & Wellness Center,a world renowned yoga center based in Fort Greene

-Gift Certificate to Angel Feet Reflexology, the first reflexology salon in New York

-Hobby Horse print (3 color handpulled on orchid paper) donated by Brooklynite Gallery

-Knitting/Crochet work done by Zwati Rucks

-Belly Dancing classes from Belly Dancing for Change

-Vintage East African Batik (2 pieces), donated by Gerry Chisolm

-1 Hour Guitar Lesson from Travis Tench,

-Street/Pop Art from Justin Norris

Hosted by Toni Blackman: United States Hip Hop Ambassador

Lineup includes:
DJ Chela
DJ Scandeles
DJ Ace of Spades
Von Pea (from Tanya Morgan
Che Grand
Spec Boogie
Elucid
Hasan Salaam
IconTheMicKing
Calvin Booker (from the FELA! Broadway musical)
Bless Roxwell
Blacastan Misnomer (s)
ATLas Rosetta Stoned

Closing ceremony with Gerry Chisolm
Live Grafitti by MERES (5POINTZ)
Food Courtesy of Malcom X Pizza

All proceeds go to Bed Stuy Campaign Against Hunger

Event Details

Date: Friday, December 19, 2008

Time: 7:00pm - 11:30pm

Location: St. Phillips Episcopal Church Street: 334 MacDonough St. on the Decatur side

Cost: FREE with 3 cans of food or coat donation, $7 without

Attached is the e-flyer. Please spread!

For more details about artist lineup, please check out the official press release for the event!

http://audibletreats.com/pr/bedstuy_pr1.html

CHRISTMAS GADGETS

2008-11-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

Christmas is coming up, and for all you folks out there who love cool
gadgets, check out these new items at: www.conranusa.com (click on
Gifts and Electronics) this would make all those gadget lovers very
happy.

BROOKLYN FOOT SOLDIERS

2008-11-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

Ronald Polite, 17 and a student at Boys and Girl's High School,
is a member of the Bed-Stuy Foot Soldiers.

Wanted: Fallen tree leaves, unswept front stoops, garbage bags that need to be set on the curb - and busy or elderly homeowners in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights.

If you live in either neighborhood, a group of teens called the Foot Soldiers want to give you a heads up.

They're ready to come to your home three times a week to sweep up leaves, clean your front stoop and sidewalk, and set out the garbage the night before scheduled pickups.

Come winter, they'll remove snow. And in these tough economic times when more teens need employment, the Foot Soldiers are searching high and low for new customers.

The service started two years ago in Bed-Stuy. Now, the Foot Soldiers are marching to Crown Heights.

Linda Sutton-Jones, an art dealer who lives in a Crown Heights brownstone, was among the first to sign them up.

"I travel, but you still have to keep your place up because the city will fine you for everything under the sun," said Sutton-Jones.

The cleanup costs range from $3.99 to $6.99 per service day.

"But this is much more than an employment program for teens who need work," said Lori Walters, a Bed-Stuy homeowner who has used the Foot Soldiers for three years.

Foot Soldiers are sponsored by Project Re-Generation, a group founded in 2003 by Barnabas Shakur, who emigrated from Trinidad and grew up in Bed-Stuy. After a friend's trouble with the law landed him in a maximum-security prison, Shakur vowed to make a difference for other young people. He was only 21 himself at the time.

"A lot of youth programs weren't built for teens in my community," said Shakur, now 28. "Some have too much of a focus just on academics."

Shakur envisioned something with broader appeal. Project Re-Generation includes martial arts, community service, job training, financial advice, personal development and life-skills workshops.

About 100 teens are involved in programs annually. Those serving as Foot Soldiers receive stipends ranging from $85 to $200 every two weeks.

"We want to affect every aspect of the lives of our participants," Shakur said. "We want them to feel like they are part of a family."

The sense of family was important, Shakur said, because many kids turn to gangs to get a feeling of belonging.

"Gangs thrive in communities where economic structures and families are weak. The gangs provide fathers and mothers, and protection. They provide for members economically, but there is negativity."

Ronald Polite, 17, a senior at Boys and Girls High, has been a Foot Soldier for two years and has nothing but positive things to say.

"I don't like what I do," he said, "I love what I do. I'm helping keep my community clean; I've gained a family through PR-G's programs, and I'm putting money in my pocket. You can't beat that."

Ronald's mother, Brenda Donaldson, added, "Ronald is more mature and focused than ever, and I thank God for that. I know it has a lot to do with the men who run the program. I commend them."

For more information about Project Re-Generation, visit the Web site www.pr-g.org, or call (718) 684-1014.

jshelby@nydailynews.com

REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE

2008-11-20T18:46:00.000-08:00

REDUCE, REUSE and RECYCLE
at the FLATBUSH FREEMEET!

sponsored by
Sustainable Flatbush
and Freecycle™ New York City

Saturday, November 22, 2008
12 noon - 3pm
P.S. 217 Playground
(1100 Newkirk Avenue at Coney Island Avenue)
Flatbush, Brooklyn

Directions: Q train to Newkirk Ave or F to 18th Ave, or B68 bus to Coney Island Avenue and Newkirk. You will find the FreeMeet underneath the scaffolding next to the playground.

BROOKLYNITE GALLERY vs. KUILDOOSH

2008-11-18T17:21:00.000-08:00

click to view

OPENING RECEPTION: NOVEMBER 22nd, 7-9PM

KUILDOOSH (pronounced ‘Coo-el-doosh’) and Wet Shame
Knights (WSK) are both part and parcel of the same creative
package from South West England.

The indvidual artists behind this duel crew identity are
EKO, MUDWIG and PARIS.
Over the last five years the experimental merging of their
painting styles has resulted in the output of some widely
revered and truly unique works.
Much of the group’s outdoor painting is now done in secret
locations, deep in the depths of the English countryside.

“Smoking Jackets for Jerry” will bring to The Brooklynite Gallery
three of the most progressive English artists of their genre.

For more info. please check out the links below

pr@brooklynitegallery.com

www.brooklynitegallery.com

Brooklynite Gallery

334 Malcolm X Blvd.

Brooklyn, NY 11233

phone: 917-747-9751

NEW BEHIND THE SCENE PHOTOS OF OBAMA & FAMILY ON ELECTION NIGHT

2008-11-07T14:52:00.000-08:00

RFK Predicted "NEGRO" President 40 Years Ago

2008-11-06T15:59:00.000-08:00

MR. PRESIDENT

2008-11-04T22:15:00.000-08:00

NEVER SAY I CAN'T

2008-11-04T20:14:00.001-08:00

EUROPE VOTES OBAMA

2008-11-04T13:50:00.000-08:00

A friend of ours sent this video to us from Amsterdam...Please check it out.
Chris

FYI - STUYVESANT HEIGHTS POLL SITE

2008-11-03T03:19:00.000-08:00

FYI - Poll Site: PS 262
Poll Site Number: B0260
Address: 500 Macon Street, Brooklyn
Voter Entrance: 500 Macon Street
Handicapped Entrance: Malcolm X Boulevard

If you are a registered voter in New York, New Jersey or Connecticut, you can find out where to vote in the general election here. If you're not sure about your registration status, you can double-check that, too.

