Prison Ship Martyrs Monument Centennial

Ever wondered what that giant tower in Fort Greene Park is?  The one that was hidden under scaffolding for ages? It's the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, and it turns 100 years old this coming weekend!

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy has scheduled several events for this coming weekend, most of them on Saturday and free.  The monument, which has been dark for 70 years, will be relit and the park will host a number of tours and family-friendly events (many of them with a "olden days" theme).

Here is the schedule thus far: Come be a part of history and honor our country as we re-light the monument, which has been dark for over seventy years! To commemorate the 100th anniversary of the 1908 dedication of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument, a grand celebration will take place on November 15, 2008 in Fort Greene Park. The majestic Stanford White-designed Monument which stands in the heart of the Park is one of the most important and sacred memorials in our country. It honors the remains of over 11,500 POWs, interred in a crypt beneath the Monument, who perished for the cause of freedom during the American War of Independence.

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2008 5:30-7:30 PM - Kick-Off Reception at MoCADA, 80 Hanson Place. Prize-winning art works inspired by the experiences of the British Prison Ship Martyrs during the American Revolution, created by neighborhood high school students; free, refreshments.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2008 RAIN OR SHINE Full Day of Free Spectacular Activities in Fort Greene Park 10:00 AM - To reserve for limited space events, sign-up sheets will be available in the Visitors’ Center. 11:00 AM - NYC Department of Parks and Recreation unveiling of the Monument eagles. Noon – 3:45 PM - Visitors Center: Family Roots Project: Explore your family’s roots, free genealogical workshops and assistance with individual searches conducted by professionals from the African Atlantic Genealogical Society; entertainment stage: Jazz by Jeff Newell’s New Trad and Wade Barnes’ Brooklyn Four plus One, Brooklyn High School of the Arts band, performers from Irondale Theater; * Guided bus tours of the Brooklyn Navy Yard; Revolutionary war re-enactors; activities for families – meet Mr. Walt Whitman; Ranger-led tours of the park; *a horse and buggy will be available for family fun and to provide transport for people in need of help to reach the Monument Plaza. *Limited space events 3:15 PM - Fife and drum led procession and parade of flags from South Oxford Park to Fort Greene Park Monument Plaza for the beginning of the formal tribute. 3:30 – 3:45 PM - Monument stairs: Flag-posting ceremony 4:15 PM - Formal commemoration: U.S. National Anthem sung by Tony Award winner Cady Huffman; keynote address by Dr. Edwin G. Burrows, the 1999 Pulitzer Prize winner and author of recently released “Forgotten Patriots; The Untold Story of American Prisoners During the Revolutionary War;” 21- gun salute; wreath-laying; color guards; solemn military pageantry and much much more! 5:00 PM - Re-lighting the Eternal Flame of the Prison Ship Martyrs for the first time since 1921, and the return of our eagles after a four-decade struggle by undaunted Fort Greeners. 5:30 – 7:30 PM - Reception: Brooklyn Technical High School, 29 South Elliott Place immediately following the re-dedication of the Monument and the re-lighting of the eternal flame, in the fabulous Art Deco lobby of the school. Food provided by the chef/owner of the restaurant Eletteria, Akhtar Nawab, former sous-chef for Tom Coliccio at Craft. Entertainment will be provided by noted cabaret singer, Victoria England. For this reception there is a charge of $25, which must be paid in advance. For reservations call Ruth Goldstein at 718.596.0899. 7:30 PM - Free Concert: Brooklyn Technical High School Auditorium, 29 South Elliott Place. World Premier of “Brooklyn Bones: Requiem for the Prison Ship Martyrs” by composer Alvin Singleton, text by Patricia Hampl, commissioned by the Fort Greene Park Conservancy to commemorate the Centennial. It is a work for chorus, orchestra and solo tenor.

For more info on the monument itself, click here.

