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Starving artists: Feed your own for the holidays

Jonathan Berk — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:33:41 +0000

Will blog for drinks.

There’s no shortage of worthy ways to be charitable this time of year, but you’d be hard-pressed to find another that says “Made for BK” quite like this. Open Source, a Park Slope gallery/creative space, is looking for a few good cooks to staff its Open Source Food Kitchen every night in December. For a fourth year, the gallery’s running its month-long free kitchen where a volunteer comes in each night, whips up a meal, and 15-20 starving artists dig in. The site says fellow artists usually don the chef hat, but really, anybody’s welcome to come in and cook.

Requirements for the one-night gig are pretty few: Meals are served between 7 and 9pm and you should plan on something easy to serve, like a “one-pot meal — either a soup or stew which can be served in bowls with bread on the side.” Open Source provides the cookware and utensils and will help with logistics. All you do, they say, is “supply the love” (and, um, the food, lest you want an overly expressive uprising on your hands).

If you’re at all culinarily-inclined, this seems like a cool way to give a little back this holiday season. Also, there seems occasionally to be wine and beer-laden late-night convos. Now, if you’re one of those who’s reading this salivating, rather than planning your menu, the meal is open anyone, but seating is limited to first-come, first-served.

Sign up soon, charitable chefs, because shifts are disappearing fast (the actual holidays at the end of the month are still free, though). And while you’re checking it out, you might as well look at all that art stuff Open Source does the rest of the year.

Open Source Gallery, 306 17th St. between Fifth and Sixth Aves., Park Slope.

At Occupy Brooklyn: accordions, strollers, and Marty

Anna Jacobson — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 17:05:14 +0000

The grand view of Grand Army Plaza. photos by Anna Jacobson

Although many chants were the same, the scene at Occupy Brooklyn yesterday was quite different than the one in Zuccotti Park. There was also free pizza at Grand Army Plaza, but one pie was sufficient for the crowd, which boasted more strollers than facial tattoos and cheered cops for being so “accommodating” when they set up more barricades. True to a Park Slope rally, there were families, mature artists, old-timey bands and borough Prez Marty Markowitz. Many of the protesters had been to Wall Street, but rallied at Grand Army because they live in the borough and argued that the joblessness, foreclosures, and income disparity they are protesting were all more obvious in Brooklyn than in the Financial District.

Instead of Wall Street execs toasting the rally with champagne like at OWS, this group was cheered by many passing cars, including young people in suits and Priuses. “In Zuccotti, you will sometimes get sanitation buses or school buses honking”, organizer Leo Goldberg said. This morning’s two-hour rally felt more like an extension of Prospect Park on a fall afternoon than the up-against-the-system protests in Manhattan.

Marty Markowitz chatting with protesters Saturday

But the topics of conversation weren’t so sunny. Marty Markowitz, who came to support the rally, noted some BK neighborhoods where 18% of men are unemployed. “We are constantly pitching companies,” he said, citing Brooklyn’s failed bid to build the Taxicab of Tomorrow (which will be manufactured in Mexico) “We really wanted that to be something that was made here in New York, in Brooklyn… We need those jobs… jobs for people who work with their hands.”

Also there was Andrea Vaughn, a librarian from the Brooklyn Public Library. “They’ve cut until there’s nothing left to cut,” she said. The library has “thousands of ways to help average people improve their lives” she says, mentioning job placement, resume help, and language classes.

Trumpeter Zachary Boyce of Flatbush and several friends joined up to treat the crowd to some semi-improvised tunes (and their puppet “Occupus,” an octopus with eight demands).While Boyce slept in Zuccotti Park the night before, he came to the borough because he said, “Brooklyn is where this should be happening.”

“It may be an illusion, but I can feel it when I cross the bridge,” here his gaze became more far-off, “this is a completely different space. People here are ready to engage.”

The group Occupy Brooklyn, set up the day’s event in a scramble, establishing up a Facebook page, reaching out to clergy and community groups, and canvassing the subways. Occupy BK has been active in Williamsburg, Bed-Stuy, and Greenpoint, with South Brooklyn being their next step. For more information, sign up to their email list via Facebook. Just don’t try occupybrooklyn.org. It’s occupied by another group.

Even librarians like Andrea Vaughn (and Steve, her dog) got loud at Grand Army.

Debra S. said she wasn't there for a revolution - just to speak out for the people's rights.

