Category Archives: Healthy Communities

Community Chef Demo at The Brooklyn Hospital Center

Community Chef Beryl and Teen

The Brooklyn College Farmers’ Market will be offering locally grown produce, home baked goods, preserves, honey, jams, food stamp sign up, blood pressure screening, FREE food samples, gift card raffles and more! Last Farmers’ Market Friday is August 21, 2015 from 9am to 3pm, located in the picnic area of the front lawn of The Brooklyn Hospital Center 121 Dekalb Ave.

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Beryl made a budget friendly Massage Kale salad. Join us for the last Cooking demo of the season at The Brooklyn Hospital Center Farmers’ Market Friday August 21, 2015 from 11:30am – 1:30pm

Ingersoll Garden of Eden Won 1st Place!

Edith Tucker holding up Ingersoll Garden of Eden 1st Place award from National Grid in Sustainable Leadership PracticesGratifying Win for Ingersoll Garden of Eden!

Gratifying Win for Ingersoll Garden of Eden!

MARP entered Ingersoll into the 2015 Greenest Block in Brooklyn Contest. Resident led Ingersoll Garden of Eden first time entry was awarded FIRST PLACE by the National Grid for Leadership in Sustainable Practices. Fort Greene Focus Article quoted Shaquana Boykin Program Manager, Healthy Communities Initiatives and a few gardeners.

Fellow gardener Celina Lynch, “we faced a lot of challenges, like getting supplies on time, starting late because of the weather, and not having wood chips, but this is the culmination of our hard work. I’m looking forward to next year!”

“We work as a team and we’re all happy about it. I feel so warm inside and so proud of what we’re doing.”- Edith Tucker

“That pride and team spirit is why Myrtle Avenue Revitilation Project (MARP) entered the Ingersoll Garden into the contest.” -Shaquana Boykin

How we support Gardening at NYCHA developments:

In partnership with the NYCHA Garden and Greening Program, we will assist the Ingersoll Garden of Eden to expand to a second location and support building up membership
Expand our support with NYCHA gardeners in Farragut Housing development
Assist Whitman Victory Garden with designing a community art piece along their flag pole
Sponsor skill workshops & continue to support all gardeners in the three NYCHA developments in Ingersoll, Whitman & Farragut.

Bike Tours at BLDG 92

Bike your way through the green industrial terrain of the Brooklyn Navy Yard or take an eco -minded tour of the historical area. Start your journey in their LEED Platinum visitors center, BLDG 92 to learn about terrestrial ecosystems, urban farms, alternative energy projects and adaptive reuse of historic sites on our 300 acre campus. Advance ticket purchase is required for tours.

WHAT: Sustainable Architecture & Industry Bike Tour
Get a “handle” on sustainability at the Brooklyn Navy Yard! Pedal along with us and explore the Yard’s transition from one of the nation’s foremost naval shipbuilding facilities to a national leader for sustainable urban industrial parks. On this tour, you’ll learn about many of the yard’s green initiatives, including adaptive reuse of historic structures and materials, alternative energy projects, and sustainable practices in manufacturing employed by some of the yard’s 300 tenants. The tour will include visits to such sites as the yard’s historic 1851 dry dock (which is still in use for ship repair), the nation’s first green multi-story industrial building, and the LEED Platinum-certified Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92. Turnstile Tours hosts this tour in partnership with BLDG 92.
WHEN: Saturday, August 22nd, 11:30am
WHERE: Tour begins at Brooklyn Bridge Park Pier 1 at the Bike & Roll kiosk
INFO: Click HERE

WHAT: Urban Ecology Bike Tour
Discover the natural world in the midst a thriving urban industrial park on a biking and walking tour of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, where you will explore New York City’s waterways, terrestrial ecosystems and urban farms. At the stunning 65,000-square-foot Brooklyn Grange rooftop farm, you will learn how they produce 20,000 pounds of vegetables annually – as well as honey and eggs – and are a national leader in the development of rooftop and urban farming techniques. Descending to the bank of the East River, you will visit an oyster restoration project led by a local school and discuss the improving health of the city’s waterways, and the challenges that remain. We will visit the historic Naval Hospital campus, where you will learn to identify plants and trees, both local and exotic, that have sprung up on this largely undeveloped site, making it a haven for birds and insects. The tour will reveal that the natural world truly is all around us, even in the heart of the city.
WHEN: Sunday, August 16th, 11am
WHERE: BLDG 92, located at the intersection of Carlton and Flushing Avenue at 63 Flushing Ave
INFO: Click HERE

Myrtle Avenue Designated an Age-Friendly Neighborhood

Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill

Local seniors with Grace Tappin, owner of Move with Grace yoga studio and juice bar, after a senior friendly chair yoga class.

