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Slope Survey: Laura Broadwell

February 9, 2023 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 26th installment.

Laura Broadwell has viewed the world from five Park Slope apartments in the past 38 years. She also observes life through the lens of a writer, editor, child advocate and content creator. Her essay “Life in Balance” appeared in the collection “Tick Tock: Essays on Becoming a Parent After 40” (Dottir Press, 2021) and her essay “What Would I Wear?” will be published in “Gray Love: Stories About Dating and New Relationships After 60” (Rutgers University Press, 2023). For the Spring 2022 issue of the Park Slope Reader, Laura wrote “Loyalty to Place,” an essay that weighed her views on living in the neighborhood against a future living elsewhere.

What brought you to Park Slope?

I was born in Park Slope in the late 1950s – in Methodist Hospital. I lived with my parents, grandmother and great-aunt in a two-bedroom apartment on 16th Street until I was about 7 months old. After that, our family moved to a house on Long Island, where I grew up. 

For years, I rarely stepped foot in Brooklyn, eager to explore other places around the world. But in my late 20s, I moved back to New York and began searching for an apartment in the city. As luck (or fate) would have it, I stumbled onto an apartment in Brooklyn, with a room renting for $200 a month. It was right off Flatbush Avenue, bordering Park Slope. The day I emerged from the subway and looked up at Grand Army Plaza, I was struck with the most auspicious feeling — I was home! That was in 1984, and I’ve been here ever since. 

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?

Park Slope has been part of my life for decades, so of course I have a world of memories. I remember a beautiful spring day in 2000, when my daughter Eleni sat up in her stroller and waved to every single passerby on Third Street. She said “Hi! Hi! Hi!” as if she were campaigning to be mayor of Park Slope. 

On September 11, 2001, I recall coming home from Manhattan and seeing burnt paper and ash all over the street. Neighbors, strangers, everyone walked in a daze, all sharing a collective grief. In March 2020, I watched cars pull away at the start of the Covid pandemic, leaving behind an emptiness soon filled by the sounds of ambulances and birds. Later that summer, I heard the very loud calls to justice by Black Lives Matter protestors in the streets — and in the early days of November 2020, I witnessed an entire neighborhood erupt in joy when Joe Biden officially won the election.

Describe your community superpower.

Even though I didn’t grow up in Park Slope, I have deep ancestral ties to the neighborhood. In the 1930s, my paternal grandmother — a Lebanese immigrant — became a young widow and left her home in Mobile, Alabama, with two small children in tow. She, my father and aunt moved to Park Slope to be closer to family. I moved to the neighborhood in my late 20s and eventually raised my daughter here, also as a single parent. After my father died in 2004, my mother came to live in Park Slope, spending her last years in the neighborhood, close to me and Eleni. My mom died in Methodist Hospital, more than 50 years after I was born there. My community superpower is that I can walk down nearly any street in Park Slope, or any part of Prospect Park, and evoke a family memory. 

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?

For all of what I love about Park Slope, I’ve seen the character of the neighborhood erode over the decades. There’s more traffic, more congestion, more blandness, more affluence, far less diversity. Real estate prices are prohibitive. People and establishments who have been at the soul of this neighborhood for generations are being driven out for all the wrong reasons. There’s definitely more transience here than ever before. If I could change one thing, I would somehow create beautiful blocks of affordable housing, so that the neighborhood could be a place for everyone — not only the wealthy. 

What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?

For the past 38 years, I’ve routinely passed certain brownstones that were built in the 1800s. These buildings are like family to me — steadfast, loyal, stately. In 10 years, I hope that these beautiful homes would still be here, watching over all the changes in the neighborhood. I’m not sure who’ll be living in them or what the vibe of Park Slope will be like then, but I have faith that — visually at least — some sense of history will be retained. 

What are you reading? Would you recommend it?

I just picked up a book at the Community Bookstore called “Listen, World! How the Intrepid Elsie Robinson Became America’s Most-Read Woman.” It’s co-written by Allison Gilbert, an author I know, and it’s gotten great reviews. So go pick up a copy!

