Author Archives: Chad Purkey

Apply Now for Local Summer Job Program

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s annual Young Entrepreneur Mentorship Program (YEMP) has released applications for the 2017 summer cohort. The six-week program offers paid positions to high schoolers who live or attend school in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill. In addition to working with a local business, participants will also attend weekly workshops that will expose them to careers in the fields of tech, design, and manufacturing, and provide students with opportunities for hands-on learning and job readiness.

The deadline to apply is Friday, May 26. The program runs from July 10 through August 18, 2017. Those students who will be high school sophomores, juniors, seniors, or college freshman in the fall of 2017 and live or attend school in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill are eligible to apply.

YEMP is a program of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership with partners from the Pratt Center for Community Development and Emmanuel Baptist Church’s Teens That Mean Business Program. Support is provided by the Brooklyn Community Foundation, Con Edison, and the Deutsche Bank Foundation.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

 

Sign-Up for a Historic Walking Tour

Wallabout Walking Tours (19)

Reservations are now being accepted for our popular summer historic walking tour series!  Visit our Events Calendar to find a date and to reserve a ticket.

The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project LDC (MARP), in collaboration with the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, will be hosting a FREE neighborhood walking tour series this summer. Two guided tours will be available each month, one exploring Fort Greene Park and the other the historic Wallabout neighborhood north of Myrtle Avenue.

The Wallabout Historic Walking Tour will discuss the neighborhood’s 400 years of history, from a rural farming community to a 20th century urban neighborhood and industrial center. This tour is held the third Saturday of each month, May through October.

The Fort Greene Park Walking Tour discusses the park history, with focus on the storied life of Walt Whitman, a leading advocate for the neighborhood park.  This tour is held the second Saturday of each month, from May through August.

Each of the tours last approximately 90 minutes and begin at 11am at the Fort Greene Park Visitor Center.  All tours are FREE and open to all.

RSVPs are required and can be made by clicking here or by calling (718) 230-1689 ext 6#.

Information on Walt Whitman, along with the reciting of some of his and other’s works during the tours, is provided by the Walt Whitman Project and the American Opera Projects.

Now Open: U-gu Sushi Restaurant

Clinton Hill has a new sushi bar starting today, with the opening of U-gu on Myrtle Avenue. The spot serves up classic and signature rolls, but offers up something unique with their “create your own” sushi bowls. Click here to view their full menu. The restaurant is now open at 541B Myrtle Avenue, between Steuben and Emerson.

Lunch specials for under $10 are also available.

U-gu, 541B Myrtle Avenue, (718) 857-0222.

June 6th Celebration & Benefit to Honor Dr. Schutte


The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Board of Directors & the Host Committee invite you to celebrate Thomas F. Schutte. After more than two decades as President of Pratt Institute, Dr. Schutte will retire this June.  Join us to honor his vision and service to our community on Tuesday, June 6th, 5:30pm-8pm.

Come enjoy drinks, hors d’oeuvres & entertainment.
BUY TICKETS HERE.

All proceeds from ticket sales & silent auction will benefit Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project & the newly established Tess & Tom Schutte Community Arts & Culture Fund.  The Fund will bring public sculpture, cultural events, and exhibitions to the public spaces and storefronts of Myrtle Avenue, leveraging our neighborhood’s creative capital to create opportunities for local artists and increase access to art for community members. When you purchase tickets, you can also make a donation directly to this fund to honor and continue Dr. Schutte’s commitment to the arts in our community.

Host Committee:

Michael Blaise Backer, Seth Edwards, Bernell K. Grier, Gary Hattem, Rob Walsh, Antonia Yuille, New York City Public Advocate Letitia “Tish” James, New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery, New York State Assembly Member Joseph R. Lentol, New York State Assembly Member Walter T. Mosley, New York City Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, New York City Council Member Brad Lander

A limited number of discount community tickets are available.  Email rebeca@myrtleavenue.org for information.

Generous support for this event is provided by:

Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, TD Bank, Pratt Institute, Brooklyn Sweet Spot, Cardiff Giant, Gnarly Vines, Jill Lindsey, St. Joseph’s College.

Mother’s Day: A How-To Guide

Mother’s Day is just around the corner…again! According to our sources, local mothers find it surprising how often their children, spouses or significant others forget to show appreciation on the annual holiday. “What happened?” they ask. Fear not, we’ve created a step-by-step action plan for those of you who need help in celebrating the mothers in your lives.


