Thanksgiving Message from Marty

“I extend to all Brooklyn families and all New Yorkers best wishes for a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. During this time of the year, we pause to give thanks for all of the good things that we have in our lives. We certainly have a lot to be thankful for here in Brooklyn. Even though some of us are struggling, Brooklynites continue to prove their generosity. Sure, some of us need help, and others can offer help, but the bottom line in Brooklyn is that we always help each other. Whether you donate some food, money or your time, please remember those less fortunate. Brooklyn’s strength is our incredible diversity and that strength is what will propel us in the days, months and years ahead. Enjoy your holiday. I ask all of Brooklyn’s families to pause during their Thanksgiving meal and offer a prayer that world peace will become a reality in our lifetimes so that the children of the world have an opportunity to reach their god given abilities.”

Marty Proves Governor Island Belongs to Brooklyn

On November 17, 2003, Marty hosted a public meeting at St. Francis College on the future of Governor's Island, sponsored by the National Park Service and the Governors Island Preservation and Education Corporation. He praised the Park Service and the Corporation for giving Brooklynites an opportunity to participate in this planning process and made a compelling case for considering the island Brooklyn territory, pointing out that Borough funding is based on both population and land area. “While Governor’s Island is supposedly, technically, a part of Manhattan, I need to tell you; it should be part of Brooklyn,” said Marty. “The basis for my belief lies in both history and geography. Anyone can look at a map and see that the island itself is much closer to Brooklyn. In fact, in colonial times, before the Buttermilk Channel was dredged, Brooklynites would walk their cows across during low tide. And island residents counted on Brooklyn’s farmers to feed them before and after independence. The historic ties between this island and this Borough are strong and, absent other definitive documentation, use of the land establishes ownership.”

Marty Congratulates Mill Basin Delicatessen on 30th Anniversary

On November 21st, Borough President Marty Markowitz honored Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen and its proprietor, Mark Schachner, for thirty successful years in business. Guests, including New York State Senator John Sampson, Community Board 18 District Manager Dottie Turano and Mill Basin Civic Association President Paula Whitney, sampled what the Borough President hailed as the best pastrami in New York City. The Mill Basin Kosher Delicatessen is located at 5823 Avenue T in Mill Basin, Brooklyn.

Marty Stands With Brooklyn’s Bus Commuters

On November 21st, Marty handed out flyers to early morning commuters at the Command Bus Stop on Church Avenue between East 7th Street and Ocean Parkway, in the Kensington section of Brooklyn. Marty boarded buses to inform them of the upcoming transportation crisis they are facing. Brooklyn’s private bus companies will stop service on December 31, 2003 unless the Mayor signs an extension of the franchise bus agreement. Marty urged commuters to ask the Mayor to sign the six month extension and to guarantee that quality service is ensured for Brooklyn’s commuters. “Call 311 and tell the Mayor to sign the extension now! Brooklyn’s riders will not tolerate any service interruptions. Tell the Mayor he must do whatever it takes to guarantee that in the future, reliable, safe, affordable, quality service is ensured for Brooklyn’s commuters. Whatever happens, if the MTA takes over, or if Command and Green Bus stays in operation, we deserve the finest service possible!”

Marty helps Thousands of Brooklynites Enjoy a Great Thanksgiving

On Monday November 24th, Borough President Marty Markowitz gave away more than 700 turkeys, more than 1800 pounds of apples, more than 1800 pounds of collard greens, more than 1500 pounds of baking potatoes and over 1000 pounds of sweet potatoes. Representatives of 65 Brooklyn community groups including senior centers, churches, women’s shelters, and tenant’s associations came to Borough Hall to pick up the turkeys and fresh produce, which will be used to feed thousands of needy Brooklynites over the Thanksgiving holiday. All of the food given away was graciously donated by Health Plus, Fulton Street Mall Assoc. and the Korean-American Brooklyn Association, NY. Inc. “This year we had even more groups and even more food, which means even more families will have a feast on their table this Thanksgiving said Marty. Many thanks are due to our generous sponsors who came through for those families who otherwise wouldn’t be able to share in the joy of the holidays.”

Flu Shots Available at Borough Hall

It is looking like a bad winter for the flu, but you can protect yourself and your family. On Thursday, December 4th from 10:00AM to 1:00PM. Through the generosity of the Kingsbrook Jewish Medical Center free flu shots will be available in Borough Hall. Call 718 802 3855 to make sure we have a shot waiting for you.

Brooklyn Mourns

Dorothy Duckett Joseph recently passed. She was an educator extraordinaire, a community advocate, a Democratic Party activist and an enthusiastic listener and participant in late night talk radio. We also mourn the passing of Lillian Perrotti, devoted mother of Mary Ann Cino, Marty’s Executive Assistant, and the passing of Charmion Fleischman, mother of Borough Hall’s housing specialist Eric Fleischman. Finally we remember Daesean Hill, an innocent child who was taken from us at age eight by random violence. We pray that his life was not in vain. This tragic murder has touched the hearts of all Brooklynites. Our condolences to the Hill and Chisolm Families. Concerned Brooklynites are invited to attend an emergency town hall meeting to campaign against violence, led by Council Member Charles Barron. This meeting will be held Wednesday, December 3 at 6:30 PM at PS 13 575 Pennsylvania Avenue (between Riverdale and Livonia). Call CM Barron’s office for information 718 649 9495.