What is your greatest extravagance?

Living in Park Slope!

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or Brooklyn, where would you go?

I really love warm weather and the sea, so ideally, I’d live somewhere that has both. My mother was born in Greece and I have relatives there, so I always dream of living on a Greek island…at least for part of the year. 

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

My father died in 2004, but I think of him every day. He was the most humble, hardworking, down-to-earth person I’ve ever met. He moved from Mobile, Alabama, to Park Slope when he was six and arrived with a strong Southern accent. The kids in Brooklyn made fun of him — but soon he sounded just like them. When he was 32, my dad relocated our family to Long Island, but he always retained his Brooklyn accent. I loved that about him!

In 2011, my dear friend Michael and his family contributed to a commemorative tree in Prospect Park, planted in honor of my father. It’s a beautiful burgundy belle maple — and it’s grown so much in the past 11 years.

Last word: What is turning you on these days?

The sky. Whenever I get off the subway from Manhattan, I look up at the sky and am so glad to be home. I love the movement, color and shape of the clouds, and the varying intensity of the sun. Looking up at the sky brings me to a place outside of my own thoughts and fixations. It gives me a sense of peace. 

Filed Under: Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Phil Chaitman

December 6, 2022 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey, Uncategorized

The Slope Survey returns for its 25th installment.

Phil Chaitman is the owner of Good Footing, a shoe store located in Park Slope, that sells a curated selection of comfort and outdoor brands of shoes, boots, and sandals for men, women, and kids. He has been in retail from his early teens, initially working in the family business that his father started in the 1940’s selling clothing and sporting goods. Good Footing has been an established business on 7th Avenue for over 25 years.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

When I met my wife she was living in Carroll Gardens. She convinced me to leave the frenzy of the lower east side for the beauty & safety of brownstone Brooklyn. Not an easy move for a Queens boy who always felt Brooklyn was on the other end of the planet.

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?  

The birth of my daughter was most memorable. The joy and fulfillment of parenthood is hard to beat.

Describe your community superpower.  

As Treasurer of the Park Slope Chamber of Commerce I have an important role in the annul Seventh Heaven Street Fair and the installation of the Holiday Lighting.

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

I would restrict the construction of hi-rise residential buildings like what is happening on 4th Avenue. This would limit population density in the area. I feel this would enhance the quality of life in the neighborhood.

What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?

Hopefully the continued growth and survival of small businesses will sustain the vibrancy and livability of the neighborhood.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

I recently finished reading The Book of Illusions, by Paul Auster. It’s about a college professor and writer who falls into a deep depression after losing his wife and two children in a plane crash. After a year of disfunction and depression his life is revived when he becomes obsessed with the story of an aspiring silent film comedian, Hector Mann who mysteriously disappeared at the height of his career. The quest to find out what happened to Mann leads him on a life changing journey of intrigue and self discovery . It’s a good summer read.

What is your greatest extravagance?  

Eating dinner out too often. Exploring the ever changing Brooklyn restaurant scene is too good to resist.

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

Tuscany or the south of France are pretty good choices. Can’t beat the cuisine.  I also just travelled to the Pacific Northwest, Vancouver Island, BC. It has physical beauty and a surprisingly mild climate year round. I would put it on my list.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

My dad is my hero. He immigrated to America as a three year old from Russia. He fought in the Marshall Islands in WWII. With only an 8th grade education he  succeeded in business and supported his parents and family through difficult times including the depression.

Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?

I have four grandkids and another on the way. Watching them grow is absolutely my greatest pleasure.

