The following is from the office of Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz:
Archive for the 'Events' Category

Runners on Ocean Parkway during the 2012 half marathon. Photo by Allan Shweky.
The Brooklyn Half Marathon takes place this Saturday, and the event is expected to be bigger than ever. Over 20,000 runners have already registered and the 13.1-mile run is expected to feature heavy security and closed streets. Here is a list of what is closed, according to the NYC Department of Transportation. Please note the last three, which are all local streets, and which we’ve added emphasis.
The following streets will be closed Saturday from 7 am to 10:30 am for the Brooklyn Half Marathon event as permitted by the Mayor’ Street Activity Permit Office (SAPO).
Route:
- Washington Avenue between Eastern Parkway and Empire Boulevard
- Empire Boulevard between Washington Avenue and Flatbush Avenue
- Flatbush Avenue between Empire Boulevard and Grand Army Plaza
- Grand Army Plaza (Entire Circle)
- Ocean Avenue between Flatbush Avenue and Parkside Avenue
- Parkside Avenue between Ocean Avenue and Park Circle
Route: (In Prospect Park)
- West Lake Drive between East Drive and South Lake Drive
- South Lake Drive between West Lake Drive and East Lake Drive
- East Lake Drive between South Lake Drive and East Drive
- West Drive between East Drive and West Lake Drive
- Park Circle between South Lake Drive and Ocean Parkway Entrance Ramp
- Ocean Parkway between Ocean Parkway Entrance Ramp and Surf Avenue
- Surf Avenue between Ocean Parkway and West 12th Street
- Boardwalk between West 10th Street and Stillwell Avenue
Also note that there will be several bus detours because of this. Make sure to check the MTA website if you plan to take a bus that crosses Ocean Parkway this Saturday.
Here is hoping that the event gets good weather and that everybody has fun and stays safe. For more information on the run, you can visit the New York Road Runner’s website by clicking here.

Photo By Erica Sherman
Bayfest, Brooklyn’s largest waterfront celebration, is coming to Emmons Avenue this Sunday, May 19. This incarnation of Bayfest marks its 22nd year in existence as eight blocks of Sheepshead Bay’s waterfront will be filled with music, fun, and vendor-free booths giving out a slew of samples and product information.
This year’s Bayfest will include the usual mix of musical performers, raffles and kid friendly activities, but will also feature a big selection of Sandy-related recovery organizations looking to help rebuild the community.
You can also say hello to your friends at Sheepshead Bites as we’ll have our own booth and be giving away a few goodies.
Here are all the relevant details from the organizers:
SANDY RECOVERY INFO
We admit we got a very late start preparing for BAYFEST because we were so involved with post-Sandy efforts. At the same time, we saw it as the perfect opportunity to support the community’s long-term recovery from the disaster, and the event has come together beautifully. We’re grateful and pleased about the number and variety of Sandy recovery organizations that will be on hand, and their eagerness to meet with and assist residents still suffering from the disaster.
At this writing, two dozen organizations will participate in Investors Bank BAYFEST (with more signing on), making it the largest event of its kind in Brooklyn to date. We were able to put this list together with the cooperation of the Brooklyn Long-Term Recovery Group, which brings together organizations that focus on coordinating to address the various unmet needs of Brooklyn’s Sandy survivors.
