NEW YORK TREND JAN 21 TO JAN 31, 2010

Scientologist Send Medical and Spiritual Aid to Haiti

Message from Wycleff

A charter fl ight organized by the Church of Scientology carried 126 doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and Sci-entology Volunteer Ministers to Port-au-Prince where the group arrived Sunday. Assisted by Homeland Security, the plane left JFK International Airport Saturday to provide urgently needed help in Haiti in the wake of the 7.3 magnitude earthquake that hit the island on January 12. The effort brought together medical doctors and nurses from the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (Association des Medecins Haitiens a l’Etranger), para-medics and emergency medical technicians from New York City and New Jersey led by the Bedford-Stuyvesant Volunteer Am-bulance Corps, and Scientology Volunteer Ministers from New York, Tampa and else-where. The group arrived in Port-au-Prince Sun-day afternoon, after spending the night in

Miami due to delayed departure from JFK as a result of the security alert that closed the airport Saturday afternoon. Upon arrival in Haiti, the group was es-corted to an area of the city where non-gov-ernmental organizations (NGOs) and relief organizations are headquartered. They met with offi cials of other relief organizations, including Doctors Without Borders, to co-ordinate their efforts and to bring their rein-forcements to the greatly overtaxed medical teams. The Puerto Rican government has char-tered a ship arriving Tuesday to bring more Scientology Volunteer Ministers and their 100-foot-by-20-foot bright yellow tent to Haiti. The tent, and a half-dozen other Vol-unteer Ministers yellow tents donated by Churches of Scientology, will be erected on the grounds of the shattered Presidential Palace to form a hospital and trauma relief and grief counseling center.

Teams of Scientology Volunteer Min-isters from throughout the U.S., Mexico, Europe and elsewhere will provide admin-

istrative and organizational support to the medical teams, distribute supplies and provide trauma relief and grief counsel-ing to the victims and their families. “We had to reach out to provide sub-stantial and meaningful help to the vic-tims of this disaster,” said Pat Harney, a spokesperson for the Scientology Vol-unteer Ministers who is heading up the team in Haiti. “We have an outpouring of support from Scientologists and others

around the world and we are underway in getting much- needed aid to the people of Port-au-Prince.” The Scientology Volunteer Ministers Corps is an embracive program of the Church of Scientology to provide commu-nity service, disaster relief and emergency response. Created more than 30 years ago by Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard, the program has expanded to 203,000 Volunteer Ministers worldwide who have served at 145 worst-case disaster sites, in-cluding Ground Zero after 9/11, the South-east Asia tsunami and Hurricane Katrina.

Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text "Yele" to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can visit www.yele.org and click on " DONATE ".

Doctors, Nurses, Scientology Volunteers and Ministers gather at John F. Kennedy Airport on their way to Haiti

January 21 to January 31, 2010

NEWYORK

NEWYORKTREND

Special Edition: RECOVERING HAITI

2 NEW YORK TREND January 21 to January 31, 2010

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The devastating earth quakes that have ripped through Port-au-Prince, Haiti have not only

brought worldwide attention to the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but have also sparked heated debates over U.S. participation in the rescue efforts. ‘Many African-Americans feel a historic debt to Haiti, where a slave revolt led to the found-ing of the world's first black republic in 1804. Complicated issues of race also lie behind Haiti's enduring poverty and unrest over the next two centuries...’ Some political leaders have expressed a duty to help Haiti because of the country’s heroic stance against slavery. "We always took pride in the heroism of the Haitians," said the Rev. Jesse Jackson in an interview, ‘noting that Haiti was the first country to end slav-ery in the hemisphere.’ But despite this history making stance against slavery, Haiti has suf-fered for centuries and has received less than inviting friendship and loving embraces from governments around

the world, including the U.S. The shun-ning or disparaging labeling of Haiti has been and remains a stigma to the development of a “new Haiti.” Phrases like “barriers to progress,” “uncooper-ative and stagnated political represen-tation,” ‘dangerous and threatening environment,” even “voodoo” and non-Christian beliefs circulate in dis-cussions about helping Haiti. Whether or not any of these issues or all of them in totality have constructed a

view of Haiti as a society that is beyond help, does not preclude the fact that Haiti is entitled to full humanitarian efforts for rescue and future develop-ment. The visions of making Haiti into a resort destination and open and invit-ing to U.S. contractors to build hous-ing, develop commercial property and invite other countries to join in these efforts were close, according to U.S. Envoy, former President Bill Clinton, prior to the earthquakes. President Clinton spoke with reserve, but encour-agement that after the relief efforts are complete and normalcy is restored, progressive efforts for Haiti’s economy and travel industry expansion will begin. Even with President Clinton’s enthu-siasm and proven track record of diplo-macy in other countries, the undertak-

ing to develop a “new” Haiti should not be underestimated. As far back as before the 1900’s, Haiti was still con-sidered a disguarded and ignored enti-ty, despite its historical significance. ‘The abolitionist Frederick Douglass gave an impassioned speech in 1893 at the opening of the Haiti Pavilion at the World's Fair in Chicago questioning why Haiti was shunned, despite its contributions to the cause of freedom.’African Americans have been leading

the way in relief funds and rescue sup-port efforts. ‘The Congressional Black Caucus has been the loudest voice on Capitol Hill for Haiti, focusing on such issues as granting Haitians the same immigration rights as Cubans who make it to the U.S. by sea. The group already had urged the U.S. to support the suspension of Haitian debt to major international creditors.’