Filed Under: Slope Survey, Uncategorized

Slope Survey: Jacqueline Woodson

November 1, 2022 By admin Filed Under: Park Slope Life, Park Slope Lit

The Slope Survey returns for its 24th installment.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

I grew up in Brooklyn (Bushwick). After college, I heard about a woman looking for a housemate in Prospect Heights. The woman was Linda Villarosa who would become a renown journalist. Linda and I became good friends and when our building was sold, we found an apartment on 6th Avenue and 6th Street. Park Slope’s nickname was Dyke Slope because of the many queer woman living in the area. It was also amazingly racially diverse and beautiful. That was back in the early 90s. Even then, I knew I wanted to settle here and raise a family. And years after that, I, with my beloved, bought a house from two women on 5th Street. The serendipity of it was that one was a librarian and a fan of my work. We kept in touch until her passing a few years back.

What is your most memorable Brooklyn moment?  

Hmmmmm— I had a German Shepherd – Toffee. She was a sable shepherd with a stunning coat. She was also deeply neurotic and so badly trained (my fault). We were watching a parade on 5th Avenue and I was with my friend, Jana who knew Toffee as a dog who barked at every sound and paced our house incessantly. But outside, Toffee lay down and calmly watched the parade and it seemed every single person passing had to stop and have a moment with her. People kept talking about what a spiritual being she was. Jana was wide-eyed and I had to laugh and the outside/inside Toffee. I’m sure I’ve had many memorable moments here but that’s way up there.

Describe your community superpower.  

My community superpower IS my community. Park Slope got less and less diverse as the years passed but my friends and I kept our families close and raised our children together, having Sunday Dinners from the time the children were young till now when some have graduated college. We’ve been intentional about making sure they are in environments where they is not only one like them and that they see themselves reflected in the people around them, the books they read, the shows they watch. My superpower is keeping us close, making sure the dinners continue, the kids remain connected, and we continue to support each other as we do the work we have to do.

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  I wish it was more racially and economically diverse. I wish the Mom and Pop stores that used to exist on 5th Avenue could have survived alongside the restaurants and clothing shops. I wish people said hello to strangers the way they used to do. You see less and less of that here which saddens me.

What do you think Brooklyn will look like in 10 years?Jeez – who knows? I will hopefully still be sitting on my stoop with my computer on my lap as the great world spins around me.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  Emma Straub’s This Time Tomorrow – YES!!!!! And Does Perkins-Valdez’s Take My Hand – and yes again!

What is your greatest extravagance?I think starting Baldwin For The Arts was HUGE. When I got the Astrid Lindgren Award, I founded it. And when I got the Macarthur, I continued building. (And continue to build). It’s bigger than so many things I’ve done – exhausting and exhilarating.  Oh – and Art! I get really excited by stunning art. I love black and white photographs – Carrie Mae Weems, Dawoud Bey, James Barnor…

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?Harlem.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?If I started listing my heroes, folks would be reading this for days.

Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?Walking/runing 5-6 miles a day. SO much easier to do now that the weather is better. 

Jacqueline Woodson is the recipient of a 2020 MacArthur Fellowship, the 2020 Hans Christian Andersen Award, the 2018 Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award, and the 2018 Children’s Literature Legacy Award, and she was the 2018–2019 National Ambassador for Young People’s Literature. Her New York Times bestselling memoir, Brown Girl Dreaming, won the National Book Award, as well as the Coretta Scott King Award, a Newbery Honor, and the NAACP Image Award. She also wrote the adult books Red at the Bone, a New York Times bestseller, and Another Brooklyn, a 2016 National Book Award finalist. Her dozens of books for young readers include Coretta Scott King Award and NAACP Image Award winner Before the Ever After, New York Times bestsellers The Year We Learned to Fly, The Day You Begin, and Harbor Me, Newbery Honor winners Feathers, Show Way, and After Tupac and D Foster, and the picture book Each Kindness, which won the Jane Addams Children’s Book Award.

Filed Under: Park Slope Life, Park Slope Lit

Slope Survey: Tony Ward

June 1, 2022 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 23rd installment.

Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Siama Muhammad

March 2, 2022 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Siama Muhammad, Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 22nd installment with Dr.Siama Muhammad

What brought you to Park Slope? 

