Williamsburg Grows in Brooklyn

In the middle of the Williamsburg Bridge

New York City. So much is contained in those three words. Perhaps visions of Times Square and Broadway Musicals dance in your head. Maybe you think of the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Buildings, or the variety of different cultures in the Lower East Side.  I think that there is a part of New York that everyone can claim. Each person has a unique New York—a unique thought that comes to mind when those three little words are said. And those thoughts build over time to create new memories and new areas to incorporate to your New York City.   

Each time I go to New York, I find another place to add to my figurative treasure chest of city spots. The city is divided into five boroughs—each its own entity.  It is nearly impossible to explore all of them in one day or even one week. You can visit a borough multiple times and each trip back you’ll find another place to love.   

            Brooklyn’s official tourism website states, “If Brooklyn was its own city, it would be the third largest in the United States…In terms of land mass, it [covers] 79 square miles.” With that it in mind, I decided instead of trying to conquer all of Brooklyn, I will visit one very large section: Williamsburg. Yes, also known as the land where the hipsters and Hasidic Orthodox Jews live. One avenue geographically divides these majority populations: the aptly titled Division Avenue. North of the avenue the population is made up of mostly young people—or hipsters as some might say. The area immediately below Division Avenue is the home of the largest Hasidic Jew population in the world.

            Fortunately, I had the coveted prize every traveler wants: a native New Yorker to be their guide. My friend, a Brooklyn native, (well originally from Poland) showed me around Williamsburg.  My friend Malwina moved from Poland to Brooklyn at age 7. Now at age 25, she lives in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn. So I felt confident I was with a knowledgeable native being. She was my guide aboveground and navigator underground—I am not used to more than two subways lines.

            We did not take a subway directly to Williamsburg. Instead, we jumped off the J train at Delancey Street in Manhattan. Malwina said the best way to explore Williamsburg is to first enter it on foot. Thus, we walked out of Manhattan and onto the Williamsburg Bridge. I highly recommend walking across this bridge, the Brooklyn Bridge, or even the Manhattan Bridge. Yes, it takes time, but it is time very well spent. I would say give yourself one hour to walk across any of the bridges. The Williamsburg Bridge in particular has a plethora of street art along itself that you’ll want to spent time looking at. The structure is large enough for four lanes of pedestrian traffic—two bike lanes and two walkways going opposite directions. Just like real traffic, not everyone follows the rules so just keep your eyes open so no collisions occur.

As I climbed higher and stood on the middle of the bridge, I could see Brooklyn in front of me, the Manhattan and Brooklyn bridges to the left.  Subway trains and motorists drive under my feet. Behind me was a beautiful view of the Manhattan skyline. The excitement was building.

            The pathway ended; “We made it,” I proudly said. It feels more triumphantly when you travel by foot to your destination. We walk over to Kent Avenue and down to Grand Ferry Park, which runs along the East River. It was so quiet and peaceful down by the water. Only a few people were sitting on the benches. Am I really in the city that never sleeps? Guess it’s a lazy Saturday for everyone.

            Domino sugar factory is nearby the park and is a designate historical landmark. It stands empty of sugar and life. The factory closed down in 2004 after being open for more than 150 years. Rumors have it that this building will be turned into condominiums. My friend says people in Brooklyn have mixed feelings about this. She told me on one hand the building will be used but on the other hand it might drastically change. She said she hopes that they leave a lot of the original structure and material.

            Art of all kinds can be found throughout Brooklyn. Music and street art thrive in Williamsburg. Every block has at least a mural or elaborate graffiti. I was particularly excited when I saw a tiled Pac-man ghost on the corner of Bedford and 5th ; this is the tag used by a somewhat famous street artist who goes by the name of Space Invader. Plenty of galleries can also be found within the area. The Music Hall of Williamsburg frequently host bands from the city and around the country. Walking around the neighborhood, some of the people even looked like they could be members in The Strokes or the Ramones.

            Next to the Music Hall, a holiday craft fair was being held. The name of the venue is Public Assembly. They host concerts by indie bands on a regular basis and hold other community events throughout the year. This holiday-theme event featured many local crafters and artists. I managed to find the perfect gift for my best friend: maple-bacon flavored lollipops made by a Manhattan woman. We both have an obsession with bacon, which we know is not healthy in any way.

