Press epaper 020714

PRESS Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

Volume 15 Issue No. 6 Feb. 7-13, 2014

CALLING FOR CHANGE

BLACK HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION KICKS OFF Pages 6-10

Officials call for the City Housing Authority to improve living conditions in its buildings.

By Natalia Kozikowska ‌ Page 3.

ONLINE AT WWW.QUEENSPRESS.COM

Page 2 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

News Briefs Embattled Smith Wants Trial Postponed

Indicted State Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis), who was arrested on bribery charges in April, has asked for his trial to be pushed back a few months so it does not interfere with his reelection campaign.

Reports indicate that last week, Smith’s defense attorney, Gerald Shargel, asked White Plains federal court Judge Kenneth Karas to delay the trial so that Smith could have a “fair election.” Smith and Shargel are also awaiting on Karas’ decision to dismiss some the charges.

The Senator’s trial is currently scheduled to begin in June but Shargel has requested the trial be delayed until after September’s Democratic Primary. Two challengers, attorneys Clyde Vanel and Munir Avery, have already announced their candidacy to unseat Smith.

According to the criminal complaint against him, Smith was considering running for mayor on the Republican ticket and made payments to former Councilman Dan Halloran in exchange for setting up meetings with Republican leaders to gain their support.

The charges claim that Smith agreed with a cooperating witness and an FBI agent posing as a wealthy real estate developer to bribe Republicans leaders to obtain a Wilson Pakula – an authorization given by a political party to a candidate for public office which allows the candidate who is not registered with that party to run on its ticket for an election.

Smith is being brought up on charges of wire fraud and Travel Act bribery conspiracy, wire fraud and Hobbs Act. If he is found guilty of all charges, he faces up to 45 years in prison.

The DREAM Act Inches Closer To Reality

The New York State DREAM Act may be closer to becoming a reality this year.

Both State Sen. Jose Peralta (DEast Elmhurst) and Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-Jackson Heights) said this year may mark a victory for the dreamers, because they see viable support among the State Senate to pass the bill.

The DREAM Act would allow undocumented students who meet in-state tuition requirements access to state financial aid, such as the Tuition Assistance Program, and scholarships for higher education.

Passing this bill would allow the thousands who have attended New York schools from kindergarten through 12th grades to come out of limbo after graduating high school, ineligible to receive federal tuition assistance, scholarships, grants or loans, Moya said.

Peralta said with the four members of the Independent Democratic Caucus fully supporting the bill, they are getting closer and closer to their goals.

“We need 32 votes to make this a reality,” he said. “If we can get one Republican [State Senator] that puts us at our magic number, then it’s smooth sailing in the [State] Assembly.”

A total of $25 million would go into the education budget under the DREAM Act, which is the equivalent of two percent of the overall TAP budget and only 0.01 percent of the State’s annual education budget, Moya said.

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PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 3

Presstime

Tenants Fed Up With Conditions At Baisley Projects When Bonita Guin first moved into the Baisley Park Houses in 2009, she could not even use her kitchen sink and had no other choice but to wash her dirty dishes in the bathtub.

And that was just the beginning of her troubles.

Over the next five years, Guin said she has been living in horrendous conditions at the New York City Housing Authority-owned projects.

Visible deposits of mold are scattered across the apartment, the heat frequently does not work, the bathroom vent is completely blocked and she uses a string to flush her toilet.

“It makes me so angry.

State Sen. James Sanders gives reporters a tour of the BaisIt’s scary. This is supley Park Houses, where he says conditions have gotten outposed to be home,” she of-hand. said. “This is where you are supposed to be com“Then they that his office has been flooded with fortable and I can’t even complain we’re complaints from tenants at the Baisfeel that here. I can’t even a month late on ley Park Houses. So, in response, on put my baby in the bathrent,” she said. Jan. 31, the Senator held a press contub and let him play with “They send out ference with New York Communities rubber duckies.” eviction notices, For Change, calling on NYCHA to imThe conditions are so but they don’t want prove living conditions for residents. out-of-hand that Guin said “I saw something that we need to to fix anything. No she believes her 3-year-old one is supposed to work hard on. I saw physical condison’s health is being adtions that lead to despair,” Sanders live like this.” versely affected.

Guin is not alone said. “I saw conditions that are not Bonita Guin says she has “My son has cancer. been living with mold in her in her anguish. right for the human spirit and I enI’m not saying living here NYCHA apartment for nearly State Sen. James courage NYCHA to redouble its efcaused the cancer, but it five years.

Sanders (D-South forts to meet the needs of the people probably has an affect on Ozone Park) said here.” him,” she said.

Guin said her son also caught a cold last month from the frequent lack of heat. On average, she estiof that, the 105th precinct responds mates that the heat does not work BY JOE MARVILLI every time there’s an incident there. two to three times a week.

While the patient who bolted They’re just as outraged as we are. It “We barely have heat. They tell us not to use our stove [for heat] be- from Creedmoor Psychiatric Center really creates a problem for the comcause it’s dangerous, but it’s cold,” last week was recaptured, his initial munities served by it.”

Besides expressing the civics’ frusshe said. “What are we supposed to escape has left community leaders tration over the escape, the letter condo? The heat doesn’t come on when concerned about the site’s security.

A statement from 14 civic groups tained a plan to ensure the safety of the it’s supposed to.”

Adding insult to injury, Guin said was sent out on Feb. 2 to state their communities surrounding Creedmoor. she contacts NYCHA at least once a alarm and distress over the escape of In addition to demanding a full invesweek to request repairs but has got- Raymond Morillo, who was serving tigation into the incident, it also called 15 years in prison for manslaughter for the adoption of a comprehensive ten little help from the City agency.

“When I call the [NYCHA] and assault. While he was ultimately security plan for the entire Creedmoor hotline, they give me a ticket and say caught again in Memphis, Tenn., the campus, the transfer for resources from they are going to come out to fix it. civics are upset about the fact that he the Office of Mental Health to fund a proper level of security, disclosure and Sometimes they come out and some- was able to escape.

The Bellerose Hillside Civic As- transparency to the type of people betimes they don’t,” she said. “When they do fix it, it’s for like a week – sociation, the Creedmoor Civic Asso- ing housed at Creedmoor and a Comjust long enough for us to leave them ciation, the Glen Oaks Village Co-op, munity Notification Protocol to prothe Queens Civic Congress and the vide alerts to dangerous situations. alone, and then it breaks again.”

“We want to be part of the soluGuin said it can take years before Bay Terrace Community Alliance were maintenance does repairs on her among the groups that sent out the tion. We want to know what the protocols are going to be, what the apartment. Most recently, NYCHA joint-letter to show their concern.

“It’s a fiasco. Their security is very resources are and what type of pasent over someone to fix a massive hole in her wall that was first report- lax,” Glen Oaks Village Co-op presi- tients are being held in this facility,” dent Bob Friedrich said. “As a result Friedrich added. ed in 2010.

Photos by Natalia Kozikowska

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA

“One of our tenants lost her son in a type of violence and yet, I saw the bullet holes from that still in the door,” he added. “This is oppressive to the human spirit and I’m calling on NYCHA to remove that immediately. You can’t have kids come and see the bullet holes where they lost their brother.”

At the press conference, Sanders said he was also concerned about the health hazards posed by living at the Baisley Park Houses.

“I also saw a quiet killer – mold, asbestos – things that you won’t even know are killing you until you’re gone,” he said. “People suffer from asthma. There may even be cancer clusters up here.”

Concerned about the mold, Sanders announced that he has submitted two bills to help NYCHA deal with the issue of mold. The first proposed bill would mandate the City to remediate any instance of mold reported by tenants within 15 days of notification. The second bill would mandate the Dept. of Health to conduct studies on cities larger than 100,000 to determine where asthma is most prevalent.

“This is going to be a struggle that will not be resolved in five minutes, but together, we can work with NYCHA,” he said.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

Community Asks For Creedmoor Investigation The letter also asked for similar review of security at Zucker-Hillside Hospital, as there have been a few problems at that site as well.

“It’s located in the middle of a huge residential area. We’ve had situations in the past. They’ve been few and far between. But we want to make sure the security apparatus there is sufficient,” Friedrich said.

The community leaders were shocked about the escape when it happened; particularly that Creedmoor housed such dangerous individuals and did not appear to have adequate security to keep them there.

“I was surprised it was housing offenders that were so dangerous.

There wasn’t some mechanism put in place to notify the community,” Warren Schreiber, president of the Bay Terrace Community Alliance, said.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenstribune.com, or @Joey788.

Page 4 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

Council Questions Library’s CEO Over Salary

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA AND TRISHA SAKHUJA Queens Library CEO Thomas Galante was in the hot seat at Wednesday’s City Council oversight hearing.

