|
|
Welcome to The Sixth Sense - the monthly newsletter of Brooklyn Community Board 6, serving the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens/South Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Columbia Street Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope and Red Hook.
I love this time of year. The days are short and the nights continue to grow longer. The winter solstice is my favorite time of the year. And it's not because of the holidays--although I do count the "solstice" among them--it's simply because of the mystery of the long, dark night. The solstice unites us as a species, all of whom are traveling on the same blue marble circling around the same bright sun.
We are so fortunate to live and work in a district with such a rich diversity of people and ideas. Where some old-fashioned notion of neighborhood still resonates strongly, even as we consider the bright and promising future of our communities. Where there's room enough for old-timers, newcomers, and folks who are somewhere in-between. After all, really, aren't we all somewhere in-between?
Our neighborhood civic and merchant groups continue to thrive as newcomers join old-timers to become part of the engine that drives local community engagement. Just look at all of the opportunities to get together as a community to celebrate together--whether it's at our annual Brooklyn CB6 Holiday Party (please come, or consider making a year-end donation to our non-profit organization), or any of the many other warm and wonderful local events listed below.
One of my favorite holiday traditions is to attend the annual Paul Winter Consort's Winter Solstice Concert to enjoy hauntingly beautiful world music, heightened by a majestic setting, complete with a warm sense of renewed faith in spirituality and humanity. I'm so grateful for another chance to howl at the moon together. Aroooooooooo!
Celebrating the solstice there is only one race--the human race. Language, culture, and dogma yield to the forces of humankind striving to evolve as a species. We pause to celebrate the most basic, common Earthly experience. When the moon dominates the sun for time in the sky. When nocturnal creatures celebrate. When the harvest is in and people begin wrapping themselves in layer-upon-layer of clothing and outer garments. When body heat really means something. This is perfect weather for snuggling, cuddling and lounging around with friends and loved ones. The smell of wood burning, the crackle of leaves crunching under foot, and the brisk feeling of cold air hitting the lungs.
Ah, winter! Welcome back again my friend.
Happy Solstice. See you on the other side!
Enjoy our newsletter, and please let us know what you would like to see in future editions.
P.S. If you like what you see here, please use the "Forward email to a friend" link at the bottom of the page to pass this email along to a friend or two. There are over 104,000 residents and thousands of businesses in our district. We'd love it if they would all sign up!
|
|
Friends of Brooklyn CB6 Holiday Party
Monday, December 15th, 6-9pm
191 7th Street
(between 2nd/3rd Avenues)
Gowanus, Brooklyn
Tickets: $35 in advance, $40 at the door Ticket price entitles you to a delicious meal, unlimited laughs and cheer. Cash bar.
Please RSVP.
All are invited! Everyone is welcome!
Tickets can be purchased in advance by clicking here or by mailing a check made out to: "Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc.", 250 Baltic Street, Brooklyn, NY 11201-6401.
The holiday party also serves as a fundraiser for Friends of Brooklyn CB6. To that end, we're also soliciting donations of goods and services for our fiercely competitive raffle. To donate a raffle prize please contact [email protected]. A big THANK YOU to this year's holiday party sponsors:  
|
 Construction Updates
When there are heavy rains and the sewer system is at full capacity, a diluted mixture of rain water and sewage, known as combined sewage, may overflow into local waterways as a combined sewer overflow (CSO).The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is conducting a Citywide public meeting on NYC's CSO Long Term Control Plan (LTCP). At this Annual Citywide Public Meeting, DEP will report on the work performed in 2014 on the individual LTCPs including the Gowanus Canal, and will provide an update on its Green Infrastructure program and NYC's Climate Resiliency Plan. The meeting is scheduled for 6:00-8:00pm on Thursday, December 11th at Hostos Community College, Savoy Multi-Purpose room, 500 Grand Concourse, (B.D.) Bronx.For those of you wishing to learn more about DEP's Green Infrastructure program for our district, the department will be installing dozens of Right-of-Way Bioswales and a couple of Green Street treatments within the Gowanus watershed in Brooklyn CB's 2, 6 and 8. DEP will be presenting their construction plans at the upcoming meeting of the CB6 Environmental Protection Committee at 6:30pm on Monday, December 22nd, location TBD. In addition to DEP, National Grid is also working with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), other potentially responsible parties, and the community to develop the remedy so it results in an effective cleanup of the Gowanus Canal. For its part, National Grid quickly recognized the challenge of cleaning up the Gowanus Canal and stepped up to be part of the solution. Recently, National Grid put up a website dedicated to the clean up of the Gowanus Canal.