Here is the list so far of the two dozen organizations that will attend Investors Bank BAYFEST, with brief descriptions of the types of assistance they offer:
- Alzheimer’s Association – scholarships for Medic Alert bracelets/necklaces (part of the Safe Return program)
- Arab-American Family Support Center * – case management
- American Red Cross * – case management including housing assistance, appliances, financial aid, referrals
- Asian Americans for Equality – loans and grants
- Bridge Street Development – temporary housing
- Brighton Neighborhood Association – mold remediation and other assistance
- Brooklyn Jubilee – pro bono legal assistance
- Brooklyn Long-Term Recovery Group – referrals
- Catholic Charities * – case management and a variety of resources and services
- Coney Island Hospital medical van – free checkup with a doctor, blood pressure screening
- Department of Financial Services
- Diabetes Education and Resource Center – healthcare
- Flatbush Shomrim Safety Patrol – emergency preparedness
- Lutheran Social Services – case management and a variety of resources and services
- Met Council – case management and a variety of resources and services
- Neighborhood Housing Services – loans; referrals
- Neighborhood Revitalization – professional mold remediation
- New York Cares – muck-outs, mold remediation, repairs, tax advice, volunteers
- NIA Community Network Services – financial counseling, debt management and reduction
- NYS Energy Audits – free insulation, appliances, weatherization
- NY Mortgage Coalition – foreclosure prevention, mortgage assistance, legal support
- Operation HOPE – insurance counseling, financial management guidance and support
- Project HOPE – counseling, and emotional and psychological support
- YaDestiny Treasure Chest – children’s clothing
Eligibility for services offered by some of these organizations is income-based. Some may require a FEMA number; others work with undocumented residents.
The organizations with an asterisk (*) do case management, meaning a trained, compassionate case manager works one-on-one with you to:
- Answer your questions about recovery
- Develop a plan to address your needs
- Connect you with appropriate community resources
- Determine what financial assistance may be available to you
- Advocate on your behalf with service and benefit providers
All of the case management organizations are 501(c)3 non-profits and participate in CAN.org (Coordinated Assistance Network), the American Red Cross’ membership database that works to prevent duplication of services. It may not be accessed by the government for any reason.
MUSIC
ReverbNation.com supported us again this year in our search for bands. Over 1,600 bands from as far away as Japan applied through their platform to play Investors Bank BAYFEST. We narrowed the list down to 300 bands within 25 miles of Sheepshead Bay that were family friendly and that sounded good in videos of live performances. We listened to all of them–twice. There’s a lot of good music out there! But we had to choose. In total, Investors Bank BayFest will offer 23 performances on two stages and eight blocks of Emmons Avenue.
Main Stage
On the Main Stage The Voice will meet American Idol, as Brooklyn’s own Adriana Louise(The Voice, Season 3) and Good Day New York’s Michael “Big Mike” Lynche (American Idol, Season 9) share the stage, backed up by the pro outfit East Coast Band. We’re bringing back two BAYFEST favorites: Stout, with their traditional songs of the sea, and rock ‘n’ roll fire-fighting bagpipers The Shots. New will be feisty, bluesy Amy Lynn & The Gunshow and Vinny Jett, who will give his rap song “Sandy The Homewrecker” a Brooklyn twist. Early in the day we give the DSNY a Lifetime Achievement Award and at 3:15pm the FDNY fireboat will do a display in the Bay.
Mobile stage
Indie sensation Darnaa is donating her performance and will perform on her mobile stage, which she is allowing other bands to use. Defying categorization, Band Droidz will warm up the stage for her, while top flight jazz artist Onaje Allen Gumbs and his band New Vintage, as well as soaring arena-rock band Face The King, will open the day.
Pier performances
Pier bands will include:
- Inner Situation
- January Jane
- Jose Polo
- SpinBox
- SanzEnd
- Two Cent Sam
- Annika Vitolo
- Giant Flying Turtles
- Michelle Ferreira
- Ghosts of Eden
- Nando Griffiths & Pure Fyah
- Daddy Rocker
KIDS FUN
- Arts & Crafts with A2Z Party and ScribbleShop (Tucker Park)
- Strolling cartoon characters
- Giant Bounce
- FDNY Smokehouse
- Face Painting
- Brooklyn Public Library storyteller (at their table)
- Harborlore “Fish Tales” storyteller (2pm, pier 4)
- NY Aquarium
RAFFLES & GIVEAWAYS
- 50/50
- Brooklyn Brewery gift certificate
- Circle Line tickets
- Intrepid tickets
- GNC men & women’s vitamin packs ($50 value each)
- Wheeler’s gift certificate
- JoMart Chocolates gift certificates
- More coming in…
The All Community Arts event will be taking place simultaneously east of BayFest on Emmons Avenue.