Since the quake, black members of Congress have held emergency meetings with State Department

officials and sponsored bills that would ease charitable donations for Haiti. Delegate Eleanor Holmes Norton, the District of Columbia's nonvoting member of Congress, said African-American organizations had a special obligation to help.’

President Obama set a precedent

that the Black Caucus embraced. Obama immediately enlisted the help of former President’s George Bush and Bill Clinton to work together to attract financial support and lead the humani-tarian effort of getting sizable dona-tions for Haiti. One of the critics of these efforts has been the perpetual Obama basher, Rush Limbaugh who sees the disaster in Haiti as a way for President Obama to put himself on an undeserved platform. My response to that is very simple, point the finger at Obama and like the kids say, four fin-gers point back at you. If Limbaugh and other Obama detractors feel this is the President’s strategy to garner

ratings in public polls, their attitudes ring true of the great disaster in New Orleans and how the motives of humanitarians was questioned . The critics comments always ring of divi-siveness. Discrimination is the usual culprit that prevents us from feeling good about helping out our fellow man and woman despite ethnicity. Cannot get around it, Limbaugh and others like him sink down to a level that’s despicable – but who would expect differently when people of color need help and are garnering attention to their horrible conditions and just might result in a turning point for a better life and improved econo-my.Give your conscience to the relief efforts to help the victims of the earth-quakes in Haiti.

EDITORIALNEWYORKTRENDONLINE.COM

NEW YORK TREND January 21 to January 31, 2010 3

Dr. Teresa Taylor WilliamsOwner & Publisher/Executive Editor

Even with President Clinton’s enthusiasm and proven track record of diplo-macy in other countries, the undertaking to develop a “new” Haiti should not be underestimated.

Underlying the Rescue is the future of the ‘New Haiti’

Vol. 20 No. 166

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By Donna Lamb

Want to know what the human embodiment of perseverance, fortitude and sheer hard work looks like? Then take a good look at New York City Council Member Debi Rose, the fi rst African American offi cial elected in Staten Island history. Last November, on her third run for the of-fi ce, close to 14,000 North Shore voters went to the polls and chose this indomitable woman with her "never say die" attitude to represent them in the City Council. Rose had bested incumbent Kenneth Mitchell in the Democratic primary, and when he came back to run against her on the Conservative line in the general election, she trounced him again, along with Republican can-

didate Timothy Kuhn. "Debi Rose reporting for duty," declared the Council Member with typical vivacity at her in-auguration. "I am on deck and ready to work. I believe this is the highest calling in a democratic society." And Rose is hitting the ground running, ready to push for movement on issues that gravely af-fect the lives of North Shore residents. She is de-

termined to:• Improve the borough's transportation sys-

tem, including reestablishing the North Shore Railroad,

• Increase the availability of high quality, affordable health care for local residents through securing funds for the borough's two hospital systems,

• Procure an additional high school on the

North Shore to alleviate overcrowding,• Obtain a new Mariners Harbor library as

well as• Bring about new economic development and

environmental justice for the North Shore.

"These have been serious and unaddressed issues in our community for years," Rose ex-plains. "You can rest assured that I will not let up until our district gets its fair share of infra-structure improvements and educational and health care facilities that will repair and revital-ize our neighborhoods." Debi Rose is certainly no stranger to pub-lic service. A second-generation Staten Island native, she has fought tirelessly for the North Shore's betterment since she was a teenager. She has held a wide range of professional, elected, and volunteer positions, proving her-self an effective advocate for issues around public health, education, senior services, youth programs, the environment, economic devel-opment and housing. Since 1990, Rose has served as the executive director of the Liberty Partnership Program at the College of Staten Island, a state-funded dropout prevention program. Under her guid-ance, over 2,500 at-risk high school students have achieved an 89 percent graduation rate through special counseling, tutoring and men-toring. Rose was elected to the Community School Board in 1996 and has fought diligently for new and improved schools for the North Shore. She has consistently worked to develop strong public/private partnerships and encour-aged parents to stay involved with their chil-dren's education. Rose has also maintained a long-time com-mitment to several community groups, in-cluding her leadership roles with Community Board #1, Staten Island Mental Health Society, NY Urban League, National Council of Negro Women, Staten Island African-American Po-litical Association and the American Cancer Society. About her historic victory, Rose tells her sup-porters, "There are no words that can express how I feel. From the bottom of my heart I thank each and every one of you, but more important-ly, you should thank each other because this is your victory. I love you all, and together we will create a North Shore where our families, friends and neighbors can live happily, health-fully and safely together."

