NATIONAL SMALL BUSINESS WEEK

During National Small Business Week, we honor the entrepreneurs and small business owners who are the engine of our economy. Their ingenuity and hard work are critical to our Nation’s prosperity…I call upon Government officials, industry leaders, and advocates across the Nation to encourage our citizens to celebrate the achievements of small business owners and encourage the creation of new businesses.

Barack Obama, President of the United States
Small Business Week Proclamation

Every year since 1963, the President of the United States has proclaimed National Small Business Week to recognize the contributions of small businesses to the economic well-being of America.

The estimated 27.2 million small businesses in America are major contributors to America's economy. More than half of Americans either own or work for a small business. Small businesses create 60% to 80% of new jobs in the U.S. They drive innovation, create 21st century jobs, and increase U.S. competitiveness.

Small Business Week 2010 will be celebrated the week of May 23rd.

PARTY SPACE AT THE OAK AND THE IRIS CAFE

Posted on a neighborhood listserv and reprinted here with permission:

"Hi neighbors,
We heard from this list that The Oak and the Iris was available as a party space, so this past weekend we had our two-year-old' s birthday party there. It was absolutely lovely! The space is comfortable (and was truly ideal for toddlers), the food was delicious, the staff was accommodating and helpful, and the price is right. We heartily recommend this neighborhood gem for your next affair!"

And don't forget O&I's special: buy one dinner and get the second one for half price!

The Oak and The Iris Cafe
2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway (corner of E. 4th Street)
(718) 208-7713
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/the-oak-the-iris/menu

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

DEADLINE APPROACHING FOR PENALTY RELIEF PROGRAM

From Christine C. Quinn, Speaker, New York City Council:

“As part of the New York City Council's ongoing effort to assist small businesses and homeowners, I wanted to forward a recent video clip on the Penalty Forgiveness Program.

This special three-month program, which was created by the Mayor's Office and the City Council to help local businesses and homeowners deal with overdue fines, is scheduled to end on December 21, 2009.

So far over 14,000 entrepreneurs and homeowners across the City have submitted applications to have late fees, interest and other charges waived from outstanding Environmental Control Board summons.

Please take a moment to view the video clip at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tamofYSRag8.

This video gives explicit instructions on how to apply for this waiver. For more information about the Penalty Forgiveness Program, please click here.

I hope this information is useful. The City Council is committed to helping small businesses get through these difficult times. We have passed a number of new initiatives and laws to help individuals and businesses. You can read more about these initiatives, collectively called "Open for Business," on our website at http://www.council.nyc.gov.”

HOLIDAY IN WINDSOR TERRACE

Specials! Discounts! Free events!
One day only, starting at 11:00 a.m.!

Prospect Park West
between Bartel Pritchard Square and 17th Street

The Windsor Terrace Alliance and participating merchants on Prospect Park West invite you to

Eat, Drink, & Stroll

along Prospect Park West and take advantage of a day of

fun and bargains!

Participating businesses:

• Babbo's Books
• Clemens
• The Double Windsor
• Enzo's
• Elora's
• Fez Art Cafe
• Hallmark
• Hot Diggity Dog
• Le P'tit Bistro
• Park West Vision
• Sushi Yama
• Windsor Cafe
• Windsor Shoes
• Windsor Shoes Too (kids)
• Windsor Wines

Get details and the full schedule on the Windsor Terrace Alliance website - or stop by the WTA table set up outside Windsor Cafe, 220 PPW, from noon to 4:00, for free hot chocolate (compliments of Windsor Cafe) and a directory of participating businesses.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

ANOTHER GLOWING REVIEW OF AM-THAI CHILI BASIL KITCHEN

Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen has gotten another thumbs-up review, this one from The Village Voice's New York Food Blog: "News from Kensington's Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen: Menu Additions, Stall at Holiday Market."

Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen
359 McDonald Avenue, between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue
(718) 871-9115
(718) 854-5054
Open Sunday-Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and Friday and Saturday, from 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

CANCELED: RALLY AND CALL TO SAVE NYC'S SMALL BUSINESSES

The rally that was scheduled to be held on the steps of City Hall on Wednesday, December 9th, in support of the Small Business Survival Act has been canceled, due to the setback described on this blog.

DEATH OF THE SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL ACT

Over the past few weeks, several New York City Council members who had supported the Small Business Survival Act decided to withdraw their support. As a result, the Coalition to Save Small Businesses has asked New York City Council Member Robert Jackson to withdraw his motion to discharge the bill from the Small Business Committee, which would have allowed the full Council to vote on the bill.

Crain's New York Business explained in Rough Road for commercial rent control, in its December 3rd edition, the politics behind the death of the bill, saying that City Council Speaker Christine Quinn "opposes the motion, and presumably would not look kindly on members who vote for it. Quinn, if she remains speaker, will soon be handing out prized committee chairmanships."

As always,
SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

RICH FROG TOYS SALE: THE FLYER

RALLY AND CALL TO SAVE NYC'S SMALL BUSINESSES

Wednesday, December 9th, noon

You have two opportunities to help the small businesses in your neighborhood survive: call your City Council Member, and participate in a rally before the City Council votes next Wednesday at 1:00 p.m. on a bill that can help our city's small businesses stay afloat.

That bill, the Small Business Survival Act, would establish arbitration and mediation procedures between landlords and commercial tenants. It is NOT rent control, despite the claims of the bill's opponents! The influence of real estate interests has prevented the bill from moving forward.

Council Member Robert Jackson will ask the full City Council to vote on discharging the Small Business Survival Act from the Small Business Committee so that the City Council can finally vote on it. The bill has been lying stagnant in the Small Business Committee since this past June's committee hearing.

The last time a vote was held to discharge a bill was in 1989--for the same bill!

Having the bill discharged by the committee challenges the committee's chairperson, David Yassky, and the Speaker, Christine Quinn, but it is the only way to get a vote.

The chairperson and the Speaker have united to prevent a vote, leaving Jackson to either let the bill expire on December 31st--when all pending legislation expires and the process has to be started all over again--or make a motion to discharge. He chose the latter.

At the hearing in June, almost everyone who testified was in favor of the bill. They stated that

• a crisis existed for the city's small businesses,
• without the protection of this bill, thousands of small businesses would be forced to close,
• jobs would be lost, and
• the extortion of the mostly immigrant owners would continue.

Only the Mayor's representative spoke in opposition. Thirty-one Council Members were sponsoring the bill, including ALL of the members of the Small Business Committee, with the exception of Yassky. He testified that

• he would take some action to stop the loss of small businesses,
• the Survival bill seemed like the best choice, and
• unless someone came up with a better solution, he would support it.

Soon after the hearing, Yassky became a sponsor.

But no vote has been held. Yassky decided to would leave it for the next chairperson. At the same time, the Speaker's office said the bill would be found unconstitutional by a court, and the Speaker would not allow a vote.

However, a team of legal experts led by Attorney Sherri Donovan (who wrote the bill twenty years ago and successfully defended it before the City Council at a special hearing) updated the case law on the bill and presented it to the Speaker's council. It was Ms. Donovan's finding that the bill was legal.

Jackson went back to Yassky and again asked for a vote. This time, Yassky said that it was up to the Speaker to DIRECT him to vote on the bill, even though

• the majority of the City Council wanted the bill passed,
• Yassky had held a public hearing without any opposition to the bill and strong support from the business community,
• the entire Small Business Committee was sponsoring the bill, including Yassky himself, and
  
• Yassky had made a promise to small businesses that he would take action to save them.
  

Yassky would not vote on the Survival bill unless ORDERED to by the Speaker!

The Speaker's staff would not work with Jackson to modify the bill to their liking. Instead, they presented two proposed new bills to Jackson and the Small Business Coalition.

The first bill proposed by the staff would make it a misdemeanor for a landlord to extort funds from a tenant and make it easier for a tenant to report a landlord. Store owners with no lease renewal rights would have to call the police to arrest landlords who demanded extortion money under the table! But without any rights or protection, tenants will be afraid to report their landlords for fear of losing their businesses when their leases expired.

The second bill proposed that when a commercial lease came up for renewal, a city agency would produce a list of arbitration agencies and data on vacancies and read the rights of tenants (New York City has none). Neither proposal gave any rights to tenants or made claims on landlords. It did not change the status quo.

Jackson decided to file a motion to discharge the bill from the Small Business Committee and let the full City Council stand up in public and state "yes" or "no" about supporting small businesses in our city.

