Much of the credit goes to Nature Center Coordinator Kristy Di Cario for convincing us that   a Halloween event would be a fun thing to do. We expanded on Kristy's idea and used the opportunity to do fundraising for Animal Care & Control of NYC -- not to take credit for that, but to note that the Parks Department has new rules that bar Parks employees from actively raising money, even for nonprofit organizations, on Park grounds.

Front and center and making events along Fillmore Avenue go smoothly, entertainingly, all too quickly were our gracious emcee, Beth Joy Knutsen, and her close companion, Bella, part terrier and all starlet. On this very gusty day, Beth seemed to gather us all together into one happy, lively circle. Wind? What wind?

The three judges -- Head Urban Park Ranger Anthony Prastaro, artist Amber Alvarez, and Woof Bites, Inc. founder Devorah Fong -- had some tough choices to make but did so without stepping on any paws.

The proceeds from the raffle tickets sold by MarineParkDogs.com volunteers prior to the event and on Sunday totaled over $500. Reps from Animal Care & Control also sold tickets, and we're awaiting word from ACC on how much they raised. Thanks to Yola, Jeannie, Liz, Melissa, Helene, Harley, Claire, Steve, and the Nature Center volunteers who sold tickets.

The Mayor's Alliance for NYC Animals was on hand to provide low-cost microchipping. We're glad to report that about 15 pooches received chips.

We gave out more than 75 Halloween gift bags with samples and coupons from Bargain Bow-Wow, Petco, and Petland Discounts. Frisbees were provided by Best Mail & Copy Center.

The owners of the contest-winning pooches received long-sleeve orange Jerzees sweatshirts declaring "My Dog's a Winner!"  The shirts -- with stylish black lettering -- were generously donated   by Alan Bellone of A Stitch Above.

Amber Alvarez (Show judge), Claire Angelica, A Stitch Above. Bargain Bow-Wow, Best Mail & Copy Center, Buckley's Restaurant, Devorah Fong (Show judge), Gentle Touch Dog & Cat Grooming, Gilbert the Magician and Red the Wonder Dog, Gloria's Dog Beauty Salon, J & R Wholesale Balloon, Kings Plaza Diner-Restaurant, Beth Joy Knutsen (Show emcee), Marine Park Computers, Michael's Pastry Shop, Morris Discount, Natural Balance Massage & Wellness Center, Noah's Ark Veterinary Practice, Nora's Park Bench Cafe, Petco, Petland Discounts, Suzanne's Corner Cafe & Deli, and Thunderbird Tepee.

We'd also like to thank the ACC and Nature Center volunteers who sold raffle tickets, all of the Parks Department personnel who made the event happen, including Ranger Anne and Ranger Stephanie, who came up with the brilliant idea to have the dogs parade from the Nature Center to Fillmore Avenue.

And what about Pee Wee? Alas, although scheduled to appear, the Brooklyn Cyclones' baby seagull mascot was unable to make it, much to the disappointment of fans not to mention the gulls of Gerritsen Creek, who'd waited all week for a glimpse of their hero.

The float, celebrating the pets of New York, is slated to be the second in the parade, so tune in early. You can read more about Beth and Bella at their website.

We have many pictures to post, people to thank, and details and stories to share, so stayed tuned.

BAILEY NEEDS A HOME

This cute guy -- Bailey, an 8-year-old cocker spaniel -- needs a good home. He is neutered, completely housebroken, and great with children according to his owner, who must part with him. Bailey does not bark at other dogs and is used to being at home by himself. He'd be a great pet for just about anyone. If you're interested in adopting Bailey, or would like more information, contact Ellen at MarineParkDogs@aol.com.

IT'S READY...SET...GO...FOR THE
DOGGIE OLYMPICS CHARITY EVENT
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

This coming Saturday, the Canarsie Lions is sponsoring a "pawsome" event for dogs and their owners (at the Field House, near the main entrance to Marine Park on Fillmore Avenue) this coming Saturday.

The antics begin at 10 am, when dogs will compete in various activities, including sprints, marathon, hoop jump, and frisbee catch among others. There will be additional, nonathletic categories of competition, such as best trained, best dressed, and best bark.

There is a registration fee of $10-$15. All proceeds go toward the Lions Vision Camp for the Blind. The rain date is Sunday, October 1.

