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Candice Dixon

Unyielding. Insistent. Enduring. PERSISTICON: There is No Planet B

May 3, 2019 By Candice Dixon Filed Under: Community, Feature, Uncategorized Tagged With: candice dixon, feminist, persisticon

Sunday, May 5th will mark the third Persisticon event at the Bell House, in Park Slope. This biannual night of comedy, and so much more, is a public statement insisting on the election of more progressive women. This weekend Persisticon III benefits EMILY’s List, a political action organization focused on helping pro-choice Democratic women achieve political positions.

An all volunteer production, Persisticon is highly anticipated and will be filled with laughs, information, and fun. The lineup for the evening’s festivities is phenomenal and at least 80% women, always. It includes Aparna Nancherla, Amber Tamblyn, Ana Fabrega, Kerry Coddett, and Ophira Eisenberg as emcee.

Persisticon will also provide an opportunity for local women entrepreneurs to share their activist-centric art and memorabilia with attendees and promote more community involvement. Drinks will be flowing, connections will be made, and a group of like-minded, fearless folks will unite for an energizing affair. The collision of art, comedy, and electing feminists has never been so exciting.

There are a few days left to purchase tickets and help take back the future of politics. It’s the responsibility of the people to impact the current climate and pave way for generations to come. For more details, visit persisticon.com and don’t miss the secret promo code to receive $20.20 off tickets (IPERSISTED). Make sure you’re caught in the collision this Sunday!

GET YOUR TICKETS HERE

Filed Under: Community, Feature, Uncategorized Tagged With: candice dixon, feminist, persisticon

A Satiable Taste of Fifth

April 16, 2019 By Candice Dixon Leave a Comment Filed Under: Community, Eat Local, Feature Tagged With: A Taste of Fifth, candice dixon, local food, Taste of Fifth

Prospect Bar and Grill, photography by Emily J. Davis

A Taste of Fifth 2019

A Taste of Fifth has seen yet another successful year, marking its highest ticket sales to date. More than 600 tickets were sold and a whopping $15,000 raised for the 15 benefitting non-profits. The excitement and merriment was undeniable throughout the evening as guests indulged in a myriad of local food and beverage selections on and around 5th Avenue. Returning veterans like Calexico (5th Ave. between Garfield Place and 1st Street) shared its famed Gringo Taco in adorable, colorful mini shells along with its delicious vegan Beet Tacos. Blue Sky Bakery, (5th Ave. between Bergen and St. Marks; 8th year veteran) showcased its token daffodil décor with platers of dairy-free veggie muffins such as  Pumpkin Apple Cranberry and Zucchini Strawberry Chocolate Chip.

Calexico
Simple Loaf Bake House

There was an impressive number of first-timers joining the fun this year. New businesses such as Simple Loaf Bake House (5th Ave. between 2nd & 3rd streets; opening May 2019) shared delectable treats such as Lemon Bars, Caramel Blondies, and Fudge Brownies. Also, Lizzy King Parlor (corner of 5th & Prospect Place) has joined the Fifth Avenue family boasting menu items which are sourced solely from New York purveyors including  Fleishers on 5th, from where their meat is purchased for the signature  pork sliders which were featured at the event. The Shaking Crab (corner of President Street & 5th Ave.) was on deck, marking its second participation. Guests sampled the spicy crawfish and head-on shrimp in a pool of ‘Shaking’ sauce: a savory mix of cajun spices, butter, and garlic with a kick.

With all the scrumptious tastes, there were many thirst-quenchers to pair along.  Zula Wines & Spirits, (5th Ave, between 11th and 12th streets, opened late 2018), had a constant line as guests enjoyed three wines – a Portuguese Rosé, an Austrian Grϋner, and a Montepulciano – and is co-owned by couple Amy Miles and Mike Robertson, and friend/comedian Amy Poehler. The featured wines are available for $12 or less. Brooklyn born Breuckelen Distillery (77 19th street; first time participant), stirred Manhattans and Gin and Tonic sippers through the night along with tastes of its whiskeys in the Grand Ball Room’s speakeasy as Hot Club of Flatbush regaled visitors.  

  • Zula Wine
  • A Taste of Fifth, 2019
  • Fogo Azul Drumline

The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another.

The night was not only a fantastic opportunity for the community to meet restaurateurs and the charities, but was a treat for the hospitality community to socialize with one another. Owners of SkyIce (corner of 5th Ave. & St. Marks) were very excited about returning to A Taste of Fifth (7th year participant) and spending time with fellow industry comrades. The dine serves provincial Thai cooking and all-natural homemade ice cream, and offered Krapraw Gai Sub( a dish with minced chicken in a chili basil sauce), along with Thai Tea and Roasted Thai Coconut ice creams – just two out of the 300 flavors offered in-house. Prospect Bar and Grill provided its best seller Four Cheese Mac and Cheese, and a Roast Pork Slider with pickled cherry pepper, broccoli rabe, and mozzarella. 

