FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com SEPTEMBER 25, 2014 • THE QUEENS COURIER 45 New shuttle bus coming to Catholic Charities centers in southern Queens BY SALVATORE LICATA slicata@queenscourier.com @Sal_Licata1 They struck again. Graffi ti vandals tagged up a newly renovated Hamilton Beach playground before it offi cially opened. “I was shocked that this happened,” said Roger Gendron, president of the Hamilton Beach Civic Association. “I think we all knew it could happen, but for it to happen before the playground offi cially opened is unbelievable.” On Sept. 19, the vandal spray-painted graffi ti on the slide that was just installed in the park. The slide is attached to a brand-new play set that Resorts World Casino shelled out $40,000 to install in the playground on 104th Street at the edge of Hamilton Beach. Graffi ti was a major problem with the old playground that once sat there, making it an eyesore Councilman Ulrich announces shuttle bus service in front of a Catholic Charities senior center. for the neighborhood. Because of where the park is situated, it is hard for residents to keep surveillance on it. Houses are only on one side and they are separated by a street, handball courts and a basketball court, leaving the playground as an easier target for vandals. But Gendron said he would not let this new playground set become what the old was one, especially after Resorts World picked up the whole tab to install it. “The paint will be removed this time and every other time it happens,” Gendron said. And it has. Auxiliary police offi cers from the 106th Precinct quickly repainted the slide two days after the vandals struck. They have been a huge presence in the neighborhood when it comes to covering up graffi ti. Gendron said he was humbled by their kind act and hopes that everyone in the neighborhood will join in helping to keep the park in good shape for the children from now on. Resorts World Casino did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Hamilton Beach playground struck with graffi ti, quickly cleaned (Above)The newly renovated Hamilton Beach playground was struck with graffi ti before its offi cial opening. (Right) Graffi ti vandal tags new slide in Hamilton Beach Park. THE COURIER/Photo by Salvatore Licata THE COURIER/Photo by Salvatore Licata Photo courtesy of New Hamilton Beach Civic Association’s Facebook page BY SALVATORE LICATA slicata@queenscourier.com @Sal_Licata1 Senior citizens may fi nd it diffi cult to navigate around southern Queens, but that will soon change for many. A new shuttle bus has been funded by Councilman Eric Ulrich to transport the elderly to and from their homes to fi ve Catholic Charities senior centers throughout the 32nd Council District. A total of $25,000 was allocated from Ulrich’s discretionary fund to pay for a driver, insurance and other vehicle-related expenses. “This is important for senior citizens in this district,” Ulrich said. “The bus will be a lifeline for them.” Along with transportation to and from the senior centers, where residents can participate in a variety of classes and workshops, the shuttle will provide rides to shopping centers and other local activities spots. Ulrich hopes to extend the service to more of his constituents in the future. “If this bus is successful now, I will do everything I can to extend it,” he said. Residents and Catholic Charities offi cials thanked Ulrich for the allocation. “We cannot tell you how much we appreciate this,” said Debra Hoffer, director of fi eld operations for Catholic Charities. “Seniors will fi nally have the doorto door service they need.”
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