Queens Chronicle South Edition 04-25-13 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. XXXVI NO. 17

THURSDAY, APRIL 25, 2013

QCHRON.COM

PHOTOS BY DOMENICK RAFTER

WHAT L IE IES S BENEATH?

Some worried about extent of toxic problem in Ozone Park PAGE 5 As End Zone Industries prepares to undergo remediation of the chemical TCE under an abandoned railroad station, some who work nearby, inset, are concerned about how much is not being cleaned.

BEYOND THE FURNITURE

HELPING HAND

‘Better Homes’ exhibit at SculptureCenter looks at how people affect design

Friends of Rockaway steps in for peninsula’s Sandy victims

PAGE 12

PAGES 25-32

SEE qboro, PAGE 39

QUEENS’ LARGEST WEEKLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER GROUP

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 2

C M SQ page 2 Y K

Bill aims to reduce solitary confinement Former inmate says years in the ‘box’ affect sleep, induce paranoia by Josey Bartlett Editor

bout 12 years ago Five Omar Mualimmak — who says his unique numerical name is the subject of a whole other article — was arrested on drug trafficking, possession of an illegal weapon, money laundering and tax evasion charges and sent to Rikers Island. Those charges were changed and dropped and then a few reissued, Mualimmak, 38, said, keeping him in the system for 11 years. Once he was put in prison, a fight landed the Bronx man in solitary confinement. “I got stabbed at Rikers,” Mualimmak said. “If you are a victim, it’s not where they care about you. Five people were involved in the fight and everyone was going to the box.” This was just his introduction to solitary. More brawls kept him there — 23 hours of time spent in a room where the light never turns off, and one hour, “maybe,” spent outside — for about five years. A family member sent him a book that the prison deemed an organizing device, Mualimmak said, and he was given more time in solitary. “Mathematically it’s impossible to bring everyone outside,” he said. “It’s torturous. The yard is like a dog pen. Have you seen a dog kennel? It’s like that. “To go out you have to be at your gate fully dressed for the rec run. “Then they strip search you in your cell. Take

off all your clothes, then from there you are cuffed, shackled around your waist, cuffed around the ankle, brought to another room where there are dogs and you are stripped again, then cuffed, shackled, cuffed.” Mualimmak was transferred several times to other prisons for fighting, once to a mental health prison and then to a detention center from where he would have been deported to Egypt, where he had attended elementary school. Mualimmak is now a U.S. citizen, he said, but his birthplace of Ethiopia and his father’s involvement in the Black Panthers made that process difficult. His mother died in federal prison, where she was serving her term for criminal actions stemming from her radical political viewpoints. His father is in “whereabouts unknown.” *** The inside 23 hours of solitary confinement are spent pacing, sleeping — about half the time he slept, something much different from his current insomniac life — writing, drawing and reading — Mualimmak was allowed 10 books a month, which “ran like water” — and just spent being bored. He watched other prisoners hold open the cell flap where food would come in, just for human interaction. That infraction broke solitary confinement rules and was penalized with

Rikers Island

PHOTO BY JENNIFER BOVE/FLICKR

more time in the box. “You just have to have some sort of emotional breakdown and emotional outbreaks are treated with more solitary,” he said. Since being released last year he can’t sleep for days at time; he’s paranoid, angry and antisocial. “What has affected me is not only just about sleeping right or having nightmares or having my sleeping patterns totally messed up, which all happens, but it’s about socializing. I just don’t any more,” Mualimmak said. “In the box all you have is your memories. Your brain contorts that, then you start to expound upon that and it leaves you with this distant thought of that

LIVE A HEALTHIER LIFE

memory.” Now outside of prison, he has a difficult time living beyond those thoughts. When he was first released in 2010 he ended up back in jail for violating parole. He has tried to hold down a job, but an injury thwarted that effort. He lives in a transitional home in Lower Manhattan and devotes his time to advocating with the Campaign for Alternatives to Isolated Confinement and the Campaign to End the New Jim Crow against solitary confinement. “You become aggressive because you are so used to being oppressed. It’s like I’m crazy sometimes, but my psych says it’s normal,” he said. “It helped knowing how common it is. “Also my determination to change the system has helped me to stay calm. I have a goal and a cause.” *** A new bill introduced by Councilman Danny Dromm (D-Jackson Heights) would require the Department of Correction to post a monthly report on its website about punitive segregation. It would require data on the number of people in punitive segregation, the length of time in this setting, the nature of the infractions, age, mental health, if they were prescribed medication or moved to a hospital, violence against self and others and inmate requests. The bill, which was introduced on March 2, continued on page 38

EX PER I EN NCE CE “The Original”

Adrian & Rocky’s Catering

Dr. David S. Fuggetta Chiropractor

• Arthritis • Elbow Pain • Stress Management • Chronic Fatigue • Fibromyalgia • Numbness • Auto Accidents • Workmen’s Compensation • Foot & Heel Pain

–– Most Insurance Plans Accepted ––

718-845-6600 91-17

157 th

Ave., Howard Beach

(1 Block from Blockbuster Video) Both The Q21 and Q41 Buses Stop at Our Office

See Our Website: www.rockwoodparkchiro.com

• Business Meetings • Engagement Parties • Cocktail Parties VISIT US AT:

• Family Healthcare • Sciatica • Migraines • Pre-/Post-Natal Back Care • Low Back Pain • Sports Injuries • Neck & Shoulder Pain

• Graduations

• Holiday Parties • Christenings • Communions • Anniversaries • Showers • Sweet 16’s

www.Adrianscaterers.com DELIVERY IS FREE OF CHARGE WITH ALL CATERING PACKAGES Call

718-845-5525 •

Fax

718-845-5643

132-08 Cross Bay Boulevard, Ozone Park ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

For the latest news visit qchron.com

FOR THE VERY BEST IN BUFFET-STYLE CATERING

C M SQ page 3 Y K Page 3 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

SAL’S FOOD MARKET Is Now Open For Business… Better Than Ever! “Owned and operated by the same family and proudly serving you since 1946” Our family at Sal’s Food Market would like to invite you back to town! Our experienced, knowledgeable and friendly staff is here to serve

Your BBQ Headquarters Gourmet Deli featuring a full line of ONLY Boar’s Head Products Coffee Station and

Delicious Prepared Food and Salads all made in store Fresh Daily

Full Line of Groceries, Frozen Foods and Fresh Produce FREE Package

of Boar’s Head Pre-cooked Bacon

Breakfast Specials •••••••••

NEW STORE HOURS: Mon. to Fri. 6 am till 7:30 pm Sat. 6 am till 7 pm Sunday 7 am till 6 pm

102-10 159th ROAD, OLD HOWARD BEACH Tel.

718-843-8233-4

Fax

718-843-2555

FREE DELIVERY All Day Monday - Saturday No Minimum. No Charge

“Mike & family, and the guys & girls at Sal’s Food Market are happy to announce that we are finally open again for business. Like most of our neighbors, Sandy turned our lives upside down, and totally destroyed our store. We have totally renovated and are now ready to continue the tradition that our Father and Grandfather started in the 1940’s.” “Our Patriarch (the only Sal from Sal’s) passed away suddenly in 1968, and his values & work ethic that he instilled in his family have lived on at Sal’s Food Market through the years. No other store could give you the quality and service that Sal’s does, even though there might be a Sal on staff. We would like to thank our loyal customers who have come back, and welcome all the new people who we have seen in the store this week.”

Home Catering Available

★ A Special Thanks to Eddie Kinsella & Philip Nable ★

For the latest news visit qchron.com

We Accept All Major Credit Cards and EBT

with every $15.00 purchase $5 value, limit 1 per customer. Call ahead While supplies last. your order… We’ll have it ready for you!

Rotisserie Chickens

Prime Meats Featuring: “Sterling Silver Quality Beef”

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 4

C M SQ page 4 Y K A R D B E AC H H OW

PHARMACY

OZO

CROSS BAY CHEMIST

NE PARK

PHARMACY

FRANK P. PANTINA

REGISTERED PHARMACIST • OWNER • SURGICAL FITTER • NOTARY PUBLIC

We Speak Italian, Polish & Spanish

GARY LEHRER REGISTERED PHARMACIST JORGE ALBERTO OCASIO REGISTERED PHARMACIST DR. PETER G. LAFRANCA REGISTERED PHARMACIST

We Accept Medicaid and All Prescription Plans www.crossbaychemist.com

158-14 CROSS BAY BLVD. HOWARD BEACH Mon. - Fri. 9 am - 9 pm • Sat. 9 am -7 pm • Sun. 10 am - 5 pm

• EBT • WIC • MONEY ORDERS $1 • MONEY GRAM • NOTARY PUBLIC • ATM • BREAST PUMP RENTAL • 5¢ PHOTOCOPIES • MONAVIE • WHEELCHAIR RENTAL • GIFT CARDS • FAX SERVICE • STAMPS • METRO CARDS • PASSPORT PICTURES

WE ACCEPT ALL MAJOR CHARGE CARDS

50% OFF ALL GREETING CARDS ALL YEAR ROUND

PHONE:

718-659-9500

FAX: 718-659-9100

96-05 101 AVE.,OZONE PARK PHONE: 718-880-1644 FAX: 718-880-1606 Mon. - Sat. 9 am - 7 pm • Closed Sunday

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

WE ACCEPT CVS/CAREMARK AND ALL OF THE PRESCRIPTION INSURANCE PLANS Sale Ends May 2nd WE WELCOME ALL SANITATION MEMBERS FOR THEIR PRESCRIPTIONS • Progesterone Suppository Specialists • Specializing In: HIV, Diabetes, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Asthma, Pediatrics, Oncology, Fertility Drugs and Compounding Medications. • Servicing Long-Term Facilities, Senior Residences and Nursing Homes. • Medicare Billing For Many Surgical and Diabetic Supplies Including Wheelchairs, Walkers, Canes, Nebulizers and So Much More… • Two Convenient Locations Serving: Howard Beach, Lindenwood, Hamilton Beach, Woodhaven, Ozone Park, Richmond Hill and Broad Channel.

SENIOR CITIZEN WEDNESDAYS!

10% OFF on all over-the-counter products

5 OFF $

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• Patience, Convenience and Confidence You Can Rely On Us! Our Experienced and Knowledgeable Staff Will Help You With All Your Pharmacy and Surgical Supply Needs.

Over-the-counter Purchase of $30 or more

Get FREE

1000 Gift Card

WHITE RAIN

ENERGIZER

PROCTOR SILEX

16.9 - 18 oz.

Batteries AA or AAA 4 Pk.

2 Slice

79 ¢

2/ $500

Shampoo or Conditioner

ONE ALL • STOVETOP

PERCOLATOR

Toaster • Black or White

1199

NYX

SCOTT

PROFESSIONAL COSMETICS Whole Line

1000 Sheets • Single Roll

$ 99

10% OFF

69 ¢

DEER PARK or POLAND SPRING

MAXWELL HOUSE or FOLGERS

Paper Towels

24 Pk. 16.9 oz.

Coffee 11.3 - 11.5 oz.

2/ $700

99 ¢

Glass

Water

$ 99 OCEAN SPRAY

Asst. Var. • 8 oz.

2/ $500

99 ¢

XTRA

$ 29

PLENTY 52 Ct.

KETTLE

Potato Chips

JUICE DRINK 64 OZ.

2x Detergent 75 oz.

Bathroom Paper

PARADE

Liquid Bleach 128 oz.

$ 29

WE CARRY AND ADMINISTER

THE SHINGLES SHOT AND ACCEPT ALL INSURANCES FOR THE VACCINE Come in for your

GIFT & LOYALTY CARD

1000 Instant

SPEND $200

Scratch OFF

GET $10 OFF

When you fill your new or transferred prescriptions. New customers only. One coupon per family.

(prescriptions not included)

YOUR NEXT PURCHASE

SQ page 5

QUEENS NEWS

Not everyone satisfied with End Zone project Some fear extent of contamination at TCE cleanup site in Ozone Park by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

Laura Boehm has not worked in Ozone Park very long, but she says the community is close to her heart. About five years ago, she opened her company, LMB Consultants, on the second floor, right on the corner of 100th Street and 101st Avenue. Directly across the street from her office is the old Ozone Park Long Island Rail Road station, abandoned since 1962. The station will be the site of an ambitious chemical cleanup project to be undertaken by End Zone Industries, the group formerly known as Ozone Industries, which once stored aircraft parts in the bays under the old station platform. The years of being used to store aircraft parts have left the bays contaminated with a chemical called trichloroethylene, or TCE, a substance linked to some forms of cancer and problems of the central nervous system. The chemical is located in the soil below seven bays under the former train station between 101st and 103rd avenues along 100th Street and is believed to have come from the aircraft parts that were once stored there. Beginning next month, a contractor hired by End Zone will begin removing contaminated dirt from the site, trucking it to a remote location. Venting systems will also be installed to release some of the TCE into the air. The remediation plan comes after a decade of coordination between End Zone, the city and the state Department of Environmental Conservation. Testing for TCE dates back to 2004, not long after the chemical was found at PS 65, a public elementary school at 103-22 99 St., a block from the End

Some of the bays under the abandoned train station on 100th Street in Ozone Park where End Zone Industries will clean soil contaminated by a chemical, TCE, beginning next month. PHOTO BY DOMENICK RAFTER

Zone site. Some teachers and children at the school were sickened in 2002, possibly as a result of the chemical, though that has never been confirmed. That possibility is part of what led Boehm to do significant research into the history of the TCE cleanup plan, dating back almost a decade. What she discovered has left her with a number of concerns.

First, a report issued by the DEC in February 2010 stated that it had explored another, more expensive, option to remediate the chemical. The alternative option, which costs $23 million according to the report — ten times the cost of the planned project — would have required the demolition of the entire train trestle and the possibility that some property owners near the site would have to relocate for up to two years. It also described the contamination site as being 43,000 square feet, nearly four times the size of the End Zone site. That alternative plan was nixed. “If they had an option like that, what is the true extent of the problem?” Boehm asked. The DEC had not responded to requests for comment by press time. Second, she was interested in why TCE levels taken more recently were lower than the original levels taken in 2004. One explanation for that is that the plume of TCE below the ground has spread and diluted. If that’s the case, Boehm wants to know why End Zone and the DEC are not seeking cleanup outside the seven bays on 100th Street. Third, she says the neighbors did not get adequate notice or information about the project, noting she has spoken to a number of her neighbors on 101st Avenue — the building that houses her office also includes some apartments. She has found that nearby residents and business owners know as little about the project as she does. However, End Zone and the DEC both said they underwent a massive outreach program to reach residents and business owners near the site, including printing hundreds of fliers and distributing them. continued on page 37

A gift for Sandy-struck vollies Pennsylvania fire company gives engine to department by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

The new firetruck donated by the Larimer Volunteer Fire Department in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. sits outside the West Hamilton PHOTO BY DOMENICK RAFTER Beach Volunteer Fire Department house. the country came out to help us,” Udowitch said. Bill Hardy, chief of the Larimer Volunteer Fire Department, told the Greensburg Tribune-Review, a newspaper in Pennsylvania, he was happy the company was able to step in. “We’ll do whatever we can to help them out,” he said. The WHBVFD lost nearly every vehicle in the flood caused by Sandy’s storm surge

on Oct. 29. An ambulance moved to higher ground only received minor flood damage. Nevertheless, members of the department on duty that night managed to save a woman and her mother from a home in Hamilton Beach as the floodwaters rose. The firefighters who served that night were recognized with citations from local officials a month after Sandy hit.

Brush fire on Jamaica Bay A fire broke out in a section of the Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Broad Channel around noon Monday near a section of the A subway line under reconstruction after being damaged in Hurricane Sandy. The flames erupted near the north shore of the refuge. Billowing smoke could be seen across the bay in Howard Beach and at JFK Airport. FDNY trucks from as far away as Ozone Park responded to the blaze, as did the Broad Channel Volunteer Fire Department. The fire was located close to a construction site, where repairs are being made to the A train subway tracks that connect Howard Beach to the Rockaway Peninsula. The tracks were washed out during Sandy. While firefighters battled the blaze, trucks carrying construction materials were moved onto Cross Bay Boulevard and police shut down the northbound lanes periodically for about an hour in order for f ire crews to access the scene. An FDNY spokesman said officials have not yet determined a cause and he was not sure if the subway construction was a factor. Q No one was injured in the fire. — Domenick Rafter

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The West Hamilton Beach Volunteer Fire Department has been feeling the love of other fire companies like theirs ever since the department lost all of their vehicles in Hur ricane Sandy. The crew has received donated f ire trucks from all across the country, including from vollies as far away as Mississippi and Georgia. Now, a volunteer fire department from a small town near Pittsburgh, Pa. is adding to the fleet. A new f ire engine was donated on April 17 by the Larimer Volunteer Fire Department in North Huntingdon Township, Pa. WHBVFD Treasurer Mitch Udowitch and firefighter John Abouricheh traveled to Pennsylvania to pick up the new truck last week. “It’s amazing how people throughout the community and

After the storm, the f irehouse became a town square for hurricane victims who went weeks — and in some cases months — without heat and electricity. This is the third fire truck the WHBVFD has received since Sandy. The department received donated vehicles from volunteer fire departments in Gulf Park Estates, Miss., which suffered tremendous losses in Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and Somerset County, Pa., which gave the Hamilton Beach vollies a pumper that had responded to the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 on Sept. 11, 2001. The WHBVFD even got some supplies from the Glendale and Forest Hills volunteer ambulance corps in the aftermath of Sandy. The new engine is now parked in the firehouse’s lot on the corner of Davenport Court and 104th Street. It will be used mainly to fight brush fires. Q

Page 5 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

SOUTH

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 6

SQ page 6 YOU RING, WE BRING! FREE DELIVERY ($25 min.)

MEAT MARKET SALE ENDS Wed., May 8th

We Accept: Visa, Mastercard, Discover

Bending to public pressure, storm aid may now include finished work

Plenty of

FREE PARKING

by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

SORRENTINO’S VARIETY MEAT PACKS Stock Up and $ave

GREAT FOR

BAR-B-Q’S Pack #7 3 3 3 3 3 2

4 2 2 2

$89.99

$19.99

8 4 4 1 2 2 3

$49.99

$99.99

lbs. Porterhouse Steak lbs. Boneless Club Steak lbs. Center Cut Pork Chops lbs. Loin Lamb Chops lbs. Chicken Breast lbs. Ground Sirloin lbs. Pork Spare Ribs

Pack #10 4 4 4 4 2

Sirloin Patties Chicken Kebabs Beef Kebabs Steaks on a Stick

Pack #11

Pack #8 2 2 2 2 2 2 2

lbs. Baby Back Spare Ribs lbs. Porterhouse Steak lbs. London Broil lbs. Sirloin Burgers lbs. Chicken Cutlets lbs Boar’s Head Franks

Pack #9

$29.99

Sirloin Patties Chicken Patties Turkey Patties Beef Kebabs lbs. of Italian Sausage

Pack #12

$54.99

12 Sirloin Patties Sirloin Patties Chicken Kebabs 6 Beef Kebabs Beef Kebabs 1 lb. Boar’s Head Franks lb. Boar’s Head Franks 1 Whole Chicken Quartered Flank Steak Pinwheels 4 lbs. of Italian Sausage Chicken Pinwheels lbs. of Italian Sausage Substitutions are allowed

Check our website for other packages and in store specials

www.sorrentinosmarket.com Nature

VEAL CUTLETS Sliced Thin

2 lb. Pkg.

$8.99 lb. All Natural WHOLE, PEELED

FILET MIGNON Sliced To Order Reg. $14.99 lb.

Now $9.99 lb.

BABY BACK RIBS

Grain-Fed Lean Juicy

CENTER CUT PORK CHOPS

11/4 to 11/2 lb. Avg. Reg. $6.99 lb.

$2.99 lb.

Now $4.99 lb.

SHISH-KABOBS

Thick Links Cheese & Parsley

CHICKEN or BEEF Reg. $6.99 lb.

Now $5.99 lb.

164-44 Cross Bay Blvd. Howard Beach

CHICKEN SAUSAGE $3.99 lb. Thin Rings $4.99 lb.

718-843-9800 Fax: 718-843-9801

Hours: Mon. - Fri. 8 am - 7 pm • Sat. 8 am - 6 pm • Sun. 9 am - 5 pm

Bending to public feedback, the Bloomberg administration announced Tuesday it is considering to alter its plan to use federal Hurricane Sandy aid money to fund reconstruction of homes to include reimbursements for work already done. The city has received $1.77 billion in federal disaster relief aid from the federal government through the Community Development Block Grant program. According to the mayor’s proposal, homeowners who have not yet started repair work may qualify for the grant, as long as it does not duplicate funding a homeowner received from the Federal Emergency Management Service, Small Business Administration or insurance. However, those who paid out of pocket for their own repairs were not to be reimbursed under the program. Gov. Cuomo’s plan, which covers storm victims outside the city — such as those on Long Island or in the Hudson Valley — includes those reimbursements, as does a similar plan instituted by New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie in his state. The mayor’s proposal included a twoweek feedback period during which the city received dozens of comments asking the mayor to include reimbursements in the plan. The administration officials had previously said it was leaving out those who already did work because it wanted to focus on people who were holding off on repairs because they could not afford the costs and it was concerned about the possibility of fraud. According to the change, the city will consider paying for work already done for “qualifying homeowners” who own one- to four-family homes. The administration did not go into further detail on who would qualify, citing the need for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to approve the plan first.

A man works on a storm-damaged home in PHOTO BY DOMENICK RAFTER Broad Channel. The move comes just days after two elected off icials from the Rockaways pushed for the change. Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D- Rockaway Beach) and Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Laurelton) sent a letter to U.S. Secretary of HUD Shaun Donovan — the Obama administration’s point person for Sandy recovery — urging him to reimburse storm victims and cover the cost of repairs related to storm damage that have already been completed and urging the city to do the same. “The mayor should not punish responsible homeowners who utilized their savings to make repairs in effort to get back into their storm-damaged homes,” said Goldfeder. “We take action when our homes are destroyed and we have no place to live,” Richards added. “No one wants to sit around for months hoping that eventually someone else will solve their problems, not when everything that they have worked their entire lives for has been destroyed.” The city said it hopes to have the plan in Q place by late spring.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

City may reimburse Sandy home costs

The deadline for families still utilizing the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Transitional Living Assistance program has been extended yet again. The checkout date for those still living in hotels because their homes remain not habitable has been moved from May 1 to May 29, seven months to the day after Hurricane Sandy struck. The extension was granted at the request of Gov. Cuomo, who said there were still too many families with no home to go back to and no permanent solution for them has been found yet.

“This extension for the Transitional Sheltering Assistance program will give more time to those without a housing solution to find one,” Cuomo said. The TSA program allows eligible Sandy survivors whose houses have been severely damaged or destroyed to stay in a hotel for a limited time. The cost of the room is paid directly to the hotel by FEMA. As of mid-April, there were more than 300 households still in hotels and many live in homes that were completely destroyed. At its peak in January, more than 2,200 houseQ holds utilized the program.

Page 7 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

For the latest news visit qchron.com

BROD-060902

SQ page 7

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 8

SQ page 8

EDITORIAL

PAGE

Pat Dolan and the park she loved ow ironic it is that this week the late civic activist Pat Dolan was honored twice by Queens’ officialdom, once directly and once indirectly, while in another instance much of what she fought for was laid aside in favor of smoke and mirrors. Dolan, the founder and leader of the Flushing Meadows-Corona Park Conservancy, who was hit by a car a year and a half ago — on her way to a community meeting — epitomized the best of citizen activism. And on Sunday off icials recognized her efforts to protect Queens’ crown jewel park by naming the path around Willow Lake the Pat Dolan Trail. How much the humble Dolan would appreciate such a thing is an open question, but her name deserves to be on the park. The day before, many of the same people had broken ground on an expansion of the Kew Gardens Hills Library, and who did they repeatedly cite as a driving force behind the project? Pat Dolan, of course. She had long advocated for a bigger library. But then came Monday, and with it a well-intentioned “visioning” meeting on the future of Flushing Meadows [See separate stories on all three events in some print edi-

tions or at qchron.com]. The room was packed, both with good people and good intentions. But there’s a problem. The park has been targeted for major giveaways of land to two private, for-profit entities: the would-be redevelopers of Willets Point, who want to build a mall and more on what is now the Citi Field parking lot, technically parkland; and Major League Soccer, which wants to erect a stadium atop one of the few remaining vestiges of the old World’s Fairs. The soccer plan in particular must be stopped in order to preserve our public green space. Participants in the visioning meeting know this. And yet the meeting was more about forming some kind of “park alliance” to advocate for and maintain Flushing Meadows. Sounds good off the cuff, but isn’t that what the Conservancy is for? Do we need yet another organization with nearly the same goals? The alliance idea is being pressed by Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras. But if Ferreras really wants to protect the park, she should stand up in opposition to the soccer plan. As the area’s councilwoman, she could stop it at any time by doing so. That would serve the people of Queens well — and further honor the legacy of Pat Dolan.

LETTERS TO THE Published every week by

MARK I PUBLICATIONS, INC.

MARK WEIDLER President & Publisher SUSAN & STANLEY MERZON Founders Raymond G. Sito General Manager Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief Liz Rhoades Managing Editor Joseph Orovic Asst. Managing/Online Editor Michael Gannon Editor Josey Bartlett Editor Domenick Rafter Associate Editor Tess McRae Reporter Terry Nusspickel Editorial Production Manager Rya Bodlander Production Assistant Jan Schulman Art Director Moeen Din Associate Art Director Ella Jipescu Associate Art Director Ehsan Rahman Art Department Associate Richard Weyhausen Proofreader Lisa LiCausi Office Manager Stela Barbu Administration Senior Account Executives:

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Jim Berkoff, Beverly Espinoza

Account Executives: Donna DeCarolis-Folias, Patricia Gatt, Al Rowe

Contributors: Lloyd Carroll, Ronald Marzlock

Photographers: Rick Maiman, Steve Malecki

Interns:

Profits over lives Dear Editor: Every newspaper in the country should print the names of the 41 Republican senators (along with the 5 Democrats) who voted down the gun control bill. It will make it easier for the NRA when they mail out the checks. Anyone who believes the NRA executives (the majority of whom have financial interests in gun manufacturing companies) give a damn about the Second Amendment is truly an idiot! It's all about profits! Profits over the lives of children! A perfect depiction of this whole debate would be the NRA executives (and the politicians in their pockets) dancing on a pile of money, strewn across the graves of the children killed in the Newtown, Conn. massacre. Robert La Rosa Whitestone

NRA wins – for now Dear Editor: Republicans successfully derailed the passage of gun legislation last week in the last moments when passage looked likely. The 54 votes in favor, fell short of the 60 needed to break yet another filibuster. Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin of West Virginia said it would have passed if the NRA didn’t score it. The NRA score scared enough senators to oppose it, rather than risk reprisals from pro-gunners

Ramiro S. Funez, Carlotta Mohamed, Laura Shepard

Office: 62-33 Woodhaven Blvd. Rego Park, NY 11374-7769 Phone: (718) 205-8000 Fax: (718) 205-0150 Mail: P.O. Box 74-7769 Rego Park, NY 11374-7769 E-mail: Mailbox@qchron.com Website: www.qchron.com TOTAL CIRCULATION: MEMBER

160,000

© Copyright 2013 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.

At 18, smoking is your call ere at the Queens Chronicle, we dislike cigarettes. We dislike how they kill, we dislike how people waste money on them, we dislike the smell that rushes into the office anytime we open the front door while someone is smoking on the sidewalk. The few staffers we’ve had who smoke regularly know they’re addicts and would love to quit. Over the years we’ve supported Mayor Bloomberg’s agressive stance against smoking — the ban in bars, the ban on beaches, the pending plan to keep tobacco products out of view in stores. All are valid efforts. But we must part ways with the mayor, City Council Speaker Christine Quinn and other antismoking forces on the latest idea, raising the age to buy cigarettes to 21. Bad as it is, smoking is not like drinking, which often leads, for example, to drunk driving — hence the 21-and-over rule. Secondhand smoke is dangerous when frequently inhaled, but other than that, smokers are mostly hurting themselves. At 18 you can vote, enter contracts, get married, even die serving in the military. Deciding to smoke at that age is your decision. Let’s drop this plan and refocus on persuasion, backed by the damning facts, to cut the scourge of smoking.

EDITOR

come election time. Most headlines called these folks “cowards.” Let’s be clear, this was not good legislation anyway. It was full of holes and, if passed, would have been meaningless. For example, gun show sellers could just walk outside the gun show building and sell guns in the parking lot. Family members and friends could sell guns to each other without any background checks. Make no mistake about it, this is a partisan fight. 90 percent of the Democrats voted for the bill; 90 percent of the Republicans voted against it. However, a few courageous Republicans did break ranks. Universal background checks, a ban on military weapons in civilian hands, large capacity magazine bullet clips, and keeping guns out of the hands of the mentally unstable have nothing to do with the second amendment. Guns have changed since colonial times, and so should the laws. Back then, militias were needed to suppress British loyalists, to keep the slave population in control, and to fight off marauding Indi-

ans. Able-bodied men were conscripted when needed. Today, we have a standing army, the National Guard, and well-established police forces all across the country. Militias are a thing of the past. How is it that Republicans can bow to the NRA membership of 4 million, while they put budgets on the table that will gut Social Security and Medicare whose benefits help over 35 million AARP seniors? Let’s start a Senior Score system and use that come election time. Social activist and f ilmmaker Michael Moore, says we should show the pictures of the massacres if we want effective gun laws. Showing pictures of the horror of war was enough to turn the tide of the Vietnam War and get us out. We didn’t see the horror of the Afghanistan or Iraq wars because the Bush Administration censored it. Maybe it’s time for billboards showing massacres such as that at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Maybe that’s the catalyst we need to move Congress to act. Tyler Cassell Flushing

SQ page 9

For the armed citizen

The Queens GOP’s failure Dear Editor: You can judge a person’s character by the company they keep “Defending the chairman” (Serphin R. Maltese, Frank Padavan and Michael J. Abel, Letters, April 18) concerning current Queens County Republican Chairman Phil Ragusa. The indictments of both GOP Councilmember

LAW

Nancy J. Brady, R.N., Esq. Linda Faith Marshak, Esq.

Elder Law & Special Needs Practice Estate Planning - Wills - Trusts - Real Estate Closings Powers of Attorney - Asset Protection Home Care and Nursing Home Medicaid

Inter-Generational Planning

If You Are Elderly or Have Elderly Parents, Advance Planning Will Protect Your Home & Savings 156-36 Crossbay Blvd., Suite I Howard Beach, NY 11414

(718) 738-8500 – Attorney Advertisement –

Deliveries To Howard Beach, Ozone Park, Woodhaven, Richmond Hill

Best Sicilian

$15 Our Specialty Regular Pies

$13

($10 Min.)

Cat e r ing Fo r All Occasions Cate Pi zz a a nd Pa st a • Sici l i a n Pi zz a • Her os os H ippy Rol l s • Ca l z one s • Hot D i she s

Obama errs Dear Editor: It is hard to believe that our normally cognizant President Obama would think that appeasing today’s warped incarnation of the Republican Party would have them reciprocate in kind. By caving to their demands that Social Security be on the chopping block he not only angers his base but further encourages the Repubstructionist Party to continue being the Party of “No” since it eventually gets them what they want ... especially if they can, as a bonus, manage to severely damage our country during his time in office. President Lincoln, where are you now when your Party so sorely needs you? Nicholas Zizelis Bayside

ATTORNEYS

10% OFF Any Purchase of $20.00 or more With this coupon. Expires May 29, 2013 Must mention coupon offer when ordering over the phone.

