Miller announces city funds for seniors

Councilman I. Daneek Miller has secured nearly $200,000 for seniors in his southeast Queens council district.

The following organizations received funding in the city’s Fiscal Year 2018 budget:

  • Queens Interagency Council on the Aging: $50,000
  • Alpha Phi Alpha Senior Center of Cambria heights: $25,000
  • Allen Community Senior Center: $10,000
  • Community Bridge Home: $5,000
  • Calvary Baptist Church of Jamaica: $12,000
  • India Home, Inc.: $10,000
  • Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults: $55,000 ($25,000 came from the Queens Delegation)
  • Services Now for Adult Persons (SNAP): $10,000
  • NYCHA Conlon Lihfe Towers Senior Advocacy Group: $5,000
  • South Asian Council for Social Services: $5,000
  • Robert Couche Senior Center: $8,000

“By working with our senior centers and faith-based institutions throughout the district, we funded programs and capital projects to expand the services, which will ensure our older residents are well taken care of,” Miller said.

The nonprofits that received funding will use it to support seniors filing for tax credits, organize exercise activities and field trips to cultural institutions, and purchase art and kitchen supplies and computers.

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Pols want commuter service for eastern Queens

Photo courtesy of Twitter/@BarryGrodenchik

 

Elected officials representing eastern Queens and western Nassau County neighborhoods are pushing for the MTA to create better service for local residents.

Councilman Barry Grodenchik, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assemblyman David Weprin, Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages and Assemblyman Clyde Vanel want either Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or express bus service at Belmont Park.

During the Summer of Hell, when Penn Station was upgrading its tracks and LIRR service was reduced, express bus service was offered from Belmont Park to accommodate commuters. The pols believe this service should be made permanent.

“The establishment of permanent bus or railroad service at Belmont Park would serve as an essential transit hub for communities that have historically been ignored by public transportation programs,” said Congressman Gregory Meeks.

“Largely due to the lack of public transit infrastructure, Queens Village residents super some of the longest commute times in our city,” added State Senator Comrie. “We should be seeking to take full advantage of the limited infrastructure that does exist.”

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Resorts Casino announces winner of car giveaway

Folks, we have a winner!
73-year-old Owen Edwards recently won the Resorts World Casino NYC car giveaway. Edwards, a frequent guest of Resorts World, is originally from Kingston, Jamaica. After winning the Lexus NX 200t, Edwards said that he plans to drive to Washington, D.C. to visit his daughter and granddaughter.
The promotion garnered nearly 100,000 entries over a six week promotional period, with the giveaway announced on Friday, August 18. In addition to Edwards’ win, nine winners won up to $10,000 in cash prizes. In order to be eligible for entry, Genting Rewards Club Members at Resorts World Casino NYC had to earn 100 rewards points on a day between July 1st and August 17th.

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Zara Realty helps raise 10k for employee’s fight with cancer

About 6 months ago, Bibi Ali was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer.

The wife, mother of 2, and employee of Zara Realty in Jamaica, spent most of the past few months in and out of the hospital undergoing chemotherapy.

As you can imagine, Bibi and her husband have been out of work to fight through this together.

She has reached the point where she is in excruciating pain and can barely walk. In addition to the constant fear of losing her life and not seeing her children grow up, she is only 27 years young and has so much more to do in life.

After her diagnosis, her employer, Zara Realty, stepped up to the plate by by donating money, and spreading awareness by creating this donation page.

The campaign raised over $9,300 and helped pay for their medical expenses.

Here’s what Ali had to say about this display of generosity from Zara, and the community of donors.

Mr. Tony Subraj,

              “I am writing to express my deepest thanks to Zara Realty Holding Corp for raising awareness and donations to help me in my time of need.  I was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Lung Cancer, and I am so grateful that Zara Realty Holding Corp came up with an idea of a Go-Fund-Me Campaign to raise money on my behalf for any sort of mishaps that may or may not come my way. Zara Realty Holding Corp helped to raise awareness not only in the form of financial donations, but they gave me a platform to receive lots of kind words from people all over the world who are struggling, knows someone who is struggling, or just want to lend their kind words for people battling cancer. 

