BP Celebrates Urban Glass 25th Anniversary Open House

On September 22nd, Marty joined Urban Glass, the Brooklyn based international glass art center, in marking its 25th anniversary and the completion of extensive renovations to the glass studio's cold shop and mold shop. The BP did the honors by cutting a ribbon made of hot glass designed by Urban Glass artists Kanik Chung and Christian Thornton. Urban Glass Chairman of the Board Paul S. Gumbinner and Executive Director Dawn Bennett presented Marty with a glass sculpture by glass artist Jamie Harris. The sculpture is proudly displayed in Borough Hall.
BP Pays Tribute to 9-11 WTC Victims

On September 22nd, Marty along with others read the names of victims from Bay Ridge who were killed in the 9-11 WTC attacks. The moving ceremony took place in the Zen Garden, a part of the Narrows Botanical Gardens Park. The event was co-sponsored by the Federation of Bay Ridge Block Associations.

On September 23rd, Marty helped celebrate the opening of the newly redeveloped Gibb Mansion, which will provide supportive housing for low income residents who are HIV positive or coping with AIDS. "I want to thank everyone involved in the Gibb Mansion Redevelopment Project, and especially the leadership of the Pratt Area Community Council," Marty said. "Supportive housing that provides a full range of on-site assistance is the very best model we have for ensuring that our residents who are struggling receive the services they need and to which they are entitled." The Gibb Mansion has a long history of sheltering and nurturing those in need, it is fitting that the mansion will once again be devoted to helping those less fortunate. Rev. Curtis Whitney of Mount Sinai Baptist Church served as Master of Ceremonies and Senator Charles Schumer was the featured speaker at the event. Partnering with PACC in the redevelopment were: Department of Housing Preservation and Development, New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal Low Income Housing Credit Program, Fannie Mae Foundation, The Enterprise Foundation, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Federal Home Loan Bank Affordable Housing Program and Services for the Undeserved. l

On September 23rd, Marty attended the annual membership meeting and luncheon of the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce at the Palm House in the Brooklyn Botanic Garden. "I want to thank Ken Adams and all of the Chamber members for your hard work creating jobs and increasing prosperity in the borough," Marty said. "Congratulations to David Manning, Sr. Vice President of Keyspan on a job well done, and I look forward to continuing to work with Alan H. Fishman, President & CEO of Independence Community Bank, as the organization's new chairman. The Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce is a powerhouse of business leadership that has accomplished the stunning feat of doubling its membership in the last few years, making it the fastest growing chamber association in the metro New York region."

On September 25th, Marty participated in the name changing ceremony of Spring Creek Towers. The name was officially changed from Starrett City to Spring Creek Towers. "The success of the development helped trigger new growth in the community and the new name is symbolic of a rebirth and new excitement," said Marty. "The name is Spring Creek, but for old-timers like me, it will always be known affectionately as Starrett City." The complex's new facelift comes on the heels of the new $192 million development Gateway Mall, located directly across the street, which will become another major center of Brooklyn's retail, residential and economic vitality. eting with Parents

On September 25th, Marty and Donald Weber, his appointment to the Panel for Educational Policy, met at Borough Hall with the Presidents Council of Presidents from various school districts to begin the process of setting an educational agenda for Brooklyn. Don Weber, a former superintendent at District 21 for 17 years, discussed the need for additional smaller high schools across Brooklyn and to find ways to lower the dropout rate. The group also discussed working together to create a Brooklyn proposal to ensure parental involvement to be presented to the state legislature by next year. Don Weber will be meeting with this group again soon and plans on holding similar meetings with other educational groups across the borough. ople's Republic of China

On September 26th, Marty helped celebrate the People's Republic of China 53rd anniversary at a reception held in the newly renovated grand banquet room at the Chinese Consulate located in Manhattan. BP greeted Zhang Hongxi, Consul General, on behalf of Brooklyn residents. Brooklyn has one of the largest populations of Chinese residents in America.

Congratulations to Brooklyn author Colson Whitehead who was awarded a $500,000 grant from the MacArthur Foundation last week. The 32 year-old is a Harvard graduate whose first novel about an elevator inspector, "The Intuitionist," was widely praised. Only 24 MacArthur Fellows are awarded each year and the $500,000 grant is paid out over 5 years with no stipulation on how the money is spent. "Brooklyn has a history of producing nationally acclaimed authors, and Colson Whitehead continues in that tradition. Bravo!" Marty exclaimed.