Brooklyn elects it's first Mayor since 1892, Bill deBlasio!

I'm happy to report what you already know, Bill deBlasio is our new Mayor of New York City.

I didn't hate Bloomberg, (Hell I've actually go a photo of he and I shaking hands) but I often disagreed with his managerial style as it was too macro&micro view for me. Blanket policies worked in my opinion on bike lanes and pedestrian plazas, but failed to consider basic human rights as in "Stop & Frisk". So thanks to democracy we get to try a new way.

I've expected Mr. deBlasio to be our Mayor since this past August. But as recently as April I would have been stunned at yesterday's election result. I expected Speaker Quinn to be a stronger more able candidate. Nobody say Weiner coming. And what he did beside remarkably demonstrating it was possible to sink his public persona lower than it was after he disgraced himself out of congress, is remind optimistic liberals that we actually had a choice other than Ms. Quinn who many such as myself saw as a Bloomberg reboot. I think it's possible without Weiner entering, we could have just as easily had a Mayor Thompson or Quinn as deBlasio.

But we got what I and 72% of voting New Yorkers wanted, a clean break, a new guy, a new day.

I also find it very fascinating, (and someone who gets paid to write and explore these topics we'll surely pick up on this) that Brooklyn largely voted this Mayor in. A Brooklyn local, diBlasio's strong showing in Brooklyn during the primary provided protection against the wide field of candidates against him. Liu took most Asian neighborhoods, Quinn took most of Manhattan below Central Park, Thompson did well in Manhattan above as well as in Queens, and Carrion diluted the vote in the Bronx. But none of those groups could overcome the Brooklyn base that came out for diBlasio.

In yesterday's voting diBlasio continued to carry Brooklyn winning over 80% of the Kings County vote.

So much is appropriately and stupidly attributed to Brooklyn. The yawn-going conversation about whether we're the "New Manhattan" or whether someplace hundreds of miles away is the "New Brooklyn" (I'm looking at you Dutchess County, give it a rest) never seems accurately describe the actual impact Brooklyn has as an incubator of new city culture, and vault for treasured NYC tradition. but in this moment when Brooklyn is so central that we rate a Presidential visit, it seems spot on that Brooklyn has elected it's first Mayor* since 1892 and the time of Brooklyn Mayor Frederick W. Wurster.

(*btw I know Giuliani was born in Brooklyn, but Staten Island voted him in the first time. I ain't claiming him and I doubt I'm alone.)

Not to be out done, another Brooklynite, Councilwoman Leticia "Tish" James has quietly become the 1st African-American woman elected to city-wide office in New York City and by her position as the new Public Advocate, she becomes 2nd in line for Mayor of New York. Fantastic!

And last but by no means least, the vote for Brooklyn District Attorney. Who's going to police the police and prosecute those who break laws, you can argue it hasn't been out going Bklyn DA Hynes (who thought he was so nice we had to vote him out twice) but going forward it's no question, our new Brooklyn District Attorney is Ken Thompson and I believe he will work hard for the benefit and protection of law abiding Brooklynites.

"Manhattan keeps on making it, Brooklyn keeps on taking it"

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

CROWHILL ASSOC. COMMUNITY MEETING TONIGHT be there or stop bitchin (Crown/Prospect Heights)

For all those concerned with recent bursts of crime and tree molestations in the neighborhood, tonight is the perfect time to voice concerns, and find out what local authorities are doing to address those issues.

There will be a Crow Hill Community Association - Meeting Tonight at LaunchPad (the arts organization and storefront that I keep attending but never blog about) which is located at 721 Franklin Avenue between Park Place and Sterling Place. Short walk from the 2,3,4&5 trains at Franlin, even shorter walk from the Park Place Shuttle.

According to ILoveFranklinAve blog:

"It's the last meeting for the summer (the next one is in September), and guests will include a representative of the 77th Precinct and Councilwoman Letitia James. The meeting takes place at LaunchPad (721 Franklin Avenue) at 7:30 PM, and if I'm not mistaken, they'll have some light refreshments to facilitate some socializing before and afterwards."

Everyone concerned with the neighborhood, wanting to keep things progressing toward the better, planting of trees, encouraging of needed businesses etc should come out. See ya there!

FREE TREES ALL GONE! No Trees Sunday (an update)

I hope you got yours 'cause a lot of people got theirs!

The 2Day free tree giveaway got such a tremendous response there will be no trees to give away on Sunday. In fact the 200 trees given out on Saturday were gone in 2 hours!

