OUR BLOG HAS MOVED

THIS IS THE NEW PLACE TO FIND COMMUNITY INFORMATION: http://crowhillcommunity.org/category/community/

STREET NAMING CEREMONY

You are invited to attend a street naming ceremony on Saturday October 29 at 11 AM at Utica and Bergen: 

Moses P. Cobb Way will honor the first African -American to serve a full career as a police officer in NYC

GOSPEL OUTREACH

The Gospel Tabernacle invites the community to attend their Gospel Outreach Oct. 27-29  at 7:30pm and Sunday Oct 30th at 12pm & 6:30pm This is the Church where we hold the CHCA monthly meetings. 725 Franklin Ave (bet. Park and Sterling Place)

Chase Brooklyn Job Fair

Chase is holding its second job fair to reach its goal of hiring 1,000 new customer service professionals in Brooklyn to work in its home lending business. The job fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sept. 28 at the Brooklyn Bridge Marriott, 333 Adams Street. The bank filled 450 jobs at its job fair in Brooklyn last month and plans to add at least 600 more. All candidates interested in the jobs listed below are encouraged to apply online at www.chase.com/careers and enter the accompanying requisition numbers: Customer care research specialist - 110077685 Customer care letter editor/writer - 110077704 Customer care supervisor - 110064435 Customer care manager -110066389

S.O.S. Updates

From Save Our Streets:

Hello S.O.S. Supporters! We hope you are enjoying a safe and peaceful beginning of fall. As the leaves change and the air grows cooler, we will continue to fight against gun violence in Crown Heights, and we need your support more than ever. We have some good news to share and some good opportunities for the community to get involved.

-It has been 83 days since the last shooting in the S.O.S. catchment area. Keep it up, Crown Heights!

-We are recruiting immediately for two paid Americorps volunteers. Americorps is a national service program that provides a living stipend and an education award upon completion of one year of service. We are looking for program assistants for YO S.O.S. and S.O.S. If you are interested or know someone who might be, please call the office as soon as possible! 718-773-6886.

-Our youth anti-violence program, Youth Organizing to Save Our Streets (YO S.O.S.,) is now accepting applications! YO SOS is youth organizing training for 14-17 year olds who are interested in ending violence in their neighborhoods. Check out the YO S.O.S. website (www.yosos.org) for an application, or stop by the office.

SAVE THE DATE: S.O.S. WEEK OF PEACE (10/16-10/23) AND PEACE MARCH!

October 16th-23rd is S.O.S. Week of Peace! S.O.S. will host a week of speakers, movies and a huge peace march (details below) to stand up against violence in our community. Check our blog for more info as it becomes available (www.soscrownheights.org).

Mark your calendar for our second-annual PEACE MARCH on October 20that 6pm. Register to walk with a group – your block association, your office or your church group, ALL ARE WELCOME! We need everyone to come out and show their desire for a safe and healthy Crown Heights. United we are one.

Thank you for everything you do to end violence.

In peace,
The S.O.S. Team
www.soscrownheights.org
www.facebook.com/soscrownheights
www.twitter.com/soscrownheights

Young Adult Internship Program

The Young Adult Internship Program (YAIP) is a year long program that provides you with an opportunity to participate in a paid internship, gain real work experience, and learn valuable skills. The hallmark of YAIP is a 14-week internship program in which you can earn up to $2,500. Before and during the internship you will explore career and education options, learn about personal money management, and attend workshops on job-related topics. At the end of the internship, you will receive 9 months of assistance in finding and keeping a job or successfully continuing your education and/or training goals.

To participate in YAIP you must: ·Be a resident of one of the five boroughs of New York City ·Be at least 16 years of age but not over 24 years of age at the start of the program.

You will be unable to participate in YAIP if you: ·Are employed at the time of application ·Are enrolled in an accredited education or job training program (such as school, pre-GED or GED training, job training) at the time of application. ·Have attained an Associate or Bachelor degree.

To apply for YAIP: ·Complete the application and return it to the designated YAIP provider in your community. Acceptance into YAIP is subject to verification of the information that you have provided and an assessment.

