MARTY SUPPORTS NEW YORK’S HOME DAY CARE WORKERS

On April 1, Marty joined educators, parents, community leaders, legislators and union officials in a rally on the steps of City Hall to call for increased salaries for New York City’s 7,000 day care workers, the majority of whom either live or work in Brooklyn. “Brooklyn cares about its day care workers,” said Marty. “Maintaining proper compensation for day care workers, who haven’t had a raise in 4 years, means more than just improving the quality of life. It means fixing a system that encourages some to take far more than they need at the cost of others with mouths to feed.”

MARTY RELAUNCHES THE CONEY ISLAND CYCLONE

On April 4, Marty joined Carol and Jerry Albert of Astroland in launching the Coney Island Cyclone for 2004. Marty christened the world’s most-famous roller coaster with a giant egg cream and encouraged first-time riders to give it a spin. “I want to welcome the young Brooklynites who are getting their first chance to ride on Brooklyn’s claim to fame: trust me, your lives will never be the same,” said Marty.

BROOKLYN'S FIRST "GREEN" BUILDING

On April 7, Marty joined KeySpan representatives at a ribbon-cutting ceremony in recognition of its first Green Cinderella Award winners, Susan Boyle and Benton Brown. KeySpan launched the Green Cinderella competition to encourage the use of green building materials and natural gas technologies within its service territories. Developers Susan Boyle and Benton Brown were recognized for their efforts in transforming the abandoned Nassau Brewery Ice House in Crown Heights into a six-unit residential dwelling with solar panels, radiant heat and cutting-edge technology. "Brooklynites are literally taking the power into our own hands," said Marty. "And with the help of partners like KeySpan and Susan Boyle and Benton Brown, together we can paint this town green!"

SUMMER HEAT 2004 GAINS STEAM

On April 13, Marty hosted a breakfast at the Brooklyn Marriott to launch the 2004 Summer HEAT youth employment program, and encourage Brooklyn businesses to participate this year. The Summer HEAT (Help Employ Ambitious Teens) program was created by Marty two years ago in an effort to encourage Brooklyn businesses to invest in youth through employment. The program works in partnership with the Brooklyn Economic Development Corporation and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce. Last year Summer HEAT provided employment for 180 teens at 50 local area businesses. “Nothing gives a young person the sense of personal responsibility and self-worth that today’s economy demands like having a job, plain and simple,” said Marty. “In light of budget cuts for youth employment programs, the contributions of employers like yourselves in hiring young Brooklynites are more important than ever.”

MARTY HOPS TO EASTER CELEBRATIONS

On April 10, Marty joined several community groups throughout the borough in celebrating Easter. At the annual Easter Extravaganza Parade of Hats, which travels along Fifth Avenue, Marty rode on a float with the ladies of Mary’s Fashion Hats, located in the Georgetown Mall, and joined the crowd in admiring all of the unique and beautiful Brooklyn hats on display. The parade, partly sponsored by the Borough President’s office, was started six years ago by Brooklyn Milliner and Mary’s Fashion Hat’s proprietor Mary Robinson. At Brooklyn Bridge Park, Marty donned bunny ears to hand out Easter baskets to children, before announcing the start of the Easter Egg hunt, which was sponsored by the Brooklyn Bridge Park Conservancy.

HOLOCAUST ESSAY CONTEST WINNERS HONORED AT BOROUGH HALL

On April 14, Marty joined Brooklyn Jewish Heritage Committee co-chairs Steve Cohn and Judy Shapiro to announce the winners of the Holocaust Remembrance contest in honor of Yom Hashoa, a day to remember the millions of victims of the Holocaust. The contest was open to all sophomore, junior and senior high school students in Brooklyn and was sponsored by the Committee. The theme of the contest was: What lessons can we learn from the Holocaust and how do these lessons relate to prejudice and conflict in the world today. “I want to commend the Best of Brooklyn students who took time out of their busy schedules to compose poems, essays and plays for this year’s contest,” said Marty. “The written word has been a powerful vehicle for keeping the memory of the Holocaust and its victims alive, both since and during that terrible time.”

“DINE IN BROOKLYN” STUFFS BOROUGH’S RESTAURANTS

On April 15, Marty joined NYC & Company President and CEO Cristyne Nicholas in launching the first-ever “Dine in Brooklyn” at one of Brooklyn’s most beloved Italian restaurants, Marco Polo. “Brooklyn’s restaurant scene is about quality, quantity and value,” said Marty. “If you’re into food, Brooklyn is the heartland!” More than 100 restaurants throughout Brooklyn participated in the week-long event April 15-22. Most restaurants reported a big boom in customers for the week — good thing Lighten Up Brooklyn is around the corner! Dine in Brooklyn was presented by the Brooklyn Tourism and Visitors Center and sponsored by MasterCard International, Brooklyn Brewery, Time Out New York magazine, and the Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce.

THE BROOKLYN MUSEUM’S NEW PAVILION LIGHTS UP A TREASURE

On April 16, Marty joined Brooklyn Museum Director Arnold L. Lehman and architect James Steward Polshek at a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Museum’s stunning new entrance and plaza. Marty applauded Director Lehman for his leadership and drive in completing the project, which includes an all-glass entrance pavilion, dramatic fountains and grass promenades in the plaza. “I want to congratulate Arnold on returning the Brooklyn Museum to its glorious splendor, and on creating an attraction that Brooklynites and visitors from all over will enjoy for years to come,” said Marty. The new pavilion is joined by a stunning new exhibit, “Working in Brooklyn,” that showcases the work of more than 200 artists who live and create in the borough.

BROOKLYN MOURNS

Kenneth Osborne Grant, President of the 1300 Prospect Place Block Association, and honorable and active Brooklynite.