No Cost Mammograms Sponsored by Senator Addabbo - April 16th at Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corp

Queens Senior Center at Risk: State Budget Cuts Could Close Lifeline by Lisa L. Colangelo - NY Daily News

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Eleanor Errante (left), 89, and two pals socialize at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center

The neighborhoods of Woodhaven and Richmond Hill are so close that their borders often blur.

But when a senior center closed in Woodhaven nearly two years ago and residents were offered the chance to go to a facility in Richmond Hill, many opted to stay home.

Thanks to an unusual partnership, a new senior center opened on Jamaica Ave. in Woodhaven - also providing a steady stream of income for a struggling volunteer ambulance corps.

"This has made my life much happier," said Stella Pyatok, 89, who played cards at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Senior Center last week with friends while waiting for lunch. "I'm here practically every day."

The center celebrates its official opening on Friday. It serves more than 70 seniors a day at its renovated space at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps site.

The cash-strapped corps gets a monthly rent check.

"I'm just so glad to see they have somewhere to go," said Kathy Sexton-Dalbey, chief operating officer of the ambulance corps. "People don't realize how much these senior centers mean. I see what happens when they live alone and don't get checked on."

Queens Borough President Helen Marshall and other elected officials came up with the funds to renovate the facility so it can be used as a senior center.

Everyone is hoping those efforts weren't for naught. Catholic Charities of Brooklyn and Queens, which operates the facility under a contract with the city, just found out that it is one of 22 centers that could close if vital state funds aren't restored.

Eleanor Errante, 89, who has lived in Woodhaven since 1933, said the center is a safe place for seniors to get a nutritious meal, companionship and mental stimulation.

"Sometimes this is the only hot meal some seniors have for the day," Errante said.

Debbie Hoffer, director of field operations, and site manager Pat Critelli said the center also focuses on senior health with exercise classes, including yoga and t'ai chi.

"The number of people coming grows every day," said Hoffer. "And all we keep hearing is 'wait until the weather gets better' because even more will be here."

Small Business Seminar - Saturday February 12th (11am - 1pm) at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps - Sponsored by Assembly Member Mike Miller

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Free Seminar for Small Business Owners and Employees

When: February 12th

Time: 11am - 1pm

Where: Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps

78-15 Jamaica Avenue - Woodhaven, NY

Sponsored by Assembly Member Mike Miller

WRBA Holds First Meeting of 2011 Snow Tops Concerns by Lisa Fraser - Leader-Observer

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Resident David Quintana asks representative from Congressman Anthony Weiner's office to communicate to the the Congressman that we need to get out of Iraq and Afghanistan wars at WRBA's first meeting of 2011.

The Woodhaven Residents Block Association held their first meeting of 2011 last Saturday, January 8, at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Ambulance Corps. Topping concerns: the slow snow removal process on many of the blocks in Woodhaven.

Residents complained of uncleared snow on their respective blocks days after the storm, and one, Maria Concolino, said she noticed that some vendors on Jamaica Avenue and along the side streets didn't bother to shovel the snow to make a walkway for pedestrians.

Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley was on hand to discuss the frustrations residents faced and stated that she would confront the Mayor and sanitation on why the streets were not cleared in a timely fashion.

"When EMS workers cannot get to an emergency because the snow is now plowed, I do not believe that is the fault of the emergency service people," she said.

She informed the residents that a hearing would be held in the borough regarding the snow cleanup at Queens Borough Hall on January 21.

Assemblyman Michael Miller was also present and shared with residents, his experience with the storm – his block in Glendale was not plowed until Wednesday night because of a stuck car that the sanitation crew refused to move.

Edward Wendell, president of the block association, urged residents to become block captains so that they could be the eyes and ears of their block in situations such as the blizzard. Captains will report on to the WRBA what's happening on the block.

"The idea is to prepare ourselves for the next storm, whether it be a snow storm or a rain storm that we had last year ripped down trees," Wendell said. "We need to be able to quickly assess the damage in the neighborhood."

The WRBA would then get in touch with the captain so that in the event that sanitation or a local official contacts them, they know which blocks to hit first, and which trees are down or which blocks are without power. A map outlining the blocks that need a block captain can be found on the association's blog, wrba.wordpress.com.

Another nuisance that has been bothering a few residents in the recent weeks centered around a food truck vendor parked on 85th Street and Jamaica Avenue next to the J train station.

Vamce Barbour, treasurer of the WRBA, pointed out that he recently saw the vendor selling food at 10 p.m. one night. Another resident also reported seeing the vendor a few nights later. Maria Thomson, financial secretary of the WRBA said that he has no right to be parked on a residential street.

"I was able to get him off of Jamaica Avenue after many months," she said. She contacted Crowley's office in hopes to rid the vendor, who sells Mexican food, because he disrupts business on the avenue. She's now aiming to get him off of the residential block.

The next residents association meeting will be held on February 12. The meetings are held on Saturdays now because it is more convenient for residents to attend on the weekend instead of after work on a winter weeknight.

No Cost Mammograms in Woodhaven on January 30th Sponsored by Senator Addabbo

Senator Addabbo will be sponsoring No Cost Mammograms at the Woodhaven Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps on Sunday, January 30, 2011. People Must Call for Appointments.