Myrtle Avenue, between Flatbush Avenue Extension and Classon Avenue, has been designated an “Age-Friendly” Neighborhood by the New York City Council and New York Academy of Medicine. This designation means that the entire Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Business Improvement District has many of the elements which make it a “friendlier” place for seniors living in the neighborhood. This includes places to sit and rest, merchants offering senior discounts, and nearby events or activities that welcome senior participation.

“We are doing what we can to make sure that Myrtle Avenue offers discounts, specials and community events that make staying home in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill easy, affordable and enjoyable for our neighbors as they age“, shared Meredith Phillips Almeida, Executive Director.

The Senior Advisory Council, a group of about 30 Fort Greene & Clinton Hill seniors, has been actively involved in guiding our work around senior issues. The recently released Senior Resource Guide to Myrtle Avenue 2015 – a 4-panel brochure which highlights many of these specials – is an example of their advocacy and activism. The Council has also helped gather signatures and worked with Community Board 2 to bring a USPS Mobile Unit to Fort Greene. “This is incredibly valuable given that the Pratt Station Post Office relocated from 524 Myrtle Avenue to 609 Myrtle Avenue in order to make way for a block of new development,” stated Shaquana Boykin, the Healthy Communities Program Manager with the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership. The USPS Mobile Unit will be located near the Senior Center on North Portland Avenue between Myrtle and Park Avenues, from 11am-2pm, on Monday, July 27th. Beginning Monday, September 28th the van will be there on the fourth Monday of each month.

2015 USPS Postal Van Dates

The Council also helped to design bright blue Senior Specials decals which will be placed on the windows of Myrtle Avenue and other local stores offering specials. More than 50 Myrtle Avenue businesses have now signed on to offer senior discounts and services.

Classes are currently forming at Move with Grace Yoga, Dance & Fitness Studio and Juice Bar for Chair Yoga specifically for older adults. Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu will be offering Self Defense classes for seniors.

Wine tastings, free grocery deliveries, free pharmacy deliveries and discounts of 5 to 10% and more on dining and other shopping options are also available on Myrtle. All of these deals and discounts for seniors can be found within the Senior Resource Guide to Myrtle Avenue 2015.

More than 40 public benches along Myrtle Avenue also make taking a rest from shopping or dining in the area easy for everybody. “The significant changes that Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership has made with community stakeholders and older residents on Myrtle Avenue is something that they should be very proud of. This kind of transformation does not happen easily. Myrtle Avenue is making Brooklyn better for residents of all ages in this borough,” shared Shauneequa Owusu, Director of Strategic Partnerships & Community Engagements at Age-Friendly NYC.

Nearly 6,000 older adults reside in ZIP code 11205, calling Fort Greene and Clinton Hill home, according to the Census’ 2013 American Community Survey.

Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue is made possible with support from New York Community Trust and NYC Council Member Laurie Cumbo.

Apply Now for Healthy Communities Initiative Grant

Fort Greene Park Walk with a Doc

2015 Brooklyn Community Foundat on Committee Is distributing $10,000 to projects and events that promote Healthy Living/ Open space/ Physical Fitness or Programming in Fort Greene.

The goals of Healthy Community Initiative Grant are to share resources and empower residents to enrich their environments and strengthen their communities. Apply now by downloading the application HERE.

Last year $10,000 was dispersed to four projects: two local community gardens, the Jammin’ Jumpers Double Dutch program (pictured above) and a local school garden project. Another round of $10,000 is available this year. Help us find projects in need of funding. Application Deadline is Tuesday July 21, 4pm.

Please share this grant opportunity and contact us at HealthyCommunities@myrtleavenue.org.

Senior Specials on Myrtle Avenue

We at Myrtle Ave care about the seniors of our community and have been working to partner with the mom and pops of Myrtle Ave. to capture more discounts and senior specials. For a printable version of Senior Specials on Myrtle Ave, click here Senior Guide 2020.

SOCIAL SERVICES

BROOKLYN FAMILY JUSTICE CENTER
350 Jay St, 15th Floor (718) 250-5113
Domestic violence-related case management, social services, legal counseling, housing, elder abuse & more.

