KARMA'S NEXT COMMUNITY MEETING, NOVEMBER 3RD

The next community 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!

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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

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

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

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

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

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESS!

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)