24 The Courier sun • october 10, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com Marshall helps dedicate namesake preschool at St. Mary’s BY MELISA 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.” ADVERTISE WITH BRIDGE & TUNNEL MAIL & DIGITAL MARKETING © 718.894.4088 (dk) Get FREE coupons! Register Now at www.bridgeandtunnelmail.com Now is the Perfect Time to Give Back to Your Eyes. Bring Us Your Doctor’s • Eye Exams Available • Appointments & Walk-Ins Welcome 61-35 Junction Blvd. Rego Park, NY 11374 located in the Rego Park Center 718.459.7100 STORE HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 10am-8pm • Sat. 10am-5pm • Sun. 11am-5pm visit pearlevision.com/regoparkny to schedule your exam FREE 50% OFF COMPLETE PAIR Lens & frame purchase required. Max. discount $150. Must be present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with any other discounts or insurance benefits. Good at Rego Park Store only. Exp. 11/15/13 BUY ONE, GET ONE Of Eyeglasses or RX Sunglasses Any Complete Pair Of Glasses Any complete pair must be of equal or lesser value. Must be present coupon at time of purchase. Not to be combined with any other discounts or insurance benefits. Good at Rego Park Store only. Exp. 11/15/13 Rx & Receive An Additional 10% Off Good with any offer the one to know oIL heAt for • Peace of mind knowing we have over 100 years of experience. • Convenient, reliable around-the-clock service and support in any weather. • Great value! Oil pricing and payment plans, service plans and more. • Ultra low sulfur bioheat/fuel, the greenest choice for your heating needs. CALL NOW for SPECIAL OFFERS! 1.855.206.4284 petro.com HEATING OIL | NATURAL GAS | AIR CONDITIONING | PLUMBING | GENERATORS | HOME SECURITY NYC Lic. No. 1314079. ©2013 Petro. P_13497
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