News and Notes from NYC Council Member Eric Ulrich - 32nd Council District

Ulrich Honors Neighborhood’s Newest Marine

Council Member Eric A. Ulrich (R-Queens) today presented a City Council Citation to Ozone Park resident Victor Schwoebel in honor of his recent graduation from United States Marine Corps basic training.

Ulrich said, “We should never pass up an opportunity to show our troops and veterans how much their sacrifice means to all of us. Anything that we can do to thank them, lift their spirits, and honor their service is our responsibility as Americans. On behalf of a grateful city, I want to congratulate Private Schwoebel and thank him for his service to our country. He has made us all very proud.”

Private Schwoebel, a 2008 graduate of Beach Channel High School, was joined at the ceremony by his mother, Joanne Schwoebel, and his aunt, Barbara Buonocore, both of Ozone Park. He leaves next week for combat training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

South Queens Boys & Girls Club Historic Groundbreaking Ceremony

The South Queens Boys & Girls Club held a Groundbreaking Ceremony and Reception at their Clubhouse on 110-04 Atlantic Ave in Richmond Hill, NY on Thursday April 7^th at 3:00 p.m.

The South Queens Boys & Girls Club broke ground on a new Clubhouse building that will include a new regulation size gym, classroom space, new education and technology center, dance and music rooms. The club will also serve as a community center to offer services to new immigrants in the community.

The South Queens Boys & Girls Club has raised $8.64 million dollars in capital funding from State and City Elected Officials as well as the Port Authority of NY & NJ

There were over 100 people in attendance at this event including Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo and New York State Assembly members Rory Lancman and Michael Miller, New York City Council members Leroy Comrie, Elizabeth Crowley, Karen Koslowitz, Eric Ulrich and Ruben Wills. Board members, community members including school officials, community board members, as well as captains from the NYPD and FDNY were also in attendance.

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall, New York State Senator Joseph Addabbo, New York State Assembly Members Rory Lancman and Michael Miller, New York City Councilmembers Leroy Comrie, Karen Koslowitz, Eric Ulrich and Ruben Wills, and Ralph Tragale, Assistant Director of Government Affairs and SQBGC Board Vice President Join SQBGC Chairman Emeritus Joseph A. Ferrara, Chairman Phil Ballin, Board President George Russo, Executive Directors Leo Compton and Carol Simon, and Club kids as they break ground on the new Clubhouse on April 7^th

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall presents South Queens Boys & Girls Club Chairman Emeritus Joseph A. Ferrara a plaque to commemorate the historic ground breaking and his dedication to the children of the South Queens Boys & Girls Club for over 40 years.

Ulrich Urges Students to “Dream Big” at Career Day

Council Member Eric A. Ulrich (R-Queens) recently participated in Career Day at MS 137 America’s School of Heroes in Ozone Park. He spoke with students in two seventh grade classes and an eight grade gifted art class about the work he does every day for the neighborhood on the City Council, and stressed the importance of hard work and perseverance in achieving one’s goals. Council Member Ulrich urged the students to dream big and, much like a horserace, keep the blinders on and ignore distractions until they reach the finish line.

Ulrich said, “I was very impressed by the enthusiasm shown by all three classes I visited and by the students’ ideas for the future. Rest assured our city has a bright future because of these young adults.”

News from Assembly Member Audrey Pheffer...

Assemblywoman Pheffer Welcomes Queens County American Legion to Albany - March 24, 2011

(Pictured l-r: James Casey, Past NYS Department Commander; Assemblywoman Pheffer; Denis McEneaney, Past Department of NY Vice Commander and John Severa, Commander 10^th District)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome the Queens County American Legion members to Albany to discuss their legislative agenda for 2011.

The Queens County American Legion members were in Albany as part of the New York State American Legion Legislative Day.

