A blog about our Brooklyn neighborhood.
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Sunday, March 11th, 2012
P.S. 139 is looking for volunteers to help them book fair this week.
Help is needed at these times:
Anyone interested in helping out should contact Maria at mcaridi3@schools.nyc.gov or call
718) 282-5254
Thursday, March 1st, 2012
Carlo Costa and Ryan Ferreira Duo play Sycamore on Saturday. Photo by by Chiara Bernasconi.
Tonight 3/1
* Austrian jazz improvisational singer Lana Cencic is at Sycamore, 9pm.
* Nominated for a “Jazz Act of the Year” award, Miss Tess plays The Castello Plan, 9pm.
Friday 3/2
* Friday night mixed doubles league at the Prospect Park Tennis Center, 8pm.
* Lora Faye and The Howl are at Sycamore, 9pm.
* Comedy night with Mike Fiorito at 773 Lounge, 10pm.
* The Q train is running normally this weekend!
Saturday 3/3
* Sustainable Flatbush composting open hours, 11am-1pm.
* Flatbush Farmshare Community Meal at Flatbush Reformed Church, 12pm.
* Carlo Costa / Ryan Ferreira Duo with Sandra Weiss, Sycamore, 9pm.
Sunday 3/4
* First Aid & CPR with Baby Be Safe at Midwood Martial Arts, 4pm.
* The weekly jazz series Underground Works is downstairs at Sycamore, 8pm.
Monday 3/5
* Josh Deutsch’s Pannonia and Flamenco Avenue play Monday Night Ramble at Sycamore, 8pm.
* Upstairs at Sycamore, it’s Monday Night Vinyl Club, 8pm.
* Guitarist and composer Gene Segal is at The Castello Plan, 9pm.
If you have a neighborhood event happening over the weekend that you’d like to see listed, send us an email by Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday, February 29th, 2012
This Saturday, March 3, the Flatbush Farm Share CSA will present a free community meal through the Flatbush Reformed Church Bread for the Journey Hot Meals Program:
Our CSA farmers, from the Farm at Miller’s Crossing and Hepworth Farms, are donating veggies and fruit and we have a crew of expert cooks volunteering their time to prepare the meal.
We will have a Flatbush Farm Share info table, with summer 2012 sign ups and authorized EBT screenings. The meal’s theme is: The Local Food Economy–Affordable for All! So, in addition to eating local, we hope to facilitate some information sharing on the topic through guest tables.
Community Meal from Flatbush Farm Share CSA
Saturday, March 3, 12-2pm
Flatbush Reformed Church, gym (corner of Church & Flatbush)
Please RVSP by Thursday March 1 to Outreach@flatbushfarmshare.com if you plan to attend.
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Tuesday, February 28th, 2012
CAMBA is coordinating the community planning process for the Flatbush Promise Neighborhood–an effort where a community makes a commitment to supporting every child from the cradle to college and career. It gets the entire community involved, from schools to businesses to government. They’ll look at what problems exist in the neighborhood, and what solutions can be put in place to make sure every child can succeed. At the end of 2012, CAMBA will present the Community Plan to the U.S. Department of Education and apply for up to $30 million over the next five years to make that plan a reality.
Neighbors are welcome and encouraged to get involved. The next Town Hall meeting is on Wednesday, March 8, but you can also contact CAMBA at 646-358-6566 or Promise@camba.org for more information about volunteering to administer survey, help out at Town Hall meetings, and engage in focus groups.
Monday, February 27th, 2012
Community Board 14’s Fifth Annual Youth Conference is coming to the Brooklyn College Student Center on May 2 from 4-7pm. Here’s what it’s all about:
All teenagers, aged 12-19, are invited to attend this great event to find out about jobs, internships, educational and volunteer opportunities, as well as additional services offered to young people in our community by various government agencies, non-profit organizations and local businesses. This year promises to be bigger and better than ever! Many new and expanded youth opportunities will be offered.
The goal of the Youth Conference is to provide valuable resources for our young community members. This event will better acquaint them with our local public servants and community service opportunities for the summer and beyond.
