Gnarley Vines: OPEN

A few of you have mentioned this in the comments, and I haven't yet stopped by. BUT, they're hosting a FREE wine tasting tonight! Please join Gnarly Vines for the first of many free winemaker tasting events: Wednesday, October 3rd from 6-8pm at Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue (between Carlton and Adelphi). Chrystal Clifton of Brewer-Clifton and Palmina Wineries will be pouring the following spectacular, handcrafted, small-production wines made by her, her husband Steve and their partner Greg Brewer:

2006 Palmina Malvasia Bianca, Larner Vineyard, Santa Ynez Valley (187 cases produced) 2005 Palmina Dolcetto, Santa Barbara County 2005 Brewer-Clifton, Cargasacchi Vineyard Pinot Noir, Santa Rita Hills (576 cases produced) 2005 Melville, Estate-Verna's Syrah, Santa Barbara County (2864 cases produced)

Their grand opening party is slated for November, and they hope to have several events lined up, including wine-food pairings with local restaurants. Welcome!

Myrtle Minutes has a great article about Gnarley Vines here.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month at the Polish Bar of Brooklyn

picture-4.png The Polish Bar of Brooklyn is once again raising money for Breast Cancer awareness, research and treatment!  Stop in for a mani/pedi, pick up the latest O.P.I. color and purchase a card in honor of someone you've lost to the disease.

The Polish Bar of Brooklyn 470 Myrtle ave. @ Washington (718) 622-5363 www.polishbarbrooklyn.com 

October Events @ Tillie's

October Events at Tillie’s Art

Around the Corner Tamara Thomsen

October 8th – November 10th

Reception October 18

7-9pm.

"Around the Corner" is a series of paintings on wood panels inspired by the industrial landscape on the East River waterfront in Long Island City, where artist Tamara Thomsen lived for several years. Muted colors and flattened perspective capture the look and feel of a neighborhood growing beyond its early twentieth-century roots.

Thomsen, who now lives in Bedford Stuyvesant in Brooklyn and maintains a studio in Gowanus, uses various techniques and materials, as well as experience gained in a two-decade stint in the design world, to investigate the premises of an overly embellished environment.

From 1981 to 1998, she was a co-founder and Senior Vice President at Smart Design, an award-winning, multi-disciplinary design firm with offices in New York and San Francisco, best known for developing Oxo Good Grips kitchen tools.

Thomsen earned an M.F.A. in Painting at Virginia Commonwealth University in 1981, and a B.F.A. in Painting Syracuse University in 1976. All work in the exhibition is milk paint, wood stains and veneer on wood panels. For more information, see http://tamarathomsen.com

A member of the Gowanus Artists Association, Thomsen will also show her work in her studio during the A.G.A.S.T. 2007 Gowanus Artists Association Open Studio, October 21 and 21st. For more information about hours and location: http://gowanusartists.com Music

Friday, 10/5/07 J. Phoenix

8 p.m.

J. Phoenix is a winner of the ASCAP/Sammy Cahn Award for excellence in lyrics ad has performed in clubs all over New York, including the CBGB Gallery and Arlene’s Grocery, as well as the Sundance Film Festival and Intel Music Festival.

Music journalist Brian Cogan says: “J. Phoenix is by no means a soul singer in the traditional sense. While trace elements of Al Green and Sam Cooke can be detected on the Geiger counter, there is just as much craft as a typical Disney show tune, somehow funneled through Seal.”

J. Phoenix’s songs have been recorded by Nancy Wilson, Tupac Shakur, Michelle Wright, and Earth Wind and Fire. This fall he releases his debut CD, Masterpiece (From The Soul Music).

Cover: $5

Friday, 10/12/07 Nhojj

8 p.m.

Nhojj started singing as a child in Guyana, where he performed in churches, on radio programs and eventually for the president. At 18, he moved to New York City, where after graduating from NYU with a B.A. in Economics, returned to his true calling - music. He has recorded two CDs, “I've Been Waiting for You” (2001) and “Someday Peace Love & Freedom” (2003).

”If Wyclef is the new face of social conscience and Arrested Development its history, then Caribbean-born, NY-raised Nhojj is its voice. What a voice. It manifests itself through his throat as a honeyed, subdued and unadorned combination of Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye. It manifests itself in an imagination that has created a hybrid of soft Southern soul, folk and jazz-reggae. His is a voice that is as familiar as an old friend, as comforting as a happy memory, as stirring as the first flush of love. LOGO-Magazine / UK's #1 New Music Magazine

For more information, see www.myspace.com/nhojj

Cover: $5 Open Mic Hosted by Nick Noir

Every other Thursday

10/11

10/25

Sign-up: 8:30 p.m.

