Editorial: Leading by Example and Inspiration

They come in all shapes and sizes, spanning every generation and every socio-economic background. They come from every religious persuasion, every race. They are men, women, children, seniors. They are students, professionals, retirees. They are undoubtedly one of the most diverse groups in today’s society. They are united by common denominators which account for their extraordinary contributions—heart and soul. And despite their remarkable differences they are all known by the same name—volunteers.

This unique assemblage of humanitarians devotes their time and efforts to a range of projects as diversified as their own backgrounds. Some lend a hand or an ear to elderly people while others give their time to care for those who are sick or perhaps just lonely. Some give their time to clerical duties for large charitable organizations, while others offer a range of pro-bono services from accounting to medical assistance to legal advice and everything in between.

Whatever they do, the American volunteer force is one of the most valuable natural resources we are blessed with. And although pictures are worth a thousand words, we can conjure up an image of volunteers without a photo; caring, compassion, generosity, understanding, empathy and kindness. Combine that with skill, energy, devotion and patience and you have a very clear picture of these national treasures.

We commend these cherished volunteers who “Inspire by Example,” and we applaud the recognition bestowed upon them at this weeks MLB All-Star game. After President Obama threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the game he was joined by all four living former presidents in a video salute to volunteers, the “All-Stars Among Us”.

The occasion marked the first time all of the living presidents participated in any sporting-event ceremony. The video messages were part of a pregame salute of 30 men and women -- each representing one of the MLB franchises -- chosen by MLB and People magazine for their community service.

In following the example set by our presidents past and present, we should all remember to offer praise to volunteers. Their jobs are done twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, on three hundred and sixty five days a year. In fact, every minute of every single day there are volunteers giving freely of themselves, sharing their resources and talents.

We should celebrate the magnitude of their contributions and the difference they make in so many lives on a daily basis. We must never forget to acknowledge the importance of the work volunteers do and hope that the millions of volunteers will be joined by many others like them; sharing, unselfishly and without gain, their wealth of talents with the rest of us.

Perhaps the best understanding of volunteers is expressed in the words of author Sherry Anderson: Volunteers don’t get paid, not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.

Relay for Life 2009: Middle Village

By Patricia Adams

Middle Village was a hangout for Superheroes this weekend, as the neighborhood hosted its 7th Annual Relay for Life. The theme for this years event—Superheroes, defined as “fictional characters of unprecedented powers, dedicated to acts of derring-do in the public interest". While the term may conjure up images like Superman, Wonder Woman, Iron Man or Spiderman, Juniper Valley Park was filled with real heroes this weekend - the cancer survivors that came out to celebrate their personal victories over the disease and to remember friends and loved ones lost to the disease.

The survivors were joined by throngs of caregivers and supporters, friends and family members who formed teams to walk the running track through the weekend, raising money in support of the American Cancer Society (ACS).



And in the crowds of people there were real life heroes—the stories of their triumphant struggles against the life-threatening disease and the people that helped them in their quest.

There was Margaret Browne of Masepth. Two years ago, the Maspeth Federal Savings employee was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Now she is cancer-free, back at work at Maspeth Federal Savings and in remission according to family members who were busy setting up loaves of Irish soda bread, lemon muffins and a variety of baked goods for sale to benefit the ACS.
The team named “Margaret’s Miracles” formed in her honor was, according to Margaret’s daughter Catherine, named for the miracle of her cure and for the “extreme” family support that went into it. “We never treated her differently. We all went through this together,” Catherine said. “We went for chemo with her and we just did everything we had to. Together. And we got a miracle.”

And there were others. Now nine-years-old, Caroline Watters of Ozone Park was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia, (AML), seven years ago. AML is a myeloid line of blood cells, in which rapidly growing abnormal white blood cells accumulate in the bone marrow and interfere with "Haematopoiesis" the production of normal blood cells.

In need of a life saving bone marrow transplant, it was her sister Lisette, then 4, who was a perfect match. The successful procedure has left the sisters with the opportunity to share a lifetime of healthy years together.

Then there were those who came in memory of their loved ones. Lifelong Glendale resident Loretta DeVita passed away last year after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer about nine months prior. Her granddaughters Shannon and Katie Hatton formed team “All About Me” in Loretta’s memory. Their team was comprised of 14 members each wearing t-shirts with one of the words the team offered up as the “advice and tools” needed to deal with cancer. Shannon came up with the clever concept using the words and her sister Katie served as the team’s co- captain with Michele Cimigoia.
Believe. Fight. Conquer. Laugh. Live. Remember. Endure. Hope. Strength. Cure. Faith. Courage. Celebrate. Love. Much more than words to the crowd gathered at Juniper Valley Park, the messages carried through offered inspiration and hope to everyone in the crowd.

