WPCNR MAIN STREET JOURNAL By Councilman Glen Hockley. November 23, 2007: At our last WP Hispanic Day Parade I had the pivelage to meet Vice Council Gregoria Molena of The Dominican Republic Consulate and his entorage.We had an insightful and heartfelt conversation about his homeland's immediate problems created by the most terrible storm of 2007 " Noel" and it's effects on life in DR.I offered during our talk my attention in the future of whatever I could do.I told him "just call" and I will offer any assistance possible.
White Plains Councilman Glen Hockley, at Veterans Day Ceremony this month. Mr. Hockley through his appearance on The Catholic Network and, with White Plains businessman Anthony Russo is spearheading a Dominican Republic Hurricane Relief program in White Plains.
The following week he called and asked for a meeting ASAP.My fellow Rotarian and friend Tony Russo and I met with Vice Council and his translator ,also son , Fidel at City Limits Diner in WP.
After doing research on the devastation from the storm I found out that Haiti,Jamaica,Mexico among other nations suffered also.The Dominican Republic certainly seems to have been hit very hard.100 reported dead,100 missing,75,000 displaced.29 0ut of 32 states considered a catastrophy.
When we met the Vice Council was almost in tears as he spoke about his home state Las Vega.He asked if and what we could do?We answered with a full coordinated commitment and coalition of support.This is as always a team effort.It was an honor to be asked.
We offered and are collecting Non perishable foods, blankets,Over the counter medicines and supplies, and Mosquito nets.This will go on at least til March or as long as necessary. Tony Russo offered his store as "The Central Drop-Off Location" which is Aries Wine and Spirits on West Post Road in White Plains .We thank The Thomas H. Slater Center for offering temporary storage space in addition.
So far deliveries have been heavy,but more is needed, a lot more!
Recently we have had several meetings of support and events.First there was a gathering at our city's DR Restaurant "Karamba".We had the honor of Vice Council Molena and another Vice Council colleague and staff,along with residents with Dominican and Latino backgrounds.Angel Tejada of United Realty Services,Leo Espinol of "All Natural," Alfredo and Susan of Karamba,Luz Ventura of Luchy Travel, Sergio Serratto a member of the Westchester Hispanic Advisory Board , and others.We all bonded together with the theme of committment to help The Dominican Republic, while we listened to the operetic voice of another guest and WP resident Roberto Gutierrez.
There will be a collection event at Karamba to be announced shortly.We also had attended a great event at Manhattanville College hosted by the Hispanic Business and Professionals where their Executive Director Gilbert Torres allowed The Vice Council and myself to speak on this important issue in front of many business leaders in the region.
Then Tony Russo hosted aWine tasting at Aries so that people could bring goods to donate.In White Plains some of the organizations that have commited to help are TDT,Inc.,Berkeley College,All Natural,The Guild Group,The Thomas H. Slater Center,United Realty Services,Schnurmacher Center forRehabilatation and Nursing,The Lonnie White Memorial Church of God,The White Plains Proffessional Firefighters Union,The Westchester Putnam Central Labor Body,along with many individual White Plains Citizens.This is an ongoing effort.Anyone wishing to help please call me 629-0892.