STEP 1: MAKE BRUNCH RESERVATIONS

Perhaps the nicest and most classic way to celebrate mom is with a relaxing Sunday brunch. Lots of great options on Myrtle Avenue, but all of them with limited seating, so hurry and make your reservation ASAP. A few suggestions: SoCo, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, Larina, Bar Bolinas, Gentleman Farmer, Myrtle + Gold, Da Ciro, and the list goes on.

You can always keep it casual with a lovely picnic in Fort Greene Park. Grab some carry-out from Myrtle Bagel, Peck’s, or Bergen Bagel and be on your way. Don’t forget to bring a blanket.

Gift options abound at 21 Tara, 388 Myrtle Ave.

STEP 2: BUY A GIFT

When it comes to buying a gift, the options can be overwhelming. Try to see life through the eyes of a mom. If you’re shopping for a…

  • Stylish mom, get great apparel or home goods options available at local boutique shops.
  • Fit and Active mom, ask about classes or supplies from these yoga studios and bike shops.
  • Pampered mom, get a treatment or gift card to one of these salons or spas.
  • Foodie mom, a nice bottle of wine or specialty food is generally always a safe bet.

Greeting card from Green in BKLYN (432 Myrtle Ave)

STEP 3: (IT’S NOT HARD) BUY A CARD

Local pharmacies (see the full list here) carry a full selection of cards at just about every price point. But if you’re looking for something with an extra special touch, we recommend a visit to Green in Bklyn or Jill Lindsey.

STEP 4: BUY FLOWERS

Plenty of local shops carry fresh-cut flowers – including Greeneville Garden and Khim’s Millenium Market, – but for a full selection of floral arrangements pay a visit Julio at Bella Rosa Flowers and Gifts.

STEP 5: LEAVE

Image courtesy of “What to Expect When You’re Expecting”

Moms need a little peace and quiet too sometimes. Grab the kids and give the lady an hour or two for herself. Meanwhile, enjoy the satisfaction of a job well done.

 

Now Open: Sacred Yoga on Myrtle

Sacred Yoga is now open at 334 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene.

Fort Greene yogis have a new studio in the neighborhood where they can stretch, breath and meditate. Sacred Yoga officially opens its doors today at their second studio location at 334 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton Avenue and Washington Park.

Sacred Yoga – whose original location is in Clinton Hill on Clifton Place near Bedford Avenue – offers a full schedule of yoga, dance, and fitness classes.

New visitors can easily, and affordably, test out the new studio with a $20 offer for two weeks of unlimited classes. The studio also offers a number of weekly classes for free or at a sliding scale.

Sacred Yoga, 334 Myrtle Avenue. (347) 715-4112.

Four Stories to Rise Above Chase Bank

402 Myrtle Avenue, at the corner of Vanderbilt Avenue, in Clinton Hill.

New housing is slated for Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill, according to permits filed with the NYC Department of Buildings.

Plans submitted by the property owner call for a five-story building to occupy the corner site, with a mix of residential and commercial space. The ground floor, currently home to a Chase Bank branch, will retain the existing 3,884 square feet of commercial space as 10 new housing units spread across 8,627 square feet rise on the upper floors, increasing the building height to 60 feet, about 12 feet higher than 406 Myrtle Avenue, the four-story building next door.

According to the branch manager at Chase, the bank will remain in place and continue to operate through the construction.

The architect on file for the project is Isaac Stern Architects, the same firm that provided designs for the recently completed five-story building at 491 Myrtle Avenue, between Hall and Ryerson streets.

Preliminary plans for the addition were filed with the NYC Department of Buildings on April 28th and are still awaiting approval.

For our full round up of construction projects taking place along Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, click here.

Now Open: Gold Coast Bank

Image Source: Gold Coast Bank.

Gold Coast bank made their New York City debut this week with their official opening of the new branch in Fort Greene. The Long Island-based bank opened their seventh branch with a big celebration this week at 176 Myrtle Avenue.

Branch Manager LaVasia Peterson and her team are excited to welcome community members who are looking for a new, and locally based, banking option. Visit Gold Coast Bank online to learn more about their various banking products, including personal and business checking and savings accounts.

Gold Coast Bank, 176 Myrtle Avenue, (929) 295-8104.

