Suburbanites spend lazy summer days relaxing
at country clubs and swimming pools, country folk enjoy refreshing
dips at lakes and rivers and beach bums bask in the comfort of
warm ocean breezes. Amid all that fun, where do the city folk
fit in?
Author Marilyn Singer, of Park Slope, has the answer.
In her recently published children’s book, "Block Party
Today," Singer takes a simple, city-weekend afternoon and
turns it into a fun-filled, action-packed community bash. Through
the eyes and experiences of three neighborhood friends, Lola,
Yasmin and Sue, a corner of Park Slope comes to life.
"I love block parties," Singer recently told GO Brooklyn
via e-mail. "The best ones really bring neighbors together
– to sweep the street, to decorate, to hang out and have fun,
and most importantly, to get to know each other."
While everyone on Berkeley Place prepares for the block party
in "Block Party Today," Lola sulks in her bedroom,
vowing stubbornly not to attend the big event because she is
angry with Yasmin and Sue. Meanwhile, Yasmin and Sue run and
jump around the street among their delighted neighbors. Page
by page, Lola slowly works her way to her front stoop, unable
to resist the outside excitement. Before you know it, Yasmin
and Sue have Lola by the hands and are pulling her under the
spray of the fire hydrant, all previous disagreements forgotten.
Singer, 55, and her husband, Steve Aronson, spent many years
organizing block parties on the real Berkeley Place in Park Slope.
Besides food and music, the block parties featured Double Dutch
performers, gymnasts, rides, magicians, organized competitions
with prizes and many other booths. There was also a raffle that
included prizes from neighborhood stores. The money that was
raised was mainly used towards the upkeep and improvement of
their community garden.
Planning a block party, however, is not always easy. According
to Singer, it all begins with an organized block association.
From there, meetings are held and jobs (including face painting,
manning the barbecue and collecting raffle prizes) are assigned.
Then residents around the block must be informed about the party.
Singer recommends listing the event in local newspapers if more
attendees are desired. The neighborhood YMCA and other community
groups can be contacted for performers, entertainment and donations.
"The most important thing is that you get a street-closing
permit, which you should do way in advance through your local
community board," Singer said.
In her spare time, Singer enjoys bird watching and other nature
activities. Although she has not planned a block party in a while,
she still enjoys them and attends the annual Seventh Heaven religiously.
At present, Singer is working on a young-adult anthology about
race relations, a collection of poems for young children and
a novel for elementary school students. A veteran author, Singer
has written more than 70 books for young readers. Her first book,
"The Dog Who Insisted he Wasn’t," was published in
1976.
"Writing is a full-time job," Singer said. "It’s
not just getting out a notepad and writing. It’s reading and
other research, and it’s thinking, thinking, thinking."
Writing, like a great block party, takes time and planning, so
what are you waiting for? Organize your block association, call
your local community board and get your party planned before
the summer ends. And don’t forget to check out Marilyn Singer’s
"Block Party Today" for further inspiration.
"Block Party Today" (Alfred
A. Knopf Books for Young Readers, $16.95) is written by Marilyn
Singer and illustrated by Stephanie Roth. Recommended for ages
5 to 8. On Aug. 11, Singer will read from her book at Borough
Hall [209 Joralemon St., (718) 802-3846] Call for time. Log on
to the Mayor’s Community Assistance Unit Web site at www.nyc.gov/html/cau/html/cb
/cb_main.shtml for links to local community boards.