NEWYORKTRENDONLINE.COMPOLITICSThe Indomitable Debi Rose

Staten Island's First African American Elected Official

Newly Elected Council Member Debi Rose

Photo by Donna Lamb

The Jamaican Consulate General offi ce in New York is helping to mobilize support to help millions of people affected an earth-quake, which devastated Haiti on January 12. New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand, New York City Councilmember Matthieu Eugene, Haiti Consul General, Felix Augustin and New York City Deputy Commissioner, Brad Billett, attended an emergency community and press briefi ng at the Consulate General of Jamaica Offi ce in Manhattan.

Consul General Geneive Brown Metzger

who hosted the meeting said that while the extent of the devastation is being accessed, Jamaicans and other nationalities in New York, Connecticut and Jersey are ready to provide material and moral support for Haiti. She explained that the Jamaican consul-ate as part of the Caribbean Consular Corps is leading a major “Radiothon” to drive do-nations to Haiti through the Salvation Army, Food For the Poor and the Red Cross. While expressing solidarity with the Government and people of Haiti, New York Senator Gillibrand and Councilmember Eu-

gene along with members of the Jamaican community pledged their support to assist the country. Consul General Augustin said he was very pleased by the out-pouring of support from the people of all nationalities and praised the Consul General Brown Metzger and the Ja-maican Consulate for organizing the meeting. The international Red Cross estimated 45,000 to 50,000 people were killed in Tues-day's cataclysmic earthquake, based on infor-mation from the Haitian Red Cross and gov-ernment offi cials.

Governor David A. Paterson has established an online registry of New York State citizens in Haiti at the time of that country’s horrifi c earthquake. The creation of the registry is the fi rst step in what may be a lengthy process of locating New Yorkers. Both the web-based application and a toll free telephone hotline have been activated.

“Presently there is little information from Haiti because the earthquake caused exten-sive damage to Haiti’s infrastructure,” Gov-ernor Paterson said. “Although there is a massive international relief effort under way, it will take time until Haiti’s infrastructure is restored and systems are in place to help lo-cate and identify individuals. “However, collecting information now about New York citizens in Haiti will help locate them once information becomes avail-able,” the Governor added. “Once the mas-sive response to this catastrophe is in place, I am sure a number of organizations will work to reunite loved ones. This registry will be of vital importance to that effort.” To access the online registry, go to the Gov-ernor’s website, www.ny.gov/governor/ and click on the New York State Registry of New York Citizens in Haiti. You will be asked to provide the name of the individuals you have not had contact with and provide some es-sential contact information. The information collected will not be used or shared for any purpose unrelated to locating and identifying family and friends in Haiti. For those who do not have access to the web, the Governor has established a hotline – 1-888-769-7243 – staffed at the Department

of Taxation and Finance which has provided this same service during responses to the World Trade Center attack in 2001, Hurri-canes Katrina and Rita in 2005, and the recent emergency closure of the Lake Champlain Bridge in October 2009. The hotline will be operations from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekends and holidays. Governor Paterson said that New York State agencies continue to work with federal and City offi cials identifying resources that may be requested by the Federal government in this massive relief effort. The Governor has pledged all available State resources to this effort. “Once again, let me express to the Haitian community overseas and here in New York that the thoughts and prayers of all New York-ers continue to be with you in this darkest of hours.” Governor Paterson said. “I also know that New Yorkers are car-ing people. They want to do something. They want to help. But with the extensive damage to the Haitian infrastructure, the best way New Yorkers can help right now is to donate what they can – one, fi ve or ten dollars – to credible organizations who can get the goods and supplies that are needed into the hands of the people who need them.” Some of these organizations and informa-tion on how to donate is listed below, and posted on http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/HelpingHaiti.html. The American Red Cross • To make a donation, visit American Red

Cross; • To donate by text: dial “HAITI” to

“90999” and a donation of $10 will be given automatically to the Red Cross to help with relief efforts, charged to your cell phone bill.

• UNICEF • To make a donation, visit UNICEF • You can also call 1-800-4UNICEF. • Yele Haiti • To make a donation, visit Yele Haiti; • You can also text “Yele” to 501501 and

$5 will be charged to your phone bill and given to relief projects through the organization.

