Carroll Gardens Library Closed.

For those of you who don't know, the Carroll Gardens Library is closed for the rest of the summer.  It's a good time to shut down since kids are out of school and their are so many outdoor activities going on.  Here's the statement on the BPL website:

Carroll Gardens Library will be temporarily closed for roof replacement at the end of business on 6/15/12. We anticipate the library being closed for approximately two months.
 
When we first heard they were shutting down for the summer we thought it had to do with the vote back in March that we blogged about then and yesterday but thought we remembered the proposal for Carroll Gardens Library being about the basement not the roof. Plus they aren't on the list so the renovations must be separate from that. Anyways, they will reopen in August, hopefully, just as school begins. 

Million Dollar Vote Update.

                                                                              photo from bradlander.com
Back in March we blogged about a big decision (one million dollars worth) that had to be made about funding projects in the neighborhoods of Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens, Park Slope, Windsor Terrace, Borough Park, and Kensington.  You can read that blog here.  There were many proposals and residents got to vote.  Here's an update.  More than 2,200 people came out to vote (amazing!!) and the list of winners is below.

1. Renovation of two dysfunctional bathrooms at PS 124 ($150,000, 958 votes)
2. Innovative community composting system near Gowanus Canal to turn 1 ton/day of food waste into soil ($165,000, 919 votes)
3. Planting 100 new trees on blocks throughout the district with few or no trees ($100,000, 767 votes)
4. New technology for PS 130 and PS 154 ($140,000, 758 votes)
5. Repairing Prospect Park pedestrian paths to prevent flooding, and adding trash cans in the park ($205,000, 648 votes)
6. Repairs and safety improvements at the dangerous Prospect Expressway/Church Avenue pedestrian crossing ($200,000, 606 votes)
7. New books and equipment for the Kensington public library to enhance the branch’s use for meetings, storytelling, rehearsals, and small performances promoting Kensington's cultural diversity ($80,000, 582 votes)

New kids store on Atlantic.

Junior Lowe just opened up a few months ago at 89 Atlantic Avenue.  It sells children's clothing and accessories and is self described as being "for little Brooklyn hipsters".  As you can see above the outside of the store is very simple, in fact we almost walked by not realizing it was a new store.  The inside is cute and is set up like a posh boutique.  Very easy to browse but pricey, as you may expect in the Brooklyn Heights/Cobble Hill neighborhood.  The clothing is pretty adorable though and worth checking out.

GLBL YOGA

We received an email the other day and thought we'd pass it along.  We shortened it a bit.  It sounded cool and we we went to their website we watched a video that explained more and was really interesting and saw some cool pics (see above) from their previous event.  Basically the 2010 event was the largest yoga gathering and apparently the biggest crowd-funded event in history.  So, pretty cool.  Here's what Sascha Lewis had to say:

Greetings friends.

 

GLBL YOGA's mission is create large-scale, crowd funded yoga events around the world.  We begin back at the Great Lawn in NYC on August 16th with a simply amazing array of teachers and artists including Elena Brower, Rodney Yee, Colleen Saidman, Seane Corn, Reggie Watts, DJ Drez and Questlove.  I am humbled to be co-creating with such kick-ass talent. There are forces at work here beyond the will power of the GLBL YOGA team (which is massive!) -- we've already had Richard Branson, Russell Simmons, Donna Karan, Adrian Grenier, Naomi Watts, Christy Turlington and Deepak Chopra all appear in the video for the project -- and we've only just begun. 

 

Inspired by people like yourself who believe we the people can change the world, we are "crowd-funding" this monumental happening.  This is where all you come in.  Contribute what you can and be a part of making history while getting some sweet gear, free yoga classes and maybe even some VIP tickets to the event.

 

Let's show the world what we can do, united in movement!

 

Onward & upward,

Sascha

Brooklyn Crab Shuttle.

We are so so so excited that Brooklyn Crab has finally opened!!!  The mini golf area hasn't opened yet as far as we know but as awesome as that sounds delicious seafood sounds better.  Oysters! Crab! Shrimp!! Lobster!! And, for those not into the briny bites, they have steak, fried chicken and pork chops.  But you probably already know this because it's been in the works for a while and has had quite a buzz.  We did read something on Eater recently that we hadn't heard before.  They have a free shuttle for the restaurant to and from the Carroll Street F/G station.  That is such a good idea! We predict this place will be packed night after night.

Breaking Bad Screening.

Okay, so we love our neighborhood and really try to focus on the Red Hook, Carroll Garden, Cobble Hill areas but this event in Williamsburg was too awesome not to share.  It's a a Breaking Bad Season 4 catch-up screening to prepare for the season 5 premiere on July 15th, which they will also screen.  You already missed the screening of the first four eps but if you just need a refresher before the new season begins you can jump right in now and get to watch the premiere with other die-hard fans.  See the info below.