FORT GREENE SNAP
324 Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 694-6957
Grandparents support, computer classes, advocacy & more.

HEIGHTS & HILLS
57 Willoughby St, (718) 596-8789
Case management, caregiver support & more.

SENIOR SUPPORT PROGRAM
At the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle, at Prince. (212) 602-4304
Legal assistance, grandparent support & more

THEATER

BROOKLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC
30 Lafayette & Ashland (718) 636-4122
FREE 10AM movie on the 3rd Friday of each month to Ages 65+, with free popcorn & soda. Free transportation available to select NYCHA houses. Reservations required.

SENIOR CENTERS

WILLOUGHBY SENIOR CENTER
105 North Portland (718) 875-1011
FREE exercise & computer classes, meals, activities, & more

LOCAL RESOURCES

PHARM TO FARM
Through the NYC Pharmacy to Farm Prescriptions program, when a SNAP participant fills an RX for high blood pressure medication at a participating pharmacy, they can get a “prescription” for $30 worth of produce from a nearby farmers’ market. Visit these participating pharmacies to fill your prescription:

MYRTLE DRUG CARE CORP
355 Myrtle, at Adelphi (718) 855-2292
WHITMAN PHARMACY
329A Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 938-0816

SILVER SNEAKERS
SilverSneakers is a fitness program that falls under many Medicare Advantage plans, for seniors of ALL abilities. Membership includes free access to 16,000 participating gyms and fitness centers in the network. This program is available at:

SOUTHBRIDGE FITNESS
322 Myrtle, at Washington Park (646) 232-4545

*10% daily discount

BAKERIES & CAFES

*BROOKLYN SWEET SPOT
366 Myrtle, at Adelphi (347) 916-0494
Senior delivery service available on Monday & Tuesday before 12pm. Minimum order applies.

*CALYER

519 Myrtle, at Grand (718) 576-3086

DUNKIN’ DONUTS
513 Myrtle, at Grand (718) 230-0099
Senior discount for AARP members.

*TB COFFEE HOUSE
578 Myrtle, at Classon (917) 397-2719

BANKING

BANK OF AMERICA
449 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 852-1548
Advantage for Seniors custom checking

CHASE BANK
402 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)237-2351
Sign up bonus for Social Security direct deposit

CITIBANK
430 Myrtle, at Clinton (347) 756-4622
Senior Citizens accounts available

TD BANK
490 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 622-3501
TD 60 Plus Checking available

EYEWEAR & EYE EXAMS

DC OPTICS
390 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (347)504-1121
Seniors 65+, $80 eye exam (reg $149), $80 Single vision/bifocal lens selection

*OPTICAL GALLERY
446 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 246-2020

FITNESS & EXERCISE

*MOVE WITH GRACE YOGA, PILATES & ORGANIC JUICE BAR
431 Myrtle, at Clinton (718) 230-0013

*SACRED BROOKLYN
334 Myrtle, at Carlton (718) 855-2973
Free community classes on Saturdays.

SOUTHBRIDGE FITNESS CENTER
322 Myrtle, at Washington Park (646) 232-4545
Senior classes thru “Silver Sneakers Medicare program.”

GROCERY STORES & FOOD

*BRAVO SUPERMARKET
331 Myrtle, at Carlton (718) 855-3715

*FARMER IN THE DELI
357 Myrtle, at AdelphI (718) 875-9067

KEY FOOD SUPERMARKET
492 Myrtle, at Ryerson (718) 857-5579
10% discount every Wednesday for Seniors. Must spend $75 for free local delivery

SALONS & BARBER SHOPS

MEGA NAILS & SPA
383 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 596-1383
MTW Senior Specials for waxing, and manicure & pedicure packages.

*SALON RHED
374 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 625-7433

MOBILE PHONES

Senior discounts available, inquire within:

AT&T
491 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 210-0211

T-MOBILE
436 Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 230-4748

PHARMACIES & HEALTH

CVS
218 Myrtle, at Ashland (718) 596-2460
15% discount.

HEALTH POINT DRUGS
392 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)855-5958
10% discount for OTC products.

*MYRTLE DRUG CARE CORP
355 Myrtle, at Adelphi St (718)855-2292

*MYRTLE PHARMACY
446A Myrtle, at Waverly (718) 237-4444

WALGREENS
379 Myrtle, at Clermont (718) 403-9112
20% discount on the first Tuesday of the month & 15% discount every Friday.
Does not apply to sale items.