• Operation USA • To make a donation, visit Operation

USA; • To donate by phone call 1-800-678-

7255; • Send a check to: Operation USA 3617

Hayden Ave, Suite A Culver City, CA 90232

• Partners In Health • To make a donation, visit Partners in

Health • Mercy Corps • To make a donation, visit Mercy Corps; • To donate by phone call 1-888-256-

1900; • Send a check to: Mercy Corps Haiti

Earthquake Fund; Dept NR P.O. Box 2669 Portland, OR 97208

• Direct Relief • To make a donation, visit Direct Relief • Oxfam • To make a donation, visit Oxfam • International Medical Corps • To make a donation, visit International

Medical Corps

Jamaicans in New York to Mobilize Support for Haitians

Governor Paterson Announces Launch of Online Registry of New York Citizens in Haiti



City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg an-nounced that employees of the City of New York will be able to set aside part of their paychecks directly to aid in the Haitian di-saster relief efforts. The Mayor’s Fund to Advance New York City will ensure contri-butions through the program are directed to reputable organizations that are providing relief in Haiti. The Speaker, the Mayor, and Council Members Mathieu Eugene and Ju-maane Williams unveiled the new program on the Mayor’s weekly radio show on WOR Radio. “This is an opportunity for those of us who are lucky enough to live and work in the most diverse and culturally rich City in the world to reach out our hands in support of those suffering in neighboring Haiti,” said Speaker Christine C. Quinn. “This au-

tomatic payroll deduction program is a sim-ple and efficient way to help our neighbors in Haiti at their hour of need.” “The scale of the devastation in Haiti is, as we all know, so enormous that it is almost beyond comprehension,” said Mayor Michael Bloomberg. But at the same time, every single gift of money, no matter how small, makes a difference, and today we’re making it easier than ever for City employ-ees to give.” “I want to thank Speaker Quinn and Mayor Bloomberg for making this happen. It's just another way that this City continues to show how it is working to do its part in coordinating relief for the people of Haiti,” said Council Member Mathieu Eugene. “I look forward in continuing to work with the Speaker and the Mayor in coordinating additional relief efforts in my district and

throughout the city for the people of Haiti.” “I applaud New York City for creat-ing a simple way for City employees to give to the Haitian Relief effort,” said Council Member Jumaane Williams. “This is exactly the type of coordinated, effective and ef-ficient response needed and expected from New York City government.” Working with the City’s Office of Payroll Administration, the Council and the Mayor new citywide payroll deduction program will begin on the paychecks and direct de-posits on February 5, 2010. All City em-ployees who wish to participate to elect to donate a specified amount of money from each paycheck earmarked to further Haitian Relief Efforts in the aftermath of the dev-astating earthquake. These tax-deductible deductions will run for two months spread over four pay periods.

There are 300,000 City employees. If each one of them earmarked just $1 per pay-check for the four pay periods for Haiti, we would raise $1.2 million for the relief effort just from this simple program alone. City Employees can participate by vis-iting the action center on the City Council home page at http://council.nyc.gov and find a link for the NYC Payroll Deduction Program for Haitian Relief Effort.

By Donna Lamb

In the aftermath of Haiti's latest catas-trophe, Council Member Mathieu Eugene, the first Haitian American elected to the City Council, sends his thoughts, prayers and heartfelt sympathy to his brothers and sisters in Haiti as they continue to cope with this tragedy. He also extends these senti-ments to all those living in the United States and throughout the Diaspora who have, as he does, family and loved ones in Haiti. "This earthquake is a huge blow to a na-tion already struggling with great adversity, and I am deeply saddened by it," said the Council Member. "Meanwhile, I am do-ing everything in my power to help bring relief. I am working with my colleagues at the city, state and federal level to assess the situation, and we are putting together our resources to most effectively respond to this tragedy." Eugene is remaining in constant con-

tact with Washington, DC to keep updated about the situation while he also continues his meetings with Governor David Pater-son, Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn as well as other elected officials and community lead-ers gravely concerned about Haiti. "Just as we did several years ago when Haiti was hit by devastating hurricanes, we are doing ev-erything we can to meet this crisis," Eugene stated. The Council Member also said he is touched by and very grateful to the many New Yorkers who immediately showed their eagerness to step forward and assist in every way possible. Meanwhile, it is clear that this disaster is so overwhelming that the United States government and the United Nations will need to lead the relief effort, particu-larly since Haiti lacks the infrastructure to facilitate the effort. As Mayor Bloomberg stated, instead of donating material goods such as food and clothing, the most efficient way to help now

is through monetary contributions that can go directly to relief organizations on the scene and allow them to buy the supplies and equipment to address the most urgent needs. One of the best ways to give money is through the Mayor's Fund to Advance New York, which will direct contributions to well-established reputable organizations that are working on the scene, such as the American Red Cross. The Mayor's Fund can be reached by calling 311. Even before this earthquake, the region's worst in 200 years, Council Member Eugene was in the process of drawing together an alliance to augment support and send more help to this nation that has, in recent years, been ravaged repeatedly by natural disas-ters. In light of this recent catastrophe, the Council Member is stepping up his efforts to put together a coalition of leaders from within the Haitian community to work with other American city, state and federal offi-cials to bring about the best results. "I urge everyone - both within the Haitian commu-

nity and people of good will everywhere - to come together in support of Haiti," Eugene said. "Please call my district office at (718) 287-8762 to become a part of this effort."

