CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS

**Media Advisory**

It’s Parents vs. Kids at Annual Soccer Challenge!
CM JAMES AND ELECTED OFFICIALS JOIN YOUNG ROCK SOCCER ACADEMY & LOCAL COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS TEAM UP TO PROMOTE HEALTH & WELLNESS

(Brooklyn, NY) December 13, 2012 – Young Rock Soccer Academy and several Brooklyn organizations will announce a boost to their active, healthy living programming on Saturday, December 15th at Long Island University’s Brooklyn Campus in conjunction with the Coca-Cola Foundation’s active, healthy living grant initiative.

Young Rock Soccer parents and youth will challenge each other to a game of soccer on Saturday morning at Schwartz Gym at LIU’s Brooklyn Campus. The event will kick off with brief remarks by Borough President Marty Markowitz and New York City Council Members, Letitia “Tish” James and Diana Reyna.

The grant donation to Young Rock Soccer Academy will provide soccer lessons for kids ages 4 through 16, and continue programming that aims to develop discipline, character and achievement for local area youth.

The following organizations are also grant recipients and will participate in the event: Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services, El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club. 

The Coca-Cola Foundation is the philanthropic arm of The Coca-Cola Company. The grant is part of the Company’s initiative to aid local organizations in their quest to promote health and wellness, advance education, and spark environmental stewardship.

WHO: Magnus Mukoro, Co-Director, Young Rock Soccer Academy
Diana Reyna, New York City Council Member (District 34)
Letitia “Tish” James, New York City Council Member (District 35)
Donna Cirolia, VP, Public Affairs, Coca-Cola Refreshments
Representatives from Body Sculpt, Coalition for Hispanic Family Services,
El Puente, Seeds in the Middle, and Woodhull Kids Ride Club.

WHAT: Young Soccer Academy Annual Parent vs. Children Soccer Game

WHEN: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 10 am-12 pm Remarks – 10:15 am, Soccer game to follow WHERE: Long Island University – Schwartz Gymnasium
1 University Plaza (corner of DeKalb and Flatbush Avenues)

# # #

ATTENTION: PowerPlay Hosts Summer Program for Middle School Girls in FG; Ingersoll Community Center; Deadline 7/7

The "Rising Stars Summer Program" is an exciting six-week program for middle school girls. The program is hosted by PowerPlay NYC, an organization dedicated to educating and empowering girls through sports, teaching life skills and building self-confidence and self-esteem for life. The summer program will include a focus on sports, dance, and life skills.

It will be located at--
Ingersoll Community Center

Dates--
July 11, 2011 through August 18, 2011
Monday through Friday
10AM- 4PM

Lunch and snacks provided for all girls. The registration deadline is Thursday, July 7, 2011. Applications are available at- Ingersoll Community Center (177 Myrtle Avenue, Brooklyn, NY). Information and orientation session will take place on Thursday, July 7, 2011 at 6:30PM at the Ingersoll Community Center.

For more information, call 212-545-0021 or email info@powerplaynyc.org.

NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games; 4/3; City College

You are invited to attend the NYC Mayor's Cup Basketball All-Star Games this Sunday, April 3, 2011 at City College.

This fantastic sporting event will showcase the City's best male and female high school basketball players from the Public School Athletic League (PSAL). You can check to see if students from your local schools are competing by checking the Boys and Girls team rosters.

Please find the details of the event below:
What: NYC Mayors Cup 2011– PSAL Basketball All Star Games

When: Sunday, April 3- 1PM (girls); 3PM (boys)
Where: City College of New York, Nat Holman Gymnasium
160 Convent Avenue (at 136th Street)
New York, NY
Admission: Free, limited tickets at the door

If you have any questions, please visit nycmayorscup.com.

FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NYC MARATHON

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lisa Jackson
Lilclif@verizon.net


FRIA SELECTED AS AN OFFICIAL CHARITY FOR THE 2010 ING NEW YORK CITY MARATHON

District 35 Council Member Letitia James joins FRIA on the steps of City Hall, Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, for the RUN-Raise fund-raiser to support FRIA’s programs and services for New York Elders and Their Caregivers

ALERT: This press conference was originally scheduled for 11am and moved to 12pm.New York, NY – July 20, 2010 – On Wednesday, July 21, 2010 at 12 Noon, Council Member Letitia James, other elected officials and supporters of FRIA will join FRIA on the steps of City Hall to announce its selection as one of the Official Charities for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon to take place on Sunday, November 7, 2010, as well as inform the public that it will also be accepting donations. This opportunity allows FRIA to provide guaranteed marathon entries to 5 runners who pledge to raise a minimum of $2500 each for FRIA.

The marathon lottery is officially closed for 2010; hence, running for an official ING NYC Marathon Charity is the only way an applicant may run in the marathon. This is not only an opportunity to run in the premier race attracting world-class professional athletes before two million cheering spectators and 315 million worldwide television viewers…. but also a great opportunity to support New York’s leading elder-care advocacy organization dedicated to fostering the dignity and independence of seniors in long term care settings. It is befitting that this opportunity present itself in November, which is National Family Caregivers Month.

For over 30 years, FRIA has provided resources, information and advocacy on long term care issues to New York elders, their caregivers, elder-care attorneys and other health care professionals. As an Official Charity Partner, FRIA is building a team of five designated FRIA runners, other already registered marathoners and supporters from New York and afar who will donate and RUNRaise on behalf of FRIA. All funds raised by Team FRIA will be used to support FRIA's programs and services.

FRIA is pleased to be joined by New York City Council Member, Letitia James of Brooklyn’s 35th District; Olanike Alabi, District Leader of the 57th Assembly District; other elected officials and/or their staff.

“I am proud to be a friend of FRIA because this organization supports those shoulders the community stands on….the elderly and their caregivers. Also, now that FRIA is an official charity for the 2010 ING New York City Marathon, 5 more athletes will have the opportunity to run in the world’s premiere marathon, as well as fundraise for New York ’s leading elder-care advocacy organization,” said Council Member James. “Every November I join my neighbors in supporting runners, and this year my level of enthusiasm will be unmatched when FRIA runners pass by my residence, as they race through the 35th Council District on the way to the finish line.”

FRIA’s Board Members, one of whom is 88 year old Ethel Paley, a founding member of FRIA (and former NY1 News, New Yorker of The Week) who still volunteers with FRIA’s Help Line, will attend; along with caregivers who FRIA has assisted and supporters of FRIA over the years. Quintessential New Yorkers and caregivers, Tony Award winning stage/screen actress, Adriane Lenox (“Doubt”) and her husband, Tony Award Nominated Composer & Music Director, Zane Mark (“Bring In ‘Da Noise, Bring In ‘Da Funk”) will also be present.

Brooklyn Residents and Elected Leaders Protest Prokhorov As Owner of Nets; 6/24; MSG; 12Noon

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: June 23, 2010

Rev. Clinton Miller (718) 638-6121, (646) 290-0490

BUSLOADS OF RESIDENTS TO JOIN CLERGY AND ELECTED LEADERS TO PROTEST NBA’S DECISION TO ACCEPT MIKHAIL PROKHOROV AS MAJORITY OWNER OF THE NETS

Group cites a failure of NBA Commissioner David Stern to thoroughly investigate Prokhorov, his ownership in a questionable investment bank and disappointment in Stern and his failure to respect global human rights

NEW YORK, New York– On Thursday, June 24 at noon, busloads of Brooklyn residents will travel across the Brooklyn Bridge to Madison Square Garden with area clergy members, lead by Pastor Clinton M. Miller of Brown Memorial Baptist Church, and elected officials to protest the NBA’s decision to accept Mikhail Prokhorov as the majority owner of the Nets basketball franchise.

In a tersely worded letter signed and delivered to NBA Commissioner David Stern, more than 300 residents, community organizations and congregations have called on Commissioner Stern to open a thorough investigation of Prokhorov and Renaissance Capital, an investment bank of which he is part owner. It is alleged that Renaissance Capital violated U.S. sanctions against Zimbabwe.

