Brooklyn groups honor PEF leaders The Independent Neighborhood Democrats (IND), one of Brooklyn’s leading reform clubs, honored PEF President Ken Brynien in April for his dedication and ongoing commitment to civil leadership and public service to improve the quality of life for all Brooklynites. Brynien received the Good Neighbor Award at the IND’s 40th annual awards dinner. It was presented by IND President Hal Friedman. PEF Vice President Pat Baker is being honored as a “Hero of Labor” by LaborPress Inc in New York City. The event will take place June 6. PEF Region 11 Coordinator Jemma Marie-Hanson nominated Baker for the honor. Baker is also being recognized by the Brooklyn Democratic Committee, also June 6, for her role in helping to stop the closure of Kingsboro Psychiatric Center and to save services at SUNY Downstate Medical Center. — Deborah A. Miles

The Communicator Letters policy We welcome letters to the editor about union issues and events relevant to PEF's diverse membership. All letters are subject to editing for space, fairness and good taste. Please keep them brief (up to one page, double-spaced or a maximum of 250 words), and please include your name and phone number for verification. Send letters to thecommunicator@pef.org: The Communicator Public Employees Federation P.O. Box 12414 Albany, N.Y. 12212-2414 Email to Sherry Halbrook, Editor or Darcy Wells, Editor-In Chief