*WHITMAN PHARMACY
329A Myrtle, at Washington Park (718) 938-0816

RESTAURANTS

THE CRABBY SHACK
154 Clinton Av, at Myrtle (718) 596-6555
10% discount Monday thru Friday.

*DAMAS FALAFEL HOUSE
407 Myrtle, at Vanderbilt (718)852-6677

*THE HALAL SPOT
474 Myrtle, at Hall (718) 230-4900

*KINARA INDIAN
368 Myrtle, at Adelphi (718) 237-4008

*VILLA PANCHO
472 Myrtle, at Washington Av (718) 623-9016

SHOPPING

*VOODO FE ART SHOP
572 Myrtle, at Emerson (631) 943-2370

Bike Registration Event on Myrtle & Vanderbilt, 5/21

Come to our Myrtle Avenue bike registration event, grab a FREE coffee (provided by Myrtle Bagel) and register your bike with the 88th Police Precinct. When you register your bike there is a better chance that police can recover it. No need for reservations, just swing by on May 21st, 8:30am to 10:30am.

Click here for more information.

May is Bike Month

We won’t even get into the long history of who invented the bike, but let’s just say — we are so glad they did! Oh yes, neighbors–it’s Bike Month. And this month, it’s all about those two-wheeled beauties.

So stop in at our two Myrtle Avenue bicycle shops (Urban Cycles and Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe) for discounts and events, and stop in at the southeast corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt to register your bike at our Bike Registration event with the 88th precinct on Thursday, May 21.

Hope to see you on the Avenue!

Urban Cycles has a big sale going on for the entire month of May: Bianchi Bikes and Bern helmets. Bern helmets are 17% off for one or the more the buy, the more you save. 23% off for two. Stop to browse their other bikes and accessories and view their busy workshop too.

Urban Cycles is located at 478 Myrtle Avenue between Washington and Hall, (347) 783-0478

Every 2nd and 4th Sundays of the month, Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe will host its popular Gold Sprint, competitors will ride ’til they drop. Stop in for the fun–and to grab a cold brew or smoothie from Red Lantern’s Cafe or check out their wide selection of bikes and accessories while you are at it.

Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe is located at 345 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi, (347) 889-5338

Join the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership and our local NYPD 88th precinct for a free bike registration event, Thursday, May 21 from 8:30am to 10:30am. We’ll be on the southeast corner of Myrtle and Vanderbilt, just off of the bike lane. Register your bike and get a FREE coffee. Stop by! Please email us at info@myrtleavenue.org with any questions.

Ingersoll Clean-up & Plant Day

Ingersoll Garden of Eden

Welcome in spring and join your neighbors, New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) staff and community partners to clean up winters mess and plant new seeds for the two community gardens on-site. All are welcome – meet at the Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue (Prince/Navy) on April 18th at 10AM or find the group on the grounds or in the garden next door until 2pm. So much more can get accomplished when we work together! See you on the 18th.

Community Forum for Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue

Photo Credit: David Hanson

In partnership with the New York Academy of Medicine (NYAM) we spoke to over 200 older residents about how to improve life for older adults in Fort Greene & Clinton Hill as we aim to create an Age-Friendly neighborhood. This could could mean anything from working with local businesses to ensure that aisles are wheelchair accessible, or to offer senior friendly fitness classes like chair yoga.

In addition, over 50 Myrtle Avenue businesses shared existing programs and discussed new ways to create a safe, inviting, engaging experience within their businesses for older customers.

As a result, thirty older adult residents have joined the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Senior Advisory Council and will work with us to create and lead initiatives to address common concerns around safety, transportation, senior-friendly opportunities and better access to services.

Join us for our Community Forum: Improving the Neighborhood for Older Residents

When: Monday, April 20th 2015
Time: 10-12pm
Where: Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue

MARP, NYAM, and the newly formed Senior Advisory Council will introduce the project, Age-Friendly Myrtle Avenue, and share what we learned and hear new ideas from forum participants.

RSVP here

Give Feedback on How to Improve Life for NYC Older Adults

According to the New York Academy of Medicine there are over 1 million people 65 and over living in NYC, and by 2040, this number is expected to increase by 40.7%. Soon, NYC will have more older adults than school-aged children. In response to this the Office of the Mayor, the New York City Council, and the New York Academy of Medicine partnered to create Age-friendly NYC in order to assess what is working and what needs to improve for our older adult neighbors throughout NYC.