Check your voter registration status and find your polling place in New York state:

>>VERIFY REGISTRATION

You can also call your county board of election or call 1-800-FOR-VOTE.

Are you a New York City resident? Find your polling place here:

>>FIND NYC POLLING SITES

If you live in New Jersey:

>>VERIFY REGISTRATION

>>FIND A POLLING PLACE

FYI - MALCOLM X FARMERS MARKET

2008-10-28T21:49:00.001-07:00

On Halloween, this Friday Oct. 31st, from 1-4pm, the Wyckoff Farmhouse will bring their own cider press to Malcolm X Blvd. Community Farmers' Market to make apple cider with fresh Red Jacket Orchard apples. Come get free fresh apple cider and a $2 pumpkin for Halloween! Bring your friends and family!

4th ANNUAL HALLOWEEN TOUR

2008-10-27T19:43:00.000-07:00

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE

LIVE, WORK, BE INSPIRED 4

2008-10-24T20:10:00.000-07:00

PUMPKIN BLOWOUT SALE @ MXB FARMERS MARKET

2008-10-23T08:23:00.000-07:00

This Friday October 24th - Malcolm X Farmers Market will have a Halloween Pumpkin Blowout Sale. Community Farmers' Market from 12-6pm. There will be 100 pumpkins for sale!

LIVE, WORK, BE INSPIRED 3

2008-10-18T06:50:00.000-07:00

BELLEVUE HOMLESS CENTER RELOCATION PLAN (to build a luxury hotel) THEY HAVE DECIDED TO MOVE TO BEDSTUY...IT'S A BEAUTIFUL DAY IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD ???

2008-10-15T17:49:00.000-07:00

The idea is to close the Bellevue men's shelter in Manhattan to build a luxury hotel. The overflow of men (850) will be moved to the Sumner Avenue Armory along with the (350) men from the Atlantic Avenue Shelter. The Sumner Ave Armory has (200) men already assigned to this facility.

LET'S JUST SHIP THEM TO BROOKLYN...THOSE PEOPLE IN - CROWN HEIGHTS & BEDSTUY - NEVER SPEAK UP

2008-10-15T17:08:00.000-07:00

Let's just ship them to Bedford Stuyvesant Armory in Brooklyn, those people living over there won't say anything...right? They never make any noise about stuff.

I'm sure those people in the mayor's office is getting a kick out of this while they sip their champagne, and say, "well as long as I don't have to live over there...I think it's a brilliant idea, good going Bloomy". We need more luxury hotels in Manhattan anyway...LOL

Well, what do you say? Just like the election coming up on Nov. 4th 2008 --
"YOUR VOTE IS YOUR VOICE"

Community Alert: Town Hall Mtg Tomorrow OCT. 16th 7-9pm

St. Christopher-Ottilie Beacon Center

(PS 35) 272 MacDonough (between Lewis and Marcus Garvey

Additional info Ms. Blackshear 347-325-4635; Ms. Robinson 718-574-8199; Ms. Cobbs: 347-683-5047

"Mayor Bloomberg has announced intent to close the Bellevue men's shelter in Manhattan to build a luxury hotel. The overflow of men (850) will be moved to the Sumner Avenue Armory along with the (350) men from the Atlantic Avenue Shelter. The Sumner Ave Armory has (200) men already assigned to this facility. The astounding number is overwhelming for the BedStuy community. A large number of these men are dangerous felons released from prison. Some are sexual predators, and some have mental illness. Bus loads of homeless men are being bused into the sumner Armory each night. We need each and everyone to come out and unite with an action plan that will support a better resolution. Let your voice and presence be heard on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2008
7-9pm."

***Side Note*** The Brooklyn men's shelter containing 200 beds on two floors (approximately 217,000 square feet of space) and occasional Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Here is a comment from, George T. McDonald, founder and president of the Doe Fund, which runs a program for the homeless known as Ready, Willing & Able, said in a statement:

Once again, the naysayers are trying to take a positive development in the city’s homeless services and somehow turn it into a negative. The relocation of men’s intake to Bedford-Atlantic is a step forward for the homeless men D.H.S. serves: not only will it result in a better ratio of clients to staff, it will also beef up security and improve programs such as prevention, family reunion services and financial assistance. And, despite what critics are claiming, the relocation will not hurt the community, nor will it increase the number of people living unsheltered. Thanks to the city’s innovations in street outreach services, D.H.S. has successfully moved more than 850 people indoors in the past year. Clearly, people living on the street are responding well to the city’s customized approach. D.H.S. needs to do what is in the best interests of its clients, and that is exactly what it is doing with this enhancement in services.

*** Here is one comment from someone that lived in the Bellevue Shelter

September 19, 2008 12:45 pm

I lived in the Bellevue Shelter for a month before transferring to a more comfortable city shelter run by a nonprofit. I don’t recommend it.

That being said, these programs which claim to provide a better alternative to Bellevue, as Ms. Brosnahan observes, can’t meet the need. For most people, the housing process is much more difficult and takes much more time than Mr. Hess suggests. Medical evaluations, psychological profiles, safety-net service applications become bogged down for months in an underfunded, understaffed, poorly motivated agency.

The tactic of centralizing intake is a way of ridding the neighborhood of people the neighborhood would rather not see. Moving to Crown Heights? Perfect place to ship all these shabby dark skinned people, get them out of the pocket parks, supermarkets, sidewalks.

Ethnic cleansing, the American way.

— Barry Blitstein

The Official Presidential Election Night Coverage

2008-10-13T06:25:00.000-07:00

You are Cordially Invited To Join Us For

The Official Presidential Election Night Coverage
Tuesday November 4, 2008
@St Philips Church’s Parish Hall,
265 Decatur St (btwn Stuyvesant/Lewis Ave) Brooklyn, USA
Starting from 6pm-Until
Hosted By: The Parent Committee of Boy Scout Troop/Pack #263 & St. Philips Church

Historically the Church has served as an official location to give and receive information that effect the Community. Let us view this moment in history together, come support your candidate.

With Participation from the Village of Bedford Stuyvesant
Stuyvesant Heights Brokerage Co., Oz Hardware & Home/Therapeutate,
Shops of Lewis Ave Merchants Assoc., Thompkins Ave. Merchant Assoc.,
Bainbridge Circle Block Assoc., Stuyvesant Heights Assoc.

Refreshments/Food will be available for purchase throughout the evening
As we Sit, Discuss, View and Share. Only cheers for this Historical Event

If you like to get involved or have questions contact us at: zedghill@aol.com

FYI

2008-10-13T06:11:00.000-07:00

FYI - MXB FARMERS MARKET
This is just a reminder that the event that was rained out a few weeks ago is re-scheduled for this coming Friday October 17th, from 2-5pm. The event will have live music, face painting, food stamp pre-screenings, cooking demonstrations, a home-made facial scrub demonstration, locally made truffles and nut butters, and possibly a few other events. The market will still be from 12-6pm with local and organic fruits and veggies from the Bed Stuy Farm, Red Jacket Orchards, and the Angel Farm, as well as fresh bread and baked goods from Queens. Hope to see everyone there!

