#TBT at Kum Kau Restaurant

Image Credit: Ted Lewin, author and illustrator of Big Jimmy's Kum Kau Chinese Take Out.

Image Credit: Ted Lewin, author and illustrator of Big Jimmy’s Kum Kau Chinese Take Out.

Kum Kau Restaurant has been on Myrtle Avenue in Clinton Hill for more than 38 years.  The restaurant, on the corner of Washington and Myrtle, has been a local institution for years and was even featured in a children’s book.  Big Jimmy’s Kum Kau Chinese Take Out, written and illustrated by neighborhood resident and Pratt Institute alum Ted Lewin, provides today #ThrowbackThursday image.  The watercolor illustration captures Kum Kau in 2001, and it looks like not much has changed in the past 13 years at this local landmark.

Big Jimmu’s Kum Kau Chinese Take Out by Ted Lewin, published by Harper Collins Publishers, 2001.

Interested in more local history?  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to catch our weekly #ThrowbackThursday posts.

Artworks by Teri Sanders at Pillow Cafe

Image Credit: Teri Sanders

Image Credit: Teri Sanders

A new exhibition by painter Teri Sanders is up at Pillow Cafe-Lounge on Myrtle Avenue! The exhibition, titled “Art at Work”, will be on view until the end of February.

Being a classically trained portrait painter, Teri’s philosophy is that no matter how “processed” the result is in a publication, it all comes back to the brush on canvas. This exhibit gives the viewer a rare insight into those sources: the raw work on canvas. A prolific painter and art director, her work has been published in The New Yorker, The New York Times, New York Magazine and Atlantic Monthly.  She has also shown at the National Portrait Gallery in London, Aberdeen Art Gallery and Royal Albert Memorial Museum.

For more information, contact teriksanders@gmail.com or visit www.directoryofillustration.com/TeriSanders.

Myrtle Avenue’s Small Business Menu Expands with Peck’s in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn

Peck's on Myrtle Avenue, Clinton Hill


There will be a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony at Peck’s, tonight in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn. Theodore Peck will be holding a ceremony for his homemade specialty food shop. The organization, elected officials, and local community will be welcoming new business owner, Theodore Peck to Myrtle Avenue.

The shop will be home to mouthwatering options, such as expertly prepared foods, rotisserie chicken, charcuterie, artisanal cheese, sandwiches, growlers of craft beer and much more. The selection will change throughout the day to keep things fresh and provide variety for repeat customers. To start, there will be baked goods, corn muffins and biscuits layered with butter and preserves, homemade granola, oatmeal and coffee/espresso from La Colombe. As afternoon approaches, sandwiches with house-made meats, prepared foods, soups and salads will fill the room.

Local resident and store owner, Theo Peck, has a long, impressive history in the food industry. His fascination with the restaurant business started at the age of three at his great grandfather’s famous Lower East Side establishment, Ratner’s Restaurant. Peck went on to open Lansky Lounge, a successful Lower East Side restaurant and bar, attended the New England Culinary Institute and honed his skills at three national Top Fifty restaurants – Blue Hill at Stone Barns (Pocantico Hills, NY), Hugo’s (Portland, ME) and Fore Street (Portland, ME). 

Financial support from our Facade Improvement program helped Theodore decide to locate on Myrtle Avenue. In the past year the Partnership has provided grant funds to new businesses like Peck’s and Humo Smokehouse, as well as recently-opened Brooklyn Sweet Spot and Corkscrew Brooklyn, to assist with build-out and the installation of new storefronts. Grant funds were made available through the New York Main Street program which provides matching reimbursement grants of up to $50,000 for façade and storefront improvements in historic buildings. Clinton Hill resident, Theodore Peck suggests that the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership was instrumental in helping him open his business in Clinton Hill. “Being a Clinton Hill resident myself, I wanted a place to share my great grandfather’s recipes (and my own), and the Partnership helped bring this dream to reality.”  

Peck’s is located at 455A Myrtle Avenue between Waverly & Washington Avenues.