Election Day Bake Sales at Polling Places

An important reminder to keep an eye out for the PTA bake sales happening at the local public school polling places next Tuesday!  Personally, I think it's pretty brilliant, especially in the morning.  Easy to pick up a coffee and pastry to go on your way out of the booth.  Plus, it's really nice to see involved parents! (I'm talking to you, friendly folks at PS11!) I hope they'll be up and running at the ass-crack of dawn, which is when I plan to go vote. (Lord knows how long the lines will be when I normally head out for work!)

Here's the press release:

Council Member Letitia James, Borough President Marty Markowitz, other public officials, and many members of the educational community gather

to support Public School Bake Sale Fundraisers at Poll Sites next Tuesday

(Brooklyn, NY) -  On Tuesday, November 4^th, an election of historic proportions will take place in our country.  Record turnouts are anticipated.  Public Schools used as poll sites have the opportunity to take advantage of Election Day foot traffic by organizing bake sales; these PTA fundraisers will also be of historic proportions.

New York City Public Schools want to remind the community about the impact of contributions to bake sale fundraisers on General Election Day, and how important donations are to the success of our children’s futures.  Some goals of public schools that funding is needed for are: more field trips; books for libraries; science labs; and arts programs.  We encourage voters, and bake sale participants to act generously on Nov. 4th, because their contributions are an investment in all of our futures.

On Thursday, October 30^th at 4:30 pm, a press conference will be held on the Plaza Steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall, in order to help our local schools promote their Election Day Bake Sales. Let’s all do our part to take advantage of this historic election year by voting and buying baked goods, and let’s make sure our children benefit in every way through this process.

313 Ready for Halloween

If you've walked down Clinton this week, you've seen the set at 313 Clinton Avenue.  You may have even seen a rehearsal or two! Shows start Friday at 5:30 and run every half-hour or so until 9ish.  The theme?  High School Musi-Ghoul.  You'll want to catch the dance finale, choreographed by yours truly.

PUPkin MOVING TO RAINDATE (SUNDAY)

(This probably also means the Ft Greene Conservancy activities will also be Sunday, but I haven't received the official word on that.) Due to the rain forecast tomorrow, we will definitely be moving the Pupkin event to SUNDAY, OCT. 26. The Conservancy is also moving their event to Sunday. The time for the Pupkin will be the same: registration starts at 11:30, judging starts promptly at noon.

Set up crew arrive around 10:30. Registration folks please arrive around 11:00. Judges please arrive by 11:45 at the latest. Judging MUST start at noon so it is important that all judges arrive by 11:45.

If there are other volunteers you know of who are coming to help out, please let them know we are changing the date. Also, please spread the word with other dog folks you know who may be entering the contest.

Halloween Events Roundup

Halloween in Clinton Hill is amazing!  Here's a listing of all the good stuff planned: OCTOBER 25:

Fort Greene Park Conservancy's Halloween Fest Noon to 3:30 pm A day for children, parents, friends and pets.

Noon - PUPS Dog Costume Contest Enter your dog, in costume, or just come and laugh. This is a hilarious event that everyone can enjoy.  See you at the top of the park.

Noon to 3:30 – Games, hay rides, sack races, face painting, entertainment, dancing, pumpkin painting and more.  FREE!

2:30 – 3:30 – Children's Costume Contest and Parade. A delightful ending to a marvelous day for kids and all.

If you can volunteer to help with the fun, call Carol Anastasio at 718-722-3218

Habana Outpost

Brooklyn First Eco-Friendly Haunted house! Habana Outpost works is teaming up with The Green School to design a completely “green” haunted house. It’s free fun for kids of all ages. When: October 25th, 26th and 27th 2-7pm Habana Outpost Blood Drive – We want to suck your blood! After a scare in our haunted house, give back to people in need when we team up with New York Blood Center for a blood drive! When: Saturday, October 25th  12-5:30pm

OCTOBER 31:

Free Halloween Dance Party and Costume Contest! Bring your little Goblins and Ghouls to Habana Outpost for a fun and safe night featuring dj John Oliver, candy, games and a costume contest.