              I am so thankful for Zara Realty Corp because they gave me the confidence and support to come forward and share my story of battling with Lung Cancer with everyone around me. I am sure if anyone who is in need of any financial and or moral support whilst battling with any illnesses can count on Zara Realty Corp one hundred percent to help them in their time of need. 

              I feel so blessed in knowing that Zara Realty Corp stood by my side in my time of need and I know that they will always be by my side as I am fighting for a better life away from cancer. 

          There is no way to fully express my gratitude for Zara Realty Corp’s loyalty. I am just so inspired by the the dedication and generosity of Zara Realty Corp who I know will answer the call to give again and again. 

              Thank you again from the bottom of my heart for all your help and support this pass few months.”

 

Sincerely, Bibi Ali

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Wills sentenced to 2-6 in prison for public corruption

Councilman Ruben Wills speaks at a press conference earlier this year.

Now former Councilman Ruben Wills, who represents the 28th council district was sentenced to 2-6 years in prison today for last month’s conviction on public corruption charges.

Wills was found guilty on five counts related to the theft of approximately $30,000 in public campaign funds and state grant money in July after an 11-day trail.

“New Yorkers deserve elected officials whose priority is the needs of their constituents, not lining their own pockets,”said Attorney General Eric Schneiderman. “Instead of spending taxpayer money on projects to help his community, Ruben Wills betrayed the public trust by stealing tens of thousands for himself – and he’ll now pay the price.”

In addition to serving 2-6 years in prison, Wills was expelled from the City Council and will pay $11,500 in restitution to the New York City Campaign Finance board and $21,374 to the New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS). He will also pay a $5,000 fine.

State prosecutors argued that Wills used public matching funds from his 2009 campaign to pay $11,500 to Micro Targeting, a shell company purportedly created to translate and distribute campaign literature.

They argued that money was not used for the campaign and instead directed to a non-profit called NY 4 Life, which Wills controlled.

Wills then allegedly withdrew the money and made a series of purchases, including a $750 Louis Vuitton handbag.

Prosecutors also detailed how Wills allegedly used $21,000 in state grant funds for personal and political expenses.

Wills was acquitted on a single charge of filing false business records.

 

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Resorts World Casino NYC Announces August Promotions & Events

Enjoy the last month of summer at Resorts World Casino New York City  (RWCNYC) for a chance to win big! In August, RWCNYC is offering a variety of daily exciting promotions, entertainment events and art exhibits.

As baseball action heats up and football pre-season kicks off, Bar 360 is the place to be for all the action, on the largest screen anywhere! When the game ends, the excitement continues, with free nightly entertainment, from 9 pm – midnight, including:

  • Latin Tuesdays—come for salsa lessons at 8:30 pm and stick around for live performances!
  • Tribute Wednesdays—your favorite bands and genres are paid tribute to by various performers!
  • Throwback Thursdays—it’s the music of the 60s, 70s, 80s and more!
  • Friday Night Weekend Kick off—It’s a night of bands, DJs, Dancers and special performers, from 9 pm – 2 am.
  • Saturday Nights Are LOL Nights!—our new Comedy Nights continue every Saturday, with popular, local comedians and DJs, starting at 9 pm. Then the music continues with DJs keeping the action going until 2 am!
  • Sunday Monthly Jazz—Join us on August 27 from 4 – 7 pm for MattViolinist, as we pay tribute to the home of jazz, Queens.

Our Friday nights in August feature legendary artists at Bar 360, from 11:30 pm – midnight:

  • Blue Magic on August 11
  • Groundbreaking hip hop star Rob Base on August 18
  • The Review on August 25   

During the month of August, RWCNYC will also feature several promotions including an Early Bird Bonus, GR 50+ Club, Earn & Get Scratch Off, Moonlight Earn and Get, and Emerald Green 8’s Scratch Off:

  • Early Bird Bonus – guests earning 50 points while playing any game can redeem a voucher for $15 in free play every Friday – Thursday from 10 am – 3 pm. If points are earned on consecutive days, guests receive a $5 increment on their free play, up to $45.
  • GR 50+ Club – Every Tuesday in August, guests 50+ years or older earning 50 points receive $15 in free play from 10 am – 4 pm. If they earn 50 points between noon – 6 pm they receive a voucher for a $10 food voucher. This promotion will also occur on Senior Citizens’ Day—Monday, August 21st.
  • Earn & Get Scratch Off Promotion—the first 800 guests earning 50 points who print out a voucher receive a free scratch off between noon – 3 pm every Thursday in August.
  • Moonlight Earn & Get—guests earning 80 points between 9 pm – 2 am receive $20 free play every Monday in August.
  • Earn and Get Summer Gift—the first 1,000 guests earning 50 points who print out a voucher will receive a free gift between noon – 4 pm on August 11th and 25th.
  • Earn and Get Scratch Off— the first 800 guests who earn 50 points who print a voucher receive a free $5 NY Lottery Emerald Green 8’s scratch off between noon – 3 pm on Thursdays from August 3 – 24.

