Throwing Rescue Dogs a Bone
April 21, 2011
Speaking on Capital Tonight about my legislation
Right now, there are over 12,000 dogs in New York City shelters waiting to be adopted. These animals are unconditionally loving and loyal pets that are just looking for a second chance to become beloved members of a family. I think it’s time that we threw these dogs a bone.
Today I held a press conference with animal advocates and some wonderful rescue dogs that need homes to announce my legislation that would designate the ‘rescue dog’—any dog that has been rescued and adopted from a shelter or rescue group—to be the Official State Dog of New York. By giving these dogs this honor, millions of New Yorkers will be sent the message that in order to find a devoted companion animal, you don’t need to go any further than your local animal shelter or rescue group.
My bill will serve as an important educational tool by generating awareness about the value of adopting rescued animals along with other important information for prospective pet owners like spaying and neutering pets, providing them with microchip identification implants, and providing responsible pet care.
According to a survey done in 2009 by the Humane Society of the United States, approximately 17 million Americans consider getting a pet every year. If only 20% of these people adopt a rescued pet, we could essentially end the killing of healthy and treatable animals in shelters. This could save tens of thousands of animals in New York alone.
Unfortunately, some people perceive rescue animals as damaged, but nothing could be further from the truth. Most of these dogs are healthy, well-behaved, and just in need of a loving home. So if you’re a prospective pet owner, make the right choice and consider checking with a shelter or rescue group first. If you have any questions or need to be directed to a shelter, please contact my office at (212) 860-4906.
FDR Hope Memorial: A True Inspiration
March 31, 2011
Franklin D. Roosevelt was a testament to the ability of the human spirit and mind to overcome physical limitations. Yet his disability, a significant piece of his life, is often left out of history.
I am proud to see that on Roosevelt Island, also named after our former president, his image will be fully represented. The FDR Hope Memorial will depict President Roosevelt how he was during much of his time in the White House: seated in the wheelchair he designed for himself.
I was also pleased to hear that Meredith Bergmann, a New York based artist, was chosen to design the monument. Ms. Bergmann’s experience in public art, and thoughtful approach, will not only allow her to develop and communicate the mission of the FDR Hope Memorial, but will help to bring about a work of art that will inspire generations.
On Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 6 PM to 7 PM, the RIVAA Gallery at 529 Main Street, Roosevelt Island, will unveil the design of the FDR sculpture that is to be placed in the fully accessible FDR Hope Memorial Park.
President Roosevelt’s inspiring story gives hope to individuals with disabilities. This sculpture of President Roosevelt, a personal hero of mine, will honor his enduring message.
For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.FDRHopeMemorial.org/>
Don’t Forget to Get Your Free Flu Shot
October 15, 2010
I will be providing free flu shots next Wednesday, October 20th courtesy of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York. The flu shot is recommended for those at high risk of flu-related complications, including people 65 years of age or older, those with chronic lung (asthma, emphysema) or heart problems, other chronic diseases such as diabetes, kidney or immunological problems, and women who will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the flu season.
Appointments are available between 10 am and 1 pm at St. Stephen’s of Hungary Parish located at 414 East 82nd Street (between First and York Avenues).
I will also be providing free flu shots on Roosevelt Island on Thursday, October 28th at the Roosevelt Island Senior Center located at 546 Main Street. Appointments are available between 10:30 am and 2 pm.
The availability of these shots is very limited and an appointment is necessary. Please call my office at 212-860-4906 to schedule an appointment.
Welcoming Fairway to the Upper East Side
October 6, 2010
Today I was happy to help Fairway break ground on their new 86th Street location. This a hugely exciting development — Fairway is a fabulous grocery store and it will bring so much to the community. I was pleased to be able to help make this new store a reality, and I’m looking forward to its grand opening in the spring.
Above: breaking ground on the new 86th Street Fairway. Pictured, left-right: Community Board 8 Chair Jackie Ludorf, Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, Small Business Commissioner Robert Walsh, Assembly Member Kellner, Borough President Scott Stringer, Fairway CEO Howie Glickberg, and Councilmember Jessica Lappin.
Celebrating Roosevelt Island Day 2010
June 21, 2010
Assembly Member Kellner with Eagle Scouts, Masons, and NY Life representative Carol Tanjutco, in front of the Child ID booth, Roosevelt Island Day 2010.
Roosevelt Island Day is one of my favorite summer events — it’s great to spend time with so many members of the Island community, enjoying the wonderful weather, the games, and the festive atmosphere.
I was happy to be part of this year’s celebration, and pleased to be able to sponsor a free Child ID service in conjunction with New York Life, the Masons, and the Eagle Scouts–offering parents the opportunity to obtain a record of their children’s identifying information which can be used in the event that a child becomes lost or missing.
It was a pleasure seeing so many of my Roosevelt Island friends on Saturday, and I look forward to another year of working with Island residents.
May 1st: Free Mammography Screenings
April 11, 2010
Just in time for Mother’s Day, my office, in partnership with the American-Italian Cancer Foundation, is coordinating a free mammography screening program on Saturday, May 1st from 9 am to 3 pm in front of Lenox Hill Neighborhood House, located at 331 East 70th Street between First and Second Avenues.
Aside from non-melanoma skin cancer, breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society, there were 182,460 new cases of breast cancer in the country last year and 40,480 deaths from the disease. While there are treatments, early detection is the best way to prevent the worst consequences. I hope that by providing this service, women who may not have been able to get a mammogram in the past will take advantage of this opportunity.