For nearly three hours, council members grilled the chief executive officer about his $391,594 salary and $140,000 worth of office renovations– perks Galante referred to as “average” compensation in the nonprofit sector earlier in the week.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside), the newly appointed Majority Leader, who is also chairman of the Cultural Affairs and Libraries Committee, called for the oversight hearing following media allegations that taxpayer dollars were used to fund the new office space, which includes a private outdoor smoking area.

Those who participated in the hearing were particularly troubled

by Galante’s six-figure salary and lavish upgrades when weighing in the library’s massive budget cuts, which have resulted in more than 100 employees being laid off over the past five years.

The council members seemed perplexed that library employees have gone without raises since 2008,

but Galante is earning pay, which comes from more than Mayor Bill City tax-payers and is de Blasio. approved by the LiIn regards to the brary’s board. many library employees “Is it your position who have gone without that this salary that raises, Galante said the you receive is consislibrary’s budget took a tent with Library presihit beginning in 2008, dents in this nation?” when it saw multishe said. million dollar governGalante said he ment operating funding agrees that his salary reductions every six is not consistent with Thomas Galante months. many of the nation’s “Today, our government operating presidents, but went on to argue his funding is $16 million (or 17 percent) salary is pegged according to what less than it was in 2008,” he said. other non-profits across the City pay “Since 80 percent of our operating on average. budget funds the cost of employees Councilwoman Liz Crowley (Dto operate our libraries, these signifi- Middle Village) continued to press cant funding reductions resulted in Galante’s salary by stating his annual a hiring freeze and the reduction of compensation is too high based on 253 positions.” other non-profits.

Galante said hard-working emGalante said he believes his comployees have not seen a general wage pensation is “fair.” increase since 2008, which is a mat“You said your last five years have ter of their contract, negotiated be- been tough, for you, for your mantween the City and the Union on a agement, but the numbers I have City-wide basis and not within the seen indicate that you have received Library’s control. $32,000 in raises,” she said.

As for Galante’s high annual salFurthermore, in 2010 when the ary, Public Advocate Letitia James library’s budget underwent negotiasaid there has been a lot of media tion, Crowley reminded Galante that attention surrounding his executive he promised there would be no more

layoffs, but 44 library employees were compensated that year alone.

“Your workforce in the library is continuously asked to do more with less,” Crowley said.

“I am disappointed by some of your answers today,” Ulrich said.

“Every other elected official who is a stakeholder and an investor in the public library system has a lot of work to do to restore the public confidence in our ability to serve them with public libraries.”

Van Bramer said he opposes outsourcing contract workers and pressured Galante about the Queens Library Administration’s decision to replace its union workers with lower-paid private contractors to clean the Central Branch in Jamaica and Flushing Library Branch.

Galante responded by saying “it really is a matter of money in the end.”

Galante said many difficult decisions have been made along the way, including the use of contract cleaners. He went on to say that by hiring contract cleaners, they saved half a million dollars a year.

On a closing note, Van Bramer said he looks forward to Galante’s commitment to ending the practice of contracting out the Library’s custodial staff.

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Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 5

Councilmembers Get Environmental Grades

BY JOE MARVILLI The scores are out, and when it comes to the City Council’s environmental policies, many Queens officials have earned high marks.

The New York League of Conservation Voters released its Environmental Scorecard on Jan. 29, examining how well the members of the City Council have done in terms of sponsoring and voting for bills that have an effect on the environment.

The scorecard, which covers the 2012-2013 legislative session, looked at the votes and sponsorships for 17 bills that indicated the highest collective priorities of the Council, covering everything from recycling to clean energy, biodiversity to transportation and energy efficiency to air quality.

The League of Conservation Voters is the only organization that produces an environmental scorecard to give an independent assessment of the City Council, according to its press release.

While Queens as a whole appeared to do well, earning a 91 out of 100 average, it actually came below the City average of 92. The Manhattan delegation had the highest score, with a 98 average. Brooklyn was in

Oakland Gardens) and Donovan Richards (DLaurelton) also received high scores, earning a 94 and 91, respectively.

“I am proud of my environmental record because creating a more sustainable city is a promise we make to our children and to future generations,” WeCouncilmembers Elizabeth Crowley, Daniel Dromm, Peter Koo and Jimmy Van Bramer all prin said.

Richards, the new Chair scored 100s on their environmental scorecard from the League of Conservation Voters. of the Environmental Protection, said he was ready second with 93. The Bronx tied with Dromm’s comment stressed the to help create a more environmentalQueens and Staten Island came in importance of the green legislation ly-friendly New York. last with 88. that was passed last year.

“I’m elated to have received a 91 on Those at the top of the pack for “We must protect our environment my environmental scorecard from the Queens were Councilmembers Eliza- and by changing policies, we can set beth Crowley (D-Middle Village), the City on a greener path,” he said. League of Conservation Voters last Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), “I supported legislation that banned week. I look forward to working with Peter Koo (D-Flushing) and Jimmy plastic bags and Styrofoam as well as the LCV to build a more sustainable, Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). All four bills addressing composting, recycling green and resilient city,” he said.

The lowest scores for Queens went of those elected officials received and truck emissions, among others.” to former councilmen Dan Halloran perfect scores of 100.

Koo was also happy about his and Peter Vallone Jr., who both re“The New York City Council has score and is already looking towards continued to keep environmental is- this year’s environmental legislation. ceived a 76. Councilwoman Julissa sues at the top of its agenda. There “I won’t rest on my laurels how- Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst) also reis no doubt that we will maintain an ever. I am in the process of writing ceived a 76, but the league noted that open dialogue with environmental more environmentally-friendly bills she missed several important votes due advocates in order to continue pass- that I look forward to discussing with to maternity leave, skewing her score.

Reach Reporter Joe Marvilli at (718) ing meaningful legislation that makes my colleagues and the public in the 357-7400, Ext. 125, jmarvilli@queenNew York City more sustainable and near future,” he said. greener for all,” Van Bramer said.

Councilmen Mark Weprin (D- stribune.com, or @Joey788.

Page 6 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

OF SOUTHEAST QUEENS 150-50 14th Road Whitestone, NY 11357 (voice) (718) 357-7400 fax (718) 357-9417 email news@queenspress.com The PRESS of Southeast Queens Editor-in-Chief:

Steven J. Ferrari Contributing Editor:

Marcia Moxam Comrie Production Manager:

Shiek Mohamed Queens Today Editor

Regina Vogel

Editorial A Celebration In Southeast Queens When this newspaper was founded almost 15 years ago, it was created with the intent of giving a voice to a community that was largely ignored by other media outlets. For too long, Southeast Queens was only represented when there was a shooting or some other crime.

But the intention of the PRESS of Southeast Queens was to show another side of the growing African-American community in this area. From the arts to civic groups to schools and churches, we have tried to bolster this community’s growth.

This month, the PRESS of Southeast Queens celebrates Black History Month. Each week, we will feature different stories about the achievements of African-Americans from all over the City, but with a focus on Southeast Queens. This celebration of Black History Month will culminate in a special awards breakfast on Feb. 21 at the Jamaica Performing Arts Center.

In addition to the breakfast, the PRESS has launched a new website, queenspress.com, which will be updated regularly with all the news from the area. You can follow us on Twitter, too, @SEQueensPress.

We hope that 2014 will be a banner year for the PRESS, and we look forward to bringing you the best coverage possible.

Letters Remembering Ira

To The Editor: I was very saddened to hear of the passing of the PRESS’ premier photographer Ira Cohen. The Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation was so fortunate, for he attended all of our Spring Dinner Dances and our “Wonderful Woodhaven Street Festivals,” taking unbelievable pictures for your newspaper. At our dinner dance on June 1, 2013, in spite of a monsoon rainstorm, he was there. During our Dinner Dance Ceremony, due to the proximity of Memorial Day, we

always ask all of our veterans to come forward and introduce themselves. At that time, Ira stated he was a Vietnam veteran. We invited him to come up and be acknowledged.

Then we saluted all of our veterans, our heroes, and thanked them for their service.

All these years and we didn’t know that this personable professional and excellent photographer was also a Vietnam veteran and a hero. Ira will be missed.

Maria Thomson, Executive Director, Greater Woodhaven

WRITE ON: The PRESS of Southeast Queens, 150-40 14th Rd., Whitestone, NY 11357 email editor@queenspress.com

Photo Editor: Ira Cohen

Reporters: Natalia Kozikowska Joe Marvilli Luis Gronda Trisha Sakhuja

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Michael Nussbaum Publisher Ria McPherson Comptroller

Op-Ed Black History Month: A Time To Celebrate Hard Work

BY GOv. DAvID PATERSON I represented Harlem in the New York State Senate for over 20 years. I tried to remember where I came from the next four years, which I spent in the Executive Chamber. Now I walk the streets and ride the subways all over the City, wondering if I have done enough. I come upon vibrant young people with beautiful minds and I wonder what I would like to say to them. Thanks to the PRESS of Southeast Queens, I have been given that opportunity.

