S.O.N.Y.A. Stroll THIS WEEKEND!

The SONYA (South of the Navy Yard Artists) Stroll is by far one of my favorite events in the neighborhood. It's held annually every May, and is a free, self-guided tour of several art studios and exhibits by artists in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy. The range of art is pretty astounding, from sculpture to paintings to photography to jewelry.

(I bought both the sculpture and the chihuahua painting at past SONYA Strolls.)

One of my favorite aspects is finding out that buildings you never before noticed are home to a large artist collective. Be sure to check out 35 Claver Place, an affordable live-work space for artists, and 122 Washington Ave near Park, which is interesting both inside and out and is always filled with cool treasures.

During the stroll, check out the photography exhibit put on by the Fort Greene Photography Organization, which will be up until May 31:

For more info and a downloadable map, visit the SONYA homepage.

This is one of the coolest ways to explore the neighborhood and is not to be missed!

Dropping the Ball

I totally planned on going to the Ft. Greene House Tour yesterday.  Really, I did.  But I got bogged down scrambling to finish a final paper for school.  And so the day slipped away. Did YOU go?  What did you think?  Anyone who'd like to do a guest post and share his/her photos from the tour would be warmly welcomed!  Email me at clintonhillblog-at-gmail-dot-com if interested.

Third Annual Brooklyn Blogfest!

Find out why Brooklyn is the bloggiest place in the United States at the Third Annual Brooklyn Blogfest on May 8th at 8 pm at the Brooklyn Lyceum at 227 Fourth Avenue (at President Street) in Park Slope.

“Where better to take the pulse of this rapidly growing community of writers, thinkers and observers than the Brooklyn Blogfest?” wrote Sewell Chan in the New York Times last year.

The blogfest is an event for bloggers, blog readers, those interested in blogging and those passionate about Brooklyn. It brings together citizen journalists, place bloggers, photo bloggers, special interest bloggers, and the creative, quirky, and personal bloggers that make the Brooklyn Blogosphere such a fascinating place to be.

Come hear: Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn, Creative Times, Bed-Stuy Blog, Gowanus Lounge, New York Shitty, Flatbush Gardener, and Luna Park Gazette and MORE. Special features include a video by Blue Barn Pictures, a salute to Brooklyn’s photo bloggers, Top Ten Tips for New Bloggers plus a special message from WNYC radio talk show host Brian Lehrer and promo for Brooklyn Independent Televisions, A Walk Around the Blog.

Learn about blogging; be inspired to blog. Best of all, participate in the annual SHOUT-OUT: A chance to share YOUR blog with the world! Go to the Blogfest's blog for more details.

(I am horribly sad to say that I can't attend this year's blogade :(  )

Atlantic Yards Rally: Saturday

From SCH: Recent conditions have caused Forest City Ratner to put an indefinite hold on the signature buildings (like "Miss Brooklyn" and the "Urban Room") and the public housing at Atlantic Yards.

People are asking ever more loudly, where are the benefits and why is he knocking down buildings when he is not planning to build for decades?

The Council of Brooklyn Neighborhoods (of which SCH is a member), Brooklyn Speaks, and Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn (of which SCH is a supporter), along with various elected officials are holding a rally to call on Governor Patterson to take a Time Out and put a hold on demolitions, unnecessary changes to infrastructure, huge public subsidies and the displacement of residents and businesses. There has to be a better way!

Join everyone at a Rally next weekend, May 3rd, Pacific Street between Carlton and Vanderbilt at 2 PM.

As you may know, Council members James, Yassky and DeBlasio have written requesting a hold on further public monies being spent and Council member DeBlasio has called for a moratorium on demolitions.

So, whatever you are doing on May 3rd, there's time to join the Rally. Make this one count. Our neighborhoods need you.

Fort Greene House Tour: SUNDAY

Each year, Clinton Hill and Fort Greene alternate to host a spectacular house tour. I haven't yet done the Fort Greene tour, but I'm planning on it this year!

