BPL Announces Two Programs to Help Immigrants

Linda E. Johnson, CEO and President of the BPL

Last week the Brooklyn Public Library announced the launch of two new programs designed to help immigrants in Brooklyn attain US citizenship and to help them with any legal services they might need.

Prepare for Citizenship is a program which will offer a formal, 11-week course for ESOL learners. The course is being offered at the Kensington, Canarsie, Sunset Park and Flatbush branches of the BPL. The course will prepare students for the English and Civics parts of the Citizenship test, plus provide free legal assistance. Prepare for Citizenship is offered under the auspices of Catholic Migration Services (CMS) ad with a grant from the Department of Homeland Security US Citizenship and Immigration Services.

The second is the Immigrant Justice Corps (IJC) Community Fellows program, which offers crucial legal assistance to poor immigrants throughout Brooklyn. Two Fellows will be welcomed to the BPL, while five other organizations throughout New York City will also receive two IJC Community Fellows this year. This program will officially begin later in November.

Together these two programs offer important support to Brooklyn residents in need of assistance with legal and/or citizenship issues.

"Brooklyn Public Library serves a diverse and multiethnic borough and is a critical resource for immigrant communities, which too often face barriers accessing information and assistance," said Linda E. Johnson, president & CEO of the Brooklyn Public Library.   

“There are nearly are nearly 700,000 immigrants in New York who are one step away from becoming U.S. Citizens, and many of them haven't done so because of cost, fear of a cumbersome process, or access to legal counsel,” said Immigrant Affairs Commissioner Nisha Agarwal. “Our libraries have long acted as a safe and accessible hub for immigrants. By providing legal services, the Brooklyn Public Library is taking a smart and innovative approach that will benefit not just our immigrant communities, but our city as a whole.”

Kensington Artist Sharpens Look at Women’s Roles

Traci Talasco’s sandpaper kitchen installation starkly states her view of the social assumptions of women’s roles, and domestic duties.

“This is more of a political piece that has to do with these unrealistic expectations for women to be homemakers,” said the Kensington artist. “We’re juggling careers and home lives but there is still this unrealistic idea that women are going to be homemakers.”

Rub Me the Wrong Way is Traci Talasco's commentary on women's roles

Talasco explained that her use of sandpaper points out the contrast between the materials that are traditionally thought of as feminine, which are usually soft and warm, to the reality of the rough duties of domestic existence. She points out that over time the sandpaper will be worn away as people walk through and touch the installation, just as she hopes the struggle against women’s traditional roles will wear down those stereotypes.

“It illustrates in a funny way this idea of women being worn out — being worn down by these expectations,” she said. “But it also metaphorically represents this idea of wearing down these gender stereotypes that don’t make sense in 2014.”

Talasco is not only interested in political statements. The exhibition, called “Rub Me the Wrong Way,” is also a work of art, Talasco contends. Each and every visitor that leaves behind a fingerprint of shoe scuff will change the piece.

“It is also something, in the end, that I feel will be visually beautiful and funny,” she said.

Traci Talasco’s installation, “Rub Me the Wrong Way” is already open at the Brooklyn Arts Council Gallery at 55 Washington Street between Front and Water Streets in Dumbo. Call 718-625-0080 for more information.

Newly Renovated Loews Theater Set to Open in January

Ever since the intended restoration of the Loew’s Kings Theater in Flatbush was announced last year, excitement around the project has been growing. Known as one of only five “Wonder Theaters” in New York and New Jersey, the advancing restoration, due to conclude in January 2015, will bring the theater back to its glory days of 1929.

On the way to its former splendor: The Loew's Kings Theater-Photo courtesy of Matt Lambros

The theater has been closed and abandoned since 1977, but after a year of work it will be brought back to the look and feel of its “sumptuous interiors inspired by the Palace of Versailles and the Paris Opera House.”
The 3,000-seat theater, Brooklyn’s largest, will become a cornerstone of Brooklyn culture, with more than 200 performances scheduled each year, “including music, dance, theater and comedy.”
A press release stated that:

"The Kings Theatre will serve as both a cultural and economic cornerstone for the Brooklyn community, presenting more than 200 performances annually—including music, dance, theatre, and comedy—providing a resource to foster and support creativity in the area, creating jobs and attracting thousands of visitors to the neighborhood."

Photographer Matt Lambros has been chronicling the progress of the re-birth of the Loew’s ever since his first, pre-renovations photograph he took in 2011. Lambros has been keeping a blog, After the Final Curtain, which not only covers the progress of the Kings Theater, but also reveals the state of other crumbling performance spaces. With the help of the Theater Historical Society of America Lambros will publish a book on the subject in early 2015.

Kensington Library Pulls Misused iPads

It appears that a pilot program to make iPads available for Kensington Library patrons between the ages of 2-5 went south.  After two years of use and abuse, public library officials decided to scrub the iPads availability due to older kids and even some parents covertly used the hand-held computers to make on-line purchases, play violent video games, and visit porn sites.

The 18th Avenue branch equipped the iPads with age-appropriate applications designed to help children learn to read, and other educational functions. Unfortunately it happened all too often that older kids took the iPads away from the younger children, changed passwords, installed the apps that they wanted, and then played on the devices. One older child even took a picture of himself and set it as the background picture for the iPad.

Kensington Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library

The last straw came when patrons saw inappropriate videos and nudity displayed on the iPads, prompting library officials to remove them from the library. Officials are now exploring other ways of using the computers.

“We’ve had the most success with iPads that are used as part of our programming, including literacy classes for adults and programs for children with special needs,” said Emma Woods, spokeswoman for the library.

Hurtful Graffiti Found on Kensington Mailbox

After weeks of rising anti-semitism throughout the world;  reports of Hamas terrorists shooting rockets into Israeli civilian populations; and the use of women and children in Gaza as human shields; some anti-Muslim graffiti has turned up on a mailbox in the Kensington section of Brooklyn.

The graffiti consisted of the words “Allah is evil” and “Islam is barbaric,” spray painted on a mailbox on Ocean Parkway. There is some speculation that, although the neighborhood is composed of both Jewish and Muslim residents who usually live together in peace, the fact that the month of Ramadan coincided with the defensive battle Israel launched in Gaza to protect its civilian population could have caused the perpetrators to resort to this form of insulting speech.

