We’ve had an amazing year here on Myrtle Avenue, and we have a lot of you to thank for that. Our Senior Advisory Council published a book. We removed literally tons of trash from Myrtle Avenue. We gave out 125,000 lbs of fresh produce to local families. We have a (nearly) complete new plaza (finally!). We organized dozens of arts events. We kicked off a city-wide campaign to take a stand against hate. It really does take a village to pull all of this off, and we’re going to spend this November giving just a few of our wonderful partners and neighbors a little bit of much-deserved gratitude.
Check back here throughout the month to see our growing list of appreciation, which we’ll add to every day. Or follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter each day to see Want to thank an outstanding Myrtle Avenue community member yourself? Send us a message to nominate someone or tag us and add #myrtlethanks on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
01/30: The Doe Fund
The Doe Fund is a non-profit that provides paid employment opportunities to those moving forward in life from incarceration, homelessness, or substance abuse. Their team of trainees provides sanitation services along Myrtle Avenue every day of the year, from sweeping up litter and bagging up trash, removing graffiti, watering street plantings, to clearing snow in the winter. Thank you to the dedicated team of trainees and supervisors who help keep Myrtle Ave clean!
02/30: Myrtle Avenue Senior Advisory Council
The Myrtle Avenue Senior Advisory Council continuously keeps the needs of local seniors at the forefront and organizes a number of events for seniors throughout the year, including the annual Senior Resource Fair each spring and regular social events throughout the year that promote active living, learning and having fun.
03/30: Eric Frazier of Fort Greene Jazz Festival
Our neighborhood is fortunate to have a rich cultural scene. Throughout the year, the local arts scene is showcased through several key events, including the Fort Greene Jazz Festival. today we give a #MyrtleThanks to Eric Frazier, the lead organizer and creative force behind the festival for the past 8 yrs!
04/30: Community Chef Beryl Benbow
Beryl Benbow is a local artist, mom extraordinaire, and dedicated chef in the Myrtle Avenue Community Chef program. #myrtlethanks for over 30 cooking demos in 2017 alone. Thank you, Beryl, for all you do!
05/30: 88th Precinct Neighborhood Coordination Officers
Last year, the 88th Precinct adopted the Neighborhood Coordination Officers (NCO) program and it has been tremendous. A pair of officers is assigned to a small section of the precinct, allowing the community to see a regular face and get to know their local officers better. Today at #MyrtleThanks goes out to all of the NCO’s who serve Myrtle Avenue every day, including 88th Precinct Officers O’Neill and Perez-Coyle (pictured above, L to R), John and Lewis.
06/30: Emily Ahn Levy
Today, #MyrtleThanks Emily Ahn Levy who served as an all-star coordinator of the Myrtle Avenue Young Entrepreneur and Mentorship Program (YEMP) this past summer. As the coordinator, Emily planned exciting speakers and visits to employers for the teens who participated in the annual work-learn program.
07/30: Fort Greene Park Conservancy
We love Fort Greene Park and we’re grateful for the entire team at the Fort Greene Park Conservancy for their stewardship and partnership.
08/30: Nora Daniel
Nora Daniel, the Director of Community & Government Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard, is a tremendous asset. #MyrtleThanks Nora for being the poster woman of going above and beyond to support the neighborhood activities, including the Fort Greene-Farragut Fresh Pantry.
09/30: NYC Department of Sanitation
It’s a tough job of keeping Myrtle Avenue clean, and the hard-working team at the NYC Department of Sanitation do a heck of a job every single day. Through sun, rain, and snow, the crew at DSNY Brooklyn North 2 serve us well and that’s why we pass along a sincere #MyrtleThanks to them today.
10/30: DJ Sadiq of Soul Summit
Soul Summit represents the spirit of Fort Greene. On Day 10, we send a #MyrtleThanks to our friend DJ Sadiq for bringing music and dance to Ft Greene Park every summer.
11/30: Our Local Veterans
On Veterans Day we take a moment to give a #MyrtleThanks to all of the local veterans – including some Myrtle Avenue business owners – who have served us all with their time in the armed forces.
12/30: David Barker
Sending a #MyrtleThanks to the incredible Director of Fort Greene Park, David Barker! David is always working hard to keep our favorite local park in tip-top shape, and with a smile.