Submission of an application and the required documentation does not guarantee eligibility for or placement into the program.

Only one application will be accepted for each individual applicant. If you are selected for YAIP: ·You will be notified by the YAIP provider to which you submitted your application. ·You must present all the required documentation to the YAIP provider to which your application was submitted (for more details, see attached (‘Required Documents Checklist’)

NYU College of Dentistry Offers FREE Oral Health Screenings

The screenings will be available for the following dates:

• Wednesday, September 21, 2011
• Thursday, September 22, 2011 from 8:30am to 7:00pm 
• Friday, September 23, 2011 from 8:30am to 4:00pm 
• Saturday, September 24, 2011 from 9:00am to 1:00pm 

The following services are available:

• Free Dental Screenings
• Vouchers for free oral examinations and polishing 
• Free oral cancer screening for adults 
• Vouchers for free dental sealants and free custom-made mouth guards for children 6-16 years of age 
• Free diabetes and blood pressure screenings 
• Special lecture "Diabetes and your oral health" 

The NYU College of Dentistry is located at 345 East 24th Street (on the corner of 1st Avenue) in Manhattan. Please call (212) 998-9800 with any questions or concerns.  

New Apartments for Rent in Navy Green

From Deborah Howard at the Pratt Area Community Council:
PACC is marketing 38 afforadable apartments in a new supportive housing development located at 40 Vanderbilt Ave. in Wallabout, Brooklyn. This building is part of the large re-development of the former Navy Brig site coined "Navy Green," and will be ready for occupancy by Spring 2012.
Building information and application materials are available on our website at www.40vanderbilt.org. Alternatively, applications may be picked up at the PACC office locations at 201 Dekalb Ave. or 896-900 Fulton St. in Brooklyn.
Thank you for your support of this project. We are very excited that we will soon be nearing construction completion.

Crown Heights Farmers Market

Seeds in the Middle is pleased to announce:
The first-ever Crown Heights Farmers Market!
It starts Thursday, September 15 from 3pm to 7pm, and will run every thursday through November.
We'll be welcoming farmer Roy Hildebrant of Iona Hill, NJ!
Location:Hamilton Metz ParkAlbany & Lefferts Ave.Brooklyn NY
WIC, EBT, SNAP, FMNP are welcome! Seeds in the Middle and the community extend profound thanks Sen. Eric Adams, NYC Parks Dept., NY State Agriculture Markets, USDA, Farmers Federation of NY, Empire State Development and all the dedicated employees and neighbors who made this happen!

Brooklyn Networks Job Training

via Team Tish:

Brooklyn Networks (of the Brooklyn Workforce Initiative) helps unemployed and low-income New Yorkers start careers in high-speed data and voice transmission cable installation. The program includes 5 weeks of full-time training in the Brooklyn Networks lab at New York City College of Technology.

To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:

-Live in New York City & be legally eligible to work in the U.S.

-Be 21 years or older

-Have a clean, valid NY State Driver’s License

-Pass a drug test & be physically fit/able to lift 70lbs

-Be able to pass a reading and math test at/or above the 8th grade level

-Be able to attend class Monday- Friday, 7:45AM- 4:00PM on the New York City College of Technology campus

-Be unemployed, have a low income or receive public assistance

For more information, or to apply, please see here: http://www.bwiny.org/pages/programs/brooklynnetworksa.html

Creative Outlet is a cultural arts program "dedicated to the physical, mental and spiritual development of the children in our community through the cultural and creative arts."

Now is the time to REGISTER for the 2011 - 2012 season of Creative Outlet, which is currently based in the Fort Greene section of the 57th Assembly District. The administrative offices are located at 80 Hanson Place - The James E. Davis Arts Building, but the program is based at The Ronald Edmonds Learning Center at 300 Adelphi St.

If you are interested in sponsoring and enrolling your child or children you may know in the program:

How to Register:

Registration office at 80 Hanson Place is open Monday through Thursday from 10am-6pm. You can register with a credit card by phone at 718.636.9312 ext. 107. Classes start September 10.

