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VOL. 12 • NUMBER 24 • JUNE 20, 2013

REMAKING AMERICA -

IN QUEENS?

Caruana Takes On Glendale Auto Shop Page 3

Civic, business leaders are looking to bring industrial and manufacturing jobs back to Ridgewood, including the pictured Centre Street near Cypress Avenue.

Family, Friends Remember Teen Page 4

See Story on Page 10 Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Kew Gardens Worker Rescued Page 22

2 2 | THE THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 FORUM NEWSGROUP • October 25, 2012

In Glendale, Neighbors Say Auto Shop Is Making Life One Big Headache

By Anna Gustafson Glendale residents living near an auto shop on 79th Avenue said they are fed up with the company’s employees parking vehicles on sidewalks and throughout the area, leaving them little to no space for their own cars, as well as reportedly doing large-scale repairs on vehicles, for which the shop is not licensed.

The owners of Wheels ‘R Us, which is licensed to sell vehicles and is located at 58-10 79th Ave., said they are doing nothing illegal and want to work with residents on any concerns.

“We’ve talked to the owner, and he told us, ‘I don’t live here; what do I care?” said a mother of three children who lives near the business, which she alleges has been illegally fixing vehicles for years but which has gotten worse in recent months.

In addition to the shop’s cars being parked on sidewalks and throughout the street, the woman said the owner and employees attempt to intimidate

anyone who makes a complaint.

“They bully everybody,” said the woman, who wanted to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation. “They drop cars on the block without license plates. One of my neighbors thinks they smashed her car. She’s moving because she can’t take it anymore.”

But Oscar Ortega, one of the shop’s two owners, said they want to address any concerns that neighbors have.

“I work here; I don’t want trouble here,” said Ortega, who added that he will do smaller repairs, such as oil changes, if a nearby station cannot service the vehicles. Neighbors, however, said they are conducting a wide range of repairs.

The woman said she and her husband originally contacted Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley’s (D-Middle Village) office about the problem in January but did not hear back about the matter until last Friday. She has also contacted the 104th Precinct and a number of civic organizations

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Craig Caruana, who is running against Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), is urging city officials to do something about a Glendale auto shop that residents say has been conducting illegal repairs and parking cars on sidewalks.

Caruana held a press conference about the matter on Saturday.

about the matter. Ultimately, she said she was so discouraged by the little change she saw from the business that she connected with Craig Caruana, the Republican candidate run-

Ahoy! Metropolitan Students’ Boat Sails in Hudson River

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School sailboat club members Sydney Lundin, clockwise from front right, Jody Huie, Gaby Astacio and Tedy Hofman, and their club’s advisor, science teacher Abbie Sewall, pose with the boat they built throughout the course of the past school year.

By Anna Gustafson A group of students from Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School in Forest Hills charted new waters last week w hen they launched the boat they built from scratch into the Hudson River.

Twelve students - sevenththrough ninth-graders who are all members of the school’s recently founded boat building club - constructed the 7.5-foot structure, dubbed Nautical Nonsense, over the course of the past year with the help of their group’s adviser, science teacher Abbie Sewall, and Brooklyn Boatworks, a nonprofit that works with schools throughout the city.

“I was really nervous on the way to the Hudson, but once we got there it was really exciting to see it sail,” said Tedy Hofman, 12.

Evolving from novice boat builders who had never given much thought to craft at all to handy workers who handily used plywood and lofting tools to create Nautical Nonsense, the students said they were delighted, and even a little surprised, at what they learned throughout the year.

“At first I unsure about it, but I thought I’d give it a try,” said Jody Huie, 13. “As it went on, I learned how much I actually enjoyed it, and I learned I was quite skilled at it.”

Gaby Astacio, 13, said being in

the club helped teach the members skills that will last far beyond the confines of the Metropolitan Expeditionary Learning School.

“We learned teamwork - a willingness to work with other people which you’ll definitely need in the future,” Astacio said.

Sydney Lundin, 13, said the hours spent molding plywood into what became a two-person boat with a rudder and a sail was inspiring - and made her realize that she “loved to build.”

“You learn a lot more about yourself doing this,” Lundin said. “This was new for me, and if you keep trying new things, you’ll learn more about who you are.”

Club members - who learned about the New York Harbor and the history of sailing during their building sessions - agreed that they’d like to continue sailing, and this summer Huie pointed out that club members will have a chance to take sailing lessons through Brooklyn Boatworks.

As for further out on the horizon?

The students said they’d love to do something even more adventurous everyone agreed they wouldn’t hesitate to jump on a sailboat for a round-the-world excursion.

Sewall emphasized the club members’ growth she witnessed during the year.

“The kids’ confidence, their ability to believe in themselves, really grew,” Sewall said. “I’m really proud of them.”

ning against Crowley for her Council seat, who organized a press conference about the matter on Saturday.

“If they’re operating illegally, get the cops and the fire department in there and shut it down,” Caruana said. “If this was a legal business, I guarantee the Department of Buildings would be in there and fining them. You get rewarded for doing wrong and penalized for doing right.”

Eric Yun, a spokesman for Crowley, said the legislator’s office has been working on this issue.

“We received an anonymous call several months ago, which is why we couldn’t call them back until recently, after someone from our office met her at a civic meeting,” Yun said.

“After the first anonymous complaint, we contacted the 104th and looked into it. The 104th did some targeted enforcement but didn’t find it was an illegal body shop. They ticketed any cars parked illegally.”

Yun said Crowley’s office has only received complaints about the business from the woman who contacted

Caruana. He added that the office has spoken to the city DOB, which told Crowley’s office that it would soon be conducting an inspection.

Neighbors said they hope that help from city agencies will bring a return to normalcy for them.

“You smell paint even when you’re in the backyard - it’s really bad; it’s toxic,” said a man who lives nearby and also wanted to speak anonymously for fear of retaliation. “It gets really bad in the summer.”

While the mother who lives close to the facility said one of her neighbors is leaving because of the auto shop, she said she and her family cannot afford to leave - nor do they want to.

“People are petrified of them,” she said. “They’re bullies; they’re like a gang. They’re going to try to take over this strip, and that cannot be tolerated. We’d like to stay here until we retire, but we’re being so harassed that we don’t know what to do. This is Glendale - this is supposed to be a place about quality of life.”

JPCA President Bob Honored Receives award at General Slocum memorial A U.S. Coast Guard representative, left, former state Sen. Serf Maltese, Deputy German Consul General Jochen Wolter, Juniper Park Civic Association President Robert Holden, All Faiths Cemetery President Dan Austin, and Fire Marshall William Kregler gathered at Saturday’s service at All Faiths Cemetery in Middle Village in remembrance of the estimated 1,021 people who died when the General Slocum steamship caught fire and sank in New York’s East River on June 15, 1904.

The majority of the passengers were German immigrants who

were mainly women and children on their way to a church picnic.

The Deputy German Consul General presided over Saturday’s ceremony, an annual event organized by area volunteers and historians.

The General Slocum disaster was the New York area’s worst disaster in terms of loss of life until the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks and remains the worst maritime disaster in the city’s history.

During the ceremony, Holden received the General Slocum Hero and Community Service Award at the General Slocum Memorial Statue in the All Faiths Cemetery.

Photo Courtesy of Robert Holden

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 3

For Murdered South Ozone Park Teen, Life Was About Family And Friends called her nephew a “gentleman.”

“He was an example to his friends on how to walk the other way,” Velez said. “He spoke to you with manners, with respect. He was kind and courteous. He had such humility.”

That courteousness played out time and again across his neighborhood, family said.

“One time this old woman knocked on our door and asked if I had a son, and I thought, ‘uh-oh, what has he done?’” Jacques said, smiling. “But she said she had come to return his umbrella because he had given it to her when it was raining.”

By Anna Gustafson Danthony McDonald was going to be in the Marines. He was going to put out a rap album with his friends before Christmas. He was going to look into colleges to pursue photography. He was going to be 20 years old.

But four hours before his 20th birthday, Danthony McDonald, who lived in South Ozone Park with his parents, died in his father’s arms after being stabbed in the chest by an unknown assailant Friday night – leaving behind him a string of unfinished dreams and devastated family and friends who called McDonald “famous for being the best person on the planet.”

“He had too much life to go the way he did,” his mother, Chantal Jacques, said in front of a semi-circle of candles illuminating a framed photo of her son. “He had so much more to do, so much more to say.”

