Wine Tasting at Olivino Wines
By The Changeling | May 9, 2008
Come taste the world! This Saturday at Olivino Wines Bed-Stuy, Scott, from Barterhouse, will be tasting both old world and new world wines. They will also have some food pairings, so come and enjoy!
Olivino Wines Bed-Stuy
Old World/New World Wine Tasting
Saturday, May 10th
6:30 - 8:30 pm
426D Marcus Garvey Blvd (corner of Macon)
Brooklyn, New York 11216
Topics: Dining, Events, Community Events | 3 Comments »
United Nations Brooklyn Farm Tour
By The Changeling | May 9, 2008
Hattie Carthan Community Garden
It looks like another community garden is having an event this weekend. I recently received this from the Hattie Carthan Community Garden:
For two weeks in May, delegates from across the world will be visiting NYC as part of the United Nations Commission on Sustainable Development. This is the first year of a two-year cycle in in which the United Nations sets its policies on sustainable development. Agriculture is one of the major themes before the Commission.
New york City is a model for innovative urban food systems and agriculture projects, and the City Farms Tour will highlight several sites in Brooklyn, including sights in [Bed-Stuy]. We invite you to come out and be part of this exciting moment, when community-based food projects in your district are receiving international attention.
FARM TOUR SCHEDULE FOR SATURDAY, MAY 10TH
10:30 - 11:30 am Hollenback Community Garden
460 Washington Avenue
Tour of garden, rainwater harvest system
and composting toilet
Contact: Cara Perkins
917.701.2875
hollenbackcommunitygarden@yahoo.com
11:45 am - 1:45 pm Hattie Carthan Community Garden
654 Lafayette Avenue
Tour of garden, cooking demo facilitated by
community food educator, Yonette Fleming,
and global lunch made from local food
Contact: Yonnette Fleming
718.638.3566
hattiecarthangarden@yahoo.com
The Hattie Carthan Community Garden invites you to attend a “Wake Up! It’s Spring!” seasonal cooking demonstration facilitated by Yonnette Fleming, City Farms Trainer/Community Food Educator and author of A Time for Healing. Herbal beverages and seasonal foods will be available. This cooking demonstration is sponsored by the Independence Community Foundation and Green Guerrillas as part of the garden’s 2008 food security workshop series “Healthy and Wise.”
2:00 - 3:30 pm Bed-Stuy Farm, Brooklyn Rescue Mission
225 Bainbridge Street
Walking tour of the community, farm, food
pantry and farmers’ market site.
Contact: Rev. DeVanie Jackson
718.363.3085
brooklynrescue@msn.com
3:45 - 5:15 pm East New York Farms
613 New Lots Avenue
Tour of farm highlighting youth program,
vermicomposting and urban beekeeping.
Contact info: David Vigil
718.649.7979 ext 12
david@eastnewyorkfarms.org
Topics: Events, Community Events | No Comments »
Flower Plant & Cake Sale on Greene Ave.
By Alexa11221 | May 8, 2008
When: Saturday, May 10, 10 am - 5 pm
Where: The Community Garden on the corner of Nostrand and Greene Aves.
What: Flower arrangements, plants and cakes for sale, all to benefit the Greene Avenue United Neighbors Association.
Topics: Events, Community Events | No Comments »
New Business on the Block: The Bush Doctor
By The Changeling | May 8, 2008
The Owner Cleo in Her Juice Bar
I discovered a new business in the neighborhood last week. It’s called The Bush Doctor, it’s located near the corner of Putnam and Tompkins and it’s been open for about a month. It’s a juice bar that also sells coffee, herbal teas, ginger beer, salads and wraps. You can even by for a swig of wheat grass or pure ginger. With the exception of the deliciously sweet cake (pictured above), all of the foods and drinks offered at The Bush Doctor are good for you. The owner, Cleo, is a delightful young woman who told me that the idea to open The Bush Doctor emerged when she found out that her mother and a close friend were both diagnosed with diabetes. Cleo was a student at the College of New Rochelle, and she was working on a research paper on diabetes when she became aware of the health status of her mother and friend. This was enough to spark her interest in finding natural remedies for illnesses, which led to her opening a bar that offers healthy foods and herbal drinks.