Early Bird Special: You will receive a special discount if you register between August 18-24 between 5pm-8pm. Students starting as young as 3 years old/adult classes also available.

Program location:

JHS 113

300 Adelphi St.

Brooklyn, NY 11217

Fees:

There is a $20 registration fee, $20 insurance fee, and $100 monthly tuition fee for 8 or more classes each month (call for details on family discounts).

Brower Park Skateboard Event

Brower Park will be hosting an Extreme! skateboarding event this Sunday, August 21 at 12PM. Come on out and be a part of this fun-filled event.

SCHOOL CROSSING GUARD JOBS

The NYPD is presently hiring school crossing guards. Pay for these positions starts at $9.88 an hour and rises to $12.90 after three years. Health insurance is available with 20 hours of work per week. These positions give people an opportunity to work in their communities. Applicants must be able to speak English and be understood in English. No formal education or experience is required for the job. All potential guards go through a training program. Crossing guards provide a crucial service to our communities by helping our kids get to school safely. Applications are available at all precincts. You can find more information on the NYPD website at: http://www.nyc.gov/html/nypd/html/careers/school_crossing_guard.shtml

Parent Empowerment Seminar

A must attend for parents of school age children . . . Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 12noon - 3 pm Medgar Evers College / 1650 Bedford Avenue Free admission - Free educational supplies for additional information contact Sheila Wimberly: 718-284-4700

Council Member Letitia James' First Annual Building Bridges Bike Day

Who: Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, Transportation Alternatives, Recycle a Bicycle, Safety Advocates What: Building Bridges Bike Day When: Saturday, August 13, 2011 from 11a.m. - 2 p.m. Where: Grand Army Plaza Green Market between Vanderbilt, Flatbush and Plaza Street Building Bridges Bike Day was founded by Council Member Letitia James to work with the public and other community officials, public officials, and advocates to raise awareness about public safety. The event is taking place at the crossroads of three major bike lanes, running lanes, and pedestrian walkways, and is a symbol of the bridge between these diverse groups. The purpose of the event is to inform the public about safety concerns, and a table and tent for the Building Bridges Bike Day will be located in the center of the Green Market at Grand Army Plaza on this Saturday afternoon. Participants will coordinate between the local riders and pedestrians to create a greater awareness of rules, regulations, and safe streets in New York City. Starting at 11 a.m. (during peak time of the Grand Army Plaza Green Market), the Building Bridges Bike Day table will feature Council Member Letitia James, Council Member Steve Levin, Council Member Brad Lander, and the initiative run by staff of Council Member James’ Office. Following presentations by elected officials and safety advocates, ambassadors from Transportation Alternatives and Recycle-A-Bicycle will talk to riders at the market and along Prospect Park’s bike lanes. Safety information, maps, other literature and bicycle donation information will be available. “I’ve started bicycle riding myself this summer, and my hope is that a renewed culture of respect for pedestrians and bicyclists will continue to grow as the outcome of this very important initiative,” said Council Member Letitia.

1000 NEW JOBS AT CHASE

Chase bank plans to hire 1,000 new customer service staff in Brooklyn in the coming months. The bank is hosting a job fair on August 11, 2011 from 11AM- 7PM at 4 Chase MetroTech Center. More information is here, and interested candidates are encouraged to apply online at www.chase.com/careers (requisition number 110064425).