My husband. He grew up in Brooklyn in the 80s and 90s and always loved Prospect Park and has many fond memories there. It’s one the first places he brought me on my first visit to Brooklyn. I subsequently fell in love with the park and the neighborhood, and we lived on 12th street for five years before moving to Dyjer heights.

What is your most memorable Brooklyn moment?  

I have so many! I practically love here since I’m at my office pretty much every week day. I would say my most memorable moment was the birth of my third child at Methodist. I loved being able to get all my favorite treats after I deliver (read: Colson’s pastries ;))

Describe your community superpower.  

Envisioning, owning and running a small business for more than 8 years that is a dental practice. And being able to keep that “small town feel” even as we have grown over the years. Really striving to keep it genuine and focused on customer care. Even through a pandemic and business shutdown!

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

More diversity and affordability! Great things have happened in the district school system, and I know the problem is city wide, so continued attention to this is needed.

What do you think Brooklyn will look like in 10 years?

It will continue to be a beautiful neighborhood with awesome food life, culture and atmosphere! I hope we can keep more of the small businesses in and larger corporate businesses out 🙂

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

Breath, by James Nestor! I highly recommend it! It’s a NY times best seller and will open your eyes to how important the simple act of breathing is and how it can effect so many aspects of your health.

What is your greatest extravagance?  

High tech dental software and equipment!! It’s been such a game changer in the way I practice! We are able to diagnose and treat sleep disorders in dentistry and it’s been an important aspect of my practice.

If you couldn’t live in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

Queens!

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

My parents, who emigrated here and started from scratch just for the sake of their children’s well-being and education.

Last Word, What’s turning you on these days?

Airway dentistry!! Which is a focus on how the structure of the mouth and jaws impacts sleep and breathing. It can diagnose and influence problems of the TMJ, tongue, teeth and gums in an integrative way.

Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Siama Muhammad, Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Ann Cantrell

October 26, 2021 By admin Filed Under: Friends & Neighbors, Park Slope Life, Slope Survey Tagged With: Park Slope, park slope life, Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 21st installment with Ann Cantrell.: Ann Cantrell is the owner of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, on 5th Avenue between President and Carroll, which celebrates its 14th anniversary in October. She lives in Park Slope with her husband, comedian Rob Cantrell, and their daughter, a 5th grader at PS321. Ann is also an Associate Professor at FIT specializing in Sustainability and Circularity and a passionate advocate for small businesses.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

The owners of Scaredy Kat contacted me about eight years ago when they were moving to North Carolina and wanted another independent store to take their 5th Avenue space.  I had opened Annie’s in Boerum Hill (after initially looking in Park Slope) and this was the perfect opportunity as we had wanted a larger space and had so many wonderful Park Slope customers. My family and I moved here four years ago and both professionally and personally, I love being part of this community! 

What is your most memorable Brooklyn moment?  

The most memorable moment is probably when we hosted our first Egg Hunt in the backyard at Annie’s. We had spread the word but didn’t know what to expect in terms of the turnout.  I remember arriving at the shop with a dozen homemade cupcakes to find a line of people stretching down the block waiting to get in (those cupcakes were gone in a minute!) Luckily, we had enough eggs and activities for kids, the weather was beautiful, and we met so many of our neighbors who come back for the Hunt every year (weather and pandemic permitting).

Describe your community superpower.  

I am a connector and always havae been. If you are a creator or perform a service and are passionate about it, I want to share your story.  I love supporting people who are doing their own thing and doing it well. From my very first business plans for Annie’s, 10 years before I opened, I always envisioned that it would be a place for connecting with the community. That’s what general stores were ꟷ meeting spots where you’d get to know your neighbors and find exactly what you need. I love bringing people together and helping them spread joy with the best gifts.

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

I love Park Slope just as it is but do wish the drainage systems could be improved.  Many of our neighbors suffered damaged from the flooding from Hurricane Ida.

What do you think Brooklyn will look like in 10 years?

