From Borough President Marty Markowitz

May 8th, 2002

Dear Brooklyn Rail,

I organized Lighten Up Brooklyn because many Brooklynites—myself included—would benefit from losing a few pounds. We’ve invited Brooklynites who want to slim down a bit to register and be officially weighed at one of over 150 weigh-in stations located all around the Borough. They’ll return to the same station to find out their new weight during the week of June 9th. It’s easy! And it’s never too late to join.

To help make it easier to shed those extra pound, we’ve organized a series of special events for May and June. These are in addition to:

Mondays, 7:30 a.m., Walk to Work. Join me starting at Prospect Park West and 9th Street as I walk to work. Or walk to work on your own. If you live too far to walk, get off the subway or bus a stop or two early and walk the rest of the way.

Wednesday, noon, Lunchtime Power Walks in the Borough Hall vicinity. Join me at noon at the steps of Brooklyn Borough Hall.

Saturdays, Brooklyn Park Walks. Walk in your neighborhood park or meet me at one of these parks at 10:00 a.m.: Fort Greene (May 11), Carroll Park (May 18), McCarren Park (June 1), Marine Park (June 8), Bensonhurst Park (June 15).

Hope You can join us!

Marty

From Pratt Area Community Council:

May 10, 2002

Dear Brooklyn Rail,

Displacement Watch, a campaign of the Pratt Area Community Council (PACC), has received the first batch of 500 posters of the Rent 2002 Campaign, a movement to persuade the State Legislature and Governor to renew and strengthen the rent control and rent stabilization laws in 2002, a year before they expire.

As the sampaign explains: “Tenants must hold our elected officals accountable and make them address this issue before the November 5, 2002 election, not after.” If we wait the politicians are free to do what they want; the time to mobilize is now. Tenant organizations, labor unions, and community groups are coming together—pushing for a goal that will help all working families.

The large black and yellow posters have a simple message: Stronger Rent Laws Now! We are trying to get as many tenants to put the posters in their windows as possible. For everyone wanting to support the campaign and fly your yellow and black colors of Tenant Power, stop by PACC’s office at 201 Dekalb Avenue and pick some up. We need help getting as many out there as possible in order to represent Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Bed-Stuy, and Williamsburg—as well as stand in solidarity with tenants state-wide.

Sincerely,

Gabriel Thompson

Community Organizer,

Displacement Watch

Greenpoint YMCA June Events

Greenpoint YMCA located at 99 Meserole Avenue. For info call (718) 389-3700

June 8th: Father’s Day Gift Extravaganza. Children age 4–12 are invited to make gifts for their dads, uncles, or grandfathers. Parent must be present.

June 12th at 7 p.m.: Free Healthy Living Lecture. Talk will be on "The Art of Psychological Wellness." Advanced registration is necessary, call 389-3700.

Friday June 14th: Water Basketball on from 6-8 p.m. Refreshments.

Greenpoint YMCA Celebrates YMCA 150th Anniversary: Walking Tour sponsored by the Municipal Arts Society. Sunday, June 16 at 1 p.m. Join us for a walk through a neighborhood of enormous historical and architectural interest. We will wander into adjacent Northside, one of the city’s newly chic enclaves, and end up at the YMCA on Meserole Avenue. The Greenpoint YMCA will serve refreshments in the lobby and will offer tours of the branch. For info call 387-3700.

June 17th: 6:30–7:30 p.m. Greenpoint YMCA hosts Summer Camp Open House.

June 22nd from 2–4 p.m. A YMCA 150th Birthday Party and the unveiling of the capital campaign plaque. For info call 389-3700.

June 26th from 7 to 8 p.m: Free Healthy Living Lecture. Topic is Hip and Knee Problems. Advance Registration is necessary, 389-3700.

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