Assemblywoman
Helene E. Weinstein photo Making a Difference in Brooklyn and Albany
Fall 2008

A REPORT TO THE RESIDENTS OF THE 41ST DISTRICT

Helene Weinstein's Community Office Gets Results

Dear Neighbor,

I believe that one of my most important responsibilities is to listen carefully, answer questions and help solve your problems. Along with my experienced community office staff, I can assist you with a variety of important services and programs.

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Some of Assemblywoman Weinstein's Success Stories
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East 57 Street Block Party
At East 57th Street Block Association’s Annual Block Party Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein presented Certificates of Merit to students for academic excellence as Morgan Gabriel, Block Association President, looked on.

Security Deposit Problem

Mr. and Mrs. C. called the Assemblywoman for help in getting back their Security Deposit from their landlord after they moved. The Assemblywoman called the management company, and was able to get the check sent to the elderly couple immediately.

Services Delivered Dilemma

Mr. C. visited the Assemblywoman to get assistance in obtaining a refund for promised services not performed by a major electronics superstore. The Assemblywoman helped Mr. C establish an official case with the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs and shortly thereafter Mr. C received a refund in full.

Insurance Inconsistency

Mrs. K came to Assemblywoman Weinstein’s office to help restore her life insurance policy which was wrongfully cancelled. Despite having paid all premiums, the company claimed she owed prior years’ premiums. The Assemblywoman contacted the New York State Department of Insurance which started a probe, soon thereafter; Mrs. K received a letter restoring her policy in full with an apology and no obligation to pay future premiums.

Medicaid Mess-up

After Mr. T switched from regular Medicaid to an alternative provider, he was denied coverage for life saving scheduled surgery which was allowed under Medicaid. The Assemblywoman called the Human Resources Administration requesting that he be switched back onto regular Medicaid. Shortly thereafter HRA switched him back to Medicaid and he was able to have his surgery covered.

Cutting Red Tape

Ms. H called the Assemblywoman after trying to no avail to receive confirmation of her disenrollment from Oxford Healthcare. She had made a number of calls to Social Security and was told repeatedly that she was still enrolled. She had switched because Oxford was too expensive. The Assemblywoman made a phone call to Social Security and was able to arrange for her disenrollment from Oxford retroactive to the date she attempted to do so originally.

Lease Problem Fixed

Mrs. T visited the Assemblywoman after a number of failed attempts at getting her change of name reflected on her lease. The Assemblywoman spoke with the Management Assistant, identifying the documents needed to make the change. Within two weeks the documents were gathered and her new name was placed on the lease.

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Weinstein Fights for Safer Streets
After numerous traffic accidents and years of fighting for a traffic signal at the intersection of Avenue V and Brigham Street, DOT finally responded positively to Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein and Councilman Lewis Fidler’s requests and installed the much needed traffic signal.

Social Security Card Snafu

Ms. A came to Assemblywoman Weinstein following a number of failed attempts to replace her Social Security Card after losing all of her vital documents. The Assemblywoman, working with the Social Security Administration was able to identify alternate documentation Ms. A could present. Equipped with this new information Ms. A was able to visit the Social Security office and received a new card the same day.

Paper Work Assistance

Mr. and Mrs. R came to Assemblywoman Weinstein’s office to obtain help starting an automatic payment plan with their insurance company. Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke with their insurance provider, had the necessary forms faxed to her office, and assisted the elderly couple in filling them out and direct monthly payments from their bank were scheduled.

Nursing Home Refund

Mrs. H came to the Assemblywoman seeking assistance in obtaining a reimbursable security deposit following her husbands discharge from a nursing home. The original check from the nursing home bounced and her bank charged a service fee. After Assemblywoman Weinstein interceded with the nursing home a check was reissued for the original amount plus the bank’s service fee.




WEINSTEIN’S OFFICE IS HERE FOR YOU

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63rd Precinct Meeting
Assemblywoman Weinstein discussed neighborhood safety and quality of life concerns with 63rd Precinct Captain Frank Cangiarella, Nieuw Amersfort Community Association President Steve Yamin, and Fraser Civic Association President Tom Hernandez, at a recent community meeting.
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Attends Agudath Israel of America Dinner
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein recently attended Agudath Israel of America’s Annual Dinner. The Assemblywoman has long provided funding for Agudath Israel’s programs. Pictured with the Assemblywoman is community leader Chaskel Bennett, co-chair of this year’s dinner.
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Attends Co-op Board Meeting
Assemblywoman Weinstein recently spoke to residents at Brigham Park 2 co-op’s annual board meeting informing them of the co-op tax abatement extension and programs offered through her community office.
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Chernobyl Screenings Begin at Kings Bay Y
Dr. Daniel Branovan, President of the Chernobyl Project demonstrated to Assemblywoman Weinstein how, with the use of advanced scanning technology, trained Doctors can detect thyroid cancer at its earliest stages. The Assemblywoman advocated on behalf of this vital project and was able to secure over $1 Million for these life-saving screenings. When diagnosed early thyroid cancer is totally curable. For more information call 800-426-1986.

