46 The Courier sun • DECEMBER 5, 2013 for breaking news visit www.couriersun.com A fond farewell Sean Bell Center closes Incredible Support That Will Never Be Forgotten Sinai Chapels respects all Jewish traditions and customs, has a compassionate staff that is second to none, and has three generations of experience ser ving New York’s Jewish families. Preplanning Sinai Preplanning protects your family from unexpected expenses and making complex choices at a most difficult time. Your wishes are reflected in a unique and personal service. Costs are reasonable, all budgets are accommodated, and your investment is FDIC insured. Our staff Rabbi is available to answer your questions. For a no obligation consultation at our office or in your home, please call us. Sinai Chapels 162-05 Horace Harding Expressway, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365 718.445.0300 or 800.446.0406 We are here 24 hours, to serve your family. We offer FDIC insured pre-planning. www.JewishFunerals.com BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] The Queens County Young Democrats (QCYD) bid a formal farewell to two outgoing legislators. Councilmember Leroy Comrie and Comptroller John Liu were recognized by the group on November 19 for their dedication, service and commitment to the young Democrats. The lawmakers are term-limited out of office at the end of the year. “They have served as role models for leadership and activism to all our members,” said QCYD Executive Vice President Hersh Parekh. “We know that even though they are both leaving office, they will never stop serving the public.” Liu said it has always been a priority of his to “help foster the next generation of political leaders in Queens and throughout the city.” “It was a privilege to be honored,” Comrie said. “We have worked together on many issues, and every time it has been great to see so many young people continue to be politically engaged.” Photos Courtesy of QCYD The Queens County Young Democrats honored outgoing legislators Councilmember Leroy Comrie and Comptroller John Liu. BY MAGIE HAYES [email protected] The Sean Elijah Bell Community Center has officially shut its doors. The community center opened in 2011 and offered day care, after school programs and other services to the Jamaica community. It closed officially on November 22, just three days before the anniversary of Sean Bell’s death, stemming from financial troubles. “It’s a disappointment that the staff or the money wasn’t behind it,” said Mike Scala, a center volunteer. “I’m not sure why the support isn’t there at the level it needs to be.” Bell was killed in a hail of police bullets in 2006 the night before his wedding to fiancé, Nicole Paultre. He and two friends were celebrating at Jamaica’s Club Kalua, but after leaving and getting into their car, an altercation sparked gunfire. Fifty shots ultimately ended Bell’s life. Five officers present that night were acquitted of all criminal charges following the incident. However, three resigned and another was eventually fired. In Bell’s memory, his family and the community worked to open the Sutphin Boulevard center. Scala said there were many threats of closures, but various fundraisers kept them afloat until recently. “There’s not a lot of understanding of what the situation actually is,” he said. “It’s always disappointing, frustrating. But I’m still optimistic that we can get it back.” The center offered services such as resume preparation and job skill training, homework help, GED prep courses and more. They also allowed outside groups to use the space when needed. The staff planned to start another after school program in January, but now Scala said he doesn’t know if that will be seen through. But hope remains that the “invaluable” site will reopen. “I just hope more people understand that this is a valuable resource that everyone needs to come together and support it,” Scala said. “There aren’t many places like this in Jamaica.”
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