718-845-9555 • 718-845-9530 96-15 Liberty Ave., Ozone Park

www.ozonepizzeria.com

Open 7 Days • We Deliver

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Dear Editor: From Columbine to Aurora, to Connecticut and now Boston, terrorist attacks have happened in “gun-free” places where a coward has no fear of being stopped by an armed citizen. In each case, a mentally disturbed individual, or two, finds a way to commit mayhem and murder despite all laws intended to prevent that. Our politicians need to do their jobs, filling potholes and hunting down criminals and lunatics, arresting and trying them or killing them quietly. The time has come to stop hassling decent, honest citizens with ever more repressive laws which don’t work. Thomas J. Evans Long Island City The writer is a former member of the Army’s 1st Cavalry Division.

Dear Editor: The U.S. Senate’s rejection of expanded background checks for gun buyers was an act of cowardice and a catalyst for carnage. Those 46 senators who voted against it gave a green light to the next Adam Lanza, James Holmes and Jared Loughner. They’re NRA lapdogs. The gun lobby won a battle, but not the war. More can be done by political leaders and journalists to defeat mass murder enablers. Here are 2 approaches that should be followed ASAP. 1. Gun control advocates in Congress, starting with Sen. Chuck Schumer, must pressure the Treasury and Justice departments to challenge the NRA’s tax-exempt status. How can an outfit that spends $100 million on lobbying and pays its CEO — the gun lobby’s Lindsay Lohan — nearly $1 million a year, qualify as a nonprofit social welfare organization? The NRA is a pimp for the firearms industry, thriving on tax-free donations from gun makers who sell their perilous products to anyone. We pay for that. Taxpayers should not foot the bill for 32,000 gun deaths a year. 2. Journalists should follow the money, just like Woodward and Bernstein did in the Watergate scandal 40 years ago. They can track every blood money bribe the NRA paid individual legislators, and how these representatives voted on gun control measures. Focus must be placed on the five rogue Senate democrats who abandoned their party and defied the will of 90 percent of U.S. voters. How much did each traitor get to buy their vote? Reporters can obtain this data under the Freedom of Information Act. We’re entitled to know the current price for selling your soul to the gun lobby and acting as a cheerleader for child killers. NRA RIP ASAP Richard Reif Flushing

Dan Halloran and Queens County Republican Party Vice Chairperson Vincent Tabone are just the latest chapter in the spiraling decline over the past three decades of the once-relevant Queens County GOP. One way of judging the health of any political party is looking at the number of candidates who qualify for ballot status on their line. Up until the 1980s, the GOP routinely qualified candidates for all Congressional, state Senate, Assembly and City Council seats. After the 1982 reapportionment, Democrats eliminated the districts of Queens GOP Assembly members Rosemary Gunning, John LoPresto, John Flack, Al DelliBovi and John Esposito. Sen. Padavan voted for this plan as it protected both his and the late Sen. Martin Knorr’s own gerrymandered districts. In 2012, there were no GOP candidates on the ballot for one of six Congressional, three of seven state Senate and 13 out of 18 state Assembly races in the general election. Watch how many Democratic City Council members will get a free pass with no GOP opponent this year. After being elected in 1972, Padavan listed Republican-Conservative affiliations on his headquarters’ storefront. In the 1990s the Padavan and Assemblyman Doug Prescott team proudly campaigned as your local Republican/Conservative team. But Republican and Tea Party activists in 2010 were disappointed by Padavan’s campaign headquarters. There was no literature, bumper stickers, posters or lawn signs for his fellow GOP running mates. A party’s ticket is only strong when all the candidates, from top to bottom, work as a team. Republicans are in trouble when they are afraid to identify party affiliations and campaign on their own. Other Republicans were confused with Padavan’s standard campaign theme, “Nobody Cares Like Frank,” when he obviously didn’t care about them. Both Padavan and Maltese failed for decades to build a Republican brand name when they ran from it. No wonder Maltese lost in 2008 and Padavan lost in 2010. Queens Republicans are on the way to political extinction like the dinosaurs of old! How disappointing that voters will have to look elsewhere for any alternatives to the Queens County Democratic Party machine monopoly. The failure to build a viable Queens GOP is the inheritance the last underdog Republican City Council member, Eric Ulrich, has to live with. Larry Penner Great Neck, LI

BRADY & MARSHAK, LLP

Condoning carnage

EDITOR

Page 9 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

LETTERS TO THE

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 10

SQ page 10

POLITICS AS

Weiner’s back, with a plan — and a Twitter account

Doing as much (or as little) as you choose. 7-Night Bermuda Cruise

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

onboard Celebrity Summit® May 5 - September 1, 2013 Cape Liberty, Bayonne, New Jersey roundtrip

Former Rep. Anthony Weiner, the Forest Hills Democrat, may or may not have launched a campaign for mayor this week when he released a plan called “Keys to the City: 64 Ideas to Keep New York the Capital of the Middle Class” — and started a new Twitter account. Weiner was forced from office a little less than two years ago when it was revealed that he had been sending lewd photos of himself to young women around the country, many via Twitter, and then lied about it for weeks. Until the scandal hit, he was a darling of the Democratic Party for his take-no-prisoners approach to political discourse, advocacy for the needs of his Central and Southwestern Queens district and staunch support of Israel, among other things. He was, for example, a foremost cheerleader of President Obama’s healthcare bill, without which, Weiner said, the economy couldn’t recover from the recession. With millions of dollars in his campaign war chest and major name recognition, he was seen as the leading candidate for mayor in 2013, a position that fell to City Council Speaker Christine Quinn the moment Weiner left office. But now he’s back, first conducting a survey to test his chances in the political waters, then scoring a front-page profile of his family in The New York Times Magazine and now issuing his plan to improve the city. The document starts off with a homey introduction written in the first person, perhaps in part to help clean up his tarnished image. In a section called “The View from the Stoop,” Weiner says, “My parents ingrained in me a belief in the city’s basic bargain — that hard-working New Yorkers have a real chance at raising their children into a better life. That has compelled me to advocate for the middle class for 27 years ...”

Editor-in-Chief

Starting from $549†*

† CELEBRITY CRUISES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10USD PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL. * Prices are in U.S. dollars, cruise-only, per person, based on double occupancy, on select sailings, and subject to availability. Itinerary and prices subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional. Certain restrictions apply. Modern Luxury is a trademark of Celebrity Cruises Inc. ©2013 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships’ registry: Malta and Ecuador. 11025255 • 5/2013

– ALCHOLIC BEVERAGE PACKAGES AVAILABLE – – WE HAVE BRIDAL REGISTRIES Destination Weddings and Groups and Tours Available

Contact The Cruise Experts At:

Cross Bay Travel Service of Howard Beach Inc.

The full document can be read online at keystothecity.uberflip.com/i/121474. But are the people of New York still interested in the tainted politician who once was, for many, a hero on Capitol Hill? An April 19 poll by Quinnipiac University paints a mixed picture. Only 41 percent of voters say he should run for mayor, while 44 percent say he should stay out of it. Fifteen percent of Democratic primary voters say they would support him for mayor, which doesn’t sound like much, but it puts him at second place among those running, behind only Quinn, who got the support of 28 percent. Trailing both were Public Advocate Bill de Blasio at 11 percent, former Comptroller Bill Thompson at 10 percent and sitting Comptroller John Liu at 9 percent. One percent said they would vote for someone else, a tiny segment that must include the supporters of longshot Sal Albanese, a former city councilman whose name recognition remains miles behind that of his opponents. “The Democratic primary for New York City mayor still looks like Council Speaker Christine Quinn versus the guys,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “With his better name recognition, former Congressman Anthony Weiner jumps into the mix at 15 percent. With his negatives, however, the question is whether he can get much higher.” Carroll noted that Quinn comes in far short of the 40 percent share she would need in the primary to avoid a one-on-one runoff against one of her opponents, which would be like a whole new ballgame. City law mandates the runoff if no one reaches 40 percent in the primary. Whoever wins on the Democratic side, waiting across the aisle is former deputy mayor and MTA Chairman Joe Lhota, who immediately became the Republican frontrunner when he announced his candidacy. Q

“INTEGRITY IS THE CORNERSTONE OF OUR BUSINESS”

Sandy survivor comfort boxes

Established 1976. At The Same Location Since 1980 And Here To Stay.

CBTS

718

835-3620

For Personal & Professional Service

OVER 42 YEARS EXPERIENCE Our Only Location:

GIFT CERTIFICATES and HONEYMOON REGISTRY AVAILABLE

158-20A Crossbay Blvd.

CELEBRATING

Between 158th & 159th Avenues in Howard Beach

YEARS

www.crossbaytravel.com

Ask about our very low, unadvertised rates on selected ships & sailings! We can’t publish prices. As much as 50% off! You must contact us!

CROT-060774

For the latest news visit qchron.com

USUAL

With the six-month anniversary of Hurricane Sandy next week, two organizations are seeking to help the storm’s victims keep their kitchen cabinets stocked as they continue to focus on rebuilding. Family-to-Family, Inc., and Peapod, a grocery service, are running a 90-day campaign for people to donate a care box full of groceries to affected families in the Rockaways and other hard-hit areas. The “Comforts of Home” welcome boxes, which are put together for $62 each, include basic food essentials like flour, sugar, beans, rice, pasta, cereal and condi-

ments. Families can choose from regular, low-sodium or diabetic food types. “Comforts of Home boxes will help these families in a concrete way and also let them know they haven’t been forgotten,” said Pam Koner, founder and executive director of Family-to-Family. In addition, for another $62 donation, a box containing household supplies like detergent and bathroom and kitchen cleaners will be delivered. Anyone interested in donating a box should visit family-to-family.org/comfortsQ of-home-boxes-2.

C M SQ page 11 Y K Page 11 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

GRAND OPENING Join Us For Lunch or Dinner At The

The Taste of Athens in Your Neighborhood Soups • Avgolemono 5.95

Greek Spreads and Dips

• Soup of the Day 5.95

Salata / Salad Horiatiki / authentic Greek salad prepared with vine ripe tomatoes Roka / wild arugula, goat cheese & fig & balsamic cintronette dressing Trasani / romaine lettuce, feta cheese, scallions, dill, olive oil & vinegar Domata / sliced beefsteak tomato with red onions, oregano & olive oil

Small

Large

9.95 9.95 9.95 9.95

13.95 13.95 13.95 13.95

Skaras / Chargrilled Brizola Xirini / chargrilled center cut loin pork chops Paidakia / lamb chops with roasted lemon potatoes Kota Sta Karvouna / chargrilled half chicken with a lemon sauce with Greek fries Brizola Moshari / NY Strip Brizola Moshari / rib-eye Brizola Moshari / porterhouse Brizola Galaktos / T-bone veal chop

19.95 28.95 17.95 28.95 30.95 32.00 29.95

Greek Specialties Pastichio

13.95

layers of macaroni & ground beef with tomato, topped with cheese in a bechamel sauce

Moussaka / layers of potato, eggplant and minced meat topped with bechamel Souvlaki / kebob (chicken or pork) with lemon potatoes or Greek fries Soutzoukakia / Greek meatballs in a tomato sauce

13.95 13.95 13.95

Tsipoura / porgy with mild flavor & firm flakes Singarida / red snapper Lavraki / bronzini - mild and sweet with moist tender flakes Solomos / salmon steak Fagri / Mediterranean white snapper Karavides / prawns with wonderful flavor & texture Lithrini / pink snapper - lean fish with delicate flavor Xiphias / charcoal-grilled swordfish with cherry tomato risoto Tonos / tuna steak with xorta Filet of Sole

21.95 24.95 22.95 21.95 22.95 M/P 24.95 24.95 24.95 24.95

12.95 8.95 7.95 8.95 7.95 8.95 8.95 7.95 6.95 M/P 7.95 13.95

Meze Skaras / Hot Appetizers Souvlaki Sticks (Chicken or Pork) Oxtapodi / grilled octopus Kalamari Tiganito / fried calamari Kalamari Skara / grilled calamari Kalamari Gemisto

7.95 15.95 10.95 10.95 13.95

stuffed grilled calamari with kaseri, feta, manouri & kefalograviera cheese

Loukaniko Skaras

9.95

grilled homemade Greek sausage with orange zest & spices

Bakaliarakia Tiganita / fried cod Keftedakia / sautéed lamb & beef meatballs with fresh herbs & lemon Gigandes / Greek giant lima beans baked with tomato, dill & parsley Kolokithi Tiganito

13.95 9.95 9.95 10.95

thin sliced zucchini & eggplant chips served with garlic dip

Tirokeftedes /cheese balls Midia Me Ouzo/mussels served with garlic in a white wine ouzo sauce Saganaki / pan fried kefalograviera cheese Spanakopita / traditional spinach pie Garides Saganaki / sautéed jumbo shrimp in a tomato & feta sauce Atherina / Marida (Seasonal) Sardeles / sardines with extra virgin olive oil & lemons

8.95 12.95 11.95 9.95 14.95 M/P M/P

156-40 Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach • 718-843-9000 We Accept Major Credit Cards • Parking In Rear

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Psari Skaras / Fish From the Chargrill

Pikila Spread / tirokafteri, tzatziki, taramosalata, melitzanosalata Tirokafteri / spicy feta cheese spread Tzatziki / yogurt dip Taramosalata / fish roe spread Scordalia / garlic almond spread Melitzanosalata / roasted baby eggplant spread Fava / yellow & green split pea Pantzaria / roasted red & yellow beets with garlic spread Dolmades / stuffed grape leaves Tonos Tartar / tuna tartar Hummus / chickpeas, blended with tahini, olive oil, lemon juice & garlic Shrimp Cocktail

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 12

C M SQ page 12 Y K

Getting by with a little help from ‘Friends’ Rockaway group assists residents with mold cleanup after Sandy by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

phone rings on the first floor of a one-family home on Cronston Avenue in Belle Harbor. The sound of the ring echoes through the rooms and hallways of the home, which is in no shape to inhabit, but works just fine for a makeshift office space. Todd Miner storms down the staircase and across the torn-up floors of the home to answer the receiver, which sits on a folding table in the middle of what in better times would serve as a living room, but now is nicknamed the “war room.” “Friends of Rockaway,” he answers. The house at 135-11 Cronston Ave., located next door to a schoolyard, looks like a construction site. Out front, two construction vans sit parked. The floors are ripped up, as are the first foot or so of all the first-floor walls. The kitchen has been removed. But for the employees of Friends of Rockaway, a group set up to help the community of more than 100,000 people recover from Hurricane Sandy, it’ll do. Miner — a veteran of disaster relief projects — and his colleagues work from folding tables and sit on Friends of Rockaway was folding chairs. The real work isn’t Hurricane Sandy. done in this house, it’s done at similar houses all over the Rockaway Peninsula. Friends of Rockaway was formed especially to help residents with mold issues in their homes. Nearly every house on the peninsula — especially on the western two-thirds of it — was flooded in the storm surge. Its founders are Manhattan resident Michael Sinensky, who grew up in Rockaway and still has family there, and another Rockaway native, Evan Abel, who now lives full time in Israel. Sinensky, who runs a bar full-time, formed the organization to step in for his neighbors where others have not been able or willing to. Even nearly six months after the storm, Friends of Rockaway still has a laundry list of clients looking to utilize their services.

Todd Miner, director of Friends of Rockaway, speaks on the phone with a client at the organization’s “war room” on Cronston Avenue.

Since its creation, Friends of Rockaway has gone into dozens of homes all across the Rockaway Peninsula, including Breezy Point, and done demolition work, mold remediation and rebuilding. The group operates through charitable funding. It has received $500,000 from the Robin Hood Foundation and thousands more from other sources. Most of the work is done by volunteers, though the mold remediation jobs are contracted out. Some of the paid jobs are done by unemployed Rockaway residents, a number of whom lost their jobs in the wake of Sandy. Miner, who serves as director of Friends of Rockaway, said the organization has about 20 employees and dozens of volunteers, depending on the need. He manages its administrative duties from the Cronston Avenue house. In the makeshift front office of the house, white boards line the walls and form a system which clients are worked through the process. On one wall are names and addresses of homes waiting for demolition work to be done, on a chart that includes the date the work will begin and the team of volunteers will be sent there. On the other wall are homes waiting for mold remediation work, formed in the aftermath of grouped by tens, which Miner will then contract out. “I’ll look for the best bid price to do as much of the work as possible,” he said. After the mold work is done, crews will go into a home and Friends of Rockaway volunteers put up Sheetrock in the basement replace the Sheetrock in order to get the house to a point where of a home in Belle Harbor that has already been gutted and PHOTOS BY DOMENICK RAFTER treated for mold. it’s livable again “We want to put them on solid footing,” said Rick Anthony, Friends of Rockaway’s demolition manager, who is a resi- with little experience get some training working on the Cronston Avenue house, which, he noted, has its own probdent of Belle Harbor himself. If there is time and resources, Friends of Rockaway will lems. In the basement, jacks hold up the home that had send crews to do small projects, such as removing bushes already suffered some termite damage previous to the storm. that may have died in the storm or fixing fencing. “There are quite a few cases where homes had problems Some homes may not need mold remediation and Friends of Rockaway will still do free assessments to see if mold even before the storm,” he said. “The response from the city and other agencies to the storm cleanup is needed. In some cases, clients have been burned by contractors for my constituents has been abysmal,” said Assemblyman Phil and were left with an unlivable home. In one of their projects Goldfeder (D-Rockaway Beach). “For these guys to come in on Beach 134th Street, the homeowner is still not able to live and do this work for those still struggling in Rockaway, it’s a in her house. During Sandy, the floodwaters reached into the breath of fresh air.” For more information on Friends of Rockaway, call (347) main floor of the home and because of that, the basement 625-7419 or visit their website at friendsofrockaway.org. Q needed to be gutted and the floors had to be ripped up. Even today, the home still has no floors and workers are forced to navigate through the kitchen and the living room on plywood boards. Anthony said Friends of Rockaway took over that job from contractors who did not f inish the work. “It’s one of those unfortunate cases where the contractor didn’t do the job,” he said. “There are a lot of those stories here.” In the basement, one of the volunteers, a Rockaway resident named Joseph, hacked away at a rotten wooden floor while listening to Miles Davis. “It feels good to give back like this,” he said through his protective mask. Miner said volunteer crews A volunteer helps demolish a damaged basement in Belle Harbor.

C M SQ page 13 Y K

HOWARD BEACH

Full line of

A Tradition Since 1986

THE BEST SALADS! So Many To Choose From! Create Your Own!

Check our window signs for our everyday low price on

www.LIBAGELCAFE.com

CONVENIENT PARKING IN THE REAR

CORPORATE ACCOUNTS WELCOME

NOT YOUR ORDINARY BAGEL STORE

Serving Breakfast GRILL OPEN TILL 7 PM

Old-Fashioned, Hand-Rolled, Water-Kettled & Baked to Perfection!

Cold Cut Specials

Hot & Cold. We can customize any package for you. Call for details or go to our website

LARGEST SELECTION OF CREAM CHEESE, BAGELS AND BIALYS

BOAR’S HEAD products All Sandwiches include: choice of Side Salad & a Pickle and much more.

EXCEPTIONAL CATERING!

Page 13 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

e’

a n d r e a dy t n e o op

FAST FREE DELIVERY BY THE

BAGEL MOBIL S INCLUDE D A L A S E SID & PICKLE

7 DAYS: 8 AM - 3 PM

HOT OFF THE GRILL

• PHILLY CHEESE STEAK HERO ............... $8.95 • MANHATTAN SPECIAL ............................ $8.95 • MONTE CRISTO........................................$7.95 • INSIDE OUT GRILLED CHEESE ............... $5.95 • GRILLED MEATLOAF MELT ......................$7.95 • THE CLASSIC REUBEN ............................$7.95 • TRIPLE DECKER REUBEN ....................... $8.95 • REUBEN’S BROTHER ...............................$7.95 • TURKEY REUBEN .....................................$7.95 • GRILLED & LOADED POTATO KNISH ............ $5.95

699 LB.

With coupon. Expires 05/08/13. Not to be combined with any other offer.

GET 3 FREE With coupon. Expires 05/08/13. Not to be combined with any other offer.

OUR OWN OVEN BAKED TURKEY $

599 LB.

With coupon. Expires 05/08/13. Not to be combined with any other offer.

AMERICAN CHEESE $

499 LB.

With coupon. Expires 05/08/13. Not to be combined with any other offer.

PLEASE PRESENT COUPONS BEFORE YOU ORDER!

162-54 CROSSBAY BLVD., HOWARD BEACH • 718-843-5700 WE ARE OPEN 5 AM TO 8 PM • 7 DAYS

W W W . L I B AG E L CA F E . C O M

ALL MAJOR CREDIT CARDS ACCEPTED

For the latest news visit qchron.com

DELUXE HAM

BUY 6 BAGELS

EVERY DAY!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 14

C M SQ page 14rev Y K

Boro prez hopefuls come to S. Queens Four of six candidates campaign at Howard Beach Dem forum last week by Stephen Geffon Chronicle Contributor

Even though a revision to the City Charter in 1990 reduced the borough president position to a largely ceremonial one with a limited advisory role, there are no lack of candidates for the job in Queens. Four of the six hopefuls came to the Old Mill Yacht Club in Howard Beach last Thursday during a forum hosted by the South Queens Democratic Club, to outline their visions for Queens in the first public forum for beep candidates in South Queens so far. State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst), Councilman Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans), former Councilwoman Melinda Katz and former Deputy Borough President Barry Grodenchik were all present at various times at the forum. State Sen. Tony Avella (D-Bayside) and Councilman Peter Vallone, Jr. (D-Astoria), the other two Democratic hopefuls, are expected to appear at the club's May meeting. Peralta, who has lived in Queens for 35 years, was the first to take the microphone telling the audience that he is running because he wants to make sure that Queens not only becomes a desired destination, but also a better place to live and raise a family. He wants to eliminate that concept that people have that Queens is an outer borough. “It's not an outer borough, we have it all here,” said Peralta. “We have the two airports,

State Sen. Jose Peralta, left, former Councilwoman Melinda Katz, former Deputy Borough President PHOTOS BY STEPHEN GFFFON Barry Grodenchik and Councilman Leroy Comrie in Howard Beach last week. we have the best parks, we have the best museums, we have great schools, and we have the best restaurants.” He said Queens’ recovery from Hurricane Sandy “is going to be the borough president's full time job for the next 10, 15, 20 years.” On education, Peralta said he is focused on school overcrowding. “We need to invest in capital dollars to build more schools,” he suggested, adding, “It's about working with educators and creating a curriculum to prepare our kids for the jobs of tomorrow.” Katz, a resident of Forest Hills, spoke to the audience about her lifelong ties to Queens and her 20 years of service in the City Council, the State Assembly and as

director of community boards under former Borough President Claire Shulman. She believes in fighting for the government resources to come into Queens for schools, senior centers, little leagues and the afterschool programs. Katz also noted that there are only nine hospitals in the borough with three that have closed down a few years ago. “One of the things that Queens desperately needs is primary care facilities throughout the borough,” said Katz. Grodenchik, a borough native and Flushing resident, is a former assemblyman and deputy borough president. He said that if elected the first thing that he would do is form a task force to deal with the remaining issues from Hurricane Sandy.

“There are a lot of problems that remain that need to be resolved,” he said. Grodenchik also said he would also focus on issued related to co-ops and condos. “We need a co-op and condo task force to insure that the rights of the homeowners who own their own apartments are not trampled upon by the city government,” he explained. Stating that there is not enough mass transit to the community, Grodenchik told the audience that he supports the study to look at the reactivation of the Rockaway Beach Line, “[Reactivation] would create a tremendous opportunity for the people in Howard Beach and Hamilton Beach to get into the city much faster and increase everybody's property values,” he said. Comrie touted his record in the City Council and head of the Queens delegation. He said he and the other members of the delegation had worked to deliver services and to bring back benefits to the community. “We've been able to get the most funding to fix all of the major cultural institutions in the borough,” Comrie said. “We've been able to fix the schools in the borough and create new high schools working together in a collaborative effort.” Avella, Comrie, Grodenchik, Katz, Peralta and Vallone will face off in the Democratic primary in September. Currently, no GOP candidate has officially jumped into the race. Q

Susan G. Love, D.P.M.

Carpets For Less!

Fellow, American College of Foot and Ankle Orthopedics and Medicine

Huge Spring Sale!

Serving The Community For Over 20 years

Vito La Puma, D.P.M.

RENOVATION WE ARE PLE

All Types of Flooring

Our Fully Equipped Facility Offers:

Many Sizes, Colors & Styles To Choose! Come In Now And $ave Money! COMMERCIAL CARPET BLOWOUT! $ 19

Now Only

per sq. ft.

Installed With Padding!

FREE SHOP-AT-HOME or OFFICE SERVICE! WE’LL COME TO YOU! www.baycarpet.com Major credit cards accepted

718-366-5001 • 212-766-3774 516-561-3222

For the latest news visit qchron.com

THE REOPEN

We Treat All Foot Disorders, Including: • Diabetic Care • Heel Pain • Wound Care • Ingrown Nails • Warts, Corns & Calluses • Plantar Fasciitis

• Onychomycosis/ Same-Day Emergency Nail Fungus Appointments • Fractures House Calls Available • Sports Injuries by Appointment • Athletes Foot Evening & Saturday • Bunions and Appointments Available Hammertoes MOST INSURANCE ACCEPTED

159-05 92nd St., Howard Beach • 718-845-0741

C M SQ page 15 Y K Page 15 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

New ﬂood policies take 30 days to go into effect.

A flood can take minutes. Everyone lives in a flood zone – a flood can happen any season anywhere. If a flood happens to you, the fastest and most economical way to recover is with a flood insurance policy. Nationwide® is proud to partner with the National Flood Insurance Program to help better prepare for unexpected flooding.

Laura M. Marino Agent Tel 718-441-8300 or 718-441-6750 Fax 718-849-4072 marinol1@nationwide.com

Laura M. Marino Insurance Agency Nationwide Insurance Our Only Location:

116-17 Atlantic Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11418 Mon., Wed., Fri. 9am-5pm; Tues., Thurs. 9am-6pm; Sat. By Appointment Only; Closed Sun.

Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company and Afﬁliated Companies. Home ofﬁce: Columbus, OH 43215-2220. Subject to underwriting guidelines, review and approval. Products and discounts not available to all persons in all states. Nationwide, the Nationwide framemark and On Your Side are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. LAUM-060914

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Ask us for a quote today!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 16

C M SQ page 16 Y K

Bus driver injured my daughter, mom says W’haven resident files complaints with MTA, cops over alleged door slamming by Peter C. Mastrosimone Editor-in-Chief

A Woodhaven woman has filed complaints with the Police Department and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, alleging that a Q53 bus driver repeatedly and knowingly slammed the door on her 5-year-old daughter. Now little Jazmin is recovering from multiple bruises on her leg and is afraid to ride the bus, according to her mother, Ashley Barraza, who wants the driver fired and arrested and is eyeing further legal action against him. Barraza said she, her sister and Jazmin were trying to board a crowded northbound Q53 at Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue at around 3:50 p.m. April 10 when the incident occurred. The bus looked filled but the driver was still letting people on when they tried to board. Barraza had her daughter go in front of her, and as the little girl was getting on, “the driver decided to close the door, smashing my daughter repeatedly,” Barraza alleges. “He didn’t even bother opening the door fully to see if there was anyone in the way,” she said in the complaint she filed with the MTA and sent to the Queens Chronicle. “I then announced that my daughter was in the doorway and still he continued to slam the door a few more times on my daughter.” The driver allegedly then blamed Barraza for trying to “have your daughter on the bus

Five-year-old Jazmin Barraza is afraid to ride the bus since suffering bruises to her knees when a driver slammed the door on her two COURTESY PHOTOS weeks ago, her mother says. like that” and cursed at her. Barraza, who said she was unable to get the driver’s badge number but can describe him in detail, said she then took her daughter to a hospital emergency room, where she was advised to keep Jazmin off her leg as much as possible. “Because of this incident my daughter is terrified to ride on another bus,” she told the MTA.

“I want this man fired and arrested.” She continued, “I’m sure this isn’t the way the MTA trains their employees to treat their customers.” The agency told Barraza it would take four to six weeks to process her complaint, she said. And, she alleges, the police at first were reluctant to take a complaint at all.

The first time she went to the 102nd Precinct, she said, an officer told her she did not have enough information to file a report. She returned to insist on making one and said she was told by another cop that she couldn’t because it was a civil matter between her and the MTA. But she left her contact information, and on April 17, another officer called to invite her to make a complaint and, she said, apologize for his colleagues’ “confusion.” The officer characterized the incident as reckless endangerment of a child, she added. The MTA Bus Co., which handles the Q53 route, could not immediately comment on the case. A spokesman for Transport Workers Union Local 100, which represents the line’s drivers, said he had not heard of Barraza’s claim and could not address it specifically. But, he said, “If an employee is called in for interrogation that could lead to discipline, a union rep goes with the worker. If the workers is hit with a discipline, the union represents him/her through the arbitration process, if it’s not settled prior.” Barraza said she is also seeking an attorney so she can take legal action against the driver, but has not yet found one willing to handle the case because the injuries were not severe. She added that ever since the state made it a felony to assault MTA employees, they seem to think they can say and do whatever they want. “I just want justice for my daughter,” Barraza Q said.

DOLCE AESTHETICS NY Dr. Jean C. Compas MD, FACP Jennifer DiLandro RN, BSN, MSN

Spring Specials

Restore Your Skin’s Health Today With a

For the latest news visit qchron.com

3-D EYELASH EXTENSIONS

Receive FREE Lattisse ® GIFT

EUROPEAN FACIAL –

Let’s Talk About… PERMANENT MAKEUP LIP AUGMENTATION

1 Hour $75 Consultation

EYELASH EXTENSIONS LIQUID FACE LIFT

SPRING PACK AGE Microdermabrasion, Facial & Chemical Peel

$ 00 Package 169

20 UNITS $ 00

LATISSE®

($200 VALUE)

OBAGI SKIN CARE

FOREHEAD LINES CROW’S FEET

(718) DOLCE NY

(718) 365-2369

150

1ST AREA LI M ITE D TO TH E FI RST 50 CLI E NTS. N EW CLI E NTS O N LY. SPONSOR ED BY

N E W LO

C AT IO N

87-47 MYRTLE AVE., GLENDALE NY 11385

FACIAL FILLER

$800

FOR 2 SYRINGES

Refresh Your Face Without Surgery

TREATMENTS

Weekly Special

FREE

Radiesse ..................$450 Syringe Microdermabrasion..$100 Chemical Peels .........$50

NEW FOR FINE LINES UNDER YOUR EYES

dolceaestheticsny@gmail.com

dolceaestheticsny.com

C M SQ page 17 Y K Page 17 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Retro Fitness Glendale

$0 Enrollment & 1 Month FREE!

JOIN & GET 1 MONTH FREE ON “BARRY”!

Hurry, Offer Expires 04/30/13!

ENTER PROMO CODE: BARRY

RETF-061093

New members only. Valid at Glendale location only. See Retro Fitness® for details. Offer expires 4/30/13.