Red Cross Emergency Preparedness

Assemblywoman Weinstein is pleased to sponsor Red Cross Emergency Preparedness presentations throughout the community to help you learn how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed in case of a disaster.

Free materials and disaster kits that can help you prepare for an emergency will be distributed to community residents at the end of the program.

Join Assemblywoman Weinstein at an upcoming presentation:

Wednesday September 10th
7:30 p.m.
Fraser Civic Association
Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel
1271 East 35 Street
Tuesday September 23rd
6:30 p.m.
Glenwood Tenants Association
Glenwood Community Center
5816 Farragut Road
Tuesday September 23rd
8:00 p.m.
Nieuw Amersfort Community
St. Paul’s Church
3913 Avenue J
Thursday September 25th
6:00 p.m.
Kings Bay YM-YWHA
3495 Nostrand Avenue
Thursday September 25th
8:00 p.m.
Nottingham Association
PS 193
2515 Avenue L
Thursday October 7th
7:30 p.m.
Plumb Beach Civic Assoc.
3000 Emmons Avenue

For information call the Community Office at 718-648-4700.


WEINSTEIN DELIVERS FOR THE COMMUNITY

This year, as in past years, Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein secured special funding from the state budget for senior citizen, social services, school and youth programs to provide recreational, educational, cultural and social services in our community. Additional funding was obtained for after-school tutoring, early literacy, school technology, equipment upgrades, sports, antiviolence, multicultural and intergenerational programs. If you want additional information on any of these programs which Assemblywoman Weinstein has funded for the following organizations, call the Community Office.


Helping Senior Citizens, Social Services & Community Activities
Recreational, social services and cultural programs:

  • Glenwood, Jay-Harama, Kings Bay, Midwood and Young Israel of Bedford Bay Senior Centers; Philip Howard Seniors, Shellbank Leisure League, Fort Greene Senior Citizens, Marine Park Active Adults, Good Shepherd Friendship Club, Sephardic Community Center, Alzheimer’s & Aging Resources and Brooklyn-wide Interagency Council of the Aging;

  • Brooklyn Housing and Family Services, CACCI, COJO of Flatbush, Ohel Children’s Services, Diaspora Community Services, Flatbush and Midwood Development Corps, JBFC Services, JCC of Coney Island, JCC of Kings Bay, Kings Bay YM-YWHA, Glenwood, Sheepshead and Nostrand Houses Tenant Associations, Haitian Americans United for Progress, Shalom Task Force, Heartshare Human Services, Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Met Council and Agudath Israel of America;

  • Nottingham Neighborhood Patrol, Flatbush Shomrim, Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance Corps and American Red Cross;

  • Russian-American Kids Circus, Seaside and Martin Luther King Jr. Concert Series, Brooklyn College Center for the Performing Arts, and Ave D Merchants Association Annual Fair & Holiday Lighting Project, BAYFEST.

Schools, Youth and Education Programs
After-school, tutoring, early literacy, arts programs, school technology and public/civic education programs:

  • Kings Bay, Paerdegat and Rugby Libraries;

  • P.S. 52, P.S. 109, P.S. 119, P.S. 194, P.S. 197, P.S. 206, P.S. 208, P.S. 244, P.S. 251, I.S. 14, I.S. 285, Madison, Tilden, Sheepshead Bay and South Shore High Schools, Yeshiva Ohel Sarah Pre-K, Yeshiva Derech Hatorah Pre-K, Yeshiva Tiferes Yisroel Computer Program and Super Science day at the NY Aquarium;

  • Brooklyn Museum, Brooklyn Children’s Museum, Brooklyn Philharmonic, Brooklyn Academy of Music, Brooklyn Arts Council, Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment, MoCADA, Wyckoff House Museum, Roundabout Theater Company, NY City Center, Russian-American Arts Foundation and the Salt Marsh Alliance;

  • CUNY Citizenship and Immigration Project, HIAS and Be Proud.

