6 The Queens Courier • OCTOBER 10, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com Marshall helps dedicate namesake preschool at St. Mary’s BY MELISSA CHAN mchan@queenscourier.com She went from borough president back to a teacher again. Queens Borough President Helen Marshall temporarily switched hats during the dedication ceremony of her namesake preschool in Bayside. The former educator of eight years cut the ribbon on the brand new Queens Borough President Helen Marshall Early Education Center at St. Mary’s Hospital for Children on October 8 – and then found herself back in the classroom. “I love working with children,” Marshall said before clapping and singing with a circle of tots. “I’m extremely humbled. St. Mary’s is truly a unique institution.” The early education center opened this September at 29-01 216th Street and serves 54 special needs children, officials said. St. Mary’s had a preschool program in the past, but with no official space, students were scattered throughout the hospital, according to spokesperson Leslie Johnson. Now with 4,000 square feet, there are six classrooms and an outdoor playground for the toddlers to roam. “Education is a key component of everything we do at St. Mary’s,” said Dr. Eddie Simpser, St. Mary’s interim president and CEO. “Here, we treat some of New York’s sickest children. But we also provide for the holistic care of children — their family needs, Queens Borough President Helen Marshall cut the ribbon on her new namesake preschool at St. Mary’s. health needs, social needs and educational needs.” The preschoolers learn their basic ABCs and 123s in the center, Simpser said, but they also receive physical, speech and occupational therapy on site for about eight hours a week. Officials say St. Mary’s is the only post-acute care facility for children with life-limiting conditions in the city. “There is no person who has walked through these doors whose hearts haven’t been touched,” Marshall said. “The childhood education center is the fulfillment of a dream I share with all of you.” The $750,000 center was funded by THE COURIER/Photo by Melissa Chan Marshall and the City Council, hospital officials said. It is part of the $114 million expansion project that led to the creation of St. Mary’s new patient pavilion. “This is a tremendous support for parents,” said St. Mary’s Early Education Director Jean Steins. “This is a gift.” #1 in Transportation for Northeast Queens Residents! GLEN BELLE CAR SERVICE Call to Inquire about our Fall Savings “Will Beat any Competitor’s Rate by 10%” 718.347.3222 Family Owned & Operated! NAME ____________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________ 718-347-3222 • NEQC/GB 718-347-3222 • NEQC/GB TLC-Base- #B-01250 $5 OFF ANY AIRPORT RIDE Base tip on full fare. CASH ONLY Offers ends 10/31/13 $2 OFF ANY RIDE Base tip on full fare. CASH ONLY Offers ends 10/31/13 SENIOR DISCOUNTS Taxis, Luxury Sedans, Mini-Vans, 14 Passenger Vans, & Ambulettes 24 Hour Service 7 Days NAME ____________________________________ ADDRESS _________________________________ BUY DIRECT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FREE Measuring & Installation w/purchase of $100. with this ad. • Draperies • Vertical Blinds • Honeycomb Shades • Custom Window Shades • Mini Blinds Nobody Beats Our Prices! • Roman Shades • Balloon Shades • Swags & Jabots • Shutters • Upholstery • Radiator Covers • Table Pads UP TO 70% OFF LIST PRICE Free Interior Design Consultation $20 OFF with purchase of $200 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 10/25/13 $50 OFF with purchase of $500 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 10/25/13 $100 OFF with purchase of $1,000 or more *Not to be combined w/other offers. Expires 10/25/13 GOMER’S Window Treatments SINCE 1962 FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE SERVING QUEENS AND LONG ISLAND 1.800.522.6156 www.gomersdecorators.com
QC10102013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above