— IN THE PAST WEEK —

From my family to yours, I hope you enjoyed a happy, healthy and blessed Thanksgiving and a restful holiday weekend!

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"Rocco" the Cat Finds a Forever Home!

Earlier this month, a furry wanderer looking for a human companion paid me and my family a visit. Over the last few weeks, Whitestone-based nonprofit TNR Utopia helped us take good care of "Rocco," but today I am so happy to report that he has found a forever home with a local family!

Thanks to TNR Utopia for your help in caring for Rocco and to Bayside Live TV for helping us spread the word!

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This Paw-liday Season: Adopt, Don't Shop!

With the holiday season upon us, many may be looking for a new four-legged friend to join the family. For the next month, we will highlight two furry companions seeking forever homes who are being cared for by local nonprofits.

Please consider adopting this holiday season - and every season!

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Meet Poppy!

How cute is Poppy? This highly social, approximately three-year-old canine has been on a foster "straycation" for Thanksgiving, but will be back at ACC's Brooklyn Care Center, 2336 Linden Boulevard, on Dec. 2nd. Head over to meet him or email [email protected] for more info!

Find out more here

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Meet Grayson!

"You may find this regal beauty standing up in his condo to greet visitors," notes an ACC volunteer. "This outgoing gentleman is eager to make new friends with people and will even reach his little paws out of his condo to try to get your attention. Grayson is very gracious and once he had my attention, he happily leaned into my arm for pets. If you're looking for an affectionate, friendly, and enthusiastic cat, look no further than our Grayson!"

Meet this cutie, who's about five years old and came in with another cat, at ACC's Manhattan Care Center, 326 E. 110th Street, or email [email protected] for more info.

Find out more here

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ICYMI: Council Member Vallone Unveils
“Madeline Sershen Way” in Whitestone

Council Member Paul A. Vallone was joined by the Sershen family and their friends to unveil “Madeline Sershen Way” at the intersection of 16th Avenue and Utopia Parkway. Madeline was a local 17 year old who was tragically killed after being struck by a vehicle in 2018.

Also in attendance were Senator John Liu, Assemblyman Braunstein and community members from St. Francis Preparatory School, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament School and P.S. 209. Madeline was a Queens native who attended St. Francis Prep and was a rising senior at the time of her passing.

Madeline’s sister Olivia Sershen and cousin Skyler Nenadich delivered remarks at the ceremony. Attendees then gathered for a candlelight vigil, followed by the sign unveiling.

“A beloved daughter, sister, aunt and an exceptional student and young woman, Madeline Sershen lived a brief but very bright life and was clearly loved by so many in the Northeast Queens community,” said Council Member Paul Vallone. “Thank you to Olivia Sershen and Skyler Nenadich for sharing such moving words, and to Madeline's aunt Rita Barravecchio for being a strong advocate for positive changes to New York State’s driving laws. I am humbled to be a part of honoring Madeline’s life in this lasting way.”

“Today, as we are gathered here, I remind you of that intelligent, loving, fierce being: the daughter, sister, aunt, granddaughter, niece, cousin, friend, student, classmate and role model she forever will be to each one of us,” said Olivia Sershen. “Today, we unveil this tribute to her, which won’t bring her back, but will honor her forever. For that, my family and I thank you, Councilman Vallone. But I ask you all to remember Maddie and keep her alive not just here in this moment today, and not just here on Madeline Sershen Way, but at every crosswalk you pass, every red light you stop at, with every pedestrian you see walking. I hope you are reminded of her in all the ordinary moments your life has to offer and in all your special ones.”

See Coverage At:

Queens Courier

Queens Chronicle

Flushing Post