 

Brooklyn Sweet Spot Offers a Double Sweet Deal

Brooklyn Sweet Spot_blood drive2 There is a double-sweet deal planned at Brooklyn Sweet Spot on Friday, January 17th.  Yes, double:  Give blood to help save a life PLUS enjoy Brooklyn Sweet Spot’s delicious confections. This Friday, January 17th, Brooklyn Sweet Spot is joining forces with the New York Blood Center via a bus mobile parked outside of the bakery from 1pm-7pm. Just one pint of blood can save 3 lives so imagine the possibilities.  The blood will be used for adults and children experiencing a wide range of challenges, including surgeries, accident cases, cancer and sickle cell anemia patients. Stop at the busmobile to learn more and to give.  Please call (718) 522-2577 for additional information.  Photo ID with birthdate will be required.  Eat a well balanced meal before giving blood.   Brooklyn Sweet Spot is located at 366 Myrtle Avenue between Clermont and Adelphi.  They can be reached at 718. 624.CAKE (2253)

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

Mural in the making at Humo Smokehouse on Myrtle Avenue

Farm to Neighborhood

 

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. 

Tipsy Offers 3 Days of Wine and a Bit of Dine

Tipsy hosts wine tastings every Saturday at the store but this time, it’s three wine tastings plus a $30 weekender special (3 bottles of wine).  So, yes, get ready for Friday (1/10); a Greek wine theme on Saturday (1/11)–Brooklyn Kolache is bringing tasty spinach & feta kolaches to go with Tipsy’s white and red Greek wines; and next Tuesday (1/14) tastings.  Here are the details:

Happy Hour Friday

TGIF! Tipsy’s kicking off the weekend with a sustainable, silky red: Vincola Corellana Zorzal Graciano
($12). It’s full of soft red cherries and a little kick of pepper; pair it with your hearty January meals, particularly pork or beef dishes. Come 7pm today.

Saturday Sippers & Bites: Going Greek

Greek wine is still a bit of a mystery to many, but Tipsy has two bottles that that “customers are crazy about.” PLUS Brooklyn Kolache Co. is serving up some delicious mini feta & spinach kolaches because everyone deserves hors d’oeurves and wine on a Saturday. Stop by tomorrow, Saturday, from 3–7pm and try them; they’ll remind you that summer does exist (or prompt you to buy a plane ticket to Santorini).

Semeli Mountain Sun White ($14) – This fruity white comes from the Peloponnese region and is ripe with crisp lemon and melon with some stony undertones to mellow it all out.

Moraitis Paros Reserve Red ($16) – From the Greek island of Paros, this fun blend of red and white grapes yields a wine full of cherries and chocolate.

Tuesday Tasting

Tuesday January 14th is all about deep, red fruit so Tipsy is bringing out one of their favorite barberas: Giribaldi Rie Barbera Superior ($18).  Come bask in some cherry and raspberry flavors with Tipsy from 5–8pm.

New Weekender!

Tipsy’s latest combination comprises three bottles that have a combined value of $40, but they will let you have it for $30. Obviously this means that you have no excuse not to try these:

Hugues Beaulieu Picpoul (regularly $11) – Zesty and spicy all at once, with a hint of honey.

Vinicola del Sannio Aglianico (regularly $14) – Tipsy drank this bottle at their tasting last week.

Valle las Acequias Malbec Robles (regularly $15) – Bright notes of plums and raspberries dominate this wine, with the most luscious hint of chocolate – yum!

Buon Gusto to Open in Late January

Buon Gusto2_for blog

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Buon Gusto, a new Italian take-out restaurant, to open in late January.  Owner, Joe Esposito is no stranger to the neighborhood, practically growing up on the corner of Myrtle and Ryerson, when Los Pollitos Restaurant was the family-owned business, Card Corner, a Hallmark card and helium balloon landmark.  499 Myrtle is still family-owned and Joe’s branching out into a backspace of the restaurant.  The restaurant will boast a large, mainly takeout menu of extensive pizza offerings, antipastos, salads, dinners, rice balls, meat balls, jalapeno poppers, 15 different hot hero choices, calzones, paninis and soups.  Among dinner options will be shrimp scampi, tortellini and oreganata.  Bon appetit.  Stop through when the restaurant opens in late January.

Buon Gusto is located at 499 Myrtle Avenue on the corner of Ryerson.  Enter the restaurant through the side entrance on Ryerson.

Le Petit Bakery Publishes Children’s Cookbook

image credit: Trafford Publishing

Mother-son owners of Le Petit Bakery, Christopher and Susan have penned a brand new booke titled, Child Baker to Culinary Chef (Trafford Press).  A book signing is planned for early Spring.  The book is filled with reflections and recipes.

Susan shared, “The book offers resources to use in the kitchen, and it follows from Christopher’s beginning recipes as a child to some of the current recipes used in the bakery. I hope teachers and parents find this book helpful as I use the method of baking as a tool in teaching my students.  In fact there is a photo of two of my students in the book!”

