myrtle minutes - Community Announcements

Prince Street Spruce Up on Sunday, 5/26!

Fri, 24 May 2013 18:28:00 -0400

The Ingersoll Youth Alliance (of the Ingersoll Tenants' Association) is sprucing up Prince Street between Myrtle and Tillary on Sunday, 5/26 from 12noon to 4:00pm! The spruce up will include painting, loads of plantings, food, music and fun. All hands on deck! Please come out and join in the fun! Volunteers are welcome!

Trilok Students Show Off Their Tree Guard Design!

Mon, 20 May 2013 18:26:00 -0400

Four and five year olds from the 'Grapes and Berries' class at the Trilok Center for Arts & Education were presented with a laser-cut steel proof of their design earlier today. Proofs are made before a design can be manufactured into a tree guard. After that, they can be displayed and enjoyed as artwork. The wee ones' original tree panel design was selected in the second round of tree guard installations on Myrtle Avenue. Awwwww, start 'em young, folks! The students designs were made into a tree bench and installed on Myrtle Avenue and Waverly. Follow us (!) on Instagram for other great pics like this one. Congratulations Trilok 'Grapes and Berries' class! Myrtles tree guards are both functional and durable, and offer a canvas that reflects local creativity. They were created with a modular design so that each set of panels can have a unique, laser-cut design, meeting the Partnerships goal of creating more opportunities to incorporate local public art into the streetscape. The newest tree guard panels were designed by 24 local artists, who were selected through an open call for public art. Phase II was funded by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID, NYS DEC Urban and Community Forestry, and NYS Main Street. Trilok Center for Arts & Education is located at 143 Waverly Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue. They can be reached at 718.797.1700 or trilokfusion.com.

#farm2nabe -- meals like this!

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:16:00 -0400

Mmmmmm, Notice how the sun is peeking through the window just so, acting as a spotlight to show off the many farm fresh ingredients in this delectable meal from Putnam's Pub & Cooker? Those farm fresh eggs, plump tomatoes, that crisp arugula, succulent avocado, fresh ground pepper and freshly baked bread, yesss. And look closer, what's that to the right you ask? Why that is our brand new #farm2nabe card, announcing the June #farm2nabe event series, three Tuesdays in June - June 4, June 11 and June 18. Dine, Support and Mingle. Please join us for cocktails and passed hors d'oeuvres at Maggie Brown, LuLu & Po and Putnam's Pub & Cooker, meet our producers and donate to two local agricultural programs: City Growers & P.S.20 Farms. Click here for more information and to purchase a ticket!

#farm2nabe Tickets Now on Sale!

Tue, 14 May 2013 14:32:00 -0400

DINE, SUPPORT & MINGLE locally at three of our #farm2nabe restaurants in June: Maggie Brown, LuLu & Po & Putnam's Pub & Cooker! Tickets are NOW on sale
Come to an event, or even better all three!, and taste each chefs local flavors, meet some of their regional producers & support two local farm education programs that bring farming education and nutrition awareness to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill youth - City Growers & PS 20 Farms! The line up: Maggie Brown - 455 Myrtle
June 3rd 5-7PM
Featuring Brooklyn Republic Vodka, Milk Not Jails
LuLu & Po 154 Carlton
June 11th 6-9PM
Featuring Anthony Nappa Wines, Brooklyn Grange & Feather Ridge Farm
Putnams Pub & Cooker 419 Myrtle
June 18th 5-7 PM
Featuring Hudson Valley Harvest, Stinky Bklyn , and local beer and spirits.

Farm to Neighborhood June Event Series on Myrtle

Mon, 13 May 2013 17:43:00 -0400

MARP's Farm to Neighborhood program connects local chefs and retailers with regional producers to increase consumer access to fresh, locally grown foods and to support our regional economy.
In June, all will have the opportunity to DINE, SUPPORT & MINGLE locally at three of our #farm2nabe restaurants: Maggie Brown, LuLu & Po and Putnam's Pub & Cooker!
Come to an event, or even better all three!, and taste each chefs local flavors, meet some of their regional producers & support two local farm education programs that bring farming education and nutrition awareness to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill youth - City Growers & PS 20 Farms! The series will be Tuesdays in June and the line up so far is: Maggie Brown - 455 Myrtle
June 3rd 5-7PM
Featuring Brooklyn Republic Vodka, Milk Not Jails
LuLu & Po 154 Carlton
June 11th 6-9PM
Featuring Anthony Nappa Wine, Brooklyn Grange & Feather Ridge Farm
Putnams Pub & Cooker 419 Myrtle
June 18th 5-7 PM
Featuring Hudson Valley Harvest, Stinky Bklyn , and local beer and spirits.
$40 Tickets go on sale TOMORROW, 5.14.12, at noon - mark your calendars!

6th Annual Shred Fest, 5/19 from 10am - 4pm!

Mon, 13 May 2013 16:22:00 -0400

Protect your identity. Shred your personal papers for free! Shred Fest is an annual City event to help New Yorkers prevent identity theft. Bring out your old bank statements, old pay stubs, credit card applications, old papers with personal identifying information, etc. At Shred Fest you can: --Safely shred papers containing personal information for free using shredding trucks --Get free identity theft prevention tips --Get a FREE paper shredder* donated by Staples if you are one of the first 5 people to arrive at a Shred Fest location. Closest location: Cadman Plaza (Cadman Plaza West; opposite Clark Street) Click here for complete list of Shred Fest locations. *Shredder recipients will fill out a form to confirm they are not City government employees.

Bike the Branches, Saturday, May 11th

Wed, 01 May 2013 11:12:00 -0400

On Saturday, May 11th, the Brooklyn Public Library invites you to Bike the Branches! This fun and rewarding one-day bike ride gives you a chance to choose your own route to experience Brooklyn's diversity ('Along the Waterfront', 'Brooklyn in the Movies', 'Architectural History', 'Brooklyn Eats' and 'Literary Brooklyn')--and the BPL's network of 60 branches--all while helping to raise critical funds for the Brooklyn Public Library. Between 10am and 5pm on the day of the ride, get your official "passport" stamped at the branches you visit, and then enjoy Central Library's Finish Line Celebration from 5pm to 7pm at Grand Army Plaza. You can sign up to ride (or walk or run!) as an individual or with friends, family or co-workers, and ask your community to pledge their support by sponsoring your ride. Choose your route, visit the BPL branches and explore the borough in a new way! Click here to register today!

Join Us For a Free Janes Walk in Wallabout this Saturday!

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 12:47:00 -0400

Enjoy the neighborhood this weekend by participating in a Janes Walk through the historic Wallabout neighborhood! Janes Walk, founded on the principles of urbanist and author Jane Jacobs, offers an opportunity for locals to get together to meet, share, learn about and appreciate their neighborhood. The Wallabout walk will be one of more than 100 offered around the city on the weekend of May 4-5. The Wallabout walk will begin at 12:00 at the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Greene Park and end in front of 99 Ryerson Street. No registration is required. The walk will explore the Wallabout neighborhood, located in northern Brooklyn near the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and discuss its 380+ year history as a community. The walk will lead past neighborhood landmarks and explore how these places, and the famous residents associated with them, represent the communitys social development over the centuries. The stories will discuss the areas first European settlers, its role in the Revolutionary War, the areas 19th century industrialization, famous residents such as Walt Whitman, and the neighborhood's decline and how these past events and people have defined the revitalized neighborhood we see today. Find more info on The Municipal Art Societys website.

Family fun at P.S. 20 tonight, Friday, 4/26 at 6:30pm!

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:33:00 -0400

P.S. 20 offers family fun tonight! The $3 admissions gets you popcorn, pizza, soft drinks, a historic 1926 animated film and a parent's creativity! Stop in the check out Prince Achmed, a silent film with live piano music by Ursel Schlicht tonight, Friday, April 26th, starting at 6:30pm. The adventures of Prince Achmed is a film by Lotte Reiniger, inspired by tales from "One Thousand and One Nights." Prince Achmed is the oldest surviving animated feature film (1926). Filmmaker Lotte Reiniger invented a silhouette animation technique similar to shadow puppets. PS20 parent Ursel Schlicht creates an improvised soundscape using objects on the inside of the piano, inspired by both the cardboard techniques Reiniger used for the film and the magical surreal scenes of the movie. P.S. 20 is located at 225 Adelphi Street, just off of Willoughby.

Young Writers Present at BLDG 92 for National Poetry Month, Sat., 4/27

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:12:00 -0400

April is National Poetry Month. Tomorrow, Saturday, April 27th from 3:00pm to 4:00pm is a local celebration, stop in and check it out. BLDG 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard presents 'Finding Your Voice: Young Writers Celebrating Freedom.' Enjoy a reading of new poetry and prose by talented young writers, ages 7 thru college (Keanu Stowe, Ardelle Stowe, Iyanu Miller, Najaya Royal, Aliah Gilkes, Jaya Samuel, Keredin Samuel, Jamila Wright), mentored by Angeli Rasbury. This public program is supported by The Walt Whitman Project. Light refreshments. Free admission.

Citi Bike Share Info Meeting, 4/24

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:27:00 -0400

Come out and get information and ask questions on the Citi Bike Share Program. When: Meeting is Wednesday, April 24th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Where: Benjamin Banneker Academy, 71-77 Clinton Avenue. Please call Alfred Chiodo at Council Member Tish James office for more information.

Call crimestoppers if you have any info on missing teen, Tiffany Ortiz.

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 09:28:00 -0400

From Fort Greene Patch:
Tiffany Ortiz was last seen at approximately 8:30 a.m. at a home on Saint Edwards Street near Park Avenue on April 20th. Police are asking for the public's help in finding a 13-year-old girl who went missing Saturday morning in Fort Greene. Ortiz stands 5-feet-tall, weighs 90 pounds and has short black hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website atwww.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

Photo Credit: NYPD

The People's Hollywood 411 Service Directory: small businesses, filmmakers, musicians, take a look!

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 18:00:00 -0400

Trayce Gardner, founder and executive director of the Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center (BYFC) has created what she calls the 'People's Hollywood.' The People's Hollywood project connects small grassroots film productions (mostly short films or web series episodes with budgets under $5000) with locations (especially small business locales), crew, and allied artists (music and other art) to help with both production and marketing. BYFC is in the process of creating a directory to match filmmakers, allied artists and locales (business owners). If you are an interested filmmaker, musician, artist or small business located in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill (Fort Greene and Clinton Hill small businesses are the pilot group for now), please take a moment to complete the following surveyif you interested in directory inclusion. Also, take a moment to view the videos on participating small businesses, including three located on Myrtle Avenue businesses (Omar from Falafel House, Janet from Kappella's Salon, Mark from Mark's Gourmet Burgers). Please email or call Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center at service@wearebyfc.org and 718.935.0490 for further information.

Clinton Hill design stars in today's New York Times! Congrats Teman and Teran!

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:16:00 -0400

So great to see interior and jewelry designers, Teman and Teran Evans in today's New York Times! The 6 foot-plus, Harvard grad school-educated identical twins are featured in an article in the newspaper's 'Great Homes and Destinations section' titled, 'I'll Be Your Mirror.' The article discusses their design aesthetic and experience of living together since the womb. We've been fans of Teman and Teran since the first season of HGTV's Design Star. And we thank them for being BIG supporters of shopping local Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Always LOVE running into them on Myrtle Avenue, at the post office and Ruthie's and Clinton Hill Hardware and Thai 101 and The Polish Bar of Brooklyn...you get the idea. Congrats Teran and Teman!

TONIGHT!! 35th District City Council Forum & Voter Registration Drive

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 15:06:00 -0400

The Ingersoll Resident Association, in partnership with the Walt Whitman and Farragut Resident Associations, will host a City Council Forum & Voter Registration TONIGHT, Thursday, April 18th at the Ingersoll Community center located at 177 Myrtle Ave. Voter registration begins at 6:30PM and panel discussion with City Council candidates at 7PM. All are welcome!

Info Session to Discuss Upcoming Myrtle Avenue Construction Projects

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:41:00 -0400

Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Council Member Tish James have coordinated an informational session to discuss the two separate, upcoming contruction/redevelopment projects for Myrtle Avenue. Associated Supermarket owners will be present to discuss the upcoming renovations and plans. NYC Department of Transportation (DOT) will be on hand to discuss the upcoming Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza. The information session will take place on Monday, April 15th at 7pm, Willoughby Walk (185 Hall Street/Basement Community Room).

Family Literacy Fair at LIU tomorrow! Free books for kids!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 13:27:00 -0400

This Saturday, April 13th, from 11am-2pm at Long Island University - Brooklyn, Jumpstart, a national early childhood organization, is hosting a large community literacy fair, Jumpstart for a Day. This is an annual festival celebrating literacy and service that brings volunteer groups from local universities and organizations together with young children, this will be LIU's first year hosting JFAD in Brooklyn.

City's 2013 Summer Youth Employment Program Applications Now Available

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:00:00 -0400

Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) applications now available. Click here to apply online or to print out an application to fill out by hand. Hardcopy applications will also be available at local library branches, including the Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman branch, located at 93 St. Edwards Street, just north of Myrtle. For further information call the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development at 800.246.4646.

Maurice Brown Jazz Concert at Farragut Houses, Sat., 4/13!

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 11:45:00 -0400

MoCADA presents Maurice Brown in concert. Jazz musician Maurice Brown will perform at Farragut Houses this Saturday, April 13th at 2pm. Stop in to listen to the great sounds of Maurice! Concert will take place at the Farragut Houses Basketball Courts (Navy & York Streets).

Associated Supermarket Shares New Floor Plan

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 13:58:00 -0400

Take a look at Associated Supermarket's post-construction floor plan. It includes space for internally located shopping carts and expanded and prominently positioned fresh salad bar, produce, deli and baked goods sections. Associated Supermarket will be closed by the end of the month, temporarily but long-term as owners begin contruction to redevelop the entire lot. Connect with Associated Supermarket on Facebook and Twitter for updates. Associated Supermerket is located at 492 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson.

Open House at Unity Preparatory School on Sat., 3/30

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:33:00 -0400

Unity Preparatory School to hold an open house event on Saturday, March 30th from 11:30am until 1pm. Location: 432 Monroe Street, in the school auditorium. Searching for a middle school? Stop in to learn more about the school's academic, co-curricular and civic engagement programs. To RSVP or find out more, please contact: info@unityprep.org or 212.437.8372.

4th Annual Biz Expo at St. Joseph's College is April 6th -- mark your calendars!

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 15:12:00 -0400

The 4th Annual Brooklyn Business Expo is quickly approaching-- Thursday, April 4th from 11p-4p. It will be held on the campus of St. Joseph's College (Tuohy Hall--245 Clinton Avenue). Sponsored by St. Joseph's College and The Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this year's theme is Rebuilding Business, Weathering Hard Times. The Expo is absolutely FREE of cost to attendees. Geared toward small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and the firms that serve these groups, the Expo will feature interactive workshops, panel discussions, vendor exhibitions, and networking opportunities for small business entrepreneurs. The Expo offers participating businesses and entrepreneurs the opportunity to meet and discuss products, services and the issues involved with running a small business. Join us for the day, meet with your neighboring businesses, exchange ideas and showcase your business! The Fourth Annual Brooklyn Business Expo is being held on the campus of St. Josephs College in Tuohy Hall, 245 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 on Thursday, April 6, 2013 from 11 4 pm and is expected to draw participants from across the five boroughs. In collaboration with: SBDC of Brooklyn, Fort Greene SNAP, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, The Office of Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz and the Office of Council Member Letitia James. Call 718.940.5857 or email Mamie Summers at msummers@sjcny.edu for further information.

Associated to close temporarily, construction to take one year

Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:04:00 -0400

Associated Supermarket at 492 Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Ryerson will close by the end of March. This closure will be temporary but long-term while construction takes place. Construction is scheduled to last approximately one year. Both property and store owners have confirmed the stores return upon construction completion. The plan includes both residential and commercial development, which in the end will include a renovated 13,000+sf Associated commercial space plus residential development. The entire lot is zoned R7A which allows for an up to eight story building, but we will report the details or extent of the construction as soon as we know more. Please stay connected for updates. Associated Supermarket is working earnestly to make this period, which will be rough for all, as easy as possible under the circumstances. Associated will offer free delivery and pickup services starting April 15th and will also run a shuttle bus for at least a month from Myrtle Avenue to their other two locales: Associated at 367 Waverly Avenue between Lafayette and Greene Avenues and Brooklyn Fare at 200 Schermerhorn Street between Hoyt and Bond Streets. Connect with Associated Supermarket via Facebook (Associated Supermarket 492 Myrtle Ave) or Twitter (@492MyrtleAve) for updates. As Associated prepares to close their doors for now, they are offering big sales on groceries, 20% off beginning today. Other businesses that were once located in this lot now slated for redevelopment include: Bergen Bagels (now at Myrtle Hall, 536 Myrtle Avenue); T-Mobile (reopening in less than a month in its new space at 436 Myrtle); Yes Cleaners (relocating to 570 Myrtle Avenue); New Grace Kitchen (now at 545 Myrtle Avenue). Please stay connected to the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership website for Myrtle Avenue business information. Connect to Associated Supermarket via Facebook or email them at 492Myrtle@guzmancorp.net for updates on store renovation and reopening information.

PS 20 Arts Showcase on March 22!

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 13:24:00 -0400

PS 20 is opening its doors to the whole community to share the creativity and talent coming out of the school's band, chorus, art and farming classes! Head over on March 22 if you'd like to enjoy a night of music, performance and fine art! It's just $4, and supports great programs at a local public school!

Thursday, March 22, 2013
6:30pm
225 Adelphi Street (betw. Dekalb & Willoughby Aves.)
$4

Help PS 20 Expand Their Urban Farm Program

Wed, 27 Feb 2013 08:50:00 -0400

PS 20 Farms, at Brooklyns PS 20: The Clinton Hill School, located on Adelphi Street between Willoughby and DeKalb Avenues, is gearing up to expand and they need your help!
The farm was founded in 2010 as a PTA created and funded initiative. In 2011 the farm provided the opportunity for kids in two classes to get their hands dirty and learn about urban agriculture. In 2012 the program expanded to provide instruction to four classes. This year, with help from the community, they plan to build beds surrounding the school so that ALL of their 14 classes, over 300 students in Pre-K to 5th Grade, will have the opportunity to get their hands in the dirt and learn about urban agriculture! To learn more and donate to the cause visit their IOBY site here.

Enter the 2013 PowerUP! Competition for a chance to win $15,000

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 12:10:00 -0400

Brooklyn Library Presents: 2013 PowerUP! Business Plan Competition Who Can Enter? If you are 18 years of age or older, live in Brooklyn and want to start a business in Brooklyn, you are eligible. PowerUP! is a competition to help applicants start a business. What Is the Prize? Nine winners will receive cash awards for entering the best business plan to start a business in Brooklyn. Cash prizes of $15,000 for first place and $5,000 for two runners-up will be awarded, plus valuable business services. What Do I Have to Do to Participate? You must apply to the competition, get a Brooklyn Public Library Card, see a business advisor and attend a few classes. How Can I Apply? You must attend one of the following orientations. Details about applying will be supplied at the orientations. Please Register for an Orientation Online at http://www.bklynpubliclibrary.org/locations/business/events OR call 718.623.7000 (option 4).

P.S. 67's history featured this month on placeMATTERS

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 14:01:00 -0400

P.S. 67, the Charles A. Dorsey School, which is located at 51 St. Edwards Street, just north of Myrtle Avenue, was selected February's 'Place of the Month' by placeMATTERS. Check out the link on the placeMATTERS website. The school, named for its first principal, is located on St. Edwards, next door the the historic Walt Whitman Library and across from St. Michaels-St. Edwards Church. Fort Greene Park is across the street, to the south. placeMATTERS, a project of City Lore and the Municipal Art Society, seeks to promote and protect places that connect New Yorkers to the past, host ongoing cultural and community traditions, and keep our city distinctive. photo credit: NYC Department of Education

Pratt Institute's Main Building Recovery Fund

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 15:46:00 -0400

Thankfully noone was physically hurt in the fire that broke out this past early Friday morning at Pratt Institute's main building. And at this moment of rebuilding and heavy hearts for all that was lost, here's an opportunity to help: The Main Building Recovery Fund. Our thoughts are with you Pratt Community. photo: from the Pratt Institute Department of Fine Arts Facebook page.

Job Opportunity: Assistant Residence Manager at Navy Green

Fri, 15 Feb 2013 11:15:00 -0400

The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) is hiring an Assistant Residence Manager for Navy Green. Click here for the complete description and information on how to apply. rendering: PACC

Mr. Wesley Fagan's work on display at BLDG 92!

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:39:00 -0400

Mr. Wesley Fagan was one of a handful of community greats honored by Fort Greene Association last year during Black History Month. He passed away just days before at the age of 101. Mr. Fagan's accomplishments included serving in WWII, playing with many jazz greats such as Noble Sissle and Dizzy Gillespie as an accomplished horn player (clarinet, flute and saxophone, Juilliard grad) and working his way up from messenger to Director of the Photo Office at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where he served two decades until the the BNY's closing in 1966. The photographic works of Mr. Fagan are on exhibit at the Brooklyn Navy Yard BLDG 92 throughout the month of February. Please stop by and view them. For more information, BLDG 92 can be reached at 718-907-5992. photo courtesy of the Brooklyn Navy Yard

Shape Up NYC Comes to the Ingersoll Community Center on Myrtle Ave!

Fri, 25 Jan 2013 14:00:00 -0400

Shape Up NYC is now offering FREE fitness classes every week at dozens of locations across the five boroughs for everyone in the community, no membership required! Classes HAVE BUGUN at the Ingersoll Community Center located at 177 Myrtle Avenue the week of January 21st. Classes are taught by expert fitness who knwo how to make fitness fun! Ingersoll Shape Up NYC Fitness Schedule: Aerobics
Tuesdays at 7pm Dance Fitness
Wednesdays at 11am Kickboxing
Saturdays at 10am Go here to search by location or browse the list of classes to find an activity or place that's right for you! Questions? Call the Ingersoll Community Center at 718-522-5051

Celebrate Black Artstory Month on Myrtle this February!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 15:40:00 -0400

We are thrilled to present Black Artstory Month on Myrtle: A Celebration of African American Art, Culture and Creativity to coincide with Februarys recognition of Black History! The months events include art exhibitions, film screenings, lectures, performances and hands-on art making activities taking place in the businesses along Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn in partnership with Brooklyn-based arts organizations.

We're highlighting and honoring the contributions African Americans have made, and are making, within the arts community. Black Artstory is a community effort, featuring collaborations with local businesses, local artists and organizations across the color field that are inspired by or share correlations with African American culture. The full calendar of events is on our website, and stay tuned for weekly posts about upcoming events throughout February. Highlights include:

- Myrtle Windows Gallery show, A Patchwork Story in eight Myrtle Avenue Storefront windows, with accompanying lecture by Dr. Myrah Green, Executive Director of Art and Culture in the Office of Government and Community Affairs at The City College of New York (CUNY) on the presence of African symbols in North American quilts (Saturday, February 23 at 4pm).

- A night of performance with Trumpeter Roy Campbell Jr. and theatrical readings of the words of poet James Baldwin, pioneering dramatist Alice Childress and emerging playwright Thais Francis; sponsored by JACK at Five Spot Soul Food Restaurant (Tuesday, February 5 at 7pm).

- An Afternoon of interactive reading and artmaking for kids ages 4+ presented by FOKUS at Dee and Rickys (Saturday, February 9, 9am).

- A talk by Black Professionals in the Film Industry (Tuesday, February 19, 6:30pm - 9pm), an all ages workshop devoted to Family Storytelling through film (Sunday, February 10, 1:30pm - 4pm), and a conversation exploring the differences and similarities between The Wizard of Oz and The Wiz (Tuesday, February 26, 7pm - 9pm); all sponsored by Brooklyn Young Filmmakers at Trilok Fusion Center for Arts and Education.

Additional events include art exhibitions sponsored by South of the Navy Yard Artists and Coup detat Arts, short film screenings by ACT NOW Foundation and MOCADA at Ingersoll Community Center, family-friendly art-making workshops by SONYA and FOKUS, a lecture on the state of Menswear Style by Randal Jacobs, and conversations on the roles barbershops and food play in creating community sponsored by FOKUS.

image: D. Huff, Black Flag

Greene Hill Food Co-op Invites All Community Memerbs to Their Winter Gathering!

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:07:00 -0400

All are invited, members and non-members, to the Greene Hill Food Co-op's winter gathering and 1 year anniversary celebration! When: Sunday 1/27/13
Time: 4-7PM
Where: Bija Kids Studio at 900 Fulton Street - come with your party socks on, no shoes in the studio
Cost: $10 for members / $12 for non-members It's a great opportunity to get to know other co-op members and hear the latest co-op news! More info can be found here .

Have a say in how a Myrtle Avenue Community Space is used!

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 13:58:00 -0400

Myrtle Village Green, a neighborhood association, has gained access to the closed Department of Environmental Protection Water Tunnel 3 shaft site on Myrtle Avenue (location site shown in above map). They are developing programming for the site and gearing up to participate in an inclusive planning process for the long term! They have a new Community Planning Survey they would like community members to fill out. The survey is meant to prioritize projects that the community desires and give everyone a chance to chime in and get involved. The survey can be found here. For more information you can use the contact form on their website here. Make your voice heard!

MARP New Year's Fundraiser this Monday!

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 15:31:00 -0400

Come celebrate the beginning of 2013 on Myrtle Avenue! As Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and its 160 small businesses, were fortunately spared any major damage from Hurricane Sandy, MARP has decided to put its proceeds from our New Year's Fundraiser to the small businesses of Red Hook and the ReStore Red Hook Initiative. If you haven't had an opportunity to volunteer, donate, or otherwise help out some of your fellow New Yorkers most impacted by Hurricane Sandy, now's your chance.

Please join us at MARP's 'Celebrate the New Year' fundraiser for a selection of food, an open bar, and merry conversation at the brand new downstairs space at Putnam's Pub & Cooker, at the corner of Myrtle and Clinton Avenues

Monday, January 14th, 5:30-7:30pm
In the brand new downstairs space at Putnams Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.
Details and tickets ($35 or $50 w/ a ReStore Red Hook t-shirt!) available here:
http://myrtleavenuebrooklyn.eventbrite.com/

MulchFest 2013 is January 12th and 13th!

Fri, 28 Dec 2012 17:00:00 -0400

MulchFest 2013 will take place on Saturday and Sunday, January 12th and 13th, from 10am to 2pm. Chip in! Mulch your tree! Help NYC grow. MulchFest provides New Yorkers an opportunity to bring their holiday trees to designated sites where they are ground into wood chips. The chips can then be placed in tree pits and gardens. Parks & Recreation encourages New Yorkers to help the environment and their community by participating in this event. Our local MulchFest location is Fort Greene Park. Enter Park at the intersection of Washington Park and Willoughby Avenue. Participants are encouraged to bring bags to take advantage of the free mulch provided. All lights, ornaments and stands must be taken off holiday trees. The MulchFest chipper in Fort Greene Park is sponsored by NYC Parks & Recreation in partnership with the Society for Clinton Hill, the Fort Greene Association and The Fort Greene Park Conservancy

Fort Greene Christmas Tree Lighting Celebration

Tue, 11 Dec 2012 17:46:00 -0400

University Settlement & the Ingersoll Community Center invite the community to join in on festivities and cheer as they light the Fort Greene Christmas Tree this Friday 12/14/12 from 5-8PM. The tree lighting will take place at 5:30PM in the Ingersoll Garden of Eden located next to the community center at 177 Myrtle Avenue (Prince/Navy). Inside there will be entertainment, cookie decorating, crafts and more! For more information call 718.522.5051 Rain date will be 12/17/12

Free Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop

Wed, 05 Dec 2012 09:51:00 -0400

The Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center is hosting a FREE Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop TODAY from 1-3PM at the YWCA located at 30 3rd Avenue 11217.

Free Health Screenings from Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center

Wed, 14 Nov 2012 15:31:00 -0400

A free "Mobile Clinic" will be parked in front of the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue, tomorrow, November 15th, from 1-3pm. Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center will be offering the following free health screenings:
Blood Pressure
Cholesterol
Hypertension
Glucose
Vision
Hearing
HIV testing
Nutrition
All are welcome!

Local Shelters Need Our Help

Thu, 01 Nov 2012 08:37:00 -0400

Sandy has past and now it's time to clean up and help out those in need. Word on the street is that our neighbors in Brooklyn Tech Shelter need the following items:
warm clothes - coats, sweaters, socks
hygiene products
games, cards, things for entertainment
blankets
The shelters in Fort Greene specifically are in need of Spanish speaking volunteers. Local shelters:
I.S. 117, 300 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn Tech High School, 29 Fort Greene Place For a list of city-wide shelters go here. To volunteer city-wide you can visit NYCService.org. Their website states, "Please email nycservice@cityhall.nyc.gov with your name, email address, phone number and borough or call 311. There will be ways to volunteer today and over the next week as opportunities arise".

Halloween in Fort Greene Park

Sat, 27 Oct 2012 00:48:00 -0400

Sponsored by the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, the Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival will take place on Ssturday, October 27th, from noon to 3:30pm. The Festival features a plethora of activities for children and their parents including hayrides, face-painting, inter-active children's music and dance, games and prizes plus live entertainment, culminating in a children's costume parade. The Children's Costume Parade and Contest will be held at 3:30 pm. A free pumpkin will be available for each and every child, and they get to decorate it too (while supplies last). Also on Saturday in the Park, 12noon to 1pm, the Great PUPkin, Halloween Dog Costume Contest. The annual contest is sponsored by the Fort Greene Park Users and Pets Society (PUPS). Registration begins at 11:30am, contest held at top of hill, near the monument. $5 contest entrance fee. Prizes from many local, wonderful establishments, including this year, Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, Green in BKLYN, Green Pets, Le Petit Bakery and Gnarly Vines. Please check out the Fort Greene Park Conservancy or PUPS websites for further details. (pic from the Fort Greene Park Conservancy website)

Artober Reception this Wednesday Night at Cielo Bar

Tue, 23 Oct 2012 10:15:00 -0400

Make sure to stop by Myrtle's newest bar and lounge, Cielo, for our Artober reception this Wednesday at 6:30pm. Come out to sample Cielo's tasty Latin fusion fare, and raise a glass to local artists and art! Light refreshments on us. The reception is a single event that celebrates the art and artists featured during Myrtle Avenue's month-long Artober series (see full list of artists below). During the past month, Artober has seen 8 art exhibitions hosted by Myrtle Merchants; 4 artist receptions & talks; the installation of Tomorrow, a new sculpture, in Fort Greene Park; the This Is Brooklyn Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition. The Myrtle Windows Gallery will remain on view until early November. In addition, the installation of new tree guards, each custom designed by local artists and students, is set to take place within the next couple of weeks along Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon Avenues. In addition to these events on Myrtle Avenue, the exhibit War Journalists is also currently on display (through October) at BLDG 92, the Brooklyn Navy Yard's visitor center. BLDG 92 is also the venue for a new play, A History of Launching Ships , with the final performances taking place this weekend. Get ticket info here. Please see the full list of Myrtle and Myrtle area interior exhibition spaces below:

This Is Brooklyn Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition

Audrey Frank Anastasi (painting), hanging in Connecticut Muffin, 423 Myrtle
Adrian Coleman (painting), hanging in Anima, 458 Myrtle, and Brooklyn Jiu Jitsu, 412 Myrtle
Liz Johnson (painting), hanging in Green in Brooklyn, 434 Myrtle
Marilyn Kaggen (photography), hanging in Karrot, 431 Myrtle
Ani Kington (painting), hanging in Miracles, 473A Myrtle
Thomas Osorio (painting), hanging in Soketah, 563 Myrtle

Interior Exhibitions along Myrtle Avenue
Cielo Bar Brooklyn (474 Myrtle) Chris Pardi (painting) Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle) Kerri Ferrara (painting) DC Optics (390 Myrtle) South of the Navy Yard Artists / Out of Sight (mixed media) The first of four SONYA exhibitions features urban-inspired, colorful work that reflects what is great, marvelous and powerful. The Emerson (561 Myrtle) Dave Barron Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle) Fabrice Trombert (photography) Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle) Deborah Stevenson (painting) Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle) Rosa Katznelson / Jubilation (painting and digital) Born in Argentina under a period marked by virulent anti-Semitism, Katznelson paints in defiance to the adversity she experienced as a child. Mojito Cuban Cuisine (82 Washington Avenue) Cesar Velez / Corners of a Soul (mixed media) 20 original pieces are made from recycled materials; even the paints are handmade by the artist! Every piece is a testimony of a place in the mind. Owl & the Pussycat (154 Vandberbilt) Michael Shepherd/Origami Tsunami mixed media paintings Words, Birds & Scribbles Pillow Café & Lounge (505 Myrtle) Ainsley Burrows combine dadaist, surrealist, graffiti art and modern expressionism. His messages are whimsical and political at the same time.

Myrtle Ave Photo Contest: Entries Are Due This Wednesday!

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 09:58:00 -0400

There are only a few days left to submit your photos to the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest! The deadline to submit is October 24th at 5pm! Take advantage of the next couple of weeks to snap a few photos on Myrtle and submit them for a chance to win a $400 gift certificate! What are we looking for? Bold, eye-catching digital images capturing the architecture, storefronts, people, streetscape elements, and activities on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon. Think: images that capture Myrtles unique character, something unsuspectingly beautiful, or the daily hustle and bustle of the Avenue.

The top 10 photographs will be selected by Myrtle Avenue staff from all eligible submissions for the finalist round and showcased on our Flickr site. The general public will select the First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize Winners by popular vote from the pool of finalists. Voting will take place through our Facebook page. Winners will be announced by October 26, 2012!

PRIZES sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Utrecht Art Supplies
First Prize: $400 Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Submit up to 5 digital images and the contest entry form by October 24th at 5pm. For more information contact photocontest@myrtleavenue.org.

Download all contest information below. Good luck!

Photo Contest Flyer
Entry Form
Official Rules
Legal Conditions
Parental Consent
Personal Release

Two Artober Events Happening Tonight on Myrtle!

Thu, 18 Oct 2012 13:32:00 -0400

We have not one, but TWO Artober related events are taking place tonight on Myrtle Avenue. First up is the opening reception for the exhibition Out of Sight at DC Optics (390 Myrtle, between Clermont & Vanderbilt). The event goes from 7-9pm and there will be free drinks, snacks, and of course some beautiful artwork by local artists from SONYA. A few blocks away at Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle, between Steuben & Emerson), artist Rosa Katznelson will be holding an artists talk during the opening of her exhibition, Jubilation . The talk begins at 7pm. Photo credits: The photo on the right is Jubilation by Rosa Katznelson, courtesy of www.hadasgallery.com.

Myrtle Ave Photo Contest: Only ONE Week Left to Enter

Wed, 17 Oct 2012 11:11:00 -0400

There's only one week left to submit your photos to the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest! The deadline to submit is October 24th at 5pm! Take advantage of the next couple of weeks to snap a few photos on Myrtle and submit them for a chance to win a $400 gift certificate! What are we looking for? Bold, eye-catching digital images capturing the architecture, storefronts, people, streetscape elements, and activities on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon. Think: images that capture Myrtles unique character, something unsuspectingly beautiful, or the daily hustle and bustle of the Avenue.

The top 10 photographs will be selected by Myrtle Avenue staff from all eligible submissions for the finalist round and showcased on our Flickr site. The general public will select the First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize Winners by popular vote from the pool of finalists. Voting will take place through our Facebook page. Winners will be announced by October 26, 2012!

PRIZES sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Utrecht Art Supplies
First Prize: $400 Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Submit up to 5 digital images and the contest entry form by October 24th at 5pm. For more information contact photocontest@myrtleavenue.org.

Download all contest information below. Good luck!

Photo Contest Flyer
Entry Form
Official Rules
Legal Conditions
Parental Consent
Personal Release

Artober: SONYA Happy Hour Tonight!

Thu, 11 Oct 2012 11:55:00 -0400

Come enjoy another art related event happening tonight on Myrtle Avenue. South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) is hosting a social/happy hour at The Emerson (561 Myrtle, between Emerson & Classon) from 7-9. Come mingle with local artists and enjoy $6 drink specials. See full details here. MARP is sponsoring and promoting a whole slate of art related events throughout October. The next Artober related events will be next Thursday, Oct 18th, and include an artist talk by Rosa Katznelson at Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle) and an artist's reception at D.C. Optics (390 Myrtle) for the exhibit Out of Sight.

Myrtle Ave Photo Contest: Only Two Weeks Left to Enter

Wed, 10 Oct 2012 15:31:00 -0400

Only two weeks left to submit your photos to the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest! The deadline to submit is October 24th at 5pm! Take advantage of the next couple of weeks to snap a few photos on Myrtle and submit them for a chance to win a $400 gift certificate! What are we looking for? Bold, eye-catching digital images capturing the architecture, storefronts, people, streetscape elements, and activities on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon. Think: images that capture Myrtles unique character, something unsuspectingly beautiful, or the daily hustle and bustle of the Avenue.

The top 10 photographs will be selected by Myrtle Avenue staff from all eligible submissions for the finalist round and showcased on our Flickr site. The general public will select the First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize Winners by popular vote from the pool of finalists. Voting will take place through our Facebook page. Winners will be announced by October 26, 2012!

PRIZES sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Utrecht Art Supplies
First Prize: $400 Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Submit up to 5 digital images and the contest entry form by October 24th at 5pm. For more information contact photocontest@myrtleavenue.org.

Download all contest information below. Good luck!

Photo Contest Flyer
Entry Form
Official Rules
Legal Conditions
Parental Consent
Personal Release

Affordable Studio Apartments Still Available at Navy Green

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 10:06:00 -0400

The Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) has announced that single-occupancy, studio apartments are still available at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue, one of the new affordable housing buildings in the Navy Green development. An open house will be held this Saturday, from noon to 3pm, for interested applicants to tour the available apartments and submit an application. For more details, see this article on the Fort Greene Patch. Applications can also be picked up at PACC's office, 896-900 Fulton St. between Washington & Waverly Avenunes. Or for more information, call 40 Vanderbilt Management at 347-482-0683. Photo courtesy of Brownstoner.com.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Myrtle Photo Contest

Tue, 25 Sep 2012 16:19:00 -0400

With plenty of beautiful fall weather to serve as a backdrop, and a month full of public art activities coming up on the Avenue in October, we've decided to extend the photo contest deadline to October 24th at 5pm! Take advantage of the next few weeks to snap a few photos on Myrtle and submit them for a chance to win a $400 gift certificate!
-------------------------------
Enter the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest for a chance to win prizes and have your photo featured on our website, Facebook, and Twitter (@MyrtleAveBKLYN)!

What are we looking for? Bold, eye-catching digital images capturing the architecture, storefronts, people, streetscape elements, and activities on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon. Think: images that capture Myrtles unique character, something unsuspectingly beautiful, or the daily hustle and bustle of the Avenue.

The top 10 photographs will be selected by Myrtle Avenue staff from all eligible submissions for the finalist round and showcased on our Flickr site. The general public will select the First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize Winners by popular vote from the pool of finalists. Voting will take place through our Facebook page. Winners will be announced by October 26, 2012!

PRIZES sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Utrecht Art Supplies
First Prize: $400 Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Submit up to 5 digital images and the contest entry form by September 25th at 5pm. For more information contact photocontest@myrtleavenue.org.

Download all contest information below. Good luck!

Photo Contest Flyer
Entry Form
Official Rules
Legal Conditions
Parental Consent
Personal Release

Snap a photo on Myrtle, win a $400 gift certificate!

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 16:15:00 -0400

Enter the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest for a chance to win prizes and have your photo featured on our website, Facebook, and Twitter (@MyrtleAveBKLYN)!

What are we looking for? Bold, eye-catching digital images capturing the architecture, storefronts, people, streetscape elements, and activities on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush and Classon. Think: images that capture Myrtles unique character, something unsuspectingly beautiful, or the daily hustle and bustle of the Avenue.

The top 10 photographs will be selected by Myrtle Avenue staff from all eligible submissions for the finalist round and showcased on our Flickr site. The general public will select the First Prize, Second Prize and Third Prize Winners by popular vote from the pool of finalists. Voting will take place through our Facebook page. Winners will be announced by October 26, 2012!

PRIZES sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and Utrecht Art Supplies
First Prize: $400 Gift Certificate
Second Prize: $250 Gift Certificate
Third Prize: $100 Gift Certificate

Submit up to 5 digital images and the contest entry form by September 25th at 5pm. For more information contact photocontest@myrtleavenue.org.

Download all contest information below. Good luck!

Photo Contest Flyer
Entry Form
Official Rules
Legal Conditions
Parental Consent
Personal Release

Chase Community Giving Program!

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 22:00:00 -0400

MARP's been voted in! We have a chance to be chosen to receive a grant from the Chase Community Giving Program. Voting takes less than a minute! Click here to vote. Cast your votes to help Chase decide which charities will share in $5 million in grants.

Make Park Avenue Safer for Pedestrians! View the report, tour the site and sign the petition!

Thu, 06 Sep 2012 14:08:00 -0400

There are approximately 12,000 residents living just north or south of Park Avenue between Navy and Steuben, as well as six schools, three parks, numerous retail and light-industrial businesses, and churches. Despite this residential profile, Park Avenue is dominated by four lanes of fast-moving traffic bracketing a 300+ space parking area. Speeding traffic has created environmental, travel and sanitation conditions that are unsafe for the many school children, seniors, bus riders and others residents that use the avenue daily. North-south crossings are difficult throughout the site, people are unable to cross during one traffic light cycle, and there is a high car accident rate (76th percentile!).

MARP collaborated with Architecture for Humanity NY to develop the Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan, a set of proposals to improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on Brooklyns Park Avenue between Navy and Steuben Streets, creating a safer neighborhood corridor for residents and visitors. Join us for a brief site tour on Monday, September 10th at 2pm, beginning on Park Avenue at St. Edwards Street to highlight site issues, discuss the proposals, and measure vehicle speeds along with Councilmember Letitia James, State Committee Member Lincoln Restler, Transportation Alternatives, and members of the projects Advisory Committee.

This plan recommends interventions like adding crosswalks along the superblock from Navy to North Portland, where there are no safe, controlled crossings for four blocks an area that includes Commodore Barry Park, Ingersoll Houses, Navy Yard Houses and multiple schools. Many other recommendations are simple, but carefully tailored to remedy each blocks issues, like bumpouts to shorten pedestrian crossings, lighting, signage, and re-timed traffic lights to slow traffic.

Sign the petition!
Weve communicated with various agencies throughout the process, but it is important that we continue to show broad-based support for making these improvements as soon as possible. Sign the online petition at www.ParkAvenueSafetyProject.org to continue to build community support for improving pedestrian safety on Park Avenue, and share the link with your neighbors!

The proposals were developed through information gathered at six public meetings, site surveys, and research, with guidance from Community Board 2 and an Advisory Committee made up of representatives from local block associations, tenants associations, residential developments, community-based organizations, city agencies and other stakeholders. Download the full report here.

Hey Shudderbugs: Enter the Myrtle Avenue Photo Contest!

Tue, 04 Sep 2012 17:01:00 -0400

Local Youth Visit Rooftop Farm at the Navy Yard

Wed, 29 Aug 2012 09:43:00 -0400

We connected one lucky group of young people participating in University Settlement's summer program at the Ingersoll Community Center with City Growers, the non-profit arm of Brooklyn Grange. Earlier this week, the young people got a guided tour of the new roof top farm right here in the Brooklyn Navy Yard! City Growers hopes to announce a fall farm tour schedule soon - we'll keep you posted!

Rooftop Films at Fort Greene Park this Thursday: Welcome to Pine Hill

Wed, 08 Aug 2012 14:41:00 -0400

This Thursday, August 9th, Rooftop Films is hosting a free showing of Welcome to Pine Hill in Fort Greene Park at Myrtle Avenue Hill (Myrtle and North Portland). Film starts at 8:30 p.m. Check out this an interview with the film's director, Keith Miller, on the The Local.

Support Fort Greene SNAP's Indiegogo Campaign Today -- Help them reach their goal!

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 11:23:00 -0400

Fort Greene Strategic Action Neighborhood Partnership, or SNAP as we all call it, is on Indiegogo! SNAP, the much-loved, long-time non-profit with community programming around civic organizing, financial literacy, technology, entrepreneurship and job skills is one of sixteen collaborative teams selected by desigNYC for the 2012 "Recharging Communities Projects". The teams are composed of nonprofits serving the public good paired with civic minded design professionals who share their expertise on a pro bono basis. SNAP will work on a collaborative basis with New York City design firm, Incorporated Architecture and Design for a resdesign of their Myrtle Avenue computer lab, reception and office spaces. Incorporated has produced an amazingly transformative and incredibly affordable interior design for SNAP and they need our help to bring it to life! Check out SNAP's Indiegogo link believe to donate to make the design a reality. Click here to check out the wonderful space designs. Click here to view SNAP's video about this incredible design project. Click here to donate to help SNAP reach their $12,000 goal! Four other Brooklyn organizations were recipients in this round of desigNYC design assistance, including the FAB Alliance. COMPUTER DONATIONS Another way to contribute to this project is by donating your old computers to SNAPs computer training lab. SNAP is looking for 30 new or used computers, ideally Mac Minis (or other Mac computers in good working condition please). To inquire about donating, please email henrietta@fortgreenesnap.org or call 718.694.6957. Fort Greene SNAP is located at 324 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton. pic credit: Incorporated's website.

Summer Meals

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 18:43:00 -0400

Summer meals (breakfast and lunch) are available free for youth ages 18 and younger now thru September 2nd (ending a week earlier at some sites). No registration, documentation, or identification is required. In fact, children don't have to live in New York City or be enrolled in public school to enjoy free breakfast or lunch. Check out the list of nearby locations below or click here for locations citywide. Walt Whitman Tenants' Association 132 Carlton Avenue 9:00 AM-10:00 AM (breakfast) 12:00 PM-01:00 PM (lunch) PS 67 51 St. Edwards Street 8:00 AM-09:15 AM (breakfast) 11:00 AM-01:15 PM (lunch) Commodore Barry Park Flushing & North Elliott Place 8:30:AM-09:30:AM (breakfast) 11:30:AM-03:00:PM (lunch) Brooklyn Community High School of Communications, Arts & Media 300 Willoughby Avenue 8:00:AM-09:00:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-12:00:PM (lunch) Lafayette Gardens 415 Lafayette Avenue 9:00 AM-10:00 AM (breakfast); 12:00 PM-1:00 PM (lunch) For additional information or to inquire about a location please call 311 or (212) 306-3358.

"Mission: Small Business" -- Saturday, 6/30 is the last chance to vote.

Fri, 29 Jun 2012 13:43:00 -0400

Have you heard about 'Mission: Small Business,' the opportunity to support your favorite local busineses (yep, you can vote for more than one!) Chase Bank and Living Social, the online group buying program that invites people and their friends to save up to 90 percent each day at their favorite local businesses, have teamed up to create a small business grant opportunity called, 'Mission: Small Business'. Participating businesses have to gather 250 votes each from family, friends and customers for a chance to win a $250,000 grant to grow their businesses. Participating Myrtle Avenue businesses are: Brooklyn Stone Boutique, Huey's Chueys, Karen's Body Beautiful, Kiini Ibura Jewelry and Polish Bar of Brooklyn. Please take 2 minutes to sign onto Mission: Small Business in order to cast a vote for Myrtle Avenue small businesses today. The website allows you to vote for as many businesses as you would like, so please take 2 minutes to spread the Brooklyn love. Saturday, June 30th is the last day to cast a vote.

Myrtle Mini-Grant supports Hillstock and the Prom Queen Project!

Thu, 28 Jun 2012 17:14:00 -0400

We are thrilled to be able to offer small grants through our Community Builders Mini-Grant program to support local events and activities! This June, we supported Just Because's Prom Queen Project, and the annual Hillstock Music Festival. A little here about each...

Hillstock 2012
(submitted by Hillstock organizers)
The Hillstock 2012 was a runaway success! The three-day, all-ages do-it-yourself music festival was made possible by the great many artists, volunteers, and supportive area residents who contributed to this eclectic showcase of talent. This year's events brought almost 1,500 people out to venues all around Clinton Hill, shattering previous Hillstock attendance records.

The highlight of the weekend was Saturday's block party, supported by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Community Builders Mini-Grant Program. Neighbors and newcomers alike dropped by Emerson Place to enjoy the great weather, eat up at a barbecue potluck, and listen to the mostly local lineup of live music. Hillstock organizers are grateful to everyone who took the time to participate in the weekend's festivities, and can't wait to do it again next year!

Just Because Prom Queen Project
For many young ladies prom preparation starts early, and can be overwhelmingly expensive for the girls and their families. This year, Just Because raised funds to provide 6 local teens with the full prom pampering experience! Check out their Facebook page for fabulous photos!

Think you'd like to apply for a Community Builders Mini-Grant? Download the application here!

Ready, Set...GO! Only 3 days left for your chance at a Brooklyn Museum exhibit.

Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:04:00 -0400

Brooklyn visual artists, listen up! Here's an interesting version of 'American Idol'/'America's Got Talent' just for you. And only 3 days left to enter, so hurry! GO, community-curated open studio project is the brainchild of the Brooklyn Museum and a chance for 2 or more nominated visual artists to have their work displayed as part of a Brooklyn Museum group exhibition opening at Target First Saturday on December 1, 2012. Here's the more detailed version, courtesy of the Brooklyn Museum: Artist registration begins online June 4, 2012, and ends June 29, 2012. To participate, artists must have a studio (home studios are eligible) in Brooklyn and be present during the open studio weekend, September 89, 2012. During the open studio weekend, voters will visit your studio and check in using text messaging, the GO mobile app, or the GO mobile website by entering a unique number identifying your studio. After voters have checked in to at least five studios, they will be eligible to nominate three artists from their visits for inclusion in an exhibition at the Brooklyn Museum. The ten artists with the most nominations will receive studio visits from Brooklyn Museum curators during the September 8-9th weekend. Two or more nominated artists will then be chosen by the curators to have their work displayed as part of a Brooklyn Museum group exhibition opening at Target First Saturday on December 1, 2012. Visit www.gobrooklynart.org/ for additional information.

'LIVE WELL' Community Fair @ Ingersoll Community Center on Saturday, 6/22!

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 15:33:00 -0400

'LIVE WELL,' a free community fair for all ages will take place at Ingersoll Community Center on Saturday, 6/23 from 10am until 3pm. Face painting, live music, storytelling, bouncy house, arts and crafts, health screenings and healthy cooking demos by our very own Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Dominique Bryant, are a few of the fun, fabulous and interesting activities to look forward to! Come out and support! Call 718.522.5051 for further detail. Ingersoll Community Center is located at 177 Myrtle Avenue (Prince/Navy).

