Fall and Halloween Events -- 2019 Edition

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Here's a sampling of the local events happening around Brownstone Brooklyn. (Are we missing something?  Email us at .)

Want to go apple or pumpkin picking? Check out PSP-member recommended destinations here

Looking for apple & pumpkin picking destinations that are public transportation friendly? Check out these PSP-member tips here

The Park Slope Parents Halloween Costume Contest on October 27th at the Old Stone House!

October 19th and 20th

Boo at the Zoo

Where: Prospect Park Zoo, 450 Flatbush Avenue

When: Weekends in October, 11am-4pm

How much: Free with zoo admission 

What: The Prospect Park Zoo is going batty every weekend in October with Halloween-themed games and crafts. Learn about bats around the world and right here in New York where we are participating in a project to understand the ecology of urban bats in our own backyard, Prospect Park.

Boo At the Prospect Park Zoo

Brooklyn Bridge Park Harvest Festival

Where: Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 6, 334 Furman Street

When: Saturday, October 19, 11am-2pm

How much: Free admission, fees for activities and food

What: Celebrate the changing of the seasons at the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy’s annual Harvest Festival!

Activities for the day include a pumpkin patch, face painting, music, live animals, arts & crafts, enrichment activities, storhour, lawn games, and more. Food and drinks for sale by Gorilla Cheese NYC and Takumi Taco.

PS 124 Fall Festival
Where: PS 124, 4th Avenue & 14th Avenue
When: Saturday, October 19, 12pm-3pm
How much: $20 per family (includes pumpkin and raffle ticket) 
What: Join PS 124 for games, prizes, face painting, raffles, a magic show, food/baked goods, raffles, and balloon animals! All proceeds go to enrichment programs and classroom assistance.

PS 107 Fall Festival
Where: PS 107, 1301 8th Ave
When: Saturday, October 19, 12pm-4pm
How much: Admission price unknown
What: Bring your friends and family and enjoy inflatable rides, cotton candy, popcorn, spin art, face painting, pumpkin painting, delicious food, a magic show, and much more! They need your help. Konstella sign up coming soon. 

12th Annual Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party
Where:Sean Casey Animal Rescue, 153 East 3rd Street
When: Sunday, October 20, 12pm-5pm
How much: Admission is free
What: Families and animal lovers from all over the NYC community are invited to attend this free fundraiser and adoption event. Enjoy live performances, games, crafts, costume contests, photo ops, prizes & activities for families and pups alike.

12th Annual Howl-O-Ween Bark Block Party

Atlantic Terminal’s Harvestfest
Where: Atlantic Terminal, 139 Flatbush Avenue
When: Sunday, October 20, 1pm
How much: Free
What: Come celebrate the season with Fall. Family. Fun. at HARVESTFEST! Monster Mash with DJ Ace the Cut Lieutenant; Pony Rides; Giant Pumpkin Patch; Community Coloring Book; Face Painting; Arts & Crafts; farm themed photo ops; giveaways & more. Plus, kids receive an Atlantic Terminal trick-or-treat bag (while supplies last)!


Harvest Homecoming Festival
Where:Brooklyn Botanic Garden, 990 Washington Avenue
When: Sunday, October 20, 11am-5pm
How much: $25 for adult tickets, children under 12 are free
What: Brooklyn Botanic Garden is debuting its Harvest Homecoming Festival in a big way: Families can expect classic autumnal activities, think hayrides, cornhole games and bobbing for apples, but there will also be newfangled delights, such as pumpkin bowling. Mom and Dad can kick back, too: New York breweries will be on hand with cider and other bevvies. Halloween costumes are encouraged!

Halloween Pop Up
Where: Sweetly Brooklyn, 447 6th Avenue
When: Sunday, October 20, 11am-3pm
How much: $12 
What: Bring your boo! Stop in and say howdy neighbor and sample some sweet treats, shop local artisans or make your own spooky treat. Knitted by Ella, Ester K. Ban Essential Oils and Solstice Candles will be in the house as well as a Craft and Cookie Table.

October 26th and 27th

3rd Annual Kids’ Halloween Parade + Scavenger Hunt

Where: Beyond at Liberty View - Bed Bath & Beyond, 850 3rd Avenue

When: Saturday, October 26, 10am-4pm

How much: Free

What: Come dressed in your costume for a day full of Halloween Fun at the 3rd Annual Halloween Parade! There will be a DJ, Trick-or-Treating, arts and crafts, a photobooth and more!