Opportunities From Citizen's Committee

Love Your Block 2012 Grant Application Workshop in September Love your neighborhood block? SHOW IT! Apply for a block beautification grant and request specific City services from the Depts. of Parks, Transportation, and Sanitation. Learn more about the grant application process and have your questions answered at a workshop! Details below. Space is limited. Grant Application Workshop Tuesday, September 20 6:30PM-8PM 32 Old Slip, 33rd Floor Manhattan To RSVP for a workshop: Call Saleen Shah at (212) 822-9566 or email sshah@citizensnyc.org more info: http://www.citizensnyc.org/projects/love_your_block.html Do It Yourself: Build A Tree Guard! Learn how to build a tree bed guard from scratch. You'll pick up the skills necessary to construct a sturdy, simple, and affordable wooden tree guard. Saturday, September 24 1:30PM-3:30PM LGBTQ Community Center, Rm. 312 208 West 13 Street (btwn. Seventh & Eighth Aves.) Manhattan Space is limited! Please RSVP to Wilfredo Florentino at wflorentino@citizensnyc.org or call (212) 822-9568 This free workshop is brought to you by Citizens Committee and facilitated by Brooklyn Shade. Free Summer Leadership Series for High School Students 2011 Events: August 4, 9, and 17 NYC high school students are invited to register for Pencils of Promise's (PoP) free leadership institute: "PoP Up Series." The workshops goals are to educate, inspire, and motivate students to become socially-conscious leaders within their communities. more info: http://www.pencilsofpromise.org/pli "Introduction to City Chickens" Workshop Beginners Level: Introduction to City Chickens Thursday, September 15, 2011 5:30PM-7PM Chickens in the city? Yes, please! Keeping chickens in the city can be fun and rewarding. Come learn the basics of how to keep laying hens and how to take care of them, from designing a coop to what to feed them. We will learn all about bk farmyards chicken keeping practices, and interact with their flock. The workshops are free and open to the public. All workshops take place in the Imani Garden (bk farmyard's chicken headquarters) on Schenectady Ave. between Dean & Pacific St. in Brooklyn. more info: http://bkfarmyards.blogspot.com/2011/03/free-chicken-workshops-2011.html Gardening Workshops for Children Families at Brooklyn Botanic August Discovery Workshops Drop in to the Discovery Garden on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons from 1-3pm to discover the wild side of Brooklyn! Each week, families participate in hands-on learning stations, independent garden exploration, and a nature project to take home. Free with garden admission; go to bbg.org/discoverygarden for more information. Fall Children's Garden Enjoy the bounty of the fall harvest! Our fun, hands-on Children's Garden classes for ages 2-13 begin in early September. Classes fill quickly. Call (718) 623-7220 or visit bbg.org/learn/children for more information or to register for a class, beginning August 1. Black Farmers & Urban Gardeners Conference in October The Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference connects growers, eaters and organizations across the country to nurture the health and well being of Black America and the environment as a whole. Attendees explore issues of race, class, health and food through panel discussions, workshops, films and conversations. Resources are exchanged. Ideas are pollinated. Solutions are born. More than 500 attendees convened in Brooklyn, New York for the first annual Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference in November 2010, traveling from as far as Michigan, South Carolina, California and Vermont. The second annual conference will be held from October 14 - 16, 2011 at Hostos Community College in The Bronx, New York. The Black Farmers and Urban Gardeners Conference is organized by Black Urban Growers (BUGs), an organization committed to building networks and community support for growers in both urban and rural settings. Through education and advocacy around food and farm issues, we nurture collective black leadership to ensure we have a seat at the table. more info: http://www.blackfarmersconf.org/ Free Help on Foreclosure Prevention Flatbush Development Corporation offers free help for homeowners every Wednesday at 2PM. Learn about foreclosure prevention, mortgage check-ups, home heating programs, tax credits, and home improvement grants/loans. Call (718) 859-3800 ext. 213 for more information.

FREE AIR CONDITIONERS

Sunset Park Redevelopment Committee, Inc. is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Community Environmental Center for the distribution of FREE and energy efficient air conditioners available to Brooklyn Residents who meet the qualifications as outlined on the flyer. These air conditioners are limited in availability and on a first come, first serve basis. Please print and post the flyer in public places throughout the community and provide applications as available. Feel free to forward this announcement to your email distribution list. Otherwise, Brooklyn residents interested in receiving an application via email can send a request with their full contact information to KEEPCOOL2011@GMAIL.COM. In addition to offset the energy load of the air conditioner, qualifying households may also be eligible to receive an energy efficient refrigerator. *Funding for this program, is still under consideration Persons residing in all other boroughs should call 718-512-0580 for an application to be mailed to them or download it here If you have any questions feel free to call 718-492-8580 ext 21.

