Miller, Weprin Push Kosher, Halal Lunch Program In Public Schools
City Council Member Daneek Miller (D-Cambria Heights, Hollis, Jamaica, St. Albans, Queens Village, Springfield Gardens) and Assembly Member David Weprin (D-Richmond Hill, Fresh Meadows, Jamaica Estates)today will join other elected officials to announce a $1 million pilot program to launch kosher and halal lunches in New York City public and nonpublic schools.
The pilot program was approved as part of the last city budget, which went into effect in June. Other elected officials expected to be on hand are Speaker Corey Johnson (D-Manhattan), Comptroller Scott Stringer, and Brooklyn City Council Members, Chaim Deutsch, Rafael Espinal and Justin Brannan.
The announcement is slated for 12 noon today, Sept. 4 on the steps of City Hall in Lower Manhattan.
Meng, Koo Support Hochul For Lt. Governor
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D- Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Rego Park, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth) and City Councilman Peter Koo (D-Downtown Flushing, Murray Hill, Queensboro Hill) joined other Chinese community leaders last week in endorsing Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul for another term as Lieutenant Governor.
“As the first female Member of Congress from Queens since former Vice Presidential nominee Geraldine Ferraro, I understand the importance of women in office,” said Meng. “Our rights are under attack in Washington and I need Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul as my partner in Albany. Kathy has been to our neighborhoods and understands the Asian-Pacific American community. With experience from the local to federal level, Kathy has the tried and true experience New Yorkers need and I endorse her for Lieutenant Governor to keep up the good fight.”
“From Council Member in the Town of Hamburg to our Lieutenant Governor, Kathy has dedicated her life to the people of New York,” said Koo. “She has met with members of our community and marched the streets of Flushing, showing an understanding of our concerns only experience can give you. We need experience now more than ever – that is why I am endorsing Kathy Hochul in her reelection campaign for Lieutenant Governor.”
Kim & Community Leaders Host Successful Backpack Giveaway
Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Whitestone, Flushing, College Point, Murray Hill ), the 109th Police Precinct, and Healthfirst welcomed hundreds of students and parents to their 2018 Backpack Giveaway last week in the back lot area of the 109th Precinct’s headquarters.
Large crowds and a long line of attendees began forming hours before the official start time. Healthfirst sponsored over 800 backpacks for the giveaway, and the 109th Precinct’s Community Council and Community Affairs Department donated 800 sets of school supplies to match the backpacks given away.
The speakers welcomed the many children and parents who came, and spoke on the importance of working together to stop bullying. Kim and his colleagues expressed their hopes that free backpacks and school supplies would give them a strong start in the upcoming school year.
“This year’s backpack and school supplies giveaway was held on the last Thursday of August, just in time for the new school year. We are proud to continue this amazing annual tradition of giving backpacks and other essential school supplies to the students who need them. Sometimes something as basic but crucial as a backpack for children from underserved communities can make all the difference. My office is truly thankful for the opportunity to work on this initiative with compassionate community partners like Healthfirst and the 109th Precinct,” said Kim.
Queens Village Republican Club Upcoming meeting
The Queens Village Republican Club will meet this week with special guests being the Republican Primary candidates. They include:
Thomas Sullivan, the GOP candidate for State Senate in Senate District 15. Sullivan is a 25-year Veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, a colonel in U.S. Army Reserve, a small business owner and community leader.
Slawek Platta, also a candidate in Senate District 15. Platta is a longtime leader in the Polish American Community in Queens, and small businessman sponsoring concerts, assisting the needy, providing resources to local churches and schools.
Simon Minching, the GOP candidate for State Senate District 11. A native New Yorker with nearly a decade of experience in technology, gov’t finance, and education, Minching currently works at a multibillion dollar tech company since 2013.
Vickie Paladino, the Republican candidate for State Senate District 11. She is a lifelong resident of Northeast Queens, a small business owner, and a mother of two. She is a local political activist who became renowned by confronting Mayor de Blasio in a video that went viral on social media.
The meeting is slated for 7:30 p.m., this Thursday, Sept. 6 at the Knights of Columbus/St. Anne’s Council 263-15 Union Tpke., Glen Oaks.