MEET STEEL -- THE "GREATEST" DANE

Steel's best friend is Mr. Tiger (one of Anca and George's pets of the feline persuasion). It's so cute to see them together, Anca says, because Steel's head is larger than the all of Mr. Tiger..

We were so glad to meet Steel (Anca and George, too) but, alas, they are leaving Brooklyn soon -- relocating to Florida. Steel, however, will always be a Marine Park dog.

THIS MONTH AT THE NATURE CENTER

Saturday, 9/16, 1 pm
International Coastal Clean-Up Day – Help beautify and restore the shores of Gerritsen Creek.

Sunday, 9/17, 1 pm
Meet the salt marsh bees and celebrate National Honey Month.

Monday, 9/18, 7:30 pm
Lecture -- Trains and Trolleys of Brooklyn, presented by Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger.
 
Saturday, 9/23 1 pm
Plant an herb garden with the Urban Park Rangers  (for children 12 and under).
 
Sunday, 9/24, 1 pm
Aliens Among Us -- Join the Urban Park Rangers and explore the marsh's exotic plants and animals.

Sunday, 9/24, 5 pm
September Suite-- Brooklyn Dance Center. Performance of dances and inspirational songs by August Michael. Outdoors (back lawn).

Saturday, 9/30, 7 pm
Saturday Night Live -- Open Mike Night. Participate in song, dance, poetry, stand-up, etc.

A BIT OF HISTORY ON
EAST THIRTY-SIXTH STREET

There have been archaeological excavations on the land, and photos of some of the artifacts can be found at a website  (www.lotthouse.org) devoted to the Lott House project. There is also a history of the house, and a photo of it as it appeared in 1909, and other information. Alyssa Loorya, director of the archaeological laboratory at Brooklyn College, maintains the website.

The Parks and Recreation Department sign on the property reads as follows:

--learn about squirrels and insects; salt marsh ecology; orienteering and how to use a compass; and the Lenape Indians (the first inhabitants of Marine Park)
--take a night hike with the Rangers or a healing/meditation walk with an experienced volunteer
--participate in a nature walk and poetry writing workshop
--explore the creatures living on Gerritsen Beach
--participate in early morning yoga and a vegetarian picnic
--be creative in a crafts workshop (for children)
--canoe in Gerritsen Creek with the Rangers.

There are weekday programs offering Pilates, birding, the Zen of seeing and drawing, and yoga, and the Marine Park Civic Association sponsors events for children every Thursday at 11 am.

For specific dates and times, please consult the Nature Center calendar of events here, or you can call the center at 718-421-2021. The Nature Center building is open every day except Wednesday.

There's still time to register for the 26th annual Buckley’s to Kennedy’s 6-Mile Reunion Run, which will take place on Saturday, June 24, rain or shine. Last year, over 1,000 people participated.

The race (also open to walkers), is the oldest of its kind in Brooklyn. It begins at 10 am at Buckley’s Restaurant (2926 Avenue S at Nostrand Avenue). The route (see below) goes through local streets to Flatbush Avenue and over the Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge to Fort Tilden in Queens. The run benefits HeartShare Human Services of New York. 

Following the run there will be a picnic, including games and rides, and an awards ceremony at Fort Tilden’s drill grounds. The picnic begins at 11 and is open to the public. 

One of the main sponsors of the run is Jim Buckley (of Buckley’s Restaurant), a HeartShare board member for the past eight years. Volunteers from the staffs of Buckley’s and Kennedy’s restaurants are providing the post-run comestibles.  

The registration fee is $25 and includes a T-shirt and admission to the picnic. With $50 or more in donations, the fees are waived. The picnic is free to all runners;  there is a nominal charge for non-entrants, and children under 12 are admitted free.

There are 55 HeartShare centers throughout Brooklyn, Queens, and Staten Island that offer services to help children and adults with developmental disabilities, support those afflicted with HIV/AIDS, and provide counseling and after-school programs as well as foster care and adoption for children and families. 

Race route:
(These streets will be closed sometime before 10 am and will reopen as runners complete the course.)

Nostrand Avenue from Avenue S to Avenue R
Avenue R to Gerritsen Avenue
Gerritsen Avenue to Fillmore Avenue
Fillmore Avenue to Stuart Street
Stuart Street to Avenue U
Avenue U to Flatbush Avenue
Flatbush Avenue across Marine Parkway-Gil Hodges Memorial Bridge

For more information, contact HeartShare at 718-422-3210, HeartShare.org, or Buckley’s Restaurant, 718-998-4222.