$19.99 a Month

Unlimited Tanning FOR JUST $9.99 PER MONTH plus tax with Annual Tanning Membership

FREE 150 Car Parking Lot

65-45 Otto Road Glendale 718-417-4600 GlendaleNY.RetroFitness.net

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• State-of-the-Art Gym • Tons of Cardio with Personal 17” LCD TVs and Our Retro Theater • Over 40 Different Classes Available! Classes Start Every 1/2 Hour From Open Until Close: Spin®, Yoga and Bootcamp • Functional Training: Kettlebells, Battling Ropes and TRX® Trainer • Large Free Weight Area • Totally Awesome Retro Blends® Smoothie Bar • Childcare and Tanning Available

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 18

C M SQ page 18 Y K

WOODHAVEN

DEVELOPMENTS

Jamaica Avenue building collapse by Maria A. Thomson The collapse of the building at 78-19 Jamaica Ave. is on everyone’s mind — the dominant thought being thankfully no one was injured or killed. This location was an accident waiting to happen, with double-digit violations that were not addressed over the years. My questions are after the violations were issued why was there no follow up by the New York City Buildings Department to verify if these violations were corrected. It is very interesting that after the collapse there were many workers on site, scaffolding went up so fast and the debris cleared. Why didn’t they, the owners, correct the problem of these violations years ago? Right after this collapse occurred, we looked at the pictures my office aide John Komninos had taken, on site. Just looking at the crushed cars told us how bad it could have been. There are many questions to be answered and your Woodhaven Business Improvement District will be asking them. Good news, hopefully, the senior citizens from the Woodhaven Center should be back in their home on Monday, April 29. Spring weather with April showers has arrived and it has not affected the shopping on our WBID where we are taking care of BIDness on our “Everything Avenue.” We have many new businesses opening. More on this in future articles. Now that spring is here it is a good time to

Classic car cancer fundraiser

www.forestparkdental.net

On Sunday, April 21, the American Cancer Society Relay For Life of Howard Beach held its first Classic Car Show. More than 50 owners of vintage street machines showed up to raise money for the cause. Over $1,400 was raised. Neil Trinchese, top, who participates in the Howard Beach Relay each year in honor of

FREE CONSULTATION, EXAM and X-RAYS

FREE

OUR NEW ADDRESS 69-45 Myrtle Ave. Glendale, NY 11385

718.821.4680

ORTHODONTICS CONSULTATION! $

300 Off! invisalign

Clear Braces

Facebook.com/ForestParkDental

Proud Member of the Glendale Kiwanis Club

his wife Kim, who beat breast cancer, poses with his classic Corvette, while organizers John P. Bellico, left, John Bellico, Mary Ann Bellico, who is a cancer survivor, Jessica Genna and John Genna enjoy the show. To learn more about the Relay For Life of Howard Beach visit the group’s website at relayforlife.org/howardbeachNY.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

For All New Patients!

• Painless & Affordable Family Dentistry • Cosmetic Dentistry • Braces and Invisalign® • Implants • One-Visit Crowns • Laser Dentistry • Whitening Procedures

PHOTOS. COURTESY PHYLLIS INSERILLO

neuter or spay your pets. The ASPCA reminds us that you should report animal cruelty. Call (212) 876-7700. Become an active member of the ASPCA or a rescue group such as Bobbi and the Strays at (718) 326-6070. The New York City Council lines have now been finalized. These lines affect Woodhaven by giving most of Woodhaven to Councilman Eric Ulrich and a small part of Woodhaven — including Forest Park — to Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. Our community is fortunate that we have retained our original council persons, who know our Woodhaven well. Our firehouses are being threatened with closure, especially Engine Company 294. Again we will have to rally to keep it open. We will keep you posted as to the rallies and any activities. Last year I attended a Holocaust Remembrance Day Observance listening as survivors spoke of their sad, horrible experiences. These survivors are now elderly, have families and live happily here in America. We cannot forget. Finally our Woodhaven Business Improvement District and our Greater Woodhaven Development Corporation join our community in grieving the loss of lives and many injuries caused by the terrorist attacks on Boston and Watertown, Mass. We share with them the agony and tears perpetrated by terrorists, so familiar to us due to 9/11/01. Justice will be done and America will prevail. Q May God bless America.

Executive Director GWDC

Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Howard Beach) announced that the Assembly’s Annual Summer Reading Challenge will return this year and encourages children and parents to participate in the program to combat the “summer-slide,” when students are not in school during the summer. Each year, the Assembly partners with New York State libraries to encourage children to continue reading during the summer months after school ends. Children who read with a parent for 15 minutes a day, for at least 40 days throughout July and August, will receive an official New York

State Assembly Certif icate personally hand-delivered by Goldfeder. This year’s themes are “Dig into Reading” for children and “Beneath the Surface” for tweens. Last fall, more than 250 students from PS 232 in Lindenwood completed the program in addition to over 4,000 certificates distributed to children throughout the 23rd Assembly District. Materials, including suggested reading lists and a calendar to mark off the days children read, can be picked up at their local school or at Goldfeder’s district offices in Q Rockaway Beach and Ozone Park.

SQ page 19

Same Location Same Owners Since 1997

A Complete Diagnostic & Repair Facility For All Foreign & Domestic Cars and Light & Medium Duty Trucks

90-03 LIBERTY AVE., OZONE PARK New York State Emission Inspection Station

FREE PICKUP & DELIVERY

(Corner of 90th Street)

718-322-1212 OPEN

• Expert Air Conditioning • Rebuilt Engines & Transmissions

Mon. - Fri. 7:30 am - 6 pm Sat. 7:30 am - 3:00 pm

AU TO R E PA I R S H O P S P E C I A L S OIL CHANGE SPECIAL

Only

Save $10

Reg. $33.95

13-Point Check

Includes: • Up to 5 Qts. Mobil Oil 5W30 or 10W30 or 10W40 • Valvoline Oil Filter • Check Brakes • Check Hoses • Check Thermostat • Check Lights • Check All Fluids • Check Belts • Check Wiper Blades • Check Tire Pressure • Check Transmission & Fluid • Check Charging System & Battery • Check Front End • Check Air & Filter 13-Point Check Done Upon Request Only Most cars. Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

Spring Special!

39 RADIATOR FLUSH & FILL $

FREE Tire Rotation

COMPUTERIZED SPEED BALANCE

BRAKE SPECIAL

5995

Includes: Resistor, Spark Plugs, Labor, Adjust Timing & Carburetor (if applicable), Check Fluids & Filter, Test Battery, Road Test, Diagnostic Service. Limited Warranty 90 Days or 4,000 Miles, Whichever Comes First

Front or Rear Includes: • Resurface Rotors or Drums • Brake Pads or Shoes • Full Brake Inspection

Save GAS

Includes: • Up to 5 Qts. Fluid • Filter • Gasket • Road Test & Adjust If Necessary Overdrive Vehicles Extra

WE HANDLE ALL INSURANCE CLAIMS!

Save GAS

Most Cars

• Metallic Pads or Shoes $25 Extra • Rear-Disc Brake Additional

• Engine Light Remaining On? • Rough Starts? • Stalling? • Surging? • Misfiring?

Most Cars

Get Your Emissions System Diagnosed And…

Most cars. Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

AU TO C O L L I S I O N 90-09 LIBERTY AVE., OZONE PARK • 718-322-9292 • Collision Work & Painting Done to Factory Specifications • Vandalism Repair: Glass, Locks, Steering Columns, Etc. • Laser Light Chassis & Unibody Frame Straightening • State-of-the-Art European Spray & Bake Booth • All Insurance Claims Handled by Licensed Appraisers • Computerized Color Matching

We are a PPG Certified Collision Repair Center

ESTIMATES

are pre-measured & printed out, then repaired to factory specifications. Then they are remeasured again to give you a perfect printout on our state-of-the-art CAR-O-LINER computerized frame machine.

After 6 pm for 24-HOUR TOWING SERVICE Call

FREE

ALL COLLISION REPAIRS

UNLIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTY! 646-533-1772

Save GAS

646-533-1764

Major Brands of Tires In Stock At Discounted Prices

For the latest news visit qchron.com

WE NOW DO AUTO GLASS!

4495

COMPUTERIZED DIAGNOSTIC SPECIAL

Most cars. Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

State-of-the-Art USI Italia Spray Booth

You Pay Only

Most cars. Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

TRANSMISSION TUNE-UP

OFF

Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

8 cyl.

Rotate & Balance Four Tires

6 cyl.

Most cars. Can be combined with other offers. With coupon. Expires 05/31/13.

4 cyl.

WHEEL ALIGNMENT WE GUARANTEE A PERFECT ALIGNMENT EVERY TIME

Most Cars

Reg. Price $64.95

Rear-Wheel Adjustment Extra

Includes: • Up to 2 Gallons Antifreeze • Check Hoses • Check Belts • Check Thermostat • Pressure Test Radiator • Mobil or Peak Antifreeze

TUNE-UP SERVICE

HUNTER COMPUTERIZED

Page 19 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

AUTO TECH INC.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 20

SQ page 20

Gambino capo guilty; life in prison is likely

Our Prices Will NOT Be Undersold!

Vernace nailed on racketeering rap, including ’81 killings in Woodhaven

Spring Blowout Specials 14x14

8x12

CERAMIC FLOORS

WALL TILE

Starting at

¢ per sq. ft.

per sq. ft.

by Peter C. Mastrosimone

Editor-in-Chief

per sq. ft.

31/2 Gallon

“SuperTek” GLUE

2999

A Bucket

Bring in this ad for these Special Prices. While Supplies Last! Come in and see our beautiful DELIVERY wall and floor tiles on display at everyday low prices. AVAILABLE All material is of 1st quality.

950 GLENMORE AVENUE • BROOKLYN (Between Crystal St. and Fountain Ave.)

Call for Directions 718-277-6913 Ask for Nino or Joe

MILT-060734

6x24 PORCELAIN WOOD LOOKING PLANKS

Starting at

PAUB-061043

“T

For the latest news visit qchron.com

THE RACKETEERING CASE

A high-ranking member of the Gambino • Murder crime family who literally got away with • Heroin trafficking murder for decades has finally been found guilty of that crime and others and could go • Robbery to prison for life. • Loansharking Bartolomeo Vernace, 64, variously known as “Bobby Glasses,” “Pepe” and “John • Gambling Canova,” was found guilty on April 17 of a Bartolomeo Vernace racketeering conspiracy that included his PHOTO COURTESY GANGLANDNEWS.COM participation in the 1981 murder of two Queens bar owners — killings sparked by a Bureau of Investigation. He was at the time spilled drink. Vernace and one of two Gambino associ- one of three people who had been running ates who were with him gunned down John the Gambino crime family since 2008, the D’Agnese, 22, and Richard Godkin, 35, at government said. “The 32 years since Vernace took part in the Shamrock Bar, located at 86-06 Jamaica the ruthless double murder of two good men Avenue in Woodhaven, on April 11, 1981. D’Agnese had asked patron Frank “The represent half his lifetime,” New York FBI Geech” Riccardi to leave after he argued with Assistant Director in Charge George Venizeanother customer who had spilled a drink on los observed in an announcement of last the woman Riccardi was with. But instead of week’s conviction. “They have not been just leaving, the government says, Riccardi years spent atoning for those murders. It has left and returned with Vernace and another been time spent living the life of a mob solalleged mobster, Ronald “Ronnie the Jew” dier, captain, and overseer — half a lifetime committing and Barlin. Together they directing crimes for killed D’Agnese and the Gambino crime Godkin in front of he 32 years since Vernace family. We expect dozens of witnesses, that Vernace’s according to the Fedtook part in the ruthless remaining years eral Bureau of Invesbe spent behind tigation and U.S. double murder ... have not will bars where he attorney for the belongs. There is no Southern District of been years spent atoning expiration date on New York. for those murders.” the FBI’s resolve to Afterward, see justice done.” according to the FBI — FBI official George Venizelos In addition to the and U.S. Attorney’s Godkin-D’Agnese Office, Vernace went into hiding, while another Gambino associate murders, Vernace was found, as part of the “tried to question” witnesses to the killing, racketeering conspiracy, to have been intimidating them. Vernace later returned to involved in heroin trafficking, robbery, loanQueens, operating a Mafia crew out of a club sharking and gambling. He was also found guilty of separate firearms and gambling on Cooper Avenue in Glendale for years. In 1998, Vernace was charged with the allegations. The government said he had Godkin-D’Agnese killings in state court, but been involved in the Mafia since the early 1970s and eventually became a captain, or he was acquitted in 2002 after a trial. During this year’s federal racketeering capo, in the Gambino family. The racketeertrial, one eyewitness testified that he had lied ing charge covered his activities from 1978 during the state trial out of fear of retribu- through 2011. One of the Five Families that dominates tion. “Two men were dead over a spilled drink,” the witness said. “That was reason Italian-American organized crime in New York City and its environs, the Gambino enough to be afraid.” Riccardi also went into hiding and was group was for a time considered the most arrested 20 years later in Boca Raton, Fla. powerful Mafia conglomerate in the country. He was acquitted in a state murder trial and It was led, starting in 1957, by namesake is since deceased. The charges against Barlin Carlo Gambino, then Paul Castellano and then John Gotti of Howard Beach, the “Dapwere dropped. Vernace was rearrested in January 2011, per Don.” Also called the “Teflon Don” for along with more than 100 other suspected his ability to beat various charges in court, members of the Mafia, in what was touted as Gotti was convicted of racketeering in 1992 the largest coordinated takedown of organized and sent to prison for life, dying there 10 Q crime figures in the history of the Federal years later.

SQ page 21

Emily Munoz of Ozone Park will lead a fundraising team of dozens by Carlotta Mohamed Chronicle Contributor

Emily Munoz spends much of her time doing fundraising events and spreading awareness about multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease that hasn’t broken her spirit and positivity since she was diagnosed in 2006. Munoz, 32, of Ozone Park, will be preparing to join her “Just E’s-Support team” in the seventh New York Multiple Sclerosis Walk at South Street Seaport on Sunday, April 28. According to Munoz, when she was diagnosed with MS at the age of 26, she didn’t understand what the condition was or why it happened to her. “I felt confused. As a young lady I wasn’t really sure what MS was until my neurologist told me that talk show host Montel Williams had it as well,” said Munoz. “But after a while I had a better outlook on things, and had a positive attitude about it. I wasn’t going to let it stop me from doing anything I’ve been already doing.” The chronic illness, which affects the central nervous system, caused Munoz to have spasms and pain attacks every three months, until one day she experienced numbness on the entire right side of her body. Scared and nervous about her condition, she was afraid to be in public because of the way she was feeling. “I’ve dealt with different spasms where it tightens up my muscles; they’re painful,” she said. “Sometimes they’re a lot stronger than others, but I usually get it in my legs, feet, arms and neck.” Unable to afford the $1,600 cost of her medication when she was laid off from work in 2010, Munoz reached out to a representative from the New York Southern Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The group was able to assist and supply her with Avonex, a weekly injection that is mailed three

Emily Munoz, here on the Brooklyn Bridge the day of the 2010 Multiple Sclerosis Walk, loves being a part of the annual event. This year’s will be held this Sunday at South Street Seaport. COURTESY PHOTO

months worth at a time. She said the society also constantly kept her informed about events and was an inspiration to do so much more. The MS Society is committed to helping tens of thousands

NEW YORK SPINE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT

MINIMALLY INVASIVE DISC SURGERY

CENTER

NOW AVAILABLE PHYSICAL THERAPY Doctor’s Affiliation with the Following Hospitals: - Lenox Hill Hospital - New York Eye and Ear Infirmary - New York Hospital Queens

Dedicated To The Diagnosis, Treatment F in a ll y A Center and Rehabilitation of Spinal Conditions

A COMPREHENSIVE, MULTI–SPECIALTY SPINE AND PAIN MANAGEMENT CENTER • HERNIATED DISC • SCIATICA • STENOSIS • CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME • ARTHRITIS • BURSITIS • TENDONITIS • WORK/CAR ACCIDENTS • SPORTS INJURIES

151- 44 82 S T. H O WA R D B E AC H ND

7 18 -738 -2 550 DrLezamiz@AOL.com

HABLAMOS ESPAÑOL We Accept Most Insurances As Full Payment

For the latest news visit qchron.com

• PAIN MANAGEMENT • NEUROLOGY • CHIROPRACTIC • ORTHOPEDICS • MANIPULATION UNDER ANESTHESIA

of people living with MS in New York City and five lower upstate counties by providing comprehensive support services and educational programs, according to the Southern New York Chapter’s website. Daphne Mack, spokeswoman for the chapter, said the April 28 walk is looked at as a rallying point for people living with MS, their loved ones and friends. “It is an opportunity to get together to celebrate a milestone in finding treatment, as well as an opportunity to raise awareness and funding,” said Mack. Munoz’s “Just E’s-Support team” comprises 85 to 100 people who come out to walk with her each year. So far they have managed to raise over $65,000, and in 2008 created support teams of friends and family members across the state. “My team is my baby and means everything to me. Some people don’t understand how much it means to me, but when they see it they’re amazed,” said Munoz. “Every year I’m excited and I cry about it, I love being a part of it. We talk and get together, and it makes me proud that so many people I know have been inspired. According to Mack, proceeds from the MS walk will go straight to the MS Society Southern New York Chapter to support programs and critical research that is headed by the National MS Society. The walk will provide a “festival atmosphere with tents for the children to play in and music,” Mack said, adding that a DJ will be on hand, and there will be opportunities to win prizes. The group expects 6,000 to 8,000 participants. “MS is something to not be ashamed of. It’s important for everyone who has it to learn to accept it and be positive,” said Munoz. “There’s nothing wrong with having it, you’re just as Q normal as the next person.”

Page 21 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Walking to spread awareness of MS

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 22

SQ page 22rev

Independent Dems reject Smith again Embattled senator kicked out of group first formed to oppose him by Michael Gannon Editor

State Sen. Malcolm Smith (DHollis) has been kicked out of the small coalition of breakaway Senate Democrats who first joined forces a few years ago to break away from the short-lived Democratic majority leadership. One of those leaders was Malcolm Smith. Sen. Jeff Klein (D-Bronx), leader of the Independent Democratic Conference, announced last week according to several published reports, that he has banished Smith from the caucus. Klein, leader of the group that has a power-sharing agreement with Republican Leader Dean Skelos (RNassau), had previously stripped Smith of his leadership position, committee memberships and accompanying bonus pay shortly after the senator’s April 2 arrest on federal corruption charges. Various published sources report that Smith also has been reassigned to a new seat in Albany’s Senate chamber, the most distant from the floor — the one assigned to former Sen. Carl Kruger (D-Brooklyn) before Kruger

went to prison last year following his conviction on corruption charges connected with some now-defunct Queens hospitals. In its alliance with Republicans, the IDC wrested control of the Senate from the Democrats, who were elected to a nominal majority back in November. Smith and City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) were among six arrested in an alleged scheme by which Smith was attempting to buy his way to the Republican ballot for mayor. The U.S. Department of Justice alleges that Halloran took $45,000 in bribes either directly related to Smith or offshoots of the original alleged scheme. Smith allegedly was seeking socalled Wilson Pakula certif icates from at least three of the city’s five county Republican chairmen to allow him to run for mayor this year on the GOP line. Former Queens County Republican Vice Chairman Vince Tabone and former Bronx GOP Chairman Joseph Savino were forced to resign following their arrests, allegedly aided by a cooperating witness and an undercover FBI

agent who was posing as a wealthy real estate developer. The agent and the witness wore listening devices during conversations and transactions that are alleged to have taken place. Smith allegedly promised to secure state transportation funding that would help a development project the agent proposed. Halloran, among other allegations, was to serve as a middle man between Smith and Republican leaders. All four, plus Mayor Noramie Jasmin and Deputy Mayor Joseph Desmaret of upstate Spring Valley were indicted by a federal grand jury last week. Smith and Halloran remain in off ice, though Council Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) has stripped Halloran of most of his powers, including the ability to dole out funds to community organizations. Queens Democratic leaders did not respond to an inquiry as to whether they think Smith should resign. Smith’s attorney, Gerald Shargel, has not returned numerous calls to his Manhattan off ice seeking Q comment.

Woman arrested for killing her boyfriend Richmond Hill man was fatally stabbed by Domenick Rafter

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Associate Editor

The woman taken into police custody for questioning after a man was fatally stabbed in his Richmond Hill home Tuesday night is the victim’s girlfriend and has been charged with manslaughter in his killing. Shirley Forbes, 63, lives on the second floor of 87-37 112 St., where 55-year-old Lee Burrison — who lived in the house with Forbes — was found stabbed and lying on the living room floor around 10:45 p.m. by police responding to a 911 call on April 16. Burrison suffered a stab wound to the upper chest. He was later taken to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead on arrival. Forbes was immediately taken into custody and questioned at the 102nd Precinct. After an investigation, Forbes was arrested for his killing Wednesday afternoon and arraigned Thursday on charges of firstdegree manslaughter, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated criminal contempt. Forbes, who faces up to

25 years in prison if convicted, was ordered held without bail and to return to court on May 2. According to Queens District Attorney Richard Brown, there has been a history of domestic incidents between Forbes and Burrison in recent years. Police have been called to their residence multiple times in the past due to domestic disturbances, and an order of protection had been issued on behalf of the victim, Burrison, on Nov. 20, 2012 and was in effect until Nov. 19, 2014, directing the defendant to refrain from assaulting, harassing, or committing any other criminal offenses against the victim. “The defendant in this case is alleged to have stabbed her boyfriend once in the chest, killing him,” Brown said. “Violence such as that which is alleged to have occurred in this case cannot be tolerated. As a result the defendant faces serious consequences for her alleged actions.” It is not known why Forbes still lived in the house, even after the order of protection Q was taken out against her.

State Sen. Malcolm Smith, center left, and Sen. Jeff Klein walk the halls of the Capitol in happier days for Smith and the Senate’s Independent Democratic Conference. Klein kicked the embattled senator out of the conference days before Smith and Republican City Councilman Dan Halloran were indicted in a PHOTO COURTESY NYS SENATE federal corruption probe.

Pols decry Rockaway bus redeployment MTA: rush hour service will improve by Michael Gannon Editor

Elected officials in the Rockaways and one Democratic hopeful for mayor are taking the Metropolitan Transportation Authority to task for its decision to reduce the number of shuttle buses that have been running since Hurricane Sandy wiped out A-train service to the peninsula in October. But an MTA official said Tuesday that the shift will leave no one without service, and will actually increase the number of buses available during peak morning and afternoon rush hours. The MTA has been offering the free shuttles, which take people to the A-train station in Howard Beach, since shortly after Sandy destroyed much of the tracks over Broad Channel and Jamaica Bay. Last week, Assemblyman Phil Goldfeder (D-Rockaway), Councilman Donovan Richards (D-Rockaway) and Public Advocate Bill de Blasio ripped the move, saying it is taking away service people have come to count on before train service is restored. “Those impacted by this decision are

low-income Rockaway residents who rely on strong public transportation to travel around the city,” de Blasio wrote in a letter to MTA Chairman designee Thomas Prendergast. De Blasio, a Democratic candidate for mayor, said the reduction, from 94 runs on weekdays to 75, and a 40 percent reduction on weekends, would lead to more overcrowding and longer wait times. MTA spokesman Charles Seaton said the reductions will come from simply a better allocation of MTA resources now that they know when and where the routes are most utilized during a typical day. He said while some off-peak runs will be eliminated, others will see the buses and drivers shifted to increase the number of trips available during morning and evening rush hours. “When we set this up, we decided to err on the side of caution with the number of buses,” Seaton said. “What we are able to do now is run the system more in rush hour in peak directions and less during other Q times in the day.”

SQ page 23rev

Spring Specials JUVÉDERM® FACIAL FILLER 10000 OFF

Park conservancy founder leaves memories of humility and bird blinds

REG. PRICE $550

BOTOX® TREATMENTS

by Joseph Orovic

ONLY

Assistant Managing/Online Editor

Elected off icials and activists gathered on Sunday at the entrance to Willow Lake to honor late greenspace champion and Flushing Meadows Corona Park Conservancy founder Pat Dolan, renaming the trail leading through the wetland in the her honor. Dolan was the president and creator of the conservancy that bears the park’s name, and a tireless champion of the lake and its many inhabitants. “Pat Dolan def ined the words ‘civic leader’ and ‘parks advocate,’” said Borough President Helen Mar- The late park advocate and Flushing Meadows Corona Park shall. “She was tireless and Conservancy founder Pat Dolan was honored with a trail named relentless in her pursuit of in her honor, with state Sen. Toby Stavisky, left, Borough Presiall things that made her dent Helen Marshall, Rep. Grace Meng, friend Norma Stegmaier neighbors, community and and Assemblyman Mike Simanowitz attending on Sunday. PHOTO BY JOSEPH OROVIC borough better today and well-prepared for a new genDolan wore many hats before her tragic eration. Today, we have the privilege of honoring her life and legacy with an honor that death in November 2011. Aside from the conwill sustain our memory of her for genera- servancy, Dolan also served as president of the Queens Civic Congress. tions to come.” She advocated for Urban Park Ranger proThe ever-humble Dolan would have shied away from all the attention and good will, grams at Meadow and Willow lakes in FMCP, installing bird blinds at both lakes, working many said. “I have to say I don’t think Pat would be towards the shoreline restoration of Meadow happy today,” said Assemblyman Mike Lake and installing an osprey pole and nest at Simanowitz (D-Flushing), who encountered Willow Lake. The bird blinds, however, brought out a few Dolan regularly as a member of former Assemblywoman Nettie Mayersohn’s staff. chuckles. State Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Flush“I don’t think Pat wanted anything named ing) spoke of her time spent at a bird blind, after her. She wanted to be sitting out there not spotting anything though Dolan kept mumbling about something you haven’t pointing out birds. “You just don’t say no to Pat,” she said. Q done right.”

97-49 WOODHAVEN BLVD. OZONE PARK

“Custom Designed Security Systems To Fit Any Budget” CAMERA SURVEILLANCE SYSTEMS WITH DIGITAL RECORDING AND REMOTE VIEWING AVAILABLE

DR. DAN ACARU, MD • CORALIE RUTTER, RN, MSN, FNP-BC will provide individual consultations to all clients interested in Botox® and Dermal Fillers.

Hairy is Scary…

LASER HAIR REMOVAL

AND ELECTROLYSIS ELECTROLYSIS: $30 / 15 MINUTES TREATMENTS

OUR PRICE

CHIN UNDER ARMS BIKINI LOWER LEGS FULL BACK FULL LEGS

20 40 $ 45 $ 75 $ 175 $ 200

REMOVAL TREATMENTS

OUR PRICE

SKIN REDNESS BROWN SPOTS SUN DAMAGE

OTHER SPA PRICES*

$80 $100 $140 $250 $308 $400

OTHER SPA PRICES*

100 100 $ 100 $

$250 $250 $250

*COMPE TITORS’ REGUL AR PRICE S

Specializing in

CHEMICAL PEELS

SKIN REJUVENATION Fine Lines, Skin Damage, Skin’s Texture, Aging Skin, Acne, Blemishes

CENTRAL STATION MONITORING

(MAXIMUM OF 20 UNITS AT THIS PRICE) NEW PATIENTS ONLY.

G IF T C E RTIF ICATE S AVAIL AB LE

Open Tues. - Sat. 10am to 8pm • Sun. 10am to 5pm • Closed Mondays

www.LaserVelvet .com

718-50-LASER 718-505-2737 VELVET EFFECT LASERS

62-85 WOODHAVEN BOULEVARD • REGO PARK, NY 11374

VELE-061116

718-529-9700

BURGLARY • FIRE • INTERCOM • SURVEILLANCE

($200 VALUE)

ALL OF OUR LASER PROCEDURES ARE CONDUCTED BY HIGHLY TRAINED LASER TECHNICIANS

NY State Dept. of State Lic. #12000295695

15000

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR MORE THAN 20 YEARS!

Servicing All Your Security Needs Residential/Commercial

Page 23 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Pat Dolan honored with trail renaming

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 24

SQ page 24

A simple reminder to wear a helmet

Invest for Your Immediate Future Queens doctor says most bike Introducing fatalities are due to head injuries “Your Choice” Investments! by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

Money Market Account

1.00% APY* 12 Month CD

1.10% APY* *Available For Consumers and Small Business Customers

“H

Why HAB?

For the latest news visit qchron.com

High Yield FDIC Insured Guaranteed Return Peace of Mind

HABA-061100

✓ ✓ ✓ ✓

As the weather gets warmer and days get longer, people all around the city are trading in their car keys and MetroCards for bike shorts and hitting the pavement on two wheels. But while riding a bike is popular leisure activity for both adults and children — not to mention a popular form of exercise — it can be dangerous. Though it has been law for children to wear helmets for nearly two decades, many bike riders do not wear helmets and that could often lead to serious, often permanent or fatal injuries. Though it’s been said over and over again, if you don’t want your next bike trip to be Dr. Gonzalo Vazquez-Casals warns bike riders to take steps to protect your head. your last, wear a helmet. PHOTO COURTESY JAMAICA HOSPITAL MEDICAL CENTER Dr. Gonzalo Vazquez-Casals, a neuropsychologist at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, is unfortunately no stranger to treating mandated by regulations to meet certain head injuries stemming from bicycle acci- standards and should work just fine, but the dents. He warns that 97 percent of all fatal doctor warned there are certain factors to keep in mind when choosaccidents involving bicycles ing to buy and using a helare due to injuries to the met. head when a rider is not elmets are the “It’s very important that wearing a helmet, he says. the helmet is appropriate in “Helmets are the best best safeguard size and is well fitted.” he safeguard that we have right said. “Once a helmet is now,” Dr. Vazquez-Casals that we have cracked, most likely it has said. right now.” to be discarded.” Even if brain injuries are The doctor also suggests not fatal, he said they can — Dr. Gonzalo Vazquez-Casals, bicycle riders adhere to the cause severe permanent neuropsychologist, Jamaica rules of the road and stay on damage. For those who are Hospital Medical Center bike lanes where they are able to be treated and recovavailable. Most injuries he er, the doctor said he has seen recoveries take many years, with some sees come from bicyclists who are struck by cars, and especially trucks, on busy streets. permanent damage likely. “If there’s a bike lane, they should defi“You may see not only memory problems, but behavior problems as well,” Dr. nitely use that,” Dr. Vazquez-Casals said. “In areas where there are no bike lanes, they Vazquez-Casals warns. Q Most helmets that are sold in stores are should follow traffic regulations.”

6-month-old girl found dead Jackson Heights Branch 74-05/07 37th Avenue Jackson Heights, NY 11372 Tel: (718)

397-0890

Richmond Hill Branch 112-17/19 Liberty Avenue Richmond Hill, NY 11419 Tel: (718)

659-9000

*CD & Money Market Account offers require a qualifying consumer or business checking account and a minimum deposit of $5,000. No Brokered Deposits will be accepted. Penalty for early withdrawal. The annual Percentage Yield (APY) shown is effective as of 4/18/13 and is available at a HAB branch only. Offer may be withdrawn at any time. Other terms and conditions apply.

HAB BANK is a Service Mark of Habib American Bank

www.habbank.com

A 6-month-old baby girl was found dead on Monday night in an apartment building on Queens Boulevard in Rego Park. Police officers responded to a 911 call at 10:23 p.m. of an unconscious baby. Upon arrival, officers found the infant, who was in the care of an adult, unconscious and unresponsive. EMS also responded to the scene and transported the child to Elmhurst Hospital Center, where she was pronounced dead on arrival. The child showed no visible signs of

trauma or injury and an investigation is ongoing. The medical examiner has yet to determine the cause of death. Police could not conf irm who was with the child at the time of her death but reportedly she was with family members. It is still unclear if there is any criminal activity involved in the infant’s death. The identity of the child and the family was not immediately available pending Q proper notification of relatives. — Tess McRae

C M SQ page 25 Y K

- Somner® Custom Vertical Blinds - Crosswind® Wood Verticals - Cadence® The New Dimension in Verticals

• Shadings by Hunter Douglas

WINDOW TREATMENTS

- Silhouette® Window Shadings - Silhouette® with PowerRise® - Vignette® Window Shadings - Vignette® Accents by the Yard ™

Custom draperies, upholstery & more New o h S w ro o m

Not A H u n te r D o u g la s G a ll e ry D e a le r

VISIT OUR SECOND LOCATION AT 97-18 101st Ave., Ozone Park

• Honeycomb Shades by Hunter Douglas - Duette® Classic - Duette® with Simplicity™ - Duette® with EasyRise™ - Duette® with Vertiglide™ - Duette® Opalessence™ - Applause® Honeycomb Shades - Applause® with EasyRise™ - Applause® with Simplicity™ - Applause® with Vertiglide™

All Custom Draperies, Valences & Shades Made On The Premises

Come Visit Our Showroom and See Our Fabulous Displays Including All Hunter Douglas Products!

