Queens Lawmakers On The Move April 25, 2019

Meng Condemns Trump Administration’s Attack On Women’s Reproductive Health Rights At U.N.

U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Bayside, Flushing, Forest Hills, Fresh Meadows, Glendale, Kew Gardens, Maspeth, Middle Village, Rego Park), a member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, yesterday decried the Trump administration’s latest attack on women’s reproductive health rights.

Specifically, Meng’s reacted to the U.S. Mission to the U.N. threatening to veto a U.N. Security Council resolution on ending sexual violence in conflict unless the reference of “sexual and reproductive health” was removed.

“I am furious that the U.S. Mission to the U.N. stripped important references to sexual and reproductive health out of the U.N. Security Council resolution on ending sexual violence in conflict. This resolution was designed to bring an end to the systematic rape and assault of women and girls in war. From the Yazidi women enslaved by ISIS to the victims of the Democratic Republic of Congo; from the armed conflicts of Rwanda to Serbia – we have seen too often some of the most horrific battles taking place on the bodies of women, girls – and even boys,” said Meng.

 

“That the Trump administration diluted such a historic resolution by rejecting the critical health care needs of the survivors of sexual violence in conflict is utterly shameful and an affront to our humanity. This is yet another example of the Trump administration’s willingness to throw women – this time, survivors of wartime sexual violence – under the bus in order to pursue its extreme agenda at the United Nations.”

Van Bramer, Walcott Fight To Keep Court Square Library open

City Council Member Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Astoria, Long Island City, Sunnyside, Woodside) and Queens Public Library President & CEO Dennis Walcott yesterday vowed to fight to keep the Queens Court Square Library branch in Long Island City open.

The library, a long-time tenant on the ground floor of the Citigroup Building, will see its lease come to an end later this year and it remains to be seen if it will be renewed.

“We are committed to keeping open and enhancing Queens Public Library’s branch at Court Square. It is a beloved community asset that puts everyone who uses it on a path to success, from residents and school children to employees of local businesses and nonprofit and government organizations,” said Van Bramer and Walcott in a joint statement.

“The number of customers who visit the branch and circulation have skyrocketed since it first opened, making clear that this community needs and deserves more services there, not less. Together, we are actively engaged at all levels to protect this invaluable public library from closing and will stand with the community as it fights to stop it from closing,” they added.

Van Bramer, yesterday also announced via social media that he is running for Borough President in 2021 and that he will officially make the announcement on May 5.

Constantinides Announces New Annex for P.S. 85 — The Judge Charles Vallone School

Council Member Costa Constantinides (D-Astoria, East Elmhurst) today will join other city officials, educators and parents in announcing the last trailer classrooms within District 22 will close thanks to a new annex building at P.S. 85 — The Judge Charles Vallone School.

The new state-of-the-art facility will provide a reprieve to the Astoria elementary school, which currently operates significantly over capacity. Some of the school’s youngest students have classes in these Transportable Classroom Units (TCUs), which often don’t have proper heating or cooling.

Removing trailers at P.S. 85 fulfills Constantinides’ pledge when he took office in 2014 to replace all TCUs in the Council District with permanent facilities.

The announcement is slated for 10 a.m., today, April 25 at P.S. 85 — The Charles Vallone School, 29th Street between 24th Avenue and 23rd Road in Astoria.

Ulrich Announces Return Of Queens Symphony Orchestra Concert Series

City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Broad Channel, Hamilton Beach, Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Neponsit, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, Woodhaven) announced the return and lineup of the Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series, which are funded by Ulrich, continues to be one of the most successful and highly-attended events in the district. Last year, more than a thousand residents had the opportunity to experience music at its finest, with genres varying from jazz to Broadway show tunes to opera.

“I am thrilled to announce the Fifth Annual Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series,” Ulrich said. “When I fund these concerts, I want to make sure that everyone in our community has the opportunity to see them. Many people cannot afford to attend shows like these, and the Queens Symphony Orchestra concert series gives them the opportunity to experience high-quality music at no-cost.”

This year’s concert series includes two new musical themes, including Baroque Bass and A Festival of Winds. The final concert at Russo’s On The Bay will be opera-themed, as per tradition.

The Queens Symphony Orchestra will put on a total of four concerts at the following dates and times:

Monday, May 6 – 7:30 p.m. (Patriotic), Rockaway Artist Alliance Gallery T-7, Fort Tilden

Monday, May 20 – 7:30 p.m. (Baroque Bass), All Saints Episcopal Church, 85-45 96th Street, Woodhaven

Monday, June 10 – 7:00 p.m. (A Festival of Winds), Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, 101-41 91st Street, Ozone Park

Wednesday, June 26 – 7:00 p.m. (Opera), Russo’s On The Bay, 162-45 Cross Bay Boulevard, Howard Beach

All of the concerts are free-of-charge and open to the public, however, space is limited.  You may RSVP by calling the Councilman’s District Office at (718) 738-1083.