Queens Chronicle South Edition 01-07-16 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. XXXIX

NO. 1

THURSDAY, JANUA JANUARY 7, 2016

QCHRON.COM

BIG BUCKS! D L O

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY; ILLUSTRATION BY ELLA JIPESCU

Pan-Bay Center sells for a whopping

$27 million PAGE 5 The Panzarella family on Dec. 23 sold the Pan-Bay Center on Cross Bay Boulevard to Urban Edge Properties for a record-setting $27 million — the biggest real estate transaction in Howard Beach history, according to the broker. The new owner plans to keep longtime businesses in place, while bringing a national tenant to the area.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 2

C M SQ page 2 Y K

Crime down despite some spikes in 2015 Reported major incidents fall 1.7% though murder, robbery and rape up by Michael Gannon

Murder rate dips in Queens

Editor

ayor de Blasio and NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton on Monday said 2015 shows New York remains the safest big city in the world. In Queens, numbers in the seven major index crimes matched or beat citywide trends in every category. Across the five boroughs, major index crimes were down 1.7 percent from 2014, despite a 4.5 percent increase in murders — from 333 to 348 — and hikes in the number of reported robberies and rapes. Burglaries and car theft, on the other hand, were at their lowest in five decades along with a small reduction in felony assault. “At this point, 2015 marks the safest year in the modern history in New York City,” Bratton said in a joint statement with the mayor. Murders in Queens actually went down by four. Reported rapes in the borough went up. A random selection of precinct community councils from Queens turned up a cautiously optimistic embrace of Bratton’s take. “Numbers can drive you crazy as a civilian,” said Frank Dardani, president of the 106th Precinct Community Council. His precinct, as of Dec. 27, was down a total of eight major crimes for the year.

Reported incidents to date through Dec. 27, 2015 PRECINCT 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107

PRECINCT 2014 2014 2015 108 2 1 3 109 6 5 5 110 8 3 6 111 0 9 6 112 0 3 3 113 9 7 8 114 2 2 3 115 6 1 3 TOTAL: 60 MURDERS, DOWN FROM 64 IN 2014

2015 2 3 1 0 1 9 6 1

While other crime statistics are mixed QUEENSWIDE RAPE SHOOTINGS

2014 284 193

2015 290 183

QUEENSWIDE 2014 ROBBERY 3,235 CAR THEFT 2,551

2015 3,216 2,228

Source: NYPD / Image courtesy NYPD

“These are the numbers you constantly hear, and the mayor and the commissioner embrace them,” he said. “I think this year the precinct had done a remarkable job in making arrests. That is the number that has spoken for us all year.” Dardani said Deputy Inspector Jeffrey

Schiff, the commanding officer of the 106th in Ozone Park, employs communication with the community as one of his most effective crime-fighting tools, keeping residents informed through the council meetings, Facebook and other social media. Alerting the public, Dardani said, is paid

back through information, which then leads to the arrest figures he said have been the 106th’s hallmark. Dardani and Len Santoro, president of the council in the 104th Precinct, naturally said they would like to see more officers. Santoro recalled this past St. Patrick’s Day, when Capt. Mark Wachter took command of the 104th in Ridgewood — the day a driver came off the Long Island Expressway and decided to start shooting in a section of Maspeth. “It was handled professionally,” Santoro said. “Nobody was hurt, not even the shooter. More cops in the precinct aren’t going to stop incidents like that. But with incidents like we’ve been having in the precinct, like cars being broken into, cars being put up on blocks [and having tires and rims stolen], yes, I think a few more cops does help with those things. Santoro said the presence of people on the street is borne out by the success of the 104th Precinct’s Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol. “But G-COP can’t be everywhere,” he said. Dardani said the 106th is due for about a dozen new officers, and the 104th should be getting a few more soon. The 103rd Precinct received nine new officers fresh out of the box from the Police continued on page 12

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Shopping strip sold to Urban Edge for ‘record-setting’ $27 million by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The Panzarella family, well-known in South Queens for decades, on Dec. 23 sold the Pan-Bay shopping center on Cross Bay Boulevard to Urban Edge Properties for $27 million — a transaction the broker for the deal called the “biggest sale in Howard Beach history.” “They looked at it as a safe place for their investors,” broker Alex Catalano said of the company’s interest in the property in an interview with the Queens Chronicle. “It’s a big, solid investment.” The record-setting deal covers 156-10 to 156-40 Cross Bay Blvd., according to city documents. Catalano said Urban Edge — a spinoff of Vornado Realty Trust, the real estate company that owns Rego Center on Queens Boulevard — has no plans to do major renovations or kick out any of the businesses, some of which have been in the community for more than 25 years. “They really want to keep the ties to the community,” he said. “They’re looking to keep the longtime tenants.” The building was owned by the Panzarellas since 1958 and their real estate business, A.J. Panzarella Realty, was located inside the shopping center. William Panzarella, whose signature is on the Dec. 23 deed, did not respond to requests for comment on why he chose to sell the building but Catalano said he couldn’t keep up with the property anymore. “He’s tried to handle the building from Arizona but it just

The Pan-Bay Center is changing hands for the first time in close to 60 years. The Panzarella family sold it on Dec. 23 for $27 million, a record-setting real estate transaction for the PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY Howard Beach community. became a little too much for him,” the broker said. “He came to me to see if there was an opportunity to put it out.” For Catalano, the sale is not only a professional accomplishment but something he’s proud of personally, as well.

The Howard Beach native has memories of the Pan-Bay Center, most notably the Howard Beach Billiard Club, which closed in 1995. “I remember going in there to play pool,” Catalano recalled. The center is also home to Sugar Bun Bake Shop and Danny’s Szechuan Garden. Joann Ariola, president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association, expressed concerns that those businesses could be forced out. “We hope the new owners are considerate regarding the rent they command from the existing storeowners who have been part of this community, some for more than 50 years,” she said. The biggest thing Urban Edge has in store for the building — in addition to minor repairs and renovations — is bringing a national tenant to Cross Bay Boulevard, Catalano said. “I would not be surprised see some national tenants and popular franchises in the near future that many residents have eagerly waited for to arrive for so many years,” he said. Around 85 percent of the storefronts in the center are occupied. Ariola said the civic never received any complaints about the center while the Panzarellas owned it, and hopes the same will be true with Urban Edge. “We’re only hoping the integrity of the new company Q remains,” she said.

Community Board 9 to have SBS hearing

Richmond Hill native wins prestigious prize

Public can sign up to talk on the topic

TMLA grad one of 347 science fellows

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The SBS plan in CB 9’s area. Plus signs show where both local and select buses FILE PHOTO would stop. The public is allowed to attend the meeting and can sign up to speak on the project. The meeting will start at 7:45 p.m. and will be at Queens Borough Hall, located Q at 120-55 Queens Blvd., room 213.

Maureen Gannon

COURTESY PHOTO

ville Centre, LI, her master’s in the same subject from Adelphi University and Ph.D. in cell biology from Cornell University. Q — Anthony O’Reilly

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Community Board 9 on Tuesday will receive an update from the MTA and Department of Transportation on the Select Bus Service proposal for Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards. The panel — which represents Kew Gardens, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven and parts of Ozone Park — for months has been talking about the topic and Transportation Committee Chairman Kenichi Wilson has promised to have the two agencies appear before the board to provide new information on the plan to have designated bus lanes along the corridor in both directions. Last month, several members asked Wilson if the board should vote on the proposal but he said it should wait on statistics on the effects of bus lanes, not part of SBS, already implemented on the corridor in Rego Park and Forest Hills. In November, three board members got into a verbal dispute after Second Vice Chairman Joel Kuszai said they should use facts, not conjecture, when discussing the project.

A Richmond Hill native and graduate of The Mary Louis Academy is one of 347 Americans who have the honor of being elected a fellow at the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Maureen Gannon, an associate professor of medicine, molecular physiology and biophysics and cell and developmental biology at Vanderbilt University, is being honored for her work in diabetes research, pancreas development and science education. Gannon is one of 10 Vanderbilt faculty members who are being recognized by the association — the largest general scientific society — at the group’s annual meeting on Feb. 13 in Washington, D.C. She has a long list of accomplishments, such as receiving several grants for research on diabetes, pancreatic cancer and other issues, being the associate editor of American Journal of Physiology, Endocrinolgy and Metabolism and director of enrichment at Vanderbilt’s Diabetes Center and much more. Gannon obtained her bachelor’s degree in biology from Molloy College in Rock-

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Panzarella family sells the Pan-Bay Center

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 6

SQ page 6

Should they stay or should they go? Gov. Cuomo’s executive order gets mixed reaction from homeless, pols by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Offered the choice of staying at the junction of Cross Bay Boulevard and the Belt Parkway in freezing weather or being placed in a shelter, homeless man Kyle would choose the former. “I’ve been to three or four shelters in the city and they treat you like you’re an animal,” Kyle said. “I’ve had my stuff stolen, I’ve gotten into fights, the staff is always really rude. That’s the only reason I’m out here.” However, he may not have a choice as Gov. Cuomo on Sunday issued an executive order ostensibly requiring municipalities to bring homeless people into shelters as soon as the temperature hits the freezing mark. The order is for the entire state, but is seen by some as a continuation of the ongoing political rivalry between the governor and Mayor de Blasio. “This is the type of politics that turns people off from government,” Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) said in an interview. The order, which went into effect on Tuesday, supersedes “all local laws, as well as any local directives, guidance, or policies to the contrary.” That includes Code Blue, a similar initiative created by de Blasio days after he took office in 2014.

Despite frigid temperatures in Howard Beach on Monday, homeless man Kyle would rather stay on a highway cloverleaf than be placed in a homeless shelter, as is required by a new executive PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY order issued by the governor on Sunday. The mayor, at an unrelated press conference on Monday, said he believes the city already “has the tools to get people off the street who are in danger,” though adding he “appreciates the intent of that executive order.”

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The best way for us to face the challenges a kind of joy of the future is to wisely manage our different from that which comes experiences from the past. from external If we recall how God brought us through goods, the unour troubles, we will not despair over the speakable joy Stephen Roser approach of similar evil. If we remember that comes from is the pastor of only what we suffered, lost, or had to endure, the love of Jesus Howard Beach if all we do is brood, we weaken ourselves Christ. When Assembly of God for future tests. But if we will keep in mind earthly treasures Church the reason that things happened, what were placed in we gained, what we learned, the presence the balance against the peace that only of God that we experienced, and the true God can give, they were outweighed by far. friendships that we made, we strengthen Let us carry this valuable lesson with ourselves against future tests of faith. us as we enter 2016. The new year will Following Superstorm Sandy, the people bring us more storms, and its road is filled of our community were stronger than ever. with bumps and potholes. But if Christ is Homeowners not only accepted patiently our heart’s treasure and if we have a firm the destruction of their possessions for experience of His love, we have reason to which they had worked hard, they thanked rejoice. Whatever the coming trials may God for lasting treasures such as faith rob from us, they cannot separate us from and love of family. Many experienced the love of God.

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“But at this point, it seems to simply reiterate what’s already in the law and the power we already have to bring people in off the streets,” he said. “And we use that power — let’s be clear. If any NYPD officer thinks someone’s in danger, they have the

right to bring them in — same with our outreach workers and our health workers.” On Tuesday, de Blasio touted that the city moved 97 homeless people off the streets — one an involuntary removal — and into shelters Monday night into Tuesday morning, when temperatures were in the midteens to low twenties. Kyle said it was “ridiculous” that somebody can be taken away against his will. “If you’re willing to go, that’s a different story,” he said. Some state legislators agree with him. “Aggressive methods such as these have historically pushed homeless men, women and children further away from the services and permanent-based housing solutions they need,” Assembly man A nd rew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), chairman of the Social Services Committee, said in an emailed statement. “In addition, this action is going to front load our shelter system; we need a way to reduce the shelter population.” State Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) said he agrees with Cuomo. “Who can be against bringing in the homeless when it gets deathly cold?” Sanders asked. “Only the most insane among us would argue against it.” But even those who think the order is a good idea say more still needs to be done for continued on page 27

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EDITORIAL

AGE

Obama pulls the trigger on common-sense gun rules

veryone in America aside from the merchants of death in the firearms industry and their enablers in the National Rifle Association and halls of Congress should be thankful President Obama is finally taking meaningful executive action to reduce gun violence in the face of intransigence on Capitol Hill. If all his directives and proposals are followed, no longer will people be able to acquire firearms through loopholes that allow them to avoid background checks that could reveal reasons they shouldn’t get them. The Federal Bureau of Investigation will be able to expedite the system of checking backgrounds, reducing needless delays for those who should be allowed to buy a gun, by hiring 230 new people. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives will get 200 more agents to enforce existing gun control laws. Another $500 million will go toward mental health services. And more research will be done on smart-gun technology, such as that which only lets the owner of a weapon fire it by reading fingerprints. The result will be a new hope that the scourge of gun violence — which results in approximately 10,000 homicides and 20,000 suicides a year in the United States — can be

further reduced. While it’s true that the death rate at the end of a gun has fallen from about 15 per 100,000 people in 1993 to about 10 per 100,000 now, it’s still far too high, a disgrace for a country that touts itself as the best in the world. And a horror for all the victims and their families. And while the rate dropped steadily from 1993 to 2000, it hasn’t changed much at all since then. So more action is needed. Democrats such as Obama — who even wept a little as he talked about gun violence while announcing his plans Tuesday — largely understand this. It’s the Republicans, who dominate Congress and a strong majority of statehouses across the country, who generally don’t. They claim the president’s actions will be ineffective. That can’t be proven either way until they take effect, but it seems unlikely. And preventing just one homicide, or mass shooting such as those that killed two dozen children and a couple of adults at Sandy Hook Elementary School and 14 people in San Bernadino, Calif., would be a pretty big “effect” on the life or lives saved. Who would deny that, except for a killer or someone in thrall to the NRA? The GOPers also claim the president’s actions are unconstitutional, beyond his legitimate authority as chief execu-

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Trump that liar Dear Editor: Folks, remember the adage “If you live in a glass house, don’t throw stones”? Well, The Donald lives at his Fifth Avenue Trump glass tower, and he threw two large stones (lies) at Americans in 2011 and 2015. During the 2011-12 campaign, he accused Barack Obama of not being born in America. Said he was a Muslim born in Kenya. Trump told us he was sending two people to Hawaii to get proof that Obama was not born in Hawaii. Trump said they would shock the nation. Here it is 2016, and we never got that phony report. Now for Trump’s second stone throwing. He told us that he saw on TV thousands and thousands of New Jersey Muslims laughing as they saw the destruction of the Twin Towers on 9/11. It was reported by several reliable sources that this was another big Donald Trump lie. Recently he had the gall to accuse Hillary Clinton of lying. Let the games begin. This is going to be the best show ever! Anthony G. Pilla Forest Hills

Trump that … whatever Dear Editor: It was interesting but hardly surprising to hear yet another of Trump’s Trants, this time referring to Hillary Clinton and her appearance at a Michigan debate, when, after she appeared © Copyright 2016 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. 11374-7769.

tive. Hogwash. He’s not writing new law, he’s clarifying existing law. And seeking the hiring of more employees. That’s all clearly within his purview, despite the right-wing nonsense heard from Republicans and their even more “conservative” allies on cable TV, talk radio and the internet. In the past, quite conservative Republicans knew this. “It would be well worth making it the law of the land,” rightwing patron saint and former President Ronald Reagan said of universal background checks in 1991. President George W. Bush and Sen. John McCain both backed closing the gun show loophole in comments made in 2004. Today one instead hears stuff like Sen. Ted Cruz’s claim that “Obama wants your guns.” And worse. The NRA put out a picture of two Brooklyn lawmakers with bullets lying next to them. Gabrielle Giffords ring a bell? And WOR radio host Todd Schnitt said Wednesday that he thought Obama’s tears were scripted. Sounds like something Queens’ least favorite son, Donald Trump, would say. Our city saw a small rise in homicides in 2015 compared to the prior year, though Queens saw a small decrease. Obama’s moves can only help the numbers keep going in the right direction. Congress can follow or get out of the way.