PS 316 Spookfest 

Where: PS 316, 750 Classon Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

When: Saturday, October 26, 12pm-4pm

How much: Check website. Get tickets early

What: Trick or treat in the haunted classrooms, shake your bones in the ghoulish disco, bounce until you drop, get your face painted, enjoy arts and crafts and eat good food at our biggest and best Halloween fundraiser.

Coney Island Children's Halloween Parade

Where: MCU Park, 1904 Surf Avenue

When: Saturday, October 26, 11am

How much: Free

What: The Ghosts are haunting, the Monsters will mash, it’s time to join us for our Halloween Bash! Pirates, Princesses, Superheroes and more, wear your best costume for the highest score! Brought to you by The Alliance for Coney Island and Paul's Daughter with support from Councilman Mark Treyger and Senator Savino.  Along with sponsorship from Coney Island Hospital, El Dorado Auto Skooter, Hebrew Public Charter School the party starts at 11am with games, bounce houses, face painting, live music, trick-or-treating and of course – the Official Coney Island Costume Contest! This event is for ages 15 and under.


Spooktacular Halloween Carnival

Where: PS282 Park Slope Elementary, 80 6th Avenue

When: Saturday, October 26, 11am-2pm

How much: Activity pricingricing varies 

What: PS 282 invites you to put your costume on and join us for Halloween-themed family activities at our annual Spooktacular! We'll have a BBQ and bake sale, carnival games, pumpkin decorating, craft making, a bounce house, a costume parade and much more! All proceeds go to funding our enrichment programs. Rain or Shine.

Beyond X Industry City: Kids’ Halloween Parade

Where: Industry City, 51 35th Street

When: Saturday, October 26, 12pm-2pm

How much: Free

What: Join Beyond and Industry City for the second annual Kids’ Halloween Parade Including fun activities like mural painting and a pumpkin patch, come in costume for an evening to remember.

19th Annual Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival

Where: Fort Greene Park, 100 Washington Park

When: Saturday, October 26, 12pm-3pm

How much: Free

What: The Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival returns on October 26. This free, family-friendly event offers a vast array of holiday activities such as a pumpkin patch, face-painting, and train rides, made possible with the help of volunteers.

Bklyn Boo: Albee Square

Where: Albee Square, corner of Dekalb Avenue and Bond Street 

When: Saturday, October 26, 2pm

How much: Free

What: Enjoy a multicultural Halloween celebration with fun activities, live music, and art.

Greenpoint Children's Annual Halloween Parade, Spooktacular Party & Zombie Nerf War

Where: Polish & Slavic Center, 176 Java Street

When: Sunday, October 27, 11:30am

How much: Parade is free to join. Nerf war and party are $15-$25

What: For over a decade, Town Square has been bringing Halloween fun to the families of North Brooklyn with their  Halloween Parade & Party. Costumed kids and kids-at-heart march down Manahattan Avenue and back to the starting point for a spooktacular party! Arts & crafts, contests, games and yummy munchies. This event is now a seasonal highlight for North Brooklyn families.

The King of Rock and Roll ft. the Music of Elvis for Kids Halloween Spooktacular
Where: The Rock and Roll Playhouse, 104 W 29th Street
When: Saturday, October 26, 1pm
How much: Free
What: Celebrate The King of Rock and Roll ft. the Music of Elvis for Kids Halloween Spooktacular at Industry City in Courtyard 5-6.
https://www.facebook.com/events/374711179885763/

21st Annual Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest
Where: Fort Green Park, Dekalb Avenue and Washington Park
When: Saturday, October 26, 11:30am
How much: Admission is free
What: Get your (and your pup's!) costumes ready and come to Fort Greene Park for the annual Halloween festival and dog costume contest. Event will take place by the central lawn with the closest entrances on Dekalb & Washington Park and Dekalb & South Portland. Rain date will be on Sunday, October 28. Judging of dog costumes will start at 11:30am sharp at the bottom of the monument stairs. All dogs must be registered to enter the contest.

