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Slope Survey

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: 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

Slope Survey: Jessica Morris

December 9, 2020 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 17th installment with local campaigner and author Jessica Morris.

Jessica Morris was born and brought up in Greenwich, London. She worked as a campaigner for refugee groups and for the UK homelessness charity, Shelter. She then worked as a communications consultant for major British corporations and government departments.

In 2006 she moved with her husband Ed and three children Felix, Tess and Emma to Park Slope after Ed was offered a job in New York. In New York she has worked for the transportation campaign ITDP before setting up and heading a US branch of the London-based communications company Fishburn, later transferring to FleishmanHillard. 

In January 2016 Jessica was diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumor, a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Two years later, she set up OurBrainBank, a new international group that aims to turn GBM from terminal to treatable, powered by patients.

What brought you to Park Slope? 

In the summer of 2006, we had the chance of moving from London to New York as my husband Ed was offered a job here. We panicked. How could we find somewhere to live in a city we barely knew with three kids aged three, six, and nine on our hands? Where would we start looking? I was always clear about how to find the right neighborhood – it needed a good public elementary school, and it needed a park in order to let our unruly kids run wild. Try putting a three-year-old to bed without having zonked her out with exercise beforehand. So we scouted around from the Upper West Side and Tribeca to Cobble Hill and Fort Greene but only one place resoundingly ticked both boxes – Park Slope. How grateful I’ve been over all these years that we made that decision.

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?  

I remember the day I first took our youngest, Emma, to pre-K at the Garfield Temple school. It was the only place we could find that would take her. All the other schools and childcare facilities were already full or had weird criteria we couldn’t meet. Berkeley Carroll even insisted on Emma coming for an interview before they could offer her a place. We asked to do the interview by phone, given that we were still in the UK at the time, but they said it had to be face-to-face. “She’s only three!” we implored, but they wouldn’t budge. So off she went to the temple. We were both nervous. How would it go? When we got there the other kids and their parents were already tucking into bagels. They all looked delightfully happy. It was astonishing how easy it was for both Emma and me to make friends. Today, 14 years later, Zoe and Coco are still Emma’s besties, and their mums Janet and Jill are mine.

Describe your community superpower.  

My superpower has been creating a life for me and my family out of nothing. We started over when we got here. We only knew one person – the wonderful Ellen Chase who we had met once in London and who was a rock for us when we got here. But otherwise, we were entirely on our own. Out of that slim beginning, I’ve gathered around me a fantastic group of loyal Park Slopers who in my darkest hours have been there for me every step of the way.

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

I would love to see Seventh Avenue regain some of its independent and curious spirits. Over the 14 years we’ve lived on the Slope we’ve seen Seventh Avenue slide into corporate mediocrity. All the lively, interesting little shops have disappeared to be replaced by chains. Now when you step out of our house and want to soak up the spice of life in Park Slope you have to go down to Fifth Avenue where the vibe lives on. But with the pandemic, I’m fearful that the same dreary process of shop closures and chain takeovers will now hit Fifth as well. Bring back free-thinking creative Park Slope!

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

Here’s what I hope it will look like in 2030: I hope that it will be full of young people – of all races and ethnicities and sexual orientations and identities. Young people including our kids should have a chance to live in such a vibrant, beautiful, and people-centered neighborhood. Truly, Park Slope has everything in it that anyone could need or desire. Here’s what I fear it will look like in 2030: The neighborhood will be almost entirely white and wealthy, school segregation will be complete, only the offspring of Wall Street bigwigs will be able to live here. Maybe Russian oligarchs will own all the brownstones. That’s before we get to climate change. The trees will be withering and dying. It will be too hot to sit outside of an evening from April through to November. Tornadoes like that one in 2010 that ravaged Park Slope will be an annual event. Wow, I’m starting to depress myself. We better all get up and start marching to prevent this dystopia from destroying our great community.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

To my great frustration, I’m not able to read any more. I have a brain tumor, a glioblastoma, which is one of the most vicious cancers that exist. The tumor and my treatment for it has destroyed my peripheral vision which means I can no longer read. So I’ve taken to listening to podcasts. I’m obsessed with The Daily from The New York Times, and Today in Focus from the Guardian which Ed appears on occasionally (he’s a Guardian reporter), and This American Life. When I need something a bit lighter and more personal I listen to Desert Island Discs from the BBC in which celebrities are asked to play the most meaningful music from their lives as though they were stranded on an island. The episodes with Tom Hanks and Billie Jean King are priceless.

