Joke Of The Day

Ha!

That's so true! Never leave home without that tote bag in Brooklyn.

🏆 Brooklyn Community Spotlight

Meet Malik Johnson — The Man Turning Empty Lots into Community Gold

Neighborhood: Bedford-Stuyvesant
Role: Community Organizer & Youth Mentor
Years in Brooklyn: 18

When Malik Johnson walks down his block in Bed-Stuy, he doesn’t just see buildings—he sees potential.

A lifelong Brooklynite, Malik is the founder of Green Corners BK, a grassroots initiative that transforms vacant lots into mini community gardens and safe spaces for neighborhood kids. What started as a weekend cleanup project with a few neighbors has grown into a movement that now supports three community garden sites and weekly youth programs.

“I wanted kids in my neighborhood to see something growing—literally and figuratively,” Malik says.

Every Saturday morning, Malik can be found teaching local teens how to plant, compost, and—more importantly—how to lead. His workshops blend urban farming with life skills, offering mentorship, job readiness, and a sense of ownership over their own community.

Neighbors say Malik’s work has changed the vibe of the block. “There’s more pride now,” one resident shared. “People stop, talk, help out. It feels like Brooklyn again.”

When asked what keeps him going, Malik doesn’t hesitate:
“Community isn’t something you wait for—it’s something you build.”

💚 Why We Love Him

• Turns unused spaces into neighborhood assets

• Empowers local youth through hands-on mentorship

• Brings neighbors together across generations

📍 Get Involved: Volunteer days happen every Saturday morning
📸 Instagram: @GreenCornersBK

"When you leave New York, you are astonished at how clean the rest of the world is. Clean is not enough." - Fran Lebowitz

Here are upcoming events happening this weekend in Brooklyn (Feb 13–14, 2026) — from parties and markets to concerts and daytime activities:

🎉 Friday, February 13 – Saturday, February 14 Events

1. San Valen Perreo – Latin & Reggaeton Party

📅 Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2026
🕒 Time: 10:00 PM–4:00 AM
📍 Ainsworth Brooklyn, Bushwick
🎟️ Admission: Free before 12 AM (limited tickets)
📄 Details: Kick off Valentine’s weekend with a high-energy Latin & reggaeton party featuring dinner, drinks, and nonstop dancing at Ainsworth Brooklyn — perfect for a fun Friday night out with friends or a date. Source

2. Brooklyn Pop-Up Shop – Lovers & Friends Mix & Mingle

📅 Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2026
🕒 Time: 12:00 PM–6:00 PM
📍 Haus Of Gold BK (547 Rogers Ave)
🎟️ Admission: Typically ticketed (Eventbrite)
📄 Details: A Valentine’s Day pop-up featuring local vendors, interactive talks, art, and networking — great for shopping and connecting with the community while sipping a complimentary drink. Source

3. The Roots – Play Another Slow Jam Valentine’s Show

📅 Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2026
🕒 Time: Doors 6:00 PM • Show 8:00 PM
📍 Brooklyn Bowl, Williamsburg
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed (21+)
📄 Details: Catch the legendary hip-hop band The Roots for a special Valentine’s Day performance filled with soulful grooves and live music vibes. Source

4. this.is.emo Night

📅 Date: Fri, Feb 13, 2026
🕒 Time: 10:30 PM–2:00 AM
📍 Littlefield (635 Sackett St)
🎟️ Admission: Ticketed (21+)
📄 Details: Relive emo and pop-punk anthems at this nostalgic night out, featuring heart-on-sleeve sing-alongs and high-energy tunes for fans of the 2000s scene. Source

5. Brooklyn Botanic Garden Valentine’s Weekend Activities

📅 Dates: Fri, Feb 13 & Sat, Feb 14, 2026
🕒 Various daytime times
📍 Brooklyn Botanic Garden
🎟️ Admission: Garden admission applies
📄 Details: Enjoy family-friendly and soothing daytime events like Lunar New Year Plants Talk & Walk, Valentine’s Weekend pop-ups at Yellow Magnolia Café, and herbal craft sessions. Source

6. Cupid’s Chase 5K at Prospect Park

📅 Date: Sat, Feb 14, 2026
🕒 Time: Check-in 8:00 AM • Race 10:00 AM
📍 Prospect Park
🎟️ Admission: Registration fee
📄 Details: Get moving with this Valentine’s Day 5K run supporting a local nonprofit — fun and healthy way to celebrate the weekend.
 Source

💡 Tips for the Weekend

• Valentine’s themed activities are happening throughout Brooklyn — from wine tasting to art shows and dance parties.

• Many nightlife events are 21+, so bring valid ID.