The CB14 Youth Services Committee is holding a planning meeting tonight, Monday, February 27 at 7pm in the District Office at 810 East 16th Street. If you’ve got ideas or want to get involved, this is a great opportunity to stop by and help out.
For more information, contact info@cb14brooklyn.com or 718-859-6357.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
Pianist Jason Yeager, accompanied by vocalist Tammy Scheffer, plays The Castello Plan on Monday.
Tonight 2/23
* Last day to see the Uncover Church Avenue art show at the Flatbush Library.
* Enjoy a cocktail and make a necklace at Craft Night at Sycamore, 7:30pm.
* Hear the quality tunes of Crooks & Perverts at The Castello Plan, 9pm.
Friday 2/24
* Friday night mixed doubles league at the Prospect Park Tennis Center, 8pm.
* The Sweet Potatoes play 773 Lounge at 9:30pm.
* Rumblefoot hosts a Surf Dance Party at Sycamore, 10pm.
* FINAL WEEKEND: Shuttle buses replace the Q train between Prospect Park and Atlantic Ave again this weekend, starting at midnight. No shuttle buses, but you’ll have to transfer to/from an N/R train at Whitehall Street.
Saturday 2/25
* Sustainable Flatbush composting open hours, 11am-1pm.
* Brooklyn College Women’s Basketball is in the finals at CCNY, 3:00pm.
* Learn the art of the rum cocktail at Sycamore’s Cocktail Course #2, 5pm.
* Kill Henry Sugar and Mamie Minch play Sycamore, 9pm.
* Josh Sanders & Friends are at 773 Lounge at 10pm.
* Toast The Castello Plan’s second anniversary, 10pm.
Sunday 2/26
* Have your electronics etched by the Police Department on Avenue K, 12pm.
* Celebrate Dominican Independence at Latin Fever Dance Studio, 5pm.
* The weekly jazz series Underground Works is downstairs at Sycamore, 8pm.
Monday 2/27
* The new residency program Monday Night Ramble is at Sycamore at 8pm.
* Pianist Jason Yeager and vocalist Tammy Scheffer are at The Castello Plan, 9pm.
If you have a neighborhood event happening over the weekend that you’d like to see listed, send us an email by Wednesday afternoon.
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Thursday, February 23rd, 2012
Learn to dance the Bachata at Latin Fever Dance Studio this Sunday, February 26. The workshop celebrating Dominican independence starts at 5pm, and the after-party begins immediately after at 6:30pm.
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Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
The theft of electronic gadgets has been one of the most prevalent crimes in our area for a while, and aside from being “more aware of your surroundings,” you can do something more to protect your shiny belongings. The Flatbush Shorim Safety Patrol and the 70th Precinct are hosting an electronics etching event this Sunday, February 26 at 12pm at Young Israel of Avenue K, 2818 Avenue K. It will be followed by a lecture on “stranger danger” for children.
When the police etch your electronics, they keep a record of it, so that if your phone (or whatever) is lost or stolen, and they recover it, it’s easier for them to identify you to get it back to you. If you can’t make it to this event, contact the Precinct’s Crime Prevention Unit at 718-851-5504 for info on how to get your electronics etched by the police at another time.
Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012
Here’s what Community Board 14 has scheduled for the month of March. For complete agendas, please see this link.
Public Hearings (2)
Thursday, March 1, 7pm
CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
A Public Hearing about the City’s Preliminary Budget Statement and Register of Budget Requests for Fiscal year 2013, and one for a special permit application for 3599 Bedford Avenue.
Regular Monthly Meeting
Monday, March 12, 7:30pm
Edward R. Murrow High School, E 17th St and Avenue L
Please note: There will be no public discussion on any matter on which a public hearing was previously held.
Youth Services Committee
Monday, March 19, 7pm
CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
Planning continues for Community Board 14’s Fifth Annual Youth Conference.
Informational Meeting
Wednesday, March 21, 7pm
CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
In advance of Public Hearing to be held on April 4, learn about plans for the conversion of Dorman Square (Elm Ave and E 15th) into a Pedestrian Plaza–the public is welcome to provide input and ideas about the design.