Before I lost the power to read I did devour a book called When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi. He was a neurosurgeon but when he was diagnosed with lung cancer was thrown into the role of patient. His very moving account of his journey really helped me as I negotiated my own. I highly recommend it.

What is your greatest extravagance? 

It seems a world away now, but in the days of BP – Before Pandemic – we used to love hopping on a plane with the kids and going somewhere gorgeous. A long weekend spent in Mexico City, walking through the oval parks of Condesa, was bliss to me. Perhaps the best was going down to Oaxaca, spending a wonderful week in the city guzzling on mezcal and mole, then getting a scarily small propeller plane over the mountains to San Agustinillo, a tiny beach town on the coast. That was very heaven. 

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

There are so many places. We just had a fantastic time as a Pandemic getaway in Maine. I could see myself tucked up in a little cabin on the Maine coast, living off lobsters and clams. But my heart lies in Ireland – Heir Island to be precise. A small island community of about 40 houses off the coast of south-west Cork where I’ve been going since I was born. If I were booted out of Park Slope and Brooklyn, there is nowhere else I’d rather be. I know brunch at Miriam’s or Stone Park Cafe is hard to beat, but imagine stepping into a little dinghy and sailing over to the next island, Sherkin, for a pint of Guinness and you’ll start to see why that’s my natural home away from the Slope.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Fabio Iwamoto, my fabulous neuro-oncologist at Columbia University Hospital. From the beginning of my battle against brain cancer he encouraged me to think big – to seek new and experimental treatments rather than settling for the “standard of care”. More than that, he’s become a great friend, someone who truly cares about my well-being and does all he can to help me through.

Last Word, What is turning you on these days?

Watching our three kids suddenly engage with the politics and future of America has been amazing for me as a naturalized US citizen (we became Americans in March 2017 – can you imagine what bad timing that was?)  The kids threw themselves at the protests that went down Flatbush, though they kept on the sidelines given that I am severely immune-compromised and they have had to be in strict lockdown with me. Our son Felix draped a Black Lives Matter flag from his bedroom window and the girls Tess and Emma placed an ACAB placard in the front window – that got a few looks from passersby. November 3 will be the first time that all five of us will be able to cast our votes in a presidential election. That’s what really turns me on – the thought of finally seeing some real change in this country. This is such a nightmare period – wouldn’t it be fantastic to get back on the road towards respect and love not to hate.

Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: Slope Survey

Slope Survey: Selina Alko

June 11, 2020 By admin Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: selina alko, Slope Survey

The Slope Survey returns for its 16th installment with local author and artist Selina Alko.

It is no wonder that award-winning writer-illustrator Selina Alko now spends her days melding words and mixed-media art to convey stories of hope and inspiration—as well as an alternative viewpoint. Growing up in Vancouver, British Columbia with a Turkish father who spoke seven languages and taught painting, and a mother who worked in the family’s century-old metal recycling business, she was surrounded by the melody of words and stories from different places. Selina’s picture books include The Case for Loving: The Fight for Interracial Marriage, B is for Brooklyn, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, and most recently Joni: The Lyrical Life of Joni Mitchell, which Kirkus called, “An inspired and creative ode to the inimitable Joni Mitchell.” Selina lives in Park Slope, Brooklyn with her multiracial family.

What brought you to Park Slope?

Before Park Slope, I was living & working in a tiny studio apartment in the East Village. It was the year 2000 when I realized most of my friends were living in Park Slope, and since I was craving more living space and thinking about investing in an apartment, the time to move seemed right.

