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Massage Outpost, a clinical massage therapy studio with locations in Greenpoint, Williamsburg and DUMBO, was among several organizations honored last week at Borough Hall.

The business was honored for providing free one-hour massages to government workers out of a paycheck during the partial government shutdown.

Three other nonprofits were recognized for their contributions as well, including Masbia, a kosher soup kitchen network, Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, and Sweet Chick, a chicken and waffles restaurant in Prospect Heights and Williamsburg.

Sweet Chick, which is co-owned by the rapper Nas, cooked free meals for those government workers as well.

Here’s the statement from Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams about their work:

“The federal shutdown had a deep impact on so many Brooklynites, from residents of NYCHA to food stamp recipients, and it disrupted everything from air travel to tax collection. Thankfully, a number of groups stepped in with acts of kindness, both big and small, that really helped to fill the gap and restore workers’ dignity.”

Borough President Eric Adams

Tonight at the Brooklyn Brewery, Friends of the Brooklyn-Queens Connector will host a small business panel event to discuss the benefits and challenges of a potential streetcar.

The panel will be moderated by Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams.

The following business owners will speak:

• Steve Hindy, co-founder, Brooklyn Brewery
• Isabel Chanslor, vice president of Neighborhood Development Center, St. Paul, Minnesota
• Chris Goode, owner of Ruby Jean’s Juice Shop, Kansas City, Missouri
• Rick Gustafon, strategic adviser of Shiels Obletz Johnsen, Portland, Oregon
• Aaron Barthel, founder and owner of Intrigue Chocolate, Seattle, Washington.

The event begins at 6 p.m. at Brooklyn Brewery, located at 79 North 11th Street in Williamsburg.

Restaurant Week on Grand Street in East Williamsburg is back for two weeks this winter.

From Monday, February 18 to Sunday, March 3, customers at the 15 participating restaurants can choose from discounted lunch and dinner prix-fixe menus.

The price for two-course lunches range from $10 to $15, while three-course dinners go from $11 to $35.

Neighborhood staples like Desy’s Clam Bar, Le Barricou, AmmazzaCaffe and Forcella are participating in the promotion. Seafood restaurant Thompson Brooke is among those new to the event.

For a full list of participating restaurants and menus, see here.

The BID is also encouraging diners to win a $50 gift certificate to a Grand Street restaurant during Restaurant Week by participating in its #DineOnGrand Instagram contest.

“It’s a good way to build community and connect residents and visitors alike to neighborhoods favorites and mainstays, as some of the new places,” said Erin Piscopink, executive director of the Grand Street Business Improvement District (BID).

Come watch the amazing 5th graders of PS 196 in East Williamsburg show off their moves in their last performance of Rosie’s Theater Kids.

The Winter Magnet Showcase will also feature the PS 196 chorus, and art and science projects as well!

The festivities kick off at 12:30 p.m. at PS 196, located at 207 Bushwick Avenue.

RSVP to Roseann at rrandazzo@196wbms.org.

With a wintry mix of snow and rain expected in the next few days, the city is issuing a travel advisory for commuters.

Light snow is already coming down today, which will transition into rain in the afternoon.

The temperatures are expected to plummet Tuesday night, causing for a messy commute.

The cold could produce spots of black ice on the road.

“We advise New Yorkers to take mass transit where possible, exercise caution and allow for extra travel time,” said Emergency Management Commissioner Joe Esposito. “Frigid temperatures will also return. Stay indoors as much as possible. If you have to go outdoors, limit your time and bundle up.”

Temperatures are expected to go back to the 40s by Sunday, and even 50 on Monday.

The Greenpoint House of the Week is a Victorian home that checks off everything on your “forever home” list.

The home is light and airy with beautiful architectural features and stunning windows.

There are nine bedrooms, 4.5 bathrooms and a breakfast room with views of the lush rear garden. You have to see this place!

There’s also a huge fully finished English Basement complete with a wet bar, wine cellar and a full resort styled bathroom as well as a large “Costco” pantry with an extra refrigerator.