Show: 9:00 p.m.

Come one, come all!

Waffle Weekends @ Frank White

Starting this Saturday, Frank White is launching Waffle Weekends! They'll be serving waffles/toppings Saturday & Sundays (10-1).They'd like to offer Clinton Hill Blog readers something special for stopping by this weekend -- a complimentary 'lil kim' size coffee or fresh squeezed orange juice with waffles! Just mention CHB for your free beverage :)

Frank White cafe/gallery/social 936 Atlantic Ave. at St. James Pl. www.frankwhitenyc.com

More info on FW here.

Sports, Philanthropy and Networking

There's a new touch football league based at Brooklyn Tech in Fort Greene. Here's the info: ZogSports, the charity-focused, social, co-ed sports league for young professionals in their 20s and 30s, is coming to Brooklyn for the first time this fall and there is still room for people to sign up for our awesome co-ed Touch Football league!

ZogSports has spent the last four years helping young New Yorkers break the monotony of the typical day – work/gym/bar/home - by offering sports leagues, trips, social events, and volunteer opportunities. To date, they have brought together 33,000+ participants and given more than $290,000 to charity.

This fall, ZogSports expands to Brooklyn with Kickball in Prospect Park and Touch Football at Brooklyn Tech.

Participants can sign up as an entire team or as an individual/small group and we’ll place them on a team. Teammates get to know each other at the organized post-game happy hours at local bars.

As a philanthropy-focused organization, ZogSports donates a portion of all proceeds to charity, and helps all participants Play For Your Cause by making donations to winning teams’ charities of choice. Teams have the opportunity to win both on the field as well as off, with awards given for Best Team Name, Best Team Spirit, and Best Happy Hour Team. ZogSports also partners with local charitable organizations to promote/co-sponsor their events, and organizes charity events of its own.

If you are interested in posting some information about us, please feel free to check out our website at www.zogsports.org. We’re in the last few days of registration for the Brooklyn league, so people should sign up soon. If they want to come out and meet us, we’ll have a table at the Atlantic Antic this Sunday.

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I suggested they start up a kickball league in FG Park, as that would be more my speed. My contact said she'll keep it in consideration.

October Events in the Nabe

It's never too early to plan ahead! Monday, Oct. 1, Fort Greene Park Conservancy Gala Wine Tasting This annual party will be held at the roof top gardens and penthouses of the Forte Condo project on Fulton/Ashland which provide stunning views of our park and communities. There will be 100 wonderful wines, food, wine experts, and friends of the park. The VIP session will start at 5:30 pm for a ticket price of $150, the general admission starts at 6:30 for $80 advance and $90 at the door. (All tickets are tax deductible.) Tickets are VERY limited, so purchase early. Contact Amy Bennett at amy@greenegrape.com. Tickets available at www.fortgreenepark.org.

Sunday, Oct. 14, noon, DDDB Annual Walkathon to support the Legal Fund. This exciting event is for the whole family and features entertainment, our favorite elected officials, community activists and others. We need coordinators, team leaders, behind the scenes volunteers, artists, technical experts and others to make this all happen. So, save the date. Plan to walk or sponsor a walker or team. Make a generous contribution. For more information, contact: DDDB.net or Scott Turner at scott@fansforfairplay.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it , (718) 499-8729

Saturday, October 20, Daffodil Bulb Giveaway, 1:30 pm to 5 pm. Free daffodil bulbs will be distributed for planting in tree pits, sidewalk containers, front yards, community gardens or anywhere they can be enjoyed by the public at large. Bulbs are being provided by the Brownstone Brooklyn Garden District as part of the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill greening initiative. Planting is up to you. For more information contact natashaharsh@earthlink.net.

Saturday, October 20, Artisan Market, DeKalb Ave. near park entry. What the Fort Greene Greenmarket does for locally-grown food products, the Artisan Market does for local art and design. Open 9am to 6pm. For information contact natashaharsh@earthlink.net.

Saturday, Oct. 27, Fort Greene Park Conservancy Children’s Halloween Fest. Bring the kids in their costumes for a day of excitement. There are free pumpkins, costume parade at 2pm, hay ride, ponies, games, great sponsors, and the dog costume contest listed below. Everyone loves this day in the park. For more information contact: www.fortgreenepark.org. SCH is proud to be a sponsor of this wonderful event.

