Fresh Air Fund Still Looking for Host Families for August

If you didn't cancel your summer vacation plans (Sorry, Maine, hope to catch you next year!), consider inviting a Fresh Air Fund kid along for the ride. There's still time!

Read up on it here: http://freshair-press.com/#Host_a_Child

This is a fantastic program that allows kids from all over the City experience a different place for a week or two. If you cut back on charitable giving and want to earn back some Karma points, this will make up for all the pledge drives that didn't entice you this year.

The Urchins are Out

School's out for summer. Not officially, yet, but in effect. Just because the kids are 12 years old (give or take a few years) doesn't mean they should get away with assault and vandalism.

Tuesday afternoon a large group of tween/teen boys were throwing glass bottles around the park and onto the sidewalks around the park (both in and out of the actual park). They also assaulted at least one young man - four on one and against the fence.

In one case, the glass bottles they through down onto the 44th Street sidewalk (from the park) landed on and around a family walking up the hill. I'm sure some people will disagree that 911 should be called, but I don't. Especially considering the damage a flying glass bottle can do.

from the FAQ on the nyc.gov website:

When should you call 911?

When there is an emergency, lives are in danger, serious injury, serious medical condition, crime in progress, or any other situation needing immediate attention.

What should you do if you see a crime occurring?

• Call 911 immediately.
• Be observant and make mental notes.
• Are there any weapons involved?
• What is the address?
• Any physical characteristics such as height, weight, race, beard, or scars?
• Any clothing description?
• How many people involved?
• Are the persons involved on foot or in a vehicle?

Do I have to give my name when I call 911?

If you wish to remain anonymous or keep information confidential just tell the operator.

If you don't want to call 911, try one of these numbers for the 72nd Precinct:

Precinct: (718) 965-6311
Community Affairs: (718) 965-6326
Community Policing: (718) 965-6350
Crime Prevention: (718) 965-6354
Domestic Violence: (718) 965-6363
Youth Officer: (718) 965-6301
Auxiliary Coordinator: (718) 965-6323
Detective Squad: (718) 965-6336

Summer Coming to a Close

The bees are busy, and the wild flowers (and tended flowers) are showing off their colors around the park. Judging from this past weekend and its amazing weather, Sunset Park will be hosting a lot of "Last Days of Summer" picnics and celebrations. There were more balloons, pinatas, and sunbathers this weekend than I've seen in a long time. Good times.

Sunset Park Pool Opens Today!

It's the first day of summer (if you're school-age), and the Sunset Park Pool is ready to go. Yesterday life guards were checking out the pool with long-handled tools and sharp eyes. The barriers have been set-up. The new blue signs have been posted. The staff is bracing for an onslaught of eager children and adults. And today is the day.

The regular pool hours are from 11 AM -3 PM and 4 PM - 7 PM. I suggest the early session if you plan on bringing a baby or toddler. The later afternoon session can get a little wild.

Adult lap swim beings July 7th; the hours are 7 AM - 8:30 AM and 7 PM - 8:30 PM, Mondays through Fridays.

Here are the rules for using the City's Pools. Make sure you're not turned away!

For everybody’s health, safety, and protection, we ask our guests to observe the following rules:

• Bathing suits must be worn on the deck and in the water. Men’s bathing suits must have mesh linings. Hats may be worn on the deck for sun protection but are not allowed in the water. Plain white T-shirts may be worn over bathing suits if desired. Sneakers are not permitted. Rubber flip flops or water shoes are permitted.

• No urinating or defecating in the pools.

• Children under 16 must be at least eight inches taller than the maximum water depth to enter the pool without adult supervision. Specific height requirements are posted at every pool.

• No person will be permitted in the pool having: skin lesions, sores, or inflamed eyes, mouth, nose, or ear discharge, carrying communicable disease or having any type of bandage, adhesive tape, etc., on their body.

• All bathers must take a shower in the locker room before entering the pool.

• Patrons must provide their own padlock. No responsibility is assumed for lost articles. A standard master or combination lock is recommended. Small luggage locks are not permitted.

• The use of swimming aids, water toys, and flotation devices is prohibited.

• Electronic equipment, including radios, cameras, and cellular phones, is not allowed on pool deck.

• Eating or drinking is permitted only in designated areas. Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.

• Beach chairs, baby strollers, bags, blankets, or beach balls are not permitted on the pool deck. We will make our best effort to secure strollers.

• Follow the directives of lifeguards, Parks staff, and the police.

• Ball playing, running, jumping, using profane language or other forms of disruptive and disorderly behavior are prohibited.

• No diving, except in designated areas.

• No smoking, pets, or glass bottles permitted.

• Books and bound periodicals are permitted on the pool deck. Newspapers are not.