Community Environment Committee
Wednesday, March 28, 2012, 7pm
CB14 District Office, 810 East 16th Street
Info about programs and events at the Wildlife Conservation Society and the Prospect Park Zoo, plus an update on the renovation of Loew’s Kings Theater.
If you would like to speak during any of the public hearings or during the public portion of the board meeting, please call the CB14 District Office at 718-859-6357 to register for time. You may also register to speak on the evening of the meeting.
Tuesday, February 21st, 2012
While Council Member Mathieu Eugene often hosts meetings for the community based around a specific topic–like last fall’s forum on safety and crime–tomorrow is your chance to speak up about anything that may be of concern. A Town Hall Meeting and Forum for the Community will be held on Wednesday, February 22 at 6pm in the Community Room at Eugene’s District Office at 123 Linden Blvd.
There’s a possibility of this sort of town hall meeting becoming a regular thing, but whether or not it does, and whether or not you can make tomorrow’s meeting, Jonah Rogoff from the Council Member’s office reminds us that you can call any time with questions and concerns. Reach out at 718-287-8762 or 212-788-7352.
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Friday, February 17th, 2012
This fiberglass FiOS pole on Westminster at Foster is about to get a neighbor on Argyle.
If you couldn’t make it to this week’s Community Board 14 regular monthly meeting, let me break it down for you in six concise tidbits:
• Verizon will not install any additional poles in front of houses in landmarked areas as they complete their FiOS roll-out. They’re still waiting on a determination from Landmarks about what to do about any already-installed poles. There are four more fiberglass poles scheduled to go up in CB14, but only one is in our immediate area, on Foster and Argyle.
• You shouldn’t be receiving your mail delivery really late in the day. If you get your mail past 7pm, contact CB14 at 718-859-6357 or info@cb14brooklyn.com.
• The Zone Green Text Amendment that the Department of City Planning is working on has some great ideas to it, but the Community Board feels it needs more clarification before it can support it. Though the amendment aims to encourage environmentally-friendly construction and retrofitting by eliminated some zoning impediments, it’s unclear how the amendment would impact floor-area ratios and distances between houses, among other things. This led to some seriously heated debate–inches and awnings have never been so contentious!
• The Parkside/Ocean intersection plan by the Department of Transportation was endorsed by the the Community Board, with some reservations. Most notably, the CB expressed concern over the Lincoln Road entrance and how long it might take to make the entrance two-way; and how construction vehicles will have to drive much further around the Park Drives to access the Lakeside project, creating more dangerous conditions on the Drives.
• Several people, including Councilmember Jumaane Williams, spoke about the terrible consequences if some Brooklyn medical facilities potentially close–such as Kingsboro Psychiatric, which the state recommended be merged with a center on Staten Island, two-and-a-half hours away by public transportation.
• And let’s end on a happy note: New comfort stations are coming to the Parade Ground. They expect to break ground in April, and have them done by the fall.
That’s the meat of it, but every month the Community Board meetings cover a lot of material, and all of it has some kind of impact on your neighborhood. If you’d like to hear about it firsthand, consider going to the next one on Monday, March 12, 7:30pm at Edward R. Murrow High School.
Thursday, February 16th, 2012
CJ Segal-Isaacson of Hungry Cat Café Jewelry will be teaching a six-session course in jewelry craft, which will help you acquire the basic skills you need to make beautiful contemporary jewelry from beads and wire:
You’ll learn how to professionally string necklaces and bracelets, make delicate or bold chains from beads and wire; make earrings and earring wires and a variety of other projects. You’ll also learn how to make simple repairs to your own jewelry.
The course starts Thursday, March 1 from 7pm to 9:30pm, costs $250, and is held at CJ’s home in Ditmas Park. The course fee includes a set jewelry tools that participants keep, glass beads, stringing materials, copper clasps, and copper and brass wire. Tools include four types of jewelry pliers, a wire cutter, and a bead board.
For more information and to register, contact CJ at hungrycatcafejewelry@verizon.net or 718-462-5607.
