2013 Toys for Tots
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- Parent Category: Holidays and Special Events
- Category: Christmas
This year the Park Slope Civic Council and Park Slope Parents are joining forces for the biggest Toys for Tots drive EVER! With over 30 locations there’s an easy place to drop off toys all over Park Slope, Gowanus, Kensington and beyond...
Donate your new and very gently used unwrapped gifts for children ages 12 and under at locations throughout the Slope. All toys collected are given to local organizations that work with families in need. Toys will also be collected at this year’s Jingle Bell Jamboree, at Congregation Beth Elohim (Eighth Avenue at Garfield Place) on Saturday, Dec. 14, 7 p.m.
Now through Monday, Jan. 6, you can drop off toys and gifts at the following sites (which are conveniently mapped out on a Google map here): http://bit.ly/1cahQVu
Let’s make 2013 the BEST YEAR EVER! And SHOP LOCAL to keep the community strong while you’re at it! (Or if you’re unable to shop local, put an extra gift in your online cart for those in need! Make it a family affair and have your kids help pick out the items and deliver them!
DROP OFF LOCATIONS
Join Us: Neighborhood Forum on Street Safety in Park Slope
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- Parent Category: Advice - Parenting - General
- Category: Safety
From Brad Lander's Office:
What do you think when you hear the phrase “public safety?”
Guns, gangs, and muggers? While these are these are real concerns, you might be surprised to learn that more New York City children, ages 1-12, are killed by cars than by guns (or anything else). Yet, as a City, we are not doing enough to stop these preventable crashes and make our streets safe.
Neighbors here in Park Slope are coming together to change that.
PSP TWEEN EVENT: BeTWIXT & BeTWEEN: Parenting Mindfully in the Modern Age
BeTWIXT & BeTWEEN: Parenting Mindfully in the Modern Age
Here’s a Park Slope Parents TWEEN Workshop that is close to home, includes awesome experts, and gives you a chance to meet your fellow PSP Tweens group parents! Sign up now—before the rush!
- When: Tuesday, Dec 3, 2013, 6:45 PM
- Where: Old Stone House, 336 3rd St (at 5th Ave)
- RSVP HERE: http://bit.ly/17N9Zub
(Note: We’re charging a small fee of $10 to cover snacks for folks as well as thank you gifts for the speakers!)
We know you have questions about raising your tween…
- · What is “normal development?”
- · Who is this delightful but terrifying, demanding yet needy, loving but fiercely independent new person in our lives?
- · How do we prepare ourselves and our kids for what’s around the bend - adolescence?
- · Where can we connect with other parents in the same situation?
PSP can help with ALL of these questions!
Press Release: The 2013 Nanny Survey
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- Parent Category: Nanny 101
- Category: Nanny Surveys
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Bright (and Dark) Sides of Nanny Pay
The 2013 Park Slope Parents' Nanny Compensation Survey reveals that Brooklyn nannies receive higher pay ($15.79) today than they did 2 years ago, an amount more than twice the state minimum wage ($7.25). The majority of nannies also receive holiday bonuses, yearly raises, and generous paid leave. However, they continue to be paid off the books and appear to work overtime without receiving at the legally required time-and-a-half compensation.
Family Volunteer Day at Prospect Park
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- Category: News
Please join the Prospect Park Alliance's Family Volunteer Corps for a day of volunteering! The park needs to be ready for the snowy season ahead and there are a few final grounds-keeping projects that need to be tacked to prepare the Children's Corner for the snowy season. There will be refreshments to help you stay warm, but don't forget your mittens and scarves! Many hands make light work, so bring the whole family!
(image via Prospect Park)
Bring your kids to the Family Volunteer Corps!
When:
Sunday, November 24
1:30 - 3:30 p.m.
Where:
Meet at Lefferts Historic House (map)
How to register:
1) Complete an online Volunteer Application. We will contact you when your application has been processed and you can register for other types of events.
