Queens Chronicle South Edition 01-01-15 by Queens Chronicle

C M SQ page 1 Y K SOUTH QUEENS EDITION Serving Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill, South Ozone Park, City Line and JFK Airport

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XXXVIII NO. 1

THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015

TOP 10 TO OF

2014

A look back at the stories that shaped Queens QUEENS’ LARGEST WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 2

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Howard Beach club hosts Ramos family Sixteen businesses come together to help organize after-funeral luncheon by Anthony O’Reilly

Sal Baretta said he picked the Old Mill Yacht Club because his 50th birthday party was held there and he had fond memories of the place. Theresa Baretta called Duldulao on the Tuesday before the funeral. For Duldulao, Baretta’s call was a blessing. “I’ve been asking myself ‘What can I do to help out these officers?’” he said. “When I got

Associate Editor

fter Officer Rafael Ramos’ body was laid to rest in Cypress Hills Cemetery, his family and officers with the 84th Precinct made the trek to the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach. Maritza Ramos, Ramos’ widow, handed a U.S. flag that had been ceremoniously folded and handed to her earlier that morning to John Giangrasso, a financial secretary with the Patrolmen’s Benevolent Association, and greeted the yacht club’s commodore, The funeral of Jeff rey Duldulao, walking in. Police Officer before The family and Rafael Ramos m e m b e r s of t h e 84th Precinct were PAGES 16 AND 17 then brought into a private room at the club and sat down to a private meal, which was catered by several area restaurants and catering halls. The affair was private. It was not broadcast to the country like the funeral earlier that morning and the Queens Chronicle was the only media invited. The luncheon was part of an effort that began in Brooklyn and had several Howard Beach and other Queens businesses pitch in to help out any way they could.

“I’ve been asking myself ‘What can I do to help out these officers?’ When I got the call from Sal, I said to the big man upstairs ‘Thank you.’”

Maritza Ramos, center, walks into the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach for a private afterfuneral luncheon. The Ramos family was joined by members of the 84th Precinct and Howard PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY Beach officials. Theresa Baretta, the co-owner of the Brooklyn-based bar Brownstone, said she and her husband Sal have been donating food to the 84th Precinct, located near the bar, since Ramos and his partner Wenjian Liu were assassinated in their squad car on Dec. 20. “All of the police officers come into the bar to have lunch and we just became such

close friends with all of them,” she said, adding she never personally met Liu or Ramos. And although they thought of holding the after-funeral luncheon at the Brownstone, they needed a bigger space to host the precinct and Ramos’ family. “We also needed somewhere that was close to the cemetery,” Sal Baretta added.

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the call from Sal, I said to the big man upstairs ‘Thank you.’” He said he immediately started calling area business owners to see how they could help out. Throughout the next five days, assistance came from 14 other businesses who donated continued on page 18

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C M SQ page 4 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW

2014

SOUTH QUEENS

2014: a year of searching for answers

Build it Back, infrastructure concerns still linger for many by Anthony O’Reilly Many South Queens residents rang in 2014 with a lot of questions still on their mind. When would the city begin restoring homes damaged by Superstorm Sandy? When would the city address f looding issues in Lindenwood? Would Mary Ann Carey give in to pressure and resign as the district manager of Community Board 9? Some of those questions, and others, were answered throughout the past 12 months, but still even more questions have been raised or have yet to be answered. Will we get a Queens version of the High Line, or will the old Rockaway Beach rail line be restored? Will the city finally begin to fix Albert Road in Ozone Park or 104th Street in Hamilton Beach after years of delay? Only time will tell.

January

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Lindenwood residents’ concerns of flooding were brought to life when an April 30 storm left homes in the area with water damage described as “worse than Sandy.” The issue would come up again later in the year when Department of Environmental Protection officials announced their fortification plans for Spring Creek.

Associate Editor

Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) defended his support of Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan, Bronx) for City Council speaker, saying she would be the better choice between two progressive candidates. He added she would be more responsive to his constituents’ needs, such as Sandy recovery. Viverito was voted as speaker over Councilman Dan Garodnick (D-Manhattan). Ozone Park residents were horrified when they discovered a statue of the Virgin Mary had been beheaded at St. Mary Gate of Heaven Church in Ozone Park. Police have yet to identify who committed the act. The Aqueduct Buffet at Resorts World Casino closed its doors because not enough people were visiting the restaurant. The closure resulted in about 175 people losing their jobs. At CB 9’s January meeting, Carey lashed out at then-Chairman Jim Coccovillo, saying he intimidated her and other people on the board in an effort to have them resign. Later in the year, Carey would do just that but on her own terms. City officials announced the Rockaway Ferry, which replaced the out-of-commission A train, would be in service until May. It was later given yet another extension, but soon after met its demise.

February Much of the borough was pummeled by an onslaught of snowstorms, as many as two in three days. Some businesses complained the weather was having a negative impact on their profit lines, while the city lagged in its cleanup response. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman announced the bust of a cockfighting ring operating on Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven as part of “Operation Angry Birds.” Sixty-five birds were rescued during a Saturday night raid where the fights were allegedly occuring.

May

Major flooding throughout Lindenwood was a common occurrence and source of complaints for residents throughout much of 2014. In the later part of the year, park officials announced plans FILE PHOTOS to fortify Spring Creek in an effort to alleviate flooding in the area. Residents, civic leaders and elected officials urged the mayor to revamp the city’s Build it Back program, which at the time was plagued with logistical problems. It has since made progress on rebuilding homes and issuing reimbursement checks. Com mu n it y Board 9 member Sam Esposito was indicted on charges he and more than 30 other people made fraudelent Social Security claims. Woodhaven residents and civic leaders called for the demolition of 78-19 Jamaica Ave., the collapsed building next door to the Woodhaven-Richmond Hill Ambulance Corps building, after some people heard creaking noises coming from the damaged structure. A judge took action in March when he ...

March ... Ordered the head of the company that owned the building to hire an architect and immediately begin renovations on the building. The School Constr uction Authority revealed it was planning to build a new public school in Centreville, but had to wait for the HWQ411B project to be completed. In other news regarding decades-in-themaking projects, the city Department of Transportation announced it’s going forward with its plan to create a biking and hiking path that would run through Howard Beach and parts of Brooklyn. More than 100 firefighters were required to put out a blaze near Spring Creek, which came within 50 feet of some Howard Beach homes. Ralph Gonzalez was voted in as the new chairman of Community Board 9. Cops from the 106th Precinct said they were addressing a string of burglaries in the Howard Beach/Lindenwood area, a topic of major concern at the Howard BeachLindenwood Civic Assocation’s meeting.

April Mayor de Blasio an nounced a total revamp of the Build it Back program, including streamlining people’s applications a nd sen ior leadersh ip cha nges. Although elected off icials at the time lamented the pace of the program, they have since praised its progress. Lindenwood residents called on the city to address flooding issues in the area, which would soon become a topic of major concern. Thousands of police officers lined the streets of South Queens to bid farewell to Rockaway NYPD Officer Dennis Guerra, who died after rushing into a burning building in Coney Island. The fire was allegedly started by a bored teenager. His partner, Lindenwood resident Officer Rosa Rodriguez, was also seriously injured. Another tragic incident took place, this time in Ozone Park, when ex-cop Kevin Canty was accused of shooting his wife to death in front of their children.

Amy Peterson, the director of the Mayor’s Office of Housing Recovery Operations, faced an angry crowd at the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association meeting. Residents and elected officials complained of the Build it Back’s program’s lack of progress. Peterson told those gathered at the meeting that they would see progress “soon.” And they did. Some Lindenwood residents said they were planning to sue the city to recover damages sustained during the April 30 storm. Rodriguez, the Lindenwood cop seriously injured in the Coney Island fire allegedly started by a bored teenager, returned home. The city Department of Education said it was planning to remove the trailer classrooms at Richmond Hill High School by 2016. The school later in the year was told the removal might happen sooner than that.

June Howard Beach residents and elected officials pleaded for more garbage cans in Coleman Square, saying the lone disposal bin frequently became overfilled, which caused garbage to be dumped onto the sidewalk. Elected off icials called for safet y improvements near PS 232 in Lindenwood, after two pedestrians had been hit in a short span of time. The new Joseph P. Addabbo Family Health Center on Rockaway Boulevard finally opened its doors after two years of delays. Howard Beach resident Joe Thompson began forming a Civilian Observation Patrol, aimed at responding to quality-of-life issues around the neighborhood. Officials announced that a contractor had been chosen for the HWQ411B project in Centreville, but that work wouldn’t begin until 2015 because the city needed to purchase land from area homeowners.

July

Ralph Gonzalez was elected as the new Community Board 9 chairman in March.

Residents living on 96th Street in Howard Beach called for the Department of Transportation to implement safety measures along the corridor, citing a string of incidents in which parked cars were hit by speeding drivers. Some worried a pedestrian would be next. A memorial in Frank Charles Park was damaged overnight, and many area residents pointed to teenage hooliganism as the culprit. continued on page 6

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South Queens’ major news stories in 2014

November

August Gov. Cuomo signed a bill into law that allowed the city to lower its speed limit to 25 miles per hour, except where posted. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder urged the Port Authority to fund the Rockaway Ferry, saying it was needed for thousands of peninsula residents to easily access Manhattan. More than a hundred Sikhs rallied for officials to find the driver who sped away after hitting Ozone Park resident Sandeep Singh in a possible hate crime. Carey announced she would be retiring as Community Board 9 district manager on Oct. 1. A line was drawn during a CB 9 meeting when members expressed differing opinions about the pedestrian plaza along 101st Avenue at the Brooklyn-Queens border. The issue would be brought up regularly at future community board meetings.

September Almonte’s Key Food officially opened a new location at 163-30 Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach. Officials from the city’s Build it Back program announced that renovations had started on more than 500 homes throughout the city, one of the first signs of progress for the initiative. CB 9 members mulled over the idea of having a moratorium on all liquor license applications and renewals, citing an ever-increasing number of trouble bars and pubs in the district. Several sources told the Queens Chronicle that Major League Soccer’s new team, New York City Football Club, is seeking to make Aqueduct Race Track its new home. The club originally wanted to set up its pitch in Flushing Meadows

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section of the 3.5-mile stretch of parkland proposed for the old Rockaway Beach rail line could be built soon. Mayor de Blasio announced at a press conference in Broad Channel that renovations had started on more than 700 houses throughout the city. He also said more than 800 reimbusement checks had been sent out to homeowners. Federal and state officials announced at a meeting of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association that the fortification of Spring Creek would be complete by 2017. Cuomo last year announced $50 million would be allocated toward the project.

continued from page 4 The owner of 78-19 Jamaica Ave. was given a reprieve and told by the Department of Buildings that he had until October to fix the partially collapsed structure. City Comptroller Scott Stringer announced he was negotiating settlements for Lindenwood f lood victims who had threatened to sue the city for damages. The city announced it would be ending the Rockaway Ferry in October, citing low ridership and a high subsidy. State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli stated in a report that the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach rail line could help spur economic activity in the Rockaways and in South Queens.

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder announced the results of a study that concluded 500,000 people would benefit from the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach rail line. FILE PHOTO Corona Park, but those plans fell through after park advocates gave a red card to the idea. The team has yet to make any official decision as to where it will place its permanent home.

October A 51-year-old man jumped in front of a moving A train in an apparent suicide. A source close to the matter told the Queens Chronicle if NYCFC were to call Aqueduct their home pitch, it could spell the end for horse racing at the popular track. Borough President Melinda Katz, Community Board 10 members and other officials expressed skepticism at the idea, citing concerns of how people would be able to access the stadium. The Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association called on the Department of Sanitation to end its practice of issuing fines for illegally dumped trash to business owners after stores have closed their doors. Officials from the Trust for Public Land announced detailed plans for the QueensWay, and said the northern

Maritza Ramos, the widow of Officer Rafael Ramos, center, walks into the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach on Dec. 27. Her PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY husband had been buried at Cypress Hills Cemetery earlier that morning.

De Blasio announced a $150 million initiative to bump up grades of struggling public schools. Twelve borough schools made the list, including John Adams and Richmond Hill high schools. A study by the Queens College Department of Urban Studies found that 500,000 people would benefit from the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Rail Line. The study, commissioned by Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park), also found that Rockaway residents were more in favor of the park alternative than a train running on the line. Goldfeder later asked Gov. Cuomo to use surplus cash to reactivate the line. Members of the South Ozone Park Civic Association West expressed skepticism over the city’s plan to place larger sewer lines along the Belt Parkway, saying drivers would use residential streets as a way of escaping gridlock. Two men, in an apparent drunken haze, vandalized a World War II memorial in Woodhaven. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) said he was reintroducing legislation that would allow the Federal Emergency Management Agency to forgive any overpayment of emergency aid to Superstorm Sandy victims. Hamilton Beach residents expressed anger toward the city for not repairing 104th Street, a corridor that has remained in a state of disrepair for years. They would soon get some good news.

December A spokesman with the DOT said the city is preparing to send out bid documents to seek a contractor to fix 104th Street in Hamilton Beach. In other road news, the city approved $57 million in funding for the HWQ411B project in Centreville. Community Board 9 Transportation Chairman Kenichi Wilson announced eight parking spots had been restored along 101st Avenue, after a portion of the pedestrian plaza at the edge of the City Line had been removed. An apartment building at 103-45 97 St. in Ozone Park went up in flames, suffering damage throughout. The fivealarm blaze left more than 80 families without homes for Christmas. Many of the families were forced to apply for emergency housing and were told they might be moved to locations outside the borough. Community Board 9 passed a resolution blasting the mayor’s plan to legalize basement apartments as part of his initiative to place or preserve 200,000 units of affordable housing throughout the city. It was announced that a special meeting to discuss potential candidates for a new Community Board 9 district manager would take place on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. in Borough Hall. The meeting will be open to the public. An after-funeral luncheon was held at the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach for the family of Officer Rafael Ramos, who died alongside his partner, Wenjian Liu. when they were shot by an assailant while sitting in their police car. Members of the 84th Precinct were also present at the luncheon. Ramos’ funeral had been held at Christ Tabernacle church in Glendale earlier that day. An estimated 25,000 police officers from across the country and Vice President Q Joe Biden were in attendance.

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Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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Prayer vigil in Flushing The 109th Precinct in conjunction with its community council held a candlelight prayer vigil last Tuesday to remember Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos, who were murdered as they sat in their patrol car the previous Saturday. The event drew about 400 people to St. Mel’s Catholic Church and its outdoor

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An 80-year-old Forest Hills man died Sunday after he was found unresponsive and floating in an outdoor hot tub at Spa Castle on 11th Avenue in College Point. Hock Ma of Clyde Street was discovered by another patron in the rooftop pool. Police responded at 6:20 p.m. and the man was taken to Flushing Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. Police say the medical examiner’s officer will determine the cause of death. The following statement was issued by spa spokeswoman Stephanie Chon: “Safety is a priority at all of our facilities.

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Suspect allegedly wished Dec. 20 assassinations killed white officers A Glendale man is facing up to 15 years in prison on weapons and other charges after he allegedly was overheard threatening to kill police officers. Elvin Payamps, 38, of Edsall Avenue, allegedly made the threats on Dec. 24, during a cell phone conversation while inside a bank on Metropolitan Avenue. A witness called 911. Payamps allegedly was overheard saying that he was going to kill a cop; that it should happen before Christmas; that he had weapons in his home; and that the Dec. 20 murders of NYPD Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos should have been directed at white officers “if the shooter wanted to send a message,” according to a statement issued on Friday by the office of Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. Brown and the NYPD also said a search of Payamps’ car and home allegedly turned up a set of brass knuckles; a loaded Jimenez Arms 9 mm pistol; a Mossberg 12-gauge shotg u n with a defaced serial number; ammunition and a pair of bulletproof vests, one bearing a label from the Brooklyn Detention Complex. Brown said Payamps was arraigned Christmas night on charges of second-

and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, second- deg ree agg ravated harassment, unlawful use of a police uniform and emblem and other charges. His bail has been set at $500,000. “We take these charges very seriously, particularly in light of the fact that illegal weapons, ammunition and bulletproof vests were found in the defendant’s home,” Brown said. “Today there will be a wake for one of the two officers brutally gunned down last weekend in Brooklyn. We will not under any circumstances tolerate violence against anyone in our community, especially not against police officers who tirelessly protect and serve us all.” According to the NYPD, Payamps left the bank before police could respond to the call. Armed with his description, officers canvassed the neighborhood before allegedly finding a man matching the description entering a vehicle. Uniformed officers in a marked cruiser conducted a stop shortly afterward at the intersection of Metropolitan Avenue and Rentar Plaza. A witness positively identified him as the man making the threats on his cell phone. Payamps is scheduled to appear in Q court again on Jan. 7.