The NYPD are investigating the incident, which resembles a similar event that occurred in November 2013 when the same exact words were seen on a mailbox and a Muni Meter.

Lincoln Center Local Live Coming to a Library Near You

Throughout the months of July, August and September residents of Brooklyn and Queens will be treated to special free music programming sponsored by the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Lincoln Center Education and the Brooklyn and Queens public libraries.

Broadway Pops International will bring musical theater to the Kensington Library on Autust 16 at 2pm

The variety of music will be wide, with 14 different offerings ranging in styles from opera to gospel to flamenco and American musical. The music will be presented in one-hour sessions which will also include discussions with questions and answers with the performing artists. These encounters allow the audience to engage in a more meaningful and enjoyable way with the music.

The first performance was on July 12 at the Queens Central Library. It was flamenco dance performed by Elementos de Flamenco. The last show of the series will be live streamed from the David Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center and will take place on September 27th. The encore performance will be viewable at five Brooklyn Public Library locations, including at the Kensington Library at 4207 18th Avenue. The Queens Public Library will also have 13 branches participating. For more information go to the Lincoln Center schedule.

Golden Farm Finally Caves and Gives Workers Contract

It was a hard-fought battle for the workers at Golden Farm Market and Deli, but finally, after two years, owner Sonny Kim agreed to give his employees contracts.

Workers Win Contract at Golden Farm Market/Deli

The Kensington, Brooklyn store owner had been trying to fight the workers demand for contracts by trying to get Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union Local 338 decertified. He also had been trying to dissuade shoppers from boycotting and picketing the store. After two years of fighting Kim decided it would be in everyone’s best interest, including his own, to offer his workers contracts, and did so in late June.

Martin Gonzalez, one of the workers who now, for the first time, have a contract to work at Golden Farm said, “We the workers of Golden Farm thank you for all your help. Thank you for your time on the picket line. Above all, thank you for making this campaign a dream come true — a campaign that nobody stopped, only victory.”

Another worker added: “Hi, my name is Roberto and in the name of my co-workers from Golden Farm we greet you most sincerely and thank you very much — to every one of you — for the unconditional help. This victory is also yours. Thank you to everyone and God bless you.”

The contract signed by the workers and owner stipulates that each worker is entitled to paid sick days, holidays and vacation time. They also received small raises, the first time they have been paid beyond minimum wage. The contract also includes a “good cause” clause, which states that management must have, and provide, a reason to fire an employee. The contract also allows workers the rights to have active union representation.

This last bit about union representation was the last hurdle to overcome before Kim agreed to the contract.

Sanitation Department Surprised When Shortage of Garbage Bins Leads to Overstuffed Trash Cans

The Sanitation Department seems to be stuck on the problem of illegal dumping of household and business trash in garbage bins around New York and especially in Brooklyn. In an effort to prevent the unsightly and unsanitary overflow of trash in bins, the Sanitation Department began to remove the bins from sidewalks back in 2011. And what has been the result? It doesn’t look too good.

Pails on the sidewalks are still stuffed with refuse from families and local businesses.

“They overflow quite frequently, then the garbage just spreads all around the neighborhood,” said Bridget Elder, 52, resident of Kensington.

Since the beginning of the experiment 95 bins have been taken away. In Brooklyn bins were removed from Bay Ridge, Bensonhurst, Borough Park, Kensington, Sunset Park and Windsor Terrace.

Not Enough Bins, or Too Many?

Many residents believe that there is only one way to end the problem and clean up the area, and that is by increasing the number of garbage truck pick-ups. Although most trash bins are emptied once per day, it is clear the frequency of emptying the trash must increase.

“You used to see garbage cans all over the place,” said Kensington resident Robert Waugh. “Now, there’s a lot more garbage on the ground. This is just insane.”

The Sanitation Department has the power to add pick-ups, but removing the bins is cheaper, and that (non) solution also is less time consuming.

Smoke Bomb on School Bus Sends Students to Hospital Instead of School

Last week on Tuesday almost one dozen children were sent to the hospital after someone on their school bus set off a smoke bomb.

Smoke Bomb on School Bus Sends Children to Hospital

The bus was on its way to the Brooklyn Dreams Charter School in Kensington, carrying 40 children between the ages of 5 and 11. At about 7:20am the yellow school bus stopped at the corner of Ocean Avenue and Dorchester Road due to the heavy smoke in the bus. The bus still had about 12 more blocks to go before arriving at school.

Some of the children were transferred to the hospital as a precaution. All were released soon after it was clear that none of them were harmed.

Police believe that someone on the bus set off the device, which was a type of firework that is designed to release plumes of thick smoke. When such a device is exploded inside a closed, contained space, the police added, there is a danger that the smoke can cause breathing problems or other medical ailments.

Bikes and Books Get Together at the BPL

In anticipation of the “Bike the Branches” bike tour, the Brooklyn Public Library is outfitting hundreds of adults and children with bike helmets. The annual tour features people riding either on their own or in groups to visit as many as 60 branches of the BPL. When they arrive at each branch riders, and anyone visiting the library, will be able to participate in activities geared to families. Those who arrive at the most library branches will be eligible for prizes.

One helmet giveaway already took place at the Kensington branch of the BPL last week. This week, on Tuesday, May 13, from 4:30 to 6:00 pm, riders are invited to come to 10 Grand Army Plaza to be fitted for a free helmet, as long as supplies last.

Participants who sign up ahead of time can join in themed bike rides like the one touring some of Brooklyn’s most famous distilleries. Another ride visits famous literary locales, and another will be going to some of the borough’s most popular landmarks.

Tour day is May 17 beginning at 10am. Registration is online and costs $20 per adult and $10 per child under 17. Seniors over 65 also pay $10. There are group rates for families or groups with up to 10 members.

Mohawk Tavern Changing Name to Something More PC

After  members of the Mohawk Nation complained about the name of a local bar, the owners of that bar have made the decision to change its name.

The bar, which opened up last week, was named quite innocently the Mohawk Tavern after the Mohawk River near Albany, New York, where two of the owners grew up.

Mohawk River

“There was some chatter on the blogs and some members of the Mohawk Nation who lived in the neighborhood were unhappy,” owner Brandon Lenihan said.