Have your opinion heard and take this survey . The information that you share is important to help the City Council better serve its diverse communities and make our city’s neighborhoods more inclusive from the perspective of older adults.

Also, get familiar with our local Age-friendly initiatives and contact us to get involved!

Kid-Friendly Activities on Myrtle Ave

Kid Events at Jill Lindsey Myrtle Avenue

There is something to do for kids on Myrtle Avenue everyday. Here is a quick run-down of weekly children’s events at Myrtle Avenue Businesses.

Kids Music & Movement Class
Tuesdays, 9:30am-10:30am (Ages 2 & 3)
Move with Grace’s Yoga, Dance, Fitness Studio & Juice Bar
469 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington & Hall
(718) 230-0013

Kiddie Sing-A-Long with Hop-A-Long Andrew
Tuesdays, 11:30am ($10 per family/FREE snacks)
The Joint on Myrtle
471 Myrtle Avenue between Washington & Hall
(347) 763-1455

Kids Ballet Class
Wednesdays, 3:30pm-4:15pm (Ages 3 & 4)
Move with Grace Yoga, Dance, Fitness Studio & Juice Bar
469 Myrtle Avenue, between Washington & Hall
(718) 230-0013

Kid’s Sing-A-Long
Fridays, 4pm-4:45pm
Jill Lindsey
370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont
(347) 987-4583
Various Classes (Dance & Sports)

Jiu Jitsu for Kids
Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, 4:15pm-5pm (Junior Basic)
Mondays-Fridays, 5pm-5:15pm (Junior Advanced)
**Seasonal Parents’ Night Out – movies, games, snacks for kids while parents go out!**
Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
412 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton & Vanderbilt
(718) 403-0067

Haircuts, Candy Facials, Nail Services & Events
Wednesdays & Thursdays: Weekday specials available
A Kid’s Dream
549 Myrtle Avenue between Steuben & Emerson
(800) 927-1373 – call for appointments

Toddler + Big People Art Classes
Science Class
Various Sundays, 9:45am, 2pm (call for dates)
Jill Lindsey
370 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Clermont
(347) 987-4583

Variety of Classes
Ingersoll Community Center
177 Myrtle Avenue between Navy & Prince
(718) 522-5051 – call for schedule

If you know of other family fun events in our businesses, please let us know so that we can help promote to families in the neighborhood! Email us at info@myrtleavenue.org.

Movement Class for Older Adults

Photo Credit: markmorrisdancegroup.org

Mark Morris Dance Center faculty member Janelle Barry is leading a FREE movement class in February and March for older adults at the Ingersoll Community Center. The class is designed to use “gentle movement to explore and increase range of motion”. No previous dance experience or registration is required. Visit our calendar for full event details.

Healthy Communities Participants Featured in WhyHunger Community Voices

In the summer of 2014 David Hanson, writer and photographer with WhyHunger, visited the Ingersoll Garden of Eden and captured the stories and beautiful images of the residents and their gardens. He also spoke with Shaquana Boykin, a Fort Greene & Clinton Hill Community Food Council member, ‘Shop Healthy on a Budget’ tour leader and resident. We are so proud to see these amazing people applauded for their dedication to lead change to create a healthier, more accessible food system for Fort Greene residents. Enjoy the full story here .

This story is part of over 50 organizations throughout the US participating in Community Voices, a collaboration between WhyHunger and the USDA’s Community Food Projects Competitive Grant Program. For three years, David Hanson has traveled to meet with farmers, youth employees, teachers, senior citizens, ranchers, community organizers, refugees, garden leaders, and health care workers, listening to their personal narratives and learning what food and food justice means to them and their communities. All stories can be viewed on the WhyHunger website.

Making Myrtle Avenue Age-Friendly

How does one ensure that the input of older adults is included in important, Myrtle Avenue-specific initiatives and programs? Ask them! This isn’t a new concept, but certainly a very necessary one. With 5 neighborhood older adult focus groups completed, 5 more scheduled, and a commercial corridor of merchants primed to offer specials and perks to older adults, it’s exactly what the we’ve been doing as we look to designate Myrtle Avenue as one of the city’s next Aging Improvement Districts.

We want to hear from you – what do older adults need to lead productive lives in the communities where they live? Give us a call at 718-230-1689 or email info@myrtleavenue.org for more information.

