Queens Chronicle South Edition 03-30-17 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. XL

NO. 13

THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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FILE PHOTO; PHOTO ILLUSTRATION BY JAN SCHULMAN

MIXED GRADES

Some say ‘renewal schools’ aren’t working PAGES 2 AND 8 John Adams High School in Ozone Park was one of the 92 institutions in 2014 to become part of the Renewal School initiative, in an effort to pick up its academic performance. However, advocates say it and other Queens schools are not too far behind five schools that the city voted to shut down last week.

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Mixed grades on Renewal Schools PEP votes to shutter five of them; are those in Queens far behind? by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

citywide program launched by Mayor de Blasio in 2014 aimed at lifting 94 struggling schools failed to save five of the institutions in Brooklyn and the Bronx, as the Panel for Educational Policy voted last Wednesday to shut them down and merge three more with other schools. Although none of the schools were in Queens, the performance of the institutions in this borough is not much better than those that will see their doors shuttered. Some fear the program — called Renewal Schools — is not doing enough to save the troubled schools, including those in Queens. “We already knew that Mayor de Blasio’s Renewal School program was failing and last night’s vote to close or merge just eight Renewal Schools is proof that his team still isn’t willing to put students first,” said Jeremiah Kittredge, CEO of educational advocacy group Families for Excellent Schools. The Renewal Schools initiative created longer school days at some struggling institutions, while providing $150 million in resources to address crucial issues. De Blasio said at the start of the program schools must demonstrate improvement in various categories — graduation rates, college readiness and more — by the end of the 2016-17 school year or they might be closed. FES, a critic of de Blasio and a charter school ally, blasted the PEP’s vote last week to call curtains on the five, saying others were in worse shape. Leadership Institute, a high school in the Bronx that is one of the ones to be closed, last school year had a 51 percent

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graduation rate while August Martin High School had a 39 percent graduation rate. Five other schools not being shut down had worse graduation rates than that of Leadership’s. However, August Martin did achieve higher scores on Regents exams, outperforming the Bronx school in English with an average score of 68.8 percent to 57.6.

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Flushing High School is one of the 12 Renewal Schools in Queens, which was launched to improve performance at struggling schools. After the city voted to close five of them in other FILE PHOTO boroughs, some say the Queens ones may be next.

The Monroe Academy for Visual Arts and Design, another school set for closure, had a 38 percent graduation rate, one point lower than the Rochdale Village school. It’s English Regents average was eight points behind August Martin and had a 6.1 college readiness index compared to 7.9 in Queens. In another example, Renewal School Frederick Douglass Academy IV will merge with Brooklyn Academy of Global Finance, which is co-located in the same Bed-Stuy building. Frederick Douglass had a 63 percent graduation rate last school year, the same as Flushing High School’s and one and three points lower than Richmond Hill and John Adams high schools, respectively. However, the English Regents scores at the three Queens schools were about 10 percentage points higher than the Brooklyn school’s 57.6 average score. At John Adams and Richmond Hill high schools the college readiness index for graduating students was only 22 percent — still better than Frederick Douglass’ 10.5 percent college readiness. While the Ozone Park and Richmond Hill schools have seen graduation rates climb from 55 and 52 percent in 201314, respectively, Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) stated the Renewal Schools program is “a disgrace, and our young people deserve better.” “Mayor de Blasio’s education policies continue to fail students and their families,” said the councilman, whose district encompasses both schools. “The graduation rate at both John Adams and Richmond Hill High School remain far below the average for the rest of Queens and the City as a whole.” The average citywide graduation rate last school year was continued on page 20

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Feds bust alleged HB loanshark ring Bonanno crew used acts of violence to collect unpaid debts, DOJ says The U.S. Department of Justice Tuesday announced a 37-count indictment against 10 members and associates of the Bonanno crime family alleging they engaged in loansharking, extortion, obstruction of justice and attempted murder in Howard Beach from 1998 to 2017. The group was allegedly led by Bonanno captain Ronald “Ronnie G” Giallanzo. He faces 25 years in prison for loansharking and operation of an illegal gambling business. Giallanzo is the nephew of Vincent Asaro, who last week was charged with hiring John Gotti — grandson of the Dapper Don — to set fire to the car of a motorist who cut him off. Asaro in 2015 was acquitted of charges he organized the infamous Lufthansa heist at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The other nine defendants face up to 20 years for the loansharking charge with some facing more depending on their alleged role in the ring. The indictment came after a long-term investigation by the DOJ through wiretap recordings, cooperating witnesses, visual surveillance and more. According to the charges, Giallanzo provided money to five of the defendants — Nicholas Festa, Michael Palmaccio, Michael Padavona, Michael Hintze and Richard Heck — to give “extortionate loans” to numerous individuals. At one point, he had lent more than $3 million to customers. Padavona also allegedly conducted his own loansharking business with Evan “The

Bonanno members and associates frequently met to discuss their alleged loansharking. PHOTO COURTESY U.S. ATTORNEY’S OFFICE

Jew” Greenberg and Robert “Chip” Tanico. The DOJ alleges the capo engaged in acts of violence to collect his debts, including a May 2013 incident in which Giallanzo ordered a Bonanno associate to bring him someone who owed him $250,000. The government said the associate and Giallanzo beat him while the crime captain screamed “Where’s the f---ing money?” The loansharking business and illegal gambling ring earned the defendants more than $26 million in illicit proceeds, which the DOJ is looking to have forfeited. Giallanzo allegedly used some of the funds to turn his oncesmall home at 164-04 86 St. in Howard

Beach into a large brick house. The federal government is looking to seize the homes of Giallanzo, Padavona, Palmaccio and Festa. Giallanzo is also charged with seeking to murder an individual who robbed one of his crew members. The dispute lasted several months and the two crews often shot at each other on Howard Beach streets, the DOJ said. Tanico and Padavona are separately being charged with attempts to obstruct justice by having the former lie to a grand jury. The DOJ states that Tanico was heard, over a wiretap, talking to Padavona about what he’d say to a grand jury looking into

the family’s practices. “They came and sat outside the house,” Tanico allegedly told Padavona on April 1, 2014, according to documents provided by the government. “They handed me a subopoena to appear in front of the grand jury tomorrow morning at 10 o’clock.” He then lied, saying he had not spoken with Padavona about the subpoena issued to him but had discussed it with his lawyer, wife, sister and mother, the government said. On top of the 20 years for the loansharking rap, Padavona and Tanico face up to an additional 20 for obstruction of justice and Tanico faces another five for perjury. Christopher Boothby and Robert Pisani face another five years for allegedly operating an illegal gambling ring with Giallanzo. “Today’s arrests reveal La Costra Nostra’s continued presence in the community,” said Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York Bridget Rohde. “Through acts of violence, including murder conspiracy, loansharking, illegal gambling, robber y and other offenses, the defendants are alleged to have amassed a fortune in ill-gotten gains. With these a r rests, t he defend a nts w ill be held accountable for their wide-ranging and destructive conduct.” Pisani and Heck were released on $750,000 bail bonds. Tanico was set to be arraigned Wednesday afternoon and the government is seeking to have him held until a trial. All other defendants are being Q held, a U.S. attorney spokesman said.

106th says to be wary of rim thefts Late-model cars are being targeted by Anthony O’Reilly For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The 106th Precinct is warning residents in Ozone Park, South Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Howard Beach that late-model Hondas, Nissans, Mercedes and Toyotas are being targeted for their rims. According to a community affairs officer at the South Queens command, the rims of four Hondas were taken off in the past 28 days and eight year to date. Grand larceny as a whole, however, is down in the precinct by 14.5 percent compared to the same time last year, 106 to 124, according to statistics through March 19. There is a small spike, though, in grand larceny auto, with 24 vehicles being stolen so far this year compared to 20 by this point in 2016. Overall, index crime is down with 268 incidents compared to 288. In a community notice posted to the

Facebook pages of area civics, the precinct said residents should equip their vehicles with wheel locks, a motion sensor device or an alarm to deter any further theft. Police added that, if possible, people should park in a well-lit and nonisolated area. The precinct can also etch rims and other parts with a car’s vehicle identification number to deter thieves and make owners eligible for a small discount on auto insurance. Residents can obtain these services by calling 106th Precinct Crime Prevention Officer Gary Maher at (718) 845-2223 or emailing him at Gary.Maher@nypd.org. It’s not the first time Honda owners in the area have been put on notice — last May, the precinct issued a similar warning following a rash of rim thefts in Lindenwood. The community has been the site of tire and wheel thefts in the past.

Hondas, such as the Civic in this photo posted by the 106th Precinct Community Council, and newer models even more so, have been targeted for their rims in recent days with four sets being FACEBOOK PHOTO stolen in the past month. In 2014 and 2015, dozens of vehicles were targeted, leading to increased patrols and the arrest of several individuals, shortly after which the crimes subsided.

The 106th Precinct, in its latest community notice, also urged residents to direct surveillance cameras toward their driveways Q if possible.

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New scholarships for HB teenagers Four $1,000 grants dedicated in honor of former Kiwanis members by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

Howard Beach teenagers will soon have a new way to apply for financial assistance for college — thanks to the generosity of the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club. The group is now accepting applications for four $1,000 scholarships from high school seniors and has been sending the paperwork to guidance counselors at schools in Queens and Brooklyn. The aid is only open to students living in the 11414 ZIP code, which covers Howard Beach, Hamilton Beach and Lindenwood. More information and a copy of the applicat ion ca n be fou nd by v isit i ng howardbeachkiwanis.org or by emailing Kiwanis Secretary Dino Bono at hbkiwanisdino@outlook.com or calling him at (646) 401-2805. Applications must be sent by May 31 to the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach Scholarship Fund, care of Dino Bono, 164-15 84 St. Howard Beach, NY 11414. A one-page essay must also be submitted explaining why a student should be awarded the scholarship. Bono told the Chronicle he wanted to honor his late son, Paul — who died in a 2014 car crash — with a scholarship, but later expanded the initiative to include other

The Howard Beach Kiwanis Club is now accepting applications for four $1,000 scholarships named in honor of their former members, including Chronicle co-founder Stanley Merzon, left, FILE PHOTOS and Paul Anthony Bono. former members. In addition to the Paul Anthony Bono Scholarship, which will go to a student in any field of study, the club will honor Stanley Merzon — co-founder of the Queens Chronicle — with a $1,000 donation to a student who plans to major in journalism, mass media

or a similar subject. Merzon died last year after a long battle with gastrointestinal illness. “He was always there for us,” Bono said of Merzon, who launched the club’s book and rummage sale during his time as a member. “He was always willing to help us, especially

with publicizing us in the Chronicle.” The father of Stephen Sirgiovanni, governor of the Kiwanis Club’s New York State district, will be honored with the August Sirgiovanni Scholarship, which will go to a student who plans to major in the fields of science or math. August Sirgiovanni was the owner of Augie’s Television Repair on Rockaway Boulevard and a past president of the Howard Beach Kiwanis Club. August and Stephen Sirgiovanni are the only father-son duo to have served as president of the club. The final grant is The Founders’ Scholarship, which honors all of the original members of the club. It will be provided to a student majoring in any field of study. Bono told the Chronicle the scholarships will be granted on more than just a student’s good grades, adding that applicants must show involvement in their school and community. The club has created a committee, called the Kiwanis Club of Howard Beach Scholarship Fund committee, of six members that will look through all applications and determine which students are best suited for the financial assistance. To avoid any appearance of favoritism, children and grandchildren of Kiwanis memQ bers may not apply for scholarships.

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

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

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

Could This Noninvasive, Natural Treatment Be the Answer to Your Knee Pain? For 10 days only, I’m running a very special offer where you can find out if you are a candidate for cold laser therapy. What does this offer include? Everything I normally do in my “Knee Pain Evaluation.” Just call before April 9, 2017 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 April 9th, you can get everything I’ve listed here for only $37. The normal price for this type of evaluation including X-rays is $250, so you’re saving a considerable amount by taking me up on this offer. Remember what it was like before you had knee problems – when you were pain free and could enjoy everything life had to offer. It can be that way again. Don’t neglect your problem any longer – don’t wait until it’s too late.

A new treatment is helping patients with knee pain live a happier, more active lifestyle. Here’s what to do now: Due to the expected demand for this special offer, I urge you to call our office at once. The phone number is 718-845-2323. Call today and we can get started with your consultation, exam and X-rays (if necessary) as soon as there’s an opening in the schedule. Our office is called Gucciardo Specific Chiropractic and Natural Health Center and you can fi nd us at 162-07 91st Street in Howard Beach. Tell the receptionist you’d like to come in for the Knee Evaluation before April 9th. Sincerely, Dr. Robert F. Gucciardo, D.C. P.S. Now you might be wondering…

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

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

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

It Promotes Rapid Healing of the Injured Tissues.

Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 8

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P Get school priorities right EDITORIAL

aybe the Department of Education should shift more of its attention away from doubling the number of administrators in its central office and toward those serving in the actual schools. Maspeth High School is in a self-created crisis right now because someone there, most likely the otherwise popular and well-respected Principal Khurshid Abdul-Mutakabbir, messed up the application lottery process for next year’s freshman class big time. In a nutshell, MHS sent all the applications it received from public school students up the DOE ladder, but not one of those it received from kids at parochial institutions. Oops. Parents were naturally infuriated. So a second lottery was held, with the parochial students given an edge — and other public school parents given another reason to be angry if their child did not get in. As Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley said, someone should be held accountable for all of this, but we’re not holding our breath on that. Who, after all, is being held accountable for the

AGE

lack of progress in the DOE’s Renewal Schools program? Of the 94 schools in it, only five are being closed for not improving and three more will be merged with other ones. None are in Queens. But some renewal schools here are barely doing better than those being shut down on key metrics like graduation rates, and their college readiness index is abysmal — 22 percent at both Richmond Hill High School and John Adams HS in Ozone Park, for example [see page 2]. Meanwhile, the number of DOE central office administrators has nearly doubled, from 39 to 76, since Mayor de Blasio took office in 2014, according to the New York Post. And their total salaries would nearly triple, going from $4 million then to $11.4 million soon, under the mayor’s latest budget plan. The city says the personnel expansion is needed because of all the DOE’s new initiatives, but it’s hard to see universal pre-K and Renewal Schools necessitating a doubling of staff. Probably even more so if your child can’t get into Maspeth High School. Priorities, people, priorities.

Take any question, Mr. Mayor

t’s high time Mayor de Blasio stop this nonsense of only taking “on-topic” questions at his press conferences. Just stop it for good. Like any pol, de Blasio wants to sway the media narrative where he wants it to go and would much prefer to take questions about his initiatives than those on less-comfortable subjects. But the frequency with which he holds on-topic-only press events has always been annoying, and after last week even he should see it’s more embarrassing to him than any actual questions are likely to be. That’s when the mayor wanted to take questions on his “mansion tax” plan, which would tack a 2.5 percent marginal fee on home sales of $2 million or more, on top of the existing “mansion tax” that adds 1 percent on

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Dear Editor: Sometime in the weeks ahead, the de Blasio administration will direct the city’s Water Board to either raise next year’s water rates or let them remain the same. To me, the answer is clear: There should be no increase in New Yorkers’ water rates. The Department of Environmental Protection reported last week at a City Council Environmental Protection Committee hearing that it actually spent less this year than last year to operate the water and sewer system. It is impossible to justify hiking water rates when the cost to run the system has declined. However, what New Yorkers have experienced in recent years is that the decision whether or not to increase water rates is based on politics and back-room deals, as opposed to sound fiscal policy. For too long, New York City would charge property owners exorbitant water rates — well above the actual cost to run the water and sewer system — in order to divert taxpayer funds to the general fund. This backdoor tax helped pad the coffers while fleecing taxpayers with double-digit rate hikes. New Yorkers are more than willing to pay their fair share for quality water and sewer systems, but it makes no sense for them to pay more than is actually needed to operate the system effectively and ensure its infrastructure is sound. The drastic increase in water rates was an © Copyright 2017 by MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. All rights reserved. Neither this newspaper nor any part thereof may be reproduced, copied, or transmitted in any form, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, microfilming, recording or by any information retrieval system without the express written permission of the publishers. This copyright is extended to the design and text created for advertisements. Reproduction of said advertisement or any part thereof without the express written permission of MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC. is strictly prohibited. This publication will not be responsible for errors in advertising beyond the cost of the space occupied by the error. Bylined articles represent the sole opinion of the writer and are not necessarily in accordance with the views of the QUEENS CHRONICLE. This Publication reserves the right to limit or refuse advertising it deems objectionable. The Queens Chronicle is published weekly by Mark I Publications, Inc. at a subscription rate of $19 per year and out of state, $25 per year. Periodicals Postage Paid (USPS0013-572) at Flushing, N.Y. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Mark I Publications, Inc., 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard, Rego Park, N.Y. 11374-7769.

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issue that rightfully caught Bill de Blasio’s attention as public advocate and as a candidate for mayor. It was a problem that he pledged to address. Yet his administration has continued more of the same political games on water rates. Last year, the mayor put forward a plan that raised water rates — when no increase was needed — and then provided rebates to some New Yorkers, but not others. At the root of the scheme was politics, and many were unfairly hit with an arbitrary rate increase. Thankfully, the courts saw right through the mayor’s scheme, and blocked the rate hike. But in light of the mayor’s rate hike debacle last year, it is difficult to predict if his administration’s decision-making this year will be based on good public policy or election year politics. We will find out in the coming weeks if the mayor proposes another political scheme, or if he finally takes action to help New Yorkers. If the mayor is serious about combating the affordability crisis in this city, then freezing water

sales of $1 million or more. But reporters wanted to ask him about things like the apparently racist murder of a black man from Jamaica. He refused to answer them. After the first question, he belittled the reporter. After the seventh, he declared the press conference to be over. We’d say he managed to make White House mouthpiece Sean Spicer look good, but nothing could do that. Still, we don’t remember presidents playing this game, though they do of course have other ways to manipulate the press. Why should the mayor of New York City do it? The reporters likely knew the mayor’s tax plan has as little chance of getting OK’d as his last one. He should know his chance of only getting the questions he likes is zero too.

rates — or even bringing rates down — would be a great place to start. The time for playing games with New Yorkers’ water rates must come to a close. Rory Lancman New York City Councilman for the 24th District Fresh Meadows

Bioswales benefit us all Dear Editor: Re “The anti-bioswale fighter of Flushing” (Jan. 5, multiple editions) and “To the City, a Pollution Fighter. To Some Residents, an Eyesore” (The New York Times, March 23): I can’t believe that in this day and age people don’t understand the risks to our clean waterways from pollution and storm runoff in particular! Come on, Mr. Famiglietti, get with the greening of our city and try to notice you are part of the big picture.