Friday, October 31st 5pm – 10pm (costume contest at 6:00pm)

The Society for Clinton Hill Presents The Children's Halloween Walk in Clinton Hill Friday, October 31, 2008 Starts at 5 pm at the Community Garden, DeKalb/Hall Children in costume, under 12, with parents can pick up the map of many homes with generous treats. Clinton Hill residents are getting ready with bigger and more exciting displays and shows than ever.  Check out the amazing block long show at 313 Clinton Ave. between Lafayette and DeKalb.  You will be thrilled!!  Then, check out the other wonderful sights on Waverly, Washington and Clinton between Willoughby and Lafayette.  People are already building stages for their shows.  Then, of course, you will want to visit the even larger neighborhood as residents offer treats, wonderful decorations, and excitement.  The evening starts around 5 pm and ends around 9 pm.

***

Looking for a comprehensive Brooklyn Halloween list? Try this continually developing post from Fort Greene blogger A Child Grows in Brooklyn.

Ukulele Man

A few weeks ago, I spotted a man playing a ukulele on the corner of Waverly and Willoughby.  I couldn't tell if he was a Hasidic Jew or a hipster (or both!), but a small crowd of children and parents had gathered around and were excitedly singing along with him.  When I came by later, he was still there playing (sans audience). Sorry for the crap photo, but my hands were full and I only had my cell phone.

Anyone ever seen this dude??

CHB Interviews: Nadia Georgiou

Nadia Georgiou, CH resident of seven years, recently launched her own line of children's clothing.  I asked her about her business, her background and what she likes best about the neighborhood.

1. Where are you from, and what brought you to Clinton Hill?

I was born In Greece and was able to come to New York through a scholarship for graduate studies. and received my M.F.A in painting from the City University of New York.

I met my husband 12 years ago, fell in love and made New York my home. When we decided to have kids we moved to Clinton Hill from Williamsburg in search of a bigger more affordable kid friendly place.

2. What's changed the most since you first moved to the neighborhood?

The neighborhood is more self-sustained with a number of new businesses and services moving in the area. There is a lot of construction and the real estate prices have gone enormously up.  Hopefully the streets will be able to keep a neighborhood feeling. My family and I live in the Clinton Hill Coops. We really enjoy it and we have great views from our windows. We would love to move in a space with a back yard sometime in the near future.

3. What inspired you to start your own business?  Tell us about Brooklyn Junior!

With an art background that favors bright colors and bold shapes, a high astigmatism from birth and an often explosive temperament exaggerated by the big bellies of two pregnancies, I could not stand   another light pink and pastel blue baby product. Frustration gave way to inspiration and Brooklyn Junior was born, which offers mostly limited edition baby clothes and accessories.  Its new line shows a fresh and colorful touch. Brooklyn Junior, an urban-inspired children’s clothing company, explodes on the scene with its vibrant, baby-soft cotton children’s apparel.  The funky tees, colorful kimonos, and onesies can be found online at www.BrooklynJunior.com, and on Sundays at the Brooklyn Flea in Fort Greene (http://brownstoner.com/brooklynflea/) 4. Where did you learn to sew?

My mother always made my clothes as I was growing up. I didn’t appreciate it much then but nevertheless I was the best dressed amongst my friends.  As I grew up I realized how lucky I was to be dressed so well in a fraction of the cost so I decided that I would give it a try myself. My mother in law gave me her antique sewing machine. I made my first skirt without a pattern and it looked great. Beginner’s luck, the second one didn’t fit as well. I subscribed to Burda magazine and the rest is history.

When I first started Brooklyn Junior my mom flew from Greece to help and we made about 50 baby kimonos in our home sewing machine. Now I have them manufactured here in Brooklyn, in Bushwick. So yes our kimonos are made in Brooklyn.