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Thursday, February 16th, 2012
The Robert Ross Band is at 773 Lounge tomorrow.
Tonight 2/16
* Sarah King and The Smoke Rings are at The Castello Plan, 8pm.
* High-grade vintage tunes are spinning at We Live in Brooklyn, Sycamore, 9pm.
Friday 2/17
* Shabbat in the Round & Chinese Dinner Buffet at EMJC, 6pm.
* Friday night mixed doubles league at the Prospect Park Tennis Center, 8pm.
* The Triborough Trio is a unique acoustic group playing at Sycamore, 9pm.
* The Robert Ross Band is at 773 Lounge, 9:30pm.
* Shuttle buses replace the Q train between Prospect Park and Atlantic Ave again this weekend, starting at midnight.
Saturday 2/18
* Sustainable Flatbush composting open hours, 11am-1pm.
* Honeydew’s Kids Valentine’s Tea Party, 11am.
* Newkirk Cares Collaborative Steering Committee meeting at Salud, 11am.
* Brooklyn College Basketball: Men’s Quarterfinals, 1:30pm.
* Jazz twins the Le Boeuf Brothers are back at Sycamore, 9pm.
Sunday 2/19
* Brooklyn College Basketball: Women’s Quarterfinals, 1:30pm.
* Flatbush Community Garden Winterfest at Sycamore, 4-8pm.
* The weekly jazz series Underground Works is downstairs at Sycamore, 8pm.
Monday 2/20
* Presidents’ Day: No trash or recycling collection, no mail, no school, libraries are closed, and alternate-side parking is suspended, but you still have to feed the meter.
* Small batch whiskey tasting at Sycamore, 8pm.
* NYC-based musician and composer Roxy Coss is at The Castello Plan, 8pm.
* The new residency program Monday Night Ramble is at Sycamore at 8pm.
If you have a neighborhood event happening over the weekend that you’d like to see listed, send us an email by Wednesday afternoon.
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
The Newkirk Cares Collaborative was formed to engage community members in improving the Newkirk Avenue corridor from Ocean Parkway to Ocean Avenue. With the help of a grant and assistance from the Faltbush Development Corporation, the group’s first initiatives will include muraling the Newkirk Plaza passageway and installing tree guards along Newkirk Avenue.
They’re working with local artists on the mural, and they invite more neighbors to get involved in that and in the greening projects. If you would like to help organize, join their steering committee, which will be meeting on Saturday, February 18 at 11am at Salud.
To RSVP or for more information, email newkirk.collaborative@gmail.com.
Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
This Friday, February 17,the East Midwood Jewish Center is hosting a special Shabbat in The Round:
The service is very lively, interactive and musical, and will be led by local dad, Cantor Sam Levine and distinguished Rabbi Alvin Kass.
Services will be followed by a Kosher Chinese Dinner buffet with an array of scrumptious foods. (Non Dairy.)
East Midwood Jewish Center, 1625 Ocean Ave (between Aves K & L)
6PM – Meet Up & Service 6:30
Cost ~ $20 per person – 13 & under FREE – Students – $10.
RSVP ASAP to info@emjc.org, 718-338-3800
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Tuesday, February 14th, 2012
The happy hour fundraiser at Sycamore on Sunday night helped raise over $1,000 for the Cortelyou Library Friends Group. They’ll use the money to support some great things at the library this year, such as their programming, which includes a writing program for tweens and a new knitting and crocheting group that have been going on at the Kensington branch while Cortleyou is closed.
This is exactly why I love this neighborhood–local businesses, individual neighbors, and a political representative got together to support a group of volunteers who are trying to make something better for the community. Thanks to all the neighbors who stopped by for a drink, to Assemblyman Jim Brennan who dropped in to make a donation, and to everyone who provided raffle prizes: Castello Plan, Café Madeline, Cinco de Mayo, The Farm on Adderley, Greenfield Pharmacy, Latin Fever Dance Studio, Lindsay Aikman, Midwood Martial Arts, Mimi’s Hummus, Natural Frontier Market, Picket Fence, Purple Yam, Qathra, Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop, T.B. Ackerson Wine & Spirits, Café Tibet, Toy Space, Spirit Family Reunion, Michaela Anne, and Andy Novick.