BROOKLYNITE GALLERY STRIKES AGAIN

2008-10-10T16:40:00.000-07:00

click image to view larger
Opening Reception: October 18th from 7:00pm- 9:00pm, with special
performance by CLOUD --- the ultimate MPC Beat maker.

Brooklynite Gallery is located in the Stuyvesant Heights neighborhood of Bedford Stuyvesant, 334 Malcolm X Blvd. Brooklyn, NY 11233 (between Decatur & Bainbridge Streets)

Take the A or C subway lines to Utica Avenue. Gallery hours are Thursday - Saturday 1:00pm-7:00pm or by appointment. ***Exception--- week of Nov. 9^th, Brooklynite Gallery will open Nov. 3 & 4^th, (Monday & Tuesday) 1:00pm –7:00pm and will be closed from Nov. 5 – 8^th. For all press inquiries, contact Hope McGrath at 917-747-9751 or pr@brooklynitegallery.com.

LAST DAY TO REGISTER TO VOTE IN NYS IS...TOMORROW, FRIDAY OCTOBER 10

2008-10-09T14:19:00.000-07:00

This Friday, October 10th, is the last day for voter registration in New York State. Voting is a very important part of being an American. There are so many countries where people cannot vote. We need to exercise our right to vote.

DON'T VOTE

2008-10-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

CONGRATS TO OLIVINO

2008-10-02T12:54:00.000-07:00

WHY MOVE TO BEDFORD-STUYVESANT BROOKLYN

2008-09-29T10:35:00.000-07:00

Christian Hansen for The New York Times
FIXING UP Adam Frank's new Bedford-Stuyvesant house still needed cosmetic renovations.

In 2002, after living in a series of rentals in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, he almost bought one for $575,000. It was a three-family brownstone on South Second Street.

“It was in need of a major overhaul,” he said. After the inspection, “I freaked out and had trouble getting financing. I was not ready for the commitment and realized it was too much work.”

A year ago, Mr. Frank, a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley who works as an event planner for MF Productions, a small company in the meatpacking district, was sick of living in 350 square feet of space and ready to hunt again for a brownstone.

Online research showed he could afford Crown Heights, parts of Kensington and Lefferts Gardens, and Bedford-Stuyvesant. He chose Bedford-Stuyvesant. When he looked around there, he was captivated by the beauty of its streets, lined with trees and brownstones. He focused on the area between the Nostrand Avenue and Utica Avenue stations on the A train.

Bedford-Stuyvesant is the next stop after, Brooklyn Heights, Fort Green & Clinton Hill... in terms of the next cool place to live in Brooklyn. Who is moving to BedStuy? Check out this link -----> CORCORAN COMES TO BEDSTUY ...... Next stop on this A train: BedStuy (Utica Station)

To read more of this story copy and paste the below link into your menu space bar. http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/28/realestate/28hunt.html?ref=realestate

FYI

2008-09-26T16:29:00.000-07:00

FYI #1 - FREE YOUTH OPEN MIC & SHOW TONIGHT
Open mic tonight, Monday September 29, 2008 live at Peaches restaurant 393 Lewis Ave. Come out and support our youth and hear some great musical performances by local hip hop, jazz musicians. This is to kick off the Bed-Stuy B-Safe Community Project, this event is for all ages...please bring your kids, parents, teachers, grandparents etc...
show time: 6:30 - 9pm

FYI #2 - MXB ORGANIC MARKET
Get ready for the new organic market titled, "WOLFBERRY" opening next week on Malcolm X Blvd btwn - MacDonough St & Decatur St. The market will sell, gift baskets, mix 1 drinks (A Natural Fruit and Veggie Drink), Brain Focus and Memory Drink, Silk Soy Milk, Choice Organic Tea, Higher Ground Roaster Coffee, Shortbread Cookies, and Hot Chocolate for now but more to come later.

Along with it's counter part, "ECODERMIS" focusing on Natural and Organic Vitamins, Hair Care, Skin Care, Cosmetics, Cosmetic Bags, Aromatherapy, Beverages, Personal Care (Soaps, Shower gels, and Tooth Paste), Baby Care (Diapers, Baby Bottles, Baby Skin Care and Baby Wipes), Nail Care (Nail Sprays, Nail Polish, and Nail Polish Remover), Pet Shampoo and Household Cleaning products/ Laundry products.

FYI #3 - BROOKLYN -WHOLE FOODS MARKET
Speaking of organic, doesn't look like Brooklyn is going to be home to another super whole foods.

Whole Foods Market Inc. said that its third-quarter net income dropped more than 30 percent largely because of costs associated with its acquisition of Wild Oats and a tough economy that hurt consumer spending.

Its shares sank in after-hours trading as the company also drastically lowered its outlook for 2009, suspended its dividend and said it would open fewer stores next year. I guess we will continue to lug our groceries from the whole foods in the city...sorry Brooklynites

PROFILE 3 - feat. DONNA WALROND

2008-09-25T18:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to PROFILE

Name? Donna Walrond

Age? 31

PF: Where are you from?
DW: Barbados

PF: Where do you live now?
DW: Bed Stuy

PF: Occupation?
DW: Business owner (Brooklyn Take Out Taxi & Cleaning Brooklyn)

PF: Why BedStuy?
DW: Love it. 6 years ago when I was looking for an apartment I was on a budget seeing that I was pregnant with my 1^st son, so our 3 bedroom apartment here was the cheapest thing that I found for my money. Now, almost 6 years later, I am glad that I came, and I plan on staying a long time.

PF: Finish this sentence -- I am passionate about...
DW: Giving, I would give away my last dime.

PF: Finish this sentence -- I'm not just a...
DW: mother, I am a mom.

PF: Transport one thing to Bedstuy, from any place in the world what would it be? & why:
DW: a movie theater

PF: Remove one thing from Bedstuy, what would it be? & why:
DW: All the negative vibes that we get from our neighbors.

PF: Finish this sentence: I can help my community grow by...
DW: encouraging the youth to stay strong and positive.

PF: How do you relax?:
DW: I don’t.

PF: Who do you most admire?
DW: I can’t say that I admire anyone more than myself. I was raised by my grandmother until I was 9 years old, and she was the only person in life that I ever admired. She died 5.5 years ago.

PF: What's the one thing your grateful for?:
DW: my strength

For more information about Donna Walrond businesses, please check out
www.brooklyntakeouttaxi.com & www.cleaningbrooklyn.com

BEDSTUY BROOKLYN LOVES IT'S MOM & POP SHOPS

2008-09-23T15:54:00.000-07:00

BY DENISE ROMANO AND VERONIKA BELENKAYA
DAILY NEWS STAFF WRITERS
Monday, September 22nd 2008, 7:14 PM

Storyteller Michele Hurst reads to kids at Brownstone Books on Lewis Ave. in Bed-Stuy.
They're places where everybody knows your name.

Even as the economy tanks and chain and big-box stores open around the borough, Brooklyn's mom-and-pop stores are stayin' alive. From a bookstore in Bedford-Stuyvesant to a pharmacy in Bath Beach

Brownstone Books owner Crystal Bobb-Semple found her niche in Bedford-Stuyvesant by focusing on African-American and Caribbean titles.