Also inspiring was the total money raised for the event. A whopping $140,000 to support research, prevention and the myriad of support services offered by the ACS.

One of the corporate sponsors, Maspeth Federal Savings Bank, has been on board with the Relay since its inception. David Daraio, assistant vice president, spoke to the crowd at the opening ceremony. In an emotional moment, Daraio congratulated his community and provided some very reassuring information. “This community can count on Maspeth Federal Savings as a sponsor of this event for many years to come.”

Holding on for Hope

Howard Beach Residents Walk in Support of Cancer Research

By Patricia Adams

“Cancer is a dangerous enemy. No matter how strong you are, you can’t fight it on your own. Every person fighting cancer has to remember no matter how great the obstacle is you just keep going.”

And that’s exactly what Howard Beach Relay honoree and cancer survivor, Mario Faulisi did to win his battle with cancer. Back in April of 2008, Faulisi read an article about Testicular Cancer Awareness in The Forum. He knew from the words on the page that he had a problem—a big one. But even the warning was not quite enough to prepare him for what lay ahead — the diagnosis of a rare and aggressive form of lymphoma that was reproducing in a tumor at the rate of 90%. To further complicate the issue, the malignancy had settled in a testicle that would require immediate surgery and removal.

The prognosis following surgery was dire. An extensive regimen of the chemotherapy drug R-CHOP, one of the most taxing platforms used to treat aggressive disease. Additionally, there was a series of intrathecal injections, which go directly into the spine in an attempt to keep the disease from spreading to the brain. At the end of the chemo there would be a course of radiation.

“Of course I was frightened,” said Faulisi. “If you really think about it, you have no choice. If you want to live, you have to fight and hope you win.” His battle was staged at Memorial Sloan Kettering Hospital where medical oncologist/hematologist Dr. John Gerecitano and his team guided Mario and his family though the grueling ordeal. “There is so much you have to deal with at a time when you are so sick,” Faulisi said. “The hardest thing is watching everyone around you. You know how much they love you and you know how much they want you to get better. Sometimes it makes you sad, but in the end, it’s what gets you through.”

And during his speech at the event, Faulisi returned again to the subject that has always been at the forefront of his fight back--family and friends. The ones he says that stood by while he lost his hair, waited for test results, went with him for treatments, prayed constantly, cooked his favorite foods and most importantly who never gave up hope—in him or in God.

“The help and the support of all my friends is something I could never put a value on. Cherish your caregivers, they are your lifeline,” Faulisi continued. “Love your friends and family and let them love you. The way my mother, my sister, my brothers and my whole family were always there is what has brought me to this place.”

Through his tears he continued, “This has not been easy for a lot of people. And for some it was much harder than it was on me. I want my children to know that my love for them is what really keeps me alive. To my wife, I can only say that without you always there to hold me up I would not be standing. Grace you are the best.”

Now just over a year later, Faulisi has completed his treatments and has been declared cancer free. He was recognized as an honoree by the American Cancer Society for his fight and triumph over cancer while maintaining all of his commitments to the community as the President of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation.

“This is a person that you meet for the first time and know he’s special,” said event chair Phyllis Inserillo. “He is what Relay is all about. He’s what we’re here to celebrate — life.”

From the publisher...

In my years as publisher of this newspaper, I have been privy to many joys and many sorrows throughout our community. I have however, never been prouder of this community then I was on Saturday at our 1st Annual Relay. It was a day when so much more than money was raised. It was a day when we stood together and made a difference that translates to the difference between life and death.

I would like to dedicate this issue to my colleague and dear friend, Mario Faulisi. Because of his tenacity, courage, strength and heart, I know the example he has set will save many other lives.

To my friend I would like to say that you are an inspiration to me every day of my life. Your wisdom and the life example that you set is a gift of your friendship that I cherish. I celebrate your life every day. – PA

Click to See More Photos from the Event

OLG Student Raises Funds for Juvenile Diabetes Research

Turns Entrepreneur For A Great Cause

By Patricia Adams

The 1st Annual South Queens Walk to benefit Juvenile Diabetes saw thousands of walkers take to the street on Saturday raising more than $100,000 toward research. But one very enterprising young Howard Beach man raked in a sizeable amount of cash on his own to benefit the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF).

Cub Scout Robby Hegarty, a 3rd grade student at OLG and a Bear Cub Scout from Pack 139 put together his own lemonade stand to raise money for JDRF. At the end of the day, Robert had raised over $200–– with very little help from his parents. But the whole family was in on saying how impressed they were with the outpouring of support for Robby’s efforts.

