Sheepshead Bay
Yippee! Investors Bank cuts the ribbon and cracks the vault on Oct. 5. The bank with the slogan, “Banking in Your Interest,” is celebrating the grand opening of its latest branch with a $5,000 scratch-off lottery. But don’t despair, there will be other smaller rewards for first, second, or third prizes.
Investors is one of the fastest growing community banks in the city — and one with a heart. It will donate $25 for every new customer to the Kings Bay Y, the Asian Community United Society, or the American Brotherhood for the Russian Disabled.
Manager Gene Svetnikof, a previous Standing O recipient, will be on hand to emcee the fun, including face painting, balloon artists, games, refreshments, and a performance of the Chinese Lion Dance.
Grand opening of Investors Bank [2560 Ocean Ave. at Avenue U in Sheepshead Bay, (718) 648–2096] on Oct. 5 at 9 am.
Wedding bells will ring
Congratulations and a shower of rose petals to altar-bound sweethearts Eugene Volkin of Sheepshead Bay and Amanda Ann Clarkin of Staten Island. Eugene popped the question last month to his surprised bride-to-be — who also happens to be Standing O’s niece — at the happiest place on earth, the castle at Disney World’s Magic Kingdom in Florida.
The newly minted fiancee says she is ready to embrace her new life.
“Eugene stole my heart, so I’m taking his name,” she said.
Standing O is spiffing up her little yellow shoes for the big wedding day next September, and sending out a time-honored toast: “May your engagement be short and your marriage be long.”
bay Ridge
Run like the wind
The race is on for borough son Shelton Hollers to raise funds for Parkinson’s research on Oct. 12. Shelton will put his best foot forward for the 10K run in Prospect Park, featuring plenty of live music along the route to keep those 10K-ers moving.
Our pal Shelton, a passionate runner, says he added a charity component to make his latest trek more meaningful.
“I enjoy being able to contribute to a cause I believe in,” he said. “I know Parkinson’s is a serious disease that needs more research.”
Standing O says, “Run like the wind, Shelton, and raise lots of bucks.” We’ll be cheering you on.
Williamsburg
Marathon woman
Just 26.5 more miles to go for veteran runner Bonnie Ann Miller, who will compete in the New York City Marathon next month. The grueling course begins on Staten Island, wends its way through the five boroughs, and ends up in Central Park.
Bonnie, 25, will be running to raise funds for the American Lung Association, a cause that is near and dear to her heart. She was born nine weeks premature, with under-developed lungs, and later developed asthma. But the avid runner hasn’t let that stop her from leading her life in the fast lane — or from doling out sound advice to health-challenged athletes aspiring to the world’s most famous race.
“You find what works for you,” said Bonnie. “If you are athletic and are struggling with lung disease, work with your doctors to control your symptoms and figure out a game plan that works.”
Standing O fast-tracks this marathon woman good wishes for a great run.
Borough Wide
Storm prep
It’s almost a year since Superstorm Sandy thundered ashore, so the good folks at National Grid are laying down some nifty suggestions on keeping high, dry, and safe during the hurricane season.
• Build an emergency supply kit — water, nonperishable foods, first-aid materials, prescriptions, flashlight, battery-powered radio, and a fully stocked toolkit.
• Plan for locations — emergencies don’t come with warnings, so plan ahead for a safe meeting place for your family should you be displaced. Make sure everyone knows where to meet and how to keep in touch.
• Plan for risks — know where you live and identify the hazards that have happened or could happen in your area. Snow storms usually occur near mountains, and hurricanes near the coast. Check evacuation routes, and be mindful of knowing when to stay and when to go.
• Know your community’s plan — find out from your local government offices how it communicates with residents in case of emergency, such as by TV, radio, telephone, or door-to-door.
• Stay connected to National Grid — add www.nationalgrid.com to your mobile device or follow nationalgridus on Twitter.
• Use technology — smartphones can be your best friend in an emergency. Download apps for first aid, shelter, and disaster assistance.
