Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Local Shelters Need Our Help

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”.

Free Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop – CANCELLED

The Brooklyn Hospital Medical Center is hosting a FREE Breast Cancer Awareness Workshop today, 10/31/12, from 1-3PM at the YWCA located at 30 3rd Avenue 11217.

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We just got word that due to the storm the workshop has been cancelled. We will provide the re-scheduled date once it is announced.

Farm Stand Cancelled today, 10/31/12

The storm has left our farmer farm bound but thankfully the land and crops did not get too beat up by Hurricane Sandy. We will see you next week, November 7th 4-7PM, for a final farm stand of the season. Come say goodbye for the season and support our regional farmers to help soften the financial blow Hurricane Sandy has punched.

Halloween in Fort Greene Park

Sponsored by the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, the Fort Greene Park Halloween Festival will take place on Saturday, 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)

Halloween on and around Myrtle 2012

 

Halloween is always a blast on Myrtle Avenue. Adult-, child- and family- friendly activities abound. Hope to see you on the Avenue: enjoy!

Halloween at the Trilok lot, sponsored by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnerhip

2p-6p at Trilok Fusion lot on the corner of Myrtle and Waverly.

Puppet Making Fun for the kids, teens and adults! Kids will have the chance to make their own pumpkin Jack-o-lantern by giving new life to recyclable materials. The grown-ups can learn to sculpt a creepy finger puppet-head from foam rubber.

Workshop will be taught by Kevin Augustine, artistic director of Lone Wolf Tribe and one of New York City’s most unique puppet artisans.

 

Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education

(Saturday)

Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education hosts its first annual Halloween Festival on Saturday from 1p-6p. Free admission. Pony rides, bouncy castle, games, face painting, costume parade, food by local vendors and much more! Gift basket raffle to raise funds for their children’s international travel program. Halloween Festival to take place in the Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education lot at Myrtle-Waverly corner.

Trilok Fusion Center for Arts & Education can be reached at: 718.797.1700.

 

Just Because Salon

(throughout Halloween week)

Drop by Just Because Salon for a glimpse of old-fashioned holiday window dressing. Frightful skeleton chillin’ in the window. Don’t let all of the owner’s creative work go unnoticed—check it out. Swing by with the kids!

Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue and can be reached at 718.722.7810.

Polish Bar of Brooklyn

(Saturday – Wednesday)

Need some help keeping your Halloween makeup on point? Stop in at Polish Bar of Brooklyn. Yes, it’s true, come on out to Polish to get those finishing touches before you head out trick-or-treating or to that Halloween bash.

Call for more details: 718.622.5363.

 

Dope Jams

(Saturday into Sunday)

Dope Jams 5th Annual Hallowe’en Costume Ball from 10p until 6am. The guys at Dope Jams really, and we mean like reallllly get into Halloween, and this year’s Hallowe’en is no different.

It’s time for Dope Jams 5th Annual Costume Ball and party (from the Dope Jams guys: “LIFE” aims to save dance music from the dark shadows of banality and to once again make it exciting and NEW. Always forward, never backwards, and yet always aware of the movement, the progress that music must continue if it is to survive. Against transitory mediocrity we must stand, and so we embark once more to explore the essence of social transcendence through musical exercise.”

Music: Francis Englehardt & Paul Nickerson; Guest DJ: Jonny Romero.

Cover: $5 for members/ $15 for non-members.

Dope Jams is located at 580 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.622.7977.

Luz

(Wednesday)

Enjoy Halloween fright films that will be looped and streaming at Luz. Come dressed in your costume and get a free glass of sangria. Kids dressed in costume get free ice cream, yum.

Luz is located at 177 Vanderbilt Avenue, just south of Myrtle. Call for more details: 718.246.4000.

Maggie Brown

(Wednesday)

Maggie Brown will be giving away candy and a free spooky shot to those in costume (and over 21)!

Maggie Brown is located at 455 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.643.7001.

Five Spot Soul Food & Supper Club

Five Spot will be hosting a costume party this weekend.

Also, during the day on Wednesday, kids can stop by to pick up more for their candy stashes, “starting at 3!”

Five Spot is located at 459 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.852.0202.