Proud mom Annmarie Hegarty says two teenage girls walked up and gave her son whatever money they had, and commended Robby on his efforts. Less than an hour later, the same girls came back in a car driven by one of their moms. This time they brought along a bunch of their friends, all of who donated to the cause.

“One of girl's friend is currently in the hospital, having just been diagnosed,” Anne Marie explained, “and it meant a lot to help in any way they could.”

Still another man drove past, made a U-turn, and handed over $20––he had lost a sister to Juvenile Diabetes, and hoped he could help other families who are going through what his family did.

After a long day in the hot sun, Robby Hegarty had raised $227.68. But even more valuable were some of the lessons learned--that one person can make a difference, no matter how young they are, and that the people in his community always pitch in to help.

“We are so proud of him,” said Annmarie Hegarty. Robby is very compassionate child, and this cause has close and personal ties for him. It’s great he had the chance to do this.” Two of Robby’s cousins, Trisha and Mike and an uncle all have the disease. Robby also lost two uncles to juvenile diabetes––he never met either of them.

The Hegartys say they are thrilled that the walk was a great success, and are all looking forward to participating again next year.

Cyclist Killed While Riding for Charity

By Patricia Adams

A 40-year-old cyclist, raising money for charity, was killed after he collided with a 10-wheel-truck owned by the Metropolitan Lumber Company at Lefferts Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue.

Stephen Hodnett, a native of Dublin, was peddling around the globe to raise money for a project from the Lion’s Club of Canada. The goal of the fund raising - to facilitate the pairing of seeing-eye dogs with the blind.

Hodnett had cycled through other world cities on his mission. Among them were Paris, Moscow, Tokyo, and a host of others. According to published reports, one of Hodnett’s fellow “charity riders”, Gavin White of Newfoundland, told reporters that Hodnett “loved cycling” and that the bicycle he was riding had “been all over the world.”

The pair of athletes picked charities and rode along subway routes to promote it. Back in their hometowns they had enlisted the aid of family, friends and other contacts to sponsor their ride. They secured donations based on the number of subway stops they covered on the tour.

They had put off coming to New York in anticipation of how rewarding it would be. Their goal was to go to places that tourists would not likely frequent. Among their stops was Richmond Hill. Hodnett was rushed to Jamaica Hospital. He was pronounced dead, minutes after the crash.

Police say the driver is not facing any charges.

The Forum Newsgroup/photo by MICHAEL O’KANE

The "Power of Purple" Touches Howard Beach

By Patricia Adams

The First Annual Howard Beach Relay for Life officially got underway on Friday, when the town was “painted purple” in honor of those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The “Power of Purple” is a registered trademark at the American Cancer Society (ACS), and purple is the color that marks all ACS Relay for Life events; it is a symbol of hope. And for the community of Howard Beach, the color purple took on a whole new meaning on Friday.

Beginning the night before, event co-sponsors, Phyllis Inserillo and Melissa Fochetta stood in the rain with a crew of volunteers to hang purple bows from every tree along the Crossbay center median. The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation did a planting of purple flowers and hung bows at the Welcome to Howard Beach triangle. They also had purple lights strung on the center median trees. Frank Russo saw to it that Russo’s on the Bay was bathed in purple light. Children from three local schools wore purple and held mini relays throughout the day. Purple bagels replaced the usual fare at Sapienza’s, purple flags flew over Ragtime and there were purple ribbons, magnets, balloons and cupcakes all made to raise money toward the community’s lofty $100,000 dollar Relay goal.

But on Friday night, as Paint the Town Purple events for the day wound down, a crowd of Relay supporters gathered in the parking lot of St. Helen’s to mark the close of the day with a candle relay. The ceremony marked the end of a day that was filled not only with the color purple, but with an eagerness to participate and a new understanding of the power of hope.

Cancer survivor and ACS Relay honoree Mario Faulisi and his family were among those gathered at the candle ceremony. “I hope the people of Howard Beach realize how much their support means. The spirit they are showing is in many ways even more important than the money that keeps coming in,” said Faulisi. “If anyone doubts just how important public support against cancer is, they should ask me. I’m living proof.”

John Link, manager of Special Events for the ACS was on hand for all of the day’s events. “When this community is asked to do something, they really do it in a big way,” said Link. Howard Beach has really shown their HOPE today!” And as the crowd who had gathered looked up at Link’s urging they saw that the color purple had invaded the sky, casting lavender shadows and proving beyond the shadow of doubt—where there is purple, there is hope.