Police were called to Linden Boulevard near 129th Street at about 9 p.m. Friday evening, when they found McDonald with a stab wound to the chest. He was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Police arrested Wilson Rivera, 19, on Tuesday and charged him with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Rivera lives a couple blocks away from McDonald’s house, on 127th Street.

Friends of McDonald said the suspect allegedly stabbed McDonald after getting into a fight with him earlier in the evening.

adulthood - into a possible career.

“The last text I got from him, on June 12, said he was going to look into schools to do photography,” Anderson said.

Vincent Simmos, who befriended McDonald when they were both 4 years old, also praised his friend’s skills – from photography to boosting the confidence of everyone around him.

“He knew how to take really good pictures,” Simmos said. “He was funny, outgoing - everyone enjoyed having him around. He was different from everyone.

Now, his family said, the young

Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup

Friends and family set up a memorial for Danthony McDonald, including balloons that had been meant for what would have been McDonald’s 20th birthday.

A 2011 Forest Hills High School graduate, McDonald - an honors student and member of the basketball team - was planning on joining the Marines within a few weeks, according to his parents. His family said they couldn’t have been more proud that he was going to enlist, and on Saturday family and friends were expected to gather at his house near 129th Street and Linden Boulevard to celebrate his impending departure for the Marines - as well as to commemorate his 20th birthday. There was going to be music - including some by McDonald, a rapper who had planned on making a music video with his friends this week; there was going to be food and dancing and laughing and teenagers talking about the rest of their lives. There was going to be McDonald - a boy

whose long list of admirers included everyone from girls he charmed to an elderly neighbor to whom he had lent an umbrella to a fellow Forest Hills High School graduate who said he never would have completed his studies had it not been for McDonald - on what was to be a day marking a new chapter in his life.

Instead, there was a line of people streaming into the house to tell Jacques and the teen’s father, Erick Anderson, how much their son - the eldest of four siblings - meant to them.

“He was the nicest boy in the world,” said Anderson, McDonald’s father who tried to revive the teen with CPR as he lay bleeding around the corner from his house. “Everybody loved him.”

Debbie Velez, McDonald’s aunt,

Wilson Rivera, 19, of South Ozone Park, was arrested Tuesday and charged in the murder of Danthony McDonald.

A musician whose favorite artists included Fabulous and Pusha T, McDonald was in a musical group, “TPC” with his friends and had recently penned a song titled “No Scams.” But as much as he loved music, McDonald hoped to turn his passion for photography - which his friends said could be seen in a constant documenting of life - savvy portraits of teenagers on the cusp of

man who should have been snapping photos at his birthday party and packing the two Marines hats his father had purchased for him, will be lying in a casket.

“His brothers told me he can’t be buried in a suit - he was stylish,” Anderson said. “His brothers told me he has to be buried in a Burberry shirt, Nudie pants, and Ray-Bans.

That’s what my son will be buried in.”

In Races to Represent South, Mid Queens, Candidates Wave Endorsements

By Anna Gustafson With November’s general election looming in the not too distant future, candidates running in Mid and South Queens have been touting political endorsements to jog support for their campaigns.

Middle Village civic activist Craig Caruana, a Republican challenging Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village), announced last Friday that he had landed the endorsement of city Fire Marshals Benevolent Association in the race for the 30th Council District, which covers Glendale, Maspeth, Middle Village, Richmond Hill, Ridgewood and Woodhaven.

“The 30th Council District lost nearly $300,000 in discretionary funding, which gave only 47 of the 88 community organizations the necessary funds to operate,” William Kregler, president of the city Fire Mar-

Craig Caruana

Elizabeth Crowley

Lew Simon

Eric Ulrich

shals Benevolent Association, said in a statement. “The rest had to seek funding elsewhere while cutting services to the community. That eroded our community’s quality of life.”

The $300,000 cut to Crowley’s discretionary spending came after the councilwoman ran for Congress against now U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens), the Democratic party favorite, which has been said to have angered Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan).

Crowley herself has said strained relations between her office and the speaker’s has resulted in a decrease in funding for her district and called Quinn “brazenly vindictive” in a recent New York Times article.

Crowley, who has been endorsed by the United Federation of Teachers, 32BJ SEIU, and the Detectives’ Endowment Association, has said that despite the cut in funding she has still managed to bring needed resources to community organizations.

In South Queens, the Working Families Party threw its support behind City Councilman Eric Ulrich’s (R-Ozone Park) bid for his 32nd Council District seat that covers Howard Beach, Broad Channel, Belle Harbor, Breezy Point, Hamilton Beach, Lindenwood, Ozone Park, Rockaway Beach, Rockaway Park, South Ozone Park, South Richmond Hill, and Woodhaven.

Ulrich is being challenged by Democratic District Leader, Lew Simon.

W hile the labor-backed WFP doesn’t usually endorse Republicans, the group has said Ulrich often supports issues for which it advocates, including a paid sick leave bill that passed the Council this year but was vetoed by Mayor Bloomberg.

Simon, meanwhile, is being backed by the Queens Democratic Party, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and state A ssemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park).

4 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

F.B.I. Starts Dig in Ozone Park Looking for human remains at former home of mobster Jimmy Burke

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

FBI agents knock on the door of notorious mobster Jimmy Burke’s former house in Ozone Park, where his daughter now lives.

FBI agents reportedly were searching for human remains at the former house of mobster Jimmy Burke on Monday.

It was about 8 a.m. when Roberto Velasquez heard “a lot of banging” outside his Ozone Park apartment.

The construction worker was home on 102nd Road with a sore throat and annoyed that his sleep was disturbed. “When I looked out the window all I saw were FBI guys running around.”

Federal Agents descended on the home of the late James Burke aka

Jimmy the Gent in hopes of finding human remains in the basement of the house. Still inhabited by some family members, the F.B.I. began tearing up the floors and walls with jackhammers while others used shovels to dig under two tarps they set up over the driveway. The fervor of the dig was interrupted when the blade of the jackhammer struck a water line and flooded the basement.

It is not our changing circumstances that rob us of peace, but our unfulfilled desires. If one unfulfilled desire distresses us, how can we deal with 15?

The cure for our disturbance is found in Psalm 37:4, “Take delight in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.”

When you delight yourself in the Lord, you will no longer be distracted by many desires, but will be under one master desire, and that means peace.

Your heart will be as still as a river above a great waterfall where all the swirls, eddies, and backwaters are erased by the pull that draws every drop in one direction. Just as a crowd is hushed by the entrance of a king, Jesus Christ as Lord of your life will fill you with one great desire that calms your soul.

Sometimes we will get material things and sometimes we will not. In order for desire to never be disappointed, it must be fastened to something that will never let it down.

We cannot cease to be human. We

Law enforcement sources say that the dig is in connection with a homicide case more than thirty years old.

Jimmy Burke earned fame when he was named as the mastermind of the Lufthansa Heist in 1978. Over $5 million was never recovered in connection with the theft. A known member of the Luchese crime family, his life was immortalized in the film ‘Goodfellas’, in which his character was portrayed by Robert DeNiro.

Burke has a storied connection to burying bodies in many places, including Robert’s Lounge, a bar he owned located near the house. A book written by mob rat Henry Hill quotes Hill as saying, “Jimmy buried over a dozen bodies there…”

Human remains were excavated from the bar over thirty years ago.

Burke died in prison in 1996 of cancer. He was imprisoned for the murder of Richard Eaton, a drug dealer.

What are believed to be human remains were discovered Wednesday morning at the site, located at 81-48 102nd Road. As of press time, FBI agents were continuing work on the site and hoped to be finished by Wednesday evening.

Cop Saves Mother, Son Gets Shot With Own Gun

Richard York/The Forum Newsgroup

Police respond to an off-duty NYPD officer being shot in his hand Sunday in Jamaica.

An off-duty NYPD officer was shot with his own gun when he intervened in a domestic dispute on Sunday night.

A young boy, identified as Jacob Rodriguez, 10, ran out onto the street on South Road and Wood Street in Jamaica around 10 p.m. He was spotted by Officer Joseph Koch who has just left a Father’s Day BBQ . The boy was screaming that his mother was being beaten by an ex boyfriend.

Koch, a domestic violence officer spring into action and riches into the house with his gun drawn. He was immediately engaged in a struggle with the suspect, 40-year-old Jose Bernazard, and three shots were fired.

At least three shots were fired in

the melee. Koch was struck in the hand by a bullet, which caused several bones to shatter upon impact.

Bernazard was hit three times, in the neck, hand and abdomen.