Located in Windsor Terrace at Prospect Avenue and Reeve Place, the bar will remain open, but will soon have a new name “in a day or two,” the owners announced. Lenihan added that no matter what the name of the bar will finally be, the public should be aware that they will be serving beers from New York State breweries as well as locally produced wine.

“I am really glad they dropped the name! My uncle was Mohawk — it is 2014, why are we using the name of another culture for a business? I am really relieved to hear about this change and I will be one of the first people to line up for a drink. Glad they did the right thing!” read one comment posted on the local Kensington BK blog, where the name change was first reported.

Kensington Stables Protest Plan to Ban CP Horse-Drawn Carriages

Worried about what the future will be for retired horses if the carriages pulled by them are banned from Central Park; Walker Blankinship, who runs Kensington Stables near Prospect Park is protesting New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plans for the beloved tradition of horse-drawn carriage rental in Manhattan’s fabled park.

Are Horse and Carriage in Central Park Going to be Banned?
Not if Kensington Stables can help it.

Blankinship asserts that the unwanted horses will end up on the chopping block, slaughtered for meat, despite de Blasio’s reassurances that a loving home will be found for each and every one of the horses. De Blasio would like to see the carriages banned, as he, along with animal rights groups, see the custom as inhumane to horses.

The main group lobbying for a ban on the horse-drawn carriages is the New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets (NYCLASS) advocacy group. In a statement they claim that:

"The stable owner is putting forth a false choice by saying carriage horses shouldn't be banned because other forms of animal cruelty against horses exist. That's like saying you can't take in an abused dog found on your street corner because some other dog in a shelter somewhere else would have his spot taken. Those who want to adopt a horse want to specifically stop this unnecessary and inhumane practice of horses in dangerous midtown traffic. 

“NYCLASS has been working closely with animal protection groups including the ASPCA and the Humane Society of the United States, to identify individuals who are committed to providing retired horses loving homes on private farms and in sanctuaries. 

“The interest has been overwhelming. More than that, though, NYCLASS board members have guaranteed a home for every retired horse. Not one of these horses will go to slaughter."

To get the ban passed however, de Blasio needs the approval of the City Council, which might not be so easy. A recent Quinnipiac poll showed that most New Yorkers want to maintain the tried and true, not to mention romantic, tradition of Central Park horses, drivers, and carriages.

Baby, Its Cold In Here!

This winter has certainly been a rough one, but if you live at 377 Ocean Parkway in Kensington, there was very little respite from the cold winter air, even in your home. That is because, despite literally thousands of complaints to the landlord over the years, very little, if anything was done to improve living conditions.

Last Wednesday, as yet another storm engulfed the New York area, the temperature in one tenant’s apartment in the building read a crisp 51 degrees. That is 5 degrees below the legal limit for a nighttime temperature. Tenants must bundle up in sweaters and blankets and gather around space heaters just to keep their tosies cozy.

“Landlords are required by law to provide heat to their tenants during the coldest months of the year,” said RuthAnne Visnauskas, the commissioner of the city Department of Housing Preservation and Development. “If they fail to do so, HPD will use all of the enforcement tools at its disposal to hold the landlord accountable and get the heat restored.”

As if. The city has received an unbelievable 48,418 calls from tenants in Brooklyn during the three and a half months from October 1, 2013 to January 12, 2014. That’s an increase of 6.5 percent since the same time last year.

And nothing seems to help the tenants at 377 Ocean Pkwy. The owners of the four-story, brown brick building, 377 Realty Associates have not responded to 205 open violations of city codes, including mold, mice, broken boilers and peeling paint. City inspectors have slapped violations on the owner for lack of heat last winter, and a dearth of hot water in January this year. Even being featured on a segment on Time Warner Cable News NY1 did not get a response from the landlord.

Small Town Feel in this Brooklyn ‘Hood

Remy's (Formerly Hummus Garden)

Isolated somewhat by some hills and highways, the section of Windsor Heights close to the Fort Hamilton Parkway stop of the G train can have a village feel for residents and visitors. A short stroll down the main thoroughfare will reveal several local shops whose numbers have been steadily growing.

Take for instance the five-month-old kosher vegetarian restaurant called Remy’s. Opened by Avi and Julie Atiae not far from their own home in Kensington, they just began with a simple café similar to the eatery Avi already runs in Moningside Heights. Things started to get a bit more interesting, however, after the couple hired Ori Guri, an Israeli-Yemeni chef who likes to do things creatively. Yes, there are falafel sandwiches on the menu alongside a choice of four types of hummus, but that is not why people will be coming from near and far to see what’s new here.

In the pint-sized kitchen Guri is concocting dishes with so much flavor that even the most dedicated carnivores: will fall in love with thick-crusted, buttery quiches that come with salad and thrice-cooked salted potatoes; will salivate over main-course salads overflowing with spinach, sliced dates, sumac-powdered onions accompanied by crispy pita chips and zaatar flavored olive oil; and will practically cry when they taste a generous serving of tilapia layered with garlic, stewed tomatoes and smooth-as-silk eggplant in a combination that Guri has named “fish moussaka.”

Remy’s is located at 3021 Fort Hamilton Parkway, at East Second Street, 718-686-1011.
(Previously named Hummus Garden) Stay-tuned for more visits to up and coming shops along the Parkway.

Donating Old Clothes? Bin There, Done That

The New York Department of Sanitation has been busier than usual removing what they believe are scam drop-off bins for donated clothing. Thirty-seven huge metal receptacles, which were illegally placed on the streets of New York, have already been removed over the past half a year. That figure represents a 23 percent surge in the number of bins removed since last year, when only 30 were taken away during the entire fiscal year.

A Legitimate and Legal Way to Donate Used Clothing

The large pink bins began to appear on New York sidewalks over a year ago in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island and the Bronx. None of been spotted yet Manhattan. Their purpose is ostensibly to be an easy way for good citizens to donate no-longer-needed used clothing to charitable organizations; to help clothe the poor and raise funds for related organizations. Unfortunately, in the case of these bins, it is unclear in whose hands the clothing ends up.

“They are a scam and people need to be careful who they donate clothing to,” said City Councilman Daniel Dromm of Queens.  He is suspicious of the bins, believing that the clothing does not end up helping the poor.

“They’re eyesores and attract vermin,” he added.

