Archive for ‘Parenting’

Traffic Safety Meeting Planned in Cobble Hill

By , 31 January, 2012, 2 Comments

Quick update on our post from earlier in the week. We received this email from Maureen Hogan, we THINK the owner of that totaled Volvo on Kane and Henry St. If you’d like your say about traffic safety, you may want to stop by 155 Kane St next Monday, 6 Feb @7pm.

Meeting to discuss need for traffic calming on our roads around PS 29.
We will have a representative from the DOT: Christopher Hrones, and P.O. Paul Grudzinski from 76Pct.
Please spread the word, and ask people to bring specifics about accidents and near misses that they have witnessed, as the classification of accidents as “side swipes” or “disobeying of traffic lights” does not tell the whole tale as to the reckless driving we have been experiencing on our streets.
Various politicians are making every attempt to come, as well.
Thanks, and hope to see many of our neighbors there! m

Hey Brooklyn, What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer?

By , 27 January, 2012, No Comment

Oh yes, it’s totally that time again. Time to reach into your wallet and grab hold of all the cash you’ll spend to keep your children busy this summer. Time to look at camps. And believe you me, there’s quite a few to choose from. Whether it’s day camp or sleep away, local or far-flung, the NY Family Camp Fair Tour will be in Park Slope this Sunday, 29 January, to help you make a decision. More than 60 camps will be on hand at the Union Temple, 17 Eastern Parkway, from noon to 3pm and Renee Flax, the Director of Camper Placement of the American Camp Association, NY & NJ, will also be there to answer questions. PRE-REGISTER NOW to receive a gift bag at the fair. You’ll also qualify to participate in a raffle for a chance to win a Camp Trunk from Lesters or our grand prize family trip.

Big Movies for Little Kids Back for Winter & Spring

By , 12 January, 2012, No Comment

You know it’s going to get cold at some point, so why not start scheduling some movie time for the kiddies? We especially love the free Big Movies for Little Kids series at Cobble Hill Cinemas (265 Court St.). Perfect for children two and up, and a great way to introduce your children to sitting in a movie theatre, the winter and spring schedule is finally here. Starting 23 January with The Phantom Tollbooth, the films are shown every other Monday at 4pm through 4 June. The cost is $7 per person and advance tickets are available at the box office one week prior to each screening or online at cobblehilltheatre.com. Get those tickets early, they tend to go quickly.

Family Orthodontists in Brooklyn Heights

By , 21 December, 2011, No Comment

We love local, family businesses here at Bococaland. So when Sue Liebman got in touch about the family orthodontist practice she runs with her father, Irwin Kolin, we were glad to get the word out for them. After being on staff at LICH DOwnstate and practicing together for over 25 years, the father-daughter team has recently moved to Montague St., 8th flr. across from the Garden of Eden (formerly located in the Williamsburgh Savings Bank building) and wanted to let the hood know the office is open every Saturday for appointments and also after school/work hours during the week. So come by and say hello, check out the offices and feel free to make an appointment just to ask any questions you might have about future treatments. You can find them here, or give them a call at 718-622-6741.

Take A New Look at LICH-Now Part of Suny Downstate

By , 14 December, 2011, 1 Comment

Recently, a friend told me she schlepped all the way to an emergency room in Chelsea when her six year old broke his arm–because her pediatrician suggested it. She lives about three blocks from Long Island College Hospital. Ok, maybe LICH has not always had top notch ratings, but I’ve never had a bad experience taking my children there for care. And now that it has merged with Suny Downstate Medical Center (the new name is Downstate LICH), I felt it was time to check in with this diamond in the rough we are so lucky to have in neighborhood. When I reached out, they were happy to discuss what’s changed and what you can look forward to in its new iteration (specifically, a ramped up pediatrics department). Here is the letter I received from Debra Carey, CEO of the hospital. Whether you are a stalwart fan or would like to come back to give LICH another look, we think it’s a helpful insight into what’s been going on behind the scenes.

Downstate LICH – Back to Basics
By Debra Carey, Chief Executive Officer

I am pleased to introduce myself to you. My name is Debra Carey, and I am the Chief Executive Officer of the Downstate hospitals, which now encompasses sites in Central Brooklyn, Long Island College Hospital and Bay Ridge (a fully renovated urgent care and ambulatory surgery center, whose patients will come to LICH for inpatient care).