            One of my favorite stores of the day was Beacon’s closet. Imagine if Urban Outfitters was actually a thrift store and had even better stylish clothes. Everyone was rummaging through the racks of cheap clothing.  Across the street is the Brooklyn Brewery. Malwina told me different events are held at the brew house. After leaving Beacon, we strolled through McCarren Park. In the summer, film screenings and other events are held in an empty pool on one side of the park. On Saturdays, a farmers market occurs with vendors from as far as Vermont.

            After walking around for awhile, we declared it was time for a late lunch or early dinner—take your pick. My diet is a little tricky to handle when traveling to new places; I’m gluten-free and lactose intolerant. Fortunately I love vegetables, which is exactly Rockin Raw’s specialty. The restaurant is completely vegan and gluten-free. The ravioli was made entirely from is made from veggies too. I will say if you are meat-and-potatoes person, you will probably not enjoy this place that much. They have do amazing “milk”shakes (made from coconut or almond milk) with flavors like rose, carob-cinnamon-vanilla, and blueberry ginger. I chose lavender honey vanilla, and it was nothing but delicious.

            While we were dining, Malwina received a text from a friend telling her to check out a comic book festival. Just by pure luck, it was on the same street as Rockin Raw only a few blocks down. The 2011 Brooklyn Comics and Graphics Festival was held in a school’s (Shrine of Our Lady of Mt. Carmel School) gymnasium with more vendors located in the basement). One vendor had handmade books selling for a dollar. A bacon-themed comic book? Yes, my best friend’s holiday gift was completed. I was pleased that I was at the right place at the right time.  

            Williamsburg, Brooklyn—and really New York City in general— is what you make of it. You can personalize your visit to Williamsburg and tailor the trip to your liking.  I believe exploring one place in New York in depth makes you able to get into the community more and feel like an insider.  My trip was a glimpse for me into the young hip urban New Yorkers life. I bet there is even more left in Williamsburg that that glimpse missed.

IF YOU GO

The main street of Williamsburg is Bedford Avenue. The greatest concentration of shops restaurants, and cafes are between 3rd and 9th streets . Organic food mini markets and thrift stores tell you immediately who the shops and food places are catered to. Turkish food, pizza, coffee, you name it.

Check sites like Freewilliamsburgs.com and Visitbrooklyn.org. These websites have expansive listings of restaurants and events.

Where to Eat

Rockin Raw is located at

178 North 8th Street  Brooklyn, NY 11211

Phone number: (718) 599-9333

Rockinraw.com

Pies in Thighs

166 S.4th Street Brooklyn NY 11211

http://piesnthighs.com/index.html

Yes, it is what you would think—pies that will give you larger thighs. Plus, all the fried food you would ever want.

A Sudden Bike Ride to Bartram's Garden

A field in Philadelphia is not where I thought I’d find myself last Monday evening. Recently, I became an urban biker (bicycle that is). Yes, I finally braved my fear of cars and joined them on the road--well technically the bike lane whenever there is one. When the chance arrived to do something impulsive, I knew I wanted to get on my bike and go somewhere. The question was where this somewhere would be. The answer came around 4pm. My sister Meghan called me and first asked if I would like to go on a farm tour in Jonestown, Pa.--about a two-and- a-half hour car ride west of Philadelphia. We both agreed that we did not feel like being cooped up in a car that long. So she posed the question, “Well, how about we bike to Bartram’s Garden?” Thus, this is where my journey began.

One hour later I was biking down Broad Street, dodging double parked cars and the occasional person opening a car door right as I was coming. I managed to survive all obstacles and arrive at our meet-up spot, Spring Garden Street. Meghan came from her job in Center City. I spotted her bright orange helmet as she traveled north toward me. Then, off we went to the wild west of Philadelphia.

Meghan has talked about this wonderful garden for ages. Bartram’s Garden describes itself as “a garden of curiosity, minutes from Center City.” According to the Garden’s website, John Bartram was “America’s first naturalist, botanist, and plant explorer.” The 40 plus acres of land—located today at 54th Street and Lindbergh Avenue— was his 18th-century home.

It is true that my sister told me the garden is in West Philly. What she neglected to mention was that those “minutes from Center City” really meant 60 long minutes from Temple University’s Main Campus.

The 60 minute bike ride brought many surprises both good and bad. As I was biking over the Spring Garden Bridge, a teenage or twenty-something boy had his car window down and felt the need to scream “ahhh!” as he went by me. Naturally, it made me jump and then become incredibly upset. He decided giving me a fright as I biked passed the on-ramp to 76 was a fun idea. Meghan told me that a lot of motorists do dumb stuff like that (though she used more colorful language to describe them).