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Queens DA: Glendale man threatened cops

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 10

SQ page 10

EDITORIAL

AGE

Beyond the police rift, a mixed record for de Blasio

ayor de Blasio is facing the biggest crisis of his year-old administration so far — one largely of his own making — as there does not yet appear to be any narrowing of the divide between City Hall and the NYPD’s rank and file. De Blasio met with the top brass and police union leaders at the Police Academy in College Point Tuesday in an effort to repair the rift, and we certainly hope progress was made. But while relations with the police are vital for any mayor — and divisions can have a negative impact on public safety, his No. 1 responsibility — most violent crime continues to decline. According to the latest statistics available, the city was on track to see 15 or so fewer murders in 2014 than it had the year before. The total will end up not much above 300, and many readers will remember when it was typically around 2,000. We were concerned that changes to police policy under de Blasio could reverse the downward trend, but are glad to see that hasn’t happened. He and Police Commissioner Bill Bratton deserve credit for that, as do the men and women of the police force. On other issues, the mayor has a mixed, but largely positive, record.

He campaigned on and successfully established universal prekindergarten, which could make a vital difference in the educational future of countless children. It’s true that he stumbled over how it would be financed, insisting on a tax hike that Albany was never going to allow, but in the end Gov. Cuomo simply found state funding for the program and de Blasio got what he wanted. We don’t believe the city can ever eliminate all autopedestrian fatalities, as called for in de Blasio’s Vision Zero traffic safety plan, but the fact is they dropped to 131 in 2014, compared to 179 the year before. Maybe it really was worth it to drop the limit on Queens Boulevard to 25 mph. The city’s economy is growing rapidly again, with unemployment steadily falling — it was 6.6 percent in November, compared to 8.0 percent in November 2013 — and the real estate market undergoing incredible improvement. The economy is also more diverse than it has been in the past, with less reliance on Wall Street, which is a good hedge against future slowdowns. Where de Blasio has come up short, it’s largely been his own fault. A key reason his relations with police are so poor is that he’s just too close to rabble rouser Al Sharpton.

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Dear Editor: (An open letter to the residents of Glendale and Ridgewood) I am writing to you to thank you for your generosity in welcoming the New York City Police Department into our community this past weekend. Opening our community to the entire Police Department was greatly appreciated and recognized by those who attended Saturday’s funeral for NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos. Although the funeral did cause changes in our typical traffic patterns and did create an influx of people, I want to again thank all the residents for accommodating the NYPD in the most tragic of times. I would like to thank G-COP, the Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol, for directing traffic throughout the day and during the funeral procession. Your continued hard work throughout the community is appreciated and it was vital during Saturday’s procession. I would also like to thank Capt. Christopher Manson, Community Affairs Officers Bell and Jimenez, and the entire 104th Precinct for all of their hard work to ensure Saturday’s events proceeded smoothly. Also, I would like to thank all the residents and business owners who accommodated the NYPD by serving food and water during the funeral procession and allowing members of the NYPD to use both private parking lots and residential driveways throughout the day. Lastly, I would like © Copyright 2015 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y.

He never should have put Sharpton on an equal footing with Bratton and must stop treating him like some kind of NYPD ombudsman. That’s something both the officers and the general public, whose view of de Blasio has taken a sharp downward turn over the police issue, would respect. Another early error was picking a fight with the charter school movement, which provides a worthwhile option for many struggling students, despite the critics’ denials. Although in the end de Blasio essentially caved on charters, allowing them to expand as the public wants and Cuomo insists, everyone knows he is no fan of them. How much that is due to sincere beliefs and how much it is due to his allegiance with the teachers union is an open question And the mayor is wrong in his drive to ban carriage rides in Manhattan. There simply is no evidence the horses are abused, and while it’s easy to say the streets are no place for them, they usually seem to do just fine there. Tamed horses, after all, generally like people and want to work. De Blasio won the Democratic primary for mayor by running as the most liberal candidate, and that’s how he’s governed. Now he should work to appeal to more moderate New Yorkers. Then he can have a successful year two in office.

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to thank Christ Tabernacle Church and its entire staff for opening their doors to the community and to the NYPD family. I want to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday with your families and I wish you all the best in the coming New Year. Thank you and as always, do not hesitate to contact me at my office if you need any assistance. Mike Miller NYS Assemblyman for the 38th District Woodhaven

Against brutality, not cops Dear Editor: Re “Moving beyond a climate that allowed cop killing,” Editorial, Dec. 25: We live in Glendale just three blocks from where funeral services are being held for Police Officer Rafael Ramos. We are deeply saddened by the assassination of him and his partner, Wenjian Liu. We participated in many demonstrations against police brutality in the past weeks and

never heard any of the outrageous chants described in the Chronicle. The chants we shouted were, “Hands up; Don’t shoot!” and “I can’t breathe!” The thousands of demonstrators of every age and from every background in New York City are protesting police brutality, not the many police officers who do good work in the communities. The police brutality we are talking about is the kind every parent of a young Latino or African American fears; that their son will die at the hands of a police officer who is too angry, too afraid, or too poorly trained to do real police work. This is what has led to the deaths of Akai Gurley, Eric Garner, Sean Bell, Amidou Diallo, Patrick Dorismond and too many more to list here. Your editorial rejects history; and we cannot forego history — when voices of authority do this, whether deliberately or simply by failing to know — it clouds the message. It does not help to deflect tensions but adds to the misunderstandings in our communities. Policing is a very difficult job, and the condi-

SQ page 11

Be clear on the Holocaust

Correction The Dec. 25 article “New law allows new school holidays” did not include two Muslim holidays included in the legislation. They are Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. We regret the error.

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Dear Editor: There is an unfortunate ambiguity in the article “Using the Holocaust to connect old and young” (Dec. 11, multiple editions) caused by a remarkable omission. Second paragraph: “He would spend the next three years imprisoned in Eastern European concentration camps such as Dachau and the infamous Auschwitz facility.” These were not “Eastern European” camps. They were German camps. Poland was invaded and occupied by Germany. Adolph Hitler’s regime was in Germany, not Poland, as could be implied in the first paragraph. It is complicated because for nearly the first two years of the war the so-called Soviet liberators were on the same side as the German Nazis! These murderous totalitarian regimes were working together to smash Poland from the map. The Soviets had invaded and occupied the east of Poland then undertook their own persecutions and executions (e.g., Katyn). Approximately 1.5 million Poles were deported by the Soviets to Siberian slave labor (gulag) camps. After the war, the Soviet Communists occupied Poland for 45 years. They were not viewed as “liberators” since they were clearly an oppressive occupying force. This is also an unfor tunate quote: “Kobinski said, ‘So when I found out, I was blown away.’” For a place where mass murders took place. This is also a confusing sentence: “Kobinski, the only teacher from New York City to be selected for the trip, traveled to Auschwitz as a teenager with relatives who still live in Poland.” It has a selection for a future trip mixed up with a previous visit added to relatives who still live there. This would have been better phrased as: “Kobinski, the only teacher from New York City to be selected for the trip had previously visited Auschwitz as a teenager with relatives who were living in Poland.” In Auschwitz, like many of the other German camps, Poles were the second-biggest category of victims — outnumbering all the other non-Jewish categories added together. Amongst the 149 Polish Catholic priests and other clergy murdered in Auschwitz by the German Nazis was Maximilian Kolbe, who became one of the patron saints for journalists. Instead of “Easter n European” you should have changed this to “German Nazi concentration camps.” Let’s be clear who the victims and perpetrators were. Do not confuse or conflate between the two. Chris Jezewski Greenpoint, Brooklyn

ATTORNEYS

PBA chief’s a disgrace Dear Editor: Shame on you, Pat Lynch, president of the police union. Your name is appropriate. You are now urging your members to lynch our mayor by turning their backs on him, and saying that the blood of those poor policemen who were assassinated are on the steps of City Hall. Did you order your members to turn their backs a few years ago when your cops lynched a black man by using him as target practice with 40 bullets because he was going for his wallet to show his identification? Or, did you even visit the family of the innocent victim? You had their son’s blood on your hands. Did you order your members to turn their backs on the cops who lynched an innocent man with a barrage of bullets the night before he was getting married? And, only guilty of being a little tipsy after leaving his bachelor party? Did you apologize to his family and fiancée? Did you order your members to turn their backs on your cops after they used their hands, not a rope, to lynch a man selling single cigarettes and begging them that he couldn’t breathe? Did you show that family the respect of a visit? I doubt it. And, last but not least, there was the lynching with bullets in a stairwell when a cop saw a black face and just shot him. We, the people should turn our backs on you, for you have no heart and I wonder how you would react if you had a son who was black, as our mayor does. You see, our mayor knows what black boys and men go through in the streets when encountering an angry, prejudiced cop. I’m sure his son and friends have horror stories. And, all of these bigots got away with it. No indictments. What a message to other bigoted cops. Kill a black man and get away with it. I respect most of the police officers on the force. They wear uniforms, unlike detectives, and put their lives on the line every day to protect and serve us. The few bigoted cops, not police officers, should be indicted and in jail. So Lynch, think about how you would feel if you had a black son walking in the night of this city. I use black because that color makes a cop overreact. I suggest you give psychology tests to all your members to determine if they are bigots before they join the force. You owe the mayor an apology for your disrespect to an elected official who recently gave the force $400 million. To protect your offi-

cers. Shame on you, Lynch! We should all go to your office and stand outside with our backs to your building. Joyce Shepard Bayside

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tions under which police have to work are amplified by the neighborhoods that have the most crime — poor neighborhoods — where the unemployment rate is twice that of white middle-class neighborhoods, especially among youth. What you should be addressing are the root causes that have brought us to “anger toward the police that even veteran observers say they have not seen in a long time, if ever” and yes, that climate must change. We must have a police department that understands and respects the community. Christina Nannarone Gabriel Falsetta Glendale

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Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 12

SQ page 12

Port Authority wins federal appeal case Judges deny plea for environmental study on JFK runway relocation plan by Anthony O’Reilly

Authority, did not address major environmental concerns related to the project and A panel of federal judges denied an that a more in-depth study was warranted. Barbara Brown, president of the Eastern appeal by the Eastern Queens Alliance to have the Port Authority conduct a federal Queens Alliance, criticized the short delibenvironmental impact study before relocat- eration period. “It felt like they kind of just flicked us ing a runway at John F. Kennedy Internaoff,” she said. “We tional Air port 700 weren’t expecting a feet closer to residendecision for a couple tial neighborhoods. of weeks.” “We understand don’t understand how The Port Authorit h e c o n c e r n s exty’s project seeks to pressed by members they could say we didn’t move runway of certain communibring the objections to 4L-22R more than ties near the airport. 700 feet closer to Each of EQA’s objecthe agency’s attention.” Rockaway Boulevard tions, however, was and will also widen either forfeited — Barbara Brown, president of the the runway and place because it was not Eastern Queens Alliance safety overrun zones brought to the agenat the ends to accomcy’s attention during modate larger pasthe public comment period ... or is unfounded based on our senger and cargo jets at JFK airport. The review of the record,” the U.S. Second Cir- project is under a federal deadline to finish cuit Court of Appeals stated in a Dec. 23 the project by December 2016. Brown dubbed the judges’ denial a loss decision. The decision was handed down five days for the little guys. “If the courts don’t reinforce anything the after the EQA argued in front of a threejudge panel that an environmental assess- people object to and it’s always the big agenment of the runway modification proposal, cies that get the nod, then who’s defending which was commissioned by the Por t the people,” she said. Associate Editor

“I

Airplanes could be landing closer to residential neighborhoods in two years, after a federal court ruled the Port Authority did not need a federal environmental impact study before relocating a PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER runway at JFK airport more than 700 feet closer to people’s homes. She also disputed the judges’ ruling that the EQA did not raise objections during the public comment period. “I don’t understand how they could say we didn’t bring the objections to the agency’s attention,” she said. Brown added the EQA is looking at “what kind of federal, state and local legislation” can be passed to address the situa-

tion of noise pollution in areas that neighbor major airports. A spokesman with the U.S. Department of Justice, which represented the Port Authority in the case, said in an email, “The court’s decision approved the environmental review in this case, which assessed the effects of modifying the runway. We are Q pleased with that decision.”

JFK TSA employee convicted of stealing

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Schmid faces maximum of 14 years

106th Pct. says thank you An estimated 25,000 cops from around the country flooded the streets of Queens to say goodbye to Officer Rafael Ramos last Saturday. Among those present were members of the Atlanta Police Department, who upon returning to their squad car saw a thank you note from a member of the 106th Precinct.

The Atlanta Police Department uploaded a picture of the note, above, to its Twitter and Facebook pages, and within a few hours the act of gratitude went viral. A spokeswoman for the 106th said she did not know who put the note on the car, adding that close to the entire precinct was present at Ramos’ funeral.

A Transportation Security Administration employee has been convicted of stealing $10,000 in cash from two travelers’ luggage, Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said on Dec. 24. “It is particularly troubling that someone hired to ensure the safety and security of our nation’s airlines and to protect us all from terrorism would stoop to stealing from those she is supposed to protect,” Brown said in a written statement announcing the conviction. “The defendant’s actions tarnish the reputation of the many TSA agents who faithfully carry out their duties with integrity and pride.” Alexandra Schmid, 34 of Brooklyn, was convicted of third-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property and official misconduct following a four-week trial in front of Acting Queens Supreme Court Justice Joel Blumenfeld. She faces a maximum of 14 years in prison, Brown said, and is due back in court for sentencing on March 13.

According to Brown, Schmid separated a family from their luggage for about 15 minutes on Dec. 9, 2011 and removed about $ 6,000 in cash from a jacket pocket. Schmid acted rudely with the passengers, according to Brown, insisting that she did not touch their belongings. The people did not realize until they boarded their flight that the money had been removed, Brown said. On Jan. 5, 2012, Brown said, Schmid removed $4,000 in cash and jewelry from a traveler’s pocketbook. Schmid accused the victim’s son of stealing the money when con f ront ed about it s missing. A n i nve st igat ion i nt o Sch m id’s actions was conducted by the Por t Authority Police Department, the Criminal Investigations Bureau, the Department of Homeland Security and the TSA. Schmid was arrested on Feb. 2, 2012, according to a district attorney spokesQ woman.

SQ page 13

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Trackside Wishes All Our Friends, Family and Loyal Customers A Happy and Healthy New Year!

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DOB OKs work on burnt apts.

