On the brief side...

Padavan Announces School Health Grants

Four local hospitals are receiving more than $825,000 for school health programs, state Senator Frank Padavan (R–C, Bellerose) announced. The grants to the Long Island Jewish Center ($313,539), Jamaica Hospital ($231,563), Elmhurst Hospital–Queens Health Network ($215,212) and Queens Hospital Center–Queens Health Network ($65,165) provide quality primary and preventive health and mental health services for 205,000 school children statewide.

School-Based Health Centers (SBHCs) provide physical exams, immunizations, hearing and vision screenings, nutritional services, first aid, acute care, dental services and asthma and diabetes care. All the services are free.

"Providing health care services for students who otherwise might not have access to quality health care is an essential part of improving our schools," Padavan stated.

BP Honors Jewish Group’s 30th Anniversary

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall marked the 30th anniversary of the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty last week while honoring the late Marvin Cohen, a longtime Forest Hills/Rego Park community leader and activist.

Cohen, who died earlier this year, was a longtime board member of the Queens Jewish Community Council, the Met Council, the Jewish Community Relations Council and a Queens Jewish Center member for more than 40 years.

At a Wednesday evening ceremony at Borough Hall, Marshall presented a Certificate of Honor to Cohen’s widow, Margy, as other family members looked on.

More than 100 guests were present to mark the latest milestone in the Met Councils history. It was founded in 1972 to coordinate local and national efforts on behalf of Jewish seniors and those in need. Its services cover housing, healthcare and job training assistance. Marshall presented citation to each of the six Jewish Community Councils in the borough.

Astoria Civic Holds 23rd Annual Bike Race

More than 250 children competed in the 23rd annual bike race in Astoria Park hosted by City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. and the Astoria Civic Association. All the racers received medals for participating and the winners in each category took home trophies as well.

Among the approximately 600 attendees were former Council Speaker Peter Vallone, Assemblymember Michael Gianaris and Deputy Inspector David Barrere, 114th Police Precinct commanding officer.

"This is a great Astoria tradition," Vallone Jr. said. "I’m proud of all the kids and their parents who came down to cheer them on. This is what Astoria is all about—family and fun."

The Astoria Civic Association is the oldest and most prestigious civic association in Queens. It was founded in 1928 by the late Judge Charles J. Vallone, the present councilmember’s grandfather.

Graffiti Scrubdown In Flushing

Under the watchful eye of Councilmember John Liu, Assemblymember Barry Grodenchik, and Jonathan Greenspun, head of the mayor’s Community Assistance Unit (CAU), members of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s Anti-Graffiti Task Force scrubbed down defaced businesses in Downtown Flushing recently.

Liu (D) noted: "As we near the commencement of the Business Improvement District’s sidewalk cleaning operations, the city’s anti-graffiti blitz here is a perfect example of the partnership between city government and local businesses."

Greenspun applauded "the residents and businesses of Flushing for making a statement that graffiti will not be tolerated in their neighborhood, period."

McLaughlin Reports Water Main Break

A huge water main break last Friday morning in the Fresh Meadows/Hillcrest area flooded many homes with 3 to 4 feet of water, damaging the properties, Assemblymember Brian McLaughlin reported.

McLaughlin (D–Flushing) called on the city Department of Environmental Protection to act quickly to deal with the break, and the DEP shut off water valves at 6 a.m.

"It’s imperative that we protect, preserve and repair the infrastructure that supports the foundations of these homes because so much relies upon it," McLaughlin declared.

The break occurred in the vicinity of 71st Avenue and 170th Street.

New NYPD Program In Jackson Heights

City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate announced the 115th Police Precinct in Jackson Heights has begun implementation of the Modified Model Block Program, an anti-crime program under which officers and additional patrols will be permanently assigned on 94th and 95th Streets between 35th and 37th Avenues from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.

In a letter to Police Commissioner Ray Kelly and Queens North Commander Chief James Tuller, Monserrate complained of the community’s growing struggle with narcotics sales and gang activity.

Monserrate, a former police officer said, "This program will go a long way [toward] reducing criminality on our streets. However, we must remain vigilant against crime. Even in a time of belt-tightening, our first priority is to ensure our residents and families are safe in their homes and on the streets."