The Prospect Park Alliance Halloween Haunted Walk & Fair
Where: Prospect Park,  Brooklyn, NY
When: Saturday, October 26, 12pm-3pm
How much: Admission is free
What: Encounter zombies, werewolves, witches and other Halloween spirits on a haunted walk through the woodland Lookout Hill, ideal for families with children ages 7-12. All ages can enjoy a festive Halloween Fair on the Nethermead, featuring family-friendly activities, as well as sweet and savory treats from some of the city’s top food trucks.

Prospect Park Halloween Haunted Walk and Fair  (Park Slope Parents will be there!)

Haunted Farmhouse

Where: Queens County Farmhouse, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway

When: Saturday, October 26, 1pm-7pm

How much: Advance tickets $4, $7 at the door

What: Prepare for a scare inside our haunted farmhouse! This ghoulish adventure is the perfect way to twist and turn in to Halloween. This indoor event is rain or shine. Recommend for ages 6–12.

Park Slope Parents LGBTQ Halloween Party

Where: All Saints Church, 463A 7th Street (around the cornder at the Senior Center entrance)
When: Saturday, October 26, 3pm-5:30pm

How much: Potluck

What: Please join the PSP LGBTQ group for some wild dancing, silly story-telling, crazy crafts, and tasty treats.

Park Slope Parents Halloween Costume Contest

Where: Old Stone House, 336 3rd Street between 5th and 4th Avenues 

When: Sunday, October 27, 2pm-4pm

How much: Free

What: Wear your Halloween costume, with prizes for Best in Show! Plus... paint pumpkins and make pizza in the Old Stone House outdoor oven! The day will end with a mini-parade around the park; great for little ones who can’t make the larger parade on the 31st!

HALLOWEEN!  October 31st

Park Slope Civic Council Children’s Halloween Parade
Where: Washington Park, between 5th and 4th Avenues 

When: Thursday, October 31, 6:30pm

How much: Free

What: There are plenty of seasonal parades in NYC, but a few really stand out, including Park Slope's annual procession, which is the oldest children's Halloween parade in the country. Hit the Old Stone House for activities in the afternoon, and be sure to register for the main event, which kicks off at 6:30pm at 14th Street and Seventh Avenue. The parade heads back to the historic house for a party with live music, dancing and romping in the adjacent J.J. Byrne Playground. Merchants on Fifth and Seventh Avenues dole out sweets as kids show off their creative costumes, many of which are homemade. It's another reason Park Slope is considered one of NYC's most family-friendly neighborhoods.

BAMBoo!  (This event is being researched)

When: October 31, 2018 4pm - 7pm
Where: 30 Lafayette Ave between Ashland Pl and St. Felix St
How Much: Free
What: This is a Ft. Greene based Halloween block party. Family-friendly music and mischief kicks off at 4pm!

Cobble Hill Halloween Parade
Where: Clinton Street, Brooklyn
When: Thursday, October 31, 4pm-5pm
How much: Free 
What: This hour-long parade kicks off from Cobble Hill Park and winds its way throughout the neighborhood. A tradition for more than 20 years, the parade follows musicians that lead a procession of costumed families down Congress to Henry, around to Warren Street and back to the park. Kids can stop at stoops for treats along the way!

DUMBOween
Where: 6/15 Garden, 6th Avenue and 15th Street
When: Thursday, October 31, 4:30pm
How much: Free 
What: This year is going to be scarily good, with the annual march to the arch followed by crafts, costumes, contests, live music, and candy in the archway.
         4:30pm: ANNUAL MARCH TO THE ARCH
         Brooklyn Roasting Company - 25 Jay Street
         Jim Munson of Brooklyn Roasting Company tells the story of the Jack-O-Lantern. Then, costumed characters leave Brooklyn Roasting Co and             parade through DUMBO's streets en route to the Archway under the Manhattan Bridge, led by the Funkrust Brass Band.
         5-7pm: ARCHWAY KIDS PARTY
         Archway Under the Manhattan Bridge 
         Brass performance the Funkrust Brass Band; hands-on arts and crafts with Creatively WILD Art         Studio; a photobooth; prizes for the best               costumes and lots of candy.
         4-8pm: TRICK-OR-TREATING
         Neighborhood-wide
         Grab your pumpkin bucket: the DUMBO BID sponsors storefront trick-or-treating for the little ones from 4-8pm. 40+ businesses will be giving out           candy. Look for the pumpkin sign in the window of participating businesses.