E DITOR

later than her Democratic competitors, he said, “I know where she went, it’s disgusting, I don’t want to talk about it.” Well, he talked about it. Perhaps if it offends him so, he should avoid hiding about in the ladies’ room. It’s ironic that this person is so concerned with Hillary Clinton’s use of the public toilet facilities when he has no problem verbally defecating his degrading goals for our country to his frightened, shortsighted, simplistic constituents. And as for his “schlonging” reference to Barack Obama winning the presidential nomination over Clinton, who could ever more obscenely evaluate the outcome than America’s Premier Schlong? Nicholas Zizelis Bayside

Obama: right on guns Dear Editor: The announcement by President Obama regarding his executive order on additional mandatory requirements, which would improve the ability for more stringent background

checks by gun dealers nationwide, already is meeting with congressional resistance. House Speaker Paul Ryan has said that this executive order would be an infringement on the Second Amendment, and that it will most likely be challenged in federal court. Congress needs to have the moral and ethical courage to stand firm and support the attempts of the president to enact this executive order. It is not, contrary to what the NRA would have you believe, an attempt to take away the right of people to buy and own firearms. How many more Sandy Hooks, Auroras, Charlestons and San Bernadinos must this country experience before something is done that will at least reduce the number of mass shootings? The mentally ill also need more help, another point that the president made in his speech. Getting these disturbed people off the streets and into institutions that can help them with their illnesses is also a major part of this scenario. Congress, are you listening? John Amato Fresh Meadows

C M SQ page 9 Y K

BRADY & MARSHAK, LLP

How Hincapie was freed Dear Editor: (An open letter to Chronicle Contributor Gina Martinez) Just read your fine article “York professor helps free inmate” in the Oct. 22, 2015 Queens Chronicle, so I’m a little behind. There’s a missing link to the article. Kim Breden, a theater teacher to prison inmates, was given papers by Johnny Hincapie. Kim left the prison and gave the papers to her boyfriend, a retired Nassau County cop. Cop reads papers and calls Bill Hughes, and the rest is history, which you wrote so well. The chain could have been broken along the way. But it wasn’t, or Johnny would still be in prison. Kim, retired cop, Bill Hughes, Bob Dennison, Ron Kuby, etc. Ruth Rucker Floral Park

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Even what’s nailed down Dear Editor: Be very careful, because there are crooks around. They stole the insulation from under a guy’s house on East Sixth Road. It had cost him over $2,000 to have it installed. So you better check your false teeth. They may be gone. Muriel Stemmann Broad Channel

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Believe it when I see it Dear Editor: “The wheel that squeaks the loudest gets the most grease” is an old adage that’s still true. My constant nagging about the status of Kew Gardens Hills’ long-closed library in the Chronicle and other media finally has yielded an answer. Queens Public Library Director of Government Affairs Jonathan Chung notified me that the Vleigh Place branch is slated to reopen this fall after the city Department of Design & Construction completes all reconstruction work. The Queens Public Library will hold a community meeting in the next few months to update KGH residents. I urge everyone to attend and voice your views. Mr. Chung said Borough President Melinda Katz, City Councilman Rory Lancman, state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. and Assemblyman Michael Simanowitz met with DDC officials to move this project forward. Note their names and hold their feet to the fire, since that library branch served as a polling place in the 2012 election and will likely do the same for the 2016 and 2017 elections. If we don’t get results, they don’t get our votes. Richard Reif Kew Gardens Hills

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The doctor is not in Dear Editor: Where are two clinics with three doctors on vacation at the same time, while one clinic has a nurse practitioner who is overbooked and cannot even take a walk-in patient? Is the answer a) Nigeria, b) Sudan, c) Angocontinued on next page

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The lovable pit bull Dear Editor: Joseph N. Manago demonizes the “pit bull” with his apparent expertise in “Ban the pit bull bully,” Letters, Dec. 31. Perhaps he’d be interested in a few things simply known as facts. Despite their reputation, the United Kennel Club doesn’t recommended using pit bulls as guard dogs because they’re “too friendly with strangers.” For over 114 years, since the American pit bull terrier was first recognized by the UKC, the breed was rightly called the “nanny dog” because of its friendly nature, loyalty and stability. As the ASPCA notes, pit bulls were “once considered especially nonaggressive to people.” That is, until the media turned them into monsters. They’ve made the pit bull out to be inherently more dangerous than other breeds. There is absolutely no truth to that. The Journal of ONLINE Forensic Science found that the Miss an article or a owners of vicious letter cited by a writer? dogs (regardless Want breaking news of breed) had from all over Queens? “ s i g n i f i c a n t l y Find the latest news, more cr i m i nal past reports from all behaviors than over the borough and other dog own- more at qchron.com. ers.” And according to the ASPCA, “Pit bulls often attract the worst kind of dog owners.” That leads to poorly socialized, aggressive dogs. Because criminals favor pit bulls, statistics show them to be responsible for a majority of serious attacks on humans. These incidents are then misreported by the media. Meanwhile, pit bulls are the most frequently abused, abandoned and euthanized breed in the United States. Shelters across the country are overflowing with pit bull mixes. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, pit bulls are not disproportionately dangerous. The American Temperment Test Society tests dogs for aggression and their ability to differentiate between threatening and nonthreatening humans. Among all the breeds tested (over 30,000 dogs) pit bulls showed an above average temperament, with 86 percent making the grade. They are the second-most tolerant breed tested, after only golden retrievers. Lastly, pit bulls do not have special “locking jaws” — that’s another myth. Pit bulls do not exert an unusual amount of bite force for their size, and tests conducted by National Geographic found that they exerted less than German shepherds or rottweilers. My family is on our second and third pit bull/American bulldog. We got our first (died of cancer a few years ago) when our kids were 4 and 7. Our current dogs (brother and sister) are 3. My kids say when they have families and get a dog it will be a pit bull/mix or nothing. They are the most loyal, loving, playful dogs ever. Just ask anyone who owns one. As long as they don’t have a criminal record or a fighting ring in their basement. Robert LaRosa Whitestone

E DITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 10

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Honoring a loving, thoughtful person Family and friends remember late Sandi Rizzo, owner of Magic Scissors by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Sandi Rizzo, owner of the Cross Bay Boulevard hair salon Magic Scissors, is being remembered most for her selflessness and willingness to always help people. “Sandi always looked out for everyone else. Everything was for other people,” Louie Mangione, her cousin, said. “She was looking to do anything for anybody. She never thought about herself.” Rizzo’s sister Jackie Ambrosino lauded her ability to inspire other people. “She had the courage to push anyone to do anything they wanted,” Ambrosino said. “She always thought of others before herself. She was unique.” Rizzo, who took over the salon owned by her father, Vito, unexpectedly died on Sunday of an aortic aneurysm, a bulge in the wall of an artery near the heart. She was 51. Her wake will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday at Bellmore Funeral Home on Long Island, located at 2340 Jerusalem Ave. Magic Scissors will be closed for the remainder of this week and its future is undetermined, longtime employee Anna Loiacono said. “There are no plans yet,” Loiacono said. Rizzo was raised in Howard Beach and in

Sandi Rizzo, the owner of Magic Scissors on Cross Bay Boulevard, with her cousin Louie ManPHOTO COURTESY LOUIE MANGIONE gione. her father’s salons, the one located on Cross Bay and a now-closed one that was in Manhattan until about 25 years ago. “Growing up, my father took me and Sandi to the shops. That was our summer vacations and weekends,” Ambrosino said. “We socialized with adults. That’s how we grew into it.”

Letters

RICHMOND HILL FLEA MARKET

continued from previous page

la or d) the USA? If you said D, you are right. The hospital-affiliated health clinics in Howard Beach and Ozone Park literally shut down this time of the year (the holidays). I would think that at least one of them would be open with one doctor available. I guess common sense is too much to ask for in a medical facility. There is no pill to prescribe to treat stupidity. Ray Hackinson Ozone Park

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Loiacono has been working for the family for 26 years, first in Manhattan and then in Howard Beach. She didn’t call Rizzo her boss or co-worker — she was a sister. “We shared a lot of personal happiness and personal sadness,” she said. “When you first met her, you would know right away she was honest, happy, helpful and

Dear Editor: One need not be surprised Rep. Joe Crowley and City Councilmembers Karen Koslowitz, Julissa Ferreras-Copeland and Peter Koo, all of Queens, support allowing private, for-profit companies the use of Flushing Meadows Corona Park for music events that a will require paid admissions (“Some electeds support AEG Live park festival,” Dec. 31). These individuals haven’t the slightest notion concerning the importance of urban parks and FMCP in particular. They treat FMCP as real estate to be sold off to the highest bidder, and the little people who need and use the park should be content to spend their free time sitting on the sidewalk in front of their places of residence.

the type of person you would want in your life.” That was true of her relationship with the customers, too. “I was so afraid to make these phone calls,” Loiacono said of letting customers know Rizzo had died. “There was just utter shock. The customers of the store are in disbelief.” One of Rizzo’s customers, Heather Cirulnick, loved going to her so much she ended up working for her about two years ago. “She never treated me like I was below her,” Cirulnick said. “She treats you like family when you walk in the door.” Cirulnick said Rizzo was the same way outside her business, too. “It was never like she put on an act,” she said. “She was just as bubbly outside the shop as she was inside.” Those who knew her said Rizzo was always familiar with her customers’ families, life stories and troubles, and would always do her best to help them. “She was so dedicated to her customers,” Mangione said. “She loved talking to people and hearing people’s stories and helping them,” Ambrosino said. She was the same way around her family. “I was in the hospital for 10 days recently continued on page 22 Over 100 years ago Frederick Law Olmstead, the genius who created Central and Prospect parks in this city and important parks elsewhere, said: “Then survival of our park system requires the exclusion from its management of real estate dealers and politicians and that the first duty of our park trustees is to hand down from one generation to the next the treasure of scenery which the city has placed in their care.” Suffice it to say, the vast populations that now occupy our cities make it clear Mr. Olmstead’s admonition is more pertinent today in requiring even more vigilant protection of our urban parks. It is evident Crowley, Koslowitz, Ferreras-Copeland and Koo do not possess the intellectual ability to understand what Mr. Olmstead was talking about, raising serious questions about their ability to hold public office. Fortunately, term limits will in the near future cause the exit of these members from the City Council. I doubt they will be missed, and I hope they’ll be replaced by a breath of fresh air in an otherwise stolid chamber. Benjamin M. Haber Flushing

Writing Letters Letters should be no longer than 400 words and may be edited. They may be emailed to letters@qchron.com. Please include your phone number, which will not be published.

C M SQ page 11 Y K

Now, in Howard Beach, NY, one doctor is helping local residents with knee pain live more active, pain-free lives. Living with knee pain can feel like a crippling experience. Let’s face it, your knees aren’t as young as you used to be, and playing with the kids or grandkids isn’t any easier either. Maybe your knee pain keeps you from walking short distances or playing golf like you used to. Nothing’s worse than feeling great mentally, but physically feeling held back from life because your knees hurt and the pain just won’t go away! My name is Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C., owner of Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center. Since we opened seventeen years ago, I’ve seen hundreds of people with knee problems leave the office pain free. If you’re suffering from these conditions, a new breakthrough in medical technology may completely eliminate your pain and help restore normal function to your knees.

Do You Have Any of the Following Conditions? • Arthritis • Knee pain • Cartilage damage • ‘Bone-on-bone’ • Tendonitis • Bursitis • Crunching and popping sounds Finally, You Have an Option Other Than Drugs or Surgery

Before the FDA would clear the Class IV laser for human use, they wanted to see proof that it worked. This lead to two landmark studies. The first study showed that patients who had laser therapy had 53 percent better improvement than those who had a placebo. The second study showed patients who used the laser therapy had less pain and more range of motion days after treatment. If the Class IV Laser can help these patients, it can help you too.

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain? For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy. What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before January 17, 2016 and here’s what you’ll get… • An in-depth consultation about your problem where I will listen … really listen … to the details of your case. • A complete neuromuscular examination. • A full set of specialized X-rays to determine if arthritis is contributing to your pain (if necessary). (If you have films please bring them for evaluation). • A thorough analysis of your exam and X-ray findings so we can start mapping out your plan to being pain free. • You’ll see everything firsthand and find out if this amazing treatment will be your pain solution, as it has been for so many other patients. Until January 17, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323. Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before January 17. Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C. P.S. Now you might be wondering…

“Is this safe? Are there any side effects or dangers to this?” The FDA cleared the first Class IV Laser in 2002. This was after their study found 76 percent improvement in patients with severe pain. Their only warning – don’t shine it in your eyes. Of course at our office, the laser is never anywhere near your eyes and we’ll give you a comfortable pair of goggles for safety. Don’t wait and let your knee problems get worse, disabling you for life. Take me up on my offer and call today (718) 845-2323. For more information go to www.drgucciardo.com and click on the laser therapy tab.

Federal and Medicare restrictions apply. Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo Upper, Cervical Chiropractor, Master Clinician in Nutrition Response Testing 162-07 91st Street, Howard Beach, NY 11414 • (718) 845-2323

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New research in a treatment called Class IV Laser Therapy is having a profound effect on patients suffering with knee pain. Unlike the cutting type of laser seen in movies and used in medical procedures, the Class IV therapeutic laser penetrates the surface of the skin with no heating effect or damage. Laser Therapy has been tested for 40 years, had over 2000 papers published on it, and has been shown to aid in damaged tissue regeneration, decrease inflammation, relieve pain and boost the immune system. This means that there is a good chance cold laser therapy could be your knee pain solution, allowing you to live a more active lifestyle. Professional athletes like The New York Yankees and team members of the New England Patriots rely upon cold laser therapy to treat their sports-related injuries. These guys use the cold laser for one reason only…

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

How To Get Rid of Knee Pain Once and For All... Without Drugs, Shots or Surgery

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 12

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Hoverboard safety, freedom and law Riders and officials address fires, tickets, legalization by Etta Badoe

respectively, said that issue should be left up to individual municipalities. “One size doesn’t fit all when it comes to these issues,” Peralta said. “We want New York City to have the opportunity to regulate [hoverboards] how they see fit.” Weprin also weighed in on the safety concerns. “Some people think Rollerblades and ice skates are dangerous and cause accidents and, frankly, they can, but that doesn’t mean we should be outlawing ice skates and Rollerblades,” he said. King cautioned that people should view the self-balancing wheeled devices as “a novelty piece that they can enjoy and not as a new mode of transport” that can compete with buses and cars and trucks. But the people who frequently use them seem to have other ideas. Doaine Thompson, 32, an authorized hoverboard dealer who sells them out of his Hall of Fame barber shop in the Bronx, frequently uses hoverboards to get around between his workplace and his home in Westchester. He arrived at the press conference on a hoverboard that had speakers installed and played music, “to see what it’s all about and how they’re going to make these legal.” Thompson began selling hoverboards in June 2015 and buys his product directly from China, but replaces the battery with Samsung

Chronicle Contributor

Reports of hoverboard-related fires and injuries made safety a big concern at a press conference held on the steps of City Hall on Dec. 29, where lawmakers argued the case for legalizing hoverboard use in New York City. The Consumer Product Safety Commission has received 28 reports of hoverboard fires from 19 cities within the United States to date. The number of injuries connected to hoverboards has also risen. “We’ve received numerous reports of emergency room-treated injuries,” Patty Davis, a spokeswoman for the commission, said in a phone interview with this newspaper. “New York City injuries most associated with falls are collisions.” Davis, in line with ER physicians, advises users to wear safety gear, saying, “I don’t think I’ve seen one of these [YouTube] videos where they’re wearing the actual safety gear.” When asked why the bill to legalize hoverboards for street use failed to address those safety issues directly, state Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), who held the press conference, along with Councilman Andy King (D-Bronx) and Assemblyman David Weprin (D-Little Neck), who introduced concurrent bills in the City Council and Assembly,

batteries, which typically cost about $200 and which he considers much safer than the manufacturer-installed batteries. So far this philosophy has paid off, as he said there have been no reported incidents of faulty or exploding batteries from his customers. “It’s all about customer service,” he said, because a poor product would reflect poorly on him and his business. Along with hoverboards he sells safety equipment like kneepads and helmets at half price. Thompson cautions hoverboard users to monitor their chargers when charging the battery and not to leave them on overnight, something the Consumer Product Safety Commission also advises. “Each product I sell comes with a booklet that explains the battery that comes with the unit,” he said. Thompson’s hoverboards initially went for around $900, but even as demand increased the price recently dropped, though he insists he still maintains the same quality. “I’ve seen people purchase a hoverboard for $95 and it caught on fire. At the end of the day you get what you pay for,” he warned. continued on page 28

Doaine Thompson sells hoverboards and also commutes on them from Westchester to his PHOTO BY ETTA BADOE Bronx barbershop.

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continued from page 2 Academy on Monday [see related photo in some editions]. They will be working more with veteran field officers to start their careers rather than the recent practice of flooding them into so-called impact zones. Several precincts are integrating Bratton’s initiative of dedicating more personnel to community policing while still leaving enough patrol personnel to handle major emergencies. “I’d like to see that in the 104th,” Santoro said. “I want to hear from the people who are evaluating that program.” Focusing again on the value of information and communication, Dardani wants the NYPD to expand the issuing of department smartphones to all officers on patrol, thus adding to the amount of information that a beat cop has at his or her disposal in a shorter amount of time. Fourteen of the 16 precincts in Queens registered reductions in major crimes in 2015, based on numbers provided by the NYPD through Dec. 27. Many scored significant reductions. The 113th Precinct in South Jamaica was down 15.7 percent, with double-digit reductions in robbery, felony assault, burglary and a 38 percent drop in car theft. The 108th Precinct also registered a decrease of more than 15 percent. The 112th Precinct in Forest Hills was down more than 13 percent, and was

down in six of the seven categories. It did have one murder in 2015 after recording zero in 2014. The 104th was down 11.9 percent. The two precincts in Queens that experienced increases were the 105th, with its station house in Queens Village; and the 101st Precinct in the Rockaways. The 105th increased by 11.19 percent, and saw significant spikes in rapes, robberies, burglaries and grand larcenies. The 101st was up just over 6.2 percent, driven largely by increases in robberies and felony assaults. The 101st did cut its auto thefts in half, from 72 to 36. The NYPD on Dec. 29 also released a statement taking issue with claims by former Commissioner Ray Kelly that under Bratton, one of his longtime sparring partners, police were doctoring the standards used for reporting and recording shooting incidents. As of Dec. 27, the department was reporting a 2.7 percent reduction in shooting incidents, and a 3.3 percent drop in the number of shooting victims, the latter dropping from 1,374 in 2014 to 1,329 this year. “The statements made by Ray Kelly are unsupported by fact and the conclusions drawn are misleading the public,” the department said. “... There has been no change in the way shooting incidents are Q being recorded.”