5. You can often be found selling at the Brooklyn Flea.  How has your experience been so far?

Brooklyn Junior is at the Brooklyn Flea every Sunday since April 6th. The Flea has been one of the best things that happened to Brooklyn Junior. We get a lot of exposure and have many fans. It is great to see the neighborhood kids wearing our stuff. The extra money that we make every Sunday helps us stay in business and getting more of our designs in production. We got wholesale requests from as far as Japan. The Brooklyn Flea has been an amazing experience for our two children as well. It is a struggle to set up our booth on Sunday mornings, loading and unloading the van and dropping off/picking up the kids from soccer practice at the same time. But once all this is done the whole family gets together at the flea and our time together there has been wonderful. We interact with so many people and have learned a lot about our business from them.  The kids have been very involved in the business and my son is a heavy-duty salesman.

6. How is it raising children in Clinton Hill?  What does it offer that other neighborhoods don't?

Our neighborhood is a great place to live, spacious, clean, with parks and playgrounds but most importantly a sense of community and warmth. You can walk down the street and be greeted from so many people and I always see someone I know. My son is attending our district’s Community Roots charter school that is really amazing. We couldn’t have asked for anything more. We have great neighbors and feel safe and welcomed. I have only lived in Williamsburg before we moved in Clinton Hill. I liked it as well, it has its own flair. I don’t know what Clinton Hill offers that other neighborhoods don’t, every place has it own uniqueness that one has to experience in order to comment on it and I haven’t.

7. Do you have any advice for people looking to start their own business?

Yes, my advice is to go into business doing something that you really enjoy and believe in. Good planning and preparation are also important but eventually it is the level of enthusiasm and perseverance that will keep you in business the first years.

8. What's your favorite restaurant in the neighborhood?

We rarely eat out. Our favorite restaurant is “Nadia’s kitchen” fresh homemade Modern Greek cuisine created by me. We really liked Liquors but unfortunately it closed down. The kids love Grazziella’s and I personally think that Luigi’s on Dekalb has a super duper slice of pizza.  We had very nice meals at ICI and Lulu’s. I would like to see a restaurant with a simple, fresh, seasonal menu, maybe there is one in the neighborhood already? Let me know.

9. What would you like to see open up here?

A bakery. Being raised in a small Greek town I miss the flavor of fresh baked bread with my tomato salad.

10. If you were a flavor of ice cream, what would you be and why?

Coconut with roasted almonds. Exotic and crunchy.

Learn more about Brooklyn Junior here!

Happy Birthday, Still Hip!

Used kids' clothing and toy store Still Hip Brooklyn recently celebrated their first birthday! Due to a crazy series of events, I was unable to attend, which is a shame, since they had one of the shin-digs in the new Choice Market offshoot space!

When I walked past today, it sure looked nice to see them thriving and colorful.

(Grand Ave bt Lafayette and Clifton)

Afro-Punk TODAY

Yeah, it's a little late.  But better late than never, and it's a gorgeous day outside!  (My excuse for slacking?  Friday was my 30th birthday.) DJs, food, demonstrations, fun up on Clinton Ave:

AFRO-PUNK BLOCK PARTY Sun, July 13, 12—8pm (Clinton Avenue between Myrtle and Willoughby)

The 4th Annual Afro Punk Festival parties its way to a close…on Clinton Avenue

Afro Punk, BAM and MARP have come together again to organize the 2nd annual Afro Punk Block Party, bringing the best underground local artists and artisans, tasty treats from local food favorites, and family-friendly activities directly to Fort Greene and Clinton Hill for an all-day, all-out neighborhood celebration! Not the usual street fair, there’s enough in store to entertain all day. Make sure you find time to check it out, this is definitely an event not to miss!

