BK Mourns Loss of Luigi Viaggio, Founder of Clinton Hill Pizzeria

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
January 31, 2012

Contact: Amyre Loomis (718) 260-9191

COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES SADDENED BY PASSING OF LUIGI VIAGGIO, FOUNDER OF LUIGI’S PIZZERIA IN CLINTON HILL

(Brooklyn, NY) The Fort Greene, Clinton Hill and Bed-Stuy communities mourn the loss of Luigi Viaggio, who together with brother Angelo, and Rosario Longo founded Luigi’s Pizzeria in 1983 located on DeKalb Avenue; the restaurant now has an additional shop on Grand Avenue.

He died on Wednesday, January 25 at the age of 62, and Luigi was the beloved husband of Mattia and the loving father of Maria Antonella Viaggio-Giovanni, Daniela Viaggio and Nicolo Luigi Viaggio. A Christian mass and burial was held at Our Lady of Hope Church on Monday, January 30 at 9:45am. The pizza shop was closed Monday, and a makeshift memorial can be found at the eatery on Dekalb Avenue near Washington Avenue.

“Luigi’s Pizzeria has always been known as the pizza shop around the corner that the community can depend on to provide high quality slices and pies to residents, students, local churches, as well as to me when in need of a snack after a long work-day. The restaurant will continue to provide delicious Italian food in honor of its founder, a big-hearted man remembered for making sure that locals were fed, regardless of the money in their pockets,” said Council Member James.

“A constituent who resides across the street shared that her now 21-year old daughter would have gone hungry on many days while growing up, if it had not been for this pizzeria, and she cried when expressing how good Luigi had been to her. Godspeed to this generous spirit, Luigi Viaggio, your presence is already missed.”

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ATTENTION: New York City Council Restaurant Inspection Survey

As part of the City Council’s oversight of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) and in response to mounting concerns raised by city restaurateurs regarding the restaurant inspection process, the New York City Council has recently announced the launch of a comprehensive restaurant inspection survey.

City restaurant owners and operators are urged to participate in this Council effort to gather information on food safety inspections, with particular emphasis on the recently implemented letter grading system and its impact on city restaurants.

Starting today, the survey is available online at www.surveymonkey.com/restaurantinspection and accessible through the Council’s website at www.council.nyc.gov.

The survey results will provide a foundation for an oversight hearing in late February, where the Council intends to further explore the inspection process and possible areas for reform.

CM James Scores A+ On Urban Justice Center- Human Rights Report Card

Council Member Letitia James has scored as A+ on the 2011 Urban Justice Center- Human Rights Report Card. The report card examines Council Members' compliance with universal human rights standards- especially in regards to employment, housing, health, food, education and other economic and social rights.

Council Member Letitia James is a supporter of the Council's living wage legislation, and has spoken against Walmart coming to New York City. She was recently part of the leadership that removed a racist anti-abortion billboard in SOHO; and joined with women's advocacy organizations to hold a press conference in support of a fair trial for Nafissatou Diallo, the Guinean housekeeper who accused former IMF head Dominique Strauss-Kahn of sexual assault.

Council Member James sponsored a law that addressed the Department of Corrections reporting to the Council violent incidents involving adolescents in 2009. She has been a strong advocate for restoring childcare vouchers, and fought to avoid the closure of childcare centers Citywide. She sponsored a 35th District Food Conference last term, and continues to work towards increasing green jobs throughout the City.

Council Member James is the sponsor of legislation that would address inequality in City housing, and paid family leave. She can be seen in the Atlantic Yards documentary Battle for Brooklyn, and was a contributer to the documentary The Untold Story of Emmett Louis Till, following her introduction of a City Council resolution to reopen Till's murder case.

Council Member James has scored consistently high scores on the report card (see 2008, 2009, and 2010).

Those interested in reading the report may do so here.

Weeksville Heritage Center Fall 2011 Harvest Festival

The Weeksville Heritage Center presents
the Fall 2011 Harvest Festival - the final day of Weeksville's Farmers Market.

The mission of Weeksville Heritage Center is to document, preserve and interpret the history of free African American communities in Weeksville, Brooklyn and beyond and to create and inspire innovative, contemporary uses of African American history through education, the arts, and civic engagement.

