Dear Neighbor,

As we begin this holiday season, it is important that we remember those less fortunate. Powerful storms like Hurricane Katrina left communities across the south devastated. While we in Queens live far from the stricken areas of the gulf coast, the plight of the victims of this catastrophe have touched all of us. I was proud to assist the Forest Hills Civic Association in collecting clothing and other desperately needed items last month. Now as we begin preparations to celebrate with our families, I encourage everyone to reach out to needy members of our national family through charity in whatever way you can.

This newsletter contains information about new legislation passed in the New York State Assembly in one of the most productive legislative sessions in Albany’s history. It was an exciting time for me to enter the Assembly and I look forward to carrying the positive momentum gained this year into next year.

I am always looking for ways to improve the services my office provides to the community. Please take a moment to read through the articles. I hope they are informative and I look forward to hearing your feedback. It is always appreciated.

World Trade Center Memorial

In May Assemblyman Hevesi attended a press conference on the steps of the Legislative Office Building in Albany with fellow colleagues and family members of victims of September 11, where he announced his co-sponsorship of an Assembly Bill A.6814 entitled “An act in relation to requiring the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to use transported remains of victims of September 11, 2001 from the World Trade Center in a memorial.” This legislation was drafted in order to properly honor those who lost their lives in the World Trade Center by ensuring that the remains of the victims would be placed in a memorial at the World Trade Center site.

When asked why he felt so strongly about this bill the Assemblyman had this to say, “This is an important piece of legislation that affects all New Yorkers, especially those who lost loved ones on that tragic day in September 2001. I understand that for many families and friends of the victims there is a moral issue attached to not providing a proper burial for those who passed on.”

	And so, Lillian and Tony’s tradition of serving their community continues, one slice at a time.

As Tony Calabrese arrived in New York City in 1966 he began an apprenticeship working in a Manhattan Pizzeria, and it was there that he learned the secrets of the pizza-making craft. After several years of hard work, Tony went back to Genoa, Italy for a much-needed vacation. While there, he met a beautiful young woman named Lillian who would later become his wife. Their romance led to their marriage on July 18, 1970. When Tony returned to the states with his new bride he quickly established roots in Forest Hills where he raised two children, Mary and Susan. Both daughters attended St. John’s University and worked throughout their college careers in their parent’s pizzeria. Mary became an accountant, and she resides in Forest Hills with her husband and three children. Susan a teacher, teaches at P.S. 144 in Queens.

In 2000, hardship struck Lillian and Tony when the laundromat next door had a fire that greatly damaged their pizzeria. As a result, they had to close their doors for six months while the pizzeria underwent a complete renovation. During that time the support they received from the community and their loyal clientele was overwhelming with many continually asking when they would reopen and hoping that it would not take too long. On the first day of the reopening, they were so busy they could not sell pizza fast enough.

Hurricane Katrina

As you know, on Monday August 28, 2005, Hurricane Katrina ravaged Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama. In its wake there was widespread homelessness and devastation. The process of rebuilding which is now underway is going to be an emotional and costly one. As New Yorkers, we have a long-standing tradition of generosity and helping fellow Americans in their time of need.

I have joined my colleagues in the Assembly and the American Red Cross of Greater New York in Queens to make a plea to the public for donations to the American Red Cross. Most importantly, the Red Cross needs people to contribute money to the relief efforts or to volunteer their time. This support will enable the Red Cross to provide shelter, food, counseling and other assistance to people in need during this unprecedented and ongoing disaster.

If you are interested in helping, contact the Red Cross: Online: http://www.nyredcross.org: By Telephone: Call 1-800-258-5334, 1-877-381-5758 (Espanol); By mail: Send check or money order to: American Red Cross, Disaster Relief Fund, P.O. Box 37243, Washington, DC 20013.

Assemblyman Hevesi
Visits Students at PS 128

To help students in Ms. Joanne Sansiveri’s 1-2 class at PS 128 prepare for exams, Assemblyman Hevesi participated in a group discussion about State Government. Several students seemed to be aspiring reporters asking the Assemblyman some tough and pointed questions.

Have an idea you would like to share with me? Many of the laws now on the books began as ideas expressed by private citizens. Although the process by which an idea is translated into law needs to be deliberate, I would be pleased to hear your suggestions. I would also appreciate your thoughts on how my office may serve you or our community. I hope you will take advantage of this opportunity and contact me. I will be pleased to hear from you.

District office phone number: 718-263-5595

Or mail this response card to:
Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi
Attn: Newsletter
98-08 Metropolitan Avenue
Forest Hills, New York 11379