Myrtle Avenue Plaza Begins to Take Shape

We are pleased to say that the construction of Myrtle Avenue Plaza is winding down. A significant amount of seating, including benches, tables, and platform seating has been installed and is already proving popular with the local lunch crowd.

Additional seating and plaza amenities will continue to arrive as construction continues. Below is a recap what’s already in place and what’s still to come in the Plaza:

What’s Completed

  • Benches installed
  • Planted areas formed
  • Tree pits created
  • Game tables installed
  • New trash and recycling bins arrived
  • Sidewalk pouring complete
  • All underground utilities in place

What’s Still to Come

  • Public art installation
  • B54 bus stop at Grand & Myrtle with new bus shelter
  • Moveable chairs and tables with umbrellas
  • 34 new bike racks
  • Pedestrian-level lighting
  • Trees and plantings
  • New emergency NYPD/FDNY call boxes

We’re looking forward to having a completed Plaza that’ll be home to countless lunch breaks, evening hangouts, community events, and more.

To get up to the minute updates on all things Myrtle Ave. follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Now Open: JJ Kitchen

Clinton Hill gained a new eatery today with the opening of JJ Kitchen on Myrtle Avenue. The restaurant looks to become a popular lunch spot with their menu of Chinese classic dishes.

For main courses it’s strictly noodles – egg, wonton, rice, or udon – all dressed up in your own personal choice. A full slate of smaller eats, including dumplings, wontons, buns, and spring rolls, are also available. View the full menu below.

JJ Kitchen, 473B Myrtle Avenue, (718) 636-0468.

11 New Myrtle Ave. Merchants Opening this Spring

With each visit down Myrtle Avenue, it appears there's yet another storefront preparing for a new business to open its doors. The commercial strip in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is currently seeing a boom of commercial activity, with 11 new shops and restaurants on the way. Below is a round-up of new businesses planning an opening in the upcoming months:

The Commissary Kitchen
Offering up classic Greek dishes in a modern setting, The Commissary Kitchen (pictured above) will be a 32-seat restaurant at the corner of Myrtle and Steuben in Clinton Hill.

Pipsqueak Children's Shoppe
This popular Bed-Stuy children's boutique is expanding from Bedford Avenue and opening a second location at 469 Myrtle Avenue. In addition to offering a full stock of children's goods - including clothes and toys - the shop will also offer children's haircuts. Pipsqueak's owners are planning on opening in May.

Depanneur
Borrowing its name from the French-Canadian word for bodega, Depanneur puts a thoughtful spin on the omnipresent corner store. Opening this spring at 519 Myrtle Avenue (the corner of Myrtle and Grand Avenues) the store will offer a curated selection coffee, pastries, prepared sandwiches, and shelves stocked with goodies from the pantry and home. Grab a preview of what's to come by visiting their original location at 242 Wythe Avenue in Williamsburg.

Image Credit: Masterson Architecture & Design

Hudson Jane
Operating as an all-day cafe, Hudson Jane will be a go-to place in Fort Greene from morning to night. Around the clock visits could include grabbing coffee and breakfast snacks in the morning, enjoying midday lunch, picking up freshly prepared dinners after work, or spending an evening at the wine bar. A late spring opening is planned for this new eatery at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Adelphi Street.

Locals
Finding quality meats locally is about to get a whole lot easier. Locals will offer a butcher counter, focused on organically and locally raised meats, in addition to prepared foods that can be taken home for dinner. Throughout the day, customers can enjoy coffee, fresh baked pastries, and lunch at the cozy Fort Greene shop. The opening is slated for late May at 332 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington Park and Carlton Avenue.

Uguyt
This new sushi bar is planning on opening in May 2017, offering Clinton Hill a full menu of both classic and signature sushi.

MetroPCS
Opening soon at 329 Myrtle, near the corner of Washington Park, is an independently-owned and authorized MetroPCS store.

JJ Kitchen - NOW OPEN
Taking over the former Crepe House space, JJ Kitchen will open this spring with a lunch-focused menu of sandwiches, wraps, juices and teas.

Gold Coast Bank- NOW OPEN
This Long Island-based bank will make their NYC debut with their new branch at 176 Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. Gold Coast Bank plans on opening their doors in the next few weeks.

European Wax Center
This international chain offers a full menu of waxing for both men and women will bring their popular services to Clinton Hill this spring when they open at 531 Myrtle Avenue, between Grand Avenue and Steuben Street.