Although she is concerned about losing business to the borough's two Barnes & Nobles stores, Bobb-Semple relies on loyal customers and rewards them with a popular weekly kids story hour.

"You can get the value of something that's discounted at Target or Barnes & Noble, but you can't really put a price on the value of being able to come around the corner and bring your children to story time," she said.

Read more of this article by copying and pasting the below link in red in your menu bar space: http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=6035423304206974521

SOLA SIDEWALK SOIREE

2008-09-21T05:33:00.000-07:00

So If you didn't get a chance to visit the 3rd Annual Sola Sidewalk Soiree in BedStuy, here is a little of what you missed. There was a mix of great food & drinks from local vendors, cool music, art auctions & tastings from some new shops which include, The Butternut Cafe (really good organic food), Therapy Wine Bar & Creative Blossoms...yep, our very own flower shop (flowers, plants, home & garden). All of these new shops are scheduled to open on Lewis Ave before Christmas 2008. I also heard something about a space for kids to play and jump around, if anyone has more info on this kids space...please feel free to post a comment.

Check out some pictures below...click to inlarge

BEDSTUY B-SAFE OPEN MIC -- LIVE AT PEACHES

2008-09-18T17:36:00.000-07:00

Bed-Stuy B-Safe Community Youth Open Mic Project which will be
meeting for the FIRST time on Sept 29, 2008 Live at Peaches Restaurant
393 Lewis Ave.

This will be a FREE event for the whole community, with performances
by some of the most talented hiphop artists around in order to
encourage the youth to perform, as well as a screening of the
Brooklyn Project Reach Youth Public Service Announcement on HIV/AIDS
-- made for youth, by youth. We are very excited about the event,
have a great line-up and have the cooperation/donation of the
restaurant Peaches for our use.

For more info. or more importantly!!! "donations" on this event please contact: Sisonstrings@gmail.com, knewdles@gmail.com or stuyvesantheights@yahoo.com

It's very Important that we do not give up on our youth.

SAY HELLO TO MY LITTLE ORGANIC FRIEND

2008-09-17T18:04:00.000-07:00

Well Bedstuy, will hopefully have an organic market coming to our
area...The Butternut Market will be located on Lewis Ave - across
the street from the Macon Library and next door to what was supposed
to be "Stizzy bar and grill".

Just a side note, I got a tip today that there is another organic cafe market
coming to Malcolm X Blvd btwn Decatur and MacDonough Street...don't
hold me to it, the space right now is just a white box.
Next to Brooklynite Gallery on Malcolm X, the word is that there will be a "wine bar".

If you are "THINKING" about locking down a spot in Bedstuy...I suggest you
do it NOW!!!. Oh yeah, did I mention that, Trader Joe's is opening on Sept.
26th at 130 Court St? That's the corner of Atlantic Ave & Court St.

Peace yall....
let's all do our part to enhance the quality of life in BedStuy Brooklyn.

SHOPS ON LEWIS - SIDEWALK SOIREE

2008-09-17T09:19:00.000-07:00

Sidewalk Soiree
September 20, 2008 -- Saturday from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m
On Lewis Avenue between Decatur and Halsey Streets.

CORCORAN COMES TO BEDSTUY

2008-09-15T13:30:00.001-07:00

So, apparently the word on the street is, Barbara Corcoran founder of
"The Corcoran Group" has purchased a townhouse on Stuyvesant Ave
btwn Chauncey Street and Bainbridge Street for $1.460 million. Well, like my uncle
says..."if you can buy some land...do it! cuz they're not making anymore".

SOULSONIC FORCE

2008-09-14T09:02:00.000-07:00

ROCK ROCK PLANET ROCK -- DON'T STOP

2008-09-14T08:38:00.000-07:00

It went down last night at the Brooklynite Gallery on Malcolm X Blvd, Bedstuy Brooklyn.
New art from artist AIKO, tons of hipster art lovers, great music, nice drinks and one of the legendary hip hop crews ever....The Soul Sonic Force...."rock rock planet rock -- don't stop" Let me say it again, all this happened on Malcolm X Blvd btwn. Bainbridge & Decatur Street. Bigup to Rae & Hope.

click on the pics to enlarge.

LET'S KNOCKOUT POVERTY - AFRICA AFTER DARK

2008-09-06T13:38:00.001-07:00

Heavyweights from movies, music and sports will join together to "Knock Out Poverty," Tuesday, September 23th at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City, a landmark event to help fight poverty in Africa. Cultural icon, Grammy award winner, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Youssou N'Dour with special guests are set to align for this historic evening of entertainment and boxing, all in the name of charity. Leading activists, philanthropists and African Heads of State are expected to attend our inaugural event as part of this important week in New York City, highlighted by the 63rd UN General Assembly, with it's special focus on Africa, and the Clinton Global Initiative.

'Africa After Dark' is the Viewing Party and Official After Party for the "Knock Out Poverty" gala and will be held in the Grand Ballroom at the Manhattan Center starting at 8pm. The event will feature African drummers, dancers and the best music from the continent. The musical maestro for this event will be DJ Rich Medina. Cast from HBO's "THE WIRE" as well as many African Heads of State are flying in to attend this event.

OPEN BAR AND AFRICAN SPECILITY HORS D'OEUVRES

VIEW THE BOXING MATCH BETWEEN AFRICA'S FINEST BOXERS: EROMOSELE ALBERT vs. OSSIE DURAN

TICKETS ARE ONLY $85

Tickets are on sale now at:

http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/39930

(see below how to get discount tickets)

Please visit www.allforafrica.org and www.africaafterdark.com for more details regarding the event, party, and charity as a whole.

**TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED FROM STUYVESANT HEIGHTS RESIDENT, LINDSAY DIFULVIO AT A DISCOUNTED COST (lindsaye1@gmail.com)**

UNTITLED

2008-09-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

I was watching a web video the other day regarding a new shop in London. Giving your neighbor, your block, your community something new, some vital inspiration is very important. Realizing the potential in your neighborhood is extremely important... If, you plan to take up root.

Copy and paste the below link into your main menu bar above and watch the video from Monocle Magazine (over to your right...in the other web site section to check out). "I don't know, maybe something will kick in" Inspiration is still needed.

Now WAIT! ...I'm not saying we should all of a sudden try to be like our Brit neighbors...Like I tell my kids, "Just Be You"!!!
http://monocle.com/sections/business/Web-Articles/The-School-of-Life/

BROOKLYNITE GALLERY vs AIKO vs SOULSONIC FORCE

2008-09-04T12:57:00.000-07:00

Bed Stuy, Brooklyn, NY - Brooklynite Gallery is proud to present the
opening of AIKO's solo exhibit, "Shut Up and Look". An exploration of
female form and character, caught between the two places AIKO calls home:
Brooklyn and Tokyo powerful towering visions of feminine identity.
See more of AIKO work at: www.LadyAiko.com or www.BrooklyniteGallery.com

PROFILE 2 - feat. MISNOMER(S)

2008-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:00

Welcome to PROFILE

PF: Name?
Mina aka Knewdles
Michele aka Sos (Sis On Strings)

PF: Age?
Mina: Old enough to vote, drink and rent a car
Michele: The new 20

PF: Where are you from?
Mina: Boondocks of Buffalo
Michele: Buffalo burbs

PF: Where do you live now?
Mina/Michele: Bainbridge Street, BedStuy Brooklyn

PF: Occupation?
Mina: MC/Producer, occasional model & waiter
Michele: Musician (violinist--live shows, sessions , weddings, teaching) and jack (jill?) of all trades

PF: Why BedStuy?
Mina: BedStuy, because of the beautiful brownstones and greenery, the strong sense of community, and the history.
Michele: The history, the beauty, the community, the quality of life

I am passionate about... :
Mina: Human evolution and revolution, consciousness, community... and earthly pleasures!
Michele: people, books and living an enlightened life

PF: Finish this sentence: I'm not just a________, I am _______________.
Mina: I'm not just eye candy, i am really f*cking smart.
Michele: I'm not just a ordinary human being, i am a living buddha like each and everyone of us...

