8
BROOKLYN WEEKLY, MAY 19, 2019
Open for business in Mill Basin
Local leaders cut the ribbon on public library’s new bike repair station
BY AIDAN GRAHAM
Check it out.
Southern Brooklyn cyclists
can now fix their two-wheeled
transportation at the Mill Basin
Public Library’s new bike
repair station. The first-of-itskind
facility, which officially
opened on May 13, features all
the tools that make-shift mechanics
need, as well as classes
on cycling safety, according to
one library rep.
“Libraries have always been
a place to turn for information
and assistance, so we are delighted
to present this new repair
station along with educational
workshops and programs on bike
safety and tips for commuting,”
said Nick Higgins.
The library, which is inaccessible
by bike lanes, will provide
cyclists with air pumps, hanger
arms, screwdrivers, wrenches,
and tire levers.
Local community leaders hope
the free-of-charge repair station
will help promote transportation
THE FIX IS IN: (Above) Bike rider Michael Wright utilizes the new bike repair station
at the Mill Basin Public Library on May 13 with the help of Councilman Alan
Maisel and Mill Basin Civic President Paul Curiale. (Right) Maisel and students
from PS 236 cut the ribbon to the new station. Photos by Steve Solomonson
alternatives, according to the
head of one organization which
specializes in improving quality
of life in the city.
“This innovative project by
Mill Basin Library is fostering
a sustainable culture in Southern
Brooklyn by encouraging cycling
and preventing used bikes
from ending up in landfi lls,” said
Peter H. Kostmayer of Citizens
Committee for New York City.
Bay Ridge Center and
Eric Adams, Brooklyn Borough
President, hosted the
third annual Senior Tech
Fair. This year 35 organizations
displayed the technologies
that they have created
to enrich the quality of
life for older adults.
“The Senior Tech Fair
showcased both the cutting
edge technologies, including
starts-ups, as well
as provide training and
support for laptops, smart
phones and tablets,” said
Marianne Nicolosi, Executive
Director of the Bay
Ridge Center.
“I came because I don’t
want to be left behind,”
said Joan D. “I want to remain
active in the future
and it seems that technology
is involved in everything
these days.”
“May is older American’s
month so there are
lots of resource fairs, so we
decided to be different and
showcase the vitality of
older adults through technology,
said Todd W. Fliedner,
Deputy Director of the
Bay Ridge Center. “This is
a very special event. And,
given how many companies
participated this year,
we’re excited about what
the future holds.”
Rachael Marotta, Bay
Ridge Center’s Tea & Technology
trainer as well as
co-organizer of Senior
Tech Fair 2019 said, “At the
Center we make technology
accessible to our members.
We offer classes, one-onone
instruction, guidance
and support and whenever
possible we go on trips to
see technology in development.”
“I was so impressed
with all of the government
departments that came
and informed our attendees
about the important
services and products
that they make available
to older adults,” said Pat
Kaufman, organizer of the
area known for the day as
“Spark Park.” Government
tablers, included: CERT,
FDNY, NYC Transit,
NYPD, THRIVE, and TLC.
The event was divided
into three phases: General
Sessions, Technology
Showcase and the Brooklyn
Boost, a pitch competition
among start-up tech
companies from the tristate
area.
“We are grateful to our
lead sponsors: Grimaldi
& Yeung, TD Bank and
ClearCaptions. As well as
NYC Council Member Justin
Brannan for providing
the support to make this
event possible,” said Josephine
Beckman, District
Manager for Community
Board 10 who is a partner
with Bay Ridge Center on
Age Friendly initiatives.
“The phrase should really
be ‘digital exclusion,’
said Ms. Nicolosi. “There
are more seniors not included
in the digital economy
than those that are, especially
when income and
educational attainment
are considered. Our Senior
Tech Fair is a great equalizer.”
A new addition to this
year’s Senior Tech Fair
was the Brooklyn Boost.
This start-up business
pitch competition was considered
a great success.
Rose from Orah.Care won
the event, which included
winning a $1,500 “check”
to help grow her company.
This was the second pitch
competition that Elder Productions
Company hosted
in the last six months.
More will be announced
shortly.
For more information
about the Bay Ridge Center,
please call 718.748.0650 or
visit www.BayRidgeCenter.
org.
BUS INES S , B ROOKLYN S T Y LE
Third Annual Senior Tech Expo Another Successful Event!
/www.BayRidgeCenter
/Orah.Ca
/www.BayRidgeCenter