C M SQ page 13 Y K (Across The Street)

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OPINION

Council misled city on Willets West land grab by Geoffrey Croft The City Council recently voted on a resolution that supported a $1 billion Bloomberg-era giveaway of 47.5 acres of public parkland in Flushing Meadow’s Corona Park to one of the country’s most politically connected developers. Only that’s not what the resolution explicitly stated or even implied. The resolution claimed it was authorizing the Council to file an amicus brief, “to support the prior approval of the Willets Point development plan by the City Council,” as well as to “defend” it. However, that is not the issue before the Court of Appeals that the Council was purportedly supporting. What is in front of the court is Willets Point West, which the resolution conveniently omitted. The Queens Development Group, a joint venture between the Related Companies and Sterling Equities, is attempting to build a 1.4 million-square-foot mall on mapped parkland west of Citi Field stadium. The proposed Willets West mall project would allow the seizing of the parkland to be used exclusively for non-park purposes without first getting state alienation approval as is required under law. The construction would be unprecedented and represent the largest parkland giveaway in recent history. The appellate court also said it was illegal. In February 2014, a coalition of residents, environmental groups including NYC Park Advocates, businesses, homeowners and state Sen. Tony Avella filed a lawsuit in New York County Supreme Court demanding the city halt its illegal handing over of mapped parkland to build a mega-mall. In July 2015 the Appellate Division First Department unanimously rejected the building of the mall because it failed to first obtain the necessary approval. The court ruled that the project violated the Public Trust Doctrine and prevented any construction from going forward. The court ruled that the original 1961 legislation which authorized the building of Shea Stadium did not allow the developers to build the mall nor the city to give away the land for non-park purposes. “No reasonable reading of Administrative Code section 18-118 allows for the conclusion that the legislature in 1961 contemplated, much less gave permission for, a shopping mall, unrelated to the anticipated stadium, to be constructed in the Park,” the Appellate Division First Department wrote in its opinion. The de Blasio administration declined to join the defendants in their appeal, not out of a responsible public policy to preserve parkland but instead in the hopes of renegotiating better affordable housing terms than the deal struck under the Bloomberg administration. In declining to join the case,

t h e c i t y ’s L a w Department recognized that the defendants did not have legal standing to develop the parkland. But none of this is deterring the City Council. “The Willets Point development plan was approved by the City Council in 2013 by a vote of 42-3. The Council and I stand by our process and authority, and we are prepared to defend that decision in the on-going litigation,” Councilmember Julissa Ferreras-Copeland said in a statement justifying her support. It is important to understand that the proposed mall was not part of the original Willets Point development that the City Council approved in 2008, or subsequently, as Ferreras-Copeland is erroneously claiming. The parkland was thrown in years later to sweeten the deal for the developers and has never received any legislative approval. Zero. In October 2013 the Council voted to approve a special permit which authorized the temporary use of land in Willets Point for parking. That’s it. Julissa’s ill-conceived Flushing Meadows Park Alliance, which is predicated on businesses exploiting the park, also stands to gain $5 million from Related if the deal goes through. The defendants have done their best in court papers and in statements to the media to say these two projects are connected when they are not, and now they have convinced a so-called “progressive” City Council to do their bidding which includes getting them to mislead their own colleagues. This is shameful. This issue is about greed pure and simple. The defendants are attempting a billiondollar land grab at the taxpayers’ expense. This action is a continuation of a Bloomberg policy, a legacy the current mayor went to great lengths to try to differentiate himself from while running for office. What the public got, however, at least in terms of parkland policy, is more of the same. The Chronicle’s Dec. 17 editorial calling the Council’s resolution “offensive” and characterizing it as a backroom deal was right on point (see it at http://bit.ly/1O3tlCi). Their shameful support of this irresponsible park land giveaway — voting 46-2 in favor with one abstention — defies logic. There is nothing “progressive” about that. It is the government’s job to protect public parks and certainly not allow them to be Q given away to wealthy developers. Geoffrey Croft is President of NYC Park Advocates, a watchdog group dedicated to protecting and improving public parks.

Forest Hills parents Eli and Daniella Malakov welcomed into the world one of two New York City babies into the world at the stroke of midnight on Jan. 1. The yet-to-be-named son cries a lot but PHOTOS COURTESY NORTHWELL HEALTH is healthy as can be, according to his mother.

Forest Hills baby born at midnight on Jan. 1 The birth of Daniella Malakov’s son is tied for the first in America in ’16 by Christopher Barca

The healthy 7 pound, 4 ounce boy, the Malakovs’ second child, will be named at Two children were born at the stroke of his bris later this week. The Forest Hills family wasn’t alone in midnight on New Year’s Day in the Eastern having a son at the time zone, and the stroke of midnight parents of one of the o n J a n . 1, a s a infants are Queens B r o o k l y n c o u pl e residents. welcomed Zayden Forest Hills parStanley into the ents Eli and Daniella world at Coney Malakov welcomed a Island Hospital. son into the world at The two children Northwell Health’s were not only the Long Island Jewish first births of 2016 in Medical Center in New York City, but New Hyde Park, LI A m e r i c a ’s f i r s t at the exact second babies of the year, as the ball dropped in well. Times Square and Sophia Gil was the calendar flipped Daniella Malakov and her son. b o r n 14 s e c o n d s to 2016. after midnight in a “It’s cool. It’s really cool,” Daniella said in a phone interview Pineville, NC hospital. At 12:02 a.m., Nimon Wednesday. “I thought ‘Oh my God, is son Carr and Zoe Bailio became the youngest residents of Connecticut and Massachuthis for real?’” The Forest Hills mom’s due date was setts, respectively. Mason Stewart was Dec. 30, but she didn’t go into labor until delivered in a Michigan hospital just one minute later. And a Bronx couple gave birth New Year’s Eve. “I had contractions the whole day on the to a daughter at 12:22 a.m. In the Central time zone, a Chicago wom31st,” she said, “and they just kept coming an’s baby was delivered at 12:01 a.m., while and coming.” The Times Square ball dropping was on in the Western time zone — three hours the television in the delivery room, but Dan- behind New York — Michelle Beanes and iella said not a single person in the room James Pierce welcomed a son into the world at the stroke of midnight in a Castro Valley, was paying attention to the screen. “I didn’t even think about it,” the mom Calif. medical center. “Oh my God, really? ” Malakov said said when asked if the thought of having a New Year’s baby ever popped into her head when told she had one of America’s first Q two children in 2016. “That’s great.” throughout the day. Associate Editor

C M SQ page 15 Y K Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

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“I grew up here. ... This is

Grief at coda for Barnes & Noble in Forest Hills

where I sought refuge from the world.” — Penultimate customer Sarah Breckenridge

by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

If not for the young man who jockeyed to become the final customer at Barnes & Noble on Austin Street in Forest Hills, which forever turned off its lights six hours before the arrival of the new year, that distinction would have gone to resident Sarah Breckenridge, who came there that evening to bid farewell to a place that meant so much to her. “I grew up here,” she said, clutching one last purchase. “Here is where I escaped in works of literature. This is where I sought refuge from the world. I fell in love with books upstairs in the children’s section.” In fact, many of those on hand for the closing moments were there specifically to relive old memories of a store that, in its 20 years at the site, had become a popular neighborhood hangout, if not a full-fledged landmark. But in the end, despite petitions to keep it open, the store was done in by rising rents. And while there is talk that it might eventually reopen at a new location, that did little to console anyone last Thursday night. It was a sad scene, really. The spirit was palpably low, with one young woman sobbing as she made her way to the exit. Signs proclaiming, “Everything with a white dot — 50% off,” hung over rows of empty shelves. Among the forlorn leftovers

Sarah Breckenridge makes the second-to-last purchase ever at the Barnes & Noble store on PHOTO BY MARK LORD Austin Street in Forest Hills, a place many will miss.

More than words were titles such as “Creep and Flutter — The Secret World of Insects and Spiders” and “Run Your Own Yard Sale,” which seemed destined to remain forever ownerless. Among those hit hardest was longtime Forest Hills resident Mindy Blackstock. She was there with her daughter Bayla, 15, who grew up coming to the store. Bayla had already stopped by earlier in the day. “She’s been introduced to authors and book

series that she’s become obsessed with,” Mindy Blackstock said. “We don’t want to say goodbye.” Another longtime resident of the area, who gave his name as Gary, said, “I wouldn’t have any books to really read anymore” with the store gone. He estimated that he came in twice a week, for “maybe an hour or two, looking around,” adding, “I’m not a library person. I’d rather buy the book.”

Phyllis Gittlitz, who has lived in nearby Briarwood for the past 46 years, said she has been coming to the store at least once a month since it opened. “It’s going to be a great loss,” she said, explaining that her daughter, a school teacher, found it “invaluable.” Gittlitz called the store a “gathering spot,” a place to which people brought their children. Her own grandson, now 8 years old, would visit her and say, “Let’s go to Barnes & Noble.” “I came here a lot,” said Angelica Cordero, 17, of Jamaica. “Reading is a passion of mine. I’m really upset.” Loaded down with an armful of romance novels and books on Japanese anime, Cordero continued, “I would rather pick reading over television. With TV you’re done in an hour. Books you can read over and over.” For Elnaz Sabbaghzadehpour, who would sometimes stop in after leaving work in a medical office down the block, the impending closing came as a surprise. “I didn’t know,” she said, adding, “It’s not fair. Oh, my God. It’s sad.” Then came the final announcement over the store’s public address system: “We thank the Barnes & Noble customers for their years of support. We love and appreciate all of you.” Q And with that, an era came to an end.

No swan song for Sparrow’s Nest Beloved community garden finds new life at nearby Corona park by Kelly Marie Mancuso

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Associate Editor

In an effort to meet the goal of building and preserving 200,000 affordable units of affordable housing over the coming decade, the de Blasio administration has announced plans to build below-market-rate apartments on city-owned land occupied by nine community gardens throughout the city and boroughs. In a meeting between garden representatives and officials at City Hall last Wednesday, it was revealed that the Sparrow’s Nest community garden in Corona was included among those slated for removal. The announcement came as no surprise to the garden’s members and their leader, Pastor Ochil Kwon, who preemptively relocated Sparrow’s Nest to its new location in Corona Mac Park in 2015. In her State of the District address last February, City Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras-Copeland (D-East Elmhurst) first announced plans to construct a 67-unit affordable housing development on land occupied by the Sparrow’s Nest garden. The development, located at 54-01 101 St., would provide housing for low-income seniors, with 80 percent priority given to those who reside within Council District 21. Construction for the project began at the end of 2015 and is expected to last roughly 18 months. The site will include an early childhood development center on the ground floor, as well as a scaled-down garden in the rear of the location. “It was always the Council member’s goal to preserve that green space. It was part of the plan since its inception,” stated Ferreras-Copeland spokeswoman Lillian Zepeda. “There are currently zero units of public or affordable housing here, compared to 180,000 on average in other districts.”

Sparrow’s Nest community garden’s new home at Corona Mack PHOTO BY STEVE MALECKI Park. Despite the fact that the Sparrow’s Nest garden was able to be preserved, the circumstances surrounding its relocation were met with mixed emotions. “I am so sad about HPD’s project,” Kwon stated, referring to the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development. “In our case, the property that belonged to them was an abandoned vacant lot with various kinds of garbage in a residential area ... Some of our volunteers had cleaned the site for the garden, but now HPD wants that property back for their projects.” The garden was first established two years ago, when

Kwon and his fellow volunteers began rehabilitating the contaminated soil in the 12,000-square-foot garden in the hopes of of transforming the dilapidated land into a multifunctional space for the community’s residents. Early Sparrow’s Nest projects included the creation of a compost bin and workshops, as well as individual and group gardening on the site. Since relocating to their new home last year, the garden’s members, most of whom are seniors, have been able to rebuild their compost bin, while also using the compost collected to grow organic vegetables for the community. Over the past two years, Sparrow’s Nest was the proud recipient of four grants from the Citizens Committee for New York City, a nonprofit group working to help New Yorkers in low-income communities improve the quality of life with their neighborhoods. “It’s bittersweet news,” stated the group’s spokesman Saleen Shah. “Although Citizens Committee has not taken a position on the HPD-owned community garden issue, we will continue to fund community organizing projects such as community gardening on derelict property and vacant land that do so much to increase access to fresh, organic produce in underserved neighborhoods.” Despite the upheaval and uncertainty of the past year, Pastor Kwon is able to retain a sense of optimism regarding the garden’s fate. “We are a lucky case,” he explained. “We were able to move to a new garden last year and we already started gardening. We have already harvested fall vegetables, and are sowing winter vegetables so that we can eat throughout the winter and spring. We also have plans to add new vegetables Q that are conducive to good health in the spring.”

SQ page 17

Lawmaker to spend time on writing his next book and in beloved NY diners Associate Editor

Rep. Steve Israel (D-Suffolk, Nassau, Queens) made a surprise announcement on Tuesday that he would not seek re-election this year, saying it’s time for him to “pass the torch” after what will be 16 years on Capitol Hill. “Nearly 16 years ago, I was honored to take the oath of office and stand on the House Floor for the first time,” he said in his announcement, emailed to the media Tuesday afternoon. “Now, I’ve decided to leave the House in 2017. I hope to continue to be involved in public service, but it is time for me to pursue new passions and develop new interests, mainly spend more time writing my second novel.” Israel published his first novel, “The Global War on Morris,” last year. The lawmaker for years represented Nassau and Suffolk counties, but his district was redrawn after the 2010 Census to include communities in north and northeast Queens such as Whitestone, Beechhurst, Bay Terrace and Douglaston. Israel enjoyed power as one of the Democrats’ top political strategists for years. He chairs the Democratic Policy and Communications Committee and before that was chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, a seat he resigned

after a slew of Republican victories in 2014, which gave the GOP its strongest control of the House in decades. Speaking of the race for what will be his open seat, Israel said he wants to make sure it remains on the left of the political aisle. “I considered this decision deeply, but ultimately, I want to be a team player and ensure that my district, which is the only competitive district in House Democratic Leadership, remains in the hands of Democrats when I leave,” his statement continued. “The 2016 presidential turnout will help assure that. We’ve fought too hard for everyday Americans and against special interests to risk it.” Published reports have speculated that Anna Kaplan, an Iranian-American councilwoman for the Town of North Hempstead and a former Forest Hills resident, or Suffolk County Legislator Steve Stern could run for the Democratic nomination. If Kaplan were elected, she would be the f i r s t I r a n i a n -A m e r ic a n m e m b e r of Congress. Lt. Col David Gurfein, a Republican, has already registered to run for Israel’s seat but he could face a primary challenger if state Sen. Jack Martins (R-Nassau) decides to run, which he is strongly considering. “I plan to discuss this with my wife and 4 daughters and look forward to the contin-

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didate Hillary Clinton — in his last race in 2014, defeated Republican attorney Grant Lally of Huntington 52.4 percent to 43.7 percent. Democratic Leader Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) in a statement called Israel “a tremendous resource in articulating Democrats’ work on behalf of hard-working families.” “America’s working families have always had a champion in Steve Israel. In his service in Congress, Steve has brought clarity and leadership to the work of reigniting the American Dream for the middle class families who are the backbone of our democracy,” Pelosi added. “He has always considered it a privilege to represent the people of Long Island, and he is deeply devoted to his constituents.” Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Bronx, Queens), vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus and chairman of the Queens Democratic Party, said in a statement, “Steve Israel has been a champion for New York, a fighter for House Democrats, and, on a personal level, a wonderful friend. While I’m sad I won’t be able to call him a colleague for too much longer, I’m glad I will always be able to call him a friend.” Besides working on his second book, Israel is also looking forward to spending more time at home and in his “beloved New Q York diners.”

by Anthony O’Reilly

Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Rep. Israel won’t run for re-election

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 18

SQ page 18

Queens reps applaud Obama’s gun plans by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

Federal lawmakers representing Queens on Tuesday applauded President Obama’s new initiatives to reduce gun crime by tightening the rules on background checks for those buying firearms and taking other measures related to law enforcement, mental health treatment and technology. Obama called for all gun sellers to be forced to conduct background checks, whether making deals at a store, at a gun show or online; for buyers to undergo them even if purchasing through a corporation or trust; and for the Federal Bureau of Investigation to make the system more efficient, including by hiring 230 new staffers. The president also said his fiscal 2017 budget plan will include funding to hire 200 more Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agents; that he is proposing to spend $500 million more to give people access to mental health services; and that he is directing several agencies to research “gun safety technology.” That term is used to describe things like fingerprint recognition that allow only a given gun’s owner to fire it, and no one else. Obama offered his proposals and decried the prevalence of gun violence in the United States with the families of victims at his side, during a press conference at which he teared up while talking about the issue. Praise for his proposals, which many Republicans predicted would be ineffective and

More background checks a focus

President Obama wipes away tears as he discusses gun violence. decried as unconstitutional because Congress was not involved, came in quickly from those representing Queens on Capitol Hill. “With this historic action, President Obama has taken a significant step toward making America a safer place,” Rep Hakeem Jeffries (D-Brooklyn, Queens) said in an email to the media. “Over the past decade, more than 100,000 Americans have been killed as a result of gun

SCREENSHOT VIA THE WHITE HOUSE

violence. Many of these crimes were committed by people who never should have been able to purchase a gun in the first place. The overwhelming majority of Americans agree that every single person who purchases a gun should undergo a thorough background check.” Jeffries, who represents much of South Queens, also called on Congress to take further action. “House Republicans have done nothing to

advance gun safety legislation and continue to function as wholly-owned subsidiaries of the gun lobby. Enough is enough. It’s time for Congress to act.” Others in Queens, all Democrats like Obama, issued similarly supportive statements. Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) pointed out that he and 114 other members of Congress had written the president in November pleading for him to take action. “Today, President Obama answered our calls and those around the nation pleading for gun reform,” Meeks said, adding that Congress still should pass more legislation. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Flushing) said in part, “I commend the President for using his authority to implement tougher gun restrictions for our country. As a member of the House, I would have preferred that Congress pass improved gun laws. But with Republican leaders still refusing to act, the President had no choice but to take these actions that are well within his authority.” Asked about the GOP claim that the moves amounted to unconstitutional overreach, Meng said in an emailed response, “The President’s actions are well within his authority. In addition to clarifying existing gun safety regulations, the President is making needed changes to improve our current background check system and has called on Congress to increase funding to step up gun law enforcement and mental health treatment. These are not instancQ es of overreach.”