Hill Stock: Music Festival This Weekend!

Fri, 22 Jun 2012 08:59:00 -0400

Hillstock is an annual Brooklyn music festival organized by Never Break Down. Over the weekend, almost 50 bands will perform at venues in Clinton Hill, including a FREE block party on Saturday, June 23! The Hill Stock Block Party takes place at 106 Emerson, between Myrtle and Classon from 11am-8pm, featuring FIFTEEN live bands! Did we say it was FREE???!!?

Check out the full schedule here for all three days, and find out more about this home-grown music fest. Organizers say their goals are to 'promote great local music, build community, and provide an affordable and fun atmosphere for people of all ages to experience new music.' Definitely worth checking out!

photo credit: The Fort Greene Clinton Hill Local flickr set

Stay cool, people!

Wed, 20 Jun 2012 09:41:00 -0400

It's hot out there! Find your way to one of these local cooling centers to beat the heat. Don't forget to check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly!

Willoughby Senior Center
105 N. Portland Ave.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible?: Yes.

Walt Whitman Library
93 St. Edwards St.
Hours: Mon., 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Tue., 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Wed., 1 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Thurs., 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.; Fri. 1 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible?: No.

Ft. Greene Grace Agard Harewood Senior Center
966 Fulton St.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible?: Yes.

Raices Times Plaza Senior Center
460 Atlantic Ave.
Hours: Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Wheelchair Accessible?: Yes.

2012 Fort Greene Park Summer Concert Series Kicks Off Tomorrow, 6/20!

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 15:56:00 -0400

Fort Greene Park Conservancy's annual summer concert series kicks off tomorrow! The kickoff music event, Audrarox is especially for the kiddies -- so bring them out!

MMNY 2012 Schedule Announced!

Fri, 15 Jun 2012 09:56:00 -0400

Be sure to visit Myrtle Avenue for Make Music New York, taking place all day on Thursday, June 21st. Free music performances will be taking place all around the city, and Myrtle Avenue has performances happening at 16 different locations up and down the corridor. From jazz to rock to Latin to neo-soul to reggae to R&B to french folk to female barbershop chorus -- it's here. Come out and groove to the music and relax or eat, drink and be merry. Check out the schedule of events! Sweet music all over the neighborhood.

Soul of Brooklyn presents: A Father's Day Concert at Walt Whitman Houses

Thu, 14 Jun 2012 17:33:00 -0400

Join jazz legend Randy Weston and the African Rhythms Trio for a special Fathers Day concert and celebration, also featuring House of Waters and Jeff King Quartet. Admission is FREE! This concert is presented by MoCada as part of Soul of Brooklyn week.

Sunday, June 17th, 2012
3pm-6pm

Location: Basketball Court at Walt Whitman Houses @ Park and Carlton

Barclays Center Is Hiring

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 17:20:00 -0400

The Barclays Center is currently recruiting for box office, food service, guest services, operations and security positions. Click here to sign up to begin the registration process. NYCHA residents and residents of community boards 2, 3, 6 and 8 will be prioritized. Candidates that are screened and chosen to move forward in the process will be scheduled interviews at job fairs in July and possibly August. Register online or at a location below by June 23rd. Ingersoll Community Center 177 Myrtle Avenue M-F, 1p-3p Farragut Community Center (ATTAIN Lab) 228 York Street M-Th 3p-6p; F 10a-5p; Sa June 9 and 23rd only 1:30p-5p REES Central 787 Atlantic Avenue M-Th 2p-6p 303 Vernon ATTAIN Lab 303 Vernon Avenue Tu and Th 10a-6p Roosevelt BTOP 400 Hart Street M-F 10a-2p Saratoga BTOP 940 Hancock Street M-F 10a-2p Van Dyke BTOP 392 Blake Avenue M-F 10a-2p logo credit: logo copied from the barclayscenter.com website

Watch the History of Pratt Institute on WNET's Treasures of New York

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:55:00 -0400

Treasures of New York celebrates Pratt Institute, excelling in 125 years of educating art and design innovators, premiering June 13th on WLIW21 and June 14th on THIRTEEN. Capturing the colleges milestone through its legacy and contributions to the world of art and design, the film creates a visual timeline of one of Brooklyns most-prized institutions.

Located in the heart of Brooklyn, Pratt Institute is recognized worldwide as an influential institution of art and design that has impacted the lives of millions since its founding. In the past decade, the college has grown to become a pillar of Brooklyns cultural renaissance and a vital asset to its surrounding communities. Boasting an impressive roster of graduates and faculty such as Eva Hesse, Alex Katz, Ellsworth Kelly, Robert Mapplethorpe, Sylvia Plachy, Annabelle Seldorf, Peter Shelton, Robert Wilson, and Carlos Zapata, among many others, Pratt has indelibly touched many peoples lives through its legacy of artistic endeavors and commercial designs.

Treasures of New York goes inside the prestigious college to discover its vibrant Brooklyn history through the eyes of the two men who built it; industrialist Charles Pratt, who founded the school in 1887, and Dr. Thomas F. Schutte, who has been articulating Pratts vision since he became the schools President in 1993. One of the defining moments in the film shows how Schutte spearheaded the revitalization of Pratts nearby neighborhoods, particularly on Myrtle Avenue in Brooklyn.

Hosted by former Pratt student and celebrated writer Pete Hamill, Treasures of New York: Pratt Institute premieres Wednesday, June 13, 2012 at 7 p.m. (ET) on WLIW21 and Thursday, June 14, 2012 at 8:30 p.m. (ET) on THIRTEEN. After broadcast, the program will be available to national audiences at thirteen.org/treasures-of-ny. The website offers past episodes and conversations with visionaries behind New Yorks greatest institutions.

excerpted from the WLIW21 Press Release

To read more from WLIW21, visit here.
And to read more about Pratt's involvement in Myrtle Avenue's revitalization, read Channel 13's story online here.

Photo of Pratts Main Building. Courtesy of Pratt Institute Archives

The Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) Annual Community Health Fair in Fort Greene Park

Thu, 07 Jun 2012 16:20:00 -0400

Join Myrtle Eats Fresh program participants at the Brooklyn Hospital Center (TBHC) Annual Community Health Fair in Fort Greene Park on Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be over 30 different information points along the path close to Washington Park along DeKalb Avenue where visitors can receive free basic health screenings, information on how to lead a healthy lifestyle and pharmacists will be on hand to do medication screenings and smoking cessation. Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Beryl Benbow will be preparing samples of an "Avocado, Cucumber & Arugula Salad" recipe. The Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council will share information and encourage all to get involved in 10 community food projects happening now! Look for the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project Banner and we'll see you at the fair!

New Community Space on Myrtle Between Kent and Franklin Avenues

Fri, 01 Jun 2012 10:26:00 -0400

Come share your ideas for this new community space on Monday, June 4th 6PM @ Pratt Center! The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is offering a temporary space to be used by the community at the water tunnel site at the NE corner of Kent and Myrtle and they are ready to provide access! Now it's time to come together and decide how to create a user friendly open space for all to enjoy. WHEN: Monday, June 4, 2012, 6pm
WHERE: Pratt Center: Myrtle Hall 536 Myrtle Avenue - enter through Willoughby Avenue (walk through the parking lot
*ID is required to enter the building
To RSVP or for more info email - rsvp@prattarea.org The event is sponsored by Councilmember Letitia James and is brought to you by Pratt Area Community Council (PACC) and Pratt Center for Community Development. For more information on the community site visit: Myrtle Village Green

Great Feedback on Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Presentation

Thu, 31 May 2012 18:11:00 -0400

MARP and Architecture for Humanity got great feedback from almost 40 residents who attended last night's presentation of draft proposals for improving pedestrian safety on Park Avenue at the Navy Yard houses. Thanks to all who attended and shared your thoughtful ideas! Stay tuned for a fine-tuned Pedestrian Safety Plan in June.

Fort Greene House Tour Select this Saturday, 5/5!

Fri, 04 May 2012 12:23:00 -0400

It's that time of year again! Check out the info below from the Fort Greene Association. Once every two years, Fort Greene homeowners open their doors, literally, to showcase their creativity, spirit, style and historic beauty of our neighborhood. This year the FGA is producing a unique and intimate guided house tour where they will feature four homes in Fort Greene, where four groups of Fort Greene House Tour Enthusiast will visit each of the four homes in a rotation, similar to a bar crawl lead by Fort Greene Association Ambassadors. Attendees will have the opportunity to participate in a discussion with homeowners / architects regarding the renovation process for a particular area of each home being featured: parlor floor, kitchen, garden apartment, and a restored exterior façade of a landmark home. The event will kick off with brunch at Two Steps Down, Fort Greenes oldest family owned restaurant and business and end with wine tasting at one of Fort Greenes wine stores. The event is limited to 100 people with advanced ticket sales only. The Fort Greene Associations (FGA) House Tours serve as a fundraising event that allows themto produce and support year-long initiatives that fall in line with the Fort Greene Associations mission statement: historic preservation, neighborhood and park enhancement, as well as cultural, economic and housing advancement throughout the neighborhood of Fort Greene, Brooklyn. THE OFFERINGS Brunch Buffet Guided House Tour with discussion with home owner / architects Wine Tasting Gift Bag Tickets are limited! Click here for ticket prices and further information.

Touré and Nelson George in conversation at St. Joseph's College, 5/2

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 17:24:00 -0400

Touré and Nelson George in conversation at St. Joseph's College -- yep, it's true! Author and commentator Touré and acclaimed writer, filmmaker and producer Nelson George will speak at the spring installation of the Brooklyn Voices literary series. This event, entitled, Touré and Nelson George in Conversation, will take place on Wednesday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the OConnor Mall, St. Josephs College, 239 Vanderbilt Avenue. The event is free and open to the public. In a press release for the event, Dr. Richard Greenwald, professor and academic dean at St. Joseph's College, stated, regarding the event, We are thrilled at the opportunity to have two of the nations preeminent social commentators share the same stage at St. Josephs." The free-flowing conversation between these two friends should yield countless insights on a myriad of topics ranging from race, music, culture, literature, to our home neighborhood of Fort Greene," he continued. The aim of the Brooklyn Voices series is to promote and enhance the creative vitality of our home neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill by providing local writers, artists, and intellectuals with a forum in which to discuss and present their works to neighbors, patrons, and students. Through lectures, forums, performances, and public discussion, Brooklyn Voices seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the thriving intellectual culture of the neighborhood and ensure that our community remains a stimulating place in which to live, learn, and do business.

NYC Bike Share is Hiring!

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:55:00 -0400

Just received info from Councilmember Tish James' office that the NYC Bike Share Program is hiring. Click here for Bike Share job postings. Head Station Technician, Office Manager and Marketing Director are a few of the available positions listed. credit: photo from http://nycitybikeshare.com/ site.

Applications now being accepted @ Navy Green Apts, 7 Clermont

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 11:18:00 -0400

Applications are now being accepted for apartments at 7 Clermont Avenue between Flushing and Park. This building is part of the Navy Green complex. Click here for 7 Clermont applications, income guidelines and additional information. The completed application must be postmarked no later than June 13, 2012. Applications postmarked after this date will be set aside for possible future consideration. rendering from the 7clermont.com website.

Myrtle Avenue in today's NY Daily News!

Fri, 20 Apr 2012 14:03:00 -0400

Myrtle Avenue is highlighted in today's NY Daily News! The featured 2-page center spread is in the 'Best Places' section of the paper and is titled, 'BID Up.' The title refers to the role of BIDs, or Business Improvement Districts, in neighborhood improvement. Four BID executive directors from around the City are included in the article. Myrtle's includes a photo of our executive director, Blaise Backer along with a brief snapshot of current and future happenings on the Avenue. The three other highlighted BIDs, DUMBO, Flatiron and Jamaica Center are in the same format. The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID's boundaries runs for 20 blocks, on Myrtle Avenue between Flatbush Avenue Extension and Classon Avenue.

Free Seminar on Medicare at St. Joseph's College - Thursday

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 16:16:00 -0400

Have questions about Medicare? Head to St. Josephs College on Thursday, April 19 at noon and 4pm for a free seminar.

MARP on WBAI Radio this Saturday, 3/24. Tune in!

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 16:17:00 -0400

Kassy Nystrom, MARP's Program Manager for Food Access Initiatives was recently interviewed by WBAI Radio's Mark Dunlea. Mark Dunlea is host of a program called City Watch, which is described as a "watchdog for social, economic, political and cultural issues in NYC." Kassy discussed MARP's recently released Community Food Assessment (CFA) titled, 'Get Fresh! Food Access, Food Justice and Collective Action in Fort Greene', the top ten community food projects that the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill Community Food Council, a coalition of concerned local residents and food activists, have charged themselves to tackle this year and ways in which neighborhood residents and others can get involved. The interview airs on City Watch this coming Saturday, 3/24 at 10am. WBAI Radio can be found at 99.5 FM or stream the program live here.

DEADLINE EXTENDED: Submit a design for a Myrtle Tree Guard Contest!

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

UPDATE: New deadline for submissions to the Myrtle Tree Guard Panel Design contest is Wednesday, March 28th at 5pm!

On Myrtle Avenue, were serious about protecting our street trees. We appreciate them not only for the aesthetic appeal they bring to the commercial strip, but also for the important role they play in filtering the air and providing shady respite from the afternoon sun. We worked with the Pratt Design Incubator to design tree guards for Myrtle that are both functional and durable, but also offer a canvas that reflects local creativity. Thats where you come in!

For the second year in a row, were inviting artists and designers (both amateur and professional) to submit designs for the panels of a new Myrtle Tree Guard. Each selected design will be laser cut into the 4 panels of an individual tree guard or tree guard with bench, to be installed on Myrtle Avenue in summer 2012. We may select up to 25 individual panel designs in total this year. In 2011, we selected 19 designs for 38 tree guards and benches that were installed last August. Check out photos of these unique guards on our flickr page here.

How to submit a design to the contest:
Submit your design concepts via email to meredith@myrtleavenue.org by Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 5pm along with a document (PDF) containing your contact information (name, address, telephone, email), brief description of your design (no more than 200 words), and small image of your design.

Design Guidelines
Please read the following closely, as we will not be able to accept submissions that do not meet these guidelines.
1. If possible, please use the Adobe Illustrator template when creating your design.
You can also submit a high resolution jpeg (please follow dimensions listed below). 2. Permissible design area is 11" vertical x 37" horizontal. Full size of artboard is 14" x 40" which includes a 1.5" border on all four sides. No design elements can be in this border area.
3. All design shapes are considered 'holes'. There can be no 'holes' that measure larger than 4 square inches, or longer than 12". No 'holes' can be smaller than 1/4".
4. Solid areas must measure at least 1/2" wide. Thin pieces cannot be longer than 10" as they are prone to warping and breaking.
5. Designs should not have unsupported solid elements (floating pieces).
6. For safety reasons, designs should avoid sharp points and corners. Corners should be rounded wherever possible. 7. Designs cannot include trademarked logos or images, and cannot contain words.
8. Each panel will be repeated four times on the tree guard. It is not possible to design four separate panels for one unit.

By submitting a design, entrants are authorizing the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership to incorporate the submitted design into street furniture for fabrication, and are allowing the Partnership to utilize the design in online and printed materials related to the project. Authors of selected designs will not be compensated, but will be credited on our website and on tree guard signage (not on benches, as they do not have signage).
Photo: Panel design by Genevieve Saucier

Dine-In Brooklyn Kicks Off TODAY: Bon Appétit !

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:38:00 -0400

As Boro Prez Marty Markowitz likes to say at this time of the year, "Foodies, the wait it over." You guessed it...Brooklyn's Restaurant Week: Dine-In Brooklyn kicks off TODAY! Dine-In Brooklyn is a 10-day affair, March 19 thru March 29. Please note whether restaurants are participating in lunch (L) or dinner (D). The price for lunch is $20.12 (a tribute to our current year). The price for dinner is $25.00. Beverages, tax, and tip not included in prices. A number of participating Myrtle Avenue area restaurants include: ANIMA ITALIAN BISTRO 458 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 422-1122 www.animabistro.com CASTROS 511 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 398-1459 CHEZ LOLA 387 Myrtle Avenue (Clermont & Vanderbilt) (718) 858-1484 www.bistrolola.com DEE & RICKYS HOME COOKING 503 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 789-1111 www.deeandrickyshomecooking.com FIVE SPOT SUPPER CLUB 459 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 852-0202 www.fivespotsoulfood.com KINARAS INDIAN FOOD 368 Myrtle Avenue (Adelphi & Clermont) (718) 237-4008 LOS POLLITOS III 499 Myrtle Avenue (Hall & Ryerson) (718) 636-6125 www.lospollitos3.com LUZ 177 Vanderbilt Avenue (Myrtle & Willoughby) (718) 246-4000 www.luzrestaurant.com MAGGIE BROWN 455 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington) (718) 643-7001 www.maggiebrownrestaurant.com MANEE THAI 372 Myrtle Avenue (Adelphi & Clermont) (718) 222-9992 MOJITO CUBAN CUISINE 82 Washington Avenue (Park & Flushing) (718) 797-3100 www.mojitocubancuisine.net MYRTLE THAI 438 Myrtle Avenue (Clinton & Waverly) (718) 422-1142 PUTNAM'S PUB & COOKER 419 Myrtle Avenue (Vanderbilt & Clinton) (347) 799-2382 www.putnamspub.com SANS SOUCI 330 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Park & Carlton) (917) 227-8135 www.sanssouciny.com SOCO 509 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 783-1936 www.socobk.com THAI 101 455A Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 855-4615 THAI 101 BISTRO 448 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 855-8518 WAZA SUSHI & RAMEN 485 Myrtle Avenue (Hall & Ryerson) (718) 399-9292 / 3839 YAMASHIRO 466 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Avenue & Hall) (718) 230-3313 ZAYTOONS 472 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Avenue & Hall) (718) 623-5522 www.zaytoonsrestaurant.com

2012 Power Up Biz Plan Competition

Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:48:00 -0400

The 9th annual Power Up Contest is gearing up. Have a business idea? Attend classes, write your business plan, and have a chance to win up to $15,000+ to open your own Brooklyn-based business. To apply, you must attend a 2012 PowerUP! orientation session. Click here for the details. or register by phone: 718.623.7000 (select option 4).

FGA Retail Survey -- have you taken it yet?

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 17:55:00 -0400

Hey, have you take the Fort Greene Association's retail survey yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Share your thoughts on what retail and service businesses you'd like to see in the local neighborhood. Complete the survey by March 16th to be entered in a reffle to win a few goodies. Click to take the survey!

Dine-In Brooklyn on Myrtle Avenue: It's Coming!

Tue, 06 Mar 2012 12:45:00 -0400

We can always hear Boro Prez Marty Markowitz's voice exclaiming during this time of the year: "Foodies, the wait is over!" It's been announced: Brooklyn's Restaurant Week, 'Dine In Brooklyn 2012' will be held March 19 to 29. An official list of all participating restaurants and fixed dinner and lunch prices have yet to be announced, but hey, nothing wrong with a little pre-planning. Here is a list of participating Myrtle eateries to postively tease the ol' palate. Stay tuned for whether they'll offer brunch, lunch or dinner specials. Which will you visit during Dine In Brooklyn? BARS & PUBS PUTNAM'S PUB & COOKER 419 Myrtle Avenue (Vanderbilt & Clinton) (347) 799-2382 www.putnamspub.com CARIBBEAN MOJITO CUBAN CUISINE 82 Washington Avenue (Park & Flushing) (718) 797-3100 www.mojitocubancuisine.net SANS SOUCI 330 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Park & Carlton) (917) 227-8135 www.sanssouciny.com FRENCH & ITALIAN FOOD ANIMA ITALIAN BISTRO 458 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 422-1122 www.animabistro.com CHEZ LOLA 387 Myrtle Avenue (Clermont & Vanderbilt) (718) 858-1484 www.bistrolola.com INDIAN FOOD KINARAS INDIAN FOOD 368 Myrtle Avenue (Adelphi & Clermont) (718) 237-4008 JAPANESE FOOD/ SUSHI WAZA SUSHI & RAMEN 485 Myrtle Avenue (Hall & Ryerson) (718) 399-9292 / 3839 YAMASHIRO 466 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Avenue & Hall) (718) 230-3313 LATIN FOOD LUZ 177 Vanderbilt Avenue (Myrtle & Willoughby) (718) 246-4000 www.luzrestaurant.com MEXICAN FOOD CASTROS 511 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 398-1459 LOS POLLITOS III 499 Myrtle Avenue (Hall & Ryerson) (718) 636-6125 www.lospollitos3.com MIDDLE EASTERN FOOD ZAYTOONS 472 Myrtle Avenue (Washington Avenue & Hall) (718) 623-5522 www.zaytoonsrestaurant.com SOUL FOOD /SOUTHERN FOOD DEE & RICKYS HOME COOKING 503 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 789-1111 www.deeandrickyshomecooking.com FIVE SPOT SUPPER CLUB 459 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 852-0202 www.fivespotsoulfood.com SOCO 509 Myrtle Avenue (Ryerson & Grand) (718) 783-1936 www.socobk.com THAI FOOD MANEE THAI 372 Myrtle Avenue (Adelphi & Clermont) (718) 222-9992 MYRTLE THAI 438 Myrtle Avenue (Clinton & Waverly) (718) 422-1142 THAI 101 455A Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 855-4615 THAI 101 BISTRO 448 Myrtle Avenue (Waverly & Washington Avenues) (718) 855-8518

FREE Dental Screenings for Children at Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 15:15:00 -0400

In Celebration of National Childrens Dental Health Month Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center is offering FREE Dental Screenings for Children on Wednesday, February 22nd 2012.

A screening visit includes:
- Short visual exam to identify any trouble spots in gums, teeth and mouth
- Consultation with parents to answer questions;find out how to prevent oral disease and get tips on developing good habits for kids

All participants will receive a dental goody bag with toothbrush and have the chance to win a FREE Dental Sealant.

LOCATION: Cumberland Diagnostic & Treatment Center 100 North Portland Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11205
DATE: Wednesday, February 22nd 2012
HOURS: 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
CONTACT: 718 260-4851

SONYA Social on 2/9 @ The Emerson!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:22:00 -0400

Find out what's happening in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill arts community over a drink with South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA)! They're hosting a 'social' on Thursday, February 9th at The Emerson (561 Myrtle) at 7pm.

Navy Green Development Update + Community Meeting: Thursday 2/9

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:22:00 -0400

Construction is complete at two buildings, and families have begun to move in. What's going on at this brand new community in Wallabout?

The Development Team for Navy Green invite you to learn more about ongoing construction and their future plans by attending a community meeting at L+M's affordable rental building, 45 Clermont. The details:

Thursday February 9, 2012 (6-8pm)
45 Clermont Avenue - Community Room
between Park and Flushing
Fort Greene/Wallabout Brooklyn

RSVP to rsvp@prattarea.org.

This event is sponsored by:
Brooklyn Community and Housing Services, Dunn Development, L+M Development and Pratt Area Community Council The housing application process is under the direction of the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC). All questions relating to housing at Navy Green can be directed to PACC by calling 718-522-2613.

Child Development Support Corporation (CDSC) 4th Annual Community Art Show and Sale

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:00:00 -0400

Child Development Support Corporation (CDSC) is a multi-service, non-profit organization that offers art services, among other programs, to youth, seniors, and families in Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn. They strive to renovate their 5,000 square feet of raw space into a community arts center to provide art instruction and to further their mission by "fostering skill development, self-expression, knowledge, enjoyment, and community connections through the creative process".

To help realize their goals CDSC is hosting their 4th Annual 2012 Community Art Show & Sale. The event will offer FREE art classes, live entertainment and an art show for all to enjoy!

Where: 352 Classon Ave, Brooklyn
Dates & Times: Friday, January 20th 6-10PM and Saturday, January 21st 10AM-4PM
For more information call 718-398-2050

Free books for your ereader: get them at the Brooklyn Public Library

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:18:00 -0400

We received an email from the BPL Whitman Branch about the growing list of ebooks available at the BPL. We can now access over 20,000 ebooks at the Brooklyn Public Library. Click here for a full list of Brooklyn Public Library available ebooks. Call a BPL branch for further information. The number for the Whitman Branch is 718.935.0244 (press option 4). image courtesy Brooklyn Public Library

Some holiday celebrations may call for a designated driver...

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:52:00 -0400

...and NYC Department of Transportation has an app for that! Check out You The Man, DOT's campaign to combat drunk driving which includes a free app where you can calculate Blood Alcohol content, and a handy feature for finding a car service. If youre drinking this Holiday Season, dont get behind the wheel. Use one of New York Citys 10,000 designated drivers, also known as cab drivers. Or, take public transit, which runs 24-7 in NYC. If youre here in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill, add these car service numbers to your phone just in case: Myrtle Car 718-230-4499 and Pratt Car 718-789-4900.

Be safe this holiday season!

A new tradition in Fort Greene: Tree Lighting at Ingersoll

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 12:18:00 -0400

Last Friday's tree lighting ceremony at the Ingersoll Garden of Eden was wonderful! University Settlement did a great job organizing the event there were all kinds of activity stations, including cookie decorating, letter writing to the troops, and holiday stocking decorating. There also was hot chocolate and cider, photos with Santa, a dance performance by the Centers dance squad, and the McKinney marching band!

Gardeners from the Ingersoll Garden of Eden were also instrumental in making the event possible, even helping to to hoist the tree and put the lights on it themselves! They definitely deserve recognition for their hard work and commitment to the community, and hosting the holiday tree in the garden was a continuation of their efforts. Everyone in attendance was really proud to be part of this historic event!

MARP provided a small sponsorship to cover hot chocolate, cider and various supplies. It was an absolute pleasure to be able to support an event that brought people together in this way. There truly was holiday spirit in the air. Everyone felt it.

Tree Lighting @ the Ingersoll Garden of Eden > Tonight!

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 10:51:00 -0400

Come out and celebrate the beginning of a new holiday tradition - a tree lighting at the Ingersoll Garden of Eden! The lighting of the tree takes place at 5:30pn today (Friday), with all kinds of fun activities and crafts at the Ingersoll Community Center afterward including cookie decorating, a visit from Santa, free hot chocolate and cider, and christmas crafts!

MARP Holiday Fundraiser: Thanks for Celebrating w/Us!

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 11:51:00 -0400

Thanks for coming out to the MARP holiday party and fundraiser last week, December 7th. A good time was had by all! Delicious food and drinks, service and holiday decorations at Putnam's Pub & Cooker ; great sounds by the inimitable Bill Lee and The New York Bass Violin Choir; great vibes and smiles with friends of MARP. Click here for more pics by photographer, Frederick V. Nielsen II.

Bill Lee Peforming at MARP's Holiday Fundraiser - this Wednesday!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:41:00 -0400

Update: Just confirmed! Local bassist Bill Lee and The New York Bass Violin Choir will be performing bass duets and quartets at Wednesday's holiday fundraiser!

It's time to come to Myrtle Avenue for the holidays, from Small Business Saturday on November 26th, to the start of the Holiday Windows Contest on December 3rd, to the annual holiday fundraiser on December 7th. This year's holiday fundraiser is at Putnam's Pub & Cooker (419 Myrtle), from 5:30 to 7:30pm, where you'll have open bar and your favorite holiday cocktails, live music sponsored by our friends at ConEdison, and lots of great food from Putnam's menu. We really hope all of our friends and neighbors can join us this year to take in the holiday cheer.

Tickets are only $30/person or $50/couple (all drinks, food, and music included!) if bought by December 6th at HelpersUnite.com or at http://tinyurl.com/MyrtleHolidays2011. (It's $35/person on December 7th or at the door)

Hope to see you there! And happy holidays!

Holiday Trees and Wreaths on Myrtle!

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 17:43:00 -0400

Did you get your holiday tree yet? Well, no need to go far because Santos and his family have been selling holiday trees on Myrtle Avenue for many years. Where and when: the northwest corner of Myrtle and Hall, from 12noon until about 9pm each day. They have quite a selection of trees, starting from $25. They also have a broad assortment of wreaths, starting at $10. Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

Myrtle Avenue Featured in this week's Crain's

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 11:05:00 -0400
This week's Crain's New York Business includes an article titled, 'Brooklyn Makes the Grade,' which highlights Pratt's role in the Avenue's development. The article gives a nod to Myrtle businesses and MARP also. Click here for the article.

Small Business Saturday Press Conference in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 15:53:00 -0400
Commissioner Rob Walsh of the NYC Department of Small Business Services visited Fort Greene/Clinton Hill last week for a Small Business Saturday press conference. Small Business Saturday is day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. Commissioner Walsh is pictured above with Tamara McCaw of BAM (picture left) and Karen Tappin Saunderson of Myrtle Avenue business, Karen's Body Beautiful (picture right). The Fulton Areas Business (FAB) Alliance and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership have partnered up to bring Small Business Saturday fun to the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhoods. Free trolley rides, in-store Myrtle Avenue and Fulton Street specials, Santa Claus, musicians, a shopping sweepstakes and more are taking place on Small Business Saturday, 11/26. photo: NYC Department of Small Business Services

An evening with author Colson Whitehead @ SJC

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 16:40:00 -0400
St. Joseph's College just sent this over to us. Author Colson Whitehead will be leading a talk called "How to Write and the Art of Writing" on Wednesday, November 30th at 6pm at Tuohy Hall (245 Clinton Avenue). It's free!

Brian Lehrer Live @ Pratt on Dec. 8th

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0400
Join NPR radio host, Brian Lehrer live at Pratt on December 8th at 6pm for a panel discussion on school choice. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVP is required. The event will take place at Pratt's Memorial Hall, 200 Willoughby Avenue. Read more details here. photo: Brian Lehrer

MARP's Holiday Fundraiser at Putnam's Pub & Cooker is on Wed, Dec 7th!

Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:29:00 -0400
It's time to come to Myrtle Avenue for the holidays, from Small Business Saturday on November 26th, to the start of the Holiday Windows Contest on December 3rd, to the annual holiday fundraiser on December 7th. This year's holiday fundraiser is at Putnam's Pub & Cooker (419 Myrtle), from 5:30 to 7:30pm, where you'll have open bar and your favorite holiday cocktails, live music sponsored by our friends at ConEdison, and lots of great food from Putnam's menu. We really hope all of our friends and neighbors can join us this year to take in the holiday cheer.

Tickets are only $30/person or $50/couple (all drinks, food, and music included!) if bought by December 6th at HelpersUnite.com or at http://tinyurl.com/MyrtleHolidays2011. (It's $35/person on December 7th or at the door)

Hope to see you there! And happy holidays!

Small Biz Saturday is Nov. 26th: Trolley Loops Myrtle + Fulton!

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:33:00 -0400
The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and the Fulton Street Area Business Alliance (FAB) are EXCITED to be participating jointly in Small Business Saturday. Small Business Saturday is Saturday, November 26th! Are you ready? Join in on the fun from 10:00a 6:00p! Santas coming, the free trolley is set, musicians are singing, Myrtle and Fulton business specials and in-store events are brewing! All for the BIG event: Please come out and join in the Small Business Saturday fun! Check out the trolley mapto hop on, hop off and join in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhood fun! The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is partnering with the FAB Alliance to jointly sponsor festivities along Myrtle Avenue and Fulton Street in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. The fun starts at 10a and continues the day long til 6p. A nationwide celebration, the 2nd annual Small Business Saturday Small Business Saturday is a day dedicated to supporting small businesses on one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year. One of the things that makes Fort Greene and Clinton Hill so wonderful is the diverse array of locally-owned small businesses. And this is your chance to make a statement of support for the business owners, staffs and their families who contribute so much to what makes the area vibrant. There will be events, activities, music, treats and free trolley rides all day. FREE TROLLEY - 10am-6pm SANTA RIDES THE TROLLEY - 11am-3pm There will be a free trolley traveling along Myrtle and Fulton Street and back again from 10am-6pm (check out the route map!). Bring the kids because SANTA will be riding the trolley from 11am-3pm. Bring the family because shopping local matters. GET UPDATES ON ACTIVITIES, EVENTS AND SANTA'S WHEREABOUTS Like both organizations on Facebook (Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and FAB Fulton and also follow FAB on Twitter to keep up-to-date on activities, events and ho ho ho, Santas whereabouts.

Author, Colson Whitehead to speak @ St. Joseph's College on 11/30

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 12:00:00 -0400
Acclaimed writer, Colson Whitehead to speak at St. Joseph's College on Wednesday, November 30 in the Tuohy Hall Auditorium at 6pm. The lecture is entitled "How to Write and the Art of Writing." The event is free and open to the public. Colson Whitehead's lecture is the inaugural lecture in the Brooklyn Voices series of events at the Brooklyn Campus. According to St. Joseph's, "the aim of the Brooklyn Voices series is to promote and enhance the creative vitality of our home neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill by providing local writers, artists and intellectuals with a forum in which to discuss and present their works to our neighbors, patrons and students. Through lectures, forums, performances, and public discussion, Brooklyn Voices seeks to make a meaningful contribution to the thriving intellectual culture of the neighborhood and ensure that our community remains a stimulating place in which to live, learn, and do business." Read more here. Photo: Frank Lojciechowski

Help to make farm-fresh food part of Thanksgiving meals for neighbors in need!

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 10:13:00 -0400
Our partners at the Ingersoll Community Center (operated by University Settlement) are preparing a hot meal for 100 local residents in need this Thanksgiving. In a project they're calling "Pay it Forward", they've reached out to local residents and organizations to join their effort by donating resources, food, beverages, supplies and time to make sure our neighbors have a delicious and nutritious meal this Thanksgiving. We've stepped up to raise $600 to provide fresh ingredients from our local farm stand partner, Glebocki Farms, and a few supplies. These funds will purchase seasonal produce like squash, carrots, red potatoes, onions, apples, and greens for the event. A team of volunteer cooks will prepare Thanksgiving favorites using these ingredients. In the holiday spirit of giving, will you help us donate fresh food items for a community Thanksgiving dinner at our local community center, right here on Myrtle Avenue?

Donating is simple. Just visit our project page on HelpersUnite.com. Here's to a happy and healthy Thanksgiving!

Bike Share Open House @ Red Lantern Bicycles, Thursday, 11/17

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 20:34:00 -0400
NYC Bike Share Open House on Thursday, 11/17 from 5p-8p at Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Avenue. Please join us to view the bikes and provide feedback before the program launches in Summer 2012. What is Bike Share? Bike Share is a new form of urban mobility: a self serve bicycle transport system available for public use at a low daily, weekly, or annual charge. Bike Share stations are located every few blocks and operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Bicycles may be returned to any station anywhere in the system. Red Lantern is located at 345 Myrtle between Carlton and Adelphi. They can be reached at 347.889.5338.

Building 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Opens on Veteran's Day

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 19:56:00 -0400
The much-anticipated opening of Building 92 at the Brooklyn Navy Yard is this Friday, Veteran's Day. Building 92, the Navy Yard's museum and historic center in it's 4 floors features a visitor's center, resource center, gallery and cafe. Building 92 is open Wednesday thru Sunday, 12p-6p. Walking, bus and bike tours are available. Free admission this opening weekend and lots planned this opening 11/11/11 Veteran's Day weekend, including looping shuttle bus between Building 92 and Jay Street subway station, family fun, prizes and giveaways. Building 92 is located at 63 Flushing Avenue. Read more here. pic from the Bldg92.com website

Brooklyn's 2012 Extraordinary Women

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:45:00 -0400
The office of District Attorney Hynes annually honors 'Brooklyn's 2012 Extraordinary Women.' Deadline to nominate your candidates for this honor is January 17, 2012. Click here for more information and an application.

Many Ideas for Improving Park Avenue Safety

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 11:40:00 -0400
Over 50 people were in attendance at last night's Park Avenue Safety Workshop. Everyone had a lot to say about which blocks and which intersections on Park Avenue along the BQE were the least safe, and even more to say about how the city could make improvements. Attendees split into 5 different groups, representing 5 different geographic areas of Park Avenue from west to east, so participants were able to discuss the very specific issues and challenges affecting each block and how to make them safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

The goal of this workshop was to identify, prioritize, and locate specific enhancements that will improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on Park Avenue between Navy Street and Steuben Street. Given the number of students that are crossing Park to and from school, and the number of residents that are living on Park or adjacent to it, improving safety needs to be prioritized by city agencies.

This workshop was the first step in creating a community-based plan that can be used to advocate for important changes, both short-term and long-term. A special thanks to Architecture for Humanity New York for putting in countless hours to prepare for and facilitate the workshop, and to now help pull together everyone's ideas into the makings of a draft plan.

Stay tuned for the scheduling of additional meetings where these preliminary findings and ideas will be presented.

Help improve pedestrian safety on Park Avenue! TODAY

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 17:05:00 -0400
Have you ever tried to cross Park Avenue in Fort Greene or Clinton Hill? If so, you may have walked for blocks to find a safe crossing, or maybe you just decided to dodge speeding traffic. We're sure you've though to yourself, 'shouldn't this street be safer for pedestrians?' Well, we agree. It should be safer!

We've held three previous workshops about the area under and around the elevated BQE in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and safety was the primary concern at each of them. Have something to share about safety on Park Avenue? Join your neighbors at this workshop!

Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Workshop Thursday, November 3rd 6-8:30pm Benjamin Banneker Academy (71-77 Clinton Avenue @ Park)

The goal of this workshop is to identify, prioritize, and locate specific enhancements that will improve pedestrian safety and calm vehicular traffic on Park Avenue between Navy Street and Steuben Street. Given the number of students that are crossing Park to and from school, and the number of residents that are living on Park or adjacent to it, we feel that improving safety should be prioritized by city agencies. This workshop is the first step in creating a community-based plan that we can use to advocate for important changes, both short-term and long-term. Architecture for Humanity will be assisting with workshop facilitation and development of the plan.

Hope you can make it! Email dan@myrtleavenue.org or call 718-230-1689 if you have any questions. Download the workshop flyer here.

Red Apple Supermarket - Now Open!

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:39:00 -0400
As of Monday, the Red Apple Supermarket on Myrtle and Ashland is officially open! Welcome to the avenue! The community is buzzing about the store. Hear what people had to say on this News12 piece.

Have you been by yet? What do you think?

Project Safe Surrender Returns, Dec. 2 & 3

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:57:00 -0400
Project Safe Surrender returns. Project Safe Surrender is an opportunity for those with warrants or C-summonses (see list below or call for more information) to have them lifted and their cases adjudicated in a safe environment. As the project states, "this is not a pardon, but rather a solution that is favorable." Project Safe Surrender will take place on December 2 and 3 at Mt. Sion Baptist Church, which is located at 365 Ralph Avenue, corner of Pacific. Please contact Anita Alexander at 718.388.3900xt.46 or anita@projectsafesurrender2011.org for further information. If you have a warrant or c-summons for the following, come out:

littering
unleashed dog
failure to have a dog license
animal nuisance
unlawful possession of alcohol under age 21
consumption of alcohol in public
spitting
riding a bicycle on the sidewalk
unlawful possession of handcuffs
trespassing
loitering
disorderly conduct
making unreasonable noise
aggressive solicitation
unlawfully in a park after hours
failure to comply with posted signs in park

Art Show and Reception: Tuesday at Connecticut Muffin

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 11:26:00 -0400
Meet artist Tarra Rehounek on Tuesday, November 1st at Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle Avenue)! She will be showcasing her patterned designs and greeting cards (also for sale) from 6:30pm to 8:30pm. Light refreshments will be served, so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Brooklyn Public Library Amnesty on fines thru October 31st

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 18:05:00 -0400
Through October 31, children and teens who have fines on their library cards can ask to have them waived. If you are a child or teen who owes fines, has long overdue material, or has lost library material, you can visit any Brooklyn Public Library location and ask for the fines to be waived. logo from the BPL website.

"Soundwaves" Under the BQE - This Weekend!

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 12:13:00 -0400
Please join us on Sunday, October 16th to dedicate and celebrate Soundwaves, a mural created by artist Ellie Balk and 75+ community volunteers.

At 3:30pm, we'll be at the mural (Park Avenue near Steuben under the BQE) to dedicate it and officially 'cut the ribbon'. Pianist Samantha Bassler (one of the ten pianists whose hands Ellie traced for the design) will be on site playing Moolight Sonata on her keyboard! Afterward, join us at The Emerson at 4:30pm (561 Myrtle) to toast and celebrate this wonderful project! Contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org for more information.

Special thanks to the NYS Department of Transportation for their cooperation in this project.

The Myrtle Scrawl: part crawl, part scavenger hunt, wholly exciting!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 17:23:00 -0400
Max Power and The Emerson Present the 1st annual Myrtle Avenue Scrawl! It's part bar crawl, part scanvenger hunt, part drink fest, part nosh fest. It's WHOLLY exciting! Mark your calendars for 'The Myrtle Avenue Scrawl,' which will take place on Saturday, October 15th. Created and coordinated by The Emerson (561 Myrtle) and Max Power (of Bloody Battle and Silly Dance-off fame), come out and have a real good time on Myrtle Avenue!! Prizes galore: the Scrawler with the most points wins! Click for more info! image: courtesy The Emerson and Max Power

Myrtle Teens (YEMP Program): Year 5!

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 15:43:00 -0400
Brisk day like today is quite the reminder of how quickly we've moved into a new season. Students have been back at school at least a month, including students who participated in the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership's Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) for Summer 2011! The YEMP program is funded by a generous grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and from operating funds of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District. In YEMP, fifteen (15) local teens are placed with Myrtle Avenue businesses for a seven week summer experience which includes 20 work hours per week. MARP conducts youth outreach, schedules interviews with participating merchants, handles all employment paperwork, and pays wages for the summer. Myrtle merchants oversee the teens and serve as supervisors and mentors to the local high school students. A couple of the teens were hired by local businesses upon completion of the program, and thus will be continuing on in an after-school capacity. There were a few programmatic additions this year, including a joint closing reception together with teens from MetroTech BID's youth summer program and a youth financial literacy course led by adult and youth leaders from All About Business (AAB), a dynamic program of Optimum Capital Management (thanks AAB!). We are grateful to the following students and employers for their commitment to making the fifth year of the program a major success: Joanne Alvarez (Wallys Square Root Café, 584 Myrtle); Sadé Cadle (Brooklyn Stone Boutique, 366 Myrtle), DeVante Carolina (PrattSTORE, 550 Myrtle), Dwayne Carolina (PrattSTORE, 550 Myrtle), Christina Carpenter (Trilok Fusion Arts & Education Center, 143 Waverly), Swaneika Choy (Smiling Faces Day Care Center, 381 Myrtke), Danielle Faulkner (Fork Café, 507 Myrtle), Justin Felton (Root Stock, 471 Myrtle), Safara Figaro (Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle), Michael Greene (Miracles Unisex Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle), Christopher Jerome (Walgreens, 379 Myrtle), Derrick McMichael (Sandbox Pack & Ship, 487 Myrtle), Lucio Morales (Fort Greene Park Conservancys Revolutionary Garden and Associated Supermarket, 492 Myrtle), Adjuwa Tomlin (Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle and CakeJoy Bakery, 364 Myrtle), Tashé Williams (Sandbox Pack & Ship, 487 Myrtle). photo: YEMP 2011 students with AAB's Cris Mercado and Marquise Terry.

PACC to Hold Info Sessions for Navy Green Apartments @ 40 Vanderbilt

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 13:51:00 -0400
Interested in applying for apartments at Navy Green? Come to one of Pratt Area Community Council's (PACC) info sessions to learn more about the affordable apartments available at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue: The two (2) info sessions will take place at Sacred Heart's school cafeteria, 39 Adelphi Street between Park and Flushing Avenues. Wednesday October 5th (6pm-8pm) or Tuesday, October 18th (6pm-8pm). The housing application process for Navy Green is under the direction of the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC). All questions relating to housing at Navy Green can be directed to PACC by calling 718-522-2613. RSVP to PACC by email: rsvp@prattarea.org, letting them know which date you will attend. Click herefor 40 Vanderbilt Avenue applications, income guidelines and additional information. Application deadline for 40 Vanderbilt apartments is November 2, 2011 (postmarked by). rendering from the 40vanderbilt.org website.

Any 'Library Stories' about the BPL's Walt Whitman Branch?

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 12:00:00 -0400
On this 100th anniversary of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the Campaign for America's Libraries is seeking stories from users of Carnegie libraries. The Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman Branch at 93 St. Edwards Street, just north of Myrtle Avenue, is a Carnegie Library, one of only 67 NYC libraries built with funds from one grant (totaling $5,202,261) awarded by the Carnegie Corporation of New York on December 8, 1899. If you love the Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman Branch -- their children's programming, their film series, their outreach or just love the fact that they are an important local resource and landmark, please send an email to 'librarycampaign@gmail.com' with your story. For information about the BPL Whitman Branch's programs, please contact, Janet Conton at 718.935.0244 (option 4). What's coming up at Whitman? kids story times, monthly film series and scary Halloween stories!

Great Turnout for BID Annual Meeting

Fri, 30 Sep 2011 11:18:00 -0400
This past Tuesday's BID Annual Meeting had a great turnout from merchants, property owners, residents, and our elected officials. Thank you to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn, Borough President Marty Markowitz, Council Member Tish James, Assemblyman Joe Lentol, SBS Commissioner Rob Walsh, and Commanding Officer Anthony Tasso for joining us and sharing their comments. And thanks to Malissa Browne and the SoCo team for hosting us and putting on a great event!

Photos from photographer Frederick V. Nielsen, II below and at our Flickr page:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

MyrtleBags - eco-friendly, handy, stylish and available now!

Wed, 28 Sep 2011 12:55:00 -0400
MyrtleBags are available again. Have you purchased yours? There is a whole new batch of colors to choose from (l-r in photo): deep ocean, cobalt, olive, chocolate, carrot, persimmon and papaya. Fits in your hand, on your wrist or arm or over your shoulder. Perfect for shopping! It's all at once eco-friendly, stylish, trés convenient, colorful and helps make a statement about the importance of shopping local with its 'Home Grown & Locally Owned' logo. Say no to plastic as you swing your new colorful eco-friendly MyrtleBag all over NYC and beyond. Holds the equivalent to 2-3 plastic grocery bags of stuff (about 50 pounds). 15" wide, 25" high, 6" deep. Folds into a flat 5" by 5" pouch (included). 100% ripstop machine-washable nylon. Available now at Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. Call Gnarly Vines at 718.797.3183 for more information.

Upcoming BPL Workshop on Biz Plan Presentations

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:31:00 -0400
Business and Computer Coach, Henrietta Koffi to teach workshop on business plans at the Brooklyn Business Library on 10/6. From the BPL: "The way you describe your business plan to investors, lenders or judges can make all the difference in winning their support. Henrietta Koffi, a business and computer coach, will give you tips on making a presentation." The class will include the following:

What information to include
How to organize your presentation
How to present your data
How to use PowerPoint
Thursday, October 6th, from 6p to 7:30p. Please register for this event online. Or call 718.623.7000 (option 4). This event will be held at the Business Library (280 Cadman Plaza West at Tillary Street). Henrietta Koffi is a local yokel, serving as the Fort Greene Greenmarket EBT manager, deputy director at Fort Greene SNAP, a Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef and techie and teacher extraordinaire to her students. Henrietta has a deep passion for technology and people, and LOVES to operate at that intersection. Reach her here.

BID Annual Meeting w/Speaker Christine Quinn this Tuesday at SoCo

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 12:08:00 -0400
There are still a few spots available for guests to join us at the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID Annual Meeting, with guest speaker NY City Council Speaker Christine Quinn. The meeting is on Tuesday, September 27th, from 5-7pm at SoCo, 509 Myrtle Avenue. Drinks and light appetizers will be served. The meeting is open to the public, but RSVP is required.

RSVP at www.surveymonkey.com/s/MyrtleBIDAnnualMeeting2011.

Acclaimed Illustrator, Kadir Nelson to speak at Pratt Institute tonight, 9/21 @ 7pm.

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 13:14:00 -0400
Kadir Nelson, Pratt alumnus and acclaimed illustrator of nearly 30 children's books, will speak at Pratt Institute's Higgins Hall (61 St. James Place) tonight at 7pm. Nelson will be on hand to discuss his latest book, "Heart and Soul: The Story of America and African Americans" (HarperCollins, 2011). Nelson is the illustrator of Caldecott and Coretta Scott Award-winning book, 'Moses: When Harriet Tubman Led Her People to Freedom' as well as many other titles, has been commissioned to illustrate Anna Julia Cooper and Richard Wright stamps for the United States Postal Service and has recently been commissioned by the U.S. Congress to paint a portrait of Shirley Chisholm. Nelson's work graces the cover of Michael Jackson's posthumous album, 'Michael'. image taken from Pratt's Facebook page

Park(ing) Day 2011 on Myrtle Avenue is this Friday, 9/16

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 19:02:00 -0400
Whew, how quickly a year zips by. It's that time again. This Friday, 9/16 is Park(ing) Day on Myrtle Avenue, and all over. In case you aren't familiar, Park(ing) Day is an international event started by Rebar that reclaims and reimagines parking spots as mini-parks and engaging public spaces. As Transportation Alternatives describes, Park(ing) Day sparks dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it. Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi. Gnarly Vines Park is all about fun: inside the store: great music and wine tasting with discounts on featured wines. Outside will be face painters and sidewalk chalk. Here's more from GV: "starting at noon there will be sidewalk chalk for the kids and wine tasting for parents. Adults unaccompanied by children can let loose their inner kid on the sidewalk and join the grown-ups for a taste of wine after!" Gnarly Vines can be reached at 718.797.3183. Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton and Adelphi Red Lantern Bicycles Park describes their space as "all about bicycle love." Iced coffee stand, snacks, demos and...hey, ride/walk by and get your flat fixed! Red Lantern Bicycles can be reached at 347.889.5338. Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery, 366 and 364 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi Brooklyn Stone Boutique and CakeJoy Bakery Park is all about "very tasty treats, acoustic music and fashion." On the heels of Fashion Week and celebrating a first anniversary on Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn Stone presents a fashion show, mucho fashion advice (think of it as solicited what not to wear)and sales galore. CakeJoy presents yummy tastings, other tasty bites and delicious specials on the hour. Brooklyn Stone Boutique can be reached at 347.763.2041. CakeJoy can be reached at 718.624.CAKE (2253). Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Green in BKLYN Park presents Insert__Here, an interactive installation that creates community awareness around climate change. Brooklyn-based artist, Eve Mosher invites participants to post bright yellow arrows suggesting creative climate change solutions such as "Insert a tree here", Insert a green roof here Insert solar panels here." Read more about Eve Mosher and 350.org here. Green in BKLYN can be reached at 718.855.4383. Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant, 501-507 Myrtle betweeen Ryerson and Grand Called the 501-507 Myrtle Avenue Hot Spot, these four businesses, Pillow Cafe, Dee & Ricky's, Fork Cafe and Sapolo Restaurant have lots of great activities planned, including tastings and lunch specials. They also have an open call to acoustic musicians, spoken word artists and others, to stop by. Dee & Ricky's will roll out what they are calling their "soft, soft opening." If you only knew what they have in store for...er (yikes, almost let it slip), soon, you'll know that this is very very true (be ready!). Wing specials and beers on tap inside. Dee & Ricky's can be reached at 718.789.1111. Fork Cafe has tastings on the hour, great lunch specials galore, including their "very amazing chili." Fork Cafe can be reached at 718.622.FORK (3675). Pillow Cafe has tastings and DE-licious sandwich, salad and smoothie specials planned. Pillow Cafe can be reached at 718.246.2711. Sapolo Restaurant has tastings and lots of food specials planned. Sapolo Restaurant can be reached at 718.789.7788 or 718.789.7766. Special shout out to the amazing John Rattigan from Root Stock for ALWAYS helping us ("beyond the call") to make this happen. **special request: Anyone available to volunteer Friday morning, 9/16 for about 1-2 hours? Could use about 4-5 volunteers to help unload sod from van and roll out into 3 parking spots. If available, please call Jennifer at 718.230.1689. Unique morning workout + a brand new MyrtleBag (eco-shopping bag) + uber gratitude + a great cause (Parking Day 2011) pic from Park(ing) Day on Myrtle, 2007.

