for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com SEPTEMBER 12, 2013 • KINGS OF QUEENS • The Queens Courier 55 J. Ganesh Bhat, M.D. Co-Founder Atlantic Dialysis Management Services Dr. J. Ganesh Bhat received his M.B.B.S. and M.D. degrees from University of Mysore in India. He completed a Residency in Internal Medicine at Government Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, India, Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, India and Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. Dr. Bhat is a diplomate of American Board of Internal Medicine and American Board of internal Medicine in Nephrology. He has earned numerous honors and awards, most notably, the Government of India’s Ministry of Health Merit Scholarship. He currently holds faculty appointment at Albert Einstein School of Medicine of Yeshiva University. He has held various administrative and leadership positions in various hospitals in New York including interim Chairman of Medicine and Medical Director at North Shore University Hospital at Forest Hills. He has an avid interest in research and has published numerous research papers in the fields of kidney diseases. He is considered an expert on health care economics in general and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) program in particular and has been a sought-after speaker on this issue nationwide. Dr. Bhat is co-founder of Atlantic Dialysis Management Services, a New York based dialysis chain with 13 affiliates on Long Island and in New York City providing Steve Stathis President Graybeards, Ltd In the aftermath of the events of 9-11- 2001, Steve Stathis helped to organize a group of over-the-hill basketball players and other neighborhood guys by forming a not-for-profit organization known as the Graybeards. Its mission statement is to help neighbors in their time of need. Prior to Sandy, the Graybeards were able to help hundreds of individuals, families and organizations both financially, but more importantly by volunteering thousands of hours in a variety of ways. Post Sandy the Graybeards were setup to help, but most of the members were faced with the daunting task of digging out our own homes, businesses and rebuilding their lives. Thanks to a segment on Brian William’s “NBC Nightly News” they found themselves in the position of really being able to have an impact by helping through financial grants as viewers sent in hundreds of thousands of dollars, which eventually grew to over $1.3 million. The Board of Directors agreed to distribute 100% of the money donated for Sandy victims and the Graybeards’ donation would be the administrative costs incurred. Stathis and his son Christian own Boarders Surf Shop, which is considered by many to be the hub of the rapidly growing area in Rockaway Beach known as the surfing community. The shop has become a popular stop for tourists who are seeking an adventure while visiting New York City. Post Sandy the family had to rebuild Boarders and in June they were able to open the doors once again. As a lifelong resident of Rockaway Beach, Stathis is dedicated to not only rebuilding his own business, but to continue to work with the Graybeards to help others rebuild their lives and share in the beauty of the unique community he calls home, Rockaway Beach. Tony Meloni Director NY AntiCrime Tony Meloni founded the New York Anti-Crime Agency in 1984 with the intent of keeping the community safer through crime prevention and neighborhood beautification. The agency offers crime prevention and self-defense classes for women. It also sponsors a Second Chance program for those arrested, allowing them to clean up graffiti instead of having a permanent criminal record. The group offers a free fingerprinting service for children. Though the group primarily works in western Queens, they also assists individuals in other parts of the borough. Additionally, he serves on Community Board 1 as its Public Safety Chair for the past 17 years. Meloni,56, has been living in and loving Astoria since 1965. He went to P.S. 122, I.S. 141 and Long Island City High School. He moved on to Queens College to receive a degree in Urban Studies with a minor in Ethnic Studies. After graduating, he was offered a position at the Federation of Italian American Societies as Executive Director by State Senator Anthony Gazzara because of his efforts in the community. He has been the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Immigration Advocacy Services since 1988, where he oversees an office that helps people become citizens and residents. The nonprofit organization assists legal immigrants with filing documents, complying with immigration procedures with the federal government. Meloni is also a member of Astoria Kiwanis (past president), Vice President Astoria Civic Association, member of The Taminent Regular Democratic Club, member of 114th Precinct Community Council, member of Community Queens West 1 CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and Knights of Columbus Immaculate Conception. high quality dialysis services to patients with ESRD. Through Dr. Bhat’s efforts, he and his organization were recently awarded a long-term citywide contract by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation for the privatization of dialysis care and services. In recognition of his long and dedicated service to the people of New York State, Governor David Paterson appointed him to the prestigious New York State Public Health Council in 2010. His appointment was confirmed by the State Senate and he served on the Establishment Committee and Health Personnel and Inter-professional Relations Committee of the Public Health Council. He was re-appointed by Paterson to the newly formed New York State Public Health and Health Planning Council (PHHPC) for a full six year term to expire in 2016. He is currently the Chairman of the Health Personnel and Inter-Professional Committee and a member of the Codes, Regulations and Legislation Committee of PHHPC. He also served recently on the Ad Hoc Advisory Committee on Environmental and Construction Standards of PHHPC. This committee was charged to come up with recommendations to protect the healthcare delivery system in the event of catastrophic natural disasters such as Sandy. kings of queens H SEPTEMBER 26, 2013 H H H s
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