What’s killing all the raccoons? Disease and poison are top suspects by Matthew Bultman

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Chronicle Contributor

It’s not unusual for Jim Gallagher Jr. to hear raccoons clamoring about at night outside his home in Fresh Meadows. But one night recently, around the same time that a sign warning of sick raccoons appeared near the 64th Circle building where he lives, it was quiet. “I didn’t hear anything last night,” the Fresh Meadows civic president said. “It’s just kind of interesting.” It remains a bit of a mystery who taped the white paper sign to a garbage disposal area near the corner of 64th Circle and 194th Street in the Fresh Meadows housing development, which sits near the Fresh Meadows Shopping Center on Horace Harding Expressway. Unsigned and undated, the laminated notice says raccoons that have lived on the property for years have recently become sick. And it claims as many as 10 died in the week before the sign was posted. “These raccoons never bothered anyone,” the sign reads. “They slept in the trees, ate our leftovers and moms gave birth. They were trying to survive just like the rest of us. Many

people in our neighborhood are very saddened by what is happening to them.” Representatives for the city and elected officials whose districts include Fresh Meadows said this week they were not aware of any diseased raccoons in the area. Management at the development and Animal Care Centers of NYC, which accepts calls for sick wildlife in the city, could not immediately be reached for comment. But the sign’s author seems to believe the raccoons have been afflicted with canine distemper, a common disease that is usually fatal. It cannot be transferred to humans or pets that are immunized. The notice, which also suggested the critters might have contracted rabies or been poisoned, said licensed wildlife trappers who live on the property had been in contact with the state and would like to find a deceased animal for testing. “We will update this notice once we obtain a raccoon for testing and then the results,” it said, urging cat and dog owners to vaccinate their pets. It also warned a “full scale” criminal investigation would be launched if it turns continued on page 18

The recent deaths of many raccoons in Fresh Meadows have residents concerned and saddened, according to this anonymous sign that recently appeared there, though the cause will be a mysPHOTOS BY MATTHEW BULTMAN AND, NEAR RIGHT, DARKONE / WIKIPEDIA tery until one is tested.

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Catering hall to replace car service Plans for Rego Park change not yet compliant with area zoning rules by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Rego Park couples looking to have their wedding reception in the neighborhood will potentially have another option at their disposal come spring. According to state records, the owner of 63-34 Austin St. has filed for a liquor license for a planned catering hall to be located where the one-story Picasso Coach car service operates now, f lanked by a Social Security office and a laundromat. On Nov. 17, owner Yakov Vaynshteyn applied for a license with the State Liquor Authority, which issued a conditional letter of approval for the proposed site f ive weeks later on Dec. 29. The license will be fully granted to Versailles Palace, the name of the future hall, upon submission of the building’s certificate of occupancy, photos of the interior and exterior of the building, contact information for the business and the name of a workers’ compensation and disability benefits carrier. According to Versailles Palace’s application, the venue will play host to live music, recorded music and dancing. But a Department of Buildings spokesman said a catering hall would not be able to legally operate in the space, which is in a C8-1 zoning district.

A catering hall is slated to take over the location of a car service on Austin Street in Rego Park in two months, according to the building’s owner. However, a change of use application must be PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA approved by the Department of Buildings for such a venue to open. Such a designation allows for certain com mercial and manufact u r ing uses, according to the spokesman, that “provide

for automotive and other heavy commercial ser vices that often require large amounts of land.”

Parts of Bay Ridge in Brooklyn and Castleton Corners on Staten Island are zoned C8-1, in addition to the sliver of Austin Street where the catering hall is planned. “Typical uses are automobile showrooms and repair shops, warehouses, gas stations and car washes,” the spokesperson said in an email, “although all commercial uses (except large, open amusements) as well as certain community facilities are permitted in C8 districts.” Vaynshteyn would have to apply to the DOB to change the use of the location before opening. When contacted by the Chronicle on Tuesday, Vaynshteyn said he hopes to open Versailles Palace in March but declined to speak on the details of the project or the future of the car service at the location. Traffic f lows in only one direction on that section of Austin St reet, but an employee of Classical Hair Cuts across the street said she did not expect negative impacts from a possible increase in vehicles coming to the area for wedding receptions or other events at the catering hall. “Oh yeah, I think it would be fine I guess,” the employee, who did not want to be named, said. “I don’t see why it would be a problem or anything. I think they’re Q good people.”

Rail line ‘botched’ going green: CURES Civic slams New York & Atlantic for not buying ‘cleaner’ locomotives by Christopher Barca

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Associate Editor

New York & Atlantic Railway isn’t keeping up its end of the bargain when it comes to being as clean a neighbor to Glendale as possible, according to an area civic association. Civics United for Railroad Environmental Solutions, also known as CURES, is slamming the railway for not purchasing the cleanest, least polluting locomotive possible in 2014, despite calls and millions of dollars in funding from the state to do so. “We’ve been working tirelessly on this effort for years. Then they take the money and act irresponsible with it,” CURES President Mary Parisen said of NY&A in a Tuesday phone interview. “You almost wonder who’s benefiting here.” As with the previous two fiscal years, $3 million was allocated in the state budget in fiscal year 2015 to systematically replace the railway’s fleet of decades-old locomotives with “Tier 4” state-of-the-art, highly efficient engines that produce far fewer emissions and noise than their predecessors. But in early 2014, NY&A purchased — with an undetermined amount of state funds — a less efficient Tier 2 locomotive from Alabama-based Progress Rail instead of a Tier 4-compliant engine from Tennesseebased Knoxville Locomotive Works. In a 2014 letter to the state Department of

The CURES civic group is calling on the state to take over funds used by New York & Atlantic Railway to purchase locomotives over the rail company’s supposed botching of buying the correct, FILE PHOTO ultra-low emission engines. Transportation, KLW President Jim Wurtz said he was protesting NY&A’s award to Progress Rail over the railway’s disregard of its own Green Locomotive Repower Project, which requires the purchased engine be of the highest standards. “The KLW locomotive is a Tier 3 switching service locomotive that meets Tier 4 switching service locomotive standards and

complies with this requirement,” Wurtz wrote. “The Progress Rail locomotive does not and the Progress Rail bid should [be] rejected as nonresponsive.” The state DOT’s Freight and Passenger Rail Bureau Director Raymond Hessinger responded to Wurtz a week later, saying NY&A was managing the project on its own.

“Please note that while the department is providing a portion of the funding for this locomotive, this is not a public procurement by the state, but rather a project managed directly by NY&A,” Hessinger wrote. “ ... we remain in full concurrence with NY&A’s decision to award the project to Progress Rail.” According to CURES, the total cost of a KLW engine’s 20 years of operating expenses is $5,953,432 while Progress Rail’s engine and expense cost is $6,017,937. In addition to state funding, a $2 million grant for the purchase of two efficient engines was given to a public-private partnership with CSX Transportation, NY&A and Waste Management of New York by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in late 2011. In the EPA’s December 2011 release announcing the grant, the agency said the new locomotives, one of which would be stationed at the Fresh Pond Rail Yard in Glendale, were “slated to be operational by late 2013.” Parisen said she blames both the state for allowing NY&A to spend the money incorrectly and the railway for not choosing KLW. “Why was NY&A given the authority to decide what they want do? Why was the NY&A given jurisdiction?” she said. “This continued on page 22

C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

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Doug Manor paving not likely soon Electeds press for $260M in funding that isn’t there by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

The mean streets of the Douglaston Manor Historic District, where much of the pavement is little more than rubble, sidewalks are collapsing and Belgian blocks separating stately homes from the roadways are in disarray, don’t look likely to see the needed repairs anytime soon. The problems are that the damage is so extensive, the streets need complete reconstruction and the money has not been allocated to do it, according to the city Department of Transportation. Now two of the area’s elected officials, Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) and Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) are pressing the city to add the funding — $260 million — to its mid-fiscal year capital plan. “This historic district must no longer have historically deplorable roadway conditions,” Vallone said in a prepared statement. “I urge the Office of Management and Budget to fund this long overdue reconstruction and finally address the escalating state of disrepair facing this wonderful neighborhood.” “I agree with Council Member Vallone and the Douglas Manor Association that the roads in this community have been in disrepair for far too long,” Braunstein said. “It is time for the NYC Office of Management and

The homes are stately but the streets are shot in Douglas Manor. Budget to finally provide the necessary funding for the reconstruction of the roads, sidewalks, and street lighting in Douglas Manor in 2016.” The $260 million does not include an unknown amount of money that would be

PHOTO BY RICK MAIMAN

necessary for the Department of Environmental Protection to upgrade underground infrastructure that also would likely need to be done, according to a letter Vallone received from Department of Transportation Queens Q Commissioner Nicole Garcia.

The boyfriend of a Woodhaven woman found dead on New Year’s Day is undergoing psychiatric evaluation at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center as cops deliberate on whether to charge him in the death of his girlfriend — who is the first reported murder victim in New York City for 2016, police said. The man, whose name has not yet been released, has not been formally charged in the case though he is being questioned by authorities. His girlfriend, Joceline Romo, a 19-year-old Woodhaven resident, was found dead inside her home, located at 91-18 86 St., on Jan. 1 at 10:46 p.m., according to a press release from the police. Romo was found lying face down on her bed with no apparent trauma, police said on New Year’s, and she was pronounced dead at the scene. The next day, police deemed her death a homicide and on Jan. 3 the boyfriend was taken into custody. New York City in 2015 saw 348 reportQ ed homicides, up from 333 in 2014. — Anthony O’Reilly

continued from page 10 — there wasn’t a day she didn’t call me,” her cousin said. “She had the ability to bring you up whenever you were down.” The Howard Beach native moved to Bellmore, LI, 10 years ago to be closer to Ambrosino, whom she was very close to. “We resembled each other,” Ambrosino said, adding that she’s going to miss “hearing her voice.” “I’m going to miss talking to her at 8:30 in the morning or at any time,” she said. As much as she loved her family, Rizzo adored her two children — Jaclyn and John — more than anything. “She always had her kids No. 1,” Mangione said. Ambrosino said her sister always pushed her children to do well in school. “They need to be strong like she was,” she said of her niece and nephew. Rizzo died while working out and those who knew her said there no warning signs of the aneurysm. “She was going to the gym, she was working out and taking care of herself,” Ambrosino said. Other than her two children and Ambrosino, Rizzo is survived by another sister and a brother, and her mother, Q who still lives in Howard Beach.

Locomotives

FILE PHOTOS

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Sandi Rizzo

’Cause every girl’s crazy ’bout a sharp-dressed man ZZ Top would be proud of two sharply dressed Queens lawmakers. State Sen. Mike Gianaris (D-Astoria), left, and Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park) last week were named two of the best-dressed politicians by government relations executive Brad Gertsman. Gertsman said “the Orthodox Goldfeder

may be frum but he is certainly not frumpy ... a handsome guy that easily looks good in a suit. Plus wears his yarmulke with pride.” Meanwhile, Gianaris “is trying” to up his attire even more, Gertsman said: “This Harvard Law Grad is trying to break free of the stuffy world where the Ivy League and politics cross.”

continued from page 20 is public money. If it wasn’t for the citizens and elected officials calling for a better quality of air and a better quality of life, they wouldn’t have even gotten this money. “They botched it,” she continued, speaking about NY&A. “Tier 4 technology is out there and they decided to go with a company that doesn’t have it.” The civic leader said the state DOT and the railway should take the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s example. Last August, the agency purchased three ultra-low emission engines from KLW for $5.25 million. The Tennessee company said in a press release announcing the agreement that the engines “will reduce emissions levels and fuel consumption by more than 90 percent and 60 percent, respectively, and significantly reduce engine noise levels.” “If the Port Authority knows how to spend its money, why doesn’t NY&A?” Parisen said. “[The state] needs to pull in the reins and say you’re not spending money wisely. But the state of New York gave money to NY&A and said ‘Just go ahead.’ That’s disgusting.” Neither NY&A President Paul Victor nor the state DOT returned calls and emails left by the Chronicle, respectiveQ ly, by press time.

C M SQ page 23 Y K

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

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Healthy habits that can have a lasting impact A long and healthy life is the ultimate goal for many people. While a host of factors beyond a person’s control, such as genetics, impact how long that person lives and how susceptible to certain medical conditions he or she may be, there are many things men and women can do to improve their chances of living long, healthy lives. • Keep working. While many working men and women dream of the day when they can leave the daily grind behind once and for all, they might want to think more about a second career than a long, carefree retirement. A study from British researchers published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry found that each extra year that men and women work was associated with a six-week delay in the onset of dementia. While men and women may want to retire from their professions, finding second careers or volunteering close to full-time hours may improve their long-term health and quality of life. • Stay on your toes. A healthy diet is a key component of a healthy lifestyle, but diet alone is not enough to promote a long and healthy life. According to the Johns Hopkins Medicine Health Library, the risks associated with a physically inactive lifestyle are considerable. Such risks include a greater risk of developing high blood pressure and coronary heart disease and even a greater risk for certain cancers. In addition, physical inactivity can add to feelings of anxiety and depression. Inactivity tends to increase with age, so men and women aiming for long and healthy lives should make physical activity a vital part of their daily lives.

• Get your whole grains. Whole grains may be another key ingredient to a long and healthy life. Numerous studies have shown that increasing whole grain consumption can help prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes. Researchers who conducted a systematic review of studies examining the link between whole grains and type 2 diabetes prevention in 2007 found that eating an extra two servings of whole grains per day decreased a person’s risk of developing type 2 diabetes by 21 percent. That’s an important finding, as additional research has found that people with diabetes have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a neurodegenerative condition that can dramatically reduce quality of life. • Visit your physician annually if not more frequently. While many people, especially those who feel healthy, are hesitant to visit their physicians, doing so may just save your life. Several diseases, including cancer and heart disease, are more effectively treated when detected early. Annual physicals and discussions with your physician may uncover a disease in its early stages when it is most treatable. Waiting until symptoms appear may not be too late to treat a condition or disease, but taking a proactive approach increases the likelihood of early detection, which increases your chances of living a long and healthy life. Healthy habits improve peoples’ quality of life while also increasing the likelihood that men and women live long, healthy and productive lives. P — Metro Creative Connection

C M SQ page 25 Y K

What do seniors hope 2016 will bring? Some New Year’s wishes from Queens by Mark Lord Chronicle Conributor

“Hope springs eternal ...” Those immortal words from English poet Alexander Pope resonate as loudly today as they surely must have back in the 17th century. And judging from a selection of Queens folks of a certain age — some in the public eye and some out of the limelight — hopes for the new year are as varied as the people themselves. Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills), for example, is “wishing for and working toward a continuation of the positive budgetary support for senior programming that we witnessed in 2015.” She promises to “continue to make affordable senior housing one of my top priorities in this new year.” And on a personal note, Koslowitz wishes for herself good health so that she “can perform at an optimal level on behalf of my constituents.” As expected, good health was among the most hoped-for things. Flushing resident Gail Bloom kept her wish list simple. “I want good health for everyone and another dog sometime in the future,” she said,

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

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Queens seasoned citizens Rocco Moretto of Astoria, left, Dan Mundy Sr. of Broad Channel and Michael Wolf of Floral Park all have wishes that involve the community in some way, whether related to government, environment or the arts. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON, LEFT, FILE PHOTO, COURTESY PHOTO following the recent loss of her 15 1/2-year-old shih tzu mix, Justin. One Floral Park resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said she wants nothing more than “life and good health and friends. What else would you want?” Life, she added, “is so undetermined these days. If you’re alive, you’re ahead of the game.” Manny Torres, a retired private chauffeur from Rego Park who is known to his many friends, of both the flesh and cyberspace variet-

ies, as a rabid record collector, is just glad to have his wife back home after a prolonged hospital stay. With their 40th wedding anniversary coming up, Torres said, “My wish is for Aurora to get better.” Some people’s hopes are politically oriented. Astoria resident Rocco Moretto, a World War II veteran who took part in the D-Day invasion at Normandy, hopes to see our country’s politicians “get themselves together.” Moretto believes that

“we have a government that’s not suitable. They should do something about this divide that has developed in the last 10 years. The rich are getting richer, the poor are getting poorer. The rich should put their money to better use.” A lawyer from Auburndale, Ron Hellman, a leap year baby, seems content with just being able to celebrate his actual birthday this year. But, when pressed, he came up with three special hopes. continued continued on on page page 26 00