FREE exercise/stretching/relaxation classes

Classes will be held in downtown Brooklyn for individuals with high blood pressure! In fact, this federally financed study at Long Island University will PAY YOU to attend classes! Come join us and increase your health and decrease your blood pressure. If you complete the 2x week classes for three months you will receive $120. Classes are 55 minutes long and are not aerobic (you are unlikely to sweat or breath hard). The classes will make you stretch and relax and move your body. They are designed to decrease stress and lower blood pressure. Classes will be held at Long Island University (Flatbush and Dekalb) and possibly in other locations in downtown Brooklyn. The first class starts September 12th but new classes begin every month after that. Classes will occur in the early evening immediately after work hours. To be able to participate you must have high blood pressure. If you don’t know if you have high blood pressure we will measure it for you for free. Just contact us to set up an appointment as below. If you have had a heart attack or stroke, or have kidney disease you will not be able to participate. If you are already exercising 4x a week or more you will not be able to participate. We are very happy to answer any questions about the study and to help you determine if you are right for the study. Contact us using the information below: You can call, or email, or go on our website to contact us. Once you leave a message with your phone number we will call you back. PHONE: 516-532-6889 EMAIL: movingtowardhealthstudy@gmail.com WEBSITE: www.movingtowardhealth.info

A NEWSLETTER WITH GREAT INFO

Community Uplink publishes a wide range of opportunities for the community including health resources and financial help. You can read it here

THE CROWN HEIGHTS FILM FESTIVAL - Call For Entries

We are currently accepting submissions for short films, animations, and artist films under 18min. Application is free. Submission Deadline: Aug 26, 2011 Please visit thecrownfilms.com for application form and submission instructions. The festival will run Oct 13-15, 2011 at FiveMyles Gallery, Brooklyn

NYC FIRE DEPT IS HIRING

You must apply for the exam BY September 15, 2011. Click on these links for more information: 1) http://www.nyc.gov/html/dcas/downloads/pdf/noes/201202000000.pdf 2) http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/html/community/employment_index.shtml

SPRING 2012 WHITE HOUSE INTERNSHIP

The White House Internship Program is a reflection of President Obama’s commitment to provide young leaders an opportunity to strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, develop their leadership skills and actively engage in public service. How to Apply: w w w. w h i t e h o u s e . g o v / i n t e r n s h i p s A completed application includes  two essays  three letters of recommendation  resume Deadline for the Spring Internship Program is September 11, 2011 Questions or concerns? Email: intern_application@whitehouse.gov

HEALTH INSURANCE OPPORTUNITY

You may qualify for health insurance for FREE or at little cost for your entire family with the New York State sponsored Family Health Plus, Child Health Plus and Medicaid Managed Care health insurance programs from UnitedHealthcare Community Plan. Find out today if you qualify by calling 1(800)493.4647 or Ms. Lakisha Holland at 917.392.9375.

Senator Adams' FREE Movie Nights

FREE Outdoor Movie Nights on Thursday, August 11th (MegaMind: Brower Park) and 18th (Karate Kid: Union St. Garden). All shows start 8:30 Click image for more details

OPENING AT FIVEMYLES GALLERY

To Gather Opening Reception: Saturday August 6, 5-8 pm Performances begin at 6 pm Part performance, part installation, part gathering place, To Gather; is a collection of performative and architectural artifacts from a cross section of Crown Heights’ social spaces. Bringing a local perspective to urban flux, the artwork raises questions about perceptions of ‘authenticity’ in a rapidly changing neighborhood. Visitors to the installation in FiveMyles Garage are encouraged to hang out on the stoop, converse in the makeshift pulpit, and relax in the barbershop chair. Erik da Barber will be on hand opening night, as well as hip-hop duo DobleFlo, vocal artist Malesha Jessie, poet Lynne Procope, and comedian Elon James White. For the remainder of the exhibition, the public is invited to linger and use the artwork as their own gathering place. To Gather; August 6-14, 2011 FiveMyles Gallery 558 St. Johns Place Brooklyn, NY 11238 Gallery Hours: Thursday–Sunday, 1–6 pm or by appointment Subway: 2,3,4,5, S to Franklin Avenue

Blockstar 3: Brooklyn

Blockstar 3: Brooklyn will be taking place on Saturday, July 23 at 11:00am. Bring the kids, the family, the skateboard and the ramps! Join your neighbors and have some summer fun as part of Crown Height's Summer of Celebration!

