Summer Book Buddy

Summer is fast approaching and for some teens there is not much to do.
Why not Volunteer for:

Summer Book Buddy
	Learn new skills and be a role model for other kids If you're a teen volunteer (ages 12-18), you can help librarians read aloud to children and assist with all kinds of cool youth programs. Responsibilities Read aloud to children. Assist staff in the administration of the popular Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) program. Assist staff in planning, conducting, and evaluating children's programs like arts and crafts, drawing and painting, puzzles and games. Enter registration information for the Library's Summer Reading participants. Requirements 12-18 years old. Consent portion of Volunteer Application signed by parent or guardian before starting the assignment. A friendly manner and a strong commitment to working with children. Book Buddies are asked to make a minimum commitment of volunteering 2-3 hours a day, 2-3 days a week for at least 3 weeks during the summer. How to Apply 1. Go to your local library and request a Summer Book Buddy application. 2. Contact 718-230-2406 or e-mail at volunteer@brooklynpubliclibrary.org.

Free Concerts

THE KICK START YOUR SUMMER WITH THESE GREAT CONCERTS ON THE GRANITE STEPS OF CENTRAL LIBRARY!
EVERY SATURDAYS • 2 PM • CENTRAL LIBRARY STEPS • GRAND ARMY PLAZA
For more information go to http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/pdf/events/libraryrocks.pdf

clean up

You are invited to:
The FDC Flatbush Neighborhood Clean-up
Sat. May. 31, 2008

Spend the day doing something useful for our neighborhood. Bring your kids
and friends and lets make an outing of it.

The Clean-up is from -10:00 am-2:00 pm (only 4 hours!!!) on Saturday, May
31, 2008. We'll be painting over graffiti. Please join us. Come at 10 am
to 1616 Newkirk Avenue (FDC offices)

All are welcome.
(Whole day participation is not necessary) From 2:00pm - 3:00pm Party on
Newkirk Plaza to celebrate 100 years of the oldest outdoor commercial
pedestrian mall in the country.

Here are 3 easy things you can do:

1. Call your Neighborhood Association president and make sure they are
involved

2. Find out what areas your neighbors are painting or cleaning. Sign up
now to help paint over graffiti/tagged up eyesores in your neighborhood

3. Come out that day to 1616 Newkirk Avenue at 10 am,
Clean your lawn/sidewalk/curb. Need tools/paint? No problem, just Call FDC

Phone: 718 859-3800 or fax: 718 859-4632

Bags, gloves, paint, etc. can be picked up from the FDC office between
9am - 11am, same day.

Pass the word around!!
Rain or Shine, Flatbush will be cleaned!!!

This event is sponsored by the Flatbush Development Corporation; funded in
part by Assemblymembers Rhoda Jacobs and Jim Brennan. Free T-Shirts,
Garbage Bags and other clean-up supplies sponsored by Davis & Warshow Inc.
Donations and sponsorships are still being accepted.

For More Information, Contact:
Mannix Gordon
Director of Economic Development

Flatbush Development Corporation
1616 Newkirk Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11226
w: www.fdconline.org
e: mgordon@fdconline.org

Micro Loans

To help make entrepreneurial dreams a reality and to strengthen existing local businesses, BOC Capital Corp. now offers credit-related products for business development in NYC communities.

Founded in 2001, BOC Capital Corp., an affiliate of the Business Outreach Center (BOC) Network, is a not-for-profit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) and a certified Community Development Entity (CDE) dedicated to providing micro-enterprise financing, with a special focus on small-business, women, minority and immigrant entrepreneurs.

To learn more call or visit their website http://www.bocnet.org/boc/micro_loan_program.html
(718) 625-1296

Job training

from Hatian Times
The Skills Training and Employment Project has expanded the Brooklyn Public Library's free job and educational resources. The program provides participants the opportunity to meet with career advisers, assess participants' needs and develop a plan. During training sessions, participants will prepare for career placement tests, improve English literacy skills and attending workshops in resume writing, interviewing and more. Workshops take place at the Central Library at Grand Army Plaza. After career planning sessions, participants may be referred to the Church Avenue Merchants Business Association (CAMBA), the Brooklyn Economic Development Corp., Workforce One, Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce Good Help Program, the Brooklyn Educational Opportunity Center and the Fort Greene Business Outreach Center. For more information, call (718) 623-7000, ext. 1231, or visit http://www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org/STEP/

Racial Steering Real Estate Broker From City Habitat

Tracey Boudine
City Habitat
It has been brought to my attention that one of the most racially insensitive real Estate Brokers is non other then the senior associate broker from New York City Habit. Her name is Tracey Boudine. Ms. Boudine has been using code words and racial steering tactics for a long time. Some of her tactics may have also run contrary against Civil Rights laws and Fair Housing Laws. For example in this ad she specifically mentions Vox Pop, Cafes, and Bars, but fails to mention any other establishments. While in this ad for a Co-op in Prospect Park Lefferts garden she again mentions all the "new" places but fails to mention any other establishments. This can be deemed a bias ad because if you mention one set of business and not others then it can be construed to be showing a preference for the type of individuals that would frequent such establishments. For example to advertise that an apartment is near a Catholic Church would be discrimination against non catholics. Her advertisements specifically mentions certain business establishment while conveniently leaving out other amenities that lets say a recent family from south America, the Caribbean or someone who is disable and may be interested in. In essence Ms. Boudine is saying we don't want your kind, unless you fit into a specific demographic I'm trying to steer.

Volunteers

The Brooklyn Public Library is seeking volunteers to help adults learn to read and write. Prospective participants can attend one literacy volunteer information sessions and learn how to become a volunteer literacy tutor. The program will train volunteers to tutor adults, ages 17 and older, who never learned to read and write. For information, contact www.brooklynlibrary.org/adult—literacy.jsp or call (718) 832-3560, Ext. 2 or 7