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2016 wishes

Staying fit after 50 and beyond Two years ago, 66-year-old Barbara Scott weighed 208 pounds and wasn’t happy with not only her appearance but her health. After giving up on other weight-loss methods, Scott decided to customize her approach. First, she began tracking her caloric intake every day; then, she layered on a fitness plan. She enrolled in SilverSneakers, the nation’s leading fitness program designed for older Americans, and started a five-day-a-week exercise regimen. “I’ve lost 65 pounds and dramatically improved my overall health, well-being and quality of life,” said Scott. “I truly believe I’ve added years to my life expectancy and I look forward to exercising until my 90s!” If losing weight or simply getting more active is something you’ve been thinking about, the new year is a great opportunity to start anew. To avoid resolution pitfalls and find long-term success like Scott, put a plan in place following the guide below. 1. Be honest and realistic. If you want to ensure lasting change, you must first assess your current fitness level and then implement reasonable goals to guide you on your way. 2. Be you. Whether a yogi, marathon runner or someone stepping into the gym for the first time, start with a fitness routine that works for you. SilverSneakers offers many different fitness options that help older Americans stay

continued continued from from page page 25 00 “I wish a Democrat would continue in the White House, that’s for sure,” he said. Hellman also hopes to find a new home for his theater company, Outrageous Fortune Company, which has been out of action for five years after 17 years at what was then known as Queens Theatre in the Park. And, finally, he would like the New York Mets to win the World Series this year. Broad Channel’s Dan Mundy Sr., president of the Jamaica Bay Ecowatchers, a group dedicated to the preservation and restoration of the area’s fragile ecosystem, hopes “to continue what we started ... to rebuild the marshlands in Jamaica Bay and to bring back the water quality to an acceptable state. “We’re building upon our efforts with our partners, the American Littoral Society, the National Park Service, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, that we’ve so far accomplished in past years,” Mundy said. Michael Wolf of Floral Park has been a high school equivalency teacher for the past 39 years at Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Bellerose. He spends many afterschool hours giving his acting muscles a workout on area stages. In the new year he “would hope to continue to

active and live their best life. 3. Find the fun. Choosing activities that capture your attention is the fuel to keep you motivated. SilverSneakers’ varied offerings allow you to tailor the program to your interests, whether that be a group fitness class, tennis, yoga or weight training. 4. Stick with it. You will inevitably hit bumps in the road when starting a new routine, but be persistent! Seek new friendships on your path to well-being—peers that will celebrate your successes and provide encouragement when you need it most. “SilverSneakers Fitness has changed thousands of lives by engaging participants in physical activity, as well as creating more social connections and friendships,” says Joy Powell, chief operating officer Network Solutions, Healthways. “Members like Barbara Scott are the perfect example of how the program helps members maintain their lifestyle and realize overall wellbeing during retirement years.” More than 12 million people are eligible for the SilverSneakers Fitness benefit at no cost through leading Medicare Advantage health plans, Medicare Supplement carriers and group retiree plans. To see if you are eligible or to find a class nearby, P visit SilverSneakers.com. — NAPS

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do meaningful work in local theater.” Wolf added, “I’ve been very fortunate to have done the productions I’ve done and to have portrayed the characters I’ve played. I hope there will continue to be roles for an overemoter like myself.” Ninety-three-year-old Muriel Stemmann, who lives in Broad Channel, spends part of each day at one or another of various senior centers, where she admires fellow seasoned citizens, some older than herself, who “get up and rumba and samba. They must have better genes.” To this, she adds that her mother and grandmother each lived to be 99! When asked about her wishes for the new year, Stemmann said, “Jesus, I don’t know. Anything is better than nothing! I’d like to do everything, but I can’t anymore. Getting old is for the birds.” Norma Doggett, a mere 90, had a long career as a professional dancer, encompassing Broadway, summer stock and the motion picture “Seven Brides for Seven Brothers,” in which she played one of the brides. Today, the Forest Hills resident hopes “to possibly return to dance class and return to performing.” And Bellerose resident Cecilia Vaicels, a retired executive secretary, said, “I’m 63, collecting Social Security, and my mantra is, ‘Give me my discount.’ My mind sometimes says I’m a teenager. My body? Well, sometimes it laughs at my mind. My hope for 2016 is more P of the same. Life is good.”

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assistance. Sanders said he’s looking for more affordable housing in the city and state. “Some of these people in the shelters are working, they simply can’t afford to pay for housing,” he said. “The logical step is to increase affordable housing.” Part of de Blasio’s overhaul of homeless services is the end of “cluster” shelters — or placing homeless people in apartment units that are typically low-rent residences, thus making them available for those struggling to pay for housing. Hevesi, in his statement, said only an “agreement of 30,000 units in the City and an additional 5,000 statewide will end the current crisis.” When asked if homelessness reform will be achieved upstate this legislative session, the three lawmakers interviewed by the Chronicle gave mixed reactions. Goldfeder, a day before the legislative session started, simply said, “I don’t know. We’ll have to see tomorrow.” Sanders was less than optimistic. “I fear that nobody is going to move on this issue,” he said. “This is going to be one of the most contentious sessions we’ve had. For one, election year is upon us,” the senator, who is challenging incumbent Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens, Nassau) in June’s Democratic primary, continued. Kim believes the Governor’s Office is in contact with state legislators — he did not say if he’d be willing to propose reform — but that it would be complicated to implement in the five boroughs. “The problem is our city agencies are significantly understaffed and underfunded,” he said. “If you don’t have the proper funding, it just becomes another unfunded mandate.” But Kim and Sanders believe the governor does want to see real change for the homeless population and that his executive order is not just a political jab at the mayor. “I’m going to be charitable to the governor,” Sanders said. “I’m going to say he does want to do the right thing.” Kim said Cuomo should be applauded for bringing the issue to the forefront. “These are the debates that we should Q be having,” the assemblyman said.

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continued from page 6 the homeless population. “I hope [Cuomo] is also planning to put in more resources and funding so the city can prepare for f ut ure years,” Assemblyman Ron Kim (D-Flushing) said. “The situation is only going to get worse.” De Blasio, however, may not be waiting for state resources. In a Wednesday statement he announced the city will be allocating resources to repair homeless shelters and improve conditions there — parts of his overhaul of the Department of Homeless Services that began last month. “I don’t want anyone refusing to come into a homeless shelter because of bad conditions,” he said in the statement. A day before that announcement, Goldfeder said he’s heard from homeless people who don’t want to go to shelters because of the deplorable conditions there. “It’s pretty sad that people would rather stay out in the cold than risk their lives in city shelters,” he said. Sanders, about an hour before the mayor made his announcement, also said the well-known “mess of the shelter system” has to be fixed. “This is an indictment on all of us. It certainly doesn’t help us,” he said. “The immediate problem is to make sure shelters are fit, habitable and safe and where you want to go and do not fear for your life.” Kim, however, said many homeless people simply “don’t want to be told what to do,” adding he’s seen that to be the case with men, women and children in his district “eight times out of 10.” “They enjoy the free will,” he said. “These people also have rights.” The legislators added that it’s not enough to get homeless people off the streets and into shelters — more must be done to help them transition back into society. “We should be looking to provide the real wraparound services they’re looking for to get back on their feet,” Kim said, adding the state should provide more funding to nonprofits that service homeless people looking for jobs or other

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Gov’s order gets mixed reviews

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 28

SQ page 28

Shelter opponents are back in court Appellate court that upheld original injunction to hear more arguments by Michael Gannon Editor

A Queens Superior Court judge on Tuesday accepted but did not immediately rule on new filings from the city and a group of St. Albans residents who have gone to court to block a planned homeless shelter on Hollis Avenue. But the residents may not have to play “hurry-up-and-wait” for long, as they are due in state Appellate Court in Brooklyn today, Jan. 7, for a ruling in the same case. Members of People for the Neighborhood have been protesting outside long-empty apartment buildings between 202-02 and 202-24 Hollis Ave. since last spring, when they learned owner Rita Stark has leased the structures to the Manhattan-based Bluestone Group, which specializes in transforming so-called distressed properties into supportive housing. The plan is for 90 homeless or recently homeless veterans to be placed there by the city’s Department of Human Resources and Department of Homeless Services. “The judge in Brooklyn already has the city’s motions,” area resident Anthony Rivers said in a telephone conversation Tuesday. “He may read ours and decide to rule, or tell us he has 60 days to decide.” The Hollis Avenue controversy has come to exemplify some of the fire the de Blasio

administration is taking from all points of the compass on homeless issues, including from Gov. Cuomo up in Albany [see related story in some editions]. Residents have been gathering outside the buildings every Saturday with the exception of Dec. 26 to protest the location of the shelter. Community Board 12, which hosts 11 of the 19 large shelters in Queens and had 32 percent of the borough’s homeless population a year ago, has been calling for a shelter moratorium for more than a year. But People for the Neighborhood have accused the city of engaging in technicalities — such as mandating one-year leases from the veterans slated for Hollis Avenue — in order to call the apartments permanent rather than temporary housing. The distinction technically would allow the city to skirt community notification regulations. Residents, who have expressed disappointment with their elected officials’ actions on the matter, went to court without lawyers on Dec. 16 and got a temporary injunction. The city immediately appealed, but the judge in Brooklyn let the lower court order stand on Dec. 18. Rivers said the group since last week has received some legal assistance from the Queens Chapter of the National Action Network, and a companion brief on the case

Opponents of a proposed homeless shelter in St. Albans are back in court today. FILE PHOTO filed by the office of Public Advocate Letitia James. In a telephone interview on Tuesday, state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) placed the burden on the mayor. “The mayor has the bully pulpit,” Sand-

ers said. “As a mayor, you can absolutely make sure that a community thrives under you.” Residents have repeatedly asserted that the city has no inclination to locate shelters in more affluent white communities. Sanders also is firmly behind residents’ take on how the city long has applied the “fair share” doctrine for locating supportive housing. “Fair Share is not a floor, but a safety net,” Sanders said. “And that net seems to have a lot of rips in it over communities of color.” Sanders and Rivers, both Marine Corps veterans, have said the city would be engaging in misdirection to claim the community’s opposition is to veterans themselves. “You have two competing interests with competing needs,” Sanders said. “You have a middle-class community with people who want to preserve their neighborhood, who don’t want their property values to be affected.” Sanders suggested de Blasio take a page from former Mayor Ed Koch’s book. “The Koch way was if you were putting this in a neighborhood, you got a sweetener,” Sanders said. “The community got something in return. You can get more done that way, because right now this community Q isn’t getting anything.”

Hoverboard safety and legality

A rocky road for raccoons

continued from page 12 “I ride all the time. I’m not hurting anybody. I’m just getting from point A to point B,” said Tyree Brown, 29, a Queens native who currently resides in the Bronx and works in promotions and events. He also uses his hoverboard, which he bought on eBay for between $700 and $800, to ride long distances. “People have to star t doing their research. You can’t buy cheap products,” Brown said. “You buy cheap shoes, what’s going to happen? They’re going to fall off.” Before getting on a hoverboard Brown had training, and he advises any one deciding to ride for the first time to do the same. “We certainly advocate safety,” Tim Haden, founder of the Hoodriderz Community, insisted. The Hoodriderz Community consists of a group of hoverboard users from all walks of life, who meet up every Wednesday in Central Park to ride their hoverboards. Haden also sells hoverboards through his online and Manhattan store. “The whole point of the Hoodriderz community is to build up responsibility with the people who are buying these devices,” he said, advising hoverboard users to always follow basic safety tips like giving way to pedestrians and being “sensible.” Haden knows of other riders who have

continued from page 18 Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, out the animals were intentionally poisoned. said the agency received one nuisance-type Though complaints of sick raccoons in raccoon complaint in the past year from the Fresh Meadows have yet to be lodged with Community Board 8 area, which includes City Hall, Councilman Rory Lancman Fresh Meadows. Neighborhood resident Edita Birnkrant, (D-Fresh Meadows) said that’s not to say people should take lightly the warning of who is also the campaigns director for Friends of Animals, a nonprofit animal possible diseases. advocacy group, said she wouldn’t be sur“Better safe than sorry,” he said. Not often thought of as urban animals, prised if someone had poisoned the critters raccoons appear to have an increased pres- in Fresh Meadows. She said she recently found a healthy-lookence throughout the ing raccoon that was city. The New York with no obviTimes last weekend ity Hall has not heard of dead, ous signs of trauma. reported there were “There’s a chance 1,581 calls to the sick raccoons in Fresh that’s happening and city’s 311 help line Meadows, but it has in it’s very disturbing, about raccoon conto mention illetrol in 2015, up from nearby parts of Queens. not gal,” she said. 936 in 2014. Complaints about Birnkrant, whose the animals running rampant also have sur- group would like to see a change in some faced in recent months from residents city policies regarding raccoons, including throughout northern Queens, in places such to the law that now requires those captured as Whitestone and Bayside. to be euthanized, blamed a lack of educaIn August, the city’s Department of tion and “fear mongering” for any animosiHealth and Mental Hygiene said a raccoon ty. Raccoons, she noted, are opportunistic found in Maple Grove Cemetery in Kew feeders and something as simple as securGardens had tested positive for canine dis- ing garbage containers could go a long way temper virus. Other raccoons with signs of in curbing potential problems. neurologic disease were also reported in “I think the city has failed miserably at Forest Hills, Forest Park and Flushing having policies that promote coexistence Meadow Corona Park. with raccoons and other wildlife,” said the Q Julian Martinez, a spokesman for the faunitarian, or animal lover.

been fined, but said so far the police who’ve stopped him have been more curious than punitive. “I have been stopped by three police officers who wanted to know where I purchased it,” he said. Thompson’s experience with the police has been similar to Haden’s. “[I] had police pull me over and ask where I get these from,” he said, but so far he has not been ticketed for riding. Brown has been less fortunate. He was recently issued a summons for $138 for using his hoverboard along 125th Street and First Avenue. His court date is in August 2016 and he plans to fight the ticket. A spokesman for the NYPD said the department does not keep a breakdown of the number of summonses or fines issued to hoverboard users. Peralta, who urged hoverboard users to wear safety gear like helmets and kneepads, insists that the first step has to be legalization before the conversation can move on to user safety and how to handle any manufacturing defects like the batteries that have exploded in some of the cheaper models. Other wise, the senator suggested, “they’ll continue to be illegal, people will continue to ride them, these knockoffs will continue to make these hoverboards, they’ll continue to explode and people will Q continue to be hurt.”

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January 7, 2016

ARTS, CULTURE C ULTURE E & LIVING L IVING IV

Continuedonon page continued page 33

For the latest news visit qchron.com

by Kelly Marie Mancuso

For the past 50 years, the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers have traveled the country, educating and sharing the rich culture and traditions of the native people with audiences nationwide. On Sat., Jan. 16, the troupe will take the stage at Flushing Town Hall to explore tribal customs and folklore through storytelling, song and ceremony. The ensemble was originally founded in 1962, making it the oldest resident Native American dance company in New York. The founding members included a group of 10 Native American New Yorkers under the direction of Brooklyn-born Louis Mofsie of Hopi and Winnebago lineage. The troupe was initially formed to preserve generations of tribal traditions handed down from parents and elders. It eventually expanded to incorporate the diverse songs and dances specific to other neighboring tribes throughout the metropolitan area. Within the first four years of their inception, the Thunderbirds were traveling the U.S., learning the varied rites, dances and customs of American Indian people throughout the country. In addition to cultural preservation, the Thunderbirds were established with the central purpose of educating future generations of Native Americans. Over the years, the Thunderbird American Indian Dancersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Scholarship Fund has provided more than 350 scholarships to needy American Indian students. According to Mofsie, at the time the group was founded, only students residing on reservations were eligible for financial assistance from the government. Urban Native American students were ineligible. To combat this, the Thunderbirds established their scholarship fund, extending aid to all students regardless of where they live. The Thunderbirds also seek to educate the public and help foster a better understanding of American Indian history and customs through a diverse program of workshops, lectures, live performances, ceremonies and annual powwows.

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Thunderbird American Indian Dancers keep traditions alive through song, dance and stories

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W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G EXHIBITS

KIDS/TEENS

High School to Art School Alumni Exhibition: Chapter 2, by Queens Council on the Arts. Edison Price Lighting Gallery, 41-50 22 St., Long Island City. Thurs., Jan 7, 6-8 p.m. Free. Info: queenscouncilarts.org.

Kids events at Alley Pond Environmental Center: “Toddler Tales — Penguin Party.” Kids ages 3-4 listen to a nature story, meet some of the center’s animals, learn about penguins and take a short nature hike. Sun., Jan. 10, 1:30-4:30 p.m. $21 per child. “Animal Tales — Hibernation Station.” Kids ages 5-6 explore where some animals go in the cold winter. Story, time with animals and nature walk. Sun., Jan. 10, 1:30-3 p.m. $21 per child. “Science Fair 101 — Magnetic Motion.” Kids ages 7-8 experiment with magnetic polarity. Children will collectively create an innovative science fair project. Sun., Jan. 10, 1:30-3 p.m. $24 per child. APEC, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Pre-registration required for all events. Contact: (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com.