COMMUNITYNEWS NEWYORKTRENDONLINE.COMMETRO

New Payroll Deduction Program for City Employees New Payroll Deduction Program for City Employees to Support Haitian Relief Programto Support Haitian Relief Program

Haitian American Council Member Mathieu Eugene Haitian American Council Member Mathieu Eugene Responding to Haiti EarthquakeResponding to Haiti Earthquake

Council Member Mathieu EugeneDonna Lamb Photo

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Nassau County Legislator Kevan Abrahams (D-Hempstead) gathered a wide cross section of community, religious and business leaders, humanitarian groups, social service agencies, the American Red Cross and members of the Haitian community to coordinate efforts to aid the earthquake victims in Haiti. He was also joined by Legislator Robert Trioano (D-West-bury), who is coordinating with the Town of North Hempstead to establish drop off points for relief in the town parks. The group rallied in support of the victims to-day at the Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes church in Roosevelt. Legislator Abrahams announced that together with City National Bank Presi-dent Louis Prezeau has established the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund to accept donations through City National Bank in Roosevelt. The bank’s president, Mr. Prezeau, is from Haiti. This account will provide a resource to solicit monetary donations and contributions from supportive customers, corporate partners, lo-cal businesses and the many concerned citi-

zens. Anyone wishing to donate to the fund can call Legislator Abrahams’ office at 516-571-6201 or the City National Bank at 1-800-966-8262, ext. 600 or 680.“The devastation in Haiti may be over 1,500 miles away, but the feeling of loss and heart-break is right here at our doorstep,” Abrahams said. “Our Haitian friends, neighbors and co-workers who live here in Roosevelt, Union-dale and in so many other communities in Nassau County are in pain today. I hope that our efforts here will let them know that they are not alone. We want to help.”Abrahams also kicked off the donations by texting to the American Red Cross to give a $10 donation. (See instructions below). Drop off points for relief, such as water, canned good and medical supplies, includes One West Street in Mineola.Abrahams also announced that local business-man Arthur Katz, president of Knockout Pest Control in Uniondale, has offered to match lo-cal contributions the Haitian Emergency Re-lief Fund totaling up to $10,000 for earthquake relief in Haiti. “As Haiti deals with the overwhelming trag-edy as a result of the massive earthquake on January 12 I am asking for the support of the Long Island community in creating a large do-nation that will go much further than individ-ual contributions in helping those affected,” said Katz. In addition, Gilford Finch of Giggles Comedy Plus, 468 West Peninsula Blvd. in Hempstead, has announced that he will be hosting a fund-raiser for Haitian earthquake victims on Satur-day, January 16. Minister Kebraau Nicolas of Baldwin gave an emotional speech telling those present that her father and brother had left from Kennedy Air-port on Monday night bound for Haiti. She is awaiting word that they are safe.

Among the supporters at the press confer-ence were:• Pastor Jean Albert ReJouis of Eglise Pen-

tecotiste de la Croisade Evangelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes

• Sam Kille of the American Red Cross• The Economic Opportunity Commission• Doug Mayers, Long Island Caribbean As-

sociation• Haitian American Family of Long Island

–HAFALI• Haitian Americans Friendship Associa-

tion• Urban League• Elsie Claudy of Claudy Beauty Supply• Mervyn Campbell of the Uniondale Fire

Department• Dr. Steven Lloyd, Superintendent of the

Uniondale School District• Robert Wayne Harris, Superintendent of

the Roosevelt School District• To Donate funds to Haitian relief:Haiti Emergency Relief Fund 1-800-966-8262, ext. 600 or 608.

Drop off points for relief include:• One West Street, Mineola• Eglise Pentecotiste de la Croisade Evan-

gelique des Pecheurs D’Hommes church in Roosevelt

• Tabernacle of Joy in Uniondale• Giggles Comedy Club in Hempstead• Claudy’s Beauty Supply in Uniondale• One Offering Tabernacle Church in

Hempstead• Town of North Hempstead parks

To trace family members in Haiti:www.icrc.org/familylinks

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano has announced Nassau’s plan to assist the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. “Nassau is prepared to not only respond lo-cally, but internationally as well,” said Man-gano. “We have to do everything we can to help those who are suffering during this pain-ful time.” Working with the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management and several com-munity groups, the county will provide the following: • 10,000 Meals Ready To Eat • 20,000 bottles of water • Establish 888-684-4278 for callers to

find the best way to send aid • Drop-off points for people to bring non-

perishable donations • Warehouse space for goods to be gath-

ered and placed on trailers Nassau County is also working with the not-for-profit group Hispanics Across Amer-ica, which is coordinating "Operation Rescue Haiti.” Donations gathered across Nassau County will be brought to a county-owned warehouse and prepared for shipping. Hispan-ics Across America will coordinate the ship-ment of goods to Haiti.