Tickets are available at several locations:

Advance Tickets $20* In Fort Greene (cash only) BAM Box Office, 30 Lafayette Ave. Yu Interiors, 15 Greene Ave. Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Ave. The Green Market, Dekalb Ave. & Washington Park (Saturdays only, starting 4/5/08) Brooklyn Flea, Lafayette Ave. at Clermont (Sundays only, starting 4/6/08)

Day of Tour Tickets $25* In Fort Greene (cash only) BAM Garden, Fulton St. at Lafayette Ave. Brooklyn Flea, Lafayette Ave. at Clermont

Here's the info:

THE FORT GREENE HOUSE TOUR, MAY 4, 2008 This year’s 29th Fort Greene House Tour, which takes place on Sunday, May 4th, from noon to 5pm, is guaranteed to be one of the most memorable ever. Visitors will have the rare opportunity to view a spectacular modern studio, designed by superstar architect David Adjaye for two well-known artists. This building is his first and only completed work in New York to date.

Other interesting stops on this exciting tour, will include an art filled Italianate Brownstone, featuring an exuberant interpretation of Victorian “Bohemian/Orientalism” inspired by Frederick Church’s Olana, several striking townhouse renovations, deftly blending period details and modern design, a charming 1850’s wood frame house and several fresh and stylish takes on modern living in 19th century spaces. Another singular home on this tour is a newly constructed residence that began in concept as an artist’s studio to occupy the expansive garden next to the owner’s home and morphed into a unique and luxurious four family residence, spanning a double lot and sharing a lushly planted, multi-level garden.

In addition to these fine private homes there will be stops at significant architectural and cultural landmarks in Fort Greene, from MoCADA [the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts] to the 1907 Masonic Temple with its fine terracotta façade and six pipe organs inside. Finally, visitors will have the chance to take in stunning views of Brooklyn and much of Manhattan from the thirtieth floor roof deck of the newly constructed Forte Condominiums.

This year the tour will commence from two locations, the main one at the BAM Garden, Fulton and Lafayette Avenue and the other at the Brooklyn Flea a new outdoor market on Lafayette and Clermont Avenues. Spend a magical afternoon in Fort Greene; enjoy a peek into some special homes, walk our beautiful tree lined streets, stroll through Fort Greene Park. Find out why Fort Greene is one of Brownstone Brooklyn’s most interesting neighborhoods.

For further information, please contact Allen Hobbs: 718-875-4110 or Ursula Hegewisch: 718-875-1996

Earth Day at Luz

(OK, so you only have one day left to check this out. Apologies- I just started a new job and have had no time to read my email!!!)

Luz is definitely one of my favorite spots in the neighborhood. The interior is absolutely gorgeous, the food is great and the cocktails are among the best in the area.

From Myrtle Minutes:

Get ready to raise your glasses of organic beer and wine in honor of Mother Earth.

For two days, April 22nd and 23rd, Luz Restaurant will continue to serve up delicious and delectable meals with an added big time nod to our environment.

Luz is serving up special 5-course prix fixe meals which feature all natural, sustainably-grown and/or organic ingredients purchased solely from local farms and markets.

In efforts to really drive home the importance of helping to conserve our Earth, there will be no electricity, no gas, no heat lamps, no telephones, no computers, no credit card machines…

Luz owner, Pedro Munoz, shares, “we hope that at least on these two days we can promote awareness of environmental issues. We want to help spread the fact that consciousness of what we do, buy, use or dispose of has a direct impact on planet Earth.”

Live music both nights. Come out and help celebrate our Planet Earth.

RSVP info@luzrestaurant.com or 718.246.4000

($55.00 per person five courses)

Cocktail Opening at Tamboril!

Tasty Tamboril is finally getting a liquor license, and they're having a party to celebrate:

A night of cocktails as we unveil our cocktail menu. The menu features nuevo latino inspired martinis to timeless classics such as the sidecar. Best of all enjoy our mojito or a caribbean cosmo.

The celebration begins at 5:30pm with a happy hour until 7:30pm

...it's gonna be a cocktail affair...enjoy your social experience

April 26th, 2008

RSVP info@tamborilnyc.com

If you haven't been yet, the interior space is really beautiful (love those interesting lamps above the platform seating) and the last time I was there (for brunch, which was delish and even satisfied my very pregnant and picky friend visiting from Queens), the art on display was really gorgeous.