Youth Sports, Anti-Violence, Anti-Graffiti, Multicultural and Intergenerational Programs:

  • East Flatbush Ecumenical Choir and Bergen Basin Development Corp. – CLEAN S.L.A.T.E.;

  • Brooklyn Cricket League, Kings Bay Youth Organization, Good Shepherd Sports, NY Junior Tennis League, Mr. Bee’s Hornets Basketball and Mill Basin Mariners Football program;

  • Friends United Youth Center, Redemption, Schenectady Avenue Block Association, Sephardic Community Youth Center, COJECO, and Schenectady Avenue Block Association Youth Program.


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Major McCarthy Memorial
Assemblywoman Weinstein joined Fraser Civic Association President Tom Hernandez in presenting a thank you award to Barry Smith, Chairman and former President of the Fraser Civic Association. The Annual Veterans’ Memorial at the Major Eugene T. McCarthy Triangle (Avenue N & East 31st Street), honors victims of September 11th and Major McCarthy, a local resident who was tragically killed in the Gulf War.
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Community Outreach
Assemblywoman Weinstein speaks with a constituent enjoying the newly renovated Fraser Square park. The renovation of the park was funded through the efforts of Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, Councilman Lewis Fidler and the Mayor.

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Community District
Education Council 18 Legislative Meeting
At Community District Education Council 18’s annual legislative meeting, Assemblywoman Weinstein spoke to the members about the Assembly’s efforts to urge the city to keep their funding commitment to NYC’s schoolchildren, the way the Assembly kept the state’s commitment.

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Weinstein Honored by
Friends United Block Association
At the 12th Annual Friends United Block Association Dinner, Councilman Lewis Fidler joined FUBA President Gardy Brazela in presenting the “Outstanding Leadership Award” to Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, which states, “In recognition of your outstanding leadership, dedication and amazing love for humanity.”

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East 43rd Street Block Party
At East 43rd Street Block Association’s Annual Block Party Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein presented Certificates Of Merit to students for academic excellence as Sandra Greenhouse, Block Association President, looked on.

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Flatlands Civic Association
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein was the guest speaker at a recent Flatlands Civic Association meeting, where she spoke about outreach programs available at the community office.

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Reads to Children at Library
Assemblywoman Weinstein recently had a chance to read to area children during a library visit. The Assemblywoman provides funds annually to the library branches in our community.

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Attends Yeshiva Lev Bais Yaakov Dinner
Assemblywoman Weinstein has long been supportive of all public and private schools in her district; fighting for additional funding. Recently, the Assemblywoman attended Yeshiva Lev Bais Yaakov’s 11th Anniversary Dinner where she presented Executive Director, Rabbi Shmiel Deutsch and Principal, Leah Zytman with a congratulatory citation, as Councilman Michael Nelson looked on.

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Celebrates Kingsway Jewish Center's 80th
Assemblywoman Weinstein recently attended the Kingsway Jewish Center’s 80th Anniversary dinner and presented an Assembly Proclamation recognizing contributions of the Synagogue to the community and congratulating the honorees of the evening, Mr. and Mrs.Yitz Elman, and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Markowitz.

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Assemblywoman Weinstein
Honors Parent Coordinators
Assemblywoman Weinstein attended Community District Education Council 22’s meeting and presented Parent Coordinators with State Assembly Citations for their continuing concern and commitment to area students.
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Honors Police Officers
At the 61st Precinct Community Council meeting Assemblywoman Weinstein joined 61st Precinct Caption George Mastrokostas, and Council President Yves Etienne in presenting the “Cops of the Month”, Police Officers, Daniel Lacalamita, Steven Fintey, and Edwin Vargas with Assembly Certificates of Merit for arrests made in response to a rash of burglaries.

Major Capital Projects in the Pipeline

  • Mammography Machine for Beth Israel Hospital;

  • Computer Lab upgrade for the Friends United Youth Center;

  • Auxiliary Patrol vans for the 63rd & 67th Police Precincts, bikes for the 63rd, 67th, 69th & 70th;

  • State-of-the-art Science Lab for Public School 208;

  • Renovations at Kings Bay YM-YWHA;

  • Renovations at Kings Bay Youth Organization facilities;

  • Met Council – Food pantry trucks;

  • Wyckoff House Museum – Barn Project;

  • Establishment of the Marine Park Community Center;

  • New Kitchen for Homecrest Senior Center;

  • Caribbean Chamber of Commerce Trade Center;

  • Air Conditioning for Madison High School;

  • Renovations at Kings Bay Senior Center;

  • New Recreational Room at Glenwood Senior Center;

  • Renovation of the East Flatbush Senior Center;

  • New Ambulance – Flatlands Volunteer Ambulance Corps;

  • Harry Maze Park lighting.