We veered off of Spring Garden Street and made a stop at Drexel Park, located by Powelton Avenue and North 32nd Street. The whole time I was trying to catch my breath and drink some water. I blamed my struggle on using muscles I don’t normally use (rather than placing the blame on how out of shape I am). This pit stop was somewhere I have wanted to go to forever. It is my favorite view of the city. All the skyscrapers are in sight and to the left you can see the Art Museum, which then was glowing with light from the sun. We took a few pictures of ourselves with the skyline in the background. Everything at this moment was beautiful.

That moment ended when a car hit a fellow city biker at the corner of Powelton Avenue and 32nd Street. Soon a police car arrived and all parties involved in the accident appeared to be okay. Still, my urban bike riding fears came back. Luckily my sister is a veteran city cyclist and was leading the way.

We left the park around 5:40 p.m. We did not stop for too long because the sun was going to set in one hour, and Bartram’s closes at dusk. I had not eaten since lunch and was a little lightheaded, but I had to get to the garden before the day was done. So I rode on, exhausted and yet excited.

We traveled deeper into the West past run down factories in areas I would not go by myself. The car drivers felt entitled to go about 45 mph on these backstreets. Ahead of me, Meghan rode farther away up a steep hill. I had to take a rest in this less than ideal stopping place. I had no choice. I was beyond tired going up this hill.

After 30 seconds, I found some energy to keep going. Meghan and her bike came into view and so did a sign with an arrow pointing to the entrance of Bartram’s Gardens. I made it!

The two of us walked our bikes down the gravel road and the noises of the city grew quieter. Trees began to surround us as we approached the main area. After locking up our bikes, a man who works there asked if this was our first visit to the Gardens. I answered it was for me. He gave me some pamphlets and a map of Bartram’s land and simply said “Enjoy your visit.”

I more than enjoyed my visit. The land was so magical. It was almost dusk, so the main garden was closed. However, a beautiful large field was mine for exploring. Meghan and I walked around for a bit as she told me a little about the area. I learned the placid body of water sitting by the field was actually the Schuylkill River. There is also a bonfire pit on the shores of river. I felt like I was in the woodsy areas of my homeland Chester County. I would have believed this too if it were not for the silver buildings in the distance.

The sun had set. That was our cue to leave. On our bikes we rode back to into the streets of the city. Our last leg of the journey began- the search for something decent to eat and a return to our respective city dwelling places.

I will never forget that Monday. It was such a juxtaposition to be standing in a field neighboring a forest while looking in the distance at the Center City sky scraper. I never expected there even was a field and woodsy area in West Philadelphia, of all places! While the bike ride was hard at times, I am forever glad for all the unexpected events that happened on this extraordinary Monday.

College Students Eat Without Wheat

College is filled with late night snacks, pizza, chicken wings, and other fried food takeout but these are not options for all. Students with food allergies or intolerances have a challenge of eating away from home. A particularly difficult diet is the gluten-free one. More and more young adults are learning that they have Celiac disease.

Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. Some have trouble tolerating oats as well. Wheat is found in a great number of foods such as baked goods, pizza, and pasta. Beer contains barley although there are some gluten-free alternatives. Wheat is even hidden in some types of salad dressings and soy sauce. Larger companies are now producing their own lines of gluten free food such as Betty Crocker with its gluten-free baking mixes including a version of Bisquick. Restaurants are starting to have gluten-free menus as well. National chains include Carrabba’s, Uno’s, and Outback Steakhouse.

Gluten-free living comes at a cost both monetary and emotionally. Gluten-free foods are more expensive than their glutenous counterparts. It can be hard for college students who are already on a tight budget to afford to pay for meals. Nicole Patience is a registered dietitian for student health services at Temple University. She suggests to students to look for food that is naturally gluten-free in order to save money. “Focus on the less-processed real foods that you can eat to make the diet more affordable (rice, potatoes, corn tortillas, fresh and cooked fruits and vegetables,” she said. The other problem with eating wheat-free foods is the social and emotional aspect. “One emotion that I observe with students who are diagnosed with Celiac is the feeling of loss. Missing out on some of the small things, like ordering out for pizza as a college student, and can feel unfair,” said Patience.