2) Add your family members to your account. Log in to your profile and select the 'Add Additional Volunteer To My Profile' link under Profile Management
3) When you return to the Volunteer Main Menu, select 'Register/Unregister For An Event' under Service Event Registration. Please remember to register each volunteer individually by selecting them from the Volunteer Name drop down menu.
Volunteers ages 14 - 17 must complete their own Volunteer Application and submit a parental consent form.
Let's get more Safe Stop Programs in our neighborhoods
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- Parent Category: The Hood
- Category: Managing Urban Life
Safe Stop is program started by District Attorney Charles Hynes and provides safe places in the Borough of Brooklyn neighborhoods for youth, seniors and all other area residents to go in case of emergency. (Remember the "Safe Haven" places in the 70s and 80s? This is a revitalization of that type of program.)
Safe Stop merchant display a decal in their store windows designating the location as a Safe Stop; receive training about the program; make public safety information from the District Attorney’s Office and the NYPD available in their stores, and refer non-emergency situations to the local KCDA Neighborhood Office. Emergencies that require immediate medical, police or fire response will be handled through the 911 emergency response systems.
Please print out a few copies of this document and ask your local stores and merchants to become part of this program.
Why do we need MORE Safe Stops? More safe stops means more places our kids can go for help if something happens to them and they need assistance.
Halloween 2013 Photos
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- Parent Category: Holidays and Special Events
- Category: Halloween
The Hallowen Parade this year was Grrrrrrrreeeeat! Thanks to all the folks & families who made the evening a success. Great fun was had by all and the costume this year were some of the best! Click HERE to view photos from the night.
This Weekend: The NYC Marathon!
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- Category: News
If you haven't traveled down to 4th avenue to see it, it's one of those things that ya gotta do at least once in your life. It's amazing to see thousands upon thousands of folks running down the street being cheered on by New Yorkers. Take signs, musical instruments, snacks and hot chocolate for the kids and make a time of it. If your child holds his/her hand out it’s likely they will get a few hi-5s as well which is pretty cool!
Here are the details:
NYC Marathon-- Sunday, November 6th, 2011
IF YOU ARE RUNNING LET US KNOW AND WE'LL CHEER YOU ON!!!!
Kids eye view of the marathon
REMEMBER—STREET CLOSURES all over NYC on Sunday. NO PARKING on 4th Avenue starting at 5am on Sunday morning. (Which is really 4am since it's Daylight Savings Time!).
After the race you may get that desire to start running again, below is some other info about running in the area....
More Halloween Events in the Slope & beyond!
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- Parent Category: Holidays and Special Events
- Category: Halloween
Here are the FREE events on Halloween around Brooklyn!
Park Slope
The Park Slope Civic Council’s Annual Halloween Parade
6:30- 8pm
The START of the parade is at 14th and 7th Ave, travels down 7th to 3rd Street, turns left, and ends at 5th Ave by The Old Stone House/ J.J. Byrne park. Join at the end of the parade. There will be a pirate ship, Giant Puppets, 4 or 5 bands, ghoulish skaters and MORE! Read more information HERE & HERE.
And stop by one of these events on your way to the Parade!
Fort Greene
BAMboo! Halloween Block Party at BAM
4pm- 7pm
Cobble Hill Halloween Parade 2013
4pm – 7pm
Bay Ridge Library Halloween Show and Party
3:30pm—5pm
Kensington Library Halloween Spooktacular
5 pm-6pm
Central Library
Night of the Living Dead
7pm- 9pm
PARENTS—DRESS UP WITH YOUR KIDS! IT’S MORE FUN! even if it’s just a hat, glasses or wig! Your kids will love you all the more for it!
Have a fun and SAFE Halloween! Read these Halloween Safety tips from PSP
The Park Slope Civic Council's Annual Halloween Parade
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- Parent Category: Holidays and Special Events
- Category: Halloween
Are you ready To Boo or Not To Boo?
Calling all Harry Potters, Nancy Drews, Laura Ingalls Wilders and Katniss Everdeens - the theme of this year's Halloween parade is Literary Characters. Dress up as your favorite fictional character for the Park Slope Civic Council Annual Parade.