Free food and drink for the kids.

For more information, check out their Facebook page.

Largest Human Chain Ever in Brooklyn

We received this email as an URGENT request to join in TAKING A STAND. Peace in Brooklyn will not be given, it must be earned. On July 2nd and 3rd, @ 1PM Sharp! please STOP ALL activities, go OUTDOORS hold hands with your family, friends, neighbors, local businesses, law enforcement, organizations, clubs, fraternities, sororities, etc. and Stand for Humanity. Form the largest Human Chain! ever in Brooklyn. Block by Block. Our politicians, police, community leaders, and clergy cannot do it alone. Please SUPPORT them by TAKING A STAND! Share this info. and ask others to join you.

CHCMC/SOS is Hiring!

Some great job opportunities from the Crown Heights Community Mediation Center:

Hello friends and supporters,

We hope you are enjoying the heat and gearing up for summer – we are! Check out these job opportunities we have now and in the fall.

• We are looking to hire a part-time Americorps (paid) volunteer immediately. The job will include researching and organizing resource providers in Crown Heights as well as working with our walk-in clients. The ideal candidate will start ASAP and will work about 20 hours/week between now and September 30th. See a full job description here.
• SOS will be hiring few to conduct street surveys towards the end of June. Email crownheightsjobs@gmail.com with “survey jobs” in the subject line if you’re interested.
• Looking forward… We will soon be recruiting for full-time Americorps positions beginning October 1st, 2011. Volunteers will be members of the New York Juvenile Justice Corps. Check out our blog or come to our office for updates on the positions available.

For more information about the Mediation Center, check out their next event:

Leadership Training Institute Graduation Ceremony - Join us as we congratulate the recent graduates of LTI, who engaged in twelve weeks of leadership training and organized a major community resource fair!

Wednesday, June 15

6:00-8:00pm

LaunchPad

721 Franklin Ave.

Light refreshments will be served.

Peer-to-Peer Course

Some helpful information and classes on mental illness, a topic addressed at the last CHCA meeting:

Peer-to-Peer is a unique, nine-week, experience-based program for people with any serious mental illness who wish to establish and maintain their wellness and recovery.

Taught by a team of trained "mentors" who are living healthy and productive lives with mental illness, participants will learn the tools needed to take control of their own wellness and recovery.

Class topics will include: understanding psychiatric disorders and medication; addressing stigma, discrimination and relationship issues; how to identify telltale feelings, thoughts, behaviors or events that may warn of impending relapse; how to create your own "relapse prevention plan"; and survival skills for working with providers and the general public.

Kings County Hospital

451 Clarkson Avenue

R Building, Room 3022

Start Date:

Tuesday, July 5, 2011

Time

6:00-8:00pm

Contact NAMI East Flatbush at 718-512-5269 or email namieastflatbush@aol.com to register.

Space is limited (class capacity 15) so call today to register!

NAMI East Flatbush meetings are held the 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month.

SUNY Downstate Medical Center

395 Lennox Road (b/w New York Avenue & East 34th St)

Room 1B

6:00-8:00pm

NAMI Conexion meets the 2nd Monday of the month.

Kings County Hospital Center

451 Clarkson Avenue

R Building, Room 3022

6:00-8:00pm

NYPD Youth Police Academy

from teamtish:

New York Police Department Community Affairs has announced that the department is starting a YOUTH POLICE ACADEMY that will be open to children who are in school, ages 10-16.

