Queens Chronicle South Edition 02-19-15 by Queens Chronicle

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

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER VOL. XXXVIII

NO. 8

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 19, 2015

QCHRON.COM

ANGER GROWS

PHOTO BY DOMINICK RAFTER

Residents march against delinquent housing plan, Khan strikes back at CB 9 FULL COVERAGE ON PAGES 5 AND 8 South Ozone Park residents march in protest of the planned detention center for juvenile delinquents on Saturday. The man they claim leased the property to the city, Community Board 9 member Richard Khan, hit back at his fellow board members who did not allow him to respond to criticisms launched at him during a public meeting last week.

SEEING GREEN Meat factory gets DEP grant

PAGE 10

HEALTH & FITNESS

OVER THE MOON

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A symbol of togetherness, at Hwang Gallery in Flushing

PAGES 24-29

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City rolls out Queens Vision Zero strategy Elmhurst, Flushing and Jamaica are hotspots in the city DOT’s sights by Michael Gannon Editor

elect Vision Zero initiatives have manifested themselves in various sections of Queens, from the bill’s original signing in Flushing at the site of a fatal accident to select neighborhood slow zones. On Tuesday, however, Department of Transportation Commissioner Polly Trottenberg and Chief Thomas Chan of the NYPD’s Transportation Unit came to PS 82, the Hammond School, in Jamaica to release a long-term, borough-wide plan to reduce traffic fatalities and injuries. Trottenberg said they will target so-called hotspot neighborhoods like Elmhurst, Flushing and Jamaica; corridors with high numbers of accidents such as Northern Boulevard, Hillside Avenue and the entire length of Queens Boulevard; and 72 priority intersections, all of which have been identified by the NYPD, community boards, police preci nct com mu n it y cou ncils a nd civ ic organizations. “Our 47 priority corridors cover 127 miles of road, or 6 percent of the entire borough,” Trottenberg said. “The 72 intersections are 1 percent [of the 18,000], and the priority areas cover 17 square miles, or 15 percent of the borough. “And they account for 61 percent of the

Chief Thomas Chan, of the NYPD’s Transportation Bureau, joined by Council members and city transportation officials, said education, engineering and enforcement will continue to be the main comPHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON ponents as the city launches a major Vision Zero effort in the borough. fatalities in Queens,” Trottenberg said. The findings, issued in a 55-page report, show that Queens, while gaining ground over the last decade, took a significant step back in terms of pedestrian fatalities in 2013. “Last year, the city had the fewest pedestrian fatalities since they began keeping

records [in 1910],” Trottenberg said. But she added that the borough, which has seen fatalities fall 44 percent over three decades, saw 56 pedestrians killed in 2013, the most since 1997 and a 51 percent increase over the prior three-year average. And the vast majority of pedestrians who

were killed, she said, were crossing with the light or walk sign when it happened. Chan said the city’s response will continue to be “the three Es.” “Education, engineering and enforcement,” he said. “We’ll be bringing our findings to each individual precinct. Their commanders and executive officers will implement policies. And we can’t do anything without the support of the community.” The top 10 targeted corridors, ranked by deaths and serious injuries per mile from 2009 to 2013, include: • Union Street between 25th Road and Franklin Avenue in Flushing; • Archer Avenue from the Van Wyck Expressway to 168th Street in Jamaica; • Junction Boulevard from Queens Boulevard to 32nd Avenue between Corona and Elmhurst; • Sanford Avenue from Delong Street to Northern Boulevard in Flushing; • Roosevelt Avenue between Queens Boulevard and 126th Street; • Northern Boulevard between Queens Plaza and 114th Street; • Sutphin Boulevard in Jamaica between Hillside Avenue and Rockaway Boulevard; • Kissena Boulevard between Parsons Boulevard and Main Street; continued on page 45

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

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It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues. 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 fi rst 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 March 1, 2015 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 March 1, 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.

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“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.

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Board member sends email blasting those who silenced him at meeting by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Patrick Khan — the Community Board 9 member who last week was lambasted by South Ozone Park residents who charged him with handing over a property to the city to be used as a housing center for juvenile delinquents — criticized his fellow board members in an email for not notifying him in advance of the protest and for not allowing him to speak in public. “It is incomprehensible how a group of misinformed people literally took control of a board meeting and deny a sitting board member to respond,” Khan said in an email, obtained by the Chronicle, that was sent to CB 9 members last Friday. “I think the board is seriously in need of complete review of its practices.” Khan denied leasing the house at 133-23 127 St. in South Ozone Park to the city so it can house 18 juvenile criminals there, but only to reporters after last Tuesday’s CB 9 meeting. He was not allowed to respond to the criticisms of South Ozone Park residents who thought he was the one who handed the property to the city. “I had hoped that the Chair should have shown some leadership to allow me to defend these ridiculous allegations,” he said. “As Board Members we have always question[ed]

Community Board 9 member Patrick Khan, inset, slammed his fellow board members for not allowing him to respond to criticisms launched at him by South Ozone Park residents who last week said he handed a property to the city to be used to house juvenile delinquents. PHOTOS BY ANTHONY O’REILLY speakers on the public forum to get clarity on issues or to get more facts or information, however, I was not given that opportunity.” Ralph Gonzalez, chairman of CB 9, did not return phone calls or emails requesting comments on Khan’s letter.

Khan in his letter again stated he was not the owner of the house and said that it was sold 10 months ago to K&B of Queens Inc. K&B of Queens is a business that was created on Feb. 27, 2013 and is located on 75th Street in Middle Village, according to the

state Department of State. The DOS does not list on its website an owner for K&B. Calls to the business’ listed address were not returned. The Department of Buildings lists the owner of the South Ozone Park house as Milton Derienzo, the chief financial officer of Episcopal Social Services, which will oversee the care of the minors staying in the house. But residents opposing the facility cited records showing Khan was still paying taxes on the property as their justification for going after him last week. Khan, in his letter, said they were going after the wrong guy and even threatened legal action. “They were at the wrong forum, accusing the wrong person and there are legal ramifications for these actions,” he said in the letter. “I am therefore, requested [sic] the Board provide me a copy of the recording of the meeting along with the names and addresses of the speakers.” Khan also claims board members knew of the protesters’ intent to show up to last week’s CB 9 meeting and failed to warn him. “The fact that the board had this information that I was not the owner and still allowed the protest against me was indeed very disturbing and created a very dangerous preceQ dence,” he said in his letter.

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Khan strikes back at CB 9 members

Residents protest delinquent center First of many marches to take place until city does away with proposal by Domenick Rafter Chronicle Contributor

the controversial Skyway men’s shelter, where dozens of sex offenders have reportedly been living since it opened in 2011. That shelter sparked controversy when it was changed from a family facility to one for men with no warning in February 2011. It is located only three blocks from PS 124. “We have enough here,” Chester said. “This is a good neighborhood. What kind of problems is this going to bring here? How will it affect our home values, our quality of life?” George DiLieto, a longtime resident who lives less than a block from the site of the proposed detention center, said he believes there are “corrupt forces at play” that led to the center’s site being chosen. “I think envelopes are being passed under the table,” DiLieto said. Some protesters stapled rally signs to the wood covering the planned facility’s door. The site used to be part of St. Anthony’s Parish, which owned

Residents protest housing for juvenile delinquents in South Ozone Park. PHOTO BY DOMENICK RAFTER

the southern end of the block between 127th and 128th streets and 133rd and 135th avenues. “It’s a beautiful building,” resident Satya Singh said of the 127th Street site. “I wish they would do something good with it for the

community. Not this. Not a prison. T h i s i s n’t g o o d fo r t h e community.” Duvalle said the protestors plan to march every Saturday at 11 a.m. until the detention center plan is Q shelved.

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Angry, frustrated, but not hopeless, residents of South Ozone Park wanted to make it clear to officials from Gov. Cuomo on down to their community board that plans to open up a juvenile detention facility in the neighborhood will not move forward without an all-out war. The frigid February air did not keep the several dozen residents inside last Saturday morning as they marched against the proposal on the streets surrounding the controversial site. The march was a continuation of the residents’ protest last week at Community Board 9, where they aimed their fire at board member Patrick Khan, who previously owned the property at 13323 127 St. that is currently being renovated to house 18 young offenders as part of the state’s “Close to Home” program. But residents who were march-

ing said they believe the center would house criminals from Rikers Island, or offenders from the Bronx and Manhattan, not from Queens, despite the program’s stated purpose. “These kids are not going to be close to their families,” said Mike Duvalle, who organized the protest. “Many of them will be from the Bronx.” The protest started in front of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on 128th Street and 135th Avenue at 11 a.m. The marchers bore signs that read “The Prison Must Go” and “2 Close 2 Home.” They marched to the site of the proposed center, then to the former rectory of St. Anthony’s, which neighbors say is being used to house delinquents already. Stephen Chester, a resident of 126th Street, said the community has enough bu rdens al ready. Besides housing the other center at St. Anthony’s rectory building, South Ozone Park is also home to

Doubt is cast over DM search meeting ‘Politics’ must not be used to pick Carey’s replacement, Esposito says by Anthony O’Reilly

The board is to vote on three candidates at a special meeting on March 3. The three One Community Board 9 member is cast- people up for a vote are CB 9’s acting dising doubts on a meeting of the CB 9 district trict manager Lisa Gomes; James McClelmanager search committee that is to be held land, a former City Council aide; and Scott today, Feb. 19, saying that the slate of candi- Wolff, director of constituent services for dates to replace Mary Ann Carey might be A s s e m bly m a n M ic h a el Si m a n ow it z (D-Flushing). changed. But according to “I believe that Esposito, some are there “MAY” be tr ying to change an attempt on ask all my fellow board that. He is calling Thursday Feb 19, 2014 du r ing the members to join us Thursday on t he boa rd to a t t e n d t o n ig ht ’s district managers night Feb. 19, if you can, to meeting, slated to search committee take place at 7 p.m. meet i ng to d isensure that no games, no at Borough Hall, to qualify one of the ensure the process p e ople t h at t he atemmpts to change or is kept honest. com mit tee has “I ask all my felc h o s e n ,” C B 9 challenge the original 3 low board members board member candidates is made ...” to join us Thursday Sam Esposito said night Feb. 19, if you in an email to — Sam Esposito, CB 9 member can, to ensure that board members no games, no obt ai ned by the Chronicle. “It has come to my attention that attempts to change or challenge the original some people on this committee acted out- 3 candidates is made and no attempts to add side its purview to conduct some kind of another name to the list for political favoritwitch hunt in an attempt to disqualify a can- ism is committed,” he said in his email. didate in order to ensure that their candi- “And no attempts of sabotage is made in date, the one that lost, snares a spot in the order to satisfy political favoritism.” Joann Ariola, director of Intergovernfinal 3.” Associate Editor

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The Chronicle obtained Esposito’s email on Tuesday night. Efforts to reach Vincent Evangelista, the chairman of the district manager search committee, on Wednesday, the day the Chronicle goes to print, were unsuccessful by press time. Esposito claims the committee members are trying to sneak someone onto the ballot because of “politics.” continued on page 20

mental Affairs at Medsys Health Network and president of the Howard Beach-Lindenwood Civic Association, and Beryl Nyack, assistant district manager for Brooklyn’s Community Board 3, were also considered for the district manager position but were eliminated during a January meeting of the committee. Esposito does not say who is trying to be sneaked in for consideration.

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One Community Board 9 member suspects that the district manager search committee will seek to change the slate of candidates to replace Mary Ann Carey. Esposito listed his concerns in an FILE PHOTO email sent out to CB 9 members.

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EDITORIAL

AGE

Delinquents in South Ozone Park

little less than two years ago, a juvenile delinquent was placed in a facility in Rockaway Park, rather than be incarcerated upstate, under the state’s new Close to Home program, the goal of which is to keep youthful offenders near their families and provide them with ser vices designed to keep them out of trouble. In this particular teenager’s case, it didn’t work, according to a report in The New York Times. He was there about a week before he disappeared and then was charged with five robberies. A Queens Family Court judge then placed him in a higher-security facility. This is just the kind of thing that residents of South Ozone Park fear will happen if the city opens a juvenile detention center in their community as it plans to do. The facility, to be located at 133-23 127 St., would house 18 youthful

offenders and be run by Episcopal Social Services. The plan is causing chaos in the community, with residents protesting both the facility and the former property owner they say sold them out by allowing the facilty. He says he sold the property more than a year ago and is not responsible for letting it be used as a detention center, though city records show he has continued paying property taxes on it. Close to Home’s goals are laudable, at least in theory. Should a youngster get sent upstate for turnstile jumping or smoking marijuana? No. But some of these young people are committing assaults, injuring others in the facilities where they live, and the teenager who had been in Rockaway Park probably is not the only one doing robberies. Communities such as South Ozone Park should not be made more dangerous by

placing facilities that are like prisons with weak security in their midst. Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to house such offenders somewhere on Rikers Island? Short of that, couldn’t they be placed in facilities that are far from residential neighborhoods? South Ozone Park already has a homeless shelter for men, which many say houses sex offenders, and, according to area residents, another center for juvenile delinquents. People in the area don’t trust the city to be forthcoming with them any more than those in other communities who have seen the administration set up surprise homeless shelters with no notice to residents. With the support of City Councilman Ruben Wills, they’re vowing to fight this facility through legal action if necessary. Wouldn’t it be great if they didn’t have anything to fight about?

LETTERS TO THE No detention center Published every week by

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Dear Editor: I read in the Feb. 12 Chronicle about the proposal to place a juvenile detention center in S. Ozone Park (“CB 9 crashed by S. Ozone residents,” multiple editions). There are several problems with this proposal. 1. This is a residential neighborhood. Most facilities such as this are placed in commercial/ industrial areas. 2. There is already a walk-in drug treatment center a few blocks away. Isn’t this too much for the neighborhood? 3. NYC has been irresponsible about whom they place in these centers. These are supposed to be teens who do not need restraint and yet should not be placed back in their homes. There is another center in Flushing that was run very well, until the City decided to save money. Teens who would have been placed in the center instead went back home. Teens who would have been placed in programs run by Dept. of Corrections were then placed in the home. The end result was a series of assaults on staff members who were ill prepared to handle these troubled youths. That program was closed by the agency involved. Thus the need for the South Ozone Park facility. This matter was not raised in the article or at the Community Board meeting. 4. Community Board member Patrick Khan states that he no longer owns the property and that it is now a separate corporation. However, © Copyright 2015 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y.

Linden Place disgrace

inden Place in College Point has been closed for more than 30 years because it floods badly and, since the Flushing Airport closed, no one has been maintaining it. In 2008 the city promised not only that it would finally repair and reopen the street but would even extend it, so as to alleviate convention on neighboring roadways that have been especially overburdened since large retail stores opened in the area. But so far it’s just another promise that’s gone unfulfilled. Meanwhile City Hall just released its detailed Vision Zero plan for Queens, showing all the streets it plans to make safer through various alterations. That’s great, but you’d think it could also provide College Point with the relief it desperately needs by making Linden a priority. Area residents aren’t necessarily looking for a street with all the latest safety bells and whistles; they’re just looking for a street. It’s been 30 years. Get it done already.

E DITOR

ownership can be buried in a corporation or transferred to a friend or family member. If Mr. Khan believes that this is best for Queens then let him find another property with fewer problems attached to it. Stephen Lieber Howard Beach

Thanks, hoopsters! Dear Editor: On Friday, Feb. 13, PS/IS 87, in conjunction with NBA Fit hosted an NBA Fit Celebration as part of NBA All-Star Weekend. Michael Carter Williams, Nerlens Noel and Robert Covington of the Philadelphia 76ers visited our fifth-, sixth-, seventh- and eighth-grade students. They worked out with the students in a variety of basketball related drills, and spoke about the importance of eating healthy, being active and respecting their parents and teachers. These three young players displayed such a level of maturity and respect, I was overwhelmingly impressed.

