BROOKLYN BLOCK ASSOCIATIONS MEET AT BOROUGH HALL

On May 17, Marty hosted his third annual assembly of Brooklyn block associations, to facilitate association members to meet with representatives of city agencies and to discuss issues of concern to their respective blocks. “Events like this provide an opportunity for block associations to discuss issues and concerns that they have in common, and to meet with city agencies about how best to assist your community with those issues,” said Marty. “We can accomplish even more when we work together.” Marty also offered block association members discounts on block party supplies

MARTY CELEBRATES CARMEN FARIÑA’S APPOINTMENT TO DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

On May 19, Marty held a reception at Borough Hall to congratulate Carmen Fariña on her appointment as Deputy Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, the highest ranking educator at the City’s Department of Education. “This is a proud day for all Brooklynites, as one of our own has elevated to the rank of Deputy Chancellor of Teaching and Learning, which is a vital position for the future of New York City students, parents and educators,” said Marty. “We couldn’t have a more intelligent, more devoted woman in that position than Brooklyn’s own Carmen Fariña, and she would make a superb future Chancellor.” In her new position, Deputy Chancellor Fariña is responsible for the curriculum and instruction for more than 1,200 schools and more than 1 million students.

CHINESE AND KOREAN HERITAGE COMMEMORATED AT BOROUGH HALL

On May 20, Marty greeted invited guests and honorees at a ceremony in honor of Chinese and Korean-American Heritage at Borough Hall. Marty highlighted the many outstanding contributions that Asian-Americans have made to Brooklyn. “Many Chinese- and Korean-Americans in Brooklyn are involved in community service, which has helped our Borough’s Asian population continue to grow, not just in size but also in its impact in civic affairs,” said Marty. “Brooklyn’s Korean population is growing steadily, and one day we hope it will be even larger than the one in Queens!” Among those honored at the event were outstanding members of Brooklyn’s Chinese and Korean communities, and the Consuls General of each country.

POST OFFICE NAMED FOR LATE COUNCILMAN JAMES DAVIS

On May 21, Marty joined family members and elected officials in honoring the late City Councilman James E. Davis, as the Lefferts Post Office was renamed in his honor. Senator Charles Schumer, Congressmen Major Owens and Edolphus Towns, Assemblyman Clarence Norman, State Senators Kevin Parker and Carl Andrews, City Councilmen David Yassky, Lew Fidler, Bill DeBlasio and Speaker Gifford Miller were all present. Marty spoke of the late City Councilman’s tremendous dedication to the community that he served, saying that his death was a tremendous loss not just for that community but for the entire borough of Brooklyn. A former police officer, Davis was elected to the City Council in 2001. As a councilman, he fought and won a battle with Toys ‘R’ Us, forcing them to remove realistic toy guns from store shelves. Councilman Davis also organized an annual march for community residents, which promoted the tenets of self-love, self-respect and respect for the community. On July 23, 2003, he was killed in the Council Chambers at City Hall.

BROOKLYN BECOMES MORE BIKE-FRIENDLY

On May 24, Marty joined the members of advocacy group Transportation Alternatives in commemorating National Bike Month by leading a bike ride from Grand Army Plaza to Brooklyn Borough Hall. Marty was proud to complete the ride without stopping (except for red lights, of course), although the free bagels and cream cheese at Borough Hall certainly helped inspire him. Marty was also presented with a “Friend of the City Cyclist” Award for his support of biking in Brooklyn. “Brooklyn really is a cyclist’s paradise, from Prospect Park to crossing our beloved Brooklyn Bridge to Shore Parkway Greenway. There’s no better way to explore our many historic and beautiful neighborhoods than on a bike,” said Marty. On their route to Borough Hall, the bikers traveled along Bergen Street’s new bike lane, which joins new lanes on Dean Street, Dekalb Avenue, Myrtle Avenue and Navy Street. Plans are also underway for a Brooklyn Waterfront Greenway, which would run from Greenpoint through the Navy Yard and Brooklyn Heights to Red Hook.

INNOVATIVE STILLWELL AVENUE STATION RE-OPENS TO SUBWAYS

On May 23, the Stillwell Avenue subway station reopened to F and Q trains for the first time in about two years. Work on the Coney Island terminal will be completed in April 2005, but an innovative new solar-power roof has already begun generating 15% of the station’s power. “When I heard that Stillwell Avenue station was re-opening just in time for my “BrooklynBest” festival next weekend at Coney Island, I almost leaped over the Parachute Jump!,” said Marty at an event commemorating the reopening. He was joined by Congressman Jerry Nadler, Assemblywoman Adele Cohen and Councilman Domenic Recchia. Marty also thanked MTA Executive Director Katherine Lapp, NYC Transit President Lawrence Reuter and NYC Transit Director of Government and Community Relations Lois Tendler for keeping their promise to Coney Island residents and businesses to renovate the critical subway terminal. “And I know Brooklynites are over the moon too, because they know that with the newly expanded Manhattan Bridge subway service, plus continued weekend express bus service in South Brooklyn, plus the future plans for an express train on the F line — this borough is on the right track!”

DON’T MISS BROOKLYN BEST!

On May 24, Marty announced the first annual “BrooklynBest” festival, to be held June 5 & 6 in Coney Island, Brooklyn. The two-day festival of music, movies, magic marks the first “Destination Brooklyn” event presented by the new Brooklyn Tourism & Visitors Center, and officially launches summer in Brooklyn. “BrooklynBest” is an annual event to attract both Brooklynites and local, national and international tourists to Brooklyn for special events and to enjoy the everyday fun and wonders the borough has to offer. The festival will be held on the first weekend of June every year. “There is no better way to start summer than by sharing the best of Brooklyn’s culture with all of Brooklyn and with the world,” said Marty. In addition to the classic attractions at Coney Island, “BrooklynBest” will include a fashion show of Brooklyn designers, a sandcastle-building demonstration and contest, a cheerleading competition, the return of the Coney Island Baby Parade — the first one since 1954 — and movies and fireworks on the beach. Other highlights include a celebrity charity baseball game at the Cyclones’ KeySpan Park, the first annual CMJ 5 Borough Battle of the Indie Bands, and a twilight concert with doo-wop and a capella groups, as well as the Coney Island Symphony. Events will take place on the Coney Island boardwalk and beach and at Asser Levy Park Stage.

Brooklyn Mourns

George Leonard Bing, Sr., was a Brooklyn Tech graduate who served in the legendary Tuskegee Air Force squadron of African-American pilots in World War II. He was also a renowned photographer who shot portraits of Elvis Presley, Bill Cosby, Robert F. Kennedy and many more, and served as Brooklyn College’s chief photographer for 30 years. He will be sorely missed.

Ethel B. Futernick, longtime President of the Residents Council of the Four Seasons Nursing Home in Canarsie, was a great Brooklynite.

Carolyn Jamison, wife of 46 years to Rev. Harvey Jamison of Glorious Trinity Baptist Church in Crown Heights. We mourn her passing.