DOG RUN, FIELD HOUSE UPDATE

We spoke with Brooklyn Parks Department Manager Fred Wilken on Friday, who filled us in on various park-related issues.

The dog run, which was scheduled to open on Gerritsen and Florence Avenues, has been put on hold. According to Mr. WIlken there might be a change of location closer to Marine Park (near Avenue X and Burnett Street), but it's not at all certain at this point. Mr. Wilken suggested there might even be public hearings before a definite plan is confirmed.

In the meantime, the off-leash courtesy rules are in effect. If you want to make your voice heard on the dog run issue, contact State Senator Marty Golden, 3610 Quentin Road, 718-627-3659.

As many of you might have already noticed, the Field House (adjacent to the main park entrance on Fillmore Avenue) has been closed for a while. The building is in need of much repair and will not reopen. The good news is, it will be replaced by a new facility that will house a senior center, park administration offices, and bathrooms.

The plans for the new one-story round building include state-of-the-art environmental and conservation technology, including a "living roof." It's hoped that groundbreaking will begin in early autumn.

For now, a comfort station trailer will be installed in front of the closed Field House and will have running water and be connected to the sewer system. An additional trailer will accommodate the park's maintenance staff. Park rangers and administrators can be contacted at the Salt Marsh Nature Center (Avenue U), 718-421-2021.

SQUIRREL OF A DIFFERENT COLOR:
UNCOMMON SCIURUS CAROLINENSIS
SEEN IN NABE
 

Helene's sighting suggests that it shouldn't be long before we begin to see black squirrels in the park. Black squirrels are not a unique species but are part of the grey squirrel family. You can read more about eastern squirrels at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation website.

You can come upon squirrels just about anywhere in the park, but the area they frequent most is the west side of the oval (along Stuart Street).

We have many great squirrel pictures throughout the main part of this website and in the Archive under Photo of the Week.

HAVE YOU SEEN RUSTY?

We received the following email from a friend, Claire, who lives in Boerum Hill (downtown Brooklyn) and who does dog and cat fostering, rehabilitation, and adopts them out. (This email was posted to her neighborhood association newsgroup.)
 

MAY AT THE MARSH:
MONTH LEADS OFF WITH HOME RUN AS
BROOKLYN CELEBRATES BASEBALL

The annual Brooklyn Celebrates Baseball event will take place at the salt marsh Nature Center on Monday, May 8, at 7 pm. Alex Anthony, an announcer for the Mets at Shea Stadium, will be on hand to share his insights and experiences. A representative from the Brooklyn Cyclones will attend, as well as knowledgeable baseball enthusiast David Symons (Matt Symons's father). Nathan's hot dogs are on the menu.

Other activities -- indoors and out -- (for children and adults) scheduled throughout the month include guided nature walks, lectures. and art exhibits. Among the highlights are:

Saturday, May 6, 8 pm -- Astronomy: stargazing with the Urban Park Rangers.

Sunday, May 7, 2 pm - Mother's Day crafts workshop.

Saturday, May 20, 8 pm -- Brooklyn Borough Historian Ron Schweiger will give a slide presentation on the subject "Old Resorts of Brooklyn."

Sunday, May 21, 1 pm -- Participate in a round-table discussion with the History Club, led by the Urban Park Rangers. This month’s focus is on the Lenape Indians, Marine Park's first inhabitants. The club will meet regularly each month.

Saturday, May 27, 1 pm -- Explore the butterfly garden with the Urban Park Rangers.

Sunday, May 28 -- Canoeing at the marsh (10 am, 11:30 am, and 1 pm). Sign up for a time slot beginning at 9:50 am. First come, first served. Meet at Burnett Street and Ave U.

Ongoing weekly programs include line dancing for adults, Pilates, birding, arm-chair yoga, the Zen of seeing and drawing, yoga, and wood turning.

Contact: For more information about any activity, call the Nature Center at 718-421-2021.

"A MAN AND HIS DOG"

 The following joke was sent to us by a friend in St. Louis.The author is unknown.
 

FUR FLIES OVER ENDING OF OFF-LEASH HOURS

We've received a number of emails this past week from dog owners upset about the elimination of off-leash hours, which are slated to end when the Gerritsen Beach dog run is completed. Petitions are being circulated and other efforts to contest the cancellation of off-leash hours are under way.