Applications Available: Navy Green Apartments @ 40 Vanderbilt

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 18:38:00 -0400
The Pratt Area Community Council is now accepting applications for 38 studio apartments located at 40 Vanderbilt Avenue between Flushing and Park. This building is part of the Navy Green complex (applications for units in the first building were made available just two months ago). Click herefor 40 Vanderbilt Avenue applications, income guidelines and additional information. The housing application process for Navy Green is under the direction of the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC). All questions relating to housing at Navy Green can be directed to PACC by calling 718-522-2613. rendering from the 40vanderbilt.org website.

The Stork's Been Busy @ MARP!

Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:09:00 -0400
The stork's been quite busy on Myrtle Avenue. Big congratulations to our growing MARP family - seems little boys abound this year! Baby Eamon born to Andrew Camp (food access intern) and family on August 4th; Baby Ari born to Daniel Scorse (Program Manager, Planning & Streetscape Initiatives) and family on August 20th and Baby Alden born to Kassy Nystrom (Program Manager, Food Access Initiatives) and family on September 8th. "Perfection," "angel," "great!," and of course, "son" are words being liberally used on this end.

Nominate your favorite librarian for an 'I Love My Librarian Award.' Hurry, deadline is 9/12!

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 15:10:00 -0400
Librarians Carlton Lula and Lameane Isaac at the Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman Branch are on it. Not only are they busy at work within the walls of the library, but through their "extension work", they also regularly reach out to share literacy and the work of the library through partnerships with local schools, senior centers and other local community organizations. We know there are other great local librarians out there too. Between their 'shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhs', research advice and computer assistance, let's pause and let them know that we appreciate them. Nominate your favorite librarian (public library, school or college/university) for an 'I Love My Librarian Award'. Hurry, deadline to nominate is 9/12!

Tillary Park Foundation Job Fair, 9/14

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 10:58:00 -0400
Tillary Park Foundation Job Fair to take place on Wednesday, September 14th from 9a-4p at Tillary Park at Tillary and Jay. For further information call 917.440.3247.

This Saturday: Check out The Stoop 2011 at Fort Greene Park!

Thu, 11 Aug 2011 18:16:00 -0400
Organized annually by F.O.K.U.S., the Stoop is an event that aims to create the same vibe you feel when you sit on your stoop - a place for people to meet, relax, share stories and have a good time. The Stoop 2011 features performances and arts and games that all ages will enjoy. How can you pass up Mickey Factz and egg races! Check it out this Saturday from 2-7pm near Myrtle and North Portland. Here's the info directly from F.O.K.U.S.:

"This year we will have performances by a dope collection of artists: Mickey Factz, Sophia Urista and The Sauce, OMNI Blaize, DJ GrandWizzard Theodore, DJ Jazzy Jay and DJ Smoke L.E.S. We will have live art being created in the park by: Epic Skiiwalker, Marthalicia Matarrita, TTK, D-Cross and others. Looking for even more fun for you and your family/friends? Then we invite you to take part in the various games and contest such as lawn darts from OgoSport to Spades, Uno, egg races to hula hoops. There will also be face painting and additional games and activities for the all. You can quench your thirst thanks to IZZE and their sparkling juice drinks. There will be a healthy cooking demonstration and tasting by a Myrtle Eats Fresh Community chef and you can also snack on Pirate's Brands' Pirate's Booty healthy snacks. You'll also be able to experience a unique pop-up shop thanks to Convoluted Construct's and their 83rd anomaly."

Job Opportunity: Chase Bank is Hiring

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 18:31:00 -0400
Chase Bank to hiring 1000 new customer service staff members in the coming months. Chase will host a job fair on August 11th from 11am-7pm @ 4 MetroTech. Please click to read more of the details on how to apply on the Team Tish website.

Win a $50 gift certificate to Polish Bar of Brooklyn, deadline today!

Mon, 08 Aug 2011 12:05:00 -0400
Local Clinton Hill resident and editor-in-chief of The Fashion Bomb Daily blog, Claire Sulmers, has a Polish Bar of Brooklyn contest going for 'Fashion Bomb Daily' readers. Post on the blog for a an opportunity to win a $50 dollar gift certificate to the Polish Bar of Brooklyn. Don't sleep...deadline is TODAY. Click for the details on how to enter.

Job Opportunity: School Crossing Guard Apps Available

Thu, 04 Aug 2011 18:32:00 -0400
NYPD is currently recruiting for school crossing guard positions. School Crossing Guards help children safely cross busy intersections on their way to and from school, and control traffic flow around schools in the morning, at lunch time and at the end of the school day. Click here for more detail.

Only 2 more weeks to apply for Change By Us grant

Mon, 01 Aug 2011 10:48:00 -0400
Only two more weeks to apply for a Change By Us grant. The City of New York and the Citizens Committe for New York invite volunteer-led community groups to apply for small grants, which range from $500 to $1000 dollars. To be eligible, the project must: -Focus on composting, tree and park stewardship, or community gardening and agriculture. -Be posted on the Change by Us NYC website; -Include a minimum of 20 members on your Change by Us NYC project page; If you have questions about the grant application process, feel free to contact Saleen Shah of the Citizens Committee for New York at sshah@citizensnyc.org or (212) 822-9566.

How's your Summer Reading?

Fri, 29 Jul 2011 12:31:00 -0400
Okay, we're almost two months into Summer Reading 2011. How's it going? Carlton Lula and LaMeane Isaac, the librarians over at the Brooklyn Public Library's Whitman Branch sent out a reminder that library cards can be applied for on-line. And for the teachers out there, new teacher cards are now available (no late fees and can borrow up to 99 items amongst other perks). So what are you waiting for-- get reading! Call the BPL's Walt Whitman Branch at 718.935.0244 (press for option 4 when prompted) or the BPL Central Branch for additional information about Summer Reading 2011 or library card applications.

NYC Imagination Library

Tue, 26 Jul 2011 13:05:00 -0400
Received this information from Team Tish today. The NYC Department of Education is partnering with country singer, Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to present NYC-specific, NYC Imagination Library. The goal of Imagination Library is to promote literacy and language skills that are important to every child's success. Participants in the program (must live in NYC and have preschool-aged child, age 0-4) will receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail each month until the child turns 5 years of age. Click here for an application. Additional information about the NYC Imagination Library can be found on their website or by contacting them by phone or email: 718.642.5791 or imaginationlibrary@schools.nyc.gov.

Jobs on Myrtle and Beyond

Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:40:00 -0400
A few jobs on Myrtle and beyond-- Brooklyn Stone Boutique seeks vendors for an early September trunk show. Fashion and style related vendors, connect with Brooklyn Stone Boutique on Facebook for more information. Pillow Cafe seeks 2 bussers, full-time or part-time at least 25 hours per week. Call the cafe for more detail: 718.246.2711 or drop in. Kapella's Salon has a booth available. Beauticians/hair stylists/technicians, please call the shop for more information: 718.222.3434. Zaytoons seeks two servers. Applications should be dropped off M-W, 12p-5p. Shic by Soketah, the new full-service hair, nail and makeup and beauty spa, seeks nail technicians. Please drop by Soketah Salon with a statement of purpose and experience. Soketah Salon is located at 563 Myrtle between Emerson and Classon (Shic by Soketah will be directly across the street). Soketah Salon seeks barbers, hair stylists/technicians. Please drop by the shop at 563 Myrtle. Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education seeks community liaison who will also work in program management. Applications for Red Apple Supermarket at Myrtle and Ashland are now available. Firefighter applications are out. Application filing period is July 15, 2011 through September 15. Also from our friends at PACC, Bridge Street Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and the Tillary Park Foundation: PACC has four open positions, including one for Navy Green Residence Manager. Bridge Street Development Corporation seeks a Community Organizer. Heard about this one from Senator Velmanette Montgomery's Facebook page: The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce has two open positions - Program Assistant and Communications Manager. Tillary Park Job Foundation's hosts Tillary Job Fair on Wednesday, September 14th from 10a-4p. Potential employees are encouraged to dress appropriatedly and bring multiple copies of their resumes. (pic: poster on se corner of Myrtle-Classon

Stay Cool, Neighbors: NYC Cooling Centers + Free Air Conditioners

Thu, 21 Jul 2011 10:53:00 -0400
With temps and humidity not promising a break today or tomorrow, get thee to a cooling center if need be. All branches of the Brooklyn Public Library, including the Whitman Branch at 93 St. Edwards, just north of Myrtle Avenue, are designated cooling centers. Use this OEM link to help find a nearby cooling center for yourself, a family member or neighbor. Update: as per Senator Velmanette Montgomery's Facebook page, income-eligible NYers in households that include at least one member diagnosed with a chronic or acute condition made worse by heat conditions and who can provide a doctor's note, may be eligible for a free air conditioner. Please call Olga Souto at the Community Environmental Center at 718.512.0580 for additional information.

Applications Available: Navy Green Apartments @ 45 Clermont

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 12:40:00 -0400
Applications for Navy Green Apartments are now available. The 100 affordable rental apartments are now under construction. Please click here for the applicatons and further details. illustration: artist rendering from 45clermont.com website.

Council Member Tish James Hosts Lien Sale Outreach Session

Thu, 14 Jul 2011 15:33:00 -0400
Council Member, Tish James, to hold a lien sale outreach session on Monday, July 18th. The session will take place at Benjamin Banneker High School (71-77 Clinton Avenue @ corner of Park Avenue) from 4p-7p and aims to help community members at risk of losing their property. Please contact Aja Worthy at 212.788.7081 or aworthydavis@council.nyc.gov for further detail.

Free Summer Meals

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 12:06:00 -0400
Summer meals (breakfast and lunch) are available free for youth ages 18 and younger now thru September 2nd (ending a week earlier at some sites). No registration, documentation, or identification is required. In fact, children don't have to live in New York City or be enrolled in public school to enjoy free breakfast or lunch. Check out the list of nearby locations below or click here for locations citywide. NYCHA-Walt Whitman 132 Carlton Avenue 9:00:AM-10:00:AM (breakfast) 12:00:PM-01:00:PM (lunch) PS 67 51 St. Edwards Street 8:00:AM-09:15:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-01:15:PM (lunch) Commodore Barry Park Flushing & North Elliott Place 8:30:AM-09:30:AM (breakfast) 11:30:AM-03:00:PM (lunch) Knowledge & Power Prep Academy VIII 300 Willoughby Avenue 8:00:AM-09:00:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-12:00:PM (lunch)

Q-Tip Headlines this year's Brooklyn HipHop Festival

Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:35:00 -0400
Brooklyn Bodega, producers of The Brooklyn HipHop Festival is proud to announce that Q-Tip will headline the 7th Annual Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival on Saturday, July 16th by curating "Q-Tip & Friends," a celebration of Hip-Hop through the lens of his 20+ year career. The Brooklyn HipHop Festival is a week-long celebration which runs from July 11th through Saturday, July, 16th. Fans can can look forward to the return of the Show & Prove Super Bowl, Bodega Education Initiative, Salute The DJ, Family Day and Main Day performances; plus new programming such as Under The Influence and the Bodega Recognition Awards. Some of today's conference activities take place at Pratt Institute's Higgins Hall (65 St. James Place). Check out the calendar for details.

Apply for a job at the Red Apple Market

Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:04:00 -0400
Councilmember Letitia James' office just announced that employment applications for positions at the upcoming Red Apple Market are available at her office and on her website. The supermarket will be located at the corner of Myrtle and Ashland, and is currently slated to open in Fall 2011. Spread the word!

Move About Myrtle on hold this year....

Wed, 06 Jul 2011 11:56:00 -0400
Usually at this time of year, were making announcements about our annual street events, Move About Myrtle, calling for community ideas and reach out to local partners. After reviewing feedback from merchants and other stakeholders, we have decided not to hold Move About Myrtle this year. Although we, and many local residents, enjoyed all the activities and programs that were possible in this temporary public space, we think that the DOT Weekend Walks program as currently constructed may not be the best fit for our commercial strip. The permit for this event is somewhat restrictive, and currently does not allow for some of the activities that we and some merchants would like to create. We will continue to review other options, and will consider bringing back a street event in 2012. In the meantime, wed like to hear from you. Tell us your ideas for events, block parties and other activities youd like to see take place on the avenue in the future. Email us at info@myrtleavenue.org.

At the same time, we recognize the value that a street event brings in terms of building community, and providing safe space for play and gathering of neighbors. We know that many local block associations already organize block parties on blocks just north and south of Myrtle in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and we would like to support your efforts to continue to do so. Heres how we might be able to help:
" After a few years of organizing Move About Myrtle and the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market, weve assembled an extensive contact list of local organizations that might be willing to provide programs or activities for block parties for either a small fee or sometimes for free. Wed be happy to put you in touch with them.
" Weve learned quite a bit about permitting for street closures, amplified sound and other things. We can provide advice and point you to the agencies that can help you get your necessary permits.
" Our new Community Builders Mini-Grant Program would provide small grants to support community-based and community-organized programs and events. These grants would be small (no larger than $250), and could be applied to activities that are public, free, and benefit or improve the areas of Fort Greene or Clinton Hill north of Myrtle Avenue. Download the Community Builders Mini-Grant Guidelines and Application here.

Food Conversations @ BPL's Whitman Branch

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 14:06:00 -0400
The Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman Branch (93 St. Edwards Street, just north of Myrtle Avenue) kicks off Summer Reading 2011 with monthly potlucks and food conversations. June 4:00p-6:30p (auditorium) Discussion of The 2nd International Cookbook for Kids (Matthew Locricchio) and Eat My Globe--first chapters (Simon Minjandur) + film, The Yummy Cookbook July 20th, 4:00p-6:30p (auditorium) Discussion of Sam Stern's Real Food Fast (Sam Stern) and Eat My Globe--middle chapters (Simon Minjandur) + film, Eating, the Social Consequences of Food Choices August 3rd, 4:00p-6:00p (auditorium) Discussion of Ani's Raw Food Kitchen (Ani Phyo), Eat My Globe--last chapters (Simon Minjandur) + film, Healing Cancer from the Inside Out Also this summer... video travelogue workshops: create a travelogue or blog by sharing your intended or past travel vacations, excursions and stories. Bring your favorite websites, social media plus notebook and pen. Wednesday, July 6th (6p-7:45p) and Thursday, July 21st (1:30p-3:45p). Please call Adult Services Librarian, Carlton Lula at 718.935.0244 for further information. Call LaMeane Isaac (children's services librarian) and Thomas Angelo (young adult services librarian) to find out about other upcoming summer reading activities at the Whitman Branch this summer.

Funk under the BQE - TODAY, 6/24!

Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:37:00 -0400
Just a friendly reminder not to miss "Fund Under the BQE" with High and Mighty Brass Band this Friday, 6pm at Park and Washington Avenues in Clinton Hill (across from Fresh Fanatic)!

____________________
Our friends at Sing for Hope placed a baby grand under the BQE at Park and Washington this week as part of their "Pop-Up Pianos" project, which seems like a good enough reason to throw a party to us! We've invited High and Mighty Brass Band to bring their New Orleans-style funk and R&B, the folks from Do Tank Brooklyn will be working their public space magic to create a temporary viewing area, and Fresh Fanatic will bring out some tasty snacks. Bring the whole family - we'll have some hula hoops and street chalk on hand for the kiddos. You won't want to miss it. This might be the most fun anyone has ever had under the BQE. Here's the scoop:

Friday, June 24th
6-8pm
Under the BQE @ Park and Washington Avenue (Clinton Hill)
Email meredith@myrtleavenue.org for more info.

Live Well Community Fair

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 12:42:00 -0400
The Ingersoll Community Center is hosting a free community event for all ages on Saturday, June 25th 10AM - 3PM at 177 Myrtle Avenue (Prince/Navy). Join the community for fun activities - face painting, bouncy house, live music, a cooking demo from our very own Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Yvonne Bodrick, and more! For more information contact (718)522-5051.

Les Nubians @ Walt Whitman Houses > TONIGHT!

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:28:00 -0400
A surprise pop-up show by Grammy Award nominated soul sisters, Les Nubians, will take place tonight at Walt Whitman Housing Basketball Courts at 5pm! Visit www.SoulofBrooklyn.com for more info.

Les Nubians Live Pop-Up Show
Presented by MoCADA & Embassy MVMT
Location: Walt Whitman Housing Basketball Courts
287 Myrtle Ave, Brooklyn NY
Time : 5-7 PM

Much Loved and Missed, Ms. Ruth West and others honored tonight at FGA's Juneteenth event

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 14:13:00 -0400
Powerhouse of southern cuisine, Ms. Ruth West, will be honored posthumously tonight at the Fort Greene Association's Juneteenth celebration at LIU. Ms. West's "Ruthie's" restaurants serve up the delicious cuisine that Ms. West learned during her childhood in Bayboro, North Carolina. Many other locals will be honored as well. Click to RSVP for tonight's FREE event, which begins at 6pm. Sans Souci Restaurant and Bar and CakeJoy Bakery amongst the restaurants hosting the Juneteenth reception. photo above of the Ruthie's restaurant at 560 Myrtle Avenue (at Emerson) location.

Funk under the BQE? A grand piano under the BQE? Yup!

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 12:31:00 -0400
Our friends at Sing for Hope placed a baby grand under the BQE at Park and Washington this week as part of their "Pop-Up Pianos" project, which seems like a good enough reason to throw a party to us! We've invited High and Mighty Brass Band to bring their New Orleans-style funk and R&B, the folks from Do Tank Brooklyn will be working their public space magic to create a temporary viewing area, and Fresh Fanatic will bring out some tasty snacks. Bring the whole family - we'll have some hula hoops and street chalk on hand for the kiddos. You won't want to miss it. This might be the most fun anyone has ever had under the BQE. Here's the scoop:

Friday, June 24th
6-8pm
Under the BQE @ Park and Washington Avenue (Clinton Hill)
Email meredith@myrtleavenue.org for more info.

'Battle for Brooklyn' Film Screening in Fort Greene Park

Thu, 02 Jun 2011 12:17:00 -0400
Battle for Brooklyn, the 93-minute documentary which details the fight over the Atlantic Yards project, previews June 3rd as part of the Brooklyn Film Festival and next week on June 9th in Fort Greene Park before opening at Manhattan's Cinema Village. Local filmmakers, Michael Galinsky and Suki Hawley worked several years on the film that has been deemed "thoroughly engaging" (indiewire) and "riveting" (the NY Daily News). Here's where to catch Battle for Brooklyn:

June 3rd: Brooklyn Film Festival (Brooklyn Heights Cinema @ 70 Henry Street)
June 9th: Rooftop Films Summer Series (Fort Greene Park @ Myrtle and North Portland)
June 17th: Cinema Village @ 22 East 12th Street, Manhattan)

This Weekend: Hillstock 2011!

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 10:05:00 -0400
Hillstock is Brooklyn's own DIY music festival, now in its third year! There are 3 jam packed days in this year's festival, including a free block party on Emerson between Myrtle and Park on Saturday, starting at 10am. Check out the full lineup here.

Picture the Homeless is Seeking Volunteers

Tue, 17 May 2011 15:05:00 -0400
Picture the Homeless is a grassroots organization, founded and led by homeless people. Under their Housing Campaign, along with Hunter College, they are currently working on a city-wide count of all vacant buildings and vacant lots in communities within the five boroughs. Picture the Homeless believes that the total amount of empty housing units in abandoned buildings exceeds the number of homeless households in shelters and on the street. They plan to use the data collected to urge political figures to support legislation that would institute a city wide count of these spaces.

Volunteer to help canvas the boroughs and survey unoccupied buildings, vacant buildings and lots on the following Saturdays:

Brooklyn Count: June 11th
Manhattan Count: June 18th
Bronx Count: June 25th
Staten Island & Queens Count: July 9th

For more information you can attend weekly Housing Meetings at the Picture the Homeless Office every Thursday @ 6:00 pm or call 646-314-6423.
Office address:
2427 Morris Avenue, Bronx
4 or D to Fordham Road
Free snacks and Metrocards

Hadas Gallery Presents: Ali Spechler's "Brooklyn Shtetl"

Tue, 10 May 2011 16:08:00 -0400
You are invited! The Hadas Gallery (541 Myrtle between Steuben and Emerson) is holding an opening reception for a new exhibition featuring a series of contemporary Jewish portraiture by painter Ali Spechler on Sunday, May 15th from 2-5pm. The exhibition will be up at the gallery through June 30th. From the press release:

"Spechlers subjects range in mood. Somber, hilarious, confident; she paints personality with all its appeal and flaws. Her paintings play with the seriousness that can overburden religious affiliation...Her portraits challenge the sometimes quirky meshing of religious identity with pop culture".

For all the details, visit Hadas Gallery's website.

2nd Annual Brooklyn Business Expo @ St. Joseph's College, May 19th

Wed, 04 May 2011 11:32:00 -0400
The 2nd Annual Brooklyn Business Expo is quickly approaching-- Thursday, May 19th from 12p-8p. It will be held on the campus of St. Joseph's College (Tuohy Hall--245 Clinton Avenue). Sponsored by St. Joseph's College and The Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, this year's theme is Business Never Sleeps: How to Generate Profits in the Digital Age. This years Expo, which is absolutely FREE of cost to attendees, will focus on new and exciting ways to take local businesses into the digital marketplace. Geared toward small business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs and the firms that serve these groups, the Expo will offer informational workshops that will highlight how social media, email marketing, smart codes and SMS texts can dramatically expand your customer base effectively and at a surprisingly low price. Join us for the day, meet with your neighboring businesses, exchange ideas and showcase your business! The Second Annual Brooklyn Business Expo is being held on the campus of St. Josephs College in Tuohy Hall, 245 Clinton Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11205 on Thursday, May 19, 2011 from 12 8 pm and is expected to draw participants from across the five boroughs. It is brought to you by the St. Josephs College Community Council. Partners include the Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Fort Greene Stategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP), the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, and the NY State Small Business Development Center at City Tech in Brooklyn. Last years Expo, Finding New Customers and Improving Your Business Skills featured over fifty exhibitors and provided hundreds of local business persons with an opportunity to showcase their services and products to one another. Call 718.940.5720, 718.940.5857, 718.714.7146 or email Gail Moran at gmoran@sjcny.edu for further information.

Jobs on Myrtle and Beyond

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 18:32:00 -0400
A few job opportunities that were shared since the beginning of the week: Myrtle Avenue Specific Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club at 459 Myrtle Avenue is currently looking for a bartender. If you've got bartending skills, drop off a resume and two references, on Mondays and Tuesdays, 11:30a-1:30p. Pillow Cafe-Lounge at 505 Myrtle Avenue is currently looking for a full-time busser and dishwasher. Drop off resume and two references anytime during cafe hours. Experience, resume and references required. Fork, the upcoming cafe at 507 Myrtle Avenue is currently looking to hire kitchen and counter staff. Interested parties should drop off resumes at burzh-wa salon, immediately next door to Fork, Tues-Fri, 10am-2pm. Fort Greene/Clinton Hill and Beyond Chase Bank is hiring. Visit their website for further detail. McDonald's Restaurant is hiring. Here is the online application, though it probably best to stop in at a McDonald's location to complete applications or inquire. Target is hiring. Last night at the 88th precinct and youth council meeting a Target employee announced that they are currently hiring for sales, cashier and stockroom positions. Check out their site here, but call the number the gentleman shared: 718.290.1109 for additional information. Job seekers and those with jobs to advertise should also contact the Workforce 1 Job Center at 9 Bond Street (between Fulton and Livingston) for additional job opportunities and related information.

Project Safe Surrender: have minor court offenses dismissed this Fri. and Sat.

Wed, 20 Apr 2011 11:23:00 -0400
Project Safe Surrender will take place this Friday, April 22nd and Saturday, April 23rd at two Brooklyn churches. Project Safe Surrender is a pilot project designed to dismiss all C-summons and warrants for minor offenses such as littering, having an unleashed dog, riding a bicycle on the sidewalk, spitting, loitering, unlawfully in a park after hours, making unreasonable noise and failure to have a dog license. Please click here for more detailed list of offenses and other information. A summons if ignored will turn into a warrant, which can lead to an arrest. Having a warrant or arrest can lead to many things, including having a record, the inability to secure a job and inability to obtain a drivers license. Here's an opportunity to have warrants/summons lifted and cases adjudicated in a safe environment. Please stop in at one of the following churches on Friday or Saturday to have C-summons or warrants for minor offenses lifted: Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church 760 DeKalb Avenue Brooklyn, NY11216 Antioch Baptist Church 828 Green Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11221 For additional information, contact Anita Alexander at 718.388.3900xt. 46 / anita@projectsafesurrender2011.org Brooklyn clergy will be partnering with the Brooklyn District Attorneys Office, New York State Office of Court Administration, the Legal Aid Society and the NYC Police Department to implement Project Safe Surrender on April 22-23, 2011 from 9-5 p.m.

Word on the Street is 'Inspiration'

Fri, 15 Apr 2011 12:39:00 -0400
It's a fashion month of sorts at Pratt. The Fashion Design Department in collaboration with the Graduate Communications Department is creating a wall mural as part of preparations for the Annual Pratt Fashion Show. Pratt Fashion students came up with the word 'Inspiration' as the theme of this year's show. Photo above is of artist, Anthony Acock [Grad CommD student]). He will create the mural and use the footage as part of a video installation that will be shown in the main entrance to the Fashion Show. The Pratt Fashion Show will be held April 27th at the Metropolitan Pavilion in Manhattan and is a major event at Pratt. This year the show is a celebration of Pratt's Brooklyn roots and will honor Hamish Bowles, editor-at-large of Vogue Magazine. The mural (on the southeast corner of Hall Street, just off of Myrtle Avenue) will be up throughout the month of April.

Poem in Your Pocket Day + National Poetry Month + more Japan love, Thurs., 4/14

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 15:02:00 -0400
To celebrate National Poetry Month in April, NYC is hosting the 9th annual Poem in Your Pocket day (PIYP) on Thursday, April 14, 2011. Write your own poem or borrow one from your favorite poet, just make sure to join in the excitement by carrying a poem in your pocket to share with your friends, family, classmates, and colleagues. Here are a few opportunities on Myrtle Avenue, at Fort Greene Park and on-line to help you bring out your inner laureate: GREEN IN BKLYN 432 Myrtle, 718.855.4383 "Grab a Quote or Poem" from the Green in BKLYN grab bag of quotes. If you bring in one of your own, you can grab two! In addition, Green in BKLYN will have raffle tickets available to help Tsumami Aid in Japan. Raffle tickets are $1 each and the raffle prize is a basket of green products, including a spare CO2 cartridge for the SodaStream Seltzer Maker. GNARLY VINES 350 Myrtle, 718.797.3183 Sake Tasting + Haiku Contest, 6p-9p 10% of the proceeds from sake sold on April 14th, will be donated to relief efforts in Japan. Given wine's long and illustrious relationship with literature, during the sake tasting there will be a haiku contest for those who are feeling particularly creative or otherwise inspired: copy down a favorite poem, keep it in our pocket and share. At the end of the night Gnarly Vines will pick their favorite shared Haiku and publish it on their website! POETWEET CONTEST Consider captivating a rapt audience on Twitter with the second annual Poetweet Contest. Send your best verse with the tag #poetweet throughout the day on Thursday, the 14th to be considered for publication in Metro on Friday, aka Poem In Your Pocket Day. You can also score free admission to the Brooklyn Museum on Friday just by bringing some poems (original or borrowed). The free admission includes entry to the Mummy Chamber. Saturday: April 16, 23 and 30, 12p - 1p Poets at the Top of Fort Greene Park Fort Greene Park at the Richard Wright bench southwest of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument (enter Park at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park or DeKalb Avenue) Recite Read Create Recite your own words; read the poetry and prose of writers known and unknown; create new works and share them with the audience. Poets at the Top of Fort Greene Park is an informal, hour-long gathering of people who love writing and people who love hearing writers speak. Open to all, everyone is invited. Speak loudly, these events are unamplified! Hosted by Greg Trupiano, Artistic Director of The Walt Whitman Project. Special guests and themes: Saturday, April 9 Anne Whitehouse, poet Saturday, April 16 poems of urban life Saturday, April 16 poems of nature Saturday, April 30 Angeli Rasbury, poet, and her group of pre-teen and teenage writers " FREE event / rain or shine " Information: 718-391-8824 " No reservations needed Sundays, April 17, May 22, June 19, July 17, 1p - 3p Walt Whitman's Fort Greene Park, walking strolls sponsored by Fort Greene Park Conservancy and The Walt Whitman Project Be inspired by celebrated poet, Walt Whitman as you enjoy a stroll through Fort Greene Park. Walk around Fort Greene Park, a greensward that owes its existence in large part to Walt Whitmans editorials written for the Brooklyn Daily Eagle, and learn about this poets intimate connection with Brooklyns first official park. The afternoon includes discussions about the park, its role in the American Revolution and Civil War, the Wallabout Martyrs and the monument dedicated to their memory. In addition, guest artists sing and recite poetry and prose pertinent to this afternoon of discovery. Weather permitting, this event concludes with a walk up Myrtle Avenue to 99 Ryerson Avenue, the last existing building in Brooklyn that was a residence of Walt Whitman. Your guide is Greg Trupiano, Artistic Director of The Walt Whitman Project. -Meet at the Visitors Center, Top of the Hill, Fort Greene Park; -Enter at Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park or DeKalb Avenue; -FREE event / rain or shine; -Information & Reservations: 718-391-8824; -Reservations suggested but not mandatory.

Brooklyn Job Fair--Wednesday, 4/13

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 19:07:00 -0400
Over 80 companies will be present at the Brooklyn Job Fair on Wednesday, 4/13. The job fair will take place at LIU from 10a-3p. Ikea, Con Ed, NY Methodist Hospital, Time Warner, Sovereign Bank, Lowe's, Cablevision, US Department of State and many, many others will be present. No registration required! Click here for more of the details. Where? Long Island University Arnold and Marie Schwartz Athletic Center 1 University Plaza (at Flatbush and Dekalb Avenues) The Brooklyn Job Fair is presented by Boro Prez, Marty Markowitz in partnership with Citi, ResCare, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the New York State Department of Labor, and Workforce 1 with the New York City Department of Small Business Services. The event is free and open to the public.

City's Summer Youth Employment Program Applications Now Available

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:42:00 -0400
Summer Youth Employment Program (SYEP) applications now available. Click here to apply online or to print out an application to fill out by hand. Hardcopy applications will be available at local library branches, including the Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman branch, located at 93 St. Edwards Street, just north of Myrtle. For further information call the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development at 800.246.4646.

Red Apple Supermarket Comes to Myrtle and Ashland: what do you want to see?

Mon, 04 Apr 2011 12:50:00 -0400
The new Red Apple Supermarket will open this summer on Myrtle and Ashland, on the basement-level of the Andrea apartment building. We will be co-hosting a meeting to discuss the new supermarket on Thursday, April 14th, 6:30p-8:30p. The meeting will be held at the Ingersoll Community Center (177 Myrtle Avenue, near Prince Street). A Red Apple supermarket representative will be present, so bring your questions and ideas! Join us to help work with fellow community members to address issues, including quality, affordability and local hiring. Help come up with recommendations to give to the Red Apple group. * free childcare is available for this meeting: please contact lucas@furee.org/718-852-2960 x306 For additional information about the meeting, contact District Leader/State Committeeman, Lincoln Restler at: lincoln@lincolnrestler.org.

This meeting is being organized by District Leader Lincoln Restler, Councilmember Tish James, FUREE and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. (map above shows location of upcoming supermarket: Myrtle and Ashland)

E-Waste Recycling Event @ Pratt, April 1st

Mon, 28 Mar 2011 12:42:00 -0400
Electronic Waste Recycling Event at Pratt April 01, 2011 from 2:00pm - 6:00pm Pratt Institute, Willoughby Avenue between Grand Avenue and Classon Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11205 info@lesecologycenter.org. The Ecology Center is holding an electronic waste ("e-waste") recycling event at Pratt to responsibly recycle unwanted or broken electronics from New York City residents. April is Earth Month so get your spring cleaning done while protecting the environment! A list of acceptable materials can be found here. Electronics from households and small businesses (less than 50 employees, please call ahead) as well as not-for-profits is acceptable. Home appliances such as microwaves, refrigerators, or air conditioners will not be accepted.

Free Rain Barrels For Homeowners

Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:57:00 -0400
Just received an email about this program from Team Tish: The NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has a new rain barrel giveway program. Here's more: By capturing stormwater, rain barrels can help you conserve water by storing rainwater for future use, such as watering your lawn or garden. This will keep your plants healthyand save you moneysince households devote almost 40% of their water to watering lawns and gardens. And youll be doing your part to reduce demand on New York Citys drinking water system during the summers hottest days. Am I eligible? Can I participate? If you are a single-family or attached two-family homeowner and would like to participate in this exciting, new pilot program--you can. Where do I sign up? Come out to get your free rain barrel on: Saturday, April 16, 2011 9:00 am 2:00 pm Marine Park Parking Lot at Avenue U, Brooklyn To receive additional information, please contact the NYC Department of Environmental Protection at rainbarrel@dep.nyc.gov or by calling '311'. The Rain Barrel Giveaway Program is a key part of DEPs broader, citywide effort to better manage stormwater using a variety of innovative, sustainable techniques known as best management practices, or BMPs. Improved stormwater management is an important component of Mayor Bloombergs PlaNYC initiative, his plan for a greener, more livable city by 2030. For more information about stormwater in New York City, visit DEPs website at nyc.gov/dep. (pic: from DEP website)

Share your bike savvy with your neighbors as a BikeNY voluteer!

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:36:00 -0400
Hey all you street savvy, expert bikers out there in the nabe - remember when you first learned to ride? Share what you know with newbies of all ages who are heading out on two wheels for the first time. BikeNY reached out to us and asked us to send out a call for volunteers for upcoming "Learn to Ride" classes. If you're interested, check out their site and contact Francesca Hays, Education Volunteer Manager, at fhays@bikenewyork.org. Happy cycling!

Win The Socialite Design's Myrtle Avenue sweepstakes

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:25:00 -0400
deadline extended: Monday, March 21st at 11:59PM --- The Socialite Design, the radically fabulous events-focused blog, created by actress/tv producer/talk show host, Tracee Loran, is sponsoring a Myrtle biz sweepstakes with prizes valued at $125. To win you must subscribe to the Socialite Design blog. Answer the few questions posted on the blog (the best part is that it is an open book "quiz"--all answers found on the blog!). Pretty darned straightforward for a chance to win the beautiful pair of handmade turquoise & Austrian crystal earrings above from Kiini Ibura Jewelry (specially designed for the contest) plus a $25 dollar gift certificate from Karen's Body Beautiful plus a $15 gift certificate from CakeJoy bakery. The drawing will be conducted by Fort Greene SNAP on or around Tuesday, March 22, 2011. The winner will be announced on The Socialite Design blog soon after the name is drawn. Read more fo the details on The Socialite Design blog.

Have a Business Idea? Enter the BPL's Power Up Biz Plan Competition!

Thu, 17 Mar 2011 18:15:00 -0400
The 8th annual Power Up Contest is gearing up. Have a business idea? Attend classes, write your business plan, and have a chance to win up to $15,000 to open your own Brooklyn-based business. To apply, you must attend one of the following 2011 PowerUP! orientation sessions: Business Library Tuesday, March 22, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Thursday, March 31, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Wednesday, April 20, 2011, 9-10:30 am Tuesday, April 26, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Saturday, April 30, 2011, 11 am - 12:30 pm Sunset Park Branch Monday, April 4, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Stone Avenue Branch Monday, April 11, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Coney Island Branch Wednesday, April 13, 2011, 6-7:30 pm Learn all about the competition and register for an orientation session or call 718.623.7000 (select option 4).

Pratt Station Post Office Re-Opens

Mon, 14 Mar 2011 11:26:00 -0400
No more lining up behind the truck, no more long distance hauls, the Pratt Station Post Office at 524 Myrtle is reopened.

Karen's Body Beautiful Owner to Speak During PE's Entrepreneur Week, 3/15

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 19:29:00 -0400
Project Enterprise has quite a line up of seminars for its annual Entrepreneur Week, which kicks off next week, Monday. Karen Tappin-Saunderson, owner of Myrtle Avenue's Karen's Body Beautiful will be part of a panel of successful business owners, titled 'From Start-up to Surging Small Business' on Tuesday, March 15th from 6:30p to 8:30p. Learn from the experiences of successful entrepreneurs. Like you, they faced challenges as they started out. What steps led them to success? How can you follow a similar path? $10 admission. Free for PE Members and LIU students. The 'From Start-up to Surging Small Business' seminar will take place at Long Island University (Zeckendorf Health Sciences Center, Room 119; 1 University Plaza).

Stop in @ BBJJ with donations for Japan earthquake and tsunami victims

Fri, 11 Mar 2011 14:12:00 -0400
Ever philanthropic, Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has begun collecting donations for the victims of the earthquake in Japan. Please stop in or call them for further detail. BBJJ is located at 412 Myrtle Avenue. They can be reached at 718.403.0067.

Whitman Branch's Black History Film Series Interrupted

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 00:47:00 -0400
Carlton Lula, Adult Services Librarian, created the film series at the Brooklyn Public Library's Walt Whitman Branch just over two years ago. Once per year it seems a busted DVD player halts the film series for at least a few weeks, this time in the middle of Black History Month programming. "We have relied on donations to get us going again each time," he shared. The Pratt Library Science alum has a passion for film, having majored in both Film and Philosophy at Hunter College as an undergrad. "I guess you can say I have a passion for 'philosophical film,' films that explore the human condition and the human experience," he stated. Lula shows primarily documentaries, features and foreign film at the library, "anything thought-provoking and that makes for good, long discussions after the film is over," he shared. There is no question that the vast Brooklyn Public Library system is a fantastic resource. The film series was born in fact, when Lula noticed how good the film selection is at Whitman and how great the collection is throughout the system. He has recently helped to jumpstart the film series at the Macon Branch which had been on hiatus for several months. He is also speaking with the Pacific Branch about bringing regular film programming there. What are Lula's hopes for the film series besides a new DVD player to resume film programming at Whitman? "I hope for greater visibility for the film series. I hope that more people come out to take advantage of the series and the discussions that follow and that more people will come out to generally take advantage of the library as the rich resource it is." The Whitman Branch's 20'x18' general meeting room which can comfortably seat 35, is also available free of charge to filmmakers and anyone else hoping to set up film screenings and discussions or general meetings. Lula is hoping for a resurrected 'Friends of the Whitman Library' and is in the process of beginning a 'Book Discussion Club.' Interested community residents should give him a call at 718.935.0244 (press '4' when prompted). Lula is part of a powerhouse staff at the Whitman Branch, which includes his fellow librarians, LaMeane Isaac (children's services) and Thomas Angelo (young adult services). Women's History Month and other programming is planned for March and beyond. The Whitman Branch is located at 93 St. Edwards Street just north of Myrtle Avenue. Library hours are M,T,Th,F, 1pm to 6pm and W, 1pm-8pm. pic: Carlton Lula, Adult Services Librarian of the BPL's Walt Whitman Branch

Brooklyn Public Library's 'Books in Your Email'

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 12:33:00 -0400
Join the Brooklyn Public Library's 'Books in Your Email' service. The Brooklyn Public Library recently initiated a books in your email service: sign up to receive chapters in your inbox. Choose from a wide variety of reading materials, including fiction, business, non-fiction, romance, teen, sci fi, audio, mystery, classics, thriller and children. Click here to get started. Call Librarians, Carlton Lula (adult services) or LaMeane Isaac (juvenile services) at the BPL's Whitman Branch, 718.935.0244 or contact the Main Branch for additional detail.

FG/CH History Guide, Audio Walking Tour and Story Hotline

Wed, 19 Jan 2011 11:58:00 -0400
To accompany the recently released Fort Greene and Clinton Hill Neighborhood and Architectural History Guide by Francis Morrone, the Brooklyn Historical Society has launched an audio tour component. Listen in to a few stories here. Or call the hotline to record your Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill story. The BHS Fort Greene/Clinton Hill story hotline can be reached at: 718-222-4111 xt203. The Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Audio Walking Tour will be available for download from the BHS website (www.brooklynhistory.org) and also through iTunes. Read more about the guide, audio walking tour and story hotline.

Daily News Highlights Clinton Hill Neighborhorhood

Fri, 14 Jan 2011 11:18:00 -0400
Today's Your Home section of the the NY Daily News spotlights Clinton Hill, Pratt and includes more than a few paragraphs on Myrtle Avenue. The Jason Sheftell article is titled, 'A Hill of a Revival: Brooklyn neighborhood blooms in a historic residential and retail awakening'. Local Myrtle retailers Melody Burns (Kiini Ibura Jewelry, 388 Myrtle (718) 858.5195, Elissa Olin (Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle (718) 855.4383, the PrattSTORE at 550 Myrtle Avenue (718) 789.1105 as well as the Ingersoll Garden of Eden and the Pratt Sculpture Garden are among the highlighted or mentioned. Read the full article here

Renovated Medical and Dental Suites in Fort Greene

Mon, 20 Dec 2010 17:44:00 -0400
Along with other community leaders and residents, we attended the ribbon cutting for Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Center's newly renovated medical and dental suites last week, which is located on North Portland in Fort Greene. Here's a link to their official press release for more info.

Last Call > Holiday Window Voting closes after 12/17!

Thu, 16 Dec 2010 15:31:00 -0400
If you haven't done so yet, come to Myrtle to check out the holiday windows between Classon and Washington Park and text a vote for your favorite! Here's the list of participating businesses. Check back next week to find out who's taking home the prizes this season!

Holiday Windows are up! Cast your vote through 12/17.

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 14:20:00 -0400
Catch the holiday spirit on Myrtle! Check out this year's entries into the annual Holiday Windows Contest. There are 12 windows this year, at storefronts located from Washington Park to Classon. Vote by text message for your favorite! (The catch is you've gotta come out to the window itself to get the text code!)

Here's a sneak peek of the entries, come out and visit the avenue to see them all this weekend, and get some holiday bargains too! Pictured: Gnarly Vines

Share the Holiday Spirit with Neighbors in Need

Mon, 29 Nov 2010 16:43:00 -0400
According to the Food Bank for New York City, more than 1 million New Yorkers rely on pantries and soup kitchens for meals. At least ten pantries serve our neighbors, right here in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. Most accounts show a growing demand for food assistance, while resources that support these outlets are being spread thinner. This year, were inviting you take part in a local effort here on Myrtle to gather donated items for our neighbors in need.

On December 4th at our Holly & Jolly on Myrtle event, were kicking off an avenue-wide drive for donated toys, coats and food. Donate an unwrapped toy, gently used coat, and canned or other non-perishable food item at the MARP tent outside Grays Studio Café on 354 Myrtle, and receive a free hot chocolate or cider to warm you up! After the 4th, you can drop off items at any of the Myrtle businesses listed below through December 21st.

Donated items will be given to organizations serving residents right here in our community our neighbors. This season, were working with the Walt Whitman Tenant Association, which distributes food to about 100 local residents and families each week. During the holiday season, the Whitman TA also distributes toys to the children of families who visit the pantry.

If you have the means, please consider donating one or more of these items to help local families. For more information, please contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at Meredith@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689.

Toy, coat and can drop-off locations (ongoing, December 4th through 21st)

MARP Tent @ Grays Studio Café, 354 Myrtle (December 4th ONLY) Toys, Coats and Cans
Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue Toy drive
Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle Avenue Coat drive
Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club, 459 Myrtle Avenue Coat and Can drive
Soketah, 563 Myrtle Can drive
Klevor Liquors, 343 Myrtle Toy drive

Looking for a place on Myrtle to purchase a toy or childrens gift to donate? Try Home and U (394 Myrtle), Brooklyn Junior(150 Clinton), Green in BKLYN 432 Myrtle), Billos Discount (480 Myrtle), Worldwide Discount (341 Myrtle), or Walgreens (379 Myrtle).

Some holiday celebrations may call for a designated driver...

Wed, 24 Nov 2010 12:04:00 -0400
...and NYC Department of Transporation has an app for that! Check out You The Man, DOT's new campaign to combat drunk driving which includes a free app where you can calculate Blood Alcohol content, and a handy feature for finding a car service (including your local favorites Myrtle, New Bell and Pratt Car!). Be safe this holiday season!

Community ideas for BQE spaces

Wed, 27 Oct 2010 16:04:00 -0400
We had a great turnout last night at PS 67, with over 50 residents, community leaders and stakeholders coming together to talk about the spaces under the BQE. Through a series of activities and discussions led by Pratt Urban Planning students, attendees talked about maintaining free and convenient parking for residents, traffic and pedestrian safety concerns, ideas for greening and much more. The Pratt students are compiling ideas from this and past community workshops along with site research and will present findings to MARP and the community at the end of the semester. Stay tuned for more info on upcoming workshops and events about the BQE! If you'd like to be added to the BQE mailing list, send your contact info to info@myrtleavenue.org.

Workshopping the spaces under the BQE > 10/26 @ PS 67

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 17:10:00 -0400
Have you ever walked along Park Avenue under the BQE in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill and thought, This would be a great space for ____________, or _______ would really improve this area? Share your ideas for creative permanent and temporary uses and physical improvements for these spaces at the:

Envisioning Under the BQE community workshop
Tuesday, October 26th
5:30pm 7:30pm
PS 67 on St. Edwards between Myrtle and Park

Please RSVP to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org or at 718-230-1689 by October 22nd. Light refreshments will be provided. The workshop is hosted by the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project and students from Pratts Urban Planning program.

G Train weekend service in October & November

Thu, 14 Oct 2010 10:15:00 -0400
For all the G-Trainers out there, just wanted to give a heads up that there will be a shuttle bus between the Bedford-Nostrand G station and Court Square in Queens, replacing normal G line weekend service, for 3 weekends in October and November 2010, due to track repair. The three weekends for shuttle bus service are October 15-18, October 22-25 and November 26-29, and the work schedule for each weekend will be 11:00 p.m. Friday through 5:00 a.m. Monday. Visit www.mta.info for updates.

Move About Myrtle 9/26: A parade, a mini-bike giveaway, and a sidewalk chalk contest!

Tue, 21 Sep 2010 14:48:00 -0400
The final installment of Move About Myrtle has a few special treats in store, including our first ever bike/scooter/big wheel parade led by a Brazilian percussion ensemble! Bring your wheels out this weekend, and check out these bike-themed activities and more:

At NOON, lineup for the parade in front of Bikes on Myrtle (478 Myrtle between Washington and Hall). Decorate your vehicle with Velo City, and groove along the avenue from Hall to Clermont to the beats of Maracatu! Then make your way to Myrtle between Vanderbilt and Clinton, for a full afternoon of bike-related fun!

Clermont to Vanderbilt
BAMcafe returns with Le Grand Baton at 3pm, and DJ Idlemind from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm! Tres Elegante will offer another fashion preview this week at 4:30pm.

Vanderbilt Clinton (Bike Block!)
Pick up free bike maps and safety information from the NYC DOT Bicycle Program.
Make crafts from old bike parts with Recycle-a-Bicycle.
Share your ideas for a safer streetscape with Velo City.
Take part in mini-bicycle races organized by Velo City and RAC! Races will take place every 15 minutes from 2pm-4pm.
Enter to win a mini-bicycle at Velo Citys table, with drawings at 4:30pm!
Also on this block youll find facepainter extraordinaire, Dumeha, from noon-3pm! Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Milli will prepare a yummy healthy meal from start to finish with tastings and take away recipes for all to enjoy from 1pm-3pm, and the Teen Battle Chefs will be back from 3pm-6pm!

Clinton to Waverly
Green in BKLYN has something for everyone!
12-6 Big Bike Thing with Mia Ihari
12-2 Pangea Organics Demo with Katryna
2-4 Vokashi Composting
4-6 The Art of Eating In book signing with Cathy Erway
Street games and hula hoops will be on hand for open use throughout the day. Also, enjoy free mini-smoothies from Karrot all day, and check out the spa promotions at Karens Body Beautiful.

Waverly to Washington
Express your creativity on this block with two activities:
Enter the Chalk Walk Contest, organized by Visible Inc. Art Collective! Sign up at the event or email visibleincart@gmail.com. The theme is Under the Sea, and each contestant will have a space of about 6x6. The public will vote for winners in a number of categories, and winners will receive prizes provided by the Pratt Store!

Also plenty of space to sit and watch the action here while you enjoy a drink and a bite, with sidewalk cafes at Maggie Browns, Thai 101, Anima and Five Spot! Brunch anyone?

Washington to Hall
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays. This week: free Yoga and belly dance class and performance by live band Major Taylor! Little ones can get a kiddie manicure at Polish Bar, and fashionistas can pick up some new pieces at Barking Browns sidewalk sale. Lots of sidewalk cafes on this block as well, so if dancing and shopping arent for you, then just relax with a cool drink outside Zaytoons (with a hookah, if youd like), Yamashiro and Liberty Pizza.