Rope

(Saturday)

Stop by with some love. Starts at 5 pm.

Rope is located at 415 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.522.2899.

The Emerson

(Wednesday)

Pumpkin Carving and Painting by day + Happy Hour from 2p-7p.

Parents and other adults participating in backyard pumpkin carving and artwork get 2-for-1 draft and well drinks. Bring your kids, a pumpkin and some supplies if you have. The Emerson will provide some supplies.

Halloween Party and Costume Contest $4 Pumpkin Ale on draft, $4 Halloween Cocktail. Bring a small painted or carved pumpkin and get a FREE drink! Best Costume wins $100 Cash and $50 Bar Tab. 2nd Place $50 bar tab.

The Emerson is located at 561 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 347.763.1310.

Touché

(Wednesday)

Black Street Masquerade Party and Fundraiser. Party it up to your heart’s content!

6p-11p $10 w/RSVP ‘til 12midnight. Email to info@blackstreetonline.com or 646.397.0772.

Doors open at 5pm.

Touche Lounge is located at 46 Washington Avenue. Call for more details: 917.208.0641.

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker

(Saturday into Sunday)

Putnam’s 2nd annual Halloween party and costume contest on Saturday from 10p-4p! 1st prize-$200. Second prize is a $50 bar tab. 3rd prize is a $20 bar tab. Free entry! Free Halloween shot when you register! DJ Max Power at the turntable—hey, hey.

Putnam’s is located at 419 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 347.799.2382.

Mojito Cuban Cuisine

(Wednesday)

Happy Hour 2-for-1 drinks all day on Halloween.

Mojito Cuban Cuisine is located at 82 Washington Avenue. Call for more details: 718.797.3100.

Myrtle Car Service

(Wednesday)

Myrtle Car is candy central once again. Stop in for all your favorite candies on Monday. If you can find it at the candy store, you can find it at Myrtle Car on Halloween as they take the day quite seriously. You won’t be disappointed by the growth of your candy stash. Myrtle Car Service is located at 525 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.230.8100.

Los Pollitos III

(Wednesday)

Costume contest at Los Pollitos III. Raffles to win ‘dinner for two’ prizes. Los Pollitos promises discounts so deep on the sangria that it will be like giving it away. Los Pollitos III is located at 499 Myrtle Avenue. Call for more details: 718.636.6125.

Brooklyn Public Library, Walt Whitman Branch

(Wednesday)

Kids party at the Whitman Branch. Call for time. The one-story Walt Whitman Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library has a separate children’s room and internet access. The branch is wheelchair-accessible.

The Whitman Branch is located at 93 St. Edwards Street between Myrtle and Park. Call for details: 718.935.0244.

19th Annual Halloween Walk

(Wednesday)

Bring your trick-or-treaters for a fun time at the 19th Annual Halloween Walk sponsored by the Society for Clinton Hill. The walk begins at the Pratt-Clinton Hill Community Garden on the corner of Hall Street and DeKalb Avenue. The Halloween Walk starts at 5:30pm and ends at 7:00pm on Wednesday, rain or shine. Trick-or-treating maps will be provided. Parents and guardians must accompany their children for the entire Walk.

The Brooklyn Halloween Show

(Monday)

The Brooklyn Halloween Show is held at 227 Waverly Avenue (between Dekalb and Willoughby). Oct. 31 at 6:30, 7 and 7:30 p.m. This is part of the Clinton Hill Halloween Walk. Pick up a map of selected houses for candy and decorations.

Halloween Festival

(Ssturday)

The Fort Greene Park Conservancy Halloween Festival, 12-3 pm, in the park. This event includes games, entertainment, face painting, costume parade and a slew of free pumpkins for kids of all ages.

The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest

(Saturday)

Fort Greene PUPS presents The Great PUPkin Dog Costume Contest, registration at 11:30, judging at noon – 1 pm. Takes place on the steps of the Monument for observers and on the lower terrace for the dogs (in costume.)