About Age Friendly Myrtle Avenue

Age Friendly Myrtle Avenue aims to create safe, inviting, engaging places for older adults in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill communities. The first phase of this work includes information gathering through community consultations with residents, businesses, and service providers. With this information, MARP, in partnership with a Community Advisory Board, will develop a set of strategies that will lead to new senior programming, services, and general awareness to their needs, designating Myrtle Avenue as an Aging Improvement District.

MARP is grateful for the support of the New York Academy of Medicine the New York Community Trust in our efforts to engage and serve our community of older adults.

Peak Season for Farm to Neighborhood Businesses

Our Farm to Neighborhood program connects and highlights businesses on Myrtle Avenue, and beyond, that offer regional, fresh products. Since 2011 we have had the pleasure of working with 36 Regional farmers/producers and 25 local businesses!

As we welcome in September, the beginning of peak season for NYS, we will share the bounty with you through regular updates on what Farm to Neighborhood businesses are featuring. Check back regularly! And, be sure to visit our local Fort Greene Park Greenmarket every Saturday 8AM-4PM at DeKalb Avenue & Washington Park. Use this handy Harvest Calendar provided by GrowNYC to plan ahead!

FARM TO NEIGHBORHOOD

Corkscrew Wines Brooklyn, 489 Myrtle Avenue between Hall & Ryerson Streets

Buy any 3 bottles New York State wines and get a free tote bag ($12 value) through the month of September.

Photo Credit: Corkscrew Wines

Fresh Fanatic Grocery Store, 88 Washington Avenue between Park & Flushing Avenues

So many fresh, local items at Fresh Fanatic! Pick-up apples from Wilkford Orchards, NY; Tomatoes of all kinds, hot pepper mixes and exotic eggplants from Hepworth Farm, NY; Parsley, Kale and Cilantro from Red Tail Farm, NY; Squash from Reeves Farms, NY; Arugula, Spicy Greens, Baby Kale from Remembrance Farm, NY; Green Beans and Bi-color Corn from Chow Farm; and so much more!

Photo Credit: Fresh Fanatic

Gnarly Vines, 350 Myrtle Avenue between Carlton & Adelphi Avenues

Join the Lewis Waite Farm CSA and pick up at Gnarly Vines! Orders are placed via our their on-line platform and, unique to most CSA’s, you pay as you go and only what you want! Visit the Lewis Waite Farm site to learn more and register for the Gnarly Vines pick-up site here. While you are there you can work with the staff to pair your farm fresh goods with just the right wine. Owner Brian has a nice stock of regional options!

ICI Restaurant, 246 Dekalb Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clermont Avenues

A great way to experience ICI is with their Wednesday night $25 3-course Prix-Fixe menu! The menu is newly created every Wednesday morning and allows the chef to be super creative and use the freshest farm ingredients.

Photo Credit: iCi

LuLu & Po, 154 Carlton Avenue between Myrtle & Willoughby Avenues

At the heart of Chef Matt’s culinary philosophy is fresh and local. this season he is featuring products from Local Bushel, an on-line ordering system that connects restaurants to local farms. The menu changes with the seasons, always offering the freshest ingredients. Also, every Sunday, all night, you can get their famous burger, beer and fries for $15.00, a real deal!

Other participating Farm to Neighborhood businesses:

Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue between Washington Park & Carlton Avenue
Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues
Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue between Vanderbilt & Clinton Avenues
Tipsy, 584 Myrtle Avenue between Emerson & Classon Avenues

Know the Facts about the Fort Greene Greenmarket Extension

Earlier this season, along with GrowNYC, we urged residents to sign on in support of an extension to the Fort Greene Park Greenmarket. To date, Community Board 2 has approved the proposed extension thanks to all of the resident and elected official support we were able to garner – nearly 500 signatures at market, 76 on-line and 19 local businesses/CBO’s/Resident Associations and 4 Elected Officials – Thank You for your support!

For a refresher we want to detail the plans for the proposed extension:
The Greenmarket currently includes 19 producers, stretching 255 feet, including parking, from DeKalb towards Myrtle in a two lane formation along the walking path. GrowNYC is requesting an additional 255 foot extension of this market, including parking, so that they can move all producers to one side of the walking path (single lane formation) and extend further along Washington Park and closer to Myrtle Avenue.

What does this look like?

• This will result in one long market, stretching 510 feet from DeKalb toward Myrtle but physically reaching to about Willoughby Avenue.
• Approximately 12 additional car spaces, totaling 24, will be reserved for producers along the west side of Washington Park from 7AM – 7PM every Saturday year-round.