I want to thank Caryn Michaeli, our principal, for allowing me to apply for this grant which only 100 schools throughout New York received. I want to thank NBA Fit for choosing our school and donating equipment that will be put to good use. Most importantly, I want to thank these three players and the whole 76ers organization for inspiring and entertaining our students. As I said when I introduced them, “Even though we’re in New York, today we are all 76ers fans!” Willy Termine Physical education teacher, PS/IS 87 Middle Village

An Albany reform plan Dear Editor: There was a time when it was shocking to learn that a politician was arrested for corruption. Sadly, it is now the norm to read headlines about yet another arrest of a state legislator. In past few years, in Queens alone, we had to suf-

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der the Pension System.” But he’s just one of many richly rewarded retirees and active employees. CUNY Chancellor James Milliken gets over $600,000 in annual salary plus an $18,000 monthly housing allowance, reported the Post. CUNY was tuition-free when I was there, prompting Time magazine to call it “The Poor Kids’ Harvard.” Students now pay $6,000 a year. But CUNY is a paycheck paradise for retirees and executives. Let’s end its out-ofcontrol compensation. Richard Reif Flushing

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Dear Editor: I am appalled and outraged over the killings of 21 Coptic Christians by the Islamic State, also known as ISIS. Pope Francis called the victims “martyrs” and said their blood is a testimony that cries out to be heard. I wholeheartedly concur. These brave men were beheaded for their faith. They died because they were Christians and accepted Jesus as their Lord and savior. As a Catholic and as grand knight of St. Anastasia Knights of Columbus Council #5911 in Douglaston, my prayers go out these Coptic Christians and their families for this tremendous loss. I also call for all Christians around world to urge their leaders to act to crush this movement of pure evil. Their sole intent is to murder and maim all those who don’t believe as they do. These evildoers must be stopped before more innocent men, women and children are killed because of their faith in their higher power. Frederick R. Bedell Jr. Glen Oaks

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fer through the spectacles of Brian McLaughlin, Anthony Semenerio, Alan Hevesi, Malcolm Smith and Shirley Huntley getting convicted for violating the public trust. Sheldon Silver’s arrest last month is just that latest embarrassment for our dysfunctional system. It doesn’t have to be this way. There are common sense ways to remove corruption, improve transparency and restore public trust in our state government. Real reform requires a comprehensive approach that includes term limits, banning outside income which conflicts with state business, public financing of campaigns and increased voter access to create more competitive elections. True reform begins with an absolute ban on earning outside income from any source that has business with state government. If a firm employs a legislator, and has business before the state, the appearance of conflict of interest undermines public trust at a minimum. In some cases, it even leads to criminal activity. It should be outlawed. Next, we need to limit the amount of money that politicians can accept as campaign contributions and create public financing of elections. Current campaign finance laws are a joke. Leonard Litwin, a real estate developer, was discovered to have given nearly $10 million through a web of different LLCs, far more than any individual should be able to contribute. Legislators often receive bundles of money through a series of LLCs when one person in fact controls those LLCs. Albany needs public financing of campaigns, which has been effective in NYC at creating more competitive elections on the city level. The old saying is truer than ever: “Absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Term limits in the state Legislature will be a positive force in bringing about change. When the same players are in power for decades, the opportunity for corruption increases. Sheldon Silver was speaker of the Assembly for 21 years! Many of the legislators arrested were veterans of Albany with deep ties in the political system. A term limit of three terms elected every four years would be a reasonable change. Finally, we desperately need increased voter participation. According to experts, New York State is the hardest place to vote in America. The polls are only open for one day. Polling sites are hard to get to for many people. Voter registration is purposely difficult. New Yorkers deserve early voting, voting over a multiple day period, and same day registration. New Yorkers have a right to a Legislature that embodies the best of our state. With these reforms, we can take back Albany and create a productive and honest state government. Ali Najmi Glen Oaks The writer is an attorney.

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 10

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An Ozone Park business owner was one of six to receive a grant from the Department of Environmental Protection to install a green roof to prevent storm water from entering the city’s sewer system. “By soaking up rain water these projects will help to reduce pollution in our local water ways, including the East R iver, Gowanus Canal and Jamaica Bay,” DEP Commissioner Emily Lloyd said in a written statement an nouncing the g rants. “From Ozone Park to Melrose to Sunset Park, we are thrilled to contribute funding to these projects that will provide many additional benef its for local residents, including a greener landscape and cleaner air.” The Ozone Park grant winner is Imran Uddin, the owner of Madani Halal, a meat processing facility located at 100-15 94 Ave. Uddin’s project will have two green roof vegetable gardens on top of the property, and it will be 6,400 square-feet. The project is expected to collect 9,000 gallons of storm water per year that would otherwise flood into Jamaica Bay, the DEP said. “Madani Halal is excited to be helping the greatest city in the world transform itself into one of the greenest,” Uddin said in a statement issued by the DEP. Uddin added he hopes the green roof could become a tourist attraction. “Hopefully, if plans for the QueensWay in Ozone Park continue, this project will also become a destination site,” he said.

Uddin is teaming up with Brooklyn Grange to complete the project. Brooklyn Grange is a company that works to install r o of t o p f a r m s f o r c o m p a n i e s a n d nonprofits. “Imran came to us in early 2014 with an interest in building a rooftop vegetable garden on his buildings,” Brooklyn Grange’s Chief Operating Officer Gwen Schantz said. “He’s passionate about good food and greening his community, so the DEP grant presented a great opportunity for him.” Schantz said her company has helped other business owners receive similar grants for the installation of green roofs. Schantz said the project will consist of “two large green roofs, two rain gardens, and a stormwater retention system” and is expected to cost $160,000. She added the project “will bring muchneeded green space to an otherwise treeless and industrial block.” “The vegetable gardens on the roofs will be used to grow vegetables by Madani Halal’s owner and staff, as well as a couple of neighbors with green thumbs,” she said. Brooklyn Grange is also helping other business owners who won DEP grants carry out the project. “We’re thrilled to be working with our partners in Gowanus, Sunset Park and Ozone Park on these projects,” Schantz said. “All together we’ll be building over two acres of green space on New York City rooftops, and we couldn’t do it without the incredible support of the DEP Green Infrastructure Program.” The Ozone Park project is expected to be completed by spring 2016, Schantz said. Q

C M SQ page 11 Y K

Activities abound with Lunar New Year events happening all month by Liz Rhoades Managing Editor

Asian dancers from various countries will take part in a free Dance Sampler at Flushing Town Hall on Sunday at 2 p.m. PHOTO COURTESY FLUSHING TOWN HALL

A family program will be held at Flushing Town Hall on Feb. 28 at 1 p.m. with an interactive workshop featuring the EastRiver Ensemble presenting folk dances, acrobatics and folk music from China. The cost is $7. That will be followed by the group’s performance at 2:15 p.m. The cost is $13 for adults and $8 for children. Family workshops will be held March 1 on calligraphy and March 7 on the Asian fan dance. The cost is $10 and $8 for children. For tickets to any of these programs, call (718) 463-7700, ext. 222. The Queens Zoo in Flushing Meadows Park will celebrate Lunar New Year on Feb. 28 and March 1 with scavenger hunts, crafts, calligraphy, a puppet show and Chinese Theatre Works performances. Most programs are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For details visit queenszoo.com. Admission is $8 for adults and $5 for children. The Lunar New Year is family oriented and celebrated with the eating of red dates, melons, lotus seeds, oranges and tangerines. Children are given coins in red envelopes and the color red is considered good luck to wear and decorate with. The lamb is one of 12 signs of the Chinese zodiac. The alleged characteristics of those born under the sign are having artistic talent, politeness, kind-heartedness and cleverness. They are often worriers, who are shy, sometimes pessimistic and avoid confrontations. The sign is also referred to as the Year of the Goat or Sheep. Famous people bor n under the sign include Jane Austen, Michelangelo, Mark Twain, Thomas Edison, Julia Roberts, Nicole Kidman, George Harrison, Robert De Niro, John Denver, Mick Jagger, Barbara Q Walters and John Wayne.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The Year of the Lamb will be ushered in with a parade, cultural programs and activities throughout Northern Queens — with an emphasis in Flushing — starting this week and continuing for a month. Lunar New Year will officially be celebrated today, Thursday, and run through much of March. Flushing’s major event will be the annual Lunar New Year Parade on Saturday, starting at 11 a.m. but police warn there will be limited parking downtown and to arrive by 9 a.m. before streets are closed off. The parade will begin at Union Street, proceed to Sanford Avenue, then Main Street and wind up at 39th Avenue. The approximately two-hour march will end with fireworks outside Queens Crossing, which will be followed by Chinese cultural events inside the building at 136-17 39 Ave. Also on Saturday, the Queens Botanical Garden, at 43-50 Main St. in Flushing, is offering a free crafts program for children from 1 to 4 p.m. The Queens Library will sponsor several programs throughout the area beginning on Friday with a bread-making and paper-cutting workshop for families from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Flushing Library, 41-17 Main St. Two other Queens Library Lunar New Year programs are set for Friday at the Bellerose branch at 3 p.m. and at the Douglaston branch at 4 p.m. featuring Okinawan and Japanese folk music and dances. On Monday, an Asian crafts program will be held at the North Hills Library in Little Neck at 3 p.m. and on Feb. 26 a musical performance at 6 p.m. at the Flushing Library featuring musicians and a church choir. The Shops at Sky View Center, 40-24 College Point Blvd., will offer Lunar New Year entertainment on Sunday from noon to 3 p.m., including a traditional lion dance and a magic show. Flushing Town Hall at 137-35 Northern Blvd. will present several Lunar New Yearrelated programs now through March. On Friday, at 8 p.m. the program is Dancing Wind featuring Korean and Chinese traditions with dancers and live music. The cost is $15. There will be a free Lunar New Year Dance Sampler on Sunday at 2 p.m. with demonstrations from China, Korea, Taiwan and more. Also star ting Su nday and r u n ning through March 22 is an exhibit titled “Dynamic Writing, a Century of Calligraphy by Two Masters.” Hours are noon to 5 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. An opening reception will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. Suggested admission is $5.

Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Welcoming Year of Lamb in Flushing

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 12

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Airport baggage handlers protest JFK workers call for better wages, healthcare from Aviation Safeguard by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Injustice is the one thing they can’t handle. About 30 baggage handlers formed a picket line outside Terminal 7 at John F. Kennedy International Airport last Thursday to protest what they called unfair labor practices, meager wages, no healthcare coverage and no paid vacation. “We feel that as workers, Aviation Safeguard has violated our right of workage,” Pedro Gamboa, who has worked as a baggage handler for four and a half years, said at the picket line. “In terms of wages, respect, dignity and situations where some of us end up working for year after year without paid vacations.” Baggage handlers for years have been calling on Aviation Safeguard, a subcontractor at JFK, to improve work conditions at the airport and allow the workers to join Local 32BJ of the Service Employees International Union. That call came to a head in January 2014 when airport workers, the union, elected officials and clergy marched across the 94th Street Bridge last Martin Luther King Jr. Day to call for higher wages and were arrested when they refused to move off the bridge.

Baggage handlers at John F. Kennedy International Airport protested what they call unfair labor practices and meager wages last Thursday. The workers have been trying for years to join a PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY union, but have been stopped by their employer Aviation Safeguard. “The fight is to raise the standard that applies to all airport workers that would include a living wage and healthcare,” Rob Hill, vice president of 32BJ, said. “That hasn’t happened yet.” Workers on the picket line last week started their march at 6 a.m. and marched into the afternoon, chanting “No justice, no

peace” and “I believe that we will win,” a mong other shouts for bet ter labor practices. Aviation Safeguard had tried to stop the employees from participating in the strike by sending a letter to them saying that any employee that joined the picket line would be subject to discipline, Gamboa said.

“Basically what they were saying is we do not have a right to better ourselves,” he said. “We find that threatening.” The U.S. Labor Department declared the threat to be illegal, according to a letter to the company obtained by the Chronicle. State Sen. James Sanders (D-South Ozone Park), who joined the striking workers, slammed Aviation Safeguard for sending out the letter. “We need to get to a higher level than that,” Sanders said. The politician said many of the workers are his constituents and have brought their concerns about alleged unfair labor practices to him in the past. “Several of them live in Southeast Queens and are trying to raise families and not just support themselves, but their families,” he said. State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) and city Comptroller Scott Stringer also joined the picket line later that afternoon. The company did not respond to calls for comment by press time. Hill said the Port Authority has required that all airport workers’ wages be brought up to $10.10, but says even that’s not enough and wants the employees to be paid Q even higher.

A granny from Brooklyn made bad bet: cops

Woodhaven shooting ends kill-free streak

Qns. native renamed as a city commish

One Brooklyn grandmother got busted while at Resorts World Casino last Saturday, but not by the blackjack dealer. Renee Osby allegedly left her granddaughter in a freezing car while she went inside the South Ozone Park casino, according to the Daily News. The News reports that casino security guards spotted Osby alone in the casino, after having seen her with the girl. When the guards went looking for the granddaughter they found the fiveyear-old alone in an unheated car on a day when temperatures were in the single digits, the News reported. When Osby went back to the car about an hour after allegedly leaving the child alone, she told authorities she had just gone in to cash a check. But the News reports security personnel spotted her playing the slot machines inside the casino and she was arrested and charged with acting in a manner injurious to a child. Neighbors told the News they were shocked by Osby’s alleged actions. “I can’t imagine anything bad about her,” one anonymous neighbor said. Q

Kew Gdns. Hills man also found dead

Victor Calise, a native of Ozone Park, was reappointed as as commissioner of the Mayor’s Office for People with Disabilities on Tuesday. “Victor’s relentless pursuit to make New York City the most accessible place in the world is exactly the type of ardent leadership we need to open up our city to more New Yorkers,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement announcing the appointment, the final one of his administration. Calise was first appointed as commissioner in 2012 by then-Mayor Bloomberg. He now lives in Manhattan, has organized wheelchair sports for disabled people across the city for years. He was a member of the United States’ Paralympic Sled Hockey team and represented the country in the 1998 Winter Paralympic Games in Japan. “I am honored to be chosen by Mayor de Blasio to continue to lead this office and serve New Yorkers with disabilities,” Calise said in a statement. The department works with other city agencies to ensure the needs of handicapped people are met throughQ out the five boroughs.

by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

A Woodhaven man was shot last Friday and died the following day, ending the city’s record 12-day streak without a reported murder, police said. Eric Roman, 28, was found shot in the head, hands and leg at his house, located on 89th Street, just before noon last Friday, police said. The suspect fled down Jamaica Avenue in a black Mercedes, police said. No arrests had been made by press time. Roman was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, cops said, where he stayed until he died of his injuries on Saturday. Roman’s death ended a 12-day run without a reported murder in the city, the longest streak since such records started being tracked in 1994. Earlier Friday morning, Police Commissioner Bill Bratton briefly discussed the lack of murders with CBS news host Charlie Rose. “Shh. We don’t want to jinx it,” Bratton said when asked about the drought. “We’re

into our 12th day now, Charlie. Eleven is a record and let’s keep it going.” Roman was shot just a few hours after the morning interview. Police are also investigating the death of a Kew Gardens Hills man who was fou nd dead in his house Sat u rday morning. The man, who has only been identified as a 56-year-old male, was found dead in the basement of his home. Police are withhold i ng h is na me pend i ng fa m ily notification. They said he suffered head trauma. Published reports state the man’s pants were partially removed. They also state a 21-year-old male was found later that day with some of the dead man’s belongings. Despite the suspicious nature of the man’s death, it has not been ruled a homicide and no arrests have been made. The last day the city witnessed a homicide prior to Roman’s was on Feb. 1, when two separate killings occurred in the Q Bronx and Harlem.

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State Sen. Leroy Comrie, far right, discusses Gov. Cuomoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education proposals at a rally sponsored by the United Federation of Teachers last Thursday. He was joined by Assemblymen Bill PHOTO BY ANTHONY Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;REILLY Scarborough, left, and Phil Goldfeder.

