MARTY CELEBRATES HOLIDAYS IN BROOKLYN BY LIGHTING A SPECTACULAR TREE AND A HUGE MENORAH

On December 10th, Marty flipped the switch to light a beautiful holiday tree. The entire facade of historic Borough Hall was also decorated for the holidays. “The holiday spirit is alive and well all over Brooklyn,” said Marty, “but during this festive time of the year it is also very important to remember those Brooklynites in need. Have a happy, healthy and safe holiday season.” The spectacular 36-foot Balsam Fir tree was graciously donated by the Brooklyn Terminal Market Association and decorated by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation. Toys, graciously donated by over thirty sponsors were distributed to numerous children.

On Monday, December 22nd, Marty lit the Rabbi Jacob J. Hecht Menorah, the largest menorah in Downtown Brooklyn. The ceremony, which marked the inauguration of Brooklyn's official menorah, was led by Rabbi Aaron L. Raskin, and included a performance by the Lubavitch Yeshivah of Ocean Parkway children's choir, as well as kosher refreshments.

“This year we should remember that Chanukah is a holiday which commemorates freedom from oppression,” said Marty. “In Brooklyn we are fortunate enough to enjoy the freedom that millions around the world still seek. I offer a prayer that the newfound freedom being experienced in Iraq is just a beginning, that in the years ahead all of God’s children everywhere will share the same peace and freedom that we have here in Brooklyn.”

MARTY GIVES TOYS AND CLOTHES TO THOUSANDS OF BROOKLYNITES IN NEED

Marty helped make, December 16th, a toy story for a lot of kids in Brooklyn when he distributed toys to more than 20 groups, including Boys & Girls Clubs, church groups and youth programs. These toys were graciously donated by everyday Brooklynites and borough businesses, as well as by the Brooklyn Navy Yard and the Fulton Mall Association. The toys will now be distributed to needy Brooklyn children. “This is yet another example of the Brooklyn spirit!” said Marty. “Brooklynites are such a compassionate and generous group of people. Children throughout the borough need to know that what they are receiving is much more than just a toy. It is a message from everybody in Brooklyn that we love and care about them.”

On December 12th, Marty joined the Korean Dry Cleaners Association in cooperation with the Neighborhood Cleaners Association, to donate more than 5000 articles of unclaimed clothing to the Department of Homeless Services; these items will help clothe thousands of homeless New Yorkers this winter. The various overcoats, jackets, sweaters and pants that were graciously donated by dry cleaners from Brooklyn and beyond and will be distributed to homeless shelters in Brooklyn and across New York City. “I am so thankful that the Korean Dry Cleaners Association and the Neighborhood Cleaners Association collected all of this clothing because it will mean so much to thousands of people during the next couple of months,” said Marty. “The temperatures may be cold, but Brooklynites and people all over New York definitely have a warm spot in their hearts for people in need.”

MARTY SUPPORTS BROOKLYN'S SCHOOL CUSTODIANS

On December 19th, Marty showed his support at Borough Hall for the Local 891 of the International Union of Operating Engineers, whose jobs are in danger because of a ill conceived Department of Education plan to shift custodial management at city schools to private contractors. He was joined by more than 100 union members, including Local 891 President Robert Troeller, as well as members of the New York State Senate, New York State Assembly, New York City Council and Brooklyn parents. In a show of the borough's united support for their fight, Marty said, "The mayor and the schools chancellor may think that laying off hard-working, licensed civil-service employees is a good way to save money. But privatization is not the answer. It robs the schools of custodians who take pride in their schools. It doesn't save money and it doesn't make our schools cleaner. The City should not cut corners at the cost of our children's safety!" If enacted, the DOE plan would affect more than 100 schools in Brooklyn's Region 8.

MARTY HAILS BROOKLYN RHODES SCHOLAR’S SUCCESS

On December 22nd, Marty honored Julia James, a graduate of Brooklyn's James Madison High School and a recently named Rhodes Scholar, at her former high school in East Flatbush. Currently a senior at Hobart and William Smith Colleges in Geneva, New York, 21-year-old James is headed to prestigious Oxford University next year, where she will pursue a joint M.A./Ph.D. in HIV immunology. She joins past Rhodes Scholars such as President Bill Clinton and General Wesley Clark. James, who has never left the U.S. and was raised by her Guyanese-American relatives after her father was killed at age 11, is one of just 32 Americans to be awarded the revered scholarship this year. "Julia James personifies everything that's great about Brooklyn, persevering as she has in the face of adversity to become a world leader in her field," Marty said. "We are proud to add her to the long, long list of great native Brooklynites."

MARTY HOSTS SPECTACULAR HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FOR 2400 BROOKLYN CHILDREN

On December 20th, Marty helped 2400 Brooklyn children who live in low-income public housing or shelters, get into the Christmas spirit when he hosted the Best of Brooklyn Holiday Celebration 2003 at the Christian Cultural Center in East New York, Brooklyn. "A lot of people came together to provide a great gift for each of you today," Marty told the crowd of 2400 Brooklyn kids. "I know you all appreciate getting a new toy and book, but the best gifts you can receive are your parents and a good education. If it wasn't for my wonderful public-school education, I'd never be borough president today."

The live, family-style show had something for everyone, including performances by The King Charles Unicycle Troupe; renowned magician Lamont Haskins; The Nutcracker, Brooklyn-style, as performed by Brooklyn Music School; performances by David Sharps, juggler extraordinaire and award-winning acrobat; nationally acclaimed circus performers Rob & Christina; and the Sesame Flyers International steel-pan drummers. Following the hour-plus performance, every child in attendance selected one new book and one new toy provided by the event's dozens of sponsors. The kids had plenty of gifts to choose from, including classic board games like Monopoly and Scrabble, a wide range of sporting equipment, and of course the hottest new toys, such as Bratz, Neo Pets, Rescue Heroes, Swan Lake Barbie, and Bob the Builder.

WE MOURN MARY PINKETT

All of Brooklyn lost a true champion earlier this month when Mary Pinkett passed away. Marty praised his dear friend: “As both a Councilmember and as a citizen, Mary Pinkett served Brooklyn with energy and distinction. Brooklyn’s bright future is being built upon the strong foundations she laid with her talent, vision and leadership. We mourn her passing.”