The Reanimation Library. Artist and librarian Andrew Beccone answers questions about this functioning research library and interactive exhibit highlighting visual information. Every Sat., Jan. 9-Feb. 27, 12-5:30 p.m. Open to public. Queens Museum, Studio 5, NYC Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org. “Re-”: Vibrant, interactive installations focusing on the themes of “re” words, such as rearrange, restructure, rectify and reselect. Opening reception, Sat., Jan. 9, 6 p.m.; Artists’ Panel, Sun., Jan. 10, 3-5 p.m. Through Jan. 14. Free. Flux Factory Gallery, 39-31 29 St., Long Island City. Info: fluxfactory.org. “The World of Anomalisa,” screening and display of puppets and sets from Golden Globe-nominated film. Thru Mar. 27. “Walkers: Hollywood Afterlives in Art and Artifact,” exploring Hollywood movies as contemporary art. Thru Apr. 10. Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria. $12 adults, $9 seniors and students, $3 kids 3-12. Info: movingimage.us. “Catalyst,” new projects by Meredith James, Kameelah Janan Rasheed and Casey Tang. Looks at how personal and cultural forces form narratives. Thru Feb. 28. Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Suggested $8 adults, $4 students, free under 12. Info: queensmuseum.org. “Hotter Than That — 90 Years of Louis Armstrong and His Hot Five,” celebrates the jazz great’s landmark 1925 recordings — the first records created under Armstrong’s name. Thru Oct. Louis Armstrong House Museum, 34-56 107 St., Corona. $10 adults, $7 seniors, students and children, free to LAHM members and children under 4. Info: (718) 478-8274, LouisArmstrongHouse.org.

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THEATRE “So Get This ...” a comedy storytelling show, Thurs., Jan. 7, 8 p.m. Astoria Coffee, 30-04 30 St. Free showcase. Professional comedians will ditchtheir material and tell one true hilarious, honest story from their lives. Contact: Brandoncol@gmail.com. “City Girls and Desperadoes,” set in the world way before ‘Just say No.’ Jan. 7-10, 13-17, 8 p.m. weekdays, 7 p.m. weekends with additional matinee Sun., Jan. 17, 2 p.m. $18. The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City. Info: secrettheatre.com. “Someone Once Called Me Sound Man,” an ensemble piece exploring invisibility in dance and performance and relationships between the body and space. Sun., Jan. 10, 8 p.m. The Chocolate Factory Theater, 5-49 49 Ave., Long Island City. $15.

This diagram of the pulmonary circulation from an anatomy textbook is just one of many books visitors are encouraged to browse, open, read, scan, or photocopy at the Queens Museum’s COURTESY PHOTO “Reanimation Library.” Suitable for adults and teens. Info: (718) 482-7069, chocolatefactorytheater.org. Thunderbird American Indian Dancers illustrate history and narratives of the Native Americans through song, dance, instruments and clothing. Sat., Jan. 16. Dance workshop at 1 p.m. Performance at 2:15 p.m. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Workshop: $7 adults, $4 children, free for members with tickets to 2:15 show. Performance only: $13 adults, $10 members, $8 children, $6 for member children. Info: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org.

King Day: Film Screening with Filmmaker on Klan Killing of Black and Jewish Civil Rights Activists.” Mon., Jan. 18, 1 p.m. Central Queens YM & YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills. Suggested donation $8. Info: (718) 268-5011, cqy.org/library. “Mark Mulcahy,” Lincoln Center Local Screening. Sat., Jan. 9, 2:30 p.m. Ridgewood Library, 20-12 Madison St. Follows ’80s indie rock frontman Mulcahy, formerly of Miracle Legion, performing folk-pop songs from his new album. Free. Info: (718) 8214770, queenslibrary.org.

“The Big Family Quiz Thing,” presented by Big Quiz Thing and Mommy Nearest, features six rounds of multimedia trivia fun. Topics range from pop culture and history to sports and the indefinable. Sun., Jan. 17, 1-3 p.m. Q.E.D: A Place to Show and Tell, 27-16 23 Ave., Astoria. $7 in advance, $12 at door for kids; $10 in advance, $15 at door for adults. Info: qedastoria.com.

CLASSES Yoga in the Elements. Sat., Jan. 9 and 23, 9:1510:15 a.m. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 22806 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Adults only, come out of the cold, breathe in deep and relax in a rustic and serene heated log cabin. $16 per session, bring own mat, towel and water bottle. Info/pre-registration: (718) 229-4000, alleypond.com.

MUSIC

AUDITIONS

New York State safe boating class, qualified U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors, Sun., Jan. 24, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Old Mill Yacht Club, 163-15 Cross Bay Blvd., Howard Beach. 8-hour course, $75 pp. preregistration required. Contact: Flotilla 11-03, (516) 418-7242.

Twilight concert, Con Brio Ensemble, Sun., Jan. 10, 4:30 p.m., The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. $12 pp, $10 students and seniors. Info: (718) 459-1277.

Community Singers of Queens is looking for new members for their Spring Concert. Rehersals every Mon., 7:30 p.m., begin Jan. 11. Messiah Lutheran Church, 42-15 165 St., Flushing. Call: Ruth Amsterdam (718) 658-1021.

Modern Dance at Green Space, by Valerie Green and the principles of body/mind fitness. Thru May 31. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24 St. #301, Long Island City. Prices vary. Info: (718) 956-3037, greenspacestudio.org.

LECTURE

Poetry writing workshop group: Explore the craft of poetry writing, free enrollment, open to all. Every Tues. 1:30-3 p.m., Kew Gardens Community Center, 80-02 Kew Gardens Road. Sponsored by Queens Community House. Info: (718) 268-5960, queenscommunityhouse.org.

DANCE “VOID,” from a three-part suite “The Trilogy (of Survival)” by Mersiha Mesihovic/CircuitDebris and Underground DanceWorks. Examines the struggle against social conformity and the individual battle for self-determination. Fri.-Sat., Jan. 22-23, 8 p.m. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24 St. #301, LIC. $15. Info: (718) 956-3037, greenspacestudio.org.

FILM “Greensboro: Closer to the Truth,” by Adam Zucker, explores the murders of five union organizers, many African American or Jewish, by Klansmen and Nazis in 1979, followed by discussion “Martin Luther

“Bird Life in Brazil,” by environmentalist Paulo Boute, presented by Queens County Bird Club. Wed., Jan. 20, 8 p.m. Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Free. Info: qcbirdclub.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Three Kings celebration, Latin American Cultural Center of Queens. Sat., Jan. 9, 2:30-4 p.m. PS 13 Clement C. Moore School, 55-01 94 St., Corona. Free/donations welcome. Info/RSVP for both events: (718) 261-7664, laccq@aol.com.

Watercolor classes, National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, Wed., 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m. Call: (718) 969-1128. Kids art classes, Latin American Cultural Center of Queens at ARROW Community Center, 35-30 35 St., Astoria. For ages 8-16, every Tues. and Thurs., 4:30-6 p.m. and Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. Free. Info: (718) 261-7664, laccq@aol.com. continued on on page page 34 00 continued

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

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by Hannah Douglas

“It’s pretty nice, especially if you’re up and coming and still trying to get your An array of artists from the borough name out there — or if you’re just trying and beyond will be in Astoria Wednesday to decide if it’s a good fit for you to purto showcase their flair in areas of fashion, sue art,” Redman said. film and a whole lot more. It’s the first time this event will be held Through the independent arts organiza- in Queens; it formerly took place at the tion called Raw, that Highline Ballroom in has its headquarters Manhattan. Redman in Los Angeles, the said the switch was artistic affair known made due to a need as “Futures,” will be When: Wed., Jan. 13, 6 p.m. for more space. held at the Melrose “Because our Where: Melrose Ballroom, Ballroom in Astoria showcases are 36-08 33 St., Astoria on Wednesday, Jan. increasing in size … Entry: $20 presale, $25 at door 13 from 6 to 11 p.m. we couldn’t fit all the rawartists.org Emily Redman, artists in the Highshowcase director at line Ballroom,” she Raw: NYC, who is in said. charge of the show, which is designated In addition to the panel section for the for ages 21 and up, said there will be 60 artists, she said there will be performancto 70 artists involved, and each one will es by dance troupes, musical groups and have his or her own 6-by-6-foot booth to live body painting with models, which will present works in. be done by the hair and makeup artists. If the participating artists sell 20 tickets There will even be a fashion show that to the event, all of their expenses are cov- six designers like Sophie Kempner, 25, an ered, and the group doesn’t take commis- Astoria-based fashion designer and phosion for anything they sell, she added. tographer, will take part in, each showing qboro contributor

Above: Astoria-based designer Sophie Kempner photographs a male model wearing PHOTO BY HANNAH DOUGLAS pieces from her SoSophie fashion label. his or her collections. Kempner, who moved to Queens three years ago from the UK and started her own business, will be presenting her label called SoSophie, with a collection that currently consists of graphic tees and hats

with logos like “So New York.” Kempner said she crafts each piece herself by putting the logo on heat transfer paper and then using a hand press. “I didn’t really know that I was going to continuedon onpage page35 7 continued

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XAHH-068531

‘Futures’

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Artists highlight their work at Astoria event

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Objects ‘re’surrected as art in new exhibit by Kelly Marie Mancuso qboro editor

Throughout history, artists have utilized techniques and practices relating to the concept of “re-” within their work, as in rearrange, restore, restructure and reproduce. An upcoming group exhibit opening next week at the Flux Factory Gallery in Long Island City aims to explore artists’ complex relationship with the prefix through a series of vibrant, interactive installations. The concept for the show was initially conceived by resident artist Yi Zhou, who drew insight and inspiration from the Flux Factory space itself. Objects throughout

‘Re-’ When: Jan. 9-14 Artist panel, Sun., Jan. 10, 3-5 p.m. Where: Flux Factory Gallery, 39-31 29 St., LIC Entry: Free fluxfactory.org

the industrial exhibit space and artists’ studios have often served dual purposes. For example, a screwdriver was reused as a faucet handle in the kitchen, while a helmet, mask and safety goggles were combined and repurposed as a chandelier for a gala dinner at the gallery. After being surrounded by reused and reappropriated objects on a daily basis as an artist in residence at the Flux Factory, Zhou decided to explore these practices in greater depth in the exhibit titled “Re-,” opening Saturday, Jan. 9. The exhibit, co-curated by Zhou and artist Naiyi Wang, was also inspired by the long tradition of “re-” in society, from the Industrial Age of mechanical mass reproduction, to the use of collages and repurposed objects in 20th-century art. For example, early dadaists and surrealists often used photomontages in response to chaotic aspects of modernity, while artist Marcel Duchamp repurposed everyday objects, such as the urinal he turned into a work of art titled “Fountain” in 1917. Much like their fellow artists from nearly a century ago, the artists showcased in the upcoming “Re-” exhibit reimagine, re-edit

“Object in Image” by artist Weiyi Li, inspired by her realization that “image is the dream PHOTO COURTESY FLUX FACTORY of the object,” will be part of the “Re-” exhibit. and reinterpret common objects in highly individual, personal ways. A great example of this is ar tist Weiyi Li’s piece “Object in Image,” in which she reuses pedestrian objects, such as toiletries including a shampoo bottle, to create an entirely new narrative.

The artists featured in “Re-” are rooted in a wide range of diciplines, including film, fine art, architecture and design. They mix genres, forms and material in nontraditional ways, resulting in ecclectic installations that prompt the viewer to Q rethink these objects and their roles.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS BOROUGH PRESIDENT MELINDA KATZ CORDIALLY INVITES YOU TO THE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 10AM QUEENS COLLEGE OFFO-068645

RSVP at queensbp.org/rsvp or 718.286.2661

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continuedfrom frompage page00 29 continued “We wanted to correct so many misconceptions,” Mofsie stated in a Flushing Town Hall blog post. He hopes audiences will gain “a more realistic knowledge of native dance and a better understanding of native culture in general.” Saturday’s upcoming program at Flushing Town Hall perfectly embodies the Thunderbirds’ dual mission of preservation and education. This two-part,

Thunderbird American Indian Dancers When: Sat., Jan. 16, 1 p.m. workshop; 2 p.m. show Where: Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Entry: workshop $7, $4 children, members free; show $6-$13 flushingtownhall.org

family-friendly event includes an interactive workshop, immediately followed by a live musical and dance performance featuring social and ceremonial dances from more than 10 distinct tribes. During the workshop, audience members will have the chance to learn about and explore traditional dance movements, clothing and instruments of American Indian tribes such as the Iroquois and Great Plains people. Participants will also have the opportunity to learn the Robin Dance alongside Thunderbird troupe members. This social dance is rooted in New York and Canadian Iroquois traditions. It is often used in Native American culture to celebrate the coming of spring, as well as the return of the robin, after a long, harsh winter. The dance itself is meant to imitate the swift, sharp movements of a robin through a series of fast-paced hops and steps. During the performance, each dance is presented along with an explanation of its purpose, origins and symbolism embedded within the sounds and movements. Traditionally, Native American dance, music and costumes are deeply symbolic

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Preserving native culture through dance

Above: Children are encouraged to explore tribal customs through performance, such as the Deer Dance. On the cover: Traditional Native American dance. PHOTOS COURTESY THUNDERBIRD AMERICAN INDIAN DANCERS

and meant to reflect different aspects of nature and life as a whole. A majority of dances are performed in a circular formation meant to symbolize unity, inclusion and family. “We will teach an authentic traditional

dance,” Mofsie added. “Participants will learn the movements and what they represent. We want people also to understand that what we do and teach are social dances and are meant for all the people to Q participate in.”

January is Disney Month at AAA Travel SPECIAL OFFER Book a Walt Disney World® Resort package and receive a $50 Disney Gift Card*, compliments of AAA Travel.

Attend our Disney Day event and get great tips on making your next Disney dream vacation Saturday, January 16, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. AAA: 20-11 Francis Lewis Boulevard, Whitestone Nonmembers are welcome A Disney Representative will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. RSVP 800-AAA-9192 or Visit AAA.com/TravelEvents *Walt Disney World Vacation Package must include on-site hotel stay and tickets for a minimum of 3 nights. Valid on new bookings only. As to Disney artwork, logos, properties: ©Disney. TRA.15663.15 AAAT-068460

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SPECIAL EVENT

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 34

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boro

FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION NOTICE OF RECORD OF DECISION

continuedfrom frompage page3000 continued

and notice of availability of Written Re-Evaluation and Technical Report for the Central Terminal Building Redevelopment Program, LaGuardia Airport, Flushing, New York

COMMUNITY

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has issued a Written Re-Evaluation and Record of Decision for design changes to the Central Terminal Building Redevelopment Program at LaGuardia Airport, Flushing, New York, since the issuance of a Final Environmental Assessment and DOT Section 4(f) Evaluation and FAA's Finding of No Significant Impact/Record of Decision (FONSI/ROD) Evaluation on December 11, 2014. The 2014 Final Environmental Assessment and FONSI/ROD included documentation of compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and Federal Executive Order 11988: Floodplain Management. After careful evaluation and thorough analysis presented in the Written Re-Evaluation, Record of Decision and Technical Report, the FAA has concluded that a supplement to the original Environmental Assessment for this project is not required since the airport sponsor did not make substantial changes in the proposed action that could affect the action’s environmental effects and that there are no significant new changes, circumstances or information relevant to the proposed action, its affected environment, or its environmental impacts. A copy of the document may be viewed online at: http://www.panynj.gov/about/studies-reports.html. Copies are also available at the following locations: The Port Authority of NY &NJ Aviation Department Four World Trade Center 150 Greenwich Street, 18th Floor New York, NY 10007 Attn: Edward Knoesel Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

The Port Authority of NY & NJ Terminal Redevelopment Program LaGuardia Airport Hangar 7, 3rd Floor (Marine Air Terminal area) Flushing, NY 11371 Attn: Rosie Pabon Hours: 8:00 am to 4:00pm

Queens Borough Public Library 35-51 81st Street Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Hours: Check with library branch

Queens Borough Public Library 41-17 Main Street Flushing, NY 11355 Hours: Check with library branch

Discussion on the 2016 elections, Queens Community for Cultural Judaism. Sat., Jan. 16, 1 p.m. Congregation of UUCQ, 147-54 Ash Ave. at 149 St., Flushing. Refreshments and first-time guests free. Info: Rabbi Klein (347) 561-9064. ASPCA mobile unit dog & cat spay/neuter clinics. Petland Discounts, all begin at 7 a.m. Sun., Jan. 3: 147-17 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Sun., Jan. 10: 55-52 Myrtle Ave., Ridgewood. Wed., Jan. 13: 171-33 Hillside Ave., Jamaica. Info: petlanddiscounts.com. Richmond Hill Bingo. Every night (except Tues.), 6:30 p.m. Also every Wed., Thurs. and Sat., 11 a.m. 117-09 Hillside Ave. Great cash prizes daily. Must be 18 or over to play. Info: (718) 847-1418. Rego Park Jewish Center Bingo, every Tues. in Dec., 97-30 Queens Blvd. Early game, 7 p.m., doors open at 6 p.m., regular games at 7:15 p.m., $4 includes 12 games. Cash prizes, everyone 18 and over. Info: (718) 459-1000.

FLEA MARKETS MILA-068633

REMINDS YOU TO LIVE SAFELY

Church on the Hill, auction, Sat., Jan. 9, 9 a.m.3:30. 167-07 35 Ave., Flushing. Info: (718) 3583671, churchonthehill.org. Anshe Sholom Chabad JCC, “Treasure Trove,” Sun., Jan. 10, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. 82-52 Abingdon Road, Kew Gardens. Info: (718) 441-2470. Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens. Info: (347) 709-7661, richmondhillfleamarket.com.

