VETS GROUP BACKS DEMOCRAT WILLS TO UNSEAT MEEKS

Ruben Wills speaking to persons in Queens

Democrat Ruben Wills has been endorsed by the United Council on Veterans Rights in his bid to replace current New York 6th Congressional District Representative Gregory Meeks. The group broke from a slate of incumbents and did not endorse current Congressman Meeks. They however endorsed veteran Republican state Senator Serphin Maltese of Glendale, state Democrat Senator Shirley Huntley of Jamaica and newly christened City Councilman Anthony Como of Middle Village.

Osteen’s wife denies assaulting flight attendant

VICTORIA and JOEL OSTEEN

The wife of megachurch evangelist Joel Osteen told jurors Friday she was "dumbfounded" and "shook up" after a flight attendant accused her of assaulting her over a spill on a first-class seat. Victoria Osteen, in court because the flight attendant is suing her, said she pushed no one and even ended up cleaning the spill that sparked the incident herself. Continental Airlines flight attendant Sharon Brown claims Victoria Osteen grabbed, elbowed and pushed her before the start of a 2005 flight to Vail, Colo. Victoria Osteen and her husband, who also had been on board and testified earlier Friday, denied that account. "I love people. I’m guilty of that," Victoria Osteen said.

THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF LIONS CLUBS DISTRICT 20-K1, BROOKLYN AND QUEENS

3rd FAMILY, HEALTH & FUN DAY

On Saturday August 2, 2008 District 20-K1 held its 3rd Family, Health and Fun Day at Gateway National Park Recreation Area – Fort Tilden — (Breezy Point). This activity, started by Past District Governor Ozzie Torres, and continued by Immediate Past District Governor Joyce Cochran is now conducted by our current District Governor Reginald Daniels. The day commenced with Region Chair-at-Large Myrna Atherley and her committee members dressed in bright orange Polo shirts together with other Lions from the 61 clubs feverishly pitching food, health and several other tents to the booming sounds of D.J. Aubrey. Despite forebodings of treacherous weather, the day was off to a bright start as meals were served to the residents of Fitzgerald, Garfield Manor and Lucille Rowe Adult Day Center until about 12:30 PM, when the heavens opened up with heavy rain, preceded by tumutuous claps of thunder and incessant streaks of lightening. We were deluged for approximately 30 minutes. Lions and guests sought shelter wherever they could, as the showers of blessings continued.

World's tallest woman dies at 53

A woman who grew to be 7 feet, 7 inches tall and was recognized as the world's tallest female died early Wednesday, a friend said. She was 53. Sandy Allen, who used her height to inspire schoolchildren to accept those who are different, died at a nursing home in her hometown of Shelbyville, Ind., family friend Rita Rose said. The cause of death was not yet known. Allen had been hospitalized in recent months as she suffered from a recurring blood infection, along with diabetes, breathing troubles and kidney failure, Rose said. In London, Guinness World Records spokesman Damian Field confirmed Wednesday that Allen was still listed as the tallest woman. Some Web sites cite a 7-foot-9 woman from China.

White Americans no longer a majority by 2042

White people will no longer make up a majority of Americans by 2042, according to new government projections. That's eight years sooner than previous estimates, made in 2004. The nation has been growing more diverse for decades, but the process has sped up through immigration and higher birth rates among minority residents, especially Hispanics. The white population is older and very much centered around the aging baby boomers who are well past their high fertility years," said William Frey, a demographer at the Brookings Institution, a Washington think tank. "The future of America is epitomized by the young people today. They are basically the melting pot we are going to see in the future." The Census Bureau last week released population projections through 2050, based on rates for births, deaths and immigration. They are subject to big revisions, depending on immigration policy, cultural changes and natural or manmade disasters.

Community Asked To Aid Shot Brooklyn Boy

Local leaders reached out Tuesday to help the family of a boy who was shot last week in Brooklyn.

Shamshawan Kelly, 9, is recovering at Kings County Hospital after being struck by a stray bullet while playing outside his home in Weeksville. Two 18-year-olds were arrested in connection with the shooting. Councilwoman Leticia James is asking the community for donations to Kelly's family, so they can pay for medical expenses not covered by insurance. "He is recovering well, and his mother needs the support of the human family," said James. "And we did it before, and we'll do it again. And so I urge all New Yorkers to open up their pockets and contribute to this rehabilitation fund for Shamshawan Kelly."

CARIBBEAN YOUTH FEST AT PROSPECT PARK

On Saturday, September 13, 2008 from 10 A.M to 5 p.m., Nethermead, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, New York will be alive with sounds of the Caribbean at the Brooklyn Caribbean Youth Fest. This family-affair is full with expressions of various ethnic influences in music, dance, poetry and food. It is colorful and energetic; a real hearty offering and an opportunity to experience the cultural aspects that create the dynamics of Caribbean lifestyle without leaving New York. If you miss it, you are missing a major NYC Caribbean event that is soaked in strong regional accents and rich rhythmic cadence.