The BoCoCa community knows that Long Island College Hospital has had a few rocky years. Its continued existence was in doubt. Downstate Medical Center acquired the hospital – thus ensuring its future as a vital neighborhood resource. Downstate LICH, as we are now calling the hospital, remains open with all services fully intact.

We want you back at Downstate LICH when you or a family member needs emergency or hospital care. We want to assure you that your excellent community physicians are still affiliated with Downstate LICH. And we pledge: Downstate LICH is fully committed to maternal and child health services.

You don’t have to go out of the neighborhood for care. Our Pediatric and Adult Emergency Departments have capacity and will take care of you promptly and with great skill. Downstate LICH is investing millions of dollars in upgrades of medical equipment, including:
*A new CT scan in the Emergency Department
*State-of-the-art fetal monitoring equipment in the Labor & Delivery Suite
*Upgraded capabilities in the OB/GYN Ultrasound Unit
*An upgraded NICU (neonatal intensive care unit), with Board certified
*neonatologists and new equipment
*Advanced OB/GYN high-risk capabilities, such as first trimester screening, invasive prenatal diagnoses and fetal echocardiograms

We’re investing in human resources, as well. The Pediatric ER remains open, staffed by Board-certified Pediatric Emergency medicine specialists. Specialty pediatric services, such as Pediatric GI and Pediatric Endocrinology, are returning to Downstate LICH. In short, we’re going back to basics: delivering the excellent medical care you expect, right here in the community in which you reside.

Please give Downstate LICH another look. Our medical experts, including doctors, nurses and paramedics, are always available to speak at community forums such as PTA meetings or neighborhood associations. Visit us at www.downstate.edu/LICH and follow us on Facebook. Join our email list to be notified of events and screenings. And above all – do not hesitate to reach out to me at debracarey.ceo@downstate.edu.

Legos Take the Movies On for Holiday Gifting

By , 12 December, 2011, No Comment

Recently, the Lego folks have been in touch, hawking their movie-based play sets for the holidays. And after taking a look, I gotta admit, they look pretty nifty. I’ll start with Pirates of the Caribean-Black Pearl ($99), which coincides with the release of all four flicks. Your 9 to 12 aged kids can put the 805 piece ship together, then model the mini Davy Jones and Johnny Depp lookalive Captain Jack Sparrow on-board wherever they prefer. Next, I’m loving the DUPLO Brand Cars 2, Big Bentley ($39.99), which is the perfect first Lego kit for the toddler set. As well as building the famed clocktower from the film, it also comes with a Lighting McQueen, Finn McMissile, and of course, our fave redneck Mater. Lastly, we head over to everyone’s favorite wizard–who’s had a pretty big year. Harry Potter- Battle for Hogwarts ($49.99) is meant for years 7 and up, and comes with 7 minifigures: Harry Potter, Neville Longbottom, Professor Sprout, Professor Lupin, Gregory Goyle, Death Eater, and Dementor.

PS 29 Wants YOU to Eat Pie and Shop for the Holidays

By , 23 November, 2011, 1 Comment

Come for the pie, stay for the shopping

Sure, there’s other holiday shopping events in the hood. But none come with the same bold promise of pie. That’s why the PS 29 Eat Pie and Shop event has always been one of my faves (even before my son started attending). So mark your calendars now, because it’s coming up on 4 December from 11am to 4pm at the Cobble Hill school (Henry St. between Kane and Baltic).
As mentioned, all types of pie will be available throughout the day–including fruit, creamy, savory and nut. And to make things more exciting, there will also be a pie competition with a panel of judges consisting of celebs like Gail Simmons, an editor at Food & Wine magazine and judge on Bravo fave “Top Chef,” and Danielle Kyrillos, from “Top Chef: Just Desserts,” as well as local restauranteurs like Marc Anthony Bynum, chef at the new MooBurger (fast turning into one of our faves) and Jeff Lederman, of Strong Place, Bocca Lupo and Nectar. The winner will receive a gift package from Food & Wine and bragging rights for the year. Judging will take place at 1pm.
In addition, as a special culinary treat, Danny Meyer’s Shake Shack will also be in attendance, doling out its signature frozen custard (the new storefront will open in Downtown Brooklyn by end of year), and Brooklyn Farmacy & Soda Fountain will be serving its ‘Grumble Grumble’ grilled cheese sandwiches.
Of course, after all that pigging out you simply must do some shopping, so stay for the gift fair overflowing with local artisans, craftspeople and merchants. Kids will be lured away from your efforts with holiday craft workshops hosted by art teachers from Children’s Museum of the Arts and face painting by Mini Max Toys & Cuts. And lastly, if you need the perfect shot for your holiday cards, professional photographers will be on hand for family photo shoots. Proceeds will go to PS 29, but this is the perfect event for anyyone with a sweet tooth and a gift list.