DATE: Halloween Night, Thursday, October 31, 2013
TIME: 6:30pm
Parade Route: The START of the parade is at 14th and 7th Ave, travels down 7th to 3rd Street, turns left, and ends at 5th Ave by The Old Stone House/ J.J. Byrne park. Join at the end of the parade.
Important: Be sure to STAY SAFE and review these Halloween Safety tips from Park Slope Parents.
This Saturday in the Slope: Fall Festival Fun!
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Embrace autumn and get Halloween ready this weekend with these Fall Festivals happening across the Slope on Saturday, October 19....
Here's some of what is happening in Park Slope THIS SATURDAY, October 19, 2013
PS 107’s Fall Festival
Date: October 19, 2013
Time: 12-4pm
Address: 1301 8th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11215
There will be 5 different inflatable rides including two Velcro walls, a bounce house, dual slide and a rock climbing wall!! Liam the magician is returning to show off his magic tricks. There will be cotton candy, popcorn, spin art, sand art and pumpkin painting. Many of our incredible sponsors from last year will
PS 133’s Fall Festival
Date: October 19, 2013
Time: 12-5pm
Address: 610 Baltic Street (enter schoolyard on Butler Street)
Free to enter! Our fall festival is one of Public School 133"s biggest annual fundraising events and one which is anticipated by all members of the school community-from our youngest students to the 5th graders to parents, faculty, and staff. Neighbors and friends are all welcome to attend and enjoy the food and fun of this special day. Bouncy castles, pony rides, face painting, manicures, tattoos, pumpkin decorating, cupcake decorating, garden activity, games, spin art, food, DJ, etc.
PS 154’s Fall Festival
Date: October 19, 2013
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Address: 1625 11th Ave in Windsor Terrace
The PTA of PS 154 is holding their annual Boo Bash. The event begins in the schoolyard, where we will all congregate at 4:30pm in our finest holiday attire to “Greet the Ghouls” and award prizes in a number of costume categories. After, there will be a party that morphs into a bi-level celebration with dancing and fun for all.
Pumpkin Boonanza
Date: October 19, 2013
Time: 10am - 4pm
Address: Old First Nursery School, corner of Carroll & 7th Ave
Time: 11:30am - 2:00pm
Address: 477 Court Street (at Nelson)
The 2013 Halloween Parade: To Boo or Not To Boo?!
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The Park Slope Civic Council Childrens Halloween Parade... Dress up as your favorite literary Character!
DATE: Halloween Night, Thursday, October 31, 2013
Parade Route: The START of the parade is at 14th and 7th Ave, travels down 7th to 3rd Street, turns left, and ends at 5th Ave.
Get ready this Halloween with these tips from Park Slope Parents:
Halloween Lessons We Should Have Learned But Haven't
Halloween Costumes for Procrastinators
An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Halloween
Costume-Making Tips: DIYing Halloween: Nothing to Be Afraid Of
and to view the complete section on everything related to Halloween, go HERE
Fall Fun: It is Apple Picking Time!
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- Parent Category: Activities Advice Articles
- Category: Fall Fun
image made available here via a Creative Commons license
Park Slope Parents has an extensive list of apple and fruit picking destinations HERE with tips & suggestions from fellow parents. Make sure to call these places before you trek out (we got to one place and they were out of apples in one field and not opening another one for a few hours!).
Monday, October 12h is Columbus Day and public schools are off, so if you don't make it out in the next few weekends, perhaps that's a day for an adventure!
Don't have a car? We've got a list of places you can get to by public transport here.
Now all we need is the perfect Apple Pie recipe...
The Park Slope Armory - 10 Facts You May Not Know...
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- Parent Category: The Hood
- Category: Hood Pages
1. It was once said that ghosts from the Spanish American War left footprints on the Armory's freshly painted ceiling and walls in the 1950s.
2. The Armory goes down two more stories! A shooting range, horse stables (and a rumored bowling alley), were all part of the lower floors.