I think Park Slope will always keep its charm and sophistication. Thanks to this great community, independent stores and businesses are alive and even thriving in these tough times. I hope that this vitality continues for the next 10 years and many more.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

Right now, I am reading Writers & Lovers by Lily King which was a gift from a friend (so far so good!).  We did a Summer Book Club at Annie’s which was fun, and I have been tearing through novels over the past few months and buy them at Community Books on 7th (see my next answer!). 

What is your greatest extravagance?  

FREE TIME! I am a shopkeeper, a professor (I teach full time at FIT), a mom, a wife, and a friend. When I make time for myself, I treat myself by buying myself a good book from Community Books.

If you couldn’t live in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

I can’t imagine not living here! My family absolutely loves Park Slope and know this is our forever home. That said, one of our favorite places outside of Brooklyn is Capitola, California. It’s an amazing small coastal town that we discovered and fell in love with on a road trip down California’s Route 1. We would love to spend more time there someday!

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Anyone who has overcome adversity or hardship is a hero to me. I am constantly amazed by the will and determination of people to overcome tough times and it inspires me daily.

Last Word, What’s turning you on these days?

NATURE! I find inspiration through early morning walks, trips to the beach, and enjoying the four seasons. This cooler weather has me thinking about fall and hoping for a healthy and safe next few months.

Filed Under: Friends & Neighbors, Park Slope Life, Slope Survey Tagged With: Park Slope, park slope life, Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Shahana Hanif

September 7, 2021 By admin Filed Under: Feature, Slope Survey Tagged With: district39, shahana hanif, Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 20th installment with Shahana Hanif a candidate running for New York City Council for District 39.

Shahana Hanif is a Kensington Brooklyn born-and-raised daughter of Bangladeshi immigrants running to represent Brooklyn’s 39th District in the New York City Council. She’s a product of public schools having attended P.S. 230 and Brooklyn College, she’s an activist, community organizer, and public servant who has been building with neighbors on our most local fights for over a decade. At 17 she was diagnosed with Lupus which almost killed her. She had both hips and her left shoulder replaced and was bedridden in the hospital for months. Her experience navigating the complex health care and the inaccessible transit system was the catalyst for the community organizer and activist she is today. 

What brought you to the neighborhood? 

I’ve lived in District 39 in Kensington my entire life. My father arrived in Kensington over 35 years ago as a ship jumper from Bangladesh and my family has lived in Kensington ever since. 

What is your most memorable Brooklyn moment?  

In February 2019 during one of the coldest weeks of winter, the NY Times reported that detainees at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal jail in Sunset Park, were without heat and power. Council Member Brad Lander and I ran to Sunset Park to a harrowing scene of those inside banging in protest of abominable conditions. My video recounting this scene spread far and wide, getting 4.6 million views on Twitter alone and galvanized hundreds of protesters on the ground to demand the immediate restoration of power and heat. We succeeded. Every constituent deserves a voice in this city. And we have a lot more to do to end mass incarceration and divest from over-policing. 

Describe your community superpower.  

Throughout my life, I have been my community’s older sister — for friends on our block, to students at Brooklyn College, to tenant leaders while organizing at CAAAV. My life’s work is dedicated to bringing communities together to build local power and win transformative change. As an interfaith organizer and a superpowered connector, I know first-hand that we can only build coalitions once we build trust between different communities. Building trust is slow, hard work, and as an older sister to Sabia and Sazia and having spent most of my life as an organizer, I am always working on cultivating trust, being a better listener, and centering our community in the decision-making process. 

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

Bring back the B71 bus, which was a vital transportation service for seniors, public housing residents, students, families, and more. If the B71 cannot be brought back, we still need a comparable bus that provides East-West support across the Gowanus Canal.

What do you think Brooklyn will look like in 10 years?

