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34 The Courier sun • JANUARY 21, 2016 for breaking news visit www.qns.com VICTORIA SCHNEPS-YUNIS vschneps@gmail.com It was an instant inspiration that I acted on – holding a cocktail party in Albany the night before the governor’s State of the State address, and I was surprised by its huge success. I was so proud to honor Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie with an award in memory of our late hometown hero – giving him the Mario Cuomo Community Service Award. None other than the Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul helped me present it and shared the night with us. Thanks in part to my partners, we had a jam-packed, standingroom only party. I’m so grateful to Todd Shapiro, New York Community Bank, the Queens Chamber of Commerce and the Jamaica BID. Also sponsoring were the vodka label Georgi from Martin Silver, who donated cases of my favorite drink to add to the specialness of the night. Millennial Strategies’ Jeff Guillot and Brooklyn Democratic Chair Frank Seddio also sponsored the party. Albany architecture is an interesting mix of historic housing dating back centuries to strikingly stunning marble skyscrapers. Our party was at the family-owned The Grill 138 and we stopped at another family-owned restaurant, Lombardi’s, the next day. I loved their old tile floors and the buzzer system at each booth to call for a waiter. They even have great Italian food! The interior of the Capitol is stunning and majestic. It was my first visit to the hallowed halls of the assembly chamber and I was very impressed! There is a two-story-high carved staircase that was picture-worthy, and I felt the power of the building and its ability to inspire. Check QNS.com for additional photos from the event Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie with Victoria Schneps and Rhonda Binda I went through the chamber on my way to Speaker Heastie’s breakfast party before the State of the State speech. I was delighted to visit our Brooklyn and Queens members’ desks, and was particularly struck by Assemblywoman Nily Rozic’s desk. On it are the American, Israeli and Argentinian flags. It tells the story of her heritage. I loved the symbolism! Many other legislators had multiple flags, a potent, powerful message of our diversity! It's alive and well in our political leaders, obviously proud of their diverse backgrounds. After all, that's what makes America great! I'm already planning next year’s party to carry on the precious networking and appreciation I feel for those who professionally and passionately protect our democracy. It's not perfect, but it's the best in the world. victoria’s secrets tweet me @vschneps Thomas Grech and Lieutenant Governor Hochul State Senator Michael Gianaris, Assemblyman Michael DenDekker, Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubry, Victoria Schneps, Assemblywoman Catherine Nolan and Bob Bishop Terri Thompson, lobbyist State Senator Leroy Comrie, Victoria Schneps, Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul and Rhonda Binda Dynamic $1500 off Lumineers $500 off Invisalign DENTAL WORK Free Whitening included the inViSiBle WAy to Some excluSionS Apply StrAighten teeth third generation dentist 175-15 Jamaica avenue, Jamaica 718-297-4100 • 718-297-4106 To Albany and back State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli, Assembly Speaker Heastie, Thomas Grech, Victoria Schneps and State Senator Martin Golden City Councilman Rory Lancman with Rhonda Binda and friend State Senator Jose Peralta, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic, Lieutenant Governor Hochul, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder and Assemblywoman Diana Richardson Victoria Schneps, Assemblyman Jo Anne Simon and Frank Seddio


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