Tamboril 527 Myrtle Ave. www.tamborilnyc.com

PS11 Silent Auction!

PS 11, on the block surrounded by Greene, Waverly, Gates and Washington has (from what I've heard) been making great strides. Tomorrow, they're hosting a silent auction fundraiser, and the auction prizes sound pretty sweet. This is a great way to support our local kids.

"Furnish a Classroom, Furnish the Future"

The auction takes place this Friday, April 4th, from 6-9pm at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 S. Oxford. Admission is $15 in advance, $20 at the door. To purchase advance tickets online, please go to our website, www.PS11Brooklyn.org. All proceeds go to buy books and furniture for PS11's classrooms.

This event is not to be missed! Just a few of our fabulous items:

2 tickets to The Little Mermaid on Broadway, including a backstage tour!

Tickets to the Broadway musical Spring Awakening

A private wine tasting in your home for six people, donated by Gnarly Vines

A fall weekend at a gorgeous house in the Hamptons

A one year family membership to the Bedford Y

A $500 shopping spree at Steve Madden

Plus dozens of books, CDs, works of art, gift certificates to local businesses, handmade pieces of jewelry, and much, much more!

There will also be wine and finger foods donated by local businesses, and music!

And for anyone interested in PS11 for their kids, this is a great opportunity to meet some PS11 parents and see what fun, fabulous people we are! :-)

"Furnish a Classroom, Furnish the Future"

We really, really need the support of the community at this event. Thank you so much.

SCH Meeting: Thursday

Society for Clinton Hill

MARCH GENERAL MEETING

Thursday, March 27, 7-9 pm (Holiday schedule)

St. Luke's Church Community Room, Washington Ave. (between DeKalb/Willoughby)

AGENDA

7:00 Wine by Olivino (Fulton.) Appetizers by The Speak Easy (Waverly/Greene)

7:30 Announcements - Jim Barnes, President

*Thank you and tribute to retiring board member, Dr. Vashti Curlin-Burton.

*Film Showing, Brooklyn Matters, Tuesday, April 1, 7 pm, Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School, Q&A after including producer of film. Free. All invited!

7:40 May Meeting Board Elections – Linda Scher

7:45 Traffic Issues Update – Frances Rodriguez

We are looking for volunteers to help with traffic surveys.

8:00 Crime in the Neighborhood – Reverend Dave Haberer

The number of muggings, car break-ins and car thefts continues to rise. We want to hear your stories. Come and sign up to speak. Each person will have 2 minutes to talk and make suggestions. Please, everyone, report crimes to the police. We will not get needed attention if the statistics don't reflect what is happening.

8:20 3-D Garden Walk – (This had to be postponed to a later meeting due to a schedule conflict for the producer.)

8:45 Brooklyn Was Mine – Nadia Merzliakov

Acclaimed author Susan Choi, who is a contributor to the new book of essays about Brooklyn, will read from her essay and sign books which will be available for $15 each. All profits from the sale of the book go to Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Legal Fund. Susan has another new book out right now, A Person of Interest, which has received glowing reviews in many newspapers and magazines.

Please note: our next General Meeting will be Thursday, May 19, 7-9 pm. We will be holding annual elections for board members at that meeting. If you are interested in participating more actively in SCH through board membership, please send a letter and resume to Nominating Committee Chair, Linda Scher, Wash308@aol.com.

*FGA May House Tour. Participate in one of our area's most exciting events – the May Fort Greene House Tour. House Sitters and other volunteers get to purchase a ticket at half price and receive an invitation to the private and fabulous party after the tour. Contact Fred Lasker at f.lasker@verizon.net to let him know you want to volunteer. Tell him whether you want the noon to 2:30 shift or the 2:30 to 5 pm shift.

*Purchase landmark reports ($15 each) or Brooklyn Was Mine, $15. Also, renew your membership or join at the meeting.