This June is a critical turning point for Brooklyn and New York City as we elect a new Mayor, Comptroller, and a majority of Council Members. I want to see a feminist Brooklyn grounded in care that shows up for all our neighbors. We can create a Brooklyn where our government is participatory and responsive, where our schools are fully funded and integrated, where we have universal healthcare and affordable housing, where we secure a liveable future for our City with a Green New Deal, and where our streets are lush with trees, have protected bike lanes, and more open spaces for play and community arts programming. In 10 years I hope Brooklyn is a truly multiethnic, multilingual, intergenerational, feminist place to live.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

While I haven’t had a lot of time in the last year to read for pleasure since I’ve been running for office, Stacey Abrams’ book Lead From The Outside has been a lifeline as I’ve navigated running as a first time woman candidate of color.   

What is your greatest extravagance?  

A dinner consisting of tagliatelle in a creamy spinach sauce topped with ricotta cheese from Giovanni’s Brooklyn Eats and cranberry sage pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream Four & Twenty Blackbirds in Gowanus.

If you couldn’t live in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

Queens, because it’s the second best borough in NYC for food. But it’s hard to pick between Jackson Heights or Flushing. 

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Nahar Alam, a co-founder of the Bangladeshi Feminist Collective. Nahar has been foundational for my feminist analysis on care work and the lessons from her time leading Andolan and transformational multi-racial organizing, led by a coalition of Black, Latinx, Asian, and South Asian women. In the 90’s she organized to protect the rights of domestic workers – nannies, health aides, housekeepers and other household service workers. Andolan lobbied legislators to strengthen labor laws to put women workers over profits, and made way for the passing of the Domestic Workers Bill of Rights in New York State, guaranteeing protections around wage, work hours, and safety.

Last Word, What’s turning you on these days?

I’ve been deeply inspired by the abundant ways neighbors are showing up for one another during the pandemic in every corner of our district, from the Camp Friendship Food Pantry in Park Slope to People In Need’s work in Kensington. We’ve shown up for undocumented neighbors by raising over $40,000 in direct survival funds, provided food and art kits to working families, and fought to make vaccine distribution more equitable. 

I’ve also been energized by all the community support I’ve received throughout my campaign. District 39 is ready to elect their first woman Council Member! 

Filed Under: Feature, Slope Survey Tagged With: district39, shahana hanif, Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Yonatan Israel

May 22, 2021 By admin Filed Under: Feature, Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey, spring 2021, yonatan israel

The Slope Survey returns for its 19th installment with Colson’s Patisserie owner Yonatan Israel.

Yonatan was born and raised in Paris (France). He’s been a New-Yorker since 1998. After working in film, he was inspired by Hubert Colson, a family friend, to open a French-Belgian bakery. Colson Patisserie opened its doors in 2006  in Park Slope and has since expanded into wholesale distribution across NYC. Colson produces its baked goods and breads daily from Industry City where it also operates another store. Currently, he lives with his wife and three children between Tel-Aviv (Israel) and NYC.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

In 2005, I was looking for a good neighborhood to open my bakery. I was living in the East Village at the time and it did not feel like the right fit. So were most neighborhoods I knew in the city. Rents were already very high and I was looking for a space that was affordable and in a community that would embrace what I was trying to do. I saw this corner space that was a decrepit bodega but seemed to have potential. As I walked out, I met my neighbor, Olivier Conan who had opened Barbes next door a few years prior. I thought that if he could do business on that corner so should I.

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?  

So many moments, so many people. 

Great music next door, drinks with my staff. Michael Hearst who worked at the bakery in the early days and became one of my best friends. Many days spent in the kitchen with Hubert Colson who was so proud to have his products live on in Park Slope.

Describe your community superpower.  

Our Financiers Teddy Bears.

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

I never lived in Park Slope (I know, sacrilege) so I can’t really complain. It’s been good to me.

What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?

Based on the amount of recent residential projects on 4th Avenue, it will probably get more crowded, even less diverse and affordable. But that’s a city wide reality and it has been for as long as I’ve been here.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

I am reading “The kings county distillery guide to urban moonshining”. I’ve read a few books about distilling and spirits in the last year and that is one of the best ones. 