In addition to large retailers now creating their own gluten-free food, advocacy organizations are promoting public understanding of Celiac Disease. The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA), which is based in Ambler, Pennsylvania, works to educate others about the disease and also provide materials to help college students navigate their food choices. Whitney Ehret is the director of communications for NFCA. “The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of celiac disease and gluten intolerance among the general public and the healthcare community that will facilitate research, education and early diagnosis, and improve quality of life for children and adults affected by this autoimmune condition,” said Ehret.

With awareness increasing, options are becoming easier for students. Johnson and Hardwick dining hall has a special gluten-free section. Philadelphia recently saw the addition of Sweet Freedom Bakery; the first gluten-free, vegan, and virtually allergen-free bakery in the area. “Good news for Temple Students: if you’re a celiac, Philadelphia is really unlike anywhere else in the country. Back in 2008 the city became the nation's first 'gluten-free neighborhood in the US’ with 35 participating restaurants that year comprising the 'largest organized block of gluten-free dining destinations',” said Ehret.

A big distinction that college students face is stressing that it is not a fad diet they are on. “The gluten-free diet has recently been gaining a lot of converts due to its misleading reputation for being some sort of fad diet health craze but in reality, eliminating wheat, rye and barley is a medical necessity for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity,” said Ehret.

The NFCA frequently publishes articles and advice on their website specially targeting college students. Ehret said, “There are many more tips for helping gluten-free students manage personal and emotional situations they often face in the ‘Gluten-free Guide to College’ offered on our website – it even includes advice on parties and dating!”

Girls Rock Philly Singing in the Key of G(irl)

The Rolling Stones, the Beatles, Nirvana, Coldplay, and Death Cab for Cutie among others all have one thing in common. Everyone in the band is a guy. Think of all the other bands you like. Chances are there is not one girl in them. One organization is working to change that.

Girls Rock Philly (GRP) is a non-profit organization that brings the love of music to girls ages 9-17. Every August Girls Rock Philly holds a weeklong day camp, which takes place at Girard College, for young rockers. The camp offers instruction in vocals, keyboards, guitar, bass, and DJing. Talent and skill levels of all kinds are welcome. A girl could never have even picked up the instrument prior to camp week or she may have been playing for over five years. On the first day, they form bands with other campers. At the end of the week a showcase is held featuring the songs the bands created; this year it took place at the Trocadero. The campers also recorded their songs at XPN’s studios. A CD release party for the 2010 GRP album The Key of G(irl) took place in the afternoon on Saturday November 6th at Johnny Brenda’s.

A typical day at GRP consists of morning assembly, instrument instruction, workshop, lunch, workshop, band practice, and an afternoon assembly. Erica Rubin, 16, has been attending the camp for the past three summers and has had only positive experiences.

“I've attended I think every workshop they have offered there... History of Women in Music, Touring & Booking, Non-Traditional Instruments, Live Sound, Pedals & Effects, Band Merch Making, etc. etc. etc. All of the workshops are really interesting, and are taught by some of the coolest ladies out there,” said Erica.

GRP is not strictly about music according to director, Beth Warshaw-Duncan. “GRP also stresses that we are an empowerment through music organization. Our point is to encourage girls to try new and challenging things, increase their confidence, and ask for help (and help others) when they need it,” she said. “It's about taking something that girls and women have traditionally been told they couldn't do, and have been marginalized when they try, and saying yes to it and ourselves.”

Erica agrees with Warshaw-Duncan. “It has helped many girls, myself included, be proud of who they are, and learn that they can play music just as well as any guy,” she said.

Campers are not the only ones reaping the positive benefits of being involved with GRP. Andrea Kuhar has been volunteering since 2007 when the first camp was held, and said it has changed different areas of her life.

“It has really really inspired me to not be afraid to make my own music. It introduced me to the members of Creatures of Prey…, it also introduced me to Corey [Duncan] who invited me to play in Oh! Pears. So basically, yes, Girls Rock has provided the majority of things I find worthwhile in life. I feel really driven to keep working with young people, especially girls, and am now in school studying education to be a teacher in Philly,” said Kuhar.

Natasha Rodriguez, volunteer since 2008, commented on how she sees the camp helps young girls. “I think everyone's recognition that getting up on stage to perform something within 7 days of having learned it is something most people never do, and that alone is a major accomplishment, not to mention that the girls frequently rock our socks off,” she said.

