Posted by Sharon Davidson on 07/19/2009 under Upcoming Events | 
PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA ALERT ** For Immediate Release ** JULY 20, 2009
The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District and the New York Blood Center join together for the First Annual “Save a Life” Blood Drive on Flatbush Avenue sponsored by Crunch and Healthy Nibbles.
Brooklyn, New York – The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District and the New York Blood Center will be hosting its first Annual”Save a Life” Blood Drive on Friday, August 28th, 2009 from 2:00pm to 7:30pm in front of CRUNCH , located at 338 Flatbush Avenue, between Sterling Place and 8th Avenue. Look for the New York Blood Center Mobile Bus and the colorful balloons! Sponsored by Crunch and Healthy Nibbles.
When Carlos Mota-Ramirez, donor campaign manager of the New York Blood Center called the BID office and spoke to Executive Director, Sharon Davidson and explained the challenges the New York Blood Center is facing this summer to maintain an adequate and safe blood supply for hospital patients, the first thing she said was “I know this community will help , I will get you the donors”. Within a few days Sharon Davidson obtained 2 BID merchants to sponsor the blood drive, Crunch and Healthy Nibbles. Crunch was more than happy to solicit their members for blood donations and provide a much needed space for the NYBC Mobile Bus to park. Right in front of the Crunch facilities located at 338 Flatbush Avenue between Sterling Place and 8th Avenue. Members of the Crunch team will also be handing out a Free One Week Guest Pass to anyone who donates blood. Mery Walker, owner of Healthy Nibbles, an organic lounge and juice bar located at 305 Flatbush Avenue was glad to be participating by donating a free, cold organic juice to anyone who donates blood. Mery has been a merchant on Flatbush Avenue for many years and she said “I am happy to be a part of this community, we are ready to save a life by donating blood.” The BID offices will be handing out their brand new dining and services guide as well as a sweet treat to all blood donors. The BID is calling upon the Prospect Heights and Park Slope community to contribute blood.
Every 2 seconds someone needs blood, the NYBC requires 2000 blood donations each day. The New York Blood Center, is one of the nation’s largest non-profit community based blood centers. NYBC has provided blood transfusions, products and services to patients in New York since 1964. For more information about NYBC: www.nybloodcenter.org
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WHAT: The North Flatbush Avenue Business Improvement District hosts its
First Annual “Save a Life” Blood Drive
WHEN: Friday, August 28, 2009 From 2:00 PM to 7:30 PM
WHERE: The New York Blood Center Mobile bus will be parked in front of Crunch –
Located at 338 Flatbush Avenue, between Sterling Place and 8th Avenue
CONTACT: Sharon Davidson, Executive Director, North Flatbush Avenue BID, 718-783-1685
Or email: sdavidson@nfbid.com for more information: go to our website: www.nfbid.com
Posted by Sharon Davidson on 07/06/2009 under What's New |
Councilwoman Letitia James and Regina Cahill, President of the BID
The 23rd Annual Meeting of the North Flatbush Avenue BID took place on Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at 6:00pm at Oceans 8 Sports Bar and Grill, located at 308 Flatbush Avenue.
Joining together for the evening were elected officials, residents from the district, property owners, business owners and BID staff and board members who came to view the presentation of the BID’s new streetscape design plan, to meet and greet, and discuss neighborhood topics.
Regina Cahill, President of the BID took helm to give updates on planned initiatives and to inform the crowd of the BID’s initiatives for 2009-2010. On the agenda was the exclusive presentation of the BID’s new conceptual design for Flatbush Avenue including the Triangle Parks along the avenue. Regina stated that in July 2008 the BID held a Community Forum in coordination with Project for Public Spaces. The BID, from a grant from Avenue NYC Program, hired architecture firm “W” Architecture and Landscape LLC to incorporate these ideas into a new design for the district. Barbara Wilks, founder of W, was at the meeting to present the new designs in a 40 minute slideshow presentation.
