Marty announces almost $8 million in funding for Brooklyn’s cultural institutions

On October 6th, Marty announced almost $8 million in capital funding for some of Brooklyn’s most distinguished cultural institutions. These allocations will help to support a variety of important projects throughout the borough. “Brooklyn is the most creative place on the planet. That is why, even during challenging fiscal times, we must still support our cultural institutions that enrich our lives on a daily basis,” Marty said. “From our world-class aquarium to our internationally renowned museums, Brooklyn has it all, and we know that these incredible cultural attractions will continue inspiring and enlightening Brooklyn and beyond for years to come.” Marty contributed to the following projects: The Brooklyn Public Library received $3.7 million for a number of improvements at both the Central Branch and the Eastern Parkway location. Log onto www.brooklynpubliclibrary.org. The Brooklyn Academy of Music is getting $1.7 million for building improvements. Visit www.bam.org. Construction of the Jewish Children's Museum on Eastern Parkway in Crown Heights is closer to reality after receiving $1 million. More information is available at www.jcmonline.org. The New York Aquarium’s Animal Medical Facility in Coney Island is getting $475,000 to install fiber-optic cable needed for new high-tech medical equipment. Log onto www.nyaquarium.org for more information. As part of its important ongoing renovation, the Brooklyn Museum of Art will receive $425,000 towards the installation of a new Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning system in its Art Library. More information is available at www.brooklynmuseum.org. The Society for the Preservation of Weeksville and Bedford-Styuvesant History is getting $250,000 to help restore various historic houses and to do archaeological work. Log onto www.weeksvillesociety.org for more information. Brooklyn Bridge State Park received $125,000 to build and install a Performance Arts Tent at the Tobacco Warehouse. The Williamsburg Art & Historical Center is getting $100,000 for the restoration of the museum building, located in the former Kings County Savings Bank. More information can be found at www.wahcenter.org. The Brooklyn Music School in Fort Greene is getting $40,000 to make stage and floor improvements. Go to www.brooklynmusicschool.org for more information.

Marty joins with the Crown Heights community in strongly denouncing the tire slashings on Yom Kippur

On October 7th, Marty joined with the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council and various other members of the community in strongly denouncing the tire slashing attacks last Sunday evening that left more than 40 cars with flat tires. Almost all of the cars were owned by Jews. The attacks occurred on Yom Kippur, which is the holiest day in Judaism. “This type of outrageous anti-social behavior will never be tolerated in Brooklyn or anywhere else. I know that the individual or individuals that committed these crimes will be apprehended and punished to the fullest extent of the law,” Marty said. “The Crown Heights community is and always will be united, and these cowardly actions will only strengthen those bonds. Yom Kippur is known as the Day of Atonement and whoever did this will be atoning for a long time to come.” Vandals also drew swastikas on six homes on one blockin Sheepshead Bay on Tuesday night. There were also incidents in Borough Park, Park Slope and on Ocean Parkway. The NYPD is investigating all of these incidents as possible bias related crime. If any one has any information concerning these attacks, please call Marty’s confidential hotline at 718-802-3777.

Hispanic Heritage celebration at Borough Hall

On October 8th, Marty kicked off this year’s Hispanic Heritage month with a special program honoring Latino leaders and organizations that deserve recognition for being among Brooklyn’s best. “With 23 different Hispanic countries represented throughout Brooklyn, Hispanic Brooklynites bring a richness and vitality to the life of our borough and neighborhoods,” Marty said. “Brooklyn’s Hispanic community has long been justly recognized for its vibrant culture, which is certainly on glorious display tonight. But Brooklyn’s Latinos should also be proud of their tremendous civic contributions. The good work done by the leaders and the organizations honored tonight have benefited all Brooklynites.” The evening’s program honored: Estella Jimenez, President, Dominican Parade & Festival of Brooklyn, Inc. Ms. Jimenez is a leader in the Williamsburg community, and is the founder of this annual Dominican parade. She also publishes Spanish NY magazine. Oscar Paredes, Founder, Latin American Workers Project. The Latin American Workers Project organizes low-wage Latino workers to secure improved pay, conditions and overall civil rights. Coalition for Hispanic Family Service’s award was accepted by Executive Director Denise Rosario. The Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, which was formed in 1989, is a community-based, comprehensive family service agency serving North Brooklyn and the adjacent communities.

Don’t forget to Take Your Man to the Doctor Week!

Take Your Man to the Doctor Week (October 20 – 25) is a borough-wide effort to get the women of Brooklyn to drag the men in their life to the doctor. We have a week packed full of free screenings and consultations in locations across the borough. It will never be easier to start the most basic habit of good health care - annual doctor visits and routine screenings. Ladies, take your husband, father, brother, son, uncle, friend or significant other to the doctor. We don’t care how you do it. Trick him, bribe him or drag him to any of our free screenings because he’ll live to love you longer! For a complete schedule of the free screenings, visit www.brooklyn-usa.org or call 718-802-3875.

Brooklyn Mourns

Gerry Parker, longtime director of special events for the Board of Education and a community affairs consultant for the Daily News, died last week after a long illness. He was the toastmaster of Brooklyn and New York City.