Help get a YES vote on the Small Business Survival Act.

Phone your City Council Member and tell him or her to save small businesses by voting YES on the Small Business Survival Act. Spread the word to co-workers, family, and friends to phone. To get the phone number of your City Council Member, go to http://council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml, type in your street address, choose a borough, and click "Find My Council Member."

And go to the rally on the steps of City Hall on the day of the vote (Wednesday, December 9th) at noon!

Information provided by Steve Null of The Coalition to Save Small Businesses.

WOULD YOU LIKE WINE OR BEER WITH THAT?

Enjoy a glass of wine or a beer with your dinner at Old Brick Cafe. To help Old Brick get a wine and beer license, please support its application to the State Liquor Authority by signing the petition.

Old Brick Cafe Lounge
507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway
(347) 425-8391

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

SHOP AROUND THE WORLD ON CHURCH AVENUE

The international nature of our neighborhood makes people in other neighborhoods envious! "Eat Globally, Shop with the Locals: Kensington's Church Ave." advises readers to "Visit Church Avenue in Kensington for a chance to shop for a world of food in 11218, a zip code that is often cited as the most diverse in the country." But we don't have to visit--we're already there!

The article describes Church Avenue as "a paradise of high quality ethnic food shops." Four stores--Bastek Deli, Dinosha Albanian Village, Golden Farm, and Mexican Grocery & More--are singled out for praise.

Bastek Deli
321 Church Avenue, between E. 3rd and E. 4th streets
(718) 437-1081

Dinosha Albanian Village
319 Church Avenue, between E. 3rd and E. 4th streets
(718) 851-9773

Golden Farm
329 Church Avenue, corner of E. 4th Street
(718) 871-1009

Mexican Grocery & More
326A E. 2nd Street, between Church Avenue and Albemarle Road
(718) 871-6882

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

HUGE SALE AT RICH FROG TOYS!

Moms! Dads! Aunts! Uncles! Cousins! Grandparents! Friends!

There's no need to go all the way to Toys 'R' Us or to any store in another neighborhood to buy toys and other gifts for kids. A wonderful children's store is within walking distance--Rich Frog Toys!

Rich Frog Toys has a wide selection of toys and other gifts, including

• dolls
• books
• cars and trucks
• wooden games and puzzles
• educational toys
• stuffed animals
• rainy day outfits
• Kettler tricycles and other fun vehicles
• wooden kitchen sets
• puppets
• strollers
• etc., etc., etc.!

Check out the great buys from manufacturers like

• Melissa and Doug
• Under the Nile
• Haba
• Kaloo
• Hello Kitty
• Kettler
• and others.

Print out a copy of this blog post to get 20% off any item in the store through December 24, 2009 - or mention KARMA when you're in the store!

Rich Frog Toys
"Where children learn to use their imagination"
Educational Toys for Boys and Girls
211 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(866) 371-1858
http://www.richfrogtoys.com

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

BUSINESS RECORDKEEPING (FREE)

Tuesday, February 16, 2010, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Free seminar on Business Recordkeeping, designed to inform small business owners about their recordkeeping responsibilities and answer these questions:

• Why are good books and records necessary for the success of your business?
• How will well-organized records help you if your business is audited by the IRS?
• What types of records are generally accepted by the IRS?
• How long should you keep your business records?

Register by calling (718) 797-0187 or e-mailing sbdc@citytech.cuny.edu.

Brooklyn Public Library Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West, first floor conference room

Presented by the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, Brooklyn Public Library Business Library, Internal Revenue Service, New York State Small Business Development Center, City Bar Justice Center-Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project.

SMALL BUSINESS TAX PLANNING SEMINAR (FREE)

Thursday, December 3, 2009, 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Free Small Business Tax Planning Seminar for small business owners.

Topics:

• Business Legal Structures for Existing and Emerging Businesses
• Tax Tips for "Start Up" Businesses

Reservations required. Call (718) 522-4600, extension 10, or send an e-mail to n_sampayo@bedc.org.

Location:
Capital One Bank
356 Fulton Street, Brooklyn

Presented by the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation and the Internal Revenue Service.

IRS COLLECTION AND TAX PAYMENT OPTIONS FOR FINANCIALLY DISTRESSED SMALL BUSINESSES (FREE)

Tuesday, February 23, 2010, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

A free workshop about IRS Collection and Tax Payment Options for Financially Distressed Small Businesses will provide information about various options for payment of outstanding income tax liabilities. The collection process will be reviewed, electronic payment options will be explored, and installment agreements and offers in compromise will be discussed in detail.

To register, call (718) 797-0187 or send an e-mail to sbdc@citytech.cuny.edu.

Sponsored by Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, Brooklyn Public Library Business Library, Internal Revenue Service, New York State Small Business Development Center, City Bar Justice Center-Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project.

Brooklyn Public Library Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West, first floor conference room

THANKS, CONNIE'S CAFE, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY SPIRIT

THE KENSINGTON AREA RESIDENT/MERCHANT ALLIANCE DAFFODIL DAY

COMMUNITY SPIRIT AWARD

IS AWARDED TO

Connie's Cafe

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING KENSINGTON
GREEN AND BEAUTIFUL
BY SPONSORING DAFFODIL DAY

OCTOBER 25, 2009

THANKS, OLD BRICK, FOR HELPING TO BEAUTIFY CHURCH AVENUE

THE KENSINGTON AREA RESIDENT/MERCHANT ALLIANCE DAFFODIL DAY AWARD FOR

MOST BEAUTIFUL
TREE PIT

IS AWARDED TO

Old Brick

THANK YOU FOR KEEPING KENSINGTON
GREEN AND BEAUTIFUL

OCTOBER 25, 2009

CALL OR E-MAIL TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES SURVIVE!

From The Coalition to Save Small Businesses:

The Coalition to Save Small Businesses urges everyone to help end the crisis faced by New York City's small businesses. Join the phone and e-mail campaign directed at New York City Council Speaker Christine Quinn.

If the Small Business Survival Act isn't voted on during the last City Council meeting of the year (December 21st), the bill will automatically die. It will have to be submitted all over again in 2010.

Until the bill gets passed, thousands of hard-working small business owners will continue to pay unreasonably high rent and continue to pay money to the landlord under the table in order to get their leases renewed. And New York City will continue to lose successful small businesses and tens of thousands of desperately needed jobs.

What can you do to help get the Small Business Survival Act passed this year?

Beginning Monday (tomorrow), from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Call Speaker Quinn's City Hall office to "demand that the Small Business Survival Act be immediately voted out of the Small Business Committee and voted on by the full city council."

Repeat the calls on Wednesday, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 11a.m.

Ask everyone who cares about the future of our city to get involved. Only public pressure will lead the City Council’s leadership to do the right thing and end the crisis. Regulating property owners who donate to politicians and have influence over them won’t happen without public pressure.

Speaker Quinn’s telephone number: (212) 788-7210

Fax: (212) 788-7207

E-mail: Cquinn@council.nyc.gov

This is the last chance this year to get a vote on this bill. The Mayor and Speaker Quinn have stalled and formed worthless programs that they claim will assist small businesses in the hopes their actions and words will draw attention away from the crisis and the Small Business Survival Act. A real solution is needed to save small businesses and jobs.

Please see http://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/10/slip-me-cash-to-renew-your-lease.html for more information about the Small Business Survival Act.

66TH POLICE PRECINCT AND OUR CONGRESSPERSON'S REP AT ANA MEETING

A representative from the 66th Police Precinct will address neighborhood issues at this month's Albemarle Neighborhood Association community meeting. Please be there to voice your concerns!

Also speaking will be Eli Slavin, Constituent Liaison from the Office of Congressperson Yvette Clarke. He will discuss some of the issues that Ms. Clarke is addressing, such as health care reform, immigration reform, and cyber-security.

Refreshments provided by Foodtown and ANA will be served after the meeting.

Thursday, November 19th
7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Flatbush & Shaare Torah Jewish Center, 327 E. 5th Street, corner of Church Avenue

CRIME AND THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Dahill Neighborhood Association (DNA)
and
West Kensington Action Group (WKAG)

invite you to their first joint meeting.

Monday, November 16th, 7:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.

Guests:

• a representative of the 66th Precinct
  
• our incoming City Councilmember, Brad Lander
  

Your input and observations are crucial to making this a successful meeting.