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Greer Hansen-Velazquez, an art teacher in School District 29, has to wait every year to find out if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll have a job. She also waits to find out if sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be required to teach additional classes and if her ar ts classes will have a dedicated classroom. All of that is due to education budget cuts passed by the state Legislature every year that Velazquez says affects more than just her job. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Every year that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a cut, what I see is the devastating effect that it has on the children,â&#x20AC;? she said during a public rally hosted by the United Federation of Teachers last Thursday, â&#x20AC;&#x153;because the arts in education gives children who often donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t succeed in other places a chance to experience success.â&#x20AC;? Velazquez was just one of the teachers and parents who aired their frustrations at the rally regarding the governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education proposals, which include increasing the number of charter schools, introducing a merit pay system and tying more than a billion dollars in school aid to the passing of reform. In an effort to have parents and educators bring their concerns to elected officials, the UFT held a rally last week in Jamaica and another one in Bayside. At the Jamaica one, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Park), state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Hollis) and Assemblyman Bill Scarborough (D-Jamaica) listened to peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s concerns. Kathy Williams, a teacher at PS 195 in

Rosedale, criticized the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reliance on standardized tests to determine a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s effectiveness. She also criticized the Common Core ciurriculum as an unachievable goal for many younger students. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make Common Core something thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s achievable for children and that youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re not teaching a second-grader to read â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;To Kill a Mockingbird,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? she said. Williams and Velazquez also called on the governor to pony up the $2.2 billion the state was ordered to give the city after losing the Campaign for Fiscal Equity lawsuit in 2006 â&#x20AC;&#x201D; which successfully argued that the state underfunded city public school students and denied them their constitutional right to a high school level education. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I think this idea that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been waiting for billions of dollars for kids is disgraceful,â&#x20AC;? Williams said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;But yet we soldier on because as professionals thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s what weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re responsible to do.â&#x20AC;? LeRoy Barr, assistant secretary for the UFT and its co-staff director, said city public school students â&#x20AC;&#x153;didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have the same opportunities as other kids throughout the st at eâ&#x20AC;? b e cau s e t hei r e d ucat ion wa s underfunded. Chris Coliz, a music teacher at PS 65, warned that if programs such as the one he teaches are cut, children would not have anyone to tur n to with their personal problems. Coliz told the story of a fifth-grade student who felt more comfortable talking about his love life to him than to his math and social studies teachers. He said he was continued on page 31

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Queens College is site of vigil for three Chapel Hill shooting victims by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

Queens College student leaders held a brief ceremony on Wednesday to pay tribute to the three Muslim students who were killed in an apartment near the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill last week. Aadil Ilyas, 23, president and founder of Project Sunshine, a nonprofit that offers suppor t to hospitalized children said, “Queens College is a pretty diverse community. We wanted to commemorate the lives of these three individuals.” The victims were second-year dental student Deah Barakat, 23; his wife of just over one month, Yusor Abu-Salha, 21; and her younger sister, Razan Abu-Salha, 19. The big question remains: Were the murders hate crimes or the results of a parking dispute? The suspect, Craig Stephen Hicks, 46, has been charged with murder. An estimated 100 supporters attended the first part of the event, held in the Student Union building. Many belong to one or more of the organizations that were at the ceremony, including Project Sunshine, t he Musli m St udents Associat ion of Queens College, the Council on AmericanIslamic Relations in New York and Amnesty International at Queens College. “Our hope is to preach the same message as the three victims, namely to battle hate

Queens College students watch as a ceremony is held for the victims of the Chapel Hill shootings last week. The brief indoor ceremony was followed by a candlelight vigil on the campus on PHOTO BY MARK LORD Wednesday afternoon. with love and to turn the other cheek,” Ilyas said. “It is possible for all people to live together.” The gathering included several nonMuslim students, among them Charlotte Isaac, a 20-year-old junior, who said, “It’s important when the community is in a time

of need that we all pull together. We all live here. We all have something to share.” Students at the college, Isaac added, are lucky to live an “elegantly simple coexistence,” with many of the clubs working together to create dialogues among the diverse student population.

Nehama Schwartz, 21, agreed, saying she attended the vigil because “everyone can use support. You can always learn from each other. We’re not living in a vacuum.” Fatima Malik, 21, a senior who earlier this semester founded the campus’s branch of Amnesty International, said, “The students in North Carolina left such an amazing legacy behind. It is really important for people to hear their story.” Among the guest speakers were Ali Mermer, who described himself as the college’s Muslim advisor. He said the gathering was “not to condemn a person. We are not here to cultivate hatred, we are here to remind each other of the tragic conseq u e n c e s of h a t e. H a t e d o e s n’t discriminate.” As Khalil Noory, president of the Muslim Student Association, spoke, an autograph book was circulated among those in attendance, a memento to be presented to the family of the victims. “We must strive to make America safe for all,” Noory said. Repeatedly referring to the victims as “our three winners,” he explained afterward that the designation indicates that “we’re proud of what these individuals gave up and sacrificed.” Following the indoor ceremony, a candlelight vigil was held on the campus quad. Q

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Student leaders honor slain Muslims

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Focusing on health, via black history McCray touts openness on mental health at DOHMH celebration in LIC by Cristina Schreil Associate Editor

It began with a poem. “I’m th roug h wait i ng for m i nd s to change, / the 60’s didn’t put me on a throne / and as many years as I’ve been / Black like ebony / Black like the night / I have seen in the mirror / and the eyes of my sisters / that pretty is the woman in darkness / who flowers with loving,” read Mary Bassett, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, as the poet herself — New York City First Lady Chirlane McCray — stood alongside her. McCray and Bassett spoke before the department’s celebration of Black History Month at Gotham Center in Long Island City Tuesday morning. The event united some of the department’s 6,000 employees. “Health is a resource for a fully realized life, one that includes poetry, music, song,” Bassett said. She added that self-esteem is a key part of having good mental health. Following the event, which included a screening of the documentary “The Changing Face of Harlem,” Bassett said she chose McCray’s poem because she felt it touched upon the struggles of African Americans in having a recognized personal value. McCray said that out of the Black History Month events she’s attended, this one was

Chirlane McCray, the wife of Mayor de Blasio, met with some employees from the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Tuesday morning as part of the agency’s Black History Month PHOTO BY CRISTINA SCHREIL celebration. McCray spoke before the event. “the most important one I’ve ever done.” “If there’s one thing I’ve learned as a parent, it’s that our children start learning from the moment they enter this world,” McCray said. She also shared how her interest in mental health comes from the experiences of her

family, beginning with describing how her great-grandmother, Luisa Parris Edwards, an immigrant from Barbados, endured hardships upon moving to New Hampshire. Later on, McCray’s mother worked in an electronics factory and her father, whose passion was music, worked at a military base.

“They were always working, they were landlords on the weekends,” McCray said. “These achievements were all the more impressive when you consider the fact that at times, both of my parents, at times, suffered from depression in addition to all of that. I often wonder how much happier their lives might have been if they lived in a world where people were encouraged to talk about mental health and encouraged to seek help for it.” She said a recent DOHMH study looked at serious psychological distress and broke down results by race; it found that African Americans in distress are significantly less likely than white New Yorkers to have received mental health treatment in the past year, adding that many other ethnic groups don’t get help, either. McCray’s speech at the event came on the heels of last month’s announcement that she and Mayor de Blasio plan to create a road map toward a more inclusive and better coordinated public health system, which she said will bring resources to every community. Following the event, Bassett said a new children and families division in the department is a big step in that direction. “What happens in early childhood is truly critical to preparing people [for] their lives Q across adulthood,” she said.

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DOE unveils new discipline policies Department officials laud proposals, educators are skeptical about them by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The city Department of Education announced a set of proposals last Friday that would make it tougher for principals to suspend st udents for misbehavior. The DOE says the proposals seek to eliminate a reliance on suspension to address behavioral issues —a policy that the department says has adversely affected African-American students, who are four times more likely to be suspended than other students. “No parent should have to choose between a school that’s safe for their child and a school where every student is treated fairly,” Mayor de Blasio said in a written statement. The proposed changes would require principals to have authorization from the Office of Safety and Youth Development before suspending any student for “insubordination /defying unlawful authority.” The proposed policy changes will be discussed at a public hearing on March 2 at the High School of Fashion Industries, located at 225 W. 24 St., at 6 p.m. And while DOE officials and city politicians lauded the proposed changes,

two city educators interviewed by the Chronicle believe they can have negative impacts. One assistant principal, who wished to remain anonymous, said requiring principals to gain authorization to suspend students, “limits the tools in our toolbox.” “I think principals need to have autonomy in order to discipline students,” the assistant principal said. The educator agreed that something should be done to decrease the number of suspensions in city public schools, but added that “sometimes suspensions need to go up in order for them to go down.” “We believe suspensions should be a learning experience for the kids,” he said. One Queens teacher, who also wished to remain anonymous, also opposes the proposed changes. “It’s so weak because they’re holding the kids less and less accountable and they’re holding the teacher more and more accountable,” the teacher said. The teacher, who has been in the public school system for more than 15 years, said he has experienced behavioral issues at schools multiple times and

left one school because a student tried to attack him. He added that keeping students who misbehave in the classroom is like “putting a lion that’s starving back in the cage you’re standing in.” Both educators believe the policies might lead to an increase in the number of incidents between misbehaving students and school officials. If the policy is passed, the city would also initiate a program that would provide troubled students in detention with a guidance counselor. The city would also offer parents the opportunity to meet with teachers for 40 minutes once a week to discuss classroom issues. “Our mission is to guide our students to graduate and a new approach to school discipline will improve our students’ chances greatly,” Council Education Committee Chair man Daniel Dromm said. United Federation of Teachers President Michael Mulgrew said, “We support policies that improve the learning environment in our schools, and welcome being part of the new leadership team that will keep tabs on these changes and suggest further improvements if Q needed.”

Chancellor Carmen Fariña announced a set of proposals to FILE PHOTO reform discipline in schools.

Hamilton Beach path cleared of snow, ice Cleanup follows weeks of complaints by Anthony O’Reilly

PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

‘NYPD New’ Some of the newest officers in the NYPD’s 112th Precinct made the rounds of their new beat on Monday with Heidi Chain, right, president of the precinct’s community council. The tour included a stop at the offices of the Queens Chronicle.

Rookie Officers Kevin Nolan, left, Robert Faulkner, Nick Karpf and Ryan Foster graduated fr om the Polic e Ac ademy in December. T hey ar e among six new of f icer s assigned to the precinct.

The Department of Citywide Administrative Services on Wednesday sent a crew to clean the boardwalk in Hamilton Beach, a spokeswoman for the department said in an email. The cleanup of the boardwalk followed weeks of complaints by Hamilton Beach residents who said the cit y’s slow response to clear the path of snow and ice turned it into a treacherous commute for those who utilize it. “Since the first snowstorm we had this year they never cleared it,” resident Glen Ohringer said on Monday. “It’s the safest walk, unfortunately, but you can’t walk on it now.” Ohringer said he uses the boardwalk to get to his home from the A train, but now has to take a longer route home on a street that has no sidewalk. “It’s just not a safe walk because you’re in the st reet,” he said of his new commute. The boardwalk was reconstructed by

the city late last year af ter it was destroyed by Superstorm Sandy. It is the responsibility of the DCAS. Ohringer added that he one night almost slipped on the cement boardwalk. Roger Gendron, president of the New Hamilton Beach Civic Association, said a lack of snow removal is a common theme throughout his community. “It’s one of the biggest issues we have in Hamilton Beach,” Gendron said, adding that several side streets throughout the community have been neglected by the city. He also said that he has seen city workers using a small snow plow to clean up other pedestrian bridges in the Howard Beach area and wondered why that could not be done for the boardwalk. “If they have something that is that small, why can’t they come down there and plow it?” he said. Gendron and Ohringer both said they have not heard of anyone being injured by slipping on the boardwalk while it was Q covered by snow and ice.

SQ page 19

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Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

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Speaker takes Qns. pols on trip to Israel To tour country, meet with officials Associate Editor

City Council Speaker Melissa MarkViverito (D-Manhattan) and 14 other Council members, including four from Queens, traveled to Israel on Sunday to meet with elected officials and tour the country in an effort to strengthen the city’s ties to the state. “New York City and Israel share many cultural, business and educational ties and this trip with members of the Council will help strengthen them,” Mark-Viverito said in a statement. Her travel companions include City Councilmembers Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park), Antonio Reynoso (Brooklyn, Queens), Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) a nd Cou ncil Major it y Leader Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside). The trip is being paid for by the Jewish Community Relations Council of New York and the UJA-Federation of New York. The 15-member group will meet with a number of Israeli elected officials,

including President Reuven Rivlin, Jerusalem city council members, several Israeli mayors and the nation’s deputy minister of foreign affairs. They will also meet with the editori n- ch ief of t he Jew ish news pap e r Haaretz. The tour will take them across the country, including Jerusalem and the cities of Sderot, Yad Vashem and Masada. They will also stop at tourist attractions such as the Wailing, or Western, Wall, the Dead Sea and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem — believed to be the site where Jesus was born. “New York City has a strong relationship with Israel — America’s only democratic ally in the Middle East,” Ulrich said in an emailed statement about the trip. “This is my second trip to Israel with the Council and I’m looking forward to meeting with government officials, business leaders, and touring the country’s many historic sites.” The Council members are due back in Q the city on Tuesday.

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Workin’ on the railroad Construction crews and their equipment filled the Manhattan-bound platform of the Woodhaven Boulevard stop along the Queens Boulevard section of the E, F, M and R lines on Monday. The work is part of the Metropolitan

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Esposito email

“It is also a fact that the 3 candidates mentioned last Tuesday night and the 2 candidates that have not been chosen have yet to receive a letter stating such,” he said. “In other words, the 3 chosen candidates have not been told officially they are chosen and the 2 losing candidates have not been told they are not chosen. I believe this is an attempt to have the board taken hostage and forced to accept a candidate that did not muster enough votes from the onset.” CB 9 has been seeking a new district manager since Carey left the position last yea r follow i ng months of t u r moil between her and some board members over questions of her job performance. Q

continued from page 6 “Be aware that people have hidden agendas and watch how people have ma n ipu lated , been ma n ipu lated or manipulated others on this board in order to make this very political,” he said. “But I refuse to allow anyone to hijack or inf luence this board without the full board knowing that their is underlying reasons for what is happening right now.” Esposito also claims the five candidates have not been informed of where they stand in the search process.

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 20

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Vallone affirms yes vote on ban, Ulrich says he’s against by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) on Tuesday trotted away from a statement he made the previous day that stated he would support a compromise on a bill that would ban all horse-drawn carriages across the five boroughs. “While reaching a compromise would be ideal, if it came down to an all-or-nothing decision I would ultimately side with NYCLASS and support the bill,” Vallone said in a statement. Vallone, who did not specify what that compromise would entail, was unavailable for further comments on his statement regarding the carriage ban. The councilman had earlier said that he would like to place regulations on the horse carriage industry rather than ban it all together from city streets. Vallone joins Queens Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights), the bill’s main sponsor, as one of the borough politicians supporting the animal rights advocacy group New Yorkers for Clean, Livable & Safe Streets in pushing for the ban. In other news, one Queens official has come out of the gate entirely opposed to the bill. Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) in a flyer sent out to his constituents said he would vote against the ban.

Paul Vallone’s stance on the proposed horse-drawn carriage ban is far from thoroughbred. The Bayside councilman on Tuesday said he would call for a compromise between NYCLASS and the carriage drivers, but on Wednesday issued another statement affirming his support for the ban. FILE PHOTO Meanwhile, Councilman Eric Ulrich has said he will not vote for the ban. “I cannot, in good conscience, vote for any legislation that would deny hardworking people a chance to earn a decent living,”

Ulrich said. “Surely, there are more important issues facing our city right now that Q require our attention.”

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Pol changes mind on carriages

Hit-and-run perp indicted The truck driver who allegedly backed his truck into a Sikh man and dragged him through Ozone Park after calling the man “Osama” was indicted by a grand jury on Wednesday, Queens District Attor ney Richard Brown announced. “The defendant is accused of an unprovoked attack that allegedly began with the defendant driving by the victim and his friends and calling him a terrorist and ordering him to leave the country,” Brown said in a statement. “After an exchange of words, the defendant allegedly struck the victim intentionally with his vehicle and dragged him along the street.” Joseph Caleca, of Setauket, LI, allegedly ran over Sandeep Singh just after midnight on July 30, 2014. Caleca allegedly drove away from the incident and evaded authorities for weeks before being caught weeks later by authorities. Hu nd reds of Sik hs th roughout Queens called for justice following the incident, holding a rally in Ozone Park with elected officials and representatives from the Sikh community. Caleca is due back in court on April Q 22, Brown said.

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JHS 216 wags its finger to unhealthy living

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 22

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PHOT BY AMY RIO

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PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA

PHOTO BY AMY RIO

NBA All-Star; Mutombo shows off his signature finger wag, something he did every time he blocked an opponent’s shot; making a shot meant you got a high-five from the legendary center; Muresan helps show a student how to properly dribble a ball; the two giants and the approximately 80 students wave to the camera; and Mutombo wants the children to give a wag of their finger to unhealthy living.

PHOTO BY AMY RIO

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Former NBA centers Dikembe Mutombo, a nominee for this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class, and Gheorge Muresan held a hoops clinic at JHS 216 in Fresh Meadows as part of the league’s Fit Friday movement last week. Clockwise from top right: Mutombo lifts a student up so he can throw down a slam dunk; a group of JHS 216 girls pose for a photograph with the towering eight-time

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Students learn basketball, healthy living skills from Dikembe Mutombo by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo wants JHS 216 students to give a wag of their finger to unhealthy lifestyles. Mutombo and fellow former pro baller Gheorghe Muresan helped cut the ribbon last Friday on the Fresh Meadows school’s new basketball court, paid for by the NBA, as part of the league’s season-long effort to educate one million New York City child ren about the importance of staying fit. Ahead of the NBA All-Star Game played at Madison Square Garden last Sunday, dozens of professional players, coaches and retired legends helped put on 20 basketball clinics per borough as part of NBA Fit Friday. But JHS 216 was the only one of t wo Queens schools to have its basketball court renovated on the NBA’s dime. “It looks beautiful, doesn’t it?” principal Reginald Landeau said. “It’s wonderful for the school, the students and the community.” A group of approximately 80 students, made up of the school’s

boys and girls basketball teams and one class each from the sixth, seventh and eighth grades, took part in the clinic, which began with a ribbon cutting and continued with various skills stations. A nominee for this year’s Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class, Mutombo ran the shooting drills, high-fiving and hugging students who made shots from the elbow. Muresan, the tallest player to ever play in the NBA at 7 feet, 7 inches, helped coordinate a dribbling station and a handful of coaches organized footwork and passing drills. A native of the Democratic Republic of the Congo who didn’t play organized basketball until his sophomore year at Georgetown, Mutombo said he was so happy to impart some of his unique knowledge about the ga me to the school’s young minds. “For someone who didn’t play basketball at their age,” Mutombo said, “I’m always full of joy when I know I can share my experience, skill, talents and knowledge of the game to the young people.”