 

Cielo Bar

(Friday and Saturday)

Costume Party on Friday and Saturday at Cielo Bar

 

Gnarly Vines Wine Tastings

(Saturday)

The Italian Chainsaw Massacre Saturday, October 27th, 5-8pm

Take a stab at sipping these four fab wines Saturday night! The 70s saw the most wonderful collection of horrifically, fake-blood splattered, sensationally spooky slasher flicks that required no reading of subtitles – horror is a universal language! But these boot-centric sippers we’ll be pouring Saturday night aren’t scary at all – they’re quite the opposite. And the chainsaw? Aw, that’s just a vineyard in Oregon where some mighty lovely Pinot hails. So break out your best plastic pumpkin and come on in for some treats of the pourable kind.

2011 D’Alfonso del Sordo – Catapanus – Bombino Bianco – Daunia, Puglia, Italy – $14

Great with garlicky, buttery shrimp and mussels!

2010 Witness Tree ‘Chainsaw’ Pinot Noir – Salem, Oregon – $24

Scary name; beautiful wine. This fruit is sourced from the Chainsaw vineyard in the Eola Hills, and shows elegance and structure that has put Oregon Pinot on the map. Lean, herby, with notes of black cherry and strawberry, and a spicy, savory finish that’s perfect for roasted quail with pomegranates.

2009 Gricos Aglianico del Vulture – Basilicata, Italy – $14 Some wine minds consider Aglianico to be Southern Italy’s best grape. The Gricos is 100% Aglianico from the volcanic soils near Mt. Vulture in Basilicata, where Aglianico grows best. This is an excellent, medium-bodied red with ripe, clean, dark fruit and licorice flavors balanced by firm tannins.

2008 Cantina del Pino Barbaresco – Piedmont, Italy – $38 Cantina del Pino has emerged recently as one of the most important producers of Barbaresco.We generally write in-depth notes when tasting new wines for the store, but for this one we all wrote only one word: Awesome! Especially with Bolognese. 15% off featured wines during the tasting!

Gnarly Vines Cocktail of the Week: Corpse Reviver #2

Now, now, honey – a nice cocktail will bring you back to life.

Feeling dead inside? Wandering the floors like the living dead? Need a little life-booster in your bloodless veins? A Corpse Reviver #2 will put the gust back in your ghoulish sails! Click here for the recipe, but check below for a preview of the evil (like the fru-its of the de-vil) ingredients:

Death’s Door Distilled Gin – Door County, WI (750ml) – $36 Infused with wild juniper berries that are hand harvested from the fields and forests of Washington Island, plus coriander, fennel, and other native Wisconsin botanicals. Lillet White – France (750ml) – $20

The original French Aperitif since 1887. Made with Bordeaux-centric Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, and Muscadelle grapes, and blended with herbs and oranges. Fresh and dry, Lillet is great served chilled with an orange slice.

Cointreau Orange Liqueur – Angers, France (375ml) – $21 French brandy infused with sweet and bitter orange peels from Spain, Brazil, and Haiti. An aromatic, intense substitution for triple sec!

La Muse Verte Absinthe Traditionnelle – France [750ml] – $57.60

This is one of the rare, true Absinthes that are at the historically accurate 68% alcohol. The final product undergoes a meticulous decantation and filtration process with wool and paper, just like in the old days.

(photo: from Fort Greene PUPS Flckr page, Lexi the Leopard. The Great PUPkin costume competition will take place in Fort Greene Park this Saturday, Oct. 28th.)

Park Avenue Safety Plan Update: Meeting with DOT

Earlier this week MARP staff met with representatives from the New York City Department of Transportation (DOT). DOT wants to start an official project addressing many of the issues we outlined in the Park Avenue Safety Plan! However, that would not likely happen until 2014. Some things could happen sooner, before a formal project. Following are some highlights from the meeting:

DOT initiated a “warrant study” to determine if pedestrian volumes on the superblock warrant a traffic signal.

DOT captured speed data on Park and is getting volume data.

Countdown pedestrian clocks will be coming to all intersections, probably next year.

DOT initiated a lighting efficiency study, to determine where light levels are low. Any place that does not meet the minimum requirements will get additional lighting.

DOT will look into adding stop signs and “no parking” pavement markings near the entrance/exit of each parking area under the BQE.

MARP have some follow-up to do as well. We will do our part. Will you do yours? Please spread the word about the online petition.

Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights…

Fall Health Fair at Myrtle Village Green this Sunday

Myrtle Village Green, a neighborhood association, that recently gained access to a closed Department of Environmental Protection Water Tunnel shaft site on Myrtle Avenue and is in the process of converting it into a community space, is hosting a Fall Health Fair on Sunday 10/28/12 2:30-5PM! Everyone is welcome – composting workshop at 2:30, free health screenings, yoga workshops, live music and much more! Join in and share the event with friends!

Where: 636 Myrtle Avenue between Kent and Franklin
Time: 2:30- 5PM
Contact: Robyn Smith – rsmith@imagineexhibitions.com

Join us TODAY for the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Harvest Fest & Food Day Celebration!

Join us for our 3rd annual Harvest Fest tomorrow, Wednesday, 10/24/12 from 4-7PM on the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues! We will also be celebrating Food Day, a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food! There will be FREE mini-pumpkins for the kids*, face painting from 4:30-6:45, and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs Millie and Michelle will prepare kid friendly, healthy recipes for all to taste! And, of course, you can stock up on local fruits and veggies from J. Glebocki Farms, Tilapia from VertiCulture Aquaponics, Raspberry Jam & Mighty Hot Pepper Jelly from Beth’s Farm Kitchen via Farmer’s Web and Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm

We accept EBT/WIC/Health Bucks/cash!

Event Special: spend $6 or more and get $2 of free produce!

*while supplies last

Artober Reception this Wednesday Night at Cielo Bar

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 BrooklynMyrtle 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:

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.

Join us this Wednesday for the Myrtle Avenue Farm Stand Harvest Fest & Food Day Celebration!

Join us for our 3rd annual Harvest Fest this Wednesday, 10/24/12 from 4-7PM on the corner of North Portland and Myrtle Avenues! We will also be celebrating Food Day, a nationwide celebration and a movement for healthy, affordable, and sustainable food! There will be FREE mini-pumpkins for the kids*, face painting from 4:30-6:45, and Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs Millie and Michelle will prepare kid friendly, healthy recipes for all to taste! And, of course, you can stock up on local fruits and veggies from J. Glebocki Farms, Tilapia from VertiCulture Aquaponics, Raspberry Jam & Mighty Hot Pepper Jelly fromBeth’s Farm Kitchen via Farmer’s Web and Maple Syrup from Poorfarm Farm

We accept EBT/WIC/Health Bucks/cash!

*while supplies last

Get Fresh! MARP Report Provides a Snapshot of the Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Food Environment and Generates Actions for Change

 Click here to download a .pdf version of the press release.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

Get Fresh! MARP Report Provides a Snapshot of the Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Food Environment and Generates Actions for Change

FORT GREENE & CLINTON HILL, BROOKLYN — The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP) has released a comprehensive Community Food Assessment (CFA) titled Get Fresh! Food access, food justice and collective action in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, a report researched and created in collaboration with local residents and food advocates. The report serves as a “snapshot” of the local food environment in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, and will inform community-led efforts to improve access to fresh food, create opportunities for nutritional awareness and education, and strengthen advocacy efforts. Several informational presentations will be made throughout the community in the months of December and January to share findings and information about the first three projects resulting from the CFA.

Beginning in January 2011, MARP spearheaded a Community Food Assessment for Fort Greene & Clinton Hill with help from members of the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Community Food Council (CFC) Steering Committee and a number of community volunteers. MARP also worked closely with City Harvest, who has conducted CFAs in the past. The purpose of this CFA was to understand the local food system, to identify both the opportunities for and barriers to accessing fresh, healthy food, to bring to light the specific issues facing various stakeholder groups, and to inform and create community-driven projects to improve our local food environment. The CFA incorporates and builds upon previous research completed by other community organizations as well as comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data including mapping, 52 store assessments, 266 resident surveys, 7 focus groups and 23 interviews with advocates and experts working on food- and health-related issues.