Child Baker to Culinary Chef is a 60 page book which might be of particular interest to book lovers, foodies and those who love to bake, cook or create and families.

Please stop in at Le Petit Bakery to pre-order for pick up during the planned Spring book signing.

Le Petit Bakery is located at 354 Myrtle Avenue between Adelphi and Carlton.  The store can be reached at 718.875.6500.

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Demo at Fort Greene Park Greenmarket

Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Chef Roisin Ford

Stop by the Fort Greene Greenmarket this Saturday between 11AM- 1PM to have a taste of Myrtle Eats Fresh Chef Roisin’s farm fresh, healthy recipe – Pearl Couscous and Seasonal Veggie Medley! 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 residents who 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.

Get Tips on How to Shop Healthy on a Budget

'Shop Healthy' Tours led by the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council

‘Shop Healthy’ Tours led by the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council

Join the Fort Greene / Clinton Hill Community Food Council this Sunday, 1/12/14 at Red Apple Supermarket (Myrtle/Navy) for a “Shop Healthy” tour and conversation.  In partnership with students and faculty within the Nursing Department at  St. Joseph’s College Council members have been trained to teach shoppers how to read nutrition labels, understand unit pricing and the benefits of buying fresh, whole products verses canned and prepared foods. By sharing personal food stories and discussing ways that shoppers can add more healthy food items to their list (even on tight budgets!) the Council has created a rewarding and educational initiative for all involved.

Watch for the Council at Red Apple every first Sunday starting February 2014! Want a tour at a store closer to your home? Contact us, we’ll work with you to arrange a time a date.

 

‘Hot Chocolate’ Art Exhibition Opens at Pushkin Creperie

Image Credit: Brooklyn Art Review

Image Credit: Brooklyn Art Review

Hot Chocolate features the artwork of 10 local Brooklyn artists at Pushkin Creperie (541 Myrtle Avenue), curated by Joshua H. Stulman. And Hot Chocolate, of course!

Exibition: January 12, 2014 – February 23, 2014
Opening Reception: January 12, 4pm
The exhibition and opening are FREE and open to the public.

In the middle of winter, sometimes all you want is warm cup of Hot Chocolate and a reason to get out of the house. Hot Chocolate is the perfect excuse to brave the cold to find an eclectic collection of amazing artwork being made locally in Brooklyn. Merging realism, abstract, comic book illustration, figurative, and color field paintings, Hot Chocolate mixes up artists from different backgrounds and age groups to offer a brief survey of interests in the fine arts today.

Participating Artists:
Jon Axelrod, Ramona Candy, Jesse Xavier Ruiz, J.F Lynch, Tomo Mori, Doug Newton, Kathleen Migliore-Newton, Juan Sarmiento, Fabrizio Seminario, and Joshua H. Stulman.

Pushkin Creperie is located at 541 Myrtle Avenue near the campus of Pratt Institute (between Steuben and Emerson Sts., across from the Pratt Store).

For more information contact Brooklyn Art Review at info@joshuastulman.com.

A Snowy #TBT on Myrtle Avenue

Gedney_1960s_winter on Myrtle

Image credit: Duke University David M. Rubenstein Rare Book & Manuscript Library.

A #TBT photo that may help to mentally prepare for the coming snow. This shot of Myrtle Avenue was taken by famed photographer William Gedney in 1969 from his apartment above what is now Kum Kau at the corner of Washington & Myrtle.  The winter scene is dominated by the Myrtle Avenue Elevated train, which ran through Fort Greene and Clinton Hill from the 1880’s through the 1960’s, when it was removed.

Storefronts on Myrtle Avenue Get a Facelift

Clockwise for top left: Peck's at 455A Myrtle, Bikes on Myrtle at 478 Myrtle, Storefront for Lease at 360 Myrtle, Humo Smokehouse at 336 Myrtle

Clockwise for top left: Peck’s at 455A Myrtle, Bikes on Myrtle at 478 Myrtle, Storefront for Lease at 360 Myrtle, Humo Smokehouse at 336 Myrtle.  Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene and Clinton Hill is seeing a lot of activity this week with new storefronts going in.  There are currently six projects underway within the district, several of which are receiving assistance from the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.  The assistance comes in the form of matching grant dollars, provided through the New York Main Street (NYMS) grant program from the State’s Department of Homes and Community Renewal (DHCR).

Stay tuned for final photos of the new storefronts in the next couple of weeks.