Famous for his signature finger wag after blocking an opponent’s shot, the eight-time NBA All Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year said he was happy to entertain the Queens students because the physical fitness initiative is one that’s close to his heart. “I’m happy to see the NBA and all its partners joining forces to find a way to teach them about healthy lifestyles,” said Mutombo, a noted humanitarian and builder of hospitals in west-central Africa. “Our kids are not as active as we were back in the day. That’s the reason you see such an increase in diabetes, heart problems and obesity in young people.” According to Landeau, the NBA informed him in November the school had been preselected to apply to receive a new court. After informing the league of his interest, he was contacted in January and informed the NBA, along with State Farm, would spend $50,000 to resurface the court and install padding behind the freshly polished backboard. But the principal said it’s not just the shiny new court or new

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

NBA icon christens new JHS 216 hoops court

NBA legend Dikembe Mutombo puts on a skills clinic for JHS 216 students in Fresh Meadows as part of the association’s Fit Friday ahead of last weekend’s All-Star Game. The NBA also paid for the resurfacing and renovation of the PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA school’s basketball court. basketballs that will remain with the school after the excitement of the NBA’s visit to Fresh Meadows wears off. The message of staying active and healthy will resonate with his students and staff in the

future as well. “Having NBA Fit here, we had an opportunity to get some ideas on how to run fitness programs in this school,” he said. “We got Q some great ideas.”

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Dental care coming to public schools Letitia James, NYU join forces to bring mobile clinics back to the city by Anthony Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly Associate Editor

City public school students will soon have something to smile about. Public Advocate Letitia James stood outside PS 254, located at 84-40 101 St. in Richmond Hill, last Thursday to announce the launch of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Give the Kids a Smileâ&#x20AC;? initiative, which will provide students across the city with complimentary dental screenings carried out by the New York University College of Dentistry. â&#x20AC;&#x153;A number of doctors and dentists have reached out to my office to indicate that the oral needs of children has, unfortunately, reached an all-time high,â&#x20AC;? James said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unfortunately a number of them canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get appointments.â&#x20AC;? In an effort to increase the number of children who are able to get dental care, James is identifying one school in each borough that NYU will send a mobile office to provide free checkups. James was given a tour of the van prior to the kickoff. It is equipped with one dentistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s chair, complete with all the necessary tools and an X-ray machine. A worker inside the van told the public advocate that children are given checkups regardless of whether or not they have healthcare coverage. After the tour, James stood with PS 254 students who were handed free dental supplies before posing for a picture in front of the van where their checkups would be conducted. According to the collegeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website, the van, part of the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;Smiling Faces, Going Placesâ&#x20AC;? program, travels

around the city and passes out free supplies such as toothpaste and toothbruses in addition to conducting the checkups. More than 3,000 people have received the complimentary care since September 2012, the college states. James, speaking to reporters, said some city public schools had dental clinics but that they were cut during the Bloomberg administration. Bloomberg in 2009 presented the plan to close 44 clinics across the city, which primarily served poorer neighborhoods, in an effort to save money during the recession. The clinics shut down later that year despite opposition from City Council members, including James, who at the time was representing parts of Brooklyn, and dentists across the five boroughs who feared underserved children would be unable to access dental care. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were unsuccesful in keeping them open,â&#x20AC;? James said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He closed all of them.â&#x20AC;? But after several calls from dentists and doctors who said childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs were being neglected, James decided it was time to start a new program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And so what we wanted to do was join with NYU dental school to expand this program,â&#x20AC;? she said. James in the coming weeks will announce where the van will be placed in the other four boroughs. The advocate added she will work to reopen clinics in some public schools across the city. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We look forward in this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget to opening the Q dental clinics in schools,â&#x20AC;? she said.

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How to make your child’s school lunch healthier The benefits of a healthy diet are clear and well documented. In addition to providing the nutrients a growing body needs, consuming a balanced diet helps children maintain a healthy weight. Obesit y continues to be a growing problem among schoolaged children and can contribute to the onset of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol and many other adverse medical conditions. Children attending school will eat at least one meal away from home each day. A healthy lunch provides sound nutrition to give students energy to do well in school and for the rest of the day. Children who do not eat well at lunch may have difficulty concentrating, while others may feel sluggish or tired. As part of the 2010 Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, the United States National School Lunch Program was revised to guarantee healthy, nutritionally sound choices, as established by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, for lunch. America’s school menus were altered to be healthier than ever, including more fruits and

vegetables while limiting calories. Despite some controversy through the years, including some students saying the smaller portions and food choices aren’t always satisfying, states suffering from high child obesity rates have seen marked improvements. Whether students purchase lunch from school or bring lunch from home, there are ways to guarantee a more diverse offering and better nutrition. Here are some guidelines to follow. • Offer nutrient-dense foods. Foods should contribute to the daily recommended amounts of protein, iron, calcium, vitamin A and vitamin C. Provide a selection of foods, such as lean protein, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables, that will give children the nutrients they need. Nutrient-dense foods also help kids feel fuller, longer. • Limit fat intake. Avoid foods that do not get their fat from polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Saturated fats can lead to obesity and clogged arteries. The American Heart Association recommends kids get no more than 25 to 35 percent of their calories

from fat. Fish, nuts and olives are healthy fat sources. • Let kids choose some of their food. Allow kids to pick some of the healthy foods they will be eating. Giving kids a say in their diets will make them more likely to enjoy their lunches and cut back on snack foods. Eating meals regularly will keep energy levels up during school and make kids less likely to reach for unhealthy snacks to fill hunger gaps. • Make small changes that add up. Switching from white bread to whole grain breads, and opting for low-fat dairy products instead of full-fat dairy products can make a world of difference. Kids may not notice a change in texture or flavor, and many of kids’ favorite foods, such as chicken nuggets, pizza and macaroni and cheese, can be made with healthier ingredients. • Remember, beverages count, too. Giving children a healthy lunch and then packing a sugarfilled, high-calorie drink negates your efforts. Calories from beverages can quickly add up. Water is always the best option for a healthy drink. Low-fat milk and real fruit

This school lunch can be made more healthy by swapping the white bread with whole grain-bread and choosing low-fat milk over a sugary juice pouch. juice consumed in moderation also make healthy alternatives to sugary beverages. Offering healthy school lunches is an important step to raising

healthy kids. New guidelines and offerings make it easier for kids to get the nutrition they need for their Q growing bodies. — Metro Creative Connection

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February is National Children’s Dental Health Month

Quality service. No referrals for network providers. And with some of the top dental providers in the area, Fidelis Care’s youngest members have a lot to smile about. To learn more about applying for health insurance including Child Health Plus and Medicaid through NY State of Health, the Official Health Plan Marketplace, visit www.nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

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Dr. Friedman spends quality time with his family in Florida thanks to his pacemaker that is PHOTO COURTESY BRANDPOINT FDA-approved for use in an MRI environment.

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The human heart is incredible: It pumps 2 ounces of blood in every heartbeat, totaling at least 2,500 gallons daily. It has its own electrical pulse and beats 100,000 times a day. Yet, unless there’s something wrong with yours, you probably don’t give your heart a second thought from day-to-day. Perhaps no one understands this better than Dr. Lee Friedman, a radiologist from St. Petersburg, Florida. When he was told he needed a pacemaker, Friedman realized his heart condition might require him to quit his job, because historically pacemakers weren’t approved for use with an MRI — a common tool used by radiologists. Friedman’s job meant he was surrounded by MRI machines every day. He was also concerned he would not be able to get an MRI himself if he needed one in the future. Fortunately, after asking his doctor many questions, Friedman learned that a Medtronic pacemaker with SureScan technology had received FDA approval for use in an MRI environment. He got the facts, made the treatment decision that was right for him and was able to keep his job. Today he works closely with his physician to ensure his heart stays healthy. Understanding heart health and options for treatment can directly affect your quality of life today — and in the future. Consider these five important heart facts and how they might save your life: 1. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the U.S. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S., causing one in four deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. This is higher than cancer, diabetes, stroke and accidents. It’s important to ask your doctor about risk factors and what you can do to keep your heart healthy, including exercising and maintaining a proper weight. 2. Exercising is one of the best ways to boost heart health. If you want to cut your risks of heart disease it’s best to start a regular exercise routine. The Mayo Clinic recommends exercising for 30 minutes on most days of the week. This helps to reduce your chances of developing conditions that strain the heart, like high blood

pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. If you can’t exercise 30 minutes at one time, break it up into three, 10-minute-sessions throughout the day. 3. One in three American adults has high blood pressure. A woman’s heart beats about 78 times per minute, while the male heart beats about 70 beats per minute. This creates blood pressure, the force of blood against artery walls, which can change throughout the day depending on what you’re doing or how you are feeling. If it’s high for too long, it can pose serious health risks. One in three American adults, or 67 million people, have high blood pressure, according to the CDC. A physician can easily diagnose high blood pressure and determine a treatment plan, so it’s important to talk about testing at your next annual exam. 4. More Americans are needing pacemakers; access to an MRI is important. You may not think you’ll ever need a pacemaker, but statistics show that the number of people getting them is on the rise. The likelihood of needing a pacemaker increases with age; however, numerous conditions might require you to get a pacemaker earlier in life. If you are diagnosed with a slow heartbeat — also known as bradycardia — you may need a pacemaker. Between 50 and 75 percent of people with pacemakers may need to undergo MRI scans at some point in their lives, so pacemakers that are MRIcompatible may be a wise choice. 5. Treating a heart attack within an hour improves survival odds. Heart attack survival rates increase by 23 percent if you get treatment within three hours and by 50 percent if you get treatment within an hour, according to the American Heart Association. One of the biggest issues about a heart attack, which can happen to a person at any age, is that the symptoms aren’t always obvious. Learning the symptoms and taking immediate action is key: symptoms include shortness of breath, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea, stomach pain and chest discomfort. Ask your doctor about more often-ignored symptoms. For additional information about MRI and Q pacemakers visit mypacemaker.com. — Brandpoint

SQ page 29

Brush up on dental care Fidelis Care offers tips for good oral health Water is the only liquid that should be given at or before bedtime. • Children should eat healthy foods with protein, calcium and vitamins A, C and D. • Choose “teeth-friendly” snacks such as cheese, raw vegetables, plain yogurt and fruit. Avoid sugary snacks. • Soda can damage teeth. If children do drink soda, have them use a straw to avoid contact with teeth. Be sure they rinse with water afterward to wash away any sugar that can produce acid. • Avoid frequent snacking or sipping. When you steadily snack or sip sodas, bacteria produce more acids that attack your teeth and wear them down.

Brushing and flossing • Starting with the first tooth, parents can use a soft cloth, or brush, and water for baby teeth. There are also nonfluoride starter toothpastes that are safe for infants. • Fluoride toothpaste can be used after age 2. Parents can brush children’s teeth and begin to teach good habits, including flossing, until children can Visiting the dentist brush and floss on their own. • All children should have at least one visit to • Brush at least twice a day to remove plaque. the dentist every year. Remember to clean along the gum line. • Children can begin checkups at the first •Floss daily. It cleans spaces between teeth that To promote National Children’s toothbrushes can’t reach. Dental Health Month, Fidelis tooth, but no later than age 1. • Ask your child’s dentist about fluoride var• Replace toothbrushes every three to four Care offers tips to keep your nish or sealant for extra teeth protection. months. Once the bristles wear out or spread, it’s child’s teeth healthy and strong. Children are most likely to be seen regularly by time for a new toothbrush. Use a brush with a COURTESY PHOTO a dentist when they have health insurance. Almost small head that can easily get to all of the back teeth. The bristles should be soft, so they won’t hurt gum tissue and all children up to age 19 in New York State qualify for free or lowcan bend to get into hard-to-reach places between teeth and under cost health insurance through the State-sponsored program Child Health Plus, offered by Fidelis Care. Routine, preventive and emerthe gum line. gency dental care are covered benefits when seeking care from a qualified participating dental services provider. Eating healthy foods For more information or to apply for enrollment throughout the • Don’t give toddlers juice or sugary liquids in bottles or sippy cups Q at bedtime. Sugars can stay on the teeth overnight and cause decay. year, call 1 (888) FIDELIS (343-3547) or visit fideliscare.org.

Fidelis Care offers quality, affordable coverage for children and adults of all ages and at all stages of life. Visit any of their offices for more information. Flushing Community Office: 36-36 Main St., Suite 2SB, Flushing, NY 11354, (718) 896-4511 Ridgewood Community Office: 1674 Putnam Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385, (718) 896-2694 Bronx Community Office: 815 East Tremont Ave., Bron x, N Y 10460, (718) 896-2531 Chinatown Community Office: 168 Canal St., Suite 308, New York, NY 10013, (212) 226-6157 Inwood Community Office: 10002 Post Ave., New York, NY 10034, (212) 942-3111 Patchogue Community Office: 232 E a s t M a i n St ., Su it e D, Patchogue, NY 11772, (631) 4757200 Sunset Park Community Office: 837 58th St., 4th Floor, Brooklyn, NY 11220, (718) 633-5308 Westbury Community Office: 180 Post Ave., Westbury, NY 11590, Q (516) 334-6588

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 30

SQ page 30

Former NBA star talks about bullies Kenny Anderson of Jamaica, Molloy HS grad, mentors kids at JHS 8 by Michael Gannon Editor

Long before he went to the National Basketball Association, Kenny Anderson plied his talents on the courts of Queens. On Thursday, the former firstround pick of the then-New Jersey Nets had a sort of homecoming with other former players to talk about bullying at the Richard Grossley Middle School on 167th Street in Jamaica. “This was my neighborhood,” Anderson said. “I used to play basketball in the park out behind the school. My sister would bring me there when I was 6, and if one of the big boys tried to take the ball away from me she would say, ‘You leave him alone!’” Joining Anderson were former NBA players Eric Williams and God Shammgod, both of whom shared their experiences growing up with bullies in rough neighborhoods. Also on the JHS 8 dais were state Sen. Leroy Comrie (D-Hollis) and Jarrod Green of Pass the Roc, a basketball clothing line.

“I was bullied, and I was a bully,” Anderson said. “My mom was a single parent. There were drugs and crime in my neighborhood. We were evicted once. But that’s no excuse.” Williams, who played with the Boston Celtics and San Antonio Spurs, said he was made fun of because of his large front teeth. “And when people laughed at the jokes, I would laugh too, and louder than anybody,” he said. “Then it would stop.” Williams and Anderson told the students that once one gets through a bully’s outer shell, he or she will often find a person with problems and insecurities of his or her own. “Hur t people hur t people,” Anderson said. Williams said things are different today than when he was in school in a very important respect. “Nowadays, you don’t have to get into a physical fight,” he said. “Unfortunately, a lot of kids today lack the skills to defuse a situation.” He and Anderson said that if they are being bullied, they should seek out a parent, teacher or counselor.

“You’re not being a problem,” Williams said. “You’re not being a snitch. You’re being a person who doesn’t want to be bullied.” “Find someone you can trust,” Anderson said. “Be careful. Don’t go to someone with a hidden agenda.” Anderson said he found his mentor, Vincent Smith, after his mother moved the family to LeFrak City. His mother, he said, always was his inspiration. “I got tired of watching my mom struggle,” Anderson told the group. “I knew my basketball skills were my way out. ... My mom was the one who always told me to pay it forward. Then too, he realized that he had to do well in the classroom. He later was able to get into Archbishop Molloy, where he garnered every national accolade a high school hoop star can receive. He then went to Georgia Tech for two years before being selected by the Nets with the second pick overall in the 1991 NBA draft. But he reminded the children that he did not neglect his education.

“I retired when I was 35,” he said. “What could I do now? ... I went back to college and finished my bachelor’s degree.” Com rie, who also comes from the neighborhood, said he was routinely bullied because of his weight, but with an unusual twist. “I was the heaviest kid in the class, but I was also the biggest,” he Former NBA all-star Kenny Anderson signs an said. “Sometimes small- autograph for a young fan at the Richard S. Grossley er kids would do some- Middle School Campus on Thursday. Anderson thing just to see what it and ex-NBA players Eric Williams and God would take for me to hit Shammgod talked to the children about how to them. And in that situa- handle bullies. PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON tion, the bigger kid that children are sometimes better always gets in trouble for fighting.” As for paying it forward, Ander- able to reflect on his words than the son believes coming back to the exact ones said by a teacher 100 school — “This would have been times. “Sometimes inner-city kids need my zone school if we hadn’t moved to LeFrak City” — is exactly what to hear it from someone who’s been through their struggles, who has his mother had in mind. While praising authority figures struggled and succeeded,” he said. such as teachers, principals and “Sometimes their teacher might not Q police officers, Anderson believes be of the same fabric.”