Statement from Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer Regarding Recent Incidents of Bias - March 24, 2011

“I am dismayed and saddened upon learning of the incidents of bias that have occurred in the area over the past two days. It is disheartening to see such acts of prejudice that demonstrate a complete disregard for the struggles and sacrifices endured by others. I am confident that the officers of the 106^th Precinct will do all that is in their power to identify and bring to justice those responsible for these despicable acts,” said Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Congratulates Regent Kathleen M. Cashin - March 14, 2011

(Pictured l-r: Regent Kathleen M. Cashin and Assemblywoman Pheffer)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to congratulate Regent Kathleen M. Cashin on her recent election to the Board of Regents. Regent Cashin has served the students of New York City for over 40 years prior to her election. Regent Cashin was the regional superintendent for Region 5 which included Community School District #27. She will serve as a Regent for the 2^nd Judicial District.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Joins with Senator Flanagan To Provide Women With The Tools Needed For Early Detection Of Breast Cancer - March 9, 2011

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) is pleased to announce that she has joined with Senator John Flanagan to introduce legislation that would provide stronger preventative health care for women. The legislation requires insurance companies to cover the cost of supplemental screening for women who have dense breast tissue or who are at greater risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer.

The legislation would also require that every report a radiologist issues to a patient following a mammogram include information on breast density and information on the availability and usefulness of further screenings. This information will empower women to be more informed about their own medical situation so that they are better equipped to speak with their physicians and make decisions about their own health care.

According to leading medical studies, breast cancer is five times more likely in women with dense breast tissue but mammograms alone miss up to 40% of tumors that are present in women with dense breast tissue. By requiring insurance companies to cover supplemental screening tools and doctors to notify their patients of increased risk associated with dense breast tissue, it is believed that this will lead to earlier detection and greater survival rates.

“Breast Cancer has touched the lives of so many New Yorkers. It is important that we enact this legislation to ensure that women have access to the life-saving tools available, and are armed with all the information possible to fight against this disease,” said Assemblywoman Pheffer.

The legislation was spurred when the legislators were contacted by Ms. JoAnn Pushkin of Dix Hills, a breast cancer survivor turned advocate and co-founder of D.E.N.S.E. (Density Education National Survivors’ Effort). Ms. Pushkin’s cancer was diagnosed later than necessary as her annual mammograms were unable to detect a tumor through dense breast tissue. Ms. Pushkin worked closely with Senator Flanagan’s office to write the legislation and continues to work with him to make sure that the measure becomes law in New York State.

“JoAnn has been a tireless advocate for this legislation and I look forward to working with her and others to get this legislation passed in New York State,” said Senator Flanagan. “Women throughout our state should have the right to access all relevant medical information and our state has an obligation to make sure that those rights are protected.”

“When women aren’t told about their own breast density, and its inherent risk, we are denied the opportunity and choice to protect and advocate for ourselves. If early detection saves lives is still the golden rule, it is a safety net often denied women with dense breasts. It’s hard to protect yourself against what you haven’t even been told is a threat. It’s impossible to begin a dialog about additional screening tools if you don’t even know you should be asking about it. No one, especially any doctor involved in my health care, should have the option to keep any pertinent health information about me, from me. New York women owe much to Senator Flanagan and Assemblywoman Pheffer for bringing public awareness to this issue and for their efforts in introducing this groundbreaking legislation,” said Ms. Pushkin.

The State of Connecticut is currently the only state in the nation that requires this coverage. “With this life-saving legislation, the state of New York will be joining Connecticut to ensure that women are informed of their breast density for the early detection of breast cancer. A recent Harris Interactive survey found that 95% of women do not know their breast density even though it is a risk factor, and, only one in 10 women find out about breast density from their physician. With this legislation women will now receive critical information about their breast density and have access to reliable screening tools to find cancer when most treatable and the survival rate is high. The women of D.E.N.S.E. and I never had that opportunity,” added Dr. Nancy M. Cappello, President and Founder of Are You Dense, Inc. (www.areyoudense.org), co-founder of D.E.N.S.E. and the inspiration behind Connecticut’s legislation.

Assemblywoman Pheffer Welcomes Persaud Family to Albany – March 11, 2011

(Pictured l-r: Mr. & Mrs. Persaud, Assemblywoman Pheffer, Nadia Persaud and her Grandmother)

Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer (D-Queens) was pleased to welcome to Albany Nadia Persaud from M.S. 137-Q in Ozone Park, NY accompanied by her parents and grandmother on March 2, 2011. Nadia was selected by the New York Art Teachers Association to be a part of the 21^st Statewide Legislative Student Art Exhibit.

Also selected was Chistopher Poveda of M.S. 137-Q who was unable to make the trip to Albany. The Art Teacher who submitted their art work is Rose Aranya.