Saturday, Oct. 27, noon, PUPS Dog Costume Contest, Fort Greene Park. Bring your dogs in costume, many owners are also in coordinating costume attire, join the pageant and maybe you’ll win one of the fabulous prizes. Meet M.C. Christine in her lime green tuxedo. Hilarity is guaranteed for all. For more information contact: info@fortgreenepups.org.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 5 pm. Society for Clinton Hill Children’s Halloween Walk. This event gets bigger and more exciting every year. Meet at the SCH Garden at DeKalb/Hall to pick up maps for the best locations for entertainment and treats. Parents must accompany children. FREE.

Wednesday, Oct. 31, 6-9 pm, 313 Clinton Avenue, Continuous Halloween Show. The show is put on by the Clinton Hill Players featuring Janna Hyten, DK Holland, Claudia Howard, Andrew Watts, Kelsey Hyten and other Clinton Hill stars. Show to be featured in Time Out NY. SCH is proud to be a sponsor. Janna is currently raising money for this year's set and show. Anyone who provides a $100 donation will receive a free ticket to the famous Halloween party at 313 Clinton Ave. (The show is very expensive to put on, and Janna has bankrolled it herself for many years.) Contact janna.hyten@gmail.com.

Quincy Ave Block Association Sale

Whoops! I've been so busy today I forgot to post. Anyway, the Quincy Ave. Block Assoc. is having a killer stoop sale this weekend. Looks like a good one. Cheap iPods!!!

We have a limited number of 40GB iPods - YES MORE THAN ONE - in mint condition at our annual STOOP SALE on Quincy Street in Bed Stuy. We’ve also got iPod accessories, a Playstation 2 with dozens of games, DVDs, books, artwork, jewelry, rugs, household items and more gadgets and electronics than you would believe. Where: 778 Quincy St Between Malcolm X & Patchen Ave 11221

When: 10am-5pm Saturday 9/22 & Sunday 9/23 (Rain Date 10/6-10/7)

Subway - J/Z to Gates, walk three blocks up Quincy Bus - B46 to Quincy or B52 to Gates

Check our inventory online here.

Development Meeting Tomorrow!

The Land Use Committee of the CB2 will be hearing two cases of great interest to the community: *  163-167 Washington Ave. (behind Kum Kau on Myrtle)

*    72-76 Grand Ave.

Both cases involve developers who are trying to make the case that even though they were not completely finished with foundations, as required by the DOB, they should be allowed to go ahead with plans to build structures that are not in keeping with the new R6B zoning. In other words, they are asking to be "grandfathered" under the old zoning laws.

In the Washington Ave. case in particular, the community has been especially active in monitoring and objecting to the many work violations, stop work orders, damage to adjoining buildings, etc.  We all believe that bad faith and repeated violations should not be rewarded.

Come to the hearing to testify or just to see what is going on.  These cases will then go to the Board of Standards and Appeals (BSA), and CB2 will submit its recommendation.

DATE:       Wed., Sept. 19, 2007 TIME:         6 pm PLACE:      Polytechnic University 5 Metrotech Center, Room LC 400 Brooklyn

SCH Meeting: Thursday, Sept. 20

sch_9-20-07_meetingflyer.jpg A list of autumn events in FG/CH coming soon! This is the first meeting of the fall season, and I'm told the Society will focus more on issues of interest to younger residents going forward. If you haven't checked out a meeting, do so now (and please report back! I have a grad school reception that evening, so I can't make it!).

A special congrats to Steffon Isaac of the Polish Bar Brooklyn and the other new board members!

Stairwell Art Gallery

This looks intriguing... stairwell2.jpg

A FOUR STORY STAIRWELL GALLERY ON THE TALL AND NARROW MAY NOT BE A SPACE YOU'D EXPECT A VERNISSAGE, SO WHY NOT GIVE IT A TRY?

YOU ARE INVITED TO ATTEND THE 'FIRST' ART SHOW IN THE STAIRWELL (THE DOOR NEXT TO CHEZ LOLA BISTRO 387 MYRTLE AVENUE) OF SUPER SUPER FRESH SKAINTINGS (SKETCHED PAINTINGS) BY CHARLOTTA JANSSEN.