IDC presents plan to assist seniors by Liz Rhoades

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Managing Editor

The renegade Independent Democratic Conference in Albany has come up with a six-point plan it says would make New York more affordable for seniors. The five lawmakers call for a new senior “utility circuit breaker” refund program, the creation of a utility consumer advocate and ways to counteract the affordable housing crisis for seniors, among other issues. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside), who joined the maverick group last year, said in an interview with the Queens Chronicle last week that he thinks the proposals have a good chance of being approved this session. “These items are necessary,” Avella said. “And seniors vote, so I especially think the plan to lower Department of Motor Vehicle costs for seniors has a very good chance of passage.” Last February, Avella joined the IDC, a group of five lawmakers who combined with the minority Republicans to prevent Democrats from leading the Senate and, they said, to stop the legislative logjam in the body. Since that time, the Republicans have become the majority in Albany and the IDC has lost some of its strength. But in regard to the senior proposals, Avella says the IDC members still have a working relationship with the Republican majority. “We should all be working together for good ideas,” he said.

Would help reduce their expenses One of the IDC initiatives calls for creating a $40 million state fund for new senior housing. It would provide capital funding through grants to developers who want to build housing for those over 62 with moderate incomes. Avella said the $40 million would be enough to get the plan going and interested developers could also apply for federal funds through the existing Section 202 program. Another proposal would expand the Naturally Occurring Retirement Communities program by allocating an additional $5 million to two NORC initiatives. That plan, the IDC says, “will drastically increase the number of seniors who have the support they need to remain in their own homes” and ensure that nonprofits have access to the funding they need to provide housing, health and human services. Avella said it’s important to keep seniors in the neighborhoods they live in and are comfortable in. Another proposed program calls for creating a tax credit up to $7,500 directly to seniors for necessar y repairs to their homes. It would be funded at a cost of $5 million and made available in 2016, to take advantage of the next cycle of tax filing. Avella said legislators have been talking about this type of program for a long time.

“Many seniors are house-rich and cashpoor,” he said. “This would address that.” As part of the repair funding plan, the IDC wants to expand an existing program called RESTORE, for residential emergency services to offer repairs to the elderly, which helps low- and moderate-income seniors pay for expensive and necessary repairs in their homes. The utility circuit breaker plan addresses the rising cost of utilities. It would provide a senior household with relief equal to half of its expenses above a 7 percent threshold. It would cover electricity, gas, heating, water and sewer, internet and telephone charges. “This would have a huge impact on seniors because bills keep going up,” Avella said. “I think it’s feasible.” The utility consumer advocate proposal is already outlined in a bill by Sen. Diane Savino (D-Staten Island, Brooklyn). It calls for the creation of a statewide advocate for the public who would be “an independent voice at the table when regulated utilities ask for rate increases.” Finally, the IDC wants a 10 percent senior discount at the DMV for registering or reregistering cars on a regular eight-year cycle. Avella is particularly hopeful that proposal will become law.

According to statistics provided by the IDC, the population of New Yorkers age 65 and older is estimated at 2.9 million and by 2040 it is expected to rise to 4.6 million. In New York City, 22 percent of seniors live at or below the federal poverty line, even counting Social Security. “We have a responsibility to the generations that have come before us to lay a foundation of financial security and provide them the opportunity to thrive in their golden years,” said IDC leader Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx, Westchester) in a prepared statement. The proposals have been endorsed by AARP in New York, LiveOn NY, the Association on Aging in New York and the NY StateWide Senior Action Council. Laura Cameron, executive director of the Association on Aging in New York, said in a prepared statement that the demand for services will continue to escalate, “fueled by a growing senior population, and we support initiatives that make it possible for more older residents to remain in their homes ...” In order to determine the financial hardships being faced by elderly New Yorkers, the IDC also announced its launching of a short and anonymous survey that will let seniors throughout the state show their rising expenses. To access the question naire, go to Q IDCinvestny.com.

SQ page 31

Oral arguments for shelter suit

continued from page 14 the same as a student. “If I didn’t have these educators in my life, I wouldn’t be here today,” he said. Coliz also said the music education programs he took as a student helped him and many of his friends become the musicians they are today. Lamar Hughes, a member of the UFT who emceed last week’s rally, slammed what he called the governor’s one-sizefits-all education policy. “One test or one evaluation cannot apply for everyone,” Hughes said. The teachers also criticized Cuomo for suggesting that educators whose students per for m poorly on state exams be deemed ineffective. After it was brought up that Cuomo failed his bar exam — the test all lawyers are required to take before being allowed to practice — one parent wondered if the same standard applied to those who taught the gover nor at Albany Law School. “I just want to know if his law professors are ineffective because he failed the bar exam,” the frustrated parent said. As the speakers expressed their concerns, the three elected officials up front listened and applauded after each one. When it was their time to speak, the politicians urged those gathered there to get more involved with lobbying state

The legal proceedings between the Glendale/Middle Village Coalition and the Department of Homeless Services are set to begin in earnest this spring, coalition member Dawn Scala said at last Wednesday’s Community Board 5 meeting. Oral arguments have been scheduled for April 8, when the group will argue the city’s environmental study regarding the proposed 125-family homeless shelter at 78-16 Cooper Ave. in Glendale was too hastily done to have been conducted properly. The Glendale/Middle Village Coalition

officials for better education funding. Comrie said groups representing the interests of charter schools have already been lobbying upstate. “Every day that we’ve been in session we’ve been bombarded by the other side,” he said. “Monday and Tuesday there were charter school groups in Albany in droves. The other side is not wasting time and they’re certainly not wasting money in trying to lobby their side.” He said he wants people in his district to head to the Capitol. “I want to encourage you to come to Albany,” he said. Sca r b orou g h s a id t he f ig ht for improved education will “affect our children for decades.” “We need you to stand for us,” he said. Gold feder also u rged i nc rea sed involvement from Queens parents and educators. “We need you involved,” he said. “If we don’t step up now, we’re going to lose our future.” Goldfeder also said many of his colleagues in Albany no longer fight to represent the students in their district. “Some people go up to Albany and forget that every child deserves an education,” he said. “Some people and go up there and forget about the children in Q their district.”

filed an Article 78 lawsuit against the city in November. If the community association wins the case, the negative declaration DHS issued concerning potential environmental impacts at the former factory site would be rendered null and void. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) said at CB 5 that he was scheduling a meeting with the Mayor’s Office regarding alternative uses for the shelter site, and that he would no longer refer to it as a proposed shelter in the future. “I will not talk about it as a proposed homeless shelter again,” Addabbo said. Q

Elmhurst woman charged in FL An Elmhurst native-turned Florida resident may never step foot on one of the Sunshine State’s famous beaches ever again after allegedly taking part in a brutal triple-homicide. According to reports, 36-year-old Dora Delgado was charged with one count of attempted murder and Christopher Duncan was charged with three counts of first-degree murder after they allegedly shot three people to death and wounded a fourth in a drug-related incident inside a Moon Lake, Fla. mobile home on Feb. 9. The Pasco County Sheriff’s Office

issued a warning last week that the pair may be fleeing to Queens, but they were arrested nearly 200 miles north of the central Florida crime scene in the parking lot of a Jacksonville marketplace last Friday. Their victims were identif ied as 42-year-old Shane Newland, 44-year-old Louis Lunceford and 25-year-old Justin Huckeby. The identity of the fourth victim, a female who suffered serious injuries that were not considered life-threatening, was Q not released by police.

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Cuomo blasted at UFT rally

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Borough President Melinda Katz addresses Community Board 6, of which she is a constituent, during last Wednesday’s monthly meeting. The Queens beep discussed matters ranging from the PHOTO BY DOMENICK RAFTER Queens Library scandal to rapid bus transit.

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She’s not only the borough president, she’s also a constituent. Melinda Katz paid a visit to her own community board, CB 6, last Wednesday night to tout her first year in office and answer board members’ questions. Katz, who grew up and still lives in Forest Hills, brought up an area concern that had been discussed at the meeting — the state of the Rego Park library. The current branch of the library was built after a massive fire destroyed the original 1956 library across the street — at the current location of the Shalimar Diner. The branch was renovated in 1989, but has outgrown its size, residents say. Katz acknowledged that space is an issue for that particular library branch, adding that Councilwoman Karen Koslowitz (D-Forest Hills) brings it up to her “almost every day.” “Although the administration of that library runs it pretty well, there’s not a lot of space there,” Katz said. “It’s just been so long and we’re taking now a real look again on how to move forward.” The borough president noted that issues with the Queens Library have dominated her first year in office. “Many of you know, I’ve had quite a time with the library system,” she said to laughs. Katz unapologetically defended her decision to sack members of the Queens Library’s Board of Trustees who voted against removing embattled CEO Tom Galante over a spending scandal after the state changed the law to allow her to do so. “I went to the state Legislature and said ‘this is the problem, I can appoint half the trustees. The mayor can appoint half the trust-

ees. However, in order to remove someone, you needed a two-thirds vote,’” she explained. “And considering half the board was standing in the way of the comptroller’s audit and of handing over financial documents, two-thirds of the vote wasn’t going to work.” Katz also threw her support behind dedicated bus lanes on Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards. “I think they need something down there,” she said. “Traffic is bad from the Rockaways, they don’t have a ferry anymore. The train takes an hour and a half.” Last summer, the Department of Transportation erected signs on Woodhaven Boulevard in Rego Park and Middle Village that will mark the bus lanes when they are installed. She was more lukewarm on a plan to build bus lanes on Main Street between Jamaica and Flushing, which has met serious opposition from residents in Briarwood and Kew Gardens Hills over the effect it may have on parking on the commercial strip there. “The area is already so packed,” she said. Katz, a former assemblywoman, was also asked her opinion on the scandal that brought down former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, responding to a board member’s concern that politicians “don’t want to talk about it.” “It’s not that no one wants to talk about it, it’s that we’re not sure what to say,” she said. “I think that elected officials would like folks to have faith in the work that they do. I would like folks to have faith in the work that I do. I think that one of the things that’s happening now is there is cleaning up of the folks that are being investigated. How are those investigations going to end up? I have no idea.” Katz was coy when it was suggested she should consider higher office. “Let me say for Q the record, I love this job,” she said.

C M SQ page 33 Y K

February 19, 2015

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

An ancient symbol of togetherness, the moon snags the spotlight at Hwang Gallery in Flushing Cheng’s “Moon in My Heart” collection, which includes more than 15 works. Cheng summons color-rich, textured dreamscapes that dance between realms of the real and unearthly. There is also a contrast between natural, open country landscape and congested cityscape studded with buildings and crisscrossed with ladders, wires and poles. In one piece, “Moon Songs,” a grand landscape in which the looming, golden and ancient moon seems to threaten to swallow a jagged cityscape, the contrast of textures and the rich palette of colors pull viewers in to meditate upon each minute detail. At the exhibit’s reception on Feb. 7, Cheng explained the draw behind highlighting the moon. “The moon, which humans have always gazed upon, is so ordinary and also revered in Asian cultures that using it as a subject was a fun challenge,” he said, with the help of a translator. Continued onpage page37 continued on

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he moon, a longtime symbol of union and reunion by for Asian cultures, pulls tides to and from the shore, Cristina helps people keep track of time and lights the Schreil way at night. But one artist shows the ever-present satellite as humans have seen it for thousands of years: an unfailing source of beauty. Using ink, oil paint, glue, fabric and fishnets, Taiwanese artist Pi-Chou Cheng has crafted unique multimedia tributes to Earth’s nearest neighbor in an exhibition at the nonprofit Hwang Gallery in Flushing, not far from the Main Street subway station. In his first solo exhibition in the United States, Cheng anchors the ever-merging worlds of past and present to the image of the moon, using the luminous orb to elucidate how Chinese culture has changed upon growing Western influence. The juxtaposition of East and West is clear upon each canvas of

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 34

C M SQ page 34 Y K

boro EXHIBITS “The Moon in My Heart,” by Taiwanese Pi-Chou Cheng. The Moon, which symbolizes reunion, is PiChou Cheng's inspiration. Tue.-Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m. thru Feb. 22. Hwang Gallery, 39-10 Main St., Suite 303, Flushing. Info: (212) 225-8400. “Polit-Sheer-Form!” China-based art collective tackles the question of “we” in a “me” world. Galleries 1 and 2 thru March 8 at the Queens Museum, New York City Building, Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Corona. Info: (718) 592-9700, info@ queensmuseum.org. Abstract artist William Mastrogiulio, Austin Ale House. Mastrogiulio’s paintings, on display until March 22, explore harmony and dissonance. Opening reception: Wed., Feb. 25, 6-9 p.m., 82-70 Austin St., Kew Gardens. Free. Info: Vikki Jensen, (908) 578-5005, vikkidroid@gmail.com. “An Aesthetics of Slowness,” works from eight different artists, challenge viewer’s ways of observing and interpreting art. Thurs.–Mon., 11 a.m.–6 p.m. until March 29. Dorsky Gallery Curatorial Programs, 11-03 45 Ave., Long Island City. Info: (718) 937-6317, info@dorsky.org. “Literary Devices,” a collection of literaryinspired sculpture, paintings and more by more than 30 artists. Fisher Landau Center for Art, 38-27 30 St., Long Island City, thru March 15. Info: (718) 937-0727, flcart.org. “Art in the Garden—Paul Lin: Botanical Therapeutic Art.” Paul Lin transforms natural materials such as petals, feathers, twigs and dried leaves into stunning landscapes and portraits. Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, until April 12. Info: (718) 886-3800, queensbotanical.org.

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“Isamu Noguchi, Patent Holder,” featuring inventions and designs created in the years leading up to the 1939 World’s Fair. Dr. M. T. Geoffrey Yeh Art Gallery, St. John’s University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy., Jamaica, thru March 19. Info: stjohns.edu/about/events/isamu-noguchi-patentholder-designing-world-tomorrow.

THEATRE “A Story of Time,” a play written by the Adult Acting Company. Fri., Feb. 20, Sat., Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Sun., Feb. 22, 4 p.m. Black Spectrum Theatre, 177 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica. $15. Tickets/info: (718) 723-1800, blackspectrum.com. “The Sound of Music” by Theatre By The Bay, the community theatre group of Bay Terrace Garden Jewish Center, 13-00 209 St., Bayside, Sat., March 7, 14, 21 at 8:30 p.m. and Sun., March 8, 15, 22 at 3 p.m. Tickets: $22 adults, $20 seniors and children under 12. Info: (718) 428-6363, theatrebythebayny.com.

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

“Fertile Ground,” a new works showcase featuring choreographers, with a post-performance discussion. Green Space Studio, 37-24 24 St., Long Island City, Sun., Feb. 22, 7-9 p.m. $10. Info: Jill Michalsky, jill@ greenspacestudio.org, (718) 956-3037, greenspacestudio.org/FertileGround. html.

Kids Story and Craft afternoon, every Monday, 3:30 p.m., thru March 30. Toddler Time, weekly story time for toddlers with picture books, songs, laughter and learning. Repeats every week on Wed. and Fri. noon, thru Wed., March 25, Auburndale Library, 25-55 Francis Lewis Blvd., Flushing. Info: Marguerita Rowland-Chao, (718) 352-2027, Marguerita.Rowland-Chao@ queenslibrary.org.

MUSIC

Preschool children’s programs: Monday Magic Learn & Play, every Mon., 3-4:30 p.m., Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 Ave., Bayside. Gym and Creative Exploration, every Wed., 3-4:30 p.m. Little Neck Site: 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy. $5 per family. Info: Amanda, (718) 423-6111 x242, ASmith@sfy.org.

Free concert. Queens Symphony Orchestra, featuring Bach and Debussy favorites, Wed., Feb. 25, 7 p.m., All Saints Parish, 85-45 96 St., Woodhaven. Info: (718) 570-0909, queenssymphony.org.