C M SQ page 9 Y K

Meng MIA on healthcare Dear Editor: I had been anxiously following the fastbreaking developments of the Republican efforts to scuttle the Affordable Care Act, thinly disguised as a mere revision. The bill was a disgrace and would have deprived millions of people, especially the working poor, of vital healthcare services. People would die under the provisions of the proposed TrumpCare that was being railroaded through Congress without any opportunity by Democrats to make necessary amendments. In this process many members of the House made their concerns known, but Rep. Grace Meng of the 6th District in central Queens was noticeably absent. Why was she not a part of this critical fight to retain effective healthcare? Dorothy L. Green Rego Park

More $ for Elmhurst Hospital

An attack on free speech Dear Editor: Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s apparent that Assemblyman David Weprin has crossed the line with his Orwelliansounding â&#x20AC;&#x153;Right to be Forgottenâ&#x20AC;? bill, which he recently introduced while everyone was focused

Obama bugged people Dear Editor: I think Sen. Chuck Schumer (as well as many others in Congress, including Sens. Lindsey Graham and John McCain) owes President Trump an apology about all the harassment and name calling all across the media â&#x20AC;&#x201D; with some even calling for his impeachment â&#x20AC;&#x201D; in regard to his accusation that he was under surveillance by the previous administration. The same goes for the media that saw it as an opportunity to demonize him. The Obama administration was caught red-handed monitoring foreign leaders, and obviously was doing the same thing to U.S. citizens. Jacques Hakim Bayside

Pastor Stephen Roser â&#x20AC;&#x153;We were under great pressureâ&#x20AC;Ś so that we despaired even of life itselfâ&#x20AC;? (2 Corinthians 1:8) are the words of a man who had been whipped, stoned, shipwrecked, and imprisoned. Although Paul does not indicate specifically what this trauma was, it must have been extraordinary for the veteran preacher to fear that he was going to die. Paul does reveal the reason that the Lord allowed it to befall him and his co-workers, â&#x20AC;&#x153;that we might not rely on ourselves, but on God who raises the deadâ&#x20AC;? (verse 9). The experience had weakened Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selfconfidence and produced in him a radical confidence in God. Perhaps he had retained his earlier partial self-reliance on his own strength or education. If so, that was all past. Self-reliance alone can never meet the demands of a life that is pleasing to God. We can no more conquer the forces of this evil world by our own power than we can leap over the Empire State Building. When Paul let go of self-reliance, he let go of despair â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the kind of despair that results from trusting in so limited a resource

as oneself. Suddenly he felt the power of the Resurrection lifting him out of devastation, and he began to live by that power.

Stephen Roser is the pastor of Howard Beach Assembly of God Church

The Resurrection fills the crises and troubles of day-to-day living with supernatural strength. When a person perseveres through unbearable stress, is healed of a serious illness, or is in any way delivered from the jaws of death, it is a kind of resurrection. God continues to display that resurrection power by delivering his children from impossible circumstances. They can rely upon â&#x20AC;&#x153;the one raising the deadâ&#x20AC;? (2 Corinthians 1:5). It is one of his permanent characteristics. Constant peril will be matched by constant help.

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Dear Editor: Re â&#x20AC;&#x153;More funds for Queens hospitals?â&#x20AC;?, March 23: I applaud the work of Queens legislators who are joining forces to bring more funding to our boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-time underfunded and understaffed hospitals. I say this as the daughter and granddaughter of longtime Queens residents who are forced to travel to Manhattan to receive better healthcare and to see a â&#x20AC;&#x153;specialistâ&#x20AC;? on time. I congratulate the legislators who are pushing to change this situation and who care about the more than 2.3 million residents of this multicultural borough; however, communities like Jackson Heights, Corona and Elmhurst wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t see any improvements if our legislators do not push for specific dollar amounts. Being from Corona, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m worried about the future of Elmhurst Hospital (aka NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst), one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s busiest healthcare facilities. Above all, we need better services for our seniors and children and the more than one million immigrants in our borough. I call on our Queens legislators to keep all of Queens hospitals in the conversations and to ask for more specific changes to improve our healthcare facilities. Wendy Marte Pilar Corona The writer is a student at Hunter College and CUNY public service scholar with the New York Immigration Coalition.

on other issues. The bill would require people to remove online statements about others, if they requested that they be removed. The language of the bill, Assembly Bill 5323, same as Senate Bill 4561 (since disabled by sponsoring Sen. Tony Avella), states in part that within 30 days of a request from an individual, all search engines and online speakers shall remove content about such individual that is â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inaccurateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;irrelevantâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inadequateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;excessive,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ... which after a significant lapse in time from its first publication is no longer material to current public debate or discourse especially when considered in light of the financial, reputational and/or demonstrable other harm that the information â&#x20AC;Ś is causing to the requesterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;Ś interest ...â&#x20AC;? Failure to comply would make the search engines or speakers liable for, at least, statutory damages of $250 a day plus attorney fees. According to Eugene Volokh of The Washington Post, in a March 15 article, the bill â&#x20AC;&#x153;aims to censor what people say, under a broad, vague test based on what the government thinks the public should or shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be discussing. It is clearly unconstitutional under current First Amendment law.â&#x20AC;? There is no law that can grant us a â&#x20AC;&#x153;rightâ&#x20AC;? to be forgotten. Volokh states: â&#x20AC;&#x153;the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;rightâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; this aims to protect is the power to suppress speech â&#x20AC;&#x201D; the power to force people (on pain of financial ruin) to stop talking about other people, when some government body decides that they should stop.â&#x20AC;? He explains further, that under this bill, newspapers, scholarly works, online booksellers like Amazon and encyclopedias like Wikipedia, etc., can be censored and history rewritten if it is judged by the government to be â&#x20AC;&#x153;â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inaccurate,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;irrelevant,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;inadequate,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; or â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;excessive,â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? and is â&#x20AC;&#x153;no longer material to current public debate or discourse.â&#x20AC;? My question to Assemblyman Weprin is, why have you gone to such great lengths, wasting our tax dollars, to stealthily draft legislation that undermines our First Amendment rights, without public consent? What are the particular examples and reasons that make it so important to write a bill that tramples the U.S. Constitution? We need transparency. What are you trying to hide? In plain English, without legalese, we need to know, what is the purpose of this bill? Phil Orenstein President, Queens Village Republican Club Queens Village

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I will agree, however, that I would be upset if the city came by with those huge black rocks and other highway-construction-grade materials to put in my pretty little tree pit! They need to be way more aesthetic to get buy-in from those of us who already appreciate a garden and its contribution to our environment! Ellen McTigue Brooklyn

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Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 10

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Aged Cabaret Law finally at its end? Dance Liberation Network will host event to fight for hoppin’ and boppin’ by Isabella Bruni Chronicle Contributor

The Dance Liberation Network and NYC Artist Coalition are coming together to dance off what they see as one of the city’s most outdated restrictions, the Cabaret Law. Passed in 1926, during the height of the Prohibition era, the law prohibits three or more people from dancing in a club or bar that does not have a proper license. The law, which sounds a lot like the plot of “Footloose,” is still actively enforced, the Dance Liberation Network says. Out of more than 25,000 bars and restaurants in the city, just a mere 118 have actual cabaret licenses, according to Ben DandridgeLemco from Fader. The law was created to specifically target black jazz establishments and would even go as far as to limit permitted instruments to strings, keyboards and electronic sound systems, leaving out the instruments that are key to jazz music such as saxophones, according to the dance group, which has many supporters in Queens. The regulations that targeted the black clubs and musicians have since been repealed, but the law itself is still in effect, despite a series of Million Mambo March protests and a 2003 repeal attempt. Although the activists said it was selectively

The decades-old Cabaret Law is still in the books but a petition drive seeks to change that. enforced, former Mayor Rudy Giuliani resurrected the dormant rule as a part of his broken windows theory to fine and shut down perceived nuisance bars in the late 1990s. The petition formed by the Dance Liberation Network says, “We believe the Cabaret Law criminalizes the act of dancing without providing meaningful additional safety or quality of life measures. This law doesn’t belong in our city and we are asking our government to repeal it immediately.” The Let NYC Dance Event will take place at

Market Hotel located at 1140 Myrtle Ave. in Brooklyn on Thursday, March 30 from 7 to 8:15 p.m. An Instagram post from discnycwoman explains all the reasons for wanting to repeal the law, with sad face emojis. It says, “Prohibits dancing in all establishments without cabaret license (which is virtually unobtainable). Drives NYC’s thriving dance culture into rogue, unregulated, potentially dangerous environments. Originally enacted in 1926 to break up jazz clubs. Currently less than .01% of NYC

bars and restaurants can legally allow dancing. Restricts economy and freedom of expression. Selectively enforced and historically weaponized against marginalized groups.” Those interested in signing the petition can go to danceliberationnetwork.com. Richie Perdono of Jamaica wrote in the petition’s comments section, “I am part of the Nightlife Industry in NYC and I know without the cabaret license, local businesses would thrive and create more employment opportunities, therefore enhancing the NY Economy.” “Get stupid antiquated laws off the books,” Greg Dardignac of Long Island City said in the comments. Miguel Santiago of East Elmhurst put it simply in the comments, “I need to dance.” Due to the old age of this law, many restaurants and bars in Queens don’t seem to know what it means. “I know a lot of bars and restaurants in Queens that I don’t think know about that,” Trish from Roosevelt Sports Bar in Flushing said. Edgar Ferreira, manager of O Lavrador in Jamaica, somewhat remembered the law, but said it wouldn’t affect his restaurant too much: “No, I actually have [heard of it].” “If dancing is an important component to the business, it’s not cost-prohibitive,” Kambri Q Crews, owner of QED in Astoria, said.

W’haven civic shoots Ulrich ‘saves’ HB afterschool program down one-way plan Says 102nd Pct. must step up patrols by Anthony O’Reilly

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Associate Editor

Woodhaven residents on Tuesday criticized a proposal to make 87th Street oneway only, going north from Atlantic Avenue to Jamaica Avenue, saying it would not address congestion and erratic driving around St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Academy during drop-off and pickup time. “Is this going to stop parents from double- and triple-parking?” asked Community Board 9 member and Woodhaven resident Jim Cocovillo during a meeting of the panel’s Transportation Committee. “No.” The DOT, during the committee meeting, said it would be feasible to turn the two-way street into a one-way, but would not touch the road unless it received a letter from CB 9. The plan was put forth following complaints from the Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association of parents doubleparking and driving on sidewalks during the morning and afternoon hours.

A DOT representative said the change would allow parking on both sides of 87th Street — right now, it’s only permitted on one side. But Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association President Martin Colberg — whose group is against the plan — said that does not address the key issue of motorists not obeying traffic laws. He said the 102nd Precinct has been hesitant to patrol the area during the problem hours, with officers saying they don’t want to ticket parents dropping off and picking up their kids. “You have to do your job,” said Colberg. The 102nd Precinct was not represented during the committee meeting. Kenichi Wilson, CB 9’s transportation chairman, also called for stricter enforcement and for the school to team up with the NYPD to address safety issues. “This really has to come from within,” he said. The full board will vote on the matter Q at its April 13 meeting.

The Champions Club afterschool program at PS 207 in Howard Beach has gotten a second chance at life after Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) allocated funding to keep it open until the end of the school year. “In nearly half of all households with children, both parents work full-time. It is essential that families have access to programs like this in their communities,” Ulrich said statement. “I’m happy to work with Principal [Eileen] Davies and SASF to save this very important program.” The club is operated by Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation and provides sports, arts and academic activities to students K-5. The program at PS 207 was experiencing lower than expected enrollment and faced closure at the end of the month. Upon hearing of the financial difficulty, Ulrich allocated an unspecified amount of money to the program to keep it open. “At SASF, our goal is to give families the support they need by offering after school programs where students’ learning is enhanced and they can explore new passions,” said Maureen Fonseca, CEO, Sports & Arts in Schools Foundation.

Children enjoy the Champions Club. PHOTO COURTESY NYC COUNCIL

“With the help of Councilman Ulrich, we can continue to support the children at PS 207.” The program offers services from 2:20 to 5:20 p.m. Monday to Friday and has a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics-focused curriculum. To learn more about the PS 207 program, call Nathalie Louis at (718) 638Q 7086.

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Land ho! Ferries are on their way ... The first boat for the new Citywide Ferry Service set sail last week by Isabella Bruni Chronicle Contributor

The first boat built for the soon-to-belaunched Citywide Ferry Service set sail for New York City from Alabama last Tuesday, March 21. Twenty boats are to be built specifically for the ferry service and this first vessel departed from the Horizon Ship Yard in Bayou La Batre, Ala. and will sail 1,742 nautical miles across the Gulf of Mexico, through Lake Okeechobee and up the East Coast of the U.S. The boat should make it to the city by early April and its progress can be tracked on citywideferry.nyc. Over a week since it left the dock, it has not exactly been smooth sailing for the boat. As the ferry was passing through Moore Haven, Fla., on the swampy Caloosahatchee River, it got stuck in shallow mud at a narrow channel, according to Anthony Hogrebe, a spokesman for the city’s Economic Development Corp. who was aboard the vessel. While stuck, the crew at least weren’t lonely as they had some company from an alligator, but crew members were able to turn the boat around and get moving again shortly. “The brand-new boats are hitting the water. Construction on our docks is in full swing,” Mayor de Blasio said. “And we’re hiring the crews that will carry New Yorkers across the

The first boat leaving the dock in Alabama for New York City heightens anticipation for expanded PHOTO COURTESY NYC ferry service, including in Queens. city. This is an exciting time as we prepare to launch a whole new public transit service for our people.” Each boat takes roughly eight months to complete, and once finished must undergo a sea trial to ensure that it is fit for service and its maiden voyage up the Atlantic. All boats will be docked, fueled and maintained out of the Brooklyn Navy Yard and will

be able run an estimated 4.6 million trips per year across six routes, with 20 vessels operating at 21 landings across the city. Workforce1 Career Centers will be accepting applications for captain and deckhand jobs throughout the spring and summer. Interviews began March 24 at their Downtown Brooklyn office. The city is investing $55 million in infra-

structure upgrades, including building 10 new ferry landings. Barge construction is currently underway at a facility on Staten Island. The city is also providing $30 million in operating support per year, over a period of six years. This new service will provide a new easily accessible transit option for underserved communities such as Rockaway. Each boat will have Wi-Fi, carry up to 150 passengers and be accessible for people with disabilities. Costs of boat trips are to be equal to that of a single subway ride at $2.75, which is a reduction from the original $4 fee, and transfers will be allowed to other ferry routes, including the East River Ferry. Bicycles are allowed on board for an extra $1. Ferry routes and commuting times to launch later in the year include: • Rockaway to Wall Street (one stop): approximately 1 hour; • Astoria to E. 34th Street (two stops): approximately 22 minutes; • Astoria to Wall Street (three stops): approximately 38 minutes; • Soundview to Wall Street (two stops): approximately 43 minutes; •Bay Ridge to Wall Street (four stops): approximately 48 minutes. More information can be found online at Q citywideferry.nyc.

Wider medians on Woodhaven

CB 9 e-board unchanged

Workers with the Department of Transportation were spotted on Woodhaven Boulevard Tuesday, preparing to widen medians on the right side of the southbound lanes. The project is part of the agency’s Select Bus Service proposal for Woodhaven and Cross Bay boulevards. State Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) told the Queens Chronicle last week the agency is preparing to do the work near 89th Avenue, but crew members were also spotted farther north by Park Lane South. The DOT had widened medians just south of Jamaica Avenue late last year. Commuters will wait on the extended platforms for buses as part of the SBS project, which will also bring offboard fare machines to the boulevard. While the city is able to widen the medians, the total completion of the project is up in the air as President Trump’s budget proposal cuts federal funding for most transportation projects. If t he spend i ng pla n goes through as Trump wants it, the DOT would be out $97 million in federal Q money for SBS. — Anthony O’Reilly

Three of the four executive board members at Community Board 9 ran unopposed and the challenged incumbent easily won re-election at the a d v i s o r y b o a r d’s e l e c t i o n l a s t Wednesday. Chairman Raj Rampershad, First Vice Chairman J. Richard Smith and Second Vice Chairman Kenichi Wilson were nominated to run for another one-year term by their peers. No other nominations were suggested for chairman and though suggestions were made for first and second vice chairperson, those who were nominated respectfully declined to run. This is the third year Rampershad and Smith will hold their respective positions and the second for Wilson. Nick Comaianni was nominated for the position of treasurer, but incumbent Ivan Mrakovic won the seat for a second consecutive term. The vote count was 17-8. Before the vote, Rampershad told the board it was his honor to serve as its head. The Richmond Hill resident also thanked his fellow members for Q “actually getting things done.” — Anthony O’Reilly

PHOTO BY ANTHONY O’REILLY

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C M SQ page 12 Y K

Honoring a helpful hero Pandit Lakhram Maharaj, second from right, has always opened the doors to Tulsi Mandir — the Richmond Hill Hindu temple he’s led for years — when people are in need. When a seven-alarm blaze broke out on Liberty Avenue late March 4, leaving dozens homeless, he once again extended a helping hand and invited those affected to take shelter at the nearby house of worship.