Among several findings, the report concludes that access to quality, affordable fresh food is limited; SNAP/EBT acceptance by higher-quality retailers is low; and residents are ready and eager to learn more about ways of improving their own nutrition. Members of the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill CFC utilized the results to identify gaps in available services, and to generate 29 recommendations for new projects, policies and advocacy efforts to bridge those gaps, all of which are listed in the full CFA report. The CFC has identified three projects to tackle in the short-term: 1) increasing the number of food retailers that accept EBT; 2) creating grocery shopping tours to help consumers make healthier choices; and, 3) ‘closing the loop’ on holiday food donations. The latter project involves encouraging those who are collecting food donations (and toys and coats) to deliver them to local pantries and churches for local distribution. Several merchants have already volunteered to serve as donation drop-off sites including Five Spot (459 Myrtle), Maggie Brown (455 Myrtle), Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle), Kiini Ibura (388 Myrtle), Brooklyn Stone Boutique (366 Myrtle), Cake Joy (364 Myrtle), Fort Greene SNAP (324 Myrtle) and St. Joseph’s College Tuohy Hall (245 Clinton). St. Joseph’s College will be donating farm-fresh produce to area pantries as well.

“We knew that these issues existed all along,” explains Dominique Bryant, Myrtle Avenue Farmstand manager and member of the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill CFC, “but now this report provides actual proof of what’s really happening here, and how difficult it is to find fresh, affordable food.”

Informational presentations will be held at multiple locations throughout the community where people can learn more about the findings, and find out how to get involved in upcoming initiatives. The first presentation will take place at Child Development Support Services (352-358 Classon Avenue) on Thursday December 8, 2011. The remaining presentations will be scheduled during the months of December and January. To request a presentation at your organization or community meeting, to attend a presentation, to participate in any of the projects described above, or to find out more about the Fort Greene-Clinton Hill Community Food Council, contact Kassy Nystrom at kassy@myrtleavenue.org or 718-230-1689. Copies of Get Fresh! Food access, food justice and collective action in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill can be downloaded from MARP’s website.

MARP’s Myrtle Eats Fresh initiatives are supported by the New York Community Trust and Atlantic Philanthropies as part of the Community Experience Partnership, with additional support from Community Food Projects program of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA).

CONTACT: Meredith Phillips Almeida

meredith@myrtleavenue.org, 718.230.1689

Red Lantern Bicycles: Bike commuting just got easier, safer, and friendlier!

Red Lantern Bikes has been the meeting spot every Thursday morning at 7:30am for a Brooklyn biketrain.

A biketrain is a group of bikers who together ride a prearranged route to reach a destination. In this case, a group of Brooklynite bikers head to work in Manhattan together on Thursday mornings, but not before coffee and introductions at the biketrain meeting spot,Red Lantern before they set out.

Riding together helps newer riders feel more comfortable on city streets and generally develops a sense of community between the new and experienced riders.

Here’s more on the story from DNA Info.

If you’ve been longing to ride into work but wishing you could make the generally solo activity a little less solo, stop in at Red Lantern on Thursday mornings for the biketrain.

Red Lantern is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton. They can be reached at (347) 889-5338.

On a completely separate note re Red Lantern Bicycles, the popular bike shop, coffeehouse and bar, is raising monies to improve their storefront, with signage and decals. Click here to check out Red Lantern Bicycles Lucky Ant video about the campaign! Give to receive goodies like free inner tubes and coffee, movie tickets, 2-hour open bar or free tune-up for life in return!

The Brooklyn Food Coalition Hosts “Moving Toward Race in the Food Justice Movement”

The Brooklyn Food Coalition (BFC) has organized a conversation titled “Moving Toward Race in the Food Justice Movement” between the NYC food justice community and Malik Yakini , Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Detroit Food Policy Council and a 2012 James Beard Foundation Awardee,Lorrie Clevenger with Black Urban Gardeners and Why Hunger and Daisy Chung , Executive Director of Restaurant Opportunity Center.

The conversation will address the questions:

• How do we create a food movement that is lead by the food justice movement?
• How do we ensure that the food justice movement lifts the leadership and ideas of those most a?ected by the present food system?
• How do we tell the story of the history and present day reality of the food system that illuminates the e?ects of racism?

When: Friday, October 19th, 5-8 pm

Where: The Pantry, 407 Lewis Avenue at Decatur St., Bed-Stuy, C/A to Utica Avenue, B 25, 26, 15

$25 for BFC members – become a member today by clicking here
$35 for non-BFC members

Small bites included and affordable cash bar. All proceeds are donated to the Brooklyn Food Coalition.

