Good News: Notebook Drive, Memorial Concert

As a local news organization, Patch covers stories of all kinds, from heartbreaking tragedies to nitty-gritty breakdowns of government and school district issues. But some stories are simply inspiring, often showing that at the heart of our communities is a desire to do good. Here are some of the touching headlines from the past seven days.

Red Hook Boaters Earn Golden Trowel

On Nov. 16, 350 people came to support and celebrate their local parks at the second annual Partnerships for Parks Conference where Red Hook Boaters was one of two groups to receive the "Golden Trowel Award" for their superb park activism.

Roulette Hosting Brooklyn Symphony in Memory of Hope Reichbach

The Brooklyn Symphony will perform this month in remembrance of Hope Reichbach, the young Boerum Hill native who was a rising star in local politics but tragically passed away at the age of 22 in 2011.

After Shoe Drive, Students Hope to Bring Supplies in Return to Cambodia

One year ago, Anna Malafronte and a class of students from Poly Prep organized a shoe drive and brought hundreds of shoes to needy Cambodian youth. While there, Malafronte noticed another need: school supplies.

With that, another trip to Cambodia is set and another drive is ongoing at Runnin' Wild Kids Shoes in Cobble Hill where Malafronte works. From now through Christmas Eve, donations of composition notebooks, non-mechanic pencils and erasers are being accepted.

Honor Shirley Chisholm at Macon Library

Macon Library in Bed-Stuy will spend one day next week honoring civil rights hero and former Brooklyn congresswoman Shirley Chisholm. 

On Tuesday, Nov. 26 at 6 p.m., the Macon Library will celebrate Shirley Chisholm Day, with a film screening, trivia event and get-together.

In Photos: Al Vann, 38 Years Of Service

Saturday night, Bed-Stuy residents and local leaders gathered to celebrate the nearly four decades of public service of city Councilman Al Vann. 

The event was held Saturday at the Memorial Hall of Concord Baptist Church in Bed-Stuy, where students, parents, and community residents gathered to offer the retiring Vann best wishes.