Brooklyn Winery 213 North 8th Street

•    Sunday, June 17 at 7:00pm: Episodes 1-4
•     Sunday, June 24 at 7:00pm: Episodes 5-8
•     Sunday, July 1 at 7:00pm: Episodes 9-12*
•     Sunday, July 15 at 9:00pm: Episode 13, followed by the Season 5 Premiere at 10:00pm

Smith Street Funday Sunday.

There's going to be a festival of sorts on Smith Street this weekend, Sunday June 24th to be exact.  It'll span for 8 blocks, between Union and Bergen Streets and run from 11am until 6pm.  There will be curated exhibits, food (of course!), and entertainment.  They're (and by "they" we mean the South Brooklyn Local Development Corporation) also advertising that the fest will have "great vibes"...haha.  Head down and check it out.  It should be fun.

What is Photoville?

We've been seeing these signs around for something called Photoville (see above) and it piqued our curiosity.  It's a pretty cool flyer for starters.  Well we checked out their website and found out a little about this exhibit that begins this Friday, June 22nd.  It sounds like something we'd like to make sure we see....and eat and drink!

PHOTOVILLE is a new Brooklyn-based photo destination - a veritable village of freight containers transformed into temporary exhibition spaces, taking place this summer from June 22 to July 1, 2012.

Photoville will feature a feisty mix of exhibitions, lectures, hands-on workshops, nighttime projections, a photo dog run, a camera greenhouse, and a summer beer-garden with food trucks that will create a photography destination like no other.

Occupying more than 60,000 sq. feet in the heart of Brooklyn Bridge Park, Photoville will be located on the uplands of Pier 3, along the Brooklyn Waterfront between DUMBO and Atlantic Avenue.

Red Hook Shows!

Yesterday we blogged about free films in Red Hook so we've decided to remind everyone about more free stuff going on in the hood.  Free Shows!!!!  Summerstage is hosting a handful of shows in Red Hook Park this summer and the dates are closing in on us. (They start tonight!!!)  Here's the schedule below. 


FREE SHOWS IN RED HOOK PARK in 2012
Tues, June 19 7:00 PM - AraabMUZIK, Das Racist (UPDATE: AraabMUZIK may not be playing this)
Wed, June 20 7:00 PM - Lyricist Lounge 20 Year Anniversary w/  Brand Nubian Game Rebellion
Thurs, June 21 7:00 PM - Deer Tick, Jonny Corndawg - Red Hook Park, Brooklyn
Fri, June 22 8:00 PM - "Paige in Full" a play by Paige Hernandez Directed by Danielle A. Drakes
Sat, June 23 8:00 PM - "Paige in Full" a play by Paige Hernandez Directed by Danielle A. Drakes
Sun, June 24 7:00 PM - Comedy Central Live presents Hannibal Buress, Kevin Barnett, Josh Rabinowitz

Red Hook Flicks!

One of the best things about summers in New York is the vast selection of free outdoor movies.  Red Hook has the best of them.  Check out the schedule here for the Red Hook Films on Valentino Pier.  The awesomeness starts in July but put August 7th's film on your calendar. It's Zombieland, one of our favorites, and we're sponsoring it!  It should be lots of fun and we're so proud to be a part of it along with all the other great sponsors.

Bococa Arts Festival

We don't have all the info (mainly just the schedule, which is pending) for the 2012 Bococa Arts Festival.  But the 2011 fest was a lot of fun and we recommend going.  You can visit their website to see the artists involved this year and also keep check for updates on the schedule.  It's a mixture of theater, music and visual arts all coming out of our neighborhood!  It's June 22nd-June 30th.  Here's what the website has to say.

With this Festival, we strive to foster and challenge creative expression, as well as unite and support both the artists, residents and businesses of these unique communities. Artists from all locations and walks of life are welcome to apply and engage in this collaborative effort to bring exceptional life to their work!

Buy your tickets in advance to take advantage of discounts and secure your seat -- seating in some venues is extremely limited reserve in advance.

Twelfth Night in the Park.

Here's another event at Carroll Park.  This one is more for the grown-ups than the last but I'm sure older kid will enjoy it too.  Smith Street Stage brings you William Shakespeare's Twelfth Night at Carroll Park!  It begins on June 25th and will run until July 8th (this schedule excludes Wednesdays).  Shows start at 7pm and as most theater in the park, it's absolutely free.  Just bring your own chair if you want to sit down.  Definitely a fun free thing to do any day of the week and we'll be there to check it out during it's run.

Carroll Park Kids Band Series

                                                                             Photograph: Jill Hoffman

Last summer Carroll Park had quite a turn out for the kids band series they had (as you can see in the photo above taken from timeoutnewyorkkids.com) and it'll probably be no different this year.  It was really a lot of fun.  Kids seemed to really enjoy it as they danced up near the stage area and they had snacks (popcorn!) and bevs too.  Not sure what concessions, if any, will be going on this year but we do have the band line up below.