New Center Option for Displaced Woodhaven Seniors is in the Works by Lisa L. Colangelo - NY Daily News

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WOODHAVEN seniors, tired of being bused to a center in Richmond Hill, may get a break under a plan being brokered by Borough President Helen Marshall.

Marshall wants to see the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps building on Jamaica Ave. used for some senior services.

In return, the cash-strapped ambulance corps would get some funds to keep its operations running.

"It's really enticing," Marshall said. "It's a great location."

Marshall's aides are setting up a meeting between the city Department for the Aging, Catholic Charities and the ambulance corps.

Catholic Charities runs the seniors' program, which used to operate out of St. Thomas the Apostle Church. When the church reclaimed the space, Catholic Charities offered local seniors bus service to another program in Richmond Hill.

"A lot of them are not going. They are staying home, and that's a shame," said Maria Thomson of the Greater Woodhaven Development Corp. "They really loved having a center closer to home."

Kathy Sexton-Dalbey, an emergency medical technician who is chief operating officer of the corps, said her group would be happy to host seniors in its building.

"Many of them work as poll workers on Election Day," she said. "They always come in here and talk to us. This is a good spot for them."

The volunteer ambulance corps building is at 78-18 Jamaica Ave., in the middle of the bustling shopping strip. The back room holds between 75 and 100 people. The driveway can accommodate Access-A-Ride buses and other vehicles.

But the structure needs some renovations, including work to make it accessible for people with disabilities. Marshall seemed confident that some government grant or other funds could be freed up to pay for the work.

The volunteer ambulance corps has been suffering from a shortage of donations and grants. If its headquarters is used for senior programs, the group will get a regular rent check.

City officials said the talks are still in the preliminary stage. But Marshall's spokesman, Dan Andrews, was hopeful.

"Everyone wants this to happen," he said.

lcolangelo@nydailynews.com

Volunteers Ring Alarm: Cash-Strapped Community Ambulance Corps to Charge Insurance by Lisa L. Colangelo - NYDaily News

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Helping their neighbors isn't just a hobby for sisters Kathy Sexton-Dalbey and Kelly Sexton of the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps.

It's a family tradition.

Their father, Timothy, helped start the corps 45 years ago. It's where he met their mom, Patricia.

That history gives them even more reason to keep the struggling volunteer ambulance service afloat.

A recent drop in donations, government grants and volunteers has hobbled the once-thriving group.

"The financial times have hit everyone hard," said Sexton-Dalbey," an emergency medical technician who is chief operating officer of the corps.

For the first time, they will be charging patients' insurance carriers for their service.

People who do not have insurance will not be charged. And no one will be asked to pay any money out of pocket.

"None of us get paid, and we never charged," she said. "But now we have to charge against the insurance to get some kind of payment."

She estimates it costs a minimum of $65,000 a year just to keep the service running.

The group has about 35 active members. That's down from a high of 135 more than a decade ago.

Members of the community pulled together recently to hold a pasta dinner benefit.

The corps has a page on Facebook and is looking into new ways to raise money. Their pals at the cash-strapped Woodhaven Residents' Block Association recently contributed $500 to help out.

Block Association President Ed Wendell has seen firsthand how the volunteer ambulance corps helps the neighborhood.

"My wife's mom needed a transfer from one hospital to another," said Wendell. "A private ambulance would have charged hundreds of dollars, which she couldn't afford. The corps did it for free."

Sexton-Dalbey said the corps also is a good training ground for people interested in the medical field.

"We handle everything from sick calls to jumpers on the J train to transports," she said. "If we had the staff, we would be here 2-4/7."

For information about the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, call (718) 296-7918.

An Emerging Emergency Service by Paulina Reso - nyunews.com

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Tisch junior Cameron Justice was biking to his job at Palladium when his pedal snapped. The bike went flying and he crashed head first into the pavement. He called Public Safety, thinking Safe Ride could transport him to an emergency room. He told an officer, "Look, I could be bleeding in my brain. I need to go to the hospital."

Cameron Justice is forming a student-run EMS service.

Photo Caption: Cameron Justice is forming a student-run EMS service. Priyanka Katumulwa

Cameron Justice is forming a student-run EMS service.

Little did he know it would take four and a half hours before the NYU Health Center could take him to a hospital. He was released the same day and was left with bruising on his jaw and minor abrasions.

After his accident in June, Justice realized the need for student-run emergency medical services at NYU.

"It just hit me. NYU's a pretty prestigious school. It has a great medical program," he said. "Why don't we have this?"

In July he began developing NYU EMS. If approved by New York State, he hopes to have student EMTs staffing on-campus events.

Little did he know it would take four and a half hours before the NYU Health Center could take him to a hospital. He was released the same day and was left with bruising on his jaw and minor abrasions.

After his accident in June, Justice realized the need for student-run emergency medical services at NYU.

"It just hit me. NYU's a pretty prestigious school. It has a great medical program," he said. "Why don't we have this?"

In July he began developing NYU EMS. If approved by New York State, he hopes to have student EMTs staffing on-campus events.