Renowned Artists to Speak at St. Joseph's

ST. JOSEPH'S COLLEGE WELCOMES LORNA SIMPSON AND JAMES CASEBERE

World-Renowned Artists to Discuss Their Works at Inaugural Presidential Arts Colloquium

St. Joseph's College Council for the Arts is pleased to announce that contemporary artists Lorna Simpson and James Casebere will discuss their individual approaches to visual expression as the featured speakers at the College's inaugural Presidential Arts Colloquium. Following their talks, both artists will take questions from the audience after their separate addresses. These lectures, which are also a part of the "Identity Formed And Transformed: My Self, My Community, My World" series, will take place on Thursday, April 3rd at the Tuohy Hall Auditorium, 245 Clinton Avenue, at 6:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public.

Lorna Simpson’s art practice has consistently examined the unseen forces that guide our reasoning around race, gender, identity and culture, challenging viewers’ perceptions of these subjects. Simpson first gained recognition for her pioneering large-scale, conceptual, photograph-and-text works that presented the African-American woman as a visual point of departure. In later photographic exhibits, she once again used the figure of an African-American woman with interjected text to challenge narrowly preconceived notions of race, gender, and identity. Most recently, Simpson has focused on conceptual video. Her latest DVD's examine themes of race, control, class and the viewer's perception of these issues. Last year, her career was the subject of a 20-year retrospective featured at the Whitney Museum of American Art. Along with this, Simpson's works have been exhibited at the Museum of Modern Art, the Miami Museum of Art, and the Los Angeles Museum of Contemporary Art.

For two decades, James Casebere has created increasingly complex table-sized models based on architectural and historical sources. The works are constructed of simple materials, and are reduced to their most important details. After they are built, Casebere takes the models into his studio and photographs them with artful lighting. The focus of his art is to examine institutional spaces and to bring into focus their relationships to social control and societal structures. For his most recent work, “The Levant,” Casebere’s research took him to the eastern end of the Mediterranean Sea. From his study, he created representations of archetypal Ottoman spaces to examine the "architecture of absence and silence.” His works have been shown at the New York Museum of Modern Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and the New York Metropolitan Museum of Art, to name a few.

Good Friday Fish Fry (mmmm)

WhatLenten Fish Fry

When Fri Mar 21 4pm – Fri Mar 21 8pm

Where Cadman Congregational Church (Clinton at Lafayette)

FISH DINNERS - $7 (includes Whiting Fish, Rice, Vegetables, Salad & Bread/rolls) WHITING FISH SANDWICH - $4

*Desserts and Beverages also available

Additions to Dine in Brooklyn

These Myrtle restaurants didn't make the original list, but WILL be participating! -Il Torchio  (L/D) 458 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly/Washington) 718.422.1122

-Café Martino  (D) 559 Myrtle Avenue (Emerson/Classon) 718.636.3966

-Tamboril  (D) 527 Myrtle Avenue (Grand/Steuben) 718.483.2152

-Yamashiro  (D) 466 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) 718.230.3313

Dine in Brooklyn, 2008

In 28 neighborhoods across Brooklyn, restaurants will be serving some of their best dishes during Brooklyn’s restaurant week from March 24–31, 2008.

More than 175 restaurants will offer 3-course, prix-fixe meals for just $23.00. Choose from the list of participating restaurants and call to reserve your table.

(Editorial note: Why isn't Locanda Vini e Olii participating?! Annoying.)

In the Area:

L = Serving Lunch D= Serving Dinner * = Accepts the American Express ® Card

Bedford-Stuyvesant

Solomon's Porch 307 Stuyvestant Avenue 718-919-8001

Soule Restaurant 920 Fulton Street 718-399-7200

Clinton Hill

Autour du Monde (D)* 860 Fulton Street 718-398-3500

Five Spot Restaurant (D)* 459 Myrtle Avenue 718-852-0202

Maggie Brown Restaurant (D) 455 Myrtle Avenue 718-643-7001

Mojito Cuban Cuisine (L/D)* 82 Washington Avenue 718-797-3100

Fort Greene

Caffe e Vino (L/D)* 112 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-6222