 

Thank you Fulton Business Alliance (FAB) for giving me the heads up, you can see their thankful response below:

FAB Alliance said...

All Sold Out - No Trees Sunday. The turnout Saturday was overwhelming, so instead having of a two-day event on Fulton Street at the Putnam Triangle, all 200 trees were gone in less than 2 hours! Apparently, a lot of you agree that TREES ARE FAB. For a schedule of other tree-giveaways, see the "Community Calendar" at milliontreesnyc.org DID YOU GET A TREE? If so, send a photo of you and your tree to: info@greenfgch.org Thanks to all who came out Saturday... see you soon again on Fulton Street in Clinton Hill and Fort Greene! The FAB Alliance www.faballiance.org

This was the previous post:

City Council Member Letitia James wants you to know a green tree can be yours to grow in Brooklyn, for free!


How?


From their press release:

Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and the FAB Alliance in partnership with the New York Restoration Project and MillionTreesNYC and through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and David Rockefeller present...

200 FREE TREES!

Come to Fulton St and Grand Ave in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, from 10AM-3PM and leave with a FREE TREE!


Trees will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property only. First come, first served. If you need it, we will provide advice, lend a shovel, help you bring home a tree, or help you plant. Small decorative flowering trees will be available - perfect for front and rear yards!

For more info, contact Jed Marcus at tree@greenfgch.org

To volunteer, contact Marilyn at volunteer@greenfgch.org

You know, I wrote this entire post with a pure heart and clean mind, then I realized where the trees are being distributed and thought, "this ain't the first time you could pickup some trees there."


Yeh I'm crude, happily so.

Go Green, Get Free Trees, This Sat & Sun on Fulton

City Council Member Letitia James wants you to know a green tree can be yours to grow in Brooklyn, for free!

How?

From their press release:

Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill and the FAB Alliance in partnership with the New York Restoration Project and MillionTreesNYC and through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and David Rockefeller present...

200 FREE TREES!

Come to Fulton St and Grand Ave in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn on Saturday and Sunday, April 17-18, from 10AM-3PM and leave with a FREE TREE!

Trees will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property only. First come, first served. If you need it, we will provide advice, lend a shovel, help you bring home a tree, or help you plant. Small decorative flowering trees will be available - perfect for front and rear yards!

For more info, contact Jed Marcus at tree@greenfgch.org

To volunteer, contact Marilyn at volunteer@greenfgch.org

You know, I wrote this entire post with a pure heart and clean mind, then I realized where the trees are being distributed and thought, "this ain't the first time you could pickup some trees there."

Yeh I'm crude, happily so.

Show you care, just by being there - Street Co-naming in Crown Heights

The Anti-Gun Violence Mural "Piece Out, Peace In" created by Groundswell Mural Project,
from a photo in July while it was in progress

This past summer I had the opportunity to witness a beautiful combination of artistic effort, civic pride and youth-energized dedication. The effort provided by community leaders and groups and acted on by the Groundswell Mural Project, went into creating an Anti-Gun Violence mural on Brooklyn Avenue between Prospect and Park Places in Crown Heights. I won't go into a lot of stats about crime and gun violence, but I was struck by a comment from a community organizer who works against gun violence at the mural dedication, she remarked it's a wider problem than people think, that despite the efforts of many there are "illegal guns on every block and almost every apartment building in this neighborhood". I can't prove that but imagine if it's true... What is true is that the mural began design and was completed in about seven weeks and during that time there were approximately 2 shootings per week in Crown Heights.


The finished mural designed was dedicated last month in Crown Heights on Brooklyn Ave across from the Children's Museum

Another person who contributed to the mural and works in the community against the tragedy of gun violence is Robin Lyed, who came to this cause after losing her son, Benny who was needlessly murdered in front of his home by an unknown gunman. Benny by all accounts was a self motivated community active 19 year who mentored others, was a proven leader and looked forward to an ambitious future.


Benny A. Lyde victim of an unknown gunman will be honored on Saturday 9/19
when his name is added to Lincoln Place btwn Brooklyn and New York Avenues

Tomorrow, Saturday on Lincoln Place between New York and Brooklyn Avenues at 1:00 PM, the street where Benny lived and was killed will have his name added to it in his honor, and to demonstrate that good remains despite those who try to disrupt and destroy.