All entertainment, including members from Fogo Azul, an all women Brazilian drumline, was spot-on for the festive occasion. Congrats to all participants, restaurants, charities, and the Park Slope Fifth Avenue Business Improvement District for a job exquisitely done! 

Breukelen Distillery

 Photography by Emily J. Davis

Filed Under: Community, Eat Local, Feature Tagged With: A Taste of Fifth, candice dixon, local food, Taste of Fifth

School’s Out For The Summer: 2019 Summer Camp Preview

April 10, 2019 By Candice Dixon Leave a Comment Filed Under: Reader Recommendations, Reviews Tagged With: candice dixon, child care, outdoors, outside, park slope kids, Summer camp

Illustration by Heather Heckel
Illustration by Heather Heckel

Roasting marshmallows by the campfire, rock climbing up a cliff, swimming in the lake, and building robots are just a few fond childhood memories I have from summer camp. Everyday held unlimited adventures: hiking, field trips, acting, art classes, science experiments… all of which allowed my imagination to run wild! At the end of each camp day, I couldn’t wait to ramble about my exciting day to my parents. It was gåratifying to see their elated faces as I showed off my projects, or sang camp songs, and talked about my new camp-besties. Summer camp was liberation. No worries about homework, teachers, or tests… just sunny days, exploration, and great friendships.

If I could relive those days again I would without hesitation. And, if I were growing up in Brooklyn, I would have a hard time choosing from the list of awesome, diverse, action-packed choices this borough offers. It would be terrific to test my bow and arrow aim at Gotham Archery, master the halfpipe while boarding at Skateyogi or even land a lead role in a stage production at the Piper Theater summer session. In fact, I would definitely take a chance and experience a sleep-away summer session at Hidden Valley Camp in Maine. There are so many options and exposure for Brooklynite youngsters’ summer plans. Although that’s a wonderful thing, it can be overwhelming for parents to sift through options and make decisions, which is why the summer camp list was created. Use it as a guide to cater to your child’s creative, energetic, and inquisitive being. It is my hope that your child will look back as an adult and smile when thinking about past summer adventures due to a camp included on the list. 

Day Camps

Gotham Archery – It’s time for kids to nock their bows, aim, and release toward to target at Gotham Archery! Children can use their imagination while learning how to properly and safely become a master archer. The summer camp is available weekly and daily if preferred. During the day, campers will gain recurve and compound archery and participate in games, be involved with STEM projects, XBOX Kinect and receive homework /reading time opportunities, and of course celebrate their achievements during the Friday pizza parties!

Dates: Weekly and daily registration available for June 27 – August 26

Location: 2 locations – Gowanus and Lower East Side

Cost:

  • Early bird special: receive 10% refund if space is reserved by April 1
  • JOAD kids receive 10% refund
  • Siblings receive 5% off
  • Ranges from $225 – $600 based on daily or weekly registration
  • Early drop-off and late pick-up available for additional costs

Kim’s Kids Summer Camp – For kids who seem to last like the Energizer Bunny, well, we’ve found their summer camp match! Kim’s Kids Summer Camp offers daily trips within New York City and surrounding areas. Excursions allow kid to be kids through hiking, building sand castles, forging through streams, running, climbing, and more. The only thing your child will need at the end of each day is a restorative night’s sleep. Also, for parent’s convenience, flexible scheduling is available.   

Dates: July 1st – August 9

Location: Park Slope

Cost: Depends on session and number of days selected

Ages: 4 ½ through 12 years old

Kim’s Kids Camp

Mill Basin Day Camp – Here is a camp which caters to all – from toddler to teen. Mill Basic Day Camp offers a wide range of fun, interactive activities- like crafts, athletics, games and music for the little ones as well as swimming, field trips (baseball games, Great Adventure, museums, etc.), computer explorations for the older youth. This is ideal for families with children of varying ages to enjoy the summer together and make new friends. 

Dates: July 1 – August 23

Location: Mill Basin

Cost:  depends on time length and age level

  • Registration available for 4 – 8 weeks OR 3,4, or 5 days per week
  •   Early drop – off and late pick – up available for additional costs

Ages: 3 years old until those entering 9th grade

Skateyogi – If your child prefers to shred the Brooklyn sidewalks  on a skateboard, all day every day, than Skateyogi is totally their speed. Whether your child is interested in skating or is it obsessed with the sport, this is a young border’s summer paradise. Nonstop days full of halfpipes, ollies, and more! Potential campers may enjoy a trail opportunity before committing to the summer sessions, as day camp sessions are available during school holidays.  At Skateyogi, registration can be arranged for one week or more depending on level of interest. Plus, intermediate skaters can participate in the camp’s Urban Shredders program. 