PF: Transport one thing to Bedstuy, from any place in the world what would it be? & why
Mina: A Korean grocery store-- believe me it's not selfish, Korean grocery stores are the shit!
Michele: >a Korean spa/communal bath house.. it's got the bomb facilities (saunas, pools, scrubdowns)
and communal bathing really reminds one of how we are all the same species, no matter what size, color
or shape!

PF: Remove one thing from Bedstuy, what would it be? & why
Mina: The vacants. Maybe i've watched too much of The Wire, but vacant buildings degrade
neighborhoods and waste space that is supposed to provide housing for people.
Michele: the gansta mosquitos cuz it's drivin me and my sis CRAZY.

PF: Finish this sentence: I can help my community grow by,
Mina: Participating in local activities and politics and being a source of pride for BedStuy!
Michele: Connecting with the youth, supporting and contributing to the Nichiren Buddhist group in BedStuy and getting involved in local politics..

PF: How do you relax?:
Mina: I have to be in a really comfortable chair or bed to relax. It's a physical thing.
Michele: I eat, sleep, read, make and listen to music, chant and chill at bread-stuy.

PF: Who do you most admire?:
Mina: Helen Keller. She was courageous in her personal life as well as in her public life as an activist.
Michele: Daisaku Ikeda -- internationally recognized humanist, educator, artist, peace activist and president of the international Buddhist lay organization Soka Gakkai International (SGI) and Fighting Shirley Chisholm, Unbought and Unbossed -- educator, former Bed-Stuy resident, representative to U.S.Congress, candidate for U.S. President and all-around kickass woman and humanist.

PF: What's the one thing your grateful for?:
Mina: My desire to always grow.
Michele: The ability to speak from the heart.

***Check out more of "MISNOMER(S)" at: myspace.com/hiphopmisnomers - myspace.com/sisonstrings

- myspace.com/knewdles

MISNOMER(S)
B-Safe BedStuy Youth
When: September, 22 2008
Open Mic Project @ PEACHES
Lewis Avenue btwn MacDonough & Decatur, BROOKLYN, New York 11233
Cost : free (This is a positive and uplifting event)

This bedstuy youth open mic series is being started by knewdles and sos. inaugural show will feature many hot underground hip hop artists including Misnomer(S).

WHAT'S IN YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD?

2008-08-19T10:10:00.000-07:00

So, here is a story that i've wanted to bring up for some time now, focusing on other topics, issues & personal things...I never sat down and made time for this issue -- well, I'm making time now!

This news stand shown in the photos above is located on Fulton Street btwn Malcolm X Blvd. and Chauncey Street, many of you that take the 46 bus or A/C train have probably passed by this news stand before. It also sits in front of the Jackie Robinson apt complex, across the street from Boys & Girls High School & up the street from the Fulton Street Playground.

Ok...get to the point...what's the big deal -- and maybe it's me, but have you ever noticed all the magazines plastered in the window with 1/2 naked women on the cover...I'm talkin' pretty much porn mags. If you look close, (click on the pics above) you will see a magazine called "ASIS" yeah, you get the idea placed right next to "Essence" magazine w/ Barack Obama and his family on the cover...I don't know -- this just doesn't sit right with me.

Now the owner of this news stand has every right to put what he wants on display and I understand the whole business side of it....but when I suggested that the soft & hardcore porn magazines be removed from the windows and moved to the back (meaning inside the booth) because there are a lot of young kids and impressionable young teens around here, I received not a bit of response. I'm just reporting the facts...If you have some free time walk by this news stand and judge for yourself, your comments to this post would be most appreciated.

WELCOME TO PROFILE

2008-08-18T20:13:00.000-07:00

So, I'm sure after living in BedStuy for a week, a month, a few years or your entire life, you start to see some of the same people strolling around...riding their bike, skateboarding, pushing a stroller, sitting on stoops etc...

Riding the A/C train I sometimes run into the same people, I have a tendency to wonder, "where is she or he going"? "What does he do for a living"? "Everytime I see those two, they always have shopping bags". "Ah, they live in that brownstone" blah blah blah.

Welp, I figure it's time to start profiling our neighbors... 1st up is , Celina - a really cool and talented young lady. I met Celina in front of her stoop on a beautiful day setting up clothes for one of her stoop sales...here's a tip ladies -- If you walk down Stuyvesant Ave on any givin' Sunday and you see Celina setting up for a stoop sale...stop n shop - you'll walk away with some really cool pieces.

Welcome to PROFILE

Name: Celina Martinez

Age: 27

Where are you from?: Dallas Texas

Where do you live now?: Stuyvesant Ave, BedStuy
Brooklyn

Occupation: Art Director, I create ad campaigns for
for brands like - Home Depot & L’Oreal

I am passionate about: Design/ Paris and Jamaica/
Dancing / Trader Joe’s/ Shoes/ LIFE!!!

Why BedStuy? The trees that grow...

Finish this sentence -- I’m not just: another art
director/ Designer in NYC, I am taking over.

Transport one thing to BedStuy, from any place in the world what would it be? & why:
Waffle House = pecan pancakes. It’s 24 hours, and the waitresses
call you “Sugar”

Remove one thing from Bedstuy, what would it be? & why: Over priced rent, need I say more?

Finish this sentence--I can help my community
grow by: Contributing what I know and my time.

How do you relax?: Beach / Book.

Who do you most admire?: Malcom X, a great teacher,
and an even GREATER student.

What's the one thing your grateful for?: My awareness

To view Celina's work check out: www.celinaworks.com (see Celina in the Design section of this site)
* background art in photo is from Celina's website.

GREENEST BLOCK IN BROOKLYN CONTEST 2008

2008-08-07T12:56:00.000-07:00

1st. place winner of the Greenest Block Contest in Brooklyn 2008
goes to 8th Street Block Association for 8th Street btwn: 8th Ave
and Prospect Park West in Park Slope. Above are some pictures of
the press conference that took place on Aug. 6,2008 on the winning
block.

Also, if you didn't know... Bedford Stuyvesant produced a total of 9 out of 38
winners in this years contest. Below are some winners from our area.

Best Window Box
2nd Place Winner -- Edwin & Donna Drakes, 417 Stuyvesant Avenue, btwn Fulton Street and Chauncey Street -- entered by Stuyvesant Heights Block Association.