Each time a major department store advertises for employment, young people stand in lines that sometimes cover six blocks as they look for a chance to work. Each time children from Queens and similar communities in New York get the right educational resources, they excel. Yet major media and social media classify them as lazy, dishonest and content to benefit from social programs. When they or anyone else object to this characterization, the adversaries play the class warfare card.

New York City’s police force increased Stop and Frisk incidents 700 percent

since 2004 while former Mayor Bloomberg credited this policy for reducing every single murder after that period.

In fact, the murder rate had already been reduced by 400 percent over the previous decade without increasing Stop and Frisk. If young people find these or other injustices appalling, believe me, your elders understand. But you need to know that it used to be worse. The American settlers declared to the world in 1776 its independence based on equality for all, but found a way to enslave one-sixth of its population. This culture of torture dictated U.S. policy for over 200 years. Finally in 1976, a white man was executed for the first time for killing two Black people. It took the same period of time for courts to uphold interracial marriages and voting rights. It took New York State 225 years, to swear in its first Black governor, which was characterized by the tabloids as an accident.

In spite of it all, young people need to know that life is demonstrably fairer than it has been over the years; and that it is no accident. Government never initiates justice, activism does.

Facebook messages did not stop segregation; marches and boycotts did. President Obama was not selected by judges on American Idol. Record turnouts in Black and brown communities combined with liberated whites made that happen.

I commend the young people of Queens that you embrace this Black History Month. You will be regaled with the stories of men and women who followed their dreams.

They did not let inequality or racism deter them. They fought against slavery, they fought against segregation and they fought against profiling.

They fought, they suffered and many of them paid for it with their lives; but they won! I call that victory, the real American Revolution. You don’t have to be Nelson Mandela or Malcolm X to make change.

The Martin Luther Kings of the world visit us once or twice each century. But when we celebrate them, please understand that they symbolize the struggle of millions of Americans, women and men, Black and white; whose names we don’t know, and yet their single acts combined to turn the arc of time toward justice.

Achievement is the cure for mistreatment; success is the antidote for prejudice. Hard work is the best defiance against injustice. I am not suggesting that we ignore unfair conditions. Rather, let them be the catalyst for action that fuels your perseverance.

Then you will be marching in the footsteps of Rosa Parks, Sojourner Truth and the many heroes we honor this month.

Terrible things happen in life too often and they produce an understandable anger. But persistent anger only vests in hatred. Former President Nelson Mandela once said hating and yet expecting positive results is like drinking poison and expecting your enemies to die. Life may have dealt you a tough hand when you were born, but you were born with a tough hand of your own. “Take what is in your hand,” as former Congressman Adam Clayton Powel Jr. once said, “and go out and fulfill your dreams.”

For revolutions are not motivated by injustice; they begin with hope.

David Paterson served as Governor of New York State from 2008-2010. He was the first African American to hold the position.

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 7

Page 8 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

The History Of Black History Month

Americans have recognized Black Negro History Week sought to enhistory annually since 1926, but what courage the coordinated teaching of many may not know is that the cel- history of American Blacks in the naebration of Black history had rarely tion’s public schools. The first official been documented when the tradition Negro History Week was met with a first originated. Although mixed response. Although African Americans have it gained cooperation been in America since from the Dept. of Educathe 1600s, it was not until tion in states like North the 20th century that they Carolina, Delaware and gained their rightful place West Virginia, it was far in history books. from universally accepted.

The precursor to Black Nevertheless, Woodson History Month came to regarded the celebration the United States when Fredrick Douglass as “one of the most forhistorian Carter Woodson tunate steps ever taken by and the Association for the Study of the Association.”

Negro Life and History announced By 1929, The Journal of Negro the second week of February to be History had documented that all “Negro History Week.” This par- but two officials with the State Deticular week was chosen because it partments of Education had made marked the birthdays of Abraham the event known to teachers and Lincoln and Fredrick Douglass – distributed official literature associboth of whom played a heavy role in ated with it. Churches also played a ending slavery in America. heavy role in the distribution of lit-

erature, further bringing publicity to in every area of endeavor” throughthe cause. out history.

It was not until 40 years later that As the tradition slowly began to the concept of an entire month de- gain its rightful place in America, a voted to Black history was proposed. decade later, the United Kingdom adThe initiative came from opted the tradition. The a group of leaders of the establishment of Black Black United States at History Month in EngKent State University in land is frequently attrib1969. The first-ever celuted to the work of Ghaebration of Black History naian analyst Akyaaba took place at the UniverAddai-Sebo, as well as the sity one year later, in FebGreater London Council. ruary 1970.

In 1995, Canada beIn 1976, as part of the came the last country to Carter Woodson United States Bicentenadopt February as Black nial, the informal expansion of Ne- History Month. The notion came gro History Week to Black History after politician Jean Augustine and Month was officially recognized by Canada’s House of Commons dethe federal government. President cided to officially recognize the holiGerald Ford even spoke about the day to honor Black Canadians. In holiday, in which he urged Ameri- 2008, Senator Donald Oliver moved cans to “seize the opportunity to to have the Senate officially observe honor the too-often neglected ac- Black History Month, which was complishments of Black Americans unanimously approved.

Queens Electeds Talk Black History Month In honor of the start of Black History Month, a number of As we celebrate, we mark almost 50 Queens electeds are weighing in on the significance of reflecting years since the passage of the landmark Civil Rights Act, an enduring on the contributions of Blacks in America’s history.

Councilman Ruben Wills “We strive for the day Black History is not just acknowledged for one month but is recognized throughout the year,” Wills said.

“Everyone in the Black Diaspora is appreciative of the numerous and grand contributions made by the generations before them; proving with solidarity, that we as a people have the ability to rise above and beyond society’s labels.”

that have transformed society as we know it,” Richards said. “We need to encourage a new generation of engineers, scientists and community leaders who will address the critical conditions we face today and shape the environment in a way that will benefit others tomorrow. I’m proud to work with our youth every day and especially proud to lead by example during Black History Month, as we celebrate our heritage.”

Councilman Donovan Richards “As we celebrate Black History Month, I believe we need to do more than just acknowledge the many accomplished heroes

State Sen. Malcolm Smith “Black History Month is a time to reflect on the many accomplishments and contributions made to our great country by African Americans.

Ruben Wills

Donovan Richards

Congressman Gregory Meeks “As we embark on our annual commemoration of Black History

Month, there are many markers of the contributions of the African American community to our nation’s enrichment and advancement. This month, we do not just look back to learn our past, but also so that we may be better prepared for what lies ahead. The historic achievements of one generation are the building blocks of another,” Meeks said. “This month our nation pays special tribute to the history of African Americans. It is a history that is abundant with the spirit of perseverance and indelible markers that have made our country the great nation that it is.

In doing so, we continue to cultivate the dreams and goals that will serve as an inspiration for all communities to keep pushing America toward her highest potential.”

Malcolm Smith

Gregory Meeks

victory for equal rights,” Smith said.

“During Black History Month, we pause to highlight the rich and vast contributions of African Americans to science, politics, human rights and a host of other areas. This month, we must commit ourselves to the struggle against injustice and inequality and help to maintain and build upon these achievements. Black History Month shines a light on Black pioneers who have changed our world. I would not be where I am today had it not been for these great trailblazers.”

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 9

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Page 10 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

The Rise Of Blacks To Power In Queens

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Although Hiram Revels of Mississippi was sworn in as the first Black senator in 1870, it was almost 100 years later that the borough of Queens saw its first African-American elected into office.

In many ways, Guy R. Brewer, who was elected into the New York State Assembly in 1969, is credited for having paved the way for a number of Black politicians in Queens and New York City, including Southeast Queens’ Archie Spigner – the first Black City Councilman.

“Guy Brewer had a profound impact on me,” Spigner said. “I was an adult when I met him, but his style of activism and his intelligence inspired me. He was outspoken and a great leader. He inspires me and I looked up to him and what he stood for.”

Brewer’s rise to power spoke to a demographic shift in the Borough, specifically Southeast Queens, where a number of Blacks began to settle from the 1940s to the 1960s. The social phenomenon often referred to as “white flight” created strong clusters of African American communities across the City.

“I saw white flight and I saw the

Archie Spigner

white flight in Southeast Queens,” Spigner said. “It was very dramatic the way the white community just up and left.”

This demographic shift, Spigner said, gave African American communities like Southeast Queens a strong enough voice and presence in government. The changes gave way to opportunities for politicians like Brewer to seek office and win.

“I knew the day would come,” Spigner said. “I saw the trends and

knew the Black population was growing. It was inevitable that there would be a Black Assemblyman. The opportunities were there, but still, the challenges were great.”

Much like Spigner attributes his success and passion to Brewer, many of today’s Southeast Queens elected officials similarly credit Spigner for having paved the way for them.

Spigner, who was elected to the City Council in 1974, held his seat for 27 years and rose through the ranks by earning a multitude of positions, including Majority Leader – the second highest in Council.

Till this day, the residents refer to Spigner as the ‘Dean of Southeast Queens.’

