Joan A. Foley, area director of the American Red Cross in Greater New York-Queens (far right), is joined by (left to right) Council Member Dennis P. Gallagher, ARC/GNY Community Outreach Presenter Rev. Melita Scott and Senator Serphin R. Maltese at the latest Red Cross presentation of Prepare New York in Queens. (Photo: Lana Kupuniya)

ARC/GNY-Queens hosted a Prepare New York presentation for residents of the borough's Middle Village community at P.S. 49 (79-15 Penelope Avenue) on December 6.

Prepare New York is a free 45-minute emergency preparedness presentation that teaches New York City residents how to create a plan, build a supply kit, and keep loved ones safe and informed during times of disaster. Participants receive an interactive CD that can be used to create a customized evacuation plan along with other tools, including brochures from the American Red Cross and the New York City Office of Emergency Management and a quiz to test the attendee's emergency preparedness knowledge, to help any family become prepared.

This presentation was sponsored jointly by New York City Council Member Dennis P. Gallagher and New York State Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi.

New York State Senator Serphin R. Maltese also attended the presentation, and he reflected upon his association with the American Red Cross while serving in the army during the Korean War. He said the Red Cross provided the soldiers with opportunities to communicate back home along with food, entertainment and recreational activities. Senator Maltese added that his admiration for the daily work of the Red Cross continues to this day and is evident by his collection of Red Cross medals in his office.

Joan A. Foley, Queens area director, surprised the senator with the presentation of another medal for his collection-the International Red Cross pin that depicts three 3 symbols (Cross, Moon and Star of David).