Since then, it’s served as ground zero for the recovery effort. For always being willing to help those in need, Community Board 9 honored Maharaj with a plaque at its meeting last Wednesday. The pandit is joined here by District Manager Lisa Gomes, left, board member Sandra Datnarian and Chairman Raj Rampershad. — Anthony O’Reilly

C M SQ page 13 Y K Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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State sub-panel OK’s familial DNA Full forensic science commission to vote on the matter on April 12 by Anthony O’Reilly Associate Editor

The DNA subcommittee of the state Commission on Forensic Science Monday unanimously approved the use of familial testing in New York and recommended the full body authorize the method at its April 12 meeting. In its recommendations, the subcommittee stated police and prosecutors must prove to the commission that all other investigative methods have been exhausted in a case before they can resort to familial testing — which takes a strand of DNA from a crime scene to determine if it matches anyone’s close male relatives who are in criminal databases. Authorities must also prove an emergency situation exists, such as a murderer or rapist being on the loose putting the safety of people at risk. Calls for the test’s authorization gained steam after the parents of Karina Vetrano, the Howard Beach jogger killed in Spring Creek Park Aug. 2., advocated for its authorization weeks before their daughter’s alleged killer was arrested. Even after the arrest of Chanel Lewis, who is charged with the murder, Phil and Cathie Vetrano said the test must be approved to help catch future killers. Queens District Attorney Richard Brown,

A state forensics subcommittee has approved the use of familial DNA in New York, clearing the way for the state Commission on Forensics Science to approve the test at its April 12 meeting. FILE PHOTOS Phil Vetrano has heavily pushed for it following the murder of his daughter, Karina. in a statement, praised the state panel’s vote. “Today’s action by the DNA Subcommittee of the NYS Commission on Forensic Science unanimously approving familial match DNA searches is an important step forward in identifying the guilty, excluding the innocent and bringing closure to the families of victims of unsolved homicides,”

Brown said. “While the journey for justice for those families is not yet complete, this is an important milestone.” The method does have its detractors, who claim the test violates constitutional protections against unlawful searches and targets minority communities. “Today’s reckless approval by the NYS

Commission on Forensic Science’s DNA Subcommittee is a step in the wrong direction that has potential dire consequences for every resident of this state,” said The Legal Aid Society, one of the objectors. “Knee jerk policy making to serve a political purpose is a disservice to all New Yorkers. We encourage the full commission to make a more deliberative decision and vote no when it takes up this matter next month.” Erin Murphy, a forensic expert and professor at New York University School of Law, said the subcommittee’s recommendations fail to “include many important safeguards to minimize the intrusive effects of these policies. “For instance, the draft policy does not require judicial review of the request to do a familial search nor require that police collect and publicly publish data about familial searches and their results so the public can make an informed decision about whether DNA databases are being abused,” Murphy said in an email. The law professor went on to say, “I can only hope that the members of the Committee have all volunteered their own DNA to law enforcement databases, given that they seem so convinced that crime solving should outweigh the genetic privacy of innocent people.” continued on page 42

NYPD, ACS probing another child’s death SI toddler sixth since June with agency history; Jamaica boy’s tests still pending by Michael Gannon

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Editor

The NYPD and the city’s Office of Chief Medical Examiner are continuing to investigate the cause of death of 16-month-old Bianca Abdul of Staten Island, who on Monday joined the growing list of children who have died from families that were known to case workers for the city’s Administration for Children’s Services. “This has not been classified as a homicide. But we have a long way to go,” said Chief Robert Boyce, chief of detectives for the NYPD on Wednesday at a press conference in Manhattan. A spokeswoman for the ME’s Office had no comment on the investigation into Bianca’s death, which still is in its early stages. A spokesman for the ACS said the agency is working with the NYPD and awaiting the autopsy results. The spokeswoman for the ME also told the Chronicle on Thursday that the office still is awaiting more results in the Jan. 22 death of 5-year-old Michael Guzman of Jamaica. Boyce, whose comments were taken from an audio feed of the press conference provided by the NYPD, said police are taking all possible precautions in Bianca’s investigation. He said the girl did have some injuries that did not cause her death, and confirmed that authorities had once temporarily removed a 12-yearold daughter from Bianca’s mother. She is the sixth child since last June to have died under questionable circumstances in families with a case history before the ACS. Published reports state that Bianca’s family was investigated seven times by the ACS for possible abuse or neglect claims. Boyce confirmed that Bianca’s father had been arrested, but for an alleged violation of a protective order that is unrelated to

her death. The ACS was investigated by the state beginning last September following the death of Zymere Perkins, 6, of Harlem. Authorities allege that he was beaten by his mother’s boyfriend. The state found numerous and repeated failures in the ACS’s handling of his case. Last Dec. 3 Jaden Jordan, 3, of Brooklyn died after allegedly being beaten into a coma, also allegedly at the hands of his mother’s boyfriend. His death was the subject of a scathing report from the city’s Department of Investigation on the ACS’s actions in handling his case. While there still has been no determination of a cause of death in Michael Guzman’s demise on Jan. 22, his family had been visited 13 times by ACS officials, with eight resulting in findings of abuse or neglect of children in the family. Zamair Coombs, 4, also of Brooklyn, died on Jan. 26 after allegedly being beaten by his mother with a broom handle for dropping an egg on the floor. Zarah Coombs was indicted by a Brooklyn grand jury. Published reports state she will be charged with second-degree murder. ACS is believed to have investigated her twice in 2015, but both claims were deemed unfounded. Last month, authorities classified the June 2016 death of 1-month-old Nichelle Warring of Brooklyn as a homicide. The child allegedly had fractured ribs and a fractured skull. The ACS in February was forced to accept the Manhattanbased Kroll Associates, Inc., a renowned investigative and security firm, as the outside monitor that will study and report on its operations and training. Last month Mayor de Blasio appointed David Hansell, a veteran government administrator with a social service background in the service of two New York City mayors and one U.S. president, to

New ACS Commissioner David Hansell, left, and NYPD Chief of Detectives Robert Boyce have another grim collaboration with FILE PHOTOS last week’s death of Bianca Abdul, 1. replace the embattled Gladys Carrion as commissioner at the ACS. Carrion first announced her resignation on Dec. 12, 11 days after the state’s Office of Children and Family Services issued a devastating report on the ACS’s handling of Zymere Perkins’ death. But Mayor de Blasio the next day also said that the city would appoint a monitor for ACS without mentioning that Gov. Cuomo had ordered the city to do so on the 12th. On Jan. 26, hours after Zamair Coombs was pronounced dead, the city’s DOI report exposed systemic shortcomings throughout the ACS system in terms of staffing, training and supervision. Carrion was discovered in mid-February to not only still be in the job, but playing an active role in the search for her successor. It was not until de Blasio was in Albany being questioned by state senators on Feb. 13 that he asserted she would be out by Q week’s end.

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South Ozone Park teen hopes to inspire other kids battling disease by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

It’s been more than a decade since doctors told South Ozone Park mother Susan Watters there was a good chance her daughter, Caroline, might not live to see her third birthday. Her first day of kindergarten. Her first kiss. Her first heartbreak. High school graduation. Marriage. Children. Grandkids. All of life’s wonders might not be in the cards for Caroline, a 2-year-old undergoing chemotherapy in Manhattan. Speaking with the Chronicle on Monday, both mother and daughter can still feel the sheer gravity of each treatment, each checkup and each lab test. Both of them k now things could have easily turned out much different for them. “It’s one of those things you never forget or get over. I get chills every time I think about it,” Susan Watters said in a Monday interview, speaking about the moment Caroline was diagnosed with cancer. “I was in total shock, but there was a never a time when I thought she couldn’t beat it.” Fast forward to 2017, and Susan is awaiting another terrifying experience coming up for her daughter, but in a different way.

Nearly 15 years to the day since Caroline was released from the hospital after a bone marrow transplant from her sister saved her life, the now 17-year-old will take the Radio City Music Hall stage on April 3 to sing her heart out as part of the annual Garden of Dreams Talent Show. “I’m very excited. I’m so lucky to be a part of this,” Caroline Watters said. “It’s really nerve-wracking but it’s also really empowering.” First hosted in 2006, the talent show will feature over 100 youths — each of whom has overcome some sort of issue or problem — singing, dancing or otherwise performing on the hallowed venue’s stage. Over 4,000 people attended last year’s event, along with dozens of celebrities who made their way backstage to meet the kids. Watters was one of them last year, singing Andra Day’s hit song “Rise Up.” She’ll be returning for an encore next month, belting out rising Canadian star Alessia Cara’s char t-topping single, “Scars to Your Beautiful,” with the Garden of Dreams Alumni Choir. But a moment like next Monday’s performance seemed highly unlikely when she was just a toddler battling what doctors originally believed was idiopathic

th rombocy topen ic pu r pu ra , a blood disorder. But af ter Susan Watters did some online research, including chatting with mothers of other kids stricken with the disease, she became convinced it was not what Caroline was battling. She was proven right 10 months later, when a specialist diagnosed her daughter with acute myeloid leukemia, an aggressive cancer normally found in adults that c a n k i l l i n we e k s w it h o u t p r o p e r treatment. For nearly four months, starting in December 2001, Caroline under went repeated blasts of chemotherapy at NYU Langone Medical Center in an attempt to save her young life. They were trying times that saw her grandmother move in with her parents to take care of her sister while her mother spent night after night at the hospital alongside her. But the teenager doesn’t remember much about the negative aspects of hospitalization, just the few positives. “I had a really good friend in the hospital and we would do wheelchair races in the hall,” Caroline said with a laugh. “I remember my mom reading ‘Curious continued on page 42

Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

Cancer survivor to star at Radio City

South Ozone Park teenager Caroline Watters will be performing at Radio City Music Hall on April 3. PHOTO COURTESY MADISON SQUARE GARDEN CO.

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The Federal Reserve in one easy lesson New York president and CEO talks finance and the economy at York by Michael Gannon Editor

Most people probably don’t wake up every morning wondering what will transpire that day at the Federal Reserve Bank in New York City. But William Dudley, president and CEO of the bank, said its functions are less mysterious and more important than some might think, in a talk last Friday at York College. Dudley spoke with Professor Olajide Oldaipo before a crowd of 200 at the Jamaica school. He said whether making policy or operational decisions in New York, Washington, DC or any other location in the country, the Federal Reserve has two primar y functions. “We want to promote maximum sustainable employment and promote price stability,” Dudley told the audience, which was made up of York students and faculty as well as several community leaders. Taking questions from the floor, Dudley said the economy is in a good place right now, particularly in New York City. He said cities as a whole are a growing part of the economy. The unemployment rate of 4.7 percent is at or near as low as it will get without triggering fears of inflation, he said, and any interest increases likely will be gradual, as economists prefer to keep things steady with large change coming gradually over time for a

William Dudley, right, president and CEO of the Federal Reserve Bank in New York, speaks with York College Professor Olajide Oldaipo on March 24 before an audience of 200 students, faculty PHOTO BY MICHAEL GANNON members and community leaders at the school. “robust and resilient economy.” The Fed recently raised its lending rate — the amount of interest it charges banks to borrow money — to 1 percent. Rates had been close to zero in recent years in response to the economic recession of roughly a decade ago. When an audience member said increasing the rates could harm people in Southeast Queens, particularly those in debt, Dudley said that is among the factors always under

consideration when contemplating a rise in the rate. “That’s why we’ve raised rates twice in seven years,” he said. “We’ve been taking them into consideration.” At the expense, he added, of savers and investors who have taken financial hits in an extended period of record-low interest rates. In response to a question, he said the recent recession came nowhere close to the Depres-

sion of 1929. Unemployment topped out at well over 20 percent in 1933. Banks, he said, faced runs that in some cases caused them to fail prior to the federal bank holiday in 1933. “The economy didn’t fully recover until the 1940s during World War II,” he said. Glenn Greenridge, the land use chairman of Community Board 12, was interested in what could be done to foster community development financial institutions. “We’d like to set up a few of those in Southeast Queens,” Greenridge told the Chronicle. “They give small and start-up businesses access to capital. When the money is paid back it gets loaned out again. People and businesses can build credit ratings. And the interest helps grow the fund.” Dudley said there is little the Fed could do directly to assist CDFIs, but that he is a huge proponent of them. “They do God’s work,” he said. “One of the biggest obstacles for start-ups is access to capital.” And when a representative of state Sen. James Sanders Jr. (D-South Ozone Park) asked how minority- and women-owned businesses could better access information the Fed has to assist them, Dudley said the solution was simplicity itself. “Give me your card when we’re finished,” Q he said.

Sanctuary cities called out by AG Jeff Sessions urges NYC to enforce immigration laws or face DOJ cuts by Isabella Bruni

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Chronicle Contributor

In a W hite House br ief ing Monday, U.S Attorney General Jeff Sessions urged sanctuary cities like New York to change their policies and enforce immigration laws, leaving multiple city officials feeling outraged. “ P r e sid e nt Tr u m p’s l a t e s t threat changes nothing. We will rem ai n a cit y welcom i ng of i m m ig ra nts who have helped make our city the safest big city in the nation,” Mayor de Blasio said in a statement. “Any attempt to cut N YPD f unding for the nation’s top terror target will be aggressively fought in court. “We won’t back down from protecting New Yorkers from terror or f r om a n ove r z e a lou s administration fixated on xenophobia and needless division.” Sessions went on to say in his speech that the Department of Justice will cut funding to sanctuary cities if they do not begin following federal immigration laws. “When cities and states refuse to help enforce immigration laws,

our nation is less safe,” Sessions said. “Failure to deport aliens who are convicted of criminal offenses puts whole communities at r isk, especially im mig rant communities in the very sanctuary jurisdictions that seek to protect the perpetrators.” “Sanctuary cities” offer safe harbor to undocumented immigrants who may face deportation by federal law enforcement officials. There are 30 such locations in the U.S., including New York, San Francisco, Chicago, Seattle and Los Angeles. State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman said in a Monday statement, “Despite what Attorney General Sessions implied this afternoon, state and local governments and law enforcement have broad authority under the Constitution to not participate in federal immigration enforcement.” “As my office’s legal guidance makes clear, President Tr ump lacks the constitutional authority to broadly cut off funding to states and cities just because they have lawfully acted to protect immigrant families,” Schneiderman

added. “Public safety depends on trust between law enforcement and those they bravely serve; yet, again and again, President Trump’s draconian policies only serve to undercut that trust.” I n Ja nu a r y, Sch neide r m a n issued legal guidance for “sanctuary” jurisdictions, providing them with the legal tools to protect their immigrant communities. I n ea rly Ma rch, h is of f ice updated the guidance, making clear the Trump administration’s policies don’t change local governments’ right to protect their immigrant communities. Following Sessions comments, next Monday and Tuesday New Yo r k Cit y C o u n c i l Sp e a ke r Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-Manhattan, Bronx) and Local Progress, a national network of legislators focused on progressive policies, will lead a National Conference on Sanctuary Cities. This conference will be the first of its kind in the nation. The conference will take place at the Borough of Man hat tan Community College. Panels will examine ways to “address legal

Sanctuary cities offer safe harbor to undocumented immigrants. PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA

and budgetary concerns, tactics for litigation and com mu nit y organizing and guidance on messaging,” according to a statement from the City Council office of

communications. More information for the event can be found online at localprogress.org /event /immigrantQ protections-in-our-cities/.

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Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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Terrorism charge in Caughman’s death Murder 1: Cops, DA say Jamaica man’s killer came to the city to target blacks by Michael Gannon

because Manhattan is the media capital of the world, and a place where people of difA Manhattan grand jury has indicted ferent races live together and love one alleged white supremacist James Jackson another.” Jackson, a 28-year-old Baltimore resifor first- and second-degree murder as an act of terrorism and other charges in the dent, also has been indicted for secondMarch 20 stabbing death of Jamaica native degree murder as a hate crime and three counts of criminal possession of a weapon. Timothy Caughman. First-degree murder in New York State Manhattan District Attor ney Cyr us Vance Jr. pulled no punches in a statement carries a maximum penalty of life in prison with no possibility of parole. issued by his office on Monday. C a u g h m a n , who “J a m e s J a c k s o n was 66, grew up in prowled the streets of Queens’ South JamaiNew York for three ames Jackson wanted ca Houses, the son of days in search of a a minister. Published black person to assasto kill black men, repor ts state in his si n at e i n ord e r t o early adult years he launch a campaign of planned to kill black worked in a number terrorism against our men and then did of community-based Manhattan communijobs, including runty and the values we kill a black man.” ning youth basketball c e l e b r a t e ,” Va n c e le a g u e s . L a t e r h e said. “Last week, with — Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr. lived a life of more t o t a l p r e s e n c e of modest means in mind, he acted on his plan, randomly selecting a beloved New Manhattan. He cultivated an interest in show busiYorker solely on the basis of his skin color, and stabbing him repeatedly and publicly ness celebrities, and became an avid collecon a Midtown street corner. James Jackson tor of autographs and selfies with stars of wanted to kill black men, planned to kill the entertainment field. His last few entries on his Twitter black men, and then did kill a black man. He chose Midtown as his crime scene account commented on the death of billionaire philanthropist David Rockefeller, whom he had once met; the countdown to Autism Awareness Month; and his mourning the passing of rock legend Chuck Berry. His last posted photograph was the cover of the Playbill from the Broadway revival of “The Glass Menagerie,” autographed by the show’s star, Academy Award-winning actress Sally Field. On March 20, Caughman crossed paths with James Jackson near the intersection of Ninth Avenue and West 36th Street in Manhattan. The meeting proved fatal, police say. Caughman died shortly after making his way into the NYPD’s Midtown South headquarters, fatally wounded by a short sword. Manhattan DA Cyrus Vance Jr. Jackson originally was charged with secCOURTESY PHOTO Editor

“J

Timothy Caughman, right, collected celebrity autographs and selfies in recent years. Police say an alleged white supremacist from Baltimore killed him at random last week. At left, a Playbill from “The Glass Menagerie” signed by Sally Field and Joe Mantello. TWITTER PHOTO /TIMOTHY CAUGHMAN ond-degree murder, though police said last week that both they and Vance’s office were looking to compile evidence to prove Caughman’s death was a hate crime. Authorities claim Jackson already has admitted that it was. “He came here to target black men,” said NYPD Assistant Chief Bill Aubry, chief of detectives in Manhattan South, in an audio feed from a press conference provided by the department. “He came to New York because it is the media capital of the world,” Aubry added. “He wanted to make a statement.” Aubry, declining to go into detail due to the nature and stage of the investigation, said Jackson did tell investigators that he had harbored hatred of black men for some time. One published report states that Caughman was run through with the sword. EMS personnel transported him to Bellevue Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. While Caughman was a native of South-

east Queens, he is not believed to be related to Manny Caughman, a longtime community leader there who right now works for A ssembly wom a n A l icia Hy nd m a n (D-Springfield Gardens). Caughman told the Chronicle that he and his family had received numerous calls — one from police — but that he did not k now Timothy Caughman. Aubry declined to comment on what if anything the victim was able to tell officers at the precinct house. The chief credited the media and its dissemination of Jackson’s photo from surveillance video as key to his surrendering 24 hours later at the NYPD substation in Times Square. “He had seen himself on television,” Aubrey said. “He had a decision to make.” Published reports state Jackson is an decorated Army veteran who served just under a year in Afghanistan; and that he had tried unsuccessfully to enlist others to join him Q in killing.

Shelter opponents file suit over documents by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Citizens for a Better Maspeth has filed a lawsuit against the city, saying the de Blasio administration has purposely withheld documents related to the Department of Homeless Services’ renting of hotel rooms at the Maspeth Holiday Inn Express to house undomiciled men since October. In the lawsuit, filed on March 16, the group alleges the city, the DHS and Department of Buildings have repeatedly ignored their requests for documents under the Freedom of Information Law.

Yet another legal move over Holiday Inn “The agencies have blocked, obstructed, ignored, denied and otherwise failed to permit efforts to obtain records related to the homeless shelter being operated, without a city contract, at the Holiday Inn Express,” the suit reads, noting the group has asked for the plans for the demographics of those being housed at the site and documents related to the DHS’ open-ended request for proposal for the site’s operation as a shelter. Citizens for a Better Maspeth, in the suit,

demands the city pay its legal fees and comply with its FOIL requests. The legal action comes three months after a judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (D-Glendale), state Sen. Joe Addabbo Jr. (D-Howard Beach) and then-Assemblywoman Marge Markey, who collectively sued in the fall of 2016 to stop the city’s then-plan to take over the hotel in its entirety and turn it into a shelter from being enacted.

