WOODSTOCK, NY—When the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law in 1990, it was a milestone for people with disabilities. The past 25 years saw unprecedented progress as doors to employment and public access opened for the differently abled. The ADA requires that people not be barred from employment by large businesses and most government agencies on the basis of their disabilities. However, there is one door that is still tightly shut—the U.S. military is not required to comply with the ADA. But one disabled veteran is out to change that. Marty Klein of Woodstock, NY, became blind while serving in the Air Force during the Vietnam era. Upon being classified as disabled, he received an honorable medical discharge and was sent home, with no other options offered by the … [Read more...]
BP MARKOWITZ HOSTS ITALIAN-AMERICAN HERITAGE AND CULTURE MONTH CELEBRATION
On October 11, 2013, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz hosted an Italian-American Heritage and Cultural Month celebration at Brooklyn Borough Hall. Hundreds attended an event featuring food and refreshment graciously served up by dozens of local purveyors. Award-winning entertainment was provided by singers Cristina Fontanelli and Salvatore Spatola as well as youth dance troupe Figli Maria S.S. Addolorata. This was the twelfth and final such celebration hosted by Borough President Markowitz. “There is no end to the contributions Italians have made and are making to Brooklyn and this country,” said Borough President Markowitz. “Suffice it to say, in every field of endeavor – art, politics, film, design, music, cars, fashion – you name it, Italians are at the top! America would … [Read more...]
Jim Luce receives Humanitarian Award from Friends of DeCosta Headley 5/9
Friends of DeCosta Headley to Honor Humanitarians at Annual Dinner Many philanthropists toil and make personal sacrifices—with pleasure—because of their commitment to improving the lives of others. Few realize the challenges and obstacles that some of us encounter in raising funds to support worthy causes. So, it’s always a great feeling when someone acknowledges these efforts. I experienced such a moment a few weeks ago when I received a letter from the Friends of DeCosta Headley (FODH). The organization’s larger-than-life namesake, DeCosta Headley, wrote that he learned about my work with orphans, commitment to nurturing young leaders and other humanitarian activities – and wanted to honor me as Humanitarian of the Year at his upcoming annual gala. After meeting with DeCosta … [Read more...]
Kenneth D. Daly, New York President, National Grid (Irishman of the Year Award)
• BP MARKOWITZ HOSTS ELEVENTH ANNUAL ST. PATRICK’S DAY BREAKFAST AT A “GREEN” BOROUGH HALL: Kenneth D. Daly, New York President, National Grid (Irishman of the Year Award) shares his Good News about National Grid On Friday, March 15, Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz, head of the Brooklyn chapter of the Loyal League of Yiddish Sons & Daughters of Erin; Brooklyn District Attorney Charles J. (Joe) Hynes; Judge Bernard J. Graham, grand marshal, The Celts St. Patrick’s Day Parade; and Al O’Hagan of Brooklyn’s Baile na nGael “Home of the Irish” will host the eleventh annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast at Borough Hall. Entertainment will be provided by flautist Siobhan McGirl and the O’Malley Irish Dance Academy. This year’s honorees: • Kenneth D. Daly, New York President, National … [Read more...]
BP MARKOWITZ SEEKING BOROUGH VETS OF OPERATION DESERT STORM TO CARRY BROOKLYN FLAG DAMAGED IN 1991 LIBERATION OF KUWAIT
Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz is calling on Brooklyn veterans of Operation Desert Storm—particularly vets of the 102nd Maintenance Company of the Army National Guard—to carry a special Brooklyn flag in New York City’s Veterans Day Parade on Sunday, November 11. The 102nd Maintenance Company—“The Pride of Brooklyn”—carried the flag during the campaign to liberate Kuwait 20 years ago. During battle, the flag sustained damage when an American Patriot missile hit an Iraqi Scud missile over the position held by the 102nd, causing molten metal to rain down on the flag. The flag is displayed in the Rotunda at Brooklyn Borough Hall. BP Markowitz will present the flag to an appropriate group for inclusion in this year’s parade. The United War Veterans Council of New York, organizers … [Read more...]