At the end of the day, the three local schools, MS 210, PS 146 and St. Helen’s, had raised over $6,700 and the Relayers of Howard Beach moved closer to their goal with more than $55,000 having already been raised. Paint the Town Purple will continue through the 1st Annual Howard Beach Relay for Life on June 13.

Foundation President Honored by ACS

The President of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation, Mario Faulisi, has been named as an honoree by the American Cancer Society (ACS) for the First Annual Howard Beach Relay for Life to be held on June 13th – 14th at Charles Park.

Event chairs Phyllis Inserillo and Melissa Fochetta along with Special Events manager for the ACS, John Link, were on hand Tuesday night at the membership meeting of the Foundation to announce their decision.

“The Event Planning committee of the 1st Annual Howard Beach Relay for Life is proud to announce that the Relay will be named in honor of Mario Faulisi for his courageous battle with cancer, his victory over the disease and his constant dedication to the community,” said Inserillo. “It is people with his integrity that make Howard Beach the community it is.”

Faulisi was diagnosed last year with a rare and aggressive lymphoma and has recently completed a successful course of chemotherapy and radiation. “I am blessed with the opportunity to help get the word out,” said Faulisi. “You can battle this disease and you can win, but everyone who encounters cancer needs as much help as they can get.”

Foundation member and media personality, Valerie Smaldone, was on hand to congratulate Faulisi on his honor and also to encourage participation in the event. “I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer about 8 years ago. I came from a time when that meant death, but due to the tremendous research efforts and the development of medication and therapy, we are seeing more survivors.”

In his honor the Foundation has made a $5,000 donation to the Howard Beach Relay and will act as one of the event's corporate sponsors. “It’s a really great thing when we can not only honor a survivor, but help so many other people,” said Angelo Gurino, the Foundation treasurer.

The Foundation encourages all Howard Beach residents to bring their friends and family to the event in June in support of this cause. For more information please contact the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation at 718-738-7035 or e-mail Howardbeachrelay@aol.com.

HB Columbus Day Foundation Joins Relief Effort for Italian Earthquake Victims

On April 8, Council Member Tony Avella, Chair of the Italian American Caucus of the City Council, held a press conference on the steps of City Hall to call upon New Yorkers to assist with Italian Earthquake Relief Efforts.

“First and foremost, I would like to express my deepest sympathy to the countless number of victims of this unfortunate natural disaster. Early reports indicate that as many as 30,000 people may be homeless in the hardest hit city of L’Aquila, whose many structures date back to medieval times. At this point in time, the Italian people truly need our assistance in providing relief and I encourage all New Yorkers to help in the many relief efforts being undertaken by the many Italian American organizations that have gathered here today,” stated Council Member Tony Avella.

Joining the councilman were Council Member Vincent Gentile; Mario Faulisi, president of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation (HBCDF); the Grand Lodge of New York of the Order Sons of Italy (NYSOSIA); and a host of other Italian American Organizations including, the Order Sons of Italy in America; National Council of Columbia Associations and the Italian American Network on the steps of City Hall.

“We must really begin to work quickly to get these people the help they need,” said Mario Faulisi. “Our organization is counting on the support of the Howard Beach community and all other communities to help end the suffering of these disaster victims.” Faulisi says that although his Foundation is largely focused on youth and education, times like these mandate that everyone join together in order to help the best way they can.

According to Faulisi, the HBCDF is raising funds through solicitation and word of mouth but a more organized plan is in the works, so that a benefit of some type can be planned. “The most difficult thing is trying to put together an event in a hurry so that we can get the much needed relief to these people. We are committed to extending our hand to them and we ask that you each do whatever you can both monetarily and also by praying for the injured and the homeless.”

Donations can be mailed to: The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation 163-33 Crossbay Blvd. Howard Beach, New York, 11414

Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation President, Mario Faulisi (far left) joined Councilmember Tony Avella at City Hall for a press conference last week.

American Cancer Society to Host First Annual Relay for Life in Howard Beach

On June 13th and 14th, the American Cancer Society (ACS) will host its first Annual Relay for Life in Howard Beach at Frank M. Charles Memorial Park.

Relay for Life is a unique celebration which honors survivors and remembers all those whose lives have been touched by cancer. The basic premise of the relay is that teams of 8-15 people take turns walking or running around the track through the night.

The event will be co-chaired by Howard Beach residents Melissa Fochetta and Phyllis Inserillo. “We are very excited to help the community organize this event for such an important cause, said Fochetta. “It is a great way to come together for everyone’s good and to have some fun.”

There is a festive atmosphere which prevails as team members camp out on the surrounding grounds for the duration of the event, enjoying music, food, fun, entertainment and activities while building camaraderie with fellow teammates and participants. Money is through team commitment fees and individual donation goals of $100 per person, to be secured from family, friends, companies or corporations.