Here’s just a sample of what you can expect:

Live Music all day

Kudu, J*Davey, The Carps, The Caesarz , DJ Rich Medina, The Dustbin Brothers

Family-friendly fun

-        DIY T-shirt screen printing is back by popular demand! The folks from Afro Punk will help kids make a statement by offering a quick screen-printing lesson. (All day)

-        Local artist Derick Cross will also be on hand for free facepainting (1pm-6pm)

-        Healthy Kids Van – NYC Public Advocate’s office is brining their mobile Community Healthcare Unit, complete with important information for parents and games for kids. Come spin their giant prize wheel and get free stuff like hats and waterbottles! (12pm – 3pm)

-        Brooklyn Botanical Garden will be on site to teach us how to compost.  Put those food scraps to good use and reduce your garbage footprint! (12pm-5pm)

-        BikeNY is offering free bike safety classes for youth! More information and registration (not required) is available here.  Please bring your own bike if you’d like to participate! (1pm-4pm)

Local Dish

Homemade sweet treats by The Bakery (their peach cobbler is one of our favorites!)

Tamboril puts a Nuevo Latino twist on Latin favorites

Restaurant New Orleans brings their delicious crab cakes and vegetarian red beans

DIY Fashion, Accessories and Artisan Merchandise

Buy direct from some of the hottest, edgiest DIY designers! We’ll have clothing and accessories for adults and kids alike. Or, beautify yourself with stuff from some of the neighborhood’s best all-natural product-makers, like Karen’s Body Beautiful.

For more info, visit www.afropunk.com and www.bam.org.

CH Resident Leads Children's Culinary School!

Clinton Hill Resident Lisa Sicilia will be the head instructor at a cooking school for children in nearby Boerum Hill: Creative Cooks Culinary Center is a culinary school designed just for kids between the ages of 3 and 13!! We will be opening our doors in June for summer programs, after-school classes & birthday parties. Come check out our new space at one of our Open Houses on June 4th or 11th from 6:30-8:30pm.

Young tastemakers learn the art of cooking in our kid friendly kitchen. We provide a warm and nurturing environment where kids are taught kitchen safety, basic food handling and preparation, following recipes, measuring and most importantly, self expression through food. Students work in small groups and are supervised and taught by professional chefs.

Creative Cooks is located at: 298 Atlantic Avenue between Smith & Hoyt, Brooklyn, NY 11201 US www.creativecooks.us (our page is still in the works!)

Friends of Clinton Hill Library

For those of you looking to volunteer in the neighborhood, there's a brand-new opportunity!  The Friends of Clinton Hill Library are a newly-formed group who hope to make some small improvements at the library (which is on Washington bt Lafayette and Greene), including starting a featured section of local authors, organizing readings, landscaping and maintenance, and organizing after school tutors. This Sunday, they will be working in conjunction with the Hollenback Community Garden to landscape the front of the library.  They didn't give me a time, but if interested, stop by with some tools and enthusiasm.

Stay tuned for more info on the group and upcoming meeting information!

(For more info, contact elizabethdreyfuss@yahoo.com )

Earth Day Opening Weekend at Habana Outpost!

Guys- So sorry I sat on this all week. I was starting a new job and, you know how it goes.

Anyway, Fort Greene's eco-friendly hot spot Habana Outpost has its opening weekend Saturday and Sunday, in honor of Earth Day. They're offering a packed schedule, including kids' concerts, composting classes, movies and umbrella recycling. Now, if only they'd revise that ordering-truck situation so that diners aren't left for an hour waiting for their corn...

Earth Day Expo at Habana Outpost

Saturday, April 19th & Sunday April 20th 2008

Two days of free workshops and events for the whole family!

Kid’s Corner-Saturday& Sunday 12-6

Throughout the weekend there will be free arts & crafts, games and entertainment for children focusing on recycling and nature.

The ABC’s of Bees and Beekeeping - Saturday 2:00pm

Local beekeeper John Howe (the Brooklyn Bee) will explain how honey is made with a live observation hive and arts and crafts projects.

FINDERS KEEPERS!!!! TOSSERS WEEPERS!!! – Saturday 3-4 &Sunday 2-3

Recycling within Your Environment – This hands-on workshop will explore how to reuse what is in your home, community and environment. On this day, that environment will be Habana Outpost! Children will be asked to go on a scavenger hunt through the Habana Outpost area and use what they find to create new objects or give old objects new purpose and meaning. Brought to you by the Leadership Learning Lab

Composting With Red Worms – Sunday 1-2

Learn the basics of composting at home with live red wiggler worms! Use kitchen waste to make valuable, all natural plant food…compost.

