From The New York Shitty Photo Pool, Part III: Junot Diaz and Principal Santana
Ordinarily I refrain from posting more than one photo from a member of my photo pool in a single day. However, given that this hails from our very own Automotive High School I am making an exception. Chris Arnade (who took the above photograph) writes:
The writer Junot Diaz read from his book and did a great Q&A at a fund raiser for the Frances Perkins Academy, run by his old friend (and now Principal) Dr. Santana.
I was lucky enough to get this picture; two amazing people devoted to helping kids navigate a tough period.
This is a wonderful portrait of two very good friends. Great job, Chris!
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Ender: Go Pistons!
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Culture War, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Although I had to work today I simply had to swing by and see the Pistons play at their (ostensible) “home field”: McCarren Park. From what little I saw (30 minutes) it was an action-packed game. But before I proceed to the following (mini) slide show I feel compelled to make a couple of disclosures:
- I am not really into football. It is not my thing. But that wasn’t the point of the exercise. Rather, I enjoyed seeing these kids having fun and (along with some of my fellow Garden Spotters— and I suspect a few Williamsburgers) wanted to give them a little Greenpoint spirit! On a related note methinks the 7-8 of New York’s Finest stationed around the field had some fun as well.
- I am not a very good “sports” photographer by virtue of the previous point. Once again: I am not a “sports” person. At least regarding not the ones which do not involve drinking beer (READ: bowling and pool).
Without further ado, here it is. Enjoy!
As always you can view this slide show in larger format by clicking here. Otherwise you can see a full roster and schedule (!) for the Pistons 2010 season by clicking here.
Go Pistons!
Miss Heather
Vollies Needed At AutoGarden
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
Ever had something you have been meaning to get around to be keep forgetting to do? This post will (hopefully) address one of the the items that has long been on my “to do” list but has, gotten lost in the shuffle— repeatedly. If you like what you have just seen please volunteer at this wonderful addition to the neighborhood. Let’s work together to help this much needed bit of greenery going in the Garden Spot of the Universe!
Miss Heather
LAST GASP: Automotive High School Isn’t McCarren Park’s “Home Team”
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Culture War, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
When I read this article by the inimitable Aaron Short I became furious. Not only do I find the fact these youths have to travel one mile (and purchase their own Metrocards) for the pleasure of playing football when there’s a field across the street utterly ludicrous, but I cannot shake the nagging suspicion that race— or at least class— has something to do with this. These suspicions are not in the least bit assuaged when I read a quote like this, which comes from a Department of Education Spokesperson:
It creates too many obstacles and we don’t want to have any kind of furious accidents there.
Perhaps Ms. Feinberg would be kind enough to explain to me exactly what constitutes a “furious accident”? God only knows I have seen my fair share (and then some) of unsavory activity at McCarren Park. I fail to see how a high school football game could possibly make the situation any worse. If anything watching these games would, in all probability, be a source of enjoyment for many in our community. But of course, youth football games do not make money. Which brings me to the Parks Department’s rationalization for this farce:
…A Parks Department spokesman added that the athletic league’s rules state that the games must be played in places that are not open to the public. Four years ago, the Parks Department actually issued permits for two Pistons games in McCarren Park, but the city reversed course, citing security concerns…
Yet, these very same people have no problem whatsoever taking much-needed playground space (READ: Barge Park) to throw carpet-bagging fund raisers. Events, which I can assure you, are of negligible interest to the people who use said park(s). Here’s the deal:
In the 10+ years I have lived here I have seen nothing but good things happening at the Automotive High School. It has come a long way. The Automotive High School’s students have treated me with nothing but respect. When they have bumped into me on Bedford Avenue (as excited gaggles of teenagers often do after school— we are talking about kids, after all) they have always said “excuse me”. This cannot be said of many folk who populate Bedford Avenue nowadays. Why is it so difficult for this city to— instead of blame-tossing— afford these youths a little respect and consideration? They deserve it. In closing here are a few vintage shots of football at McCarren Park.
Miss Heather
Photo Credits: The image at the beginning of this post was taken by Aaron Short.
Greenpoint Photos Du Jour: Rock & Grow High School
(Or, Looking Good In The Neighborhood!)
I’ve noticed a number of changes at Greenpoint’s very own Automotive High School over the years. First there were musicals (Guys & Dolls). Last year they started a garden. That was pretty cool— but it is nothing in comparison to what they have created this year!
Raised beds with every imaginable herb, fruit and vegetable imaginable. Pumpkins, tomatoes, sage; you name it!
What I particularly adored was the furniture these youths created to accompany this much-needed (re)greening of Greenpoint. The above bench reads: AUTOHS.
And a rocker fit for a queen.
Or perhaps a king? In any case I cannot do justice to what this creation. See it for yourself!
Automotive High School Garden
50 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Miss Heather
Greenpoint Photo Du Jour: Top Friended
Filed under: 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
From the Automotive High School.
Miss Heather
New York Shitty Day Starter: In Bloom At The Automotive High School
Filed under: 11211, 11222, Greenpoint, Greenpoint Brooklyn, Greenpoint Magic, Williamsburg, Williamsburg Brooklyn
From Bedford Avenue.
Miss Heather
TONIGHT: Concert For A Cause
Tonight our very own Automotive High School will be hosting a fundraiser to raise money for their upcoming production of Guys And Dolls. Not only will the $10.00 price of admission buy you an evening of musical entertainment, but you will also have a chance to win prizes from such local businesses as The Bee Hive, Teddy’s, and much, much more. Check it out!
SAVE THE HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL
April 28, 2009 (that’s today!), doors open at 7:00 p.m. the show starts at 8:00 p.m.
Automotive High School Auditorium
50 Bedford Avenue
Brooklyn, New York 11222
Miss Heather
WANTED IN GREENPOINT: Zoot Suits
Mikki (of NAG— Neighbors Allied For Good Growth) writes:
North Brooklyn’s Automotive High has come a long way these past few years. The graduation rate is up, attendance is up, and last year it earned a performance bonus from the city. Much of this has come through the hard work of the faculty and staff there, who are determined to give these kids both job skills and an education. There is still much to be done, but here’s what I’ve been really impressed with–the drama department! In just two years they have put on amazing productions of “Grease” and “West Side Story” that brought down the house–and after each performance, the cast’s heartfelt thanks to their teacher, Candace Parr, are simple but wrenching.
This year, the department is struggling to put on its musical–”Guys and Dolls.” I’m planning to help them with a fundraiser in a month or two but here’s what I’d like to hit the community up for now: zoot suits! If anyone has one, or has access to a costume department or vintage store with some, please contact me at actlocal15 (at) gmail (dot) com. Or if there are any costumers out there who would like to help, that’s cool too. (We also need a sound engineer!)
Zoot suits, anyone?
Miss Heather
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