Greenpoint Star Newspaper

Last month, Brooklyn Councilman Jumaane Williams, inspired by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, decided to sit during the Pledge of Allegiance during a City Council meeting.

Williams posted on his Instagram account that he sat to “highlight the plight of so many” and give to a voice to those who “feel voiceless and who struggle everyday.”

He then received racist hate mail from those who objected to his protest.
Williams responded with this following statement:

“First, I want to thank those who sent positive messages and emails of support. The over-the-top responses shows where we are in this country. There are some who complain about a peaceful protest, so it begs the question what are people really angered by – is it the act of protesting irrespective of what form it takes, or they simply believe there is nothing to protest about.  It seems to me that some have a problem with protesting in general whether it’s peaceful prayer, an act of civil disobedience, or in the form of engaging in destructive behavior. I am exercising my right as an American to speak out about something I believe in and the hateful responses underscores the need for it.”

“Lastly, the irony should not be lost on anyone that these are racist responses to a protest about continued racial inequality. I invite all New Yorkers of goodwill to join me at City Hall this Wednesday at noon to continue the discussion about a practice this is rooted in the best values of America.”

Get ready for the 24th annual Get to the ‘Point 5K Run in Greenpoint, on Sunday, October 9th!

ON-LINE REGISTRATION is available via website and paper applications are in the mail and are available in numerous locations around Greenpoint.

Get To The ‘Point! still features three great activities – the Children’s Dashes (at 10:30 AM), the 5K Run (at1:00 PM) and the huge Post-Race Party (2:00 PM) – providing a full day of fun-filled events for the whole family to enjoy!

There will also be plenty of entertainment, food and prizes for all to enjoy. You can run, jog or simply walk the entire 5K route, which features a terrific, scenic course through the streets of Greenpoint.

Pre-register now to take advantage of the discounted rates and guarantee yourself a race T-Shirt. New this year – FREE finish line photos/video of 5K and Dashes! If you register online, a post race e-mail will be sent to you with your result and your finish line photos/video link.

The deadline for online Pre-Registration is Saturday, October 8th!

All the proceeds of the event are used to benefit the St. Stan’s Athletic League and the over 300 children it serves with its sports programs each year.

There are still a variety of Sponsorship Opportunities available for the event. If you would like to support them individually or as an organization, any type or form of donation would be greatly appreciated by the St. Stan’s Athletic League.

For more information, visit their website for event updates, past event results, and great action photos. If you have any further questions, contact either Frank or Dan directly via e-mail at info@gettothepoint5k.com.

You can connect with the event via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Nothing like swapping clothes that don’t fit anymore.

Town Square and Wee Pea Children’s Marketplace is hosting a greencycle swap event on Sunday, October 2nd where you can pick up clothes, shoes, books, toys and other gears for your baby or toddler.

No need to bring anything for you to take something. It’s free with an admission ticket to the event.

For more information, visit brooklynbabyfest.com.

The Newtown Creek Alliance and North Brooklyn Boat Club are hosting a special boat tour series to “examine and discuss current water quality trends for Newtown Creek.”

With data expected to come in from NCA’s 6-month water sampling study with LaGuardia Community College, it’s a great time for residents to learn all of the factors that play into the historic creek.

Following a presentation of the water quality issues, attendees will actually go to the creek with NBBC, paddle onto the waters and conduct live testing.

For more information and to register, click here.

North Brooklyn residents are invited to join the NYC Audubon Society, Newtown Creek Alliance and other groups to welcome a new green roof and community engagement center.

It will all take place at the Kingsland Wildflower Festival 0n Saturday, September 24th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 520 Kingsland Avenue.

The opening of the 10,000 square foot green roof will allow residents to explore the native grasses and wild flowers of the area. The roof will have exquisite panoramic views of the city.

There will be food, beer, kids activities, live music and, of course, flowers at the event.

For more information, visit kingslandwildflowers.com.

That must have hurt.

Police say that on Friday, August 8, a 24-year-old man was sitting on a bench in front of 50 Debevoise Avenue. All of a sudden, he heard gun shots from an unknown direction.

The victim ran and was hit in the upper right buttocks and right thigh, according to authorities.

He was taken to Elmhurst Hospital for medical attention.

Police have captured surveillance video of the suspect as he exited Cooper Houses after the incident.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS or submit their tips by logging onto the Crime stoppers website at WWW.NYPDCRIMESTOPPERS.COM.

No, this isn’t just another tall tale about a possible Bill Murray sighting. This isn’t just another myth about the urban legend, that we can’t actually confirm.

Actor Bill Murray, himself, will be bartending on Friday and Saturday beginning at 7 p.m. at 21 Greenpoint, a new bar opening that’s owned in part by Murray’s son, Homer.

Homer Murray and fellow owner Syd Silver are opening 21 Greenpoint in place of their last venture, River Styx. The transformation to an upscale dining spot includes renovations to the dining room, kitchen, and bar. The food, Homer says, “will be seasonal and exclusively from local farms.”

What to expect on the two opening nights? “We want people to come and have fun,” says Homer Murray. “People can walk in; just be nice.”

As for the people who question Bill Murray’s mixology skills, “What my dad lacks in experience… he makes up for in tequila,” says Homer.

“Opening night is really about the transformation of an already awesome place into an even better venue in our neighborhood. It’s not about Bill Murray,” said lifelong Greenpoint resident, Rocco Rubino. Just kidding, it’s about Bill f****** Murray,” said the 27-year-old.

Although Bill may have trouble making your “sex on the beach” … who cares about you.

Maybe bar patrons will have a story to tell that will land in the “11 Greatest Bill Murray Stories Ever Told” list; and that’s enough for a visit to the newly transformed 21 Greenpoint.

Send a pic(s) of yourself with Bill Murray to news@queensledger.com for a chance to be in the next issue of the Greenpoint Star Newspaper.

Join the North Brooklyn Boat Club this weekend for yet another epic boatyard party and fundraiser!

There will be the four Bs: bands, beers, barbecue, and other course boats.

It will be hosted at the Broadway Stags boatyard under the Pulaski Bridge (437 McGuinness Boulevard) on Saturday, September 17 from 6 p.m. until 1 a.m.

Get there early because it’s $5 before 7 p.m. and $10 after. All benefits go to the boat club.

The NYC Audubon is leading a free interpretive walk of the park’s native plant garden tomorrow (Tuesday), September 13th from 5:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.

The walk will take place in McGolrick Park, and the NYC Audubon will be highlighting the native plants, birds, butterflies and other wildlife.

Police say that 22-year-old Jesus Pimentel of the Bronx was shot and killed in Williamsburg at the wee hours of the morning.

At approximately 1:28 a.m., authorities responded to calls of a man who was assaulted at North 6th Street and Kent Avenue. When they arrived, they found Pimentel with gunshot wounds to his chest and right leg.

When EMS arrived, they transferred him to Woodhull Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

There have been no arrests made so far, and authorities are still investigating.