Make Kensington a safer, cleaner, better place to call home.

P.S. 230
corner of Dahill and Albemarle roads, in the auditorium

Please pass this invitation on to others.

OLD BRICK APPLYING FOR BEER AND WINE LICENSE

Old Brick Cafe Lounge is applying to the State Liquor Authority for a beer and wine license. Please support this effort by signing the petition at http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/OldBrick/index.html.

Old Brick's owners are community-minded. They have been hosting KARMA's meetings, and they have fixed up the tree pit in front of the cafe to make it attractive. They're good neighbors!

Old Brick Cafe Lounge
507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway
(347) 425-8391
Menu: http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/old-brick-cafe-lounge/menu

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

HALF-PRICE DEAL AT OAK AND IRIS CAFE

Buy one dinner and get the second one for half price at our local family-friendly cafe, The Oak and The Iris. Check out the delicious entrees on their dinner menu on MENUPAGES, including

• grilled chicken cutlet with portobello mushrooms and choice of mashed potatoes or vegetables,
• stuffed chicken roll with asparagus with grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes,
• grilled salmon fillet with grilled vegetables and mashed potatoes,
• and several newly-added entrees!

Read more about O&I on our blog at http://karmabrooklyn.blogspot.com/2009/08/free-wi-fi-and-tasty-food-oak-and-iris.html.

The Oak and The Iris Cafe
2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway (corner of E. 4th Street)
(718) 208-7713

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

KENSINGTON, BROOKLYN CONSIDERS ITS FUTURE

Kensington is Andrea Swalec's beat for the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism's New York City News Service. Andrea has immersed herself in learning about Kensington, including by attending KARMA meetings. In the process, she's grown quite fond of our neighborhood.

Andrea interviewed several local merchants--Namaste Yoga of Kensington, Pizza & More Dahill Halal Gourmet, Rahman Fashions, Bangladesh Hair Dresser, Foodtown, and Rich Frog Toys--and got their take on Kensington's future.

NEW YORK STATE DIRECTORY OF SMALL BUSINESS PROGRAMS

The New York State Directory of Small Business Programs was updated in September 2009. The directory helps small business owners find resources for business planning, operations, and growth. Almost all of the programs listed in the directory serve established businesses. Some of the programs also accept start-up businesses that have been in operation for less than a year.

Topics include

• Information Resources, such as Permit Assistance and Licensing, Starting a Small Business,Tax Guidance, and Property Casualty Insurance,
• Technical Assistance, such as Entrepreneurial Assistance,Small Business Development Centers, and Minority and Women Business,
• Funding Incentives, such as Community Development Financial Institutions,
• Tax Incentives, such as Recruiting and Training Employees,

and much more.

KARMA'S NEXT GENERAL MEETING, NOVEMBER 3RD

The next general meeting of Kensington merchants and residents who are interested in the future of Church Avenue will be on Tuesday, November 3rd, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Old Brick Cafe Lounge, 507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway.

Our guest speaker, Rick Miranda, is the President and CEO of the Brooklyn Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He will tell us about the availability of loans to small businesses, something that many businesses need to think about in these difficult economic times.

KARMABrooklyn supports local business!

SLIP ME CASH TO RENEW YOUR LEASE

For years, commercial landlords have been demanding cash "under the table" from their tenants in exchange for renewing their leases.

"These fees, which merchants are expected to pay on top of rent in order to renew their leases, are common" in ethnic communities. The Asociacion de Bodegueros de los Estados Unidos, a national association of Hispanic merchants, reports that "one in three merchants in New York City must pay these fees."

"A survey confirmed what immigrant owners already knew: It's almost routine for landlords to demand 'cash money' under the table to negotiate a new lease."

KARMABrooklyn supports the Small Business Survival Act. Outrageously high rent hikes, in addition to the extorted cash, mean that "An estimated 48,000 Hispanic small businesses will close in five years without the protection of the Small Business Survival Act." "Nearly 60 percent of the city's small businesses are owned by women - and they will not survive without the Small Business Survival Act."

DAFFODILS PLANTED!

Thank you to all of you who worked so hard planting daffodil bulbs today. Church Avenue and the vicinity will have beautiful yellow flowers in the spring when the daffodils bloom.

"LIVING IN KENSINGTON"

"Living in Kensington" takes a look at our neighborhood's

• Housing,
• People,
• Safety,
• Parks and Recreation,
• Pubs, Clubs and Entertainment,
• Shopping and Eating, and
  
• Transportation.

Author Kirsty Henderson describes Kensington as "a taste of a non-gentrified Brooklyn" with a "slower pace" and a "wonderfully diverse neighborhood and cuisine."

She praises several local businesses, including Shenanigans Pub, Denny's Steak House (a bar, not a restaurant), Foodtown, Old Brick Cafe (Italian, Balkan, and Mediterranean), Kabir's Bakery (Bengali and American), Dinosha Albanian Village, Taqueria Los Poblanos (Mexican), La Flor de Santa Ines (Mexican), and Shayna's (West Indian and American).

ACCESS TO FINANCE THROUGH MICRO LENDING

The Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation
The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation (BEDC)
Accion USA
Project Enterprise
Capital One Bank

Presents

A free workshop
for new and existing small business owners:
Access to Finance through Micro Lending

Are you aware of the lending options that are available to you? Want to learn how to obtain a loan or line of credit for your small business? This is your chance to learn how to:
Obtain financing
Understsand the lending process
Improve cash flow

Thursday, October 29, 2009, 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Capital One Bank, 3345 Fulton Street, Brooklyn
Take the J train to Crescent Street or the B13 bus to Crescent and Fulton streets.

Registration is required, as seating is limited.
Call Carlos or Mildred at (718) 647-8477, extension 112 or 115
or send an e-mail to carlosq@cypresshills.org.

DAFFODIL DAY NEXT SUNDAY!

Daffodil Day was rained out. It'll be this Sunday, October 25th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon. See you there!

DAFFODIL DAY RAINED OUT?

If it ISN'T raining tomorrow, Daffodil Day will be tomorrow, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

If it IS raining tomorrow, Daffodil Day will be on Sunday, October 25th, from 9:00 a.m. to noon.

We're hoping it doesn't rain tomorrow!

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

PICK UP A SHOVEL AND MAKE KENSINGTON BEAUTIFUL!
WATCH CHURCH AVENUE BLOOM!

Sunday, October 18th, is Daffodil Day in Kensington.

Join your neighbors as we plant daffodil bulbs on Church Avenue and its side streets. In the spring, watch the flowers that we planted bloom!

From 9:00 a.m. to noon, volunteers will

• loosen soil in tree pits
• plant daffodil bulbs
• go to Connie's Cafe for free coffee and a muffin!

Wear clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting some dirt on. If you can, bring

• a hand cultivator
• a trowel
• a bulb borer
• anything else that's useful for digging and planting
• extra gardening tools, if you have them, for your neighbors to use.

We'll meet at 9:00 a.m. in front of Astoria Federal Savings, at the corner of Church and McDonald avenues.

Connie, the owner of Connie's Cafe (corner of Church Avenue and E. 5th Street), has graciously agreed to donate coffee and muffins for the volunteers.

This neighborhood event is sponsored by KARMABrooklyn (Kensington Area Resident/Merchant Alliance) and WKAG (West Kensington Action Group).

OLD BRICK CAFE LOUNGE: GOULASH GALORE

Do you love goulash? Tried it but didn't like it? Never got around to trying it? Enjoy a delicious bowl of chicken (pictured) or veal goulash, served with a heaping helping of mashed potatoes, in the relaxed, old-world atmosphere of Old Brick Cafe. A mixed salad and a big, puffy pita round out the meal. After you're done, you won't need to eat again for a long, long time!

Old Brick serves Italian, Baltic, and Mediterranean cuisine.

Old Brick Cafe & Lounge
507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway
(347) 425-8391
Open every day from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 pm.
Free delivery.
http://www.menupages.com/restaurants/old-brick-cafe-lounge/menu

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

FREE MAT PILATES CLASS AT NAMASTE YOGA

Have you tried Mat Pilates yet? Namaste Yoga is offering a free introductory class next Sunday, October 18th, from 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.

Bring your own mat or rent one for $2.00.
Class maximum: 20 (first come, first served)

Registration for Mat Pilates classes has a 10-class card minimum. The card can be used for all classes offered.