Assemblywoman Weinstein Helps Your Stay Healthy

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Assemblywoman Weinstein Keeps You Healthy!
Assemblywoman Weinstein sponsors many programs at her office and throughout the community. Last year’s flu shot programs had record turnouts.
FREE FLU SHOTS!
Thurs., Oct. 23rd, 2008
Thurs., Nov. 6th, 2008

at
Assemblywoman Weinstein’s Office
3250 Nostrand Ave.
Thurs., Oct. 30th, 2008
at
Philip Howard Apartments
Community Room
1655 Flatbush Ave.
Shots administered by nurses from Beth Israel Hospital.
Vaccine will not be given to individuals under 18 years of age.
*Appointments are necessary.
Call to Schedule – 718-648-4700
Free Cholesterol & Glucose Screening*
Thursday, September 25th, 2008
*Appointments are necessary. Call to Schedule – 718-648-4700

Assemblywoman Weinstein Helps You Save Money

IT'S NOT TOO LATE!
APPLY FOR YOUR STIMULUS CHECK

Assemblywoman Weinstein reminds you to file a 2007 federal income tax return before October 15th, 2008 to qualify for the economic stimulus payment. This includes certain Social Security recipients and those receiving benefits, who don’t usually have to file a tax return. Thousands of residents living in the community are eligible and have not yet filed.

Individuals with at least $3000 in qualifying income who file may be eligible for a $300 payment ($600 on a joint return). SSI benefits do not count as qualifying income for the stimulus payment.

Call or visit Assemblywoman Weinstein’s office for a 1040A tax form and more information on how to file.

If your only income is from Social Security, you must file a tax return this year to receive your $300 check.


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CB #17 Youth Happen’n
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein joined Community Board 17 Chair, Lloyd Mills and Anthony Folkes, Chair of the Jamaican Ex-Police Association, at “Youth Happen’n Day 2008,” sponsored by Community Board #17 in conjunction with the 67th Precinct. Close to 3,000 children participated in activities at Paerdegat Park.
SKIP A TRIP TO THE DMV
photo Join the hundreds of your neighbors who have already received their Non-Driver IDs at Weinstein’s Community Office. Call for information at (718) 648-4700.

HELP WITH HEATING BILLS!!!
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein has secured over $49,109.30 in grants allowing area residents on fixed incomes to stay warm in the winter. Contact Assemblywoman Weinstein’s Community Office to see if you are eligible for any heating assistance programs.

HELENE WEINSTEIN CAN HELP YOU OBTAIN A SENIOR HALF-FARE METROCARD

Helene Weinstein Brings the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard Bus to the Community Office – 3520 Nostrand Avenue on the Third Thursday of every month.

Upcoming dates:
September 18th, 2008 • October 16th, 2008 November 20th, 2008 • December 18th, 2008

10:30 am to 12:00 noon

Apply for the Senior Half-Fare MetroCard and receive one on the spot.

Proper age I.D. (65 years & older) and photo I.D. are required.


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The Bay
Assemblywoman Helene Weinstein, NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner, Pete Grannis, and Captain Anthony DiLernia, Kingsboro Maritime Program’s Director, review studies showing the threat to Sheepshead Bay’s channel caused by increasing sand deposits. Shallow water threatens navigability and poses a potential danger to businesses, boats and residents along the Bay and prevents the access of FDNY fireboats.
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Community Concerns
Assemblywoman Weinstein discussed issues affecting the community with George Broadhead, VFW Kings County Commander and Vice President of Gerritsen Beach Property Owners Association at the Assemblywoman's Community Office.

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Keeping You Safe and Saving You Money!
Assemblywoman Weinstein looked on as officers etched a constituent's VIN number in her windshield to help prevent car theft. The program hosted at her office in conjunction with the 61st Precinct Crime Prevention Unit, helps Police identify your vehicle faster if stolen, and may reduce your car insurance premium.

Helene Weinstein’s Community Office

3520 Nostrand Avenue • Brooklyn, NY 11229 • (718) 648-4700
Monday–Thursday: 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Friday: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Call or stop in if you have a problem or a question!
We speak English, Creole, Russian and Yiddish


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