Brooklyn Fundraisers

Close to $600,000 was raised at the third Brooklyn Historical Society’s annual Fall Gala which took place at Red Hook’s Liberty Warehouse on October 29. Money raised will be used for the oral history project and education-based programming at the Society for Muslims.  This project was constructed in conjunction with Brooklyn Navy Yard.

Earlier in the month, another fundraiser was held at the Basilica of Saint Patrick’s Old Cathedral.  Jared Lamenzo – an organist from Brooklyn – has been investigating a 1826 opera performance given there (where he works) featuring the Garcia Company (the first ever Italian opera company that has visited America). At the time, the concert in 1826 raised money to serve the Basilica supporting the Orphanage, for the ministry of the Sisters of Charity.  Today, Lamenzo has created a benefit – held on October 16 – to raise monies for the restoration of the 1868 Henry Erben pipe organ – one of America’s most important historical instruments.

Wine Riot: Education-Revolution

Brooklyn wine lovers take note:  today and tomorrow for a one time fee of $65 you can enjoy Delta Amex Perks’ Wine Riot.  With this access pass, you will be privy to wine tasting where you will be able to drink and learn about all different types of wine from around the world. 

Wine lovers can now benefit from “a temporary tattoo booth, photo booth, Wine Riot's famous Bubbly Bar and a few thousand fellow winos.”

Brands like Hennessy “will be showing the rich world of cognac and the art of cocktails….[and] guide rioters through the most revered blends including Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilège and Hennessy X.O Cognac, where they'll become experts in making classic cocktails with the world's finest ingredients.”

There will be classes on basic wine understanding, taking a look at differences in wines and a presentation of Wine Riot’s Bubbly Bar will offer: including Cava, Prosecco, Sparkling, Rosé, Champagne, Crémant and Sekt.

And even for those new to the wine scene, the actual event is fun and engaging for everyone!

Gear Up for Fun Local Events

As we ready ourselves for Halloween, let’s take a look at what’s happening locally for all ages.

This  morning is the Halloween Pumpkin Patch Costume Contest.  Hosted by Dodge YMCA, this is a family-friendly event which takes place at Dodge YMCA headquarters at 225 Atlantic Avenue and starts at 10am to 1pm.  Free for adults, it is just $10 per kid who will enjoy costume contest, face painting and more.

And for something different on Halloween check out the Boos in the Borough on October 31, presenting a Brooklyn Historical angle to Halloween.  Hosted at the Brooklyn Historical Society at 128 Pierrepont Street, expect “an evening of Halloween hijinks” along with “tales of Brooklyn’s ghosts.”

Prospect Park Documentary

This video is a trailer for the fundraiser for Brooklyn’s Prospect Park – somewhat of a poor cousin next to New York’s Central Park. But it shouldn’t be since its 526 acre coverage makes it Brooklyn’s second largest park. For residents though it’s quite different; they love it. It is often filled with walkers, runners, cyclists, ball players, rollerblading, family picnics, boating and a whole lot more.

Biking in Brooklyn

If you’re in Brooklyn and you want to get around, cycling is a great option.  America’s first bike path was created there (Ocean Parkway, back in 1894) and the region didn’t stop there.  The Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway (still under construction) is one of the nation’s most popular cycling areas.

So if you’re into cycling and you’re looking for something to do, start by Kensington’s Ocean Parkway and continue on the path to Coney Island’s Surf Avenue. As you cycle through the beautiful tree lined path, you’ll be privy to a wonderful tour of “local Brooklyn brownstones” before getting to the area’s much loved boardwalk that you can walk under at Ruby’s Bar & Grill and enjoy  true American fare. From cheeseburgers to corn dogs, potato knishes and hot/sweet sausage, wash it all down with one of Ruby’s Famous Ices. Don’t be put off if you don’t have a bike; just go down to Brooklyn Bridge Bike Rent.

For the less energetic/adventurous Brooklyn’s Waterfront Greenway is a perfect window into the area.  While walking between Piers 1 and 6, you cannot fail to pause for the Manhattan skyline or ferries.  Get back to basics with Jane’s Carousel which is so reminiscent of summers gone by or cool off at Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory.

Upcoming Local Events

You don’t need to wait for a long time to get a local laugh. In fact, you can do so every Wednesday at the Jupiter Comedy at Oak Tree Tavern is a great evening activity.  For a mere $5 per person, bring a friend, family member or even a date from 8pm-midnight. 

If laughing isn’t your thing, consider the Alberta Food Tours  via Craving Kensington.  Every Thursday from 6-10pm you start the tour at Brasserie Kensington with cheese curds and beer, make your way for some tea tastings at The Naked Leaf, check out The Crave’s behind the scenes, get ready for more cheese samples at Peasant Cheese Shop, move on to Kensington Wine Market and then complete your meal at Pulcinella.

For those looking for a bit of an edge, from October 3 to 31, the spooky pop-up Nightmare Machine, will get locals in the mood for Halloween. Featuring freaky clown rooms to hallways full of rainbows, this will sure keep you on your toes!

Support Local Brooklyn Women

There are various minorities in Brooklyn, New York but the group that seems to get the most focus is the African Americans. Here, we look at how women in business are faring in the area – and how great it is these days to be part of the women of Brooklyn.

So first we’ll take a look at Radical Women. Located on Tompkins Avenue, these 4 women opened their boutique store to give women the opportunity to stay on trend, in fashion and empowered. The four female entrepreneurs are self-described “daughters, artists, mothers, sisters, lovers, bosses, anthropologists, givers, liberators, designers, warriors, care givers, peace makers, hell raisers, heart breakers,” which they believe is “radical.” They purport that they were “destined to build this community,” as they work on creating a safe and comfortable space for women to thrive. Currently their featured collections include items made by: Anat Fritz, NOK, Ashaka Givens and Lamine Kouyaté’s XULY.Bët brand.

For amazing resources, make sure to check out the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, which has been working for centuries to “support independent craftspeople from Brooklyn and beyond.” There, you will find amazing handmade crafts, clothes for kids, toys, gifts and so much more all carefully created by local artisans. This not-for-profit organization gives 70 cents of every dollar spent directly to the crafter.

The organization started in 1854 as a need to support struggling women, many of whom “found themselves in need of income but with no means of support. Following the lead of church ministers who were training indigent women in the craft of needlework, a group of concerned local women began the Brooklyn Female Employment Society providing a discreet enterprise, or “exchange,” through which women could sell their needlework and handcrafts. As the organization evolved into the Brooklyn Women’s Exchange, a small sewing school and storefront enabled women to care for their families and earn income without having to work in a factory or other dangerous environment.” 

And then there are the  Black Women Meetups. Recent events have been: NYC Restaurant Week: Gourmet “Fashionista” Italian Dinner; Exhibit and Brunch: Footwear from Stuart Weitzman – Historic Shoes; and the most recent one which took place just three days ago: Daniel: Fine Dining “Foodie” Extravaganza.

 So these days women are faring pretty well in Brooklyn. Long may that continue.