Greenest Block
4th Place: Bainbridge Homeowners and Tenants Block Assoc. for Bainbridge St. btwn. Malcolm X Blvd and Stuyvesant Ave.

Residential Honorable Mentions:
- Macon/Ralph/Howard Block Assoc - btwn: Malcolm X & Patchen Ave
- Macon/Ralph/Howard Block Assoc - btwn: Ralph & Howard Ave
- Macon/MacDonough/Stuyvesant/Lewis Block Assoc. - btwn: Stuyvesant & Lewis
- Stuyvesant North Block Assoc. - btwn: Putnam & Jefferson

Commercial Honorable Mentions
- Shops of Lewis Ave - btwn: MacDonough & Decatur St, East

Best Street Tree Beds
- 1st Place Winner -- Macon/MacDonough/Stuyvesant/Lewis Block Assoc. - btwn: Stuyvesant & Lewis

- 3rd Place Winner -- Macon/Reid/Patchen Block Assoc - btwn: Malcolm X & Patchen Ave

FYI - VOLUNTEERS FOR MXB MARKET

2008-08-06T12:50:00.000-07:00

Starting Friday Aug. 22nd through Nov. 14th, we will need a
team of volunteers to help run the Malcolm X Blvd. community
farmers' market on Fridays. We will need people from 9-12noon to
help set up -- from 12noon to 6pm to help run the Brooklyn Rescue
Mission stand and /or sell fruit from Red Jacket Orchards, and
6pm - 7pm to help clean up. If you are interested please contact
Sonia at: malcolmxmarket@gmail.com or
917-627-8871 Thanks!

WHOLE FOODS MARKET - COMING TO BROOKLYN

2008-08-04T07:31:00.000-07:00

Maybe some of you knew already but for those who didn't know... Whole Foods Market® (NASDAQ: WFMI), the world's leading retailer of natural and organic foods, officially broke ground for the company's first Brooklyn store, located at the corner of Third Avenue and Third Street. At a ceremony attended by local elected officials, community leaders and area residents, Whole Foods Market officials detailed their plans for the 68,000-square-foot grocery store on a 2.1 acre site. The store is expected to open in spring 2008. But as of right now the opening date is still uncertain, do not fear we are hoping the store will open before 2009.

"We are extremely excited about bringing Whole Foods Market to Brooklyn," said Christina Minardi, northeast regional president for Whole Foods Market. "Whole Foods Market will not only offer Brooklyn residents a wide array of natural and organic foods, but we also look forward to making our store a valuable community resource." The new Whole Foods Market will feature a Community Room available to local civic groups, as well as a landscaped, publicly accessible esplanade along the Gowanus Canal.

The store will include on-site parking for 430 cars, and shoppers will access the Whole Foods Market parking lot via entrances on Third Street and Third Avenue. In addition, pedestrians will be served by a covered walkway from Third Street to the store's main entrance. Featuring large windows into the store on both the Third Street and Third Avenue elevations, the Whole Food Market will maintain a pedestrian-friendly, active and accessible streetscape. In addition, the two-story, landmark 19th century building situated at the property's corner at Third Avenue and Third Street will remain in place.

CHILDREN'S GOLF

2008-08-03T06:33:00.000-07:00

MY NAME IS

2008-08-02T10:55:00.000-07:00

Although this video was produced for Barack Obama, I feel that we could apply this message to benefit our community.
Enjoy!

MXMA

2008-08-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

The cool thing about this image is the banner on the light pole,
"Malcolm X Blvd Merchant Association" aka "MXMA"
These banners stretch...I believe, all the way from Fulton Street to
Broadway St. This is a really nice look for Malcolm X Blvd, as I have
said before, "Keep your eyes on MXB" Change is coming.

1st UP "THE GREAT DEBATERS"

2008-07-31T18:10:00.000-07:00

If you have not seen, "The Great Debaters" here is your
chance...for free!!! at The 9th Annual Kids Flix Film Fest
in BedStuy
When: Aug. 1st 2008
Where: Fulton Park (A/C train - Utica Station)
Time: 8pm

FYI - FISH @ THE MXB MARKET

2008-07-29T18:40:00.000-07:00

Greetings Fish Lovers,
just to let you know, this Friday (Aug. 1st) at the "MXB Farmers Market" Fish vendors will be out and about.

SMALL/MEDIUM/LARGE

2008-07-29T09:50:00.000-07:00

click on image to view

URBAN ARTS MARKET

2008-07-26T12:35:00.000-07:00

click on image to view ^
Myrtle Avenue between Grand Avenue & Emerson Place
Sunday July 27th 2008
12 noon -6pm
local vendors, music & food
DJ Spinna
& The Earthmen Experience
feat. DJ Hard Hittin Harry

For more info check out: Brooklyn Urban Arts Market site

FAMILY FITNESS vs MXB FARMERS MARKET

2008-07-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

Alright everyone, please do not forget what's going on every Friday in Bedstuy Brooklyn...
July 25th 2008
1. Malcolm X Blvd. Farmers Market -- 12noon -6pm at Malcolm X Blvd. btwn. Marion St & Chauncey St
2. Family Fitness Day -- Boys & Girls High School 5:30 - 7:30pm
enter at Schenectady Ave btwn Fulton St & Atlantic Ave. Every child must be accompanied by an adult (18+) Water bottle, sneakers & comfortable clothing. All children aged 3-5 and their families are FREE! Parents with children 6yrs and up will be charged $6.00 for the day. For more information please Contact Karenga @ 718-913-7347 or karifu@hotmail.com

***Absolutely no gum or candy!

Please support our neighborhood events.

BADU LIVE AUG. 4th 2008

2008-07-23T03:51:00.000-07:00

An evening with Erykah Badu live
Aug. 4th 2008 at Wingate Field
for more info. check out brooklyn
concerts.com or call 718-222-0600

ONE LOVE CELEBRATION - SUNDAY JULY 20th IN FULTON PARK

2008-07-20T08:54:00.000-07:00

Another Target Community Garden Coming Soon...Cool!

2008-07-18T14:25:00.000-07:00

I was walking back from the MXB Farmers Market on Friday afternoon when I saw a neighbor of mine watering his plants. Chit chat chit chat, yadi yada yada...he told me while strolling down MXB earlier today he noticed some men working at an empty plot of land on MXB & Monroe St. He asked the workers what the plan was for the space...they replied, "Target Community Garden". Cool!
Slowly but surely...keep your eye on this fast developing neighborhood...very exciting. If anyone has more info. on this project -- please feel free to leave your comment.

JOHN LEGEND HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ON MONDAY JULY 21st

2008-07-17T14:07:00.000-07:00

I received an email from a friend & neighbor regarding a cool music series, check out: http://www.brooklynconcerts.com/mlk.html

JOHN LEGEND HAS SOMETHING TO SAY ON JULY 21st 2008
The 26th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series performances are held Monday nights 7:30 pm at Wingate Field entrances on Brooklyn Avenue (Rutland Roa an Winthrop Street.)

