March Events @ Tillie's

Open Mic Thursday 3/1 3/15 3/29

Sign-up 8:30 p.m Performances 9:00 p.m. Host: Conquest Cover: $2

Salon Series

Wednesday, March 21st 7:30 p.m. Writing Aloud Reading Series Sponsored by the Fort Greene-based New York Writer’s Coalition In honor of Women’s History Month

Albyn Hall, author of THE RHYTHM OF THE ROAD, a novel Erica Simone Turnsipseed, author of A LOVE NOIRE, a novel Clarissa Cummings, host/curator

No cover

Music

Friday, March 16th Randal 8 p.m. Roland Fidezius, bass Peter Van Huffel, saxophone Jostein Gulbrandsen, guit Fred Kennedy, drums Composer and double bassist Fidezius, from Berlin, Germany, plays highly expressive, rhymically complex avant-jazz that “sound fresh despite its indebtedness to the downtown New York scene.” Time Out New York Cover: $5 Friday, March 23rd 8 p.m. Alex Heitlinger Group Jazz composer and trombonist whose debut DC “Green Light” featured pianist Art Lande and trumpeter Greg Gisbert with music described as both “melodic and sonorous, full of appealing hooks and rich harmonies.” In addition to working with his own band, Heitlinger also performs with many Cuban musicians. Cover: $5

Friday, March 30th ElastiCity festival Chamber Jazz Night

7 p.m. French horn player Dan Shaud and ensemble 8:15 p.m. Lily Maase Quartet Lily Maase, guitar Adam Kinner, saxophone Miles Perkins, bass Liam O’Neil, drums 9:30 p.m. Todd Sickafoose’s Blood Orange Cover: $5

First Fridays at RePop: March 2

FIRST FRIDAY MARCH 2: The Fine Art of April Dinsmore and Richard Casciatio frontweb

Please join us this coming First Friday, March 2, 2007 featuring the fine paintings of husband and wife duo April Dinsmore and Richard Casciato. April and Richie begin our husband and wife series with an ecclectic mix of stunning Brooklyn landscapes and haunting, surrealist scenes. Complimentary wine reception is at 7:30 PM so come on down to the Navy Yard, mingle with the art and get your vintage groove on! All items in shop on First Friday's are 10% off.

RePop 95% Recycled was ecently established in the summer of 2006, RePop specializes in vintage installation. All items in the gallery are collected by hand according to the impulsive tastes of the curators Russell Boyle and Carl Grauer. Displays and merchandise are subject to shift weekly.

All items are available for sale or rental with special rates offered to those in the trade.

DATE: March 2nd, 2007 TIME: 7: 30 PM LOCATION: RePOP

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(Hope to see you guys there.  I'll be attending as long as I can finish this wretched research paper on Karl Marx.)

Cool Stuff at Sputnik on Thursday

This just in - an event at Sputnik in association with BAM featuring local artists, musicians, etc!Multi-faceted arts/music venue, SPUTNIK, proudly presents BROOKLYN NEXT, presented in association with BAM and generously supported by the NYS MUSIC FUND.

OPENING FESTIVITES:

THURS. FEB. 22nd: FREE before 11pm. $7 after.

SPUTNIK proudly presents our opening festivities showcasing great local talent with a multi-faceted evening of art and performance:

8PM: GALLERY EXHIBITION: SPUTNIK welcomes the return of South Brooklyn-Based Artist Collective, URBAN FOLK ART STUDIOS (UFA©)WITH WORKS BY ADAM $UERTE, WILLY PAREDES, OMAR SANCHEZ and KEITH THOMSON.

At 10PM: LIVE PERFORMANCE by PAGODA:

At 11PM: legendary Hip Hop DJ, PREMIER works the tables into the wee hours.

SPUTNIK: 262 Taaffe Pl. (bet. DeKalb and Willoughby) G train to Classon Ave. walk 1 Bl. To DeKalb, turn right, 1 bl. To Taaffe Pl. For info: www.barsputnik.com

***

Truth be told, I don't get over to Sputnik nearly enough. The space is so cool, and there's always a lot going on there. When I first moved to the hood, they also started serving brunch. Anyone know if that's still on?

SCH Newcomers' Party!