Move About Myrtle is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership with support from St. Joseph's College, Emigrant Bank, and Associated Supermarket

Wallabout Moooooooves: The Chase Brock Experience

Mon, 20 Sep 2010 14:42:00 -0400
Love this quote by the New York Times re the Chase Brock Experience: "It's a little dangerous to call your company the Chase Brock Experience. It implies that an experience will be had. And that that experience will somehow involve a quintessential Chase Brock-ness. In fact this turns out to be more or less true." The Wallabout District is home to the Chase Brock Experience, an awesome contemporary dance group that presents the work of choreographer, Chase Brock--demonstrating his and their deep love of the ballet, modern and musical theater worlds--and then some (!). Not afraid to experiment with the new, Chase Brock is also the choreographer of the exciting Wii dance video game, Dance on Broadway. In fact, the game's characters are animated versions of the members of the Chase Brock Experience. Chase views his work very much as "part of the American dance lineage," continuing in the tradition and legacies of many of the greats, including Martha Graham, Bob Fosse and Twyla Tharp. Keep an eye out on the company's website for an upcoming touring schedule or to contribute to the great work of this NY-based choreographer. photo from Chase Brock Experience website: www.chasebrockexperience.com

Calling all "Curious Pedestrians" to Myrtle this Sunday...

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:05:00 -0400
The Case of the Curious Pedestrian, brought to you by our own curator-in-residence, Christina Vassallo, comes to Move About Myrtle this weekend! This is a one-day exhibition of performance art and ephemeral installations that focuses on choreography of pedestrians, the nooks & crannies of commercial spaces, and the unspoken history of sidewalks. These playful gestures will turn Myrtle Avenue into a cabinet of curiosities! We know you're "curious" to learn more, so here's what you can expect/search for/uncover/happen upon this Sunday:

Artworks
- Ranjit Bhatnagars City Birds is comprised of three sound sculptures made of vintage toy instruments that were modifed to chirp the calls of local song birds (@ Mr. Coco, Green in BKLYN, and Clinton Express Deli).
- Part scavenger hunt and part interactive detective story, Veronica Doughertys The Story of Johnny X shows participants how someone can disappear in a city. Briefings are conducted at 1:30, 2:30, and 3:30pm, on the corner of Hall & Myrtle, where participants will receive a series of clues to solve the mystery of what happened to Johnny X.

- Angela Fans Happy Benhadi Costume Party is a whimsical addition to a common city street scene: fresh fruits and vegetables for sale on the sidewalk (@Benhadi Supermarket).

- Jonny Farrows video Pizza is Art celebrates the longstanding tradition of the Brooklyn pizzeria. Shot in the artists local pizza parlor, the footage was looped, reversed, processed, and folded back on itself, much like the process of kneading dough (@Liberty Pizza).

- Kathryne Halls sculpture Aberrant Drain transforms the view at Clinton & Myrtle, twisting the horizon into urban mirage. Sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council.

- Join licensed tour guide and 4th generation Myrtle Avenue resident Jonah Levy on his Moitel Avenue Tour to discover the vast hidden history of the Myrtle Ave you might not know. FREE 30-minute tours are conducted at 1, 2, 3 & 4 pm, and start at the corner of Hall & Myrtle on a first-come, first-served basis.

- Each element in Lili Maya & James Rouvelles Surface-active agent will subtly react to the heat, light, humidity, and vibrations caused by the patrons and employees of 3 Stars Laundromat.

- Playlab scoured Craigslists free listings to build a pedestrian lounge in the street. They archived each piece of furniture in their Craigshouse installation online here. Visitors to the exhibition are welcome to take home a piece of furniture if they agree to submit a photo of the item in its new home (@Home and U).

- Risa Punos Look Here stereograms contain 3-D images hidden within 2-D patterns. Installed on storefronts along Myrtle Ave, each layer offers an opportunity for viewers to stop and stare (@Myrtle Glass, Karrot and Bechamel).

- Hunt for dollar bills in Sal Randolphs $1 Near Something Red. Look for red bicycles, fire boxes, fences, t-shirts, even apples, and you may discover a specially rolled dollar with a printed message enclosed. Try attracting dollars to you by putting out something red, or take the opportunity to leave some of your own money for others to find.

Sounds like fun, right? Pick up a map at the MARP table this Sunday, or download one here
photo: Sal Randolph, "$1 Near Something Red"

Move About Myrtle 9/19: A Curious Pedestrian, BAMcafe' Live, and activities for the family

Wed, 15 Sep 2010 13:05:00 -0400
Check out the schedule for 9/26 here!

-------------------
Ok, so the weather was less than perfect last weekend, but it didnt rain on the Good Food Fests parade! We had a blast from noon until 3pm (when we had to call it due to showers), with Rude Mechanical Orchestra, Tillie the art dog, and tons of foodies and food organizations and tasty food. So far so good for this Sunday, with a summer-like 80 degree day forecasted, so come out and enjoy the day on Myrtle! You wont want to miss this one weve got a special featured program this week, The Case of the Curious Pedestrian , by our own curator-in-residence, Christina Vassallo! Click here for full exhibition details!!!

Oh...and, of course, don't forget about the Explore Myrtle Avenue contest, and our Facebook fan appreciation raffle!

Heres more on Move About Myrtle 9/19:

Clermont to Vanderbilt
BAMcafe joins the Move About Myrtle fun! Fifth Nation performs live at 3pm, and DJ Idlemind spins from 1pm-3pm and 4pm-6pm, helping us close out with another Myrtle dance party! Sidewalk sales return again, and make sure to peep Craigshouse (by Playlab) at Home and U! Craigshouse is a pedestrian lounge in the street, created entirely with free stuff from Craigslist. Visitors to the exhibition are welcome to take home a piece of furniture if they agree to submit a photo of the item in its new home!

Vanderbilt to Clinton
The FDNY is bringing out the Smoke House a life size fire safety unit, complete with crawl spaces and safety instructions from noon-4pm! Wow! Cumberland Diagnostic and Treatment Centers mobile health unit will also be here, with free screenings for cholesterol, diabetes and blood pressure. The NYC Compost Project in Brooklyn will also be join us with volunteers, compost worms, and lessons on how to DIY your own compost bin at home! Facepainter extraordinaire, Dumeha, is back this week from noon-3pm. Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Jasmine will prepare a yummy healthy meal from start to finish with tastings and take away recipes for all to enjoy!

Clinton to Waverly
Green in BKLYN continues to delight Myrtle-Movers with a full day of activities!
12-6 Book drive for Ingersoll Community Center
12-6 Bird Song Installation by Ranjit Bhatnagar
12-2 Vokashi Composting
2-4 Honey Extraction with Michael Hegedus - Three Sisters Local Honey
4-6 Losing My Cool Book signing with Thomas Chatterton Williams
GrowNYC will be on hand with an interactive game that teaches Myrtle-Movers of all ages the rules you need to know about how to recycle in NYC. For kids (and the inner child in all of us), this block will be devoted to good old-fashioned fun! Street games and sidewalk chalk will be on hand for open use throughout the day, with plenty of blank street canvas for all, and free arts and crafts activities! Enjoy free mini-smoothies from Karrot all day, and check out the spa promotions at Karens Body Beautiful.

Waverly to Washington
Let loose your inner Jackson Pollack! Clinton Hill Hardware has donated paints and brushes for an open painting area in front of their store. There will be plenty of cardboard 'canvas' to go around, so bring your creative energy! Trilok Fusion Arts will be joining us with a family friendly art activity in front of the Waverly lot. Also plenty of space to sit and watch the action here while you enjoy a drink and a bite, with sidewalk cafes at Maggie Browns, Thai 101, Anima and Five Spot! Brunch anyone?

Washington to Hall
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays (check back for this Sundays schedule). This week...
12pm Check in* for GLOBAL MALA 108 Sun Salutations w/live music. "The purpose of the Global Mala Yoga for Peace is to unite the global yoga community from every continent, school or approach to form a "mala around the earth" through collective practices based upon the sacred cycle of 108 on September 19th or 20th, Fall Equinox as the yoga world's offering to further the UN International Peace Day."
*Check-in will be inside the studio. Bring a mat or rent one for $2 at Move With Grace
2pm FREE children and teen's dance class ages 6+
4pm live Jazz Music by Nucomme
Little ones can get a kiddie manicure at Polish Bar, and fashionistas can pick up some new pieces at Barking Brown. Lots of sidewalk cafes on this block as well, so if dancing and shopping arent for you, then just relax with a cool drink outside Zaytoons (with a hookah, if youd like), Yamashiro and Liberty Pizza.

Next week (9/26)&
Our first ever bike/scooter/big wheel parade from Hall to Clermont kicks off 9/26, with lots of bike-themed programs throughout the day!
BAMcafe brings DJ Idlemind and Le Grand Baton
Sidewalk chalking contest with prizes!

Move About Myrtle is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership with support from St. Joseph's College, Emigrant Bank, and Associated Supermarket(photos from 09-05-2010 Move About Myrtle)

Navy Green Groundbreaking Ceremony on Sept. 22nd

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:10:00 -0400
Navy Green groundbreaking ceremony planned for September 22nd. The Navy Green development will include 455 units of housing, many affordable units. It will cover the blocks between Vanderbilt and Clermont, Flushing to Park. Ceremony: Wednesday, September 22, 2010, at 10:00am 40 Vanderbilt Avenue between Park and Flushing Avenues (just north of the BQE) Refreshments will be served To RSVP contact the Pratt Area Community Council by September 16 to: rsvp@prattarea.org or 718.522.2613xt 22

Wednesdays = Film Nights @ the BPL, Whitman Branch!

Tue, 14 Sep 2010 19:00:00 -0400
After a brief hiatus due to a busted DVD player (the woes of our underfunded but still wonderful library system), film night resumes at the Brooklyn Public Library, Whitman Branch (93 St. Edwards Street). Wednesday nights are film nights at the Whitman Library. 5:30pm - 8:00pm ALWAYS FREE. Come out and support! SEPTEMBER 15th - Maafa documentary explores politics in the Black community. 180 minutes 22nd - Money Matters examines the history and influence of the Federal Reserve Bank. 170 minutes 29th - Vaccinations asks and examines how safe and necessary are childhood vaccinations. 130 minutes OCTOBER 6th - Shock Doctrine asks 'are economic disaster/s used to usher in socio-political ones'. 120 minutes 13th - Last King of Scotland a sobering behind the scenes look at Idi Amin's reign. 135 minutes 20th - J. Edgar Hoover examines Hoover's obsession with secrecy and the FBI's origins. 65 minutes 27th - Liberation of LB Jones mixes infidelity, humiliation ans southern style revenge. 140 minutes NOVEMBER 3rd - Blindness people are brought to face themselves, after a whole city suddenly goes blind. 120 minutes 10th - Osama an Afghan girl dresses as a boy to get food for her family, until one fateful day. 142 minutes 17th - (double feature) Outbreak a lethal disease is willfully released in city by rogue government agents. 120 minutes w/ Shiri conflicting nationals on opposite sides of the Korean War are politically challenged. 142 minutes 24th - Battle of Algiers French imperial aims are extinguished in this artistic docudrama. 118 minutes Note that several of the films explore mature adult themes. Call Carlton Lula, Adult Services Librarian for further information: 718.935.0244/ c.lula@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

MAM 9/12 canceled due to rain

Sun, 12 Sep 2010 15:54:00 -0400
Thank you to everyone who came out to Move About Myrtle today from 12-3pm! Unfortunately due to the rain, the second half of the event has been canceled. Make sure to keep an eye out for a complete schedule of activities for next Sunday, September 19th! See you next week!

Park(ing) Day After Party - Under the BQE

Fri, 10 Sep 2010 12:27:00 -0400
Come join us and the Design Trust for Public Space for one of their monthly Public Space Potlucks, this one hosted under the BQE at Washington and Park Avenues. As part of Park(ing) Day, a global day which reclaims parking spaces citywide for other uses, we are working with a great group of collaborating organizations to transform part of the parking area into a dinner party. We will be creating a giant communal dinner table made from recycled wooden pallets from the Brooklyn Navy Yard, and showcasing the days Park(ing) Day spaces.

BQE BYO
Friday, September 17
6:30-8:30pm
Corner of Washington Avenue and Park Avenue
Under the BQE

For this potluck-
BYO Food to share!
BYO Table centerpiece to decorate!
BYO Musical instruments to entertain!
BYO Games to play!
BYO Park(ing) space if you are creating one during the day!
BYO Friends!!!

RSVP via the Facebook event.

(Directions: C or G Train to Clinton Washington stop, walk north to Washington and Park)

This event is being organized in partnership with Architecture for Humanity NY, Do Tank Brooklyn, Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Design Trust for Public Space, and Transportation Alternatives.

This dinner is part of an effort to bring temporary programming to the spaces under the BQE. MARP has been working with the community to generate ideas for how this space can be improved for the entire community, to create a space that is cleaner, safer, greener, more active, and that helps to reconnect the areas to the north and south of the BQE. To see drawings and photos of ideas submitted by past workshop attendees, visit here. And stay tuned for future opportunities to help plan the future of this space.

Move About Myrtle grooves into week 2...

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 18:06:00 -0400
Did you Move About Myrtle with us this weekend? Send your photos to info@myrtleavenue.org, and we'll add them to our flickr set. This Sundays schedule proves to have something for everyone more Soul Summit, a Food Fest, recycling 101, and even a world-renowned dog artist! We know youre excited to hear more, so here it goes&

Clermont to Vanderbilt
Early in the day, enjoy the smooth sounds of Duncans Fish Markets Steel Pan band from noon-2pm, then dance the afternoon away with Soul Summit, whos back for one more Fort Greene dance party this year, spinning from 3-6pm on Myrtle near Clermont. Sidewalk sales return at Kiini Ibura, and Home and U!

Vanderbilt to Clinton
Brooklyn Food Coalition brings tasty, healthy food fun and education to Move About Myrtle! BFCs Good Food Fest is jam-packed (no pun intended) with chef demos, tastings, contests and representatives from your local food groups! Here are the deets:
12:00-3:00
" Kick-off with NYC radical marching band Rude Mechanical Orchestra!
" NYC Beekeeping Association will share the buzz about Urban Beekeeping & Wendy Godek will show us how to can jam.
" Enjoy FREE food samples from local purveyors such as: LugNuts, BK Salsa Co, BK Bouillon, and more!
" Visit tables from these organizations to learn more and find out how you can get involved in the local food movement: GrowNYC Greenmarkets, Greene Hill Food Co-op, Families United for Racial and Economic Equity (FUREE), Fort Greene Association (FGA), Fort Greene Peace, Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project Myrtle Eats Fresh program and the Brooklyn Food Coalition.
12:30 2:30 Cooking demos with local chefs
" 12:30 with Harriet Sy, preparing Chinese Pan-Fried Dumplings with Local Chives
" 1:00 with Marina Berger, preparing Traditional Eastern European Pickles & Russian Potato Salad using Lactofermentation
" 1:30 with Sherry Grimes, preparing Seared Salmon with local Bok Choy, Tomatoes, Beans, Cucumbers and Basil
" 2:00 with Growing Chefs, demonstrating Sprouting & recipes that incorporate Sprouts
1:00-3:00 Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Yvonne Bodrick will prepare a meal from start to finish with tastings and take away recipes for all to enjoy!
2:30 3:00 Best Dish Contest
Bring a dish and enter to win! Celebrity judges include: Christopher Elam, National Program Director of Meatless Monday, food writer Kerry Trueman, City Council Member Letitia James and Suzanne Barr, Owner of Sweet Potato Bakery.
3:00-6:00 Family Cook Productions Teen Battle Chefs, fresh off their 4Food Veggiescoop contest win, will prepare a Spicy Corn Salad for all to sample! The teen chefs are students at NYC HealthCorps schools.
4:00-6:00 Canning enthusiast Kate Payne will share her secrets to making pickles and demonstrate how common kitchen appliances can be used by a novice canner.

Clinton to Waverly
Reduce, reuse and recycle here! GrowNYC will be on hand with an interactive game that teaches Myrtle-Movers of all ages the rules you need to know about how to recycle in NYC, and Green in BKLYN is collaborating with the Mac Support Store for an E-Waste drive from noon 6pm! No better time than the present to clear out all of those old electronics in your closet! Also at Green in BKLYN meet Tillamook Cheddar, renowned dog artist (yes, hes a dog!), and check out his work (from noon-2pm), compost with Vokashi from 2-4pm, and meet author Kate Hanley (The Anywhere, Anytime Chill Guide) and check out lollipop meditation from 4-6pm. For kids (and the inner child in all of us), this block will be devoted to good old-fashioned fun! Hula hoops, street games and sidewalk chalk will be on hand for open use throughout the day, with plenty of blank street canvas for all, and free arts and crafts activities! Enjoy free mini-smoothies from Karrot all day, and check out the spa promotions at Karens Body Beautiful.

Waverly to Washington
Let loose your inner Frida Kahlo! Clinton Hill Hardware has donated paints and brushes for an open painting area in front of their store. There will be plenty of cardboard 'canvas' to go around, so bring your creative energy! Also plenty of space to sit and watch the action here while you enjoy a drink and a bite, with sidewalk cafes at Maggie Browns, Thai 101, Anima and Five Spot! Brunch anyone?

Washington to Hall
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays (check back for this Sundays schedule). Little girls can get ready for school with a kiddie manicure at Polish Bar, and fashionistas can pick up some new pieces at Barking Brown. Lots of sidewalk cafes on this block as well, so if dancing and shopping arent for you, then just relax with a cool drink outside Zaytoons (with a hookah, if youd like), Kum Kau and Liberty Pizza.

Heres a teaser about whats in store for upcoming weeks:
The Case of the Curious Pedestrian brings playful public art projects and performances to the avenue on 9/19
BAMcafe brings DJ Idlemind, Le Grand Baton, and Fifth Nation on 9/19 and 9/26
Don't miss the FDNY Smoke House on 9/19
Sidewalk chalking contest with prizes 9/26
Our first ever bike/scooter/big wheel parade from Hall to Clermont kicks of 9/26, with lots of bike-themed programs throughout the day!

Do you have a free activity or game that youd like to share with your fellow Myrtle visitors? Send us an email at Meredith@myrtleavenue.org!

Move About Myrtle is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership with support from St. Joseph's College, Emigrant Bank, and Associated Supermarket(photos from 09-05-2010 Move About Myrtle)

BYF Seeks Teen Production Assistants

Tue, 07 Sep 2010 17:43:00 -0400
OPEN/CLOSE Short Film Shoot Sept 17, 18 & 19 SEEKING TEEN PRODUCTION ASSISTANTS Brooklyn Young Filmmakers (BYFC) is seeking two teen Production Assistants from the community to participate in our September 18 & 19 OPEN/CLOSE short film shoot at the Brooklyn Free School, 372 Clinton Avenue in Fort Greene (teens from the school will also be participating as PAs all our cast and primary crew are adults). The shoot days are 9:00am 9:00pm. Interested students must be able to assist from at least 9:00am to 5:30pm on one of the shoot days (if they can do both days, even better). In addition interested students must be able to help out after school on Friday, September 17th 3:30pm 8:00pm with putting up the café set for the weekend shoot. Students will receive a brief orientation then to prepare them for the shoot. REQUIREMENTS FOR INTERNS --Must read the OPEN/CLOSE script and be ready to discuss it --Understand that being on a shoot means a lot of time standing around and waiting for equipment to be moved and set --When All Quiet On The Set is called and shooting begins, they must be quiet and attentive --After the shoot, students must write a page of comments about their questions and what they learned on the set --Everyone on the shoot must sign a Liability Release Form to participate (If under 18yrs a parent needs to sign) TASK FOR TEEN PAs - Grip work (moving around cords and stands) - Assist Props Dept w/reposition props after each take - Craft Services & Catering - Script Supervisor (recording information given by Director and Cinematographer about each take) - Errands Any interested teens should email Trayce Gardner, Director of Brooklyn Young Filmmakers at: Email the info to: communityfilm@wearebyfc.org

Win big at Move About Myrtle!

Thu, 02 Sep 2010 12:09:00 -0400
Explore Myrtle Avenue is back this September! Get your gamecard at any of the Move About Myrtle events, or at one of the 20 participating businesses! Entering the contest is easy...just spend $10 at five businesses on the gamecard and collect five stamps, then submit your card as an entry into a drawing for one of four $400 Myrtle Shopping Sprees!

We've added ANOTHER contest this year - the "Myrtle Fan Appreciation" raffle! At each of the four Move About Myrtle events, we'll draw one name from our pool of Facebook fans to receive $100 in Myrtle gift certificates! You can also enter your name at our table at the event.

Move About Myrtle will make you HEALTHY!

Mon, 30 Aug 2010 17:51:00 -0400
Here's to being healthy! If you've been thinking about a healthier lifestyle, Move About Myrtle can get you jump-started! If you're already on the healthy tip, then you'll love what we have store for this Sunday. Check it out!

Veggiecate yourself!

Lisa Suriano, founder and creator of the Veggiecation Program, will conduct a cooking demonstration targeting elementary school age kids, and on the menu is Teriyaki Snap Peas and Carrots - yum! Kids will be invited to sample Veggiecation's culinary creation and cast a vote on how they liked the recipe in the Veggiecation Ballot Boxes. Empowering children to express their opinion is an integral part of the Veggiecation philosophy and method. Veggiecation Character Coloring Pages and crayons will be given out to all participants, and parents will be able to pick up a copy of Veggiecation's Top Five Tips to Grow the Love of Vegetables At Home. Fun stuff for the whole family! (1pm-4pm between Vanderbilt and Clinton)

Community Chef Cooking Demos

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Dumeha will be cooking up tasty recipes that are healthy and affordable for you to sample. Visit her from and learn some new techniques to bring back to your own kitchen! (1pm to 3pm between Vanderbilt and Clinton)

Green in BKLYN makes Move about Myrtle green!

Green in BKLYN brings some green spirit to Move About Myrtle with a fantastic calendar of events! Bring out your old umbrella this Sunday and learn how to make a bag from it how cool is that? (Drop off your old umbrellas throughout the week if youre just looking to get rid of those broken ones!) Heres the full schedule of events that will take place right outside the store (between Clinton and Waverly):
12-2pm Making Bags from Umbrellas with Catherine Charlot of HIMANE
2-4pm Vokashi Composting with Vandra Thorburn
4:30-6pm Yolele! Book Signing with chef Pierre Thiam including tasty Somali treats!
TEASER: Next week at Green in BKLYN & e-waste recycling and world-renowned dog artist Tillamook Cheddar!

Shape Up New York

Shape Up New York, a FREE family fitness program offered at parks sites, community centers, housing sites and events around New York City, helps us get fit right here on Myrtle! Fitness classes are open to all ages no experience necessary, but wear comfortable clothes and a healthy attitude! The program is sponsored jointly by the City's Health and Parks Departments.(2pm-4pm between Clermont and Vanderbilt)

Counting down to MOVE ABOUT MYRTLE!

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 15:08:00 -0400
Are you ready to Move About Myrtle? Were kicking it off on September 5th with a Back to School Celebration! Come join us for a day of fun and games before heading back to hit the books. The first Sunday is already jam-packed with free activities, music, and merchant specials, and were confirming more every week. New contest this year well select one lucky winner each week to receive $100 in Myrtle gift certificates! To enter, follow us on Facebook or enter at our MARP table at the events, located between Washington and Hall. You can also pick up your Explore Myrtle Avenue game cards at every Sunday event, and enter for your chance to win a Myrtle shopping spree later in the fall!

Click here to find out getting healthy about at Move About Myrtle this weekend, and here to find out about getting your groove on!

Heres a block-by-block summary of activities for September 5th:

Clermont to Vanderbilt
Did you miss Soul Summit in Fort Greene Park this summer? Theyre back in Fort Greene for two more summer dance parties at Move About Myrtle! Soul Summit DJs will spin from 3-6pm on September 5th and September 12th on Myrtle near Clermont. While you're here drop off your gently worn clothes at Tres Elegantes Textile Drive and check out their fashion show at 4:30pm, browse the sidewalk sale racks at Kiini Ibura, and take advantage of Home and Us Door Buster specials to give your apartment or dorm room a fall makeover.

Vanderbilt to Clinton
Heres to your health! Jump in and burn some calories at DPHOs Shape Up NYC fitness classes for all ages, and enjoy kid-friendly food preparation and tastings with Veggiecation from 1-4pm. Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Dumeha will be cooking and serving up tasty bites made from healthy, affordable ingredients at 4pm. Also, Verizon will be raffling a prepaid cell phone, and Castros will be offering tasty Mexican food and barbecuing in the lot at Emigrant Bank. And&weve also got free face painting from noon 3pm!

Clinton to Waverly
For kids (and the inner child in all of us), this block will be devoted to good old-fashioned fun! Hula hoops, street games and sidewalk chalk will be on hand for open use throughout the day, with plenty of blank street canvas for all, and free arts and crafts activities! Enjoy free mini-smoothies from Karrot all day, and Sans Souci offers their Caribbean fare in the Citibank lot. Check out the spa promotions at Karens Body Beautiful. Green in BKLYN has a full day of activities planned, so make sure to stop by! Make bags from umbrellas with HIMANE from 12-2pm, compost with Vokashi from 2-4pm, and meet local celebrity chef Pierre Tham from Grand Dakar at 4:30pm, have him sign his book, Yolele!, and taste some Somali treats. Yum.

Waverly to Washington
Join local artist Ellie Balk and her team as they create a community mural at the fence at the vacant lot next to Bank of America! Trilok Fusion Arts will bring their weaving looms Plenty of space to sit and watch the action here while you enjoy a drink and a bite, with sidewalk cafes at Maggie Browns, Thai 101, Anima and Five Spot! Brunch anyone?

Washington to Hall
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays. This Sunday's lineup:
12 Yoga Class (All Levels) with Grace
2pm Live Music "Major Taylor" - Rock, soul and blues
3:30pm Tahitian Dance Class (All Levels) and Performance with Mikaela Joy
5pm Belly Dance Class with Tamar Raqs
Little girls can get ready for school with a kiddie manicure at Polish Bar, and fashionistas can pick up some new pieces at Barking Brown. Lots of sidewalk cafes on this block as well, so if dancing and shopping arent for you, then just relax with a cool drink outside Yamashiro, Zaytoons, Kum Kau and Liberty Pizza. You can even catch up on your African cinema outside Billos Discount Store!

Heres a teaser about whats in store for upcoming weeks:
Soul Summit returns on 9/12!
BAMcafe brings featured artists on 9/19 and 9/26
Brooklyn Food Coalitions Good Food Fest takes over Vanderbilt to Clinton block on 9/12
The Case of the Curious Pedestrian brings tons of playful public art projects and performances to the avenue on 9/19
Our first ever bike/scooter/big wheel parade from Hall to Clermont kicks of 9/26, with lots of bike-themed programs throughout the day!

Excited yet??? We are! Spread the word, and we'll see you on Myrtle in a few weeks!

Move About Myrtle is sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership with support from St. Joseph's College, Emigrant Bank, and Associated Supermarket.(photos from 2009 Move About Myrtle)

Myrtle Farm Stand 8/19/10, 4-7PM

Wed, 18 Aug 2010 16:51:00 -0400
This week you can come by and purchase: Sweet Corn, Cabbage, Tomatoes, Carrots, Beets, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Celery, Radishes, Fuji Apple Cider, Plums and Nectarines - YUM!

Your support is greatly appreciated! We need dedicated customers such as you to keep this important community initiative moving forward.

See you at the market!

DEADLINE EXTENDED! Seeking designs for Myrtle Avenue tree guards!

Tue, 17 Aug 2010 14:47:00 -0400
UPDATE: We've extended the deadline to August 30th at 5pm. If you haven't already submitted a design, you still have time!

On Myrtle Avenue, were serious about protecting our street trees...but, why do it like everyone else does it, right? Weve been working with the Pratt Design Incubator to design tree guards that are both functional and durable, but also offer a canvas that reflects the spirit of local creativity. Tree guards with a Myrtle twist.

Thats where you come in.

Were inviting artists and designers (both amateur and professional!) to submit designs for the panels of a new Myrtle Tree Guard. Each winning design will be laser cut into the 4 panels of an individual tree guard (visit the prototype, pictured above, on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly). We may select up to 20 unique designs for 20 new tree guards to be installed this fall on Myrtle!

Download the full application here.
Submit your design using this Adobe Illustrator template. Dont worry if you dont have illustrator contact us if youd still like to submit a concept. Well have a professional designer convert your design to the appropriate file format if selected.

Make sure to submit your design concepts by Monday, August 30th at 5pm (new deadline). Contact meredith@myrtlavenue.org if you have any questions.

Fall Film Series '10 at the BPL, Whitman Branch

Wed, 11 Aug 2010 10:53:00 -0400
Wednesday night films continue at the Brooklyn Public Library/Walt Whitman Branch, 93 St. Edwards Street. Wednesday nights are film nights at the Whitman Library. 5:30pm - 8:00pm ALWAYS FREE. SEPTEMBER 1st - Eating discusses the hidden costs and health consequences of US dietary habits. 150 minutes 8th - JFK documentary examines the theories and circumstances surrounding Kennedy's death. 160 minutes 15th - Maafa documentary explores abortion issues and politics in the Black community. 180 minutes 22nd - Money Matters examines the history and influence of the Federal Reserve Bank. 170 minutes 29th - Vaccinations asks and examines how safe and necessary are childhood vaccinations. 130 minutes OCTOBER 6th - Shock Doctrine asks 'are economic disaster/s used to usher in socio-political ones'. 120 minutes 13th - Last King of Scotland a sobering behind the scenes look at Idi Amin's reign. 135 minutes 20th - J. Edgar Hoover examines Hoover's obsession with secrecy and the FBI's origins. 65 minutes 27th - Liberation of LB Jones mixes infidelity, humiliation ans southern style revenge. 140 minutes NOVEMBER 3rd - Blindness people are brought to face themselves, after a whole city suddenly goes blind. 120 minutes 10th - Osama an Afghan girl dresses as a boy to get food for her family, until one fateful day. 142 minutes 17th - (double feature) Outbreak a lethal disease is willfully released in city by rogue government agents. 120 minutes w/ Shiri conflicting nationals on opposite sides of the Korean War are politically challenged. 142 minutes 24th - Battle of Algiers French imperial aims are extinguished in this artistic docudrama. 118 minutes Note that several of the films explore mature adult themes. Call Carlton Lula, Adult Services Librarian for further information: 718.935.0244/ c.lula@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Introducing Myrtle Avenue's first Curator-in-Residence!

Fri, 06 Aug 2010 12:57:00 -0400
As part of our growing public art program, we happily announce that Myrtle Avenue now has its very own Curator-in-Residence Christina Vassallo of Random Number ! For the next year, Christina will help to bring temporary public art projects (both sculpture and installation) to Myrtle Avenue. Welcome to Myrtle, Christina!

Christina specializes in projects that engage the public in unique ways, and her first project for Myrtle is a fantastic example of this approach! The Case of the Curious Pedestrian, which coincides with Move About Myrtle on September 19th, is a one-day exhibition that highlights the overlooked details of the commercial corridor. Artists will take to the street with social interactions and artistic interventions, in an effort to reconnect passersby with the things that often go unnoticed. Visitors will find hidden installations all along Myrtle Avenue, and these playful gestures will turn Myrtle Avenue into a cabinet of curiosities. We know you want more stay tuned for complete details soon! Move About Myrtle takes place on Myrtle between Clermont and Hall every Sunday in September from noon 6pm. Check back for a full event schedule in a few weeks!

Fort Greene Teens Keeping it FRESH With Food!

Thu, 05 Aug 2010 10:15:00 -0400
"I don't want to teach people half of what I know, I want to teach them everything I know," said Eddith Sanchez as she reflected on her personal goals for the Fort Greene FRESH Teens program.

Eddith is one of six teenagers from the neighborhood who, over 16 weeks, from July through October, is participating in the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project's (MARP) new Fort Greene FRESH Teens program.

The FRESH Teens program is building a community of informed, active youth from the neighborhood by connecting them with the practices of growing, cooking, eating and shopping for fresh food. The youth will walk away as "community food educators" for their communities. They will have the ability to make informed decisions about the food they eat, and the tools to educate other youth to do the same.

In addition to Eddith, who is 15 years old, lives in the Farragut Houses and enjoys bowling and cooking, the FRESH Teens include 14 year old Evelyn Fernandez, who is a resident of the Whitman Houses and loves to dance and help people learn; 16 year old Christina Carpenter, a resident of the Ingersoll Houses, who wants to get into acting; 17 year old Imani Collins, who lives on Myrtle in Clinton Hill and studies the arts; 14 year old Cyndi Vazquez, who is a rising freshman at Dr. Susan S. McKinney High School; and 17 year old Shakeem Carpenter, a resident of the Ingersoll Houses, who plays basketball for his school and admits to being "one of the best players alive."

In the summer months, the FRESH Teens are exploring health and nutrition, disparities in food access, how to cook fresh food, and urban farming practices, among other things. This includes interactive workshops, as well as field trips to the Central Brooklyn Public Health Office, East New York Farms!, and Fort Greene's own Ingersoll Garden of Eden. In the fall, the teens will be trained in a variety of leadership skills, from public speaking to workshop facilitation to how to use social media to engage other youth with food.

And engaging other youth is exactly what they will do. Once their skills are solidified, the youth will design workshops based on what they have learned, and lead those workshops at local schools and community centers. These workshops will not only serve as their first foray into community food education, but they will also be an opportunity for the youth to do outreach, getting their peers excited for a neighborhood youth food summit. The summit, which will be a gathering of around 50 youth from the neighborhood, will occur during the first week of November, and will be organized by the FRESH Teens themselves. The summit will serve as an opportunity for a large group of youth in the neighborhood to get together in one place, participate in educational workshops, and strategize around creative ways for youth to play a role in improving Fort Greene's food environment.

The FRESH Teens program is a part of MARP's Myrtle Eats Fresh Initiative, which includes a number of projects that engage community members in activities to improve access to healthy, affordable food on Myrtle Avenue, and in the surrounding neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. In addition to the FRESH Teens program, projects include a weekly community-run farm stand (Thursdays, 4-7pm at 177 Myrtle), a community chefs program, creating and expanding community gardens on public housing grounds, and the formation of a neighborhood food policy task force.

Please Note: Our Myrtle Eats Fresh KICK-OFF CELEBRATION is taking place at our farm stand on Thursday, August 12, from 4:30pm-5:30pm. The farm stand is located next to the Ingersoll Community Center, at 177 Myrtle. Come on out!

Look out for blog posts over the next few months from the FRESH Teens themselves!

For more information about the FRESH Teens program, please contact Sam Lipschultz at (718) 230-1689 or sam@myrtleavenue.org.

2010-2011 Myrtle Shopping Guides Released

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 15:49:00 -0400
Have you picked up your new Myrtle Avenue 2010-2011 shopping guide yet? They can be found in stores along Myrtle Avenue, so please stop in and get yours today. The 7-panel guide features listings of over 150 small mom and pop businesses located along Myrtle Avenue, along with their addresses and cross streets, phone numbers, websites. As in previous years, the cover features merchant photos from the Home Grown & Locally Owned marketing campaign. This cover pays homage to the small, mom-n-pop businesses that line Myrtle Avenues commercial corridor, while encouraging local residents to get to know their neighborhood entrepeneurs and to shop close to home in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. The listed businesses represent the rich and wide diversity of enterprises along the Avenue. The guide also includes a 4-paneled map, complete with arrows to local subway and bus lines and a list of local jaunts and destinations: the sprawling Pratt Institute campus and 25-acre sculpture park; celebrated poet Walt Whitmans former home; as well as Fort Greene Park and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. Also included is Move About myrtle, Myrtles family-friendly, action-packed Sundays in September when 5 blocks along the Avenue are closed to vehicular traffic and the streets are used for dancing, live performances, arts programming and other activities. The shopping guides are an excellent resource for local shopping.

Actors Wanted for Short Film

Wed, 04 Aug 2010 11:13:00 -0400
BROOKLYN YOUNG FILMMAKERS COMMUNITY FILMMAKING PROJECT Brooklyn Young Filmmakers is producing OPEN/CLOSE, the story of a one-time successful but now blocked New York artist, who is frightened about her future. Carita Locke is adrift in a world full of people busy connecting through techno gadgets. A winter storm blows her off course into a dramatic, life changing encounter with a Serbian immigrant who has been on the edge of her world, but who she never really noticed. CASTING CALL (NO EXPERIENCE NECESSARY - But what a great experience youll have!) FEMALE / 40s / African American Carita Locke: An articulate writer who is at a lost when it comes to understanding her own feelings. Her quiet grace hides desperation. She blossomed in the early era of SEX AND THE CITY and dresses in chic Bohemian like Carrie. MALE / 35 / Serbian Immigrant Dragan: Skilled and debonair, he is frustrated by his American experience and trapped in a job where he serves those who he would wish to be his colleagues. His passion is threatening to boil over. (Has Serbian or believeable Serbian accent) FEMALE / 40s / Jamaican American Alexandra Alex Barnes: High powered, professional and sexy, a Samantha devotee. Carefully groomed, she successfully (as it is her aim) hides her Jamaican background except when she is angry. A loyal and loving friend to Carita, Alex believes its her job to shake her friend out of a destructive romantic obsession. TO APPLY: You must fit one of the character descriptions. If you have acting experience, you can email your resume and head shot. If you dont have any experience, simply email us your picture with your phone number. (Optional: a letter about why you are interested in the part) We will contact you and ask some questions to determine whether or not we will set up an audition time with you. If you live or work in Fort Greene or an immediate surrounding area, that is considered a plus. Rehearsals will start in mid-August, to be arranged according to the actors schedules. The shoot will either be the last weekend in August or the second weekend in September. There is no pay involved. Meals will be provided on the shoot. Actors will get a DVD copy of the finished film. SEND INFO TO: communityfilm@wearebyfc.org Questions: 718-935-0490 OPEN/CLOSE is the film project developed in BYFCs Spring/Summer 2010 Make A Film Class Series, that we run in conjunction with New York City College of Technologys Division of Continuing Education.

Garden Workshop Series at Ingersoll Garden of Eden Rolls On!

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 11:21:00 -0400
Come on out this Saturday, August 7, from 10am-12pm at the Ingersoll Garden of Eden for a FREE workshop on "Vertical Growing & Trellising", led by Just Food's City Farms Trainers! This is the fourth workshop in our Garden Workshop Series, that is running through September. This workshop will focus on how to grow more plants in less space.

All workshops take place at the Ingersoll Garden of Eden, which is located adjacent to the Ingersoll Community Center, at 177 Myrtle, between Prince and Navy.

Our last workshop, "Planting for Fall Harvest", was led by Just Food's dynamic City Farms Trainer, Ceci Charles-King. Ceci led a tour de force through all kinds of garden knowledge, from soil care, to seed saving, to what plants are good companions for others, and so much more. The workshop participants walked away with a whole lot to chew on!

So don't miss out on this workshop series! Come on out to the garden on Saturday, and take advantage of FREE access to Just Food's expert City Farms Trainers.

Fire at 446 Myrtle

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 20:09:00 -0400
A fire broke out at 446 Myrtle Avenue (corner of Waverly), just after 7pm tonight. Firefighters worked quickly and seemed to be able to contain the fire to the upper part of the building. It appeared that no resident injuries were sustained. One firefighter, thankfully appearing fully alert, was seen carried away from the scene on a stretcher.

Move About Myrtle returns this September! Get involved!

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 18:59:00 -0400
On all four Sundays this September, Myrtle Avenue between Hall and Clermont will transform into an active, pedestrian-friendly public space perfect for dancing, cycling, strolling, and people-watching! Weve partnered with DOT's Weekend Walks to bring back Move About Myrtle for a second year, celebrating community and public space with residents of all ages. From noon to 6pm each Sunday, the commercial corridor will become a temporary neighborhood plaza complete with FREE music, workshops, performance, games, arts and much more -- all organized with the help of local community groups and Myrtle merchants. Here are some of the highlights:

September 5th: Back-to-School celebration with activities for the whole family!
September 12th: Brooklyn Food Coalitions GRUB FEST featuring the biggest potluck ever, a Mac and Cheese contest, and fun for foodies of all ages!
September 19th: "The Case of the Curious Pedestrian" will offer playful public art installations, performances and surprises on all five blocks&and the FDNY Smoke House!
September 26th: Its Bicycle Day, and our 2nd annual tree giveaway!

Every Sunday: kids activities and games, sidewalk cafes, free yoga and dance classes by Move With Grace studio, music and performances, merchant specials, free tastings, and raffle prizes!

Interested in helping out? Move About Myrtle provides a wonderful opportunity to support your community! Please email Meredith@myrtleavenue.org if youd like to spend a few hours to help make these events a success. Believe us, it wont be possible without you! We need help spreading the word (flyering, postering, blogging) before the event, and there are endless coordination tasks on event days where assistance would be much appreciated! Have a special skill or talent that youd like to share with your neighbors? Maybe youre an acoustic musician or dance instructor, or maybe youve got a knack for arts & crafts with recycled materials. If you have an idea for a program or activity, please let us know! Wed love to have you. Local energy and talent will be what truly makes this a community-centered event!

Would you organization like to participate? Local organizations can sponsor a block by supporting and/or organizing activities to take place there, and by assisting with event promotion. Email us your suggestions! Send them to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

Farm Stand today, rain or shine! We've got peaches!

Wed, 28 Jul 2010 17:17:00 -0400
Have you stopped by yet? We've gotten lots of visitors at the Myrtle Farm Stand so far, even Senator Montgomery dropped by last week! Community support is what will make this project successful, so grab a friend and come on over! This week we've got tomatoes, carrots, collards, corn, green leaf lettuce, spring white onions, peppers, tomatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, eggplant, basil, and peaches...yum!

Free Summer Meals

Thu, 22 Jul 2010 09:09:00 -0400
Summer meals (breakfast and lunch) are available free for youth ages 18 and younger. No registration, documentation, or identification is required. Check out the list of nearby locations below or click here for locations citywide. NYCHA-Walt Whitman 132 Carlton Avenue 9:00:AM-10:00:AM (breakfast) 12:00:PM-01:00:PM (lunch) PS 67 51 St. Edwards Street 8:00:AM-09:15:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-01:15:PM (lunch) JHS 113 300 Adelphi Street 8:00:AM-09:15:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-01:15:PM (lunch) Commodore Barry Park Flushing & North Elliott Place 8:30:AM-09:30:AM (breakfast) 11:30:AM-03:00:PM (lunch) Brooklyn Technical High School 29 Fort Greene Place 7:30:AM-09:15:AM (breakfast) 11:00:AM-01:15:PM (lunch)

The Local Visits the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand

Fri, 16 Jul 2010 12:43:00 -0400
Thank you to The Local for coming to the Farm Stand last week! This article helps greatly in the movement towards getting more fresh and affordable food to all!

Teens: Wanna Write?

Tue, 13 Jul 2010 12:03:00 -0400
The Local, the New York Times' hyperlocal news blog in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, is looking for some teen contributors this summer. The blog, which you can see here -- http://fort-greene.thelocal.nytimes.com/ -- is run by the New York Times and by CUNY's Graduate School of Journalism. We are offering a free training session in journalistic and multimedia skills, plus the opportunity to produce blog posts for our website (which make great clips for aspiring writers or for your college applications). For examples of recent published posts produced by teens, click here http://fort-greene.thelocal.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/the-parade-begins-class-of-2010-graduates/ or here http://fort-greene.thelocal.nytimes.com/2010/06/11/high-school-students-experience-sat-hangover/. To participate, you must be able to get to Fort Greene and Clinton regularly to report stories. We ask teen participants to commit to a three-day training on July 18th, 19th and 20th, followed by regular mentoring, editing, and story meetings with our professional news editors over the rest of the summer. To take advantage of this free summer journalism opportunity, Blogging for Broolyn Teens, please email Indrani Sen, who is an editor at the Local, at indrani.sen@journalism.cuny.edu.

Myrtle Farm Stand Kicks Off July 8th

Tue, 29 Jun 2010 17:15:00 -0400
MARP will be launching a community-run farm stand to be held every Thursday in front of the Ingersoll Community Center (177 Myrtle Avenue) from 4pm-7pm from July 8th through October 28th. The farm stand will be staffed by three youth and two elders from the neighborhood, and will bring local produce from the Hunts Point wholesale market to the western end of Myrtle Avenue to help address the limited access to fresh produce. The Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand is part of the Myrtle Eats Fresh program, a 3-year food access initiative funded by the Community Experience Partnership, a collaboration between New York Community Trust, Atlantic Philanthropies, and United Neighborhood Houses. Other efforts of the Myrtle Eats Fresh program include expanding and creating community gardens to grow fresh food at Ingersoll, Whitman, and Farragut houses; a community chef training program whereby several residents who have a passion for healthy cooking have been trained as certified Community Chefs and will now conduct cooking demonstrations at neighborhood events; and the formation of a neighborhood Healthy Food Task Force, bringing together representatives from interested organizations and other groups to help synergize efforts around improving food access in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Trilok Preschool holds its annual Art & Dance Festival this Friday

Wed, 16 Jun 2010 11:34:00 -0400
As summertime quickly approaches and another memorable school year comes to a close, Trilok Preschool welcomes the community, families, friends and neighbors from 3 6 PM, for a fun-filled afternoon of activities including weaving, photo portraitures, face painting, arts, crafts, collage making and live music!

DATE: Friday, June 18th
3 - 6 PM Trilok Preschool Children's Art Day
6 PM Annual Years End Dance Performance
6 - 10 PM Gallery Opening of "Hands-On" group show and Silent Art Auction

At 6 PM, the annual years end dance performances by the children of Trilok Preschool and the Trilok Arts-In-Unity dancers will take place in the backyard. Trilok Arts-In-Unity dancers have been studying Bharatanatyam, Indian Classical Dance with director, Sudha Seetharaman for the past ten years. The performances include original Jazz-natyam compositions, a unique fusion of Indian Classical Dance and jazz music by the advanced dancers and a creative composition from our beginning dancers.

Walk NYC @ Fort Greene Park

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 19:10:00 -0400
WALK NYC is a FREE program that encourages New Yorkers of all ages to get fit while enjoying the outdoors. Thirty (30) park locations throughout the city will be staffed with trained walking instructors to lead walks May thru October. Fort Greene Park walks are Saturdays, 10a to 11a.

Myrtle's Make Music NY Schedule Announced

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 12:31:00 -0400
Be sure to visit Myrtle Avenue for Make Music New York, taking place all day on Monday, June 21st. Free music performances will be taking place all around the city, and Myrtle Avenue has performances happening at 12 different spots up and down the corridor, including one location of the "Play Me, I'm Yours" public art project, with an upright piano stationed at the Fort Greene Park plaza at Myrtle & Washington Park for passersby to play anytime from June 21st through July 5th.

Want good school food?

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 15:00:00 -0400
Then join the Brooklyn Food Coalition on June 5, from 2-4pm at it's free school food training fair at Fort Greene Park.

Meet other parents and educators who are working to improve school food, and the health of Brooklyn's children.

Parents will meet at the field at Myrtle and N. Portland Ave, and the kids are invited to the playground at the corner of Myrtle and St. Edwards Place. The Coalition will provide free supervision and healthy snacks for all children who attend.

For more information, contact the Brooklyn Food Coalition at 347-329-5093 or info[at]brooklynfoodcoalition[dot]org.

Free mural tours every Sunday in June!

Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:18:00 -0400
Local muralist Evelyn Talarico has been filling the neighborhoods blank walls with scenes of waterfalls, palm trees and people since 2008. A total of nine of Talaricos murals are sprinkled throughout Fort Greene and Wallabout, and this June you can see them all on a guided tour!

On Sundays in June, L.B. Brown (owner of Clinton Hill Simply Art & Framing Gallery at 583 Myrtle Avenue) will lead free walking tours of Talaricos work. The Mural Walk begins in front of Smiling Faces Daycare (381 Myrtle Ave) on the corner of Myrtle and Clermont each day at 2 pm. For more information, contact L.B. at 718-857-0074.

Strollin' on Myrtle...art, art and more art this weekend on the Avenue!

Wed, 12 May 2010 12:03:00 -0400
Big weekend on Myrtle for art, artists and art-lovers! The annual SONYA Studio Stroll takes place on Saturday 5/15 and Sunday 5/16, and includes a number of events and stops right here on the avenue. You can download the full Stroll map here, but we'd like to highlight a few for you:

Myrtle Windows Gallery: Make sure to check out the works of featured SONYA artists in 12 storefronts between Hall and Vanderbilt. This exhibition will be up through Tuesday, May 18th.

Myrtle Avenue Bird Town: This colorful installation of 50+ birdhouses at the Carlton Triangle and Fort Greene Park at St. Edwards and Myrtle just arrived a week ago, but it's already the talk of the town! Join the artists for a family-friendly and free(!) birdfeeder-building workshop at the St. Edwards site on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

Art & Community/Home Away From Home: Childhood friends, Carol Thomas (Just Because Salon owner) and artist, Richard Blackford share their creative expressions and love of community - in Jamaica (home) and Brooklyn (home away from home) in this exhibition. Opening Night Reception at Just Because this Friday evening, May 14th, 7-10pm, at 141 Carlton Avenue with free refreshments. Theyre a stop on the Stroll as well!

Paint the Pavement: Community Roots Charter School and PS 67 have extended their street mural on St. Edwards in front of the school. It's just a few steps from Bird Town, so check it out during your Myrtle visit this weekend!

Myrtle Merchants Host Artist Exhibitions: Sans Souci (330 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), and Tamboril (527 Myrtle) play host to SONYA artists and their works as part of the Studio Stroll.

Make your own bird feeder, Myrtle Bird Town style

Tue, 11 May 2010 16:57:00 -0400
You won't want to miss this free bird feeder-building workshop on Saturday, led by our own Myrtle Avenue Bird Town artists! They'll be at the corner of Myrtle and St. Edwards from 10am to 4pm with prepared kits for interested builders of all ages!

'Safe Delivery Program' Launched

Fri, 07 May 2010 16:59:00 -0400
The 'Safe Delivery Program' pilot, aimed at protecting delivery workers from violent attacks, was launched recently at the offices of Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes. Launched by DA Hynes, Councilmember Tish James and the NYS Restaurant Association, the program, is hoped to become permanent and eventually expand statewide. Several NYC small business owners were on hand at the press conference to share experiences of assaulted workers, including local biz owner, Charlotta Janssen (Chez Lola and Chez Oskar restaurants). The restaurant association is providing delivery workers with cell phones programmed to call 911 and with built-in GPS systems. Also delivery workers are provided a noisemaker device (worn on the wrist that emits a 130-decibel sound), patches that identify the worker as a member of the Safe Delivery pilot, and window decals that identify a store as being connected to the program. For additional information about 'Safe Delivery' call: 212.398.9160xt. 201

Art for the Birds? Bird Town arrives on Myrtle this weekend!

