🌱 Teen Designer + Saving Miss American Pie + Ranch Dressing Ice Cream

Hello again, Brooklyn! I'm back in your inbox this morning with your new copy of the Brooklyn Patch newsletter. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on...

• How a 14-year-old from Brooklyn managed to get her designed featured at today's Academy Awards.
• Housing program helps lifelong Brooklynite and elementary school teacher achieve her ownership goals.
• Brooklyn's Van Leeuwen Ice Cream teams up with Hidden Valley Ranch to release eyebrow-raising new flavor.

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But first, today's weather:

🌤 Sun giving way to clouds. High: 46 Low: 39.

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🗞 Top stories in Brooklyn today:

1. A Brooklyn teenager's shoe line is being featured at the Oscar's today. Amira-Dior Traynham-Artis, 14, started designing shoes and clothing a few years ago; after launching Lane One, the brand took off and now Artis has headed to Los Angeles where her designs will be showcased at this years Academy Awards gift suite. Artis told CBS News that a local news channel caught wind of Lane One's launch party, and with the keen support of her management team, the rest was history fort the budding designer. In her interview, Artis still seemed a bit shell-shocked at the opportunity, and says this "dream come true" wouldn't be possible without her biggest cheerleader, her mom. (CBS News)

2. Mother Gaston's Affordable Ownership program helped a Brooklyn teacher achieve her home ownership dreams. Amy Hamberry, 44, remembers growing up in her rent-stabilized Park Slope home, watching the waves of gentrification roll in. Despite skyrocketing prices and the changing community, Hamberry stayed in Park Slope, raising her children and renting at astronomical prices. Recently, Hamberry stopped renting; the elementary school teacher is now the owner of one of 17 affordable Mother Gaston Hinsdale Homes located in Brownsville, East New York, and Ocean Hill. The development of the new townhouses was initiated by the city with the goal of building workforce housing for first-time home buyers. Learn more at the link. (Brownstoner)

3. Loyal customers are trying to save a Brooklyn pie shop currently struggling to pay thousands in rent. Lindsey Hill is the owner Miss American Pie, a beloved Park Slope bakery serving up both sweet and savory pies in a no-frills, homey setting with '50s-themed aesthetics — the old-timey atmosphere is made completed with retro paintings of Rosie The Riveter and red-white-checkered table clothes. Hill left a career in fashion for a future in the kitchen, hoping to create a nostalgic space that encourages communal eating and reverie. However, Hill opened Miss American Pie right before the Covid-19 pandemic and was forced to close her shop's doors before they really ever opened. Today, Hill is trying to get Miss American Pie back on its feet, and dedicated customers are doing their best to lend a hand. (NBC New York)

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📆 Today in Brooklyn:

• Get hungry at The Tiny Cupboard's comedy-and-cooking Sunday Supper Comedy show (5:00 PM)
• Don't miss 'The Godmother of Soul' Patti LaBelle and special guest Will Downing at Kings Theatre (7:00 PM)
• Edie Jo's is hosting Glass House Comedy Show featuring some of NYC's favorite acts (7:00 PM)
• Check out Jade, The Azures, Mannequin Heist at Our Wicked Lady's rooftop (7:00 PM)
• Windbreaker: A Comedy Show is happening at Union Pool (7:30 PM)

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🐝 Brooklyn Buzz:

• 🍦"In honor of National Ranch Dressing Day, the Brooklyn-based Van Leeuwen Ice Cream company announced a unique partnership with Hidden Valley Ranch to release a specialty flavor. To be sold exclusively at Walmart locations nationwide, the eyebrow-raising treat is among seven new spring flavors served up by Van Leeuwen, who broke the internet last year with its Grey Poupon-flavored ice cream." (Subscription/New York Daily News)
• 🗣 "A Brooklyn nonprofit is celebrating National Women and Girls HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Amida Care is an organization that helps provide health coverage and community support for New York residents living with HIV and AIDS. The nonprofit hopes to spread awareness and encourage people to seek care for the disease." (News 12 Brooklyn)
• 💜 "Over a quarter century after his death, The Notorious B.I.G. continues to receive love from Brooklyn. Spreading love is the Brooklyn way, after all. On Thursday (March 9), New York City leaders and loyal Biggie fans gathered on Christopher Wallace Way to commemorate the 26th anniversary of his death and witness the unveiling of a new mosaic immortalizing the rapper on his childhood street. Fellow BK native, Mayor Eric Adams, was present to speak about Big's lasting impact all these years later." (REVOLT)

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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 Patch newsletter? Contact me at brooklyn@patch.com