On the brief side...
Heating Help For Low-Income Families

The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services will release $13.5 million from the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LI HEAP) to help low-income families heat their homes during the fall and winter months ahead, Congressmember Joseph Crowley announced.

The Queens/Bronx Democrat, noting that energy costs are expected to rise again this year, stated, "The release of additional LI HEAP funding will provide relief to New York families who might have otherwise struggled to pay their heating bills during another difficult winter."

Earlier this year, Crowley joined a bipartisan group of more than 100 lawmakers in sending a letter to President George W. Bush requesting release of the emergency contingency funds before the September 30 expiration date.

LI HEAP funds help to pay for fuel and insulation of homes. The total $131.17 million was released last week before the September 30 expiration date. Mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month

State Senators Malcolm A. Smith and Toby Ann Stavisky, noting that the month of October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, urged all Queens women to get a mammogram regularly because early detection is the best way to detect and treat the deadly disease.

"Screening helps detect breast cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages," Democratic Minority Leader Smith noted, as he urged New Yorkers to take charge of their health with self examinations, regular doctor visits and periodic mammograms.

Stavisky (D- Flushing) pointed out that men, as well as women, can get breast cancer, and they, too, should do frequent self-examinations.

New Yorkers with questions about the disease should contact the Adelphi NY Statewide Breast Cancer Hotline and Support Program at 1-800-877-8077. Queens residents can contact the Queens Healthy Living Partnership (ACS) at 718-263-2225.

"Our greatest weapon against breast cancer is education," Smith said. Vallone Helps Greek Aid '07

City Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr. called on Astorians to "open their hearts and wallets" at a special tribute held to help those devastated by the tragic fires throughout Greece earlier this year.

The event was held by Greek Aid, a non-profit group that raises funds for those harmed by natural disasters or suffering serious medical ailments. It was held at Athens Square Park in Astoria. Vallone addressed the crowd at the event which also included performances by the Cretan Dancers and the Greek American Folklore Society. After the rally at the park, several fundraisers for Greek fire victims were held by restaurants, including Central, Cavo, Caprice, Platos, Island, Oneiro, Flo Cafe, Grand Cafe, Avenue Cafe, Aliada, Athens Cafe and Igloo Cafe. Ackerman Holds U.S. Service Academy Info Night

High school students in the Queens portion of Congressmember Gary Ackerman's district who are interested in applying to one of the U.S. Service Academies (Army, Navy, Air Force and Merchant Marine) are invited to attend an information meeting next Tuesday, October 9, at Bayside H.S., 32-24 Corporal Kennedy St., Bayside at 7:30 p.m.

Ackerman's staff members and representatives from the academies will discuss the requirements and procedures for applying. Top high school students from the district are eligible to be nominated by the congressmember for a full four-year scholarship.

For information, contact the congressmember's office at 718-423-2154. Marshall To Mark Polish-American Heritage Month

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall joined in the traditional singing and dancing marking the 399th anniversary of the first Polish settlers coming to America at a celebration at Queens Borough Hall last Thursday night.

The gathering included performances by the Polonaise Dance Troupe which was founded 35 years ago and was part of the observance of Polish American Month, which will include numerous events and parades.

"More than 200,000 Polish Americans live in our city and Queens is proud to be home for many of them, in neighborhoods from Ridgewood and Glendale to Jackson Heights and the Rockaway Peninsula," Marshall said. Young Marks Birthday Of Confucius

On the occasion of the 2,558th birthday of the philosopher Confucius, Assemblymember Ellen Young presented his direct descendants with an Assembly resolution designating the event as Teacher Day.

Young (D- Flushing) stated, "Confucius was the epitome of a master teacher. Even today, after thousands of years, his wisdom resonates as universal truth in our hearts, minds and souls. Our teachers today act as the modern-day Confucius as they impart knowledge, morals and eduction to our children." She said her Assembly colleagues recognized this by passing the resolution.

Stanley Kung, a 74th-generation descendent of Confucius and president of the International Kin of Confucius Association thanked Young for her efforts in honoring the philosopher.- Compiled by John Toscano