John Legend is a five-time Grammy-winner and multi-platinum singer, songwriter, and performer whose albums -- "Get Lifted" and "Once Again" -- and singles -- including "Ordinary People," "Used To Love U," "Save Room," and "Heaven" -- have secured his place as one of the most striking, vital and important American musical artists to emerge in the 21st century.

Legend -- who'd made his name primarily as an in-demand all-star studio session writer and musician whose credits included work with Lauryn Hill, Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Common and Kanye West among others -- stepped into the solo spotlight in 2004 as the first artist signed to Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Music production company and was signed to Columbia Records in May of that year.

BED STUY FARMERS MARKET

2008-07-17T11:36:00.000-07:00

GRAND OPENING FARMERS MARKET starting this Friday July 18th, 12-6 pm on Malcolm X Blvd between Marion & Chauncey Street. You will be able to buy veggies and fruits...for now - but, in the next week or so we will have fish vendors and bakers and hopefully fresh flowers will follow (that would be great!). This is our chance to enhance our quality of life in the food area for Stuyvesant Heights. Lets support our new farmers market...other communities do it all the time!!! Why go all the way to Park Slope, Court Street or Union Square when we have a market right here.

Everyone should buy at least 1 or 2 items every Friday, I will.

For more information, contact 718-363-3085.

BROOKLYN CHILDREN'S MUSEUM - REOPENING

2008-07-17T09:02:00.000-07:00

Get a sneak peak of the Brooklyn Children Museum

You’re Invited to a Neighborhood Sneak Preview Hard-Hat Tour

at 11am, on Sunday, July 20 and Saturday, August 2! Adults only.

The tour begins promptly at 11am • 145 Brooklyn Avenue at St. Marks Avenue If you would like to attend, please contact Barbara Troy, the Museum’s Government and Community Affairs Associate, at (718) 735-4400 x391or btroy@brooklynkids. org. Please indicate the date you will attend.

Visit our website for up-to-date expansion and programming information: www.brooklynkids. org

Our reopening is right around the corner!

September 2008!

Brooklyn Children’s Museum will reopen to the public this September with

a spectacular new building—doubled in size—that will be home to:

• all-new exhibitions for children and families to explore the arts,

cultures from around the world, and science and the environment

• all-new programs, including demonstrations, arts and crafts

activities, workshops for preschoolers, and cultural performances

• all-new services, including a large café, a coat check, a gift shop, and extra restrooms

FAMILY FITNESS DAY KICKOFF

2008-07-12T09:07:00.000-07:00

This past Friday (june 11th) was the first day of the family fitness kickoff at Boys & Girls High School...and let me tell you, if you missed it -- you missed a very fun day...but, no worries it will continue for the next 7 weeks (every Friday starting at 5:30pm) Check out some pics below and see you next Friday. Oh yeah, it was great to see all the parents enjoying the games as well.
click on photo to view larger image

THE NEW BROOKLYN

2008-07-10T17:58:00.000-07:00

DESIGNER FIXTURES Kevin Reid is renting a two-bedroom in the Mynt in Bedford-Stuyvesant. He decorated his living/dining area with a wraparound couch and sleek kitchen stools.

By CHRISTINE HAUGHNEY

WHILE condominium developers across the country are trying to unload thousands of apartments that they can’t sell, some builders in Brooklyn have found the real estate equivalent of a golden parachute. Having turned their new units into high-priced rentals, they have found a surprising number of eager takers.

Kevin Reid, who is renting a two-bedroom in the Mynt at 756 Myrtle Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant, is a perfect example. His 72-unit building was originally planned as condominiums, but the developer converted it into rentals and kept the appliances and fixtures meant for buyers.

Mr. Reid pays $2,550 a month for perks like views of the Empire State Building and a deep Kohler bathtub that reminds him of tubs in a luxury hotel room. The brokerage firm Aptsandlofts.com has rented all but five units. A similar unit in Manhattan would rent for an average of $6,853, according to Citi Habitats.

Mr. Reid, 30, an event planner, decorated his living/dining area with a white wraparound couch and sleek kitchen stools. He and his friends, he said, had no interest in living in brownstones or older Brooklyn properties. When he eventually buys in Brooklyn, he wants a condo like his current rental.

“My peers who have their M.B.A.’s and their new master’s degrees and new jobs, they’re looking for new condos; they’re not into the traditional houses or brownstones,” he said. “This is the lifestyle we like. You cannot put a fitness center in a brownstone. You don’t have a doorman in a brownstone.”

The taste preferences of these new renters worry some longtime Brooklyn residents who wonder how the borough will change if these renters, who are not seeking Brooklyn’s characteristic tight-knit neighborhood feel, decide to stay and buy.

COMMUNITY GARDEN MEETING AT TARGET GARDEN

2008-07-10T11:03:00.001-07:00

Thursday, July 17th at 7:00 p.m. the New York Restoration Project will be holding a meeting in the community garden located on Bedford Avenue between Willoughby and Dekalb Avenues. At this meeting you will get a chance to hear from representatives from NYRP, learn about garden membership and help plan events. This meeting is open to all.

For more information call Angela at 212.333.2552 or email amichie@nyrp.org.

Bedford Avenue Garden is Open For Your Enjoyment

Bedford Avenue Garden Gets a Major Facelift

REVISED MUSIC

2008-07-08T07:24:00.000-07:00

I thought it would be nice to share this pretty cool rendition of "Redemption Song" by Ziggy Marley & The Chieftains
Enjoy!

MELBA MOORE LIVE IN FULTON PARK

2008-07-08T06:49:00.000-07:00

R&B singer Melba Moore along with Dj Joseph Clarke, performing her live classic hits July 19, 2008 at Fulton Street Park -- Brooklyn NY. Show starts at 6pm and is free to all, get there early to hold your spot you dont want to get left in the back melba will sign autographs and take photos bring your cameras see you there!

JULY 4th IN STUYVESANT HEIGHTS

2008-07-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

Photos from: 2nd Annual Block Stoop Sale -- 50th Annual Fulton Park Art Fair -- Jumping w/ Aisha Cousins -- The Brooklyn Music Experience & the first of many Stoop Soiree
click photo to view larger image

37th ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL AFRICAN ARTS FESTIVAL

2008-07-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

The 37th Annual International African Arts Festival starts Thursday July 3rd through Sunday, July 6th from 10am until 9pm, at the spacious Commodore Barry Park, at Park Ave and Navy Street Downtown Brooklyn, NY 11205. For more info, please see: www.iaafestival.org

NEW FOOD

2008-07-03T20:53:00.000-07:00

Right next to "Breadstuy" on Lewis Ave between Decatur Street and MacDonough Street, is a new place I'm sure we are going to love..."PEACHES MARKET CAFE". Stop by from 5pm - 9pm (July 4th) & check out a preview of the menu and the vibe. We would like to hear your comments of this new cafe, so feel free to come back and post your review. For more info please visit: "peaches also thesmokejoin" in the link list, above and to the right. or call: 718-797-1011

"OUT WITH THE OLD & IN WITH THE NEW" quality of life report

2008-07-02T09:53:00.000-07:00

Take a walk down Malcolm X Blvd. between Decatur St and MacDonough St. In between, Thompson Interior Design store (373 Decatur St) and the beauty salon...you will notice that a couple of abandoned store fronts have been given a creative face lift.

