Dec 2, 2014 3 min read Lauren Elvers Collins

Flatbush Avenue BID’s Thanksgiving Luncheon Served More Than 100 Neighbors With Holiday Meals – And A Side Of Magic

A happy diner at the annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta.

Many thanks to Flatbush Avenue BID Executive Director Lauren Elvers Collins for sending us these photos from the BID’s free Thanksgiving luncheon at the Flatbush Reformed Church last Thursday. More than 100 neighbors celebrated the holiday at the annual event, which, in addition to the BID, was sponsored by HealthPlus Amerigroup and Stop and Shop.

Stop and Shop manager Joe Kilcoyne is joined by local employees at his Flatbush Ave. store as they help prep for the Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta

The Flatbush Avenue BID described the event, saying:

On Thanksgiving Day, over 100 people gathered in the church’s gym (which had been transformed into a spacious dining hall) and feasted on trays of turkey with homemade giblet gravy, ham, several different kinds of roasted and mashed potatoes, rice with vegetables, rolls, and greens. Those who couldn’t volunteer at the event contributed to the overflowing dessert table, including treats from Rona Taylor (staffer for Assemblymember-Elect Rodneyse Bichotte), sheets of fresh cakes baked by the church’s Sheila Friend and her dedicated team, homemade cookies from Ryann Imperioli, and pumpkin bread from local resident Leah Cover.

People from throughout our area helped out with the successful dinner, including members of the church’s congregation, teens from the 70th Precinct Explorers program, 70th Precinct Detective (and skilled turkey carver) Dominic Scotto, Ed Powell from the 70th Precinct Community Council, and other local residents with kids in tow.

Det. Dominic Scotto from the 70th Precinct teaches Griffin Collins how to carve a turkey for the annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta.

A local restauranteur chipped in to make a hearty soup for the annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta.

The BID told us:

The Flatbush Avenue BID was represented by board member Voltan Bagot, security guard Lester Rowley, and executive director Lauren Elvers Collins, who brought along her two kids to help serve. A new addition and highlight for this year was magician and community leader, Nathan Thompson and son Alex, who entertained diners with magic tricks ranging from a flaming wallet to slight of hand using Metro-Cards as props.

Magic tricks performed by 12 year old Alex Thompson at the annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta.

Magic tricks performed by local community leader and talented magician, Nathan Thompson, at the annual Thanksgiving lunch at the Flatbush Reformed Church. Photo by Arthur de Gaeta.

And many thanks to neighbor and magic connoisseur Nathan Thompson for sending these photos from the luncheon!

The crowd watches the magic show at the Flatbush Reformed Church.

Alex Thompson showcases his magic know-how at the church.

Nathan Thompson works his magic on some of the diners.

Nathan Thompson and one of the younger diners at the Thanksgiving luncheon.