HOW TO LOWER YOUR TAXES

Here are some **notable new restaurants and eateries that have opened recently in Brooklyn, NY (mostly in 2025–early 2026):

🍽️ Recently Opened (2025 – Early 2026)

1. Diljān — Afghan Bakery & Baked Goods
A new specialty bakery in Brooklyn Heights blending classic Afghan breads and pastries with creative twists — from saffron-filled shah pastries to halwa sticky buns and artisanal naan. Source

2. Selune — Oyster & Wine Bar
A new oyster bar in Bed-Stuy with a focus on oysters paired with natural wines — part of a wave of fresh eateries in the neighborhood.

3. Turbo Pizza — Detroit-Style Pizza & Wings
A casual new pizza spot in Bushwick serving Detroit-style pies, wings, and a lively neighborhood vibe.

4. Aloha Alley — Hawaiian Comfort Food
A laid-back new restaurant in DUMBO specializing in Hawaiian classics like poke bowls, Spam musubi, and loco moco.

5. Carne by Allora — Italian Steakhouse
Opened in Boerum Hill within the Hilton Brooklyn, this new eatery serves Italian-inspired steakhouse fare including bistecca and hearty pastas.

6. Bolo Bolo — South Asian Café & Bakery
A South Asian–influenced café and bakery in Cobble Hill offering seasonal drinks and pastries with global flavor inspirations (opened early Oct 2025).

🍴 Other Worth Exploring (Opened in 2025)

7. Lele’s Roman — Roman-Style Italian
Italian restaurant in Boerum Hill with classic Roman pasta and casual Italian fare.

8. Ferrane — Swedish Bakery & Café
Swedish bakery in Brooklyn Heights serving rye breads, cinnamon buns, and iconic princess cakes with European flair.

9. Disco Birdies — Champagne & Fried Chicken
A fun new concept in Clinton Hill combining bubbly and fried-chicken sandwiches.

10. Café Brume — Alpine-Inspired Wine & Dining
A new wine bar and restaurant in Brooklyn Heights with European mountain cuisine and casual fine dining.

🍽️ Local Restaurants to Know (Brooklyn favorites — not all new but great to check out)

• Nura – Trendy New American.

• Isla & Co. - Williamsburg – Highly rated casual eatery.

• Sailor – Stylish New American/wine bar.

• Tulum Brooklyn – Vibrant tacos & cocktails.

• Eyval – Persian small plates & drinks.

• Inkaico – Peruvian seafood & brunch.

• Cafe Mado – Italian sandwiches & coffee.

Here are trusted sources and programs for finding affordable housing specifically in Brooklyn (and NYC more broadly):

🏙️ 1. NYC Housing Connect — Official City Portal

This is the main portal for affordable housing lotteries and opportunities in Brooklyn and all NYC boroughs. You can browse current affordable rentals and for-sale homes, apply for lotteries, and sign up for email alerts when new listings open. You’ll need to create a free profile and submit applications for any eligible units.
👉 Website: NYC Housing Connect — access.nyc.gov/programs/nyc-housing-connect/

🏘️ 2. NYC Housing Development Corporation (HDC) & HPD Listings

The New York City Housing Development Corporation (HDC) and Housing Preservation & Development (HPD) work with Housing Connect to offer lotteries and rent-controlled or subsidized housing. They also list re-rentals — previously affordable units that become available without a lottery.

🏡 3. St. Nicks Alliance — Brooklyn Affordable Housing Provider

St. Nicks Alliance develops and manages many affordable rental apartments and co-op units in Brooklyn (over 1,400 total) for low- and moderate-income households. They manage waitlists and accept applications through Housing Connect and their own general waitlists.
👉 Helpful for local Brooklyn-centered rentals and application support.

🏙️ 4. IMPACCT Brooklyn — Housing Search Support

IMPACCT Brooklyn offers resources and assistance for apartment seekers, including help with navigating Housing Connect lotteries and housing updates for Brooklyn neighborhoods. They also provide guidance and outreach for affordable housing applications.

🧡 5. Supportive & Special-Needs Housing (via CAMBA, Inc.)

For those needing supportive affordable housing (including units with on-site services), organizations like CAMBA operate developments with affordable units in Brooklyn — such as Putnam Court (Clinton Hill), Rockaway Avenue (Brownsville), SIMBA SIMBI (seniors), Van Dyke (Brownsville), and others.
👉 These are especially relevant if you need housing tied to supportive services.

🏢 6. NYC Department of City Resources

Other city departments also offer housing and rental assistance programs with eligibility rules that may help with affordability:

• NYC Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities (MOPD) — resources & assistance related to affordable and supportive housing eligibility.

💡 Tips for Accessing Affordable Housing

• Check Housing Connect often — units are added and removed regularly and deadlines matter. Source:

• Apply to multiple lotteries for which you qualify — fair chance applies across developments. Source:

• Look for re-rentals on HPD lists — these can be filled outside lottery cycles. Source:

• Reach out to community organizers (like St. Nicks and IMPACCT) for help with applications and waitlists. Source:

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