Chez Lola (D)* 387 Myrtle Avenue 718-858-1484

Chez Oskar (D)* 211 DeKalb Avenue 718-852-6250

Epoca Ristorante (L/D) 773 Fulton Street 718-596-9070

iCi (L/D)* 246 Dekalb Avenue 718-789-2778

June Restaurant (D)* 229 Dekalb Avenue 718-222-1510

Los Pollitos III (L/D) 499 Myrtle Avenue 718-636-6125

Loulou Restaurant (D)* 222 DeKalb Avenue 718-246-0633

Luz Restaurant (L/D)* 177 Vanderbilt Avenue 718-246-4000

Madiba Restaurant (L/D)* 195 Dekalb Avenue 718-855-9190

Mullanes Bar and Grill (D)* 71 Lafayette Avenue 718-797-7606

Olea Mediterranean Taverna (D)* 171 Lafayette Avenue 718-643-7003

Scopello Ristorante & Bar (D)* 63 Lafayette Avenue 718-852-1100

Thomas Beisl (L)* 25 Lafayette Avenue 718-222-5800

Archiculture Trailer Debuts

The documentary currently being filmed at Pratt is having its trailer debut tomorrow evening! ARCHICULTURE TRAILER DEBUT PARTY Friday March 14 2008 5pm - 8pm Center for Architecture 536 LaGuardia Pl, New York, NY 10012

Tapping their feet and chewing pencils, five students nervously await the outcome of five tumultuous years of intense labor. In moments, they will hear from their committee of professors as to the final decision of their senior thesis projects. The documentary Archiculture follows these five students and their struggles over the course of their final semester at a university to complete their thesis projects, which are the manifestations of years of hard work, stress and, ultimately, success...

Come join us to celebrate the debut of our trailer for the feature length documentary Archiculture, which is currently being shot in New York at Pratt Institute. We will have a brief introduction to the project, a few guest speakers, and a short presentation by the film's creators and filmmakers followed by a Q&A session. Food and drink will be provided.

Speakers: David Krantz (co-Producer/Director); Ian Harris (co-Producer/Director); Pierce Cook (Editor) with special guest Fredric M. Bell, FAIA, Executive Director, AIA New York Chapter, and others TBA Organized by: AIA New York Chapter, Center for Architecture Foundation, Arbuckle Industries Sponsored by: Center for Architecture Foundation Location: Center for Architecture, 536 LaGuardia Place Price: free More Info: www.archiculturefilm.com

DDDB Meeting Thursday

Come to March 13th DDDB Community Meeting Many rounds of legal and political fighting remain in the struggle against Atlantic Yards.

Find out why at our...

Community Meeting:

Update on the Struggle Against Ratner's Atlantic Yards Project and For Sensible Development

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn Community Meeting:

Thursday, March 13, 7pm

Hanson Place United Methodist Church. Main Sanctuary

Church Address:144 Saint Felix Street at Hanson Place

*Enter at Hanson Place [Map]

Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Subways: 2, 3, 4, 5, B, D, N, R, Q to Atlantic/Pacific

Speculation has been increasing recently that Forest City Ratner's Atlantic Yards project could be falling prey to the triple-whammy of a slowing economy, the crisis in sub-prime mortgages and the global credit crunch. Big real estate deals all around the country are being put on hold or are being shelved altogether, and Ratner's planned City Tech tower project, which would have been Brooklyn's tallest building, unraveled last week. The Atlantic Yards project is turning into the deal that couldn't get done.

All of which makes next Thursday's community meeting even more important...

Find out the latest on the community's fight against the destructive Atlantic Yards project, including news on the political and legal effort to stop the project. Find out how to get involved. Also, learn about the UNITY Plan, the community's alternative plan to develop the rail yards with truly affordable housing, community-friendly open space without the abuse of eminent domain. City and State politicians will speak and be available for Q&A.

Invited Elected Officials:

Councilmember Bill DeBlasio, Councilmember Letitia James, Councilmember David Yassky, Assemblymember Jim Brennan, Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries, Assemblymember Joan Millman, State Senator Eric Adams, State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

The meeting is open to all. Please save the date, and bring a friend.

Sponsored by:

Develop Don't Destroy Brooklyn

Society for Clinton Hill

Fort Greene Association

Park Slope Neighbors

Friends and Residents of Greater Gowanus

Bears Community Garden

South Portland Block Association

March Blogade in Kensington

The Bad Girl Blog will be hosting the Brooklyn Blogade on Sunday, March 9, at 12 p.m., in Kensington at the Old Brick Cafe, a little Italian/Balkan/Mediterranean restaurant on Church Avenue. The cost is $15 and includes a meal. To see the lunch menu and to find out more about this event and/or to RSVP please click here. The Blogade is a monthly roving meetup of Brooklyn bloggers (who write on all sorts of topics!).  It's a great chance to meet some very cool people and brainstorm all things blog.