“I think Archie Spigner, along with Guy R. Brewer and Ken Brown, the first African American judge – they had to weather a lot of storms,” said State Sen. Malcolm Smith. “It showed that anything can be accomplished.”

“At the time that Archie Spigner was running, it was very difficult for African Americans to get into political office. The racist institution that existed in government was rapid back then and it was very difficult to be recognized and respected. Even

after he was elected, he had a long way to go.”

Although Spigner admits that the road to Council was not always smooth, he said he was honored to have served the community of Southeast Queens and become an advocate for its residents.

“I felt that when I was elected, that I had to be the voice of the African American community in the City Council,” he said. “I had to take leadership roles and speak of for the citizens in the community – whether it was Queens or the City.”

Smith, who became the first Black president of State Senate in 2009, said that while Black communities are far better represented in government now, many challenges are still present.

“Look at President Obama. He won the election twice and you can still see the racism that still exists in terms on being able to get things done,” Smith said. “The challenges are still there, but there is clearly a lot more camaraderie than there was in the past.”

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

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Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 11

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UPCOMING MOVIES AND MORE

Photo by Natalia Kozikowska

Touring Baisley Park

FEBRUARY 7

State Sen. James Sanders speaks before a walking tour of Baisley Park, to discuss conditions at City Housing Authority buildings. For more, see page 3.

Photo by Bob Harris

Taking a Break Kandie Fonrose and Fauberlyne Menard, juniors at the Math, Science, Research and Technology High School in Cambria Heights, are shown updating the bulletin board outside their English classroom during a break from an afterschool tutoring session.

FEBRUARY 14

FEBRUARY 12

Evening of Fine Food MARCH 14

MARCH 14

Fre e Me mbers h ip • Great Rewards

Queens Borough President Melinda Katz spoke at the ”Evening of Fine Food” fundraiser held on behalf of the Queens Center for Progress, which provides vital services to people with developmental disabilities, on Jan. 28. The two honorees at the event at Terrace on The Park were former Queens Borough President Claire Shulman (left) and Joseph Sciame (second from right), the vice president of community relations for St. John’s University. Katz, Shulman and Sciame are shown in the photo along with Charles Houston, executive director of the Queens Center for Progress.

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Page 12 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

Police Blotter 102nd Precinct

At 1 a.m. on Feb. 3, police arrested Edward Vazquez, 41, an off-duty City Dept. of Sanitation worker, and charged him with endangering the welfare of a child.

ing a baseball cap, dark clothing and white sneakers.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

108th Precinct

110th Precinct

City Employee Arrested

City Employee Arrested

Pedestrian Struck

At 7:10 a.m. on Feb. 3, police arrested Albert Robles, 37, an off-duty NYPD officer, and charged him with DWI.

At 5:55 p.m. on Feb. 3, officers responded to 911 calls of a pedestrian struck in the vicinity of 74th Street and Broadway. Upon arrival, officers determined that an unidentified female was crossing Broadway when she was struck by a Q35 bus making a right turn on Broadway. EMS responded and pronounced the female dead on the scene. The driver of the bus remained on the scene.

Burglary

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating the following suspect wanted for a burglary.

At 6 p.m. on Jan. 30, in the vicinity of 50th Street and 43rd Avenue, a suspect approached a 65-year-old female as she was entering her apartment. Once inside, he threw her to the ground, punching her in the head.

The victim sustained bruising and swelling to her lip. The suspect fled on foot without taking any property.

The suspect is described as a white male with light-colored hair, approximately 50-60 years old and weighing 170-190 lbs. He was last seen wear-

113th Precinct

Robbery

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance in identifying and locating the following suspect, wanted in connection with a robbery.

At 8:40 a.m. on Jan. 18, in the vicinity of 140-15 Rockaway Blvd., a male suspect approached a male vic-

tim and demanded money. The victim complied and was then shot in the torso. The victim was treated and released from Jamaica Hospital.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

115th Precinct

Robbery Pattern

The NYPD is asking the public’s assistance locating and identifying the following suspect sought for questioning in connection with a livery car robbery pattern that occurred within the confines of the 104th and 115th Precincts.

The first incident occurred at 12:43 a.m. on Oct. 12, within the 115th Precinct. A driver was dispatched to 27-44 Ericsson St. Upon arrival, the first suspect entered the rear of the vehicle and displayed a firearm, while the second suspect removed the victim’s property. No injuries were reported at this incident.

The second incident occurred at 12:15 a.m. Jan. 8, within the confines of the 104th Precinct. A driver was dispatched to 1716 Stephen St.

Upon arrival, the first suspect asked the driver to open the trunk while the second suspect displayed a firearm and demanded property. The victim was struck in the face, did not comply and the suspects fled without property. Minor injuries were reported.

The third incident occurred at 5:28 a.m. on Jan. 21 within the 115th Precinct. The driver was dispatched to 27-40 Ericsson St. Upon arrival, the suspect asked the driver to open the truck, displayed a firearm and demanded property. The victim complied and the suspect fled with the property. No injuries were reported at this incident.

The fourth incident occurred at 6:10 a.m. on Jan. 24. A driver was dispatched to 27-40 Ericsson St. Upon arrival, the suspect asked the driver to open the trunk, displayed a firearm and demanded property.

The victim did not comply and the suspect fled without property. No injuries were reported from this incident.

Anyone with information should call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers Hotline at (800) 577-TIPS, visit www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES), then enter TIP577. All calls are confidential.

Borough Beat

Eric ulrich Sworn in For Second Term It was a celebratory night for Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) last week, gathering family and friends to ring in his second term representing District 32.

The Councilman held the ceremony at PS 63 in Ozone Park, a significant place in Ulrich’s life, as it is where he attended elementary school. Ulrich defeated district leader Lew Simon last year to retain the seat.

After several colleagues and friends spoke of working together on issues despite Ulrich’s party affiliation, including Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito, the Councilman stepped up and discussed his vision for the next four years.

Among the issues Ulrich highlighted during his speech were streamlining the district’s recovery from Superstorm Sandy, improving transportation in the district and improving technology for the schools in his district.

Photo by Luis Gronda

By LuiS GRondA

Councilman Eric ulrich is sworn in for

by Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder.

During his speech, Ulrich reassured his constituents that he intends to serve for them and making sure the residents get what they need.

“The only thing that I can do is recommit myself to you and promise you that I will evoke the same passion and energy to this job that I did four years ago,” he said. “The fire to serve the public still burns inside of me and I will work overtime to make

this term as successful and productive as the first.”

Ulrich said one goal is to expand express bus service in the district, which is something he often discussed during his reelection campaign.

He also said he will help give local NYPD precincts what they need to keep the a second term streets safe. This includes installing ARGUS security cameras that the Councilman secured for locations in Woodhaven and the Rockaways last year.

The Councilman also pledged to help small businesses on major corridors like Cross Bay Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue and bring jobs to the area by, in part, hosting free business seminars in the district. This would give people free, one-on-one counseling, dispersing information on how

to bid on City contracts and telling them how they can expand their business, Ulrich said.

A lighter moment occurred during his swearing-in ceremony. The Councilman read remarks from an old kindergarten report card, given to him in 1990, that his family found while looking for old pictures.

“Let’s hope Eric’s attention span increases as he matures,” read one comment, which drew much laughter from the audience.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say this was written last week,” he joked.

Among the dignitaries to attend last week’s ceremony included Mark-Viverito, Comptroller Scott Stringer and Public Advocate Letitia James. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Ozone Park) administered the official oath during the event, pinch-hitting for Justice Augustus Agate, who was sick and unable to attend.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 13

A&E

Woodhaven native drives Wienermobile

By Luis Gronda If you see a giant hot dog on wheels strolling down your block, do not be alarmed: It is just the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile.

The traveling hot dog car has been traveling across the country with a two-person crew, including Woodhaven native Amanda Vazquez.

Vazquez became interested in going on the year-long voyage when the company, Kraft Foods, visited Penn State University, where she went to college.

She said the prospect of traveling the country for one year appealed to her because it was a “once in a lifetime” chance.

“It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up,” Vazquez said.

There are six different Wienermobiles traveling the U.S., each assigned to different parts of the country.

Vazquez’s car traveled the southwestern United States last year and will tour the northeast this year.

She, along with a colleague, has traveled parts of the United States attending parades, festivals, 5K runs and wherever else they are invited to.

At each stop, people gather around

the vehicle and take photos with the 27-foot hot dog on wheels. Vazquez said people are allowed to take a tour inside the weinermobile.

Inside the car, the vehicle is made of aspects that you would associate with eating a hot dog: the floor is made of ketchup and mustardcolored tiles, and the carpet is splattered with condiments.

Vazquez said she drove the car from New York to San Diego last year, exploring much of the southwestern United States, including Los Angeles, Colorado and Utah. Her favorite state to visit was Arizona, she said, because she got to visit tourist areas like the Antelope Canyon.

This year, she will drive the hot dog mobile through states like Ohio, Kentucky and Pennsylvania.

