Sanders TV Segment Centers Around MWBEs
State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-Richmond Hill, South zone Park, Jamaica, Rochdale Village, Rosedale, parts of Far Rockaway) yesterday appeared on MY1’s ‘In Focus with Cheryl Wills’ to discuss challenges faced by Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE), and the more than $10 billion in development plans for John F. Kennedy International Airport.
“New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has set the nation’s highest goal for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises procurement at 30 percent. That’s more than $3 billion that could be available to MWBEs,” said Sanders.
Sanders was joined in discussion with Assembly Member Rodneyse Bichotte (D-Brooklyn), Chair of the Oversight of the MWBEs Subcommittee.
During the segment, Wills refers to Sanders and Bichotte as, “Mr. and Mrs. MWBE” admiring them for their passion and long-standing commitment to helping small business succeed.
Sanders has held several community events on the JFK Vision Plan and has provided the public with information on how to become MWBE certified and access to capital and bonding.
The $10 billion rebuild of JFK Airport could span 10 years or more and provide extensive economic opportunities for MWBE contractors in Queens and throughout the New York Metropolitan Region.
Vallone’s Annual Pre-Fourth Of July Fest A Blast
City Council Member Paul Vallone (D-Alley Pond Park, Bay Terrace, Bayside, College Point, Douglaston, East Elmhurst, Flushing, Fresh Meadows, Little Neck, Whitestone) and the Bayside Historical Society last Wednesday hosted the Fourth Annual Independence Day Fireworks and Concert at Fort Totten.
Thousands upon thousands of friends, families and neighbors packed Fort Totten to celebrate the Nation’s Independence with a night of live music, fireworks and family fun. This year’s event was even bigger and better than before with the addition of more food vendors, an NYPD Rock Climbing Wall and the FDNY Fire Safety Educational Truck. The night was capped off with an incredible 15 minute Fireworks by Grucci show, launched from a barge on Little Neck Bay.
“What a fantastic way to kick off summer 2018 in Northeast Queens. A little rain didn’t stop nearly fifteen thousand people from coming together at Fort Totten to celebrate our Country and independence. As Council Member for our amazing communities, I look forward to this event continuing to grow better and better each year,” said Vallone.
Vallone said the night wouldn’t have been possible without the support and assistance of so many including Matt Symons and the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation, Deputy Inspector Judith Harrison, Detective Kevin O’Donnell and the 109th and 111th Precincts, the New York Police Department, New York Fire Department, Office of Emergency Management, Dime Bank, Cord Meyer, The Queens Chamber of Commerce, Scott Cooper and Grucci Fireworks, Linda De Sebato and Vallo Transportation and a bunch of amazing volunteers.
“Also a special thank you to Paul DiBenedetto and the Bayside Historical Society for helping us make this happen, and to my Chief of Staff Jonathan Szott and the rest of my staff for all your hard work. I hope everyone has a happy and healthy Fourth of July,” said Vallone.
Addabbo Shed Light On Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence
State Sen. Joseph P. Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Glendale, Middle Village, Maspeth, parts of South Ozone Park, Ridgewood, Woodside, the Rockaways) recently collaborated with the organization Not On My Watch! Safe Haven Network International to help bring greater awareness to the tragic issues of human trafficking and domestic violence.
Not On My Watch! is a local organization that attempts to shed light on and combat human trafficking as well as domestic violence through secular means, while the Safe Haven Network is the faith-based component of Not On My Watch Inc.
Reverend Dr. Que English founded Not On My Watch! in order to not only raise awareness of this terrible practice, but to train people in the faith-based community, concerned citizens and community organizations, as well as officials from all levels of government through national conferences and other training events.
Human trafficking is described as the trade of humans for the purpose of forced labor, sexual slavery, or commercial sexual exploitation for the trafficker or others. While human trafficking does affect men, the targets are mostly women and children.
“Human trafficking is a major issue that affects men, women, and children across the United States, and even right here in New York,” Addabbo said. “One of the best ways we can combat this terrible trade of human beings for forced labor and sexual acts is by raising awareness and educating people about human trafficking and domestic violence, how to notice the indicators of these activities to help identify potential victims, and where to report such instances. It is my pleasure to work with Rev. Dr. English and her organization to help bring an end to this despicable practice.”
To learn more about Not On My Watch Inc. and Safe Haven International, and to sign up for an upcoming training session, visit www.shnintl.org.
Avella and Wildcat Provide Graffiti Removal to District 11
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) is calling upon the community to provide specific locations in need of graffiti removal.
Avella obtained a $100,000 grant for the non-for-profit Wildcat Service Corporation this fiscal year, towards a Wildcat crew six days a week to assist with graffiti removal throughout his district.
“Within the last month, Wildcat crews have been cleaning local streets and our Mom and Pop establishments from all-too familiar graffiti eyesores. Therefore, I am pleased to open cleaning and graffiti removal requests to the community so that I can help improve the quality of life in my District,” said Avella.
To call in specific locations in need of attention, please contact Senator Avella’s District Office at (718) 357-3094.
