The 2015 Senior Resource Guide Is Here For Myrtle Avenue
Did you know that older adults aged 60 and above are eligible to take undergraduate college courses tuition-free from any City University of New York campus? Or that the Brooklyn Academy of Music officers free monthly movies for seniors, including free transportation from NYCHA developments? Or that LIU Brooklyn and St. Francis College provide exercise and swimming classes especially for seniors?
No? Well now you do, and now more seniors will know thanks to the new 2015 Senior Resource Guide, which is making the rounds at senior centers, libraries, community centers, churches, and at doors across NYCHA and Fort Greene and Clinton Hill.
As mentioned a few weeks ago, the Guide was designed for the older adults in the area after an ongoing advocacy effort by seniors and the Myrtle Avenue Brooklyn Partnership / Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project (MARP) for more senior-friendly business practices.
The guide lets them know about everything from free movies and art exhibits to free exercise classes and swimming lessons designed especially for them, as well as which markets and pharmacies offer discounts and delivery services.
“This is just the beginning,” said Jennifer Stokes, MARP’s director of business services, to assembled seniors at a Chair Yoga class at Move With Grace (469 Myrtle). “You’ll be getting calls into the summer and fall about events. We believe wholeheartedly that none of this would have happened without.”
Discounts include 10 percent off (overall or on certain days) at Health Point Drugs (392 Myrtle Avenue), Myrtle Drug Care (355 Myrtle), Myrtle Pharmacy (466A Myrtle), and restaurants like Brewklyn Grind (557 Myrtle), Brooklyn Sweet Spot (366 Myrtle), Los Pollitos (499 Myrtle), and Liberty Pizza (482 Myrtle).
The staggered nature of daily discounts is welcomed by retired social worker Anne Everette, who had suggested during an April town hall brainstorming meeting that stores “offer discounts that are staggered over different days so people who can’t get out one day don’t miss out [all week or longer].”
A need for free delivery of groceries is also addressed in the Guide, with the service being offered by Fresh Fanatic (88 Washington Avenue), Green-ville Garden (373 Myrtle), Key Food (once it opens in a few months at 490 Myrtle), NYC Fresh Market (150 Myrtle), and Red Apple (218 Myrtle).
Although not listed in the Guide, another free delivery option is from the Key Food at 991 Fulton Street.
Created by MARP with support from local businesses and help from a committee of local senior citizens, as well as the New York Community Trust, the guide is one part of the broader — and thus far successful — effort to make Myrtle Avenue and the 35th Council District an age-friendly neighborhood.
“It’s good for the community to come together and it’s good for older adults,” said Grace Tappin, owner and instructor at Move With Grace. “It’s also karma! I’d want the same attention and thoughtfulness when I’m older.”
With that in mind, Tappin joins the list of local business owners offering senior-focused specials on exercise classes — in addition to Move With Grace, there are classes at Brooklyn Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (412 Myrtle), Ingersoll Comunity Center (177 Myrtle), LIU Brooklyn (161 Ashland Place), St. Francis College’s Aquatics Center (180 Remsen), and Willoughby Senior Center (105 North Portland).
Get your own copy of the guide to see more of the senior specials!