According to the letter, “…it is only fitting that the league should respect global human rights. Anything less would be morally wrong and could potentially ensnare the NBA, its member clubs, and personnel in complex international human rights violations…”

The Nets were purchased by Forest City Ratner Companies in 2004 as part of a package development deal called Atlantic Yards. Finally passing many hurdles – including community opposition – the controversial development has begun. The Nets are expected to play in Brooklyn by the 2012 season.

WHO: Rev. Clinton M. Miller, Pastor, Brown Memorial Baptist Church; elected officials; Brooklyn residents

WHAT: Protest and rally

WHEN: Thursday, June 24 at 12:00 p.m.

WHERE: The Theater at Madison Square Garden W. 33rd St. and 7th Avenue, Manhattan

ATTENTION: DOHMH and Equinox Fitness Clubs Challenge You To Shape Up Today!

Beginning on May 17th, the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in partnership with Equinox Fitness Clubs, will be running free fitness classes across the five boroughs.

Shape Up NYC is a free fitness program dedicated to getting New Yorkers into a new habit of fitness. The classes are varied and are taught by expert fitness instructors who know how to make fitness fun.

Exciting new classes include yoga, pilates, zumba and intensati. All classes are open to the public, FREE of charge, and no pre-registration is required. More information available here.

Should you need any further information please call the Shape Up NYC coordinator at 212-360-1356.

CM James and BK Elected Officials Express Concern Over NBA's Continued Business Association With Mikhail Prokhorov

May 11, 2010

Mr. David J. Stern
Commissioner
National Basketball Association
645 Fifth Ave
New York, NY 10022

Dear Mr. Stern:

This letter is being sent to express concerns about the National Basketball Association's pending agreement with Mikhail Prokhorov, who seeks to buy the New Jersey Nets basketball team. In a recent interview, you anticipated that Mr. Prokhorov could be sitting among the NBA's team owners during the draft lottery on May 18, despite the possibility that he may have violated United States sanctions against Zimbabwe that have been in place since 2003.

Brooklyn elected officials are disappointed that you are so eager to close the deal with Mr. Prokhorov, as your statement implies, rather than vet the details of a prospective team owner's dealings in a nation run by Robert Mugabe's oppressive dictatorship.

The Nets basketball team is an integral part of the Atlantic Yards redevelopment project - a project that was sold to the public as one that would provide many benefits to New Yorkers, including the creation of thousands of affordable housing units. As elected representatives of the community, we have a significant responsibility to ensure that the public is served through the most honorable means possible.

Congressman Bill Pascrell of New Jersey has asked you to keep your stated commitment to perform due diligence of Mr. Prokhorov and he has called upon the Treasury Department to investigate whether sanctions have been violated. The signers of this letter share Congressman Pascrell's belief that the NBA should hold a higher standard for its business partners than simply avoiding doing business with convicts.

Rep. Pascrell wrote to you explaining that as a 50 percent owner of Renaissance Capital, Mr. Prokhorov is directly connected to the firm's reported sponsorship in June 2009 of an economic forum in Harare, Zimbabwe. Renaissance Capital offered foreign investors special access to government officials, including those on the United States' sanctions list, and is also reportedly a shareholder in CBZ Holdings, one of the largest banks in Zimbabwe. The Government of Zimbabwe is the bank's largest shareholder.

The congressman also made you aware of his findings that Renaissance may have long-standing working relationships with major Russian fraud scheme, based on documents filed last year in the Southern District of New York. The court filings detail Renaissance's connection to a complex tax rebate fraud in Russia through which it is believed at least $106.9 million in taxes paid from a Renaissance-managed investment fund was later embezzled from the Russian treasury through the payment of fraudulent tax refunds.

The public benefits of Atlantic Yards will be hollow if they are achieved with the help of profits gained through fraudulent schemes or a regime that holds no regard for human rights.

We ask that you postpone the NBA owners' vote to ratify Mikhail Prokhorov as owner of the New Jersey Nets until his business background is thoroughly understood.

Sincerely,

Letitia James
Member of City Council, 35th CD

Brad Lander
Member of City Council, 34th CD

Joan L. Millman
Member of State Assembly, 52nd AD

James F. Brennan
Member of State Assembly, 44th AD

Velmanette Montgomery
Member of State Senate, 18th SD

Met's Icon 'Mr. Met' Visits LIU! 2/27; 3:30PM

MR. MET SPEAKS!