Rocky Horror Picture Show Live Karaoke Revue and Halloween Extravaganza presented by The Occasionalists
Where: Littlefield
When: Weneday, October 31, 2018 Doors at 7pm, Show at 8:00
How much: $12/$15 day of show - VIP tickets available.
What: A 21 and over benefit for The Center for Anti-Violence Education. Every year, on Halloween, The Occasionalists do a special Rocky Horror Picture Show live karaoke night in which they play two complete live karaoke sets of the movie soundtrack with singers from the audience doing all the lead vocals.  In between the two sets, they have a costume contest with some great prizes and there is also a raffle in which one can win, among other things, two round-trip airfares. To make the show even more fun, we have NYC RHPS who are the longest running group of Rocky Horror shadow casters (the people who act out the movie in front of the movie) who perform with the clips. Last but not least, the show is a benefit show for The Center for Anti-Violence Education, a Park Slope-based organization that "develops and implements comprehensive violence prevention programs for underserved individuals and organizations.  https://caeny.org. The band proudly donates all proceeds to CAE.VIP package includes open bar (beer, wine and well cocktails) from 7 -9pm and a gift bag. 

Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication

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Parent Category: Newsflashes

Category: Newsflash

Some of you might not know that Founder Susan Fox has her Ph. D. in Communication (from a gazillion years ago). She still teaches a graduate level Interpersonal Communication Course at NYU every so often and at the end of the semester I hand out a documnet called, "Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication."

When she mentions it to people they say they'd love to see it. So here it is; raw, un-prettied up, and for your knowledge. So come sit down and see what you might need from this and leave the rest. 

Favorite sayings:

"The only person who acts sensibly is my tailor. He takes my measure anew every time he sees me. Everyone else goes by their old measurements." George Bernard Shaw.

"You probably wouldn’t worry about what people think of you if you could know how seldom they do." Olin Miller

"Be Kind. You Never Know What Someone Is Going Through." Author Unknown

Doc Fox's Lessons for Better Communication

Perception, Emotions, and Listening 

• Remember that meaning is in the person, not the words. How you think something should be interpreted and how it is interpreted are two different things.

• People don't MAKE YOU feel anything. You are reacting to them, their words, and their behavior. Rather than "you make me feel X," use your "I" language and say, "I feel X when you…." Likewise, you don’t make other people feel anything. (Don’t mention this in the middle of a heated discussion.)

• Give people the benefit of the doubt and realize that you're likely to assume something bad happens to you because of external sources and something bad happens to others because of internal reasons.

• Don't 'half' or pseudo-listen. Folding clothes and talking is one thing; reading email and trying to talk isn't really the best use of anyone's time. If you aren't able to give a person your full attention, tell them "I can give you my undivided attention at another time (hopefully offering another time). Right now isn't a good time."

• Avoid using “should” have, “would” have, “ought” to, never and always.

• Practice listening. Get out of your head and do more than hear- embrace. It takes energy and time so listen when you can do it mindfully.

Communication Skills

• Communication is NOT a natural ability. You can always be a better communicator. 

• Ask, "What do you understand?" rather than "do you understand?" Likewise, ask "what about that makes sense?" rather than "does that make sense?"

• Paraphrase by saying "what I think I hear you saying is…."  and ask, "is there anything else?" when you are talking to someone, especially about a serious matter.

• Don't “ASSUME” (assuming makes an ASS out of U and Me) and can lead to misunderstandings.  Perception check, "you did/said X, which made me think Y, but I wanted to make sure I wasn't misreading what you did/said."

• Ask, "Is this a good time to talk?" when you start a conversation. 

• When turning down an invitation say, "but I'd love to be invited again so please ask" if, in fact, this is the case.

• If you're not willing to say it to someone's face, don't write it in an email. Especially don't write it in an email to someone ELSE.

• Take your time answering requests and making decisions (if you have time); you'll be glad to have the time to make an informed decision and give a thoughtful response. 

• Don’t use a personal conversation as a way to self-promote.

• If you are about to write/do something out of anger/frustration/fear; STOP. Write it, let it sit until you've had a good night's sleep. Send it to yourself as a nudgemail and give it some time to rest.

• Set limits if you have a deadline at the outset of a conversation or meeting. Say, "I need to be somewhere else at X so we need to wrap things up by Y."

• Apologize, expressing remorse, acknowledge of wrongdoing, accepting responsibility, and offering to repair. 

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