Queens Lawmakers On The Move — October 4, 2017

Crowley Holds Fourth Annual Veteran’s Day Essay Contest

Congressman Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) started the annual Veteran’s Day essay contest for the fourth year yesterday.

The contest is for middle schoolers who live in Crowley’s congressional district and asks that each contestant details what the holiday means to them. The winning essay will be submitted into the congressional record and the second and third place essays will get recognition from Congress.

“The sacrifices made by our men and women in uniform are not lost on our youth,” said Crowley. “Each year, I’m moved by the personal stories shared by students who come from military families, as well as the deep appreciation they have at such a young age for the work our service members do to keep us safe. This contest encourages students to pause and reflect on the contributions of our armed forces and it gives our youth a platform to express their gratitude.”

To enter the competition, the student must be in middle school, live in the 14th Congressional District, and be submitted to Crowley’s Queens district office by 5pm on Tuesday, October 31, 2017.

Essays also shouldn’t be longer than 500 words and must be either typed or written in black or blue ink. Students should include their name, school, grade, and contact information. You can email your essay to Crowley.Events@mail.house.gov or mailed to Crowley’s Jackson Heights office at 82-11 37th Avenue, Suite 402.

For more information, you can reach out to Crowley’s office at (718) 779-1400.

Senator Peralta To Allocate Funds To Seven Queens School For Project BOOST

Project Boost, an extra-curricular educational program for low-income students, is coming to a handful of Queens public schools thanks to State Senator Jose Peralta (D-Jackson Heights, Corona, East Elmhurst).

Peralta is pumping over $50,000 into Project BOOST (Building Options and Opportunities for Students), which will give students cultural and academic experiences, academic guidance, community service opportunities, and test preparation.

According to Peralta, this will benefit hundreds of Queens children. The seven schools that will be a part of the program are I.S. 227; Lexington School and Center for the Deaf; P.S. 89; The Renaissance Carter School; I.S. 145; P.S. 19 and P.S. 69. 

“Our students are the future of this city and this nation, and this is why it is vital we ensure we provide them with all opportunities we can for them to succeed. Project BOOST offers students life-changing experiences as it allows them to participate in a wide range of initiatives, such as visiting museums, colleges and attending Broadway and off-Broadway performances and sporting events,” said Peralta.

Van Bramer Hosting Star-Studded Relief Event For Puerto Rico

City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Long Island City, Astoria, Sunnyside) will take part in a relief effort tonight for the devastated island of Puerto Rico. He will be joined by his husband, Dan, and stars like Ricky Martin, Lady Gaga, and James Franco.

The event will take place at the MoMA PS1 in Long Island City tonight, October 4, from 6pm-8pm. The minimum donation is $20 but they ask that you give what you can.

To RSVP, go to www.mo.ma/puertorico. All proceeds go to the Hurricane Maria Community Relief & Recovery Fund. Folks are encouraged to donate directly to www.mariafund.org and bring their receipt for easy access to the event.

Suggest donation items include water filtration devices, solar lamps, solar generators, solar chargers, solar fans, portable generators, mosquito nets and canopies, working gloves, safety glasses, radios, and walkie-talkies.