Anniversary Celebration at Fort Greene Park

From Myrtle Minutes: The Fort Greene Park Conservancy will present its plans for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument at the next Fort Greene Association meeting on Monday, February 25th at 7:30p at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (85 South Oxford).

Preview the 3-day centennial celebration event plans which will include the rededication of the Monument; the return of the bronze eagles at the base of the Monument; the lighting of the eternal flame; Revolutionary War enactors encamped in the Park; a grand ball; souvenir journal; original orchestral and choral work by Brooklyn composer, Alvin Singleton; fireworks; a multi-nation parade; jazz performances; genealogical research stations, and much, much more.

Come out and celebrate your history. Come out and join your neighbors. Come out and learn how you can get involved.

Read more details about the restoration efforts here.

Music / Art at Frank White

The Freshness of Philly Celebrated in BrooklynThe Takeover - A Monthly Music/Art Series Launches

On Friday, February 22, 2008 Frank White, the hip Brooklyn cafe/gallery/lounge presents "The Takeover“ Philly Invades Brooklyn a monthly event celebrating Philadelphia music, artists and all things fresh-- made in Philly (i.e. Sly Fox Beer, Tastykake). The event is co-sponsored by two.one.five magazine, a new publication covering the scene in Philly and beyond.

The launch event will be hosted by, Cee Knowledge, a Philadelphia native and former member of the Grammy Award winning hip hop group, Digable Planets and Nikki Jean lead singer for band, Nouveau Riche. An art exhibition will be on display by visual artist Soul One.

Muhammida El Muhajir and William Collick, the co-owners of Frank White are both Philadelphia transplants living in Brooklyn. "Historically, Philadelphia has had a huge impact on music and culture and that continues today," says Collick. "As Philadelphians- we are proud of both our 'Philly-ness' and our 'Brooklyn-ness' that is also shared by so many in the creative community in Brooklyn and New York City at large. It is this duality that will be celebrated at 'The Takeover'™," adds El Muhajir.

'The Takeover - Philly Invades Brooklyn'™ launches on Friday, February 22, 2008 and continues throughout the spring. This is a free event but RSVP is required for admittance (philly@frankwhitenyc.com). A 'Brooklyn Invades Philly'™ event is also in the works!

The Takeover -“ Philly Invades Brooklyn"™ Friday, 2/22/08 8p - midnite RSVP - philly@frankwhitenyc.com

frank white cafe | gallery | social 936 atlantic avenue @ st. james brooklyn, nyc 11238 718.622.0840 www.frankwhitenyc.com

weekdays 8-4 | weekends 9-5 evenings for private engagements

Society for Clinton Hill New Comers' Party

I don't think I can attend this year, which is a shame -- last year's party was a lovely evening! I didn't know about this event when I was a "newcomer," so if you've just moved to the area (or even if you've been here for years and have never heard about the event), do try to attend! The Society for Clinton Hill Welcomes Our New Residents to Our Neighborhood Pot Luck Party

Friday, February 15, 2008 8:00 pm

At the home of Frances Rodriguez and Jeffrey Stern

315 Washington Avenue (between DeKalb/Lafayette)

You are invited!

All neighborhood residents are welcome. Please invite those neighbors or friends who are new to the area. We want to meet them and welcome them to Clinton Hill. Children are also welcome.

* "Old Timers" are asked to bring a vegetarian dish, new residents are guests.

* SCH will provide drinks and babysitters for children.

RSVP by 2/13/08 to Roslyn at 718-499-8382 ext. 11

Meth Clinic Meeting Tonight!

The meth clinic on the corner of Fulton and Waverly has long been a problem for neighborhood residents. Via Brownstoner:

Today, the Fulton Street Alliance holds its first informational meeting on the issue. Thursday, 7:00 p.m. Brown Memorial Baptist Church Fellowship Hall, 484 Washington Avenue. (718) 596-0100.