QNE_p023

QC12112014

FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com DECEMBER 11, 2014 • THE QUEENS COURIER 21 SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS BACKGROUND: Roger Gendron was born and raised in Hamilton Beach. He continues to live there with his wife Holly and two sons — Christopher, 20, and Matthew, 16. He likes living in Hamilton Beach because he feels it is like a small town in a big city, where everybody knows everybody else and they watch out for each other. Gendron, 52, is a Local 3 electrician and shop steward at the Resorts World Casino. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Gendron was a member of the Hamilton Beach Civic Association for fi ve years before he became president in February 2012. In the early days of his presidency, he dealt with issues such as poor street conditions, broken sidewalks and people hanging out at street corners, which were “easily rectifi ed.” The dynamics of his presidency changed dramatically when Hurricane Sandy hit the neighborhood that October. The association members, and the community as a whole, banded together to help each other out. The effects of the devastation are felt even today. Gendron spends most of his time serving as a liaison between his community and the city’s elected offi cials and agencies. The association has helped get a playground repaired at Hamilton Beach Park and a boardwalk reconstructed. In the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy, new residents have moved into the neighborhood and the association tries to make them feel welcome in the community by inviting them to meetings and circulating a newsletter. GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT: “There is no single achievement, but I have been able to become the voice of Hamilton Beach,” said Gendron. “Earlier, we were the forgotten stepchild of Howard Beach. One of the things I had promised was that Hamilton Beach will get recognition as a separate entity. We are there, in a way. Some good has come out of Sandy.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “My biggest challenge has been dealing with the bureaucracy of New York City,” said Gendron. “If you call one person about an issue to get an answer, they’ll promise to get back. One week later when you haven’t heard from them and call them again, they’ll say, ‘Oh, that person is on vacation.’ It is frustrating. We are blessed to have strong allies in our elected offi cials and all of them work well together and with us.” INSPIRATION: “There is no one person. I’ve always found myself to be a helpful person, I’ll help anybody with anything. That’s the way I was raised. My work in this position helps more than one person, it helps the neighborhood. My mom would be proud of me.” By Asha Mahadevan 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 ROGER GENDRON PRESIDENT HAMILTON BEACH CIVIC ASSOCIATION CUTLER’S LIGHTING Over 50 Years Experience REPAIRS • REWIRING • RE-FINISHING • LAMP SHADES Holiday Sale Now through New Years 20-50% OFF NOW THROUGH NEW YEARS On YELLOW tagged Items ON SELECT ITEMS AND SINGLE PIECES this LED bulb will still be saving you money. 10% OFF ANY PURCHASE With Coupon. Not combinable – New Orders Only. Limit 1 per customer. $150.00 max for discount. Excludes Repairs, Refinishing, Rewiring. Exp. 12/31/2014 LYNBROOK 817 Sunrise Hwy (2 Blocks west of Peninsula Blvd.) 516-887-1300 GREAT NECK 120 Northern Blvd. 516-482-1919 12 years from now, CUTLER’S LIGHTING CUTLER’S LIGHTING HEAR FOR THE HOLIDAYS Help GB Audiology share the gift of hearing this holiday season. We will be giving away a pair of AGX® hearing aids to those truly in need of help communicating. Submit your story or the story of a loved one who could use the gift of hearing by posting on our Facebook wall at Facebook.com/GBaudiology or by emailing us at info@gbaudiology.com. We’ll then let our fans pick one winner by “Liking” the story. In order for votes to count, you must “Like” our Facebook page and the story. The winner will be chosen on December 12. PLLC 107 Northern Blvd, Ste 309 Great Neck, NY 11021 516.708.4844 gbaudiology.com


QC12112014
To see the actual publication please follow the link above