The details are in for the Society for Clinton Hill's Newcomers' Party. I wish I would have known about this when I moved to CH, but whatever. I may go this year and make my famous salmon toasts to share. You Are Invited

Society for Clinton Hill

New Comer's Party

Friday, February 23, 2007

7:00 to 10:00 pm

At 505 Myrtle Avenue

The new location of Robin & Biola's Pillow Cafe (between Ryerson & Grand)

The Society for Clinton Hill invites all those "new" to the neighborhood to come and be our guests for dinner and drinks. The "old timers" of Clinton Hill will bring their favorite dish. SCH will provide all beverages. Children welcome. Everyone please invite those new to the area from your block, your building, your child's school, or your gym to join us.

Please RSVP to Roslyn Huebener at 718-499-8382 ext. 11, by, Tuesday, February 20th, so that we can plan the food and drinks accordingly. (There is no provision for re-heating or cooking at the party, so bring your favorite dish "ready to eat.") We look forward to greeting old and new friends alike on Friday, February 23, at the charming and lovely Pillow Café.

Clinton Hill Valentine Plans

From the MARP blog, V-Day specials from some of our favorite places: Yes, we all know it’s a Hallmark Holiday that’s just a tad bit on the consumerist side of things, but if you’re going to spend it, feel good by spending it close to home. Valentine's Day specials are available up and down the avenue, so bring your honey out to Myrtle Avenue to enjoy a very special, local Valentine’s Day. Shop, dine, and pamper at your favorite area businesses.

SHOP

Karen’s Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle, (718) 797-4808 Beautiful Valentine’s Day gift baskets — available in all price ranges.

Kiini Ibura Jewelry, 388 Myrtle, (718) 858-5195 10% off of all red jewelry (includes corals and garnets) 10% off of all candles

RePOP 95% Recycled, 68 Washington, (718) 260-8032 10% discounts off of all jewelry and dresses in shop for Valentine's Day.

Frosted Moon Emporium, 154 Vanderbilt, (718) 858-3161 Frosted Moon has valentine cards, valentine-themed picture frames and gift ideas for under $40 (silk purses, satin travel slippers and scented candles in keep sake glass holders).

Sarafina Art & Gift Gallery, 411 Myrtle, (718) 522-1083 10-50% off a number of selected items: -15% off Caswell-Massey aromatherapy -20% off sterling silver and amber jewelry -10-50% off contemporary art -25% off hand painted fragrance lamps and tea light holders -25% off Votive candles (Flower collection) -Also, chocolate heart-shaped lollipops in for the season

Head Over Heels, 366 Myrtle, (718) 237-8880 20% clearance on all boots, now thru Valentine’s Day.

PAMPER

Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle, (718) 622-5363 Chocolate Paraffin manicure service ($20) Also, PBB is offering special V-day gift sets, starting at $30: -pampering gift set ($30) -manicure/ pedicure set ($60) -luxe manicure/pedicure gift set ($80) All sets include: gift card enclosure; PBB mint candy foot polish; PBB hand and foot repair; luxe terry cloth PBB slippers.

PBB recommends the $60 or $80 sets. Also, there will be an in-store Valentine’s Day celebration. Details here

Body By Brooklyn, 275 Park, (718) 923-9400

Enjoy LIVE JAZZ in the Lounge Wednesday, February 14th, 6:00pm to 9:00pm

February 14th – 18th: Book a Couple’s Massage for you and your special someone and save $20

B3 Signature Chocolate Massage—10% off B3 Signature Chocolate Massage $175/ 90 minutes

Melt away stress, indulge your senses and warm your soul with a decadent chocolate massage. When absorbed through the skin, the natural antioxidants of pure cocoa help to flush out impurities, reduce cellulite, improve circulation and help stimulate cell regeneration. The aromas encourage serenity and mental wellness while the cocoa will soften, tone, nourish, moisturize and protect your delicate skin.

Book a chocolate massage now through February 15th and try a complimentary chocolate martini!