In January the Sanitation Department warned the owners of one bin located on 18th Avenue near East Second Street in Kensington with a yellow sticker saying that the owners had 30 days to remove it from the street. During that time the bin began to overflow, leaving an unsightly mess of discarded clothing on the street next to the bin. Pedestrians and businesses were, to say the least, unhappy with the situation. Finally the bin was removed, taken apart, and recycled for its metal.

Not all the illegal bins have yet to be removed. Brooklyn has taken away the most, removing 24 since July 1. The Bronx took away eight, Staten Island removed four, and Queens, one.

Dromm is pushing for a law that will required all bins placed on private property to have a name and phone number clearly marked. It will also require the bin owners to list details about where the donations are going.

“There's a level of deception that may rise to criminality,” Dromm said.

There are legitimate methods of donating old clothing. The Sanitation Department has its own clothing drop-off charity. The bins for clothing heading for re-fashioNYC are found inside commercial and residential properties.

Move Over Tower of Babble: Here Comes Boombox Art

Reaching to the heavens is a work of installation art which is not only a feast for the eyes, but for the ears as well. “Got the Power” is a display of over 100 boomboxes arranged into a tower, with the accompanying sounds emanating from about a dozen radios within the structure playing songs and oral histories which are relevant to life in Brooklyn.

Created by Bayeté Ross Smith, an artist from Harlem, “Got the Power” is only the most recent of his creations. His first boombox piece was installed in Harlem. Later he erected similar sculptures in Minnesota, Alabama, and elsewhere. The radios play music which the locals have chosen. Ross Smith requests from the residents where his tower will reside for their favorite songs and stories, creating a soundtrack that is site-specific.

"The exhibit references the role boomboxes have played in urban communities and within popular culture, the resulting sculpture and soundscape is a symbol of pride, power, and autonomy," said Ross Smith.

For his Brooklyn boombox tower, which will be located at the BRIC Arts Theater at 647 Fulton Street, Ross Smith collected stories from talking with residents in cafes, at events and getting his own connections involved. He has participants in his latest project from Fort Green, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, Kensington,
Bushwick and Sunset Park.

Babbling Boomboxes Speaks to Brooklynites

The tower will be on display from February 19 to April 27, 2014. Ross Smith is still in search of donated boomboxes, oral stories and songs about Brooklyn for his latest effort.

Albemarle Road Getting Safety Upgrade

Councilman Brad Lander

The stretch of Albermarle Road in the heart of Kensington is notoriously hazardous for drivers and pedestrians alike. That fact is about to change as the Department of Transportation responds to pressure from community leaders and Councilman Brad Lander to install safety measures to the stretch of road between Ocean Parkway and McDonald Avenue.

Over the coming months the DOT will be making driving lanes narrower to slow down drivers; “No Standing” signs will be put up to improve visibility; and two speed bumps will also be installed to slow down cars.

Lander says that it is commonplace for cars to drive too fast, making the area dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists as well as drivers. In just one year, 2013, there were 10 car crashes in that corridor. Earlier this month two cars collided at East 2nd Street.

“The community spoke out and Department of Transportation listened,” Lander said. “I am looking forward to walking the safer Albemarle Road next year,” he added.

The problem has been going on for so long and is so serious that residents voted to budget part of their tax money to fix the problem as part of Landers’ experimental Participatory Budgeting program.

“This has been a decade long fight. We look forward to the implementation of these devices in the springtime,” said Larry Jayson, president of the Albemarle Neighborhood Association.

“This is an important victory for residents in Kensington, who have come to Participatory Budgeting neighborhood assemblies for the last several years and noted Albemarle Road as an area that needs traffic calming measures,” said Rachael Fauss, Kensington resident and member of the Participatory Budgeting District Committee for District 39.

“With these new improvements, the community will be safer and know that its voice has been heard,” Fauss said.

Councilman Lander said that the “No Standing” signs are already in place. Residents will be able to hear more about the safety improvement plan from the DOT at a Community Board 12 meeting this month.

NYC Trading Cards Coming Soon

You may soon see NYC Trading Cards around Kensington. Brooklyn-based artist Alex Gardega has spent six years drawing cover art for the Ambassador Yellow Pages. Now, he's using those pictures of everything from the Brooklyn bridge and the Bronx Zoo to the Unisphere in Flushing Meadows and more to create trading cards.

As Gardega, 44, said,

“I’m one of these New Yorkphiles, for lack of a better term. I always love learning about New York things. Especially the ones you see all the time but don’t know anything about.”

Card by Alex Gardega

Each of his cards will have information on the back of it about the personality of the person or the information about the place. The cards will come in packs of five and will sell for $6 a pack. He's hoping to start with a limited run of 2000 cards and will take pre-orders through the site nyctradingcards.com.

Who will decide what qualifies as being from New York? Gardega plans to take on that task himself. As he said,

“Andy Warhol was from Pittsburgh, but you think of him as a New Yorker through and through. Even Dali was an eternal Spaniard but I think of him as a New Yorker, because he lived at the St. Regis forever.”

PS 154 Greenmarket Celebrates End of Season with Clambake

This Sunday is Last Day if the Season of Windsor Terrace Greenmarket

Join loyal market-goers this Sunday, December 22 to celebrate a great season of shopping at the PS 154 Windsor Terrace Greenmarket. The market will be open for the last time this season from 9am to 3pm, with a celebratory clambake scheduled for 11am. The clambake is sponsored by American Seafood, an operation which catches their fish off the Long Island coast.

While you are there be sure to say hello to all the local farmers who have been working so hard all year to bring you the best of their produce, and say thanks. Don’t forget to also come by and say hi to Dorothy at the information tent. As the market manager she would love to hear from you and how you enjoyed shopping at the greenmarket this past year.

The clambake will be just one of many items that will be on sale this Sunday, including Baker’s Bounty, Consider Bardwell Farm, Yellow Bell Farm, J Glebocki Farm, Sawkill Farm, and Williams Fruit Farm.

Futuristic Kensington Library Branch May Be Last of its Kind for New York

User-friendly Kensington Branch of the BPL

Kensington welcomed the newest member of the Brooklyn Public Library to its neighborhood recently: a gleaming, environmentally friendly complex with large open spaces, panoramic glass windows, and a slew of computers, iPads, and self-check-out, make this library state of the art and welcoming to visitors.