Two individuals have been arrested and charged in the fatal shooting of a 20-year-old male at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25 within the confines of the 102nd Precinct. Police responded to a call of a shooting victim on Christmas Day in the vicinity of 126th Street and 89th Avenue in Richmond Hill. Upon arrival, officers discovered the victim unconscious and being treated by EMS in the vicinity of 126th Street and Jamaica Avenue. Police determined that he had been shot once in the neck. The victim is James Bryant of Jamaica, who was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center later that day. The suspects are Abu Quick, 23, of the Bronx and Jamar Alexander, 25, of Richmond Hill. Both were charged with second-degree murder and criminal possession of a weapon on Dec. 29. Q

The city Department of Buildings has partially lifted a vacate order on the apartment building that burned on Dec. 18, according to city records and officials, but no one can move back in just yet. On Dec. 24, the DOB cleared the landlord of the apartment complex at 103-45 97 St. in Ozone Park to reenter all floors but the fifth to begin repairs. A spokesman for Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) said residents are still not allowed back into the building because the utilities have not been turned back on yet. “But they’re making some headway,” the spokesman said of the repairs. The fire started in the cockloft of the apartment building and quickly spread to the roof, fire officials said. The blaze was quickly elevated to a five-alarm fire and was put out in about two hours. Fire and smoke damaged many of the apartments, and the water used to quell the blaze impacted even more. More than 80 families were forced to Q relocate, city officials said. — Anthony O’Reilly

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 14

SQ page 14

Armed robbery in Astoria The Police Department is seeking the public’s assistance in locating and identifying four individuals wanted in connection to a robbery that occurred within the confines of the 114th Precinct. The suspects are three black males and a black female. On Saturday, June 28, 2014 at approximately 2:30 a.m., the 22-year-old male victim was exiting an apartment on 12th Street in Astoria when the suspects allegedly surrounded him and demanded his property. Police said two of the male suspects displayed firearms, and one of them pistol-

whipped the victim, fracturing his orbital bone. The suspects allegedly removed jewelry, an Apple iPhone, a black-and-gold G-Shock watch and credit cards. The victim was treated at an area hospital and was listed in stable condition. Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call Crime stoppers at 1 (800) 577-TIPS (8477). The public can also submit their tips by logging onto the Crime Stoppers website at nycrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and then entering TIP577. All calls are strictly confidential.

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C M SQ page 16 Y K

CITY AND NYPD MOURN by Michael Gannon Editor

NYPD Officer Rafael Ramos was laid to rest on Saturday, lauded by dignitaries and honored by 25,000 police officers from across the country, and across international borders. “Every time I attend a cop’s funeral, I pray it will be the last,” NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton said in his eulogy. “But I know it won’t. As I watch the casket carried past all those salutes, I wish it weren’t real. But it is. “And as I look into the faces of the loved ones left behind — whose worst fear has been so suddenly realized — I silently hope ‘never again.’” Ramos, 40, was killed in an ambush along with his partner, Wenjian Liu, on Dec. 20 as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn. Vice President Joe Biden, Gov. Cuomo and Mayor de Blasio were among the mourners who crowded into Christ Tabernacle Church on Myrtle Avenue, where Ramos was studying for the ministry. Outside, the streets of Glendale were lined several rows deep with police officers, state troopers and other peace officers from across the country on hand to support Ramos’ family and the NYPD, observing the service on large television screens erected outside the church. “Today we pay tribute to Officer Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu. We pay tribute to their families,” Biden said. “Because every day when a police officer pins on that shield and walks out the door, the officer’s wife, husband, mother, father, brother, sister, children — they know anything could happen. The fear of that call at 3 in the morning, the relief of hearing the voice of the door opened, says ‘I’m home.’” Addressing Ramos’ widow, Maritza, Biden called him and Liu New York’s Finest. “And that’s not an idle phrase,” he said. “This is probably the finest police department

Houses on 64th Place in Glendale honor a PHOTO BY WALTER KARLING hero.

Ramos laid to rest before 25,000 as

Members of the NYPD gathered outside Christ Tabernacle Church in Glendale on Saturday to pay tribute to Officer Rafael Ramos, inset, who was PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER; INSET COURTESY NYPD murdered along with his partner, Officer Wenjian Liu on Dec. 20. in the world. ... [In] every neighborhood in It’s an attack on our system of justice.” De Blasio has had at best a tenuous relathis great city, this most alive of all cities, this chaotic miracle stands as a beacon to tionship with the NYPD, going back to the the world in no small part because of the days of his campaign. Some officers turned sacrifices that the New York Police Depart- their backs to the screen when he got up to speak, as they did when he entered the hosment makes every single day. pital where Ramos and Liu died. “So when an assassin’s bullet But the mayor said all hearts targeted two officers, it targeted in the city were aching Saturday. this city and it touched the soul of “We feel it deeply,” de Blasio the entire nation — a city where said. “New York City has lost a the son of a Chinese immigrant hero — a rema rkable ma n shared a patrol with a Hispanic because of the depths of his minister in training; a city where a commitment to all around him. single ride on a subway brings you And he was so committed to the into contact with more people, NYPD. It meant so much to him more lives, than many people in to be a member of the finest this country will encounter in an police force in this country. He entire lifetime.” always wa nted to joi n the The months leading up to the officers’ murders and the days Vice President Biden NYPD. It wasn’t his first career. afterward have seen heated rhetoPHOTO BY STEVE FISHER He started out as a school safety officer, protecting our kids, and ric aimed at police in the city and nationwide. But Cuomo concurred with he was much loved in that role. He had a dream that he would one day be a police Biden’s assessment of the city’s police force. “I frankly was amazed at the discipline and officer, and he worked for that dream, and professionalism that the NYPD demonstrated, he lived it, and he became it. He couldn’t Cuomo said. “The NYPD protected the right wait to take that test. He couldn’t wait to put of freedom of speech even though they them- on that uniform. “He believed in protecting others, and selves were the target of false and abusive chants and tirades by some. What a beautiful those who are called to protect others are a testament to their professionalism. ... An special breed,” de Blasio added. “Those who attack on the NYPD is an attack on all of us. stare down danger, those who sacrifice for

all of us — that’s what he wanted to be. He wanted to be someone who gave more, someone who would take risks that so many others would find unimaginable. He wanted to reach higher in service to others.”

Mayor de Blasio leaves the funeral. PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

C M SQ page 17 Y K

cops across country support Finest Bratton said both officers were posthumously promoted to the rank of detective. Ramos, he added, also will be given the rank of honorary police chaplain “Here we are to remember,” Bratton said. “We remember what it means to take ‘the Job.’ No other profession will give you as much, or sometimes, take as much. The Job can reward you like no other, but one day it might demand from you everything in return. For the Ramos family, today is that day. And here we are. ... We know who we are, because we know who Rafael Ramos was. He was a father, a son, a brother, and a husband. He was a New Yorker. He was a New York City police officer. “And he was — he is — a hero,” he said. Speaking to Ramos’ teenage sons, Justin and Jaden, Bratton, like the vice president, called the officers’ deaths an assassination. “That’s a different word than murdered, which is awful enough,” the commissioner said. “It speaks of the prominence of the person killed; it makes the crime intentional and symbolic. Your dad was assassinated because he represented something — and that’s true, he did. He represented the men and women of the New York City Police Department. He was the embodiment of our

motto: fidelis ad mortem, faithf ul u nto death. He represented the blue th read that holds our city together when disorder might pull it apart. Your dad sacrificed, and had a desire to serve.” And while elected officials all spoke eloquently for several minutes, many of Ramos’ 25,0 0 0 profession a l brethren in attendance were there because of a single word. Cops from across the country mourn a brother. PHOTO STEVE FISHER “Brotherhood,” said Officer Kevin Chesney of Jackson Township seven off icers mak ing the t r ip f rom Jackson. in New Jersey. “We d rove by where it happened,” Police officers, state troopers, court officers and park rangers came from Nassau Chesney said of the Myrtle Avenue street County and California. They came from corner in Bedford-Stuyvesant where Ramos Ontario, Canada and its capital city Toronto. and Liu were killed. “We couldn’t speak,” he said. Seemingly any officer in a dress uniform “It could have been any one of us, at any ot h e r t h a n t h a t of t h e N Y PD wa s approached by the press from as far away as time on any given day,” Scaglione said. Like Saglione and Chesney, Officer BonFrance. And all spoke of the special bond. Chesney and Steve Scaglione were among nie Roach from Toronto said there was no

hesitation among her contingent. She said international borders meant nothing upon meeting members of New York’s Finest in the supermarket parking lot across from Christ Tabernacle Church, where Ramos was an active member of the congregation, and from where the 40-year-old husband and father of two was carried to be buried. “It’s like we know each other,” she said. “I work the overnight shift. When I found out I could come, I came right down.” Gregory Boyle is a retired NYPD detective from the 66th Precinct in Brooklyn. His son now has taken up the family business. Boyle said every member of a cop’s family starts at least a little when the home telephone rings just a little later at night than it should, or just a little too early in the morning. “My wife lived with that with me and now she does it with our son,” he said. Boyle too cited the bonds that not even the most pro-police civilian in the city can quite understand to explain what drew him to stand on a Myrtle Avenue street corner for more than three hours to listen to the service outside on speakers. “It’s the uniform that was the target,” he said grimly. Officer Dusty Nichols also was on hand in his dress uniform, one of three with a blue and black band of mourning across a Kenosha, Wisc., Police Department badge. Q “Brotherhood,” he simply said.

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

A FALLEN HERO IN BLUE

Cops, leaders support Ramos family, NYPD

A family united.

Government leaders outside the church.

Crossing the Delaware — and international borders.

PHOTO BY WALTER KARLING

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON

PO Boyce from Boston, left, with PO Rosario Messina, Chief Thomas Rubino and PO Santi Messina of the West Stockbridge, Mass. PD. PHOTO BY STEVE FISHER

PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON

The San Diego PD prepares to pay its respects.

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

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FDNY Ladder 135 and Engine 286, blocks from the church in Glendale, honored murdered Police Officer Rafael Ramos and his partner. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

PHOTO COURTESY JOANN ARIOLA

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 18

C M SQ page 18 Y K

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Honoring New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Finest Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) is painting the town blue. Goldfeder, along with several civic associations throughout South Queens, tied blue ribbons around utility poles on Monday and Tuesday to honor city police officers. The assemblyman announced the effort on Twitter more than a week after Officers Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu were shot by

a lone gunman while sitting in their squad car in Brooklyn. Ramosâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wake and funeral were held in Queens. An estimated 25,000 cops from around the country came to pay their respects to the fallen officer. Goldfeder and members of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association, top, pose before tying one of the ribbons, above.

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continued from page 2 everything from ice, food, tables, chairs and even portable toilets. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The entire community came together,â&#x20AC;? Duldulao said. The businesses that helped with the event, in addition to the Old Mill Yacht Club and the Brownstone, are Russoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s on The Bay, Russoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bakery, Manhattan Beer Distributors, Hampton Bay, Snapple Co., Almonteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Key Food, Ace Hardware, Call-a-Head, Roma View Catering, Busy Beverage, Ragtime Gourmet, Lennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Q Pizzeria and Lennyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Clam Bar.

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C M SQ page 19 Y K

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Queens, Joe Concannon of Bellerose, a retired NYPD captain who ran for office in both 2012 and 2013 as a Republican, believes counterfeiting is a concern. “I think what Mayor de Blasio has done is create a college industry for fraud,” Concannon said, citing the ease with which people can create official-looking documents with today’s technology. “They’ll be duplicated. What we need is a practical mayor who’ll work with state and federal officials

to create a n I D that’ll work across jurisdictions.” De Blasio and the vast majority of the City Council are Democrats. Concannon also claimed the cards could prove problematic for the courts because it will be too easy for people to get them using false names. “If in fact the process is as weak as I think it is, this is going to be a major issue for the criminal justice system,” he said. Q

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The Police Department will modify its Patrol Guide to say that the planned IDNYC cards, which the city will offer to all residents regardless of immigration status, are an acceptable form of identification, Mayor de Blasio and other officials recently announced. The goal of accepting the cards is to prevent arrests for relatively minor violations of the law, the Mayor’s Office said. People with valid ID charged with such violations, such as drinking in public or carrying a few grams of marijuana for personal use, are issued summonses — but those without are arrested. “It’s critical for all New Yorkers who come into contact with the Police Department, including those who are undocumented, to be able to identify themselves and to do it in an atmosphere of safety,” de Blasio said in an announcement of the change that included statements from NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton and numerous other officials. “I commend Commissioner Bratton and the Police Department for working to ensure that the IDNYC will be safe and secure. This is going to play a crucial role in both preventing unnecessary arrests of New Yorkers who were previously unable to show identification and in deepening the relationship between police and community.” City Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), who authored the bill authorizing the ID cards, was among the many who applauded the new policy in statements. “The inclusion of IDNYC as an acceptable form of identification in the patrol guide will make our city safer for everyone,” Dromm said. “This move will help build trust between the NYPD and the city’s diverse communities, especially immigrant New Yorkers. By avoiding unnecessary arrests, police officers will be able to focus on strengthening community relations and fighting crime.” According to the Mayor’s Office, nearly half of city residents over the age of 16 lack a New York State driver’s license. But, the announcement said, “the policy change will especially impact the most vulnerable New Yorkers, including homeless New Yorkers, out of school and out of work young adults, and the nearly 600,000 undocumented immigrants in the five boroughs.”

The City Council approved Dromm’s bill to create the cards in late June and the mayor signed it in July. Issuance of the cards is set to begin soon, and anyone who can provide proof of identity and city residency can obtain one. The mayor’s announcement specified that the Police Department had “played a significant role” in developing the card program, including advising on how to prevent fraud. But at least one critic of the cards in

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

NYPD set to accept planned city ID cards

PS 146Q SCHOOL SPOTLIGHT • THE HOWARD BEACH SCHOOL “BRING ON THE SNOW” PS 146Q, The Howard Beach School, capped off the holiday season with a third-grade musical production of “Bring on the Snow,” with three performances for fellow students and parents. The show was directed by the school’s new drama teacher, Andrea Joseph. It was the first time on the stage for many of the eight-year olds. Shown top left, class 301 opened up the show with a musical number. Class 303 sings a song, top right, while class 302 is below left, with Ryan Vazquezaldana and Max Russo standing in the front. Below center, Emily Hansen, left, Ashley Cooke, Ava Del Pino and Tristan Pimentel model in a fashion skit; to their right, Samantha Cohen, left, and Corradina Accardi watch as the first flakes begin to fall, and in the final act, Joseph Pascucci finally gets to “Bring on the Snow.”

The PS 146Q PTA sponsored a “Catch a Flick with St. Nick,” where refreshments were served during a showing of “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” followed by the big man in the red suit himself. Kayla Macioce, 8, and her brother John, 3, shared their wishes with Santa.

PHOTOS BY GREGG COHEN

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 20

C M SQ page 20 Y K

For an encore after the show, some of the girls in the SASF afterschool program choreographed a dance to the Mariah Carey classic “All I Want For Christmas” which was a perfect way to end the evening performance for their families.

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PAJAMA & GINGERBREAD DAY

The day the youngest students saw the musical, it was also pajama day, topped off with decorating gingerbread men with a parent. Left, first-grader Justin Fuchs had an awesome time; center, first-grader Andrew Cohen and kindergartener Evan Baker smile with their works in progress; right, kindergartener Gabey Graziano shows off his Elf on the Shelf pjs.

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C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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FREE Imani Hendrix, left, a college student and intern with the NAACP, and retired NYPD Lt. Charles McCray light candles on Dec. 23 at a memorial service for Police Officers Rafael Ramos and PHOTOS BY MICHAEL GANNON Wenjian Liu.

NAACP, CUCE honor slain police officers Editor

Political and religious leaders in Southeast Queens have had their documented differences with the N Y PD in recent months. But they called on all of the community to come together at the Robert Wood Johnson Family Life Center on Dec. 23 to remember and mourn slain NYPD Police Officers Wenjian Liu and Rafael Ramos. The officers were killed in an ambush on Dec. 20 while sitting in their patrol car in Bedford-Stuyvesant in Brooklyn. Leroy Gadsden, president of the Jamaica Branch, said the night was a time for unity. “We support our police,” he said. The audience had about 30 people, and t he Rev. Bishop C h a rles Nor r is Sr. expressed his disappointment. “When I got a call asking when this was taking place, I said I didn’t know, but I thought it was a great idea,” Norris said. “This auditorium should be full.”