Items that are needed include summer clothing, shoes, and non-perishables such as rice, canned goods, beans, rice, cooking oil, diapers, toothpaste, toothbrushes and toilet-ries. “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Haitian community and their families from Port-Au-Prince to Elmont. The people of my district are personally impacted by the de-struction of the earthquake in Haiti. We will do everything we can to make sure the assis-tance is provided as quickly as humanly pos-sible. I personally am joining with colleagues in sponsoring a food drive, taking place this Friday evening, to provide relief to Haiti. All non-perishable and monetary donations will be accepted,” said Legislator John Ciotti (R-North Valley Stream). “The American spirit demonstrates compas-sion for the sacredness of all human life when confronted by suffering. Hispanics Across America thanks County Executive Mangano for making available space for a container to be filled with needed supplies,” said Rev. Al-lan Ramirez from Hispanics Across America. “Only by working together can we bring assistance to the people of Haiti,” said Manga-no. “Every nation, town and county is reach-ing out to help those in need.”

ONLONGISLANDNEWYORKTRENDONLINE.COM


COMMUNITYNEWSAbrahams & Community Leaders Coordinate to

Assist Victims of Devastating Earthquake in Haiti

Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano joins government and civic leaders to collect much needed supplies for the relief of the Haitian people who have suffered under the current catastrophe. (L-R): Douglas Mayers, President of the Long Island Caribbean Association; Kevin Burke, President of Kasike Inc., a commercial maintenance service company; Legislator John Ciotti of the 3rd Legislative District; County Executive Edward Mangano; Deputy Commissioner of the Nassau County Police Department Angel Rios; Bishop Fernando Rodriguez of the Latin/African American Chaplains Association; and James Callahan, Commissioner of the Nassau County Office of Emergency Management.

Here, Legislator Kevan Abrahams announces the establishment of the Haiti Emergency relief fund.

Legislator Abrahams comforts Minister Kebraau Nicolas who gave an emotional speech telling those present that her father and brother had left from Kennedy Airport on Monday night bound for Haiti. She is awaiting word that they are safe.

County Executive Mangano Mobilizes Haiti Assistance Effort


PUBLIC NOTICEOF

COUNTY TREASURER’S SALEOF TAX LIENS ON REAL ESTATE

IN THE TOWN OF HEMPSTEAD & THE TOWN OF NORTH HEMPSTEADNotice is hereby given that I shall, from the 16th day of February, 2010 through the 19th day of February, 2010, beginning at 10:00 o’clock in the morning each day, in the Legislative Chamber, First Floor, Theodore Roosevelt Executive And Legislative Building, 1550 Franklin Avenue, Mineola, New York, sell at public auction the tax liens on certain real estate, unless the owner, mortgagee, occupant of or any other party in interest in such real estate shall have paid to the County Treasurer by Febru-ary 11, 2010 the total amount of such unpaid taxes or assessments with the interest, penalties and other expenses and charges against the property. As required by Section 5-44.0 of the Nassau County Administrative Code, the County Treasurer shall charge a registration fee of $100.00 per day to each person who shall seek to bid at the public auction as defi ned above. A list of all real estate in Nassau County on which tax liens are to be sold is available at the website of the Nassau County Treasurer at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Treasurer/Annual_Tax_Lien_Sale/tax_sale_listing.html. A partial listing of the real estate located in school district number(s) 1 in the Town of Hempstead and school district number(s) 2, 6 in the Town of North Hempstead only upon which tax liens are to be sold will be printed in this newspaper during the week of February 8, 2010.

THE NASSAU COUNTY TREASURER

MINEOLA, NEW YORKDated: January 15, 2010


HEALTH

Infl uenza is still circulating in New York City, and the season is still young, the Health Depart-ment reminded New Yorkers. The H1N1 virus is likely to persist in the coming months, and sea-sonal infl uenza could increase as well, as it often does during the winter months. Fortunately, there is still time to get vaccinated – and vaccines to prevent both types of infl uenza are widely avail-able. This reminder comes on the eve of National Infl uenza Vaccination Week, a nationwide effort sponsored by the Department of Health and Hu-man Services (HHS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It also coincides with the publication of a new study by the CDC and the Health Department appearing today in the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, which provides the fullest analysis yet of the fi rst 99 patients hospitalized for H1N1 infl uenza in New York City last spring.