The Lightstone Group is constructing a 700-unit residential development and public waterfront esplanade park at 363-365 Bond Street and 388 Carroll Street in Gowanus. Upcoming work includes: Remaining foundation work at 365 Bond Street, Superstructure work at 365 Bond Street, Site remediation at 363 Bond Street, Test piles at 363 Bond Street, Surveying and layout. During December, the community can expect increased manpower and truck deliveries during hours of operation (Mon-Fri, 7am-6pm, some weekend work will be scheduled as needed). Signs, advisories, and temporary construction barriers to guide traffic and pedestrians and promote safety. Check out their latest Construction Update. |
|
Things to do in the District
Friday, December 5, 6:00pm
Join the Court Street Merchants Association and the Friends of Carroll Park for the Carroll Park Tree Lighting Ceremony. Come to the Court Street end of the Valentino Ballfield to gather for the annual holiday tree lighting. Party at the park house to follow!
Friday, December 5, 6:00-8:00pm
Annual Atlantic Avenue Tree Lighting Ceremony
Officiated by NYC Council Member Stephen Levin with live performances by Rolie Polie Guacamole and dance and music by children of public schools 38 and 261 * Holiday treats provided by local shops and restaurants * Special guest Santa will greet the children * Toy & Book drive (bring new toy or book fully wrapped with written note on wrapping paper indicating appropriate gender and age group. Location: Belarusian Church, 401 Atlantic Avenue
Saturday December 6, 11:30-2:00pm
Red Hook HUB Ribbon Cutting at the Red Hook Library. Please join us in launching the Red Hook HUB, a new system for sharing and gathering community information. Enjoy an information session, review of HUB website and appearance by City Council Member Carlos Menchaca. Location: Red Hook Library, 7 Wolcott Street
Saturday, December 6, 7:00-10:00pm
Court Tree Collective presents Year End Review: A salon style exhibit showcasing this year and a preview into next year. Food provided by Tropical Ghana. Location: 371 Court Street, 2nd floor Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7, 12:00-6:00pmTI Art Studio's Annual Holiday MarketThis year's Market is the most diverse yet. For the first time in five years of doing this, we've invited artists/artisans from the Red Hook, Gowanus, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens areas to join members of Ti Art Studios in our Annual Holiday Market. This will bring a wider variety of products to the market. We're excited and can't wait to open our doors to the neighborhood. Location: Treasure Island Storage Building, 183 Lorraine Street Saturday & Sunday, December 6-7, 12:00-8:00pmA Red Hooker Holiday Maker's MarketA handcrafted market featuring the beautiful creations of Red Hook Makers. Join us for a day of shopping, music, good food and drink! Location: Atelier Roquette, 63 Commerce Street.
Wednesday, December 10, 5:30pm
SBIDC Holiday Party. It's been a great year at SBIDC and we'd love to celebrate with you! Join us for our annual holiday party on December 10th at 5:30pm for cocktails and light fare. Location: Bell House, 149 7th Street. Admission is free, but space is limited, so be sure to RSVP to: sbidcholiday.eventbrite.com
Wednesday, December 10, 7:00-8:30pm
Park Slope Women's Shelter 18th Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. All of our friends and neighbors are welcome to join CAMBA for cookies, hot cocoa, music and spectacular lights. Call 718.369.7226 for additional information. Location: Park Slope Armory, 1402 8th Avenue (btw 14th/15th Sts)
Thursday December 11, 11:00am-3:00pm
SNAP application assistance outreach event. The SNAP program (formerly Food Stamps) helps people make ends meet and put healthy food on their tables! Many seniors choose to pay for other necessities like medicine or rent over food when the budget gets tight, but this does not need to be the case. In response, the Council of Senior Centers and Services (CSCS), AARP Foundation, the NYC Department for the Aging (DFTA), is offering FREE SNAP application assistance and other benefit screenings. Location: Carroll Gardens Library, 396 Clinton Street
Friday, December 12, 6:00-7:30pm
The Carroll Gardens Association and the Columbia Waterfront District Merchants Association presents the 7th Annual Columbia Waterfront District Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Human Compass Garden on the corner of Columbia and Sackett Street. Toy Drive: Accepting toy donations until Thursday, December 11.