Judge Howard Lane ruled on Dec. 23, 2016 that there must be a likelihood of success on the suit’s merits in order for a temporary injunction to be granted. The lawmakers’ main argument, the lack of kitchen units in each room in violation of the city Administrative Code, did not qualify as sufficiant standing for a successful argument, Lane argued. Also in December, the building’s landlord sued Harshad Patel, the operator of the hotel, over homeless being housed there in violation of Holiday Inn’s lease. Q That case is still pending.

C M SQ page 19 Y K Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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One rallier, standing behind Public Advocate Letitia James, lets the crowd at MacDonald Park in Forest Hills know that the future is female. She was one of the dozens of people who came to the PHOTO BY NEGLAH SHARMA pro-women’s rights demonstration last Sunday.

Fighting like a girl in Forest Hills MacDonald Park plays host to a women’s rights rally on Sunday by Neglah Sharma

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As solidarity events inspired by the new, harsher political climate continue to ripple across the nation, dozens descended on MacDonald Park in Forest Hills last Sunday for a rally to protect women’s and human rights, prompted by President Trump’s perceived assault on such issues since taking office on Jan. 20. A major topic of the rally was female reproductive healthcare, something that many Trump critics feared would be targeted under the House Republicans’ Affordable Care Act repeal bill, which was pulled before it could come to a vote last week. Instead of sitting on the sidelines while the GOP pushes such legislation, the ralliers called for a nationwide community-level blitz to specifically counter the administration’s zealous opposition to funding reproductive healthcare. “We need a vote on the Reproductive Health Act to make sure that no matter what happens in Washington, folks in New York have access to reproductive health care,” said Danielle Castaldi-Micca, director of Political and Government affairs at the National Institute for Reproductive Health, a organization that promotes proactive reproductive health and rights at the state and city levels. She went on to cite the landmark 1973 Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which determined abortion a fundamental right under the Constitution and helped shape national politics going forward. “Sometimes, fatal fetal anomalies may be discovered beyond 26 weeks,” Castaldi-

Micca added, “so access to abort a pregnancy is necessary if the fetus won’t sustain life outside the womb or if the mother’s life is at risk.” According to Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi (D-Forest Hills), “absolutely stupid” describes the administration’s strategy when it comes to the Republicans’ now dead bill to repeal the ACA, former President Barack Obama’s signature legislative achievement. “They’re going to keep fumbling,” Hevesi said, “and we’re just going to have to weather the storm and take back the House.” While House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) failed to drum up enough support among Republicans in the chamber to secure enough yes votes, Hevesi said blame for the bill’s failure also rests with Trump, who declined to wholeheartedly support the legislation. The lawmaker said Trump set himself up for failure during the campaign, when he pledged to work to immediately repeal and replace the ACA, also known as Obamacare, instead of taking his time to make sure the process goes smoothly. “One after another,” he said, “the president is making terrible tactical mistakes.” For some, such as the disabled and senior citizens, the stakes with healthcare are even higher. Despite the dreary weather, neighborhood resident Jodi Heran said she attended the rally to ensure people with disabilities are included in the conversation. “I’ve lived in Forest Hills a long time and I’m active in disabilities rights,” Heran said. “We’re left out of the conversation of rights Q and we want to make it vocal.”

QUEENS EXPLORERS SCHOOL OZONE PARK

PHOTO COURTESY PS 316

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 20

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Three students from PS 316, the Queens Explorers Elementary School in Ozone Park, were selected to participate in the 2017 Queens Borough Arts Festival. The jurors selected pre-K student Mailey Grullon (second from left), Kindergartener Isabella Marballie (right) and first-grader Mason Clemons (center) to be included in their art exhibition at the Queens Museum. Kindergarteners Gisele McIntosh (left) and Ariana De La Cruz (second from right) have been selected as P.S. Art 2017 semifinalists for their abstract artwork. Their work, as well as the work of many other Queens students, will be available for viewing at the museum from May 24 to 28. An opening reception will be held on Tuesday, May 23. P.S. Art celebrates the creative spirit of all New York City students and is more than a competition, but a great opportunity to expand the city’s visual arts community. If selected their work will be accepted into an exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Congratulations to the students and good luck on their artistic endeavors! By Art Teachers Ms. Alutto and Ms. Bauman

ATTENTION PUBLIC AND PRIVATE ELEMENTARY, MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOLS SCHOOLS: If you would like to be featured on a School Spotlight page, call Lisa LiCausi, Education Coordinator, at (718) 205-8000, EXT. 110. TO SEE THESE STORIES ONLINE GO TO QCHRON.COM/SCHOOLNEWS.

Are Renewal Schools working? continued from page 2 72.6 and 75.5 in Queens. Public Advocate Letitia James has expressed skepticism at the effectiveness of Renewal Schools, saying in a January statement when the closing of the five schools was first proposed, “While the concept behind the Renewal Schools Program was well intentioned, the Department of Education has struggled to properly execute its mission, leaving thousands of our most vulnerable students behind.” “We’ve tried to sound the alarm on renewal schools and make the case that these schools need sustained focus, clear metrics for improvements, and leadership that reports to the chancellor’s office,” James continued. “News of these closures and consolidations should serve as a reminder that we must work with urgency and rigor to improve the quality of education available to New Yorkers from every corner of our City. It’s clear our work is cut out for us.” The Department of Education said the schools voted for closure had low enrollment rates, another factor taken into consideration when the vote was made. They also touted a 7 percentage point increase in overall graduation at the schools, from 52.1 at the start of the program to 59.1 last school year. “Our first priority is ensuring a highquality education for all students, and closing or consolidating a school is never an easy decision,” agency spokesman Michael

Aciman said in a statement. “We always focus on what’s best for each school community and evaluate schools individually using several factors, including enrollment, academic performance, classroom instruction, attendance and graduation rates.” Another aspect of the Renewal Schools program was to tackle issues such as parent engagement and violent incidents in the institutions. The latter has not been addressed properly as violent incidents continue in the schools, according to Greg Floyd, president of the school safety agents union Teamsters Local 237. “It’s not working at all,” said Floyd in an interview with the Queens Chronicle. He said Richmond Hill High School was the sight of a massive March 10 brawl, where four summonses were issued and 11 students were suspended. There have been other, smaller incidents at the school and others like John Adams in recent years, he added. The union president went on to say the mayor and DOE “created this problem” by softening on discipline and removing metal detectors from schools. Kittredge issued a statement Wednesday on the violence at Richmond Hill High and a Brooklyn educator only being demoted after fixing state test scores while he was the principal, saying, “Though the administration merged or closed eight more of Renewal Schools last weekend, thousands of students remain trapped in these failing schools.” Q

C M SQ page 21 Y K Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

Doctors see us for what we are: Human.

It doesn’t matter where we’re from, or what we believe; when we’re cut, we bleed. When we’re sick, we suffer. All of us. That’s what a doctor sees. That’s what a doctor heals. And that’s why we’re so fortunate to have them.

Today, on National Doctors’ Day, NewYork-Presbyterian would like to thank our doctors and doctors everywhere.

nyp.org

NYPQ-071468

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 22

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Is another pennant run in the cards? by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

ou have to give the Mets credit for signing former football star Tim Tebow and letting him spend some time at their spring training facility in Port St. Lucie. He not only sold a lot of tickets to simple exhibition games in his home state of Florida, he got both the fans and the media to forget about more pressing concerns, such as closer Jeurys Familia’s 15 game suspension after his fall arrest for domestic violence, third baseman David Wright’s health and the chances starting pitcher Matt Harvey will return to star form. It’s going to be an interesting spring, summer and (hopefully) fall in Flushing in 2017. Here’s what you can expect from your Amazin’s this season.

For the2017 latest news visit qchron.com METS P REVIEW

After Thor, questions remain Top-notch starting pitching has generally been a Mets hallmark, and that will certainly be the case in 2017. What has been the biggest obstacle for Mets pitchers, though, has not been opposing teams’ lineups but rather finding a way to stay healthy. Noah Syndergaard, known affectionately as “Thor” because of his tall Norse stature and long blonde hair, is the unquestioned ace of the team. He did have some arm soreness around the All-Star break last year, but fortunately, the loss of arm strength was only fleeting. Who could forget his seven shutout innings against the San Francisco Giants in last October’s postseason Wild Card game at Citi Field, a game the Mets lost because his Giants counterpart, the legendary Madison Bumgarner, was even more dominating? Back in 2013, Harvey was what Syndergaard is today. He created more buzz than any Mets rookie since Dwight Gooden, but it’s been

Expect hard-throwing starter Noah Syndergaard to have another huge season after his breakout 2016 campaign.

a roller coaster ride for him ever since. “The Dark Knight” missed all of 2014 after undergoing Tommy John surgery, but came back strong in 2015, leading the Mets to their f irst World Series appearance in 15 years. It was clear early last season, however, that Harvey was not his same dominant self, as his command escaped him. Much like 2014, his season ended on an operat- Slugging outfielder Yoenis Cespedes and his powerful bat will anchor the ing table, this time Mets lineup once again in 2017 as the Amazins' will look to make another for thoracic outlet run to the World Series this fall. FILE PHOTOS surgery, a procedure The hefty Colon could start or pitch in relief that not many pitchers come back strong from. While he has said that he now feels fine, this with effectiveness, but you can’t blame Mets year’s spring training results have not been general manager Sandy Alderson for not wantheartening, as his fastball lacks velocity. Har- ing to match that, considering he has two vey has showed other signs of his old self, how- younger, cheaper options at his disposal. ever, as he was photographed kissing superBolstered bullpen model Adriana Lima in a Miami nightspot. Speaking of relievers, the Mets bullpen will Jacob deGrom and Steven Matz also missed a lot of time last season with arm ailments that again be led by closer Jeurys Familia — once sent them to the disabled list, but both have he returns from his suspension on April 20 — looked like their old dominating selves on the and setup man Addison Reed. Re-signed righty Fernando Salas is another capable arm in the mound in Port St. Lucie this past month. That was before Matz was scratched from pen, while Jerry Blevins will be utilized as a his Monday start due to minor, but still wor- specialist against left-handed hitters. The Mets also have high hopes for a pair of rysome, elbow inflammation. No Mets pitcher has missed more time than hard-throwing guys named Josh. Both Josh Zack Wheeler, who has been out the last two Edgin and Josh Smoker logged time in Flushyears recovering from Tommy John surgery ing last season and should do so again, even if and other elbow issues. Wheeler felt some dis- they begin the year out west with the Mets’ comfort early in spring training, but has since AAA minor league team, the Las Vegas 51s. looked more like the pitcher the Mets were Catching heat expecting when they dealt star outfielder CarIf there is one player who needs to prove los Beltran to the Giants for him in 2011. During a game a few weeks ago, Wheeler himself in 2017, it’s catcher Travis d’Arnaud. encouragingly ran his fastball up to an electric The talented backstop battled injuries yet again in 2016 and struggled both at the plate and 97 miles per hour. Considering the season-altering injuries to behind it even when he was healthy. D’Arnaud Wheeler, Matz and deGrom, it was amazing has been fortunate because his main competithat the Mets were able to make even a token tion for the starting catching job, former firstround pick Kevin Plawecki, has so far been a appearance in the 2016 postseason. But a key reason for the Mets not falling into bust. Rene Rivera, meanwhile, is not considthe depths of the National League East stand- ered a long-term solution, even though the ings was the fine pitching of two players who clutch, yet unheralded journeyman saw some weren’t on anyone’s radar when last season success last season. Like catcher, the corner infield positions are began, Robert Gsellman and Seth Lugo. The latter couldn’t believe he was in the big question marks too. leagues when I spoke with him in Philadelphia Injured infield just after last year’s All-Star Game. Streaky hitting first baseman Lucas Duda “I am just hoping to be up here long enough to be able to pay back my student loans,” Lugo missed a good chunk of last year with back spasms, forcing Alderson to obtain veteran told me. It was reported last Sunday that Gsellman first baseman James Loney from the Padres. had won one of two open spots in the Mets’ Loney played well, but not well enough for the starting rotation, leaving Lugo to compete with Mets to re-sign him. Will Duda stay healthy and return to his Wheeler for the final available slot. Whoever loses that competition will hope- slugging form in 2017? One can only hope. But even the most optimistic Mets fans fully fill the role the man known as “Big Sexy” occupied so well last year, as 43-year-old Bar- shouldn’t expect to see Wright, who has only tolo Colon signed a one-year, $12 million deal been in 75 games over the last two seasons, play a lot of third base this year. with the rival Atlanta Braves in the offseason.

At age 34, the Mets captain has been bedeviled by spinal stenosis, coupled with an array of neck and shoulder issues. Last year, Alderson was able to bring back an old fan favorite, Jose Reyes, who made a seamless transition from shortstop to the hot corner, where he should very well earn a significant amount of playing time in 2017. Also subbing quite well for Wright was Bronx native TJ Rivera, who had been in the Mets farm system for years. Rivera, who can also play second base, always hit well in the minors, and that didn’t change once he got to the big leagues. There might not be a roster spot for Rivera on the 2017 Mets, though, as second baseman Neil Walker has recovered from the back surgery that ended his 2016 campaign early. Walker offered some surprising pop with the bat, as did shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera, also in his first year with the Mets. Both slugged 23 home runs and saw their batting averages hover around a respectable .280 mark, and there’s no reason to think both middle infielders can’t again be stablizing forces offensively in 2017. Walker is also one of the team’s biggest clubhouse leaders and he’s always accessible to reporters, even taking pains to learn their names. He has a great sense of humor as well. When the Mets were in the midst of a lateAugust losing streak I jokingly told Walker that the team needed to start winning some games because a lot of people in my apartment building were complaining to me. He laughed and confidently said, “Tell them not to worry. We’ll make the playoffs.” He was right. Fan favorite Wilmer Flores, who has shown that he can both hit and play every infield position, should also get plenty of playing time in 2017 as he competes with Rivera for that super utility role. Sluggers in the outfield A lot has been written about the Mets’ crowded outfield ever since the team acquired Jay Bruce from the Cincinnati Reds at the 2016 trading deadline in hopes of bolstering their slumping offense. Bruce struggled in his two months with the Mets, but my guess is now that he has settled in and gotten his first spring training as a Met under his belt, he should return to his old slugging self. The Mets are also hoping that Bruce, who’s whacked 241 career home runs since 2008, can handle first base in case Duda’s back acts up on him. Despite being 36 years old, Curtis Granderson has proven to still be a very productive player, as he belted 30 home runs in 2016, while also playing a decent center field after Gold Glove-winning outfielder Juan Lagares tore a thumb ligament. Granderson still strikes out a ton, and that isn’t going to change as he heads into the final year of his four-year contract. But who knows? Contract years oftentimes bring out the best in players, as they try to land that next huge deal. Another 30-homer year for Granderson is certainly a possibility in 2017. The big kahuna in the Mets lineup is, of course, leftfielder Yoenis Cespedes, who continued on next page

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Amazin’s schedule littered with top flight matchups against MLB’s best by Christopher Barca

But if you don’t want to wait until mid May for a matchup like that, head to Citi Field any time from May 8 to 10, as the San Francisco Giants and star pitcher Madison Bumgarner come to town for three nights. The last time “MadBum” took the mound in Queens, the lanky lefty dominated the Mets in the 2016 National League Wild Card Game, twirling a complete game, four-hit shutout to end New York’s season. Bumgarner’s made a habit of heroic postseason performances, leading the Giants to three World Series titles since 2010, but you know the Mets and Cespedes, the slugging left fielder who struck out twice on Oct. 5, 2016, will be looking for revenge.

Associate Editor

rab your wallets and your Mets gear, this year’s Amazin’s schedule has a number of games that will be can’tmiss affairs. Can Mike Trout take the seemingly unhittable Noah Syndergaard deep? Is Clayton Kershaw’s curveball too much for Yoenis Cespedes to handle? Will the Cubs repeat as National League and World Series champions, or will the Mets dethrone Kris Bryant and Co. on their way to a second Fall Classic in three years? You can find out by watching the games on television, of course, but what fun is that? If you’re going to come out to Citi Field this spring and summer, these are the games to splurge on tickets for. April: Old enemies The first and last months of the baseball season often feature mostly intradivisional matchups, and that’s the case for the Mets this April. The two series that stand out the most are three-game tilts against the Miami Marlins from April 7 to 9 and the Washington Nationals, the defending division champions, from April 21 to 23. The NL East race between those three teams figures to be a tight one this year, and every win the Mets can rack up over Miami and Washington, even in April, will be crucial to their playoff hopes. Despite April’s chilly weather by baseball standards, expect these contests to be played with red-hot intensity. You know Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton and Nationals phenom Bryce Harper will come ready to rake. May: Trout fishing Get your popcorn ready, the showdown between baseball’s best batsman and its most beloved Nordic hero is going to be electric. The Los Angeles Angels will make the crosscountry flight for their first battle against the Mets in four years, kicking off a three-game series on May 19. Not only is it a classic New York vs. Los

You won’t want to miss Los Angeles Angels star Mike Trout’s first-ever visit to Citi Field in mid-May. PHOTO BY KEITH ALLISON / FLICKR Angeles affair, it represents the first visit to Citi Field for New Jersey native Mike Trout, the unquestioned best position player in Major League Baseball. The 25-year-old enters his sixth season with a pair of MVP awards, three second-place finishes and the 2012 Rookie of the Year award already under his belt, and the center fielder is only getting better. You name it, Trout can do it: Swat homers, drive in runs, steal bases and hit for average, all while playing stellar defense. But what will happen when Trout meets Syndergaard, seemingly everyone’s preseason pick for the NL Cy Young Award? What will the result be when Trout’s unrivaled ability to hit meets, we hope, Thor’s blistering fastball that regularly tops 100 miles per hour? You’ll definitely want to be in the ballpark to find out.

continued from previous page signed a four-year, $110 million deal with the team last fall. Cespedes missed a few weeks with a nagging quadriceps injury, but was still able to bat .280 and belt 31 homers, many of which were of the towering, mesmerizing variety. His bat is among the most fearsome in the league, but the biggest knock on “Yo” is that he sometimes appears to dog it on the field. He frequently doesn’t go full speed on the basepaths and gets a bit too nonchalant in the outfield, which has led to him dropping catchable fly balls. Given his new contract security, it’s

hard to imagine that anything will change. Manager Terry Collins may want to keep some antacids in the dugout. A big key for the Mets will be the progress of former top prospect Michael Conforto, who had a great rookie season but fell pray to an old baseball tradition, the sophomore slump. The good news for the Mets faithful is that Conforto has shown a lot of pop during spring training. Another former first-round draft pick for the Mets, Brandon Nimmo, played for Italy during the recently concluded World Baseball Classic and was a serviceable fillin last year, a role he should continue to take on come April.