All money raised helps support ACS programs in research, education, advocacy and service—locally and nationally. The ACS is recognized as the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. ACS seeks to continue its work to prevent cancer, save lives, and diminish suffering through research, education, advocacy, and service.

Co-Chairs Inserillo and Fochetta have been working for more than three months along with a liaison from the ACS, John Link, to get community involvement to a peak. "Everyone I have approached has been more than willing to give. It may be time, space at their business establishment, or money but their really opening their hearts. And that’s what Relay is all about.”

At the event’s Kick-off Party, hosted by Lenny’s Pizzeria and Restaurant, Inserillo challenged Howard Beach to raise 100K for the charity event. “I chose that figure,” said Inserillo, “because I want Howard Beach to make this the most successful first Annual Relay Queens will have ever had. Our community is made up of amazing people who far surpass expectations, no matter what the task,” she said. “Unfortunately cancer touches all of us in one way or another. This event and the thousands more taking place across the country will help ACS continue to stem the tide against this disease.”

Howard Beach will step into high gear on Friday, May 1st when residents and business owners “Paint the Town Purple.” The event committee is asking the members of the community to hang something purple on their homes, cars and businesses.

The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation has promised to decorate the trees lining the center median of Crossbay Blvd. with lights and purple ribbons. All along the boulevard, merchants are encouraged to do “something purple.”

The day will culminate with a “Candle Relay” in the parking lot of St. Helen RC Church located 157th Avenue between 83rd and 84th street. The event committee is asking everyone in the neighborhood to assemble there shortly before 8p.m.

To form a team or get involved with Paint the Town Purple and the Relay For Life please visit their website at www.relayforlife.org/howardbeachNY email Phyllis Inserillo and Melissa Fochetta howardbeachrelay@aol.com John Link at the American Cancer Society can be reached directly at (718) 263-2225 ext. 5538.

Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation Honors Province of Palermo President

PLEDGES SUPPORT TO RELAY FOR LIFE

By Samantha Geary

The Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation held its monthly meeting last Tuesday evening, taking time to recognize a special visitor who travelled with his delegation from Sicily.

A packed crowd joined the regular Foundation membership to welcome the president of the Province of Palermo, Giovanni Avanti. At the meeting Mr. Avanti was asked to act as the 2009 Italian International Dignitary at the Foundation’s Columbus Day parade and Gala Dinner in October.

President Avanti has accepted the offer and says he has plans to work with the Foundation on many projects in the future. “It is very important that you continue your work to weave the Italian-American cultures together,” said Avanti.

He informed the audience that his visit included discussions with the Foundation board members to facilitate the implementation of a language study exchange program between American and Italian students.

“The fact that we are so privleged to be joined by such a distinguished member of the Italian government is a great honor,” said Mario Faulisi, the Foundation’s president. “But what is really important is that there is a clear understanding that we are all interested and committed to the development of our cultural integration. Education and language is central to our cause and we welcome the help we will be receiving from abroad."

Later in the evening, it was Faulisi himself that was honored with the announcement that the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation is planning on taking a lead role to help the American Cancer Society in their Relay for Life Event beginning on Saturday June 13. The Foundation has committed to raising funds in Faulisi’s honor as a cancer survivor after his recent battle with an aggressive form of lymphoma.

“The opportunity for our Foundation to help give back something to people who fight cancer every day is something that we can never express,” said Angelo Gurino. “Mario is not only a cancer survivor, he is an inspiration to everyone with the disease that you can fight this battle and win. We hope we can help the American Cancer Society with their work so that every year the number of survivors and champions, like Mario, will grow."

Photo: The president of Province of Palermo region was greeted at City Hall by Mayor Bloomberg on his recent visit to New York. His visit to meet the mayor was facilitated by Councilman Eric Ulrich. Pictured from l to r: President Giovanni Avanti, DOT Commssioner Palmero Giovanni Tomasino, Mario Faulisi, president of the Howard Beach Columbus Day Foundation and Foundation treasurer, Angelo Gurino.

A Special Night for Local Athletes

By Patricia Adams

This past Monday night Christmas came a little early to a group of Special Olympian athletes and their families when Santa paid an early visit to the small community of Neponsit in Rockaway.

The athletes were hosted by the president of the Brooklyn/Queens chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF), Joe Mure, and his family at their home on 144th Street and Neponsit Avenue. According to Joe Featherston, founder of the Rockaway Beach Special Olympics team at St. Camillus, Mure is as much like the real Santa Claus as anyone will see.

