After living in NYC my entire life, I found the strongest sense of community in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. Running this blog is truly an honor and the best part is meeting its readers in real life. Everyday I am energized by smiles and inspiring conversations with fellow Greenpointers who tirelessly do and create incredible things that are good for our community and share the same love I have for life here. If you see me walking with my little dog "D" - please say hi!
[Carolina Ro Design created this chalk art “neon” sign for Gasper & Son.]
It’s true everybody is talking about Queens these days…
What does Greenpoint have to do with Queens!? Aside from bordering one another on the world’s most wonderfully polluted waterway, this amazing community came together to help produce a neon sign documentary called Gasper & Son. The film’s Directors and Editor and Director of Photography, Hannah Jayanti and Miguel Rodriguez, respectively both work and live in Greenpoint. Plus, the story of neon sign shop owner Robbie Ingui was shot in Queens, the film’s Director & Producer (and former Greenpointers owner) Jen G Pywell is from Queens and its NYC premier is this Friday at the Queens World Film Festival.
And it’s about so much more than Queens! It’s about family, the struggle of being a small business in NYC, the challenges of keeping a hand craft alive – and did we mention neon!?
Side note: I am flying from Oregon to NYC for the weekend and aside from the half hour I will be in Queens, I will be spending the rest of my time eating my way through Greenpoint. Can’t wait to see you wonderful people!
Calling all cat ladies and dog freaks! You know who you are. You spend more money on doggy day care than on personal grooming and you buy kitty litter in bulk. If you need some non-human puppy love on V-Day (because let’s face it, people aren’t furry enough) then make sure to check out Valentine’s Day Pet Snuggle and Adoption Event hosted by Cafe Grumpy & Sean Casey Animal Rescue at Cafe Grumpy Lower East Side (13 Essex St, NYC) on Saturday, February 14th, noon-5pm. Continue reading →
While Julia is running around grabbing this and that to make her first market just perfect for you, she asked me to send out the “Friday before the market reminder.” So I’m going to do this post my way (even though I am not sure this is what Julia had in mind.)
This gives me a chance to say hello. Greenpoint, HELLO! I really miss you and wish I could be there on Sunday to give everyone big hugs and stuff way too many dogs into a photo booth shot. (Poor, Brownie (left) got it from D (middle). What a bitch, literally!)
I also wish I could go shopping because the vendors are absolutely fantastic thanks to Yuka’s brilliant curating skills.
When I was organizing the markets, I was always busy screwing in lightbulbs, selling raffles, emptying garbage cans and making sure folks don’t drop beer off the balcony – that I never got to ever shop to my hearts content. And now that I am not the owner any more, I can pick favorites.
Here is my list of MUST SEE vendors for Sunday:
Lockhart Wrks Conical Contrast Earrings ($30)
Think of Valentine’s Shopping like an airplane losing cabin pressure and fitting the air mask on your face. Shop for yourself first, then for others. I’m from Queens so any variation on the door knocker or hoop earring is a must for me. These Lockhart Wrks Conical Contrast Earrings make a big statement (like you don’t need any other accessories) and are a great deal at only $30. Wear them up or wear them down, you will get compliments on these gems. Continue reading →
We had such a great time inviting locals to take over our Instagram in 2014, that we decided to continue in 2015. Each week a new photographer will get the password to our Instagram account and show us their unique view of the hood.
If you want to participate – it’s super easy – just fill out this form and we will contact you to take over for one week coming up.
For all of you who felt so left out when Citi Bike didn’t include your beloved Greenpoint in its initial bike share launch, they will be expanding soon to a block near you. Come find out all about it tonight (1/13) at Community Board 1’s “Learn About Citi Bike” event at Swinging 60’s Senior Center (211 Ainslie St) at 6:30pm.
NYCDOT will present and NYC Bike Share staff will be on hand to answer questions about Citi Bike’s expansion in Brooklyn’s Community Board 1.
And for those of you who don’t need to commute using Citi Bikes, there is always impromptu spinning…
Happy New Year! In 2015 remember, ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE. And you can find lots of local love at our upcoming Valentine’s Market on Sunday February 8, 2015 from 1-7pm at Greenpoint Loft (67 West St, 5th Fl). Please RSVP & tell all your friends!
We are seeking all types of local vendors (food, artists, crafters, jewelers, potters, etc.) so apply here or directly in the form after the jump. Continue reading →
Ok, let’s be real, Greenpoint. We all ate and drank ourselves into oblivion during the holidays and now that 2015 is here, it’s New Year Resolutions time! But as usual, they are going to be challenged. Hey, we all like to indulge as much as the next guy, but it wouldn’t hurt to start this year off on the right track and actually finish what we start. Easier said than done, right? Fortunately, owner and health coach Dy from Human@Ease has a program that guides people through the process of getting fit, focused and committed; as a result, it’s a lot less intimidating… and it works! Continue reading →
Still haven’t made New Year’s Dinner Plans? Join Esme tonight for our first ever New Year’s Eve Dinner.
Four courses including an egg yolk ravioli, roasted leg of lamb, scallop crudo and a mascarpone cheesecake. Wine can be paired for $35 or drinks can be ordered a la carte. Vegetarian options will be available and seating begins at 7.30pm. 75 Dollars includes tax and tip.
To reserve please call 718.383.0999 or email: hello (at) esmebk [dot] com.
It’s always good to end the year with a bang, so I am extremely excited to announce that Greenpointers is sold!
Julia Moak, a native New Yorker and Greenpoint resident is the new Owner of Greenpointers. Please welcome her aboard!
There was quite a bit of interest in this sale from other local publishers and talented creative teams. But in order to keep the soul of this business alive and its neighborly point of view in tact, I was hoping to find a community minded individual who has a vested interest in Greenpoint. I found Julia.
Over brunch at Five Leaves’ amazing House Made Ricotta, I found Julia to be intelligent, enthusiastic, energetic and full of great ideas for Greenpointers. She comes from a technology start-up background, so look forward to updates and improvements on the website. Julia strongly values the arts and local businesses and does most of her socializing in the 11222, so I’m sure you will see her around town. And meet Julia at the next Greenpointers Valentine’s Market on Sunday February 8th! Hopefully she will bring along her “jorkie” pup Ella, too.
When I bought Greenpointers from Justine three years ago you gave me a chance and have been incredibly supportive since. Thank you. I have been profoundly touched by this community and so many talented amazing individuals who call Greenpoint home. I’ve been able to do things I’d never imagined I could, like the Gasper & Son documentary among countless other creative projects and events. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
I won’t be totally out of the picture just yet because I will be working with Julia to transition the business for a few months.
If you want to catch any of my west coast mule riding or owl hugging antics follow me on Instagram @jengphoto, Tumblr and my website jengpywell.com.
I will remain a huge fan and supporter of Greenpointers and I hope you do, too. I look forward to seeing what Julia creates and feel confident that with the support of readers and the community she can bring Greenpointers to the next level!