The off-duty officer and the suspect were taken to Jamaica Hospital for treatment and were listed in stable condition.

The boy’s mother, Chrissy Rodriguez, was also taken to Jamaica and treated for a 7-inch head laceration.

Eyewitnesses to the event said Officer Koch ran down the street and scaled a fence like a superhero.

Authorities say that Chrissy Rodriguez had an order of protection against Bernazard because he tried to strangle her.

Charges against Bernazard are being compiled.

cannot extinguish all desire for popularity, success, or happiness. But these can be brought under one great desire, to please our Lord. Our lower desires will be exchanged for higher desires. We may not be rich, but we will regard His Word, the Bible, as worth more than silver or gold.

This verse refers to our deepest desires, not our superficial wants. The deep, prayerful desires of a true believer are really one with God’s desires. When your will is submitted to Him, you can have what you will! When you draw close to Him and delight yourself in Him, your nature is renewed. Suddenly, your deepest yearning is to please Him. That desire will cause everything else to fall into its proper place.

STEPHEN ROSER is pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God 158-31 99th Street, Howard Beach

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 5

Forum Fills the Void Dear Editor: "I'm Not Going Anywhere Fast" (Editorial -- June 13) reminds me how fortunate we are to live in one of the few remaining free societies, with a wealth of information sources available. Sadly, most American cities, suburbs and small towns are down to one local daily or weekly newspaper.

Newspapers and magazines have to deal with increasing costs for newsprint, delivery and distribution along with reduced advertising revenues and declining readership due to competition from the Internet and other new information sources.

Queens residents have a number of daily newspapers to select from including the New York Daily News, Post, Times, Newsday, USA Today, Wall Street Journal and along with freebies such as AM New York and Metro New York.

Decades ago we had our own daily Long Island Star Journal and Long Island Press.

Daily newspapers concentrate on international, Washington, Albany, City Hall, business and sports stories.

They have few reporters assigned to cover local neighborhood news stories. These reporters have to compete against colleagues for limited available print space. As a result, daily newspapers miss significant news and political stories from local Queens neighborhoods.

Weekly newspapers such as our own Queens Forum South and sister publication Queens Forum West fill the void for coverage of local community news.

I've been grateful all this time that the Queens Forum has afforded me the opportunity to express my views via letters to the editor along with others who may have different opinions on the issues of the day. You also provide more space for longer letters than most competitors. In addition, you afford people the opportunity to comment on the letters of others. Thanks to you, an ordinary citizen like myself has the freedom to comment on the actions and legislation of various elected

officials at the city, state and federal level. Public officials are powerful with easy access to taxpayers dollars used on a regular basis to promote their views. This is done via mass mailings of newsletters, news releases, letters to the editor and guest opinion page columns. In many cases, they are produced or ghost written by campaign or office staffers paid for by taxpayers on public time. Ordinary citizens like myself only have the limited ability when we can to find the time and just submit a simple submission.

Local neighbors need to continue supporting all our weekly community newspapers.

Patronize their advertisers; they provide the necessary revenues to help keep them in business. Let them know you saw their ad. This helps keep our neighbors employed and the local economy growing. In the marketplace of ideas, let us hope there continues to be room for everyone including the Queens Forum and many others.

I along with many other loyal reader are confident that Anna Gustafson will do a great job in following in your footsteps as Editor. We all know Pat Adams will continue to guide The Forum to new heights.

Larry Penner Great Neck

No Response Needed Dear Editor:

Once again, Anthony Pilla conveys the typical liberal behavior of finding some Republican or conservative to find fault with, while overlooking others. In the June 13 issue it was Minnesota representative, Michelle Bachmann.

Her lack of knowledge about the birthplace of John Wayne may seem important, and perhaps when in New Hampshire she didn't specify that she was referring to Lexington in neighbor Massachusetts.

May I remind you, Anthony, that Mrs. Bachmann is not the only person in government who has shown lack of knowledge of America or committed transgressions.

I seem to recall vividly that Barack Obama was discuss6 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

ing the 57 states that comprise America. Unless seven states entered the union that we are not aware of, last I heard there are fifty. That, by the way, is something most children know by the time they are in second grade.

I certainly think that is more important for an American politician to recognize than, as you point out, the exact date of death of Elvis Presley.

I also find it ironic, or perhaps hypocritical, that there is so little hue and cry over recent machinations and coverups in the Obama presidency compared to what happened in 1972 through 1974 during the Watergate scandal. There were many who demanded disclosure and explanations from Richard Nixon, claiming he was not being completely truthful. Chants of "Mr. President, are you being completely honest with the American people?", and "What did the president know and when did he know it?" were pretty common at the time. A good deal of those inquirers are still alive, including Hillary Clinton, but are amazingly silent regarding Mr. Obama.

Where are they now questioning cover-ups or lack of honesty concerning Benghazi, Fast and Furious, investigations of Tea Party chapters and government surveillance of telephone calls and emails of American citizens?

And is there also the possibility that one reason Tea Party groups were watched so closely was the fear among Democrats and the Obama staff that such groups had real potential to affect the 2012 election? As it is, Mr. Obama won a lesser percentage of the electorate and two fewer states in 2012 than 2008, hardly a landslide or mandate.

The existence of Tea Party groups may just have made the difference. Sure smells like fraud to me.

But unlike Watergate, no strident demands for investigation and impeachment were made. No endless repetitive stories throughout the media, no protests, demands of resignation or congressional examinations. No search through the president’s files, thorough interrogation of cabinet and staff members, harsh treatments or vitriolic ridicule such as Sarah Palin, Dan Quayle,

Richard Nixon, Michelle Bachmann and Christine O'Donnell were subject to.

So how about it, Anthony, where's the explanation for these? It would be really welcome to have a...oh, wait a minute. Those are all Republicans and conservatives. That explains it. The liberals in Congress and media have two standards. Usually I eagerly await your reply, but in this case it's not necessary.

Edward Riecks Howard Beach

A Sad Day for Seniors Dear Editor: We are the members of The Forest Park Senior Center, although the city/state does not consider us a “regular senior center.” But if you think 80-, 90- and 100-year-olds are not seniors, than you can hit me with a wet noodle.

This center is our home away from home and we consider the people here our family.

We have laughed and cried; we love and need each other.

Please let the people and the government know our need and maybe they can help us.

Our center is closing and we are devastated.

The following letter is to the members of The Forest Park Senior Center from our beloved director, Donna Caltabiano, who has helped all of us in one way or another.

Donna wrote: You can fight city hall… But we gave it a good ride for 33 years. For the past 33 years, the Forest Park Senior Center has been open and serving older New Yorkers. To say that over 300,000 meals have been served would be an underestimation. During this time, there have been four Administrators/Executive Directors, with me being the longest lasting at 19 years.

When we started in 1980 our budget was over $200,000.

It is now $115,000. For the past 10 years, I have held on to paychecks for 6 months to a year while also lending thousands of dollars to keep the center open. Joe Palladino has loaned tens of thousands and donated over $10,000.

The city made us stop our VIP program where seniors from the center loaned $1,000 to help us get through the “no money” times. Our money from the Borough President has been cut almost in half, state money has been nonexistent for years and Elizabeth Crowley has not funded us in years. We usually don’t even get out funds for 6-14 months.

Please don’t blame Helen Marshall or Eric Ulrich for our closing. They are the ones that make up the $115,000 in funds. The problem is that we need more money and we need the money to come on time, not late.

Several years ago the Department for the Aging, under the direction of the mayor, made the decision to close small centers like ours and consolidate them. This would save money. I believed that the money they “saved” would be used to make Dept. for the Aging bigger. This is my opinion.

Write to the Editor at: THE FORUM NEWSGROUP Email forumsouth@aol.com Address 155-19 Lahn Street Howard Beach, NY 11414 Fax 718.738.7645 We welcome letters on any topic of interest.

Please limit them to 500 words.

The Forum reserves the right to edit letters for length or clarity.

We would love to hear from you!

I want to say thank you to all who have helped the center over the years. Especially those who have stayed faithful coming here year after year.

Thank you to Mariam and Maggie for all their efforts to make your days here more comfortable and pleasant.

Thank you to our elected officials who have given financial support – too bad there wasn’t more of you! Goodbye..

Good luck.. And God Speed.

–I am truly yours, Donna Thank you very much.

Loretta Phillips Forest Park Senior Center

What Now, Wizard?