Why you may ask?

• In our 2011 Community Food Assessment we learned that many residents north of Fort Greene Park are unaware of this existing fresh food outlet even though it is geographically very close to their homes. Those that were aware, but not using it, felt it was “not for them” and/or that it was “too far away”, especially for the senior citizens we spoke to. In addition, most did not know that they can spend their EBT/Food Stamps on fresh food at Greenmarkets city-wide.
• There is the impression that Greenmarkets are too expensive for most New Yorkers. Prices do vary and it is important to shop around, just like at any food market. We have found that there are affordable options, some below local retailers, and with increased resident feedback on what is needed perhaps further diversity of products and prices can be implemented.
• Greenmarket believes that a majority single-sided market will be more user-friendly and lead to less congestion. While the current set-up does provide a safe, friendly shopping experience, they feel the proposed configuration will only improve a great resource in the community.

It is our aim to make this much needed and valuable asset more visible and available to all residents. In partnership with GrowNYC we aim to make the necessary changes that will address the community feedback and needs. You can find us at the corner of Washington Park and Myrtle Avenue every Saturday now – October, 10am – 3pm, to ask questions, participate in fun activities with food and take a free tour of the market.

We welcome your questions/comments! Contact us directly at info@myrtleavenue.org

Elected Official Support comes from:

Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams
New York State Assemblyman Joseph Lentol
New York State Assemblyman Mosley
New York State Senator Velmanette Montgomery

Local Business and Stakeholder Support comes from :

Andy McDowell, Splitty, 415 Myrtle Avenue
Brooklyn Food Coalition (BFC)
City Growers
Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council
Fort Greene Association
Fort Greene Strategic Neighborhood Action Partnership (SNAP), 324 Myrtle Avenue
Gerry Rooney, Putnam’s Pub & Cooker, 419 Myrtle Avenue
iCi Restaurant, 246 Dekalb Ave
Ingersoll Garden of Eden
Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership, LDC & BID
Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chefs
Oro Residents Association, 500+ residents
Pillow cafe-lounge, 505 Myrtle Avenue
Raymond V. Ingersoll Resident Association
Red Lantern Bicycles, 345 Myrtle Ave
The Children’s Academy at LIU Brooklyn
University Settlement Ingersoll Community Center, 177 Myrtle Avenue
Walt Whitman Resident Association
Walt Whitman Victory Garden

And nearly 500 shoppers at market and 76 on-line!

Bike Month on Myrtle Avenue

May is Bike Month and we are celebrating it here on Myrtle Avenue. We like to see our Brooklyn-based bikers healthy, active and exploring transportation alternatives. Here is some bike business news & information for cyclists and for those interested in becoming active by bike…

Sustainable Architecture and Industry Bike Tour- Saturday May 3^rdGet a “handle” on sustainable architecture and industry on this bicycle tour of Yard. You’ll learn about many of the Yard’s green initiatives. Get an up-close look at the nation’s first green multi-story industrial building, see wind-and-solar-powered lamps built and installed at the Yard, and peer down into a 19th-century dry dock that is still in use today. Along the way, we will enjoy stunning waterfront views and learn how the Yard has been transformed from the world’s busiest shipyard into a center of green innovation.
What: Sustainable Architecture and Industry Bike Tour
When: Saturday, May 3^rd, 3pm – 5pm & Saturday, June 21^st 12pm – 2pm
Where: Brooklyn Navy Yard Center at BLDG 92
How Much: $24 per person; 10% discount for members of BLDG 92, register here: BLDG 92

Cyclist Movie Nights- Thursdays in May
Red Lantern Bikes, the eclectic bike shop customizing commuter rides & offering repair classes, also offers coffee & beer. This month they are holdingMovie Nights, screenings of bike-specific films every Thursday in May. They will be showing Triplets of Belleville this month along with others. Past screenings have included Pedal, a documentary about bike messengers, and Hell on Wheels.
What: Red Lantern Cyclist Movie Nights
When: Thursdays in May (8^th, 15^th, 22^nd, 29^th)
Where: Red Lantern Bicycles & Cafe , 345 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi & Carlton

