22 The Queens Courier • may 21, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Douglaston native killed in Amtrak derailment BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO aaltamirano@queenscourier. com @aaltamirano28 A 47-year-old real estate executive, formerly from Douglaston, was identified as one of the eight victims of last week’s Amtrak derailment in Philadelphia. Laura Finamore, a senior account director at Cushman & Wakefield, grew up in Douglaston and graduated from Benjamin Cardozo High School and George Washington University. She was living in Manhattan immediately prior to her death. Finamore joined Cushman & Wakefield in 2008 and according to her family was known among her peers as “someone who would go above and beyond for her clients, to always exceed their expectations.” “Laura’s smile could light up a room and her infectious laughter will be remembered by many for years to come. She was always there when you needed her — with a hug, encouraging words or a pat on the back,” her family said in a statement. Finamore is survived by her parents Cynthia and Richard, three brothers, Michael, Paul and Peter, sisters-in-law, nephews and nieces. “Laura was an incredibly loving and giving person, touching many people each and every day through her generous spirit, thoughtfulness and compassion for others,” her family said. “She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.” According to reports, the Amtrak train, which had left Washington and was heading to New York, derailed around 9:30 p.m. on May 12 in the Port Richmond neighborhood of Philadelphia. More than 200 people were wounded, including the train’s conductor. The National Transportation Safety Board has said the train was traveling at about the speed limit of 70 mph before accelerating as it entered a sharp curve at more than 100 mph, double the speed limit of the curve, before derailing. Brandon Bostian, 32, from Forest Hills, was identified as the engineer at the controls of the train during the accident and according to his LinkedIn profile he has worked for Amtrak since 2006. According to reports, Bostian, who suffered a concussion and head injury that required 14 staples, only recalls heading to the crash area and getting tossed around before coming to. The FBI reportedly assisted the NTSB in its investigation to determine if a mark found on the windshield of the train was made by a projected object. The agency determined it was not a bullet, but the NTSB said it has not ruled out the possibility of another object having struck the windshield. According to published reports, about two trains reported being struck by projected object in the area near the site of the derailment. As of press time the investigation of the derailment is still ongoing and the NTSB has reportedly said it is too early to determine the cause. According to a May 18 post on Twitter, the agency said the probable cause of the accident will be determined at the end of the investigation, which is expected to last up to 12 months. Photo courtesy of Cushman & Wakefield Laura Finamore, a Douglaston native, was identified as one of eight victims in last week’s Amtrak derailment. Planned Parenthood cuts ribbon on first Queens health center in LIC BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO [email protected]/@aaltamirano28 Long Island City is now home to a new health center bringing affordable services to the growing population of Queens. Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) celebrated on May 18 the ribbon cutting of its first Queens health and education center located at 21-41 45th Rd. The state-of-the-art Diane L. Max Health Center, which officially opens in June, will provide a full range of sexual and reproductive health services. “We’re thrilled to be opening the doors of this beautiful new health center to the Queens community,” said Joan Malin, president and CEO of PPNYC. “Queens represents the future of this city, and we’re so excited to be a part of this remarkable borough. Come June, Queens residents will have increased access to the high-quality, confidential sexual and reproductive health care services they need, regardless of their income or immigration status.” The 14,000-square-foot patient-centered facility will have services that include birth control, gynecological care, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy testing and options counseling, and abortion services. PPNYC anticipated the new Queens center, once fully operational, will serve 17,500 clients per year. The location will also offer on-site health insurance enrollment through Medicaid and the New York State of Health Marketplace. “This new center is a very big step for us. It puts Planned Parenthood in every borough and keeps New York City at the forefront of reproductive health care,” said Diane L. Max, PPNYC board chair. “The Queens center helps ensure that all New Yorkers, no matter where they live, can access the reproductive health care they need.” The health center will have a bilingual staff and Planned Parenthood of New York City (PPNYC) celebrated the ribbon cutting of its first Queens health and education center located at 21-41 45th Rd. interpretation services, as well as translated materials for non-English-speaking clients. In its education center, the location will offer education and training for youth, adults and professionals, and has a community space open to PPNYC’s partners for education, training and advocacy events. “For over five years, I have worked to help bolster quality affordable health care options Photo by Ryan Brown for Planned Parenthood of New York City in western Queens. Planned Parenthood’s new facility introduces a trusted health care provider into a growing community that needs affordable health care providers,” Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer said. “I welcome Planned Parenthood to the community and look forward to working together to improve the quality of life for all Queens residents.”
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