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Speakers included the Rev. Henry Simmons, pastor of St. Albans Congregational Church; the Rev. Brian Ellis Gibbs of Queens Baptist Church; and the Rev. James Barnwell, president of Clergy United for Community Empower ment, which cosponsored the event with the NAACP. Capt. Rod Dantini, executive officer of the 113th Precinct, was the official representative of the department, though he was joined by more than a half dozen officers. Speakers requested prayers for the officers and their families, as well as an end to the causes of tension between the NYPD and the city’s minority communities. State Sen.-elect Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) also called for the police and the community to support each other. Five days earlier, Comrie, addressing a student die-in at York College protesting the death of Eric Garner, accused police of declaring “open war” on the black community. Comrie said he should not have said it Q and should have been rebuked then.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 22

C M SQ page 22 Y K YEAR IN REVIEW

2014

CENTRAL QUEENS

2014: Brought to you by the letter P

Elevated park plan, Parkway, 112th Precinct made news this year by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

The Central Queens neighborhoods of Forest Hills, Rego Park, Kew Gardens and Briarwood are mostly made up of quiet, residential streets that, when you look around, can make you forget about the hustle and bustle of city life. But that doesn’t mean news was sparse there in 2014. While the year was bookended by the tragic deaths of an autistic Rego Park teenager and two city heroes, the promise to save three iconic Queens structures and the debate over whether to reactivate an abandoned rail line or turn it into an elevated park often made headlines throughout the year. From the QueensWay to the shuttered Parkway Hospital and PS 101 to the 112th Precinct, here’s what graced the pages of the Queens Chronicle’s Central Queens edition in 2014.

Nearly $444,000 has been granted to design the Rego Park section of the QueensWay, a proposed elevated park along the defunct Rockaway Beach rail line. The park pitch and an opposing FILE PHOTO plan to reactivate the railway were major news makers in 2014.

January The year started on a tragic note, as the remains of missing Rego Park teenager Avonte Oquendo were found washed up in College Point on Jan. 16. The mute autistic boy went missing after he ran out of his Long Island City school three months earlier, sparking one of the largest searches in the history of New York City. That same week, John Abbracciamento, the owner of iconic Rego Park eatery Abbracciamento’s Restaurant, announced he would be closing the venue in two months’ time. Area civic groups, including Forest Hills Civic Associat ion President Ba rba ra Stuchinski, vilified a section in Mayor de Blasio’s new affordable housing plan calling for the legalization of some illegal basement and cellar apartments. The shuttered Parkway Hospital in Forest Hills was auctioned off for $22 million, but the winning bidder failed to complete the sale.

March Abbracciamento’s Restaurant closed its doors after 66 years in business. The next week, owner John Abbracciamento revealed the building was being sold to a real estate developer to make way for an apartment complex. A restaurant patron just trying to enjoy her meal announced she was suing the city after a Department of Sanitation snowplow hit a garbage can and sent it flying through the front window of the EXO Cafe in Forest Hills during a Feb. 13 snowstorm, injuring her. The accident caused $30,000 in damage to the eatery. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) introduced legislation to have the name of the Briarwood-Van Wyck Boulevard subway station changed to simply “Briarwood” in order to better reflect the neighborhood in which the stop is located.

April

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February Newly inaugurated Borough President Melinda Katz vowed to save the decaying New York State Pavilion in Flushing Meadows Corona Park after touring the venue with other area elected officials and Parks Department officials on Feb. 6. Just three days later, Maspeth resident Christian Doran, the co-founder of the preservation group People for the Pavilion, died of an asthma attack at 28 years old. Katz, his group and other elected officials promised to continue their fight to save the structures. The 112th Precinct saw a brief rise in crime in February, as a Kew Gardens man was charged with attempted murder after allegedly shooting his girlfriend in the head. Also, a knife-wielding thief robbed three women of their purses in Kew Gardens and Forest Hills, with the same locations falling victim to a rash of break-ins through open and unlocked apartment windows.

Nearly two dozen residents of a 64th Road apartment building in Rego Park were forced to vacate their homes when large, lengthy cracks began appearing throughout the structure, making six units unsafe for habitation. Building management blamed the haphazard construction of a connecting apartment complex for the issue. Plans to demolish the block containing a handful of small businesses as well as the former Abbracciamento Restaurant were approved by the Department of Buildings. Many of the tenants criticized the restaurant’s former owner for not filling them in on the plans to sell and demolish the block in a timely fashion. The United Artists Brandon Cinemas, a 51-year staple of Austin Street in Forest Hills, closed its doors on April 20, making way for one of a handful of medical care centers on the bustling street. Around 100 Forest Hills residents attended

a town hall meeting on April 29 to discuss the upcoming summer concert series at the Forest Hills Tennis Stadium, with some attendees sharply criticizing the show promoters. Hundreds of Briarwood residents turned out for a meeting of their own on April 30 to express their frustration over the opening of a new Br iar wood-Van Wyck Boulevard entrance being delayed again.

May Residents in Forest Hills celebrated the completion of a subway project, as the ribbon was cut on newly installed elevators at the Forest Hills-71st Avenue stop on May 8. Ironically, one of the elevators broke down two days later with someone inside. Thousands of revelers flocked to Flushing Meadows Corona Park on May 17 to attend the 1939-40 and 1964-65 World’s Fair Anniversary Festival, celebrating the 50th and 75th anniversaries of the global gatherings that took part in the Queens green space. Parkway Hospital was scooped up by Jasper Venture Group, and plans of creating a condominium complex were released. Over 100 workers from Kennedy and LaGuardia airports, most of them working in security, rallied outside Aviation Safeguard’s office in Kew Gardens on May 22 for pay raises, health benefits and other perks.

June Safety improvements eyed for the intersection of Metropolitan and Hillside avenues on the border of Kew Gardens and Richmond Hill proved controversial at Community Board 9’s June meeting. Some business owners saying the conversion of a block of Metropolitan Avenue into a one-way street and adding medians on both roadways would have a negative impact on their stores. Elmhurst residents woke up on June 7 to a new, massive homeless shelter in their back-

yards, as the Department of Homeless Services shuttled 36 families into the Pan American Hotel the evening before. The former 216-unit hotel, which is not fit with kitchen facilities in each room, was filled to near-capacity later in the summer. Community Board 4 and area elected officials were not notified of the transformation until the families were already in the process of moving in, leading to outrage among many in the area. Around 1,000 residents protested in front of the former hotel a week later, with many blasting the decision to “warehouse” homeless families in a site some say is unsuitable for a shelter. Parkway Hospital went back on the auction block after Jasper Venture Group failed to file a zoning variance for its condominium complex plan.

July Protests over the Pan American Hotel’s transformation into a homeless shelter got ugly on July 1, as a crowd of 900 protesters shouted back and forth with shelter residents at an anti-homeless residence rally, with both sides tossing racially charged remarks back and forth. Vietnam War veteran Pat Toro, a Forest Hills resident and veterans rights activist, died of leukemia on July 3 at the age of 65. Hundreds came to his wake and funeral services to pay their respects to the former Vietnam Veterans of America Queens Chapter president. The 112th Precinct fell under the command of Capt. Judith Harrison, who took over a station for the first time in her career. She promised to keep crime in the Forest Hills-based precinct as low as possible. The same day Israel launched a ground offensive against Palestine after a bevy of rockets were launched into the Jewish state, around a dozen Queens elected officials gathered on the steps of Borough Hall in Kew Gardens to declare their support for Israel.

August The Briarwood Community Association, along with Avella, rallied to reiterate their position in favor of renaming the BriarwoodVan Wyck Boulevard subway station. A Kew Gardens rabbi sought the right to bear arms inside houses of worship in order to protect congregates from possible terrorist attacks on temples. Longtime Community Board 9 District Manager Mary Ann Carey announced she would be retiring on Oct. 1 after serving Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and Ozone Park since the Koch Administration. A rash of tire and rim thefts struck Forest Hills and Rego Park in August, leaving some residents wondering how they would get to work in the morning. continued on page 24

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Central Queens in ’14 continued from page 22

September Four Sept. 11 first responders, including two retired NYPD detectives, a nurse and an electrician, took part in a panel discussion in Rego Park on the illnesses they suffered as a result of the attacks and the importance of renewing the Zadroga 9/11 Health and Compensation Act. Elected officials and Plaza College representatives cut the ribbon on the school’s new Forest Hills campus, five months after its Jackson Heights location was destroyed in a fire. Participatory budgeting was introduced in Council District 29, as Councilwoman K a r e n Ko slow it z ( D - Fo r e s t H i l l s ) announced she would let her constituents decide how to spend $1 million in the area. The first participatory budgeting community sessions were held in September. An ageing 400-space parking garage near Borough Hall was condemned after being declared unsafe by the city, leaving hundreds of travelers searching for other parking spots along already packed area streets.

October Plans for the QueensWay, a proposed 3.5-mile elevated park stretching from Rego Park to Ozone Park along the abandoned Rockaway Beach rail line, were

announced on Oct. 14. The $120 million project is opposed by many activists and some elected officials who wish to see the defunct railway reactivated to allow faster travel between the Rockaways and South Queens and other areas of the borough, as well as Manhattan. A toddler was allegedly beaten to death over spilled hand lotion by her mother inside a Briarwood homeless shelter on Oct. 23. A Kew Gardens movie theater installed nearly 200 solar panels on its roof in an effort to go green.

November Parents of students at PS 101 in Forest Hills continued to rally against the employment of a teacher at the school despite substantiated claims of abuse in recent years. He was removed from the classroom in September and reassigned to a technology support role in the school. A portion of the sprawling Kew Gardens Interchange Project opened ahead of schedule, as drivers were able to chug along the northbound Van Wyck Expressway viaduct 18 months prior to the original estimated completion date. Residents hammered the Department of Transportation at Community Board 6’s November meeting over the banning of left turns from Yellowstone Boulevard onto

Queens Boulevard, with some complaining of a lack of clear signage and that traffic has increased on side streets because of the new regulation. Persistent was one way to describe Elmhurst residents this year, as dozens of antihomeless shelter activists made the trip to Manhattan to verbally shred the proposed five-year, $42 million contract between DHS and Samaritan Village to operate the homeless residence at the Pan American Hotel, now renamed the Boulevard Family Residence.

December The new entrance to the Briarwood-Van Wyck Boulevard subway station finally opened after months of delays on Dec. 8 to throngs of relieved straphangers. Nearly $444,000 was allocated to the QueensWay project, specifically for the design of the Rego Park section of the proposed elevated park, by the New York City Regional Economic Development Council. Park advocates celebrated the funding, while train advocates bemoaned the grant and continued to call for a reactivation of the line. The year ended on a sour note, as two police officers, Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu, were ruthlessly assassinated by a lone gunman as they sat in their patrol car in Brooklyn on Dec. 20. The shocking crime led to an outpouring of support from across the city and country for the NYPD, which had been under heightened scrutiny from the Mayor’s Office in 2014, especially after

Former councilman honored PS 343 christened as Walter McCaffrey Campus

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A dedication ceremony was held Dec. 19 to celebrate the naming of the new PS 343 in Sunnyside as the Walter McCaffrey Campus. Cou ncil ma n Ji m my Va n Br a mer (D-Sunnyside) along with Community Board 2 Chairman Joe Conley and other officials attended the ceremony to celebrate the former councilman and his memory.

McCaffrey served as a city councilman from 1985 until 2001, when he was forced to retire due to term limits. He represented neighborhoods of District 26 including Woodside, Long Island City, Astoria and Sunnyside. “Walter McCaffrey was a fantastic public servant who deeply cared about the people he represented,” Van Bramer

said. “It is humbling to serve in the same district as Walter. The school campus renaming is a fitting tribute to a man that I, and so many, learned a lot from.” McCaffrey passed away at the age of 64 in 2013 after complications from a car crash. In May, the intersection of 61st St r e e t a nd Wo o d sid e Ave nu e wa s Q renamed for him as well.

Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, left, with Community Board 2 Chairman Joe Conley at the dedication of the newly renamed Walter McCaffrey Campus. At top, Walter McCaffrey. ABOVE PHOTO COURTESY CITY COUNCIL; TOP, FILE PHOTO

Capt. Judith Harrison, seen here at a December prayer vigil, became the 112th Precinct’s FILE PHOTO commanding officer in July. Staten Island scoff law Eric Garner died after being placed what many say was an illegal chokehold by a police officer. The 112th Precinct honored the two slain men by holding a prayer vigil at the Forest Hills command on Dec. 22. Capt. Judith Harrison’s words seemed to touch many in the room. “Tough times don’t last. Tough people do,” Harrison said. “And we’re tough.” Q

Special CB 9 meeting time A public meeting will be held to discuss potential candidates for Com mu nit y Board 9 dist r ict manager on Jan. 8 at 7 p.m. at Borough Hall, located at 120-55 Queens Blvd. Community Board 9 Chairman Ralph Gonzalez originally a n nou nc e d t he me et i ng at t he board’s December session. A time for the meeting, however, was not announced until last Friday. The board has been seeking a new district manager since the previous one, Mary Ann Carey, retired in September after serving for 35 years. Lisa Gomes, the former assistant district manager, has been the acting district manager since Carey’s retirement. Gonzalez said the Jan. 8 meeting will be open to the public, and added that community board members want to hear the opinions of residents in the areas in the board’s district. Com munity Board 9’s dist r ict includes the neighborhoods of Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, WoodQ haven and parts of Ozone Park.

C M SQ page 25 Y K Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

Mixed Qns. reaction to CB term limits Dromm’s proposal would restrict members to six consecutive times by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

Even in its early stages, a bill that would impose term limits on community board members is proving controversial, though the bill’s primary sponsor, Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), is optimistic. “The majority of New Yorkers agree with term limits,” Dromm said. “I think it will definitely pass.” Individuals are appointed to serve on community boards for two-year terms, with no limit to the number of consecutive times they may serve. The new bill would change that, though those already serving on boards would not be affected. Board members appointed to their first term beginning April 1, 2016 or later would be limited to serving a maximum of six consecutive terms, or a total of 12 years. According to Dromm, the bill, which he introduced just before Christmas, now has eight co-sponsors. “I have colleagues that support it,” he said. “The will is there. It’s important for democracy that we bring in new people, new ideas.” Among the bill’s co-sponsors are Councilmembers Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) and Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). Reaction to the proposal has been swift. Gene Kelty, a member of Community Board 7 in Flushing for the past 30 years, including 19 as its chairperson, expressed several concerns over the bill. He described his board, which he said has 46 of its available 50 seats filled, many by members with 15 or more years of service, as being “very knowledgeable, very in tune with what’s going on.” With term limits, he said, “I don’t think you’re going to get the expertise.” And he wondered whether new members

would be so readily available. “Do we have that many people pounding the door to be on community boards?” he asked. Kelty, an FDNY battalion chief, said he was also “disappointed” that Dromm never spoke with any of the chairpersons about the proposed bill. “He could have called us up,” Kelty said. “Thirty years I gave of my time and effort and that means nothing,” he added. Of longtime members such as Kelty, Dromm said, “We grandfathered them in. I didn’t want to take away from their years of service.” Ralph Gonzalez, chairperson of CB 9 in Richmond Hill, was supportive of the bill. “Term limits are a wonderful thing for a community board,” he said. “You have changing communities that require a different outlook.” Members who serve for extended periods of time, he added, “tend to get stuck in the status quo.” Councilman Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows) is opposed to the proposal, saying in a statement, “... leaders are in short supply and imposing an artificial barrier to their continued service is destructive to the community’s interest.” Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) agrees. He noted that board members do not get paid for their services and must spend time on committees and at regular meetings. “I’m all for term limits in Albany, but not for community boards,” Ulrich said. “It’s unnecessary and would do more harm than good. It’s hard to keep the good ones serving now.” Dromm is hopeful the bill will receive a hearing within the next few months and make its way to the Council floor. Queens has 14 community boards with Q up to 50 members each.