Bike the Branches
Bike the Branches is part of the Brooklyn Public Library’s annual Support the Branches spring campaign. All proceeds from Support the Branches and Bike the Branches help fund Brooklyn Public Library’s work to bring vital services, resources and programs to every neighborhood in Brooklyn.
What: Bike to all of the Brooklyn Public Libraries on your bike
When: Saturday, May 17^th 10am-7pm
Where: Live Music, entertainment, and prizes take place at the finish line at the Plaza at Central Library
Info: Brooklyn Public Library or contact bikethebranches@brooklynpubliclibrary.org

Register Your Bike Event
Come grab a FREE coffee (provided by Myrtle Bagel) and register your bike with the 88^th Police Precinct to help prevent bike theft.
What: FREE Bike Registration Event
When: Thursday, May 29^th 7:30am-9:30am
Where: Meet at the corner of Vanderbilt and Myrtle Avenues
Info: Call (718) 230-1689

More Bike Events HERE.

Green in BKLYN Celebrates Anniversary & Earth Day

Green in BKLYN celebrates 5 years in business and on Myrtle Avenue this coming Sunday, April 20th.

How fitting that the anniversary for the favorite eco-friendly store would also be a celebration of Earth Day.

Come out and celebrate. The schedule is action-packed, full of F-U-N!

11am-1pm
Lola, the shop’s mascot and doggy to storeowner, Lola, holds court. She hasn’t been in the shop for a little while. So, lovable Lola returns to meet and greet in the store.

1pm-4pm
MUNY Design Pop Up Shop: Bohemian clothes and bedding beautifully designed in BKLYN and made fair trade in India will be available at the shop, and LOTS and LOTS of it.

4pm – 6pm
Reception for Wolfgang Ryan, Artist: Displaying “unusual illuminated objects cobbled together from the streets of BKLYN.”

While Supplies Last: Local Treats: Free tastes of Brooklyn Roasting Company coffee, Mister Sister vegan and kosher fudge and Raaka virgin chocolate. And (for the reception) organic wine from Gnarly Vines.
All Day: Green in BKLYN’s Customer Raffle: Make a purchase of $5 or more (for Green in BKLYN’s Fifth Anniversary) and be entered in our raffle for all kinds of eco-friendly treats & treasures.
Stop in and let Green in BKLYN thank you personally for supporting the store and for choosing to live gently on our planet Earth.

Green in BKLYN is located at 432 Myrtle Avenue between Clinton and Waverly Avenues.
(718) 855-4383

CVS/Pharmacy Will Stop Carrying all Tobacco Products in October 2014

CVS/pharmacy has announced that starting October 1, 2014 they will no longer carry tobacco products. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention and World Health Organization have both reported that Tobacco use is the leading risk factor for preventable death in the United States. This action by CVS/pharmacy has made a great stride in public health advocacy.

MARP is one of hundreds of other organizations and businesses that have formed a city-wide coalition, The Partnership for a Healthier New York, to help make “healthier living easier”. The Partnership’s borough-based coalitions work with communities to plan, complete, and evaluate environmental change projects which:

Decrease smoking rates and exposure to secondhand smoke
Provide more places and opportunities for people to be active
Increase access to affordable fresh fruits and vegetables
Decrease promotion of unhealthy foods and sugary drinks
Increase awareness of the harms of underage and excessive alcohol use

The goal of the Partnership is for fewer New Yorkers to suffer from serious preventable diseases. This is an important action to making this goal a reality.

Peck’s and Humo Smokehouse, New “Farm to Neighborhood” Businesses

Theo Peck, owner of Peck's, 455A Myrtle Avenue

Theodore Peck, owner of Peck’s

Peck’s in Clinton Hill and Humo Smokehouse in Fort Greene are the newest Farm to Neighborhood businesses on Myrtle Avenue. Owners Theodore Peck and Raul Perez respectively cook with products grown and raised regionally, bringing the freshest ingredients to their customers. Our organization has been working with both owners and connecting them to the 36 regional producers that are part of our Farm to Neighborhood network.

The goals of the Farm to Neighborhood program are to: increase the amount of farm-fresh local products available in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill, facilitate connections between regional farmers and local businesses, encourage neighborhood consumers to consider local food alternatives and create a vibrant local and regional food economy.

Mural in the making at Humo Smokehouse on Myrtle Avenue

Look for the Farm to Neighborhood decal in participating businesses. When you dine at these businesses, purchases benefit both regional farms and the local economy.

Peck’s, 455A Myrtle Avenue, between Washington & Waverly Avenues.
Humo Smokehouse, 336 Myrtle Avenue, between Carlton Avenue & Washington Park.