for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com november 21, 2013 • The Courier SUN 3 HB storm survivors lend hand to Haiyan victims BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] A local toy drive is going international. Several medical practices from an area devastated by Sandy are collecting toys for children stateside and sending aid to those affected by the latest disaster in the Philippines. Cross Bay Physical Therapy, Cross Bay Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation PC and Cross Bay Foot Center have partnered with Toys for Tots to revive the toy drive they have had in the past. This year, they are additionally collecting toiletries, canned foods, blankets and more for typhoon victims. “We got hit with Sandy last year. We’ve been through a struggle,” said Dana Parker, manager of the three practices. “It’s another tragedy, and we have to help. We have to do something.” Two of Parker’s employees have family in the Philippines, outside of the areas affected by Typhoon Haiyan, who “know where to send the donations,” Parker said. Parker said when the idea to pass donations along to the Philippines came about, the employees instantly jumped on board. “They had a little bit of tears in their eyes,” she said. “Knowing what we went through last year, they were honored we even asked them to be the coordinators of collecting from the whole community.” Donations started coming in on November 14 and will be collected through December 12. For the toy drive, Cross Bay Boulevard medical practices are hosting a toy drive as well as collecting donations for Typhoon Haiyan victims. donations should be new, unwrapped and in their original packing. The group said toys for children ages 2 and under and 12 to 13 are most in demand. Visit the office at 157-02 Cross Bay Boulevard, Suite 202, Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., or Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes can additionally enter a raffle to win an iPod when they donate. “We’re going to come together,” Parker said. CLEARED FOR TAKEOFF Council approves street renaming for Tuskegee Airmen BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] The City Council voted last week to memorialize the Tuskegee Airmen with a Jamaica street sign for their remarkable bravery during World War II. A bill to permanently change the name of South Road between Merrick Boulevard and Remington Street to Tuskegee Airmen Way passed the Council unanimously on November 14. Original crew members Dabney Montgomery and Wilfred Defour attended the stated Council meeting to show their support for the renaming. “There are so many young people who don’t know the difficulties that their elders had to go through for them to be where they are today,” Montgomery said. The airmen were the first black military aviators in the United States Armed Forces and fought against Nazi Germany. “The Tuskegee Airmen have played an extraordinary part in America’s history and the civil rights movement,” said Councilmember Leroy Comrie. “By renaming part of South Road Tuskegee Airmen Way, we are helping to ensure future generations of Americans will remember their dedication, and look to them as examples of heroism in the face of extraordinary obstacles.” The City Council voted to rename South Road in Jamaica to Tuskegee Airmen Way. After returning home, “they established themselves by becoming entrepreneurs, giving back to their communities and breaking down racial barriers,” Comrie said. The airmen’s legacy will also be memorialized at CUNY York College. Currently, plans are underway for a tribute, such as a museum, on the campus along the new Tuskegee Airmen Way. Photo courtesy of Councilmember Ruben Wills Of the 944 pilots, 80 were from New York and six of them were from Jamaica. “This is the way you gain power, by proving that you can do the positive thing that others are doing,” Montgomery said. The bill, introduced by Councilmember Ruben Wills, now awaits the mayor’s signature. H HH Help make the holidays bright H The holiday season has arrived, and The Queens Courier will once again be collecting toys and clothing to be donated this year to the Queens Centers for Progress’ Apple Preschool in Jamaica for our annual holiday gift drive. The Apple Preschool program offers children with disabilities between three to five years old a large variety of educational and therapeutic services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy and counseling. The children interact with special education teachers and clinicians who work on language skills, cognitive, motor and social development. After participating in the program, the majority of the children become integrated into the public school system. Apple Preschool is asking for new, unused and unwrapped donations for their students, 31 girls and 52 boys between the ages of three and four. Donations can be dropped off at The Courier’s office, located at 38-15 Bell Boulevard in Bayside or at People’s United Bank branches at 8989 Union Turnpike in Glendale or 34-51 48th Street in Long Island City.
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