Namaste Yoga of Kensington
482 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd floor (The main entrance is on Church Avenue. Walk up the red staircase with the red door, behind the corner pizzeria and next to the car wash service center.)
(347) 533-6226 or (347) 533-6227
http://www.mynamasteyoga.com

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

DAFFODIL DAY IN KENSINGTON

PICK UP A SHOVEL AND MAKE KENSINGTON BEAUTIFUL!
WATCH CHURCH AVENUE BLOOM!

Sunday, October 18th, is Daffodil Day in Kensington.

Join your neighbors as we plant daffodil bulbs on Church Avenue and its side streets. In the spring, watch the flowers that we planted bloom!

From 9:00 a.m. to noon, volunteers will

• loosen soil in tree pits
• plant daffodil bulbs
• go to Connie's Cafe for free coffee and a muffin!

Wear clothing and shoes that you don't mind getting some dirt on. If you can, bring

• a hand cultivator
• a trowel
• a bulb borer
• anything else that's useful for digging and planting
• extra gardening tools, if you have them, for your neighbors to use.

We'll meet at 9:00 a.m. in front of Astoria Federal Savings, at the corner of Church and McDonald avenues.

Connie, the owner of Connie's Cafe (corner of Church Avenue and E. 5th Street), has graciously agreed to donate coffee and muffins for the volunteers.

This neighborhood event is sponsored by KARMABrooklyn (Kensington Area Resident/Merchant Alliance) and WKAG (West Kensington Action Group).

SALES SEEN: GOLDEN FARM

All-natural preserves are on sale at Golden Farm.

Bonne Maman
Two 13-ounce jars for $4.50, reduced from Golden Farm's already low price of two for $5.

Pure fruit, with hunks of apricots, peaches, damson plums, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries, or mandarin oranges. Wild fruit contains raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries. 4 red fruits contains cherries, strawberries, redcurrants, and raspberries.

The ingredients, listed in order of amount, are fruit, sugar, cane sugar, lemon, and fruit pectin. No preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners.

Hero
Preserves from Switzerland, $5 for two 12-ounce jars.

Blueberry, strawberry, forest berry, red cherry, black cherry, and apricot. These also have no preservatives, no artificial flavors or colors, no high-fructose corn syrup, and no artificial sweeteners and are certified kosher by the Orthodox Union.

Get 'em while they got 'em!

Golden Farm
329 Church Avenue, corner of E. 4th Street
(718) 871-1009

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

TIRED OF GRAFFITI?

Three ways to remove those "decorations":

1: Report graffiti on your property to Graffiti Free Brooklyn by calling (718) 802-3777 or by printing out a consent form, filling it out, and mailing or faxing it to the Brooklyn Borough President's office.

2: Report graffiti to Graffiti Free NYC by calling 311. As of two days ago, owners of residential and commercial property no longer to have to sign a waiver granting the city permission to clean the building. Instead, after graffiti has been reported, the city will notify property owners that the graffiti on their property will be removed within thirty-five days. However, property owners do have the right to call 311 within those thirty-five days and say that they don't want the graffiti removed or that they'll remove it themselves.

3: Community-based organizations can get free paint and supplies through the Mayor's Paint Program. Print out the application form, fill it out, and mail or fax it, or call 311. The organization has to submit a waiver from the property owner before requesting supplies from the city. Call the Mayor's Community Affairs Unit at (212) 788-7418 for more information.

MASSAGE BY MILA AT NAILS PLUS

My neighbor was a bit skeptical. "After all," she thought, "how good can a $20 massage be?" She decided to see if her tight and weary muscles could be reinvigorated with a trip to Nails Plus.

Mila asked her if she had any problem areas and then sat her in the chair, working first on her tense neck. Ten or so minutes later, Mila transferred her to the massage table. It was a bit awkward to disrobe in a nail salon, and she wished it was more private in the back, but the massage beckoned. She was concerned that Mila might be tired by 2 p.m., but she noticed no signs of fatigue. At the end of the massage, Mila stretched her a few different ways, and she left feeling "loosey-goosey" and refreshed.

Hurry in for this special price! $20 for 30 minutes; $38 for 60 minutes.

Nails Plus
325 Church Avenue
(718) 854-7891

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BUSINESS FINANCING FAIR

Do you need a loan for your small business? At the free Business Financing Fair, you can

1. Meet one-on-one with loan officers.
2. Discuss your financing options.
3. Begin the loan application process.

More than ten banks and alternative lenders will be participating, including

• ACCION USA
• Brooklyn Cooperative FCU
• NYCfNAC (New York City Financial Network Action Consortium)
  
• Project Enterprise
• Business Center for New Americans
• and others.

Business Financing Fair (free)
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

NYC Business Solutions
Brooklyn Center
9 Bond Street, 5th floor
by subway: 2 or 3 to Hoyt Street; 4 or 5 to Nevins Street; A, C, or G to Hoyt-Schermerhorn

RSVP by October 14th by calling Manuel Dominguez at (718) 875-3400, extension 5, or send an e-mail to him at mdominguez@brooklynchamber.com.

RICH FROG TOYS SPECIAL, OCTOBER 5TH THROUGH 9TH

This week at Rich Frog Toys, Alexa is taking 20% off the price of all floor puzzles!

The floor puzzles, made by Melissa & Doug and James Galt & Co., have as few as 24 pieces and as many as 100, with appealing themes like animals, fairies, pirates, cars, anatomy, and more. The puzzles are suitable for ages 3 and up.They regularly retail for $12.99 to $19.99.

The special runs from Monday, October 5th, through Friday, October 9th. Don't miss it!

Store hours:
Monday through Saturday, 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Rich Frog Toys
"Where children learn to use their imagination"
Educational Toys for Boys and Girls
211 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(866) 371-1858
http://www.richfrogtoys.com
info@richfrogtoys.com

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NAMASTE YOGA: MORE CLASSES AND INSTRUCTORS, ADDITIONAL PRICING PLAN, SPECIAL FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Namaste Yoga just keeps on growing, offering more classes, more instructors, an additional pricing plan, and an extension of its special for new customers.

New Classes

• Pre-natal Yoga. Men and non-pregnant women are welcome at this gentle flow yoga class. Saturdays, 11:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
  
• Belly Dance with Lasha. Mondays, 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  
• Kids Yoga. Tuesdays, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ages 2 to 5.
• Kids Yoga. Thursdays, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Ages 6 to 12.

Additional Pricing Plan
Namaste has added a 50-class series to its price schedule. You can purchase a card for 50 classes for $500--that's only $10 per class! The card can be used for all classes (Yoga, Belly Dance, and Mat Pilates) and doesn't have an expiration date. See Namaste's complete price schedule for other multiple-class and monthly options.

Special for New Customers
Buy 4 classes and get 1 FREE! The offer expires 14 days after purchase.

More Instructors

• Nicole McBride: Gentle Flow Basic Yoga, Thursdays, 9:15 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.
• Lauren Tepper: Basic Yoga, Fridays, 10:45 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

Schedule changes

• The Mat Pilates class has moved to Sundays, 11:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.
• India's Open Level class on Wednesday evenings (for all levels) now runs from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.

Namaste Yoga of Kensington
482 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd floor (The main entrance is on Church Avenue. Walk up the red staircase with the red door, behind the corner pizzeria and next to the car wash service center.)
(347) 533-6226 or (347) 533-6227
http://www.mynamasteyoga.com

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BUILDING A BUSINESS 101

A Series of Three Free Workshops about
Starting a Successful Business

In "Building a Business 101," participants will learn from experienced business consultants about basic steps and best practices. Attend one, two, or all three sessions.

Writing a Business Plan
Tuesday, October 13, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Creating a Marketing Plan
Tuesday, October 20, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Making Financial Projections
Tuesday, October 27, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Register at http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/business/programs/events.jsp. Or call (718) 623-7000 and select option 4.

Brooklyn Public Library's Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West

REGULATORY REVIEW PANEL FACT SHEET

Regulatory Review Panel Fact Sheet

What is the Panel?
The Regulatory Review Panel was created pursuant to Local Law 45 of 2009 by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and the City Council to review the structure and function of City regulations and their impact on small businesses.

Why do we need a Panel?
The Panel will, with significant input from City agencies, businesses, consumers, and the public at large, seek out ways to reduce or eliminate unnecessary costs and burdens of City regulations.