Wine Legend
This full wine store will no doubt become a popular spot in Downtown Brooklyn and Fort Greene once it opens at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Fleet Place. The shop is also slated to feature a wine bar.

Stay up to date on when these businesses open and other local news by following Myrtle Avenue on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.

Now Open: Pollitos Cafe

Clinton Hill's newest eatery offers up quick and inexpensive options for diners on the go. Pollitos Cafe opened their doors today at the corner of Myrtle Avenue and Ryerson Street, next door to their sister restaurant and long-time neighborhood favorite, Los Pollitos III. Their brief menu features traditional Mexican street food, all made in house. Morning hour offerings include coffee and breakfast tortas, while lunch and dinner menus also feature chalupas, empanadas, and gorditas. Pollitos Cafe, 419-Rear Myrtle Avenue, (718) 636-6125.

New Building Planned for 341 Myrtle Avenue

341 Myrtle Avenue, home to Worldwide Discount Store, will soon be replaced with a new six-story mixed-use building.

Plans were filed with the NYC Department of Buildings last week to erect a new six-story building on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene. The current three-story building at 341 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton and Adelphi, is one of the neighborhood's last buildings with boarded-up upper floors. The new building application shows plans eight apartments on the building's upper floors, and a 2,200 square foot retail space on the ground floor. The six-story building will reach a height of 60 feet. The property has been home to the local 99 cent store, Worldwide Discount, for decades. The business owner intends to move the discount store to another location nearby.

341 Myrtle Avenue, as seen in 1999.

We've requested renderings from the development firm. To keep up to date with more developments happening on Myrtle Avenue, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Fort Greene Park Easter Egg Hunt

Children will be hunting for 2,000 eggs in Fort Greene Park on Saturday, April 15 from 11am-2pm.

The Easter Bunny will be extra busy this year, preparing for a massive egg hunt in Fort Greene Park. The free egg hunt will take place on Saturday, April 15 from 11am-2pm with a full slate of fun activities for local children. Before the egg hunt kicks off at 12:30pm, families can enjoy story time with the Brooklyn Public Library, collect balloon animals, play games, and spend time with the Easter Bunny himself. All activities will take place in the park, near the entrance of N. Portland and Myrtle Avenue. The event is presented in partnership by the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, Councilmember Laurie A. Cumbo, the Fort Greene Park Conservancy, BAM, Bklyn Public Library, and MetroPlus. Click here to view full event details.  

Samantha Johnson, Community Activist and Fort Greene Resident

  Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership Executive Director, Meredith Phillips Almeida, sat down with Samantha Johnson, Director of Community Integration at the Ingersoll Community Center – just one of the many hats she wears as an activist, educator and leader in the Fort Greene community. If you spend just a moment with her, you’ll quickly be drawn in by her positivity and warmth. Armed with an endless supply of energy and a huge heart, she’s on a mission to use them to lift up young people as they transition to adulthood. MPA: Director of Community Integration at Ingersoll Center, Afterschool Director at City Growers, Community Board 2 member … and I know there are many more organizations where you devote your time. SJ: Well, I'm a supporter and member of the Close Rikers Campaign with Just Leadership USA, I’m also an NAACP member, and a chapter leader with Million Hoodies for Justice. I'm also a part of the Downtown Brooklyn Task Force to assist with local schools.

"We all remember that one person who did something to empower us. It only takes one person."

MPA: You give to our community in so many ways. What inspires you to continue? SJ: I know that the work is never done, but the families that I work with are my neighbors. We are connected and are constantly growing together. It's the challenges, laughter and tears that we share that gives me strength. I know I need them and we need each other to build love and empowerment in this beautiful evolving community of Fort Greene to which we call home. MPA: You commit yourself to many things, but I know you have a special place in your heart for helping and mentoring youth. SJ: I do, I understand that a youth’s positive or negative upbringing and environmental factors can create adults who are to be the next leaders of our community. It is essential to start early with the building blocks of compassion and education. I hear and see the challenges that they face and do my best to support, but most importantly to meet them where they are. I rarely call myself a mentor, I just want to be a impactful human being whose love and determination motivates. We all remember that one person who did something to empower us. It only takes one person. MPA: And who was that for you, both in the past and in the present? SJ: My mother. For being such a compassionate determined individual and being able to tackle obstacles with grace and poise and respect. I also admire Melissa Harris-Perry and Maxine Waters for being such a strong force in a male-dominated field, and being able to continue their determination for education, liberation and truth. MPA: If you could snap your fingers and bring about one change in our community for youth, what would that be? SJ: I would create a Young Love Committee. As youth get older they seek independence. The family that they create is a model of what they're primarily seeking attention in. Too many times I hear from youth that "no one cares". This is not just from a family perspective, but from those whom they admire. The Young Love Committee doesn't have to be formal, but just intentional. A simple selfless community commitment to share a positive word to a young person. We just need to bring adults and youth together to build trust to create a community in which we grow and win together – and not against each other. For more information about Samantha's work with the Ingersoll Community Center follow the organization on Facebook at, https://www.facebook.com/Ingersoll.Community.Center.

