Katz To Host “Only In Queens” Business Breakfast Forum
Queens Borough President Melinda Katz (D) on Thursday will host a networking breakfast and awards ceremony as part of the inaugural “Only in Queens” Business to Business Forum.
The event will encourage small business owners and entrepreneurs from across the borough to network with each other and enjoy an informative speaking program featuring remarks from Rick Cotton, executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. Various City, State and Federal governmental agencies will distribute informational resources and giveaway items to participants.
The event will include the presentation of Business Leader Awards to:
- Robin Hayes, President and CEO of JetBlue Airways Corporation – Robin Hayes has provided dedicated and steadfast leadership to JetBlue Airways Corporation, which operates one of the nation’s most popular airlines and has shown its commitment to Queens by locating its corporate headquarters in Long Island City and by offering extensive service out of its hub at John F. Kennedy International Airport.
- Maria Petridis, owner of Maria’s Mediterranean Grill in Bayside – Maria Petridis is a native of Serres, Greece who bought authentic Mediterranean-style cuisine to Queens when she opened Maria’s Mediterranean Grill in 2011. Her cooking won her first prize on the Food Network show Chopped in 2015.
The event is slated for 8:30 a.m., Thursday, June 26 at the Helen Marshall Cultural Center at Queens Borough Hall, 120-55 Queens Boulevard in Kew Gardens. Those who wish to attend should RSVP at www.queensbp.org/RSVP.
Avella Helps Get Action on Cleaning up Maharaja Farmers Market
State Sen. Tony Avella (D-College Point, Whitestone, Bayside, Flushing, Jamaica Estates, Fresh Meadows, Bellerose, Floral Park, Jamaica, Douglaston, Little Neck, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Briarwood) announced Friday that he has successfully obtained action once again to address the conditions at the Maharaja Farmers Market from the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets and the city’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH).
Avella has been fielding complaints about conditions at the market for years. Having written countless letters over the years about conditions at the market, Agriculture and Markets and DHMH took substantive action.
In their latest inspection, Agriculture and Markets conducted a full sanitary inspection and found critical deficiencies demonstrating fresh rodent activity in and around the store. Agriculture and Markets also seized and destroyed about 90 punds of rodent defiled foods.
DHMH found pieces of fruit scattered throughout the rear of the market. They also observed piles of boxes, crates, pallets, construction tools, two uncovered dumpsters, and several open bags of garbage on the ground. These deplorable conditions allowed DHMH to write violations pertaining to rodent control to be sent to the owner.
“I am pleased that I was able to obtain action from both the state and the city to address these long-standing conditions at the market. Anyone who frequents this store should be aware of the conditions their food may be stored in. While these violations are not the end all, each one send a message to the market that these conditions will not be tolerated. I will continue to fight on behalf of Bellerose residents to get this store to clean up its act!!,” said Avella.
Addabbo Brings Moble Office Hours To Ozone Public Library This Week
State Senator Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, The Rockaways), in order to be available for more of his constituents across his district, will host mobile office hours at the Ozone Park Library at the end of this week.
Each year Addabbo hosts mobile office hours at libraries throughout his large senate district to meet with residents wishing to talk with him about a problem they may be having or to bring a community issue to light. By holding these mobile office hours, Addabbo makes it more convenient for constituents to come to him during times that are easier for them and at a site right in their community.
“I have always believed that being an elected official it is my responsibility to hear directly from my constituents on issues — no matter how big or small — that affect their daily lives,” Addabbo said. “I understand that often times it can be difficult for people to come to one of my three district offices during normal business hours, so these mobile office hours gives them a chance to meet with me at a time that works for them. I always look forward to the mobile office hours and hearing from the people.”
The mobile office hours is slated for between 5:30 – 7 p.m., this Thursday, June 28 at the Ozone Park Library, 92-24 Rockaway Boulevard in Ozone Park.
Meng, Van Bramer Speak Up Against Trump Migrant Separation Policy
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardesn, Maspeth) and City Council Memeber Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) are each keeping up the pressure on the President Donal Trump Administration in his policy move to separate migrant children from their parents as they try to enter this country.
Meng traveled to the U.S.-Mexico border near McAllen and Brownsville, Texas on Saturday, June 23 to speak with children and parents who have been separated at the border. Traveling with several other Members of Congress, she visited the Port Isabel ICE Detention Center and toured the McAllen Border Patrol Station and Centralized Processing Center.
Meng has strongly opposed the president’s policy of separating children and families at the border and has spoken out forcefully on the issue. She also sent a letter to the President calling on him to explain how families will be reunited, and to end family separations as quickly as possible. In addition, she is co-sponsoring several pieces of legislation that seek to reunite families.
Van Bramer is leading a #QueensValues march today to stand up for immigrants.
The march is slated for 7 p.m., tonight, June 25 outside St. Sebastian’s Church, 58th Street and Roosevelt Avenue in Woodside. Please RSVP through this Facebook Event.