Dear Editor: Like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, this liberal democrat will pull back the curtain so as to reveal that the feared wizard (John Urban) is nothing than a con artist. He thought by hiding and bellowing into a loud speaker, The Forum, he could spread fear to our readers that Obama is trying to bring “limitless authority to America.” Well John, nice try but the “sand box” kid will now expose your devious tricks!

The evil system you referred to is not of Obama’s doing.

The 2012 election resulted in several states creating “no limit to its authority.” The GOP victories in mid-west, mid-atlantic and southern states, put the tea-evangelical fanatics in control! So John you are confused as to who is bringing this type of system to America.

Since you “dead end” kids like to accuse me of “falsifying factual information,” let me cite specific illustrations. I was pleased to hear that former GOP senator, Alan Simpson (R-WY) expressed his concern that GOP leaders are taking on too many social issues which belong to a free people. In recent years they have taken control of many state governments. These leaders have altered Reagan’s motto: government is the solution – government is not the problem. If this liberal democrat was lazy, I would close my letter with Senator Simpson’s remarks.

However, I will continue by

sharing with you readers several specific, factual pieces of proof.

In an attempt to bring totalitarianism to their liking, red state republican governors and lawmakers have declared open war on various minority groups and in some cases, “civil disorder” occurred.

Here are four illustrations: 1) GOP lawmakers in Alabama and Virginia have invaded women’s health rights with an ultrasound probe law. 2) They have denied collective bargaining rights for Wisconsin’s public unions. Thanks to the Ohio referendum, they failed on this issue. 3) Same-sex marriage rights were denied to LGBT folks. 4) I saved the “worst” for last; Michigan’s governor Rick Snyder and his republican lawmaker gave themselves “limitless authority” to remove elected officials from office in towns and cities… and appoint “emergency” managers!

Let me review a few key points concerning this “limitless authority” issue. 1) The wizard of Howard Beach accused President Barack Obama of bringing totalitarianism to America. Two facts: Obama was elected twice by American voters. Most polls show a 50% approval rating and higher numbers on his legislative agenda. Let’s not forget that Obama fulfilled Teddy Roosevelt’s vision of universal health care. It’s called… Obamacare! 2) The evil system imposed on the states by the GOP-evangelical radicals resulted in the following backlash: a petition signed by 1.5 million Wisconsin voters calling for a recall election for Governor Scott Walker.

(Yes, Walker won!) However, in Ohio a pro-union referendum was approved by the voters. 3) Numerous court challenges to voter suppression laws were either denied, modified, or postponed by either federal or state court action.

In my February 2, 2012 letter I wrote, “A sinister assault on our democracy is spreading across America. A dangerous suppression movement orchestrated by the GOP has emerged.” One of the “dead end” kids, Lenny Rodin (retired), defended state GOP leaders in their attempt to restrict citizens on their vot-

ing lists from voting in 2012 if they could not show proof of citizenship. Mr. Rodin said the Supreme Court rules in an Indiana case, that states had the right to prevent voter fraud. This is a joke. Yearly reports of fraud makes up about .0005%! Here is real proof of suppression: remember what the GOP assembly speaker of the “keystone” state said after passage of their voter ID law?

“Now Mitt Romney will carry Pennsylvania!” Folks, great news from the Roberts Supreme Court. In a historic 7 to 2 ruling the court “quashed” the Arizona voter ID suppression law. The justices gave new meaning to LBJ’s big government… Voter Rights Act of 1965!

Hey Mr. Wizard of Howard Beach, it looks like the “sand box” kid for the umpteenth time is on the right side of history. A final note: Mr. PP FYI– my friend’s son just received his B.S. degree with Pell grant help.

dy. This is the only progress these contractors have made in all these months? Perhaps someone should be overseeing these contractors or does a free beach for the public not matter to the city? Where is all the fundraising money that was collected for New York?

Rockaway Beach needs to be just as strong as the other beaches in New York and New Jersey!

Maria Concolino Queens

Quinn for Mayor Dear Editor: Would you like more access to our library, Saturday hours? Are you concerned about safe, affordable housing? What about this new expense to buy flood insurance?

Our next mayor needs to find solutions. We need someone inside City Hall who can get

politicians to work together to get our needs met.

There is only one candidate available: Christine Quinn.

If all the women in NYC vote for her in the Primary, we will have a mayor who can deliver the goods. Men will benefit too. When women in the workplace earn as much as men who do the same jobs, financial pressure can be eased for families dependent on a second income. Single women, especially those raising children, will greatly benefit.

Forgetting to vote is not an option in this most important election. NOW is the time to get your absentee ballot, especially if you have trouble getting to the polls. Register now.

You may change your party affiliation temporarily for the primary, then change it back later in the general election.

Speaker Quinn listens to us.

So listen to her. She will be our mayor in all five boroughs.

Anthony Pilla Forest Hills

The Need for a Better Beach Dear Editor: As this time of the year comes I look forward to going to Rockaway Beach to relax and enjoy the summer.

I went to the beach the week after Memorial Day weekend when the beaches are supposed to be ready for summer.

The Rockaways are far from being ready to be enjoyed by beachgoers. In order to get onto the beach you have to find an opening. Due to sand erosion, you need to find a spot along the fence because the water comes up to where you are sitting. Then if you want to swim there are only two areas open for swimming.

How are just two areas going to accommodate 10,000 people visiting the beach each day?

I didn’t expect to find the boardwalk completed, but I did expect to find a beach where I could relax and swim.

I called the elected official that represent the Rockaways. Not only was he curt with me, but he also said that contractor bids started right after San-

B K Brumberg Howard Beach

PUBLISHER Patricia L. Adams EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Anna Gustafson PRODUCTION EDITOR Marisa Pilato REPORTERS Alan Krawitz Elizabeth Daley Samantha Geary PHOTOGRAPHERS Robert Stridiron Richard York

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 7

106 Community Council Addresses Fireworks, Noise, Installs Officers

By Patricia Adams Deputy Inspector Thomas Pascale took the opportunity at the 106 pct Council Meeting last Wednesday to issue a strong warning about the precinct’s policy on fireworks. With the Fourth of July holiday quickly approaching, Pascale reaffirmed the stringent policy his command will enforce along all the tracts in the district notorious for setting off fireworks.

Queens County Clerk, Audrey Pheffer, was in attendance to swear in the council’s board members. She took the time to share the importance of serving on a jury and encouraged those in attendance to comply with their notice of jury duty. “It’s so important that we have enough jurors to insure that everyone gets a trial before their peers.” She went on to joke with council vice-president, Donna Gilmartin, who had been at the courthouse that very morning to begin her service. “Donna came to do her duty, so I’m here tonight to do the swearing in,” she quipped, “one hand washes the other.” Pheffer praised the council for being an active and effective group.

Pascale went on to discuss the impending noise complaints that traditionally accompany summer and the other quality of life issues that arise with the season. In particular he asked that

everyone remember and spread the word that the firework policy of the precinct is a very serious protocol. “The Macy’s firework detail is something that pulls cops from virtually every precinct,” said Pascale, “No cops from the 106 are assigned there. They stay here, and that should tell you something.”

He went on to outline the extent of the attention devoted to fireworks in the 106. “We have a

very big in-house detail, and there is a big commitment.” The 106 commitment is supported

by One Police Plaza, who sends the precinct extra personnel to work on their fireworks initiative. “Our cops know unless it’s your annual vacation time or you have at least twenty years on the job, you’re not taking off on the Fourth.”

He urged those who have any information about the use of fireworks in the neighborhood to please call immediately. “You’ve got to let us know if there’s a crazy house that just keeps blowing off mortars or a guy in a car selling stuff or a house that you think is harboring a large amount of fireworks. Whatever it is,” he pleaded, “you’ve got to let us know.” Pascale reminded everyone that such reports are confidential. Last year, he said, the precinct did very well in terms of firework confiscation and arrests for selling and detonating fireworks.

Further discussion revealed an 8% rise in crime overall in the precinct since last year which has been driven up by burglaries, for the most part occurring during the daytime in residential areas. The Inspector made clear the fact that there are steps which can be taken by residents in the affected areas, primarily in South Ozone Park and the section between Aqueduct and Lefferts Boulevard, where there are typically homes with prayer flags outside their doors. The

flags signify that the homeowners have cultural and religious practices, which make their homes a target for thieves expecting to find valuables.

