Rendering of the new Greenpoint Library scheduled to open this fall(courtesy of Marble Fairbanks)
Anticipation is building as the summer moves along for fall’s anticipated reopening of the Greenpoint Library (107 Norman Ave.), which closed in July 2017 for demolition, and construction on the new library.
The fall relaunch is on-schedule as of now as explained at the Friends of Greenpoint Library meeting that was held on July 1st.
At the meeting, Sharon Kim, President of FOGL, introduced her new Co-President, Randy Locklair, and they generated ideas with the group for fundraising and outreach this summer. A bar night and book swap in early August is in the planning process.
For every neon sign, there is story. For us it’s the story of Jen, who sought out a sign maker for Greenpointers and discovered a dying art. It’s the story of skills passed down from father to son that inspired Jen enough to work on capturing an otherwise lost craft on film.
The Greenpointers neon sign is an artifact of “Gasper & Son” and is the symbolic torch that was passed down when Jen sold Greenpointers – rooted in inspiration with a deep respect for creativity and artistry that serves the local community. It makes an appearance in all of the Greenpointers events and will light up our bar again at the upcoming Summer Market. 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 →
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!
Thanks to everyone who helped produce this film, our kickstarter donors and all the talented people who came together to make this happen. It has been a truly collaborative effort and has come together brilliantly!
Please watch the trailer and let us know what you think. We have been submitting Gasper & Son to national film festivals and will announce screenings soon.
We will also be screening the trailer this Sunday at our Greenpointers Holiday Market. Buy $5 raffle tickets with the chance to win prizes from the following local businesses who are generously supporting the film:
If you want to help us cover the post-production costs please make a donation to Gasper & Son via paypal (in $5 increments). Funds raised will go toward producing the trailer, music licensing, sound mix and festival submission fees. Continue reading →
When Spring time rolls around many of us get into closet clearing mode, quickly to realize we have spent a lot of time working for money that we use to buy stuff that we end of trashing. It’s a bad cycle, for our psyche and for the planet. If more of us stopped or slowed the cycle, we’d have a lot more time to enjoy our lives – rather than spending a gorgeous morning managing crap. Despite understanding this, the cycle rears its ugly head. Continue reading →
On a recent Friday night I visited two art shows that both opened on Greenpoint Ave. Both artists, Maj Anya DeBear and Roxanne Palmer mentioned that honesty was one driving force behind their recent artworks. While being true to oneself creatively in a hard to please art world is difficult to attain, the resulting satisfaction and confidence that came through made for two stand-out openings on either side of McGuinness Blvd. Continue reading →
In this most recent Veggie Burgers Diaries, we visited Jimmy’s Diner on Franklin St. There aren’t a ton of lunch options in the area, so we figured we’d give it a shot and try the Black Bean Burger. Plus Gina and I had some talking to do about moving into a new space – an exciting but mentally draining ordeal for my brain. Continue reading →