Rae McGrath, owner of - Brooklynite Gallery (334 Malcolm X Blvd) and 5-7 kids from the neighborhood gave the metal gates a boost of color (with permission of course). So great job to all of the kids, to Rae and the parents for letting their children be apart of something creative and positve in our neighborhood.

BED STUY FAMILY FITNESS KICKOFF

2008-07-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Date: July 11th - August 29th (8 consecutive weeks)
Every Friday : from 5:30 - 7:30pm
Where: Boys & Girls HS Athletic Field
Karenga Arifu , Facilitator

Program Description:
This 8 week program will engage young people ages 3-12 and their families in basic exercise, agility-building, sports skill development, team building and fun competition. Primarily through the sports of TRACK & FIELD and SOCCER, families will get the opportunity to play together and socialize with other families in a safe community activity.

What to Bring/Wear?
Every child must be accompanied by an adult (18+)
Water bottle, sneakers & comfortable clothing.
What not to Bring?
***Absolutely no gum or candy!

All children aged 3-5 and their families are FREE!

SPACE IS LIMITED!
Contact Karenga @ 718-913-7347 or karifu@hotmail.com for more info., to register and/or volunteer with the program.

Sponsored by
Community Parents Head Start, Inc.
Family Dynamics Beacon Center (SCO Family of Services)
Bedford Stuyvesant Volunteer Ambulance Corps

ONK ONK!

2008-06-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Down in D.U.M.B.O --enjoying the beautiful weather, checking out the new waterfalls...very cool!!! Sippin' on a soy chai from Starbucks...duck into West Elm for some decorating inspiration.
Wha? I thought I've seen just about everything. Take a really good look at the photos...yep -- pigs with florescent belt straps...lol. This lovely lady is walking her pigs.

LIVE, WORK, BE INSPIRED

2008-06-22T06:29:00.001-07:00

Architect David Ling lives in a Manhattan loft equipped with a waterfall, a bridge, and a bed cantilevered 10 feet over a moat. This is no home for the faint of heart.

I just thought it would be cool to share something different.
enjoy!
Chris

STUYVESANT HEIGHTS vs LEAD POISONING

2008-06-21T06:36:00.002-07:00

Greetings All,

This post is a bit long but well worth the information, please take some time and read this disturbing email we rcvd' from one of our neighbors. It's regarding the building in the picture with the CHASE BANK sign posted in front...I wonder if Chase Bank knows about this?
<----- click on picture

Dear Parents and Friends,

We have been MIA for a few weeks, and the following ordeal is why. It's something that is a urgent issue, especially for anyone with children..
Recently my daughter was diagnosed with a lead blood level of 17. It is confirmed that at 10, lead causes permanent adverse affects on the intellect, nervous system, and kidneys of any child under 6 years of age. That is because their systems are 5-10 times more efficient at absorbing lead than adults, and at this crucial stage of their rapid development, any affects of poisoning is irreversible.

We live next to a large apartment building that is being renovated at 575 Hancock, at Stuyvesant. 4 weeks ago the contractor, Vertical Design and Construction was dry grinding all of the fire escapes on the building over a week and a half period. Our house is 3 feet away from the fire escapes they were working on. We would hear the paintchips hitting our windows as they were grinding the paint off of them for days. Our windows were and still are covered in paint dust from their work. Every time we went outside, or opened our door, the fumes
would evade our entire house and stay for hours.

I wanted to hold off on this email until we received the lab test results which we have today. The threshold limit (before lead is considered hazardous) for lead dust in window sills is 250 micrograms per square foot. The mound of lead dust created by the construction company in our kitchen window sill came in at 97,400 micrograms. That is 390 times the threshold amount!! This is what we breathed in everyday as we walked down this block.

What is scary is that there is a Bridge Street Head Start day carecenter right next to this building. Their windows/entrance doors are 2 feet away from these fire escapes. Anyone who knows of parents who send their children there, please tell them to get their children
tested for lead immediately! Also if you or anyone you know of lives near this building, pls have those children tested for lead! I spoke to the caregivers at Bridge Street Head Start Day Care, who said they would call their director. They still have not notified the parents. I know there are potential liabilities in terms of the contractors, but the health and safety of our children cannot be sacrificed for financial gain or politics. Please pass this email along so that it
reaches these parents in time. These contractors need to held accountable for their actions.
Otherwise they will continue to operate in a way that will further harm more children. We approached the contractor, telling them it was an unsafe situation, especially for our child and other children in the neighborhood, but they continued to work in this dangerous manner
for over a week. They did not take the legally required precautions of sealing off the area and washing down it down afterwards. After finding out about Lily's lead poisoning and doing research to discover that such a high lead level could not have come from any sources inside our home, we spoke to the supervisor of the construction company. He had no remorse. He even admitted to knowing that there was probably lead paint on those fire escapes that was
being released into the air! He said that it was part of the scope of the work and that it is done.
It would have not taken that much more time to properly seal off the work areas and wash down afterwards (as required by the city) to prevent the poisoning of our community's children!

I am outraged as our lives have been turned upside down and we are having to suffer such heart break and anguish because of this contractor's willful and criminal negligence. I have spoken to Bridge Street Church but have not yet received a response. The pastor has agreed with us that this situation caused by Vertical Design and Construction is unpardonable. This is a dangerous and avoidable lesson in lack of community activism. We need to protect our children who will become the future of this community. If you ever see any construction/demolition that
is potentially dangerous or harmful to the environment, please call 311 immediately, they usually take 2-3 days to come out and must see the violation in progress. So the earlier a call is made the better. I know we may all have our loyalties, but our children cannot pay the price. The onus is on the licensed and insured contractors doing the work to do it properly since they are instructed to follow certain procedures as required by the city. I only wish I had been aware of the how dangerous this type of dry sanding was at the time of it's happening and had immediately contacted the city perhaps preventing this situation from causing my
daughter's (and potentially several other children's) lead poisoning. I would not wish this anguish and suffering that John and I have gone through, are still going through, on anyone.
I hope you can pass this email along to all the members of our community, so that it is a safer place for our children.

We should no longer quietly suffer. Our children deserve no less than a bright future, no matter where they live. A concerned mother and member of the community,

Angela Chiang

'What we invest in our children is never wasted'
-Dorothy, Lily's great grand mother

NEW FOOD

2008-06-20T05:09:00.000-07:00

Looks like we will have a new place to sit down and eat in Bed Stuy... new restaurant opening soon on the corner of Stuyvesant Ave and Macon St. Not sure what kind of food will be served, does anyone know?

***June 28, 2008 -- Ok...maybe I was too excited to see another restaurant opening in the neighborhood. It turns out that the reality company that has this listing is just updating the front of this space with sliding glass doors that opens facing Stuyvesant Street. Oh well, we will keep you all updated on this prime real estate.

CHASING WATERFALLS IN BROOKLYN

2008-06-19T19:37:00.000-07:00

Olafur Eliasson’s artificial waterfall positioned below the Promenade in Brooklyn Heights was operating this morning, well ahead of its scheduled June 26 debut. Above is a view from near the foot of Remsen Street, complete with rainbow.

Here is a view from the Brooklyn Bridge.