OCTOBER 29TH / FROM 11AM-4PM
(Free Admission)

WEEKSVILLE HERITAGE CENTER
1698 Bergen, Brooklyn, NY 11213
Directions are available on website at http://www.weeksvillesociety.org/

~ Children’s Cooking Classes
~ Canning & Seed Saving Workshops
~ Iron Chef Competition
~ Food Vendors & Farmers Market
~ Youth Art Exhibition
~ Tours of the historic Weeksville houses
~ DJ

This event is funded by the National Grid Foundation, Valentine Perry Snyder, and Con Edison. For additional information, please contact 718-756-5250 or info@weeksvillesociety.org

Job Opportunity- PACC Position for Kitchen Assistant

Pratt Area Community Council Department of Social Services is seeking a part-time kitchen assistant to assist the chef at a residential facility in Brooklyn. Since many of the residents are living with chronic conditions and/or their immune systems are compromised, the Kitchen Assistant must be experienced in healthy cooking and knowledgeable of nutritional values.

Responsibilities:
-Assist Chef with one meal per day 5 days a week;
-Assure the cleanliness of the kitchen;
-Ensure kitchen and food handling practices complying with state and city’s standards;
-Work part-time evenings Monday thru Friday

Qualifications:
-Experienced in working with people living with chronic illnesses;
-Have Food Protection Certificate and willing to attend the required training;
-Experienced in cooking for large groups of people

Interested persons should send letter of interest and resume to PACC, Attn: Kitchen Assistant, 201 Dekalb Avenue, Brooklyn NY 11205; email resumes@prattarea.org; or fax 718.422-0413.

ATTENTION: Celebrate the New Putnam Triangle Plaza; 9/25

Block Party To Celebrate The New Putnam Triangle Plaza

WHEN: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2011
12:00NOON -8:00PM

WHERE: Fulton Street at Grand Avenue/ Putnam Avenue (Clinton Hill, Brooklyn)
Family Yoga and FREE 5-minute massages begin at 11:00AM

Please come out SUNDAY, September 25th to celebrate the creation of a BRAND NEW public space in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, THE PUTNAM TRIANGLE PLAZA at Fulton and Grand. Celebrate with FREE live music; the Brooklyn Steppers Marching Band; Yoga on the Plaza; Free Massages; Face Painters, Free Balloons, Games, Crafts, Activities and Giveaways for Kids; Interactive Art Projects; Food Tastings from Fulton Street Chefs and much more.

For more information, please visit the Fulton Avenue BID/FAB Alliance at faballiance.org or facebook.com/FABfulton.

Job Opportunity- Restaurant Positions Available in District

A few restaurant positions available in the district:

Romans Restaurant
Romans on DeKalb Avenue is seeking a server. Candidates much possess 2-3 years of serving experience, and have weekend availability. Benefits are available after three months of employment. Please see the following link for more information: [LINK]

Cellars Restaurant
Cellars restaurant is seeking an experienced cook. Candidates may drop their resume off at the 250 DeKalb Avenue location. [LINK]

Crown Heights Pizza Restaurant
A new pizza shop opening on Crown Heights seeks experienced pizza makers, pizzaiolos (?), line cooks, prep cooks, and dishwashers for full and part-time positions. Interested candidates should attend open-house/interviews from Monday-Friday (12noon -2PM). Location is at 781 Franklin Avenue, Brooklyn, NY. [LINK]



Sharing of employment opportunities is not an endorsement of any business.

Update: Food Stamp Replacement Benefits (Hurricane Irene)

If you are receiving food stamps and you have lost food that you purchased with your food stamp benefits, you can have the monetary value of that food replaced. New York State has made replacement food stamp benefits available for food stamp recipients who lost food during Hurricane Irene (due to flooding, power loss, etc.). In order to receive replacement benefits, your food loss must be reported within 10 days.



More information can be found at Food Bank NYC here: www.foodbanknyc.org/news/hurricane-irene-food-stamp-replacement-notice



The request form (LDSS-2291) must be completed. Please call Food Bank NYC at 212.894.8060 for further assistance.

ATTENTION: Upcoming Community Events

Lecture on Skin Cancer: Prevention and Detection
Memorial Sloan Kettering’s Brooklyn Infusion Center will host a free community lecture on skin cancer prevention and detection on Thursday, July 28, 2011 from 5PM- 7PM at the Brooklyn Infusion Center (557 Atlantic Avenue). Space is limited and registration is required. Please call 718-752-6190 to register.