Don’t miss this important conversation and networking opportunity! Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Opening week at The Joint on Myrtle!

If we tell you how good the roasted turkey with basil pesto, avocado and arugula on freshly baked sourdough bread is at The Joint, man (!), you won’t believe us. So, stop in, and check it out for yourself! Yummmmmm.

Tanya and Taryn from DUMBO’s Superfine opened ‘The Joint on Myrtle’ this past weekend. The menu emphasis in on fresh and affordable, with primarily soups, salads and sandwiches. More of today’s menu items: sandwiches: salami soppressatta, roasted peppers, olive tapenade and provolone; blue cheese, fennel, pear, arugula and orange vinaigrette; and ribeye w/aioli, caramelized onions and swiss; soups: fresh lentil and potato and corn; baked goodness: apple cider donuts, buttermilk biscuits; drinks: warm apple cider, cappucino, espresso and coffee. Click here to check out the website for additional info.

The space is lovely with its vintage tin and tile. Lots on the drawing board, stay tuned: live music, sound system, a mural in the garden, the launch of a garden drawing series, readings of poetry and the telling of stories; tree plantings, soil and eventually an outdoor fire pit. A long term goal is to create a solar powered kitchen and a garden of heirloom tomatoes, basil and more. The Joint on Myrtle is currently fundraising (by selling limited edition letter press prints of the logo and mono prints by Tanya via tanyarynd.com) to make it all happen.

Stop in!

The Joint on Myrtle is located at 471 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Avenue and Hall Street or call them at: 347.763.1455.

Two Artober Events Happening Tonight on Myrtle!

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 artist’s 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.

The Brooklyn Food Coalition Hosts “Moving Toward Race in the Food Justice Movement”

The Brooklyn Food Coalition (BFC) has organized a conversation titled “Moving Toward Race in the Food Justice Movement” between the NYC food justice community and Malik Yakini , Executive Director of the Detroit Black Community Food Security Network, Detroit Food Policy Council and a 2012 James Beard Foundation Awardee,Lorrie Clevenger with Black Urban Gardeners and Why Hunger and Daisy Chung , Executive Director of Restaurant Opportunity Center.

The conversation will address the questions:

• How do we create a food movement that is lead by the food justice movement?
• How do we ensure that the food justice movement lifts the leadership and ideas of those most a?ected by the present food system?
• How do we tell the story of the history and present day reality of the food system that illuminates the e?ects of racism?

When: Friday, October 19th, 5-8 pm

Where: The Pantry, 407 Lewis Avenue at Decatur St., Bed-Stuy, C/A to Utica Avenue, B 25, 26, 15

$25 for BFC members – become a member today by clicking here
$35 for non-BFC members

Small bites included and affordable cash bar. All proceeds are donated to the Brooklyn Food Coalition.

Don’t miss this important conversation and networking opportunity! Tickets can be purchased by clicking here.

Park Avenue Safety Plan Spotlight: Bus Bulbs

In a little over a month since the release of the Park Avenue Safety Plan, nearly 600 concerned citizens have already shown their support by signing the petition, in hard copy andonline . If you haven’t signed already, please add your voice.

Bus bulbs are sidewalk extensions at bus stops that improve safety, bus operations, and provide extra space for amenities. The extension improves safety because it shortens the distance that pedestrians need to cross, while calming traffic. They improve bus operations because buses don’t have to pull over and then back out into traffic. Lastly, bus bulbs provide extra sidewalk space for things like bus shelters or benches for waiting passengers.

Using passenger data provided by the MTA, we proposed four bus bulbs on Park Avenue, at westbound North Portland, Carlton, Washington, and eastbound Carlton.

Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights…

Red Lantern Bikes crowdsource campaign: less than 2 weeks left to make goal!

We feel extremely fortunate that Lucky Ant, the successful crowdsourcing company, decided to work with small business owners in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. They are partnering with local business owners to help businesses crowdsource finance for business growth!