Although this paper is dated Jan. 1, many will read it on Dec. 31 and take note of the NYPD’S list of street closures and parking restrictions in preparation for the New Year’s Eve celebration in Times Square. The use of public transportation is highly recommended as the closings are expected to cause traffic delays. Drivers are advised to avoid all crosstown streets from 34th to 59th streets as well as 6th and 8th Avenues. Starting at 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Times Square will be closed to all vehicular traffic. Parking restrictions in the surrounding area will begin Wednesday morning at 12:01

a.m. and progress throughout the day. The earliest closings are all cross-town streets from 33rd to 59th streets between 6th and 8th avenues; west side of 5th Avenue from 37th to 52nd streets and 6th Avenue from 34th to 59th streets; east sides of 6th Avenue from 37th to 52nd streets and 8th Avenue from 34th to 57th streets; 48th, 42nd and 34th streets between 5th and 9th avenues; 43rd, 37th, 52nd and 58th streets between 5th and 8th avenues; and 59th Street between 5th Avenue and Columbus Circle. The NYPD has DWI patrols and checkQ points planned throughout the city. FIRA-065493

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Is vision loss inevitable with age? The answer may surprise you Eighty-three percent of U.S. adults believe their eyesight will worsen as they age, no matter what preventive steps they take, according to a recent DSM Nutritional Products survey. While genetics and lifestyle factors do play a role for some serious eye conditions that cause vision loss such as agerelated macular degeneration, years of proper nutrition may protect vision in the long term. More than 2 million Americans age 50 and older suffer from AMD and it is especially prevalent among Caucasian women. â&#x20AC;&#x153;You donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to reach your 40s and realize that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re beginning to have vision problems,â&#x20AC;? says Dr. Kimberly Reed, optometrist and Ocular Nutrition Society board member. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Following a few simple recommendations can help support your vision â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and your familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vision â&#x20AC;&#x201D; now and in the future.â&#x20AC;? Reed offers these tips for maintaining eye health and supporting vision in the long term: 1. See your diet in color Many brightly colored fruits and vegetables contain lutein and zeaxanthin, two powerful antioxidants that

research shows are beneficial in maintaining macular health. Intake of 12 mg per day of lutein and zeaxanthin offers the best protection, but only 10 percent of Americans are getting enough of these essential nutrients, according to the American Optometric Association. For weekly meal planning this year, choose colorful fruits and vegetables that provide these important antioxidants, like spinach, kale and other dark leafy greens, as well as corn, peas, broccoli, and orange and red peppers. 2. Make sure you get enough omega-3 fatty acids for eye health A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition showed that people with higher intakes of omega-3 fatty acids may experience a lower incidence of dry eye syndrome. For patients who suffer regularly from dry eyes, omega-3 intake can significantly improve symptoms and increase quality tear production. Adults should get at least 1,500 mg per day of DHA and EPA either by consuming fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, and sardines, or taking high-quality fish oil and algae supplements. Be sure to check

with your physician if you are taking medications that affect blood clotting before increasing your intake of omega-3s to this level. For women who are pregnant or nursing, DHA is an essential nutrient to support infant visual development. 3. Remember your vitamins and minerals An array of vitamins and minerals also play an important role in maintaining eye health. For instance, A and B vitamins perform many complex and critical functions throughout the body, including the eyes. And, according to a study published in Ophthalmology, vitamins C and E, which function as antioxidants, are also essential to eye health and have been shown to impact the progression of certain forms of AMD. Finally, zinc helps deliver vitamin A from the liver to the retina in order to produce melanin, a protective pigment in the eyes. Get your fill of at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables, as well as nuts and legumes, per day to obtain these essential vitamins and minerals. Even when striving to follow an

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Chronicle Contributor

Bob Seger “Ride Out” (Capitol)

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Ray Charles “Genius Loves Company” (Concord) These days duet albums between permutations of musical superstars is rather common but that wasn’t the case a decade ago when Concord Records had the late Ray Charles pair up with a variety of artists. This was a clear case of art meeting commerce because Concord wanted to test out the idea of using Starbucks as a venue for selling compact discs. It’s funny that even in this digital age when music retailers as Tower Records, HMV, and the Virgin Megastore have gone belly-up, the nation’s best-known retail coffee chain is still selling CDs. Concord has re-released “Genius Loves Company” and improved its sound through a remastering process. Ray happily plays a supporting role to James Taylor and Van Morrison on their respective compositions, “Sweet Potato Pie” and “Crazy Love.” He manages to coax Elton John into making “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” less lugubrious. Ray seemed to be having the most fun singing tunes where he and the guest artist are meeting on neutral ground; meaning that neither artist had recorded a version of the song before this duet. Although Ray’s voice had significantly frayed by 2004, it’s fun hearing him and Michael McDonald take a stab at the 1963 Freddie Scott hit, “Hey Girl.” The same can be said about him teaming up with Gladys Knight on Steve Wonder’s “Heaven Help Us All.” The most poignant moment on the album, and particularly timely as we move into 2015, is when he joins forces with old buddy Willie Nelson on the 1966 Frank Sinatra chestnut, “It Was A Very Good Year,” a song that is tailor-made for Willie’s twangy voice. If you missed it the first time around, this is a great time to get caught up with “Genius Loves Company.” **** The Mets may not have given their fans much of a reason to cheer at Citi Field the last few years but they have certainly give fans of classic rock reason to come out to the park as they have hosted post-game concerts by REO Speedwagon, Foreigner and last year, Huey Lewis & The News. This year, the Steve Miller Band, will be performing after the Saturday, June 27 game with the Reds while Heart, led by Ann & Nancy Wilson, will perform after the Saturday, July 25 game with the P Dodgers.

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There is a lot to admire about Bob Seger. He has been a rock music icon for over 40 years but he’s always shunned the stereotypical rock & roll lifestyle of wanton excess. Despite his wealth and fame, Seger never left his native Detroit even through all of its seismic problems. Well before anyone ever heard of paternity leave, Seger took a lengthy hiatus from recording and touring to help raise his family. Seger will turn 70 years young this May but at a time when most have either stopped working or have contemplated doing so, he is relaunching his career. This past fall he released his first studio album in eight years, “Ride Out,” and supported it with a lengthy tour across the USA including a recent sold-our concert at Madison Square Garden. While no one should expect “Ride Out” to be the equal of his 1975 breakthrough album, “Night M oves,” or even 19 8 0 s “Against The Wind,” it is a well-crafted effort. The opening track, “Detroit Made,” which despite its title was not written by Bob but rather by legendary tunesmith John Hiatt. Baby boomers may remember how Seger allowed Chevrolet to use his hit, “Like A Rock,” in TV ads for very little cost at a time when the American automobile industry was getting massacred by imports. “Detroit Made” is a classic uptempo rocker that sounds as if it could have been recorded 40 years ago and it’s a terrific tribute to the American auto. The title track, “Ride Out,” uses the car as a metaphor for leaving your comfort zone and discovering new people and places. “Let’s Talk About” is a bluesy list of what is ticking Bob off these days yet he never comes off as preachy. Seger has always showcased the many influences of his music. “Adam & Eve,” a duet with his longtime backup singer, Laura Creamer, is pure country while “All Of The Roads,” has the ingredients of a ’70s rock power ballad including the use of a sizable chorus. To play off the title of one of his many song titles, Seger shows that he hasn’t forgotten what makes for great rock & roll.

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Bob, Ray and Mets Classic Rock Concerts

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Tips on avoiding financial exploitation

Taking control of healthier aging As adults age, they often face different health challenges than those experienced during their youth; however, there are several key steps that can be taken to improve their chances of maintaining good health. A key part of healthier aging is preventing serious illnesses. Regular medical checkups and maintaining a healthy diet and active lifestyle can go a long way toward that goal. Even if you are healthy, an adult’s immune response can begin to diminish with age, leaving older adults more vulnerable to infectious diseases such as shingles, influenza or pneumococcal pneumonia. Influenza and pneumococcal pneumonia in particular can be further complicated by certain chronic conditions like COPD, asthma or diabetes, which can increase your risk of getting these diseases. Pneumococcal pneumonia is a common form of pneumonia that affects roughly 900,000 Americans every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is a life-threatening infection of the lungs, which is caused by bacteria that live in the upper respiratory system. The bacteria can be spread via respiratory droplets through coughing or sneezing. Once infected, the disease can cause symptoms such as cough, fever, chills, fatigue, and/or difficulty in breathing. In some cases the symptoms of pneumonia can last weeks or even months. Pneumococcal pneumonia can lead to hospitalization and may also be fatal in some patients. Older adults are more prone to getting sick from pneumococcal infection, and are also at higher risk to experience more severe and prolonged symptoms.

As you age there are key steps that can be taken to improve your PHOTO COURTESY BRANDPOINT chances of maintaining good health. There are steps that can be taken to help prevent pneumococcal pneumonia, including good hygiene, regular hand washing and immunization. Many adults think vaccines are only for children, but it’s critical for adults to keep current on their immunizations as part of their strategy for healthy living. If you are over the age of 65, talk to your doctor about getting up to date on all appropriate immunizations and other steps that you can take to help support healthier aging. To learn more about pneumococcal pneumonia, visit P KnowPneumonia.com. — Brandpoint

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t’s winter, and you know what that means. Time to lace up the boots and go outside and enjoy the fresh brisk air. No, seriously. Winter doesn’t have to be a time where you come down with cabin fever. You can enjoy the outdoors. And you can do it without leaving Queens. The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, one of the borough’s most popular outdoor destinations in warmer months, is inviting folks to come experience the coldweather season on the shore. In past years, frigid cold temperatures and excessive snow probably kept you inside. If so, then you badly missed out. There was fun to be had on the shores of Jamaica Bay. Granted, most of the events happening at the wildlife refuge this winter are inside, notably the center’s “Perspective” series — several talks on winter Sundays dealing with the history, geology and ecology of the bay, but visitors are invited to head outdoors to experience what they learn at the talks for themselves. Weather permitting, the trails that encircle West Pond are open. Wildlife may be less abundant than other times of the year, but you may see resident shorebirds such as sanderlings and dunlins, as well as Brant geese or even snowy owls. And with the trees and foliage barren, you can catch some glorious sunrises and sunsets and vistas of Manhattan and the Verrazano Bridge, or do some planespotting with the air traffic coming into and out of JFK Airport. “You’ve got beautiful views on a clear day of the Manhattan skyline,” said Don Riepe of Broad Channel, a bay expert and president of the Northeast Chapter of the American Littoral Society. “There are about five miles of trails you can take through the refuge. It’s good in all seasons, it’s just different.” The Littoral Society will host its annual New Year’s walk starting at 11 a.m. Jan. 1 at Fort Tilden in Rockaway.

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boro

Tourism guide a boon to breweries and eateries by Matthew Ern qboro contributor

Many Queens businesses are gearing up for the New Year after the borough was recently named the No. 1 tourist destination in the U.S. for 2015 by the Lonely Planet Guide. The travel publishing company cites the booming art scene in Long Island City, the surfer-friendly beaches in Rockaway and an explosion of “nano-breweries” as just a few of the reasons that Queens, the city’s most diverse borough, is actually the hottest spot for tourists in the whole country. Although the guide spotlights 2015 and many of the tourist spots mentioned won’t be in full swing till the warm weather, some of them are already feeling the love after Lonely Planet’s writeup. “We’ve had people come in and mention the article, and we’re stoked on that,” said Conrad Karl, who owns Uma’s in Rockaway Park with his wife Umida, who serves as the restaurant’s head chef. Lonely Planet’s editorial team names their Top 10 destinations every year, and Queens topped the 2015 list beating out destinations like Washington, DC and Rocky Mountain National Park. “Browse New York’s biggest Chinatown in Flushing, shop for brilliantly colored saris in Jackson Heights and inhale the heady aromas of coffee and hookahs in Astoria,” the guide says. “The incomparable array of world cuisines makes Queens a destination for food lovers from all parts of New York City.” One of the most intriguing examples of world cuisine getting a New York spin is Uma’s marriage of psychedelic,

Rockaway Taco was named a trendy eatery by the Lonely PHOTO BY ELIZABETH LLOYD Planet tourism guide. surf-rock and authentic Uzbekistani fare. “We’re maybe the only restaurant trying to take an ethnic cuisine and mainstream it not so much by the food itself but by the atmosphere around it,” Karl said. Uma’s supplements its health-conscious menu with a playlist of music that mixes classic rock, punk and Hawaiian. Karl says it’s all about cultivating a surfer vibe for the customers. Uma’s even has live music some nights, and Karl stresses that he tries to book only bands playing originals, no covers. Rockaway’s beaches are attracting lots of interesting eating establishments, including the often-raved-about fish tacos at Rockaway Taco. Owner and chef Andrew Field opened the taco shack back in 2008. Field designed his

restaurant to be an outdoor eating experience that surfers can head up to for a quick bite without having to fully towel off and change out of their wetsuits. After spending many summers surfing himself, Field wanted to serve food that catered to the beach community. “The only thing that’ll get me out of the water is hunger,” he said. “The moment you get out of the water, you want to go stuff something in your face and go back.” And it’s clear that Field has a great admiration for the neighborhood. “You can wake up late in the summer, take a train out here and still have seven hours of sunlight. That’s not a bad day off in anybody’s mind.” Over in Long Island City, four microbreweries have opened within walking distance of one another in the past 18 months. Several of these started out as homebrewing projects between friends, and the small size of the facilities has led some of the owners to refer to them as “nano-breweries.” Anthony Accardi and Rob Kolb own Transmitter Brewing, which draws praise for its Belgian-style farmhouse ales. They plan to expand the business next year. “It is something we hope to turn into a larger brewery. We just want to do it on its own time,” Accardi said. “It’s a labor of love.” He and Kolb both have day jobs too but are looking to transition into working more extensively at the brewery. They have a hand in every detail of their product from the brewing to the packaging. “We brew it. We bottle it. We deliver it,” Accardi said. Nearby in LIC, Rockaway Brewing is also making waves continued on page 35 00 continued

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

EXHIBITS

Turkish Erbu/water marbling art classes, every second Sat., 7-9 p.m., Turkish Cultural Center, 43-49 45 St., Sunnyside. $35 pp, space limited. Contact: Anne (718) 482-8263, info@tccqueens.org.

“Plymptoons,” short films and drawings by Bill Plympton, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Long Island City, video screening amphitheater, thru Jan. 4. An hour-long selection of Plympton’s best short films, from 1987 to 2010, plus trailer for his new film, “Cheatin’,” Info: movingimage.us.

KIDS

The Daghlian Collection of Chinese Art, highlights of the collection of over 1,600 objects spanning 5,000 years, Queens College, Klapper Hall, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, thru Jan. 10. Info: daghlian.qc.cuny.edu.

Creating PowerPoint presentations: Children are taught how to create a presentation using Microsoft PowerPoint software. 2-3 p.m., Fri., Jan. 2, South Hollis Library, 204-01 Hollis Ave. Free. Info: (718) 465-6779, queenslibrary.org/events.

THEATER

Games galore: Children and teens age 8 and up play console and board games. 3:30-5 p.m., every Friday, Queensboro Hill Library, 60-05 Main St., Flushing. Info: (718) 359-8332.

Queens Secret Improv Club, Queens’ only all-improv comedy theater, Indie teams: Wed. & Thurs. 7, 8 & 9 p.m., $5. House teams: Fri., 7:30, 8:30 & 9:30 p.m., $7 for the whole night. Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City. Info: secrettheatre.com.

MUSIC Hart & Soul, five-piece band performing classic rock, dance, disco, Motown, country rock and top 40 selections featuring Brandy Hart on vocals. 3-4:15 p.m; Sun., Jan. 4, 2015. Queens Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. Free. Info: (718) 990-0728, queenslibrary.org/events. Twilight concert, Con Brio Ensemble, The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills, Sun., Jan. 11, 4:30 p.m., performing works by Bach, Beethoven, Schumann, Dvorak, Kreisler, Dukas and Sarasate. $12 pp, $10 students & seniors. Info: (718) 459-1277.

FILM

Classic Movie Mondays, “Touch of Evil” (1958), 3-5 p.m., Jan. 5; “The Manchurian Candidate” (1962), 3-5 p.m., Jan. 12. Free. Sunnyside Library, 43-06 Greenpoint Ave. Info: (718) 784-3033, queenslibrary.org/events.