What will the Panel do?
The Panel will develop recommendations on how to enhance the City’s regulatory system, with a focus on both specific regulations and the general rulemaking process. These recommendations will be included in a final report to the Mayor and City Council at the end of the year. The Panel will focus on reviewing regulations that impact small businesses and other vital sectors of the City’s economy, such as the hospitality and tourism industry. The report will also include recommendations on how additional regulatory review affecting other sectors can be undertaken beyond 2009.

What will the Panel’s report include?
The Panel’s report will include a series of recommendations that are expected to fall into the following categories:

Changes in Law
The Panel may recommend that regulations or laws be amended, or operational changes be made, to address the Panel’s findings in ways that would reduce regulatory burdens.

Customer Service
The Panel will recommend ways to explain or simplify complex regulations so that they are easily understood by the public and administered by agencies.

Transparency
The Panel will seek to leverage modern technology and the Internet to make information on regulations and processes easier to access.

How can the public share its ideas with the Panel?
Send an e-mail to regreview@cityhall.nyc.gov or write to Regulatory Review Panel, c/o Alexis Offen, Mayor’s Office of Operations, 253 Broadway, 10th Floor, New York, NY 10007.

NYC Business Express (www.nyc.gov/businessexpress) is a one-stop online tool that makes starting, operating, and expanding a business in New York City clearer, faster, and simpler by providing customized information about City, State, and Federal requirements.

The Department of Small Business Services (www.nyc.gov/sbs) provides assistance to business owners, job seekers, and neighborhoods.

NYC Business Solutions (www.nyc.gov/nycbusiness) is a suite of services offered by the Department of Small Business Services to help businesses start, operate, and expand in New York City.

The Department of Consumer Affairs (www.nyc.gov/dca) provides information about the rights and responsibilities of both consumers and businesses.

The City Council’s website (http://council.nyc.gov), features a searchable database of current and past legislation.

The Panel will be conducting feedback sessions with representatives from trade associations, economic and policy think tanks, good government groups and chambers of commerce located throughout the five boroughs, as well as key members of the public.

Who is on the Panel?
Chair:Anthony Crowell, Counselor to the Mayor
Members: Michael Cardozo, Corporation Counsel;Jeff Kay, Director, Mayor’s Office of Operations; Mark Page, Director, Mayor’s Office of Management and Budget; Shari Hyman, Director, Mayor’s Office of Special Enforcement; Jonathan Mintz, Commissioner, Department of Consumer Affairs; Robert W. Walsh, Commissioner, Department of Small Business Services; Leroy G. Comrie, Jr., City Council Member (Queens, District 27); James Oddo, City Council Member (Staten Island, District 50)' David Yassky, City Council Member (Brooklyn, District 33)

HOWLLOWEEN BLOCK BARK PARTY

Saturday, October 31st, 12 noon to 5 p.m.

Join the Sean Casey Animal Rescue's 2nd annual free Howlloween Block Bark Party, with live music, raffles, and costume contests for everyone--including your pets!

Burgers, hot dogs, beverages, and dessert will be sold, and all proceeds will benefit Sean Casey Animal Rescue.

Last year's party was reported on by Brooklyn's News 12. You can also see several dozen videos of SCAR in action on YouTube and visit Sean's Petfinder page.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
155 E. 3rd Street, between Fort Hamilton Parkway and Caton Avenue.
(718) 436-PETS/7387.

http://scarnyc.org

Specializing in the rescue, rehabilitation, and placement of reptiles, amphibians, and exotic and domestic animals.

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SALES SEEN: WAREHOUSE OUTLET

"green is clean" tote bags, 2 for $1.00



















children's snowsuits, $4.00

Warehouse Outlet

207 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(718) 854-2689

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NO BEEF WITH DENNY'S STEAK PUB

Denny's Steak Pub isn't just steak. Actually, it isn't steak at all. Many years ago, it was--now it's all pub. Denny's is featured in Off the Presses. The review is reprinted, with photos, on Eater NY.

Denny's Steak Pub
106 Beverley Road, corner of Church Avenue at McDonald Avenue
(718) 435-2156
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FREE YOGA CLASS AND FIRST-TIMERS SPECIAL AT NAMASTE YOGA STUDIO

September is Yoga Month, and Namaste Yoga Studio is giving back to the yoga community by offering a free class on Saturday, September 26th, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., with India Alexis.

Also this month, Namaste Yoga is having a First Timers Special: buy 4, get 1 free. New customers can get 1 free class with the purchase of 4. The offer expires 14 days after the purchase.

Namaste Yoga of Kensington
482 Coney Island Avenue, 2nd floor (use the red staircase/red door on the Church Avenue side in the car/lube parking lot rear of the building's entrance)
(347) 533-6226 or (347) 533-6227
http://www.mynamasteyoga.com

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WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, MARIA'S PIZZERIA!

Maria's Pizzeria is celebrating its grand opening today and tomorrow by selling pizza at--$1.00 a slice!

Darren, the new owner of what was G&A Pizzeria, is adding several new items to the menu, such as whole wheat pizza with part-skim mozzarella, stuffed pizza, Chicago-style pizza, baby pan pizza, family size calzones, chicken cutlet salad, caesar salad with grilled Italian herb chicken, and chicken garlic knots. He also has hamburgers, cheeseburgers, pizza burgers, french fries, cheesy french fries, and more.

Ask about the Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday specials.

Jose and Ruth, the former owners of G&A Pizzeria, served our neighborhood for five years and will be missed. We're pleased that Paul is staying on as the chef.

Free delivery with a minimum order of $8.00.
Catering for all occasions.

Monday-Thursday, 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
Friday and Saturday, 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Darren--and best wishes!

Maria's Pizzeria
3007 Fort Hamilton Parkway, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(718) 854-7575

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FINANCING FOR YOUR BUSINESS

September 15, 2009, 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Learn the options available to finance your start-up or existing business for growth even during the "credit crunch." Options available include raising money via debt and equity instruments. Learn the best option for your business. They will also discuss options available to those that do not have good credit or collateral.

Free. Space is limited. Advance registration is requested. Call (718) 282-2500 or send an e-mail to smallbiz@camba.org.

CAMBA, 884 Flatbush Avenue (at Church Avenue), 2nd floor.

ORGANIC PRODUCE AT GOLDEN FARM

With encouragement from local residents, Golden Farm has begun stocking some organic produce again.

Golden Farm is a wonder of international delights. In addition to a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, it also carries numerous types of cheese, bread, dried fruit and nuts in bulk, cookies, cereal, herbal tea, tofu, and international beers as well as hummus, pickles floating in brine, smoked fish, and so much, much more.

Fast lines, good prices. Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Golden Farm
329 Church Avenue, at the corner of E. 4th Street
(718) 871-1009

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KARMA'S SECOND GENERAL MEETING, SEPTEMBER 8TH

The second general meeting of Kensington merchants and residents interested in the future of Church Avenue will be on Tuesday, September 8th, from 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at Old Brick Cafe, 507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway.

KARMABrooklyn supports local business!

RICH FROG TOYS: FREE GIFTS FOR KIDS!

From Alexandra at Rich Frog Toys

Dear Parents and Kids,

Rich Frog Toys wants to welcome everybody back to school and we want to wish you a Happy and a Healthy School Year. And, to show our appreciation to you, we want you to start your school year with a special gift from us. Please come in from Friday [September 4th] through Monday and get your gifts. We have something nice prepared for you.

Just a reminder, we are open Monday, September 7th. We hope to see you soon.

Best,
Rich Frog Toys

Rich Frog Toys
211 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets
(866) 371-1858
http://www.richfrogtoys.com

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NYC ICY: AT YOUR SERVICE!

The rumor about the closing of NYC ICY has been squelched by the bloodhounds at the Kensington, Brooklyn blog.

NYC ICY
905 Church Avenue, near Coney Island Avenue
(347) 789-1849

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SALES SEEN: DAN'S SELECT MEATS

Seen today in Dan's Select Meats: jumbo eggs: $1.39 per dozen, extra large eggs, $1.29 per dozen.

Recommendations for several of the foods sold at Dan's are posted on the Kensington, Brooklyn blog.

Dan's Select Meats
205 Church Avenue
(718) 438-1982

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AM-THAI CHILI BASIL KITCHEN'S ONLINE MENU

Check out the gloriously colorful, mouth-watering photos of a few of Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen's soups, salads, appetizers, entrees, noodles, fried rice, curries, and desserts. Additional photos are displayed on their new menu.