DINE

Luz, 177 Vanderbilt, (718) 246-4000 Special five course menu plus one drink $55.00 per person. RSVP recommended

Mojito Cuban Cuisine, 82 Washington, (718) 797-3100 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person; $30/ if you mention that you received e-mail from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. Choice of champagne or white sangria and including salmon croquette appetizers, and rice and beans. Sautéed chicken in white sauce topped w/a bacon mélange. Strawberry parfait. May choose selected appetizer, entrée and dessert substitutions. RSVP recommended

Chez Lola, 387 Myrtle, (718) 858-1484 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person Menu: harrisa fennel soup, grilled shrimp salad, endive and watercress salad; pan roasted blue snapper, wiener schnitzel, guitarra pasta, free range chicken; w/ Lola’s ‘Be My Valentine’ chocolate crème brulee are on this special lovers’ menu. RSVP recommended

Maggie Brown, 455 Myrtle, (718) 643-7001 Special prix fix dinner: $35/ per person (Special menu still in the works) RSVP recommended

Cheesy Love at Olivino

From Olivino: Who says love is cheesy? We do! You know what we mean: Love is rich, love is gooey, sometimes it's hard, and sometimes it's melt-in-your-mouth smooth. And sometimes it just plain stinks - still, we can't seem to get enough of it.

And that's why we've joined up with Formaggio Essex, purveyors of fine cheeses on the Lower East Side, to bring you a very special pre-Valentine's Day wine and cheese love fest next Tuesday, February 13, from 8 to 10 pm. Come get it on with a selection of FE's exclusive cheeses from around the world, cheeses made on small farms, in Old World, traditional methods. Cheeses like the Mil Ovejas, a smooth, slightly fruity sheep's milk cheese from Spain and Couronne Lochoise, a creamy, ash-coated chevre from France's Loire Valley.

Each cheese will be carefully paired with wines from our shop by neighborhood sommelier, Bill Powers. Bill will be on hand all evening to guide us all through the sensory process of properly pairing food and wine. And because love is best when it's bitter-sweet, we'll also be sampling scrumptious handmade chocolates by Durand, a boutique chocolatier from Rennes, France. Yummy. Titilate your senses and maybe even find that perfect gift for your Valentine at the very same time.

This event is $40 per person, and space is limited to ten people, so please RSVP soon!

Cheers (and, of course, love),

Olivino

Photography in the Nabe

Just received word on TWO photography events presented by local artists in the area: 1. Fort Greene Photography Org:

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On display will be a variety of photographic interpretations of how humans relate to each other and the environment. Images will showcase the talent of these artists by presenting images that are imaginative, emotional, as well as thought provoking. The dedication demonstrated by the photographers in this exhibit continues to show that FPGO is one of the premier community based artists organizations. Fort Greene Photography Organization is a photography-inspired membership organization that was founded in January of 2001. With a membership of thirty individuals, FGPO’s mission is to advance public interest in photography, to expose the public to the works of emerging photographers through exhibitions and other events, and to provide emerging photographers with a forum to expose their work to the public. FGPO aims to organize, sponsor, and present exhibitions, forums, lectures and discussions related to photography in order to foster a greater appreciation and understanding of photography by the general public to make it accessible to all. For further information, please contact: The Washington Carver Gallery at The Magnolia Tree Earth Center 677 Lafayette Avenue Brooklyn, NY Empress Modupe Olufunmi 347-351-3882 or Pavan Carter 718-986-9496

2. Celebrating Black History Month:

The Seventies and the Eighties: A Digital Presentation of Photographs by Marilyn Nance

Saturday February 17, 2007 at 7:30 PM

85 S. Oxford Street at Lafayette Avenue, Fort Greene, Brooklyn, NY

$5 Admission

A benefit for Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, a neighborhood landmark whose legacy of community service & activism stretches from the Underground Railroad to today’s social justice issues. www.lapcbrooklyn.org

Ten Years of Tillie's!

snb11184.jpg Patricia Mulcahy opened Tillie's on DeKalb Avenue on February 25, 1997. A true pioneer on the now thriving DeKalb strip, Tillie's was one of the first locales in the neighborhood to cater to the neighborhood's thriving arts scene. These days, Tillie's still hosts open mic nights and art installations.

I just received the following press release, detailing the coffee shop's inception and listing a number of special events to celebrate this BIG anniversary:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TILLIE’S OF BROOKLYN CELEBRATES ITS TENTH ANNIVERSARY, 2/07 On February 25th, 1997, editor and publisher Patricia Mulcahy opened Tillie’s of Brooklyn on what was then a forlorn strip of DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The new coffee house was a turning point for the neighborhood. Ten years later, with Fort Greene considered one of the most vibrant areas in New York City and the controversial Atlantic Yards project certain to transform the neighborhood even further, Tillie’s is celebrating its anniversary with a month-long calendar of events showcasing Brooklyn-based music, art, and writing.