Sadie’s Kitchen-Quick Review

By , 16 November, 2011, 6 Comments

Cobble Hill's latest Southern Joint

Stopped in Cobble Hill’s new Sadie’s Kitchen at 243 Degraw St. yesterday for lunch. Billed as a Southern cafe, the decor is as close to adorable as you can get. Pink stools and green, floral wallpaper hover above red, white and blue floor tile and amateur portraits of countrified women hang on the walls. The space is small, so there’s only a few tables and stools dotting the area. And as a reader pointed out, there are no strollers allowed at any time–even if it’s empty and you’re ordering take-out.
The menu is heavily focused on macaroni and cheese and offers a choice of gluten free pasta (for an extra $2). There are actually ten different types of mac n’ cheese, some of which look fab, and some of which sound a little frightening. The most child-friendly dish is the Miss Sadie’s which comes with stewed tomatoes and potato chip topping. Others are definitely aimed at the adult crowd, like May-Belle’s Mac with kielbasa, Gorgonzola, brussel sprouts and bread crumbs or Mrs. Ling’s Mac with Chinese five spice duck, smoked Gouda and sesame panko bread crumbs. Then there’s Miss King’s Mac, which is only served Friday and Saturday. Stuffed with Alaskan king crab, raclette, tarragon, sherry and chive bread crumbs, this one haunted me a little, but I guess you can’t knock it til you try it.
Unfortunately, I gave up ordering macaroni and cheese at restaurants once I started making it on a regular basis for my children, so we went straight to the Big Biscuit Sandwiches, of which there are four. The short rib was not available that day, so we ordered a BBQ duck and fried catfish po’ boy. The duck came in a spicy plum sauce with arugala and brinjal chutney. The meat was bright and tender, nicely accompanied with a spicy crunch from the greens. The po’ boy was delicious, yet messy–with a tartar-type sauce easily breaking up the soft biscuit–and layered with zingy pickled okra. I could have eaten an entire bowl of that okra if it was offered (hint, hint Sadie). The salads are limited to sides like macaroni, potato and cole slaw and I found myself wishing for something lighter somewhere on the menu. Soups and beans include a succotash chowder and baked butter beans.
Then there are the baked goods. Pies on display included a sweet potato pie and shoo fly pie, though you’ll find a board with daily selections up in the corner. As we were leaving, an entire cookie sheet of sherbet-colored orange blossom cupcakes also came out for display–a perfect bite for after-school snacks.
Prices aren’t cheap, but are on par with other new places in the hood. The pasta starts and $7 and goes to $15 for lobster-studded mac n’ cheese (a throwback to my 90′s memories of Asia de Cuba’s lobster mash) while sandwiches are between $8 and $9. There’s no kid-sized meals so you’ll definitely be taking some home if you’re not sharing. Hopefully they’ll change their policy on strollers when the place is empty, especially during the day when it’s mainly parents with children not yet in school. Nobody’s going to leave a sleeping baby out in the cold to order lunch to go. All-in-all, the food was certainly good, but for the same price I may be more prone to head to Court St.’s Van Horn or Mooburger where the selection is greater and the space larger. I’ll be interested to see if it becomes a go-to after-school spot for the sweet-set like Brooklyn Farmacy. Only time will tell but we certainly wish them luck!

Charter School Coming To Cobble Hill: Yea or Nay?

