MARTY URGES BROOKLYNITES TO CONTRIBUTE TO TSUNAMI RELIEF EFFORTS

On December 27, Marty issued a statement urging Brooklynites to aid relief efforts in South Asia in every way possible. “All of us are part of the world family and we have an obligation to help each other in times of crisis,” said Marty. “Our prayers and thoughts are with the people of Sri Lanka, India, Thailand, Indonesia, the Maldives, Malaysia, Somalia and others who are suffering due to the massive earthquake and tsunamis in the Indian Ocean. We are deeply saddened to hear that so many lives have been lost and countless others are injured or missing.” Marty encouraged all Brooklynites and New Yorkers to reach out to those in need, and recommended the American Red Cross International Response Fund as a good starting place for donations. The Red Cross can be reached at 800-257-7575, by visiting www.redcross.org, or by mail at P.O. Box 37243, Washington, D.C., 20013.

BROOKLYNITES HONOR THE LEGACY OF CONGRESSWOMAN SHIRLEY CHISHOLM

Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first African-American woman elected to the U.S. House of Representatives, passed away January 1 at her Florida home. A powerful and eloquent advocate for the residents of Bedford-Stuyvesant, and for African-Americans, women and those in need everywhere, Chisholm embodied the Brooklyn spirit as wonderfully and completely as anyone. She also became the first African-American woman to run for President, in 1972. “Like Jackie Robinson before her, Chisholm proved that Brooklyn is America ’s trailblazer when it comes to celebrating our differences and fighting for equality among our nation’s many peoples,” said Marty. “Brooklynites will forever be inspired by her unwavering dedication to the American ideal of speaking best for the people by being of the people. She wanted to leave behind a legacy as a ‘catalyst for change’ in America — she accomplished that and so much more.”

MARTY HONORS EAST FLATBUSH DOUBLE DUTCH CHAMPIONS

On December 29, Marty honored “Jumpers in Command — DDDD” (Dynamic Diplomats of Double Dutch), the East Flatbush that won “Best in Show” at the Double Dutch Holiday Classic at the Apollo Theater. The team placed first out of 14 teams from throughout the United States and Japan . The talented teenage jumpers performed parts of their award-winning routine at the Borough Hall celebration. David A. Walker, president and founder of the National Double Dutch League and former NYPD detective, was also on hand. “Let me tell you — Brooklynites have been jumping for joy ever since your victory!,” said Marty. “The members of Jumpers in Command are an inspiration to all young Brooklynites, who are reminded that hard work and dedication to your craft or skill will always be rewarded with success. And, with a little luck, by 2012 Double Dutch will be an Olympic sport, and we’ll all be back crowning Olympic champions right here in Brooklyn U-S-A!”

MARTY VISITS WINNING HOMES IN DAILY NEWS & NY1 HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTESTS

On January 3, Marty paid a visit to the Dyker Heights homes that garnered in the Daily News and NY1 holiday-decorating contests. The citywide “Best in Show” award in the Daily News’ first-ever “Brite Stuff” holiday-decorating contest went to the neighboring homes of Robert DeLauro and Lisa Cistulli, and Frank and Pina Cianflone, where the two buildings wish a festive and brightly lit “Merry Christmas,” “Happy Holidays” and “Happy New Year” in dazzling lights to all who pass by. The Ippolito family — Ruby, Steve, and Gloria — also of Dyker Heights , were selected by NY1 viewers as the winners of its “Lights Before Christmas” contest. The Ippolito’s display, at 953 81st Street , was dedicated to the blessed memory of Salvatore, who recently passed away. The Ippolitos also included a menorah, as a way of honoring the many ways Brooklynites celebrate the holidays each year. “This once again proves that in addition to being the Borough of Churches and the Borough of Trees, that Brooklyn is the Borough of Light during the holidays, and throughout the year,” said Marty. “And here’s yet another way to lighten up Brooklyn !”

BOROUGH HALL CHRISTMAS TREE CHIPPED AS PART OF CITY’S “MULCHFEST” RECYCLING PROGRAM

On January 8, Marty attended the annual spreading of mulch from recycled Christmas and holiday trees on gravesites at Green-wood Cemetery , at an event sponsored by the Brooklyn Botanic Garden . Marty joined Cemetery President Richard Moylan and Vice President Nicholas Pisano in chipping the Borough Hall Christmas tree, and then spreading the mulch on the graves of Brooklyn Mayors of yesteryear. Representatives from the Brooklyn Botanic Garden 's "Compost Masters" program were on-hand to answer questions about mulch, which protects soil against heavy rain damage, increases the survival of new trees, and reduces the growth of weeds. The event was party of the City’s 9th annual “MulchFest” program, where residents can drop off their holiday trees at one of 42 recycling sites where chippers are on hand, and take home mulch for their own gardens and plants. 

BROOKLYNITES HIT THE YEAR-END JACKPOT!  

Brooklynites Clifford and Arlene Maxwell were the lucky single winners of the New York Lottery’s year-end Quick Pick $40 million jackpot! Clifford, 61, bought the winning ticket on a whim at a store on Kingston Avenue, and that week the Maxwells’ retirement fund got a little help to the tune of $20.97 million (after taxes). Clifford said the couple would continue making donations to local churches and other charities.

BROOKLYNITE HEALTH & HOSPITALS CORPORATION PRESIDENT MOVES ON

Brooklynite Dr.Benjamin Chu is leaving his post as President of the City’s Health & Hospitals Corporation after 2 years on the job. Dr. Chu will be missed as a strong leader for HHC, where his efforts included improving chronic disease management and early cancer detection, as well as combating asthma, cardiovascular diseases and depression. Dr. Chu will become President of the Southern California region of Kaiser-Permanente’s health system. HHC Chairperson Charlynn Goins is searching for a successor. “Dr. Chu represented the very best in public service. He will be missed,” said Marty.

105 YEARS YOUNG FOR BROOKLYNITE WILLIAM JEFFERSON

On January 8, longtime Brooklynite William Jefferson turned 105 years young! Mr. Jefferson celebrated the century-plus landmark in style with family and friends at a birthday bash at Linden Plaza in East New York . Marty told Mr. Jefferson he hopes the key to such longevity is Junior’s cheesecake and red wine.

REVEREND DAUGHTRY HONORED FOR HALF-CENTURY OF COMMITMENT TO BROOKLYN

On January 8, Reverend Herbert Daughtry was honored at a Brooklyn Academy of Music gala, “Living the Legacy,” to commemorate his nearly 50 years of devotion to the church and to the community of Brooklyn . As pastor of House of the Lord Pentecostal Church (located at 413 Atlantic Avenue , between Nevins & Bond Streets), Rev. Daughtry has fought for the empowerment of African-Americans and all minorities, for womens’ rights, and for peace among nations since the Civil Rights Movement. Brooklyn is proud to be home to the inspiring words and deeds of Rev. Daughtry.

BROOKLYN MOURNS

Richard Capolongo, NYPD Deputy Inspector and a fine police officer, was well-loved by family, friends and the community he served. Brooklyn mourns his passing.

Helen Henkin , former Community Board 6 member and former Chairperson of Community Board 14, was a great Brooklynite.

A.J. Richard , son of the founder of P.C. Richard, who started the renowned retail store right here in Brooklyn , will be dearly missed. A.J. Richard helped transform the former local hardware store into the thriving appliance and electronics chain it is today.