Saturday, February 27, 2010
3:30 pm (free admission, doors open at 3pm)
Long Island University
One University Place, Brooklyn
(corner of DeKalb & Flatbush)
Cyber Cafe- inside main LIU gate

Come meet the beloved icon of the New York Mets baseball team!
Mr. Met does not actually speak, but will sign autographs, pose for pictures, shake hands, and bring good news about the upcoming season.

Accompanied by William Corbett, poet, critic and longtime baseball fan, and...
Dana Brand, author of The Last Days of Shea.

All residents are welcome to attend for FREE.
For more information or to RSVP for this event, please contact Michael Randazzo at rockets.rollerskates@gmail.com or at 917-605-5624.

Sponsored by Long Island University, Council Member Letitia James and
Brooklyn Sporting Goods.

For information about other community events in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill,
and Fort Greene, or about LIU Summer Camp 2010 contact Jorge.Rosales@liu.edu.

ATTENTION: CM James Extends Invitation to LIU Community Day Sports Event

Council Member Letitia James cordially invites you to join her at the-

Long Island University Community Day
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Game time- 1:00 pm
(free admission, doors open at Noon)

L.I.U. Wellness Center
161 Ashland Place, Brooklyn
(between Willoughby and DeKalb)

Join members of the Bedford Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, and Fort Greene neighborhoods for an afternoon of exciting basketball and fun. Cheer on the Long Island University Blackbirds Women’s basketball team as they tip off against the St. Francis Terriers of Brooklyn Heights.
See the nationally recognized PS 307 Diamonds cheerleading squad. Meet with the L.I.U. players after the game.

Parents, students, teachers, administrators, and supporters from all of our neighborhood schools are welcome to attend for FREE.

Event sponsored by Long Island University and Council Member Letitia James. For information about other community-based events in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Clinton Hill, and Fort Greene, please contact Michael Randazzo at 917-605-5624, or email rockets.rollerskates@gmail.com.

Let's Talk: Soccer Games in Fort Greene Park

There's some pretty lively discussion on the New York Times blog, The Local, regarding soccer games in Fort Greene Park. Council Member James has long been aware of the matter (you can read a succinct background here; basically, some feel that soccer playing has rendered parts of the park grass-less).

Recently, we received the following comment on TeamTish-
"Hi Tish,

I have been reading about your activities regarding the FG park soccer dispute on the NYTimes blog. Is there any way that you can start documenting/clarifying your positions/actions vis-à-vis the soccer dispute on this blog?

Many of us are very concerned that a small minority of your constituents may be driving soccer out of the park completely at the expense of all of the other stakeholders in the park, including the soccer players. On the NY Times blog, a vast majority of the commentors are FOR soccer in the park.

It seems that you are moving towards taking out of the park completely. That does not seem to be a win-win outcome that treats all fort greeners as equal stakeholders.

Concerned Constituent"

As Council Member James has been quoted in many of the articles and posts written on this matter, and has held a number of meetings between the parties involved to discuss various solutions, we have not followed this issue on our blog. However, in response to the comment received, we said the following-
"Anonymous, we've been following the conversation over at the NYT-The Local.

CM James has been a part of this discussion for quite a while (it is in no way, a 'new' issue), and has actively been working to find a compromise between all parties involved (meeting multiple times with stakeholders and players, etc). We'll try to get a statement from Tish at her earliest convenience on this matter, but in the meantime it would be inaccurate to make any assumptions, as conversations with Parks (and all other parties involved) are ongoing."

Firstly, we recognize the complexity of this issue, and although we are eager to hear input from all residents, we feel that this matter needs to be addressed in a community-minded spirit. It would be unfortunate if anyone interpreted the Council Member's efforts to assist in this matter as anything other than a sincere desire to bring about a solution that benefits stakeholders and players alike. At this time, Council Member James is in discussion with alternative sites to access their soccer fields for these players for part-time use. Such a proposal may also grant the soccer players the opportunity to continue use of a designated Fort Greene Park area. We will update this blog as we receive more detailed information. Conversations with the Parks Department are ongoing.

Thanks,
TeamTish