Come August, long weekends are de rigeur. Especially if one is not taking off the whole week, or like myself the whole month. Thus, it’s a great time to catch up on one’s summer reading …about LIC, and therefore today we provide you with a whole bunch to carry you through until Monday …or Tuesday, …or Tuesday September 3rd.
Before we start, let’s get the nasty business out of the way. First off, from a town in Spain called Brunete, comes a recommendation to push dog owners to clean up after their pets. Which The New York Times describes as a “worldwide battle.” Yeah, based on LIC that’s an apt description.
Next up, comes another nasty rebuke. This one involves a delay, or maybe even a postponement to a date unknown. It regards the play area that was supposed to be built for PS78 in front of Citylights. Here’s the back ‘n forth:
LIC Parent: “We were notified by the SLT, as well as announced at the June PTA meeting that the SCA was approved to build a playground in front of the school/Citilights building. Now summer is more than half way done and weve observed no work at all. Can you please give us a status on this project for ourselves,as well as an update I could communicate to other parents?
Response: “I looked into it and the project is on hold due to issues with the Co-op board.” Thank You – Monica Gutierrez, Project Support Manager, School Construction Authority, (718)472-8114
And there you have it: One small town’s response to a problem, and one large city’s response to a problem.
Let’s move on to something a little more fun. The New York Times is holding a contest looking for the “Unofficial Mayors of New York.” Whether you know it or not, LIC actually has an unofficial mayor, and it’s not Jimmy V. His name is Frank Carrado, he’s 82 years old, he’s lived here in LIC his whole life and documented it with photos, and there’s a good chance you may have already encountered him on Vernon Boulevard handing out a card calling him the Unofficial Mayor of LIC. We’ve got the link, if you know Frank and agree he should be nominated, please do.
Finally, a massive Kids Club/Pre-school is coming to the latest TF Cornerstone rental, aka “The Amenities Building.” They plan on catering to 1800 kids a week, with some packages totaling as much as $17K. At that price your kid better come out with a swing like A-Rod’s and speaking Mandarin.
Or, if you’re looking for something a little lower key, there’s always LIC Kids and the fabulous James Bobo:
Ok, the weekend is here, and if you’re staying in LIC we’ve got the Sixpoint Beer Crawl on Saturday, a perfect way to lead into Shakespeare in Gantry Park that night. Also the LIC Flea, Yoga, and finally a big blowout at 5Pointz celebrating the 40th Anniversary of Hip-Hop on Sunday at 5pm. Who needs St. Tropez? But you may still want to take Monday off.
Special Delivery, of Sorts, for Wayward Dog Owners – this ain’t no birthday present
A Call for the Unofficial Mayors of New York – why not nominate LIC’s Frank Carrado?
Then and Now: the evolutionary arc of LIC – a profile of Mr. Carrado wrapped in the history of LIC
Manhattan Firm to Open Pre-School and Classatorium – the beginning of the road to Harvard
Sixpoint Craft Beer and Food Festival – nothing like a few mugs of Shakespeare Oatmeal Stout before sitting down to the bard
Back to The Roots – free party at 5Pointz for the 40th anniversary of hip-hop. 40th Anniversary, 40 Oz., coincidence? I think not.
Local Art Frame Collector Has Unparalleled Collection – which he keeps right here in LIC
Competition Bubbles Up for Local Craft Brewers – with a shout-out to LIC’s Rockaway Brewing
5Pointz Documentary by the BBC – where has everybody been all these years?