What to Do in Brooklyn this Summer?

Because of the coronavirus outbreak many plans and events have been canceled. There is so much that we are unable to do in an effort to stop the spread of the virus.  But summer is still here, kids still need entertaining and adults still need a break. Here, we take a look at some of the options for those living in Brooklyn during the pandemic this summer.

How about taking a stroll to a Farmers Market?  This way you will get the kids out of the house, be able to purchase some wonderful fresh produce and support the local economy which will be particularly welcome during this tough time. Many local Farmers Markets are following the government guidelines with their opening, offering hand sanitizers on entrance, encouraging customers to social distance and wear a mask. Check out: Kensington Farmstand, Prospect Park’s Greenmarket and the Hattie Cathan Community Market.

Talking of fresh produce, why not take this to the next level and take the family fruit picking?  Church Fruit Farm has a great reputation for a wonderful variety of not just the traditional fruits found at fruit picking places but also ones less readily available, like yams…and lots of them!  In addition there are many organic options and Kombucha on tap!

And if you really want to keep up the outdoor, produce and nature theme, take a visit to the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. The 52 acre space re-opened just a week and a half ago and is ready for your enjoyment!

Yes it’s a hard time.  Yes things are unprecedented. And yes it’s summer and the kids are home and everyone wants to go out and do something.  But there really are many ways around it all as we have described above.

New Local Dog Park

 

There has been such a huge change in our everyday lives due to COVID-19 and all the restrictions that have come with it in the fight to flatten the curve. All of this can feel not only overwhelming but quite depressing due to the effect this has had on important social behavior.

So when there are new developments, they are even more welcome than normal.  One recent local example of this is the opening of the Kensington Dog Run. Located at Brooklyn’s Backyard at the Parade Grounds, local dog owners are very happy with the new area that opened in July.  It is particularly good now since there are so many dog owners in quarantine in the Kensington area (along with Ditmas Park, Flatbush and Windsor Terrace). 

It’s very nice too.  There is water on tap and built-in bowls for the canines a well as dog-friend astroturf – the first of its kind in an NYC dog park.  It is a project that has been several years in the making and is very good for community bolstering.

Walking Through Brooklyn

Follow ActionKid as he “walks through” Greenpoint from WNYC Transmitter Park to McCarren Park with comedian Tom Delgado who is also a tour guide.

Jayme Albin, COVID-19 and Infant Daughter Yoga Moves

Everyone is facing horrendous challenges from the coronavirus outbreak.  Financially it has resulted in severe monetary losses for too many hard working individuals; emotionally single people living alone are facing tremendous obstacles and couples in already unstable relationships are wondering when – or even if – their situation will improve. The elderly – a demographic already struggling with isolation – are becoming increasingly anxious and even more cut off from society at large, to name but a few.

And then there are our infant daughters and sons; the toddlers demanding even more attention from their overly-frazzled parents.  Some are “lucky” and are trying to work under unprecedented conditions; others have lost their jobs and are seeking new employment in an uncertain economy and have kids who are not in a structured educational environment anymore. 

In this article, licensed clinical psychologist, cognitive behavioral therapist and New York-based yoga instructor Dr. Jayme Albin talks about how yoga has helped her, her infant daughter and her child’s immediate circle of friends.  On how to do this at home, Albin gives the following tips:

“First, I find that working in small groups – coronavirus restrictions undertaken – works really well for little kids.  I’m talking your infant daughter and then maybe one or two (maximum) other friends in your immediate capsule. One-on-one is fine also but I've seen more success with more than one kid due to the potential for interaction.”“Second, you want to keep it as simple as possible. Don’t try anything too difficult.  Your main aim is to get them moving, let them enjoy music, let them do something different and perhaps most important – especially during COVID-19 times – let them giggle.  It’s less of a priority to get them to become yoga masters!”“Third, find a simple online video to learn the most basic yoga poses for children.  After that it should be much easier to figure out your own workout routine, based on what works best for your small group.”  “Fourth, smile!  I so often see yoga instructors who look downtrodden.  The power of yoga is often behind the instructor’s attitude.  Make sure yours is a happy one!  Good luck!”

While Jayme Albin got her training in Kundalini Yoga, she specifies that when it comes to working with kids – or in fact anyone new to yoga – a lot of it is trial and error; you have to see what works best for your audience.

Keeping Busy – and Safe – Over Summer

Summer is often a challenging time to keep our kids – and ourselves – busy.  This year due to the COVID-19 pandemic it’s even harder. But with an emphasis on maintaining social distance and keeping as safe as possible, various organizations and individuals have been thinking outside the box to try to make some kind of entertainment/events happen.  Here, we take a look at some of the examples.

On July 17, Kaskade is bringing REDUX 004  to the Brooklyn Village.  The following day, there is an opportunity – over a two-day period online – for virtual speed dating! And only half of you has to look good!  There will be a host to guide participants through the virtual event.  And the there is the Virtual Speed Business Networking event that will take place on July 21, between 7pm and 9pm offering participants a structured way to meet accomplished professionals in a variety of industries.

On July 23^rd Kat Herzlinger will be appearing in Brooklyn (location to be determined) and on July 28, The Moooks will be performing from 10.30pm-1.30am at Brooklyn’s Primitive Heart, where they will be performing original arrangements along with classic Jamaican music.

It’s not an easy but we have to find some way – however small – of making ‘summertime…livin’ easy.’

Kensington, Brooklyn: What a Great Neighborhood

Kensington Brooklyn has always had a lot to offer.  Now it seems that even people not looking to live there – but to invest in property ownership – are catching on.   With its vibrant mix of different cultures (including Bangladeshi, Chinese, Latin American, Orthodox Jewish, Ukrainian to name but a few), real estate investors are seeing its potential and looking into developments.

And why not?  It’s a beautiful place, featuring a lake, horseback riding, baseball fields, tennis courts and more.  It is great for families, has good schools and a positive buzzing environment.  With a newly opened middle school (on Caton Avenue), more people are moving in.

This is great news also for local business owners.   Although on the one hand rent is getting more expensive, on the other hand, more customers are being brought in. and for residents it’s good too as with new people brings new services and a younger vibe. Locals say they love it due to the suburban and close-knit neighborhood feel that has been created over the years and is developing even more so, now.

Coronavirus Chronicles: Keeping up the Kensington Culture

Although they are still having to “stay home” those in Brooklyn are not reneging on their commitment to local culture. Thankfully the annual DanceAfrica weekend from The Brooklyn Academy of Music is still taking place… and be even better and longer than usual.

Rather than a weekend in person event, it has been going on for three weeks already and will continue for another week. The virtual event has comprised of many dance performances, music events and culturally-rich sales in jewelry, apparel and more.

DanceAfrica was established over 40 years ago and today it has a large place in local culture throughout North America as well as the Carribeean, Europe and South America. New Yorkers have traditionally attended events as part of a reunion of sorts.

Some of this year’s events have been:

a)      Mikki Shepard talk The Early Years with Charmaine Warren, a dance historian.  Shepard was the producer of the original 1977 DanceAfrica event.

b)      Omar Victor Diop’s display of works.  This photographer from Sengal was a virtual artist in DanceAfrica four years ago.

c)      Dance Party

d)      Live Broadcasts with Tosca and Maria Stuarda