Thanks to YOU, Green Pets Spa at 572 Myrtle Avenue surpassed their goal of $5500 in September. Green Pets is now able to transform their concrete-laden backyard space into a greened up meet up space for pets and pet owners.

Currently up: Red Lantern Bicycles. With less than 2 weeks left to reach goal, Red Lantern is raising funds for storefront improvement: new signage, decals and window improvements.

Click to check out Red Lantern Bicycles Lucky Ant video.

Red Lantern is offering all types of goodies to investors, from free coffee and inner tubes; to a “date” with a bike mechanic; to 3 tickets to a screening of the film, Breaking Away + 2 hour open bar; to, check this out, tuneups for life!

Interested in getting one of the deals? Please take a couple minutes to check out Red Lantern’s Lucky Ant Project Page to find out more and to contribute.

Red Lantern Bikes is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton and can be reached at 347.889.5338 for further details.

Empire State Building in Gold Tonght, in honor of Pratt’s 125 years!

Pratt celebrates 125 years this year. The institution is kicking off the celebration with a gala tonight at the Waldorf-Astoria hotel, which was designed in 1929 by a Pratt alum.

Also tonight, in honor of the 125th anniversity of Pratt, the lights of the Empire State Building will glow in gold.

Wishing a hearty congratulatons to Pratt Institute on 125 years!

Didgeridoo Workshop at Trilok this Sunday, 10/14

Didgeridoo workshop this Sunday, October 14th at Trilok Fusion Center for the Arts at 143 Waverly Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue.

The workshop will take plac;e from 1:45p to 4:15p.

Contact Leroy T. Smith at 917.941.6857 or ltsmith44@gmail.com for further information.

Admission is $25.

The didgeridoo, a wind instrument, was developed by indigenous Australians of northern Australia around 1500 years ago. According to Wikepedia, is sometimes described as a natural wooden trumpet or “drone pipe.”

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef at the Fort Greene Greenmarket this Saturday!

Stop by the Fort Greene Greenmarket this Saturday between 11AM- 1PM to have a taste ofMyrtle Eats Fresh Chef Roisin’s farm fresh, healthy recipe! If you like what you taste (which we know you will!) you can take a recipe and purchase the ingredients right there at the market!

The Fort Greene Greenmarket is located along the southeast corner of Fort Greene Park on Washington Park between Dekalb and Willoughby from 8AM – 5PM year-round every Saturday.

The Greenmarket accepts EBT/Food Stamps, Debit/Credit, and WIC & FMNP checks accepted. EBT/Debit/Credit accepted 8 a.m. – 3 p.m. In addition, Health Bucks are now available – for every $5 spent in EBT, customers receive a $2 Health Buck coupon to purchase additional fruits and vegetables!

The Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Program includes a diverse group of 15 local residentswho share the goal of improving the health of their neighbors by providing easy, nutritious, and affordable recipes. All chefs have completed 20+ hours of training and have conducted cooking demos at local farmer’s markets, community events, and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) distribution sites. If you are interested in having a Community Chef at your event, please contact us at 718-230-1689 or kassy@myrtleavenue.org!

Don’t Miss “The Stoop” Event Hosted by FOKUS on Saturday 10/13/12

Finally “The Stoop” event date has arrived! Due to bad weather, event host FOKUS had to reschedule the event earlier this summer, but it is well worth the wait! For their fifth year in a row, FOKUS brings us “The Stoop”, a celebration of art, music and life. The Stoop will feature live performances, DJs, games, activities, interactive arts stations, live art and many prizes! Visit Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Beryl Benbow between 3-5PM and sample her Black Bean and Corn Salsa recipe, yum!

When: October 13, 2012
Where: Fort Greene Park (at N. Portland & Myrtle Avenues)
Time: 1-6pm
Who: folks of all ages!
Cost: FREE

A History of Launching Ships @ BLDG 92

We’re really excited about this first-ever theatrical producation at the Brooklyn Navy Yard’s BLDG 92 — The History of Launching Ships!

The play debuted last night and will continue thru October 28th. Theatergoers can present ticket stubs to a list of participating Myrtle restaurants to receive dinner discounts.

