Making Jamaica Better

It takes just one person to make a difference in a community, and Greg Mays is one of those people.
After taking his nephews to a sing-a-long screening of “The Wizard of Oz” in Forest Park last summer, he wondered why he had to drive across Queens and why these types of activities weren’t available in his community of Jamaica. That led to the birth of “A Better Jamaica,” a not-for-profit community service organization.
Family Movies in the Park 2007, the first of several community initiatives Mays has planned, took place on Thursday, July 26 at St. Alban’s Park with the free showing of the family movie “Happy Feet.”
The movies begin at dusk, starting at 8 p.m. Community residents can show up with lawn chairs, blankets and picnic baskets.
“Events such as this one gives people an opportunity to meet and relax with their neighbors,” Mays said.
Mays’ goal for Family Movies in the Park for 2008 is to screen six to eight films in St. Albans Park, and would like to also show films in other parks in the community. He is planning a website for the community, which will list all the events planned and information on organizations with community initiatives.
Mays was born and raised in Jamaica and attended local schools. He holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. He is a member of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation and President of Addisleigh Park Civic Organization. Visit his website for more information at WWW.abetterjamaica.org.