Saturday, December 13, 7pm
Appearing in the 2014 Jamboree: Rolie Polie Guacamole, The PS38 Pop Vocal Choir, Purelements: An Evolution in Dance, The Brooklyn Community Chorus and a few additional surprise performances. In addition, Schlesser and Rev. Daniel Meeter (of Old First Reformed Church) host a festive sing-a-long throughout the show, including the Grande Finale: The 12 Days of Christmas being performed by the entire audience! Location: Congregation Beth Elohim, 8th Ave and Garfield Place. Suggested donation of $10
Saturday December 13, 12:30pm
J-Collabo Kids Holiday Festival. Workshop table,
Kendama Painting, Origami, Holiday Card, Family Photo Shooting, Kid's Amazake....and much more. Location: J-Collabo 300 7th Street, Park Slope. Suggested donation of $10
Saturday December 13, 6:00-8:00pm
This class will examine the historic role of the graphic design profession in creating work for movements; it will look at highbrow poster campaigns, low-fi know-your-rights 'zines, and everything in between. Limited space so please email [email protected] to reserve a spot. Location: Interference Archive, 131 8th Street, #4
Saturday & Sunday December 13 & 14, 12:00-6:00pm
Proteus Gowanus Holiday Shopping Fair
Time to shop for holiday gifts you won't find anywhere else. Our galleries will be filled with vendors, crafts, books and art objects at affordable prices. Location: 543 Union Street
Saturday, December 20, time TBD
The Morbid Anatomy Museum presents the annual Krampus Party; this year's iteration will feature a cardboard Bavarian village wonderland and Krampus photo booth compliments of Jane Rose; appearances by St Nicholas and Krampus, a costume contest, burlesque, music, drinks and much more! Location: Morbid Anatomy Museum, 424 Third Avenue
Tuesday, December 31, 11:00pm
New Year's Eve Fireworks at Prospect Park. Start the celebrations off around 11 p.m. with entertainment and hot refreshments at Grand Army Plaza. We can't help you keep your resolutions, but we can get you off to a dazzling start! Best locations for viewing the fireworks include: anywhere in Grand Army Plaza, inside the Park on the West Drive, and along Prospect Park West between Grand Army Plaza and 9th Street. |
|
"Thank you, Daniel M. Kummer!"
 The end of this month marks the end of an era. Daniel M. Kummer will be completing his tenure as Chairperson of Brooklyn Community Board 6. This community board has term limits for its elected officers, and Daniel has served the maximum of four consecutive one-year terms from 2011 through 2014. As the consummate professional, having Daniel's steady hand on the rudder at general meetings steered the board through many meaty and lengthy agendas with businesslike precision. Perhaps the hallmark of Daniel's tenure is his innate skill as a wordsmith capable of conveying the community board's voice with clarity, conviction and passion. Perhaps it will be the occasional sprinkling of humor into his reports, delivered with comic timing in a perfect deadpan tone. One things that is certain is Daniel's unquestionable commitment to grassroots democracy; our communities are the better for it.
Thank you, Daniel, for taking on a seemingly thankless job and performing it expertly as you have these past four years. It has neither gone unnoticed nor unappreciated.
|
|
Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc. was established in 2003 to support the work of Brooklyn Community Board 6 in improving the quality of life in the district. Friends seeks to provide planning, advocacy, research and administrative resources to supplement the limited capacities and budget of the Community Board, thus enabling it to properly carry out its City Charter mandated tasks of evaluating the needs of the district and advocating on behalf of its communities.
Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal EIN 04-3780020).
|
|
|
General Board Meeting
 | |
photo by Bryan Bruchman
|
|
6:30pm, December 10thBrooklyn Borough Hall
209 Joralemon Street, Community Room
Brooklyn, NY 11217
All posted meetings are open to the public; however, participation may be limited.
|
ADVERTISE WITH US
The Sixth Sense newsletter is delivered to over 5,400 email boxes of some of the most civic-minded people in the known universe.
Interested in supporting a local non-profit organization and advertising at the same time?
|
Who's Who at #BKcb6
● Daniel M. Kummer,
Chairperson
● Thomas Miskel,
First Vice Chairperson
● Pauline Blake,
Second Vice Chairperson
● Gary Reilly,
Treasurer
● Ariel Krasnow,
Secretary
● Richard Bashner,
Waterfront/Community Development
● Paige Bellenbaum,
Human Services, Co-Chair
● Peter Fleming,
Land Use; Elections
● Glenn Kelly,
Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs
● Ariel Krasnow,
Housing
● Daniel M. Kummer,
Executive
● Robert Levine,
Landmarks
● Sayar Lonial,
Transportation, Co-Chair
● Rick Luftglass,
Budget;Economic Development
● Thomas Miskel,
Transportation, Co-Chair
● Gary Reilly,
Finance/Personnel & Law; Permits & Licenses
● Mark C. Shames,
Environmental Protection
● Matthew Silverman,
Public Safety
● Benjamin Solotaire,
Human Services, Co-Chair
● Suzanne Turet,
Education, Chair
● Craig Hammerman,
District Manager
● LeRoy P. Branch, Jr.
Assistant District Manager
● Liza Santiago-Sierra,
Community Associate
● Sarah N. Phillips,
Special Projects Coordinator
● Helena Miskel,
Office Volunteer ● John Parsons, Planning Fellow ● Josh Thompson, Planning Fellow
● Craig Hammerman,
Editor-in-Chief
● Sarah N. Phillips,
Managing Editor
● Thomas Diana,
Contributing Writer
|
GOOD & WELFARE Congratulations to former Brooklyn CB6 Planning Fellow Mia Brezin, who recently began a new position as the Assistant District Manager of Manhattan Community Board 11. We're very proud of you, Mia!We extend condolences to the family and friends of Deputy Inspector Joseph T. Cassidy, former Commanding Officer of the 76th Precinct, who passed away on November 11, 2014. Thank you for your service to our community.Do you or someone you know owe more than $1,000 in Child Support Debt? The City's Human Resources Administration is offering special incentives to help Pay It Off, available from November 12th through December 31st. Call (212) 274-6000 for more information. It's cold and flu season! Protect yourself. The Department of Health & Mental Hygiene can tell you how in their newest brochure which is also disponible en Espa�ol. Call 311, or text "flu" to 877877 to find out where to get a flu vaccine.
|
QUICK CLICKS
Why is your neighborhood library important to you? Nominate your local branch library for a NYC Library Award and it could win a $20,000 award. Nominations are open through December 12th. Our Carroll Gardens, Pacific, Park Slope and Red Hook branches are all eligible for prizes.
The Wildlife Conservation Society's Prospect Park Zoo is now accepting applications for its adult docent program.The program is open to adults 18 years and older.
Those accepted into the program will attend a minimum of eight training sessions at the zoo. Topics include conservation, biology, and informal learning. The application deadline is December 29th. Training begins on Jan. 18, 2015.
Through its Homebase prevention program, DHS helps keep New York City families stably housed in their homes and out of shelter. This is a vital collaborative effort with other city agencies, their partners, and their employees.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a housing crisis, download the Homebase map or visit 311 Online to locate your nearest office.
|
Did you know that we maintain a Facebook page and we tweet too? For those announcements that just can't wait for our next issue...
Like us on Facebook BrooklynCB6
Follow us on Twitter @BrookynCB6
Tweet with hashtag #BKcb6
|
|
|