Cleo has a variety of items in her juice bar. She has a great selection of teas.
She also makes jewelry and sells it here.
I spotted some clothing and DVDs for sale as well.
I love The Bush Doctor logo! It was created by TRUE (of B*SHINE fame).
Stop by The Bush Doctor and try out their juices when you’re on Putnam Avenue. This delightful little juice bar is another great addition to the neighborhood.
The Bush Doctor
370 Tompkins Avenue (entrance on Putnam)
Ph. 718.594.7607
Topics: Dining, Health and Wellness, New Businesses | No Comments »
Make Room For Boris
By The Changeling | May 7, 2008
I received this email the other day from some Bed-Stuy residents who need to find a home for their wonderful cat, Boris. I love animals, so I just had to pass this along. Please, someone open your home to this sweet cat! (He’s famous–be sure to click on the link to watch a video on the life of this feline celebrity!)
Boris the Famous Cat* Needs a Loving Home
His folks are moving to the UK, and their quarantine policy is onerous on animals. Boris has already made two cross-country moves in his life. He needs to settle down in Brooklyn (or somewhere nearby) for good.He’s 10 years old, playful, vocal, and a great mouser. He loves to cuddle at night, and makes a great companion by day. He thrives when he’s the only cat on campus, but has lived with a dog and cat before. He also loves to hang outside, but will never run away. He’s a real smart cookie, and we need to find a home for him in the next week.
Please email boristhefamouscat@gmail.com or call 718-564-9200 for more info.
*If you Google “Boris the Famous Cat” you’ll see what we mean!
To view Boris’ video click here.
Topics: Uncategorized | 6 Comments »
Brooklyn Blogfest 2008!
By The Changeling | May 7, 2008
The Third Annual Brooklyn Blogfest 2008 is an event for bloggers, blog-readers, those interested in Blogging, and those passionate about Brooklyn. It is open to one and all and everyone is warmly welcomed. No need to RSVP or be personally invited.
Date and Time: Thursday May 8th, 2008 at 8 p.m.
Location: The Brooklyn Lyceum. 227 Fourth Avenue at President Street just steps from the R-trains Union Street station.
Admission:$10 (Students $5)
For cool Blogfest T-shirts: www. cafepress.com/blogfest
More info: Louise Crawford at 718-288-4290 or louise_crawford(at)yahoo(dot)com or Only The Blog Knows Brooklyn
What to Expect: Here’s the line-up for the program. The show begins at 8 p.m.
Video: Place Matters: Blogging My World by Blue Barn Pictures
Brief Welcome: Only the Blog Knows Brooklyn (Louise Crawford)
Speaker: Creative Times (Eleanor Traubman)
Speaker: Bed-Stuy Blog (Petra Symister)
Video: A Walk Around the Blog Promo by Brooklyn Independent Television
Speaker: New York Shitty (Miss Heather)
Speaker: Gowanus Lounge (Robert Guskind)
Speaker: Gersh Kuntzman, editor of The Brooklyn Paper
Video: A Word from WNYC’s Brian Lehrer
Speaker: Top Ten Tips for New Bloggers presented by So Good (Heather Johnson)
Speaker: Outside.in, a resource for bloggers who blog about where they live
Video: A Tribute to Brooklyn’s Photo Bloggers with music by Brooklyn’s Ready Fire Aim (video produced by Brooklyn Optimist)
Speaker: Bloggers Reach Out: The Brooklyn Blogade presented by Flatbush Gardener
ANNUAL SHOUT-OUT: Your chance to share your blog with the world introduced by Luna Park Gazette
Food and Fun: There will be light refreshments and other goodies from Maria’s Mexican Bistro, Red Mango Bakery, Brooklyn Fudge, and beer courtesy of Outside.in
After the presentation there will be plenty of time for networking, beer, delicious snacks courtesy of Maria’s Mexican Bistro, Red Mango Bakery and Brooklyn Fudge and conversation.
