On the brief side...
Greek Independence Day Observances

Borough President Helen Marshall and Assemblymember Michael Gianaris will co-host the annual Greek Independence Day Celebration on Friday that will include a variety of colorful cultural performances and activities at the Hellenic Cultural Center, 27-09 Crescent St. in Astoria. The event starts at 5 p.m.

Sparking the celebration will be the recognition of four honorees: Jordan Kokkoris, Anastasios Koularmanis, James Evangelou and Irene Vasilakos.

Weiner: $7.5 Billion In Unclaimed Funds

Congressmember Anthony Weiner (D- Queens/Brooklyn) says the New York state treasury is sitting on $7.5 billion in unclaimed funds, and most residents don't even know about it. One account totals $1.7 million, the single largest amount held by the treasury.

"New Yorkers work hard for their money and should get what's rightfully theirs," said Weiner. "A five-minute phone call could mean a few hundred dollars."

To inquire about unclaimed funds, he says, call 1-800-221-9311 or (518) 270- 2200, Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m, or go to www.osc.state.ny.us.

The funds come from inactive accounts that are turned over to the state by banks, utilities, insurance companies and other businesses. If a constituent can prove that he or she is an owner of one of these inactive fund accounts, the state will refund the money.