There will be a public ceremony and if you're able and you're interested in improving the community, come out and lend your strength and support.

details below (provided by Tish James' office)

Co-Naming of Lincoln Place for Benny A. Lyde, and celebration in his honor this Saturday September 19th at 1 pm

The community will remember and celebrate the life of Benny A. Lyde (known as Mr. Benny to many), by unveiling a new street sign at Lincoln Place between New York and Brooklyn Avenues in Crown Heights, Brooklyn. The street will be co-named Benny A. Lyde Place. The co-naming ceremony is set to begin at 1:00 PM.

Numerous residents and public officials are expected to attend the co-naming event including: Robin Lyde; District Attorney Charles Hynes; Borough President Marty Markowitz; Council Member Letitia James; Council Member Al Vann; Council Member David Yassky; State Senator Eric Adams; Assemblyman Karim Camara; 43rd District Leader Jesse Hamilton; James Caldwell, 77 Precinct Community Council; Fred Monderson, CB 8; and Shalawn Langhorne, Community Counseling and Mediation (CCM).

“Benny Lyde is remembered as a young, bright jewel within the community. During his life, he set an excellent example of discipline and hard work for his contemporaries, as well as was extremely committed to his community and family. Benny touched many lives during his 21 years and is greatly missed,” said Council Member James.

The life of Benny A. Lyde was cut short September 2, 2006 by the hands of gun violence, but his contributions will last forever. Please read the articles at the links below to learn more about this incredible young man.

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/03/nyregion/03kid.html

http://www.nydailynews.com

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Benny-Antoine-Lyde/90367352279

What: Co-naming of Lincoln Place to Benny A. Lyde Place, in honor of the late Benny Lyde

When: September 19, 2009
Where: Lincoln Place between New York and Brooklyn Avenues in Crown Heights, Brooklyn
Time: 1:00 PM
Please contact Alfred Chiodo at (718) 260-9191 if you would like more information.

Missed it Mondays: Wknd of 7/11-7/12 Edition

Whooooo-a-Wheee! Busy Weekend, I got to do lots, hope you did too...but nuff about me, let's talk about you! Did you have a full weekend around Brooklyn?

Then this "Maybe you missed it Monday" is for you. Wknd of 7/11-7/12 Edition

First stop was marked on the calendar 7/11! as in Free Slurpees at 7-Eleven!
I shot over to the Bed-Stuy boarder 7-Eleven grabbed the biggest cup and then had a moment of reality. I asked the dude behind the counter which was the free size. He handed me a cup like the one pictured to the left.

That cup is almost life-sized. Sheesh! But free is free!

And too much of that Slurpee mix ain't good for me, even though in my life I've probably had three total Slurpees. Of course I had something Blue to celebrate the rare occasion.

After wandering through Restoration on Fulton St. in a hypoglycemic stupor, I made my way to Crown Heights just in time to see Council Member Letitia James (Tish to friends) doing her best to drum up business for the Franklin Av/Sterling Pl Flea Market.

Councilmember Letitia James "Tish" (center) enticing passersby to check the nascent
Franklin Av/Sterling Pl. Flea Market. Below she seems to be happily product testing.

The Council Member was pushing for the Smoothies being made by the ladies of Bristens at 715 Franklin Av (next door). According to Tish her toughest competition were a bunch of locale kids hawking water. For me, the idea of natural banana and mango purifying my blue tongue made for an easy sale.

Fresh banana/Mango/Honey Smoothie by Bristen's (over exposed poor photography by yours truly)

I had never heard of Bristen's Eatery (I've actually been meaning to write that Franklin (imho) needs more diverse businesses) but if that smoothie and the cool ladies who made it are any indication, I'd say a good meal is to be had at Bristen's.
I'll check them properly and let you know soon.


Councilmember Letitia James "Tish" with a soon to be flea market customer.

While the blender whirled and the ladies and I chatted a smoothie little line had formed before I knew it. I gotta tell ya Ms. James has a pretty effective sales pitch.

Smoothie in hand, cool sweet natured in belly, I made the rounds of the Franklin/Sterling Flea. It's a modest entrepreneurial encampment as Fleas go but filled with a variety of goodies, like the mobile below there were all variety of crafts.



Next things got saucy! (I'm so corny. I know)

I met up with chef Jason Hait and Marketing Director Ayelet Prizant of the "Pour Gourmet"(below). Jason's a local Chef currently hard at work bringing his sauces to market. He said the Franklin Av/Sterling Place flea market is perfect for him because it's nearby, and provides him an opportunity to get direct feedback from the public plus make some sales.