Topics: Community Events | No Comments »
Meet Your Neighbors: Episode 3
By Inquisigal | May 6, 2008
Welcome back to “Meet Your Neighbors,” a new feature on the Bed Stuy blog that serves to make the introductions between you, our readers, and other people who live or work in Bedford Stuyvesant.
I had a local meeting to attend last week, and suggested to my cohorts that we pow-wow at Common Grounds, a cafe on fast-changing Tompkins Avenue, as I remembered that they have a huge, beautiful garden in which patrons can relax and enjoy the outdoors. Though there has been a steady group of businesses operating on Tompkins Avenue in the 7 years since I first moved to Bed Stuy in 2001 - the avenue has certainly seen some major changes in the last couple of years. Back when my only food options were Chinese take-out places and pizza, I would never have dreamed of a sleek, modern coffee emporium opening in the immediate neighborhood. Times certainly have changed, yet plenty of faces do indeed remain the same. With that said, ready to meet a new neighbor?
Name: Beresford Crowder
Works: Common Grounds, located on Tompkins Ave., between Putnam and Jefferson Aves.
Age: 25 years old
Born: Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, NY
Cultural or ethnic heritage: I was born in America, my grandparents are from the Carribbean.
How much do you feel like your cultural or ethnic background defines or influences your identity?: Personally I don’t feel as though my background defines/influences my identity; however, people may be predisposed to look at my background to define habits, behaviors I may/ may not have.
Lives with: I live with my wife and my daughter.
Years lived in Bed Stuy: I lived in Bed Stuy for 22 years, having recently moved to East New York.
Where else have you lived during your lifetime?: I have lived in the Bronx, Queens, and West Virginia.
Renter or home owner: I rent.
Important aspects of your home and the community: Oh wow, that’s a hard one … I guess I’d have to say that most important is facilities for our children to keep them off the streets ( i.e. hobby shops, after school programs, teen centers).
Do you participate in community events?: When possible, I try to participate in community events … I grew up attending most of these events and I’d love to keep them going so that I can take my children to them.
What do you do for a living?: Right now, I am a Barista.
Do you enjoy your work?: I do enjoy my work, believe it or not, it’s a very rewarding existence … most people have forgotten the simple pleasure of making another person smile.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?: Music is one of my main hobbies, though I have neglected it as of late … I’m also into computer repair and web design …
What is your most dreaded household chore?: I hate washing dishes.
What is your favorite household chore?: Sweeping/ Mopping
What is one of your favorite books, movies, or bands/music artists?: Books: The Power Of Now - Eckhart Tolle, A New Earth - Echart Tolle. Movie(s):”Thank You For Smoking,” “The Matrix” series.
On average, how much time do you spend in Manhattan?: Not as much as I used to, mainly because of familial obligations.
What do you like best about living or working in Brooklyn and Bed Stuy?: I’ve always loved living in Brooklyn, especially Bed Stuy, as it has always been foremost in Brooklyn as far as ethnic diversity, ease of transportation, and economic power.
What do you like least?: One thing that I dislike about Bed Stuy is that it’s inhabitants/residents, don’t realize the economic power they hold/held.
What would you change about the neighborhood if you could?: Not really sure what I’d change, but I’m sure it would include facilities geared toward adolescents.
Are there any businesses or services that your part of the neighborhood is lacking?: Hobby shops, resident-owned businesses.
Do you feel like Bedford Stuyvesant is experiencing “gentrification”?: Yes and No. Yes simply because I do see the influx of another race of people, moving in to homes where African Americans once lived for YEARS. I say no, because although people are moving, I don’t think they’re being “Forced out,” though I have seen some rather underhanded tactics to get people to sell.
Based on your own definition of gentrification, what are the positive and negative benefits of gentrification?: One positive I can speculate might come from gentrification is economic renewal for those who are being bought out, especially if they move to an area with a lower cost of living. However, it is quite possible for whole areas to lose cultural traditions that were dependent upon those people staying tightly knit.
Other than your own ethnic or cultural background, what other cultures, or countries, do you have an affinity for and why?: As of late, I have found myself drawn more to other races than my own, … partially due to gentrification of this area. Having been exposed to more races in such a small amount of time, I see that Bed Stuy is not as diverse as it could be.