Composting Workshops for Adults – Saturday & Sunday 2:00 & 5:00

Brought to you by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden and the Department of Sanitation, these fun workshops will teach you how to start composting at home.

Electronic Waste Recycling – Saturday & Sunday 10:00 – 4:00pm

The Lower East Side Ecology Center (LESEC) will be collecting your unwanted electronic waste in their e-waste container.

Recycled Art Show- Awards ceremony Sunday at 4:00pm

Local high school and elementary students will create art out of trash. The work will be on display throughout the weekend and the winners will be announced on Sunday at 4:00pm

Umbrella Recycling- Saturday 12:00 – 4:00pm

Umbrella Recycling: A BYOBU (bring your own broken umbrella) Design Project

Bring your own broken umbrella (BYOBU) to recycle, rehabilitate or re imagine. Learn how to craft a reusable (grocery) bag out of a dead umbrella. All other materials provided. Meet up under the solar panels with master tailor and sewing teacher Bonnie Barton.

Shop Green- Saturday & Sunday 12-6

Local vendors and designers will showcase green products and services in an outdoor market

Featuring: Trixe and Radar, Lower East Side Girls Club and Recycle a Bicycle.

Get Involved-Saturday & Sunday 12-6

Meet local eco-minded groups and individuals to find out how you can get involved!

Participating Groups: Good Magazine, Green Home NYC, Green Brooklyn, Greenopia, Atomseco, The Society of Clinton Hill, Sunset-Ridge Waterfront Alliance

Films –

Sunday at 3:00pm

The Water Under Ground- In spring of 2006, the Lower East Side Ecology Center partnered with Center for Urban Pedagogy, City-as-School, and RECYouth to explore the Water Underground–the millions of gallons of water that enters the city, gets used in various ways and discharged to local waterways each day. The Water Underground video is a 25-minute student-led exploration of where water comes from, where it goes and what happens along the way.

Sunday at 3:00pm

Rooftop Bees - A film by Melissa Lohman Wild -John has an unusual hobby for a longtime resident of New York City. He maintains three beehives on his Brooklyn rooftop. This short doc gives a glimpse into the practice of urban beekeeping and shows how John’s bees are helping to pollinate the Big Apple.

Please visit our website for more information- www.habanaoutpost.com or call 718 858 9500

Habana Outpost - 757 Fulton Street ( corner of South Portland) Brooklyn, New York 11217

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.

Storytelling for Parents and Kids

Mixed Company’s Educational Division (through Brooklyn Arts Council) cordially invite you to attend: Parents and Kids Storytelling Workshop

Share your favorite story, hear stories you’ve never heard before, and create new stories to tell forever and ever! Join us for a day of pizza, storytelling games, and fun!

WHEN:

Saturday March 29th, 2008 from11:00AM-1:00PM

AT:

The Urban Academy of Arts and Letters 225 Adelphi St. (between DeKalb and Willoughby) Fort Greene, Brooklyn

This event is FREE!!!

*****To hold your spot, please email us at edu.mixedco@gmail.com*****

**Open to kids ages 8 to 11

**Kids MUST be accompanied by a parent

**All reservations will be confirmed

Enrollment is LIMITED, so secure your spot today! Please feel free to pass this along to parents that you think may be interested.

Easter Fun!

When I was a kid, the local Easter Egg Hunt was one of my favorite events! Someone left a comment about egg hunts recently, so I'm glad to inform you that Cadman Church will be hosting one on March 22! Easter Egg Hunt and Craft Time!

The kids of Cadman Church will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 22nd 3-4:30 for ages 2 - 12 years (all children must be accompanied by an adult)

Cadman Memorial Church 350 Clinton Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 (718) 638-2231

Hidden Treasure: Sushi Okdol?

