Marty Celebrates CUNY Week at Borough Hall

On October 7th, Marty was among the many CUNY graduates that were honored at Borough Hall in celebration of CUNY Week. The Brooklyn College alumnus mingled with fellow Brooklyn College graduate and Pulitzer Prize winning author Frank McCourt and other distinguished CUNY graduates including Pasquinio Vitiello, owner of Queen - one the best Italian restaurants in Brooklyn. "I am living proof that dreams can come true because I never would have become Borough President without my Brooklyn College education!" said the BP.

BP Hosts Advocacy Summit for Community Based Organizations

On October 8th, Marty, Deputy BP Yvonne Graham and the Brooklyn United Community Coalition hosted an Advocacy Summit at Borough Hall for more than 60 of Brooklyn's local Community Based Organizations who deliver critical services to residents all across the borough. This event highlighted the challenges faced by Community Based Organizations who have contracts with the city and the problems they are having delivering quality service. Of particular importance is funding delays, excessive bureaucracy and a perceived lack of accountability. It is essential that Community Based Organizations, who face ever growing demands for their services, receive adequate assistance to effectively carry out their crucial missions.

Marty Honors Hispanic Heritage Month

On October 8th, Marty celebrated Hispanic Heritage Month and honored a number of Hispanic Brooklynites who have made Brooklyn incredibly proud. The honorees include: Uvalda Alvarado, owner of Antojitos Mexicanos restaurant; Musica Against Drugs founder Manny Maldonado; NY 1 Reporter Jeanine Ramirez; Justice Reinaldo Rivera, Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department and Gilbert Rivera, owner of AM&G Waterproofing and Park Avenue Building and Roofing Supplies, LLC. This celebration was made possible thanks to Park Avenue Building and Roofing Supplies, LLC and JP Morgan Chase. A special thanks to the fine Brooklyn business participants - Antojitos Mexicanos, El Castillo De Jagua, El Viego Yayo, Latin Grill, Marcelina's Mexican Food, The Liquor Warehouse and Vintage Wines.

Kudos to Kingsborough!

On October 9th, Marty and his wife Jamie read the book Who Hoots? to the children at the Child Development Center at Kingsborough Community College to celebrate the school earning its accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC)-the nation's leading organization of early childhood professionals. The Child Development Center joins fewer than 10% of all childcare and early childhood programs accredited by NAEYC in the nation.

BP Pitches in For Our Parks

On October 9th, Marty and Parks Commissioner Adrian Benepe joined the Brooklyn Parks Advocates in urging Brooklynites to support our parks and to participate in "It's My Park!" Day on Saturday, October 19th. "We treasure our magnificent parks all across our beautiful borough. Volunteers play such a critical role in helping to preserve and maintain that beauty so please come out and volunteer at your local park on October 19th - it's the perfect way to spend a Saturday!" said Marty.

New Athletic Field for Abraham Lincoln High School

On October 9th, Marty helped dedicate the Fred C. and Mary Trump Athletic Complex at Abraham Lincoln High School. This event was made possible by a generous donation from the Trump family and Take The Field, a public-private partnership dedicated to restoring dilapidated athletic fields across New York City. The BP has contributed $500,000 to Take The Field and he looks forward to working with this fine organization in the future to continue making an important difference in the lives of thousands of students across Brooklyn.

Authentic Italian Celebration at Borough Hall

On October 10th, Marty honored Italian Heritage month with an authentic Italian celebration at Borough Hall. The BP recognized a number of Italian Americans for their invaluable contributions to the betterment of the borough. The honorees included Nina Di Gregorio and the Italian Opera Company, Gift of Life Vice President Aldo G. Frustaci, Gift of Life provides life saving surgeries for children across the globe and Kings Auto Group Owner Salvatore Trantino, who started out as an auto mechanic at the age of 16 and now owns one of the largest auto dealerships in Brooklyn. There was also a delegation from Italy headed by the Hon. Luigi Fedele, President of the Regional Council of Calabria. Merica! Merica! - a photo history of Calabrian Immigration to the U.S.A. - is on display at Borough Hall through October 31st. Special thanks to Joe Chirico in collaboration with the Regional Council of Calabria, Don Leone, New York Regional Manager, Brown Forman / Bolla Wine. The reception was graciously underwritten by the Hon. Luigi Fedele, President of the Regional Council of Calabria.

Marty on the Move

On October 12th, a little rain couldn't stop Marty and hundreds of Brooklynites from marching in the 21st Annual Brooklyn Columbus Day parade.