Panera Bread Cafe Manager

An upcoming Panera Bread restaurant to be located at the intersection of Adams Street and Willoughby Street in Downtown Brooklyn is seeking to fill a position for a Café manager.

Comptroller John Liu Town Hall
Today, June 13, 2011, Comptroller John Liu will be hosting a town hall. The Comptroller will be on hand to discuss the work he has done over the past year and a half. Comptoller Liu's Community Action Center will also be on hand with information about constituent services, claims guidelines, audit submission forms, etc.

Wednesday, July 13th
6:30pm-7:30pm
Prospect Park Residence
Multipurpose Room, 5th Floor
1 Prospect Park West
Brooklyn, NY 11215

Job Opportunity- Red Apple Market Job Applications Available

Our office has recently acquired the Red Apple supermarket application and Orientation Guide for potential employees of their Fort Greene location being developed at Myrtle Avenue and Ashland Place, in the Andrea apartment building. Potential employees should fill out the application here, and send the completed application to the Office of Council Member Letitia James at 67 Hanson Place (Ground Floor) in Brooklyn. Please call the office at 718-260-9191/ 212-788-7081, or email teamtish@gmail.com for more information.

teamtish

Gus Vlahavas of Tom's Restaurant – Retirement & Going Away Celebration

**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE**
May 18, 2011
Contact Amyre Loomis at (718) 260-9191, (646) 201-8183
THIS SATURDAY: PLEASE JOIN RELATIVES; NEIGHBORS; FRIENDS; LOCAL LEADERS; BROOKLYN BOROUGH PRESIDENT MARTY MARKOWITZ; NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES; BROOKLYN STEPPERS MARCHING BAND; NOEL POINTER FOUNDATION(CHILDREN MUSICIANS); AND THE COMMUNITY TO HONOR GUS VLAHAVAS OWNER OF TOM’S RESTAURANT ON HIS RETIREMENT – MAY 21 AT 10:30AM - CORNER OF WASHINGTON AVENUE AND STERLING PLACE
Facts: Constantine (Gus) Vlahavas …is 72 years old, and married to Nonie Vlahavas. The son of Stella and Tom, the family lives on Sterling Place adjacent to their business Tom’s Restaurant. Gus is a neighborhood legend (as is Tom’s Restaurant), as well as a dedicated member of two church choirs.
The Restaurant: Tom’s is located at 782 Washington Avenue on the corner of Sterling Place. It was started in 1936 as Lewnes, an ice cream parlor, and taken over by Vlahavas family during the 1940s. The restaurant soon evolved into a luncheonette and was renamed Tom’s in 1945 when Gus’ father, Tom came home safely from Philippines in WWII.
The Feel and Décor: The enue is quintessential Americana style with Coca Cola signs and stained -glass windows. Also, during the 1968 Crown Heights riots both black and white customers protected the restaurant from looters, who destroyed other businesses in their neighborhood. FYI - Tom’s restaurant is not the inspiration of Suzanne Vega’s “Tom’s Diner” song, but IS the inspiration for the Greek diner in Jeffrey Eugenides’ novel Middlesex. Also, Tom’s is known for Lime Rickey and Perfect Egg Cream, along with its Belgian Waffle Sundae.
Who: Fans and Friends of Gus Vlahavas
What: Celebration and ceremony for Gus’ retirement and move to Colorado
When: Saturday, May 21, beginning at 10:30am (ceremony at 11am, party until 1:30pm)
Where: 782 Washington Avenue (corner of Sterling Place) in Prospect Heights, Brooklyn, (718) 636-9738; Transit - 2, 3, 4 trains to Eastern Parkway - Brooklyn Museum (0.2 mi S)

ATTENTION: CM James Joins Community Leaders and Advocates To Develop Recommendations For FG Supermarket; TODAY (4/14); FG

In 2007, the billionaire developer John Catsimatidis (CEO of the Red Apple Group) acquired land on Myrtle Avenue in Fort Greene, to make way for luxury condos and new retail space.

After five years of delay and unmet requests to confer with the local community on development, the developer recently announced that a new Red Apple Supermarket is slated to open later this summer on the corner of Myrtle and Ashland. The need for a nearby supermarket along that strip of Myrtle Avenue has been difficult for residents, specifically those in Ingersoll and Whitman houses (NYCHA). At this time, the developer has agreed to participate in an open public forum on the new supermarket today (April 14, 2011).