I've heard some really great things about Sushi Okdol on Myrtle Avenue, but only tried takeout once and found it...meh. Just received this reader note: wanted to suggest that you check out sushi okdol

we go there at least once a week with our kids- and it's almost always empty. the sushi is fine- but things like bib bim bop and soon du bu jigae are very good and very authentic. they are great with the kids- always bring them soup and rice immediately - and tofu- and sushi- etc

we actually had our 5 year old's birthday party there last year- and probably will again this year.

it's the place above the deli on myrtle- across from the associated.

You may haven't even noticed this place, being that it's on the second floor of the building (497 Myrtle at Hall). I don't have children (yet), but it's nice to hear there's a place for cool parents to dine on ethnic foods that the kids can enjoy, too.

Any other reviews?

Bag Sale at Still Hip!

From the Still Hip website:

A great time to stock up on bagfuls of goodies!

Still Hip Brooklyn 283 Grand Ave.

Brooklyn Lacrosse Team

This just in for the kids: Play the nation’s fastest growing sport….Lacrosse!

Lacrosse combines the fast-paced action of basketball, excitement of ice hockey, and field-sense of soccer to create a unique game for players and spectators. Anyone can play, regardless of size or stature. Lacrosse is a sport that can open up many opportunities, with paths to play in private schools and college. Don’t miss out!

Join the Brooklyn Crescents

Boys and Girls Lacrosse Teams

Spring Season

Begins March 9th

open to: 7/8th grade teams for boys and girls

5/6th grade teams for boys and girls

3/4th grade developmental teams for boys and girls

No experience necessary!

includes:

* Weekly practices from March to June @ McLaughlin Field (Tillary and Jay St) Sun 9-11am * 8 games in the Oyster Bay lacrosse league * One overnight trip to play in a competitive tournament! * Day-trips to watch collegiate lacrosse games * Trip/tour of local private school * Excellent coaching from former college players fee: $250

No child will be turned away for financial reasons. Please inquire.

REGISTER Online at brooklyncrescents.googlepages.com

contact: brooklyncrescents@yahoo.com

Boys Team – Wes Jackson 718-809-7192 or L’Quentus Thomas 917-755-6459

Girls Team – Jess Lerman 917-628-0864 or Susan Murray 917-715-6725

about us: We are a non-profit youth lacrosse program, founded in 2006 by five former collegiate lacrosse players who share the love of lacrosse and a desire to give Brooklyn kids the opportunity to play this amazing sport, that opened up so many doors for them.

I'm told several of the existing team members live in CH.

Final Little League Registration!

Inner City Sports Little League will hold its final player registration for the 2008 season. Girls and boys ages 4 to 13 welcome! The league is located in Bedford-Stuyvesant and is open to the communities of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Bushwick, Fort Greene, East New York, Brownsville, Ocean Hills, Crown Heights and, Clinton Hills. Register Saturday, February 23rd 10am to 2pm. Herbert Von King Community Center, 670 Lafayette Avenue (Between Marcy & Tompkins). For registration requirements and details please call Michael Harris @ 917 804 1703 or email at ICSLIttleleague@aol.com

French Immersion for Kids!

From a reader:

I've been in CH for the past 11 years - on and off for the first four years. My husband who is an actor has been here for 12 years and remembers when the neighborhood was full of more artists. I am a life and business coach on Clinton Avenue and a mom of two kids.

I offer French immersion classes for children on Clinton Avenue (between Park and Myrtle). It was first offered as a childcare option for clients I was coaching. Now, it's being offered all by itself. The name of the class is Bonjour Les Amis and I am attaching a flyer. We are having a free open house for Bonjour Les Amis on Monday, January 21st from 10am-2pm. Please share with anyone you think will be interested. Kids of all ages are sure to enjoy. There will be songs, dances, crafts and games - all in French.

I wish I had learned another language when I was little. If I was a toddler, I would totally go to this!

Sorry that I'm posting this late as far as the open house, but check it out!