Are you religious, and if yes, do you attend local worship services?: No, I am not religious, but I do consider my self very spiritual. I do believe in God, just not in the conventional sense of the word “God.” I don’t actively try to convert anyone to my beliefs because my beliefs are rather unconventional and in my opinion, not for everyone.
Would you like to share your thoughts on why you are happier without organized religion?: I am happier without it because, well … I am … it’s hard to explain … I often hear people say I’m gonna give it to God, or why did God put me here, in this situation … and it’s almost like they hand it off to take the load off their own back … in my opinion, people have begun to use God more as a coat rack for their unhappy situations in life, … and less as a source of true Faith … not many people “Give it to God,” and that’s that … they still worry … they hope for more and more out of the situation instead of accepting it for what it is and understanding the order of the things around them …
Is there anything in particular that you would like to say to the neighbors who will
be reading about you?: Peace and love to all … Come to Common Grounds: A Neighborhood Coffee House… feel at home for a while …
Photography by Bed Stuy resident and photographer Rosie McCobb. To see more of Rosie’s work, click here:www.pbase.com/mccobb1969
Topics: Curious & Curiouser, Community Resources, Bed-Stuy Blogging Community, New Businesses, Education, Gentrification | 2 Comments »
The Bed-Stuy CSA is Accepting Members for the 2008 Harvest Season
By The Changeling | May 6, 2008
Here’s an important note from our friends at the Bed-Stuy CSA:
The Bed Stuy CSA is now accepting members for the 2008 harvest season through June 1st.
*The Bed-Stuy CSA* is a Community Supported Agriculture project of the Magnolia Tree Earth Center of Bedford-Stuyvesant, Inc. and Conuco Farm.
We bring fresh, locally-grown organic vegetables to the community at an affordable price through a mutually beneficial partnership between residents looking for quality produce and a local farmer of color. The season begins mid-June and ends end of October.
We are now accepting applications for our 2008 harvest season. Share prices for a full share are $475 and for a half share are $275. If your income is below $25,000, the share prices for a full share are $325 and for a half share $200.
In addition to getting great vegetables from Hector Tejada of Conuco Farm this year, we will be giving members the option to purchase additional fruit, egg and meat shares from local farmers through the CSA.
To sign up, you can download the membership contract at www.bedstuycsa.wetpaint.com or call us with any questions at (718) 387-2116 x12.
Picture of me admiring a VERY LARGE butternut squash from the Bed-Stuy CSA. Come. Join. You can’t deny the power of that squash.
Topics: Dining, Community Resources, Health and Wellness | No Comments »
The Neighborhood’s Most Improved
By Alexa11221 | May 6, 2008
1. The northeast corner of the intersection of Marcus Garvey Boulevard and Lexington Avenue looks like this now:
But it used to look a lot more like the opposite side of the street (”used to” as in “did a month ago.”)
So thank you homeowners for cleaning up the graffitti and planting flowers under the trees! I know it’s a lot of work. It looks really nice!
2. Six months ago, this was the empty lot on Clifton Place just west of Marcy Avenue and the Hattie Carthen Community Garden:
It was filled with trash, much of which had spilled over to adorn the ugly new (but apparently abandoned) house next door.
Here’s the same lot now:
It’s been completely cleaned up!
I don’t know who was responsible for this, but THANK YOU!
Topics: Images | 1 Comment »
The Steeple Chase - SAVE THE DATE!
By The Changeling | May 5, 2008
There’s an interesting event happening in the neighborhood this month! As many of you know, May is Bike Month. To celebrate Bike Month, Bedford-Stuyvesant will be holding an inaugural bike ride called The Steeple Chase. The Steeple Chase will tour the neighborhood visiting historic churches along the way. This exciting event is being spearheaded by Tremaine Wright, owner of Common Grounds Coffeehouse.
The Steeple Chase will be held on Saturday, May 24th. Stay tuned for more information about registration. I will be one of the marshalls for this event, so I’m looking forward to seeing all of you there!
Topics: Events, Health and Wellness | No Comments »