“Tillie's is my favorite watering hole,” says City Councilwoman Letitia James, “A place where everyone knows my name, and everyone else's as well. A place where artists, writers, students, politicians, seniors and children of every persuasion gather to get the local gossip. But it is a place in a neighborhood that is being threatened by economic forces and chain stores. It is the reason that I raise my voice so loudly against development and luxury coops. We must all do what we can to preserve the character, diversity and soul of this community. I salute Tillie's, and raise my coffee cup in its honor.”

Housed in an 1888 landmark building in what was formerly an antiques store, Tillie’s was named to honor Tillie Asnis, whose family for decades ran businesses on the site and lived above the store. Mulcahy, former editor in chief of Doubleday and executive editor of Hyperion, designed Tillie’s to function as both a contemporary update on the corner hangout and an arts and community-oriented coffee house in the Greenwich Village tradition. In addition to art shows, Open Mic nights, and music and spoken word events, Tillie’s features a well-used community bulletin board and a rack of free publications—from The Onion and The Village Voice to The Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Courier.

“The most rewarding thing about being in business for ten years,” says Mulcahy, “is seeing the neighborhood realize its potential. It has always had amazing people—and beautiful architecture, too—but economically, it took a while for Fort Greene-Clinton Hill’s diversity and artistic flavor to be recognized and celebrated citywide. Now we are struggling to hold on to these features as change swirls around us.”

Once a lonely outpost, Tillie’s has been joined by a raft of new stores and restaurants on DeKalb Avenue as the street develops into an increasingly lively commercial strip in a burgeoning neighborhood. Over the years, Tillie’s offerings have branched out from typical coffee shop fare to include a full range of sandwiches, salads, and other light meals.

Carl Hancock Rux, poet, playwright, novelist and performer, is a longtime Fort Greene resident and Tillie’s regular. “The soup of a neighborhood is in the stock of its watering holes,” says Rux, whose Talk was labeled “a dazzling play” by The New York Times. “At Tillie’s,” he continues, “African drumming circles drown out polite business conversations; would-be iconoclasts plan their mercurial rise to fame; post-emancipation vegan hip-hopsters mingle freely with expatriate bohemes, their toddlers and their terriers. New York hasn’t seen anything like this in a looooong time.”

Tillie’s is located at 248 DeKalb Avenue in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. For directions see “Getting Here” at www.tilliesofbrooklyn.com. For more information, see Calendar of Events, below, or contact Patricia Mulcahy at (718) 783-6140 or mail@tilliesofbrooklyn.com.

snb11186.jpg Calendar of Events at Tillie’s, Tenth Anniversary 2/07 (Please note: there is no cover charge for events unless specifically noted.)

1/16/07 – 2/17/07 Prints and Paintings by Richard Lebenson A professional illustrator for over 30 years, Lebenson shows his moody, atmospheric etchings, drawings, and paintings.

Thurs. 2/1 Open Mic night 8:30 sign-up 9:00 performances Cover: $2 Host: Conquest

Fri. 2/2 8:00 p.m. theSuiteUnraveling Lily Maase, guitar Evan Smith, sax Peter Van Huffel, sax Matt Wigton, bass Fred Kennedy, drums Cover: $5

“Add modern technology, experimental compositional approaches, killer technique and a fearless sense of fun, and you’ve got some seriously remarkable new music.” – The Weekly Alibi

Tues. 2/6 7:30 p.m. A Night of Noir A reading from the popular anthology Brooklyn Noir, published by Brooklyn-based Akashic Books. Editor Tim McLoughlin, plus Nicole Blackman and Arthur Nersesian, will read original crime stories that take place in Brooklyn neighborhoods. “A stellar collection.” Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

Thurs. 2/8 8 p.m. An Evening of Comedy Organized by Julie Miller, who graduated from Pratt with a degree in Writing for Performance and now works at Spike TV. With Sara Alloco, Brandy Barber (“Mortified,” The Kissing Booth”), Jordan Carlos (“Live at Gotham,” Montreal Comedy Festival), Andrew Condell (“The Tunafish Sandwich Story”), Matthew Guzzardo (“The Sizzle Twins”), Julie Miller, and Lindsay Nouis. Based on the weekly comedy writing workshop held in Miller’s apartment (conveniently located directly above Tillie’s).