Local residents will be able to hear directly from representatives from the Red Apple Group, and to collectively draft community recommendations for the new supermarket, such as affordability, food selection/quality, senior citizen issues, and local hiring/job quality.

You may read FUREE's Food Fight Report (2009) for more information about the neighborhood's fight for accessible and healthy food.

When: Thursday, April 14, 2011

6:30pm - 8:30pm
Where: Ingersoll Community Center

177 Myrtle Avenue c/o Prince Street

Fort Greene, Brooklyn.

This event is co-sponsored by FUREE, Council Member Letitia James (35th CD), NYS Assembly District Leader Lincoln Restler (50th AD), and the Myrtle Avenue Revitalization Project.

Local CSAs Have Low-Income Shares Available

For individuals interested in accessing fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables, consider joining a local CSA (community-supported agriculture).

A CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support and investment to a farm, and the individuals share the benefits of its food production. CSAs usually consist of a system of weekly or bi-weekly direct pick-up of farm vegetables and fruit (may also include dairy products and meat) at a specific location, and a small time-commitment from each member seasonally. Food acquired through a CSA is generally much more affordable than store-bought food.

Both the Clinton Hill CSA and Fort Greene CSA have reduced-price shares available for low-income residents at this time. It is important that these shares go residents of the Fort Greene/ Clinton Hill area who may have limited access to fresh produce.

Fort Greene CSA
Low-cost shares are reserved for individuals making less than $25,000 a year, or families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at csa@fortgreenecsa.org.

Clinton Hill CSA
The low-cost shares are reserved for families making less than $30,000 a year. If you or someone you know qualifies for a low-cost share, get in touch with the CSA via email at information@clintonhillcsa.org or give them a call 718-907-0616.

Both websites have the application available.

ATTENTION: NYC-SAFH Excellence In School Wellness Award Application Available

2011 Excellence in School Wellness Award Applications Available!

NYC Strategic Alliance for Health (SAfH) partners have developed the Excellence In School Wellness Award to publicly acknowledge and applaud schools that are champions in nutrition, physical activity and wellness. This award recognizes elementary schools for their efforts in creating healthy school environments as a means to prevent childhood obesity and improve academic achievement.

Elementary schools located in the Bronx, Northern Manhattan and North and Central Brooklyn are eligible to apply. Elementary schools that are interested in applying, download the application and guidelines here. Applications are due, Friday, April 22, 2010. If you have any questions, contact SAfH here.

ATTENTION: NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

The NYC Green Cart Program Seeks New Vendors

NYC Green Carts are mobile food stands that exclusively sell fresh fruits and vegetables in the areas that need them most. In March 2011, the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene will be accepting new applications to be on the waiting list for a Green Cart permit! For dates and times for workshops in Queens, the Bronx and Harlem, call 212-943-1433, and for Brooklyn call 212-676-2022. Workshops begin as early as January 11, 2011.

A.R.T/New York FOOD DRIVE

A.R.T./New York has been partnering with The Food Bank of New York City over the past couple of years at South Oxford Space and have helped many people within the Fort Greene community.

With your support the help can continue to benefit the community. This year’s winter food drive runs through January 31st. Bring your donations to the 1st floor lobby at 138 S. Oxford Street during regular weekday office hours or between 9:30am and 1:30pm on weekends. They are also open late most nights, so call if you want to come by after office hours.

The needed items are listed below, thank you very much for your help.

Vegetables : Canned Vegetables, Tomato Sauce, Vegetable Soups
Fruits : Canned Fruits (in juice or light syrup) , Dried Fruits, 100% Fruit Juices
Proteins : Beans- canned or dry, Peanut Butter, Nuts, Canned Meat (chicken, beef, ham), Canned Fish (tuna, salmon, sardines), Canned Stews (chicken or beef)
Grains : Rice (white, brown, favored), Pasta/noodles, Cold Cereal, Hot Cereal, Flour/Cornmeal/Baking Mixes, Whole Grain Crackers, Couscous, Canned Pasta
Dairy : Dry Milk packets, Shelf stable milk, Soy/Almond/Rice Milk
Specialty Items : Baby Food/Cereals, Nutrition Beverages
Other Items : Spices, Coffee/Tea, Personal Care Items

FGA Hosts Holiday Potluck Party!; 12/3; FG; 7:30PM

Please join the Fort Greene Association for their holiday season party at-

138 South Oxford Street
on Friday, December 3, 2010 at 7:30PM.

It's a potluck, so bring your favorite dish to share! Call 718.744.4910 for more info.