Artist Janine Sopp of Kensington with her daughter, Kya (in stroller) and neighbor, Roxie. All three had been to Zuccotti Park, which Kya described as "boring". Sopp's response: "It's hard to help her understand she's making history"

Get the low down on loft laws tonight in Greenpoint

Jonathan Berk — Wed, 08 Dec 2010 17:41:29 +0000

You may remember back in June when NY State passed the loft law, meant to protect loft-dwellers for the long haul. You may also remember the confusion that ensued, involving landlords’ requirements, tenants’ rights and some unfortunate FDNY-enforced property vacations. Tonight, Dec. 8, in Greenpoint, some concerned citizens in the know are getting together to try and dispel all the uncertainty around the new law. Neighbors Allied for Good Growth is holding a “Loft Law Update and North Brooklyn Tenants Info Meeting” from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in the basement of Lutheran Church of the Messiah, 129 Russell St. in Greenpoint. Here’s what’s on the agenda.

via FreeWilliamsburg

Help re-unite Edith & Archie for the holidays

Jonathan Berk — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 17:17:00 +0000

Archie (right) misses Edith (left)

Here’s a story that should get you posting fliers on the neighborhood lampposts. Edith, a 12-year-old Chihuahua-papillon mix, was stolen last week from the BARC no-kill animal shelter in Williamsburg. Yes, Edith was stolen from her home—cruel enough in itself—but she also was snatched from the side of Archie, a 12-year-old poodle-shih tzu, and her life-long companion. As Anna Jane, a past Brokelyn contributor, writes on TheDo.gs, a woman came into the shelter last Thursday asking about adopting a dog. “When the shelter worker turned his back, ” writes Anna Jane, “she [the thief] picked up Edith and ran out.”

According to Anna Jane, Edith and Archie moved into the shelter together eight months ago when their owner moved into a nursing home. And now, without Edith, Archie just doesn’t know how to live:

“For the first time in his doggie life, Archie is alone. “He won’t eat without her. They did everything together. They wouldn’t even want to go on walks without each other,” BARC’s vice president, Vinnie Spinola, told me.”

The woman is described as “tall and thin, in her twenties with long straight brown hair,” Anna Jane writes. Edith… “looks like Edith. She is nine pounds and microchipped.”

The police are investigating, but if you know, see or hear anything, please email annie@thedo.gs or call BARC at 718-486-7489.

Spring’s daffodils take fall’s green thumbs

Katie Calautti — Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:29:38 +0000

So… you’re packing up your summer whites, disassembling the AC unit, already wistful for the humidity-drenched days of yore. Well, we have a cure for the impending winter blues, and it’s an investment into your not-so-distant future: next spring. Because it’s time to plant some daffodils. Everywhere. The Daffodil Project, a living 9/11 memorial to beautify NYC neighborhoods, is giving out daffodil bulbs, and they need to be planted—by us, by you, by anyone you can grab off the street.

New Yorkers for Parks runs the almost-decade-old initiative, and they line up generous flower suppliers to donate the daffodil bulbs—which must be planted in the fall, by the way, to bloom in early spring. Then it’s up to us, the volunteers, to do the legwork and get the bulbs in the ground.

You can request bulbs via this online form through September 22 and they’ll be distributed in October. Bulbs are free for anyone who commits to rooting them in a public area (here’s a map of some of Brooklyn’s Project daffodil hot-spots from last year). And if you don’t have access to a patch of green, you can get hooked up with local community groups by joining New Yorkers for Parks’ Bulb Brigade.

The dirt under your fingernails won’t last through the winter months, but that warm and fuzzy feeling from making the city look like this sure will. Learn more and request bulbs here.

via Ditmas Park Blog

Today’s primary responsibility: vote for something

Jonathan Berk — Tue, 14 Sep 2010 16:20:03 +0000

The new voting machine. You know you wanna give it a whirl.

Chances are you’re getting this from all sides, but we have to do our civic part too. This voting thing is important. WNYC’s It’s a Free Country has a pretty comprehensive Insider’s Guide to the Primaries, with info on polling sites, voter registration (too late for today, but still time for November), candidates and the new fool-proof ballot system. There are plenty of important local races on the ballot, but among today’s big-ticket primaries are those for U.S. Senator (D,R), Governor (R) and NY State Attorney General (D). Polls are open until 9 p.m., so make sure to get to yours.

Brooklyn’s best volunteer gigs

Conal Darcy — Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:01:38 +0000

Help with the horses at GALLOP NYC

As the summer doldrums of un(der)employment run into fall, there’s only so much more you can take of casting letters into the job-market black hole while plugging away at the future Oscar-winning screenplay. Time to shake things up. Brooklyn’s full of volunteer gigs perfect for turning your routine on its under-used head, and for giving back to the borough a little bit too. Here are a few ideas that’ll beef up the resume (and get you out of the house) while you’re waiting for that big break.