From the website:

“A History of Launching Ships is the first-ever theatrical production at the Brooklyn Navy Yard. This site-specific production will lead audiences through the three-floor museum over the course of the performance, stopping to watch scenes among BLDG 92’s exhibits. The Yard’s spirit and elements of its history act as seeds for the play’s mysterious story of four women isolated together inside the gates of a Naval Commandant’s home on the banks of an unnamed bay. Playwright Avi Glickstein has used the story of real-life Revolutionary heroine Elizabeth Burgin and archival materials from BLDG 92’s collection, as well as the gothic New York tales of Washington Irving, as a jumping-off point to create a uniquely American, ghostly tale of his own that echoes the Yard’s history as a center of innovation, reinvention, and sacrifice in service of a larger purpose.”

 

In the winter of 1779, a woman named Elizabeth Burgin defied New York City’s British occupiers by helping hundreds of patriots escape from prison ships anchored offshore of what is now the Brooklyn Navy Yard. With a bounty on her head, she fled the city. A History of Launching Ships, a new play by Avi Glickstein, joins Burgin during her flight from the British and places her in the middle of a fantastical tale that echoes the gothic stories of Washington Irving. The play, commissioned by Polybe + Seats and written for the unique environment of The Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92, tells the story of the three women who take Burgin in and hide her. Each woman seeks an escape from her own reality, and, together, they realize that the only way to freedom might be on a ship they build themselves.

The one and a half hour performance will involve some walking and standing on the part of the audience; ramps and elevators will be available.

 

Click here for further info.

Show your ticket stubs at the following Myrtle restaurants for pre- or post- dinner discounts:

 

CakeJoy Bakery 364 Myrtle btw Adelphi and Clermont

 

Cielo Bar 474 Myrtle btw Washington Avenue and Hall

Putnam’s Pub & Cooker 419 Myrtle btw Vanderbilt and Clinton

The Emerson 561 Myrtle btw Emerson and Classon

Pushkin Creperie & Bakery 541 Myrtle btw Steuben and Emerson

Mojito Cuban Cuisine 82 Washington Avenue btw Park and Flushing

Sans Souci Restaurant & Bar 330 Myrtle btw Washington Park and Carlton

Kum Kau Restaurant 463 Myrtle btw Washington Avenue and Hall

Anima Italian Bistro 458 Myrtle btw Waverly and Washington

Waza Sushi & Ramen 485 Myrtle btw Hall and Ryerson

Los Pollitos III 499 Myrtle btw Hall and Ryerson

Dee & Ricky’s 503 Myrtle btw Ryerson and Grand

Soco 509 Myrtle btw Ryerson and Grand

Park Avenue Safety Plan Spotlight: Intersection Treatments

In a little over a month since the release of the Park Avenue Safety Plan, nearly 600 concerned citizens have already shown their support by signing the petition, in hard copy and online . If you haven’t signed already, please add your voice.

Today we look at one of the core proposals to calm traffic and improve safety on Park Avenue: Intersection Treatments. Most crashes occur at intersections. The intersections on Park Avenue are especially awkward due to the parking area under the elevated BQE. In essence, each intersection has three intersections: eastbound Park Avenue, the parking area, and westbound Park Avenue. Proposals at most intersections include: stop signs at exits of parking areas; raised crosswalk/driveway at entrances/exits to parking areas; curb cuts at pedestrian islands; neckdowns (temporary or permanent); and “No Parking” markings along the cross street under the BQE. We also propose left-turn lanes at high traffic intersections, as well as fully pedestrianized areas of key crossings.

Stay tuned for more updates and spotlights…

Everyone, members and non-members, are Invited to the Greene Hill Food Co-op Fall Celebration

Join the Greene Hill Food Co-opfor food, kids activities, dancing and more at their 2012 Fall Celebration, co-hosted by Bed-Stuy’s ownSound Liberation Front (SLF)!

Who? Everyone in the neighborhood, even if you’re not a Member of the Co-op!
What’s it Cost? Nothing! It’s FREE!
When? Saturday, October 6, from noon to 6pm. (Rain date Oct. 13)
Where? Our backyard, at 18 Putnam Av.

This is also a great opportunity for non-members to come check-out the co-op and, for this day only, shop at the store! Come see first-hand why you should become a member!

For more information clickhere.