AUDITIONS Community Singers of Queens is looking for new members for rehearsals for Spring Concert, espe-

Free art classes: Latin American Cultural Center of Queens at ARROW Community Center, for ages 8-16, 35-30 35 St., Astoria, every Tue. & Thurs., 4:30-6 p.m. and Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. Info: (718) 261-7664, laccq@aol.com.

Hey, birdbrains! (Just kidding.) The Queens County Bird Club is hosting a lecture on July 21 teaching birding to the next generation, so today’s youth can enjoy spotting avians including the red-wing blackbird, left, seen here in Highland Park, and the mockingbird, here dancing PHOTOS BY STEVE FISHER above a utility pole. cially tenors and basses, every Mon., starting Jan. 12, 8 p.m., Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 St., Flushing. Call: Ruth Amsterdam (718) 658-1021.

LECTURES “Perspectives: Jamaica Bay Wildlife,” by Gateway National Recreation Area biologist and naturalist Hanem Abouelezz, describing wildlife that live in the bay and efforts to monitor and protect it. 2 p.m., Sun; Jan. 11. Free. Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge, Cross Bay Blvd., Broad Channel. Info: (718) 318-4340, “plan your visit” button at nps.gov/gate. “Birders: The Next Generation,” by Richard Santangelo, Queens County Bird Club, describing the NY Audubon Society's program to introduce schoolchildren to birding. 8 p.m., Wed., Jan. 21, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Free. Light refreshments served. Contact: Nancy Tognan at (718) 225-8064 or nancy.tognan@gmail.com. Info: qcbirdclub.org.

CLASSES

Central Queens YM & YWHA classes, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills, contact: Robin Budnetz (718) 268-5011, ext. 504, rbudnetz@cgy.org: yoga, registration ongoing for winter series, Mondays (open level), 10:20-11:20 a.m. begins Jan. 5; Wednesdays (beginners/seniors), 10:1011:10 a.m., begins Jan. 7; Fridays (intermediate/ advanced), 11:30 a.m.-12:40 p.m., begins Jan. 9; $144 CQY members, $180 general public; seniors, $56 CQY members, $102 general public; balance training, registration ongoing for winter series of 12 classess (begins Tue., Jan. 6); Section 1 – 11:20 a.m.-12:20 p.m., Section 2 – 12:30-1:30 p.m., Section 3 – 1:40-2:40 p.m; $70 CQY members, $102 general public. Spanish for beginners, Bayside Jewish Center, 203-05 32 Ave., free. Info: (347) 771-9132. Hawkins-based modern technique dance with Valerie Green, every Tue., 6:30-8 p.m. $18 pp; $15 dancers/students. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24 St., #301, Long Island City. Contact: (718) 956-3037, greenspacestudio.org/classes.html.

Yoga in the Elements, Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston, Sat., Jan. 10, 9:15-10:15 a.m. $16 adults, pre-registration required. Contact: (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com

Italian for Beginners, every Tues., 7-9 p.m., 10-week course. $60 pp. Dance with Instruction, every Mon. and Fri., 7:15-8:15 p.m. $10. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. Contact: (718) 478-3100.

Free English classes for Spanish speakers every Sat., South Asian Center, 72-26 Roosevelt Ave., Jackson Heights. All levels available, must call (646) 727-7821 to register.

Watercolor classes, National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, Wed., 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. All techniques, beginner to advanced, with demonstration. Call: (718) 969-1128.

COMMUNITY Candlelight tours: Onderdonk House, 1820 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood. Walks through landmarked Colonial-era historical house and grounds with costumed guides, mulled cider, seasonal sweets and treats, musical entertainment. 6-8 p.m., Sun., Jan. 4. $5 donation. Info: (718) 4561776, onderdonkhouse.org. English Conversation Club: Improve your grammar and pronunciation talking about holidays, cooking, shopping, art, music, family and other topics of interest with Lucette and Arline. 1:303:30 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 5, 12, 26; Feb. 2, 9, 23. Free. School-age children welcome in Reading Room during club meeting. Douglaston/Little Neck Library, 249-01 Northern Blvd., Little Neck. Info: (718) 225-8414, queenslibrary.org/events. Ballroom dancing lessons, by instructor Jing Chen. Beginner to advanced. 6:30-7:30 p.m., every Monday (except Jan. 19). Free. Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave. Info: (718) 268-7934, queenslibrary.org/events. State of the Borough Address, by Queens Borough President Melinda Katz. Open to public. 10 a.m., Jan. 22, Colden Auditorium at Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Info: (718) 286-3000. RSVP: queensbp.org. Free immigration services, first and third Wed. of each month, City Councilmember Elizabeth Crowley’s district office, 71-19 80 St., Glendale. Make appt. for help with naturalization and deferred action for childhood arrivals. All services are confidential and open to the public. Info: (718) 366-3900.

Send theater, music, art or event items to What’s Happening via artslistingqchron@gmail.com

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Curators’ Choice series, seven films — “Goodbye to Language 3-D” (“Adieu au langage”), “The Wind Rises” (“Kaze Tachinu”), “Manakamana,” “The Strange Little Cat” (“Das merkwürdige Kätzchen”), “Stranger by the Lake” (“L’Inconnu du lac”), “Stray Dogs” (“Jiao you”), “Boyhood.” Various times starting 7 p.m., Fri., Jan. 2 and ending 6 p.m., Sun., Jan. 4. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. Free with admission: $12 adults; $9 seniors/students; $6 children 3-12. Free for members. Specific times, more info: (718) 777-6888, movingimage.us.

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 32

SQ page 32

Ice Jewelry: where the owners can relate to their clients

boro

Long Island City Academy of Music piano instructor Mika Mimura with a student during PHOTO BY TROY BENSON a recital.

Music schools bolster boro’s growing art scene Ice Jewelry Buying Service is located on Queens Boulevard in Rego Park.

by Matthew Ern

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they treat everything like it’s a one-shot deal and we don’t do that,” Elias said. In addition to buying gold, silver, diamonds, watches Recently, a woman and her boyfriend went into and coins, Ice Jewelry Buying also offers instant cash an unassuming gold buying and cash loan shop on loans for jewelry and eBay selling services. Queens Boulevard. She had a $35 offer on her ring Their cash loans program is straightforward and from another area shop, but was looking to get a simple. “It’s a perfect solution for someone who better deal. In what may be viewed as poor business has a bill due and a check on the way,” Goldberg acumen, she told her new prospective buyer what said. “But we make sure they have a game plan to her previous offer was. Still, after examining her buy their jewelry back before the end of the term. piece, he offered her $1,600. He did so, as he says, Sometimes these are people’s heirlooms we’re “...because that’s what it was worth.” talking about and we respect that.” The plight of the worker who’s hard-up for cash For those who are less Internet-savvy or just don’t in today’s economy is something that Arthur Elias have the time, Ice Jewelry Buying offers a convenient and Edward Goldberg can relate to firsthand, eBay sales service. If what a customer has isn’t an having been laid off from their jobs in jewelry item that Ice Jewelry Buying would purchase, like manufacturing. They understand that people get a handbag or antique furniture, they can help find into situations where they just need a little cash fast a buyer on their eBay store. Elias consults with the to make the bills and Ice Jewelry Buying Service customer to find a target price and hopes to help out in the most STORE HOURS let the Internet auctioneers handle honest way they can. the rest. “For this, I like to think we’re MON.-FRI. 11am - 7pm For anyone who has ever dealt doing the community a service,” SAT. 10am - 6pm SUN. by Appointment with the hassle of selling and Elias said. “We’re in the business of helping people who are in a tough icejewelrybuyingservice.com shipping an item on eBay — all the forms involved in setting up a user spot. They can come to our store and paypal account, the 10-15 percent fee that Ice and know that we can educate them on what they Jewelry Buying charges to do all the work is really a have and we’ll give them what their items are worth. bargain deal. When that woman told me her previous offer, it made “At the end of the day, I just want people to feel me wonder how many times this happens — how comfortable doing business with us. People have many people who really need that money get taken this conception of gold buying stores as these slimy advantage of?” places with slimy people, and they’re typically right. Elias opened his Rego Park shop with Goldberg But we want to be different. I don’t think it’s cool to in 2009, and already they’re seeing a lot of repeat see someone buy a ring for $200 and put it in their customers and referrals. This is a sign to them that counter for $800. We don’t do that.” they’re doing something right — the pawn business Ice Jewelr y Buying Ser vice is located at typically deals in one-time transactions but Elias is 98-30 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park. Hours of operation determined to break that mold, building a reputation are Monday-Friday from 11 am to 7:00 pm and on trust. Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday – private “Everyone around here is buying gold these days; appoinments are available. Call for more information you can go into the barber shop down the road and Q (718) 830-0030. sell your jewelry. The problem with all these places is

by Denis Deck

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Chronicle Contributor

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Queens is the largest and most diverse borough in the city, and one of the ways it benefits from that is its thriving art and music scenes. While there’s no shortage of transplants moving to the borough for their artistic pursuits, there are plenty of homegrown musicians active in Queens as well. And new talent is always on the rise. There are numerous options for musical instruction in the borough that cater to aspiring rock stars of all ages and skill levels. Oliver Sohngen, founder and manager of the Long Island City Academy of Music, is of the mindset that all who aspire can be taught to play music if they work hard enough, even if they never go on to be a professional. “You can really achieve a lot if you put your mind to it. The imagination of people can be very limiting,” Sohngen, who teaches vocals at the academy, said. “I think almost everybody can sing, and the perception otherwise is completely wrong.” The feeling of creating art is so good, Joe Fuoco of the Fuoco Music Center in Glendale takes pride in helping other people discover that talent in themselves. Fuoco and his wife Jeanette have been running the center for years and have taught three generations. “It feels good to play and see someone smile and get into it. Jeanette and I feel good when we get someone to play and they get to experience that themselves,” Fuoco said. Aside from private lessons, the music center also holds group classes and on certain nights students gather together to form bands and jam in the basement. “If you stick around long enough, I’ll teach you to play anything,” Fuoco said. Teaching also allows him to stay sharp and

keep current with new music. “It’s an art form, but it’s also a discipline. I’m still learning,” he added. Most of his students come hoping to learn to rock out on the guitar or piano, but the music center provides instruction in other instruments— horns, drums, vocals, violin and more. The Long Island City Academy of Music offers more formal training in a variety of classical disciplines. Sohngen has attracted world-class musicians to his school and teaches a variety of instruments and vocal styles. His children’s opera group recently performed at Lincoln Center along with the Metropolitan Opera for a production of Puccini’s “Tosca.” One of the students, a six-year-old girl, opened the third act with a solo. “I think what’s special about the school is the quality of teachers that we have. Really, the highest level of musicians that also can teach,” he explained. Many of his instructors have also performed with the New York Philharmonic and the Metropolitan Opera. The Academy also has a program in which teachers go to public schools and give kids lessons. One of the more unique aspects of these classes is an emphasis on Dalcroze eurythmics, a method of initiative instruction that helps students learn by creating a physical awareness of music. Students dance and act along in order to learn about musical elements like rhythm and tone. Sohngen says this can be a more beneficial way of instructing young students than a more academic approach. Lessons are also available throughout the borough at the Real Brave Music School in Fresh Meadows, Nick Russo’s personal instructions in Forest Hills and the Queens Q Guitar School in Astoria, to name a few.

SQ page 33 Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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Jamaica Bay in winter: cold but well worth it

Participants will meet near the entrance, and after the walk, they’ll enjoy free coffee, cookies and champagne at the Rockaway Artists Alliance building there. For more information, contact Riepe at (718) 4740896 or donriepe@gmail.com. The first “Perspective” talk will be held Jan. 11 at 2 p.m. at the wildlife refuge center on Cross Bay Boulevard in Broad Channel. Hanem Abouelezz, a biologist and naturalist with Gateway National Recreation Area, will discuss the various species of wildlife that live in the bay and how the efforts to monitor these species have influenced their protection. On Jan. 18 at 2 p.m., the talk will focus on the changing water quality and environment, and the threats that are still being thrust upon the bay. On Jan. 25, the topics will be loss of salt marsh, shoreline changes and the effects of restoration. On Feb. 1, Dan Hendrick, author, historian and filmmaker, will provide a pictorial overview of the bay showing pictures and images he gathered for his book, “Jamaica Bay.” On Feb. 8 at 2 p.m., terrapins will be the subject, with the audience brought up to date on the ongoing study of the turtles and the situation at JFK Airport, where nesting terrapins

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have created havoc for air traffic several times in the last few years. For more information on these events, call (718) 318-4340 or visit nps.gov/gate/ planyourvisit. For those who want to take a stroll but may have missed the New Year’s Day event, there are more coming up. On Sunday, Jan. 18, again at Fort Tilden, you can join naturalist Mickey Maxwell Cohen of the American Littoral Society for a 1.5-mile “backwoods” walk of one of the city’s few untouched lands. During the two-hour tour, which begins at 10 a.m., hikers can take a peek at winter wildlife and explore the historic World War II fortification where German U-boats lurking just offshore were spotted. On Saturday, Feb. 7, join the American Littoral Society again for the Winter Survival Wildlife Walk at the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge. The 2-mile hike will feature a slide presentation and a walk to see winter birds and wildlife. To make reservations and for more information, contact Riepe. Children can also take a winter survival hike of their own. A walk for junior rangers, children from ages 7 through 11, will be held during winter break, Feb. 16 through 19, from 2-3 p.m. at the wildlife refuge. See

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The Vander Ende - Onderdonk House 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood • 718-456-1776 (Corner of Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues) www.Onderdonkhouse.Org Supported in part by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs, in partnership with the City Council Antonio Reynoso and Elizabeth Crowley, Council Members DIRECTIONS: 1820 Flushing Avenue, Ridgewood, corner of Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues Subway: L to Jefferson Street, then walk five blocks north along Flushing Avenue. Bus: Q54 to Flushing and Metropolitan Avenues. B57 to Flushing and Onderdonk Avenues.

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continued from page page 00 29 continued from

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 34

SQ page 34

boro COMMUNITY Atlantic City bus trip, Tropicana Casino, Kiwanis Club of Lefferts-Liberty, Sun., Jan. 18. $45 pp, $35 give back. Refreshments served on bus. Call Marie (347) 255-2450 or John (347) 730-9638. Wednesday Night Singles Group, SFY Adult Center, 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy., Little Neck, second and fourth Wed. of each month, 7-9 p.m. $7 members, $9 nonmembers. Team Trivia Night, live host, fast & fun pop culture trivia, Monahan & Fitzgerald, 214-17 41 Ave., Bayside, every Thurs., 8 p.m. Info: gameongameshow.com. Free lung cancer screenings, Forest Hills Hospital, Weds., 10 a.m.-1 p.m., 102-01 66 Road. Scan takes about five minutes and uses low-dose radiation. Appâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t reqâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d. Info: (855) 375-5864.

FLEA MARKETS St. Benedict the Moor Church, Merrick Blvd. at 110th Ave., Jamaica, every Sat., 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Vendors welcome. Call: (718) 332-0026. Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens.

MEETINGS AARP meetings: Open to the general public. Chapter 1405, Flushing, Bowne Street Community Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Ave., 1st and 3rd Mon. each month, 1 p.m; Chapter 2889, Maspeth, American Legion Hall, 66-28 Grand Ave., meets 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, noon; Contact: (718) 672-9890. Chapter 4163, Ozone Park, Christ Lutheran Community Center, 85-15 101 Ave., meets last Tue. each month, noon. North Shore Chapter of Hearing Loss Association of America, LIJ Hearing & Speech Center, 270-05 76 Ave., New Hyde Park, every third Wed. of month, 6:30 p.m.

Medicare enrollment/Rx drug plan advice, open enrollment and advocacy, with trained expert, Bayside Senior Center, 221-15 Horace Harding Expwy., Wed., 9:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Call for appâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t: (718) 225-1144, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

JAN. 1 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4

JAN. 8 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 11

Senior Theater Acting Repertory group, Queens Village Library, 94-11 217 St. Fridays, 11 a.m. Older adults invited to join STAR and perform theater at the library. Info: queenslibrary.org, (718) 776-0800.

