2010... This and That... Outreach... and You!

Happy New Year! I hope you had an enjoyable holiday season. I know I had a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful holiday season.

As we move into 2010 I want to remind you that we will not have a meeting in January. We will be putting out a newsletter and our first meeting for 2010 will be on Thursday, February 18, 2010. Mark your calendars and plan on attending and bringing a neighbor. Can’t you give two hours a month to your community? Think about it.

So what’s been happening? Councilman Oddo relocated to South Avenue, Uncle Vinnies Comedy Club continues bringing laughter to our neighborhood, the new cafes on New Dorp Plaza – Andrew’s and Domenick’s – are offering fine foods, Ocean3 has been replaced by Francesca’s Steak House, winter has delivered us some very cold weather, and there are a host of programs being offered for our entertainment and to expand our knowledge.

Over the next few days we will be talking about those and other topics. What should you do if you see a deer in our neighborhood? Has Gene’s Deli really closed? Have the changes on Hylan Blvd made that road safer to cross? What will become of Cedar Grove?

And did you notice the interview with Theresa Myrhol on the NYPL’s web page? Remember Theresa? She managed our branch library on New Dorp Lane for years and is now the Seward Park Library Network Manager. Theresa makes an interesting observation when she states: “One has to think beyond the traditional four walls of the library. Embracing the opportunities that social networking brings is essential. It is a vehicle that fosters new relationships with users while strengthening existing partnerships. Blogs, Twitter, Facebook and video will continue to shape and expand ways to share the wealth of information The New York Public Library has to offer.” We too need to look beyond the “traditional walls” that define our association. Meetings and newsletters remain a vibrant part of our outreach. However as this blog recognizes, there are new ways that we must reach out if we are to remain relevant in our community.

An important part of this dynamic is your feedback and participation. We need your comments, your concerns, your suggestions, your complaints. It is your neighborhood. What is on your mind?

Let us know at 718-979-6011, newdorpcentralcivic@yahoo.com or comment here on the blog.

See you around the neighborhood.

> Joe Markowski

Library Offerings

The New Dorp Branch Library at 309 New Dorp Lane offers a host of programs for all ages. Make sure you take advantage of these great offerings right here in our neighborhood. What programs you ask?

1. Children’s Programs
- a pre-school program for ages 2.5 to 5 and caregiver on 12/11 at 9am
-“Science of Toys, Play Time!” ages 6 to 12 explores the science behind classic toys – 12/10 at 4pm
- winter stories and movies for ages 4 and older on 12/17 at 4pm
- toddler rhyme time for ages 13mos to 24mos and caregiver 12/18 at 1030am
- “tween scene” – holiday craft for ages 8 to 12 on 12/22 at 4pm

2. SCORE – Service Corps of Retired Executives on 12/15 from 6 to 8pm
- want to start your own business? Want to expand the business you have? Free and confidential business consultations. Call 718-351-2977 to schedule an appointment.

3. Stay Well Exercise Program for Senior Citizens
- an exercise program geared for all seniors, ranging from the fit to those with disabilities. The curriculum includes aerobic exercises as well as routines designed to enhance balance, build muscle strength and aid in performing daily tasks. Classes last 40-50 minutes.

4. Free Basic Computer Training for Seniors (Pre-registration required)
- “introduction to computers” on 12/10 at 1030am
- “word processing” on 1/14/2010 at 1030am and 1/28 at 1030am
- “internet” on 2/11/2010 at 1030am
- “on-line shopping” at 2/18/2010 at 1030am
- “on-line communication” on 3/4/2010 at 1030am and 3/18 at 1030am

5. Book Discussions
- 12/11/09 - All My Sons – Arthur Miller
- 1/29/10 – Martha Quest – Doris May Lessing
- 2/26/10 – August: Osage County – Tracy Letts
- 3/19/10 – The Road – Cormac McCarthy
- 4/23/10 – The Book of Salt – Monique Truong
- 5/14/10 – The Professor and the Madman – Simon Winchester
- 6/18/10 – The Moneychangers – Upton Sinclair


If you have any questions about any of these programs call the branch at 718-351-2977… and tell them the Civic Association sent you.