Call for Artwork: Black Artstory Month 2014

IamaMan - Mosley - Black Artstory Month 2013

Image Credit: Steven Mosely, I am a Man, Black Artstory Month 2013

The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership is seeking paintings, drawings, photographs and works on paper for inclusion in its 2nd Annual Black Artstory Month on Myrtle Avenue. The exhibition will be taking place from February 1- February 28, 2014. Selected works will be featured in businesses on Myrtle Avenue in the Fort Greene/Clinton Hill section of Brooklyn. Black Artstory Month began in 2013 as a creative play on February being Black History Month. The month is intended to spotlight the contributions African Americans have made and are continuing to make within the visual and performing arts worlds. Programming throughout the month includes live music, spoken word, storytelling, participatory art-making and curated exhibitions!

The working title for 2014 is Native Sons and Daughters: Locals, (im)Migrants, Expats and Prodigals.

Taking inspiration from the migratory histories of African Americans in the United States, MARP is seeking works that address issues, explorations, reflections and discoveries centered around notions of being born of a place, becoming connected/ attached to a new place or upon leaving a place adjusting perceptions and attachments to that place.

Please submit the following materials by Dec 20 to att: Daonne Huff /Black Artstory
1. Brief Artist Statement
2. Current Resume
3. Up to 3 artwork images with index listing title, medium, and dimensions for each artwork.
Please combine photos in a zip folder or pdf.

Selected works must be ready to hang.
DEADLINE: DECEMBER 20th

For more information and to submit please contact curator Daonne Huff at daonnedaonne at gmail.com

Silent Lights Installation Comes to Fort Greene Under the BQE

Silent Lights Fort Greene

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Silent Lights will be unveiled on Wednesday, December 18th at 4:30pm
Park Avenue and Navy Street, Under the BQE
Fort Greene, Brooklyn

Silent Lights is a series of sculptural gates that line a pedestrian pathway under the Brooklyn Queens Expressway. The gates are embedded with light and sound equipment: 2,400 LEDs and a microphone, controlled by an arduino mega microcontroller. The installation uses these to respond to sounds from the street and transform it into beautiful light patterns. The light enhances this ordinary often overlooked public right-of-way, creating a playful, inviting, memorable space.

The piece took two years to create by a group of designers called Urban Matter Inc. The project was originally slated for a location in Red Hook under the BQE, but due to site construction found a new home in Fort Greene under the BQE at Navy Street and Park Avenue.  The Partnership is working with the artists to connect them with community groups and is helping to promote the installation over the course of its year-long stay.

The project was made possible with support from DOT Urban Arts Program, Artplace America, Black Rock Foundation, Brooklyn Arts Council, Awesome Foundation, Designers Lighting Forum of New York, Red Hook Initiative, and contributions from individual donors.

The artists are hosting a post-unveiling party at IMAKE STUDIO Gallery, 163 Plymouth Street in DUMBO, beginning at 5:30pm.

Tibetan Rug Workshop and Sale at Weaving Hand

Image Credit: Weaving Hand

Image Credit: Weaving Hand

Join Weaving Hand for a celebration of the history and culture of weaving in Tibet this Saturday, December 7th at noon.

The event will be led by Pasang Tsaga, who is a teaching artist at Weaving Hand and an expert on Tibetan weaving. Ms. Tsaga was born in Tibet, grew up in Nepal, and immigrated to the United States in 1998. Having begun her weaving career at the age of 14, she is a true master of the art. Weaving Hand is fortunate to have her as a member of our team.

Ms.Tsaga will deliver a weaving demonstration and an in-depth talk on the practice of Tibetan rug weaving. A selection of beautiful carpets created by Ms. Tsaga will also be available for sale. This is a fantastic opportunity to pick up a one of a kind holiday gift for someone special, while also supporting local artistry. Tibetan refreshments will be served, and all are welcome!

For those who would like to continue to explore the rich culture and crafts of Tibet, we encourage you to visit 21 Tara at 388 Myrtle Avenue, a shop on Myrtle Avenue owned by Tashi Namgyal, Ms. Tsaga’s son. The shop offers a wide range of garments, tapestries and accessories that reflect Tibetan heritage and traditions.

New Resources for Local College Students

Many local businesses offer discounts with a valid student ID. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Many local businesses offer discounts with a valid student ID. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

The new Myrtle Avenue website offers a handy section for local college students with local resources.  Students can find which local businesses offer student discounts, where to apply for jobs in the neighborhood and calls for artists to display work within the neighborhood.