Mother. Neighbor. Business Owner: Karin Torres

Karin Torres opened Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn 5 years ago in homage to her parents, particularly her father, who originally taught her about wine and retail and fueled her dream of opening her own wine boutique. From national to local media, her business has gained press and attention for the range and depth of the shop’s wine offerings and small curated selection of wine accessories. But Karin has also gained attention because of her philosophy around the wines she selects and sells at her shop (family and women-produced vintners, farmers using sustainable methods + a large selection of quality wines available at $25 and under at the store) as well as her care and commitment to our greater Fort Greene and Clinton Hill community (“we are strongly committed to our community and to customer service”). Corkscrew offers weekly wine tastings and wine discounts in the neighborhood. Since Corkscrew has opened, Karin has been an active Myrtle Avenue merchant, participating in many BID-sponsored initiatives, including: mentoring and offering work experience to a local teen for 7-weeks during a summer teen work program; offering space at Corkscrew monthly for produce pick-up for the local Farm Fresh Box CSA (community supported agriculture initiative); offering discounts weekly to neighborhood senior citizens and holding special senior-focused wine tasting events; donated a dollar from the purchase of select bottle of wine to T.E.A.L. Month organizers for ovarian cancer research. Karin participates in Black Artstory Month every February, where businesses make available a portion of their store walls or windows to artists to hang artwork during Black History Month. As Karin says: I am a neighbor. I am a mother. It only makes sense and feels right that I run a business with community and wanting to be a good neighbor at its core. I have to model for my little boy what I say I believe in and what’s important. Stay up to date with Corkscrew wines on Karin's very active Facebook page or sign up for their email list at the bottom from their website, www.corkscrewbrooklyn.com.

Myrtle Avenue Honors the Women of Our Community

This March Myrtle Avenue is celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women that help make our community great. Every day, these women strengthen the bonds within our community. Whether they’re collecting information for fellow community members or providing a gathering space for the community to come together. Their actions add up to something bigger. These women, and many more, are the community in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. We are so proud to honor them during this special month.

Stay tuned to this space as we release new features each week. 

Now Open: Champion’s Taekwondo

Lead Instructor Q at Champion's Taekwondo, 434 Myrtle Avenue.

Those looking to add a new workout regiment into their routine have a new and exciting option in Clinton Hill with the opening of Champion's Taekwondo. The new studio at 434 Myrtle Avenue offers a slate of classes that focus both on taekwondo and kickboxing. Taekwondo classes are offered for those as young as three years old, through the Little Tigers class, and all the way up to those 65 and older through a special weekly seniors' class. A full calendar of classes for children, youth, adults, and seniors can be found at championstkd.com. Stop in or call to hear about their opening specials and discounts. Champion's Taekwondo, 434 Myrtle Avenue, (718) 522-5425.

More active than most, Ms. Anne Everett

With sadness, we share the news that Ms. Everette passed away on March 9, 2018. Below is an interview that Ms. Everette shared with us in March 2017, discussing her activism in our community. We were fortunate enough to experience her light and that we have a wealth of wonderful interactions and experiences by which to remember her. Thank you, Ms. Everette for all of your many valuable contributions to our programs, the neighborhood and beyond.