However it seems that it is more likely than not that this will be the last such building project in the BPL system. Building on an empty lot from scratch, like the new 18,500 square foot branch was, is a costly endeavor. New branches added to the system will most likely utilize already constructed spaces.

"In the future, I anticipate it would be more about using storefronts," said BPL president/CEO Linda Johnson.

A majority of the BPL’s 60 branches were donated about 100 years ago by Andrew Carnegie, and they are now ready for some massive repairs and upgrades. BPL estimates that there are over $250 million worth of repairs that need attention immediately, including things like roofs that are breaking down, and broken air conditioning systems. That is a large way from the $15 million that is now available by the city for use by the BPL.

Due to this situation the BPL to look into less expensive ways to improve their branches, such as utilizing storefronts instead of building new buildings.

The new Kensington branch is filled with mostly new 39,415 books and DVDs. It has 24 computers and two machines for self-check-out. As soon anti-theft equipment is installed the library is going to add three iPads for children.

"As peoples habits change so will we," Johnson said. "This is the first step to change our architecture to meet the way people are living and working today."

The Kensington library was one of the busiest in the entire system. There were 104,700 books or other items in circulation from this branch in 2012, ranking it the tenth busiest in the whole BPL system.

"It's really beautiful," said City Councilman David Greenfield (D-Flatbush). "It's the future of libraries and well worth the visit for even those who don't live in the neighborhood."

Con Ed Diggs Up Ditmas Despite Its New Blacktop

Kensington residents are once again putting up with torn up streets only weeks after the Department of Transportation spent many days repaving and painting parts of Cortelyou Road and Ditmas Avenue this past summer.

Con Edison has a permit to dig up Ditmas

Two Con Edison crews had no qualms tearing up large swaths of Ditmas Avenue in order to make emergency repairs.  One crew was responding to a report from a neighborhood customer about electrical problems he was having while the other crew was making emergency repairs to a set of “high voltage lines” that bring electricity to the whole neighborhood.

Spokesman for Con Edison, Alfonso Quiroz said, “We had to take them out and replace them,” referring to the wires that were in damaged cables they found underground earlier in the week.

Con Edison has a permit for the work they are doing, but many utility companies often do not bother with acquiring permits before they come and dig up the streets. Since 2010, when fines for failing to get a permit to do work on the streets doubled, the city has been collecting large sums from the companies.

The fine for tearing up a street without a permit is now $1,500, bringing millions of dollars into the city treasury. But that income has not made residents any happier.

“I just don't understand what the problem is,” fumed Miriam Sanchez, 58, who owns the hairstylist store on East Third St. “What have they been fixing for so long? The noise and construction is such a nuisance.”

Inspectors are constantly on the lookout for violators, finding many. In 2012 construction firms were fined 2,033 times. In 2011 that number was only 516.

"We would not be digging unless there was a permit," said Quiroz. He added that the work will be completely as soon as possible.

Senator Felder Delivers Funds to Six Branches of the BPL

Six branches of the Brooklyn Public Library are the recipients of a $140,000 funding boost made possible by the work of State Senator Simcha Felder and Senate majority Leader Dean Skelos. An oversized check was awarded to the President and CEO of the BPL, Linda E. Johnson in a ceremony that took place on October 24th at the Kings Highway branch of the library.

Senator Felder, who is a Democrat representing the Borough Park-Midwood District and is the chairman of the New York City Education Subcommittee and the Children and Families Committee, explained how important libraries are to communities, and his own personal lifetime affection for libraries.

“Libraries have always held special meaning for me, ever since I was young boy. They play such an important role in shaping children’s education, their thinking and their personalities,” Felder said.

Sen. Simcha Felder Handing Check to Linda Johnson

Felder added that students use libraries as places to do schoolwork, and seniors use libraries as meeting places, recreational centers, and even places to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Johnson expressed her appreciation for the allocation, which will benefit the six branches found within Felder’s district: Kings Highway, Borough Park, Kensington, Mapleton, Midwood and Ryder.

“We are deeply grateful to Senator Simcha Felder for awarding BPL $140,000. We will use the money to support children’s services at six of our branches,” Johnson said.

“In many neighborhoods, our libraries are the only places where families can attend developmentally appropriate programs with their young children. Thanks to Senator Felder’s very generous allocation, we will be able to help ensure that every child has the early literacy skills they need for success,” she added.

“While I know this funding will not resolve all of the library’s budgetary issues,” Felder said. “I hope you will accept it as a small token of the appreciation of all New Yorkers for the wonderful services you provide."

Third Ward Closes Down Suddenly With A No Refund Policy

No Refunds Offered After 3rd Ward Closes Suddenly

Due to financial pressure the 3rd Ward, both in Kensington and in Philadelphia, are closing shop. The space in the 3rd Ward was supposed to be a place for people to be able to experiment with whatever they were curious about, from robotics to drawing. The facility was brand new and exquisite, but it seems the costs, especially in Philadelphia, were a challenge they could not overcome.

A recent on-line fundraising campaign (now extinguished) explained the need for more dollars to flow into the enterprise:

    1. Our revenue at the Brooklyn location fell as a result of a change we made to one of our membership products earlier this year.

    2. The new location in Philadelphia is requiring more capital than expected to achieve profitability or reach cash flow break-even.

    3. The development of the Culinary project required advance spending.

The events director at 3rd Ward Philly commented about the 3rd Ward before it closed, that:

"I feel like it's our baby," he said. "We all really believe in it and we all know how much potential there is."

The closure was sudden and unexpected. A DesignPhiladelphi event was scheduled for the same night that 3rd Ward closed, and that event was also suddenly cancelled.

The Gothamist reported on an email posted by 3rd Ward officials to their membership at about 10pm on Wednesday night requesting them to come and

"collect their belongings before our doors officially close on October 11th." The email added that "unfortunately, you will not have an opportunity to use your membership after today at 6pm, and we will not be able to refund any payments made for membership services that have not been fully utilized before that time."

The lack of ability to refund membership fees applies to everyone, even those who only recently paid for their membership and did not have a chance to use any of their membership privileges.

Get Behind the Wheel of Your Own Slot-Racing Car in Kensington

Frank "Buzz" Perry and his slot-car racers

In the mood for some old fashioned fun? Check out the last of what used to be a popular pastime in these parts: slot car racing. At Buzz-A-Rama in Kensington fathers, sons, grandfathers, grandsons, and even here and there a girl or two, racing is a happening hobby.