Dates: Sessions start June 17 – August 30, 2019

Location: East side of Prospect Park and Golconda Skate Park

Cost: Early Bird registration until March 16 2019 (save up to 20% off)

  • Early Bird special: $600 – $675/week
  • Regular price: $725/week

Ages: 6 – 14 years old

Spoke the Hub (Camp Gowanee) – Youth artists will explore a myriad of art forms such as dance, theater, and digital film making; instructed by master artists at Spoke the Hub’s Camp Gowanee. Daily outdoor play allows children to release energy and then focus their creativity in the all-day intensives. Their original work will be presented in performance or portfolios and the end of each session. Be sure to consider the additional intensives for those 3 – 5 year old creative minds.

Dates: July 8 – August 30

Location: Park Slope

Cost: 

  • Varies based of selected program track
  • 10% discount for registration before March 1
  • Members receive 10% off
  • Siblings receive

•  10% discount for registrants before March 1

•  Members receive 10% off

•  Siblings receive 15% off

Ages: 8 – 12

TechExplorersBK – Is it hard to separate your child from a touch-screen device? Here’s an opportunity for kids to have a different type of hands – on approach to the technology to which they’ve grown attached. TechExplorerBK helps shift kids from consuming to producing technology. Classes are expert lead who provide a transformative learning environment for campers to experience the latest in technology and mold critical thinking, literacy, and problem solving skills. Curriculum covers 3D animation, Lego robotics, game making, and much more!

Dates: June 17 – August 30th

Location: Park Slope

Cost: varies depending on the sessions 

Ages: Ages in 3rd to 8th grade, depending on the class

The League of Young Inventors– All little engineers are welcomed to join The League of Young Inventors this summer. Weekly classes will allow children to unlock the mysteries and magic of how the world works. Children are encouraged to ask questions and use their wondrous minds to sketch, measure, cut, and glue their way to resolutions. Session topics include The Physics of Play, Spy Gadgets and Gizmos, music composition, and water inventions.

Dates: June 17 – August 26

Location: Park Slope ( multiple locations)

Cost: varying ranges for weekly or daily rates

Ages: kindergarten to fifth grade; each activity specifies specific age group

The Tiny Scientist

The Tiny Scientist – At The Tiny Scientist, campers learn about the wondrous world in which they live and beyond. Through hands-on exploration, design, questioning, and analysis kids will have a blast gaining understanding how the world works. Creative, fun, engaging sessions include: earth science, the solar system, kinetics, dinosaurs, and much more!

Dates: Multiple sessions spanning from late June until the end of August. Click here for details.

Location: South Slope and Prospect Heights

Cost: 

  • 0% off all summer sessions at the Prospect Heights location until April 1, 2019
  •  $140/day OR $600/week; early drop-off and extended day care available for additional costs. 
  • 0% sibling discount offered

Ages: 5 – 10 years old

Piper Theater – A world of wonder awaits young thespians at the Piper Theater. The entire month of July is filled with dramatic workshops, musical rehearsals, and improv to develop budding theater skills! Under the direct of John P. McEneny, students will create full-scale productions and perform them either in the Old Stone House of Washington Park.  

Dates: July 1 – 26, excluding July 4th

Location: Park Slope

Cost: Varies depending on program

Ages: 10 – 16 years old 

Sleepaway Camps:

Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp – An action-packed, adventurous summer retreat awaits all who attend Berkshire Hills Eisenberg Camp. This beloved co-ed Jewish sleepaway camp upholds Jewish values (respect, charity, community, and volunteering) and welcomes children from all backgrounds. Located in the beautiful Berkshires, campers can participate in traditional or culinary camp programs. Traditional camp includes water activities, athletics, arts and crafts and nature pursuits. The culinary campers will gain confidence in the kitchen through gaining food knowledge, field trips to local farms, visiting purveyors, and the Culinary Institute of America.  

Dates and Cost: varies according to sessions and activities. Visit this link for the traditional camping experience and here for the culinary camp. 

Location: Berkshires, New York

Hidden Valley Camp

Hidden Valley Camp – A fantastic option for children who want some independence and have an affinity for the performing arts and adventure! A leader in international sleepaway camps for over 65 years, Hidden Valley Camp offers a plethora of thrilling options such as horseback ridding (including llamas!), water sports, visual and theater arts, just to name a few. Camp days are spent 350 acres of land near the Maine coast and the owners of the camp, live at the camp year round.

Dates: 

  • June 22 – August 15
  • Select 3 – 4 weeks or 7 – 8 weeks sessions

Location: Freedom, Maine

Cost: 

  • Varies depending on number of weeks
  • Sibling discounts available
  • lus, discounts if parent is a public school teacher, police officer, or fire fighter

Ages: 8 – 14 years old

Filed Under: Reader Recommendations, Reviews Tagged With: candice dixon, child care, outdoors, outside, park slope kids, Summer camp

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