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.

Carroll Gardens Greenmarket

Located between Smith and Court Streets across from Carroll Park on Sundays between 8am and 2pm throughout the year, this makes a great brunch meeting place for locals and tourists. Buy beautiful fresh cut flowers and locally grown produce as well as grass-fed beef and a whole lot more. Vendors include: Jersey Farm, Fishkill Farms, Haywoods Fresh, DiPaola Turkeys, Hot Bread Chicken, etc.

Free Yoga for Kensingtoners!

Thanks to the generosity of a grant from the Citizens Committee For New York City – together with support from Bend & Bloom Yoga and Arts & Democracy – free outdoor yoga classes were offered at Avenue C Plaza, Kensington.  The brainchild of The Kensington Stewards, the six week series – led by a certified yoga instructor – took place every Monday night for an hour.

The goal of The Kensington Stewards in this endeavor was to bring more neighbors in to Avenue C Plaza to take advantage of what is being offered.  White tents were set up for the yoga classes. 

The classes were a huge success and a whole cross-section of Kensington demographic turned up.  It was also a demonstration of unification of Kensington, Brooklyn.

Last of the Summer Whine….

The longest running British sitcom was called Last of the Summer Wine.  I guess parents of little kids may think of that (whine) when it comes to the end of the seemingly way too long summer break from school.  For those, it’s more like summer vacation and the livin’ ‘aint easy….when you’ve got small kids.

Well, the good news is you can amuse your kids at neighborhood parks thanks to City Parks Foundation’s PuppetMobile.  Performances of The Big Good Wolf are being shown today, tomorrow and Friday at the following locations:

Marion Hopkinson Park, Bed-Stuy – Wednesday, August 22 at 11am
Owl’s Head Park, Bay Ridge – Thursday, August 23 at 11am
South Oxford Park, Fort Greene – Friday, August 24 at 11am

This project and others like it is park of the goal of City Parks Foundation to “transform NYC parks into vibrant centers of urban life through sports, arts, community building and education programs.”

Look out for details of similar events as well as puppet-making workshops throughout NYC. Before you know it, the kids will be back in school!