Every year Mure holds a cocktail party before Christmas to raise funds for JDRF and also hosts a holiday lighting event at his home, complete with headline entertainment and free food for thousands of spectators who have been showing up for more than ten years to view the extravaganza.

But this year he wanted to extend the network of his generosity and so he reached out to Joe Featherston. Mure was very persistent about bringing the athletes down to see the lights, enjoy some food and get presents from Santa. “Joe came to us over the summer,” said Featherston, “we never had to ask him.”

Then Featherston says Mure kept calling. “So ya commin’”? Over and over Mure called and made sure arrangements were in order to bring the athletes out for a special Christmas treat.

“Joe Mure is phenomenal,” said Featherston, “ and if you look around you, it’s easy to see what his gestures mean to these people and their families.” The people that Featherston refers to are a group of about 50 special athletes with cognitive disabilities that range in age from 8 to 60-years-old.

Featherston started the program about 12 years ago after having coached special athletes at Cardozza High School and the Cross Island Y. He started thinking he’d like to bring a program like this nearer to his home where even more athletes could have access to programs.

Joe Featherston approached one of the members from his own Rockaway community whose son has a cognitive disability. Paul Fitzpatrick’s mom, Regina, responded to the query ,“Do you think people would come to this type of a program in Rockaway?” She answered Joe Featherston’s big question with just one word, “absolutely.”

Regina’s 25-year-old son, Paul, has been involved since the program began 12 years ago in the gymnasium at St. Camillus. They meet every Monday night September through June from 6:30-8 PM. According to his mother, Paul Fitzpatrick missed only one of those meetings in the last twelve years -- his dad took him skiing in Colorado. “He really didn’t want to go because he didn’t want to miss Monday night at the program. I don’t think he’d ever miss again,” Fitzpatrick said with a big smile.

The Rockaway Beach Special Athletes program is open to special athletes of all ages and has athletes from Howard Beach, South Ozone Park and Rockaway in addition to groups that come from Brooklyn. The program began with five athletes and has blossomed to include more than 50.

The program provides sports training and athletic competition for all children and adults with cognitive disabilities. Weekly training is provided each week in physical fitness, basketball, soccer, softball, football, track, floor hockey, volleyball and board games for 54 athletes. The group has a full volunteer staff including about 10 seniors and 30 kids who are in 8-12th grades. Funds to support the athletes are raised within the community, primarily in conjunction with the Wounded Warriors visit to Rockaway every summer, when host Flip Mullen has a block party to support the athletes.

The weekly program allows these special athletes to develop fitness, experience joy, and participate in the sharing of friendship with other special athletes within their community. In addition, the program sponsors three annual weekend trips. Over 20 athletes travel to Upstate, NY to the Adaptive Sports Foundation at Windham Mountain both in the winter and summer. Shake-A-Leg in Miami, Florida is the site of our November trip. Two NY universities host competitive sporting events for the athletes throughout the year. A track and field competition is held at St. John’s University in Queens and Fordham University in the Bronx hosts basketball. Dozens of athletes compete at the events.

But on Monday night, there were no sports and no competitions. There were just smiles, hugs, and lots of lights, Santa Claus and gifts for everyone. Oh, and then there was Joe Mure—the other Santa. “If you want to know what Christmas means,” Mure said, “just look at their faces. Now that’s a Merry Christmas.”

Animal Rescue Group Needs New Home

JFK VETPORT BUILDING TO BE DEMOLISHED

By Conor Greene

For nearly a decade, a local animal rescue group has used rented space in a non- descript building at JFK Airport to house some of the larger dogs it rescues. Now, after finding out their lease won’t be renewed at the end of the year, the group is desperately seeking the public’s help to raise money for a new building.

Bobbi and the Strays, a Queens-based no kill shelter that rescues dogs and cats, has used the space in JFK’s Vetport for about nine years, paying a modest monthly rent, according to founder Bobbi Giordano. For the past few years, the owners of the Shops at Atlas Park in Glendale have donated space where cats and smaller breeds of dogs are kept.

Earlier this year, the group received the devastating news that the Port Authority plans to raze a series of buildings at the airport, including the one used to house two dozen pit bulls, rottweilers and other large dogs saved from the streets, city Animal Care and Control shelters and owners who no longer can care for them. Bobbi and the Strays has since kicked off a fundraising effort in hopes of garnering enough support to buy a building in the area.

“Everything we’ve looked at, we can’t afford,” said Giordano. “We’re at a standstill. The lease is up on December 31st, and I don’t know what is going to happen. We heard rumors there might be an extension, but we haven’t seen anything in writing.”