The report, available at www.cdc.gov/mmwr, summarizes the fi rst hospitalized patients’ demographic and medical features. It fi nds that more than half (59%) of the hospitalized patients were under the age of 18, and 74% had one of the known underlying medical conditions that can cause more severe cases of infl uenza. The most common underlying health condition was asthma, found in 48% of hospitalized cases. Obe-sity was observed in 60% of adults and 18% of children for whom height and weight were avail-able. The study emphasizes the importance of vaccination for people with these and other risk factors for severe illness or complications from infl uenza. “The best way to protect yourself or your loved ones from becoming very ill is to get vaccinated,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “People in priority groups are at higher risk of hospitalization and death if they get sick. So don’t take the risk – get the vaccine today.” Last month, the Health Department lifted any remaining restrictions on H1N1 vaccine eligibil-ity, while continuing to target those in high-prior-ity groups. Those groups include pregnant wom-en, anyone between 6 months and 24 years old, and adults with chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or immune defi ciency. Health care workers and people in close contact with infants are also on the priority list, because of the risk they pose to others when infected them-selves. But because H1N1 vaccine is now widely available, the agency has advised health care pro-viders to vaccinate anyone over 6 months of age who wants protection from H1N1 infl uenza. Mounting evidence suggests that people who are obese, and especially those who are extreme-ly obese, face increased risk of severe illness or complications from infl uenza, so the Health De-partment is urging them to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The H1N1 vaccine is now available from health care providers and at many pharma-cies throughout the City. Anyone can fi nd the nearest source of vaccine by using the vaccine locator at nyc.gov/fl u. The Health Department is also urging people who have not received the seasonal infl uenza vac-cine to do so now. Seasonal infl uenza, together with pneumonia, claims more than 1,000 lives in New York City each year. Besides safeguarding people from days or weeks of debilitating sick-ness, the vaccine can prevent unnecessary school absences, doctor visits and hospitalizations. Any-one over 6 months of age can now get vaccinated against seasonal infl uenza, but the vaccine is especially important for people in these groups: Children between 6 months and 18 years of age; Adults 50 and older – especially those over 65; Pregnant women; People with chronic health conditions; People in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities; Health care workers; Anyone in close daily contact with children un-der 5 years old – especially those in contact with infants younger than 6 months; Anyone in close daily contact with people who are over 50 years old or living with chronic health conditions For more information about seasonal and H1N1 infl uenza, and for help getting vaccinated, please visit nyc.gov/fl u or call 311.

Health Department Warns that Influenza Season Isn’t Over, Urges New Yorkers to Get Vaccinated

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The National Salt Reduction Initiative, a New York City-led partnership of cities, states and national health organizations, unveiled its proposed targets to guide a voluntary reduc-tion of salt levels in packaged and restaurant foods. Americans consume roughly twice the recommended limit of salt each day – causing widespread high blood pressure and placing millions at risk of heart attack and stroke – in ways that they cannot control on their own. Only 11% of the sodium in Americans’ diets comes from their own saltshakers; nearly 80% is added to foods before they are sold. Through a year of technical consultation with food in-dustry leaders, the National Salt Reduction Initiative has developed specifi c targets to help companies reduce the salt levels in 61 catego-ries of packaged food and 25 classes of restau-rant food. Some popular products already meet these targets – a clear indication that food com-panies can substantially lower sodium levels while still offering foods that consumers enjoy.

The Health Department will solicit addi-tional comments on the targets this month, and the initiative will adopt fi nal targets this spring. The goal of the initiative is to cut the salt in packaged and restaurant foods by 25% over fi ve years – an achievement that would reduce the nation’s salt intake by 20% and prevent many thousands of premature deaths. The sodium in salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure, which in turn causes heart at-tack and stroke, the nation’s leading causes of preventable death. These conditions cause 23,000 deaths in New York City alone each year – more than 800,000 nationwide – and cost Americans billions in healthcare expens-es. “Consumers can always add salt to food, but they can’t take it out,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “At current levels, the salt in our diets poses health risks for people with normal blood pres-sure, and it’s even riskier for the 1.5 million New Yorkers with high blood pressure. If we can reduce the sodium levels in packaged and restaurant foods, we will give consumers more

choice about the amount of salt they eat, and reduce their risk of heart disease and stroke in the process.” Once fi nalized, the targets will provide a comprehensive framework for reducing sodi-um in the nation’s food supply – and a way to monitor progress. The initiative includes two-year and four-year targets for each category of food, and it leaves ample room for variety within each category. If a company commits to the sodium target in a particular food category, the target will apply to its overall portfolio in that category – not to each individual product. A company selling three equally popular lines of crackers could keep one type extra salty as long as its overall cracker portfolio met the tar-get for crackers, measured in milligrams of so-dium per 100 grams of cracker. The proposed targets are posted at nyc.gov/health/salt. Until February 1, the Health Department will solicit additional comments from the food in-dustry, especially from those companies that have not yet participated in the target-setting process, as well as consumer organizations and other interested parties. The recommended daily limit for sodium intake is 1,500 mg for most adults (including anyone who is black or over 40) and 2,300 mg for others. Some food products, such as deli-meat sandwiches, pack that much sodium in one serving. But much of the salt in Ameri-cans’ diets comes from breads, muffi ns and other foods that don’t taste salty. Salt levels can vary dramatically among popular products in the same category, such as breakfast cereals, indicating that lower levels are both techni-cally feasible and commercially viable. Other countries are already reducing salt in packaged and restaurant foods. In the United Kingdom, a similar collaboration between the food industry and government has already resulted in salt reductions of 40% or more in some food products, with the overall goal of reducing the salt in processed and restaurant foods by one third by 2010. Canada, too, is actively addressing the issue, and Australia, Finland, Ireland, and New Zealand have all launched large scale, countrywide initiatives