Some concerned residents questioned the Inspector as to whether there was any patterning or other features they could look out for. Pascale gave one typical scenario that is leading up to many of these incidents. Three men in a car will case the neighborhood and one will get out and walk down the block in search of a target. He will knock on the front door to see if anyone answers. When there is no response at the door, the other two accomplices exit the vehicle and go around the back of the house to kick the door in and rob the house.

Another reason for the escalation in home robberies is what is commonly known as a deception robbery. This is where people misrepresent themselves as utility workers or drivers for delivery companies in trying to gain access to the house. In any scenario, residents are urged not to open the door to someone they do not know or do not expect and to make sure that they do not allow entrance to their homes by unauthorized people. Obviously keeping doors and windows locked is mandatory.

Anyone with knowledge of illegal fireworks is asked to call 911 for crimes in progress and 311 in order to provide information.

After Ruling, Sheehan Heads to Prison

By Anna Gustafson When Barbara Sheehan leaves Howard Beach for prison on Friday - which she now must do with the state Court of Appeals decision on Wednesday to deny her attorneys’ request to allow her to remain out on bail while New York’s highest court decides whether or not to review her case - she has no idea where she will end up.

Because state Court of Appeals Judge Susan Phillips Read denied Sheehan’s attorneys’ request, Sheehan, who was acquitted of a second-degree murder charge in the shooting death of her husband, former NYPD Sgt. Raymond Sheehan in 2008, must report to the

Queens Supreme Courthouse in Kew Gardens Friday morning, when she will be taken to Rikers Island to begin serving time for a conviction of illegal possession of a gun.

“I’m very, very devastated,” Sheehan said Wednesday afternoon. “It’s very unfair.”

The conviction and sentencing for the gun charge has been contested by her trial attorney, Michael Dowd, and her appeals attorneys, who have asked that the state’s highest court review the case because, during Sheehan’s trial, an expert witness on battered women’s syndrome was not allowed to testify. Sheehan had been abused for nearly two decades of her 24-year marriage, and her attorneys have said it was crucial that jury members understand her psy-

chological state at the time of the shooting, which jurors decided happened in self-defense.

“We remain hopeful that the court will take up this appeal because of the strong issues involved and the injustice to Barbara Sheehan,” said Sheehan’s attorney Nathaniel Marmur.

If the court decides to review the case, it could result in a new trial on the gun charge alone or in a new sentencing on the charge, Marmur said.

Once Sheehan is brought to Rikers, Marmu Robert Stridiron/The Forum Newsgroup said she could spend about a month there Barbara Sheehan before being transported to another facility, which he said could be the Bedford Hills Cor“Where is she going to go?” asked Barbara rectional Facility for Women in Westchester, Sheehan’s mother, Barbara Henry. “Will we be New York - though that is not definite. able to see her? There are so many questions.”

Carousel Set to Spin Next Week

Conviction For Ozone Park Cat Killer

By Anna Gustafson The city’s Landmark Preservation Commission is expected to vote on whether to landmark the iconic Forest Park carousel next Tuesday, elating area preservationists and civic leaders who have long fought to preserve the 1903 merry-go-round.

The commission heard public testimony from four people last week, all of whom spoke in favor of the proposal for the Woodhaven carousel that holds some of the last surviving creations of master wood-carver Daniel Carl Muller - including 49 sculpted horses, a lion, a tiger, a deer and two chariots.

“The significance of the Muller horses, which were carved more than 100 years ago, is without question, and the carousel has been a centerpiece of Forest Park for 40 years,” Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) said in a statement about the structure that was originally operated in Massachusetts before being brought to Forest Park in 1972 to replace another merry-go-

8 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

By Samantha Geary

File Photo

round that burned down in a fire in the mid-1960s.

Others who testified included representatives of the city Parks Department, the Historic Districts Council, and the Society for the Architecture of the City.

“This ride offers an opportunity to interact closely with a variety of wild animals, military and circus horses that jump or remain stationary or just relax comfortably in a chariot,” John Krawchuk, director of historic preservation for the city Parks Department said at the hearing.

A man, with whom neighbors pleaded with to stop his attack of a cat, is facing up to two years for the bludgeoning death of the stray animal in February of 2012.

The defendant is identified as Richard Ferrugio, 51, of 90-12 103rd Avenue, Ozone Park and was convicted Monday of aggravated cruelty to animals and fourth-degree weapon possession. Witnesses testified that Ferrugio beat the cat with a tire iron in February 2012 outside of Neir’s Tavern.

He also threatened concerned passersby that he would do the same to them if they didn’t mind their business. Ferrugio also kicked the animal into a cement wall.

At the time of his arrest, Ferrugio

told police that the cat had scratched him and that he had gotten angry and took the lug wrench and hit the cat once. When he saw the cat shaking and in misery, according to his statement, he didn’t want to let the cat suffer anymore so he hit it until the cat was dead to put it out of its misery and pain. Police recovered the lug wrench from Ferrugio’s Altima.

In a statement, DA Richard Brown said, “The defendant showed a complete disregard for the life of a helpless animal by violently beating it to death on a public street. Even when passersby asked him to stop, he refused. This is a troubling crime and deserving of significant punishment.”

Ferrugio was convicted following a six-day trial. His sentencing is July 12.

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Madison Pareja Leonardo D’Attile Gianna Petraglia Joanna DiRosa

Dominick Porcelli Arianna Forteza Anthony Russo Arthur Hall

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 9

In Ridgewood, A Push For A Return To Industry

By Anna Gustafson Where once there were hundreds of factories lining the streets of Ridgewood - places that churned out as much as 25 percent of the sweaters bought by Americans and made supplies for soldiers in World War II - there remain empty buildings, their exteriors now adorned by decades-old telephone numbers and “For Rent” signs.

These buildings sit in the area known as “SOMA” - South of Myrtle Avenue - emblazoned with signs of companies long gone businesses like knitting factories and textile mills that closed up shop as the American economy shifted away from production and cheaper labor costs prompted those industries to migrate to other countries.

And, for some in the Ridgewood community, they are representative of what the U.S. and specifically this neighborhood - could, once again, become: a production giant where people can land skilled jobs that guarantee them a spot in the middle class.

But in order to do that, some civic and business leaders said there must be incentives to draw companies back to the area - which is why the Ridgewood Local Development Corporation has proposed creating what is known as an “industrial business zone” in the area bordered by Cypress Avenue in the north, Irving Avenue to the south, Hancock Street to the west and the New York Connecting Railroad Bay Ridge Freight Line in the east. Also being considered for the IBZ are Ridgewood and Glendale properties along the freight line from Irving Avenue to Myrtle Avenue. The city first launched the IBZ program in 2006, creating 16 such zones throughout the five boroughs, including in Maspeth, Jamaica, Astoria, and Long Island City, in an attempt to lure industrial and manufacturing business-

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Ridgewood civic and business leaders are hoping to create an "industrial business zone" in the area known as SOMA South of Myrtle Avenue - including Stephen Street. The individuals hope to draw industries back to sites in Ridgewood that once housed the hundreds of factories that previously dominated the area. While this building - a former knitting mill - was sold in May for $1.3 million and is slated to become an artist's studio, residents said they would like to see new industries set up shop in buildings like this.

es back to the area through tax credits and other business assistance.

“We’ve always felt manufacturing is very important for the sustainability of a viable community,” said Ted Renz, executive director of the Ridgewood LDC. “The IBZ program seems to be a program that, if it’s brought into our area, will bring vital jobs to our community and residents and, at the same time, preserve the manufacturing areas that have begun to disappear in the city of New York.”

Community Board 5 held a hearing on the proposal at its meeting last week, during which a number of civic and business leaders backed the idea - though some property owners said they would rather see the area be zoned for residential use because they have tried, and failed, to lease space to manufactur-

ing or industrial companies.

“We shouldn’t be allowing the rest of the world to make products that we consume at very low wages,” said CB 5 District Manager Gary Giordano. “That section of Myrtle Avenue was quite vibrant years ago. I think that things have changed as far as what types of businesses might move into an area like that I don’t think you’ll see big manufacturers looking to locate there. I think what is more the reality nowadays is dividing what was once manufacturing space for one large business among numerous businesses.”

Giordano said he imagines something like what has occurred at 17-17 Troutman St. in Ridgewood would play out in the IBZ. At the Troutman Street building - formerly a big industrial site - about 50 businesses have

CK Students Honor Their Faith

moved in, including designers and architects.

“New York City has always had this boutique manufacturing - it’s what made the garment industry the garment industry,” said CB 5 member John Maier. “One company would do the cutting, another the sewing - and that’s returning to the U.S. That mode of manufacturing is on the uptick.”