By , 1 November, 2011, 1 Comment

image via Daily News

I’ve been reading about this for quite a while but wanted to see how it progressed before I reported anything on it. Eva Moskowitz, Success Charter Network CEO, is planning on bringing one of her infamous charter schools to Cobble Hill, and parents aren’t sure what to think. Using meetings and many, many, flyers to educate the community, the Success Academy Cobble Hill is on course to open in 2012, according to the website, along with schools in Bed-Stuy and Williamsburg. Here’s what the official press release says, “Both Success Academy Cobble Hill and Success Academy Williamsburg will begin with a kindergarten and first grade comprised of roughly 190 children and grow by one grade each year until the schools serve students in kindergarten through eighth grade…More than 1,500 residents in District 15 where Success Academy Cobble Hill will be located signed a petition requesting that a Success Academy come to the neighborhood.”
Having not attended any of the meetings so far, I don’t have first hand experience on the thoughts and feelings of neighborhood parents, but according to GothamSchools, protestors are coming out of the woodwork.

“Moskowitz is holding an informational session tomorrow [that was 29 Oct] to detail her plans for a new charter school that is likely to open in the affluent Cobble Hill neighborhood next year. Most of tomorrow’s protesters are parents from the neighborhood, who say they are planning to attend the meeting to tell Moskowitz that the Success Charter Network is not wanted there.Opposition is also starting to rise from another group: School leaders in the Baltic Street building where the city has proposed to house the new school. The principals say they are nervous that the charter school’s presence could derail their attempts to improve their schools.”

However, according to the Daily News, here’s why Moskowitz believes this neighborhood is perfect for one of her controversial schools.

“You’ve got a lot of schools here that aren’t working for a lot of families,” Moskowitz told the group last Wednesday night. “We see our schools as identifying talent and nurturing that talent.” Moskowitz said she became interested in putting a charter school in the Brownstone neighborhood because friends told her good neighborhood public schools are overcrowded. City Education Department officials plan to place the charter school in building on Baltic St. “So I go to neighborhoods where there is need and where there is space,” she told the group at Kash’s home. “And there’s a fair amount of space in multiple buildings in this neighborhood.”

What do you think? Would you welcome a Charter in the hood? If not, what puts you off? Would love to hear your comments and thoughts.

Yes, It’s Almost Halloween in BoCoCa

By , 27 October, 2011, No Comment

UPDATED INFO: Because of bad weather forecast for Saturday the 29th the Halloween Parade at Pierrepont Playground has been MOVED TO SUNDAY October 30th.
This weekend marks the lead-up to Halloween 2011 and there’s plenty to do in the BoCoCa hood. Between parties, parades, events and the day itself, you’re going to have to mark your calendars now to get it all in. Here’s the best round-up we could put together. Much if it comes from our friends at the Brooklyn Paper who do an amazing job of putting all this info in one place. The rest we pieced together from research, emails and shout-outs from gracious readers.

Great Pupkin Dog Costume Contest!
It’s a bird! It’s a plane! No — it’s a dog dressed as a bird, or a plane, or Superman! Who cares what it is, as long as it’s a dog in a costume. Come get your fill at Fort Greene Pup’s annual Great Pupkin costume contest on Oct. 29, where owners and their four-legged friends will dress up for some trick-or-dog-treats. Registration starts at 11:30 am and judging begins at noon. A $5 donation fee is recommended, but not required. Great Pupkin Dog Costume Contest at Fort Greene Park (DeKalb and Myrtle avenues in Fort Greene) Oct. 29, at 11:30 am. Rain date on Oct. 30. Suggested donation, $5. For info, visit www.fortgreenepups.org

Halloween in Prospect Park!
Halloween events in Prospect Park begin with the Haunted Walk: from the entrance on Prospect Park Southwest and 16th streets to Lookout Hill, the park’s trail is terrorized by zombies, wolf men, witches, ghouls and goons. The haunted walk winds through the park and passes through the Haunted Carnival, where there will be plenty of Halloween-themed games, arts and crafts, and scary stories for children. Not spooky enough? Get acquainted with some very creepy crawlers at the Audubon Center — we’re talking worms, spiders and other critters of the night. And who could forget about the haunted barn, “Boo at the Zoo”? Prospect Park Halloween Haunted Walk and Carnival [Prospect Park Southwest and 16th Street entrance, (718) 965-8999], Oct. 29-30, 12 pm-3 pm. Free. For info, visit www.prospectpark.org; Boo at the Zoo at the Prospect Park Zoo [450 Flatbush Ave. between Empire Boulevard and Eastern Parkway, (718) 220-5100], Oct. 29-30, 10 am-5:30 pm. Adults $8, children (3-12) $5. For info, visit www.prospectparkzoo.com.