Thanks to Sycamore for hosting, and finally, thanks to the Cortelyou Library Friends Group for all you do, and all you’re planning to do. Can’t wait to see it all when the library reopens March 12!
Monday, February 13th, 2012
Sycamore is hosting a series of Classic Cocktail Courses this winter, and next up they’re covering the classic rum cocktail on Saturday, February 25 at 5pm. Sycamore’s own Mike Mikos and The Farm On Adderley’s Wil Petre will help you make a drink that feels like summer in the dead of February:
These two expert barmen will lead us through a step-by-step demonstration of several classic rum cocktails and then divulge their own new recipe for a contemporary Brooklyn twist on a vintage classic.
The session’s recipe booklets will be included for guests to take home. Complimentary snacks will be provided.
$45 per person. Very limited space: Sign up here!
Monday, February 13th, 2012
Flatbush CommUNITY Garden, located at the end of Albemarle and E 16th St, is holding a Winterfest fundraiser at Sycamore on Sunday, February 19. Stop by to have a drink, enter a raffle full of local prizes, and to learn more about the garden:
Come for drinks specials, delicious baked goods, pick up some seed bombs or a coupon book to support our garden, and win a raffle prize! We can also tell you more about the garden, as we expect to have spaces for next spring.
Amazing prizes are donated by your favorite local businesses: Qathra, Pilates on Rugby, TB Ackerson, Purple Yam, Brooklyn Banya Russian Baths, Latin Fever Dance Studios, the Castello Plan and the Farm on Adderley.
Flatbush CommUNITY Garden Fundraiser
Sunday, February 19 4 – 8 pm
@ Sycamore, 1118 Cortelyou Road
For more information, email flatbushcommunitygarden@gmail.com
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Sunday, February 12th, 2012
A reminder that the regular monthly meeting of Community Board 14 is tomorrow at PS 249 on Caton Ave. There were several committee meeting in the past month, and each committee will present a report from that meeting–such as the Public Safety committee, which will go over the DOT’s plans for the Parkside/Ocean Ave intersection.
All meetings are open to the public, and neighbors are encouraged to attend. For more information, call 718-859-6357 or email info@cb14brooklyn.com.
Regular Monthly Meeting of Community Board 14
Monday, February 13, 7:30pm
PS 249, Caton Avenue and Marlborough Road
Saturday, February 11th, 2012
At tomorrow’s fundraiser by the Cortelyou Library Friends Group at Sycamore, you’ll have a chance to purchase raffle tickets to win some great local prizes. Tickets are $3 each (or 4 for $10), and if someone you know would like to buy a raffle but can’t be there in person, they can give you their contact information and correct amount, and the Friends Group will fill out a ticket for them.
Here’s what you can win:
• Castello Plan: Brunch for two
• Café Madeline: Espresso drink and breakfast sandwich (5 winners!)
• Cinco de Mayo: $15 Gift certificate
• The Farm on Adderley: Brunch for two (2 entrees and 2 drinks)
• Greenfield Pharmacy: $25 Gift certificate (2 winners!)
• Latin Fever Dance Studio: $100 Gift certificate for kid’s dance class
• Lindsay Aikman (Photographer): Hour-long pet portrait session
• Midwood Martial Arts: One month unlimited martial arts
• Mimi’s: $15 Gift certificate
• Natural Frontier Market: $25 Gift certificate
• Picket Fence: $25 Gift certificates (2 winners!)
• Purple Yam: Brunch for two (that’s Chef Romy pictured above, personally decorating the gift certificate)
• Qathra: Breakfast wrap and small latte / Panini and hot chocolate (2 winners!)
• Sycamore Bar and Flower Shop: Bouquet of flowers ($30 value)
• T.B. Ackerson Wine & Spirits: Tito’s (the best) vodka / The Winemaker Says HI! prosecco from Italy (2 winners!)