The program will run from Tuesday, July 5, 2011 until Thursday, August 11, 2011. Please call the Office of Council Member Letitia James for more information at (212) 788-7081.

Summer Youth Employment Opportunities

The deadlines for the Summer Youth Employment Opportunities are coming up quickly! If you're interested in seeing what is available, get more information here: Summer Youth Employment Opportunities Job Info
For an application, click here: SYEP Application

SUPPORT STRONGER RENT LAWS

Join Sen Eric Adams and demand stronger rent laws CALL GOV CUOMO TODAY: 212-681-4580 Tell him renters need his support! Urge him to renew the rent laws and repeal vacancy destabilization Sign the on line petition at: https://www.change.org/petitions/governor-cuomo-keep-your-promise

DO YOU HAVE UNCLAIMED FUNDS???

To find out if you qualify for Unclaimed Funds, contact the Office of New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli at 1-800-221-9311 (Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm) or visit https://ouf.osc.state.ny.us/ouf/

2 Wanted for Questioning in Sterling Place Murder of Joseph Battle

Police have released a video in the hope that the public can help them identify a man and woman connected to the March 13 murder of Joseph Battle.

Below is a link to the video:

http://bit.ly/sterlingmurder

Anyone with information should call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline: 800-577-TIPS

Introduction to Permaculture

Have you been reading about the record flooding of the Mississippi? In case you missed it, the water level at Cairo, Illinois in early May went above the previous record, set in 1937, by two feet!

Several years ago famed permaculturist Geoff Lawton was invited by the Army Corp of Engineers to suggest what could be done to prevent flooding in New Orleans. His response: "You know mates, the problem isn't here, it's up in Minnesota, Illinois and Missouri. You got to slow the water down up there. That's where the problem is." At the time, the Corp of Engineers thought he was crackpot. However, given continued flooding of the Mississippi, Geoff may soon get another chance.

If you'd like to find out more about permaculture, there will be a free Introduction To Permaculture lecture this Saturday:

Saturday, May 14th

3 PM

LaunchPad, 721 Franklin Avenue.

The class will be taught by Greg Todd. Greg is a member of Green Phoenix Permaculture. He took his 72 hour permaculture design course from Geoff Lawton and facilitates the Imani Commuity Garden in Crown Heights

Read more about the permaculture solution to flooding at:

http://permaculture.org.au/2011/05/12/earthworks-course-zaytuna-farm-the-channon-may-2011/

Participartory Urbanism Unveiled

Please join architect Manuel Avila Ochoa on Friday, April 22nd, at LaunchPad from 6 - 8pm as he presents the results of his "participatory urbanism" project. Details on the Participatory Urbanism Crown Heights Blog

CSA NEWS: Farm Fresh Food For You

Both the Prospect Heights CSA (more info) and the Crown Heights CSA (more info) are looking for new members. Both have subsidized memberships for low income families The Crown Heights CSA will be presenting at our 4/19 meeting (7:30 LaunchPad, 721 Franklin)). You can learn more about them on their website: www.CrownHeightsCSA.org Questions? email: Alison@crownheightscsa.org or call 617.642.9655

Gardening Event & Affordable Housing

Celebrate Earth Day with the Young Friends of PACC The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) invites you to join them for the third annual PACC Earth Day gardening event. After the gardening event, you'll have a chance to tour neighboring PACC affordable rental buildings. Saturday, April 23, 2011 9:30am - 1pm (Rain Date 4/30) 2 Spencer Pl. at the c/o of Hancock St. Bklyn To RSVP, call 718.522.2613 ext. 28