Enthusiastic reviews that should send you scurrying to Am-Thai are here, here, here, and here. Enjoy your meal, and tell them that KARMABrooklyn sent you!

Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen
359 McDonald Avenue, slightly north of Albemarle Road
(718) 871-9115
(718) 854-5054
http://www.amthaikitchen.com

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KORNER PIZZERIA CLOSED FOR VACATION

Korner Pizzeria is closed for vacation. When it reopens on Monday, September 7th, head there to enjoy spaghetti with red or white clam sauce, ziti with broccoli, baked ravioli, veal scaloppine, chicken francaise, shrimp oreganata, pizza, and much more.

Open Monday to Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Sunday, noon to 10 p.m.
Delivery hours: Monday to Friday, 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Korner Pizzeria
226 Church Avenue at E. 3rd Street
(718) 853-3755 or (718) 633-9828

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SBA MICROLOAN PROGRAM GROWS

An additional $50 million in loans and $24 million in technical assistance and counseling programs is available from the U.S. Small Business Administration's Microloan Program. Accion USA, Inc., located in Manhattan, has been approved by the SBA as a microlender.

A microlender can lend up to $35,000 to a small business owner to use for working capital and to acquire materials, supplies, furniture, fixtures, and equipment.

Details about the Microloan Program are on the SBA website.

ZAFFRAN RESTAURANT'S "EXTENSIVE AND PROMISING MENU"

Village Voice food blogger Sarah DiGregorio loves the Bangladeshi restaurants in our neighborhood. She previously wrote about Gyro King, Jhinuk Restaurant, and Sugandha Restaurant.

Yesterday, she ate lunch from the steam table at Zaffran Restaurant, and she's looking forward to going back there for dinner. Her review includes tempting photos of some of the dishes.

Zaffran Restaurant and Party Hall
90 Church Avenue, near McDonald Avenue
(917) 627-8748

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COOL OFF WITH NYC ICY

NYC ICY's Italian-style gourmet cream ices and sherbets can help you survive this oppressive summer weather. Try an Icy in flavors like mango basil, lychee, cantaloupe, licorice, chocolate chocolate chip, and black raspberry. Or have a sherbet in flavors like hazelnut chip, mint chip, apricot ginger, cappuccino, and white chocolate.

NYC ICY
905 Church Avenue, near Coney Island Avenue
(347) 789-1849

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CAFE AFSONA'S KHACHAPURI AND SHURPA

Take a look at the beautiful photos of Cafe Afsona's khachapuri (cheese bread) and shurpa (meat, potato, chickpea, and carrot soup)!

Cafe Afsona
416 Ditmas Avenue, between E. 4th and E. 5th streets
(718) 633-3006

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COMMERCIAL LEASE RENEWALS AND THE SMALL BUSINESS SURVIVAL ACT

The City Council's Committee on Small Business will get back to work on the Small Business Survival Act either next month or in October. The bill will create "a small business lease program for establishing an environment for fair negotiations in the commercial lease renewal process in order to determine reasonable lease terms."

You can read the bill and see which City Council members are sponsoring it and also read the agenda and minutes of the hearing the committee held on June 29, 2009.

These are some of the statements in the 155 pages of Minutes:

Chairperson David Yassky: "The mom and pop stores on the commercial strips in our neighborhoods are the heart of the neighborhood. We cannot allow them to be pushed to the point of disappearance, which is what is happening now. The proposed legislation would represent a substantial departure from the current marketing for leasing space and involving city government in the process."

New York City's Department of Small Business Services spoke on behalf of the Bloomberg administration, which is against the legislation. The administration believes that it would cost New York City too much money for monitoring and enforcement.

Council Member Robert Jackson, who proposed the bill: "Nobody is suggesting that the city start regulating the rents. Many of the advocates here today will say that this is not commercial rent control. This is simply assisting them so they have a little bit more leverage because right now they're totally dependent upon the landlord of the building. The ironic thing is that the more successful these entrepreneurs are in building up their small business, the more valuable the landlord's property becomes and then the landlord can demand even higher rent. So what they're asking for is not for the city to institute rent control; they're asking for the city to stand on their side for a change and to help them with the negotiations that take place whenever their leases come up for renewal."

Mr. Jackson to Stephen Null, Founder, Coalition for Fair Business Rents: "Do you have any opinion as to what caused the landlords to stop bargaining in good faith with their tenants? You testified that for 40 years the landlords and tenants bargained in good faith successfully."

Mr. Null: "Three things happened. The first was that they allowed speculators to flip buildings and they allowed this to go on too long. What happens when somebody goes to buy a building to flip it, they don’t want to negotiate with the tenant. They would prefer to have the tenant out. The second thing was the franchises. Again, the landlord didn’t want to negotiate with the little mom and pop buy because he's going to negotiate a fair rent. He cannot compete against banks and franchises, even though they're going to go out of business. The last factor was the overall real estate speculation. Nobody wants an average profit. Everybody wants a fortune. So the poor little tenant who's negotiating and trying to get a reasonable lease, he's caught up with all this speculation and greed."

Sherri Donovan, Attorney, National Organization for Women: "Yes, this is a capitalist market but we have government to balance interests. Whenever there is a public interest, the government has the right to step in with reasonable regulation. This is so minimal. This is just sending them to an arbitrator process to negotiate. This is not established rent. This is not a percentage. This is not even a tax."

Mr. Yassky: "One concern I have about the bill is whether it would backfire. If you're a landlord and you know that a tenant is going to have the right to go to arbitration before renewal, you would not take a risk on a smaller tenant that you don’t know if they're going to stay in business. Maybe then whenever you have an empty store, you'll insist that it be Chase Bank or Rite Aid Drugs."

Luis Parra, president of the Latino Association of Tax Preparers: "Today, most people are speaking of small businesses like bodegas, Laundromats and other businesses. We have around 96,000 small businesses in the service sector like lawyers, accountants, tax professionals, doctors, dentists, engineers, real estate, day care providers, cleaning services, beauty salons, and others. This bill is going to protect these kinds of businesses along with the businesses we've heard of today. According to the New York State Department of Labor, this section of the professional businesses has 583,000 employees by April 30, 2009. That represents 30% of the total of the sector."

GYRO KING "A TASTY DEAL"

Gyro King was reviewed in the "Incredibly Cheap Eats" column of the Village Voice yesterday. Reviewer Sarah DiGregorio enjoyed the lamb gyro!

473 McDonald Avenue, between Church Avenue and Avenue C
(718) 871-0002

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SMALL BUSINESS LEGAL CLINIC

Tuesday, September 22, 2009, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation, in conjunction with Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, will present a free Small Business Legal Clinic.

If you are a small business owner or are thinking about starting your own business, you can meet one-on-one with an attorney and learn more about the legal consequences of owning and operating a business in NYC.

Do you need help deciding whether or not to incorporate?
Do you have questions about contracts?
Intellectual property rights?
Are you planning to rent a storefront or renew your commercial lease?

Your questions will be answered by volunteers of the Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project.

This event is open to the public and free of charge, however reservations are required as availability is limited.

Call (212) 382-6633 to make a reservation.

Brooklyn Public Library’s Business Library
280 Cadman Plaza West
2nd Floor Meeting Room
Brooklyn, New York 11201

The Neighborhood Entrepreneur Law Project, a program of the City Bar Justice Center, provides free quality legal assistance to low-income microentrepreneurs who reside in NYC and are interested in starting a small business or who already have an existing business.

BEDC's Mission
The Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation seeks to create and expand economic opportunity throughout Brooklyn by implementing business and neighborhood development and planning activities to support and create sustainable jobs, industries and communities.

BEDC, a private, nonprofit organization, was established in 1979 to stimulate Brooklyn’s economy and create job opportunities for the borough and its residents. BEDC has evolved into a multi-service, business-consulting agency, serving more than 1,000 clients annually and offering comprehensive economic development services.

SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION'S FREE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

Free programs and services are offered to owners of small businesses through the U.S. Small Business Administration, including financial assistance, business education and training, federal government contracting assistance, counseling, advocacy, and disaster assistance. The New York District Office provides a calendar of events for small business owners in the New York District.

The New York District Office is located at 26 Federal Plaza, Room 3100, New York, NY 10278. Phone: (212) 264-4354. Fax: (212) 264-4963. TDD: (212) 264-9147. For information about free programs and services, call the Marketing Division at (212) 264-9487.Office hours: 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.

