Chinese New Year Celebrations Pulled off Without a Hitch

The Year of the Ox Celebrations got pulled off without a hitch. Paul Mak who runs BCAA always the gracious host allowed me behind the barricades as he does every year to get a great vantage point to shoot pictures. This year the number of dignitaries who showed up made a who's who list of local politicians and their cronies. Our own Sarah Gonzales was there, as well as newly elected Congress critter McMahon. Congress critter Anthony Weiner was there as was state senator Marty Golden, Councilmen Vincent Gentile and Reccia. Our Borough President Marty Markowitz was there as well, always aspiring to be a comedian. I forgot whether it was McMahon or Gentile who mentioned every neighborhood except ours in his speech. Someone else out there who was there will have to remind me. The biggest guest to show up of course, was our Mayor, term unlimited Bloomberg. I managed to shoot probably some 400 shots and got some ten minutes of video (my camera doubles as a video camera). Time permitting I will post that at a future date. In the meantime, I have extracted a sampling of the photographically orgasmic scene that this turns out every year, enjoy. When time permits I will try to upload some of the bounty to my Flicker account so other can view them.

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Prelude to tomorrow's year of the Ox Celebrations

In a prelude ot tomorrow's festivities I was rambling along 8th Avenue earlier today and stumbled on these Lion Dancers from some martial arts school doing the rounds of all the stores along the avenue. Tradition dictates that they will do a dance inside the store to ward off evil spirits for the coming year, in return of course, for some monetary renumeration. It's a way for these schools to raise some money. I suspect there will be other Lion Dancers doing the rounds up the avenue for the rst of the day. It would be neat if they extend the tradition to fifth avenue as well.

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Kings Hotel Ready to Open in February

The new Hotel I had written about last year located on 39th street between 9th and 8th avenues and which has been under construction almost forever will soon be ready to open it's doors. The hotel will feature a Karaoke bar among other things. They have recently been testing out all the neon lights that will light up the place making it look like a scene from Star Trek. The owner told me that what delayed the expected opening was the issuance of a certificate of occupancy from the city. All of that has been done and all is set to go.



The Karaoke bar features a really cool neon lit bar table as well as eerie green lighting of the liquor in the back. I assume they will cater to a mainly Chinese clientèle as the HDTV screens on all the walls displayed Chinese videos with Chinese subtitles. We will know much more once the operation begins. I expect that the clientèle for the hotel will be Chinese as well. But, give the swankiness of the place compared to the other hotel/motel on 39th street the Days Inn it will likely attract other kinds of guests.


Does Sunset Park need another hotel? Well, believe it or not, based on the traffic to the main website, Sunset Park has become a sort of tourist attraction. Not as crowded as Chinatown and with an abundance of restaurants. WE do get inquiries from Europeans and Asians. It's proximity to the D train station on 9th avenue and 39th street also makes it ideal as the D runs express into Manhattan after 36th street and makes it into Manhattan on a good day in 30 minutes. No word on rates and all those details yet. As to the argument that it's really in Borough Park (Boro Park) because it's on the other side of 8th avenue. I would say not, simply because Sunset Parks borders were designated to coincide with the zip code 11232 which runs to 9th Avenue. However, that side of 8th Avenue is covered by the 66th precinct which covers mainly Boro Park. This side of 8th Avenue is covered by the 72 which covers all of Sunset Park. But why quibble, I will bet that most of the customers will be Chinese or others with a fair share of people who will be using it to stay while they visit relatives at Lutheran Hospital. It is however even closer to Maimonides in Boro Park. I wonder if the owner took all of this into consideration when he planned it.

On another note, I miss Culver auto body works which used to be located on that spot. I had a number of cars done there over the years. A Buick Skylark, a Beemer and my GMC Jimmy. Everytime I look at the hotel, I will be thinking of the accidents that caused my cars to be at that location. Wonder if the Karaoke place will serve food? Will they have wifi?

Readers may also be interested in the following thread in a recent blog regarding hotel construction in Sunset Park and at Brownstoner there is this.

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Chinese New Year celebrations this Sunday!!

The Brooklyn Chinese American Association holds it's annual Chinese New Year celebration this Sunday at 50ths street and 8th Avenue. It is certainly one of the largest. There will be a parade up along 8th avenue. Lots of dignitaries visiting. If you have seen past celebrations It's a site to behold. Bring you cameras, it's one of the most photogenic events. Bring your kids, they will remember this for years to come. The pictures below are from the celebration that I shot in 2007, enjoy!

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We're Baaack!!

After a year in which some health problems interfered with life we have returned to the blogging sphere. Might as well, the main website at sunset-park.com was down for two weeks after disaster struck while moving it to a new server. In any case, we now know we are mortal and like a car the body needs occasional tuneups and visits to the mechanic. It can be distressing. But, what a year it has been. Our economy is in the toilet, we have a new president and our houses are worth less yet the city insists that real estate values went up so they can charge you more taxes. Has anyone one gotten their house valuations from the city? Do these people live on an alternate universe? There is less money to go around, and yet they insist we ought to send THEM more money.