Recently, she brought the wienermobile to her neighborhood in Woodhaven. Vazquez said she parked the car on Jamaica Avenue and Forest Parkway and let curious on-lookers see the vehicle up close.

“It was nice to share it with people and put a smile on their face,” she said.

In the seven months since her journey began, Vazquez said she has

red storm starting To show Potential

St. John’s is beginning to show its potential, winning four of its last five games following an impressive victory last Saturday against Marquette. The Red Storm are 13-9 overall and 3-6 in Big East play heading into Thursday night’s game at Providence.

“They’ve just been on this steady climb since halftime of the Georgetown game,” head coach Steve Lavin said.

It was a month ago when the Red Storm were down 42-16 at halftime to the Hoyas. According to JaKarr Sampson, it was the low point of the season.

Then came the heartbreakers for a team that Lavin called “snakebit in terms of the number of close losses.”

A game slipped out of grasp against Villanova; a two-point loss at DePaul; a stunning double overtime loss at home to Providence was bitter.

“We were very disappointed that we lost because we had the game won,” guard Sir’ Dominic Pointer said. “We found a way to lose and that’s our fault.”

A victory against Dartmouth got the Johnnies back in the win column.

St. John’s held off Seton Hall for its first Big East win of the season after five consecutive losses, and then went on the road and defeated Butler. After a loss in the final seconds on the road to Creighton, the Red Storm came back to Madison Square Garden and dispatched the Golden Eagles.

“This is four out of five wins for us and we have some great momentum,” said D’Angelo Harrison after his 27-point performance led St. John’s to a win over Marquette. “Everything is moving in the right direction and everyone just bought in.”

“I actually think we have played better in some of the recent games that we lost,” Lavin said. “It’s one of the mysteries of the game that makes it tough to figure.” The winning coach went on to say that “sometimes you play really well and lose, sometimes you play ok and win.”

For the coaches and players who get to see everything, the turnaround is not a surprise.

“We always have great practices and it’s finally clicking now,” said Harrison.

- david russell

learned a lot about herself, mainly to have fun in life and go with the flow of the moment.

She will continue driving the hot dog car until June. When asked about her plans post-Wienermobile, she said she hopes to get a job in the field she obtained her degree in. She graduated Penn State as a Public Relations major.

Reach Reporter Luis Gronda at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 127, lgronda@ queenstribune.com, or @luisgronda.

Woodhaven native amanda Vazquez is riding the Wienermobile throughout the united states for one year. recently, she brought the vehicle to Queens, parking it on Jamiaca avenue and Forest Parkway and giving on-lookers the chance to explore it.

Queens Filmmaker Launches online Crowdfunding Campaign

By Trisha sakhuJa Jackson Heights native and veteran filmmaker Joe Eckardt is hoping that an Indiegogo campaign will help pay for his next feature film.

“I Ride Alone” is the true story of Vietnam vet and devoted biker Kevin Benedec, who has overcome incredible obstacles to put his life back on track.

The story picks up as his mother passes away and he loses his way again. In order to find answers; and put his life together again – he jumps on his bike and rides across country to find himself. It is there that the next adventure begins.

Joe’s brother and one of the producers of the film, Jorge Eckardt, said it is a very gripping story.

“It’s dramatic and we think it’s going to translate really well on the big screen,” he said.

Joe said the film would appeal to anybody who has overcome adversity in their life.

The duo’s production company, Rock On! Films, wants to create a film based on a true story that showcases the beautiful landscapes of this country with plenty of bikes and adventurous riding for the bike enthusiast, but in order to do that, they have launched an online crowdfunding campaign with a goal to raise $1.2 million.

Joe said he was instantly drawn to the script of the film, written by Kyrle Rosales, who wrote the story about her brother’s life, but later passed away from cancer.

After years of trying to secure funding the conventional way, they have decided the only way an independent filmmaker

can retain control of their project is to secure funding through other means.

The brothers say their online campaign is unique because it will not only fuel their film, but the donors will also have a say in building this project. In return for their contributions, individuals can nominate and vote on important aspects of the project.

Their audience will have the opportunity to choose the music and genre of soundtrack for the film, the lead actor and actress and the supporting actor, as well as the type of bike ridden by the supporting actor, the lead actress and actor.

“Something that bikers like to do is build their own bikes so we designed a campaign where they would have a say in the film,” Joe said.

“Bikers are a very loyal bunch of people and they take care of their own,” Jorge said. “No one has been able to give up that kind of a creative control to the public.”

Joe has directed and produced numerous feature films and documentaries. He has worked with some notable names in the industry – including, but not limited to – Nicolas Cage, Dennis Hopper, Steve Buscemi, Cuba Gooding Jr. and Danny Trejo.

In the next 10 days, the brothers will take their online campaign to Kickstarter.com from Indiegogo.com, but till then, to make a contribution towards the film and to have a say, visit www.indiegogo.com/projects/iride-alone or www.rockonfilms.com.

Reach Reporter Trisha Sakhuja at (718) 357-7400, Ext. 128, tsakhuja@ queenstribune.com, or @Tsakhuja13.

Page 14 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

Queens today

FRIDay 2/7

saTURDay 2/8

Wind & stonE

Flushing Town Hall will present a concert by Wind & Stone, a World Music Project by gamin and Satoshi Takeishi.

The former is a renowned piri, taepyeongso and saengwhang player and the latter is a percussionist and arranger.

The duo will present both traditional and contemporary Korean music, including the world premiere of Korean composer Yoon-Ji Lee’s composition. The show will start at 8 p.m. and costs $15 for the general audience and $10 for students/members. For information, call (718) 463-7700.

dEssErt tastinG

Rudy’s Bakery and Café will host a dessert tasting at its Ridgewood location, 905 Seneca Ave. Try desserts like chocolate peanut butter tart, tiramisu, Granny Smith apple crisp lemon meringue tart and dark chocolate mousse cups.

It costs $15 to get in. The tasting will be at 7:30, 8:30 and 9:30 p.m.

saTURDay 2/8

lunar nEW yEar paradE

Goldstein Theatre in Queens College with a diverse and rich repertory of more than 100 works by the leading choreographers and emerging artists of today. The works explore the diversity of Latino culture through the fusion of classical, Latin and contemporary dance. The performance will start at 8 p.m. and repeat the next day at 3 p.m. Tickets range between $29 and $49. For more information or to buy tickets, call (718) 544-2996.

HEart association FundraisEr

New Olympia Health Club, located at 65-06 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, will host a fundraiser for the American Heart Association, starting at 11 a.m. The event is sponsored by SELF Magazine. Registration costs $20.

For information, call (347) 463-9779.

livE Bands FundraisEr For lEukEmia and lympHoma Botanical GardEn lunar FEstivitiEs

Queens Botanical Garden will hold its own free celebration following the Lunar New Year Parade in Flushing.

Beginning at 1 p.m., there will be demonstrations of a traditional Chinese tea ceremony, where attendees can mix their own herbal tea bags for $5. There will be two performances of the New York Chinese Chorus, accompanied by traditional Chinese instruments, at 2 and 3 p.m. Activities are first come, first served and supplies are limited; limited seating available for both performances. The Garden is located at 43-50 Main St.

BallEt Hispanico

Ballet Hispanico will take the stage at the

SPOTLIGHT OF THE WEEK

The Queens Chapter of Team in Training is holding a fundraiser at Astoria Tavern for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society from 7 p.m. till midnight. With $10, it supports the LLS and gets you a drink special, plus three bands and a DJ. The bands include Astoria’s Hellgate 3, the Gems of Utter Trash from Brooklyn, Brandon Fitzpatrick and DJ Matt. Drink specials include $3 domestic drafts, mixed drinks, TNT’inis and $4 wine. An additional $10 buys you raffles for a TV, iPad Mini and Rangers tickets for the Feb. 27 game.

sUNDay 2/9 Hanji WorksHop

As part of its Lunar New Year celebrations, Flushing Town Hall will hold a hanji workshop. Korean

The Lunar New Year Parade is the centerpiece of celebrations in Flushing for this holiday. Starting at 10 a.m., spectators will get to see dragon dancers, steel drummers and fireworks, plus much more. While there usually are viewing stands, most people watch along Main Street.

folk paintings are drawn on the traditional mulberry paper known as hanji. In this workshop, you can write your wishes for the New Year on hanji and create a one-of-a-kind art piece to take home. The workshop starts at 1 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for the general audience and $8 for members and students.

FacE tHE music: nEW voicEs

The Queens Museum will hold the third in a series of four concerts by Face the Music, the country’s only ensemble for those 18-and-under that is solely devoted to the music of living composers.

Two of the group’s string quartets will perform at the museum, playing Ken Benshoof’s “Traveling Music” and Daniel Bernard Roumain’s “King.” There will be two concerts, at 2 and 4 p.m. For more information, call (718) 592-9700.

tWiliGHt concErt

Members of the Con Brio Ensemble will perform works by Schumann, Brahms and Schubert at 4:30 p.m. in the Church in the Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills.