This vintage store was opened by Frank “Buzz” Perry in 1965, who is now 88 years-old.

"In the first two years of when I was open, there were 45 places like this in the whole city of New York," says Perry. "And now? Now, I am the lone survivor."

Go see what keeps a few loyal fans coming back for more at Buzz Perry’s Buzz-A-Rama on Church Street in Kensington.

Brooklyn Bridges Begging for Boost

Of the 240 bridges linking Brooklyn’s roads over its waterways, at least half are in terrible condition, according to experts at the Federal Highway Administration, and elsewhere. Apparently a few of those are in such bad shape that they can actually crumble apart at any time.

The 15 bridges in the direst condition include seven along the Belt Parkway, a group of Q train trestles in Kensington, and several spans along the BQE. These bridges have been labeled “structurally deficient” and “fracture critical” by the Federal Highway Administration.

“Every time you see a bridge classified as structurally deficient and fracture critical it means that bridge could fall at a moment’s notice,” said Barry LePatner, an expert who has written extensively about the country’s crumbling infrastructure.

Mill Basin Bridge, opened in 1940, was the only moveable bridge on the Belt
Parkway. The new bridge under construction by the DOT will be a fixed structure.

Many of the bridges were built in the 30s and 40s and could take years to repair. It is now four years since the city began to rebuild seven unsafe bridges on the Belt Parkway, at a cost of $365 million. Those spans carry about 150,000 cars each day from Brooklyn and Queens to JFK Airport and beyond, and to the Gowanus Expressway and the Verrazano-Narrow Bridge westerly.

“We all know those bridges are the worst of the worst,” said City Councilman Lew Fidler (D-Mill Basin), who noted the city was working to replace them. “Those bridges have launched the careers of so many personal injury lawyers.”

Eventually all the bridges will be fixed, but in the meantime what can New York drivers do? It seems not much, other than keep driving and pray that all will be well.

“All the agencies, politicians and the government are fully aware of this problem,” LePatner said. “But they would rather put their money towards funding new projects for the public.”

Brooklyn’s Composting Initiative to Begin in October

Beginning next month households that wish to recycle food scraps, paper soiled with food, and a small amount of garden waste will have the chance. The city will be launching its organic waste collection pilot program in Windsor Terrace, South Slope and Greenwood Heights on October 7.

The program, which already began in Staten Island, lets residents of private homes place their food related waste into special bins which the city provides. After it is collected it will be made into compost and then used as fertilizer for local gardens, parks and tree-lined streets.

Those wishing to participate in the program will be given a small kitchen container and a small beginning supply of DSNY-approved compostable liners. These items are scheduled to be delivered to households that wish to participate during September.

Go to the NYC Recycles page for more information and tips for those who join in the program.

Lakeside Center Due to Open in December

Great Prospects for Beautiful Prospect Park

The latest upgrade to Prospect Park, the Lakeside Center, is a 26-acre recreational area which will cost, when it is done, about $74 million.

Ground broke on the project in 2010 and has been proceeding apace. Visitors will be able to awe and ahh at the remarkable historic reconstruction, ecological restoration, and modern design that are the key elements of the undertaking. Here are some of the highlights Brooklynites can look forward to.

• More green space: the new ice skating rink will be designed to blend into the green landscape surrounding it, unlike the old Wollman Rink which this one is replacing. There will be “buried building” with locker rooms, bathrooms, and a café with a roof made of green, blending in with the landscape.

• Not one but two multiuse skating rinks: Both rinks together will have 30,000 square feet of skating surface between them, and they will be in use all year-round. In the winter they will alternate between being connected together to make a huge unified skating space and being split between a skating and hockey rink. In the summer they outdoor rink will transform itself into a water playground. The other rink will become a roller skating rink.

• The complex will also feature a concert grove, music island, and rediscovered objects from the 19th century will be on display.

Councilman Brad Lander is a Champion of Change

Brad Lander: Champion of Change

This Tuesday Kensington’s own Councilman Brad Lander will be honored at a White House ceremony for  introducing “participatory budgeting” into the New York City political universe.

Lander, who was elected to the council in 2009, also represents Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens and Windsor Terrace. President Barack Obama will name Lander as a “Champion of Change” for creating a structure that allows the public to become a part of the process which allocates funding for community projects. Instead of Lander deciding where and in what proportions his $1 million yearly discretionary budget goes to, his voter base get to decide.

The idea of participatory budgeting was first born in Porto Alegre, Brazil in 1989. Lander was the first to bring this innovative idea to New York last year. The most recent allocations in Lander’s district were earmarked to bring computers to local schools; renovate bathrooms in schools; improve pedestrian access and traffic congestion on Church Avenue; and to bring more trees to Third Avenue in Gowanus.

Lander’s idea seems to be catching on: There are now 8 out of 51 districts in New York City that are utilizing participatory budgeting to fund community improvements. The White House explained that Obama created Champions of Change to recognize the contribution that innovation can make to communities and to honor those who are not afraid to introduce change.

Congratulations Councilman Lander!

Beat the Heat at a NYC Cooling Center

Its Hot!

Feeling the heat? Its no surprise, since New York City is now in the middle of a heat wave. However, if 95+ makes your blood boil there is relief, even if you don’t have a working air conditioner or any ac at all. How so? At one of New York’s cooling centers. Yes you heard right. Right in your own neighborhood are places you can go to get some respite from the muggy, hot weather. Here is a list so you can find the one most convenient for you. So go down and cool down!

• Prospect Hill Senior Services Center- Head on over to 283 Prospect  Ave anytime from 8am to 4pm Monday through Friday. For weekend hours call 718-499-9574. Hours may be extended if there is a heat emergency. Wheelchairs welcome.

• Windsor Terrace Library- At 160 Fifth Street the library is a great place not just to cool off, but to also get some good reading material for the summer. Open Monday and Tuesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Wednesday from 1-8 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 1-6 p.m.; for Saturday and Sunday hours, call 718-686-9707. Hours will not extend during heat emergency. Not wheelchair accessible.

• Kensington Library- Getting cool has never been easier. At 410 Ditmas Avenue check out the climate along with some books. Monday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday from 1-8 p.m.; Wednesday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday from 1-8 p.m.; Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; for Saturday and Sunday hours, call 718-435-9431. Hours will not extend during heat emergency. Not wheelchair accessible.