An attorney for some of the property owners opposed to the IBZ did not return phone calls for comment, but Eric Palatnik, who represents some of the property owners on Irving Avenue, told the Daily News that his clients have had little luck finding tenants and want the area to become residential so they could potentially build more lucrative apartment buildings.

But those in favor of the proposal emphasized that they believe tenants would be drawn to the IBZ because, as part of the program, companies that relocate to the area receive a $1,000 tax credit per employee, up to 100 workers.

“That’s a very positive thing,” said Vernon McDermott, who owns the Julian A. McDermott Corp., a lighting company, on Stephen Street - part of the area that would be in the IBZ. “There’s assistance you get as an industrial business - they assign somebody to help you do things like get a loan or expand. For me, it’s a win for businesses. There are so many empty buildings there; it would be good to get business back.”

The community board’s Zoning and Land Use Committee and Economic Development Committee will meet around July 1 to discuss the proposal, including property owners’ concerns, after which Giordano said there’s a “5050” chance the board would vote on the plan at its July 10 meeting. If the board approves the plan, it then goes to the city for the final stamp of approval.

Maspeth HS Recognized For Green Efforts

Photo Courtesy of Christ the King HS

Pictured with the students are Principal Peter Mannarino, CK Chaplain Fr. Frank Spacek, and Campus Minister Sister Elizabeth Graham, CSJ.

Father Frank Spacek, Chaplain at Christ the King High School, installed five new Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion at the End of Year School Mass. Each of the five had completed the workshop

sponsored by the Brooklyn Diocese on Saturday, April 27 at Bishop Ford High School and were approved by their pastors as suitable candidates.

Thomas Kolokithias, Kristina Djurkovic, Corina Liu, Dominique

10 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

Spiegowski, and Michael Bieiewicz will distribute Holy Communion at all the school Masses and be eligible to serve in their home parishes according to the need and discretion of their pastors.

The Maspeth High School Green Club will soon be officially recognized as citywide winners of a Golden Apple Award in the Department of Sanitation's Reduce and Reuse Challenge.

Last year the club members were Queens Borough winners in the Team Up To Clean Up Contest.

Representatives from the Department of Sanitation will be on hand during Maspeth High School's Annual Awards Ceremony to present the Golden Apple Trophy.

The award also comes with $6000 for green projects at the school.

The school's Green Club members and advisor, Mr. Aaron Bell, will be on hand to accept the award.

The Annual Awards Ceremony will take place on

Monday, June 24 at 7:00 p.m.

in the Maspeth High School Auditorium

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 11

Richmond Hill Father Gives Ailing Son The Gift Of Life

Photo Courtesy of Northshore LIJ Hospital

Ronald Burke, left, Rhonda Burke, Isabel Burke, Leonard Burke, and Dr. Ernesto Molmenti gather to talk about the kidney Leonard received from his father, Ronald.

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There comes a time when a father doesn't have to think twice about helping his son.

For Ronald Burke, 55, that moment came when he discovered the kidney his son, Leonard Burke, 32, received from his wife in 2010 was failing.

“I didn't hesitate; it wasn't a scary thing for me,” said Ronald Burke, who donated his kidney to his son during a transplant at the North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset on June 3 - just days before the two men celebrated Father's Day with their family, including Leonard Burke's wife, Rhonda Burke, and their 18-month-old daughter Isabel, in their Richmond Hill home.

“It felt really wonderful to know you can give someone a second chance to live a normal life – especially someone very dear to you, like your son,” Ronald Burke said at a press conference held at a North Shore facility last Friday. “This will be the most beautiful Father's Day I've ever spent in my life.”

For the son, the gift was overwhelming – and a constant reminder of the support he has received from family since receiving news in 2008 that his kidneys were failing because of hypertension. His wife turned out to be a perfect match and could donate a kidney to her husband – to whom she has been married 11 years and who she first met while they were growing up in Trinidad.

“We've known each other since the age of 12 – we're a match in every way,” Rhonda Burke said.

The first transplant seemed to be a suc-

cess, elating the young couple who wanted to start a family. Their daughter was born just a few days before Thanksgiving in November 2011. However, the family was shocked to discover this March that the transplanted kidney was failing.

“My dad said, 'I'm going to give you a kidney, and that's it,'” Leonard Burke said of his father's reaction when the family learned of the failing transplant.

Ernesto Molmenti, the North Shore University Hospital Transplant Center surgery director who worked with the Burke family, said it was unclear as to why the first kidney transplant failed but said the second one went smoothly and they will continue to monitor Leonard Burke's progress.

“Transplantation changes people's lives,” Dr. Molmenti said. “It's a safe procedure that should be encouraged.”

Each of the Burke family members who have been involved in the transplant process said it was surprisingly easy.

“I was up and walking around that night,” Leonard Burke said.

While the entire process has been a difficult one – especially as Leonard Burke battled fatigue while being on dialysis and working full time, but the family said it has cemented the strength of a family that has always been there for one another.

And even though 18-month-old Isabel is a little too young to really understand what is happening, her mother said she already has learned an important lesson.

“Isabel will now go around saying, 'Grandpa, Daddy – heroes!” Rhonda Burke said.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 13

Forest Park Concert Rocks For Music Lovers Of All Ages

Anna Gustafson/The Forum Newsgroup

Paul Wunsch, left, and Greg Cerar, pose in front of Woodhaven’s Forest Park band shell, where their group, The Boom Section, played as part of the first annual Forest Park Rock Fest, which Cerar organized, on Saturday.

The first annual Forest Park Rock Fest drew people from throughout Queens, and the rest of the city, on Saturday, when everyone from toddlers to senior citizens cheered on the four bands that came together under the vision of Woodhaven native Greg Cerar.

Cerar, a Woodhaven native who plays the drums in the alternative hard rock band The Boom Section, said he was thrilled to organize the event in Forest Park’s band shell.

“I used to come to the park with my dad when I was a kid, and I’d come here with my friends when I was older, and we’d pretend we were putting on rock shows,” said Cerar, who practices with his band in Howard Beach where his parents now reside.

The bands that entertained Saturday’s crowd represented different types of rock and roll - alongside The Boom Section, there was StillTheVizitors, who regaled people with classic blues, Daniel Tighe got people tapping with his alternative country, and SystemInChaos played darker rock songs.

“We really wanted to put on a free rock show, and we wanted to do something for everyone,” Cerar said. “We play a lot of shows in dark bars, and we wanted to bring the music out into the daylight.”

Kristin Robles, of Jamaica Estates, whose husband sings in the band StillTheVizitors, came to the concert with the couple’s 2-yearold daughter, Talia Ann. “It’s awesome to have rock music in general because it’s kind of disappearing,” Robles said.

“To have a rock fest is very valuable - hopefully this will happen every year.”

Astoria resident Dawn Walsh-Johnson also had her 2-year-old daughter, Dasha Johnson, with her - and she said there was no way she would rather spend her day than listening to free music.

“It brings people together,” she said.

And for Carmella and Tom Cerar, Greg Cerar’s parents, the day was nothing less than a chance to watch their son’s dreams play out.

“We’re really proud,” Carmella Cerar said.

“My father played saxophone in a Big Band back in the day - Greg definitely inherited that musical talent.”

StillTheVizitors was one of four bands that played for Saturday’s crowd, which included music lovers from throughout the borough - and beyond.

Kristin Robles and her daughter, Talia Ann Robles, 2, of Jamaica Estates, were excited to see their husband and father, Mario Robles, the lead singer of StillTheVizitors, rock out on Saturday.

By Anna Gustafson

14 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

After 34 Years, Woodhaven's Forest Park Senior Center Forced To Close Its Doors

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Loretta Phillips, left, Joe Palladino and Forest Park Senior Center Executive Director, Donna Caltabiano, spend time together just before the Woodhaven center closed its doors for good after 34 years last Thursday.

By Anna Gustafson As the sun began its limp towards the horizon during last week’s overcast Thursday, the women and men gathered inside the Forest Park Senior Center in Woodhaven clasped hands and brushed away tears - and they all uttered one sentence time and again: Maybe a miracle will happen.

After nearly three and a half decades of being the place where seniors from Woodhaven, and throughout Queens, would gather for afternoons of dancing and playing cards with the friends they credit with giving them a reason to get up in the morning, Forest Park Senior Center has closed its doors because it no longer can afford to operate, the center’s executive director, Donna Caltabiano, said.