July: Nasty Nolan Arguably the best third baseman in baseball is a guy not many people have heard of: superstar Nolan Arenado of the Colorado Rockies. Denver’s Coors Field is a mile up in elevation, helping fly balls turn into homers in the thin air. But put Arenado on the moon or in the desert and he’d still mash. The 25-year-old has swatted at least 40 home runs and drove in 130 runs in each of the last two seasons — leading the NL in both categories But let’s not forget the aforementioned Lagares, who had a forgettable 2016 campaign but shouldn’t be written off. At the very least, the Mets will need him in the late innings for defensive purposes. The competition The Amazin’s should contend for the NL East title this year, but their main competition, the Washington Nationals, should have a stronger lineup, along with a topnotch trio of starting pitchers in 2016 Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and Gio Gonzalez. Buoying the Mets’ hopes will be the continued decline of Washington lineup mainstays Jayson Werth and Ryan Zimmerman, while former Mets second baseman Daniel

August: Trouble with the curve The last full month of summer kicks off with a bang, as the Los Angeles Dodgers come to town for a three-game set starting Friday, Aug. 4. That means there’s a 60 percent chance the Mets will square off with Clayton Kershaw, the best pitcher of the last decade. The future Hall of Famer with the kneebuckling curveball took the mound at Citi Field last May, looking for his eye-opening sixth win of the month. But the Mets denied him, scoring two late-inning runs to knock him out of the game. There’s no reason to expect Kershaw to be anything less than great in 2017, but the Mets will be far from a pushover for him. Less than two weeks after taking on LA, the Amazin’s will host the dreaded Yankees at Citi Field on Aug. 16 and 17. You probably don’t need the Chronicle to tell you how fun those games will be. September: “Natitude” adjustment The f inal few weeks of the season are always thrilling as teams battle for playoff spots, and the Sept. 22 to 24 series between the Nationals and Mets may very well have a playoff feel to it. Just imagine. New York and Washington are tied in the NL East standings entering the series. Whoever wins at least two of those tilts takes the division crown, while the other is left to play in the winner-take-all Wild Card Game, a situation either team will surely want to avoid. How could a Mets fan say no to tickets for Q that game? Murphy — who set career highs in doubles, home runs, runs batted in and batting average en route to a top-two finish in 2016’s National League MVP race — will likely fall off, at least a bit. The Miami Marlins are still reeling from tragic death of their young star pitcher Jose Fernandez in a boating accident last fall, and are supposedly in the process of being sold to a new owner. The Philadelphia Phillies and the aforementioned Braves are nicely rebuilding with some talented youngsters, but they are still a long ways from contending. The Mets, however, are already on the verge of World Series contention. Can they make it back to the Fall Classic for the second time in three years? Sure. Will they? We’ll have to wait and see. Q

METS 2017 P REVIEW XXX For the latest news visit qchron.com

Mets are 2017 contenders

June: Whose pizza is better? The year of the rematch continues in June, as the defending World Series champion Chicago Cubs — a phrase that is still bizarre to type — will come to Citi Field to take on the team that upset them in the 2015 National League Championship Series. From Monday, June 12 to Wednesday, June 14, the last two NL pennant winners should give the Flushing faithful a thrill, as it will be power against power. Countering the heat of Syndergaard and fellow ace Jacob deGrom will be Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, the 2016 NL MVP, and first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who combined to homer 71 times last season. But Chicago aces Jake Arrieta and Jon Lester will also have to deal with a dangerous Mets lineup that pounded 218 home runs in 2016, fifth in all of MLB.

both years — making him one of the game’s most lethal bats. But that might not even be the best part of his game, as Arenado is known as arguably the best gloveman in the sport, regardless of position. As blasphemous as it might be to say in Queens, Arenado is peak David Wright but better; don’t miss out when the Rockies come to town for a three-game series beginning Friday, July 14.

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

Don’t miss these Mets home games

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 24

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Still fighting for peace after all these years Elmhurst activist Judy Lerner, 95, reflects on her decades at the U.N. by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Elmhurst peace activist Judy Lerner sits underneath her framed drawing of Indian icon PHOTO BY CHRISTOPHER BARCA Mahatma Gandhi.

Judy Lerner’s modest Whitney Avenue apartment in Elmhurst is not just a home. It’s a shrine to movements past. Scattered between photos of family members of varying races and ethnicities are mementos from the anti-nuclear weapons protests of the 1960s, the anti-Vietnam War push of the ’60s and ’70s and the fight against the Iraq War a decade ago. Photographs, pamphlets, cards, books and speeches; they’re all there, resting quietly on the 95-year-old sharply dressed activist’s bright white shelves and spotless glass tables. Above her small beige couch, hung between the living room’s two small windows, is a framed drawing of Indian independence and nonviolent civil disobediance icon Mahatma Gandhi, illuminated by the sunlight streaming in from either side of it. Like a young baseball player in New York idolizing Derek Jeter, a peace activist referring to Gandhi as her inspiration is to be expected. But it’s specifically how the legendary Indian tirelessly fought for freedom well into his later years — before being assassinated in 1948 at the age of 78 — that Lerner draws inspiration from. The witty Bronx native is just five years

from her 100th birthday, but like clockwork each Thursday morning, she climbs aboard an express bus bound for the United Nations, where a packed day of negotiations on policy and human rights awaits. “I am closer to what I see is the end, and I have to deal with that,” Lerner told the Chronicle as she fiddled through a table full of old certificates and awards. “But it does not depress me or limit my activity.” The youngest of four children, Lerner, a first-generation American, was born in 1922 to a Russian mother and Austrian father, both of whom were “very progressive” politically. In a time when race riots were erupting across the country, Jim Crow laws were in full effect and the Ku Klux Klan was seeing a steep rise in membership, it was Lerner’s “sharp” mother who instilled a tolerance for all races in her children by the time they could walk and talk. “I remember once she had a black woman come in and clean the house,” she said. “But before the woman arrived, my mother set the table and fixed a plate of food for her. She had an incredible respect for people.” Lerner would go on to Hunter College in pursuit of her teaching degree, but it was there where her path to the U.N. began, thanks to a chance encounter during her run

for class president. Specifically, it was her campaign slogan, “Don’t be Snoody, Vote for Judy,” that didn’t go over well with fellow student and future Congresswoman and feminist leader Bella Abzug, who called her “a crazy girl with a crazy sign.” The two’s first meeting consisted of a heated argument, but they became inseparable best friends before long. “She was a pain in the ass but she was just wonderful,” Lerner said with a laugh. “She taught me how to lobby. She was the one who got me into the U.N.” In 1948, she married Irving Lerner, a recently discharged Navy lieutenant, and moved to Harrison, NY a few years later, bringing her brash, in-your-face style of activism with her. With the Cold War raging in the 1950s, the construction of nuclear fallout shelters throughout town inspired her and Irving — who watched the atomic bomb’s mushroom cloud grow over Hiroshima from his Navy ship during World War II — to campaign against the American and Soviet efforts to accelerate their nuclear weapons programs. “I got a sign from one of the area Quaker groups that said, ‘Peace is our only shelter’ and we put it up right at the corner,” she continued on next page

Trump childhood home Vallone: You gotta give your prez a shot flipped for tidy sum Pol talks proposed federal cuts to NY by Ryan Brady

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Associate Editor

In a striking departure from many of his Democratic colleagues, Councilman Paul Vallone (D-Bayside) says that President Trump deserves a chance. “I’m not Republican but still, you gotta give your president a shot,” Vallone said at last Wednesday’s Greater Whitestone Taxpayers Civic Association meeting, after saying that many New York elected officials were extremely critical of the president. “And I don’t think anyone gave him a shot.” Mayor de Blasio and Gov. Cuomo have declared that they will do everything in their power to undermine Trump’s agenda short of declaring him persona non grata in the five boroughs. According to Vallone, attitudes about him in New York factored into the president not making the state a priority and planning to cut funding for the area. “The result is... If everybody’s railing against me in a particular neighborhood, do you think I’m gonna go run and say,

‘Let’s put $6 million in that neighborhood?’” Vallone said. “We’re gonna go and work with the groups that are appreciative. Clearly, New York is not that, so everybody feels that pain now.” Vallone’s comments came after a man at the civic meeting said the mayor is against Trump and should be “serving us, not illegal criminals.” Paul Graziano, who is challenging Vallone in the nascent primary race for his seat, took issue with the councilman’s remarks. “I have no problem giving the president a chance as long as the president isn’t going to punish us in a political sense for something we shouldn’t be punished for,” he said, referring to the idea of New York getting hurt by Trump because of some speaking out against him. The Flushing resident, who was among several hopefuls who lost to Vallone in the same race in 2013 when the Council seat was open, added that NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill has said that the proposed federal cuts would be bad for New York Q City’s fight against terrorism.

Prez was born in Jamaica Estates house

A Jamaica Estates house where President Trump lived as a child was flipped on March 25, netting a profit that the deal-making head of state might admire himself. Investor Michael Davis bought the 85-15 Wareham Place property in December for $1.39 million and in the sale finalized last week, it went for $2.14 million to an anonymous buyer. Misha Hagani of Paramount Realty, the firm that handled the sale, told the Associated Press that the average home in the neighborhood sells for just $979,400. The house was built by Fred Trump, The house on Wareham Place where Donald Trump the commander-in-chief’s late father, in lived as a child has been flipped. FILE PHOTO 1940. When Donald was 4 years old, the people in them first showed up at the house in family moved to a bigger home on nearby late January. Midland Parkway. An unnamed source familiar with the transPIX 11 said the Wareham Place address is on Trump’s birth certificate and he says he was action said that the owner of the house is a Chinese woman related to Jiying Wei, the buyer of born there. Although the identify of the buyer is an expensive house in Old Westbury, LI, the unknown, The New York Times reported that a Times reported. Flushing-based lawyer company called Trump Birth House bought the Michael Tang handled the transaction for the property. According to The Gray Lady, black Long Island-house and represents Trump Q Cadillac Escalades with Chinese-speaking Birth House.

C M SQ page 25 Y K

continued from previous page at the U.N., mostly with the assorted non said. “My kids told me to take it down but governmental organizations that convene a t t h e i n t e r n a t i o n a l c o a l i t i o n’s I told them never.” The sign soon came down after it got headquarters. Despite her advanced age, Lerner still destroyed by a rainstorm, but it was the first in a flurry of daring actions taken by finds time to get acquainted with the the longtime special education teacher movements in the street. The day after President Trump’s inauguration, she and educators’ union president. Lerner, along with a handful of other walked more than a dozen blocks, cane activists, co-founded Women’s Strike for and all, during the New York City iteraPeace, an anti-nuclear armament and tion of the Women’s March to protest the atmospheric weapons testing group, in business mogul. “It’s the election of Donald Trump that 1961. A few years later, she and 13 others took it upon themselves to try and nor- keeps me going,” she said. “I won’t quit as malize American relations with Cuba by long as he’s in the White House.” Specifically, it is Trump who has illegally visiting the island nation. She spent the early 1970s advocating stoked the fire inside her over the last few for the end of the Vietnam War, even trav- months, especially when it comes to his promise to slash eling to the Asian funding for internation in 1971. national humanitarOne of the first won’t quit as long ian efforts, his past things she did after rhetoric on nuclear welcoming a Chronas he’s in the weapons and his icle reporter into her proposed ret reat home earlier this White House.” from alliances like month was to show — Judy Lerner on President Trump NATO. off a photo of her“He isn’t going self chained to the fence surrounding the White House to pro- to give money to the U.N. to help keep it going,” she said, noting non-governmental test the conflict. But as Lerner’s gotten older, she’s humanitarian organizations are in danger taken on more of an administrative role in under Trump. “Stopping him from decimating the U.N. is a must. This should be fighting for the causes she believes in. After her husband’s death in 1991, she a wake-up call for all of us.” Regarding Trump’s past proposals to took his place on the International Committee of Peace Action, which she eventu- allow nations like South Korea and Saudi Arabia to develop nuclear weapons, Lernally became the chairperson of in 2004. When then-First Lady Hillary Clinton er said she felt like she was back in the delivered her famous “women’s rights are days of the Cold War. “We’re on a very dangerous path,” she human rights” speech at the Fourth World Conference of Women in Beijing in 1995, said. “We’re getting into a time where Russia or North Korea can do anything.” Lerner was there, along with Abzug. Whether it’s against Trump or for eduWhen the United Nations sponsored diplomatic trips to Kenya, the Netherlands cating young girls in Africa, Lerner plans and other countries across the globe, to keep fighting as long as her heart keeps Lerner was there as well, meeting with her beating. And while she acknowledged Trump’s contemporaries to discuss nuclear weapons, women’s rights, education in develop- election broke the hearts of many in her field, Lerner said if there’s one lesson ing nations and other issues. She’s won numerous honors for her tire- future activists should take from her work, less work, most recently the William it’s to never lose faith in the possibility of Sloane Coffin Jr. Peacemaker Award last change. “If I do have something to leave,” she October, and Lerner still spends her Q weeks preparing for or attending meetings said, “it is my hope.”

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Expert care for your eyes

Judy Lerner calls for activism

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Camp defines and develops character

Prepare your child and yourself for camp For parents, the most heart-racing, adrenalinpumping moments happen when you let go and watch your child try something on his or her own. The moment the training wheels come off, the first trip down the driveway on the skateboard, the time our children ride the school bus — these are more than just memories, these are critical moments that define growth and change. For many families, the first time they send their child to camp is one of the biggest “let go, hold your breath, and watch them soar” moments in childhood. In today’s world of high-tech kids and families who have a constant connection to each other, it’s essential to take the time to emotionally prepare for camp. It is, of course, important to prepare the first-time camper, but families need to make sure that parents and younger siblings at home are ready to adjust to camp life. The following tips may help ease first-time families into the camp experience: • Parents — As parents, it is important to focus on the positive aspects of camp. Remember that separation is natural, necessary and inevitable — what better place to have that first experience than in a caring and nurturing envi-

Merriam-Webster’s online dictionary defines character as one of the attributes or features that make up and distinguish an individual. Character development is tricky. It isn’t something that can be learned from a textbook or in a lecture — it is learned th rough teachable moments and experiences. So where can families turn to help provide the right environment for character development? Families can go to camp. For over a century, millions of families have been benefiting from the positive, supportive environment provided by the camp experience. Camp develops character when: • children and youth feel safe and nu r t u red, allowing them to take healthy risks and develop character organically; • supporting mentors model positive character t raits and lead by example; and • camp provides teachable moments

ronment designed specifically for children? Parents can also focus on the amazing benefits of camp — an experiential education like no other, teaching valuable 21st century survival skills like leadership, teamwork, problem-solving and interpersonal communication. • Siblings — Bob Ditter, family therapist and one of the nation’s leading experts on camp, cautions it is likely that the child left at home will experience separation anxiety and truly miss his or her sibling. To help the child prepare, be sure to talk about the upcoming separation. Before the eldest child leaves for camp take a picture of your children together that the sibling can keep in his or her room or carry around. Remind your children about the communication they can have with each other through letters and postcards. • Other family members — Be sure that everyone is aware of the upcoming experience. Let family members know how to contact the camper if they are interested through letters and care packages. Remember, camp is an equal opportunity life-changer. By sending a child to camp, families are truly giving a gift that lasts a lifetime. Q — American Camp Association

— for example, a disagreement about the rules of a field game becomes a lesson on integrity, honesty and fair play. In a study of youth development outcomes conducted by Philliber Research Associates and the ACA, campers said the following: • Abigail, age nine, said, “I learned how to be honest about stuff.” • “I lear ned a lot about respect and my real values i n life, what they really should be,” said Louise, age 14. • Sam, age 12, said, “At camp I lear ned how to be part of a team … sometimes you have to rely on someone to do a task or goal. You have to trust each other.” The American Camp Association works to preser ve, promote and enhance the camp experience for children and adults. For more informaQ tion, visit acacamps.org. — American Camp Association

is in EVERY neighborhood. Take Your Seat! All New York City families with children born in 2013 can apply.

St. Agnes Summer Camps

TACHS Course Test for Admission into Catholic High Schools

July 24 - 27 & July 31- August 3 Girls & Boys Entering 8th Grade $250 9:00am - 11:30am

Basketball Camp July 17 - 20

Girls Grades 5th-8th $80 9:00am - 11:30am

Dance Camp

nyc.gov/prek

July 17 - 20

Girls Grades 6th-8th $80 9:00am - 11:00am

New York City families with children born in 2013 are eligible to apply for free, full-day, high-quality pre-K. Call 311 | Text “prek” to 877-877

Cheer Camp August 14 - 17

Girls Grades 1st-5th $80 9:00am - 11:00am

Camp Registration forms can found at www.stagneshs.org. Due by June 1st. 13-20 124th St. • College Point, NY 11356 • 718.353.6276 • www.stagneshs.org

Receive automated recurring messages from NYC DOE. No purchase necessary. MSG and Data rates may apply. STAG-071497

For latest news visit qchron.com Kidsthe & Camp Section • 2017

SCHEDULE A BUDDY DAY

#OpportunityStartsNow NYDA-071451

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hange is a part of life. It is often directly related to survival and can enrich one’s life in ways unexpected. Childhood is in essence a time of profound change and development. It is exciting and disquieting at the same time. When it comes to our children, we need to be sure that change is made for the better. We’ve been so concentrated on the brain, we forget about the rest of our bodies. This change in focus has led to an obesity rate that is unacceptable. Our kids are not as healthy as the generation before. Families used to live in a community. We’ve lost that, keeping kids inside and losing a sense of neighborhood. Add to that the fact that our kids stand to inherit all the economic, social and environmental challenges we’ve created, and the legacy we have left our children and youth begins to look bleak. So, how do we prepare our children with the skills and, more importantly, the competencies they will need to tackle changes in our world? We could start with a positive camp experience. A quality camp experience provides our children with the opportunity to learn powerful lessons in community, characterbuilding, skill development and healthy living — a meaningful, engaged and participatory environment. Camp promotes community. It creates this great space that shows kids how to live together and care for one another. There are norms and negotiation of boundaries; there are rules. Camp is a place where kids can “practice” growing up stretching their social, emotional, physical and cognitive muscles outside the context of their immediate family.

This is what childhood is supposed to provide. Camp teaches critical thinking. We need to remember how important it is to be actively involved in the learning process, and camp affords that. We’re going to need really strong problem solvers in the next century. We need the science, math and biology, but without the ability to relate, connect, empathize or inspire innovation, how will our kids be able to make a difference in the challenges now facing us? The camp experience embraces the natural environment. While children have fewer and fewer opportunities to be outdoors, the camp experience advances the outdoor learning environment. As we become more concerned about saving the planet, we run out and make DVDs and videos about it. But the environment needs to be experienced to be appreciated. Kids need to catch tadpoles in the creek, wander among the trees and feel the sun on their faces to understand the importance of those things. What happens to a generation that may grow up not seeing stars in the dark of the night? Camp creates future leaders. The camp experience offers kids a close-up look at compassionate leadership through the camp director, counselors, resident nutritionist and other camp personnel. And kids get loads of opportunities to practice being a leader themselves — song leader, lunch table leader, team captain, the list goes on and on. Camp is an equal-opportunity life-changer. It addresses universal childhood needs not specific to a particular racial, ethnic, or socioeconomic group. Nobody is left out. It’s all about childhood development.