• Brookdale Neighborhood Senior Center/Agudath Israel of America- All are welcome to escape the heat at 817 Avenue H. Hours are Monday through Friday from 8am-4pm. On Saturday and Sunday call ahead for hours: 718-434-8670. Hours will not extend during heat emergency. Access to wheelchairs.

If you need further assistance or the addresses of other New York cooling centers contact the NYC Office of Emergency Management.

Kensington Residents Demand Improved Road Safety on Ocean Parkway

Councilman Brad Lander

City Council member Brad Lander joined with Kensington residents, transportation advocates and others at the corner of Ocean Parkway and Church Avenue to demand safety improvements there and elsewhere on the dangerous Brooklyn thoroughfare.

A full year has passed since Kensington residents voted for Lander’s proposal to allocate $200,000 to safety upgrades on the notoriously unsafe roadway in the borough’s “participatory budgeting” election.

Unfortunately not enough time has passed for the New York State Department of Transportation to take action. They have as yet neither approved Lander’s plan, saying it would not improve the parkway’s safety, nor have they come up with their own plan that would create a better, safer road.

Too late for 73-year-old Ngozi Agbim, who was hit by a semi-trailer truck and killed at the intersection last Monday, making residents angry, sad and bitter.

“We just do not understand how is it that a God fearing and loving mother would die in such a manner walking back from a church service,” said Eugene Agbimson, Brother-in-Law of Ngozi Agbim.  “This is very difficult, but it is also very rewarding. It allows me to reflect on her life, her dedication to the service of God and her lifelong committed to the less privilege.   Her death like her life is now a beacon – a rallying point for change.”

“We have been working to fix that intersection—which we all know is dangerous—for years,” said Council Member Lander. “The community felt so strongly that this was voted a top priority in last year’s budget. We are heartbroken about Monday’s tragedy, which took the life of our neighbor, Ngozi Agbim. We must act now to do all we can to prevent future tragedies. We are calling on New York State DOT to approve our plan.”

“It has saddened me that someone died in this tragic accident,” said nearby resident Arlette F. Mathis. “My family and I cross that intersection daily. We fear crossing, because even with the signage, drivers speed onto the Prospect Expressway and seldom yield to pedestrians. Something like this should never happen again.”

Oldest Jewish Person Dies in Kensington Brooklyn

Evelyn Kozak

Evelyn (Chava Rivkah) Kozak was mourned by family and friends after passing away this past Tuesday morning in the Maimonides Medical Center. She was just short of 114 years old, making her the oldest Jewish person, and the seventh oldest person in the world.

Mrs. Kozak had a long life full of blessings, said her granddaughter Sarah Polon. Evelyn was born on the Lower East Side on August 14, 1899 to a wealthy family from Russia. She spent her childhood on Farragut Road in Flatbush, which was a time when there were no Jewish home owners in the area. She moved to Florida, and ran a boardinghouse in Miami until she was 90 years old. She was a big fan of NY Times Scrabble and played until she was 95. In the winter of 2010 Evelyn suffered a stroke and moved back to Brooklyn, to the Kensington neighborhood, where she lived with her granddaughter and eight great-grandchildren.

“People came over for blessings knowing how effective her brochos (blessings) would be,” Sarah Polon, her granddaughter said. “People asked her what her secret is. A good conscience, she used to respond.”

“She gave everything from herself, even her best clothing,” her grandson said during his eulogy at the funeral.
Mrs. Kozak may hold the record for living a long life, her family would prefer if she were remembered for her good deeds and acts of kindness.

“She cared for every person no matter race or color, type of Jew, affiliation or level of frumkeit, (religiosity). She cared about the human being. She cared about the good,” Ms. Polon said.

Brooklyn DA Hynes Honors Twenty of New York’s Finest

DA Charles Hynes Honoring New York's Finest Finest

District Attorney Charles Hynes of Kings County named today the twenty recipients of the 23rd annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Awards. The award honors those members of the law enforcement community who have gone beyond the call of duty to protect residents of Brooklyn.

The announcement, which was made at the Brooklyn Law School, mentioned members of the New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, Kings County District Attorney’s Office, New York City Department of Correction, New York State Unified Court System, and the Bridge and Tunnel Officers Benevolent Association. The twenty were honored for their bravery, diligence, dedication to their jobs and concern and involvement in the community.

"The officers recognized at today’s ceremony are extraordinary men and women who represent the best law enforcement officers in the country," Hynes said. "They play a significant role in keeping Brooklyn safe, sometimes risking their own lives in the process. I am proud to honor these outstanding officers.”

Three of the officers honored were Lieutenant Joseph Smith, Sergeant Phillip Berfond and Police Officer Dale Stone. All three are from Transit District 34 of the NYPD Transit Bureau. During Hurricane Sandy on October 29, 2012 the three hurried to Coney Island to assist three colleagues whose patrol van was stuck in the rapidly rising water flooding all around them. The rescuers broke the passenger window of the van and placed the officers in a rowboat. As the six were leaving the scene they came across six other people with a dog trapped on top of a number of cars. One of those people was rescued on the spot, while the officers waited with the rest of the people until help arrived from their Transit District. Stone, Berfond and Smith all went to Maimonides Hospital to be treated for hypothermia. They made a rapid recovery and were soon released.

A Festival of Art from the Ancient to Modern at the Park Avenue Armory

Painted Wooden Egyptian Male Statuette from Phoenix Ancient Art

One of the highlights of spring in New York is most certainly the Art and Antiques Dealers Show NYC. This extraordinary celebration of art showcases a huge variety of work, from the oldest artifacts, which can be literally thousands of years old on display at the Phoenix Ancient Art booth, to more modern fare at presenters such as Clinton Howell who specializes in 19th century period pieces.

This year’s show was held from May 1-5 at the Park Avenue Armory and featured almost 60 galleries and dealers with their best objects d’art out for the scrutiny of the public. Collectors, art lovers, or just plain curious people who enjoy the unusual and beautiful gathered together to peruse a collection of art brought together in one of the most eclectic and varied displays possible to imagine.

Also part of the show was a fundraiser on opening night. This benefit preview was sponsored by 1stdibs.com and raised money to support the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
The Art and Antiques Dealers Show is a yearly event not to be missed. Check it out next spring.

