Good morning. Today is the 212th day of the year. On this day in 1790, the U.S. Patent Office opened its doors. The first patent was issued to Samuel Hopkins of Vermont for a new method of making pearl ash and potash.

Well-known people who were born today include former tennis player Evonne Goolagong, actress Geraldine Chaplin, author J.K. Rowling of the Harry Potter books, and actor Wesley Snipes (Blade, Jungle Fever, White Men Can’t Jump).

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT AGAINST CRIME at Borough Hall.

Join the 84th Precinct Community Council, elected officials, merchants and neighbors on the National Night Out Against Crime Safe Streets Rally on Tuesday.

This rally will take place at 6:15 p.m. on Borough Hall Plaza.

It will include the Gowanus Wildcats Drill Team, the 84th Precinct Explorer Scouts, mounted police, clowns, face painting, pony rides, refreshments and more.

Supporters include the Boerum Hill Association, the Brooklyn Heights Association, the 84th Precinct Community Council and TD Bank.

Transportation will be provided by the 85th Precinct. Please call (718) 875-6850.

BROOKLYN-BASED GROUP Praises Prof. Gates.

The Black Law Enforcement Alliance, a Flatbush-based organization of law enforcement professionals, has made a statement in support of Harvard Prof. Henry Louis Gates in his problems with the law in Cambridge, Mass.

The charges against Gates, the group points out, did not stand up to legal scrutiny.

The organization also praised President Obama for referencing the “realities of History and the perception of minorities, and how both have had significance in the relationships between law enforcement and the minority communities.�

Marquez Claxton, a leader of the group, said, “The dialogue should occur in the White House between Professor Gates and Sgt. Crowley, but it must also occur in Town Halls, City Halls and Police Departments across the nation. We must start the dialogue on the role that race plays in law enforcement.�

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