According to Phil Abramson of the Public Information office of the NYC Department of Parks and Recreation, "Off-leash provisions are only in effect in certain parks where there are no dog runs. Once we construct a dog run in a given park, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times in all other parts of that park."

The contention of the petitioners is that the new run, while on park property. is not in the Marine Park community and is inconvenient for residents who currently take advantage of the off-leash area. Yolanda's petition contends that it's unfair that Gerritsen Beach residents --  by requesting a dog run for their community --  were able to negatively affect dog owners in Marine Park.

The new dog run is located at Gerritsen and Florence avenues, approximately three-quarters of a mile from Avenue U and well over a mile from the designated off-leash area of the park.

Contact info: Steve Epstein has created a Yahoo group for people to share ideas and information (click here), or you can email him at steve.epstein@juno.com.
You can see Yolanda's petition and read her blog here. 
State Senator Marty Golden: 718-627-3659.

OLLIE OF "PARADISE FOUND"

This is Ollie, the Airedale we featured in our blog entry of April 13. You might recall, Ollie took an unauthorized "leave of absence" from her Brooklyn residence about ten days ago. She is, however, clearly smiling and happy to be back despite stricter enforcement of "homeland security" measures. Ollie's owner, Rosemary, In her email to us that accompanied the photo, said "Notice the leash...we are not taking any chances."  

ANIMAL PRECINCT ALERT --
FIVE NEW EPISODES THIS WEEK

This week Animal Planet is featuring five new episodes of Animal Precinct  (Monday-Friday at 10 pm) to help mark the ASPCA's 140th anniversary. April is also Prevention of Animal Cruelty Month. More info is available from the ASPCA website.

OFF-LEASH HOURS STILL ON (FOR NOW)

We spoke with Urban Park Service Ranger Tony Prastaro yesterday, who told us that off-leash hours will be in effect in Marine Park until the dog run on Gerritsen Avenue (see entry below) is officially open. Mr. Prastaro thought it would be at least two to three weeks before the run is completed. We looked at the site this afternoon,  and it appears that much work still needs to be done.

FRIDAY, APRIL 14, 2006

GERRITSEN BEACH DOG RUN OPENS
IN NEW LOCATION

The Gerritsen Beach dog run, which was to have been constructed at Burnett Street and Avenue X, has opened -- albeit unofficially -- at Gerritsen Avenue and Florence Avenue. The run site is situated among the ball fields, about three-quarters of a mile south of Avenue U.

According to a spokesperson from Senator Marty Golden's office, the original location was scrapped because of "environmental issues."

The run is open but has't been completed. According to Senator Golden's office, there will be an official ribbon-cutting in about two weeks.

We're still trying to determine if off-leash hours have been suspended because of the opening of the dog run. We've received reports from dog owners who've been told by park personnel that off-leash hours have been suspended; we've yet to confirm this with park administrators.

LOST AIREDALE FOUND IN PARADISE
(IT'S NOT WHAT YOU THINK)

The errant Airedale we reported missing April 10  was saved that evening from a possible tragic encounter with Flatbush Avenue traffic by Inger and Katherine -- employees of Puppy Paradise (a pet store and grooming salon) on Flatbush Avenue near Avenue N. The two women spotted the frightened dog and coaxed her into the shop. In a phone interview, Inger said, "We knew it wasn't a stray, because it was obvious she had recently been groomed."

The dog had made it to Flatbush Avenue from East 32nd Street and Avenue L --  a distance of more than a half-mile -- managing to safely cross Kings Highway, which is a challenge for a human, let alone an unaccompanied pooch.

The adventurous Airedale -- Ollie -- had escaped  the confines of her home by opening the porch gate with her nose. According to her owner, Rosemary, "Ollie didn't have tags on, because I had just finished grooming her." She was on the loose for only about 45 minutes before being rescued by Inger and Katherine.

But since Ollie was an unidentified canine -- she had neither tags nor chip -- how was she reunited with her owner? Keep in mind, Rosemary had no idea where her dog was.

Here's where things get interesting:

In the late evening on the day Ollie wandered off, Rosemary was still combing the neighborhood and telling everyone with a dog to be on the lookout for Ollie.

