More than 250 people turned out to Jamsterdam, the autism awareness concert organized by Sheepshead Bites veteran Samantha LoSapio.
The event kicked off at noon on July 9, stretching throughout the day until the last band played the final note just before 8 p.m.
Jamsterdam took place at Asser-Levy / Seaside Park, and was hampered by the hubbub around the proposed amphitheater. Because of the ban on amplified sound that is being enforced for the first time in years, organizers were denied use of the band shell just days before the event. They were given permission to set up a makeshift stage at the other end of the park.
LoSapio said the event was a success and she’s looking forward to doing more cultural events in the area to benefit various causes, including a possible comedy show in the near future. If you’re interested in getting involved with this terrific grassroots effort, drop us a line and we’ll get you in touch with the Jamsterdam crew.
View the Jamsterdam 2010 gallery
Vince Martell has headlined every BayFest in recent memory. It's time for a change.
Last night’s BayFest 2011 planning meeting kicked off without a hitch, but with only four people in attendance the group’s challenges for the “biggest BayFest ever” were clear.
Most of the evening was spent discussing how to rival their 10th anniversary bash. In 2001, the group had hundreds of members and more than 50 volunteers cobbled together to throw the biggest event Sheepshead Bay had seen in generations, with the entire waterfront down to Ocean Avenue shut off to traffic as tens of thousands of attendees flooded the streets. Fifteen bands played along the piers and the main stage, and entire blocks were dedicated to vendors, street performances and live demonstrations.
“Standing on the stage and looking all the way down to Lundy’s and seeing a sea of people” was an extraordinary feeling incomparable to recent events, said Bay Improvement Group President Steve Barrison.
Keep reading about the challenges BIG faces, and why you should help.
Courtesy of Assemblyman Cymbrowitz's office
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz’s office reported today that his third annual blood drive was a “big success.”
People may have noticed the big ol’ bloodmobile – a.k.a. the New York Blood Services donation van – parked on the corner of Sheepshead Bay Road and Emmons Avenue. And good thing, too, because the office said they collected 25 pints of blood, potentially saving as many as 125 lives.
We’ve said before how important donating blood is, and there’s no shortage of opportunities to do so in our neighborhood. So if you haven’t donated recently (or ever), next time you see a donation truck, stop in, roll up your sleeve, and save a life.
And for those who did stop by yesterday – good on you. Thanks for your service, and hopefully you’ll do it again when you become eligible in 56 days.
Remember Samantha LoSapio? Sam wrote several articles for Sheepshead Bites, and over the last few months she’s been busy organizing Jamsterdam, a benefit concert for Autism Speaks. The free show will take place in Asser-Levy Seaside Park on Friday, July 9, featuring ten bands representing several genres.
But that’s not the whole story: this awesome concept of bringing good local music to the neighborhood and raising awareness of an important cause was almost squashed by the ongoing legal debacle surrounding BP Markowitz’s Seaside Summer Concerts. But enough of my yammering, we’ll let Sam tell you the story.
We all know Sheepshead Bay’s music scene is less than a blip on the radar. With the scene booming just about everywhere else, it’s hard to believe we don’t have a single reliable venue.
Despite that, some of us just refuse to give up on the idea – even when threatened by lawsuits. My brother, Cory, and I are organizing a concert to take place July 9 in Coney Island’s Asser Levy/Seaside Park.
Jamsterdam, a benefit concert for Autism Speaks, will feature eight NYC bands and two bands making the special trip in from Pennsylvania, and has been funded entirely by us and Vile, from headlining band Circadian Clock. We had bartered for a PA from Brooklyn Audio Rentals, helping ease costs, up until we were smacked with near-devastating news: the court order giving Marty Markowitz’s Seaside Concerts a headache would be the very same one to threaten Jamsterdam.
Continue Reading »
We’ve written before about the need for blood donations, and how it’s a simple, quick way to save a life. Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz is organizing a blood drive, so you have the opportunity once again to turn over some sangre. Cymbrowitz’s drive is also accepting appointments, so make one today to make your visit even more hassle-free.
From Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’s office:
Assemblyman Cymbrowitz Sponsoring Local Blood Drive
TRADITIONALLY, BLOOD SUPPLIES ARE LOW DURING SUMMER MONTHS
Assemblyman Steven Cymbrowitz is sponsoring a blood drive in conjunction with the New York Blood Center, Thursday, July 8th, between 12 Noon and 6:00 pm outside his community office [1800 Sheepshead Bay Road]. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are appreciated. Most people between the ages of 17 and 70 may donate. Please call Assemblyman Cymbrowitz’ office at (718) 743-4078 to either make an appointment or for more information.