Admission is $12, $10 for students and seniors. For information, call (718) 4591277.

GrEEn markEt

DJ Walter. All seniors are invited for the festivities.

The senior center is located at 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd.

The party will run from 1 to 3 p.m.

Located in front of the Forest Hills Post Office on 70th Avenue, this neighborhood green market boasts a variety of locallygrown fresh products. The market offers free cooking demonstrations, kids activities and the opportunity to mingle with neighbors. The market is open every Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.

mEdical lEcturE

QuEEns oF QuEEns

WEDNEsDay 2/12

The Laughing Devil Comedy Club in Long Island City will present The Queens of Queens, a mostly-LGBT comedy show hosted by comedian Adam Sank.

Headlining is Vanessa Hollingshead from Comedy Central Presents. The show is $10 with a two-item minimum. For information, visit www.laughingdevil.com.

arm WrEstlinG sHoWdoWn

The New York Arm Wrestling Association will host the inaugural Sit-Down Arm Wrestling Championships, 1 p.m. at Cheap Shots Sports Bar, 14905 Union Turnpike, Flushing. Competition is open to the public. For information, visit www.nycarms.com.

TUEsDay 2/11 valEntinE’s dancE party

The Howard Beach Senior Center will be having a Valentine’s Day Dance Party hosted by

The next Navigating the Medical System Lecture will start 7:30 p.m. at Congregation Etz Chaim, 147-19 73rd Ave., Kew Garden Hills.

Emmanuel Moustakakis, M.D., director, Coronary Care unit, and Maria Miccio, exercise physiologist, NYHQ Cardiac Health Center, will discuss advances in endocrinology and diabetes care.

sonGs in tHE attic

A Billy Joel tribute band, called Songs in the Attic, will play Resorts World Casino. The show will start 8 p.m. The casino is located at 110-00 Rockaway Blvd in South Ozone Park.

Got EvEnts? send all information to editor@queenstribune.com or mail to: Queens Tribune 150-50 14th Rd., Whitestone, Ny 11357

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 15

Profile

Jamaica Author Seeks To Change The World

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Although Syreeta Gates is only 24 years old, she has accomplished more than many have in their lifetimes.

Committed to helping the youth, the Jamaica resident and philanthropist has spent the last seven years of her life educating and impacting thousands of children.

Gates’ journey began when she was just a teenager. Using her entrepreneurial expertise as an employee for Polo Ralph Lauren and her experience as a volunteer for the Brooklyn-based nonprofit Team Revolution, she started the company The SWT Life at just 17 years old.

The SWT Life’s mission is to invest in youth potential, maximizing the likelihood of success for young innovators by providing coaching, personal development training and exposure to leaders in the arts, entertainment and business.

“I wanted to help young people find their superpower,” Gates said. “When you know your passion, your purpose and your strength, you certainly move differently in the world.”

With so much charity work on her plate at the time, Gates said her grades began to drop – so much so that she was eventually kicked out of college because she could not keep up.

Over the course of the next three years, Gates decided that she would devote all her spare time to do philanthropic work with The SWT Life and a number of nonprofits, including the Jamaica-based nonprofit CureViolence, where she met her mentor Erica Ford.

“I became part of a lot of organizations that do social change work and became a public ally,” she said. “I basically just started creating the projects that I wanted to see. In the years I wasn’t in college, I definitely kept busy.”

It was not long before that Gates said her mentors began to urge her to go back to college. Understanding the importance of a degree in her line of work, she decided she would go back to school.

“I made the decision that I couldn’t get a ‘regular degree’ so I found a program through CUNY that allows you to create your own major, so I wound up taking a major call Urban Youth

Syreeta Gates founded The SWT Life, a company dedicated to helping the youth, at just 17- years old and has been committed to making the world a better place ever since.

Culture and I’m the only one in the world with that degree,” she said.

Still committed to her cause, Gates continued to do charity work while earning her unique Bachelor’s degree.

One of her biggest claims to fame was getting more than 500 young people tested for HIV in Brooklyn.

It was around this time her accom-

plishments and hard work were getting noticed. As a sophomore in college, she was awarded Glamour Magazine’s “Top 20 Under 25.” That same year, Gates also won the Point of Light Award.

With all her new recognition, Gates decided take the opportunity to write a book that would break down social entrepreneurship and encourage the youth to be the change they want to see in the world. So, at 25, Gates’ book, “Just BE Cause: Ah Ha Moments to Inspire the Next Generation of Change Makers,” was published.

“Because I created The SWT Life at 17 and had little idea about what social entrepreneurship was, I decided I should write a book,” she said. “I had been toying with this idea for a while. At that time, there weren’t any texts for young people, specifically in the land of social entrepreneurship.

It’s basically everything I needed when I was creating The SWT Life.”

To learn more about Syreeta Gates, her book, or The SWT Life, visit her website at www.syreetagates.com.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

People nayah and grandson of Floria Marshall, both of Jamaica.

Town Hall Meeting:

Haniyyah Bashir of Rosedale was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Wells College in Aurora.

Local students were named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Conn. They include: Jamaica: Lisa Powell.

Queens Village: Kayla Kirton, Chrismichael Pertab.

Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher C. Marshall Air Force Airman 1st Class Christopher C. Marshall graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airman completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills.

Marshall is the son of Ava Chi-

Brandon Reyes of Jamaica received a degree in music education during fall 2013 commencement ceremonies at Ithaca College’s School of Music.

Local students were named to the Provost’s List for the fall 2013 semester at Hofstra University. They include: Queens Village: Neena Punnoose, Gaitrie Sackichand, Alaysia Williams.

Timothi Nunez of Ozone Park was named a Dean’s Scholar for the fall

Assemblyman Mike Miller (center) and South Asians For Empowerment recently hosted a town hall meeting at the Sikh Cultural Society in Richmond Hill to discuss important issues within the South Asian Community.

2013 semester at Piedmont College in Demorest, Ga. The American-Italian Cancer Foundation’s mobile, no-cost breast cancer screening program will offer screenings on the following days: Feb. 7: Joseph Addabbo Health Center, 6200 Beach Channel Drive, Arverne.

Feb. 12: Queens Health Center, 97-04 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica.

Feb. 13: PS58 – School of Heroes, 72-24 Grand Ave., Maspeth.

Feb. 15: Ecuadorian International Center, 37-47 76th St., Jackson Heights.

Feb. 20: Korean Presbyterian Church of Queens, 143-17 Franklin Ave., Flushing.

Feb. 24: Woodside Optical, 61-8 Woodside Ave., Woodside.

To schedule an appointment, call (877) 628-9090.

Ana Tivadar of Ozone Park was named to the Dean’s List for the fall 2013 semester at St. Bonaventure University.

Page 16 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

Faith

Religion’s Role In The Civil Rights Movement

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Some of history’s most notable leaders in the Civil Rights Movement were driven by their faith. The Reverends Martin Luther King Jr., Fred Shuttlesworth, Ralph Abernathy, Joseph Lowery, Andrew Young and Jesse Jackson were all gifted orators who used the principles of Christianity to inspire African Americans to stand up against injustice.

Many historians credit religion and leaders of the faith community for spearheading the Civil Rights Movement. Members of the Black clergy often served as the spokespeople for Blacks in America. Charismatic and articulate, they invoked the passion and courage in others to stand up against an oppressive government.

The Rev. Martin Luther King, a Baptist minister, will forever be remembered as one of the most instrumental leaders in the Civil Rights Movement. He is best known for his role in the advancement of civil rights using nonviolent resistance based on his Christian faith.

In 1959 King delivered a speech, “Pilgrimage to Nonviolence,” that highlighted the importance of his compassionate and Christian ap-

proach. His words appealed the biggest leaders of the to all Americans of all reliMontgomery Bus Boycott, gions with a foundation of which was organized in relove and morality. sponse to the arrest of Rosa “The gospel at its best Parks. deals with the whole man, Much like King and not only his soul but his Shuttlesworth, Abernathy body, not only his spiritual believed that God would well-being, but his material intervene in the fight for well-being,” he said. “Any justice. Though he is not as religion that professes to be well-known for speeches as concerned about the souls King and Shuttlesworth, he of men and is not concerned often spoke of God while about the slums that damn The Reverends Martin Luther King Jr. (left) and Ralph preaching and believed them, the economic condi- Abernathy (right) used principles of Christianity to fight whole-heartedly that all tions that strangle them and for social justice. men and women were God’s the social condition that children, equal in His eyes. cripple them is a spiritually mori- regarded as the ‘cussing preacher,’ “I don’t know what the future may bund religion awaiting burial.” notable for his fiery sermons, he nev- hold, but I know who holds the fuIn 1957, King, along with Shut- er once resorted to violence – even ture,” he famously said. tlesworth, Abernathy, Lowery and though he often stared it in the face.