• Café Tibet: $25 Gift certificate
• Toy Space: $25 Gift certificate
• Spirit Family Reunion: copy of their CD
• Michaela Anne: copy of her CD
• Andy Novick (photographer): photo of your house in a Ditmas Park calendar
Stop by Sycamore tomorrow, Sunday, February 12 from 4-8pm to get some raffle tickets, have a book-themed cocktail, buy a library tote bag, and show some neighborhood support.
Friday, February 10th, 2012
The Cortelyou Library Friends Group will be selling their first tote bag at this Sunday’s Valentine’s Day(ish) Happy Hour Fundraiser at Sycamore from 4-8pm.
You can show you support your library (which is reopening on March 12) by getting a tote while enjoying one of the literary-themed drinks Sycamore bartender Mike Mikos has concocted.
And since we have so many talented artists in the neighborhood, the Friends Group would like to see some of your ideas for future tote bags. If you’ve got a design in mind, email cortelyoulibraryfriends@gmail.com for more information.
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Friday, February 10th, 2012
The Japanese House is having a pre-Valentine’s Day Twilight House Tour, coinciding with the lunar new year of the dragon and complimenting the dragon theme of the house.
Twilight House Tour
Sunday, February 12, 4-5:30pm
131 Buckingham Road
$20 (per person, cash only)
Meet at the front of the building, wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served
To register, email 131tour@gmail.com with your name and number of visitors
Thursday, February 9th, 2012
Names You Can Trust presents ¡MAMBO! at Sycamore on Saturday.
Tonight 2/9
* Coat drive at the Flatbush YMCA Gymnasium, 3-6pm.
* Bob Parins’ Pint-Sized Cocktail Orchestra is joined by Hot Sardines canary Miss Elizabeth at The Castello Plan, 8pm.
Friday 2/10
* Open house at PS 139, 8:45am.
* Friday night mixed doubles league at the Prospect Park Tennis Center, 8pm.
* Jonah Parzen-Johnson Michiana, Gym, Dear, and Steven Lugerner (Narratives) are at Sycamore at 9pm.
* Joe Var Veri plays at 773 Lounge, 10pm.
* Shuttle buses replace the Q train between Prospect Park and Atlantic Ave again this weekend, starting at midnight.
Saturday 2/11
* Sustainable Flatbush composting open hours, 11am-1pm.
* Free community meal at the Flatbush Reformed Church, 12pm.
* Compost for Brooklyn and Salud Present Herbs for Health Workshop, 2pm.
* Names You Can Trust presents ¡MAMBO! at Sycamore, 10pm.
Sunday 2/12
* Valentine’s Day(ish) Happy Hour Fundraiser for the Cortelyou Library Friends Group at Sycamore, 4-8pm.
* Natural Winemakers’ Dinner at the Farm on Adderley, 8pm.
* The weekly jazz series Underground Works is downstairs at Sycamore, 8pm.
Monday 2/13
* Brooklyn College Basketball: Women @ 6pm, men @ 8pm. Games are free!
* Hear soulful voice and violin of Charlie Burnham at The Castello Plan, 8pm.
* The new residency program called Monday Night Ramble is at Sycamore at 8pm.
If you have a neighborhood event happening over the weekend that you’d like to see listed, send us an email by Wednesday afternoon.
Wednesday, February 8th, 2012
This past weekend, the Brooklyn Clarendon Meadows Lions Club and Affinity Health Plan distributed over 500 coats to the community as part of the Lions Club’s annual coat drive. The event was sponsored and held at PS 399. Thank you to those who were involved:
Lions: Mary Hobson, Hilda Goodridge, Hilda Ventura, Kim Ventura, Paula Spann, Linda Scipio, and Ronald Jack.
Keith Dawson, Dawson Promotions (who took the photo above)
Marion Brown, Principal at P.S. 399
Valaria Eccleston, Coordinator of Events at P.S. 399
Cherita Frazier, Affinity Health Plan
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Monday, February 6th, 2012
Coming up this month at the Flatbush YMCA (1410 Flatbush Ave): there’s a legal counseling event going on right now, a coat drive on Thursday, and a job fair toward the end of the month. For more information, call 718-469-8100 or email flatbush@ymcanyc.org.
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