FILM

Engineering Week at NYSCI: Celebrate the importance of engineerAfrican American History Month at Queens Library. “African-American A piece by abstract artist William Mastrogiulio, part of an ing with hands-on activities, demonPHOTO COURTESY AUSTIN ALE HOUSE strations and screenings highlighting Contributions to U.S. Industry,” docu- exhibit at the Austin Ale House. civil, nano and machine engineering. mentary and discussion, “Louis ArmFeb. 16-20, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 strong on Film” and discussion by archivist Ricky St., Corona. $15 adults, $12 seniors/children. Info: Riccardi, Thurs., Feb. 19, 6-7:30 p.m., 118-14 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill. Celebration with Chinese Drama and Folk nysci.org, (718) 699-0005. Songs: Artists will perform works highlighting “Birlesen Gönüller,” (“Two Hearts As One”): styles from both north and south China. Sun., Feb. Friday Night Teen program sponsored by the Newlyweds Niyaz and Cennet are forced to sepa- 22, 2-4 p.m. Flushing Library auditorium, lower Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens. Every Fri., 6-7 p.m. for middle school students and 7-9 p.m. rate when war rears a violent and chaotic head. level, 41-17 Main St., Flushing. for high school students, Maurice A. Fitzgerald P.S. Turkish film screening, Thurs., Feb. 26, 7-8:40 p.m., Kaufman Astoria Movie Theater, 35-30 38 Shopping Expo: Dozens of vendors offering flow- 199, 39-20 48 Ave., Sunnyside. $10 registration St., Astoria. $15. Info: Anne, (718) 482-8263, ers, electronics, home goods, food, and Asian req’d. Info: (718) 728-0946, vbgcq.org. info@tccqueens.org. products. Thurs., Feb. 19-Sat., Feb. 21, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Dragon and Lion Dance Ceremony, Thurs., Free art classes: Latin American Cultural Center Classic movie series. Queens Central Library, Feb. 19, noon–1 p.m. esorts World Casino New of Queens at ARROW Community Center, ages 88-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, every Thurs., 2 p.m.: York, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. 8-16, 35-30 35 St., Astoria, every Tue. & Thurs., 4:30-6 p.m. and Sat., 10-11:30 a.m. Info: (718) “Romeo and Juliet,” Feb. 19; “To Sir, with Love,” Info: rwnewyork.com. 261-7664, laccq@aol.com. Feb. 26. Info: queenslibrary.org. Concert featuring Mimi Chu, 5–11 p.m. Doors The Month of Sci-Fi: Science fiction-themed radio, open 4 p.m.; Lunar New Year Finale, with a concert Karaoke pizza party for kids 10-15 and guests. film and parody includes “This is Heavy: Back to the featuring Mimi Chu, Sun., Feb. 22, 5-11 p.m. Doors $10 admission includes a slice of pizza, a drink, Future,” Sat., Feb. 21 at 8 p.m., 21+ over; “20,000 open 4 p.m. $20 and up. Resorts World Casino New participation in karaoke. Sat., Feb. 21, 1-3 p.m. Leagues Under the Sea,” Fri.-Sun., Feb. 27, 8 p.m., York, 110-00 Rockaway Blvd., South Ozone Park. A Night of Music and Laughs, hosted by the St. Gregory's Theatre Group. Ages 16+ invited to Feb. 28 and March 1, 2 p.m. Chain Theatre, Info: rwnewyork.com. perform and attend. $10, includes participation in 21-28 45 Road, Long Island City. $10-15. Info: variationstheatregroup.com. Dance Sampler: Celebrate the Year of the Ram- karaoke contest. Sat. Feb. 21, 8 p.m. Both at the Sheep with Asian dance and more. Free. First come, Oak Room, 242-20 88 Ave., Bellerose. Info: (718) Irish Movie Night, Run & Jump, at the New York first served. Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern 989-2451, sgtgproductions@gmail.com. Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. Blvd., Flushing. Info: flushingtownhall.org. Fri., Feb. 20 at 7:30 p.m., showtime 8:15 p.m. Regular admission $11, students/seniors/unemployed $8. Info: nyirish.org, (718) 482-0909. Free dental day: preventative dental care for Career Week at Queens Library. Teens are invited new adult and child patients. Fri., Feb. 20, 10 to meet and network with a variety of professionals a.m.-3 p.m., Steinway Family Dental Center, 32-50 and learn about unique careers on Feb. 23-26, 4-5 Steinway St., Astoria. Info: alldentalneeds.com. The Melodians, a group of seniors who entertain p.m., Central Library, 89-11 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica. Disaster preparedness presentation by the at senior homes, rehabs, hospitals and veterans’ Info: queenslibrary.org. Red Cross: a comprehensive overview on how associations in the Forest Hills and Rego Park area, is holding auditions, Mon., March 16, 23, February Jeopardy. Teens are invited for a Febru- to prepare for natural and man-made disasters. 30, 1-3 p.m., The Selfhelp Austin Street Senior ary Jeopardy game, for African-American history and Thurs., Feb. 26, 8 p.m., American Martyrs Church, Center, 106-06 Queens Blvd., Forest Hills. Info: civil rights trivia. Wed., Feb. 25, 4-5 p.m., at Pomonk 79-43 Bell Boulevard, Bayside. Library, 158-21 Jewel Ave., Flushing. (718) 520-8197. continued continuedon onpage page00 38

LUNAR NEW YEAR EVENTS

KIDS/TEENS

COMMUNITY

AUDITIONS

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C M SQ page 35 Y K Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

boro

To honor sci-fi, theatre takes a unique look back by Laura A. Shepard qboro contributor

As plumes of poisonous black smoke drifted over New York City, an army of enemy Martians waded across the Hudson River, like men crossing through a brook. People ran toward the East River hoping to escape, but they dropped like flies. Such vivid descriptions of a fictitious invasion drove the nation into a frenzy when they aired on CBS Radio in 1938, with bulletins detailing horror-scapes punctuating the dance music from regular programming. Many listeners famously tuned in to “The War of the Worlds” after

The Month of Sci-Fi When: Where:

Tickets:

Thru March 1, times vary. Chain Theatre, 21-28 45 Rd., Long Island City $10-$15; chain-theatre.org

Orson Welles’ disclaimer that the broadcast was fake and thought the accounts of alien invasion were true. The power of science fiction is celebrated at the Chain Theatre in Long Island City through the end of the month, with radio broadcast-style readings of classics such as “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” and an adult version of “Back to the Future.” Though no one was moved to flee from their seats during last week’s show of “The War of the Worlds,” the audience seemed to enjoyed the performance. Three voice actors read scripts and spoke into microphones, as if on a radio set, with well-timed and realistic sound effects, animating the story as if it were a present-day action movie. Such colorful descriptions of truly fantastic events could only be believed in an age of TV reporting when panning a camera over a puddle could mean there was a flood and a single passing car conveyed a mass exodus. At the beginning of the broadcast, while some sources reported explosions on Mars, a Princeton astronomer remarked

Alex Pappas, center, Doug Shapiro and Chris Catalano perform “The War of the Worlds,” PHOTO COURTESY GREG CICCHINO part of a sci-fi tribute at the Chain Theatre. that it just looked like a red disk swimming through a black sea and that the chances against life there were 1,000 to 1. Of course that changed when a giant cylinder struck Earth about 11 miles from Trenton, NJ. The broadcast detailed the aftermath, which began with a press of eager spectators closing in, despite police efforts at crowd control. Then, reports

frantically described the gray snakelike tentacles, “glistening like wet leather,” protruding from the cylinder. And then the battle began. The state militia’s guns and artillery were no match for the Martian’s heat rays, which left a trail of charred bodies in their wake. Traffic reports followed and a message from continued on page 39 00 continued

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For tickets or further information please call St. Helen Catholic Academy at 718-835-4155

Tickets to Billy Joel C oncert, Flat Screen HDTV, iPad, Jewelr y, Cash Prizes And Much More!!

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Friday, March 6, 2015

!! s e z i r P

Sixth Annual Old-Fashioned Card Party

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 36

C M SQ page 36 Y K

boro

Patricia Parrish, left, drives the Q99 bus on a tour through local history in a dress rehearsal for the play â&#x20AC;&#x153;Made in Southeast Queensâ&#x20AC;? with passengers Asha Brown, Venus PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON Hall and Diana Collier at the Black Spectrum Theatre.

All aboard for a tour through history by Michael Gannon editor

Tickets Start at $15! Restrictions, exclusions and additional charges may apply. Subject to availability. Pricing varies by performance.

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A bus tour is getting ready to take its riders through some history of Southeast Queens and its towering figures in the arts, politics and city folklore. And you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to deal with crowds or faulty MetroCards or even leave the comfort of your seat in the Black Spectrum Theatre to take it. The music a l â&#x20AC;&#x153;Made in S out hea s t Queensâ&#x20AC;? covers several decades in a brief evening â&#x20AC;&#x201D; paying tribute to entertainment legends such as former residents Lena Horne and James Brown and its contributions to government and politics; its experience during the Civil Rights Era in the 1950s and 60s; and its struggle to rise above poverty and crime both real and reputed in the latter part of the 20th century. The script and song lyrics were written by community theater veteran Mark Lord, a Chronicle freelancer who taught for several years at August Martin High School, with original music by Derek Galloway. Lord said it all sprang from a chance encounter with Black Spectrum founder Carl Clay. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He had seen a play I did called â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hear It for Queens,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; which examined history and historic figures in the borough,â&#x20AC;? Lord said. After some discussions and research, Lord decided to write another play with new songs and a Southeast historical focus. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Carl had told me some of the stories

about people and historic events,â&#x20AC;? Lord said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I started to do some research and was amazed to find out all the things that had never been written down â&#x20AC;&#x201D; there was no record of many of them.â&#x20AC;? Venus Hall, a former student of Lordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, plays the grandmother of a wide-eyed Asha Brown, who gets ideas for a school history project along the way. She said her old teacher turned out to be a good student when doing his research. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I knew a lot of these stories already,â&#x20AC;? she said. Brown was cast by accident, attending a rehearsal with a relative. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They asked me to read, and I got the Q part,â&#x20AC;? she said.

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Made in Southeast Queensâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; When:

March 6-8 and 13-15, Fri. and Sat. at 8 p.m.; Sun. at 4 p.m. Where: Black Spectrum Theatre, Roy Wilkins Park, Baisley Boulevard and 177th Street, Jamaica Tickets: $12; Fri., March 13 free Info:

blackspectrum.com or (718) 723-1800

C M SQ page 37 Y K

In merging techniques, artist fuses East and West continued from page page 00 33 continued from sheen upon his works. Tinges of color are Upon peering closely at any of Cheng’s there, but aren’t there, like fish flickering in featured works, the constant negotiation dusky water. He also employed scientific ingenuity in between traditional and modern material is experiments wherein also apparent, with he applied different meaty and textured mixes of glazes and strokes of color comglues to the canvassing to a head with es before painting amoeba-like pools of When: Until Feb. 22, and then exposed Chinese ink, or a layer Thurs.-Sun., them to the elements of fine fishnet laying 11 a.m.-7 p.m. to see which concocup on t h e c a nva s , Where: Hwang Gallery, tion was sturdiest. He changing the makeup aims to create sturdy 39-10 Main St., of a patch of water. works that can last a #303, Flushing He used gold pigment lifetime and be within each moon. Entry: Free pa sse d onto nex t The effect is lustrous Website: hwanggallery.com generations. and fairytale-like, like A gem of the a marriage between exhibit is on the far Monet-style Impressionism, the opulent details of Klimt and wall of the gallery space: “Daytime Moon.” While many associate the moon with nighttraditional Chinese ink drawings. Cheng employed the impasto technique time, Cheng showcased it peeking out from — in which paint is laid on a surface in thick clouds or manifesting as a faded sliver in the layers, inviting brush strokes or knife strokes aqua sky. Taking in the piece, which acts to come through — throughout the works. like a time-lapse of a harbor reminiscent of He also created multiple layers of near- Cheng’s seaside hometown, is like stepping transparent colored glaze, casting a mystical into an oil-and-watercolor dream. The brush

‘Moon in My Heart’

“Family Faces,” above, are artist Pi-Chou Cheng’s moon-renditions of his wife, himself and PHOTOS BY CRISTINA SCHREIL; his daughter. On the cover: “Thinking Moon,” by Cheng. COVER PHOTO COURTESY HWANG GALLERY

strokes of liberal color composing boats, crates, hulls and ladders are touchably bright; blobs of vermilion intrude deliberately into a dribble of lilac, or dashes of maroon melded with strokes of blue. It’s a harmonious amalgamation of color, form and material. Bordering “Daytime Moon” are smaller canvasses that “zoom in” on parts of the larger painting, capturing smaller details such as the side of a boat, or a rope. The exhibit is so laden with playful touches that a visit can easily become a

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

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hunt for small surprises; “Homecoming at Nightfall,” in which a man bikes against a looming moon, has tiny stars. One woman was so entranced she captured close-up shots of the paintings, snapping inches at a time. She said zooming in revealed paintings within themselves. Cheng’s work aligns with what appears to be the Hwang Gallery’s affinity for colorrich, emotionally evocative ar t work; upcoming exhibitions by fellow painters Q look promising.

Queens Zoo celebrates Year of the Sheep 2015 Join us for a Chinese cultural celebration dedicated to animals and good fortune! Meet our sheep and enjoy traditional performances by a local theater group, Chinese Theatre Works.

Saturday February 28 and Sunday March 1 11am – 4pm throughout the Zoo For more information visit queenszoo.com

This Chinese Theater Works production was paid in part with funds from the New York State Council on the Arts and the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs. WILL-066188

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Other special activities include calligraphy workshop and special crafts.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 38

C M SQ page 38 Y K

Ice Jewelry: where the owners can relate to their clients

continued continued from from page page 34 00

COMMUNITY Property tax assistance: Reps from the Tax Commission and Dept. of Finance, hosted by Councilman Eric Ulrich. Mon., Feb. 23, 6 p.m., VFW Post 260, 713 Shad Creek Road, Broad Channel. Benefit for Benjamin: The benefit is to help the family of Benjamin, who has leukemia, with expenses. Sat., Feb. 28, 3-7 p.m., inside the shopping center, 60-10 Queens Blvd., Woodside. Info: Victoria Panos, benefitforbenjamin@yahoo.com. Queens literary event: Authors Atticus Lish and Akhil Sharma in conversation with author Bill Cheng, a free book reading and signing event. Registration is recommended. Thurs., Feb. 19, 7-8 p.m., Sunnyside Community Services, 43-31 39 St. Info: Roberta Zulawski, rzulawski@scsny.org, (718) 784-6173, scsny.org.

Ice Jewelry Buying Service is located on Queens Boulevard in Rego Park.

Free Parking Available or by Train M or R to 63rd Drive Station they treat everything like it’s a one-shot deal and we don’t do that,” Elias said. In addition to buying gold, silver, diamonds, watches Recently, a woman and her boyfriend went into and coins, Ice Jewelry Buying also offers instant cash an unassuming gold buying and cash loan shop on loans for jewelry and eBay selling services. Queens Boulevard. She had a $35 offer on her ring Their cash loans program is straightforward and from another area shop, but was looking to get a simple. “It’s a perfect solution for someone who better deal. In what may be viewed as poor business has a bill due and a check on the way,” Goldberg acumen, she told her new prospective buyer what said. “But we make sure they have a game plan to her previous offer was. Still, after examining her buy their jewelry back before the end of the term. piece, he offered her $1,600. He did so, as he says, Sometimes these are people’s heirlooms we’re “...because that’s what it was worth.” talking about and we respect that.” The plight of the worker who’s hard-up for cash For those who are less Internet-savvy or just don’t in today’s economy is something that Arthur Elias have the time, Ice Jewelry Buying offers a convenient and Edward Goldberg can relate to firsthand, eBay sales service. If what a customer has isn’t an having been laid off from their jobs in jewelry item that Ice Jewelry Buying would purchase, like manufacturing. They understand that people get a handbag or antique furniture, they can help find into situations where they just need a little cash fast a buyer on their eBay store. Elias consults with the to make the bills and Ice Jewelry Buying Service customer to find a target price and hopes to help out in the most STORE HOURS let the Internet auctioneers handle honest way they can. “For this, I like to think we’re MON.-FRI. 11 am - 7 pm the rest. For anyone who has ever dealt doing the community a service,” SAT. 10 am - 6 pm SUN. by Appointment with the hassle of selling and Elias said. “We’re in the business of helping people who are in a tough icejewelrybuyingservice.com shipping an item on eBay — all the forms involved in setting up a user spot. They can come to our store and paypal account, the 10-15 percent fee that Ice and know that we can educate them on what they Jewelry Buying charges to do all the work is really a have and we’ll give them what their items are worth. bargain deal. When that woman told me her previous offer, it made “At the end of the day, I just want people to feel me wonder how many times this happens — how comfortable doing business with us. People have many people who really need that money get taken this conception of gold buying stores as these slimy advantage of?” places with slimy people, and they’re typically right. Elias opened his Rego Park shop with Goldberg But we want to be different. I don’t think it’s cool to in 2009, and already they’re seeing a lot of repeat see someone buy a ring for $200 and put it in their customers and referrals. This is a sign to them that counter for $800. We don’t do that.” they’re doing something right — the pawn business Ice Jewelr y Buying Ser vice is located at typically deals in one-time transactions but Elias is 98-30 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park. Hours of operation determined to break that mold, building a reputation are Monday-Friday from 11 am to 7:00 pm and on trust. Saturday 10 am to 6 pm; Sunday – private “Everyone around here is buying gold these days; appoinments are available. Call for more information you can go into the barber shop down the road and Q (718) 830-0030. sell your jewelry. The problem with all these places is

by Denis Deck

Chronicle Contributor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

boro

- ADVERTISEMENT -

ICEJ-066164

“How real Jewish history affects Jewish philosophy,” facilitated by Rabbi Edward Klein and presented by the Queens Community for Cultural Judaism. Sat., Feb. 21, 1 p.m. Free admission first time visit, $5 others. Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Queens, Ash Avenue, corner of 149th St., Flushing. Info: (718) 380-5362. Animal Care & Control Mobile Adoption Center, hosted by City Councilman Paul Vallone. Fri., Feb. 20, 1-5 p.m., outside Vallone’s Office, 42-40 Bell Blvd., Bayside. Info: district19@council.nyc.gov.