Page 25 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Karlin

All Labor Done by World-Class Craftsmen

• Custom Verticals by Hunter Douglas

• Horizontal Blinds by Hunter Douglas - Modern Precious Metals® Celebrity® - Modern Precious Metals® “2” Aluminum Blinds

• Window Shades by Hunter Douglas - Brilliance® Pleated Shades

• Wood Blinds by Hunter Douglas - Provenance® Woven Wood - EverWood®

• Shutters by Hunter Douglas FR EE R SH ADES PE PA

FR EE REMO TE hase PowerR ise ® Purc

Treatment W ith Al l W indow ) Orders (if needed

W ith Any uglas From Hunter Do

WE CARRY A LL NAME BRAND FABRICS

- Heritance® - Palm Beach™

• Privacy Sheers - Luminette® with PowerGlide

• LiteRise®

Receive a Free Estimate. Please Use Our Convenient

FREE SHOP-AT-HOME SERVICE 718-445-9393 and Ask for Ben or Inez for all your needs! Why Go Out - Our Shop-At-Home Service Is Only A Phone Call Away. PERSONALIZED MEASURING & INSTALLATION WITH ALL CUSTOM ORDERS

17-18 154TH STREET, WHITESTONE (Opposite PS 194 and Near St. Luke RCC) Hours: Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

718-445-9393 Visit Our Website: www.KarlinDecorators.hdspd.com

For your convenience, WE PROVIDE DRY CLEANING, WASHING & REHANGING of your draperies

Wide Variety of Slipcovers & Reupholstery Products • CUSTOM DR APERIES Balloon Shades, Roman Shades, Austrian Shades, Cornices • • • • • • •

CUSTOM VALANCES CUSTOM REUPHOLSTERY CUSTOM BEDSPREADS CUSTOM SLIPCOVERS PLASTIC SLIPCOVERS FOAM RUBBER FOAM CUSHION REPLACEMENTS

For the latest news visit qchron.com

- Duette® with LiteRise® - Country Woods® with LiteRise® - Decor® with LiteRise® - Brillance® Pleated Shades with LiteRise®

FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE, LET US BRING THE SHOWROOM TO YOU!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 26

C M SQ page 26 Y K

Inexpensive exterior home improvement projects As the weather turns warmer, most of us are experiencing cabin fever, anxious to escape to the outdoors. But has the harsh winter weather put a damper on your outdoor spaces? Don’t fret. You can easily spruce up your exteriors with a few easy and inexpensive home improvement projects. Here are a few fast fixes that will have your home looking great without taking a huge hit on your wallet. • Unpack and update. The first step to enjoying the outdoors is to unpack storage areas and populate your patios and porches with furniture and accents that you put away for the winter season. However, often these pieces don’t fare well in storage and your once-beautiful accents may be scratched, faded or even rusty. “It’s disappointing to find once-vibrant outdoor furniture and accents looking worn and outdated — especially when you’re not ready to invest in new,” says Katherine Merkle, Krylon brand manager. “Luckily, with a bit of spray paint — especially a version that’s paint and primer in one — it’s simple to revitalize your current pieces to make them lovely and enjoyable, only for a few dollars.” Krylon’s Dual Paint plus Primer spray paint is the ideal solution with a unique formulation that’s available in a wide variety of the most popular colors and finishes. It includes both the paint and primer in one can, so you can complete your projects easily and quickly in one step — with a great finish that lasts like you primed it. Plus, it works on many surfaces, including wood, metal, wicker, glass, ceramic, fabric, concrete and masonry, allowing you to update all your outdoor accents. “Whether looking to add a vibrant pop of color to dull flower pots; restoring sun-faded patio umbrellas; or restoring damaged or dull furniture surfaces, Dual has the color you need in the simple, one-step, affordable solution you desire,” says Merkle.

Clean and clear. Cold weather can leave outdoor spaces looking dirty and gray, so the next step in your outdoor update is to start cleaning. Pressure washing is a simple way to get patios, sidewalks, windows and siding looking clean and ready for the season. It offers instant gratification as layers of dirt, dust and grime are quickly blasted away. Don’t have a pressure washer? No worries that you need to buy one; most rental companies or home improvement centers offer reasonably priced daily rentals. Or it’s an opportunity to visit the neighbors whom you haven’t seen during the cold months to borrow theirs. Great, green grass. With your living spaces looking grand, now it’s time to turn your attention to your lawn. With the grass still soggy and sensitive, it may not be time to begin mowing or digging — but it is a good time for prevention. Since spring is often the key growth season for many grasses, the key to having a weed-free yard is to apply weed control to your yard to prevent weeds before they germinate. Your local home improvement store or nursery will help you determine the type and amount that is best for your yard. This easy bit of prevention will help create healthy and luscious greenery for the warmer months to come. Get grilling. Once you’ve got your outdoors looking great, you’ll be ready to enjoy some outdoor entertaining. To prep your grill for another year of burgers and barbecues — make sure you start with a good cleaning. Home improvement expert Danny Lipford has a simple and inexpensive way to clean the cooking surface using aluminum foil and white vinegar. The acid in the vinegar cuts through grease and cooked-on food, while the foil acts as an abrasive to remove the food residue. Simply pour white vinegar in a clean spray bottle, spray the cooking surface and let it sit

Not ready to invest in new outdoor furniture? With a bit of spray paint you can revitalize your current pieces for only a few dollars. PHOTOS COURTESY BRANDPOINT

for a few minutes. Next, rub the cooking area with crumpled up aluminum foil. You’ll have a clean grill with items you probably have sitting in your pantry. With a few fast do-it-yourself updates, your home and outdoor areas will be looking fabulous in no time — and all without a huge price tag. For more information on Krylon paint Q products, visit krylon.com. — Brandpoint

Let us help with your Post-Sandy Recovery! Spring Home Section • 2013

Lock in Comfort and Safety with Foam-Lok Spray Insulation For a greener, healthier home… Rebuild better than ever! Get permanent protection from water, mold and insects! CLOSED CELL FOAM • OPEN CELL FOAM • Walls • Floors and Subfloors • Crawlspaces • Rooflines • Attics • Whole House Construction • Mold Mitigation: Testing • Project Management • HEPA • Sanding • Dry-Ice Blasting • Advanced Structure Sealants

EcoTech Insulation Technologies Commercial and Residential Visit us online at:

CallEcoTechSprayFoam.com

Call for a FREE CONSULTATION (877) 343-2991

WHY GO FOAM? ▶ 30% to 60% Energy Savings ▶ FEMA Approved Material ▶ Water, Mold and Insect Resistant ▶ Enhanced Indoor Air Quality ▶ Increased Structural Strength ▶ Greater Safety, Comfort and Moisture Control ▶ Less Stress on HVAC System ▶ Better Fire Safety ▶ Higher Resale Value

C M SQ page 27 Y K Page 27 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

AND

Carpet Max Chandelier Lighting

“Home of Your Trusted Mortgage Advisors”

WHOLESALE & RETAIL

NO COST SAME DAY PRE-QUALIFICATIONS NO OUT OF POCKET MONEY NO JUNK FEES

Wool Rugs • Handmade • Hand-Tufted • Silk 97-05 Rockaway Blvd., Ozone Park, NY 11417

718-738-5700 Any Carpet, Any Quality, All In One Place!

Programs Include:

FHA Government Insured Loans Lines of Credit Conventional Financing Stated Income Loans for Self Employed Borrowers Reverse Mortgages

AREA RUGS ON SALE!!! Rectangle and Circle Rugs

Now $39-$129

Call Sal Zangari, Director of Sales

Reg. $169

@FHAExpert

Licensed Mortgage Bankers NYS Department of Banking

POST-SANDY SALE!!! Follow on

NMLS # 69307

Office: 516-493-9675 Cell: 516-647-1469 Fax: 516-294-9893 Email: salz@patriotonemtg.com Website: www.NYFHALENDER.COM 142 Willis Avenue, Mineola, NY 11501

Two Rooms Commercial Carpet

Two Rooms Residential Carpet

Only $199

Only $289

Two Rooms Linoleum

Only $289

FREE Estimates

Limited time offer only. Prices are not inclusive of installation.

HUGE SPRING SALE!!! Make Your Home New Again!

500 Off!

A Designer’s Touch at Affordable Prices!

Any Purchase of $3,000 or more.

With this coupon. Not valid with other offers or prior purchases.

Visit Our Fabric Store For Discounted Designer Fabrics Available to the Public! Bring this ad and

Custom Window Treatments, Draperies, Shades & Designer Spreads & Comforters

JO-VIN

FREE Shop-At-Home With Our Experienced Designers

94-23 JAMAICA AVE., WOODHAVEN

718-441-9350

Fax:

718-441-1447

www.jo-vin.com

MAC

Measuring & Installation Available

10% OFF! Any Fabric Purchase

Spring Home Section • 2013

! NOW receive an additional

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 28

C M SQ page 28 Y K

Take advantage of home improvement tax rebates When U.S. lawmakers made a deal to keep the country from going off the “fiscal cliff ” at the end of 2012, they reinstated a tax break of up to $500 to help homeowners earn money back for energy-efficient home improvements. The tax credit included in the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012 is the first home improvement incentive since 2011, making this remodeling season an opportune time to upgrade your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal before time runs out on Dec. 31, 2013. While many of the products eligible for the new tax credit are the unsung heroes of home energy savings — heaters, water pumps, air conditioners — energy-efficient replacement windows and doors are included, helping to save energy while also infusing new life into a dull home exterior. Pairing the latest energy-eff icient technology with stylish design, many window and door manufacturers are geared up with qualifying products that can fulfill any homeowner’s unique style needs. “For anyone who regrets missing their chance to receive a tax credit for energyeff icient home improvements, this is an incredible opportunity,” says Chris Pickering, vice president of marketing for Ply Gem Windows. “Old and outdated windows and doors are not only an eyesore, they can cost homeowners energy through leaks, cracks and poorly insulated glass every month.”

Since 2006, there have been a number of versions of the energy-efficient tax credit for homeowners. The current extension covers all purchases made in 2013 and retroactively gives credit for 2012 purchases. The credit is 10 percent of the cost of building materials and select energy-efficient heating and cooling devices, insulation and roofing for a primary residence, up to $500. Installation fees do not apply. Some categories like windows are capped at $200, but can be combined with other purchases to make up the full amount. For example, if you buy qualifying windows for $2,000, roof ing for $2,000 and a water heater for $1,000, you will receive the entire $500 credit. However, there are a few rules. The total amount of savings allowed per household is cumulative since the program began in 2006. So, if you’ve already received $500 or more in total credits since 2006, you are not eligible to earn more credit. But, if you’ve received less than $500, you can still add new credits, up to the full amount. Windows and doors that are eligible for the tax credit must be Energy Star qualified in the region where they are being installed. Look to products like the Ply Gem Windows Mira Pr emium Series, which can be configured to meet Energy Star requirements in every U.S. climate zone and are available in 38 colors,

Energy-efficient replacement windows and doors are included in the most recent version of the federal tax credit, helping homeowners save energy and infuse new life into a dull home exterior. PHOTO COURTESY BRANDPOINT

with multiple shapes and grille patterns. According to Energy Star’s website, all of the windows, doors and skylights in your home do not need to be replaced to qualify. Also, new windows and doors that were not there previously, like ones in an addition, qualify for the tax credit. The tax credit will be given, dollar-for-dollar,

in the following year’s tax returns, so be sure to keep your receipts. To find Energy Starrated window and door products for your climate zone, visit plygemwindows.com and consult with your local dealer or contractor to ensure the products you are purchasing qualiQ fy for the tax credit. — Brandpoint

NYC Fireplaces and Outdoor Kitchens 718-326-4328

Spring Home Section • 2013

WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Gas, Wood Burning, Electric and Ventless Fireplaces • Gorgeous Designer Mantels • Unique Doors and Accessories Visit Us • Gas, Wood Burning and Pellet Inserts Today ! • Gas Log Sets • Stoves

WE ARE YOUR OUTDOOR DESIGN CENTER! • Outdoor Kitchens, Grills, Ovens, Fireplaces & Fire Pits • Outdoor Fountains & Fire Features

Now Featuring a Beautiful Selection of Fine % 20 OUTDOOR FURNITURE & ACCESSORIES

OFF

Enjoy Your Summer with a choice from our Elegant Collection!

www.nycfireplaces.com

58-30 Maspeth Avenue, Maspeth, NY 11378 (Just off the L.I.E. and Maurice Avenue)

As Featured On

C M SQ page 29 Y K

I n SadtyoFcork ! Re

eliver y! D e t a i d e Imm

Take An Additional

O % f 0 f 2 2

me F r e e I n Hion g M e a souinrtment p No Ap Necessar y

Now Available In 10 Popular Colors!

NITE “ P 11 COGURNATERTOAL 44 TEMPLATED & INST LED SQ. $ $ FT. Sale

1⁄

Price

Our Already Reduced Price!

All Wood

First Quality

Marquis Cinnamon **

BACKYARD SAVINGS BONANZA! S p e c i a ls e Purcha

l Speciase Purcha Glueless Laminate Flooring • Many Styles To Choose From • Easy Installation

Starting At

89¢¢

Sq. Ft. Sugg. Retail $2.49 Sq. Ft.

Olympia Model #703

99 99

32 Gal. Round Garbage Pail Lid Included.

ow ! l e B st Co

White Tank & Bowl Set

PARK BENCH

Sugg. Retail $19.99

Sturdy Wood Seat And Decorative Iron Back Scroll Design. #90016

75% Of f Titan Toilet White Or Biscuit

99 15999

Sugg. Retail $199.99

Set Includes Glass Top Table, 4 Chairs And Matching Umbrella. #91168

Ceramic Tiles 4” x 12”

Mosaic Tiles

Sq. Ft.

Sugg. Retail $2.99 Sq. Ft.

¢¢

18” x 18” Porcelain Floor Tiles

18” x 18” Marble Tiles 5/8” Thick

•A199 Brown • Craftsman Rye

Available In Assorted Colors

¢¢

75% Of f American Made

2” x 2”

Available In Assorted Colors

55% Of f

Sq. Ft.

Sugg. Retail $4.99 Sq. Ft.

Available In Polished Perlado

¢¢

Sq. Ft.

Sugg. Retail $3.99 Sq. Ft.

99 99

Each

Sugg. Retail $8.99 Sq. Ft.

Sugg. Retail $569.00

SHOP AT HOME 24 HOURS A DAY: WeismanHomeOutlets.com Sale Ends May 1, 2013

QUEENS

BROOKLYN

• MIDDLE VILLAGE

• BOROUGH PARK

63-27 Metropolitan Ave..............718.497.0212

1175 McDonald Ave...............718.377.8871

• SPRINGFIELD GARDENS 218-01 Merrick Blvd...................718.723.4000

STORE HOURS: • MON-WED 8-6 • THURS 8-8 • FRI 8-7 • SAT 9-6 •SUN 10-5 • SPRINGFIELD: MON-WED 8-6 • THURS 8-7 • FRI 8-6 • SAT 9-6 SUN 10-5 *Based on 60” Oak Starter Set. **Pertains to cabinets advertised in today’s ad. All sales final. Not responsible for type errors or omissions. Photos for illustration only. § Manufacturers Sugg. Retail.

Spring Home Section • 2013

99 7999

Sugg. Retail $99.99

o l w B out e l i T 85% Of f

Sugg. Retail $169.99

6 PC. PATIO SET

99 99

F Qu irst ali ty

99 6999

WEIH-061118

Page 29 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

It’s Spring Home Repair Time!!

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 30

C M SQ page 30 Y K

Sell your home faster with cost-effective staging tips Appearances count, especially when you’re trying to sell a home. Even though the housing industry experts predict this spring will be a seller’s market, it’s important to grab every advantage when you’re trying to sell your home. Staging — decorating a house to appeal to the broadest possible range of buyers — can make the difference between a quick sale or a long, painful linger on the market. Fortunately, many of the most effective staging tips are also inexpensive, from a thorough cleaning to decorator details. Here are five staging tricks that don’t cost a bundle: 1. Cleanliness counts. Nothing turns off buyers faster than a dirty house. Before you list your house, give it a thorough top-to-bottom cleaning — something that costs nothing but the price of supplies if you do it yourself and a couple hundred bucks, tops, if you hire pros to do it for you. Don’t overlook little details like baseboards, ceiling fans, blinds and shower doors. Include decluttering in your cleanup efforts, and remove excess items from your home, even if you have to rent a storage unit to do it. 2. Work those walls. Painting is one of the cheapest, easiest ways to help your home look fresh and great. Choose neutral colors that will appeal to the broadest range of buyers. Don’t forget that neutral doesn’t have to mean bland, either. Consider dressing up an accent wall, easily and cost-effectively with repositionable wallpaper or a removable wallpaper mural.

FULLY , SED LICEN ED & INSUR GUAR A

3. Fix up the fireplace. Sure, you’re heading into summer selling season, but fireplaces charm buyers no matter what the weather. Make yours look its best. Old brick fireplaces can get designer flare from a coat of paint. If your fireplace is wood-burning, remove and clean the screen. If it looks tired and rusty, give it a fresh look with a coat of heat-resistant spray paint. For gas fireplaces, keep the glass clean and make sure everything is in working order. For a nominal cost, you can install a remote starter — a winning feature for buyers who can envision themselves starting a fire without ever having to leave the comfort of their couch. 4. Spruce up outdoor living spaces. If you have a deck or patio, do whatever it takes to spruce it up, from power-washing pavers and deck boards to staining tired-looking wooden decks. If you don’t have a patio or deck, and don’t want to spend a lot of money adding one, you can still create an appealing outdoor seating area. Mark off an area using stones or plastic edgers near the house or in a shady spot in the yard. Fill in with pea gravel or wood chips, then add an attractive bistro set — with an umbrella — to create a pleasant seating spot. 5. Brighten the bath. Bathrooms and kitchens sell houses, yet many sellers are reluctant to sink any additional money into

Staging a house to appeal to the broadest possible range of buyers can make the difference PHOTOS COURTESY BRANDPOINT between a quick sale or a long linger on the market. staging a bathroom. You don’t have to spend a bundle to make your bathroom more appealing. After a deep cleaning, invest in some designer towels that only come out for showings. Put up a fresh shower curtain and get rid of those nasty area rugs that will make buyers think “germs.” Add a small vase of fresh flowers on the vanity. Bring in more natural light by removing blinds and ensuring privacy with removable film that makes windows look frosted. Have

a bathroom that doesn’t have windows? You can really brighten it — and make a designer statement — by placing a removable wallpaper mural on the ceiling. Pick a sky scene with fluffy clouds on a blue background and you can even brighten a windowless powder room. Staging a home can help make it more appealing to potential buyers, and ensure that Q you sell it faster. — Brandpoint

THE ONE AND ONLY

The Original

NTE E D

WE SERVICE Replacement Wind ow Rolldown Window s Broken or Fog Gl s ass

J& B

HOME IMPROVEMENTS Satisfying Customers for Over 3 Decades!

1 DAY TION INSTALLA WS, O FOR WIND ND A G SIDIN G IN F ROO

Roofing Windows Gutters & Leaders Siding

Spring Home Section • 2013

Masonry

Spring Special

Take an Additional

Replacement Doors

5 % OFF

Garage Doors

SENIOR DISCOUNT S!

Don’t Be Fooled By Any Other Number! ur Visit Om at: o o Sh ow r

1-800-599-1150

NYC LIC. #0927491 Nassau LIC. #H18D2240000

87-10 101ST AVE., OZONE PARK, NY 11416

W W W.JBHOMEIMPROV EMENTSINC.COM

Authorized GAF Roofer Installer

C M SQ page 31 Y K

Page 31 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Spring Home Section • 2013

CRYW-060959

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 32

C M SQ page 32 Y K

Now’s the time for new windows at good prices by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

So, you’ve made it through the cold, drafty winter, and thoughts of stiflingly hot summer days are beginning to whirl around in your head. Whatever the climate, now just might be the perfect time to consider replacing the windows and doors in your home or business. And the perfect place to get them is right here in Queens. According to Steven Yu, marketing manager for Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd., located in Flushing, the company’s Low-e (low thermal emissivity) glass “is able to keep heat out and maintain cold air in the

room. Therefore, the AC doesn’t need to work as hard. And when next winter comes, it’s able to keep cold air out and warm air in.” And, Yu points out, “Most homeowners do no realize this, but they’re not that much more expensive than a no-frills base window.” Yu also recommends Energy Starrated windows and doors for “maximum savings year-round.” In fact, he estimates that homeowners “should see a 10 to 15 percent reduction in their utility bills compared to old drafty windows.” Yu is particularly proud that Crystal products have been touted on A&E’s “Flipping Boston” TV show on real estate sales. “Last year, we were approached by the producers,” he said. “We came to an agreement to be the exclusive window sponsor on the entire series. We have been featured in eight episodes so far.” Yu said that Crystal has four manufacturing locations around the country and is listed among the top 40 window and door manufacturers in the nation. The Queens-based site is the

largest in New York State, Yu said. Each order is custom-made, he explained, and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. No project is too large or too small, he added. Crystal has been in business since 1990. After undergoing several upgrades, Yu said, the company moved to its current site in Flushing in 2000. The location serves not only as a manufacturing center but also as a showroom for potential customers. Anyone considering replacing windows or doors is welcome to stop in. Yu pointed out, however, that “we do not provide installation. We sell directly to contractors, not to homeowners.” If a homeowner has not already chosen a contractor for a particular job, an employee at Crystal will gladly make a referral, Yu said. Once an order is placed, Yu said, it will be ready in approximately two weeks. Besides saving energy, “getting new windows and doors enhances home value for better resale value down the road,” Yu pointed out. “Replacing windows not only looks

The Crystal Windows & Doors factory and showroom are located on the Whitestone Expressway in Flushing. Below left are the company’s Series 200 windows, and below right are the Series 8000 heavy-duty industrial models. COURTESY PHOTOS good, but provides year-round savings on utility bills. Now is the perfect time.” In addition to its residential offerings, Crystal also manufactures products for commercial and architectural projects. Crystal Window & Door Systems, Ltd. is located at 31-10 Whitestone Expressway in Flushing. For more information, visit the company online at crystalwindows.com or call (718) 961-7300. For referrals, dial Q extension 6.

We are a CUSTOM HOME IMPROVEMENT DESIGN/BUILD REMODELING CONTRACTOR, based in Queens, NY

Division of New Viva Home, Inc.

Spring Home Sale! KITCHENS

10x10 Kitchen Fully Refurbished

5x8 Bathroom Fully Refurbished

Spring Home Section • 2013

B AT H R O O M S

Includes: Cabinets, 11/4 inch Granite Countertop, Sink & Faucet

Includes All Basic Bathroom Fixtures

* 6,999 Only $

*Based on basic package

8454 GRAND AVE. ELMHURST Call for a FREE 718-505-8138

Design Consultation

Fax: 718-505-8148 Cell: 646-651-3511

E-mail: vivahome8454@aol.com

Only

8,399* *Based on basic package

COUPON

250 OFF ANY JOB

OF $1,250 OR MORE

With this coupon only. Expires May 10, 2013

WE SPECIALIZE IN: • Accurate and Firm Estimates • Kitchen, Bath & Apartment Remodeling • Fine Cabinetry, Built-Ins & Custom Furniture • In-House Design Services • Landmark Co-op/Condo Renovations • Complete Plumbing, Electric & HVAC

WHOLESALE & RETAIL OF KITCHEN & BATH CABINETS WE HAVE IT ALL HERE...!!! We also specialize in: • • • • •

Stone Fabrication Custom-Made Cabinets Closets Custom Furniture Vanities • Marbles, Granite & Porcelain • Wood Floors

EVERYTHING TO FIT YOUR DECOR… We Have It All Here! Everything for your Individual Taste and Lifestyle! WE ACCEPT CREDIT CARDS NYC Dept of Consumer Affairs License #1416972

EPA Certified

SQ page 33

Fairness Coalition gathering mulls ideas for boroughâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s marquee park by Mark Lord Chronicle Contributor

Attendees at the Fairness Coalitionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s visioning workshop on Monday examine a map of FMCP durPHOTO BY MARK LORD ing group discussion time. 1.4 million-square-foot shopping mall on what is currently the Citi Field parking lot. Other proposals include an expansion of the United States Tennis Associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Tennis Center including new parking garages and parking spaces in the parkand, as well as a Major League Soccer stadium.

Ferreras â&#x20AC;&#x201D; who has not yet taken a public stand on any of the plans â&#x20AC;&#x201D; indicated that the park is in need of more staff, a larger maintenance budget, coordinated decisionmaking, capital improvements and more community input. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The alliance would be an amazing

Welcome Home.

Chiarovano-DelGrosso Realty JOHN CHIAROVANO Licensed Real Estate Broker

718-456-8989

70-19 Fresh Pond Road, Ridgewood, NY 11385 www.CDPROPERTIESCORP.COM

There has never been a better time to buy.1

RICHARD DELGROSSO

5/1 ADJUSTABLE RATE MORTGAGE2

Licensed Associate Broker

OPEN HOUSE

APR

SAT, 4/27, 1-3pm 78-06 153rd Ave.

LINDENWOOD Garden 1 BR Condo w/low maint. $274, Cheaper than renting! $159,000

Small prof. office space w/4 rooms. Renovated on ground level. See website or call for details.

WE BUILD RELATIONSHIPS

CHIA-061115

WOODHAVEN House rental 3 BR w/Finished bsmnt. Newly renovated. See website or call for details.

Call (866) 811-5515 or visit one of our local branches!

Get A Personal Broker That Works For You 24/7 And Is Always Accessible. We Offer Low Fixed Commissions As Low As 1% Or Full Service Commissions As Low As 3%!

Put More Money In Your Pocket!

According to The National Association of Realtorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s national Housing Affordability INDEX in November 2012. Rate information as of 04/17/13. Mortgage rates are subject to change. Actual payments will vary based on your individual situation and

pocket; this is your primary residence and is a single family home; debt-to-income ratio is less than 30% and credit score is 780, and an escrow account is used for the payment of taxes and insurance. The lock period for your rate is 60 days. The initial payment on a $200,000 5/1 ARM loan at 2.25% and 60% loan-to-value (LTV) is $777.31 with no points due at closing. The estimated Annual Percentage Rate ! " # & ' * +9 : & +9 : & < =!<>" >=' $912.10 after 5 years and could increase up to $1,381.35 based on a maximum rate increase of 5%. Payment does not include taxes, @ * B C * Some state and county maximum loan amount restrictions may apply. All loans subject to approval. Product availability and offers are subject to change. Mortgages may be originated through New York Community Bank (NMLS # 249276) or NYCB Mortgage Company, LLC (NMLS # 304227), a wholly owned subsidiary of New York Community Bank. C * K * : * * K

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Office space in co-op building. 2,000 Sq. Ft w/ 2 Bathrooms. $2,500 per month. All utilities included.

3XUFKDVH RU 5HĂ&#x20AC;QDQFH Â&#x2021; )L[HG DQG $GMXVWDEOH 5DWHV /RZ 'RZQ 3D\PHQW 2SWLRQV Â&#x2021; -XPER /RDQV

HOWARD BEACH

2.25 2.62 %

QUCO-060858

In an effort to involve the community in planning the future of Flushing Meadows Corona Park, the Fairness Coalition, a grassroots organization formed last summer and dedicated to matters of the park, along with the Pratt Institute Graduate Center for Planning, held a standing-room-only community visioning workshop on Monday night at the Queens Museum. With more than 100 individuals in attendance representing the 19 community organizations and civic groups that comprise the Coalition, along with interested borough residents and others with concerns for the parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s future, the gathering was a clear indication that proposals for further depleting the park of open space do not sit well with many. One step that has begun to have legs is being spearheaded by Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras (D-East Elmhurst), who spoke of a park alliance she hopes will not only incorporate community input but also attract new revenue streams. The alliance was seen as a vital step in preventing large portions of the park from being taken away from the public and used for private enterprise. The owners of the Mets have proposed using dozens of acres of parkland to build a

opportunity,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everyone knows how busy our park is. There is no entity that could tell you what is happening in the park. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have an amazing airport. Wouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t it be great if JetBlue and Delta gave something back? I cannot ask them to contribute to our community if we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have an entity like this.â&#x20AC;? According to plans, the alliance would include: a community operations council, composed of residents who would meet monthly to advise the alliance on day-to-day needs in the park; a board of directors, consisting of â&#x20AC;&#x153;a healthy mix of Queens civic leaders and representatives from the corporations inhabiting the park,â&#x20AC;? which would be responsible for fundraising and financial oversight; and a park administrator and alliance director, who would report to both the Parks Department and the alliance board of directors. The proposal for the alliance indicates that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Parks Department would retain final authority over capital projects, programs, events and budgets.â&#x20AC;? Ferreras made it clear that â&#x20AC;&#x153;this is a long fight, something that will go beyond my generation.â&#x20AC;? The Council member, who is expecting a baby, said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;There is nothing like the feeling that I want this park to be the best park for my son.â&#x20AC;? continued on page 36

Page 33 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Searching for a new vision of FMCP

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 34

SQ page 34

Quinn eyes higher age to buy cigarettes: 21 by Laura A. Shepard Chronicle Contributor

A proposal to raise the legal age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21 is the latest in a series of city bills to curb smoking. Speaker Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan) and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley announced the proposal, which anti-smoking advocates argue will limit young people’s access to tobacco products and help reduce smoking addiction, on Monday. While the age to purchase cigarettes would be 21, the same age at which it becomes legal to purchase alcohol, the measure would not prohibit people under 21 from possessing or smoking cigarettes. On a typical school day, throngs of smokers hang out across the street or down the block from their schools. Many high school students who began smoking in their teens are unenthusiastic about the proposal. “I think it’s stupid,” Sydney S., a Francis Lewis High School student, said. “Once a kid hits 16 or 17 their common sense kicks in and they should have a choice. They don’t give us rights. They’re crossing a line between trying to keep us safe and trying to dictate our lives.” “I think it’s very unfair because when you turn 18 you’re a legal adult,” said Andrew Martucci, a Forest Hills High School student. While the students protest the curtailment of their rights, nearly all of them also insisted that changing the law would be ineffective at stopping underage people from obtaining cigarettes. “People have places to get them anyway,” Nya S., a Francis Lewis High School student said. Many students reported that they have no trouble purchasing cigarettes at convenience stores that sell to them without asking for IDs, or finding friends who are 18 or older to buy for them. “The only thing stopping kids is that it’s so expensive,” Nicholas Park, a Francis Lewis High School student, said.

A proposal to raise the age to buy cigarettes from 18 to 21 is intended to limit young people’s access and prevent addiction. PHOTO BY LAURA SHEPARD

“If I didn’t buy packs I’d be a billionaire,” Forest Hills High School student Grant Feder said. Despite the expense, many of the students smoke because they perceive social benefits. Many started due to a combination of peer pressure and curiosity. “A lot of kids pick up the habit when they start to cut class and hang out outside,” Eric Moom, a Francis Lewis High School student, said. The high school students were aware of the health risks, but not very concerned about them. “A lot of them think ‘If I smoke

for a few years nothing’s going to happen,’” Sydney S. said. “Since we’re young, we’re too stupid to care,” Park said. That may be the idea behind the bill. “This is a very bold and progressive policy that the New York City Council and Speaker Quinn have put forward,” said Yvette Buckner, the borough manager of Queens Smoke-Free Partnership.“I believe that raising the age for access to tobacco will reduce access for youth, save lives, and millions of dollars,” Buckner said. Joan Bush, a health educator for the North Shore-LIJ Health System, supports the proposal because “it gives the opportunity for most students to become college age and have more maturity under their belt.” If the bill passes, New York City will have the strictest limits of any large American city. Needham and Canton, Mass. are the only places in the country where the age to buy cigarettes is 21. The smoking age is 18 in most of the country, except for some states and counties where it is 19, including Nassau and Suffolk counties on Long Island. Norman Feroz, the owner of Lucky Corner convenience store on 63rd Drive in Rego Park, said that increasing the age would not affect his business because most of his cigarette customers are older. Feroz noted that he lost a lot of customers when the tax increased a year ago and said he only makes 3 cents per pack. Phil Konigsberg, a smoke-free advocate on the Queens Tobacco Control Coalition, supports raising the age as well as a proposal requiring stores to conceal cigarettes out of sight because young people are susceptible to advertising and displays. Almost 100,000 New Yorkers between the ages of 18 and 24 smoke according to surveys conducted by the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. The data indicates that the transition from experimental to regular smoking typically occurs Q around age 20.