I’m also researching pizza and bread again and I’ve read a few great volumes by Marc Vetri and Ken Forkish. 

On the fiction side, I am in the middle of “The housekeeper and the professor” by Yoko Ogawa. Beautiful story 

I am an avid but slow reader and I always dozens of books in my kindle waiting to be read. Not enough time…

What is your greatest extravagance? 

I travelled with my family for 7 months starting in the summer of 2019. We were in India in March 2020 when the country closed its doors to tourists because of COVID. We ended up in Israel where my wife and kids still are. I’ve been back and forth since last summer. Taking time off or living elsewhere is something that seems inconceivable and/or impossible for most people. We were very lucky that we were able to do it. It was an incredible collective and individual experience.

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

I live right now between New York and Tel Aviv. I grew up in Paris. I’ve been lucky to live in very different and wonderful cities. If I could, I would like to live in India for some time.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Joni Mitchell, John Coltrane, Jose Andres, Jamie Raskin, James Baldwin to name a few who’s names start with J.

Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?

Permaculture. We need to start living and working in a way that sustains our planet and our people. Look it up!

Filed Under: Feature, Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey, spring 2021, yonatan israel

Slope Survey: Dave “The Spazz” Abramson

February 25, 2021 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: dave abramson, dave the spazz abramson, interview, Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 18th installment with well-known local radio personality Dave “The Spazz” Abramson.

Dave Abramson aka Dave the Spazz has hosted Music To Spazz By on WFMU 91.1 FM (wfmu.org) since 1987. He edited The Best of LCD: The Art and Writing of WFMU in 2007. He is currently finishing his biography of Jerry Lewis impersonator Sammy Petrillo.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

When I first moved to Kensington in the early 80s, Park Slope was the closet outpost of cool shops, bookstores and fun restaurants. 

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?  

I met my future wife at the (now closed) Great Lakes bar on 5th Avenue.

Describe your community superpower.  

I can jump over sidewalk-hogging baby carriages coming toward me in a single bound.

If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?  

I would bring back Southpaw, which was a terrific live venue across the street from the Key Food on 5th Avenue. 

What do you think Park Slope will look like in 10 years?

The Pogo Stick revival of 2030, permanent outdoor dining and 6th Avenue will be closed to vehicular traffic.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

I’m reading Robert Caro’s first LBJ bio The Path to Power. I highly recommend it. Like Caro’s earlier bio on Robert Moses (The Power Broker), it unlocks the political machinations that brought this country to its current state of insanity.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

I’m one of those pesky vegetarian Keto people and Keto food is expensive. I’ll drop too much dough on Keto desserts.

If you couldn’t live in Park Slope or in Brooklyn, where would you go?  

Clinton Hill.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Buster Keaton. I first saw his feature Sherlock Jr. (1924) when I was a kid and his offhanded inventiveness stunned me. It was the first time that I realized that anything was possible.

Last Word, What’s is turning you on these days?

Early (late 50s to mid-60s) pre-reggae ska.

Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: dave abramson, dave the spazz abramson, interview, Slope Survey

Happy Martin Luther King Jr Day!

January 18, 2021 By admin Filed Under: Community, Feature Tagged With: activism, Black Lives Matter, martin luther king day

It’s time to celebrate, grow, and build together.

Our top reads to celebrate all of those who work as activists who fight for rights and equality for all.

  • The Protests Heard Around the World
  • People Over Policing: 6 Ways to Reallocate Funds to Better Serve Our Communities
  • Adem Bunkeddeko: Offering Structural Change to NY-9
  • The Battle for 227 Abolitionist Place
  • The Free Black Women’s Library: A Space for Radical Ideas
  • The Earth is Life, and the Land is Our Home: Lenapehoking and its Original Inhabitants
  • “A List of Times I Didn’t Say Anything”

Filed Under: Community, Feature Tagged With: activism, Black Lives Matter, martin luther king day

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