Our Women's History Month feature this week is Ms. Anne Everette. A long time community member and social worker, Ms. Everette offers a boundless source of inspiration. Retired is just one of Ms. Everett's many affiliations. She is the Chair of the Willoughby Walk Cooperative Apartments Inc. Finance Committee and serves on the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project Senior Advisory Council.  She is an active member of the NAACP and the 88th Precinct Community and Youth Council. Her community meeting itinerary makes it look like she's running for city council, but she's not. Ms. Everette just likes to be informed and to be able to pass that information on to those who are either too busy or too fragile to make it. In other words. Ms. Everette goes to workshops, seminars, and conventions  all over the city, sometimes to other states, collecting and spreading information. She is fit, in good spirits and sharp as a tack. We sat down with Ms. Everette on a warm weekday morning at Connecticut Muffin. During our conversation, she reminisced about a time when Myrtle Avenue was filled with independent groceries, a delicatessen, and a tailor who didn't appreciate people trying to tell him how to do his job. She noted that when Myrtle Avenue sees a new restaurant, it's important to remember that there is no trade off without a sacrifice. Our conversation was another reminder of the mixed bag of impacts when it comes to our city's constant evolution.

You can't raise a family in a studio

Ms. Everett noted that Willoughby Walk (at the corner of Willoughby Ave and Hall Street) was originally built as a middle income housing project in 1958, and she was part of the community group that fought to convert the development into the cooperative model it is today. She described generations of Pratt students who made pretty good neighbors. They were mostly quiet and stayed in the same unit for four years or more. "But housing in America has always been a problem," she said, remembering the professor at Rutgers who warned that the main social issues in America were housing and homelessness. And that it was only going to get worse. We can certainly say housing is still the crisis of our time. Ms. Everett describes what a lot of us sense when we browse through the For Rent sections of any daily paper. That a $2,000 studio is not affordable by most standards. "You can't raise a family in a studio," she says. "And we need housing for all people." We're thankful to have neighbors like Ms. Everett in our community. As the old saying goes, you can't grow if you rip out your roots. It's seniors like Ms. Everett who give our community its roots.

Josephine Premice: A trail blazer on and off the stage

A talent on the Broadway stage, in the recording studio, and on television, Clinton Hill local Josephine Premice deserves the spotlight this Women's History Month. Born in Clinton Hill in 1926 to parents who recently emigrated from Haiti, Josephine was raised in a home that rewarded excellence. As a child, her musical and acting talents were strongly encouraged by her parents and at the young age of 14, she made her professional debut by choreographing a Harlem Theater performance. From there, she continued to grow as a dancer and soon performed at the sold-out First African Dance Festival at Carnegie Hall in 1943. In 1945, Josephine made her Broadway debut in Blue Holiday at the Belasco Theater. From there, she would go on to star in five Broadway shows, appearing alongside other stage legends, including Lena Horne, James Earl Jones, and Cicely Tyson. Her Broadway career garnered her two Tony award nominations. Her stage acting eventual led her on to television roles, where she appeared in the television movie The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman in 1974, and on hit shows, including The Jeffersons in 1979 and A Different World from 1991-1993. Josephine passed away in 2001 at her home in Manhattan at the age of 74. As part of an ongoing project to highlight the legacy of Clinton Hill artists, the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership created a series of decorative tree guards inspired by the biographies of local artists. Ms. Premice is featured in one of these designs, entitled Boa Alive. The title references a theater review from The New York Times which claimed that her energy on stage "can almost make a feather boa come alive."

Myrtle Avenue tree guard panel design, entitled Boa Alive, inspired by Clinton Hill resident Josephine Premice. The installed art piece can be found at 497 Myrtle Avenue, near Ryerson Street.

To keep up to date with happenings on Myrtle Avenue new and old follow us Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Announcing the 2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair

2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair Comes to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn Wednesday, March 29th 11am-2pm

The Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) & and its Senior Advisory Council (SAC) of 30 active members brings the 2nd Annual Senior Resource Fair to Fort Greene & Clinton Hill, Brooklyn this month.  The FREE Fort Greene/Clinton Hill Senior Resource Fair, made possible with support from the New York Community Trust, is open to all seniors, and will take place on Wednesday, March 29th, 11am to 2pm at Mercy Home, 273 Willoughby Avenue (corner of Classon Avenue). Over 30 exhibitors including city agencies, providers, and services will share information focused on senior resources and programs, from transportation services to online classes, from physical activity to legal assistance, from job placement and assistance to recreational activities. Confirmed groups attending include Access-A-Ride, MTA Reduced Fare Metro Card, the Good Neighbors Program, DOROT, NY Foundation for Seniors’ Home Sharing Program, Heights & Hills, Phoenix and the NYC Department of the Aging. A number of Myrtle Avenue businesses that offer weekly senior discounts, specials and other services will also be on hand, such as Sandbox Pack & Ship, Myrtle Drug Care Corp and TD Bank. Additional invitees include but not limited to LIU Platinum Sneakers, Mark Morris Dance and CityMeals on Wheels. Other interested senior-focused organizations and service providers may contact the organization if interested in participating in the Senior Resource Fair at (718) 230-1689 ext 3#. Click this link and like our Myrtle Avenue Facebook page for Myrtle Avenue updates and more information.