Caruana kicks off ‘grassroots’ campaign Middle Village native says he’s got the right stuff to represent the 30th District by Tess McRae

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Reporter

Middle Village native Craig Car uana wants the Republican Party to take back the 30th District City Council seat and said he’s the man for the job when he announced his candidacy in front of the Little League clubhouse in Glendale on Monday. “We are lacking leadership in this district,” Caruana said in front of family, friends and supporters. “What we need is someone who will take responsibility for what happens in Queens.” Caruana, who until recently was working as an information specialist at the Fox News channel, has been making the rounds around the 30th District, which consists of Middle Village, Maspeth, Richmond Hill, Woodhaven, Ridgewood and Glendale. In recent weeks, the new candidate has m a d e a p p e a r a n c e s a t Community Board 5 and the 104th Precinct Glendale Civilian Observation Patrol meetings in hopes of appealing to district resid e n t s . H e a l s o s e r ve s o n t h e Juniper Park Civic and Kiwanis

Club of Glendale boards. Councilman Eric Ulrich (ROzone Park) attended the campaign kickoff, praising and fully endorsing Caruana’s abilities to make a good councilman. “This district needs a council member who will fight for the residents,” he said. “The people in this district really need a fighter who will take on the responsibilities, and Craig will do that.” Ulrich, who attended high school with Caruana, went on to say that starting with the residents and not government hotshots or political groups is what will push the candidate to the top. “Behind the scenes, Craig has already gotten support from many district leaders,” Ulrich said. “When I ran, the odds of a Republican winning were 3 to 1, but I made sure I got the support of the community f irst, which is how I won. Craig will get on the ballot, no doubt. He has the grassroots support and, most importantly, he has common sense.” “I know he will do a tremendous job,” former Congressman Bob Turner said. “Craig, you’re a winner.”

Caruana also addressed what he called missteps current Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley (DMiddle Village) made throughout her term. “Property taxes have gone up 11 times over the past 10 years,” Caruana said. “And when you ask Councilwoman Crowley about it, she says it’s complicated. Water rates have also increased, and yet it was met by a stunning silence of indifference from the councilwoman.” Caruana went on to criticize the councilwoman for bringing in the least amount of discretionary funding in the entire borough. “What does the councilwoman say about the lack of money coming into this district?” Caruana asked. “She complains that the 30th District doesn’t receive funds because the speaker is mean and doesn’t like her. These are all excuses. We need someone who doesn’t complain about colleagues but who works with them.” Among the dozen or so friends and family members at the kickoff was Caruana’s 96-year-old grandfather, whom the candidate refers to

Craig Caruana, center, made his City Council campaign announcement on Monday. The Republican is hoping to win the nomination and beat out DemocPHOTO BY TESS MCRAE ratic Councilwoman Elizabeth Crowley. as his role model. Two of the top issues Caruana wishes to address include expanding education options including tax breaks for parochial and charter schools and backing small busi-

nesses by curbing the “nickel and dime” fines that affect many small businesses in Queens. “We can’t change everything but we can change our neighborhood,” Q he said.

SQ page 35

Cigarettes don’t offer a money-back guarantee

250

OVER ESCORTED BUS TOURS TO CHOOSE FROM!

CONVENIENT DEPARTURES FROM REGO PARK & BAYSIDE

Book Now For Spring!

by Yvette Buckner

work to reduce youth The Queens Smoke-Free Partnership con- smoking rates. Keepducted a workshop for high school students ing tobacco product in Jamaica that focused on how the tobacco displays out of sight industry markets their products to youth. The will reduce impulse students were able to tell me the cost of a buys by youth. My brother startpack of cigarettes, but they couldn’t tell me ed smoking when he the cost of a gallon of milk. Why is this? Youth in Jamaica and across Queens and was 14. As an adothe city are bombarded by tobacco adver- lescent, he wanted tisements every day just when walking to to be cool and the subway on their way to school or buy- believed that smoking just added to his ing a pack of gum at their local conve- “bad boy” image, which was reflected in nience store. The tobacco industry spends the tobacco marketing that he saw in bode$1 million a day on marketing across New gas, other stores and gas stations where we lived. Now, 20 years later, my brother has a York City and State. Big Tobacco targets our youth with tobac- young son, and he’s working to quit smoking. Even though he co marketing promoting struggles to quit, more its deadly products on than anything, he just store windows and doors. et’s hide tobacco doesn’t want his son to Many stores have “power products and raise become addicted to cigawalls,” massive displays rettes like he did. of tobacco products right the smoking age Research shows that behind the counter. Whensmoking during early and ever youth pay at the regto keep teenagers mid-adolescence is far ister, the power wall is in more likely to lead to full view. from lighting up. addiction than the same The more tobacco marketing kids see, the more likely they are to amount of smoking after age 21. That’s why smoke. Research shows that if you keep my brother is having such a hard time quittobacco products out of sight in stores, youth ting. Raising the minimum sale age for smoking rates decrease. Canada, Ireland and tobacco products will reduce both youth England have implemented similar policies access and addiction to tobacco products, with little to no economic impact on the saving lives and millions of dollars in retailer. And they have seen significant drops healthcare costs. Tobacco is the only product that when in the youth smoking rate. Despite a 35 percent decline in New York used as intended will kill you. Not exactly a City’s smoking rate over the past 10 years, money-back guarantee. I’d rather my tobacco is still the leading cause of pre- nephew, my daughter and youth from across ventable death. In Queens, 6,000 public high Queens and New York City see ads in our school students currently smoke cigarettes, local convenience stores and bodegas for one-third of whom will die prematurely as a milk. Kids may not know the price of milk, direct result of smoking. According to the but they should know that cigarettes cost Q surgeon general, 88 percent of adult daily much more than advertised. Yvette Buckner is Borough Manager for smokers start smoking by the age of 18. We need to protect the health of our children and the Queens Smoke-Free Partnership.

CALL FOR

FREE BROCHURE

S.T.A.R.S. hosts country line dancing S.T.A.R.S. of Howard Beach will host country line dancing every Wednesday from 710 p.m. at 8 Coleman Square in Howard Beach, directly across from the A train station. For $10, DJ Outlaw will be on site to teach country line dancing moves. Bottled water Q will be available. Dancing is open to all ages.

TELL US THE NEWS! REPORT COMMUNITY EVENTS AND ISSUES DIRECTLY TO ASSOCIATE EDITOR DOMENICK RAFTER AT (718) 205.8000, EXT. 122

LARGE SELECTION OF

WWW.LMTOURS.NET

718-238-2284 6812 3RD AVE., BROOKLYN, NY

CALL FOR INFORMATION

Pharmacy Corner with Frank Pantina at Cross Bay Chemist

new law that was passed recently allows immunization pharmacists to now inject the shingles shot (Zostavax®) to patients. If you’re 60 years of age or older, just bring in your prescription and insurance card to Cross Bay Chemist and we will do the rest. Shingles is a painful skin rash, often with blisters. It is also called Herpes zoster, or just zoster. A shingles rash usually appears on one side of the face or body and lasts from 2 to 4 weeks. Its main symptom is pain, which can be quite severe. Other symptoms of shingles can include fever, headache, chills and upset stomach. Very rarely, a shingles infection can lead to pneumonia, hearing problems, blindness, brain inflammation or death. For about 1 person in 5, severe pain can continue even long after the rash clears up. Shingles is caused by the Varicella zoster virus, the same virus that causes chickenpox. Only someone who has had chickenpox — or, rarely, has gotten the chickenpox vaccine — can get shingles. The virus stays in your body, and can cause shingles many years later. Shingles is far more common in people 50 years of age and older than in younger people. It is also more common in people whose immune systems are weakened because of a disease such as cancer, or drugs such as steroids or chemotherapy. At least 1 million people a year in the United States get shingles.

No serious problems have been identified with the shingles vaccine. However, there are some mild issues, including redness, soreness, swelling or itching at the site of injection (about 1 person in 3) and headache (about 1 person in 70). Moderate or severe reactions from the vaccine can be allergic reactions or a high fever. If a severe allergic reaction occurred, it would be within a few minutes to an hour after the shot. Signs of a serious allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, weakness, hoarseness or wheezing, a fast heartbeat, hives, dizziness, paleness or swelling of the throat. Currently, Cross Bay Chemist in Howard Beach has large quantities of Zostavax in stock. We accept most insurance plans. However, there are extra fees for the the injection (additional $50.00 for administration and shipping). If you’re 60 or older, you can give us or we can call your doc tor for a prescription. It’s hassle-free and you can be vaccinated right in the pharmacy in a matter of minutes. You must give us 30 minutes of your time to fill out forms, prepare the vaccine, fax some paperwork to your doctor, bill your insurance for the claim (if covered), and to make sure you’re stable before leaving. So if you’re 60 and older, get your shingles shot today. Stop by Cross Bay Chemist and look for our two immunization pharmacists — Dr. Peter LaFranca and me (Frank Pantina).

– ADVERTISEMENT –

CROS-061119

For the latest news visit qchron.com

The Richmond Hill South Civic Association will be holding its next meeting on Thursday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 112-14 107 Ave. A representaQ tive from the Sanitation Department will be speaking. Refreshments will be served.

◆ Cape May, Philadelphia & Newport ◆ Penn Dutch Amish Tour ◆ Maine, New Hampshire & Vermont ◆ Montreal, Quebec, Niagara Falls, 1000 Islands, Ottawa & Toronto ◆ Finger Lakes, Cooperstown ◆ Cape Cod & Martha’s Vineyard ◆ Memphis & Nashville, TN ◆ Mother’s Day Brunch ◆ Lobster & Crab Feasts ◆ Casinos, Theatres & Shopping

ONE-DAY and MULTI-DAY TOURS!

Richmond Hill South Civic meeting

PROVIDING RELIABLE SERVICE FOR OVER 14 YEARS!

Page 35 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

L & M TOURS

OPINION

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 36

SQ page 36

Civic leaders, Avella rally against USTA Opponents say any deal for ‘sacred’ parkland is a bad deal by Joseph Orovic

“Instead of treating the land they’re given as a gift, the USTA continues to want more,” said Residents, civic leaders and activists on New York City Park Advocates’ Geoff Croft. Sunday rallied against the proposed expansion “We don’t need city planning to rubber stamp of the United States Tennis Association’s pres- this, which they will most likely do.” The plan initially did not include the ence in Flushing Meadows Corona Park ahead of the City Planning Commission’s scheduled replacement of the parkland, though USTA Chief Operating Office Danny Zausner in hearing on the plan on April 25. “Parkland is sacred,” said state Sen. Tony recent public outings said replacement parkland is being explored. Avella (D-Bayside). “Our goal is to con“You’ve gotta ask, what tinue to be a good stewthe heck is going on ard of the park and a with the politicians in ou’ve gotta ask, good neighbor and the Borough of what the heck is community partner,” Queens?” Zausner said in a stateThe USTA’s plans going on with the ment after the rally. for the park include the “Understanding that creation of a new politicians in the every inch of parkland Grandstand stadium, as is precious, our plan Borough of Queens?” well as new courts, calls for the minimum parking facilities and a — State Sen. Tony Avella amount of additional rejuvenated Louis Armparkland possible, 0.68 strong stadium. At the acre, to complete the heart of the controversy surrounding the project lies a 0.68-acre chunk needed upgrades to the NTC. The sliver of of the park, which the tennis nonprofit claims land in question is mostly an existing asphalt road. We have no plans for any additional is necessary for its expansion. Not so, claimed the group gathered in front expansion.” The project is the f irst of three being of the park’s National Tennis Center, saying the USTA’s own draft environmental impact state- mulled for the park. A proposed 25,000-seat ment says the expansion can be done without Major League Soccer stadium has been eyed for the current site of the Pool of Industry and the additional park acreage. Assistant Managing/Online Editor

“Y

New FMCP vision

For the latest news visit qchron.com

a development group that includes the Mets’ owners’ real estate firm’s plans to build a 1.4million-square-foot mall next to Willets Point. “Even if this is the smallest of the three, you’re still taking away parkland,” Avella said. “No matter how much money you give back, you can’t equate that with the lost parkland.” Queens Civic Congress President Richard Hellenbrecht came forward saying the group

was throwing its weight behind Save Flushing Meadows Corona Park, a collective of residents and civics standing in uniform opposition to all three projects slated for the park. “Parkland is precious,” Hellenbrecht said. “It’s historical and we need to keep it that way.” The USTA’s proposal was the last item on the CPC’s agenda for Wednesday morning. Q

Disabled students can take alternate state test

continued from page 33

Jean Silva, president of the Flushing Meadows Corona Park Conservancy, was on hand “to hear what the people have to say about the park, what they feel is important.” Indicating that the conservancy “is not here to take sides,” she said, “We just want you to come out and voice your opinion. Be realistic about what can and cannot be done to get the park up and running the way it should be.” Silva, who acknowledges that Flushing Meadows is “terribly understaffed, and needs a lot of resources and people to fight for the park,” added, “We have to do this all together. It’s a community thing.” Indicating that “there’s really no one big problem or solution,” Silva chalked up the park’s current state to “years of neglect all around. We’re all at fault. We let it go. You have to nurture it and keep supporting it.” Tom Finkelpearl, executive director of the Queens Museum, located in what had been the New York City Building during the two World’s Fairs held in the park, said, “This is the moment for this park. It could be a much better park, the flagship of Queens.” Douglas Le of Asian Americans for Equality, a member of the Coalition, officiated at the meeting and suggested that it is important for the community to be proactive instead of defensive. A slide presentation called for the protection and

Civic leaders and park activists joined state Sen. Tony Avella in protesting the United States Tennis PHOTO BY JOSEPH OROVIC Assocation’s planned expansion within Flushing Meadows Corona Park.

Substitute exam available for some by Domenick Rafter Associate Editor

Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras pushed the idea of an alliance that would help oversee operations at Flushing Meadows Corona PHOTO BY MARK LORD Park. enhancement of park space, greater accessibility for local residents, fair share and balanced use of the land, increased support of local workers and more community input. According to the presentation, the park, which covers 980 acres, has only 258 acres of public green space remaining. The largest of the city’s three prime park areas, the others being Central Park in Manhattan and Prospect Park in Brooklyn, Flushing Meadows does not get an equitable amount of resources, supporters indicated. “Flushing Meadows Corona Park is a park. It is not a development site,” slides Q proclaimed.

Elementary students all over the borough are currently in the midst of one of the most stressful times of their young years — standardized testing. But for some students with disabilities, the test is difficult, and sometimes impossible, to take. Though it is too late to take advantage of them this year, there is another option for students with disabilities. And if you have a child with a disability, you might keep it in mind for next year. The Committees on Special Education — city Department of Education bodies responsible for evaluating any of their students who have been identified as possibly having a disability — decide for each student with a disability, on a case-by-case basis, whether he or she can take the general state test. If their disability is deemed too severe to take the test, they can take the New York State Alternate Assessment. The NYSAA is a specially designed test for students with

severe disabilities. The CSE’s decision must be documented in the student’s individual education program. There are two CSEs in Queens: CSE 3, dealing with districts 25, 26, 28 and 29; and CSE 4, dealing with districts 24, 27 and 30 in the western and southern parts of the borough. Some parents, teachers and even school officials protest against standardized tests, saying the state is wrong for basing so much of a student’s education on one general test and blaming the tests for causing teachers to put less emphasis on art and music programs. Some have also blamed the tests for cases of cheating by school officials, and for high teacher turnover. Dmytro Fedkowskyj, Queens’ representative on the city Department of Education’s Panel for Educational Policy, said the state’s focus on the general test is unfair. “I would agree that assessments need to be conducted on all students but the emphasis and weight put on standardized test scores is unacceptable,” he said. “One test score does not fairly measure a child’s abiliQ ty as a student.”

SQ page 37

continued from page 5 For Boehm, those unanswered questions create too many concerns. Her off ice includes a back terrace, which she and her employees use in the summer. Only a few dozen yards away are the bays, where a contractor hired by End Zone is expected to start trucking out contaminated dirt next month. She is also concerned about a plan to vent some TCE, a volatile organic compound, from the ground directly in the air. At a Community Board 9 meeting on April 9, David Austin, a representative from AECOM, a consulting firm working with End Zone on the cleanup, said there will be vigorous monitoring of the air around the site during the project timeframe to make sure the levels of TCE are safe, and dirt that will be trucked away will be soaked with water and foam so it doesn’t blow away. But Boehm is not convinced. “They say the risks are small,” she said. “Yeah, that’s also what they said about Lower Manhattan about 9/11 and look how many people got sick and died from breathing in the air down there.” Her concerns were echoed by Dr. Vincent Evangelista, president of the 101st Avenue Merchants’ Association, at the CB 9 meeting. “Does the TCE contamination stop at the bays?” he asked Austin at the meeting. Speaking for End Zone, Austin said the

company is only concerned with what’s inside the bays and not anywhere else. However, the concerns are not held by everyone doing business near the site. Several of the bays to the south of the cleanup site are used for storage by a fence company, Olympic Fence. The business used to have its office at the site, but a few years ago moved its main headquarters several blocks away to Atlantic Avenue and 102nd Street. A woman who answered the phone at Olympic Fence, identified only as Vicky, said the company is not concerned about chemicals at the site. “If there was any problem there, they would have asked us to move our trucks and leave,” she said. “We’re far more concerned about what else the city has up its sleeve.” She was referring to plans to build a Queensway park or reactivate the rail line on the viaduct above the location. But for Boehm, the fight is too important to just give in. She hopes to find a way to pressure the city to pull the access permits End Zone acquired for the site last month and stop the work before it is scheduled to begin in mid-May. “I just want them to tell us the full extent of what we’re facing,” she sad, noting the real risks are for the residents who live in the area. “We can move, although we don’t want Q to,” Boehm said. “They can’t.”

Most delays at JFK, LGA meteorological by Michael Gannon

“[Tuesday] more than 1,025 delays in the system were attributable to staffing reductions due to the furlough,” the FAA said. “There were more than 975 additional delays as a result of weather and other factors. The FAA will continue to work with airlines throughout the day to try and minimize delays for travelers.” Delays at LaGuardia and John F. Kennedy International airports in Queens were largely weather-related, according to information posted on fly.faa.gov just before 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Kennedy was reporting delays averaging just over two hours due to low visibility ceilings and wind. LaGuardia, with average delays of 49 minutes, also was reporting low ceilings and wind just before 5 p.m. Gate delays at Kennedy and LaGuardia for the same time period were reported as up to 30 and 45 minutes, respectively, and were said to be increasing. The FAA is asking all travelers to check with their airlines for up-to-date informaQ tion.

Editor

Weather appeared to be the largest contributing factor to airport delays on Wednesday as the federal budget sequester resulted in continued staff reductions in air traffic control towers nationwide. In a statement issued on Tuesday afternoon, the Federal Aviation Administration said roughly 1,500 of its 15,000 air traffic controllers would be furloughed on any given day. Back in February, FAA Administrator Michael Huerta told Congress that unlike a government shutdown, under the sequester, almost all FAA employees would be affected, “even what we would traditionally call essential personnel,” he said. Sequestration is the technical term given to massive and mandatory federal spending reductions that kicked in when President Obama and Congress missed deadlines for hammering out a federal budget deal. As a result, the FAA has implemented traffic management programs at major airports.

Page 37 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Sequestration and weather hit airports

End Zone toxic site concerns

XXXX-000000_HHjs.indd

ALL FINANCING • NO FULL COVERAGE INSURANCE WEEK SPECIAL OF THE

SPECIAL OF THE WEEK MUST SEE!

I ECLIPSE ‘03 MITSUBISH RTIBLE VE N SPYDER CO Leather Int., Alloys,

‘04 MERCEDES ML 500 Black W

ay Pearl W/Dark Gr e, Tilt , All Power, Cruis Fully Loaded! CD er at the Beach! m m Su r fo y Read $ 95! Only 5,9

$2,000

DOWN

www.cypressmotorsny.com LIKE NEW!

‘04 CADILLAC DEVILLE Taupe W/Tan Leather Int., Fully Loaded, Like New, Super Clean In & Out!

7,995

‘09 CHEVY MALIBU LTZ

‘04 HONDA PILOT

‘04 CHRYSLER PACIFICA LT

Burgundy W/Coffee/Tan 2 Tone Leather Int., Sunroof, All Chrome Trim & Wheels, Tinted Glass, 1-Owner, Gorgeous!

Charcoal Gray W/Black Int., Hemi Motor, 20” Chrome Wheels, Rear Cab, 4x4

Black W/Tan Int., 3rd Row Seating, 4x4, Fully Loaded! Just Serviced! One Owner, Ready To Go!

Tan W/Tan Leather Int., AWD Factory Nav., TV & DVD, Sunroof, Chrome Wheels, Heated Seats

Only

ONLY $2,000 DOWN!

Loaded! Must See!

2 TO CHOOSE

A REAL BEAUTY ‘03 DODGE RAM SLT PICKUP

TOP OF THE LINE

10,995

ONLY $3,000 DOWN!

Only

6,995

ONLY $2,000 DOWN!

Only

www.carfax.com

OF RIDGEWOOD, INC.

9,500

ONLY $2,000 DOWN!

OVER 40 CARS TO CHOOSE FROM!!

CYPRESS MOTORS

ONLY

Only

7,995

ONLY $2,000 DOWN!

$3,000

DOWN

NEW CAR TRADE IN!

‘05 DODGE STRATUS SXT Gray W/Black Int., Tinted Windows, P/Windows/ Locks, Tilt/Cruise, Super Clean!

5,995

ONLY $1,000 DOWN!

‘01 HONDA CRV Silver W/Gray Leather Int., Tilt, Cruise, Alloy Wheels, 1-Owner, CD, Just 80K Miles, All Power

Only

7,995

ONLY $2,000 DOWN!

BAD CREDIT, NO CREDIT, NO PROBLEM!!

79-03 CYPRESS AVE., RIDGEWOOD, NY

718-497-6300

For the latest news visit qchron.com

ONLY

/Tan Factory Nav., Bo Leather Int., Full Power, 1-Own se Stereo, TV, DVD, er, Fully Loaded Beauty! Only $10,5 0

have more solitary cells now. This has the city topping the charts of municipalities with a high rate of solitary confinement. Many advocates say the increase of solitary 12 council members including Comrie, confinement doesn’t help the issue of people Seabrook passionately disagrees with it, call- acting out and once they’re released, it only ing such a proposal “ridiculous.” helps to put them in a mental state that will He was offended that the councilman did not send them back to prison. reach out to the union before proposing such a “It’s like putting a Band-Aid on cancer,” resolution and pledged to fight against it, saying Glenn Martin, a spokesman for the Fortune the criminals in solitary are a threat to the gen- Society, an organization that helps formerly eral inmate population and the officers. incarcerated individuals with support groups “I would ask the and education. councilman if he has He said the city’s been punched in the ou just have to have superfluous use of face, had urine or solitary confinement feces put in his some sort of emotional goes against Departmouth, had a crime ment of Correction breakdown and committed against Commissioner Dora him — then he could Schriro’s other efforts emotional breakdowns talk,” Seabrook said. to help those in jail, Seabrook noted are penalized with more especially younger that an individual inmates. solitary.” could be sequestered “Solitary confineif found with contrament tends to be the — Five Omar Mualimmak, band like a matchway Rikers disciwho spent five years in solitary confinement book, but says such plines young people,” and now advocates against it infractions must be Martin said. “This penalized. further alienates them.” Although prisons nationwide have Mualimmak said the only way to combat decreased use of solitary confinement, the the issues that put individuals in solitary conNew York City Department of Correction finement is therapy. Instead of putting everyexpanded its capacity by 27 percent in 2011 one in the “box,” he would like the staff to ask and another 44 percent in 2012, according to why these people who are a threat to the safety the NYC Jails Action Coalition. of others in the prison are acting this way. Although the DOC housed 1,000 more “If this is a facility for correction why are inmates in 1990 than it does today, its jails there no programs for correction?” Mualim-

Solitary confinement continued from page 2 has 17 signatures including two from fellow Queens Councilmen Leroy Comrie (D-St. Albans) and Peter Koo (D-Flushing). Norman Seabrook, president of the New York City Correction Officers’ Benevolent Association, the prison employees’ union, did not have a problem with such a bill, saying the information is recorded already. Councilwoman and Chairwoman of the Committee on Fire and Criminal Justice Services Elizabeth Crowley (D-Middle Village) did not respond to requests for an interview, but sent a comment. “I am supportive of measures that will improve conditions in our City’s jails,” Crowley said. “Making the jail facilities safer for inmates and correction officers has been a major focus, and I look forward to discussing any proposed bills with those goals in sight.” Dromm has issued a separate resolution seeking to end the practice of time owed. For example, an inmate, because of good behavior or other reasons, might only have served 100 of his or her 180-day sentence in solitary and then was released. A few years or even decades later the person is rearrested. Under current rules he or she must complete those unserved 80 days in solitary. The resolution is only a request, because the Council does not have the authority to make the Department of Correction adhere. Although the resolution has the support of

“Y

Hometown Lawyers You Can Rely On Where Every Case is Personal

Mark A. Shevrin For the latest news visit qchron.com

Personal Injury Attorney At Law Handling all types of accident cases with over 20 years of experience. We are dedicated to the protection and recovery of your rights. 123-60 83rd Avenue, Suite 2 J Kew Gardens, NY 11415

718-261-3075 Cell: 917-655-4882 Email address: Shevma@aol.com

Your Pharmacist Speaks Presented by Joseph Testa, R.Ph.

LAW OFFICE OF

Mark Shevrin, Esq.

mak asked. “It’s not right to just put them in an isolated environment and think that they will work it out on their own.” Dromm said when he visted Rikers the floors were filthy, and the beds were rusty and moldy. “What does it mean for society that many homeless, mentally ill and many substance abusers are being put into solitary and then being released into the streets,” Dromm asked. “The effect of solitary on anyone is devastating, but even more so on these individuals. What does it mean when they come out? It makes it almost impossible to reintegrate.” During Dromm’s visit he sat in on a therapy session with three inmates who had their hands chained to the pole in front of them. “I don’t know how you give effective therapy while their arms are chained straight out in front of them,” Dromm said. Additionally more than 30 organizations are calling on the Board of Correction to adopt further standards: to use solitary confinement as a last resort; increase the amount of time a person in isolated confinement is allowed to spend out of cell daily; limit the number of days in isolated confinement; exclude people younger than 25 and those with mental or physical disabilities or serious injuries from isolated confinement; require the creation of alternative safety restrictions to address violent conduct by these people in a more therapeutic manner; improve due process afforded to those at risk of being placed in isolated confinement; and increase transparency by requiring the DOC to report on its use of isolated confineQ ment and alternative safety restrictions.

OSTEOPOROSIS DRUGS HELP MEN, TOO While the bone-thinning disease known as osteoporosis is often thought to be a woman’s health problem, it also poses a significant fracture risk for men. Women’s lifetime risk of suffering an osteoporotic fracture is about 50 percent; for men, the risk is estimated to be about 25 percent. Fortunately, men can avail themselves of the same class of drugs (bisphosphonates)

that women use to prevent the loss of bone mass and derive equal benefit. According to recent research, use of the drug zoledronic acid (Reclast®) helped men with osteoporosis significantly reduce their risk of fractures of the spine. The first step toward realizing this benefit requires men to have their bone density tested and evaluated.

It is increasingly common for women to be diagnosed with osteoporosis or low bone mass using a BMD test. In men however, the diagnosis is often not made until a fracture occurs or a man complains of back pain and sees his doctor. This makes it especially important for men to inform their doctors about risk factors for developing osteoporosis: loss of height or change in posture, a fracture or sudden back pain. For your prescription needs, the please call WOODHAVEN PHARMACY at 718-846-7777. We are located at 86-22 Jamaica Ave., and our hours are weekdays 9 to 8; Saturdays 9 to 6 and Sundays 9 to 2. HINT: Bisphosphonates slow/stop the natural process that dissolves bone tissue, which results in maintained/increased bone density and strength.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 38

SQ page 38

April 25, 2013

ARTS, CULTURE & LIVING

Page 39 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

PHOTOS BY JOSEY BARTLETT

C M SQ page 39 Y K

BEYOND THE FURNITURE ‘Better Homes’ exhibit at SculptureCenter looks at how people affect design by Josey Bartlett

as a trolley repair facility. “The works on view raise a range of questions, highlighting the changing ways in which individuals interact and inhabit domestic spaces today,” curator Ruba Katrib says in her essay about the exhibit. “The home is an object of desire, loaded with fantasies and realities and affected by economic, social and political attitudes and policies.” Many of the pieces could be written off as simple, but the theories behind them add layers, such as the photograph of a cute blond toddler smiling, crying and staring off, entitled “Adoption,” or Carissa Rodriguez’s piece in which a Cartier “Love” ring, which comes with a screwdriver one’s partner can use to tighten the band onto a loved one’s finger and then wear the key around his neck, is embedded in a slab of marble hinting at the commercialization of feelings and how perhaps that notion is ingrained in the foundation of a home.

Continued page continued ononpage 43

Gunes Terkol’s sewn works, entitled “Desire Passed by Band,” top, E’wao Kagoshima’s untitled collage, bottom right, and Anthea Hamilton’s “Kabuki Chefs.”

For the latest news visit qchron.com

on’t go to this show looking for works that just please the eye. Some are pretty or entertaining, yes, but all have a complex theory or analyze a social issue that goes beyond the aesthetics. Grab the curator’s essay and study the plaques. ‘Better Homes’ calls up images of women in pearls with their fine china as seen on the glossy pages of the iconic magazine Better Homes and Gardens. The SculptureCenter’s current exhibit by the similar name plays with this idea. Through the works of multiple international artists the show examines how people influence their homes. The works zoom in on the changing idea of family — one in which a stayat-home-mom doesn’t often sit serenely in her dining room with her pearls — and on materialism as well. “It’s about the human,” SculptureCenter Associate Director Frederick Janka said as he walked through the gallery, which once served

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 40

C M SQ page 40 Y K

qb boro THEATER

SPECIAL EVENTS

Theatre Time Productions presents “Once More with Feeling,” a musical cabaret, at the Colonial Church of Bayside, 54-02 217 St., on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, April 28 at 3 p.m. Call (347) 358-8102. $18/$16 seniors and students.

Oakland Little Neck Jewish Centers, 49-10 Little Neck Pkwy., Little Neck, presents: “Our Monthly Shabbat Morning Experience” breakfast and a Torah discussion, on Saturday, April 27 at 9 a.m. Call (718) 224-0404.

Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” will be performed by E Pheonix Idealis Theater at the Poppenhusen Institute, 114-04 14 Road, College Point, on Fridays, April 26 and May 3 at 8 p.m. and Saturdays, April 27 and May 4 at 3 and 8 p.m. $14, $9 senior citizens and students.