3. There used to be a tunnel from the armory to the middle of Prospect Park. The tunnel door is still there, but much of the tunnel collapsed with the construction of the subway and residential expansion throughout the Slope.
4. Tanks used to be kept where the downstairs bleachers are now.
5. The Brooklyn Dodgers used to practice in the Armory 1955 and 1956
6. The Armory used to house movie sets. Meet Joe Black recreated the Aldrich Mansion inside the Armory's great space. Apparently movie producers bought all the neighbors air conditioners to help them deal with the noise! The Meg Ryan/Matthew Broderick film, Addicted to Love used the Armory to build the set of their stylish NYC loft.
7. The Thanksgiving Day Parade Balloons were stored at the Armory one Thanksgiving.
8. In the 1950s the basketball games between NY's colleges (e.g., NYU/St. Johns/Fordham) were played at the Armory.
9. In the 50s they also had a roller skating rink in the Armory.
10. Frank Sinatra once filmed a scene for one of his movies up 9th street then down to the outside the Armory!
Special thanks to Tom Miskel for helping us out with most of these great facts!
Fly Kites at the Brooklyn Kite Festival THIS Saturday!
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- Category: News
Come fly a kite! The 3rd Annual Brooklyn Kite Festival is this Saturday, September 14th from 10 am to 1 pm at Pier 1 of Brooklyn Bridge Park. Bring a kite or make one in our Arts & Crafts tent (free materials while supplies last).
Subway Safety: Kids Riding Alone
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- Parent Category: Parents of Tweens
- Category: Tween Advice from Parents
From train safety to travel manners, here are tips and suggestions for what to do when your Tween/Kid is ready to ride the Subway alone.
IMPORTANT: Changes to Yahoo! Groups
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Yahoo! is in the process of changing much of their Yahoo! Groups infrastructure. The interface looks cooler but some there are some functionality issues that aren't working well AT THIS TIME. However, we are hopeful that despite initial glitches, the change will result in a better platform for all to enjoy.
How might this effect you?
Back to School Serenely
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- Parent Category: Advice - Childcare and Education
- Category: Education Advice ( The Process)
Tips for going back to school and how to combat that crazy feeling.
Credit: Brandy Shaul
Here are Eleanor Traubman’s top ten tips for staying cool and collected when the lazy days of summer give way to the panic of the new School year.
Tips for the First Day Of School - Are you more nervous than your child?
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- Parent Category: Advice - Childcare and Education
- Category: Education Advice ( The Process)
The first day of school is coming up in the next few weeks. With that comes first Day of School jitters. Your child may be nervous. You may be nervous. Big Changes are afoot and they can be scary.
Here's a new song called "Forever Friends" from the Bright Sides about starting school.
Domestic Violence: You or someone you know hurting?
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- Category: Support
By posting this video, “Leslie Morgan Steiner: Why domestic violence victims don't leave” the probability that this hits home for at least one of you is 100%. That makes it worth posting to everyone, asking you to watch, and if it makes just one of you reach out for yourself or to a friend you suspect is being abused it will be a message well posted http://youtu.be/V1yW5IsnSjo.
Description: Leslie Morgan Steiner was in “crazy love” -- that is, madly in love with a man who routinely abused her and threatened her life. Steiner tells the dark story of her relationship, correcting misconceptions many people hold about victims of domestic violence, and explaining how we can all help break the silence.
We have updated the PSP.com website with a list of resources if you’re in an abusive situation: http://bit.ly/1dPu715 It includes domestic violence help resources, legal help, financial help, important links as well as words of wisdom from PSP members.
Be safe and take care of yourself.
Tipping Summer Camp Counselors
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- Parent Category: Advice - Childcare and Education
- Category: Summer Camps
It's end of summer and what do you do when it comes to saying farewell to the counselors that kept your little tots busy & happy all summer long.
This article offers advice on tipping summer camp counselors from neighborhood parents.
All camps are different, but here are some thoughts pulled from past posts & previous discussions across the PSP group.