The property is listed by Halstead Real Estate for $3,000,000.

Loft tenants are seeking to strengthen protections for their live-work spaces, but it will require political will to get it done.

Tonight at 8 p.m., New York City Loft Tenants (NYCLT) is hosting a political rally at San Damiano Mission Church at 85 North 15th Street to kick off their push in Albany.

Among those expected to attend are City Council Speaker Corey Johnson, State Senator Julia Salazar, Assemblywoman Maritza Davila, Assemblyman Joe Lentol, Councilman Stephen Levin and Councilman Antonio Reynoso.

The first Loft Law was passed by the state in 1982 , but was amended in 2010 with some exclusions.

Now, they’re hoping to go back to Albany with a Democratic majority in both chambers and expand those protections.

Keep in mind that north Brooklyn has many loft spaces, which would benefit from increased protections.

Three massage parlors in north Brooklyn are offering free, one-hour massages to any government worker furloughed as part of the government shutdown.

Massage Williamsburg, Massage Greenpoint and Massage Outpost in Dumbo are offering these massages to thousands of employees who have gone without a paycheck .

“It’s a really stressful time for furloughed government employees who just missed their first payday,” says Rachel Beider, owner and CEO of the three studios. “We want to do our part in supporting these folks by offering free 60-minute massages this week at any of our locations.”

The one-hour massage is valued at $120. Furloughed workers can schedule the session through the studio website or by calling a preferred location.

Please present ID prior to the session.

The massages are by appointment only. This promotion runs through January 20.

Offer valid at any location, one per client per location.

El Puente founder Luis Garden Acosta passed away on Tuesday night, the organization shared on their website.

Acosta, 73, was surrounded by friends and family when he passed away peacefully.

The longtime community leader co-founded El Puente in 1982 to address the violence crisis happening in the Southside.

Nearly four decades later, El Puente has become a community staple, still doing important work on education and youth development, the environment and more.

Elected officials remembered Acosta as a visionary and transformative leader in Brooklyn.

Last night NYC lost a hero & I lost a mentor in Luis Garden Acosta, founder of El Puente. Acosta’s dedication to youth empowerment & environmental advocacy will continue to inspire & has shaped my work. Thank you for revitalizing our community & paving the way for young leaders.

— Antonio Reynoso (@ReynosoBrooklyn) January 9, 2019

New York lost a tireless advocate for his Williamsburg community, proud son of Puerto Rico, warrior for social & environmental justice, the founder of @elpuentepalante, Luis Garden Acosta.

All who knew Luis were moved by his love and passion for justice.

— Chuck Schumer (@SenSchumer) January 9, 2019

Brooklyn is a safer place to raise healthy children and families because of community organizers like Luis Garden Acosta. Nearly 40 years ago, at a time when street violence plagued Williamsburg, his founding of @ElPuentePalante had an immeasurable impact. https://t.co/7R7CDqispp

— Eric Adams (@BKBoroHall) January 9, 2019

The L train shutdown is no more.

Governor Andrew Cuomo announced just hours ago that the L line will not undergo a 15-month closure between Brooklyn and Manhattan as planned.

Instead, Cuomo has unveiled a new plan – never before used in the United States – that will secure the Canarsie tunnel and all of the electrical work using nights and weekends only.

According to reports, the new plan would be completed in the same timeframe as the previous shutdown plan.

The news came after the governor toured the L train tunnel with a hand-picked panel of experts and engineers late last year. Cuomo held the announcement close to the chest, as the announcement reportedly came as a shock to even city and MTA officials.

What does this mean for L train riders? There will still be headaches, especially during nights and weekends, but the 225,000 daily commuters who travel between Brooklyn and Manhattan will be spared.

Advocates are already demanding that the governor released the full plan and details of his new plan. But for now, it seems the L train shutdown is cancelled.

What does this mean for your commute? Is this good news, or bad news? Let us know in the comments below.