DUMBO Arts Festival, 718-488-8588
For three days this month, the DUMBO Arts Festival will attract hundreds of cutting-edge international artists from the visual, performance, music, literary and digital fields. Volunteers are needed during the week prior to the fest (Sept. 17 to 23) and during the fest itself (Sept. 24 to 26). Jobs include setting up installations, guiding attendees and assisting in live performances. Sign up and get a foot backstage to one of the largest art events this side of the East River.

826NYC, 718-499-9884
Hidden in a “secret” room behind the Park Slope Superhero Supply Store lies the headquarters of 826NYC. Founded by writer Dave Eggers (of McSweeney’s fame), 826NYC is dedicated to helping children and teens improve their writing through one-on-one attention and tutoring in after-school programs and workshops. Use your writing skills to help students with assignments, teach English language skills and even staff the superhero storefront.

Fixers’ Collective, 718-243-1572
The Fixers’ Collective (which we’re big fans of) is a group of folks in Gowanus who fix anything from bikes to old clocks. They always need help working on dropped-off items, so if you’re particularly handy (or want to learn), then stop by and see how you can help. Get your hands dirty, meet new people, and help keep more stuff out of the trash!

GALLOP NYC, 646-413-0469
If you love animals and working with people, considering Brooklyn- and Queens-based GALLOP (Giving Alternative Learners UpLifting Opportunities). They are a non-profit dedicated to helping adults with developmental disabilities build confidence through horseback riding. Volunteers receive training in leading horses and working with people to create a fun therapeutic riding environment.

RightRides, 718-522-0822
Sure, you gave up your wheels when you moved to Brooklyn, but don’t let yourself get rusty on the road. With RightRides, you can help prevent harassment and sexual assault, and get back behind the wheel, by giving free, safe, late-night transport home for women, LGBTQ and “nonconforming” individuals. RightRides always needs drivers and navigators who know local neighborhoods. They provide the car and gas, you provide a valid driver’s license.

BRIC Arts Media, 718-855-7882
BRIC, a Brooklyn-based arts and media coalition, is the driving force behind the summer’s awesome concerts in Prospect Park. But they also produce other performing art, gallery shows and community television year-round. No matter what your artistic predilection, BRIC has tons of chances to rub elbows with Brooklyn artists while exposing the public to great work.

Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 718-623-7260
The BBG needs lots of help maintaining its 52 acres and numerous gardens, so why not get outside, get sunburnt and meet some people? Lead informational workshops. Teach children about plants and gardening. You can even put in some elbow grease by keeping plants trimmed and watered, paths clear and the grounds beautiful for visitors.

Prospect Park Zoo, 718-399-7339 Ext. 325
For something a little livelier than plants, consider becoming a docent at the Prospect Park Zoo. They offer an extensive training program that will prepare you to lead tours and man info stations. Being a docent means a long-term commitment, but you’ll be trained in conservation and biology and become well acquainted with other animal-lovers.

Brooklyn Animal Resource Coalition (BARC), 718-486-7489
BARC is Brooklyn’s home-grown animal shelter with a menagerie of adorable dogs and cats, all mostly strays found in the borough. Volunteers are needed to socialize and care for the animals, especially walking (and cleaning up after!) dogs. The downside? You might wind up adopting dozens of irresistible fur-balls.

Brooklyn Greenway Initiative (BGI), 718-522-0193
The BGI is an ambitious project to create a 14-mile bicycle- and pedestrian-friendly path running along the waterfront from Greenpoint to Sunset Park. Four miles have already been opened, but there’s more to be done. Volunteers are needed for administrative duties, technical planning and just keeping the existing trail clean and well-maintained.

Brooklyn Children’s Museum, 718-735-4400
Remember how awesome children’s museums were when you were a kid? Why not help out with the oldest one in the country? The BCM is home to 30,000 artifacts and tons of cool exhibits. Fun role-playing, interactive exhibits and guided tours expose children to science, nature and history. You can help by greeting visitors, manning phones and running membership drives.

These ideas are only a springboard to get you giving back to Brooklyn and rounding-out your under-utilized self. Websites like Catchafire and CitizenSchool connect people with specialized training to the needs of non-profits and locals. Resources such as the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service, the NYC government and New York Cares also offer centralized lists of long-term and one-off chances to volunteer, including tutoring children and even assisting emergency services.