I declined to taste the sauces, explaining to Jason, that my reason was the Smoothie, and not a lack of confidence in his culinary skills. Scott then demonstrated he's as skilled with the pitch as he is with the sauces, he pointed out a Plantain based barbeque sauce which he assured me would blend nicely with my then taste sensations. It did. It was delicious, for real though.
I coulda ate a whole bottle of that stuff without a meal.


Next I met this duo whose table of jewelry and accessories shimmered in the warm July SUN (Capitalized because after a month like this, we need to be capitalizing on the SUN)


And they'd like you know their website is: http://925ikonz.com/


I enjoyed my trip to the Franklin Av/Sterling Pl. Flea but there was more to do so I broke out and headed for the subway (the long way) which led me to run into this sister at my fave Fort Greene Triangle; Cuyler Gore Park.Here's her clip:


This was an organized event with signage and everything. Seemed to be similar to those neighborhood blood pressure testings that happens at community events. But I was in a hurry and this wasn't a planned stop, so after this clip I kept it moving. The vibe was cool though, no hypertension there.

After that I was off to (gasp) Manhattan, "The City".


You may ask yourself (or me) Why oh Why would ANYONE choose to go to Manhattan when they could be in Brooklyn?!? And my answer is Central Park, and specifically one of the things I like as a Born and Bred (CityBoy) is the looming presence of the city as a location reminder. Sometimes I draw comfort from the geometric confines that the city provides. And unlike in Prospect Park, it's easier in Central Park to be reminded how much in a city you still are. I like the contrast.


It's even more interesting when you look at what goes on inside and think of the hard fast city being home to these activities...

Which led me to the Skate Dancer's Circle near the Band shell in Central Park that has been going strong for over 30 years. Did you know that your boy "Brooklyn Born" spent most of the 90's going in circles out here trying to pick up women in a space heavily enlivened by gay men? Took me years to figure that out. No wonder the women couldn't understand why I was interested.


Cooley I ran into several characters I hadn't seen in ten years and a circular pleasure ensued. Here's a skate level view, (not for the faint of heart or easy to dizzy)

Then came Sunday 7/12 late in the day I got over to what is fast becoming the ritual end of each season's Afro Punk festival, the AfroPunk Block Party.

I did just enough housework Sunday to miss all the concert performances. Sad. I really wanted to see John Forte, after all how many Hip-Hop acts get a presidental pardon, from a white republican President at that! Yeh inflammatory, I know.

Anyway maybe you missed it or maybe you'll enjoy reliving but here's some sights, some sounds and lots a motions from (warning shaky camera) from the day:


















Wanna see more? Here's a video clip from the block party:


And as if all that weren't enough I got an earful from damn-near everyone that the Soul Summit, the party in the park (specifically Fort Greene Park) was back and celebrating it's first jam of the summer.

I sped on over and got there while it was still light enough out to notice a lot more people were there than I'd ever seen. The Soul Summit has grown from an outdoor dance party to a nexus for meet-ups, picnics and general socializing. What's additionally cool, and I noticed this as I entered the park, is how well the event works with all the other activities of the park. Tennis was still being played on all courts, bike wheels and soccer balls continued to spin all overlapping each other's energy. beautiful thing.


Wanna see a shakey clip? Here we go!:


And it keep on an on and on, even after the sun got tired and went down, the dancers and drummers stayed up.




Now let's get this Monday over so we can get back to the weekend!

Weekend One-Liners 7/10-7/12

Friday, July 10, 2009 7:30 p.m. (this one I'm late on, I know...)
Celebrate Brooklyn! Presents Los Amigos Invisibles & Aterciopelados
A featured performance as part of the Latin Alternative Music Conference (LAMC), this double bill brings together two great South American acts.
http://www.prospectpark.org/calendar/event/141658

Saturday July 11th

Saturday, July 11th at 2pm
Yes there is more than one Flea in Brooklyn and Councilmember James will be there!
"Smoothie Making Event at the Franklin/Sterling Flea Market
Council Member Letitia James and Carleen Haughton, owner of Bristen’s Eatery located at 751 Franklin Avenue, will be serving up fresh smoothies to the community on Franklin Avenue and Sterling Place (next to 751 Franklin Avenue)"