Have TWO ways to get out of your home.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Have WORKING carbon monoxide/smoke detectors and check them monthly. Give space heaters a break to cool down. Avoid sleeping in basements or attics. Don’t use extension cords as main power sources.

ILLEGAL ROOMS CAN

PUT YOU AND YOUR FAMILY IN DANGER

Read this in your language at nyc.gov/buildings. If you think an apartment is unsafe call 311 to request an inspection. Bill de Blasio, Mayor Rick D. Chandler, P.E., Commissioner NYDB-068469

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.

MEETINGS LIC Forum: “Two Guys from Astoria.” Joe Cicchelli Jr. and Steven Fella explore trends, hot spots and events surrounding coming of age along 44 St. in Astoria in the 1980s. Mon., Jan. 11, 7 p.m. Greater Astoria Historical Society, Quinn Building, 35-20 Broadway, 4th Floor, Long Island City. $5 suggested donation; free for GAHS members. Info: (718) 278-0700, astorialic.org. AARP: Open to the public. Chapter 1405, Flusing, Bowne St. 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., 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, noon; contact: (718) 672-9890. Chapter 4163, Ozone Park, Living Word Christian Fellowship Church, 132-05 Cross Bay Blvd., last Tues. each month, noon. Jamaica Arts Leaders Town Hall, by Queens Council on the Arts and Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, explores the needs of Jamaica-

based artists by engaging the community. Wed., Jan. 13, 6:30-8:30 p.m. Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning, 161-04 Jamaica Ave. Free. Info: queenscouncilarts.org. Queens Stamp Club: meets every second, fourth and fifth Thurs. each month. Forest Hills Library, 108-19 71 Ave., Next meeting, Jan. 14, 5-6:15 p.m. All welcome. Info: David Cap (718) 441-1519. St. Padre Pio Prayer Group, Our Lady of Hope Church, monthly meeting, second Thurs. every month, Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. 61-27 71 St., Middle Village.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES Computer basics for seniors, both in English and Chinese. New semester in English, every Mon., 10 a.m., begins Jan. 4 for eight weeks. Selfhelp Innovative Senior Center, 45-25 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Info: John (718) 559-4329. SNAP of Eastern Queens Innovative Senior Center for adults 60+. 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village. Classes — Exercise every Mon.: advanced, 11 a.m.; beginners, 1 p.m. Every Tues.: magic and ABC computer class, 10 a.m. Every Wed.: armchair yoga, 9 a.m.; Zumba gold, 10 a.m. Every Thurs.: creative writing, 11 a.m.; painting, 1 p.m. Every Fri.: fall prevention, 10 a.m.; women’s discussion group, 11 a.m. Howard Beach Senior Center, 155-55 Cross Bay Blvd., across from Stop & Shop. Basic beginner computer classes in the center’s new computer lab beginning Fri., Jan. 8, 10:30 a.m. New craft class, every Fri., 10-11:30 a.m. Art class with certified teacher, every Thurs., 9:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. “Winter fire safety” seminar by the fire department, Tues., Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m. Open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch served at 12 p.m. Info: (718) 738-8100. Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., is proud to offer the following programs, available to anyone 60+. Zumba for both beginners and continuing students, Tues., 9:30 a.m.; aerobics by Shape Up NYC, available to anyone 18+, Fridays at 11 a.m.; Dear Abby discussion group, Thurs., 11 a.m.; movie screenings, Wed., 1 p.m. Info: (718) 591-3377, Mon.-Fri., 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Della Monica-Steinway Senior Center. Serving adults 60 and over. 23-56 Broadway, Astoria. Exercise classes daily, 10 a.m. Social dancing every Mon. and Thurs., 1 p.m. Daily lunch served 11:45 a.m. Info: (718) 626-1500. Maspeth Senior Center, 6961 Grand Ave. Free English classes for Chinese speakers, computer instruction, Silver Sneakers, tai chi, yoga and more; breakfast and lunch served. Info: (718) 429-3636. Flushing-Fresh Meadows Jewish Center. Sisterhood sponsors an exercise program for active older adults every Tues., 11 a.m.-noon. 193-10 Peck Ave., Fresh Meadows. $5 per session. Info: (718) 357-5100.

C M SQ page 35 Y K

‘Futures’

ACROSS 1 Lose color 5 Actress Lupino 8 Half a ticket 12 Not “fer” 13 Neither mate 14 Bean curd 15 Tin Man’s problem 16 Carriage 18 Cookbook entry 20 Underscore 21 Lacks the ability 23 Brit. reference book 24 One seeking political asylum 28 Unac-companied 31 -- Khan 32 Doctrine 34 Tiny 35 Trumpet, e.g. 37 Shame 39 Third letter 41 Close up tight 42 Narcotic 45 Jackson or Johnson 49 Oppressive ruler 51 Skeleton component 52 October birthstone 53 Peacock network 54 Reed instrument 55 Depend (on) 56 Blond shade 57 Shrill bark

DOWN 1 Jamie of “M*A*S*H” 2 Chills and fever 3 Platter 4 Lure 5 Started a paragraph 6 Female deer 7 Weaponry 8 Gawks 9 Make less intense 10 Venusian vessels? 11 Prickly seed cases 17 Ike’s command

in WWII 19 Treaty 22 Morrison and Braxton 24 Doo follower 25 Id counterpart 26 Absurd 27 Use Wikipedia, maybe 29 Zodiac feline 30 “-- the ramparts we watched ...” 33 Compared to

36 Without making a mess 38 Address to a bloke 40 Greek vowel 42 Smell 43 Meerschaum, e.g. 44 Sicilian spouter 46 Post-bout attire 47 Carbon compound 48 Cry 50 Out of use, as a wd.

Answers at right

continued from frompage page00 31 continued create this whole line until I came to New York,” Kempner said, mentioning how she has since found inspiration throughout the city. Kempner recruits models and takes photographs of them wearing her brand in scenic urban-chic locations within the city — all using her iPhone. As a fashion-forward female with a flair for menswear, she said the photography is an important part of the brand, and she takes care in selecting each of the pictures. “Of course it’s the T-shirts and what they represent … but between the model and the location, that’s my inspiration, that’s when it’s all together, and capturing that raw image, that’s really what the brand is about,” she said. The pictures, as well as the collection, which is unisex, will be available for sale at the event Wednesday, and can also be purchased on her website, sosophie.com. Jasmine Nichole, 23, a Jamaica-based, self-taught artist, who has been painting for about two years, will be showing her “emotional pop art.” Her paintings feature lots of color, and they derive from her feelings, surroundings and experiences. “Normally, it’s a breakup, or whatever I’m going through in my life,” Nichole said.

“I translate it through visual pieces of art.” Among other skills, she also has dabbled in fashion design, hair and makeup, and is learning how to play guitar, but she said she wants to emphasize her dexterity in drawing. “In the future, I just want to paint,” she said. “I want to be able to sit in my house or open up a gallery and just exhibit what I feel, what I’ve been going through in my life ...” To learn more about the artists and “Futures,” and to purchase tickets, visit Q rawartists.org.

Crossword Answers

Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

King Crossword Puzzle

Anytime, Anywhere, Fast and Safe Service

FENC-068572

24 HOUR SERVICE

718

821.2121

586 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385 • www.fenixcarservice.com • Fax: 718-418-8311

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CAR & LIMO

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 36

C M SQ page 36 Y K

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SQ page 37

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C PP

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

MY WAY CONSTRUCTION

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 38

SQ page 38

CLASSIFIEDS Help Wanted

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All applicants must have a High School Diploma and a valid NY State Driver’s License.

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For the latest news visit qchron.com

Bring your resume!

January 14th & 28th

New Year New Career

Arrive anytime between 10am-Noon

1501 Franklin Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530 2 Blocks from the Mineola Train Station Entrance is by the rear of the building, corner of Kellum & 15th

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OFFICE HELP WANTED

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SQ page 39

Legal Notices

1879 Grove LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 6/26/15. 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, 239 Devoe St., Apt. 7L, Brooklyn, NY 11211. General purpose.

3071 35TH STREET LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 12 /18 /14. Amended to 3282 37TH STREET LLC on 11/19 /15. Of fice : 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, 25-56 31st Street, #302, Astoria, N Y 11102. Purpose : Any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Mortgaged Premises: 104-31 205TH STREET SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412 Block: 10908 Lot: 42 INDEX NO. 702849/2015 JAMES B. NUTTER & COMPANY, Plaintiff, vs. JOHN FOWLER AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BESSIE FOWLER; RUTH MAE FOWLER AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BESSIE FOWLER; MARY FOWLER AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF BESSIE FOWLER; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; DISCOVER BANK; PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. 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 Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; 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 OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $625,500.00 and interest, recorded on February 10, 2009, at CRFN 2009000039148, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York, covering premises known as 104-31 205TH STREET SAINT ALBANS, NY 11412. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: August 31, 2015 RAS BORISKIN, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff BY: THOMAS ZEGARELLI, ESQ. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106, Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 280-7675 NOTICE OF FORMATION 42-13 PROPERTY LLC Arts. Of Org. filed with Secy. Of State of N.Y. (SSNY) on 11/13/2015. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 42-17 Bowne Street, Flushing, NY 11355 which is also the principal business location. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of formation of a Limited Liability Company (LLC), 435 East 76th Street LLC Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/18/2015. NY office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. The post office address to which the SSNY shall mail a copy of any process against the LLC served upon him/her is c/o the LLC, 176-11 Henley Rd., Jamaica, NY 11432. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

61-10 MYRTLE AVENUE LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 02/06/15. 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, 3000 Marcus Avenue, Suite 3W4, Lake Success, NY 11042. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 11/19/2015, bearing Index Number NC-000782-15/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) ANGELA (Middle) ZHEN ( Last) ZHUO. My present name is (First) ZHEN (Middle) ZHOU (Last) ZHUO, AKA ZHEN Z. ZHUO. My present address is 3237 201st Street, Bayside, NY 11361-1015. My place of birth is CHINA. My date of birth is December 06, 1996.

6943 CENTRAL AVENUE LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 10/16/15. 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, 69-43 Central Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

BASILE I LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/15. 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, 89-10 130th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

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SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK COUNTY OF QUEENS Plaintiff designates QUEENS as the place of trial situs of the real property SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS Block: 12547 Lot: 14 Mortgaged Premises: 176-25 133rd Road, Jamaica, New York 11434 INDEX NO. 706082/2015 ONEWEST BANK N.A., Plaintiff, vs. THE HEIRS AND DISTRIBUTEES OF THE ESTATE OF LEROY G. BISHOP; any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; MIGNON SMITH, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF THE ESTATE OF LEROY G. BISHOP; BERYL BRAFF, AS HEIR AND DISTRIBUTEE OF ESTATE OF LEROY G. BISHOP; SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT; NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF TAXATION AND FINANCE; UNITED STATES OF AMERICA; BENEFICIAL FINANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK, INC.; BANK OF AMERICA, NATIONAL ASSOCIATION F/K/A FIRST NATIONAL BANK OF BOSTON, “JOHN DOE #1” through “JOHN DOE #12,” the last twelve names being fictitious and unknown to plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons or corporations, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the premises, described in the complaint, Defendants. 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 Attorney within 20 days after the service of this summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York) in the event the United States of America is made a party defendant, the time to answer for the said United States of America shall not expire until (60) days after service of the Summons; 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 OF NATURE OF ACTION AND RELIEF SOUGHT THE OBJECT of the above caption action is to foreclose a Mortgage to secure the sum of $544,185.00 and interest, recorded on July 26, 2007, at CRFN 2007000444774, of the Public Records of QUEENS County, New York, covering premises known as 176-25 133RD ROAD, JAMAICA, NEW YORK 11434. The relief sought in the within action is a final judgment directing the sale of the premises described above to satisfy the debt secured by the Mortgage described above. QUEENS County is designated as the place of trial because the real property affected by this action is located in said county. 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 the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. Dated: 8/11/2015 RAS BORISKIN, LLC, Attorney for Plaintiff BY: THOMAS ZEGARELLI, ESQ. 900 Merchants Concourse, Suite 106, Westbury, NY 11590 (516) 280-7675

Legal Notices

ORDER TO SHOW CAUSE - Index #: 400421/00. At a Special Term, Part 31 of the Supreme Court, County of New York, held at the Courthouse at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York on the 24th day of December 2015. Present: HON. LAURA DRAGER, J.S.C., MARY D. MING, Plaintiff, -against- GEORGE A. MING, Defendant. UPON reading and filing the annexed affidavit of the Plaintiff, MARY D. MING, duly sworn to on the 18th day of August, 2015, the affirmation of Steven E. Shumer, Esq., dated the 2nd day of October, 2015, the supplemental affirmation of Steven E Shumer, Esq., dated December 2, 2015, and upon the affidavits of Douglas G. Hilfman, dated the 16th day of September, 2015 and the 7th day of November, 2015, by which Plaintiff has made proof to my satisfaction that Defendant cannot be served by any other prescribed method of service with due diligence, and the Court being satisfied by the affidavit on which this Order is granted that a place where Defendant would receive mail cannot with due diligence be ascertained, and upon all the papers and proceedings heretofore had herein, NOW, therefore, let the Defendant, GEORGE A. MING, and/or his attorney(s), Show Cause before the Honorable Laura E. Drager, JSC, one of the Justices of the Supreme Court, County of New York, located at 60 Centre Street, New York, New York to be held on the 9th day of February, 2016, at 9:30 o’clock in the forenoon of that day, or as soon thereafter as counsel can be heard, why an Order should not be made and entered herein granting to the Plaintiff the following relief a) Appointing the Plaintiff as the Receiver, pursuant to CPLR § 6401, of the shares of ownership in/to the cooperative apartment located at 61-55 98th Street, Rego Park, New York, in order to complete the transfer of the Defendant’s shares thereof to the party’s son, Robert Anthony Ming, pursuant to the Judgment of Divorce issued by the Supreme Court, New York County dated February 15, 2001 and the parties’ Oral Stipulation of Settlement, and granting the Plaintiff all powers necessary to execute any and all documentation required to facilitate such transfer; and b) Pursuant to DRL § 237, awarding unto the Plaintiff and directing Defendant to pay the sum of $5,000.00 as and for attorney’s fees associated with the instant application, with leave to apply for additional fees in the future with a money judgment for said amount to be entered against the Defendant; and c) Pursuant to CPLR § 316, directing service of process of the Order to Show Cause pages of the instant motion upon Defendant by publication; and d) Granting such other and further relief as this Court may deem just and proper. SUFFICIENT REASON APPEARING THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY ORDERED that the Order to Show Cause pages of the instant motion, only, with the index number endorsed thereon in the above-entitled action, together with a notice of publication to Defendant containing a brief statement of the nature of the application and the relief demanded, be served upon Defendant by publication pursuant to CPLR 316; publication to be in the English language in the West Side Spirit Chelsea Clinton News, distributed in the County of New York, State of New York and the Queens Chronicle, distributed in the County of Queens, State of New York which papers are most likely to give notice to Defendant herein based upon the last known New York addresses, once in each of three (3) successive weeks beginning on January 7, 2016; and it is further ORDERED that further mailings or other attempts at service, other than publication, of the instant motion or Order to Show Cause pages are hereby dispensed with for good cause shown. Service shall be complete on the twenty-first day after the day of first publication. Answering papers shall be served and filed in the courtroom no later than February 1, 2016. Reply papers shall be served and filed in the courtroom no later than February 8, 2016. Oral argument is direct. The parties shall appear in court on the return date. Dated: December 24, 2015, New York City, New York. ENTER HON. LAURA DRAGER, J.S.C. Attorney signture pursuant to Sec. 130-1.1-a of the Rules of The Chief Administrator (22 NYCRR) Steven E. Shumer, Esq.

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

LEGAL NOTICES

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 40

SQ page 40

RE AL E ESTATE STATE

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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 718722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

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Legal Notices BASILE II LLC. Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/30/15. 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, 89-20 130th Street, Richmond Hill, NY 11418. Purpose: Any lawful purpose. NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: C&L EMPIRE 168 LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 09/04/2015. 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 140-19 58TH RD FLUSHING, NY 11355. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

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Notice of formation of Complete Insurance Brokerage,LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 09/23/2015. Office located: Queens County. SSNY designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 25-31 Astoria Boulevard, Astoria, NY 11102. Purpose: any lawful activities.

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C M SQ page 41 Y K

RM WARNING by Christopher Barca

Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Mike Piazza elected to the Hall of Fame by Christopher Barca

Outstanding Player before becoming the overall pick in the 1989 NBA Draft — scored a team- and career-high 17 points and snagged six rebounds in just 24 minutes, more than doubling his season average of 7 points-per-game. After missing eight games with a left foot injury earlier in the season, Ellison’s work ethic and a gritty play will give the Red Storm a tremendous boost to the team as he gets healthier, according to first-year head coach Chris Mullin. “He came to us on crutches basically,” Mullin said. “He’s a hard worker. We all know he’s going to be a heck of a player, but it’s all about getting experience in game time.” Mullin’s right. The more minutes Ellison gets, the more acclimated he gets to playing alongside fellow scorers like Johnson and guard Federico Mussini. And if Ellison, a pretty good scorer in his high school days at the Life Center Academy, can develop into the true offensive threat Mullin and his staff hope he can be, the Johnnies will be much better off than they are now, which is a team simply trying to find its identity. When it comes to the Providence game, I can’t say the score surprises me. The Friars are 11-1 for a reason and they have arguably the NCAA’s player of the year so far in the insanely athletic Kris Dunn. But like they did against Indiana back in November, the Johnnies hung around for as long as they could. They erased a few double-digit deficits and trailed by just six midway through the second half. But no offense to the likes of Mussini, Johnson and Sima —who all seem to be upstanding young men with a lot of potential to grow into really good basketball players — the Red Storm just don’t have the talent or experience yet to hang with a nearelite team for 40 minutes. The fact that they pushed a deep Friars team as hard as they did is an accomplishment in itself. It shows the Red Storm are not afraid of anyone. They’re a confident bunch, you’ve got to give them that. So you can imagine how scary St. John’s can be in a few years, when they don’t lack talent or experience and are rich in confidence and grit.