THE THEME IS AMERICANA 1900-1940S AND THE PIECES ARE NOT SMALL AT ALL AND OFTEN PIECED TOGETHER BY SEVERAL CANVASES. FOR A PREVIEW OF ARTWORK LOG ON TO WWW.CHARLOTTAJANSSEN.COM

PAINTINGS AND LIMITED EDITION PRINTS WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR SALE ...

TO RSVP PLEASE EMAIL TO: STAIRWELLKEEPER@CHARLOTTAJANSSEN.COM

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Movie Night @ Hollenback Community Garden

This just in from the Hollenback Community Garden: What could bring together such a wonderful group of people such as yourselves, from across the spectrum of politicians, reporters, activists, green-minded organizers, designers, scientists, local community members, educators, photographers, local gardeners, parents, volunteers, musicians and more?

Why, the Hollenback Community Garden, that's what!

You are all friends of the garden, and as such I wanted to extend an invitation to you all for our upcoming,

third annual...

Triple Threat Yardsale/Free BBQ/movienight!

The event is to take place in the garden on Saturday, September 23rd (with a raindate of Sunday, September 24th). The yardsale is a fundraiser and will begin around 1pm The BBQ is free (though feel free to bring items to grill) and will begin around 4pm The movie will begin once it starts getting dark, around 8pm

Please save the date and invite your families and friends.

We look forward to seeing you there and being able to thank you for your past, present and future support and kindness.

in growth and sunshine, Mark

The Hollenback Community Garden is located at 460 Washington Avenue, between Gates and Greene in Brooklyn. It can most easily be reached by taking either the C-train or G-train to the Clinton-Washington stop.

Cara Perkins (917) 701-2875 Mark Trushkowsky (917) 804 -0414 Contact Coordinators Hollenback Community Garden Brooklyn, NY

Thanks for Coming!

Thanks to all who attended Friday's Anniversary party! We had a great turnout and it was great to meet so many readers! Kelso of Brooklyn provided a keg of tasty brew -- hope you were able to try some. It was a huge hit in the back patio area! Their presence on tap in Brooklyn bars has been growing steadily, so make sure to check for them when you're out on the town. the cake!

Hope you were able to try some of the anniversary cake! russell, carl and i with the cake

xoxo-

Lesterhead

OKTOBERFEST in CH

Yearning for some brats and beer? Check out the cool Oktoberfest party on Lexington, September 29. Building residents will be transforming their loft, studio space and rooftop into an authentic German beer tent. Sounds like a great way to enjoy autumn in the Hill, as well as some grilled sausage. Details: WHEN: Saturday, September 29, 4pm-2am WHERE: 55 Lexington Ave., Clinton Hill, Brooklyn WHO: You...you...maybe you...and definitely you WHY: ? WHAT: Great German beer, great German food, great German and non-German music

15 bucks gets you

* Unlimited beer and pretzels * Home cooked German supper (grilled sausage, sauerkraut, German potato salad, kuchen, hot mulled cider) * Live music all night long

100 tickets, available here!

Blue Bass Vintage: 1st Anniversary Party!

Lots of celebrations and fun going on in the 'hood this weekend! Here's a Saturday party from one of our favorite vintage shops:

It's official! Blue Bass Vintage Clothing has been clothing the public for a whole year. Come celebrate with us next Saturday, September 8th and marvel at our longevity. We'll have drinks for your pleasure and maybe a couple of snacks... and of course lovely vintage clothes! We'll tap the keg at 7pm and go 'til its gone... and maybe beyond.
Hope we see you!
Sara and Meredith
Blue Bass Vintage Clothing
431 DeKalb Ave (enter on Classon Ave)
347.750.8935

Yet Another Reason to Party This Friday

Don't forget that the CHB/RePop joint anniversary bash is this coming Friday, September 7! And just in case you needed another reason to rock out with us, we'll be serving up a custom cake designed by Shannon Pridgen of Heavenly Crumbs. I can't give away the top-secret design, but it's going to be pretty awesome. Plus, if you've ever stopped in there for a cupcake, you know what's up. anniversary.jpg

Surprise Sale at RePop!

You might be out of town, but if you're not, go pick up some furniture! Surprise Labor Day Weekend Super Sale at RePOP Saturday and Sunday. They're clearing out before the anniversary so come on in this weekend, mention the Clinton Hill Blog and get 20% off of the tagged price of any furniture item in the store. Sale is Saturday and Sunday only! Danish and mid-century modern chairs, credenzas, high chest dressers, side tables, vanities, cabinetry and more! Discount does not include smalls and lighting.

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