June 2008 Meeting

Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, June 25th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

We will be having an end-of-year party as we enter our summer recess and holding elections for the 2008-2009 officers of the Community Council. The following were nominated for office at the May 28th meeting:

Edward Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Rosanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Laura James, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

So come and join us for our elections and end-of-year celebration!

BRAVE B'DAY BOY'S GIFT OF A LIFETIME (NY POST)

By PHILIP MESSING

May 9, 2008 -- His simple wish was their willing command.

Responding to terminally ill Yuri Benefeld's modest hope - that a cop and firefighter stop by to say hello on his 12th birthday - some 40 members of the NYPD and FDNY showed up yesterday for a surprise party beyond his wildest dreams.

The Midwood, Brooklyn, youngster, wheelchair-bound and ventilator-dependent, was serenaded with a chorus of "Happy Birthday" - and then chauffeured around in an NYPD Emergency Service truck.

"All the neighbors got scared. They came running out to see what's going on. Nobody was expecting anything like this," said Yuri's delighted mom, Debbie, referring to the maze of firetrucks and police vehicles that descended on their East 28th Street home.

Her son suffers from Duchenne muscular dystrophy, a genetic disorder marked by progressive muscle weakness that leads to paralysis and death. Most victims don't survive their teens, according to the Web site cureduchenne.org.

Steve Zakaheim, a community activist, and Raizy Goldberger, of Chai Lifeline, a charity that aids sick children and their families, teamed up to honor Yuri's birthday wish.

First, a small entourage of firefighters came by with a birthday cake, a fire hat and an ax - and their firehouse Dalmatian, who gladly lapped up Yuri's attention.

When the firefighters realized the youngster had a blanket with various police and fire patches sewn on, James Breslin, of Engine Co. 309 took off his own to add to the collection, witnesses told The Post.

Soon more celebrants stopped in, including cops from the 70th Precinct, NYPD Canine Unit and Emergency Service Squad Truck 6.

"Everybody was shocked to the extent that everyone went just to bring a smile to this kid's face," said Jack Meyer, a community resident who serves as a liaison to the NYPD.

Yuri's mom called the impromptu party a "bittersweet" experience for her, but noted her son was "emanating a glow of happiness."

"He was happy," she said.

Added dad Michael Benefeld, "I feel that something like this was above and beyond what anyone could have expected.

"You don't see something like this, of this magnitude, every day."

Read original article on NY Post website.

May 2008 Meeting

Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, May 28th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

March 26, 2008 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
March 2008 Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, March 26, 2008
7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Officers Present
Ed Powell, President
Beverley Kilpatrick, Vice President
Rosanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Laura James, Corresponding Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

NYPD, Elected Officials & Other Guests
Inspector Thomas Harris, Commanding Officer
Captain Peter Venice, Executive Officer
Lt. Jacqueline Bourne, Community Affairs
Det. Dominick Scotto, Community Affairs
Council Member Michael Nelson
Doris Ortíz, District Manager, Community Board 14
Terry Rodie, former District Manager, Community Board 14
Chaim Deutsch, President, Flatbush Shomrim
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Reuven Lipkind for State Senator Eric Adams
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinny Ringel for Council Member Simcha Felder

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 8:02 PM. President Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Powell then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials and other distinguished guests present at the meeting (see above).

1. Appointment to the Election Committee – Mr. Powell
In accordance with Article E of the 70th Precinct Community Council's bylaws, the President must appoint an Election Committee at its March meeting, which shall consist of three (3) members in good standing who shall work with the Precinct Commanding Officer to compile a list of members eligible to vote and run for office. The Election Committee is also responsible for overseeing the conduct of elections in June for Board positions. The list of eligible voters and candidates will be reported at the April 30th meeting. Nominations for office will be heard at the May meeting. Mr. Powell appointed the following three people to serve on the Election Committee:

Dr. Bruce MacIntyre
Ms. Helen Silverman
Ms. Gretel Weston

2. Tribute In Memoriam for Former Members of the 70th Precinct Community Council
The Community Council paid tribute to those deceased members of the 70th Precinct Community Council who worked to improve public safety in the community.

