Old Brooklyn News: March Edition

Check out this month's edition of the Old Brooklyn News! This magazine is mailed quarterly to every home in the Old Brooklyn neighborhood. Each quarter (March, June, September, and December) the OB News Online feature will be the printed OBN for those who don’t receive it in the mail. In addition, we’ll continue to include new highlights below, updated events and volunteer activities, and member updates in the member portal!

EPA Grant to Improve Air Quality in Old Brooklyn

The MetroHealth System and Community Housing Solutions received a $17 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce indoor air pollution in Cleveland-area households with asthma. They will be working with OBCDC and various other partners to replace gas stoves with electric ones, improve ventilation, and offer financial incentives for cleaner electricity suppliers. The program aims to promote health and climate justice.

This partnership provides the funding, labor, and materials for air quality improvement projects. Stay tuned for more information as we hire a staff member who will be responsible for the program.

Stranci Tattoo & Piercing Co. Old Brooklyn Expansion

Stranci Tattoo & Piercing Co. has been a staple in Old Brooklyn for almost 10 years. Previously located in the Pearlbrook plaza, they moved to a new home on State Road at the end of 2023. While their space might be mistaken for a super cool art gallery, it's home to seven experienced tattoo artists and piercers. Each artist has their own room which they have decorated to fit their personalities and styles.

The owner, Natasa Agatonovic, is passionate about this community and has been a long time Old Brooklyn resident. In addition to Old Brooklyn, they have a heart for animals, and host an annual fundraiser for City Dogs. Last year they donated $5,000 to the organization. Whether you need a tattoo, piercing, or just want to check out some cool artwork, visit Stranci at 4750 State Road!

A New Volunteer Platform

The Mighty Volunteer Program is switching volunteer platforms, from Timecounts to Point. All existing volunteer hours were transferred over last week, and an email was sent out directly from Point to claim your account and create a password. If you have not claimed your account yet, please do so!

Upcoming volunteer opportunities are live for the year! If you have any issues getting set up on the new platform, please reach out to Maria Sharp at marias@oldbrooklyn.com.

Be sure to sign up for our first volunteer event of the year, our Orientation & Social on March 11th at 6:30pm!

Make like a tree and "leaf" your house to come to Tree Talks!

Mark your calendars and check out our upcoming Tree Talks! Hosted by the Old Brooklyn Tree Stewards, these neighborhood chats kicked off in January and will take place at various locations around the neighborhood throughout March.

Saturday, March 15th at 10am

The Rebel Reserve (4855 Broadview Road)

Get inspired for the planting season and share a drink with your local tree stewards!

Tuesday, March 25th at 6pm

Apothecary Verde (2030 W. Schaaf Road)

Get inspired for the planting season while rejuvenating with aromatherapy!

Whether you have questions about trees, want to meet your local tree stewards, or just want to connect with your neighbors and support small businesses, this is a great way to do it. Join us to learn more about how to get involved with the Old Brooklyn Tree Planting Program and learn why trees are so important!

Hope to see you there!

Check out the Community Updates page on our website for weekly updates! Here's a preview:

• Vote for what's in the next community mural!
• A Community Conversation @ Third Space Action Lab
• Legal Aid Clinics
• Become a College Now mentor

Click the image to read more.

We're excited to share some upcoming volunteer opportunities with the OB MVPs! Sign-ups are open for:

• Orientation & Social
• Community Clean Ups
• Stay tuned for more appreciation events!

This program is generously sponsored by MetroHealth.

Click the image to learn more!

OBCDC members can enjoy various perks, including access to a membership portal! This is where we will share member events and information.

March Updates include:



• Pocket Park updates
• Executive Director information
• AmeriCorps VISTA news

... and more!

Not a member yet? Sign up here!

Click the image to learn more about upcoming events in March, such as:

• Homebuyer Education Series on March 8
• Tree Talks: Spring Refresh on March 15 and 25
• Health & Human Services Resource Fair on March 12

...and more!

Do you have an Old Brooklyn community event you think should be shared here? Or do you have an idea for a community event that you want to chat with someone about? Let us know by clicking here.