Tue, 27 Apr 2010 14:58:00 -0400
We're thrilled to welcome Myrtle Avenue Bird Town, a temporary public sculpture installation to two Myrtle Avenue locations this weekend - the Carlton Triangle (Myrtle and Carlton) and the NW entrance to Fort Greene Park (Myrtle and St. Edwards). Dozens of playful birdhouses, created by local artists Daniel Goers and Jennifer Wong, will live in trees at these locations from May through December 2010. Stop by on Saturday between 10am and 5pm to see the artists at work!

Goers and Wong used recycled materials and experimental building techniques to create a micro-community of colorful and whimsical birdhouses for this project. Over the coming months, the birds themselves are part of the performance! Check out the artists' website, www.myrtleavenuebirdtown.com, as they document birds feeding, nesting, building, and caring for offspring in these spaces!

Celebrate the opening with us on Thursday, May 6th at Sans Souci Restaurant (330 Myrtle Avenue) from 6-8pm, with drink specials and good eats from their yummy Caribbean menu.

This installation is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC).

ShopRite Supermarket Coming to Admiral's Row Site

Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:04:00 -0400
More supermarket news for the neighborhood, with the Brooklyn Navy Yard releasing word that a 55,000 square foot ShopRite will be coming to the 6-acre Admiral's Row site at Flushing and Navy. The development will include an additional 30,000 sf of neighborhood retail, 125,000 sf of new industrial space, and will include the preservation of two of the eleven historic buildings. Crain's has the full story.

Rendering courtesy of GreenbergFarrow.

Green in BKLYN Celebration: 1 Year Anniversary and Earth Day

Tue, 20 Apr 2010 18:19:00 -0400
Green in BKLYN celebrates its 1st anniversary on Thursday, April 22nd, which is also marks the 40th anniversary of Earth Day. Please come out and help celebrate with jazz, book signings, wine and workshops, all day long! Activities will take place between 11:30a and 7:00p at the store, which is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Green in BKLYN is a one-stop eco-friendly shop where neighbors can find information and products they need to easily and innovatively green their home and daily lives. Green in BKLYN offers eco-friendly solutions for everyday living. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS: 11:30am 1:00pm Leda Meredith, Author of The Locavore Handbook: The Busy Persons Guide to Eating Local on a Budget These days, nearly everyone wants to eat green and local, but tight schedules and even tighter budgets can make it seem like an unattainable goal. The Locavores Handbook: A Busy Persons Guide to Eating Local on a Budget is here to help! With practical, down-to-earth advice, Brooklyn-based Leda Meredith guides readers through the process of incorporating locally grown foods into their meals. In a concise book designed for mainstream readers, she discusses budgeting; sourcing, growing, and preserving food; shopping efficiently; and supporting local merchants and planet Earth. Everyone, including time-pressed, cash-strapped urbanites with mini-refrigerators and zero storage space, will find inspiration and a host of helpful, surprising ideas. 1:30pm 3:00pm Vandra Thorburn, Vokashi Composting Clinton Hill-based Vandra Thorburn is the founder & pioneer of Vokashi, a new local business providing buckets and bran to households, small businesses and catering companies for EM Bokashi composting. The system has no smell, no bad odors, no bugs, flies or pests & its easy to manage in your own kitchen. Plus, it works months faster than traditional composting. Vandra will answer questions & speak about this unique composting alternative. 3:30pm 5:00pm Claudia Pearson, Illustrator of Tribal Alphabet In Brooklyn artist Claudia Pearsons debut creation for children, Tribal Alphabet, extraordinary illustrations come alive to celebrate the diversity of tribal communities and world's indigenous heritages. A is for Australian Aborigine , B is for Basque, C is for Cherokee are some of the names of the different tribes from different parts of the world that go alphabetically from page to page all the way till Z is for Zulu. The stunning artwork coupled with the names of each tribe and simple, informative text set in rhyme to describe tribal lifestyle and culture equals enchanting learning galore! 5:30pm 7:00pm Organic Wine Reception with from Gnarly Vines, Myrtle Avenue Wine Shop Additional events: May include live acoustic jazz, face painting, FreeCycle treasures from trash & more& Please call Green in BKLYN at 718.855.4383

Please Take a Quick Shopper Survey

Fri, 16 Apr 2010 10:57:00 -0400
The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) has partnered with a number of neighborhood organizations, like ours and the organizations working to revitalize Fulton Street (FAB Alliance and PACC) to help us gauge interest in particular market sectors in the local area. For Myrtle Avenue, this could mean a new clothing store. For Fulton Street, this could mean a new cafe or coffee venue. Please take a few moments to complete the two brief online surveys below. We'd really appreciate it. --- BEDC along with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, FAB (Fulton Area Business) Alliance, and PACC (Pratt Area Community Council) have partnered up to attract several new businesses to your area. But we cannot do so alone - WE NEED YOUR HELP! This week we have launched a survey of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill residents about their coffee drinking and clothes buying habits. We are committed to finding business that will complement the existing retail character and provide a much-needed amenity for the neighborhood. It would be EXTREMELY helpful if you took just a few minutes to fill out the following two surveys: COFFEE FOR FULTON FASHION FOR MYRTLE Thank you so much for your time. Please spread these links to your friend and family in the area! Best Regards, Sandy Sandy Hussain/ Senior Program Manager/ Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation/ shussain@bedc.org (718) 368-6784

Help Bring an Apple Store to Brooklyn

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:43:00 -0400
If you haven't heard the news or seen the video, it's time to tune in. Last Thursday, Borough President Marty Markowitz used his new iPad to send an email to Apple's Steve Jobs touting Brooklyn as an obvious choice for an Apple retail store. Personally, we'd say the best location is the 15,000-square-foot, ground floor retail space in Pratt's new Myrtle Avenue building, but anywhere in Brooklyn will do.

For more details, and to help the cause, become a fan of
An Apple Store Grows in Brooklyn Facebook page.

Here's the full text of Marty's email to Mr. Jobs:

Dear Mr. Jobs:

As you surely know, in the creative world, theres no place hotter than Brooklyn, USA. Just like Apple, Brooklyn is now an international brand, signifying the coolest place on earth to live, work, play and create.

I know youre always dreaming up the next big thingheres a suggestion: Hit the big time and bring an Apple store to Brooklyn!

As we speak, Manhattans got four Apple stores, and our suburb of Staten Islands even got one. Its time to bring the goods to the real marketthe Mac-loving designers, writers, artists, bloggers, musicians, creative innovators and tech entrepreneurs in Brooklyn neighborhoods like Williamsburg and Greenpoint, Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Park Slope and Carroll Gardens, Bedford-Stuyvesant and Crown Heights, Prospect Heights, DUMBO, Red Hook and beyond.

Downtown Brooklyn is the third largest business hub in New York Citywith more college students than Cambridge, Massachusetts. And these days, tourists visiting NYC are staying in Brooklyn hotels, dining at our renowned Brooklyn restaurants, hitting our clubs and cultural hot spots (and hey, if they want to take a day trip to Manhattan, thats okay!).

One more thing...

As Brooklyn borough president, I invite you to come to Brooklyn for a meeting, tour our borough and explore possible sites. I will even visit you in Cupertinoone hour is all I askand make the pitch of a lifetime for the biggest retail launch of the decade.

Lets make Apple Brooklyn the ultimate prototype storeone that changes the game yet again, with a retail experience that offers superior educational outreach and catalyzes entrepreneurial partnershipsa kind of e-town square.

This is my official invitation: Lets make it happen! An Apple Store Grows in Brooklyn!

Sincerely,
Marty Markowitz

Sent from my iPad

Cc: Ron Johnson, Senior Vice President of Retail, Apple, Inc.

Myrtle Fire Update

Tue, 06 Apr 2010 15:35:00 -0400
A fire broke out at 352-360 Myrtle Avenue in the early morning hours on Easter Sunday, April 4th. The origin of the electrical fire is still under investigation. many residents and several small businesses, including Little Louie's Pizza, Hardee's Chinese Restaurant and Blue Nails were affected. Thankfully, no injuries were sustained. A vacate order has been placed on the building, and residents and business owners were assisted by the building's property owners to secure as many of their personal belongings as possible before having to leave the premises. Building residential windows were boarded up on Monday to seal the building from the elements. Tenants of the units that were not impacted by the fire itself will be allowed to return once engineers deem the building safe. Many City agencies, including the NYC Departments of Small Business Services' Emergency Response Unit, the Mayor's Office Community Assistance Unit, and Housing Preservation & Development, as well as the American Red Cross, are assisting effected residents and small business owners. We will be working with the merchants to help facilitate any permits needed to get renovations underway as soon as possible, and hope to be able to help the property owner access preservation grants through MARP's NY Main Street Program to restore the building.

New Program Manager position at MARP

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 13:15:00 -0400
You may have noticed that, over the past few years, we've ramped up our involvement in local food access issues. We started organizing the Fort Greene CSA back in 2007, and have added programs like the Ingersoll Gardens and last October's Youthmarket to the growing list of local initiatives.

We're thrilled to announce that we've received funding through New York Community Trust and Atlantic Philanthropies to participate in the national Community Experience Partnership initiative, which aims to engage older adults as leaders in projects that improve local food systems. This funding will allow us to expand our food access programming, to continue to engage local residents in a dialogue about improving our food system ... and to grow our staff! In fact, we've just posted an announcement for a new Program Manager for Food Access Initiatives on idealist.org. Check it out, and spread the word.

Myrtle Windows Gallery - last weekend to view and purchase works from "IMPRINT"

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 13:50:00 -0400
Last chance to view the works in the latest MWG exhibition, "Imprint", which will say goodbye on Wednesday, March 31st! Take advantage of the opportunity to add to your collection - many of these prints are very affordable, some at just $20!

Make sure to stop by Anima to view Nathan Catlin's piece "Knowledge is a Blessing..."(pictured here), and at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu to view "Banana Farmers" (also by the same artist). These pieces are catching people's attention.

Also, don't forget to pick up a gallery guide at participating MWG businesses, since this will also be your last chance to take advantage of specials listed in the brochure at Thai 101, Anima, Kapella's, Green in BKLYN, and Karrot.

BPL's PowerUP Contest

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:00:00 -0400
The 7th annual PowerUP contest is gearing up. Have a business idea? Attend classes, write your business plan, and have a chance to win up to $15,000 to open your own Brooklyn-based business. To apply, you must attend one of the following 2010 PowerUP! orientation sessions: Tuesday, March 23, 6-7:30pm (Business Library) Tuesday March 30, 6-7:30pm (Business Library) Thursday, April 1, 6-7:30pm (Kings Highway Library) Wednesday, April 14, 6-7:30pm (Bedford Library) Friday, April 16, 9-10:30am (Business Library) Tuesday, April 20, 6-7:30pm (Crown Heights Library) Wednesday, April 21, 6-7:30pm (New Lots Library) Tuesday, April 27, 6-7:30pm (Business Library) Learn all about the competition and register for an orientation session here or call 718.623.7000 (select option 4).

Tish James Holding Town Hall Meeting

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 12:46:00 -0400
Mark your calendars for an important Town Hall Meeting, a wonderful opportunity for residents of the 35th Council District to learn about local services and organizations. Visit Council Member Letitia James' blog for additional information. Wednesday, March 24th: Council Member Letitia James presents an informational Town Hall, 7pm at the Ronald Edmonds Learning Center (MS 113), 300 Adelphi Street (between Lafayette and DeKalb Avnenues), right here in Fort Greene. New York City agencies along with local service organizations, associations, educational and arts groups will distribute information, and representatives will be present to answer questions and/or schedule appointments. For additional information, please contact the Office of Council Member Letititia James at 718.260.9191 or 212.788.7981.

Maintenance Jobs Open at Ingersoll Community Center

Thu, 11 Mar 2010 11:28:00 -0400
Two maintenance worker positions are currently available at the Ingersoll Community Center on Myrtle Avenue. The information below is from the website of University Settlement, the organization managing the community center. Responsibilities:

Sweep, mop or vacuum and dust all rooms throughout the building on a daily basis
Clean restrooms daily and/or as needed
Clean building lobby, stairs and elevators daily
Assist in opening and closing of building
Sign for and verify goods delivered to the building
Assist the Site Director in the implementation of fire, health, and building safety requirements
Unpack and store supplies
Assist in painting, minor repairs, and moving or replacing furniture as necessary
Remove garbage and trash daily
Sweep and maintain exterior building perimeter every day
Wash floors, wax floors and shampoo carpets as requested
Special projects as needed
Other assignments as assigned by supervisor
Qualifications: -Knowledge of standard building systems, including electrical and plumbing preferred -Experience in general maintenance work required -Fire Safety Certification -Must be reliable and punctual Salary: $13.89 per hour Hours: 35 hours/week (afternoon and evening hours, schedule TBD) OR 15 hours/week (afternoon, evening and Saturday hours, schedule TBD) Supervisor Site Director Instructions Send resume to: University Settlement Society of New York 184 Eldridge Street New York, NY 10002 youthprogramjobs@universitysettlement.org

A new MWG exhibtion, an opening reception, and Myrtle specials!

Fri, 26 Feb 2010 11:34:00 -0400
The first 2010 Myrtle Windows Gallery installment launching Thursday, March 4th will feature limited edition prints from artists in Pratts Pressure Print Collective. Join the artists on Thursday, March 4th on a walking tour beginning at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (412 Myrtle) at 5:30pm, and at the opening reception at Tamboril (527 Myrtle) at 6pm, where 2-for-1 drink specials and free appetizers will be enjoyed by all!

Imprint features the works of eight artists, and will run from March 4th - March 31st in Myrtle storefronts between Vanderbilt and Hall, with additional works shown indoors at Tamboril. Myrtle Windows Gallery offers you a unique way to support both local artists and local businesses, in that a portion of sales will go directly to the merchants involved in the program! Dont miss this opportunity to add to your collection, as these works are quite affordable, ranging in price from $20 to $500.

In 2010, weve expanded our geography to include blocks between Vanderbilt and Hall, and added new storefronts to the program. This is the first of three exhibitions planned for this year, and each will feature an added bonus for gallery visitors special deals at five featured MWG businesses! Coupons for specials at Thai 101, Anima Italian Bistro, Kapellas, Green in BKLYN, and Karrot will be included in the recently revamped MWG Gallery Guide. Just stop by any of these participating MWG storefronts to pick one up beginning March 4th:

Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (412 Myrtle); Kapellass (417 Myrtle); Connecticut Muffin (423 Myrtle); Karrot (431 Myrtle); Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle); Jive Turkey (441 Myrtle); Thai 101 (455A Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Anima (458 Myrtle); Kum Kau (462 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle).

About Myrtle Windows Gallery: Myrtle Windows Gallery (MWG) is an open air art gallery that breaks down the walls of the traditional private art gallery to bring two-dimensional art to the public arena via the storefront window, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street. Ten Myrtle Avenue storefronts temporarily transform part of their windows into gallery space for the works of local artists. The initiative helps bring together artists, local businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art in public spaces. For more information, please visit www.myrtleavenue.org.

This Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibit is sponsored, in part, by the Greater New York Arts Development Fund of the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, administered by the Brooklyn Arts Council, Inc. (BAC).

Fort Greene Progressives Pot Luck - this weekend at S. Oxford Space

Wed, 24 Feb 2010 09:58:00 -0400
Local progressives are getting together this Saturday, February 27th from 1pm to 5pm for some neighborly networking. Here's the event description from the organizers:
This Pot Luck and social gathering will bring together progressives, activists and organizers from the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene community. It's an opportunity for all of us to meet informally and get to know each other, to talk and share, to eat and have fun.

It's a family event. No speeches. Games for the kids, some informal music and spoken word if you want to share it, video and images about our work and the issues we feel strongly about. And we'll have information from each sponsoring group about the work we are doing.

This is a Pot Luck. Please let us know what food item you can bring. Also, since the space is costing us a good deal of money, which none of our organizations have, we will be taking up a collection for small donations at the event.

This get together has been jointly organized by CHIPS, Fort Greene Peace, Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Food Coalition, FUREE, MARP, the Fort Greene CSA, PACC and several others. We are all neighbors, living and/or working in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill for peace and an end to violence, and for social justice, against gentrification and for quality housing for all, for better access to good and healthy food, decent health care, quality education and learning opportunities, and an end to illiteracy, locally owned and controlled business, and more.

Click here to RSVP on the Evite site.

Myrtle History on Forgotten New York

Wed, 17 Feb 2010 10:56:00 -0400
Did you know that Myrtle is an ancient Kings County track, first laid out in 1835 as Cripplebush Road? Or that horse cars traveled Myrtle in the 1850s?

From being the first paved street in Brooklyn, to being the site of the Myrtle El, an elevated rail line that ran from 1888 to 1969, Myrtle has always been an important travel route in Brooklyn. This week, Forgotten New York is exploring the past and present of Myrtle Avenue!

Check out the article to find out which local church still holds remnants of the Myrtle El, the former name of Fort Greene Park, what Myrtle looked like in 1969 from aboard the El, where Walt Whitman drafted Leaves of Grass and more.

The above image (from Forgotten New York), taken in 1969 from the Myrtle El, shows a fruit market at the corner of Myrtle and Hall. These days, that is where youll find Liberty Pizza, and just down the block, MARPs office!

Designing the Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza Mini-Exhibition and Pop Up Workshop

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:35:00 -0400
Clear your calendars! You are invited to the Designing the Myrtle Pedestrian Plaza Pop Up Exhibition and Workshop from February 5th 13th.

We are happy to announce that a property owner of 352 Myrtle has given us access to their vacant commercial storefront where we will be hosting a brief pop-up exhibition and workshop displaying submissions to the Designing the Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza Call for Ideas, along with best practices collected by our staff.

In response to our Call for Ideas , we received many submissions from local and international designers. The entries were diverse and creative, featuring permanent canopy structures, amphitheaters, climbing walls, outdoor markets and more.

Along with the renderings and images, we will have maps and plaza plans where attendees can contribute their ideas for the design, programming and management of the space. Come checkout the submissions, give your feedback and chat with MARP staff about a new, vibrant and inclusive public space for Myrtle Avenue.

Location: 352 Myrtle between Carlton and Adelphi
Friday, February 5th, 5pm 8pm: Opening Reception*. Light refreshments will be served.
Saturday, February 6th and 13th, 12pm 5pm: Open gallery hours.
Monday-Friday, February 7th-12th, 10am-5pm: Group tours and workshops available by appointment*.

Work by the following designers will be on display: Aaron Follet, Christopher Peli, Rodriguez Studio, Edit Leventon, Jaime Roberts Studio, Jonathan Joseph, Gregór Nemitz-Ziadie, Lee Norsworthy, Juliana Schafer and Raza Ali Dada.

*Please RSVP to Sarah@myrtleavenue.org OR at the facebook event page!

Haiti Earthquake Relief Activities on Myrtle

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:18:00 -0400
A growing list of Haiti earthquake relief related activities taking place on Myrtle: BROOKLYN BRAZILIAN JIU-JITSU 412 Myrtle Avenue 718.403.0067 Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Donations to the American Red Cross. FORT GREENE SNAP 324 Myrtle Avenue 718.694.6957 Fort Greene SNAP accepting new or gently used socks, candles, bedding, underwear, flashlights as well as checks made out to the American Red Cross accepted thru the end of February. GREEN IN BKLYN 432 Myrtle Avenue 718.855.4383 Green in BKLYN has listed earthquake relief resources on their website as well as put together a hardcopy list for anyone looking for ideas of ways to help. Also, Green in BKLYN is accepting check and money order donations to send to the Red Cross. GREEN PETS SPA & BOUTIQUE 572 Myrtle Avenue 718.230.8300 Green Pets will donate collected funds to Doctors without Borders and Yele Haiti. KAPELLA'S HAIR SALON (open Wednesday thru Saturday only) 417 Myrtle Avenue 718.222.3434 Currently collecting donations for Yele Haiti and socks which will be donated for shipment to Haiti. KAREN'S BODY BEAUTIFUL 436 Myrtle Avenue 718.797.4808 Karens Body Beautiful will help provide relief to victims of the earthquake in Haiti by matching your donations. Increase the power of your donation! (from January 14th January 20th, 2010). Funds to Yele Haiti. LOCKAWAY SELF STORAGE 1 Carlton Avenue (at Flushing) (718) 522-5050 Lockaway is collecting only NEW items thru February 20th: bedding, blankets, underwear, outerwear, shoes, socks, towels. Clearly label items "Relief for Haiti". Donations in conjunction with Fashion Delivers (fashiondelivers.org). MYRTLE CAR SERVICE 525 Myrtle Avenue 718.230.8100 Myrtle Car Service is collecting donations: bottled water, new underwear, socks. ZAYTOONS 472 Myrtle Avenue 718.623.5522 Zaytoons will match customer donations. Increase the power of your donation from Saturday, January 23 and Sunday, January 24th. MOVE WITH GRACE YOGA, DANCE & PILATES STUDIO 469 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) 718.230.0013 Move With Grace will conduct five donation-based classes this Sunday, 1/17. Funds will go to Yele Haiti and Doctor's without Borders. The studio is also collecting beans and tealights to be shipped to Haiti. All class are open to all levels. 10-11am Alignment based yoga 11:15-12 Belly Dance "The Fun in Fundamentals" 12:-1pm Level 1 Mat Pilates "Explore strengthening the deep core" 1:15-2:15pm Ballet Fitness 2:30-3:30pm Vinyasa Yoga Flow "Focusing on awareness and interconnectedness"

Percent for Art: Opportunity on Myrtle Avenue!

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:50:00 -0400
By now we hope you've heard about the upcoming pedestrian plaza on Myrtle between Emerson and Grand. Our plaza, along with five other plazas that will be created by the PlaNYC-initiated NYC Plaza Program, is eligible for funding through the city's Percent for Art program for commissioning permanent works of public art. Each plaza has $100,000 allocated for permanent public art to be incorporated into the public space. The Department of Cultural Affairs has released a Request for Qualifications, which is open to all artists and collaborative artist teams, based locally, nationally, and internationally. Make sure you register by February 22nd if you're interested!

Donate Food at South Oxford Space

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 10:46:00 -0400
Please join fellow residents in a local food drive in one of the most difficult times of the year.

A.R.T./New York is partnering with the Food Bank of New York City to collect food four times a year at South Oxford Space. This year's winter food drive runs through February 15th. Bring your donations to the 1st floor lobby at 138 S. Oxford Street during regular weekday office hours or between 9:30am and 1:30pm on weekends.

You are encouraged to bring shelf-stable foods, including canned fruits and vegetables, vegetable soups, 100% fruit juices, canned meats and beans, nuts, dry grains, shelf stable milks, baby food/cereals and personal care items.

For more information contact Stephanie at 718-398-3078.

Holiday Window Spotlight - Kapella's

Wed, 23 Dec 2009 09:25:00 -0400
I bet you didnt know that this holiday window was created by MARP staffers, Sarah, and MARP intern, Melissa! They kept it local when it came to materials, purchasing from the Pratt Store and Home and U. Sarah says, We wanted to do something without paint that made people want to look through the decorations as much as at them, showcasing what goes on in Kapellas day-to-day. The concept was as if all of the snowflakes were cut from a solid sheet of paper in the window. With the cardboard cut-outs of trimming shears wrapped in silver paper, the windows name Holiday Trimmings truly captures Kapellas bright holiday spirit.

Holiday Window Spotlight: Kiini Ibura and Just Because

Tue, 22 Dec 2009 10:02:00 -0400
There are two new participants in this years Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest but they are definitely not new to creative window displays! For Melody Burns of Kiini Ibura and Carol Thomas of Just Because, decorating storefronts has been a long-standing holiday tradition. The work of these two holiday veterans is worth a look and will surely bring you holiday cheer! They're not only in the business of beautifying windows, Kiini Ibura hosts jewels and jazz at least twice a year and Just Because pampers preening prom girls every June. Stop by to check out the windows, and stop in to say hello!

Holiday Window Spotlight - The Bakery

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 17:01:00 -0400
Meet the Gingerbread People of The Bakerys holiday window (154 Vanderbilt) and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time! Place your order by Tuesday, December 22 to get the goods in time for the holiday. Stop by or call 718-596-5999 to order any of these sweet treats:
Almond Tart ($24.00)
Banana Chocolate Mousse Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Caramel Apple Pie ($22.50)
Egg Nog Cheese Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Flourless Chocolate Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch, $26.00 - 8 inch)
Fruit Cake ($25.00 - 6 inch)
German Chocolate Cake ($22.50 - 6 inch)
Linzer Tarts ($26.00)
Pear Tarts ($25.00)
Rum Cake ($25.00 - 6 inch, $36.00 - 8 inch)

By the way - this delicious little holiday window scene was created by local artist Marie Stile, who actually lived near this very intersection 25 years ago!

Holiday Window Spotlight: Karen's Body Beautiful

Sun, 20 Dec 2009 09:39:00 -0400
It's a map, and an ornament! Make sure you check out Home for the Holidays at Karens Body Beautiful by local artist Ellie Balk (who also created the You Are Here mural at Tillies, and coordinated our community mural project at Move About Myrtle). We love the stained glass effect, bringing colorful light and spirit into the shop on sunny winter afternoons. Stop by Karens to find a holiday gift & and find your home on the holiday map too!

Holiday Window Spotlight: Joseph Tyler Salon

Sat, 19 Dec 2009 15:06:00 -0400
Sensing some holiday love in the air? So is Joseph Tyler Salon, with their adorable, flirtatious holiday window design by local artist Kerri Ferrara . A girl. A boy. A sprig of mistle toe. And a glorious mane of magical hair blowing in the breeze. This holiday window perfectly captures the magic and whimsy of a holiday love story told on a salon storefront window, and we just adore it.

This is not the first time Ferraras artwork has been featured in the salons storefront. Ferrara was part of the third Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition with SONYA where one of her paintings was featured in Joseph Tyler Salons windowStop by for yourself and see if you think so too.

The Candy Factory Holiday Market on Washington near Myrtle

Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:12:00 -0400
Get some last minute holiday shopping done this weekend at the Candy Factory Holiday Market, on Washington Ave between Myrtle & Park. The market is open on Saturday and Sunday, December 19th and 20th, from noon to 7pm.

(Drum roll please) And the 2009 Holiday Windows Contest Winners are...

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:00:00 -0400
Another successful Holiday Windows Contest is in the books! With nearly triple the number of votes from last year (!), the people have spoken and this years top honors go to&

1st Place: LeAnne Iverson and Benjamin Banneker Academy Students for Cross Culture Holiday at Optimum Care Rehab. (Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development is a public high school located at Clinton and Park Avenue, and we were thrilled to have local students participate in this project!)
2nd Place: Katie Huffman for Winter Solstice at Pillow Café
3rd Place: Benjie Sirota and Ezra Silverman for Holiday Oasis at Zaytoons

The first place team receives gift certificates valued at $250 to participating Myrtle Avenue businesses, while the second and third place winners receive gift certificates valued at $100 and $50 respectively. Congratulations to all the artists and merchants on a fantastic year. The voters had a tough job this year, given how amazing all the windows were! MARP staff have decided to bestow honorable mentions to a few of the entries that made a strong showing in the polls and really captured the spirit of the contest. Here are just a few of these awards, look out for more in upcoming blog posts in the next week or so. In the meantime, check out all the contest entries in this Flickr set .

Honorable Mentions go to:
The Mad Holiday Science Award, for their funky, robotic incarnation of Santa, goes to Daniel Goers and Melissa Chow for their window Atomic Winter at Wallys Square Root Café.

The Holly Jolly Myrtle Award, for playfully bringing the merchants theme to life, Team Tire-Bouchon for their window Uncork the Jolly at Gnarly Vines.

The Miracle on Myrtle Award, for a truly joyful and innovative representation of holiday spirit, goes to Ibou Ndoye for his window Holiday Time at the Barber Shop at Miracles.

Many thanks to all of the merchants, artists, and voters who participated in this year's Holiday Windows Contest. Hopefully we helped to bring some unexpected holiday cheer to your stroll along Myrtle Avenue!

Winning Holiday Windows Announced at Sans Souci Happy Hour Tomorrow!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:44:00 -0400
There are three reasons why you absolutely need to stop by new Myrtle bar and restaurant, Sans Souci, this Tuesday, December 15th:
1. You've been waiting all month for the Holiday Window winners to be announced, and the suspense has been killing you! The polls are closed, the votes are being tabulated, and we'll make the official announcement at 7pm! Maybe you'll even have a chance to meet the artist who created your favorite window!
2. Sans Souci's Happy Hour can't be beat, and they're extending it to 7:30pm just for us! Specials include $5 drinks and $4 beers, which is just what the doctor ordered.
3. There's music too! Beginning at 7:30pm, Sans Souci will host our final Tuesday Live Music Night with some 'Funky Percussion'. It'll be sure to lift those holiday spirits.

Sans Souci is located at 330 Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton. See you there!

Calling all Artists for Food Justice!

Mon, 14 Dec 2009 15:09:00 -0400
Attention local artists! Do you care about issues of hunger, food security, sustainable agriculture or food workers' rights? The Brooklyn Food Coalition is setting up shop in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and they need your help to trumpet their arrival.

The group is seeking original works of art by local artists to be used in a silent auction to benefit the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill chapter of the Brooklyn Food Coalition. The group seeks to bring about food justice for all of the neighborhood's residents.

The holiday mixer will take place on Saturday, December 20th from 5pm to 7pm.

Please contact Stephanie or Regina @ fgchbfc@gmail.com and let them know if you will be willing to donate.

Last chance to cast your vote for your favorite Holiday Window!

Fri, 11 Dec 2009 10:15:00 -0400
Catch the holiday spirit this weekend by strolling Myrtle Avenue to view our Holiday Windows, and vote for your favorite! This is the final weekend that voting is open - the polls officially close Sunday at midnight! Every vote matters, and the race is currently too close to call! Check out a recent article about the project in the Daily News for more info.

It's simple, walk down the avenue from Classon to Washington Park to view all the windows, then cast your vote via text message. A sign is posted in each of the windows indicating how to text a vote. Only vote per mobile number is allowed, so make sure to visit all the sites! Here are a list of merchants participating in the Holiday Windows contest. Make sure to stop in to say hello and check in on their holiday shopping specials too!

Ray's Barber Shop (331 Myrtle)
Fort Greene SNAP (324 Myrtle)
Sans Souci (330 Myrtle)
Just Because (141 Carlton)
Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle)
Cleopatra Spa (378 Myrtle)
Kiini Ibura (388 Myrtle)
The Bakery (154 Vanderbilt)
Kapella's (417 Myrtle)
Karen's Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle)
Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle)
Root Stock & Quade (471 Myrtle)
Zaytoons (472 Myrtle)
Miracles (473A Myrtle)
Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle)
Sandbox (487 Myrtle)
Pillow Cafe (5050 Myrtle)
Green Pets (563 Myrtle)
Wally's Square Root Cafe (584 Myrtle)

Also, the following store windows are also decorated for the holidays, but are not participating in the contest. Check them out too!
Clinton Hill Hardware (450 Myrtle)
Maggie Brown (455 Myrtle)
Anima Italian Bistro (458 Myrtle)

Calling all Citizen Pruners!

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:19:00 -0400
Are you a certified Citizen Pruner in NYC? If so, we need your help! MARP is calling on all neighborhood pruners to come out and help tend to the street trees on Myrtle.

Coming up, we have two pruning outings scheduled: The first on Saturday, December 5th at 12:00 and the second on Friday, December 11th at 12:00. Both outings will last a few hours and will be a chance to connect with other local tree enthusiasts while caring for trees and improving the streetscape.

If you are interested in participating, email sarah@myrtleavenue.org or call 718-230-1689 for more information.

If you arent a certified pruner, but would like more information on how to become one, check out the Trees NY website for more information: http://www.treesny.org/programs.html

Black Friday = Brooklyn Friday: Shop Local

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 17:19:00 -0400
On Friday, November 27, the second annual Shop Brooklyn, an initiative of the Brooklyn Borough Presidents Office, will officially kick off the holiday shopping season. Shop Brooklyn is an awareness campaign highlighting the uniqueness of Brooklyns neighborhoods and thriving shopping corridors, re-introducing Brooklyn to Brooklynites, and inviting tourists and visitors to experience this cultural and shopping destinationnot just during the holidays, but year-round. Participating retailers, restaurants, bars, and other service providers will display a Shop Brooklyn logo in shop windows and offer special Brooklyn Bonuses on November 27 (Brooklyn Friday) and each weekend through December 25. Several Myrtle Avenue businesses are participating, so stop in starting this Friday, Brooklyn Friday, and inquire about the 'Brooklyn Bonus'. The Shop Brooklyn campaign, coordinated by the Brooklyn Borough Presidents Office, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce and local business improvement districts, merchants associations and local development corporations, is a simple reminder of all the great reasons to shop local. Last December marked the premier Shop Brooklyn holiday event, which was followed by a special Valentines Day Shop Brooklyn in February as well as Shop Brooklyn Boutique Fashion Nights last July. For more information on Shop Brooklyn, visit www.ishopbrooklyn.com. The website will be fully functional on the first day of Shop Brooklyn, Friday, November 27. (photo courtesy Brooklyn Boro Hall)

Job Vacancies: Ingersoll Community Center

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 11:01:00 -0400
University Settlement currently seeks candidates for Program Director and Assistant Program Director positions at Ingersoll Community Center: Here's an excerpt-- Since 1886, University Settlement has been providing a variety of effective and strengths-based, community-based programs for youth and families. In January 2010, we will open a new Cornerstone Program at the Ingersoll Community Center in Fort Greene, Brooklyn. The Center is an 18,000-square-foot facility that includes a gym, computer center, art studio, library, classrooms and meeting spaces; we will offer multi-generational programming that is responsive to and reflects the specific needs of the neighborhood. The Center will be open six days a week and provide targeted programming for youth ages 5 through 21, with additional programs for adults. The Assistant Program Director will partner with the Program Director on all day-to-day operations at the site. The position requires a creative, energetic, experienced team-building leader committed to providing the highest quality of programming for children and families.

MARP Turns 10! Join us on Dec 2nd

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:52:00 -0400
Hope you can join us for our 10th anniversary celebration and fundraiser. Tickets are only $25, and include open bar, food from seven Myrtle restaurants, and music by Bill Lee and his jazz quintet.

Space is limited, and RSVP's are required by Monday, November 30th. Tickets will not be sold at the door.

A direct link to RSVP and purchase tickets is here. If you have trouble with the link, or would prefer to pay by check, please contact Joanna at joanna@myrtleavenue.org.

MARP and 88th Precinct Win MetLife Community-Police Partnership Award

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 15:24:00 -0400
At an event on Thursday evening, MARP and the 88th Precinct of the NYPD were presented with the MetLife Foundation Community- Police Partnership Award. MARP and the 88th Precinct were honored for their accomplishments in creating a safe environment and spurring economic development and job creation on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill during their collaboration over the last 10 years.

The Award, sponsored by MetLife Foundation and administered by the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), recognizes partnerships between community development groups and police departments that have reduced crime and spurred housing development, economic activity and improved community services in low and moderate-income communities. April Hawkins, director of civic affairs of MetLife Foundation, presented the awards to MARP and the 88th Precinct, who were selected from more than 650 applicants nationwide. Michael Blaise Backer accepted the award on behalf of MARP and Captain Anthony Tasso was there to receive the award on behalf of the 88th Precinct. The award also came with $25,000 in funding to support MARP's work. Upon accepting the award, Michael Blaise Backer committed to putting $5,000 of the award to the 88th Precinct's summer youth programs.

The event was held at the brand new Myrtle Avenue Caribbean restaurant Sans Souci, located at 330 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park and Carlton. Elected officials Assemblyman Joseph Lentol, Senator Velmanette Montgomery and Councilwoman Letitia James were there to join in the celebration, as well representatives from MetLife, LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation), Community Board 2, MARP staff and board members, and other community members.

Pictured, left to right: Julia Ryan (LISC), Michael Blaise Backer (MARP), Basil Jones (Sans Souci), Lillie Jones (Sans Souci), April Hawkins (MetLife), Captain Anthony Tasso (88th Precinct)

Tis the Season for the Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest!

Thu, 05 Nov 2009 08:00:00 -0400
UPDATE: Deadline to apply extended! We're still looking for artists to participate in the Holiday Windows Contest! We've gotten a great response, but there are so many merchants interested in participating that we want to extend the deadline to try to accommodate everyone. Please spread the word, and contact us if you have any questions. Dates may be flexible for creating the window scene (depending on merchant availability) if that is an issue.

___________________________________

We're excited to to bring back the Myrtle Holiday Windows Contest this season! Calling all artists and aspiring window dressers - almost 40 Myrtle businesses need you! Who says holiday windows are only for fancy Manhattan department stores? Myrtle Avenue will show 'em how to do it Fort Greene and Clinton Hill style!

Were inviting local artists to use storefront windows along Myrtle Avenue as a canvas for festive holiday art, and to compete for some great prizes at the same time! The goal of the project is to bring contemporary art and holiday cheer to the Myrtle Avenue streetscape while helping to promote both local businesses and artists. Artists or small teams of artists will be paired with local merchants to create a festive holiday window design in a portion of the storefront window.

Visit our blog from last year to view the 2008 winning windows. (First place went to Zaytoons, pictured here.)
Visit our Flickr site for photos of all the 2008 holiday windows all the 2008 holiday windows.

Here's everything you need to know:
" The materials used to create the holiday window scene may include paint, lights, paper, or any other material agreed upon between the artist and the merchant. Be creative!
" If paint is used, it must be temporary and easily removable (all products applied to the windows must be removable and must not damage the glass in any way). Painting will take place on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.
" The Partnership will supply a $50 stipend per storefront window to cover supplies and services.
" If selected, artists must commit to painting their assigned window between
Thursday November 12th and Monday November 23rd (*note: this is a new date). This time can be determined during discussions with the merchant partner.
" At least one, in-person meeting to discuss preliminary ideas with the merchant is required. The merchants are very excited about this project, and looking forward to working with a local artist. Some of the most popular designs in 2008 creatively incorporated the business theme somehow. This is not required, just an idea to provide some inspiration!
" Holiday windows will be on display through the end of December and all visitors and shoppers will be able to vote via text message for their favorite storefront design until Sunday, December 13th (winners will be announced shortly afterward).
" The top three designs will be awarded Myrtle Avenue gift certificates valued at $250 (first place), $100 (second place) and $50 (third place).

How to apply to become a Myrtle Holiday Windows ARTIST:

Please send the following to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org by Wednesday, November 4th:
1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information
2. Select up to three Myrtle Avenue businesses that you would like to work with from the list below(or you can let us pair you with a Myrtle merchant if you dont have a preference).
3. Very briefly, tell us about your proposed design ideas for the storefront window.
4. A very simple sketch, photo or other imagery that represents your idea would be very helpful.
5. Photos or links to a few examples of your past work.

Heres a list of businesses who would like to participate. Choose your top 3.

Anima, Restaurant - Italian, 458 Myrtle
burzh-wa, Beauty Salon, 507 Myrtle
Castro's, Restaurant - Mexican, 511 Myrtle
Cleopatra Spa, Beauty Salon, 378 Myrtle
Clinton Hill Animal Clinic, Pet Services, 476 Myrtle
Duncan's Fish Market, 385 Myrtle
El Cofre, Restaurant - Spanish, 353 Myrtle
Falafel House, Restaurant - Middle Eastern, 407 Myrtle
Fantastic Cleaners, Dry Cleaners, 510 Myrtle
Farmer, Deli, 336 Myrtle
Five Spot Supper Club, Restaurant & Bar, 459 Myrtle
Fort Greene SNAP, Neighborhood Services, 329 Myrtle
Green Pets, Pet Services, 572 Myrtle
Joseph Tyler Salon, Beauty Salon, 456 Myrtle
Kappella's, Beauty Salon, 417 Myrtle
Karen's Body Beautiful, Health & Beauty, 436 Myrtle
Karrot, Health Food, 431 Myrtle
La Stalla, Restaurant - Italian/Mexican, 499 Myrtle
Maggie Brown, Bar & Restaurant, 455 Myrtle
Miracles, Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle
Move With Grace, Yoga and Dance, 469 Myrtle
New Grace Kitchen, Restaurant - Chinese, 484 Myrtle
Optimum Care Rehab, Occupational Therapy, 474 Myrtle
Pillow Café, Restaurant & Café, 505 Myrtle
Polish Bar, Beauty Salon, 470 Myrtle
PrattCar, Car Service, 562 Myrtle
Root Stock & Quade, Florist, 471 Myrtle
Rope, Bar, 415 Myrtle
Ruthie's, Restaurant - Soul Food, 570 Myrtle
Sandbox, Shipping, 487 Myrtle
Sans Souci, Restaurant - Caribbean, 330 Myrtle
Soketah, Beauty Salon, 563 Myrtle
Thai 101, Restaurant, 455A Myrtle
The Bakery, 154 Vanderbilt
Wally's Square Root Café, Restaurant & Café, 584 Myrtle
Zaytoons, Restaurant - Middle Eastern, 472 Myrtle

Cmon, sign up! its going to be a lot of fun! Imagine how festive the atmosphere on Myrtle will be this season with almost 40 holiday scenes in storefront windows!

Community meeting about food access TOMORROW!

Wed, 04 Nov 2009 17:47:00 -0400
Come out to a community meeting about the availability of fresh, healthy and affordable food in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill this Thursday, November 5 at 6:30pm!

The meeting will take place at the office of the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP). This will be an opportunity to voice your concerns and visions for the future, and collaborate with fellow residents to create change.

The office is located at 472 Myrtle Ave., 2nd floor, between Washington and Hall. Press the buzzer labeled MARP when you arrive and you will be let in.

This meeting is a part of ongoing meetings by the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill chapter of the Brooklyn Food Coalition, an effort that is organizing residents borough-wide to ensure that all Brooklynites have consistent access to healthy and affordable food now and for years to come.

For more information, please contact Regina Ginyard: reason9776(at)yahoo(dot)com.

Say Farewell (for now) to Branch Community Library this Sunday

Fri, 23 Oct 2009 09:10:00 -0400
If you haven't made it out yet, stop by the Citibank lot at Myrtle and Clinton this Sunday between 1pm and 4pm to visit Branch, a fantastic community library project. It's not goodbye forever, though. They're seeking out a nearby indoor home for part of the winter, so we'll keep you posted with updates. We hope they stay close, since you'll see from the attached map that they've got hundreds of members from Fort Greene and Clinton Hill already!

This week's events include something 'special' to thank everyone who stops by with their Branch Library Card, and a performance/reading featuring the Club of Odd Volumes(see information below from Branch).

***THE CLUB OF ODD VOLUMES ***
Sunday October 25th
At the Branch Community Library
In the parking lot at Myrtle and Clinton Avenues in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene Brooklyn
2pm - 3pm

Calling all lovers of words! All devotees of the slightly absurd! The Club of Odd Volumes is having its first -- and only -- New York City meeting this Sunday afternoon in a Brooklyn parking lot that has been transformed into a community library.

"Odd Volumes" is a club that celebrates both outlandish texts and idiosyncratic readers, a club for the hardcore bibliophiles and casual perusers alike.

Do you have a favorite short story, a poem you can't get out of your head, a philosophical aphorism you live by, or a trusted instruction manuel you return to time and time again? If so, bring it to The Club of Odd Volumes and share your discovery with the world.

The Club consists of a series of short 3-5 minute readings -- promising that, as an audience member, you will never get bored. Anyone who has some meaningful or mysterious piece of writing they want to share is invited and encouraged to come and read.

The event will be hosted by Roger Stahl, former President of the Athens, Georgia chapter of The Club of Odd Volumes. Stahl will be assisted by Cal Clements, originator of the Club, and Astra Taylor, instigator of the afternoon's event.

For more information or to sign up to read in advance please email: examinedlifedoc@gmail.com

Fort Greene Food Conference this Saturday - it's Free!

Thu, 22 Oct 2009 17:51:00 -0400
Join your neighbors this Saturday, October 24th for the first ever Fort Greene Food Conference! Councilmember Letitia James has organized this community gathering, bringing residents, local leaders and experts together to address community concerns in relation to food access, and to build skills and momentum for more healthy and affordable food in the neighborhood.

The conference will take place at P.S. 67 at 51 Edwards St (btw Myrtle and Park). Registration begins at 12:30pm, and the opening addresses by Councilmember James and Yonnette Fleming, the coordinator of the Hattie Carthan Community Garden and Market, will commence at 1pm. The conference will end with a healthy BBQ celebration from 4pm-6pm.
All residents are welcome at this FREE conference and celebration.

For more information, visit the conference website here.

Ingersoll gardeners receive awards in citywide competition!

Tue, 20 Oct 2009 18:03:00 -0400
Congratulations to Ms. Singleton and Ms. Knox, two gardeners at the community garden called the "Ingersoll Garden of Eden", for receiving special recognition at NYCHA's annual citywide garden program awards ceremony! Click here to go to our Flickr page to see some photos of this magnificent garden right here on Myrtle Avenue.

BREAKING NEWS: Explore Myrtle Avenue contest deadline extended to Oct. 30th!

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:33:00 -0400
Great news for all of you who haven't taken advantage of this opportunity to enter win a $400 Myrtle Shopping Spree! We're extending the Explore Myrtle Avenue contest! That's right, we'll be accepting entries until OCTOBER 30th at 5pm.

We feel that, since we had to cancel the last Move About Myrtle, lots of folks didn't get a chance to pick up a contest card. Now, you can pick up a card and start shopping at the following businesses: abistro, Anima, Duncan's Fish Market, Falafel House, Jive Turkey, La Stalla, Myrtle Thai, Wally's Square Root Cafe, Tamboril, Karen's Body Beautiful, Move With Grace, Polish Bar Brooklyn, Barking Brown, Gnarly Vines, Green in BKLYN, Green Pets, Karrot, NYCPet.com, Root Stock & Quade, and Sandbox. If you already submitted an entry, take this opportunity to increase your chances by submitting another!

How does it work? Spend at least $10 at 5 of the participating businesses. When you spend $10 youll get a sticker, collect 5 stickers and youre ready to go! Improve your odds by entering up to 4 times. Submit your completed card to us by mail or drop off at the office. Your completed card is an entry into a drawing to be one of four winners of Myrtle Avenue Shopping Sprees valued at $400!

BikeNY and Branch Community Library take over bank parking lots this Sunday

Wed, 07 Oct 2009 09:37:00 -0400
This Sunday, the Citibank and Emigrant bank parking lots at Myrtle and Clinton will be converted to public spaces where families can enjoy physical and educational activities! The Emigrant lot will host BikeNY from 11am-2pm with a free workshop for kids on how to ride a two-wheeler safely. See all the details in the flyer here.

The Branch community library is open every Sunday in October from 1-5pm in the Citibank lot at the corner of Myrtle and Clinton Avenues. Local residents have donated hundreds of books, including all kinds of great children's books, fiction, and nonfiction. Everyone who signs up for a free Branch library card can borrow books for free. All month they'll also be creating a neighborhood memoir made up of your stories: just stop by and write down a memory you have of the neighborhood. For more information, or to volunteer at the library, check out www.branchlibrary.org.

Get Involved! FG/CH Community Food Justice Meeting this Thursday!

Tue, 06 Oct 2009 10:08:00 -0400
Want to improve access to healthy, affordable food in our community? Interested in improving the food in our childrens schools? Or establishing more community gardens and healthy food markets? Then please join us at the first Fort Greene/Clinton Hill neighborhood meeting of the Brooklyn Food Coalition!

The meeting is taking place this Thursday, October 8th, 6:30pm in the Board Room of the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Churchs, located at 85 S. Oxford St.

The Brooklyn Food Coalition is a grassroots partnership of individuals and groups who strive to give an effective voice to all those who live in or serve Brooklyn and wish to achieve a just and sustainable system for healthy and affordable food.

Please invite your friends and neighbors. All are welcome!
For more info, contact: Regina at reason9776@yahoo.com.

A New Farmstand at P.S. 307 Starting this Wednesday!

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 17:41:00 -0400
This Wednesday, MARP, P.S. 307, the Farragut Tenant Association, the Council on the Environment of NYC and 3 all-star local teens are teaming up to bring the freshest of New York-grown fruits and vegetables to northwest Fort Greene at a new farm stand! Here are the details...

What? Fresh Food at Farragut: A Youth-Run Farm Stand

Where? The playground of P.S. 307, located at 209 York Street across the way from Farragut Houses.

When? Wednesdays in October, 3:30pm-7:30pm, (October 7, 14, 21 & 29). Rain or shine!

This harvest month is a trial run. If the farm stand is successful, we're hoping it will stick around for the full harvest season, July-October of 2010. So if you want to help keep a unique fresh food outlet around and employ our local youth, come out and take a stake in a new fresh food market! Cash/EBT accepted, and please bring your own bag!If you have any questions, feel free to contact sam@myrtleavenue.org.

(Photo: Children's Aid Society Youth Market in the Bronx)

Mobile Mammography Van comes to Fort Greene on 10/13

Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:57:00 -0400
Sponsored by Councilmember James and the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, this Mobile Unit will provide free mammograms to women 40 and older who haven't had one in the past 12 months! Do something good for your health and make an appointment for you or a loved one! Visit Team Tish's blog for more information.

Myrtle Windows Gallery closes its fourth show AND celebrates a fabulous first year this Sunday

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 11:50:00 -0400
If you haven't had a chance to check out the fourth exhibition in the Myrtle Windows Gallery, make sure you do so this weekend! We'll be saying goodbye to this show, curated by Kennis Baptiste of The Rising Arts Gallery, next week. Come out to Tamboril (between Steuben and Grand) on Sunday from 4pm-9pm to celebrate this fantastic show that featured the works of ten Brooklyn artists in our MWG storefronts, as well as inside Pillow Cafe and Tamboril.

So, what did you think of MWG's first year? How did art in storefront windows impact your experience walking down Myrtle? We want to hear from you, so please send us your feedback! You can post comments here, or send them to meredith@myrtleavenue.org. Oh, and while you're touring this exhibition, remember to thank your Myrtle merchants who have generously donated their storefronts for the cause of promoting public art!

Move About Myrtle cancelled due to rain; Brooklyn Urban Arts Market cancelled too

Sun, 27 Sep 2009 08:02:00 -0400
Unfortunately the rain is coming down hard and the hourly forecast calls for more of the same all day. We have therefore decided to cancel today's Move About Myrtle activities, and the street from Clinton to Emerson will remain open to vehicle traffic. As of now, the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market will happen as scheduled on the service road in front of the PrattStore. If there becomes an increased chance of lighting, the market may also need to be cancelled due to all of the sound and electrical equipment used for the performers. Please check back for updates. Update: the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market also had to be cancelled. The heavy rain was severely impacting the stage and sound equipment, and forced the event producer to have to cancel the music and performances.

We're hoping for sunshine this Sunday for Move About Myrtle!

Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:58:00 -0400
Hey everyone. Just wanted to let you know that Move About Myrtle is still scheduled to take place as planned this Sunday from 11am-7pm. A passing shower can't stop this party! Check back here after 8am on Sunday for updated news. If the forecast is looking really grim, we'll most likely call the event. Keep your fingers crossed for sun in the meantime, so that the show can still go on!

Move About Myrtle is movin' on after this Sunday. Be there!

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 14:28:00 -0400
Come close out Move About Myrtle's first season with us this Sunday, September 27th from 11am to 7pm. If you haven't made it out yet, check out what you've missed here.

UPDATE: Salsa classes added!
Bike NY: Kids can learn to ride a two-wheeler!
The Learn to Ride Class - Kids class teaches a safe, easy, effective way to learn to ride. Participants learn the basics of balancing, starting, stopping, and steering a bike, as well as proper helmet fit and adjustment. Most kids will learn to ride their bike while taking the class, but even if they don't, they will leave with an easy, hands-free, crash-free, and low-stress way to learn to ride. The class is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is suggested. Register online at www.bikenewyork.org, or stop by between 11am and 2pm with your bike and helmet! (Myrtle between Emerson and Steuben)

The Truck Farm stops by the food block!
The Truck Farm, a project by Wicked Delicate, combines green roof technology, organic compost and heirloom seeds to create living, mobile garden on the streets of Brooklyn. Check out the time lapse video of the crops progress here. Cmon, we know youre curious. Come check it out from 2pm-4pm! (Myrtle between Hall and Ryerson)

An Arts Carnival presented by Pratt Student Activities
Fun for all ages! Weigh in on an art battle at 12pm, get your face painted, participate in a hula contest, try your hand a chalk drawing, get your caricature done, and pick up a free balloon! All free, beginning at noon! (Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand)

Community Mural-Making with SONYA
Join local artist Ellie Balk and South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) in a collaborative mural-making event! All paint and supplies will be provided. Bring your friends, children, grandparents, neighbors and be ready to get creative and messy as we add color and energy to Myrtle Avenue! This activity takes place between Hall and Ryerson beginning at 11am.

Origami Workshop
Local resident Karen Bishop will lead a free origami workshop on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly beginning at 11am.

Roller Rink!
Bring your own skates and groove to the sounds from the nearby Brooklyn Urban Arts Market stage. (Myrtle between Emerson and Steuben)

Brooklyn Urban Arts Market
This is an annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture, brought you by BAM, Rebel Music Management and MARP. Stage Life Youth DJs open it up at noon, followed by J.U.S. Evolution at 2pm. Dance (or skate) to the old-school jams of DJs Soul Summit at 3pm. Get your trendy back-to-school shopping done too! (Myrtle between Emerson and Grand)

Green Transportation Fun with Livable Streets Education
Livable Streets Education will be leading family-friendly games and activities from 11am-2pm on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly. Kids can investigate the reasons why pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit riders help the environment. Families will be able to learn together about carbon footprint, alternative transportation, and innovative street design. They can also learn why Zozo, our big purple friend, loves when we travel "by feet, by train, by bike, by bus!" Activities include educational coloring pages, a large chalk street mural, and a fun 'redesign the street' felt board!

Free dance and yoga classes
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, free yoga, dance, and themed dance classes and performances return this week! (Myrtle between Washington and Hall)
Sound provided by DJ A.T. of Many Mansions Media Sound System all day
Performance and art project for children by Trilok Fusion Arts Children's Dance Co. at 11:30am
Kona Luseni, from Viva Salsa Dance Studio 12pm-1pm
Yoga class 2:30pm
Performance by Alice Chapmen Dance Ensemble, time TBA
Belly Dance performance by Mariyah 4:30pm
Belly Dance Class 5-6:30pm

Live Music at La Stalla
Arturo Perez Saad, dance instructor and local resident, will lead classes outside La Stalla at Myrtle and Ryerson at 2:15pm and 4:15pm.

Parks Department's Fitness Unit, hoops, ropes and sidewalk chalk
Every week, were setting out hula hoops, jump ropes and sidewalk chalk so that kids (both young and young at heart) can express themselves. Also this week, the Parks Fitness Unit will join us, bringing the Wii Fit! (Waverly and Washington)

Mmmm&Cooking Demos and Free Tastings!
In front of Associated Supermarket (between Hall and Washington), were setting up a cooking station where healthy food will be prepared by local chefs of all ages! Teen Iron Chefs return (12pm-2pm) to host interactive cooking demonstrations with seasonal, locally grown produce donated by Greenmarket farmers. Taste the fare of soon-to-open Sans Souci, a new Caribbean restaurant on Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton, from 2pm-4pm.

Composting demos with Brooklyn Compost Project
The Brooklyn Compost Project will disseminate information about composting and will also have a worm bin composting demonstration from 11:30am-6pm, between Hall and Ryerson. The Brooklyn Compost Project is funded by New York City Department of Sanitations (DSNY) Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling and hosted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).

Plaza Design Workshop
Hopefully youve heard that a new permanent pedestrian plaza is coming to Myrtle between Emerson and Grand, and the design phase has begun. Come share your design ideas, drawings and photos with MARP staffers at our Plaza Design Tent in front of the post office at Myrtle and Grand.

Myrtle Windows Gallery Artist Talk
Beginning at Pillow Café (505 Myrtle)at 4pm, join artists from the current MWG installation on a guided tour of installed works.

The BRANCH Project
The Citibank parking lot at Clinton and Myrtle will be transformed into a temporary library branch, free to everyone! Continuing their outreach which began last week, volunteer designers and librarians from Branch will work with local residents and visitors, kids and adults, to plan and design the space. Come out and tell us how the library should look and what kind of books and activities it should offer. Enjoy our Quiet Zone: relax on lawn chairs with copies of your favorite Sunday paper--and ear-plugs!

Merchant Specials + Promotions
-Enjoy free smoothie samples at Karrot (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Come to Green in BKLYN to recycle your batteries and cell phones (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Margaritas and Mojitos at La Stalla
-BBQ at Jive Turkey

Thanks to our sponsors: Pratt Institute, Associated Supermarket, and Society for Clinton Hill.

Free pickling, cooking and canning demos at the Fort Greene Park!

Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:00:00 -0400
With fall finally here, and the harvest season coming to a close, the Fort Greene CSA is celebrating its second season with a series of workshops that are FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

All workshops will take place at the CSAs distribution site at the northeast corner of Fort Greene Park at Myrtle and Washington Park. Heres a sampling of whats to come (October dates are tentative):
" On September 23rd, from 5:45pm-7:45pm, join Just Foods Community CSA Chef, Gabe Glasscock, for a pickling demonstration using seasonal produce.
" On October 7th, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, the CSA will be hosting two seasoned Teen Chefs (pictured here) from Family Cook Productions, who will demonstrate healthy cooking that every family member will enjoy!
" And on October 21st, from 5:00pm-7:00pm, learn how to preserve the fall harvest so you can enjoy locally grown produce throughout the cold winter months. A canning demonstration will be provided by one of Just Foods City Farms trainers.

These free and open events are co-sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnerships new Food Access Initiative. If you would like more info on these events, or other Partnership projects to increase access to healthy and affordable food for all residents of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, please contact Sam Lipschultz, our new Food Access Project Coordinator by phone at 718.230.1689 or email at sam@myrtleavenue.org.

200 FREE TREES THIS SUNDAY - update

Sat, 19 Sep 2009 11:25:00 -0400
Early Friday morning 200 trees were delivered to Myrtle Avenue by the New York Restoration Project and Million Trees NYC and Guess what ?! They were bigger than we expected! Much thanks to Root Stock Quade who not only offered to keep the trees for the giveaway this Sunday but also spent their time and energy unloading and Myrtle Car, who came to the rescue, providing additional holding space. The trees, available through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and David Rockefeller, will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property, two trees per household. We have the following species: Eastern Redbud, Sweet Gum, Magnolia, Crab Apple, Callery Pear and Oak. There will also be information available to help guide species selection and a handout describing how and what you need to plant your tree (the list is short - a location, shovel and access to water). The larger trees mean a little more planning will be necessary. If you are coming to claim a tree on Sunday, please arrange for a way to get it home. Each potted tree weighs about thirty pounds, and as you can see in the above images, are around eight feet tall. I also recommend bringing gardening gloves, if you have them. Come before noon to be sure to get a tree. We will have an area set up where you can leave your reserved tree while you enjoy the other events on Myrtle. Bring your friends, your family and neighbors and stop by Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand beginning at 11:30am to pick up your small, potted, transplant-ready trees!

Park(ing) Day Tomorrow - that means TWO temporary parks for Myrtle Ave!

Thu, 17 Sep 2009 19:36:00 -0400
Tomorrow is Park(ing)Day and this year, Myrtle will be celebrating with not one, but TWO temporary public spaces for the Avenue. In case you aren't familiar, Park(ing) Day NYC is an international event that reclaims and reimagines parking spots as mini-parks, engaging public spaces and, as Transporation Alternatives describes, breaths of relief from the auto-clogged reality of New York City that spark dialogue about our valuable public space and how we choose to use it. This will be the third year that the Partnership will participate - you can check out pictures from previous years above and find more on our Flickr. Come out, see the action, enjoy the activities and added green space in the neighborhood and participate in an international car detox and public space appreciation day! Myrtle Parks:

Littlejohn Park
Isaac Littlejohn Eddy , NY Times Local blog cartoon-journalist, will join forces with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and move his Fort Greene studio onto the street. At LITTLEJOHN PARK Isaac will be interviewing, illustrating, and animating passersby all day to showcase what it means to be a citizen journalist and a non-fiction cartoonist.
There will be an area with paper and markers at LITTLEJOHN PARK for people to sit, people-watch, and try out a little non-fiction cartooning themselves and a gallery of the work produced throughout the day. Stop by to learn more about non-ficiton cartooning, check out the gallery (updated throughout the day), imagine city life with more open space and relax outside Kiini Ibura and Tres Elegante!
Where: Between Clermont and Vanderbilt
When: 9:00 4:30
Gnarly Vines Park-
Participating for their first year, Gnarly Vines, featuring Kosher Wine & Bike Repairs:an Unorthodox Pairing for Park(ing) Day. Bring your bike and taste some kosher wine! Bike mechanics from Lit Fuse Cyclery (our new neighbors on Willoughby & Walworth) will be hanging out in our Park(ing) spot from 1-4pm to provide a free diagnosis, quick adjustments, tune your wheels and even fix your flat (while supplies last)!
Where: 350 MYRTLE AVE between Carlton & Adelphi
When: 1 - 4

Call for Ideas Deadline Extended

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 18:39:00 -0400
Call for Ideas EXTENDED!
There is still time to complete your design or compile examples of best practices for the Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza. After receiving requests to extend the deadline for the Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza, we have decided to push it back to September 23rd. You can review the originalblog post, the Call For Ideas and the Facebook group for more information.

Move About Myrtle Tree Giveaway

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:41:00 -0400
This Sunday MARP, in partnership with MillionTreesNYC, the New York Restoration Project and Society for Clinton Hill, will be giving away 200 trees! The trees, available through the generous support of Bloomberg Philanthropies and David Rockefeller, will be available to individuals, families and community groups for planting on private property. In order to spread the tree-love, we are limiting the giveaway to two trees per household. Bring your friends, your family and neighbors and stop by Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand beginning at 11:30am to pick up your small, potted, transplant-ready trees. We will have 1 to 1.5 caliper trees of the following species: Eastern Redbud, Sweet Gum, Magnolia, Crab Apple, Callery Pear and Oak. There will also be information available to help guide species selection and a handout describing how and what you need to plant your tree (the list is short - a location, shovel and access to water). For those who dont know, having a tree on your property increases its value, decreases energy consumption (and utility bills), improves air quality and lowers blood pressure! These are FACTS. Trees also impact your quality of life by creating the perfect setting for shade sitting, book reading, yard playing and spending time with friends and family! In fact, the only thing better than a tree is a FREE TREE! Now available to you, on Myrtle, while supplies last (until 7 pm)! For questions, contact Sarah at 718.230.1689 or sarah@myrtleavenue.org We will not reserve any trees in advance of the event. About MillionTreesNYC: Led by the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation and New York Restoration Project (NYRP), MillionTreesNYC is a citywide, public-private initiative that recognizes the benefits trees provide New York Citys residents, neighborhoods and environment, through an ambitious goal: to plant and care for one million new trees across the Citys five boroughs by 2017.

Move About Myrtle continues this Sunday - 9/20

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 16:44:00 -0400
Our third Move About Myrtle installment will bring out new community partners, offering exciting free programs for residents of all ages. If you haven't made it out yet, check out what you've missed here.

Community Mural-Making with SONYA
Join local artist Ellie Balk and South of the Navy Yard Artists (SONYA) in a collaborative mural-making event! All paint and supplies will be provided. Bring your friends, children, grandparents, neighbors and be ready to get creative and messy as we add color and energy to Myrtle Avenue! This activity takes place between Hall and Ryerson on September 20th and 27th beginning at 11am.

Tree Giveaway!
In partnership with Society for Clinton Hill, we're giving away 200 (that's right, 200!) trees this weekend courtesy of MillionTreesNY! Stop by Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand beginning at 11:30am to pick up your small, potted tree - ready to be transplanted to your backyard! While supplies last, of course.

Dry Earth Performers: You+Environment+Awareness
Dancers from the ground-breaking collective, Dry Earth, will present excerpts of their movement-based research with a very special performance from noon - 1pm. Their work focuses on using creative movement practices to deepen our connection to the natural environment. Don't miss this unique expression of public art in public space!

Maracatu NY - Brazilian Percussion
Maracatu NY fuses the musical styles of Northeast Brasil with the rhythms of New Orleans' second lines. Check them out at Myrtle and Ryerson outside La Stalla at 2pm.

Origami Workshop
Local resident Karen Bishop will lead a free origami workshop on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly from 11am-2pm.

Every weekend at Move About Myrtle...
Roller Rink!
Bring your own skates and groove to the sounds from the nearby Brooklyn Urban Arts Market stage. (Myrtle between Emerson and Steuben)

Brooklyn Urban Arts Market
This is an annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture, brought you by BAM, Rebel Music Management and MARP. Stage Life Youth DJs open it up at noon, followed by School of Rock All Stars and blkvampires. Dance (or skate) to the old-school jams of DJs Soul Summit at 4pm. Get your trendy back-to-school shopping done too! (Myrtle between Emerson and Grand)

Green Transportation Fun with Livable Streets Education
Livable Streets Education will be leading family-friendly games and activities from 11am-2pm on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly. Kids can investigate the reasons why pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit riders help the environment. Families will be able to learn together about carbon footprint, alternative transportation, and innovative street design. They can also learn why Zozo, our big purple friend, loves when we travel "by feet, by train, by bike, by bus!" Activities include educational coloring pages, a large chalk street mural, and a fun 'redesign the street' felt board!

Free dance and yoga classes
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, free yoga, dance, and themed dance classes and performances return this week! (Myrtle between Washington and Hall)
Join teachers Grace, Gina & Elyse, featuring Singer Nucomme, DJ AT & Hard Hittin' Harry for the Mala Yoga International Day of Peace (in Brooklyn)
12pm - 1pm Yoga class
2pm-5pm Uniting Yoga Around the World: 108 sun salutations in unison with studios around the world! Bring your friends and family along for this day of Peace, Community & Charity!
Do you have to do all 108 Sun Salutations? No, but the challenge is motivating! The event will also include inspirational Readings, live music from Singer NUCOMME at 3pm and the friendly vibes from people in your community.
Mats: Bring an extra layer and mat or rent ours for $2
Suggested Donation (sliding scale): $10-$20, with proceeds going to Harpswell Foundation Scholarship for Children in Cambodia.

Hoops, ropes and sidewalk chalk
Every week, were setting out hula hoops, jump ropes and sidewalk chalk so that kids (both young and young at heart) can express themselves.(NOTE: these activities are moving to Myrtle between Waverly and Washington this weekend)

Mmmm&Cooking Demos and Free Tastings!
In front of Associated Supermarket (between Hall and Washington), were setting up a cooking station where healthy food will be prepared by local chefs of all ages! Teen Iron Chefs return (12pm-2pm) to host interactive cooking demonstrations with seasonal, locally grown produce donated by Greenmarket farmers. Taste the fare of soon-to-open Sans Souci, a new Caribbean restaurant on Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton, from 2pm-4pm.

Myrtle Windows Gallery Artist Talk
Beginning at Pillow Café (505 Myrtle)at 4pm, join artists from the current MWG installation on a guided tour of installed works.

The BRANCH Project
The Citibank parking lot at Clinton and Myrtle will be transformed into a temporary library branch, free to everyone! Continuing their outreach which began last week, volunteer designers and librarians from Branch will work with local residents and visitors, kids and adults, to plan and design the space. Come out and tell us how the library should look and what kind of books and activities it should offer. Enjoy our Quiet Zone: relax on lawn chairs with copies of your favorite Sunday paper--and ear-plugs!

Merchant Specials + Promotions
-Enjoy free smoothie samples at Karrot (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Come to Green in BKLYN to recycle your batteries and cell phones (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Margaritas and Mojitos at La Stalla
-BBQ at Jive Turkey

Stay tuned for these programs at upcoming Move About Myrtle events....

...Parks Departments Wii Fit Mobile Unit!
...A mobile farm in the back of a truck!
...Bike safety lessons for kids from Bike NY
...and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors: Pratt Institute, Associated Supermarket, and Society for Clinton Hill.

Youth Success: YEMP Summer '09

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 15:02:00 -0400
Last week was the official end of the Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) on Myrtle Avenue, funded by a grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn BID's operating budget. Fifteen terrific teens participated in this year's program. We wish them much success in this new school year and beyond. The following was written by Cristina Valentin, one of the terrific fifteen. We asked her if she would share a little about her summer experience: --- "Everyone at Myrtle Avenue knows that I absolutely love my job at Green in BKLYN, the environmentally friendly home goods store. I am proud to say I am a local crusader for the environment, as well as many other issues, and I had been looking for more ways to help my community with this cause. I run the Green Earth Club at my school and now as a senior, I hope to do bigger and better things. However, this summer seemed like it was going to be less productive, one because I couldnt find any jobs that offered a sixteen year old to do something of my interest, and two because of the twelve jobs I did apply to, I was letdown by all of them. On the last day of school, Mr. Valentino Ellis asked me if I had any plans this summer, and, besides working with the Fort Greene CSA every third Wednesday, I was doing absolutely nothing. He began to tell me about how Myrtle Avenue was looking for teens to work in some salons and boutiques as interns, and I was interested in the prospects of gaining some retail experience, and as well, some good ole minimum wage to pay for senior dues the next year. When I got the call from the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project that night, I was overcome with explicit joy at the idea of working in a green store, and I was so excited that the interview frightened me with fear of being letdown again. But, as I know so well now, Elissa, the owner of Green in BKLYN, was incredibly sweet and laid back and made all of my antsy feelings fade away. Of the many times I stopped in before even actually working with her, we had great conversations about the store and what it was doing for the community and what it could do in the long run for the earth. It was amazing to me how much this little store could do for the Clinton Hill and Fort Greene community and I felt so blessed to have been given the opportunity, nonetheless actually work with something like this. I work at Green in BKLYN Tuesday through Friday, 20 hours a week, for $7.25 an hour, and I love every second there, even when Im cleaning EVERY SINGLE SHELF IN THE STORE. But seriously, besides doing a weekly scrub of the store, I get so much more experience there. I research new and existing products for the store, as well as green tips for customers, whom I meet on the daily. I also write the blog for the stores website along with Elissa and learn so much about new steps being taken for a greener earth. Im going to feel so awful when my internship is over, because I cant get enough of the ever changing technology available to make all the great sustainable energy, food, and products I have come to love, and of course, I will definitely miss Elissa with all of my little teenage heart. Whenever I am asked about my experiences at Green in BKLYN, I smile widely and exclaim my love for this little store on Myrtle Avenue. As Elissa and the folks at the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership say, My intern loves her job so much she forgets to pick up her paycheck! -written by Cristina Valentin, Green in BKLYN --- update: Cristina has been hired P/T by Green in BKLYN. She currently works there after school for 10 hours per week. She is a senior this Fall at Benjamin Banneker Academy for Community Development.

Myrtle Teens Mean Business: Year 3

Thu, 10 Sep 2009 14:33:00 -0400
More lively morning rush hours, back-to-school sales galore, cooler, brisker temps...yep, it is that time again. Last week marked the completion of our third annual Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP), which has doubled in size since the 2007 inaugural year. The program is funded by a generous grant from the JPMorgan Chase Foundation and from operating funds of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District. Fifteen local teens were placed with Myrtle Avenue businesses for a seven week summer experience which included 20 work hours per week. MARP recruits the students, schedules interviews with participating merchants, handles all of the employment paperwork, and pays their wages for the summer. Myrtle merchants oversee the teens and serve as supervisors and mentors to the local high school students. A few of the teens were hired by local businesses upon completion of the program, and thus will be continuing on in an after-school capacity. We are grateful to the following students and employers for their commitment to making the third year of the program a major success: (l-r in photo): Dwayne Carolina (Prattstore, 550 Myrtle); Malik Brown (Dope Jams, 580 Myrtle); Samantha Lawrence (Polish Bar of Brooklyn, 470 Myrtle/ Burzh-wa Salon, 352 Myrtle); Michael Greene (Miracles Unisex Barber Shop, 473A Myrtle); Ashley Andrews (Walgreen's, 379 Myrtle); Terrell Coombs (Myrtle His & Hers Barber Shop, 349 Myrtle); Danielle Faulkner (Optimum Care Rehab, 474 Myrtle) and Tereese Gorham (Wally's Square Root Cafe, 584 Myrtle). Missing from photo: Herold Saint Louis (Fort Greene SNAP, 324 Myrtle/ Prattstore, 550 Myrtle); Patrice Sease-Bey (Subway, 400 Myrtle); Koree Richardson (Karen's Body Beautiful, 436 Myrtle); Cristina Valentin (Green in BKLYN, 432 Myrtle), Dasha Walker (Just Because Salon, 141 Carlton Avenue), Malik Carolina (Tamboril, 527 Myrtle) and Damani McDermott-Reed (Pillow Cafe-Lounge, 505 Myrtle).

Check out the lineup for Move About Myrtle on September 13th!

Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:18:00 -0400
Make sure you stop by Myrtle's fantastic temporary pedestrian space! Just three Sundays remain in September! Remember its all free!

Roller Rink!
The NYC Parks Department is bringing out their Skate Mobile Unit this weekend from 11am-5pm. The unit contains tons of skates that visitors can use for free in the designated roller rink area! Or, bring your own skates and groove to the sounds from the nearby Brooklyn Urban Arts Market stage. (Myrtle between Emerson and Steuben)

Brooklyn Urban Arts Market
This is an annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture, brought you by BAM, Rebel Music Management and MARP. Stage Life Youth DJs open it up at noon, followed by local favorite Tamar Kali at 3pm. Dance (or skate) to the old-school jams of DJs Soul Summit at 4pm. Get your trendy back-to-school shopping done too! (Myrtle between Emerson and Grand)

Green Transportation Fun with Livable Streets Education
Livable Streets Education will be leading family-friendly games and activities from 11am-2pm on Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly. Kids can investigate the reasons why pedestrians, cyclists, and mass transit riders help the environment. Families will be able to learn together about carbon footprint, alternative transportation, and innovative street design. They can also learn why Zozo, our big purple friend, loves when we travel "by feet, by train, by bike, by bus!" Activities include educational coloring pages, a large chalk street mural, and a fun 'redesign the street' felt board!

Free dance and yoga classes
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace, free yoga, dance, and themed dance classes and performances return this week! (Myrtle between Washington and Hall)
Creative Movements(ages 4+up or 2.5-3 with caretaker) 11:30am
Ballet Fitness (adults) 1-2pm
Yoga (Basics) 2:30-3:30pm
Hip Hop/House Dance (tentative) 4-5pm

Hoops, ropes and sidewalk chalk
Every week, were setting out hula hoops, jump ropes and sidewalk chalk so that kids (both young and young at heart) can express themselves.(Myrtle between Ryerson and Steuben)

Mmmm&Cooking Demos and Free Tastings!
In front of Associated Supermarket (between Hall and Washington), were setting up a cooking station where healthy food will be prepared by local chefs of all ages! Teen Iron Chefs return (12pm-2pm) to host interactive cooking demonstrations with seasonal, locally grown produce donated by Greenmarket farmers. Taste the fare of soon-to-open Sans Souci, a new Caribbean restaurant on Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton, from 2pm-4pm.

Define a healthy future with Asthma Free School Zone
Join us to make fortune-tellers and brainstorm ways in which we can all participate in cleaning up our communities and our environment! AFSZ is a non-profit organization that works to improve air quality in and around NYC schools in order to reduce asthma-related absenteeism and improve quality of life.

NY Transit Museum brings Last Day on Myrtle exhibit to Myrtle
In celebration of a new exhibit at the New York Transit Museum of Theresa Kings photographs, Last Day on the Myrtle, the Archivist from the Museum will have a table set up between Clinton and Waverly on September 13th with historic photographs from the archives of the elevated line in service and its demolition. The Myrtle Avenue elevated line began operation in April 1888. The elevated line from Broadway to Jay Street was discontinued at midnight on Saturday, October 4, 1969 and was demolished the following year. Please come by and share your stories and learn more about the history of the elevated line!

Myrtle Windows Gallery Artist Guided Tours
Beginning at Pillow Café (505 Myrtle)at 4pm, join artists from the current MWG installation on a guided tour of installed works.

Composting demos with Brooklyn Compost Project
The Brooklyn Compost Project will disseminate information about composting and will also have a worm bin composting demonstration from 11:30am-6pm, between Hall and Ryerson. The Brooklyn Compost Project is funded by New York City Department of Sanitations (DSNY) Bureau of Waste Prevention, Reuse and Recycling and hosted by Brooklyn Botanic Garden (BBG).

The BRANCH Project
The Citibank parking lot at Clinton and Myrtle will be transformed into a temporary library branch, free to everyone! Continuing their outreach which began last week, volunteer designers and librarians from Branch will work with local residents and visitors, kids and adults, to plan and design the space. Come out and tell us how the library should look and what kind of books and activities it should offer. Enjoy our Quiet Zone: relax on lawn chairs with copies of your favorite Sunday paper--and ear-plugs!

Merchant Specials + Promotions
-Enjoy free smoothie samples at Karrot (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Come to Green in BKLYN to recycle your batteries and cell phones (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Margaritas and Mojitos at La Stalla
-BBQ at Jive Turkey

Stay tuned for these programs at upcoming Move About Myrtle events....

...Were giving away 200 trees courtesy of MillionTreesNY
...Participate in a community mural project with artists from SONYA
...Design Workshops for the upcoming Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza
...Parks Departments Wii Fit Mobile Unit!
...A mobile farm in the back of a truck!
...Bike safety lessons for kids from Bike NY
...and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors: Pratt Institute, Associated Supermarket, and Society for Clinton Hill.

More on this Sunday's schedule - Five Spot's Anniversary & Explore Myrtle Avenue

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 15:03:00 -0400
Explore Myrtle Avenue returns at Move About Myrtle this Sunday! EMA is a contest aimed at getting both our local residents, as well as first time visitors, to explore the length of Myrtle Avenue to check out some of those businesses you didn't even know were there. How do you play? It's simple! Just pick up a game card, spend $10 at five or more businesses to collect stickers, and return your card to us. Your completed card is an entry into a drawing for one of four Myrtle Avenue Shopping Sprees valued at $400! Improve your odds by entering up to 4 times. Pick up your card at Move About Myrtle, or at any of these participating businesses beginning on Sunday:
abistro, Anima, Duncan's Fish Market, Falafel House, Jive Turkey, La Stalla, Myrtle Thai, Wally's Square Root Cafe, Tamboril, Karen's Body Beautiful, Move With Grace, Polish Bar Brooklyn, Barking Brown, Gnarly Vines, Green in BKLYN, Green Pets, Karrot, NYCPet.com, Root Stock & Quade, and Sandbox
Also at Move About Myrtle, Five Spot (459 Myrtle) will be celebrating its 13th anniversary with the inaugural Five Spots Famous Philly Cheese Steak Fest" to see who can eat the most Philly Cheese Steaks in 10 minutes. There is $1000 up for grabs! For more information and registration visit IFOCE.com. Please spread the word&and lets see who is the Philly Cheese Steak King of New York!!! Five Spot has a full day of entertainment planned as well! Here's the full schedule:
11am-2pm DJ C2 & DJ Tek spinning classic R&B and hip hop
2pm-3pm Sims Comic Review, Robert Stringer (horn commencement)
3pm Philly Cheesesteak Eating Competition (1st prize-$600, 2nd prize-$300, 3rd prize-$100)
4pm Tinkerbelle w/ Nate Jones on Bass and Friends
5pm DJ C2 & DJ TEK spinning soul, funk & hip hop
After party inside: Tinkerbelle & the Super Swaggers, Open mic for soul singers, $5 cocktails, $5 cover, 9pm showtime. Go to www.fivespotsoulfood.com for more information!

Move About Myrtle more programs added for September 6th!

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:18:00 -0400
Trust us, Myrtle Avenue is where youll want to be this Sunday! Just take a look at the updated lineup for Move About Myrtles kick-off event on September 6th from 11am-7pm...

Myrtle Windows Gallery Opening Reception
Come celebrate the newest installation in the Myrtle Windows Gallery series at Pillow Café (505 Myrtle) from 4pm-8pm. The reception is free, and light refreshments will be available! Meet and support local Brooklyn artists!

The BRANCH Project
The Citibank parking lot at Clinton and Myrtle will be transformed into a temporary library branch, free to everyone! On September 6th, volunteer designers and librarians from Branch will work with local residents and visitors, kids and adults, to plan and design the space. Come out and tell us how the library should look and what kind of books and activities it should offer. Enjoy our Quiet Zone: relax on lawn chairs with copies of your favorite Sunday paper--and ear-plugs!

Free Screen-Printed Tote Bags by Pratts Pressure Print Collective
Pratts printmakers will be silk screening LIVE onto canvas tote bags that will be given away to the visitors (while supplies last)! Support sustainability by picking up a reusable shopping bag at Move About Myrtle (between Ryerson and Grand, beginning at noon)

Brooklyn Urban Arts Market & Roller Rink!
The Brooklyn Urban Arts Market returns! This annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture. Rock out with youth band School of Rock All Stars at noon, or dance to the old-school jams of DJs Soul Summit at 3pm. A temporary roller rink (which has a special guest co-sponsor this week the Clinton Hill Blog )will bring some additional throw back flavor to this years events. Get your trendy back-to-school shopping done too with local favorites like Harriets Alter Ego and Coup dEtat Brooklyn (Myrtle between Emerson and Grand).

Free dance and yoga classes
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace , this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays. The first Sunday includes free yoga classes at noon and 2:30, African Dance with drummers(4pm) and Caribbean Flag Celebration! (Myrtle between Washington and Hall)(Mom and Me class has been cancelled for this week)

Hoopdancing Class for All Ages!
For kids (and the inner child in all of us), Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand (note change in location) in front of the Post Office will be devoted to good old-fashioned fun! Street games (think: four square), hula hoops, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk will be on hand for open use throughout the day. From 1pm-3pm, take part in a free Hoopdancing Class with Fitnotic trainer Sheryl Wilson. Learn a few tricks and get a great workout!

Mmmm&Cooking Demos and Free Tastings!
In front of Associated Supermarket (between Hall and Washington), were setting up a cooking station where all kinds of healthy food will be prepared by local chefs of all ages! Teen Iron Chefs (12pm-2pm) will be hosting interactive cooking demonstrations with seasonal, locally grown produce donated by Greenmarket farmers. Taste the fare of soon-to-open Sans Souci, a new Caribbean restaurant on Myrtle between Washington Park and Carlton, from 2pm-4pm.

('Greening Your Urban Jungle...a workshop for Your Budding Concrete Cultivator' has been cancelled, unfortunately.)

Merchant Specials + Promotions
-Five Spot is hosting an eating competition (food category still TBD) and music throughout the day outside the restaurant to celebrate their 13th Anniversary (Myrtle at Washington)
-Enjoy free smoothie samples at Karrot (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Come to Green in BKLYN to recycle your batteries and cell phones (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)
-Learn how to make your own pesto at Anima (Myrtle between Washington and Waverly)
-NYCPet.com is providing a treats and a pet pool so that your animal friends can enjoy themselves too (Myrtle at Washington)

Stay tuned for these programs at upcoming Move About Myrtle events....
...Parks Department Mobile Units featuring free skates and the Wii Fit!
...New York Transit Museum brings historic photos from their collection to preview their upcoming Myrtle Avenue El exhibit, "Last Day of the Myrtle Avenue El: Photographs by Theresa King," opening on September 29th. (A preview here in the NYTimes Local blog.)
...Design Workshops for the upcoming Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza
...Recycled arts & crafts projects with Livable Streets Education
...A mobile farm in the back of a truck!
...Bike safety lessons for kids from Bike NY
...and much more!

Thanks to our sponsors: Pratt Institute, Associated Supermarket, and Society for Clinton Hill.

Free Film in Fort Green Park this Thursday: P-Star Rising

Tue, 01 Sep 2009 09:46:00 -0400
P-Star herself is scheduled to perform before the screening! Make sure to catch it, you won't be disappointed. Here's the synopsis of the documentary:
"At age 9, Priscilla, an adorable yet precocious little girl, tells her single-father, Jesse,: I am going to become a rapper and fulfill your dreams of succeeding in the music business. Moved by Priscillas passion and impressed with her natural talent and undeniable charisma, he begins to teach P-Star all he knows about rapping."

Where: On the lawn of Fort Greene Park/North Portland and Myrtle Avenue, Ft. Greene, Brooklyn
When: Thursday, September 3
8:30PM - Live music performance by P-Star
9:00PM - Film
10:30PM - Filmmaker Q & A
Admission: FREE
Rain: In the event of rain, the screening will be rescheduled for September 10th.

Presented by: Cinereach, New York magazine, Verizon Fios and Council Member Letitia James. Visit www.rooftopfilms.com for more details!

Myrtle Windows Gallery is back! Celebrate the opening at Pillow on Sunday 9/6 at 4pm!

Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:48:00 -0400
The 4th Myrtle Windows Gallery installation arrives this Wednesday, courtesy of Kennis Baptiste of The Rising Arts Gallery, who curated the exhibition.

This collection includes paintings, photographs, printmaking, and mixed media artwork, providing a glimpse of the diverse range of creative style and visual presentation found in Brooklyn artists. Check out "Crossed Museum" by Noah McLaurine at Three Starts Laundromat (pictured here on the left) and Silence by Jake Messing at Joseph Tyler Salon (pictured on the right). Of course, there will be work displayed in eight additional storefronts, and additional works by all artists at Pillow Cafe, beginning September 6th through October 4th.

Celebrate the opening with the artists at Pillow (505 Myrtle between Emerson & Grand) on Sunday, September 6th from 4pm-8pm during the kick-off Move About Myrtle event! The reception is FREE, and light refreshments will be available for your enjoyment! Also, take advantage of these opportunities to hear about the works directly from their creators:

Artist Guided Tour: September 13th & 20th, 4pm (begins at Pillow)
Artist Talk: September 27th, 4pm 7pm (at Pillow)
Closing Reception: October 4th, @ 6pm 9pm (at Tamboril 527 Myrtle)

Move About Myrtle 9/6 highlight: Healthy and Delicious!

Thu, 27 Aug 2009 09:56:00 -0400
All that moving about Myrtle is bound to make you hungry. Fortunately, weve devoted an entire block to that essential and delicious life-force: FOOD. At the first Move About Myrtle event, September 6th, take a walk around the food block, between Hall and Ryerson, where youll be surrounded by all kinds of fresh food and food-related activities.

Weve got 2 excellent and engaging cooking demonstrations to keep you fed and informed. From 12pm-2pm, the Teen Iron Chefs (pictured here) from Family Cook Productions will be turning out interactive lessons on healthy cooking and living. Aspiring young chefs are especially welcome!

Then from 2pm-4pm, well have the newest addition to our crew of neighborhood chefs, Basil Jones of the forthcoming Sans Souci Restaurant & Bar (330 Myrtle Avenue), demonstrating simple, healthy meals inspired by his Caribbean roots. Mouth watering yet?

Meanwhile, weve got 3 other activities occurring all day long. On the northern side of the block, the Fort Greene CSA is "eating in" with a picnic potluck to raise awareness and action around getting more real food in our young peoples schools. Blankets will be abundant, along with friendly people and homemade food to share. On the other side of the same block, local food activist and entrepreneur, Tree Williams of LiveSip will be hosting a garden activity, engaging passersby in seed planting and saving activities, composting, and other home gardening strategies to ensure participants walk away ready to grow all kinds of delicious food and native plants in and around their homes. Free starter supplies will be available!

Lastly, keep an eye out for our own Sam Lipschultz, who will be armed with interactive food access surveys. The surveys are a part of a community-wide food access assessment, which the Partnership is spearheading this fall with students at Banneker High School. We're looking to identify the core issues and resources in our community in relation to food access, to inform the design of future food access initiatives in the neighborhood. Bring your ideas!

Of course, all of your favorite Myrtle restaurants are cooking up specials for Move About Myrtle, too. Don't miss Jive Turkey's sidewalk barbecue, Anima's "Make your own pesto" demos, and Yamashiro's outdoor sushi bar (just to name a few).

Special thanks to Associated for co-sponsoring activities on the Move About Myrtle food block.

See Your Temporary Public Art Installed on Myrtle Avenue

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 20:03:00 -0400
With the overwhelmingly positive response to the four Tree Hugger Project sculptures that took up residence on the avenue for the past 11 months (and who have now moved on to Pratts Sculpture Garden in case you want to pay them a visit), we are anxious to bring more creative energy to the streets of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. The RFP for Temporary Public Sculpture (PDF document) seeks existing and/or proposed artworks for temporary installation (up to 11 months) at various outdoor locations along Myrtle Avenue. A full list of sites is below, while a map of the avenue and each sites location is within the RFP document. Submissions are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed quarterly. Artists or teams of artists alike are invited to apply to have pieces installed at any or all of the proposed locations. All interested artists are STRONGLY encouraged to visit Myrtle Avenue to view all the sites in person before applying. Each site has its own character and context therefore a visit is important to truly understand and communicate the impact an artwork will have on the space. The proposed public sculpture sites are located at:
1. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle near Prince (adjacent to the Community Center)
2. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and Navy Street (west side of Navy)
3. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and Navy Street (east side of Navy)
4. Ingersoll Houses: Myrtle and St. Edwards
5. Whitman Houses: Myrtle near North Portland
6. Whitman Houses: Myrtle between North Portland and Carlton
7. Whitman Houses: Myrtle near Washington Park (adjacent to commercial building)
8. Northwest corner of Fort Greene Park at the intersection of Myrtle and St. Edwards
9. Northeast corner of Fort Greene Park at the intersection of Myrtle and Washington Park
10. Green Streets Triangle at the intersection of Carlton and Myrtle
11. Wide sidewalks at Clinton and Myrtle
12. Wide sidewalks at Hall and Myrtle

The basic qualities we are looking for in proposed artwork are ARTISTIC MERIT, SITE SUITABILITY, DESIGN AESTHETIC, DURABILITY, and LOCAL. Basically, were looking for work showing creative and technical talent that fit the proposed site while maintaining a strong visual impact. The artwork will be installed outside so it must be able to endure any and all weather, whether it be surprise 80 degree weather in April, snow storms in January or thunderstorms in March! And lastly, preference will be given to local Brooklyn-based artists.

For more information contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at (718) 230-2689 or meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

The Myrtle Avenue Public Art Program is an effort to bring public sculpture, art installations, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the 20-block retail district, increasing access to art for the entire community. The program is supported by funding from Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID, with sculpture siting assistance provided by NYC Department of Parks & Recreation, NYC Department of Transportation, and NYC Housing Authority.

Submit Your Ideas for the Myrtle Public Pedestrian Plaza

Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:09:00 -0400
CALL FOR IDEAS DEADLINE EXTENDED TO NOVEMBER 16th!

It's time to pull out the sketch pad, the camera, the laptop, and whatever other tools you like, to submit initial design ideas for the planned Myrtle Avenue pedestrian plaza between Grand and Emerson. Now that the location and geometry of the plaza are more or less set, it is time to focus on the actual features, amenities and landscaping that the community would like to see there.

In the coming months, NYC DOT will assign a professional design team that will work us and the community during an approximately year-long design phase. In the meantime, we are issuing a Call For Ideas (PDF document, about 1.5 MB) to ensure that we have as many creative concepts and best practices at our disposal during the very first meetings with the design team, allowing us to have a better sense of the community's priorities for the plaza. Submissions are due by November 16th, with the full details and instructions explained in the Call for Ideas PDF document. Photos can also be uploaded and shared via our Plaza Design Group if you become a fan on Facebook.

We want to be sure that this new plaza results in a truly well-designed and well-loved public space for the neighborhood. We are asking professional designers and amateurs alike to contribute original design concepts for the Myrtle Plaza, or to submit compelling photos of features from existing public spaces that you particularly like. The Call for Ideas aims to involve the community in the creation of a great public space on Myrtle Avenue, generating design and programming concepts that are progressive and sustainable and that support a variety of user groups and activities while capturing the energy, diversity and dynamic character of our neighborhood.

All entries will be compiled and reviewed by urban planners on the Partnership staff, as well as by the Myrtle Avenue Plaza Advisory Committee, made up of local stakeholders.

For those who choose not take part in the Call for Ideas, there will be a number of other ways you can be involved in the plaza's design:

" The Partnership is assembling a 10-person Advisory Committee for the Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza that will meet throughout the design phase to help facilitate communication to neighborhood residents and businesses, and will play a more hands-on role in guiding its design. The committee is made up of local organizations and stakeholders who will help to ensure that the plaza is accessible and amenable to a diverse set of user groups. There are a few spaces left on this committee, so if you have the time and interest, please contact us.

" As the project progresses and a design team comes on board, there will be design charrettes and meetings to update and involve community members. Sign up for our quarterly newsletter, or become a fan on Facebook for more frequent updates, to be sure you hear about these future events.

The Myrtle Avenue Pedestrian Plaza is the result of a multi-year community planning process that began in the fall of 2005, where improving the avenue's public spaces became a major emphasis as individuals expressed their desire to have public spaces to sit, eat, relax, people-watch, and to otherwise create a better sense of place. This year, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership was awarded participation in the first round of the NYC Plaza Program for our proposal for a plaza between Grand Avenue and Emerson Place on two blocks of the existing service road.

The design and development of the Plaza will be made possible by funds committed by NYC DOT, City Council Member Leticia James, Borough President Marty Markowitz, the US Department of Transportation's CMAQ program, the New York State Council on the Arts, and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID.

If you have any questions regarding the Call for Ideas, or would like CAD files of the street geometry, please contact sarah@myrtleavenue.org

Look who is on Facebook!

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 16:44:00 -0400
Now YOU can become a fan of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership on Facebook! Become a fan of our page to receive updates on exciting upcoming events, like the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market and Move about Myrtle . As a fan, you will be able to view our Flickr uploads and new Myrtle Minutes blog posts, network with community members and access the Facebook pages of Myrtle Ave businesses.

If you aren't already a member of Facebook, creating a profile (for you OR your business/organization) is quick and easy. Become our friend now and look forward to a fine-tuned Myrtle Facebook presence, including updates on merchant promotions, MARP programs and shared links for fun local happenings in the Fort Greene and Clinton Hill neighborhoods.

Move About Myrtle - Starts Sunday, Sept 6th!

Mon, 17 Aug 2009 14:43:00 -0400
UPDATE: Click here for the most up-to-date schedule for Sunday, September 6th!

We're starting off with a bang! Move About Myrtle kicks off on September 6th with a jam-packed schedule of free activities, music, and merchant specials, and were adding more every week. Make sure to visit our website for the most up-to-date schedule of activities for each date.

In case you're just hearing about this for the first time...Move About Myrtle will transform Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill into an active, temporary pedestrian friendly public space between Clinton and Emerson perfect for walking, cycling, dancing, and people-watching! From 11am to 7pm each Sunday in September, the commercial corridor will become a neighborhood plaza, all organized with the help of local community groups and Myrtle merchants.

Heres a block-by-block summary of the activities planned for September 6th:

Emerson Grand
The Brooklyn Urban Arts Market returns! This annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture. Rock out with youth band School of Rock All Stars at noon, or dance to the old-school jams of DJs Soul Summit at 3pm. A temporary roller rink will bring some additional throw back flavor to this years events. Get your trendy back-to-school shopping done too. Brought to you by MARP, Rebel Music Management, BAM, Deutsche Bank.

Hall-Ryerson
Celebrate local farmers, local restaurants and local food initiatives with your neighbors on Myrtle between Hall and Ryerson, a block dedicated entirely to a delicious topic: food.

12pm -3pm CSA Potluck Picnics -With blankets and home-cooked food in tow, the Fort Greene CSA will be taking over a plot of the food block each week to host potluck picnics open to all. The first potluck will be an eat-in to raise awareness and take action for real food in our schools, and initiative championed by Slow Food USA.

12pm 2pm Teen Iron Chefs - Every Sunday, a small crew of local teens will be hosting interactive cooking demonstrations with seasonal, locally grown produce donated by Greenmarket farmers.

4pm 6pm Local Chef Cooking Demonstrations-Chefs from newly-opened Myrtle restaurant SanSouci will showcase their tasty Caribbean fare.

All day: Raised Garden Bed Construction - Local food activist Tree Williams from LiveSip will host an all day interactive eventconstructing and planting a mobile raised bed garden to be donated at the end of the day.

Washington Hall
Brought to you by local yoga and dance studio Move with Grace , this block will feature free yoga, dance, and themed dance parties on each of the four Sundays. The first Sunday includes:

11am Mom and Me Yoga Bring your mat!
1pm African Dance with drummers s Bring your rhythm!
4pm Caribbean Celebration Bring your flag!

Waverly Clinton
For kids (and the inner child in all of us), this block will be devoted to good old-fashioned fun! Street games (think: four square), hula hoops, jump ropes, and sidewalk chalk will be on hand for open use throughout the day.

1pm-3pm Hoopdancing Class- Join Fitnotic trainer Sheryl Wilson, CPT, for a free beginners' class in hoopdancing - the latest fitness craze sweeping NYC! Class is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. In addition to hoopdancing instruction, Fitnotic specializes in prenatal, postnatal and mommy & me group fitness classes and personal training programs. Learn a few tricks and get a great workout!

Merchant Specials + Promotions

Five Spot is hosting an eating competition (food category still TBD) and music throughout the day outside the restaurant to celebrate their 13th Anniversary (Myrtle at Washington)

Enjoy free smoothie samples at Karrot (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)

Come to Green in BKLYN to recycle your batteries and cell phones (Myrtle between Clinton and Waverly)

Learn how to make your own pesto at Anima (Myrtle between Washington and Waverly)

NYCPet.com is providing a treats and a pet pool so that your animal friends can enjoy themselves too (Myrtle at Washington)

Myrtle Windows Gallery - New Works

4pm-8pm Opening Reception at Pillow Cafe (Myrtle between Ryerson and Grand?
Celebrate the opening of the fourth Myrtle Windows Gallery installation, which brings the works of local artists to storefront windows on Myrtle between Hall and Clinton. This exhibition is curated by Kennis Baptiste of The Rising Arts Gallery, and includes photography, paintings and multi-media works.

Interested in helping out? Well need a small army of volunteers to make this happen, and were lucky to have partnered with NY Cares for all four events. If youre interested in helping out -- and believe us, it wont be possible without you give Meredith a shout at Meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

Thanks to our sponsors: Pratt Institute, Associated, and Society for Clinton Hill.

Brooklyn Urban Arts Market returns this September!

Wed, 29 Jul 2009 00:00:00 -0400
Party and shop locally through out September! The Brooklyn Urban Arts Market returns to Clinton Hill on all four Sundays this September, taking place on Myrtle Avenue between Emerson and Grand near the PrattStore. This is Brooklyns answer to those commonplace street fairs that take place in Manhattan this open-air market will house 50 local artisans, vendors, and entrepreneurs hand-selected for their innovative creations, fresh urban perspective and DIY spirit.

The music is back too, and were happy to report that local favorites Soul Summit will spin the closing set at every event! Were bringing back live music too, with a special treat for the kids each event will kick off with a youth band, including the School of Rock All Stars! A full listing of the music line-up is at www.bam.org.

Weve added a new dimension to this years event were actually closing 7 blocks on Myrtle Avenue from Emerson to Clinton as part of DOTs Weekend Walks Initiative. Move About Myrtle will take place at the same time as BUAM, and will transform the Clinton Hill portion of Myrtle into an active, pedestrian-friendly public space perfect for walking, cycling, dancing, and people-watching.

As if Move About Myrtle isn't enough, you can be sure that we'll be working to help our existing merchants take advantage of this flurry of foot traffic weve got a number of plans in the works to get our visitors to travel the avenue, including the distribution of our new shopping guide and the Explore Myrtle Avenue shopping scavenger hunt (more on that soon).

Are you interested in vending at the Market? Click here to download an application. The deadline has been extended, but spaces are filling up quickly so apply now!

Major funding for the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market was generously provided by Deutsche Bank Americas Foundation.

Myrtle Avenue becomes Clinton Hill's backyard this September!

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:48:00 -0400
On all four Sundays in September, Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill will transform into an active, pedestrian friendly public space perfect for walking, cycling, dancing, and people-watching! Weve partnered with DOT's Weekend Walks to create Move About Myrtle, bringing together residents, merchants and visitors in celebration of community and public space on Myrtle between Clinton and Emerson. From 11am to 7pm each Sunday, the commercial corridor will become a temporary neighborhood plaza complete with FREE music, workshops, performance, games, arts and much more -- all organized with the help of local community groups and Myrtle merchants. Stroll just a little further down Myrtle on the same days to the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market, an annual open-air market anchored by live music, DIY fashion, and local creative culture.

Interested in helping out? Move About Myrtle provides a wonderful opportunity to support your community! Please email Meredith@myrtleavenue.org if youd like to spend a few hours to help make these events a success. Believe us, it wont be possible without you! We need help spreading the word (flyering, postering, blogging) before the event, and there are endless coordination tasks on event days where assistance would be much appreciated!

Have a special skill or talent that youd like to share with your neighbors? Maybe youre an acoustic musician or dance instructor, or maybe youve got a knack for arts & crafts with recycled materials. If you have an idea for a program or activity, please let us know! Wed love to have you. Local energy and talent will be what truly makes this a community-centered event.

