Marty Hosts Town Hall Meeting to Kick off 'Cover the Uninsured Week

On March 10th, Marty joined Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, CAMBA, Greater Southern Brooklyn Health Assoc. and Health Plus in welcoming more than 200 health care professionals, elected officials, uninsured individuals and concerned citizens to Borough Hall to discuss the importance of providing affordable and accessible health care to all New Yorkers and to talk about the plight of the uninsured. "There is nothing more important than making sure that every single Brooklynite has access to the very best health care," Marty said.ÿ "Since Brooklyn has such an incredibly diverse population, with a variety of different health care needs, this issue takesÿon even greater importance. " Nearly 700,000 Brooklynites don't have health insurance.

Bp Joins Citywide Protest Against Closing Firehouses

On March 12th, Marty joined Council Speaker Gifford Miller, Councilman Bill de Blasio, Councilwoman Yvette Clark, Councilman Lew Fidler, Councilman David Yassky, other elected officials and the leaders of the unions representing firefighters, fire officers, EMT's and paramedics at City Hall to argue that shutting down firehouses in New York City is as much a matter of national security as it is of local public safety. "Closing our firehouses may save money but it will cost lives - this deadly equation just doesn't add up," Marty said. "I fully support the Council's creative proposal to raise money by having companies adopt firehouses in order to keep them open."

Marty Tours Major Fire Scene

On March 13th, Marty and NYC Small Business Services Commissioner Robert Walsh joined Brownsville merchants to listen to their concerns and to talk about what services are available to help them revitalize the block that was devastated by a fire last week. About a dozen small businesses and offices were either totally or partially destroyed by the March 5th fire. Assemblyman William F. Boyland, whose office was destroyed by the fire, was also on hand. "Small business owners are the bread and butter of Brooklyn's economy - they are what make Brooklyn, Brooklyn," Marty said. "I applaud the efforts of Commissioner Walsh, a devoted Brooklynite, and the city administration who I know will work with me to do everything possible to make sure these businesses are back open as quickly as possible."

Borough Hall Celebrates Women's History Month

On March 13th, Marty and Councilwoman Tracy Boyland celebrated National Women's History Month today by honoring some of Brooklyn's most outstanding women. Jacqueline Thomas-Andrews, Assistant Chief for Division I in the NYC Department of Correction, was awarded the Shirley Chisholm Leadership Award. Brooklyn Civil Court Judge Margarita Lopez Torres, the first Hispanic woman elected to the Civil Court in New York and currently the only Latina Civil Court Brooklyn judge, was awarded the Lake Deborah Moody Civic Award. Sally Krause, Co-Owner and Executive Chef of Charles, Sally and Charles Catering, was awarded the Emily Roebling Business Women's Award. Violet Mitchell, who has served in City government for 30 years in a variety of high-level positions, was awarded the Lucille Mason Rose Community Activist Award. Yuko Nii, accomplished painter, print-maker, graphic designer, and founder of the Williamsburg Art & Historical Center, was awarded the Betty Smith Arts Award. Flo Hirsch, Brooklyn Volunteer Coordinator for Visiting Nurse Services, Vice President of Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance and past Volunteer Director of the St. Bernard Senior Citizens, was awarded the Dr. Susan Smith McKinney Humanitarian Award.

Don't Be Careless About Cancer Screenings!

A federal study published this week said almost half of aging baby boomers and seniors are not being screened regularly for colorectal cancer, even though the disease is the leading killer of older Americans. On March 14th, Marty joined Assemblyman Steve Cymbrowitz at Maimonides Medical Center in recognition of Colon Cancer Awareness Month. "It is crucial for everyone to talk with your doctor to see if you are at risk, and, if you are, to get tested immediately," Marty said.ÿ "If caught early enough, this is such a highly treatable disease.ÿ No one likes to think about getting cancer,ÿbut this is just too important toÿignore because nearly 4000 Brooklynitesÿdie annuallyÿfrom colorectal cancer."

Brooklyn Mourns Loss of Two of New York's Finest

Brooklyn joins the rest of New York City in mourning the murders of two NYPD detectives, Rodney Andrews and James Nemorin, who were killed this week. On March 15th, Marty attended the funeral for Detective Nemorin in Flatbush. "They both were performing one of the most important and dangerous jobs on the police force - getting illegal guns off of the streets - and their work must continue," Marty said. "Their heroic contributions will never be forgotten." They left behind five children and donations to the families may be sent to the DEA Widows' and Children's Fund, March 10th Undercover Fund, 26 Thomas St., New York, NY 10007.

Best of Brooklyn

On March 12th, Anna Gekker of Brooklyn Tech High School won a $20,000 college scholarship in the Intel Science Talent Search, one of the country's most prestigious competitions. Anna was recognized for examining how visitation helps the recovery process and reduces the length of stay in rehab for older patients with both physical and mental disabilities. On March 16th, Marty was at Madison Square Garden when Brooklyn proved once again why we are the basketball capital of the world. Lincoln High School defeated Banneker, to win its second consecutive P.S.A.L. championship. "Brooklyn is incredibly proud of both schools. Our high school stars of today will shine in the NBA tomorrow, which is why we deserve our own NBA team!" Marty exclaimed. He will honor both schools at Borough Hall.