Camp has a lasting impact. One of the greatest gifts you can give a child is a sense of success and achievement. Camp teaches kids how to be active participants, ask questions, ask for help and try new things. They leave understanding that it’s okay to feel a little uncomfortable sometimes, because that’s generally what happens when you’re getting ready to learn something. The camp experience translates back in real-world experience — in an “I can” attitude. We need to advocate for our young people. We should promote opportunities for kids — give them camp experiences that serve as an antidote for the world’s challenges. We need to recognize this is not a series of frivolous activities. We often think if it looks like fun it must be unimportant, but “fun” is a young person’s “work” — to learn, to grow, to be productive, creative and happy. If they don’t do that work, they won’t turn into healthy adults. Now more than ever, kids need camp. Summers are for having fun. It’s a time to spend with friends. To make memories and share experiences that last a lifetime. That’s what Mill Basin Day Camp is all about. Mill Basin Day Camp is dedicated to providing an exciting and fulfilling camp experience for both children and their parents by providing fun, recreational, social and educational activities. We have grown over the past 20 years to become the most popular summer camp program in the Brooklyn/Queens and now Staten Island areas. At least that is what the kids tell us. Our staff consists of professionals, many of whom continue to work in child-related fields throughout the

–ADVERTORIAL–

Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

MILL BASIN DAY CAMP wants you to know why kids need it now more than ever

year. Our directorial staff is comprised of licensed NYC Department of Education teachers and deans in various elementary and high schools. All group leader staff are trained in CPR and first aid. Aquatics programs are staffed by certified and licensed personnel, as required by the NYC Board of Health and American Red Cross. We equip our staff and facility with the latest and most modern safety and technological products in order to maintain constant contact and security both on and off the camp facility. Campers also receive camp gear which they use throughout the summer. Our modern, fully air-conditioned facility offers a wide range of activities for children entering pre-K through ninth grade in the upcoming September scholastic year. There are six (6) individual camp programs. Each camp has its own unique and innovative program that best suits the needs of the varying ages of our campers. Each group has various methods for integrating new campers into their groups. Head counselors are trained to make sure that all campers are introduced to the other campers and are made to feel part of the group in the first few minutes of the camp day. Directors are also at hand to help new campers make any adjustments that they may need. Safety is our highest priority at Mill Basin Day Camp. We realize and understand the pressures facing today’s working parents so we have designed a very flexible registration program. Changing your summer schedule by adding, subtracting or changing weeks is never a problem at any time. If summer school is a worry for you, our program is entirely refundable at any time prior to the first day of camp. Families are always invited to come in for a personal tour of the facility and to discuss the camp program with you at length. It would be our pleasure having you. MILB-071519

MILB-071517

For theKids latest qchron.com & news Campvisit Section • 2017

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Library renaming for Scalia unlikely Danny Dromm slams late Supreme Court justice, CB 4 for Feb. motion by Christopher Barca Associate Editor

Community Board 4’s February motion to rename the Elmhurst Library for the late U.S. Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia isn’t sitting well with either Councilman Dan ny Drom m (D -Jackson Heights) or the Queens Library, but for different reasons. Dromm slammed CB 4’s resolution in a March 2 letter to board leadership, saying it would be “preposterous” to rename the Broadway facility for the 79-year-old deeply conservative Elmhurst native, who died in his sleep last February during a Texas hunting trip. “Throughout his unfortunately long career, Scalia wielded his power to ensure the oppression of people who call Elmhurst and Corona home,” Dromm said. “Scalia’s disgraceful legacy is anathema to ever y thing ou r har moniously diverse community stands for. “Scalia was notorious for his extensive record of upholding, and in fact encouraging, bigotry against many of us,” he continued. “His vitriolic rhetoric against recent immi-

Community Board 4 passed a resolution in February calling for the Elmhurst branch of the Queens Library to be renamed for late Supreme Court Justice and area native Antonin Scalia. The motion has since been slammed by Councilman Danny Dromm and rendered highly unlikely by the Queens FILE PHOTO Library. grants is enough to proclude him from consideration.” Appoi nted to the Supreme Court by President Ronald Reagan

in 1986, Scalia — a well-respected legal mind among both Republicans and Democrats — was especially beloved by conservatives for

his strict interpretations of the Constitution. The devout Catholic was a popular target of criticism from liberals over the last three decades, however, for his anti-same-sex marriage and anti-abortion beliefs. Dromm, who is openly gay, went as far as to say Scalia “despised” people of color, immigrants, the elderly, the poor and the LGBT community. “To name a library after Scalia is preposterous,” he said. “How could the board conclude that such an odious person mer its this honor? I am truly disappointed.” Born in Trenton, NJ in 1936, Scalia moved with his family to O’Con nell Cou r t in Elm hu rst when he was 6 years old, attending PS 13 as a child. Because of Scalia’s personal history in Elmhurst, CB 4 member Ann Pfoser Darby — a Republican herself who landed in hot water earlier this month over controversial comments about Hispanic residents in the district — made a motion at the board’s Feb. 14 meeting to rename the library for him.

A number of members, however, said they were unfamiliar with Scalia’s history, and the motion passed 15-3, with 13 abstentions. District Manager Christian Cassagnol said in February that the board would write a letter to the Queens Librar y det ailing its motion, but he told the Chronicle on Tuesday that it had not done so yet. “We’re going to get on that really soon,” Cassagnol said. The resolution could likely be a moot point, however, as Queens Library spokeswoman Elisabeth de Bourbon told the Chronicle on Monday that it’s been the organization’s policy since 2003 to only name libraries after the neighborhood or geographic location they are in. “Our current policy is that community libraries must be named for the community or geographic location they serve,” de Bourbon said. Cassagnol said in a text message that he understands the board’s resolution might very well not lead to any action in the end, adding that he isn’t sure exactly how CB 4 will Q procede on the issue.

Habitat for Humanity closes on 20 houses Homes for low-income owners to be rebuilt by Michael Gannon

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Editor

Habitat for Humanity New York City, which renovates rundown houses for purchase by low-income, first-time homeowners, has closed a deal with the New York City Housing Authority to purchase 20 properties in Southeast Queens. Monday’s announcement marks the formal beginning of phase two of a multi-year commitment by the charity to boost home ownership in New York City. Plans call for the rehabbing of seven homes in St. Albans, five in Jamaica, four in Springfield Gardens and one apiece in Cambria Heights, Hollis, South Richmond Hill and Queens Village. Three more will be rebuilt in Brooklyn. “At Habitat NYC we are committed to providing affordable home ownership opportunities across the five boroughs,” Karen Haycox, CEO of Habitat for Humanity NYC, said in a prepared statement. “We firmly believe that owning a home is a choice that should be available to all New York City families; all New Yorkers should have the opportunity to be permanently invested members within their communities, to build equity, and enjoy the stability that home ownership provides,” she added. The first phase, running from 2013 to September 2016, rebuilt 12 homes in Southeast Queens and one in Staten Island. In November 2013, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and his family helped Habitat refurbish a home in Springfield Gardens in a joint effort with the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Foundation. Carter put a deck on the back of a house on 112th Road. A spokeswoman for Habitat said the funding for phase two already is in place and is not threatened under federal housing

aid cuts reportedly being proposeded by the Trump administration. NYCHA sold the properties for $1 apiece. Habitat for Humanity combines volunteer work, donated money and materials to reclaim rundown buildings and turn them into modern homes with new plumbing, electrical systems, painting and roofs. Each project has the additional benefit of taking an abandoned building that often is an eyesore and putting a new cared-for property in its place. Councilman Daneek Miller (D-St. Albans) told the Chronicle via email that studies have shown that a blighted property can affect similar ones just 2,000 feet away by causing them to lose up to 28 percent of their value. “These property revitalization efforts help not just those who move into the home but the entire community as well,” a spokesman forMiller said. Those who buy the homes are required to put in sweat equity on multiple Habitat projects as one of the qualifications. Residents also are required to put 1 percent down and pay a mortgage with a 2 percent interest rate. Financing partners include Goldman Sachs and the Community Preservation Corp. Miller and fellow Councilmen Rory Lancman (D-Fresh Meadows), Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) and Ruben Wills (D-Jamaica) were credited by the organization for their support of the program, particularly in obtaining tax abatements for the families. Richards, in a statement, said the program is one of the keys to dealing with the city’s housing crisis. “We cannot be a city of only renters and Habitat for Humanity New York City is a dedicated partner in ensuring more home ownership opportunities expand for those looking to purchase their first home,” Richards said.

Former President Jimmy Carter, left, restoring a house in Springfield Gardens in 2013 while working in coordination with Habitat for Humanity with his wife, Rosalynn, daughter-in-law FILE PHOTO Becky and son Chip. Through their funding partnership, CPC and Goldman Sachs are providing a $3.45 million construction loan and an additional $1.71 million in grant funding. “We are thrilled that we can support NYCHA’s efforts to convert vacant homes to home ownership opportunities for lowincome families, and that the program will spur retail and job creation in the neighborhood,” said Margaret Anadu, head of the Goldman Sachs Urban Investment Group in the charity’s press release. “We’re confident that CPC will put our capital to best use to help more New Yorkers into homeownership.” Additional support is being provided by the offices of Queens Borough President Melinda Katz, who provided $1.2 million. Design and construction partners include SLM Architecture, green consultants Steven Winter & Associates, and general conQ tractors GKC Industries and HFH NYC GC LLC.

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March 30, 2017

’Seussical’

ARTS, CULTURE CULT C ULT LTU U RE E & LIVING L IV LIV IVIN NG N G

Seuss on the loose at St. Luke’s!

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

Beloved characters get lyrical in the musical called

by Mark Lord and who first fell in love with h “Green Eggs and Ham.” She even n asked her mother to buy her a copy of the book to keep as her er very own. Another frequent participant in Gingerbread shows, Jim Chambererlain, who plays one of the Wickershsham Brothers, monkeys all, cited “The The Cat in the Hat” as his all-time favororite Seuss work, which he much ch preferred over the Dick and Jane ane children’s readers that were widely dely published around the same time. Seuss, he pointed out, would use a limited number of words in his works (only 50 different ones in “Green Eggs and Ham,” for instance), and use them repeatedly throughout, the better er for y o u ng r e a d e r s t o i m p r o v e t h e i r vocabulary, while enjoying thee rhymes and cadences in the writing. The lyrics in the show, from m songs with titles like “Oh, the Thinks You Can Think,” continued on page 33

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“We started by doing what our mothers had done for us when we were both kids: We sat down and read the books to one another aloud. To our amazement, the stories seemed fresh and relevant and profound.” This is how songwriters Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty came to create a musical based upon the stories of Theodore Geisel, better known simply a s Dr. Seuss. Their show, “Seussical,” is enjoying a run through April 2 in Forest Hills, courtesy of The Gingerbread Players. Under the direction of Jean Tessier, the production brings together a cast numbering somewhere around four dozen, including adults, teens and tiny tots, most of whom have loved the engaging characters and silly rhymes all their lives. From The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant to Gertrude McFuzz and Mayzie LaBird, all the favorites are here. “We used to go to the library with mother and take home Dr. Seuss books,” recalled longtime Gingerbread Player Louise Guinther, who takes on multiple roles in the production

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EXHIBITS

30-April 2, 7:30 p.m.; Wed.-Sun., April 5-9, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., April 2 and 9, 2:30 p.m., The Secret Theatre, 44-02 23 St., Long Island City. $18. Info/ tickets: (718) 392-0722, secrettheatre.com.

Spring exhibitions opening reception, celebrating five new exhibits featuring works of all kinds — paintings, sculptures, video and more — with the artists on hand, musical, spoken word and other performances and open studios. Sun., April 9, 3-6 p.m., Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. $8 suggested ; $4 seniors; free students, children. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org.

“Seussical,” the musical based on the stories and characters of Dr. Seuss, including The Cat in the Hat and Horton the Elephant, by the Gingerbread Players. Fri., March 31, 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun., April 1-2, 2:30 p.m.; St. Luke’s Church, 85 Greenway S., Forest Hills. $15; $12 each in groups of six or more. Info: (718) 268-7772, gingerbreadplayers.org.

boro

“World Amigurumi Exhibition vol. 3: Mixed Materials Made Mini Monsters!,” taking the Japanese art of crocheting stuffed animals and other creatures and objects in a new direction with unique shapes and materials, with artists from all over the world. Thru March 31, Resobox, 41-26 27 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 784-3680, resobox.com.

“Twelfth Night,” Shakespeare’s romantic comedy about magic, mayhem and mistaken identities, by the Titan Theatre Co. Fri.-Sat., March 31, April 1, 7, 8, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 26, April 2, 9, 4 p.m., Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. $18. Info: (718) 760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

“Dark Forest,” large-scale paintings of woodlands and immersive installation, by Todd Bradford Richmond. Thru Sat., April 1, by appointment, Topaz Arts, 55-03 39 Ave., Woodside. Free. Info: (718) 505-0440, topazarts.org. “Resistance and Memory in Belgium, 1940-1945: Multiple Narratives,” with wartime and recent photos and testimonies of those who resisted the Nazi occupation, by professor Anne Griffin of The Cooper Union. Thru Fri., May 26, Queens College Art Center, Rosenthal Library, 6th floor, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Free. Info: (718) 997-4803, kupferbergcenter.org. “Selected Photographs from St. John’s University Library’s Special Collections,” with works by Manuel Àlvarez Bravo, Elliott Erwitt, Ralph Gibson and Garry Winogrand, curated by graduate students. Thru Wed., May 3, 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. (discussion with student curators Tue., April 4, 1:50-3:15 p.m.), Dr. M.T. Geoffrey Yeh Gallery, SJU, 8000 Utopia Pkwy., Jamaica. Free. Info: (718) 990-7476, bit.ly/1E5lLUh, stjohnsartgallery@gmail.com.

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“Science Fiction, Science Future,” on how science-fiction ideas might become science fact tomorrow, with hands-on exhibits incorporating robots, holograms, augmented reality. Thru Sun., April 30, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission: $16; $13 seniors, kids, college students with ID. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org. “Bayside: The Actors’ Enclave,” with photos, posters, newspaper articles and ephemera from the early 20th century, when many stage, vaudeville and silent movie stars lived in the neighborhood. Thru Dec. at least, Thu.-Fri., 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sat., 12-4 p.m., Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave., Fort Totten Park. $5. Info: (718) 352-1548, baysidehistorical.org. “Meeting,” the second Skyspace created by James Turrell and the only one in NYC, exploring the nature of human perception and inviting viewers to gaze upward at an unobstructed view of the sky. Thru spring 2017, MoMA PS1, 22-25 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. Free with admission ($10; $5 students, seniors; free under 16). Info: (718) 784-2084, momaps1.org.

The Queens Museum wants you to help celebrate the opening of its five new spring exhibits — which run the gamut of media from drawing to video and include Tuo Wang’s film “Addicted,” above — on April 9 in Flushing Meadows. See Exhibits. PHOTO COURTESY TUO WANG “Lorna Simpson: ‘Hypothetical?,’” a sound installation including text, photographs and mouthpieces from wind instruments, inspired in part by the constraints of spoken language. Thru Aug. 7, Fisher Landau Center for Art, 38-27 30 St., Long Island City. Free. Info: (718) 937-0727, flcart.org. “Self-Interned, 1942: Noguchi in Poston War Relocation Center,” works by Isamu Noguchi focusing on his time voluntarily spent in a WWII camp for Japanese-Americans ordered there by the U.S. Thru Sun., Jan. 7, 2018, Noguchi Museum, 9-01 33 Road, Long Island City. $10; $5 seniors, students; NYC HS students, kids under 12 free. Info: (718) 204-7088, noguchi.org.

MUSIC An Evening with Paul Simon, an intimate concert with the Queensnative star and two musical guests, to benefit the nonprofit Materials for the Arts and its education programming. Wed., April 5, 7-9 p.m., 33-00 Northern Blvd., Long Island City. $500$750. Info: (718) 729-3001, paulsimon.splashthat. com. PHOTO COURTESY MFTA Queens College Trio, with violin, cello and piano playing works of Brahms and Ravel, part of Aaron Copland School of Music’s weekly spring chamber music series. Fri., March 31, 10 a.m., LeFrak Concert Hall at Queens College, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flush-

ing. $25; free QC students, faculty, staff. Info: (718) 544-2996, kupferbergcenter.org.

“Piece with Gaps for Each Other,” performance art “like a tower of champagne flutes. But messier.” Thu.-Sat., March 30-April 1, 8 p.m., The Chocolate Factory Theater, 5-49 49 Ave., Long Island City. $20. Info: (718) 482-7069, chocolatefactorytheater.org.

DANCE

Thomas Sauer in Recital, the acclaimed concert pianist performing works of Bach, Beethoven, Chopin and more, with reception afterward; hosted by Musica Reginae. Sat., April 1, 7:30 p.m., The Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. $20; $10 students 13-30; free kids under 13 with adult. Info: (718) 894-2178, musicareginae.org. Glass on Bowie, with The Orchestra Now performing works by various composers, including Philip Glass’ Symphony No. 1, based on a David Bowie album. Sun., April 2, 3 p.m., LaGuardia Performing Arts Center, 31-10 Thomson Ave., Long Island City. Free. Info/RSVP: (646) 237-5034, theorchestranow.org.

Rennie Harris Puremovement, the longest-running hip-hop dance touring company embracing diverse African-American traditions while honoring the new generation. Sat., April 1, 2 and 8 p.m.; Sun., April 2, 3 p.m., Queens Theatre, 14 United Nations Ave. S., Flushing Meadows Corona Park. $25-$42. Info: (718) 760-0064, queenstheatre.org.

The Company Men: A Night of Hits, with the vocal group uniquely interweaving today’s Top 40 tracks with classic pop songs by everyone from The Four Tops to Michael Jackson, Billy Joel and more. Sun., April 2, 3 p.m., Queensborough Performing Arts Center, 222-05 56 Ave., Bayside. Tickets: $39$42. Info: (718) 631-6311, visitqpac.org.

COURTESY PHOTO

Freestyle concert, with Latin stars of the genre TKA and Lisette Melendez. Fri., April 7, 7:30 p.m., St. Pancras School auditorium, 68-20 Myrtle Ave., Glendale. $55 (includes three drinks); 21 and over only. No tickets sold at door. Info: (718) 821-6721; (917) 929-5607.

