Housing Development Honors Fallen Brooklyn Hero

On July 31st, Marty attended the groundbreaking ceremony for the Vernon Cherry Partnership Homes in Ocean Hill-Brownsville. This is a great example of the public and the private sector working together to create much needed affordable housing for Brooklynites. The Vernon Cherry Partnership Homes will create 218 housing units and is being built by Loewen Development. The BP contributed more than $500,000 in funding for the project. Vernon Cherry was a New York City Firefighter for 29 of his 49 years, and the official vocalist for Ladder Co. 118. He sang the National Anthem at all FDNY functions with his band. He had a zest for life, and was a dedicated family man. He died at the World Trade Center on September 11th. "We have experienced a unified determination to honor our heroes, and in their memory, be courageous and committed to rebuilding our city and our lives. This groundbreaking ceremony in memory of Mr. Vernon Cherry, a Brooklynite, an outstanding firefighter and community role model is a powerful beginning," said the BP. Marty was joined by Councilmember Tracy L. Boyland, Assemblymember William F. Boyland, District Leader William F. Boyland, Jr., Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott and Peter Murray of Loewen Development and residents of Ocean Hill-Brownsville.

Marty Welcomes the New Commander of Fort Hamilton

On August 1st, Marty along with other distinguished guests welcomed Colonel Kewyn L. Williams as the new Commander of the United States Army’s Fort Hamilton Garrison, and presented a congratulatory Proclamation to outgoing Garrison Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Rodney W. Gettig. At the change of command ceremony, Lt. Col. Rodney W. Gettig relinquished command of the garrison to Col. Kewyn L. Williams. After having served as the garrison commander for over 26 months, Lieutenant Colonel Gettig has been assigned as the Director of Public Works at Fort George G. Meade in Maryland. Col. Williams has served in Germany, Korea and throughout the continental United States. Col. Williams is a native of Holland, Ohio, a graduate of Marshall University with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and has a Master’s of Science in Administration from Central University. He is married and has two children. "Brooklyn loves Fort Hamilton’s Army Base, it is the heart of America! Welcome to Brooklyn, Colonel Williams," said Marty.

Brooklyn Mourns the Senseless Killing of Brooklynite in Israel

All of Brooklyn is in mourning as the continued violence in Israel has taken one of our own. Brooklynite Janice Coulter, 36, was killed on July 31st after a bomb hidden in a bag exploded at a cafe-teria at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. Ms. Coulter, who was the assistant director of the office of academic affairs at the Rothenberg International School in Manhattan, was chaperoning a group of college students to Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Coulter family. Brooklyn is also mourning the passing of Vasiliki "Betty" Kapetanakis, a leader in New York’s progressive funding community, who was killed by a truck as she was crossing a street in Manhattan on July 29th. Ms. Kapetanakis was just 50 years old. This Brooklynite was well known in the activist community as a lifelong, tireless champion of empowerment, civil rights, gender and racial equity, workers’ rights and peace. For the last 7 years, she was the Executive Director of the North Star Fund, a source of funding for projects organizing for social change in New York City.

Don’t Forget New York’s Two Favorite Concert Series

The 24th Annual Seaside Summer Concert Series continues every Thursday Night until August 22nd at 7:30pm at Seaside Park at 5th Street and Surf Avenue in Brighton Beach, across the street from the New York Aquarium. ABBA The Music with original supporting band members will be performed on August 8th. The public can bring their own chairs or they can be rented for $5 per chair. The 20th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Concerts are every Monday Night until August 19th at 7:30pm at Wingate Field, which is located between Winthrop Street and Kingston Avenue opposite Kings County Hospital. Teena Marie and Kool and The Gang’s JT Taylor will both perform on August 12th with a rain date the following night. The public is encouraged to bring their own chairs because seating is limited. Performers are subject to change without notice. Call the concert hotline for updates on either concert at 718-469-1912 or 718-802-3700.

Brooklyn Singles Are You Ready to Mingle on the Beach?

On Sunday night, August 18th, Marty is hosting Brooklyn’s ultimate beach bash for single Brooklynites over 40 on the beautiful beach at Kingsborough Community College. Come enjoy cool sea breezes, hot music, summer fun & games, refreshments and the chance to meet other Brooklyn singles looking to mingle. The party will be rocking from 6:00pm till 9:00pm. "I know how hard it is to meet people. I am the perfect example of why it is never too late in life to meet that special person. It took me more than 50 years to meet my wife so you never know what might happen! I’ll see you on the beach," Marty said. It’s free to single Brooklynites over 40 but reservations are required. Please call 718-802-4042 to reserve your spot on the beach.

Kudos to Martin Brennan

Marty was so very pleased to hear that Senator Charles Schumer has appointed Martin Brennan to become his new State Director. Martin has been one of the most accomplished public service leaders. The BP knows he’ll do a great job for the Senator and for Brooklyn!

Is Your Organization Looking for Volunteers?

If your Brooklyn organization is looking for any volunteers, please send us an e-mail with a description of your organization, contact information and what kinds of volunteers you are looking for to: volunteers@brooklynbp.org. We’ll try to send Brooklynites looking to volunteer along to your organization.