Participatory Budgeting Winners!

And the winners are...(see below).  A few of these surprised us.  We were actually very surprised to see that the Hamilton/Van Brunt Plaza wasn't on there.  Not that any of these are less worthy, they are all wonderful improvements, but we saw and spoke with so many people rallying for the plaza.  Well, maybe next year.

The 2013 winning Participatory Budgeting projects are:

1. PS 230: Help Kids Connect & Learn With Technology - $180,000
   Install 34 Smartboards w/supporting MacBooks in high-needs, diverse (25+ home languages) school serving 1,300 students.
2. Renovate 8 Bathrooms, PS 58, The Carroll School - $110,000
   Provide healthier environment for generations to come by replacing fixtures & flushing mechanisms. Last renovation was in 1954.
3. Carroll Gardens/Windsor Terrace Library Computers - $75,000
   29 new adult & preschool computers at these branches to support community needs for internet access & computer literacy.
4. Church Avenue Traffic & Pedestrian Safety Improvements - $300,000
   Extend sidewalks and reduce crossing distances on Church Avenue at Coney Island Avenue and McDonald Avenue intersections.
5. PS 179: Technology upgrade for underserved school - $115,000
   27 SmartBoards for high-needs school to aid learning for English language learners, special education and gifted students.
6. 3rd Street Green Corridor: New Trees, Less Runoff - $170,000
   10 trees with enhanced pits will improve storm drainage, and add shade and beauty in Gowanus from Bond Street. to 3rd Avenue.

Vote totals for all projects can be viewed here.

Fried Chicken Fundraiser!

I know we've already blogged about the Seersucker folks this week but, what can we do?  They have a lot going on and we wanted to pass this one along.  They'll be having a fundraiser on February 25th for the PS 58 children's vegetable garden.  For $50 you get a three course fried chicken meal...and that warm fuzzy feeling you get when you help people.  If you're planning on going you should make reservations now because the place is pretty cozy and can fill up.  In other news they've announced the opening date is set for February 21st for their new Vietnamese restaurant, Nightingale 9!

PS 58 Save the Date!

Saturday March, 24th will be the PS 58, AKA The Carroll School, PTA Spring Celebration and Auction. You can help out your neighborhood elementary school by coming out to The Invisible Dog Art Center from 6:30-10pm and participating in this silent auction. If you need more incentive then helping out adorable elementary school kids (geez, you need more incentive than that??) there will also be a cocktail reception. We aren't quite sure what to expect at this auction but we'll give you details as we hear them. If anyone out there has any more to share about this event please comment and let us all know!

Summer Camp

PS 58 will be holding a French Summer Camp this season. If you have a child between the ages of 4 and 9 and have been thinking of something to get them involved in this summer, this may be just the thing. All levels are welcome at this educational camp and there will be lots of fun outdoor activities as well. It runs from July 5th to August 26th and you can choose between two sets of hours, the regular hours are 9am-4pm or extended hours from 8:30am-5:30pm.

Go to www.bonjourny.com to learn more about the activities, rates and registration.