Andrew Steininger lets the crowd know that Marty Markowitz gives BID $200K for new design
Regina also introduced Sharon Davidson to the crowd as the BID’s new Executive Director . Most in attendance knew Sharon as she had previously been the Vice President on the Board of Directors of the BID. Sharon has brought the BID into the 21 Century with a new working website (www.nfbid.com) and she is currently working to promote the avenue through new initiatives, promotions, media and press releases along w ith the continuation of the BID’s very successful children’s programming, the Great Pumpkin Give a Way, Childrens Earth Day Event and the Annual Holiday Silent Auction as well as new marketing and promotion for our Sponsor a Banner Program. Regina went on to thank Greg Yerman, owner of Burrito Bar and Kitchen for sponsoring our new set of decorative banners that adourn our avenue from Plaza Street to Atlantic Avenue which depict his restaurants logo. Regina also reminded everyone, especially our merchants, about our new Sponsor a Banner Program. The launch of the BID’s new program will allow our merchants to advertise their business in our district at affordable prices. Advertising on the banners is one ofthe most effective means of promoting our merchants and a great way for the small business in our district to get noticed. Regina then gave a big thank you to Carol Crawford, Nathan Pearson, Shanda Oliver, and Lyndelle Pitman for their dedication and contribution with the BID’s YAIP Internship Program of the NYC Department of Youth and Community Development, a contract the BID held for 2 years.
Andrew Steininger, Capital Budget and Policy Specialist from Borough President Marty Markowitz office, took over the mike from Regina and spoke to the crowd. Andrew let the crowd know that Marty Markowitz was happy to have been able to award the BID with $200K for the BID’s new streetscape design plan . He mentioned that Marty asked that the BID “Spend it”, “Spend it”, “Spend It!”
Councilwoman Letitia James then spoke about the Park Slope/Prospect Heights neighborhood that she was born and raised in. ”Oceans 8 Sports Bar and Grill reminds me of my first date”, Councilwoman James said….. we weren’t sure if this was a good sign or bad, but Councilwoman James had a grand smile on her face as she talked about how the North Flatbush Avenue district is going to be the glue that brings all the neighborhoods together. “Once the streetscape design is complete”, she said, “this will be the connection we need to bring us all together to talk about how much we love brownstone Brooklyn”.
Veronica Aveis, representative from congresswoman Yvette Clarke's office spoke about our new Design for Flatbush Avenue
Next up at the mike, was Veronica Aveis, office of US Representative, Hon.Yvette D. Clarke, Brooklyn District Office, who spoke out in support of our new streetscape designs. Veronica said that Congresswoman Yvette Clarke is happy to support the BID and all its initiatives for the community.
After the presentation, the hungry crowd set out at the buffet table where Oceans 8 owner, Jack Putlyk and manager, Frank Violante, Sr. , provided everyone with enough food to please a large stadium. Chicken with vegetables, Sausage and peppers, pasta, chicken wings, macaroni and cheese, organic salads, crab cakes, and passed around Hors doeuvre’s were served. There was an open bar where everyone enjoyed some libations.
The BID would like to give a special thank you to the staff of Oceans 8 Sports Bar and Grill who worked so hard to provide us with special and courteous service, all with a smile. And a big thank you to Frankie Violante, Jr. who provided us with much needed help with the event, we wouldn’t have been able to do this event without him.
Frankie Violante, Jr with the terrific staff of Oceans 8
And to all the volunteers, once again, the BID wishes to thank you all very much for your dedication in helping out your community. We are grateful to all. A great big thank you to Stefano Giovannini, our wonderful photographer, who took all the terrific photographs you see on our website. If you are interested in hiring Stefano for any event, he can be reached at Stefano_giovannini@yahoo.com
To view photos of the presentation of the new streetscape design plan for Flatbush Avenue, visit our website at www.nfbid.com.