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American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Sunset Park Brooklyn

Received the following to post on our website via our blog.

My name is Sylvia Gonzalez Delgado and I am Co Chair of the American Cancer Society Relay For Life in Sunset Park Brooklyn. I am hoping that you will be able to post our relay event on your paper . My husband died of cancer and I relay in his name. We relay in hope for a cure. If any questions please feel free to contact me. Please view our site you might want get involve http://www.events.cancer.org/RFLsunsetparkNY I am also team Captain of Hope a Way To A Cure read why I relay. Our event is Posted below. Please get back to me if you will be able to print this for us. Thanks

Sincerely,

Sylvia Gonzalez Delgado

Co Chair / Team Captain of Hope a Way to a Cure

American Cancer Society Relay For Life

American Cancer Society

Relay for Life of Sunset Park

One day. One night. One community. Your Relay For Life^® is about celebration,

remembrance, and hope. By participating, you honor cancer survivors, pay tribute to the lives we've lost to the disease, and raise money to help fight it all right here in your community. You won't want to miss one moment of this life- and community-affirming event!

Event Date and Time
June 14, 2008

Event Location
PS 503 / 506, at the corner of 4th Ave and 60th Street

Event Contact
Jen Silvester
718-237-7851 x9134
Jen.Silvester@cancer.org

Event Schedule
2:00 PM-11:00 PM

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Free Health Fair Coming to Sunset Park

From an e-mail I received for my website;

The Community HealthCorps VISTA program of New York City is excited to announce that "Health Fair! Health Living Starts Today" will be held in Sunset Park, Brooklyn on Saturday June 14^th, 2008. This fair will be welcoming the families of Sunset Park as well as local health and community organizations.

There will be many services offered at this fair. Information will be offered on nutrition, type II Diabetes, dental health, cancer screenings, exercise, heart disease, sexual health, and general women’s health. Blood pressure readings, glucose tests, body mass analysis, vision tests, and HIV testing will be offered by medical providers at booths or within mobile health vans. Our goal is to address the medical needs of this community through a free and enjoyable event.

WHEN: Saturday June 14th, 2008 11 AM to 3 PM


WHERE: The Sunset Park Recreational Center @ 43rd Street and 7th Avenue

Click on above image for a more readable version.

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Happenings (Free Book Talk April 6)

Two Brothers, One North One South

A Book Talk with Author David H. Jones

Sponsored by The Green-Wood Historic Fund

A story of the Prentiss Brothers, Marylanders who fought on opposite sides in the Civil war and are buried side by side at Green-Wood. Author Jones will also give a book signing on his book.

Admission is FREE but space is limited. Call for reservations 718.768.7300

WHEN: Sunday April, 6, 2008 @ 1:00 PM

WHERE: Green Wood Cemetery's Historic Chapel
500 25th street on 5th Avenue.

Following the Book Talk Green-Wood historian Jeff Richman will lead a trolley tour to adjoining graves of the Prentiss brothers, as well as othe significant Civil War Gravesites. The trolley Tour is $20 / $10 for Historic Fund Members.

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Happenings (Free GED prep class)

The Fifth Avenue Committee is sponsoring adult education classes for the General Equivalency Diploma or GED.

Registration must be done by March 28.

WHERE: P.S. 94 Henry Longfellow School
5010 6th Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11220

WHEN: Classes will be held Mondays and Fridays from 9 AM to 12 PM

For more information call: 718.624.3475

WEBSITE: http://www.fifthavenuecommittee.org

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Happenings (Foster Parents needed)

Our local Center For Family Life is currently looking for singles or couples interested in helping other families within our community by providing a loving and safe foster home to children in need.

WHEN: Wednesday, March 26, 2008 @ 5 PM

WHERE: The Center for Family Life
345 43rd street
Brooklyn, New York 11232

Please RSVP Stephanie Ruiz or Karen Tesoriero @ 718.788.3500

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Happenings ( 72 precinct Council meeting)

The 72nd Precinct Community Council will hold it's meeting this Tuesday March 11. Cop of the month will be announced at the meeting. For more information call the precinct @ 718.965.6326.

When: Tuesday March 11, 2008 @ 7:30 PM
Where: Marien-Heim Senior Citizen Houses, 4520 4th Avenue

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Happenings (Sunset Park Zoning Plans)

The city will be unveiling the new zoning plans for Sunset Park. Representatives from the Department of Urban Planning will make a presentation to Community Board 7.

For further information on this forum you may call the community board @ 718.965.6326

When: Thursday March 13, 2008

Where: 4201 4th Avenue

When: 6:30 PM

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Trying to get back to blogging

The last couple of weeks have been rather difficult in trying to find the time to blog. However, I wish to assure the few readers that I have that we will be getting back to it on a regular basis as soon as I free up more time. At this moment, time for blogging is in short supply but I will make an effort to post when I can.