In the most recent issue of the District Office's newsletter, an article discusses the short-term, no-interest loans of up to $35,000 that are available to small business owners who are experiencing immediate financial hardship.

Get a free subscription to the District Office's newsletter by putting a check mark in the box next to INSIDE THE NEW YORK DISTRICT OFFICE (and any other newsletters you would like to subscribe to), typing your first name, last name, and e-mail address at the bottom of the page, and clicking Subscribe. An e-mail will be sent to you asking you to confirm your subscription. Click on the link in the e-mail within forty-eight hours. Another e-mail will then be sent to you that confirms your subscription.

Free online training courses are available.

THE OAK AND THE IRIS: TASTY FOOD AND FREE WI-FI

Attention, laptop computer users! An article in The Wall Street Journal ("No More Perks: Coffee Shops Pull the Plug on Laptop Users") reports that "Amid the economic downturn, there are fewer places in New York to plug in computers. A decade-old love affair between coffee shops and laptop-wielding customers is fading. In New York, the trend is accelerating among independents."

The Oak and The Iris Cafe, however, continues to provide its customers with a wi-fi connection. Free. For however long you sit there. (But charge your battery before you go.)

O and I's motto is "healthy, original, organic, polite, and cozy." The owners have created a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In addition to providing free wi-fi, they provide a play area for children, high chairs, a comfortable sofa, and a free meeting place for community events. They even have a suggestion box!

The cafe serves breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. Among the many delicious menu choices are fresh-squeezed juices (apple and carrot, strawberry and orange), fresh fruit smoothies (strawberry and/or banana, pineapple and/or cantaloupe), and omelets made with your choice of a cheese or a vegetable and a meat (and served with toast and home fries or fruit salad).

Your taste buds will also be pleased by their panini (prosciutto and mozzarella, albacore tuna with Italian grilled artichokes, feta with black olive paste and hummus), salads (including grilled vegetable salad), homemade soups, entrees (such as grilled salmon fillet and peppered steak), latte, cappuccino, Italian iced coffee, tiramisu, and flan.

Enjoy your meal at one of the outdoor tables (if you can tolerate hot weather!).

Plans are underway for upgrading breakfast, baking pastry items on the premises daily, creating new sauces, and offering more dinner entrees.

Free delivery is available with a minimum order of $10.

O and I also offers a catering menu.

The Oak and The Iris Cafe
2826 Fort Hamilton Parkway (at the corner of E. 4th Street)
(718) 208-7713

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BUSINESS LIBRARY EVENTS FOR AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER

Brooklyn Public Library's Business Library is offering three free workshops for business owners during August and September. The workshops will be held at the Business Library at 280 Cadman Plaza West at Tillary Street from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Telephone: (718) 623-7000.

Business Survival Strategies
Tuesday, August 11th
Owners of retail stores, restaurants, and online businesses will learn how to price and promote their products and services.

Setting Up a Website for Online Sales
Tuesday, September 15th
Get the tools you need for using the latest technology to promote your business. This is part one of a two-part technology series.

Social Networking & Your Business
Tuesday, September 22nd Learn how Internet social networking strategies can help build your customer base. This is part two of a two-part technology series.

AM-THAI CHILI BASIL KITCHEN'S "ELEPHANTINE BILL OF FARE"

Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen earned a glowing review in the Dining section of The Village Voice. The writer, Robert Sietsema, described the "elephantine bill of fare" as "130 dishes in 11 categories" with "1,000 choices in all." He called the duck herbal "one of the best things we'd tasted this year" and the mussel pancake "an opulent wonder."

Unfortunately, he characterized the street that Am-Thai Chili Basil is on as "a nowheresville stretch of Brooklyn's McDonald Avenue." He's wrong! On that one block between Albemarle Road and Caton Avenue, we have a dentist, a grocery store, an elementary school, a laundromat, a funeral home, a veterinarian, and more, plus apartment buildings that are home to the fine residents of Kensington.

Am-Thai Chili Basil Kitchen
359 McDonald Avenue
(718) 871-9115
(718) 854-5054

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TWO BANGLADESHI RESTAURANTS AND A GROCERY STORE

The Village Voice's food column, "fork in the road," praised two of Kensington's Bangladeshi restaurants and a grocery store in an August 6, 2008, review.

Writer Sarah DiGregorio says about Jhinuk Restaurant: "A bitter gourd stew turned out to be good, as was a fish curry and the lamb biryani." Of Sugandha Restaurant, she writes "The best pick, though, is the beef bhuna, a dry-ish, spice-laden mix of stewed beef, cubed beef liver, onions and whole green chiles. Completely delicious."

Bangla Nagar Grocery is described as "large and well-stocked" and "fun to wander through."

Jhinuk Restaurant, 478 McDonald Avenue, (718) 871-5355
Sugandha Restaurant, 483 McDonald Avenue, (718) 438-8773
Bangla Nagar Grocery, 87 Church Avenue, (718) 633-0144

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CITY SALES TAX INCREASED

The total sales tax that you pay on taxable items purchased in New York City increased yesterday from 8.375% to 8.875%. Of that 8.875%, the amount that is for New York State sales tax is 4.375%.

The rest of the tax is for New York City sales tax, which increased yesterday by one-half of one percent from 4% to 4.5%. That is an increase of 5 cents on each $10 you spend on taxable items. The last permanent increase in New York City sales tax was in 1974, when it was raised from 3% to 4%.

Also, if you buy one item of clothing in New York City that costs $110 or more, you'll now be charged sales tax.

BERGAMENT'S VAST RANGE OF MERCHANDISE

Warning: When you see something you want at Bergament, buy it immediately! This department store's prices are so low that an item may be sold out by the time you go back.

Bergament Outlet has clothing and shoes for women and men, including nightgowns, t-shirts, blouses, shorts, jeans, casual and dress shoes, lingerie, undershirts, slacks, jewelry, purses, robes,

The vast range of merchandise in Bergament Home Center includes hardware, housewares, cleaning supplies, kitchenware, kitchen appliances, rugs, desks, chairs, wardrobe closets, fans, towels, clothing, garbage cans, storage containers, bathroom supplies, clothing, furniture, luggage, paint, electrical and plumbing supplies, cleaning supplies, grooming supplies, yoga mats, bedding sets, sofas, beds, dining room sets, lamps, floor tiles, tools, mirrors, paper goods,

Bergament Kid's Clothing has items for infants through teens, including clothing, furniture, shoes, socks, belts, tights, strollers, cribs, bassinets, toys, school uniforms. Some of the brand names are Avirex, Nautica, Polo, Rocawear, French Toast, Fubu, Enyce, and Ecko.

Bergament Wireless sells electronics, televisions, cameras, DVD storage cases, computer accessories,

Free parking is provided.

3621 13th Avenue
Bergament Home Center: (718) 633-0264
Bergament Kid's Clothing: (718) 438-3111
Bergament Wireless: (347) 524-2251

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BEDC's ENTREPENEUR ASSISTANCE PROGRAM OFFERED THIS FALL

The Entrepreneur Assistance Program run by the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation teaches owners and potential owners of small businesses how to manage a business successfully and be profitable. This fall's classes are for people in any stage of business development, from start-ups to growth and expansion of existing businesses. The expertise of current business owners and professional business counselors is included in the program.

Classes will be held on Tuesdays, from September 15th through December 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Advance registration is required. A 10% discount is offered to people who register before September 1st, reducing the cost from $250 to $225.

Location: St. Francis College, 180 Remsen Street, in Brooklyn Heights.

Twenty-five people can be accommodated. To register, call Nina Sampayo at (718) 522-4600, ext. 10 or e-mail her at n_sampayo@bedc.org.

BEDC seeks to reflect the ethnic and racial diversity of Brooklyn by reaching out to and working with entrepreneurs in communities throughout the borough.

A FOOD LOVER'S GUIDE TO KENSINGTON

"A Food Lover's Guide to Kensington," an article by Nancy J. Brandwein, was published today in AM New York. Her description of Church Avenue as "low-key and scruffy" isn't complimentary, but her overall article is. Ms. Brandwein has written about Sugandha Restaurant, To B Thai, Dan's Select Meats, Dinosha Albanian Village, Bastek Deli, Golden Farm, Russian Homemade Cuisine, Old Brick Cafe Lounge, Taqueria Los Poblanos, NYC Icy, and Shayna's.