13/30: Turkey Giveaway Donors
A big #MyrtleThanks to the 45 neighbors and local partners who donated to our turkey giveaway campaign. The $7,000+ raised will purchase 300 turkeys, which will be given to families who visit this month’s Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry on Nov 18. Your generosity will be much appreciated by these neighbors on Thanksgiving day!
14/30: Juollie Carroll
Local block associations play an important role in building community and advocating for local needs. Today, we give a specific #MyrtleThanks to Juollie Carroll of the Waverly Avenue Block Association for continuously fighting for the preservation of affordable housing on her block.
15/30: Maria Baker
To Maria Baker of Pratt Institute’s MFA Writing Program, we give a #Myrtlethanks for editing and publishing We Live Here, a collection of six seniors’ stories of long ago Myrtle Avenue, and other stories from points near and far.
16/30: Captain Buttacavoli
#MyrtleThanks today to Captain John Buttacavoli of the 88th Precinct. He has just right amount of toughness and warmth, leading our the team at our local precinct well.
17/30: Jessica Sucher, BRIC
BRIC is a cultural gem in #fortgreene. Today we give a #myrtlethanks to BRIC’s Jessica Sucher, the Senior Manager of Community Engagement and a neighbor and friend of Myrtle, for creating connections to all BRIC has to offer for our community.
18/30: Fort Greene & Farragut Fresh Pantry Volunteers
It would be impossible to distribute 250,000lbs of food (and counting!) over the past two years without the help of dedicated volunteers who come out each month to the Fort Greene and Farragut Fresh Pantry. A big #myrtlethanks today to this team!
19/30: Ron Janoff
A #MyrtleThanks to local neighbor Ron Janoff for leading the Wallabout Walking Tours for the 2017 season! From May through October, Ron did an amazing job of leading groups of locals and visitors through Fort Greene Park and the historic Wallabout neighborhood, sharing the area’s fascinating history.
20/30: Mercy Home
A big #myrtlethanks to Mercy Home For Children for graciously hosting the Myrtle Avenue Senior Resource Fair at their beautiful space at Classon & Willougby, and for tirelessly working for kids in NYC every day.
21/30: Officer Eusebi
Today, #MyrtleThanks Detective Eusebi of Police Service Area 3. we know that community relations is your job – but you constantly go the extra mile, serve from the heart, and it’s noticed and much appreciated.
22/30: Farm Fresh Box Volunteers
The Myrtle Avenue Farm Fresh Box program – which provides low-cost shares of farm produce to local residents – cannot happen without the help of dedicated volunteers. #MyrtleThanks the crew of folks who come out to help twice a month. We look forward to seeing them again when the program starts back up after the winter break.
23/30: YOU!
Yes, you! We appreciate you and send a #MyrtleThanks today to our neighbors and partners who support our programs, follow-us on online, support local businesses, and are engaged in the neighborhood. Thank you for your support and have a happy Thanksgiving!
24/30: Corey McBeth of Emmanuel Baptist Church
#MyrtleThanks today to Corey McBeth, a quiet force at Emmanuel Baptist Church, for advancing our organizations’ mutual concern for local youth by leading programs that serve local kids and teens.
25/30: Local Small Business Owners
On Small Business Saturday, we send a big #MyrtleThanks to all of the local business owners who invest so much of their time and money in serving their customers in the neighborhood. Thank you for being on Myrtle Avenue!
26/30: Renee Robinson
Every year we are so impressed by our neighbor Renee Robinson’s enthusiasm for Small Business Saturday. This year was no exception. Today we send a #MyrtleThanks to Renee for volunteering this past Saturday at the #ShopMyrtle Station, spreading the word about the importance of supporting local businesses.
27/30: Myrtle Avenue’s Crossing Guards
In the morning and afternoons, the neighborhood is teeming with young students coming and going from school. Today we give a #MyrtleThanks to all the local crossing guards who keep our kids (and sometimes us adults!) safe every day. Pictured here is crossing guard Shirl at Myrtle and Clermont.
28/30: Terri Ball of Fort Greene SNAP
#MyrtleThanks Terri Ball of Fort Greene Snap for always spreading news about our food programs and other valuable local resources available in the neighborhood with neighbors in need.
29/30: Ramona Candy
Today, #MyrtleThanks local artist Ramona Candy for curating the Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Artwalk this past spring and for always working to elevate the arts in our community!