Just Because Hair Therapy Salon Owner, Carol Thomas

This March Myrtle Avenue is celebrating Women’s History Month by honoring the women that help make our community great. Every day, these women strengthen the bonds within our community. Whether they're collecting information for fellow community members or providing a gathering space for the community to come together. Their actions add up to something bigger. These women, and many more, are the community in Fort Greene/Clinton Hill. We are so proud to honor them during this special month. Now in its tenth year, Just Because Hair Therapy Salon began with a call to Mom. Salon owner, Carol Thomas writes, "How quickly time flies. 10 years came so quickly. It feels like just a minute ago when I made up my mind to open my own salon. The first person I called to get her thoughts was my Mom, and she gave me the go (as a matter of fact, her words were "just try it"). My mom's advice meant a lot to me. I had to make it work, I had to make it perfect and I had to aim to give the best service that I could. That's what I strive to do every day at Just Because." Just Because is known for all things hair health and beauty. Their “therapy approach” makes the health of the hair an integral part of the salon experience. The salon also hosts a complete schedule of health and wellness classes and workshops in addition to events like the annual fashion show that turns the sidewalk just outside the salon into a fashion runway! Just Because philanthropy efforts throughout the year, a special Sunday series, where they provide hair styling, pampering and fun to women from local shelters or otherwise going through challenging times. “I learned a lot of wonderful lessons from my mother,” Thomas writes, “and many had to do with how I treat my fellow man/woman. A lot of that is what helps shape the salon and our general philosophy and care.” So this Women’s History Month, we’re giving thanks to all the mothers out there. Their good advice truly makes a world difference. Just Because Salon is located at 141 Carlton Avenue, just north of Myrtle Avenue. To set up an appointment, call 718-722-7810

Black Artstory Month Continues All Year-Round

The fifth annual Myrtle Avenue Black Artstory month has come to a close, but you can continue to learn about and celebrate the neighborhood's Black arts history year-round. Stroll the streets of Fort Greene and Clinton Hill while learning about the area's rich Black arts history through a self-guided walking tour.  The Myrtle Avenue Black Artstory Tour is available as a podcast to download or can be listened to from any mobile device here. Famous jazz trombonist Slide Hampton, writer Richard Wright, hip-hop group Digable Planets, photographer Wesley Fagan, are just a few of the names from this tour that highlights a diverse set of artist mediums.  While there are countless local artists who led incredible lives and merit attention, this tour focuses on eight different individuals who helped define the neighborhood’s lasting legacy as an enclave for Black artists. Click here to view the tour route map and a list of artists included in the tour, or to listen to all or portions of the tour. The tour is part of the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership's annual Myrtle Avenue Black Artstory Month, held each February to locally celebrate Black History Month.  This self-guided tour is also part of the Partnership's larger walking tour series, which includes guided historic walks through the Wallabout neighborhood.  View the events calendar to find more details and to register for an upcoming Wallabout Historic Walking Tour, held from May through October each year.

Standing Room Only at Fort Greene Park Community Meeting

The New York City Parks Department held a second community input session Thursday night to discuss the upcoming $7M improvements to Fort Greene Park. The local park is one of eight selected by the department to receive upgrades through the new city-wide Parks Without Borders program. Over 100 people attended the event on Myrtle Avenue at the Ingersoll Community Center to hear initial ideas from Parks and to give their input on how the money should be spent. The program is solely focused on making improvements to the north side of the park, along Myrtle Avenue. Local residents and parks department discussed ideas for improving a number of areas, including sidewalks and seating along Myrtle Avenue, basketball courts, fitness areas, barbecue areas, the plaza at Washington Park, and the entrance at St. Edwards Street. Missed the meeting? Suggestions and comments can still be shared by sending a message to the Fort Greene Park Conservancy or by calling the Fort Greene Park Director at (718) 722-3218. Below are just a few of the ideas shared at the meeting: