Conselyea Street
Block Association
Neighbors Caring For Neighbors Since 1968
Since 1968, the Conselyea Street Block Association has served the heart of Williamsburg, Brooklyn — through the Swinging Sixties Senior Center and the Small World Early Childhood Center, both at 211 Ainslie Street.
We are a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. Your donation is fully tax-deductible.
Support our community today:
★ DONATE TO BOCCE FOR BUS ★501(c)(3) · EIN 11-2347180 · Tax-deductible
Participants at last year's Bocce for Bus tournament at Domino Park, under the Williamsburg Bridge.
| Jun 18 | Pre-Party Fundraiser Peek Inn · 38 Driggs Ave |
| Jun 27 | 9th Annual Bocce for Bus Domino Park · 9am–5pm 16 teams · $20 wristbands · DJ all day |
Built by Neighbors, for Neighbors
In 1968, Elizabeth Speranza and a group of determined Williamsburg women had enough. Overflowing garbage from neighboring properties, no childcare for working families, nowhere for seniors to gather. They knocked on doors, organized block by block, and refused to give up.
By 1972, their grassroots effort was formalized as the Conselyea Street Education Action Center — offering English as a Second Language classes, immigration assistance, and meals to a neighborhood that needed them.
The opposition was fierce. Petitions circulated. Threats were made. But the women of Conselyea Street held firm, with Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm standing in their corner.
Two years later, they built something truly lasting at 211 Ainslie Street: the Small World Child Care Center and the Swinging Sixties Senior Center.
In 2013, the organization formally merged with St. Nicks Alliance to strengthen programs and secure the building’s future as a permanent community center.
Today, more than 55 years on, the block association’s legacy endures — in the seniors gathering for lunch, in the toddlers learning through play, and in the annual Bocce for Bus tournament that began with a visit from a presidential candidate named Bill Clinton in 1992.
“On their side of the house they truly couldn’t use their backyard, because of the garbage being thrown.”— Ann Barone, founding member
| Founded | 1968 |
| Incorporated | 1972 |
| Status | 501(c)(3) |
| EIN | 11-2347180 |
| Location | 211 Ainslie St, Brooklyn NY 11211 |
| Donations | Tax-deductible |
| Partner | St. Nicks Alliance |
Bill Clinton visited the block association’s bocce tournament in 1992 during his presidential campaign — a tradition that continues to this day.
From the youngest members of our neighborhood to our most experienced elders, the Conselyea Street Block Association has always believed that every generation deserves a place to thrive. Both programs operate out of 211 Ainslie Street, Brooklyn.
A warm gathering place for Williamsburg’s older adults — providing socialization, nutritious daily meals, and transportation via the Swinging Sixties Senior Bus for seniors with mobility limitations.
- Daily meals & nutrition programming
- Socialization & cultural activities
- Senior Bus to medical appointments
- The Club at Swinging Sixties
- Open year-round
More Info at St. Nicks Alliance →
Free Universal Pre-K for children ages 2–4, rooted in play-based learning. Small World prepares every child for a lifetime of curiosity, creativity, and kindergarten success.
- Free Universal Pre-K (ages 2–4)
- 10-month play-based curriculum
- Sliding-scale extended daycare
- NYS Preschool Foundation aligned
- 211 Ainslie Street, Brooklyn NY
More Info at St. Nicks Alliance →
Our volunteer board is made up of community members dedicated to keeping the Conselyea Street Block Association’s mission alive.
| Name | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| PC | Phil Caponegro | President |
| FC | Frank Citera | Vice President |
| AG | Alirio Guerrero | Secretary/Treasurer |
| BY | Brent Young | Board Member |
| EM | Elliot Meier | Board Member |
| LM | Lesley Melincoff | Board Member |
| OF | Oliver Foley | Board Member |
| SM | Saranii Muller | Board Member |
ⓘ All board members serve without compensation. Board photos coming soon — contact us for more information.
Interested in volunteering or joining the board? We’d love to hear from you.
Contact Us →
Keep the Senior Bus on the Road
The Swinging Sixties Senior Bus is a lifeline — transporting seniors with mobility limitations to meals, medical appointments, and the social programming that keeps them connected to our community.
Every summer since 1992 — when Bill Clinton himself played a round during his presidential campaign — the neighborhood has gathered at Domino Park for the annual Bocce for Bus tournament. Sixteen teams. One day. All for the bus.
| Pre-Party | June 18, 2026 · Peek Inn, 38 Driggs Ave |
| Tournament | June 27, 2026 · Domino Park · 9am–5pm |
| Entry | $20 wristband · All-day food & drinks included |
| Teams | 16-team bracket · DJ all day · Spectator court |
★ DONATE ON GOFUNDME ★
Tax-deductible donation
501(c)(3) · EIN 11-2347180
Questions about the tournament or sponsorship? Contact Oliver Foley, board member & event organizer.
Message on GoFundMe →