We thought this article from last week's Brooklyn Daily would brighten your day!
-Dr. Romano & Team
Rubble with a cause! Ridgeites are hiding painted pebbles around the ’hood to brighten neighbors’ days
http://www.brooklyndaily.com/stories/2017/9/br-bay-ridge-rock-collections-2017-03-03-bk.html
Heart stone: Bay Ridgite Elaine Ng finds an uplifting rock in a planter.
Talk about hard news!
Bay Ridgites are painting rocks with vibrant patterns and kind messages, and scattering the stones across the nabe for others to stumble upon. The whole thing started out as two local women’s quirky hobby, but they say the trend has now gone viral amongst residents looking to spread some good vibes in these tumultuous times.
“People are looking for a way to reach out to their neighbors, and, in the current political climate, there are plenty who want to remind those around them that even though we might not be the same, we’re close and small things can make a big difference,” said Rana Abu-Sbaih, who launched the effort with pal Amie Jo Pappas.
Inspired by rock-painting groups that have popped up across the country, Abu-Sbaih in January busted out her own craggy collection from lakes, rivers, and creeks she has visited over the years and began painting the stones with her friends and family.
Word quickly spread beyond Abu-Sbaih and Pappas’s circle of friends, and the pair created the “Bay Ridge Rocks!” Facebook group so other locals could get in on the action.
The page now has nearly 200 members, and hundreds of smooth-stone paintings pepper the Ridge with faces, rainbows, and slogans such as “You rock” and “Rock on.” Each is tagged with instructions urging the finder to share a snap on social media, and collect or re-hide their discovery.
Plenty of local kids have taken up the hobby, and Abu-Sbaih said it’s great to see youngsters tearing their eyes away from screens and getting some fresh air.
“People are putting their phone in their pocket — I think it opens up a lot in their lives,” she said. “It’s getting people outside, getting people to be creative, and getting people to brighten up someone’s day.”
Now, Bay Ridge Rocks is coming out of the underground and making appearances at community events. At the Children’s Choral and Arts Festival of Peace, held at the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Feb. 11, Pappas and Abu-Sbaih set up a table with a veritable quarry of pebbles for tykes to decorate — and that was just one of many more events to come.
“The goal is to keep sharing this with others,” said Abu-Sbaih. “And in our community I think it’s really going to blow up because anyone can do it, whether you have a family or not. It’s a beautiful thing.”
Bay Ridge Rock’s next outing will take place at PS 102’s Art Gala (211 72nd St. between Third Avenue and Ridge Boulevard in Bay Ridge), March 9 at 1–8 pm. Free.
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