Without question, the religious a number of other Christian minis- He survived many assassination at- leaders in America laid the groundters, created the Southern Christian tempts, including a house bombing work that ended segregation in Leadership Conference. Together, in 1956, a beating with bike chains America. Driven by the belief that the religious leaders protested the by the Ku Klux Klan in 1957 and Blacks and whites were both equal Jim Crow Laws by organizing Black when he tried to enroll his children in God’s eyes, ministers like King, churches to conduct non-violent pro- in a while school, he was beat into Shuttlesworth and Abernathy intests across the nation. spired a race to fight injustice while unconsciousness – twice.

Shuttlesworth, a pastor at the BethAbernathy, the last of the “Big maintaining a high sense of morality el Baptist Church in Birmingham, Three” of the Civil Rights Movement, and Godliness.

Ala., co-founded the SCLC with King grew up in a devout Christian family.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowsand similarly shaped his philosophies The close friend to King served as a ka at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or on the foundation of Christianity. pastor at the First Baptist Church in nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @ Though Shuttlesworth was often Montgomery, Ala., and was one of nkozikowska.

Notebook

Hillcrest High School

BY NATALIA KOZIKOWSKA Though she only learned of the test the day before, Hillcrest High School sophomore Sanjana Conroy-Tripathi scored big on her first practice SAT. Out of a possible 800 points in each section, the star student scored a whopping 750 in critical reading, 670 in math and 700 in writing skills.

“I didn’t study for the PSAT. I went in cold,” Conroy-Tripathi said.

“I never studied and didn’t even know I was taking it until the day before. It [the test results] really surprised me.

I was thrilled.”

While Conroy-Tripathi admits she was stunned by her test scores, her background as a consistent honor student sheds light as to why she scored so high on the PSATs. “I usually have an average in the upper 90s and it’s really important

for me that I do well in school,” she said. “[My motivation] is internally driven. I have been an over-achiever and a perfectionist since I was a little kid and sometimes it fights me, but most of the time, it’s helpful.”

Conroy-Tripathi also credits her mother, a professor at St. John’s University, for much of her academic success.

“My mom definitely helped. She started me off with phonics and stuff like that when I was pretty little and because of her, I just love to read and write,” she said.

When she is not studying or reading, Conroy-Tripathi enjoys a few extra curricular activities at Hillcrest High School.

“I do the knitting club and I’m teaching myself to crochet there,” she said. “I also edited part of the school newspaper this past issue. I’m hoping to coordinate with my associate direc-

tor and the newspaper editor to see if I can be a freelance writer because I’m not actually in the journalism class.”

When she gets older, ConroyTripathi said she would like to be a writer. She hopes that her strong academic background will get her into a college with a good writing program.

“I want to be an author. I want to write poetry and novels,” she said.

“Doing well in school will definitely help me get into a good college with a good writing program.”

She is exploring a few options and said she considering the Macaulay Honors program at CUNY and the creative writing program at New York University. She also said she is looking into the possibility of obtaining a scholarship to St. John’s University.

Reach Reporter Natalia Kozikowska at (718)357-7400 Ext. 123 or nkozikowska@queenspress.com or @nkozikowska.

Photo by Bob Harris

Hillcrest HS Sophomore Scores Big On First PSATs

Hillcrest High School sophomore Sanjana Conroy-Tripathi scored an incredible 2120 on her first PSAT exam.

Feb. 7-13, 2014 PRESS of Southeast Queens Page 17

What’s Up FEB. 8 Vision Board Party Bring your personal and business goals to life at the “Create Your Future – Vision Board Party” from 9 a.m. to noon. Walk through a powerful visualization process enabling you to have greater visual clarity as you create what you want your future to look like. “Activator” Lucinda Cross will walk you through the vision board creation process. For fees and details, visit www.visionboardpartynyc.com or call (718) 289-4080.

The event takes place at The Harvest Room at 90-40 160th St. It costs $40 to attend.

Fabulous Fitness Ribbon Cutting Fabulous Fitness NYC invites one and all to the ribbon cutting ceremony for its new facility, located at 14692 Guy R. Brewer Blvd., Jamaica.

The free event will run from 9 a.m. to noon. Come on out for a morning of class demos, giveaways and a live DJ.

“Before They Die” At 3 p.m., the Queens Central Library will present the film, “Before They Die,” produced by Reginald Turner and Charles J. Ogletree, Jr. Excerpts of the play “Black Wall Street,” written by Celeste Bedford Walker and produced by Michael Green will be read as well. They tell the tale of the little-known Tulsa race riot of 1921, which left Greenwood, Okla, a thriving African-American residential and business community in Tulsa, burnt to the ground, and halted a major Black economic movement.

Benefit Concert “Star Search” comes to Queens with the SRFN 2nd Annual Winter Benefit Concert. Come enjoy local talent performed by public school students, alumni and friends. The evening at Springfield Gardens High School will be a gala for all people committed to supporting the education and positive development of youth in our community. A pre-opening show will include steps teams, marching band, vendors and more.

To purchase tickets or for more information, call (917) 306-6035 or (917) 450-7390 or email studentsrealfriends@gmail.com. The show starts at 7 p.m. and costs $6 to attend.

FEB. 9 George Edward Tait The Afrikan Poetry Theatre and the World Afrikan Diaspora Union will present a poetry reading and workshop featuring George Edward

Tait, the Poet Laureate of Harlem.

Come and enjoy the poetry workshop with the Master Poet and Laureate from 3 to 5 p.m. The entire admission of $10 will be allocated to support the Afrikan Poetry Theatre. The venue is located at 176-03 Jamaica Ave, Jamaica.

FEB. 13 “Harvard on Hudson” Ray Guarnieri is an award-winning director and producer from Buffalo, NY. His current project, “Harvard on Hudson,” is a surrealist drama about a young man who must confront himself before he can break free from the world as he envisions it. His first feature film, “Buffalo Boys,” won the “Best Coming of Age Film” award at the 2013 Manhattan Film Festival. He will be joined by actor Paul Castro Jr. for a discussion at Queens Central Library at 6:30 p.m.

ONGOING: The LP Fam’s Youth Basketball From Jan. 25 to March 29, the Lincoln Park Basketball Association will hold a winter basketball clinic for boys and girls ages 8-15.

The clinic will be held at the Queens Transition Center, located at 142-10 Linden Blvd., South Ozone Park, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents or guardians must bring proof of age.

Registration fee is $40 and includes insurance, weekly training sessions and t-shirts. For more information, call David Reid (646) 241-4211 or Mike Glasgow at (917) 442-0479.

Homework Help The Laurelton Library will provide free homework help for children in grades 1-6. The library offers after school homework assistance in math, writing and other subjects.

The program runs every day after school, from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays. The library is located at 134-26 225th St., Laurelton. For more information, call (718) 5282822 or visit www.queenslibrary.org/ branch/Laurelton.

Forestdale STYA Youth Mentor Forestdale, Inc., an organization with a great history of supporting families in need and committed to empowering children in foster care and in the local community, is launching a new mentoring program in January 2014. This new program, called “Future Prep: Successfully Transitioning Youth to Adolescence,” or STYA, is designed to attract communityminded people who may not be able

to commit to foster parenting, but nevertheless want to make a significant investment in the lives of children and their better future. We are looking for mentors (18 or older) to work with children ages 9-12 for one year. Starting in January, there will be four 10-week sessions throughout the year, each running for three hours on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The program will take place at the Hollis Community Center at 203-09 Hollis Ave. This is an excellent opportunity to truly make a difference is someone’s life, build meaningful relationships and be part of an enthusiastic, compassionate and supportive environment, in addition to a great learning experience with the opportunity to learn about a multitude of issues facing underprivileged youth in New York City today. For additional information, contact Mirzya Syed, Youth Volunteer Coordinator, at Msyed@ forestdaleinc.org or (718) 263.0740, ext. 365.

Queens Satellite High School and College Mentoring Program

“4 Litle Girls: Dance-ology” will be held at Jamaica Performing Arts Center on Feb. 20.

a.m. to 12:15 p.m. The show is targeted for grades Pre-K through second. Tickets are $4 for adults and $8 for students.

FEB. 15 Queens Satellite High School is “Amazing Grace”

seeking volunteers to provide students with the skills and experiences that will support their personal growth. Key to the institute is the active participation its volunteers in the private sector and community members who wish to provide real world connections for their students through weekly seminars.

Mentors can participate in oneday sessions or teach a seven-week seminar on a topic of their choice.

Technical assistance for lesson planning will be provided throughout your experience. For additional information, contact Kristy Nguyen at (718) 657-3920 ext. 4031.

Black History At JPAC The Jamaica Performing Arts Center is located at 153-10 Jamaica Ave. For more information, call (718) 6186170 or email Jpac@Jcal.org.