Queens Botanical Garden, 43-50 Main St., Flushing, hosts an Arbor Festival on Sunday, April 28 at 11 a.m. Call (718) 886-3800 ext. 330. The Latin American Cultural Center of Queens and the Sunday to Remember program hosts a spring celebration on Sunday, April 28 from 2:30 to 5 p.m. at El Paraiso, 102-11 42 Ave., Corona. Free. Contact (718) 261-7664 or laccq@aol.com to reserve.

Beari Productions presents “Camelot in Concert” at All Saints Church, 214-35 40 Ave., Bayside, Fridays and Saturdays, April 26, 27, May 3 and 4 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, April 28 and May 5 at 3 p.m. $18, $16 seniors and $14 students. Call (718) 736-1263. “Blood Brothers” will be performed from May 2-18 by the Astoria Performing Arts Center at Good Shepherd Methodist Church, 30-44 Crescent St., Astoria, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $18 and can be purchased at APACNY.org. Douglaston Community Theatre Group presents “The Hound of the Baskervilles” on Fridays, May 3, 10 and 17 and Saturdays, May 4, 11 and 18 at 8 p.m. and Sunday, May 5 and Saturday, May 11 at 2 p.m. at Zion Episcopal Church Parish Hall, 243-01 Northern Blvd., Douglaston. Entrance on Church Street (44th Avenue) off Douglaston Parkway. $17, $15 seniors and students with ID. Call (718) 482-3332. FSF Community Theatre Group presents “Let’s Hear It for Queens,” a musical tribute to our borough, on Saturdays, May 4 and 11 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, May 5 and 12 at 41-60 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. Tickets: $17, $15 seniors over 60 and children under 12. Mother’s Day, May 12, all seats are $15. Call (718) 428-8681 or visit fsfctg.org.

FILM Filmmaker Ned Barsky will speak at the Central Queens YM and YWHA, 67-09 108 St., Forest Hills, at a special screening of the recently released film, “Koch,” about former Mayor Ed Koch on Monday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m. $6 donation. Call (718) 268-5011.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G

“Spectacle: The Music Video” explores the art, history and future of the art form at the Museum of the Moving Image, 36-01 35 Ave., Astoria now through June 16. Call (718) 777-6888 or visit movingimage.us.

MUSIC Rochdale Village Senior Center presents a gospel celebration on Saturday, April 27 at Rochdale Village Grand Ballroom, 169-65 137 Ave., Jamaica. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. Showtime at 4 p.m. Tickets: $20, children under 12 are $10. Call (718) 525-2800. The Forest Hills Choir sings the Faure Requiem on Saturday, April 27 at the Church-in-the-Gardens, 50 Ascan Ave., Forest Hills. visit fhchoir.org or call (646) 431-0820.

Filmmaker Ned Barsky will speak at Central Queens YM and YWHA in Forest Hills at a special screening of FILE PHOTO “Koch” on Monday, April 29 at 12:30 p.m.

A car show/blood drive/flea market to support autism will be held on Sunday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at PS 177 Robin Sue Ward School for Exceptional Children, 56-37 188 St., Fresh Meadows. Contact eccat4t@aol.com or (917) 607-3961 or visit eccatoysfortots.org.

Queens Jazz Over Ground Jazz fest will be held on Saturday, April 27 at noon to 10:30 p.m. at Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. Enjoy a day of jazz with performances by Queens-based musicians and students and well as workshops and clinics for jazz fans. Free.

There will be a carnival, dinner and dance fundraiser to benefit Jamaica Drum Jam on Saturday, April 27 from 4 to 10 p.m. at St. Patrick Church basement, 39-38 29 St., Long Island City. Contact julie@jamaicadrumjam, jamaicadrumjam.org or (917) 608-6805. $20.

The Kupferberg Center for the Arts, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, presents An Evening with Michael Feinstein on Saturday, May 4 at 8 p.m. $30-$50. Call (718) 793-8080. There will be a free organ concert on Monday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Emanuel United Church of Christ, Woodhaven Boulevard and 91st Avenue, Woodhaven. Call (718) 849-1153.

DANCE Sonali Skandan and Jiva Dance and Akshara will be held at Flushing Town Hall, 137-35 Northern Blvd. on Sunday, April 28 at 2:15 p.m. Call (718) 463-7700 Ext. 222 or visit flusingtownhall.org.

FLEA MARKETS The Maspeth Kiwanis Club Neighborhood Flea Market will be held on Sunday, April 28 with a rain date of May 5, at Maspeth Federal Savings Bank parking lot, Grand Avenue and 69th Street, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call (718) 326-2400. The Greater Ridgewood Historical Society holds its outdoor spring flea market at the historic Onderdonk House, 18-20 Flushing Ave., Ridgewood, on Saturday, April 27 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, April 28, same hours. Call (718) 456-1776.

Jamaica Hospital Medical Center sponsors the Kew Gardens spring flea market on Saturday, May 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain date May 11, at the LIRR north parking lot, 82-60 Austin St., Kew Gardens.

American Martyrs CWV Post holds an indoor garage sale on Sunday, April 28 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the church basement at Bell Boulevard and Union Turnpike in Bayside. Call Ed at (718) 468-9351. There will be a Chinese auction on Friday, May 3 at 7 p.m. at United Methodist Church, 112-14 107 Ave., Richmond Hill. Call (718) 846-3925. Saint Mark’s Church flea market will be held on Saturday, May 4 at 34th Avenue and 82nd Street in Jackson Heights from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Call (718) 639-8893.

MEETINGS Flushing Camera Club meets at 7:30 p.m. in Flushing Hospital, 146-01 45 Ave.; enter at 45th Avenue and Burling Street, 5th floor, on the first, third and fifth Wednesdays of the month. Call (718) 749-0643 or visit flushingcameraclub.org. AARP Chapter 2889 meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at noon at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 69-60 Grand Ave., Maspeth.

CLASSES The Sisterhood of Bay Terrace Jewish Center, 1300 209 St., Bayside, will hold a defensive driving course on Thursday, April 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. Participants are eligible for lower insurance rates and points reduction. Cost is $50 per person. Call Harriet Wolfe at (718) 423-6426 to register. Italian Charities of America, 83-20 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, hosts dance with instructions every Monday and Friday from 7:15 to 8 p.m. and a social dance from 8 to 11 p.m. Call (718) 478-3100. Cost is $10. Watercolor classes at the National Art League, 4421 Douglaston Pkwy., Douglaston. All techniques, beginners to advanced. Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. $25 per session. Call (718) 969-1128.

Join Elmhurst Beautification Day on Saturday, April 27. Meet at Elmhurst Community Garden, at the intersection of Kneeland Avenue and Manilla Street. Contact Jennifer Chu at jennifer.chu@arcadis-usa.com or call (646) 209-3306. Woodhaven Residents’ Block Association, 84-20 Jamaica Ave., hosts a free poetry workshop every third Tuesday, until Monday, December 16. Email cabbz@aol.com. The Annual Glendale Kiwanis Club Street Festival will take place on Sunday, May 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Metropolitan Avenue from 73rd Place to 79th Street in Middle Village. Free rides for children from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call (718) 444-6028. Afternoon Composting: Weekly Food Waste Drop-Off at the Broadway Library, 40-20 Broadway in Long Island City on Saturdays at 1 p.m. Call (718) 721-2462. The Samuel Field Y has two weekday programs for preschool children ages 3-5 with developmental disabilities and their families. On Mondays from 3 to 4:30 p.m. there is Monday Magic: Learn and Play at the Bay Terrace Center, 212-00 23 Ave., Bayside. On Wednesdays from 3-4:30 there is Gym and Creative Exploration at the Little Neck Site, 58-20 Little Neck Pkwy. Contact Amanda at (718) 225-6750 ext. 262 or email asmith@sfy.org. The 34th annual antique auto show will be held at the Queens County Farm Museum, 73-50 Little Neck Parkway, Floral Park, on Sunday, April 28 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. $5, $2 children ages 6 to 12. Call (718) 347FARM or visit queensfarm.org.

To submit a theater, music, art or entertainment item to What’s Happening, email artslistingqchron@gmail.com

C M SQ page 41rev Y K

Could it be The Spinners are coming here? by Josey Bartlett

one show so we have to consolidate some of the songs in a medley at the end.” And in the end, he says it doesn’t matter. The group is Queensborough Community College has soul. The Spinners, who started their reign on the Top 40 happy to play what the audience wants. The show will be a little different with the death of Bobbie charts in the ’50s, will perform hits like “Cupid,” “I'll Be Around,” “Could It Be I’m Falling in Love?” and “Games Smith, the lead singer, who died on March 21. “It’s very difficult to lose Bobbie,” Fambrough said. “BobPeople Play” at a May 5 show at Queensborough Performbie’s voice can be heard on many of our award-winning ing Arts Center. The only original member of the five-member, R&B band, songs. He was the main singer. He had a different voice from all others and was the last piece of Henry Fambrough, “74 and still kicking,” said the songs The Spinthe puzzle when the group first ners perform are different from started in 1954.” what’s on the radio now. Fambrough has started receivWhen: Sunday, May 5 at 3 p.m. “Today’s music is not about ing applications to fill Smith’s love and happiness, like ours,” spot. But he’s going to take his Where: Queensborough Performing Arts Center Fambrough said. “If my mother time. Fambrough said he’s look222-05 56 Ave., Bayside was around she wouldn’t allow ing for more than just a great Tickets: $35-40, (718) 631-6311 me listen to it. It’s totally differvoice, he’s looking for a role qcc.cuny.edu/QPAC ent. No respect for women, model as well. period. I can’t listen to it. I’m not The band would also prefer talking about it all, but a lot is derogatory.” someone from the Detroit area, where the remaining group The band, named after the spinning hubcaps on Cadil- members are from. lacs, attempted to play lesser-known songs in the 1980s The Spinners acquired 12 gold records with hits on top of without success. So now when audience members go to a both the Pop and R&B charts. They continue to maintain a full show they will hear a set and see moves much like they touring schedule, performing in cities across the country and would have in the late 1970s. (The band is working on new around the world. material for a CD later this year or next.) “We like to perform at colleges because many of our fans “We tried to play up-to-date stuff, but they didn’t want tell us that they grew up with our music and it inspired them Q to hear that,” Fambrough said. “We can’t do everything in through their college years,” Fambrough said. qboro Editor

The Spinners

The R&B group The Spinners will perform at Queensborough Community College on May 5. COURTESY PHOTO

MILB-060921

For the latest news visit qchron.com

April 27, 11am-4pm May 04, 11 & 18, 11am-4pm June 01 & 08, 11am-4pm

Page 41 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

boro

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 42

C M SQ page 42rev Y K

The AARP Auto and Home Insurance Program from The Hartford Now available through your local Hartford independent agent! ®

boro

The new MP Taverna location while under construction.

Trend: spanakopita mac and gyro sliders by Casey Cipriani Chronicle Contributor

Call for your free, no-obligation quote.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Find out more about the special benefits of The Hartford’s Program for AARP members and how you can save even more when you bundle your auto and home insurance together! This auto and home insurance is designed exclusively for AARP members... and is now available through your local agent!

Call Today:

718-523-1300

Member Brokerage Service LLC 139-30 Queens Blvd. Briarwood, NY 11435 718-523-1300 Email: PL@MBS-LLC.com www.memberbrokerage.com The AARP Automobile & Homeowners Insurance Program from The Hartford is underwritten by Hartford Fire Insurance Company and its affiliates, One Hartford Plaza, Hartford, CT 06155. CA license number 5152. In Washington, the Auto Program is underwritten by Trumbull Insurance Company. The Home Program is underwritten by Hartford Underwriters Insurance Company. AARP does not employ or endorse agents or brokers. AARP and its affiliates are not insurers. Paid endorsement. The Hartford pays a royalty fee to AARP for the use of AARP’s intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. AARP membership is required for Program eligibility in most states.

MELC-058825

107994 2nd Rev

PHOTO COURTESY MP TAVERNA

When ordering a plate of seafood paella, you might imagine traditional images of Spain, like flamenco dancers and plucking guitarists, not necessarily the whitewashed houses and ancient ruins of the Greek isles. But some Greek chefs in Astoria are ushering in a new wave of Greek fusion cuisine, combining traditional dishes with other ethnic influences or modern flourishes. “People are going to be surprised,” said Michael Psilakis, owner of MP Taverna, whose newest branch opened at 31-29 Ditmars Blvd. on April 22. Since Astoria residents are used to traditional Greek food, Psilakis believes he can be a bit more experimental and offer new twists on traditional cuisine. Psilakis’ Greek paella, for example, is an amalgamation of traditional Greek youvesti and Spanish paella that swaps rice for orzo and seafood for lamb. “This whole restaurant is the final incarnation of years of trying to move Greek food out of the ethnic genre that I first started into,” Psilakis said. Take for example, Psilakis’ gyro spiced sliders, which may share the garlic, marjoram and rosemary flavor palette of the traditional Greek sandwich, but have been transformed into miniburgers topped with a spicy whipped feta sauce. The Greek macaroni and cheese, Psilakis noted, “tastes like a spanakopita, but it’s mac and cheese.” “The idea is not about better or worse,” Psilakis said. “It’s perceiving the food with

a different eye.” Fusion trends began popping up in restaurants in the early 1990s, with Asian fusion, Tex-Mex and nouveau pizza creations leading to entire restaurants devoted to the combination of two or more traditional dishes. Yet Greek food has remained largely traditional. That may now be changing with at least six new Greek restaurants opening in New York last year, such as Boukies in Manhattan and Faros in Park Slope, that purport to serve a newer, modern take on Greek food. A number of contemporary Greek restaurants are popping up in Astoria, where nearly 7,000 Greek immigrants reside along with about 15,000 more people reporting Greek ancestry, according to the 2010 Census. With the Greek economic crisis still in full swing, yet another surge of Greeks is immigrating to the neighborhood. Konstantinos Batalamas, owner of Thymari restaurant at 32-07 34 Ave., knows about the trends back in his homeland. By mixing the cuisines of mainland Greece with those of the isles, Batalamas is introducing a new twist in New York that he’s already used to back home. “It’s considered contemporary here,” said Batalamas, “but it’s not really because they’ve been doing it for years.” For example, pork cooked with leeks is a common dish, “but we serve it with bulger wheat,” Batalamas said, “which is also very popular, but not together.” continued on page 00 45

C M SQ page 43 Y K Page 43 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

boro

A changing home and love as a commodity

Robert Gober’s untitled print is of himself dressed as a bride and printed to look like a Saks Fifth Avenue ad printed on a page in The New York Times. Above the “advertisement” the article’s headline reads “Vatican Condones Discrimination Against Homosexuals.” Gober looks elegant and like the many pictures of serene brides on the internet and in bridal magazines, yet the article above him juxtaposes the issue of same-sex marriage, something that Americans have been debating for decades, with states, families and religious institutions taking varying stances. Anthea Hamilton’s work “Kabuki Chefs” looks at the kitchen, a growing centerpiece of many modern homes. Two male mannequins suggest a changing landscape

‘Better Homes’ When: through July 22, Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Where: SculptureCenter 44-19 Purves St., LIC Tickets: Free, (718) 361-1750 sculpture-center.org

where men cook and women are elsewhere. There are other elements as well. The floor is white and the kitchen appliances minimalist. “The installation fits somewhere between a department store display and theatrical stage,” Katrib writes. “The staging of the works suggests a certain lifestyle.” Is that a lifestyle in which the inhabitants are too busy to use the pristine kitchen or one that gives them ample time to clean everything just right? It’s up in the air. Another piece in the show by Rodriguez comprises two large photos of her boyfriend’s sperm. These photos, together called “Yesterday I Tried to Paint You” and captured by a lab technician, like the “Kabuki Chefs” comment on the idea that a family must have a mother and father. “Due to new, advanced medical technology, it is increasingly common for women to have children on their own — reducing the dependency on a traditional family structure and contractual relationships,” Katrib said. The woman has ownership of the sperm. Downstairs a video by French artist Neil Beloufa shows a real estate agent catering to each of his clients. It’s the same Ikea-furniture-filled

Jonathas de Andrade’s “2 em 1,” left, photos and drawings showing how to turn a twin bed into a double, and Robert Gober’s untitled print of the artist in drag, made to look like an advertisment for Saks Fifth Avenue printed in a newpaper under an article about PHOTOS BY JOSEY BARTLETT the Vatican condoning discrimination against homosexuality. space but depending on if he is talking to a grandmother, a father looking for a place for his daughter or a gay couple, he changes how the space will work for them. He does not appeal to just their sense of function but their emotional needs as well. Can one space “accommodate all individuals?” Katrib asks in her essay.

Something that New Yorkers are much familiar with. There are many other pieces — from instructions on how to turn a single bed into a double, collages of interiors with bodies posed as like they were statues or pieces of art to plastic bottles repurposed Q to look like crystal.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

CREA-060193

continued continued from from page page 39 00

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 44

C M SQ page 44 Y K

boro

SENSATIONAL KIDS “We Believe In Children”

SPECIAL EVENTS

p m a C y a D Summer

Italian Charities of America hosts Saturday night dances on May 4-18 from 8 p.m. to midnight at 8320 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst. Call (718) 478-3100.

Children Ages 3-14

THE MARY LOUIS ACADEMY 176-21 Wexford Terrace Jamaica Estates

OUR LADY

OPEN HOUSE Tues., May 7th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Tues., June 4th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

OPEN HOUSE

HOPE

61-21 71st Street Middle Village

Explore Jewish life with the Ben Kuyler Outreach Group on Thursday, April 25 at 7 p.m. Rabbi Eli Blokh will discuss Improving Your Life Through the Mitzvah of Charity at Israel Center of Conservative Judaism, 167-11 73 Ave., Flushing. Call (718) 454-4818. Free.

Swing and Sangria! Jazz brunch at The Castle at Bayside Historical Society, 208 Totten Ave, Bayside, on Sunday, May 5 from noon to 2 p.m. $20, $15 for members. RSVP by Friday, May 3. Call (718) 352-1548.

Mon., May 6th, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm Mon., June 3rd, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Program Includes: • Exciting Games • Spectacular Trips • Sports Activities • Water Activities & Swimming

REUNION

• Arts & Crafts • Weekly Theme Parties • Music & Movement • Snack & Drink

Payment Plan Available Bus Service Available Camp Is Non-Sectarian

Immaculate Conception School, 21-63 29 St, Astoria, hosts a reunion for all graduates on Saturday, April 27. Contact the alumni committee at icsastoriaalmuni@gmail.com.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES

CAMP HOURS: 7:00 am - 6:00 pm PROGRAM HOURS:

The Clearview Selfhelp Senior Center, 208-11 26 Ave., Bayside, hosts: Qi Gong, Mondays at 10:45 a.m.; Wii time, Mondays, Tuesday, April 30, and Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.; Music with Dee, Mondays at 1 p.m.; dance aerobics, Tuesdays at 9 a.m.; beginner’s drawing, Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m.; health education, Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; aerobics, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m.; ballroom dancing, Tuesdays at 12:45 p.m.; drawing/painting and yoga, Wednesdays at 9:30 a.m.; bingo, Wednesdays at 12:45 p.m.; tai chi, Wednesdays at 2 p.m.; mah jong/canasta, Thursdays at 10 a.m.; reminiscing group, Thursdays at 10:45 a.m.; Scrabble, Thursdays at 12:45 p.m.; dance fitness, Fridays at 10:45 a.m.; “You Be the Judge,” Fridays at 12:45 p.m.; and a movie, “The Artist,” on Friday, April 26 at 1 p.m. Call (718) 224-7888.

9:00 am - 4:00 pm

For More Information Call: 718-386-1962

Fax: 718-386-2520

www.sensationalkidscamp.net

WALK-IN NYPD POLICE EXAM Sunday, April 28, 2013 Kiely Hall (Main Entrance) 65-30 Kissena Blvd. Flushing, NY 11367 Free Parking Available at Lot #14

For detailed information on the filing fee and exam times, visit our website and download the Queens College flyer. Seating is limited to 1,000 on a “first come first served” basis.

NYPD-061036

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Queens College

Computer classes are being held at Selfhelp Benjamin Rosenthal Prince Street Senior Center, 4525 Kissena Blvd., Flushing. For seniors 60 plus. Call John at (718) 559-4329 to register. The Ridgewood Older Adult Center, 59-14 70 Ave., hosts hour-long classes: jewelry making, Mondays at 10:30 a.m.; free computer classes, Mondays at 12:30 p.m.; Sit and Be Fit, Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m.; Eldercise, Tuesdays at 10 a.m.; manicures, Thursdays at 12:30 a.m.; yoga, Fridays at 10:30 a.m.; and meditation classes, Fridays at 10:30 a.m. every other week. Movies are held every Monday or Tuesday at 1:15 p.m. There will be a ’50s rock and roll party on Thursday, April 25. Call Karen at (718) 456-2000. Jamaica Service Program for Older Adults, 92-47 165 St., details its safety program about rent, IT 214 tax form, Medicaid and food stamps. Call for an appointment at (718) 657-6500. Free. Activities at the Clearview Senior Center, 208-11 26th Ave., Bayside, are held Monday-Friday. Call (718) 224-7888. The Peter Cardella Senior Citizen Center, 68-52 Fresh Pond Rd., Ridgewood, hosts dancing to live

music, bingo, blood pressure screening, chair yoga, monthly theme parties, oil painting, movies and much more. Lunch served daily at noon. Requested donation is $1.50. Meals on wheels is delivered for homebound seniors. Call (718) 497-2908. The Selfhelp Latimer Gardens Senior Center, 3430 137 St., Flushing, offers ballroom dancing, Mondays, Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. to noon; tai chi, Tuesdays at 10 a.m. to noon; English as a second language, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 10 a.m. to noon; Ping Pong, exercise and mahjong, Mondays though Fridays. Call (718) 961-3660. The Innovative SNAP of Eastern Queens Senior Center, 80-45 Winchester Blvd., Queens Village, offers a wide array of programs and services including: healthy lunches, current events, diabetes self-management classes, yoga and the Reminiscence Groups. Receive information on benefits and entitlements or share your life story in a safe, private setting. For information and transportation call Kathleen at (718) 454-2100 or visit snapqueens.org. A leisure group meets every Wednesday at 11 a.m. at the Hillcrest Jewish Center, Prince Room, 183-02 Union Turnpike, Flushing. Cost is $6 for lunch. The program includes yoga instruction, discussion groups, card games, bingo, birthday celebrations, guest speakers and holiday celebrations. Call Dr. Roz Gold at (718) 229-7511. The Rockaway Boulevard Senior Center, 123-10 143 St., South Ozone Park, offers service programs Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Lunch is at noon with a suggested donation of $1.50. Exercise programs include: tai chi stretch, dance groups, choral group, ceramics, camera class, computer classes, trips, birthday parties and more. Call (718) 657-6752. The Brooks Senior Center, 143-22 109 Ave., Jamaica, hosts a healthy lunch from noon to 1 p.m., activities such as Wii sports, bowling, bingo, laptop classes, exercise, ceramics, cards and board games, blood pressure checks, trips, monthly nutrition presentations and monthly birthday celebrations and theme parties. Suggested contribution is $1.25. For more information call (718) 291-3935. The Pomonok Senior Center, 67-09 Kissena Blvd., is offering free Chinese language classes Thursdays at 1 p.m.; its very first Dear Abby Group Thursdays at 11 a.m.; free ESL classes for Chinese speakers, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-10:30 a.m.; and the Knitting and Crochet club Thursdays at 1 p.m. for beginners and experts. Call the Pomonok Senior Center at (718) 591-3377, Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

LISTING INFORMATION Items for the Community Calendar must be sent two weeks before the date of the event. Listings should be typed, from a nonprofit organization, either free or moderately priced, and be open to the public. Keep the information to one paragraph. Because of the large number of requests for the free calendar listings, we cannot include every event submitted. Send to: Queens Chronicle, Community Calendar, P.O. Box 74-7769, Rego Park, NY 11374, fax to (718) 205-0150.

C M SQ page 45rev Y K

King Crossword Puzzle

ACROSS 1 Study hard 5 Unruly group 8 Oscar-winner Kedrova 12 Get up 13 Yoko of music 14 Soon, in verse 15 “Zounds!” 16 Obama, e.g. 18 Elk 20 Alternative to boxers 21 Sidewalk eatery 23 Wager 24 Turn to rubble 28 Discourteous 31 Anger 32 Admit 34 Capek play 35 Obi, for example 37 Outward behavior 39 Work on the soundtrack 41 Roof overhang 42 Slowly, in music 45 Duration 49 Insanity 51 Continental coin 52 Pub orders 53 Wall-climbing plant 54 War god 55 Fine spray 56 Caribbean or Coral 57 Fat

DOWN 1 Ship’s staff 2 Latvia’s capital 3 Pronto, on a memo 4 Physician 5 Adapted 6 Individual 7 Flop on stage 8 More frilly 9 As part of an exchange

10 Bread unit 11 Picnic invaders 17 Sphere 19 Lofty 22 Cosmetician Lauder 24 Insult (Sl.) 25 Historic time 26 Partners of messieurs 27 Everest, e.g. 29 Twosome 30 Blunder

33 Actress Campbell 36 Least minuscule 38 Virgil hero 40 Crib 42 Leading man? 43 Sandwich shop 44 Elevator name 46 Mentor 47 Genealogy chart 48 Emcee 50 “— been had!”

Answers at right

ueens Chamber of Commerce

QUEENS BUSINESS EXPO & BREAKFAST Get Introductions Net Interactions

Fusion continued from page 42 00 Batalamas uses feta for his fried saganaki, coats it in sesame seeds and tops it with a blueberry and blackberry compote. Berries also show up in other dishes, through the bright red berries from the mastic tree, the famed trees on the island of Chios that produce the mastic spice popular in Greek cuisine. Batalamas puts them in his shrimp saganaki that also adds a touch of cinnamon — not a traditional recipe. “The whole movement is trying to bring over things that we used to cook at home like legumes, wild berries, herbs. We do not see many of them in Greek tavernas in New York,” Batalamas said. Peter Giannakas, the chef at Ovelia restaurant at 34-01 30 Ave., takes traditional ingredients or products and prepares them in atypical ways. He uses Greek coffee in a rub for skirt steak, mint in a traditional Greek salad, and candied figs, usually a sweet snack, on lamb kebabs. But twisting Greek staples isn’t his only approach. Giannakas also fuses them with other types of cuisine. “The Latin cuisine is neck-to-neck with Greek cuisine for me,” Giannakas said. “Our corn flapjacks are a homage to the

arepa and our vaca frita salad takes Cuban steak and tosses in olives and lentils, which are almost always at a Greek dinner table.” Asian influences also come into play in an ouzo stir fry that features chicken sautéed in olive puree with scallions over rice noodles The dish was inspired by Giannakas’ father’s love of Asian cuisine. “Innovation in the kitchen was something my parents instilled in me and to this day helps my brother and me keep our Q menu fresh,” Giannakas said.

Crossword Answers

Page 45 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

boro

R ESTAUR A NT & BA R

71-28 COOPER AVE. • GLENDALE • (718) 821-8401

Mother’s Day SUNDAY, MAY 12TH

Make your reservation today!

May 8, 2013

$39.95 Three-Course Fixed Price Dinner Take mom out for a great meal! Ever y Tuesday

Join us at Breakfast and hear Rob Maruster, COO, JetBlue and Patrick Foye, Executive Director Port Authority of NY/NJ discuss "The Economic Impact of the Aviation Industry in Queens" Breakfast Admission: $25 per person | Attendance at the Expo is Free

EXPO SPONSORS: (list in formation) BREAKFAST SPONSOR: NY Daily News

QUCH-061123

GOLD: Con Edison

SILVER: Popular Community Bank National Grid Sterling National Bank

BRONZE: Time Warner Cable Plaza College

of all Craft Beers

For Exhibit Tables, Advertising or Sponsorship Opportunities, call 718-898-8500, Ext. 23

Craft Brew Night $3 Pints The Best Selection Around 20 Beers on Tap

Ever y Wednesday

Wine on a Dime

Order a full price glass of wi ne, your second is

10 cents

6:30-10 PM, while dining

BOOK YOUR PARTY WITH US TODAY!! A Great Venue For Any Occasion • Call Now About Our Party Packages OPEN FOR SUNDAY BRUNCH 11:30 am to 3:00 pm OPEN FOR DINNER 7 DAYS A WEEK! Sunday thru Wednesday 11:30 am to 2:00 am • Thursday thru Saturday 11:30 am to 4:00 am Gift Cards Now Available • Valet Parking on Fri. & Sat. Nights

www.edisonplaceny.com

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Breakfast 8:30 AM | Trade Show 10AM-2PM

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 46

C M SQ page 46 Y K

Ice Jewelry: where the owners can relate to their clients

BEAT

Matt wins big matchups by Lloyd Carroll Chronicle Contributor

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

by Denis Deck Chronicle Contributor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SPORTS

PHOTO BY DONNA DECAROLIS

In addition to buying gold, silver, diamonds, watches and coins, Ice Jewelry Buying also offers instant cash loans for jewelry and eBay selling services.

Recently, a woman and her boyfriend went into an unassuming gold buying and cash loan shop on Queens Boulevard. She had a $35 offer on Their cash loans program is straightforward her ring from another area shop, but was looking and simple. “It’s a perfect solution for someone to get a better deal. In what may be viewed who has a bill due and a check on the way,” as poor business acumen, she told her new Goldberg said. “But we make sure they have a prospective buyer what her previous offer was. game plan to buy their jewelry back before the Still, after examining her piece, he offered her end of the term. Sometimes these are people’s $1,600. He did so, as he says, “...because that’s heirlooms we’re talking about and we respect what it was worth.” that.” The plight of the worker who’s hard-up for cash For those who are less Internet-savvy or in today’s economy is something that Arthur Elias just don’t have the time, Ice Jewelry Buying and Edward Goldberg can relate to firsthand, offers a convenient eBay sales service. If what having been laid off from their jobs in jewelry a customer has isn’t an item that Ice Jewelry manufacturing. They understand that people get Buying would purchase, like a handbag or antique into situations where they just need a little cash furniture, they can help find a buyer on their eBay fast to make the bills and Ice Jewelry Buying store. Elias consults with the customer to find a Service hopes to help out in the most honest way target price and let the Internet they can. auctioneers handle the rest. STORE HOURS “For this, I like to think we’re doing the community a service,” For anyone who has ever MON.-FRI. 11am - 7pm Elias said. “We’re in the business dealt with the hassle of selling SAT. 10am 5pm of helping people who are in a and shipping an item on eBay SUN. by Appointment tough spot. They can come to — all the forms involved in our store and know that we can setting up a user and paypal educate them on what they have and we’ll give account, the 10-15 percent fee that Ice Jewelry them what their items are worth. When that Buying charges to do all the work is really a woman told me her previous offer, it made me bargain deal. wonder how many times this happens — how “At the end of the day, I just want people to many people who really need that money get feel comfortable doing business with us. People taken advantage of?” have this conception of gold buying stores as Elias opened his Rego Park shop with Goldberg these slimy places with slimy people, and they’re less than a year ago, and already they’re seeing typically right. But we want to be different. I don’t a lot of repeat customers and referrals. This is think it’s cool to see someone buy a ring for a sign to them that they’re doing something right $200 and put it in their counter for $800. We — the pawn business typically deals in one-time don’t do that.” transactions but Elias is determined to break that Ice Jewelry Buying Service is located at mold, building a reputation on trust. 98-30 Queens Blvd. in Rego Park. Hours of “Everyone around here is buying gold these operation are Monday-Friday from 11 am to 7:00 days; you can go into the barber shop down the pm and Saturday 10 am to 5 pm; Sunday– private road and sell your jewelry. The problem with all appoinments are available. Call for more these places is they treat everything like it’s a Q information (718) 830-0030. one-shot deal and we don’t do that,” Elias said. - ADVERTISEMENT -

ICEJ-060627

It’s unlikely that the Mets will be playing meaningful games this coming September, but starting pitcher Matt Harvey has singlehandedly given the Flushing faithful a commodity they have lacked for a long time — hope. Harvey was the Mets’ top pick (seventh overall) in the 2010 Major League baseball amateur draft. Of course, given the team’s checkered history with “can’t miss prospects,” it’s understandable to take a wait-and-see attitude. He came up for the proverbial cup of coffee with the Mets in August 2012 and was far more impressive than his three-win, five-loss record showed. When it became clear that Johan Santana would be lost for the 2013 season, it was imperative for Mets management that Harvey succeed. He has delivered beyond even the most optimistic Mets’ fans wildest dreams so far, as this month he has beaten two of baseball’s best pitchers, the Phillies’ Roy Halladay and the Washington Nationals’ phenomenon Stephen Strasburg. The games marked the first time that I could recall the Mets winning a match against either pitcher. A bonus for the Mets is that Harvey is not a wimp in the batter’s box. He is

arguably the best-hitting pitcher that they have had in ages. Mets players are probably still thawing out from their first road trip of the season, which included stops in frigid Minneapolis and snowy Denver. Mets relief pitcher LaTroy Hawkins played the f irst seven years of his big league career for the Twins, but they played in a dome stadium back then instead of their current outdoor ballpark, Target Field. “I would never have lasted if I had to play outdoors in April with them!” Hawkins told me. Dillon Gee couldn’t have picked a better time to come up with a big game than last Sunday, when he threw nearly six innings of shutout ball against the very potent lineup of the Washington Nationals, with the Mets going on to win 2-0. Gee had been roughed up in his first three starts of the season, but it should be noted that he pitched in some very brutal weather. It had been a foregone conclusion that the Jets were going to trade their All-Pro cornerback Darrelle Revis, but getting back only a f irst-round pick (the 13th overall) in Thursday’s NFL Draft, as well as a fourth-round pick next year from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, does not strike me as a good return for new Jets general manQ ager John Idzik.