Marsha Edell, Joe "Papa Yussie" Silverman, and Ben Gluck were remembered for their outstanding contributions. Various community leaders, friends and family spoke about their legacies: Inspector Thomas Harris, Council Member Michael Nelson, Council President Ed Powell, Flatbush Shomrim President Chaim Deutsch, Nottingham Association Board Members Connie Koenig, Bruce MacIntyre, and Blossom Klass, former Community Board 14 District Manager Terry Rodie, current Community Board 14 District Manager Doris Ortíz, local community activist Nelson Soto, and Wendy Ann Powell on behalf of Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs. At Mr. Deutsch's suggestion and with help from Council Member Nelson, a plaque was dedicated in their memory and for such individuals in the future who have served their community with distinction to improve public safety.

Sadly, Inspector Harris announced that former Sergeant-at-Arms and long-standing community activist, Hynda Schneiweiss, passed away earlier today. A moment of silence was held in her memory.

3. Upcoming Events

Unity Showcase Festival – Sunday, April 13th, 11 AM-5 PM, Bartel Pritchard Square, Prospect Park
Brooklyn South will be hosting the annual Community Precinct Unity Showcase in Prospect Park. There will be entertainment, food, games and refreshments for both children and adults. Catch a glimpse of the entire world right here in Brooklyn! Contact Det. Tommy Nihill for more details: 718-287-1259

4. Cops of the Month: P.O. Florin Kuken, P.O. Ryan Lane, & Det. Bill Simon
Officers Kuken and Lane were on patrol when a man, who had been robbed, informed them that he was approached by the robber to arrange a meeting at his house where he could return the items he had stolen. The victim of the robbery arranged a meeting, during which the officers arrested the robber. Working with Det. Simon, they also arrested a second man connected to the robbery.

5. Captain Peter Venice, New Executive Officer – Inspector Harris
Captain Peter Venice was introduced and warmly welcomed by the Council as the new Executive Officer of the 70th Precinct.

6. Open Forum with Inspector Harris – No issues were raised by members of the audience.

7. Remarks from Brooklyn South Auxiliary Chief Tony Christo
Chief Christo spoke about the close partnership between the Auxiliaries and the officers of the 70th Precinct. He recognized in particular Sergeant Brian Lane and P.O. Shawn Lipstein for their work with the Auxiliaries.

8. Inspector Harris' Retirement Announcement
Inspector Harris, who has served on the force for 23 years, announced his retirement, which will be effective April 28, 2008. He stated that it has been a pleasure to serve at the 70th Precinct and wishes everyone the best.

There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:10 PM

Respectfully submitted,


Jonathan Judge
Recording Secretary

Inspector Thomas Harris Retires

On April 28th, 2008, Inspector Thomas Harris, Commanding Officer of the 70th Precinct, bid farewell to the officers and community of the 7-0 as he left the precinct house for the last time. He is retiring after serving on the force for 23 years.

On his way down the steps with his family in tow, he was enthusiastically applauded by throngs of officers, community residents, and other supporters. Countless officers lined up waiting to cheer him on as he walked out.




Among many other distinguished guests in attendance were Chief of the Department Joseph Esposito, Patrol Borough Brooklyn South Assistant Chief Joseph Fox, representatives of elected officials, members and staff from Community Board 14, and officers of the 70th Precinct Community Council.





Before he left, he drove a lap around the block in the very first patrol car he was assigned to at the beginning of his career in the Police Department.



Best of luck to you, Inspector!

April 2008 Meeting

Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, April 30th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

Unity Showcase Festival - Sunday, April 13th - Prospect Park

NYPD Patrol Borough Brooklyn South presents

Unity Showcase Festival
Sunday, April 13th
11 AM - 5 PM
Bartel Pritchard Square
15th Street & Prospect Park West
(B68 Bus to 15th Street/Last Stop, F Train to 15th Street-Prospect Park)

Brooklyn South will be hosting the annual Community Precinct Unity Showcase in Prospect Park. There will be entertainment, food, games and refreshments for both children and adults. Catch a glimpse of the entire world right here in Brooklyn!

Contact Det. Tommy Nihill for more details: 718-287-1259

February 27, 2008 Meeting Minutes

70th Precinct Community Council
February 2008 Meeting Minutes

Wednesday, February 27, 2008
7:30 PM

United Cerebral Palsy of New York
175 Lawrence Avenue, Brooklyn, New York

Officers Present
Ed Powell, President
Roseanne Boland, Treasurer
Jonathan Judge, Recording Secretary
Mavis Theodore, Sergeant-at-Arms

Elected Officials & Other Representatives
Capt. James Fulton, Brooklyn South Narcotics
Doris Ortíz, District Manager, Community Board 14
Eli Slavin for Congresswoman Yvette Clarke
Roz Sokol for Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz
Wendy Ann Powell for Assembly Member Rhoda Jacobs
Pinny Ringel for Council Member Simcha Felder
Chaim Deutsch for Council Member Michael Nelson