Finally, through September 30th RWCNYC is hosting the Red Wall Gallery exhibit, “Carnival in the City.” The artwork, which celebrates the West Indian Day Parade also known as the Labor Day Parade, will be displayed on both levels of the Casino’s gallery. The Times Square level features photos of traditional costumes worn during the festivities, while the Fifth Avenue level has photos of the J’ouvert celebration from past years.

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JACL art workshops registration is open

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning has now opened registration for their Art Center Workshops for the Fall 2017 semester.

Workshop prices for the 12-week classes range from $170 for dance/movement/drama/music workshops to $200 for visual and digital arts and keyboard workshops.

For the full class schedule, visit their website at www.jcal.org.

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Google hosts computer science event

Google joined Assemblywoman Alicia Hyndman on Wednesday to visit PS 15 Jackie Robinson School in St. Albans to deliver CS First Roadshow, a computer science education presentation.

Two Google employees spoke to and taught students about problem solving and technical coding skills through interactive activities.

They encouraged the students to develop an interest in computer science education by giving them real-life examples of how coding and STEM education can lead to educational opportunities and careers.

“The tech industry is projected to grow significantly in the near future. Students in our community need to be ready for the careers and opportunities of the 21st century,” Hyndman said.

“Kids are exposed to technology at such an early age, but don’t necessarily get to learn about why computer science should be an important part of their lives, both now and in the future,” said Google spokesperson Carley Graham Garcia. “We want the next generation of students to be able to create technology, not just consume it.”

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Councilman Ruben Wills found guilty on public corruption charges

New York City Councilman Ruben Wills, who represents the 28th district in Queens, was found guilty of public corruption charges yesterday in state court.

Following an 11-day trial, the jury found Wills guilty on five of six counts related to Will’s theft of approximately $30,000 in public campaign funds and state grant money, according to State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman.

Those  charges were: one count of a scheme to defraud in the 1st degree, two counts of grand larceny in the 3rd degree, and two counts of filing a false instrument in the 1st degree.

“Ruben Wills’ crimes were a shameful violation of the public trust,”said Schneiderman. “Now, after a conviction by a jury of his peers, Ruben Wills will face the consequences,”

“Ruben Wills stole taxpayer dollars to buy fancy purses and clothes for himself and his friends,” he added. “New Yorkers deserved better. Today’s conviction is another important step in our efforts to clean up New York politics and give voters the representation they deserve.”

State prosecutors argued that Wills used public matching funds from his 2009 campaign to pay $11,500 to Micro Targeting, a shell company purportedly created to translate and distribute campaign literature.

They said that money was instead directed to a non-profit called NY 4 Life, which Wills controlled.

Wills then allegedly withdrew the money and made a series of purchases, including a $750 Louis Vuitton handbag.

Prosecutors also detailed how Wills used $21,000 in state grant funds for personal and political expenses.

Sentencing is scheduled for August 10. Wills faces up to seven years in prison and will be automatically expelled from the City Council at sentencing.

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Resorts World Casino broke ground on $400 million expansion


Today, Resorts World Casino New York City gave a first glimpse into a $400 million expansion.
The expansion, expected to be completed by mid-2019, will include a 400-room luxury hotel, four new dining outlets including a restaurant headed by a celebrity chef, retail stores offering local products as well as space to accommodate new gaming and first to market products.
Elected officials joined Scott Molina, President of Resorts World Casino NYC, for a breaking ground ceremony.
“The expansion will serve as an economic engine for our local community and the State, create more good-paying jobs for local residents and generate significant revenue for New York State’s Lottery Education Fund.”

Read next week’s issue of the Leader Observer for the full story.

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