| Welcome to The Sixth Sense - the monthly newsletter of Brooklyn Community Board 6, serving the neighborhoods of Carroll Gardens/South Brooklyn, Cobble Hill, Columbia Street Waterfront, Gowanus, Park Slope and Red Hook.
Give a man a fish and he'll be hungry in a day; teach him to fish and you'll feed him for a lifetime.
The notion of community-empowerment is so essential to the work we do at the Community Board. We aren't interested in keeping ourselves in business doing the same thing day-after-day, year-after-year. Times change, communities change, needs change, and so must we. If we fail to stay relevant and timely, we fail to provide essential support for our communities. Community Boards must not only respond to community's needs, they must anticipate them. When citizens search for their Community Board, especially online, the Community Board must already be there--whether it's an active web-presence or in the form of social media or wherever they may look.
One of the unique mandates of the Community Board is to disseminate information. Of course, that means we get blamed a lot whenever the public is caught by surprise--whether it's an unanticipated street closure, a film shoot, construction impacts, or even changes in their tax bill. Realistically, there's no practical way we can anticipate every single person's needs and meet them. We do our best. Then we learn. Then we do even better. Our cycle relies on continuous learning and adaptation.
Communication is an essential part of maintaining a strong community. That's a lesson which repeats in so many ways. When a community wants to effect change it organizes itself to leverage the resources it has and make smart decisions. The key to effective organization is communication.
We encourage people who want to be in the know, people who want to build and maintain strong communities, to use and pass along information from whatever reliable sources they have.
Empower yourself with information. Whether it's in the form of signing up for the City's Notify NYC services (see feature below) or even just passing along this newsletter to a family member, neighbor or friend who you think can benefit (please do!).
Maybe there's something in each of our newsletter issues that you didn't know about that might serve you.
Maybe we've inspired you to show the rest of your family, neighbors and friends where to fish for information so they'll never be hungry for it again. You'll be doing them a good turn. And if you do come across a great source for reliable local information, please let us know. We want to learn and adapt and share. After all, a learned community is an empowered one.
Happy fishing!
Stay involved. Be aware. It's our community!
Enjoy our newsletter, and please let us know what you would like to see in future editions.
P.S. If you like what you see here, please use the "Forward email" link at the bottom of the page to pass this email along to a friend or two. There are over 104,000 residents and thousands of businesses in our district. We'd love it if they would all sign up!
|
|
Save the Date: December 14, 6:30pm
|
Red Hook Microgrid Video Launched
|
|
|
click on image above to watch video
|
In the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy, millions of New Yorkers were left without heat and power for days. This is the story of Red Hook, Brooklyn, a community that's planning for a more resilient future now with the help of NYSERDA's
NY Prize community microgrid competition, a grant program inspired by the Governor's Reforming the Energy Vision (REV) initiative. Watch to learn more about our
Red Hook Community Microgrid feasibility study.
This incredible video was produced by
Kaluk, Red Hook's own word-of-mouth marketing cooperative which serves as a "voice for the community." Kaluk was developed by and to create opportunities for youth. Its founders hail from the South Brooklyn Alternative High School operated in Red Hook by Good Shepherd Services. Our microgrid team had the foresight to contract Kaluk for marketing services which also served as a way to show direct support for our own community.
So if you're in the market for marketing services instead of spending money to hire any old firm think about using your budget to invest in Red Hook's youth. We're thrilled with their work product and know you'll be to.
|
|
Gowanus Open Studios: October 16-18
Now more than ever it's important to celebrate the vibrant Gowanus Arts Community; one of the many groups of people that make our district so unique. Express your appreciation by visiting the studio of your creative neighbors to have a looksie, enjoy conversation over a glass of cheap wine, and buy some art. Artist studios, maker spaces, galleries & even our mini museums will be open from
12-6pm on Oct 17 & 18. Evening events are scheduled Friday through Sunday.
Browse Studios Virtually
Visit artist profiles right now to choose which studios to visit in real life
.
Curator-Led Art Tours: Can't decide which studios to visit? Join a
Curator-Led Art Tour and let an expert be your guide.
Special Events and Parties: Find out more about
events and parties happening during GOS 2015.
|
Get Notified and Stay Informed!
Notify NYC is the City's subscription-based emergency communications service where anyone can sign-up to receive emergency (and some non-emergency) notices about municipal services.
Notify NYC alerts you to bridge, tunnel, highway and major street closures, extreme weather conditions, transit service changes, major accidents, and other important bulletins that could impact and disrupt our daily lives.