JAN.158 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 19 11 JAN. 288478

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SENIOR ACTIVITIES

Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s exercise group, Tue. & Thurs., 10:30 a.m., all men 60+ with doctorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s note. Free SNAP screenings for all seniors 60+. Eligibility check and application help. Info: (718) 591-3377, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Howard Beach Senior Center, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd., across from Waldbaumâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, info: (718) 738-8100. Healthy aging workshop, Wed., Jan. 7, 14 & 21 with Cal Sutliff, master trainer. All seniors invited. Classes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Mon.: 9:30-10:30 a.m., Tai Chi; 10:45-11:45 a.m., chair aerobics; Tue.: 9:30-10 a.m., learn to tap dance; 9:1510:15, Calypso-cardio class (also Thurs., same time); Wed.: 10:15-11:15 a.m., project staywell exercise; Thurs., 9:30-11:30 & 12:30-2:30 art class; Fri.: 10:30-11:30 a.m., Yoga, 1:15-2:15, stretching, balance and aerobics. Daily lunch for all seniors over 60, catered by Russoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s On The Bay, $2 requested donation. Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults, 92-47 165 St., Jamaica, details its safety program about rent, Medicaid and food stamps. Call (718) 657-6500 for appointment. Free. Computer basics, an 8-week course for seniors, Selfhelp Innovative Senior Center (Benjamin Rosenthal-Prince Street Senior Center), 45-25 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, Mon., 10 a.m., Call: John (718) 559-4329.

SUPPORT GROUPS Job placement assistance, ANIBIC, 61-35 220 St., Bayside, a nonprofit organization serving children and young disabled adults in the community with job & apartment placement. Overeaters Anonymous, for weight loss and other issues. Long Island Consultation Center, 97-29 64 Road, Rego Park, Sun., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call: (718) 937-0163. Rego Park Library, Thurs. at 11:15 a.m., 91-41 63 Drive. Holy Child Jesus Outreach Center, 112-06 86 Ave., Richmond Hill, Tue., 7:30-9 p.m. Call: (718) 564-7027. Have a loved one with memory loss? Selfhelp Community Services Inc., 208-11 26 Ave., Bayside. Stimulating program â&#x20AC;&#x201C; One, two, three or four days a week; half-days are also available. Call Ellen Sarokin or Cathy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Sullivan: (718) 631-1886. Alcoholics Anonymous, daily meetings around Queens for those with a drinking problem. Info: queensaa.org, (718) 520-5021. Al-anon, self-help group for anyone affected by anotherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s drinking: St. Markâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Episcopal Church, 82nd St. & 34th Ave., Parish house, 1st floor, Jackson Heights, every Tue. Contact: (718) 457-1511. Resurrection Ascension Pastoral Center basement, 85-18 61 Road, Rego Park, every Sun. 12 p.m. Bereavement groups for loss of a spouse, facilitated by a licensed social worker. Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Call: Lisa Elhanyi, (718) 268-5011, ext. 621. Services Now for Adult Persons, Inc., SNAP, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Bldg. 4, CBU 29, Queens Village, eight-session group, Mon., 2:15 p.m. Contact: Marion (718) 454-2100 Gam-Anon is a 12-step program for families of someone with a gambling problem. Call hot line (212) 606-8177.

SQ page 35

King Crossword Puzzle

Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

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continued 30 continued from page 00 within the microbrewing community. Marcus Burnett and co-founder Ethan Long started as homebrewers in the Rockaways before finding a space to move their business into in 2012. “I think the Lonely Planet article created increased interest in our brand,” Burnett said. It’s also enjoying the sense of community afforded by all the new startups in LIC. “Queens is becoming the mecca of local brewing in the five boroughs,” he said. And the local nature of the distilleries has benefits to the consumer too: “For the general beer enthusiast, it means fresher beer.” Burnett is excited to be proactive, making a product that can stimulate the area’s economy and provide jobs. Basil Lee, co-owner of Finback Brewery in Ridgewood, is excited that Lonely Planet chose to spotlight the borough. “It’s a great thing for Queens and we couldn’t agree with them more,” he said. According to Lee other area businesses are excited for the opportunities increased tourism might bring as well. “I’m looking forward to more people discovering Queens next year,” he added. Queens’ art scene is also expanding, with an influx of artists and galleries in recent years and waterfront parks showcasing

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 36

SQ page 36

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Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

ROOFING

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 38

C M SQ page 38 Y K

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www.mairalawoffice.com 31-53 ASTORIA HOLDINGS, LLC App. for Auth. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/12/14. LLC was organized in DE on 11/7/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to 22-60 46th St., Astoria, NY 11105. Required office at 28 Old Rudnick Ln., Dover, DE. Cert. of Org. filed with SSDE, 401 Federal St., Ste. 4, Dover, DE 19901. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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4-HORN LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 9/11/14. 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, 85-11 Union Tpke., Glendale, NY 11385. General Purposes.

ADOPTION: Unplanned Pregnancy? Caring licensed adoption agency Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon provides financial and emotional on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper. support. Choose from loving preapproved families. Call Joy toll free 1-866-922-3678 or confidential email:Adopt@ForeverFamiliesThrou CALL US ghAdoption.org Call 1-718-205-8000 Deadline to place, correct or cancel ads: Classified Ad Special. Pay for 3 Tuesday noon, before Thursday publication weeks and the 4th week is FREE! Fax 1-718-205-1957 Call 718-205-8000

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C M SQ page 39 Y K

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

DOSOS Clothing LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 9/24/14. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY desig. as agt. upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Danreb Soriano, 7829 88th Ave, Woodhaven, NY 11421. General Purposes.

J-5 REALTY LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 09/07/14. Off Loc.: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, 57-32 255th St., Little Neck, NY 11362. Purpose: to engage in any lawful act.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: TG TRENTINO, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 08/22/2014. 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, 68-37 78th Street, Middle Village, NY 11379. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Balkan Sewer & Drain Cleaning LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/7/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to 130-01 Jamaica Ave, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: General.

Excel Us Enterprise LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/27/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to Xiaochen Wang, 144-30 Sanford Ave., #2C, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: General.

Notice of formation of KC HOSPITALITY II, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sect’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 5/23/2013. Office location, County of Queens. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 87-23 144th St., Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: any lawful act.

NOVI CONCEPTS, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 10/29/14. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Donald A. Tela, Esq., 21337 39th Ave., #189, Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of BRH Properties LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/3/14. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 6861 Yellowstone Blvd., #615, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/03/2014, bearing Index Number NC-000952-14/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) Gail (Middle) Gloria (Last) Lieberman. My present name is (First) Gail (Middle) Rochelle (Last) Itzkowitz AKA Gail Gloria Lieberman, AKA Gail G. Lieberman, AKA Gail Rochelle Lieberman, AKA Gloria Rochelle Itzkowitz, AKA Gail R. Lieberman, AKA Gloria Lieberman, AKA Gail Lieberman. My present address is 144-37 75th Ave., Flushing, NY 113672414. My place of birth is BROOKLYN, NY. My date of birth is September 24, 1959.

Articles of Organization Filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on April 17, 2014. NOTICE OF FORMATION Keisha’s Gemz LLC. Office location: Queens. SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to SSNY designated for service of process. c/o: THE LLC, 114-52 Francis Lewis Blvd., Cambria Heights, NY 11411. Purpose: any lawful purpose or activity.

ONERO REALTY LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/24/14. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to the LLC, 21-22 28th Avenue, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: CITIWIDE FUNDING, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/05/2014. 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 CITIWIDE FUNDING, LLC, 66-24 FRESH POND ROAD, 2ND FLOOR, RIDGEWOOD, NY 11385. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: GNK PROPERTIES LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/09/2013. 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 SUKHWINDER SINGH, 115-06 95TH AVENUE, SOUTH RICHMOND HILL, NY 11419. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

LAKEVIEW GROUP, LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/07/2014. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 147-46 Delaware Avenue, Flushing, NY 11355. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PINTHA LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/16/2014. 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 PHIMWALAN INTHAWONG, 70-64 YELLOWSTONE BLVD., 3B, FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: DIANE CHANG CONSULTING LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/20/2014. 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 DIANE CHANG CONSULTING LLC, 34-20 74TH STREET, #3C, JACKSON HEIGHTS, NY 11372. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: HABER COUNSELING GROUP, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/17/2014. 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 CARLOS GUSTAVO HABER, 6708 JUNO ST., FOREST HILLS, NY 11375. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NEW FALLS INTERNATIONAL LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/6/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 136-18 39th Ave., Ste. 1104, Flushing, New York, 11354. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Poppy Cube, LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 12/2/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to C/O United States Corporation Agents, Inc., 7014 13th Ave., Ste. 202, Brooklyn, NY 11228. Purpose: General.

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Notice of formation of Anns Adventures in Travel, LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the SSNY on 11/06/2014. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to Ann Toback, 73-11 210th Street, Apt. 4N, Oakland Gardens, NY 11364. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

LEGAL NOTICES

SUMMONS INDEX NO. 705035/2014 D/O/F: July 21, 2014 Premises Address: 164-48 109th Avenue, Jamaica, NY 11433 SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC DBA CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, -againstADRIANNA ALICE PAGE AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSON; LATOYA CYNTHIA ATKINSON-SMITH AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSON; MILDRED ATKINSONWILLIAMS AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSTON; NICOLE RUBY ATKINSON AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSON; RONALD KEVIN ATKINSON AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSON; THAMAR LEE HARPER AS HEIR AT LAW AND NEXT OF KIN OF RUBY ATKINSON; JOHN DOE 1 THROUGH 50; JANE DOE 1 THROUGH 50, INTENDING TO BE THE UNKNOWN HEIRS, DISTRIBUTES, DEVISEES, GRANTEES, TRUSTEES, LIENORS, CREDITORS, AND ASSIGNEES OF THE ESTATE OF RUBY ATKINSON WHO WAS BORN ON FEBRUARY 20, 1941 AND DIED ON JUNE 1, 2012, A RESIDENT OF THE COUNTY OF QUEENS, THEIR SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST IF ANY OF THE AFORESAID DEFENDANTS BE DECEASED, THEIR RESPECTIVE HEIRS AT LAW, NEXT OF KIN, AND SUCCESSORS IN INTEREST OF THE AFORESAID CLASSES OF PERSON, IF THEY OR ANY OF THEM BE DEAD, AND THEIR RESPECTIVE HUSBANDS, WIVES OR WIDOWS, IF ANY, ALL OF WHOM AND WHOSE NAMES AND PLACES OF RESIDENCE ARE UNKNOWN TO THE PLAINTIFF; NEW YORK CITY PARKING VIOLATIONS BUREAU; NEW YORK CITY TRANSIT ADJUDICATION BUREAU; CRIMINAL COURT OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK; MIDLAND FUNDING NCC-2 CORP; MIDLAND FUNDING, LLC; MRC RECEIVABLES CORP; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; QUEENS SUPREME COURT (KEW GARDENS); RAB PERFORMANCE RECOVERIES LLC; NEW YORK CITY ENVIRONMENTAL CONTROL BOARD; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA O/B/O SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; “JOHN DOES” and “JANE DOES”, said names being fictitious, parties intended being possible tenants or occupants of premises and corporations, other entities or persons who have, claim, or may claim, a lien against, or other interest in, the premises, Defendant(s), TO THE ABOVE NAMED DEFENDANTS: YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action, and to serve a copy of your Answer, or, if the Complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a Notice of Appearance on the Plaintiff’s Attorneys within twenty (20) days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service, where service is made by delivery upon you personally within the State, or within thirty (30) days after completion of service where service is made in any other manner, and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the complaint. 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. The following notice is intended only for those defendants who are owners of the premises sought to be foreclosed or who are liable upon the debt for which the mortgage stands as security. YOU ARE HEREBY PUT ON NOTICE THAT WE ARE ATTEMPTING TO COLLECT A DEBT, AND ANY INFORMATION OBTAINED WILL BE USED FOR THAT PURPOSE. The present amount of the debt as of the date of this Summons: $277,729.39, consisting of principal balance of $215,153.88 plus unpaid accrued interest of $33,251.53, escrow/impound shortages or credits of $7,824.33, MIP charges of $15,775.23; Servicing Fees of $3,115.00; late charges of $0.00; Broker’s Price Opinion/ Appraisal of $425.00; Property Inspection and miscellaneous charges of $425.00; attorney fee $1,200.00, surrogates search $21.73, and title search $537.69. Because of interest and other charges that may vary from day to day, the amount due on the day you pay may be greater. Hence, if you pay the amount shown above, an adjustment may be necessary after we receive the check, in which event we will inform you. The name of the Creditor to whom the debt is owed: NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC DBA CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY. Unless you dispute the validity of the debt, or any portion thereof, within thirty (30) days after receipt hereof, the debt will be assumed to be valid by the herein debt collector. If you notify the herein debt collector in writing within thirty (30) days after your receipt hereof that the debt, or any portion thereof, is disputed, we will obtain verification of the debt or a copy of any judgment against you representing the debt and a copy of such verification or judgment will be mailed to you by the herein debt collector. Upon your written request within 30 days after receipt of this notice, the herein debt collector will provide you with the name and address of the original creditor if different from the current creditor. Note: Your time to respond to the Summons and Complaint differs from your time to dispute the validity of the debt or to request the name and address of the original creditor. Although you have as few as 20 days to respond to the Summons and Complaint, depending on the manner of service, you still have 30 days from receipt of this Summons to dispute the validity of the debt and to request the name and address of the original creditor. TO THE DEFENDANTS: The Plaintiff makes no personal claim against you in this action. TO THE DEFENDANTS: If you have obtained an order of discharge from the Bankruptcy court, which includes this debt, and you have not reaffirmed your liability for this debt, this law firm is not alleging that you have any personal liability for this debt and does not seek a money judgment against you. Even if a discharge has been obtained, this lawsuit to foreclose the mortgage will continue and we will seek a judgment authorizing the sale of the mortgaged premises. Dated: July 21, 2014 Joshua P. Smolow, Esq. Rosicki, Rosicki & Associates, P.C. Attorneys For Plaintiff Main Office: 51 E Bethpage Road, Plainview, NY 11803 516-741-2585 Help For Homeowners In Foreclosure New York State Law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully. Mortgage foreclosure is a complex process. Some people may approach you about “saving” your home. You should be extremely careful about any such promises. The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. There are government agencies, legal aid entities and other non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about foreclosure while you are working 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 Banking Department at 1-877-BANKNYS (1-877-226-5697) or visit the Department’s website at www. banking.state.ny.us. The State does not guarantee the advice of these agencies.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 40

C M SQ page 40 Y K

LEGAL NOTICES To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

PROVENANT ENTERPRISE, LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/12/14. 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, 35-15 223rd St., Bayside, NY 11361. General Purposes.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: ROOPNARINE3 LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/17/2014. 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, 196-07 MCLAUGHLIN AVENUE, HOLLIS, NY 11423. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

STARSHIP BEARCAT, L.L.C., Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/10/2014. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 23-17 30th Drive, Astoria, NY 11106. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

S &R PROFESSIONAL CLEANING LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/20/14. 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, 251-16 Cullman Ave., Little Neck, NY 11362. General Purposes.

VIRTUOUS HOLDINGS LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/06/2014. Office loc: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 94-17 131st St., Jamaica, NY 11419. Reg Agent: Margaret Singh, 94-17 131st St., Jamaica, NY 11419. Purpose: Any Lawful Purpose.

Sandeep Express LLC Arts of Org filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 9/16/14. Office in Queens Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served & shall mail process to Jasvir Singh, 14404 87th Ave, Jamaica, NY 11435. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of 45-34 Pearson Street LIC, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/19/14. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 64-34 184th Street, Fresh Meadows, NY 11365. Purpose: any lawful activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: SPEEDWAY AUTO BODY, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 10/29/2014. 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, 115-28 127 STREET, SOUTH OZONE PARK, NY 11420. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation, 61 Lexington, LLC, Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/14/2014. Office location: County of Kings, SSNY designated for service of process, SSNY shall mail copies of any process served against the LLC to c/o: THE LLC, 187-20 Brinkerhoff Ave., St. Albans, NY 11412. Purpose: For any lawful purpose or activity.