Thanksgiving 2010 Turkey Giveaway at Willoughby Senior Center on Tuesday, November 23rd at 11am!

PLEASE JOIN NYC COUNCIL MEMBER LETITIA JAMES AND NFL SHAUN SMITH’S 91 WAYS FOUNDATION FOR A:

Thanksgiving 2010 Turkey Giveaway at Willoughby Senior Center on Tuesday, November 23rd at 11am!

“It’s Turkey time again, and Shaun and I are looking forward to seeing everyone at the Willoughby Senior Center on Tuesday to give thanks and celebrate family, good food, and our many blessings throughout the year. Happy Thanksgiving to all, gobble, gobble!” said Council Member Letitia James.

Media reports this week state that prices for the Thanksgiving Day centerpiece have gone up by as much as 28 percent since last year, averaging $1.09 per pound. Turkey price hikes can be blamed on the cost increase of raising the birds, as well as turkey production being down, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Therefore, Council Member Letitia James and NFL Shaun Smith’s 91 Ways Foundation have partnered to donate turkeys to the community to ensure that families in need are able to enjoy their traditional holiday feast.

“New York raised me to become the man I am today. I was privileged to enjoy many Thanksgiving dinners and I want to give that back to those in need as long as I can,” said Shaun Smith.

FYI: Shaun Smith, Defensive Tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs established the 91 Ways Foundation as a platform to effectuate his values, uplift communities, and prompt social change. Using the NFL as a channel, Shaun is dedicated to help others in any way possible. Council Member Letitia “Tish” James was born in Brooklyn, New York. Committed as a public defender and leader of the 35th District, Tish advocates for affordable housing, public school reform, small businesses, and increasing access to jobs.

What: Thanksgiving 2010 Turkey Giveaway
When: Tuesday, November 23, from 11am to 12pm
Where: Willoughby Senior Center, 105 North Portland Avenue, Brooklyn

Moving Pictures: Greed Is Good

From Monday, June 28th to Wednesday, June 30th,
and from Wednesday, July 14th to Friday, July 16th,
and from Monday, July 19th to Friday July 23rd, 2010,
the “Cooking Channel” is scheduled to film interior scenes at Flushing Avenue between Spencer Street and Walworth Street.


APPROXIMATE TIME: 7am-9pm

____________________

And speaking of nom noms, the NYT-Local reports that "Pierre Thiam, owner of the Brooklyn restaurants Yolele and Le Grand Dakar, competed against Bobby Flay in Battle: Papaya on Iron Chef America, which aired Sunday." Bobby Flay is basically the most handsome and awesome chef ever, and he should receive a Golden Globe or something for his work on Throwdown. Congrats, Pierre.

Things We May Have Neglected To Mention: The Missions

Prostate Cancer Screening

According to a recent article the NY Daily News, "African-American men are twice as likely to die from prostate cancer as white men. And Caribbean-born men in Brooklyn are three times as likely to die from the disease as U.S.-born men." What could be a better gift to a man in your life than the constant nagging to get a prostate screenning? More info here.

Save The Double D Pool

On June 20th, Council Members James and Levin joined Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz (who apparently donned his swimming trunks) and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery at a demonstration protesting the City's decision to close of one Brooklyn's most popular outdoor swimming pools- The Double D Pool. It is located at the Thomas Greene Park in Brooklyn, and provides free services (lunches, training, etc.) for residents of Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, and Carroll Gardens. There's a petition here.

Applebees Dining to Donate

On Thursday June 24, 2010, you can make a difference in the life of graduating high school senior by dining at the Applebee's Restaurant, located at Fulton Street & Marcy Avenue in Bedford-Stuyvesant's Restoration Plaza. Ten percent of your bill will be donated to the scholarship fund for the Restoration Dance Theatre Company. Present this flyer to your server, and become an individual donor of Restoration's youth scholarship program.

The Art, Soul, Future of Brooklyn

I See Promotions, LLC, in association with the Ajile L. Turner Scholarship Fund, present a Fort Greene Festival featuring Common and other performing artists and vendors. For more information you may call (718) 902-9641 or visit http://www.fortgreenefest.com/.

Saturday, June 26, 2010
Fort Greene Park
12noon- 10pm