Community Magazine September 2011

80 COmmuNItY mAGAZINe Greenfield Announces Local Multi- Million-Dollar Park Renovation An additional $3.1 million dollars was recently secured by Councilman David G. Greenfield to install brand new play and recreational equipment in Gravesend/18th Avenue Park, located on 18th Avenue between 56th and 58th Streets in Boro Park, and to complete the renovation of Ocean Parkway Malls throughout the Councilman’s district. When work is completed at Gravesend Park in 2013, the 6.38 acre space will feature two new playgrounds extending all the way to the rear of the park. These exciting new additions will build on the new adventure-themed playground that Greenfield’s predecessor, Councilman Simcha Felder, built on the southwest portion of the park. That adventure theme will continue with additional adventure play equipment, swing sets and a stage for pint-sized productions and imaginative play. The renovation will also include brand new basketball and racquetball courts. Councilman Greenfield worked extensively with the Parks Department design team and Community Board 12 to guarantee that the final design would optimize available space and serve the unique needs of the community, including play equipment, park layout and safety. Greenfield also thanked Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz for securing $500,000 towards Gravesend Park, and former Councilman Simcha Felder for starting the Gravesend Park project with millions of his capital dollars. Greenfield has also poured millions of dollars into other park renovations in the Midwood portion of his district. Last year, Greenfield funded improvements to Colonel Marcus Park on Avenue P and East 4th, and this year he funded the renovation of the Ocean Parkway Malls, home to the nation’s first bike path, slated to open shortly after the summer. The new funding will provide for brand-new benches, chess tables, tress and repaved walking paths and cycling lanes along Ocean Parkway. Mitzvah Man Fundraiser Inspires 100 New Heroes Just two years ago, the Mitzvah Man began his hesed campaign alone, seeking ways to help others. Since then, he has been joined by approximately 800 volunteers – 100 of whom signed up just last month while attending, and being inspired by a spectacular Mitzvah Man fundraising event. On July 13th and 14th, at the home of Marcy and Harris Gindi, the Mitzvah Man, and his partners in hesed , held a Chinese Auction to raise funds for this amazing project. Initially, this grass roots endeavor was fueled by social networking – the initial volunteers called on friends, family, and neighbors to fulfill the needs of the callers. A washing machine, a job, drivers, and chaperones were all acquired through the generosity of our community members. In fact, other social service organizations with larger budgets and a larger volunteer base sometimes call on the Mitzvah Man to pro- vide volunteers for their events. As the operation grew, fundraising became essential to help pay for dispatchers, website costs, goods and services, and the overall running of the organization. “It’s a small budget but a big return!” Mitzvah Man exclaims. “It’s like investing $100 and making $1 billion! That’s the return! That’s how much hesed is happening and how many people are being helped!” The founder, who still prefers to hide his true identity, says, “While hesed begins at home with a kind word to a spouse or parent, with this endeavor, we are creating a tremendous kiddush Hashem! We are uniting our community and Jews at large by caring for each other. When we put ourselves in someone else’s shoes and feel their pain, we will be moved to really help them.” To become a Mitzvah Man hero, call 866 355 1825 or visit the website at www.mitzvah-man.org. – Mozelle Mimran Community Chest