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Community Corner

🌱 Homeless Students + The Largest Menorah + Ice Skating + Hot Cocoa

The quickest way to get caught up on the most important things happening today in Brooklyn.

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(Patch Media)

Good morning, neighbors! It's me, Carlie Houser, your host of the Daily. Keep reading for the most important things going on in town, including updates on:

  • Combatting homelessness amongst NYC college students
  • Brooklyn's largest menorah
  • The best hot chocolate in New York

But first, today's weather:

☀️ Windy with plenty of sunshine. High: 41 Low: 29.

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Here are the top stories in Brooklyn today:

1. Housing insecurity among college students is surprisingly prevalent, and these "basically invisible" young people haven't gotten the attention they need until now. A 2019 survey of almost 22,000 respondents showed that 14 percent of students were recently homeless within the sprawling City University of New York system—that includes couch surfers and those living in overcrowded and/or dangerous situations. A new pilot program, largely funded by Trinity Church Wall Street, an Episcopal parish in Lower Manhattan, and a second program funded by the church in collaboration with the Borough of Manhattan Community College, will be able to provide subsidized housing for 76 students combined. At the link, read about some of the programs' first students and their stories.

Subscription / The New York Times

2. Yesterday was the first day of Hanukkah, and Brooklyn celebrated in a big way. Mayor Eric Adams was honored with lighting the first candle of Brooklyn's Largest Menorah, a towering symbol for the Jewish Festival of Lights that will sit at at the Grand Army Plaza entrance to Prospect Park during the holiday. Zusha, a Manhattan-based American Hasidic folk/soul band performed a live concert. This is a year of Hakhel (every seven years), so organizers of the event prepared for a special show of unity. Hot apple cider was served to early arrivals. The celebration comes after a difficult few months for Jewish New Yorkers: Since November, Anti-Semitic hate crimes in NYC have soared 125 percent. Lightings of the next seven candles will continue through the week—find the official schedule at the link!

COLlive

3. The Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy has added a new member to its board. Earlier this month, the Board welcomed Hilary Jager to the organization's lineup. Jager has an experienced background in public service and is co-founder of A Better Way, a grassroots nonprofit that promotes sustainable transportation and transformative, environmentally-conscious infrastructure in New York City. The Conservancy is hoping Jager's experience and insight will prove invaluable to the organization's efforts to expand its environmental education efforts.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Today in Brooklyn:

  • "The Gate of the Exonerated" Dedication, 5th Ave. and Malcom X Blvd. Today @ 11 a.m. | Details
  • Hanukkah Family Ice Skating in Prospect Park, Today @ 5:45 p.m. | Details
  • Art Exploratory with Live Music Relaxation, Surya Sound Temple, Today @ 6:30 p.m. | Details
  • IDGAFOLOGY with Rachel Kaly + Jack Bensinger + Eric Rahill, The Bell House, Today @ 7:30 p.m. | Details
  • Buttery Comedy, Littlefield, Today @ 8 p.m. | Details

🐝 Brooklyn Buzz:

  • Warm up your week with 7 of the best hot chocolate sports in the city. Try a French-inpired "Melted Chocolate" or a signature Aztec hot chocolate if spice is what you're after. All of this and more at the link. Get sipping! (New York Family)

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Thanks for following along and staying informed! I'll see you soon.

— Carlie Houser

About me: I'm a recent grad based in Brooklyn, NY. I love to write, run, read, and find new restaurants and venues around the city.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Brooklyn Daily? Contact me at brooklyn@patch.com

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