NOTICE OF SALE SUPREME COURT COUNTY OF QUEENS H & R Block Bank, a Federal Savings Bank, Plaintiff, against Jesus Guevara; et al., Defendant(s). Pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale duly dated February 5, 2014 I, the undersigned Referee, will sell at public auction at the Queens County Courthouse, Courtroom #25, 88-11 Sutphin Boulevard, Jamaica, New York on January 23, 2015 at 10:00AM, premises known as 84-12 108th Avenue, Ozone Park, NY 11417 All that certain plot piece or parcel of land, with the buildings and improvements erected, situate, lying and being in the Borough and County of Queens, City and State of New York, Block: 9143 Lot: 6. Approximate amount of judgment $447,206.67 plus interest and costs. Premises will be sold subject to provisions of filed Judgment Index# 17858/2012. Nicole Katsorhis, Esq., Referee, Shapiro, DiCaro & Barak, LLC Attorney(s) for the Plaintiff, 175 Mile Crossing Boulevard, Rochester, NY 14624 (877) 759-1835 Dated: December 16, 2014 1123988 12/25, 1/1, 1/8, 01/15/2015

AJG 146, LLC. Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 4/1/14. Office in Queens County. SSNY desig. agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to 52-76 72nd St., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILIT Y COMPANY. NAME: AMERICAN DREAMS PAWN, LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/21/2014. 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, 10611 37TH AVENUE, APT. 3R, CORONA, NY 11368. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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REAL ESTATE

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Real Estate EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 212306-7500. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

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C M SQ page 41 Y K Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

2015

Happy New Year! From our Family to Yours

QUCO-065892

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Best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year!

SPORTS

BEAT

Plum time for the Nets by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

The Nets have always played second fiddle to the Knicks, in both good times and bad. So the Knicks’ so-far disastrous 2014-15 season has understandably garnered far more attention than the win-one, lose-one (more or less) season that the Nets have had. Although they have not endured the same degree of travail that their Manhattan neighbors have, the Nets have had their share of drama. New head coach Lionel Hollins has not been reticent about blasting his team in postgame press conferences when they have played poorly. General manager Billy King has made it clear that he will listen to offers for any of his players, including surly underachieving point guard Deron Williams. The biggest surprise so far this season has been Hollins’ willingness to start Mason Plumlee at center instead of Brook Lopez. Plumlee doesn’t have even a quarter of the shooting skills that Brook possesses, but he is a far better defender and rebounder. The rest of the starting team plays a lot better when Mason is in the pivot. The St. John’s Red Storm continued to cruise along at the Barclays Center on Sunday as they barely broke a sweat in beating Tulane University 82-57. Sir’Dominic Pointer led the way with 24 points while D’Angelo Harrison scored 21. Red Storm head coach Steve Lavin, while

happy with the win, made it clear that he was not pleased with the team’s performance in the second half, though he didn’t specify what angered him and none of the reporters from the daily newspapers, who hogged the microphone during the postgame press conference as per custom, followed up by asking him what had upset him. I caught Steve as he was leaving the podium and I asked him about the number of three-point shots the Johnnies took in the second half even though they had a lead that never fell below 20 points against a lifeless Tulane team. “You nailed it. I wasn’t happy at all with that,” he said. Lavin had a right to be ticked off. It was both poor sportsmanship and bad basketball on the part of the Red Storm. Using the “let sleeping dogs lie” logic, there is absolutely no reason to motivate an opposing team that is basically waving a white flag. Shooting low-percentage three-point shots with plenty of time on the clock instead of driving to the basket as time is winding down on a possession is a dumb thing for any team with a huge lead to do. Why is that the Jets always seem to lose the last game of a season in Miami when it has playoff implications for them, and win it when they are out of contention and thus get a worse Q slot for the upcoming NFL Draft? See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

The transit strike of Jan. 1, 1966 by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

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This week marks the 49th anniversary of the transit strike that started Jan. 1, 1966, a nightmare New Yorkers will never forget as they hitched rides or used skates, bicycles and their own two Hitching a ride to work in front of Alexander’s department store on the corner of Queens Boulelegs to get to work in Manhattan. Michael J. Quill, head of the vard and 63rd Road in Rego Park, Jan. 4, 1966. 32,600-member TWU Transit Workers Union Local 100, had enjoyed a behind- and eight other union leaders were arrested the-scenes relationship with Democratic and jailed for calling the strike. It got nasty Mayor Robert Wagner for many years, when Quill said the judge could drop dead making quiet deals. Wagner was close with in his black robes, and the strike dragged the public-sector unions that had helped on until Jan. 13. It was a bittersweet victory him win elections. John Lindsay, a Repub- for the union, which saw wages go from lican who campaigned on changing the $3.18 to $4.14 an hour and won another system and came into office on Jan. 1, paid holiday and a hike in pension benefits. The judge never dropped dead in his 1966, locked heads with Quill, who was black robes, but Quill did, on Jan. 28, after bent on showing him who called the shots. Lindsay was criticized for not starting being released from the hospital as he was negotiations in November and December, supposedly recovering from heart trouble. Today, with the massive influx of immibut Wagner had blocked his participation in government until he took the oath. grant labor and the breaking of unions, Instead, the mayor-elect went on vacation these kinds of thugs no longer control the to Puerto Rico. When Jan. 1 came the bar- city, and this kind of shutdown will most Q gaining had barely begun. On Jan. 4 Quill likely not take place again.

RM WARNING by Christopher Barca

PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 42

C M SQ page 42 Y K

o St. John’s basketball is back in the national conversation for the first time in five years. And the discussion has consistently come dow n to one question. Are the Red Storm for real? I don’t think that question can be answered just yet, as much as the St. John’s alum in me wants nothing more than to fall in love with this team. Sure, the Johnnies are 11-1 heading into Big East play, their best start since the school’s Final Four season in 1985-86, the last time they advanced to the national semifinal. (To put a little perspective on that, my father was five years younger in 1985 than I am in 2014.) Yeah, the Red Storm are ranked 15th in this week’s AP Top 25 poll, their highest mark since the 2010-11 campaign, the last t i m e t h e t e a m m a d e t h e N CA A Tournament. They’ve notched a couple quality wins too, knocking off Minnesota and Saint Mary’s at home, while taking 7th-ranked Gonzaga to the final whistle in their only loss. But to borrow from the upcoming NFL playoffs, all of that doesn’t mean much now. Starting the season 11-1 isn’t going to have much weight if the Johnnies struggle in conference play. But starting New Year’s Eve, when the Red Storm travel to New Jersey to take on a solid Seton Hall team in their first game against a conference foe, we’ll find out the answer to whether the Johnnies are for real or not. It’s time to separate the men from the boys and the pretenders from the contenders. St. John’s did have a final tuneup for Big East play over the last seven days, as they pounded a decent Tulane squad 82-57 at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn last Sunday. It goes without saying that it’s important to beat the teams you should beat during the nonconference portion of the schedule, and the Johnnies took that to heart, ripping off a blistering 47-point first half, while holding the Green Wave to just 22 points on 36

percent shooting. The game was never in doubt, as the Red Storm lead by as much as 27 in the second half, and Tulane was never able to shrink the deficit below 20 points. As a team, St. John’s shot a solid 51 percent from the field and racked up 14 steals. They certainly looked like a team to be reckoned with, thanks to the superb game from senior forward Sir’Dominic Pointer. The Red Storm’s biggest X-factor added yet another impressive performance to his resume, notching a game- and career-high 24 points, to go along with an incredible seven steals, four assists, four rebounds and two blocked shots. Pointer considered redshirting in 201415, meaning he would have sat out all season to preserve his final year of eligibility, which he would have used next season as a fifth-year senior. And Red Storm fans everywhere are thanking whatever God they pray to that he ultimately decided against it. Pointer has come up huge again and again for St. John’s this season, stepping into a do-it-all role for the Queens squad. We already knew his defense was there, but his offensive game has come a long way since last season. He’s become a player head coach Steve Lavin can trust with the ball in his hands, as well as a guy opposing teams truly have to gameplan against. “I thought about it, but different things happened and I worked hard over the summer,” Pointer said after the game about the possibility of redshirting. “I was feeling good and decided it was time to go and finish my senior year with my brothers.” When it comes to Big East play, the senior said his team is prepared for the challenge. “As seniors, this is our last, first Big East game,” he said. “I feel like as a team, we’ve made a lot of leaps and we will be ready for the Big East.” The tilt with Seton Hall, who will be without freshman guard and former Lincoln High School star Isaiah Whitehead due to a fractured foot, is on tap for the Johnnies in one of the more anticipated college hoops games in the region this season. The Red Storm’s first game of 2015 will be at home against Butler at 4 p.m. on Saturday.

C M SQ page 43 Y K

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Broker/Owner

A Happy New Year to All Our Patrons for 2015 NESPONSIT Waterview, 60x100. BUILDABLE LOT Already Demolished

MIDDLE VILLAGE One-of-a-kind 8 Family home, all updated throughout. Garages and separate parking lot. Great income potential. Call for more details.

WOODHAVEN Detached, charming Colonial, possible 6 BRs,2.5 baths, parquet floors throughout, HOWARD BEACH 2 stainedGreentree Condo glass windows, modern kitchen w/ 3 BRs, 2 Full Baths, with 2 Terraces, granite. ASKING $449K front and back. $319K

HOWARD BEACH Hamilton Beach D Detached CE DU 2 Family, RE 2 BRs per floor. Home all redone, includes 25x80 attached lot. $359K

PLANS AVAILABLE

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Mint All Brick Split-Level Colonial, 40x110 lot, 4 large Bedrooms, 3 new full baths. Custom kit w/island, Formal Dining Room. Totally redone 4 years ago.

LIST WITH US! 718-845-1136

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Old Side All brick Colonial, 3 BRs, 2 full baths, full-fin. bsmnt w/radiaheat, kit. w/ HOWARD BEACH nt S.S. appl, comRockwood Park mercial stove, Mint large corner Brookfield (27x53) on 47x110 oversized lot. Brick/Stucco, fireplace, slid4/5BRs, 3 full baths, garage, large den, ing doors to rear deck, built-in with access to paved backyard. Outdoor BBQ, IGP, boat dock. REDUCED $899K BBQ, IGP, PVC fencing.

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HOWARD BEACH

Greentree Condo

Updated 3 BR/2 Bath Condo w/vaulted Hi-Ranch on 40x100. 3 bedrooms/ ceilings, 2 terraces, kitchen w/tilestone 1½ baths with formal dining room countertops, stainless steel appliances, & eat-in-kitchen, hardwood floors washer/dryer, storage attic, low taxes. throughout. 1½ car garage & 2 car

$320K private driveway.

ASKING $599K

CONR-065973

Amazing location! Perfect for investors. R4 office building. Features a dental office, lab on ground floor, 2 BR/1 bath apt. on first floor, 2 BR/1 bath apt. on second floor. ASKING $779K

S CLO

OZONE PARK

Centreville Legal 2 Family, 3 BRs/2 Baths per floor. Full unfinished basement, hardwood floors. Each One Family S/D, 3 Bedrooms, floor has separate boiler/hot water heater. 1.5 baths, full basement, private $350K $509K driveway, garage.

HOWARD BEACH

BAY RIDGE Rockwood Park Brooklyn Charming 3 BR Colonial on great corner lot 100x40. 3 BR, 1.5 baths. AAA Mint Jr. 4 renovated co-op Large sideyard. 7 blocks to Crossbay in beautiful, pre-war building. Courtyard/gym & storage. Blvd. In-ground sprinklers. ASKING $369K REDUCED ! $619K D RE

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK High Ranch on 40x100 lot. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths. Mint One Bedroom walk-in, newly renovated first floor. Close to all! A SKING $599K

/ CL

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Rockwood Park

OZONE PARK/ CENTREVILLE

All new Hi-Ranch 3 BRs/2 baths, fireplace, stainless-steel appliances. ASKING $649K

Detached legal 2-Family, 2 Bedrooms, over 2 Bedrooms, private driveway, garage, finished basemet. $468K

U ED

• Mint L-Shaped Studio....................... .......................... IN CONTRACT $76K • L-Shaped Studio.......................$79K • Mint 1 BR Garden, 1st fl ........$123K • 1 BR w/Terrace, 2nd fl ..........$139K • 1 BR w/Terrace ................................. .........................IN CONTRACT $139K • Hi-Rise - Mint 1 BR w/Terrace, new kit & bath. ....................... Ask $139K • Largest 3 bedroom/2 bath co-op, 1st fl., HW flrs, pets OK.................... ........................ IN CONTRACT $175K • Mint 2 BR, w/terrace, granite kit, SS appl, wood cabinets. ....................... IN CONTRACT $179K • Mint AAA 3 BRs, 1 bath, Garden. ...... ..........................IN CONTRACT $219K • Hi-Rise 2 bedroom, 2 baths, mint, all renovated with terrace. .......................IN CONTRACT $227K • Mint AAA Garden, 2BR, DR, 2nd fl.... ....................................................$249K • STORE FOR RENT. 1,365 sq. ft. Howard Beach/Crossbay. Parking Available. ..................$4,500 per mo.

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Condos

• Heritage House. One bedroom. Ultra-mint condo. ................. $216K • Heritage North. Two bedrooms. 2 / D L Full Baths, updated baths w/Jacuzzi SO tub, new appliances, pet-friendly. .................................................$289K • Greentree Condo (3rd HOWARD BEACH cathedral ceilings floor), Rockwood Park 3 BRs/2 baths, 2 terraces..$320K Oversized 50x100 lot on amazing block. • Greentree Condo. 2nd fl., mint Dormered Cape featuring 5 BRs, 3 full 3 BRs/2 baths, 2 terraces. ........... .... baths, full unfinished basement. .................................................$319K ASKING $599K R

HOWARD BEACH

Rockwood Park Mint Hi-Ranch, 3/4 BRs, new kit, 2 new full baths, crown molding, new roof, skylights, pvt dvwy, new cond. Simply Mint! ASKING $719K

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Co-ops

RIDGEWOOD CONDO One-of-a-kind 1 Bedroom Condo Duplex with basement, hardwood floors, ceramic tiled bath, low taxes. A SKING $328K

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HOWARD BEACH

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For the latest news visit qchron.com

OZONE PARK/CROSSBAY BLVD

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

One-of-a-kind home in the heart of High Ranch on 38x100 lot. 3 Howard Beach. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, full Bedrooms, 2 Baths. Clean, large, on a finished basement. 3-car driveway. New beautiful block. Move-in condition. A SKING $610K boiler and heating system.

HOWARD BEACH

HAMILTON BEACH

“All Stucco Split-Level.” On 40x100. 4 year-old roof, CAC 1 year, new hot water heater, new electric, new concrete floor in bsmnt. Security system, brick patio, IGS, electric gar door, Andersen windows, newly sanded HW floors. A SKING $655K

READY TO SELL YOUR GREATEST ASSET?

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Large All Brick corner 2 Family with walk-in & fin bsmnt. 6 over 6. Pvt dvwyz & attached 1-car gar & additional legal parking on side of house. ASKING $649K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015

Open House • Sun, Jan 4 • Upper Glendale 1-3PM • 88-46 79th AVENUE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 1, 2015 Page 44

C M SQ page 44 Y K

Get a New Look for the New Year! Full Head BALAYAGE HIGHLIGHTS – or – FOIL HIGHLIGHTS & BLOWOUT

$120.00

$5.00 OFF!!

Come in for a FREE Consultation for our glamorous individual human hair Extensions!

WE USE ALL REDKEN PRODUCTS

Walk-Ins Welcomed for our Blowout Bar!! Shampoo, Blowout, Style $20.00

Call To Make An Appointment or Come By DDHS-065987 DDHS-065944

For the latest news visit qchron.com

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OMBRE & BLOWOUT

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135-07 Cross Bay Blvd. Ozone Park, NY 11417 O

718.641.9800