'Keep Flushing Clean' Poster Contest Deadline Is Mar. 10

City Councilmember John Liu, local school principals, community leaders and officials from the Flushing Business Improvement District have announced a "Keep Flushing Clean" poster contest open to all students in 7th, 8th, and 9th grades. Winners will receive prizes donated by local businesses. The contest is sponsored by Liu and the Flushing BID, and co-sponsored by Herald Community Forum, Flushing Town Hall, J.H.S.185, J.H.S. 189 and I.S. 237.

The deadline for the poster contest is Friday, March 10. A special reception to showcase the poster artwork will be held at Flushing Town Hall the week following the deadline. Ajudging panel consisting of community partners and leaders will select the winners from among the entries. Judging will be based on how well the theme, "Keep Flushing Clean" is presented, as well as artistic quality. The type of art material used to create the poster is up to the entrant, but all entries must be on cardstock material for vertical display and 11 x 14 inches in size. All entries must contain the text, "Keep Flushing Clean 2006".

The winning design will be incorporated into efforts to keep Flushing clean. In addition, all entrants will receive a certificate for participation. Winners in each grade will receive awards that include monetary prizes ranging from $50 to $200 and gift certificates from local businesses for school supplies and other merchandise.

"Keeping Flushing clean is our number one priority. This poster contest will play a central role in the educational component of our campaign to keep Flushing clean," Peter Koo, Flushing BID program services chair, declared

"Springtime is just around the corner and along with spring comes increased activity and numbers of people coming into Flushing," Liu said. "We are going to hit the ground running in keeping the cleanliness of our neighborhood to the highest standard. The effort will help achieve that and instill a sense of ownership and community among our young people."

Assemblymember Jimmy Meng stated: "This contest will provide a great opportunity for all the students. Keeping Flushing clean is important to everyone. I hope every student will participate, and good luck to everyone."

Harvey Seifter, Flushing Town Hall executive and artistic director, stated: "Flushing Town Hall is delighted to showcase the creative gifts of our community's young people, and to help foster the revitalization of Flushing through art and culture. This is a very creative initiative."

--Dr. Dan Miller