SWEET REWARD FOR BEST BEAN COUNTER | May 17: Our Executive VP of Advertising, Amanda Tarley, waves to the 9th Avenue International Food Fest crowd and invites them to estimate how many jelly beans are in the jar. By using a clever calculating method, the best guess came within just a few dozen of the actual amount, and the winner claimed an iPad as his reward. No beans were harmed in the execution of this contest. For info on the event sponsor (The Ninth Avenue Association), visit 9thave.org.
AIDS WALK NEW YORK AT 30 | L to R: Gay Men’s Health Crisis CEO Kelsey Louie and AIDS Walk New York founder Craig Miller, in front of the total from this past Sunday’s event. More than 30,000 participated in the 10-kilometer walk — including Chelsea Now Art Director Michael Shirey, who raised over $500. This 30th annual walk bucked the national trend of declining returns on AIDS walks, by besting last year’s total. The funds raised will benefit Gay Men’s Health Crisis and 40 other vital AIDS service organizations throughout the tri-state area. Visit gmhc.org.
FREE WiFi IN THE FLATIRON DISTRICT | In a smooth move well-timed for the warmer weather, free WiFi in the Flatiron District has expanded from isolated hot spots to a genuine corridor. Recently, the Flatiron/23rd Street Partnership Business Improvement District announced the completion of wireless availability along 23rd St. from Sixth Ave. to Park Ave. South; along Fifth Ave. from 25th St. to 21st St.; along Broadway from 24th St. to 21st St.; and 21st St. btw. Fifth Ave. and Broadway. The new corridor expands the Flatiron Partnership’s WiFi network in the Public Plazas at Broadway, Fifth Ave. and 23rd St. This project, notes Flatiron Partnership executive director Jennifer Brown, “is significant to anyone with a smartphone or tablet who works in, lives in or visits the neighborhood, and illustrates our reputation as a hub of technology and innovation.” At their annual meeting (5 p.m. on June 11), the Partnership will recognize property owners and commercial businesses who assisted in creating the corridor.
RSVP to 2015flatironbidannualmeeting.eventbrite.com. For more info on area events and BID activities, visit FlatironDistrict.nyc or email info@flatironbid.org. Facebook: flatirondistrict.nyc/facebook. Twitter & Instagram: @FlatironNY.
IT’S MY PARK DAY IN HELL’S KITCHEN | Every year, Clinton Housing hosts a free spring event for community members to connect and have fun — and this year, they’ve decided to center it around one of the largest public green spaces in Hell’s Kitchen. “It’s My Park Day” is a free public gathering offering games, gardening, food, music, and crafts. Between these and other family-friendly activities, talk to a rep from Clinton Housing and share your ideas for bringing new energy, design and attention to this neighborhood gem. It all happens 11 a.m.–3 p.m. on Sat., May 30, at DeWitt Clinton Park (W. 52nd St. to W. 54th St., 11th to 12th Ave.). For more info, call 212-967-1644 or send an email to cultivate@clintonhousing.org or visit cultivatehkny.org.
—BY SCOTT STIFFLER