“We’re down to $60,000 from the borough president and $55,000 from [Councilman] Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) - that’s it,” said Caltabiano, who for 19 years led the center than in recent years had continually faced the chopping block because of budget cuts. “Other centers around here are getting $500,000, $900,000. I can’t compete with that.”

When Forest Park Senior Center – which, at the end of its time, served about 40 seniors daily – though that number was once well above 100 – opened in 1979, it received most of its money from the state.

“We were never a city-run center like the others,” Caltabiano said. “Over the years, it stayed a state-funded program while the money was flowing in Albany. But, in the mid90s, the money started getting less and less.”

Caltabiano said she frequently “held back my paychecks and gave my own money – I'm out a total of $35,000 from my own pocket” in order to keep the center running. Others, too, gave money – like Joe Palladino, 91, a decorated World War II veteran who has been president of the center's board of directors for 21 years. But, finally, the center succumbed to the weight of financial pressures.

“It's all over; it's the end of an era,” Palladino said. “We've been a happy, happy family.”

That was a sentiment echoed time and again

by the seniors – many of whom asked Caltabiano if they could return to the building to play cards and relax while she closes up shop over the summer.

“This place has kept them alive,” Caltabiano said. “Coming here, it means they have a reason to get up in the morning and get dressed. It gives them a purpose. The 90-year-olds that come here, they don't want to go anywhere else. They're not going to go anywhere else.”

Loretta Phillips, a member of the board of directors, said she has been to other centers – but said none of them compare with the one she will never be able to attend again.

“I don't care where you go – you'll never find a place like this,” said Phillips, who started going to the Forest Park site when her husband died five and a half years ago. “It's such a different atmosphere here – there's such camaraderie. And the girls who work here, they can't do enough for you. They make calls for Access-aRide, they pick people up and drive them home. You don't find this closeness anywhere.”

As the majority of the seniors left the center last week, waving good-bye and telling one another they would not lose touch, a group of four women remained at a table in the center's main room. Their eyes fixated on their cards, they said they could not think about leaving.

“We've been here for decades, raised families here, paid taxes here and now they want to take this away from us?” said Anne McGuinness, 83, of Woodhaven.

The women McGuinness was playing rounds of cards with – Ona Mileris, 76; Aida Ojeda, 73; and Joyce Rodriguez, 65 – all shook their heads in agreement.

“I'm not going to another center,” Rodriguez said. “I really liked it here – there's something special about it.”

While Caltabiano said it is doubtful any kind of miracle will happen and the center will be saved – she said seniors will have another chance to see one another at a July 19 fundraiser from 12 pm to 4 pm at the Woodhaven center. The money made during the event will help to pay some of the center's outstanding bills.

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THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 15

SUMMER READING ‘13

@ Queens Library Register at any Queens Library location or online at summerreading.org. ts for all ages, including adults. n e v e d n a s m Free progra

Target is the lead sponsor of Queens Library’s Summer Reading program. Additional support is provided

by Astoria Federal Savings, with in-kind support from AWE Digital Learning Solutions, the New York Mets, Scholastic and Simon & Schuster.

www.queenslibrary.org Q u e e n s L i b r a r y i s a n i n d e p e n d e n t , n o t - f o r- p r o f i t c o r p o r a t i o n a n d i s n o t a f f i l i a t e d w i t h a n y o t h e r l i b r a r y s y s t e m .

16 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

13072-5/13

Fun & Games ACROSS 1. Inscribed pillar 6. Make a choice 9. *He claimed that a little learning is a dangerous thing 13. Admit 14. Hawaiian dish 15. Intro 16. Round openings in architecture 17. Reef dweller 18. What #23 Across does out of tree 19. *He hears America singing 21. What Beauty's Beast couldn't control 23. Found on pines 24. Do it till you drop?

25. Disreputable vagrant 28. Bulb site 30. Fall asleep 35. Eurasian mountain range 37. Jockey's leash 39. New York's Bloomberg, e.g.

40. Customary practice 41. Basic belief 43. Goose egg 44. Former NBA players Archibald and McMillan, e.g.

46. Ripped or separated 47. Units of work 48. Israeli money 50. Century Gothic, e.g.

52. Band performance 53. Snorkeling site 55. Black gold 57. *He urged to not go gentle into that good night 60. *She knows why the caged bird sings 64. Fertilizer made by birds 65. "Casablanca" player 67. Warms 68. Undo a bustle 69. Before now 70. Old-hat 71. Makeup, e.g.72. Noisy talk 73. Church assembly

DOWN 1. *Like time in Keats' "Ode on a Grecian Urn" 2. Georgia ____ 3. Small ornamental case 4. Jaunty rhythms 5. *Subject of Blake's "The Tyger" or Bishop's "The Moose" 6. Golf's U.S. ____ 7. *He loved a maiden named Annabel Lee 8. State of soil for supporting plant growth 9. On some planes 10. Thick liquid 11. ____ pressure 12. Emergency Medical Services 15. Cheerleader's prop 20. Separated 22. Long, long time 24. "The Bachelorette" to "The Bachelor," e.g.

25. *His Love is like a red, red rose 26. Husband of Bathsheba in Old Testament 27. Not glossy 29. *Kipling: "Never the twain shall ____" 31. Stupefy 32. Hearings or inspections, as of deeds or bonds 33. Do like a blacksmith 34. *He claimed that nothing gold can stay 36. Potato's soup mate 38. Infamous Roman emperor 42. Shaped to fit into a mortise 45. Preacher's address 49. Grazing spot 51. Skintight hose 54. Literary composition 56. Apprehensive 57. Ad jingle, e.g.

58. Chance occurrences 59. "Put a lid __ __!"

60. Crazily 61. Past participle of "lie" 62. ___ von Bismarck 63. Like a hand-me-down 64. Instinctive 66. American Gas Association

CROSSWORD

SOLUTIONS FROM LAST WEEK'S PUZZLE

SUDOKU

1. Who wrote Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?

2. Who wrote I Know Why The Caged Bird Sings?

3. Who left an unfinished work called Cantos?

4. Which writer of horrific happenings was himself involved in a road accident while out walking in 1999?

5. Which novelist with an English place last name wrote White Fang?

Answers from last week's trivia: 1: Bart Simpson. 2: Tom and Jerry. 3: The Smurfs. 4: Miss Piggy. 5: Haim Saban

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 17

OZONE PARK – 3 bedrooms, 1 bath, LR, DR, EIK, pay gas & electric $1350 HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK 1 bedroom, plus utilities, no pets/smoking, income check, credit check $1400 HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD – 1 bedroom, pay electric. All new!!

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Legal Notices

NOW HIRING! Resorts World Casino New York City (“RWCNYC”) provides guests with world-class gaming, exquisite dining and unique entertainment experiences. Now is your chance to become a part of this winning team!

Our upscale Genting Palace Restaurant is hiring for the following positions: (Bilingual preferred: Mandarin or Cantonese Chinese) • BAR BACK • BUS PERSON • FOOD SERVER • FOOD & BEVERAGE SHIFT MANAGER (ASIAN MARKET): Responsible for training all F&B Staff for their outlet upon hire. Oversee assigned outlet during shift.

Maintain food inventory and supplies in accordance with business demands. Responsible for monitoring regularly scheduled cleanings while ensuring prompt, efficient and friendly quality service and preparation of food and beverage items to any and all customers. Responsible for assisting food and beverage staff in the proper balancing of the cash register. Assist Genting Palace Manager with weekly and monthly orders.

Must have an Associate’s degree or at least five years food and beverage experience. Bilingual preferred (Chinese: Mandarin, Cantonese). Must be certified or become certified by any state, city or country agency having jurisdiction over the employee’s area of operation.

To apply, please visit

rwnewyork.com/career

RWCNYC is an equal opportunity employer. All candidates must be at least eighteen (18) years old and have the ability to obtain the appropriate license pursuant to the NY State Lottery Regulations. EOE/AA

18 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

Dave Paek Photography, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 4/8/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 48-21 5th St, #3I, LIC, NY 11101.

General Purposes.

EAST COLUMBIA PROPERTIES, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/22/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: Thaddeus Paluszek, 2-49 149th Pl., Whitestone, NY 11357. General Purposes.

Notice is hereby given that a license, number 1270984, has been applied for by FMFS of Forest Hills LLC, to sell liquor, wine and beer at retail in a restaurant under the Alcohol Beverage Control Law at 107-16 71st Avenue, Forest Hills, NY 11375, for on-premises consumption.