Would you organization like to participate? Local organizations can sponsor a block by supporting and/or organizing activities to take place there, and by assisting with event promotion. Email us your suggestions! Send all ideas and volunteer inquiries to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

Just a teaser of planned activities&
" Street DJs and Roller Rink (thats right, were working on creating a temporary roller rink!)
" Family-friendly performances
" Kids' activities and street games, contests
" Yoga, dance and bicycle safety classes
" Outdoor dining and shopping
" A Food Block featuring cooking demos, tastings, and nutrition workshops
" A History Block featuring activities led by the NY Transit Museum, and a Time Capsule collection point
" An Arts Block featuring live art making, and print-making

Myrtle Avenue Wins 2009 Neighborhood Achievement Award

Mon, 20 Jul 2009 13:33:00 -0400
The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership received the Placemaking Award honor during the NYC Department of Small Business Services annual Neighborhood Achievement Awards ceremony at Gracie Mansion on Monday, July 13th. We were awarded the honor for our Home Grown & Locally Owned branding campaign, for "increas[ing] the visibility, stature and overall identity of a neighborhood, resulting in greater visitation and economic activity.

Initially launched in January 2007, the Home Grown & Locally Owned branding campaign was created to showcase the Myrtle Avenue merchants in postcards, print and electronic advertising, and streetlight banners, in an effort to promote the neighborhood commercial strip and encourage nearby residents to support the local economy. The campaign leverages the historic Mom and Pop character of Myrtle Avenue and strives to distinguish its mix of over 150 individual retailers by featuring the personal stories of entrepreneurs who have invested their time, energy and money in building their small business, and therefore the neighborhood, reminding shoppers of the familiar face and the personalized service they experience at a locally-owned business. The campaign also serves as a call to local shoppers to invest in urban neighborhoods, helping to prevent the displacement of locally-owned businesses while ensuring continued opportunities for first-time entrepreneurs.

Images from the campaign can be found here. Phase 2 of the campaign will launch this fall.

photo credit: Fred Leopold-Hooke

Beautiful people, beautiful day on Clinton ...

Mon, 13 Jul 2009 17:44:00 -0400
What a perfect day for a block party! The Afro Punk festival came to a stylish close yesterday with a steady stream of dancers, revelers and shoppers throughout the entire event. Stay tuned for more photos on our Flickr site soon. Thanks to everyone for coming out to create and celebrate the vibe that makes Clinton Hill such an amazing place. UPDATE: Here's a link to photos of the event on our Flickr page.

It's time for the annual Afro Punk Block Party - see you this Sunday!

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 12:00:00 -0400
You don't want to miss the annual Afro Punk Block Party, which takes place this Sunday on Clinton between Myrtle and Willoughby from 12pm - 8pm! Live music, DJs, fashion, dancing, facepainting, people-watching...there's something for everyone. This year we have over 50 vendors offering DIY fashion, accessories, beauty products, art and more. Stop by if you're hungry too, there'll be food from local fave Tamboril and the newly-opened Falafel House, or satifsy your sweet tooth with delicious desserts from The Bakery and The Chocolate Muffin. Maybe even some fresh juice and lemonade and vegan delights... Find out more about Afro Punk here. As the event coordinators, we could use a few extra hands at various points throughout the day. Contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org if you'd like to help us out.

Say your goodbyes to the Tree Huggers this weekend!

Wed, 08 Jul 2009 10:26:00 -0400
Hard to believe that it's already time to say goodbye to our Tree Hugger friends, who've been visiting us here on Myrtle for the past 11 months at the Carlton Triangle, and at Ingersoll Houses on Myrtle near Prince Street. On Monday, July 13th artist Agnieszka Gradznik will be on site to prepare our visitors for their next journey. Good news is, their new home is just a few blocks away - Pratt's Sculpture Garden! Make sure to stop by this weekend to wish them well! Check out the Tree Hugger Project website for more information about installations around the world.

Card Me: PrattCard hits Myrtle in the Fall

Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:30:00 -0400
Starting Fall semester '09, Pratt students, faculty and staff will be able to use their Pratt identification cards to make purchases on Myrtle Avenue. In this expanded capacity id cards will essentially be used as debit cards with cash balances used to shop or dine at local businesses on the Avenue. Currently the cards can be used to make purchases solely on the Pratt campus and related facilities: cafeteria, the PrattSTORE, computer labs, copy center. The program will be open to approximately 6,200 students, staff, and faculty, and to 150 eligible businesses on Myrtle Avenue. The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is currently signing up a smaller number of Myrtle businesses to help pilot the program in the Fall.

Making donations to displaced residents of 493 and 491 Myrtle

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 13:43:00 -0400
With the collapse of 493 Myrtle and the demolition of 491, residents have lost not only their homes, but all of their possessions as well. Here's a list of links compiled from local blogs that will tell you how you can help: Donate to all residents through the office of Councilmember Letitia James Donate to Andrew Schneider through this site Donate to Andrew Schneider and Anh Nguyen through this site Donate to Jess Banning by clicking here UPDATE: Additional information on fundraising events is posted here on the NY Times Local blog. Myrtle restaurant, Chez Lola, is holding an event this Sunday.

493 Myrtle Collapses, no major injuries

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 08:37:00 -0400
Update (6/22/09) from DOB:
- 491 Myrtle is being demolished floor by floor prior to debris from the collapsed building is removed for safety, given that 491 Myrtle's structural integrity has been compromised
- For now, all businesses on the north side of that block must continue to stay vacated due to the possible collapse of 491. Residents in most of the buildings on the block have been allowed to return
- Myrtle Avenue from Hall to Emerson will remain closed to vehicles (not to pedestrians or businesses) for 3-4 days as debris is removed
493 Myrtle Avenue, the 4-story mixed-use building located between Hall and Ryerson collapsed yesterday (Sunday) sometime after 2pm, according to news reports. Vesper Bar and Lounge was located on the building's ground floor. For now, Myrtle between Washington Avenue and Steuben Street has been cordoned off as a safety precaution. The buildings adjoining 493 sustained at least some damage. Cause of the collapse still being investigated. The NYC Department of Small Business Services, the Office of Emergency Management, officers of the 88th precinct amongst others are on the scene providing assistance to business owners and residents.

Clean out those closets and raise money for a local cause

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 16:34:00 -0400
Clean out those closets! Fort Greene SNAP and Brooklyn Young Filmakers are inviting Fort Greene neighbors to hold their own stoop sales on Saturday, June 27th as part of the FGInfoX Stoop Sale Day. They're also encouraging participating households to pledge a portion of their proceeds to one of the small neighborhood non-profits participating in the FGInfoX Stoop Sale Day, but it's not required. Sign up to participate by Monday, June 22nd and have your location on the Stoop Sale map! Contact Henrietta or Terry at Fort Greene SNAP 718-694-6957, or visit www.fortgreenesnap.org to download an application. Not interested in holding a stoop sale? Do a green thing and get your name in the film credits by donating saleable items that you are not using to Brooklyn Young Filmmakers for resale at their stoop sale to help them fund their July film project. BYF will use the proceeds from their stoop sale to help fund a Community Filmmaking shoot here in Fort Greene in July. Contact FGInfoX@wearebyfc.org or 718-935-0490 to find out how.

Looking for a recipe for fresh greens? Come to FG Park on Wednesday!

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 15:01:00 -0400
The Fort Greene CSA kicked off its season last week. They are sponsoring a cooking demo this Wednesday at the north east entrance to Fort Greene Park, where Just Food Community Chef, Tree (pictured above), will prepare items from the weekly vegetable share from 5pm - 6pm. The CSA memberships are sold out for this season, but the cooking demonstration is free and open to the public. Come out and try some kohlrabi!

Volunteer your time for our local food system!

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 11:36:00 -0400
The Brooklyn Healthy Food Campaign is seeking volunteers for Brooklyn Food Summer 09, an 8-week campaign to help Brooklyn residents overcome challenges to food access and affordability, and empower them to speak with both their voices and dollars to demand healthy food options in their neighborhoods.

The next volunteer orientation will take place this Thursday from 6:30 to 8 right here in Fort Greene at Fort Greene SNAP (324 Myrtle Avenue)!

WHO: YOU! Champions of local, healthy food
WHEN: Ongoing, beginning June 1
WHERE: Brooklyn neighborhoods where residents lack access to healthy food.
WHY: Brooklyn faces a health crisis of rising obesity and diabetes among children and adults. These diet-related diseases disproportionately affect certain neighborhoods where residents lack access to healthy food. Though there is sufficient healthy, culturally appropriate food available to serve all Brooklyn residents, this food in not getting onto the tables and into the bellies of many Brooklynites.
HOW: Sign up to volunteer here. Visit www.brooklynhealthyfoodcampaign.org to find out more.

Local school's SummerFest features a taste of Myrtle Avenue - June 20th

Wed, 10 Jun 2009 14:37:00 -0400
On June 20th, the 2nd Annual SummerFest at the Urban Assembly Academy of Arts & Letters will celebrate its students, summer, and community!

Free and open to the public, SummerFest invites all to this outdoor festival featuring an exhibition of student artwork, student performances, face painting, and games for all ages, including a dunk tank!

Enjoy our "Taste of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Food Fest" with food from Myrtle Avenue favorites like Kum Kau, Ruthies and Chez Lola, as well as many other local eateries: Bacchus, Brooklyn Ice Cream Factory, Chez Chez Oscar, Graziella's, Habana Outpost, iCi, Island Pride Restaurant, Kif, La Villa Pizzeria & Restaurant, Mont Blanc Dessert, Olea Mediterranean Taverna, Red Bamboo, Roosters Chicken Rotisserie, and Steve's Authentic Key Lime Pies.

Raffle items include a Park Slope YMCA family membership, a Giants football jacket signed by Carl Banks, 2 i-Pod nano's, and a digital camera! Wow!

When: Saturday, June 20th, 2009 from Noon to 3:00pm

Where: The Urban Assembly Academy of Arts & Letters, 225 Adelphi St, Brooklyn, NY 11205 (between Dekalb and Willoughby in Fort Greene)

Visit the school's website, www.uaaal.org for more info.

A Community Garden Grows at Ingersoll...

Tue, 09 Jun 2009 16:57:00 -0400
A very special thanks to all the Ingersoll residents and community volunteers who worked their behinds off last Saturday to lay the foundation for Ingersoll's new Community Garden! A glorious effort was made by all - from kids to seniors - to build boxes, mulch pathways, and deposit a truck load of compost in raised beds! Check out our flickr site for photos of the day's work here. We'll be sure to send updates as the garden continues to grow and blossom. The NY Times Local blog also uploaded a great little video that includes interviews with residents and volunteers.

Energy Savings! Rebates for Your Home or Business!

Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:29:00 -0400
Energy savings and rebates have arrived just in time to save you $$$ through the summer heat! Con Edison announced today that the company is launching new energy efficiency programs for eligible small businesses and homeowners that include free energy surveys and rebates for those who upgrade their heating, cooling, and hot-water systems. Customers can make inquiries and sign up for the new programs beginning today.

Eligible small business customers who use under 100kw in monthly peak demand can receive:
" a free energy survey;
" free efficiency measures installed onsite to reduce lighting and hot water usage such as:
" compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs)
" water heater thermostat setbacks
" low-flow aerators (water saving device)
" rebates of up to 70 percent when they upgrade cooling, heating, lighting, and certain other equipment

Eligible residential electric customers who live in one-to-four family homes can receive:
" rebates of up to $400 for the purchase and installation of high-efficiency electric air conditioning equipment;
" rebates for other measures such as electric water heating and duct sealing
" $25 rebate on Energy Star rated thermostats which can help customers save. up to 10 percent a year on cooling and heating bills according to the U.S. Department of Energy "

Rebecca Craft, director of energy efficiency programs, also reminds the community that,Making homes and businesses more energy efficient is an important step toward reducing our carbon footprint. She's right! And reducing your energy consumption is also a great way to save money.

For more information and to begin the application process, small business customers and residential customers can call toll free 1-877-870-6118 or visit www.coned.com/energyefficiency.

Your artwork on a four-story building?!?

Thu, 28 May 2009 17:50:00 -0400
Individual artists and collectives who live or create work in Brooklyn are invited to respond to the first call for submissions for the Great Wall of Brooklyn! The selected work will be displayed from September to November 2009. Find out all the details here on the GWOB website.

RESCHEDULED: Help build a community garden at Ingersoll - Sat, June 6th!

Wed, 27 May 2009 14:24:00 -0400
UPDATE 5/28/09: Due to an unexpected delay in delivery of materials, the garden build day has been rescheduled to next Saturday, June 6th. We still need your help that day! Volunteers are needed, Saturday, June 6th from 10am 4pm! Were looking for volunteers to help Ingersoll residents build their new community garden in the green space on Myrtle Avenue between Prince and Navy (next to the Ingersoll Community Center).

Come out and help to:
-Build raised beds (bring your cordless power drill!)
-Fill beds with soil
-Mulch pathways
Lunch will be provided for volunteers!!! Let us know if you can make it! Contact Meredith Phillips Almeida at (718) 230-1689 or Meredith@myrtleavenue.org. We need an headcount for lunch and tool needs by Thursday, June 4th.

Interested in vending at this year's Afro Punk Block Party?

Tue, 26 May 2009 17:26:00 -0400
Click here to apply to vend at the summer's best local bash - the annual Afro Punk Block Party on Sunday, July 12th. We're looking for local, home-based vendors and entrepreneurs creating fashion, jewelry, art, accessories and more to participate in this year's event, which takes place on Clinton Avenue between Myrtle and Willoughby. Limited 10' x 10' vendor spaces are available, so act fast to confirm your spot and take advantage of the recession-friendly early bird rate of $75!

Paint the Pavement - check out the vid!

Wed, 20 May 2009 09:34:00 -0400
We were just thrilled to be a part of this fantastic public art project that brought together Livable Streets Education, Community Roots Charter School, P.S. 67 and local muralist extraordinaire Ellie Balk to create a street mural for the community of St. Edwards Street. This mural is the first of its kind in the city, and the very first project under the Department of Transportation's "Arterventions" program.

Check out the fantastic Streetsblog video of the project, or visit Flickr for highlights of the day, including a performance by the precious P.S. 67 cheering squad.

Brunch Specials for SONYA Strollers all weekend

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:17:00 -0400
The annual SONYA open studio stroll takes place this weekend, rain or shine from 12-6pm both days. It's free! Why not enjoy a delicious brunch on Myrtle Avenue while celebrating 10 years of SONYA and great art this weekend? Flash your stroll map or your "BKLYN ART pin, and receive 10% off at five Myrtle locations: Five Spot (Myrtle and Washington), Anima( Myrtle and Washington), La Stalla (Myrtle and Ryerson), Tamboril (Myrtle and Steuben), and Square Root Café (Myrtle and Classon). Nice!

At www.sonyaonline.org you can plan your own tour by previewing the artists' works and downloading a tour map. Then just look for the balloons?and posters bearing the SONYA logo.

You can dowload the Myrtle Brunch guide here.

'Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill' Underway

Tue, 12 May 2009 16:39:00 -0400
Council Member Tish James and Attorney Jed Marcus held a press conference Tuesday afternoon to announce the new Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill spring greening initiatives. They were joined by students from the Academy for Young Writers (AYW) and other elected officials and community members. AYW students helped conduct research and outreach on several of the green initiatives. Green Fort Green & Clinton Hill is a volunteer organization, which is helping to make our neighborhoods more environmentally friendly through programs which focus on reducing our community's contribution to global warming as well as our use of non-renewable resources. Other subjects discussed at the press conference include recycling in local parks: this project is taking place on a pilot basis in Fort Greene Park, Cuyler Gore Park, as well as Underhill Playground. Bins will be placed first for paper, and then for bottles and cans later this month. Lawn Litter Act signs: GFGCH is distributing free waterproof signs to prevent unwanted paper waste and to encourage businesses to promote themselves in a more green way, such as through their websites. Tree bed expansions: in order to maintain the health of trees that line the streets of Fort Greene/Clinton Hill - GFGCH with Council Member James want to expand tree beds to 50 square feet. This project called Take Back the Pavement will create longer living trees and more shade, safer sidewalks, as well as jobs for the community.

Paint the Pavement and Family Arts Day - This Weekend!

Tue, 12 May 2009 10:47:00 -0400
This weekend is jam packed with community arts events, including two projects hosted by local schools. As a featured stop on the 10th Annual SONYA Studio Stroll, join Livable Streets Education on Saturday May 16th from 10am-4pm for Paint the Pavement at Community Roots Charter School (51 St. Edwards Street in front of the PS 67 school building), a community mural project on the street itself! And just a few blocks away, join PS 46 (Clermont between Myrtle and Park) in celebrating their first annual Family Arts Day, a block party (yes - street will be closed)complete with a DJ, performances, arts & crafts, food, and family portrait-taking! Both events begin at 10am. Paint the Pavement's rain date is Sunday, May 17.

Community Archive Lets Build It Together!

Thu, 07 May 2009 12:52:00 -0400
The collection of items for the community archive and time capsule, Myrtle Avenue: Past, Present, Future, is underway and the materials are beginning to come in! You can see previous archive blog coverage below.

The archive is meant to capture the spirit of the Avenue, bringing together personal interpretations, experiences and documentation from the community. We will display the collection as an archive of public culture and snapshot of collective life on Myrtle before donating it as a time capsule of the here and now! We are interested in seeing how YOU live and experience Myrtle. Weve come up with some Assignments to help you share your creative and/or documentary expression of life on Myrtle:
1. Interview your favorite merchant, waiter, bartender, hair stylist or other Myrtle character, asking them questions about their life, business, experience on Myrtle, or whatever else you want to know. Submit their answers with a picture of them and their storefront! 2. Draw your favorite building/storefront on Myrtle. 3. Document every mural or colorful wall along the avenue. Present your work as a series (Polaroid photographs welcome!). 4. Make an 8.5x11 poster documenting your day on Myrtle. Include pictures, maps, drawings or text. Submit the poster, or a copy of the poster, along with a picture of it posted somewhere on the avenue. Have your friends do the same thing and compare! (Just remember not to litter on the street or leave it hanging where it isnt welcome) 5. Tell a story or describe something memorable that has happened to you on Myrtle. 6. Make a list of everything you buy on Myrtle for a day or week. Say where, when and what. You can submit with your receipts, shopping bags or any other evidence. 7. When did you move to Myrtle, when was your first trip to Myrtle Avenue? What were your first impressions? How have they changed over time? 8. Write a poem about Myrtle Avenue. Maybe a haiku? 9. Draw your own personal map of Myrtle, identify stores, restaurants, street trees or other features that are important to the way you experience place. 10. Using a pencil or the side of a crayon, make an impression of some detail on Myrtle Avenue. Maybe it is something etched into the sidewalk or an architectural detail; choose something that stands out to you! There are ten projects to get you thinking! Complete them all or complete the same assignment multiple times (for example, interview all of the merchants). If you have an idea for an assignment you would like to share with others, email it to me and Ill post it in the next round of prompts! Check back for updates. All ideas and Myrtle materials can be submitted via email, sarah@myrtleavenue.org or in person, 472 Myrtle Avenue (between Washington and Hall).

The Great Wall of Brooklyn: Celebrate this Weekend!

Thu, 07 May 2009 09:47:00 -0400
The Great Wall of Brooklyns launch event is coming up this Saturday, May 9th, 3-6pm at Chez Lola! Come out for refreshments and an opportunity to meet the GWOB team and share ideas about future art projects and collaborations. GWOB is issuiing its first open call for submissions to Brooklyn Artists for the next installation. The Great Wall will also be a stop on 10th Annual SONYA Studio Stroll on May 16 and 17th, 12-6pm. For more details, please visit www.greatwallofbrooklyn.org or contact Shelly Bahl at info@greatwallofbrooklyn.org or (646) 290-7253. From GWOB site: 'The Great Wall of Brooklyn. Bad Timing. So What? There is never a bad time for great art. Yes, we know all about the economic crisis. Many people are surprised to hear our ambitions about starting a new arts organization in the present climate. But, great art can, and will, flourish in difficult times.' Come out to Myrtle this Saturday and help public art to flourish.

Myrtle Avenue Time Capsule

Thu, 30 Apr 2009 16:59:00 -0400
As part of the celebration of MARP's tenth anniversary, we are building a community archive to document the social, cultural and commercial life on Myrtle Avenue. Myrtle Avenue: Past, Present, Future is a community-based project intended to capture and preserve public life on a neighborhood commercial corridor, in the diverse and dynamic Brooklyn neighborhoods of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.

Our Time Capsule, Myrtle Avenue: Past, Present, Future, will occur in three phases. First, creating the archive involves collecting and organizing community donated materials that document the public culture, commerce, urban built environment and day-to-day life on the avenue, either from the past or present. We will then locate a place for the archive to be displayed in a public exhibition as a record of collective experiences, memories and the present day spirit of Myrtle Avenue. After exhibition, we plan to donate the collective contents of the community archive to the Brooklyn Historical Society for their safe keeping.

Participation of the community is vital to this project, as the goal of the exhibition is to gather and create an archive of the Myrtle Avenue experience, from decades past to the current day. We invite you to dig deep into your photo albums and journals, to document your daily routine on the avenue, to describe your favorite block or merchant, or to otherwise CELEBRATE the character, history, present day, changes to, or future vision of the avenue in your own unique way.

You can contribute your oral histories, photographs (we can scan a copy), handwritten documents, original artwork, collage, stories, personal artifacts, found objects, recordings, creative interpretations, receipts, menus, and mappings of life on Myrtle Avenue. If you have questions, would like to arrange to drop off materials, would like a suggestion, or would like to set up a time to share your Myrtle stories, contact Joanna or Sarah at the MARP office by phone, at 718-230-1689, or email, at info@myrtleavenue.org.

We welcome your personal stories and creativity in documenting Myrtle Avenue!

Meet Me Under the BQE

Mon, 27 Apr 2009 17:12:00 -0400
It was surprisingly cool under the BQE on our first 80 degree day, as over 75 people turned out for our first workshop looking at creative uses for the space beneath the BQE. The Spacebuster, our temporary inflatable home, played a perfect host for the community gathering, and attracted area residents and curious passersby.

Browse the photos below, and check back soon for a compilation of ideas from the workshop.

Update: here are some conceptual drawings from workshop attendees:

...and some birds-eye views of the site:

You + ideas + SPACE BUSTER on April 25!

Fri, 17 Apr 2009 14:33:00 -0400
The area under the BQE has long been seen as an eyesore its dark, dirty and generally, well, unpleasant. If youre like us, youve probably looked at that area and thought, Look at all that space! That would be the perfect place for ______. We want to hear your ideas!

Join us on April 25th for a community workshop under the BQE.

Thats right, we said UNDER THE BQE.

The workshop will take place inside the SpaceBuster, in the area under the BQE in Clinton Hill

at Park Avenue at Washington Avenue
Saturday, April 25th
from 3-4:30pm

SpaceBuster is a mobile inflatable art installation that expands and organically adjusts to its surroundings (like a highway overpass).

We invite you to participate by brainstorming creative permanent and temporary uses and physical improvements for the space under the BQE with the help of volunteer facilitators from Pratt Institutes Planning program. The event is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are strongly recommended as space is limited.

To RSVP to participate in the community workshop, click here.

Cant make the workshop? Stop by during the Open House after 4:30pm, and mingle with SpaceBuster architects raumlaborberlin.

Sponsored by Storefront, the SpaceBuster will travel throughout New York City hosting various community events from April 17th to the April 26th. For the complete SpaceBuster schedule visit www.storefrontnews.org.

Great Wall of Brooklyn, on its way up!

Tue, 14 Apr 2009 17:18:00 -0400
Yesterday mornings sunny weather was the perfect backdrop for the inaugural installation of the Great Wall of Brooklyn. Charlotta Janssen, owner of Chez Lola, artist and founder of the Great Wall, filmed (movie forthcoming!) as the crew hung the first mural to be featured at the site, Achtung Baby& Here Comes the Next great Depression.

The Great Wall of Brooklyn, new to Fort Greene, is an artist-run public art organization that will host quarterly artwork and showcase the work of local, Brooklyn-based and international artists.

The project aims to create dialogue between artists, local audiences and public spaces. You can check out the Great Wall in person at Myrtle Avenue and Vanderbilt or if you prefer cyber-space, greatwallofbrooklyn.org. Either way, feel free to report back to us here with your comments!

AmeriCorps*VISTA Job Posting: Improve Fresh Food Access on Myrtle

Mon, 06 Apr 2009 09:25:00 -0400
Are you interested in improving food access and security in the neighborhood? Want to work on local initiatives like creating a Healthy Food Task Force, developing a Supermarket Recruitment Strategy, and starting a youth-run market? In partnership with Just Food, a non-profit that works for just and sustainable food systems in the New York City region, were looking to fill a full-time AmeriCorps*VISTA position to spearhead upcoming food access initiatives in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. We have some exciting food related initiatives to be launched this summer and have been granted the opportunity to offer a VISTA Member position to jumpstart these projects! Click here here for a full description of the position. To apply: Send a cover letter and resume to BOTH Meredith@myrtleavenue.org and vista@justfood.org, and fill out an application at www.americorps.org. AmeriCorps*VISTA program basics: annual stipend: $13,548

plus: $4,725 education award or $1,200 cash bonus at the end of year of service
other benefits include:
- basic health insurance
- moving allowance to help defray the costs of moving to NYC and home again
- monthly Metrocard to cover the cost of daily commuting and travel
- professional development allowance

"The Prom Queen Project": Just Because Salon

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 14:38:00 -0400
Carol Thomas, the owner of Just Because Salon, located at 141 Carlton Avenue is featured in today's NY Daily News in a 'Spotlight on Great People' article by reporter Clem Richardson. When biz owner, Carol Thomas, along w/stylist, Donna Norris found out about the mandatory senior fees that might prevent many teens at nearby Dr. Susan S. McKinney Secondary School of the Arts from attending their senior prom, she stepped in. Enter "The Prom Queen Project," as Ms. Thomas is calling the endeavor to supply everything from new hairstyles, to manicures, to prom dresses and shoes to 6 senior girls at the high school. The girls were selected after a very rigorous selection period which included an essay contest and demonstrating good grades and financial need. Many local businesses have stepped in to assist including Myrtle Avenue's Polish Bar, which will be helping w/manicures for some of the young ladies. Folks at the Fort Greene Association have also provided support through research to identify organizations which might be able to lend financial support to the endeavor. In the meantime, Thomas says, "We are going to make this happen somehow." She adds, "I live, work and shop in Brooklyn and I just want to give something back." If you'd like to help, please contact the salon at 718.722.7810

Fort Greene Park is looking for a few good volunteers...

Mon, 30 Mar 2009 11:16:00 -0400
Family-friendly volunteer opportunities are available throughout the Spring!

Spring Dance Party for kids at Tamboril! Saturday, 28th, 3-6pm

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 17:03:00 -0400
Enjoy the musical stylings of DJ's Misbehaviour and Catnip at Tamboril's Spring Dance Party for kids! The event will also feature a kid's fashion show with clothing from local favorite, Still Hip, all taking place this Saturday, March 28th, from 3 to 6 pm. Tamboril is located at 527 Myrtle Avenue, between Grand and Steuben in Clinton Hill.

Just a few days left to view MWG exhibition 'ordinary wonderful'

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 13:11:00 -0400
The colorful photography of local artist Trevor Brown will be with us until next Thursday. That means you still have this weekend to check it out! All pieces and prints are for sale, too. Check out information on buying here.

Take a little piece of 'ordinary wonderful' home with you...

Tue, 17 Mar 2009 15:27:00 -0400
Just about two weeks left until 'ordinary wonderful' leaves Myrtle Avenue. Spring is in the air, and strolling an open-air gallery sounds like a great way to enjoy it! If you haven't had a chance to visit yet, check out the photos we've posted of the show. Pieces are available for sale and priced to move! Prints of each piece are also available at very affordable prices. Drop Meredith a line at meredith@myrtleavenue.org if you're interested in adding to your collection... six flowers(2008)
33x19
$220.00 mounted, $75.00 print
rustic halos(2008)
33x22
$300.00 mounted, $120.00 print
work(2008)
33x23
$230.00 mounted, $70.00 print
petals on the edge(2008)
26x26
$250.00 mounted, $65.00 print
speckled fire(2008)
33x22
$300.00 mounted, $120.00 print
x=x(2008)
33x22
$240.00 mounted, $90.00 print
under the rails(2008)
33x22
$260.00 mounted, $85.00 print
light plane(2008)
33x19
$220.00 mounted, $75.00 print
asa remon pee(2007)
33x22
$260.00 mounted, $85.00 print
red storm(2008)
33x22
$230.00 mounted, $80.00 print

Brooklyn Navy Yard Spotlighted on PBS

Fri, 13 Mar 2009 17:52:00 -0400
The Brooklyn Navy Yard was recently spotlighted on Thirteen's The City Concealed, an online video series exploring the unseen corners of NY. (big thanks to Ruth Goldstein for forwarding this link)

A not-so-ordinary Myrtle Windows Gallery event

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:38:00 -0400
We'll forgive you if missed the fabulous opening reception of 'ordinary wonderful', as long as you promise to catch the exhibit before it closes on April 1st. In the meantime, whet your appetite with this great piece from the NY Times Local Fort Greene/Clinton Hill blog.

Share the story of your career with local kids...

Mon, 09 Mar 2009 17:29:00 -0400
Heres a fun and rewarding opportunity to make an impact on the future of local youngsters&speak at Career Day at PS 46!

PS 46, a local elementary school located on Clermont, reached out to us to spread the call for volunteer speakers for their annual Career Day on March 27th. Non-traditional careers experiences welcome! If interested contact Sara DiDonato at the school directly:

Sara DiDonato 646-594-3351 agiagrande@partnershipwithchildrennyc.org

Myrtle Windows Gallery presents: ordinary wonderful, March 2-April 1

Fri, 27 Feb 2009 14:15:00 -0400
Myrtle Windows Gallery returns! On Friday March 6th, come to Karen's Body Beautiful for the opening of the second Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibition, a program that turns Myrtle Avenue into an open-air art gallery for all to see. This solo exhibition features the photos of Brooklyn-based Trevor Brown, who explores the beauty in the ordinary things around us right here in Brooklyn...that we too often take for granted. For more information on the artist check out his website at www.trevorbrownonline.com. Come to Karens Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle Avenue) at 5:30pm on Friday March 6th to tour the exhibition with the artist, himself! Afterwards, head back to Karens for a reception from 6-8pm with light refreshments from Myrtle faves Anima and Gnarly Vines. The exhibition will be on display from March 3rd to April 1st in the following storefronts, all located within three blocks on Myrtle Avenue between Hall Street and Clinton Avenue: Anima (458 Myrtle); Five Spot Supper Club (459 Myrtle); Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle); Karens Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle); Karrot Health Food (431 Myrtle); Miracles Unisex Barber Shop (473A Myrtle); Move with Grace Dance & Yoga Studio (469 Myrtle); Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle); Thai 101 Restaurant (455A Myrtle); Three Stars Laundromat (439 Myrtle). If you've been thinking about adding to your personal art collection, the artist is offering all works in the exhibition for sale, as well as prints of each piece! Visit participating merchants or contact us at 718-230-1689 for more information.

Winter Film Series '09 at the BPL, Whitman Branch

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:12:00 -0400
Who knew that the Whitman Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library at 93 St. Edwards Street was film central? But it surely is! Wednesday nights are film nights at the Whitman Library. 5:30pm - 8:00pm ALWAYS FREE. FEBRUARY 18th - Amistad - after a historic slave revolt, a slave ship is forced to chart new territory. 155 minutes 25th - Xala - a wealthy African man takes a third wife but finds he is cursed for doing so. 123 minutes MARCH 4th - Kama Sutra - a princess' influence is usurped by her husband's favorite courtesan. 123 minutes 11th - Moolade - a mother opposes a genital mutilation operation intended for her daughter. 145 minutes 18th - Middle Sexes - discusses the influence and awareness of hermaphrodites in society. 150 minutes 25th - The Night Porter - a devastating psychological role reversal occurs between two former lovers in the aftermath of postwar Austria. 118 minutes Films shown Wednesday evenings at the Walt Whitman Branch Library, 93 St. Edwards Street) off Myrtle Avenue, opposite Fort Greene Park. Please call or email Carlton Lula, Adult Services Librarian for additional information: 718.935.0244/ c.lula@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

G Train Eulogized

Wed, 18 Feb 2009 17:11:00 -0400
The MTA proposes service cuts for the G train (no more G to Queens on evenings and weekends). Yesterday morning the line became one of many to be eulogized at a mock funeral service. The Save the G Coalition, along with State Assembly Members Joseph Lentol and Hakeem Jeffries were amongst yesterday's mourners in Queens. Assemblyman Joseph Lentol had this to say: "The G Train has been on life support for years and all of our efforts to revive it and bring it new life have gone completely ignored despite the tens of thousands of people who rely on it every day and the many more who would if the G were actually a reliable train. So now we stand here at its funeral as we ask everyone to stand with us and take action one last time to save the G." (Photo courtesy of the Straphangers Campaign)

BROOKLYN: Conference, evaluating the moment

Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:20:00 -0400
Evaluating the present moment, poised between Brooklyn past and Brooklyn future. How has Brooklyn become what it is a place of nostalgia, imagination, or fantasy as much as a territorial space, an outer borough of New York City? Isnt it time to assess critically the rapid changes in the borough over the last decade? With tremendous growth comes certain costs, but how do we evaluate the present moment, poised between Brooklyn past and Brooklyn future? How is development defined differently by different groups in different contexts? Finally, how do Brooklyns diverse localities and populations reflect or even shape the future of New York, a global metropolis? This conference aims to be a space within which these and other questions will be addressed, discussed, even answered. The two-day gathering will combine moderated panels (in both traditional academic and roundtable formats), guided visits to local sites, artistic performances and discussion. We welcome proposals from all relevant academic disciplines, including history, literary studies, political science, geography, and sociology. We are equally interested in proposals from those outside academia, including architects, artists, journalists, activists, urban planners and others concerned with Brooklyn in particular and urban space in general. Primary Focus Areas-- The Arts and Cultural Practices: the boroughs relationship to film, literature, and the performing arts. Development Projects: the conflicts and controversies surrounding Brooklyns most important contemporary development projects. Demographics and Diversity: the broader forces that have reshaped Brooklynites lives in past and present, including migration, education, housing and urban politics. Proposals should be submitted by March 1, 2009 and should include: - A one-page description of your topic - Contact information: Name, position and affiliation, telephone numbers (home and cell phone), mail address and e-mail. Please send completed proposals to: Dr. Rick Armstrong, Department of English, Kingsborough Community College, City University of New York, at: stephen.armstrong@kingsborough.edu

Calling local artists: Exhibit your work in the Myrtle Windows Gallery!

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 13:00:00 -0400
Myrtle Windows Gallery (MWG) is an open air art gallery that breaks down the walls of the traditional private art gallery to bring two-dimensional art to the public arena via the storefront window, where it is accessible to anyone simply walking down the street. Ten Myrtle Avenue storefronts temporarily transform part of their windows into gallery space for the works of local artists. The initiative helps bring together artists, local businesses, and the community in a dialogue about art in public spaces.
Installation System
The installation system serves to create a uniform look that unifies the exhibit, and displays work in a way that does not damage the merchants space or the work itself. The system includes a solar shade to provide a clean backdrop for the artwork while maintaining light and view through to the interior of the shop. A cable hanging system allows the artwork to hang in the window in front of the shade. The Partnership will not provide insurance to cover the art during this exhibition; however, the artist has the option to secure his/her own policy to cover theft or damage to the works while installed in the storefronts. Eligibility and Selection Criteria
MWG seeks ten (10) existing two-dimensional works of art (paintings, prints, photographs, collage, mixed media etc.) that can be easily installed in each of ten storefronts windows. Preference will be given to local artists whose work captures or is inspired by urban life. If the artist chooses to offer pieces for sale the Partnership will receive a commission on each sale, to be negotiated with the artist prior to the exhibit. Given that community accessibility is a key component of the mission of this initiative, we hope to exhibit works at a broad range of prices.
Application Process
The following materials must be received by Friday, February 13, 2009 at 5pm at:
Myrtle Windows Gallery, 472 Myrtle Avenue, 2nd Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11205
" Complete contact information including name, address, telephone and email address
" CD of images of the works to be included in the exhibition, with index listing title, medium and dimensions for each
" Narrative description of the collection of works to be included in the exhibition
" Current Resume and artist statement Artists will be notified by February 18, 2009, and installation will take place beginning February 23, 2009. Click here for photos from our last Myrtle Windows Gallery Exhibition, with works by artist Anne Lafond. Please email Meredith@myrtleavenue.org with questions.

St. Joseph's: Special Events, thru 5/3

Mon, 02 Feb 2009 12:53:00 -0400
America from Sea to Shifting Sea: Our Changing Cultural Tides-- a series of special events, now thru May 3rd. Thru March 4, 2009 Waves of Change: Juried Exhibition of Brooklyn Artists Alumni Room Gallery-- Gallery hours: M, W, 4:00pm thru 8:00pm; Sa, 12:00pm thru 3:00pm [Reception, Mon, 2/2, 5:30 thru 8:00pm and Sat, 2/28, 12:00 thru 3:00pm; Gallery Talk, Tues, 2/10, 12:40pm] Tues, 2/3 (12:40pm) Dance Event The History of Hip Hop Thurs, 2/5 (7:00pm)and Sat, 2/7 (8:00pm) Theater Event Brooklyn Voices Mon, 3/9 (7:30pm) Lecture Islam in the 21st Century Mon, 16 (7:00pm) Presidential Arts Colloquium A Conversation with Bill T. Jones March 16th thru April 30th Art Exhibit One Artist's Journey Through Change: The Works of Howardena Pindell Tues, 4/21 (12:40pm) Poetry Performance; (6:30pm) Poetry Slam Kelly Zen-Yie Tsai: Move This Earth Sun, 5/3 (2:00pm) Musical Performance Canta Libre Chamber Ensemble

Myrtle Masstransiscope Restored

Thu, 29 Jan 2009 12:00:00 -0400
Masstransiscope, a quite colorful piece of public art installed more than 28 years ago in the abandoned Myrtle Avenue subway station, has been restored. Artist, Bill Brand installed the work in September 1980. One of the things which makes the work unique is it is constructed from 228 hand-painted panels, viewed through a series of vertical slits set into a specially constructed housing. The piece works on the principle of the Zoetrope, a 19th century optical toy. Over the years, the installation fell into disrepair and the panels became covered with graffiti. Last year, Brand and some volunteers went through a meticulous process of cleaning and restoring the panels. To see the Masstransiscope, catch the Manhattan-bound B or Q train. You will see it outside the right side of the car just after leaving DeKalb Avenue, but before you reach the Manhattan Bridge. Photo above taken from artist, Bill Brand's website and blog

Love Your (NYC) Block Contest, Ends 2/15

Tue, 27 Jan 2009 13:42:00 -0400
Mayor Bloomberg and Citizens Committee for New York City invite volunteer-led neighborhood groups to apply for a $1,000 cash award to transform the public spaces on their block. Twelve groups from across the five boroughs will be selected as finalists, and each finalist will receive a $1,000 grant to beautify their block. The group that demonstrates the most impressive transformation will win an additional $3,000 to be used towards future block improvements. Groups will also be supported by services from multiple city agencies including the Mayors Office and its Community Affairs Unit, and the Departments of Transportation, Sanitation, and Parks. Download the Love Your (NYC) Block Contest application For more information, contact Arif Ullah at aullah@citizensnyc.org

Census 2010 Jobs

Fri, 23 Jan 2009 17:19:00 -0400
The U.S. Census Bureau is hiring. The U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting temporary part-time census takers for the 2010 Census. The pay is competitive, hours are flexible, and the work can be close to home. They are encouraging all--retirees, students, community leaders, anyone generally seeking employment, to apply today. Call 866.861.2010 for additional information.

And the Winners Are...

Mon, 29 Dec 2008 11:11:00 -0400
The competition was fierce and the vote count was tight, but the winners of Myrtle's first Holiday Windows Contest have been chosen by you, the public, via text message voting. Given how close the contest was, and given how many enthusiastic and talented artists participated, we added second and third place monetary prizes, while honorable mentions went to those Storefront Windows that had particularly strong support via emails, calls, and comments to our staff.

The artist(s) winning first place receives gift certificates valued at $250 to participating Myrtle Avenue businesses, while the second and third place winners receive gift certificates valued at $100 and $50 respectively.

1st Place: Benjie Sirota and Julia Wadsworth for their work at Zaytoons
2nd Place: Leola Bermanzohn for her work at (burzh-wa)
3rd Place: Suzanna Shapiro for her work at Gnarly Vines

And the Honorable Mentions go to:

The Bright Idea Award, for most innovative use of holiday lights, goes to artist Kelly Horrigan and Sara Weissler for their work at Karens Body Beautiful.

The Snowblower Award, for most creative interpretation of the theme of the business (in this case, using hair as snow), goes to artist Alecs Gryczon for her work at Joseph Tyler Salon.

The Santa's Workshop Award, for most innovative use of outside materials to create multi-dimensional scenes, goes to Cecilia Rebecca Ziko, Matt Brennan and Melissa Rioux for their work at The Bakery (pictured above) and Kapellas.

The Yes We Can Award, for creatively incorporating current events into an inspirational holiday theme, goes to Kathleen Hayek for her work at Fort Greene SNAP.

Many thanks to all of the merchants, artists, and voters who participated in this year's Holiday Windows Contest. We hope everyone enjoyed the window art as much as we did, and got in the holiday shopping mood while walking down Myrtle Avenue.

Myrtle Holiday Windows - last chance to vote!

Mon, 22 Dec 2008 16:50:00 -0400
Who will win? It's close, and votes are still coming in! Don't miss your chance to cast a vote for your favorite Holiday Window on Myrtle Avenue! Hurry...the 'polls' will close on Christmas Day. Click here here for a list of participating Myrtle businesses, and for a sneak-photo-peek at the windows in the running. Winners will be announced here on our website on December 26th.

VOTE for your favorite Myrtle Holiday Window - voting ends December 25th

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 17:20:00 -0400
The polls are open! Cast your vote and help us choose the winner of the first Myrtle Holiday Windows contest! You can vote for your favorite Myrtle Holiday Window via text message through Christmas Day. Here's a sneak peek at the windows on our flickr site. Instructions on how to submit your vote are posted in participating storefront windows, so take a holiday stroll down Myrtle and check out these stores: Ray's Barber Shop (331 Myrtle)
Fort Greene SNAP (324 Myrtle)
Gnarly Vines (350 Myrtle)
burzh-wa (352 Myrtle)
The Bakery (154 Vanderbilt)
Duncans Fish Market (385 Myrtle)
Kapellas (417 Myrtle)
Karens Body Beautiful (436 Myrtle)
Jive Turkey (441 Myrtle)
Joseph Tyler Salon (456 Myrtle)
Barking Brown (468 Myrtle)
Polish Bar Brooklyn (470 Myrtle)
Zaytoons (472 Myrtle)
Optimum Care Rehab (474 Myrtle)
Sandbox (487 Myrtle)
Pillow Cafe (505 Myrtle)
Square Root Café (584 Myrtle)
A special thanks to all the local artists who volunteered their time on this project! Happy Holidays!

Shop BROOKLYN--yeah, you (me, us)!

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 17:14:00 -0400
Marty Markowitz and Boro Hall have launched ''Shop Brooklyn', a collective and coordinated campaign to transform everyone's borough-pride into an economic force. Hundreds of small businesses all over Brooklyn, including on Myrtle Avenue have signed on to offer discounts and specials for our shopping experiences. For participating businesses, just look for the yellow 'Shop Brooklyn' sign on the door. So, whether you are looking for delicious holiday pastries...or to have a satisfying, mouth-watering lunch or dinner...or to get groomed and pampered before your big Brooklyn holiday bash...or to get little brother or sister that cute blouse or cool bag you checked out in the store window...or that get that must-have piece of jewelry...or to find a lovely bouquet...or a grand bottle of vintage or not vintage wine perfect with the holiday meal...or if you need a place to pack, ship or email to that special holiday gift or message...or if you want to treat your sweetie to lotions and other fragrances you know he or she would love...or give a treat of dance or yoga classes for stress release, the love of the art or meeting new year goals, or... Hey, you get the idea, and it is plain and simple: If you love your borough, there is no better time to show it than this holiday season. Hope to see you at the stores. Shop BROOKLYN, baby. ;-) A list of participating Myrtle Avenue businesses include: Gifts Barking Brown Cell NY Clinton Hill Art & Framing Clinton Hill Art Gallery Karen's Body Beautiful Kiini Ibura Tres Elegante Root Stock & Quade Salons Polish Bar of Brooklyn Soketah Restaurants/Eateries/Food Stuff Anima Castro's Five Spot Jive Turkey Karrot Health Food The Bakery Quiznos Yamashiro Zaytoons Wines Gnarly Vines Packing and Shipping Sandbox Remaining three (3) weekends to catch Shop Brooklyn's "Brooklyn Bonus Weekends" are: " Saturday and Sunday, December 6th and December 7th " Saturday and Sunday, December 13th and December 14th " Saturday and Sunday, December 20th and December 21st

Deadline extended and prize added: Holiday Storefront Windows Contest

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 14:37:00 -0400
We're still looking for artists for our inaugural Holiday Windows Contest! We've added a prize to sweeten the deal: the winning artist/team of artists will receive a packet of gift certificates totaling $250, valid at participating Myrtle Avenue businesses! See below for details on how to apply. Send us your holiday window ideas!
_____________________________________ Calling all artists, art teachers, art students, and other artistically talented folks! This is a fun and simple way for you to share your talents with the entire community during this holiday season! Were starting a new holiday tradition on Myrtle Avenue the Myrtle Holiday Windows contest! Were looking for local artists who are willing to help us bring some holiday cheer to the avenue by using temporary paint and holiday lights to create festive storefront windows. Well supply up to $100 for paint, brushes and lights. The art-making is as much part of the excitement as the final product! All the painting will take place on Saturday, 12/6 from noon to 5pm, and well invite visitors and shoppers to come out and watch the storefronts come to life! People will be able to vote via text message for their favorite, and the winning designers will be featured on our website. The art will be displayed until early January 2009. See details on how to apply below. Applications are due by Sunday, November 16th. Please share with others who might be interested! Guidelines: -Preference will be given to local artists.
-Artists muse use the removable paint and LED lights provided by the Partnership (all products applied to the windows must be removable and must not damage the glass in any way). Painting will take place on the INSIDE surface of the storefront window.
-The Partnership will supply lights, paint and brushes totaling no more than $100 per storefront.
-If selected, artists must commit to painting their assigned window on Saturday, December 6 between 12 and 5pm.
-Final designs must be approved by the participating merchant, and artists are strongly encouraged to communicate with merchants during final design process (we'll facilitate communication).
How to apply to become a Myrtle Holiday Windows ARTIST: Please send the following VIA EMAIL to Meredith@myrtleavenue.org:
1. Name, address, telephone and email contact information
2. Select up to three Myrtle Avenue businesses that you would like to work with (or you can let us pair you with a Myrtle merchant if you dont have a preference)
3. In 350 words or less, tell us about your proposed design ideas for the storefront window. All designs must be done using temporary paint and incorporate holiday lights, and should reflect a holiday theme. Sketches are not required, but feel free to send one. Be creative!
4. Photos or links to examples of your past work
Please apply ASAP! We hope to confirm all artists by Friday, November 21st.

Last chance to see the current Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibit!

Fri, 14 Nov 2008 18:13:00 -0400
Just a few days remain for the current Myrtle Windows Gallery exhibit, which features the artwork of local artist Anne Lafond. If you haven't had the chance yet, take a stroll down Myrtle between Hall and Clinton and check out the exhibit this weekend. The art will come down on Wednesday, November 19th. Look for our next exhibit to take place in early February 2009! Click here for more information: Myrtle Windows Gallery presents Anne Lafond

A sea of daffodils will bloom at Fort Greene Park this spring with your help!

Wed, 22 Oct 2008 15:26:00 -0400
Sunday, October 26th is Its My Park Day at Fort Greene Park! Volunteer coordinator, Carol Anastasio is looking for a few good volunteers to help with various basic beautification projects from 9:30am - 12 noon, including the planting of thousands of daffodil bulbs at the northeast entrance at Myrtle and Washington Park. MARP secured these bulbs through New Yorkers For Parks Daffodil Project, and offered them to Fort Greene Park as a complement to our Belgian block restoration at this entrance that is currently underway. Volunteers should meet at the Visitors Center at the top of the hill in the middle of the park. To sign up or for further information contact: Carol Anastasio (718) 722-3218 or carol.anastasio@parks.nyc.gov

Calling all aspiring urban planners!

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 15:42:00 -0400
Come take part in the MAS free training workshop, the "Livable Neighborhoods Program", at Pratt on Saturday, October 18th. The Livable Neighborhoods Program, which first launched in May, 2007 at Hunter College, was created to provide communities with the knowledge, tools, and training needed to transform local vision into effective plans. This workshop is hosted by the Municipal Arts Society, the Pratt Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment, and the Cornell Urban Scholars Program. Students and community members will have an opportunity to receive NYC?specific, in?person training and reference materials on a number of planning topics, and access to a web?based network for ongoing discussion. When Is the Training? Saturday, October 18, 2008 8:30AM 1:00 PM Who Can Attend? Registration is open to students from GCPE, CUSP, and local residents. What Is The Cost? Participation in the program is free. Where Is The Training? The training will take place in Higgins Hall at Pratt Brooklyn with special assistance from The Pratt Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment. Please see attached campus map. What Should I Bring? Please remember to bring a notebook and a few pens and/or pencils. Will Food Be Served? Yes. We will provide lunch. How Do I Register? Email Sideya Sherman at ssherman@mas.org. Can I Bring My Child? Yes. The LNP is designed to be as convenient for participants as possible. We will have a supervised childrens activity room available for children school age children and up. Where Can I Find More Information? Click here for more information on the Livable Neighborhoods Program. To learn more about the MAS and the Planning Center visit www.mas.org. Also, you can contact Sideya Sherman via email at ssherman@mas.org or via phone at 212.935.3960 ext. 259 for more information.

New Webpage for St. Joe's Biz Center

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 13:28:00 -0400
The Small Business Development Outreach Counseling Center at St. Joseph's College now has a web presence. Opened this past summer, Center business counselors have been meeting with established and aspiring business owners from throughout the City, every Wednesday from 10am to 3pm. The Small Business Development Center webpage can be accessed through St. Joseph's College website here Visit regularly for news on upcoming business workshops and seminars.