CLASSES Italian for beginners, every Tue., 7-9 p.m., 10-week course. $60. Dance with instruction, every Mon. and Fri., 7:15-8:15 p.m. $10. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. Contact: (718) 478-3100. Chautauqua in Astoria: Participants chose a figure from New York history, write a 20-minute script and learn how to present their material to live audiences, Greater Astoria Historical Society at QED, 27-16 23 Ave., Astoria, Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m. Info: (718) 278-0700, astorialic.org. Defensive driving course, for insurance and point reduction, sponsored by the National Safety Council. American Martyrs Parish, 79-43 Bell Blvd., Bayside, Sat., Feb. 21, 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. $45. Info/reg.: (631) 360-9720. Free English classes for Spanish speakers, every Sat., South Asian Center, 72-26 Roosevelt Ave., Jackson Heights. All levels available. Register: (646) 727-7821. Watercolor classes, National Art League, 44-21 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston, Wed., 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. All techniques, beginner to advanced. Call: (718) 969-1128.

MEETINGS United Forties Civic Association, Thurs., Feb. 19, 7 p.m., St. Teresa’s Parish Center, 50-20 45 St., Woodside. Queens Conservative Party: Thurs., Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m, American Legion Continental Post 1424, 107-15 Metropolitan Ave., Forest Hills. Guest speaker: Queens District Attorney Richard Brown. Info: Tom Long, (718) 704-4197 AARP: Open to the general public: Chapter 1405, Flushing, Bowne Street Community Church, 143-11 Roosevelt Ave., 1st and 3rd Mon. each month, 1 p.m; Chapter 2889, Maspeth, American Legion Hall, 66-28 Grand Ave., meets 1st and 3rd Wed. each month, noon; contact: (718) 672-9890; Chapter 4163, Ozone Park, Christ Lutheran Community Center, 85-15 101 Ave., meets last Tue. each month, noon.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES Paint Your Own Comic Books: A comic bookmaking workshop through the Queens Council on the Arts until June. No experience necessary. Supplies provided. Rego Park Senior Center, 93-29 Queens Blvd. First class is Mon., Feb. 23, 12:45 p.m. Info: Irina Sarkisova, (718) 896-8511. Healthy nutrition presentation by Mary Ann Rosa, R.N., Tue., Feb. 24, 10:30 a.m. Great American Songbook: Sal Armeo sings classic songs, Wed., Feb. 25, 1:15 p.m. Art Classes, every Thurs., 9:30-11:30 a.m., and 12:30-2:30 p.m. All at the Howard Beach Senior Center, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach across from Waldbaum’s. Info: (718) 738-8100. Circuit training exercise class using gym equipment and weights to train and develop the whole body. Doctor’s letter required. Advanced registration required, limited space. Tues. and Thurs., 10:30 a.m., Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Info: (718) 591-3377.

SUPPORT GROUPS Overeaters Anonymous meets weekly for weight loss and other issues. Info: oa.org. Long Island Consultation Center, 97-29 64 Road, Rego Park, Sun., 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Call: (718) 937-0163. Rego Park Library, 91-41 63 Drive, Thurs., 12:15-1:40 p.m. Call: (718) 459-5140. Holy Child Jesus Outreach Center, 112-06 86 Ave., Richmond Hill, Tue., 7:30-9 p.m. Call: (718) 564-7027. Job placement assistance, ANIBIC, 61-35 220 St., Bayside, a nonprofit organization serving children and young disabled adults in the community with job, apartment placement. Alcoholics Anonymous, daily meetings around Queens for those with a drinking problem. Info: queensaa.org, (718) 520-5021. Narcotics Anonymous. Drug problem? Call Helpline at (718) 962-6244 or visit westernqueensna.com. Meeting 7 days a week.

C M SQ page 39 Y K

Month of Sci-Fi

King Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1 - de deux 4 Rotating part 7 St. Louis landmark 8 Sorcerer 10 Durable wood 11 Obliterated 13 Jake and Elwood 16 Foundation 17 Kin of linen 18 Also 19 Accomplishment 20 Fragment 21 Scrub, as a space mission 23 Old-hat 25 Pitcher type 26 Taverns 27 Petrol 28 Wails like a banshee 30 School org. 33 Golf course maintenance crew 36 Concoct 37 Canonical hour 38 Small plateaus 39 Rooster 40 Bashful 41 Before

DOWN 1 Exultant 2 Teen’s complexion woe 3 Unscrupulous lawyer 4 Yuletide rendition

5 Playing marble 6 Dog-sledding “giddyap” 7 Competent 8 Deserve 9 Boil 10 Recede 12 R2-D2, e.g. 14 Lake vessel

15 Bribe 19 Supporting 20 Dol. fractions 21 Prize 22 Suit, old-style 23 Sand formation 24 Lack 25 Ovum 26 Chinese dogs, for short

28 Deli turnover 29 English homework, often 30 Pound pieces 31 “Star -” 32 Fool 34 Prior nights 35 Indigent

Answers at right

continued from from page page 00 35 the secretary of the interior, reassuring the populace that the attack was still confined to a small area, stressed people should have faith in the military forces. But reports of invasions poured in from around the country as the Martians advanced on New York City. Then a lone survivor, Professor Richard Pearson, the Princeton astronomer, vowed to preserve human history. He’d hidden in a farmhouse and escaped heat death by trailing the Martians. He walked all the way to New York City, where he stood alone in Times Square and then discovered the Martians dead in Central Park, defeated by bacteria to which they were not accustomed. After the theatre’s successes with “Talk Radio” and “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Managing Director Greg Cicchino yearned for more radio plays. “The War of the Worlds” is the gold standard of the genre, Cicchino explained. He also came across “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” a personal favorite, and “Back to the Future,” which is an especially timely find in 2015, the year that protagonist Marty McFly travels to in the sequel. Another play to be performed as part of the “Month of Sci-Fi” series is “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea,” which will be

done with a different cast. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy,” adapted from the novel by Douglas Adams, was also well done and involved a greater range of voice acting ability, though the pinnacle of the performance was the upchucking impressions of two characters who could not bear to tell the third what they thought of his poetry. The next chapter of “Hitchhiker’s Guide” will be performed at the Chain Theater on Feb. 28. Who knows what will Q happen next?

Crossword Answers

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

boro

SEVENTEENTH ANNUAL

D inner D ance and Awards Celebration In Loving Memory of Ruth Cirello

Thursday, February 26th, 6:30 pm

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Honorary Dinner Dance Chair: Guardian Angel Award: Man of The Year: Advocate of the Year Award: Community Service Award: NYFAC “Hero” Award: Community Partner Award:

Melissa Mark-Viverito Speaker, New York City Council Melinda Katz Queens Borough President Joseph Gambino Jack Friedman Executive Director, Queens Chamber of Commerce Jack Lasala Owner, Satisfaction Guaranteed Entertainment Matthew Cavalier Cavalier & Associates, PC Michael P. Albarella People’s United Bank

Sponsorship Opportunities* Dinner Sponsor - $10,000 Includes Two tables for fourteen and Special Recognition in the Journal

Cocktail Party Sponsor - $5,000 Includes a table for fourteen and Special Recognition in the Journal

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They work really hard! Includes Two tables of ten and Gold full-page Journal ad

Donation $150 per person Raffles and Silent Auction Cocktail Party 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm Dinner to Follow RSVP Date February 23rd for Tickets

Music Sponsor - $1,000 Centerpiece Sponsor - $1,000 Raffle Sponsor - $500 Auction Sponsor - $500

*All sponsors will be acknowledged in the reception area and receive a special thank you in the dinner journal and on our website.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Individual Tickets $150 per person Table of 14 - $2,000

Please Join Us As We Honor These Very Special Friends:

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Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

PETE’S PAINTING

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 42

SQ page 42

Chronicle

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REAL ESTATE

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Notice of formation of W 129 LLC. Articles of Org. filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 1/29/2015. Office located in Queens County. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC to: Ridgewood Realty Group LLC, 451 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: Any lawful activity or purpose.

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W & B PROSPERITY REALTY LLC, a domestic LLC, filed with the SSNY on 11/5/14. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Bei Ye Lin, 248-37 Thornhill Ave., Douglaston, NY 11362. General Purposes.

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Free, quick over the Net evaluation of your home. Learn about homes that have been sold and are currently listed in your neighborhood. Get the facts without the pressure. Based on this information, you will know what your home is worth. This is a complete confidential market analysis and is absolutely free!!

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With garage for rent. 104-07 114 Street, corner of Liberty Avenue.

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To the QUEENS CHRONICLE, P.O. Box 74-7769, Rego Park, NY 11374-7769 And have our “ClassiPhone ADvisor” help you. (Mon.- Fri. 9 am to 5:30 pm) HAVE YOUR CHARGE CARD To Either Call 718-205-8000 PLEASE AND CLASSIFIED AD READY To the QUEENS CHRONICLE, 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd., Rego Park

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

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SQ page 43

REAL ESTATE

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Shevrin & Shevrin PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS AT LAW Handling all types of accident cases with a combined 70 years of experience. We are dedicated to the protection and recovery of your rights.

FREE

Howard & Mark Shevrin, Esq. 123-60 83rd Ave., Suite 2R, Kew Gardens 718 261-3075 Cell 917 574-2475 Email address: Shevma@aol.com

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Office For Rent Ozone Park, 1st fl. Fully equipped w/ computer, internet, desks, chairs. Credit ck & ref’s req. Owner 212-203-1330

Prof. Space For Rent MIDDLE VILLAGE

RICHMOND HILL STORE (OFFICE)

(917) 771-4228

718-845-1136

Furn. Rm. For Rent ★

Saturday, 2/21 • 12-2pm 91-07 158th Avenue Beautiful 1 Family, 4 BRs, 2 baths, SS kit, big yard with saltwater pool. Too much to mention! MUST SEE! $579K. Negotiable.

Quality Realty Group Agent Christine

917-559-8623

Vacation R.E./Rental

Owner Marty

OPEN HOUSE Howard Beach ★

Real Estate Misc.

A ddress ___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Visit: www.PriceMyHome.org Or call 1-800-882-6030 Ext. 614

Connexion I R.E.

L/L. Call Joe Trotta, Broker, 718-843-3333

Howard Beach, updated 3 BR, 2 bath Condo, cathedral ceilings, new kit, two terraces, use of yard, low maintance & taxes. $320K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136

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With garage for rent. 104-07 114 Street, corner of Liberty Avenue.

Condos For Sale

Number of Words________________ Category __________________________________________________________ No. of Weeks __________________

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?

One-of-a-kind 8-Family home, all updated throughout. Garages and separate parking lot. Great income potential. Howard Beach, exclusive agent Call For More Details for studios & 1 BR apts, absentee

Howard Beach/Astoria, newly renov, lg nicely furn rm, close to shops, restaurants, parks. Utils/ premium cable, Internet incl, mature gentleman pref. $680/mo. 718-704-4639

FREE

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Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Chronicle

LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 44

SQ page 44

Chronicle

LEGAL SERVICES DIRECTORY

REAL ESTATE

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Hometown Lawyers You Can Rely On Where Every Case is Personal

Shevrin & Shevrin PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEYS AT LAW Handling all types of accident cases with a combined 70 years of experience. We are dedicated to the protection and recovery of your rights.

FREE

Howard & Mark Shevrin, Esq. 123-60 83rd Ave., Suite 2R, Kew Gardens 718 261-3075 Cell 917 574-2475 Email address: Shevma@aol.com

CONSULTATION Se Habla Español

We Court Your Legal Advertising. For Legal Notice Rates & Information,

CLASSIFIED AD FORM QUEENSWIDE COVERAGE (500,000 READERS)

For the Low, LOW PRICE of ONE Edition!

¢ Per Word

Additional

No Refunds For Cancelled Ads

Write ad on a separate piece of paper, count the words and mail with check or money order.

MAIL IT: PHONE IT: CHARGE IT: BRING IT:

1 column x 2 in.

BOXED AD Pay for 3 Weeks Get a 4th Week

MAKE YOUR AD STAND OUT!

FREE CALL FOR DETAILS

718-205-8000

_______________________________________

ALL ADS MUST BE PREPAID BY CASH, CHECK, MONEY ORDER OR CHARGE. $25 CHARGE FOR RETURNED CHECKS.

The Chronicle is not responsible for any mistakes in ads after the first insertion.

Visit: www.PriceMyHome.org Or call 1-800-882-6030 Ext. 614 24/7 FREE Community Service

Houses For Sale

Office For Rent Ozone Park, 1st fl. Fully equipped w/ computer, internet, desks, chairs. Credit ck & ref’s req. Owner 212-203-1330

Prof. Space For Rent MIDDLE VILLAGE

RICHMOND HILL STORE (OFFICE)

Connexion I R.E.

(917) 771-4228

L/L. Call Joe Trotta, Broker, 718-843-3333

718-845-1136

Furn. Rm. For Rent

Howard Beach, updated 3 BR, 2 bath Condo, cathedral ceilings, new kit, two terraces, use of yard, low maintance & taxes. $320K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136

★

OPEN HOUSE Howard Beach ★

Saturday, 2/21 • 12-2pm 91-07 158th Avenue Beautiful 1 Family, 4 BRs, 2 baths, SS kit, big yard with saltwater pool. Too much to mention! MUST SEE! $579K. Negotiable.

Quality Realty Group Agent Christine

917-559-8623

Real Estate Misc.

DEADLINE FOR ALL CLASSIFIED ADS: TUESDAY 12:00 PM Number of Words________________ Category __________________________________________________________ No. of Weeks __________________

WHAT IS YOUR HOME WORTH?

With garage for rent. 104-07 114 Street, corner of Liberty Avenue.

Condos For Sale

Houses For Sale

One-of-a-kind 8-Family home, all updated throughout. Garages and separate parking lot. Great income potential. Howard Beach, exclusive agent Call For More Details for studios & 1 BR apts, absentee

Howard Beach/Astoria, newly renov, lg nicely furn rm, close to shops, restaurants, parks. Utils/ premium cable, Internet incl, mature gentleman pref. $680/mo. 718-704-4639

Vacation R.E./Rental

For the latest news visit qchron.com

–TELEPHONE NUMBERS– Count as 1 word (with Area Code– 2 words)

CLASSIFIED DISPLAY

❚❚➧

$ 15 words for 25

Houses For Sale

Apts. For Rent

Call 718-205-8000

9 NEWSPAPERS:

Real Estate

Owner Marty

C M SQ page 45 Y K Page 45 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Vision Zero details for Queens continued from page 2 • Main Street between Queens and Northern boulevards; and • Fresh Pond Road between Flushing and Myrtle avenues in the corridor running through Maspeth, Ridgewood, Glendale and Middle Village. Heading the list of priority intersections are: • 71st Street and Grand Avenue in Elmhurst; • Albion Avenue, Queens Boulevard and Hillyer Street in Elmhurst; • Queens Plaza and 27th Street in Long Island City; • Nor ther n Boulevard and Union Street in Flushing; • Jamaica Avenue and Parsons Boulevard in Jamaica; • Springfield Boulevard and Hempstead Avenue in Queens Village; • 71st Avenue, Queens Boulevard and 108th Street in Forest Hills; • Woodhaven Boulevard and Jamaica Avenue in Woodhaven; • 169th Street, Homelawn Street and Hillside Avenue in Jamaica; and • Sanford Avenue and Kissena Boulevard in Flushing. The complete borough plan is available online at nyc.gov.dot. Trottenberg and Deputy DOT Commissioner Ryan Russo said about 75 percent of the fatalities in the five-year window were the result of driver er ror,

action or inaction. They said changes will include the redesign of intersections to do things like shorten the length of crosswalks with features such as pedestrian islands. Walk signals will be recalibrated to give pedestrians more exclusive time while crossing through intersections without having to wor r y about t u r ning vehicles. Lights also will be retimed at night and so-called off-peak hours, to prevent drivers on mostly empty roads from speeding to catch every green light ahead of them. In a random check on Tuesday, Deputy Inspector John Cappelmann, commanding officer of the 103rd Precinct, said their accidents were down by about 6 percent from last year, with injuries falling about 6.5 percent. At a meeting of the 113th Precinct Community Council on Monday night, Capt. Brain Bohanan, the precinct’s executive officer, said accidents had dropped by more than 60 percent in the last month, due to weather, enforcement and other factors. “But injuries are up,” he said. “The people who are getting into accidents are getting hurt.” Chan said each precinct is responsible for classifying each accident for things like cause and which party or parties are at fault, and that the NYPD proceeds Q accordingly.