Click over to the I Am A Student page to learn more.

#TBT to Brooklyn’s Wallabout Market

Image Source: Library of Congress

Image Source: Library of Congress

Thanksgiving can be stressful for a host who is charged with braving the supermarket crowds in search of the cranberry sauce, yams and the perfect turkey.  As this photo shows, one thing to be thankful for this year when prepping for your holiday, is that you don’t have to shop at the hectic Wallabout Market.

The Wallabout Market, located at Flushing and Washington avenues in what is now the Navy Yard, was open from 1884-1941.  The wholesale market, one of the largest in the entire world, was closed in the 1940’s to make way for the Navy Yard’s expansion in preparation of World War II.

Hot Off The Press – The Myrtle Eats Fresh Community Cookbook

Community Chef Darrell Robinson. Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership.

The Community Chef Program trains community residents to conduct cooking demonstrations using healthy, affordable foods and recipes. The program cultivates local leadership around nutrition education and healthy food advocacy. To date, 15 chefs have completed 20+ hours of training and 40 demonstrations were performed at the farm stand, farmers market, pantries, senior centers and community events during this past 2013 season.

Proceeds from $5 sales are reinvested directly in the program – get yours today!




New Trees for Myrtle Avenue

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Myrtle Avenue received 9 new street trees this week, bringing the district’s total tree count to 264!

Most of the new trees are around the Ingersoll Community Center at Prince Street (pictured above).  The Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership will care for these trees, with spring soil maintenance, summertime watering, and minor pruning.

Some of you may remember that the community center used to have street trees, which were removed to make room for the Myrtle median.  Now we have the median trees and the street trees.

Now Open: Tipsy Wine Store

Image Credit: Tipsy

Image Credit: Tipsy

Tipsy has opened its doors at 584 Myrtle, at the corner of Classon and Myrtle Avenues.  The store features a large, curated selection of wines from around the world.  The new shop will offer a comfortable environment to shop for good wines, with pretentiousness.  The business looks forward to serving everyone in the neighborhood, from wine aficionados to the casual shopper just looking for a good wine.

Visit Tipsy in the Shopping Directory for contact and hours information.

Weekly #TBT on Myrtle Avenue

1940's Historic Tax Photo, purchased from the New York City Department of Records.

1940’s Historic Tax Photo, purchased from the New York City Department of Records.

In this 1940’s photo of 370 & 372 Myrtle you’ll find Landi’s Jersey Pork store and a historic wooden storefront, respectively.  The former pork store is now currently looking for a new commercial tenant.  And 372, which once sold Salada Tea according to a sign in the window, is now home to Manee Thai, which offers $7 lunch specials!

Artober 2013 Comes to a Close

The second annual series of local art events throughout October was a success!  During the month, Myrtle Avenue and the surrounding neighborhoods hosted more than a dozen arts events, including live music performances, lectures, public art installations, painting a community mural, art exhibits within local businesses, and opening receptions.
View photos from the month within Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership’s Facebook photo album:

Myrtle Crosswalks Repainted

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

This image was captured around noon.  According the manager on-site, Myrtle crosswalks from North Portland to Washington Avenue are being repainted today.

The paint dries in moments, and traffic is allowed to travel over the lines after a very brief delay.  According to WalkingInfo.org, “Marked crosswalks serve to highlight the right-of-way where motorists can expect pedestrians to cross and designate a stopping or yielding location.”

 

DOT “Daylights” Park Ave

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

NYC DOT installed “daylighting” regulations at seven locations along Park Avenue (Brooklyn).  Daylighting removes one parking space at the approach to an intersection and gives drivers/pedestrians a better view of oncoming traffic or crossing pedestrians.

Daylighting was installed at the following locations:

  • Westbound Park Avenue at the approach to North Oxford Street.
  • Eastbound Park Avenue at the approach to Waverly Avenue.
  • Westbound Park Avenue at the approach to Waverly Avenue.
  • Eastbound Park Avenue at the approach to Ryerson Street (pictured above and below).
  • Westbound Park Avenue at the approach to Grand Avenue.
  • Eastbound Park Avenue at the approach to Grand Avenue
  • Eastbound Park Avenue at the approach to Steuben Street.

This change was requested by MARP as a follow-up to the Park Avenue Pedestrian Safety Plan.

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

Image Credit: Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership

This driver now has a better view of oncoming traffic after stopping at the stop sign