Dancing, Slowing Down & Fighting For Justice: New Year’s Resolutions In Ditmas Park

Photo via mbakija

As we quickly hurdle towards 2015, leaving the good and the bad of the past year behind us, we wanted to find out what some of our neighbors are resolving to do in this new year. The answers we got were thoughtful and kind, filled with the hope that this year we can continue to support neighbors who are struggling, stray from our computers and take time out for ourselves and our family, celebrate our diverse community, and, even after long days have worn us out, remember to dance.

In no particular order, here are some of the resolutions neighbors sent to us. We’d love to hear yours as well, which you can share in the comments below or email to us at editor@ditmasparkcorner.com. And from everyone at Ditmas Park Corner, here’s to a new year filled with much happiness, much laughter, and much dancing for all our neighbors.

Photo via Flatbush Development Corporation

Robin Redmond, executive director at the Flatbush Development Corporation

This year, as FDC celebrates 40 years of service, we look at how we have grown as an organization and community. In 2015 we are committed to the following: to provide unique experiences to youth enrolled in afterschool; to provide opportunities for the community to get together and celebrate all that Flatbush has to offer; to advocate for tenants who are being displaced due to illegal harassment; and to work with merchants to form stronger Merchant Associations and better ties with the community.

Photo via caribBEING

Shelley Worrell, founder and chief curator of caribBEING

Our focus in the 2015 is threefold: Firstly, collaborating with local resident, Natalya Mills-Mayrena, Costume Historian & Curator who will join caribBEING as Creative/Program Director.  Secondly, partnering with the Tenement Museum and Council Member Jumaane Williams on NYC Department of Cultural Affairs’ Cultural Immigrant Initiative.  CaribBEING’s initial focus will be

xpanding our ‘I AM CARIBBEING‘ product line and launching in local stores like Brooklyn Museum’s Shop and Brooklyn Artery.

Photo via Lark Café

Kari Browne, owner of Lark Café

My New Year’s resolution is to feel content and happy with the little victories that happen in my life on a daily basis – waking up healthy, having the love of family, feeling generosity and support from friends and neighbors. Apart from that, there’s also the goal of exercising daily and figuring out the work/life balance thing and spending less and saving more. Fingers crossed – may this be a wondrous, adventurous and, above all, a very happy new year.

Photo via Lark Café

Amy Shearn, author and founder of Lit at Lark

I’d have to say my resolution is to be less busy. I suffer from that scurrying-about disease so many mothers have, in which every moment is filled with multitasking (which of course means you’re never doing any one thing particularly well). I’m going to aim for more quiet time for reflection in the new year. I should note that I am writing this on my phone while walking my dog. Oh well, it’s not the new year yet.

As for Lit at Lark, I have been so lucky to host such fabulous, accomplished, brilliant writers. But I realize I haven’t really tapped into the full spectrum of the neighborhood’s diversity, and I’m going to be more conscious of trying to showcase a more diverse community of writers.

Lauren Elvers Collins, executive director of the Church Avenue BID and Flatbush Avenue BID

My New Year’s resolution is to do less, so what I am doing means more. I’m determined to stop over-scheduling my free time in 2015 so it actually IS free to watch Elf (again) with my kids without falling asleep and the energy to only work on issues that matter most to me, not every issue that comes along.

Photo via Temple Beth Emeth

Rabbi Heidi Hoover, of Temple Beth Emeth

Most of my resolving happens at the Jewish new year, but for the secular new year I resolve to create more opportunities for people to encounter Judaism and see where it has wisdom for their lives.

Cynthia King, owner of the Cynthia King Dance Studio

In 2015 I resolve to DANCE EVERY DAY – and to help as many animals as I can,  encouraging people to adopt from local rescue groups and shelters.

Councilman Mathieu Eugene

As I reflect on the past year, I am resolved in my work to continue improving the well-being and quality of life for my constituents and for all New Yorkers. In 2015, I plan on dedicating my efforts to job creation, expanding affordable housing units, and increasing health coverage for those in the greatest need. In my capacity as Chair of the Youth Services Committee, I resolve to do everything in my power to provide our young people with the best education and to ensure they have access to services and programs that will empower them and instill a confidence that will serve them well throughout their lives. As your City Council Member, I wish everyone joy and peace in the New Year.

Photo via Rodneyse Bichotte 

Rodneyse Bichotte, Assemblywoman-elect for the 42nd Assembly District

My resolution for 2015 is to navigate Albany’s complex political system to deliver concrete results for the residents of the 42nd Assembly District, and improve on that system slowly but surely.

Christy Sheehan, owner of Bar Chord

We are hoping that in 2015 we will get the Bar Chord foundation up and running, a nonprofit that will match kids with music teachers and provide free lessons for local kids. If anyone is interested in helping out with this they can email christy@barchordnyc.com. And, of course, we hope to continue showcasing the great musical talent from our neighborhood and beyond.

CJ Segal-Isaacson, artist and owner of Hungry Cat Café Jewelry

I hope to be a better, more patient and attuned parent to our teenage daughter in 2015.

Susan Siegel, owner of Brooklyn ARTery

As someone who launched the Cortelyou Farmers Market, Flatbush Community Garden and Brooklyn ARTery, my passion has always been to fill niches that add value to community. As we enter into 2015, I want to up my game; expand ARTery programming and inventory to meets the needs of our community and also scale up the business elsewhere. As a CORMA (Cortelyou Road Merchants Association) member, I will take an active role to make sure that Cortelyou is a safe street as well as a thriving destination. I will always look for opportunities to support social justice organizations that serve the underserved, like Flatbush Tenant Coalition and the Laundromat Project.

On a personal level, I want to be more disciplined about exercising. I am going to take classes at Pilates on Cortelyou, because… hey, its right next door so I have no excuse!

Matthew Wolf, executive director of the Kings Theatre

My New Year’s resolution is to get a little rest once we’ve finished the Kings Theatre’s restoration and have it open for the community to experience – we’re finalizing work on the stage, the curtain needs to be hung, among other items, but we are nearly there! I hope 2015 brings back fond memories of the theatre for returning guests, and creates new memories for everyone who visits this incredible space.