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PARKWAY PHARMACY--AN OLD FRIEND

Parkway Pharmacy has been serving Kensington since 1980. This customer-oriented store has a free self-service blood pressure machine on the premises, provides free pick-up and delivery, and offers such services as passport photos, notary public, bill payment service, ATM, fax service, and 5-cent photocopier. And senior citizens are given a 10% discount.

In addition to medical and personal care items, Parkway carries DVDs for adults and children, toys, and children's books. Greeting cards are always 50% off.

A list of "New and Generic Drug Approvals" and Parkway's sales circular are published on its website.

Parkway Pharmacy
31 Church Avenue
phone: 718-436-5501
fax: 718-437-9490

adamgene@parkwaypharmonline.com

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DORIS IS NOW AT LEJLA'S

Those of you who have been having bad hair days since Doris closed her Doris Beauty Salon on Fort Hamilton Parkway will find her working at Lejla's Hair Salon for men and women at 513 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway. Call (347) 873-7662 for an appointment.

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SNEAKER DRAMA: NOT JUST SNEAKERS

Everywhere you turn in Sneaker Drama, you'll find something interesting. Besides high-top sneakers (including a pair with a subway map on them), the store has running shoes, walking shoes, and boots. And T-shirts and sweatshirts, with and without wildly colorful designs. And jeans. And sunglasses. And leather belts.

The footwear is for men, women, and children. Nike, Converse, and Adidas are featured.

See for yourself!

Hours: Monday to Saturday, 12 to 8, Sunday, 12 to 5

Sneaker Drama
418 Church Avenue, between E. 4th and E. 5th streets
phone and fax: (718) 435-7800
sneakerdrama@optonline.net

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PLATTERS AT CONNIE'S CAFE

The platters at Connie's Cafe come with a healthy dinner salad or a cup of soup (today's was chicken rice), a vegetable (today's were broccoli, spinach, corn, and string beans), and a potato (baked or mashed) for $8.75. The coffee is served hot--and you can get as many free refills as you want!--for just a dollar. Tax is already included in the prices.

Service is fast. The attentive waitress, Nazy, happily answers questions.

Connie's Cafe is at 424 Church Avenue, at the corner of E. 5th Street. It opens every day at 6:00 a.m. Or get free delivery, with no minimum, by calling (718) 633-3557.

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RICH FROG TOYS--A REPORT FROM A HAPPY CUSTOMER

This post about Rich Frog Toys was published on the KWT Neighbors listserv. It is reprinted here with the permission of its author.

Rich Frog is located at 211 Church Avenue, between E. 2nd and E. 3rd streets. Phone: (866) 371-1858

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Hi all –
Just wanted to write a quick note about my recent experience at Rich Frog Toys on Church. I went there over the weekend for a couple of birthday presents and was amazed at how much the store has expanded since I was there last. Every time I go, there seems to be more. I've been able to shop for babies all the way up through my 8 year old nephew and the toys have been both high quality and reasonably priced.

Per usual, Alexandra was so helpful at pointing out age appropriate toys in the price ranges I was looking for and was totally non-pressuring as I looked (with my two children browsing as well).

Rich Frog is such a wonderful resource in the neighborhood – and every time I've been it seems I've gotten something extra – a small cloth reusable bag last time I was there, $5 coupons for my next visit this time--between the quality, service, and extras, it's always a great experience. Not related in any way to the owner – just found it an exceptional experience.

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SAVINGS IN KENSINGTON

Today's Daily News spotlights several businesses on or near Church Avenue: Golden Farm, 2E Cleaners, Snow White Laundromat, Marks Tools and Hardware, Hair Pleasure, Ava Nails, To B Thai, Connie's Cafe and Restaurant, and Parkway Pharmacy.

The reporter effectively captures the appeal of our neighborhood: "With bustling streets, a diverse ethnic makeup, and plenty of prewar apartments, Kensington is a great place to live."

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CONNIE'S CAFE - A NEW RESTAURANT IN KENSINGTON

Ron Lopez has written in Kensington Stories about the recently-opened Connie's Cafe ("both the food and the price are right"). Connie's mother, "who helps around the restaurant and does some of the cooking," is featured in the Daily News article Savings in Kensington. And here's a photo of Connie's sister at work behind the counter.


Connie's Cafe
424 Church Avenue, at the corner of E. 5th Street
Open every day from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Free delivery, no minimum
(718) 633-3557

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CON EDISON: FREE ENERGY SURVEY AND REBATES FOR BUSINESSES

Business customers can get free energy surveys and rebates from Con Ed for using energy efficient heating, cooling, and lighting.

Business customers who use less than 100 kilowatts per month can get a free energy survey of their businesses and learn how to spend less money and save money. Con Ed will install, for free, compact fluorescent lamps, low-flow aerators, high pressure rinse sprayers, and a water heater thermostat setback.

Business customers can get up to 70% in rebates on the installation of high efficiency lighting, ballasts and fixtures or if they retro commission their existing heating, ventilation and cooling system, or if they install an Energy Star rated programmable thermostat.

For more information and to sign up for a free energy survey, fill out the online form or call 1-877-870-6118.

NYC SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCE CENTER CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The NYC Small Business Resource Center calendar lists seminars, training sessions, and meetings for small businesses. Many of the events are free. Many of them are in Brooklyn.

Some of the events are "Financing for Your Business," "Business Loan Informational Session," "Researching the 5 P's of Your Marketing Plan: Product, People, Price, Place, Promotion, "Money from the Government for Your Small Business," "Free Money for Your Business," "Marketing Basics," and "Create a Website for Your Business."

SMALL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE DAY

Friday, August 7, 2009, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

A talk will be given by Con Edison on "Small Business Energy Saving Advice," by ACCION USA on "Small Business Loans," and by CAMBA Economic Development Corporation on "Counseling, Training, and Loans."

The event will be held at the District Office of New York State Senator Kevin S. Parker, 4515 Avenue D, between East 45th and 46th streets, Brooklyn, NY, 11203.

For more information, contact Mynah Gooden in Senator Parker's office at (718) 629-6401.

SEAN CASEY ANIMAL RESCUE'S SUMMER CELEBRATION AND ADOPTION OPEN HOUSE

Saturday, July 18th, noon to 5 p.m.

Join the good people at Sean Casey Animal Rescue for a fun-filled day of pet-friendly activities, food, games,music, prizes, and free goodies for four-legged friends.

Visit the delightful animals that are available for adoption and eager to live in loving homes.

Hot dogs, hamburgers, beverages, and more will be sold to raise funds for the Sean Casey Animal Rescue Adoption Van.

Sean Casey Animal Rescue
155 E. 3rd Street, between Caton Avenue and Fort Hamilton Parkway
(718) 436-5163

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WANTED: MORE PUBLIC LITTER BASKETS

Let's get more public litter baskets in our shopping area!

Public litter baskets for street corners can be requested from the Department of Sanitation either online or by calling 311. The online form asks where you want a litter basket placed and why. The choices for "why" are bus stop, high pedestrian traffic, school, subway, commercial area, and other. You can make the request anonymously or include your name, phone number, and e-mail address.

EVERYBLOCK: THE LATEST NEWS FOR 11218

Keep up with the latest news in zip code 11218 on EveryBlock. EveryBlock includes business reviews, restaurant inspections, liquor licenses, building permit actions, sign permit actions, political news items, crime reports, graffiti cleanup requests, graffiti cleaned, lost and found postings, locations in the media, real estate listings, property sales, photos, and street condition reports.

CHURCH AVENUE TO BE ONE-WAY?

"Hoots and hollers were the order of the day as East Flatbush residents and merchants made it clear that they did not want to see Church Avenue turned into a one-way street. DOT plans to return to the community for further discussion in October."

BROOKLYN POTHO MELA PHOTOS

Close to 200 photos taken at the 2009 Brooklyn Potho Mela Street Festival are posted on the website of The Brooklyn Voice. The festival, held on June 14th, was sponsored by the Church McDonald (Bangladeshi) Business Association, Inc.

KARMA'S FIRST GENERAL MEETING, JUNE 23RD

When: Tuesday, June 23rd, 7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Old Brick Cafe, 507 Church Avenue, between E. 5th Street and Ocean Parkway

What: The first meeting of Kensington residents and merchants interested in the future of Church Avenue.