THEATRE “King Lear,” Shakespeare’s tragic tale of a king’s descent into madness, transported into the world of NYC real estate titans. Thu.-Sun., March

FILM Havana Film Festival, with four movies of various types from Latin America. Fri.-Sun., March 31-April 2, varying times, Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria (more films at other sites outside Queens). $15 each film; $11 seniors, students; $7 kids 3-17. Info: (718) 7776888, movingimage.us, hffny.com. “Starz” and “On the Lig,” two new Irish comedy dramas about the daily struggles of actors on each side of the pond, followed by Q-and-A with artists involved with the films. Thu., March 30, 7:30 p.m. (doors open 7), New York Irish Center, 10-40 Jackson Ave., Long Island City. $15 advance; $20 at door. Info: (718) 482-0909, newyorkirishcenter.org. continued on page 34

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

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by Mark Lord

of William Shakespeare, who wrote this madcap comedy around 1601. More than 400 years later, there is still They sing, prance, flirt, fall in love, roll on the floor, cross dress, tease, conspire, much here to create gales of laughter wear outlandish outfits, plot vengeance — among the theatergoers, as happened quite well, you name it, the actors making up frequently at last Friday’s opening night. The story, as is often the case with The the cast of “Twelfth Night,” on delightful display by Titan Theatre Co. at Queens Bard, is far too complicated to sum up in a Theatre through April 9, pretty much do it few words, but Titan continues its penall ... though not necessarily in the order chant for presenting abbreviated, tightlynamed. And through it all, they appear to knit versions of the master’s works, and be having as grand a time as those watch- even the younger members of the audience seemed able to follow the action. ing them cavort. For the uninitiated, it all begins when a As if that weren’t enough, while engaging in such diverting activities, they’re also pair of twins, Viola and Sebastian, are sepreciting — quite beautifully — the words arated in a shipwreck on the coast of Illyria, an ancient region of the Western Balkans near modern-day Croatia. Viola disguises herself as a man, When: Fri.-Sat., March 31, April 1, 7 and 8; assuming the name Cesario, and promptly falls for Duke Orsino, who, in Sun., April 2 and 9 turn, is madly in love with a wealthy Where: Queens Theatre, countess named Olivia. 14 United Nations Ave. S., As fate (and the play’s author) Flushing Meadows Corona Park would have it, Olivia, alas, falls in love Tickets: $18. (347) 738-5602, with the disguised Viola, setting up a titantheatrecompany.com triangle that will somehow have to be resolved since this is, after all, a comeqboro contributor

‘Twelfth Night’

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

The Bard would give these comical players an A

Laura Frye as Maria, Michael Selkirk as Sir Toby and Lloyd Mulvey as Malvolio in Titan PHOTOS BY MICHAEL PAULEY Theatre Co.’s rendition of Shakespeare’s “Twelfth Night.” dy, which would require a happy ending. What happens in between is no less diverting. One of the comic highlights, staged with split-second timing by the always dependable director, Lenny Banovez, who doubles as Titan’s artistic director, involves the reading of a letter to a man named Malvolio, a steward in Olivia’s household. The letter, penned as part of a plot to

E KIDS FOR THter Bunny!

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make the pompous Malvolio (Lloyd Mulvey) believe his mistress is in love with him, does the trick, as its reading finds the four individuals involved in the scheme doing everything they can to remain out of the victim’s sight. Another standout moment involves the selfsame character, who appears in an outlandish outfit, supposedly one favored by his mistress. continued on page 35

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Celebrating centuries of the French horn Respectively, each piece is from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Aside from the stylistic shifts that Francisco Donaruma, the principal French horn player of the Queens Sym- artistic movements create, the actual phony Orchestra, does it to dazzle the instrument changed during the threecentury period. audience. “The valve for the French horn was “At a concert in a Queens library two years ago, everybody was Pakistani and invented around the 1830s and from they had never heard music like this,” that time until the beginning of the 20th t h e Fre n c h h o r n p laye r t o l d t h e century, both were played so they were writing music for instruments with the Chronicle. valves and those without them because They were thrilled. “That’s why I became a musician,” he they sound different,” said Donaruma, a said. “To give people increased enjoy- member of the borough symphony orchestra since 1974. ment in their life.” Mozart’s composition, which will be The musician will play “Three Centuries of Music for the French Horn” at played on April 2, is well-known by Donaruma; he has Flushing Town Hall performed it many on April 2 with times. The hornist pianist Peggy per formed the Dearmond and Brahms composiviolinist Ma sako tion at a festival in Yanagita. PerformWhen: Sun., April 2, 2 p.m. Munich. And ing masterpieces Where: Flushing Town Hall, though less from the 170 0s, 137-35 Northern Blvd. acquainted with 1800s and 1900s, Entry: Free. (718) 463-7700, the Hindemith the music will flushingtownhall.org s ong — having show the audience only played it once how usage of the publicly years ago i n s t r u m e n t changed as history passed. To provide — the musician is “looking forward to the overview, the trio will play three doing it again.” Donaruma has performed with Dearcompositions by towering tunesmiths: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Concerto mond before and has shared the stage KV447 for Horn, Johannes Brahms Trio with Yanagita in the Queens Symphony For Horn, Violin, Piano and Paul Hin- Orchestra, which she is the concertmasdemith’s Sonata for Horn and Piano. ter for. Is there a more apropos venue for a concer t celebrating music his tor y than that stately government building-turned cultural center, Flushing Town Hall? Built in 1862, the Nor thern Boulevard landmark recalls the neighborhood’s distant past, an era predating Queens’ status as a borough of New York City. The trio will play in the smaller hall on the 155 -year-old structure’s first floor, which Donaruma said is With two other musicians, French horn player Francisco “perfect for chamber Donaruma will be playing an overview of music for his music and the small instrument made during the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries on group that we’re playQ COURTESY PHOTO ing with.” April 2.

by Ryan Brady associate editor

‘Three Centuries of Music for the French Horn’

C M SQ page 33 j YK

continued from page 29 “Horton Hears a Who,” and “Solla Sollew,” are reflective of Seuss’s style — and Chamberlain, for one, says, “You can’t get them out of your head. They get to you.” Bart DeFinna, in his fourth Gingerbread production, takes on the iconic Cat in the Hat, who helps tie the disparate stories together. “I’m having a great deal of fun,” DeFinna said. “It was a challenge going from page to stage bringing the Cat in the Hat to life after reading the book for so many years.” Ngan Ping (Lily) Chiang, who plays Mayzie, first picked up a Dr. Seuss book in grade school. “Everybody knows Dr. Seuss,”

‘Seussical’ When: Fri., March 31, 7:30 p.m.; Sat.-Sun., April 1-2, 2:30 p.m. Where: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 85 Greenway S., Forest Hills Tickets: $15; $12 each for groups of six-plus. (718) 268-7772, gingerbreadplayers.org

she said, “even now.” She was pleased to discover recently that his works have been translated into Chinese and even more surprised that they’ve been reproduced in more than a dozen languages around the world. At least one cast member, Terri BonicaMatassov, admitted she didn’t read Dr. Seuss when she was young, but she did read all of his books to her son when he was a child. “I see the wonderful impression the books make on young children,” she said. “They stretch the imagination.” She loves being part of the show, which, she said, “allows each ‘animal’ to have a distinct personality.” And she added, “The music is fantastic. It’s modern and fun to sing and serves as the vehicle for telling the story.” Adding to the merriment are the costumes designed by Joanna Friedman and the sets by Rosemary Favia, both of which Guinther said capture the world of Dr. Seuss. Musical director for the production is Gingerbread veteran Velma Adams, joined this go-round by percussionist Allyson Fairbanks and keyboardist Larry Heff. BonicaQ Matassov provided the choreography.

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

You love ’em on a page, you’ll love ’em on a stage

Performing “Seussical” numbers are Alexander Inagamov as General Schmitz, above, and Ngan Ping (Lily) Chiang as Mayzie. On the cover: Nitin Varghese as Horton the Elephant, Jillian Smith as Gertrude McFuzz, left, Louise Guinther as a Grouse and Bart DeFinna as The Cat in the Hat. The cast includes dozens of players. PHOTOS BY PETER J. SMITH EXCEPT CAT, BY JEAN TESSIER

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C M SQ page 34 Y K

continued from page 30 “Night Bird Song: The Incandescent Life of Thomas Chapin,” the 2016 documentary about the jazz virtuoso from Jackson Heights who mastered alto sax and flute and died of leukemia at age 40 in 1998, followed by Q-and-A with filmmaker Stephanie J. Castillo. Sat., April 1, 7 p.m., Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Free. Info/RSVP: (718) 463-7700, flushingtownhall.org.

CLASSES/WORKSHOPS Hands-On History: Handkerchief Maker, teaching how to embellish plain white handkerchiefs to make your own, with supplies provided and families with children welcome. Sat., April 1, 1-4 p.m., King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Free. Info: (718) 2060545, kingmanor.org. English and civics, offered by the Flushing Jewish Community Council. English/civics: Each Thu. thru June, 6-8 p.m., Temple Beth Sholom, 171-39 Northern Blvd. Intermediate English: Each Mon. thru June, 1-3 p.m., Korean Community Services Center, 42-15 166 St. Both free. Info: (718) 4630434, flushingjcc.net. Juggling for Beginners, with certified instructor Peat Rains teaching the basic juggling pattern called the cascade and how to build the necessary “muscle memory.” Props provided. Sat., April 1, 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., QED, 27-16 23 Road, Astoria. $10. Info: (347) 451-3873, qedastoria.com. IMAGE COURTESY QED

KIDS/TEENS Children’s carnival, with rides, games, food, hayrides, pony rides, petting zoo and more, best for ages 4-12. Sat.-Sun., April 1-2 and 8-9, Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Pkwy., Floral Park. $15. Info: (718) 3473276, queensfarm.org. For the latest news visit qchron.com

SPORTS

boro

Little Naturalist Storytime: “Feathers for Lunch,” about a cat’s humorous efforts to catch birds, with nature walk and time with real animals, for kids 5-6. Sat., April 1, 1:30-3 p.m. For the Birds!, with kids 3-4 and one adult guardian each birdwatching, comparing calls, meeting a real bird and more. Sun., April 2, 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Both at Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Each event $21. Info/pre-registration (req’d): (718) 2294000, alleypond.com. Brick Fest Live, “the ultimate Lego fan experience,” with huge attractions made of the plastic bricks, chances for kids to build their own creations and more. Fri.-Sat., April 8-9, New York Hall of Science, 47-01 111 St., Corona. Free with admission: $16; $13 seniors, kids, college students with ID. Info: (718) 699-0005, nysci.org.

SPECIAL EVENTS Indo-Carribean Women’s Empowerment Summit, celebrating feminism 100 years after the abolition of indentureship, with networking, panel discussions, cultural performances and more, hosted by the Jahajee Sisters. Fri., March 31, 6-9 p.m., Queens Museum, Flushing Meadows Corona Park. Suggested $8; $4 seniors; free students, children. Info: (718) 592-9700, queensmuseum.org. Queens Memory Project, with archivists from the Queens Library-Queens College program sharing historical maps and other documents about Jamaica and encouraging attendees to bring photos of themselves and their families for scanning and inclusion in the undertaking. Sat., April 1, 1-3 p.m., King Manor Museum, 150-03 Jamaica Ave., Jamaica. Free. Info: (718) 2060545, kingmanor.org, queensmemory.org. Car show and swap meet, with hundreds of custom and collectible vehicles, competition and judging, autos and parts for sale and more. Sun., April 9, 8 a.m-5 p.m., Belmont Park (entry via gate 5), 2150 Hempstead Tpke., Elmont, LI. Info: (631) 567-5898, longislandcars.com.

SOCIAL EVENTS Italian Charities of America dances, with food, drink and more. Sat., April 8 and 22, 8 p.m.-12 a.m., 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. $10. Info: (718) 478-3100.

MARKETS Easter craft sale, with crosses, flowers, wreaths, handmade items, Polish baked goods and more. Sat., April 8, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.; Sun., April 9, 9 a.m.2 p.m., St. Josaphat RC Church, 210 St. and 35 Ave., Bayside. Info: (718) 224-3052. Richmond Hill, 117-09 Hillside Ave., every Sun., 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Largest flea market in Queens. Info: (347) 709-7661, richmondhillfleamarket.com.

CLUBS “Hooks & Needles” Crochet & Knit Club, with participants bringing projects, hooks, needles and yarn, or working on charity projects. Every Thu., 6:30-9 p.m., Big 6 Shopping Center, 60-10 Queens Blvd., Woodside (entrance inside shopping center, up one flight, down hall to left of 99-cent store). Info: Lorraine, (917) 817-4037.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES Howard Beach Senior Center, with exercise classes every weekday except Thu., varying times; dances with a DJ and hot lunch every Tue., 12-3 p.m.; art classes every Thu., 9:3011:30 a.m., 12:30-2:30 p.m.; intro to sign language every Fri., 10-11:30 a.m.; karaoke every Fri., 1-3 p.m.; monthly book club; and more, 155-55 Crossbay Blvd. Info: (718) 738-8100.

BEAT

‘Brockmire’ is a blast by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

It’s not surprising that baseball, being our national pastime, has long been the subject of numerous films and television shows. What is surprising though is the very limited success baseball has had in the entertainment industry. Just about the only profitable films that I can recall are the pair of Charlie Sheen “Major League” movies and the 1988 Kevin Costner classic, “Bull Durham.” Actor and Forest Hills native Hank Azaria, who is best known for voicing a number of characters on “The Simpsons,” is hoping to buck the tide with his latest vehicle, “Brockmire,” that debuts on the edgy cable network, IFC, next Wednesday at 10 p.m. Azaria created the character Jim Brockmire for Will Ferrell’s humor website, Funny Or Die, seven years ago. Azaria’s Brockmire is a folksy, silky Southern-voiced baseball play-by-play broadcaster who is beloved in Kansas City until he suffers a foul-mouthed meltdown on the air describing his wife’s infidelity between pitches. The IFC show picks up Brockmire’s life a decade later when he is given a second chance to resume his career by a desperate minor league team owner played by Amanda Peet. Like many a baby boomer who grew up in Queens, Azaria is a rabid Mets fan. At the

press premiere of “Brockmire,” he admitted that he loved listening to original Mets broadcaster Lindsey Nelson. His character wears a loud plaid sports jacket whenever he is in the broadcast booth as a homage to Nelson. “I actually saw the jacket in an L.A. thrift store and bought it,” Azaria said. Although Brockmire has a similar vocal intonation to the late Nelson, Hank claims that the character as a composite to a variety of baseball announcers from the 1970s. A coming attraction for the show indicated that the voice of Fox Sports, Joe Buck, will make an appearance. Joe has always had a great sense of self-deprecating humor so playing himself here is a natural fit. If the series gets picked up for future seasons then it would be a safe bet that more familiar voices of the game will join the fun. Even a casual sports fan will laugh with tears rolling down one’s face as Brockmire skewers one baseball cliche after another. It should be noted that the language throughout the program is rather salty. The television rating for this show is MA, which is the equivalent of the “R” rating. It’s a key reason why Major League Baseball has not allowed producers to use any trademarks or Q team names. See the extended version of Sports Beat every week at qchron.com.

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

Bodine Castle and a century in LIC by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

No, it’s not the Adams Family home. This was the famous granite castle built by John Bodine (1818-1887), a wealthy wholesale grocer. It was built in 1853, only 200 feet from the East River. Bodine ran for mayor of Long Island City — unsuccessfully — in 1876, but was made one of the first trustees of the Long Island City Savings Bank. After the death of his wife in 1879 he lost interest in the home and rented it to Harold Larsen of the Long Island Paint Works. After Bodine’s death his son sold it to Young and Metzer’s paper bag company in 1893. Early in the 20th century it was bought by William Youngs and Brothers, who turned the property into a lumberyard and mill, using the house for offices. William Youngs (1892-1978) had a successful lumber operation as LIC was growing into an industrial city. Youngs never lived in LIC. By the 1950s when the building boom ended he merged with another lumberyard and the firm became stronger as the Youngs-Esdorn Lumber Co. By 1962, an

The John A. Bodine Castle, 43-16 Vernon Blvd., Long Island City. Photo taken 1933. expanding Con Edison made him an offer he could not refuse. In 1966 the Landmarks Preservation Commission, which usually doesn’t save anything outside Manhattan, sided with Con Edison that the castle was not valuable for landmark status. It was quietly demolished on May 11, 1966 without media attention or protests. Today the site is part of a high-tension switching station. Q Correction The March 23 column “Union Turnpike’s evolution in Glen Oaks” misstated which business formerly was in a drugstore’s location at 255-01 Union Tpke. It was the Century’s Movie Theatre. AT&T is in the old Barry’s candy and stationery site. We regret the error.

C M SQj page 35 Y K

King Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS

1 Strait-laced 6 Makes dirty 11 Not wobbly 12 WWII fleet 14 Chinese dumpling 15 Chocolate treat 16 As well as 17 Flood preventer 19 UN workers’ org. 20 Unembellished 22 Turf 23 Took off 24 Practical joke 26 Lacking a cover 28 Energy 30 “Piggy” 31 Mercurous chloride 35 Is capable, Biblically 39 Follow orders 40 Felon’s flight 42 Big truck 43 Historical period 44 Cagney’s TV partner 46 Very long time 47 Castle’s inner tower 49 2012 Olympics site 51 Zen enlightenment 52 Score 53 Motherless calf 54 Ai or unau

DOWN

1 Pothead 2 Caribou country 3 Illustrations 4 “American --” 5 Units of force 6 Work on manuscripts in Britain 7 Reed instrument 8 Charged bit 9 Chemically unstable 10 Fur pieces

11 Morass 13 Hemingway’s “The -- of Kilimanjaro” 18 Abbr. on a book’s spine 21 Representative 23 Dog bane? 25 A Kardashian 27 A Dwarf 29 Actress Griffith 31 Dorm denizens, often 32 Overseas

33 Shed 34 Varnish ingredient 36 Has no obligation to 37 Level 38 Lacking resonance 41 Dissolves 44 Actress Singer 45 Loud, long, mournful cry 48 Trot 50 Ultra-modernist

Answers at right

‘Twelfth Night’ continued from page 31 Among the other scene stealers in this stellar cast are several other Titan resident artists. Michael Selkirk makes for a comically tousled Sir Toby Belch, Olivia’s frequently inebriated uncle; Tristan Colton, who in his current disguise, looks uncannily like Alan Cummings, is a silly squire par excellence as Sir Andrew Aguecheek, a rich man invited as a suitor to Olivia; and Laura Frye, who can transform herself into a wide variety of characters, here makes the supporting role of Maria, Olivia’s gentlewoman, a standout. And in a pleasant surprise, the twins at the center of the proceedings are actually played by a pair of identical twins, both of

the female variety, leaving Lauren Tothero to assume the role of the mustachioed Sebastian, while Sierra Tothero as Viola/ Cesario does a “Victor/Victoria” spin, playing a woman dressed as a man who falls in love with a man. Other prominent roles have been entrusted to Tyler Moss (Orsino), Tressa Preston (Olivia), Tom Morin, Braden Spear and Ian O’Boyle, all of whom do full justice. Kudos to costume designer Grae Greer, scenic designer Sarah Pearline, lighting designer Katy Atwell and sound designer Andrew Tarr for enhancing the ambiance Q with their touches.