So far, donations large and small have been coming in from friends and other supporters of the group. A Halloween party at a local bar also proved successful, said Giordano.

If the group finds itself without a home for the larger dogs come January 1, they will be placed with local vets and with foster families. “I’m not giving them to another shelter,” said Giordano. “You get close to them, we spend time with them, and we have very good volunteers that put a lot into them.”

“We’re an absolute no kill shelter,” said Giordano. “We do home checks, take them off the streets, from nursing homes, from people who die, and look for homes for them, do their medical, spay, neuter, shots. We really go the extra miles.” Of course, even in their current situation, space is always an issue. “As soon as one goes out, another two come in, that’s just the way it is,” she said.

In their quest to raise enough money for a new building, Giordano said that any donation, no matter how small, is welcomed. “You can send a dollar, five dollars, that would really help. It’s a long way off, but if everybody in Queens sent in a dollar or two, we would have the money.”

In the meantime, volunteers and staff members have tried to keep the possibility they will be scrambling to find space for the rescued dogs out of their minds. “We rely heavily on that building – without it we would not be able to take in those animals,” said Laura Miller, who manages the shelter at the Vetport. “We save a lot [of dogs] by having that space there.”

Without that space, the group would have to immediately find a foster family for any dog it rescues, explained Miller. “Here, we can take them in right away… We need to raise the money. There is no other option in my mind. We’re on a mission and are going to raise the money.”

Anybody who wishes to contribute to the building foundation can mail a check directly to Bobbi and the Strays at PO Box 170129, Ozone Park, NY, 11417. For more information, check their website at bobbiandthestrays.

Group Builds New Playgrounds at Two Elementary Schools

Out2Play Upgrades Equipment at PS 81 and PS 153

By Conor Greene

Children at two local schools will have brand new playground equipment to keep them active during recess this year, as part of an effort by a non-profit group to ensure that every city school features room for students to get exercise.

New playgrounds at PS 153 in Maspeth and PS 81 in Ridgewood have been completed in time for the school year, according to Andrea Wenner, founder of Out2Play. The organization, launched three years ago, transforms empty asphalt lots adjacent to schools into playgrounds and has turned its attention to Queens for the first time.

“When I first started it, we surveyed all of the elementary schools in the city and found that close to 300 didn’t have playgrounds,” said Wenner. “They had the space, which was just an empty lot sitting there, and the kids would go outside and just stand around and not be especially active while out there.”

Wenner’s vision was launched while she was in business school at Columbia University, after working with a group that rebuilds high school athletic fields as part of a public-private partnership.

“I used to live near an elementary school that didn’t have a playground and thought, ‘why not do the same thing at the elementary level,’” she recalled. “I initially thought it was a space issue, so my first vision was to build playgrounds on rooftops of schools. I realized that a lot of schools did have space at ground level, which made it infinitely easier.”

Out2Play uses a combination of public and private funding, with money coming from city council members, borough presidents, residents, foundations and corporate sponsors. The organization works with the individual school on a specific design for the playground, and then hires the contractor and manages the project until completion.

“The only thing the schools are responsible for once it’s done is maintaining the playground,” said Wenner. “Of course, we also want their input for the design.”

By the end of the fall, Wenner expects that Out2Play will have overseen the construction or refurbishment of playgrounds at 40 schools citywide over the past three years. Her goal is to install playgrounds at 160 schools by 2011, leaving her with about 120 to go. Last year, the group built 14 playgrounds in the Bronx, Brooklyn and Manhattan using $2.5 million. This year, it is working on 26 playgrounds using about $5.5 million.

“At the very outset we focused on the Bronx and got traction there,” said Wenner. “We then made a push to make it a citywide program and expanded to all five boroughs this year.” It turns out that the need has been greatest in the Bronx and Brooklyn, as many schools in Queens already have playgrounds, according to Wenner.

However, Wenner still recognized the need for playgrounds at some schools in Queens, and decided to include PS 153 and PS 81 in her effort to bring Out2Play citywide. “We got a lot of support from Helen Marshall and worked with her office to take a look at different schools in Queens that needed playgrounds,” she said.

The project at PS 81 includes upgrades to the large yard behind the main school building at 559 Cypress Avenue and installation of a metal play structure behind the annex building on Seneca Avenue, according to Wenner. Work there is expected to be completed by the end of this week and includes slides, climbers, trees, benches, chess tables and blacktop games such as hopscotch, four-square and volleyball.

The project at PS 153, located on 60th Lane, was finished last week. Along with slides, climbers, trees, benches and blacktop games, the playground there features a rock climbing wall.