Wednesdays, Biz Days @ St. Joe's

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:40:00 -0400
St. Joseph's College opened a new business counseling center this past August. The Outreach Counseling Center is located in Lorenzo Hall, 265 Clinton Avenue and is open every Wednesday from 10 AM - 3 PM. Existing and aspiring business owners should call for 718.399.0068 to set up appointments. Business plan development, financial applications and other assistance available. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held at the Brooklyn Campus of St. Joseph's College to celebrate the opening of a Small Business Development Outreach Counseling Center in August. Thomas G. Travis, Ph.D., Vice President for Planning and Dean of the School of Professional and Graduate Studies, welcomed over 30 people to this event including Yvonne Graham, Assistant to the Borough President and a graduate of St. Joseph's College and City Council Member Letitia James. Both Assistant Borough President Graham and City Council Member James addressed the attendees and expressed how committed the Borough President and the City Council are to supporting economic development initiatives in the borough of Brooklyn. The Small Business Advisors who staff the Center are from the New York State Small Business Development Center (NYS SBDC) and SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives). Herbert Winkler, Chairman of SCORE, attended the ribbon-cutting and spoke briefly about the commitment of SCORE to this initiative. In addition to local elected officials and Mr. Winkler, 10 representatives from the various NYS SBDC offices were present, including Darrin Conroy of NYS SBDC Central who traveled from Albany. Other organizations represented at this event included the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC), Bedford-Stuyvesant Restoration Corporation, the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the NYC Business Solutions Center, the Local Development Center of East New York (LDC/ENY), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Project Enterprise.

A Bookstore for Fort Greene

Mon, 15 Sep 2008 13:44:00 -0400
Jessica Stockton-Bagnulo won the Brooklyn Public Library's Business Plan Competition last year. Now she and a Fort Greene indie bookstore alliance are busily trying to raise more funds for the enterprise as well as trying to find a home for it.

Come out to the launch event to get to know Jessica, contribute your ideas, meet your neighbors, enjoy complimentary food and drink, and meet great Brooklyn authors like Colson Whitehead and Jennifer Egan. Support local business and community in Fort Greene. RSVP to rsvp_fortgreeneindie@hotmail.com by September 12.

Fort Greene Walking Tour on Saturday

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 17:24:00 -0400
The award-winning Big Onion Tours, dubbed the finest, most comprehensive and thought provoking tours around, resumes its Fort Greene Tour this Saturday, September 6th at 1pm. Read more about the upcoming Fort Greene Walking Tour here. Admission: $15/Adults, $12/Seniors & Students Meet: The southeast corner of Flatbush Avenue & Hanson Place, under the large red BAM sign

Tree Hugger Project installation this Saturday at Ingersoll Family Day

Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:45:00 -0400
We are kicking off the new Myrtle Avenue Public Art Program by teaming up with NYCHA and the Ingersoll Tenant Association for a community build this Saturday, August 30th, from 12-3pm on Myrtle near Prince Street. Please come by to help the artists install the pieces they've designed for the Ingersoll Houses grounds, and then enjoy the food, drink, music, and games, courtesy of the Ingersoll TA and NYCHA.

Tree Hugger Project (www.treehuggerproject.com) artists Wiktor Szostalo and Agnieszka Gradzik will be installing a total of four pieces on Myrtle Avenue as a part of their ongoing public art project that combines environmental sculpture made of natural, found and free materials such as twigs, vines and tree branches with a simple environmental message. The Project is an ongoing work of Environmental Art designed to help us re-discover our relationship with nature at a very personal and intimate level. The focus on the stewardship of public space demonstrates that standing up for the environment can be done in a fun and non-political way, and that contemporary art can be entertaining and make a difference in how we view our world. Community participation in the construction and installation of the Tree Huggers helps to highlight the role that we all can play as stewards in our very own neighborhood, reminding us that we humans are still very much a part of our natural surroundings. The Tree Hugger Project has been brought to cities and parks all over the world as a way to bring attention to the environment and to bring communities together, and Myrtle Avenue is excited to be part of this international movement.

The Partnerships new Myrtle Avenue Public Art program is an effort to bring temporary (up to 11 months) public sculpture, art installations, studio art, and creative street furniture elements to the public spaces and sidewalks of the 20-block retail district, increasing access to art for the entire community.

These art installations are part of the larger Myrtle Avenue Arts & Enterprise Initiative which represents a multi-faceted effort to establish the retail corridor as an access point to visual art and cultural activities for community members of diverse socio-economic backgrounds. The Tree Hugger Project serves as a kick-off for the Partnerships new public art program, launching both a soon-to-be-released open call for proposals for additional temporary sculpture pieces for locations along Myrtle Avenue, as well as a request for sponsors to support future artists and their installations. Seed funding for the new program was provided by the Lily Auchincloss Foundation and Myrtles Business Improvement District.

Keep it clean, folks.

Wed, 20 Aug 2008 13:31:00 -0400
Usually, the trash we notice on the street consists of the usual suspects; plastic bags, beverage cans and bottles, paper flyers, receipts, candy wrappers etc. But there is another kind of trash that is actually one of the most prominent forms of street garbage. What is that item? Cigarette butts. Small in size but prevalent in number on our city streets, over 100 cigarette butts can be found on any given sidewalk along our very own Myrtle Avenue. Cigarette trash includes partially smoked cigarettes, matches, disposable lighters, packaging and cigarette butts. These days, being anti-litter is really a no-brainer; not many would purposely throw a can or bottle on the ground or a plastic bag or their bag of potato chips from lunch. In elementary school they would say; Would you throw that on the floor of your living room? But still many of us flick our cigarette butts onto the street without a thought. Why are we concerned with these little rolls of tobacco and their filters? Besides their unsightly nature on our sidewalks which are effectively, as city residents, our front lawns and public gathering spaces, cigarette butts can have a harmful effect on the environment and our health. Cigarette butts left on the street and in the gutter can be easily carried in storm water runoff to local streams, rivers and waterways. Cigarette filters contain a form of plastic that does not biodegrade. This plastic is harmful to the natural environment and in return to humans by finding its way into our water supply. Help us to curb cigarette litter on Myrtle Avenue. The Keep America Beautiful initiative has provided free pocket ashtrays to help prevent cigarette litter from being discarded on our sidewalks and tree pits. These, along with general information on cigarette litter prevention, will be available at local Myrtle bars and restaurants, including Rope, Tamboril, Maggie Brown and Vesper. If you dont see a trash can, you can use this portable ashtray as temporary storage for your litter until you find one. If youre interested in more information on the cigarette litter initiative or would like a pocket ashtray for yourself or a friend please contact meredith@myrtleavenue.org.

TKTS Downtown: Myrtle & Jay

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:12:00 -0400
Tired of schlepping it up to Manhattan to stand on long lines for deals on theater tickets? Your prayers have been answered. TKTS Downtown is now located at Myrtle Avenue and Jay Street (1 MetroTech). Hours: Monday thru Friday, 11a to 6p Discount tickets up to 50% off for same-day evening and next day matinee performances of Broadway, Off Broadway, music, dance and Brooklyn performing arts events. What's more many Myrtle restaurants offer pre- and after theater specials for parties of 6 or more. How's that for planning a night out? Email info@myrtleavenue.org for further detail. Also, sign up for TKTS TODAY, a daily e-blast listing the shows available at TKTS Downtown Brooklyn by visiting their website.

Waverly Child Care Center

Wed, 06 Aug 2008 13:05:00 -0400
Looking for childcare? Waverly Child Care Center at 143 Waverly Avenue is offering quality childcare at an affordable cost. Daycare is offered for pre-school and school-aged children. Waverly prides themselves in a creative curriculum, which emphasizes quality hands-on learning experiences and healthy growth and development. Waverly Child Care is located at 143 Waverly Avenue (just north of Myrtle Avenue) and can be reached at 718-858-7522/3. (photo from the Brooklyn Bureau of Community Service website: http://bbcs.org/)

Happy 80th Birthday Bill Lee!

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 17:37:00 -0400
Received the invite from Bill & Susan Lee yesterday and wanted to post it to say to our local yokel, our man about town and the neighborhood, the very talented Bill Lee--Happy 80th Birthday. ...and many moreeeeeeeee...

2008-09 Shopping & Dining Guide Released

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:32:00 -0400
The printed Myrtle Avenue Shopping & Dining Guide's 2008-09 edition hits the stores next week, with its release at the block party on Sunday, July 13th. The new 7-panel guide features listings of over 150 small mom and pop businesses located along Myrtle Avenue, along with their addresses and cross streets, phone numbers, websites.

The cover of this year's guide features merchant photos from the Home Grown & Locally Owned marketing campaign. This cover pays homage to the small, mom-n-pop businesses that line Myrtle Avenues commercial corridor, while encouraging local residents to get to know their neighborhood entrepeneurs and to shop close to home in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, Brooklyn.

The listed businesses represent the rich and wide diversity of enterprises along the Avenue, from much loved old and new cafes and restaurants; to the local hardware store, an offshoot of the old Adami Hardware that recently closed its doors after 35 years in the business; to a popular new dance and yoga studio and funky local artisansincluding a local jewelry maker and fashion designer.

The guide also includes a 4-paneled map, complete with arrows to local subway and bus lines and a list of local jaunts and destinations: the sprawling Pratt Institute campus and 25-acre sculpture park; celebrated poet Walt Whitmans former home; as well as Fort Greene Park and the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument. Also included is the Brooklyn Urban Arts Market, Myrtles vibrant new open-air market which kicks off this year on July 27th.

Pick up a copy of the 2008-09 Myrtle Avenue Shopping & Dining Guide, starting this Sunday, July 13th. Guides will then be available to pick-up at avenue stores, at Brooklyn Urban Arts Market Sundays, the Brooklyn Tourism Center, the Fort Greene Park Visitors Center, and by mail if requested while supplies last.

Tamboril Hosts Scholarship Fundraiser

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 16:47:00 -0400
Local restaurant Tamboril, hosts a scholarship fundraiser for Brooklyn Academy of Urban Planning high school students this Tuesday! Come out and enjoy tasty food and drinks, all while helping graduating seniors from Brooklyn's Academy of Urban Planning go to college! The fundraiser is tomorrow, Tuesday, June 24, at local restaurant/bar, Tamboril. The event costs just $10 and begins at 5:30pm. Free appetizers for as long as they last, and 2-for-1 drinks all night! At the Academy of Urban Planning, a small public high school in Bushwick, students engage in critical study of the built environment of their city and neighborhoods. The school just opened 5 years ago, so the class of 2008 is only their second graduating class, with most of the 120 graduating seniors attending college this fall. Many are the very first in their family to do so, and some are even the first to attain a high school diploma. About 97% of students at AUP qualify for free lunch (3-person families must have an income of less than $21,000 to qualify). Not much extra there for school expenses, so AUP families need all the college financial support they can get! If you can't make it to the fundraiser but are still interested in donating, you could send an email to AUP's urban planning program manager, Josh Lapidus, at jlapidus@aupnyc.org. For more information about the school, visit AUP.

Forum on Policing Issues: Tonight

Thu, 12 Jun 2008 12:38:00 -0400
From a Fort Greene Association email: --- Racial Profiling and Police Brutality in New York City: A Forum on the Sean Bell Case sponsored by Fort Greene Peace. Senator Eric Adams, a former NYPD officer and founder of 100 Blacks in Law Enforcement Who Care, and Norman Siegel, the longtime former head of the NY American Civil Liberties Union will be speaking. The Forum will be held at Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church on the corner of South Oxford St and Lafayette Avenue at 7:00pm on June 12th. Fort Greene Peace and Brooklyn for Peace have sponsored this event. The event very much builds upon the discussion that took place at Brown Memorial Baptist Church on April 29th. This forum has been organized because Fort Greene Peace wants respected local leaders to inform the Brooklyn community about constructive solutions to the myriad problems that the Sean Bell incident highlights. The Sean Bell tragedy in many ways typifies the persistent issues of racial profiling and police brutality in New York City. We recognize and share the anger that has been generated by both the incident and the verdict and we hope that this forum can represent a space for discussing strategies for reforming the law enforcement and judicial systems. Senator Adams' perspective on NYPD practices pertaining to race (racial sensitivity training, racial profiling etc) and how they can be reformed, as well as his insight into the role of the State Legislature in affecting change would be didactic and potentially empowering for people of Brooklyn. Mr. Siegel's extensive experience as a civil rights / civil liberties attorney will inform potential strategies for affecting change in our judicial system. There will be a lively discussion, so we hope folks will come to engage around these pressing issues.

Fort Greene CSA Kicks Off Today!

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:02:00 -0400
Come out and join the Fort Greene CSA as it kicks off its inaugural 2008 season at Fort Greene Park! Distribution of fresh produce to the CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture) 60+ members will begin on Wednesday, June 11th at 4 pm at the Myrtle Avenue and Washington Park corner of the park. Music, cooking demonstrations and composting workshops will also be offered and are free and open to the public.

Event details
Cooking Live: The folks from Just Foods Community Food Education program will be on hand with their portable grill to deliver live cooking demonstrations using some of the vegetables from the seasons early harvest! Add a new recipe to your catalog, learn some useful tips, and taste the results!

Collecting Food Scraps: The CSA is collecting food scraps (no dairy or oily foods, please) for the Clifton Place Garden compost heap. Do you part to reduce your weekly garbage footprint by dropping off your food scraps every Wednesday!

Composting 101: If youd rather save your food scraps for yourself, CSA friends Sung Yung and Annie Hauck will be at the site to show us how to transform those scraps into nutrient rich compost for your home garden.

About our Farmers
The Fort Greene CSA was formed with the mission of creating affordability and accessibility to its shares, and has partnered with farmers who share that vision. Sergio Nolasco (pictured), the CSAs vegetable-share farmer, originally comes from Mexico and has been farming in the United States for the past three years. All of his vegetables are produced without any pesticides or synthetic fertilizers on his 10 acre farm in Andover, NJ, a small town approximately 55 miles away from Fort Greene. Sergio grows more than 40 varieties of crops, including carrots, beets, lettuces, potatoes, a number of different types of squash, beets, tomatoes (including heirloom varieties), collards and other cooking greens, broccoli, callaloo, and even cantaloupes and watermelons.

His wife, Paz, also helps him on the farm and often prepares lunch for Sergio and his workers. Paz and Sergio have four children (two boys and two girls) and their family resides in nearby Hackettstown, NJ. Sergio also provides vegetables for CSAs in the South Bronx and Bushwick and sells goods at markets in Inwood, the South Bronx, and Long Island City. Sergio is committed to providing affordable, high quality food to people of all ethnic backgrounds regardless of income, which is why he chooses to deliver to these particular areas of New York City. In 2006, Sergio was featured in a New York Times article about a recent effort to preserve farmland in Westchester County, where he once farmed.

Red Jacket Orchards, run by the Nicholson family in Geneva, NY, will provide fruit shares. If Red Jacket sounds familiar to you, thats because they sell their produce right here at the Fort Greene Greenmarket every Saturday, in addition to many other locations in all five boroughs. Red Jacket grows a variety of berries and stone fruits, and yummy ciders and juices. It is very difficult to grow 100% organic fruit in the Northeast, so Red Jacket operates an Integrated Pest Management System. With IPM, farmers work with natural methods of controlling pests in order to minimize the use of chemical pesticides. Some of these methods include proper soil preparation and testing, pest trapping, and conserving natural, beneficial enemies of pests.

An egg share is also in the works, and will come from Amantai Farm, located in Breinigsville, PA. Amantai is owned by Jorge Carmona, a Columbian immigrant, who produces a diverse vegetable crop, honey, and pastured eggs.

A Community Effort
CSAs represent a small but real solution to the problem of food access and security that so many neighborhoods in New York City face. It has been truly inspiring to see so many diverse elements of the community come together to help make this program a reality! A number of local organizations have provided invaluable support to the Fort Greene CSA, including Independence Community Foundation, Citizens Committee for NYC, Fort Greene SNAP, NYC Parks Department, Councilmember Letitia James Office, Greenmarket, Ingersoll and Whitman Tenant Associations, Fort Greene Association, and the organizing group of the Fort Greene Food Coop. The CSA is happy to return the favor they will donate all leftover food items to Food Not Bombs, a local group that prepares meals for low-income and homeless individuals in the neighborhood on Saturdays. As mentioned earlier, the CSA will also be collecting food scraps that will be used to create compost the Clifton Place Garden.

Stay tuned for more food-related programming at the CSA distribution site this summer, including films, health screenings, and workshops on food education and advocacy! Information will be available at www.fortgreenescsa.org.

Comptroller Thompson Visits Myrtle

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 12:33:00 -0400
New York City Comptroller, and possibly our next mayor, William C. Thompson, Jr. visited Fort Greene and Clinton Hill late last week, and made a site visit to Myrtle Avenue to learn about the projects we have been working on and the challenges the commercial corridor is facing. The Comptroller also hosted a lunch at South Oxford Space for community leaders after the tour, and fielded a number of questions about community planning, development pressure, affordable housing, and other community concerns.

Front (l to r): New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson, Jr., MARP Director of Community Development Meredith Phillips Almeida, MARP/BID Executive Director Michael Blaise Backer;
Back (l to r): Community Board 2 Chair John Dew, Executive Deputy Comptroller Eduardo Castell, Deputy Director of Community Relations Joy Mitchell, MARP Program Manager Hernan Guerrero.
Photo Credit: Marla S. Maritzer

Press Conference on Crime, 4pm

Wed, 21 May 2008 12:23:00 -0400
Council Member Letitia James and Clinton Hill contituents are holding an emergency press event, Wednesday, May 21--today, at 4pm to bring attention to the increase in crime in the borough. The group plans to discuss strategic plans specific to addressing crime in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, including more police presence in the area and the creation of a website for constituents to collect and track crime data. Where: Corner of Grand Avenue and Putnam Avenue (if rain - the event will move to the Fort Greene Senior Center located at 966 Fulton Street). Subway: C train to Clinton-Washington stop * exit Washington Avenue onto Fulton Street * walk towards Grand Avenue on Fulton Contact: Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191 for additional information.

Save the G train Rally: Wednesday, 5/21

Tue, 20 May 2008 17:34:00 -0400
Save the G train kick-off rally to be held Wednesday, May 21st, 6:30pm at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (85 South Oxford Street, btwn Fulton and Lafayette). Rally is sponsored by Assemblyman Hakeem Jeffries and is an opportunity to make your voices heard on needed improvements on the G as the MTA will soon be deciding on G-train improvements.

Marketing Seminar at St. Joe's, 5/15

Mon, 12 May 2008 17:15:00 -0400
Information on a small business seminar at St. Joseph's College: Marketing Strategies For Your Small Business May 15, 2008, 6:00 PM Tuohy Hall Auditorium Description: Micro and Small Business owners can create business cards, letterhead, and brochures on their own computers in a pinch, but is that the only way to go? Featuring Henrietta Koffi, Associate Director/Project Manager Entrepreneurs Corner Fort Greene SNAP (Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership) We'll cover what to think about when you are taking the "do it yourself" route, then talk about inexpensive ways to buy and order online, and finally how to choose a designer to create your own unique look. For additional information or to RSVP please contact John Keenan by email at jkeenan@sjcny.edu or by telephone at 718.399.2745. Refreshments will be served Event held in the St. Josephs College Tuohy Hall, Auditorium 245 Clinton Avenue Between DeKalb and Willoughby Avenues Contact Email: jkeenan@sjcny.edu Contact Information: 718.399.2745

Brooklyn Flea Is Here--this Sunday!

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 15:36:00 -0400
Brooklyn Flea is opening in Fort Greene this Sunday, April 6th! It will take place every Sunday from 10am to 5pm, rain or shine at the 40,000 square foot-plus lot at Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School on Lafayette Avenue between Clermont and Vanderbilt Avenues. Brooklyn Flea promises to be the weekend destination for bargain-seekers and cool-hunters alike. The Flea will feature more than 200 vendors of vintage furniture, lighting, records, clothing and antiques alongside new designs by local makers of everything from jewelry to textiles. Located just a few blocks from Myrtle Avenue, Fleasters are invited to walk, run, bike, drive, over to Myrtle, to get your grub on before, during or after the shop. Visit our website menus for a full list of Myrtle eateries. For more info about BrooklynFlea, visit BrooklynFlea website or call 718.935.1052 for further detail.

Party Like It's 1848 with BOMB

Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:59:00 -0400
Brooklyn's Other Museum of Brooklyn (BOMB) invites you to a 2-day celebration for "the longevity of Admiral's Row." Party at BOMB, 102 Steuben Street. BYOB; brownie taste-off (bring your best!); music by Terrible Eagle. Saturday, March 29th, 7-11p and Sunday, March 30th, 2-6p Show up, or email scott.witter@yahoo.com for further detail.

Creating the City We All Want

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 03:56:00 -0400
The Task Force for Community-Based Planning, of which MARP is a member of its executive committee, is hosting the following series of panel discussions.

Fort Greene CSA in the Works

Mon, 17 Mar 2008 15:18:00 -0400
Fort Greene residents, particularly on Myrtle Avenue, have limited options for purchasing fresh produce, and some have limited access to supermarkets entirely. With the demolition of the Associated Supermarket at Myrtle and Prince last year, food access near downtown Brooklyn has only become worse. MARP has partnered with FUREE and Just Food to lay the groundwork for organizing a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) group as a means to improve access to fresh produce, in particular for residents of Ingersoll and Whitman houses, as soon as possible. A number of local organizations have joined the CSAs steering committee to support this effort and to help us reach the broadest audience possible. These include the Ingersoll and Whitman Tenant Associations, Fort Greene Association, NYC Parks Department, the Fort Greene GreenMarket, the Clinton Hill CSA, Councilmember Letitia James office, and the organizing group of the Fort Greene Food Coop. We hope that the Fort Greene CSA will be just one of many innovative food programs in the community, and that it will provide an opportunity to build a stronger sense of community among all residents of the area. We are planning to offer programming like cooking demonstrations, education workshops, pot-lucks, and competitions that will make the CSA distribution site more than just a place to pick up vegetables - CSA will be a meeting place for neighbors who share a common interest in a better quality of life.

What is CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a type of "food buying club" that enables community members to know the farmers and farms that produce their food through a direct purchasing relationship between local farmers and members. Members agree to purchase a season's worth of produce before the harvest season begins. In turn, they receive a weekly "share" of the harvest during the local season (late June - November). This agreement benefits the farmers by guaranteeing them a market for their produce and providing capital at a time when they need it most. Members benefit by receiving the highest quality produce at an affordable price.

What kind of vegetables will you get?
One week's CSA share will usually contain between 7-10 different types of vegetables. Local farmers grow everything from lettuce and tomatoes to garlic and tomatillos, so you will never get bored with your share. Shares will start out light in June with lettuces and fresh herbs and grow heavier over the season, ending with items like squash, potatoes, carrots, and onions in the late fall.

Is CSA expensive?
Actually, it's very reasonably priced. We took a typical weekly share from a CSA last year and compared it to local grocery store prices. CSA vegetables, which were freshly harvested and grown without pesticides or synthetic chemicals of any kind, cost approximately the same as the not-so-fresh foods that were grown with pesticides and herbicides available at nearby stores. Compared to the organic vegetables at Whole Foods, Fairway, and Pathmark, the CSA is significantly less expensive.

Sample CSA share:
1 handful of basil
2 large tomatoes
1 head of cabbage
4 heads of broccoli
4 cucumbers
5 zucchini
1 bunch of swiss chard
1 cauliflower
1 handful of greens

Local Options ------------------------ Weekly Cost
CSA (organic, pesticide-free) -------------- $19
Bravo (conventionally grown) ------------- $18.64
Fairway (conventionally grown) ----------- $25.15
Fairway (organic) --------------------------- $51.99
Garden of Eden (conventionally grown) -- $33.76
Garden of Eden (organic) ------------------ $36.26
Pathmark (conventionally grown) --------- $24.86
Pathmark (organic) ------------------------- $34.09
Whole Foods (organic) ---------------------- $43.07

Details about membership and share prices will be available very soon. Please visit www.fortgreenecsa.org to join the mailing list. If you are interested in getting involved in CSA organizing efforts, wed love to hear from you! Please contact Jen Datka at jendatka@fortgreenecsa.org.

Be There. Be a Part of Living History.

Wed, 20 Feb 2008 13:55:00 -0400
The Fort Greene Park Conservancy will present its plans for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument at the next Fort Greene Association meeting on Monday, February 25th at 7:30p at the Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church (85 South Oxford). Preview the 3-day centennial celebration event plans which will include the rededication of the Monument; the return of the bronze eagles at the base of the Monument; the lighting of the eternal flame; Revolutionary War enactors encamped in the Park; a grand ball; souvenir journal; original orchestral and choral work by Brooklyn composer, Alvin Singleton; fireworks; a multi-nation parade; jazz performances; genealogical research stations, and much, much more. Come out and celebrate your history. Come out and join your neighbors. Come out and learn how you can get involved. (photo from nycparks.gov website)

Green Fort Greene & Clinton Hill

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 15:22:00 -0400
Jed Marcus and the good folks at the Fort Greene Association are spearheading a project aimed at making Fort Greene & Clinton Hill model green communities. And they need you, and me, and all of us. Each of us influences the health of our planet all the time, whenever we flip on a light switch and when our refrigerator hums. While we each wish that many things were done better in our community and in our nation, we each can easily choose to make our lives and our planet better. Sooo... if you have not already, here are a few things you can do for starters: --Replace regular incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient compact fluorescent bulbs. These are available for just $2 at local stores. Save over $100 a year in energy costs and replacement bulbs. --Use reusable shopping bags that then fold and fit in your purse, pocket or briefcase and eliminate plastic and paper; they come in great colors to add sizzle to every outfit. Please read about other ways in which you can be involved at: http://www.greenfgch.org/ To purchase reusable "Myrtle bags" ($6 each/discount rates for local stores), please contact the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership at: 718.230.1689 To purchase CFLs, totebags or find out what other ways you might be involved in helping to green Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, please contact the Fort Greene Association via email at: info@greenfgch.org

Pratt Sustainability Teach-In this Wednesday and Thursday

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 19:20:00 -0400
Pratt Institute will star in Metropolis Magazine as one of the two schools nationwide that will be featured in its next issue as part of Focus The Nation, a national teach-in on global warming solutions for America taking place this week. The event, organized by Architecture 2030, will create a dialogue at over a thousand colleges, universities and other institutions, that will directly engage thousands of faculty and millions of students nationwide.

This week, Wednesday and Thursday, January 30th and 31st, the entire community is welcome to come meet over 30 of Pratt Institutes most illustrious faculty, administrators and special guests as they come together and offer a series of exciting programs that are highly relevant to Pratt students, educators, and the community at large. This is a unique opportunity to explore the impact of sustainability on the future careers of our artists, designers, and architects; see how Pratt is taking on the challenge to reduce its carbon footprint; and to be inspired by real world, environmentally conscience work that is being done by Pratts faculty.

You will also have the opportunity to see exhibits by studios, take part in a nationwide body painting competition sponsored by Architecture 2030 with $20,000 in prize money (the winner will have a full page ad in Metropolis), and meet some of the citys most vocal leaders in advocating change.

The full schedule of events and panels is here.

Reconstruction Work in FG Park

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 19:16:00 -0400
You may have noticed a mesh construction fence going up in Fort Greene Park on the Myrtle side between North Portland and St. Edwards. Parks' Requirements Contracts Division has begun a reconstruction project of the basketball court and surrounding landscape. In addition to replacing the basketball court, the project will include adult fitness equipment, new pavement and benches, and an ornamental garden at the entrance at Myrtle and North Portland. The project was funded by Borough President Markowitz.

Separately, yet included in the scope of the project, Parks will also install a new drinking fountain for dogs and people with improved drainage in the center of the park. The drinking fountain was funded by Council Member Tish James.

Parks will work through the rest of the winter, weather permitting, and plans to have the basketball court open and project complete by late spring.

FG/CH Food Co-op Meeting

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 12:42:00 -0400
An increase in healthy and affordable food options can only be a good thing for the neighborhood. So it's great to hear that some of our local residents are taking the effort to create a local food co-op to the next level, holding their first meeting on Wednesday, January 23rd, at 7 pm at Lafayette Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford Street. The meeting will be addressing a few key questions: Why do we need/want a co-op? What will it take to start? What support do we have now? What will the structure of the co-op be? Whats on our wish-list? How can other co-ops help us? When: Wednesday, January 23, 7-8:30 pm
Where: Lafayette Avenue Presbyterian Church, 85 South Oxford (btw Lafayette and Greene/Fulton)
Visit the food co-op's blog and sign their petition if you think you'd be a potential supporter and member.

Junior League of Brooklyn Info Sessions

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 14:57:00 -0400
The Junior League of Brooklyn is looking for volunteers, so come and join them at one of their information parties to learn more about what the Junior League of Brooklyn does and what it has to offer you. The Junior League of Brooklyn (JLB) has been serving the needs of women and children for over 97 years. They are a 100% volunteer-run, non-profit organization of women, dedicated to making this borough a better place to live. They are also a great way to learn more about Brooklyn and meet some of your dynamic neighbors. JLB is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. Its purpose is exclusively educational and charitable. JLB reaches out to women of all races, religions and national origins who demonstrate an interest in and commitment to voluntarism. Information Parties will be held on:

Wednesday, 1/16, 6:30-8pm
@ Central Library at Grand Army Plaza, Youth Upper Programming Room
Prospect Heights

Thursday, 1/24, 6:30-8pm
@ St. Francis College, Callahan Center
180 Remsen St, Brooklyn Heights

Tuesday, 1/29, 6:30-8pm
@ Private Residence in Boerum Hill
RSVP for Location

To RSVP, please call: 718-624-3288 or email them at membershipinfo@brooklynjuniorleague.org Please Contact: The Junior League of Brooklyn 55 Pierrepont Street Brooklyn, NY 11201 718-624-3288 www.brooklynjuniorleague.org

MulchFest at Fort Greene Park

Fri, 21 Dec 2007 22:39:00 -0400
MulchFest 2008 is taking place on January 5th and 6th, from 10am to 2pm. Chip in! Mulch your tree! Help NYC grow. MulchFest provides New Yorkers an opportunity to bring their Christmas trees to designated sites where they are ground into wood chips. The chips can then be placed in tree pits and gardens. Parks & Recreation encourages New Yorkers to help the environment and their community by participating in this event. MulchFest takes place on January 5 & 6, 2008 from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Participants are encouraged to bring bags to take advantage of the free mulch provided. All lights, ornaments and stands must be taken off. Mulch will not be available at sites marked as "Drop-off Only".

St. Joseph's Small Business Plans

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 16:48:00 -0400
St. Joseph's College School of Professional and Graduate Studies hosted a breakfast meeting at the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership on Friday, December 7, to announce its plans to begin a Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at the school. The SBDC, in partnership with Lehman College, will offer small business development services, including workshops, seminars, and ultimately one-on-one counseling at its Brooklyn campus to existing small business owners as well as aspiring entrepreneurs. Representatives from St. Josephs College, including the president of the college, Sister Elizabeth Hill, met for two hours with representatives of the local community, to request feedback about its plans. Representatives from the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation, Fort Greene SNAP, the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, the Brooklyn Business Library at Cadman Plaza, the Pratt Area Community Council and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project contributed to a lively discussion of the mutual benefits such an initiative could provide to their organizations and the local community. Last summer, in conjunction with The Bronx SBDC and the Small Business Administration, St. Josephs presented a series of small business information seminars entitled Lets Talk Business! These seminars were held over a three week period and covered the following topics: I. How to Start Your Successful Small Business and Its Legal Aspects II. How to Write a Successful Business Plan and Market Your Business III. How to Finance Your Small Business These seminars brought over 150 people to the college and generated a number of requests for additional services to be provided. For further information, contact John Keenan of the St. Joseph's College School of Professional & Graduate Studies at 718.399.2745 or jkeenan@sjcny.edu. Photo (l-r): Clarence Stanley, St. Joseph's faculty member and Director of the Small Business Development Center at Lehman College; John Keenan (standing), Assistant to Dean, St. Joseph's College, School of Professional & Graduate Studies; Rupert Campbell, Organizational Management Chair and Director of Diversity Initiatives, St. Joseph's College; Sister Elizabeth Hill, President, St. Joseph's College.

Psst...bought your tree yet?

Mon, 03 Dec 2007 12:14:00 -0400
Well, no need to go far because Pete and his family have been selling holiday trees on Myrtle Avenue for many years. Where and when: the northwest corner of Myrtle and Washington, from 12noon until about 9pm each day. They have quite a selection of trees, starting from $25. They also have a broad assortment of wreaths, starting at $10. Jingle bells, jingle bells, jingle all the way...

Locals Join Fight Against Breast Cancer

Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:24:00 -0400
During the entire month of October, the Polish Bar of Brooklyn will donate 100% of the proceeds generated from the sale of OPIs Pink of Hearts Nail Lacquer to continue the fight against breast cancer. Funds generated will go towards awareness campaigns and the support of treatment initiatives in Brooklyn. The Polish Bar hopes to leverage this awareness and increased visibility to stimulate men and women, otherwise unaware, to join humanity in the fight against breast cancer. The Polish Bar of Brooklyn is located at 470 Myrtle Avenue (Washington/Hall) can be reached at 718.622.5363. FREE BREAST CANCER SCREENING Free Breast Cancer Screening on Tuesday, November 6th from 10am to 1pm, sponsored by the Society for Clinton Hill and St. Vincents Catholic Medical. Screenings will take place at the Clinton Hill Brooklyn Library Branch located at 380 Washington Avenue (Lafayette/Greene). If you, or someone you know is 40 years of age & older, have no medical insurance, and low income, you qualify to receive a free clinical breast exam, PAP test and mammogram through the Brooklyn Healthy Living Partnership. If you are 50 years of age & older have no medical insurance, and low income, you qualify to receive a free colorectal cancer screening through the Brooklyn Healthy Living Partnership. Appointments are still available. To register, call: Brooklyn Healthy Living Partnership: 718.237.7851xt. 9109. Screening will be provided by Saint Vincents Catholic Medical Centers mobile mammography unit.

Fort Greene Fest this Saturday

Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:17:00 -0400
A celebration of the cultures, cuisine and artistic diversity of Brooklyn." The first annual Fort Greene Fest will take place this Saturday, September 8th, from 12p to 10p at Fort Greene Park. Mainstage entertainment begins at 2pm with musician headliner Talib Kweli. Film, includes actress/director, Rosie Perezs new Yo Soy Boricua." Many of the local restaurants that we know and love will also be present and in full effect. Pop DJ and local entrepreneur Dahved Levy from WBLS will be "rockin' you, rockin' you..." Stop in: join your neighborhors and have a blast. Read more about the Fort Greene Fest at www.fortgreenefest.com.

Writing Workshops in Fort Greene Park

Tue, 03 Jul 2007 16:52:00 -0400
NY Writers Coalition, Akashic Books and Fort Greene Park Conservancy are holding their third annual Fort Greene Park Summer Youth Creative Writing Program. They will hold two 6-week long, Saturday workshops from July 7th through August 11th in Ft. Greene Park. There will be a workshop for 8-12 year olds at 10:45 am to noon. The Teen Workshop (ages 13-17) will meet noon to 1:30. The workshops are lead by trained creative writing workshop leaders. Come write and share your work in a fun, safe and supportive environment. At the end of the workshops, all participants will be invited to read their writing at the Third Annual Fort Greene Park Summer Literary Festival on August 18th! Register now! To sign up, contact NY Writers Coalition at 718-398-2883 or e-mail fgp@nywriterscoalition.org. Space is limited so you must sign up in advance. Parental permission required.

MARP Board Endorses PlaNYC 2030

Tue, 19 Jun 2007 10:33:00 -0400
On last Friday, June 15th, the MARP LDC board of directors voted to support the goals of Mayor Bloomberg's PlaNYC 2030, including the concept of congestion pricing, with the stipulation that four important concepts are included or considered:

1. Residential permit parking for those neighborhoods outside the congestion pricing zone, including but not limited to Fort Greene and Clinton Hill
2. Creation of a transparent and public agreement between the MTA and the City requiring the MTA to use all revenues from congestion pricing to improve public transit access to areas of the city not currently served, especially the outer boroughs
3. Consideration of special treatment in regard to congestion pricing for vital service employees, or encouraging employers in the vital services sector to offset the cost of entering Manhattan for those who must drive as part of their job
4. Consideration of special treatment in regard to congestion pricing for the sick and infirm, or those who must routinely visit hospitals within the congestion zone for specialized treatment

The MARP board of directors is made up of a diverse mix of locally-based residents, business owners, academic institutions, banks, corporations, and community leaders. MARP believes that the initiatives included in the Mayor's plan will have positive effects on Myrtle Avenue's retail district, as well as its surrounding neighborhoods. Given the proximity of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill to the bridges, a considerable amount of automobile traffic on Myrtle Avenue is through-traffic, bound for the Manhattan bridge, not our small business corridor. Reducing this non-local traffic will only serve to help the commercial strip, making it safer for pedestrians, more convenient for drivers whose destination is Myrtle Avenue, and speeding up service on the B54 bus.

Other elements of PlaNYC that coincide nicely with some of MARP's current priorities include: the faster roll-out of muni-meters for street parking, the planting of more street trees, the creation of new neighborhood plazas, the promotion of cycling as a means of transportation and the creation of new bicycle infrastructure, and the improvement of mass transit, including buses and the G train.

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership BID board of directors has not yet had an opportunity to discuss the Mayor's plan, and will take it up at a future meeting.

The Co-op School Fundraiser - this Thursday

Wed, 13 Jun 2007 15:00:00 -0400
Come out and support the neighborhood Co-op School on Taafee Place this Thursday, June 14th at 8pm. The party comes to Clinton Hill at Sputnik (262 Taaffe Place), in the funky ambiance of their huge downstairs hideaway. Get energized by complimentary fare from an array of neighborhood restaurants like Cafe Martino, Graziellas and more, as well as beer and wine on the house till 10pm!
Local DJs MisBehaviour, Drew, Dhundee, Malik and Catnip will be at the wheels of steel through the night! Along with all that, there will be an amazing silent auction with prizes like a semester of Music for Ardvarks, jewelry, vacation rentals and more! Purchase tickets online for $20 in advance at www.thecoopschool.com or $25 at the door.

Mayor Bloomberg Visits Pratt

Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:53:00 -0400
Mayor Michael Bloomberg held a press conference on the Pratt Institute campus this afternoon with representatives from nine colleges and universities during which they announced their commitment to reducing their institutions' greenhouse gas emissions by 30 percent over the next 10 years. The initiative is part of the Mayor's PlaNYC 2030 campaign to make the city more environmentally sustainable while accomodating significant residential growth over the next few decades. In addition to Pratt Institute, the first nine 2030 Challenge Partners include Barnard College, Columbia University, Cooper Union, all 23 campuses of the City University of New York (CUNY), Fordham University, New York University, St. Johns University, and the New School University. In recent years, Pratt has demonstrated its commitment to addressing climate change and its impact on the environment by increasing the vegetation on campus and by using electric security vehicles throughout campus. A campus organization called Sustainable Pratt brings together members of the campus community who are dedicated to incorporating sustainability into curricula, operations, and programs. For more information, visit www.sustainablepratt.org. According to Anthony Gelber, Pratt Institute Sustainability Coordinator for Facilities and Operations, Pratt plans to complete a preliminary campus audit of greenhouse gas emissions so it can begin to identify strategies to decrease energy usage on campus. Pratt is also looking to make all new construction green and will work closely with the City of New York in developing innovative strategies for retrofitting existing urban properties for greater sustainability, including historic buildings. The full press release from Pratt Institute is here. The City's press release is here.

It's My Park Day - this Saturday

Thu, 17 May 2007 10:38:00 -0400
Come to Fort Greene Park this Saturday, May 19th, from 10 AM to 1 PM, to help out with plantings, decorate trash cans with images of flora and fauna, and to otherwise beautify our neighborhood park. For more information, visit the NYC Dept of Parks & Recreation or the Fort Greene Park Conservancy websites.

Also, if you haven't seen it yet, the Department of Parks & Recreations named Fort Greene Park as its park of the month for May. The press release provides a good overivew of the park, its history, the new Fort Greene Park Tree Trail, and other current program offerings.

Clinton Hill House Tour this Sunday

Wed, 02 May 2007 16:32:00 -0400
Come experience the beauty and history of one of Brooklyns premier landmark neighborhoods this coming Sunday, May 6th, for the 30th Anniversary Clinton Hill House Tour. Stroll along the tree-lined streets to see a stunning variety of architectural styles and take advantage of the rare opportunity to see the interiors and private gardens of 12 beautifully restored houses and buildings. A number of specials and discounts will be available from participating Myrtle Avenue merchants on the day of the tour as well. Check out the ads in the House Tour Guide that will be distributed at St. Luke's Church on the day of the tour for details. PayPal Tickets for the house tour may be purchased by visiting The Society for Clinton Hill website. Advance tickets are also for sale at the following locations:
Pillow Café, 505 Myrtle Avenue between Ryerson & Grand
Outpost Café, 1014 Fulton Street near Grand
Sisters Hardware, 902 Fulton Street @ Washington Avenue
Tillies Coffee Bar, 248 DeKalb Avenue @ Vanderbilt Avenue
Yu Interiors, 15 Greene Avenue @ Cumberland Street
House Tour Details:
Sunday, May 6th, 12 noon 5pm, rain or shine.
Advance Ticket sales $20; Day of Tour ticket $25
Tour starts at St. Lukes Church, 259 Washington Avenue (between Lafayette and DeKalb Avenues) Directions by Subway:
A or C trains to Hoyt-Schermerhorn, then G train to Clinton/Washington; or C train to Washington/Clinton Stop. From the Society for Clinton Hill:
Tucked cozily off downtown Brooklyn, residential Clinton Hill was built in the 19th century as the boroughs gold Coast. It is uniquely saturated with free-standing mansions erected by such distinguished and prominent industrialists of their time as the Pratts (oil), the Underwoods (typewriters), the Singers (sewing machines), and the Bristols and Pfizers (pharmaceuticals). The neighborhoods architectural styles include Italianate brownstones, Neo-Georgian, Queen Anne, Romanesque and Greek Revival houses which all rub shoulders with Beaux-Arts apartments and hotels. Clinton Hill also has what may be the largest number of carriage houses in the city.

The fantastic houses and buildings on the Clinton Hill House Tour provide significant insight for all those interested in historic homes and their renovations. The tour engages visitors by providing a glimpse of the past and a snapshot of the neighborhoods vibrant diverse community. Pratt Institute and St. Josephs College impart the feeling of a small university town while its many grand churches (still among the tallest structures here) give one the feeling of traveling back in time. Two of the original Pratt mansions and Pratt Institutes Library with the interior designed by Tiffany Studios will be part of this years tour.

The Society for Clinton Hill House Tour is the primary fund-raiser for this not-for-profit organization, a neighborhood group celebrating its 30th anniversary. Proceeds from the tour help sponsor a variety of educational, historical preservation, social programs within the community. Most importantly it provides a public forum where neighbors can gather to discuss important issues concerning their community.

It's All About You, Dahling!

Thu, 26 Apr 2007 16:39:00 -0400
Never missing an opportunity to pamper Fort Greene and Clinton Hill residents, the Polish Bar of Brooklyn is at it again... The Polish Bar of Brooklyn in partnership with Robin Lester of the Clinton Hill Blog invites you to nominate a Clinton Hill resident for the monthly interview profiles they simply title, 'Clinton Hill: Personal Profiles.' Selected interviewees are wined, pampered and...well, this is the Polish Bar, silly, polished. The royal treatment includes complimentary pedicure at the Polish Bar and wine from the Greene Grape. The goal is to highlight Clinton Hill's "diverse and dynamic demography." If you or someone you know would be a good candidate for a profile, please send e-mail to: clintonhillblog@gmail.com The Polish Bar of Brooklyn is located at 470 Myrtle Avenue. Please call (718) 622-5363 or visit their website Profiles can be viewed at the Clinton Hill Blog

First Fridays at RePOP--April 6

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 16:08:00 -0400
In celebration of their recent article in Best of NY Magazine 2007 please join RePOP at their next First Friday event featuring the Bejewelled Beauties Collection offered by John and Ellie Mathias. John and Ellie will be showcasing their artisan jewelry, decorative arts, ephemera and gilded paintings. Be prepared for a wonderful assortment of fantastic people and belly dancing performed by none other than the fabulous artist herself: Miss Ellie. Complimentary wine reception is 7:30 - 11pm, so pull on your favorite digs, come on down to the Navy Yard, mingle with the art and get your vintage groove on! All furniture, decoratives and collectibles in shop on First Friday are 10% off. Show runs until the last day of April. New show goes up May 4! Join us! Please visit RePOP's website: RePOP 95% Recycled

Fort Greene Climate Change Festival

Mon, 02 Apr 2007 15:35:00 -0400
This April 14th, Fort Greene's Urban Spring cafe is sponsoring Spring into Greene, a festival in conjunction with the Step It Up 2007 campaign for National Day of Climate Action. It will be one of nearly 800 powerful actions taking place all across the country to put pressure on Congress to cut carbon emissions by 80% by 2050. The event will include live music by local artists, inspirational speakers, practical green business and lifestyle solutions, an artwork display from local students concerned about climate change, and the weekly Saturday morning farmer's market. Spring into Greene will involve the whole of the community: seniors to students, and people from all economic and social backgrounds. Focusing on the natural diversity and creativity within Fort Greene, Spring into Greene approaches the important issue of climate change with a positive and inspired angle, and will educate and create critical awareness of the gravity of global warming. The festival will illuminate the very real and accessible possibilities for change, and connect the dots by demonstrating how our informed choices in eating, transportation, and energy use will lead to the necessary reductions in carbon emissions by 2050. Spring Into Greene showcases Fort Greene as a beacon of creativity and environmental responsibility, by highlighting local companies who are making green waves, and issuing a call to action for all local residents, schools, and businesses to meet the ambitious and necessary challenge of "80% by '50." Spring Into Greene will make it possible for all participants and passers-by to begin this profound change on the day of the event. The event will show that switching to no-emissions electricity, installing compact fluorescent lightbulbs, and making necessary energy-efficient consumer and transportation choices is well within our reach. It will be an exciting and important opportunity to bring our unique community together around what is likely the most important challenge of our time. For more information please visit the Step It Up website You can also contact them via email or telephone: spring-into-greene@googlegroups.com or (718) 237-0797

Senior Citizen Apartments on Carlton

Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:43:00 -0400
Applications are now being accepted for 22 affordable housing rental apartments that are now under construction at 91 Carlton Avenue in the Fort Greene section of Brooklyn. This building is being constructed through the Inclusionary Affordable Housing Program of the City of New York's Department of Housing Preservation and Development. For more information

This Weekend: Historic Districts Council Conference

Wed, 07 Mar 2007 12:27:00 -0400
HDC's 13th Annual Preservation Conference, Preserving the Past, Planning for the Future, will be taking place this weekend, March 9 to March 11. This year's conference will focus on how preservation relates to other urban environmental concerns such as green architecture, smart growth, and urban planning in New York City. The conference weekend consists of an opening night reception on Friday at the Children's Aid Society's Greenwich Village Center, a day of panels and other educational sessions on Saturday, and walking tours throughout the boroughs on Sunday. The main conference program will be held at Hunter College School of Social Work. For information on this year's conference events, please visit the HDC website at www.hdc.org. You may register directly online, or call HDC at 212-614-9107.

Bring ZipCar to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill

Mon, 05 Mar 2007 13:41:00 -0400
Local community members, and now a new blog, are pushing to get ZipCar into our neighborhood. As you can see from ZipFortGreene's map, copied here, there's a big empty hole in ZipCar's coverage in the Downtown Brooklyn area, yet thousands of carless residents itching to join the car-share service. We reached out to ZipCar a few years ago when they first started service in Brooklyn, and didn't have much luck. But with renewed efforts by many local residents, and the large amount of interest on the FGKids listserv, we have reached out to ZipCar again to see if our organization might be of assistance in putting them in touch with owners of parking garages in the Myrtle Avenue vicinity. If anyone has any leads, feel free to contact us.
Visit ZipFortGreene for links and petitions for helping in the effort.

Brooklyn Town Hall Meeting for PlaNYC 2030

Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:08:00 -0400
The Mayor's Office of Long Term Planning and Sustainability is hosting a town hall meeting open to the public to get some response and feedback on its framework for planning for the City's growth over the next 25 years. More information on PlaNYC 2030 is on the City's website. Brooklyn Town Hall Meeting
6:30pm, Tuesday, March 6, 2007
Long Island University, Metcalfe Building, Paramount Gymnasium
1 University Plaza, at intersection of Flatbush and DeKalb Avenue (across from Juniors)
Directions: 2,3,4,5 at Nevins Street, and Q,B,N,R at DeKalb
The City's framework focuses on three major issues: Housing (we need more of it), Infrastructure (it's getting very old), and Environmental Sustainability (the city's at risk due to global climate change, and could use some major greening to improve access to parks and enhance quality of life). Our initial thought: it's a good start, but what about JOBS? Economic Development? Small Businesses? Sure, all of this housing construction and infrastructure improvement will create jobs, but we feel strongly that adopting a proactive strategy to retaining living wage jobs in the city, be it through small business development, retention of the manufacturing sector, etc., is key to keeping a healthy and growing middle class in New York. But we applaud the administration for asking some hard questions, and for pushing the city to think long-term. I'm sure everyone has an opinion on how you'd change the city, and what would ensure you don't move out, so hopefully that's part of the reason for these town hall meetings. We encourage everyone to be part of the discussion. If you can't attend the meeting, you can provide feedback online at PlaNYC's vision page. If you're interested in broader efforts at improving community-based planning in New York City, check out the Community-Based Planning Task Force, housed at The Planning Center at the Municipal Art Society.

Society for Clinton Hill New Comer's Party

Wed, 07 Feb 2007 12:18:00 -0400
Pillow Cafe will be the location of the Society for Clinton Hill's New Comer's Party, inviting all those "new" to the neighborhood for dinner and drinks with the "old timers". Friday, February 23, 2007 7:00 to 10:00 pm At the new location of Robin & Biola's Pillow Cafe, 505 Myrtle Avenue (between Ryerson & Grand) The "old timers" of Clinton Hill will bring their favorite dish. SCH will provide all beverages. Children welcome. Everyone please invite those new to the area from your block, your building, your child's school, or your gym to join us. Please RSVP to Roslyn Huebener at 718-499-8382 ext. 11, by, Tuesday, February 20th, so that we can plan the food and drinks accordingly. (There is no provision for re-heating or cooking at the party, so bring your favorite dish "ready to eat.") We look forward to greeting old and new friends alike on Friday, February 23, at the charming and lovely Pillow Café.