ANNOUNCING OUR 2012 SEASON

Saturday, June 23, 2012
 Karen K and the Jitterbugs, in collaboration with PS 58
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Astrograss, in collaboration with PS 32

Saturday, August 25, 2012
Key Wilde and Mr. Clarke, in collaboration with Cobble Hill Playgroup
Saturday, September 29, 2012
The Deedle Deedle Dees, in collaboration with PS 29

In Bed With Ulysses

 

There is a world premiere event happening soon, June 11th to June 17th, at Brooklyn Heights Cinema.  It's a documentary called "In Bed With Ulysses" (yes it's about the James Joyce novel).  Here's more from the Monarch Films website:

In Bed With Ulysses is a new documentary, exploring the most arduous of artistic efforts, the loftiest of literary achievements, and the carnal elements of human consciousness that infused and drove its creation. Tracing the staging of delectable passages with the creation of the novel, In Bed With Ulysses tells the very sexy back story of a very sexy novel and of its writer James Joyce. With dramatic readings by Kathleen Chalfant, (Angels in America, Wit), Acclaimed NY stage actress. This film is to be released simultaneously with the expiration of the copyright on the novel. This documentary is intended to celebrate the ultimate liberation of the most embattled work of literature in history. 

 The theater, at 70 Henry Street, doesn't have online ticketing but if you'd like to reserve seats email rsvp@htscinema.com and they reserve you no-fee seats for up to twenty minutes before the film begins.

Buying into Brooklyn tomorrow!

Just a quick reminder everyone that we'll be at the Brooklyn Brewery tomorrow night with the event Brooklyn Based Presents "Buying into Brooklyn".  We'll be talking about everything you need to know about buying your first home.  It's 2 hours, staring at 7:30pm and only $5.  So come hang out with us and eat some hot dogs and have a brew!

Red Hook Clean Up

Clean Up your community tomorrow, Saturday June 9th.  Join your neighbors at 9am (it'll go until noon) on the corner of Van Brunt and Beard Streets.  From their you'll walk north cleaning up the streets.  Here's a bit more on the subject:

FROM 9AM-NOON - We'll concentrate our efforts on revamping Van Brunt as we weed tree pits and sidewalk crevices, and pick up wind-swept debris. The early crew will start at the corner of Van Brunt and Beard and continue north until our bags are full and we run out of steam. Bring your neighbor, or meet a new one.

Gloves, trash bags, and cleaning materials will be provided by the City's Parks Department. But if you have your own gloves, or other materials, please do bring them. You can sign-in and pick up gloves in front of SBIDC's offices at 402 Van Brunt, near Coffey Street.

 Come out and beautify Red Hook!

The Job Interview Screening.

If you watch "The Job Interview" the set may look a little familiar to you. It was filmed in our Columbia Street office!  Well, they are having a launch party and everyone is invited.  It's tonight at 8pm at Huckleberry, 588 Grand St, Brooklyn (4 blocks from the Lorimer/Metropolitan stop on the L or G trains).  The screening is shortly after 8pm and there will be a raffle at 9pm.  Come watch!

Cobble Hill History Tour

This Saturday, June 9th, tour this beautiful neighborhood and learn about the history and architecture.  The tour will begin at Congress and court and take your through the area for two hours.  It should be a really nice day (fingers crossed that NY1 predicted it right) so taking a walk on these lovely tree-lined streets will make for a great Saturday.  More info below.

Time: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Cost: $20 per person ($10 for Cobble Hill Association members)

RSVP: CobbleHillAssociation@gmail.com

Sugar Shop on Baltic.

With all the kids in the neighborhood it's pretty amazing that there are not more candy stores.  We've always wondered why someone hadn't caught on to that.  Well, someone has and Sugar Shop recently opened on 254 Baltic Street, much to many children's delight we're sure.  It's pretty plain on the outside, as you can see above, but really cute and colorful on the inside, as you can see below.  It's also very organized and won't give you a headache just walking in like a lot of other candy shops might.  They do parties too with candy-centric crafts and games.  Check them out!

It's Greek Week!

No, we're not talking about frats and sororities.  Today marks the beginning of the week long celebration that is the Greek Festival.  From today, June 4th, until June 10th at Saints Constantine and Helen Cathedral (64 Schermerhorn Street between Court and Boerum Place) you'll find Greek music, dance, food and pastries!  Mmmmmm.  The times change day to day and are listed below.  There are a couple of pretty late nights.  Plenty of time to enjoy all the Greek culture has to offer.

Monday-Thursday 11am-9pm
Friday 11am-1am
Saturday 1pm-1am
Sunday 1pm-4pm

Pop Paradigms at Art Lot

Art Lot, at 206 Columbia Street and Sackett, had an opening reception last Saturday for their new exhibit and they had quite a turn out.  It was packed when we stopped by, took the pic above, and checked out the exhibit.  It will be around until July 22nd so if you missed the reception you still have plenty of time to visit.  It's called Pop Paradigms and is curated by Aimee Burg and Natalia Zubko.  Catherine Telford-Keogh, Nate Heiges, Lorraine Duaw, Kyla Chevrier, and Marin Abell are the artists.  You have a month and a half.  Go see it!