FEB. 7 Mr. Chris’ Musical Experience Mr. Chris’ Musical Experience will present a 45-minute hip-hop musical theater performance celebrating the life and accomplishments of two African Americans — Thurgood Marshall and Debbie Allen — along with Black inventors who have used their talents, abilities and resources to make the world a better place. The performance will run from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., with a second session from 11:30

“Amazing Grace – From The Auction To The White House” will take the audience through Black history in the United States. The Civil War, Emancipation Day, Jim Crow, the Civil Rights Movement and President Barack Obama’s inauguration will all be stops through history that the show will mark with dance performances and artwork from Queens artist Shenna Vaughn. This day-long event costs $20 and runs from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

FEB. 20 “4 Little Girls: Dance-ology” “4 Little Girls: Dance-ology” will be held at the center from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. Students from the Edge School of the Arts, located in Laurelton, will depict the tragedy of the Birmingham Church Bombings, an act of white supremacist terrorism that killed four girls in 1963. Tickets range between $10 and $20.

FEB. 22 Cultural Gala The center will partner with Jamaica’s United African Dance Troupe for the “Sixth Annual Black History Cultural Gala,” occurring at 7:30 p.m. and repeating on Feb. 23 at 4 p.m. The dance troupe will work with the African Love Institute on a tribute to Nelson Mandela. Tickets are $25 for adults and $10 for children under the age of 12.

Q

CONFIDENTIAL

Page 18 PRESS of Southeast Queens Feb. 7-13, 2014

Into The Great Wide Open He may be out of office, but he's not out of the public eye just yet.

Last week, former Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. held a fundraiser at an Astoria bar, prompting many people to question what he was planning to run for.

While thanking supporters at the event, Vallone didn't give any specifics about his future plans, telling those in attendance that the future was wide open.

So why hold the fundraiser?

A source close to the former Councilman said he held the

"birthday fundraiser" - two months before his birthday in order to clear off some debt from his recent Borough President campaign. He didn't want to wait, the source said, because Vallone may be taking a job with Gov. Cuomo's or Mayor de Blasio's administrations.

Working for the government, the source said, he wouldn't be able to hold a fundraiser.

Whatever Vallone ends up doing in the future, we hope he continues to be a presence on social media. Facebook and Twitter wouldn't be the same without him there.

More Snow For Joe, Please The Mayor's handling of snow in his first month is getting a lot of attention.

During the last snow event, MSNBC's Joe Scarborough, host of the network's "Morning Joe," complained that the response to the snow, especially for residents on the Upper East Side, made him feel like he was living in Queens.

The morning host may be

over-reacting a bit, but here at QConf, we can't seem to dredge up any sympathy, considering how the Borough has been historically treated during weather emergencies.

Perhaps if Upper East Side denizens threw on a pair of boots instead of walking around in pricey Manolo Blahniks, they would be less concerned about getting around in the snow...

Separated At Birth?

Transition periods can sometimes be confusing, and we at QConf found out just how bad it gets while trying to update the annual Blue Book: The Official Guide to Queens.

It seems as though there’s still some confusion at Queens Borough Hall over who is doing what.

The confusion came when we tried to determine what Barry Grodenchik was doing these days.

Grodenchik, who was Deputy Borough President and Director of Community Boards under Helen Marshall, is still working at Borough Hall, according to a staffer, but is not necessarily considered part of Borough

President Melinda Katz’s staff.

A call back from Katz’s office asked us to remove Grodenchik as being listed as Director of Community Boards because Katz had only named three staff members, and the Community Boards position was not one of them. The request came despite the fact that Grodenchik is listed on the official application to become a community board member.

Maybe Grondenchik pulled a Costanza, just showed up on Jan. 2 and got to work, with no one being the wiser. After all, the former Deputy Beep bears a resemblance to the iconic "Seinfeld" character…

Musicians OF QuEEns

Woodbine Falls

QConf is edited by: Steven J. Ferrari Contributors: Luis Gronda, Natalia Kozikowska, Joe Marvilli, Marcia Moxom Comrie, Michael Nussbaum, Trisha Sakhuja, Michael Schenkler.

Follow us on Twitter: @QueensTrib Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ QueensTrib

Wonder or Blunder?

Why travel to Egypt to marvel at the Great Pyramids or travel to Greece to admire the Colossus of Rhodes when you can simply swipe your MetroCard?

According to Mayor Bill de Blasio, there's a new world wonder in town.

Last week, at an event honoring transit heroes, de Blasio praised the City’s transit agency, even declaring the MTA’s transit system as a real contender for the honorific of “Eighth Wonder of the World.”

“We often hear different things around the world described as the ‘eighth wonder of the world.’ It’s one of the great overused phrases,” de Blasio reportedly said. “But with the MTA, we may have found a candidate worthy for the title. It really may be the eighth wonder of the world.”

De Blasio went on to highlight at the size of the system, which carries millions of New York riders every day.

We here at QConf think de Blasio may be giving the MTA a little too much credit. With the number of times service is interrupted on Queens lines, they may need to call it the “Eighth Blunder of the World.”

Some musical artists are clearly defined in their sound and their genre. Others opt to jump from style to style. The members of Woodbine Falls have combined their musical influences into a distinctive blend that makes them stand out from the crowd.

Woodbine Falls is a fivemember, Astoria-based band that features singer Laura Kivlen, guitarist Eric Cecil, flutist Kaori Fujii Cecil, upright bassist Ray Cetta and drummer Coleman Bartels. With styles and influences that include jazz, classical, blues and rock, the group faces a challenging, but ultimately rewarding songwriting process.

“This makes for both an interesting and challenging writing process. At first, it was difficult to find a common language and direction, but now the songs have evolved to blend all the various elements into a sound that is truly unique,” Kivlen said.

“It's definitely not your typical band instrumentation, but that is what gives us our original sound.”

Woodbine Falls is not just the name of the band, but is also a waterfall in Red Lodge, Mont., that served as the catalyst for three of the members.

Eric had grown up in the area and was eventually married to Kaori in Red Lodge. While they were back for the wedding, the two sent Kivlen to hike the trails that led her to Woodbine Falls. Several months later, Kivlen and Eric started writing together, with Kaori deciding soon after to contribute to the group as well.

“It was clear we needed a name. Woodbine Falls was an obvious choice, perfectly capturing the haunting melodies of

our first songs,” Kivlen said.

Since then, the band has made Astoria its home base, finding that the neighborhood was a hub of musical talent, lacking the spectacle that is attached to Brooklyn artists.

“It's interesting, a lot of focus with bands is automatically on Brooklyn. But we personally know many great bands and professional musicians who proudly live in Queens,” Kivlen said. “If anything, our surroundings allow us to concentrate more on the music and less on the pageantry.”

Woodbine Falls’ debut single, “Chase the Blue,” was actually filmed in Astoria Park. “Chase the Blue” can be found on the band’s debut, self-titled EP, which was tracked at Spin Studios in Long Island City.

According to Kivlen, the EP was recorded mostly through live takes, with the exception of some overdubbing. With all of the necessary hard work being done ahead of time, Woodbine Falls was able to just focus on their performance once they entered the studio.

Woodbine Falls plans to record its first full-length album in July, working with engineer Mike Schultz. To support the album, the band plans to fundraise through RocketHub. Any additional money raised after they meet their goal will go to a charity for music education.

You can catch Woodbine Falls over the next two months at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2. The shows will take place on Feb. 16 and March 19 at 8 p.m.

For more information about Woodbine Falls, visit www. woodbinefalls.com.

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SUPREME COURT – COUNTY OF QUEENS PNC MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF PNC BANK, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION, SUCCESSOR BY MERGER TO NATIONAL CITY MORTGAGE, A DIVISION OF NATIONAL CITY BANK 3232 NEWARK DRIVE, MIAMISBURG, OH 45342, Plaintiff against LILLIETH THOMPSON, et al Defendant(s).

Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered on September 23, 2013. I, the undersigned Referee will sell at public auction at the Queens County General Court-

house, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Court Room # 25, Jamaica, N.Y. on the 14th day of February, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. Said premises known as 120-36 199th St., Saint Albans, N.Y. 11412. Tax account number: SBL #: 12686-21. Approximate amount of lien $ 673,273.02 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed judgment and terms of sale. Index No. 8989-10. Gregory Jay Newman, Esq., Referee. McCabe Weisberg & Conway Attorney(s) for Plaintiff 145 Huguenot Street - Suite 210 New Rochelle, New York 10801 (914) 636-8900

HONOR YESTERDAY WITH CARE FOR TOMORROW This Black History Month, let’s all start living healthier lives.

Black History Month is a time to remember, reflect and celebrate. It is a time when we think about the people who have inspired change and made history. At EmblemHealth we care, and we believe that everyone has the potential to have a positive impact on their family, friends and community.

EmblemHealth Neighborhood Care is one way we are here for you.

It is a place where you can have a face-to-face conversation and learn how to lead a healthier life. Visit ehnc.com to learn more.

Together we can live a healthier today and make history tomorrow.

©EmblemHealth Inc. 2014, All Rights Reserved.

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