Hot in the City! How to Stay Cool With the Kids
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- Parent Category: Advice - Activities
- Category: Activities Advice Articles
When it's a hot summer day in NYC, here are some tips to stay cool with the kids in Park Slope
Harp Sprinkler at the Harmony Playground
Hot in the City! Cheap (or free!) Activities To Do With Kids of All Ages in NYC during the summer
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- Parent Category: Advice - Activities
- Category: Activities Advice Articles
Are you looking for fun ideas with what to do with your toddlers & Kids this summer? Here are some tips & suggestions that PSP Members have shared. Do you have any you would like to add? Let us know!
Fruit Fly Infestation
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- Parent Category: The Hood
- Category: Managing Urban Life
It's that time of year. While we love the fresh fruit summer brings, it seems like we are not the only ones.... Here are tips from members in the neighborhood who got rid of fruit flies with all types of tricks - from filling bowls with vinegar and a drop of dish soap to dilligently cleaning fruit, pouring bleach down the drain and more. Click below to Read More and as one parent said: "watch 'em drop, well, like flies!"
image from via "Just a Prairie Boy" who made this photo available thanks to a Creative Commons License
Wanna See Fireworks This 4th of July?
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- Category: News
Image via Bob Jagendorf, who kindly made this image avialable with a Creative Commons License
There are fireworks in Coney Island and the folks at Cyclones Stadium are having an event!
July 4th in Coney Island - with Fireworks!
MCU Park
1904 Surf Ave Brooklyn, NY 11224
Thursday, July 4, 2013
4:30PM
Come on out for BROOKLYN'S own Fireworks show on JULY FOURTH!!!
The Brooklyn Cyclones and the Alliance for Coney Island are teaming up to host an Independence Day celebration and fireworks show on Thursday, July 4 at MCU
Park.
Admission is free, however donations will be accepted to benefit the Brooklyn Public Library and #ConeyRecovers, an initiative of local organizations working in partnership to assist with the recovery of the Coney Island community.
The gates will be open at 4:30 p.m. and all ballpark concessions and restrooms will be available to the public.
Update: Lost Cat Found!
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- Category: The Hood
Yesterday PSP asked the group if they'd seen this adorable tabby cat. And hurrah - last night CC's PSP family shared: "CC has been found, and is now home. I want to extend my gratitude to the PSP community, for supportive words, and helpful tips. It's so nice to belong to such a wonderful community -- many thanks!" We couldn't agree more.
Lost or Found a Pet? Find out more what to do HERE.
Coney Island
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- Parent Category: Activities Advice Articles
- Category: Summer Fun
PSP member, blog writer and photographer Amber Ceffalio visited the aquarium & Coney Island last weekend, and post Sandy, is still an ideal outing for young ones.
TOP 10 Things to Think About When Moving
Moving can be a stressful time. But if you take steps to familiarize yourself with the way it is regulated and what rights and responsibilities you have, you'll likely have a much smoother move. Here are some things to think about as you prepare for your move.
Join us for the Spring Fling on May 4
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- Category: News
Show your love for the Old Stone House & Washington Park! We’re celebrating the first anniversary of the playground and gardens with a Spring Fling. There will be music, face painting, a cake walk raffle, a mask making workshop and the lovely Puppeteers Cooperative Rites of Spring performance and parade. From 5:30 – 10 pm join us for a DANCE PARTY fundraiser on the turf field with DJ Chowtime – $10 for big fun all around.
Is my son being abused. What YOU Should Do
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- Parent Category: Advice - Parenting - General
- Category: Safety
Is my son being abused. What YOU Should Do
Hey All,
Last week someone wrote about suspected abuse possibly occurring at a local daycare. I have talked to many of you who were worried for the children but also wondering, "What IS the right answer about what to do?" We've checked with our team of professionals (thanks to Safe Horizons, Dr. Gordon and Dr. Gold) and here is their advice...
Tips for Snowy Fun-- 2013
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- Parent Category: Advice - Activities
- Category: Activities Advice Articles
Here's the best of our collective wisdom to help make your snow day nuthin' but fun.
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