NYIS-066148

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The Department of Transportation and the NYPD have identified neighborhoods, streets and intersections in Queens that pose the greatest risk for pedestrians, and are planning to use MAP COURTESY NYC DOT education, science and old-fashioned police work to make them safer.

Griff’s Hardware was a Maspeth icon

RM WARNING by Christopher Barca

by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

In 1902 Samuel and Bertha Griff, ages 23 and 22, respectively, arrived at Ellis Island from Russia. They settled in at 354 East 81 St. in Manhattan and he found work in the carpentry trade that he loved. They had three children — Sadie, Abraham and Yette. After the completion of the Queensboro Bridge in 1909, Queens underwent a great building boom, and in 1921 Samuel moved the family to Maspeth and opened up Griff’s Hardware at 65-63 Grand Ave. The business was an instant success. Griff bought both the 25-by-100-foot building and a home within walking distance at 70-02 Caldwell Ave. By 1930 the store was renamed Sam Griff and Son. Abraham threw himself into it and helped it expand. As Maspeth grew, the Griffs were there to serve customers with everything from A to Z. Sam Griff worked till the end, dying at age 87 in October 1966. His wife died a year later in October 1967. Abraham continued the business, known for its great service and large inventory. Griff’s never updated its famous sign or interior, giving customers a

SPORTS

Griff’s Hardware, seen here in 1946, lasted nearly eight decades at 65-63 Grand Ave. good feeling of entering the past. Abraham died in 1980 at age 72 in Palm Beach, Fla. With the pressure of the big-box stores putting on the squeeze, family heir Richard Shapiro decided to close down the business in April 1999, after more than 77 years. The neighborhood was very sad the landmark building was coming down and being replaced with another bank. The property today is in the hands of The Wharton Real Estate empire. According to Q nyc.gov. its market value is $2,707,000.

BEAT

NBA All-Star business by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

The NBA All-Star Game is more about marketing and business than a basketball contest between the best players in the league’s eastern and western conferences. Since the early 1990s the game has been an excuse for the NBA to host a long weekend festival that benefits corporate sponsors, television partners and a given city’s tourism industry. When you put it in New York, all those factors get magnified tenfold. The last time the NBA played its All-Star Game here was in 1998, and that now seems like the Stone Age. The small fan festival held at the Javits Center that year paled in comparison to this year’s NBA House the league set up at Moynihan Station on 33rd Street. Corporations such as State Farm, Kia, Samsung and Coca-Cola smartly promoted themselves by having interactive basketball skill games with the public as well as taking photographs people were urged to post on social media. All-Star Game Weekend is a key time for the National Basketball Players Association to meet since it’s a rare opportunity to gather a lot of its high-profile rank and file. It was also a chance for the players to get to know its new impressive executive director, Michele Roberts. Roberts certainly put NBA team owners on notice that the players association would not roll over in the next collective bargaining

agreement, as has happened in the past, by naming LeBron James as its vice president. James’ involvement in union activities is a clear shot at Charlotte Hornets owner Michael Jordan. Both Jordan and James are key endorsers for Nike which can’t make its CEO, Phil Knight, very happy. Many players, including James, were livid at Jordan for encouraging his fellow owners’ hard line over the last labor contract which led to a lockout of the players. WNBA stars such as Swin Cash, Tamika Catchings and Christ the King High School alum Sue Bird took part in the All-Star skills competition at the Barclays Center on Saturday. The WNBA made news last week when one of its best players, Diana Taurasi, announced that she would only be playing in Europe because (a) players are compensated far better there, and (b) she can no longer play nearly 12 months a year without taking a break. Bird wasn’t sure others would follow Taurasi’s lead but understood her rationale. Cash was more adamant as she told me that this should be a wake-up call to the WNBA, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the NBA, about improving the economic lives of its players. Cash also agreed that the WNBA and its players have been hurt by the perennial alsoQ ran status of the New York Liberty. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

PHOTO BY AMY RIO

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 46

C M SQ page 46 Y K

A nother week , another set of ups and downs for St. John’s. Just last week, we discussed how it was impossible to overstate the Red Stor m’s need to rack up some qualit y wi ns agai nst quality opponents in the final few weeks of the season, starting with DePaul, Xavier and Georgetown. The Johnnies were able to dispatch the Blue Demons in Queens last Wednesday 86-78 on the strength of senior guard D’Angelo Harrison’s 33-point effort. The star was his typical fired-up self as you can see, helping give his team momentum into Saturday’s important contest with Xavier. The Musketeers, a perennial tournament contender, have had the upper hand over the Johnnies ever since they moved to the new look Big East in 2013, two of three contests. But past history won’t help you in the present, as St. John’s walked into the Cintas Center and took it to Xavier on their home f loor, walking away with a thoroughly impressive 78-70 victory on Saturday. The road win impressed the bracketologists as well, as both ESPN and USA Today both projected the surging Johnnies, winners of three straight to that point, as a 10-seed in the NCAA Tournament, which would be their first berth since 2011. Senior forward Sir’Dominic Pointer, who has had quite a remarkable final year in Queens, scored 24 points, snagged five rebounds and recorded four steals on his way to Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Player of the Week honors. But we all know inconsistency has been a calling card of the Red Storm in recent years. And just three days after topping Xavier, the Johnnies got the snot knocked out of them at the hands of the Georgetown Hoyas 79-57 on Tuesday on the road. Star senior and leading scorer D’Angelo Harrison didn’t record his first point until halfway through the second half, finishing

with just five. Talented sophomore Rysheed Jordan, a turnover machine on Tuesday, couldn’t put the ball in the net if they attached a hockey goal to the backboard, connecting on just one of six shots, good for just two points. Georgetown forward D’Vauntes SmithRivera, one of the nation’s more underrated players, killed the Red Storm’s interior defense with 12 points and 10 rebounds. It was that ugly. I found it stunning how St. John’s came out with such intensity against DePaul and Xavier but appeared to have no interest in the Georgetown game. Head coach Steve Lavin didn’t make excuses for his team’s poor showing, saying they have no choice but to play with more intensity and urgency going forward. “We have to turn our energies to Seton Hall and the upcoming three-game home stand,” Lavin said. “We are banged up and hopefully over the next couple days we can get D’Angelo Harrison and Chris Obekpa closer to full strength.” Whatever happened on Tuesday, it’s imperative the Johnnies “flush it and move on,” as Harrison always says. St. John’s sits squarely on the tournament bubble with a 17-9 record and a 6-7 mark in Big East play. As I said earlier, the last five games of the regular season are arguably the most important contests the Queens program has played in years. This team has the talent to possibly win a couple games in the NCAA Tournament. They just have to get there first. The final stretch starts at noon on Saturday as Seton Hall comes to town for a tilt at Carnesecca Arena on campus. The Pirates will be without leading scorer Sterling Gibbs, who was suspended for viciously striking Villanova guard Ryan Archidiacono in the face with his forearm on Monday. Gibbs, who’s averaging nearly 17 pointsper-game this year, destroyed St. John’s with a 25-point outburst when Seton Hall topped the Red Storm 78-67 on Dec. 31. After the tilt with the Pirates, the Johnnies will once again square off with Xavier, this time at Madison Square Garden on Monday night at 8 p.m., with a rematch against Georgetown set for Feb. 28 at MSG.

C M SQ page 47 Y K

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t Lis

ing

HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK

OZONE PARK/84 STREET

Rare find, commercial property on Rockaway Blvd., large cement block building with front lot to REDUCED ! $619K accomodate multiple cars.

READY TO SELL YOUR GREATEST ASSET?

OZONE PARK/CROSSBAY BLVD

HOWARD BEACH Hamilton Beach R

access to paved backyard. Outdoor BBQ, IGP, PVC fencing.

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

Detached 2 Family, 2 BRs per floor. Home all redone, includes 25x80 attached lot. $359K

U ED

Charming 3 BR Colonial on great corner lot Mint large corner Brookfield (27x53) on 47x110 oversized lot. 100x40. 3 BRs, 1.5 baths. Large sideyard. 7 Brick/Stucco, 4/5BRs, 3 full baths, garage, large den, with blocks to Crossbay Blvd. In-ground sprinklers.

Updated 3 BR/2 Bath Condo, cathedral ceilings, new kitchen, two terraces, use of yard, low maintenance and taxes. $320K

ARE AT AN

PACCHIANO MARFATIA 718-845-1136 Broker/Owner Broker/Owner www.ConnexionRealEstate.com

MIDDLE VILLAGE

HOWARD BEACH

U ED

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood

CONR-066207

ASKING $649K

HAMILTON BEACH Legal 2 Family, 3 BRs/2 Baths per floor. Full unfinished basement, hardwood floors. Each floor has separate boiler/hot water heater. $505K

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

NESPONSIT Waterview, 60x100. BUILDABLE LOT Already Demolished

Hi-Ranch on 40x100. 3 bedrooms/ 1½ baths with formal dining room & eat-in-kitchen, hardwood floors throughout. 1½ car garage & 2 car private driveway. ASKING $599K

HOWARD BEACH Lindenwood Co-ops

• Mint L-Shaped Studio....................... .......................... IN CONTRACT $76K • L-Shaped Studio.......................$79K • 1 BR HiRise, 3rd flr ............. $89,900 • Mint 1 BR Garden, 1st fl.........$123K • Mint 1 BR Garden, dogs OK...$126K • 1 BR w/Terrace, 2nd fl...........$139K HOWARD BEACH RIDGEWOOD CONDO • 1 BR w/Terrace ................................. Rockwood Park One-of-a-kind 1 Bedroom Condo Duplex with .........................IN CONTRACT $139K basement, hardwood floors, ceramic tiled bath, Old side. One-of-a-kind home in the heart of Howard • Hi-Rise - Mint 1 BR w/Terrace, new low taxes. Beach. 4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths, full finished basement. -PLANS AVAILABLEkit & bath. ........................ Ask $139K ASKING $308K 3-car driveway. New boiler and heating system. • Largest 3 BRs/2 baths co-op, 1st fl., D CE HW flrs, pets OK. ......CLOSED $175K DU E R • Mint 2 BRs, w/terrace, granite kit, SS appl, wood cabinets. ....................... IN CONTRACT $179K • Mint AAA 3 BRs/1 bath, Garden ....... ..........................IN CONTRACT $219K • Hi-Rise 2 BRs/2 baths, mint, all renovated with terrace. .......................IN CONTRACT $227K • Mint AAA Garden, 2BR, DR, 2nd fl.... HOWARD BEACH/LINDENWOOD HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK HOWARD BEACH/ROCKWOOD PARK ....................................................$249K Large Corner 2 Family on 41x105 Lot, 3 Over 3,5 F/Baths, High Ranch on 40x100 lot. 4 Bedrooms, 2 Full Baths. Mint One Brick/Stucco Hi-Ranch, All Redone 5 years ago, 4 BRs/ In-Ground Heated Pool. Fin. Bsmnt, Updated Throughout • STORE FOR RENT. 1,365 sq. ft. 2 full-baths. Paved circular driveway. In-ground heated pool. Bedroom walk-in, newly renovated first floor. Close to all! REDUCED ! A SKING $599K Howard Beach/Crossbay. Parking Available ....................$4,500 per mo. WOODHAVEN ED HOWARD BEACH UC D Detached, Lindenwood Condos RE ED ED charming • Heritage House. One bedroom. OS OS / CL Ultra-mint condo. ................. $216K / CL Colonial, D D L L SO SO • Heritage North. Two BRs. 2 Full possible T C RA Baths, updated baths w/Jacuzzi 6 BRs,2.5 NT O C tub, new appliances, pet-friendly. baths, IN .................................................$289K parquet HOWARD BEACH • Greentree Condo (3rd floor), floors HOWARD BEACH Rockwood Park HAMILTON BEACH cathedral ceilings 3 BRs/2 baths, throughout, Rockwood Park Oversized 50x100 lot on amazing block. 164-08/164-10 104 Street. New 2 terraces. ........................$320K 2 stainedDormered Cape featuring 5 BRs, 3 full construction. 2 Family, 2 BRs/2 All new Hi-Ranch 3 BRs/2 baths, • Greentree Condo. 2nd fl., mint glass windows, modern kitchen w/ baths, full unfinished basement. Baths over 3 BRs/2 Baths, driveway. fireplace, stainless-steel appliances. 3 BRs/2 baths, 2 terraces. ..$319K $649K Built to new flood codes. ASKING $649K granite. ASKING $449K REDUCED ! ASKING $599K

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Large All Brick corner 2 Family with walk-in & finished basement. 6 over 6. Private driveway & attached 1-car gar & additional legal parking on side of house.

LIST WITH US! 718-845-1136

D RE

Page 47 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015

Connexion I

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, February 19, 2015 Page 48

C M SQ page 48 Y K

LIBERTY 96-10 101st Ave., Ozone Park, NY 11416

718-848-4700 Fax: 718-848-4865 WWW.REMAXLIBERTY.COM

JOHN DIBS Broker/owner

CENTREVILLE/OZONE PARK

S. OZONE PARK

HOWARD BEACH

RICHMOND HILL

LEGAL 2 family w/Finished Basement, Pvt. Dvwy. & Garage, Asking only $498,900

1 Family Det. Home. Entire House Was Redone In 2005. New Roof! New Boiler! New Everything!

Spacious 2 BR/2 Bath, “Fairfield Arms” Co-op, $745 Monthly Maint., 20% Down Payment Required. Asking: $149K Call Theresa 347-531-9060 or Maryann 917-838-2624

Store For Sale In Brand New Renovated Building! Nice and Busy Location! Asking: $75,000

Call Carolyn Defalco for more info 917-208-9176

Call Valerie Shalomoff 646-533-8142

Call Shafique 917-586-4900

HOWARD BEACH

WOODHAVEN

BROOKLYN

RICHMOND HILL

Our Exclusive! Howard Beach Cape On 40 X 100, Pvt. Dvwy & 1.5 Car Gar., New Heating & Electric Systems. Asking Only $409K

1 Family, 1 Car Garage, Everything is Brand New! A Must See!

1 Family Det. Fully Renovated Features, 3 BRs, 2 Full Baths, LR, Big Kitchen

1 Family Semi Det. Dvwy, X-Large LR, DR, Big Kit., 3 BRs, Full Bath, Fin. Basement.

Call Gladys Martinez For More Info 917-443-0097

Call For An Appointment Anytime Pedro/Cecilia Duarte 646-552-4422

Call For Appt Pedro or Cecilia Duarte 646-552-4422

Call Carolyn Defalco 917-208-9176

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Commercial Properties For Sale, Property and Business, Great Location!

BROOKLYN

HOWARD BEACH

Commercial Warehouse/Party Hall- 70.35 X 40.80 With Bar, Kitchen, and 2 Baths, Holds Up To 150 People, Central Heat, Parking 45.40X 59.20 Sq. Ft.

1 BR Garden Co-op Apt, Living Room, Dining Room, Kitchen, Full Bath, Needs Work, Owner Motivated, Pet Friendly, 20% Down Required.

Call Pedro or Cecilia Duarte 646-552-4422

Call Glenda Inestroza For More Info 646-325-3627

OZONE PARK

Call Paul Deo For More Info 718-848-4700

Variety Store For Sale! All Inventory Included In Sale. Asking: $180,000

Call Jumaanah For More Info 917-698-1687

OPEN HOUSE Sat., Feb. 21st Sun., Feb. 22nd 2:00-4:00 pm 81-14 155 Avenue Apt #1-015C

JAMAICA Adorable Gorgeous & Cozy 1-Fam. Home, Totally Renovated! Features LR, DR, Eat-In Kit. W/Granite Countertops, Stainless Steel Appliances, 4 BRs, 2 Full Baths. Hardwood Floors, New Light Fixtures, Full Fin. Bsmnt & Dvwy. Conveniently Located Close To Transportation & All Other Amenities. Won’t Last! Asking : $399,000 Call Ali Rashid 646-981-3829

WOODHAVEN

HOWARD BEACH

New Listing! 1 BR “Barclay” Co-op W/Enclosed Terrace Offered at $79,000 $575 Monthly Maintenance, 25% Down Payment Required.

Affordable 1 BR “Forest Park” Co-op $525 Monthly Maintenance Includes All, Locartion Convenient To All, Asking: $135K

Contact Maryann 917-838-2624 or Theresa 347-531-9060

Call Maryann 917-838-2624 or Theresa 347-531-9060

Great 2 BR Garden Co-op Apt, Ready To Move In! Formal Dining Room, Full Bath, Kitchen, Lots of Closets! Pet Friendly. 20% Down Payment Required. Owner Very Motivated!

HOWARD BEACH

Call Glenda For More Info 646-325-3627

RICHMOND HILL