The Shorefront Y will be teaming up with the Brooklyn Autism Spectrum Disorder Initiative (BASDI) to host its Third Annual Walk for Autism, this Sunday, May 19 at 11:00 a.m. along the Coney Island boardwalk, starting at West 10th Street. Registration starts at 10:00 a.m.
The annual walk aims to raise awareness and funds in order to create new programs and maintain vital ongoing services and programs to families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. All proceeds from the walk will benefit programs at participating BASDI organizations serving children with special needs throughout southern Brooklyn.
The 1.2 mile walk will conclude at the Shorefront Y, 3300 Coney Island Avenue, where there will be a chance to learn more about special needs programming, network with peers, and enjoy refreshments.
To register for this event, or to make a pledge, click here. To learn more about the Shorefront Y, visit www.shorefronty.org.

Source: FTAA.org
Turkish-Americans celebrate their heritage this month with a week of restaurant discounts at participating eateries, a parade and festival, and an event at Borough Hall.
The 32nd Turkish Day Parade and Festival kicks off on Saturday, May 18, at noon. Organized by the Federation of Turkish American Associations, the parade takes place in Manhattan, with participants gathering at 56th Street and Madison Avenue and marching down to Dag Hammarskjold Park on 47th Street and 1st Avenue, where they’ll join with the festival.
The festival features Turkish music, folk dancers and more.
Here in Brooklyn, the organizations will celebrate with a taste of Turkish culture during the Brooklyn Turkish Cultural Celebration at Borough Hall (188 Montague Street). There will be complimentary Turkish food prepared by local restaurants, along with more folk dancers and music, to be enjoyed by Borough President Marty Markowitz, other dignitaries, and neighbors. The event is Thursday, May 16, at 5 p.m.
But all week long this week – lasting until Sunday – locals can also enjoy a discount at participating Turkish restaurants, including four in Southern Brooklyn. Coupons and a full list of participating restaurants around the Tri-State area can be seen here.
But here’s the list of local restaurants:
- Opera Cafe & Lounge - 2555 Emmons Avenue
- Liman Restaurant - 2710 Emmons Avenue
- Istanbul Restaurant - 1715 Emmons Avenue
- Istanbul Fast Food - 2202 86th Street
The following is from the offices of Assemblymember Steven Cymbrowitz:
Was Your Business Damaged By Hurricane Sandy?
If you had to rebuild or repair your business, you may be eligible for REFUNDS for the city permits/licenses you obtained.
On THURSDAY, MAY 9, from 9:30 – 11:30 A.M., Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz will welcome a representative from the Mayor’s office to help businesses apply for these refunds.
No appointment is necessary. Just come to Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ district office at 1800 Sheepshead Bay Road (between Shore Parkway and Emmons Avenue) to take advantage of this on-site help!
The deadline for refunds is May 31, so it is important that you act NOW.
For information/questions, call (718) 743-4078
We look forward to seeing you!
Many Thanks to the NYC Restoration Business Acceleration Team for its partnership in making this event possible.
The 61st Precinct Community Council Meeting will meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 8, at the 61st Precinct stationhouse (2575 Coney Island Avenue).
The Community Council is comprised of concerned residents and top brass from the 61st Precinct, and offers neighbors an opportunity to ask questions and express concerns about crime and safety issues in the area. The monthly meetings are attended by Captain John M. Chell, the commanding officer of the precinct, who will present a report on incidents and trends in the neighborhood, and speak face-to-face with neighbors about specific concerns.
For further information, or if you have questions or comments concerning Community Affairs, call (718) 627-6847.
The Manhattan Beach Neighborhood Association will be meeting this evening, May 6, 8:00 p.m. at Public School 195, 131 Irwin Street in Manhattan Beach.
The meeting will feature speakers from Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes’ office, leading a seminar on identity theft prevention.
To learn more, call (917) 747-5863.










