Brooklyn Unites During Blackout

“This was obviously a difficult couple of days for Brooklynites and people throughout New York City, but this loss of power only empowered us,” Marty said. “Brooklynites have once again come together to ensure that, while we were a little uncomfortable, we will always stay united. I know that everybody did everything humanly possible to get the electricity up and running throughout Brooklyn as quickly as possible. Mayor Bloomberg and the Office of Emergency Management, led by Commissioner John Odermatt, did an unbelievable job coordinating the City’s response. I also want to applaud the thousands and thousands of courageous and thoughtful acts, both big and small, performed all across Brooklyn. Brooklynites volunteered to help direct traffic at intersections across the borough, delivered food to seniors in need and even held block parties to help people cope. This proves that, even during some dark times, Brooklynites always take care of one another. As I stood at the foot of the Brooklyn Bridge on Thursday night welcoming people back to the promised land, I knew we would get through this together. But the bottom line is this should never happen again. It is completely unacceptable for this to occur in the year 2003. We must get all of the appropriate assistance, from both Washington and Albany, to make sure that our power infrastructure is reliable, safe and secure.”

Marty Unveils Tourism Iniative Helping Visitors Enjoy All Of Brooklyn

On August 12th, Marty, who was joined by NYC & Company President & CEO Cristyne L. Nicholas and JP MorganChase & Co. Vice President of Community Relations Seth Edwards, unveiled three new, custom-made tourism pushcarts that are being sent this summer throughout Brooklyn on weekends to help direct tourists to all of our borough’s fantastic offerings. The tourism pushcarts, which are loaded with helpful information and brochures about everything that’s happening in Brooklyn this summer, are located at the Brooklyn Bridge, Coney Island, Grand Army Plaza and Borough Hall every weekend through Labor Day. The carts are staffed by tour guides, who assist tourists and answer questions. “Brooklyn is a magnet for tourists from around the region, around the country and around the world,” Marty said. “These tourism pushcarts are helping them to explore all of the incredible cultural attractions, concerts, tours and many other exciting and interesting events throughout Brooklyn. Bringing more and more tourists to Brooklyn will continue providing an important economic boost, which is why I will continue making it one of my top priorities. Brooklyn thanks NYC & Company and JP MorganChase & Co. for all of its support.” The three custom-made tourism pushcarts were funded through a grant by NYC & Company Foundation. The tour guides were hired thanks to the generosity of JP MorganChase & Co. This and other tourism initiatives are being spearheaded by the Best of Brooklyn, Inc., a not-for-profit organization whose mission includes improving the quality of life for all Brooklynites, particularly our youth.

Brooklyn Celebrates Our Ethnic Pride

On August 17th, Marty celebrated two great Brooklyn traditions. He joined with State Senator Martin Malave Dilan at the 10th Annual Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade in East Williamsburg. “This is a fantastic opportunity for all of Brooklyn to get a taste of our vibrant and dynamic Puerto Rican community,” Marty said. “The Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade, which continues to grow every year, is a great way to celebrate and honor the heritage and all of the contributions and accomplishments of Puerto Ricans throughout Brooklyn.” The Brooklyn Puerto Rican Day Parade, Inc. has also established a scholarship fund that helps send deserving students to college. This year it will provide $500 scholarships to three students - Magdalena Mangual, 37, who is attending Boricua College and is expected to graduate in June 2004; Linda Perez, 49, who also is attending Boricua College and is expected to graduate in June 2004; and Iris Vazquez, 30, another Boricua College student, expected to graduate in June 2005. Kudos to Puerto Rican Day Parade President Enrique Sandoval for another fantastic event. Marty later celebrated the 56th Pakistan Independence Day Festival on Coney Island Avenue. “Brooklyn is the Pakistani capital of America, and this is a wonderful celebration of the culture and traditions found throughout our fantastic borough,” Marty said. A big thank you to Asghar Choudri for all of his hard work.

New York’s Favorite Free Summertime Concerts Continue

The 25th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series finishes another fantastic season on August 21st with the Sounds of Detroit in Brooklyn with The Supremes starring Mary Wilson and The Spinners on Thursday night at 7:30 at Asser Levy Park in Brighton Beach. The 21st Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Concert Series culminates on August 25th with Ladies Night Out starring Boyz 11 Men & C+C Music Factory at Wingate Field. All tickets are FREE! For updates call 718-469-1912 or log onto www.brooklyn-usa.org.