Notice of Formation of DD West 29th LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 05/07/2013. Office location: Queens County. Principal office address: 42-09 235th Street, Douglaston, NY 11363. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 4209 235th Street, Douglaston, NY 11363. Term: until dissolved. Purpose: To engage in any act or activity lawful.

Legal Notices NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: 3168 35th STREET LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/04/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, P.O. Box 575042, Whitestone, New York 11357. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

78 METROPOLITAN ASSOCIATES LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 2/28/2013. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 17-20 Whitestone Expressway, Ste. 301, Whitestone, NY 11357, which is also the principal business location. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of SINO AMERICAN CULTURE & COMMERCE LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 11/27/2012. Office location: Queens County. Principal office address: 42-09 235th Street, Douglaston, NY 11363. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail copy of process to Annie Jin, 144-63 35th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11354. Term: until dissolved. Purpose: To engage in any act or activity lawful.

Notice of formation of Broadfeet Management, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secy. Of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/30/2011 Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC. SSNY shall mail process to 39-15 Main Street, Suite 301, Flushing NY 11354. Purpose: any lawful activities.

VERDANT GRANGE, LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 3/27/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Ruth Harrigan, 50-45 245th Street, Douglaston, NY 11362. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Qualification of S & C Robinson Enterprise, LLC. Authority filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/7/12. Office location: Queens County. LLC formed in Georgia (GA) on 6/3/11. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: National Registered Agents, Inc., 111 Eighth Ave., 13th Fl., NY, NY 10011. Address to be maintained in DE: The LLC, 6139 Queen River Dr., Mableton, GA 30126. Arts of Org. filed with the GA Secretary of State, 313 West Tower, 2 Martin Luther King Jr., Dr., Atlanta, GA 30334-1530. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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Legal Notices Notice of formation, HILLSIDE MGSD LLC Articles of Organization Filed with Sec. of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/04/2008 Notice of formation, HILLSIDE MGSD LLC Office location: Queens County SSNY designated for service of process.

SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to c/o: THE LLC, 4940 Merrick Road # 258 Massapequa Park, NY 11762. Purpose: any lawful purpose or activity.

REGO PARK SOCIAL ADULT DAY CARE, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/15/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Jay Golub, 4147 48th St., Sunnyside, NY 11104.

General Purposes.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: EAGLE GEOTECH CONSTRUCTION LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/19/12. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Neil L. Fuhrer & Assoc. LLP, 750 Third Avenue, 29th Floor, New York, New York 10017.

Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

38-35 Crescent Street LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 11/21/12. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 22-10 Crescent St, Astoria, NY 11105. General Purposes.

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Legal Notices Notice of Formation of PBT LATIN FOODS LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 05/9/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Johanna Batista, P.O. Box 750583, Forest Hills, NY 11372.

Purpose: any lawful activity.

ROSHNI KAUR, LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 4/4/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 35-05 146th St., Flushing, NY 11354. General Purposes.

Notice is hereby given that an onpremise license, #1270792 has been applied for by 6059 Myrtle Avenue Corp to sell beer, wine and liquor at retail in an on premises establishment. For on premises consumption under the ABC law at 6059 Myrtle Ave Ridgewood NY 11385.

IEJK Realty LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 6/3/13. Office: Queens County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served.

SSNY shall mail process to: 26-17 30th St, Astoria, NY 11102. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of iAG Energy Services LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/3/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 147-24 77th Avenue, Flushing, NY 11367. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of Ludwig’s at the Yacht Club, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/12/2013. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Avenue, Suite 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

American Solar LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 4/18/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 211-03 33rd Rd, WE COURT YOUR LEGALS! Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 19

OZONE PARK Two family detached, 3 baths, 2 bedrms over 2 bedrms, fin bsmt, sun room, garage private driveway, mint.

Asking $519K HOWARD BEACH Hi ranch

46x100 lot, 3/4 bedrms, 1st fl gutt needs sheetrock, gar new boiler and HW. Asking $569K

HOWARD BEACH 3.5 rm garden co-op, new kit, updated bath, dogs ok mint cond. Asking $115K HOWARD BEACH 5 room 2

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20 | THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013

Legal Notices FORECLOSURE SUMMONS Index No. 25665/12 Date Filed: 12/31/2012 FORECLOSURE TRANSACTION CONSUMER CREDIT TRANSACTION SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS GENERATION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff –against– SAIYADA KARAMCHAND INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AJOY K. KARAMCHAND A/K/A AJOY KARAMCHAND; VANIETA KARAMCHAND INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AJOY K. KARAMCHAND A/K/A AJOY KARAMCHAND ; KHEMCHAND KARAMCHAND INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AJOY K. KARAMCHAND A/K/A AJOY KARAMCHAND ; DAVIKA KARAMCHAND INDIVIDUALLY AND AS HEIR TO THE ESTATE OF AJOY K. KARAMCHAND A/K/A AJOY KARAMCHAND ; ALL UNKNOWN HEIRS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, NEXTOF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, LEGATEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, JUDGMENT CREDITORS, RECEIVERS, TRUSTEES IN BANKRUPTCY, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST AND THEIR HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, EXECUTORS, ADMINISTRATORS, HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, DISTRIBUTEES, LEGATEES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, ASSIGNEES, JUDGMENT CREDITORS, RECEIVERS, TRUSTEES IN BANKRUPTCY, TRUSTEES, COMMITTEES, LIENORS AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST, IF ANY, AND ALL PERSONS CLAIMING BY, THROUGH AND UNDER ANY OF THEM, OF THE DECEASED AJOY K. KARAMCHAND A/K/A AJOY KARAMCHAND ; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; NEW YORK STATE DEPART-

MENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; NEW YORK CITY DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL; CAPITAL ONE BANK; DHANRAJIA HOODITH “JOHN DOE #1- E AND “MARY ROE #1- E The last two names being fictitious, said parties intended being tenants or occupants, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises described in the complaint, Defendants.

TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANT(S): YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to serve upon plaintiff’s attorneys an answer to the complaint in this action within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, or within thirty (30) days after service is complete if the Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York.

The United States of America, if designated as a defendant in this action, may answer or appear within sixty (60) days of service hereof.

In case of your failure to answer, judgment will be taken against you for the relief demanded in the complaint.

Trial is desired in the County of Queens. The basis of venue designated above is that the real property, which is the subject matter of this action, is located in the County of Queens, State of New York.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home.

Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property. Sending a payment to your mortgage company will not stop this foreclosure action.

YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A

COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. DATED: December 27, 2012 SCHILLER & KNAPP, LLP BY: __________________________ MAX SMELYANSKY, ESQ. Attorneys for Plaintiff 950 New Loudon Road Latham, New York 12110 Telephone: (518) 786-9069 THIS IS AN ATTEMPT TO COLLECT A DEBT, UNLESS DISCHARGED IN BANKRUPTCY, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT You are in danger or losing your home. If you fail to respond to the summons and complaint in this foreclosure action, you may lose your home. Please read the summons and complaint carefully. You should immediately contact at attorney or local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process.

To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services at to 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department`s website at www.dfs.ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner`s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed. State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

NY PRINTS LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 5/17/13.

Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 33-17 73rd St., Jackson Heights, NY 11372, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Margie Chan-Yip & Associates LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 4/4/13. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: the LLC, 64-61 230th Street, Bayside, NY 11364. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 57TH STREET LOGISTICS, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 01/16/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Eric Mautner, 153 W. 27th St., NY, NY 10001. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

THE FORUM NEWSGROUP • June 20, 2013 | 21

Kew Gardens Worker Saved After Falling Into Trench

By Anna Gustafson About 50 emergency personnel worked for more than two and a half hours Tuesday evening to rescue a worker who fell 25 feet into a muddy trench at a Kew Gardens construction site that had been issued a stop work order, according to city officials.

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Marcos Castellon, 30, was pinned under hundreds of pounds of mud when he fell into the trench at 119-02 83rd Ave., and it collapsed in part around him, according to the FDNY. Castellon’s coworkers attempted to free him for approximately an hour before calling the FDNY at about 5 p.m., officials said.

Among those helping Castellon, who was stuck in dirt up to

his waist, were paramedics to ensure the worker wouldn’t die because of the weight pressing against him. Firefighters secured a backhoe at the site before Con Edison workers used vacuum trucks to remove the dirt from around Castellon, who was eventually transported to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center with injuries that were not life threatening, officials said.

Photos by Richard York and Robert Stridiron

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