The last person Rosemary spoke to that night -- at about 12:30 am -- was a man named Mike. Rosemary said she was somewhat hesitant about speaking to any stranger -- especially at that hour -- but she was desperate to find her dog. Mike asked for her address and other details about Ollie and  Rosemary gave him the information.

On Monday, Rosemary got a call from Mike, who told her, "I think I found your dog." 

Mike, it seems, needed to go to the post office (on Flatbush Avenue) Monday morning for a money order. Afterwards he  purchased coffee and a donut, which he decided to eat al fresco, on a bench, which was right near Puppy Paradise. He glanced at the window. There was a sign: Found Airedale. He went inside and told the staff, "I think I know who lost that dog."

This is a warm and, literally, fuzzy story with coincidences and serendipities we haven't mentioned. And one must ponder: How did Ollie happen to navigate her way to the safety of a pet store? Why did Rosemary put aside her misgivings to give a stranger personal information? Why did Mike go to the Post Office when he did AND happen to pick a place to sit with a view of the  store window?

On a less mystical note, this tale illustrates the importance of tags and chips. Dogs are natural escape artists, and despite our best efforts to keep them from taking unauthorized day trips, they find ways to outsmart us. More about tags and chips in an upcoming entry.

KEEP AN EYE OUT
FOR LOST AIREDALE

We received an email regarding a lost Airedale, Ollie, who was last seen on Saturday at 5:30 pm at East 32nd and Avenue L. Ollie is a female, black and tan, about 24 inches high.  Contact us here if you have any info about Ollie.

MARINE PARK RESIDENTS
PROTEST T-MOBILE CELL TOWER

Despite the rain on Saturday about 30 people turned out to express their opposition to T-Mobile's construction of a cell phone tower at East 36th Street and Avenue S. The neighborhood is residential, mainly comprised of one- and two- story homes and mom-and-pop stores, and is not an appropriate location for a cell tower, residents insist. State Senator Marty Golden attended the rally, which received coverage on cable stations NY 1 and Brooklyn 12. Construction has been temporarily halted by a stop-work order issued by the NYC Buildings Department, but that status will be reviewed next week.

Additional information will be posted as it becomes available.
 

PENNY'S TALE: FOUND DOG 
REUNITES LONG-LOST FRIENDS

For those of you who've been asking about the retriever mix found by Marianne C. on Gerritsen Avenue in mid-March (click), here's an update: Despite heroic  efforts to find  the owner, he or she never came forward, and we've concluded there's a good chance the dog was not lost but abandoned.

Fortunately, two Marine Park residents, who spotted the flyer Marianne posted, came to the rescue, so to speak, and offered to adopt the pooch, whom Marianne had named Penny.

An interesting twist to the story: It turns out that the adopting couple -- Joe and Mary M. -- had lived right near Marianne's husband, Mike, when they were all kids in Gerritsen Beach. They hadn't seen each other in many years and now were reunited thanks to Penny.

Joe and Mary were about to go out to North Shore Animal League to look for a dog when they saw Marianne's flyer. They indicated they would be happy to welcome Penny into their home if her owner did not turn up. When Joe and Mary met Mike and Marianne (to be introduced to Penny), it wasn't long before they realized they knew -- but hadn't seen -- each other in ages.

Could there be some mysterious force that led to this happy serendipity? A Penny for your thoughts...

MARSH MADNESS -- A BUSY, ACTIVITY-FILLED SPRING AND SUMMER SEASON AHEAD

Spring has sprung at the Salt Marsh Nature Center (see photos below), and there's much to see and do -- lots of outdoor and indoor events for adults and children that are invigorating, entertaining, informative, or inspiring (or all of these). And there's no charge except for some special programs.

You can see the monthly program calendar of events here or receive it via email by requesting it from info@saltmarshalliance.org.

Dogs are permitted on the marsh trails, but they must be leashed at all times.

The Salt Marsh Nature Center is located on Avenue U at East 33rd Street, across from the Marine Park parking lot. The nature center building is open every day (except Wednesday) from 11 am to 5 pm. Phone: 718-421-2021.

There are more photos and info about the marsh/nature center in our Archive.

The cost is $50 per week, plus some charges for extras. Lunch and snacks are included.

You can pick up an application at the Nature Center or download it from the Parks Department website here, or call 212-360-2774 to have an application faxed or mailed to you.

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