Fri. 2/9 8 p.m. Pam Fleming and Fearless Dreamer Pam Fleming, trumpet and flugelhorn Allen Won, sax and flute Adam Klipple, keyboards Paul Frazier, bass Todd Isler, drums Cover: $5

Pam is well known for her work with Nathalie Merchant, the Indigo Girls, and Toots and the Maytals. She has recorded two CDS of her own compositions. More info here.

Sat. 2/10 8 p.m. Arthur Kell Quartet Dave Binney, also sax Gerald Cleaver, drums Arthur Kell, bass Brad Shepik, guitar Cover: $5

“Kell’s compositions are filled with melodic arrangements, spontaneous interaction, and vibrant individual performances.” All About Jazz

Tues. 2/13 7p.m. “Kick the Winter Blues” with Felicia Desrosiers, Holistic Health Counselor How to make the most out of winter – simple recipes and post-holiday detox tips Felicia was featured recently in a Village Voice cover story about breaking addictions to sugar.

Thurs. 2/15 Open Mic night 8:30 p.m. sign-up 9:00 performance Host: Conquest Cover: $2

Sat. 2/17 8 p.m. Tim Kuhl Group Tim Kuhl, drums and marimba Aggressive but melodic music from a young drummer and composer originally from Baltimore who now lives in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Kuhl studied drums and composition at Towson State in Maryland and performs not just jazz but also rock in a band called the Izzys, which has toured the U.S. and U.K. extensively. He cites Wayne Shorter as a particular influence.

Tues. 2/20 7 p.m. Behind the Scenes with Ted and Betsy Lewin The award winning children’s book illustrators present a special evening for both adults and school-age children in which they will show slides of their work and demonstrate elements of the writing/illustrating process.

Fri. 2/23 elastiCity Festival First 07 weekend of Brooklyn’s only ongoing new music festival, a monthly series showcasing performers and composers with a common vision and a sense of reaching out for something new. Curated by Lily Maase. 7 p.m. Nate Renner and special guests 8:30 Gerald Cleaver’s NiMbNI Jean Carla Rodea, voice Ryan Macstaller, guitar Todd Neufeld, guitar Josh Myers, bass Gerald Cleaver, drums $5 cover

Sat. 2/24 8 p.m. Tenth Anniversary party and opening for staff art show, “We Do More Than Serve Coffee,” 2/18/07 – 3/31/07 Organized by Jessie Lied, fiber artist With Bjorn Akerbloom, illustration Lani Bouwer, photographs Katie Deacon, drawings and paintings Maya Edelman, illustration and animation David Nix, photographs Sefu Solace, print Tara Stark, drawings

Organic Wine Tasting @ Olivino, TONIGHT

It ain't easy being green, and when it comes to the world of organicwine-making, the road to understanding is so confusing it can drive a person to drink. Lucky for you (and us), Leigh from Organic Vintages will be here Friday evening to help you do just that -- and in the process he'll explain the specifics of organic farming, unravel the mystery of biodynamics, and set the record straight on the sulfite debate.

We'll be celebrating the global sustainability with wines from three very different parts of the world: Nuova Cappoletta, a crisp, mineral-y chardonnay from Piedmont, Italy; Stellar Organic's juicy-smooth cabernet from the Western Cape of South Africa; and a full-fruited syrah by Badger Mountain Vineyards of the Columbia Valley in Washington State.

Together we can help to make the world a better place, one bottle of wine at a time.

The tasting will be held from 6:30 to 8:30. Hope to see you there!

Cheers!

Olivino 905 Fulton Street (bet. Clinton and Vanderbilt) Tel. 718/857-7952

Bank of America: Grand Opening

image001.gif I have a few things to say about this:

1. LOVE the idea for the new campaign. Hopefully MARP will provide info on the "18 local merchants" featured so I can post it here. I see Karen on the bottom right! Some of you recently posted on wanting a fish market. There's a guy on the bottom holding a fish! Let's find out what his deal is.