If you have not already done so,
sign up now to begin receiving emails and/or texts, or call 311 to register.
Or if you prefer you can follow their Twitter feeds at
@NotifyNYC.
|
|
Things to do in the District
Saturday October 3, 10am-4pm
4th Annual Permaculture Skill Share Festival at the Old Stone House - a place to learn new techniques and share tips on ecological living, health and wellness. The selected items below will be especially great for families - the whole day is for all ages with diverse activities for everyone.
Saturday October 3, 11am
MAS Walking Tour: Atlantic Avenue has been one of Brooklyn's most dynamic commercial thoroughfares for over a hundred and fifty years. This diverse retail and dining destination connects the landmark neighborhoods of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn Heights, and Cobble Hill. Mack Truck, Benjamin Moore Paints, Corning Glass Works, and Ex-Lax all got their start on Atlantic Avenue. Walk from the Atlantic Center to the waterfront, as we discuss Atlantic Avenue's architecture, social and commercial history, and more recent redevelopment. The variety of commercial, religious, civic, and residential architecture combining the new with the old are a testament to the vitality of Atlantic Avenue. $30 adults / $20 MAS members
Saturday October 3, 3-5pm
3rd Annual Oktoberfest with Dachshunds & Schnauzers. Come to our benefit for BARC where you can play with puppies, drink beer and eat sausages all in the name of animal rescue! Beer will be provided by Other Half Brewing. Food will be provided by Tom Cat Bakery, Fleishers Craft Butchery and Tin Mustard. $10 with a Schnauzer or Dachshund (or any dog! all dogs are welcome!) and $15 without dog. All net proceeds will be donated to BARC (Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition) Location: 261 Smith Street
Tuesday October 6, 9am-4pm
In partnership with LiveOnNY, New York Methodist Hospital will host its first annual Organ Donor Enrollment Day in the Hospital's Carrington Pavilion Atrium, located at 506 Sixth Street in Park Slope, Brooklyn. Call 718.780.5367 for more information.To view the event calendar online, click here.
October 16-18, 12-6pm + evening activities
Gowanus Open Studios. Artist studios, maker spaces & galleries will be open from noon-6pm both weekend days. Evening events are scheduled Friday through Sunday. Visit studios, buy art, take a curator-Led art tour, party at participating venues!
Saturday & Sunday October 17 & 18, 10am-3pm
NYU Langone Cobble Hill Emergency Department Health Fair. Free cholesterol & diabetes health screenings. Free flu shots. Adults 18 years and older. Location: 83 Amity Street
Sunday, October 18
"Sounds on Sackett" concert series debut. Dedicated to showcasing a wide array of talent and music, reflecting the rich diversity of Brooklyn and the greater New York City community. Soprano Karen Merchant who will be performing selections from the American Songbook.
Individual concerts cost $20 for adults. Children under 12 attend for free.
Until Oct 15, you can purchase a season pass for $75.00. Tickets can be bought at the door or in advance at the Office of St. Agnes, 433 Sackett Street.
Sunday October 18, 10am-4pm
The Lower East Side Ecology Center's Fall 2015 Electronics Collection Events are underway - a free opportunity for residents to discard old electronics. It is now illegal to throw electronics in the trash and residents face up to a $100 fine (see dec.ny.gov's explanation here and nyc.gov's description here.) Our free recycling events offer a legal and environmentally responsible way to discard of your e-waste.Location: PS 29 Baltic Street btw Henry & Clinton Streets
Tuesday October 20, 7-10pm
The NY & Long Island Chapter of the Horror Writers Association present Night Terrors, an evening of chilling readings and gruesome goodies. Join us in the spirit of Halloween as local authors serve up a selection of bloodcurdling tales, chilling excerpts, and horror trivia giveaways. Meet the authors, who will be available to answer questions and sign books, and visit the museum to explore the intersection of death, beauty, and that which falls between the cracks. Admission is $8.00 and may be purchased at the door. Note: the Morbid Anatomy Museum has so many excellent events this month.
Wednesday October 21, 6:30-9pm
Food for Thought
Park Slope Civic Council's scholarship fundraiser. Join us for a fun night out where you will be able to sample an array of delicacies and beverages from popular local restaurants and beverage maestros! PLUS, you'll mingle with neighbors and support a wonderful cause. We're raising much-needed funds so we can expand our scholarship program. (Each year, the Civic Council awards scholarships to outstanding high school seniors graduating from each of the Secondary Schools at John Jay High School who exhibit exceptional commitment to community service.)Tickets $75 to $125.
