Historic Marker in Gravesend Brooklyn

Growing up in Smithtown, I’ve noticed these markers around but never really paid them

Much attention until recently.  Upon researching it, I discovered that the program that initially placed them throughout New York’s 62 counties stopped doing so in 1966!  Upon further reading only 4 were ever placed in Kings County (Brooklyn), of which just 2 are left standing today.  When I read one was still around near where I live I had to take a ride over to check it out!  I’ll definitely be posting more about these as I find them.  

This one notes Gravesend Cemetery and Lady Moody who founded the town of Gravesend, the only woman to found a town in colonial America!  Neat piece of New York State History! 

Good Morning Smithtown

Good Morning Smithtown!  As always Whisper is done up nicely for the holidays!  Here’s to Holiday Season 2018!  

Strazzullo Christmas Tree Lighting

Every year on 18th Avenue here in the heart of Bensonhurst the Strazzullo Law firm sets up a Christmas tree which usually features a small lighting ceremony/celebration.  I first attended in 2016 and was impressed how even local politicians showed up like Senator Marty Golden.  It’s a small ceremony but something that is nice that brings a quaint Christmas charm to the neighborhood year after year.  I hope they keep this tradition alive for years to come.

Villabate Alba

For tonights blog post I thought I’d write about a popular multi generational Bensonhurst institution.  Located on the corner of 18th Avenue and 70th Street, this place stands out as an oasis in an ocean of change in the ever changing area of Bensonhurst Brooklyn.  An old school Italian Caffe and bakery rolled into one where you can go inside and hear the remnants of the Italian immigration speaking in their native dialects that represent various regions of southern Italy and Sicily.  Holiday time always has a line wrapped around the block as people come from as far away as New Jersey to order a treat to impress the suburban families.  Hopefully Villabate remains a Bensonhurst pillar for years to come.

Winter is in the air 2018

Woke up today to the prediction of light snow.  The air above Bensonhurst was heavy this morning.  As maybe you can “feel” through this photo of 18th Avenue and 72nd street here in the heart of Bensonhurst.  The cold weather defines us as New Yorkers, I’ve long believed it this only thing holding the masses of transplants back from completely over running this state.  Here’s to another winter and another year!

Giuseppe Garibaldi playground located on 18th Avenue and 82nd Street in Bensonhurst Brooklyn is one of older playgrounds in the neighborhood, but attracts a wide age range of kids.  Named after the famous Italian unifier, and a throw back to the once strong Italian-American presence of Bensonhurst, this playground offers a few different jungle gyms and swings for the kids along with a sprinkler system for the summer time.  While attending it today with my family
I took notice of this tile when I walked inside.  Which definitely reveals the age of the park and past politicians, some of whom have passed on.  A throw back to a different time when New York City felt much grittier than it does today.

Trunk or Treat at Tackan Elementary in Smithtown was a huge successs tonight.  A fantastic idea that is friendly for the kids to have them go around to various cars decorated in Halloween items.  One of the nice things about Smithtown schools is the effort they put in.  Looking forward to the next event.  

More than 5 years later, a lot has changed

While I am still deeply in love with Smithtown, NY.  I’ve moved into Brooklyn, in the Bensonhurst neighborhood to be exact.  Due to the nature of my job (MTA worker that covers both LIRR and Metro-Morth) I’ve considered making this into a blog that celebrates various places around New York State, in particular the City, Long Island and Hudson Valley, with occasional trips outside of those areas.

Living in Brooklyn the last 4 years has given me new insight, I’ve always loved this state, even if I disagree with the vast majority of its politics, it’s still the best state in the country for me!  Stay tuned for some test and trial runs of reviews of local places and don’t worry, I still stop in Smithtown often so that will still be around!