Police Rescue Man From Brooklyn Bridge Jump

Police Engaging Man on Brooklyn Bridge Tower

After receiving a call on Saturday that a man was standing on the Manhattan tower of the Brooklyn Bridge threatening to jump, NYPD arrived at the scene, donned harnesses, and climbed up the cables to talk the man down.

First to arrive at the bridge were detectives Keith Connelly and Gregory Welch. Without hesitation they put on harnesses and began the climb to the top of the tower. According to police reports the detectives waited until Sergeant John Flynn joined them before engaging the man.

The police spoke with the “jumper” for over an hour before he decided to come off the bridge with the policemen. The man agreed to descend safely after the officers “were able to ascertain the man’s concerns and issues.” He came down without a struggle with Emergency Service Officers after the man was convinced that they would help him get the aid he was seeking.

When the group reached the safety of the road the 52-year old black man, whose name was not released yet, was brought to Bellevue Hospital for an evaluation.

Lander’s District Chooses Where the Money Will Go

Brad Lander

In Councilman Brad Lander’s Brooklyn District a new experiment with democracy is underway and looking good. Over the weekend 2,812 residents of Kensington, Cobble Hill and Park Slope voted in what was the second election in New York City known as “participatory budgeting.”

The idea behind participatory budgeting is that the people in the neighborhood who are closest to the issues which are most important to them decide directly how their own tax money is spent.

Here’s how it works: Neighborhood residents came up with 24 proposals to put before the voters, and the voters chose among these 24 the six projects which will be prioritized for funding in New York’s 2014 budget. The budget of $1 million will be adopted in June using city capital promised by Lander.

The following projects were chosen by the voters to receive a part of the $1 million:

1. P.S. 230 will receive $180,000 to install 34 Smartboards in the school together with MacBooks. The school serves high-needs students. Many of the 1,300 pupils are also learning English as a second language.

2. The Carrol School, P.S. 58 will have eight bathrooms renovated using $110,000 of the budget. The last time the school was renovated was 1954.

3. Carrol Gardens/Windsor Terrace Library will receive $75,000to fund 29 new adult and preschool computers. The purpose is to support community needs for internet and computer competence and literacy.

4. Church Avenue will receive $300,000 worth of traffic and pedestrian safety upgrades. Sidewalks will be extended and crossing distances reduced on Church Avenue at the Coney Island Avenue and McDonald Avenue intersections.

5. P.S. 179 will receive $115,000 to upgrade the school’s technology infrastructure.  Twenty-seven Smartboards will be installed to help this underserved school which serves a high-needs population of English language learners, special education students, and gifted students as well.

6. New trees will be planted in the 3rd Street Green Corrider to help control rainwater runoff. Using a budget of $170,000, ten new trees with enhanced tree pits will be placed in Gowanus from Bond Street to Third Avenue. Drainage during storms should be improved while bringing shade and beauty to this section of Brooklyn.

“I am amazed by the turnout and cross-community collaboration we saw over the last week,” said Councilman Lander. “After one of the more trying years in our city’s history, it would be easy to divide into factions and work against each other for funding for our corner of the city.  But New Yorkers are showing a better way forward and are working together to make the tough decisions that make all of our communities stronger.”

Those who would like to see all 24 projects which were proposed can turn to Brad Lander’s web site.

Brooklyn Writer Brings Family Lore to Life in Second Novel

Amy Shearn of Brooklyn

Brooklyn author Amy Shearn took a bit of her family history and transformed it and enlarged it into her second novel, which will be launched in Park Slope on Tuesday April 2, at 7pm at the powerHouse on 8th.  An additional book launching will take place on April 14th at the Lark Café in Ditmas Park at 6pm.  

The book, entitled “The Mermaid of Brooklyn” is based on the story of Shearn’s grandmother, Jenny Lipkin, which is also the name of the heroine of the book. The real-life Lipkin was forced to support her family on
her own, without the assistance of her absentee husband. The fictional Lipkin is faced with similar difficulties.

The character is a former magazine editor who is married to a gambler who disappears one day. She is now faced with the prospect of supporting her family on her own in a Park-Slope walk-up. Jenny is overwhelmed with her responsibilities, becomes desperate, but eventually finds her strength with the aid of a magical mermaid.

District Attorney Hynes Honors Brooklyn’s Finest Women

Kings County DA Charles Hynes

Kings County District Attorney Charles Hynes honored 33 women of Brooklyn for their extraordinary service to their communities at the seventh annual “Extraordinary Women” event held on March 5, 2013.

Hynes declared that these women worked hard for years to improve the lives of those around them. They should be, and are, considered great role models for others, displaying a large degree of selflessness, dedication and compassion for their communities.

Among those extra-special women was June Rodrigues of Ditmas Park. In 2008 Rodrigues began to volunteer for the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI.) Back then East Flatbush’s branch of NAMI had only two support groups. From the beginning Rodgrigues was dedicated to improving the lives of people with mental illness. It was one of her most cherished goals to improve the services available for them through education and advocacy.

Rodrigues is largely responsible for many of the most basic programs available through NAMI at the Kings County Hospital. Those include NAMI’s Peer-To-Peer, Family-to-Family, and NAMI Conexion, a support group for mentally ill Spanish speaking adults.

"It is an honor for me to recognize these women for their outstanding work, which benefits all the people of Brooklyn," Hynes exclaimed.

The 33 women were also given the special designation of “Special Ambassador” in their communities.

 "The women come from neighborhoods throughout Brooklyn.  The honorees all have one thing in common," Hynes said. "They make Brooklyn a better place to live.”

Special Programing at Brooklyn Museum Every First Saturday

Known as “Target First Saturdays,” the Brooklyn Museum opens its doors every first Saturday of the month from 5pm until 11pm. (The regular Saturday hours are 11am-6pm.)

Visitors to the Museum on the first Saturday of each month (excluding September) can expect to enjoy free programs including both art and entertainment. There are crafts projects for visitors to participate in, artist talks, tours of the galleries and other exciting activities.

Check the Brooklyn Museum’s website for details of upcoming programs. As implied in the name of the program, the popular department store “Target” is a sponsor, along with the Wallace Foundation Community Programs Fund,DLA Piper US LLP, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, The Ellis A. Gimbel Trust, National Grid, and more.