Now going into its fifth year, the volunteer run organization has seen tremendous growth. They have more than doubled in camper size, going from 20 campers in 2007 to approximately 75 this last summer. Girls Rock Philly is now a part of the Girls Rock Camp Alliance, which links together all the Girls Rock camps of the world together. The first camp started in Portland, Oregon and now has spread to cities across the globe.

GRP recently acquired a new practice and office space that past campers can use to rehearse with their bands. It is a great improvement from their old practice space, according to Kuhar. “It was a small room, seemed like it was sweltering in the summer and freezing in the winter,” she said of the old space on Delaware Avenue. The new practice space is still undergoing some construction but will be completely ready soon.

Warshaw Duncan said, “We have a real place to meet, hold workshops & orientations, hang out, teach instrument lessons, and even hold some bigger mixers and all-ages events down the road.

The organization is also working to pay some of its dedicated volunteers. “GRP's immediate plans (for the next couple of years) are to grow our budget enough to be able to provide someone with a salaried job managing our programs,” said Warshaw-Duncan.

Erica sums up what the mission of all the camps is about. “I love how inspiring it is. GRP and all of the other girls rock camps around the world are doing something truly extraordinary and revolutionary for young girls,” she said.

"...Timber!" in Clark Park

The green thing is to plant trees not cut them down. It might be surprising to learn that Clark Park has chosen the latter. The park, located at 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia, has been undergoing major renovations since the beginning of August. The organization behind the changes is Friends of Clark Park, a non-profit and volunteer group that works to maintain the park. According to a press release issued in early August by the group, “The main goal is to improve drainage in the park.” Though this comes at the expense of ridding historically old plants.

Some are not so happy about hundred plus year old trees being destroyed. Malwina Andruczyk, 24, has worked at the farmers market every Saturday for a few years and is not pleased with the recent alterations in scenery at the park. “I don't like that so many trees were cut down in the park. What I heard is that they cut down the maple trees and left the sycamores because maple is an invasive species. However, maple trees are also the ones that turn beautiful colors in the fall,” Andruczyk said.

Nissa Blocher, who lives within walking distance of Clark Park, is upset that the Friends of Clark Park did not seek the community’s opinion. “I think many people feel, as I do, a sort of ownership of the park,” she said. “It feels slightly invasive that someone is digging it up without any input from me. However, I have confidence that their intentions are good. The park certainly needed some improvements.”

The Friends of Clark Park website states the renovations will be finished by the end of November.

Getting More Than Just Produce at the Clark Park Farmers Market

Vegetables, fruit, or jams can be associated with the words “farmers market,” but a community gathering place more accurately describes the Clark Park Farmers Market. The market, located at 43rd Street and Baltimore Avenue in West Philadelphia, aims to serve the neighborhood more than just fresh produce. Started in 1998, it is operated by the Philadelphia Food Trust, which also manages dozens of other farmers markets in the city.

The benefits of having the market in West Philly go beyond just offering fresh food according to the market manager, Mukethe Kawinzi. “It is a community resource and space. People all with different economic backgrounds come here. We accept people with access cards and food stamps,” she says. “It supports local economy. It reflects the diverse neighborhood.”

Mark Mendenhall, 61, enjoys coming to the market and seeing friends. He is just one of the many patrons with a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share. According to the Local Harvest Organization, a CSA works by allowing a person to buy a share from a farmer and receive a box of seasonal fruits or vegetables for a certain period of time. He said the CSA share he has helps local growers.

The market attracts a wide array of people, ranging in age from infants to elderly. First time visitors were University of Pennsylvania students, Victoria Pisini, 18, and Lauren Cosgriff, 17. Their main reason for coming out was to buy apples, but they enjoyed seeing other people from the community. Ann and Tim Baker, 43 and 49 respectively, come from New Jersey to get their CSA share. On how Ann feels about the market, “Love it. Love it. Love it,” she said. “It is better than a grocery store.” She commented on how there are not enough markets near her.

The Bakers heard about the market through their friend, Nissa, who lives within walking distance of the park. “Well, it makes me eat more vegetables. The share is enough for two people. At a supermarket it is usually too much [in quantity] and we end up wasting some of it.” She also commented on how much the area changed within the last 15 years. “Penn [University] said that they literally needed to build a wall or expand farther. They boosted up the values of the housing. ” She said that she wishes Temple could do the same and revitalize North Philadelphia.

The market runs year-round on Saturdays and on Thursdays until December.