2. How exactly does a chain bank tie in with this campaign? Hey, I'm all for more banks nearby (though I'm annoyed at the lack of an HSBC), but just wondering.

3. Why do all these community events have to be on a weekday afternoon? It was the same with the CH Co-Ops co-generation celebration-thing. I know it's good to have local politicians on-hand and maybe it's harder to schedule them on the weekends. But if this stuff is for the community...well, it would be nice to be able to attend, that's all.

4. Tish James is scheduled to appear. I have to give her props for seemingly being everywhere at all times. I've never had a local politician be so visible.

First Fridays at RePop

Winter is finally here, and that means a negative desire to leave the neighborhood on frigid evenings. Thankfully, RePop will be coming to the rescue with the debut of their First Friday parties! First Fridays will be a mix of art, drinks and best of all, discounts. Here are the details from owners Russell and Carl: "The time is nigh to kick the winter doldrums in the ass! In an effort to move good feelings along RePOP will begin hosting art crawls the First Friday of each month. Fellow neighbors are invited to experience the first exhibition, "Royal Prey" on Feb. 2nd featuring the fine art of established artist Vivian Liddell and mixed media works by Def Jam and Playboy designer Jorden Haley. Complimentary wine reception is at 7:30 PM and all are encouraged to come on down to the Navy Yard, mingle with the art and get your vintage groove on! All items in shop on First Friday's are 10% off. Purchase not necessary to party, but if you wish to party beyond 10 PM please contribute to the bar. For a sneak preview of the work being showcased enjoy Vivian and Jorden."

jen.jpg PS- Thanks to all who voted for RePop in Apartment Therapy's Best Thrift Store contest! RePop was the winner!!!

SCH Meeting Recap

I noticed a lot more young people at last night's meeting. At first, I was psyched. But then I realized they were probably all Pratt students who were collaborating on the Broken Angel Project. 1. Clinton Hill House Tour: May 6, 2007 Lots of volunteers are needed, ranging from sponsorships to serving refreshments and house-sitting. They need 150 house sitters alone! Even if you don't volunteer, you should check this out. It's a great way to peek inside at some of the neighborhood's most intriguing homes.

2. Newcomers Welcome Pot Luck: Feb 23, 2007, 7pm

3. Composer Robert Wilson is being honored at Pratt on Tuesday, January 30. Call 718-636-3657 to RSVP.

4. 70 Lefferts Place was landmarked and saved from being demolished to make room for a 7-story condo building.

5. Atlantic Yards:* There are two cases being developed against the project: - Failure of the ESDC to: consider alternate plans, consider worst-case scenarios (terrorism), properly comment and respond to community questions (providing misleading information), produce a realistic environmental impact study - Challenge to the use of eminent domain. In order for ED to be legal, the result must have a public purpose. The lawsuit argues that the public purpose in Atl Yrds is a pretense.

6. Broken Angel: Arthur and Chris Wood spoke briefly, as did Shahn Anderson. Much of the wooden structure at the top of the building will be dismantled to meet fire codes, but will then be rebuilt per Arthur's design using steel. The design may include a revolving whale on top. The building will be turned into condos, and a community art space will be erected in the lot next door, also per Arthur's design. The expected completion of the project is a mere 12-14 months!

img_0003.JPG 7. Next Meeting: Feb. 21, 2007, Refreshments at 7 pm, meeting at 7:30, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 357 Clermont Ave. This will be a joint meeting of the Fort Greene Association and the Society for Clinton Hill. Topics will include Atlantic Yards status report and an update on many of the other development projects in our neighborhoods by Councilperson Letitia James and more. *The Atlantic Yards portion of the meeting took up the bulk of the time, and really went on for far too long. The attorney who spoke gave a fine presentation, but the floor was open for questions for an unacceptable amount of time, considering most of the "questions" were just rambling comments and statements. Yes, this is a very important issue that will affect our neighborhood. But such in-depth discussion should be corralled and saved for a meeting dedicated to this project alone. By the time Broken Angel came up, many people had left or become restless.

SCH Meeting: January 17

Society for Clinton Hill General Meeting, Jan. 17, 2007, 7:00 pm St. Luke's Church, Parish House, Washington Ave. (Between DeKalb/Willoughby) Everyone invited. Refreshments at 7 pm. Meeting at 7:30 pm.