It's Confirmed, It's a Hotel

I reported when I started this blog a couple of months ago that the construction on 39th street between 8th and 9th Avenues was going to be a hotel. Those were the rumors and buzz going around. One could also see that the architecture seemed to be more fitting for an office building or a hotel. Now we can confirm that it is a Hotel that is nearing completion at the location. It is ideally situated near the 9th Avenue D train station placing it within a half hour of midtown Manhattan and it is also within easy reach of the B35 and B70 bus lines. One of the work permits at the site states that they are in the process of obtaining a certificate of occupancy for a "transient hotel". When construction will be completed we do not know at the moment. But it appears that the building is mostly already built.

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Scandal In Sunset Park

After a hiatus of a week or so I find myself returning to focus on the blog in the midst of a major scandal at one of the local non-profits that is heavily tied to some of our major politicos in our nabe. The story is rife with profligate spending of taxpayer money, bribes and payoff of no show jobs. One has to wonder who else is involved and who will be brought up on the net. It seems that both the state attorney general and the Brooklyn district attorney are investigating the goings on at the Evelyn Douglin Center for Serving People in Need (SPIN) of Sunset Park. Let's see if the fishing expedition traps a wider net or is abandoned if some of our local representatives in government are implicated. It's wait and see time as we await with baited breath the results of these investigations. One has to wonder how a non profit that receives the largesse of taxpayer money with the aid of our local politicians managed to avoid the radar after all these years. Mind you, non of this would have come to light had not someone who worked there blown the whistle. Maybe it may be time to do an audit of all the other non profits that abound in our nabe. That of course will never happen. The Daily News has had ample coverage in the last two days with one story here and another one here.

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Chinese New Year Celebrations mostly a success With Notable Absences

The celebrations of the Year of the Rat/Mouse went off as scheduled on Sunday. At peak time 8th Avenue was packed as tightly as Times Square on New Year's Eve. The celebration lasted a little over the scheduled three hours as such things are wont to do. However, unlike last year there were some people who were conspicuous by their absence. The borough president sent a representative, our own Council person Sarah Gonzales was missing in action sending a minor functionary of her office. Congresswoman Nydia Velasquez was missing as well as was our assemblyman Felix Ortiz. Most of these characters including the district attorney Charles Hynes who attended last year were missing. In fact, what one would consider all the major political players in Sunset Park were out of sight, but not out of mind.

Should the Chinese community consider this a slight? What changed from last year to this one to see such absence? Vincent Gentile was here last year and this one. He probably didn't get invited to the party the others must have been attending to warrant their absence. Of course he represents Bay Ridge where rumor has it a few Chinese live as well. Present this year was Peter Abate who I don't remember seeing last year. He represents mostly Bensonhurst which has a growing Chinese population that is almost rivaling that of Sunset Park in size.

The weather under the command of Mother Nature cooperated in allowing the Suns to shine during the time. The festivities were very delightful with school children performing traditional songs and dances and a very impressive Kung Fu demonstration as a prelude to five teams of Lion Dancers performing at the climax of the presentation. Neeedless to say there was color everywhere. A photographer's eye candy to be had.

Paul Mak was gracious enough to allow me a great vantage point for me to shoot some photographs as he did last year. I managed to pull off some 500 shots and will post the better ones when time permits in the coming days. All in all a great time was had by all. All our parties should be as well orchestrated and organized.

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Foster Parents Needed

Our local Center For Family Life is currently looking for singles or couples interested in helping other families within our community by providing a loving and safe foster home to children in need.

WHEN: Wednseday, February 13, 2008 @ 5 PM

WHERE: The Center for Family Life
345 43rd street
Brooklyn, New York 11232

Please RSVP Stephanie Ruiz or Karen Tesoriero @ 718.788.3500

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Tango Lessons for FREE

I am not much for dancing, but being an Argentine by birth I grew up around tango. I probably have most of the songs that Carlos Gardel ever sang in my collection. So while I was at the library I picked up a flier whose key word Tango caught my attention. So I figure, in a neighborhood that is heavily latin it might be of interest to my readers.

WHAT: Tango Workshop

WHEN: Every Saturday from February 16 to April 5 2008 @ 2 PM

WHERE: Brooklyn Public Library, Central Library, Grand Army Plaza
Third Floor Parkview Cafe
For information call 718.230.2417

COST: FREE!!!! Everyone is welcome, arrive early workshop is on first come, first serve basis....

From the flier;

"About the instructor: Originally from Venezuela, Luis Alfonso Tarazona has been dancing since the age of four. Tango is hios specialty. He currently teaches an after-school program for the Young Women's Leadership School in the Bronx."


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Chinese Lunar New Year is Today- Year of the Rat

Today is officially the start of the Year of the Rat. All over 8th Avenue some stores are closed. Flower sellers will be on most blocks and some martial arts schools will be visiting the avenue with their Lion Dancers. Then on Sunday at 11 AM the big Celebration will take place on the corner of 8th Avenue and 50th Street. Be sure to bring your cameras for some really colorful images.

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Chinese New Year Preview 2

Here are some more photos of what you can expect this year at the February 10 celebrations. Some shots I took at last year's celebrations.

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