Youth Job Program Launched In J.H.

The first Youth Educational Program of the nonprofit computer school called Latin Technologies Institute was held on Monday with 25 students age 16 to 18 participating in the computer repair, networking and telecommunications session.

On hand were several area lawmakers, headed by Congressmember Joseph Crowley, who has provided funding for the youth education effort. Also attending were state Senator John Sabini and Assemblymembers Ivan Lafayette and Jose Peralta.

The Latin Technologies school is headed by Executive Director Rodolfo Herrera, who was also present for the program. The youths involved in the computer repair program simultaneously work to earn a general equivalency diploma (GED).

Upon successful completion of the program, participating students receive national standard certifications to work in computer repair jobs. Monserrate Hosts Three Kings Day Fete

City Councilmember Hiram Monserrate distributed some 3,000 toys to children from Jackson Heights, Corona, Elmhurst and East Elmhurst last Saturday as he hosted the annual celebration of Three Kings Day at the Elmcor Auditorium at 107-20 Northern Blvd. in Corona.

The holiday, in Spanish, Dia de los Reyes, commemorates the biblical story of the three kings who followed the star of Bethlehem to bring gifts to the Christ child, Monserrate (D- Corona) explained. It is the holiday most celebrated throughout South America.

Monserrate sponsored the event with the Committee for Hispanic Children and Families, Fundación Siempre Colombia, Centro Civico Colombiano, ASOPEC Little League, My Best Day Camp, East Elmhurst Colombia Lions Club, Hispanos Unidos, Honduras Federation, New York Naval and Marine Youth Cadets, Hispanic Society of the Department of Sanitation and Asociación Tepeyac. New Chair Of Hellenic Caucus In Congress

Congressmember Carolyn B. Maloney, a co-founder and co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Hellenic Issues, has announced that newly elected Congressmember Gus Bilirakis of Florida will serve as the new Republican co-chair of the caucus for the session which began January 1.

He succeeds his father, former Congressmember Michael Bilirakis, who represented a Florida district for 24 years before retiring last month. Michael Bilirakis co-founded the Hellenic Caucus with Maloney and also served as its Republican co-chair alongside Maloney.

Gus Bilirakis, 44, is an attorney and former Florida legislator. He is married and is the father of four sons.

Maloney (D- Queens/Manhattan) stated, "Mike Bilirakis has been a good friend and tireless advocate for the Greek- American community through his work with the caucus. Although I will dearly miss him, I am thrilled that his son has agreed to take his place as co-chair of the caucus. I look forward to working with him on the many issues that are important to Greek-Americans in this Congress."

Gus Bilirakis stated, "As a Greek- American, Hellenic issues are very near and dear to my heart. I look forward to serving as co- chair of the Hellenic Caucus and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with Rep. Maloney to continue its important work."

- Compiled by John Toscano