By Bill Parry
Fourth-graders at PS 69 in Jackson Heights were given more than 200 free copies of a book about their neighborhood Friday by City Councilman Daniel Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) and members of the Jackson Heights Beautification Group.
The book, “Jackson Heights: From Ice Age to Space,” was written by Judge Rudolph E. Greco and Claudia Solomon in 1996 supported by the Beautification Group.
“These books are an exciting way to teach children about Jackson Heights and just why it is so unique,” Dromm said. “They help provide local students with a sense of local history and help foster neighborhood pride. I am most grateful to Judge Greco and the Jackson Heights Beautification Group for making this book giveaway a reality.”
Featuring illustrations by neighborhood children, the book tells the story of the community composed of people from more than 70 countries and speaking 40 languages. The Jackson Heights Beautification Group will distribute several hundred additional copies to fourth graders in other parts of the neighborhood in the coming weeks.
“This book helps instill a pride of places in the minds of young people that will stay with them their entire lives,” Greco said.
“Jackson Heights: From Ice Age to Space Age” is now in its fourth printing.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