Friday October 23, 7pm
Fall Movie Screening: "Little Shop of Horrors" with Friends of Carroll Park.
Saturday October 24, 6-9pm
Annual "Scary-oke" Karaoke Party! with Friends of Carroll Park.
Saturday October 31, check for time
Park Slope Halloween Parade Kicks off from 14th Street and 7th Avenue. If you're marching, join us for line up on 14th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. The parade will conclude at the Old Stone House & Washington Park in JJ Byrne Playground with a community gathering and dancing with the parade bands.
Saturday October 31, 12pm
Friends of Carroll Park Annual Cobble Children's Halloween Parade. Parade begins In front of Cobble Hill Park. Please bring your own noise makers! All members of the public are invited.
|
Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc.
was established in 2003 to support the work of Brooklyn Community Board 6 in improving the quality of life in the district. Friends seeks to provide planning, advocacy, research and administrative resources to supplement the limited capacities and budget of the Community Board, thus enabling it to properly carry out its City Charter mandated tasks of evaluating the needs of the district and advocating on behalf of its communities.
Friends of Brooklyn Community Board 6, Inc. is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization (Federal EIN 04-3780020).
|
|
|
General Board Meeting
photo by Bryan Bruchman
6:30pm, October 14th
P.S. 32 Auditorium
(btw Union/Prez Streets)
Brooklyn, NY 11231
All posted meetings are open to the public; however, participation may be limited.
|
Who's Who at #BKcb6
●
Gary G. Reilly,
Chairperson
●
Sayar Lonial,
First Vice Chairperson
●
Pauline Blake,
Second Vice Chairperson
● Jerry Armer,
Treasurer
● Ariel Krasnow,
Secretary
● Jerry Armer,
Finance/Personnel & Law
● Richard Bashner,
Waterfront/Community Development
● Paige Bellenbaum,
Human Services, Co-Chair
● Peter Fleming,
Land Use; Elections
● Glenn Kelly,
Parks/Recreation/Cultural Affairs
● Ariel Krasnow,
Housing
● Gary G. Reilly,
Executive
● Robert Levine,
Landmarks
● Rick Luftglass,
Budget; Economic Development
● Eric McClure,
Transportation, Co-Chair
● Thomas Miskel,
Transportation, Co-Chair
● Mike Racioppo,
Permits & Licenses
● Mark C. Shames,
Environmental Protection
● Matthew Silverman,
Public Safety
● Benjamin Solotaire,
Human Services, Co-Chair
● Suzanne Turet,
Education, Chair
District Manager
Assistant District Manager
Special Projects Manager
● Craig Hammerman,
Editor-in-Chief
● Sarah N. Phillips,
Managing Editor
|
QUICK CLICKS
The Prospect Park Track Club announces the PPTC Grants Program. The Grants Program will consider requests up to $1,000 from organizations that promote running in Brooklyn, including educational programs, after-school groups, and charities. Requesting groups do not need 501(c)(3) status. The deadline for applications in this cycle is Thursday, October 15 at 5:00 p.m. We will announce the recipient program(s) on October 29.
BWI offers a FREE job training and driver's education course to prepare out of work New Yorkers for the NYS road test and permanent employment .5-hour pre-licensing course; up to 30 hours of driving lessons; road test vehicle; all licensing and testing fees. 60 hours of classroom training with emphasis on job readiness, computer skills, and job development. Placement in one of BWI's sector-based trainings leading to job placement or security guard training for women.Class lasts 4-6 weeks and concludes with DMV road test.
DFTA's new Benefits Enrollment Project is enrolling low-income seniors into safety net benefit programs such as SNAP, SCRIE (the Senior Citizen Rent Increase Exemption Program) & the Medicare Savings Program. Project ends in November 2015, but may be extended and expanded depending upon its success. Click here for a full listing of participating senior centers or call 311.
|
|
NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS
FROM THE CB6 AREA
Available at Fairway, Pathmark, Met Foods & other fine local institutions
www.redhookstar.com
George Fiala
Kimberly Price
Publishers
|
ADVERTISE WITH US
The Sixth Sense newsletter is delivered to over 5,600 email boxes of some of the most civic-minded people in the known universe.
Interested in supporting a local non-profit organization and advertising at the same time?
|
|
|