The regular meeting of the 70th Precinct Community Council was called to order at 7:54 PM. Mr. Powell invited everyone to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. He then acknowledged the various representatives of elected officials present at the meeting (see above).
1. Message from Brooklyn Community Board 14 – Doris Ortíz, District Manager
Ms. Ortíz said that she was glad to be at the 70th Precinct Community Council meeting again and pledges to attend as many meetings as possible, since the Council serves a very important role in the community. The Community Board has many meetings and plans for the communities of Flatbush, Midwood and parts of Kensington, so please join the Board’s mailing list and participate in committee meetings. For more information, please contact the Board office during business hours at 718-859-6357.

2. Report from the President – Ed Powell

Auxiliary Unit: Recently, Mr. Powell watched a mobilization drill, and he complemented the Auxiliaries of the 70th Precinct on their excellent performance.

Holiday Charity: After December’s Holiday Party, the Council distributed gifts with Santa at the Urban Women’s Safe Haven. Evelyn Cardona, the Assistant Program Director thanked the 70th Precinct for its help to the women’s shelter and safe haven community. For more information about the Urban Women’s Safe Haven, call 718-260-2900.


3. Dedication Plaque for Hynda Lessman Schneiweiss – Mavis Theodore
Ms. Theodore announced that the 70th Precinct Community Council, Brooklyn Community Board 14, the Newkirk Area Neighborhood Association (NANA), the Flatbush Development Corporation (FDC) and Public School 217 will be honoring the 22 years of dedication and service that Hynda Lessman Schneiweiss has given to the community. In her honor, the Learning Leaders program will be donating over $1,000 worth of books to the library at Public School 217.

4. Report from the Commanding Officer & Open Forum – Inspector Thomas Harris
Passing of Marsha Edell: Long-time member of the 70th Precinct Community Council and Secretary of the Nottingham Civic Association recently passed away.

Explorer of the Year: Victor Hernandez, a member of the 70th Precinct Youth Explorers was named Explorer of the Year out of all the Explorers City-wide. The Precinct congratulated him on this impressive and distinct honor.

Cop of the Month: The Cop of the Month Award will be postponed until the next meeting because the officers who will be receiving that honor are recovering from injuries sustained in the course of their duties.

New Executive Officer (XO): Captain George Mastrokostas, who has served very well during his tenure at the 70th Precinct, has been reassigned to the 61st Precinct. He will be greatly missed. Captain Peter Venice will become the new XO. The Precinct heartily welcomes him into this new position.

Flatbush Shomrim: The Precinct recognizes and honors the contributions of Flatbush Shomrim, whose President is Chaim Deutsch, for helping the Precinct make over 200 arrests.

Brooklyn South Auxiliaries: Inspector Harris thanked the Brooklyn South Auxiliaries for helping to make the Precinct and Borough safer, and commended them for the excellent job they do fighting crime in our communities.

Brooklyn South Showcase Festival: Patrol Borough Brooklyn South will be hosting its Showcase Festival on Sunday, April 13, 2008 at Prospect Park. All are invited to attend. For more information, contact Community Affairs at 718-851-5557.

Open Forum: Inspector Harris opened the floor to members of the public to speak about any public safety concerns in the community.

1. A resident complained about car repair shops consistently conducting repairs on the streets that affect the community’s quality of life.
2. A resident thanked the Precinct for its help in resolving various issues near Woodruff Avenue and Flatbush Avenue, but they would like more attention from the Precinct to make more progress in that neighborhood.

Inspector Harris directed the residents to the appropriate officers to assist them with their issues.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:36 PM.

Respectfully submitted,


Jonathan Judge
Recording Secretary

March 2008 Meeting

Join us at our next meeting on Wednesday, March 26th at 7:30 PM in the United Cerebral Palsy of New York City's Community Room at 175 Lawrence Avenue.

Community District 14 Youth Conference Planning Meeting

Brooklyn Community Board 14's Youth Services Committee is meeting on Thursday, March 20th at 7 PM in the Board office (810 East 16th Street) to formulate plans for a proposed Youth Conference within Community District 14, which has the same boundaries as the 70th Precinct.

Various City agencies, including the 70th Precinct, and other community organizations are attending. All are welcome to come and participate in the discussion and planning process.

For more information, contact the Board office at (718) 859-6357.