24 The QUEE NS Courier • december 19, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com brought to you by SCOTT BARON & ASSOCICATES, P.C. Attorneys & Counselors at Law 1-866-WAS-HURT (866) 927-4878 718.738.9800 star OF queens SCOTT BARON’S STAR OF QUEENS Richard Khuzami Community Board 1 Chair of the Parks and Culture Committee COMMUNITY SERVICE: Richard Khuzami has served on Community Board 1 for the past 11 years. He is currently Chair of the Parks and Culture Committee. He is also a member of Borough President Helen Marshall’s Queens General Assembly, and has served as a panelist for the awarding of grants for the Queens Council on the Arts. BACKGROUND: Khuzami is Lebanese-American, and while he was born in Bayside, he was raised in Rochester. His parents were both professional dancers, which led to his interest in music from the age of 10. “I have kept this interest alive over the years, and today I specialize in the music of the Middle East, eastern Mediterranean and Northern Africa,” said Khuzami. He also spent many years in the international shipping business in freight forwarding sales. “This afforded me the opportunity to travel throughout the world for many years. I still love traveling to many cultures, but today I only have to go around Astoria, one of the most ethnically diverse municipalities in the world,” he said. FAVORITE MEMORY: Khuzami enjoys having the privilege of working with many dedicated community board and General Assembly members, who donate so much of themselves to making their neighborhood and borough the best it can be. “My favorite accomplishment is in helping to facilitate the conversion of Astoria Park’s diving pool from a mosquito infested eyesore to the potential of becoming one of the most important performance venues in the United States,” said Khuzami. “Councilmember Peter Vallone Jr.’s foresight has made this space a reality, and I look forward to working with our new councilmember, Costa Constantinides, to secure the funding to complete the second phase of the construction, creating an unparalleled venue for 2,500 patrons.” BIGGEST CHALLENGE: “Probably my biggest challenge is to have patience and understanding to realize that everything, especially when dealing with the public sector, takes time. But with perseverance, progress can be made,” said Khuzami. INSPIRATION: “My father was a big proponent of public service, and taught us all to respect government and politics, and not shy away from making our opinions known or getting involved,” said Khuzami. “As my free time increased, it was natural that I try and give back to a community I love, Astoria.” The Queens Courier Newspapers present Girls World Expo 2014. This one-day, fun-filled event combines education and participation to create futures. Girls World Expo is where girls 11-18 can dream about, imagine, believe in, and shape their futures. In workshops, seminars, demonstrations, and displays they explore different schools, college and career choices with the help of mentors and experts in those fields, learn how to create a healthy body image by uncovering the facts about food and nutrition, unlock the secrets to staying safe online and in life, and hear success stories from creative women leaders from all walks of life. Girls World Expo is a safe and upbeat event where girls can interact and enjoy their shared interests. WHEN: Sunday, March 16, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. WHERE: Terrace on the Park Flushing Meadows Park, Corona, NY EVENTS (partial list): • Seminars on today’s trending topics, such as body image, bullying, selfesteem and healthy relationships and self-defense. • A marketplace with local vendors displaying clothing, jewelry, books, art and salon items. • “Bright Ideas,” a science fair showcasing inventions from local middle school and high school girls. • Education, college and career fair featuring successful local women from dozens of companies, colleges and trade schools who will provide information on career paths, degree programs and internships. • A runway fashion show featuring local girls of all sizes. • An art show, poetry slam, live music and dancers. • A breakfast recognizing the Girls of Merit award recipients www.girlsworldexpo.com For questions, sponsorship opportunities and more information about the event, please e-mail aamato@queenscourier. com or [email protected] Our job is making sure no longer goes that waste to waste. Find out more at ThinkGreen.com Energy creation. Recycling programs. Closed-loop solutions. Those are just a few of the innovations we’re delivering for customers and communities alike. We live in a world where things can no longer go to waste. That’s why Waste Management is working to get the most from resources. It’s good for business and the environment. ©2012 Waste Management, Inc.
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