AGENDA

1. Announcements

-Call for volunteers and committee members: House Tour, Newcomer's Party, Street Tree & Tree Guard Committee, Landmarks Committee, Other committees.

-Other

2. 70 Leffert's Place, David Conrad Status report on how this free standing Italianate villa was designated as an individual landmark, and what is next.

3. Atlantic Yards- legal issues, Candace Carponter, esq. & Shabnam Merchant Atlantic Yards is now a legal issue on at least two fronts. There are the lawsuits filed by those whose properties are to be condemned through eminent domain. And, there are the lawsuits filed against ESDC for their inadequate Environmental Impact Study and their inadequate response to the questions raised about it. Ms. Carponter will provide a status report on where things stand and will answer questions. Ms. Merchant will discuss the funding of the lawsuits.

4. Broken Angel, 4 Downing St., Brent Porter After a fire in the architectural sculpture/building known as the Broken Angel, there has been a roller coaster of events, with members of the community working to help the owners deal with the Department of Buildings and others to save the building and make sure it is up to code in its structural elements. Come and see a presentation on the building, its architectural features, design elements, construction techniques, and interiors by Brent Porter, professor at Pratt Institute. You will gain a better understanding as to what this building is and why it is worth saving.

Mark your calendars:

1. February General Meeting – (Feb. 21, 2007, Refreshments at 7 pm, meeting at 7:30) Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, 357 Clermont Ave. This will be a joint meeting of the Fort Greene Association and the Society for Clinton Hill. Topics will include Atlantic Yards status report and an update on many of the other development projects in our neighborhoods by Councilperson Letitia James and more. Watch for details.

2. Precinct Council Meeting – Tues., Jan. 16, 2007, 7 pm, location to be announced. Come and hear what is happening on the crime scene in our area and raise questions you might have. Everyone welcome.

3. SAVE THE DATE – Society for Clinton Hill, Newcomer's Party, Fri. 2/23/07, 7 pm Please invite anyone you know who is new to the neighborhood – renters and owners. This is a regular event sponsored by SCH and is meant to welcome people new to Clinton Hill and surrounding areas. Remember, old-timers bring a favorite dish and newcomers bring themselves. Location and other details will follow.

4. MEMBERSHIP – Renew your membership or join SCH at the General Meeting. Your contribution helps pay for mailings and other community activities of our organization. We welcome your participation and greatly appreciate your support.

5. SOCIETY FOR CLINTON HILL HOUSE TOUR – Sunday, May 6, 2007, noon to 5 pm. Tickets: $20 advance sale; $25 day of tour. Many volunteers needed for this biannual event which is the main fundraiser for SCH and supports all the things we do for the next two years. Volunteer at the General Meeting, or contact Wash308@aol.com for all types of volunteer positions and/or sbarnes437@aol.com to volunteer for a house sitter position. We need more than 100 house sitters and many other people to make this amazing event a success.

***

My Two Cents: This meeting sounds great! I plan on being there. First, the CH House Tour is absolutely amazing, and I encourage you all to attend and/or volunteer. It's a really great way to get inside some of the nabe's most intriguing houses. Plus, it only happens every other year, switching off with Fort Greene.  Also, the Newcomer Party is a great idea (though no one invited me when I was new here -- thanks, guys). I make really good salmon toasts, so maybe I'll bring them.

TOMORROW: Ft. Greene PUPS Holiday Coffee

Hi PUPS folks, This Saturday is the PUPS annual Holiday Coffee in Fort Greene Park. That means free coffee (donated by Starbucks), free muffins and other goodies (donated by Tillie's), and free dog treats (donated by Who's Your Doggy). Come on out to the park and enjoy a little holiday cheer with your fellow dog owners (and toast the recent off-leash ruling).

Saturday is also your last chance to buy the 2007 PUPS calendars in the park before Christmas. We're asking for a $10 donation per calendar, and this money goes right into the PUPS fund to help keep those popular bag dispensers filled. So buy a calendar--they make great gifts.

If you can't make it to the park on Saturday, the PUPS calendars are for sale at Tillie's, Who's Your Doggy, and Kiki's.

See you Saturday!

Kath www.fortgreenepups.org