O' CHRISTMAS TREE, O' CHRISTMAS TREE

Update 2009 about my Christmas Tree Farmer

Last year I wrote a sad story about my Christmas Tree Farmer and how we will miss him so; well we just came back from looking for the perfect tree and there they were, our faithful Christmas Tree Farmer. He did return for another year and we are so happy about it.

First I'll re-post last years story to remind you of what happened in Christmas of 2008:
I will let you know from the start this is a bit of a sad story.........
Every year my husband and I go to the same place to purchase our Christmas tree; it is right off of Atlantic Ave in a triangle shape point of the block. It was an empty lot used for equipment of trucks and every Christmas season this wonderful family from Canada would bring their trees. This year we wondered would we find them because the lot has already been excavated for the Atalntic Project but we did find them on the same spot but their trees lined up outside of the fence. We were so happy when we spotted them. To us it always seem to complete our Shopping trip for the day. We start at the Mall make a few stops and then go for a meal at El Viejo Yayo and then appx.two block over towards Atlantic pick out our tree and head home. We would recognize each other and greet each other like we were old friends. Well, this year I ask him for his business card or a way to reach them for next year; I knew that spot wouldn't be available to him after next year and he said he probably wouldn't be coming back to Brooklyn anymore. With great sadness we asked why and we were saddened by his response. He told us that it was becoming too dangerous and he had been cursed out, threaten and verbally abused my some when they asked for the prices of the different size trees. Actually his prices are very reasonable especially if you have any understanding on what it takes to tend to a Tree Farm and the cost of transport and the sacrifice of being so far away from the comfort of their home..
I felt so sick to my stomach that someone would actually stand there and threaten to come back and shoot a tree farmer because they didn't like the 40 or 50 dollar price tag. I don't know why but me and my husband took it upon ourselves to apologize for the bad behavior of the few, and then we prayed for him and wished him well in his future endeavors. He gave us a big hug and told us that it is patrons like us that keep making him come back but we will see. Again, we parted with a hardy hug and handshake. We past by the day after Christmas and there is no trace of the rows of beautiful trees and strings of lights and the hustle and bustle of the crowd is gone, we feel like we've just lost a great old friend. We will miss our Canadian Christmas Tree Farmer and wish him well.
*************************************************************************************

Well here it is 2009 and we found them just a few blocks over from where they usually set up. They can't use that spot anymore because of the Atlantic Yards Project for the NETS Stadium (that's a whole other discussion)
We practically jumped on him and gave him and his brother a big hug and firm handshake showing how happy we were to find them again. My husband and I looked at each other and our eyes said "Now it's Christmas". We had a chance to catch up with the nice polite and general conversations and then we began to look for our tree. We mentioned to our Tree Rep that our car was in the shop did he know of a car service that would transport our tree for us and he said yes " there's a lady Sheryl who goes back and forth with her jeep for a reasonable fee, she should be here soon". As we were waiting for Sheryl we witnessed other families showing up and also being pleasantly surprised to also find who they considered to be their favorite people to purchase their Christmas Tree also. Smiles, smiles smiles all around and enough to spare.
Could things get even better; well yes, we met Sheryl and want a wonderful character she turned out to be. She is so delightful and unique and it looks like we just made a new friend for Christmas. My husband and I got to invite her to our church and I hope she comes. Now that's what I'm talking about, the Christmas spirit filled with love, joy, peace and kindness unto one another.
Thank you Christmas Tree Farmer for coming back. And my prayer is that this joyful spirit would spread quickly throughout what I know to be as a wonderful City....THAT'S MY BROOKLYN.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL AND A BLESSED NEW YEAR

Cooky Morales
author of
TEAPOT BLESSINGS

HARVEST FEST IN NORTH BROOKLYN

WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER AND VICTORY OUTREACH NORTH BROOKLYN PRESENTS:
HARVEST FEST 2009
What a great time with over 300 in attendance ready in their costumes to have fun.
Highlights were the costume parade where all children marched across the stage to show off their costumes; beautiful sight. Also a highlight was the dance off between two Micheal Jackson's, they were pulling out all the moves. And also the Victory Outreach UTC/Urban Training Center with their skit and a dance routine. Pastor Ed and Ana Castro were able to pray for the community and it's families. There was plenty candy for all. As for me and my hubby we were the dressed as the Royals of Brooklyn crowns and all.

WILLIAMSBURG COMMUNITY CENTER IN NORTH BROOKLYN

Williamsburg Community Center and Victory Outreach North Brooklyn are getting ready for their annual Harvest Fest event October 29, 2009. Last year's event was a great success and the parents of the community appreciated and enjoyed having a safe environment for their children to play games, wear their costumes and receive treats with no tricks. Their were over three hundred in attendance and thanks to the volunteers of Victory Outreach North Brooklyn, Victory Outreach UTC and Recovery House of Worship everything ran smoothly and the children were excited. We are looking forward to doing this event again and invite you to bring your children (we strongly encourage no scary costumes).

BROOKLYN GOT GAME !!

Victory Outreach North Brooklyn
WALL WARS II HANDBALL TOURNAMENT

This event was a hit with the community and all involved and participants. They gave it their all in this hand ball competition. Brooklyn has got the Best Handball Players. And that's my opinion with a smile.

LIGHTEN UP BROOKYN

I did it, I went to City Hall to be a part of the LIGHTEN UP BROOKLYN WALK. I had the chance to meet wonderful people and walk with Marty Markowitz. They gave us Tee-shirts and a bottle of water and now I have the awesome task of putting together a walk team. Looking forward to improving my health and making new friends and enjoying Brooklyn like I always do. I LOVE BROOKLYN (Marty is not the only cheerleader for Brooklyn, but he is the best and does his best) and I appreciate him for that. Way to go Marty.

WALL WARS HANDBALL TOURNAMENT IN NORTH BROOKLYN

Wall Wars handball Tournament was an exiting success; there is sure a lot of talent in North Brooklyn for sure. Congrats to the winning team the 'SLIM SHADY'S'.
photos will be posted soon. Victory Outreach North Brooklyn felt proud to head up this community event and we are looking forward to having more summertime events coming soon.

SPRING TIME IN BROOKLYN

So we have entered another season, It's Spring time in Brooklyn again. Spring is such a great season; it enters in the feeling of new beginnings, joy and hopeful expectations of what is to come. We watch the trees waiting in anticipation for the first blooms to appear. So it is in these crazy economic times and we really look towards hope and have joyful anticipation. I say yes and a resounding yes! For me personally my hope is that we all take stock of what is really important and redirect our priorities. I went to my neighborhood florist just the other day to pick out Palms for my Church and I ask the head florist how was business, were they being affected by the economic uncertainty. With a big smile she responded, they are doing just fine because people are staying home more so they want to fix their gardens, porches, windowsills, etc. They want to surround themselves with beauty and not concentrate on the negatives. Being home and enjoying the anticipation of Spring picnics in their yards and Summer Barbecues with family has become their priority.
There's nothing like a Brooklyn Barbecue and Brooklyn Picnic and a Brooklyn Block Party. May this season be hopeful, colorful and filled with family love; that's what really counts at the end of the day.