Crossword Answers

Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

boro

Twins Sierra and Lauren Tothero as Viola PHOTO BY MICHAEL PAULEY and Sebastian.

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C M SQ page 37 Y K

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 38

C M SQ page 38 Y K To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Help Wanted

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PLEASE CALL LORI, 718-324-4330. I PAY THE BEST, MOST HONEST PRICES FOR ESTATES, FURNITURE, CHANDELIERS, LAMPS, COSTUME JEWELRY, WATCHES (WORKING OR NOT WORKING), FURS, COINS, POCKETBOOKS, CHINA, VASES, GLASSWARE, STERLING SILVERWARE, FIGURINES, CANDLESTICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, IF YOU HAD HIP OR KNEE CLEANOUTS, CARS REPLACEMENT SURGERY AND SUFFERED AN INFECTION between 2010 and the present South Ozone Park, Sat 4/1 & Sun time, you may be entitled to com4/2, 9:00AM-2:00PM, 149-14 pensation. Call Attorney Charles 114th Place. Entire contents of H. Johnson 1-800-535-5727 home must go! REAL ESTATE Attorney. Buy/Sell/

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Health Services

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448 FRANKLIN AVENUE LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 1/13/2017. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, c/o Law Office of Hernandez M. Rhau, P.C, 22 Cortlandt St., 16th Floor, New York, NY 10007. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

NOTICE OF FORMATION of limited liability company (LLC). Name: 269A LINDEN STREET REALTY LLC. Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of NY (SSNY) on 4/24/2013. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: THE LLC 75-20 VLEIGH PL., FLUSHING, NY 11367. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of 8549 Eliot LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/18/15. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Franklin Baharestani, 73-26 Yellowstone Blvd., Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful activity.

448 ASHFORD ST H L LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with SSNY on 1/19/17. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY desig. as agt. upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 3512 Prince St Fl2, Flushing, NY 11354. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of CREED CPA PLLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/30/17. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of PLLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The PLLC, 89-18 75th Avenue, Glendale, NY 11385. Purpose: practice the profession of public accountancy.

C M SQ page 39 Y K

Legal Notices

Real Estate

NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 03/20/17, bearing Index Number NC-001156-16/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) AHMED (Middle) MAHER (Last) ELSAWY. My present name is (First) AHMED (Middle) MAHER (Last) EL-SAWI AKA AHMED ELSAWY (infant). My present address is 189-15 121st Avenue, Saint Albans, NY 11412-3907. My place of birth is MANHATTAN, NY. My date of birth is November 03, 1999.

EQUAL HOUSING. Federal, New York State and local laws prohibit discrimination because of race, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, marital status, familial status or disability in connection with the sale or rental of residential real estate. Queens Chronicle does not knowingly accept advertising in violation of these laws. When you suspect housing discrimination call the Open Housing Center (the Fair Housing Agency for the five boroughs of New York) at 212-941-6101, or the New York City Commission of Human Rights Hotline at 718722-3131. The Queens Chronicle reserves the right to alter wording in ads to conform with Federal Fair Housing regulations.

NOTICE is hereby given that an Order entered by the Civil Court, Queens County on 03/06/17, bearing Index Number NC-001105-16/QU, a copy of which may be examined at the Office of the Clerk, located at 89-17 Sutphin Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11435, grants me (us) the right to: Assume the name of (First) TIANNA (Middle) MONAE (Last) HAZEL. My present name is (First) TAINNA (Middle) MONIA (Last) CARR AKA TIANNA M. CARR AKA TIANNA CARR. My present address is 117- Howard Beach, walk-in 1 BR. All 60 142nd Street, Jamaica, NY 11436new! No pets/smoking. $1,350/ 1236. My place of birth is ATLANTA, GA. mo, all incl. Agent 718-757-2394 My date of birth is September 16, 1998. JFRE

Apts. For Rent

D&S MYRTLE, LLC Art. Of Org. Filed Sec. of State of NY 3/5/2015. Off. Loc.: Queens Co. SSNY designated as agent upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY to mail copy of process to The LLC, 144 North Hamel Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90211. Purpose: Any lawful act or activity.

Greenlin II LLC Arts of Org filed with NY Sec of State (SSNY) on 1/23/17. Office: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 60-63 Fresh Pond Rd, Maspeth, NY 11378. General Purposes.

Howard Beach/Lindenwood, lg modern studio, walk to bus & shopping, avail 4/1/17. $1,400/ mo. Owner, 718-847-0054 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, studio, mature adult, no pets/ smoking, G&E included, $900/mo. Owner 718-310-0084 Old Howard Beach, 1 BR, all utilities included, $1,600/mo. C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700 St. Albans, RM w/ shared EIK, LR, DR, parking avail, CAC, renov kit, quiet neighborhood. 646-549-6672

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Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Greentree Condo.Totally renov, 3 BR, 2 full tiled baths, maple cabinet kitchen w/ quartz countertop, new walls, new doors, new W/D, pvt gar & dvwy. Reduced $399K. Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136

Old Howard Beach, canal next to Charles Park, 2 minutes to fish, brand new dock, watched 24 hours, pick your slip, any size boat, also winter parking. Jet Ski slips avail. RESERVE NOW! 954-851-5239

Houses For Sale

Vacation Rentals

Howard Beach, Brand new Colonial, new construction on a 43x100 lot, 3 BR, 2 1/2 baths, S/S appliances, HW fls throughout, open fl plan, center hall, instant hot water, super eff, 2 zone heating, CAC, huge attic. Jerry Fink RE, 718-766-9175

OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND. Best selection of affordable rentals. Full /partial weeks. Call for FREE brochure. Open daily. Holiday Resort Services. 1-800-638-2102. Online reservations: www.holidayoc.com

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Houses For Sale

Real Estate Misc.

Howard Beach, our exclusive Brick 2 family, attached 2 BR over 3 BR with 2 baths, walk-in apt, 2 LAKEFRONT LAND LIQUIDATION! car pvt dvwy. Asking, $699K. 6 acres- $99,900 Cortland Co in the Finger Lakes! Unspoiled lake, woodConnexion I RE, 718-845-136 ed privacy, great fishing! Ideal counHoward Beach/Hamilton Beach, try homesite! Call 888-701-7509 brand new mint, 3 BR, 2 baths, 2 NewYorkLandandLakes.com stories, det, granite countertops with S/S appli. Reduced $385K. Land Wanted: Cash buyer seeks large acreage 200 + acres in Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 the Central/Finger Lakes and Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, lg Catskillls Regions of NY State. Brookfield style Hi-Ranch, 4 BR, 3 Brokers welcome. For immedifull baths, sunken LR, in-ground ate confidential response, call salt water pool. Asking $855K. 607-353-8068 or email Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 info@NewYorkLandandLakes.com Oceanside, Det Colonial, new con- LENDER ORDERED SALE! 39 struction, 3 avail, 11 rms, 4 BR, 2 acres- $89,900 NO REASONABLE baths, gas fireplace. Howard OFFER REFUSED! Delaware Beach Realty, 718-641-6800 County, Catskill Mtn setting! Views, woods, meadow! EZ terms avail! Call 888-479-3394 today! NewYorkLandandLakes.com Howard Beach, Sat 4/1, 12:00-3:00PM, 160-51 82nd St. Real Estate For Sale. Sebastian, Huge Hi-Ranch, corner property Florida (East Coast) Beach Cove is on a 47x100 lot, 4 BR, 3 bath- an Age Restricted Community rooms, gar, lots of parking, huge where friends are easily made. backyard. Needs TLC. Jerry Fink Sebastian is an “Old Florida” fishing village with a quaint atmosRE, 718-766-9175 phere yet excellent medical faciliSouth Ozone Park, Sun 4/2, ties, shopping and restaurants. 12:30-2:00PM, 114-24 117th St. Direct flights from Newark to Vero All Brick, 1 family, 3 BR, 1 1/2 Beach. New manufactured homes baths, mint condition. Marion of from $89,900. 772-581-0080; C21 Amiable II, 718-835-4700 www.beach-cove.com

Rooms For Rent

South Ozone Park, beautiful rm, utils incl, cable optional. Near JFK. Bus & train accessible. Quiet neighborhood. 917-434-3679

Houses For Sale

Good location, nice business, good lease. Located @ 102-06 101st Ave. Ozone Park. Asking $18,000

Richmond Hill North, furn rm, working gentleman preferred. $165 per week, no smoking. 718-847-8993

Call: 718-805-0864

Co-ops For Sale

Houses For Rent

Lindenwood, 2 BR Co-op with foyer, 2 baths, lots of closet space, updated kitchen, S/S appli, LR, DR, terr. Jerry Fink RE, 718-766-9175

New Howard Beach, Hi-Ranch Splanch, 4 BR, 2 baths, all modern, beautiful backyard, pvt dvwy for 2 cars. Move-in cond. $3,000/ mo. Maria @JFRE 718-757-2394

Call (800) 382-4663 or visit sonyma.org

Vacation Rentals

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EPIMORPHOSIS LLC Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/14/2017. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: The LLC, P.O. Box 341235, 165100 Baisley Blvd., Jamaica, NY 11434. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Howard Beach/JFK, newly renov 1 BR, $1,500/mo. Good refs & credit. Avail immed. Email: liapos@yahoo.com

Condos For Sale

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 40

C M SQ page 40 Y K

Legal experts offer immigration advice Lawyers warn residents not to get ripped off during turbulent times by Neglah Sharma Chronicle Contributor

With reports of Immigration and Customs Enforcement roundups and deportation proceedings in play across the nation, correlating with President Trump’s hardline stratagem, concerns were addressed by Queensbased legal experts at last Thursday’s Immigration Town Hall in an effort to protect some of the borough’s undocumented immigrants. “We will not ask you what your legal status is, and we will not report you,” said event panelist Carmencita Gutierrez, director of the Queens district attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs. She urged attendees at the crowded workshop to contact her office to access free information on legal recourse should they receive an order of deportation or for general information on immigrants’ rights — a service rendered at a high price tag by many immigration lawyers. “We prosecute crimes on behalf of all people, regardless of immigration status,” said Gutierrez, who was raised in Corona, where the town hall was hosted. It was sponsored by Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens, Bronx) and Assemblyman Francisco Moya (D-East Elmhurst). Gutierrez worries that due to the adminis-

Carmencita Gutierrez, left, director of the Queens district attorney’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, discussed immigration rights at a town hall held in Corona last Thursday. PHOTO BY NEGLAH SHARMA tration’s policies, some Queens residents may be exploited through immigration fraud, a practice in which unauthorized residents pay large sums of money attempting to hire representatives “who make promises they can’t deliver.” Gutierrez’s sector, which was created in 2015, is committed to making legal services,

in some capacity, available for all Queens residents regardless of their legal status. “The Queens community represents one of the most diverse areas in the entire nation, and we all deserve to have equal access to justice,” Gutierrez said. With Trump seeking to hire 10,000 additional ICE agents and 5,000 Customs and

Border Protection agents, Gutierrez and other legal experts discussed the importance of preserving New York as a “sanctuary city.” “We don’t care what religion you practice, what language you speak, so do not be afraid to come and talk to us,” Gutierrez added. Matt Blaisdell, chairman of the New York Chapter of the American Immigration Lawyers Association, said immigration law is often complex. “There are many different rules which can let you enter or be removed from the United States,” Blaisdell said. Blaisdell listed scenarios, ranging from bad to worse, should one retain improper legal counsel. “[The] rules, policies, and laws are very complicated, and sometimes not sensible legal concepts,” Blaisdell said. “If you get bad advice you might lose time and money, or worse, the ability to ever apply for a green card, or worse, be deported without any route back to your family,” he added. A handful of Queens residents who have family members facing deportation charges briefly shared with attendees the magnitude and reality of immigration proceedings, encouraging others to seek legal help for Q their status amid uncertain times.

Pair tried to smuggle John Legend’s bag horse with a dog: DA stolen at JFK Airport

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Cops: heroin seized in animal’s crate at JFK Two men are facing up to 20 years in prison after allegedly trying to smuggle 10 kilos of heroin into the Unites States in a dog crate. Samuel Seabrooks, 35, of the Bronx, and Carlos Betancourt-Morales, 27, of Putnam County, were arrested last Friday at the American Airlines Priority Parcels Service at John F. Kennedy International Airport after allegedly picking up a crate that had been shipped from Puerto Rico with a Labrador retriever mix inside. A joint statement from the offices of Queens District Attorney Richard Brown and NYPD Commissioner James O’Neill estimated its street value at more than $1 million. “It’s alleged that man’s best friend was used in an attempt to smuggle drugs into the city, but great police work led to the seizure of more than 10 kilograms of heroin concealed within a dog crate,” Brown said. The DA added the most recent statistics show heroin use increasing in the city and surrounding communities “with fatal overdoses outpacing homicides.”

O’Neill said that amount of heroin — just over 22 pounds — would have jeopardized numerous lives and “undoubtedly contribute to other crime. “No matter how, or from where, you traffic illegal drugs into New York City, you will be tracked down and prosecuted through these coordinated enforcement operations,” the commissioner said. According to the charges, Seabrooks and Betancourt-Morales met up at a Bronx restaurant at about 6 p.m. on Friday, March 24, before traveling in separate vehicles to the airport. Arriving at approximately 7 p.m., the two allegedly had a brief conversation before Betancourt-Morales allegedly entered the cargo building and signed an American Airlines cargo air waybill delivery receipt that gave him authorization to accept a crate containing the dog. He was stopped by police as he was allegedly pushing the crate toward the exit. Police with a warrant allegedly recovered 10 packages containing heroin, each Q in brick form.

Queens District Attorney Richard Brown is looking to “Save Room” in prison for an accused thief who last Thursday allegedly tried to make off with a Louis Vuitton bag belonging to Grammy Award-winning singer John Legend at John F. Kennedy International Airport. The defendant, Agustin Hilario, is “known” to Port Authority Police who easily identified the Corona man when he was spotted on surveillance video allegedly taking the bag — which, including the contents inside, is valued at more than $30,000. “I know I should not have taken it. I made a mistake,” Hilario allegedly told the PAPD, according to Brown, who added the man told authorities he planned to take it to the airport’s lost and found. He faces seven years in prison if convicted of the charges. Legend was walking to his car on March 23 when his bag was momentarily left unattended on a cart. When someone went to retrieve it, the bag was gone. “Our Delta greeter made a mistake and left a bag on the cart,” Legend said in a tweet correcting an erroneous TMZ report. Security footage allegedly showed Hilario pushing the cart away before removing

John Legend

PHOTO BY SACHYN MITAL VIA WIKIPEDIA

the bag. Brown said the defendant is known to frequent the airport. The singer, in a tweet, said the PAPD and JFK security deserve some “Glory” for retrieving the bag. “Thanks to the airport police/security. One could say it’s been ‘handled,’” the “All Q of Me” singer said. — Anthony O’Reilly

C M SQ page 41 Y K Serving Howard Beach for Over 20 Years

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Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017

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All modern newly renovated, 4 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms with private driveway, all new stainless steel appliances, ceramic tiles throughout, sliding glass doors to backyard.

OLD HOWARD BEACH Brand new Colonial, new construction on a 43x100 lot, 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, stainless steel appliances, hardwood floors throughout, open floor plan, center hall, instant hot water, super eff, 2 zone heating, central A/C, laundry room on 2nd floor and huge attic can be bonus room!

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Beautiful 2 bedroom, 2 bath Co-op with foyer, lots of closet space, kitchen with stainless steel appliances, living room, dining room, hardwood floors throughout and terrace!

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LINDENWOOD

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QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, March 30, 2017 Page 42

C M SQ page 42 Y K

Familial DNA

Cancer survivor to grace Radio City’s stage

continued from page 14 If it is approved by the full commission, New York will be the 10th state to allow familial testing. But if it doesn’t, state lawmakers could take action. The state Senate has already passed a bill, introduced by state Sen. Phil Boyle (R-Suffolk) and sponsored by state Sen. Joe Addabbo (D-Howard Beach), that would mandate the test’s authorization. It’s being carried in the Assembly by Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-Rockaway Park). “With today’s unanimous approval of FM by the DNA Subcommittee of the Commission on Forensic Science, which was considered to be the most challenging hurdle to passage, New York State is very close to adding its voice to this search for justice,” Pheffer Amato said in a statement issued shortly after the subcommittee’s vote. “If the Commission accepts the Subcommittee’s recommendations, it will say that, as a government, we are absolutely committed to using all available tools to convict the guilty and free the innocent.” Addabbo said in a statement, “It is our hope that by approving the careful use of familial DNA matching, we will be better equipped to solve investigaQ tions and assist law enforcement.”

discovered her love of singing, often entering the camp’s talent shows. She learned of Garden of Dreams from camp staffers two years ago, but auditions had already passed. She used the next year to practice, eventually acing her audition in 2016. “I actually went to the show two years ago, and I knew I had to audition the next year,” she said. “I adore performing and I do want it to be my career somehow.” She’s already made a name for herself with her voice, earning a spot in the Young People’s Chorus of New York City. In her short time with the group, she’s performed for dignitaries like former President Barack Obama and Pope Francis and will travel with the organization to sing in Finland and Spain next year. But arguably more important to Caroline than a singing career is proving to children battling cancer that there’s always hope, no matter the doctor’s diagnosis or the results of a blood test. “I’ve pretty much always been a part of cancer organizations,” she said. “Being a survivor, I want to give kids the hope that they’ll get through this.” At Sunrise Day Camp, Caroline says, you can tell one’s medical history by looking at the scars, whether from tumor removal surgery or another procedure. Instead of focusing on their own physical imperfections, however, Caroline

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continued from page 15 George Goes to the Hospital’ too.” While her daugher made the best of an awful situation, Susan was busy discussing Caroline’s chances with an army of doctors. Their opinion? A bone marrow transplant would be the toddler’s best, if not only, chance at survival. After some initial worrying if anyone in their family was eligible to be Caroline’s donor, Susan’s older daughter, 4-year-old Lisette, turned out to be a perfect match. A few months after the procedure, Caroline was headed home, her leukemia finally in remission. “They have this bond now. They’re super, super close and it’s an experience that shaped our entire family,” the mother said of her two teenage girls. “She was excited and proud to do it.” Does Lisette, jokingly or otherwise, constantly remind her sister of the reason why she’s still here? “Sometimes in a joking way,” Caroline said. “But never seriously. She would never do that, she’s the nicest person in the world.” In the years that followed, both sisters became regulars at Sunrise Day Camp in Oceanside, LI, a full-summer retreat for youth cancer patients and their siblings. It was there that 10-year-old Caroline

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hopes her fellow campers see her long, f lowing locks and know that, even if given the most longshot odds at recovery, it is possible to be a success story like her. “I have a head full of curls now. But it sucks losing your hair,” she said. “The whole process is crappy and you feel terrible, but there is hope. Q “If I can do it, you can too.”

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