And finally, local religious organizations constantly run events to help those in need (and need volunteers from any faith). Who knows? You might find a new life passion… or at least some fodder for your screenplay.

Show your favorite good-doing do-gooder some love

Anna Jacobson — Thu, 26 Aug 2010 16:53:24 +0000

We all have at least one friend who just makes us feel bad about ourselves. They work a full-time job, coach a team of disadvantaged youngsters, host a pottery session at a senior citizen’s home and rebuild houses while on vacation in Haiti. This do-goodery usually makes us generally-lazy but well-meaning selves feel like crap. But now The Brooklyn Community Foundation is giving us a chance to give back without waking early for that shift at the soup kitchen, and to show our respect for those out there doing the dirty work themselves. To celebrate its upcoming first anniversary, the BCF is giving away $5000 to five different charities. The recipients will be chosen by the winners of the Brooklyn Do Gooder Awards, and choosing these super citizens… that’s all up to you.

How it works: You nominate a local do-gooder who deserves the recognition, 20 finalists are determined by public vote and five winners will be chosen by a pretty impressive panel of borough heroes: Sara Horwitz (founder, The Freelancers’ Union), Laura Walker (president, WNYC), Laurie Cumbo (founder, Ft. Greene’s MoCADA gallery), Richard Becker (CEO, Brooklyn Hospital), Lexy Funk (co-founder, Brooklyn Industries), and others.

Nominations close Sept. 30, so you have 35 days to get someone in for one of these categories: Arts for All, Caring Neighbors, Community Development, Education and Youth Achievement, and Green Communities. Winners will be celebrated on Nov. 3 at The Brooklyn Botanic Garden.

Follow these steps to get your Mother Teresa on the ballot. And while you’re at it, tell us who deserves the do-gooder votes.

Play bingo with Kenneth, help kids read

Anna Jacobson — Wed, 04 Aug 2010 18:14:26 +0000

Jack McBrayer (right)

Normally, we’d balk at a $25 buy-in for bingo night. But once we started reading about 826NYC’s “Dueling Bingos” night, we found ourselves reaching for our wallets. You may find yourself across the table from—and trash-talked-to by—actors and comedians like 30 Rock‘s Jack McBrayer, The Daily Show‘s John Oliver, This American Life‘s Sarah Vowell or Eric Gilliland, a TV writer whose credits include That 70′s Show and Roseanne (he probably has a good insult or two). And, did we mention? All the money from the evening goes toward 826NYC’s free literacy programs.

So far, fewer than 40 people have signed up for this head-to-head, cut-throat bingo throw-down. So that gives you pretty good odds of rubbing bingo cards with the cool kids. Especially if you follow 826NYC’s advice and buy extra cards and balls (the non-profit has no qualms about selling you the advantage for their good cause).

For six years, 826NYC has been encouraging students aged 6-18 to write and strengthen their literary ability, through after-school and drop-in programs, tutoring and assisting student publications. It’s a cause we can get behind—because Brokelyn’s always looking to stock-up the future intern pool.

Join in the Bingo fun this Saturday, August 7, at 7 p,m. 826NYC is at 572 Fifth Ave. in Park Slope. $25. If you can’t make it (or suck at Bingo), and really want Kenneth from 30 Rock to win, you can buy him (or any player) an extra card online for $10.

Ladies, sing out with a rock camp scholarship

Jonathan Berk — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:23:52 +0000

As great as this chance is, we sort of hope you don’t need it. The Willie Mae Ladies Rock Camp, a Clinton Hill group that makes rockers out of women and girls of all ages, has scholarships available for women who’ve been affected by violence. No musical experience necessary—all you need is a desire to express yourself at the three-day summer workshop. Participants spend a weekend of instrument lessons, songwriting, band practice and other workshops, ending with a showcase concert at a professional venue. From the scholarship sponsor (a generous Park Sloper): “Find your voice and rock out… Just you for a few days. You’re worth it.”

The workshop’s happening on two weekends this summer: Jul. 30 to Aug. 1 and Aug. 13 to 15, both at the Urban Assembly School of Music & Art in Downtown Brooklyn. The scholarship includes full tuition ($475) and childcare stipend for those with children.

Eligibility: “Any woman, living in or out of a shelter environment, who has been affected by violence and has a desire to find her voice; or any woman affected by violence who has found her voice and wants a safe place for it to be heard.”

To apply or learn more, email info@williemaerockcamp.org, call 347-599-0716 or just read more here.