It’s been a rainy, muggy week here in Greenpoint. I’m going to be honest and say I’ve spent more time catching up on TV and frequenting the brand new Beloved than gardening. However, sometimes the plants take care of themselves (hey, they’ve been doing it since literally forever!).
This morning I awoke to a really special sight. Out of nowhere it seemed that my squash had blossomed! I have a whole mess of little yellow flowers. I was told I should try catching some of these before they bloom, stuff them with cheese and fry them, ….maybe I will give it a shot tonight.
This past weekend, before the rain, I transferred all of my cowpots into regular-sized pots. They seem to be doing well and growing ten times faster. It’s amazing what a little space can do (am I right, Brooklyn renters?)!
Fall GWYSL youth soccer registration is now open with the Greenpoint Williamsburg Youth Soccer League, now through July 1st for reduced $80 rates. Please visit www.gwysl.com for more information. We are an AYSO region open to boys and girls ages 4 through 18. Season plays Saturday mornings at McCarren Park starting September 8th.
Summer Soccer Skills Camp is filling up fast. Join our amazing crew of foreign coaches from the United Soccer Academy for 1, 2, or 3 weeks of camp at McCarren Park from July 9th thru July 27th. Visit our website to find the link to register under announcements. Pricing only $179 per week for camp from 8am to 3pm. Strategically located next to the new McCarren Park Pool!
It’s sad to see such a great man go, but we wish him the best of luck! Thanks for everything Griffin! You rule.
Dear Friends,
On Monday evening at the Congregational Council meeting, I submitted my resignation as the pastor of the Lutheran Church of the Messiah. It has been my honor to serve you for the last seven and a half years. You have been my teachers and friends. For that, I am eternally grateful. Together, we have worked to reach out to the community in innovative ways — being a beacon of hope to our neighbors and beyond.
As I enter a new decade in my life, I am feeling called by God into new adventures in my personal and professional life. I will be moving to Boston. At this time, I do not have a pastoral call or a job secured, but I have several possibilities in the mix. I am looking forward to what God has in store for me!
I have spoken with Bishop Rimbo about my plans. He and his staff are committed to walking closely with the congregation through the upcoming transition. The work accomplished by the Messiah/St. John’s dialog committee has laid the groundwork for moving forward together. Messiah is a resilient congregation, and I know that the future is bright even though it is a bit unclear at this time.
I plan to serve through the end of June, and my last Sunday will be June 24. I look forward to making the most of these final days with you.
Again, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your on-going prayers and support.
We all wanted Piecorps to have a retail location, and great news: we can look forward to amazing pies come this June in Greenpoint! Piecorps needed to raise funds to buy a new oven and because of community donations they raised via Lucky Ant, they got it. Social media isn’t always evil.
I follow Piecorps on Facebook just to drool at all the amazing pies they come up with. Like Chili Pie with Cornbread Crust or Rhubarb Custard Pie. Good news is you don’t have to wait until the summer to enjoy their delicious pies. You can shop for pies online to be delivered to your front door or visit them on Saturdays at Hester Street Fair (LES) & Stone Barns Center (upstate) or on Sundays at New Amsterdam Market (South Street Seaport). All three Union Markets as well as Gourmet Guild carry their pies.
Volunteering is a great way to help out in the community, learn new skills and meet new people. This Saturday May 19, 2012 from 10am-2pm at the McCarren Park Greenmarket, check out the North Brooklyn Volunteer Fair!
From soup kitchens to parks groups, connect with community organization and learn how you can volunteer in Williamsburg and Greenpoint.
While there was no choice to opt out of “CITI” brandedbike-share locations in Greenpoint altogether, we voted and here is a draft map of where they will be placed in the neighborhood.
Locations:
• India St Ferry Terminal
• Franklin & Java St
• Freeman and Manhattan
• India & Manhattan
• Milton & Franklin
• Meserole & Manhattan
• Bedford @ Lorimer
• Eckford & Driggs
• Russell & Driggs
• Nassau & Sutton
• Norman & Humboldt
• Richardson & North Henry
I was so delighted when I got this great news from Nicole Reed, the hero who is behind starting the petition to get a green market in McGolrick Park!
“Hi Jen: I’m happy to report that Community Markets has confirmed the farmers market at McGolrick Park will open on June 3rd! As of then, it will run every Sunday, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, through November 18th, 2012. We are confirming vendors as I write this, and so far we’re lining up a wide variety of local produce, cheeses, meats, pickles, honey, breads and baked goods. The vendors will set up along the Russell Street sidewalk, with ample space for everybody, between Driggs and Nassau Avenues.
Community Markets wishes to thank everyone who encouraged this market by signing the petition of support. We also thank the Community Board 1, Stephanie Thayer of the Open Space Alliance, District Leader Lincoln Restler, Reverend Griffin Thomas of The Lutheran Church of the Messiah, and the Friends of McGolrick Park. This market is happening due to their community advocacy — and the vocal support of many others. We’re thrilled to bring fresh foods from regional farmers and artisanal producers to Greenpoint!
AND there’s more: Due to an under served demand for local food in our area, Community Markets is also opening a farmers market at Cooper Park in East Williamsburg. It will also begin on June 3rd and run every Sunday through November 18th, from 11:00 am – 4:00 pm. Shoppers will find their vendors on the Maspeth Avenue side of the park. We’re getting enthusiastic response from area farmers about this market, too, and we’ll forward the full vendor list once it is confirmed.
After a delicious Cinco De Mayo brunch at Papacitos, with some stand-out huevos rancheros and a spicy Bloody Maria, I headed over to Ria Nailz, with my new friend who is visiting from Japan. Ria is renowned for her amazing nail art, which would cost up to $100 in Japan. Ria is a popular lady and she was booked solid, not surprising on a Saturday, but she was a total sweetheart about it.
Jokingly I put this photo on the Tumblr and said, “dissed by Ria, she’s too busy for Greenpointers.” I was only kidding! Ria didn’t think it was very funny and wrote a perturbed response on her website that said: “I am no tumblr gangster nor do I want to start trouble in any way but greenpoint is MY home I’ve lived here since I was 2yrs old and for a greenpointer to say I dissed them and I have no time for greenpointers is (excuse my language) fucked up … If the person that posted this felt dissed then I apologize but I’m pretty sure I wasn’t rude or a bitch about letting you know I was booked up.”
God I love Ria even more now! She has strong values and doesn’t take shit from anybody. A true Brooklyn badass. Why am I always running my mouth? Luckily, she gave me an appointment for this Saturday and I hope she can forgive me. I would hate to be banished from Ria’s forever!
Greenpoint’s own GMDC building, home to many artists, manufacturing and design studios and the future home of the North Brooklyn Boat Club has been nominated by Partners in Preservation to receive $3 million dollars, which will be used to rebuild the bulk head.
The GMDC building was a rope mill at the turn of the 20th century. It is important that we preserve this part of our neighborhood’s history.
