PARK SLOPE RESIDENT JESSE ADELMAN, who has served as Prospect Park Alliance director of new media for nearly a year, was the catalyst behind the park’s more engaging and attractive new web site that launched in April. Following the requests of hundreds of poll-takers for an interactive online map, the Alliance collaborated with Raven Creative, a Connecticut-based web design company (also designers of the Wildlife Conservation Society web sites for NYC’s zoos and aquariums) to conceive and execute the makeover. Using GoogleMaps technology, the interactive map allows visitors to see photos and explore park locations before heading outdoors. The overhaul seems more than warranted, as the site reports upwards of 4 million hits each month. “We want to explore user-generated content as a way to collaborate with our community,” said Adelman. “Prospect Park was designed to be a truly democratic space, and we want our web site to reflect that ideal as much as possible.” See www.prospectpark.org.
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PRO BONO:
DUMBO RESIDENT AND BROOKLYN BRIDGE PARK CONSERVANCY PRESIDENT MARIANNA KOVAL, with Heights resident and board of directors Chairman DAVID KRAMER, held a Spring Soirée on April 30 to celebrate the “dynamic” leadership of Regina Myer, president of the bridge’s Development Corporation, and the beginning of park construction. The event, held at The River Café, was a benefit for free programs in the Brooklyn Bridge Park. Thanks were also given to Michael O’Keeffe and the staff of The River Café for their generosity.
April 30 also was also the night of “A Garden Inspired Evening,” a silent auction and plant sale from Heights and Hill Community Council leaders Eliza Rossman, president; Paul Schlesinger, vice president; and Judy Willig, executive director. The night’s honors were given to NYC Council Member David Yassky for his special attention to the needs of the aging community, and the group Heights and Hill Handcrafters that knits and crochets for those in need. While HHCC is the leading provider of social services for Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill and Cobble Hill seniors, a new contract finalized in April with the Department for Aging gives HHCC the opportunity to bring case management services to elders in more Brooklyn neighborhoods. Services will be extended to Carroll Gardens, Gowanus, Park Slope, Red Hook, Sunset Park, Windsor Terrace, Fort Greene, Clinton Hill, Prospect Heights, Crown Heights and East Flatbush.
SUNY Downstate Medical Center President and Brooklyn Heights resident John C. LaRosa, MD and event chairman and Bay Ridge resident Douglas R. Lazzaro, MD will host “Celebrate Downstate,” a night of dinner and dancing, on June 14 to celebrate the work and legacy of the 150-year-old institution — and Brooklyn’s only academic medical center. Organizers look forward to bringing together clinicians and scientists with the business, financial and community leaders of greater Brooklyn and NY. And all proceeds will go to Downstate’s research fund in the pursuit of causes, treatments and cures of various diseases. Distinguished guests expected at the event are Senator Martin Golden, NY-born LL Cool J and Brooklyn-born Steven Shirripa of Sopranos fame. Tickets can be purchased by visiting www.downstate. edu/celebrate.
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POLITICS:
THOMAS J. HARRIS, former inspector/commanding officer for the 70th precinct in the Flatbush/Midwood area, has been appointed of as director of security for the Times Square Alliance. As commanding officer in Brooklyn, Harris provided leadership and direction to captains, lieutenants, sergeants and police officers and was active in community relations. The Alliance found these qualities, including his 23-year NYPD career, to be optimal for a co-leader of its public safety division comprising 55 public safety officers. Harris will be in charge of existing security operations and the development and implementation of new safety initiatives.
In recognition of April as National Autism Awareness Month, Congressman VITO FOSSELLA (R-NY13) announced that he is co-sponsoring bipartisan legislation to improve and expand care and services for Americans with autism spectrum disorders. Fossella recently toured Thursday’s Child, an early intervention program serving the needs of children diagnosed with PDD/Autism that is based in Bay Ridge. The bill would provide $350 million for additional treatment and support resources, increase access to effective therapies and essential support services for people with autism.
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HONOREES:
A RECEPTION TO CELEBRATE THE ELECTION OF LESTER W. YOUNG JR. as regent was held May 1 at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus. Also an associate professor of education at the Brooklyn Campus, Dr. Young has been a respected leader in urban education for four decades. In addition to being a teacher, guidance counselor and principal, he has been a supervisor of special education services, community superintendent of District 13 and a top administrator for the city’s Department of Education. The Board of Regents, made up of 12 representatives for individual state districts and four at-large members, presides over the New York State Education Department and the State University of New York. The state legislature announced its election of Dr. Young to the unpaid position on March 12. He is serving the last two years of a five-year term held by Dr. Adelaide L. Sanford, who retired.
