Grace Faison Shares Some Laughs and Reflections on Growing up in Brooklyn Heights 

We are thrilled to share this endearing conversation between BHA volunteer Andrew Nodell and lifelong Brooklyn Heights resident Grace Faison. Grace recently celebrated her 101st birthday —  yet her sharp memory, quick sense of humor, and can-do attitude reveal her ageless spirit. 

From Grace's early memories of sledding beneath the former Montague Street "Penny Bridge" to her longtime involvement in Plymouth Church and personal encounters with Eleanor Roosevelt and Robert Moses, this interview is well worth 20 minutes out of your day. 

Special thanks to both Grace and Andrew for providing us with this unique glimpse into a century of Brooklyn Heights history.  Enjoy!
My Brooklyn Heights - Interview with Grace Faison
 
New Mayor, New BQE Plan?

Did you see that the readers of the New York Times rated fixing the BQE as number 2 in a list of 17 priorities for improving life in New York? 

Here at the BHA we're hoping that a new team at City Hall and new leadership at city agencies means we have another shot at securing a durable future for the BQE that addresses our public health, climate, and transit needs.

The BQE Environmental Justice Coalition, of which the BHA is a founding member, has requested a meeting with Deputy Mayor Kerson and NYC DOT Commissioner Flynn to share our priorities and perspective, and hopefully to begin collaborating on a holistic and sustainable BQE plan. As always, we'll keep the community informed as this work moves forward. 
 
Town Hall to Save the Community Fridge

In case you haven't heard, the Brooklyn Heights Community Fridge needs a new home after  being generously hosted at First Presbyterian Church for a number of years.

The fridge has been serving neighbors in need for over 5 years and was even profiled in Real Simple in their 11 Inspiring Stores of Neighbors Banding Together.

Upon hearing of the need to relocate the fridge, a group of dedicated supporters (including the BHA) have been working to find a new location, but unfortunately, we haven't succeed yet.

Please join us this Thursday, January 15th at 7pm at Plymouth Church (75 Hicks Street) for a community meeting to learn how the Community Fridge supports those facing food insecurity who live and/or work in our neighborhood. 

And most importantly, help us to find a new home for the fridge as it needs to be moved soon. All are welcome to attend. Thank you to the Brooklyn Eagle for highlighting the fridge's important role and its current plight. 
 
Pause and Play -
Join Us for Some Board Games! 

Winter blues settling in? Join the BHA and The Brooklyn Strategist on Sunday, January 25 from 3-5:30pm for some friendly competition.  Hosted at St Ann's Parish Hall, the afternoon will offer classic and modern board games for ages 8-108! 

Bring your family, invite your neighbors, and join us for a warm and welcoming community gathering!  Coffee and hot chocolate will be supplied by Joe Coffee.

Tickets are $10/player for BHA members and $15/player for non-BHA members.  Donations of non-perishable food for St Ann's Food Pantry are encouraged and greatly appreciated.

Please Note: there are a limited number of playing spots, so there may be a wait before you start your game.  
Buy your ticket today
 
Welcome Lucy - the BHA's Spring Intern 

We are excited to welcome Lucy Sullivan, who has joined the BHA as our spring intern. Lucy is a junior at NYU, double majoring in Environmental Studies and Global Liberal Studies.

Originally from Wilson, Wyoming, Lucy is passionate about advocating for New Yorkers and helping build a more sustainable, resilient, and equitable city through community-based work and policy.

In her free time, Lucy loves exploring different New York neighborhoods, finding new unique spots, and running along the waterfront. She has a special connection to Brooklyn Heights, as her parents lived in the neighborhood before she was born and it was the first New York neighborhood she visited when she was young! 

During her time with the BHA, Lucy will be focusing on small business outreach, with a specific focus on the merchants of Henry Street, street tree care initiatives, and helping the BHA maximize our social media engagement. 
 
Weekend Activities to Honor
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Interfaith Ceremonies
Volunteer Opportunities

Here are a few we are aware of:

Volunteer with NYC Parks (including Hillside below)

Volunteer with The Service Collective (for families and older kids)

Volunteer with Repair the World
 
 
Docent Tours Return to Grace Church

Take a step back in history and learn how the architecture of Grace Church, its community, and greater Brooklyn Heights have evolved over the last 175+ years. Tours are free and open to the public. Enter at 254 Hicks Street and look for the group gathered in the main sanctuary

Tours are offered at 12:30 on the following dates:

January 18

February 1

February 15

March 1

March 15
 
Calendar

Thursday, January 15.  Save the Community Fridge Town Hall.  7pm. Plymouth Church, 75 Hicks Street.  RSVP

Friday, January 16 and Sunday, January 18.  Interfaith Ceremonies to Honor Dr MLK Jr. See detail in flyer above.

Saturday, January 17.  Mulchfest at Hillside Dog Park.  9am-it's done.

Monday, January 19. 40th Anniversary Tribute to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Brooklyn Academy of Music.10:30am. Free event with tickets being distributed on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at 8am.

Tuesday, January 20.  Once There Was a Town - a book discussion with author Jane Zeigelman. Brooklyn Heights Public Library.  6pm.

Tuesday, January 20.  84th Precinct Community Council Monthly Meeting. 7pm.  Brooklyn Borough Hall (209 Joralemon Street).

Wednesday, January 21.  Inside Brooklyn's Community Boards.  6:30-8pm. Learn more and register.

Sunday, January 25. Board Game Sunday. 3-5:30pm.  St Ann's Church - Parish Hall. Buy your ticket.

Tuesday, January 27 - Project HOPE (Homeless Outreach Population Estimate). 10pm-4am. Volunteer needed.  Learn more.

Sunday, February 7. Grace Church Winter Fair. 10am-3pm.
 
Membership status for
 

 
Brooklyn Roasting Company Supports the BHA

Have you donated to our annual appeal yet?  There is still time, and when you donate $250 or more, you're eligible to pick up a free tin of coffee beans at Brooklyn Roasting Company.  Simply visit their location at 1 Clinton Street + BRC will give you 10% off of anything at the cafe when you pick up your gift.

And...as a neighborhood partner, BHA members always get 15% off of their order.  Simply show your Membership Card or this email with your membership status above.

Check out our Instagram Reel so you can see first hand how cute the coffee tin is.  Thank you to our intern Lucy for putting that together.
 
Can you support our work? 
 

The BHA works on behalf of the entire community, and we rely on your support. Please contribute to our year end fundraising drive today.
 
Donate to the BHA's Annual Appeal
 

Brooklyn Heights Association
55 Pierrepont St, Box 17D
Brooklyn, NY 11201
718-858-9193 info@thebha.org

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