Date of Event: July 8, 2010
12 Noon – 6:00 p.m.
Courtesy of schools.nyc.gov
Julianna Reynolds became the first recipient of the Mary Powell Award for Community Service during Marine Park Junior High School’s annual awards ceremony this past Wednesday.
Reynolds is a Gerritsen Beach resident who works with Gerritsen Beach Cares, an organization that helps clean up the beach and its environs. She also volunteers to train younger students at her local dance studio, and is part of Marine Park J.H.S.’s drama club, where she recently played Anne Sullivan in a production of the Miracle Worker. Reynolds will attend Edward R. Murrow High School this fall in the Vocal Music Program.
The Mary Powell Award is a $250 gift sponsored by the Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association in honor of Mary Powell, the group’s late president. Powell passed away in February, leaving behind a legacy of community service. Members of the group conceived of the award to inspire future generations to be involved in their community.
For the inaugural awarding, Powell’s son Michael traveled from Connecticut to present the award to Reynolds.
To raise funds for the award, MMH organized a community yard sale on Saturday, June 12. For $25 each, residents of the area reserved 18 tables at The Kings Chapel on Quentin Road and East 27th Street. Revenues from the table reservations will be used to replenish the fund for future years, and Pastor Ron Weinbaum said many left asking when the organization will do another sale.
“We had a great time being a part of this community,” Weinbaum said at last night’s MMH Civic meeting. “It was visible, there was presence, and, more than that, there was a great spirit among the people.”
If you’re out of work, looking to develop professional skills, or just want to give back to New York City’s communities, the second class of the NYC Civic Corps program is gearing up for the 2010-2011 season.
The year-long program puts do-gooders around the city, working for the benefit of all New Yorkers. But, like the best volunteer programs, it’s not all give without any take. Participants earn money and get health benefits, as well as an education award.
Here’s the info from Paul Berg, the program’s coordinator:
Keep reading about NYC Civic Corps
BayFest is coming! THIS WEEKEND! Woohoo!
And to get the last minute details in order, the group is hosting its final meeting at Golden Gate Inn (3867 Shore Parkway) at 8:00 p.m. tonight.
BIG is looking for volunteers to help visitors enjoy and celebrate the Bay, from working behind tables to helping set up equipment, and being smiley representatives of our neighborhood. Though it’s not required to attend the meetings to be a volunteer, BIG is also hoping to hear your input on some last-minute details.
Volunteers receive free t-shirts and food for their help. Not to mention the appreciation of thousands of attendees!
For more information, see the flier.
Courtesy of Bloodbanker.com
Contrary to popular belief, I am not a superhero. Yeah, I’m pretty friggin’ awesome. But I can’t leap buildings in a single bound, I’m hardly as powerful as a locomotive, and I don’t go faster than a speeding bullet (or even a slowly moving shopping cart).
But what I can do is give blood. And donating blood saves lives. In fact, one donation can help as many as three people in medical centers across the globe. Despite that most of us have a little extra blood to spare, there are constant shortages as demand for complicated, but life-saving, medical treatments increase (a liver transplant, for example, can use 120 units of donated blood).
There are frequent blood drives in our area, not to mention anyone can donate any time at Coney Island Hospital. And now, parents from P.S. 52 have arranged for a neighborhood drive today. From noon until 6 p.m., you can stop by 2675 East 29th Street (between Avenue Z and Voorhies Avenue) and help save lives.
I may be no superhero … ::dramatic pause to emphasize cheesiness:: … but we can all be heros.
(l. to r.): Mary Powell, Pastor Ron Weinbaum of the King's Chapel, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, Ed Jaworski at MMHCA's 2009 Holiday Party
Madison-Marine-Homecrest Civic Association (MMH) is creating an award for civic-minded students of Marine Park Junior High School in memory of their long-time president Mary Powell, who passed away in February.
The Mary Powell Award is a $250 cash gift to an eighth grade student of the school that demonstrates a commitment to civic duty through volunteering in the school or community.
“After the passing of Mary we wanted some kind of fitting living memorial to her,” said Anthony Giacobbe, a board member of MMH that is coordinating with the school. “Not only do we want to be a watchdog, but we’re also trying to get involved in community activities … We thought that by honoring one of our local eighth graders at Marine Park Junior High School it would be fitting.”
The organization is planning to make the award an annual occurrence, taking place this year at the school’s end-of-year awards ceremony on June 16. This year, members of Powell’s family will present the award. The student will be picked by a committee at the junior high school. The school is contributing a plaque that with the recipient’s name, to hang in the hallways to inspire future generations.
Keep reading to learn about Mary Powell and how you can help support the award