He also started the Emergency Health Education Club, which certifies students in CPR. Students pay a discounted price of $80. The money earned will be put toward NYU EMS's efforts to raise money for a "fly car." This emergency vehicle has the necessary supplies to prepare a victim before EMTs arrive on-site. It is cheaper than an ambulance, which costs around $200,000.

NYU EMS is partnering with Woodhaven-Richmond Hill EMS, a volunteer transport agency based in Queens. Justice and his executive board have worked out a deal: If students sign a contract to volunteer with Woodhaven-Richmond Hill EMS for a required number of hours, they can take the EMT course for free. Classes usually range from $800 to $1,000. The 120-hour class will run from January to April.

Justice is well equipped to start these organizations. He is majoring in photography and imaging at Tisch but also has a pre-med concentration. He is trained in CPR, AED and first aid. And since June, Justice has been riding with the Central Park Medical Unit, a volunteer ambulance corps.

Growing up in Yakima, Wash., Justice was exposed to the medical world. His father works as a radiologist and his mother is a licensed nutritionist. But when his parents were hit by a drunk driver, the impact of the event rattled him and he clung to photography to cope. His mother left the hospital with four stitches, but his father was in a coma for two and a half weeks.

"It was my survival," he said. "It was a way I could safely explore the world and express what was going on inside."

Still, Justice knows he will become a doctor. After graduation he wants to take at least one year off before going to medical school. He is considering taking a surf photography course in Indonesia or going to paramedic school and working abroad.

According to Justice, NYU EMS would not only serve the university community, but it would relieve the city's overextended medical services. The group will be trained to determine if a patient should receive medical attention or not.

"We can save the city's EMS from responding to unnecessary calls," he said. "It would be a godsend for the city."

Paulina Reso is a contributing writer.

Surprise Visit by Police Commissioner Ray Kelly to the Woodhaven Residents Block Asssociation Meeting - October 21st, 2009

I attended the Woodhaven Residents Block Association (WRBA) October meeting held at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps on October 21st...

I had been debating whether to go to the 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting or the WRBA meeting since I knew NYPD Police Commissioner Ray Kelly was going to be at the 102nd Pct meeting, but I opted to go WRBA meeting...less hassles and nice people...

Much to my surprise Chief Kelly made an unannounced visit to the WRBA meeting after attending the 102nd Precinct Community Council meeting held at the nearby Moose Hall in Richmond Hill...

I imagine he doesn't have to stop at traffic lights or get speeding tickets, so it's only a few minute drive, lol...

Also in attendance and speaking were State Assemblyman Michael Miller, he spoke about pending and proposed legislature in the New York State Assembly...

City Councilman Eric Ulrich and City Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley's representative Kate Mooney spoke about the upcoming municipal elections and initiatives they've undertaken in the community....

And, four members of the Franklin K. Lane student government were on-hand to inform the civic and it's members of their upcoming dance night..

I cross-posted the WRBA blog's newest post regarding their next meeting on November 7th, below the slide show...

Here are a few photos from the meeting...

Click here to view these pictures larger

Woodhaven Town Hall Saturday « Wrba's Blog:...

Here’s a reminder that the next Woodhaven Town Hall will be held this Saturday, November 7th, at 1 PM at the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corp – 78-15 Jamaica Avenue. Do you like the direction the neighborhood is taking? Do you have problems but don’t know where to turn? Do you have good ideas but feel like no one is listening? Then come on down!

We get a healthy turnout — and the meetings are never dull. We also get good attendance from our local represetatives. And sometimes we get a surprise guest, like we did last month when we were visited by New York City Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly.

You are more than welcome to come in, sit down and join the discussion!

Upcoming No-Cost Mammography in Woodhaven on October 17th...

A No-Cost Mammography Testing - Appointment Necessary


When: Saturday - October 17th, 2009
Where: Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Ambulance Corps
78-15 Jamaica Avenue - Woodhaven, NY 11421
Sponsored by: American Italian Cancer Foundation and
state Senator Joe Addabbo

For more information call: 800-453-8378 ext. 1

Addabbo, CUNY Team Up for Immigrants -Queens Chronicle

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Almost 150 Queens immigrants, from the Ivory Coast to Israel, turned out for Citizenship Now! — a free program, sponsored by City Councilman Joseph Addabbo Jr. and the City University of New York to help people become full citizens. Throughout the three-hour event, families and individuals met with CUNY lawyers who provided free counseling on a number of issues from the particulars of filling out forms to citizenship test preparation.

“Immigration is a family issue and it’s important that we keep families together so that they live free and prosper,” Addabbo said. “New York City was built on the backs of immigrants who continue to play a vital role in our economy and culture. As the grandchild of Italian immigrants who braved the Atlantic to make a better life for themselves, I have a tremendous amount of respect for the strength that comes from struggle.

Two CUNY law students on Addabbo’s staff are there to help residents with immigration issues every Monday. Call (718) 738-1111 for more information.

No-Cost or Low Cost Mammograms in Woodhaven on October 12th at the WRHVAC Coordinated by CM Joe Addabbo and American Italian Cancer...

Click to enlarge pic...

Click to enlarge pic...