FILE PHOTO

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wo toug h games, two tough losses. We’re on ly a week into the new year, and the Big East is al ready shaping up to be a nearly impossible minefield to navigate for St. John’s. It’s not their fault, as I’ve detailed in previous weeks. This talented but relatively inexperienced, almost patchwork lineup coach Chris Mullin is working with won’t be able to rack up many victories over the next three months. But like I said last week, it’s all about progress. And progress is what the Red Storm (7-8, 0-2 Big East) continued to show in their 80-70 loss at home to Creighton on New Year’s Eve and 83-65 defeat on the road agai nst 12th-ra n ked Providence on Saturday. To give a bare-bones recap of the Creighton game, the Bluejays got out to an early lead thanks to center Geoffrey Groselle’s dominant play under the basket. He seemingly scored at will, eventually tallying a game-high 22 points. But the Johnnies attempted to rally back, with swingman Durand Johnson burying key three-pointers in the second half and Yankuba Sima cutting the deficit to just six midway through the second stanza with a thunderous dunk that got the near sellout crowd roaring. Creighton — not one of the Big East’s top teams but one that has its fair share of talent and experience — slammed the door every time the Red Storm tried to swing the momentum in their favor, however. After both Johnson and Sima’s baskets, Bluejays guards buried threes to put down any Red Storm hoop rebellion, eventually pulling away for a double-digit victory. Sure, not being able to get over the hump against a relatively beatable team is disappointing. I’ll say it again though, progress is what matters here. Not the scoreboard. And no one made as much progress last Thursday as freshman guard Malik Ellison. The New Jersey native and son of Pervis Ellison — who led Louisville to the 1986 NCAA title and was the Final Four’s Most

Mets icon Mike Piazza.

PHOTO COURTESY ST. JOHN’S ATHLETICS

Associate Editor

Make your hotel and dinner reservations now, Mets fans. Baseball lovers from all over the country will be descending on Cooperstown along with you. In his fourth year on the ballot, Mets legend Mike Piazza was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame on Wednesday, garnering 83 percent of the vote, slightly more than the 75 percent necessary to be enshrined. “We are really thrilled that Mike Piazza has taken his rightful place among the other greats in Cooperstown,” Mets Chief Operating Officer Jeff Wilpon said in a statement. Piazza will be inducted into baseball immortality on Sunday, July 24 in a free ceremony open to the public on the grounds outside of the Clark Sports Center in Cooperstown, NY, just one mile from the Hall of Fame and Museum. The legendary Mets catcher will be joined by slugging, slick fielding former Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds outfielder Ken Griffey Jr. — known by many as one of the top 20 or 25 greatest players

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 42

C M SQ page 42 Y K

BEAT

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

SPORTS

Bulova: lots of time in Queens

Five years and counting

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

Joseph Bulova (1851-1936), an immigrant from Bohemia, started a watch business in New York City in 1875. As it grew into one of the world’s leading watch companies, Bulova built a large factory at 62-10 Woodside Ave. in Woodside. After World War II, his son Arde Bulova (1889-1958) opened the Joseph Bulova School of Watchmaking for disabled veterans at 40-24 62 St. (the school closed in 1993). Bulova tried to build its corporate headquarters at the corner of Queens and Yellowstone boulevards in 1949. It was met with vehement hostility in Forest Hills and in 1950 was shut down by the the city. Bulova moved on to build on a veterans’ temporary housing quonset huts site at 77th Street and Astoria Boulevard in Jackson Heights (a spot some say is in East Elmhurst). Area residents fought Bulova again but this time the company won. It hired architect Alexander D. Crossett & Associates for a building whose design was inspired by and similar to that of the Federal Reserve Bank in Washington, DC, built in 1935. The

The Bulova Watch Co. center, built in 1953 at 77th Street and Astoria Boulevard, in an undated photograph. building contains 400,000 square feet of sprawling space. It was limited in height because of restrictions in effect due to neighboring LaGuardia Airport. The stunning art deco building of Indiana limestone won the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s Outstanding Building Award for 1953. In the 1980s Bulova sold the complex, which was renovated to give space to many tenants. Today Bulova is a subsidiary of Citizen Watch Co. The Queens Chamber of Commerce, formerly of Long Island City, which bestowed the architecture award, has its Q executive offices at the Bulova center.

CENTURY 21 AMIABLE II

by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

2016 sure didn’t get off to a good start for the Jets as they were eliminated from the NFL playoffs after they lost to the Bills in Buffalo while the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Cleveland Browns to wrap up the last wild card berth on Sunday. This marks the fifth straight season that the Jets will miss the postseason. The Bills were a good team who underachieved this year. Even without the overly hyped Rex Ryan revenge factor, losing to them was not the indignity that some angry Jets fans and sportswriters made it out to be. And easy as it is to trot out the “same old Jets” line, as I have certainly done in this column over these many years, the reality is that Gang Green, under first-year head coach Todd Bowles, made remarkable progress as they went from a 4-12 record in 2014 to 10-6 this season. This was certainly the best season of veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s career. The Jets signed him with the expectation that he would serve as a backup and mentor to Geno Smith. Fate intervened during training camp when Smith’s jaw was broken by a sucker punch from a now ex-teammate in a dispute over a small amount of money. As nice a story as Fitzpatrick’s season was, the reality is that he is 35 years old and there is no guarantee he will be able to repeat his magic

Howard Beach Realty, Inc.

www.howardbeachrealty.com

82-17 153RD Ave., Suite 202 Howard Beach, NY 11414

718-835-4700 69-39 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY 11385

in 2016. It must also be noted that with the exception of Archie Manning, no quarterback in NFL history has started more regular season games without experiencing a playoff game than Fitzpatrick, and his drought continues. The Jets’ solid defense will also be tested next year. Linebacker Mo Wilkerson broke his leg in the Buffalo game and was set to become a free agent as soon as the season ended. Given the NFL’s stringent salary cap rules, the odds are that the Jets will let Wilkerson walk away. The Giants and Eagles played an entertaining final game at MetLife Stadium, although neither had anything at stake. Both teams’ defenses behaved as if they did not want to get their uniforms dirty as tackling seemed to be an afterthought in the Eagles’ 35-30 win. The Giants’ MVP in the finale was running back Rashad Jennings, who rushed for 170 yards. After the game longtime Giants head coach Tom Coughlin repeated his frustrations about his team not being able to finish off games. Judging by the way Coughlin uncharacteristically joked around with the media at his postgame press conference after yet another close loss, it sounded as if he had made peace with the fact that he would no be longer coaching the Giants. Sure enough, he tendered his resignaQ tion the next day. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

Thomas J. LaVecchia,

137-05 Cross Bay Blvd

Broker/Owner 718-641-6800

Ozone Park, NY 11417

A True Professional Selling Homes in the Area for 40 Years

Thinking About Selling Your Home? Give Us a Call for a

718-628-4700

★ ★ ★ FREE MARKET APPRAISAL ★ ★ ★

• CALL AGENT • Private Showing • Sat. 1/9 • 12:30-2 pm

718-664-4105

www.howardbeachrealty.com D! SOL

• Rockwood Park • Howard Beach. 2 BRs converted from a 3 BR Garden Co-op. 2 full baths, LR, DR, eff kitchen, totally renovated, everything is brand new, pets allowed. D98RGN

• Hamilton Beach • 1 Family Ranch - just the shellcompletely gutted from Sandy, sold with additional lots across the street of 20x80 which can be used for parking, boat storage etc. N6QK8S

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH Hi-Rise Co-op. 3.5 rooms, 1 king bedroom, 1 bath, new kit. $72,500

Hi-Ranch. Oversized 50x100 lot, JUST LISTED, 10 rms, 4 BRs, 3 baths, large EIK, FDR, new heating & HW, oversized rooms & plenty of closets. CALL NOW!

HOWARD BEACH

Just Listed, Garden Co-op, 5 Rooms, 2 bedrooms, formal dining room, new granite kitchen, new tiled bath, pet friendly, stainless appliances, tile & wood floors, all custom. CALL NOW!

HOWARD BEACH

OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT 2nd floor 700 sq. ft. • Rockaway Park • Move-in ready. 1 BR Co-op on the beach. Eff kit, LR/DR combo, full bath, HW floors thru-out, lots of closets, pet-friendly building, laundry room, super on premises, bike & storage room, wait-list for parking, 20% down payment. DNBY3V

• Brooklyn • 3 Family Townhouse. 9 BRs, 6 baths, Built in 2007. Sprinklers thru-out hallways, combo smoke and carbon monoxide detector hardwired, each f loor has separate heating system. 3 boilers, 3 hot water meters. R35BHL

• Rockwood Park • Howard Beach. 1 Family Hi-Ranch, 3 BRs, 3 baths, EIK, family room with OSE, Brazilian hardwood floors, granite countertops, new hot water heater, furnace,up dated electric, enclosed porch, private driveway. CDPLPQ

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• Lindenwood •

Howard Beach. Custom-built Mother/Daughter Hi-Ranch. New Construction! FEMA approved. No flood insurance required. Master bath has radiant heated floors, hook-up for washer/dryer & central VAC on 2 levels. 1st floor offers entertainment room, study & den, full bath, utility room & sliders to yard. 2nd floor features foyer entrance, LR, FDR, kit, breakfast room, full bath, 2 BRs & utility room. 3rd floor has master bedroom suite, full bath, walk-in closet & deck. YPPLRP

OZONE PARK Wakefield 1 Family 7 rooms, 4 BRs, 3 baths, garage, pvt. dvwy, 40x100 lot, full fin. bsmnt. CALL NOW!

on Cross Bay Blvd. in Howard Beach, all new construction ALSO approx. 300 sq. ft. available for office space Call for more Info 718-641-6800

OUR

LU EXC

SI V

HOWARD BEACH 1 family ESTATE SALE, Det. Empire, 10 rooms, 4 BRs, 2.5 baths, 40x 100, large yard, garage, pvt. driveway

MUST SELL!

C M SQ page 43 Y K WAKEFIELD OZONE PARK

REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC.

SOLD!

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach (Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

OPEN 7 DAYS!

718-845-1136

Get Your House

LARGE ALL BRICK DETACHED COLONIAL

ARLENE PACCHIANO

LAJJA P. MARFATIA

Broker/Owner

4 BRs, 2.5 baths, 1 BR on first level with large living room, dining room, 1 bath, 2nd floor has 3 BRs & 1 bath. Finished bsmnt. with ½ bath & pvt. dvwy., 1 car gar. 30x100

www.ConnexionRealEstate.com

Asking $549K

FREE MARKET APPRAISALS! OPEN HOUSE • SATURDAY, JAN. 9TH • 12:30-3:00 PM

HOWARD BEACH

162-07 95 STREET

Custom 50x100 Colonial. 4 BRs, 3 f/ baths, granite kit. with Thermador stove & hood, sub-zero fridge, Jacuzzi bath, balcony, fireplace in fam. room, 1.5 car gar. A spectacular home!

HOWARD BEACH Colonial (New Construction) 3/4 BR’s, 2.5 baths, finished attic, pvt. dvwy., deck, large yard, bsmnt will be Sheetrocked,in-ground sprinklers, new PVC fencing, stainless steel appliances.

Reduced, Asking $785K

Reduced $939K PERFEC T FOR DENTIST OR DOC TOR !

LD O S HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD Large corner 2-Family, 6 BRs, 3 full baths, 2 halfbaths, full fin. bsmnt, move-in condition. $725K

HOWARD BEACH LINDENWOOD Unique Dentist Office for sale in prestigious Heritage Condo Building! Sale includes: Condo as well as all equipment and supplies. Ground floor office with separate entrance to the left of the main lobby. Featuring a waiting area - front desk & file area. 4 Operatories with X-ray & nitrous lab, private office & 2 half baths. Common charges $709.

Asking $350K

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK

N CO

(143 Broadway) LAND BUILDER’S DELIGHT!

HOWARD BEACH/LINDENWOOD Lg. legal 2 family Condo Townhouse, 3 BRs, 1½ baths duplex, top flr with large deck, updated kit new appli, also lg. 2 BR, 1 bath duplex, new kit & updated bath on 2nd flr, plus walk-in unit - all new w/porcelain tiles throughout & sliding glass drs to pvt yard, pvt dvwy, 1 car gar, new boiler & hot water heater. ASKING $649K

Brooklyn 337 Amber Street A 40 x 100 gated lot. Not cleared. Owner will clear when a contract is signed

REDUCED $209K

HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK All up-dated Brick/Stucco split level on 40X100, paved driveway for 2 cars, Large 3 BRs, 2 f/baths. Large den with sliding doors accessing rear tiled patio. Only $719K

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Reduced. Unique large Colonial on oversized 40x127 corner lot. New kitchen with granite countertops, new cabinets & tiled floors, 3 large BRs, 2.5 Baths, 2 walk-in closets, 2-Car Garage, with rooftop terrace.

Reduced $695K

Large 1 BR Condo in Hi-Rise building, closets galore, laundry on premises, L-shaped Living REDUCED $184K Rm., Dining Rm.

Great Location, in the heart of Ridgewood, walk to Fresh Pond Road train, brick S/D, 2 family, 6 over 5, renovated throughout, full finished basement.

Cape on 60x100 lot, 3 BRs, 2 Baths, Fin. Bsmnt. In Contract in 8 Days!

• Real 3 BR/1 bath, deluxe garden co-op Asking $195K

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Condos

HOWARD BEACH/LINDENWOOD Greentree townhouse mint condo (2nd floor), large 3BRs/ 2 Baths, 2 terraces front & back. Reduced $309K

T ON

LD SO HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK Mint Hi-Ranch on 41x100 lot, 4 BRs, 2 Baths.

• Greentree Condo, 2nd floor, 3 BRs, 2 baths, 2 terraces Mint ........................... $309K • Hi-Rise Condo Northgate Building Large 1 BR Condo, 5 Closets ....................................$184K

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood OUR EXCLUSIVE

HOWARD BEACH OLD SIDE

• Hi-Rise 2 BR/1 bath, updated kit. ...........$154,500

• Mint AAA 2 BRs/1 bath, Garden co-op, 1st flr, open kit floor plan (move-in) ....$199K - SOLD!

LD O S

• Hi-Rise 1 BR/1 bath, (needs complete renovation) ..$70K

WELL MAINTAINED

HOWARD BEACH OLD SIDE Det. Colonial, 3 BRs, 1½ Baths, Great Block on the old-side. Potential 4th BR, Full Bsmnt w/½ Bath. Asking $425K

• Apartment For Rent: Mint 3 BR, 1½ bath duplex, lg deck off DR & LR, new kit & bath....$2,200/mo

For the latest news visit qchron.com

HOWARD BEACH HI-RISE CONDO

CONR-068629

HOWARD BEACH Large waterfront property (69x155) 4 lots altogether. Located on Canal.

RIDGEWOOD

Large Brookfield, all stucco, beautifully landscaped, open floor $690K plan, 4 BRs, 3 baths.

$3,900 per month

Lindenwood Co-ops

$750K

HOWARD BEACH ROCKWOOD PARK

Crossbay Blvd. (off Liberty Ave.) 1,200 sq. ft. store & basement, heat & taxes included

Asking $129K

D RE

Large Hi-Ranch on oversized 45x100 lot – featuring 4 BRs/3 full baths, w/updated kitchens & baths. Park-like backyard with screened porch.

LD O S

STORE FOR RENT

Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016

Connexion I

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, January 7, 2016 Page 44

C M SQ page 44 Y K

BODY TRANSFORMATION 2016 CONTEST 12 WEEKS IS NOTHING TRANSFORMATION IS EVERYTHING Enroll from January 11th thru February 15th

Before

After

$49 Enrollment Fee Male & Female Categories

1st Place Prize $1,000

Set Your Children Up For Success with a Healthyy 2016! For the latest news visit qchron.com

Our

Nutrition, Health and Fitness Programs

are speciﬁcally designed to meet the physiological needs of adolescent and pre-adolescent bodies, in a fun, exciting environment. Members and their parents report improved academic and athletic performance, positive social behavior, increased self-esteem and healthy weight management.

Unlimited Classes for as low as

$70 per month!

Discounts on multiple sign-up.

JMP

718-845-GOLD (4653)

PHYSICAL THERAPY, PC

157-05 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach

Dr. John M. Pantaleo 718-641-8700 JMPphysicaltherapy.com

www.goldsgym.com

We Accept Most Insurance Programs. Let us help you with your Worker’s Compensation cases.

2 nd Place - 1 Year Membership 3rd Place - 6 Month Membership 4 th Place - 3 Month Membership