I HAVE OFTEN WALKED

The development of Union Tpke. for business by Ron Marzlock Chronicle Contributor

As late as 1937 the region of Union Turnpike from about 168th Street all the way east to 232th Street contained nothing except the Hillcrest Golf Course Hillcrest Riding Academy and The Hillside Park Riding Academy. Suddenly all at once, starting in 1937, the neighborhood was developed by various builders The north side of Union Turnpike at 179th Street, such as Chevy Chase Homes at November 1945. Union Turnpike and 188th Street, Paul Roth’s Holliswood Homes at Union Home Care Service and Forman’s Surgical and 188th, and the biggest player of all: Supplies. Directly across the street at 179-02 Union Gross-Morton Homes, which practically covered the whole area from about 170th to Turnpike was a competitor called SurreyPike Pharmacy. Other original businesses 190th streets. To serve the new communities, commer- along the strip were a hardware store, beauty cial stores were planned and laid out along parlor and bar and grill. Sadly the mom-and-pop family-owned Union Turnpike. On the north side at the corner of 179th Street, at 179-01 was Faye- pharmacy and hardware stores are becoming Economy Pharmacy, owned by Sol Israel. part of the vanishing Queens landscape. The store was best known, for many Today the two pharmacies at the hot corner decades, as Forman’s Pharmacy. As the com- have become a fruit and vegetable store and Q munity aged, the owners opened Forman’s a quick convenience deli.

SQ page 47

✻ RND ✻ APPLIANCE REPAIR

Friendly Reliable Service

Expert Repairs on all Brand Name:

845-4378

Ask For 718ROB

with this ad

ELECTRICIAN

• Aluminum • Plastic • Fabric

3rd Generation 220V Services, Outlets, Security Lights, Fixtures, Etc.

No service charge with repairs Lowest Rates Guaranteed

$10.00

Call Russo Electric Honest & Reliable Your Neighborhood Electrician Since 1946

Free Estimates Since 1980

718-528-2401

279-4246

• 718Licensed by City of New York - Sr. Citizen Discount

www.Classical-Iron.com

Lic. #1069538

718-827-8175

H.I.C. #0937014

718-847-1445

Are you thinking about renovating or remodeling your home or business place? Your home is your single largest investment! We have the experience and knowledge regarding ALL types of home and business improvements. New Construction, Remodeling, Extensions, Alterations, Additions, Kitchens, Bathrooms, Roofing, Tiling

FREE ESTIMATES

WE SERVICE YOUR COMMUNITY

718-641-4164 • 516-244-3799 LICENSED

Tommy’s WOOD FLOORS New Floors Sanding/Installs Stain & Refinish Old Floors FREE ESTIMATES

718-830-7197 Cell:

917-714-8825

All Work Guaranteed Lic. & Insured Lic. #113420104

Care JC Tree NY, Corp. - Tree Removal - Tree Trimming - Tree Pruning - Stump Grinding - Storm Damage - Land Clearing 24-HOUR SERVICE

718-456-1042

www.jctreecareny.com Police Discounts

Nick “The Tile Man”

Insured Free Estimates

www.tile-repair.net

917-865-8693

WOOD FLOORS

• Shingles • Slate Work •• Spanish Shingles Tile •• Squirrel Services Expert Slate & Spanish Tilework • Gutters & Leaders • Rubberized Flat Roofs Cleaned, Repaired & Installed Gutters &Caps Leaders •• Chimney Installed

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

718-807-5902 516-424-9997

Ceramic Tiles

15% Off

★

J&F FLOOR SPECIALIST ★

718-318-1442 516-342-0954

Big or Smal

Bonded with BBB & Fully Insured

★ FREE ESTIMATES ★ 19

Lic. #1197433

Europol Floors, Inc.

CHRIS MULLINS

HARDWOOD FLOORS

DORMERS & EXTENSIONS • Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Carpentry • Roofing • Flat Shingle • Expert in Fixing Leaks • Attics • All Renovations • Masonry • Stoops • Brickwork • Waterproofing • Pointing FREE ESTIMATES • REASONABLE

Call

718-276-8558

5% OFF with mention of ad

Professional Services INSTALLATION • SANDING • Repairs • Staining • Refinishing • Bleaching FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK GUARANTEED Lic./Ins. 26

718-850-8798

Carpentry Specialists

917-731-8365 718-849-6400

Cell:

J.H. ELECTRIC Residential/Commercial

Licensed/Insured

Call 917-755-2507

917-731-1723

METRO CEMENT Specializing In: • Driveways • Sidewalks • Brick & Blockwork • Foundation & Excavation • Tilework All Types of Concrete Lic. #1335180 18

718-763-8796

PROVENZANO PLUMBING Inc. All Plumbing & Heating Repairs Water Heaters • Boilers • Gas & Water Meters Installed • Gas Leak Repairs Legalizations & Violations Removals NYC MP Lic. #001677 24/7 Service

917-709-1181 718-323-5114

ONE STOP

STOP PAINTING STOP Interior & Exterior Painting Sheetrock & Taping Faux Wallpapering 15% Senior Citizen Discount FREE ESTIMATES 20 Years Experience 20 We Will Beat Anybody’s Price!

• Lighting, Heat, Power, 220 Upgrades, A/C Lines, Bells and Intercom • Violations Removed NO JOB TOO BIG OR SMALL!

FREE ESTIMATES

www.metrocementinc.com

• Roofing • Seamless 5 & 6 Inch Gutters & Leaders • Windows • Skylights • Brick • Stucco & Vinyl Siding • Concrete • Kitchens & Baths • Basements 19 • Extensions • Dormers • Sheetrock

Office:

FREE ESTIMATES

Call Any Time

Licensed/Insured

All Work Guaranteed

220V Service Upgrades Complete Rewiring Ceiling Fans Air Conditioner Lines Indoor/Outdoor Lighting

FREE ESTIMATES

718-845-9023

C.J.M. Contracting Inc.

Specializing in General Contracting

SPRING SPECIAL

FREE ESTIMATES

Emergency Service 24/7

718-361-1873

Specializing in Designing, Tree Pruning, Clean-Ups & Sprinklers.

COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL No Job Too

• • • • •

Phil 917-747-4060

347-600-9610

For the latest news visit qchron.com

WIRING FOR LIGHT, HEAT & POWER

A&M Imbriano LANDSCAPING, Inc.

Est. 1938

RESIDENTIAL - COMMERCIAL - INDUSTRIAL

Lic. #0982130 LIAB. DISAB + W/C INS.

LICENSED ELECTRICIANS 24 HR. EMERGENCY SERVICE

Cell:

RE-NEW CONSTRUCTION COMPANY, INC.

COMMERCIAL & INDUSTRIAL SPECIALISTS

EMERGENCY SERVICE MON. THRU FRI. DAY OR NIGHT AROUND THE CLOCK

J.S.V. ELECTRIC Inc.

Prices!

Give Us A Call To Spruce Up Your Property For Spring. 18 Weekly Maintenance Available

Family Owned For Over 35 Years

718-849-2206

Fully Insured • Free Estimates Call Anthony 347-226-0202

with this ad

Small Jobs Welcome

• Tree Removal - Trees Pruned • Stump Removal • Snow Shoveling

No Job Too Big or Small Interior & Exterior - Over 20 Years of Experience BASEMENTS • KITCHENS • BATHROOMS • Tile Repair/Installation • Sheetrock • Water Damage Repairs • Molding/Windows • Wallpaper Removal • Wood Floors • Painting • Taping & Plasterwork • Doors • Skim Coating • Carpentry • Decks 20 ALL WORK GUARANTEED! Low

DEPENDABLE LICENSED CONTRACTOR

100 Amp • 220 Volt Service Air Conditioning • Fire Damage Repairs Electrical Violations Corrected Consulting Services • Electrical Layout Designs

738-8732

Snow Shoveling Flat•Roof’s Squirrel & Raccoon Removal S.B.S. (Cold Process) • Chimney Caps Installed (Stainless Steel) Rubbish Removal • Soffit & Metal Capping Work Trees Cut & Pruned

PAINTERS & TILES R US

100sq. ft.

RAINBOW ELECTRIC Co. Inc.

• • • •

• • • • •

Cleaned, Repaired & Installed

• Sanding • Refinishing • Polyurethane • Staining $ • Bleaching • Pickling • Moisture Cure • PAINTING INSURED FREE ESTIMATES

sq. ft.

Member of the Better Business Bureau

Residential

★ Expert Workmanship ★ ★ Professional Service ★

AS LOW AS ¢

✁ 718-496-2572

Residential SALTY’S ROOFING & TREE SERVICES

Sanding Refinishing Staining Bleaching Moisture Cure Water Based

Member of the Better Business Bureau

HANDYMAN

Quality Work at Reasonable Prices! See References on Website Home page!

• • • • • •

Fast, Clean, Reliable & Affordable Service

Call For FREE ESTIMATE (718)

Commercial

• All Tile Repairs • New Tile Installation • Plumbing & Electric • Bathrooms & Tile Floors

$25.00 with this ad

NO JOB TOO SMALL

CHECK OUR LOW RATES

Commercial

INSURED

Lic. #1398018 & 1310043

INSTANT SAVINGS OF

19 • Courteous Reliable Service • Weekends Available At No Additional Cost • • All Furniture Padded For Protection • No Job Too Small • Packing & Unpacking • • Cartons & Packing Materials Available • Licensed & Insured DOT#10851 USDOT#1406075NY www.movecomovers.com 102-15 LIBERTY AVE., OZONE PARK, NY 11417

FULLY INSURED

GARY RYAN HOME SPECIALIST, INC.

Removal of Garbage - Debris Unwanted Furniture/Appliances

MOVING SERVICE INC.

• Flat & Shingle Roofs • Slate & Tile Repairs • Gutters & Leaders Cleaned and Installed • All types of Windows & Siding Installed

www.ferraroroofing.com

J&M CLEANOUTS

MOVECO

EST. 1985

FERRARO ROOFING FREE ESTIMATES

✁

Licensed

• OVENS • STOVES • REFRIGERATORS • DISHWASHERS • WASHERS • DRYERS

Clip to Save

Classical Custom

AWNINGS

Page 47 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Commercial & Residential

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 48

SQ page 48

HOME IMPROVEMENT HANDYMAN SERVICES

HEATING & HOME

Carpentry, Sheetrock, Framing, Windows, Siding, Painting, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Finished Basements, Tiling, Plumbing, Wood Floors Reasonable Prices - Free Estimates No Job Too Big or Too Small

Lic. #1078969 Credit Cards Accepted

• Kitchen & Bathroom Renovations • Boilers • Water Heaters • Drain Cleaning • Piping • Flooring • Tile • Painting • Roofing • Siding • Windows

718-502-4437

718-558-0333 917-731-7636

Lic. #1363123

Siding • Windows • Roofing • Fences Kitchens • Baths • Basements • Decks Doors • Awnings • Patio Enclosures Brick Pointing • Concrete Stucco

718-968-5987

NEW HEIGHTS CONSTRUCTION LLC • • • •

REPAIRS

FREE ESTIMATES

• • • •

Licensed & Insured

WWW.NEWHEIGHTSCONSTRUCTIONNY.COM

*Reg. price quoted Lic. # 0859173

We Repair Windows!

LOW PRICES • FREE ESTIMATES 24 Hours A Day • 7 Days A Week

Call Leon 718-296-6525 22

All Work Guaranteed • Se Habla Español

MY WAY CONSTRUCTION

Lic./Ins.

Lic. and Insured

21 18

Lic. #1244131

J.P. MUSSO ROOFING & SIDING Commercial and Residential Siding Roofing/Rips Gutters Slate, Etc.

• • • •

Painting Plastering Taping, Etc. Sheetrock

• Kitchens & Bathrooms

For the latest news visit qchron.com

CE & TV REPAI LIAN P R P WE REPAIR: A • Washers • Dryers • Refrigerators • TVs • Stoves/Ovens • Dishwashers

NO SERVICE CHARGE WITH A REPAIR

WOOD FLOORS SPECIALIST • Hardwood Floors Installation • Refinishing • Repairs • Staining FREE ESTIMATES

MODERN DUSTLESS MACHINES

718-803-1348

Your Ad In

9 Newspapers For The Price Of One.

190

5 Weeks 21

LICENSED & INSURED

347-233-3730

718-894-0659

Lic. #1270074

J&B HOME IMPROVEMENTS Celebrating Our 30 th Anniversary

• Window

• Roofing

• Siding

• Doors

• Painting

• Masonry

EXPERT WINDOW REPAIRS WINDOWS

COMPLETELY INSTALLED $ 00

199

Only

Capping Available

VINYL SIDING SALE! Call For s ate tim Es Special EE FR or Visit Our Showroom

22500

per 100 Sq. Ft.

ROOFING • SEAMLESS LEADERS & GUTTERS ALL MASONRY WORK • CEMENT • PAVERS • BRICK

718-468-0408 866-989-4424

NYC Lic. # 0927491

PRO-VISION

1-800-599-1150 www.jbhomeimprovementsinc.com

Complete Framing Available • Garages Extended Center Post Removed • Openings Widened

Insulated Garage Doors

HUGE CLEARANCE SALE • Steel • Entrance Doors • Wood • Gate Operators • Raised Panels • Parking Systems

Lic. #1412084

718-598-2634

Professional PAINTER & HANDYMAN • High Quality Work • Low Prices • References • High Quality Specialist Floor Installation

L.I. Lic. #H18D2240000

GARAGE DOORS

• Storm Doors • Security Doors • Maintenance Free Doors

Sales & Service For All Major Brands Wholesale & Retail BROKEN SPRINGS, DOORS, CABLES Authorized Distributors & Installers For:

$25.00 COUPON With Installation of Any New Garage Door

718-835-3774

FREE ESTIMATES 33

FREE ESTIMATES

Serving: Ozone Park/Howard Beach WORK GUARANTEED 18

– SENIOR CITIZEN DISCOUNT –

VICKAR FLOOR SERVICE

Crown Moulding, Cabinets & Doors

HOME IMPROVEMENT

718-218-5347

Free Estimates

718-275-0074 UP TO $50 DISCOUNT

(Treads, Stringers or Risers)

• Kitchens & Bathrooms • Basements • Garage • Cement & Brickwork • Carpentry • Windows • Painting • Roofing • Plumbing • Electric • Tiling • Hardwood Floors • Decks • Fencing & More

No Job Too Big or Too Small 17 Free Estimates 718-600-5186 Licensed & Insured

1 Year Warranty

Broken or Missing Baluster/Spindles Weak or Broken Steps

Plumbing & Heating Sewer & Drain Cleaning Water Jetting & Video Pipe Inspection

• Roofing • Siding • Windows • Cement Work • Basements & Bathrooms

• • • •

WHISKEY PLUMBING SERVICE

We will Not be Undersold!

718-598-9754

Lic. #1311321

SERVICES

Same Day Service

STAIR

• Gutters Cleaned & Installed • Leaders • Skylights • Specialists in Flat Roofs & Shingles • Roofing Repairs • Rubberoid Roofs

Old Furniture, Household Items, Appliances, Yard Waste, Construction Debris And More.

Brickwork • Pavers • Concrete • Waterproofing Sidewalk Violations Removed Anthony Interior • Exterior

US CARPENTRY INC.

ROOFING & SIDING

We Remove

• Window & Door Replacement

Cell: 646-262-0153

NYC LIC. #1191201

ALEXIS

Kitchens Bathrooms Carpentry Painting

AFFORDABLE PRICES FREE ESTIMATES

1-800-525-5102 • 718-767-0044

OFF*

On All Roofs With This Ad

W&U Construction Inc.

SPRING SPECIALS ON WINDOWS SPRING SPECIAL Gutters - Leaders Siding

We Remove Your Junk, So You Don’t Have To!

All Leaks on Pipes, Faucets, Toilets, Shower Bodies, Radiator Valves, Clear Stoppages in Sinks, Tubs, Also Install Hot Water Heaters Free Estimates Licensed Cheap Rates & Insured Ask for Bob

Expires 05/31/13.

Earl Construction Inc. • Bathroom Tiling • Mason Work • Roofing • Siding • Carpentry • Dry Wall • Painting • Gutter Cleaning No Job Too Large or Too Small

718-658-4832 917-593-3926

PARTS • REPAIRS • REMOTE CONTROLS FREE SHOP AT HOME SERVICE

CASSEL & & FREYMUTH, FREYMUTH, INC. INC. CASSEL Serving Queens For Over 50 Years

718-739-8006

Fully Licensed & Insured

RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL ELECTRIC GARAGE DOOR OPENERS

SQ page 49 Page 49 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

CLEANCO

CLEANOUT

To Place A Service Ad Call 718-205-8000

SERVICE We Will Remove All Your Unwanted Furniture Junk Removal • From One Piece To A Truck Load From Home or Office Attic • Garage • Basement, Etc. No Job Too Big or Small Fast, Honest, Reliable Service

Ask For Stela

Estate Cleanouts Broom Sweep Residential/Commercial Licensed & Insured www.cleancocleanoutservice.com

FREE ESTIMATE

A Division of Moveco, Inc.

718-738-8732

American Dream Builders Corp. • All Phases of Construction • Over 25 Years Experience • New Construction, Renovations/Additions • Finished Basements, Roofs, Siding, Tiling, Bathrooms, Kitchens, Etc. • Residential & Commercial • Projects Successfully Completed Within All Budgets • Projects Completed Without Delays

917-577-2598 HIS #1279304

Lic. #1279305

MASTER CARPET CLEANERS RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL • Carpet & Rug Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning • Tile Cleaning Free • Water Damage Deodo rizing • Flat Low Rates

718-335-7572 347-624-3061

www.mastercarpetco.com

Call 917-577-2598

Sale On Concrete Work

OLD CORONA CONSTRUCTION CORP.

10% Discount with ad 22 Call Billy 718-726-1934

REACH ALMOST

500,000 READERS QUEENSWIDE IN

9 EDITIONS Double Box Ad 15/8” x 37/8”

190

For 5 Weeks

Three Box Ad 15/8” x 5 3/4”

Four Box Ad 33/8” x 37/8”

345 $505 $670

For 5 Weeks

• • • • • •

Cement Work • Belgium Block Sidewalks • Repairs Driveway Seal Coating Pavers • Resurfacing Violations Removed

Tree Work Available FREE ESTIMATES FULLY INSURED & LICENSED

For 5 Weeks

Additional Savings Available For 10 Weeks

• • • •

Sidewalks Blacktop Waterproofing Basements

• • • •

Neat, Clean, Dependable Quality Paint Job at an Affordable Price done by 20 someone you can Trust 100 % Satisfaction - Lic./Ins.

VIOLATIONS REMOVED ROADSTONE CONTRACTING

917-560-8146

Licensed & Insured Free Estimates

Free Estimate 917-733-1489 cbpaintpro.com

ACCARDI CONSTRUCTION CORP.

RAFFAELE MASONRY

★ 20 Years Excellent Record with Consumer Affairs

HOWARD BEACH RESIDENT

718-938-2127

QUEENS CHRONICLE (718) 205-8000

_____________________________________

Address ________________________________________________ __________________________Phone ________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________________________

Deadline: Friday, 3 p.m. • Payment Must Accompany Order Call for prices and discounts for larger ads & longer advertising periods $25 CHARGE FOR RETURNED CHECKS

N.Y. Lic #1456192

WINDOWS Easy Tilt Easy Cleaning

Thermal Insulated Double Hung Windows

$249 20

Installed With Capping up to 101 UI

We’ll See What’s BUGGING You! Lowest Rates • Fully Certified All Work Fully Guaranteed Chemicals Rotated - All Areas Commercial & Residential

10% OFF

All Work Supervised FREE ESTIMATES - INSURED 3 Rooms

718-357-4719

Min.

(Flat & Shingle)

• • • • •

Siding • Windows Any Type of Doors Awnings Patio Enclosures Interior/Exterior Painting • Gutters, Leaders Senior Citizen Discounts • Clean Gutters 24 Hr. Service - 7 Days A Wk.

Se Habla Español Lic. #1242941 Insurance Estimates Welcome

ROOFING

A+ Rating

Wizard Furniture, Inc.

Spring Specials

Professional HANDYMAN

E-mail: wizardfurniture@yahoo.com

INTERIOR SPECIALIST Benjamin Moore Paints Senior Citizen Discount 20% Off 30 Years Experience • Sheetrock • Plastering • Skim Coating • Wallpaper • Taping Removal W/Mention of ad

SIDING

• Professional Furniture Repair • Touch-Ups • Refreshing Kitchen Cabinets & Much More FREE ESTIMATES Call 516-837-0886 or 917-515-7416

TERMITE INSPECTION AND TERMITE JOBS

FIRST CLASS EXTERIORS

Call 718-848-3800

WWW.WINDOWSRUS.COM

Families Exterminator

- Demolition - Painting - Concrete - Sheetrock - Pavers - Flooring - Plumbing - Bathrooms Call Bobby 35

• Large Factory Trained Crews with Foreman Specializing in • Fully Licensed & Insured Storm Repair and • Family Owned & Operated Insurance Claims • Serving Tri-State, Nassau & Suffolk for 18 Years WE FIGHT FOR YOU!! FREE ESTIMATES

WINDOWS “R” US 1-866-492-2922

FINANCING AVAILABLE

SENTURY PAINTING

Mail to: P.O. Box 74-7769, Rego Park, NY 11374-7769

718-209-9576

Lic. #1258952

Specializing in House Cleanouts Removal of Furniture & Debris

917-373-2166

Specializing in: Concrete & Masonry • Steps • Porches Basement Entrances • Demolition Brick Veneers • Cultured Stone Stamped Concrete • Driveways Concrete Pavers “Demand The Best… Demand Dominick”

• Bathrooms • Kitchens • Basements • Windows/Anderson/Pella/Skylights • Decks • Concrete • Pavers • Roofing • Flooring • Painting • Sheetrock • Carpentry • Plumbing • Electrical • Extensions & New Construction

917-670-1015

Signature

718-326-7500

MASSELLA’S CLEANOUTS

Driveways Stoops/Patios Retaining Walls Cleanouts

If requested, tearsheet mailed $5.00 ea. Copy of newspaper mailed $7.00 ea. Enclose payment & instructions

Name

Lic. #0889386

Mjonas@variedcc.com

Write your ad copy on a separate piece of paper. Maximum of 25 words per box. NO changes during the 5 weeks. Send order form, completely filled out with a check for the appropriate amount or you can place your ad by phone on Mastercard, Visa, American Express or Discover

Or Call:

FULLY INSURED, BONDED & LICENSED

Painting, Repairs, Floors, Tile, Finished Basements, Plumbing, Carpentry, Wood Work, Etc.

Victor 917-709-5747

OMNI TREE SERVICE Tree Removal, Pruning, Stump Removal and Land Cleaning We Will Beat Any Estimate!

17 Owner present on all job sites! Special Discounts for Senior Citizens, Police and Firemen. Commercial • Residential Licensed/Insured

516-351-3725 • 917-406-6713

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SERVICES Single Box Ad 15/8” x 15/8”

Randazzo’s Construction

• Renovations • Free Estimates • Senior Citizen Discounts • Residential & Commercial • Financing Available

CONCRETE EXPERTS

Specializing in: Brick & Block (patio) Sidewalk, Driveways, Stoops, Interlock Brick Paving, Brick Pointing, Carpentry, Roofing and Waterproofing Lic. #1229326 Licensed & Insured

• Roofing - All Types • Siding • Complete Home Improvements • Dormers • Bathrooms • Extensions

Cell: 347-418-7309

- Low Cost Boiler Repairs - Same Day Boiler Removal and Professional Installation at a Discounted Cost 18

Serving the 5 Boroughs & Long Island for over 30 years

347-777-5004

WE CAN ARRANGE:

FREE ESTIMATES Contact Terrence

ALL WORK GUARANTEED

D/B/A Martin’s G.C.

Chronicle CLASSIFIEDS To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Help Wanted

IMMEDIATE WORK AVAILABLE BRONX / QUEENS CERTIFIED Bilingual English/Spanish H.H.A'S

$$$ • Sign On Bonus Upon Hire • $$$ $125 Live-in / $50 All Certified • Paid Vacation • Paid In-Service • Direct Deposit • Referral Bonus

UPON HIRE

EOE FAMILY AIDES INC. CALL FOR APPOIINTMENT

607511

• 401K

Bronx 718-741-9535

Queens 718-429-6565

Nassau 516-681-2300

Suffolk 631-654-0789

HOST INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Tutoring

Logistics Supervisor: Jamaica, New York. Work w/Sr. Mgm’t to create & achieve specific logistics service targets w/in wine and spirits industry. Review performance w/ wine and spirits customers based upon targets, benchmarks, & existing logistics agreements; issue recommendations for wine & spirits shipments. Direct & support analysis of existing logistics activities specific to the wine & spirits industry; Direct implementation of new logistics operations & processes for the wine & spirits industry. Direct logistics team responsibilities, establishing task priorities, scheduling & tracking work assignments. B.S. in Finance/ Logistics/Management / Economics or foreign equivalent + 5 yrs exp. or MBA (or foreign equivalent). 5 yrs. exp. must be in the Italian wine & spirits industry; full term of exp. includes wine transportation, importation & storage + logistics operations in wine/spirits industry. 5 yrs. exp. in distribution mgm’t (marketing, sales, & service). Supervisory skills for full term of exp. Knowledge + 3 yrs. Exp. w/Crystal Report, Sage Business Works, Sage Peachtree, Intuit QuickBooks, Html Basics, hot MetalPro, & all main Office programs (Excel, Word, Access, PowerPoint). 30% travel annually. fax resume & cover letter 718 917-0440 or email c.paris@albatransusa.com. EEO Employer.

English Tutor. Retired English Teacher. Reading comprehension, basic writing skills, Regents & SAT prep. 718-496-7951

Merchandise Wanted

DRIVERS WANTED

F/T MECHANIC

LARGE TRANSPORTATION COMPANY LOOKING FOR BUS AND AMBULETTE DRIVERS. CLEAN BACKGROUND AND NYS CDL REQUIRED. NO RESTRICTIONS. MINIMUM 21 YEARS OF AGE. ALL ARE WELCOME

Needed for forklift company in S. Ozone Park. Must have basic automotive exp., H.S. Diploma & 5 years exp, Valid driver’s license. Diagnose equipment problems & report findings to service mgr.

SCHOOL BUS/VAN DRIVERS

76-19 ROCKAWAY BLVD. WOODHAVEN, NY 11421

Email resume to:

cltliftinc@aol.com

HUNTINGTON COACH 631-271-8931

$8,000 6,000 - $7,000 BUS DRIVERS

COMPENSATION Women 21-31 Egg Donors Needed. 100% conﬁdential Help turn couples into families with physicians onThe Best Doctor's List. 1-877-9-DONATE 1-877-936-6283

c0371

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Kaplan is looking for host families in Queens who are interested in housing our international students from all over the world. Bring the world to your home and supplement your income with a competitive stipend! Please Contact Felicitas Reinhold if interested at 646-285-0300 Ext. 36 or email to nychomestay@kaplan.com

Help Wanted

www.longislandivf.com

Nursery school in Mid Queens looking for P/T Bus Drivers with “Class-C License.” CALL 718-899-2020

Best Pay Package in the Industry! Start at $20.62* Bus, $18.00* Van Equal Opportunity Employer FREE CDL Training 5 to 7 Hrs. per day Guaranteed Full Benefit Package

*Attendance Bonus Included

HOME HEALTH AIDES: Immediate Work! Free Training-Nassau/Suffolk Only. Sign-on Bonus, Paid Vacation,Paid In- Service, Direct Deposit, FAMILY AIDES, INC. Nassau 516-681-2300,Suffolk 631654-0789, Bronx 718-741-9535, Queens 718-429-6565 Having a garage sale? Let everyone know about it by advertising in the Queens Classifieds. Call 718-205-8000 and place the ad!

Ph.D. provides Outstanding Tutoring in Math, English, Special Exams. All levels. Study skills taught. 718-767-0233

Help Wanted

50%off *

Enjoy

y Da r ’s 2 th he 1 ot ay M sM i

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 50

SQ page 50

All the Frills Bouquet

E SAV %*

Site Price: $3999

+s/h

You Pay: $

99 +s/h

Car Donations

Hurry! Order right now for the unbelievable direct low price of just $19.99+s/h!

GET A FREE VACATION as well as IRS tax deduction BY DONATING your vehicle, boat, property, collectibles to DVAR. Help teens in crisis. Call: 1-800-338-6724

*Take 50% off “All the Frills” and 20% off minimum product purchase of $29. Discounts: (i) apply to the regular price of the products, (ii) will appear upon checkout and cannot be combined with other offers or discounts, unless specified, and (iii) do not apply to gift cards or certificates, international delivery, shipping & handling, taxes, or third-party hosted products (e.g. wine). Discounts not valid on bulk or corporate purchases of 10 units or more. Images in this advertisement may include upgraded, premium containers which are available for an additional charge. Prices valid while supplies last. Offer expires 5/8/2013.

Visit www.proﬂowers.com/splendid or call 888.832.9942

Join Over 12 Million People Who Have Found a Better Way to Send Flowers

Merchandise For Sale

LONGEVITY MEDICAL SUPPLY, INC. Only the Best! Delivery Service! Most Insurances Accepted. We handle all your medical equipment needs. 73-23 20th Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11204

718-676-1320

Junk Cars Wanted

Reception desk, lg cosmetic showcase, small station table. All $350, excellent cond. Kay 347870-5378

DONATE YOUR CAR

SAWMILLS from only $3997.00MAKE & SAVE MONEY with your own bandmill- Cut lumber any dimension. In stock ready to ship. FREE Info/DVD: www.NorwoodSawmills.com 1-800-578-1363 Ext.300N

1-877-591-3075

ANTIQUES & HOBBIES

Free Towing - Tax Deductible Help Prevent Blindness Get A Vision Screening Annually

Merchandise Wanted

SAME LOCATION FOR 25 YEARS WE BUY ANTIQUE TOYS, TRAINS, COSTUME, JEWELRY, PAINTINGS, STERLING SILVER, SMALL FURNITURE PIECES AND DECORATIVE ITEMS.