This service is available for any woman over 40 years of age who has not had a mammogram in the past 12 months, regardless of whether or not she has health insurance. Space is limited to a first- come, first-served basis and appointments are necessary, so women who would like to take advantage of this opportunity should schedule their appointments as soon as possible by calling my office at 212-860-4906.
It is recommended that women who make appointments come wearing a two-piece outfit, and refrain from using any oil, powder, deodorant, or perfume that day. If you have Medicare, Medicaid or other health insurance, you must bring your card with you, though you will not be charged any co-payment fees. If you do not have health insurance, the mammogram, provided by Multi-Diagnostic Services, Inc., will be paid for by the New York State Cancer Services Program Partnerships. Results will be sent to you will be sent to you within 10 business days.
Support Gilda’s Club on March 2nd
February 25, 2010
In these difficult economic times, it is easy to forget that there are dozens of not-for-profit organizations that could use our support. One such group is Gilda’s Club, which was recently named one of nine most vulnerable charities in the city by New York magazine.
Gilda’s Club was founded in 1995 in honor of Gilda Radner, the brilliant comedian and original cast member of Saturday Night Live who passed away from ovarian cancer in 1989. Since opening, it has offered a place where men, women and children living with cancer – and their families and friends – can join together to build social and emotional support as a supplement to medical care. They offer support groups, workshops, forums, and even a teen and children’s program, all free of charge.
I am proud to be a co-sponsor of the 1st Annual Gilda’s Club Community Gathering on Tuesday, March 2nd at 6:30pm in support of this indispensable organization. The event will be held at Gilda’s Club, 195 West Houston Street. Suggested donations start at $25. For more information on Gilda’s Club call 212-647-9700 or visit their website (www.gildasclubnyc.org).
Micah Kellner is MS Society of NYC Legislator of the Year
February 16, 2010
On February 1st, I was honored to be named 2010 Legislator of the Year by the NYC-Southern New York Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at their annual meeting at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Midtown.
The MS Society, an organization I am grateful to have worked with since my election on a number of critical issues near and dear to my heart, had this to say about selecting me as this year’s awardee:
Assembly Member Micah Kellner is this year’s Legislator of the Year. Since his election to the NY State Assembly in 2007, Assembly Member Kellner has championed many issues important to people living with MS and has become a powerful voice for the rights of persons with disabilities throughout the state.
Over the past year, Assembly Member Kellner introduced legislation that would establish an MTA riders council for people with disabilities, cap fares for paratransit transportation, provide improved access to taxi cabs for people with disabilities, and improved maintenance of subway and bus equipment used to make public transportation accessible. When the MTA proposed to double the fare for access-a-ride last March, Assembly Member Kellner led the opposition holding spirited protests and news conferences. His passionate activism helped secure a victory when the MTA later dropped the proposal. Assembly Member Kellner also joined MS activists as they rallied outside of the Citi Field subway station to raise awareness of the barriers to accessibility within the NYC subway system. He demonstrated his commitment even further when, last April, he introduced legislation that would ban specialty prescription drug tiers within health insurance plans throughout New York State.
Ready New York?
November 24, 2009
On December 1st, I will be hosting, along with the American Red Cross of Greater New York and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, a free emergency preparedness presentation that aims to teach New York City residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed in the event of a disaster.
All participants will receive an interactive CD that can be used at home to create a customized evacuation plan. The first 100 people to register will receive a complimentary Red Cross Go Bag at the event packed with the essentials you and your family need to have on hand in case of an emergency.
The event will be held Tuesday, December 1st, from 6:30 p.m.-8:00 p.m. in Rockefeller Research Laboratories auditorium (Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center) located at 430 East 67th Street between York and First Avenues. Please call 212-860-4906 or e-mail kellnerm@assembly.state.ny.us to RSVP for this important event.
An Opening for Artists with Disabilities
August 21, 2009
Assembly Member Kellner with artist, Octavia Lanford.
On a beautiful August Thursday, I had the honor of serving as Master of Ceremonies at a ground-breaking art opening at the Roosevelt Island Visual Art Association Gallery (RIVAA), as over 80 stunning works of art created by artists with cerebral palsy went on display. The dozens of artists were joined by family members, friends, and supporters. As someone with cerebral palsy myself, this was an especially proud occasion for me.
I am proud to have helped make this exhibition a reality. For the last year, thanks to the Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State, I have been privileged to display in my office works by three of the artists who are now represented at RIVAA (as I reported in a post last August). Earlier this year, I suggested that the RIVAA Gallery would be the ideal place to stage a broader exhibition featuring pieces by artists with disabilities. Roosevelt Island is a community designed to be inclusive of people with disabilities, and RIVAA is one of the island’s prime cultural treasures — so the show and the location were a natural fit.
Cerebral Palsy Associations of New York State Metro Services, United Cerebral Palsy of New York City, and Queens Centers for Progress worked together to produce the exhibition, which features a diverse and colorful collection of paintings, photographs, and sculptures on subjects including nature, life in New York City, and the artists themselves.
Thanks are due to CP of NYS, UCP, and QCP, as well as to RIVAA, for bringing us this wonderful show. The exhibition runs until September 7, and I strongly encourage you to stop by and check it out, whether or not you live on Roosevelt Island. The gallery is at 527 Main Street.
Below, is a poster produced by CP of NYS that is a collage of images from the opening night.
- Via @MicahKellner + @MMViverito NYPD, never sensitive to Trans NYers, but if these allegations true its beyond the pale http://t.co/UGWWI9Tn
9 hours ago from ÜberSocial for BlackBerry