to help reduce the salt in their foods. National and international health organiza-tions have reviewed the proposed targets and are now voicing support for the initiative. “The American Heart Association applauds the ef-forts of the National Salt Reduction Initiative to proceed with this very carefully focused ef-fort to reduce sodium in prepared foods,” said Dr. Clyde Yancy, the association’s president. “The American Heart Association recognizes the potential benefi t to many Americans of re-ducing sodium intake. Consuming too much sodium is associated with high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Re-ducing sodium in processed foods, which ac-count for the majority of sodium consumption in the United States, could signifi cantly de-crease risks for cardiovascular disease, which remains the nation’s leading cause of death.” “Excess sodium greatly increases the chance of developing hypertension, heart disease and stroke,” said Dr. J. James Rohack, president of the American Medical Association. “The AMA has long supported a reduction of sodi-um in processed foods, fast food products and restaurant meals as a means to lower sodium intake and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease among Americans.” The National Salt Reduction Initiative has received a great deal of support from philan-thropists and donors, including the W.K. Kel-logg Foundation. Funding for the evaluation of population salt intake was provided by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the New York State Health Foundation, the National Association of County & City Health Offi cials and the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Health Department Announces Proposed Targets for Voluntary Salt Reduction in Packaged and Restaurant Foods

NEWYORKTRENDONLINE.COM


Are You Willing to Give a

Penny for Haiti The Black Star Project has collected coins (pennies, nickels, dimes and quarters) for Haiti in plastic one gallon water jugs.

Will you carry a plastic, one gallon water jug to work, school, church, the club, the gym or shopping and collect coins so that one child might eat decent meals and drink clean water for one week?


The Black Star Project (773.285.9600) recommends that you send your contributions to:

Yele Haiti (Wyclef Jean's Relief Effort) at www.yele.org or text YELE to 501501 to donate$5.00 on your phone bill

UNICEF at www.unicefusa.org or call 800.367.5437 Doctors Without Borders at www.doctorswithoutborders.org or call 888.392.0392

American Red Cross at www.redcross.org or call 800.REDCROSS (800.733.2767) or 800.257.7575 (Espanol)

Partners in Health at www.pih.org or call 617.432.5256

By Clyde R. Davis

First year New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan has been saying for weeks that he’s been preparing his team for the cel-ebration parade that will be held in New York after they win the Super Bowl. Most thought he was crazy to make such an ac-cusation. But if memory serves me, an-other member of the New York Jets fam-ily, a player named Joe “Willie” Namath, made a similar prediction in 1969, when he guaranteed that his team would beat, the then, Baltimore Colts. We all know the ending to that great story as the Jets defeated the Colts 16-7. Well, history has come full circle. Under the leader-ship of rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez, and a defense that has been the best in the league this year, the New York Jets, with a win over the Indianapolis Colts, will end their forty-one year drought and meet either the New Orleans Saints or the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl XLIV, which will be held in Miami Florida, also the site of their fi rst and only Super Bowl appearance, on February 7, 2010. Not to take anything away from the Jets, but if it

were not for the Colts pulling their start-ers when both teams meet on December

27th, the Jets would have not even made the playoffs, so you can be sure that both

squads are looking forward to this re-match, especially Colts QB Peyton Man-ning, who was seen doing a slow burn on the sidelines while his back-up had a ma-jor meltdown.

For New York Jets fans the road to the playoffs has been a long and grueling

journey. The hex over this team seems to have fi nally been lifted. Longtime Jets fan and WFAN radio announcer Joe Ban-ingo is probably the happiest person in New York. Joe has suffered for over 30 years with the ups and downs of “Gang Green.” The playoff surge by the New York Jets has also increased business for Sporting Goods Stores and Sports Bars.

One of the major reasons for the Jets on fi eld success has been the outstanding play of defensive back Darrelle Revis, who continues to improve every year, and if the pattern moves on at this pace, he will march right into the Hall of Fame. The Jets offensive line has done an out-standing job opening gaping holes for running backs Thomas Jones and Shonn Greene, who provide a one two punch that kept opposing defensives guessing and off-balance, and allowing wide outs Jerricho Cotchery and Braylon Edwards more space to maneuver more freely downfi eld.

Whether or not the New York Jets beat the Indianapolis Colts, it is important to remember that they have taken a major step to becoming one of the elite football

teams in the NFL. With the opening of a brand new stadium next year, it won’t be long before the New York Jets are able to hoist another Super Bowl trophy all their own.

Photos Courtesy: Zimbio/Fathers and Sons


The Rex Effect:New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan Has

His Team Poised forSuper Bowl XLIV

New York Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan

Quarterback Mark Sanchez

Defensive back Darrelle Revis

January 21 to January 31, 2010

Documents

NEW YORK TREND JAN 21 TO JAN 31, 2010