“Our goal is to make sure that every elementary school in the city that needs a playground gets one,” said Wenner. “We’re looking for all the support we can get to achieve our goal, both from public and private [sources]. People always assume it is a space issue when they hear that schools don’t have a playground, but the fact is the majority of those schools do have some sort of outdoor space that hasn’t been developed into anything usable as far as a playground.”

For more information about the organization, check Out2Play.org.

NY Mets Recognize Local Residents for Outstanding Charity

GOLF TOURNEY RAISES OVER $200,000 FOR BURN CENTER

By Patricia Adams

On Monday August 11th The New York Mets held their Spirit Awards presentations and this year honored two men for their outstanding efforts and selfless dedication.

Retired FDNY FF Bobby McGuire of Howard Beach and Gene McCauley of Woodhaven were both recognized for their continuous charitable work on behalf of The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation. Kenny Schmidt, formerly of Ozone Park, was awarded for his work on behalf of St. Mary’s Children’s Hospital.

A little more than 15 years ago, Gene McCauley, of Woodhaven Galleries, suggested that a charitable golf tournament be started in order to raise money for the Firefighters Burn Center. Bobby McGuire, boxing manager and coach of the FDNY boxing team took the ball and ran with it to start up the tournament.

“We started out 15 years ago and it’s been amazing ever since,” McGuire said. “About 12 years ago we decided to change the name of the tournament to the John Ciorciari Golf Tournament.” McGuire explained that the tournament was renamed and dedicated to the memory of Firefighter John Ciorciari who was shot and killed while off-duty at a Howard Beach eatery in 1996 over the Fourth of July weekend.

“This year was the 12th annual one for John,” said McGuire who was a close friend and brother firefighter to Ciorciari. “What’s unbelievable is that this event is held on the first Monday after Father’s Day each year and has been sold out every year since it started.”

The event is always held at Forest Park and is comprised of 36 foursomes each year. “Out of 144 golfers every year, we have a return rate of about 120 of the same golfers every year. That’s pretty unbelievable.” Among the golfers who have come back to play in the event every year is John Ciorciari Sr, also a retired firefighter.

Since the tournament began, it has raised more than $200,000 in donations which have been presented yearly to the Burn Center at New York Cornell. “Their care is outstanding and probably the best burn care in the world,” said Bobby McGuire. “They treat civilians and firefighters alike, and we are really glad to have the opportunity to help them out.”

The NY Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is a non-profit organization of firefighters founded in 1975 and is dedicated to the advancement of burn care, research, prevention and education. The goal of The New York Firefighters Burn Center Foundation is to make quality burn care available to all who are seriously burned regardless of age, race, creed or economic status.

It proudly supports The Burn Center at NY Presbyterian Hospital. The Center admits more than 1,000 patients annually and is the busiest in the nation. It is headed up by Dr. Roger Yurt who was responsible for the care of 9/11 survivors at the unit and who describes the work at the hospital in this way, “If you can learn to take care of a patient who has been badly burned," he notes, "you'll be able to treat any kind of severe acute illness.”

When asked how much longer he expects the event to go on, Bobby McGuire looked up and laughed. “When we first started, it was for one year. Then we decided to go for $50,000. After that the new benchmark became $100,000. Now that we’re at a milestone of $200,000, I guess we’ll just keep going until we get to half-a-million.”

The Forum Newsgroup/photo courtesy of TOM CROCCKER

Please Help Penelope!

Crippled by a broken leg that was set incorrectly, 12-week-old Penelope was recently abandoned by her owner. She is now under the care of volunteers at Bobbie & the Strays in Glendale, who are trying to raise $3,500 for surgery needed to fix her limb.

A woman was playing with her English Bulldog in a local park recently when she was approached by Penelope’s owner, who asked if the dogs could play. She then asked the woman if she would watch Penelope for a minute, and never returned for the mutt.

Bobbie & the Strays, based in the Shops at Atlas Park mall, have already collected hundreds of dollars from shoppers, according to Phyllis Taiano. It appears that her leg was broken and then reset incorrectly, leaving her only able to use three legs. As a result, she has to hold up the bad leg while she runs and gets tired quickly.

A specialist is needed to operate on Penelope’s leg, which needs a plate and screws in order to gain full range of motion. The rescue group can’t afford to pay for the operation, but they are hoping shoppers and the public take pity and donate a few dollars. Penelope will then be available for adoption, hopefully giving her a normal life after being abandoned.

Donations can be made in person at the shopping center or by mailing to:

The Shops at Atlas Park - Bobbi & the Strays
71-03 80th Street, Glendale, NY 11385
Memo: Pennies for Penelope Fund
For details, call Phyllis Taiano at (646) 361-0163