Ghouls and Gourds!
Take a break from freaking yourself out and stop by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, which will be transformed into an only mildly terrifying landscape — there will be plenty of ghouls to go along with your gourds, and other dazzling fall flora. Come for the Cajun, Celtic and Tibetan musical performances, the Flamingo croquet, the flying flea circus and the monocle, mustache and beard booth; stay for the Halloween rumpus! Be sure to grab your own creepy coleus plant on your way out, and visit children’s book authors at the Book Barn! Ghouls and Gourds at Brooklyn Botanic Garden [1000 Washington Ave. at Eastern Parkway, (718) 623-7220]. Adults, $15. Oct. 29, noon-6 pm. For info, visit www.bbg.org

Welcome to the A-scarium!
Don’t miss out on this year’s A-scarium at Coney Island! There will be tykes in costumes, spooky shipwreck, aquatic-themed magic shows, scary storytelling, and an arts and crafts table where tots are encouraged to make their own masks — plus, a special Halloween 4-D feature, “The Curse of Skull Rock,” showing in the theater outside the aquarium entrance. The A-scarium at the New York Aquarium [Surf Avenue and W. Eighth Street, (718) 265-3474], Oct. 15–16, 22–23 and 29–30, 11 am-4:45 pm. Tickets are $15 for adults ($11 for children). For info, visit www.nyaquarium.com.

BAMboo!
Part of BAMfamily-Mon, Oct 31, 2011, 4—7pm
BAM’s 10th annual Halloween extravaganza brings out Brooklyn’s best trick-or-treaters for an afternoon of festivities featuring live music, roaming entertainers, a puppet show, games, and more! From candy giveaways to costume contests, kids of all ages can enjoy the free activities happening right in front of BAM.
In front of BAM Peter Jay Sharp Building, Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St, Free!

powerHouse Kids Halloween Party
Show off your costumes at The powerHouse Arena’s Kids Halloween Party, featuring spooky readings by Cambria Evans (Bone Soup) and Mike Rex (Runaway Mummy) along with some fun Halloween-themed activities. Sunday, October 30, 4–5 PM
The powerHouse Arena · 37 Main Street (corner of Water & Main St.) For more information, please call 718.666.3049 or rsvp: kids@powerHouseArena.com

Mister Halloween Night: A Space Odyssey
Inter-stellar outfits will be rewarded with an on-the-house drink. Think Carl Sagan, Futurama, Monkeys In Space Suits or any of multitude of ideas on the Mister Halloween Facebook page. The possibilities are as endless as the universe. Remember that the more group costumes on the spaceship, the farther and faster it’ll travel. Boarding is at 10pm. Get there soon after. It would be a shame to miss liftoff. Saturday, October 29 at Apollo 12-turn-13.
172 Classon Ave between Park and Myrtle. $15 before midnight with RSVP to mister@mistersaturdaynight.com, $20 otherwise, all astrally attired attendees get a free drink.

Cobble Hill Halloween Parade
Calling all ghouls, ghosts and goblins! The Cobble Hill Halloween Parade will be Monday October 31st at 4pm with music from Jah Pan Steel Drum Band.

Annual Halloween Parade at Pierrepont Playground
Bring your little ghouls and goblins to join in the fun and show off their best costumes! There will be balloons, face painters, a bake sale and a photographer! Saturday, October 29, 2011, in case of rain please check the website for updates (the rain date is Sunday the 30th).

Monster Mash at Brooklyn Children’s Museum
This year’s new programs include two drop in activity areas. Try a shadow puppet workshop, listen to spooky storytelling in our garden, and join the frightful fun in a terrorific scavenger hunt in the ghastly, ghoulie streets of World Brooklyn! And of course, as “darkness falls across the land”, the annual “Thriller” Dance Tribute will be in the Commons Theater. Saturday night is extra special, as we are extending the dance party until 8:30pm!
Friday October 28, 3-7:30
Tickets are available at the admission desk during museum hours. Advance tickets purchase is strongly recommended, tickets are limited.
Costumes for the entire family are strongly encouraged-no masks please.

Halloween bash at Miknic Lounge
Come part with the Miknic crew at the spooky Space // Out special Halloween party. Expect a costume contest with cash prize as well as DJ’s spinning house, disco, new wave
and Halloween favorites!
Saturday, October 29 at 8pm, 200 Columbia Street (between Degraw & Sackett)

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