ALL DAY Saturday
Every year on July 11th (7/11 get it?) 7-Eleven celebrates their birthday by giving away Free Slurpees!!! And today on their 82nd birthday they will give away 7.11 ounce slurpees at over 6,000 locations. Store locator: http://www.7-eleven.com/StoreLocator/tabid/214/Default.aspx

Sat. July 11 - 11:45 AM
Brewed in Brooklyn Tour ($45:holy crap!) includes: A private tour+A slice of pizza+Stories of brewing+Tastings of traditional German beer and Brookyn beer with gourmet small plates at Huckleberry Bar.
http://www.urbanoyster.com/brewed-in-brooklyn-tour.html

Sat. July 11, 4:00 PM
A Very Special Show with They Might Be Giants
Featuring Readings of Keats Stories by Claudia Marshall of WFUV
http://www.tmbg.com/index1.html

Sat. July 11, 6:00 PM
Narrows Knockout! Staten Island Yankess vs. Brooklyn Cyclones!!
"Be one of the first 2,500 fans and you'll get a free PEPSI visor! And don't forget to stay for a post-game fireworks show!"
http://www.coneyislandfunguide.com/Events/Brooklyn-Cyclones-vs-SI-Yankees_7_11_2009-1802.htm

Danny Simmons Corridor Gallery
“Portraits of Obama” will be up through July 25 at Corridor Gallery, 334 Grand Avenue, open Thursday through Saturday from 1 to 6 p.m.
http://fort-greene.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/07/09/new-ways-to-see-the-president/

Sunday July 12th

"Brooklyn Bridge Flea takes place directly under the world's most beautiful bridge...vendors of vintage furniture, clothing, collectibles and antiques, as well as new jewelry, art and crafts by local artisans, plus delicious food...open from 11am to 6pm every Sunday."
http://www.brownstoner.com/brooklynflea/

Sunday July 12th 1-8pm
Afro-Punk Block Party: Clinton Ave between Myrtle and Willoughby
FREE! "The 2nd Annual Afro-Punk Block Party, Live Music, DJs and D.I.Y. Fashion, food and craft vendors...underground and local artists, performances by John Forte, Joya Bravo, Maiysha Shinobi Ninja"
http://www.afropunk.com/page/afropunk-2009

Green Fill for Tues May 12th

Moving Sucks.



I don't care if it's furniture, clothing, pets, mountains or digital files it's all a less than royal pain.

Now that I've vented assume that as the reason most posts of late, have been few and far between.

All I will add is it boggles my mind when I realize that most of the work and time I've burned for the last four weeks has been aimed at dismantling and reassembling my physical and virtual life, so that in the end I can actually do things in said life.

Enuff rambling, this just in:

Assembly Member Letitia James's office would like you to know that at 2:30 pm today a press event was held to discuss the importance of reducing our community’s contribution to global warming, as well as our use of non-renewable resources.

Council Member James joins Jed Marcus, coordinator of the Fort Greene Association’s Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill (GFGCH) spring greening initiatives, for a press event on Tuesday, May 12th, at 2:30 pm, in front of Marcus Attorneys, located at 13 Greene Avenue (near Fulton St.) "

Topics covered were:

Recycling in parks: this project is taking place on a pilot basis in Fort Greene Park, Cuyler Gore Park, as well as Underhill Playground. Bins will be placed first for paper, and then for bottles and cans later this month.

Lawn Litter Act signs: GFGCH is distributing free waterproof signs to prevent unwanted paper waste and to encourage businesses to promote themselves in a more green way, such as through their websites.

Tree bed expansions: in order to maintain the health of trees that line the streets of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill - GFGCH with Council Member James want to expand tree beds to 50 square feet. This project called Take Back the Pavement will create longer living trees and more shade, safer sidewalks, as well as jobs for the community.

Who: Council Member Letitia James, Attorney Jed Marcus, and Academy for Young Writers students

What: Press Conference highlighting the Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill spring greening initiatives

When: Tuesday, May 12th at 2:30 pm, in front of 13 Greene Avenue - near corner of Fulton Street


Contacts: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, and Jenna Payne at (718) 643-6555

Photos courtesy of me (as usual) location Myrtle Avenue Near Cumberland

(I love this entire deal the public art, the myriad readings one can make into the art, the technical craft, I've just been to busy to post about it. I've added these photos to this post because they are suitable for expressing how much I long for the sensation of creating and how much I want to be devoting my time to doing more creating.

Just like these trees and tree folk seem to be expressing the moment of leaving and/or reconnecting and how much emotional energy is bound up in that action. Le Sigh.)