PLEASE CALL LORI, 718-3244330. 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 SILVER105-18 Metropolitan Ave. WARE, FIGURINES, CANDLEForest Hills, NY STICKS, PAINTINGS, PRINTS, RUGS, PIANOS, GUITARS, VIOLINS, FLUTES, TAG SALES, CASH for Coins! Buying ALL Gold CLEANOUTS, CARS & Silver. Also Stamps & Paper Money, Entire Collections, Estates. Travel to your home. Call Marc in Ozone Park, Sat 4/27 & Sun 4/28, NYC 1-800-959-3419 10-5, 94-30 134 Ave off Crossbay LOOKING TO BUY Blvd. HUGE SALE! Estates, gold, costume jewelry, old & mod furn, records, silver, Woodhaven, Fri 4/26, Sat 4/27, coins, art, toys, oriental items. Call 9am, 89 Ave and 96 St HUGE MULTI-FAMILY SALE! George, 718-386-1104

718-520-1630

Garage/Yard Sales

Garage/Yard Sales S Ozone Park, Sun 4/28, 10-3, 13511 120 St betw 135 & 149 Ave, craft supplies only. In backyard, look for balloon. Scrapbooking, floral, home decor, stitchery kits, storage... too much to lift. Woodhaven, Sat 4/27, raindate Sun 4/28, 9-4, corner 86 St & 86 Ave. Glassware, housewares, paintings, Xmas items, toys, records, books.

Advertise in The Queens Chronicle’s Classified Section And Get Results…Fast Call 718-205-8000

SQ page 51

CLASSIFIEDS

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Educational Services

Financial Services

Over $10,000 in credit card bills? Can’t make the minimum payments?

✔ WE CAN GET YOU OUT OF DEBT QUICKLY

HOW TO APPROACH A FOUNDATION: From Initial Contact to Getting Funded

✔ WE CAN SAVE YOU THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS ✔ WE CAN HELP YOU AVOID BANKRUPTCY

Susan Shiroma, Senior Librarian Foundation Center Thursday, May 16, 2013 9:30am to 11:30am Borough of Manhattan Community College (BMCC) Richard Harris Terrace 199 Chambers Street, New York, NY 10007

CREDIT CARD RELIEF

Not a high-priced consolidation loan or one of those consumer credit counseling programs

for your FREE consultation CALL

888-708-1538

We’re here to help you Monday - Friday from 9am-9pm EST Not available in all states

Healthcare

Healthcare Call toll-free: 1-800-264-1353

Are You Still Paying Too Much For Your Medications? You can save up to 90% when you fill your prescriptions at our Canadian and International prescription service. rice Our P

Celecoxib* $58.00

Generic equivalent of CelebrexTM. Generic price for 200mg x 100

Pre-registration is required for this FREE workshop. To register, visit npccny.org/workshop.htm or call 212-502-4191 ext. 30.

compared to

CelebrexTM $437.58 Typical US brand price for 200mg x 100

Get An Extra $10 Off & Free Shipping On Your 1st Order! Call the number below and save an additional $10 plus get free shipping on your first prescription order with Canada Drug Center. Expires March 31, 2013. Offer is valid for prescription orders only and can not be used in conjunction with any other offers.

Use code 10FREE to receive this special offer.

Call Toll-free: 1-800-264-1353

Flea Market

Use of these services is subject to the Terms of Use and accompanying policies at www.canadadrugcenter.com.

Miscellaneous

RICHMOND HILL FLEA MARKET

Miscellaneous monitoring starting

• Jewelry • Clothing • Consumables & more! 117-09 Hillside Ave., Richmond Hill, NY 11418

Phone: 347-709-7661

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC EVERY

SUNDAY 8 AM TO 3 PM BARGAINS! BARGAINS! www.richmondhillfleamarket.com

around

per week

*with $99 cust omer installat purchase of alar ion m monitoring charge and services.

Call Today, Protect Tomorrow!

1-888-708-1540

Mon-Fri 8am - 11pm • Sat 9am - 8pm • Sun 10am - 6pm EST

Adoption

AIRLINES ARE HIRING -Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified -Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance 866-296-7093

A BABY IS OUR DREAM: Neil and Naomi are longing to ADOPT. Happily married, creative, active, loving couple. Please call: 1-800982-3678 or www.coupleseeksadoption.com EXPENSES PAID.

Attend College Online from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Criminal Justice, *Hospitality. Job placement assistance. Computer and Financial Aid if qualified. SCHEV authorized. Call 888-201-8657 www.CenturaOnline.com

ADOPT: A childless couple seeks to adopt. Loving home with tenderness, warmth, happiness. Financial security. Expenses paid. Regis & David (888)986-1520 or text (347)406-1924; www.davidandregisadopt.com

Furniture Repairs

Our Classifieds Reach Over 400,000 Readers. Call 718-2058000 to advertise.

Cellini Chair Doctor. Refinishing, Reupholstery, Caning, Drapery, Chairs, Tables, Bedrooms, Diningrooms, Custom Upholstered Headboards, Valences, Cornices & more. Over 50 years experience. FREE ESTIMATES call 347-627- 5273.

IMMIGRATION LAW Green Cards • Family Visa Petitions • Student Visas Business & Employment Visas • Citizenship Applications Deportation & Removal Defense • Bond Hearings

Call for Appointment (646) 253-0511 Email: info@conroyimmigration.com Notice of Formation of limited liability company. Name: J. DANIEL CLUB LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 12/31/2012. Office location is 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, 41-08 12 ST., APT. 1E, LONG ISLAND CITY, NY 11101-6303. The general purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: PARTRIDGE EQUITY GROUP LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 03/06/13. The latest date of dissolution is 12/31/2099. 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, 23-08 Newtown Avenue, Astoria, New York 11102. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

AIDEA DESIGNS, LLC, a foreign LLC, filed with the SSNY on 1/23/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 2000 Broadway, Unit PH1C, NY, NY 10023. General Purposes.

TREVI MANAGEMENT SERVICES LLC. Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/30/12. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 85-34 66th Road, Rego Park, NY 11374. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

560 Seneca Ave Qiu’s Realty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 2/15/13. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Ji Min Qiu, 560 Seneca Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of limited liability company. Name: Dutch Kills Studio LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 02/08/2013. Office location is 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, 41-16A 47th St., Sunnyside, NY 11104. The general purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Legal Notices

Notice of Formation of GRC REALTY ASSOCIATES LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 03/07/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to the LLC, 73-01 Grand Ave., Maspeth, NY 11378. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

SIDETRACKS NYC LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 11/6/12. Office in Queens Co. SSNY design. Agent of LLC upon whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to The LLC, 560 State Street , Apt. 4C, Brooklyn, NY 11217. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

Name of LLC: AccTrove LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with NY Dept. of State: 2/22/13. Office loc.: Queens Co. Sec. of State designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and shall mail process to: c/o Business Filings Inc., 187 Wolf Rd., Ste. 101, Albany, NY 12205, regd. agt. upon whom process may be served. Purpose: any lawful act.

ERIC HELMS LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/1/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: The LLC, 5-20 47th Rd., Long Island City, NY 11101. General Purposes.

PLACING AN AD IS EASY, JUST... CALL US

MAIL US

Call 1-718-205-8000 Deadline to place, correct or cancel ads: Tuesday noon, before Thursday publication Fax 1-718-205-1957

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Queens Chronicle 62-33 Woodhaven Boulevard Rego Park, NY 11374

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Educational Services

ATTORNEY CHARLES R. CONROY

Order Now! 1-800-264-1353

Please note that we do not carry controlled substances and a valid prescription is required for all prescription medication orders.

Flea Market

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Practicing Exclusively in All Areas of

BURIED in CREDIT CARDDEBT?

FREE Fundraising Workshop for Nonprofit Professionals!

LEGAL NOTICES

Page 51 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Chronicle

For the latest news visit qchron.com

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 52

SQ page 52

Chronicle

CLASSIFIEDS

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Notice of Formation of Sand Lane SI, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/26/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: c/o Mikhail Neystat, PhD, 101-24 Queens Blvd., Suite A, Forest Hills, NY 11375. Purpose: any lawful activity.

Notice of Formation of limited liability company. Name: CPV DEVELOPMENT, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 04/08/2013. Office location is 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, 12-61 150th Street, Whitestone, NY 11357. The general purpose: For any lawful purpose.

Notice of formation of Whitfield Surveys LLC. Articles of Organization filed with the Secretary of State of New York SSNY on 2/11/2013. Office located in Queens. SSNY has been designated for service of process. SSNY shall mail copy of any process served against the LLC 35-08 24th Ave., Astoria, NY 11103. Purpose: any lawful purpose.

Notice of Formation of limited liability company. Name: BORELAND & BORELAND, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 5/26/2009. Office location is Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Boreland & Boreland, LLC, 244-11 136 Avenue, Rosedale, New York 11422. The general purpose: For any lawful purpose.

NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY. NAME: RTISAN COFFEE PROJECT, LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/29/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to the LLC, c/o Edgar M. Ortegon, 4628 Vernon Boulevard, Suite 502, Long Island City, New York 11101. Purpose: For any lawful purpose.

We Court Your Legal Advertising.

Notice of formation of limited liability corporation (LLC). Name: Corona Crown Publishing, LLC. Reg. filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 3/8/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to 103-19 32nd Ave., East Elmhurst, NY 11369. Purpose: Any lawful activity.

8409 Queens Realty LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/20/13. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 84-09 Queens Blvd., Elmhurst, NY 11373. Purpose: General.

No Limit Property Management, LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 1/25/13. Office in Queens County. SSNY designated agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Christina Teape, 119-05 202nd St., St. Albans, NY 11412. Purpose: General.

Notice of Formation of Valdez Logistics LLC. Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 3/6/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: National Registered Agents, Inc., 111 Eighth Ave., 13th Fl., NY, NY 10011, also the registered agent. Purpose: any lawful activities.

MJJS LLC, a domestic LLC, Arts. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 3/13/13. Office location: Queens County. SSNY is designated as agent upon whom process against the LLC may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: Bogdan Skrodzki, 65-47 Myrtle Ave., Ridgewood, NY 11385. General Purposes.

Notice of Formation of limited liability company. Name: NEE REALTY LLC. Articles of Organization were filed with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 01/02/2013. Office location is 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, 15-03 126th Street, College Point, NY 11356. The general purpose: For any lawful purpose.

For Legal Notice Rates & Information,

Call 718-205-8000

Chronicle

REAL ESTATE

To Advertise Call 718-205-8000

Real Estate

Houses For Sale

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

Brand New! Mountain Golf Cottage only $139,900! Sale Saturday, May 4th Incredible 3 bed/2 bath home in foothills of Blue Ridge Mountains at spectacular 18 hole golf course resort. Must see! Call now 866-3343253, x 2768

Apts. For Rent

Mortgages

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

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

Direct Mortgage Banker, endorsed by FHA offering lines of credit at 2.704%. If you are 62 or above and need access to funds either now or in the furture, call now for Howard Beach/Lindenwood, mod- a no-cost pre-qualification. 7 days ern 3 BR, 2 baths, balcony, EIK, a week, 516-647-1469. Equal LR/DR combo, credit ck & refs. Housing Lender. Owner, 718-738-4013 Howard Beach, exclusive agent for studios & 1 BR apts, absentee L/L. Call Joe Trotta, Broker, 718843-3333

Howard Beach/Lindenwood 2 BR duplex in excel cond, new carpet, no smoking/pets, credit check & ref req, $1,550/mo. 718-835-0306 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, studio walk-in, all new, G&E, C/A, cable. $900/mo. Broker 347-8467809

Open House OPEN HOUSE HOWARD BEACH SUN 4/28, 12-3PM, 156-11 76 ST.

2 Family Detached, 6/6, Full fin bsmnt w/OSE, Updated kits & baths, H/W Fls thruout, Move-in condition! A Must See! Agent Denise Friedman Old Howard Beach, 2 fl duplex, 3 Howard Beach/Rockwood Park, newly decorated, 1 BR, no pets/smoking, $1,300/mo w/ G&E & CAC incl, 718-848-4272

BR, 1 1/2 baths, new kit & bath, $1,800/mo. Owner, 347-303-2362

Houses For Sale

917-560-9401 Exit Realty Central

Old Howard Beach, 2 BR on the water, 2 fl, completely renov, Howard Beach, Sat 4/27, 12:30-3, 97-12 160 Ave. All brick colo$1,800/mo. 347-303-2362 nial,(new construction 2009), 4 Woodhaven, studio apt, fully carBR, 3 1/2 baths, LR w/fireplace, peted, freshly painted, sep ent. full fin bsmnt. A must see! $900/mo, all utils incl. Call owner Connexion I RE, 718-845-1136 347-208-4209 Howard Beach/Lindenwood, Sat 4/27, 1-3, 78-06 153 Ave. Garden Condo, 1 BR, low maint, only Upper Ditmars, 2 BR, 1 bath + $274/mo. Cheaper than renting! dinette. Corner apt, 2 fl. Near Asking $159K. Chiarovano-Del trans, pvt storage, AC’s, new car- Grosso Realty, 718-456-8989 peting, freshly painted. Ozone Park, Sat 4/27, 1-3, 137-16 $1,700/mo. 917-319-2047 96 St. 1 family brick attached home, 2 BR, all new granite kit, new bath, new fls, lots of closets, full fin bsmnt,gar. A must see! Ozone Park, Tudor Village, 2 famiAsking $399K. Howard Beach ly semi det, 3 BR, 2 full baths, Realty, 718-641-6800 EIK, FDR, LR, full fin bsmnt, w/laundry room. Jerry Fink RE, Classified Ad Deadline is 12 Noon on Tuesday for Thursday’s paper. 718-766-9175 or 917-774-6121

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

Land For Sale ORGANIC FARM 1ST TIME OFFERED- APRIL 27TH ! 5 acres30 Mile Views - $19,900 4 acresTrout Stream - $24,900 2 to 17 ac tracts! Just off NY Thruway, 30min west of Albany Region! Call (888) 905-8847 www.NewYorkLandandLakes.com

Real Estate Misc. Sales, rentals, property management. Call today for a free market evalution! We offer low fixed fee commissions as low as 1%. Full service commissions as low as 3%. Put money in your pocket! C H I A R O VA N O - D E L G R O S S O REALTY , 718-456-8989 or 516252-1355

Classified Ad Special Pay for 3 weeks and the 4th week is FREE!

Call 718-205-8000

Condos For Rent

Houses For Sale

WITH A

205-8000

C M SQ page 53 Y K

HRA program helps nurse remodel, and pay off her car “Wow, is this the same bathroom? ” friends of Patricia Keanes-Douglas ask when they visit her Brooklyn home. “Who did it? It’s beautiful!” Maybe it’s the shimmering Carrera White tiling on both the floor and walls that catches their eye. Maybe it’s the modern chromefinish Kohler fixtures and deepsoak drop-in bathtub. Or it might be the marble sink and clean white solid wood vanity below it. Then there’s the threebulb lighting fixture that lends such a crystal- clear glow to the whole room. More likely than not, it’s all these things, because everywhere you look, Keanes-Douglas’ new bathroom exhibits a refined elegance and style that looks modern but also will stand the test of time. “It’s very posh-looking,” she says. “It’s really light and airy, and it makes you want to stay in the bathroom. Even though the bathroom is small, it’s the kind of bathroom you see in a magazine. It’s beautiful.” Best of all, turning the bathroom from dated and drab to light and livable cost a lot less than you might think, thanks to the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance program, which specializes in helping homeowners do all kinds of remodeling while at the same time saving thousands of dollars. Keanes-Douglas, a nurse, and her daughter, Patricia, had been wanting to redo the bathroom in

their home on a quiet block near the Brooklyn Terminal Market for years, but the time never seemed quite right. Until, that is, they received an advertisement for the HRA and saw all the services its attentive staff offers. “My daughter is always looking to upgrade things,” KeanesDouglas explained. “She’s wanted to do the bathroom for a long time. I said, well, we’ve been here over 10 years, and we’ve done some things around the house. I hated that old bathroom. This seemed to be the right time to do it.” But the Keanes-Douglases didn’t want to call just any old contractor to do the job, which is where HRA comes in. The first step was to call the group’s toll-free number and set up an appointment with a representative who came by to explain all the benefits of the program, which include securing assistance and screening contractors to make sure only the best are brought in to do the work. Keanes-Douglas, like so many HRA clients, is thrilled with the results. Not only did she get a new bathroom for herself and her daughter, the refinancing allowed her to pay off her car loan, do some more work on the dining room and still come out ahead. I t was H R A r ep r es ent a tive Carlos Fontanez who first came to her home to detail the program. “When Carlos came he

Before

After

Page 53 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

A new bathroom and money saved

Brooklyn nurse Patricia Keanes-Douglas was tired of her bathroom’s outdated design, but had been putting off renovations — until the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance program put remodeling within reach. explained the whole thing to me,” said Keanes-Douglas, a native of Grenada who’s lived in the United States most of the last 42 years. “I don’t like to rush things. He took a lot of time explaining everything to me. Then I spoke to his supervisor, and he was really very thorough and informative. Once I got all the information and

— ADVERTISEMENT —

“Not a pin was out of place. I would totally recommend them.” And the workers did a lot more than is visible to the eye, also redoing the bathroom’s plumbing and electrical systems. They even found the time, and the means within her budget, to do some much-needed work in the dining room attached to the back of her house, putting in new hardwood flooring, electricity and — for the first time — baseboard heating. All the work went smoothly. “There were no unexpected problems,” Keanes-Douglas said. “I had no complaints at all.” And she just can’t get over that new bathroom. “I love it,” she said. “The colors attract so much light. In the evening, with the light coming in, the bathroom is like a big ball of light.” To find out if you qualify for the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance program, just call HRA tollfree at 866-791-6302. Tell them you read about the great job they did for the Keanes-Douglases, and they’ll be sure to give you the same level of excellent service. HOUR-060444

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Patricia Keanes-Douglas can’t help but smile as she shows her HRA representative, Carlos Fontanez, what a great job her program-approved contractors did on her bathroom. A drop-in deep-soak tub with custom-tiled apron brings style, comfort and even tax savings, all thanks to the Housing Rehabilitation Assistance program.

read it over, I was very comfortable with the program.” The next step was to meet with the HRA-approved contractor w ho’d b e doing t he wor k. The program is very particular about who can do the jobs it’s involved with, requiring companies to demonstrate that they are licensed, bonded and insured for at least $100,000 per incident; registered with the Better Business Bureau, with a rating of an A or higher; on file with Consumer Affairs; and in business for at least 10 years with no name changes in their filings. The HRA’s standards ensure that only the best, most reputable home improvement firms are hired — and the program’s rules stipulate that they don’t even get paid until a client certifies the job has been done to his or her complete satisfaction. The selective process paid off for Keanes-Douglas, as it does for each HRA client, with the whole job done in about a week without any problems, and her house left spotless every day. “They cleaned up as they went along,” Keanes-Douglas said.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 54

C M SQ page 54 Y K

JERRY FINK REAL ESTATE, INC. 160-10 Cross Bay Blvd, Howard Beach, NY

Call 718-766-9175 or 917-774-6121 . WWW

RE JF INK .COM

16 Years of Selling A Name You Can Trust, Service You Can Depend On HOWARD BEACH

HOWARD BEACH CALL FOR DETAILS

TUDOR VILLAGE OZONE PARK

Lovely 2 Family Colonial, Six over Six, 3 Bedrooms and 1 Full Bath on each flr, New listing! Must See! All Offers! $589.5K

Beautiful Mini-Mansion, with Full Basement, U-shaped Living Rm/Dining Rm, Fireplace, Custom Built Kitchen w/Center island, 3 Bedrooms, 2.5 Baths, Must See! All Offers!

Beautiful 2 Family Semi Detached Home Located in the Heart of Tudor Village, Well maintained Property, 3 Bedrooms, 2 Full baths, EIK, Formal DR, LR, Full Finished Basement w/Laundry Room, Must See! Call Today!

HOWARD BEACH

PHOTO COURTESY ROSEMARY CIULLA-FRISONE

HOWARD BEACH ACCEPTED OFFER! LET US SELL YOURS!

LISTING SPECIAL 2.5%

Rat Pack comes to Queens Colonial on Water, 3 Bedrooms, Needs TLC, Bulkhead, Seller Wants To Hear All Offers.

Beautiful Large 1 Bedroom Co-op Located in the Fairfield Arms, Renovated Kitchen & Bath, L-shaped Living Rm/Dining Rm, Plenty of Closets, Small Office Space, Must See! All Offers!

The original members of the Rat Pack may be gone, but their legacy certainly lives on. The Order Sons of Italy’s Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge #2867 and the Rotary Club of Southwest Queens held a joint dinner and show at La Bella Vita catering hall in Ozone Park on April 12 featuring impersonators of three of the four famous crooners.

Desirable Pembroke Studio, 1 Updated Full Bath, Hardwood Floors, Eff Kitchen, Owner Motivated, Must See! All Offers! $64.5K

FREE MARKET APPRAISALS

HB y t l a e R

One Percent Properties

Enjoying the event here are “Frank Sinatra,” left, Geoffrey Duldulao, vice president of the Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge, “Sammy Davis Jr.”, “Dean Martin,” Joseph Blasi, president of the Rotary Club of Southwest Queens, and Rosemary CiullaFrisone, president of the Fiorello LaGuardia Lodge.

Thomas J. LaVecchia, Licensed Real Estate Broker 137-05 Cross Bay Blvd. Ozone Park, NY 11417 www.howardbeachrealty.com

718-641-6800

Houses Wanted - Free To List - Free Credit Check - Call Now! OPEN HOUSE

SAT 4/27, 1-3pm 137-16 96 St.

Net More

Increase Showings

HOWARD BEACH 4 Rms, 1 BR Hi-Rise Co-op, All redone, New Granite Kit, New Bath, New Appl. PARKING AVAILABLE! Asking $110K

HOWARD BEACH One Family, All Redone, 3 BRs, 3 Baths, Must See!

OZONE PARK

All new granite kit, New fls, New bath, skylight, lots of closets, 5 Rm, 2 BR, brick attached home with full fin bsmnt and gar, must see. Asking only $389K

Price Flexibility

Michael Gregoretti Licensed Real Estate Broker

Howard Beach to Nassau County

516-459-3658

50 Internet Sites

MICG-060863

Please Disregard if already Listed with a realtor

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Sell Faster

HOWARD BEACH 2 Family, 3 BRs, 1.5 Baths On 1st Floor. 2 BRs 1 Bath On 2nd Floor. Full Fin Bsmnt, High Ceilings. Come In And See!

HOWARD BEACH 3.5 Rm Garden co-op, New kit Updated bath, Dog ok, Mint cond, Asking $115K

HOWARD BEACH 2 BR Garden Co-op, 2 Flr, Pet ok, Washer allowed. Asking only $120K

APARTMENT FOR RENT

HOWARD BEACH/OZONE PARK 3.5 Rooms 1 BR Apartment, Terrace, Laundry Room on Premises, and parking.

C M SQ page 55rev Y K

REAL ESTATE SERVICES INC. Get Your House

161-14A Crossbay Blvd., Howard Beach

SOLD!

(Brother’s Shopping Ctr.)

718-845-1136

www.ConnexionRealEstate.com OPEN HOUSE SAT, 4/27, 12:30-3pm • 97-12 160 Ave. OW N E

R MOT

IVATE D

Mint Hi-Ranch, 3/4 BRs, New Kit, 2 New Full Baths, Crown Molding, New Roof, Skylights, Pvt Dvwy, New Condition, Simply Mint!

Lg cape on 50x100, Full bsmnt, 4 BRs, 2 Baths, "Room to expand". House needs updating, Owner very motivated

Asking only $499K

ARLENE PACCHIANO

LAJJA P. MARFATIA

Broker/Owner

N IN CO

T R AC

! DAYS IN 7

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Large oversized corner ranch brick & stone, 4 Brs, 2.5 Baths, Full finished bsmnt. $509K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Unique Hi-Ranch, Large 3 BRs, 1.5 Baths w/Deck overlooking yard. Beautiful IGP, Mint walkin, 1 BR. Only $669,500

All Brick Colonial (New Construction 2009),4 BRs, 3½

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Hi-Ranch, XLg 5 BRs, 3 Full Baths, Updated Thruout, 27x55, On 40x109 Lot. Asking $699K

Mint Hi-Ranch, All redone in 2004, 3/4 BRs, All New Kitchen w/ Stainless Steel, Appl, All New Brick, Stucco Windows, Kitchen, Baths, Pavers front & back, New Roof, New Gas Boiler, CAC, Polished Porcelin Tiles. Asking $699K

CED

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

Move-in Cond, Hi-Ranch, 4 BRs, 3 Full Baths, Maple wood kit cabinets, Granite countertops, H/W Fls thruout, New windows. Half IGP, Deck. Call for info. Asking $649K

HOWARD BEACH/ LINDENWOOD CO-OPS

• JR4 Hi-Rise Coops .............Only $85K • Updated 1 BR Co-op.................$105K • XLG Updated 1 BR Hi-Rise .......$105K HOWARD BEACH • Well maint. 1 BR Hi-Rise Co-op $112K Mint "Amazing" Corner Ranch on • Hi-Rise 2 BRs/2 Updated Baths$150K 40x100, 2 Car Det Garage, 3 BRs, HOWARD BEACH/ Baths, All New Kitchen, Cherry • Garden, Mint, 1st Fl, Updated kitchen ROCKWOOD PARK 2½Cabinets, & bath, 2 BRs, 1 Bath with FDR$169K Granite Countertop, Empire Style Hi-Ranch, 5 BRs and • 2 BR, 1 Bath, S/S Appl, Mint ....$189K Stainless Steel Appl, Lg LR w/ 3 Full Baths, CAC, Pvt Dvwy & 1 Car Gar, 40x100 Lot, Great Block! Asking $655K

READY TO SELL YOUR GREATEST ASSET? LIST WITH US! 718-845-1136

Fireplace, Huge DR, All New Baths, Full Fin Bsmnt w/Wood Burning Stove. Much More! Asking $539K

OZONE PARK/ CENTERVILLE CONDO • Park Village Condo, Mint 2 BRs, 2 Baths w/Terrace, Unit comes w/1 Parking Spot .............$269K

HOWARD BEACH/ COMMERCIAL SUBLET • Old Howard Beach - 800 sq ft office space, Totally renovated, Ground fl, WOODHAVEN Across the street from "A" Train. Charming very spacious brick Victorian, • New Howard Beach - 1400 sq ft office Exquisite wood moldings and wood space, Ground floor. $2200/mo. bannister leading up to 3rd fl. 9 stained • Old Howard Beach - Excellent for glass windows, glass doorknobs, pocket Medical office, Fully renov, 1200 sq ft, doors and French doors. 6 BRs, 3½ baths, Lg Front Rm w/3 Pvt Rms, $1400/mo. 2 car gar, New roof. Asking $629K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Large Hi-Ranch, Amazing Location! 55x100 irregular lot, 4 BRs, 3 Full Baths, Hardwood Flrs under rugs. Asking $659K

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE Just what you are looking for! 40x100 Cape, 4 BRs, 1½ Baths, Unfinished Basement. $449K

HOWARD BEACH HAMILTON BEACH Mint Waterfront 50x70 lot, 2 BRs Ranch, Deck overlooking the bay, Updated throughout. Asking $295K

! SOLD

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Beautiful 4 BRs, 2.5 Baths, Hardwood flrs, Updated bath, Walk-in 1 BR Apt, Garage. Asking $599K

N IN CO

T R AC

! DAYS IN 21

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE

2 Family all brick tudor, 3 BRs, 3 Full baths, All new wood flooring Legal 2 family, 6 over 6, 1.5 Baths & tiles, Private driveway, 1 car on each fl, Irregular lot, New roof, garage. Asking Only $659K New Boiler. Only $529K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Beautiful Hi-Ranch, Completely Renovated, Walk-in 1 BR Apt., Main floor converted to 2 BRs w/Large Jacuzzi Bath and deck off MBR. Asking $679K

Move-in Condition 4 BR Cape, 2 New Baths, New Roof/ Windows, Excellent location. Asking $610K

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE Large home on 42x100, Updated kitchen, 9' ceilings, Fireplace, Pvt dvwy w/detached 2 car garage, Full fin bsmnt. Asking $629K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

C IN

Custom 10 year young one of a kind home, oversized property. Totally loaded. One-of-A-Kind! Asking $899K

Large cape on 60x100, 3 Large BRs, 2 Baths, Updated Kit w/SS Appliances & Granite countertop. Asking $739K

IN C

ONTR

28 C T IN

Ultra mint 4 BR Colonial, House redone 4 years ago, 4 new full baths, New kitchen, fireplace, In-ground heated pool, stucco & pavers front & back. $889K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

! OLD

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

T ON

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

DAYS

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK Corner Ranch on 50x100 lot, 3 BRs 1.5 Baths. Only $585K

! IN

T ON

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE

Legal 2 family on 40x100, 5/6 w/large full fin bsmnt, pvt dvwy. Asking $589K

Legal 2 family, 3 Large BRs per floor, Full basement, Pvt dvwy. Asking $599K

For the latest news visit qchron.com

Renovation in process, 1 Family Colonial, 2 BRs, 1½ Baths, Totally redone thruout. Only $299K

Legal 2 Family, 3 Large BRs per floor, Full Basement, Private Dvwy, Asking $599K

REDU

HOWARD BEACH HAMILTON BEACH

HOWARD BEACH

OUR E X CLUSIV

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

HOWARD BEACH/ OLD SIDE

Baths, LR with Fireplace, 9' Ceilings 1st and 2nd Flrs, Full Finished Basement, Pvt Dvwy, Det HOWARD BEACH/ 1 Car Gar, Sprinklers, ROCKWOOD PARK PVC Fencing, Pavers in yard, Wrought iron Cape on 40x100, 4 BRs, 1 Bath, gates, Mint condition, Full unfinished basement, All New! Asking $859K Needs TLC. Asking $469K

HOWARD BEACH/ ROCKWOOD PARK

CONR-061106

Open 7 Days!

N CO

Page 55 QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013

Connexion I

“Perfection Is Not An Accident” SPRAY BOOTH USI ITALIA

Sonn onnyy’s

No Job Too Big or Too Small

COLLISION SPECIALISTS We Only Use ORIGINAL MANUFACTURED PARTS

Where perfection is not an accident... And at Sonny’s Collision Specialists that’s what we offer our customers - PERFECTION! We know how stressful it can be when you are without your vehicle. At Sonny’s you will never be dissatisfied - in fact we’re so sure, that we offer you a rental vehicle

at our expense if you’re not completely satisfied with our work when we return your vehicle.

OUR LIFETIME GUARANTEE IS UNLIMITED.

For the latest news visit qchron.com

SPECIALIZING IN COLLISION AND THEFT REPAIRS

OUR UNLIMITED LIFETIME GUARANTEE “If You Are Not Completely Satisfied We Will Put You In A Rental Vehicle at Our Own Expense Until We Satisfy You!”

• FREE 24-Hour Towing With Any Collision Repair • We will deliver your vehicle upon completion • Rental Cars Available • Paintless Dent Removal • Computer Color Matching • Laser-measured Unibody Straightening • Full Down Draft European Heated SPRAY BOOTH USI ITALIA

1- 888-4SONNYS Tel: 718-738-6721 • Fax: 718-846-7755

106 -12 ATLANTIC AVE. RICHMOND HILL

We are not only a State-Of-The-Art Repair Facility, Our On-Staff Insurance Adjusters Will Help Settle Your Claim & Insure Prompt Service Reporting Your Claim.

QUEENS CHRONICLE, Thursday, April 25, 2013 Page 56

C M SQ page 56 Y K