What is your most memorable Park Slope moment?

I have several memorable moments that all seem to involve coffee shops. I wrote my first picture book, I’m Your Peanut Butter Big Brother and then another, Daddy Christmas & Hanukkah Mama, in Blue Sky Bakery while my son (who is now a teenager!) was napping in the stroller. I became friendly with the owners and for a while, we traded muffins for books. When I moved to the South Slope, I conceptualized and sketched out B is for Brooklyn in Parco. I was devasted when the owner (Alex Pozzan) died. I really miss that place.

Describe your community superpower.  

I think I am good at bringing people together around books and art. I feel at my best when I’m involved in a lot of different groups and projects-– although, I must admit I probably have my hands in too many right now! Being a member of the Pen & Ink Brigade (women artists working for progressive change) feeds my soul. We have been bringing artists together with members of our community through targeted art-shows, raising thousands of dollars for Emily’s List and FairFight Action. In terms of children and families, my involvement with the Brooklyn Public Library takes me into local schools where I get to meet and interact with our borough’s youngest readers. Also, I contributed to the large scale mural project in the Youth Wing of the Grand Army Plaza Branch (along with six other children’s book creators). And up until recently, I chaired the PS10 Author’s Committee which organized several community-wide book events with award-winning kid-lit authors.

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

Lower the rents for small businesses. 

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

I hope more diverse! The schools are integrating better now with the district 15 diversity initiative. My daughter goes to MS88 and I am seeing real changes in the local schools already.

What are you reading, would you recommend it?  

I am reading Trick Mirror by Jia Tolentino. It is helping me understand my relationship with social media and the dislocation of spending too much time online. She writes about the performative-self in a way that’s helping me understand the uncomfortable feelings I’ve been having around self-promoting lately. If you’re someone struggling to make sense of the pull of social media and the overwhelm of technology in this era that seems to demand constant engagement then, yes, I would recommend reading it.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Buying coffee out (even after having a few cups at home) and ordering take-out more than I should. I have shame and guilt around not investing more time in meal planning and not really enjoying cooking. I feel bad for my teenagers who crave fancy meals. My new mantra should be: I make books, not cakes, and I’m okay with that.

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

You know, I really love this neighborhood. I am originally from Vancouver, Canada, and people often ask me why I don’t move back. Vancouver is beautiful, yes. Canadian health care system is more humane, yes. But Brooklyn is filled with writers, artists, and politically-minded people engaged in the world in ways that I find essential to my being. Of course, there are other enclaves with like-minded folks, Portland and Philly come to mind… but, I have made my home here in Park Slope, and I think I’m in it for the long haul.

Who is your hero, real or fictional?

Joni Mitchell. I recently wrote and illustrated a picture-book biography about the Canadian singer-songwriter. She has been my muse for the past 5 years or so. Did you know that she overcame polio as a child? Her grit and determination to get better helped carry her through many tumultuous years as an aspiring artist and musician. She wrote brilliant poetry into songs that shaped a generation. It feels very grounding to listen to her honest and truthful music – especially in this age of misinformation. My 15-year-old son can’t understand my fascination with her music, but I like to think someday he will really listen to her lyrics. Then, he will understand. 

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

I am loving Brandi Carlile’s genre-defying music. Her live concert of Joni’s album Blue was crazy wonderful. Also, I can hardly keep up with the explosion of graphic novels being published. Maybe it’s because I’m an illustrator that the multi-sensory reading experience is so fulfilling to me. The two books I’ve loved lately are, Good Talk by Mira Jacob–– about race and colorism, and Belonging by Nora Krug–– an investigation of the German author’s family’s involvement in World War II. Both are profound books worth reading, ideally while listening to Brandi Carlile and/or Joni Mitchell.


https://www.gofundme.com/f/park-slope-reader-covid19-relief

Filed Under: Slope Survey Tagged With: selina alko, Slope Survey

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