Very Young Girls film screening

In honor of Women's History Month, the NYC Women's Task Force (YWTF) would like to invite you to a film screening of Very Young Girls, an expose of the commercial sexual exploitation of girls in New York City as they are sold on the streets by pimps and treated as adult criminals by police. The film identifies hope for these girls in the organization GEMS (Girls Educational and Mentoring Services), a recovery agency founded and run by Rachel Lloyd, herself a survivor of sexual exploitation. March 30th at 7:00pm LaunchPad 721 Franklin Ave Brooklyn, NY 11238 718-928-7112 Suggested Donation: $7 ALL PROCEEDS WILL GO TO GEMS, the only organization in New York State specifically designed to serve girls and young women who have experienced commercial sexual exploitation and domestic trafficking. Details at: http://gems-girls.org/ JOIN YWTF FOR DRINKS & PETITION SIGNING Following the film screening, YWTF invites you to join them at Franklin Park to have some drinks, and to sign important petitions and letter-writing to policy-makers to enact stronger anti-trafficking laws, improve law enforcement response and increase social services to help women and girls escape trafficking, and learn more about what you can do to be involved.

Free Tree Giveaway!

300 FREE TREES are going to be given away for planting in your front or back yard, at your child's school, your church or apartment grounds. Anywhere in NYC as long as it is on private property (can't plant on sidewalks - or on roof top gardens or in pots either... they need to be in the ground). EVENT LOCATION: PUTNAM TRIANGLE in CLINTON HILL (Fulton at Grand) EVENT DATE: Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 10:00am (arrive early) Flowering Dogwoods and Cherry Trees are on the way. Last year, 200 trees were given away in an hour. So this year there are more trees and a limit of one tree per person (need more than one tree, bring friends or the kids!). Details at: http://www.faballiance.org/news/free-trees-2011

Emergency Loan Program

Sponsored by Neighborhood Housing Services of East Flatbush, a not for profit housing organization service the community since 1982. Funds can be used for: Water main break Leaking roof Leaking pipes Boiler Repair Emergency Loan Program: 1 - 4 unit properties Low interest rate For more information please call: NHS of East Flatbush 2806 Church Ave Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 469 - 4679 http://www.nhsnyc.org

Free Help For Homeowners

Free help for homeowners every Wednesday 2:00pm Learn More About: Foreclosure Prevention Mortgage Check-up Home Heating Programs Tax Credits Home Improvement Grants/Loans Flatbush Development Corporation 1616 Newkirk Ave Brooklyn, NY 11226 (718) 859 - 3800 ext 213 Please call to register

Know Your Rights As a Tenant!

Assemblyman Karim Camara presents Tenants' Housing Assistance Forum Thursday February 24, 2011 6:00om - 8:00pm Saint Gabriel's Senior Center 331 Hawthorne St (Nostrand & New York Aves) Brooklyn, NY 11225 Representatives from the following agencies & organizations will be in attendance: * Brooklyn Housing & Family Services * NYC Department of Finance SCRIE Program * Division of Housing & Community Renewal (DHCR) * New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) * Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) * National Grid Come learn about your rights as a tenant & voice your concerns! Seating is limited please call the district office at (718) 771- 3105 to RSVP

Save The Date

Join the Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church as they honor New York  State Assembly Member Hakeem Jeffries and Olanike Alabi as "Black Achievers"  in honor of Black History Month.  11am, Saturday, February 12 Hanson Place Seventh Day Adventist Church 88 Hanson Pl.  Bklyn  Pastor: Melwyn A. Bob Mounter

Celebrating the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King

Celebration of the Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King   The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights invites you to a Celebration of the Life & Times of Dr. Martin Luther King    Sunday, January 16, 2011 10:30am First Baptist Church of Crown Heights 450 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn Keynote Speaker: Honorable Edolphus Towns, Member of Congress 10th Congressional District Senior Pastor:  Clarence Norman, Sr.   25th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   The Office of the Brooklyn Borough President, The Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) and Medgar Evers College present the 25th Annual Brooklyn Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.   Monday January 17, 2010 10:30 am Free!  First Come, First Seated BAM 30 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn There will be musical performances by the Persuasions and the Rev. Timothy Wright Memorial Choir.  Keynote Speaker: Walter Mosley, novelist and social commentator Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Service Emmanuel Baptist Church invites you to their annual Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Service   Monday, January 17, 2010 10am - 12 noon Emmanuel Baptist Church  279 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn  Keynote Speaker: James A. Joseph, Former Ambassador to South Africa Senior Pastor: Anthony L. Trufant