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QC05212015

FOR BREAKING NE WS V ISIT www.queenscourier.com may 21, 2015 • The Queens Courier 29 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS Devon O’Connor President and Founder Welcome To Whitestone Civic Association Community Service: In 2010, Devon O’ C o n n o r formed the n o n p r o f i t Welcome To Whitestone C i v i c Association. This fourthg e n e r a t i o n Whitestone resident gave other area residents and local businesses a voice backed by an association that would address their issues and c o n c e r n s . Welcome To Whitestone has formed r e l a t i o n - ships with other local associations, political leaders and city organizations in order to ensure action on the public’s issues and concerns. The association also promotes and produces family-fun events that benefit the local community. Background: “This is my home. I’ve played in all the parks, graduated from the local schools and I shop in the local businesses. Now, as a business owner myself, I continue to urge the residents of Whitestone to support their local businesses,” O’Connor said. To quote a friend of O’Connor’s, “It’s important to keep the unity in community.” Favorite Memory: O’Connor’s most inspirational and spiritual memory is when he began collecting needed supplies for all who were affected by Sandy. Backed by an immense amount of support from the community, his civic group managed, in under 48 hours, to collect, sort and deliver over 600 large bags of food, clothing and toiletries to several shelters in the Rockaways. Biggest Challenge: “One of the biggest challenges I faced was overcoming the political opposition I received when forming my civic group,” O’Connor said. He is very grateful for the Whitestone community being so accepting of the various projects that Welcome To Whitestone has implemented. Inspiration: O’Connor is inspired by individuals who understand that the future is a direct result of what is done in the present. He’s also inspired by the people who are able to find solutions to the problems that others may have given up on. “If your goals are for the purpose of benefiting others in a positive way, the word ‘can’t’ is not an option,” O’Connor said. BY NIKKI DJOKOVICH brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens Your Nighttime Gynecology Solution Vaginal bleeding • Pelvic pain Discharge • Vulvar Lesions EmErgENcY PHoNE NumbEr 718-268-7337 70-10 Austin Street, Suite 200 • Forest Hills, NY 11375


QC05212015
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